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
Marngrook making
Families had a fun day at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne (RBGV) onWednesday 10 July, celebrating the NAIDOC Week.
An interactive workshop showed everyone a traditional aboriginal game called Marngrook, the original AFL football. The ball was often made by possum skins and kids got to create their very own Marngrook to take home.
Story Page 10
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.
Continued page 10
2-year-old Kiah from Cranbourne with a finished Marngrook. She loved it! (Gary Sissons: 418421)
Vital support for family
By Violet Li
Ten supermarket chains in Cranbourne have banded together to fundraise for one of their team members who’s going through a difficult time in the family.
Elsie, a 16-year-old working at Woolworths Hunt Club, dropped out of school after her mother Joanna was diagnosed with bowel and liver stage 4 cancer in November last year.
On Thursday 27 June, Woolworths chains across Cranbourne had a WEAR BLUE DAY to fundraise for Joanna where everyone dressed in blue, a colour for bowel cancer. The fundraising has continued beyond the day, with the GoFundMe barcode still visible everywhere in the supermarkets.
Originally from New Zealand, single mum Joanna raises two teenagers on her own and has no family in Australia.
“Mum is not feeling off and on. So basically, she had an appointment the other week. They’ve said that she’s never going to be off chemo. She’s going to be on chemo for the rest of her life,” Elsie said.
“It was very stressful. Just too stressful to stay in school and concentrate.”
After finding out about Elsie’s family situation, Woolworths Hunt Club’s officer manager Suzie Cap and customer service manager Rebekah O’Reilly just wanted to help out financially.
“She [Elsie’s mum] is in a lot of pain,” Rebekah said.
“She works when she can at her desk, but that’s only part-time at the moment. She’s gone from full-time work to part-time work
because of cancer. And she’s raising two children by herself with no family here.”
The fundraising started with the Biggest Morning Tea, and Suzie and Rebekah decided to branch out to do an individual one to help Joanna personally.
“I just mentioned it to my store manager and then he went to the group manager, and she was just like, yeah, let’s do this,” Suzie said.
“The group manager met Elsie. And it was
her attitude and her willingness to work and just how pumped she was.
“Everyone just got on board. I think it was just a ripple effect.
“One store had T-shirts with the GoFundMe barcode on the back of them, so if customers, as they were walking around, wanted to donate, they could scan the code.”
“She’s one of our youngest team members. She works really hard all the time. She picks
up any shifts that you ask her to do,” Rebekah said.
“You can see that she wants to help her mom. And we’re moms ourselves.”
The joint efforts across ten stores have helped raise about $9,000.
“I feel so amazed seeing everyone help out. It’s just honestly amazing,” Elsie said. To help, visit: https://www.gofundme. com/f/support-joannas-cancer-fight
Huge $159m gambling losses recorded in 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 municipality’s most disadvantaged communities.
Council also states the concern that Casey’s growth areas have seen new venue 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.”
Casey Council has deferred the endorsement of the Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy to August’s council meeting for more input.
(FILE)
Elsie (middle) with Woolworths Hunt Club’s officer manager Suzie Cap (left) and customer service manager Rebekah O’Reilly (right). (Violet Li: 418905)
The GoFundMe barcode for Elsie’s mum is visible everywhere in the chain stores. (418905)
From volunteer to student doctor: Adhav’s journey
By Violet Li Cranbourne North’s
Adhav Parasuraman presented a distinctive and down-to-earth way to boost a career path in healthcare.
The 22-year-old is a student doctor at Dandenong Hospital, but he has been a familiar face on-site volunteering since he was 18 years old.
“During high school, one of my goals was to get into medicine and study to become a doctor,” he recalled.
“I didn’t have much work experience, or any outside experience because I didn’t work during school, so I thought volunteering would be a good way to gain experience in the work environment just for future occupations.”
Starting as a volunteer concierge, Adhav quickly learned his way around Dandenong Hospital.
“This was just at the front reception where patients and family members would walk in, At the beginning, it was guiding patients around different parts of the hospital. That’s a big frame, so they get easily lost,” he recalled.
“But then during Covid, there were restrictions on how many people would have come. Sometimes the visitors would drop off items, and then I would take them to the patients.
“Then we transitioned onto the wards. This again was something new for me because it was more personal and intimate communication with a patient.
“This was to improve the patient experience because, in the hospital, patients sometimes don’t get visited. Sometimes they can get a bit lonely. They don’t have much to do, so just being there for them, just having a chat with them, was my role towards the end of my volunteering.”
The volunteer roles prepared Adhav for his current student placements by building his confidence and allowing him to get to know the community of patients and teams at Dandenong Hospital.
“Coming into volunteering, I was definitely a shy and quiet kid. I mostly turned to my friends. But with volunteering, I had to expand that. I had to interact with people of differ-
ent backgrounds, communities, and occupations,” he said.
