Stories through clay
Curator Vipoo Srivilasa, who organised Generation Clay: Reimagining Asian Heritage, initially saw the role as a tool to allow Asian Australian artists the platform to showcase their works and express themselves. Instead, it has since become a way for these same artists to embody a wide range of stories through clay, from personal accounts to historical and pop culture narratives. Turn to
Land snapped up
By Ethan Benedicto
Berwick Waters in Clyde North saw a boom in sales around late June, with 44 per cent of lots in Emerald Bend being sold in a single weekend.
These lots went at such a fast pace that an additional 20 lots from the nearby Amethyst Release were brought forward to meet demand.
Home investor Inderjit Kaur Sandhu, who purchased three lots of land at Emerald Bend said that the appeal lies with the area’s amenities.
“People are going crazy to buy lots in Berwick Waters because everyone wants to give their kids
a better place.
“Whenever people invest money, invest in a property, they think about the potential,” which Ms Sandhu is confident Berwick Waters has.
Emerald Bend itself is situated near Soldiers Road, east of Berwick Cranbourne Road, and will be accessible through Honour Avenue and soon Thompsons Road via Bells Road.
The area’s vision included amenities such as two ovals, an indoor sports centre, a town centre, a tree walk park, wetlands and the addition of the upcoming Clyde North Secondary School and Clyde North Primary School.
However, Frasers Property Australia’s general manager of development, Sarah Bloom, said that the popularity of the new release wasn’t something unexpected.
“The Terracotta Release was the first land lot release in Berwick Waters in 2024, add to the fact that this is such as well-established community of more than 4000 residents.
“A new state primary and secondary school are set to open for the 2025 school year, and the Treewalk Park is well underway and it’s not surprising buyers were keen,” she said.
Ms Sandhu recalled that when she was in the
process of purchasing the first block, she quickly checked all available amenities in the area, and said “within one hour I went for it”.
“Casey Central and Fountain Gate shopping centre are nearby, but that area is actually a ‘city’.
“Everything is nearby, you have everything,” she said.
However, concerns for the neighbouring infrastructure are still rife, with Berwick MP Brad Battin voicing his concerns on the availability of Bells Road during the Legislative Council assembly on 1 August.
Continued page 3
Vipoo Srivilasa next to one of the many clay works on display. (Stewart Chambers: 421413)
Our waste service is changing for the better.
The Victorian Government is standardising household waste and recycling services across Victoria.
This will result in all kerbside services moving 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 better understand your preferences for waste management in Casey, we are seeking your feedback via an online survey.
Partnership opportunities
If you’re seeking new business opportunities, consider a partnership with Bunjil Place, Wilson Botanic Gardens or the Old Cheese Factory.
Bunjil Place is a world-class arts and entertainment facility that promotes the best Australian and international performances, while presenting opportunities for residents to participate in arts, culture and community life close to their home.
Wilson Botanic Gardens and Old Cheese Factory are hosting several major events throughout 2025, including Halloween, Casey Kids Carnival and our annual Pet Expo.
Join us and support a range of programs and events. Expressions of Interest are now open until Friday 23 August 2024.
Preparing for an emergency
Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to be prepared to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
Having an emergency kit packed and stored in an accessible place is an important first step. The kit should contain food, water, medication and other supplies to be able to look after yourself and your family for at least 72 hours.
For more information, please visit the ‘How to prepare for an emergency’ page on our website.
We are also hosting a number of in-person pop-up events across Casey in August and September. Your input will help us provide a user-friendly waste service in the future.
Scan the QR code or visit our Casey Conversations website for more information.
Survey closes at 5:00 pm on Monday 16 September 2024.
Please visit the Bunjil Place website for more information or scan the QR code.
Keep batteries out of your bins
Putting batteries in your bins poses fire risks not only to your property, but to the people who collect your recycling and waste.
If you want to get rid of your batteries, please don’t put these in your kerbside bins. Instead, take the used batteries to your nearest battery drop-off so they can be recycled.
For more information or to find your nearest battery drop-off, search ‘How to get rid of waste and unwanted items’ on our website.
Casey Conversations
Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our community engagement platform, Casey Conversations.
• The future of waste in Casey: we’re seeking your feedback on changes to your waste service.
• Help us to redesign our playgrounds: tell us how you would like your local playground to look in the future.
Head to the Casey Conversations website to find out more or scan the QR code.
Hybycozo Deep Thought in the Bunjil Place Plaza, 2024. Photo credit: LVM.
Reception calls answered
By Ethan Benedicto
The suburb of Clyde North has finally welcomed its first mobile cell tower after years of connectivity struggles.
The new tower, which was installed on Thursday 25 July, marks a significant stepping stone for the local community and is one of the many steps in the Connecting Victoria campaign.
Situated in the corner of Ramlegh Park Reserve, the mobile coverage is more than just a welcome sight, with the suburb and surrounding areas battling a lack of connectivity since residents first began settling around 2017.
Advocating for better infrastructure within growth corridors like Clyde North in the southeast, Michael Galea MP recently addressed the addition at a 31 July legislative assembly meeting where he called on the Minister for Government Services for further development following the installation.
“It should not be up to the state government to step in where the private telco market has failed, but that is what we have done - step in,” he said.
“We are not prepared to allow people in this area to be without mobile reception, so it is great to see this first tower up and running.”
Mr Galea also added that residents in Clyde North have been waiting for telcos to realise the need for these towers, and as part of the Connecting Victoria campaign, it’s “about stepping in where there are those lapses, those failures to provide the services”.
“In an ideal world, the telcos would have already gotten these towers into place years ago, but there’s always space for us to do something as well.
“That’s where [the campaign] comes in, to
help fire that investment to get these tower projects up and running, because the more we wait the harder it is on the people in Clyde North,” he said.
For the neighbouring Ramlegh Park Primary, Principal Linda Corcoran said the new tower is a boon not just to residents, but especially to facilities and services such as themselves.
“It’s vital that people are able to communicate with each other and that has been a serious issue for many years in this area,” she said.
Touching on specific benefits towards the school, factors such as “emergency management, which having a tower, we’re hoping would improve that”.
“Staff weren’t able to contact each other, we were reliant on mobile phones for that communication, whereas I know other schools use mobile phones.
“We still have some concerns; I’m with Telstra for example and I have great service now, but other staff are with Vodafone or Optus and their connection hasn’t improved at all,” Ms Corcoran said.
Elsee, from One Early Education, is of the same mind, adding that staff and parents alike have had multiple, repeated issues of getting in touch with one another; internet cutting off, calls bouncing and more.
“It really benefits us, we’re a community here, the families are all connected with us and we have this platform where we put all of our information,” she said.
More often than not, the previous lack of connection made it difficult for the website to be accessed, where on other occasions parents who were waiting for their children are seldom able to get in contact with others outside of the facility.
“They had to walk outside or go to the road to call someone, so I think this is a big thing for the community,” Elsee said.
“We have educators, and even they have to go outside to make calls, and even for myself whenever I’m working on the computer it would suddenly just stop connecting.
“We need that [connection], it’s a big help,” she said.
Mr Galea is passionate about the needs of suburbs such as Clyde North, “it’s a booming and growing area and there are a lot of investments going in”.
While big conversations could be had about the possibilities for infrastructure investment in the vicinity, “in this day and age, to not have
mobile connectivity in such a populated area as Clyde North really isn’t good enough”.
“There are a lot of growing pains that we’re experiencing, particularly in these pockets of the outer southeast,” he said.
Mr Galea also added that there are a number of other investments happening in not just Clyde North, but surrounding areas as well; which range from co-funding with local councils on local projects such as transport expansion and more.
The new bus routes are another, as well as the addition of a number of schools in the near future.
However, Mr Galea thinks that what is being observed is that “we’re throwing all this investment in and we’re still barely keeping pace”.
“So what’s really important as well is that we continue to grow our suburbs, but we grow with them in a way that’s much more sustainable.
“That comes back to the state-wide approach to planning, which the Planning Minister, Sonya Kilkenny, is currently doing a lot of round tables across the state to reshape the planning framework,” he said.
He also added that while the growth of the outer suburbs is exponential, “too much” of it is being “carried” by them.
“The outer suburbs continue to grow but they need to do so at a much more sustainable pace.
“We need to be looking at having conversations about density in those inner and middle ring suburbs, better planning [on] some regional centres as well.
“That way we are still having that growth in the outer suburbs, but doing so in a way that we’re actually keeping pace with the services and infrastructure that people need as they move in,” he said.
Land snapped up while MP questions infrastructure delay
From page 1
Speaking on families who reside in Orana Estate, Mr Battin said that one family who has to take their children to school “currently cannot go down the very short road which would go straight to the new school down in Clyde North”.
“They have to go out on Pattersons Road, along Clyde Road, back down Thompsons Road, taking about 35 to 40 minutes.
“That is about two hours out of the day for each of those parents picking up and dropping off their students,” he said.
Specifically on Bells Road, Mr Battin referred to it as an “important road”, a “connector road” that the government has “failed to deliver”.
“The reason this is important is because we have got a letter from the Minister for Transport Infrastructure to state that this road is open.
“When you visit the road, you cannot drive on it, you cannot walk on it, you cannot have any traffic lights on it, you cannot build on it and there are no lines on it,” he said.
The Minister for Transport Infrastructure’s office has been contacted for additional information, but they were unable to reply before deadline.
Ms Sandhu acknowledged that infrastructure is a major issue being faced by a majority of suburbs in the southeastern corridor, with mobile connectivity being another.
However, while difficult, she said patience is a needed factor, and that “it hurts, but we need to think about what happens later on”.
“Right now Soldiers Road is horrible, Bells Road isn’t open yet, so I understand, where are people going to go?
“But when they open, it’s going to be fine, we will wait and definitely it’s going to be okay,” she said.
However, Mr Battin isn’t easily swayed, with his calls and residents’ concerns on congestion still sounding strong with the safety issues on Thompsons Roundabout having been raised “for a long period of time”.
“What is worse is the funding that is in the budget for this is not to actually do this project for about four years.
“The southeast communities deserve better,” he said.
Michael Galea MP (right) and Jordan Curgnale MP a day after the tower was installed. (Supplied).
Inderjit Kaur Sandhu, a home investor who purchased three lots in Emerald Bend is confident in the area’s growth and amenities. (Ethan Benedicto: 424051)
A lone home under construction at the edge of Promenade Village, with homes across Thompsons Road visible in the background. (424051)
Homes under construction at the edge of Promenade Village in Berwick Waters, the neighbouring estate to Emerald Bend. (424051)
Woodworkers pay tribute
By Ethan Benedicto
A man to be cherished and remembered, the Berwick District Woodworkers Club recently lost one of its oldest members with the passing of Eric Guthrie on 25 July.
