Cafe is on the move
By Violet Li
Communities came together on Saturday 29 June to celebrate social enterprise cafe L’Arte Central’s last day at Casey Administration Building.
L’Arte Central received a three-month eviction notice in March this year and after the initial shock, used the time to find a new home.
Starting in July, L’Arte Central will be spread across two locations with the café and florist at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre and the pie production and catering at Lanterns Viet Kitchen in Clyde North.
The Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre site is planned to commence on Thursday 4 July.
Story page 10
Bill pressure rises
By Violet Li
The latest Bring Your Bills Day in Hampton Park has seen unprecedented needs as locals continue to struggle with the cost of living.
The sixth instalment of the serial program by South East Community Links recorded more than 200 attendances in the first one and a half hours on Tuesday 2 July, already close to the entire turnout of 300 in the last event in Springvale in April.
The program, in response to the cost-of-living crisis, aims to educate and support people who suffer financial hardship with their bills, rental, legal, and fines.
Chief executive Peter McNamara said they brought service providers together to simplify things for people.
“Service providers might put them on a concession. They make them a grant. They might wipe the bills. Not everyone’s going to get their bills, or their fines, wiped, but there are some that can,” he said.
“At our last event in Springvale, we had a couple of our pensioners, but they weren’t receiving their discounts as pensioners, so this can be as simple as you’re on the wrong plan. With that couple, they wiped $700 off the payment straight away, plus they got a rebate.
“So much of the information we receive is confusing. Many people may feel guilt or shame if they get a debt, and they don’t want to open the bill. What we’re trying to do is say it’s okay. We’re here to help.”
The previous five events across Greater
Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia alleviated about $500,000 of debt and the Springvale event alone offered 250 concessions and relief grants for utility-bill customers.
A Casey local, who attended the day and preferred to be anonymous, said it was very difficult to live, especially with three children in the family.
“Grocery and mortgage are expensive, and only my husband is working and in the past two or three months, his work is not so good. It’s very hard,” she said.
“We bought our house in December 2019. The mortgages have gone up.
“Whatever goes into the pocket just finishes at the end of the week.”
As the family has no choice but to turn on
the heat in the middle of the winter, the utility bills have been huge. In the hope of wiping out the bills, she showed up on the day.
“I thought they were going to directly pay the bills, but no. They said they would apply for the concession, and then wait for it. It takes time,” she said.
“Because my bill is due in four days and I am worried that if we don’t pay on time, they are going to charge us more.”
Another local, who also preferred to be anonymous, said the event provided a lot of information and getting information was good.
“Everybody is struggling and there’s no money left after paying all the bills every month. That’s why I came here.”
Continued page 12
Anthony Cheeseman (front) with staff, customers and CFA Cranbourne (including Captain Koala). 416254 Picture: ROB CAREW
Cricket return
The Indoor Cricket National Championships has returned to Casey to showcase the nation’s best teams and players.
The tournament kicked off on 29 June.
The ICNC will be taking place at Casey Stadium and will run for two weeks; it begins with the Open tournament then the finals on 6 July, with the junior divisions commencing on 7 July and finals wrapping up the tournament on 13 July.
Cricket Australia’s general manager of events and operations, Joel Morrison said that “the Indoor Cricket National Championships is a fantastic event showcasing the best Australian indoor cricketers and we are thrilled that it will be back at Casey this year”.
“Almost 100,000 people play indoor cricket in Australia, with the fast and exciting format providing opportunities to compete all year round.”
More than 800 players are set to come together across four senior divisions and six junior divisions, those being Open Women’s and
Men’s, U22 Women’s and Men’s, U18 Girls and Boys, U16 Girls and Boys and U14 Girls and Boys.
Casey’s chair of administrators, Noelene Duff PSM wished all competitors success and said that Casey was pleased to host the 2024 Indoor Cricket National Championships where “we’ll see some of the best junior and open age indoor cricketers play off for the championships at our very own Casey Stadium”.
Players will also vie for national selection and the chance to compete in the Tri-Nations Series in Adelaide against New Zealand and South Africa in September. Mr Morrison also added that ICNC plays a vital role in the nation’s cricket pathway and provides “an opportunity for players to represent Australia later in the year”.
Casey Stadium has been home to indoor cricket for some time, hosting several national and international events in 2022, as well as being named the Indoor facility of the Year at Cricket Victoria’s 2023 Community Cricket Awards.
Coastal towns in Casey will receive funds that make small communities in Victoria better places to live, work, stay, and play.
Eight new projects in Bass are successful recipients in the first round of the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund from the State Government, including ones in Blind Bight, Tooradin, and Warneet.
Blind Bight Community Centre has been allocated $39,700 for refurbishments and upgrades to its hall used for playgrounds, childcare, live musical and social events, dance, and exercise classes and more.
Tooradin has secured $45,439 to beautify local streets, improve public open spaces, and increase the township’s tree canopy, including the planting of 225 trees in six reserves, a community centre and eight streets as part of the City of Casey’s Environment Strategy.
Warneet has been promised $50,000 towards the renewal of the playground at Warneet Recreation Reserve.
A City of Casey project, it will have all abilities play equipment including sensory items, nature play equipment, replacement of picnic tables and seating and upgrade of existing connecting pathways.
“The Tiny Towns Fund is about getting fabulous community-driven projects off the ground and making them happen – whether it’s creating a point of interest, accentuating pride of place, telling a story, beautifying a treasured space or making something more accessible to more of our community members – skies the limit so starts thinking now in the run-up to the next round!” Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said.
“A massive heartfelt congratulations to all the community groups, clubs, organisations and councils that applied showing their wonderful community spirit and true community colours.”
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale with Blind Bight Community Centre coordinator Leanne Craven. Picture: SUPPLIED
The Indoor Cricket National Championships began on 29 June and will be running for two weeks, ending on 13 July and will see over 800 officials and players come together for the duration.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Cuts floated for Monash
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Monash Health could be forced to make proposed cuts of up to $200 million as part of budget savings imposed by the State Government.
The figure was last week reported by The Age, while documenting a leaked recording of uneasy Victorian hospital executives discussing possible bed closures, elective surgery cuts, cancelling breast screening and specialcare cots. Discussions are ongoing between health services and the government, with final budgets to be set in coming weeks.
A State Government spokesperson said the government was investing a “record $20 billion” in hospitals this year, with an additional $8.8 billion over several years announced in this year’s budget.
However, the Victorian Healthcare Association says health services across the state are being expected to break-even by 30 June 2025 on top of “significant” funding cuts.
It stated that health services had no choice but to propose frontline staff redundancies, bed closures and elective surgery cuts.
“Doing more with less is not an option, particularly as many services have already made cuts to non-clinical staff and services,” VMA chief executive Leigh Clarke said. “This budget squeeze leaves no more room to move.”
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas was recently reported to say the savings could be met by reducing travel, executive wages and staff in non-clinical areas such as communications and marketing. “We are working to make sure that the money – the record money – that we’ve invested in health is being used and pri-
oritised towards the delivery of patient care,” she reportedly told The Age.
Ms Clarke said the measures “go way beyond any perceived duplication or wastage”.
“The consequences … will mean redundancies of frontline staff, the closure of hospital beds, and longer waiting lists for urgent care and planned surgery,” she said.
“We’re calling on the Department of Health to take a hard look at the budgets of services when it receives these submitted budget action plans and really consider the needs of local communities, including the fact that we have an ageing and growing population and changing patient needs.”
Opposition health spokesperson Georgie Crozier said, “Victoria’s health services need to be supported, not being bought to their knees because of Labor’s savage funding cuts”.
A State Government spokesperson said it was “delivering a massive 28 per cent pay rise to Victoria’s nurses and midwives”.
“Only Labor invests in our health system. The only political party that cuts and closes hospitals is the Liberal Party.”
Monash Health, considered the state’s largest public health service, runs Monash Medical Centre, Dandenong Hospital and Casey Hospital.
According to Monash Health’s 2022-’23 annual report, it sourced revenue of $3.2 billion and recorded a $173 million surplus. A Monash Health spokesperson said its annual budget was “currently being developed in close consultation with the Department of Health to deliver the care our community needs”.
Morning tea the biggest one yet with 200-plus
Holt MP Cassandra Fernando held her fourth and biggest Neighbourhood Morning Tea at the Cranbourne West Community Hub on Thursday 20 June, with over 200 people attending for the good cause.
Ms Fernando spoke about the recent federal budget and highlighted some of the major policies targeted at older Australians such as the $300 Energy Bill rebate and the 10 per cent increase to Commonwealth Rental Assistance.
Special guest NDIS and Government Services MP Bill Shorten spoke about the reforms to get the NDIS back on track after what he described as a decade of neglect by the former government.
Other participants at the event included the team from Casey Cranbourne Men’s Shed to promote men’s mental and staff from Services Australia who helped people troubleshoot issues with pensions and oth-
er government services.
Ms Fernando said forums like Neighbourhood Morning Tea were vital for her to meet members of her community and hear their concerns, issues, and feedback.
“Bill Shorten was a fantastic speaker and really engaged the audience around quite a complicated topic,” she said.
“Thank you to everyone who attended on the morning please continue to share your thoughts and concerns with me.
“Stay involved, stay informed, and let’s keep working towards a better future for Cranbourne.”
Previous morning teas held in Narre Warren South and Blind Bight included a cyber security professional, Victorian Energy Resources MP Lily D’Ambrosio, and Toni Arfaras, a speaker from the Stroke Foundation.
More than 200 people attended Holt MP Cassandra Fernando’s fourth and biggest Neighbourhood Morning Tea at the Cranbourne West Community Hub. Picture: SUPPLIED
Art sparks deep thoughts
Casey Council officially launched the Hybycozo Deep Thought Installation, one of the most anticipated events of the Winter Arts Festival, with a celebration party on the night of Friday 28 June.
The launch party was packed with entertainment from live music, and dance performances, to hot food.
Hybycozo’s five larger-than-life geometric sculptures were brought to life through highlevel metal fabrication and architectural LED lighting.
Anthony Van Dorsten, the project manager of Vesica Aotearoa, who has brought Hybycozo to Australia and installed it at Bunjil Place, said: “I’ve been invited by Bunjil Place to install these five beautiful sculptures.
So, we’ve got Deep Thought, Dodi, Trocto, Icozo, and Rhombi. They make up this incredible installation.”
“The importance of light art is massive in these days of trials and tribulations in the world. I’ve got a strong belief that light brings together a community like it always has done.
“As humans we light fires, we have been lighting flyers for millennia as the people of this land have. It’s so pertinent to be under Bunjil - creation eagle.
“I think it’s a magical story and feel truly privileged to install these sculptures on behalf of the artists,Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu.”
Anthony said it took the team a couple of days to install and six months to plan.
“The sculptures are made from perforated aluminium, steel, and brass. We’ve got five polyhedral - a dodecahedron, a truncated octahedron, a lesser triambic icosahedron and an icosahedron,” he said.
“Google origami and try to make those! Come down and please enjoy the shadow play on the ground. It is absolutely stunning when we switch the lights on at night. Thank you very much to the City of Casey for having us.
“One of the core principles of what we do is foster intergenerational connectivity through the power of light art. So, what I mean by that is light art is unique. It’s got an extremely low
InstallationintheBunjilPlacePlaza.
2 Porter Place Ph: 5625 2571
barrier to entry. It’s the perfect style of art for free, temporary public art that anybody in the community, no matter your age, shape, gender, or sexual preference, everyone can enjoy.” Hybycozo Deep Thought Installation will be on display in the
Homeless man in court after fisherman dies
By Holly Hales, Aap
A homeless man accused of killing a Cranbourne North fisherman at Frankston Pier has appeared in court charged with murder.
Forrest Stevenson, 36, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sunday (30 June) after the attack on a man just after 6am on Saturday.
He is accused of killing 45-year-old Andres Pancha, who was found unresponsive and died at the scene.
Shortly after, Stevenson, who was of no fixed address, was arrested on the nearby
foreshore.
The two men are not believed to have known each other.