“That pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me learn those key communication skills.
“Volunteering gave me the advantage of knowing the Dandenong Hospital like the back of my hand. When I started my placement, I could easily make my way around the hospital blindfolded.
“I believe I felt and looked more confident,
having the advantage of showing my work colleagues around the place.”
Looking back, Adhav could still remember those small but warm moments during his volunteer day.
“One experience was a bit special to me.
One of the ladies, she broke her foot, and she couldn’t really speak much English,” he recalled.
“She couldn’t walk to the radiology room. I was pushing her around in a wheelchair to dif-
study
ferent parts of the hospital, and I stayed with her from start to finish.
“And as I was getting a taxi for her, she was really thankful and she tried to offer me a coffee, but I had to decline it because she had to go, but it’s just another memorable experience.”
Adhav is currently on his rotation in the Emergency Department. He has his sights set on a future in Emergency Medicine.
Funding delays for Hampton Park community precinct
By Ethan Benedicto
Delays in funding have seen changes made to the Hampton Park Central Community Precinct 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, 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 ex-
isting 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.
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.
Cranbourne North’s Adhav Parasuraman used to be a volunteer at Dandenong Hospital and after years of
and practice, he’s now a student doctor. (Supplied)
A delay in funding for the Hampton Park Precinct meant a change in the Council’s timeframe for the project’s completion. (On File)
Calls for more measures to protect pedestrians
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.”
Casey’s Rainbow Action Plan
The City of Casey has since endorsed their Rainbow Action Plan 2024-2028, which aims to improve the lives of the council’s LGBTQIA+ residents and families.
The plan was developed in consultation with the local community throughout 2023 and 2024, providing a roadmap for actions and initiatives that promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion, equality and protection from discrimination.
Casey’s chair of administrators, Noelene Duff PSM said that the plan is vital in improving outcomes for the community.
“Every individual, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, deserves to feel safe and respected in their community,” she said.
The Action Plan itself focuses on three main components, which are inclusion, leadership and safety with actions such as:
- Embedding policies, programs and services that support LGBTQIA+ communities
- Ensuring LGBTQIA+ inclusion is publicly promoted throughout the community
- Providing staff and volunteers with learning opportunities to increase awareness about LGBTQIA+ inclusion
- Collaborating with other organisations
to develop resources to support inclusion and safety for LGBTQIA+ people
- Developing and leading inclusion initiatives across the local government sector
- Strengthening the cultural safety of existing programs, events and facilities
“As an advocate and ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, council is committed to improving the lives of people and families from our rainbow community by reducing discrimination and exclusion and increasing access to local support services.
“We are immensely grateful to our community members who provided feedback and shared their experiences which has helped shape this Action Plan,” Ms Duff said.
Moving forward, the action plan will use a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that the council’s efforts are effective and accountable.
The cycle will undergo a process of monitoring performance and evaluating outcomes; bi-annual updates; an annual comprehensive report; and consulting with the Rainbow Advisory Committee, which continues with future endeavours.
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.
Casey Council has since endorsed their Rainbow Action Plan, which aims to foster a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ residents and families. (On File: Unsplash)
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 on Thursday 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.
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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 achieve that, which is what The Art of Con-
OPINION
LENSCAPE
scious 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.
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 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)
Pharmacist ready to run
By Violet Li
Community pharmacist and industry advocate Anthony Tassone is committed to bringing his experience in representation to the City of Casey if elected in October’s election.
TheVictorian branch president of the Pharmacy Guild Australia will run for Tooradin Ward, where he runs his business TerryWhite Chemmart in Clyde and engages with communities.
“I’ve been a pharmacist for about 22 years and have always practised here in the City of Casey,” Mr Tassone said.
Mr Tassone originally started in Narre Warren and Narre Warren South.
As he furthered his career, he set his sights afar and took up roles to represent and advocate for the pharmacies to the State and Federal Government.
He has been the Victorian branch president of the Pharmacy Guild Australia and one of the national vice presidents since 2013.
One of his recent roles was leading the negotiations for the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement, a 5-year funding deal of $26 billion with the Federal Government.
He has also been a regular face in the major media, including ABC, 3AW, 7NEWS, 9News, to speak for the industry.
“I think it’s really important that elected representatives have the capability and confidence to be able to represent who they serve in the media because sometimes you need that to get outcomes for the people you’re trying to serve,” he said.
Though constantly active and busy in his professional industry, Mr Tassone never took his eyes off his local community, as a ratepayer in Casey.
“I’m really proud of the track record I have in giving a voice to my profession and colleagues, advocating for them to deliver better
Community pharmacist and industry advocate Anthony Tassone will run for Tooradin Ward in October’s election. (Violet Li: 419757)
care for their patients and their community. I want to apply that experience and skills to the city of Casey and be a voice for the local people to benefit our community,” he said.