Eric’s passing left a void in the hearts of the club, especially the older members who had spent the majority of their woodworking experience in the club with him.
The club, which was founded in 1986 had been fresh in the works when Eric joined between late 1987 and 1988; since then he has been part of many major contributions to its evolution, from the curation of the current facilities to advocating for more diversity in membership.
To Bill Bradshaw, he was someone that you “could never argue with”.
“He was one of a kind, he was unassuming but he had a wealth of knowledge.
“That’s how I saw him, you could depend on him; if you wanted a friend, it would be Eric”.
Born on 28 January 1939, Eric was a bricklayer by trade and was known to be quite good with his hands; after his tenure as a brickie he then worked for the SCC.
Pat Mahoney, a member who lived across from Eric in Fiddlers Green Retirement Village said that he would often come over to his garage and simply spend time with him.
“He’d toddle across the road to my garage where I’d be working, and he’d come down and sit and just talk for an hour with me,” Pat said.
Eric was known for his craftsmanship, specifically his meticulous work on wooden carriages and trains, which then became his signature creations.
He would also, more often than not, donate his works to various charities, especially when the BDWC was known for their Christmas toy donations; ultimately Eric was dedicated to making hundreds of his signature pieces, a testament to his skill and passion for woodworking.
Alexander Drysdale described Eric as someone who was “very quiet”, a particular man who “whenever he had something to say always had a dead-pan face”.
Nevertheless, to Alexander and the others,
those qualities were a big part of what made Eric special, and also “one of nature’s gentlemen”. Eric has an atmosphere of comfort around him, and though not necessarily doing anything
in particular at times, had a way of making people feel at ease, and this was one of the reasons why he was an integral part of the club’s community.
In his later years at Fiddlers Green and when
his health began to decline, he continued to be active in the club’s activities and was a constant visitor on Mondays, something that other members recognised as his dedication to not just woodworking, but the people and the connections he made.
To honour Eric’s memory, the club plans to commemorate his life and contributions, where he was recently made a life member as an acknowledgement of his impact.
Eric Guthrie’s funeral was held on Thursday 1 July, and was attended by his family and friends.
Changes are coming to kerbside bins in the City of Casey
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 colourcoded 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 userfriendly 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
LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE JOIN BERWICK BRIDGE CLUB
FRIDAY MORNINGS
• 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 Berwick-Cranbourne 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.
STARTING 30th AUGUST FROM 10:00-12:00 Noon OR MONDAY NIGHTS
STARTING 2ND SEPTEMBER FROM 7 – 9 pm
BOTH COURSES RUN FOR 8 WEEKS
VENUE:
BRENTWOOD PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE, 21A BEMERSYDE DRIVE BERWICK TWO FREE BEGINNERS’ COURSES:
Reserve your place OR find more information by calling Maree on 9702 2348
Eric Guthrie in the process of making one of his locomotives. (Supplied)
Eric Guthrie with one of the many canes he made.
Chisholm concerns
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Chisholm Institute is one of four Victorian TAFEs recording a worsened underlying deficit in 2023, according to a state auditor-general’s report.
The TAFE’s deficit deepened to about $12 million, excluding one-off capital grants from the State Government.
This was up from about a $1 million deficit in 2022.
Nine of the 12 Victorian TAFEs reported a net surplus in 2023, with an overall surplus of $72 million - up $29 million from the previous year.
However the sector’s net surplus was “underpinned by capital grants received to fund campus redevelopment”, the Victorian Auditor-General Office (VAGO) reported.
“Without these grants, the sector would have had a net ($35 million) deficit from their operations, which has been a consistent trend for the last five years.”
TAFEs including Chisholm were spending at a “markedly increased” rate, and becoming increasingly dependent on fee-for-service revenue rather than government funding, the audit found.
“If the declining net deficit trend continues for these TAFEs, without effective management of expenditure or own-source revenue growth, their long-term financial sustainability is at risk.”
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions accepted all of the report’s recommendations.
These included for all TAFEs to “review and critically analyse their current budgeting processes”, and for TAFES work with the department to achieve balanced budgets in the future.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the report showed the “significant work we’ve done to repair the TAFE system”.
It had launched Free TAFE courses and invested more than $4.5 billion into the system “after the former Liberal Government left it as a wreck”.
“We’re carefully considering the detail of the report, however it shows that the TAFE network is in surplus and financial performance across the network has improved.”
Opposition skills and training spokesperson Bridget Vallence said the financial viability of more than half of Victoria’s TAFEs was “under threat” because of “10 years of Labor’s mismanagement”.
“Under Labor, TAFE teachers are walking off the job, thousands of students are failing to complete courses, employers are dissatisfied, and there are widespread skills shortages.
“This independent report by the AuditorGeneral is scathing and further evidence Labor cannot manage TAFE in Victoria.”
Collision under investigation
Police are investigating a serious collision in Hampton Park which occurred around 6.55am on 1 August, where a vehicle collided with a truck.
The male driver of the vehicle was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries; no one else was harmed.
Two other vehicles were damaged during the collision, and the exact circumstances are still to be determined.
Authorities have urged those who have witnessed the incident or have dashcam/CCTV footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www. crimestoppers.com.au
Multiple charges
A Cranbourne South teen in an alleged stolen ute has been charged after an extended follow by police through the South East early on Wednesday 31 July.
The 18-year-old was driving a Toyota Hilux allegedly stolen from Botanic Ridge in Cranbourne South that night.
With assistance from the Air Wing, police say they followed the vehicle from Dandenong through multiple suburbs to Brighton.
It is alleged the driver dumped the Hilux before he was arrested on Seymour Grove.
The man was charged with car theft, reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, dangerous driving whilst being pursued by police, dealing in proceeds of crime, going equipped to steal and other traffic-related offences.
He was bailed to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 2 December.
School boost
The Diocese of Sale community has celebrated the State Government’s recent announcement of $30 million of capital funding to support construction projects at Catholic schools across the diocese. Several Catholic school building projects estimated to commence in 2025 would each receive $6 million in funding towards new stages of construction, including St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School, Clyde North: Stage 2 and a new Catholic Primary School (Cardinia Creek South), Clyde: Stage 1.
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re easing congestion by building better roads and undertaking maintenance works in Melbourne’s south east. We’re also removing dangerous and congested level crossings.
Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes
McGregor Road, Pakenham Until 16 AugPrinces Freeway-bound between Livingstone Boulevard and Princes Freeway Until 16 AugAt the rail bridge
16 Aug to late Sep Princes Freeway-bound between Webster Way and Princes Freeway
Webster Way, Pakenham Until late SepAt McGregor Road
Clyde Road, Berwick 9pm to 5am, 6 to 9 Aug
Princes Freeway Gippsland-bound entry ramp
Berwick-Cranbourne Road/ Sladen Street, Cranbourne 6am to 7pm, 10 Aug At intersection
Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham 7pm to 5am, 22 to 25 Aug
26 Aug to mid Nov
Camms Road, Cranbourne 7am to 6pm, 23 Aug
Between Southeast Boulevard and Peet Street
All freeway ramps
Gippsland-bound entry ramp to the Princes Freeway
Between Hotham Street and Narre WarrenCranbourne Road
A virtual welding room at Chisholm Institute in Dandenong. (Gary Sissons; 334164)
Cheering on trip to the US
Berwick Primary School Grade 2 pupil and cheerleading superstar Aria Robinson has received the chance of a lifetime, after being selected to represent Australia in a cheerleading competition in the United States next year.
She has been selected to compete with other students Narre Warren dance school Royal All Star Cheer and Dance in The FINALS, a cheerleading competition set to be held in Orlando, Florida from May 2 to 4 next year.
Aria said she began cheerleading at Royal All Star Cheer and Dance at only six years of age.
She said her favourite thing about cheerleading was that she gets to go up high as she is a flyer or the one performer who is lifted up during a stunt.
Aria’s mother Ashleigh said going to America will be a dream come true for her daughter.
“Aria’s dedication and passion for cheerleading are incredibly inspiring to us as parents,” she said.
“She is constantly training, watching YouTube cheerleading tutorials at home, trying new stunts, repetitively perfecting new skills and diligently doing her morning and afternoon stretches.
“Whether at home or at cheer practice, Aria is always pushing herself to be the very best she can be.”
Aria is currently raising funds towards travel expenses, accommodation and competition fees, with $900 raised out of her $1500 goal at the time of publication.
To support Aria’s goal, visit gofund. me/07e2e8d5
Pies legend swoops in to Bunjil Place
By Violet Li
Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley was the man of the hour at the Rotary Club of Casey’s Charity Long Lunch event on Friday 2 August, with more than 120 participants engaging in the good cause.
The former player and coach spoke about a range of topics from being a father to two boys to achieving a positive work-life balance.
Club president Alan Foster said the event was a success for the club, raising more than $8000, with 50 per cent of the proceeds going towards children’s charity Variety via a local Variety Vic Bash team and the other 50 per cent supporting the ermha365 Community Connections Program, which helps people with mental health and homelessness problems.
“The talk was really eclectic,” he said.
“It was a really interesting and informative talk, he was very open and very real.”
Secretary Jean Harrison said the event was another part of the club’s charity efforts.
“This is just another community event to help to really worthwhile causes,” she said.
“This is just a new idea, and we thought we’d give it a go and hope to do well with it.”
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN
Thumbs up
To no more dirt patch on Hobsons Road.
Thumbs down
To people who speed from Ahern Road through Eagle Drive to the avenue thinking it’s a raceway when it’s not. Maybe speed humps are needed as I almost had a person run up my backside the other day as I backed out of my driveway.
Thumbs up
To the little joys in life that make the world a better, brighter and beautiful place.
Thumbs down
To all the potholes everywhere. I must look like a drunk driver when I try to avoid them.
Thumbs down
To rude drivers.
Thumbs down
To the pot holes on the freeway just after McGregor Road on ramp.
Thumbs down
To the cost of essentials like medications which people are now going without.
Thumbs down
To all the potholes everywhere. I must look like a drunk driver when I try to avoid them.
Thumbs down
To Cardinia Council for the lack of street lighting in Main Street - half the lights don’t work and no lighting at the crossing.
Aria’s family is seeking any support towards the trip.
