Whale of a show
Jashrieta, 6, from Narre Warren South took a look through a pygmy blue whale’s vertebrae during another successful Doveton Show at Myuna Farm on Sunday 22 September.
Packed with crowds, the volunteer-run show featured animals, showbags, foods, rides and a feast of other activities.
More pictures, turn to page 9
Six-and-a-half-year-old Jashrieta from Narre Warren South looking through a Pygmy Blue Whale’s Vertebrae. (Gary Sissons: 431626)
Parking backlash
By Ethan Benedicto
Recent changes to the parking rules at Westfield Fountain Gate have sparked frustration from the shopping centre’s staff, with both Grevillea and Casuarina Ward candidates expressing their concerns.
A three-hour parking limit has been imposed at three key parking areas around the centre, which include sections of the red basement car park near Woolworths, the blue car park near Kmart and the orange car park near Coles.
This limit applies between 9am to 6pm, and according to the Westfield website will be patrolled by the City of Casey, whose officers will be implementing infringement notices if vehicles are over the limit.
Grevillea Ward council candidate, Stephen Matulec first brought the issue forward, addressing the changes with the city’s implementation of the rules as “the council basically acting as a corporation themselves”.
“They’re [administrators] just sitting in an office helping corporations while the community is not being listened to, how corporate
does that sound?
“The thing is, ratepayers don’t need their money going towards this, people are struggling to pay their rates.
“People are telling me, ‘I’ve got $3000, $4000 in my rates bill’, and if I told them that it’s going towards helping corporations, what are they getting?”
Generally speaking, candidates from both Casuarina and Grevillea share a similar sentiment, and while things may not necessarily be black and white, there is a conclusion that these changes are “causing more frustration than benefit”, according
to Casuarina Ward candidate Bassir Qadiri. He added that it is understandable that both Westfield and Casey are looking to “manage parking turnover” but the limits might place “unnecessary stress on those who rely on longer-term parking, especially staff working near the affected zones”.
While the changes are still in its infancy, Qadiri also emphasised that it is “important to consider whether enforcing parking limits at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre is the best use of council resources”.
Continued page 2
Concern over parking limits
From page 1
“It could be argued that resources might be better directed towards addressing broader community issues such as community safety, maintaining our parks, roads, and housing affordability.
“The enforcement of parking rules, particularly in a private shopping centre, may not align with the community’s most pressing needs,” Qadiri said.
Another candidate from the Casuarina, Kim Ross added that while more information is needed in order to balance the benefits and harm for employees, residents and shoppers from outside of Casey, one of the issues that the city faces is “traffic management”.
“If we’re serious about tackling the traffic problem in Casey, a wide range of strategies must be used; this includes encouraging other uses of transport, supporting increased public transport and better pedestrian and cycling access.
“There are many benefits to council partnerships, however, councils need to remain in control of partnerships; any entered into must be transparent, and valid reasons for the partnerships and how this arrangement benefits residents must be made available,” Ross said.
The City of Casey’s manager connected communities, Callum Pattie, cited the Road Safety Act 1986, specficially Section 90D as the source of the municipality’s and Westfield’s partnership.
“Section 90D of the… Act 1986 allows councils to enter into Parking Services Arrangements with private landowners, these agreements are common practice, particularly in shopping centres, to support driver and pedestrian safety.
“Casey has entered into such an agreement with Westfield to enforce three of the eleven car park areas within the Westfield Fountain Gate Shopping Centre.
“These car parks are in proximity to key services, including Woolworths, Kmart and Coles; Westfield receives a high volume of complaints
regarding access to parking in these areas, and a three-hour parking time limit has been implemented in these car parks between 9am and 6pm, making it easier and more convenient for customers to find a park,” Pattie said.
Casuarina candidate, Suzanne Carmody said that she is “not a fan of putting additional costs onto people already doing it tough and trying to access shops and services”.
She also added that workers should be exempt to the new rules, where if a partnership like this were to be implemented across other shopping centres in the city which are in “dire need of [an] upgrade is something that could be
beneficial to residents”.
Grevillea candidate, Stephen Capon sees the new changes as a slight hindrance to the local retailers’ ability to park, but could see improvements to the insufficient parking at shops due to the incentivised and limited shipping time.
However, he sees the partnership between Casey and Westfield is not an effective use of council resources, saying that “given already limited resources in keeping residential streets safe from illegal parking and Westfield (Scentre Group) making $175 million profit in 2023, why should ratepayers’ money be spent on enforcing a commercial issue?”.
“If Westfield are wanting to decrease customer parking times, they should provide a permit/exclusion system that does not impact retail workers’ parking hours,” he said.
Also from Casuarina, Jane Foreman is “strongly opposed” to the council’s partnership with Westfield, “as this feels like a money-grab by the council targeting our already financially strapped residents”.
“Rather than Westfield sorting out its parking issues, it enters a partnership with the council to impose fines on those who can least afford it,” she added.
All of the candidates above have stated that if they were to be elected, then some form of review or renegotiation of the agreement would be taken into account, considering the general consensus of an ineffective use of council resources.
Matulec said that “if Westfield is managing it and paying for it themselves, then it’s completely fine, but no money from any government body should be supporting a corporation like that”.
“Money needs to be spent very sparingly and in the right places, those are making sure rubbish collection is being done, roads and footpaths are being maintained, just basic local community things, supporting local sports clubs - that’s where the money needs to go.”
In more detail, the agreement with Casey and Westfield will see council’s Parking Compliance Officers issuing infringements for parking for a period longer than indicated and parking in disabled bays without a permit.
“Council retains funds collected from Parking Infringement Notices issues to reinvest back into community initiatives,” Pattie, from the council, said.
The first 30 days of the agreement will see warnings instead of actual infringements issued to those who parked for longer than the allotted time, which began on 9 September.
From 8 October onwards, proper parking infringement notices will be applied.
The blue car park at Westfield Fountain Gate, with an entrance to banks and Kmart, packed on a Friday morning. (Ethan Benedicto: 434147)
NEWS Meet the Casuarina candidates
CASUARINA WARD
Suburbs: Narre Warren, Narre Warren South and Cranbourne North
Candidates: Rex Lazaros, Kim Ross, Michael Kelaart, Lyndon Samuel, Rex Flannery, Ali Morteza, Jane Foreman, Mariam Khaliqy, Suzanne Carmody, Bassir Qadiri
SUZANNE CARMODY
Suburb of residence: Hampton Park.
How long have you lived in The City of Casey? 18 years.
Political party (past or present): Labor and I will be a voice for the people.
Occupation, business/employer name: I’m a primary school teacher at a school located within the City of Casey.
Suburb of residence: Narre
Warren
How long have you lived in The City of Casey? Eight years.
Political party (past or present): Family First. Occupation, business/employer name: Semiretired. Former RN.
MARIAM
KHALIQY
Suburb of residence: Berwick VIC.
How long have you lived in The City of Casey? I have lived in the City of Casey on and off since 2006, longest stretch being 10 years. Political party (past or present): I am running as an independent candidate, focused on community issues rather than party affiliation. Occupation, business/employer name: I am a Teacher at Berwick secondary College as well as
REX FLANNERY
Suburb of residence: Narre Warren South.
How long have you lived in The City of Casey? 23 years.
Political party (past or present): No political party past or present.
Occupation, business/employer name: Theatre technician S.J.O.G Hospital Berwick.
Property interests: I have a mortgage just like many of your readers.
Business interests: None.
Three most important issues for your ward: Cost of living, upkeep of parks/grass/roads/ footpaths etc., childcare including kinder.
Describe your involvement in the local community: I’m involved in the Casey community through my work as a teacher, where I engage with students and families daily. I’ve served as
Property interests: Property in WA. Business interests: Nil.
Three most important issues for your ward: Fiscal Responsibility for the ratepayers and residents along with transparency and accountability and finally trustworthy, hard working representation in council for everyone. Transforming the Webb Street Shopping/Business Precinct, the fast track of the Max Pawsey Reserve upgrade.
a Volunteer at Bakhtar Community Organisation as a Human Resource Manager.
Property interests: None
Business interests: None
Three most important issues for your ward: Family violence prevention and support services. Youth mental health resources and initiatives. Improved educational facilities for disabled students.
Describe your involvement in the local com-
Property interests: I own my own house.
Business interests: No business interests.
Three most important issues for your ward: Pensioners, high rates and cheap affordable housing for all.
Describe your involvement in the local community: My involvement with the community is daily with the work I do in the hospital.
Why are you standing for election? I am standing for council because I have a passion and de-
a parent school councillor at Hallam Primary, supported my husband to serve our community as a volunteer firefighter and shared my artwork at the Hampton Park Uniting Church Art Show. I’ve always tried to strengthen our community any way I can - big or small.
