Supreme
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria has started civil proceedings against Hallam Road landfill operator Veolia in the Supreme Court, alleging a range of serious non-compliances with the State’s environmental protection laws. The environment regulator announced the news on Tuesday 3 September.
Magical Book Week
Students and teachers at St Francis de Sales Primary School in Lynbrook donned a range of colourful costumes to celebrate this year’s Book Week on Monday 2 September. It was a day enjoyed by all while celebrating a love of books.
Story page 10
as Willy Wonka and Cleo as Charlotte’s Web. (Stewart Chambers: 428734)
It stated in its media release that odour emissions from Veolia’s Hallam Road landfill had been a persistent problem impacting the local community and the environment.
fill,” EPA stated.
“While EPA maintains regulatory oversight of the site, conducting regular inspections, issuing remedial notices and tracking Veolia’s management of leachate and landfill gas, EPA believes Veolia has failed to take all reasonably practicable measures to minimise risks from their activity and prevent emissions of odour beyond the land-
“Using powers under the Environment Protection Act 2017 that came into effect in July 2021, EPA is seeking civil remedies against the company.
“This latest action is an escalation of ongoing regulatory action against the company.”
“EPA has been acting for the community for several years, requiring Veolia to better manage the source of the odours from its Hallam Road landfill,” EPA Southern Metropolitan Melbourne Regional manager Bianca Sigismundi said.
Continued page 4
EPA alleged the company did not comply with the requirements of its operating licence and failed to meet its general environmental duty, due to the prolonged impacts of odour from its landfill on residents.
Raphael
Come and enjoy a fun-filled, family day at the Casey Pet Expo.
Join us on the day to meet other local pet owners, socialise your dogs, and chat with stallholders showcasing the latest in pet products.
There will also be live entertainment, roving performers, pet-related workshops and demonstrations taking place throughout the day.
Scan the QR code for full event details.
Please note: Due to limited on-site parking, a free shuttle service will be running regularly from Federation University to the park throughout the event.
Casey set to host Special Olympics Victoria State Summer Games
Following on from the successful winter games in July, Casey is proud to be once again hosting the Special Olympics Victoria State Summer Games.
To be held on 21 and 22 September, you’re invited to come along and cheer on the athletes competing in a range of sports, including golf, athletics, ten pin bowling, soccer and swimming.
Check out the full program on the Special Olympics website or scan the QR Code.
Wiser Driver Education Program
Registrations are now open for our Wiser Driver education program, which aims to improve the confidence, independence and road safety skills of people aged 55 years and over.
The course will be held on 6, 13, 20 and 17 November from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Woodbine Family and Community Centre, Cranbourne North. Participants must complete all four sessions.
To register, contact 9705 5200 and ask to be directed to the Positive Ageing Team, email positiveageing@casey.vic.gov.au or scan the QR code to register online.
Facility bookings EOI
Looking for a space to hire on a regular basis in 2025?
Look no further than Casey’s multi-use community facilities. We offer a range of facility hire options from large halls to small consulting spaces for community groups, businesses, health services, and everything in between.
Expressions of interest close Friday 27 September 2024.
Scan the QR code for more information.
2024/2025 Equipment and Training Grants Program
Not-for-profit community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for an Equipment and Training Grant.
Grants between $100 and $1,000 are available, and can be used for either purchasing equipment required to provide services or for training to help support and develop volunteers and group members.
Applications close at 5.00 pm on Friday 4 October.
For more information and to apply, please visit the ‘Equipment and Training Grants’ page on our website or contact our Grants Development Officer via communitygrants@casey.vic.gov.au or phone 9705 5200.
Casey Conversations
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK AND HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY
Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our community engagement platform, Casey Conversations.
• The future of waste in Casey: we’re seeking your feedback on changes to your waste service.
• Springleaf Reserve, Clyde North: have your say on the draft concept design for a new playground.
• A plan for pets and public spaces: to help inform our next Domestic Animal Management Plan, we want you to tell us your thoughts on how we manage animals in Casey.
• Sweeney Reserve, Berwick: provide your feedback on what you would like to see at the proposed new dog park.
Head to the Casey Conversations website to find out more or scan the QR code.
Two boys arrested in probe
Two teenagers have been arrested as part of a homicide investigation into shots fired in Hampton Park in April.
Among the incidents was the fatal shooting of 30-year-old carpenter Aaron Toth in his parked car – in what police believe to be a case of mistaken identity.
A 17-year-old Doveton boy and a 15-year-old Narre Warren boy were arrested and interviewed by police on 3 September, in relation to arson incidents connected to the shootings.
At this time police do not believe the pair were directly involved in the fatal shooting.
The Doveton boy was charged with two counts of arson relating to the allegedly deliberate burning of a stolen Ford Ranger utility on 27 April in Berwick, as well as the burning of a Mazda 3 believed to be connected to the matters.
Police say the Ford Ranger was used by the offenders during the fatal shooting.
That vehicle was set alight a short time later, and police allege that several people left the scene in the Mazda 3.
The Doveton boy has also been charged by Southern Metropolitan Crime Team detectives with unrelated offences including home invasion (x2), aggravated burglary (x4), attempted aggravated burglary (x4), burglary (x2), trespass (x5) and car theft (x14).
He was set to appear at a children’s court on 3 September. The Narre Warren boy was released pending further enquiries.
Homicide Squad detectives were recently joined by Toth’s family in appealing for information about the series of incidents in Hampton Park earlier this year. The devastated parents of Mr Toth have lashed out against his killers, describing them as “cowards”.
The 30-year-old, who had been parked outside his friend’s home was looking forward to becoming a father with his partner, who is expecting a girl in three weeks, his parents said.
Toth’s mother, Kim Toth, said on Monday that “there’s got to be somebody out there who knows something, he didn’t deserve to die like this, nobody does”.
“It’s just not fair, we need some answers.”
Mrs Toth said that those responsible for killing her son should be “locked away forever”.
“They knew exactly what they were doing; they
went there with intentions to kill somebody, why would they be there in a car with a gun?” she said.
In the first incident under investigation, a stolen black Audi Q7 SUV, a black Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback and a white Toyota Camry sedan are captured on CCTV driving at a fast rate of speed along the Parkway in Hampton Park at 9.21pm on Friday, 26 April.
The black Volkswagen drives onto the grassland, at which point the sound of two gunshots can be heard before all three vehicles speed away from the area. At 10.50pm, a stolen white Mitsubishi Outlander SUV is captured on CCTV chasing a stolen black Audi Q7 through Andrew Street, David Street and Jeffrey Street in Hampton Park.
As the vehicles travel at high speeds on Jeffrey Street, a person can be seen on CCTV leaning out of the passenger side window of the white Mitsubishi Outlander and firing a shot as it drives behind the black Audi Q7.
The sound of 14 gunshots can subsequently be
heard. At 11.36pm, the black Audi Q7 is driven into the driveway of a residential premises on Grammar Way in Hampton Park.
Two men, both wearing light coloured pants and hooded tops, exit the vehicle carrying jerry cans.
Both men empty the jerry cans onto the Audi, before setting it alight and fleeing the scene in a dark coloured sedan waiting nearby.
That vehicle has not yet been identified.
At 12.24am on Saturday, 27 April, the 30-yearold Toth was fatally shot inside his vehicle parked outside a residential address on Bride Avenue in Hampton Park.
Investigators have established he had travelled alone from Melbourne CBD and only arrived at the address a minute earlier.
Toth had no involvement in the earlier incidents in the Hampton Park area and his death is being treated as a case of mistaken identity, police say.
CCTV has captured a stolen grey Ford Ranger
Monitors to guide new Casey councillors
The City of Casey will be one of the few Victorian councils to be appointed municipal monitors in order to guide newly elected councillors in their first year of elected representation.
Soontohappenwiththelocalgovernmentelections in October, monitors will also be appointed to Whittlsea City and Strathbogie Shire Councils to support the transition back to elected councillors and ensure good governance practices.
The Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne, said that as “Casey City, Whittlesea City and Strathbogie Shire Councils return to elected representation, these monitors will guide incoming councillors in governance practices to help them best serve their ratepayers”.
Both Casey’s and Whittlesea’s councillors
were dismissed in 2020 until the 2024 elections, while Strathbogie councillors were dismissed in late 2023 for the remainder of the term.
The State Government said it reformed the Local Government Act 2020 to improve culture, governance, and integrity standards in Victoria’s councils.
Councils will have a uniform councillor code of conduct to create consistent standards of behaviour and increase accountability, furthermore, a program of mandatory training will be introduced for councillors and mayors, including annual professional development.
These reforms introduce stronger sanctions for councillor misconduct and improved access to resolve conduct matters earlier; they have been
developed in response to reports and recommendations from IBAC, the Chief Municipal Inspector and other interventions.
These highlighted the need for stronger processes and powers to resolve conduct issues and better training so councillors can perform their roles effectively.
“I thank the administrators for their work in supporting the local community through this challenging time - Victorians rightly expect newly elected councillors to maintain the high standard of good governance that have been put in place,” Ms Horne said.
The monitors and their terms of reference will be announced in due course.
utility turning left from Pound Road into Bride Avenue, before travelling south on Bride Avenue.
Occupants from the vehicle discharge shots into his vehicle as they drive past, fatally wounding Aaron.
A 21-year-old Cranbourne North man was charged with murder on Saturday, 29 June and is currently remanded in custody. At 2.27am, the white Mitsubishi Outlander and the grey Ford Ranger utility drove in convoy to Sweeney Reserve, Berwick. At 2.32 am, the grey Ford Ranger utility is set alight. At 2.34 am, the white Mitsubishi Outlander flees the scene.
Investigators are of the belief that all of these incidents are linked and that there are still people involved who have not yet been identified. The only vehicle not yet recovered is the black Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback, the whereabouts of which are unknown. The investigation into the series remains ongoing.
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Officer hurt
An 18-year-old man has been charged after a male constable was allegedly stabbed at a property in Cranbourne West on the afternoon of Tuesday 3 September.
Police were called to reports of an aggravated burglary at a residential premises on George Frederick Road at about 4.30pm. Officers arrived at the property and one of the members was allegedly confronted by a man in the driveway of the address who stabbed him in the leg. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. The Cranbourne West man was arrested and interviewed by police.
