A new pilot program to help people from multicultural backgrounds enjoy swimming with safety and security officially launched at Cardinia Life on Saturday 27 July. Closely coinciding with World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, the ’Safely Engaging with Water program’ is a collaboration between Cardinia Leisure and Officer Sikh Temple Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar.
STORY PAGE 3
By Matthew Sims
It’s business as usual for the Beaconsfield Carl’s Jr store following 24 other stores across the country being placed into voluntary administration.
The licensee of Carl’s Jr restaurants in Australia CJ’s QSR Group Pty Ltd (CJQSR) entered voluntary administration on Monday 29 July, with KPMG Australia’s David Hardy, George Georges and Emily Seeckts appointed as voluntary administrators of CJQSR and certain subsidiaries, collectively known as the CJ’s Group.
CJQSR independently owns and operates 24 Carl’s Jr restaurants, while it also serves as the master licensee to 25 restaurants that are independently owned and operated by thirdparty sub-licensees, which includes the Beaconsfield store.
Based on the initial stages of the voluntary administration, the voluntary administrators would continue to trade four of the owned and operated CJ’s Group restaurants, including the Dandenong South store, with 20 restaurants
closing immediately.
KPMG would transition the 25 sublicensed restaurants to a direct licensed relationship with CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc, with minimal changes to operations expected.
The first Carl’s Jr. Australia restaurant opened in Bateau Bay in New South Wales in 2016, with the Beaconsfield store opening in January at 215 Princes Highway in Beaconsfield.
Zamm Enterprises franchisee Mark Van Delft said the Beaconsfield store would con-
tinue to run as a local family-run franchise.
“We would like to reassure you that we remain open for business and are not affected by the recent store closures,“ he said.
“During this period, we are still committed to supporting our local community and help by hiring staff who have been impacted by these closures.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we transition through this phase and strive to serve you better.“
Continued page 2
By Matthew Sims
Cardinia Council has started work to create a Dementia-Friendly Network, thanks to a new grant from Dementia Australia.
Dementia Australia announced Cardinia was one of 29 communities across Australia to receive a grant of up to $15,000 to fund dementia-friendly initiatives tailored to the issues and opportunities in their area.
Cardinia Council liveable communities general manager Michael Casey said the new network would provide advice to the community and the council on matters impacting people living with dementia.
“The initiative aims to ensure that individuals with dementia can participate and thrive in community life,” he said.
“Council will organise a launch event to engage members and increase residents’ awareness about dementia.
“This work complements the existing efforts of Cardinia Shire to assist people living with dementia and supports the dementia friendly Forget Me Not Cafe in Pakenham and Kooweerup.”
With support from the Federal Government, this year’s Dementia Australia Community Engagement Program grant round was the largest ever pool of funding with grants supporting community associations, businesses, organisations and groups to develop dementia-friendly projects that reflected community need.
Dementia Australia executive director of services, advocacy and research Dr Kaele Stokes said one of the keys to the success of such initiatives was grant recipients would work closely with local people living with dementia.
“We know that discrimination and social isolation have a big impact on people living with dementia,” she said.
“With more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and an estimated two-thirds
of those living in the community, it is vital that people living with dementia are included in discussions about what support they need to continue to participate in their communities.
“Dementia-friendly communities play a critical role in encouraging inclusivity, respecting the rights of people with dementia and fa-
cilitating access to the services, supports, activities and spaces to which every Australian is entitled.”
Five grant rounds have been delivered so far, with funds totalling more than $1.1 million delivered to more than 90 groups.
The 2024 grant round prioritised projects
which meaningfully consulted and collaborated with people impacted by dementia in their design and delivery, brought together collaborative local partnerships and met the needs of diverse communities.
For more information about dementia support, visit www.dementia.org.au
From page 1
According to a CKE spokesperson, they were working closely with the administrators, CJQSR and other interested parties to work through the process towards minimising the impact to employees, consumers and the Carl’s Jr brand in Australia.
“CKE is committed to the people and the brand in the Australian market, and we have an exceptional community of independent licensees operating our restaurants across the country,“ the spokesperson said.
KPMG Australia restructuring services partner David Hardy said their initial focus would be on stablising the operations of CJ’s Group.
“We will be conducting an immediate sale process of the existing store network and operations,“ he said.
“We will be working with all stakeholders, including employees, suppliers and landlords, to maximise the outcome for all parties.“
KPMG has scheduled a meeting with creditors on Wednesday 7 August, with suppliers, customers, landlords and other key stakeholders to be contacted in the coming days.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A pair of alcohol-fueled home invaders who drove 50 kilometres to bash a man in the middle of the night in Officer have been jailed.
Michael Harris, now 32, and Nicholas Hill, now 32, kicked in the front door and attacked the resident with a baseball ball, fists and a belt as he called triple-0 about 1.30am on 26 August last year.
The work colleagues had been earlier drinking in a Nyora pub when Harris declared his then-partner was unfaithful to him.
They drove to Officer to confront who they believed to be the partner’s lover.
However when they tapped on the window of the house, the resident told them no one of that name was living there.
After a heated argument with him, Hill and Harris then broke into the home.
Armed with a baseball bat, Hill floored the victim with a strike to his leg.
During the attack, Harris headbutted and punched the victim’s face, and Hill throttled him his belt and dragged him onto the ground.
Police arrived and found the victim with Hill’s belt around his neck. The intruders were arrested at the scene.
The victim suffered a broken nose, two bro-
(Con Chronis/AAP)
ken teeth as well as strangulation injuries and blows to his body and head.
Afterwards, he missed weeks of work and stopped playing sport.
Just two months before the assault, Harris had been released from jail for a “strikingly
similar crime”, sentencing judge Michael Cahill said on 25 July.
He was found to be more culpable due to instigating the trip to Officer and his criminal history.
On the other hand, Hill had no priors or his-
By Matthew Sims
Pakenham local Gabrielle Rossiter pounded the pavement in support of the furry friends of Melbourne’s homeless at the recent Run Melbourne event, raising more than $7500 for charity organisation Pets of the Homeless (POTH).
She ran the 10-kilometre course among thousands of other runners throughout the Melbourne CBD on Sunday 21 July, raising $7536 at the time of publication, the eighth highest individual fundraiser and the top fundraiser for POTH.
This year was the first year Ms Rossiter decided to run in support of POTH, after supporting their ‘bad pet portraits’ fundraising events since 2020.
“I’ve been an animal lover my whole life,” she said.
“I wanted to raise as much as I could to help keep pet owners and their companion animals together so to support my fundraising efforts I offered ‘bad pet portraits’ to everyone who donated to my campaign.
“This was inspired by PoTH’s own‘bad pet portrait’ fundraisers in which volunteer artists draw portraits for those who donate during the event window.”
Ms Rossiter said she was grateful for the support she had received from the Pakenham and broader POTH communities.
“There was so much support for this fundraising campaign in local notice boards and
community groups,” she said.
Ms Rossiter said the event itself had an “amazing” atmosphere.
“Honestly, I didn’t spent much time training since I was so busy drawing so I was expected to suffer the whole run, but it actually wasn’t too bad,” she said.
“The energy of all the supporters and the other participants really helps keep you going on the day.
“Definitely keen to do it all again next year, but with more training next time.”
To see all of Ms Rossiter’s ‘bad pet portraits’, visit her Instagram @apricotbanana
To donate to her fundraiser, visit runmelbourne24.grassrootz.com/pets-of-thehomeless/gabrielle-rossiter
tory of violence.
He was more likely to have carried the bat to deter violence rather than inflict it, Judge Cahill said.
Hill reportedly told police he wasn’t proud of putting his belt around the victim’s throat, and didn’t know why he did it.
Previously, he’d stepped up to run his father’s quarry business, but had started drinking heavily.
As a first time prisoner with favourable rehabiltation prospects, Hill was set a longerthan-usual parole period.
Both men pleaded guilty to home invasion with an offensive weapon and intentionally causing injury.
