News - Berwick Star News - 18th July 2024

Woodworks a sight to see

The Berwick District Woodworkers Club held their annual expo over the weekend, showcasing their incredible talents and handcrafted pieces.

The expo, which was held at the Old Cheese Factory, attracted crowds from far and wide as the club continues to experience solid growth.

Full story page 10

Leah Bolton with her “Cow Jumps Over the Moon” night light. A member for only 14 months, she admires the club’s culture of support, patience, knowledge and commitment. (418961)

Funding delays

By Ethan Benedicto

Delays in funding have seen changes made to theHamptonParkCentralCommunityPrecinct Master Plan, with the removal of the then-committed timeframe and costs, with plans to administer a new initiative when ready.

Due to the lack of financial commitments in the last five years, the new update’s removal now aligns with the council’s current available resources, ensuring that the overall strategy remains realistic and sustainable.

The Masterplan, which would see the redevelopment of local community infrastructure was dependent on whether the council received external funding, specifically from the State Government; currently, no sufficient funding is available.

The plan itself was initially endorsed on 7 November 2019, was reviewed on 7 November 2023 and underwent an administration change in July 2024.

The council in the Masterplan itself coined the need for changes and redevelopment with the growth of the suburb, which also means the increased “demand for its community facilities”.

The council agenda states that the timeline for the project will be revisited once there is more clarity regarding the external funding opportunities, with council officers continuing to advocate for said funding from both Federal and State Governments.

A major activity hub in the western fringes of the City of Casey, the redevelopment

sought to upgrade the precinct, which currently houses the Hampton Park Library, Youth Information Centre, Hampton Park East Kindergarten, Community House and the Arthur Wren Hall.

There is a vision to have Main Street as a pedestrian-focused retail and community destination with the capability to support large events, as well as the proposal of an integrated community hub complete with existing and new facility spaces.

Currently, the Masterplan has three stages of development, with future stages planned once the initial phases are completed.

The first stage focuses on delivering Main Street and Town Square, which would see Commerce Drive and Robinson Crescent

linked through said Main Street.

The Town Square itself would be the main centre of attention for the community, with a plaza play space, a water and dry play zone, the River Red Gum tree open space with more nature-centric areas such as the two children’s play spaces and a storm-water garden.

Stage two is the main building component, with the refurbished Arthur Wren Hall, a new Community Hub in addition to the already existing library and youth space.

The Hub is planned to have two storeys, with multi-purpose rooms, maternal and child health services, consultation rooms, support services office rooms and bookable community activity spaces.

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New home for history group

By Ethan Benedicto

A new chapter for the Narre Warren and District Family History Group doesn’t necessarily mean a change in operations, with the drive to be the helping hand for those seeking to delve into their lineage remaining steadfast.

After celebrating 35 years earlier in May, the group is looking to hold a Brick Walls general meeting on Saturday 20 July, where they aim to solve personal history roadblocks through roundtable discussions.

This meeting will be held at their new location at 110 High Street, Berwick, after their Cranbourne Research Room permanently closed on 15 June.

While still in the moving process, secretary and a member since 2002, Eileen Durdin is keen and said that the group’s upcoming meeting is for those who have problems, “big or small on researching family history”.

With a vast collection of Casey and Cardinia items, as well as connections with Bunjil Library and the Cranbourne Library, Ms Durdin is more than confident in their resources and capabilities.

For her, the answer to why someone should dive into their family history is simple: it’s interesting.

“There’s probably a lot of interest because of those shows such as Who Do You Think You Are and even Ancestry, [but] I always say that coming to a local group like ourselves is [different].

“We’ve got volunteers that are keen to help and guide them over those brick walls that

they may have,” she said.

Established in 1989, the group has since established a network for like-minded individuals to come together and explore their pasts, with the social aspect playing a big part in the

group’s identity.

The group operates like a library, but with expertise in history with a vast collection of books, records and online databases that members can utilise for their research.

Local community initiatives with events and collaboration with other history groups are some ways the NWDFHG keeps the fire hot, but also through a range of projects and preservation of local history pieces, which can range from cemetery transcriptions and publications to indexation of documents.

“There are a lot of stories to hear and that’s where, with our collections, we like to hear from people and their experiences and get it out there – sharing that information with everyone is important,” Ms Durdin said.

Just like the age-old method of passing down history through word-of-mouth, the act of exploring the family’s past is about establishing that sense of connection with not just oneself, but with others as well.

The process of doing so, while it may vary, starts“with yourself and you work backwards”.

“But it’s also about what you want to do with that family history; do you want to find out all the birth dates, deaths, and marriage dates of all your ancestors? Do you want to find out where they lived?

“We’ve got some specific how-to books, and normally, being part of a group you do learn from others; you know someone may be a specialist in Scotland research, or someone may be a specialist in Tasmanian research,” Ms Durdin said.

Soon to be located in the heart of Berwick, Ms Durdin and others are looking forward of what’s to come, and are more than eager to keep their work going.

Timeframe to be revisited for community precinct

From page 1

As for the Hall, there are plans for it to be transformed into a more usable, accessible and built-for-purpose space which would retain the shell of the existing facility but renew the storage, stage, entrance and amenities spaces.

A new space north of the hall will also be added, with possible future spaces looking to be a cafe, a library reading space, a gym and or dance hall or for other miscellaneous activities.

There will also be a shared foyer that will bring all buildings in the area together, with the Library and youth Centre retaining their existing format but with a reoriented main entrance facing said foyer.

The third stage plans to “retrofit” the existing Community House building in order to bring the council kindergarten service back into the precinct, which would be initially removed through the previous two stages.

The Community House would be designed to accommodate the relocated kindergarten, with projected final spaces to include two licensed kinder rooms, one

multi-purpose room, an outdoor kinder play area, an outdoor multi-purpose space, internal amenities, and staff reception and office space.

Future stages could include further upgrades to the library and youth information centre, with other sites looking at expansion of space for car parks to maximise use and ensure minimal impact to the main amenities.

Ongoing considerations for the council include consultation with key community stakeholders throughout the design of internal spaces, ensuring the use of technology and a ‘smart city’ approach, as well as sustainability and water-sensitive urban designs.

The council meeting on 16 July 2024 aims to discuss more on the topic, with more information to be added to the story.

A delay in funding for the Hampton Park Precinct meant a change in the Council’s timeframe for the project’s completion. (On File)

Eileen Durdin, the History Group’s secretary is looking forward to the upcoming general meeting. (Ethan Benedicto: 419859)

Floods hit Hallam hard

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Hallam businesses have been again stranded by the latest floodwaters across Centre Road and Rimfire Drive.

The industrial estate on those two roads, as well as a section of Hallam Road, were closed to traffic due to flooding from Hallam Valley flood plain on 16 July.

As of 10am the next day, Centre Road still resembled a lake – only traversed by trucks and other large vehicles.

Narre Warren SES unit rescued four stranded drivers from 65-centimetre deep waters during the flood’s peak.

Meanwhile Heatherton Road in Dandenong was also closed both ways due to an inundated Dandenong Creek.

Eclipse Security Systems owner Greg Flood, who is based in the Rimfire Drive estate, said he and his employees were working from home but it was difficult to get in deliveries.

“The ones I feel sorry for are the retail businesses and car mechanics who effectively can’t trade. There’s no way in or out for customers.”

In the past 18 months, he estimates about 10 floods in the water-logged estate – with Centre Road lower in some sections than the adjoining wetlands.

Businesses have long called for either a levee or the raising of Centre Road to repel the frequent flooding.

They’ve also requested repairing Centre Road bridge at Shrives Road as an alternative access. The bridge was long closed due to structural damage – though it was briefly reopened for a few hours for vehicle access on 16 July, Mr Flood said.

In late 2022, Casey Council called two online meetings to update business owners and staff as well as residents in Casey Greens es-

tate on assessments of the bridge and the lowpoints of Centre Road.

According to Mr Flood, businesses were told

there were plans to put a new drain in, but that it was “years” away. There appeared to be no immediate plans to repair the bridge, he said.

Record $159m in gambling losses across Casey

By Violet Li

Casey recorded a $159 million loss in gambling venues in the 2022-2023 financial year, which exceeds its previous greatest loss, a draft Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy reveals.

Casey currently has ranked second for Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM) losses among Victorian local councils, behind only the City of Brimbank.

The EGM losses dropped significantly during Covid but increased by 40 per cent to $159 million from 2022 to 2023. The greatest loss pre-Covid documented was $132 million in the 2018-2019 financial year. Up to March 2024, the losses amounted to $119 million in the last financial year.

The draft shows that there are 13 EGM gaming venues across Casey distributed disproportionately within lower socioeconomic communities, including five clustered in Cranbourne and smaller clusters in Hampton Park and Hallam.

Council states that this presented significant potential for harm to some of the mu-

nicipality’s most disadvantaged communities.

Council also states the concern that Casey’s growth areas have seen new venue

Enrolling for 2025 and 2026

applications, but those communities had not established demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, which made the assessment of vulnerability challenging.

“Moreover, the relative lack of community and recreational facilities lessens the availability of alternative recreational options in these areas, heightening the risk of harm,” the council states.

The draft reveals that the Council has taken a public health approach to minimise the harm caused by gambling and will also address the harm through five key areas, including advocacy, planning and regulation, leadership, research and data, and community development and engagement.

In the planning and regulation policy, Council states that it aims to ensure planning permits licensing applications relating to EGMs are assessed and responded to according to their social and economic impacts.

Council will discourage those that have not demonstrated a net community benefit.

It will also consider discouraging new gaming venues in growth areas where the

community and land use patterns have yet to be established and gaming venues and gaming machines from identified areas of disadvantage and gambling vulnerability.

A four-week public exhibition of the draft has seen many residents call for the Council to take a “bold step” to update the Casey Planning Scheme to ban any new EGM facilities, and if possible, phase out all EGMs in existing facilities over coming years. Some submissions also note that the word “discourage” used in the policy is soft, ambiguous and lacks commitment.

In response, Council says it does not have the authority to ban new or existing EGM venues outright.

“Council commits to reviewing the Casey Planning Scheme and planning policy to further strengthen decision-making guidelines on the locational characteristics where EGM venues are discouraged.”

We encourage every student to pursue excellence in all endeavours and aim to ensure every student achieves their best potential so they are ready - not just for the completion of their final exams but for life!

and to apply

Casey Council has deferred the endorsement of the Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy to August’s council meeting for more input.