Homicide Squad Detective Senior Constable Kate Lynch told the court that 12 weeks would be needed to compile a brief of evidence for the case.
Magistrate Marc Sargent remanded Stevenson in custody until 6 November and said the accused required prompt medical attention to make his custody stay “more comfortable”.
“The nurse will see you as soon as possible today,” Magistrate Sargent said.
Murder charge over drive-by
By Callum Godde, AAP
A Cranbourne North man has been charged over a deadly drive-by shooting following a two-month police hunt.
Homicide squad detectives charged the 21-year-old with murder on Friday 28 June over the death of a man on 27 April.
A 30-year-old Cranbourne man was found with a gunshot wound inside a vehicle at Hampton Park. He died at the scene.
A ute was seen driving away from the suburban street after the shooting, before a burnt-out vehicle was found at a reserve in Berwick hours later.
Police have also charged the alleged shooter with conduct endangering life, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit kidnap over separate incidents.
He was expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 29 June.
Bunjil
Music teacher’s jail term reduced
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A musical director and teacher convicted of child sex assaults as well as more than 20 online child exploitation offences has had his jail term reduced on appeal.
Benjamin Heels, 35, had been earlier sentenced at the Victorian County Court to up to 11 years’ jail with a seven-year-and-threemonth non-parole period.
On 27 June, Victorian Court of Appeal judges Phillip Priest and Richard Niall found the total sentence and the non-parole period were “manifestly excessive”.
They resentenced Heels to eight years’ jail with a five-and-a-half-year non-parole period.
Heels had pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two children under 16 and four counts of sexual activity in the presence of children.
He also pled to possessing child abuse material and 21 counts of transmitting child abuse material, in some cases described by the original judge as “explicit and degrading”, “demeaning” and “depraved”.
Heels’s own “brazen” offending with no apparent regard for the child’s welfare was described by the original judge as a “significant” breach of trust.
He had taught singing, piano and drama to children as young as eight at his home, at a school and other venues in the South East.
Some of his students were among his 19 victims.
He and his co-offending partner Tristan Cullinan-Smayle - who was jailed for up to 10 years - had together taken part in musical productions in the South East.
They had fantasised about inflicting violent, sadistic and “seriously depraved” abuse of children known to them, according to the original sentencing judge.
“It is deeply depraved, confronting, explicit and without exception, provides extreme examples of child abuse,” the original judge said of the couple’s online chats.
“It explicitly describes violence, humiliation, and sadistic acts towards young and very young human beings.”
However, in a sentencing “error” conceded by prosecutors at the Court of Appeal, Heels was originally meted the same jail term for possessing child abuse material as CullinanSmayle.
This was despite Heels being found with 820 child abuse images and videos and Cullinan-Smayle with more than 2000.
Sentences on two other charges against Heels were “beyond the permissible range”, the Department of Public Prosecutions also conceded.
Justices Priest and Niall stated there needed
to be significant “concurrency” due to most charges occurring in a single month as well as most of the transmitted child-abuse material being “written fantasies”.
“Albeit that the content of these written communications was vile, no children were harmed or actually physically abused in order to produce the transmitted child abuse material.
“That said, the distribution of prose describing child sex abuse, especially where it is done for the purposes of sexual gratification, has the tendency to normalise or encourage child sex abuse, ignore the harm that such abuse occurs and undermine the unequivocal societal standard that such abuse is abhorrent.”
The judges also noted that the two students remained unaware of the “depraved” sexual offending perpetuated upon them and videoed by Heels.
The videos were transmitted to CullinanSmayle, with no evidence of them being sent to a wider audience.
Heels also made substantial admissions to police, while Cullinan-Smayle opted to not answer police questions, Justices Priest and Niall stated.
The applicant was assessed as not having a sexual interest in children but having “capitulated” into watching child pornography on the urging of Cullinan-Smayle.
These factors – along with Heels’ prior good character, very early guilty plea and the impacts of Covid on prison conditions – were not properly balanced in the original sentence, the judges stated.
Chase ends in two arrests
Two men in an allegedly stolen car have been arrested after an extended follow by police in the South East.
Police say they spotted the red Hyundai hatchback being driven erratically and at a fast speed near Nepean Highway, Aspendale about 12.45am on 1 July. It allegedly reached speeds of about 120km/h near South Gippsland Freeway, Dandenong and ran a red light on Webster Street, Dandenong about 1am.
Police tried to intercept the car near Eastlink but the car didn’t pull over.
Officers successfully deployed tyre deflation devices on Seaford Road, with the Hyundai coming to a stop on Oliphant Way. The occupants dumped the vehicle, with a man attempting to flee in a parked Ford Ranger.
Two men were arrested by police without injury.
A 31-year-old Cranbourne South man and a 28-year-old Springvale man were taken in for questioning.
Police believe that the Hyundai was stolen from Cranbourne East and the Ford was stolen from Hampton Park, both in June.
The officers involved included Operation Trinity units, rostered on at night with a focus on burglaries and car thefts.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic. com.au
NEWS Koala Highway on horizon
By Violet Li
The Western Port Biosphere Foundation and Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park are embarking on a three-year joint project to link koala habitats within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to ensure a healthier and more resilient population.
The project, called The Western Port Koala Corridor, will involve local landowners who help by providing land and accepting tree plantations. Over 50,000 trees are planned to be planted in the next three years across the region.
“Basically, it’s the idea that we’ll have a koala highway. That would be above trees so they can take it from one area to another,” Moonlit Sanctuary founder and director Michael Johnson said.
“What we’re trying to do is link up koala habitats and give koalas more opportunities to move around.
“If they’re in one small group, they’ll become inbreed and die out in that area, or they could overgraze the trees sometimes too.”
The corridor project continues to build on the extensive work done by the Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation group, the Mornington Peninsula, Western Port and Bass Coast Landcare Networks and other Landcare and Friends groups and local councils.
The project will turn genetic research on local koala populations conducted over the past year by the Biosphere Foundation’s Kelly Smith, who will play an integral role in ensuring her findings translate into effective prioritisation and planning for the naturelink developments.
According to Mr Johnson, koalas usually climb up a tree and stay there for two or three days.
“They eat the nice leaves they like, then they’ll come down and want to move on.What we don’t want them to do is roam, run across farmland where they might come across dogs or run across busy roads,” he said.
“The biggest threats to koalas are loss of habitat, quality of habitat, land clearing which
OPINION
is often for housing, especially up north in Queensland and New South Wales.
“And when you get more people, you get more cars, cats and dogs, and both are problems.”
Western Port Biosphere chief executive officer Mel Barker said the collaboration with Moonlit Sanctuary was an exciting new phase in the partnership, which began with contributions from the Biosphere Foundation to Moonlit Sanctuary’s successful program to
save the Orange Bellied Parrot.
“As science-based organisations, we are committed to ensuring our research translates into tangible outcomes for the maintenance of biodiversity and the restoration of healthy habitat and the populations of native animals it supports,” she said.
“While we have some core funding, public donations through our ‘Join the Dots for Nature’ campaign will enable us to construct a more extended network of nature-
SOCIALLY SPEAKING
An earthquake originating from Avonsleigh was felt by residents near and afar in the early morning on Monday 1 July. Here’s what our readers had to say.
Jan Baker: I just happened to wake up before it. It sounded like a bit of thunder a long way off. Made me think is it thunder or is it a tremor? Felt nothing.
Suzanne
I heard it and there was a little rattle of frames.
Matt
I was awake. I didn’t feel a thing.
links.”
The Western Port Biosphere embraces the entire Mornington Peninsula and overlaps the cities of Frankston and Casey, the shires of Cardinia and Bass Coast, as well as the entire Western Port marine zone, including French Island, Phillip Island and internationally acclaimed Ramsar wetlands.
To support the project, visit biosphere.org. au/donate
Lovers of Krispy Kreme’s original glazed doughnuts were in for a treat last week, as the first store in Victoria celebrated 18 years of operation within the state last month. Here’s what our readers had to say.
Lara
I remember when they were
Thumbs
Stonyer:
Stagg:
Renae Ilias: I thought my husband kicked me awake.
Manda Park: My dog started randomly barking around this time.
Leonie Bickford Hart: The earth did not move for me.
Volkoff:
Hot food was the order for the day at the footy and netball at Kooweerup. 416414
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
One of the koalas at Moonlit Sanctuary. 414124
Moonlit Sanctuary founder and director Michael Johnson with one of the koalas at the sanctuary. 414124_02 Pictures: GARY SISSONS
THE LOWDOWN
Q&A
Tell us about yourself and the organisation you work for.
I am a father of three adult children two females and one male all with successful careers. One works in a Federal Government agency, one works in IT and one works in the media at Channel Nine in Sydney in the back o ffice. I work and have done for 20 years in retail with a local fuel company here in Cranbourne.
I then do the administrative work for the local Music station Surf FM which I partly own. This business, ie Surfside Radio, has a connection with Radio Haanji which I am very proud to acknowledge is Melbourne’s first Indian 24hour Radio Station.
What has been your most memorable moment during your time as a present at Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce?
My most memorable moment being president of the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce was hosting an event earlier this year and seeing the room full overflowing of local businesses and community-minded people. It makes the job very rewarding.
What do you love the most about working for Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce?
The best thing about volunteering to be president of the Cranbourne of the Cranbourne of Commerce is the sense of community. I have met so many people and have been involved in so many events. It is simply a joy to be doing this job. I hope I can continue to deliver as president of the Chamber.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
If I were an animal, I would love to be a cat. I have a cat called “Cuddles” and all she does is cuddle up to you all day (not that I have time
with Ian Wood, candidate for Quarters Ward
to do that). What a life just spending all day sleeping.
What were you like as a kid?
As a kid I was very shy (hard to believe now), was living in a then small town in Tasmania, ie Devonport, so had a sheltered life and spent my time watching trains and ships coming and going and hanging out with my cousins.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
The event I would love to attend is the Olympics, especially the swimming.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
My six dinner guests would be the late Queen, late President John F Kennedy, Prince William, Pop group ABBA, Peter Hudson and Michael Tuck (champion past Hawthorn players).
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
My friends describe me as “honest outspoken and has integrity“.
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
My perfect day off would be a summer thing that is a day at the beach as I love swimming.
BUSINESS PROFILE
We encourage every student to pursue excellence in all endeavours and aimto ensure every student achieves their best potential so they are ready - notjust for the completion of their final exams but for life!
To find out more and to apply please visit our website or use the QR Code.
THREE … facts about breast cancer
The 100km in July challenge has just begun and will last until the end of the month.
This challenge is used to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds to help those affected by it.
1
Every day in Australia, 57 new patients are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is estimated that over 20,000 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. While anyone can be affected by it, breast cancer is more commonly found in women. In Australia, approximately one in eight females and one in 667 males are diagnosed before age 85.
2
Breast cancer can be caused by many factors, including genetics, advancing age, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and a history with specific non-cancerous breast conditions.
3
Because the average age at diagnosis is 62 years, the BreastScreen Australia program allows women aged 40 and over to receive free screening mammograms every two years to help detect breast cancer early.
Reflecting on resilience
‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’ is this year’s NAIDOC Week theme - held from 7 July. This is a great opportunity for First Nation’s people to proudly speak out in celebration of Indigenous heritage.
The National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is a chance to come together and reflect and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture as the richest and oldest continuous culture in the world.
Cranbourne is located on the sovereign lands of the Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation; our community is enriched by the profound wisdom and storytelling passed through generations of traditional custodians.
Bunurong elders play an important role as the first parents, children, teachers, and students that lived and learned in our community – their contributions and insights are an integral part of our local story.
This year’s theme brings attention to the historical impact of our First Nations elders on a local, state-wide, and national scale insisting that the fire – representing the endurance and strength of Indigenous cultures – cannot be extinguished. It is an invitation to reflect on the resilience of Indigenous culture and traditions.
I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank the National NAIDOC Committee for their ongoing work and for organising many of the celebrations.
Check out naidoc.org.au to find events locally.
The Allan Labor Government is proud to
Quarters Ward candidate Ian Wood. 414834_01
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
participate in NAIDOC Week and support Indigenous communities throughout Victoria. Together, we can ensure that the voices and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to be heard, celebrated, and respected for generations to come.
