With flames piercing the air, the first leg of the Special Olympics Victorian State Games was opened by the Victoria Law Enforcement Torch Run, to begin a weekend filled with sports and camaraderie in the City of Casey. Through Saturday 6 July and Sunday 7 July, more than 13 sports were played by athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the country.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
South East manufacturers are emphatically backing nuclear energy, according to a recent peak-body members survey.
Of more than 190 South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) surveyed members, 71 per cent were strongly in favour of including nuclear power into the energy mix.
Also, 61 per cent strongly agreed that nuclear was a cost-effective and reliable energy source for manufacturers, and 66 per cent
had a “strongly positive” opinion of the energy source for industry.
About 14 per cent of members were strongly opposed to the propositions.
The results put SEMMA and its members firmly in favour of the federal Liberal-Nationals Coalition’s proposal for nuclear generators across the country, including the La TrobeValley in Gippsland.
The idea has been strongly opposed by the Labor state and federal governments.
SEMMA president Peter Angelico said “the
nuclear option has merit when we are talking about a long-term zero-emission consistent energy supply”.
“Globally, there are 32 countries using nuclear power (a total of 440 reactors) and many have successfully combined these energy inputs, solved waste concerns and ensured an efficient, consistent, cost-effective, safe and sustainable energy supply for everyone.
“Australia must move forward in our energy choices to remain globally competitive for the sake of our manufacturing industry that currently employs 803,000 nationally.”
a “consistent, reliable baseload energy supply”.
“That is in danger if policy makers ignore this fact”.
Ms Walker said there was not enough renewable energy in the current system to support manufacturing – or domestic users.
“Renewables can provide part of that supply, but it is an intermittent supply and batteries do not generate energy – they only store it.”
Continued page 4
Attention pet owners! Are you yet to register your furry friend for the first time with Council?
Between Monday 15 July and Friday 19 July, pet owners from the City of Casey can register their cat or dog for $5.00 — the price you would pay for a cup of coffee.
All cats and dogs over three months of age must be registered with Council.
We are hosting a free community event on Sunday 28 July to celebrate National Tree Day.
Join us at Drysdale Road Reserve anytime from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and plant a tree. Help create a valuable habitat around the Troops Creek Wetland.
A free BBQ lunch will be provided on the day.
Scan the QR code to register as a volunteer.
The $5.00 offer applies to online registrations only.
Visit the ‘register your pet’ page on our website or scan the QR code.
Council has adopted its Council Plan 2021-25 –Year 4 Review and Budget 2024/25 and a suite of strategic documents which set out our priorities and projects for the year ahead in line with our community’s feedback.
This year’s budget totals $560.8 million, including a $460.1 million operational budget, which supports the delivery of crucial services including
kindergartens, maternal and child health, waste management and infrastructure maintenance.
The budget also includes a $100.6 million Capital Works Program to deliver much-needed infrastructure and upgrades throughout the municipality.
To find out more, please visit our website.
Looking to hire a function space on a casual basis?
We offer a range of facility hire options from large halls to meeting rooms for your celebration, community group or organisation.
To see what facilities are open for casual hire in 2024 and to submit an application, please visit our website.
For more information, contact Council’s Community Facilities team on 9709 9288 or email facilitybookings@casey.vic.gov.au
Seven of Council’s leisure facilities are now under new management, with Aligned Leisure taking the reins at Casey ARC, Casey RACE, Doveton Pool in the Park, Casey Stadium, Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre, Olive Road Sporting Complex and The Shed Skatepark from Monday 1 July.
Most programs will continue to run as usual, however families will see some changes to the learn to swim program which will now be delivered by Life Saving Victoria.
To find out more, please contact your local centre.
By Violet Li Casey Council
has revealed inadequate funding for library services and social support programs by the State and Federal Governments.
The council made a submission to the State Government’s Inquiry into Local Government funding and services.
The inquiry will look into the effects of cost-shifting from the State and Federal governments to local councils, the ability of local governments to meet core service delivery objectives, local government’s revenue structure, as well as whether these structures are sustainable and appropriate, and alternative models of funding.
“Escalating demands and expectations from the community and other levels of government, coupled with inflation and rising costs, have exposed the inadequacy of current funding mechanisms,” City of Casey chief executive officer Glenn Patterson said in the submission.
“This situation poses a significant risk to the long-term financial sustainability of councils and their ability to deliver core services, and to maintain and upgrade infrastructure, in line with population growth and community expectations.”
The submission first highlighted a funding gap for Casey’s library services.
Currently, Casey Council provides 78 per cent of Connected Libraries’ ongoing funding per year, while the State Government’s contribution has remained static over recent years even with great population growth in Casey.
Council noted that the funding dropped by 6 per cent over the past two decades.
“In 1998, state funding sat at 28 per cent. Currently, state funding sits at 22 per cent,” the submission stated.
“If the percentage of funding was the same now as it was in the late 1990s, council would have approximately $600,000 more state funding in 2024- enough to fund another branch.”
Council has already identified a large demand for new library branches in the growth areas in Casey.
Connected Libraries chief executive officer Beth Luppino submitted a letter for additional funding before this year’s State Budget as part of the advocacy campaign by Public Libraries Victoria, the peak body for public libraries in Victoria.
Together with other public libraries across the state, Ms Luppino has been calling for an increase to the Public Libraries Funding Program of $15 million over three years.
“Victorians are looking for libraries to open for longer, expand online services, deliver more literacy sessions and education programs, and make more books and other resources available for loan,” she stated.
“ButVictorian Government funding for public libraries has been falling in real terms for years. It is not keeping pace with inflation nor this demand for library services, especially as our population grows.
“Giving people the opportunity of lifelong learning, access to the Internet, a sense of belonging and social connection, is only fair.”
The submission also highlighted an absence of State and Federal funding streams that en-
hance social cohesion.
The council estimated a shortfall of about $3.5 million in funding over 10 years. Council’s current Community Service Organisation (CSO) funding pool sits at $350,000. It provides the recipient organisation with up to $40,000 per year for three years.
Council noted that almost all applicants were seeking the maximum amount of funding each year just to maintain their program or service at current levels because other sources of operational funding had been unavailable.
“Casey’s community services sector is strong, capable, and resilient; however, is unable to meet not only the volume of service demand but also the diverse needs of emerging populations and the complexity of their needs,” the council stated in the submission.
“Increased demand is resulting in long waiting lists, service rationing, short-term solutions and the most vulnerable missing out.
“Council has more than 80 community facilities available for hire at subsidised community rates, but in a rapidly growing community with significant and diverse needs, it is not possible to provide facilities that suit every organisation,” City of Casey manager of active communities Angie Peresso pointed out.
“Council assists wherever possible to build capacity and partner with organisations that help address support service gaps and priorities and the recently endorsed CSO Growth and Attraction Framework endeavours to strengthen the community service sector in Casey.”
A driver has been charged over a a fatal car crash in Tooradin, in which a Dandenong man died at the scene.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives charged a 38-year-old Clyde North man with dangerous driving causing death over the Saturday 6 July incident.
Police allege he lost control of a silver 2009 Jeep Wrangler travelling south on South Gippsland Highway just after 8.30pm.
The vehicle left the road at Baxter Tooradin Road before rolling.
A rear seat passenger, a 32-year-old Dandenong man, died at the scene.
The driver and a 34-year-old Officer man in the front passenger seat were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The charged man faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 July, and was bailed to reappear on 9 December.
Any information, CCTV or dashcam footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
The WAYSS Casey Project has received a total approved funding amount of $5.7 million for the creation of 48 safe spaces to support women and children in the City of Casey.
Located in Narre Warren, the project is part of the Federal Government’s $100 million announcement in 2022 for the Safe Places Inclusion Round, in conjunction with the National Plan to EndViolence againstWomen and Children 2022-2032.
Bruce MP Julian Hill said that WAYYS does “excellent work assisting people who are homeless or at risk or experiencing family violence”.
“This new Commonwealth funding will allow them to continue their exemplary record of supporting the most vulnerable in our community,” he said.
The $5.7 million was announced on Tuesday 9 July by the minister for social services Amanda Rishworth, and is part of the overall 720 new safe spaces for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
It also builds on the $72.6 million that was previously allocated to the Safe Places Emergency Accomodation Program.
“Violence against women and children is without question a national crisis,” Mr Hill said.
“Too many women in Australia are living in fear, and too many are dying from violence.
“The government is determined to find solutions – including the Safe Places Emergency Program.”
Successful projects are expected to commence in the coming months, with all projects to be completed by June 2027.
By Ethan Benedicto
A Narre Warren local has acknowledged the importance of the role employment services play when it comes to inclusion and diversity, after suffering a brain injury that impacted his physical and cognitive abilities.
The Federal Government endorsed The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services proposed reforms on employment services on 4 July, which called for changes to the foundations of the Commonwealth Employment Services System.
Committee chair and Bruce MP Julian Hill said back on 30 November 2023 that Australia no longer had “an effective, coherent national employment system”, after the final report with 75 recommendations over 600 pages was tabled on the same day.
A Federal Government response agreed that the reform is necessary but it will take time for such a large change to be designed and implemented.
For Chanthol, receiving a “helping hand” was all he needed to get back on his feet with the brain injury that he called himself “lucky” to still have his left eye.
“I was riding a motorbike and then I hit a trailer and crashed to the ground, half of my brain was fractured.”
Suffering a brain haemorrhage, Chanthol had difficulty with his physical and cognitive abilities, where it was common to see issues such as memory loss and longer times required when learning new processes.
“After the accident, I was a bit lost, you know?” he said.
The help he needed eventually came through MAX Solutions, an employment service that offered their support through a range of programs such as – but not limited to –Workforce Australia and Disability Employment Services.
Through a job coach, Chanthol was able to land and maintain employment as a cleaner and acquire the National Police Certificate and aWorking with Children Check.
“They helped negotiate with the employer, for example, would it be possible to do one hour or two hours a day.
“After that, I could relax and then I could meet my requirements for counselling,” he said.
Chanthol suffered a brain injury in 1990, and has high regard for the importance of employment services in assisting those with disabilities. (Supplied)
Key parts of the 75 recommendations made included a stronger and more involved role played by the Commonwealth government through the establishment of Employment Services Australia as a “rebuilt public sector core”, according to the document.
A different service model was also proposed, one that would implement a more individualised and flexible service model that acknowledges the different pathways to employment and moves away from the “one-sizefits-all” theme.
For Mr Hill, the government’s endorsement was “broadly in line with what [he] expected” and is a “positive response”.
“The government acknowledged the need for reform of the system and pointed towards the commitments that were in the May Budget on the urgent issues we identified.
“[Such as] reforms to mutual obligations, trials of social enterprise, community-based activities and improvement to the IT systems,” he said.