(File)

Good weather for ducks, as a flooded Dandenong Creek closes off Heatherton Road. (Stewart Chambers: 419626)

A marooned SUV is passed by a ute at the flooded Centre Road and Rimfire Drive estate. (Supplied)

A raging Dandenong Creek at Kidds Road Doveton on 16 July. (Stewart Chambers: 419626)

Pedestrian injuries rise

By Ethan Benedicto

With shorter days and turbulent weather during the period of May to August, failure to give way from both pedestrians and vehicles was a major factor coined by Victoria Police in a recent release for Operation Aware.

With this release, the City of Casey was among one of the LGAs with the highest number of injury-inducing collisions, with 76 per cent of said collisions occurring in 40km/h to 60km/h speed zones.

Professor and deputy director of Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, Jennifer Oxley said that a bigger push for speed reduction, further advocacy for safe driving as well as pedestrian awareness is paramount in the move to see a decline in incident numbers.

“I would say speed is really a major factor, [so] if we can get speed down in areas where there is a mix of vehicles and pedestrians, that’s probably the best thing we can do for pedestrian safety,” she said.

“40 km/h is the top speed that one should be going when having that real mix between pedestrians and vehicles; there’s motions to actually reduce that down to 30km/h.”

A comprehensive report by MUARC compiled in 2020, titled Understanding Pedestrian Crashes in Victoria highlights that for every 1km/h increase in mean speed, the number of crashes to cause injury will rise by around 3 per cent.

This means that an increase of 10km/h would therefore result in a 30 per cent increase, with the fatality risk being four to five times higher in collisions between a vehicle and a pedestrian at 50km/h compared to the same form of collisions at 30km/h.

“Those sort of areas, those school zones, those mixed-use roads where you’ve got shopping centres and the like, not only is the speed a problem, but it’s really just a complex traffic environment,” Professor Oxley said.

While the MUARC report stated that winter months still had the higher crash rates, it added that across the year for the study period of 2009 to 2018, the majority of pedestrian collisions occurred in clear weather conditions, at 82.4 per cent compared to rainy conditions at 9.3 per cent.

Furthermore, 63.6 per cent of crashes occurred in daylight hours, with 27.6 per cent when dark and 6.8 per cent at dusk or dawn.

Clearer weather tends to be linked with higher pedestrian activity in what Professor Oxley referred to as complex traffic environments, and with a higher volume of pedestrians mixed with vehicles, the probability of collision also increases.

“One of the major problems in these outer urban areas is the lack of good public transport, we find that there are more cars – since obviously, people need to use cars,” Professor Oxley said.

“The more cars we have on the roads, the more it’s going to affect pedestrian safety, so one thing councils could do is to advocate for

better public transport.”

The professor also added that a high proportion of pedestrian injuries occur amongst older adults and that they are much more vulnerable when it comes to complex environments that involve multiple moving parties.

According to the report, the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit recorded the age groups of 15-34yrs and 35-64yrs with the highest percentage for hospital admissions, with, respectively, a frequency of 3485 at 32.1 per cent and a frequency of 3328 at 30.7 per cent.

Similarly, emergency department presentations were slightly higher for both age groups; with 15-34yrs at the frequency of 4367 at 37.7 per cent and 35-64yrs with the frequency of 3542 at 30.6 per cent.

Further endorsement of traffic calming

measures was something the professor said would be valuable in mitigating the increasing numbers, adding that local councils such as Casey can be “vigilant in raising awareness”, and to investigate crash-prone areas.

Casey’s manager of city and asset planning, Keri New said that the safety of pedestrians is a “priority for council”.

“To reduce vehicle speeds and support pedestrian safety council implements a program of local traffic management deterrents, including speed humps, curb changes, roundabouts and signage here repeated safety issues are identified.

“Council also operated the Supervised School Crossing program, implements new pedestrian crossings and expands the footpath network annually to further support pedestrian connectivity and safety,” she said.

Speaking on a bigger push for re-education and constant reminders for traffic safety, Professor Oxley said that “everybody has a role to play in making sure they’re behaving in a safe way”.

“I think there’s always room for people to be aware of the rules, not only for drivers but also for pedestrians.

“We should be really thinking about getting the idea out there of driving at an appropriate speed, so if you’re in a speed zone of 40, but there’s a lot of pedestrians around, maybe an appropriate speed might be less than 40 kilometres an hour,” she said.

With essentially two sets of speed limits to always be kept in mind, the responsibility, the professor added, also falls on overall system design when it comes to road safety.

“We need to make sure that we’re all operating in an environment that is designed to be the safest environment we can [make],” she said.

Ms New also added that wherever possible, council sources external funding in order to further support road safety upgrades, which in turn complement the mentioned programs.

“As the population of Casey grows, council continues to provide improvement including new footpaths, shared user paths and priority crossing areas to further protect pedestrians across Casey,” she said.

Your chance to join creative professional program

Expressions of Interest for the City of Casey’s Creative Professional Development Program are now open.

Partnering with Craft, the program will provide artists, crafters and makers with a connection to the City of Casey with the tools, advice and guidance they need to develop resilient and successful careers in the art and design sector.

City of Casey chair of administrator Noelene Duff PSM said the program would run from August to November, with individual mentoring sessions as well as a group profes-

sional development workshop.

“At the completion of the program, participants will receive a complimentary 12-month Craft Maker Membership, providing them with access to further professional development programs, networking and exhibition opportunities,” she said.

Expressions of Interest close on Monday 12 August.

Applicants must be aged 18 and over, with a maximum of 15 participants selected to participate in the program.

A free online information session about

the program and the application process will be held via Zoom onWednesday 24 July from 6pm to 7pm.

To register, please visit craft.org.au/ whats-on/all-events/creative-professionaldevelopment-program-info-session/

For more information about the program and to apply, please visit craft.org.au/whatson/all-events/creative-professional-development-eoi/

Image courtesy Craft Victoria. (Supplied: Henry Trumble)

Professor and director of Monash University Accident Research Centre, Jennifer Oxley, said that speed reduction, more traffic calming measures and advocacy are key in driving collision numbers down. (Supplied)

Data breach affects locals

By Violet Li Environmental Protection Authority

(EPA)

Victoria’s external contact centre was hacked with thousands of customers’ information stolen, including those of Casey residents who reported odour pollution around the Hallam Road landfill and SBI landfill in the past several years.

EPA Victoria has been advised by the external service provider of its Contact Centre that data has been illegally removed from its internal systems by an unknown third party.

The stolen information was from October 2021, September 2022, and October 2022. EPA staff and about 2,800 members of the public have had some of their details hacked.

A combination of customers’ names, email addresses, residential addresses and phone numbers were illegally shared.

The environment regulatory advised the impacted public via email onThursday 11 July.

“We have taken immediate action to rectify this as soon as becoming aware of the incident. We have written to those who have been

impacted by this breach to personally inform them of the incident and what we have done to rectify it,” a spokesperson of EPA Victoria said.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our stakeholders, partners, employees and the community.

“We have worked closely with relevant government agencies and specialist security partners to remove the threat from our systems, with all sites purged of unauthorised access, resetting of passwords and other robust security measures.

“The data and privacy of our community, stakeholders, and employees are important to us.”

The spokesperson said EPA had a dedicated security incident response team in place coordinating activities focused on ensuring the privacy of the information they hold was protected and ensuring they could effectively

continue to protect the Victorian community and our environment from the harms caused by pollution and waste.

“EPA is continuing to monitor the situation and ensure all data shared with us is secure and confidential,” they said.

A Casey resident, who reported the odour pollution before, said they had received the email last week notifying their data breach.

“I feel that the EPA, aVictorian Government agency, was careless in the handling of our personal information,” they said.

“How long have they known about this?

“The EPA obviously didn’t take effective steps to prevent this data breach.

“I am worried that the data breach may cause me future financial fraud at any time. It also makes me reluctant to report anything to the EPA in the future.”

Teen’s ‘ludicrous’ 171km/h in 40 zone

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A P-plate teen has been admonished by a magistrate after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and speeding at a“ludicrous” 171 km/h in a 40 km/h zone in Clyde in February.

The then-18-year-old was also observed by police running a red-arrow traffic light at the corner of Smiths Lane and Thompsons Road, a police prosecutor told Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.

The teen – a P1 probationary driver – did not fix P-plates on his car.

The vehicle was also deemed to be illegal for P-plate drivers, and was unworthy due to its customised, tinted taillights, police told

the court.

His car was seized and impounded for 30 days, his licence suspended on the spot of 12 months.

The teen, now 19, represented himself in court on 16 July.

“There’s nothing I can say. There’s no reason for me going that fast at all,” he said.

On 16 July, Magistrate Christina Windisch told the man that the 171 km/h speed was “so dangerous” even putting aside the 40 km/h speed limit.

She told the teen that his mother – who was watching from the courtroom gallery –could have easily got a “knock on the door”

because he’d been “wrapped around a tree”. Or alternatively, he could have been put in custody for causing a fatal crash.

The teen responded that“if anyone knows it, it’s me Your Honour”, referring to friends being killed in a car crash a month after his booking.

“I’m just amazed how people, and it’s mostly young men, do it and end up as fatalities,” Windisch said.

“It’s amazing how young men think you can get in a car and drive at those speeds. You’re not a race car driver.

“It’s ludicrous to think you can do this and be safe.”

The man was fined $800 without conviction, ordered to complete a safe-driving program and affirmed his 12-month licence loss.

EPA Victoria. (FILE)

NEWS Santosh’s lifelong journey

By Violet Li

Misdiagnosis is like life playing a trick on you.

It opens a crack but allows lights in.

Clyde North’s author Santosh Nambiar was misdiagnosed with cancer two decades ago. His doctor said he would not survive a year. In those several months when he thought he was waiting to die, he started to wonder who he was, a good question in extremis.

“I started doing a lot of work on myself and understood this concept. I started practising a state of awareness for myself,” he recalled.

The false alarm brought out the second chapter of his life: a meditation and mindfulness journey. The biotech scientist carved out a new trail which eventually led to his latest breakthrough The Art of Conscious Balance. The book has recently won the Panorama International Literature Festival 2024 in Greece.

“I have been writing since around 2000 and I have published quite a few books, but this one has been a significant book in my writing career,” Santosh said.

“It’s almost two years now and it got some good reviews and people have actually accepted it.”

The book introduced two concepts of contrast: intellect and intelligence.

“Intellect is the knowledge that we have acquired during our upbringing. We store it in our brain in the form of memory which we can retrieve. The intellect is very limited in resources,” Santosh said.

“I am comparing that to a small flickering candlelight. If you are plugging into that intellect, the outcome is going to be very limited in terms and there is stress, burnout, anxiety, fear, confusion and everything that we are facing in this day and age.