Judge Cahill said he wasn’t satisfied that the pair drove to the house with an intent to assault.
He found that they had however formed a violent intent by the time they forced entry.
He noted the pair’s remorse and mental health afflictions.
Harris was jailed for four years, with a twoand-a-half year non-parole period.
Hill was jailed for three years. He will be eligible for parole after 18 months.
Both of their terms include 334 days in presentence detention.
By Corey Everitt
A new pilot program to help people from multicultural backgrounds enjoy swimming with safety and security officially launched at Cardinia Life on Saturday 27 July.
Closely coinciding with World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, the ’Safely Engaging with Water program’ is a collaboration between Cardinia Leisure and Officer Sikh Temple Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar.
Backed by Cardinia Shire Council, Pakenham MP Emma Vulin and Life Saving Victoria, the program aims to teach adults from multicultural backgrounds how to swim and enjoy the water safely.
Locally, this program was initiated after Clyde residents Dharmvir Singh, 38, and Gurjinder Singh, 65, drowned after leaping into a pool at a Gold Coast hotel to try to save the younger man’s child on Sunday 31 March.
This came after January when Cranbourne East man Sahil Panwar, 25, was swept out to sea at Kilcunda Surf Beach. Later that month saw Victoria’s worst drowning incident in almost two decades when Clyde North residents – Kirti Bedi, 20, Suhani Anand, 20, and Jagjeet Singh Anand, 23, and Reema Sondhi from India, drowned at Forrest Caves Beach on Phillip Island.
These devastating deaths prompted calls to strengthen water safety and Officer Gurdwara’s Harpreet Singh Kandra was determined to see all communities enjoy the water.
“This got me into action, I started introspecting, talking to the community and experts. And today we start a significant chapter in our journey to upskill the community with water safety,“ he said at the launch.
“Water is fun, water is therapy, swimming is an exercise, connection with water is an important part of Aussie lifestyle.“
Such programs can bridge the gap between those born overseas who suffer a disproportionate rate of drownings in Australia.
Reported by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, last summer 99 people drowned and a quarter were from multicultural backgrounds.
A 2022 study from the University of Sydney said almost half of beach drowning deaths from 2004 to 2021 were people born overseas.
Life Saving Victoria’s diversity and inclusion advisor David Holland said the local Sikh community has been instrumental in raising awareness.
“People from multicultural communities are five times more likely to drown when swimming, the fact that the Sikh community is highlighting the issue and taking action is excellent,“ he said.
“Life Saving Victoria has been working closely with the Sikh community for the last few months and will continue to support them in the years ahead as we have with all multicultural communities on water safety.“
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin said the program is a vital step after recent drownings within local multicultural communities.
Cardinia Leisure will subsidise attendees’ participation as well as operate the lessons. Once initiated, the program aims to expand through the South East and beyond.
Community information sessions are planned to be held soon in collaboration with Life Saving Victoria.
“The Safely Engaging withWater program is a fantastic initiative from Dr Harpreet Kandra for our growing multicultural community,“ she said. “New skills and water safety awareness is so important, particularly in light of the tragic drownings over the past few years where people from diverse cultural backgrounds were overrepresented.“
This will involve both an incursion session at Officer Gurdwara in the coming weeks and an excursion session at a local beach during summer.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Jack Kowarzik was happy to see this new program initiated in Cardinia.
“The opportunity for adults to be introduced to water safety and build their confidence in a supportive environment is so important,“ he said.
“This program will help keep our people safe. But it will do so much more than that, it will build confidence in the water, provide the ability to make new connections and who knows where it may lead them - the next Olympics maybe!“
Mr Kandra said there has been a keen interest in the pilot program so far and encouraged people from all backgrounds to join.
“The program is getting a massive response, I originally wanted it to be a pilot of 10 people, but I have 20 people now wanting to join,” he said.
“Someone said this is a program for my community, but no this is for anyone who can’t swim, anyone from any walk of life can join.”
The pilot program will begin in early August at Cardinia Life.
To enquire about the program you can contact Cardinia Leisure at 5945 2888 or cardinia@ alignedleisure.com.au.
To keep up to date about further developments in the program and information sessions you can follow Officer Gurdwara at facebook.com/sgndofficer/
By Corey Everitt
This weekend saw the beginning of a campaign to have more multicultural communities involved in giving others a second chance in life by registering for organ donation.
As part of DonateLife Week (28 July - 4 August), Officer’s Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar began an awareness campaign to inspire members of multicultural communities to support organ donation.
Throughout the week, efforts to inform residents of the importance of the issue will be made aiming to increase registration and support for consent.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, only 15 percent of organ donors in Australia come from culturally and linguistically diverse (Cald) communities despite being a quarter of the population.
A study from the University of Sydney found that families born overseas were less likely to give consent to organ donation compared to Australian-born families.
With factors such as cultural and religious apprehensions to lack of engagement with multicultural communities, Officer Gurdwara’s Harpreet Singh Kandra aims to overcome these barriers.
Mr Kandra was influenced to join the efforts of DonateLife Week by his father and his fellow community.
“I have been inspired by my father who has donated his body for medical research in India,” he said.
“Similar motivations have come from my community members at the Officer Gurdwara. A community volunteer and friend said, ’I am ready to donate my organs as my body will become ashes once I pass away’.
If even just proportional, organ donation stands to increase by about 10 percent in Australia with increased support from multicul-
tural communities.
The campaign already has many on board in the bid to create local leaders of the issue.
“Our religious staff has decided to spread awareness of this cause by being role models and four of them will be signing up this week,”
A 13-year-old driver from Dandenong and seven other teens in an allegedly stolen Mercedes have been charged after being tracked across the South East by police.
Officers, including Operation Trinity units, caught sight of the vehicle on Mimosa Street in Glen Waverley about 12.30am on Thursday 25 July.
With the assistance of the AirWing, units continued to follow the allegedly stolen vehicle along the Monash Freeway, where stop sticks were successfully deployed about 2.10am.
Investigators allege that the Mercedes came to a stop onTivendale Road in Officer.
Police swiftly moved in and arrested the eight teens.
The Mercedes was stolen from an address in Malvern about 4am on 24 July, police say.
· A 13-year-old Dandenong boy has been charged with car theft, dangerous driving and unlicensed driving. He has been bailed to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
· A 16-year-old Dandenong boy has been charged with car theft and has been
bailed to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
· A 15-year-old Dandenong boy has been charged with car theft and has been bailed to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
· A 17-year-old Frankston boy has been charged with car theft and has been bailed to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
· A 16-year-old Dandenong boy has been charged with car theft and has been bailed to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
· A 17-year-old Narre Warren boy has been charged with car theft and has been bailed to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
· A 17-year-old Cranbourne North boy was charged with car theft and appeared before an out of sessions hearing and was bailed to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
· A 14-year-old Doveton boy was charged with car theft and remanded to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
Mr Kandra said.
“So far, I have about 30 members of the community who have agreed to sign up for the registration this week of DonateLife.”
DonateLife Week aims to highlight the gap in organ and tissue donation in Australia.
Even though the matter has the support of four in five Australians, only approximately a third of Australians are registered donors. There are currently around 1,800 Australians on the waitlist for an organ transplant. You can find out more at donatelife.gov.au
E-waste is any item with a battery, cord or plug at the end of its useful life. This includes household batteries, battery-operated toys, devices, and appliances.
Dispose of your e-waste for free by: booking a hard waste collection, taking small items such as batteries, laptops and mobile phones to any Council drop-off location, major supermarket or Officeworks, dropping items off at a local transfer station.
Performers from Berwick’s Masquerade Youth Productions (MYP) won the top award of Outstanding Production at the inaugural Junior Theatre Celebration Melbourne in Bunjil Place on Saturday 27 July.
The 30 MYP students, all aged 10 to 17, presented selections from Disney’s Frozen Kids, with MYP’s creative team selecting songs that featured the cast members individually and as a group, joined with cohesive choreography that enhanced the story-telling.