“In my working life, I feel like there are three types of people: those who say what should happen, those who wonder what happened, and those who make it happen. And I’ve always wanted to be someone who makes it happen.
“I feel really strongly that there’s an opportunity with a new council to be elected in 2024. There’s an opportunity for a fresh start here in Casey.”
Mr Tassone believed that the ratepayers had been let down by the last council that was sacked back in 2020.
The “fresh new start” he has been envisioning is an accountable board of counsellors who are there to serve the interest of the ratepayers, not self-interest.
Fee-relief for kinders
By Ethan Benedicto
The City of Casey has since endorsed the move to exempt some independent-run kindergartens from the $103 fee associated with the Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme for the financial year of 2024 to 2025, following the meeting on 16 July.
Furthermore, these kindergartens, specifically referred to as non-Early Year Managers (EYMs) will receive a 50 per cent reduction in the CRES contribution fee for the following financial year of 2025 to 2026.
Administrator Cameron Boardman acknowledged during the meeting that they received feedback that the fees would “create a significant financial hardship to [the non-EYMs] if that was to be implemented and introduced in full”.
For reference, Casey has managed the CRES since 2005 with the aim to help families apply their children for kindergarten in one, concentrated space compared to having multiple institutions have their separate registration process.
Currently, there are 55 kindergarten sites in the LGA that are using the council’s CRES program, with another due to commence later this year and another four set for 2025.
Of the 55, 49 are under council management with two sites proposed to be given back to the Department of Education; three managed by two EYMs, and three not-forprofit independent non-EYMs.
In April 2022 the council’s kindergarten model changed, which saw all kindergarten facilities managed by EYMs, and as part of this change, said EYMs which operated out of a council-owned building have since been required to use CRES and pay a contribution fee of $100 per enrollment in the financial year of 2023 to 2024, with annual CPI increase.
When this fee was introduced, there was no distinction between an EYM and a nonEYM kindergarten provider, which meant that the three non-EYMs had been participating in the CRES program since 2005
Casey Council has endorsed the exemption of non-EYM services from their CRES contribution fees. (On File)
without having to pay a contribution fee in order to support the management of registrations and enrolments.
Since the non-EYMs have historically not had to pay the fees, imposing the new full amount could be financially disadvantageous to these non-EYMs’ abilities to be part of the CRES program.
For the 2023 kindergarten year, the three non-EYM providers have a total of 221 enrolments, which would mean that if they were not exempt from the council’s contribution fee, they would need to pay $22,100 towards the cost of the CRES program.
Casey Council, in turn, would receive $11,000 less income a year if the recommendation were to go through, something that chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said is a “modest impost on the council’s budget to make this change”.
“The CRES is a very important part of the program, allowing families in the community the best access to local preschool services within their areas; I think it really is important that the council supports this,” she said.
With the council’s endorsement of the recommendation, this means that community-based non-EYM services can continue to have their registrations and enrolments managed by the CRES program, in turn supporting “equitable access to kindergarten services for families”.
“I’m here in my pharmacy speaking to people every day. They come in and the issues that come up over and over again are around the challenges of cost of living. We need to make sure that rates stay as low as possible and deliver the best value that we can for rate pays,” he said.
“Roads and infrastructure have not kept up with the needs of the community. We’re always catching up in the traffic and people are feeling that it’s taking longer to get to where they’ve got to get to.
“Mobile and Internet black spots are another issue. Due to the poor mobile data coverage in this area, people have so much trouble trying to download their e-scripts here in the pharmacy. That’s not acceptable.”
It was time to make some more noise and keep contractors accountable, on budget and on time, Mr Tassone said.
“These infrastructure upgrades on South
Protect your business and your workers
Gippsland Highway and Ballarto Road look abandoned. Looks like nothing’s happening.
“What is going on? People need to know and keep up to date with the progress of these important infrastructure upgrades.
“Who’s keeping them accountable? Who’s getting the best value for the ratepayers in their investment in local infrastructure?”
Mr Tassone is running as an independent candidate.
“I won’t be running in association with any political party. I’m not accepting donations for my campaign. Any campaign will be funded by myself personally,” he said.
Long working in representative roles, Mr Tassone has the ideology that an organisation’s purpose is its members.
“No members, there was no purpose of the Pharmacy Guild. Without ratepayers, the City of Casey doesn’t have a purpose,” he said.
“Elected councillors and the employed council work for the ratepayer.
“It’s not the other way around. We serve them.”
and meet your licence obligations –to maintain your business, avoid penalties, and contribute to a fairer industry.
TerryWhite Chemmart Clyde co-owner Anthony Tassone is talking with people every day to understand the issues communities are facing.
Casey’s Live and Local music Micro-festivals finally hit Cranbourne. A line-up of artists, including Renee Naccari, Qeeran, and JHM, staged Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre on Sunday 14 July, walking everyone through the magic of music in this winter season.
