News - Cranbourne Star News - 1st August 2024

Looking hip at 100

Imagining what you would be like as a 100-year-old when you just attended 100 days of school is not an easy job, yet Foundation students at Devon Meadows Primary School allowed their imagination to run wild and staged a show into the future.

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Oscar, Lenny, Thomas and Blake dressing up as their 100-year-old selves. (Stewart Chambers: 420949)

Funding pressure

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 ran 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 community-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.

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An influential educator

Casey Grammar teacher Danielle Searles has been named as one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators for 2024.

Danielle leads the Junior School Art program, one of only a handful of teachers across the country to earn a place on the annual list.

The Most Influential Educator list, compiled by The Educator, recognises educators for their expertise, innovation, leadership and commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.

Danielle has been recognised for her dedication and creativity in developing Casey Grammar School’s comprehensive Art program.

Before Danielle joined the school in 2023, the Junior School had no Visual Arts program. Danielle developed an extensive program from scratch and created a new Visual Arts studio that offers sewing, wire work, sculpture, collage, clay work, painting, jewellery-making

and fashion design.

Danielle, who teaches Foundation to Year 6, is also an intervention teacher who assists students needing extra literacy support. She completed specialist MiniLit training and has significantly improved the reading, comprehension and writing skills of the students she works with each week.

“It’s an immense privilege, and quite a surprise, to be recognised as one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators,” Danielle said.

“Each year I’m impressed by the dedicated teachers named on the list who do their best to inspire their students.

“To be recognised as one of those teachers myself is overwhelming.

“Leading the Junior School Visual Arts program at Casey Grammar and seeing the ideas and creativity of the students come to life each day is hugely rewarding.”

Last year, Danielle organised an Art Show

Cranbourne Toy Library permanent closure

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.”

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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.

for the school community that attracted 1,000 visitors over two days. Every student at the Junior school created three pieces of work and the colourful displays spilled out of the Arts studio, along the corridors and into the school chapel.

Casey Grammar School Principal, Fiona Williams, said Danielle’s place on the Most Influential Educators list for 2024 was welldeserved.

“Everyone at Casey Grammar is thrilled to see Danielle recognised as one of Australia’s ‘most influential educators’. It’s a title that truly sums up Danielle’s limitless enthusiasm and her knack of finding new and creative ways to inspire every student,” Ms Williams said.

“Danielle is a true professional inside and outside the classroom. Her ideas and expertise inspire the young people she teaches and the colleagues who have the privilege of working alongside her at Casey Grammar.”

Missing link between Pearcedale and Mornington

By Violet Li

A Pearcedale local has been disappointed at the continued absence of a direct bus service to Mornington Peninsula after 20 years of advocacy.

Tim, who preferred not to use his last name, said the traffic in the town central was horrible when the local football clubs played against each other on the weekends.

“There’d be cars everywhere on the sides of the roads because there was no public transport next to the towns,” he said.

Tim, who has medical trouble, is not allowed to drive.

“I have to get a lift with people if I want to go into the peninsula,” he said.

Tim said it had been 20 years since he first reached out to the Mornington council, local MPs, and the State Government.

“It’s been gone for a long time,” he said.

“But now that Pearcedale is out of the peninsula, they’ve got no interest.”

Pearcedale currently has two bus lines: 792 connecting Cranbourne and Pearcedale, and 776 connecting Frankston and Pearcedale via Baxter.

PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen said while Pearcedale was not the busiest part of Melbourne, there should be better public transport options to major destinations around the Peninsula.

“When driving to Mornington takes under 20 minutes, but some bus options take well over an hour, sometimes two, clearly the local public transport services have something lacking,” he said.

“Better public transport options can help ensure that those who cannot drive can still access opportunities for work and study, as well as make important trips such as for medical appointments.

Public transport can also help families

who might be struggling with the cost of owning and running multiple cars, by providing options other than having to drive everywhere.”

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said buses played a vital role in getting people to where they needed to go, also connecting them with services, support, employment, education, areas of interest and so much more.

“I have and continue to advocate for better services to suit modern times whether it is a new route, a tweaking of existing timetables, an uplift in services including on the weekend or even route changes which benefit our community, especially for our younger and older community members that may be without a car or yet to drive,” she said.

“It is a social investment and a priority for my electorate across every age group and every township.

“I have represented the community of Pearcedale and surrounds since 2022 and am sorry I have yet to bring about positive change, but I keep at it and encourage everyone to join me in this pursuit by filling in the link below so as a collective we strengthen our efforts of the need in our area: ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/customer-service/feedback-and-complaints/.”

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said: “Our city’s rapid population growth is leading to record car ownership and increased pressure on our community’s roads and transport network.“

“Our community deserves accessible and affordable public transport. Council continues to work with the State Government to improve the bus network in Casey and to advocate for routes that connect residents to the services they need.“

The Department of Transport was contacted for comments.

Casey Grammar teacher Danielle Searles has been named as one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators for 2024. (Supplied)

The closure notice of Cranbourne Toy Library. (Violet Li:

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said she would continue to advocate for better bus services. (Supplied)

$50k of fencing stolen

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 protection of Green Wedge land across Victoria. The group has more than 100 members from local and wider communities.

The planning dispute will be heard by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) from 2 September.

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 ki-

and

When contacted, Peninsula

Protection Group spokesperson Craig

‘Fake’ principal to pay back $178K

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.

Princes Highway Ph: 5941 4888

5996 6822

5625 2571

lograms

requiring considerable transport.

Green Wedge

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.”

MASS director Murali Gopal standing next to some of the missing fences. The posts remain on site but 57 steel panels were stolen within a week. (Gary Sissons: 421432)

FOCUS ON … SCHOOL PRINCIPALS DAY

How to celebrate your principal

Principals’ Day is an initiative by the Victorian Principals Association (VPA) which is celebrated in schools across the country on Friday 2 August 2024.

Principals’ Day is about recognising the tireless efforts of principals and assistant principals in achieving excellence in education.

Strong leadership and integrity of principals helps make Victorian schools vibrant and stimulating places for learners.

Why Celebrate

Principals and assistant principals are hardworking professionals who answer to a multitude of stakeholders.

Theirleadershipcoversmanyfacets,focussing on student success and school improvement, whileworkingtogetherwiththeirschoolcommunities and the Department of Education.

How to Celebrate

Celebrating Principals’ Day is a great way to honor and show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of school principals.