Judged by some of the biggest names in theatre, both NIDA graduate and head of acting for Lisa-Marie Parker’sVocal studios, Olivia Charalambous and leading lady from Moulin Rouge, Alinta Chidzay described the performance as “amazing”, “excellent” and a “breakthrough”.
After the group’s performance in the adjudication, they took part in workshops with internationally renowned coaches, with 13 MYP performers also taking part in a weeklong workshop to present Mean Girls Jr., which closed on the day of celebration.
The event itself, JTC Melbourne, marks the city’s debut into the family of international junior theatre festivals, joining the ranks of similar celebrations across the globe.
Event producer of JTC Melbourne, Daniel Stoddart said that “bringing the Junior Theatre Celebration to Melbourne is a dream come true”.
“We’re thrilled to expand the Junior Theatre universe into Australia’s musical theatre capital.”
Oz Theatrics has successfully produced the Junior Theatre Australia at the Civic Theatre Newcastle for nine years, and Melbourne will not host the second annual event in Australia.
Overall, the celebration was a huge success and was enjoyed by the young performers and audience alike, with 600 JTC attendees lavish-
ing in two songs from Lucy
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”.
“Weareurgingtradiestotaketheireyesafetyseriouslyandbesureto 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 andapieceofitwentovermyglassesandstraightintomyeye,”hesaid. 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 Lang added that safety glasses need to be seriously considered and that they are “fit for purpose” on the work site,” 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 jack-hammering (23 per cent).
Mark your calendars for September 15 as Cardinia Civic Concert Band is set for an extraordinary musical event joined by beloved performer Silvie Paladino.
The esteemed, internationally recognised Cardinia Civic Concert Band, celebrating 30 years under the masterful direction of renowned conductor Kim Thomsen will be performing in a concert of monumental proportions featuring many local and international artists.
Joining the ensemble for the second time is the world-renowned Silvie Paladino, currently starring in the acclaimed production of Sunset Boulevard. Her previous collaboration with the band was a sensational sell-out, leaving
audiences raving.
With MP Russel Broadbent as MC and joined by performances from other distinguished international artists, this year promises to surpass all expectations.
This concert is a testament to the band’s dedication to the community. The band has existed for over 130 years being one of the oldest bands in Australia, and has toured Europe twice performing in five countries. Under the expertise of Mrs Thomsen for over three decades, the concert will deliver music that resonates with audiences of all ages and is suitable for the whole family.
Featuring musical theatre classics, the works of Frank Sinatra, and much more, you
can get behind Cardinia’s community band and support them by attending.
Secure your seats now and be part of a musical journey that promises to be both memorable and magnificent.
With a discount for group bookings, family and friends can come together and celebrate Cardinia Civic Concert Band’s 30th year with Mrs Thomsen.
‘You Raise Me Up with Silvie Paladino’ will be held on Sunday 15 September from 2pm at Bunjil Place.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bunjilplace.com.au/events/youraise-me-up.
‘Grow’ – an art exhibition which aims to help plant the seed for the future of farming in Cardinia Shire – is coming to Cardinia Cultural Centre this August.
The exhibition will be on show at Cardinia Cultural Centre (40 Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham) from 2 August to 22 September 2024. Admission to the exhibition is free, and no booking is required.
Featuring powerful photographs, complemented by imaginative artworks and props, the exhibition depicts the rewards and dreams for sustainable agriculture and local farmers in Cardinia Shire. Collectively, the display offers a visually compelling narrative that bridges the present and future of this vital industry.
In July, young people were invited to submit creations to the exhibition, challenging them to produce artworks aligning to the theme ‘Creating a sustainable, cutting-edge farming and food sector’.
The theme incorporates the growing need for advancements in technology and creative solutions to feed our future generations amidst climate change and population growth.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik expressed thanks to everyone who contributed artworks to the Grow exhibition and commented on the exhibition’s allure.
“Thank you to the lead artists, Nathan Younghusband and Clinton Plowman, and all contributors to the exhibition – who’ve all outdone themselves. This exhibition is a powerful
The exhibition will be on show at Cardinia Cultural Centre.
and creative way for our young people to express their own interpretations of the current agricultural and farming landscape and explore solutions to the modern issues facing the industry, and our community at large.”
Photographer and videographer for the project, Nathan Younghusband, reflected on the importance of visual storytelling in this industry.
“Considering the rich diversity of the agricultural industry in Cardinia Shire, it is crucial to honour the hardworking individuals who contribute to our community and extend their impact beyond its borders,” Nathan said.
Project collaborator and local multidisciplinary artist, Clinton Plowman facilitated art workshops throughout Shire to help young people capture the essence of the industry
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Casey is inviting residents to have their say on how the community can better manage waste.
Community feedback will help the Council to better understand your preference for waste management in Casey.
The Victorian Government is standardising household waste and recycling services across the state, which will see Council’s kerbside services move to a four-bin system by 2027: General rubbish (red lid), Co-mingled recycling (yellow lid), Food and garden waste (lime green lid), and Glass (purple lid).
To meet the Victorian Government requirements, Council will work towards transitioning residents to colour-coded bin lids, introduce a glass bin, and continue to roll out a food and garden waste bin to every Casey household.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM encourages all residents and businesses who use the Council’s waste services to share their feedback via an online survey.
‘Your input will help Council to maximise resource recovery and provide a user-friendly waste service in the future,’ Noelene said.
The survey is now open on Casey Conversations until 5:00 pm on Monday 16 September and residents who complete the survey can go in the draw to win a $100 gift voucher.
Several pop-up events will also be hosted across the community providing residents with an opportunity to provide feedback in person.
Pop-up events:
Casey ARC
through a creative lens.
“Nurturing the imaginative minds of our youth to invent creative solutions to modern problems within the agricultural sector was a fun and intriguing challenge,” Clinton said.
The ‘Grow’ exhibition is part of the Futureproofing Farming in Cardinia Shire Project.
The umbrella project is a collaborative effort between Cardinia Shire Council and VicHealth under its Local Government Partnership, supporting a sustainable future for agriculture. It contributes to several key objectives outlined in the Cardinia Shire Liveability Plan, the Council Plan, and the Community Food Strategy. These include promoting local employment, addressing youth unemployment, improving access to affordable and nutritious food, and tackling food insecurity.
Futureproofing Farming in Cardinia Shire will be delivered over three years from 2023 to 2025.
For more information about‘Grow’ or other exhibitions at Cardinia Cultural Centre, visit www.cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au/exhibitions or call 1300 887 624.
For more information or enquiries about the Futureproofing Farming in Cardinia Shire project, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/futureproofingfarming, email livinghealthy@cardinia.vic.gov.au or call Council’s Customer Support team on 1300 787 624.
· 4pm to 7pm, Thursday 8 August Frog Hollow Reserve, Endeavour Hills — Park Run
· 7.30am to 10am, Saturday 10 August
Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre
· 10am to 3pm, Wednesday 14 August
Pearcedale Market
· 8am to 12pm, Saturday 17 August
Shopping on Clyde, 280 BerwickCranbourne Road, Clyde
· 10am to 3pm, Wednesday 21 August
· Akoonah Park Market
· 8am to 12pm, Sunday 25 August
Casey Central Shopping Centre
· 10am to 3pm, Wednesday 28 August
Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre
· 10am to 3pm, Thursday 5 September
Community Recycling Day at Manna
Gum Family and Community Centre
· 10am to 3pm, Saturday 7 September,
Casey Stadium
· 4pm to 7pm, Thursday 12 September
Casey Pet Expo
· 10am to 4pm, Saturday 14 September
Doveton Show
· 9am-5pm, Sunday 22 September
For more information and to complete the online survey, visit Casey Conversations.
By Violet Li
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.
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.”
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.”
Foundation pupils at Devon Meadows Primary School dressed up to celebrate their 100 days of school.
Teacher and team leader of the prep school Micah Webb said the theme was all around the number 100 and what it was like in all different ways.
“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.”