“If you are able to plug into something bigger like what I call intelligence, you can use unlimited knowledge.

“You can elevate your life from a survival mode to that of thriving and flourishing and going beyond your limited potential and exploring more things in life.”

Having consciousness and awareness is what Santosh believes will allow intelligence to come in and there are techniques to

OPINION

LENSCAPE

achieve that, which is what The Art of Conscious Balance is all about.

“It is the nature of the mind to wander but it is our innate nature to be an observer of this mind wandering into the past or future, but we forget that,” he said.

“Now we need to remind ourselves to observe this mind wandering. There’s nothing you can do with mind wandering. You can’t just control it, but if you just observe it, it comes back.

“The observation is the awareness.”

The misdiagnosis interlude somehow elicited an epiphany for Santosh that he had lost that awareness for a long time.

“I got into one of the biggest multinational

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

The Healesville-Kooweerup Road upgrade is only mere weeks away from completion, a triumphant moment for community campaigners who rallied to address what was once Cardinia’s ‘death road’. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Teagan Bos

It’s a shame the bike path stops at the Manks Road roundabout and doesn’t connect up to the existing town bike path, with no plans to

do so. Poorly thought out. No one can toot a Pakenham to Kooweerup bike path when it doesn’t even go into town.

Sonya Boloski

The road will always move as it’s built on swamp land.

Renee Charlize Newbury Road surface already failing Major Road Projects Victoria has reopened Henry Road at McGregor Road with an up-

companies in the biotechnology industry. I was climbing up the corporate ladder and trying to achieve quite a few things in life,” he recalled.

“I was constantly running with baggage, living out of a suitcase. One day, I’ll be here in Frankfurt. The other day, I’ll be probably in San Francisco.

“There were a lot of things happening, ego, arrogance, and materialistic things, and I want to achieve this, and I want to show people that I can do this. That created a lot of stress and anxiety.”

The cancer episode certainly put him through a lot of intense traumas, but realisation came through afterwards.

“In The Art of Consciousness, it was all about how I bumped into this and my journey, and how this realization dawned on me. I’m talking about the balance and those kinds of things,” Santosh said.

A sequel is coming not in the long future.

“In the new book, it is all about the techniques to reach the awareness,” he said.

Running a biotech company, Santosh now shares much focus on meditation and mindfulness education. He writes books. He delivers workshops in the libraries. He flies to other countries to give lectures.

“I bumped into this in a traumatic way. I don’t want others to be in that,” he said.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs Up

To MP Gary Maas for sending me a 50th birthday card. I liked it. Thank you.

Thumbs down

To the nightmare of all the roadworks and the very long closures.

Thumbs down

To the rubbish thrown on our road. Should it be too much to ask to get a truck out to pick it up? How unsightly to see this on our roadways.

Thumbs down

To miserable winter rain.

graded intersection as part of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Amy Fussell

School drop off will be a nightmare for months to come because Webster Way is closed up to McGregor, the old railway crossing is closing for a month meaning we can’t easily get up to schools that side of the railway. Plus we can’t access the freeway from

Thumbs down

To so many train stations not having public toilets for use.

Thumbs down

To drivers doing 60 in an 80 zone.

Thumbs Up

To the woodcraft exhibition in Berwick!

Thumbs down

To tailgating. Sick of it.

Thumbs Up

To the beautiful morning in Berwick Springs.

McGregor because that’s closed.

Karl Imby Hallelujah. 10 years of Pakenham roadworks completed and another 10 years of Pakenham roadworks around the corner.

Sarah Krol

Yes, they opened it this week, just in time for them to close McGregor Road at the rail bridge for a month.

Ducks are enjoying some winter sunshine at Berwick Springs in Narre Warren South. (Stewart Chambers: 419103)

Clyde North author Santosh Nambiar with his latest book The Art of Conscious Balance. (Stewart Chambers: 418752)

No train on the horizon

By Violet Li & Corey Everitt

Communities beyond Cranbourne still feel left out of train access with the continued silence on the Clyde Rail Link, while a new station has recently been built not far away in East Pakenham.

Growth areas Clyde and Clyde North have a current population of over 40,000 and are expected to have just under 110,000 by 2031 - yet these towns still lack a train station.

Chalm Davey, the sales associate of Verve, a developing estate in Clyde, said one of three people coming into the office would ask about the potential Clyde Station.

The fledging estate along Pattersons Road is eight kilometres away from the Cranbourne Station, which would take residents about an hour to go by bus, the only public transport option in the area.

“Once a Clyde Station is up and going, it’ll be four kilometres from us,” she said.

“At the moment, we have to say to our clients we don’t have any details around the Clyde station, recommending them go to the Cranbourne Station, but that’s twice the distance away.

“Even if you are driving to the Cranbourne Station, I think it’s about a 20-minute drive from here. A 10-minute drive to a Clyde Station would be a lot nicer.”

The estate now has 200 lots with a total of 1100 lots projected. Surrounding estates also have thousands of lots in the pipeline.

With the demand and growth remaining strong in the area, Ms Davey believed that a Clyde Station would no doubt benefit the residents.

Casey Council has long been advocating for an extension of the line to Clyde. Back in 2022, Casey’s plan pitched a duplicated line across about 5 kilometres with three new stations: Cranbourne East, Casey Fields and Clyde.

With a then-estimated cost of $1.5 to $3 billion, the State Opposition put down a commitment of just under $1 billion if elected in the last election.

With the Liberal party failing to achieve Government, the project has largely fallen to silence since - with the State Government yet to even hint at the prospective extension.

Ms Davey said that the envisioned Clyde Station had now almost become a running joke.

“It’s actually pretty awkward because we do actually have the fact that there will be a future Clyde Station on a lot of our printouts, and then people will ask about the timeframe,” she said.

“It creates a level of awkwardness for us in the explanation, and we’re having to turn to a running joke pretty much. Because that’s what it is really.

“Just a running joke about when the Clyde

Station will arrive.”

The Pakenham Line recently added the East Pakenham Station, which currently services a precinct with approximately a thousand residents - but is made in anticipation of the over 8,000 expected to live in the new suburb by 2031.

Residents beyond Cranbourne are questioning when the Clyde Rail Link will serve a much more established area with an existing considerable number of residents.

Public transport advocate and former Department of Transport bus planner Peter Parker believed that Clyde absolutely should get a rail extension along with improved buses.

“Preparatory work has been done at Cranbourne, like the duplication project, to make it logical that Clyde should be next. As far as I know, there are no significant difficulties to it happening. All it requires is a political commitment and funding,” he said.

“The current government is beset by budget blow-outs and has borrowed heavily.

“It is heavily committed to existing big projects like theWest GateTunnel, North-East Link and the SRL. I suspect its appetite for further big projects is limited, especially with concerns over funding for other areas like health.

“If the government wants to announce rail for Clyde, I guess that they’ll hold off until nearer the 2026 election campaign.”

As for the new East Pakenham Station, Mr Parker said from a purely patronage point of view the new East Pakenham station didn’t seem to currently make much sense.

However, he noted that the add-up of the new station served operationally important

purposes.

“The Pakenham Line has both Metro and V/Line trains. Delays to one delayed the other. That can have knock-on effects across Melbourne, including the Metro Tunnel. Having trains sharing tracks or having to wait for other trains also makes it harder to schedule frequent timetables needed to ensure capacity,” he said.

“East Pakenham Station is the most publicly visible but the least important part of that project. The really important part of it was reconfiguring all the tracks at Pakenham. This has many benefits including allowing trains to cross without delay and helping Metro trains turn back. That delivers better reliability and potentially frequency.

“Another factor was that the HCMT trains are already stabled further east. Thus there was already overhead wiring at East Pakenham.That reduced the cost of the project. And, being linked with the Metro Tunnel project it was probably an easier sell to government.”

Shadow Minister for Public Transport Matthew Guy said the State Government had ‘wrong priorities’.

“The Clyde rail link is hugely overdue, but while the state government pumps every dollar they have toward the Suburban Rail Loop, this vital link won’t be built,” Mr Guy said.

“The state government has the wrong priorities as they focus on a $50 billion suburban rail loop for areas that already have trains and forget those like Clyde who don’t have any trains and badly need them now.”

The lack of commitment may be more than priorities, but factors of conservation may

have the State Government’s hands-tied.

Ever since 2013, the area of the old rail line in Clyde has been designated as a conservation area to be taken over and retained by the State Government in the future.

Within the Melbourne Strategic Assessment, the area is deemed to project such species as the Maroon Leek-Orchid.

A potential project will likely involve duplicating the line, to Grassy Plains Network Facilitator Adrian Marshall it seems unlikely that both projects can be mediated.

“Old roads and cemeteries have really good conservation values and places like the old rail line are some of the best areas for grasslands, their vegetation is pristine,” he said.

“There are real values there and south east of it is really good habitat which it connects to.

“In theory, it could work, but as they would more than likely duplicate it they would have to smash the area.”

City of Casey chair of administrators Nolene Duff PSM said the Council had been advocating for the Clyde Rail Link for many years and continued to seek a commitment from the Federal and State governments to construct the duplicated rail extension from Cranbourne to Clyde.

“This project is key to alleviating congestion on roads, providing alternative transport options, and connecting the growing communities of Cranbourne East, Clyde North and Clyde to essential services,” she said.

“The project also aligns with climate action goals, improved liveability, and will provide greater access to Casey stadiums and the new Cranbourne Community Hospital.”

Ms Duff said the estimated cost by the Council was now $3 billion to $5 billion, double the evaluation before the last election.

“The Casey community have shown a strong desire to see this project start, and while the Council estimates a cost of $3-5 billion, the project will deliver hundreds of jobs and stimulate the local economy,” she said.

“The Clyde Rail Link represents an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for the southeast region and act as a catalyst for positive urban renewal that reinvigorates and connects communities.”

When contacted, a Victorian Government spokesperson said: “We invested $1 billion to upgrade the Cranbourne Line, including removing level crossings and delivering a full duplication of track between Dandenong and Cranbourne - by 2025 the Cranbourne line will be completely level crossing free, paving the way for more trains more often.”

“We are focused on delivering on our unprecedented investment in public transport including the Metro Tunnel, which will be the biggest transformation of the rail network in 40 years and deliver better services for the south east.”