Here are some suggestions for how a school could celebrate Principals’ Day in 2024:

· Providing a thank you morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea

· Presenting your principal and assistant principal with a token of appreciation, such as a handwritten card or bunch of flowers

· Holding a special assembly

· Writing a letter of acknowledgement in the school newsletter

· Host or attend a local celebratory meeting of your fellow principal class members. Events inYour Area

VPA representatives from around the state have been offered the opportunity to organise regional events so local principals can celebrate together.

· Region: SMR (Peninsula)

· Date: August 2, 2024

· Time: 7:45 am

· Location: Settlers Run Golf Course, Botanic Ridge

New kinders

The State Government has announced two new kindergartens will be built on school sites in Casey South on 26 July.

Two new kindergartens will open from Term 1 in 2026 at Ballarto Road Primary School (interim name) in Clyde and Casey Central Primary School (interim name) in Cranbourne North. Lysterfield Primary School in Casey North will also secure a new kindergarten on-site.

“Every parent knows mornings can be chaotic. It’s why we’re making things that little bit easier – making drop-offs faster and simpler with more kinders on school sites right across the state,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.

“Today’s announcement will give local families with little ones confidence, they can rely on a great kinder close to home.”

Since 2019, the Labor Government has delivered 60 new, or expanded, kindergartens on school sites across Victoria, including 16 ones that have opened this year.

Meet the Principal

Fiona Williams

Every day, as she leads the team at Casey Grammar School, Fiona Williams nurtures a school community that strives for academic excellence while understanding the value of building strong and respectful relationships, and supporting student and staff wellbeing.

Since being appointed Principal in 2020, Fiona has continued to build the school’s reputation while introducing innovative programs that capture young minds. These efforts, supported by the team at Casey Grammar School, have seen Fiona and the school earn national recognition.

Fiona was named one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators by The Educator. The awards celebrate education leaders and changemakers who have made an impact on students, school communities and the education sector. They also recognise those who demonstrate innovation and creativity to drive Australia’s education industry onwards and upwards.

Fiona has also been a Principal of the Year finalist in the prestigious Australian Education Awards.

While enhancing facilities for the 1,000-plus students through a program of major building works, Fiona is also building a safe and welcoming environment where students can learn, explore and follow their passions from their very first day at the school.

“Our exceptional teachers inspire students to be creative, curious and collaborative learners through programs which explore real world challenges and solutions,” says Fiona.

“Our goal is to provide every student with practical, life-long skills to ensure they are ready for the world beyond school and to help each and every student to enjoy respectful relationships and embrace compassion for others.”

To ensure students continue to enjoy the highest standards of education in the classroom, Fiona encourages staff and students at Casey Grammar School to be lifelong and curious learners themselves. This approach to life and learning is also one that Fiona follows.

“We are very proud of our warm sense of community and of our focus on excellence,” says Fiona. “Together, these grow students with bright minds and kind hearts.”

Clyde and Cranbourne North will secure two kindergartens on school sites in 2026. (FILE)

FOCUS ON … SCHOOL PRINCIPALS DAY

Friendships and life experiences are being shared in a heart-warming project that brings together Year 1 students and residents of a local retirement village.

Connecting generations

They have made Mother’s Day cards together, played games to build mathematical skills, enjoyed a wildlife incursion and even handled a python and talked about what going to school was like many years ago.

Along the way, Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar and a group of elderly ladies from Botanic Ridge Retirement Living have swapped life stories, laughed, and built some touching and lasting friendships.

Inspired by the TV series, Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, the idea to bring together the young students and the group of elderly women were initiated by Clyde Grammar teacher, Deanne Bourke.

“After watching Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds I was inspired by the bonds that developed between the children and older people,” says Deanne.

Botanic Ridge Retirement Living manager, Wade Farnsworth, threw his support behind the idea and a group of residents in their 60s, 70s and 80s volunteered to meet with the Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar.

The residents and students now meet throughout each term.

“On the very first visit from the residents, I walked around the room watching the children engaging so eagerly with the ladies. One of the ladies stopped me and said, ‘I just love this’, and it made the whole process so worthwhile. To see everyone – young and old – getting to know one another warmed my heart,” Deanne said.

“The idea is that the children and the older people learn from each other and enjoy each

other’s company. I cannot tell you how excited the children have been when they find out the ladies are visiting. They’ve learned to show re-

spect to older people, and their innocence and the questions the students ask the ladies always make us smile!”

As well as arts and crafts and games, the elderly visitors and the children have celebrated Book Week and a disco together.

The residents joined the children’s wildlife incursion and were equally excited to see crocodiles, snakes, kookaburras and sugar gliders.

The residents have also helped students with their classwork as they have been studying ‘how things change over time’.

The two generations compared their own school memories and experiences in the classroom and how much school lunches have changed through the decades.

“I think this experience has changed the children’s perception of older people and it’s been lovely to see how easily the children talk to the ladies.

They have no qualms at all about asking them questions or even asking for a hug,” says Deanne.

“I think the ladies have also enjoyed seeing how much the children actually enjoy their company.”

Clyde Grammar principal, Leanne Evans, says the idea to bridge the generation gap has been hugely successful and rewarding for everyone involved.

“The days when the ladies from Botanic Ridge Retirement Living visit their friends in Year 1 are very special days at Clyde Grammar,” she said.

“Everyone looks forward to catching up with each other and sharing their news and stories, and the memories that are being made will last a lifetime for our students.”

Meet the Principal

Leanne Evans

Leading Clyde Grammar School since the day the school opened in January 2020 has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Principal, Leanne Evans.

The co-educational school in Clyde North offers a quality education from Foundation to Year 4, with an additional year level being opened up every 12 months.

Supported by the school community, Leanne has ensured Clyde Grammar is a welcoming, respectful place that encourages students to question, explore and discover their passions and strengths.

“Our school radiates warmth, friendliness and a sense of calm,” says Leanne.

“We have a number of values that are important and respect is number one — our learning culture is based on respecting each other. Another key element of the success of Clyde Grammar has been attracting teachers and staff with a genuine passion to work with children; caring for them and getting to know them as individuals. That has been paramount.”

The Junior School curriculum offers English, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Languages Other than English, the Arts, STEM, Health and Physical Education, Information Technologies, Religious Education and Personal Development and Civics and Citizenship.

“We deliver an academic program that embraces individuality, inspires curiosity and promotes a growth mindset,” says Leanne.