“Our kids came dressed up as the elderly, so the theme was coming as your 100-yearold self,” she said.
The latest in augmented reality technology is being put to good use on the Clyde Road Upgrade.
Major Road Projects Victoria and its early works construction contractor Downer have begun using the Augmented Reality for RealTime Site Interaction system to help make underground service location safer and more efficient.
Being able to show where underground services are located in real time, this innovative technology uses existing maps and data to create a 3D model of underground services, allowing crews to coordinate their work and see in real time what is under their feet.
“We’re viewing Clyde Road’s intricate gas, sewage and electrical services in a whole new way thanks to the latest augmented reality technology,” Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Marc Peterson said.
“This technology is the next in the line of major improvements to how we dig, minimising service strikes and outages and cutting down construction time in the process.”
With the ability to see the location of services in real-time, crews are reducing the hazard risk of accidental service strikes, which can lead to significant injury.
The safety benefits are also matched with a clear cost and time saving by decreasing unplanned outages during construction, bringing down costs, and improving decision making by having clear visuals of where services are located.
Crews have been putting the technology to good use on the Clyde Road Upgrade as they commence works to safely relocate underground telecommunication services across the Princes Freeway.
There will be lane closures in both directions of the Princes Freeway under Clyde Road from now until Sunday 18 August, from 9pm to 5am each night.
Delays of up to five minutes are expected while lanes are closed on the Princes Freeway. Detours will be in place via the Princes Highway and O’Shea Road while the Princes Freeway outbound entry ramp from Clyde Road is closed.
Access for emergency services and to surrounding hospitals, learning institutions and businesses will be maintained at all times. There will be no impact on public transport services.
The project will also close the Princes Freeway outbound entry ramp from Clyde Road between Tuesday 6 August and Friday 9 August, from 9pm to 5am each night.
The Clyde Road Upgrade will commence major construction later this year.
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.
NarreWarren 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 ShoppingVillage.
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
Duplication.
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. 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
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.
THREE
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.
Akaroa, Dunedin (overnight in port), Kaikoura, Napier, Auckland
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• 1 night four-star stay in Auckland at the Crowne Plaza Auckland, an IHG Hotel with breakfast Complimentary Flights, Taxes & Transfers
By Ethan Benedicto
As residents’ sentiments for the proposed church at 67 Shrives Road remain on rough waters, Immanuel Mar Thoma Church’s building convener acknowledged the concerns but is steadfast in the church’s right to belong on the property.
Alex Varghese, who became the IMTC’s building convener in 2022, is confident in the current plan’s accommodations, having gone through multiple changes, Casey Council considerations and several meetings with the church’s planning group.
The current issues raised by residents have already been addressed prior, he said, with the current plans addressing said concerns.
However, he added that information on the proposal has not been relayed to the residents by the council in a proper, informative way and that complaints or concerns should be voiced to the appropriate body; that being Casey Council which “has the right people to explain things the right way”.
“There is strong opposition to this project, I’m aware, so somebody has to explain this one.
“The church or building company cannot explain it, because even if I said anything I may be biased when I explain things.
“It has to be the truth and nothing but the truth [and] there are no hidden agendas here.
“So my understanding and my belief, everybody who has an issue has to discuss with the council,” Mr Varghese said.
In addition, according to him and the planning committee, the church will not only serve as a place of worship but will also be registered with the council as a community centre, where
if no services are ongoing, will be available to be rented out for functions and other events.
Mr Varghese added that the IMTC has also been actively involved with a wide variety of charity works and community-centric events, such as blood donations with the Red Cross, a toy drive program with Be For Victoria Kids (B4VK), and bushfire assistance where they received the Holt Australia Day Award for between 2019-2020.
These are initiatives which the church aims to continue in Narre Warren and surrounds if the proposal is approved, with Mr Varghese saying that “whatever we are gaining, we put it out to the community as well”.
Touching back on the initial plans for the church, it originally included a parsonage at the rear, with the church itself situated more in the centre and parking in the front.
After consideration from Casey Council, the parsonage was removed for being “too bulky” with a high probability of impacting views of neighbouring homes.
Likewise, the church has since moved forward, closer to Shrives Road and further from the homes and boundary fences.
“We compromised that, we removed the parsonage behind the church,” Mr Varghese said.
“It was going through the council’s first RFI, then the second, we fulfilled everything, and over that period we had four planners involved from the date we submitted.
“It came to a stage where we fulfilled all their [council’s] requirements since there were a lot of issues with traffic.”
The traffic issue would be addressed by a “left in, left out” principle; where the only ac-
cess allowed into the property would be traffic from Narre Warren passing through Shrives Road, to prevent any sort of congestion from the opposite lane.
“Vic Roads put that proposal forward, they endorsed it and we agreed again; it’s not a crossing, nobody is going to stop at any moment.
“Every member of the church knows, planners know, and of course Vic Roads know,” Mr Varghese said.
Addressing the letter attached to the council plans, he expressed that those points made do not reflect the majority decision made by the church itself, adding that “it’s not one person’s decision”.
“Normally when the church gets bigger they go for another suburb or another new church, and that’s what we did,” he said.
Originally, the IMTC purchased a church in Melbourne City, but after patronage grew to around 1500 members, they expanded to the City of Greater Dandenong; now experiencing more growth a site has been chosen in Casey, where MrVarghese said a large portion of their members reside.
“There is an attendance book, so based on that, based on the facts on how many people come on an average day is what we have applied for; 58 car parks and a 200-seat capacity,” he said.
He emphasised further that from what he had seen on the Facebook pages, there was a growing sentiment that the church was “going to be an everyday business”.
“But no, we do our prayers on Sunday, which is a very quiet day; we were supposed to start at eight o’clock but the report opposed that.
“It said‘you cannot do anything before nine o’clock’, so again we changed the time from nine to 12 o’clock or one o’clock.
“The church has a register, and on an average day, there are around 140 to 180 people who attend, these are the members including the kids; so 45 to 55 or 60 cars is the max you have on a normal Sunday,” Mr Varghese said.
The two busiest days of the year, he said, would only be Good Friday and Christmas Day, where even then he added that “it doesn’t matter where you go, everywhere is busy”.
When the IMTC building committee first received notice of the site’s objections, they relayed their concerns to the council which also involved the subject of privacy to the current residents of 67 Shrives Road.
“We don’t want to go there and fight with people,” Mr Varghese said.
“People are coming to the priest’s house and harassing him, that’s not Australia.
“That’s the reason I called on council, they said that it’s a process, so when we get all the information, all the complaints against this project, we will just have a meeting and we’ll let them know afterwards,” Mr Varghese said.
Looking ahead, he and the church committee are waiting for the council’s decision on the proposal, and while he is unsure of what the outcome would be, he is “hoping for the best”.
“Council will not support any project which is going to be a problem for the neighbours and the local people,” he said.
“As a church you know, if we do get a permit on it, we will appoint a qualified builder, a commercial builder to do the job.
“We never thought that it would be hurting somebody this bad,” Mr Varghese said.
By Violet Li
Cranbourne Toy Library has been closed permanently after the Casey Council shut down its venue at Casey Administration Building in July.
The non-profit organisation posted the news on its Facebook on 15 July.
“Unfortunately, the City of Casey is going to be getting rid of the building where we had currently been operating from,” it stated.
“We have also been unsuccessful in finding a replacement venue to move to, so the decision was made to close the Cranbourne Toy Library.”
Casey Administration Building has been assessed as an “end-of-life” asset by the Council, which is currently preparing for the building’s future closure.
When contacted, City of Casey Manager City and Asset Planning Keri New said:
“When Council officers liaised with the Toy Library committee to discuss relocation options, it became apparent that the service was struggling to recruit volunteers and maintain a healthy membership base, both needed to operate a viable Toy Library.
“The Toy Library committee indicated to the Council that they were planning to relocate their donated resources and operate from an alternative site of their own selection.
“However, after further consideration, they elected to disband the committee and cease operating.