•
Aaron Toth, 30, was fatally wounded after being shot in a case of apparent mistaken identity. (Supplied)
The stolen Audi Q7 SUV, was set alight by its occupants after being driven onto a residential premises in Grammar Way, Hampton Park. (Supplied)
Landfill operator criticised
By Violet Li Veolia
was found to have engaged in serious misconduct during the Supreme Court trial against its Hallam Road landill neighbour Winsome Anderson.
The landfill operator supplied out-of-date data in breach of its discovery obligations, Justice Michael McDonald stated during a costs ruling on 30 August.
On 18 July, the Supreme Court ruled that Veolia breached its licence and general environment duty (GED) by failing to take all practicable measures to prevent emissions of LFG from exceeding the prescribed levels in the subsurface geology at the landfill boundary between 1 July 2022 and 30 October 2023.
One of the practicable measures Veolia failed to implement is to ensure the optimal efficiency of its landfill gas (LFG) extraction system.
It was also found during the trial that Veolia briefed one of the expert witnesses with out-ofdate data regarding the performance of the LFG extraction system at the landfill site.
The expert initially testified that the LFG extraction system was operating at the optimal 89 per cent efficiency based on data ending in July 2020.
The data was provided to the expert towards the end of May in 2023 and it was discovered later in court that Veolia received a draft risk assessment report a month before with a comment that suggested less efficient performance of its LFG extraction system in 2022.
The comment made by its environment auditor states: “The collection efficiency could be improved. 60-70 per cent is likely not good enough for odour control in the context of the site.”
The corresponding final report dated 15 September 2023 states that in 2022, the LFG extraction system is operating at an efficiency in the range of 61 per cent to 83 per cent.
The document was initially in evidence when the trial began on 15 November last year but was removed from the supplementary court book on the second day as Veolia claimed its irrelevance.
It resurfaced when the expert was called in to address the additional 323 documents discovered
by Veolia in December 2023.
“Veolia was aware when the trial commenced on 15 November 2023 that Mr Lane’s evidence regarding the efficiency of the LFG extraction system was based on out-of-date data and did not reflect the performance of the system as of December 2022 and thereafter,” Justice McDonald stated in the judgement.
“I infer that Veolia considered it to be in its interests to allow Mr Lane to give evidence that
the LFG extraction system was operating at 89 per cent efficiency because it believed this evidence would aid its defence of the plaintiffs’ claim that it had breached the GED and clause 5 of the licence.
“Through the evidence of Mr Lane in his report of 5 June 2023 Veolia sought to neutralise a key issue in the case.
“It nearly succeeded in doing so.”
Justice McDonald stated that the briefing
Accused of $80k-plus self-storage heists
by Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Dandenong man stands accused of plundering scores of household goods worth more than $80,000 from self-storage facilities over several months.
Gilbert Parsooramen, 37, faced 47 charges in a brief appearance at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 28 August.
They included multiple alleged trespasses and thefts at StoreLocal in Hallam and National Storage in Dandenong South in February, March and April 2024.
According to charge sheets, Parsooramen’s alleged looting included boxes of 250 rare film slides valued at $10,000, as well as an array of computers, parts, TVs and speakers worth more than $25,000.
Some of the other listed stolen items at Hallam were industrial vacuums and a Honda pressure washer, flight simulator systems, power tools, welders, fishing rods, projector, phone, iPad, gym bags, roof racks, and a karaoke machine.
At Dandenong South, the alleged stolen items included baby clothes, kitchen wares, laptops, suitcases, personal documents, TVs, whitegoods, a lawn mower, whipper snipper, shoes, battery packs, cycling shirts, dinner and cutlery sets, helmet, sunglasses, a doona quilt set, wine glasses, whisky decanter, chessboard set, a slow cooker and a guitar.
Parsooramen was also charged with stealing a Hiace van, two motorcycles and another vehicle, retaining stolen number plates, fraudulently altering a driver’s licence and number plates, dangerous driving after being directed to stop by police, disqualified driving, displaying false number plates and shoplifting a motorcycle jacket.
He was also accused of dealing with other property suspected to be the proceeds of crime, including more than 70 boxes and items of household goods as well as gloves, a cut lock, lock breaker and bolt cutters.
In another charge, he was accused of dishon-
estly retaining more than 90 items and boxes of stolen goods, including an e-scooter, designer handbags, sporting memorabilia, a police badge, doctors medicine kit, electronic goods and power tools.
Parsooramen was also charged with possessing an imitation firearm as well as methylamphetamine, 1-4 butanediol and Xanax. He was bailed to next appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 12 November.
with out-of-date data had seriously prejudiced the conduct of the proceeding as the revised evidence was “a significant factor underpinning the Court’s conclusion that Veolia had breached the GEP and its operating licence”.
The Court ordered Veolia to pay Ms Anderson standard legal costs, plus additional indemnity costs for the three-month period of the discovery breach.
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EPA begins Supreme Court action
From page 1
“Despite that, we believe Veolia has failed to comply so far as reasonably practicable, and odour remains an ongoing issue.
“EPA will always use all its regulatory powers to address non-compliance that can impact human health and the environment.”
A spokesperson for Veolia said: “We are aware of a recent civil claim lodged by the Victorian EPA in relation to Hallam Road, and we are reviewing their statement of claim.”
Veolia was recently found by the Supreme Court to breach its licence and the general environmental duty at the Hallam Road landfill after its neighbour Winsome Anderson, who owned a 38-hectare property east of the landfill, launched the lawsuit against the landfill operator in 2022.
Veolia has been found to engage in serious misconduct during the Supreme Court trial against its Hallam Road landfill neighbour Winsome Anderson.
(Stewart Chambers: 348748)
Protesters outside Hallam Road landfill.
(Stewart Chambers:
Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. (Gary Sissons: 244718)
Fundraiser an ink of hope
By Ethan Benedicto
Spreading the message is the most important aspect of her campaign, as Sarah Kelly embarks on a journey of advocacy and solidarity for those suffering from brain cancer.
Sarah, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2021 was given between two and five years to live – but having broken through the estimate, is steadfast in her goal of supporting brain cancer research through Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation.
A Beaconsfield local, Sarah has since been in touch with Berwick MP Brad Battin, and in collaboration with local tattoo studio Skin Architecture, began a fundraiser with the goal of $5000; which if met, would result with a lucky local to pick and choose a tattoo for Brad himself.
Sarah said that after her diagnosis, she “realised how little people knew about brain cancer and the impact it has on families”.
Speaking on her own condition, Sarah said that “everything’s improved to the point where I’m actually able to feel like I’ve got the energy”.
“I’ve got the capacity to be a voice for brain cancer patients, and unfortunately pretty much everyone passes away.”
After her diagnosis, Sarah immediately went for surgery, which was soon followed by radiation treatment and then a year of chemotherapy; at that stage, it wasn’t uncommon for her to experience seizures.
Having been two years without a seizure, Sarah said that she is “one of the few that is here to tell my story”.
“So I really felt like I can do this, I felt like this is my time, my opportunity to share,” she said.
For every $1 donated between Friday 30 August and Sunday 8 September will be an entry into a draw which, at the end of the fundraiser, will dictate the person set to decide on a tattoo for Brad in honour of Sarah’s and many others’ hope for a cure.
The $5000 will go towards Sarah’s goal of $20,000 for CB4BC, in conjunction with the organisation’s Point to Pinnacle trek at Mount Wellington, Tasmania on Sunday 17 November.
Brad, moved by Sarah’s goal and determination recently visited the Brain Cancer Centre alongside a number of other MPs, one of them being Sam Groth, who had recently lost his mother to the same illness.
“I wasn’t aware of that, none of us had ever spoken about it, so I said to myself, what can I do to raise money?” Brad said.
“It is the least I can do to assist and raise awareness of this cruel disease; I have known
Donuts ease storm blues
Storm-affected residents across the South East received a sweet treat and a place to rest and recover, with Krispy Kreme Fountain Gate giving away free Original Glazed donuts from 2pm to 11pm.
With more than 100,000 homes without power on Monday 2 September, Krispy Kreme Fountain Gate encouraged customers to use the shop’s power outlets and Wi-Fi.
Sarah for many years and her passion for making more people aware of the impacts and to openly share her story is something I had to support.”
The fundraiser runs alongside Skin Architecture’s limited promotion until 8 September, an opportunity which Brad was more than eager to jump onto for a more “unique” take on fundraising.
Cheyenne, owner of the business is on the same boat, saying that she is more than pleased to support this for a great cause.
“We all know someone who has lost someone to cancer, and we are pleased to work with Sarah to create change,” she said.
“As a small local tattooist, we see many people who come in to get a tattoo in memory of loved ones, this is a little different and will be in honour of many.”
The act of raising awareness and advocacy for brain cancer research is a “privilege” for Sarah, with her saying that she has the chance to speak “on behalf of many”.
“I [recently] just wrote a spiel about, imagine a world where instead of being told you’ve got two to five years to go and make memories, imagine that there’s an alternative where they say, here are your treatment options, here’s what we have for you – I guess that’s what I’m really hoping for.
“My dream is to become a grandma one day, I’d really love to see my daughter, if she chooses to, to walk down the aisle.
“But first and foremost, I’ve got to set myself little goals, at the moment I just want to see her get to kinder, next is to see her get to primary school and then it’ll hopefully be high school and maybe beyond.”
Sarah recalled that there were multiple times when the possibility of her death was high, and the fact that she is still alive, able to move, speak and function made her “want to do something”. For Brad, having a different take on fundraising is the minimum, and the “challenge is getting government support” for initiatives to tackle brain cancer.
“I presume it’ll hopefully come later on, but [it’s about] getting government support for their [Brain Cancer Centre] research.
“I just think that when you went through the centre, you see that if they had extra money, they would be in a different position.”
Currently, there are 10 tattoos for those who have donated to choose from, with both Brad and Sarah keen on inking a strong message of support.
To make a donation and for more information, visit pointtopinnacle2024.grassrootz.com/ cb4bc/callow-sarah
From left to right: Sarah, Brad and Cheyenne from Skin Architecture, the local tattoo parlour that will be putting needle and ink in for the MP once the campaign finishes (429615)
Sarah, Brad and Cheyenne speaking about the details of the campaign. (429615)
Both Brad Battin (left) and Sarah Kelly (right) have strong beliefs in the campaign’s cause; with both eager for the tattoo choice to be made. (Ethan Benedicto: 429615)
Krispy Kreme Fountain Gate head of retail Antonio with customers Kristin, Jess and Alice and their free donuts. (Stewart Chambers: 429102)
Krispy Kreme Fountain Gate head of retail Antonio. (429102)
Krispy Kreme Fountain Gate customers Kristin, Jess and Alice with their free donuts. (429102)
NEWS EACH year is a highlight
By Ethan Benedicto
It was all about bringing vibrancy through their aura and colours in celebration of 50 years, as the purple EACH bus landed in Narre Warren on Monday, engaging with the hub’s staff and the local community from 9am to 11am.