Festival serenades locals
New chapter begins for family history group
By Ethan Benedicto
A new chapter for the Narre Warren and DistrictFamilyHistoryGroupdoesn’tnecessarily 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.
enjoyed dancing to the live music. (418759)
Singer Jessie from JHM. ((418759)
2-year-old Addison and her dad from Cranbourne enjoying the live music while shopping. Addison enjoyed the song Butterfly sung by Renee Naccari. (Gary Sissons: 418759)
Singer Renee Naccari (right) and guitarist Zac White (left) performing together at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre. (418759)
Eileen Durdin, the History Group’s secretary is looking forward to the upcoming general meeting. (Ethan Benedicto: 419859)
Flooding hits Hallam Estate
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 estate on assessments of the bridge and the low-points 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.
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. (419626)
A station too far for Clyde
From page 1
“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 Gate Tunnel, 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.”
Families create First Nations inspired art
Families had a fun and educational day at the celebrations of NAIDOC Week at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne (RBGV) on Wednesday 10 July.
Art facilitator and aboriginal artist Nine Wright from EARTHwise Culture immersed families in aboriginal culture with interactive painting workshops. Families were guided to paint their own stories through aboriginal art and symbolism.
Nina is from the Kokatha tribe of South Australia and comes from a long cultural
line of Kokatha people. Her families are from the Central and Western Desert regions of South Australia and the Narungga and Kaurna peoples of the Yorke Peninsula and greater Adelaide.
Another interactive showed everyone a traditional aboriginal game called Marngrook, the original AFL football. Participants were guided by RBGV’s Aboriginal Learning Officer Jaffa Richardson to prepare and sew possum skins to create their very own Marngrook to take home.
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)
4-year-old Archie from Leongatha with his painting. (417710)
2-year-old Kiah from Cranbourne with a finished Marngrook. (Gary Sissons: 418421)
4-year-old Mako from Lyndhurst with his painting. He was very proud of his work. (417710)
Two-year-old Miami with Ebony Stuart from Lyndhurst, holding Miami’s painting. (417710)
10-year-old Frankie from Somerville making a Marngrook. (417710)
8-year-old Sebastian from Leongatha with his painting. (417710)
7-year-old Bronte from Mount Eliza (left), art facilitator Nina Wright (middle) and Sue Whitlam from Mount Eliza (right) painting their own stories through aboriginal art and symbolism. (Gary Sissons: 417710)
2-year-old Miami (left), Madison Legg from Langwarrin (middle) and RBGV’s Aboriginal Learning officer Janine Jaffa Richardson. (417710)
RBGV’s Aboriginal Learning officer Janine Jaffa Richardson is taking the class on Marngrook. (417710)
FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING
Foot and Leg pain in Winter
The cold weather can affect
bodies in various ways, particularly impacting
feet and legs, which are crucial for much of our
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 circula-
tion, 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.
If you need
assistance with foot and leg pain or injuries, contact Dr. Dowie at his Berwick clinic.
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 vi-
with Tooradin Ward candidate Ali Yaghobi
sion as to 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 OPPORTUNITY TO OCCUPY AND INVEST
An unrivalled location on the corner of Station Street and Rossiter Road in the heart of Koo Wee Rup. The site of 118m2, offers the unique opportunity to occupy one premises, while receiving an income from the other with an established tenancy in place.
The site benefits from the following features:
• Established tenant in place paying $1,030 + GST, and outgoings per month on a lease to February 2025, with a 3-year option to renew • Suitable for immediate owner occupation in the other premises • Prominent corner location • Rear shared car park Address: 275 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup
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
· 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)
Handcrafted success
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
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_05)
Nashos keep giving
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The National Servicemen’s Association South-East branch has again come to the fore with its 21st annual Christmas toy drive.
On Saturday 6 July, the ‘nashos’many of them in their 80s - delivered thousands of toys to The Salvation Army depot in Doveton.
Over the drive’s history, they’ve collected up to 150,000 toys for underprivileged kids across Victoria.
“It’s been a big thing over 21 years – there’s been a lot of money raised for new toys and a lot of toys donated,” NSA president Mike Smith said.
“The rule is to give toys that any other kid would love to have.”
The toy drive had grown out of a desire to “give back” to the Salvos.
The Salvos were there for the branch members while they were young men out of home for the first time and stationed at bases such as Puckapunyal during their National Service last century.
Some of the raw recruits needed help to write a letter home or even to make a cup of tea.
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 technologies, 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 woodworking 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.
Through diversity in membership and expansion of new techniques, styles and pieces, the group is looking forward to the future with more projects underway.
“The biggest problem with this organisation is the members are getting older. Most of us are in our eighties,” Mr Smith said.
“Even though our National Service was in the 1950’s and 60’s, we’re still serving our community.