“Their constitution requires donated resources be relinquished to Council, and these are currently being reallocated to community playgroups, to support the development
and wellbeing of children and their families throughout the municipality.”
Cranbourne Toy Library committee was formerly run by Balla Balla Community Centre, and since taken over by disability service
Blairlogie Living and Learning in 2018.
Blairlogie was contacted by Star News but declined to comment.
Cranbourne Toy Library was operated by volunteers who opened the venue for one and a half hours, two times a week on Tuesday and Thursday.
According to its own Facebook posts before the closure in July, they frequently cancelled opening the library due to a lack of volunteers.
Blairlogie’s annual reports in 2023, 2021, and 2019 show the service’s client volunteers helped to run the toy library.
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.
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 reasonable as he was abstaining from drugs, 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
Join us at Cardinia Life from August 5th to 11th and make a difference with every sip!
For every coffee, chai, hot chocolate or tea purchased, we will donate 50 cents to the Cardinia Foundation during Homelessness Week.
Your simple act of enjoying a hot drink can help change lives in our community.
us today and contribute to a cause that matters!
For more information on Homelessness Week or the Cardinia Foundation visit
https://homelessnessaustralia.org.au/ homelessnessweek/ https://cardiniafoundation.org/
Berwick Bridge Club
Enjoy playing cards? Are you looking for some exercise for your brain that is both fun and challenging?
Berwick Bridge Club is looking for new members. There are two free beginner’s courses. One on Friday morning 30 August from 10am-12pm and the second on Monday night 2 September from 7-9pm. Both courses run for 8 weeks. Lessons are held at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, 21A Bemersyde Drive Berwick. No partner is required.
· To reserve your place, please phone Maree on 97022348.
U3A Casey
Did you know that U3A Casey now has 471 members and operates out of multiple venues across the Casey area?
It offers 65 different classes, ranging from exercise/movement/dance groups to literature, crafts, music, discussion groups and more. Membership from July to December is $30 with no further costs.
· If you want to keep both your mind and body active after retirement, then visit u3acasey. org.au
Yoga and meditation
Run by Heartfulness Yoga and Meditation, the sessions are conducted in a community environment to promote wellness.
Heartfulness is a simple and subtle practice of meditation which aims to connect all participants with the light and love in their hearts.
· All are welcome to come and experience yoga and meditation on Sundays at Bunjil Place starting from 8.30am.
· No previous experience is required.
· Bring your own yoga mat.
· Gold coin donation welcome.
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.
The club hosts weekly social activities with dance to low-key in-line dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, a chat, then afternoon tea.
Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dineouts, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.
Anyone interested can visit on Thursdays at 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive in Berwick or join the club for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday from 10am at Little Sparrow Cafe in Fountain Gate.
· For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
Cardinia Diabetic Awareness Group
The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Pakenham Uniting Church
Bunyip Quilt Show
The Friends of Hillview Quilt Show is returning for another year of impressive displays.
· Held at the Bunyip Hall at 38 Main Street, the displays will be open from 9am to
meeting room at 10am.
The group would love to see people who have diabetes or live with someone who has diabetes attend or join.
The meeting consists of a short meeting and then a guest speaker dealing with diabetes.
· For more information, contact Lyn on 0149 116 972 or lestep12@people.net.au
BADFolk Club
Berwick and District Folk Club has been meeting at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick for the past 22 years.
The club meets on the third Friday of each month and every month features a different genre of music.
The club also welcomes spot acts.
Doors now open from 6.30pm and the music runs from 7pm to 10pm, no bookings required, entry $15.
The kitchen sells sweet and savoury snack food and a variety of drinks – tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks.
· For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264.
Free financial safety advice for multicultural women
Financial counsellor Tracey Blythe will be providing free financial safety advice on Thursday 25 July from 10am to 12.30pm at Living and Learning in Pakenham.
Topics will include financial stress, financial contracts and your rights, financial lenders, infringements and fines, scams, financial abuse and
3.30pm on Saturday 17 August and 9am to 2.30pm on Sunday 18 August, with entries open on Friday 16 August.
· Proudly supported by Bunyip Patchwork and Craft.
where to get help.
There will be a light lunch following the presentation which will give women a chance to continue the discussion.
· To register, contact Living and Learning on 5941 2389.
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club is starting a Scrabble Club on Friday 14 June and every Friday thereafter from 1pm to 3.30pm.
It will be both competitive and social on a oneto-one basis.
Come along to learn how to play or improve your game.
Word lists and more will be available to increase your skills.
· Contact David on 0433 566 456.
New Vogue dancing
If you love dancing and would like to learn New Vogue, Berwick Activities Club is offering a short seven-week course for beginners.The course is held over one-hour classes each Friday, commencing on Friday 5 July at 7pm in the Timbarra Community Centre.
Dancing is a great way to make new friends and at the completion of the course you may join the weekly dance held on Thursday evenings. Booking is essential as numbers are limited.
· For more information, contact Bruce on 0447 554 475.
Line dancing
The Berwick Senior Citizens Centre is hosting
line dancing sessions from 10am to noon every Tuesday at 112 High Street in Berwick.
· First session is free, with a small fee for future classes.
· Morning tea or coffee included.
Probus Club of Casey Combined
The Probus Club of Casey Combined is welcoming any new members to meet at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick from 9.45am to noon on the second Tuesday of each month.
After morning tea, the club hosts an interesting guest speaker, with members often meeting up for lunch at a local cafe after the meeting.
· For more information, contact Margaret Luxford on 0409 861 207 or Magda Michael on 0406 468 265.
Inner Wheel Club of Berwick
The Inner Wheel Club (IW) Berwick is a ladies international friendship club which raises funds to support local charities and other worthwhile causes.
They have a dinner meeting on the first Monday of the month and enjoy a range of activities including guest speakers, morning teas, book club and craft afternoons. Recently they enjoyed a group meeting with the IW clubs of Narre Warren, Pakenham and Cranbourne.
The guest speaker was a part owner of the champion race horse “Black Caviar”. The mare is now 18 years old and is a mother and grandmother. · Club welcomes new members. Should you be interested to learn more, you may like to message them at their Facebook page ‘Inner Wheel Club of Berwick’ or send an email via iiw.au.berwick@gmail.com
Berwick Springs VIEW Club
Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.
The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses. The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker. Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.
The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.
· For more information, contact Shirley on 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com
Probus Club of Pakenham East
The Probus Club of Pakenham East is encouraging new members to join.
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cardinia Club, commencing at 10am.
A short meeting is followed by morning tea and the opportunity to get to know members prior to the introduction of the guest speaker. Various activities are held throughout the month. · For more information, phone president Gary on 0428 255 178 or contact secretary Dorothy on probuspakenhameast@gmail.com
When starting up a business or indeed any new project or venture, it is always worth asking: ‘what does success look like?’ While success may be commonly defined as “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose”, the actual nature of success looks quite different for each of us. It is in fact a deeply personal assessment and should not be compared with what ‘success’ may appear to look like for others as this may lead to feelings of inadequacy, envy or even jealousy which are more than likely misplaced. Everyone’s circumstances are different; we have different backgrounds, standards and values and hence are bound to have different perspectives on what it looks like to have “made it”.
Unfortunately, like it or not, I am quite convinced that social media has a lot to answer for in this regard. We may think we’re doing okay and then we log onto a social media platform and see pictures of people in far off places having fun or out and about meeting interesting people and the temptation may be to think: “why is my life not like that?” or feel inferior. It
was actor Bill Murray who said that:
“Social media is training us to compare our lives, instead of appreciating everything we are. No wonder why everyone is always depressed.”
and I can’t help but agree. Statistics from the World Health Organization reveal a 13 per cent increase in reported mental health disorders over the past 10 years and at the same time, social network platforms “almost tripled their total user base in the last decade, from 970 million in 2010 to the number passing 4.95 billion users in October 2023.” (‘Social Media Usage & Growth Statistics’, see backlinko.com/
social-media-users). Perhaps the connection is coincidental, but my point here is that success for each of us has to be uniquely personal and not dependent upon or compared with the apparent success of others.