The committee initially suggested that the government take appropriate time over 12 months or more to develop a roadmap of reform, which was also acknowledged by the Commonwealth’s response.
At the same time, Mr Hill was glad and sur-
prised to see an in-depth, 23-page address of the committee’s summary of recommendations.
“I never expected in the initial response, a detailed response to every one of our 75 recommendations because that’s why we suggested the roadmap.
“I was pleased to see that the government has committed and is working on that [roadmap], I’d anticipate it to be out towards the end of the year or early next year,” he said.
All 75 recommendations were summarised into eight key points in the Commonwealth’s response, which agreed with moving away from the one-size-fits-all system, as well as the overemphasis on mutual obligation requirements which was criticised to be overly burdensome.
The establishment of regional hubs, strengthening of community engagement, localised and improvement of service delivery, development of professional and workforce conditions were some of the other factors agreed to by the Commonwealth.
The May 2024-25 Federal Budget outlined a $54 million commitment over five years to a new employment pathways package in partnership with employers across the country; which looks to focus on people with barriers to work who are also seeking to connect to job opportunities.
“What we demonstrated through the inquiry is a significant proportion of long-term unemployed people have some form of disability,” Mr Hill said.
Another initiative, called the Real Jobs, Real Wages sees an investment of $32.1 million to support those who are at risk of long-term unemployment, and instead secure work through a tapered wage subsidy over six months.
Furthermore, the WorkFoundations initiative will look to invest $29.1 million to assist people with more complex barriers to employment, as well as building their work readiness through funding for social enterprises and businesses to deliver paid employment placements.
Federation University professor of social work and human services, Jenny Martin said that the significance of effective employment services, especially for those with disabilities “are important”.
“It’s quite competitive in the workplace,
and the preparation of a job, and preparing for the interview, writing your letter, your resume, even having clothes to wear and all the guidance around it.
“For people who may have some kind of disability, they may be lacking in confidence, and they may need that extra support and guidance, encouragement to apply for jobs and support through the process,” she said.
Other points agreed to by the Commonwealth include the reduction of fragmentation and competition, which would mean engaging fewer service providers in order to minimise competitiveness and overlap, which could lead to more consistent and higherquality services.
Building on the aspect of a more individualised and flexible service model, better coordination between employment services and the demands of employers and other industries was agreed to, and that “work is underway” to a system that employers “want to use”, according to the document.
“Employment is very important, it’s not just you’re getting an independent income, but you’ve also got all the social benefits and purpose, routine, making friends, all those things that come with a job,” Professor Martin said.
“I think that sometimes people [employers] can have lowered expectations and you know, using a deficit sort of model, think that people won’t be able to do certain things.
“To have a perspective around that sort of recovery paradigm of people being able to achieve their hopes and dreams, to really support them in achieving what they want to do without passing any judgment or imposing any external standards is important,” she said.
A new voluntary pre-employment service for parents was also agreed to, which the committee suggested the abolishment of the ParentsNext program.
The Commonwealth paused all compulsory participation requirements on May 2023, with a new pre-employment service entering discussion with stakeholders in July, and announced in December.
According to the government’s response, further details are to follow for the plans on employment services reforms, which at that point would include the phasing and priority for implementation.
From page 1
Gas needed to remain in the system for manufacturing during the transition, she said.
Bruce Labor MP Julian Hill said nuclear energy was “way too expensive and far too slow for Australia’s needs”.
“Multiple independent scientific reports have confirmed that even if anyone was crazy enough to decide to go down the risky nucle-
ar route, it would take almost two decades for nuclear power to come on in Australia, costing $25,000 or more per taxpayer.”
He said the Federal Government was delivering “cheaper, cleaner energy right now, utilizing our abundant natural resources –literally the best renewable energy resources anywhere in the world”.
“In just two years, the government has ticked off new renewable energy supply
equivalent to over 8 expensive risky nuclear reactors.”
Mr Hill agreed that gas was needed in manufacturing for “high heat applications”.
“(It) will help us move up the value chain for growing industries like critical minerals.”
La Trobe Liberal MP Jason Wood, who for a long time opposed nuclear, now says it’s required “in the mix“ for Australia to reach net-
zero emissions by 2050. He said when 90 per cent of coal power stations go off line over the next decade or so, a power combination of “wind and solar“ wasn’t reliable in all weather and all seasons.
“I fully support the solar and the wind (industries) but you have to have something humming along in the background when there’s no sun or wind.“
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Lyndhurst Secondary College students have helped mould a new crime-fighting campaign urging young people to ‘Share If You Care’.
Crime Stoppers Victoria used feedback from students to hone a message for youths to report crimes such as knife fights, car thefts, robberies and aggravated burglaries.
One key factor is that young people can remain unknown as they upload footage or snapshots on their phones to the Crime Stoppers website, chief executive Stella Smith said.
“Students told us that young people are more likely to come forward if they don’t identify themselves.”
Students also made it clear that they care about their friends and family and don’t want to see anyone get hurt, such as by reporting on planned fights beforehand.
As part of the campaign, a video demonstrates how easy it is to report online and share footage and social media content to Crime Stoppers.
A student voice recorded for the campaign implores: “What if that was you?”, “What if that was your family?What if that was your friend?” and “Wouldn’t you like someone to do something about it?”
Ms Smith praised the “absolutely fantastic” contribution of Lyndhurst Secondary College “from the principal to the students”.
“Students have really driven the messaging such as Share If You Care.”
They also shaped some of the terminology, preferring the phrase that you can report crime and “stay unknown” rather than being
Lyndhurst Secondary College helped shape this Crime Stoppers campaign against youth crime.
“anonymous”.
“They know better than what we do about what young people.
“They’ve got the insights and the facts so that we can help to keep people safe.”
Students also told of the sorts of offences that they see and share on their social-media news feeds each day, but which weren’t being passed onto police or Crime Stoppers.
Many of them had not been aware of Crime Stoppers as an option, Ms Smith said.
Crime Stoppers will take the campaign to schools for students, parents and guardians to talk about youth violence.
According to official crime stats, serious and violent offences have soared among 14-to17-year olds over the past year across Victoria.
To report information, contact crimestoppersvic.com.au or 1800 333 000.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Pakenham woman who was part of a mob that inflicted a violent, “sickening” carjacking on two young tourists in Narre Warren South has been sentenced.
Hannah Khat, 20, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to carjacking, intentionally causing injury and handling stolen goods as well as committing offences on bail.
The two female victims had driven from Adelaide to Melbourne in February 2023 to visit two males they had met on social media.
Upon picking up the males, the tourists were requested to drive them to a drinking session at a park near Casey Central shopping centre that night.
At Golden Grove Drive, Khat – who was 18 at the time - and about 10 others dragged the tourists out of the car.
The front passenger was hit in the face from behind, pulled by her hair and punched, stomped and kicked to the head and body multiple times on the ground by the mob.
Khat’s punches and kicks were recorded on a mobile phone camera.
The victim suffered a broken, dislocated nose, severe abrasions to her face, elbow, shoulders and knees as well as wounds from where her ear-rings were ripped from her ears.
During the fracas, the tourists’ car was stolen by an unknown offender.
Judge Kellie Blair, on sentencing in 3 July, told Khat she ought to be “ashamed” of her
“deplorable” role against a pair of vulnerable and outnumbered young women.
CCTV footage of the attack was “sickening to watch”, with Khat punching and kicking a cowering and defenceless victim and causing “considerable injury”.
At the time of offending, Khat was considerably drunk – and had been regularly drinking a vodka bottle a day.
Khat’s difficult family life, untreated grief and borderline personality disorder were noted. She had reportedly used alcohol to suppress her mental health issues, while worsening her conditions.
After her arrest, Khat had been in and out of remand and breached her bail conditions twice due to non-compliance.
Noting this, Judge Blair said Khat’s rehabilitation prospects were far from extinguished.
Her age was the most compelling mitigating factor, Judge Blair said. Typically, young offenders were more impulsive, less insightful than older adults, as well as being more likely to make a positive change.
Jailing young offenders was more likely to hinder than improve their rehabilitation prospects, which in turn impacted on community safety, Judge Blair said.
Khat was convicted and jailed for 202 days – which had already been served on remand.
She was released on a two-year community corrections order with 195 hours of unpaid work.
Khat’s defence lawyer had told the court that Khat was“not ready” to engage in mental health treatment as part of the order.
The remaining 1.3 kilometres of the path works for the second stage of the Casey Fields fitness trail is now complete, after the initial 2.8km was finished in 2022.
The 4.1-kilometre trail in Cranbourne East is now complete with solar lighting, seating, exercise stations, canopy trees, two fitness nodes, benches, water stations, lighting and additional signage.
City of Casey’s chair of administrators, Noelene Duff PSM and chief executive officer Glenn Patterson were joined by Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, the general manager at Casey Demons Peter Maynard and the general manager at Melbourne City Football Club Ian Wilson on Monday 8 July to celebrate the completion.
“Informal recreation opportunities such as walking and jogging are extremely popular and Casey Fields is an ideal location for these activities,” Ms Duff said.
“The creation of this fitness trail will become a regional drawcard, through its design appeal to runners and walkers, offering a soft surface, wide path and flat topography, in a safe and attractive setting.”
The fitness trail was initially addressed in the Casey Fields Master Plan, and was made possible through a $250,000 grant via Sport and Recreation Victoria’s 2021-22 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund – Community Facilities Stream; council funded the remaining $960,732.
Winter time at Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. (Stewart Chambers: 418405)
Thumbs down
To cost of living. Life is literally unaffordable. Those who work are indeed the working poor.
Thumbs down
To school holidays. They are testing my patience already.
Connected Libraries has launched the 2024 Tiny Art Show.
Participants can collect a canvas for free from any Connected Library location at Bunjil Place, Cranbourne, Cranbourne West, Doveton, Endeavour Hills or Hampton Park Libraries, and create their masterpiece using any medium they like at home then return it for judging.
“The Tiny Art Show is a great way to fill in a few hours on these cold wintery days,” Courtney Rushton, Connected Libraries branch and adult program manager said.
“This competition is open to Connected Libraries members who are 16 and above and there are prizes to be won.
“TheTiny Art Show has drawn more than 80 entrants in past years and we are sure that 2024 will be just as successful, there is so much talent here in Casey!”
Entrants will automatically go into the draw to win an Art Pack hamper based on public voting.
Entries close on Friday 12 July.
For more information, visit connectedlibraries.org.au/tinyartshow
As part of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade project, the southbound lanes of McGregor Road closed will be closed to late September. Here’s what our readers had to say.
Daniele Ashley
When school holidays finish and kids go back to school, this is going to be an absolute nightmare on McGregor Road. Yes, there has been roadworks for the last few months but nothing this bad. Basically one way in and one way out from McGregor Road, Park Boulevard and Webster Way, this is a joke. I think they should’ve thought about this before closing every route. Absolutely ridiculous.