“But who knows - this could be the last one.“
MP Rachel Payne ready to serve community out of Chelsea
She 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.”
“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.
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.
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)
Margaret Clayton with her Jewelry Box made with guidance from club member Simon King. (Rob Carew: 418961_01)
Leah Bolton with her “Cow Jumps Over the Moon“ night light. Having only been a member for 14 months, she admires the club’s culture of support, patience, knowledge and commitment. (Rob Carew: 418961_02)
Bill Bradshaw,
National Servicemen’s Association president Mike Smith delivers thousands of Christmas toys to Major Warren Elliott from The Salvation Army. (Stewart Chambers: 413364)
Victorian MP Rachel Payne has a new Chelsea base and wants South-East locals to visit.
SPORT
CCCA’s new leader
By David Nagel
Winning back the trust of clubs and gaining their collective buy-in are items at the top of the list for new Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) President Ben Knowles.
Vice-president last season, the 35-year-old was interim president for 19 days after a majority of CCCA clubs voted in favour of passing a motion to declare the President’s position vacant; effectively ending the tenure of longtime administrator Rob Hansen.
Knowles was officially voted in by clubs last week, unopposed, at a Special General Meeting that was called specifically to fill the position.
Just days into the role, Knowles has a specific focus on working with the CCCA member clubs to ensure a collective strength and growth in the competition moving forward.
“The trust has definitely waivered over the last couple of years, so that’s the number-one thing, winning that back, and then putting important pillars in place for the future,” Knowles said.
“At the end of the day, we’re here for the clubs.
“The clubs elected to make this change because they were worried about the future of the association.
“They wanted change, they wanted to modernise it; and now I’m putting it back on them.
“The clubs got what they wanted, but where are we going from here?
“It’s okay to do what’s been done, but now we need a commitment to fill vacant positions or we’re no better off than what we were.
“The ball is now firmly in the court of the clubs; we now have the opportunity to build an association together that is attractive to other clubs throughout Casey and Cardinia.
“We want extra clubs coming in; we want the association to grow.
“I asked every club at the meeting to have a minimum of one person on a sub-committee or board so we can grow the association together.”
Knowles fell in love with the game as soon as he could hold a bat, playing his junior and senior cricket for Horndon-on-the-Hill in Essex.
He moved to Australia from England in 2013 and has had stints with DDCA club Narre North, Mildura Settlers, Bentleigh ANA in SECA, before buying a house locally and settling at Clyde in 2018.
He won a premiership at Clyde in his first year; has made an A Grade century, and won
the Doug Round Medal for taking the most wickets at Clyde in a season.
He was secretary at Narre North for two seasons and for the last three years has held the same position at Clyde; a position he will now forgo as he takes on the CCCA’s top role.
“Those five years as secretary gave me a great grounding on how clubs work and the issues they face on a regular basis,” Knowles said.
“We’re here to serve the clubs, so if we know what the club’s problems are, then that has to help in some way.
“We also need to get our policies and procedures updated and made more relevant.
“I’m talking rules, by-laws, constitution; let’s modernise those, make them more relevant, and once we have that strong foundation we can build from there.”
Knowles has already reconnected with local council, with the City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia being invited to his meeting in charge.
“For the first time in four or five years the two councils were both represented at the meeting, and why shouldn’t they be there; they’re our two biggest stakeholders and ground providers,” he said.
“Why would we not want to be hearing what they’re doing; what processes and procedures they’re bringing in, because they are going to affect our clubs.
“Both councils were extremely receptive of being invited back to the board; extremely thankful and hoping it’s the beginning of a positive connection moving forward.
“The first agenda item at each meeting will be assigned to key stakeholders and council.”
Knowles, a self-confessed straight shooter, said clubs can expect an honest and consistent approach during his tenure as president.
“I’m honest, I tell you as it is, and I go by the rule book,” he said.
“I’ve been told I have a black and white personality, it either is or it isn’t, it’s either in the rule book or it’s not.
“But you also need compassion, to be able to put your arm around a club in a time of need.
“But honesty and communication are two of the main ones, it’s about honesty and communication with the clubs.
“I don’t need to bombard the clubs with 15 emails, when one detailed email will suffice.”
Knowles is excited about what the future might look like for the CCCA.
“There is no reason that on a Saturday, in the City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia, that every single oval is not used for cricket,” he said.
“We already have one application for a club to potentially join us, and there are ovals going up left, right and centre, and others are being freed up.
“If we can get the pillars right, and get the clubs engaged and on-side, and get people talking about the CCCA in a positive light, then I can’t see why we don’t have five new clubs during the upcoming five-year plan.”
Knowles and the CCCA Board will look to soon fill the vacant positions ofVice-President; and Female and Junior Cricket Managers.
Setback for Cranbourne
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cranbourne has suffered a percentagediminishing 16.12 108 to 8.6 54 defeat to Dingley in Division 1 of the Southern Football Netball League.