The journey, which began in Ipswich, Queensland, was more than just a commemoration, but also an homage to the Eastern Access Community Health’s foundational goal; their dedication to delivering health and support services that improve lives and strengthen communities.
EACH’s manager for mental health and psychological interventions, Derek Fagan, who is based in the Narre Warren hub said that the whole experience was a fantastic way to “meet all the different services, know each of the staff along the way and hear their experiences of working for the organisation”.
“It was also about you know, wearing our tshirts with the 50th anniversary logo on it and driving on a purple bus and getting a lot of community interest.
“A lot of people in all the communities we stopped at were interested in what we were doing, so we’d stop and talk to them about mental health and aged care, working with young people, NDIS, all the services that we run, so we really galvanised a lot of community interest and support.”
EACH began in 1974, the first site being opened by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and was originally known as the Maroondah Social Health Centre.
It grew steadily, where in 1988 it held 194 volunteers; but it was in 1998 when EACH was born, after merging with the Outer East Council for Developing Services in Mental Health Inc. and Healesville Adult Day Care Centre.
“It really started as a grassroots organisation responding to community needs and health concerns,” Fagan said.
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN
Thumbs up
To electricity crews and SES for working around the clock in this crazy weather.
Thumbs up
To all emergency service workers for trying to clean up the mess and keep people safe from these horrible storms.
Thumbs down
To McGregor Road roadworks. Please finish already.
Thumbs down
To the power outages this year. It seems our system can not cope, I’m unsure why we pay so much. You would think they would invest in the power lines being underground in this day and age.
“You know, [it was about] linking people to allied health, their GPs, as well as providing support for you aged care, people with disabilities and young people struggling with navigating life.
“It really started with people caring, and that has really been our ethos that’s come through the organisation.”
The goal of the drive was to ultimately connect with people, and celebrate them, as well as the places that have made EACH the advocate for community-based health and support services.
The organisation’s CEO, Natalie Sullivan, said that the drive “is an incredibly proud moment for us”.
“We want to share our pride in our past and our excitement about our future with everyone who has been part of our journey – communities, customers, government funders and of course our amazing team members, past and present.”
EACH provides clinical, counselling and support services that cater to youth and adult mental health, recovery from alcohol and other drugs, as well as physical wellbeing – including dental, nursing, physios and other allied health.
They also attend to people with disabilities, including children with developmental delays;
child, youth and family wellbeing is also a focus, and support for older adults to remain confident, engaged and active.
“We’re really in the whole mix, we work collaboratively in the community,” Fagan said.
“We’re providing real wrap-around support with allied health, support with GPs, Indigenous organisations, cultural and linguistic services, local councils and so on.
“It’s not for profit, we’re not in it just to win contracts, we’re in it to really advocate for the sector, to make sure that funding and the people aren’t forgotten along the way.”
Other hubs in the area were visited; including Ferntree Gully on 30 August, Boronia on 2 September and Ringwood East on 3 September.
Currently, EACH employs 1500 staff supported by 200 volunteers, delivering more than 150 health and support services to 60,000 vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians annually.
Greeted by calm winds and clear skies, Fagan said that the tour was an amazing opportunity for everyone to get together and “be one”, fostering that sense of camaraderie, not just with one another, but also the people they serve.
Cheering Corbras and a flying netball at Cora Lynn on Sunday. (Stewart Chambers: 428917)
From left to right: Derek Fagan, the Narre Warren South Site Manager, Nick Teo, EACH Mental Health AOD Director and Michelle Addicott from EACH FTG. (Stewart Chambers: 428711)
Members from the bus jumped out donning costumes, signs and other trinkets as they arrived at the Narre Warren hub. (428711)
A wave of EACH members gathered at the hub early on Monday morning to greet the purple bus and celebrate the organisation’s 50 years of service. (428711)
Derek Fagan, the Narre Warren South Site Manager, addressed the crowd during the morning’s gathering. (428711)
Wife killer faces life in jail
By Tara Cosoleto, AAP
A man faces the prospect of life behind bars after being found guilty of murdering his wife with an axe in front of their teenage daughter in Sandhurst.
Dinush Kurera, 47, blinked and looked straight ahead as the jury’s foreman read out their guilty verdict on Friday.
The Victorian Supreme Court jurors spent less than three hours deliberating before reaching their decision.
Kurera admitted to killing his estranged wife Nelomie Perera, 43, on 3 December, 2022, but denied committing murder as he claimed to have acted in self-defence.
During the trial, the couple’s two teenage children gave evidence to the jury about their mother’s final moments.
Their daughter, who was 16 at the time of the murder, said Kurera came to their house armed with an axe and threatened to burn the property down if they tried to contact police.
She said her mother was already bleeding from the head when she came downstairs and when her brother tried to flee, Kurera chased after him with the axe.
The teen told the jury she ran to the bathroom and tried to call triple-zero but the calls did not connect.
She then heard her mother’s screams so she ran back into the kitchen and saw Kurera holding an axe and hovering over Ms Perera, who was bleeding on the kitchen floor.
Ms Perera’s screams for help were captured on a safety watch and played to the jury in the early days of the trial.
Kurera then grabbed a knife and used it and the axe to strike and stab Ms Perera repeatedly in the neck and upper body, their daughter said.
Ms Perera yelled out “I’m dead” as she was attacked and the girl ran from the house to her neighbours next door.
CCTV footage played to the jury showed her banging on the front door, saying “dad’s killing mum” and “I’m pretty sure she’s dead”.
Kurera had a different version of events, when he took the stand to give evidence in the final days of the trial.
He told the jury Ms Perera had threatened him with a knife and bit his finger during a heated argument in their Melbourne home.
He claimed he was scared she was going to attack him when he grabbed an axe and hit her
“only a couple of times”.
Ms Perera was found dead in a pool of blood with 35 separate wounds, prosecutors told the jury.
Kurera also denied assaulting his 17-year-old son by striking him with an axe as the teen tried to flee the house during the altercation.
The teenage boy described to the jury how Kurera attacked him before someone, believed to be Ms Perera, dragged his father off him.
The jury retired to consider their verdicts at
11.10am on Friday after hearing four weeks of evidence.
They returned with their two guilty verdicts, to the charges of murder and assault, at 2pm.
A large number of Ms Perera’s family and friends filled the court’s upstairs public gallery for the verdict.
Kurera was returned to custody and will front the Supreme Court in November for a pre-sentence hearing.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Dinush Kurera (left) arrives to the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Wednesday, 31 July, 2024. (AAP Image/James Ross)
Shock following tragedy
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Friends and supporters are grieving the “heartbreaking” death of a 23-year-old Dandenong asylum seeker said to have lost hope after more than a decade without permanent visa protection.
Mano Yogalingham died in hospital on Wednesday 28 August after self-harming in a car near Noble Park Skate Park.
He stood vigil at a 24/7 camp outside the Department of Home Affairs office in Docklands, coordinating the protest as well as staying up through the night to protect colleagues from assaults and thefts.
Asylum seeker Rathy Barthlot, who met Yogalingham at the camp, says he was a “very strong, energetic … a lovely young boy” as well as “humble”.
“He’s not scared about anyone else. When we were in the camp, he was not sleeping during the night and looking after us.
“He’d say ‘you go to sleep, I’ll look after you guys’.
“We’re very shocked. His family is very shocked. Everyone is very heart-broken.”
Barthlot says Yogalingham had been “worried about his living conditions, living like a jailed person”.
“Since he was 11 years old he’s been a refugee living in a limbo life.
“The Government needs to consider our situation, our mental issues and suffering. Who is going to listen to us?
“Please grant us permanent visas. Let us live with some dignity and have the same rights as everyone else.”
Yogalingham fled from Sri Lanka by boat as an 11-year-old with his parents and four siblings.
The Tamil family had their claim for protection rejected under Australia’s ‘Fast Track’ system.
For more than half his life, Australia had been his home but he’d been “treated like a second-
class citizen”, says Tamil Refugee Council founder Aran Mylvaganam.
Yogalingham had many friends and family but was believed to have issues with an ex-partner at the time.
His visa “limbo” is believed to have plagued his mental health, Mylvaganam says.
Yogalingham’s “heart-breaking” demise was the third Tamil refugee known to self-immolate in the past 12 years.
“When you look at all of them, they were very community minded, they were loved and really strong people.”
It followed another Dandenong Tamil’s premature death from unknown causes a month ago, Mylvaganam says.
“We’ve been living with this issue for many issues – one death after another. If the Government resolved everyone’s situation we wouldn’t see these deaths.
“It’s the uncertainty – you can’t get a decent job. As soon as it’s found out that you’re on a bridging visa, it comes to an end.
“Without permanent residency they go
through hell.”
There was later word of a Doveton Tamil in his 40’s dying prematurely on Friday 30 August. Tamil community members were fundraising to send his body to relatives in Sri Lanka.
There are an estimated 9,000-plus asylum seekers denied a pathway to permanent residency.
Many are awaiting review from the Immigration Minister as well as the new Administrative Review Tribunal.
According to Mylvaganam, that’s now 9000 lives that must be saved.
“My view is this is not just the Liberals’ cruel policy but Labor is using these refugees as political tools.
“The numbers of people dying in the community stopped when Labor came to power. But now I feel hopelessness is setting in.
“I hope we can turn the mourning into a form of resistance, rather than giving up.”
Justice and Freedom for Ceylon Tamils president Wicki Wickiramasingham, who is an ALP member, says there is mounting desperation for
those in limbo before next year’s federal election.
And a sense of betrayal.
“The people trusted to save their lives have let them down.
“If the Government still has done nothing by December this year, we fear nothing might happen.”
Bruce MP Julian Hill, who is Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, said Yogalingham’s death was an “utterly horrific and tragic incident”.
“Any Australian – indeed any decent human being – would feel appalled that a person could get to the point in their mental health that this seems like not just an option, but a thing to do.
“My thoughts are with this man’s family, friends, first responders and anyone else affected.”
Hill said the department had not briefed him in detail on Yogalingham’s circumstances.
“Many asylum seekers in my community were stuck in limbo for the best part of a decade, never able to leave as genuine refugees, but never able to confirm and build their life here or, in many cases, see their children and grandchildren.”