Aria Robinson is excited to travel to Florida next year to compete in The FINALS competition. (Supplied)
At 89, Elaine Watson achieved one of her biggest dreams, meeting her hero Nathan Buckley, with Jasmine Poore on the right. (Stewart Chambers: 422644)
NEWS Landfill settlement anger
By Ethan Benedicto
Local residents have criticised the Environmental Protection Authority’s settlement of $200,000 with the operators of a controversial landfill in Cranbourne.
The EPA announced on Friday 2 August that Stevenson Brothers Industries Landfill Pty Ltd would pay $200,000 for a project to improve the local environment and ensure company directors and key staff undergo further training.
The EPA commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court against SBI and its directors on 4 August 2023, which the EPA then stated that if proven could result in penalties exceeding $1.8 million for SBI and $360,000 for directors per allegation.
Members of the 2000-strong Facebook group called ‘Residents affected by SBI Inert Quarry Cranbourne’ were underwhelmed by the outcome.
A spokesperson from the Facebook group said that after nearly two and a half years “of suffering the environmental crime inflicted upon us, many residents have seen no option but to leave the area”.
“Feeling forced from their homes to get clean air and alleviating suspected health impacts, therefore we feel the penalty is not proportional,” they said.
They also added that the members of the group and residents were disappointed by the EPA’s settlement of $200,000, where they were previously told that figures of fines to SBI could reach $2,520,000.
“This year the EPA has caught them out twice for not capping the waste at the end of the day,” which is a mandatory licence condition, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said it had been two years of scrutiny.
The EPA has issued improvement notices, while also receiving reports from residents, and the City of Casey issued a Planning Contravention
Notice to SBI in 2022.
“Not to mention that Casey Council are still considering allowing SBI further expansion for landfill, [which] leaves us scratching our heads with no end in sight,” they said.
The City of Casey has been contacted for comment but stated that the matter is now in the hands of the EPA.
For background, items in the five claims mentioned in the 4 August 2023 release include the requirements of operating its licence and also their failure to meet the General Environment Duty on their Ballarto Road landfill in Cranbourne.
According to the same release, this was due to the prolonged impacts of odour from the landfill on local and neighbouring residents in Botanic Ridge.
In a letter to residents, EPA South Metropolitan regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema said that odour reports have fallen after the EPA received 127 reports in May 2024; after that reports dropped to 27 in June, and spiked to 38 in July, which included 28 reports during the SBI fire at 4 July.
“Our officers continue to monitor odour around the landfill, visiting several areas of Cranbourne,” Abeywickrema said.
On 25 July the EPA received more information
from SBI regarding their dust monitoring, a factor that they are currently assessing.
The SBI has also applied for the development licence applications to install and commission new odour control equipment on the site of the landfill, something that Abeywickrema said the EPA has provided a draft licence for and considering feedback.
“SBI raised several issues we need to resolve before we can issue the amended development licence.
“Once the licence is issued, SBI will need to satisfy licence conditions before starting trials of the odour control equipment.
“They will need to show the equipment is working as designed and is reducing off-site odour impacts,” Abeywickrema said.
In the EPA media release on 2 August, Abeywickrema said that orders for SBI to carry out a project “for the restoration or enhancement of the environment” in a public place or for the public benefit was an excellent outcome for the local community.
“A substantial amount of money will now go into improving the local environment, which will have a positive impact on our local community,” Abeywickrema said then.
The Facebook residents group’s spokesperson
added that the community is feeling “let down” with the action the EPA has taken, and that “nothing will change”.
“You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink, but EPA insisting on training to assist with this issue, regardless of all done to date, you can see where the community are feeling let down.”
The spokesperson pointed out the EPA settled the case for less than 10 per cent of what they could have received.
“We do expect that there will be consultation with the community who have experienced the stench of the SBI operations, with regard to what local environmental or local project receives the $200,000, but we won’t hold our breath on that,” they said.
A Botanic Ridge resident of nine years and chair of Settlers Run Owners Corporation, Norman Ridley, stated in an email to Star News early in July that there has been limited or no impact from the landfill.
He described the odour as “transient”, elaborating further that it is “on and off with significant periods with no odour or no recognised odour”.
Ridley emphasised that the community, following an Owners Survey of roughly 200 participants, noted that there has been minimal impact on their lives when speaking on the odour.
As a representative of the Settlers Run Golf and Country Club, and the SBI Community Consultative Committee since August 2022, he added that “very rarely does anyone express major concerns”.
Moving forward, Abeywickrema said that the EPA is reviewing additional information from SBI as part of the development licence exemption application; specifically for waste and resource recovery activities on-site where the waste is accepted and processed for recycling.
They have also welcomed residents to continue reporting pollution and put through any questions or concerns to the EPA.
This is ... bridging the tech divide with donated laptops
A momentous 2500th laptop has been donated for disadvantaged students as part of the successful This Is IT campaign across the South East.
In less than five years, the milestone has been reached with the hand-over of 120 laptops for students at Noble Park Secondary College, Carwatha P-12 and Oakwood School on Friday 2 August.
This batch of computers was funded by the State Government’s Noble Park Suburban Revitalisation Board.
Since 2020, the not-for-profit program has provided for students at 40 schools in six council areas, including Casey, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia Shire.
A high-school principal described the program as a “game changer” for the students.
“Schools are trying to prepare their students
SELLEN chief executive Andrew Simmons presents a laptop to Noble Park Secondary College’s IT manager Adam van Leeuwen on 2 August. (Stewart Chambers: 422623)
for the future, this is extremely difficult when students do not have access to the tools they require.
“Computers are an absolute necessity, and
this initiative is a game changer for the students lucky enough to be the recipient of a laptop.”
One of the recipients said it meant they could stay up to date with studies while off on work placements.
“I will not have to stress about going to the library or staying at school after hours to complete my work.”
In 2020, This Is IT Schools was launched by three Dandenong businesses to furnish local students with new and repurposed laptops.
TIIS sourced top-of-the-line computers at the end of corporate life. They were wiped and repurposed, then awarded as a scholarship to deserving students.
The idea was expanded to supply laptops to disadvantaged students across the South East. And it was called simply This Is IT.
On hand for the 2 August event were the pro-
gram founders.
They are SELLEN chief executive Andrew Simmons, South East Business Networks’ head Sandra George, Corex Australia CEO Simon Whitely, Hilton Manufacturing managing director Todd Hartley and Future Recycling chief executive Tyrone Landsman.
The first handover of 120 laptops was made at the Greater Dandenong Civic Centre on 7 February 2020.
Donors have since included Casey and Kingston councils, MacPherson and Kelley, Federation University, Ashfords accountancy, Future Recycling, NAB, SELLEN, North Projects, Frasers Property Group, Skill Invest, VACCA, Rigby and Cooke, Casey TECH, Hilton Manufacturing, Lime Result and Take a Swing for Charity.
SBI Landfill has settled with the EPA. (Stewart Chambers: 289985_01)
Stories surface out of clay
By Violet Li
The City of Casey’s Artist Market was held on Saturday 3 August where they featured and celebrated Generation Clay: Reimagining Asian Heritage.
Beginning at 10am, the day featured the new works of 14 contemporary ceramic artists with Asian backgrounds, as well as other pieces from makers and artists across the state.
For curator Vipoo Srivilasa, his latest exhibition of Generation Clay is a windfall; when he first launched the project he simply envisioned it as an opportunity for young Asian-Australian artists to showcase their unique crafts.
He didn’t foresee what was coming next: the plentiful surfacing of intimate stories attached to personal histories and memories, cultural heritage and family ties to mythological and popular culture narratives.
“There is a lot more mix nowadays, not just one cultural heritage,” he said.
“Some of the artists were actually born here, but they have parents from overseas; their cultural heritage is quite different from the ones who moved here from overseas.”
He spoke on Asahi So, a Sydney ceramics and wire maker who is of Chinese and Japanese heritage; Monica Rani Rudhar, who was born to Indian and Romanian migrant parents; and ceramic artist Theodosius Ng who was born in Singapore but identifies himself as more Chinese.
Artists, for their pieces, took up the challenge of creating under the theme of blue and white, colours symbolising trans culture and blended their cultural stories into the clay.
“Blue and white is a metaphor for all these artists who come from different places and then choose to live in Australia, and this is the mixed culture,” Vipoo said.
“Lots of artists never worked with blue and white before, so there’s a lot of trial and error.
“What I like about this exhibition is to encourage artists to think outside their comfort zone and to do something different.”
According to Casey Council, the exhibition will engage with a wide array of concepts, from personal accounts, cultural heritage and family ties, to mythological and pop culture narratives.
Artist EJ Son’s Egg is an example of expanding the creative boundary while keeping the bone of the cultural story, portrayed through a big, pure white egg with a crack at the top.
“They want to make a statement with the Egg, it’s Korean traditional pottery [and] the way they make it, they draw half of the circle, both sides and then they join it together individually,” Vipoo said.
“It’s more like a man- kind of pottery, to be able to do this in Korea, you have to be a man. But they’re born female, so they want to do this for their father.
“So instead of making a moon jar as traditional, they make an egg, which is using the same technique.
“But in a contemporary twist, the egg has a crack at the top, it means being reborn in Australia with a new identity.”
Looking back, Vipoo said he did not see himself as a curator.
“I don’t see myself as a curator because a proper curator would do a whole lot more jobs,” he said.
“I see myself as an organiser and provider for
“When I first moved to Australia, I had lots of
opportunities provided by older generations. “So now I am in a position that I could provide a similar thing to younger generations.”
young artists for the opportunity for them to have a platform to show their work.
Generation Clay: Reimagining Asian Heritage will be on at Bunjil Place until Sunday 24 November.
Curator Vipoo Srivilasa at the exhibition. (Stewart Chambers: 421413)
Susi Fraser from Red Fox Pottery in Berwick. (Rob Carew; 423074)
Nani Puspasari with her work. (Rob Carew: 423074)
Jayanto Tan with his work. (Rob Carew: 423074)
Very enthusiastic crowds visited the art market, which began at 10am and wrapped up around 3pm. (Rob Carew: 423074)
72 Transformations by Casey Chen. (Stewart Chambers: 421413)
Yang Qiu with her work. (Rob Carew: 423074)
Bonnie Hislop from Brisbane came down for this event and her exhibition at Red Gallery in Fitzroy. (Rob Carew: 423074)
NEWS Silent pain untreated
A more inclusive health-care system is needed for the unique needs of migrant and refugee women, according to a joint report to the State inquiry into Women’s Pain.
Wellsprings for Women – with Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) – based their submission on a forum with 38 migrant and refugee women.