What matters then is that we have our own definition of what success looks like especially in business. According to Dr Martin Seligman (American psychologist and educator) a vital part of happiness for us as humans is ‘accomplishment’ and it is hard to measure this if we don’t have an understanding of what success looks like. In business, this translates to the documented objectives for a business (‘business goals’) and for individuals within a business (Key Performance Indicators or KPIs) and in the same way that these differ between individuals, so should the measures of success for a particular business be unique to that organisation.
As I write, the Olympics have just got underway in Paris and I love watching the track events. However, when you observe these, you won’t see winning athletes running their race
by constantly looking around to see how other athletes are doing in the race, they are focused on one sole objective: winning their race and ‘personal bests’ are something that every athlete measures. In the same way, businesses succeed best when they focus and measure progress against their own defined objectives rather than spend hours and hours studying the competition’s every move.
Every business has limited resources, no matter how big they are and those businesses that tend to succeed are the ones that make the best use of their own limited resources no matter their size. This translates into efficiencies, productivity and a tendency not to set unrealistic goals for their teams.
So, be sure to define and celebrate your successes irrespective of how ‘successful’ others appear to be and appreciate all that you personally bring.
Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au
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 NarreWarren North.
City of Casey Manager Sustainability and Waste Michael Jansen said: “Wetlands play an important role in our environment as they not only provide wildlife habitat, but they filter stormwater before it enters rivers, creeks and eventually the bay.”
According to Mr Jansen, around 280 residents planted approximately 10,000 trees and shrubs, which will support Casey’s biodiversity and contribute towards increasing tree canopy in the city.
“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.”
MORGAN Mary ofKooWeeRup, formerlyofBairnsdale.
Passedawaypeacefully on25.7.2024 surroundedby familyandfriends.
LovedwifetoPeter(dec.), MumtoAnthonyand GrannytoTara. LovedMother-in-law, Sister,Auntand friendtomany.
Rest peacefully now, you will be missed.
MORGAN Funeral prayers for Mrs Mary Morgan of Koo Wee Rup, formerly of Bairnsdale, will be offered at St Mary's Catholic Church, Bairnsdale on Friday (Aug. 2), 2024, at 1.00pm.
The funeral will leave the church at the conclusion of prayers for the Bairnsdale Lawn Cemetery.
Flowerswelcome.
Please see Mary's funeral noticeat stephenbaggs.com.au foralinktothe livestream.
Stephen Baggs Funeral Directors Bairnsdale 5153
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham’s youth women have qualified directly for the preliminary final with a 74-63 win over Ballarat at Cardinia Life on Sunday.
The victory came off the back of the pressure they were able to put on Ballarat’s shooting, with the visitors going at a paltry 28 per cent.
After bucketing five of their first seven shots, the Warriors’ discipline and application at the post denied Ballarat open shots, and they were able to limit their repeat looks.
Hayley Letts, Chelsea Schreuder and Chloe Zielinski combined for an enormous 30 defensive rebounds, with that work helping kickstart Pakenham’s periods of ascendancy.
Schreuder fell agonisingly short of a triple double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists but stood up when it mattered, played with a hard edge and distributed effectively.
She also locked down Millie Cracknell from the second quarter onwards, limiting her to five points after quarte time following a 13-point first quarter.
Elizabeth Morozoff contributed to limiting the impact of Ballarat big Maisy Hammond, while an injury to Ballarat’s leading scorer Jemma Amoore in the first half aided Pakenham but made Ballarat more unpredictable.
Pakenham went on an eight-point run during a first quarter shootout, a 12-point run either side of halftime and another eight-point run during the third quarter which opened up a significant buffer.
It was a great win – we were nervous going in given our recent form but we took confidence from our last game. It was good to have all available players for the game and add the extra depth and all in all it was a great team game and we were able to execute what we needed to do.
All of that stemmed from us getting defensive stops and once we do that, our offence can flow. We know Ballarat come out with defensive intensity and we didn’t want to let them setup defensively.
Stats say we’re the best defensive team in the league so we wanted to live by that and grind it out at the other end.
We don’t allow teams to have easy shots but then it’s about finishing the play as well
and making sure they don’t get the second and third attempts. The games we do lose, the other team gets a lot of second chance points in the paint and we often give them a lot more opportunities or shots at the basket
The match-high margin was 25 points at three-quarter-time before Ballarat pegged it back, but never seriously threatened in the last quarter.
Notably, Pakenham got 17 points, 11 rebounds and five steals from its bench, with Rhiannon Gallagher playing a crucial role as the sixth.
“She was very good off the bench offering spark and she doesn’t need to score to be effective – her intensity on defence and communicating is her best asset for us and gets everyone else switched on,” Gaze said.
Elizabeth Morozoff also played a key role Zielinski scored 24 points in a game where every Warrior hit the scoreboard.
While Pakenham came in with a win behind it last Sunday, there was little selection continuity in the last four home and away matches, so the cohesion of the unit was another pleasing factor.
By Marcus Uhe
It started as a top-four contest that could have a major bearing on the conclusion of the 2024 SouthWest Gippsland Dart League season and finished in yet another belting from a premiership contender.
Dart Vaders was always going to be the underdog in a match-up against Predators, but proved to be a long way off the competition’s premier talent in a 14-1 loss.
With Steve’s running mate Jordan rounding into some top form, Predators are now as scary as ever, with two of the top three ton-scorers in their midst.
Jordan scored seven tons and Steve five in the win, a result that will send shivers down spines across the competition.
Dart Vaders fell out of the top four as a result of the contest, replaced by Mud Rats who returned to winning ways with a win over Hoodies.
Gembrook, meanwhile, now has a twogame gap on Just Social in seventh place, after the two went head-to-head in round 18.
Gembrook proved far too strong for the former competition heavyweight, cruising to an 11-4 win.
Gembrook has now won four of its last five contests and is just one back from fifth-placed Dart Vaders, with an eye to climbing into the top four come season’s end.
Snipers, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in 2024, with Dean nailing eight tons in a 14-1 hammering of Bullseyes.
Results R18: Predators 14 v DartVaders 1, Fore
2,
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 finals - we’ve seen them at their best, they haven’t seen us at our best.
“We didn’t capitalise on our short corners - they scored from a short corner and had some nice deflections off the post.”
The coach praised midfielder Nick Dzierbicki and Kendall Brown’s contributions, as well as an Adam Welcome-led vocal defence.
Elsewhere for Casey, the men’s Vic League 2 side had a high-octane 4-4 draw with Knox.
Skipper Craig Moore, Cannons leading scorer Tristan Chaffey and Josh Watson and Dave Noney were the goal scorers.
Casey slips to third as a result, but is still just a point off second spot and sits more than a game inside the top four.
The women, meanwhile, followed up a mid-week 4-0 loss to MCC with a 3-1 victory over Yarra.
The win over third-placed Yarra is exactly the one that Casey needed.
It’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.
By Marcus Uhe
There’s simply so much happening in round 15 of Outer East Football Netball Premier Division football that you won’t know where to look on Saturday afternoon.
First plays second, fourth plays fifth, sixth plays seventh, eighth plays ninth, and tenth plays eleventh.
Two staunch geographical rivalries will take on extra significance in the context of the relegation battle, while the competition’s newest rivalry, Wandin and Narre Warren, will be one of the more significant games of the season.
The Magpies will be the ones making the trip up the hill, and will be pushed like few teams have pushed them before in 2024, when they look to defend top spot on the table against second-placed Wandin.
NarreWarren extracted revenge on the Bulldogs at home in round three in a grand final replay, butWandin is eager to keep its 10-game winning streak alive, and take the bragging rights into a potential finals contest.
With Woori Yallock a near lock to knock off Berwick Springs, a Wandin win will create a three-way tie for top spot, joining Narre Warren on 52 points.
