Thousands of trees planted
Casey Council held its Create Canopy for Casey tree planting event to commemorate National Tree Day on Sunday 28 July at Troops CreekWetland in NarreWarren North. City of Casey Manager Sustainability and Waste Michael Jansen said: “Wetlands play an important role in our environment as they not only provide wildlife habitat, but they filter stormwater before it enters rivers, creeks and eventually the bay.”
According to Mr Jansen, around 280 residents planted approximately 10,000 trees and shrubs, which will support Casey’s biodiversity and contribute towards increasing tree canopy in the city.
FULL STORY PAGE 12
Cannabis use rise
By Ethan Benedicto
In a recent report by the Penington Institute, both the City of Casey and the City of Greater Dandenong were listed as some of the LGAs with the highest rate of prolific offenders for cannabis possession.
The report, titled, Cannabis Regulation in Australia: Community Safety First, detailed that Casey had 2768 offences related to per-
sonal use and possession of cannabis; with a rate of 75.8 per 10,000 residents.
Greater Dandenong had 2298 offences for personal use and possession, with a rate of 145.3 per 10,000 residents.
However, the report advocates for the regulation of the cannabis market in Australia, with ceo John Ryan saying that the current market and countermeasures to cannabis are both dangerous and “ineffective”.
“The estimate is that there’s $5 billion per year spent on illicit, illegal cannabis; in other words, it’s a massive industry.
“If you look at the data in terms of use, more than 40 per cent of adult Australians have used cannabis sometime in their life and about 10 per cent have used it in the last month.
“We’ve got this strange contradiction where it’s [cannabis] is illegal and yet it’s readily avail-
able and widely used throughout the community,’ he said.
With Casey being second in the state in population and Greater Dandenong at fourth, the report also highlighted that the significant number of cannabis-related arrests equates to a substantial amount of law enforcement resources that have been dedicated to these offences.
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Rodrigo Bardales, 9-year-old Leah, Andrea Bobbio, and 11-year-old Luka. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 421627)
Matulec seeks the basics
By Ethan Benedicto
Bringing it all back to basics is key for Narre Warren North resident and council candidate Stephen Matulec, as he plays his hand for this October’s Casey Council elections.
With the council having no councillors for the last four years, he has a strong belief that leaders having their boots on the ground is a necessary step that needs to be taken.
To Mr Matulec, what matters first is for councillors to “just listen”.
“I think the biggest thing that annoys a lot of people and myself is that those who are in office, or any sort of politician, they do a lot of talking but they don’t do a lot of listening.
“It’s all about putting yourself on the people’s level and just having to listen to what people have to say; once you’ve heard that and what people would like, then you can make the decision based on that,” he said.
Something about where he’s running from.
If elected, enhancing communication through later council meeting times is a crucial change Mr Matulec would be vying for, adding that it is “fundamental” to the act of listening to the community.
“This is besides politics, if you even want to discuss politics or any issue, you’re going to make sure that people are there to have that discussion,” he said.
Speaking on politics, he believes that what is important for the council is to“not be too political” in the first place, and more so serve as an advocate for the municipality’s concerns.
Transparency, integrity and accessibility are the trifecta of principles that Mr Matulec promises to deliver and also hopes to see other future councillors acknowledge in order to be an effective governing body.
The second topic he addressed was council rates, where if elected he would like to give every ratepayer a rate cut”.
“I think there shouldn’t be any more rate increases either, they’re already very high,” he said.
Building on that, Mr Matulec also touched on homeowner property rights and increasing the housing supply, such as allowing residents to make changes to their properties as long as does not affect neighbouring properties.
“EspeciallywithlargerpropertiesupinNarre Warren North and Northern Harkaway, there is a lot of land – farmland – up there and people might want to build more dwellings.
“I think that if people want to cut a tree down in their backyard, whether the roots are going to
be damaging something, and they want to put another dwelling in, they should be able to,” he said.
While he acknowledged that certain conditions may require more attention, such as impairing certain views from neighbouring properties, the red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy on properties is, to Mr Matulec, “the sort of politics we don’t need”.
Likewise, political beliefs from major parties are something that Mr Matulec would like to see be put aside when dealing with local matters, saying that“we don’t want to see major political parties caucusing before meetings”.
“Trying to block votes, just because you know, ‘oh we’re a political party we all have to vote together based on our political opinions’, we shouldn’t be seeing any of that from councillors.
“We should be seeing councillors who listen to the community and vote for what’s best for the people, what’s best for the City of Casey and do that first,” he said.
Endorsed by the Liberal Democrats in 2022 for the state election, Mr Matulec, among other candidates like Liberal Timothy Dragan and Independent Stephen Capon, fell short of Labor’s BelindaWilson that November.
However, two years later, Mr Matulec is brimming with confidence, and that “you lose more than you win, especially in this sort of environment”.
“I think being prepared to endure the losses and just keep fighting as much as you can is key, as well as doing more independent work of my own accord, a lot of grassroots activism and advocacy is key,” he said.
Still in his early 20s, Mr Matulec received some backlash previously for his possible lack of experience, something that currently, he said, is “not always about” him.
“It’s about small businesses suffering, people trying to buy houses, people trying to pay rent, it’s about what I want for my kids and future generations.”
He recalled that people have made comments about his age and that he should “go back to school”, but has argued that “there are politicians out there who are in their 50s who have done absolutely disgraceful things”.
“I think no matter how hard it is for me, I’ve just to keep pushing and try to get something done.
“I don’t think age has anything to do with your ability to have any sort of knowledge, but at the end of the day I will keep fighting to make the world a better place, as much as I possibly can,” he said.
Still ‘no action’ from Sandon report, one year later
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association has called out the “lack of action” against former Casey councillors on the one-year anniversary of the IBAC Operation Sandon report.
In July 2023, IBAC made adverse findings against several ex-councillors as a result of alleged corrupt planning decisions at Casey.
The matter has been since referred to the Office of Police Prosecutions – which has declined to comment on the prospect of charges.
In a statement last week, CRRA called on the State Government to prosecute councillors at the “centre of Operation Sandon”.
It urged “in the least” for a ban on councillors from the 2016-’20 council term from standing for re-election in October.
“General public sentiment is that residents do not, in any circumstances, want former councillors from the City of Casey in the 2016-’20 term to be re-elected to council in
the 2024 council elections.”
CRRA said it will be “educating the voting population” to ensure councillors from that term wouldn’t be re-elected.
Former councillor Rex Flannery, who is standing for re-election in Casuarina Ward, says the ban is “discriminatory”.
Flannery has emphatically denied any involvement in alleged corruption.
“What right have they got to stop people with no involvement from running? If (CRRA secretary) Brian Oates can prove to me why I can’t run, I’ll step away.
“I want to know what grounds they have to discriminate against ex-councillors, who have no involvement in the alleged corruption by certain councillors.
“I will put up my house if they can prove I was part of anything that was alleged corruption.”
He said the CRRA - which was intending to “load up” the council with its candidateswas“good in name only” and had“done noth-
ing” outside of the election campaign.
CRRA has so far endorsed 10 candidates in the Casey councillor elections in October, with more expected across the eight wards.
They include CRRA president Kasuni Mendis, CRRA secretary Brian Oates and Doveton-Eummerring Township Association chair Stefan Koomen.
Endorsed candidates have signed a CRRA charter based on greater “transparency” and “accountability”.
Among the charter items are that candidates consult with residents on a “regular and genuine” basis and are “transparent and open” on council-related matters.
There are also guidelines on overseas or domestic “junkets”, a ban on five-star hotel stays in Victoria at ratepayers’ expense, and on claiming travel expenses for personal travel.
First-class travel for medical reasons should be endorsed by an independent second opinion sought by Casey Council.
result of
inquiry.
Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association secretary Brian Oates. His association is calling for charges to be laid as a
IBAC’s Operation Sandon
Representing Grevillea Ward, Stephen Matulec will be running for Casey Council this coming October elections, adamant on bringing it back to basics. (Ethan Benedicto: 422577)
Homelessness push for SE
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Launch Housing is pitching to expand its ‘Youth Foyers’ program to homelessness hotspots in Greater Dandenong and Casey.
The Education First Youth Foyers (EFYF) model gives at-risk youth a place to live while they complete their studies.
The focus is on equipping them with skills to lead an independent life.
A prospectus released by Launch Housing found that Greater Dandenong and Casey were in the top five “clear priority areas” in metro Melbourne.
The assessment was based on homelessness rates, family violence, high-school completion, post-year 12 data and forecast youth population growth.
In Greater Dandenong, more than 2000 people are homeless. According to Launch Housing, the region has a state-high 40 per cent of 15-24 year olds not in training or study and 38 per cent of people over 15 were not in the labour force.
In Casey, 34.5 per cent of youths were not in education and 29 per cent of over 15s were not working.
Youth Foyer development manager Rebecca Lee said the growing youth population and continued drivers towards homelessness had escalated the need for the EFYFs.
“When you don’t have a safe place to sleep and when you lack social support, engaging in education is an almost impossible challenge.
“Leaving school early is largely framed as a problem for educators and schools, while youth homelessness is often framed simplistically as purely a housing problem.
“But there is a demonstrated relationship between young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness and disruption to education.”
EFYFs have been running successfully in Broadmeadows and Glen Waverley over the past decade.
Of the 578 young people who’ve stayed there, 84 per cent have been employed or en-
rolled in study when they leave.
Several have overcome their “tough beginnings” to become firefighters, teachers, working in medicine, retail and running for local council.
“They’re starting families, buying their first homes, managing in the tough private rental market as confident, independent adults.”
Sakshi, a graduate from the nearest EFYF in GlenWaverley, left home due to a family breakdown.
After 22 months at the foyer, she is forging ahead with a criminology and criminal justice degree, while working three jobs.
