We have a sporty winner!
Five medals weighed heavy on Andison Mole.
The 12-year-old student from St Francis de Sales Primary School in Lynbrook had a breakthrough winter, taking home medals in national championships for basketball, footy, and cross country. She never stops pushing herself, and always aims for more glory.
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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.
Continued page 11
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
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.
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
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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.
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.
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 orcrimestoppersvic.com.au
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 nationleading energy transition,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
The other two LGAs were the City of Merribek, whose pilot also began on Monday, and the City of Ballarat set for next month.
The pilot includes a free digital platform that 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-effective 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.
“We are passionate about helping people make the switch from gas to electric and save
“Electric
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 cent -
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 coffee 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.
more 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.au
Police are investigating a shooting incident in Cranbourne East in the early morning of Monday 26 August.
A 58-year-old man was shot.
Detectives have been told the man’s daughter called him at about 12.25am while driving to say she believed an unknown man was following her in another vehicle.
The man instructed his daughter to return to their Benedetto Court home and he waited out the front for her to return.
When she pulled up at about 12.30am, a white station wagon also pulled up in the street.
The man approached the car and an altercation with the driver ensued.
The driver got out of the vehicle and pushed the man, before shooting him in the abdomen.
He then left the scene in the vehicle.
The man’s daughter immediately called triple zero and neighbours came out to render medical assistance.
The man was subsequently conveyed to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
At this time police are treating it as a random attack and have not been able to establish any connection between the man and his daughter and the offender.
Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who has information about the incident or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, particularly involving a white vehicle.
Police would also like to speak with anyone from the area who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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 … Ways to protect your property during wild wind 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 Review insurance policies. Make sure potential damages are covered.
Casey Council has announced the highly anticipated Casey Pet Expo will return this year on Saturday 14 September at Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick.
Now in its 16th year, the family-friendly event is a fantastic day out for like-minded pet enthusiasts and their friends in fur, feathers, and scales. The day provides a variety of activities, including pet-related workshops and live demonstrations.
Featuring live entertainment, face painting and roving performers, pet lovers can also check out market stalls showcasing the latest in pet products, including food, clothing, and unique accessories.
City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said pets were an important element of wellbeing for our community.
“With over 36,000 dogs and cats registered in the area, Pet Expo is an excellent opportunity for pet owners to connect, discover and celebrate their pets,” she said.
During the event, Wilson Botanic car park will be closed except for accessible parking and rideshare service drop-offs. Disabled parking will be available to all guests who can present a valid Accessible Parking permit when entering Wilson Botanic car park. Off-site parking will be available on streets surrounding the park.
As on-site parking is limited, a free shuttle service will be running regularly from Federation University to the park throughout the event.
If you decide to bring your pet, please ensure they are on a lead. No bookings are required for this event.
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 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 gar-
dens.
“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.”
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 Victoria 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 Veoliaoperated 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 frequent 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.”
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.
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 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.
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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
By Ethan Benedicto
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”.
“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 okay, if there’s anyone in here that needs helping out,” Carla said.
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 feasi-
bility 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 work-safe 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 plates - all 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.
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).
By Violet Li
Anearly-startedcampaignhasenabledTooradin Ward candidate Kuldeep Kaur to tailor visions to the needs of specific suburbs in the ward, and she’s determined to work towards them.
The Cranbourne East resident announced her candidacy and started door-knocking in mid-May this year.
A registered nurse and event organiser, Ms Kaur said she had been deeply committed to serving the Casey community since 2014.
Ms Kaur said she had especially been active in the Indian Punjabi community, and she had employed her professional skills to organise various events in the Cranbourne area, including social, sports, cultural, religious, health, and wellbeing gatherings. Ladies Festival and Cranbourne Mela are two of the big-scale events she has been engaged in annually.
Speaking of her visions for Tooradin Ward, Ms Kaur believed the needs are different in every suburb.
For Clyde and Clyde North, transport, education, and senior and youth engagements are her top three priorities.
“When I was door knocking, residents were sharing their concerns with me, like the areas
don’t have enough public transport for their kids and for themselves. And nowadays, it’s very hard to afford a car,” she said.
“And as the area is still developing, we don’t have many schools and educational resources there, especially senior schools. If we talk about private schools, we only have Casey Grammar. If we talk about public schools, we only have one in Cranbourne and one in Cranbourne East. Most people have raised this concern to me.