“We encourage every student in our care to try their best and to learn from their mistakes.

Clyde Grammar’s overarching mission is to empower each child to set personal challenges, believe in their abilities, achieve success and strive towards becoming the best version of themselves.

“Our school is a place where students want to be because they feel heard and valued. Every child is genuinely known and every child is supported to progress and achieve their very best.”

Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar and retirees from Botanic Ridge Retirement Living have swapped life stories, laughed, and built some touching and lasting friendships. (Supplied)

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)

Supporting youth

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 enrolled 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.”

EPA fines SBI over uncovered waste

Stevensons Brothers Industries (SBI) landfill faces nearly $20,000 in fines after EPA drone flights over its Ballarto Road Cranbourne site revealed inadequately covered waste in its landfill cells.

EPA Southern Metropolitan Regional Manager Viranga Abeywickrema said leaving that kind of waste uncovered after hours could allow odour and litter to escape the property.

“The EPA licence for any landfill requires all waste to be covered at closing time each day,” Mr Abeywickrema said.

“It must be under a solid layer of soil, 15cm thick if it is solid inert waste or 30cm thick for other waste such as household garbage.

“Our officers used a drone to conduct routine inspections of the Ballarto Rd landfill after hours on a weekday in March and later on a Saturday in June and found waste exposed to the air.”

The two fines of $9,616 each are for the company’s failure to report each of the breaches of its licence conditions to EPA Victoria.

(Stewart Chambers: 289985)

Landfills are strictly regulated, even long after they cease to operate, with conditions designed to prevent problems with odour, leachate leakage and greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the op-

erator has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution

Man charged

A man has been charged after a homemade explosive device exploded at a Dandenong South property in June.

Police say a group of men kidnapped another man from a Cranbourne venue, transporting him to Dandenong South where he was threatened with explosive devices.

One of the devices exploded in the hand of a 38-year-old Cranbourne man, who was later dropped off a hospital with critical injuries.

Armed Crime Squad detectives charged the man with false imprisonment, selling or using unauthorized explosives, possessing a firearm while under a firearm prohibition order, handling stolen goods, possessing body armour and manufacturing and storing unauthorized explosives.

The man was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 18 October.

The kidnapping victim, 29, was able to escape the scene and was conveyed to hospital with minor injuries.

Any information on homemade explosive devices to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Home gutted in blaze

Three Fire Rescue Victoria crews and a number of CFA crews responded to a house fire in Cranbourne around 8am on July 25. Nobody was reported to be in the home and no casualties were listed.

Firefighters arrived at the home in Broadstone Way at 7:48am, after callers reported seeing a large amount of smoke rising from the premises.

At arrival, crews found a double-storey brick veneer property with the roof and upstairs section on fire.

Crews at the scene brought the fire under control at 8:13am, tackling the blaze from above with the use of a ladder.

Emergency services remained on the scene to fully extinguish the blaze, including any remaining hot spots.

Three FRV crews and a number of CFA crews attended a house fire in Cranbourne. (On File)

SBI landfill is facing a fine by the EPA for inadequately covering waste in its landfill cells.

Launch Housing Youth Foyer development manager Rebecca Lee. (Mathew Lynn/Launch Housing)

Hundreds honour Jude

By Violet Li

MP

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.

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.

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.

A “stalwart for Liberal and conservative values”, she also “deeply cared about her local community and was a tireless advocate against injustices.”

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.

Opposition leader John Pesutto said Peulich was a “fierce advocate” for multicultural communities.

“A daughter of a parent who suffered un-

In her inaugural speech to Parliament, Peulich described her parents arriving to Australia in 1967 with “four suitcases, a cou-

“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

Jude 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)

‘No action’ from report

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, 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 candidates - was “good in name only” and had “done nothing” 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 DovetonEummerring 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 inVictoria 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.

Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association secretary Brian Oates. His association is calling for charges to be laid as a result of IBAC’s Operation Sandon inquiry.

Jailed for sexual assault

By Tara Cosoleto, AAP

A Cranbourne East sex offender who called a 14-year-old girl a “p***y” after she pushed him away while he assaulted her could be released from jail in just over a year.

Alan Leah, 33, admitted cornering the child in his car on two separate occasions in October 2020.

County Court Judge Anne Hassan on Friday last week described the offending as serious as she sentenced Leah to two years and six months behind bars.

He will be eligible for parole after 18 months and has already served seven months of that sentence.

Leah’s pregnant partner rushed over and kissed him as security guards tried to lead him from the court.

Judge Hassan noted Leah had initially pleaded guilty to the offending in October 2022 after the victim was cross-examined in court.

He tried to change his plea to not guilty earlier this year but the judge refused his application.

In sentencing, Judge Hassan found Leah had no remorse for his actions and he con-

tinued to deny the offending.

The young girl had experienced suicidal ideation and anxiety as a result of Leah’s actions, the judge said.

“She was a child and you were an adult,” Judge Hassan told Leah.

“It’s clear you developed a sexual interest and you took advantage of her - (the girl) was effectively trapped.”

Leah’s prospects of rehabilitation were reasonableashewasabstainingfromdrugs, had a job lined up and a stable partner with a baby on the way, Judge Hassan said.

He had been deemed suitable to complete a community work order but the judge said a more stern sentence was required.

“I must denounce your conduct,” Judge Hassan said.

Leah will be placed on the sex offender’s register for the next 15 years.

· Lifeline 13 11 14

· Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)

· 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

· National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

The site benefits from the following features: • Established tenant in place paying $1,030 + GST, and outgoings per month on a lease to February 2025, with a 3-year option to renew • Suitable for immediate owner occupation in the other premises • Prominent corner location

Director An unrivalled location on the corner of Station Street and Rossiter Road in the heart of Koo Wee Rup. The site of 118m2, offers the unique opportunity to occupy one premises, while receiving an income from the other with an established tenancy in place.

County Court of Victoria. ( AAP Image/Con Chronis)

100 reasons to celebrate

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.”

Funding pleas falling on deaf ears for recovery centre

FROM PAGE 1

“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 evidencebased model on how we meet the needs of people in a culture.”

Department of Health was contacted for comment.

