Businesses in Hallam’s Rimfire Drive are still in murky waters, following further delays on changes to Centre Road’s conditions.
It comes amid the City of Casey’s most recent meeting on Tuesday 20 August.
Trucking companies, automotive services, catering businesses, and retail providers, as well as establishments in the industrial zone of Rimfire Drive, have been battling the flooding waters of the Hallam Valley Floodplains for over a decade.
However, any immediate changes are unlikely, with the council’s agenda citing roughly three to four years for initial construction to begin from Melbourne Water.
This is due to the endangered species of Galaxiella pusilla (dwarf galaxias) in the floodplain, meaning any proposed works require environmental approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which in turn can take up to 12 to 24 months.
Gary Beardsley, founder of Redi Milk and who has long since been outspoken for action on Centre Road said that while the delays were not “surprising”, they are definitely “disappointing”.
Cultural appreciation in Casey performances Floods still hurt
“This year was the worst, mainly because of the overbearing emphasis on safety; and what made it worse was that the police and SES became involved, and they closed the road - they didn’t let anyone in.
“Their reasoning behind it was safety, and we find that very frustrating because we’ve been living with this for 30 years and the promise of fixing it still hasn’t occurred,” Beardsley said.
Rimfire Drive was flooded twice in 2024, with both entrances from Centre Road cordoned off with almost knee-high depths, effectively shutting businesses down for roughly two weeks.
Staff at Desflora are in the same boat, and while their business wasn’t underwater, the corner of the eastern Centre Road entrance would be submerged.
“So that whole corner there goes completely under, every time people try to drive through it there would always be cars floating in it,” Cindy, owner of Desflora, said.
Acknowledging the feasibility of the Centre Road bridge being opened for access is highly unlikely, “all we want is access”.
“We pay the rates, we pay and we have to shut down, nobody comes and tells us that the area’s closed.
“We have to bring our gumboots and walk through the water - and we do a lot of weddings, there’s brides crying because they can’t get in and get their flowers so we have to walk them through the water to get their things - it’s just ridiculous,” Cindy said.
In the first week of opening after the Christmas break, Cindy, alongside other staff Carly and Esther had their vehicles stuck in Rimfire Drive for three days due to the floodwaters, only lucky enough to have partners with four-wheel-drive vehicles that could trudge through the blockage.
“I’ve got a backpack in the back of my car with gumboots and a raincoat, but if we didn’t have that… nobody comes and checks if we’re OK, if there’s anyone in here that needs helping out,” Carla said.
Continued page 11
VCAT nod for Clyde childcare centre
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A proposed child care centre in a recently-built residential estate in Clyde has been approved by the state’s planning tribunal, despite being opposed by Casey Council.
The single-storey facility for up to 136 children at 400 Clyde-Five Ways Road was granted a permit by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on 26 August.
Casey had failed to make a decision on the permit within the prescribed time.
But it would have refused the permit, arguing there was no demonstrated need for a child care centre and that it was sited more than 400 metres from the Clyde town centre.
Casey also submitted the centre did not fit with the estate’s neighbourhood character, would cause unacceptable impacts on nearby residents and would be accessed by cars via a local street –Henderson Street.
It also highlighted the loss of five or six proposed housing lots as a result.
VCAT members Allison Slattery and Ann Keddie noted the council’s Clyde Creek precinct structure plan guidelines that private childcare should be within or near any town centre or community hub.
The site was well outside “walkable” distance – beyond 400 metres from the proposed Clyde major town centre and more than 800 metres from the proposed railway station.
However, the guidelines were discretionary, not mandatory, they ruled.
“Across Melbourne, childcare centres are often located well within residentially zoned areas.
“If appropriately designed, they both serve a need whilst providing built form that is compatible both with dwellings and the broader residential land which can include other non-residential forms.”
The VCAT members ruled that the many young families living nearby might use the child care facility.
Child care centres in the area did not meet current or future demand, they found.
The area was already “busy”, near schools, other community facilities and employment opportunities.
The members also found that the child care centre may provide benefits such as employment.
VCAT ordered that the front car park would be set back further from Henderson Street, and for an extra canopy trees in the car park and the reserve to the west of the site.
“The proposed landscaping provides a superi-
or outcome to that which exists and is in line with policy expectations for the area.”
They stated that ideally, vehicle access should be from Clyde-Fiveways Road, but was not possible in this case.
The 29 proposed on-site car spaces met the Casey Planning Scheme and was acceptable.
Two women charged following stabbing
Police have charged two women following an alleged aggravated carjacking and stabbing in Cranbourne on the night of Sunday 25 August.
A 33-year-old Mornington woman and a 28-year-old Carrum Downs woman have both been charged with aggravated carjacking, attempted aggravated carjacking, and intentionally causing serious injury
Space worry
By Violet Li
The nearly-completed Cranbourne Community Hospital is said to have a substantial shortfall in carparking, Casey Council has revealed.
Casey Council endorsed a recommendation at August’s council meeting to write to Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards to outline its “significant” concerns regarding the provision of car parking for staff, users, and visitors of the new hospital.
The hospital, next to Casey RACE, is delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Monash Health.
The relevant council report pointed out that the preliminary parking analysis, which required a minimum of 300 carparking on-site, underestimated parking demand. The undersupply issues might also be heightened if the future operator Monash Health implemented paid parking, the report stated.
Casey administrator Cameron Boardman said at the meeting that the insufficient supply of car parking would have a substantial impact on the broader Casey Complex precinct.
“We acknowledge that there is a number of allocated carparking spaces to be constructed as a consequence of the hospital, but we also note that, adjacent to the area, there are numerous currently free carparking spaces for users of the recreational facilities, and that is definitely something that council wants to maintain and preserve,” he said. “We also want to ensure that the correspondent articulates options to be considered for additional carparking to adequately meet the anticipated demands of the hospital.”
Mr Boardman said the council might need to consider measures to ensure that its own parking spaces were protected for staff and users of sporting and community facilities.
“This is something that we’re seeking direct ministerial intervention in,” he said.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said construction was continuing on the multi-million-dollar Cranbourne Community Hospital.“Approximately 300 carparking spaces will be provided as part of the project, supporting the Cranbourne Community Hospital when it opens,” they said.
“We’re continuing to work with the City of Casey council to ensure carparking for the Cranbourne Community Hospital complements the carparking already available at the Casey Complex and servicing the sporting and community facilities already on the site.”
The woman was not physically injured.
The two women allegedly approached a man on Lurline Street a short time later and stabbed him multiple times before stealing his car.
The 35-year-old Clyde North man was taken to hospital with critical injuries, where he remains in a stable condition.
It is alleged the pair attempted to carjack a woman on Sladen Street at about 8.40pm but were unsuccessful.
Police located the vehicle at the intersection of Ballarto Road and Healesville-Kooweerup Road in Pakenham at about 10pm.
The 33-year-old woman was arrested at a convenience store and the 28-year-old woman was arrested at a property nearby.
They were both remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday 26 August.
City of Casey chief executive officer Glenn Patterson said the process to develop a car parking strategy had commenced, and the council was eager to continue discussions with Monash Health to resolve these and other car parking matters, including advocating to Monash Health to not deploy paid parking for their site.
(Markus Spiske on Unsplash)
NEWS Businesses hit by thieves
By Corey Everitt
Berwick MP Brad Battin is rallying support for Beaconsfield small businesses after a sledgehammer-wielding thief devastated two shops early Monday morning.
The incident has left owners, Georgia and Mikala, of cafe Middle Ground feeling ‘targeted’ when an individual clad in black smashed through their door in the early hours of Monday 26 August.
Security footage showed the thief using a sledgehammer to break the glass door and then entered the business and broke into their safe.
Fortunately, the contents of the safe at the time were largely empty and the cost of the incident was mostly the replacement of the door at $750.
However, the individual would then move next door to restaurant Streets of Punjab where they reportedly broke into the business’s tills and safe.
Georgia and Mikala only started their 11 months ago; two young business owners both under the age of 30.
Georgia described how she can’t help but see her work differently now.
“It’s not a nice feeling that someone like that can show up especially when I get in at 5.45 in the morning all by myself,” she said.
In response, local MP Brad Battin has called for locals to come out and show their support this Friday 30 August.
“Crime rates continue to increase across Cardinia, we must never forget each of these stats has a victim,“ he said.
“The victim here is a small business, a place that is employing locally, supporting the community and taking on the risk to run their own business. We as a community shouldn’t stand for this.“
Locals can inject some generous cash for
both of the businesses’ recovery as well as show the owners that the community stands behind them. Battin will be at Middle Ground from 8am to 10am where locals can have a chat with a cof-
Victorian Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio. (AAP Image/Diego Fedele)
Electrifying pilot launches
The State Electricity Commission is helping Victorians save money on their energy bills and switch their homes to electricity, the State Government says, with a pilot rolling out in the City of Casey. SEC Minister Lily D’Ambrosio launched the consumer pilot in three local government areas across the state with the next step to be delivering a one-stop-shop for consumers wanting to switch to all-electric.
“We’re putting power back in the hands of Victorians, giving them the tools they need to go slash their energy bills and be part of our nation-leading energy transition,” Ms D’Ambrosio said. The other two LGAs were the City of Merri-bek, whose pilot also began on Monday, and the City of Ballarat set for next month.
Thepilotincludesafreedigitalplatformthat walks users through a short survey about their home and energy usage and then tailors a plan to cut their energy bills through electrification. It includes suggestions for suitable appliances, indicative costs, return on investment, government rebates and emissions reductions.
SEC chief executive officer, Chris Miller said that the SEC’s “electric home platform provides a valuable tool to help Victorians save money on their energy bills at a time when they need it the most”. The SEC is also informing consumers about improvements available to households on all budgets, which includes small, cost-ef-
fective steps that can be taken immediately, to larger investments that can be made when their current appliances reach end of life.
As for the pilot, it is running online public information sessions that offer expert advice and virtual home tours to support Victorians at all stages to go electric, helping energy users understand the benefits of home energy improvements.
Narre Warren North MP, Belinda Wilson is a keen supporter of the initiative, backing the pilot as a right step forward for the City of Casey.
“Electric is the way to go - it’s the future,” Ms Wilson said.
“We are passionate about helping people make the switch from gas to electric and save money.” Previous modelling showed that an average Victorian household with gas and electric appliances can reduce their annual energy bill by around 32 per cent, taking $1400 off their bills by switching to all-electric.
Savings would rise to around 62 per centmore than $2700 a year - by adding solar.