“In terms of youth engagement programs, in this state, most parents are busy with their jobs and there are no particular programs for youth where they can focus on their career development. We should have seminars or something for them so they can learn more.
“I am also concerned about senior citizens as I have met so many of them sitting in the parks. They are from different communities, and most of them have language barriers. Council’s current language programs should extend to all community centres and all suburbs because senior citizens can’t travel very far.”
As for Cranbourne East, the main problems Ms Kaur has observed are the absence of senior schools, inadequate numbers of childcare centres, and traffic congestion from the closure of Ballarto Road.
Delivering more large community centres across the ward will also be the focus of Ms Kaur.
“We have only one community centre, which is in Hampton Park, where more than 500 people can gather,” she said.
“But as Casey consists of a multicultural community, people need big community centres to celebrate their religions.”
October’s election will be Ms Kaur’s second run for Casey Council. She first ran in 2016 to represent Mayfield Ward.
“I’ve learned a lot since 2016. I’ve been deeply involved in all the activities at Casey Council,” she said.
“I worked on my ground and see what the local concerns are. In 2016, I was just new to this field. I was not that active. I was shy at that time.
“But now I have dealt with everything in myself, and I am 100 per cent aware of my roles, responsibilities, and what I can do to improve my community.”
Ms Kaur is a mother of two and a Sikh by religion.
She is running as an independent in this election.
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 passion-
ate 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
Clyde Grammar has announced that it will transition to a Foundation to Year 12 school.
The school will welcome the first Year 7 students in 2027.
“This marks a significant milestone in our journey. We have always had a vision to provide a comprehensive and high-quality education for students from the early years through to Year 12. That vision is being realised,” principal Leanne Evans said.
“Our current Year 4 students will be the inaugural students in our Senior School and by the end of 2032, we will celebrate another special milestone and another important step in our journey when our first cohort of students will graduate from Year 12.
“I am sure that parents today are feeling happy and relieved. Many of them enrolled in Clyde Grammar with the hope that their children would be able to be with us for their primary and senior school years. I know the parents of our current Year 4 students have certainly been eagerly awaiting this wonderful news.”
The school has recently been awarded $3.6 million from the Victorian Government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools to build the next stage of a $11 million Collaborative Learning Centre.
The fund supports independent schools to build and upgrade facilities.
“This funding is extremely important for the future of Clyde Grammar,” Ms Evans said.
“Without the classrooms and facilities that this funding will support, we would not have been able to expand our year levels and bring to life our vision of offering a Senior School to our students.”
When completed, the Centre will include four classrooms, a sessional music room, a fullsize basketball court, an assembly hall with retractable seating and a before and after-school care area.
The Centre will also incorporate student change rooms, storage areas, and staff office and amenities.
Work on constructing the Collaborative Learning Centre will begin later this year and it will be completed and ready for the start of the 2026 school year.
Ms Evans said the Collaborative Learning Centre was another part of Clyde Grammar’s continuing journey.
“This is an important time in the evolution of Clyde Grammar and being able to share this news with our learning community is very exciting,” she said.
“As the founding principal of the school, it was always my dream to see our 2020 Foundation students naturally progress into their senior school education with us. I am very excited that the majority of our 2020 Foundation students will have the opportunity to be our first students to graduate Year 12 at the end of 2032.”
“The dedication, commitment and vision of our students, staff, families and wider school community have enabled this to happen and have supported our school to grow and thrive. Everyone who has been part of this journey should be very proud of what we have achieved together.”
By Ethan Benedicto
A notable and renowned local community figure with the Narre Warren Rotary Club, Ian David Pickering, passed away on 13 August, 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 deteriorate 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
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A Victorian Government spokesperson said construction was continuing on the multi-million-dollar Cranbourne Community Hospital.
“Approximately 300 car parking 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 car parking for the Cranbourne Community Hospital complements the car parking already available at the Casey Complex and servicing the sporting and community facilities already on the site.”
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.
“It is essential that we address concerns around car parking supply and management to ensure that local residents and users of council’s adjacent sporting and community facilities, including Cranbourne Library, Casey RACE and Casey Stadium, are not negatively impacted,” he said.
Cranbourne Community Hospital will be completed near the end of 2024.
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.”
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
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 grateful 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 nec-
essarily 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 pro-
portion 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 every 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.