“There is a strong link between physical pain and mental health issues, exacerbated by social isolation and cultural adaptation challenges,” the submission stated.
It reported significant healthcare barriers such as language difficulties, long wait times and their health concerns being dismissed by professionals.
A participant with extreme, chronic pain went regularly to the doctor for 10 years, but her condition remained untreated.
Another said: “Someone I know was very tired all the time and they went to the doctor and the doctor said it is all in their head.”
Others reported getting little help from doctors for issues such as painful menstruation or post-natal back pain.
Family violence was also a significant barrier to seeking healthcare.
Many women described physical “heart ache” and chest pain due to mental distress. But a lot reported keeping their pain private due to social pressures..
Poor mental health worsened with isolation from family and friends, cultural shock and language barriers.
One woman shared that “the first time I just
went to the park and cried because I could not speak to anyone.”
“Acknowledging and addressing the unique and compounded needs of migrant and refugee women is essential for creating a more inclusive and effective healthcare system,” Wellsprings chief executive Dalal Smiley said.
“This submission highlights the importance of culturally appropriate and intersectional care.”
Among the recommendations were mandatory training for healthcare providers in culturally-appropriate care, as well as increasing availability of female practitioners.
The report called for access to professional interpreters and multilingual health resources, as well as better communication about health supports and services.
Wait times should be reduced, Medicare coverage increased and mental health should be integrated with physical health services.
WHISE chief executive Kit McMahon urged the Government to take its recommendations seriously.
“We call on (the Government) … to implement the necessary reforms to ensure that all women, regardless of their background, have access to quality healthcare.”
Safer Care Victoria, the Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council, and the Pain Inquiry Subcommittee will lead the inquiry.
A final report to the Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council is expected by December.
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New tech makes it easier to find underground services
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. The technology helps crews identify underground services.
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Cannabis defence support
By Ethan Benedicto
The State Government passed an in-principle agreement to recast Victoria’s driving laws surrounding medicinal cannabis patients on 31 July, which could provide them with a legal defence while on the road.
Stephen Matulec, a Grevillea Ward candidate in the upcoming Casey Council elections, seconded the decision, saying that the process should not have been so “black and white or just a positive or negative test”.
“If you are a medical cannabis patient and you need the medication, and it’s at a level where it’s not going to impair your driving ability, then you should be able to drive.
“The police should be there to test for impairment, not just the presence of the drug,” he said.
The in-principle agreement is a commitment to developing a proposal surrounding said legal defences for medicinal patients, as long as they are not impaired at the time of testing.
Furthermore, the government also committed to engaging in widespread consultation with a variety of legal and road safety stakeholders, with plans to table a report on the proposal in the Legislative Council by 18 October 2024.
A Penington Institute release supported the agreement, where CEO John Ryan said he was encouraged that the government had shown it was prepared to make common-sense changes in its approach to cannabis regulation.
“This is a major development and a win for medicinal cannabis patients,” he said.
“It is heartening to see the Victorian Government stand up and acknowledge the flaws with
the existing policy.”
Matulec, a staunch supporter of cannabis regulation believes that if one were a consenting adult, they should be able to choose what they want to do with their bodies, “especially if no one else is harmed”.
“If you’re in your own home, consuming cannabis, you’re not harming anyone else and to just punish someone for basically a victimless crime is just not right,” he said.
Echoing Penington Institute CEO John Ryan’s previous comments, Matulec believes that law enforcement resources could be more efficiently managed if a regulated cannabis market were put in place, as well as countering the strong black market viability of the drug’s current status.
Expanding on the possible chemicals mixed with illicitly-obtained cannabis, he added that the current countermeasures have minimal intended effect and there should be more focus on the health system to deal with those addicted.
“Instead of putting these people in the hands of police, the courts, treating them like criminals, we need people with genuine addiction to go to community groups, medical professionals, their families,” he said.
“These are people that can help more than just throwing someone in prison.
“Different drugs have different situations, but making it legal doesn’t necessarily mean people are going to use it more, and that’s the thing, if you can control it you can legalise it because people know the doses.
“It’s healthier for it to be regulated because if you’re taking something from a drug dealer, you don’t know how strong it is, you don’t know what
it is,” he said.
Bringing his topic back to the new in-principle agreement, Matulec added that if someone were a medicinal cannabis patient, they shouldn’t need to choose between taking their medication and pain relief, but with the risk of licence loss or a physically painful drive.
THC – also known as tetrahydrocannabinol –can linger in a person’s system for weeks and can be detected long after any potential impairment was caused.
Just like how alcohol is treated, “there are certain limits where it’s not just, ‘is there alcohol in your system or not’”.
“With cannabis, it could be where you can have the necessary amount for your medical condition as long as it’s not affecting the way you drive.
“There needs to be a clear differential, one should be able to drive, if safely, and take medication and not be pained, they shouldn’t be treated like a criminal,” he said.
Mr Ryan is of the same mind, adding that medicinal cannabis patients who aren’t impaired and are using their medication as directed by their doctor “should be entitled to the same legal protections”.
“[Such as those] afforded to patients taking other prescribed medications; people should not have to decide between their medicine and mobility,” he said.
Victoria was the first state to approve the use of medicinal cannabis in 2016, however, it has remained a criminal offence for drivers to have THC, including from medicinal cannabis, detected in their system.
Commercial trafficker behind bars for up to three years
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Cranbourne North trafficker has been jailed after police seized large amounts of drugs from her home and garage.
Natalie Vrankar, 39, pleaded guilty to commercial trafficking of methamphetamine, trafficking in 1,4-butanediol and possessing cannabis.
She also pled to possessing an explosive substance (fireworks) and proceeds-of-crime charges.
Police raided her home at dawn on 8 November 2022, discovering 131.6 grams of 85 per cent pure meth in deal bags as well as 19 bottles of 1,4-butanediol totalling 9.3 kilos.
They also seized 15 fireworks, $2045 cash, a ‘tick list’ of transactions and an alleged stolen number plate.
On one of her phones, there were texts with a contact ‘Gonzo New’ referring to selling a “q” or 7 grams (quarter-ounce) of ice for $1400, or a “b” or 3.5 grams for $800.
Vrnakar’s “relatively organised setup” included CCTV cameras with about 12 different views outside her home.
In sentencing on 1 August, Judge Carolene Gwynn noted the amount of ice and 1,4-butanediol was well in excess of the trafficking threshold of 50 grams.
The high purity of meth also elevated the gravity of the offence.
Vrankar was said to be a daily ice user. This partly explained her offending, as well a “degree of financial incentive”, Gwynn said.
“For your own needs, you were prepared to be involved in the pernicious trade of
drug trafficking.
“It is a lucrative business with an enormous negative and devastating impact on the community.
“You would have been aware of this from your own experience as a user of illicit substances.”
Vrankar grew up in a “chaotic” household in Keysborough, later working as a medical courier and a pathology nurse with a “bright future ahead”.
Things took a negative turn in 2015 when she moved out to Drouin with her family, left her job and was introduced to drugs by a partner.
Her ensuing criminal history included priors for drug trafficking, transporting unauthorised explosives, and proceeds of crime.
Due to her priors, she struggled to find work
in her former fields.
After being released on bail in early 2023, Vrankar was a primary carer for her mother and had not re-offended.
A psychologist reported she was a low-moderate risk of reoffending, with insight into her mental health and drug issues.
“I accept this insight combined with the extended period in the community in which you remained offence and drug free augurs well for your future,” Judge Gwynn noted.
Vrankar didn’t qualify for a mental impairment exception to a mandatory jail term due to her excessive drug use at the time of offending. She was jailed for up to three years, with a 20-month non-parole period.
Her term includes 87 days of pre-sentence detention.
‘It warmed my heart’: Kids help bridge generational gap
Friendships and life experiences are being shared in a heart-warming project that brings together Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar and residents of a local retirement village.
Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar and a group of elderly ladies from Botanic Ridge Retirement Living have made Mother’s Day cards together, played games to build mathematical skills, enjoyed a wildlife incursion and even handled a python and talked about what going to school was like many years ago.
Along the way, they have also swapped life stories, laughed, and built some touching and lasting friendships.
Inspired by the TV series, Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, the idea to bring together the young students and the group of elderly women was initiated by Clyde Grammar teacher Deanne Bourke.
“After watching Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds I was inspired by the bonds that developed between the children and older people,” Deanne said.
Botanic Ridge Retirement Living manager Wade Farnsworth threw his support behind the idea and a group of residents in their 60s, 70s and 80s volunteered to meet with the Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar.
Theresidentsandstudentsnowmeetthroughout each term.
The residents joined the children’s wildlife incursion, too, and were equally excited to see crocodiles, snakes, kookaburras and sugar gliders.
The residents have also helped students with their classwork as they have been studying ‘how things change over time’.
The two generations compared their own school memories and experiences in the classroom and how much school lunches have changed through the decades.
“I think this experience has changed the children’s perception of older people and it’s been lovely to see how easily the children talk to the ladies. They have no qualms at all about asking them questions or even asking for a hug,” Deanne said.
“I think the ladies have also enjoyed seeing how much the children actually enjoy their company.”
“To see everyone – young and old – getting to know one another warmed my heart.
“The idea is that the children and the older people learn from each other and enjoy each oth-
“On the very first visit from the residents, I walked around the room watching the children engaging so eagerly with the ladies. One of the ladies stopped me and said, ‘I just love this’, and it made the whole process so worthwhile,” Deanne recalled.
er’s company. I cannot tell you how excited the children have been when they find out the ladies are visiting.
“They’ve learned to show respect to older people, and their innocence and the questions the students ask the ladies always make us smile!”
As well as arts and crafts and games, the elderly visitors and the children have celebrated Book Week and a disco together.
Clyde Grammar principal Leanne Evans said the idea to bridge the generation gap had been hugely successful and rewarding for everyone involved.
“The days when the ladies from Botanic Ridge Retirement Living visit their friends in Year 1 are very special days at Clyde Grammar,” she said.
“Everyone looks forward to catching up with each other and sharing their news and stories, and the memories that are being made will last a lifetime for our students.”
Mahtab (left) and Joan (right). (Supplied)
Grevillea Ward candidate, Stephen Matulec is in support of the new in-principle agreement, advocating for the overall regulation of the cannabis market. (Ethan Benedicto: 422557)
FOCUS ON … DENTAL HEALTH WEEK Finding the perfect fit
At South East Orthodontics, we are deeply committed to enhancing your smile through the very best orthodontic care.