The Federal Government has invested an initial $1 billion to bring back the SEC and accelerate the clean energy transition, supporting the switch for households and building a renewable energy workforce.
For more information, visit secvictoria.com.
fee and breakfast.
In the evening, Battin is calling on locals to get some take-away from Streets of Punjab, a perfect excuse to indulge in Indian cuisine for
dinner. The police investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Narre Warren Police Station on 9705 3111 or through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Haven with Expansive
The
Co-owner of Middle Ground, Mikala (Stewart Chambers: 428093)
Security footage of break-in at Middle Ground (Supplied)
Damage to door of Middle Ground (Supplied)
A life of service honoured
By Ethan Benedicto
A notable and renowned local community figure with the Narre Warren Rotary Club, Ian David Pickering, passed away on August 13 2024, at the age of 80.
Ian left behind a legacy of tireless commitment to service and education and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others, all the while being known as a devout family man.
Joining the Rotary Club in 1985, Ian initially became club secretary, but soon served two terms as president before being asked by the club to put his name forward as District Governor of District 9820.
Born on 7 January 1944, Ian grew up in Moorabbin – now Hampton East – with his parents Rita and Peter Pickering and his older brother Peter.
After completing his education at Frankston Teachers College, it wasn’t long before he embarked on a journey of education that would have him inspire children across the state.
Lyn Pickering, Ian’s wife and lifelong partner, said that “teaching was Ian’s calling, and he loved it”.
“First year out of college and he requested a country placement and was sent to Mildura, as far away from Melbourne as you could get in Victoria,” she said.
His interests followed him, with Lyn recalling that Ian had been involved with two theatre groups both in Melbourne and Mildura, as well as having a keen interest in classical, and eventual all genres of music.
“His teaching career saw him at Mildura Central, Meatian, Betley, Yarragon, Hallam, Clyde North, Cranbourne South, Garfield and Hallam Valley primary schools,” Lyn said.
His dedication to his profession was recognised early in his career when he received an “Outstanding Marl for Teaching from the District Inspector”, during his time at Garfield.
It was in 1967 when Ian married Lyn, after meeting at a local dance hall in what Lyn recalled as a “memorable day at cricket”.
The two were near inseparable, navigating through life’s trials and tribulations, as well as its highs with humour, resilience and an unwavering commitment to their family and community.
Together the family raised four children, David, Geoff, Lyndell and Simon, while balancing their professional life and dedication to the Rotary Club.
“We often reflected on all the incredible people we have met over the years in Australia,” Lyn said.
“We had our own home for 54 years [in Narre Warren], but we did travel extensively around our Rotary District [and] the moving around meant we were always meeting new people and it was difficult to always remain close friends.”
However, it took little effort to rekindle those friendships for both Ian and Lyn, especially through their efforts and endeavours in India through Rotary.
He and Lyn played crucial roles in various humanitarian projects, through their work with Partners in Aid and SEDS, organisations that focused on sustainable agriculture and education, where worked on improving conditions in rural communities in India.
Prior to joining Rotary, Ian’s sight began to de-
teriorate at the age of 36, and was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration Stargardt’s; by 38 he was legally blind, causing him to leave his much loved teaching role.
“With Ian’s eyesight failing quickly, he made he made the decision to leave teaching,” Lyn said.
“He stopped teaching because he could not see the students in the back of the room and was not prepared to put them at risk.
“That happened so quickly and our family had to adapt and move on, but there were more than a few tears as we adjusted.”
It was at this point in his life where Ian joined the Rotary Club, with Lyn recalling his ability to “speak without notes for at least half an hour” on Rotary’s matching grants and or the work of SEDS in India often “awe-inspiring” for her.
“Visiting 50 clubs in one year was not hard because even though I was aware of the theme, he made each of those visits very specific to the individual clubs.
“We, mainly Ian, also spoke at churches, schools U3A, vision groups, and many others on invitation.
“Many people remained unaware of the extent of his eyesight loss, [and] it was not unusual for people to ask for Ian’s notes so they could put it in their newsletters, but of course there were no notes,” Lyn said.
His efforts at Rotary were recognised through the Service Above Self Award, which has only
been awarded to three other people.
In a final piece of serendipity and with the help of granddaughter Kirra, Ian discovered shortly before his passing that he had Indian heritage, a revelation that brought him a great sense of satisfaction.
To Kirra, she recalled that he was ecstatic to have found out, “that the many years of dedication and service he had with his work in India also had another very real connection to the country and people he loved so much”.
As a grandfather, Ian was a stalwart figure, using his many years of education as a tool to “proactively check in with all of us grandchildren”.
“To check in how our school has been going and to talk about any recent tests when we spoke on the phone to him or popped in to visit.
“He has always been one to congratulate us proudly on a great result, or otherwise to encourage us on all our efforts, in case it wasn’t the perfect score.
“For him it wasn’t necessarily about an A plus result requirement, it was really just that we tried our best,” Kirra said.
Likewise, this sentiment also applied to his grandchildren’s hobbies, where he emphasised the importance of “developing themselves” and “enjoying what [they] were doing and giving it a go”.
In December 2018, Ian was diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML),
a condition he managed with his characteristic strength and determination; and while only given a life expectancy of three to five years, far surpassed that.
To Kirra, who herself has since become involved with Rotary sees her grandfather as more than just an inspiration, but also an anchor for her and many others.
In character to Ian’s peculiarity of catering every Rotary session to its club, he too “connected with [the] grandchildren in various different ways”.
“As the oldest grandchild, I feel so privileged to have known him for the last 31 years of my life,” Kirra said.
“I felt closer to him through these [Rotary] experiences, and I was able to show my interest and support back to him and his work the way he did for me as well.
“The legacy he leaves behind is honourable and inspiring, and I’m so proud of the amount of impact he has had, not only on our family but on many people in different parts of the world from his own time, dedication and generosity – together with nana of course.”
For Lyn, Ian, while living with impaired eyesight, “was a visionary who always looked beyond himself”.
“Ian lasted well beyond expectation, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy, a man who gave so much to so many.”
Endeavour Hills man arrested, charged after arson attacks
Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have charged a man following a number of arson attacks on tobacco stores and vehicles as well as the theft of vehicles.
A 20-year-old Endeavour Hills man was arrested on Wednesday 21 August, and charged with five counts of criminal damage by fire (two relating to buildings and three relating to vehicles), three counts of theft of motor vehicle and burglary.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 November.
The charges relate to a number of incidents, including:
■ An arson at a tobacco store on High Street in Melton on 11 August. A previously stolen Audi rammed the store around 3.25am, before both were set alight.
■ An arson at a tobacco store on Belair Avenue in Glenroy on 17 August, and an arson on a van at the same address around 4.45am that morning.
■ A ram raid at a McBride Avenue tobacco store in Wonthaggi around 3am on 19 August, and a subsequent arson on a previously stolen Mazda 3, which was used to ram the business.
The three counts of theft of motor vehicle relate to the allegedly stolen Audi on 11 August, the theft of a Volkswagen Tiguan on 11 August and theft of the Mazda 3 on 19 August.
Nobody was inside any of the premises at the time but the buildings sustained damage.
“The estimated cost of the damage from these arson attacks is well and truly above a million dollars,” said Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Taskforce Lunar.
“Since Taskforce Lunar was established last October, we have arrested almost 80 people involved in serious and violent offending linked to the illicit tobacco trade, and we will continue to do so.
“The reckless nature of these fires poses a significant risk to the life and property of innocent parties and that is completely unacceptable. While we have arrested a number of people already, we will relentlessly keep working our way up until we get all the way to the top of these organised crime groups.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on illegal activity related to illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au
Lyn and Ian Pickering back in 2011. (Stewart Chambers: 59946)
Council wants more trees
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey Council plans to boost the region’s sub-par tree canopy by 30 per cent in six years.
According to its Greening Casey final report, the council area is home to an estimated 660,000 trees, but its 11.3 per cent tree canopy rate is well short of the 19.3 per cent metro Melbourne average.
The council has targeted a 15 per cent coverage rate by 2030 – which would be a 30 per cent increase.
By 2050, the council aims to hit 20 per cent canopy coverage.
The plan includes planting more than 10,000 street trees in the next three years. Currently there are 360,000 street and park trees managed by the council.
Another aim is to protect and boost the stocks of 300,000 privately-owned trees with a mix of regulation, education and incentives.
“Greening Casey 2024-2030-2050 sets out how we will increase tree canopy cover across the city, which areas will be targeted for more planting, and how trees and vegetation in the city will be monitored and managed into the future,” chair of administrators Noelene Duff said.
“Protecting and enhancing tree canopy cover and vegetation also provides many benefits for our community, including protection from urban heat, a reduction in carbon and providing habitat.”
In a community survey, 95 per cent of respondents wanted more trees in Casey, with strong
support for species resilient to climate change.
Less than half wanted tougher regulations to protect privately owned trees.
The priority suburbs for more tree shade include Cranbourne North, Clyde North, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne West, Hampton Park and Botanic Ridge.
The greatest canopy “opportunities” on public land were wide road reserves, retail centres, walking and cycling paths, car parks, parklands and streets surrounding schools.
Activity centres with extensive slabs of asphalt car parks were some of the hottest areas in Casey, the report stated.
In the past four years, Casey gained nearly 350,000 square metres of tree canopy, mostly along roads and streets in new developments.
However large infrastucture projects had
Our spectacular students
By Matthew Sims
Students from across the South East are gearing up for the performance of a lifetime, with on stage and behind the scenes talent putting the final touches on this year’s Victorian State Schools Spectacular.
Featuring a cast and crew of 3000 Victorian government school students, including dancers, vocalists, orchestra musicians and circus artists, the extravaganza will be performed over two shows on Saturday 14 September at John Cain Arena.
Berwick Secondary College student Laila Cameron-Dukes will be one of a number of students performing in the First Nations Ensemble, returning after performing last year.
“I had a great experience last year that I knew I wanted to do it again this year,“ she said.
“It’s amazing to share my culture through dance to help others learn more about who I am and where I come from.
he ensemble s a great opportunity for First Nations students to work with the incredible Na Djinang Circus, a leading First Nations circus company, to tell our stories through dance.“
Laila said she loved expressing her culture through dance.
“I’ve discovered so much about my culture through dance and ceremony, so I absolutely love sharing stories and expressing myself through dance,“ she said.
“I’m really excited about performing with my friends and showcasing my dance in front of a big crowd, especially since it will be on TV.