Pauline Richards, State member for Cranbourne.
I’mRachelPayne.IrepresentourSouth-eastern MetropolitanRegionintheupperhouseofthe VictorianParliament.Asacrossbencher,Ican putpressureonthemajorparties–andachieve change.
Betterpublictransportforourregion,includinganupgradetothe800busroute.
Moreaffordablehousingandrentalpropertiesinthesouth-east,particularlyfor vulnerablepeopleliketheelderly,andthoselivingonlowincomes.
PortPhillipBaybeachsafety.Everyoneshouldbeabletoenjoythisnaturalasset inpeace.
atStudRoad,DandenongNorth.
Bidding farewell to building
By Violet Li
Locals swarmed to their beloved social enterprise café L’Arte Central to celebrate its last day at the Casey Administration Building on Saturday 29 June, despite the unfriendly rain.
Nothing really showed the sign of the last day. The staff was as busy as usual, grinding coffee and serving the pies. More than 60 tables were reserved, and people came in and out.
As the director Anthony Cheeseman said, this was not the end, and they were just at an in-between season.
After having to be detached from the anger, disappointment, and devastation brought by a three-month eviction notice from Casey Council in March of this year, Anthony scurried around and did everything he could to find a new location.
Time was ticking, and he could not afford to waste a day. He had 30 staff and he looked after another 15 people with disabilities. In an unpromising economic environment like now, a day without pay could impose tremendous pressure on not just one individual, but an entire household.
“It was a shock. I remember when they (council) told us, Sharon (Anthony’s wife) burst into tears because this is our life,” Anthony recalled.
“We’ve built this place for five years, and it’s really 20 years [of experience] that you put into building something like this.
“You can do two things.You can fight to stay or fight to leave in a way, and we chose we’re going to leave because, at the end of the day, this building will not be here.”
Starting in July, L’Arte Central will be spread across two locations with the café and florist at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre and the pie production and catering at Lanterns Viet Kitchen in Clyde North. The Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre site is planned to commence on Thursday 4 July.
While this was not the finale, a sensitive community soul could still trace the sadness in the air, from the pats on Anthony’s shoulder and the best wishes to the staff to that “alright, this is last day here” you overheard when passing a table.
Local CFA showed up with Captain Koala to support the café, and the community was taking photos and tying their memories to the ambience, on this last day.
The L’Arte Central opened in October 2019. Anthony used to run Madcap Café, another social enterprise, then went on to work for Retail Food Group as a territory manager looking after franchisees around the country.
One of the Casey locals Drew Gormlie, later the first managing director of the L’Arte Central, rang him up one day and asked if he wanted to jump on board, and Anthony said yes, why not?
“We’ve got this idea of calling it Latte. And it was going to be with art space because doing art courses is really good for people recovering from mental illness,” Anthony said.
“So I said, well, we put it together, and that’s why the name is L’Arte.”
Initially, L’Arte Central was proposed at the old shire building on the corner of Sladen Street but later the planning did not come through.
“It was about a month later, the late exmayor Amanda Stapleton said we’ve got this building here [Casey Administration Building],” Anthony said.
“It’s perfect because people with mental health challenges don’t really want to think about how to travel to work, how to catch public transport, and the parking issues if they are driving, so this building ticks every box that we were after.
“And it is a place that isn’t in a business shopping centre where people could just come and feel welcome. And the size of it is huge. It’s 400 square metres.”
When Drew suffered health challenges in early 2020, Anthony took on the managing director role.
The opening clashed right on with Covid.
“It was Saturday morning. We had to have a staff meeting after work and I had to address staff and make them more redundant, except for a couple, because we had to go into lockdowns,” Anthony recalled.
“I promised the staff that I would employ them within six months. It was a pretty big statement to make at the time. But we did.
“Lockdown was pretty hard for Victorians, especially with cafés.
“But because we were deemed a central service because we were giving opportunities to people with disabilities, so we ended up doing 20,000 meals during the pandemic, and they were distributed by five local charities to people who needed them.”
The florist business was an unexpected beauty out of the pandemic.
“We’re an art thing.When the pandemic hit, we couldn’t run art programs. We couldn’t run meetings. We couldn’t do anything. So we had to get creative,” Anthony said.
“One day one of our friends Deb asked Sharon, my wife, what do you really want to do with your life? Sharon’s passion is to be a florist, and Sharon says, I’d love to be a florist. And Deb says, why aren’t you doing it? Now’s the chance to do it.
“Here we are three years later with a fullyfledged florist. Sharon stepped into that space. We delivered flowers to people, to hospitals, to retirement villages, and just to individuals. Because of lockdowns, you couldn’t go out, but we could because we were delivering.
“We also ended up doing pies. We made thousands of pies during Covid that we delivered to people’s houses and stood at the front door with masks on talking to people, counselling people.”
With all the memories and history, leaving after a three-month eviction notice hurts when the thought of it creeps out.
“The building is old. It is a 60-year-old building. We knew it was probably going to come to its end of life sometime,” Anthony said.
“We’re on a five-year lease. We knew there were no options at the end of it, but that means you go on a month-by-month lease, and that’s fine because you can be on a month-by-month lease for 20 years.
“It’s costing us a lot to move, and council is not paying one cent. It’s probably costing $60,000 to $70,000, and I have to put out there a GoFundMe page. Waiting on that money is stressful and we have a lot of money going out of our own pockets at the moment and on credit cards and things like that to pay for a move that we shouldn’t really have.
“If it was a 12-month notice, we could have
fundraised a bit better for it.”
A faint-hearted is not for running a social enterprise, as Anthony says. He is not one of them, and that’s probably why it took him two weeks to find the new locations and forge ahead when people thought that might be the end for L’Arte Café.
Two nights before the last day, the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce, which is also moving after an eviction notice, held its regular meeting in L’Arte Central, the last time in this venue. Anthony, as a guest speaker, talked about the drivers for small businesses and social enterprises.
“We do things for reasons. Like, there are easier ways to make money,” Anthony said.
“It’s about people. After three family members have suicide over 25 years, I suppose, it affected me to the extent I didn’t want people to suicide.
“It’s an unconditional care of people. It’s a different love. You know, you can walk in here, and no matter what’s happening in your life, we’ll have a chat.
“Employment changes people’s lives, but not just employment. It’s just having somewhere they can meet because sometimes employment’s the last thing people want to do, but they just need to get out and have something to eat, good food, good coffee, good company, and next thing you know, they progress to the stage where they can work.”
Back to almost a decade ago, Anthony was running Madcap Café in Masters Home Improvement Stores.
“So I used to run cafés in shopping centres, and I am glad I never said I’d never go back,” Anthony said.
From July, L’Arte Central will wait for you in Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre with music and coffee on again.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Captain Koala from CFA Cranbourne met Peyton (4yo) with mum and cafe staff member Kiandra. 416254
CFA Cranbourne, from left, Lesley Orchard, James Park, Mason Vuat, David Terrey, Steve Howard and Aaron Orchard. 416254
Members on the U3A (also moving out of Casey Administration Building), from left, Sheila Smart, Amelia Pearson, Anne Thompson (U3A tutor), Trish Charman, Lesley Callinan, and Judith Robinson. 416254 Pictures: ROB CAREW
Sharon and Anthony Cheeseman, the wife and husband team. Sharon (she is also the director), runs the florist as well. 416254
FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Experience the thrill
Looking for an exhilarating family activity to beat the winter blues? Look no further than Phillip Island Go Karts! Nestled on the stunning shores of Phillip Island, this adrenalinepumping attraction is the perfect destination for an action-packed day out with your loved ones.
One of the greatest advantages of Phillip Island Go Karts is that it’s open seven days a week, ensuring you can plan your visit around your family’s schedule. Whether it’s a weekend adventure or a midweek treat, you can rev up your engines and hit the track any day of the week. Say goodbye to boredom and hello to heart-pounding excitement!
The best part? This thrilling experience is not hindered by Mother Nature. Come rain or shine, Phillip Island Go Karts is open and ready for action in all weather conditions. Don’t let a little drizzle dampen your spirits. Grab your raincoats and prepare to race in the rain, adding an extra element of thrill to your karting experience. It’s an opportunity to make unforgettable memories together as a family, regardless of the weather forecast.
Safety is a top priority at Phillip Island Go Karts, so you can rest assured that your loved ones are in good hands. The meticulously maintained track and state-of-the-art karts are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for drivers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time racer, the friendly and professional staff will guide you every step of the way.
Phillip Island Go Karts offers much more than just an adrenaline rush. It promotes friendly competition, encourages teamwork, and strengthens family bonds. This is an experience that will create lasting memories and stories to share for years to come.
So, this winter school holidays, grab your family and head to Phillip Island Go Karts. With its availability all week long and its readiness to operate in any weather, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable adventure that will leave you buzzing with excitement. Start your engines and get ready to race your way into an extraordinary family experience.
Experience the thrill at Phillip Island Go Karts.
Get crafty in school holidays
Free and fun activities are on offer for kids during winter school holidays at Dandenong Market.
The two week program features interactive crafts such as designing your own market bag art or your own little chef apron. There’s also room for being inventive in the kitchen with a pasta play sessions and making your own quirky, cheery vegie sculptures.
The activities are suitable for children aged 5 and over.
It runs opposite Nesh’s Corner Deli in the market’s Meat Fish Deli Hall from 2-14 July, 10am-2pm.
Open on market days only – Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Details: dandenongmarket.com.au/school-holidayprogram/
School School Holiday Program Holiday Program
Get ready for high-speed fun this winter at Phillip Island Go Karts.
Albanese visits Pearcedale
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accompanied by Holt MP Cassandra Fernando, visited JD Propagation in Pearcedale on Saturday 29 June.
JD Propagation, a wholesale plant nursery located at the southern end of the Division of Holt, employs more than 55 people.
The Prime Minister held a press conference at the venue, followed by a tour of the facility conducted by the owners, Jen and Dan.
During his visit, Mr Albanese promoted the government’s cost-of-living measures and highlighted the role of small businesses in job creation.
“This business in southeast Melbourne grows nearly 14 million plants a year. And on Monday nearly 14 million Australians will get a
tax cut,” Mr Albanese said.
“We’re focused on cutting taxes, growing wages and helping families with the cost of liv-
ing because we want an economy where every Australian can thrive.”
Ms Fernando addressed the workers at JD
Bill pressure rises as hundreds seek help
From page 1
Rachna Madaan-Bowman, senior practitioner and financial counsellor of South East Community Links said the program was about giving information and advice, and it was very critical for people to understand that they have the right to ask for assistance in hardship.
“For us, it’s a starting point to begin a conversation,” she said.
“It is so important that the community understands that they have a right. And many don’t know that, so it’s taking that barrier away.
“At the same time, there’s always more that can be done.
“This is an opportunity for us to learn, but also for the stakeholders to learn from it and know that they need to do more to engage with the community, especially in the current cost of living crisis.”
Community Information & Support Cranbourne (CISC) executive director Leanne Petrides, who attended the day and offered help to locals, observed that as people struggled to juggle the range of payments, they had to make room for a whole lot of essential expenses.
“What we’re hearing is gas and electricity, rent, and mortgage payments,” she said.
“So often what that means is that food and those other items tend to fall quite low in the scheme of things. People are trying to keep their heads above water and they’re trying to pay all of their bills first.”
Ms Petrides said she felt doom and gloom looking at the whole picture in Casey.
“Every day, we’re seeing people who have never come in for support services before. Every day we’re seeing between 6 and 11 brand new people coming in and just completely at a loss of where to go, where to start,” she said.
“Homelessness is on the rise and that’s pushing up into an area of people who perhaps would never have been in that position: people who have jobs.
“No longer is employment necessarily a safeguard to protect your housing.
“There are people paying 80 per cent or more on their housing and therefore they’re having to move from welfare agency to welfare agency to welfare agency, where we encourage them to try to get food to offset those other expenses that they have because people don’t want to lose that roof over their head, and that’s understandable.”