He said the election pledge of permanent protection for people with TPV and SHEV visas had been implemented.
“Almost 18,000 of the 19,000 Temporary Protection Visa holders in limbo for a decade under the Liberals have now been granted permanent visas and many others from the Bridging Visa caseload are now also now able to apply for permanent protection.
“The legacy of the remaining caseload is complex, and every case is different and needs to be worked through individually.”
The majority of those remaining are 7376 who have had their visas refused, cancelled or expired. Many of them are seeking a review.
A further 2475 had been denied visas but had not yet sought a review.
LIFELINE 13 11 14
Cranbourne man jailed for serious assaults
By Violet Li
A Cranbourne man who committed two serious assaults has been jailed for nine and a half years.
Joshua St Mart, 41, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to common law assault, recklessly causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and driving whilst suspended across two incidents in 2022.
Wielding a knife, he attacked an unarmed man on 20 February 2022 - two days after he was bailed - as he believed the victim “stood over” his then-partner.
The attack involved stabbing, kicking, and punching which led to life-threatening injuries that required extensive treatment. The victim was hospitalised for six days and suffered psychological trauma after the incident.
Fifteen days later, St Mart committed the second offence when the then-partner was sorting out a dispute concerning car damage.
He approached the car owner’s father, pushed him to the ground, and kicked him once in the head area.
He then deliberately drove into the victim from behind. The victim sustained a fracture of his right shinbone, right ankle, and toe.
Sentencing judge Fran Dalziel stated on 22 August that each incident was serious, and each involved St Mart inflicting serious injury in the context of a dispute involving the thenpartner.
St Mart was found to be drug-affected during both offences.
He was diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) some years ago, but a psychologist noted that he did not currently meet the criteria for depression, anxiety, or any personal disorders.
The court noted a long criminal history since 2002, including sentences for dishonesty, similar assault offences, false imprisonment, and kidnapping.
St Mart reportedly showed remorse to the second victim.
He said it was “one of the stupidest things I’ve done”.
The total sentence was nine years and six months’ imprisonment. St Mart will be eligible for parole in seven years.
County Court of Victoria. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 231934)
A car, believed to be Mano Yogalingham’s, abandoned at Noble Park Skate Park. (Gary Sissons: 428441)
Mano Yogalingham, 23, died after self-harming in a car at Noble Park Skate Park.
Crossing crucial for park
By Ethan Benedicto
A beloved and historic site in the heart of Berwick is in need of crucial infrastructural support, locals say, as the dangers of vehicles to crossing pedestrians at the entrance of Wilson Botanic Park show no signs of dwindling.
Akoonah Ward council candidate, Samuel Dennison has recently highlighted the lack of a proper crossing at the park’s entrance, adding that the people’s safety should be a priority.
“This particular area has been a sore point for many in our community, with multiple near misses and tragically, a number of deaths over the years,” Dennison said.
The park, which is known for its lush flora and its historic rock formations is a common goto destination for not just locals, but residents throughout the City of Casey.
However, on busier days, especially on weekends, it is not uncommon for groups of people, from cyclists to families with children in prams to be crossing the Princes Highway, a four-lane road with an 80kph speed limit.
“We need to make sure that kids and families crossing that road to access the Botanical Gardens have a safe way to do so,” Dennison said.
“When the car park becomes regularly full at the gardens, people then park across the road, and then obviously have to then walk across a major highway.”
A signalised pedestrian crossing is what is needed, according to Dennison, in addition to street lighting improvements; where currently the entrance of the gardens holds only two lampposts.
The City of Casey’s CEO, Glenn Patterson said that following pedestrian fatalities in 2017 and in 2023, Casey has “been advocating to the Victorian Government for pedestrian-operated signals”.
“[As well as] improved street lighting on Princes Highway at the entrance to Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick.”
Mr Patterson added that a signalised intersection on the Princes Highway at Coniston Avenue and Wilson Botanic Park access road, including pedestrian crossings to bus stops and street light upgrades, have been planned by the council.
The intersection, which is under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Transport and
Planning, has been identified by the council as a priority project, with an estimated cost of $10 million.
Jenny Duncan, president of the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park is of the same mind, recalling the many times that members of the Friends have seen people taking “many risks” when it came to crossing the road.
Speaking for the Friends, their “general feeling is that we would like to see some lights there.”
“Not just a marked pedestrian crossing, but one with lights; there is also a bus stop on either side and there is no other way but to cross the highway in order to get to either side of the road.
“It’s extremely dangerous, I’m a walker and I know what it’s like standing in the middle and waiting for cars to zoom past,” Ms Duncan said.
To Jennifer Robson, a Berwick local who has been in the area for over 25 years, it’s integral that something is done about the lack of proper pedestrian access and safety.
“It’s the lighting, early in the morning or late at night, there is no lighting and it’s very difficult to see,” Ms Robson said.
Adding to the fact that it is “dark and dangerous”, crossings at Berwick Village and the intersection at Parkhill Drive and Mansfield Street are not effective options for parkgoers.
“You’ve got to take into consideration people of all abilities, not everyone has the capacity to walk 150 to 200 metres, so people take a chance to cross the road.
In the meantime, Mr Patterson said that visitors to Wilson Botanic Park are “encouraged to
park and walk to enter the park” through Kramer Drive and Bournevale Drive pedestrian entrances.
“If walking from the William Road and Berwick township, [pedestrians are] to use the pedestrian pathways for safe access.
“Council has implemented a range of initiatives to help visitors safely access Wilson Botanic Park; we recently trialled temporary traffic lights at some of our larger events, which was well-received by visitors and local residents.,” he said.
While Casey Council has identified the need for upgrades at the intersection, there have been no funding commitments made by the State Department of Transport and Planning.
St Francis de Sales gets into character for Book Week
St Francis de Sales Primary School in Lynbrook celebrated this year’s Book Week on Monday 2 September.
With this year’s theme ‘Reading is Magic’, students celebrated the power of books to make them feel, question, wonder, and experience.
Students dressed up in costumes to express their love for books. They spent the day with a range of fun activities that focused on the theme and nominated books. Reading, fun challenges, quizzes and even some arts were incorporated into the activities.
Jai and Abby from Perform Education visited the school again to deliver a performance.
“The day is great because we get to have fun dressing up and creating costumes from our favourite books. Every year we always do new activities and learn about why reading is important,” student Evie said.
“I love the day and dressing up with my
friends. The show was great and it’s always fun to have a day where we get to do fun activities,” student Joy said.
The school’s literacy leader Joanna Forbes said it was a fun day had by all with a positive atmosphere for children to interact and engage with each other doing different activities.
“Perform Education’s play is a highlight of our Book Week celebrations every year,” she said.
“The children love the performance. It engages them through song and dance as well as a fantastic story line incorporating the nominated books and a key message that relates to their everyday lives.
“The takeaway from this year’s performance was a particularly special one for us, that every day we are surrounded by little miracles that we should be grateful for.”
Samuel Dennison (left) and local resident Jennifer Robson (right) have called for improved pedestrian access to Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick. (Ethan Benedicto: 429840)
Raphael, Cleo, Evie, Evangeline, Paloma and Jax. (Stewart Chambers: 428734)
Tyler and Odin. (Stewart Chambers: 428734)
Teachers Matilda as Shek and Claire as Fiona.
Teachers in costumes.
Decades of volunteering
By Violet Li
On 15 September, Indra Jolayemi, Casey Hospital Operating Theatre’s clinical nurse specialist, will travel to Tonga for the 13th time in 14 years as an overseas volunteer.
For many, overseas volunteering is a one-off experience, but for the Officer resident, it has almost been a pilgrimage. The bond has been so deep that she almost thinks she’s a permanent resident there.
Around 2011, Indra signed up for the Global Health Program by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The program branch Indra was selected seeks to support medical education and specialised hospital services throughout the Pacific. Indra’s role has been mainly to assist in urological surgeries for a week. For the past two years, the program has been sponsored by the Pasifika Medical Association.
“When my consultant who I was working with said he was going to Tonga to volunteer and he would need a nurse, I put up my hand,” she recalled.
“I went through a selection process. I was interviewed and they want to know if I’m committed and if I can follow through.
“A lot of people might go for one time, but they never follow through because you have to leave your family and go there for seven or 10 days.”
Indra proved she was not one of the many people, through time and tears.
She would never forget the day when she departed from Australia.
“When I first went, my son was 10 years old. I am a single mother, and I remember the first time I was like confused, I’ve been waiting for this opportunity, but who’s going to look after my son?” she recalled.
“But I have very good church friends. They said, this is a good course, go for it, and we will look after your son, and they said he would understand.
“I remember when I was travelling to the airport, I cried all the way to the airport because I was thinking, am I doing the right thing, leaving my son behind and doing something I wanted to do?
“But it turned out really well because he understood doing things for other people was a good thing. Thank God that it worked out well.”
First time in Tonga, Indra and the team she was a part of performed a minimally invasive kidney stone extraction, which had never been done before in Tonga or any of the Pacific islands.
“You can’t forget the first time. At that time, they usually had big open surgery to remove kidney stones. But this time, it was minimally invasive, and even the local media reported on it,” Indra said.
On a normal volunteering day, the team members work from morning till evening trying to cover as many cases as possible, right from stone cases to bladder conditions and prostate conditions.
“We do a transurethral resection of the prostate, which the local doctors are not trained to do. Patients are often with long-term urethral catheters, and they wait for us for further management,” Indra said.
“A problem is we don’t have too much of equipment. We don’t have modern equipment. We used to carry very simple equipment which was usually supplied by the Royal College of Surgeons. However, as time goes on, we sometimes ask the product companies to donate, and we carry it in our excess luggage. Donation is a big part of our program.
“We also go there to teach the Tongans, to build their capacity. I teach the nurses all the principles of operating theatre, sterility and that sort of thing so that they can do it themselves. That’s our main aim. We are not there just to do
it for them.
“We want to teach so that it’s sustainable so that they can continue doing these procedures when we are not there.”
Volunteering overseas for Indra is not only about imparting knowledge, but it is more about learning.
“When you are away from home and your comfort zone, you have to be resourceful. You will learn how to be creative. You are in a hospital with limited resources. You look around to make sure that patients are taken care of,” she said.
“And we use the same principles in health
care, whether you are in a developed country or a developing country, the principles are the same.
“You make sure there’s no infection. You make sure that everything is carried out to the highest standards, so you become resourceful. How are you going to do it is something that you need to think about.