“Performing makes me feel calm and relaxed as I love dancing and it’s something I’m passionate in and confident about.“
This year’s show, Splash, was inspired by a theme suggested by the cast.
The show will portray a little girl’s dream sequence, sailing across the seas, exploring rivers, and delving into life above and beneath the waves, right down to the microscopic world of a drop of dew.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.vic.gov.au/victorian-state-schoolsspectacular
Berwick Secondary College student Laila Cameron-Dukes is part of the (First Nations Ensemble. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 427071)
wiped out many of those gains.
The strategy looks at better preserving mature trees on private land, including the large losses at new estates.
At the recent Canopy estate in Cranbourne, 61 per cent of canopy cover was lost in three years. Overall canopy was just 6.5 per cent.
“While this was for the purpose of development, it raises the issue of whether more of these established trees should have been strategically retained at the planning phase,“ the report stated.
“It will take over 50 years to replace the amount of canopy lost.”
Non-permitted vegetation removal and vandalism of 7 per cent of new planted trees were also issues.
Currently, the council doesn’t employ an officer to police these matters.
Greater Dandenong Council recently enacted stronger protection for trees on private land in its bid to increase canopy cover from a paltry 9 per cent to 15 per cent by 2028.
A permit would be required to remove trees of 40 centimetres diameter at 1.4 metres above ground level, with certain exemptions.
Casey Council’s strategy also recommends exploring new local law protections of private trees.
It would also require canopy tree planting at the front and rear of subdivisions and developed properties, encourage Significant Tree Register nominations and incentivise residents to plant trees.
However, there was a “driver” for developers to maximise yield at the expense of trees and gardens.
“Land is valuable and becoming more so, and the highest value land use is for residential housing.
“Unfortunately, trees on private lots are often seen as a construction constraint rather than opportunity to site dwellings within the existing landscape.”
In the report, Casey said it was also dealing with the legacy of “poor past decision making” with older trees damaging underground infrastructure.
There were poor tree species selections, such as the Eucalpytus scoparia that’s being replaced in Timbarra Estate, Berwick. “While these trees grow fast and large, within a decade they were causing impacts to infrastructure and property.”
Five spotted-gum trees on Casey’s Significant Tree register were illegally chopped down in Berwick last year.
Medal-rich winter for sporty Andison Mole
By Violet Li
St
Francis de Sales Primary School student Andison
Mole had a sports schedule synchronised with the Paris Olympics this year, and she managed to rank among the best all the way through.
The 12-year-old first walked away second at the national championships for basketball as part of Team Victoria in late July in Queensland, before forging ahead in the following week to secure second place at the national championships for footy with Team Victoria in Geelong, and achieved her best performance in the School Sport Australia Cross Country Championship two weeks later, winning first for her age bracket.
She ran three kilometres in 11 minutes and 21 seconds under a tough condition with muddy and hilly tracks.
The breakthrough in cross-country performance was what Andison had been working towards for the past year after she came second in 2023.
In 2022, the first year she participated in the competition, she came 11th. Andison has always been good at cross country since Prep but initially bonded more with footy and basketball. A shift of affection fell on her after the second national competition in cross country.
Andison said she decided to train herself and focus on getting better.
“My mom used to run, and I started enjoying it,” she said.
At many times, Andison trains four times a week: an interval run, a four-kilometre fartlek, a three-kilometre run, and a 10-kilometre on the weekend.
The school’s sports administrator Giuliana Faiola said the determination and motivation she saw on Andison was incredible for her age.
“I just think it’s amazing that at her age, she can set herself a goal and work towards that goal. She set her goal from the year before last that she would go into the top five and last year, she came second, she decided she wanted to come first this year,” she said. “She works her week out. She plans her week. She follows people to see what training they do,” she said.
“The self-discipline is very amazing.”
For Andison, meeting new people has been another attraction for her to keep on.
She came across new friends in this year’s basketball competition, and now their relationships have extended beyond the game. She said even when she was doing the cross country, she felt like she was part of a team, and she had always appreciated that.
Garden-plastics recycler awarded for advocacy
A Dandenong South-based garden plastics recycler has been recognised at the annual Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria Awards.
Greg Carrick, from Garden City Plastics, was awarded a Commitment to Environmental Stewardship trophy for his advocacy for a closed-loop recycling of plastic pots, plant labels and seedling trays.
He was recognised for being a champion for recycling of polypropylene (PP5) and polystyrene (PS6) products in a partnership between Garden City Plastics, Norwood Industries and Polymer Processes.
The Plastic Smart Program, launched in 2020, resulted in PP5 recycling collection points at about 170 suppliers and retailers across Australia.
More than 1 million kilograms of plastic has been collected and recycled as part of the initiative.
“Greg’s dedication to environmental practices has set a benchmark in the industry, demonstrating how individual actions can lead to significant positive outcomes for the planet,” according to a statement from the NGIV.
“His work has not only benefited the local community but has also inspired others in the industry to adopt more sustainable practices.” The
THUMBS
Thumbs up
To Bunyip Community Market, which was once again amazing. Over 100 stalls and heaps of heaps of people on a glorious day. Highly recommended a visit. Last Sunday of every month.
Thumbs up
To Gippsland Umpires Association and all the umpires who umpired EDFNL and WGJFL finals and grand finals over the weekend.
Garden City Plastics team accepts a state award on behalf of Greg Carrick on Saturday 17 August. (Supplied)
Umpire Jesse Boyd controlling proceedings at the weekend. (Stewart Chambers: 427111)
Thumbs down To the idiots who overtake in the 80km/h zone on McGregor
Andison Mole with one of her medals. (Stewart Chambers: 422341)
What happens if you don’t have a Will?
Not sure about the answer? Come along to Summerset Cranbourne North for an informative seminar on the importance of Wills, Powers of Attorney and Medical Treatment Decision Makers with principal solicitor, Patricia Sheedy, from Wollerman Shacklock Lawyers in Clyde North. Patricia has over 20 years of experience and has excellent knowledge in all areas of property law, commercial law, Wills, and probate. Patricia will cover off topics such as ‘Will mistakes and how to avoid them’, ‘Powers you can give your Attorney’ and ‘What is a Medical Treatment Decision Maker’, and she will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
The presentation starts at 10am and will be followed by morning tea and a tour. Spaces are limited, so please get in touch with Denise on 03 7068 5642 or cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au to reserve your spot by Monday 2 September.
Love the life you choose.
Wills and EPOA Information Seminar
Friday 6 September, 10am
Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au
Capon promises to serve
By Ethan Benedicto
Reliability and tenacity, are the two most important factors of Stephen Capon’s candidacy at this October’s Casey Council elections.
Promising to be that pillar of support as an independent for Grevillea Ward, Capon is well aware of the area’s long-standing history, including the residents’ connection with Narre Warren North’s Harkaway’s and Berwick’s ‘village’ character.
Having been a local for the last 20 years, Capon knows that what the public yearns for is someone to listen to their concerns and to act on it; for him “I’ve got the energy”.
“I’ve got the ‘get up and go meet with people, listen to them and engage with them, hear what’s happening with them’ – I’m ready to get involved in the community.
“The other thing that I’ve really worked hard on is making sure I can be a great listener, really attentive, somebody who isn’t just going, ‘mhm, uh-huh, yeah, mhm’.
“Really hearing people and understanding that when people have issues, they may seem inconsequential, they may seem small, but it’s really a big issue,” he said.
Holding an interest in broad topics from the arts, to sports and media, Capon ensures that he can bring “a lot of different elements into the table”.
“A lot of different perspectives, different views that may not be open to everybody,” he said.
Given Capon’s experience as an electrical engineer, he is confident that whatever problem or concern is thrown his way, he is well-equipped to tackle the situation in an analytical manner, as well as the ability to solve it.
Having run for the State Election in 2022, Capon has since been heavily involved with the Narre Warren North Community Organisation, where he recalled the commonality of members speaking on their attempts to reach out to councillors yet not being accommodated.
“For them, it was just really disheartening and discouraging because you’re trying to be involved with your community group, you’re wanting to get things done,” Capon said.
“And if you don’t have that councillor support or that councillor backing, or even just ‘hey, you’re trying to do something with the council, trying to look at grants, trying to look at some event organisation’ or any of that sort of thing, it’s just so much harder.
“You feel like you’re fighting with your hands behind your back,” he said.
Capon believes that his perspective of seeing the role of councillor as a helper first and a leader second makes him an essential player for the people of Grevillea Ward; this outlook, combined with his faith and steadfast belief in serving others before himself, Capon is eager to sink his teeth in.
“I think it’s important to have people you can trust, can talk to, can communicate with, and I would like to think that I’m that person,” Capon said.
While it is ultimately up to the people to decide, he is adamant that he has “a hunger to serve and help other people”.
“Speaking on reliance, that’s another thing I pride myself on, being somebody who’s reliable, somebody you can go, ‘hey there’s this project,’ and I’m going to get it done.
“I’m somebody who goes for high-level quality and you can rely on it; you’re not going to be like, ‘what’s happening Stephen, are you with it Stephen?’ – no, none of that,” he said.
With the dawn of new councillors soon arriving, Capon said that politics is going to be an inevitable aspect of Casey’s governance, however, it’s not going to be a politics of ideals, but a politics of people; of problem resolution and finding that common ground.
Looking at the broader topic at hand, Capon addressed that politics is about “who gets what with money”, and about “who gets the funds and resources” as well as distribution and time.
“As soon as you have multiple people all going for the same thing at once, politics is always naturally going to arise,” he said.
“Everybody’s going to want some of Casey’s funds, for infrastructure or for community grants, or anything else – but I think the thing is that it should be decided so much more on a local level.
“It’s not a case of different political philosophies, it’s not a case of left versus right, it’s more about local people wanting to get things done.
“There are going to be politics because people in Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Endeavour Hills, they’re going to have different priorities,” Capon said.
To him, it’s about properly allocating resources and managing people’s voices to ensure proper representation above all.
Acknowledging that it is not uncommon for people, from politicians to councillors to make promises and not follow through, Capon emphasised that his ambitions are not for the position, but for his drive to help the people.
Always having a keen interest in leading, Capon said that serving is “not just a passing fancy”, it’s something that he is passionate about.
“Did it two years ago, still keen on it, still doing it now; you can ask the Narre Warren Community Association, I’ve been there regularly.
“They’d know me, they’d recognise me, they know that I’m going to be running for this and they can say ‘yep, [he’s] had that commitment all the way through’,” he said.