The Eagles’ hot start was overshadowed by a disappointing fadeout, with a seven-goal-to-three last quarter potentially detrimental in the grander scheme with Cranbourne’s percentage likely to be a factor in the top-five race.
The class of Dingley forward trio Caleb Lewis, Lochie Benton and Trent Dennis-Lane shone through as the match wore on, all able to kick critical goals to open up a buffer on Cranbourne.
VFL-listed Lewis was the spearhead with six, while Benton kicked three and was also dynamic in the middle, while former AFL man Dennis-Lane kicked two and was a player the defence needed to be aware of.
Up the other end, Paul Delaroche backed up his strong performance earlier in the season against Dingley with four goals on Saturday at a soggy Souter Oval.
The Dingoes kicked away early in the second quarter, and despite an Aaron Moran response, the hosts were able to capitalise on their ascendancy.
Midfielder Tyler Finn and defender Glenn Osborne also played well for Cranbourne, which next week face Mordialloc, a game they’ll look to win and close the 10 per cent separating themselves and East Brighton.
Punishing the Demons has proud Panthers prowling again
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Devon Meadows is back on the winner’s list with a clinical 19.15 129 to 11.11 77 victory over Rye in the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League Division 2 competition.
The Panthers extended the lead at every break, with five multiple goal kickers in the routing, headed by Patrick Harmes who had his most productive afternoon of the season with five majors, four contested marks and 14 score involvements.
Jack Wilson, Alex Canal, Joel Hillis and Jack Grimsey each kicked three, with Wilson involved in plenty of scoring chains and Canal clean at ground level.
Defender Liam Drew patrolled the halfback line excellently, finishing with 26 disposals including seven groundballs.
Positively, both Jack Harmes and James King played after copping game-ending injuries last week.
The result keeps the Panthers in second spot, but they will be disappointed with fierce rivals Pearcedale falling a point short against Edithvale-Aspendale in a 36-goal shootout.
The Panthers could still finish on top of the table, but will need to beat Edi-Asp and hope they drop another game on the run home.
There was rarely more than 10 points separating the two teams, with Brett Eddy the hero for Pearcedale, kicking 10 goals in the defeat.
Jack Grimsey kicked two goals on Saturday for the Panthers. (Stewart Chambers: 416178)
Josh Cochrane worked hard in the loss for Cranbourne. (Gary Sissons: 417602)
Ben Knowles is the new president of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association. (Supplied)
Door still ajar for Demons
By David Nagel
The ever-changing race for a place in this year’s WGFNC A Grade finals series reaches a significant fork in the road this weekend with several cracking contests set down for decision.
Two of the top-six - Kilcunda-Bass and Nar Nar Goon – let their guard down on Saturday, opening the door for seventh-placed Kooweerup to potentially sneak in.
This week’s game between the Demons and Nar Nar Goon promises to be a beauty; with both teams having almost identical records.
Both teams have won seven games and drawn one; with both having scored 614 goals.
Defensively they are almost identical as well, with the Goon conceding 598 goals; just one less than the Demons!
Kooweerup will go in confident after a commanding 66-47 victory over Phillip Island at Cowes.
The Demons led by two at quarter time, but put the foot down during the middle stages of the match, scoring 39 to 25 in the second and third quarters.
Kate Sidebottom, Alix Galante, Claise Janssen and Chantelle Stokkel were driving forces for the Demons, while Talia Charalambides and Mikaela Stokkel were at their defensive best, forcing the Phillip Island goalers to work for every score.
Nar Nar Goon won’t be so confident heading in after copping a 58-28 hammering from a fired-up Dalyston at Dalyston.
The Magpies were brilliant in the first quarter, leading 17-9 at quarter time, but then elevated that high level of play to extraordinary new levels in the second and third terms.
With Gemma Thomas (GK) and Olivia Bramley (GD) at their absolute best defensively, the Magpies outscored the Goon 13-4 in the second, and then backed that up with a 14-5 third quarter.
Britt Thomas, Bella Scmidt, Jarney Thomas and Mataya Maloney were on fire for the Magpies, while Taylah Boatwood and Taylah Ellis did their best to turn the tide for the Goon.
Tooradin-Dalmore is emerging as the most serious threat to Inverloch-Kongwak’s overwhelming dominance this year after the Seagulls made it five straight wins with a 54-45 triumph over Kilcunda-Bass.
This one was up for grabs at three-quarter time; the Gulls leading 42-41, but a phenom-
Cannons fire warning shot
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’s Vic 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 behind Yarra, 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 seven-minute 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.
The Cobras dominated the opening exchanges, leading 10-4 at quarter time, and had the game sewn up with a 33-19 lead at the final break.
The Giants won the last quarter by one, but the damage had been well and truly done.