It will set up a thrilling run home, with the Magpies facing the toughest schedule of the three, and Woori Yallock drawn to face three teams outside the top six (at time of writing).
But there’s four points thatWandin needs to win before we get that far.
Round three’s loss to Narre Warren was the precede to their vengeance tour that kickstarted after the following round’s loss to Woori Yallock.
The Bulldogs got the chocolates on their home turf last season, when Kurt Mutimer and Will Howe missed through injury, before the Magpies turned the tables later in the season back at Kalora Park.
NarreWarren has a minor edge in the headto-head battle over the last 18 months, with three wins to Wandin’s two, but as we all know, Wandin got the win that both sides wanted the most in September.
A five-goal haul for Sam Toner will likely see him hold his place in the Dandenong Stingrays’ Coates Talent League side, after kicking four in round three and being one of the most influential players on the ground.
Cody Hirst, awarded best-on-ground for Wandin in the grand final win will also miss as he continues to recover from a knee injury, but there’s still be stars galore across both sides.
Peter Gentile will add size, grunt and class to an already stacked midfield battle, and Trent Papworth is expected to return for Narre Warren to help sure up their defence, a critical component of the Magpies’ structure, and could find himself manning Clint Johnson, who is working his way into form after a lay-off for Wandin.
Jordan Jaworski and Aaron Mullett repre-
Expect both Pakenham and Officer to pull out all stops on Saturday afternoon. (Rob Carew: 403698)
sent two of the competition’s brightest stars, and may be assignments for Mitch Tonna and Tom Russell.
With a top-two position and poll-position for the run home at stake, does much more need to be said?
Considering the top-two battle on the netball courts too in A-Grade, you’ll need to have your head on a swivel to take all the action in at Clegg Road.
At Emerald, what is being dubbed the “relegation cup” will ratchet the intensity up on the already heated contest between the Bombers and Gembrook.
A classic “it doesn’t matter where they are on the ladder” type-contest, the reality is, ladder positions are incredibly consequential, with the loser staring relegation squarely in the face.
A Brookers win will see them edge two games clear of the Bombers, but Emerald taking the points at home will see them draw level on 16 premiership points.
A heavy slog in wet conditions for Gembrook Cockatoo last week will see them take to the field at Chandler Reserve with heavy, weary legs compared to a rested and fresh Emerald side fighting for their Premier Division survival and to finish Sein Clearihan’s coaching tenure on a positive note.
Gembrook Cockatoo was fantastic last week, and will field what is arguably their best side for the season, should DamienVolta make his expected return from injury.
The significance of the contest isn’t lost in Michael Firrito, who likened the contest to a grand final.
“The team that loses that game will be under the pump to be relegated,” the coach said.
“There’s a lot of respect there but we hate losing against them, we definitely want to win that one.”
At Officer Recreation Reserve, the Kangaroos’ finals chances are on the line when they host Pakenham.
With Monbulk (sixth) facing Mt Evelyn (seventh) both tied on 24 points, an Officer win will see them remain one win back from sixth place, but a loss will add another layer of difficulty.
Pakenham, meanwhile, have not much to play for in the final four weeks, but would nodoubt love to spoil their neighbour’s party, after Officer upset them at home in round three.
TIPS: WANDIN v Narre Warren, OFFICER v Pakenham, GEMBROOK COCKATOO v Emerald, Berwick Springs v WOORI YALLOCK, Mt Evelyn v MONBULK, Olinda Ferny Creek v UPWEY TECOMA
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Bunyip was the only local club to taste success in round 17 of the men’s State League 5 South competition.
A three-goal second half sealed a 4-0 win over Noble, with striker Walid Benzina finding the back of the net twice in a dominant display.
Five yellow cards were given in a hot contest, but Bunyip will be rapt to come away with the win, its second over a topthree opponent in as many weeks, having beaten Rosebud 4-2 last week.
The wins have propelled Bunyip, which won just five of its first 15 games, to seventh on the table and just a point behind fifth-placed Endeavour Hills.
Casey, meanwhile, was outrun by Aspendale, which scored thrice in the second half to record a 4-1 victory.
Pakenham will be disappointed it put in a poor showing in a winnable game against Mount Martha, going down 7-0 in a clash against a side that started the round below them.
Second-placed Seaford came from behind against fifth-placed Endeavour Hills, which finished the game with 10 men, to win 2-1.
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham’s youth men have overcome a first quarter West Gate challenge to book its spot in the preliminary finals of the Big V Youth League 1 competition, earning a week off in the process.
It was a typicalWarriors game, with six players scoring at least 10 points in the 90-68 victory, compared to West Gate’s three.
The Imperials’ James Avgerinos put 10 points on Pakenham in an ominous first quarter, before Aaron Small shut him down, as he finished with just 14 points.
Pakenham’s three point shooting was unbelievable against a squad of big bodies who clogged the post.
Led by by co-skipper Luke Rawiri who went 3/3 and Jarred Small’s 4/6 off the bench, the Warriors went 14/30 from deep compared to West Gate’s 2/15.
Staggeringly, Pakenham have six of the top 11 three point shooters in the league, who have taken a minimum of 25 shots, with the following players all shooting at more than 38 per cent: Jarred Small, Hayden Melsen, Lanting, Aaron Small, Rawiri, Ethan Small.
“(West Gate) want to keep it inside because of their size – they were trying to force it out wide but living on the perimeter is happy days for us,” coach Braden Venning said.
“We moved the ball well and found the open guys.”
Despite the clear size difference, Pakenham was able to beat West Gate on the boards, and give themselves three more repeat looks against the best offensive rebounding team in the league.
Riley Browne’s size was important and he won six rebounds in just 12 minutes of court time, while Kaleb Beveridge led the way with eight rebounds and a last quarter dunk which put an exclamation point of the victory.
“That was a big emphasis for us so to see it come off was pretty cool,” Venning said of his team’s offensive rebounds.
“Riley was a big spark for us early, he was an animal, and Luke (Rawiri) and Jackson (Grey) were outstanding as co-captains.”
Venning was pleased with the defence, which worked hard to limit West Gate’s looks, stymie their dribble penetration, while getting their hands up to put pressure on West Gate’s shooters.
West Gate brought the intensity early, getting out to a six-point lead late in the first quarter shooting masterclass, before a Pakenham surge just before the break pulled them back.
Cooper Lanting then stood up with 10 points and an assist in an explosive second stanza as theWarriors pulled away, scoring 5327 through the middle two quarters.
“Cooper is a quiet achiever – he puts up numbers when we need it,” Venning said.
“He hit some good shots and was attacking the rim so he’s been doing some really good things for us.
“He’s a big one who sacrifices for the team, especially when Ethan (Small) is shooting well.
“We really stamped our authority through that middle period – we tightened up and changed a little bit of our structures which paid big dividends for us.
“That third quarter was outstanding – we put pace on the ball and were changing in and out of defences to keep them uncomfortable.”
The Warriors will face either Wallan or Sunbury in two weeks, defeating them by 37 and eight points respectively during their home and away meetings.
By Marcus Uhe
With four rounds to go in Outer East Football Netball A Grade netball, top six appears as close to locked-away as can be, but final seedings within the six remain up for grabs.
Beginning with a pair of huge clashes in round 15, with two games featuring all four top four sides, a handful of games will go a long way to determining where the teams fall, and who will face who in the opening week of the finals.
Narre Warren heads to Wandin where a win in the grand final rematch will as good as secure the minor premiership.
Should they secure the four points, only a miracle would prevent them losing top spot to the chasing Bulldogs, who would require goal difference and results going their way to dethrone the Magpies from securing the best possible chance of going back to back.
With a tough stretch to finish the year, including major contests against Monbulk (round 16) and Mt Evelyn (round 18), the Magpies will be eager to secure the advantage at the earliest possible chance.
The Rovers are the only team to beat the Magpies in 2024 and knocked them off twice in 2023, before Narre Warren turned the tables in a memorable preliminary final.