More than 100 people have landed manufacturing and engineering jobs as part of the Chisholm Engineering Priority Workforce Project.
The project was launched by the State Government and Chisholm Institute to help people looking for work while tackling workforce shortages in engineering and manufacturing.
It has provided on-the-job training, with a focus on employing women.
Since its inception, 111 people have been recruited – exceeding the target of 100 workers.
“Exceeding our original target shows just how well this project has worked,” Employment Minister Vicki Ward said.
“There are great opportunities and support for people, including women, to get new skills and join growing industries like manufacturing.”
One of the success stories was Naomi, who works at Bayswater metal fabrication company
NuForm Steel.
Her dream job was to be a pilot. But after a career setback, she was unsure of the next step.
Through the Chisholm project, she landed a fabrication apprenticeship at NuForm while studying for a Diploma of Building and Construction.
Chisholm Institute chief commercial officer Damien Van Eyk said it was proud of the “successful collaboration with industry”.
“It’s resulted in many jobs for people facing barriers to employment, ensuring a thriving, diverse and inclusive workforce for the manufacturing industry in South East Melbourne.”
Jobs Victoria’s Priority Workforce Projects (PWP) have filled more than 7,400 jobs across 37 projects, including in early childhood education, disability care, aged care, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, construction, energy and natural resources.
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.
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.
• 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 Cranbourne Public Hall from 1.15pm on the second Thursday of the month.
The club enjoys day trips and lunches, afternoon teas and friendship.
· For more information, contact Julie on 5995 1420 or Jean on 9704 6242.
Women’s Health Week
Blind Bight Community Centre and Women’s Health in the South East are presenting a conversation about women’s health for Women’s Health Week from 11am to 1pm on Friday 6 September.
A free friendly forum where local women can share experiences, learn from each other and discuss the health topics that matter most to them.
· For more information or to book visit www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au or phone 5998 7014.
New Vogue dancing
Berwick Activities Club is offering another eightweek course on New Vogue dancing, commencing on Friday 6 September from 7pm to 8pm in the Timbarra Community Centre.
Dancing is a great way to make new friends and at the completion of the course you may join the weekly dance held on Thursday evenings.
Booking is essential as numbers are limited.
· For more information, contact Bruce on 0447 554 475.
Trivia night
The Berwick Activities Club is hosting a trivia night
on Saturday 7 September, with tables of six available.
· To book a table or a seat, phone David on 0433 566 456.
Blind Bight Community Centre
Craft gift making for adults from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Tuesdays.
Join in the craft gift making class and bring along your own craft to complete.
A variety of techniques and skills are shared including mosaics, macrame, sewing and painting at $3 per class.
Playgroup from 10.30am to noon on Wednesdays. The program provides fun play activities and craft for children at $5 per family.
Free knit and crochet from noon to 2pm on Wednesdays.
Line dancing from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesdays. All ages, and abilities welcome at $10 per class.
· For more information and for bookings, visit www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club
Are you new newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom as a senior or expand your social life?
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities and friendship.
The club hosts weekly social activities with dance to low-key in-line dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, a chat, then afternoon tea. Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly
• 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.
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
Victorian fire services are urging householders to make fire safety in the garage a vital home project as the colder months wrap up, with this winter prompting officials to urge residents to clean up potential hazards and install fire alarms.
The occurrence of garage fires across the state led Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority to remind residents that fires can quickly take gold in garages, according to Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshue Fischer.
Due to items such as gas cylinders, petrol cans, lithium-ion batteries and other chemicals, Deputy Fischer said “fires that start in garages can spread to your family home in a matter of minutes”.
“As many houses are designed with adjoining garages, it makes sense to ensure that your garage has a working smoke alarm installed.
“It’s worth inspecting the condition of the electrical items in your garage and if you see any damage, disconnect them from the power and ensure repairs are done by a certified tradesperson.
“If you have items powered by lithium-ion batteries, such as power tools, e-scooters and ebikes, only use the chargers and cords originally supplied with that device and check for any damage,” he said.
Cleaning out clutter from the garage is also key, so if a fire were to break out, it would be less likely to spread.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said in 2023 that CFA firefighters responded to 51 house fires that began in the garage car port or vehicle storage area, compared to around 28 in 2022.
“The main cause of these fires was mechanical failure, often involving electrical equipment,” CO Heffernan said.
“We recommend installing an interconnected smoke alarm in your garage if it’s attached to your house.