Ellie Keen, Paige Brooks-MacMillan and Lexis Schade were dynamos through the midcourt for the Cobras, while Annabel Sheppard and Danielle Cameron were super effective in defence.
Bunyip is currently enjoying a stunning patch of form with the Bulldogs making it three straight wins with a 37-33 victory over a fast-finishing Garfield.
The Bulldogs won the first two quarters by 10 to 8, and led 31-20 after a dominant 11-4 third quarter.
Ally Johnson, Jess Drazzi, Nat Dijkstra and Keely Wright played superbly for the Bulldogs, who let their guard down in the final term.
Garfield won the final stanza 13-6, with goalers Nat Loogman and Georgia Coleman finding their radar when it was all a little too late.
And last, but certainly not least, is Inverloch-Kongwak’s 69-21 victory over bottomplaced Warragul Industrials.
The Sea Eagles must have really enjoyed their week off; beginning with a remarkable 24-4 first quarter, highlighted by 19 goals to Amy Scott.
enal 12-4 final blitz gave the Seagulls a crucial victory.
The defensive brilliance of Ebony Dolan and Jess Maher was in full focus during that last-quarter thumping, while Stacey Sawyer, Zoe Coventry and Sara Howie will take some great form into this week’s bumper clash against Cora Lynn.
The Cobras, however, will be up for the fight this week after a fast start led to a 43-30 win over Korumburra-Bena.
With the game locked away, the intensity dropped for the back-to-back reigning champs, who sit three-and-a-half games clear at the top of the ladder.
Kelsy Buxton dictated terms through the midcourt, while defenders Amity McInnes and Renee Pilkington once again had the better of the opposition goalers.
Natasha Green and Steph Warburton never gave up for the Dusties.
Hampton Park wins ugly
By Jonty Ralphsmith
It’s not a game Hampton Park will reflect on with great pride, but the Redbacks escaped with the four points against Endeavour Hills on Saturday at Barry Simon Reserve.
Hayden Stanton’s troops kicked their only four goals in the first half, before conceding the only three of the second half in a 4.13 37 to 4.10 34 win.
Neither side will take much from the slugfest, which was laden with skill errors, inaccuracy in front of goal and frustrating inefficiency and decision-making for the most part.
Endeavour Hills kicked just one goal up to the 20-minute-mark of the third quarter, yet their work rate and resilience kept them in it.
The Falcons got on top for a period late in the third quarter when JaydenWeichard was yellow carded.
Skipper John Rafferty kicked a goal either side of three quarter time to give his side some belief, but after his goal at the two-minute-mark of the last quarter, neither team threatened each other with deep entries.
Endeavour Hills’ last goal of the game, a Travis Hall set shot from 50, came at the 21-minute-mark.
Hampton Park would win the next centre clearance and the siren sounded after Bailey Mayworm took a courageous and crucial mark in the forward half.
The Redbacks’ best footy came in a threegoal second quarter as they were able to build up some counterattacking footy to give themselves a handy buffer.
Nathan Langley kicked two goals and was a strong presence up front, Jack Dalton won some important contests, Aaron Holden was one of few on the day with reliable hands and Dylan Asling worked hard behind the footy.
The game loomed as a danger one for the Spiders, whose grasp on a top-five spot would have been reduced to just one game if they lost; but a win effectively guarantees finals action.
At Highett, a six-goal-to-two first quarter set the tone for Doveton in an 18.12 120 to 8.8 56 victory over the hosts.
MattClarke’sstellarformcontinued,kicking seven goals as a barometer for the Doves’ attack, while Joel Pritchett played one of his best games in Doves’ colours.
Next weekend, Endeavour Hills host a Caulfield side it challenged earlier in the season; while Hampton Park and Doveton will enter its clashes against St Kilda City and Keysborough respectively as hot favourites.
Dylan Morris looks to gather a loose ball in front of Jordan Benitez. (Rob Carew: 418885)
Casey’s men produced an enormous result on the weekend. (Rob Carew: 416181)
Kooweerup goaler Jayda McConkey will be a key player when the Demons welcome Nar Nar Goon to Denhams Road for a vital clash on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 406511)
Who has will to win?
By David Nagel
Two battle-hardened teams with a penchant for close finishes will lock horns on Saturday when Tooradin-Dalmore hosts Cora Lynn in the WGFNC Match of the Day.
The Gulls and Cobras are neck-deep in a five-way battle for this year’s premiership; and their results against their fellow finals contenders tell a very similar story.
The Seagulls have a 1-3 record against topfive teams, with the combined margin of those four games just 21 points.
The Cobras have a 2-1 record, and one draw, with a combined margin of 22 points.
It’s almost safe to predict that this week’s contest will undoubtedly go down to the wire.
Cora Lynn began its season with a loss-windraw sequence, but has since put together a 10-game winning streak that sees it perched at the top of the ladder.