Nas Recovery Centre director Nyachan Nyak is concerned about the organisation’s future with the funding constraints at the State and Federal levels. (Violet Li: 422633)

Thomas. (420949)

Rylee, Mia and Ivy. (420949)

Charlie. (420949)

Tilly and Poppy. (420949)

Thomas, Myles, Mia and Ryder. (420949)

Harrison, Chad, Jax and Paige. (420949)Cora, Bentley and Poppy. (420949)

Oscar, Lenny, Thomas and Blake. (420949)

Elijah, Jordee and Jax. (Stewart Chambers: 420949)

Cannabis use soaring

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 personal 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 available 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.

“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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

Merinda Park Station welcomes new amenities

Merinda Park Station in Cranbourne North has recently completed its addition of amenities, which include a new bus interchange, walking paths and an upgraded car park.

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas recently welcomed the minister for public and active transport Gabrielle Williams MP to the station, which now has 119 new and upgraded car parking spaces as well as a zebra crossing.

This comes after a $10 million investment from the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund, with other safety improvements included CCTV and lighting upgrades, footpath upgrades, new fencing, tactile ground surfaces and signage.

“The continued investment in our public transport infrastructure and services helps everyone get where they need to go easier, faster and safer,” Mr Maas said.

“These improvements to our transport

network and great news for our community, they ensure that Merinda Park Station can continue to cater to our growing population well into the future.”

Bus passengers will not benefit from the three-bay bus interchange, with shelters and information displays to make transfers more comfortable and easier.

Current routes 863 Endeavour Hills SC to Cranbourne West via Hallam Road and 881 Merinda Park Station to Clyde North have also had minor route and timetable changes to coincide with services that are beginning to use the new interchange.

“This work complements investments in the Level Crossing Removals and new stations for Hallam Station and Narre Warren Station which service our area,” Mr Maas said.

Building on other improvements made in the area, the station upgrades compliment the new introduction of the Route 881

bus service from the station to Clyde North, as well as the extension of the Route 863 service which now connects to CranbourneWest Shopping Village.

Bus services were also improved with Routes 897 Clyde North to Lynbrook via Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre and 898 Clyde North to Cranbourne Station via Cranbourne Park SC extended to the growing areas along Heather Grove and Pattersons Road in Clyde North.

“It was fantastic to welcome the Minister for Public and Active Transport to our area to inspect the completed works at Merinda Park Station,” Mr Maas said.

In 2022, the Labor Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project rebuilt Merinda Park Station with two new platforms, an improved layout and a secure bike shed, which was part of the Cranbourne Line Duplication.

Gary Maas MP and Gabrielle Williams MP in front of the 881 bus route to Clyde North. (Supplied)

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)

Trees planted for future

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 contact our Enquiry Officer Gloria on 0468363616

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 Blind Bight Community Centre on Tuesdays, with techniques from mosaics to sewing and painting to be shared. (Unsplash: Volodymyr Proskurovskyi)

Casey Council held its Create Canopy for Casey tree planting event to commemorate National Tree Day on Sunday 28 July at Troops Creek Wetland in Narre Warren

Rodrigo Bardales, 9-year-old Leah, Andrea Bobbio, and 11-year-old Luka. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 421627)

10-year-old Fayyad 10 and 7-year-old Zafr. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 421627)

Jacqui Taranto doing her part. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 421627)

Ahmed Ashraf and 3-year-old Mia Ashraf. (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

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.

Federal 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 tremendously 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.”

ApprenticePainter PaintingandDecorating

Hotham MP Clare O’Neil, left, has been shifted out of the Home Affairs portfolio into Housing and Homelessness. (Stewart Chambers: 415467)

Julian Hill has been promoted to Assistant Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (Gary Sissons: 384998)

A truly amazing show

By Barbara Hill on behalf of Stage Whispers

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the Englishlanguage version, with a revised book by Peter Parnell, had its debut at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California on October 28, 2014, and ran until December 7, 2014.

Subsequently, the show went on to open on March 4, 2015, at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, with more changes in the libretto. The show closed on April 5, 2015, after it was announced that it would not move to Broadway.

The musical is notably darker and thematically closer to the source material than the animated film, with composer Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz repurposing and rewriting several songs to match the original tone of the Hugo novel.

I was intrigued to see how a small Community Theatre company such as BATS Theatre Co. would handle such an epic-scale musical in Australia. I was well surprised. On arriving at the Tony Sheumack Centre of Performing Arts Theatre there was no hint of what the audience was about to see. As the doors to the theatre opened you were welcomed to Notre Dame herself. An open stage showcasing the set with a beautiful Rose Window taking pride of place at the top of the double-story set. Alone candle placed in the centre of the stage like a ‘Ghost Light’ was a simple but effective idea as if you were waiting for a church mass to begin.

Bridie Clark a seasoned Choreographer, commanded a 40 strong cast, including 8 Choir and 8 Youth Ensemble, it was hard to believe this was Clark’s first time Directing, alongside Tim Blencowe as assistant director, it was obvious that the cast had worked hard on their ‘characterisation’ to understand the complexities of them. Along with Clark and Blencowe’s direction was the choreography, it was clear that a choreographer was at the helm of this show (and in a positive way) the intricate dance movements and partnering of “TheTavern” to the fun, whimsical and bouncy steps of “Topsy Turvy” was enjoyable and well thought out choreography and staging it was like watching a professional production. The use of movement was apparent with an almost ‘Hamilton’ inspired set of balustrades moving to create force prospectives while having a static set, I found this creative, clever and next level for a community theatre company. Blencowe’s fight and combat choreography felt realistic and authentic and by the trust the performers had with there swords and various fight scenes was credit to a well-choreographed routine.

Musical director Kent Ross (who I now understand was unwell) handed the rains of conductor over to the young and talented Assistant Musical Director Hannah Hunt, making her conducting debut at Sunday’s matinee performance. Hunt handled the strong

14-piece orchestra like a seasoned professional at Sunday’s Closing Night. Not one note was missed, and Hunt was in full control of the cast and choir as well. Lighting design by Daniel Bowen & Jaydan Harvey was clever, with some stand out moments such as “Hellfire” where the entire orchestra pit glowed red, the “Prison Scene” was visually captivating with a halo of light on the stage and the final scene creating this idea of force perspective of Frollo (played by Tim Blencowe) being thrown off the top of Notre Dame, Clark, Blencowe, Bowen and Harvey created a showstopper moment that held the audience at full attention as to what would happen. It did not disappoint. Audio design by Daniel Bowen maintained a good balance between the sometimes softly spoken lines of the young ensemble to the powerful voices of the leading cast and orchestra.