Returning back to the topic of character for the northern fringes of Casey, Capon promises the simplicity of proper and concise reactiveness, and that there will be no “monuments” under his name as councillor, but the assurance of “getting things done”.
“I’m not coming into this with a particular goal, a particular agenda of wanting this or changing that.
“All I’m here to do is listen to what the people have to say and try to get it done; I’m here for the people and to try and help them as much as I can,” Capon said.
Knowing that it is all at the hands of the people, Capon is confident in his abilities, and for those who choose to entrust their ambitions with him, he promises to “be that voice”.
“I’m here for you, I’m here to serve you,” Capon said.
Kim Ross announces her candidacy for Casuarina Ward
By Ethan Benedicto
With a strong focus on cultivating the youth, Kim Ross has announced her candidacy for the upcoming Casey Council elections this October.
Running as an independent for Casuarina Ward, Ross sees the need to address the need for further support of not just her ward, but Casey’s youth, acknowledging that tackling their issues means tackling the municipality’s issues.
With over 17 years of experience as a psychologist working on children, families and adolescents, Ross said she is well-equipped to address the unique challenges that face young people, but also to navigate effective communication with residents when it comes to their concerns.
“When I woke up one night, I was contemplating running [for council], and I said, it’s got to be youth first, you know?” Ross said.
Using Max Pawsey Reserve as an example, Ross added that previously, it was a strong way for everyone to connect to the community, but the lack of development since council cited it in 2016 has “highlighted the lack of transparency in council”.
“How hard it is to get information about a public resource, as well as how plans change without any explanation,” she said.
With a youth-centric lens, Ross is looking to tackle topics such as climate action, accessibility such as footpaths, bike paths and reserves like Max Pawsey, but also local employment.
“Getting local work experience is really hard, its difficult, but it’s also school engagement; we have a lot of schools [in Casey] and we have a lot of school refusals, school disengagement.
“What happens to those kids? That 16-25 age bracket where it’s so easy to fall through the gaps with education and employment?
“It’s about creating a space where young people don’t have to leave the area to belong, where they don’t have to go out there and do fun
things; why aren’t they here?” Ross said.
From councils to everyday adults, Ross is adamant that there is a critical role to be played, one that has adults “stand up, take committed action and be the leaders the youth need”.
“We can’t rely on the youth to fix the problems, we have to show them, we have to give hope back.
“We know the youth are lonelier, they’re more anxious, they’re less happy.
“As parents, as a mum, as a psychologist, a mental health leader, and as someone that’s been here for 25 years, we need to stand up.”
Citing a widespread belief of councils needing to “stay in their lane”, Ross agrees that there is a must for tending to the roads, the grasses and transparency with decision-making and policies, but “we’re also more than that”.
A need for proactive and compassionate leadership is a must for the new council, where
the well-being of all residents, including “queer young adults, the disabled, the anxious and disengaged - everyone”, is a must.
Ross, who has been a long member of the Narre Warren Business Group is adamant that a comprehensive approach to governance is what Casey needs, coupled with proper collaboration with all parties involved, from the LGA to state and federal levels.
A vision of inclusion, much-needed transparency between leadership and the people, and responsibility, is what Casey needs, “we provide leadership now with committed action and hope, or we send ourselves down a path of increased fragmentation”.
“So when we strengthen connection and show this, the youth grow up believing that we will do right by them, that the adults have their back.
“It’s a buy-in, to show that there is hope, and hope brings more action, so it’s not a choice, it’s a must,” Ross said.
The focus is not just addressing immediate needs, but also laying the groundwork for a better, more connected community in the years to come.
“I want my kids to feel proud living in Casey, I want them to see us, if not as leaders, then right up there next to whoever is leading - joint leadership with driving for a better future.
“I know my kids need it, I know my clients need it, they have to see adults putting their money where their mouth is and doing the hard stuff,” she said.
How Ross said she can contribute to that is through her years as a psychologist giving her the perfect platform of hearing different people’s perspectives and finding the best path to a levelled solution.
Being able to discern differences from common standpoints, agreeing on those and “highlighting commonalities” is what’s on the table.
“Using things like reflective practice, ac-
knowledging thoughts and feelings, bringing in a nonjudgemental nature to processes and helping foster curiosity about things is key.
“So it’s to stop and listen and really hear what someone is saying, and what might be underneath what they’re saying, whether it’s pride, fear or other things and being able to pull that out - being able to look beyond emotion,” she said.
Realistic of the challenges ahead, there is recognition from Ross that extensive work must be done to restore trust in the council, emphasising the importance of internal reform and ethical leadership.
This rings true especially for Casuarina Ward, considering it’s one of the largest wards in Casey with nearly 23,000 as of July 2023.
Covering Narre Warren, Narre Warren South and Cranbourne North, Ross said that she wants to induce a ripple effect where she makes it known that anyone can come and speak to her and voice their concerns.
Speaking about whether she was to be a councillor or not, she said the future council “has to be careful not to promise too much”.
“If you do that and you get elected, and you’re not going to be able to keep your promises, you’re off to a really bad start, and it’s easy to get caught in that trap.
“It’s going to be a hard fight to get the trust, you have to balance it, you can’t be accessible 24/7 unless you’re the mayor, so you have to be clear about your boundaries.
“If people know what you’re doing, the clearer and more direct councillors are, and the less you obfuscate, the better, and that’s going to be crucial for trust as well,” Ross said.
As the election is fast approaching, Ross’s message is clear, Casey is in need of leadership that is transparent, committed, and focused on the future, a future where the youth are empowered, the council is trusted and the community is strong.
Kim Ross has announced her candidacy for this coming October council elections, representing Casuarina Ward with a youth-centric approach. (Ethan Benedicto: 428366)
Stephen Capon looks to be that voice for the local communities of Grevillea Ward, promising an ear to lend and a hand to help. (Supplied)
Locals band against DFV
By Ethan Benedicto
An entire theatre was filled to the brim on Tuesday 20 August as local residents gathered to raise funds in support of mothers and children suffering domestic violence within the City of Casey.
A total of 167 people poured into Cinema 5 of Village Cinemas at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre to watch the new adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel It Ends With Us; raising a total of $5600 for the Casey North Community Support and Information Service.
Abbey Madden, alongside friend Kiam Couchman organised the fundraiser in light of recent statistics seeing Casey with a 5.3 per cent incident rate per 100,00 residents in 2022-23.
Due to the novel and movie’s context, touching on domestic violence and the journey of the main character, Lily Bloom, on resilience, empowerment and breaking free from toxic patterns, both Abbey and Kiam decided on a whim to host a fundraiser.
“I said that if we’re going to do this and we’re getting a few of us, let’s try to raise some money,” Abbey said.
“That’s how it sort of started and then I did a little Instagram post saying that if we were to do this, would anyone like to come along; we had enough interest to then say, we’ll book a movie and I’m sure we can get at least half of it filled.”
Charging $45 per ticket, the majority of the pricing went into donations, as well as a raffle draw which received over $3000 in donations, not just from audiences but from local businesses in Berwick such as Bodega on High, Berwick Pharmacy, Thirty Eight O Six Brewing, council candidate Mush Rahaman and Berwick MP Brad Battin.
For Abbey and Kiam, the importance lies in advocating and reminding the public of the commonality of domestic violence, especially in a municipality as large as Casey.
“There were so many people at the fundraiser who didn’t know our statistics,” Abbey said. Helen, from the CNCISS, was more than grate-
ful for Abbey and Kiam’s efforts, but also for the public’s contributions to the organisation’s costs; and although Helen said they do not necessarily specialise on family experts, they tend to cater to those kinds of topics.
“We’re a generalist support service, it just so happens that family violence is so rife in Casey, unfortunately, and it means quite a high proportion of people who come here are because they’re either escaping or living with - or a victim-survivor of family violence,” Helen said.
While the issue is well-documented, not just in Casey but around the country, Helen is adamant that the topic is visited often, and that the general public is reminded that the problem is very much present, and could be happening anywhere.
“I think there’s a belief out there in the general
community, not necessarily Narre Warren, but that the problems exist [elsewhere] and not here in the east or southeast, in the leafy greens.
“That’s simply not true, and it’s resulted in almost negligence in big services and big organisations and even the government,” Helen said.
Hence, the reason why Helen holds both Abbey’s and Kiam’s efforts in such high regard is that they are part of the regular community who are aware and have decided to make a difference with their actions.
To Abbey, having the conversation, no matter how many times is crucial, and sometimes it can be delivered through a joint effort to view media like It Ends With Us and let others know of the dangers and undertones of domestic violence.
“It’s incredibly important because each and ev-
ery context you have this discussion it breaches a different audience - we had nine men attend this screening and male businesses supported the fundraiser, it touches everyone differently.
“[The movie] was for females in the area, it was a lot of young girls and it can make them better aware of red flags; teaching them to be aware of these behaviours early.
“It also taught women who are in the community and who will come across people - parents from school or people at work - that we have this support in our area,” Abbey said.
For Abbey, Kiam and Helen, continuous conversations around these topics, no matter how difficult, are important, to have that advocacy and exposure on an issue that happens behind closed doors.
Timeline unclear for Lyndhurst’s toxic-waste dump
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
An end-point is still yet to be set for the controversial hazardous-waste landfill in Taylors Road Lyndhurst – already four years past its use-by date.
A previous Labor State Government had pledged to stop allowing toxic waste at Lyndhurst by 2020.
However that timeline has extended. It remains the only tip in Victoria licensed to receive contaminated category B industrial waste.
It has a potential to remain open beyond 2046, the then-Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio told Parliament five years ago.
According to the State Government last week, the date is a question for landfill operator Veolia based on waste filling rates and landfill capacity.
During its operation and when it closes, Veolia will have responsibility to rehabilitate and
manage the risks from the site, the Government stated.
State Liberal MP Ann-Maree Hermans said the Goverment had “failed the community”.
“It has made promises about a closure in 2020 that it hasn’t kept. It’s simply not good enough.”
Out of concern for human health, Greater Dandenong Council has called for its closure for more than two decades.
Cr Jim Memeti said it was time to “ramp up” lobbying against the landfill.
“It was proposed to close in 2020. Why isn’t it closed in 2024? And when are they expecting it to close?
“The community still feels unsafe and they’re looking forward to the Lyndhurst landfill closing as soon as possible.”
Cr Memeti said there were “grave concerns” after the Environment Protection Authority Vic-
toria issued three improvement notices to Veolia over leachate (wastewater), dust and landfill gas issues at the tip.