Why are you standing for election? I’m running for council because I learned as a school chaplain people need someone that will listen to them and then take action - that’s me and
Describe your involvement in the local community: Currently involved with the running of community events such as fun park days for families, facilitating a fortnightly connect group and coordinating an interest group meetings. Why are you standing for election? I love serving the community. To bring transparency, accountability and integrity back to council. I want to be a strong voice for the Ward of Casuarina. I have a vision to make Casey a thriving,
munity: I have been actively involved in community organisations such as Bakhtar Community Organisation. I regularly participate in forums and discussions focused on improving the quality of life for residents in the City of Casey.
Why are you standing for election? I am standing for election to ensure that crucial community issues are addressed effectively. I believe that by bringing a compassionate and proactive
sire to help people.
What is your campaign budget? My budget is my own money, maybe less than $1500. Who are your campaign donors? I have no donors and I would never accept money from anyone.
How much have each contributed? NIL.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs, ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? The only person that has advised me is myself
that’s what I want to do for our community. What is your campaign budget? $3000 - selffunded.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or exMPs have assisted or advised your campaign? I’m running my own campaign but I have had some advice from former councillor Dale Wilson.
Who will you direct your preferences to? I’m still in the process of negotiating that.
safe and vibrant community.
What is your campaign budget? Approx $1500. Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? My husband and myself have contributed it all. What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or exMPs have assisted or advised your campaign? Nil.
Who will you direct your preferences to? Unsure as yet.
approach to the Casey Council, we can create a supportive environment for all residents. What is your campaign budget? $1500 - $2000. Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? None.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or exMPs have assisted or advised your campaign? None.
Who will you direct your preferences to? Bassir Qadiri, Suzanne Carmody.
and no one else.
Who will you direct your preferences to?
My preferences will go to Michael Kelaart a 40year local of Narre Warren and a past president of the Fountain Gate cricket club and Rex Lazaros a 21-year-old university student studying business management and psychology. He will be the voice of our youth and Casey’s future.
JANE FOREMAN
Who will occupy the City of Casey offices after four years of no councillors? Only time will tell.
Tackling crime a key issue
By Ethan Benedicto
As the council election ramps up, candidates from Waratah Ward in the northern-most tip in the City of Casey are voicing their concerns over critical issues from crime rates to the greater need for council accountability.
Covering the suburbs of Doveton, Eummemering, Hallam and Hampton Park, the ward currently has five standing candidates, all with one integral focus in mind - tackling crime and community safety.
Nasser Yawari, advocate and mentor for Jesuit Social Services has highlighted “increasing incidents of theft, burglary, and youth crime” as his main focus when it came to ward issues; with aims of tackling contributing factors such as unemployment, lack of awareness to crime consequences and insufficient CCTV coverage.
Likewise, Stefan Koomen, a senior electorate officer, believes that improving communication with local police and developing youth programs can help to “prevent anti-social behaviour” where “better-maintained public spaces” could be key to safety.
Finance broker Burak Dilbaz echoed these concerns, citing a 13 per cent year-over-year increase in Casey from 2023, where he added that proactive measures must be taken to address the increasing trend.
At the same time, Jamel Kaur Singh, a former medic in the Defence Force with over 20 years of experience in corporate culture said that aspects of inclusion, integrity and opportunity all apply to “crime (drugs), services to potholes and more”.
“Hallam residents have complained about stresses of unsolicited parking, Doveton’s residents and business owners are worried about the increased crime [and] Hampton Park needs more help with teaching parents responsible parenting and consequences for youth crime,” she said.
The second topic of importance for these candidates is accountability and transparency, with Yawari drawing attention to what he sees as the
council’s current lack of accountability and “dissatisfaction with its services”.
“The council has become more politicised, losing focus on the real needs of its residents,” he said.
Dilbaz also emphasised the importance of trust and transparency, considering the previous council’s situation and the “legacy [of] issues that will remain as a result of the controversy”.
Ezatullah Alam, though not having submitted a response of the questionnaire to Star News, has stated in his official VEC response the importance of addressing past governance and “integrity issues within our local government”.
Singh also stated the importance of integrity when it comes to leadership in the council, where
an independent, transparent and a governing body free from party politics is a must.
The next most important topic was budget allocation and infrastructure development, where room for development is needed on the former, with Yawari saying that the current council budget is not fairly distributed.
Public spaces and infrastructure were a focus for Koomen, where he said that the ward’s suburbs have been “overlooked”, highlighting the needs of shopping precincts such as Hampton Park Central and other community facilities.
Dilbaz quoted overdevelopment, where moving forward, the council should be looking at efficient planning, with adequate resources to assess applications and to encourage valuable invest-
ment in the area.
Being champions of inclusion and community engagement is needed for the ward, according to Singh who said that each suburb in the ward has varying needs, where addressing them should be done through meaningful engagement.
With his experiences at Jesuit Social Services, Yawari is in the same boat, speaking on the need for a council that genuinely understands and advocates for local families.
Looking ahead and with Waratah Ward heads into election month, it is clear that crime, accountability, fair budget allocation, infrastructure maintenance, and community engagement are at the forefront of the candidates’ minds.
Stefan Koomen is looking to improve communication with local police and develop youth programs to tackle crime and safety. (Supplied)
Nasser Yawari aims to tackle contributing factors to crime and safety, such as unemployment and insufficient CCTV coverage.
Waratah Ward contenders
WARATAH WARD
Suburbs: Doveton, Eumemmering, Hallam and Hampton Park
Candidates: Nasser Yawari, Stefan Koomen, Burak Dilbaz, Ezatullah Alam, Jamel Kaur Singh
STEFAN KOOMEN
Suburb of residence: Doveton.
How long have you lived in the City of Casey? 13 years.
Political party (past or present): I’m running as an independent candidate, not for a party, because politics doesn’t belong in local council. I’ll represent the interests of residents without outside influence. I’m traditionally a Labor supporter - as I value workers’ rights, health, housing, and education.
Occupation, business/employer name: Senior
BURAK DILBAZ
Suburb of residence: Eumemmerring.
How long have you lived in the City of Casey? Five years.
Political party (past or present): Was a Labor member in 2020 for 18 months. No c urrent membership with any party.
Occupation, business/employer name: Finance broker. My own business Xubi.
NASSER YAWARI
How long have you lived in the City of Casey?
Over ten years.
Political party (past or present): I am an independent candidate with no political party affiliations or memberships.
Occupation, business/employer name: I work with Jesuit Social Services as an advocate and mentor, where I have helped over 1,800 local residents find employment and stand up for their rights.
Property/business interests: NIL.
Three most important issues for your ward: 1.
JAMEL KAUR SINGH
Suburb of residence: Eumemmerring, 3177 (In the Waratah Ward).
How long have you lived in The City of Casey? 14 years.
Political party (past or present): Nil. Never been affiliated or a member of any political party. Occupation, business/employer name: I’m a local business owner. I own Fin Plus Pty Ltd, Focus Buyers Pty Ltd and Consulting. Fin Plus is Finance Broking firm and I am on the council of FBAA (Finance Broking Association of Australia), Focus Buyers is Buyers Agents and Consultsingh is my Corporate Cultural Change Consulting business. I am the author of five kids’ books, and help deliver Cultural Education in schools nationally.
Property interests: I own three properties, two in Eumemmerring. My son (22) owns property in Clyde North, Dandenong and Norlane, my daugh-
Electorate Officer, Parliament of Victoria. Property interests: Family home in Doveton with my wife, Catriona. Business interests: None. No conflicts of interest.
Three most important issues for your ward: Better Basic Services: Essential services like rubbish removal, park maintenance, and road repairs in Hallam, Doveton, Eumemmerring and Hampton Park need urgent attention. Public Spaces and Infrastructure: Our suburbs have been overlooked. Hampton Park Central and Autumn Place must receive their fair share of resources to improve public spaces and community facilities. Community Safety: Improve safety through better-maintained public spaces, better communication with local police, and youth programs to prevent anti-social behaviour.
Property interests: Unsure what you mean?
Business interests: My finance broking and an engineering business.
Three most important issues for your ward: Crime – YoY increase of 13 per cent in Casey from 2023. Trust – need for transparency considering last council was sacked and the legacy issues that will remain as a result of the controversy. Overdevelopment – ensuring council has adequate resources to efficiently assess planning
Rising Crime Rates: Increasing incidents of theft, burglary, and youth crime are concerning. Contributing factors include unemployment, lack of awareness about the consequences of crime, and insufficient CCTV coverage. 2. Unfair Council Budget Allocation: There is an imbalance in the council budget, which fails to adequately prioritise the needs of women, seniors, and local sports clubs. Our community deserves a fairer distribution of resources. 3. Lack of Council Accountability: The council’s poor Google ratings reflect widespread dissatisfaction with its services, indicating a lack of transparency and accountability. The council has become more politicised, los-
ter (23) owns an apartment in Balwyn North.