Our practice in Berwick is dedicated to providing the highest quality treatments tailored to your specific needs. We use a variety of advanced techniques to personalise your orthodontic experience.
Our highly trained staff, in collaboration with our experienced orthodontists, work diligently to deliver exceptional results. Continuous learning is an integral part of our practice, with a strong emphasis on ongoing education for all team members. By staying updated with the latest developments and techniques in orthodontics, we ensure that you receive the best possible care.
At our practice, we merge cutting-edge technologies with personalised services, catering to patients of all ages. We take pride in creating a warm, caring, and friendly environment where
excellence is delivered with enthusiasm. We pride ourselves on delivering treatment for you and your family that is thorough, accurate, reliable, and effective orthodontics and have a genuine dedication aimed at improving your smile. We provide consultation, prevention, and treatment for a range of dental health disorders – correcting jaws and aligning teeth with a variety of braces including invisible types and aligners.
We understand the importance of listening to your concerns and desires. By paying close attention to your needs, we develop customised treatment plans that promote long-lasting dental health. Our passion lies in providing you with the highest standard of orthodontic care, utilising the latest technologies and drawing upon years of professional expertise to achieve outstanding outcomes for our patients. Choose South East Orthodontics for a smile transformation journey that is as unique as you are.
Kids’ dental issues mostly preventable: Association
Hospitals may not be the obvious place for children to have dental treatment but annually thousands of Australian families are having to do just that.
The unfortunate part is most of these dental conditions could have been prevented.
The latest results from the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) Consumer Survey of 25,000 people reveals a litany of factors contributing to infant and child tooth decay – from excessive sugary drink consumption including fruit juice and soft drinks, to not starting dental visits early enough, not accessing government-funded free dental entitlements and only taking children to the family dentist when there’s a problem.
Data from the ADA’s other data source the Children and Young People Oral Health Tracker 1 shows nearly 11 (10.8) in every 1000 children aged 5-9 are hospitalised for potentially prevent-
able problems due to dental conditions.
For Indigenous children this rises to 14.3 per 1000 children. It also found only 56 per cent of children visit the dentist before age five.
“Often it’s a case of people just not being aware of all the facts and that’s why Dental Health Week (August 5-11) is important - so that the key messages about looking after children’s teeth gets out to thousands of families, and kids have the best start in life when it comes to dental health,” said ADA oral health promoter Dr Mikaela Chinotti.
Dentists recommend the first dental visit when an infant’s first tooth or teeth emerge, typically before or around age one.
“A first dental visit for a tooth ache may create a negative first experience. We don’t want that to be your child’s introduction to the dentist. It’s important to see the dentist even if you think your child’s teeth are healthy,” said Dr Chinotti.
| www.seortho.com.au
Prioritise your oral health
At the Casey Dental Group in Narre Warren, we take great pride in our commitment to delivering the highest standard of dental care to our patients.
Our team of caring and professional dentists utilises the latest materials and technologies, such as digital x-rays, laser whitening, and ceramic fillings and crowns, to ensure that each patient receives the best possible treatment.
We understand that our patients have busy lives, which is why we offer flexible appointment options, starting from 8am, extending to late evenings and even Saturday mornings. This way, we strive to accommodate everyone’s dental needs, making it convenient for them to prioritise oral health.
One area we particularly excel in is children’s dental care. We love seeing our younger patientsandtakeprideineducatingthemabout oral health and dentistry, making their experience enjoyable and anxiety-free. By bringing your children along to your appointments, we familiarise them with the environment, helping them feel more comfortable during their checkups. We believe that we are the best children’s dentist in Narre Warren, and we are dedicated to ensuring that your child’s oral health journey starts on the right foot.
We offer a range of children’s services, including early orthodontics, fissure sealants, and regular check-ups. Additionally, eligible children between the ages of 2 and 17 may qualify for government funding of $1052 over two calendar years, making it more accessible for families to prioritise their children’s dental health. For those seeking orthodontic treatment, we provide Invisalign, a discreet and effective alternative to conventional braces. Achieving a beautifully aligned smile is possible at any age, and our goal is to help you attain optimal dental health for life.
At Casey Dental Group, we believe that
financial concerns should not hinder you from receiving quality dental care. We offer a 12-month interest-free payment plan with GE Care Credit to make it easier for our patients to manage the cost of treatment.
To further enhance our patients’ convenience, we have an on-site HICAPS terminal that directly processes insurance claims, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and reimbursement delays.
As a dental practice, we value our patients and the trust they place in us. We strive to provide quality, professional, and compassionate care to each individual. We accept various payment methods, including cash, cheque, eftpos, and credit cards, including AMEX.
When you choose Casey Dental Group, you are choosing a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to ensuring your dental health and delivering excellence in dental care. Let us help you achieve your best smile and maintain optimal oral health for life. Schedule an appointment with us today!
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• www.caseydentalgroup.com.au
• Phone: 9705 1755
The highly trained staff, in collaboration with their experienced orthodontists, work diligently to deliver exceptional results.
Swan’s signature inked
Candidate Samuel’s emphasis on community first
By Ethan Benedicto
Putting the people first is of utmost importance to Akoonah Ward council candidate Samuel Dennison, as he puts himself forward for this October’s coming election.
Representing Berwick and Beaconsfield, Dennison has been a Casey local for over a decade, and most recently a Berwick resident; and from his time in the suburb, has acknowledged the area’s strong sense of camaraderie, a community aspect he aims to foster.
For Dennison, his take on the role of councillor is one of volunteering, and not necessarily a job where he clocks in, performs, and clocks out.
“You listen to people, you take that information and then you fight in a common sense way as to how everyone is looked after,” he said.
“We need to make sure we’re supporting people, keeping up with growth, people complaining about potholes and making sure roads are being looked after.
“It’s just about going to the community, I’m going to be knocking on people’s doors as well, in terms of residential houses and saying to everyone ‘Hey, I’m running for your area, I want to help you’.”
Having initiative is the driving point of Dennison’s agenda, the initiative to speak to the people, listen to their concerns and in turn put words into action.
Recalling an experience years prior of “leading the charge” against a string of crimes in his neighbourhood, Dennison took collaborative
measures alongside neighbours to address the crisis.
“Since moving into my current street, I’ve felt welcomed and integrated into the community and I’ve made friends with my neighbours, people of all backgrounds,” he said.
“We had some issues on our street with crime, there was a home invasion on one of the houses and the neighbour was very shaken up.
“We all care about each other and want to be safe, so I led the charge in my area, talking to everyone and working out what we could do to try and make it safer.”
Hiring private security to monitor the street whittled the frequency of delinquent behaviour, and it was then that he began to realise the potential impact of a cohesive community, one that understands each other through open and honest communication.
At the same time, it came to Dennison’s attention earlier in the year that a number of previously sacked Casey councillors were looking to play their hand for the upcoming election; at that point, neighbours and friends were telling Dennison to run.
“They were saying, ‘How is this even possible’, and they said I should run; ‘You’re doing stuff for the street, you’ve been helping us out’, they said.
“’You talk to people, you get involved, and I couldn’t think of a reason why I shouldn’t do it, and I thought you know what, I can do this,” he said.
Running a small business consisting of himself and five others, Dennison is well versed in interacting with the local community, once more building on that sentiment as a volunteer role, where he “gives back” to the people.
Prior to his consideration of running for Akoonah Ward, Dennison spoke on family, friends and neighbours who sought his advice on a wide range of topics, saying that the reason why they came to him was that he gave them “straight honest advice”.
“An answer based on what the best thing to do is; it’s not about trying to beat someone or win when you shouldn’t, it’s just about going,
‘okay what’s fair?’.
“There’s always a compromise, one thing I’ve learned from talking to people is one person will say maybe they want more development and another might say there are too many cars in the street; you have to work it out, you have to make things organised,” he said.
Dennison also believes that councils should be “apolitical”, and that the councillors themselves should be “on the ground”.
“Talking to the community, talking to the businesses, learning what needs to be done and what issues are in the area for people,” Dennison said.
While only 33 years old, Dennison acknowledged that he is sure to meet some criticisms for his age and experience; however, instead of deterrence, he embraced it, noting that the main focus is listening to constituents since “they’re the ones with experience”.
“You’ve got people coming to you with all different backgrounds that have had all different jobs, different experiences.
“I think my role is to actually learn on the job, so I will learn everything I possibly can.
“I’m a sponge, I’ve got energy and I’m definitely eager to make sure I can understand how council functions in the role to deliver wealth to the community,” Dennison said.
At the end of the day, Dennison is hopeful for his candidacy, and that he is “ready to jump in and deliver”; but even if we were not selected, he has hopes for “good people” to be chosen.
Samuel Dennison will be running for Akoonah Ward in this October’s council elections. (Supplied)
Tattoo and Magpies fans alike flocked to Celebrity Ink in Fountain Gate on Friday 2 August, as Collingwood footy legend Dane Swan met with fans, signing a number of footballs and even people’s skin, before they were immortalised. Star News photographer Rob Carew captured the artist’s skills and all of the excitement on the night.
The man of the hour - Dane Swan. (Rob Carew: 420695)
Celebrity Ink Fountain Gate artists Cris and Manny (front), artist Tove, receptionist Katey, owner Blake, artist Carolina and manager Dawn. (420695)
Dane signs the arm of life-long Magpies fan Bobby, with the signature then made into a tattoo. (420695)
Dane’s signature on Bobby’s arm. (420695)
Bobby showing off his new tattoo with artist Cris. (420695)
Justine meets Dane while getting a tattoo. (420695)
Artist Carolina makes Kim’s Dane signature into a tattoo. (420695)
Artist Carolina uses supreme concentration to turn Dane’s signature into a tattoo. (420695)
NEWS Customer classification
Ever noticed how your most difficult customers tend to contribute least to your business and tend to cause most of the problems? Conversely how your best customers contribute most to your business and are easy to deal with? I am not quite sure why this is the case, but it certainly does appear to be a common theme across many industries. Well, this pattern can be utilised by you to get clarity on the customers worth keeping and how best to deal with those that cause you the most headaches. The practice is known as ‘customer classification’ or ‘customer segmentation’ and it starts by defining a framework within which your regular customers can fit. Here’s how it works.
Four levels are usually sufficient to distinguish your customer base; you could use more but not less than three. If using four, then the categorisation might be something along the following lines:
WHAT’S ON
Women’s Health Week
Blind Bight Community Centre and Women’s Health in the South East are presenting a conversation about women’s health for Women’s Health Week from 11am to 1pm on Friday 6 September.