Debbie Jenkins costuming transported me to medieval France, the research and authenticity of each unique costume captured the personality of each performer. A surprise to see was that the costume of the Hunchback (played by Jarod Rhine-Davis) was brought out

from the Tuachan Amphitheatre, Utah, USA, it was amazing watching the “Man become the Monster” before your eyes.

The 40 strong cast led by 5 very strong leads brought the story of this great musical to life, Chloe Harbour who played ‘Clopin’ the narrator and ‘King of the Gypsies” brought laughter through brilliant comedic timing and humour to a show that follows a dim tale. Zac Ryder’s debut performance as ‘Captain Phoebus de Martin’ was strong and full of character, from the playboy arrogance of his character in the beginning to the lovestruck hero, Ryder held attention and his vocals were crisp and pleasant to hear. Rebekah Bennetts’ portrayal of the elegant but fiery Esmeralda brought strength and courage to her role, Bennetts was commanding, vulnerable and uplifting with the use of Auslan mixed in made it a diverse open experience for all. Jarod Rhine-Davis stellar performance of ‘Heaven’s Light’ brought a tear to my eye, the innocence of having the youth ensemble onstage with Rhine-Davis made you care for his character Quasimodo even more. Finally

Tim Blencowe who played the powerful role of ‘Archdeacon Claude Frollo’ held my attention from the very beginning of the show, his presence on stage was felt throughout the audience, ‘Hellfire’ was definitely a showstopper, Blencowe’s vocals were powerful and commanding, the clever twist of watching “What makes a monster and what makes a man” playing out from the start of Blencowe’s performance all the way through to Frollo’s demise was spellbinding and an honour to witness.

Other Standout performers: Jessica Masalski (Florika) incorporating Auslan into her character was clever and well suited, Nic Corcoran (Jehan), Sarah Wallis (The Madame), Ben Howell (Frederic), Matthew Pines (St. Aphrodisius), Bailey Ogden (King Louis XI).

This production was in a calibre well above your average community theatre production and I was thrilled to have witnessed BATS Theatre Co. reach a Broadway level. Congratulations to the creative team, cast and crew on a spectacular production.

Tim Blencowe and Nic Corcoran.

Jarod Rhine-Davis and Rebekah Bennetts. (Supplied)

Joel’s extraordinary season

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The recognition was always going to come. You don’t win 52 disposals, as Joel Hillis did last weekend for Devon Meadows, and dodge the limelight.

Hillis wishes he could.

The brutal midfielder comes to life on Saturday afternoons, playing with a healthy injection of brashness and ego but jockeying to deflect the attention that comes with it.

Universally described as humble at Glover Reserve, his unassuming temperament borders on mild ignorance of the joy he’s brought to a club so long starved of success.

When congratulated and pumped up by people around the club, he responds with a boyish awkwardness which belies his explosive match-winning consistency.

“I’m a pretty shy person and I dislike people talking about me,” Hillis said.

“It’s good behind closed doors but I do get uncomfortable with it all.”

He’s a local footy club’s dream: a heart and soul player committed to winning a premiership, and sacrificing cash and better opportunities elsewhere, preferring to grow with his home club.

“I’ll stay loyal because this club will always feel like home for me,” Hillis said.

“I love the people in it and they have always been there for me when I have needed it.”

His patience is starting to be rewarded, with Devon Meadows taking steps forward each year since 2021, and having positioned themselves for a flag tilt in 2024.

He’s grown alongside the club, with the Panthers finding the perfect blend of youth, experience and leadership in a season Hillis is having a career best year.

A 52-disposal effort last weekend against Seaford was the latest chronicle in a season which surely has the 27-year-old at the top of the league medal counting.

How are these for numbers?

29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 10 score involvements, five intercept possessions, four tackles, two goals. That’s a standard game for Hillis.

His average stats are mind-blowing.

But what the raw numbers don’t tell is his ability to stand up with the game on the line.

In a mid-season clash with EdithvaleAspendale, Hillis kicked five goals in the last quarter to drag his team from the doldrums of a sapping defeat to within a point of an unbelievable comeback

He was similarly crucial in Devon’s win over the previously undefeated Chelsea.

“I definitely enjoy it when the game is on the line,“ he said.

“There’s nothing better than stepping up in big moments.“

It’s off the back of a summer playing in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) for Waratah, averaging a goal a game playing forward.

The conditioning from training in the humidity has helped this season; not only does he finish quarters and games strongly, he often played 100 per cent game time when Patrick Ryder was absent through the middle of the year, resting as a deep forward.

“It was an awesome experience and so important for my fitness,“ he said of the NTFL.

“I did lots of top up running which has helped me find the perfect blend of strength and fitness this year where in the last couple of years, I probably put on too much muscle.

“Getting away from Melbourne was good for me mentally too.

“I’m a massive over-thinker, so I have tried to switch it up and have a more relaxed attitude.

“I’ve found knowing I’ve put the work in during the week gives me confidence I will perform on a Saturday.

“I know I can’t play forever so always look at things with a positive perspective.

“I’ve found mental performance has had a big impact on my game and consistency this year.“

Coach Ryan Hendy has seen a clear step

up in the two-time best and fairest’s footy in 2024.

“It’s the best season of local footy I’ve ever seen,“ Hendy said.

“He’s at a different level - he’s so fit and has worked so hard on getting himself right.

“He came back from Darwin in unbelievable condition and his preparation and training standards are unbelievable.“

A common discussion among Panthers onlookers is what Hillis’ forward-midfield split should be; isolate him deep and he doesn’t lose a one-on-one, but you lose his power around the footy.

What’s certain is he’s the team’s barometer.

Coming to terms with that has been part of his leadership growth.

“My leadership is better this year - having so much young talent, you get such a joy of helping them out and thriving,” Hillis said.

“They bring energy and giving them the best environment to play good footy has helped my footy.

“It reminds me of when I first started and having boys who helped me out - I want to be that person for our players coming through.”

With three rounds remaining until finals, Hillis is keen for the ultimate test.

Built for the big stage, Devon Meadows’ struggles since his debut in 2015 mean he has played only four finals, all in the last two seasons.

“That period was definitely hard - you don’t think about it too much when you’re down the bottom, but when you reflect it was a grind and you wonder how you got through it,” Hillis admits.

“Finals is so exciting though - you feel like a little kid again.

“On Friday night, you’re nervous and feel pressure and then the energy is up on gameday.

“We haven’t won a flag in our history so you want to be the first people to do it.”