Business interests: Finance, Real Estate, Corporate Culture (DEI), Schools and Education. Three most important issues for your ward: Inclusion, Integrity and Opportunity. There are many issues that plague our constituency. From Crime (Drugs), and services to potholes and more. Hallam residents have complained about the stresses of unsolicited parking, Doveton’s residence and business owners are worried with the increased crime, Hampton Park needs more help with teaching parents responsible parenting and consequences for youth crime. Each area has varying needs. I’m about articulating our constituency needs and taking action on bringing services, businesses and residences together. Advocating as required and looking at Casey’s overall corporate governance.
Describe your involvement in the local community: I have been playing, umpiring and coaching netball for years. My mum was the
Describe your involvement in the local community: I’m a genuine local – I live, work, and volunteer in Waratah Ward, where my wife, Catriona, and I are raising our kids. I led the successful ’Save Doveton Pool’ campaign to stop the council demolishing this local treasure. I’m an active Justice of the Peace, chair our local resident group (DETA), and serve as Treasurer of the Doveton Show and Casey’s John Pandazopoulos Community Hall.
Why are you standing for election? I’m running to ensure our suburbs get the attention and fair share of investment they deserve. As a local resident and community leader, I understand firsthand the issues facing our area and want to bring a local voice to council.
What is your campaign budget? I’m fully selffunded and plan to spend $5,000 on printing
applications that encourage valued investment and development in the area. Stop development where roads/infrastructure can NOT meet the future and ongoing traffic needs such as Smith’s Lane in Clyde North and Thompsons/Soldiers Rd incompetence.
Why are you standing for election? I believe I have; the time commitment, consultative communication skills, effective leadership and influence, accountability, community relation-
ing focus on the real needs of its residents. I am standing for election to be a true representative of our community—someone who has worked closely with local families and understands their challenges. I believe we need an independent voice on the council who will prioritise residents over politics and bring positive change.
Describe your involvement in the local community: I hold qualifications in human rights [and] In addition to my advocacy work, I am a public speaker for Jesuit Social Services, raising awareness about social injustice and promoting community integration.
Why are you standing for election? My engage-
founder and president of various interfaith organisations including Womens Interfaith Network Foundation and Centre of Melbourne Multifaith and Others Network. I have worked and volunteered in varying capacities for these grassroots community organisations for decades, as a project manager, web designer, event coordinator, MC and more. I have run and volunteered for food drives, disaster relief and more. Why are you standing for election? With grassroots community engagement, a Bachelor of Business, and an MBA, I bring a strong skillset and experience. I’ve served on boards across finance, business, not-for-profits, community sports, interfaith, and schools, providing me with hands-on expertise and motivation to effectively serve as your councillor. My vision for Casey is a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. I want to see our neighbourhoods become vibrant and inclusive, with access to services addressing issues like crime,
and advertising.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? I’ve chosen not to accept any donations for my election campaign. I’m using personal savings to ensure I can make decisions in the best interests of residents, not developers or other groups.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or exMPs have assisted or advised your campaign? No direct assistance, but I’ve spoken to many local representatives – current and retired – to gain insights about how to best serve Casey and improve our community and council for residents.
Who will you direct your preferences to? I haven’t decided on my preferences yet. I will speak to each candidate and make a decision based on their values and priorities for our ward.
ships to shape and influence the improvement of my community.
What is your campaign budget? Undisclosed but self-funded.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? NA.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? NA. Who will you direct your preferences to? Still to be determined.
ment with vulnerable families has made me become aware of the gap between the council and the community. This motivated me to run for council to ensure that our local government remains focused on residents’ needs rather than political interests.
What is your campaign budget? Regarding my campaign budget, I have allocated up to $10,000 from my own pocket without any campaign donors.
Who are your campaign donors? None. How much have each contributed? None. What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? NIL.
healthcare, and housing. Where local voices are heard, streets maintained, and every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
What is your campaign budget? About $1500 (printing of corflutes and DL only) - fully selffunded (family have helped).
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? I have received no donation from anyone, any business or organisation, bar my brother has helped with printing costs. We (the family) have been self-letterboxing my one and only DL.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? None. Who will you direct your preferences to? No one. I’m going [at] it on my own and will not be promoting any other candidate... each to their own - but I don’t think politics should sway the work that needs to be done. We are there representing our entire council constituency...
River Gum hopefuls’ words
RIVER GUM WARD
Suburbs: Lynbrook, Hampton Park
DAMIEN ROSARIO
Suburb of residence:
Hampton Park in the River Gum Ward.
How long have you lived in Casey? 16 years.
Political party (past and present): While I am a member of the Liberal Party, I am running as an independent candidate, staying true to my independentminded approach as I always have. Occupation, business/employer name: IT Educator.
Property interests: None.
Business interests: None personally, though I support business as a member of the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce.
NAZIR YOUSAFI
Suburb of residence: Lynbrook.
How long have you lived in Casey? I am living in the City of Casey for the last 17 years.
Political party (past and present): No.
Occupation, business/employer name: Family Violence Practitioner/Case Manager. Property interests: Nil.
LYNETTE PEREIRA
Suburb of residence:
Hampton Park.
How long have you lived in Casey? 38 years in Hampton Park.
Political party (past and present):
I was in the Greens until 2014. I am now completely Independent and not a member of any party.
Occupation, business/employer name: Customer Support - Mountain Top (transitioning to RealTruck) in Dandenong South.
Property interests: None
GEOFF HANSEN
Suburb of residence:
Narre Warren South.
How long have you lived in Casey? 8 years.
Political party (past and present): Freedom Party.
Occupation, business/employer name:
Three most important issues for your ward: The Hallam tip which affects several surrounding suburbs – I have previously advocated against this tip. Crime and community safety – Tackling both the perceived and real issues. Community engagement – supporting and fostering connections between residents, businesses and organisations, and community events.
Describe your involvement in the local community: River Gum Ward Councillor 2012-2020. Since leaving council 4.5 years ago, I have continued to serve in various volunteer roles across the River Gum Ward and City, including Neighbourhood Watch Casey, Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre, Doveton Show, Hampton Park Progress Association, and Hampton Park Men’s Shed. Supporter of Scouting groups in Casey; supporter and member of the Cran-
Business interests: Nil.
Three most important issues for your ward: Integrity and transparency, Cleaner and Safer Casey, Building a Community Hub and Youth Programs.
Describe your involvement in the local community: I was former Board member of Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre, Organiser of Food and Essentials Hampers during lockdown, Head of Fundraising for Bushfire relief in 2020, Coordinator of Building Respectful Relationships Project 2021-Current (Primary Prevention of Family
Business interests: None
Three most important issues for your ward: Getting decent councillors to represent us who understand and comply with Good Governance. The Hallam Rd Tip/proposed Waster Transfer Station, and Community Safety and Harmony.
Describe your involvement in the local community: As a former River Gum Ward Councillor from 2008 to 2012 I have been very involved in the local community where I also raised my four children. I cofounded the WesternPort Action Group fighting the Port of Hastings expansion which impacted on our local area also particularly the inland ports. I have been a vo-
Hansen Instrument Services; self-employed for the maintenance of electrical equipment.
Property interests:
Own our home in Narre Warren South
Three most important issues for your ward:
1/ Rates charges are too high 2/ Local roads are in poor condition and take too long to repair. 3/ Council accountability to residents.
Describe your involvement in the local community: In the last state election I ran for the seat of
WAYNE SMITH
Suburb of residence: Lynbrook.
How long have you lived in Casey?
Since mid-late 1980s.
Political party (past and present):
Proud ALP Member nearly 35 years, Elected State Branch Council member AEU (Australian Education Union) - proud union member since 1977.
Occupation, business/employer name:
Secondary School Teacher/Careers Practitioner - Monash Children’s Hospital School.
Property interests:
Owner occupier of my home in Lynbrook.
Business interests: None.
Three most important issues for your ward: After over 4 years of neglect by unelected Administrators we need to: 1. Getting Back To Basics - rates, roads & rubbish - the city is untidy and needs cleaning & maintaining 2. Respon-
bourne Chamber of Commerce; support Christmas Carols events in Hampton Park and Clyde.; supporting various community events in the local area, and cultural events and groups across Casey. Supporter of the Hampton Park Community House and Lynbrook Community Centre. Currently an active volunteer at St Vinnies Op Shop. Supporting and promoting local businesses. Supporting community fundraisers for various organisations and services. Advocacy for the needs of our community.
Why are you standing for election? I am deeply committed to fostering a connected community, not just through words, but through meaningful actions. With 7.5 years of service on the council and an additional 4.5 years as a dedicated community volunteer, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of Coun-
Violence project) Founder and three times Former President of Victorian Afghan Associations Network, Founder and Former President of Hazara Shamama Association and Winner of Bruce Volunteer Recognition Award in 2023.