Finding those to best help support your business

No matter how good you are at doing what you do in business, no one can be great at everything. Indeed, trying to do it all yourself is bound to be counter-productive since you won’t be as fast or as efficient as an expert in the space and will be taking away time that could be better spent on other things. I recall a business owner once proudly telling me that he personally entered every receipt into his accounting system so that he could “better understand the expenses in the business” but the reality was that he could not see the wood for the trees and effectively was wasting time (he was no wiser about his expenditure!). However, outsourcing everything apart from your core competency can be very expensive and so a balance needs to be struck. Below are some key roles that can pay handsome dividends if you engage people that are good at what they do and reasonably priced.

Accountants are essential if you operate your own business since there is so much that needs to be understood regarding financial compliance and tax – trying to do this yourself can be likened to “doing your own dentistry” and is much better left to the ex-

perts. Having said that, I personally see accountants as “tax minimisation experts” and since they are not cheap, they do not have to be involved in all matters financial in a business. Many things can be left to bookkeepers or other experts.

Bookkeepers are becoming increasing used by SMEs as good ones will provide reasonably priced services covering timeintensive activities such as: data entry of financial transactions, bank reconciliations, BAS and IAS submissions, financial reports and payroll functions. While bookkeepers are not business advisors, their knowledge of financial compliance and ATO requirements means that they can be extremely valuable in helping business owners understand their obligations. In addition, they may often liaise

with accountants and the ATO thereby again saving the business valuable time.

Business Advisors or Business Mentors are also becoming increasingly used due to their wide knowledge of business and prior experience. Good advisors and mentors will typically have held senior positions (often C-level) in previous organisations and hence may well be familiar with business issues that arise. Their role is to provide advice, tools and techniques to business owners, leaders and managers to enable enhanced business performance at a strategic as well as practical level. It is important to note that there are no specific accreditations associated with being a Business Advisor or Mentor so it is important to choose wisely here. Obtaining referrals from other business owners who have directly used their services and been satisfied with the results is probably the best way to select one as there are no barriers to entry to anyone calling themselves a Business Advisor or Mentor.

Business Consultants are similar to advisors and mentors in that they will typically have had senior management and/or Board level experience, but they work with business

owners and leaders to solve a very specific problem that the business has. For this reason, Consultants are generally specialists in key areas whereas advisors and mentors may be considered more as ‘generalists’.

Business Coaches are another breed again although the term ‘coach’ is often used interchangeably with ‘consultant’, ‘advisor’ or ‘mentor’ by those unclear of the distinction. Again, Business Coaches are becoming increasingly valued for their ability to work with clients to enable them to achieve improved (usually personal) performance. However, there are a few distinctions here. Professional coaches will be accredited and will have undergone training such as that provided by ICF (International Coaching Federation) and IECL (Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership). They are also specifically not allowed to give advice (as mentors, advisors and consultants do); they derive results by asking well structured questions that enable the client to reach their own conclusions. Ian Ash ACC, AIECL AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au

Sales associate of Verve in Clyde Chalm Davey said a Clyde Station would benefit the residents, but she did not see it coming in the near future. (Violet Li: 419449)

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Measles, mpox warning

Victorians planning overseas travel this winter are being urged to ensure their routine and travel vaccinations are up to date.

The call comes amid an increasing number of returned travellers to Victoria presenting with vaccine-preventable travel-related illnesses, such as measles and mpox.

Ten measles cases have been reported in Victoria this year, five of which were from returned overseas travellers, with a further five linked to those cases.

Meanwhile, there has been a local outbreak of mpox with cases reported in Victoria this year which were acquired from overseas travel.

Victorian chief health officer Dr Clare Looker said anyone planning travel overseas should

seek advice from their doctor before booking.

“It’s best to see your doctor six to eight weeks before you travel to ensure you have the best protection,” Dr Looker said.

“This includes anyone travelling to visit friends and family, or people travelling to their countries of birth.”

Dr Looker said measles in people returning to Victoria from international travel was a significant source of Australian measles cases.

“Travellers should ensure they have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine.”

There has also been an increase in mpox cases at many popular travel destinations in the northern hemisphere.

Dr Looker said Victorians should take precautions when overseas to limit their risk of infection.

“Mpox infection remains a risk for Victorians travelling internationally, with case numbers in Victoria this year greater than the whole of last year,” she said.

Those planning travel to countries with active mpox outbreaks should make time to receive two doses of the vaccine, 28 days apart, for optimal protection, with those most at risk including men who have sex with men.

The mpox vaccine is free for those eligible and is available through more than 250 providers across Victoria.

GPs can advise on travel health and vac-

cine-preventable diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19, gastrointestinal illnesses, hepatitis A and typhoid as can pharmacists participating in the Community Pharmacy Prescribing Pilot.

Doctors can also advise if you need booster shots to catch-up on vaccines that have been missed.

“Being up to date with influenza and COVID-19 vaccination before travel is also important to protect yourself while travelling,” Dr Looker said.

“Any returned traveller who develops illness after returning home, such as a fever, new rash or diarrhoea, should seek medical advice immediately,” she said.

Natural ways to combat the common cold effectively

Treating a cold typically involves managing symptoms and supporting the body’s natural immune response. While there is no cure for the

several natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster recovery.

Here are some natural ways to treat a cold:

· Stay Hydrated: One of the most important steps in managing a cold is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, herbal teas, clear broths, and electrolyterich drinks to help soothe a sore throat, thin mucus, and prevent dehydration.

· Rest and Relaxation: Allow your body to rest and recuperate by getting adequate sleep and reducing physical exertion. Resting helps conserve energy and allows the immune system to focus on fighting off the viral infection causing the cold.

· Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can help relieve congestion and ease nasal discomfort. Fill a bowl with hot water, place a towel over your head to create a tent, and breathe in the steam for several minutes. Adding essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint can enhance the decongestant effects.

· Warm Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm saltwater can soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargle for 30 seconds, and then spit out. Repeat several times a day as needed.

· Honey and Lemon: Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help soothe a cough and sore throat. Mix a teaspoon of honey with warm water or herbal tea, and add a squeeze of lemon for additional vitamin C and throat soothing benefits.

· Nasal Saline Rinse: Using a saline nasal rinse or spray can help clear nasal passages, reduce congestion, and alleviate sinus pressure. Make a saline solution using distilled water and non-iodized salt, and use a neti pot or nasal spray bottle to irrigate the

nasal passages gently.

Herbal Remedies

· Echinacea: Echinacea is an herb known for its immune-boosting properties. Taking echinacea supplements or drinking echinacea tea may help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms.

· Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help relieve cold symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and congestion. Enjoy ginger tea or add fresh ginger to soups and meals.

· Elderberry: Elderberry syrup or capsules are often used to support the immune system and reduce cold symptoms. Elderberry has antiviral properties and may help shorten the duration of a cold.

· Garlic: Garlic contains compounds with antiviral and antibacterial properties. Adding fresh garlic to meals or taking garlic supplements may help boost immune function and fight off cold viruses.

•

· Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the sinuses or chest can provide relief from congestion, sinus pain, and chest discomfort. Use a warm towel or heating pad and apply it gently to the affected area for a few minutes at a time.

· Essential Oils: Certain essential oils have antiviral, antibacterial, and decongestant properties that can help alleviate cold symptoms. Peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender oils can be used in a diffuser, steam inhalation, or diluted with a carrier oil for chest rubs.

· Healthy Diet: Consuming a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that support immune function. Avoiding excessive sugar, processed foods, and alcohol can also help support immune health during a cold.

· Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your bedroom can add moisture to the air, soothe dry nasal passages, and ease breathing.

Keep the humidifier clean to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

· Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health and immune function. Consuming probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi may help boost the immune system and reduce the severity of cold symptoms.

· Avoiding Irritants: Minimise exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollutants, and strong chemicals, as they can exacerbate respiratory symptoms and prolong recovery from a cold. It’s important to note that while these natural remedies can help alleviate cold symptoms and support the body’s immune response, they are not substitutes for medical treatment, especially if symptoms worsen or persist. If you have underlying health conditions or concerns about your cold, consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment recommendations.

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Foot and Leg pain in Winter

The cold weather can affect our bodies in various ways, particularly impacting our feet and legs, which are crucial for much of our daily activity. But why is this the case? We spoke with one of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists, Dr. Paul Dowie from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, to gain insights into how cold weather affects pain and injuries and what you can do to help.

“Winter doesn’t have to be synonymous with increased foot and leg pain; however, cold temperatures can impact pain and injuries, particularly in weight-bearing structures such as the feet, ankles, and knees. Cold weather can constrict blood vessels, reduce blood flow and circulation, and because we are often less active during the colder months, we may experience increased joint and tissue stiffness, as well as aggravated injuries and arthritic conditions.Wet and icy conditions also heighten the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, if joints and tissues aren’t warmed up properly before exercise, there is an increased risk of injury,“ says Dr. Dowie.

To combat these issues, Dr. Dowie recommends the following:

Stay active: Rug up and get out walking, go to the gym or indoor heated pool, or use a

home exercise bike. Exercise improves blood flow and circulation, which helps alleviate aches, pains, and stiffness.

Stretching or Yoga: These activities can assist flexibility and mobility of joints and tissues.

Use Support Products: For existing injuries, consider using knee and ankle braces or strapping.

Be Caution Outdoors: When conditions are wet or icy, wear shoes with good traction and support.

Wear Proper Footwear Indoors: If you’re spending more time at home, wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid socks and slippers that may contribute to poor foot posture or increase the risk of slips and falls.

Dress Appropriately: Wear warm, layered clothing, thermal socks, hats, and waterproof footwear to maintain body heat.

Seek Professional Advice: If you experience persistent or recurring foot or leg pain, consult a lower limb musculoskeletal expert.

If you need assistance with foot and leg pain or injuries, you can see Dr. Dowie at his Berwick clinic or other locations across Melbourne. Call 1300 328 300.

Bowel cancer screening now available to 45-49 year olds

Victorians aged 45-49, can now order a free bowel screening test.

The new eligibility comes due to significant changes to the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Cancer Council Victoria’s head of prevention Craig Sinclair said the change was welcomed and urged those with access to the free screening program to take part.

“Bowel cancer is Victoria’s second leading cause of cancer-related death among men and the third among women. But it can also be prevented through participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program,” he said.

“The test, also known as the faecal occult blood test, can detect signs of bowel cancer before symptoms occur.”

Mr Sinclair said the opportunity could

be lifesaving, even for those who would not consider themselves at risk.

“Bowel cancer can develop with no symptoms or family history,“ he said. “This is why doing regular screening from the age of 45 is so important, even if you feel well and live a healthy lifestyle.”

Once someone signs up, they receive the test kit in the mail and can expect to receive it every two years after the completion of their first test.