Propagation, discussing how the latest tax cuts would help alleviate cost-of-living pressures.
“It’s great to see our Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, right here in the electorate of Holt and the southeast suburbs,” Ms Fernando said.
“I would like to thank Jen and Dan for hosting us here today and showing us around. JD Propagation is a job creator located right here in the electorate of Holt.”
Mr Albanese also used the visit to meet local community leaders.
He continued his Melbourne visit by meeting with local business owners in Forest Hill and concluded the day at a send-off dinner for the Paris Olympic and Paralympic teams.
Special Olympics this week
By Ethan Benedicto
The Winter Special Olympics are just a few days away, with the weekend of 6 to 7 July shaping up to be packed with six sports across Casey Stadium and Casey Fields.
With the goal to platform athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism by showcasing their determination and sportsmanship, this weekend is only the first leg with the summer games already set for September.
The first day on 6 July will begin with marshalling at 8.30am, then the opening ceremony between 9am to 10am and the Victoria Law Enforcement Torch Run to follow soon after.
The opening ceremony will be held at Court 1 in Casey Stadium, with basketball, gymnastics and netball beginning at 11am, and finishing at 5pm, 1pm and 4pm respectively.
Bocce will be the only outdoor sport played during the day at Casey Fields, and will be running from 11am to 5pm. Sunday 7 July offers a similar line-up, with the addition of table tennis in Casey Stadium from 11am to 4pm.
Basketball and bocce have earlier starts at their respective venues, running from 9am to 3pm, with gymnastics starting at 8.30am and netball at 9am; both sports conclude at 12pm.
All sports competitions throughout the duration are run in accordance with the Special Olympics sport rules, which are adapted to accommodate the wide range of skills and abilities of competing athletes.
Furthermore, all Special Olympics athlete members with all skill levels –from beginners, to intermediate to advanced players – are able to compete.
The City of Casey has a notable history with the Special Olympics, having hosted the Victoria State Games in 203 which had 400 athletes competing in various sports from swimming, athletics and AFL.
Putting excitement aside, the Special Olympics provides groundwork for cultivating empathy and inclusivity within communities, as well as pushing for systematic changes for those who face health disparities.
It also provides an environment for participants to build self-esteem and confidence, with the opportunity to take part in the experiences and achievements in sport which plays a crucial hand in personal growth.
For more information on the Special Olympics, as well as the September games, visit specialolympics.com.au/ find-a-sport-near-me/vic
South East Community Links’ Maher, Rachna, Bob, Farhat, Julia, Tim and Carla. 414616
Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS
Rachna (South East Community Links) and Olivia (Department of Justice). 414616
Justin and Madison from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. 414616
Gina making free coffees from Peninsula Community Legal Centre. 414616
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accompanied by Holt MP Cassandra Fernando, visited JD Propagation in Pearcedale. Picture: SUPPLIED
FOCUS ON … TAX TIME
ATO flags errors to watch
As ‘tax time’ approaches, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced it will be taking a close look at 3 common errors being made by taxpayers: incorrectly claiming work-related expenses, inflating claims for rental properties, and failing to include all income when lodging.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson said the ATO is focused on supporting taxpayers to get their lodgement right the first time.
“These are the areas that people are most likely to get wrong, and while these mistakes are often genuine, sometimes they are deliberate. Take the time to get your return right.” Work-related expenses
In 2023 more than eight million people claimed a work-related deduction, and around half of those claimed a deduction related to working from home.
Last year, the ATO revised the fixed rate method of calculating a working from home deduction to broaden what is included, increase the rate, and adjust the records you need to keep.These changes are now in full effect this financial year, meaning you must have comprehensive records to substantiate your claims as you would for any other deduction.
To use this method, you need records that show the actual number of hours you worked from home (like a calendar, diary or spreadsheet), and the additional running costs you incurred to claim a deduction (like a copy of your electricity or internet bill).
“Deductions for working from home expenses can be calculated using the actual cost or the fixed rate method, and keeping good records gives you the flexibility to use the method that works for you, and claim the expenses you are entitled to.
“Copying and pasting your working from home claim from last year may be tempting, but this will likely mean we will be contacting you for a ‘please explain’. Your deductions will be disallowed if you’re not eligible or you don’t keep the right records,” Mr Thomson said. Remember, there are three golden rules for claiming a deduction for any work-related expense:
· You must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed,
· The expense must directly relate to earning your income, and
· You must have a record (usually a receipt) to prove it.
Rental properties
Rental properties continue to remain in the ATO’s sights. Their data shows 9 out of 10 rental property owners are getting their income tax returns wrong.
“We often see landlords making mistakes when it comes to repairs and maintenance deductions on rental properties, so we’re keeping a close eye on this.
“This year, we’re particularly focused on claims that may have been inflated to offset increases in rental income to get a greater tax benefit,” Mr Thomson said.
Performing general repairs and maintenance on your rental property can be claimed as an immediate deduction. However, expenses
which are capital in nature (like initial repairs on a newly purchased property and any improvements during the time you hold the property) are not deductible as repairs or maintenance.
“You can claim an immediate deduction for general repairs like replacing damaged carpet or a broken window. But if you rip out an old kitchen and put in a new and improved one, this is a capital improvement and is only deductible over time as capital works.
“We encourage rental property owners to carefully review their records before lodging their return and take care to ensure they are claiming deductions correctly,” Mr Thomson said.
As reporting rental income and deductions can be complex, many individual rental owners choose to use a registered tax agent to help them prepare their income tax returns.
“Ensuring you provide full and complete records to your registered tax agent allows them to prepare your tax return correctly, so you claim everything you’re entitled to and nothing that you’re not,” MrThomson said. Get it right – wait to lodge The ATO is also warning against rushing to
lodge your tax return on 1 July.
If you have received income from multiple sources, you need to wait until this is pre-filled in your tax return before lodging.
“We see lots of mistakes in July where people have forgotten to include interest from banks, dividend income, payments from other government agencies and private health insurers,” said Mr Thomson. For most people, this information will be automatically pre-filled in their tax return by the end of July. This will make the tax return process smoother, save you time, and help you get your tax return right.
“By lodging in early July, you are doubling your chances of having your tax return flagged as incorrect by the ATO.
“We know some prefer to tick their tax return off the to-do list early and not have to think about it for another 12 months, but the best way to ensure you get it right is to wait for just a few weeks to lodge.
“You can check if your employer has marked your income statement as ‘tax ready’ as well as if your pre-fill is available in myTax before you lodge.That way, an amendment doesn’t need to be made later, which could result in unnecessary delays,” Mr Thomson said.
ATO flags three key focus areas for this tax time.
Zach running for a cause
By Violet Li
Clyde North local ZachVanderputt will take on a half marathon this July to fundraise for the FightMND.
The 24-year-old will participate in Run Melbourne 2024 on Sunday 21 July in memory of his grandmother who passed away from Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in September 2021. His first time attending the event, Zach has been very excited and proud.
Despite his busy schedule, Zach has been training two to three times a week.
Raising awareness tops what he aims to achieve through fundraising.
“I think a lot of people, even my friends, they just don’t know enough about it. You say Motor Neuron Disease and people don’t know what it is. And I think that’s the first point. Just getting people to understand what it is first,” he said.
“I guess once people understand what it is and the effects of it and how kind of brutal the condition is, it might spark something in their brain and be like, okay, let’s look a bit more into it, and maybe we can try to do our part to help people with this condition.
“I think the FightMND charity is doing a great job raising awareness and bringing people that education piece, but also raising money to research into helping people with the condition who may not be financially stable,
“I know it’s a very complex condition and finding a cure may not be something in the short term, but I think in the short term, we can maybe find ways to better manage the condition.”
Run Melbourne encourages participants to raise funds and awareness for the charities of their choice as they take to the streets of Melbourne, running past iconic Melbourne landmarks on their way to the finish line.
The event will feature entertainment including live music and DJs, food trucks and finish-line celebrations.
To support Zach’s fundraising, visit runmelbourne24.grassrootz.com/fightmnd/zachvanderputt
Award bolsters resolve, as Wida strives for change
By Ethan Benedicto
Being recognised for your struggles and efforts is a feeling that many can appreciate, and this is especially the case forWidaTuasif, who was awarded theVictorian Afghan Association Network’s Refugee Award on 23 June.
Firstly an author, but also an educator and community advocate, Wida is still set on the same path of bringing cultural awareness and discrimination to the forefront of everyone’s minds, especially children; saying that the award “has made me stronger and has encouraged me to continue this”.
“This award has recognised my achievements within the community, I feel stronger, more confident,” she said.
The award itself was a surprise, where on the night of the awarding she had only expected to recite one of her poems but instead turned into a “really valuable experience”.
“I didn’t expect that I was going to get something, but it was huge, I felt really honoured and proud – the moment was just amazing,” Wida said.
Living a childhood rife with turmoil and discrimination, navigating through multiple obstacles from school and racism to fitting in was the norm for Wida, and for her, the award was not just an acceptance of her childhood struggle, but of her achievements as an Afghan woman as well.
“There are no words that can describe this feeling; the moment that I got on the stage and got this award and having everyone clap for me, being an Afghan woman [was amazing].
“I’m not saying that a woman’s life is [being] violated, but there are a lot of issues going on in Afghanistan at the moment, and it’s been going on for years since the country was invaded by the Taliban in the 1990s,” she said.
Born in 1992, Wida’s family was no stranger to war, and to save her from that plight
had soon fled to Pakistan when she was just 20 days old.
They lived in the city of Peshawar for nine years, where life was uncertain and had soon registered with the United Nations High Commission where they were granted residency in New Zealand in 2001.
However, it was during that time that she faced severe discrimination and bullying, which reached its peak in the aftermath of the 11 September attacks.
“Those memories have always been some of the darkest of my life,” Wida said.
“I remember at school, I was labelled as a terrorist, my ‘friends’ would bully me and I would get tomatoes and eggs thrown at me.
“That’s why I decided that you know what, I’m going to start speaking about this when I grow up – the phase of bullying made me put pen and paper together.”
Writing became Wida’s medium to deliver her message and to support young children and women with their aspirations and have their voices heard.
“I think that’s one of the reasons why I decided that I wanted to be an author, getting messages out and also helping young children follow their dreams and their hopes, and young women out there to have their voices heard as well,” she said.
As an educator and utilising her own experiences as a child, it became clear to her
that many children harbour a similar fear and have since used her books as a learning method for these children, not just with literacy and other educational areas, but also as an experience.
Reinforcing the idea of opening up to the schooling environment within her young readers, one of her upcoming novels, Ali Goes To School delves into that story where Wida “socially, [is] hoping to deliver that message”.
“At the moment we’ve still got kids, kids born during Covid, that still have that fear, they’re still intimidated.
“In their little mind they make this whole perception, create this image that school is scary, like ‘we’re going to school and there’s going to be hundreds of kids and we might get bullied’ – I’m hoping to have children use those stories as a learning method,” she said.
For Wida it’s about harnessing the confidence, the assurance, and the ability for children to be kind and treat each other with respect as early as possible, in order for them, in turn, to deliver and live with those sentiments, whether consciously or not, in their own lives.
Speaking on the award, Wida said that no one expected her to win an award as big as the one she did, and that “it’s been a huge achievement for the family and for the whole tribe, including my relatives”.
Moving forward, Wida is aiming to write and publish a story revolving around a young woman’s journey through life’s obstacles and is currently in the works.
Currently, there are two children’s books out by Wida, Aliens Don’t Belong on Earth and Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams.
Her third book, Ali Goes To School, was bound for release in early 2023 but has since had setbacks with its illustrations; however, Wida herself is in the final stages of polishing the graphics with the hopes of soon printing and launching.
Wida Tausif with the Victorian Afghan Association Network’s Refugee Award. 416548_02.
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Participants will take off from Batman Avenue with routes weaving past Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Marvel Stadi-
um, The Arts Centre, Shrine of Remembrance, and Royal Botanic Gardens before finishing at Melbourne Park Oval.
Clyde North local Zach Vanderputt will take on a half marathon this July to fundraise for FightMND.