It followed a $9246 fine last year against Veolia for failing to report on groundwater quality at Taylors Road by the specified time.
The EPA actions spurred Hermans to raise the landfill issue in State Parliament this month.
“The action I seek is for the (Environment) Minister to listen to and to act upon the continued demands by Greater Dandenong councillors, residents and businesses to have the Veolia-operated toxic waste landfill site closed down,” Hermans told State Parliament.
In a written reply, minister Steve Dimopoulos said the Government expected the landfill to be held to the “highest operating standards, in line with community expectations”.
“EPA has strengthened its oversight of Veolia’s landfill sites, and is conducting more fre-
quent inspections of the site.
“Although there was no imminent risk to human health or the environment, nor any impacts beyond the boundary of the site, the (improvement) notices were issued on the basis of risks not being managed as far as reasonably practicable.”
Hermans said the “disappointing” and “benign” response was “typical of a government who is not listening”.
A State Government spokesperson said the state’s overall landfill requirements were being considered in its Victorian Recycling Infrastructure Plan.
“We’re completely transforming recycling in Victoria backed by a $515 million investment to deliver the landmark transition to a circular economy, driving progress towards our target of diverting 80 per cent of all material away from landfill by 2030.”
From left to right: Abbey Madden, Helen from CNCISS, Julie, and Kiam Couchman, gathered to touch base after the successful fundraiser on Tuesday 20 August. (Supplied)
Cultural pride graces Bunjil
By Ethan Benedicto
The vibrant multicultural heart of the City of Casey was in full display on Monday 26 August, when the 4C’s Showcase returned for its fourth performance at Bunjil Place.
The event, which exhibited a celebration of cultural diversity through art, music, dance and fashion is set to return twice, with another performance on Monday 2 September and the finale on Monday 9 September.
The 4C’s program, which stands for ‘Cultivating Creative Cultures with Communities’ was a product of school teacher Laitini Matautia-Ulugia, where 18 years ago she saw the need to address challenges faced by newly arrived students integrating into Australian schools.
“So the kids were all being put together, but there was no set program on how to integrate kids into a school with different cultural needs.
“Kids would come up to me and they would go, ‘oh they don’t understand what we’re saying, they don’t understand our culture,’ and there’s all these things they want but they don’t know how to talk to them,” she said.
The program’s foundations, which were borne out of the ideas of these same students, were created to address anti-social behaviour and negative media stigmas; this included the students “coming up with the commonality of music, dance and fashion”.
“From there I saw that it fell perfectly under VCAL outcomes, so the kids, without even having these conversations, were promoting shows, creating tickets.
“It was [originally] this one presentation at the end of the year, over time it’s developed into so much more,” Laitini said.
What initially began as a small initiative has since grown into a comprehensive educational and cultural movement, with the program drawing on “cultural assets from local communities and stakeholders who value student-lef learning opportunities”.
A vivid testament of the program’s journey and success, the evening on 26 August brought together performances that featured traditional dances, cultural costumes and stories that were passed down through generations.
“I feel like our education system hasn’t quite caught up yet with all the different types, but this bridges the gap, as well as the students who sort of fall through that gap.
“Our program includes everybody, LGBTQIA+ kids, kids who feel like they don’t quite fit into the mainstream like they feel like people don’t understand them - they get to express themselves through this platform.
“Through art, music, fashion, dance, it’s up to them how to do it,” Laitini said.
At the same time, she also sees the program as a way for these students to “find solutions to issues in the community”, where the difficulty of traversing a new world is made easier with that
balance of cultural connection and learning.
Being given the main stage at Bunjil Place has done wonders for the program’s exposure, raising its profile and reaching a wider audience who are made aware of its impact.
“I think sometimes in schools, they like to put them in boxes and if you can’t do it on the spit, then you can’t pass,” Laitini said.
“My program is, ‘can you demonstrate these skills’, and they do ‘yeah I can do it this way and that way’, and I ask them to show us through certain contexts.
“But with those employability or transferable skills that they’re going to need in life, that’s what the 4C’s program provides and it’s done through a high standard - because when kids are engaged in their learning, then they’ll do the best that they can.
“It won’t be just because they need to tick a box, it’s because it’s something that they value and something that’s important to them.”
Looking ahead, the future of the program is bright, with a new VET course set for 2025 which will be open to all schools and will have a focus on Cultural Leadership.
The one-year program will offer students a Certificate II and a pathway into different career opportunities, which, Laitini said, will be the students’ “direct connection to the community”.
“So we’re looking at low socioeconomic areas; are there lonely elderly people out there who might need to go out, want to do some activities and so on.
“It might be us reaching out to First Nations communities, going to primary schools; we want to build within these communities, again bridging those gaps,” she said.
As the 4C’s program continues to grow, so does its demand, with Laitini not necessarily worried about her efforts, but the growing needs of the wider community.
The program currently supports 18 schools, with Laitini currently trying to effectively coordinate over three nights of performance, support from a major body such as the Department of Education would be a great boon.
“I would love it if I could get something from the department to help me navigate this.
“I feel like our education system hasn’t quite caught up with the new generation of students
coming through and the new needs that are required in this space,” she said.
From humble beginnings to a Casey-wide initiative, Laitini is looking ahead for more to come but is more than keen for official backing, one that would make the program more sustainable in its management and more effective in addressing a wide range of student needs.
At the end of the day, the program’s outcomes are still the most rewarding, with post-performance adrenaline pumping and the smiles on the faces of the kids and their families pushing Laitini forward.
“It’s been very enriching for me as the organiser, but I’ll be honest and say that I don’t always know the impact it has on families.
“But later on when I accidentally bump into people, I’ve had parents say thank you; things like, ‘I couldn’t get my kids to school but because of your program we’ve been able to get them to finish homework’, and so on,” she said.
While now sold out, more information on the upcoming performances and the schools involved can be viewed on www.bunjilplace.com. au/events/4cs-showcase
A cultural performance of the Oromo ethnic group from Ethiopia graced the stage on Monday night. (Supplied)
A presentation on First Nations culture also took place during the night, with traditional dances complete with body paint and traditional attires.
Traditional Samoan outfits made their way to centre stage during the night, complete with a traditional performance as homage to cultural heritage.
Cost of living hitting pets
Pets are bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis, according to RSPCA Victoria.
In the past year, RSPCA received more than 2800 animal cruelty reports in its South East region stretching from Melbourne’s east to Gippsland.
As a result, 559 animals were rescued.
RSPCA South East inspectorate team leader Stuart Marchesani said much of the cruelty and neglect was not “malicious” but due to “circumstances” such as illness, financial stress and domestic violence.
“We’ve also seen people struggling to provide basic early veterinary care to their pets which develops into expensive major medical issues later in
the animal’s life and severely impacts their welfare.
“Where we can, we’ve been helping those who are struggling by providing flea and worming treatments, emergency food, and on occasion shelter for their pets.”
Sometimes owners just don’t know how to provide basic care for their pets, which can be turned around with education and help, Marchesani said.
“Over the last 12 months we’ve seen more cases of animals without a suitable weather-proof shelter, which often leaves pets sleeping in the cold and damp, unable to regulate their body temperature.
“These pets end up burning more energy than normal just to keep warm, something that becomes apparent as their body condition worsens over time.”
Each month, RSPCA Victoria receives between 400 and 600 calls from people wanting to surrender their pets for a variety of reasons, including financial difficulties.
“If you are one of many who are struggling to care for your pets, please don’t be afraid to reach out for help, whether it be to us, to other community-based programs, to your local council, or to other groups who may be able to provide support.”
In Greater Dandenong, animals seized or surrendered to the RSPCA dropped by more than 50 per cent in 2023-’24 – down from 62 cases to 29. However, the rate was marginally up from 43 cases to 49 in Casey.
Meanwhile animal cruelty reports were slightly down in both council areas. In 2023-’24, there were 221 reports in Greater Dandenong and 506 in Casey.
Across the state, by far the most cruelty reports related to dogs (6442 reports) followed by cats (1908) and horses (906).
Cats were the most frequent RSPCA seizures or surrenders (562), narrowly ahead of dogs (554).
Flooding still hurts businesses as works are delayed
From page 1
To Cindy, while she understands that the process of ‘fixing’ Centre Road is an expensive one, there needs to be some action.
“We’re desperate, there are massive businesses here in the area, and the loss these businesses suffered have [probably] outweighed what it could cost the council,” she said.
Current interim measures that Casey Council looks to endeavour include flood monitoring, investigating the reopening of Centre Road Bridge, lifting Centre Road and Drainage Maintenance.
Casey’s manager of city and asset planning, Keri New, said that these interim measures will not “reduce the incidence of flooding on Centre Road”.
“They are focused on ensuring preparedness in the event of flooding; ongoing maintenance may assist in reducing how long the road is flooded for, however until the floodplain upgrades are undertaken, flooding will continue to be an issue.
“Council will continue to advocate to Melbourne Water and other approval agencies to expedite the planning, approvals and works required,” New said.
Melbourne Water’s senior manager of catchment planning and engineering, David Reginato, said that they are working with Casey to “reduce the risk of flooding of Centre Road and the surrounding area, while also ensuring that any planned works protect the cultural and environmental value of the floodplains”.
“Melbourne Water will upgrade the floodplain drainage system north of the Hallam Valley contour drain between Narre-Warren Cranbourne Road and the South Gippsland Freeway, works that benefit the Centre Road and Rimfire Drive area.
“These priority works will commence as soon as the design is complete and the relevant approvals secured,” Reginato said.
However, there are no changes to the aforementioned dates, with Melbourne Water confirming that the project is still in its design phase and is planned for delivery in three to four years’ time.
The reopening of Centre Road Bridge is the least likely proposition to occur, with council citing in the agenda that not only would it cost $500,000 for full reconstruction and safe operation, but traffic management issues due to limited usage would also be another issue that would arise.
In a detailed assessment from the council, New said the council “concluded [that] reopening is not feasible due to an impact on traffic management, structural limitations and high costs”.
“We are also seeking to understand the feasibility of lifting Centre Road; the council has undertaken an engineering survey that identified the extent of low points over Centre Road.
“Further engineering investigations and flood modelling are required to determine the suitability of lifting the road above flood levels without causing any upstream flooding,” New said.
However, those at Rimfire Drive are still looking for a stable working environment, one that doesn’t involve flooding and its accompanied dangers.
Beardsley from Redi Milk acknowledged that there is a sense of disparity when it comes to prioritisation, between the businesses and “all the care we give to those little guys [dwarf galaxias]”.