Narre Warren’s approach will also be telling; if they’ve sewn-up the minor premiership before the contest, do they rest players and attempt to orchestrate a preferable match-up in the second week of finals?
Meanwhile in round 15, Mt Evelyn and Monbulk pits third against fourth, and given the two drew in the corresponding fixture earlier this season, expect it to go down to the wire.
Monbulk has been one of the surprise packets of A Grade this season, forcing its way into top four contention, but faces a tough run home with games against the Rovers, Narre Warren and Pakenham.
For arguments’ sake, let’s assume that in each of the 24 games, the team higher on the ladder after round 14 will prevail.
Of course, upsets are not out of the question, but for the purpose of consistency, let’s say they are.
Narre Warren and Emerald will win all four of their respective remaining matches, Wandin, Pakenham and Mt Evelyn will win three and Monbulk will split its, for two wins and two losses.
The top three will remain as is, with Narre Warren and Wandin securing a double-chance and a week off in the first week of finals.
Mt Evelyn will consider itself unlucky to miss out, but three teams doesn’t go into two, and they will be forced to go the long way if they are to claim premiership glory.
Pakenham and Monbulk, however, will swap places, with the Lions snatching fourth, due to a less-treacherous run home compared to the Hawks, where they will expect to collect points in three of the four contests.
Neutral finals venues nullify home court advantages, but the psychological edge will be critical in the all-important mental battle.
The two will square-off in round 17, giving each side the chance to get a vital scouting opportunity.
Emerald, meanwhile, will secure sixth place, in an incredible effort after coming up from Division One.
Mt Evelyn await in the first week of the finals, but the Bombers will like their chances, having narrowly squeezed home when the two met in round 11.
MATCHES THAT MATTER (Ladder positions as of round 14)
· Round 15: Wandin (2) v Narre Warren (1), Mt Evelyn (3) v Monbulk (4)
· Round 16: Narre Warren (1) v Monbulk (4)
· Round 17: Monbulk (4) v Pakenham (5)
· Round 18: Narre Warren (1) v Mt Evelyn (3)
By David Nagel
The finals hopes of Pakenham have suffered a big blow after the Eels were comprehensively outplayed in a 20-0 defeat at the hands of Eastern Raptors in NRL Victoria Second Grade Men’s competition on Saturday.
The Eels were never in the hunt on their home deck at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve; surrendering two early converted tries, and a penalty goal, to trail 14-0 at the break.
Pakenham lifted its intensity after half time, but a second-half try to Sam Daveta ended the game as a contest.
The Eels, now eighth on the premiership table, have two more games to round out the
home-and-away season.
They travel to Frankston this week to take on the bottom-placed Raiders, before a lastround home-game against fourth-placed Melton Broncos.
The Eels would need to win both; and have a lot of results go their way, to be any chance of playing finals this year.
Casey Warriors, meanwhile, remain in finals contention after a 32-18 win over Frankston.
Daniel Alefosio was the star for the Warriors, scoring three tries, while JodeciWarena, Ongolea Petelo and Silas Mose also crossed the line.
The Warriors, currently fifth, hit the road this week to take on sixth-placed North West Wolves, before a last-round home-game against top-of-the-table Northern Thunder. Ladder: Northern Thunder 23, Waverley Panthers 23, Eastern Raptors 16, Melton Broncos 14, Casey Warriors 14, North West Wolves 13, Sunshine Cowboys 11, Pakenham Eels 11, Altona Roosters 10, Frankston Raiders 1.
Pakenham Eels will need a strong finish to the NRL Victoria Second Grade Men’s competition after a tough loss to Eastern Raptors on Saturday. (Michael Winter: 408656)
By David Nagel
Healesville has set up the prospect of a classic second semi-final with Pakenham after the Bloods defeated the Lions by eight points at Healesville on Saturday.
Already locked in for the top-two spots on the ladder; this was the final time the two teams would meet ahead of the grand final qualifier at Seville on Saturday 10 August.
Pakenham defeated Healesville in their first two meetings this year; but the Bloods were out to prove they could more than match it with the ladder leaders.
Healesville struck first through the classy left foot of Danielle Carrucan, before Tiannah Vandesteeg replied for the Lions to make it 6-6 at quarter time.
Carrucan and Ishka-Belle Stock then kicked the first two of the second quarter to take a 12-point lead midway through the term.
Pakenham then responded with a polished finish from league-leading goalkicker Aiesha Kolaritsch to make it seven points the difference at half time.
Carrucan added a third, one minute into the third quarter, before Dannielle Jones kicked another to stretch the Bloods advantage to 19 points.
Pakenham began to turn things around towards the end of the third quarter, and a second goal toVandesteeg cut the margin to a gettable 13 points at the final change.
The Lions were well on top in the last quarter, having five scoring shots to nil, but were wasteful in front of goal.
The Lions just couldn’t pierce the big sticks, kicking 0.5 in the final stanza to leave scores at 5.1(31) to 3.5(23) at the final siren.
Paisley Stock, Alex Bryan and Casey Wils-
more were terrific for the winners, while Matilda Argoon, Abbey McKenzie, Sarah Ventura and rover Bianca Moody were best for the brave and undermanned Lions.
Pakenham finishes its home-and-away season with a Friday-night trip to Belgrave, while Healesville stays at home; rolling out the redcarpet for third-placed Upwey-Tecoma.
In other games this week, Maddy Collins, Ruby Gilson and Chelsea Wilson all kicked goals in Olinda-Ferny Creek’s 3.9(27) to 0.0(0) victory over Belgrave, while Upwey-Tecoma will also have goalkicking practice on its train-
ing agenda this week after a 3.10(28) to 2.2(14) win over Berwick Springs.
Jess Occhipinti booted two for the Tigers while Georgia Kristalyn slotted both majors for the Titans.
Division Two saw four great games of football played, with 11 points the greatest margin of any match at three-quarter time.
A magnificent four-goal last quarter from Officer has kept the Kangaroos faint finals hopes alive after a 6.7(43) to 2.1(13) victory over fourth-placed Emerald.
The Kangas kicked 4.2 to 0.1 in the final
stanza to join the Bombers on equal points on the premiership ladder.
Erin Andrews, Chelsea Barkwith, Tylah Burn, Breana Granger, Lauren Langeveld and Alyse Osborne all kicked goals for the winners, who also had Ella Jackson and Ava Cipriani in red-hot form.
In other games, two goals to Adele Ormsby ledWoori-Yallock to a 4.8(32) to 4.4(28) victory over a braveWandin, while two goals in a beston-ground performance from Kristen Kelly led Seville to its second win of the season over bottom-placed Thornton-Eildon.
Scores were locked at half-time before the navy blues kicked four goals to one after the break.
And Monbulk has won a huge clash against Warburton-Milburn at Monbulk; claiming top spot with a 5.4(34) to 2.11(23) victory over wasteful opposition.
Scarlett Henderson was the star for Monbulk, kicking four goals, while Shania Turner, Maddison Dodd, Stacey Jolly, Yanessa Hancock-Wolfe and Hannah Koolstra were all influential performers.
The Hawks now looked guaranteed top spot after this week’s final round of matches. Ladders - Division One: Pakenham 48, Healesville 48, Upwey-Tecoma 32, Olinda Ferny Creek 24, Belgrave 8, Berwick Springs 8. Division Two: Monbulk 52, Woori Yallock 48, Warburton-Wesburn 46, Emerald 30, Officer 30, Wandin 26, Seville 8, Thornton-Eildon 0. Fixture R16 - Division One: Belgrave (5) v Pakenham (1),
Our faith leads to wisdom and courage.
This motto is the energising source of all that happens at St Clare's and is embedded in the ethos of the school, the curriculum we offer and the relationships we develop within our school and wider communities.
If you are reading this as a prospective student, parent, guardian or family, I invite you to visit us at St Clare's and discover this dynamic learning environment and start the beginning of, what I hope will be, a life-long learning partnership.
Helen Staindl School Principal