Picture: VIOLET LI
Clarity sought amid shift
By Ethan Benedicto
Pharmacists have criticised the new vape reforms introduced this month, agreeing that while they may be the best equipped to provide vapes for therapeutic services, more should have been done in preparation.
The new regulations have seen the domestic manufacture, commercial possession and sale of non-therapeutic and disposable vapes banned from 1 July.
Ganesh Tumkur, pharmacist and owner of Berwick Springs Pharmacy said that if any profession were qualified to take on the role, pharmacists were the best equipped for the occasion.
“We tend to deal more with smoking cessation more than anybody else in the community, so I don’t have an issue with it,” Mr Tumkur said.
Beginning 1 October, only pharmaceutical supply chains are permitted to distribute and supply vapes with a concentration of 20mg/ ml or less to patients 18 years or over without a prescription as long as pharmacists deem it clinically appropriate.
While Mr Tumkur agreed that pharmacists aren’t appropriately reimbursed when it comes to bearing the responsibility of sale and counsel concerning the purchase of vapes, he also added that the duty of “the pharmacy is to ethically and medically supply a vape to a patient”.
However, a fine line needs to be established to ensure that pharmacies retain their status as medical providers for smoking cessation devices and or methods, and do not fall under the label of an alternative vape provider.
“The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) needs to work with vape manufacturers to develop products that are considered smoking cessation aids,” Mr Tumkur said.
Currently, vapes aren’t considered smoking cessation aids for a number of reasons, one
with the missing approval from the TGA, and the lack of solid research that suggests vaping helps with smoking addiction.
Founder of Drug Education Australia Sharon Torpey said that “we don’t want young people vaping at all whether it’s regulated or not, inhaling anything other than oxygen is not ideal”.
“Some people are justifying vaping for getting off smoking addictions but there’s no research anywhere that vaping is an effective way to do that,” she said.
Pharmacy owner of Direct Chemist Outlet in Hampton Park Central, Mina, agreed that pharmacists were the most appropriate per-
sons to provide vapes; however more action and awareness should have been provided prior to the regulation’s passing.
“The comparisons we were made aware of were the differences between the vapes the pharmacy sells and the vapes they buy off the streets.
“We know it’s safer, but is it safe long term or not? We haven’t been advised on that.
“We don’t want to be in a situation where we are selling products causing more health issues to consumers without being confident that it’s the right thing to do,” he said.
An additional course on vapes where more detail is involved would be beneficial, according to Mina, where certain pharmacists if not all, would be more qualified to provide information considering that the everyday person doesn’t “understand everything”.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, while tobacco use had reduced among people aged 18-24, e-cigarette use has risen; with a 1.6 per cent of the total population figure in 2019, compared to a 9.3 per cent figure between 2022-23.
A clearer set of guidelines would benefit not just the pharmacies, but those seeking therapeutic devices as well with Mina saying “some people even think it’s subsidised now”.
“They come asking, are the government giving away vapes now? Some people are confused.
“For example, we don’t know what’s going to be in the market, we don’t know how it’s going to work.
“So many questions there before making it official that should have been answered first, we haven’t been given enough resources or information to agree or disagree,” he said.
Mr Tumkur added that if the TGA can effectively collaborate with manufacturers, then they can be considered a medical product.
“If that happens, and in conjunction with
that, if the government can provide some additional resources and funding to pharmacies to be able to supply these in a proper way to patients… then that is an appropriate way to go forward.”
This proposition by Mr Tumkur includes additional information on medical vapes to patients, proper counselling, detailed instructions and the ability for pharmacies and pharmacists to follow up on patients on their process.
“If we just become essentially a vape shop moving forward, I don’t think that’s really an appropriate thing for a healthcare provider like a pharmacy to be.
“I think there’s a part to play from the government and the TGA in assisting pharmacies and pharmacists to treat vape supply as a medication rather than just you know, have a vape, see you later kind of thing,” he said.
In a previous Star article, Associate Professor Michelle Jongenelis from the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences said that the reforms are “definitely a win” for public health.
“It’s a huge step forward in public health safety, we didn’t get the controlled access we were hoping for but it’s better than anything else beforehand and better than stores opening near high school selling e-cigarettes,” she said.
For Mina a crucial factor are mandates around monitoring and the frequency of use.
“There’s no way to completely guarantee if the customer is going to come back to you or if they were just someone passing by, it’s hard without proper regulations,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Tumkur believes that a long-term goal of collaboration between manufacturers, the government and the TGA is the best course of action to develop a proper smoking cessation device, alongside“stringent rules” and targets to avoid making another recreational tool.
Family’s plea for an apology after cyclist left for dead
By Emily Woods, AAP
The heartbroken family of a cyclist left for dead on a Hampton Park road have asked the man who killed him for one thing.
An apology.
“You serving a longer sentence will never bring back my great uncle,” Mauranga Pita said, in a letter read to the County Court on Tuesday 2 July.
“I hope that somewhere in your heart you tell the truth about how you came like a thief and stole my great uncle from us.”
Makaro Manapori, 58, died on the road after he was struck while riding a bike on 6 January, 2022.
But Peter Koutsogiannakis, 30, refuses to admit he was the driver, despite a jury finding him guilty of the hit-run. He drove through a red light when he hit
Mr Manapori, at the intersection of Pound and Hallam roads, and set the car on fire after the crash.
He turned himself in to police on legal advice after a photo was released to media of him running away from the car he destroyed.
“I couldn’t live with myself,” he told officers during his interview.
Despite this, Koutsogiannakis continues to deny he was behind the wheel and continued to offend after the fatal crash.
Prosecutor Deanna Caruso said Koutsogiannakis did not brake, was speeding and driving while disqualified when he hit Mr Manapori.
He drove off knowing he had left someone for dead.
“There was no effort to slow down or alert anyone the deceased needed assistance, he didn’t turn around or make a call,” she said.
The prosecutor called for a long jail-term to protect the community after reading out his criminal history, which includes being in and out of prison for police pursuits, speeding, careless driving and car thefts.
“The issue is, the moment he gets out (of prison) he reoffends,” she said.
Koutsogiannakis’ barrister Philip Skehan said his client became addicted to drugs and was rehabilitating himself while in prison.
He said the crash was a “watershed moment” for Koutsogiannakis and he was ready to move into a law-abiding life.
However, Judge Frances Hogan said “it was probably only a matter of time before he killed someone”.
“Maybe he’s morally bankrupt,” she told the pre-sentence hearing.
“Within weeks of leaving a human being like road kill on the side of the road, as the
jury has found, he’s back ... driving while disqualified, creating a collision, endangering others, fleeing from the scene.”
She said his denial of the offending continued to traumatise Mr Manapori’s family and forced police to pour an enormous amount of resources into their investigation to prove his identity as the driver at trial.
“He’s repeatedly thumbed his nose at the law, thumbed his nose at police,” Judge Hogan said.
“We’ve got, not only a seriously grieving family, we have police who have to go and scrape the remnants from the roads of people who were badly injured and killed.
“He will have to live with what he’s done for the rest of his life.”
Koutsogiannakis will be sentenced on 19 July.
Mr Ganesh Tumkur, pharmacist and owner of Berwick Springs Pharmacy is looking for collaboration between the TGA, the government and manufacturers to develop a proper cessation device. Picture: SUPPLIED
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Aligned Leisure on board NEWS Roadmap praised
The South East’s “critical” manufacturing sector was “key” to the government’s ‘A Future Made in Australia’ plan, Federal Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor told a regional delegation in Canberra.
Mr O’Connor addressed the launch of a jobs and skills roadmap presented by a Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) delegation at Parliament House on 26 June.
The roadmap aims to create well-paid, secure jobs and provide the necessary skills closer to home for the fast-growing GSEM region’s 1.5 million residents.
Addressing the launch, Mr O’Connor said the roadmap would inspire him to help regions across the country.
“Planning for skills needs is critical at a time when the economy and labour market are rapidly changing.
“(The roadmap) will help inform me about how other regions of Australia can take the best approach to ensuring that we have successful economies, good jobs and of course, ultimately, a successful nation.”
Mr O’Connor said the government agreed with GSEM on the need for greater collaboration, so to invest in education and training “in areas of existing and growing demand”.
“We both get the need for strategic planning to address current workforce requirements.
“We understand the importance of improving equity, inclusive growth and reducing disadvantage in our VET (Vocational Education and Training) sector.”
The launch’s roll-call included deputy PM Richard Marles, deputy Senate leader Don Farrell, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles, Infrastructure and Local Government Minister Catherine King, and Home Affairs Minister and Hotham MP Clare O’Neil.
Six other federal MPs from the South East attended – Bruce MP Julian Hill, Holt MP Cas-
this GSEM Jobs and Skills Roadmap.”
The delegation included the region’s seven mayors as well as industry, business, education and community leaders as a “unified voice” for the region.
Greater Dandenong mayor Lana Formoso said it was vital to end the disconnect between the area’s job-rich industrial precinct and high unemployment.
“How many of our kids can’t go to university because of their visa status and not being able to afford it?”
She said the launch opened the eyes of government ministers in the room.
“There’s a misconception and stigma attached to Dandenong and the South East. This is the biggest growth corridor in the country, with potential to be bigger than Western Sydney.”
The roadmap derives from a summit of more than 200 of the region’s leaders in early May.
Aligned Leisure has taken over the running of seven City of Casey leisure facilities.
As of Monday 1 July, the company –a subsidiary of Richmond Football Club – is managing Casey ARC, Casey RACE, Doveton Pool in the Park, Casey Stadium, Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre, Olive Road Sporting Complex and The Shed Skatepark.
Learn-to-swim programs will also now be delivered by Life Saving Victoria and the gymnastics program done in partnership with Gymnastics Victoria.
sandra Fernando, Dunkley MP Jodie Belyea, Aston MP Mary Doyle, Chisholm MP Carina Garland and Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie.
GSEM chair Simon McKeon said the launch “could not have been more successful”.
“We are looking forward to working collaboratively with government at all levels to deliver for the workers and employers of the GSEM region.”
Mr McKeon said the region’s communities deserved to contribute and share in Australia’s prosperity and to have meaningful employment closer to home.
“One of the main challenges facing the GSEM region is making sure growth is beneficial and shared across the community,” Mr McKeon said.
“Pockets of serious disadvantage exist across Melbourne’s southeast, but so do significant untapped pockets of opportunity and we need to link the need with the opportunities.
“That is what we are seeking to create with
Among the ideas is immediate funding for education providers to target foundation study for migrants and other disadvantaged groups in the vastly-multicultural region.
GSEM also wants a simpler process for recognising overseas qualifications and a taskforce to help reform English competency testing for migrants and refugees.
Expanded programs to support students to earn while learning was also required.
In the medium to long term, GSEM called for support for emerging industries and innovation, for inclusive growth and reduced disadvantage and for industry-education-community connections.
The GSEM region which includes Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong and five other council areas comprises 500,000 jobs and 85,000 businesses.
It is one of Australia’s largest manufacturing regions with $85 billion in Gross Regional Product.
Last year, council announced plans to streamline the management and operation of the seven facilities.
The former managers were YMCA Victoria, Skateparks Australia and Casey Netball Association across four separate contacts or service agreements.
Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson said Aligned Leisure was a highly capable, community-focused organisation with a proven record.
“We are very pleased to partner with Aligned Leisure, who are leaders in the aquatics and leisure industry.
“They provide an exceptional range of innovative, inclusive and high-quality programs that will be delivered within the facilities.
“Our leisure facilities are highly valued by the community and play a vital role in improving the overall physical, social and mental wellbeing of our residents and visitors.”
Wage rise for nurses and midwives under new deal
By Ethan Benedicto
The endorsement by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation on the new 28.4 per cent wage increase also came with several other benefits and new goals for the union in the future.
Local Narre Warren South resident and enrolled nurse at Frankston Hospital, Casey Collier, who attended the meeting on 26 June, was impressed with the new proposal following the confusion of the previous gathering.
In contrast to the 20 May meeting, Ms Collier said that officials “listened to all of our feedback because our big complaint was that we had no information to go off prior”.