Seagulls to spruce things up with finals locked and loaded

By David Nagel

It’s time for the painters, decorators and landscapers to converge on the house that Tooradin-Dalmore has built after the Seagulls secured a 23-point victory over Nar Nar Goon on Saturday.

The hardest-work has been done for the Seagulls, whose finals preparations are now at lock-up stage with three rounds remaining in the season.

Upcoming games against Garfield, Bunyip and Dalyston provide the perfect opportunity to apply a lick of paint, choose bench-top materials, and pick some light shades, without the cut and thrust of big-time football.

The Seagulls can’t finish top two or slip out of the finals race; they know their lot in life and can plan accordingly and be cherryripe for the most even finals series in living memory.

While fine-tuning and man-managing for finals is certainly the way to go, Seagulls coach Jordan Kelly has been around footy for a long time…and knows things never pan out that easy.

“We’re certainly not going to disrespect those teams, because Garfield has given us trouble, and Dalyston’s midfield gave us a lot of trouble last time we played them,” Kelly explained.

“Everyone can keep you honest on their day, but there are probably a few guys we can manage, and a few things we can try, knowing that we’re mathematically locked into finals.

“We can work on a few things; which is nice.”

The Gulls jumped out of the blocks against the Goon, leading by 17 points at quarter time, but kicked just two points in the next three quarters of footy to trail by two points

at the final break.

The Seagulls were forced to traverse a difficult journey through those second and third quarters, with hard-nut midfielder Troy Dolan sent from the field for a high-hit on his opponent just before half time.

He missed the opening 13 minutes of the third; making it difficult for his teammates to express themselves on the attack.

They simply knuckled down, limited the damage, before unleashing a 4.2 to 0.1 final term to race away with an impressive victory.

Kelly was proud of how his team stayed committed and determined through those middle stages of the match.

“We had to change the way we played for

a little bit, be happy to grind, because the Goon is obviously a very attacking team and we just wanted to go into the last quarter being in a position to win it,” Kelly said.

“Nothing drastic (at three-quarter time), they’ve got a very good midfield and we flipped the magnets around a little bit to combat that; just a small change in personnel.

“We thought we went pretty well all day, but just stuck to what we were doing and backed our boys in to get the job done.

“We took our chances in the last quarter which was really pleasing to see.”

Kelly and his coaching group have had to fast-track the integration of seasoned performers with a host of emerging talent infil-

trating its way through the club.

Given those circumstances, the Seagulls consistency this season has been enormous.

“We’ve had five losses this season, but they’ve been by 13 points or under,” Kelly said.

“Cora Lynn got us good a couple of weeks back but, apart from that, I’m super proud of how consistent we’ve been.

“To be honest, we’re a bit ahead of schedule, compared to where we thought we’d be with all the young kids coming in; which has just been so exciting.

“Our leaders have really put the effort in to get the young kids up to speed with game plans; and the willingness of the young ones to learn and apply themselves to what we say has been the most enjoyable part of all.

“We think our game stacks up against anyone if we come in with that good mindset.

“It’s a good feeling at the moment; but we’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

Brad Butler, Nick Lang and Cooper Shipp all nailed two goals each for the Gulls, while Matt Buntine continued his stellar season by claiming the Matt Wade Medal awarded to best player on the ground.

Luke McKenna and Trent Adams were once again rock-solid performers, while recruit Rory Neate had a great result playing on Dermott Yawney; a week after his battle with Nathan Gardiner.

The Goon did well to fight its way back into the contest, with Trent Armour, Eamon Trigg and Harry Brain among its better contributors.

The Goon doesn’t have the luxury of bringing the painters, decorators and landscapers in just yet; with upcoming games against Cora Lynn (1), Garfield (10) and Phillip Island (2) to determine its finishing position.

Tooradin-Dalmore midfielder Troy Dolan lays a strong tackle on Nar Nar Goon gun Trent Armour at Spencer Street on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 421600)

Devon Meadows means everything to Joel Hillis. (Stewart Chambers: 416178)

Merciless month ends well

By David Nagel

A rough month of July has ended in spectacular fashion for Nar Nar Goon after a droughtbreaking 45-44 victory over Tooradin-Dalmore at Spencer Street on Saturday.

The Goon - coming off a four-game losing streak - took on a Seagulls’ outfit that had climbed to second on the ladder on the back of six straight wins.

But it became clear early that this would be no one-sided affair.

Tooradin-Dalmore led by two at the first break, with Chloe Phillips (GS) and Alex Maher (GA) in fine form in the circle, while Darcy Utber (GA) and Steph Lee (GS) were keeping the Goon in the contest at the opposite end of the court.

The Goon tied things up at half time with a 12-10 second term, before marching clear in a strong third-quarter performance.

After sitting out the first half, Meaghan Winter (C) provided a fresh set of legs through the midcourt, proving a vital cog through the middle-third alongside Chantelle Dale (WD) and Olivia Hamilton (WA).

The Goon led by three at the final break, and weathered a strong comeback from the Gulls to prevail by a solitary goal.

The Goon, now fifth, should win its last two games against Garfield and Phillip Island and can sew up a finals berth when it welcomes Cora Lynn to Spencer Street this week.

Tooradin, who has now slipped to third, will win its next two against Garfield and Bunyip before a last-round shootout with Dalyston.

The game against the Magpies will decide whether the Gulls start their finals campaign from second or third place on the ladder.

Powerful second and fourth quarters have powered back-to-back reigning champions Inverloch-Kongwak to a low-scoring 33-21 victory over Cora Lynn.

The Sea Eagles only led by one goal at quarter time, but an 8-2 second stanza gave them a healthy seven-goal lead at half time.

Cora Lynn cut the margin back to six at the final break, but a 10-4 final thrust saw the

star Kelsey Buxton controlled the midcourt battle against Cora Lynn. (Stewart Chambers: 421601)

champions race away with victory.

Regular stars Renee Pilkington (GD), Lanni Pryor (WA) and Amity McInnes (GK) were sensational for the winners, while Cora Lynn defenders Annabel Sheppard (GK) and Danielle Cameron (GD) did well to restrict Inverloch to its lowest score for the season.

The Cobras, now seventh, can climb back into the top six with a win over Nar Nar Goon this week.

The Sea Eagles host Kilcunda-Bass in a clash of the top-two teams on the ladder.