BJ Clifford
Why cant they have two lanes running through to the freeway like they did when they were doing the opposite side?
Michael Porter
This is why Racecourse Road is a nightmare in the mornings. Today it took 16 minutes to get on the freeway from the Henry Street lights.
Pam Cartledge
Found that out today. Signs on the highway said Webster Way and Henry Road closed so thought I’d be able to get through McGregor Road as I did last week. Got there only to find McGregor Road closed but Henry Road open so had to go round the
block, back up to the highway and down to Racecourse Road which was bumper to bumper all the way until over the freeway.
Wish they’d update their signs.
Lee Murphy
It’s becoming impossible to get around Pakenham right now. Kooweerup Road is a mess, I think Main Street still has closures and now this.
Wayne Parkin
Racecourse Road is a nightmare every morning at the moment.
Residents were met with an icy shock on Wednesday 3 July, with frost covering windscreens and grass as the mercury dropped to below zero in some areas. Here’s what our readers had to say.
Adele Prudames
Minus 1.9 in Pakky Upper. Crunchy grass and iced water for the animals.
Russell Jackson
Leaving for work this morning, driving down Seven Mile Road in Nar Nar Goon at 5.45am, car says negative four. Glad my car has a good heater and I can park in garage overnight.
Sarah Finlay
My kids were backyard camping in it, a little frost on their swags. She was a cold one! But as ex-Tasmanians nothing we aren’t used to.
Thumbs down To the road works on Pakenham Road that never have signage up for pedestrians stating there are disruptions. If you are elderly, disabled, and/or injured, there is zero signage stating you can’t use the footpath normally near Orchard Valley Avenue. It’s been like that for months.
Thumbs down To ongoing work in Officer.
Thumbs down
To people stealing recyclables out of people’s bins. It’s illegal.
Thumbs down To no work in Lang Lang.
Thumbs down To the lazy dog owners who can’t pick up their dog’s mess when walking them, drop em off at a pound if you’re that lazy
Pop along to Summerset Cranbourne North’s upcoming Open Days, enjoy some refreshments, and tour the brand-new range of Hibiscus homes.
These premium single-level villas are a range of ground or upper-level living homes featuring two spacious bedrooms, a bathroom and powder room, internal access garage, open-plan kitchen, living and dining with either a garden or balcony with views over the park, perfect for entertaining friends and family. Plus for the upperlevel homes, there is the added bonus of an internal lift to access your home.
Once complete, residents of Summerset Cranbourne North# will be able to enjoy a range of resort-style facilities, including an indoor swimming pool and spa, resident bar, café, exercise room, hair and beauty salon, recreational bowling green and resident workshop.
With two-bedroom Hibiscus homes available with flexible pricing from $680,000,* that next step could be closer than you think.
Love the life you choose.
Open Days
Friday 12 & Saturday 13 July, 10am - 2pm
Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au
By Ethan Benedicto
Gearing up for the Special Olympics was nothing out of the ordinary for local athlete Nicholas Bruin, who took part in the weekend’s basketball matches.
Hoping to be selected for the national team, Nick’s spirits were high after the national team claimed bronze at last year’s Berlin Special Olympics.
A Casey local, he first took part in the Special Olympics some 20-odd years ago; but his train doesn’t stop there however, with plans to also take part in September’s leg to solidify his position as a formidable point guard with hawk-like court vision.
For Nick, his eagerness spiked as the weekend approached, saying that he“never stopped binge excited”.
“[The games] are extremely important because without them you wouldn’t have the National or World Games.
“It also gives us the opportunity to be like ‘normal’ people and join in and have fun, you know?” Nick said.
Donning green for the weekend, he played for the Dandenong Casey Titans from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 6 July and once more from 9am to 3pm on Sunday 7 July.
To Nick, the sport “came naturally”, with a
family of basketball players there was no question about it, but when asked what kept his love of the sport alive even though he is soon to be 45, it was as simple as “I love all my sports”.
Having been diagnosed with an intellectual disability at a young age, learning was difficult for Nick and while he ultimately carried basketball as his token sport, he indulged himself
in cricket, soccer, footy and more.
“I used to play for Cranbourne Rockets on Thursday nights, and [recreationally] basketball on Friday nights.
“I did a fair bit of athletics, gymnastics, cricket as well; and I did soccer when I was a junior in primary school,” he said.
While he noted that he could never bring himself to his favourite player’s (Michael Jordan) level, his passion for the sport is easily on par; with a fond memory just a month prior had Nick out-rebounding the much taller opposing team.
“I’m like, c’mon guys, put a body on me or something, stop me from rebounding the ball!” he said.
Although crashing the boards might be exciting, nothing beats being the floor general for Nick.
“I love bringing the ball up the court, passing it around and shooting it, just being able to direct the plays.
“Of course helping my teammates out, they have a bit of knowledge of basketball but I still help them out,” he said.
Looking ahead, Nick is confident in his abilities, confident that he and his teammates will persevere and qualify for the Special Olympics WorldWinter Games in 2025 atTurin, Italy, and claim their gold medals.
The torch was lit to begin a weekend of sport at the Winter Special Olympics in Casey.
The 6-7 July event at Casey Stadium and Casey Fields platformed athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism from across Melbourne, Victoria and interstate – with a summer games to follow in September.
An opening ceremony at Casey Stadium included a march of athletes and the Victoria Law Enforcement Torch Run.
It was followed by tournaments of basketball, gymnastics, netball, bocce and table tennis.
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.
Community members gathered around Frankston Pier in the early morning on Saturday 6 July to pay tribute to an allegedly murdered Cranbourne North fisherman.
The 45-year-old Andres Pancha was found unresponsive at the pier and died at the scene on 29 June, following an alleged attack by 36-year-old Forrest Stevenson of no fixed address.
The bereaved family has launched a fundraising in memory of Mr Pancha.
“Andres was a kind and gentle soul, known for his love of nature and his passion for fishing. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives,” the fundraising page noted.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support and condolences from friends and community members during this incredibly difficult time.
Your kindness and prayers mean the world to us as we navigate this tragedy.
“In honour of Andres’ memory, we ask that you keep his spirit alive by cherishing your loved ones and spreading kindness wherever you go.”
To help, visit gofundme.com/f/andres-pancha
Get a sneak peek of the lifestyle you could enjoy at our free Open Home event. Explore our community, inspect our display home, discover our social activities, chat with our friendly team and find out if retirement living will suit you.
(10am-11am)
By Ethan Benedicto
The goal has always been integration, advocacy and most of all a helping hand, for people with disabilities with Umbrella Support, and the same notion stands with their new Hellow Media program set to begin on Thursday 18 July.
A team of the support group’s participants will take to the streets of Berwick and surrounds with the goal of interviewing local organisations and community groups, much akin to reporters’ news packages for the daily night-time news.
Most importantly however, according to the group’s director, CindyWarren, Hellow Media is all about working on their participants’ “skill building and confidence, all while having fun”, and that is “the core”, not just of the program, but Umbrella Support as a whole.
“All 12 of our participants are person[s] living with a disability and they are going to be the ones that are going to shine in this news program.
“It’s important for anyone that lived with a disability, to, one, be treated equally and two, to be allowed to participate in an inclusive environment,” Ms Warren said.
The 12 participants, with the aid of support workers, will be piecing together an entire news program which will be uploaded to the group’s upcoming YouTube channel at a dedicated schedule, complete with video cameras, lights, backdrops and so on.
Modelled after a traditional newsroom, the group will also have their own studio complete with more cameras and a teleprompter, following the process of script-writing, allocating video packages, interviews and more.
“The idea came from my love of presenting and thinking to myself, these guys would be absolutely amazing doing this,” Ms Warren said.
“I know that they’re going to do so well and to watch them build those skills and confidence is going to be amazing.”
Ms Warren has been working on disability services for over 19 years, and prior to starting Umbrella Support, was managing a team in the NDIS employment skills and preparation space.
For her, Umbrella emphasises acknowledging the different paces of progress, with a tailored approach focusing on encouragement and celebrating wins no matter how small.
However, the first time for everything will always cause nervousness; nevertheless, Ms Warren is confident in the participants’ abilities, saying that “they just need someone with them that understands their disability”.
“[Someone] that’s able to read the room and just say, ‘okay maybe we need to try this method instead’.”
The step of being uneasy and unfamiliar is a critical one, that “just being uncomfortable is a tick of a goal”.
“Just to maybe leave the classroom and then head out on a location can be that someone meeting their goal.
“Gradually what happens is the excitement builds within the group and someone that’s less confident might [initially] say ‘someone else go interview someone’, but then think ‘okay maybe I might just go along next time’,” she said.
The program, while “different”, retains the organisation’s overall initiative of promoting advocacy and integration of people with disabilities in society, this time through the delivery of community news.
The program aims to focus on local initiatives, with plans to reach out to groups such as
the Berwick Neighbourhood Centre, the Cranbourne FoodTruck and other similar groups in the near future.
At the same time, there are plans to feature the participants themselves with what Ms Warren termed as their side hustles, from baking cookies to making hair products; light feature stories that allow them to ease into the process and once more, be confident with the camera and ultimately with themselves.
“I’m so excited about this, not only for Umbrella Support but more so for the participants who don’t realise yet how many skills they’re going to gain from this programme,” Ms Warren said.
Of course, it’s also about building stronger relationships with the support workers, “encouraging them to let them know that they’re
in a safe environment with us”.
The team received up-to-date training from affiliated Channel 9 presenters, with Ms Warren herself undergoing media training from seasoned TV personality Shelly Horton to prepare for the project.
“It’s that feeling of excitement and accomplishment when they have actually done it that brings us so much joy because we watch them step up, and up and up.”
Currently, Umbrella Support runs a radio show every Thursday called Disability Matters, where they speak on the participants’ challenges, overcoming them and what it’s like living with a disability; moving forward, they hope to share similar messages through this new endeavour.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
After decades of lobbying, South East Community Links is celebrating a vital change to make banking more accessible.
Last month, an updated national Banking Code of Practice was approved which for the first time enshrines a customer’s right to free access to a qualified interpreter.
SECL chief executive Peter McNamara said the hard-won gain had taken 30 years of “relentless advocacy”.
“This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of many people.
“I want to especially thank the community who trusted us with their stories and challenges, which spurred us on to advocate for these changes.”
SECL senior financial counsellor Rachna Madaan Bowman said it was a “key enhancement” in the new code.
“These critical changes will ensure that millions of Australians who require language support, can access the financial service system with dignity and make informed decisions.”