With the support of the foyer, she successfully applied for Australian citizenship, and thus eligibility for HECS.
“Youth Foyers aren’t just accommodation. It provided a holistic approach which helped me with my work, life and study goals.”
Under an ‘advantage thinking’ approach, staff were on hand 24/7 to help her see her own potential and kept her motivated.
She has since ticked off an A4-sized list of goals, and now has new targets ahead.
As a criminology student, she sees how the EFYF model could also help young people in the justice system.
“It’s about fundamental supports being in place. People turn to crime because they don’t have that support.”
Housing Minister Harriet Shing said the Government knew the Youth Foyer model was working.
“Launch Housing’s work in this program over the last ten years is providing care, dignity, and safety for young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.
“We are determined to continue our support for programs like this and the educational services they deliver.”
Launch Housing Youth Foyer development manager Rebecca Lee. (Mathew Lynn/Launch Housing)
Convicted ‘fake’ principal must pay back
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A former teacher at Marnebek School has been sentenced over faking his CV credentials to gain a promotion as well as a principal job at another school.
Rhett Travis Cullen Watts, 43, embellished his resume with false job experience and post-grad degrees before being promoted to assistant principal at the Cranbourne-based school in 2017.
He similarly faked his history when recruited as principal at Katandra-Berendale School in Ormond in 2018 and in applying to become principal at Frankston High School in 2020.
As a result, he was said to have been paid $697,747.63 in gross wages over four years. It was effectively a gross pay-rise of about $230,000 over that time.
He pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to a rolled-up charge of obtaining financial advantage by deception.
Watts’s CVs falsely listed a Master of Education (Special Education) qualification from University of Woolongong, a Master of Science at University of Southhampton and a near-completed Master of Business Administration at Griffith University.
He also falsely claimed to work as a Health and Physical Education teacher and implement a program for disengaged students at
Karingal Park Secondary College in 2004.
Watts’s ruse “unravelled” when a former Karingal Park assistant principal, who was on a recruitment panel, had no recollection of him at the school, sentencing judge Andrew Palmer said on 25 July.
During an education department investigation, Watts conceded to “some typos and some information that should have been removed”.
He claimed a recruitment consultant had prepared the application and he didn’t properly check the contents.
In 2021, Watts took sick leave from his posting at Katandra School and resigned.
Said to be passionate about specialist-
school education, Watts has since been bannedfromworkingingovernmentschools.
He was now working in customer relations at Dan Murphy’s.
Judge Palmer said Watts was motivated by ego and a desire for attention, rather than greed.
He had no criminal priors and had shown indications of remorse.
Prosecutors agreed that a sentence of community corrections order was “in range”. Watts was convicted and placed on a twoyear CCO with 250 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay back $178,749 to the education department.
Hundreds honour Jude
By Violet Li
MP Jude
has been remembered as a “resilient, hardworking, and compassionate” public servant by his families, friends, and former colleagues.
Mr Perera’s family announced the sad news on Facebook on 23 July. He was 71 at the age of his death.
The first Sri Lankan-born and –educated MP elected to the lower house in Australia, he served Cranbourne communities for four terms, retiring in 2018 after a long battle with renal disease and two kidney transplants.
The funeral was held on Wednesday 31 July at the Bunurong Memorial Park in Dandenong South with hundreds of attendants commemorating the former MP’s life.
A handful of speakers shared their anecdotes with Mr Perera and honoured his contribution to the community.
High school friend Trevis Perera spoke on behalf of Maris Stella College Old Boys Association at the funeral, celebrating the life of Mr Perera and expressing heartfelt condolence to Mr Perera’s family.
“Jude was known to me since the time of my high school in Sri Lanka in the 70s. Jude was two grades my senior in the science and mathematics stream at the college. I remember that Jude was among the bright and studious pupils in his class,” he said.
“We lost each other’s contact for some 25 years. Surprisingly, our two families met here again in Melbourne when we migrated to Australia in 1999.
“It was a blissful reunion of two Perera families, Jude’s and mine.
“Jude and Ira [wife], along with a few other friends of mine living in the neighbourhood, helped me and my family immensely to settle down here in our initial years.”
Former Bruce MP Alan Griffin delivered a eulogy as a longtime mentor, political col-
league, and friend.
He said that Mr Perera truly saw parliament and being a parliamentarian as being a vehicle to serve the community.
“Jude was a man with very strong beliefs and a man who always thought about what those beliefs were, and he was prepared to debate them. He was prepared to discuss them and he was happy to have disagreements if that’s what we’re here today,” he said.
“But also, the man was stubborn. He was stubborn. Not many people get to argue with me and get away with it. But he did on many occasions.
“The thing is, and you see it throughout his life, that stubbornness exhibited itself in terms of our commitment to belief, a willingness to stand up and actually keep standing, and a willingness and determination to achieve outcomes.
“This is a man in politics who was told many times, you can’t do that. This is a man
who was told on many occasions, it’s just not your turn. And this is a man who continually had the strength, the belief in himself, and the people we represented to keep standing and to keep achieving.”
Mr Griffin highlighted the important role Mr Perera played in his community as an immigrant.
“There is no doubt, although we are a welcoming community, there is racism. There are issues around settlement and separation,” he said.
“There are barriers to people in terms of being able to fully be part of the civic society that we are all part of.
“And Jude is an example of someone who wasn’t prepared to be stopped or discouraged on the basis of those barriers.”
Mr Perera’s daughter Judy finished the guest speaker session with a tribute to her beloved father.
“Dad was the most caring, kind and com-
passionate person I’ve known,” she said.
“If you mention anything that has troubled you, no matter how small, he goes out of his way to help you.
“He has always been very outspoken about what he believes him and has taught us to do the same.
“He has always told us if something is not right, we need to speak up.
“He used his position in parliament to advocate for many issues. I am particularly proud of his support for marriage equality, adoption equality, and abortion rights for women.”
The funeral was hosted by Donald Betts Jr, former Kansas State Representative in America.
Mr Perera’s university friend Hemantha Kuluppuarachchi, Jaya Jayakody speaking on behalf of the Sri Lankan community, family member David Thompson, grandchildren Jordan, Jasmine, Ella and Paris, and son Rangana also paid their tributes as speakers.
Tributes flow for South East’s ‘fierce advocate’
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Known as a “tireless advocate” and “stalwart” of conservative values, former State MP Inga Peulich has died at the age of 67.
Her closest friends expressed shock at the news of the former Bentleigh and South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP’s passing on 25 July.
A “devastated” Greater Dandenong councillor Tim Dark described Peulich as “like a mum”.
“She’d been unwell for some time. No one saw it coming as quickly as it came.”
A former teacher, Peulich had devotedly mentored Cr Dark, former Casey mayor Susan Serey and many MPs part of the “next generation” of Liberals in the South East.
“Inga was the biggest mentor and guide for me to get involved in politics. Everything I’ve become in politics is because of her. I owe her a lot,” Cr Dark said.
A “stalwart for Liberal and conservative
values”, she also “deeply cared about her local community and was a tireless advocate against injustices.”
Opposition leader John Pesutto said Peulich was a “fierce advocate” for multicultural communities.
“A daughter of a parent who suffered un-
der a communist regime, Inga’s passion for fairness, democracy, freedom, multiculturalism and government transparency was evident in her 22 years in the Victorian Parliament.
“With a commitment to community, Inga’s life, achievements, career and advocacy fulfilled those dreams by continuing to pave the way for many migrants to our great state.”
Peulich served as Bentleigh MP in 19922002, returning to Parliament in the South East Metropolitan upper house region in 2006.
She held positions as Cabinet Secretary, Parliamentary Secretary for Education, opposition spokesperson for Multicultural Affairs and Scrutiny of Government, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Wastewatch and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Communities.
In her inaugural speech to Parliament, Peulich described her parents arriving to Australia in 1967 with “four suitcases, a cou-
ple of small children and very little else”.
“Through sheer hard work, initiative and self-sacrifice they were able to realise their dreams.”
On her exit after the 2018 election, Peulich told Star News that it was the “greatest honour” to serve democracy and the community.
She said Liberal values and policies should prioritise family, free enterprise, basic freedoms including religion, helping the less fortunate and responsible and transparent government.
“The challenge for our future Parliaments is to find agreement on how to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals without unduly infringing upon the rights of others.
“Having been born under a communist regime, protecting the interests of those without a voice and those who are not politically organised has been a priority for me in every decision I have taken as a parliamentarian, even though it may not have been a popular position.”
Former state MP Inga Peulich with Ebony on the swing at Dandenong Park kindergarten in 2014. (Rob Carew: 122119)
Former Cranbourne Labor
Perera
The casket was draped with the Sri Lankan flag. (421798)
Mr Perera’s daughter Judy with MC Donald Betts Jr. (421798)
Mr Perera’s son Rangana with MC Donald Betts Jr. (421798)
Grandchildren Jasmine, Jordan, Ella and Paris, with MC Donald Betts Jr. (421798)
Wife Iranganie lights a candle. (421798)
Jude Perera’s family and friends following the hearse after the Bunurong Memorial Park service. (Gary Sissons: 421798)
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Sustainable boost with crumb rubber
Major Road Projects Victoria has laid 400 tonnes of crumb rubber asphalt on the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade.
The team recently laid the crumb rubber asphalt along a 400-metre stretch between Loch Street and Marklin Street in Cranbourne. Crumb rubber asphalt is made in part from used car and truck tyres.
Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Marc Peterson said giving a second life to used tyres was another way the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade was innovating and excelling in sustainability.
“Between Loch and Marklin streets, we’ve laid 400 tonnes of crumb rubber asphalt, with this asphalt providing a strong, flexible alternative to traditional mixes while decreasing the amount of rubber heading to landfill,” he said. It’s not the first time the innovation has been used in road projects and upgrades, with
crumb rubber rolled out as part of the M80 Upgrade (Sydney to Edgars roads) in Melbourne’s north, Stage 2 of the Monash Freeway Upgrade following a trial of the use of crumb rubber on metropolitan roads on a section of
East Boundary Road in Bentleigh East in 2020.