A free friendly forum where local women can share experiences, learn from each other and discuss the health topics that matter most to them.
· For more information or to book visit www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au or phone 5998 7014.
New Vogue dancing
Berwick Activities Club is offering another eightweek course on New Vogue dancing, commencing on Friday 6 September from 7pm to 8pm 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.
Trivia night
The Berwick Activities Club is hosting a trivia night on Saturday 7 September, with tables of six available.
· To book a table or a seat, phone David on 0433 566 456.
Blind Bight Community Centre
Craft gift making for adults from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Tuesdays.
Join in the craft gift making class and bring along your own craft to complete.
A variety of techniques and skills are shared including mosaics, macrame, sewing and painting at $3 per class.
Playgroup from 10.30am to noon on Wednesdays. The program provides fun play activities and craft for children at $5 per family.
Free knit and crochet from noon to 2pm on Wednesdays.
Line dancing from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesdays. All ages, and abilities welcome at $10 per class.
TAKING CARE
ASH OF BUSINESS
IAN
• Class A: your great and valued customers
• Class B: good customers that you want to retain
• Class C: those that don’t belong in A, B or D
• Class D: customers that cause you the most headaches
You can define the criteria for each according to what you feel is important, but here are some fairly broad criteria and typical characteristics that you could use as a basis:
Class A
• There is a regular volume of good work
• Margins are very good for your business
• They pay on-time
• Their staff are easy to deal with and are advocates for your business
Class B
• These customers are significant contributors to your annual revenue
• Margins are good for your business
• They generally pay on-time
• No problems in dealing with their staff who are happy with your products and services
Class C
• Contribute to annual revenue
• Reasonable margins for your business
• Pay within acceptable limits
• Staff are okay to deal with but won’t necessarily advocate for your business
· For more information and for bookings, visit www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club
Are you new newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom as a senior or expand your social life?
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities and friendship.
The club hosts weekly social activities with dance to low-key in-line dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, chat time, then enjoy scrumptious afternoon teas!
Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dining trips, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.
Come along on Thursdays from 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join the club for a coffee and a chat with a friendly bunch on a Wednesday at 10am at Little Sparrow Cafe at Fountain Gate.
· For more information, contact enquiry officer
Gloria on 0468 363 616.
Cranbourne U3A
Visit the new club rooms at 20-22 Bowen Street between 10am to 3pm each weekday.
Class D
• Small contributors to annual revenue
• Margins are low and potentially negative at times
• Typically pay late
• Are often a pain to deal with (will tend to complain more than most), may also be detractors
Obviously you want to maximise the number of Class A customers and so consider rewarding them in small ways for their loyalty. Class B and C customers should be encouraged to become Class A. While it may be tempting to ‘sack Class D, my recommendation is to raise the prices for these customers. Not only will this give you an insight into your pricing but if they stay, you do at least get paid for it!
Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au
Scrabble Club
Cranbourne and District Garden Club
The club is turning 51 this year and still meets at the Cranbourne Public Hall from 1.15pm on the second Thursday of the month.
The club enjoys day trips and lunches, afternoon teas and friendship.
· For more information, contact Julie on 5995 1420 or Jean on 9704 6242.
· For more information, visit www.u3acranbourne.org.au
Cranbourne Senior Citizens
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Weekly line dancing on Mondays from 10am to noon, New Vogue and Old Time Dancing from 1pm to 3.30pm on Tuesdays, Carpet Bowls on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11.30am to 2.30pm and bingo from 11am to 2pm on Thursdays.
· For all enquiries or bookings, contact Marilyn on 0432 107 590.
Balla Balla Community Centre
Health & Wellbeing classes held at Balla Balla Community Centre include pilates on Tuesday afternoons or Wednesday evenings, Zumba - Tuesday evenings and Yoga Thursday late afternoons or evenings. Enhance your fitness levels before Spring arrives.
· For more information, visit ballaballa.com.au
Combined Probus Club of Narre Warren
The club welcomes men and women to join for fun and interesting activities.
The club hosts bowling, armchair travel, book clubs, walk and talk, happy snappers and cards.
· For enquries, contact Heather at hsims14@ gmail.com
Berwick Activities Club has started a Scrabble Club recently and it runs every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.
It will be both competitive and social on a one-toone 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.
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 Casey Combined
Meetings finish at noon when many of our members assemble for lunch at one of the local cafes.
The club meets at the Old Cheese Factory at 9.45am on the second Tuesday of each month.
BADFolk Club
Berwick and District Folk Club meets on the third Friday of each month.
Doors open at 6.30pm, with the music running from 7pm to 10pm with entry $15.
· For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264.
The Cranbourne and District Garden Club is welcoming new members to join. (File)
THE LOWDOWN
Q&A
Tell us about yourself and how you start writing. I’m not great at playing with words, and my vocabulary isn’t extensive. To find inner peace, I use techniques from my book, “The Art of Conscious Balance.” One technique is observing my mind, which often drifts into thoughts about the past or future, causing a lot of mental noise. When I notice this chatter, it helps me create a calm space in my mind. In that peaceful state, words and sentences come to me naturally, expressing exactly what I want to say. Sometimes, when I finish writing a chapter, I’m surprised by what I’ve written—I wonder if I truly wrote it! Practicing the art of conscious balance has greatly improved my writing.
What has been your most memorable moment during your writing career?
Strolling through Lysterfield Lake/park, soaking in nature’s beauty, and discussing my writing plans with my children, Sanjana and Sanjit. What do you love the most about writing?
What I love most about writing is the ability to tap into a state of complete presence. When I’m fully in the moment, the right words and sentences effortlessly flow from my mind onto the paper, almost magically. It’s a deeply satisfying and creative process for me.
What’s your favourite book(s)?
Freedom from the Known – J. Krishna murti
The Power of Now – E. Tolle.
Who’s your favourite author(s)? / Inspiration. J. Krishna murti and E. Tolle.
What books are currently reading?
I am currently writing/ working on my new book. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
As a nature lover, I’d be a honeybee. Not only would I get to flit from flower to flower all day, taste fresh honey, but I’d also play a vital role in pollinating plants and helping the environment thrive!
What were you like as a kid?
I’d like to think I was street-smart, but everyone
with Clyde North meditation-book author Santosh Nambiar
else thought I was clueless.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I’d love to witness the first caveman attempting to cook food with fire. Can you imagine the trial and error involved in that process? Similarly, I stumbled upon ‘The Art of Conscious Balance’ through my own trial and error. It’s still a work in progress.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
Rabindranath Tagore: For some poetic conversations and soulful songs.
Swami Vivekananda: For spiritual insights and motivational talks.
Virat Kohli: To add some sporty charm and maybe discuss cricket over dinner!
Robin Williams: For non-stop laughs.
Gordon Ramsay, not only for his cooking skills but also for some spicy dinner table commentary.
Dr. Jennifer Doudna: Co-inventor of CRISPRCas9 gene editing, to discuss ground-breaking advancements in biotechnology. That would be one electrifying, entertaining, and slightly chaotic dinner party! And, of course, it would be even
better with the support and company of my dear wife Sandhya.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
• Mischievous
• Playful
• Dependable
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
On my perfect day off, I’d kickstart the morning with a delightful bowl of bircher muesli with nuts accompanied by fresh, juicy fruit. After breakfast, I’d venture out to explore a scenic park or hiking trail, soaking in the natural beauty. For lunch, I’d gather with friends for a relaxing picnic at either Lysterfield Park or the Wilson Botanical Garden. In the afternoon, I’d settle into a cozy cafe to immerse myself in writing, savoring the creative flow. As evening approaches, I’d unwind with a feel-good movie or indulge in the latest prank show like “Just for Laughs Gags,” accompanied by delicious Indian snacks. Finally, I’d conclude my day by stargazing or simply enjoying the serene moonlit view from the balcony. Where is your happy place?
My happy place is anywhere I can surround myself with the beauty of serene nature—where beautiful lakes shimmer, birds chirp melodiously, and butterflies dance in the air. I can also be at home Whether nestled in a cozy corner at home, lost in a peaceful library, or enjoying a quaint cafe with an extra hot latte, these serene settings bring me solace and joy, immersed in nature’s tranquil embrace.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
If I were to compete on MasterChef, I’d highlight my passion for Indian cuisine by preparing a dish like Biryani with (raw) jackfruit. This aromatic rice dish is traditionally layered with marinated meat such as chicken or lamb, but I’d substitute jackfruit. It features a blend of aromatic spices and caramelized onions, typically served alongside raita (yogurt dip) and a side of curry.
THREE … ways to commemorate
With the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People coming up on 9 August, here are three ways to commemorate the day.
1
Further educating yourself and others by reading books, articles or watching documentaries about Indigenous history, culture and ongoing crises is one way to not only explore the topic but also spread awareness by recommending pieces of media to others.
2
Supporting Indigenous causes and businesses is another way to commemorate the day, where one could donate to Indigenous organisations and/or charities that support their rights, education healthcare and more.
3
Advocating for Indigenous rights is another effective way to observe the day, by signing petitions, writing to local MPs and attending sessions - either online or in person - that speak on and spread awareness of the issues surrounding Australia’s Indigenous people.
(Stewart Chambers, 418752)
TIP-STARS
SPORT
Bell chimes in for Demons
It’s exciting times for netball fans in the City of Casey with Casey Demons Netball thrilled to announce its coaching team for the 2025 Victorian Netball League (VNL) season.
The refreshed and revitalised group is headlined by some familiar and esteemed faces in the netball community.
Erin Bell, an ex-Australian Diamond and foundation Casey Demons athlete, will be stepping up to lead the Championship side.
Bell has been busy in recent seasons leading Narre Warren to a sustained period of success in Outer East Football Netball.
Bell’s extensive experience and leadership skills make her an exciting addition to the coaching team.
Her transition from player to coach is anticipated to bring fresh insights and strategies to the Demons.
Bell will be joined by Meagan Dell, an elite coach who returns to the Championship side for 2025.
Dell’s expertise and dedication have been pivotal in the team’s development, and her continued involvement promises to strengthen the squad further.
Steve Murray will be returning in 2025, bringing his wealth of experience to support both VNL teams as the Head Coach.
Murray’s dual role will see him contribute to the Championship side and the 23-Under team, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive coaching approach across the board.
Leading the 23-Under side is Michelle Mashado, who has been steadily building her coaching
resume through her work along the Casey Netball pathway.
Mashado’s commitment to developing young talent will be instrumental in nurturing the next generation of athletes.