“You can work yourself. You find a way of doing things. You become you become part of a solution, not part of a problem.”
Working life is certainly not the sole business during the volunteering. The team usually gets one day off.
“In the past, we used to go to these little islands for a boat trip and sit there for a day and come back,” Indra recalled.
“But after the tsunami in 2022, a lot of the islands disappeared and a lot of the little resorts in those islands are completely gone.
“They could never rebuild it in this lifetime. This is not a very rich country, and they don’t have any resources to build it back again. Then a lot of people in the islands have been displaced. They left the little islands, and they came to the main island where the king of Tonga gave them land to rebuild their homes.
“Over the 10 years we were visiting Tonga, we saw quite a transition. Tongans are very resilient people. They try their best to come back to normal.”
It has always been the people that move Indra and lure her back again and again. She has made lots of very good friends in the past decade whom she speaks to almost every other day through messages.
Sometimes when they are stuck with something like a urology emergency, they will call Indra up or text her and ask millions of questions.
“Tongans are very appreciative of what we do. Towards the end of the visit, when we go to the wards to see them postoperatively, the smile is itself very rewarding. That is a form of satisfaction we get.
“We don’t get paid, but the time that we spend looking after them, the smiles and the gratitude towards us are beyond words actually.”
Indra took her son to Tonga one year when he was around 12. He was in the hospital helping out and he enjoyed his time there.
Innovation versus invention and outcome uncertainty
What’s the difference between an ‘innovation’ and an ‘invention’? Are they actually the same thing or is there a discernible difference? If you ask Google for the answer, it states the following:
“Invention involves creating something entirely new, for example the first light bulbs or the telephone. Innovation, on the other hand, is the process of improving the existing creations or finding new applications for them.”
So, using this definition, if ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ as the old proverb would have us believe, then perhaps ‘efficiency is the father of innovation’? If this is true, then something that both clearly have in common is the need to do or create something different and both are typically the result of thinking about things in an alternative way. The starting point is often a problem which may be prefaced by statement along the lines of “if only we could…..” or “if it weren’t for X, then we could…” etc and this is where the journey can begin.
TAKING CARE
IAN ASH OF BUSINESS
It is not easy for anyone to invent or innovate anything since this involves what’s known as a ‘Paradigm Shift’, i.e. “a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions” (according to the English Oxford Dictionary) which necessarily means taking a quite different perspective. Hard to do when you have been doing something in a particular way over a sustained period of time. However, this is where I recommend taking the advice of Stephen Covey (‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’): “Start with the end in mind”. The more clearly you can envision the end result, the easier it is to work back from there to see where and how things could
be done differently. Another similarity that innovation and invention share is the uncertainty of the outcome. Very rarely does anything work first time, and in business there are no overnight successes. Nearly all great achievements are the result of years of sustained effort and incremental improvements, and it is exactly the same for innovations and inventions. For example, many people believe that Thomas Edison was the first person to invent the electric light bulb, but this is not actually the case. In 1800, Alessandro Volta (after whom the electrical “volt” was named) invented the first practical method of generating electricity and his ‘voltaic pile’ is also one of the first examples of incandescent lighting. In 1802, Humphrey Davy went one better and invented the ‘electric arc lamp’ (so named due to the arc of light emitted between two carbon rods) but this lamp burned out too quickly so was not a practical solution for common use. Joseph Swan developed a lightbulb comprised of carbonised paper filaments housed in a vacuum tube in
1850 but back then vacuum pumps were inefficient rendering his lightbulb unusable from a commercial perspective. It was Edison’s idea of using a thin filament (which required only a small amount of current) which was the gamechanger in 1879 and the rest is history.
However, what is generally not known is that Edison had actually made around 1,000 unsuccessful attempts before he invented a commercially viable light bulb which really does reinforce the point that there are no ‘overnight successes’. I think his quote nails the point:
“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”
So if you have a great idea of a new invention or an innovative way of doing something differently, don’t give up, you never know what may be achieved.
Indra Jolayemi, Casey Hospital Operating Theatre’s clinical nurse specialist, has been volunteering in Tonga for the past 14 years. (Supplied)
Indra in a theatre in Tonga. (Supplied)
Jagdeep runs for council
By Violet Li
Quarters Ward candidate Jagdeep Singh Sukhija has a vision for senior citizens and multicultural communities.
The Lyndhurst resident orientates his campaign priorities around what he has experienced in his multiple identities: a senior citizen, a multicultural community member, and a former business owner.
One of the priorities is to promote more welfare programs for senior citizens.
He has been running a community group called Compassionate Hands since 2020 after he retired from his business. The group has a focus on promoting the welfare of senior citizens, which has helped him understand the pains of the cohort.
“That group has more than 175 senior citizen members. I look after them, like taking them to GP, taking them out for excursions to work, and conducting literacy classes and health-aiding workshops for them,” Jagdeep said.
“After all, their children are busy. They don’t have time for them for their parents. The parents are left alone. They get bored and lonely. They want more library services. They want sitting
places where they can go, meet each other, gossip, discuss things, and sit for hours.”
As 30 per cent of the population in Quarters Ward has an Indian background, Jagdeep will make efforts to widen the community halls across the area for more community and multicultural events.
“The lack of big community halls is the foremost problem everyone is facing,” he said.
“Indian communities need them to celebrate their religious programs.”
As a business owner for almost all his life, Jagdeep will also focus on strengthening and supporting local businesses.
“Prices of the commodities have gone so high, and people are not feeling free to spend. Even the rates of the houses have gone up. People have no capacity to go and spend money in cafes or shopping centres,” he said.
“The council can assist the businesses, like giving them relief. There are so many ways that can be done.”
Jagdeep’s priorities for the community also include ensuring community safety with more CCTV cameras, upgrading park and community facilities, and facilitating youth mental health
programs.
“When I was door knocking, people did tell me there’s a problem for street crimes. One lady said she used to walk around after dinner, like around 9pm. But now she didn’t do it. People are not going out at night. They don’t feel safe,” he said.
“The main problem our senior citizens face is that there are so many parks around, but they don’t have facilities like toilets. Seniors find it difficult for them because they take their grandchildren and they have to spend three to four hours in the parks.
“Also quite often, we read in the newspapers that here young people are smoking and doing drugs. I think involving youth in sports or any cultural programs can divide their minds.”
Jagdeep received the Holt Community Leadership Awards in 2024.
He is not a member of any political party and runs independently. He has been residing in Lyndhurst for the past 10 years.
Quarters Ward candidate Jagdeep Singh Sukhija. (Supplied)
Kuljeet explains reasons behind decision to put her hand up
By Violet Li
Several moments prompted Quarters Ward candidate Kuljeet Kaur Robinson to stand up for the change in the coming election.
The first is when her husband and she took their three little kids to a park in Cranbourne West. The inconvenience ensued when they realised there was no toilet in the surroundings.
The second is when one of her little kids told her he wanted to play in the potholes on the road.
The last moment came when she walked home alone after work in Cranbourne. It was after six o’clock and she encountered a couple of young kids on dirt bikes. She was scared, feeling unsafe as they kept staring at her.
Originally a teacher and a poet in India, Kuljeet came to Australia in 2007 as an international student and started all over again with the English alphabet and $1.
It was a bittersweet journey where she started a new round of academic progression to fit into the new environment. She first studied hospitality but didn’t like it too much. She then earned a bachelor’s nursing degree, worked in aged care for a few years, moved on to study postgrad in mental health, and now doing a master’s degree in mental health nursing and working as a psychiatric nurse.
She started a not-for-profit organisation in 2019 called Punjabi Sath Melbourne, spreading messages about family violence and mental health.
It occurred to Kuljeet that one day she would run for council. She used to believe she had a poetic mind instead of a political one.
“When I was here in 2007, I was very much homesick. But with the community, because people are so nice here, slowly I just felt loved by people. Now, Australia is my home,” Kuljeet said.
“I feel like, here in Australia, this country gives a chance to everyone, every normal, common person like me, a mother and a woman.
“I really feel glad I’m here. If I was back home in India, I couldn’t have done it. I need a lot of money there. Here, if you talk to people, you can really engage some people.
“The other thing was I was in a community leadership program run by Casey Council. They encouraged us a lot to run for elections. I thought, okay, I should try that. It’s a lot of
learning in it when you talk to the community.”
Reflecting on the decisive moments that pushed her to run, Kuljeet said her top three priorities for Quarters Ward would be safety and security, park infrastructure improvement and appropriate and responsible spending of rates.
“I will make sure Quarters Ward’s rates are not going somewhere else if I am elected,” she said.
“As a mental health nurse, I know many young people in Cranbourne have drug and alcohol issues. When I see these issues, I think it’s not the community’s fault. It’s not the parent’s fault. Parents are just so busy and have no time for their kids.
“I wish I could engage those kids and talk to them. We need more programs in council to focus on their issues.”
Ever since she started her campaign a few months ago, Kuljeet noticed some heartbreaking trends in the community.
“When I was letterbox dropping, many aged people just didn’t want to talk about council,” she said.
“These people worked hard in their life. Now they are isolated in their homes.
“In the community, some people are also dumping rubbish wherever they want to.
“If we are not doing our responsibilities, how can we get our rights? How can we fight for rights? Responsibilities come before rights.”
Kuljeet is a mother of three and a member of Labor. She will be running independently. She resides in Cranbourne. She has been living in the Cranbourne area for the past decade.
Quarters Ward candidate Kuljeet Kaur Robinson. (Supplied)
Award for protecting kids
South-East based police officer Senior Constable Emma Fordham has received a prestigious award for her work in turning young people’s lives around.
Fordham received a 2024 Victorian Protecting Children Award on 3 September for her role in Victoria Police’s Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT).
She took out the Keeping At Risk Young People Safe category.
“I feel very honoured to be given the opportunity to spotlight this work,” she said. “I’m so appreciative.
“I don’t do this job for awards, but it’s great to have the recognition.”
Fordham works with young people at high risk of sexual exploitation as well as those in the justice system in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
“I work hard to build trust with each young person, and try to empower them to make better decisions,” she said.
“I find strengths they have, and steer them in that positive direction, and I’m there as a positive role model as well.
“We really encourage positive relationships, and work with child protection authorities and other services to make sure each young person has the supports they need.”
A standout case for her was an 11-year-old who’d lost a parent and gone down a negative path.
“This young person was entrenched in criminal offending, and at risk of child sexual exploitation as well,” she said.