Tyre stockpiles can pose a serious fire and pollution risk to the community and the environment so repurposing old tyres offers a sustainable solution and prevents them from becoming an environmental hazard and sitting in landfill.
Crumb rubber is already being used to enhance the performance of playing surfaces including sports fields, as well as running tracks and equestrian surfaces.
The use of crumb rubber in road projects and upgrades forms part of the Recycled First Policy, a Victorian Government commitment to boost the use of recycled and reused materials in infrastructure projects across the state.
Originally scheduled for completion in mid-2025, major works on the Narre WarrenCranbourne Road Upgrade are set for completion in August, a year ahead of schedule.
Tradies urged to prioritise eye safety
By Ethan Benedicto
With Tradies Health Awareness Month fast approaching, there has been strong advocacy for eye safety, with Berwick alone recording roughly 6723 tradespeople that could be putting their vision at risk.
The statistic follows Specsavers’ research on unsafe practices taking place in workplaces, with the City of Casey having roughly 52,000 tradies potentially undermining the importance of eye health.
State-wide, the report found that over half, 64 per cent, of Victorian tradies admit to wearing everyday sunglasses instead of protective eyewear while at the worksite.
Berwick optometrist Ryan Lang said that “while we encourage wearing sunglasses with UV protection when outside, they are not a substitute”.
“We are urging tradies to take their eye safety seriously and be sure to take preventative measures on the worksite to protect their eyesight.”
The report also found that 68 per cent of tradies have witnessed an eye injury or hazard on the job, with 42 per cent acquiring said injury with the requirement of further medical attention.
Narre Warren tradie Michael said that workplace safety is an important part of his on-site routine, safety glasses included; however, he also admitted that many others tend to forgo its importance due to convenience.
“It’s mainly convenience, having everything on you at the end of the day, safety
glasses is sort of at the bottom of the list.
“You’ve got your tools, your tool bag, ear protection, lunch and then eyewear,” Michael said.
At a personal level, eye protection has been at the forefront of Michael’s mind, and even more so after a small piece of metal found its way into his right eye late last year.
“I was using my metal grinder, cutting some stuff off a metal stud and a piece of it went over my glasses and straight into my eye,” he said.
While the injury wasn’t major with only a small scar on his iris, Michael has since been more vigilant with keeping his eyes safe.
Optometrist Mr Lang added that safety glasses need to be seriously considered and
Arrested after pursuit
A teen in an allegedly stolen vehicle has been arrested after an extended follow by police through the South East early on Wednesday 31 July.
Police say the car was stolen from outside a property on Botanic Ridge in Cranbourne South overnight.
Officers spotted the vehicle in Dandenong about 1am.
With assistance from the Air Wing, police followed the vehicle through multiple suburbs until it was dumped on South Road, Brighton.
The driver fled on foot and was arrested by police on Seymour Grove.
The 18-year-old Cranbourne South man was taken in for police questioning.
Check your enrolment details
The Victorian Electoral Commission have urged eligible residents and ratepayers to check they are enrolled to vote for the upcoming local council elections by 4pm on Wednesday 7 August.
that they are “fit for purpose” on the work site.
“They provide essential eye protection against hazards such as flying debris and dust and even chemical splashes, significantly reducing the risk of eye injuries.
“This simple preventative measure can save you from experiencing vision loss fro injury or subsequent infection,” he said.
The research added that 81 per cent of tradies have seen others wear regular sunglasses when performing jobs like drilling (42 per cent), sawing (35 per cent) and jackhammering (23 per cent).
Michael contributes the lack of proper eyewear to the generational divide, adding that younger tradies tend to be more cognisant of the importance of eye safety.
“I see a lot of tradies my age wear them [safety glasses] a lot more, they’re more aware of safety because they’ve watched others, or had tradie parents go through injuries and they’re like ‘I’m not going to do that’,” he said. “It’s very much just, we watch out parents do things and you see them go, ‘oh I messed my back up at work’, and it’s like, well okay when I’m in the same field I don’t want to screw my back up so I’m not going to do what my dad or mum did.”
Furthermore, of all tradies who received eye-related injuries, 75 per cent admitted to wearing normal sunglasses instead of safety glasses.
“Health professionals want tradies to know that prevention is always better than cure,” Mr Lang said.
Anyone on the state electoral roll is automatically enrolled for their current address for the upcoming elections.
There are also additional council enrolment categories for non-resident owners, occupiers, company nominees and non-Australian citizens who pay rates.
The rules for council enrolment have changed, with some property owners who do not live in the council area but may be eligible to vote because they pay rates
To check which council you should vote in, contact your local council for further information.
The 2024 Victorian local council elections will be the state’s largest single election program, with a predicted 4.7 million voters participating in 465 individual elections across 78 councils.
To check or amend your details, visit vec. vic.gov.au/enrolment
The crumb rubber asphalt.
The team of Major Road Projects Victoria is laying crumb rubber asphalt on the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade. (Supplied)
Berwick optometrist Ryan Lang is calling for tradies to wear appropriate eye safety glasses when on the worksite, compared to other alternatives. (Supplied)
NEWS Funding dire for centre
By Violet Li
A highly sought community service in Casey is concerned about its future with great difficulty in securing grant funding.
Nas Recovery Centre, launched in August 2023 and run by volunteers, provides a culturally sensitive approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation and mental health support.
According to director Nyachan Nyak, the organisation was established out of a huge gap and demand in Casey. In nearly a year, it has seen 164 people attending its group therapies, 34 clients specifically for one-on-one counselling, and 11 people going into rehab after the support.
While the organisation is determined to help the community in need, the financial burden has been an obstacle for it to forage ahead.
The organisation received pilot funding last year from the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which was run out before June this year.
“We use it to rent.We use it to pay for catering. We use it to pay clients’ medications,” Ms Nyak said.
“We’ve got no funding at the moment.
“I’m always writing grant applications, looking for grants, searching what grants are available, which is taking too much of our time, the time I could use to provide more counselling, more referrals, more linking, more culture training.
“We’re using the grants to try to sustain us and stay afloat. We need an investment from the Federal or the State.”
Ms Nyak said she had written multiple advocacy letters to relevant departments, but she hadn’t heard anything back. She also met with many local MPs to seek additional support.
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said: “Nas Recovery Centre is a remarkable com-
munity-led organisation, and I will continue to advocate to the Minister for Youth Justice on their behalf.
“The Victorian Government is engaging with Nas Recovery Centre on a range of initiatives, including those related to their funding needs.”
Holt MP Cassandra Fernando said she visited the Nas Recovery Centre last year and witnessed firsthand the excellent work that both the Centre and Nyachan Nyak were doing for the community.
“The Australian Government is committed to building safe and healthy communities by
reducing the impact of drug and alcohol misuse,” she said.
“In support of this commitment, the government is ensuring the certainty of funding for alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services through the Primary Health Networks.”
Casey Council highlighted the “funding constraints” experienced by Nas Recovery Centre at the State and Federal levels in a submission to the State Government’s Inquiry into Local Government funding and services.
The organisation had to approach the Council to seek support for subsidised rental options for Council facilities.
Ms Nyak has also been concerned that the desperate absence of grant funding could make the organisation lose its existing facility as the lease will soon be finished.
“The community-based model is the way. Instead of locking people away to learn how to change, we want to support people within their homes, within their families, how to lead with these challenges that anyone can experience,” Ms Nyak said.
“Culturally responsive service is what people trust and what people want to see more of.
“All the professionals that work here are bilingual and people from those cultural backgrounds. Someone will walk in, and they will meet someone who either looks like them speaks the same language as them or understands the same resettlement issues, racism issues, discrimination, lack of employment, and language barrier as them.
“We’re not only providing that reassurance, but we’re also using our lived experiences to uplift our community. We also have the expertise that we know it’s an evidence-based model on how we meet the needs of people in a culture.”
Department of Health was contacted for comment.
Retirement villas now selling
Edrington Park Retirement Living is a welcoming and supportive community set on prestigious gardens and a heritage-listed community centre - Mason House. Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle and an active social calendar catering to all interests such as a garden club, a craft group and trips on the community bus.
Modern two bedroom villas are now available, with 24/7 emergency call system, well-suited for a range of lifestyles and budgets.
Nas Recovery Centre director Nyachan Nyak is concerned about the organisation’s future with funding constraints at State and Federal levels. (Violet Li: 422633)
Building convener digs in over church
By Ethan Benedicto
As local residents’ sentiments for the proposed church at 67 Shrives Road remain on rough waters, Immanuel Mar Thoma Church’s building convener acknowledged the concerns but is steadfast in the church’s right to belong on the property.
Alex Varghese, who became the IMTC’s building convener in 2022, is confident in the current plan’s accommodations, having gone through multiple changes, Casey Council considerations and several meetings with the church’s planning group.
The current issues raised by residents have already been addressed prior, he said, with the current plans addressing said concerns.
However, he added that information on the proposal has not been relayed to the residents by the council in a proper, informative way and that complaints or concerns should be voiced to the appropriate body; that being Casey Council which “has the right people to explain things the right way”.
“There is strong opposition to this project, I’m aware, so somebody has to explain this one.
“The church or building company cannot explain it, because even if I said anything I may be biased when I explain things.
“It has to be the truth and nothing but the truth [and] there are no hidden agendas here.
“So my understanding and my belief, everybody who has an issue has to discuss with the council,” Mr Varghese said.
In addition, according to him and the planning committee, the church will not only serve as a place of worship but will also be registered with the council as a community centre, where if no services are ongoing, will be available to be rented out for functions and other events.