Latest Victorian Cancer Registry data shows that 72Victorian men and 73Victorian women aged 45-49 were diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022.

People aged 50-74 will continue to receive a kit in the mail every two years. Details: cancervic.org.au/bowel

If you need assistance with foot and leg pain or injuries, contact Dr. Dowie at his Berwick clinic.

Woodworkers showcased

By Ethan Benedicto

The Berwick District Woodworkers Club held their annual expo over the weekend, showcasing works from members of the group which ranged from pens to horses, bowls and more.

The expo, which was held at the Old Cheese Factory, began at 5pm on Friday 12 July and was opened with a speech from Jason Wood MP.

Current president of the club, John McMahon said that the group prides itself not just in their pieces and woodworking skills, but also the “camaraderie” that all members have with one another.

“Although we’re focused on woodwork, all the benefits that come from a men’s shedesque group exist here as well,” Mr McMahon said.

The group’s main focus for the expo has always been to showcase the members’ capabilities as well as acquire new members who might have shown interest, but to Secretary Don Buchanan, the social aspect also plays a big role.

“We try to encourage a community-based organisation, we’re all friendly towards one another, and it’s the social aspect as well which is important to us, and then it’s the woodworking,” he said.

“We do other social things during the year, we go out every quarter, we have luncheons around the area - a big part of [the group] as well is engaging with the community.”

The expo, in addition to Friday’s short viewing also ran on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July from 9am to 5pm with a wide range of demonstrations from wood turning, band sawing, scroll sawing, toy making, pyrography and more.

While some of the items were put up for display only, there were also various pieces that were for sale, as well as a raffle with prizes.

Growth was also a factor that many members have experienced, ever since the decision to run the expos in addition to the original goal of making roughly 800 to 1000 toys annually for donation to children in need during Christmas.

“It’s a two-way street, an opportunity for our members - if they want to - to put their pieces up for sale.

“The public display of the pieces has been encouraging our members to actually diversify [their work] and try new techniques, new tech-

nologies, the standard of work is improving as well,” Mr McMahon said.

With the public’s interest now also set on other forms of work besides the toys, it has since given the group’s members “confidence in the quality of their work” and that they “learn from each other”.

Changes, not just in the work but also the demographic has been undergoing for some time, and is more than a welcome change from many of the group’s members.

Chris Drysdale said that in terms of wood-

working itself, “there is a transition going on”. “Instead of just coming and making a big car, with hammers and nails, the whole thing is evolving to wood art.

“Things like pyrography, and other different forms, it’s become broader and it’s reflected in our membership,” Mr Drysdale said.

With proceeds going to Variety Children’s Charity, Mr Drysdale also handcrafted wooden trophies for groups with the most money fundraised for the charity, shaped with the iconic heart and hat.

MP Rachel Payne ready to serve community out of Chelsea

worked at Maccas to pay her way through high school, then danced professionally to finish a master’s degree. Rachel Payne was also employed by the Family Court and Centrelink before serving a ‘political apprenticeship’ with Fiona Patten. Now the Victorian MP has a Chelsea base – her electoral office officially opened on Thursday, May 23.

“I think more people with real life experiences are needed in politics,” said the Representative for South-East Melbourne.”

“You meet a lot of people in parliament from privileged backgrounds, who believe they were born to rule. I was educated in state schools, my parents were working people and I’ve always had to pay my way.”

Rachel was elected to the Victorian upper house as a member of the Legalise Cannabis Party.

“Surveys consistently show that most Australians want this plant legalised, the latest by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found more than 80 per cent of Australians believe that personal use of cannabis should no longer be a criminal offence, but while I’m passionate about this, my interests are in no way limited to just one reform.”

Rachel, who lives a short drive south of her electoral office with her partner, said she hoped locals would walk through the doors to meet her and the three electoral staff members based in Chelsea.

“I have a strong sense of justice and am particularly concerned about young people – those who are just finding their way. When governments invest in youth, they’re investing in the future and giving our young people real opportunities,” Rachel said.

“That’s why I believe in law making that has equity at its heart. Whether it be youth justice, anti-vilification, women’s health or housing - I want to see our state become a place where everyone has an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential.”

“But as a south-east local, you are best placed to tell me what you need to live well and what changes are necessary.”

“I’m always keen to learn more about how I can support south-eastern residents from all walks of life, and the broader community. I’m on the lookout for service gaps and it’s also great to hear what is working well.”

Rachel was born in Newcastle, New South Wales and is the youngest of five.

“My Dad worked as a gyprock plasterer and Mum was a carer and did cleaning jobs. They also took in boarders to get by and were foster carers for a period. It was a busy home and not always a positive environment.”

“By the time I was 16, it was obvious I’d do better living independently. I couch-surfed for a while before renting a room in a share-house. I worked at McDonalds to pay the rent and finish school. It was a bit of a juggle. I was lucky to get into uni.”

“While studying at university, I worked in bars and as a burlesque dancer and came up with this cheeky stage character called Freckles Blue. I love performing and have danced in Paris and London.”

“But politics was my calling. I think it’s so important that our politicians look like our society – a kaleidoscope where we all feel represented.”

“I’m here to serve working people. Parliament should not be an echo chamber of the fortunate and financially blessed. We need to hear from people who have struggled and face cost of living pressures. That’s who I go to work for every day.”

Rachel’s office is located at 384a Nepean Highway Chelsea.

Members of the Berwick District Woodworker’s Club; from left to right: Bill Bradshaw, Martin VanDiemen, Don Buchanan, John McMahon, Chris Drysdale, Peter Ball and David Walker. (Ethan Benedicto)

Bill Bradshaw, considered to be a Master Craftsman, helped student Carol Goddard build this rocking horse over 4 months. It is being given back to the club for the future. (Rob Carew: 418961)

Pieces on display and for sale included wooden firetrucks, trains and other vehicles. (Ethan Benedicto)

Alexander Drysdale working with the small bandsaw. (Rob Carew: 418961)

Chris Drysdale with his inlaid pens and drink coasters. (Rob Carew: 418961)

Margaret Clayton with her Jewelry Box made with guidance from club member Simon King. (Rob Carew: 418961)

She

Victorian MP Rachel Payne has a new Chelsea base and wants South-East locals to visit.

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THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us about yourself and the organisation you work for.

I’m Ali and I live in Clyde with my wife, two children and a mortgage! I came from Afghanistan to live in Australia in 2013.

I worked with the City of Casey from 2021 to 2023 as one of the coordinators for a Commonwealth-funded program that helped senior people (over 65) to be independent.

I am currently working with the City of Glen Eira as a diversity and inclusion officer. What have been your most memorable moments during your time in the City of Casey?

One of the most memorable moments during my work with the City of Casey, was when I was a coordinator of a commonwealth-funded program called “Commonwealth Home Support Program”, (CHSP,) which existed to assist people over 65 years old with daily tasks and help them to be independent. We had around 176 staff, as direct care workers, and over 3500 clients from the City of Casey. One of my most memorable moments there was seeing how our dedicated and passionate staff were able to bring simile to our clients.

What do you love the most about working for your current organisation?

One of the main things that I love about my role as a Diversity and Inclusion Officer with the City of Glen Eira is the emphasis from the organisation on inclusion and diversity. We have a diversity and inclusion team which is made up of officers working with senior people, carers, people with disabilities, Indigenous and first nation people, LGBTIQA + and people with multicultural backgrounds (which is my portfolio).

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

I would be an eagle. I associate eagles with the idea of being strong, smart and determined, which relates to my own ideals and vision as to

with Tooradin Ward candidate Ali Yaghobi

how I can help the Casey community.

I think it’s important we have a big, positive and clear vision for our community, so that our children and grandchildren can thrive in the future.

What were you like as a kid?

I used to play soccer a lot with my friends. We had to walk almost an hour or so to get to a field to play, but it always felt that it was worth it, and I always treasured that memory and the sense of community I was able to enjoy with those around me.

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

I would like to see a future where the City of Casey becomes one of the most liveable places in Australia. Where people feel safe with access to good health, a clean environment with

plenty of recreations, open spaces and parks with good and reliable public transport and access to the essential services that they need. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

I would have to pick my brothers and sisters who are overseas. I unfortunately don’t get to see them to often, due to them living overseas. However, if I could organise for any six people to be invited to a dinner, it would be them. What three words would your friend use to describe you?

Friendly, optimistic and caring.

What would you do on your perfect day off?

My perfect day off would involve spending time and playing with my children (kicking the soccer ball around, playing hide and seek.) watching a movie, and relaxing before I go to bed by reading a dozen or so pages of a book (a physical one!).

Where is your happy place?

My home is the happiest place for me where we (my children and wife) all come together and often ask each other about how our day have been. To me, our home is the smallest unit of a community and is the part of my day that I look the most forward to.

If you had to complete Master Chef, what dish would you cook?

I’m not much of a cook, but one of my go-to dishes when cooking for my family would be spaghetti bolognese, which I’m certain would win over even the harshest of critics.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

I would like to see Australia’s beautiful landscapes first before holidaying overseas. My ideal holiday would be a trip to Queensland (Cairns) a place where I haven’t been to but heard a lot about its unique landscape and environments, with varieties of activities that you can do as a family, with a particular highlight being The Great Barrier Reef, one of the great natural wonders of our world.

THREE … ways to celebrate World Youth Skills Day

With World Youth Skills Day having passed on 15 July, here are three ways to celebrate the young ones and their abilities.

1

Supporting or donating to youth workshops is one way to celebrate skills development, either through financial sponsorships or donations of equipment to enable these programs to reach more young people and boost their quality of training and resources.

2

Volunteering as a mentor is another way to support young people, providing guidance on topics such as IT, finance, carpentry, and healthcare can benefit children and young adults in future endeavours.

3

Participating in or personally organising a skills workshop is another way to celebrate the youth of today and their skills; this can be done through local libraries or community centres and can range from creative arts workshops to vocational training sessions.

Change needed for medicinal cannabis driving laws

Tradies and parents prescribed medicinal cannabis have joined with South East MP Rachel Payne to launch a new campaign for fair driving laws.

They have united to advocate for a legal defence for unimpaired drivers prescribed medicinal cannabis who test positive to drugs to be in place when the government’s new $4.9 million med-can driving trial starts.

Payne’s office has reportedly been contacted by numerous locals prescribed medicinal cannabis who have been penalised for detection of cannabis in their system

while driving, even though they show no signs of impairment. Some have lost their license.

The campaign will include a public action day to inform the public aboutVictoria’s drug tests, which the Payne describes as ’discriminatory’ as they do not screen for medications such as heavy-duty opiates but criminalise medicinal cannabis patients.