But these next three weeks, against Tooradin-Dalmore, Inverloch-Kongwak and Nar Nar Goon, will give us the best indication
yet of where they sit in the pecking order.
Just five weeks out from finals; you would like to be building momentum and be close to playing your best football.
The Cobras have had eight players play every game this season, with Lachie Peluso, Jett Edwards, Nathan Villella and Luke Black playing vital roles for their team, while Nathan Gardiner, Lachlan Coverdale, Jimmy Munro and Jaxon Briggs bring the X-Factor!
Luke Hartley, Cory Machaya, Liam Taylor and Gus Da Costa have all just missed one game, alongside Billy Thomas, who may be having the best season of his already stellar career in the ruck.
The Seagulls also aren’t short on stalwarts, with Lewis Hill, Piva Wright, Brad Butler, Xavier Shinners, Cooper Shipp and Trent Adams running out for every game this season.
It’s no secret; but when your best players are on the park you tend to play good football.
Similar to Cora Lynn, the Gulls next fortnight, which concludes at Nar Nar Goon next
week; will provide a clearer view of the landscape.
We’ll go for Cora Lynn to win by three points.
All other games this week look largely predictable, with Inverloch to beat Dalyston by a similar margin that Phillip Island beats Garfield, while Bunyip will be hard-pressed to be competitive against a finals’ bound KilcundaBass.
Warragul Industrials should return with the chocolates after a trip to the Korumburra showgrounds, while near-neighbours Kooweerup and Nar Nar Goon meet at Denhams Road.
The Demons were buoyed by the return of Josh Bateman last week and his battle with a classy Goon midfield will be worth the price of admission alone.
But the Goon have too much to play for; expect Harry Brain to continue his hot recent form and the visitors to take home the four premiership points.
Beacy boy Johnson slams six
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.
Last-quarter burst sees Billings break Bombers hearts
By Marcus Uhe
A pair of late goals from recruit Jack Billings helped the Casey Demons keep a threatening Essendon at bay on the way to securing a fifth win of the VFL season on Sunday afternoon.
Casey led for the duration of the contest and by 23 points at the final change, but three goals in the opening 10 minutes of the quarter to the Bombers put the result back into jeopardy.
WillVerrall nailed a steadier for the Demons to push the margin back to 11 points, but with 15 minutes elapsed in the term, plenty of time remained for the Bombers to snatch the lead.
Composure in the forward half from Shane McAdam and Noah Yze gifted Billings his first after 22 minutes to grow the lead to 17 points, before a Bailey Laurie centre clearance landed in his lap from the following centre bounce, seeing him convert the set shot opportunity on a slight angle.
22 points was the contest’s final margin, with Casey prevailing 13.12 90 to 10.8 68.
Three goals in the final eight minutes of the opening term gave Casey a 27-pont lead at the opening break, holding Essendon goalless in the process in a brilliant start.
Lacking key forward Matthew Jefferson, the Demons had to find new avenues to goal, and did so through its smaller players, in Oliver Sestan, Charlie Peters and Tyler Edwards, while Ben Brown also hit the scoreboard with a trademark galloping set shot.
The Berwick-Cranbourne Road end of the ground quickly became the scoring end of the ground, with eight of the first nine going to that end as the Bombers clawed their way back into the contest, reducing the lead to eight points
midway through the second period.
Goals to Lachlan Hunter and another to Peters restored a 19-point lead at the long break, before goals were traded in the third term.
Essendon launched its run early in the final term, but Casey managed to hold them at arms-length for long enough.
It was just the second win on home soil for the season on Sunday afternoon, having struggled to maximise home conditions to the same
extent as in previous seasons.
Laurie provided one of the highlights of the afternoon with a brilliant checkside goal on his right foot from hard against the boundary following a forward 50 stoppage, to go with his 32 disposals and 11 tackles in a typically industrious performance.
Billings, meanwhile, added 32 disposals and three tackles to his two important final quarter goals, maintaining his consistent output at VFL where he has averaged 24.6 touches
in his five games.
Essendon dominated the hit-outs by could not convert its advantage to scoreboard ascendency, as Casey won the clearance count by 10 and inside 50s by 11, yet still laid 20 more tackle no doubt to the delight of the coaching panel.
Casey heads to Frankston on Saturday afternoon to tackle the Dolphins with slim hopes of a place in the competition’s wildcard round before the finals series still alive.
Matt Johnson kicked a bag of six on Saturday for the Dolphins. (Stewart Chambers: 290763)
Demon Bailey Laurie found plenty of the ball once again in Casey’s VFL win over Essendon on Sunday. (Rob Carew: 396579)
It’s on again. Luke McKenna and Billy Thomas won’t be taking a backward step when Tooradin-Dalmore host Cora Lynn in the WGFNC Match of the Day. (Stewart Chambers: 400995)