Mr Varghese added that the IMTC has also been actively involved with a wide variety of charity works and community-centric events, such as blood donations with the Red Cross, a toy drive program with Be For Victoria Kids (B4VK), and bushfire assistance where they received the Holt Australia Day Award for between 2019-2020.
These are initiatives which the church aims to continue in Narre Warren and surrounds if the proposal is approved, with Mr Varghese saying that “whatever we are gaining, we put it out to the community as well”.
Touching back on the initial plans for the church, it originally included a parsonage at the rear, with the church itself situated more in the centre and parking in the front.
After consideration from Casey Council, the parsonage was removed for being “too bulky” with a high probability of impacting views of neighbouring homes.
Likewise, the church has since moved forward, closer to Shrives Road and further from the homes and boundary fences.
“We compromised that, we removed the parsonage behind the church,” Mr Varghese said.
“It was going through the council’s first RFI, then the second, we fulfilled everything, and over that period we had four planners involved from the date we submitted.
“It came to a stage where we fulfilled all their [council’s] requirements since there were a lot of issues with traffic.”
The traffic issue would be addressed by a “left in, left out” principle; where the only access allowed into the property would be traffic from Narre Warren passing through Shrives Road, to prevent any sort of congestion from the opposite lane.
“Vic Roads put that proposal forward, they endorsed it and we agreed again; it’s not a crossing, nobody is going to stop at any moment.
“Every member of the church knows, planners know, and of course Vic Roads know,” Mr Varghese said.
Addressing the letter attached to the council plans, he expressed that those points made do not reflect the majority decision made by the church itself, adding that “it’s not one per-
son’s decision”.
“Normally when the church gets bigger they go for another suburb or another new church, and that’s what we did,” he said.
Originally, the IMTC purchased a church in Melbourne City, but after patronage grew to around 1500 members, they expanded to the City of Greater Dandenong; now experiencing more growth a site has been chosen in Casey, where MrVarghese said a large portion of their members reside.
“There is an attendance book, so based on that, based on the facts on how many people come on an average day is what we have applied for; 58 car parks and a 200-seat capacity,” he said.
He emphasised further that from what he had seen on the Facebook pages, there was a growing sentiment that the church was “going to be an everyday business”.
“But no, we do our prayers on Sunday, which is a very quiet day; we were supposed to start at eight o’clock but the report opposed that.
“It said‘you cannot do anything before nine o’clock’, so again we changed the time from nine to 12 o’clock or one o’clock.
“The church has a register, and on an average day, there are around 140 to 180 people who attend, these are the members including the kids; so 45 to 55 or 60 cars is the max you
Toy library must close
By Violet Li
Cranbourne Toy Library has been closed permanently after the Casey Council shut down its venue at Casey Administration Building in July.
The non-profit organisation posted the news on its Facebook on 15 July.
“Unfortunately, the City of Casey is going to be getting rid of the building where we had currently been operating from,” it stated.
“We have also been unsuccessful in finding a replacement venue to move to, so the decision was made to close the Cranbourne Toy Library.”
Casey Administration Building has been assessed as an “end-of-life” asset by the Council, which is currently preparing for the building’s future closure.
When contacted, City of Casey Manager City and Asset Planning Keri New said: “When Council officers liaised with the Toy Library committee to discuss relocation options, it became apparent that the service was struggling to recruit volunteers and maintain a healthy membership base, both needed to operate a viable Toy Library.
“The Toy Library committee indicated to the Council that they were planning to relocate their donated resources and operate from an alternative site of their own selection.
“However, after further consideration, they elected to disband the committee and cease operating.
“Their constitution requires donated resources be relinquished to Council, and these are currently being reallocated to community playgroups, to support the development and wellbeing of children and their families throughout the municipality.”
Cranbourne Toy Library committee was formerly run by Balla Balla Community Centre, and since taken over by disability service Blairlogie Living and Learning in 2018.
Blairlogie was contacted by Star News but declined to comment.
Cranbourne Toy Library was operated by volunteers who opened the venue for one and a half hours, two times a week on Tuesday and Thursday.
According to its own Facebook posts before the closure in July, they frequently cancelled opening the library due to a lack of volunteers.
Blairlogie’s annual reports in 2023, 2021, and 2019 show the service’s client volunteers helped to run the toy library.
have on a normal Sunday,” Mr Varghese said.
The two busiest days of the year, he said, would only be Good Friday and Christmas Day, where even then he added that “it doesn’t matter where you go, everywhere is busy”.
When the IMTC building committee first received notice of the site’s objections, they relayed their concerns to the council which also involved the subject of privacy to the current residents of 67 Shrives Road.
“We don’t want to go there and fight with people,” Mr Varghese said.
“People are coming to the priest’s house and harassing him, that’s not Australia.
“That’s the reason I called on council, they said that it’s a process, so when we get all the information, all the complaints against this project, we will just have a meeting and we’ll let them know afterwards,” Mr Varghese said.
Looking ahead, he and the church committee are waiting for the council’s decision on the proposal, and while he is unsure of what the outcome would be, he is “hoping for the best”.
“Council will not support any project which is going to be a problem for the neighbours and the local people,” he said.
“As a church you know, if we do get a permit on it, we will appoint a qualified builder, a commercial builder to do the job.
“We never thought that it would be hurting somebody this bad,” Mr Varghese said.
Cranbourne Toy Library has been permanently closed after Casey Council shut down the Casey Administration Building in July this year. (Violet Li: 422381)
The closure notice of Cranbourne Toy Library. (Violet Li: 422381)
Initial plans for the new church at 67 Shrives Road would have included a parsonage at the rear but has since been removed from the plan after recommendations from the council. (Ethan Benedicto: 422614)
Alex Varghese, Immanuel Mar Thoma Church’s building convener acknowledged the concerns of local residents, but that their frustrations should be voiced to the appropriate body, which is Casey Council. (Supplied)
NEWS Temple site fence theft
By Violet Li
A property in Pearcedale has been blown away by a serial theft of 57 steel fencing in a week.
It is believed unknown offenders first unbolted and took away 44 steel panels, which were about 200-metre-long at the address of 1915 Dandenong-Hastings Road between 20 and 21 July. All the posts remained on site. The steel panels at the property access were broken but remained on site.
According to the property owner, another 13 steel panels were stolen on the night of Friday 26 July by unknown offenders. At the moment, it was unclear if the same cohort committed the offence.
Police are investigating the incident.
The property is owned by the non-profit multilingual Hindu organisation Melbourne Ayyappa Seva Sangam (MASS), which is seeking a planning permit for a $4.5 million Hindu temple for the site.
Affected locals established an objection group called Peninsula Green Wedge Protection Group in February 2022 to oppose the proposed development and advocate the pro-
tection of Green Wedge land across Victoria.
The group has more than 100 members from local and wider communities.
The
MASS secretary Vijay Senguttuvan said the first set of stolen fences was worth $50,000.
“We are at a loss as to what has happened,” he said.
“We are unsure if it was motivated by the opposition to our development, or if it was just an opportunistic crime motivated by material gain.
“This is horrible. It’s a huge financial loss for us.”
Mr Senguttuvan said they would inspect the property at night times to ensure security.
“But the thing is now the theft teams are very advanced. They can put the drones, and they look at the activities then they’ll come and steal,” he said.
The panels are 2.4 metres wide and 1.8 metres tall, weighing a minimum of 15 to 20 kilograms and requiring considerable transport.
When contacted, Peninsula Green Wedge Protection Group spokesperson Craig Gobbi said:“The objective of the PGWPG is to protect unique Green Wedge land. We do not in any way condone acts of vandalism or theft.”
New program launches to introduce water safety
By Corey Everitt
A new pilot program to help people from multicultural backgrounds enjoy swimming with safety and security officially launched at Cardinia Life on Saturday 27 July.
Closely coinciding with World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, the ’Safely Engaging with Water program’ is a collaboration between Cardinia Leisure and Officer Sikh Temple Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar.
Backed by Cardinia Shire Council, Pakenham MP EmmaVulin and Life SavingVictoria, the program aims to teach adults from multicultural backgrounds how to swim and enjoy the water safely.
Locally, this program was initiated after Clyde residents Dharmvir Singh, 38, and Gurjinder Singh, 65, drowned after leaping into a pool at a Gold Coast hotel to try to save the younger man’s child on Sunday 31 March.
This came after January when Cranbourne East man Sahil Panwar, 25, was swept out to sea at Kilcunda Surf Beach. Later that month saw Victoria’s worst drowning incident in almost two decades when Clyde North residents – Kirti Bedi, 20, Suhani Anand, 20, and Jagjeet Singh Anand, 23, and Reema Sondhi from India, drowned at Forrest Caves Beach on Phillip Island.
These devastating deaths prompted calls to strengthen water safety and Officer Gurdwara’s Harpreet Singh Kandra was determined to see all communities enjoy the water.
“This got me into action, I started introspecting, talking to the community and experts. And today we start a significant chapter in our journey to upskill the community with water safety,“ he said at the launch.
“Water is fun, water is therapy, swimming
is an exercise, connection with water is an important part of Aussie lifestyle.“
Such programs can bridge the gap between those born overseas who suffer a disproportionate rate of drownings in Australia.
Reported by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, last summer 99 people drowned and a quarter were from multicultural backgrounds. A 2022 study from the University of Sydney said almost half of beach drowning deaths from 2004 to 2021 were people born overseas.
Life Saving Victoria’s diversity and inclusion advisor David Holland said the local Sikh community has been instrumental in raising awareness. “People from multicultural communities are five times more likely to drown when swimming, the fact that the Sikh community is highlighting the issue and taking ac-
tion is excellent,“ he said.