“This time briefly they told us what it was going to be about so we had an idea of what we were coming into,” she said.
With spreadsheets for guests detailing specific information, which included graphs on the wage increases to booklets on added benefits, Ms Collier said that communication had been much clearer with the process “much easier to follow”.
Mentioned added benefits for public sector nurses include a change of ward allowance which looks to compensate nurses and midwives when they are moved from their base ward.
This in turn encourages employers to move away from redeployment as a uniform rostering practice; this factor also plays into the other benefit of the right to disconnect clause, which Victorian branch ANMF secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said gives nurses and midwives “improved access to flexible working arrangements”.
“The right to disconnect means that nurses and midwives have the right not to be continually contacted by their employer to work shifts they are not seeking.
“This is happening all the time and if you say no you often feel guilty and if you say yes you get no time off to recharge,” she said.
Staff retention was a major issue that many establishments faced, with the ANMF looking at administering local workplace implementation committees – which includes the employ-
ers; ANMF and ANMF job rep representatives – to monitor the execution of new terms and conditions.
“The wage increases will help retain and recruit nurses and midwives, but so will the new and improved allowances and penalties,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.
There will also be improved night shift penalties for permanent nurses and midwives, as well as improved on-call and recall allowances.
Roughly 20 per cent of a nurse or midwife’s allowance and penalties are only for permanent staff, such as the new change of ward allowance and the additional night duty penalties.
“The proof will be in the pudding when employers can fill nurse/midwife patient ratios
on the forward roster.”
Further improvements include a 92 per cent increase to the qualifications allowance by the end of the agreement (2027) as well as interstate public sector nurses and midwives relocating to Victoria having their service recognised for personal and long service leave.
Ms Collier attributed these changes to the ANMF’s perseverance, their collective effort of speaking to multiple parties and voicing their displeasure at a state-wide scale, with the results ultimately “giving us the opportunity to have control of our own lives again”.
“People were deferring from going parttime and full-time and going casual because they wanted to be in control,” she said.
Including workforce shortages, Ms Fitz-
patrick said that nurses and midwives are still exhausted from the pandemic’s turmoils, adding that it has been difficult for those who are back in PPE considering the spike of patients with Covid and respiratory infection this winter season.
“Nurses and midwives continue to do everything they can to ensure safe, quality patient care.
“This EBA outcome respects the work they do, acknowledges their work during the pandemic and delivers on an overwhelming majority of their claims.
“We hope that as they start to see the benefits of this EBA outcome nurses and midwives are able to love their work again, not just feel like they are surviving,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.
Public sector nurses and midwives agreed to a 28.4 per cent wage increase on 26 June, which also came with key improvements to penalties, working conditions and more.
Picture: BILL CONROY
South-East mayors Simon Brooks, Jude Dwight, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor, and mayors Nicky Luo, Lana Formoso, Jenna DaveyBurns, Jack Kowarzik and Nathan Conroy.
BUSINESS PROFILE
It’s a winter spectacular
Melbourne, get ready to Frost yourselves, celebrating Christmas in July.
Embark on a magical winter journey at FROSTED – A Winter Spectacular, celebrating Christmas in July!
During the months of June and July 2024, the big field in Narre Warren opposite Westfield Fountain Gate will be transformed into a whimsical sanctuary where all can revel in the magic of a winter Christmas under the BigTop. Lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of an immersive winter wonderland and enjoy the beauty of a Christmas in July.
Friday June 21 – Sunday July 21
· Under the Big Top, opposite Westfield Fountain Gate, Narre Warren
· Tickets -ticketmaster.com.au
· On sale now.
EVENT ZONES:
· Snow land - Delve into an inflatable playground of frosted fun
· Bakery – Create your own adorably frosty snowman or reindeer biscuits with special French icings
· Mrs Claus’ Storytelling Corner – Join Mrs Claus and celebrate the frosty season with some of your favourite Christmas carols and stories.
· Winter Craft Corner – Unleash your creativity at our winter craft village where you can create your own reindeer antlers.
· The Elf’s Village- Make you very own snow Globe.
· Character Meet & Greets – Enjoy a special photo moment with your favourite frosty characters, with appearances from Frosty the Snowman and Everest from Abominable.
· Live Performances – Get swept up with amazing circus performances.
· Polar Bear Ball Pit - Slip down the inflatable slide past the polar bear and into the ball pit with 100,000 Balls
· Taboggan Slide – Grab your special mat and slip your way down the artificial icy taboggan slope.
· Skating – Glide across the icy field on our enchanting artificial skating rink
· Refreshments – Delight your tastebuds with a selection of wintery food and drinks
· Reindeer Barn – Don’t forget to visit Rudolf’s Barn
Photo opportunities in front of the Giant
Operation Kickstand targets the rising motorcyclist toll
Victoria Police has announced a road blitz on motorcycle safety following a spike in rider deaths.
There have been 35 motorcyclist fatalities this year - 75 per cent higher than the same time last year when 20 deaths were recorded.
In the South East region of Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong, four riders have died in 2024.
Operation Kickstand will launch in the neighbouring region of Kingston, Glen Eira and Bayside, which recorded five deaths.
Road policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said the significant rise in motorcyclist road trauma was “extremely concerning”.
“Police will be conducting targeted motorcycle operations like Operation Kickstand across the state to address the increase in trauma and educate both riders and motorists on
the potential dangers involving motorcycles.”
Statewide, 40 per cent of the riders were aged 18- 35 and more than 90 per cent were male.
Police say the key factors include failing to give way (by both riders and drivers) and inappropriate speed.
“We typically see motorcycle riding decrease over the cooler months, but there have been no signs of this slowing down,” Asst Comm Weir said.
“In fact, May and June both have both experienced large increases in rider deaths.”
Police are urging motorcyclists to consider the weather conditions before riding and ensure they wear appropriate protective riding gear.
Other motorists are also being warned to look out for motorcyclists on the roads, particularly when changing lanes.
experience this spellbinding frosty Christmas experience right here in Melbourne! Secure your tickets now and get ready to be enchanted by ‘FROSTED – A Winter Spectacular.’
Ticketing:
· General Admission from $32.50 (plus booking fee)
· Admission to either a day event or evening event
· Enjoyment of all Frosted Zones
· VIP Experience from $65.00 (plus booking fee)
· Admission to either a day event or evening event
VIP Fast Pass Lanyard
· 10 minute early entry
· Front of line priority at each Frosted Zones
· Complimentary VIP Gift Bag from the Frosted Merchandise Shop
· Food voucher - including either: hot dog/hot chips & drink, or chicken nuggets/hot chips & drink
· Family Special from $100.00 (plus booking fee)
· Admission to an evening event only
· 4x General Admission tickets
· Enjoyment of all Frosted Zones
Gold Rocking Horse and the Magical Hot Air Balloon
With VIP experiences and family-friendly ticket options available, prepare to be spellbound by an experience that ignites wonder and promises to warm hearts and ignite imaginations!
Join us for some icy excitement, warm memories, and endless fun surrounded by an immersive world of winter that glitters with Christmas magic. Don’t miss your chance to
Facebook: Frosted - AWinter Spectacular facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558713443568
Instagram: @frosted_awinterspectatular instagram.com/frosted_awinterspectacular/
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@frostedwinterspectacular Hashtag #frostedawinterspectacular
Website: frostedawinterspectacular.com.au/ Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au ticketmaster.com.au/frosted-a-winterspectacular-tickets/artist/3116447
The site benefits from the following
Lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of an immersive winter wonderland and enjoy the
Road policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir (right) said the significant rise in motorcyclist road trauma was “extremely concerning”. 316738_08 Picture: FILE
WHAT’S ON
Berwick Artists Society Art Show
Meet our artists and their art, enjoy
· 24 June - 13 July, Cranbourne Library, Casey Complex, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road. The exhibition can be viewed during the library’s open hours.
Cranbourne U3A Relocation
Cranbourne U3A will be relocating to new rooms from the commencement of Term 3 in July. We are moving to the kindergarten building at 20 - 22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne.
This building is being refurbished at the moment to suit our needs. We will be moving in there in early July. New members will be made welcome at our new rooms. There are lovely windows facing out to a well-maintained garden area where we can enjoy lunch or a coffee on a nice day.
· Please check our website for more details. 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 woodturning, 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 Blind Bight Community Centre Programs
TurnStyle returns on 20 July to keep us warm during winter. Mark and Steve will play classic rock and chart favourites, interacting and entertaining you all night. $20 per person, BYO drinks and nibbles, doors open 7.30pm. Bookings can now be made via the website above.
· Bookings can be made via the website at www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au
ASRC Foodbank @ RRH Dandenong Food Drive
Food drive supporting people seeking asylum Saturday 27 July: 10 am to 2 pm
Please help us make a difference in the community! ASRC Foodbank @ RRH Dandenong is host-
ing a food drive on Saturday, July 27th, from 10 am to 2 pm. We provide food to people seeking asylum who do not receive government support. We would love your donations of basmati rice, canned veggies (corn, peas, carrot and tomato), tuna in oil, coconut cream/milk, olive oil, biscuits, razors and deodorant, jam/honey/peanut butter.
The drop-off location is at the rear of 205 Thomas St, Dandenong (enter via the Oldham Lane car park).
· For more information, please contact Kate Quin at kate.q@asrc.org.au. Your generosity will make a real difference! Thank you!
Berwick Neighbourhood Centre
Open Day
If you would like to view our rooms and meet our wonderful educators at our little centre, please feel free to attend our Open Day on Saturday 27 July 2024 from 9.30am to 11am at 112 High Street, Berwick. We offer 3-year-old Play & Grow for children turning 3 by the end of April in the year they enrol and childcare for children aged 15 months to 4 years. We have shorter sessions being either 5 hours in Play & Grow or a 3- or 5-hour session in childcare. If you qualify for the childcare subsidy, we can apply it to your fees. Please note that these sessions are very popular, and we have very limited spots left for 2025 - our Bush Adventures that we offer is already full and a waiting list now applies, so don’t delay in enrolling your child if you would like a spot for 2025.
· For more information visit berwickneighbourhoodcentre.com or contact the centre’s Timbarra office on 0397041863.
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club is started a Scrabble Club recently and it runs every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.
It will be both competitive and social on a oneto-one basis.
Come along to learn how to play or improve your game.
Word lists and more will be available to increase your skills.
· Contact David on 0433 566 456.
New Vogue dancing
If you love dancing and would like to learn New
Vogue, Berwick Activities Club is offering a short seven-week course for beginners.
The course is held over one-hour classes each Friday, commencing on Friday 5 July at 7pm in the Timbarra Community Centre.
Dancing is a great way to make new friends and at the completion of the course you may join the weekly dance held on Thursday evenings.
Booking is essential as numbers are limited.
· For more information, contact Bruce on 0447 554 475.
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.
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
Rug up and enjoy the fun
From a chance to meet Princess Elsa to ice skating, Frosted - A Winter Spectacular has fun for people of all ages this school holidays.
Launched on Friday 21 June and located on the corner of Princes Highway & Brechin Drive in Narre Warren under the big top, Frosted is running on most days until Sunday 21 July. Gazette photographer Gary Sissons rugged up to capture all of the chilly attractions.
Diving in to one of the three golden rules of sales
While expense management is always important for business efficiency and net operating profit, real growth for a business can only come by increasing sales.
I was speaking with a business owner recently who has been working hard to earn more income from their business and who admitted to me that they were “not good at sales”.
When I worked in corporate life, my Dad would often ask me why I didn’t start my own business and one of the reasons that I always gave him was that I believed I was not good at selling. However, the harsh reality is that if you own a business, you either have to source people that are good at selling (such as great telemarketers and even then, they will only get you in the door, you still have to sell your products or services), hire staff with sales skills or do it yourself.
When I did finally set up my own business over 14 years ago, I pretty well proved myself right about my inability to sell for the first 18 months or so – I was lousy at it. However, that period taught me a number of vital lessons about what was required to be effective at
sales. This experience taught me what I consider to be the three golden rules of sales:
· It’s not about you;
· Be persistent; and
· Systemise the sales process.