“In comparison to what everybody’s main livelihood, where are our priorities?” he said.
The staff from Dive Gear Australia said that the current situation is “pathetic”.
“We get locked out of the area, our businesses close for the time and we have to shut,” they said.
“We’ve been here 15 years and it’s been nonstop happening... we’ve lost around $100,000plus.”
The issue they coined was overall infrastructural negligence, not just on the frequency of the flooding, but the lack of general safety from the public when it comes to accessing Centre Road at speeds that many staff deem to be dangerous, even without the flooding.
“There are a lot of factories getting built down there [Centre Road], so eventually it has to be open; when they did the overpass, it was great when [drivers] only went 40km/h, but it’s so dangerous getting in and out of here,” they said.
The mechanics from CK Mechanics are of the same mind, but while agreeing that speeding and road infrastructure are a must, so are accessibility and safety of the workers in Rimfire Drive.
“We’ve had the same argument of, ‘it’s dangerous here because it’s a work zone’, so what would happen if someone falls off or gets injured? You can’t get an ambulance in here,” they said.
“WorkCover should be told, emergency services should be told, because we have to keep our workplaces safe, and how can it be worksafe if I can’t even get in?”
Pollution was also another issue, where staff from CK and surrounding businesses at the edge of Rimfire Drive see, more often than not, many vehicles dumping rubbish on Centre Road, which in the occurrence of flooding, would pile up on the businesses’ driveways.
“When it floods out, the water takes all the crap with it, there’s rubbish all over the place, and then when it recedes it’s sucked back into the floodplains.
“You’ve got a pollution problem, that’s killing the fish more than anything else; you’ve got cars floating around and everything in them just coming out, the grime, fluids, number platesall washing off into the wetlands,” they said.
As it stands, Melbourne Water and Casey Council have developed a fact sheet that outlines a range of solutions being explored, with Melbourne Water encouraging locals to reach out to the council for further information.
The current timelines remain unchanged, with works on Centre Road and floodplains expected in the next three to four years.
RSPCA save a pair of malnourished puppies. (Supplied)
RSPCA South East inspectorate team leader Stuart Marchesani says cost-ofliving pressures are being borne by owners’ pets.
Greg Flood and local business people who were stranded by three-day floodwaters on Centre Road and Rimfire Drive back in 2021. (Stewart Chambers: 259111)
Casey’s best in business
Finalists have been announced for the Casey Business Awards 2024.
The 15 finalists represent a spectrum of industries operating across City of Casey including veterinary services, music tuition, early childcare education, mobile food trailer rentals, furniture removals and a quilting business.
The annual Business Awards program celebrates local businesses, while giving them the space and guidance to further invest into their business.
Winners of each category take home a cash prize and pride of place among celebrated past winners.
Each applicant receives tailored business advice from the panel of expert judges.
Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson was pleased that so many local businesses took the time to apply for the awards.
“Local businesses are critically important to our city; they provide the drum beat to which our residents live, work and play.
“We’re so appreciative that so many are investing in themselves and their future.”
The finalists are:
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
· Eleos Care Australia. NDIS Registered Support Provider established in 2022 and located in Cranbourne West.
· Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Cranbourne. Early Childcare Education Provider established in 2020 and located in Cranbourne West.
· Nobody puts Furbaby in the Corner Grooming.
WHAT’S ON
Dancing to the Silhouettes
Social ballroom dancing at Clyde Public Hall, 30 Railway Road from 8pm on Saturday 31 August. Tea and coffee provided, BYO food and drinks.
· To purchased tickets for $15, phone Ingrid on 0432 594 630.
Berwick TAFE info day
Consider short courses, career-changing graduate certificates or degrees at the Berwick TAFE info day on Wednesday 4 September.
Full campus tours will depart from a central meeting point every hour, on the hour between 1pm to 5pm.
Chisholm Berwick team members will also be available to discuss more general questions around enrolments, pathways, and the support services available at Chisholm.
· For more information, visit www.chisholm.edu. au/about-us/events/info-days
Cranbourne Senior Citizens
Community Day - Proudly sponsored by the City of Casey.
Dance with Pete and Lloyd from the Silhouettes, lunch and afternoon tea included, Friday 6th September 10.30am-4pm.
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Weekly activities - Line Dancing Mon. 10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
· For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
U3A Cranbourne
U3A is a community group for anyone 50 and over to learn, share and to socialise.
The group offers a large variety of activities from its new premises at 20-22 Bowen Street in Cranbourne and the line dancing and social ballroom dance classes from the Casey Basketball Stadium in Cranbourne.
Supported by Casey Council, U3A Cranbourne is a not-for-profit organisation, with a membership fee of $50 per year and members welcome to join in as many classes as they wish.
If you want to keep your brain and body active and want to make new friends, or perhaps run a class in something you are passionate about, check out the courses on offer or give 0493 991 919 a call to learn more.
New courses starting in Term 3 include the new gardening group or the Resincraft group, with social ballroom classes now underway.
· For more information, visit www.u3acranbourne.org.au
Cranbourne and District Garden Club
The club is turning 51 this year and still meets at
Pet Grooming established in 2021 and located in Pearcedale.
· The Avenue Veterinary Clinic Veterinary Clinic established in 2017 and located in Cranbourne North.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
· A&K Veterinary Services. Veterinary Clinic established in 2017 and located in Lynbrook.
· Gold Tree Wealth Advisory. Financial Advisory Service, established in 2017 and located in Endeavour Hills.
· iRock Music School. Music tuition established in 2013 and located in Clyde North.
the Cranbourne Public Hall from 1.15pm on the second Thursday of the month.
· Lioness Performance. Women’s Strength Training Gym established in 2020 and located in Berwick.
EMPLOYMENT DIVERSITY
· KDN Removalist. Removalist established in 2020 and located in Cranbourne East.
· Outlook Australia. Waste Management and Resource Recovery established in 1997 and located in Hampton Park.
HOME-BASED BUSINESS
· Mother’z Yoga and Wellness. Yoga and Wellness Studio, established in 2021 and located in Clyde North.
The Berwick Activities Club is hosting a trivia night on Saturday 7 September, with tables of six avail-
The club enjoys day trips and lunches, afternoon teas and friendship.
· For more information, contact Julie on 5995 1420 or Jean on 9704 6242.
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
· 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.
· 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
· Roselea Quilting. Quilting Services established in 2023 and located in Clyde North.
· SANA Skin Clinic. Skin Clinic established in 2015 and located in Berwick.
INNOVATION
· GPK Group. Full-Service IT Support established in 1999 and located in Hallam.
· KDS Gourmet. Mobile Food Trailer Rental established in 2021 and located in Clyde North. Winners of the Casey Business Awards 2024 will be announced at a gala dinner on 15 November.
feet, great music, a chat, then afternoon tea. Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly
Casey Pet Expo
Saturday 14 September, 11am - 3pm, Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick
Come and explore the beautiful surroundings of Wilson Botanic Park, participate in petrelated workshops and watch live demonstrations.
There will also be live entertainment, roving performers, face painting and an abundance of exciting market stalls showcasing the latest in pet products (including food, clothing and unique accessories).
If you do decide to bring your pet with you, please make sure they are on a lead.
· No bookings are required.
morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dine-outs, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.
Anyone interested can visit on Thursdays at 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive or join the club for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday from 10am at the new François cafe in front of Myer in Fountain Gate.
· For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
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
Casey Pet Expo 2023. (Supplied)
Representatives of the 15 Casey Business Awards 2024 finalists at Bunjil Place.
Always looking out for us
Hannah Costin nominated her sons’ Dad, Matt Costin from Pakenham, father of two boys - Zach and Kai. Hannah says: “Raising a child can be difficult at time, but a child with additional and medical needs even more so. Staying awake at night, working full time, and managing both home and work effortlessly are some of Matt’s heroic acts. However, the greatest heroic act of Matt is sacrificing his needs for the needs of his boys. No matter what even on the most hectic days he can still make us smile. He is instrumental in making what his boys who they are today - wonderful people.”
Last week we put a call-out on Facebook for photos of dads or father figures, in the lead up to Father’s Day on Sunday 1 September. Here’s a selection of the many we received; thank you for sending in your photos and stories.
on behalf of her one-and-a-half-year-old
Ava, to
from
“He is so special to me because he is like a giant child, he always plays with me and makes sure I have everything I could ever need and want! He lets me stay up and watch Bluey with him! He taught me how to catch a ball and lets me wipe my snotty nose on him. He is such a wonderful dad and I’m so lucky to be able to call him daddy. Love from Ava.”
“Special because he is always there for us and so silly.“
Aleesha sent in the following words and photo,
daughter
highlight Logan Mills (aka Daddy/Dadda)
Pakenham:
Genesia sent in this photo to highlight Michael Alderson of Pakenham, Step Dad to Sofia (8) and Alexander (7), and Dad to EJ (9), Charlee (3) and Levi (10 weeks).
The
hours.
Key Responsibilities
•Manage a portfolio of existing customers and develop relationships with new customers.
•Conduct outbound telesales calls to promote our products and services.
• Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs.
•Keep accurate and updated records of customer interactions and sales leads.
•Coordinate with the sales and marketing team to align sales strategies and campaigns.
•Telesales or cold-calling experience is preferred but not essential.
•Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Results driven and target-oriented mindset.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager
THE LOWDOWN
Q&A
What do you love the most about your job?
I love being able to create something from a ball of clay and have someone love it enough to want it.
What was your most memorable moment?
The birth of my children and seeing the Dalai Lama.
What were you like as a kid?
I was a fun-loving child that always brought stray animals home.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I would love to see the southern lights..I haven’t managed to see them yet.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Kind, loving and giving.
What would you do on your perfect ’day off’?
I love to spend time with my grandchildren and love spending time in nature/forest even if that is just in my own garden.
Where is your happy place?
I love being in my studio, that is my happy place. Where is your dream holiday destination?
I love going to Germany and Switzerland but Europe is my dream holiday.
THREE
1 Move your cars or anything outside the house away from trees, drains, and low-lying areas.
2 Strengthen your windows and doors by sealing and using shutters or awnings.
3
Susi Fraser from Red Fox Pottery in Berwick. (Rob Carew: 423074)
SPORT
Mashado a mighty Magpie
By Marcus Uhe
The story of Narre Warren’s netball program simply cannot be told without the Mashado’s.
While Michelle has steered the ship from the sidelines as a long-time coach and administrator for the Magpies, daughter Brittany has played an integral role on the courts as one of the driving forces behind the club’s sustained success and dominance in recent years.