“Life Saving Victoria has been working closely with the Sikh community for the last few months and will continue to support them in the years ahead as we have with all multicultural communities on water safety.“
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin said the program is a vital step after recent drownings within local multicultural communities.
“The Safely Engaging with Water program is a fantastic initiative from Dr Harpreet Kandra for our growing multicultural community,“ she said.
“New skills and water safety awareness is so important, particularly in light of the tragic drownings over the past few years where people from diverse cultural backgrounds were overrepresented.“
Cardinia Leisure will subsidise attendees’ participation as well as operate the lessons. Once initiated, the program aims to expand
through the South East and beyond.
Community information sessions are planned to be held soon in collaboration with Life SavingVictoria.
This will involve both an incursion session at Officer Gurdwara in the coming weeks and an excursion session at a local beach during summer.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Jack Kowarzik was happy to see this new program initiated in Cardinia. “The opportunity for adults to be introduced to water safety and build their confidence in a supportive environment is so important,“ he said.
“This program will help keep our people safe. But it will do so much more than that, it will build confidence in the water, provide the ability to make new connections and who knows where it may lead them - the next Olympics maybe!“
Mr Kandra said there has been a keen interest in the pilot program so far and encouraged people from all backgrounds to join.
“The program is getting a massive response, I originally wanted it to be a pilot of 10 people, but I have 20 people now wanting to join,” he said.
“Someone said this is a program for my community, but no this is for anyone who can’t swim, anyone from any walk of life can join.”
The pilot program will begin in early August at Cardinia Life. To enquire about the program you can contact Cardinia Leisure at 5945 2888 or cardinia@alignedleisure.com.au.
To keep up to date about further developments in the program and information sessions you can follow Officer Gurdwara at facebook.com/sgndofficer/
Harpreet Singh (centre) with swimming instructors Fletcher Kaintz and Donna Mitchell.
Paula Smith, head of swimming school, with Harpreet Singh and Paige Kristalyn, Cardinia leisure manager. (Stewart Chambers: 421318)
planning dispute will be heard by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) from 2 September.
MASS director Murali Gopal is next to some of the missing fences. The posts remain on site but 57 steel panels were stolen within a week. (Gary Sissons: 421432)
Preps celebrate ‘century’
Foundation pupils at Devon Meadows Primary School dressed up to celebrate their 100 days of school.
Teacher and team leader of the prep school MicahWebb said the theme was all around the number 100 and what it was like in all different ways.
“Our kids came dressed up as the elderly, so the theme was coming as your 100-year-old self,” she said.
“We did lots of activities around the theme, like being 100 days wiser and what it means to be wiser.
“And we also did activities where they were building things with 100 objects.”
Experts urge for regulation with local cases soaring
From page 1
“It’s definitely more concentrated in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in terms of arrest data, and that’s also a challenge for people, I think that sort of contact with police is a significant experience.
“The police are obviously not happy finding people possessing cannabis, and that’s why so many of those cases end up in the court or law enforcement system.
“It becomes a question of, how do we balance our priorities? Do we want law enforcement to be using resources to deal with personal use and possession, or do we want them to concentrate more on violent crime?” Mr Ryan said.
It also added that the general criminalisation of cannabis is “counterproductive”, with what the report considered to be a lower harm profile when compared to other psychoactive substances, such as alcohol; however, it remains a large factor for arrests for drug use and possession.
The report emphasises that these high figures display a potential misallocation of police resources, which could instead be used to address more serious crimes.
“The challenge is whether or not we can manage it in a more effective way; the evidence is that the illegal market is obviously lying in the pockets of criminals.
“It also means that the people that consume cannabis are in contact with [these] criminals, they’re engaged in criminal behaviour when they access and consume or possess and consume cannabis, it’s making criminals out of law-abiding citizens,” Mr
Ryan said.
Aside from effective resource allocation when it comes to law enforcement, public health and safety were other factors that the report emphasised, with unregulated and or illicitly produced cannabis often contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, and other organic substances.
“There’s a lot of evidence of contaminants and pollutants in the product, which is not the case when it’s a regulated market,” Mr Ryan said.
“The other thing is, I think it stops people from talking about their cannabis use in an
honest way with, for example, health care practitioners or doctors because it’s criminal,” Mr Ryan said.
A regulated market envisioned by the Penington Institute includes stringent health regulations on which products are available, how they are accessed and consumed, as well as quality control when it comes to contaminants.
Licensed production and controlled distribution would mean that cannabis would be sold only through regulated providers and dispensaries, therefore ensuring that consumers would have access to products that
are consistent and safe.
When speaking on the stigma surrounding cannabis, and its close relation to violence and other drugs, Mr Ryan said that years of“fear campaigns” have been“ineffective because the level use is so high”.
Comparing data from 2001 to 2022-23, the amount of Australians aged 18 and over who have reported to have ever used illicit drugs increased by 24 per cent, with lifetime use of cannabis increased by 26 per cent.
While acknowledging the risks of cannabis, from it being a drug of dependence to sensory impairment, Mr Ryan added that “changing to a regulated model would actually provide more honest, accurate education in the community”.
“It’s also to provide opportunities to actually face up to the level of cannabis dependence in the community so that people can have more honest conversations with their doctors.
“I see it as a net benefit to actually take it out of the shadows and shine a light on it and regulate it, control it and assist people who need help,” Mr Ryan said.
Regarding economic benefits, Mr Ryan also pointed out following a model similar to the tobacco industry, where the market could generate tax revenue and create jobs.
“We have to have a really tightly controlled approach, but that generates opportunities for tax.
“One of the issues with tax is to make sure it’s not so high that it doesn’t undermine the criminal market, so it’s a difficult challenge but it’s a challenge that can be met,” he said.
Penington Institute CEO John Ryan is a strong advocate for a regulated cannabis market, saying that its benefits far outweigh the negatives when it comes to safety and resources. (Supplied)
Harrison, Chad, Jax and Paige. (Stewart Chambers: 420949)
Elijah, Jordee and Jax.
Thomas.
Rylee, Mia and Ivy.
Cora, Bentley and Poppy.
Charlie.
Tilly and Poppy.
MPs in Cabinet reshuffle
by Cam Lucadou-Wells
Hotham MP Clare O’Neil has been shifted out of the contentious Home Affairs portfolio and Bruce MP Julian Hill elevated into an assistant ministry in a Federal Cabinet reshuffle.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that O’Neil would retain a spot in Cabinet, taking on the Housing and Homelessness portfolios.
“I’m enormously proud of what I’ve achieved in two years in Home Affairs. We’ve undertaken massive reform in vital areas,” O’Neil posted on social media on 28 July.
“A world leading approach to Cyber Security, a clear strategy for Migration for the first time in Australian history, and critical work on foreign interference, to name a few.”
Meanwhile, Hill was promoted to Assistant Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
“Human diversity is the distinguishing characteristic of my local community,” Hill posted on 30 July.
“I’m very keen to now engage right across modern multicultural Australia, as the new Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.”
Tony Burke will subsume O’Neil’s former portfolios, as well as Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
The outgoing Immigration Minister Andrew Giles was demoted to the outer ministry.
As the incoming Housing Minister, O’Neil posted that she was set to tackle “one of the biggest problems that people in my community talk to me about”.
“I got into politics to change people’s lives for the better.
“Nothing is more fundamental to the health and welfare of Australians than secure, affordable housing.
“We have a huge challenge ahead and a tre-
mendously positive vision to sell.”
Albanese said O’Neil was a “great communicator”, assigned the role of delivering the Government’s housing agenda that aimed to increase supply.
“Something that you can’t deal with overnight, but something that requires a concerted approach, and Clare O’Neil will certainly bring that to the fore.”
He said O’Neil and Giles had “repaired” a “dysfunctional” immigration and home affairs department inherited from the previous Government.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton said the PM’s reshuffle expressed “no confidence in half of his ministry”.
“It is nothing more than shuffling of deck chairs on the sinking HMAS Albanese.”
Join us at Cardinia Life from August 5th to 11th and make a difference with every sip!
For every coffee, chai, hot chocolate or tea purchased, we will donate 50 cents to the Cardinia Foundation during Homelessness Week.
Your simple act of enjoying a hot drink can help change lives in our community.
Visit us today and contribute to a cause that matters!
For more information on Homelessness Week or the Cardinia Foundation visit https://homelessnessaustralia.org.au/ homelessnessweek/ https://cardiniafoundation.org/
site benefits from the
Julian Hill has been promoted to Assistant Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (Gary Sissons: 384998)
Hotham MP Clare O’Neil, left, has been shifted out of the Home Affairs portfolio into Housing and Homelessness. (Stewart Chambers: 415467)
Trees planted for future
held its Create
for
Tree Day on Sunday 28 July at Troops Creek Wetland in Narre Warren North.
City of Casey Manager Sustainability and Waste Michael Jansen said: “Wetlands play an important role in our environment as they not only provide wildlife habitat, but they filter stormwater before it enters rivers, creeks and eventually the bay.”
According to Mr Jansen, around 280 residents planted approximately 10,000 trees and shrubs, which will support Casey’s biodiversity and contribute towards increasing tree canopy in the city.
“It was humbling to see our community from all walks of life come together and connect with the natural environment in a positive and meaningful way,” he said.
“Council’s waste team was onsite to discuss good waste management practices to use at home. Volunteers from Casey Gardens for Wildlife provided plant and wildlife gardening advice, while Parents for Climate were there to raise awareness about climate change. “Representatives from Melbourne Stars and Captain Koala from the Country Fire Authority also attended, along with Lions Club of Casey and Sikh Volunteers Australia who provided lunch.”