In this article I am going to focus on the last item since it is actually very easy to do and can improve the performance of even good sales people to a greater degree.
So what do we mean by the phrase ‘systemising the sales process’?
Well, the first thing to make clear is that it does not require that you have to go out and buy a whole lot of expensive tools!
This is achieved through a combination of simple spreadsheets and a disciplined ap-
proach. One key weapon in this armory is the ‘sales pipeline’. Some very good CRMs (Customer Relationship Management databases) can include this but equally Microsoft’s Excel is perfectly capable of tracking these as well.
The purpose of a sales pipeline is to fundamentally track the opportunities that have been surfaced.
No matter how good the initial engagement, if you fail to follow up with a prospective client, they may well assume either a lack of interest or a lack of personal organisation on your part, neither of which will make a good impression!
A useful sales pipeline will contain useful notes about the opportunity as well as essential information such as potential sales value, likelihood of achieving the sale (multiplying the two together will provide an indication of the importance of the opportunity itself), key contact(s) details, expected closure date and required next steps.
Another key part of the systemisation activity is to keep data records on sales performance. One key metric worth knowing is your ‘sales conversion rate’ which is usually
expressed as a percentage. A sales conversion rate of 40 per cent means that for every five opportunities you create, two of those opportunities have become customers.
If you also know the average value of a sale (this is simply calculated as the total value of sales divided by the total number of customers over a given period), then it is very easy to work out how many opportunities you need to create in order to achieve your defined sales target.
Another key part of systemisation is the creation of a Sales Plan.
Most businesses tend not to create this document but spending the time to think about and document your sales strategy and using known sales-related data (such as conversion rate and average sale value) turn out to be highly effective in predicting your sales for the forthcoming period and is well worth the time spent.
Ian Ash ACC,AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au
Santiago, 3, from Narre Warren South. 416291
Raffan, 16 months, with dad Imtenan and mum Aysha from Cranbourne.
Avie from Berwick enjoying the chilly fun. 416291
Pictures: GARY SISSONS
Lola, 2, and her grandmother from Narre Warren South enjoyed some ice skating. 416291
Melbourne’s Mila, 4, and Grace, 4, met their princess hero Elsa at Frosted - A Winter Spectacular on Sunday. 416291
Alina, 16 months, from Lysterfield with her decorated reindeer antlers. 416291
Devansh, 3, and his dad Abhinav from Cranbourne. 416291
Bella, 3, from Narre Warren South. 416291
Cutting’s eyes on the prize
By David Nagel
Stephanie Lee Cutting is fully focused and rapidly working towards full fitness as the Clyde boxer looks to continue a remarkable beginning to her professional boxing career.
Cutting, who made her Pro-debut on March 17 last year, has quickly built a reputation for a powerful right hand that has propelled her to an impressive two title belts in her first year of boxing.
The former Berwick and Cranbourne footballer claimed her first title-belt with a thirdround knock-out of Fijian Maureen Chand to claim theWBF Australasian Lightweight title in mid-December last year.
She then continued her phenomenal rise up the ranks by claiming theWomen’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) Super Featherweight championship at Melbourne Pavilion on March 1 this year.
Cutting’s unanimous points-decision win over former champion Pam McClelland took her professional record to 6-0 after an extraordinary first year in the pro-ranks.
And the scary thing is; she achieved a large portion of her success while being injured!
Cutting fought her most recent three fights with a tear in her right shoulder, along with bursitis and bone bruising, which limited her ability to make full use of that aforementioned right hand.
Her team decided it was time to take a break after the McClelland fight and overcome the injuries accumulated during a busy first year in the ring.
It was time to take a step back after her initial whirlwind journey.
“It’s so good to be back punching again,” Cutting explained.
“When I got told I couldn’t punch for a certain amount of time, when the scans confirmed the injury, it was getting me down.
“But I turned my mindset to the positive side of it, not letting it get to me, and keeping upbeat and positive.
“It was hard to take the rest, even though I needed it, but it gave me time to identify things I needed to work on.
“I just had to see the silver-lining in it all and work on a couple of my weak spots.
“Those weaknesses are now becoming my strengths, so it’s a blessing in disguise I guess.”
Cutting kept up a strength and conditioning program during her rehab, maintaining a
baseline fitness which she sees as important for a professional fighter. She has also been working on being lighter on her feet; giving her options in addition to her ‘come-forward’ style of fighting.
“It’s been nice to not be so rushed, to calm down a bit, and make the adjustments that will make me a better fighter,” she said.
“I’ve been told I hit hard, but if I can select my shots a bit better, and put my punches to-
gether a bit more, I’ll be much better prepared for every fight.
“I’ve got the power…I just need to use it to my advantage a bit more.”
The two-time champion is currently easing into three boxing sessions per week and will gradually build up to more intense sparring sessions, as she prepares for her next assignment later this year.
Not overloading her shoulder is the main focus at the moment, as well as mastering her newly-acquired skill set.
Giving herself the occasional wink in the mirror is something she is also getting better at.
“I was so busy last year that I didn’t give myself the recognition, or realise what I’d done, but I am really motivated to keep going,” she said.
“I’ve got the personality where it’s, ‘what’s next, what’s next’, but I do need to make the time to give myself a pat on the back occasionally.
“The break certainly helped me see that side a bit more.”
Cutting has bolstered her team, adding new coaches and supporters as she explores the rare opportunity of becoming a champion in three different weight divisions.
“If I could achieve what I did being injured, I can’t wait to see what I can do with 100-percent fitness,” she explained.
“I’m going to be fitter and stronger than ever and that gives me confidence about what the future might hold.
“I’m ready to take on them all, and looking for bigger and more challenging fights now.
“I’m just excited, were all excited, to be back after the rest, and seeing what we can do.
“We’ve got our eyes on a few big title fights.”
Boxing has been a life-changer for Cutting, who continues to deal with the trauma of a workplace injury that instantly curtailed a promising football career.
“I’m at a place now where I can start talking about what I went through and helping others…which is what I want to do,” she said.
“Mental health issues are a big thing, and I just want to try and prevent anybody from going through what I went through after the workplace injury.
“I’ve got more eyes on me now, and that will give me the opportunity and platform to do what I want to do.”
Cranbourne fights gallantly against reigning premiers
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cranbourne mixed it with reigning premier Cheltenham for three quarters at Livingston Reserve on Saturday in a 9.15 69 to 6.12 48 defeat in the Southern Football Netball League Division 1 competition.
The Eagles had the upper hand for the majority of the first three quarters, building their challenge off the back of their pressure in torrid wet conditions.
Having given the Rosellas their biggest test of the season in round 1, Cranbourne rattled Cheltenham with a four goal opening term as they won the midfield battle and adapted to the conditions better than the visitors.
But they would manage only two more goals for the rest of the game, with Cheltenham able to slowly claw its way back into the contest.
One of those goals came midway through the third quarter via a simple Mitch Tharle set shot; important scoreboard nourishment for a resilient term.
But despite both sides having opportunities throughout the third quarter, that was the only major of the third term, setting the scene for another grandstand finish between two heavyweights.
Ultimately, though, Cheltenham was able to capitalise on Cranbourne lapses throughout the fourth term, kicking the only three goals of the quarter to maintain their unbeaten streak in 2024.
Zak Roscoe appeared to have kicked a captain’s goal at the 12-minute-mark of the last quarter as the hosts pressed hard but it was ultimately ruled touched off the boot. That sort of desperation made scoring
tough for Cranbourne in the last quarter as Cheltenham’s strong pressure and opportunism proved decisive.
A minute after that missed opportunity, Cheltenham transitioned it for a major at the
other end to extend the margin to two kicks midway through the fourth quarter.
There were some big efforts from Cranbourne in the last quarter: Nick Darbyshire working back to split a one-on-two in defensive 50; Jake Stephens laying some big tackles; Matt Alister taking a crucial forward 50 intercept mark.
But they got a return of just two behinds for their hard work, the match adding to a growing list of frustrating results where Cranbourne has played intermittently ell across the four quarters.
The result puts Cranbourne six points outside the finals-bound top five with seven rounds to go.
They have the opportunity to close the gap with games against Port Melbourne and East Brighton, directly above them, across the next three weeks.
The Eagles will almost certainly need to take care of business in both ot those to stay in the finals race.
In Division 2, Hampton Park was outlasted 8.12 60 to 7.5 47 against East Malvern, extending its losing streak to three.
Endeavour Hills had its first win since mid-April, beating Highett for the second time in 2024, 8.15 63 to 8.12 60.
Doveton, meanwhile, took care of business against the struggling Skye, winning 17.15 117 to 3.5 23.
CranbournefoughthardagainsttheRosellas. 416180
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Titans moving to Southern
By Marcus Uhe
Members of the Berwick Springs Football Netball Club have voted in the “overwhelming majority” to move competitions and join the Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) in 2025, leaving Outer East Football Netball (OEFN).
The decision comes in the wake of the looming relegation prospect for the Titans at the end of 2024, which would see them join Division One and travel to towns such as Alexandra, Yea andYarra Junction.
In April it was decided that the bottom three sides in Premier Division football would be relegated to Division One, and the premiers of Division One promoted, to return to two 10-team divisions of football.
In 2024, Premier Division has 12 teams and Division One nine, however a key finding of the OEFN’s 2023 Competition Structure Review was that clubs preferred a 10-team competition structure.
The news prompted the Titans to begin considering what is best for them going forward, eventually landing on the application to move to the SFNL.
The Titans sit last in the Outer East’s Premier football division, and their A-Grade netball team, promoted as a result of the football side’s success in 2023, is also last on the Premier Division A-Grade ladder.
Berwick Springs Chairman Ashley Allison believed the club would risk an exodus of players leaving if the club decided to stay in OEFN, risking relegation.
“We haven’t had the success we wanted so far, but we recruited a range of players, in excess of 10, to come and play Premier Division footy,” Allison said.
“If we went back and said we were playing in Division One, the reality is we’d lose I would say, 100 per cent of those players.”
Allison said that there had been no “prediscussion” between the League and clubs regarding relegation before the April decision was made, an assertion that OEFN Chief Executive Brett Connell refuted.
Allison said it was “disappointing” that the club had reached the decision to leave OEFN, but said there were a number of attractive factors about the SFNL, including the breadth of competitions.
“We weren’t even considering moving until we received that notice from (OEFN) that that was how it was going to play in the years
ahead,” Allison said.
“To be fair, they had come back to us and said they were reconsidering what happens with relegation and promotion.
“The problem with that is, we still (had) a 30 June deadline in terms of advising what we wanted to do.
“That forced our hand in terms of making a decision.
“Travel is a massive issue for us if we were to be in Division One, but there is a breadth of options, having four divisions in SFNL, and having the ability for netball to spread across 14 divisions of netball.
“We can then position our teams where we think is best suited for them in competition.
“It’s a concern of ours that the netball goes with football as well, because we’ve really struggled with netball in terms of being competitive in Premier Division.
“Not everyone was happy with that decision, but we had to go with the majority rules.”
The Titans have “strongly indicated” their desire to be placed into Division 2 of the SFNL, Allison said, which currently accommodates fellow City of Casey clubs, Doveton, Hampton
Park and Endeavour Hills, but that decision is yet to be confirmed.
Acceptance to the competition and the division they will be placed in will be determined by the SFNL’s board.
Having first taken the field as a club in 2019 as an Under 18s outfit, and OEFN is the only competition the Titans know in its brief history as a club.
Following a grand final appearance in Division One football in 2023, the club earned promotion to Premier Division for both football and netball in 2024, which has been tough on both programs.
The Titans lost star midfielder Hayden Stagg to injury on the eve of the season to injury and sit at the foot of the ladder with one win to show for their efforts in senior football, appearing destined for relegation, with their reserves side only managing three.
Despite a heavy recruiting effort in order to meet the standard of Premier Division, the football club also lost a host of key players in the offseason, some of whom have not been replaced on field.
Key forward Ty Ellison kicked 39 goals and
gave the Titans a focal point in the forward half, but this season the Titans have struggled to put winnings cores on the board, averaging just 40 points per game.