“It’s also advisable to put smoke alarms in rooms where you charge devices and equipment,
as they have the potential to catch alight - and this includes your garage.”
In further details, safety tips include:
Turning off all electrical appliances at the wall when they’re not being used to reduce the risk of electrical fires starting.
They should not use faulty or damaged cords or equipment and regularly check for damage as they can start a fire.
For lithium-ion batteries:
Not leaving charging devices unattended;
Avoid charging batteries or devices overnight and
Avoid leaving batteries or devices unattended while they are on charge.
Only using chargers that meet Australian Standards - look for the Regulatory Compliance Mark
Make sure your charger is the correct voltage for the device
Check that your charger, power socket and cables are in good condition.
Make sure that your equipment isn’t overheating or showing signs of damage.
Unplug the device when it finishes charging.
Charge larger devices, like e-bikes and escooters away from doorways so there is a way to get out if a fire starts.
For storage:
Remove rubbish and clutter to make your home more fire-safe.
Keep chemicals and petrol away from fire and other heat sources, and away from children.
Make sure you wash any rags or containers that have come into contact with chemicals or petrol after use, and before throwing in the rubbish; even tiny traces or just the fumes from the chemicals can start a fire.
Garage fires can spread quickly, engulfing the home in minutes. (Supplied)
Star News Group seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star News Group is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Sales skills/experience:
• Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones
• Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets
• Excellent listening skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Effective time management to meet deadlines
• Ability to operate in a team
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility
• Effective oral and written communication
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
Star News Group is an innovative and dynamic media company located in Pakenham, Victoria. As a leading publisher of print and digital news, we are looking for a part-time Telesales Representative to join our team.
Overview
The successful candidate will be responsible for increasing revenue by selling our products and services to potential and existing customers via phone call.
This is a part-time role with flexible 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 Mandy Clark
mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cranbourne is playing finals!
The Eagles have defied injuries, a poor start, an at-times makeshift forward line and a lot of doubters to reach the 2024 Southern Football Netball League Division 1 finals series.
Coming off two consecutive grand finals, including the premiership in 2022, questions were raised repeatedly throughout the season.
Is the streak of finals appearances over?
Is the team ever going to find continuity?
Most pertinently, the calculators have been handy to determine Cranbourne’s finals chances.
The Eagles surrendered control of their destiny a month ago when they lost to East Brighton.
Several results ultimately meant Cranbourne needed to win the last round game against Springvale Districts by a reasonably similar margin to East Brighton’s easier fixture against Chelsea Heights to deny the Vampires the capacity to make up the three percentage points difference.
The Eagles did not have an update on the score at the other game playing out concurrently, so Cranbourne merely maintained control of what was at their disposal.
“The whole week, our mindset was ’focus on ourselves, focus on getting the win and everything else will look after itself’,“ coach Steve O’Brien said.
While it started as a mini final to reach a top five Cranbourne has sat in for only three rounds this season, it finished as an excellent tune-up ahead of an elimination final next week.
An eight goal first quarter set up a 15.12 102 to 3.8 26 victory, the margin four points greater than East Brighton’s win.
Tyson Barry kicked five, Zak Roscoe ran amok and the midfield’s ability to win clearances with purpose and heat was finals-like.
After Springvale Districts kicked the first goal of the game inside 60 seconds, Cranbourne responded in a big way.
The hosts kicked goals at the three, seven, 10, 18, 19, 21, and 27-minute marks to take a big lead into the opening break and almost put the result beyond doubt.
Barry kicked three goals, Ryan Jones’ laser kicking inside-50 was Gryan Miers-like and Nick
Darbyshire caused early headaches.
In between, there were moments of defensive application that would’ve done former skipper Brandon Osborne proud, his team kicking to the end named in his honour for the first time since it was unveiled following the previous game at Livingston Reserve.
Jordan Bertrand executed a brilliant goal-saving tackle midway through the first quarter, and
Darbyshire laid a similar lunging tackle on Shakore Bragg-Taylor to set up a scoring shot.
The backline has stood up in the absence of Andrew Green and Brandon Osborne in the past month and mindset of defending has been a theme across the playing group
“There’s been a focus on (the defensive side) recently so to see it transpire the way it did on the weekend was a great result - that’s what we’re going to have to bring for the next month,“ O’Brien said.