WHAT’S ON
Blind Bight Community Centre
Playgroup
10.30-12.00noon Wednesdays
Our program provides fun play activities and craft for your child/ren to do. Stay for the whole time or come for a little while. Coffee and tea are available. $5.00 per family Knit & Crochet
12.00p.m – 2.00p.m Wednesdays
Learn to knit and or crochet or if you are already experienced bring your own project. You can also help to knit an item for charity. FREE Line Dancing
1.00p.m, - 2.00p.m Wednesdays
Come line dancing and do some boot scooting. No experience required. Keep fit, active and move your body. All ages, and abilities welcome. $10 per class
· For more information & for bookings www. blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club
Are you new newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom as a senior or expand your social life?
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating Activities and Friendship. We hold weekly Social Activities with dance to low-key inline dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, chat time, then enjoy scrumptious afternoon teas!
Day, short and long trips away via Coach, a Weekly Morning Coffee Club, Monthly Saturday Country Pub lunches, Monthly Evening / Day Tuesday Dine - Outs, Weekly Walking Group, Weekly Table Tennis Group, Seasonal Daytime Musical Theatre Outings, Entertainment Function Days and more.
· Come along and get to know us by visiting us on Thursdays at 2 pm (socialising and low-key
dancing, no partners needed, at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House Bemersyde Drive Berwick, or, do join us for a Coffee and a chat with our friendly bunch on a Wednesday at 10 am at Little Sparrow Cafe Fountain Gate.
· For more information, don’t hesitate, just contactourEnquiryOfficerGloriaon0468363616
Cranbourne U3A OUR NEW ROOMS IN BOWEN STREET
During the term break our members have been very busy setting up our furniture ready for classes to commence on July 15th. 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
Blind Bight Community Centre Craft Gift Making For Adults
Join in the craft gift making class and bring along your own craft to complete. A variety of techniques and skills are shared including mosaics, macrame, sewing and painting. $3.00 per class
· 12.30p.m – 2.30p.m Tuesdays
would be happy to show you around.
· Or you can visit our website for more detailswww.u3acranbourne.org.au
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. 1pm-3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am-2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
· For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
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.
Combined Probus Club of Narre
Warren
Our club welcomes men and women to join us in getting together for fun and interesting activities. We have bowling, armchair travel, book clubs, walk and talk, happy snappers and cards. Our eager activities coordinator has organised an evening on the Melbourne Tramboat, a “Spring in the Riverland’ holiday and much more. At our monthly dine-outs and happy hour in local restaurants we enjoy good food and good company. We’d love you to join us too!!
· Enquiries please email Heather at hsims14@ gmail.com.
Craft gift-making is available at the
Bight Community Centre on Tuesdays, with techniques from mosaics to sewing and painting to be shared. (Unsplash: Volodymyr Proskurovskyi)
Casey Council
Canopy
Casey tree planting event to commemorate National
10-year-old Fayyad 10 and 7-year-old Zafr. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 421627)Ahmed Ashraf and 3-year-old Mia Ashraf. (Ljubica
Jacqui Taranto doing her part. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 421627)
CFA Narre Warren North fire Brigade’s Tamara Bush and koala. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 421627)
A planted shrub. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 421627)
Planting. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 421627)
THE LOWDOWN
Q&A
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
My hobby is researching family and local histories and I find cemeteries fascinating.
What do you love the most about your job?
I’m a retiree so I enjoy volunteering with the Narre Warren & District Family History Group and delivering Meals on Wheels.
What was your most memorable moment? Skydiving.
What were you like as a kid?
Shy and good at sports
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
Sydney Swans winning premierships 2005, 2012 and many more.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
Tom Cruise, Queen Elizabeth II, Bob Hawke, Adam Hills, Tommy Little, Mary McKinnon (2nd great-grandmother).
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Caring, diligent, trustworthy.
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’? Relaxing with friends on the banks of the Murray River (Barham).
Where is your happy place?
Keeping warm in front of a fire.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
Toast with Vegemite.
Where is your dream holiday destination? Loch Lomond, Scotland.
Eileen Durdin, secretary of the NWDFHG at their new location in Berwick. (Ethan Benedicto: 419859)
with Narre Warren and District Family Group’s secretary Eileen Durdin
SIT IN YOUR SEATS THE SHOW IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!
This amazing Bluey Wooden Puppet Theatre is perfect for your little performer to showcase their talent. Starring Bluey and Bingo, the adorable plush puppets and fabric interchangeable scenes included will excite your little one for hours of fun, whether they brave a solo performance or play with friends. When the show is over, children can simply roll down the curtain and take a bow.
The Bluey Wooden Puppet Theatre is made from responsibly sourced materials, the wooden products are certified by the FSC.
THREE … How to celebrate World Humanitarian Day
AsWorld Humanitarian Day draws nearer, here are some ways to celebrate the day coming on 19 August:
1
Volunteering for a humanitarian organisation is a good step forward, which could see you participating in local community service projects, helping at shelters, or assisting with fundraising efforts.
2
Raising awareness through social media or spoken word through friends and local groups is another way to celebrate humanitarianism; sharing stories of humanitarian workers, highlighting ongoing crises and encouraging others to be involved serve as crucial factors in amplifying the message.
3
Donating to humanitarian causes is also another way to commemorate; financial contributions to organisations that work on aid and disaster relief is a boon, supporting critical efforts like providing food, medical supplies and shelter to those affected.
TIP-STARS
Toner cousins kicking goals
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Saturday could hardly have worked out better for Narre Warren teens Sam and Mitch Toner.
Sixteen-year-old Mitch debuted for the Dandenong Stingrays on a day his 18-year-old cousin played a breakout game, kicking five goals against the Eastern Ranges at Frankston.
One of those goals was set up by Mitch, who kicked deep to Sam in the goal square.
“I was going for goal,” Mitch chuckles.
Sam adds: “It was a special day getting to share it with Mitch – we’re overly tight and family’s everything, they’ve always got my back.”
On a slippery day where clean skills were scarce, Sam took four clean grabs and converted his opportunities, including three in a seven-minute period against a strong wind to set up the Stingrays’ match-winning lead.
“They’re athletes – quicker and stronger,” Sam said.
“My aim was to try and show my weapons and go from there.
“The previous week, I missed my first one and my confidence dropped a little bit so kicking that first settled the nerves.”
As well as giving him confidence he could perform in the Coates League, Saturday was a statement that his skillset stood up in slippery weather, after his least productive game for Narre Warren this year came in the wet against Upwey-Tecoma.
Playing his first year of senior footy off the back of an Outer East League medal winning under-19s campaign, Sam has a league-high 50 goals in 2024.
A five-goal outing against Pakenham on justified the club’s faith; a four-goal haul against grand finalists Wandin a fortnight later proved he could do it against the best.
“To kick a few goals was a real confidence booster and I think I gained the respect of a few people that day,” Sam said.
Pleasingly for coach Steve Kidd, he’s bought into the system, with his gruelling preseason shining through with his ability to run out games.
“I was always bullish on what he could achieve at senior level and his attitude from the start of the year,’ Kidd said.
“We structured our game plan around him being a deep forward.
“I’ve said to him I’m happy for him to (show his weapons) but he just had to give him the defensive side of the game – man the mark, chase and make the ground small for us.
“I think now he’s the best defensive forward
we have and I get an appreciation for that when I watch the games back and see the extra work he does.”
Not initially listed with the Stingrays, he was added in late June after a seven-goal haul against Woori Yallock.
“Some of his goals he made look easy because he pushed up, created turnovers then seems to get on the end of them,“ Kidd said.
“He’s quicker to react than other players so he can lose his opponent easily.”
The brother of Narre staple Tom, Sam puts the form elevation down to an increased acceptance of his role, after playing one out in the goalsquare for much of last season due to his clean hands, and ability to neutralise when outnumbered.
“My fitness had to get better and I smashed it from where I originally was,” Sam said.
“Playing in a system and improving the defensive side of my game has been a focus and hopefully the scoring takes care of itself if I apply pressure.”
“I’ve just wanted to play consistently and adapt to senior footy.”
A four goal grand final against UpweyTecoma capped off a 53-goal season for Sam in 2023, the cousins reflecting on the premiership as a clear career highlight, with Dan Toner also part of the lineup.
“We were down and he hurt his leg and it looked like he got shot and he popped up out of nowhere and kicked two amazing goals,” Mitch recalled.
“I was in the goal square for one of them and knew we’d won and it was a pretty cool feeling.
“He was pretty good that day, I’ll give it to him.”
Under-19s coach Mark ‘Normie’ Krystalyn said he stood up when the match was there to be won, which capped off a season of progression as much as dominance.
“He thrives on the big moments and feeds off the crowd,” Krystalyn said.
“He makes good players look ordinary.
“He was playing on two opponents for much of the day and continued to beat them.
“At the start of the season he was a little bit headstrong, but by the end, he was fantastic.
“We knew he could play when we first got his hands on him but he wanted to be the man.
“Once he understood how playing as a team could make him better, he flourished.”
Mitch’s journey is unfolding differently to Sam’s; whereas Sam’s footy has entirely unfolded at local level until the Stingrays experience, Mitch was selected as part of the under-16sVic Country squad earlier this year.
It followed a series of under-16s games for Dandenong for the brother of Williamstown VFL-listed Jack.
He also has played a full season of Associated Public School (APS) footy at Caulfield Grammar this year alongside a who’s who of draft prospects and Talent League-listed players.
“He’s a contested sort of player and he’s quite big,” Vic Country coach David Loader said of Mitch.
“His best attribute is probably his power when he’s playing forward.
“He’s pretty good overhead and had some shots on goal through sheer power, outbodying his opponent.”
Mitch’s aerobic capacity has been noted as a kryptonite, though, and he’s working with well-known mindset and running coach Rick Mirabella to add that to his game.
One moment in his eight disposal, four tackle, two goal assist Talent League debut epitomised that growth perfectly: in the second quarter, he put in three repeat efforts to apply pressure on the Ranges’ defence, the last of which resulted in a ball spilling free from his tackle, and Dandenong goal.