The new version of the Australian Banking Association’s code of practice was approved by Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
The code’s enshrining of interpreters, accessible information and National Relay Services to customers was a “great example of
putting the customer’s needs at the heart of the process”, ASIC chair Joe Longo recently told an ABA conference.
But there were still “poor practices” in treating home-loan customers in hardship, he said.
Mr Longo cited a family violence victim whose request for hardship assistance took five weeks and two applications until it was approved.
He said lenders weren’t making it easy for customers to give a hardship notice, not communicating effectively or supporting vulnerable customers.
“Clearly, more needs to be done.
“The distress these issues cause people who are already in distress is one reason compliance with hardship obligations is an enforcement priority for ASIC in 2024.”
ABA chief executive Anna Bligh said the code provided a higher standard of consumer protections.
“This is a Banking Code with teeth.
“Customers can continue to take complaints to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority or the courts who can then take strong action when necessary.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is encouraging all taxpayers to be aware of important changes that might impact their super.
ATO deputy commissioner Emma Rosenzweig said taxpayers should ensure they understand their superannuation entitlements and requirements.
“Super is one of the most important investments many Australians will have. It’s important you remain engaged with your super through all stages of your life, not just when you are ready to retire,“ said Ms Rosenzweig.
On 1 July 2024 the super guarantee rate increased to 11.5 per cent, from 11 per cent. Employers will need to calculate super contributions at 11.5 per cent of their eligible workers ordinary time earnings, for payments of salary and wages from 1 July this year.
Super contributions for the quarter ending 30 June are still calculated at the 11 per cent rate for payments made prior to 1 July.
The super guarantee rate is scheduled to further increase to 12 per cent from July 2025.
“An increase to the super guarantee rate means more money going into your super. When it comes to your financial future, every bit counts,“ said Ms Rosenzweig.
“Take the time to check on your super regularly, or you could be missing out on the right entitlements.“
Additionally, on 1 July the concessional super contributions cap increased to $30,000, from $27,500, per year.
The concessional contributions cap is the maximum amount of before-tax contributions (including employer guarantee amounts) that can be contributed to your super each year without contributions being subject to extra tax, unless you are eligible to access unused concessional contribution cap amounts from previous years.
Other key changes from 1 July include the non-concessional super contributions cap increase to $120,000, from $110,000, per year and, for employers, the maximum super contribution base increasing to $65,070, from $62,270, for the 2024-25 financial year.
“Boosts to concessional and non-concessional caps will now give individuals greater scope to make voluntary contributions. Growing your super by making extra payments adds up over time,’ said Ms Rosenzweig.
“The ATO’s Super Health Check is designed to help you stay in control of your super. It consists of five super easy things you can do to manage your super basics.“ said Ms Rosenzweig.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The National Servicemen’s Association SouthEast branch has again come to the fore with its 21st annual Christmas toy drive.
On Saturday 6 July, the ‘nashos’ - many of them in their 80s - delivered thousands of toys to The Salvation Army depot in Doveton.
Over the drive’s history, they’ve collected up to 150,000 toys for underprivileged kids across Victoria.
“It’s been a big thing over 21 years – there’s been a lot of money raised for new toys and a lot of toys donated,” NSA president Mike Smith said.
“The rule is to give toys that any other kid would love to have.”
The toy drive had grown out of a desire to “give back” to the Salvos.
The Salvos were there for the branch members while they were young men out of home for the first time and stationed at bases such as Puckapunyal during their National Service last century.
Some of the raw recruits needed help to write a letter home or even to make a cup of tea.
“The biggest problem with this organisation is the members are getting older. Most of us are in our eighties,” Mr Smith said.
“Even though our National Service was in the 1950s and ’60s, we’re still serving our community.
“But who knows - this could be the last one.”
By Violet Li
Community organisation Friends of the Tulliallan Elms had its Quarterly Friends Gathering on Sunday 7 July, centring on tree conservation.
The crowd gathered at Tulliallan Avenue of Elms in the early morning mist in Clyde North, starting with educational training by president Raavenan Jayaraman.
“After the training, I divided them into two teams, one team to pick up the litter. I asked the other team to label the trees because in March we labelled the trees with laminated paper and with the rain and everything, they came out,” Raavenan said.
“This time I bought the copper plate. They have a special copper plate to label trees from Bunnings.”
Bill Cook, former manager of Tulliallan
Farm, and Kowan Ward candidates Kasuni Mendis and Joby George joined the conservation as special guests.
As the group’s last tree conservation program was in March this year, Raavenan talked about experiences with elm trees in seasonal changes.
“The trees have now lost all the leaves, so you can see the true structure of them.What’s more visible is you can see where the bird nest is situated in the tree.
“It’s a bit of a cold, dark kind of winter image when you look at the trees. Winter goes and then you get autumn and then you get spring again. This is the cycle of life.
“To think that the trees have stood there for 124 years. How many cycles have they gone through and standing there? That’s amazing.”
Your Berwick Star News and leading local businesses are giving you the chance to win a $50 gift voucher from businesses across the region! We are publishing this Shop Local & Win page in the Berwick Star News for the next four weeks listing local businesses that have something special to offer. You have the chance to win a $50 gift voucher from each participating business... that makes for a super prize! For details and to ENTER
By Ethan Benedicto
The City of Casey has the the highest rate of incidents related to family violence out of all Victorian local government areas, according to recent findings from Victoria Police.
A figure of 5466 incidents has been totalled by the municipality in the year ending March 2024, and over 7500 charges were laid for serious offences across the state in the first six months of the year.
While strangulation and stalking were determined to be the most significant drivers of risk, as well as aggressive pornography, the founder of the Heavy METAL group, David Nugent said that these incidents are the end of the line, and causes of them are rooted in agelong beliefs and standards of masculinity.
“The problem is that the family violence starts a lot earlier and escalates to a point of desperation from the abuser or the perpetrator that is losing power and control,” he said.
Alongside Casey, other LGAs included Cardinia, Frankston, Greater Dandenong and the Mornington Peninsula, all accounting for more than 70 per cent of family violence in the southeast.
Specialising in men’s behavioural change and therapy, a common denominator of his clients’ struggles is accepting vulnerability and the diminishing of self-worth; with the decline of prevalence around foundational acts of masculinity that revolve around provision, protection, dominance and control.
“It’s about misogynistic beliefs, about power and control; you know the woman needs to serve ‘me’, the woman needs to do what ‘I’ say, that’s what we’ve got to looking at shifting,” Mr Nugent said.
The ever-changing scene of modern western societies, progression on the platforms of discussions surrounding gender equality and the lack of necessity for the patriarchal system also play a part, where men who previously strived in those conditions instead find difficulty in the change due to their own set standards.
Foundational and often times misogynistic, Mr Nugent said that men “initially think it’s an anger problem”.
“But as we delve deeper into changing behaviour, it’s about power and control, their insecurities and what they’re trying to achieve with [that] power and control.
“It ties way back to our self-worth and our low self-esteem that we need to have control over others,” he said.
Acronym for Men’s Education Towards Anger and Life, the Heavy METAL group encompasses Mr Nugent’s vision of men being selfaware, acknowledging weakness as a sign and pathway to growth and not as something that should be corralled and walled off.
Speaking on the importance of battling pornography’s unconscious implements, Mr Nugent said that young men and teenage boys are “discovering porn and starting to take that as what intimacy and sex is all about”.
“We’re having discussions with young boys about how wrong [porn] is and how it doesn’t teach young men about intimacy and understanding our partners’ perspective.
“It definitely becomes a form of addiction to the point where they don’t understand that the brain craves more,” he said.
Men who were and are unable to commu-
nicate their vulnerabilities have tendencies to instead disperse those feelings of anger and frustration – though not necessarily always –through acts of violence.
“Men are confused and lost and they’re not taught how to express themselves,” Mr Nugent said.
“That’s why in the Heavy METAL program, once we work through breaking the cycle of violence, is that when push comes to shove, these men aren’t in tune with their own emotions and their own feelings.
“[They’ve] been taught that they’re not allowed to express them because expressing them is a sign of weakness.”
Diving into effective communication is a key factor for Mr Nugent, providing men with the ability to respond, not just to their partners but as a general rule, in a way that is non-aggressive or overly passive.
The physical violence is the final point, according to Mr Nugent, but there is a broad spectrum of behaviours that occur beforehand from emotional abuse to coercive and controlling habits.
All of those behaviours are considered to be “a form of violence”, however, it’s not seen as so by men with those tendencies through the belief that “they understand violence is when [they] physically grab her or physically hurt her”.
“What I tell men is that we’ve been taught that to show vulnerability is a sign of weakness, but to be able to embrace vulnerability and sit with it is a sign of strength,” Mr Nugent said.
Toxic masculinity is a prevalent issue ingrained into many men, and a change in behaviour would benefit women, children and men themselves; while also a boon towards mental health, it is a crucial step from officials serving intervention orders to families’ front doors.
“When someone’s been choked or strangled, that’s the far end of the point, [men aren’t] getting what they want,” Mr Nugent said.
Speaking form their point of view, Mr Nugent said it’s as if “’you’re not meeting my needs and I’m losing control, I want to gain control – I want to maintain control in this relationship’”.
While many factors play into family violence, addressing the roots of toxic masculinity and the need to always be in control is a major step that needs to be taken through behavioural change.
Ultimately, early intervention through education and proper assistance is key in tackling long-term problems since after all, “men cannot change in a short time”.
For Mr Nugent and Heavy METAL, it’s about nurturing that progress through years of connection and acceptance with vulnerability, expressing oneself and finding self-worth in traits that do not embed themselves in the toxic aspects of masculinity.
In an emergency, call triple-zero (000). 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
Major Road Projects Victoria reopened the new-look Berwick-Cranbourne Road signalised intersection on Friday 5 July.
Upgrading the ninth and final intersection on the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade, crews switched the lights on and got traffic flowing.
Upgrading the former roundabout to traffic signals, including a full set of pedestrian crossings, is part of the project’s commitment to enabling safer and easier journeys for everyone across Cranbourne.
With the Berwick-Cranbourne Road intersection reopened, pedestrians and cyclists can navigate around the area on a dedicated cycling and walking path.
With more than nine kilometres of shared
walking and cycling paths, the project aims to create better access for everyone who uses the area and encourage more walking and cycling throughout the suburb.
The Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade is set to complete major works in August, a year ahead of schedule.
Works are also continuing to place the top layer of asphalt across the project, install centre medians and guardrails, and complete the new shared walking and cycling path.
After major works are complete in August, there’ll be some lane closures and speed reductions in place at times while crews finish minor works including landscaping and turning on the new permanent streetlights.
Police arrested almost 70 family violence offenders in three days as part of an operation in the Southern Metro police region last week.
Among them was a 31-year-old man who had allegedly assaulted his former partner in public.