Why are you standing for election? I am running the council election for integrity, transparency, and addressing key issues that matter to residents. I am committed to ensuring that decisions are made openly, with full accountability, and that the concerns of the community—such as infrastructure, safety, and service quality— are addressed fairly and responsibly, to build a
cal opponent of the Hallam Rd Tip expansion. I was involved in the local HP Tennis Club many years ago, I was a Board member of the Hampton Park Community House. I was the Secretary of the Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre for several years.
Why are you standing for election? Because I am experienced and qualified and understand Good Governance which was lacking in the last two councils. I am a GAICD - Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and I have a Grad. Dip in Management. My last two campaigns suffered enormously from the interference in council elections as mentioned in the IBAC investigations. This time I hope it is a fair election. I am very passionate about our com-
Narre Warren South and I continue to be passionate about bringing improvements to this whole area.
Why are you standing for election?
1/ Rates are too high, this is a huge burden for the residents of River Gum and Casey. Our council must be accountable for how they spend our precious rates.
What is your campaign budget?
$1000 spent so far on signs and leaflets. Who are your campaign donors? How much
sible & open decision making - Council meetings at hours to allow residents to actually be able to attend & participate 3. Maintaining and improving Council facilities & programs - there have been no major infrastructure projects for the last four-to-five years.
Describe your involvement in the local community: I am a very active volunteer in the local & wider community. I’m on the committee of the ’Lynbrook Residents Association’ and have volunteered at their events for many years, co-host of the’ Hampton Park Carols’ for over 20 years, a ’Justice of the Peace’ (since 1995) and a ’Bail Justice’ since 2005. During the pandemic era, I was part of the State-wide ’Remote Document Witnessing’ pilot program and now take weekly shifts since. I am also one of the State’s senior ’Bail Justices’ and have conducted almost 2500 out-of court sessions in-person at police stations and on-line. As a JP, I was one of the few local active JPs during the pandemic. I am very active in our local non-professional theatre scene with a number of local performing groups and I am a ’Youth Musical’ judge with the ’Lyrebird Youth Awards’. The estab-
cillor. I have a clear vision for what our community can achieve and the ability to act swiftly, leveraging my understanding of how things work in council and community.
What is your campaign budget? I haven’t made a final decision yet. I’ll take the time to consider my options carefully and will use my personal funds as needed.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? I am personally financing my campaign, ensuring that it remains entirely my own endeavour.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or exMPs have assisted or advised your campaign? No one has assisted me.
Who will you direct your preferences to? I am currently running independently and have not yet formed any specific preferences.
stronger, more responsive local government. What is your campaign budget? My campaign budget would be around $5000 or $6000. Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? My donors will be public and they will donate around $5000. What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or exMPs have assisted or advised your campaign? Nobody helped me.
Who will you direct your preferences to? I will direct my preferences to Asher Coleman and Lynette Pereira.
munity and I have many great ideas and initiatives which I would love to implement in Casey. What is your campaign budget? Around $2000. I am self-funded.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? None. Only me and my savings.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or exMPs have assisted or advised your campaign? None.
Who will you direct your preferences to? I am directing my 2nd Preference to Nazir Yousafi, 3rd to Asher Coleman, 4th to Garry Page, 5th to Geoff Hansen, 6th to Damien Rosario and 7th to Wayne Smith.
have each contributed? I have no donors, this money is from my own pocket.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or exMPs have assisted or advised your campaign? I have had no advice from councillors or MPs. I have some experience in running my campaign from when I ran for the state seat of Narre Warren South for the Freedom Party.
Who will you direct your preferences to? Damien Rosario.
lishment of ’Bunjil Place’ was my 20-plus year project as well as establishing the Cranbourne & Hallam Community theatres as well as the Hampton Park Library & Lynbrook Community Centre. Professionally, I sit on the Education Department’s ’Merit Protection Board’
Why are you standing for election?
After a long time as the Councillor for the area on both Cranbourne & Casey Councils, I still have lot to do to improve our community/city and feel I have much experience & passion to offer.
What is your campaign budget?
Unsure but suspect $1000 - $2000.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed?
No donations have been sought or received. What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or exMPs have assisted or advised your campaign? No assistance or advice received from anyone in this category to date.
Who will you direct your preferences to?
Too early to know at this point of time.
Candidates: Asher Coleman, Garry Page, Nazir Yousafi, Geoff Hansen, Damien Rosario, Lynette Pereira, Wayne Smith
Landfill debate rages on
By Violet Li
As Hallam Road landfill and the proposed waste transfer by the landfill operator Veolia have unquestionably been the major concerns in the community for years, Star News spoke to River Gum Ward candidates about their perspectives and future orientation.
Garry Page said the current landfill site was not appropriate for a commercial-sized waste transfer station and the landfill should have been closed years ago, but, as the decision had been taken and the site already selected, the only option was to mitigate the impacts.
He referred to the City of Casey’s February 2020 Council Meeting Agenda Item 7.5 Hampton Park Landfill Land Agreements. He said according to this item, the waste and resource recovery activity hub planning work started back in 2019.
“It is appropriate to consider the commercialsized waste transfer station concept has now had many additional years to be progressed. The documents show the plan was known at the time of the land swap,” he said.
“Therefore, we need to consider mitigation options.”
Mr Page also pointed out the Planning Minister had the power to call in a permit application from local councils.
“The relevant minister can override the City of Casey. Given the planning work undertaken so far, the new council is unlikely to be able to move the consideration of a commercial-sized waste transfer station to a new site,” he said.
“If the decision to use the Hallam Road landfill for a waste transfer station is out of the control of the council, then it should be located as far away from residents as possible.
“The obvious location would be what was referred to as Lot 4 or 795 South Gippsland Highway. This removes the traffic noise, odour and any adverse impacts from existing residences.
“This location has the advantage that it is the maximum distance away from existing residential properties. It has the advantage that it should permit the introduction of an overlay for the waste transfer station without impacting any existing residential properties.”
Mr Page pointed out that Lot 4 was swapped at the last council before the 2016-elected councillors were sacked.
Geoff Hansen said he was against the proposed waste transfer station given the built-up residential housing in the area, the health and well-being of residents, and the property values for the landowners.
“If I am elected in the River Gum Ward, I will argue against the expansion of the buffer zone. The tip managers have a responsibility to keep the tip to a minimum and to manage gases formed by the breakdown of the rubbish,” he said.
Nazir Yousufi said he was committed to addressing the concerns of Hampton Park, Cranbourne North and Lynbrook residents regarding the landfill transfer station.
“As a local resident of Lynbrook, I understand the issues firsthand, including the unpleasant odours, dirt and noises that have impacted our community,” he said.
“If elected, I will advocate for the Casey Council to pressure the State Government for a more
suitable solution.
“We need to invest in advanced technology to convert waste into energy, which would reduce environmental impact and improve our quality of life.
“If funding is a concern, the transfer station should be relocated to a less populated area, ensuring our community’s health and well-being.”
Asher Coleman believed the proposed waste transfer station needed to be stopped because the area had been too built up and the impacts on the community would be too severe.
“Council cannot stop the transfer station alone, but that is not an excuse to wash our hands of the issue,” he said.
“Council needs to be promoting the experiences of impacted residents to State Government while voting down plans relating to the transfer station when they come up at council.
“It is true that the State Government and VCAT can override council and I cannot promise that we’ll win this fight, but to use that as an excuse to do nothing is gutless.”
Mr Coleman also said he would talk to the communities in regard to the proposed landfill buffer overlay if elected, but his instinct would be to oppose the overlay.
“There is no fairness in imposing an additional financial burden on residents who have already suffered from proximity to the landfill and proposed waste transfer station,” he said.
Lynette Pereira, a former councillor who
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served from 2008 to 2012, said she had been a long opponent of the tip expansion and the proposed waste transfer station.
“There is no adequate buffer zone and residents are heavily impacted. I believe in NSW such a facility requires a 2km buffer zone but here it’s literally across the road from residents,” she said.
“The tip operators have had so many breaches in the past. I can’t believe at the last council meeting before the 2016 councillors got sacked, they approved a swap of the land parcel that was meant to be rehabilitated and returned to residents, to be transferred so that the facility could have truck access instead.
“I would have opposed this development at every stage. It does not belong here.”
Damien Rosario said if elected, he would promptly seek briefings with the council’s planning officers to gather relevant information and explore possible actions the council can legally take under the Planning and Environment Act.
“If there is a legitimate case to refuse the permit under the Act, I will pursue it and seek the support of my fellow councillors to reject the proposal. It is crucial to approach this issue thoughtfully to avoid any missteps and especially the mistakes of the past,” he said.