“I feel like since the start of the season, pressure has become almost a strength and it’s a really good way to get into the game,” Mitch said.
“Especially on (Saturday), I felt like as a 16-year-old debuting, I wasn’t going to have the impact I can at under-16s level so I thought I would play more role a bit more, and show pressure and team things and earn the respect of my teammates. “
The boys both remember swarming the field when goal kicking freak Kerem Baskaya kicked his 100th goal, one of dozens of happy memories at Kalora Park.
“I was the first to get out to him,” Mitch says proudly.
“He was my idol and I was obsessed with him for a few years.”
The trajectory of the pair suggests they might eventually be written into Magpies folklore and idolised in a similar way.
Fired-up Cannons upset undefeated Cardinia Storm
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey has sent a warning to the men’s Metro 2 South competition with a 4-1 win over the previously undefeated Cardinia in its inaugural season.
The Cannons thirds side took time to settle but after a series of promising forward thrusts came up short, the deadlock was broken by Kane Ferguson.
The halfback flier was set up by veteran Matt Guastella to put scoreboard pressure on the Storm early.
Minor adjustments at the first break made for a more polished showing, with Guastalla capitalising on a turnover and punching his way through the Storm defence for Casey’s second of the day.
Nathan Broeren followed that up soon after, scoring his first goal in five years cuing a loud roar from the Cannons faithful as a sizeable buffer was opened up at the main break.
After a tight third term, Fergusson iced it early in the fourth, completing his brace after being well setup by Steve Stuart, returning from a debilitating knee injury.
Cardinia scored a late consolation goal via Jean Francois Blignaut, and despite the result will remain on top of the ladder, but Casey will be brimming with confidence and sit pretty inside the top four.
“Their game plan was as expected and we were missing a couple of players and unable to adjust,” said Cardinia coach Peter Turner.
“We know what to expect come finals -
we’ve seen them at their best, they haven’t seen us at our best.
“We didn’t capitalise on our short corners - they scored from a short corner and had
some nice deflections off the post.”
The coach praised midfielder Nick Dzierbicki and Kendall Brown’s contributions, as well as an Adam Welcome-led vocal defence.
Elsewhere for Casey, the men’s Vic League 2 side had a high-octane 4-4 draw with Knox.
Skipper Craig Moore, Cannons leading scorer Tristan Chaffey and Josh Watson and Dave Noney were the goal scorers.
Casey slips to third as a result, but is still just a point off second spot and sits more than a game inside the top four.
The women, meanwhile, followed up a mid-week 4-0 loss to MCC with a 3-1 victory over Yarra.
The win over third-placed Yarra is exactly the one that Casey needed.
It’s the Women’s Vic League 1 side’s first over a side above them on the ladder all season, an important confidence-instiller as they look to solidify a finals berth.
The three points also mean that, provided they take care of business in games they’re expected to win, the Cannons will back up last season’s finals appearance.
Meanwhile, Cardinia’s women had a 2-0 win over Southern United, with Ashleigh Burnett and Bridie Dillon both scoring, the win resulting in the Storm overtaking Southern in fifth-spot, Teejay Peterson the best.
Teejay Peterson was outstanding for Cardinia’s women. (Rob Carew: 409026)
The Toner cousins did Narre Warren proud playing for the Stingrays on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 421867)
Tigers’ pursuit lands Cronin
By Marcus Uhe
The passion and drive of new president Ben White and the committee at the Beaconsfield Cricket Club was enough to drag prominent Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) former player and coach Michael ‘Mick’ Cronin back to the coaching hot seat in 2024/25.
Cronin was announced as the Tigers’ new coach for the next three seasons last week, replacing Mark Cooper who held the role for the previous two seasons in a playing-coach capacity.
Cronin played 35 seasons of cricket at DDCA powerhouse Buckley Ridges including two seasons as coach, before stints at Narre South, and Gembrook in the previous West Gippsland Cricket Association.
Cronin’s son Jake remains at Buckley Ridges, opening the batting in their premiershipwinning season in 2023/24.
A landscaper by trade, Cronin came into consideration after agreeing to terms to take over as the curator at Perc Allison Reserve.
Having stepped away from coaching due to fatigue and burnout, Cronin showed little interest in returning to the caper, but was compelled by the enthusiasm from the Beaconsfield committee.
“I said ‘I’m not really interested (in coaching) at this stage, I’ve got a bit too much work to do’, and Ben, the president spoke to me and said ‘let’s have another meeting and chat about it,’” Cronin said.
“At the end of the day, in my mind, I had had enough of cricket, but his passion for the game really put me over the line.
“I’m a real believer in, if you haven’t got the passion for the club, then I don’t want to be involved in it.
“We followed up with a couple more meet-
ings and I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision for the club as well.
“The passion shone through and I thought ‘I believe you mate, I want to be aboard that.’”
Working closely with White and new captain Susantha Pradeep, who Cronin already had a 15-year relationship with stemming from their time at Buckley Ridges, were key factors in his decision to return to coaching after a five-year hiatus.
It’s a major vote of confidence in the club, which battled with the off-field requirements at Turf 1 level in 2023/24 with a small committee stretched to its maximum capacity.
On the field, the Tigers’ Turf 1 side managed to hold its place at the top level, breaking the
recent trend of previous sides to have done so after climbing the Turf 2 mountain.
An Extraordinary General Meeting was held in late March with the prospect of a move to the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association set to be voted upon, but never came to fruition, due to the staunch support to remain in the DDCA from members.
There is a critical alignment between White and Cronin on focusing on the future and developing the club’s young talent, with the hope that they can pave the way to remaining inTurf 1 long term.
“Our main goal this year is to develop our younger players and give them more of a go in the ones,” Cronin said.
“It’s very hard to stay once you’ve won the flag in the lower grade, coming up to Turf 1. “Everyone expects you to go straight back down, and that was a massive achievement and one of the things I liked about them as well; they must be doing some really good things with some of their young players and the way they approach their cricket, which I’ve seen through the videos, which has been outstanding.
“I can see Beaconsfield going places if ben stays there for quite a while and the current committee they’ve got, they’re very passionate people, and that’s what drew me to come on board.
“It’s mainly Ben, but the people and what they achieved last year was outstanding.”
White said the appointment came following a decision to depart from the joint captaincoach model and offer stronger infrastructure around Pradeep.
“The role that ‘Coops’ was playing previously was probably too big for any one person, to be First XI captain of a Turf 1 side, coach the whole club and really get that development through not only the First XI but your second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and junior program,” White said.
“We were looking for ways to support Susa off the field and give that opportunity for development for the whole club.
“We were going to do that more through committee and legends of the club that are still playing at a reasonably high level, we were going to share the load on that and then ‘Mick’ came into the frame.
“I think he saw what we were building in terms of a strong young core of players and started getting excited by that.
“I think he has a strong understanding of where our group is at.”
Jam-packed weekend of great contests in Outer East
By Marcus Uhe
There’s simply so much happening in round 15 of Outer East Football Netball Premier Division football that you won’t know where to look on Saturday afternoon.
First plays second, fourth plays fifth, sixth plays seventh, eighth plays ninth, and tenth plays eleventh.
Two staunch geographical rivalries will take on extra significance in the context of the relegation battle, while the competition’s newest rivalry, Wandin and Narre Warren, will be one of the more significant games of the season.
The Magpies will be the ones making the trip up the hill, and will be pushed like few teams have pushed them before in 2024, when they look to defend top spot on the table against second-placed Wandin.
Narre Warren extracted revenge on the Bulldogs at home in round three in a grand final replay, but Wandin is eager to keep its 10-game winning streak alive, and take the bragging rights into a potential finals contest.
WithWooriYallock a near lock to knock off Berwick Springs, a Wandin win will create a three-way tie for top spot, joining Narre Warren on 52 points.
It will set up a thrilling run home, with the Magpies facing the toughest schedule of the three, and Woori Yallock drawn to face three teams outside the top six (at time of writing).
But there’s four points that Wandin needs to win before we get that far.
Round three’s loss to Narre Warren was the precede to their vengeance tour that kick-started after the following round’s loss to Woori Yallock.
The Bulldogs got the chocolates on their home turf last season, when Kurt Mutimer and Will Howe missed through injury, before the Magpies turned the tables later in the season back at Kalora Park.
Narre Warren has a minor edge in the head-to-head battle over the last 18 months, with three wins to Wandin’s two, but as we all know, Wandin got the win that both sides wanted the most in September.
Expect both Pakenham and Officer to pull out all the stops on Saturday afternoon. (Rob Carew: 403698)
A five-goal haul for Sam Toner will likely see him hold his place in the Dandenong Stingrays’ Coates Talent League side, after kicking four in round three and being one of the most influential players on the ground.
Cody Hirst, awarded best-on-ground for Wandin in the grand final win will also miss as he continues to recover from a knee injury, but there’s still be stars galore across both sides.
Peter Gentile will add size, grunt and class to an already stacked midfield battle, and Trent Papworth is expected to return for Narre Warren to help sure up their defence, a critical component of the Magpies’ structure, and could find himself manning Clint John-
son, who is working his way into form after a lay-off for Wandin.
Jordan Jaworski and Aaron Mullett represent two of the competition’s brightest stars, and may be assignments for Mitch Tonna and Tom Russell.
With a top-two position and poll-position for the run home at stake, does much more need to be said?
Considering the top-two battle on the netball courts too in A-Grade, you’ll need to have your head on a swivel to take all the action in at Clegg Road.
At Emerald, what is being dubbed the “relegation cup” will ratchet the intensity up on the already heated contest between the
Bombers and Gembrook.
A classic “it doesn’t matter where they are on the ladder” type-contest, the reality is, ladder positions are incredibly consequential, with the loser staring relegation squarely in the face.