“I had to work very hard to get her trust – it was made more difficult that her single parent didn’t have much trust in law enforcement.
“It took work, but I slowly got her to trust me. Once I identified supports that could be put in place for her and her single parent, things started to turn around.”
Now the girl is back at school and speaking positively about her future.
“She’s doing so well,” she said. “She hasn’t reoffended, which is a fantastic result.
“I’m still engaged with her, and ready to offer my assistance if she needs it in the future.”
These are the “wins” that are the best part of her job, as well as working with her SOCIT colleagues.
“The changes are ultimately up to the young people, but it’s great we can be there, to support
them to change for the better.”
Fordham is also seeing positive outcomes from running training for other police officers to use trauma-informed approaches.
Dandenong-based Senior Sergeant Nicole Cowan praised her colleague’s “outstanding” dedication and commitment.
“Emma’s so genuine, and that means she makes an incredible difference.”
The 2024 Victorian Protecting Children Awards are run by the Department of Families,
Fairness and Housing.
Children Minister Lizzie Blandthorn congratulated all winners and finalists for their crucial work.
“Every child has the right to a safe and happy childhood and these awards acknowledge the exceptional workers, carers and community members who go above and beyond to help Victoria’s most vulnerable children.”
“I’m proud to celebrate our outstanding Victorians who work tirelessly to keep children safe and families strong every day.”
Quarters Primary School celebrates Father’s Day
Students at Quarters Primary School (QPS) worked hard in preparation for the Father’s and Families event on Friday 30 August.
Classes have been baking cookies for the QPS community as a thank-you for all the love and care provided to them each day.
Fathers, grandfathers, and significant others celebrated this special day by engaging in activities with their children.
“Our students enjoyed buying presents from our Father’s Day stalls,” a school spokesperson said. “It was a beautiful start to the day with lots of smiling faces around the school who were excited to spend time with their loved ones. The day was a wonderful success. The weather was great, and everyone had a fun-filled morning with lots of smiles.
“As a community, we would also like to thank Team Anita and Harpreet from YPA for their generous donation in organising the coffee van for our Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday morning. Hot Coffee and Cookie were a super hit combo!”
New developments for Hunt Club Village get green light
By Violet Li
The state’s planning tribunal has approved three proposed commercial services at the Hunt Club Village Activity Centre in Cranbourne East on 2 September, despite Casey Council’s opposition.
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) also amended the Cranbourne East Development Plan (CEDP) to facilitate permit applications.
The applicant HCV Commdev Pty Ltd proposed a service station, a restaurant, and a convenience restaurant at a vacant grassed paddock within the Hunt Club Village Activity Centre. The proposed buildings are all single-storey.
The development site of 6500 square metres is bounded by Linsell Boulevard in the north, Rochester Parade in the east, and an internal access road in the south and west.
To facilitate the permit applications, the applicant also proposed to amend the CEDP.
Casey Council failed to decide on the permits and amendment within the prescribed time but advised they would oppose them.
Council mainly argued the amendment to CEDP would “prejudice the proper and orderly planning” of the development site.
In the development plan, the development site is identified to be used as at-grade parking in the interim period and it is ultimately to be used for commercial and residential purposes with decked car parking.
The interim use envisioned also includes developing food stalls, food trucks, community gardens, pop-up markets, or other low-cost temporary land uses and public open space concepts.
Council believed the proposed uses did not fall within the categories of interim uses and
would compromise the land’s ability to achieve the ultimate residential uses, given the likelihood of soil contamination and site remediation costs associated with the potential environmental and health risks to future residential uses.
The applicant argued that the applications were consistent with the commercial zoning and the broad purpose of a neighbourhood activity centre under the relevant planning policy context.
It said there was no better location for a service station in Cranbourne East as a site in an activity centre with no obvious amenity impacts as the uses were only accessed by the internal road network of the activity centre and separated from the residential areas.
It also submitted the proposed buildings were “of modest scale that could be removed for any future larger, more intense development”.
VCAT ruled in favour of the applicant, stating that the ultimate commercial and residential development of the land would still be envisaged in the long term and other areas in the activity centre might also have potential for residential development.
Council also opposed the permit applications, saying they contributed to the underdevelopment of the site.
It argued that the proposed developments had no pedestrian links between the pad sites secondary to vehicle movements, no strong architectural markers, no sense of address, no activation of the abutting road network and inadequate passive surveillance of public spaces.
VCAT set aside the council’s opposition after assessing the siting, design, pedestrian links, traffic and access, parking provision, and signage and finding them appropriate.
Senior Constable Emma Fordham, pictured left with Senior Sergeant Nicole Cowan, won a 2024 Victorian Protecting Children Award. (Stewart Chambers: 428288)
Anay, Asees with her dad, Amyra with her mum Anita, and school principal Liz Davey. (Stewart Chambers: 428372)
Sahej with her grandfather Sukhwant Singh. (Stewart Chambers: 428372)
The land affected by the application is located at:
23 Rockleigh Park Road NARRE WARREN NORTH VIC 3804 Lot 2 PS 426485W
The application is for a permit to: Two Lot Subdivision, Creation of Restriction and Variation of Covenant (W845265N) (Deleting Restrictions a & b)
The applicant for the permit is: MJ Reddie Surveys Pty Ltd
The application reference number is: PA23-0595 - (Carrie Luo)
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority. City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN
This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.
caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au
• include the application number and site address • include the reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected.
Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/viewplanning-applications 12714157-FR37-24
The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.
The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 19 September 2024 If you object, the Responsible Authority will advise you of its decision.
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
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
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
THE LOWDOWN
Q&A
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I donated some of my eggs to the IVF program. What do you love the most about your work?
My boss’ wife brings me lattes and cake! What has been your most memorable moment?
I met Boy George last year. What a delightful human he is.
What were you like as a kid?
I was always a little different and unique. I guess that’s one of the reasons I admire Boy George, he showed me it was okay to be weird. What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
The Berlin Wall coming down. I am lucky enough to have a piece of it.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Loyal, kind, and thoughtful.
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
I would have a long breakfast with my partner, something with mushrooms. I have a women’s social group in Berwick called ‘Ladies with HATitude’, which is really a playgroup for ladies! So I would have a lunch with my friends, followed by family time with my kids and grandkids, probably a picnic dinner at a lake and flying kites. Where is your happy place?
Anywhere my family is, or Sandros in Berwick enjoying a Long Island Iced Tea!
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
Lamb cutlets, because they are too expensive to buy these days and I wouldn’t have to buy them myself!
Where is your dream holiday destination?
Anywhere with warm sunshine. I was not built to live in Melbourne!
Casey Pet Expo
Saturday 14 September, 11am - 3pm, Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick
Come and explore the beautiful surroundings of Wilson Botanic Park, participate in pet-related 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.
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 purchase tickets for $15, phone Ingrid on 0432 594 630.
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
Robyn Wright
THREE … ways to embrace International Day of Democracy
1
Taking part in community forums and debates is an integral part of democracy at a local level. Whether you are organising or simply participating, discussing important topics such as infrastructure, education and or community services at events where diverse voices can be heard is a prime example of civic engagement.
2
Celebrating cultural diversity is another to commemorate the day; since democracy thrives on inclusivity, organising events with a focus on multiculturalism that emphasises the celebration of diverse backgrounds is one way of taking part.
3
Civic education workshops are also another way to commemorate the day, where you or a group of people could hold workshops that have a focus on educating other residents about democratic processes, the importance of voting and how local governments operate.
gardening group or the Resincraft group, with social ballroom classes now underway.
· For more information, visit www.u3acranbourne.org.au
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
Cranbourne and District Garden Club
The club is turning 51 this year and still meets at the Cranbourne Public Hall from 1.15pm on the second Thursday of the month.
The club enjoys day trips and lunches, afternoon teas and friendship.
· For more information, contact Julie on 5995 1420 or Jean on 9704 6242.
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
Connected Libraries - Buildings of Casey Photography Competition 2024
Calling all photographers – be part of recording the City of Casey as it is now, for future generations!
Enter the “Buildings of Casey” photography competition this spring and help them collect images of the City of Casey’s current buildings, for tomorrow’s history. Photos submitted will be kept in our Local History Archive and used for historical projects in the future.
The competition opens: Sunday 1 September 2024 at 9am. Competition ends: Monday 30 September 2024 at 5pm Theme: Buildings of Casey
Age Sections: Adult, 16 years and older; Children, under 16 years (age at time of entry) Go to connectedlibraries.org.au/caseyphotocompetition
Prizes: 1st: $75 visa gift card; 2nd:
Casey (Stewart Chambers: 353661)
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.
Treeby in Narre Warren North is one of the many heritage-listed buildings in the city of
with Ladies with HATitude’s
Representatives from the Casey chapter of the Red Hat Society Ladies with HATitude crowned Robyn Wright (second from left) as the Queen during a special ceremony last year. (Gary Sissons: 375256)
SPORT Title shot inspires Cutting
By David Nagel
Undefeated Clyde boxer Stephanie Lee Cutting is fit and firing and ready to bring down her biggest opponent yet after recently locking in a shot at the Australian Featherweight title on Saturday 5 October.
Already a title-holder in two weight divisions, Cutting will look to add a third belt to her growing collection against current champion Jaala Tomat at the Westend Hotel in Sunshine.
“It’s where I debuted, and now where I’m going to take the biggest scalp of my career,” a beaming and positive Cutting said.
The former Berwick and Cranbourne footballer had her first professional bout on 17 March last year, and claimed her first title-belt with a third-round knock-out of Fijian Maureen Chand to claim the WBF Australasian Lightweight title in mid-December.
She then continued her phenomenal rise up the ranks by claiming the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) Super Featherweight championship at Melbourne Pavilion on May 31 this year.
Cutting’s unanimous points-decision win over former champion Pam McClelland took her professional record to 6-0 after an extraordinary first year in the pro-ranks.
A shoulder injury briefly interrupted her training; but it’s now handle-bars down - fully motivated - as she prepares for the biggest challenge of her career.
“I’m rapt, stoked: my coaches can see I’m smiling a lot more, having fun, my boxing IQ is building, and it’s good to be able to focus on the task ahead instead of worrying about locking the fight in,” she said.
“My promoter Joe Demicoli has done a great job of bringing it all together, and my management team has been doing a lot of work behind the scenes.
“It’s very exciting, because we’ve known for a couple of months what was coming up but it’s only just been announced and locked in which is all very exciting.