“However, given that the State Government has identified the site as being of state importance for waste and resource recovery, it is unlikely they will easily abandon this location, despite the availability of other viable sites.
“This is evidenced by their lack of intervention during our community’s outcry before, during, and after the state elections.
“Therefore, it is vital to also consider options for mitigating the impact on residents should the proposal proceed.”
Mr Rosario said he would also seek briefings with the council’s planning officers to understand the available options for the buffer overlay for due consideration at a council meeting.
Wayne Smith believed the community hadn’t had the full story at this stage.
“We’re not going to get them till the councils are elected, and then they’ll have to get the full story,” he said.
“My commitment is if I get in, it’s definitely my number one priority because I live there and I put up with the smell every day.
“It’ll be my number one thing to find out what the council can do. I suspect some decisions have been made behind closed doors, but we don’t know until we get there.
“If it’s possible, my communities and what I want is I want it either gone or if it’s not going to be gone, we’ve got to mitigate the problems that are going to happen and the traffic is a problem and the possible smell.”
“My honest opinion is I think the State Government needs to keep it there because people in Hampton Park are already unhappy, if they move it, they’re going to move it to somewhere where those people are going to be unhappy,” he said.
Protesters outside Hallam Road landfill in 2022. (Gary Sissions: 307447)
THE LOWDOWN
Q&A
with director and conductor Mathews Abraham of Casey’s music-based charity The Common People
Tell us about yourself and your organisation. Having lived in four different continents, I consider myself a citizen of the world who embraces different cultures. I am a passionate musician, and I founded The Common People getting a bunch of like-minded friends together in my search for purpose driven music. The Common People is run by an army of volunteers, and it is with immense gratitude that I have witnessed our journey from singing to the four walls at home, to singing to the world at the Sydney Opera House and now representing the nation at the World Choir Olympics, all while running a growing child sponsorship program.
What do you love the most about working in your organisation?
The team spirit and camaraderie of our members is a true joy to experience. All our members commit time to this vision after their full-time jobs, and none of this would have been possible without their selfless hearts. It is an everyday learning experience to work with our passionate members who are leaders in various professional sectors. What has been your most memorable moment during your time in the organisation?
That would have to be the time I spent with our sponsored children and families in the rural villages of India. I visit them at least once a year and it is a humbling moment in every sense - to see their bright smiles while battling life is an inspiration.
What is your favourite quote?
“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same” – from the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling. What were you like as a kid?
Happy and energetic. Ever grateful to my parents, teachers and friends for providing me with a safe haven to grow up in.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
I’ll leave that to my friends!
THREE … ways to help elderly
As the International Day for Older Persons approaches on 1 October, here are three ways to commemorate the day and the elderly.
1 Come together
Organising a family get-together is an easy and effective way to get in touch with the elderly people in your life, from dinner to lunch, or even a day out with an elderlyfriendly activity to recognise their life and contributions is a good way to celebrate.
2 Help out
Volunteering at local aged care facilities or retirement villages is also another way to commemorate the day, where you can engage with the residents through activities, offering companionship or even assisting with events; ultimately giving you the chance to be the highlight of their day.
3 Support
Supporting organisations that advocate for elderly well-being is a more in-depth way you can contribute, such as donating or volunteering for organisations such as the Council on the Ageing (COTA), who work on promoting the rights and well-being of seniors.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Truly spectacular experience
Circus Royale is back and bigger than ever with the “Supercharged Edition”, an exclusive, largerthan-life production at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre.
FREE RIDE VOUCHER
From 13 September to 13 October, audiences in Narre Warren will be treated to a truly spectacular experience featuring thrilling performances, exciting new attractions, and jaw-dropping displays under the Super Big Top, making Circus Royale Australia’s Largest Circus Spectacular — for a limited time only. This edition promises even more “wow” moments with an array of exciting features for all ages. Pre-Show Dinosaur Experience: Step into the world of the prehistoric era with Circus Royale’s renowned Animatronic Dinosaur Exhibit. This pre-show adventure, included with every ticket, invites guests to walk among lifelike dinosaurs. In addition, real prehistoric fossils will be on display, offering an interactive and educational experience for dino enthusiasts of all ages. Kids Fun Zone: The “Supercharged Edition” brings an expanded Kids Fun Zone, where young circus-goers can dive into a world of fun and excitement. Highlights include:
· A giant slide and jumping castles
· Tea cup rides
· An arts and crafts zone
· Photo opportunities with favorite circus characters and dinosaurs
· Slushies, snacks, and refreshments
· Meet-and-greet sessions with world-class performers
This immersive zone ensures that the Circus Royale experience is not only a thrilling show but an unforgettable family day out.
This special edition of Circus Royale is presented under the Super Big Top, making it the largest circus spectacle in Australia for a short time only.
Exclusive to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre:
This “Supercharged Edition” is exclusive to Narre Warren and will only be performed at the Foun-
Pre-Show Dinosaur Experience: Step into the world of the prehistoric era with Circus Royale’s renowned Animatronic Dinosaur Exhibit.
tain Gate Shopping Centre from 13 September to 13 October. Don’t miss this limited-time engagement, as it won’t be seen anywhere else. Event details
· Location: Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, Narre Warren
· Showtimes: 13 Sep - 13 Oct
· Full showtime schedule available at CircusRoyale.com
Ticket pricing
· VIP: Child: $45, Adult: $55
· Ringside: Child: $35, Adult: $45
· Grandstand: Child: $25, Adult: $35 (*Booking fees apply)
· Games and rides are an additional cost
About Circus Royale
Under the visionary direction of Damian Syred, Circus Royale has grown into one of Australia’s leading circus experiences, blending traditional acts with innovative performances. Damian Syred, a first-generation circus director, acquired Circus Royale at just 23 and has since produced numerous national tours, each showcasing his unique flair for entertainment.
Director and Conductor Mathews Abraham of Casey’s music-based charity The Common People. (Gary Sissons: 414536)
Doveton Show draws crowd
The South East’s affordable alternative to the Royal Melbourne Show again attracted thousands of fun-loving families at Myuna Farm on Sunday 22 September.
On a peach of a day, Doveton Show featured farm animals, thrilling rides, showbags, food trucks and live performances.
There was also an array of community stalls such as Narre Warren SES with a popular array of toy chainsaws, or a display of pygmy blue whale vertbrae.
Each year, Doveton Show is staged by volunteers as an affordable day of fun at the start of Spring school holidays.
Pictures: GARY SISSONS
Hugh, 5, from Port Melbourne, joins the Kiss Army. (Gary Sissons: 431626)
One of the tall, thrill-seeking rides. (431626)
An airbourne Adrian, lying outside, and Andrei, both from Dandenong North. (431626)
Nicasha, 3, from Doveton and Silvio Seeboruth from Narre Warren SES. (431626)
Ryan, 7, from Dandenong North on one of the rides with his bubble blower. (431626)
Bailey from The Airbrush Company works on some cap art. (431626)
Skylah, 3, from Officer, feeds a small goat. (431626)
Up for the challenge
By Ethan Benedicto
From watching it on TV to dominating the ring for over 500 days, local Narre Warren wrestler Aysha is looking to bring her talents to the United States as an independent competitor.
To be precise, Aysha competes in and is part of Renegades of Wrestling, and has since held the women’s championship belt for 557 days since March 2023, with her title to be challenged on Sunday 29 September at Fever Pitch against Caity Luxe.
Aysha’s interest began in 2009, after attending a Supernova convention and seeing wrestling programs for the first time; after that, she was hooked.
“I’ve never seen wrestling before that, and as a kid, I was very sporty, and I loved action movies and stuff like that, so when I was just amazed.
“Then a couple of weeks later I saw WWE Smackdown on TV and I was like, oh, this is a thing, and from that point, I think I always knew that I wanted to do it,” she said.
Training for her began when she was just 16 years old, and her passion for the sport only grew as she saw more women from Australia enter the WWE, such as Tenille Dashwood and Cassandra Arneill.
She resonated the most with Dashwood, who began in PCW, the same wrestling school that Aysha had attended; to her “it showed me that it was possible, having those inspirations and seeing wrestling around here made me realise that I can do it”.
However, this trip Stateside won’t be the first for Aysha, who recently returned from training at Flatbacks Wrestling School in Flordia with WWE names such as Shawn Spears and Tyler Breeze.
It was after this camp and her return that her ‘First Class’ character came to fruition, a persona she adopted during the pandemic and solidified through her wins and cadence in the ring.
“The first few years I was wrestling I didn’t re-
Aysha ‘First Class’ is looking to defend her belt at this Sunday 29 September’s Fever Pitch against Caity Luxe, with sights set for the US in October. (Supplied)
ally have a character, and I think it was because I was a bit younger,” she said.