A Brookers win will see them edge two games clear of the Bombers, but Emerald taking the points at home will see them draw level on 16 premiership points.
A heavy slog in wet conditions for Gembrook Cockatoo last week will see them take to the field at Chandler Reserve with heavy, weary legs compared to a rested and fresh Emerald side fighting for their Premier Division survival and to finish Sein Clearihan’s coaching tenure on a positive note.
Gembrook Cockatoo was fantastic last week, and will field what is arguably their best side for the season, should DamienVolta make his expected return from injury.
The significance of the contest isn’t lost in Michael Firrito, who likened the contest to a grand final.
“The team that loses that game will be under the pump to be relegated,” the coach said.
“There’s a lot of respect there but we hate losing against them, we definitely want to win that one.”
At Officer Recreation Reserve, the Kangaroos’ finals chances are on the line when they host Pakenham.
With Monbulk (sixth) facing Mt Evelyn (seventh) both tied on 24 points, an Officer win will see them remain one win back from sixth place, but a loss will add another layer of difficulty.
Pakenham, meanwhile, have not much to play for in the final four weeks, but would no-doubt love to spoil their neighbour’s party, after Officer upset them at home in round three.
TIPS: WANDIN v Narre Warren, OFFICER v Pakenham, GEMBROOK COCKATOO v Emerald, Berwick Springs v WOORI YALLOCK, Mt Evelyn v MONBULK, Olinda Ferny Creek v UPWEY TECOMA
Mick Cronin will coach Beaconsfield in the DDCA this season. (File)
Heartbreaking for Eagles
By David Nagel
Beaconsfield has fallen agonisingly short of inflicting just the second loss of the season for Park Orchards in an entertaining Eastern Division One clash at Park Orchards on Saturday.
The Eagles went toe-to-toe with the ladder leaders; who eventually secured a 6.12(48) to 6.11(47) victory to remain three games clear at the top.
Coming off a week’s break, the Eagles finally welcomed back skipper Jake Bowd; playing his first game after seven weeks on the sidelines, while Josh Mounter returned from VFL duties and Darren Minchington also took to the field after a two-game hiatus.
Bowd, playing off half back, had the first kick of the match; but Park Orchards had the better of the opening exchanges.
The Sharks created seven scoring shots to three, but only had a goal from skipper Michael Prosenak to show for their forward entries.
Star performer Brandon White had plenty of the ball in the first quarter for the Eagles and a major reason why the deficit stood at just nine points at the first break.
The Eagles then upped the ante at the start of the second quarter; through some great play and also a touch of fortune.
Tylah Stokoe set up Devon Smith for a setshot goal at the start of the second term, and then played a hand in the next from Jafar Ocaa. Stokoe, just 15 metres out from the big sticks, tried to slot a goal with a mid-air kick, only to mistime his connection and send it travelling in the wrong direction.
Fortunately, Ocaa was there to take a chest mark and then kick truly to give the Eagles the lead.
Sam Merrick then launched into a 35-metre kick off the ground, which fell in the arms of Myles Currie, who also drilled a set shot.
The Eagles deserved their lucky breaks, with Ethan Harris, Mitch Szybkowski, Kade De La Rue and Smith causing the dangerous Sharks some headaches through the midfield.
Prosenak then answered for the home side, before Mounter capped off the best play from either team in the first half.
Bowd marked in the back pocket, then kicked to CaseyWassylko who marked strongly on the half back flank.
Wassylko then found Minchington on the lead, who gave quick hands to Harris, who was consistently busy on the wing.
Harris then hit-up Mounter, inside forward 50, with his set-shot giving the Eagles an 11-point advantage at the major interval.
Park Orchards kicked two goals to none in the third quarter, courtesy of Kane Keppel
Midfielder Tylah Stokoe played a key role in Beaconsfield’s first two goals against Park Orchards on Saturday. (Gary Sissons: 417603)
and Evan Smeed, to tie things up at 4.9.33 at the final break.
The intensity lifted at the beginning of the final term, with both teams missing two chances to open up a handy lead.
Connor Hickey marked twice, but pushed
his kicks wide, while Hayden Brough and Michael Cameron had difficult chances for the Eagles.
Park Orchards then kicked the first goal of the last quarter through key-tall Tom Livingstone, who received a ‘tiggy-touchwood’ free-
kick when not many were paid on the day.
Just two minutes later, at the 19-minute mark, De La Rue showed a touch of class, breaking free from a forward-50 stoppage and calmly converting off his right foot to tie things up once again.
Park Orchards then took the lead by a point, before Hickey finally found his range to kick the margin out to seven.
Merrick then slotted a terrific goal on the run, cutting the margin back to a point with just seconds left on the clock.
Beaconsfield needed a clean take-away from the resultant centre clearance; but the Sharks neutralised possession to bank their 14th win for the season.
The Eagles met in the centre of the ground for a post-game debrief, no doubt encouraged by a fantastic contest against the runaway league leaders.
The Eagles had six individual goal-kickers on the day, while Charlie Muley and Wassylko joined the aforementioned midfield brigade on the visitor’s best players list.
Mick Fogarty’s men are almost certain of playing finals footy, currently two games and a healthy percentage clear of sixth-placed Mooroolbark with just three games remaining in the season.
They can make it mathematically impossible to slip out of finals calculations when they host ninth-placed Doncaster at Holm Park Reserve this Saturday.
EASTERNDIVISIONONE
· Park Orchards Goals: Michael Prosenak 2, Connor Hickey, Kane Keppel, Tom Livingstone, Evan Smeed. Best: LiamWebb, McLaren Spiteri, Matt Haythorne, Mason Blakey, Jaye Witnish, Alex Magnano.
· Beaconsfield Goals: Myles Currie, Kade De La Rue, Sam Merrick, Joshua Mounter, Jafar Ocaa Devon Smith. Best: Devon Smith, Brandon White, Ethan Harris, Mitch Szybkowski, Charlie Muley, Casey Wassylko.
· Other Games R15: Mitcham 10.10(70) v Doncaster 5.6(36), Montrose 7.14(56) v Bayswater 2.4(16), Mooroolbark 4.5(29) v South Belgrave 14.8(92), Wantirna South 6.8(44) v North Ringwood 10.4(64).
· Ladder: Park Orchards 56, Mitcham, South Belgrave 44, Montrose, Beaconsfield 36, Mooroolbark 28, North Ringwood, Bayswater 20, Doncaster 12, Wantirna South 4.
· Fixture R16: Bayswater (8) v Park Orchards (1), Beaconsfield (5) v Doncaster (9), Montrose (4) v Mooroolbark (6), North Ringwood (7) v Mitcham (2), South Belgrave (3) v Wantirna South (10).
Massive month to determine A Grade netball finals
By Marcus Uhe
With four rounds to go in Outer East Football
Netball A Grade netball, top six appears as close to locked-away as can be, but final seedings within the six remain up for grabs.
Beginning with a pair of huge clashes in round 15, with two games featuring all four top four sides, a handful of games will go a long way to determining where the teams fall, and who will face who in the opening week of the finals.
Narre Warren heads to Wandin where a win in the grand final rematch will as good as secure the minor premiership.
Should they secure the four points, only a miracle would prevent them losing top spot to the chasing Bulldogs, who would require goal difference and results going their way to dethrone the Magpies from securing the best possible chance of going back to back.
With a tough stretch to finish the year, including major contests against Monbulk (round 16) and Mt Evelyn (round 18), the Magpies will be eager to secure the advantage at the earliest possible chance.
The Rovers are the only team to beat the Magpies in 2024 and knocked them off twice in 2023, before Narre Warren turned the tables in a memorable preliminary final.
Narre Warren’s approach will also be telling; if they’ve sewn-up the minor premiership before the contest, do they rest players and attempt to orchestrate a preferable match-up in the second week of finals?
Meanwhile in round 15, Mt Evelyn and Monbulk pits third against fourth, and given the two drew in the corresponding fixture earlier this season, expect it to go down to the wire.
Monbulk has been one of the surprise packets of A Grade this season, forcing its way into top four contention, but faces a tough run home with games against the Rovers, Narre Warren and Pakenham.
For arguments’ sake, let’s assume that in each of the 24 games, the team higher on the ladder after round 14 will prevail.
Of course, upsets are not out of the question, but for the purpose of consistency, let’s say they are.
NarreWarren and Emerald will win all four of their respective remaining matches, Wandin, Pakenham and Mt Evelyn will win three and Monbulk will split its, for two wins and two losses.
The top three will remain as is, with Narre Warren and Wandin securing a doublechance and a week off in the first week of finals.
Mt Evelyn will consider itself unlucky to miss out, but three teams doesn’t go into two, and they will be forced to go the long way if they are to claim premiership glory.
Pakenham and Monbulk, however, will swap places, with the Lions snatching fourth, due to a less-treacherous run home compared to the Hawks, where they will expect to collect points in three of the four contests.
Neutral finals venues nullify home court advantages, but the psychological edge will be critical in the all-important mental battle.
The two will square-off in round 17, giving each side the chance to get a vital scouting opportunity.
Emerald, meanwhile, will secure sixth place, in an incredible effort after coming up from Division One.
Mt Evelyn await in the first week of the finals, but the Bombers will like their chances, having narrowly squeezed home when the two met in round 11.
MATCHESTHATMATTER(Ladderpositions asofround14)
· Round 15: Wandin (2)
v Narre Warren (1), Mt Evelyn (3) v Monbulk (4)
· Round 16: Narre Warren (1) v Monbulk (4)
· Round 17: Monbulk (4) v Pakenham (5)
· Round 18: Narre Warren (1) v Mt Evelyn (3)
The contest between Wandin shooter Emmalia Blake and Narre Warren goalkeeper Gabrielle Dwyer will be pivotal in Saturday’s contest at Wandin. (Stewart Chambers: 362381)
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