Casey Demons Netball has a long and proud history of developing players throughout the City of Casey and providing them with a fantastic platform to continue their netball journey.
After an interrupted 2024 season, the Casey Demons are looking to reset and regather momentum and aim for a more successful year in 2025.
The team is eager to build on their foundations and achieve new heights in the upcoming season.
The announcement of the coaching team marks an exciting new chapter for the Casey Demons, filled with promise and potential for the 2025 season.
With such a talented and experienced coaching team at the helm, the future looks bright for the club and its athletes.
Athletes are invited to trial for the 2025 VNL and Pathway teams.
Trials will take place at the Olive Road Sporting Complex over two weeks in late August. Interested athletes can register through the following link: Casey Demons Trials Registration. For more information, please contact the Casey Demons at caseydemons@caseynetball. com.au.
DDCA mourns the loss of a true cricket gentleman
By Marcus Uhe
The Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) community is in mourning following the passing of Hall of Fame member and Life Member, Alan Wookey.
A beloved figure in DDCA circles, Wookey passed away on Saturday 27 July, aged 96.
Wookey was a premiership player at Dandenong West Cricket Club before embarking on a long and distinguished career as an umpire, commencing after his playing stint at the Bulls and lasting more 400 games, including 25 1st Grade grand finals.
He earned Life Membership to the Dandenong District Cricket Association Umpires Association during the 1970/71 season, and DDCA Life Membership in 1980.
At different stages, he held the position of treasurer, umpires advisor and delegate to the DDCA.
His legacy is enshrined the crowning of the Alan Wookey Medal, awarded to the Turf 1 player each year who receives the most umpires votes for the season.
Wookey took great pride in presenting the medal to the winner each season at the annual presentation day and 2023/24 winner, Springvale South’s Jordan Wyatt, was honoured to have the man himself present it to him upon his triumph last season.
“It’s a prestigious award, so to win it and have it presented by him, it’s really special,” Wyatt said at the time.
“It’s awesome, it was so cool to see him get up and say a few words and to hand the medal over, it’s really cool.”
Since his passing, tributes have flooded on social media, with those that knew him sharing heart-warming stories of his influence.
Dandenong West cricket Club president Peter Lindsay described Wookey as a “lovely man”.
“I remember him umpiring an Under 16 interleague game at Buckley Ridges,” Lindsay said.
“I was bowling, hit a bloke on the pads and we didn’t think too much of it.
“As I was walking back past Alan he said to me ‘if you had have appealed, I reckon I would have given that out’.
“He was the most respected umpire that’s ever been in my time in the DDCA and a lovely lovely man.
“Every year he would come down to Dandenong West and watch a game, or say g’day, or be involved.”
DDCA committee member and former Springvale South champion Craig Slocombe said he was “enormous” for the association.
“He was a gentleman, that’s the main thing,” he said.
“Sport’s changing now and everyone’s got a ‘win at all costs’ attitude, but when Alan umpired he did it for the love of the game.
“He’s a true gentleman that had a true love of the game and had time for everybody.”
Eagles locked in for finals
By David Nagel
Beaconsfield can ‘officially’ prepare for a secondconsecutive Eastern Division One finals series after the Eagles outclassed Doncaster by 94 points at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday.
The Eagles, currently fifth, are now three games clear of sixth-placed Mooroolbark with two rounds remaining in the season.
There is still a very small chance that Mick Fogarty’s team could squeeze into third place on the ladder; but things would very much need to fall in their favour.
The Eagles, for their part, need to defeat Mitcham (2nd) and Bayswater (8th) to keep that dream alive.
Fogarty made two key inclusions to Saturday’s side, with midfielder Damien Johnston returning after missing a month of footy after a sickening concussion in round 11, while defender Trent Stokoe was back on the scene for his first game since round seven.
Stokoe’s inclusion was vital, allowing Fogarty to switch skipper Jake Bowd to a more permanent forward role.
The move paid dividends immediately, with Bowd putting the first on the board after 45 seconds of play after a great hit-up from Kade De La Rue.
Further goals to Jafar Ocaa and Bowd were answered by Yu Yu Ashwin and Max Dooley for Doncaster, before Charlie Muley converted a sixpointer to begin a run of nine straight goals for Beaconsfield.
The 13-point lead at quarter time quickly blew out to 44 points at the main break, before a 4.4 to 0.1 third term saw the teams head for home with the Eagles 71 points ahead.
Wayland Wales kicked the first of the last quarter for Doncaster, before the Eagles slammed home four unanswered goals to record an impressive 16.19(115) to 3.3(21) victory.
Ocaa kicked five, and Bowd three, to lead a productive forward line that included Hayden Brough, Hayden Brown and Muley slotting two goals each.
The Eagles played some terrific football and had many winners on the day.
Casey Wassylko, as usual, gave everything he had in the ruck, while Ethan Harris and Brown gave the home side some great run and carry on the wings.
De La Rue and Mitch Szybkowski were superb for the Eagles through the midfield, while Johnston got through unscathed and will be better
for the run.
The Eagles still have some key injuries, but appear stronger than they have been at certain times throughout the season.
Reflecting that is that Mackay Bateson, Corey Brown, Michael Cameron, Ben Fogarty, Nick McPherson, Taelor Reyment, Mitch Summers and Patrick Ward - who have all played senior football this season - played in the reserves on Saturday.
Beaconsfield will be looking for redemption this week after losing to Mitcham by 70 points back in round eight.
It was the Eagles biggest loss and clearly worst performance of the season.
BEACONSFIELD
Beaconsfield Goals: Jafar Ocaa 5, Jake Bowd 3, Hayden Brough 2, Hayden Brown 2, Charlie Muley 2, Kade De La Rue, Damien Johnston. Best: Casey Wassylko, Ethan Harris, Kade De La Rue, Jafar Ocaa, Hayden Brown, Mitch Szybkowski. Doncaster Goals: Yu Yu Ashwin, Max Dooley, Wayland Wales. Best: Wayland Wales, Josh Moylan, Nicholas Komen, Ben Munks, Max Dooley, Sam Goodwin.
Other Games: Bayswater 7.11(53) def Park Orchards 16.11(107), Montrose 13.13(91) def Mooroolbark 12.11(83), North Ringwood 9.8(62) def by Mitcham 15.7(97), South Belgrave 18.11(119) def Wantirna South 8.9(57). Ladder: Park Orchards 60, Mitcham 48, South Belgrave 48, Montrose 40,
Beaconsfield 40/ Mooroolbark 28, North Ringwood 20, Bayswater 20, Doncaster 12, Wantirna South 4. Fixture R17: Bayswater (8) v South Belgrave (3), Doncaster (9) v Park Orchards (1), Mitcham (2) v Beaconsfield (5), Mooroolbark (6) v Wantirna South (10), North Ringwood (7) v Montrose (4).
The return of midfielder Damien Johnston gave Beaconsfield a lift against Doncaster on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 402311)
Alan Wookey (left) presenting the Alan Wookey Medal to Cranbourne all-rounder Matt Chasemore in 2016. (File: 151397)
- Rebekah Bogos Erin Bell is returning to Casey Demons to coach the VNL Championship side in 2025. (Supplied)
Magpies shake things up
By Marcus Uhe
A statement victory from Narre Warren over Wandin in Outer East Football Netball A-Grade netball on Saturday has shaken the top four with just three rounds remaining in the home-and-away season.
The 59-47 win on the road increases the Magpies’ gap from eight points to 10 at the top the table and critically sees Wandin, arguably the strongest challenger to their throne at the top of the pile, tumbling to fourth place in a potentially premiership-altering situation.
A critical element of the contest was the matchup in the Wandin goal circle between the competition’s leading scorer, Emmalia Blake, and Narre Warren star goalkeeper, Gabrielle Dwyer.
It was Dwyer’s performance in last season’s grand final between these two combatants that helped to swing the result in the Magpies’ favour, earning her ‘Best on Court’ honours in the process for her ability to limit the influence of Blake on the biggest stage.
Dwyer and Mt Evelyn captain Kaitlyn Black are two of the only goalkeepers in the league with the height to contend with Blake, making them two of the most suited opponents in the competition to quell her influence.
The two went head-to-head again on Saturday and Blake took control of the matchup early.
While missing her trademark deadly accuracy on a handful of traditionally textbook shots, her ability to grab rebounds off of her misses frustrated Dwyer and led to second-chance points for the Bulldogs early on.
The first quarter saw momentum swing back and forth, with Wandin’s six-goal run answered by seven from Narre Warren, including nine of the final 11 of the term, to take a two-goal lead into the break.
Wandin’s pesky defenders gave the Magpies trouble in feeding the ball into the circle as the visitors did their best to isolate Grace Ioelu under the ring.
At the other end of the court, with so much attention on Blake, Ava Upton was slipping under the Narre Warren defenders’ guard, and nailed some critical shots to keep her defenders honest.
The Magpies made their run in second quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs 17-13 to take a sixgoal lead into the long break.
Wandin tied proceedings at 15 but was outscored 16-10 in the final 12 minutes of the period.
There were no major scoring runs from Narre Warren but beyond the opening stages of the quarter they did not allow the home side to score consecutive goals at any stage in the contest, ensuring it was a case of ‘one step forward, two steps back.’
Things changed in the third quarter, however, on the back of an eyebrow-raising move from the
Wandin coaching staff.
Despite trailing, Blake started the pivotal quarter on the bench, leaving the quicker and more mobile pair of Upton and Jackie Cutting to take the reins in the goal circle.
Dwyer may have solved the Blake headache once again, but now faced a new challenge in the speedier pair.
Wandin levelled proceedings at 34 thanks to a six-goal run and had the chance to once again at 39-40 but a critical intercept from the Magpies defenders and resulting goal mitigated the danger for the time being.
Julia Kaitani was having a major influence in the Magpies’ defensive half and gave considerable drive, helping her side to consolidate their lead.
The final four goals of the quarter went Narre Warren’s way, to lead by five again at the last break.
Blake returned to the court in the fourth quar-
Bat raised against Berwick
By Marcus Uhe
They’ve successfully staved off a triple-figure loss for 14 rounds, but the weight of numbers has eventually become too much to bear for the Berwick Football Club.
Saturday’s twilight clash with East Ringwood in the Eastern Football Netball League was played in a different time slot to usual but resulted in a similar outcome to many of its clashes in 2024, with an exclamation point of a 100-point margin.
It was always going to be an uphill battle for the tiring Wickers against the competition’s benchmark, who finished the match with a crushing burst of five goals in eight minutes to breach the daunting barrier, and cash in what is sure to be valuable percentage points in a 20.12 132 to 5.2 32 result.