In other games, Dalyston made it win-losswin-loss-win over its last five games with a 5537 win over Bunyip, while Korumburra-Bena kept its finals hopes alive with a comfortable 62-35 victory over Garfield.

Kilcunda-Bass, meanwhile, has moved to second place on the ladder after a 47-34 triumph over Kooweerup.

The Panthers hit the ground running; opening up a nine-goal first-quarter lead with a 13-4 blitz.

The rest of the match was fairly even, but the early play of Kacey Maund (C), Caitlin Egan (GK), Grace Frand (WA) and Tamika De Nardis (GS) put the Demons on the back foot.

Ash Murphy, Chantelle Stokkel and Kate Sidebottom were all good for Koowee after quarter time.

And we finish this week’s report with some great news for Warragul Industrials, who scored their first win of the season with a 66-48 victory over Phillip Island.

Things were up for grabs at half time, with scores locked at 27-each; but the Dusties put their heads down and made their charge in the third term.

Everything clicked for the Dusties; from Tash Green (GK) and Jessie Wyatt (GD) in defence, to Holly Cheyne (WA), Brooke Weatherhead (C) and Steph Warburton (WD) through the midcourt; while Hannah Finemore (GS) and Shaylee Wilson (GA) had a field day in the goal circle.

Finnemore had a day out; scoring 56 of her teams 66 goals alone, whileWilson caused carnage with some creative passing.

The Dusties scored 39 to 21 after half time; and enjoyed the ride home to the final whistle.

Demons resurface for Casey in frustrating Giants loss

By Marcus Uhe

Between the 18-minute mark of the final quarter and the 26th in Casey’s VFL battle with Greater Western Sydney the scoreboard did not change.

With very passing moment, however, the tension grew.

The scores were tied, with Casey having led by as many as 24 points late in the third term, and the Giants kicking the last five goals to tie things up.

Stoppage after stoppage after stoppage ensued, with neither side capable of getting a clear territorial advantage in the falling rain.

Effective disposals were as rare as a dry blade of grass at Casey Fields, with the players swarming to contests like bees to a honey pot in desperation.

Twice the Demons went right to the teeth of goal, but twice the Giants were able to save the day.

A flying shot from Nick Moodie with options in the forward 50 fell into the arms of Nick Haynes, and away the Giants went.

They scrambled the ball the length off the field, but Lachie Hunter tracked back in true wingman style to take the relieving mark deep in defence, keeping the scores locked.

Repeat entries kept the ball in the Giants’ half of the ground, however they eventually edged ahead by a single point, thanks to a flying snap at a boundary throw-in.

The kick-in from Marty Hore went straight down the middle, but came back just as quickly, thankfully into the waiting hands of Hunter.

Hunter looked inboard with the clock ticking away, and found Oliver Sestan at centrehalf back, but Sestan surrendered possession with a wayward kick to half-forward.

With Melbourne’s defenders sucked up the ground to affect the press, they were left

vulnerable to a ball out the back of the marking contest at centre wing.

When the Giants cleared the contest and had forwards running into an open goal, Demon hearts sunk.

Josaia Delana would drop the mark at the top of his goal square, but had enough of a gap on the trailing Tyler Edwards to regather the slippery footy and kick the sealer from close range.

When the final siren rung out across Casey Fields after 29-and-a-half minutes with the ball in dispute at Casey’s centre-half-forward, Casey skipper Mitch White punched the ground in disgust before using the same hand to shake opposition hands.

The scoreboard behind the players on centre wing only told half the story of missed opportunities and giant heartbreak.

6.15 51 to 9.4 58 read the final score, the Demons having blown a golden opportunity

to keep faint Wildcard round hopes alive.

It was a contest marred with momentum swings that ultimately finished how it started – on the Giants’ terms.

GWS kicked the first two, but Casey hit back with the next pair to tie proceedings at the first break.

Tom Fullarton threaded the needle with a tough set shot from deep in the forward pocket, and a crunching tackle from dropped DemonTom Sparrow led toWillVerrall equalising for Casey.

Four of the next five went Casey’s way, however, to open the largest lead of the contest at 24 points in the third term.

The Demons found great connection between their forwards and midfielders as the rain brought the Giants’ handball game unstuck.

A running goal from teenager Noah Yze contrasted the team’s fortunes, as the De-

mons strung together a chain of handballs to find the son of the Richmond coach cruising inside 50 to kick his first goal in Demons colours.

Straightforward misses from Fullarton and Matthew Jefferson in the third term, however, saw chances squandered to increase the margin, and kept the Giants in the contest.

Given an inch, the Giants took a mile, and suddenly found the run, carry and dare to force their way back into the contest.

Giants forward Max Gruzewski was a handful for Josh Schache in a key defensive role, and three goals in five minutes midway through the final term saw the visitors draw level.

From there, it was anyone’s game, but that anyone just happened to be wearing orange.

It’s an 11th loss of the season for Casey and yet another they will rue having conceded lead in, ruling them out of sneaking into wildcard calculations, now too far back in the chasing pack for 10th place.

Rarely blown off the park at any stage in 2024 – their heaviest defeat being a 46-point loss to Brisbane – the Demons have an average losing margin of just 21 points.

The positives are there, but injuries and availability issues for the AFL program have seen the Demons search for continuity throughout 2024.

Of critical frustration on Saturday would be the +13 advantage in inside 50s, suggesting they were not lacking for opportunities.

Sparrow looked a class above at VFL level and finished as the leading disposal winner in the game, with 31 touched and nine tackles, while Fullarton played one of his most accomplished games in red and blue, with 25 touches, 16 hit outs and a goal.

The Demons will next face Footscray at the Whitten Oval on Friday afternoon.

Casey’s Will Verrall holds on to a contested mark among a see of orange on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 421604)

Inverloch-Kongwak

Annabel Sheppard brings a wet-ball back into play for the Cobras against the Sea Eagles.

Goon and Panthers Vets to battle it out

By David Nagel

Nar Nar Goon and Devon Meadows will battle it out for the inaugural West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC) Veteran’s premiership after comfortable semi-final wins at Bass Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

Nar Nar Goon, undefeated all season, had to weather a second-quarter surge from Phillip Island on its way to a 9.6(60) to 5.7(37) victory, while the Panthers gradually pulled away from a brave Seagulls outfit, winning 7.9(51) to 1.3(9).

The Goon has been the dominant team all season, winning all six games during the home-and-away rounds by a combined margin of 437 points.