On Saturday at Kalora Park against Mt Evelyn, the bond between the instrumental family and the club was strengthened even further when Brittany took to the court in the black and white dress for the 300th time, with Michelle proudly watching from the sidelines.
She became just the second player to do so at the club, following in the footsteps of best friend and games record holder Kate Dowling in 2023, ensuring she will leave an indelible mark on the club when her playing days come to a closewhenever that may be.
Nearly 12 months prior to the exact day, Mashado was full of emotion and cried tears of joy as she made a heartfelt pregame speech for Dowling, upon becoming the first Magpie to reach 300 games.
On Saturday, it was Brittany’s turn in the spotlight, with Dowling front and centre to bask in her friend’s glory.
There were Mashado masks in the crowd and strong turnout of support on a stunning unseasonably warm late winter’s day to celebrate the reigning premiership captain’s incredible milestone, with colleagues from the police force even making the trip for the blockbuster showdown with Mt Evelyn.
Hers is a career glittering with achievements and success, boasting a CV to rival the best of the best.
Since beginning as a 14-year-old back in 2008, she’s played in five premierships, won five league best-and-fairest awards and seven club best-andfairests, while earning four Team of the Year selections and captaining the club along the way.
In 2023 she was awarded Life Membership at the club, and in 2024 the A-Grade side appears in
the box seat to win another premiership under her leadership, on the eve of yet another finals campaign.
No amount of trophies or accolades, however, can compare to the camaraderie and friendships built both on and off the court in the black white.
With her “one of a kind” mother cheering her every step of the way, the club holds an incredibly special place in her heart.
“I wouldn’t picture myself playing at any other club,” she said.
“There’s so many family-oriented personnel around here.
“Families and volunteers are what make the
club and what makes it enjoyable to come down to, and celebrate the achievements.
“Whoever comes, whoever goes, the ones that have hung around are now life-long best friends and it’s a place that I’d probably call my second home.”
The unselfishness and team-first attitude was instilled in Mashado from a young age, and reinforced back in 2011 when she won the first of her five premierships.
Coming from fifth place on the ladder, overcoming challenges every step of the way while embodying the spirit of the underdog showed just how grit, determination and a team-first attitude
can turn a group of friends and teammates into winners.
From there, her career has gone from strengthto-strength, along with her love for the club and what the game has brought her.
Pre-game, as members and club supporters gathered around the netball court for the formalities on Saturday, her coach Erin Bell described her as a fierce competitor, a role model and inspirational leader, that personifies all the traits of a successful leader - hardworking, resilient, passionate, commitment, loyalty, generosity and kindness.
Despite having won nearly everything there is to win as both a player and individual, Mashado still views team success as the pinnacle of what can be achieved on the netball court.
“Obviously at the end of the day everyone’s goal is a premiership,” she said.
“If you go into a season without hoping for that end success, then you’re not thinking of the right goal.”
Playing two more games to finish the year before retiring with another premiership to her name in B-Grade last year, Dowling’s club record of 302 games is well-within reach for Mashado, and if all goes to plan for the A-Grade, could culminate on grand final day with premiership medal number six hanging around her neck.
In 2016, Narre warren won A, B, C and DGrade netball championships on the same day at then-Officer Recreation Reserve, and repeated the feat last season at the very same venue.
History repeating itself for the third time would be the perfect way to celebrate, and further cement Mashado’s legacy as one of the club’s alltime greats.
Not that it’s a priority for the captain, who simply wants to keep playing.
“I’m not one to compete on individual achievements,” she said.
“My netball will stop when I can’t play anymore.
“I take it one day at a time, one netball game at a time and when my netball time ends, it will happen one day, but until then, I’ll just continue on.”
First finals win in Eastern has Beaconsfield dreaming big
By David Nagel
Beaconsfield will take on near-neighbor South Belgrave in a mouth-watering first semi-final clash after the Eagles notched up their maiden Eastern Division One finals win over Montrose on Sunday.
From the moment skipper Jake Bowd kicked the first of the afternoon - into a blustery and stiff breeze at Boronia - the Eagles always appeared to have the Demons measure; eventually prevailing 13.11(89) to 5.9(39) in a one-side elimination final.
Mick Fogarty’s men were never under the mental pressure normally associated with losing the toss on such a wind-assisted day; trailing by just one point at the first break after a brilliant late goal to Hayden Brough.
Brandon White and Kobe Shipp led a dour first-quarter defensive effort from the Eagles, who then capitalised with four unanswered goals in the second term.
Charlie Muley got the ball rolling with a great snap out of the ruck, before Myles Currie bounced one through after some great shepherding from Jafar Ocaa; who kicked the next to make it 20 points the difference.
Shipp then put the exclamation mark on a dominant first half for the Eagles; taking a strong intercept mark before putting the spinnaker up and launching a wind-assisted bomb from outside the 50-metre arc.
Leading by 27 points, only a rampaging third quarter by Montrose could force it back into the contest.
Fogarty took the guess work out of that equation by moving Bowd to a loose player in defence, and his combination with White ensured the Demons never gained a serious foothold.
Montrose only kicked two in the third term, with Bailey White and Corey Whitchell narrow-
ing the gap to a manageable 16 points at the final change.
The Eagles midfield, led by Kade De La Rue, Damien Johnston, Sam Merrick and Hayden Brown ran over the top of the Demons in the last quarter, with Brough making life extremely difficult for Montrose with a clever goal after one minute of play.
Johnston then made it 26 points the difference, five minutes into the last, before Riley Hams gave the Demons hope with a goal-ofthe-day contender.
But it was glimmer that would soon be snuffed, with Ocaa kicking the next two, before Currie, Bowd and De La Rue put the finishing touches on a very impressive performance.
Ocaa finished with three, and Bowd, Brough and Currie two each for the Eagles; who now confront the massive challenge of defeating
South Belgrave.
They’ve played twice this year, with the Saints prevailing by 33 points in round four, and by a similar 32 points at Beaconsfield in round 13.
But the Eagles won’t be daunted by those stats, with Fogarty set to roll out a differentlooking team to the one produced in round 13.
Missing that day were key players in Bowd, Brown, Currie, Johnston, Josh Mounter, Trent Stokoe and White; seven players that automatically fit into the Eagles’ top-22.
Tim Smith looms as the dangerman for the Eagles; having kicked seven goals against them in their two encounters this season, including five in round four.
Smith looked too big and strong on that occasion, and the Eagles’ back-six will need to be on their mettle.
The game kicks off at Tormore Reserve, Boronia, at 2.20pm on Sunday.
South Belgrave had nine more scoring shots against Mitcham in the qualifying final on Saturday, eventually going down 5.19(49) to 12.3(75). Mitcham used the breeze well, leading by 35 points at the first break, before the Saints shot themselves in the foot in the second stanza. They had nine scoring shots to three, but lost the quarter after kicking 0.9 to 3.0 for the term.
Jake Parente kicked six for Mitcham, while Cam Pirzas was also damaging with three. Mitcham will now take on ladder-leading Park Orchards in Saturday’s second semi-final at Boronia; with the winner progressing straight through to grand final day.
ELIMINATION FINAL (4 V 5)
Montrose Goals: Ty Galbraith, Riley Hams, Isaac Tanzimat, Corey Whitchell, Bailey White. Best: Greg Lord, Charlie Rossetti, Benjamin Dessent, Bailey White, Luke Jenkins, Bradley Watson.
BeaconsfieldGoals: Jafar Ocaa 3, Jake Bowd 2, Hayden Brough 2, Myles Currie 2, Kade De La Rue, Damien Johnston, Charlie Muley, Kobe Shipp. Best: Kobe Shipp, Brandon White, Kade De La Rue, Damien Johnston, Sam Merrick, Hayden Brown.
Not Provided. Best: Not Provided. MitchamGoals: Jake
Cherry, Jake Parente, Nicholas Hallo, Riley Nicholas, Nathan Crampton, Tom Lovell.
Beaconsfield stalwart Damien Johnston gets chaired off the ground after starring in his 150th game on Sunday. (Rob Carew: 427145)
Brittany Mashado and her mum Michelle before Brittany’s 300th game on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 427109)
Berwick bucks trend again
By Marcus Uhe
The mission for Berwick on Saturday was simple - defeat Norwood, and hold your place in Eastern Football Netball League’s (EFNL) Premier division for another year.
The message at the final siren was loud and clear; ‘we’re not going anywhere’, securing the four points in a 12.16 88 to 10.4 64 triumph.
How they got there, however, was nothing short of a rollercoaster.
Outgoing coach Clint Evans described it as “100 per cent” the best win he’s had in the coach’s box at Berwick, given the enormous pressure, a raucous Norwood crowd and an early deficit they faced in the final quarter.
A grand final-like atmosphere enveloped the contest, and a hot, windy day drew out the best in both sides, desperate to stay in the competition’s top flight for another season.
Norwood recalled a trio of VFL players and took a strong line up into the contest, and took a slim lead into the first break, but Berwick held its opponent scoreless through the second term to lead by three goals at the long break, having maximised the advantage presented by the wind at its back.
The Wickers were outscored in the third quarter, but Berwick never relinquished the lead, keeping its noses in front with a critical pair of majors in the third term to take advantage into the last quarter, the last under Evans’ tenure and with its future coach Andrew Williams watching intently.
The critical momentum was squandered, however, in a disastrous seven minutes that turned the contest on its head.
Three goals saw Norwood take a five-point lead, and throw the challenge right back in Berwick’s face.
The home crowd stirred to life and the task grew harder and harder for the Wickers, needing someone to step up and meet the moment.
Enter Sam Frangalas.
The dynamic teenager who got a taste of VFL action this year with Richmond was the beneficiary of a late-season positional swing into the forward line, and showed all his talent to put his side back in front.
A series of misses from Berwick built the tension, before Frangalas snapped it with a brilliant stoppage goal, gathering a ground ball and kicking truly on his right foot from a difficult angle for his preference.
Minutes later, when Jai Neal was infringed in a marking contest close to goal, Frangalas was quick on the scene, and took the advantage to kick Berwick further ahead.
Berwick entered time-on with a slender lead,
and through a cramping 17-year-old Raiden Bergman, kicked 17 points clear.
Fellow teen Benzhamen Todd would put the finishing touches on the afternoon, sending the Berwick supporters behind the goals into a frenzy.
Todd, Frangalas, Bergman and Neal playing such key roles in the win personified the identity and the hunger, heart and tenacity of the club in 2024, while giving a taste of their immense talent set to lead Berwick back up the ladder.