“But I think it’s evolved a lot, when I started getting a bit older, I started developing this character; I started bringing elements of myself into that, I liked fashion, I studied business, it was a way of putting myself in character but also making it bigger than life.”
Carrying with her an aura that exudes confidence, it won’t be a ‘First Class’ match without
Aysha holding a bottle of champagne and pointing her finger in the air, as she blends a style of athleticism, technical prowess and a characterdriven approach that has led to her acquiring and holding the belt.
A World Series Wrestling match earlier in the year saw Aysha reunited with her trainer, Shawn Spears who, after her match, said that she had been implementing her training well; likewise, while unsuccessful, Aysha took part in a WWE tryout, an experience that she said fuels her determination for the upcoming match and trip.
“I think when I came back to Australia, I took what I learned and have been using this past year to improve,” Aysha said.
“I’m at a point where I go back there [ring] I’m gonna kill it and keep growing my name, it’s just putting the groundwork here in Australia and being able to come and go to America and showcase what I’ve been doing.”
Confident in not just hers, but Australia as a whole’s wrestling scene, Aysha is looking to put her “best foot forward” and show her pride for her country in the coming months.
“Australian wrestling is very high quality, it’s just that we’re so far away no one really sees it,” she said.
“If I have a really good performance when I’m over there, people may go, ‘oh, she’s from Australia’, and maybe look into other Australian wrestlers.”
Aysha also held the championship title for Deathmatch Downunder with her partner - both on and off the ring - Murdoch with their tag team ‘Misspent Youth’.
Much accustomed to having belts around her waist, Aysha isn’t fazed with her matchup against Luxe, even though she was the only wrestler to have pinned her in two years.
With plans to retain the title, Aysha said “I’m confident, I’ve held the title for over 500 days, and from my memory, I’ve beaten her, so I’m going to do that again with confidence.”
Stolen Hilux used in cop ramming
A Toyota Hilux which police investigators believe to have been stolen from a Narre Warren South property earlier this month between 6 and 7 September was involved in the ramming of a police vehicle.
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance to help identify the driver of the ute that rammed into a police car in Mount Martha. The incident occurred near the intersection of Nepean Highway and Craigie Road around 1.30am on 13 September, when officers attempted to intercept the stolen vehicle. After stopping momentarily, the ute turned around and intentionally rammed the side of the marked police car, with the two officers inside sustaining minor injuries.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Narre Warren South rider killed in motorcycle crash
A 21-year-old Narre Warren South man died at the scene of a fatal motorcycle crash in Carrum Downs on Sunday 22 September.
Police are investigating the incident where it is understood that the rider was travelling along Boundary Road when he hit and clipped a curb, then a light pole before coming to a rest under a tree on the same road around 9.30pm.
The investigation into the crash is currently ongoing, with authorities appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online through crimestoppersvic.com.au
Authorities are appealing for more information after a fatal motorcycle crash in Carrum Downs.
(On File)
The red Toyota Hilux that investigators believe was stolen from a Narre Warren South property and rammed a police vehicle in Mount Martha. (Supplied)
Glamour world of guinea pigs
The weird and wonderful varieties of guinea pig were showcased at an international event at Menzies Hall on Sunday 22 September.
Cavy Council of Victoria – the oldest running guinea pig group in Australia – hosted more than 300 entries at two combined shows Oktoberfest and Polish Palooza.
Best In Show winners were Ken Peddersen with a Silver Agouti Dutch and Heidi Marshall with an English Self Buff.
Other winners included Jorja Wakely with ‘Roger’, a Rex-breed (Best Coarsecoat), and Ben Carter with ‘Garfield’, a Texel (Reserve Junior Condition).
International judges Patrick Staniec, from Germany, and Daniel Banasiak, from Poland, perused the entrants that flew, drove and sailed in from around Victoria and Australia.
“It was a busy day showing but everyone enjoyed an international lunch combining foods from Germany, Poland and Australia,” CCV vice president Michael Carter said.
Heidi Marshall with the Best Self in Show guinea pig and German judge Patrick Staeiec. (Gary Sissons: 432990) International judges Daniel Banasiak (Poland) and Judge Patrick Staeiec (Germany) (432990)
One of the more than 40 breeds of guinea pig on display. (432990)
Ahhh the sweet smell of success for Roger, the winner of Best Coarse Coat in Show. (432990)
Jorja Wakely with ‘Roger’, a Rex who won Best Coarse Coat in Show (432990)
Moon Dust Arizona, a Self Cream Guinea pig. (432990)
Ben Carter with ‘Garfield’ - a Texel breed - that won Reserve Junior Condition in Show. (432990)
‘Garfield’ - a Texel breed - that won Reserve Junior Condition in Show. (432990)
Centre upgrades on the way
By Ethan Benedicto
Tucked in the lush crevices of Bemersyde Drive, Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House and Community Centre is a place many locals indulge in, from their childcare to the open spaces for functions.
The community centre, which was a successful applicant for the 2023/24 Growing Suburbs Fund grant, will see upgrades to the building’s facilities such as its kitchenettes, multi-purpose community rooms and more.
The centre’s manager, Jo Davey, said that support such as the one gained from the fund is integral to the operation of the centre, as well as its and the staff’s capabilities to cater to the local community.
Davey said that for their community, “it’s really important”.
“We have so many different faith groups and multicultural groups that come and use this space, and being able to lift it to a more usable level for them is just going to make a world of difference.
“It’s going to improve their programs, as well as the programs that we provide for the community.”
South-Eastern Metropolitan MP, Michael Galea, visited the centre on Friday 20 September, seeing firsthand the intended upgrading process and what’s in store for the staff and visitors.
“We have such a growing population here, especially in Berwick and Casey more broadly, [so] it’s really important that we have all the big projects that we often talk about - the schools, the roads, but just as important is building those communities.
“These projects such as Brentwood Park really mean that we can ensure that as Berwick grows, we have amazing centres that are run by amazing people and are fully supported.
“We already see so many groups using this centre, and these improvements through the
Fund will make such a big difference to supporting them, and future users as well,” Galea said.
One of the upgrades includes double spring flooring for the centre’s halls, with Davey commenting on the frequency of groups renting them out for dancing and larger-scale activities.
The centre, which houses two kitchenettes will also see them upgraded, with the smaller one, tucked into a little nook in the hall, to be extended and widened, adding more room and space for related activities.
Staff will also be receiving a space upgrade, with the current lack of a meeting room soon to
be addressed with an extension in the works for their space.
Davey took Galea on a short yet detailed centre tour, outlining the current facilities such as the 0-4-year-old playgroup, with Davey adding that “it’s really good to see who we’re dealing with in government”.
“We’ve had our meetings with the City of Casey, but we know the money comes from higher up, so being able to put a face to the name and know who has been helping to push this funding for us, it makes use feel seen and valued for all the work we do,” she said.
To Galea, being able to come down and see for himself the centre and its operations was “exciting”, especially when it came to the “impact that the funding will make and see the groups out here today and how they’ll benefit from what this funding will deliver.”
“It’s one thing to be dealing with reports and spreadsheets, but to be out here on the ground seeing the impact it’ll make is really exciting and I’m very much looking forward to hopefully coming back to see once it’s underway, and when it’s done.”
From left to right: Cara Jowsey, Michael Galea MP, Jo Davey, Mandy Beaumont, Brooke Higgins and Robert de Benzon-Westrip. (Ethan Benedicto: 434042)
U3A Cranbourne
U3A is a community group for anyone 50 and over to learn, share and socialise.
The group offers a large variety of activities at its new premises at 20-22 Bowen Street in Cranbourne.
Line dancing and ballroom dancing are held at 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; members are welcome to join as many classes as they wish.
U3A gives you the opportunity to try out new things, if you want to keep your body and mind active, be creative or pursue a passion there is a course for you.
■ Check out the courses on offer at our website at www.u3acranbourne.org.au or call 0493 991 919 to learn more.
U3A Dandenong Expo
U3A Dandenong is holding an expo to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Some Dandenong-based seniors’ clubs will be presenting what they offer. Some participation and/or demonstrations are provided eg. Line dancing, exercise class, singing in English and Italian, games played like Scrabble, Mahjong and Rummy Kub, Art display of different mediums, a plant stall, this is just a small sample of displays. Refreshments are available via the Dandenong Netball Assoc. canteen including a Devonshire Tea at a small cost.
Entry: Free
When: Friday 18 October, 2024
Venue: Gloria Pyke Netball Stadium, at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong Show Grounds, Bennett Street, Dandenong.
Time: between 10am and noon.
■ For more information call – 0494 018 356
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 our “Buildings of Casey” photography competition this spring and help us collect images of the City of Casey’s current buildings, for tomor-
The Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club is welcoming new members, with social activities and games for all. (Unsplash: Vlad Sargu)
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
Welcoming new members - Community Social Day - includes lunch, cuppa, games and chat. Fri 4 October, 11am-4pm. Cost $10.