Its lowest winning margin was 55 points against Neerim South in the final round of the season, while a 121-point thumping of Warragul Industrials in round three gave everyone in the competition a true indication of who the genuine frontrunners might be.

At quarter time in the semi, leading 4.2 to 0.2, the Goon once again looked set for another easy day at the office.

But, by half time, the Bulldogs had discovered the Goon’s kryptonite, kicking 4.3 to 1.0 in the second term to reduce that 24-point deficit down to three.

Former Nar Nar Goon player Anthony Young lifted against his old side, while Nick Moltzen, Rob Linford and Josh Hill gave the ladder leaders a taste of their own medicine.

The Goon bounced back strongly in the third quarter, kicking 4.2 to 0.1 to take back control of the contest.

Both teams were dour in the final term, with the Bulldogs kicking the only goal of the final stanza to cut the margin to 23 points at the final siren.

Michael Whyte, Ricky Clark, Shannon Stocco and Daniel Galante made solid contributions for the winners, while Nathan Brown produced a typical big-game performance.

Devon Meadows is the only team standing in the Goon’s way after overcoming some early yips in front of goal to win by 42 points.

The Panthers led 0.6 to 0.1 at the first break,

and gradually gained the ascendency with a two-goal to none second term.

A grand final place was confirmed in the premiership quarter, with 3.2 to 0.0 for the term leading to a 36-point lead at the final change.

Ryan Hendy and Bob Mackay bagged two each for the Panthers who had Andrew Oldmeadow, Matthew Murray, Ashley Brady, Scott Young and Mitchell Bond in red-hot form around the ground.

Dale Norman booted Tooradin’s only goal, while Shannon Campbell, James Wheeler, Lee Payne, Dale Norman, ShaunTongue and David Bogunovic never gave up the ghost.

Nar Nar Goon will start a short-priced favourite in the big dance, having defeated the Panthers by 57 in their only hit-out against each other in round two.

SEMI-FINAL1

NARNARGOON(1)

Goal kickers and best players not provided.

SEMI-FINAL2

· Devon Meadows Goals: Ryan Hendy 2, Robert Mackay 2, Mitchell Bond, Ben Mayers, Matthew Murray. Best: Andrew Oldmeadow, Matthew Murray, Ashley Brady, Scott Young, Robert Mackay, Mitchell Bond.

· Tooradin-Dalmore Goals: Dale Norman. Best: Shannon Campbell, James Wheeler, Lee Payne, Dale Norman, ShaunTongue, David Bogunovic.

· GRAND FINAL - Sunday 11 August

· Nar Nar Goon v Devon Meadows

· (Time and venue to be determined)

Devastating Doveton demolishes Falcons

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Doveton and Hampton Park both had statement wins in the Southern Football Netball League Division 2 competition on Saturday.

Doveton flexed its muscle in a dominant 19.16 130 to 2.8 20 victory over an Endeavour Hills outfit that has beaten two top five sides in the last five weeks and pushed another to within a kick.

The conditions suited the Falcons’ rugged and gritty style but they were unable to ever get themselves in the contest, outscored six goals to two in the first term and held goalless thereafter.

Youngsters Deekon Stapleton and Brodie Howie played important confidence-boosting games as finals near, while the conditions were custom-made for Ricky Johnson’s courage.

“With yonger players there is plenty of upside but you have to continue to work at it and I’ve spoken to them about continually improving little aspects of their game,” coach Matt Stapleton said of Howie, who got midfield minutes, and defender Deekon Stapleton.

“I was pleased they were both able to play solid games.

“Overall, he had a really strong start to the seasons and then there were aspects of his game we wanted to work on throughout the middle of the year, and he’s started to go on an upwards trajectory.

“The pleasing thing is that he’s been willing to do the work and be open to feedback.

“He’s got a really good building block to play consistently and he can play in a few dif-

ferent positions which is important.”

Matt Clarke continued his strong goal kicking form with six majors, taking him to 29 for the season, including 24 in the last five weeks.

Nathan Langley also continued his strong form, with seven goals in Hampton Park’s surprise victory over Caulfield at a home ground the Bears typically play so well.

It’s Hampton Park’s first ever win at Koornang Reserve.

Langley kicked six goals as an aerial target forward of the footy, his contested marking critical on a small ground where players were unable to find space inside 50.

Jackson Dalton and Yor Nyanjok both kicked two in the 14.7 91 to 8.16 64 victory.

The Redbacks were never seriously challenged, kicking away to a 22-point lead at quarter time and while Caulfield responded in the second term, they were outscored seven goals to three after the main break.

Cannons in fine form over 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 itearlyinthefourth,completinghisbrace 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 finalswe’ve seen them at their best, they haven’t seen us at our best.

Key defender Jye King was influential, first shutting down former AFL player Lynden Dunn before his day ended early with a back injury, and then going into the ruck.

“Jye was probably the most influential player on the ground – not just because he won the ball, but with his size in the contest in a muddy centre circle when he went into the ruck,” coach Hayden Stanton said.

“He got it going our way.”

Tanner Stanton went into the midfield and hard nut Liam Myatt returned well from a three week suspension.

“We learned a lot there last year when we jumped them and weren’t able to sustain it for the four quarters,” Stanton said.

“We got out of the blocks quickly and put emphasis on the energy and building up differently.”

In Division 3, Narre South Saints missed a golden opportunity for its first win of the season, going down 8.14 62 to 10.9 69 against Lyndhurst.

The Saints finished quickly, scoring three last quarter goals and giving themselves plenty of opportunities but unable to fully convert, with Ashwood holding on.

Ethan Schubert and Jordan Hancock were the Saints’ best, while Stephen Richards-Gill kicked three.

In Division 4, premiership contenders Hallam had a tight 8.7 55 to 4.1 31 victory over the winless South Yarra, while a four goal last quarter got Doveton Eagles over the line 9.8 62 to 7.8 50 against Dandenong West.

“We didn’t capitalise on our short corners-theyscoredfromashortcornerand had some nice deflections off the post.”

The coach praised midfielder Nick Dzierbicki and Kendall Brown’s contributions, as well as an Adam Welcomeled 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’stheWomen’sVicLeague1side’sfirst 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)

Ricky Johnson was brave on a wet and cold day at Doveton. (Rob Carew: 421605)

Chris Adams and his Nar Nar Goon teammates are through to the WGFNC Veterans grand final after a 23-point victory over Phillip Island. (Kylie Pipicelli: 422089)