“It makes it all feel a little bit more real now, which is good.
“Now we’ve locked in the fight; it’s full on towards October 5 from here.”
Cutting’s preparation for the fight will be a little different this time around, with her coach
Blake Caperallo preparing for his own enormous bout on September 14.
“He (Caperallo) will come back for the last couple of weeks to oversee the final preparations, and I’ll still represent Il Capo Boxing, but I’ve been working with coach Luke Bones, who is well known and well respected in the boxing industry,” Cutting explained.
“It’s been very education; my IQ is growing all the time and the training has been great.
“Everyone has room to grow, but he (Bones) said what I’m good at I’m very good at, but he’s going to add a few extra tools into the tool belt, so come fight night everyone will see a new and improved Stephanie Lee-Cutting.”
The power-hitter said she is feeling fitter and healthier than any stage in her career.
“I’m feeling great, I’ve got no injuries at all; I’m absolutely flying, which is good,” she said.
“It’s weird, it’s been the hardest camp to date but it almost feels like the easiest because I’m injury free and it’s all falling into place nicely.
“I’m training every day, two to three times a day.
“I’ve added a new conditioning coach, who is overseeing my running, there’s one on ones with Luke (Bones), and I’m in the gym with girls who, in my opinion, are the best of the best in Victoria.
“The sparring rounds have been amazing; they’ve been pushing me…and it’s definitely the best camp to date.
“It’s just been really enjoyable.”
Cutting said there were initial concerns about
dropping from Super Featherweight (58.97kg) to Featherweight (57.15kg) and losing significant power; but those fears have been allayed by careful planning.
“I’ve been preparing for it for the past couple of months with my new nutritionist, Simone, so my energy has been good, my weight’s dropping, so we won’t have to do any drastic weight cuts come fight night,” she explained.
“My coach was really adamant about not losing my power with the weight drop, but we’ve adjusted my strength and conditioning and we haven’t lost anything…just the weight…so it’s been good.”
Cutting said she only occasionally lets her mind wander to what being a title holder across three separate weight divisions might look like.
“My mindset is I will win at all costs, no matter what, but I do have my moments where I think; this is a really big deal,” she confessed.
“But then I remind myself that I have worked hard and deserve this; and think I would represent Australian boxing really well; I’ve done the hard work, and that belt belongs on my shoulder.
“I 150-percent believe in myself and my abilities and I know that when the times get rough, I always find a way to win.
“I’m just excited now; can’t wait for the fight to come along.”
And what might that future look like if she does knock Tomat to the canvas?
“I can’t say too much, but it would kick open a very big door for my career and open up so many options as well,” she said.
“I would become a three-weight-division champion, so I could go back to Super Featherweight, stay at Featherweight, so it’s very exciting what the future holds.”
She said she can’t wait to put on a great performance for her much-appreciated supporters on fight night.
“I can’t wait to put on a show and show off all the hard work that has taken place over the last few months,” she said.
“My supporters, and whoever comes along, will see a very exciting fight, and they’re going to be seeing a whole new Stephanie Lee-Cutting.”
Cutting wanted to thank Monique and EJ, who have worked very hard behind the scenes to get this fight locked in; and her partner, family and team for their unwavering support.
Grand final disaster behind Swans ahead of season opener
By Marcus Uhe
It was an outcome and scenario that Hollywood’s sharpest minds couldn’t possibly conjure, as Casey South Melbourne unwittingly became the star victim in its very own horror film.
The Swans had one hand on the Victorian Premier Cricket championship in last season’s grand final but squandered a first innings lead and near-unassailable position on the final day to surrender the title to Carlton in extraordinary circumstances at Essendon’s Windy Hill.
Results like that have the potential to fracture a playing group, and shatter the goodwill of what was a stoic and successful campaign until that point in time.
With this in mind, the Swans made the conscious decision over the offseason to tackle the subject head-on, leaving capacity for the matter to fester.
Players, coaches and members of the club’s support staff met for lunch in South Yarra during winter before congregating in a private function room to discuss thoughts, feelings and emotions surrounding the events of the fateful weekend back in March.
Returning captain, Luke Shelton, said he thought the exercise was the “right thing to do”, and said it was a “really good exercise”.
“Walking in that day, we had to talk about a few things that people were probably sitting on and didn’t really want to talk about, but the more the session went on and people started opening up, I think everyone got a lot out of it,” Shelton said.
“Cricket is full of huge moments and there were plenty over the whole weekend, so it wasn’t
382049)
just the last day or the last couple of hours, it was the whole weekend.
“Some of our batters recognised some crucial moments of getting out.
“We lost a few clumps of wickets, as did they
and it was sort of how the game went. “Bowlingwise, some bowlers reflected on some things they could do better but I think it was more those key moments and understanding crucial times before breaks, after breaks where you need to reset, get through or make sure you
start again.
“I definitely think it will fuel our season going forward and the boys are really pumped.”
With the key figures at the club having come to terms with what transpired over those three days, and coach Will Carr running an AFL-style preseason putting a heavy emphasis on fitness, the Swans are raring to get out and put their winter nets hours into practice in upcoming practice games.
Fine-tuning their preparation for a long season ahead will be critical for the Swans, given the perennially tight composition of the ladder’s upper echelon every year - the Swans stormed from fourth, where just two points separated third and sixth place on the table, to make the grand final, a weekend that ended in heartbreak but a season to reflect on proudly.
Top-order batter Matt Calder, who wowed the competition with a blistering cameo in the T20 rounds of last season’s competition has made the permanent switch the Casey Fields, having moved to Melbourne from Sydney, while allrounder Jackson Isakka joins the Swans from Frankston Peninsula, where he averaged 30 with the bat and took regular wickets from limited opportunities with the ball.
The pair come to the club in the wake of Michael Wallace’s retirement and the expected elevation of Ashley Chandrasinghe to a more permanent role in the Victorian top order, having solidified his status as one of Premier Cricket’s best batters last summer.
Casey South Melbourne’s season begins at Isakka’s former home ground of Jubilee Park in Frankston, when they face the Heat in a one-day game on Saturday, 5 October.
Matthew Calder has joined Casey South Melbourne for the upcoming cricket season. (Rob Carew:
Clyde boxer Stephanie Lee Cutting will fight for the Australian Featherweight title when she main events on Saturday 5 October. (Supplied)
Resilient Eagles fighting on
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cranbourne led for just 196 seconds in its elimination final clash with Springvale Districts on Sunday at RSEA Park, but it was enough to secure victory in Division 1 of the Southern Football Netball League.
As Steve O’Brien’s time at the helm of Cranbourne appeared set to come to a close on Sunday, it was the trait which has defined his tenure which dragged Cranbourne from the doldrums of defeat.
“They’re such a resilient mob,” O’Brien said.
“We’ve probably been dead in the water five times this year and this group won’t give up, they keep finding a way.”
The Eagles were forced to kick the last four goals of the game to overpower Springvale Districts, continuing their undefeated streak against them in 2024 with an 8.8 56 to 6.14 50 victory.
The celebration when Paul Delaroche ran into an open goal was emphatic, but the Eagles played out the minutes and ran the clock down masterfully.
“We know we run games out well and we thought that would be one advantage we would have over Springy,” O’Brien said.
“We thought a few of their boys looked tired at three-quarter-time, so we wanted to keep the ball moving and make it a test of endurance and after the first couple of minutes of the final quarter, we owned the quarter and we were able to get over the line.”
The players involved in the play leading to the match-winner told a collective story of Cranbourne’s season.
Veteran Ryan Jones was a pillar of coolness in the do-or-die contest, and he passed to co-captain Zak Roscoe whose form has lifted with the teams across the last six weeks.
Roscoe found Tyson Barry inside 50, who has adapted to a slightly different role in in a transitioning Cranbourne forward line in 2024, before the ball spilled to Delaroche, himself a hardworker who has grabbed his opportunity while others have been unavailable.
That play unfolded at the 26-minute-mark and followed a clutch Matt Alister goal from 20 metres
Cannons fire in first final
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey’s men have progressed to the semifinals of the Men’s Vic League 2 competition with a 4-3 elimination final win over Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation (ECHO).
The Cannons fell behind three times in a seesawing battle at Elgar Park, Box Hill, but a converted short corner to Tristan Chaffey late in the last quarter gave Casey the lead for the first time on the day.
Despite ECHO pressing hard in the dying stages, Casey defended well to secure victory.
Chaffey scored a hattrick, while captain Craig Moore also scored a crucial stabilising goal.
“It was an arm wrestle right through but we stuck to our game plan and that created a few opportunities for us,” coach Steve Noney said.
“The style of hockey we’re playing and feel around the group is quite good – we’re certainly building something good for the future.
“We’ve got a lot of experience through the team and a wave of youth coming through so those older guys showing leadership and putting confidence in the younger ones is probably the highlight for me to develop the 200300-game players.
“We’re trying to create an environment for people to learn, play good hockey and enjoy it.”
Moore, Chaffey and Rhylee Johnson were the best players on the day
The game was stalwart defender Cam Ritchie’s 250th for the Cannons, with the coach heaping praise on him.
“He’s consistent and leads the backline, giving feedback to all the guys in a positive way and is a true club person and is massive to the team so it’s good. His leadership of the backline is invaluable and is a very much appreciated member of the team,” Noney said.
The men’s unit will take on Craigieburn at the state hockey centre on Saturday in another do-or-die game. The Cannons lost to the minor premiers 4-3 earlier in the season before a 1-1 draw to finish the home-and-away season two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the women’s season came to a close on Saturday, going down 2-1 to thirdplaced Geelong.
The Cannons conceded a penalty stroke early in the second quarter and another goal five minutes later from a short corner which had them playing catch-up in the second half.
Sam Wagg found the back of the net at the 55-minute-mark which sparked hope for the visitors, but they ultimately fell short in a tense battle.
importan,” O’Brien said.
“We’ve learned over a long period of time what it takes to win finals and to hit the front reasonably late in the game and then have the composure to play it out and be smart.”
A deficient first half in blustery conditions was a result of the Eagles playing too aggressively, which was turned around in a two-goal-to-one third quarter against the wind.
“We were struggling a little bit to get our game going and I gave the boys a bake at halftime because they were probably just expecting it to flow on a little bit from the previous week even though we warned them (it wouldn’t),” O’Brien explained.
“But as these boys always do, they responded.
“In the third quarter, we started to get the game played on our terms and controlled the footy a bit.