She required hospital treatment for a facial laceration, significant bruising and broken teeth.
The man had been avoiding police for a month and was also wanted for theft and drug-related charges.
He will face court later this month.
Many of the offenders were violent on multiple occasions against partners and had been “actively evading” authorities, police say.
Their offences included assaults, threats, harassment and technology-facilitated abuse.
Some had blackmailed victims into keeping their whereabouts secret, have multiple outstanding warrants and are flouting family violence safety notices and family violence intervention orders.
Police also served 47 family violence intervention orders and executed 58 outstanding warrants.
“It shows just how serious we are in ensuring family violence offenders are held responsible for their actions and the harm they wreak on their partners and children,” Southern Metro Region Inspector Rodney Maroney said.
“Family violence is never acceptable. It can never be excused and it can never be justified.”
Also arrested was a 39-year-old man who allegedly assaulted his former partner and her dog. She was left with severe bruising.
The man had been allegedly avoiding police for three months.
Police allegedly found him in company of the former partner, breaching a family violence intervention order.
He also allegedly contravened a community corrections order for drug possession, failing to answer bail and assaulting the same former partner.
The man was remanded to face court later this month.
A 25-year-old man was found hiding under a bed at his partner’s house despite a family violence intervention order requiring him to stay away.
The man was wanted for several family violence incidents and stealing his partner’s vehicle.
He was remanded to face court at a later date.
A 43-year-old man who allegedly committed technology-related abuse against a former partner and contravened a family violence intervention order was also arrested.
He’d been evading police for four months.
The man was arrested and released pending summons.
A 29-year-old man who allegedly persistently contravened a family violence intervention order. The man, wanted for almost a month, had also been sought over theft-related offences. He was found while allegedly attempting to steal from a shopping complex. He was charged and remanded to face court later this month.
Support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.
au No to Violence runs a Men’s Referral Service which helps men who use violence to change their behaviour and can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Family violence can be dispelled within a generation – but it needs clear leadership, says the inspirational Hana Assafiri.
At the launch of Assafiri’s memoir Hana: The Audacity to be Free, she was part of a panel on family violence hosted by Wellsprings for Women on 3 July.
In her book, Assafiri traverses her life in migrating to Lebanon and back to Australia, as well as being family violence victim-survivor, support worker and the founder of the iconic Moroccan Soup Bar.
Assafiri called for “unequivocal” leadership and the end of “double-speak” about violence against women.
“We say we want to create this great utopian world where women would be safe.
“But we justify, condone and even reward behaviours that bully, coerce and violate women in practice.
“We see this play out in the highest office in the land. In Parliament House, how people abuse one another in Question Time. On the football field. In wars.
“These are all extensions of the same mindset.”
She told the forum that sadly for women the issue was “commonplace”. It was important to talk about the issue in a way that women could “imagine a way out”.
Back in the 1960s, her late Lebanese-born mother’s depression while in Melbourne showed that the services available didn’t “translate” for her.
The family, including a five-year-old Assafiri, moved to Lebanon in an effort to help her mother.
One of the biggest differences that could be made was to make family violence services more accessible to everyone, she said.
Advertising campaigns on family violence were not as clear and pervasive as ‘Slip, slop, slap’ and 0.05 drink-driving campaigns.
The 1800 RESPECT hotline was little known, and should be replaced with simply calling triple-0.
She added why was it that women and children were taken away into refuges, rather than the perpetrators who could be put through treatment.
Co-panellist Sandra Maudier from Wellsprings told the audience not to be afraid to “ask the question” to suspected victims.
Dr Nimini Fernando backed up the point, advising people not to “give up” on offering support and to “travel with them”.
It took women about two years to act on violence against them at home, she said.
Wellsprings for Women chief executive
Dalal Smiley said Assafiri’s story left her “gobsmacked”, despite knowing her in the familyviolence sector since the 1980s.
“Sometimes just one of those issues can leave you with trauma for a lifetime. Yet she used her experience to make so much out of it.
“The simplicity of what she did in addressing family violence in women’s lives makes you realise how complicated we make things working in this sector.”
Assafiri left the family violence sector – frustrated by being unable to find safe accommodation for a fleeing woman and two children.
It led her to the Moroccan Soup Bar, a restaurant that she imagined would be a safe space for women.
She wanted to flip the notion of kitchens being a place of female subjugation, but a means to gain financial empowerment.
Common wisdom is that women on average leave an abuser seven times before exiting the last time. In 25 years at Moroccan Soup Bar, not one of the women returned to a violent partner.
“If you provide enduring, better options
than the circumstances of violence, then women don’t need to go back.”
Safe and Equal board chair Maria Dimopoulos said the book was “inspiring as much as it is searingly painful” – breaking the silence on child sexual abuse and domestic violence.
She quoted from the prologue: “I wish for readers to recognise it’s in the cracks of vulnerability where we find our strength”.
Assafiri said she wanted to take the “shame and humiliation” away from those who endure abuse.
And to “place it where it belongs – to the perpetrators … and those who maintain the system of secrecy and silence.”
“Equally these events don’t define who you become – and nor should they ever.”
In a passage describing child sexual abuse, she left a page blank – “I tried to find the way to capture the essence … in the end you say nothing, you say everything,” she said.
However, on being told of the abuse, her mother attempted to avoid further humiliation by setting up Assafiri in an arranged marriage.
“I went from the hands of one abuser to another,” Assafiri told the audience. But it gave her the “capacity of lived experience”.
In her imagination and “secret escapes”, she found a “world of possibility”. Leaving the abusive marriage was “harrowing” but then formed the “possibility of being freed”.
She wished she had a book similar to her memoir as a companion during the “aloneness”.
“It’s in the absolute isolation - both culturally and individually - that’s where violence thrives. It takes people away from their social connections and networks.”
She hoped that in the pages, readers could see a “pathway of hope”.
Proceeds for the book Hira: The Audacity to be Free go to the First Nations women’s domestic violence service Djirra.
In an emergency, call triple-zero (000). 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Wellsprings
for Women chief executive Dalal Smiley said in-language information was critical especially for newly-arrived women of migrant and refugee backgrounds - who may not know where to go for help.
“That is why settlement services are an important part of the whole family violence service system, even if they are not specialist family violence services, they know how to identify and refer.”
The State Government confirmed that Wellsprings was continuing to receive family violence prevention funding for at least another 12 months.
However Ms Smiley questions the “oneoff” funding approach.
“It is a pity and also we feel that both the Commonwealth and State Governments should allocate on going funding for prevention services.
“That is the only way we are going to see intergenerational change.
“This is not a one -off project.”
It was important to reach out to culturally diverse communities and raise awareness on what are gendered forms of abuse, she says.
“They might not even know what they are
experiencing is actually abuse and is illegal especially when the violence is not physical.
“That is why we have been advocating for on-going funding for prevention work at
grass roots levels.
“Because otherwise very vulnerable and isolated women will continue to be at much higher risk of becoming victims of domestic
and family violence and at times from multiple perpetrators.”
At Wellsprings, it has tailored its approach to family violence due to women not receiving the help that met their cultural, religious and personal circumstances..
“Our case workers are bicultural/bilingual and we support women who are in abusive relationships but not wanting to leave or ready to leave yet.
“A choice we made as such support is not universally provided.”
The outcome much depends on whether the service is culturally appropriate, she says.
“Was the victim/survivor supported in a way that she wanted to be supported and for the duration of time she needs that support?
“If she has children, were they also protected and supported in a way that did not further compound the trauma she is already dealing with?”
A Victorian Government spokesperson said $2.1 million was invested to support multicultural and faith organisations to deliver tailored family-violence initiatives in 2024-’25.
“All women in Victoria have the right to live safely, freely and without fear of family violence.
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 dates are:
Friday 12 July – 5pm to 8pm
Saturday 13 July – 9am to 5pm
Sunday 14 July 9am to 5pm
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 are on display with a selection of items for sale.
· For more information, contact John McMahon on 0437 096 840 or bdwwcsec@outlook.com
Berwick Artists Society Art Show
Meet our artists and their art, enjoy free drinks and nibbles.
· 24 June - 13 July, Cranbourne Library, Casey Complex, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road. The exhibition can be viewed during the library’s open hours.
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 com-
munity! ASRC Foodbank @ RRH Dandenong is hosting 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
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 berwickneighbour-
Balla Balla Community Centre in Clyde North has a wide range of activities coming up in July, from meditation to citizenship test training and yoga.
· Citizenship Test Training: Do you want to take the Australian Citizenship Test? This 9-week course will help you to start getting ready to do this.
The course will help you understand Australian culture, history, laws, and your rights and responsibilities as Australian Citizens. This course will cover all the topics that are part of the test. Wednesdays starting 24th July 2.00pm - 4.00pm
· Meditation: Mindfulness Mediation – Connecting and transforming Relationship with Self, Other and the Living World. Suitable for all including Beginners. Monday starting 29th July for 6 weeks
· Women in the Workplace - This 4 week program is designed for women of all cultural backgrounds, including those newly arrived in Australia. Are you returning to the workplace, or wanting to plan your career path-
hoodcentre.com or contact the centre’s Timbarra office on 0397041863.
Combined Probus Club of Narre
Warren
Our club welcomes men and women to join us in getting together for fun and interesting activities.
We have bowling, armchair travel, book clubs, walk and talk, happy snappers and cards. Our eager activities co-ordinator has organised an evening on the Melbourne Tramboat, a “Spring in the Riverland’ holiday and much more.
At our monthly dine-outs and happy hour in local restaurants we enjoy good food and good company. We’d love you to join us too!!
· Enquiries please email Heather at hsims14@ gmail.com.
Scrabble Club
way or need to build your self-confidence to apply for jobs? Topics will include: Interview to succeed, Defining Career Goals, Building Confidence, Resilience, Budgets, Motivation and much more. Wednesdays starting 7th August 7.00pm - 9.00pm
· Playgroups – enrol into weekly Playgroup for craft, singing, sensory play, story time and more led by Early Learning Educators. Playgroup sessions are held Wednesdays and Thursdays and fill fast. Balla Balla Bubs Playgroup for 0-12 months is available on Wednesdays.
· Pilates (mat) – Improve your posture, increase your core strength, improve your flexibility and mobility. Day and Night classes available.
· Yoga – Experience gentle exercises, breath mastery and meditation, lower your blood pressure, boost your posture, enhance circulation, and embrace the journey to improved well-being.
· Late afternoon and Evening classes available.
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 one-to-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. Booking is essential as numbers are limited. · For more information, contact Bruce on 0447 554 475.
Probably one of the most common excuses that you will hear for things not getting done is “I did not have time” but this is never actually true. We all have 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week and 52 weeks in a year, so there is always time, the question is how we use it. As the great Albert Einstein once said: “Time is relative; its only worth depends upon what we do as it is passing.”