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Weekly activities - Line Dancing Mon. 10am-12pm, New Vogue and Old Time
Dance Tue. 1pm-3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am-2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm, community days and bus trips. For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
■ Find them on Facebook: facebook.com/ groups/487808127399953
row’s history. Photos submitted will be kept in our Local History Archive and used for historical projects in the future.
■ 9am, 1 September - 5pm, 30 September 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.
OPINION
Need for news
By Paul Thomas*
On this World News Day, we are reminded of the invaluable role journalism plays in safeguarding our democracy, especially in regional and local towns across Australia. While global headlines may dominate, it’s the local stories that are the heartbeat of our communities. Public interest journalism serves not only as a watchdog but also as a bridge between the people and their local governments, businesses, and neighbours.
In regional and local towns, local newspapers are often the sole providers of information that directly impacts residents’ daily lives. From covering council meetings to reporting on issues like infrastructure development or the success of local businesses, these newspapers perform a critical function. When journalists shine a light on important issues, they empower their communities to engage, voice concerns, and demand accountability.
At Star News, we believe that public interest journalism is essential for the health of our democracy. In an age of misinformation and dwindling trust, our mission is to provide fact-based reporting that our readers can rely on. While we operate in a rapidly changing media landscape, the core values of journalism remain unchanged: truth, transparency, and a commitment to the communities we serve.
The rise of social media has fundamentally transformed how we consume information, with both positive and negative consequences. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have connected us in new and powerful ways, they have also become breeding grounds for misinformation, deep fakes, and viral falsehoods. With content increasingly manipulated, from deep fake videos to entirely fabricated news stories, it has become harder for people to distinguish fact from fiction. This erosion of trust threatens the very foundation of informed communities and societies.
In contrast, local newspapers provide a cru-
cial counterbalance to this tide of disinformation. Our journalists work tirelessly to deliver stories grounded in facts, verified by trusted sources, and shaped with balance. When you read your local newspaper, either in print or online, you can trust that the information is accurate, relevant, and serves the best interests of your community. Local newspapers are more than just sources of news; they are the defenders of truth in a noisy and often confusing media landscape.
As technology and media consumption habits continue to evolve, local journalism must adapt. However, the mission remains the same: telling stories that matter, holding the powerful to account, and keeping the public informed. Newspapers, particularly in regional and local towns, have a duty to remain trusted sources of news for the communities they serve.
In a time when misinformation and falsehoods spread rapidly, let’s make sure the truth rings louder. By supporting local journalism, we strengthen not just our media but the very fabric of our regional and local towns. Together, we can ensure that truth and integrity remain at the heart of our communities.
* Paul Thomas is the owner and managing director of the Star News Group. He has worked in newspapers all his life and is a former president and life member of Country Press Australia.
Star News Group owner and director Paul Thomas.
NEWS Doctors criticised
By Violet Li
The State Coroner has criticised a series of decisions made by doctors prior to the death of Pearcedale apprentice carpenter George Diamond.
The then-18-year-old collapsed after an evening sparring session at Sting Gym in Cranbourne West on 18 February 2019 and passed away three days later.
The death of cause was a result of complications of acute chronic subdural haemorrhage in his brain. The autopsy also demonstrated evidence of an older subdural haemorrhage.
Subdural haemorrhage is often caused by strong force on the head.
State Coroner John Cain found Mr Diamond first sustained a head injury on 25 October 2018 during a live sparring session in Sting Gym, four months before his death.
He suffered symptoms of headaches, vomits, and back pain, and then attended Pearcedale Medical Centre twice on 26 October and 31 October.
As symptoms continued, Mr Diamond along with his father Vic Diamond attended the Frankston Hospital ED on 5 November 2018, where the father “begged” Dr Yigal Reuben to undertake a CT scan or MRI for his son.
Dr Reuben refused and told the father it was “unnecessary“, and the radiation of a CT scan would expose Mr Diamond to risks, including the risk of cancer from radiation.
Multiple witness experts submitted that the risk of radiation in a single CT scan was very low.
Coroner Cain found that Dr Reuben should have ordered a scan for Mr Diamond on the day.
“Alternatively, if Dr Reuben did not think the ED was the appropriate place for a CT scan, he
should have referred George to his GP to organise a CT scan or MRI,” he stated.
“Had a CT scan been undertaken on 5 November 2018, it is more likely than not that it would have revealed that George had a subdural haematoma.”
Coroner Cain also found Pearcedale Medical Centre GP Dr Pejman Hajbabaie’s decision to sign a Certificate of Fitness form to clear Mr Diamond for return to boxing on 25 January 2019 inappropriate.
Dr Hajbabaie submitted that he had rarely met such a form before, and he was found not to have reviewed Mr Diamond’s previous medical consultations on the day he signed the form.
Coroner Cain concluded that Dr Hakbabaie should not have signed the form without undertaking a comprehensive review of George’s medical history and undertaking research as to what was involved in providing medical clearance to return to boxing.
“Or in the alternative, Dr Hajbabaie should have referred George to another practitioner that had the requisite training and experience to sign such a form,” he stated.
He recommended relevant professional bodies like the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners consider developing appropriate mandatory training for medical practitioners in relation to providing medical clearance for individuals to commence and return to boxing and other combat sports.
Coroner Cain also stated the most prudent course for Dr Hajbabaie when Mr Diamond visited him six days after he first sustained a head injury would be to recommend him a CT scan or MRI.
Sitting down with a local CEO
I have not done this for a while so this week I thought I would reinvoke the ‘business leader interview’ this time with Heath Cohen, CEO of CoConstruct based in Upper Beaconsfield. Heath has been managing a successful construction company since 2010 and has established a high reputation for the quality of his builds. He has been kind enough to share some of his perspectives on business success.
Q. Why was the business started in the first place?
A. It was a natural progression from initially being a carpenter. I always wanted to be a builder since I was young when I helped out my uncle who was a successful builder during the 1990s.
Q. What does the business specialise in?
A. Commercial buildings related to specialist disability accommodation and allied health, custom homes and the bespoke equine market.
Q. What are you most proud of?
A. Our ability to develop ongoing relationships that have enabled repeat work and facilitate quality referrals. We have constructed a wide range of properties that demonstrate our attention to detail in every aspect of the build.
Q. What is your secret for success?
A. Loyalty to our clients and the trades that we employ.
Q. What has been your greatest challenge in the business?
A. Covid-19 and its aftermath. This had a dramatic impact on the industry in terms of material scarcities, lead time blowouts, trade shortages and significant cost increases. This increased our own costs and timeframes which necessarily had a severe impact on our cash position.
Q. How did you overcome this?
A. Constant communication right across the
TAKING CARE
IAN ASH OF BUSINESS
whole supply chain including our customers. We also put a significant focus on the company’s financials especially cash-flow and our sales forecast.
Q. What advice would you give to a new business owner just starting out?
A. Know your numbers – understand cashflow, forecasting, pricing and margins. Focus on customer interactions and ultimately satisfaction.
Q. Who inspires you and why?
A. My partner Deb. Her ability to focus and give me sound reality checks as well as enabling me to put work behind me at the end of the day.
Q. How do you see business changing over the coming years?
A. In construction, the quality operators will prevail and come through even in difficult times. The differences between good and poor business operators will become more obvious by the quality of their work.
Q. Interests and hobbies?
A. Caravaning, camping, fishing, bike-riding and taking any opportunity to get away with my family whenever I can.
My thanks to Heath for sharing his knowledge and perspectives, hope that you found these useful.
• Ian Ash ACC, AIECL, AInstIB
• Managing director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au
Magic from manic Magpies
By Marcus Uhe
Narre Warren Football Netball Club will leave Outer East Netball (OEFN) with three premierships from the four completed seasons after a stunning performance in Saturday’s Premier Division grand final at Rob Porter Recreation Reserve.
The 40-point win over Wandin, powered by a lightning start out of the blocks, washed away any bad memories of the same afternoon 12 months prior with an emphatic wire-to-wire result confirming its status as the best team in the competition this year, the final score reading 14.10 94 to 7.12 54.
Manic pressure when the Bulldogs had the ball and composure when they didn’t were the keys to the result, limiting Wandin’s ability to dominate in open spaces and bring their foot skills to the fore.
Wandin looked nervous, uncharacteristically sloppy with ball in hand and hesitant to take on the big moments.
Macauley Beckwith passed off a chance to kick the opener but kicked to the wrong Johnson, Aaron Mullett looked to nail a long goal but was wide of the mark and Patrick Hodgett was beaten in a one-on-one marking contest with Joel Zietsman, with Narre Warren looking to make a strong start and snuff out an early attack.