A social media campaign featuring the testimonials of impacted drivers and billboards on major roads will also be include to push the matter.

Ms Payne said Legalise Cannabis will debate its motion on medicinal cannabis driving laws and the need for a legal defence in the Upper House on July 31.

“Victorian Police carry out about 150,000 random roadside drug tests every year,” Ms Payne said.

“These saliva tests do not determine whether a driver is impaired. Testing detects the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) chemical compounds in the body – often just small traces from medication consumed days before that have no impact on driving,“ Payne said.

“Ordinary working Victorians are losing their licence even though they are taking their prescribed medication as directed by their doctor. There is nothing wrong with their driving. They shouldn’t be penalised because testing only shows presence. “It’s a six-month loss of licence for a first offence, and a 12-month loss of license for a second offence. We will campaign hard in July to secure a legal defence for Victorian patients.”

More than a million prescriptions have been issued in Australia for medicinal cannabis since it’s legalisation in 2016.

Tooradin Ward candidate Ali Yaghobi. (Supplied)

NEWS Trees sown for change

An “innovative” study is underway to determine how native plants respond to climate change in Greater Dandenong and Melbourne’s East.

Federation University researcher and plant eco-physiologist Dr Kushan Tennakoon from the Future Regions Research Centre is leading the pilot program that will mointor thousands of new plants near Dandenong Stadium and other sites.

“Our involvement in this project is as the research and development partner and also to track the measurements of these plants into the future,” Dr Tennakoon said.

“The aim is to assess how these specially selected native plants will respond to predicted impacts of climate changes.”

Each project plot was carefully designed with the input from each partnering council, Greater Dandenong Council, Knox City Council and Maroondah City Council.

Three of the five plots will be close to Dandenong Stadium with each plot covering at least 1250 square metres and housing 1760 plants.

Greater Dandenong Council will include these in educational and outreach activities.

The other two plots are located in Koomba Park in Knox and JW Manson Reserve in Maroondah.

Five different plant species collected over four different climate zones will be looked at during this pilot program.

Dr Tennakoon says the plants were selected from different locations, factoring in the predicted temperature changes from 2024 to 2050 and 2090.

“For one species, for instance, eucalyptus, we are collecting seeds from four different locations – and this includes from wetter and cooler climates as well.

“The project is not just selecting plants specifically from the area, it’s about selecting

plants and monitoring their progress with the expected rise in temperatures.”

Each tree will be mapped using differential GPS to one-centimetre accuracy to continuously provide accurate measurements of the plants’ condition into the future.

“We hope that the lessons learnt from this study can be put to good use across many other councils and across Victoria as more communities look to how they can plan for a changing climate.”

The project is the continuation of a study that began in 2022 with a planning phase and

Rail freight must be priority

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

More rail freight investment is needed to take trucks off congested roads in the South East, according to the Greater South East Melbourne advocacy group.

In a submission to the State Government’s Victorian Freight Plan Update, GSEM called for the delivery of the promised intermodal freight terminal in the South East.

This would put more freight on rail and take “thousands of truck movements” off the road, GSEM argued.

“The Victorian Freight Plan update should include a clear strategy to support moving greater volumes of freight off roads, and onto rail, in the South East.

“The Victorian Government has promised to deliver an intermodal freight terminal in the South East for the past decade, and this must be delivered.”

“Vital” transport routes were also needed to support a future industrial precinct in Officer South – with a potential creation of 140,000 jobs and more than $58 billion.

This included a staged extension of Thompsons Road between Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Clyde North and Koo-weerup Road, Pakenham.

Since 2018, freight volumes had increased substantially in the South East due to growth in warehousing and manufacturing, GSEM submitted.

The fast-growing region is home to two national employment and innovation clusters in Monash and Greater Dandenong.

“While the GSEM region is well positioned to continue achieving economic and local employment growth into the future, this outcome is not guaranteed.

“It is critical for local industry that the capacity of this key infrastructure keeps pace with increasing population into the future, and that it remains able to service growing need from local industry for an efficient, safe and sustainable freight and logistic system.”

GSEM also called for the Government to ensure trucks fleets adopted future technologies such as automated trucks and hydrogen fuel to improve efficiency of movement, improve road safety and reduce emissions.

And the group reiterated its call for a long-touted domestic and international airport in the South East.

The State Government was contacted for comment.

the laying out of the plots.

The plants went into ground in June and recent funding by Melbourne Water will see the project continue until at least 2026.

The next phase to include plant growth monitoring and assessing their responses to changes of climate.

Dr Tennakoon says the project will offer opportunities for Federation Uni students as some of the plots are easily accessible from the Berwick campus.

“This project really is the first of its kind and it will be immensely useful for environmental

management and science discipline students because this is a natural laboratory in the outdoors, and close to our Berwick campus.

“Dandenong Stadium also attracts a large number of visitors, including students, so that will create a lot of visibility for our university’s commitment to net zero emissions and our sustainable development goals.

“My hope is that because we have pioneered this program and will continue to do the monitoring, I’m confident that Federation will be a very valuable research partner for this project.”

RARE

TO OCCUPY AND INVEST

site benefits from the

GSEM has called for the State Government to make moves to reduce trucks on congested South East roads. (Stewart Chambers: 198985)

Dr Kushan Tennakoon (left) with a couple of Federation University students at the launch of the vegetation plots near Dandenong Stadium.(Riley Fisher)

WHAT’S ON

Narre Warren and District Family History Group

The July general meeting will have the theme of ’Brick Walls’ on Saturday 20 July from 2pm at the Lorraine Taylor Research Room at 110 High Street in Berwick, with an entry fee of $5. Knocking down family history brick walls can be daunting.

The group invites you to bring your problems along and learn ways to solve your roadblock. · For more information, contact Eileen Durdin via secretary@nwfhg.org.au or 0439 720 557.

Merinda Park Learning & Community Centre

Join us on July 24th, 9.30m onwards to see what Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre can do for you. Enjoy a day of free classes and activities, visit our childcare, chat with our friendly staff, learn about our programs, give us feedback, meet new friends or perhaps, enjoy a cup of tea in our Drop-in lounge - your lounge away from home.

ASRC Foodbank @ RRH Dandenong Food Drive

Food drive supporting people seeking asylum Saturday 27 July: 10 am to 2 pm

Please help us make a difference in the community! ASRC Foodbank @ RRH Dandenong is 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 Open Day

If you would like to view our rooms and meet our wonderful educators at our little centre, please feel free to attend our Open Day on Saturday 27

July 2024 from 9.30am to 11am at 112 High Street, Berwick. We offer 3-year-old Play & Grow for children turning 3 by the end of April in the year they enrol and childcare for children aged 15 months to 4 years. We have shorter sessions being either 5 hours in Play & Grow or a 3- or 5-hour session in childcare. If you qualify for the childcare subsidy, we can apply it to your fees. Please note that these sessions are very popular, and we have very limited spots left for 2025 - our Bush Adventures that we offer is already full and a waiting list now applies, so don’t delay in enrolling your child if you would like a spot for 2025.

· For more information visit berwickneighbourhoodcentre.com or contact the centre’s Timbarra office on 0397041863.

Cranbourne Senior Citizens Free Community Day - Proudly sponsored by the City of Casey.

Dance with Eileen Hams, lunch and afternoon tea included, Friday 2nd August 10:30am-4pm. Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.

Weekly activities - Line Dancing Mon. 10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue.

Cranbourne U3A

During the term break our members have been very busy setting up our furniture ready for classes to commence on July 15. It has been lovely seeing the main room transformed from a Kindergarten to our social and educational rooms for our many classes. The Council has been extremely helpful getting last minute maintenance done so all is ready now. Our craft classes, music and singing groups are all excited to begin again. If you would like to visit us we are at 20 - 22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne, near Camms Road. Drop in between 10 - 3 each weekday. We would be happy to show you around. · Or you can visit our website for more details - www.u3acranbourne.org.au

1pm-3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am-2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.

· For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.

Blind Bight Community Centre

Art Smart with Sandy - 40 years of experience in teaching Art and Design to adults/children both overseas and in Melbourne. These Art classes are designed to focus on teaching students the fundamentals needed by every artist i.e. basic techniques of the art form, exploring a variety of materials, enhancing drawing skills and broadening the scope of creative possibilities and your artistic potential.

Tuesdays 6th August – 10th September 6 weeks 10am – 12 noon

Cost $240 per person, per term (includes tutoring & materials and to be paid in full prior to the class proceeding) Max number 6

Stamping Flair This will be a birthday card series and each week you will create 2 birthday cards based on a theme. Join in for an individual class or register for the entire series and get a discounted price. Class will include everything you need to complete your projects including guided instruction.

Friday 8th August - 7.00pm - 9.00pm

Cost $20 per session or $70 for 4 sessions.

Contact Rochelle Laird-Smith 0404 255 001

The hey dee ho music program is an educational music experience where children learn the concepts of beat, rhythm, tempo, pitch and dynamics in a play-based environment. Different educational themes are presented each week using props, puppets, costumes and percussion instruments to deliver a multi-sensory experience.

Tuesdays 23rd July to 17th September 2.00pm - 2.30pm. Cost $13 per child, per class and children under 12 months are free. $117 per term. For more information contact Catherine on 0417 591 229 or book below.

· For more information & for bookings www. blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au

Balla Balla Community Centre

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 pathway 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 7.00pm9.00pm

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

Health & Wellbeing classes held at Balla Balla Community Centre include Pilates – Tuesday afternoons or Wednesday evenings, Zumba - Tuesday evenings and Yoga Thursday late afternoons or evenings. Enhance your fitness levels before Spring arrives.

Cranbourne U3A is ready at its new home. (Supplied)

TIP-STARS

Evans’ time up at Berwick

By Marcus Uhe

Berwick has been given extra motivation to finish its season on a high after the decision of senior coach Clint Evans to step down from his role at the conclusion of 2024.

Evans told the players before training on Tuesday night, 9 July, of his decision to step away from the coaching role, after five years at the helm.

With the significant turnover in the playing list during recent off-seasons and admitting that his commitment to the program was not where it needed to be to coach for another year, Evans chose to inform the club before the conclusion of the season in order to give it an early jump in its search for a replacement.

“With the list that we’ve got, someone coming in and taking over is probably the best thing for the club,” he said.

“That’s why I wanted to do it early, let the boys know and say to the club to start having a look around, to try and get the best candidate out there.