“We had to get our hands dirty – that was pretty much the message at halftime, we were getting killed at contested footy, they were beating us up in contested ball so we had to get to work and that’s what they did.
“It enabled us to control the ball a bit better and use it better too, so it started to look more like a ‘Cranny’ game.
“She was tight but these boys won’t lay down so I’m pretty proud.”
O’Brien was full of praise for Jake Stephens, forced to ruck one-out for most of the game due to an injury sustained to veteran Michael Boland.
out in traffic early in stoppage time.
Trailing by as much as 20 points early in the last quarter, the Eagles seized their moments and capitalised on their last quarter wind advantage.
“When (Springvale Districts) kicked the first (goal of the last quarter), I thought ‘there’s a bit of pressure on now’ but we just stayed in the moment and kept our composure which was really
Opposing emerging superstar Toby Arms, Stephens neutralised him with the game on the line after Arms did as he pleased in the first three quarters.
Cranbourne will look to continue its run this Sunday against St Paul’s McKinnon, an opponent which has defeated the Eagles by 43 and 64 points in 2024.
Dees coming home to Casey
By Marcus Uhe
A huge clash with the reigning premier Brisbane will mark the return of the Casey Demons to their home ground of Casey Fields in the new AFLW season on Saturday morning.
Melbourne won two of its three games at home in 2023, after winning three of its four games at the venue in 2022 (Season 7), the club’s premiership season.
With Beaconsfield’s Tyla Hanks in the midfield, reigning co-winner of the Daisy Pearce Trophy with captain Kate Hore as the Demons’ best-and-fairest, the Demons still possess the star-power across the field, with Alyssa Bannan, Lily Mithen and more premiership stars still wearing the red and blue.
The Demons finished second on the ladder in 2023 with a 8-2 win-loss record but crashed out in embarrassing fashion in the second week of the finals, unable to repeat the premiership-winning heroics of 2022.
Melbourne kicked just one goal in the qualifying final loss to North Melbourne and frittered away its double-chance by falling to Geelong by five points a week later.
The Demons exacted revenge on the Cats on Saturday night, prevailing by two points in a cliffhanger at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium.
The Demons trailed for much of the game but took the lead late in the third quarter, courtesy of a goal to Irishwoman Blaithin Mackin.
Star forward Eden Zanker put the Demons ahead by six points early in the quarter and they held the lead for much of the final period, before Geelong set the stage for a thrilling conclusion with goal to cut the lead to two points with 43 seconds remaining.
Geelong mounted the game’s final push following the last centre bounce, and forced the ball inside 50, but Karen Paxman was there to clear the ball from defensive 50 as the final seconds ticked away.
Harris, however, missed the final quarter of Saturday’s game after succumbing to a shoulder injury, and her fitness will be monitored during the week.
Coach Mick Stinear described the injury as a “flare-up” of one she sustained during the club’s preseason camp, and said she would receive scans early in the week.
Brisbane will make the trip to Cranbourne, with the first bounce at 11.05am, on the back a disappointing opening round clash to North Melbourne at home, coming up 44 points short.
Brisbane won the most recent contest between the two sides in November last year, by 25 points in Brisbane.
Ex-Beaconsfield junior Tyla Hanks will bring her talents to Casey Fields this week with Melbourne’s AFLW side. (Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)
Cam Ritchie’s 250th club game was celebrated with a win. (Rob Carew: 427117)
Cranbourne dug deep to find a way past Springvale Districts in a do-or-die final on Sunday. (Rob Carew: 424380)
Redbacks find their man
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Southern Football Netball League Division 2 team Hampton Park has announced Luke Bull as its 2025 senior coach.
Bull joins the Redbacks after an esteemed career at Noble Park, where he was part of the 2022 premiership-winning team.
Gembrook-Cockatoo’s 2022 premiership coach Brad Coller will assist Bull as director of coaching, who will be a playing-coach in 2025.
The incoming senior coach is optimistic about what next season could hold for a Redbacks outfit that in 2024 reached the semi finals despite being plagued by injury.
“They’ve got a winning culture and are in a good spot; Hayden Stanton has done a really good job with them so I’m in a good spot to take over,” Bull said.
“I’m not looking too far ahead but I’ve got the aspiration of getting them to Division 1.
“We’ll attack Division 2 really hard; I’m massive on standards and culture and I want to create a family-based community.
“Their rooms are some of the best in the Southern League and I really want to integrate the netball as well so that will be a really big focus of mine.
“I want to bring some hype around the club, put them on the map a little bit and earn that respect through having a good club and winning.
“I know the recipe, I’ve recently played in a grand final so hopefully I can bring that to Hampton Park.
“It’s exciting.”
Bull played under respected coaches Mick Fogarty and Steve Hughes during his time at Noble Park which will shape the way he attacks his first senior coaching gig.
Discussions have also taken place between Bull and Coller to balance the input of the playing senior coach and senior assistant.
“We’ve talked thoroughly how we will approach training and game days - I don’t want my voice to be heard too much so there will be some responsibility on Brad,” he said.
“I’ll do all the addressing but he will be moving the magnets while I’m playing so there will be a duel responsibility but I’ll be doing the heavy lifting so he can enjoy coaching.”
Bull also noted a clear recruitment plan that he hopes will be an early step in propelling them to success in 2025.
Hughes, who coached Bull this season at Noble Park sees a bright future for Bull in coaching.
“He’s one of the best leaders at our football
Seagulls build sustainable platform for bright future
By David Nagel
The 2024 premiership dreams of Tooradin-Dalmore may have come to an end, but the Seagulls have never been better placed for a next season after an influx of young stars brought great excitement to the club this year. We took a look at Tooradin-Dalmore’s 2024 season.
TOORADIN-DALMORE
Finished 5th 13 wins; 5 losses
Players Used 37
Played All Games 5 Piva Wright, Xavier Shinners, Cooper Shipp, Lewis Hill, Trent Adams
Leading Goalkickers
41 - Piva Wright, 34 - Xavier Shinners, 32 - Brad Butler, 21 - Stewart Scanlon, 16 - Cooper Shipp, 15 – Nick Lang
B&F Top 5 Prediction
Lewis Hill, Matthew Buntine, Brad Butler, Piva Wright, Adam Oxley
Best Wins
Round 8 - Inverloch-Kongwak 76-70
Round 15 - Nar Nar Goon 54-31
Worst Loss
Round 2 - Kilcunda-Bass 74-78
We Say:
It might not feel like it right now - after last week’s agonising elimination final loss to Inverloch - but first-year coach Jordan Kelly has piloted the Gulls to one of the great success stories of the WGFNC this year.
In an industry that largely judges clubs by their win-loss record alone, it takes guts to strip things back in your first season at the helm.
But that’s exactly what Kelly has done; with 11 players playing senior footy for the Seagulls this year that played under-18 footy in 2023.
Anthony Mirauta, Brodie Matthews, Brody Campbell, Charlie Shinners, Cooper Bassett, Daniel Ahern, Jack Grist, Jehi Esler, Jesse Craven,
With 34 goals, Xavier Shinners was one of the young shining lights for Tooradin-Dalmore this year. (Stewart Chambers: 427141)
Logan Downe and Panos Papas all played juniors last year, while Tyler Kirkbride and Xavier Shinners were thirds teammates of that brigade in 2022.
It’s a remarkable and positive turnaround for a club that has had little to fall back on in regards to its junior program for many a long year…if ever!
At the other end of the scale, Adam Oxley, Kris Sabbatucci, Luke McKenna, Matt Buntine and Piva Wright have guided the young blokes well, while Brad Butler, Lewis Hill, Cooper Shipp and Trent Adams are building beautifully in the important age-group that connects the two extremities.
A round-two loss to Kilcunda-Bass would have tested the faith for Tooradin; but the Gulls stuck to their guns and were competitive against every team this year.
They lost six games for the year, including the elimination final, by a combined total of 37 points; with 13 points their biggest loss for the season.
Another pre-season of development for the younger brigade and Kelly should see improvement again next this.
club and has been for a number of years,” the experienced coach said.
“‘Bully’ oozes leadership - he’s got great standards, he’s fun to be around, he’s got a really good balance of work ethic, but ensuring that the footy club is an enjoyable environment.
“He’s as good at that as a player as anyone I’ve coached.
“He’ll bring that to Hampton Park, I’ve got no doubt.”
Hampton Park president Craig Seers believes
Bull’s age will provide the club with a needed young lens.
“His CV says it all,” Seers said.
“He’s a leader of men so it wasn’t a really hard choice and he’s a playing-coach which the club was looking for.
“He’s a similar age to a lot of them so he’ll connect well with the group and the youth development I’m confident will go well.
“It’s exciting for the club as a whole.”
Brave Hampton Park run finally comes to an end
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Hampton Park’s year came to a close in an ugly eight-goal scrap against East Malvern on Saturday, likely drawing the curtain on decorated coach Hayden Stanton’s career.
The Redbacks were gallant but ultimately fell short 5.8 38 to 3.13 31 at a blustery Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Mordialloc.
In a season moreso defined by repeated player absences than consistent footy, it was a testament to the leadership and resilience of the club to reach semi final weekend.
The Spiders fielded their strongest team all year against East Malvern, with the return of Trent Thomas particularly influential in giving them firepower early.
But the Redbacks were ultimately plagued by poor set shot goal kicking, missing four shots with the breeze in the first quarter from within 25 metres.
Despite their momentum, Hampton Park led by just 12 points at quarter time.
In most facets of the game, Hampton Park had the game on their terms, owning territory with the wind and generating scoring opportunities against it - but were unable to ever put scoreboard pressure on.
Fullback Jye King went down with a bad corkie midway through the game so he couldn’t play on Isaac Morrisby, but even still, the East Malvern spearhead’s influence was limited.
Kicking against the wind in the last quarter with a lead of just five points, Hampton Park was able to generate run off halfback, but kicked just one behind from its three shots on goal, compared to East Malvern’s 1.7.
Tanner Stanton turned in another best-on-
ground performance in his last match playing under Dad, Hayden, impacting at stoppage in the first three quarters before giving them drive off halfback in the last term.
Hampton Park’s 11-7 season and a finals win is a step forward from 2023, but they will be seeking more presence inside 50, star-power in the midfield and a greater spread of contributors to continue to progress in 2025 under incoming coach Luke Bull.
Decorated local coach Hayden Stanton’s career came to a close on Sunday. (Rob Carew: 420281)
Luke Bull will take over as Hampton Park senior coach in 2025. (Rob Carew: 292964)