Evans gave Williams, a close personal friend dating back to their days together at the Dandenong Stingrays a big hug on the ground after the game, before walking through a guard of honour into the changerooms.
To finish the season on such a positive note was a fitting way for Evans to bow out, and a huge tick for his efforts in leading the program through troubled times in recent years.
“We don’t have the skill of other sides and don’t have the VFL players coming in, we don’t have the 25/26 year old, ex-VFL players coming into the side, so we are reliant on kids and the guys who have been at Berwick for a few years,” he said.
“They’ve got that DNA at the moment, and that’s one thing I always say you can’t coachthat’s either in you or it’s not.
“These kids and the leaders this year, what they’ve had to go through… every year they’ve been that side that’s supposed to go back to Division 1, every year.
“We were supposed to start in Division 1 but they put us in Premier and ever since I started, our list has gone younger, younger, younger and more inexperienced and every year we’ve found a way. “The resilience of the club shows that we’ve got some really good kids coming through, but also now, the club knows that we’re in Pre-
mier, but we just don’t want to keep paddling away, we want to try and be really competitive.”
Evans remains undecided on his coaching future for next season, but admitted it will be tough to leave a club that has been like a second home to him.
“I was on the ground, ‘Hottie’ was out there and I gave him a cuddle and said ‘it’s over to you now mate.’
“To see the smiles on the face of the committee, the players and people around us, that’s why I coach; I’ve never coached for me, I’ve coached to see what happened on Saturday.
“It was like a grand final on Saturday night back at the club and seeing everyone smile, that’s what you do and that’s what I’ll miss.”
Neal finished with five goals for Berwick and Todd three, with Tom Brennan, Caleb Van Oostveen and Jesse Cirulis among Berwick’s best.
Preliminaries concluded as Cannons fire up for finals
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey’s senior women’s and men’s side have both qualified for finals and will enter with a degree of confidence after strong late season form.
Casey’s Vic League 1 women finished sixth and will play in a do-or-die final against Geelong on Saturday following a 2-0 loss to the undefeated Toorak East Malvern on Saturday.
While they emerged without any points, it was a promising result for a Cannons side which rested key players Emma Harris and Jenna McLaughlin and rested striker Mikayla McDonald in the second half.
“It was a good tune up for finals,” coach Andrew Harris said of the intensity of the game.
“We were able to look a week ahead and start practising things we will put into place against Geelong this week.”
Casey has lost its two regular season matches against Geelong, 4-1 and 2-0, but believes it dominated the first half in both those matches which is filling the club with confidence ahead of the weekend.
“They’re a really attacking team and it’s going to be all about taking our chances when we have the best of our play and if we do that, I see it as a 50-50 game,” Harris said.
“Across the last three weeks we have had a few team building training sessions which the girls have taken a lot out of.
“I think we’re going in mentally fresh which is just as important as being physically well.”
The men, meanwhile, will play Knox in an elimination final after finishing third in the Vic League 2 competition.
A 1-1 draw with top-placed Craigieburn to finish the season will have the Cannons going in optimistically, but their two home and away clashes have yielded a 3-2 loss and 4-4 draw.
“We’ve really improved in the second half of the season and being able to rest a couple of players last week means we’re going in full strength.
Casey’s Rebecca Wagg and her Casey teammates have hit form at the right part of the season. (Rob Carew: 427120)
Casey is primed for finals.
Defender Caleb Van Oostveen enjoyed an excellent season for Berwick. (Gary Sissons: 335962)
Narre’s nemesis steps up
By Marcus Uhe
Narre Warren’s second loss of the season in the Outer East Football Netball’s A Grade netball competition has laid the foundation for an intriguing set of showdowns against its bogey side Mt Evelyn throughout September.
Mt Evelyn spoiled the party for Magpies captain Brittany Mashado’s 300th game in a 50-34 win at Kalora Park, solidifying a top-two spot and joining the Magpies with a week off in the first round of the finals.
The best defensive side in the competition - spearheaded by goalkeeper Kaitlyn Black and partner in crime Jacinta McGinley - dictated terms in the contest and turned it into a defensive grind, restricting the Magpies to its lowest score of the season, and comfortably below their season average of 63.8 goals per game.
It took an entire quarter before either side could manage consecutive goals, with the Magpies striking first, but the Rovers pulled away with a stretch of seven of eight goals midway through the quarter to establish a seven-goal lead.
Narre Warren closed the half with three goals to halt the visitors’ momentum, but opened the next quarter with 12 of the first 15 goals to reach a game-high 13-goal lead at 19-32.
Narre Warren was forced to work incredibly hard for each of its goal scoring opportunities in the face of tenacious pressure all over the court from the Rovers with Erin Bell facing her biggest challenge of the season in a head-to-head against Black.
The Rovers took an 11-goal lead into the final break and never looked back, outscoring the home side 15 goals to 10 in the final 15 minutes.
With more to play for in the final round, given Narre Warren had already secured the minor premiership, the Rovers looked brilliant and ready for the fight, unafraid of the aura and perennial dominance on the other side of the court.
The Magpies finish the season with only two losses to their name but with both coming against Mt Evelyn, they will be wary of the threat posed by the Rovers when the two meet again in a fortnight’s time.
Having both secured the double chance, the two are also best-placed to advance to a grand final on 21 September and resume their burgeoning rivalry.
Narre Warren snuck home against Mt Evelyn in an epic preliminary final at Yarra Junction last season and the Rovers are no doubt fuelled by seeking redemption in 2024.
A sprained ankle for star goalkeeper Gabrielle Dwyer saw her carried from the court during the second quarter and will be cause for concern ahead of Narre Warren’s finals campaign, but the reigning best-on-court in last season’s A-Grade final will benefit immensely from a week off next week.
With the game beginning earlier to accommodate the Magpies’ Ladies Day function, both Wandin and Pakenham knew a top-two spot was out of reach by the time their games got underway.
Both prevailed in important contests against Olinda Ferny Creek and Woori Yallock respectively, with Wandin locking away third place, and Pakenham fourth, in the process.
Pakenham fielded arguably its strongest side of the season in its 60-41 win, with Eliza Molino continuing to build chemistry with Caitlin Cooke in the defensive goal circle.
It was a four-quarter performance from the Li-
Dandenong crew too sharp for Gippsland counterparts
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Dandenong proved too strong for Gippsland in both the boys and girls games at Morwell Recreation Reserve on Saturday, winning 14.7 91 to 11.15 81 and 13.16 94 to 3.3 21 respectively.
Harvey Langford had another mammoth performance for the Stingrays, combining 33 disposals with four goals, while Charlie Rowe and Tairon Ah-Mu both made their presences felt after strong years for Haileybury College.
Jesse Craven’s 22 disposals and a goal led the way for Gippsland, which was on the back foot from the outset, never able to make up a deficit which stretched to 36 points early in the second quarter, despite a strong finish.
Gippsland’s girls started fiercely, kicking three of the first four goals of the game, but were unable to continue the momentum, not registering another major for the rest of the day.
Jas Sowden kicked all three of the Power’s goals, while fellow Vic Country representative Ash Centra finished with 28 disposals.
Dandenong forward Nalu Brothwell continued her strong form with four goals to make it nine across her last three games, while she also laid six tackles.
Utility Makhaela Bluhm was also busy with 18 disposals and two goals, while under16s smooth mover Alice Cunnington kicked 3.3.
Jesse
for the Power. (Gary Sissons: 344545)
ons, finishing with a strong second half of 33 goals to 21 to finish on a high.
Kelly Cousins, Rose Laidlaw and Charlotte Hudolin shared the goals around, hitting the finals in excellent form with six consecutive wins. 21 goals to eight in the second quarter, meanwhile, saw Wandin open a 16-goal lead at half time, but a strong second half from the Bloods closed the gap to seven at the final siren.
Emerald showed no mercy against Berwick Springs in a 93-goal hammering that saw Kaylah Loulanting clinch the leading goal scorer title with 739.
She scored 73 goals in her final outing of the season, in a brutal performance from the Bombers that at one stage scored 24 consecutive goals.
The result unfortunately confirms a winless season for Berwick Springs, which will hope to rediscover winning form in the Southern Football Netball League next season.
Monbulk, too, enter the finals in winning form,
ending ROC’s season with a 69-33 win at home.
Pakenham will face Emerald in the second elimination final, with Wandin drawn to tackle Monbulk.
Pakenham’s reinforcements in the defensive circle will go a long way to curtailing Loulanting, who had two of her three lowest-scoring games of the season against the Lions.
The contest will pit the second-highest scoring team in the competition against the third-best defence, making for a captivating juxtaposition in tactics and approaches.
Pakenham won both contests this season by 10 and five points respectively, giving them the edge in the contest.
Wandin and Monbulk, meanwhile, will pit two towering shooters at either end of the court, in Emmalia Blake and Peri Reid.
Expect both Pakenham and Wandin to prevail, but neither contest presents as straight-forward.
Top prospect hits a hurdle
By Jonty Ralphsmith
The AFL on Monday confirmed the fixture for the 2024 Coates Talent League boys wildcard round, which Gippsland and Dandenong will both take part in.
A wildcard round will kick off the finals series, ensuring all players get at least one match after the home and away season, in line with the league’s aim for player development.
Teams are split into Metro and Country conferences, with with the top ranked team from the country conference, Geelong, getting a week off, while second plays seventh, third plays sixth and fours faces fifth in do-or-die fixtures.
Gippsland (9-5) takes on Murray (8-1-6) and Dandenong (10-1-4) takes on Bendigo, which is
on a streak of 11 consecutive losses, both at La Trobe University, Bundoora on Sunday, at 12pm and 2.30pm respectively.
Tooradin pair Jesse Craven and Jehi Esler, Berwick defender Harry Canning and Warragul Industrials duo Ricky Mentha and Alix Tauru are among the local Power boys who could feature.
Devon Meadows winger Toby Sinnema, Berwick trio Tairon Ah-Mu, Riak Andrew and Kane Hurst, Beaconsfield’s Jay-De Varlet and Pakenham’s Tahj De La Rue are among the local Stingrays contingent.
The Coates Talent League girls season is also complete, but finals will not commence until next weekend, with an under-17s futures showcase game to take place on Sunday.
Harrison Canning has had an underrated season, rising to plenty of tough assignments in 2024. (Rob Carew: 402640)
Craven was typically reliable
Brittany Mashado took flight in game 300 for the Magpies. (Stewart Chambers: 427109)
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