“It’s about trying to get someone back into the club to reinvigorate them, and that’s what I spoke to the committee about a few weeks ago and said ‘where do we want to go and what do we want to do?’

“They were really good with me and said ‘have a think about it’, but when I wasn’t 100 percent in, I had to let them know that they’re better off looking around next year, and being in Premier, you’ve got to be 100 percent; there’s a fair bit of time that goes into it.

“There was nothing untoward whatsoever between myself and the club, everything was in front of each other and there were no harsh feelings or animosity.”

A popular figure in the footballing community, Evans shouldered plenty in his time at the helm at Berwick but was quick to avoid using the circumstances as excuses for his win-loss record.

Evans took the role at the conclusion of the 2019 season before Covid-19 wiped out has first opportunity to take the reins in 2020.

In August 2020 the club switched competitions, from Outer East Football Netball to the Eastern Football Netball League’s (EFNL) Premier Division, bringing with it an increase in standard of football and competitive balance across the top flight.

“Would I love to have a season without Covid-19 and have a full list to see how we would have gone in that first year? 100 percent, but

I coach more glass half-full than half-empty, and I look at it as an opportunity for kids to get games,” he said.

“The kids that I’ve seen over the last few years develop, I’m looking forward to watching them over the next three or four years just to see how far they’ve come.”

Berwick won three, four and six games across its first three seasons in the EFNL, but has just one win in 2024.

The 2023 offseason saw a number of senior players depart the club, including Travis Tuck, Anthony Vella and Harrison Money, while captain Will Arthurson suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason, forcing Evans to invest in youth, and field an inexperienced side with an average age in their early 20s.

“I said to the boys onTuesday‘put your hand up if you were here in the first year,’ and that was before Covid-19, five years ago, and I think there were only four or five guys left,“ he said.

“When Covid-19 hit, it hurt the club a bit, with all the experienced guys that had enough, that we were hoping would come over to (EFNL) Premier (Division) from Outer East, all the premiership players, which unfortunately didn’t happen. “Our list every year has been re-

juvenated which has been really good.

“The results, I don’t think we realised how harditwouldbetogofromOuterEastto(EFNL) Premier footy; it’s chalk and cheese.

“I think they’ve done an unbelievable effort, with double relegation and relegation in the first year, to stay there, “And with the list, with games played and average age, we’ve had to go back to come forward.” Evans offered to step aside from the position 12 months earlier, but support from his playing group saw him remain in the role for another season.

Captain, Tom Brennan, spoke glowingly of a ‘Boof’ whose resilience and selflessness has left an indelible mark on the playing group.

“‘Boof’ first and foremost is so personable and such a loveable bloke, which you immediately get a sense of as soon as you talk to him,” Brennan said.

“Everyone around the club talks about him in the highest regard as a gentleman.

“On the flip side, I think the players’ respect him and absolutely get the best out of themselves. “That’s the best thing I love about ‘Boof’, regardless of the team he gets the absolute best out of them, which shows that the players play

for him and I think that’s what everyone really loves about him.

“He’s great as a coach but off the field as well, he’s a genuinely nice human.

“I think if anything, coming across to this league, we always knew it was going to be challenging, but his resilience with the team and setting the club up for success in this next period is something that I think he’ll be absolutely remembered for.”

The focus now turns to avoiding relegation, and ensuring that the Wickers play in the highest competition of football available to them in 2025, in order to send Evans off on the right note. Evans said he is unsure of whether he will coach in 2025, but left the door ajar if circumstances aligned.

“I’ve done nearly 17 years and never had a year off footy except for Covid-19,” he said.

“A year off sounds good, but all my mates say ‘you’ll be coaching again,’ so you never say never.

“There’s plenty of other things (I can do), I can sit back on a Saturday, have a beer and relax. “My hair might start growing back, you never know.”

Casey Cannons fire vital warning shot to competition

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Casey’s senior men had an impressive 2-2 draw with Yarra on Saturday in an enormous result for the club.

Yarra top the table in the men’sVic League 2 competition, and have had just one loss from 12 outings, with the draw solidifying Casey’s standing as a legitimate late-season threat.

The Cannons are currently in second spot, eight points behindYarra, and just two points clear of fifth-placed Bayside on a tight ladder.

Casey fired the first shot, an early field goal to Tristan Chaffey, before Yarra took a 2-1 lead with goals either side of halftime.

Chaffey then equalised late in the game, before the Cannons, led by goal keeper Matthew Hollway, staunchly defended three short corners in the last minute of the game to hold on.

Big-game player Cam Ritchie again stood up with an important best afield contribution.

Coach Steve Noney provided an insight into the mindset of the club going into a clash they went into as underdogs.

Impressively, yellow cards to Chaffey and Josh Watson meant there were two sevenminute patches where Casey was playing one player short, yet the work rate of the others neutralised the threat during those times

“It was a great game – we probably went in there a little bit more relaxed so we probably

played freer with less pressure,” Noney said.

“We’re taking a different perspective: we always want to win but at the same time, as long as our hockey is improving and we play the way we want to, it’s a positive.

“Importantly, we proved to ourselves that we can actually match it and it’s just about playing the way we want to and sticking to that.

“There’s still patchy bits – we haven’t played a full 70-minute hockey game but we’re building towards that.

“We’ve had some pressure around player availability but we’re putting it together well.”

Chaffey’s double takes him to the top of the Vic League 2 goal scoring table, with 13 goals from 12 starts in 2023.

“His season has developed,” Noney said.

“He’s got a lot of experience so we’re trying to blend that into our group so we’re not relying on one player but allow his skillset to bring other players into the game.

“He’s playing varied roles as well which ebbs and flows with the results.”

Casey’s senior women were gallant in defeat against third-placed Geelong, going down 2-0 to a premiership contender in the Vic League 1 competition.

The result, alongside Monash University’s win, means the Cannons drop three points off the pace of the finals-bound top six, with a crunch match between the two sides looming as a must win for both sides to snatch the last finals spot.

Clint Evans will not coach Berwick in 2025. (Stewart Chambers: 235196)

Larke delight for Langford

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dandenong Stingrays co-captain Harvey Langford was awarded the Larke Medal for the best performed player at the under-18s national championships – boys.

The 18-year-old was joint winner alongside Gold Coast Academy midfielder Leo Lombard, with the Stingrays prospect named inVic Country’s best two players for all four games of a statement carnival.

Langford is the first Stingray to win the esteemed award since GWS’ Lachie Whitfield in 2012, who was selected with pick one later in the year.

The 190cm midfielder joins an elite group to have won the award, including stars Tom Hawkins, Christian Petracca and Sam Walsh. Langford’s performances across the year at all levels in 2024 have propelled him into first round calculations.

A team-first player who soaked up the experience of playing with and against a who’s who of future AFL talent, Langford was still coming to terms with the gravity of his achievement when spoken to the following day by Star News.

“It’s definitely pretty cool,” Langford said.

“Leading into the championships, I didn’t think about that or anything, but coming into the last game there was talk my name might be up there for it, so it’s definitely pretty amazing.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.”

In a midfield-heavy draft crop, the Vic Country side included 13 players who have played in the engine room at Coates League level, creating a squeeze for spots at centre stoppage.

Langford’s form and high-level output proved irresistible to overlook for theVic Country coaches, as he was a regular fixture in the on-ball brigade in each of the four games.

His average stats line was top-shelf, but tells

only part of the story: 26 disposals, six marks, three tackles, 494 metres gained, six clearances and eight score involvements per game – all in the top five forVic Country.

A clean and physical midfielder who wins

the footy, applies pressure, marks excellently and is a forward threat, his skillset is comparable to Brisbane’s Josh Dunkley.

An AFL Academy member, Langford was efficient in two games for the Academy against

Locals showcase talents on National stage

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Vic Country won three of its four games at the Under-18 National Championships Boys in a terrific spectacle of skill and talent.

Among the 33 players who played at least one game in the carnival were eight localsfive from Dandenong Stingrays and three from Gippsland Power.

Below is a breakdown of each player:

•฀ Harvey Langford: four games, 26 disposals, six marks, three tackles Langford was awarded the Larke Medal for the best player across the championships, alongside Gold Coast Academy prospect Leo Lombard. The clean midfielder led Vic Country’s on-ball brigade in every game with work rate, hunger and efficiency, while also rotating forward and showing he can take an overhead grab.

•฀ Cooper Hynes: four games, 17 disposals, one goal, five marks

The big-bodied forward-mid translated his exceptional Coates League form into the national championships best in the second and third games and stood up with the game on the line in the last. Used his strength well, snapping some crucial goals, stepping through traffic and hardly losing a one-on-one.

•฀ Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves: one game, 13 disposals, three marks, three tackles

The bottom-ager’s only game of the carnival was the second one against Western Australia, where he adapted well to an unfamiliar wing role, having played forward for Dandenong this season.

•฀ Jordan Doherty: one game, nine disposals, four intercept possessions, seven hitouts

Strong form in the ruck at Coates League level saw the mobile tall added to the squad late and play the third game, against the Allies. Opposing gun Giants Academy prospect Logan Smith was always going to be a tough task, but he showed his confidence to move well with ball in hand.

•฀ Riak Andrew: one game, four disposals, three tackles

VFL sides, standing up against bigger bodies. He showed a different aspect to his game in each of the four outings, and with the cumulative margins of Vic Country’s four results being 22 points, he repeatedly had the opportunity to stand up with the match on the line – and delivered each time.

His composure under pressure stood out in the first game, coming into the carnival off the back of unbelievable form for Dandenong, averaging 24 disposals and six tackles in 2024.

The midfielder’s clean hands shone in a slippery game against Western Australia, which complemented his work rate.

Vic Country’s game against the Allies showed his ability to get first hands on it at the contest and release teammates, winning a game-high nine clearances and going at 73 per cent – the second best among midfielders for the day.

“I really wanted to show my kicking ability – being able to find someone up forward, whether through score involvements or in the backline, and show my in to out handballs as well: being able to get the hardball, take a few steps, get away and get the (hands off),” Langford said.

“I’ve worked on driving power through my kick and find someone whether 20, 30 or 40 metres away…and finding the right option.”

Against Vic Metro in the final, the left-footer was swung forward late and took a massive hanger early in the last quarter and kicking a clutch goal.

Showing his ability to take a grab has been a focus of Langford’s this season, with a 25-disposal, seven mark performance in round 1 of the Coates League giving him confidence to fly.

“I feel like I’ve had the ability to take a strong mark over the last few years of my footy but over this preseason I’ve worked on it and have shown it in my game a bit more than what I did last year,” Langford said.

“Since (round 1) I’ve built it up and been able to show the aerial (capacity).”