Think about some of the most effective people you know, and you may well wonder how they manage to achieve so much within a particular timeframe when we struggle just to complete the basics. The answer is that these people are typically excellent at managing priorities. The same is true of course in business –those companies that set the correct priorities for the company will do better than those that don’t. However, here there is an extra level of complexity since for this to work, the priorities of everyone in the business need to align; let me demonstrate by means of an example.
lent coxswain and four average rowers. Boat B has an ordinary coxswain but four good rowers. When the starting gun is fired, which boat will reach the flag first? The answer will be A since the good coxswain will prioritise their time to ensure that the boat is correctly configured, all rowers are clear on the objective and that they row in unison. By comparison, the ordinary coxswain will not have done the necessary preparation nor be good at directing their team. It’s a bit like the difference a great coach can make to a sporting team.
Picture two boats (A and B) each with the goal to reach the flag on the opposite bank of the river before the other. Boat A has an excel-
Okay so if prioritisation is important, how can this be done simply and easily? The first step is to list all the tasks that need to be considered in planning your time over a given period. For each task, you determine how im-
portant this task is and allocate a score in the range 1 to 5 where 1 = not that important and 5 = extremely important. Then do the same thing regarding each task’s level of urgency where 1 = not urgent and 5 = very urgent. You will then end up with a pair of numbers which should be multiplied together and captured in the ‘Result’ column. The higher the result number, the greater the need to focus on it. It is important to remember that the end result provides a guide on the sequence or order in which things should be done, you still need to apply some common sense to the actions you take.
Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I’m a baker, and sometimes I come up with the most unique and unusual cake designs. I also write songs and poetry and quotes. Many of works have been published both in Australia and overseas.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love building children’s self-esteem and confidence. My relationship with the families is the core aspect of my job, as I believe parents are a child’s first teacher.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
I would be a wolf. “A wolf’s strength lies not only in its powerful presence but in its unyielding spirit and the unwavering loyalty to its pack.”
What was your most memorable moment?
When I got married to the man of my dreams. What were you like as a kid?
I was creative and a dreamer. I dreamed big and imagined myself accomplishing many things as an adult.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I would love to witness the first moon landing in 1969. Watching humanity take its first steps on the lunar surface would be an awe-inspiring and monumental moment in history. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
· Leonardo da Vinci - To discuss his incredible inventions and artistic masterpieces.
· Marie Curie - To learn about her groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
· Maya Angelou - To be inspired by her poetry and wisdom.
· Albert Einstein - To explore his revolutionary ideas in physics.
· Jane Austen - To talk about her timeless novels and the society she lived in.
with Wida Tausif
· Nelson Mandela - To hear about his journey and insights on leadership and resilience. What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Works have commenced at the Ray Bastin Reserve to transform it into a revitalised regional park, with upgrades to the existing playground equipment, skate park and BMX track.
The $3.1 million redevelopment project will also include a range of active and passive experiences, such as a fitness circuit and fitness equipment, including a dedicated area for older adults, and a multi-use court with both netball and basketball rings.
The City of Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said that the transformation of the reserve “reflects council’s commitment to providing amenities for the community to be active, healthy and connected”.
Other new amenities also include a barbecue, picnic space with shelters and seating and upgrades to the existing public toilets.
Minister for Planning and Suburbs Sonya Kilkenny said that “we’re investing in community wellbeing by supporting local councils to build new and improved facilities in our fastest growing suburbs”.
“We’re building better places for people to live, work and connect with one another and supporting thriving communities.”
The council received $1.6 million in funding from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, as well as $250,000 from Sports and Recreation through the Local Sport Infrastructure Fund; with the council contributing $1.495 million to the project.
Ms Duff added that the council “extensively engaged” with the community during its planning to ensure that the project met the locale’s requirements and suggestions.
This included talks with senior community
members who provided input into the exercise equipment, including discussions with Aboriginal Elder’s reference groups to assist with formulating the park’s connection to Country “which will be realised through native vegetation landscaping, play elements and reflection spaces”.
NarreWarren North MP BelindaWilson said that the upgrade will be a “fantastic asset” for the rapidly growing community, “providing safer and more inclusive outdoor spaces residents can enjoy for years to come”.
The overall Growing Suburbs Fund is a $440 million state government investment over 10 years that has since provided $1.3 billion of critical local infrastructure in LGAs like the City of Casey, with an additional $5 million from the 2024-25 state budget.
THREE … ways to
Creative, ambitious, and never give up. What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
Long road trips with loud music.
1 Reduce energy consumption: Simple actions such as turning off lights, devices and other appliances that consume electricity when not in use can make a significant impact in the long run, not just in terms of advocacy, but also as a form of saving.
2
Promote and participate in sustainable practices: Getting involved with local community projects such as tree planting, community gardens or local clean-up events is a good way to advocate for sustainability.
3
Adopt renewable energy sources: If possible, switching to an energy provider that offers renewable energy options is a good step forward, as well as installing solar panels and investing in home energy storage as a way to reduce your own carbon footprint.
$500,000
An unrivalled location on the corner of Station Street and Rossiter Road in the heart of Koo Wee Rup. The site of 118m2, offers the unique opportunity to occupy one premises, while receiving an income from the other with an established tenancy in place.
The site benefits from the following features:
• Established tenant in place paying $1,030 + GST, and outgoings per month on a lease to February 2025, with a 3-year option to renew • Suitable for immediate owner occupation in the other premises • Prominent corner location • Rear shared car park Address: 275 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup
By Matthew Sims
Eighty clubs across the East and South East districts of Melbourne and into the Mornington Peninsula came together in Pakenham recently to celebrate the merging of two districts into one new district - District 9815.
The merging came off the back of one of the districts falling below the threshold of 1100 members, with District 9810 and 9820 merging into the new district during an official merging and changeover celebration on Saturday 29 June at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
New District Governor Colin Byron said there were about 300 people in attendance across 54 clubs, including the Rotary clubs of Pakenham and Casey.
“It was a very good night,” he said.
Rotary International has more than 1.4 million members across more than 200 countries, including members across Rotaract clubs for students and young professionals, Interact clubs for young leaders aged 12 to 18 in high schools and Earlyact clubs for primary school students.
Mr Byron said the aim of the new district would be in attracting new members across all age groups and supporting a Rotary-wide transition towards more specific groups.
“Whilst Australia has a significant amount of people willing to volunteer, young people don’t want to come to a dinner every week,” he said.
“We’re now adopting a new model for more cause-based initiatives.
“There’s a lot of new club formats.”
Mr Byron said there were a number of areas which Rotary acts in, including peace, environment and maternal health, with anybody welcome to propose a new club to support people within their community.
“If somebody has a cause, it could be an idea we can develop into a club,” he said.
Mr Byron said Rotary was also excited to continue towards the eradication of polio after becoming a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and reducing global polio cases by 99.9 per cent since its first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.
“If we eliminate it, it could be only the second disease to be eliminated,” he said.
Mr Byron said the new district was looking
forward to how new models could be implemented.
“We’re introducing a change in our operational model,” he said.
“We need to do more impactful projects.
“Rotary is trying to focus on what we can do to make a difference.”
For more information on District 9815, visit rotary9815.org.au
Between Monday 15 July and Friday 19 July, the City of Casey’s pet registration fees will be capped at a heavily discounted rate of $5.
While the offer applies to online registrations only, Casey’s chair of administrators, Noelene Duff PSM said that the fees from pet registration help with a wide range of services, including assisting to reunite pets with owners if lost.
“[Also] education programs on responsible pet ownership including road shows and events, our Maternal and Child Health Centre’s ‘We Are Family’ program, and education in school on safety around animals,” Ms Duff said.
The city currently has approximately 37,000 registered cats and dogs, with rates for dogs and cats who have been desexed normally sitting at $50, and $25 for pensioners.
Dogs that have not been desexed however would usually have a full fee of $222, with $111 for pensioners; puppies under six months have a full fee of $111 while it sits at $55.50 for pensioners.
According to law, all cats and dogs over three months of age must be registered with the council, with Ms Duff adding that “the fees also help council to investigate puppy farms, dog attacks and prosecute offending owners”.
For more information and to register your pet, visit casey.vic.gov.au/registeryour-pet
By Marcus Uhe
The contributions of Kim McGill to the Narre Warren Football Netball Club have been enshrined in immortality through the elevation to Legend Status in the club’s Hall of Fame.
McGill became the first to reach such heights on Saturday night, as the club celebrated its 70th year anniversary with the induction of nine of the club’s biggest names to the Hall of Fame.
He said he was “taken aback” when informed of the recognition.
“I started thinking about the footy club and what I did for the football club, but it was more what the football club did for me in some ways, in my early times,” McGill said.
“My family has been involved in the footy club since day one.
“Back in 1954 my father and my uncles played footy, then my mother pushed me round in a pusher at the 1957 grand final, so that’s where it all started.
“It was about going back and seeing people that I got to meet, grow up with and in a lot of ways, direct me in my path and general wellbeing.”
McGill’s official involvement with the club dates back to 1972 when he joined the Under-17 side, having watched his father Courtney play senior football.
His senior career spanned 20 years and amassed more than 200 games, but it was his work off the field that is held in highest regard.
Under his leadership as President between 2004 and 2012, the club soared to powerhouse status in suburban Melbourne with five premierships, including the historic three-peat of 2006, 2007 and 2008.
During this period, the Colts side won four consecutive premierships from 2009 to 2012, while the Reserves and Under 19s sides won three apiece.
From a netball perspective, he and his wife Janette revived the netball club, turning it into the thriving and successful entity that we see today, consistently fielding high numbers of teams in both junior and senior netball, and regularly tasting success.
His time on the club’s committee totals 16 years, having also served as Vice President and Treasurer, along with numerous game day volunteer capacities.
Those at the club today feel it was through McGill’s contributions that the club is what it is today, a force in the local football and netball scene in the South East of Melbourne.
On top of restoring the netball program, and pioneering the construction of the social club rooms at Kalora Park, McGill helped to lift the club from a difficult position in the early 2000s through establishing strong bonds with the Narre Warren North Junior Football Club and securing sponsors to elevate the club’s status in the community.
By returning netball to the agenda, the club was able to better accommodate all members of local families, arguably his proudest achievement of the lot.
“My two daughters played netball, my son played football, so it was a family affair,” McGill said
“I think bringing back the netball coined the phrase that it became the ‘family club’; it was the families that came on board and have been there for the last 20 years, that have had their sons playing footy and their daughters play netball.
“Those families have been involved in the netball as well and it’s certainly been a family orientated club since then.”
The nine inductees represent a ‘who’s who’ of the black and white machine.