“The back seven have all gone to a new level to help cover and taken on a bit more responsibility as a group and as individuals.“
There was a sense of Cranbourne being back to their best; in-sync, fearsome, tough and quickmoving.
“It was a strong performance which we’re pretty proud of and now we’ve earned our ways into the finals,“ O’Brien said.
“There were three or four occasions it looked like we were dead and buried but we stuck fat and kept working at getting better and working at what we needed to fix.
“We were able to get the ball from stoppage and get it going our way and our pressure was fantastic - we were able to keep the ball in our half and really capitalise.
“We’re playing some good footy so we go in with a lot of confidence.“
It was a performance that would have sent a shudder down the spines of Cheltenham, undefeated across the past three seasons except for games against Cranbourne.
While the Rosellas won both games this season, Cranbourne was gallant on each occasion.
The first challenge, though, will be a rematch against the Demons - but if there is one thing that is certain about the squad, it is that they know how to peak at the right time.
By David Nagel
When opportunity knocks you have to take it… and Nar Nar Goon has done exactly that by knocking Tooradin-Dalmore out of this year’s WGFNC A Grade premiership race with a 54-43 win at Inverloch on Saturday.
The Goon snuck into this year’s finals series on percentage; just seven goals clear of Kooweerup across the course of the home-and-away season.
An 80-45 victory over Phillip Island paved the way for their entry, but they came up against a Tooradin-Dalmore side that simply don’t lose early finals.
The Seagulls won the premiership in their inaugural year in the WGFNC in 2019, and were then preliminary finalists in 2022 and grand finalists in 2023.
This was a huge task for the Goon to overcome, but its started well; leading 9-8 at quarter time.
The game took a turn early in the second quarter when Seagulls Goal Keeper Jess Maher rolled her left ankle in an innocuous piece of play.
It ruled her out for the remainder of the match, with Summah Boyd called in to take on the important role in the last line of defence.
Nar Nar Goon had a mid-quarter burst during the second term, leading by five at one stage, with Olivia Hamilton, Meaghan Winter and skipper Chantelle Dale providing a stack of drive through the midcourt.
Goaler Kyra Esler had the radar dialed in, while Darcy Utber was providing great support in the circle.
The Goon led 23-19 at half time; but knew the resilient Seagulls would come hard.
And that’s exactly what they did.
Fed well by Stacey Sawyer and Sara Howie, Seagulls’ goalers Chloe Phillips and Alex Maher shot beautifully in the third term, leading to a 14-11 quarter which cut the margin to 34-33 at the final break.
The Gulls appeared to have the momentum; but were in for a nasty surprise.
The Goon dominated the last quarter, scoring 20-10, with Taylah Boatwood and Taylah Ellis locking down in defence and Esler and Utber making the most of their scoring opportunities under the ring.
Esler score 14 goals in the final term, and Utber six, as the Goon raced clear for a very impressive victory.
They will now take on Cora Lynn after the Cobras took care of Kilcunda-Bass in Sunday’s elimination final at Bass.
In what was a dour contest for three quarters, the Cobras exploded to life in the second term; scoring 15 to 8, in the defining period of the match.
Cora Lynn opened up a seven-goal lead at
half-time, which was reduced to five at the final break, before the Cobras steadied in the last quarter to record a 40-32 triumph.
Alannah Keen led the charge for the Cobras through the midcourt, being ably assisted by Lexis Schade and Paige Brooks-MacMillan, while the defensive combination of Annabel Sheppard and Danielle Cameron was right at the top of its game.
Gemma Stacey and Brooke Abu-Jaber were strong for the Cobras in the circle; particularly in the second quarter when they both hit the scoreboard hard.
This one will sting for Kilcunda-Bass, who looked good enough throughout the season to at least win one final.
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Hampton Park has pulled off a comeback as implausible as its 11-7 season to win its elimination final against Caulfield at Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Mordialloc, on Sunday.
The Redbacks trailed by 13 points early in the last quarter before kicking four of the last five goals against a strong wind to bury the demons of 2023 when it lost the corresponding fixture to Highett.
Tanner Stanton and skipper Liam Myatt propelled the Spiders to the 10.9 69 to 9.8 62 victory.
It was an inspired effort from both players, Stanton overcoming illness to play a typically reliable game in the midfield, and Myatt spending time forward as a result of persistent soreness.
Myatt kicked two goals in 60 seconds in the last quarter to trim the deficit to less than a kick midway through the last quarter.