Beacy boy running hot

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Beaconsfield’s Matt Johnson had a day out, kicking six goals in Frankston’s 13.14 92 to 10.4 64 victory over Northern Bullants on Saturday afternoon at Preston.

The hard working and zippy forward was chief in Frankston maintaining their strong buffer over the Ants in the second half, after opening up a big 42-point lead at the half.

His first goal didn’t come until the 23-minute-mark of the second, but he kicked all five of the Dolphins’ second half goals as the hosts showed fight.

Johnson also took three marks and laid four tackles in a well rounded small forward’s game.

Key post and Beaconsfield teammate Harrison Coe also contributed in the win, kicking two early goals to help his team open up a big lead, while Noble Park winger Blake O’Leary combined 25 disposals with a goal.

At Williamstown, Narre Warren’s Jack Toner was solid, racking up 22 disposals.

•฀ Xavier Lindsay: three games, 23 disposals, seven marks, five tackles

If not for missing the third game due to a minor injury, there is every chance Lindsay could have competed with Langford for the Larke Medal. Improved as the carnival went on, with his calmness under pressure allowing him to make excellent decisions. Moved well on the wing and was strong in the contest when given opportunity in the middle. Almost dragged his team over the line in the fourth game.

Like his Stingrays teammate Doherty, Berwick’s Andrew played just one game and while quiet, the stats-line didn’t reflect his ability to halve some one-on-one contests.

•฀ Willem Duursma: three games, 14 disposals, three marks

An indifferent carnival for the Gippslander projected to go in the top five of the 2025 national draft. Was forced to play as an undersized key defender in the first match, before two solid games on the wing.

•฀ Alixzander Tauru: three games, seven disposals, three marks

Played the last three games after stellar form for Gippsland in between injury and showed his aggressive best in potent glimpses. A daring interceptor with great courage, his first game, againstWA, was his most complete.

Matt Johnson kicked a bag of six on Saturday for the Dolphins. (Stewart Chambers: 290763)

Cooper Hynes was strong as a forward/midfielder for Vic Country. (Will Russell/AFL Photos)

Harvey Langford won the 2024 Larke Medal.

Eagles control their destiny

By David Nagel

Even thick black clouds that hovered threateningly over Holm Park Reserve on Saturday failed to camouflage a dream day for Beaconsfield in Eastern Division One football.

The Eagles controlled the controllables; leapfrogging Montrose into fourth place on the ladder with an impressive 10.4(64) to 6.7(43) victory.

But the news got even better for Mick Fogarty and his team, with the Eagles’ numberone challenger for a finals berth - Mooroolbark - going down by one point to seventh-placed Bayswater.

A confidence booster on one hand, and a pressure-reliever on the other; it was the perfect outcome for the Eagles who are now well placed to make a serious run at this year’s premiership.

After making a staggering seven changes ahead of last week’s clash against South Belgrave, Fogarty welcomed back some talent with Hayden Brown, Brandon White, Mitch Szybkowski, Myles Currie and Brady Niezgodka all returning to the side.

And it didn’t take long for the inclusions to have an impact.

Currie and Szybkowski played a key hand in the first of the afternoon, with Jafar Ocaa racing into an open goal after one minute of play.

Szybkowski then found Ocaa on the lead, and when Brown did likewise at the 12-minute mark; Ocaa had the first three goals of the match.

Bailey White answered for the Demons, before the Eagles hit a significant first hurdle.

Key defender Lachlan Valentine landed awkwardly after a marking contest, 19 minutes into the first term, with the aftermath seeing him clutch agonisingly at his knee.

Heading into Saturday’s contest, Valentine

was one of only five Eagles – alongside Tylah Stokoe, Hayden Brough, Sam Merrick and Devon Smith – to have played every game this year.

The news got worse for the Eagles when Ty Galbraith cut the margin back to five points a minute later.

But the home side regained its composure, with goals to Casey Wassylko - and a fourth for the quarter to Ocaa - opening up a 17-point lead at the first change.

Szybkowski then provided the day’s highlight; perfectly timing his run at the back of a stoppage, gathering cleanly, and guiding one through off his right foot to make it 23 points the difference; eight minutes into the second.

White once again answered for the Demons, before a cracking response from Currie gave the home side a four-goal buffer at the major interval.

Charlie Muley then gave the Eagles the opening goal in each of the first three quarters, before a goal to Dan Chamberlin saw the Eagles head to the final break with a 25-point lead.

Brown then iced the game with a congested six-pointer, early in the last, before the Demons rallied with several shots on goal.

Fortunately for the Eagles they missed, with Szybkowski and Mackay Bateson then setting up Devon Smith for a crowd-pleasing sealer.

Ocaa’s opening burst was crucial in a lowscoring match, while the defensive efforts of Connor Mouat, Finn Devine and Jack Docherty were critically important in Valentine’s absence.

Stokoe and Michael Cameron were consis-

tent performers through the midfield, while Currie’s ability to run up and down the ground ensured the half forward had an impact.

The Eagles can take a deep breath now, with a bye this weekend, before setting their focus on an away trip to ladder-leading Park Orchards.

They then finish off their season with games against Doncaster (9th), Mitcham (3rd) and Bayswater (7th).

Goals: Jafar Ocaa 4, Hayden Brown, Myles Currie, Charlie Muley, Devon Smith, Mitch Szybkowski, Casey Wassylko. Best: Connor Mouat, Michael Cameron, Tylah Stokoe, Finn Devine, Sam Merrick, Jack Docherty.

MontroseGoals: BaileyWhite 3, Daniel Chamberlin, Ty Galbraith, Beau Tennant. Best: Bailey White, Greg Lord, Corey Whitchell, Benjamin Dessent, Liam Bowden.

Other Game R14: Bayswater 5.12(42) def Mooroolbark 5.11(41). Byes: Doncaster, Mitcham, North Ringwood, Park Orchards, South Belgrave, Wantirna South.

Ladder: Park Orchards 48, South Belgrave 40, Mitcham 36, Beaconsfield 36, Montrose 32, Mooroolbark 28, Bayswater 20, North Ringwood 12, Doncaster 12, Wantirna South 4. Fixture (Remainder R14) Doncaster v North Ringwood, Mitcham v Wantirna South, South Belgrave v Park Orchards. Byes: Bayswater, Beaconsfield, Montrose, Mooroolbark.

ROC slide now set in stone as Kangaroos let one slip

By Marcus Uhe

The six combatants to contest the upcoming Outer East Football Netball A Grade netball finals series appear to be set with five weeks of competition remaining.

This follows ROC blowing a golden opportunity to apply pressure to the incumbent place-holders on Saturday afternoon.

Despite holding Mt Evelyn to its secondlowest score of the season in wet, slippery conditions at Officer Recreation Reserve, ROC threw-away a three-goal half time lead and with it, a potential major boilover in cold conditions was extinguished.

ROC scored just 12 goals after half time in the 36-28 loss, falling victim to the stringent defence applied by the Rovers that has made them a powerhouse in the competition over recent seasons.

Heavy rain fell in the second quarter as ROC’s Kaelah and Isabella O’Shanassy made a concerted effort to deny sharpshooter Rory Barr opportunities in the Rovers’ goal circle.

Conditions made handling the ball and staying on their feet a difficult task for both sides, but ROC appeared better suited, and took a three-goal lead into the long break.

Winning the one-percenters and making the important extra effort plays were celebrated by the ROC faithful huddled under the shelter at the netball courts, but the end of the rain saw a shift in momentum during the second half.

A six-goal ROC lead midway through the third quarter was wiped by the Rovers over the next six minutes of play, thanks to an unanswered seven-goal run.

11 of the final 13 goals of the quarter saw Mt Evelyn turn for home three goals ahead, and nine of the first 11 of the final term saw them stamp their authority on the contest, running away with the eight-goal win.

It leaves ROC with a mountain of work in its final five games to climb into sixth position, needing at least two wins to tie on points Emerald, while hoping results do not go the Bombers’ way.

However, with remaining contests against Narre Warren, Pakenham and Monbulk, ROC needs to take every opportunity they can get. Saturday’s win would have closed the gap to just four points, given Emerald’s 59-50 loss to Narre Warren.

The Magpies flew out of the gates with the first six goals against Emerald, and took a nine-goal lead into the first break, but was forced to fight off a late Bombers fightback in the last quarter.

Emerald cut four goals off Narre Warren’s lead heading into the final term, and cut the lead to two goals midway through the last quarter to give the Magpies a fright.

But the Magpies showed their championship winning qualities in the face of adversity by fighting off the Bombers’ charge, scoring five consecutive goals in a ruthless two-minute stretch to put the result beyond doubt.

Gabrielle Dwyer returned to the Narre Warren lineup for the first time since nine, as Grace Ioelu, Chelsea Tonna and Piuti Laban shared the scoring duties with Erin Bell not in the side.

Madison Taylor and Krista Tomlinson

were among Emerald’s best players as Kaylah Loulanting shot 34 goals.

Narre Warren is now two games clear at the top of the table and is best-placed to secure top spot, thanks toWandin’s shock 53-48 loss to Monbulk.

The Hawks’ win made it seven in a row, leading at every change against the 2023 runners up and not looking back on their way to a huge result in the context of the season.

Narre Warren can all but secure top spot in round 15’s clash with Wandin at Wandin, should the Magpies defeat ROC next week.

The door also reopens for Mt Evelyn and Monbulk, meanwhile, to leapfrog Wandin and claim second place, now just two points adrift of the Bulldogs, while Pakenham continues to hover dangerously in fifth, trailing Wandin by just four points.

Pakenham continued Berwick Springs’ season of misery in a 80-5 demolition, the first instance a team has been held to single figures in A-Grade netball this season.

A seesawing battle at Olinda Ferny Creek saw the lead change hands five times in the second half as the Bloods chased down a four-goal deficit in the final minutes to steal a remarkable win at home.

Trailing 40-44 with 5.40 remaining, Olinda Ferny Creek nailed the final seven goals of the afternoon to power home with a 47-44. At the time, four goals was the largest lead of the afternoon, and coming on the back of a five-goal run from Gembrook Cockatoo, the Brookers appeared on track for a second consecutive win, but the opportunity slipped through their fingertips in costly fashion. Upwey Tecoma, meanwhile, downed Woori Yallock in a Tiger on Tiger contest.

Isabella O’Shanassy was excellent for ROC against Mt Evelyn on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 409033)

Jafar Ocaa set the game up for Beaconsfield with four first-quarter goals against Montrose. (Rob Carew: 402311)