From the football club’s “best ever” player in Michael Collins to those who helped create the winning formula behind the scenes in the netball club, all inductees are more than worthy of the recognition for their contributions across the 70 years of the club.
BRAD ALEXANDER
· Time at the club: 2000 - present
· 130 games
· Reserves Best and Fairest in 2003 (Vice Captain)
· Veterans Best and Fairest in 2015 (inaugural year)
· Two seasons as Reserves football assistant coach (2006 - 07)
· Three years on the Committee (2006 - 2009)
· 11 years total as a team manager in Seniors and Reserves football
· Senior runner since 2020
· Awarded Life Membership in 2015
· Ted & Wendy Best Club Person 2012, 2013, 2017.
· Sponsors/donates to the club every year.
One of the club’s most recognisable faces, ‘Joffa’ and his wife Sonya have been enormous contributors to the club over the years, with Brad still donning the pink on Saturday afternoons as the senior side’s runner, while Sonya serves on the committee as the club’s secretary.
MICHAEL COLLINS
· Time at the club: 2000-2019
· 298 Senior games
· 30 Under 18s games
· Senior captain 2011 - 2016
· 11 Senior grand finals - seven premierships
· One grand final in Under 18s
· Eight Senior Best and Fairest awards
· Numerous interleague representations
· Awarded Life Membership in 2014
A hulking midfielder with countless accolades during his time in the black and white, ‘Collo’ is regarded as the club’s greatest ever footballer, and had the senior football Best and Fairest award named in his honour.
Few sights struck fear into opposing sides quite like Collins making his way into the middle for a centre bounce on game day, with his blend of aggression and skill lifting the club to numerous famous victories.
DARREN DWYER
· Time at the club: 1991-present
· Approximately 120 Senior games, 0 reserves games
· Senior premiership winner in 1992, grand final appearance in 1993
· Best on Ground in the 1992 grand final win
· Senior Club captain 1994 - 1997
· Chairman of Selectors 1999 - 2000
· Organised Sportsperson’s Lunch, Golf Days and other Fundraisers 2009 – 2024
· Awarded Life Membership in 2001
· Club Vice President 2017 – 2024
· Won Ted & Wendy Best Club Person 2021
A star centre-half-forward as player “Dasha” whose work in fundraising and as theVice President over many years has helped make the club what it is today.
HAYDEN JAMES
· Time at the club: 1991-present
· 340 club games across Under 18s, Reserves, Seniors & Over 35s, where he still plays.
· Three Reserves premierships (1993, 2002 and 2006), one Over 35s premiership (2023)
· Best on Ground in 2002 Reserves grand final win
· 2006 Reserves premiership captain
· 1994 Reserves Best and Fairest
· 33 years of continuous service to the football club and 30 years on the committee
· Team manager/coordinator/player of the Over 35s team, 2015 - present
· 20 years running the Major $5000 raffles
· Two seasons as an Under 18s assistant coach
· Awarded Life Membership in 2003
The service and loyalty ‘H’ has shown to the club has been outstanding over a long period of time. The driving force behind the Over 35s team, which has welcomed many new people to the club, his hard work was rewarded onfield with the 2023 Over 35s premiership, while his name will live on through the Best and Fairest for the Over 35s team being named in his honour.
DEAN MASHADO
· More than 40 years of involvement at the club
· In excess of 200 games across Seniors, Reserves and Over 35s.
· Reserves premiership player in 1992 and 1993
· Reserves premiership co-captain in 1993
· Almost 30 years on the committee between 1991 and 2024
· Awarded Life Membership in 2016
It was hard to miss ‘Deano’ on the footy field, instantly recognisable with his long hair and numerous tattoos. Having come through the junior football club, Dean’s love for the Magpies dates back longer than most, exemplified by commitment to each and every task
asked of him. Often the first to help set up on a Saturday after spending Friday night marking the lines and tidying the club rooms for a massive weekend, Mashado is described as the ‘ultimate club person’.
MICHELLE MASHADO
· More than 30 years of involvement at the club
· Coached eight premiership victories between 2014 – 2023 across the junior and senior netball programs, including four in 2023.
· Almost 30 years on the committee between 1991 and 2024
· National Netball Mum of the Year 2013
· Awarded Life Membership in 2021 As well as raising seven kids, ‘Shelly’ has been an inspirational coach and mentor at the Narre Warren Football Netball Club. ‘Shelly’s coaching prowess has seen her coach many Association sides and Victorian junior sides. Her passion for Narre Warren and netball has helped introduce many families to the club and she has often coached multiple teams in the one season. She has also made the club a much better place, organising numerous activities for the Club including the Amazing race, Christmas in July, Mexican Nights and many other fun themed nights.
JANETTE McGILL
· Time at the club: 1991 – 2017
· Netball Coordinator 2004 - 2013
· Netball Best Club Person 2008
· Served on the Committee from 2004 - 2017
· Club Secretary 2014 - 2017
· Canteen helped 1991 - 1993
· Awarded Life Membership in 2010 Janette’s drive and passion helped set up the Narre Warren Netball Club. The first few years were very tough however NarreWarren Netball continued to improve and is now regarded as the benchmark of all Football Netball clubs and Janette was a big influence on this.
STUART STEPHENSON
· Time at the club: 1991 – present
· Approximately 190 games across Seniors, Veterans and Over 35s
· Senior Premiership winner in 1992, grand final appearance in 1993
· Four years as Reserves coach, with two premierships and one grand final appearance
· Four seasons as assistant coach in the Seniors, with two premierships and one grand final appearance
· Under 19s assistant coach/runner 2006, 2007
· Organised functions and fundraising efforts 2009 – 2023
· Club president 2017 – 2023
· Awarded Life Membership in 2009
Stephenson had the unenviable task of steering the club through tumultuous waters as president during the unprecedented times of Covid-19 and ensured the club was in a better place than when he started by the time he stepped down as president. He can still be found pitching in behind the scenes despite stepping down from the top job, championing both the football and netball programs at Kalora Park.
CHRIS TONER
· Started at the club in 1991
· 175 Senior games, 25 Reserves games
· 1993 Reserves premiership player
· Reserves coach 2005
· Senior coach 2011 – 2015
· Premiership coach 2012, 2013
· Committee member during the 1990s
· Awarded Life Membership in 2001
‘Sava’ was a tough, rugged footballer who always gave 100 per cent. He is regarded as a strong, tactical match day coach who has many great battles with Cranbourne during his coaching period including the 2013 classic and finished with an outstanding winning record. During his tenure as coach, the Senior side broke the long-standing consecutive games record of 44 wins between 2012 and 2014. Away from Kalora Park, Toner at one stage employed half the club at Toner Plumbing, and has been a long term sponsor of the club.
-Thanks to Stuart Stephenson for his contribution to this story-
By Marcus Uhe
A spirited effort from Pakenham against a competition heavyweight was not enough for the brave Lions to overcome the all-conquering Narre Warren at home in the Outer East Football Netball A Grade netball competition on Saturday afternoon.
The Lions fought hard for three quarters but lacked the shooting prowess and depth of talent across the court that the Magpies wield, going down 57-50 under grey skies at Toomuc Reserve.
Erin Bell returned to the starting lineup for the Magpies and it was clear that both sides had made her a focus.
With a height advantage over Caitlin Cooke, Chelsea Tonna and the remaining Magpies looked to find Bell with every opportunity close to the net, with the veteran displaying all her professional nous in a brilliant display of post-play in the goal circle.
Cooke looked to have her hands full, but received great support from further up the court in an effort to limit the number of passes into the goal circle, and Charlize Reid switched onto her when the opportunities came.
Tonna, meanwhile, was afforded space by the Pakenham defensive pair to shoot in an effort to keep the ball out of Bell’s hands
Jordyn Adams and Millicent Utber played critical roles in the midcourt, as Adams showed what is quickly become a trademark ability of hers to intercept opposition passes in flight.
Pakenham’s shooters, in Kelly Cousins and Charlotte Hudolin, lacked the supply of their counterparts in black and white, but took the chances when they came.
Pakenham led 16-14 at the first break before Narre Warren found their groove in an impressive second term.
Sophie Hennessey’s energy and height on the wings gave the Magpies a point of difference in a quarter where they outscored the hosts 15-10.
A six-minute period where Narre Warren scored nine of 10 goals flipped the score from 18-16 in Pakenham’s favour to a 20-27 Narre Warren lead, but Pakenham closed strong to make it just a three-goal margin at the long break.
The third term was a goal-for-goal affair, with Pakenham refusing to defer to the reigning champions despite their standing and status.
Pakenham coach Matthew Cooke moved Adams to goal defence and used the smaller but quicker Kaitlyn Jones in the middle.
Adams’ size helped to combat Bell and Grace Ioelu in the Narre Warren goal circle but not enough to make major inroads in the scoreline.
While the third quarter margin never stretched beyond five goals, Pakenham could not close the gap to smaller than two.
Narre Warren took a five goal lead into the
final term, and did their best to shut the door on the prospect of an upset with a dominant opening to the fourth quarter.
Six of the quarters first seven goals went in the Magpies’ net as they raced out to a gamehigh 10-goal lead after six minutes.
The Lions fought the contest out to the end and outscored the Magpies in the quarter after the initial onslaught, but failed to reel the lead in, falling seven goals short.
While not the final result that the Lions would have wanted, the performance will no doubt fill Cooke and the coaching staff with confidence heading into the back half of the season with a favourable draw that does not feature contests with Wandin or Mt Evelyn.
Erin Bell finished with 32 goals for Narre Warren, with Hennessey and Brittany Mashado among the Magpies’ best.
One of the most significant contests of the
season, however, took place at Mt Evelyn between the Rovers and Bulldogs, where the Rovers suffered a second consecutive loss.
With scores tied at 43-apiece between two of the competition’s best sides, Wandin scores four of the final six goals to reverse a threequarter-time deficit into a two-goal win.
Mt Evelyn led for much of the first half and even held a six-goal lead late in the first term, but an even second half saw the lead change ownership a number of times in a tense battle.
Mt Evelyn dropped to third on the table as a result of the back-to-back losses, now a game and half now 1.5 games back from Wandin in second place.
Wandin and Narre Warren appear destined for a top-two finish and a first week off, barring a series of upsets in the closing six weeks of competition.
Pakenham’s loss and Monbulk’s low-scor-
ing win over Upwey Tecoma sees the Hawks leapfrog Pakenham into fourth place, now two points clear of the Lions in fourth.
Elsewhere, a monster 56-goal haul from Kaylah Loulanting helped Emerald to a 70-44 win over Olinda Ferny Creek at home.
It’s the seventh-highest individual scoring haul from any A-Grade player in 2024 and the first score of 50 or more for Loulanting in what has been a stunning maiden year in Premier Division A-Grade that has her in contention for the leading goalscorer award come season’s end.