After holding sway in the first term, Berwick could only manage a solitary behind the second, as East Ringwood grew its lead from eight points at quarter time to 37 at the half.
63 points was the gap at the final break, before a behind after the final siren added salt to the wound.
Chief destroyers for the Kangaroos were North Melbourne VFL-listed forward Sam Lowson, who kicked nine, and Werribee-listed Corey Preston, who kicked six.
With key defender Braeydn Bowden, Berwick lacked the height and size to man the powerful forward duo, and pressure from the middle of the ground proved overwhelming.
Thomas Exposito’s goal senior debut for the club was a rare bright spot, as one of five multiple goal kickers.
It ends a brutal set of back-to-back contests for the Wickers, who tackled second-placed Balwyn the week before.
Crucially for Berwick, fellow relegation battler Norwood suffered a similar fate, going down by 109 points to Noble Park, keeping them rooted to the bottom of the table for now. They’ll head to Vermont next week to tackle the Hawks, on a ground they secured a shock victory on in round one last season.
ter and the two sides traded majors in the first half of the opening term, before the Bulldogs suffered a horrible case of dejà vu.
Narre Warren scored nine consecutive goals in the final term to put the contest to bed, as they did in the grand final last year to seal their place as the team of 2023.
The 13-goal margin late in the quarter was the biggest of the afternoon, and sent a shot across the bow to the Bulldogs regarding who is the team to beat in 2024.
Consider the Erin Bell trump card the Magpies still have to play, and it’s a frightening prospect for fellow premiership contenders.
Blake finished with 26 goals, her second-lowest haul in 2024 and 17 less than her average, a telling sign of the performance of Narre Warren’s defenders.
With Wandin slipping to fourth, Mt Evelyn moved into second with its 52-47 win over Monbulk, and Pakenham jumped into third, after
downing local rival ROC 58-42.
So critical was this weekend’s slate of fixtures that positions two to five on the ladder all have new owners ahead of a monumental final trio of games.
Mt Evelyn held off a strong second-half showing from Monbulk, flexing its muscle with a 17-7 second quarter, while the Lions similarly made the second period their own, pulling away with 19 goals to seven.
Emerald’s Kaylah Loulanting, meanwhile, notched a new season-best for individual goals scored in a single game with 74, to close Blake’s gap at the top of the leading goal scorer’s table to just 12.
Emerald thrashed Gembrook Cockatoo 94-34, set up by a 27-8 opening quarter.
Upwey Tecoma got the better of Olinda Ferny Creek to keep its slim finals prospects alive, while Woori Yallock was far too strong for Berwick Springs.
Casey banks crucial win
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey’s 2-1 win over Brunswick has effectively locked in finals for 2024 in the Vic League 1 women’s competition.
Sam Wagg scored a double in a powerful performance at Berwick Secondary College.
The Cannons are now two games clear of seventh and eighth on the table with four rounds to go in the season.
Casey has each of the bottom-three placed
sides in the next three rounds before facing top-placed Toorak East Malvern which will be an excellent litmus test ahead of a cutthroat finals series.
Meanwhile, Tristan Chaffey scored a double in the men’s 2-0 victory over Melbourne High School Old Boys which keeps the Cannons in third spot, equal with fourth placed Baydside and just a point behind secondplaced Craigieburn.
Sam Wagg is a regular upfront for the Cannons. (Gary Sissons: 347266)
Caleb Van Oostveen continues to set the example for Berwick. (Rob Carew: 406517)
Narre Warren’s Gabrielle Dwyer was a thorn in Wandin’s side once again on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 362381)
Breakthrough for Berwick
By Marcus Uhe
Berwick’s women’s football team has emerged from the depths of obscurity to launch an assault on the Eastern Football Netball League Division 2 finals series.
In a return to the women’s competition for the first time since 2021, the team largely cobbled together from parts unknown during the preseason weathered the unwanted distraction of a midseason coaching change to finish fourth on the table, setting up an elimination final with Montrose on at Silvan Recreation Reserve on Sunday afternoon, 11 August.
Steering the side is co-coaches Steven Woolfe and Grant Walker, who have their young side playing an aggressive, high-scoring and hightempo brand of football that has caught other teams off guard.
The coaching panel maximised the preseason to build all-important continuity within the squad comprised primarily of 18 and 19-year-olds, and have the players on the precipice of something special in the coming weeks.
“Berwick didn’t have a women’s team so it was basically a bunch of misfits put together to make a team,” Woolfe said of the side’s origins.
“We had three practice matches before the season started, trying to work everything outwhere best people play, what’s the best dynamic for the team.
“The thing that helped to gel is they’re all very young.
“That’s what we come up against; teams that have got 25/26/27/28 year old, bigger bodied women with that extra experience.
“We try to turn it into, kick it out in the open and use our run and carry, try to move the ball quickly.”
Key forward Alari Malkoun has topped the division for goals scored, with 45, forming a lethal duo with Kasey Exposito.
Supplying them with their opportunities is
Zara Clavarino, Hayley Woolfe and Sophie Simpson in the middle or the ground, while Brooke Watson is the defensive general across the halfback line.
A successful run of seven wins from eight games during the middle of the year saw the women reap the fruits of their labour and put the competition on notice, before managing the injury bug in the back half of the season to secure an elimination final berth.
Berwick downed Montrose by 12 points during that run in round seven, a fourth-consecutive
Feverish Footscray feast on lacklustre Casey Demons
By Marcus Uhe
A final quarter avalanche of goals against the Casey Demons ensured the novelty of a rare Friday night VFL contest against Footscray was nowhere to be seen after the final siren.
A precursor to the two sides facing off at senior level on Friday night, the Bulldogs bookended the game with strong first and final quarters to runaway 56-point winners at the Whitten Oval, 19.10 124 to 10.8 68.
11 shots to just two in the opening term in the Bulldogs’ favour was a taste of things to come for the Demons, immediately under siege from a side pushing to lock away a top-two finish come season’s end.
Save for a Ben Brown contested mark and goal deep in attack, it was one-way traffic for the Bulldogs, who piled on five of the opening six goals to lead by 29 points at the first break.
Casey offered considerably more resistance in the second term, but failed to make any gains on the rampant Bulldogs priming for September.
Goals to Kynan Brown, Matthew Jefferson and Shane McAdam in a five-minute span late in the quarter was a bright patch, and could have shone even more if not for a McAdam miss late in the term that would have cut the margin to 15.
The new Demon has been a constant threat in the forward half for the Demons when selected in 2024 since crossing from Adelaide, but missed shots in recent fixtures - most notably a fortnight ago against Frankston - at crucial times has proved detrimental for his side’s chances to take the challenge to the opposition.
The miss would be one of the last opportunities on goal for the next half hour, as the Bulldogs flexed their muscle with the first four goals of the quarter to stretch the margin to 45 points after 20 minutes of play.
AFL-listed talents Arthur Jones, Harvey Gallagher and Riley Sanders all contributed to the pileon, but like in the previous quarter, the Demons drew on resilience reserves to claw their way back from the depths.
Majors to McAdam, Jefferson and Luker Kent-
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field in another five-minute flurry of activity in time-on left the door ajar for a miracle of sorts in the final term, but the task would prove too much for the Demons to overcome.
Allaying any doubts for the Footscray fans, the home side slammed on seven of the final nine goals of the evening, including the last four, to put the finishing touches on a 12th win for 2024, and move into second ahead of the remainder of the round.
Fresh from a bye the week prior compared to Casey fronting up after a six-day break from last weekend’s heartbreaking loss to GWS in wet conditions in Cranbourne, the Demons took a hammering around the ball, losing the possession count by 145 and clearances by 16.
Despite fielding more AFL-listed talent than their opponents, the Demons had no answers for multiple All-Australian Jackson Macrae (43 disposals) and emerging star Ryley Sanders (39 disposals and three goals), while former Demon Oskar Baker was not far beyond on 31 touches and two goals.
Bailey Laurie offered another strong showing as he always does for Casey, notching 29 touches and 10 tackles, and Jefferson’s second four-goal haul takes him to 29 goals for the year.
The Demons will put their feet up this week before heading to the Gold Coast to finish their season on Saturday 17 August against the Suns.
win at the time, before Montrose turned the tables at home in round 12, managing a 45-point win.
With no precedent or previous season’s output to work with, Berwick’s qualification for finals action is already a tremendous feat, no matter what the next three weeks entail.
Woolfe hopes it’s the stepping stone for a long future together and eventual success at Edwin Flack Reserve.
“Nobody expected to be playing finals at the start of the year,” he said.
“We didn’t know whether we were going to
win two games for the year, whether we were going to win eight games for the year or whether we were going to win 10 games for the year - we had no idea.
“So there was no expectation - it was all about trying to build.
“The oldest player is 20 years old.
“If we can hold them together, in two/three years time they’ll be a powerhouse.
“If they get into the right headspace, anything could happen.”
Draft combine for locals
Seven locals have received invites to the AFL Draft Combine to be held in Melbourne from Friday 4 October until Sunday 6 October.
Gippsland duo Xavier Lindsay and Alixzander Tauru and Dandenong’s Cooper Hynes, Harvey Langford and Noah Mraz were invited to the National Combine, alongside Jasper Alger, who represents Oakleigh as he boards at Caulfield Grammar, but is a Warragul local.
Ricky Mentha and Asher Eastham were both invited to the State Combine.
Lindsay, Langford and Hynes have all had exceptional seasons in the Talent Pathway system, while Tauru’s stocks are rising quickly given his intercepting and courage.
Alger is a small forward with an excellent leap who had a productive national championships for Vic Country, while Mraz missed the AFL Academy games and under-18s carni-
val through injury but is viewed as one of the best key-position players.
Mentha is a member of the AFL Academy and has appealing x-factor, while Eastham is an excellent marking forward who wasn’t part of the Vic Country lineup but has been consistent for the Power.
Club interviews will be held at the MCG across Friday and Saturday before players take part in physical testing at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) on Sunday.
Testing will again include the vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20-metre sprint, agility test and 2km time trial.
Selection to attend the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft Combine was based on nominations provided by AFL clubs, with a total of 65 players selected.
Asher Eastham’s selection is off the back of strong form for Gippsland. (Stewart Chambers: 339169)
Matthew Jefferson’s four goals were a highlight for Casey Demons fans in Friday’s loss to Footscray. (Rob Carew:
Berwick’s women’s side begins its finals campaign this week against Montrose. (Supplied)