On the netball court, the club has just two wins across its four senior netball sides in 2024, and the A-Grade netball side is yet to taste victory in Premier Division with a hefty average losing margin of 56 goals.
The netball club was forced to join the football club in Premier Division this year, as per OEFN rules, despite the A-Grade netball side finishing fifth in Division One in 2023.
Berwick Springs’ application comes on the back of Narre Warren’s request to join the SFNL last month. Should Berwick Springs succeed with the move, the Titans would be the third OEFN team in the last 12 months to apply to move to the SFNL, with Hallam returning after one season in the OEFN in 2023.
Attention turns to the OEFN to see how the loss of potentially two clubs form Premier Division shapes relegation and promotion for 2025.
The League said it will not make comment on the matter until after its next board meeting later this month.
Belt tightening around the middle rungs of the ladder
By David Nagel
It had the potential to separate the ‘haves’ from the ‘have nots’ in WGFNC A Grade netball; but round 12 has instead tightened things up in the middle reaches of the ladder.
A magnificent win by Korumburra-Bena over Dalyston, and a surprise victory for Bunyip over Nar Nar Goon, has made the battle for finals places a hell of a lot more intriguing.
And how’s this for a round-13 line up; one that will add further interest as we look to find a serious challenger for runaway ladder leaders Inverloch-Kongwak.
Kilcunda-Bass (2) host Tooradin-Dalmore (3) and Dalyston (4) host Nar Nar Goon (5), while the match-up between Cora Lynn (6) and Korumburra-Bena (8) could basically decide which of the two plays finals netball this year.
It’s a fascinating prospect after this week’s league-wide bye; but first let’s take a look at what happened on the weekend.
The game between Korumburra-Bena and Dalyston appeared to be going to script, before the Giants produced a sensational 16-9 third quarter to help secure a 44-41 victory.
Dalyston held a one-goal lead at quarter time, before the class of Ruby Brosnan (C), Gemma Thomas (GK), Olivia Bramley (GD) and Jarney Thomas (GA) saw the Magpies extend their lead to 23-19 at half time.
But the Giants came out firing in the third quarter, with Elisha Nicholas (GA) and Mackenna Whiteside (GS) flipping the script with some brilliantly attacking netball.
The Giants led by three at the final change,
and maintained that margin to the finish with Felicity Fox (C), Ash Cuff (WA) and Alice Reid (WD) controlling the tempo through the midcourt.
The Giants are now just a game outside the top six; with sixth-placed Cora Lynn to come.
Dalyston, while disappointed with its loss to the Giants, will host a massively disappointed Nar Nar Goon in round 13, after the Goon lost 37-31 to tenth-placed Bunyip.
The Goon has now won just one of its last five games and, all of a sudden, needs to
tread wearily or it could miss out on finals. Bunyip, meanwhile, has now won three of its last five games with back-to-back wins over Phillip Island and the Goon showing their best is very competitive.
Players like Aimee Wright, Ally Johnson, Fiona Burns and Brooke Cleeland are playing some pretty impressive netball, with a visit from Garfield in round 13 providing the opportunity to make it three-straight wins.
Cora Lynn finds itself back in the top six after a 40-33 win over Garfield.
The Cobras looked set for an easy day at
the office, leading by six at quarter time and increasing that to 10; half way through the contest.
But the Stars made the Cobras pay for a clear drop in intensity, with a 10-5 third term making it just five goals the difference at the final break.
The midcourt play of Lexis Schade, Ellie Keen and Danielle Cameron steadied the ship in the final term for the Cobras, while the steady hand of Brooke Abu-Jaber made sure the Cobs racked up their seventh win for the season.
Georgia Coleman (GA) and Kim Dowson (C) led the third-quarter revival for the Stars. In other games this week, Kooweerup kept Inverloch-Kongwak to its lowest winning margin for the season, losing 40-45 at Kooweerup, while Kilcunda-Bass received a nice percentage boost with a 65-37 win over Phillip Island.
And Tooradin-Dalmore has continued its great run of form with a 59-37 win over Warragul Industrials.
The Seagulls have now lost just one game since round two to surge to third place on the ladder. The Gulls were electrifying before half time; leading 34-13, before the Dusties shook things up with a 16-8 third term.
Abbey Howes, Alex Maher and Ebony Dolan, all rested in the third quarter, returned to the court in the final term and played pivotal roles in a 17-8 final stanza.
Enjoy the week’s rest everyone and we’ll see you back in action for round 13 on Saturday 13 July.
Inverloch-Kongwak goaler Kelly Boyd puts pressure on Mikaela Stokkel as the Kooweerup defender searches for a way clear. 416177 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Berwick Springs Football Netball Club has applied to move competitions in 2025. 242704
Picture: ROB CAREW
Knot surprising 500 wins for Cranbourne
By Michael Floyd
The Cranbourne Harness Racing Club is celebrating a major milestone with the club’s training centre recording its 500th winner at Melton last week.
A small team of Cranbourne trainers headed to the western Melbourne venue with 498 winners and quickly recorded win 499 when Scott Ewen’s trotter Meadow Valley Star scored his first win at the venue.
Three races later, Ewen completed a winning double when Ubetta Knot led all of the way to score by six metres and race into the record books.
“The club is thrilled to bring up winner number 500 for the Training Centre,” said Cameron Gallagher, Cranbourne Harness Racing Club General Manager.
“The committee has worked tirelessly since the Training Centre opened in 2012 to grow and expand the centre and improve the facilities available to the trainers.
“We’re very proud of the work out trainers do, and we’re delighted to see them enjoy continued success.”
Opened in 2012, the Cranbourne Training Centre was built to provide an opportunity for trainers to participate in the sport of harness racing without the expense involved in constructing training facilities of their own.
It has since gained a reputation as a worldclass training facility, attracting trainers from interstate and New Zealand and is now home to 17 trainers with 70 horses in work.
The centre will soon expand further with construction of another 12-horse boxes.
“The centre plays an important role in growing the sport of harness racing in the south east suburbs,” continued Gallagher.
“It is a close-knit community that works out of the centre.
“As well as the facilities available to all of our trainers, one of the strongest features of the centre is the willingness of our experi-
enced trainers to share their knowledge with those starting out.
“That knowledge and experience is invaluable and one of the reasons the centre has been as successful as it has.”
The centre has now recorded 44 winners in 2024 and is on track to eclipse the record 87 winners registered in 2023.
Harness racing will continue at Cranbourne this Sunday evening.
Demons in bounce back over Bullants
By Marcus Uhe
A strong second half was the catalyst in the Casey Demons securing a much needed win over the Northern Bullants in Saturday afternoon’s VFL contest at Genis Steel Oval in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
With scores level at the half, the Demons kicked five of the final six goals of the match to finish 28-point winners in a result the club will no doubt hope can ignite a late run at a finals position.
Goals were traded in the opening term, as neither side managed to break clear of the opposition’s clutches in a tense and wet opening half.
Neither team managed consecutive goals until the Bullants late in the half, but Josh Schache’s first goal since April ensured the sides went into the long break at level pegging.
The Demons squandered opportunities to kick clear late in the third term, as Schache, Tyler Edwards and Eddie King each failed to convert chances.
With only 1.6 to show for their efforts in the third term, the game remained in the balance entering the pivotal final quarter.
Two quick goals to Oliver Sestan early in the final term steadied the ship, but the Bullants weren’t going down without a fight.
Berwick’s Wal Wuol helped force a turn-
over that netted the Bullants a goal, and cut the lead back to 17 points, with plenty of time left on the clock.
Having been presented with a similar scenario last week against North Melbourne, how the Demons handled the circumstances six days later against the competition’s second-worst side was a storyline to watch.
15 minutes of goalless footy followed, a further reminder of the week before, before Matthew Jefferson kicked truly to break the stalemate.
In true key forward fashion, Jefferson was
the answer to Melbourne’s prayers, clunking a contested mark after long bailout kick into the forward line, having drifted across the front of the pack.
From 30 metres out on a slight angle, Jefferson made no mistake with his kick, pushing the lead back to 22.
Shane McAdam’s third, the beneficiary of some tough contested football further afield from his teammates, was enough to put the margin out of reach for the home side, and make it two wins in their last three matches.
Sestan’s big afternoon finished with 16 disposals and six tackles to go with his crucial pair of majors, and Bailey Laurie led the disposal count with 27.
Beaconsfield’s Mitch Szybkowski had 16 disposals and five tackles, having made himself a regular in the Casey side, playing 10 of the Demons’ 12 matches in 2024.
Such was the dominance of the Demons over the non-AFL affiliated outside, they won the inside 50 count 68-34 and registered 57 more disposals.
Round 15 sees the Demons head to Brisbane to battle the Lions on Saturday afternoon.
With 16 premiership points, seven games remain to close the 10-point gap on Sandringham in 10th place, and qualify for the Wildcard Round.
Cannons fire up with magical 10-0 win
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey’s women have made a statement in the Vic League 1 competition with a 10-0 victory over West Vic.
The Cannons are eyeing a finals berth in a tight competition where goals difference could be a factor, highlighting the significance of the big margin.
Silky mover Mikayla McDonald scored five goals in her 50th game, while Emma Harris also scored twice as she eyes a strong end to an injury-interrupted campaign.
Jenna and Leandra McLauchlan also hit
the scoreboard as did regular scorer SamWagg as the Cannons played with intensity as their style won out, capitalising on repeated opportunities.
The Cannons blooded 14-year-old debutante Chantelle Calado who showed positive signs, while stalwart Jess Rowland brought up game 300.
It lifts Casey to the finals-bound sixth position, and gives them a big buffer on goals difference with Monash University, which sits equal on points and Brunswick, three points behind, also eyeing finals.
Panthers in fine form
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Devon Meadows was clinical in its dismantling of Karingal on Saturday, winning 17.21 123 to 6.7 43 in the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League Division 2 competition.
Karingal applied early pressure before a 4.11 to 0.1 second quarter opened the game up as the Panthers’ class came to the fore.
Riley Simmons’ consistency reached new heights with an excellent game against highly regarded Karingal ruck Agape Patolo.
His tapwork set the game up around stoppage for the visitors, with Brendan Hermann influential through the midfield.
Jack Wilson was also among the best as his strong form continues.
Awarded the MPFNL rising star in round 11 following his game against Bonbeach, Wilson has won plenty of the footy and thrived when given more midfield opportunity.
“He’s been huge for us and would be the best young player in the competition,” said coach Ryan Hendy.
“He doesn’t waste the footy – he’s always creating something for someone and making things happen.
“He’s got some mongrel about him in the contest and doesn’t go to ground.”
After playing predominantly as a forward in the first third of the season, his midfield minutes have risen in the last month, Hendy approximating that he has spent 50 per cent of time in the midfield.
“His confidence has grown which has shown with the way he’s playing.”
The Panthers’ next assignment is sixth-placed Somerville.
Meanwhile, Pearcedale cruised to victory in a 23.13 151 to 7.6 48 victory over Rye.
Michael Meehan and Jack Turner kicked four goals as the hosts had 12 individual goal kickers in the clinical win, maintaining its two game buffer in fifth position.
Pearcedale will be favoured to win its clash against Tyabb on Saturday.
The Cannons have a much tougher assignment against fourth-placed Geelong after a week off this weekend.
Meanwhile, the men won 4-3 against St Bede’s in an enthralling Vic League 2 contest. Tristan Chaffey scored twice, while David Noney and Blake Edwards also found the back ofthenettolifttheCannonstosecondposition.
Highlighting the significance of the result; a loss would have resulted in Casey falling to fifth, while they would be fourth if they drew.
Casey has a tough game against top-placed Yarra in its next fixture on Sunday week.
Josh Watson fights for possession.
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Bailey Laurie was back to his ball-winning best for Casey on Saturday with 27 disposals. 325648 Picture: ROB CAREW
Agape Patolo and Riley Simmons wrestle in a ruck contest. 416178
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Scott Ewen with Ubetta Knot, the 500th winner out of the Cranbourne Training Centre, along with Scott’s partner Kylie Ryde. 417190
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