ROC’s finals chances took a major hit thanks to a 56-50 loss to Woori Yallock, leaving them now three games back from sixth-placed Emerald, and Gembrook Cockatoo secured a first win since round two in a 49-23 result over Berwick Springs.
By Marcus Uhe
A long and difficult season appears to be catching up with the young, spirited Berwick side as the Eastern Football Netball League Premier Division season enters its final third.
A pair of heavy defeats on Clint Evans’ brave and ambitious side in the last fortnight come with signs that the team’s inexperienced and exhausted bodies could do with a break.
On Saturday the Wickers conceded the first 12 of the contest and did not kick one themselves until Jai Neal made the Bulls pay for a risky turnover deep in defence, eight minutes into the final term.
Berwick kicked four of the final five goals of the afternoon to add respectability to the scoreline, but the damage had already been done in the opening three terms.
13.14 92 to 4.7 31 read the final score, on the back of an 81-point loss to Blackburn the previous week in which they also only managed four majors for the afternoon.
Lachlan Hollis, Majok Puok and cap-
tain Tom Brennan each found an avenue to goal in the final term, joining Neal on the scoresheet.
For much of the afternoon Berwick looked overawed by the physicality and pressure the more experienced heads of Noble Park applied to the contest.
While they held Noble Park goalless in long sequences, the Bulls’ ability to score quickly in patches was a major story in the
outcome of the contest.
It took 16 minutes for the Bulls to open the scoring in the opening term, but they would kick the next five before the end of the quarter to outdo all of Berwick’s hard work earlier in the contest.
Berwick battled for any territory ascendency in the first half, outhunted in the middle by the Noble Park midfield crop of Jackson Sketcher, Luke Bull, Lachlan McDonnell and Chris Horton-Milne.
Without Ashton Williamson, serving the first of his three week suspension for engaging in unreasonable rough conduct last week for laying a high bump on a Blackburn player in the second quarter, the Wickers lacked the physical presence required in the middle of the ground.
Berwick’s tackling pressure came to the fore in the third quarter in a renewed and invigorated approach after half time, and once again they forced Noble Park into a long stretch without scoring, but Noble Park’s ability to score quickly came back to haunt
Berwick, kicking four more quick goals to end the quarter.
On the back of other results around the competition in round 12, Berwick’s fate appears sealed, likely to play Division One football in 2025.
Doncaster East’s defeat of Norwood increased the gap between ninth and eighth to 12 points, while the Lions’ percentage remains far greater than the Wickers’, adding another layer of difficulty in climbing out of the drop zone.
The two will come face-to-face this week, in a chance for Berwick to cut the gap, but the Wickers will tackle Balwyn and East Ringwood in the following fortnight, currently first and second, respectively, on the table.
East Ringwood inflicted Balwyn’s second loss of the season on Saturday, winning by 17 points, while Rowville appears to be rounding into form at an ideal time, having beaten Vermont by 10 goals in a grand final rematch on Sunday.
By David Nagel
Sports historian and former Pakenham Gazette football scribe Bob Utber has decided to put his investigative skills to the fore.
Daughter Karen handed to him a grotty, in fact filthy, cricket shield she found while cleaning out the family home in Pakenham a few weeks ago.
None of the family members know why and how this prestigious cricket premiers shield was in the possession of, admittedly, a sports mad family, but there was no family connection in the time the shield was played for in the Kooweerup-Pakenham Cricket Association.
The Utber family, Bob, Michael, Janette and Timothy all played for Pakenham at some time but not in those years.
Busy polishing the trophy for a few days as well as researching the local papers, Bob was at a complete loss as to why the trophy would have been in the possession of his family.
“My love of sport history has seen me pull out all stops to put this cricket shield correct and safely ensconced in the 1962-63 premiers club rooms,” Bob explained.
“Too much sports history is being lost with the new infrastructure that is being built at sports grounds due to Council regulations so I hope the winners still have club rooms that can display their historic victories.
“Many local councils only allow sporting clubs to display their trophies during their playing season.
“Like many people I always go into sporting clubrooms in whatever town I am in at the time mainly to see who the local heroes were.
“I am bitterly disappointed with councils who have no consideration for sports history, the fabric that many towns were built on,” he concluded.
The first premiership on the shield was in season 1926-27 when Pakenham South, sometimes called South Pakenham/Kooweerup, de-
feated Kooweerup Footballers.
The game played at Pakenham saw Pakenham South 81 (Charlie Shelton 7/43) and 107 (Charlie Shelton 5/30) defeat the Footballers 70 and 61 by 57 runs.
No batter figured in anything sensational but the Kooweerup Sun noted that the star bat in the competition, Geoff Cobb, was run out for two in the Footballers second innings.
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Beaconsfield winger Josh Mounter made his VFL debut on Sunday in Frankston’s 13.16 94 to 11.9 75 victory over Collingwood at Kinetic Stadium.
Mounter finished with 11 disposals, with his callup a product of hard work in several different state league squads.
The Beaconsfield junior has been around several state league squads prior to 2024 without cracking through.
The former Dandenong Stingray has done a preseason at Box Hill, spent time at SANFL side Sturt in 2022 and last year was part of Frankston’s Academy.
“It’s a good reward given he didn’t make ourVFL list (last year), trained with the Academy, got invited for a preseason with absolutely no guarantee and didn’t get a contract until late February,” Frankston coach Jackson Kornberg said.
“He’s an elite runner – he won our two kilometre time trial pretty comprehensively and he’s had a great year at Beacy.
“He held his own and played his role on the wing.
“With the wing, you look for someone who knows the role and is disciplined with his patterns and he is.
“His running capacity was strong and we needed someone we could trust out there so that’s why we landed on him.”
The 22-year-old has been a key piece for Beaconsfield in the Eastern Football Netball League, starting the season on the wing before moving into the midfield in recent weeks.
“He’s a player who has really earned his selection – he’s toiled away and worked hard on his game,” Beaconsfield coach Mick Fogarty said.
“His GPS numbers are outstanding – his ability to run all day; I’ve never seen anything like it.
“He really deserves his opportunity.
“He averages around 25 possessions, his balance inside and outside is really good and he’s a penetrating kick.”
Josh Mounter’s strong form for Beaconsfield and work ethic earned him a VFL opportunity on Sunday. (Rob Carew: 402311)
Mounter was one of four Beaconsfield locals in action on the day, with trusty goal kicker Matt Johnson and tall Harrison Coe playing alongside him for the Dolphins, and forward Hayden Brown playing for Collingwood.
Johnson currently sits equal fourth in the league goal kicking with 25 goals, 11 behind competition leader Billy Gowers.
“He’s got a pretty good tank and he’s the quickest bloke in the squad so his ability to get back (towards goal) is how he gets a lot of his goals,” Kornberg said.
Coe is establishing himself in the Dolphins’ lineup, playing his third consecutive game for the Dolphins after struggling for continuity early in 2024.
“He’s improving every week, hit the scoreboard on the weekend, took a couple of really good marks and gave himself some really good opportunities. He’s good in that second ruck spot as well,” the coach highlighted.
Elsewhere, Narre’s Jack Toner played his first game for 29 days, missing four weeks after suffering a nasty concussion against Southport in round 11.
He was a key contributor in Williamstown’s 27-point loss to a strong Gold Coast side, accumulating 21 disposals, seven tackles and four clearances.
Officer’s Cal Porter, meanwhile, was one of Box Hill’s best, racking up 25 disposals in a one-point victory over Geelong.
and 111 by an innings and 72 runs.
The winners were represented by Marcus, George and John Glasscock, Roy and Ron Harvey, Eric and Kelly Wealands, Ray Levey, Ben Broadbent, Dave McLachlan and Reg Hill.
Three father and son combinations were in the team.
Teams that won premierships in the 27 years inscribed were as follows: Tooradin (4) Lang Lang (4) Kooweerup East (3), Kooweerup West (3), Kooweerup (3), South Pakenham (3), Pakenham (3), Kooweerup Footballers (2), Officer (1) and Pakenham Stars (1).
In 1926-27 a team called Pakenham was premiers in the Dandenong-Berwick Association while Lang Lang was probably the best team in the district winning premierships in the Loch and District Association before coming back to Kooweerup-Pakenham.
A hint of why Lang Lang was so strong in this time was when they regularly supplied the first four batters for CountryWeek.
So, there are still five shields vacant from 1958-59 through to 1962-63.
Research in the Kooweerup Sun and Pakenham Gazette brought to light the winners
Tooradin (58-59), Berwick (59-60), Cranbourne (60-61), Kooweerup won by one run (61-62) and Cranbourne (62-63).
After all his research ‘Sherlock’ Utber has come to the conclusion that from 1958-59 the Association became part of the new conglomerate called the West Gippsland Association for the second coming.
The members of the winning team were: A. Watson,W and E. Ellett, A.R. and M. Jeremiah, F. Stevenson, L. Schultz, G. Geddes, P. Brierly and J. Banks.
The last premiership (1957-58) inscribed on the shield was Koo-Wee-Rup (spelling on the shield) who comfortably beat Five Mile in the Grand Final.
Kooweerup 278: (Ray Levey 133, Roy Harvey 47) defeated Five Mile 95 (G. Glasscock 4/29)
The original West Gippsland Association goes back to the 19th century when the competition was centred around Trafalgar.
So, what happens to the trophy?
Should it go to Kooweerup or the should the last shield plaque be filled with the winner in 1962-63?
“Elementary my dear Nagel, elementary,” Utber concluded with a smile.
By David Nagel
Some wise-old heads described it as the greatest gathering of footballers in its 134year history when the Beaconsfield Football Club hosted a reunion of its 1974, 2004 and 2014 premiership teams on Friday night.
And it’s hard to argue the point; with champions filling the horizon at Holm Park Reserve for as far as the eye could see; coming together as one for a very special moment in the club’s history.
Champions from all three premiership years were interviewed on the night, with Warren Ellam (1974), Haydn Robins (2004) and Scott Meyer (2014) recounting how they arrived at Beaconsfield; how their premierships were won, and what makes the club so special.
Club Historian Lawrie Canning and 1974
premiership player Wayne Goodes then reflected on the impact of their premiership coach, the late, great Jim Read.
The night finished with 2004 premiership coach Leigh Clifford and 2014 mentor Clint Evans reflecting on their respective premiership years.
Past-Players organiser and 2004 premiership player Michael Fisher did a magnificent job of producing a 44-page premiership booklet for the occasion, which was handed out to all in attendance.
Anne Read, wife of Jim Read, and Kerrie Graham, wife of 1974 premiership player Peter ‘Bonga’ Graham, were also on hand to represent their families on the night.
Many then regathered on Saturday as an injury-depleted Beaconsfield put up a brave fight against second-placed South Belgrave. Bless em all.