Nick Brooks then levelled the scores, cleanly sharking a Bears hitout and snapping in traffic from 20.
With the Redbacks leading by a point at the 25-minute-mark, Myatt then soccered it off the ground to setup small forward Declan Brunell who kicked the match-winner.
“He was really important in the last quarter,” coach Hayden Stanton said of Myatt.
“It was a frustrating day for him early because we couldn’t get enough looks with the right spark but when we gave ourselves looks, we were dangerous forward of the ball which he was part of.”
The Spiders winning one-on-ones and applying themselves to the contest was crucial to the outcome of the game, and lifted at the last break.
“We implored the guys to take the game on ad be a bit more aggressive with the ball movement,” Stanton said.
“I felt like with the way the conditions were, we were too stagnant.
“We wanted to risk losing by six goals to win it and took the ball off the line more, got run from behind and shifted them which gave us good looks going forward.”
The conditions helped keep Hampton Park in
it across the first three quarters despite playing patchy footy, before playing with great authority when the game was on the line.
Not until the seven-minute-mark of the last quarter did the Bears win a possession in their forward 50, highlighting Hampton Park’s swarming pressure to keep their season alive.
Hampton Park has used a staggering 47 players in 2024 and were understrength on Sunday, but the returns of ball magnet Jayden Weichard
By Marcus Uhe
Hampton Park United has been crowned champions of the State League 4 South soccer competition following a 2-1 win over Baxter on Saturday.
Knowing that a win would secure an unassailable lead at the top of the table, the Sparrows secured a two-goal lead midway through the second half and never surrendered the lead, giving them a seven-point gap at the top of the State League 4 South table from Endeavour United in second, with two matches remaining in the season.
As a result, they’ll compete in State League 3 South East in 2025, capping a remarkable 24 months for the club, having won State League 5 South last season.
The sensational campaign has seen the Sparrows drop three points on just one occasion, in a 1-0 loss to Chelsea at home back in round 16.
Since then, they have secured the maximum 15 points from the remaining three games to storm to the championship in emphatic fashion.
They shot out of the blocks with 13 goals and three wins from its first four matches, before consolidating its standing as a force to be reckoned with in a crucial three-game home stretch between rounds five and seven, where it banked seven of an available nine points and scored 12 goals, including a 7-0 hammering against Sandown.
The Sandown thrashing sparked a sevengame win streak, meaning that by round 13 it had collected a sensational 35 of 39 available points.
Outside of the loss, they won 16 and drew three, and with two rounds remaining have the second-best goal differential in the competition of 46, thanks to a miserly defence that has allowed a slender 15 goals.
Naseem Rasekh has done the bulk of the damage up front, scoring 20 goals to lead the competition to date, averaging one per contest, with a season-best of four against Sandown in round seven. The club described the efforts as a “monu-
mental achievement” in a statement on its Facebook page, and a testament to the “hard work, dedication, and relentless passion” shown by all involved at the club.
“Firstly, to our incredible players—you have given your all, showing skill, resilience, and a never-give-up attitude that has brought us to the top,” the statement read.
“Your commitment on and off the pitch has made this victory possible, and we couldn’t be prouder.
“To our coaching staff, your leadership and expertise have been the driving force behind our success.
“Your planning, motivational guidance, and unwavering support have helped shape our team into champions.
“This victory is a collective one, shared with everyone who has played a part in our journey.
“Let’s celebrate this remarkable achievement together as we look forward to even greater successes in the future!”
The Sparrows finish the season with an away trip to Monash University on Saturday and a final round meeting with Brighton at their home base of KM Reedy Reserve, where celebrations are set to ensue.
and halfback Ryan Patterson were both significant.
“They’ll get some belief out of that which is the most important thing,” Stanton said.
“We dug in and found a way which will hopefully give us some confidence. In the past perhaps we would have laid down and lost that game.”
The Redbacks will on Sunday face an East Malvern side coming off an 18-point defeat to premiership favourites Doveton.
“We’ve got a great respect for them – they’re a very good side, they’re well coached and play the game the right way but you know what you’ll get from them,” Stanton said.
“They’ll play through (full forward Isaac) Morrisby, their midfield is their one-wood so you match that, beat that and counteract that, you’re in the game.”
Hampton Park play on Sunday from 2pm at Ben Kavanagh Reserve.
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.
“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.
“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.
By Jonty Ralphsmith
A season which promised the heights of glory for Devon Meadows ended with an unfulfilling whimper against Somerville at Chelsea on Sunday.
The Panthers finished third in the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League Division 2 competition, navigating a tricky home and away draw and injuries to position themselves to break through.
But in the space of two shambolic games, what perhaps should have been became what could have been.
After an absurd 110-point loss to Chelsea in the qualifying final last week, Devon Meadows’ second chance seemed critical.
Instead, it provided them with the opportunity to play an encore of what the first final delivered, lacking the necessary intensity and hardness that finals demand.
The club needed a response after lowering its colours last week, and putting Patrick Ryder in the ruck to start Sunday’s clash made a statement.
Ryder was one of few shining lights last week for Devon Meadows, which wanted to give him a greater chance to influence the outcome.
Much like against Chelsea, the Panthers started well.
Trailing by just nine points at quarter time against a massive wind was an excellent result.
Joel Hillis opened the Panthers’ account with a topple-bounce-and-snapping play that only he could produce and his fiery start was significant, alongside Alex Canal’s hardness inside 50.
It started to unravel from there.
Even with the wind, Devon Meadows’ skills were messier and punished accordingly.
Initially, that was just via territory, with the first 20 minutes of the second quarter neutralised.
But Somerville’s fifth opportunity with an extra number inside 50 finally yielded a goal as they looked potent when sling-shotting.
A morbid sense of dread starting welling at halftime as the currency of Somerville’s 17-point lead increased significantly.
Cooling temperatures, greying skies and the moist scent of incoming rain painted a bleak picture of the downpour which followed.
Having fumbled and failed to fire for four quarters in perfect conditions last week, and struggling again in the wind in the first half, the narrative was legible before it was written.
The lights were switched on at the five minute mark.
The first rain tumbled at the six-minute mark.
Somerville kicked the important first goal of the quarter at the eight-minute-mark,
lifting the crowd.
By the 14-minute-mark, the margin extended beyond 40, Somerville’s muted celebrations by that point and Devon Meadows’ flatness telling a clear story.
Coming off the size of defeat the Panthers were, it would be hard to stoop even lower but they seemed intent on doing so late in the third quarter.
With the margin at its greatest, beyond 10 goals, Riley McDonald and Ty Kirkwood were both yellow carded as frustrations boiled over.
The Panthers played 10 minutes either side of the break with 16 men, leaving two Somerville forwards free.
Fans were left to raffle for the few pavilion seats once the rain intensified late in the third quarter, but what they had left to watch was rudimentary.
The greatest source of intensity in the last quarter was the nail-biting crowd members keep-
ing tabs on games around the grounds.
Only the opposition’s apathetic finish to a result already long-determined and a series of inspirational Hillis plays saved some face.
Surely the league medalist, Hillis kicked seven and continued his attempts to resist the impending inevitable loss with clean hands, strength and work rate his teammates could only admire.
Subsequently, the scoreboard finished kindly: just 34 points separated the two teams at the final siren, Devon Meadows losing 10.12 72 to 15.16 106.
Players ruminated, fans rued.
An opportunity gone, another finals defeat.
Sporting clubs provide warmth and perspective when finals scripts aren’t followed; in equal parts sorrow will be consoled and optimism espoused.
As Devon Meadows knows too well, there’s always next year.
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 under-16s smooth mover Alice Cunnington kicked 3.3.
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 con-
ferences, 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
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Gippsland AFL Academy player Xavier Lindsay
sustained a PCL injury early in the second term of the Power’s loss to Dandenong on Saturday at Morwell Recreation Reserve.
Lindsay lunged for a tackle, landing awkwardly in an innocuous incident, briefly attempting to continue before quickly pulling up sore.
The teenager was helped from the field by
trainers, unable to weight-bear after a strong start where he logged 11 disposals.
Onlookers initially feared an ACL injury, but scans confirmed it as a PCL rupture, meaning he will spend the next eight to 10 weeks on the sidelines.
While a blow for Gippsland on the eve of finals, crucially, he appears certain to start preseason uninterrupted.
Lindsay is a midfielder viewed as a first round prospect after an excellent season for the Power, averaging 23 disposals, and three national championships games for Vic Country which further boosted his stocks.
Xavier Lindsay’s junior career is over after sustaining a PCL injury on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 402640)
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.
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