The Magpies, prone to slow starts in the second half of the year, made a focus of starting the better of the two sides, and eventually kicked the first of the afternoon nine minutes in through Brayden Sharp.
A free kick for a sling tackle and some physical back-and-forth after the whistle saw Sharp taken to the edge of the goal square, where he made no mistake from a simple shot.
Peter Gentile kicked the next a minute later, springing free from the defensive side of a forward 50 stoppage to open his account, before adding another after some strong work in the middle from Tom Toner.
All of a sudden Narre Warren had a 19-point lead, and Wandin looked bereft of scoring options, much like the second half of their round 15 epic in early August.
Wandin needed a reply, and found one through Daniel Hirst after Josh West lost his footing in a marking contest, but Narre Warren hit back with two in three minutes that grew the lead to 24 points.
Hamish West was in the right place at the right time after a forward 50 scrounge saw the ball land in his hands at the teeth of goal, followed by Hayden Dwyer’s contested mark and goal from a tight angle deep in the forward line that showed the Magpies meant business.
Jordan Jaworski looked to ignite Wandin with some trademark run and carry through the middle of the ground, with Brodie Atkins the beneficiary deep in attack, but it was Sam Johnson’s extraordinary stoppage goal late in the term from the left forward pocket that shaped as a bad omen for the Magpies.
Running at pace into the left forward pocket, Johnson threw the ball onto his left foot and watched in disbelief as the kick floated through.
When Mullett missed a running chance from in close at the other end of the ground, Wandin’s cards appeared marked, and a 23-point deficit at the first break made for disappointing reading.
Wandin needed a huge response coming out of the first break, but none came, as the game entered an awkward stalemate with neither side able to score.
Sharp-shooters at both ends, in Will Howe and Patrick Hodgett both missed chances as Trent Papworth rediscovered his intercepting game after playing just the first half of the semi-final.
Toner broke the deadlock, 15 minutes into the quarter, as Wandin’s physicality got the better of them again.
Brad Scalzo hooked a kick from the pocket back to the goal square and was put down after his kick, gifting Toner a shot from directly in front.
Wandin appeared likely to go goalless in the quarter, but Johnson finally found his radar and kicked truly deep into time on.
Papworth had been dragged away from the defensive goal square and his lack of aerial presence gave Johnson a free run and jump at the footy, a chance he converted.
Narre Warren defenders Tom Russell and Declan Brown both appeared to sustain injuries in separate collisions late in the half, but a four-goal buffer at the half gave the Magpies a critical edge.
Knowing Wandin would tire in the second half on a six-day break and with two extra games in their legs in the last month, the lead at the long break was vital in keeping the Bulldogs at bay.
But Wandin never lost belief at the long break.
Coach, Nick Adam bemoaned his side’s execution, but took solace in only being four goals behind.
Needing a fast start to the second term to reel the Magpies in, they faltered at the very first challenge, when a downfield free kick against Wandin from the first centre clearance allowed Howe to find his range, and push the lead to 30 in a flash.
Wandin pressed, but a trio of misses from Johnson, Jaworski and Atkins, let Narre Warren off the hook.
Hodgett and Jaworski then each goaled within 60 seconds of each other to cut the lead to 15, and the murmurs around the venue suggested a comeback might be brewing.
OUTER EAST PREMIER DIVISION SCOREBOARD
Porter Recreation Reserve, Officer
NarreWarrenGoals: Hayden Dwyer 4, Tom Toner 4, Peter Gentile 2, Will Howe, Sam Johnson, Brayden Sharp, Hamish West. Best: Tom Toner, Jesse Davies, Hayden Dwyer, Brad Scalzo, Peter Gentile, Jacob Mutimer.
WandinGoals: Jordan Jaworski 2, Clinton Johnson 2, Brodie Atkins, Daniel Hirst, Patrick Hodgett. Best: Damien Furey, Aaron Mullett, Samuel Hodgett, Todd Garner, Patty Bruzzese, Jordan Jaworski.
MedalWinner: Tom Toner (Narre Warren)
Upwey-TecomaGoals: Thomas Brady, Aaron Grenda. Best: Jackson Hannagan, Blake Burrows, Jack Murray, Simon Orenshaw, Alex Heath-Bennett, Rory Fox.
NarreWarrenGoals: Matthew Butera, Bailey Howarth, James Milivojevic, Ryan Stephenson. Best: Matthew Butera, Travis Callahan, Jeremy Materia, Bailey Howarth, Joshua Sherlock, Harry Miller.
MedalWinner: Matthew Butera (Narre Warren)
19
PakenhamGoals: Mason Hall 3, Lewis Davies, Bailey
But Toner would provide the answer to cut their momentum short, nailing a long set shot with a post-high kick from 50 out that cracked like a cannon off his boot.
A pair of goals to Dwyer deep in time on exposed the Bulldogs for height, and saw Narre Warren take a 33-point lead into the last break.
There was great energy at the final huddle from the Magpies, but not enough to suggest any arrogance – they knew they still had a quarter to play.
Wandin threw its big names into the first centre bounce but it yielded little in the way of results.
Dwyer continued to outreach the Wandin defence and kicked his fourth of the afternoon to open the final term, stretching the lead to a gamehigh 39 points following a huge contested mark.
Johnson pulled one back for Wandin midway through the quarter, but the mooted celebrations suggested a sense of resignation from his teammates.
Toner would kick two more to finish the afternoon, to give himself a bag of four, cracking open a can in celebration to get the party started, before he was crowned best player on the ground.
Scalzo was chaired off the ground by his teammates, bidding farewell to the football club after a glittering career.
Right from the first moment, Narre Warren’s pressure was through the roof, and they never let Wandin settle, exorcising the demons of 2023 in emphatic fashion.
Premiership winning coach Steven Kidd planned the attack down to a tee, and finished the afternoon as a premiership coach.
“We knew they liked to score off turnover, so we tried to restrict that,” he said of the approach.
“We spoke about staying skinny side and controlling the ball when we had a chance.
“We trained it all year; the game plan was,
Brougham, Seth Cannon, James Lee, Campbell Sheedy. Best: Mason Hall, Josh Trembath, Oscar Jones, Ashton Hermanus, Seth Cannon, Ryan Martini. OfficerGoals: Tyler Astle, Tyler Canute, Noah Crew, Zakery De Bono, Jack Hamilton. Best: Noah Crew, Ryan Gates-Crewes, Noah Morrell, Jack Liddle, Tyler Canute, AJ Claxton.
MedalWinner: Mason Hall (Pakenham)
NETBALL A GRADE
Gabrielle Dwyer (Narre Warren)
Sidney Kneebone (ROC)
number one option is always to go quick, but number two was control the footy, and number three was quicker too; kick down the line and get numbers.
“Against Wandin, we always thought quick isn’t so much what we want, but let’s control it, keep it off them, keep it out of their hands.
“If we’re going to turn it over, we’re going to turn it over skinny side, so we can defend.
“I spoke about manning the mark well, pushing back, the forwards rolling up.
“Sometimes we rolled up too high and had nothing to kick too, but essentially we took away a lot of their fast ball movement.”
Dwyer joined Toner with four majors, and Gentile two, with Jesse Davies, Scalzo and Jacob Mutimer joining the major goal scorers as Narre Warren’s best players.
Across the ground, it was hard to find a player that lost his individual match up, and while Wandin let some chances slip, kicking 2.5 in the third quarter, nothing was going to stand in the way of a Magpie win.
They answered every challenge thrown their way in 2024, winning all five contests against fellow contenders in Wandin and Woori Yallock, and losing just once to finish the home-and-away season with a record of 17-1.
An exodus of key players over the summer left many to wonder what would come from the Magpies in 2024 on the back of a demoralising grand final hammering, but rumours of its death proved to be just that – rumours.
They leave the competition with their heads held high, and will present a frightening prospect for all Southern Football Netball League clubs. With the reserves side winning all four premierships on offer since the OEFN’s inception and the Under 19s falling just short of another grand final birth, the depth is plentiful at Kalora Park, and a bright future is on the horizon.
Narre Warren: champions of Outer East Premier Division football in 2024. (Gary Sissons: 432648)
Narre overcomes the odds
By Marcus Uhe
A dramatic final quarter to a gripping and tense contest saw Narre Warren prevail in the face of adversity to secure a second-successive Outer East Football Netball A Grade netball premiership in a one-goal win over Mt Evelyn.
The Magpies lost playing coach and former Australia representative Erin Bell to an ankle injury late in the final term but survived on the back of a brilliant shooting performance from vice captain Chelsea Tonna with the game on the line.
Tonna made a series of timely and crucial shots in the games final minutes to maintain her side’s slender lead over their nemesis as the Magpies held on to win 43-42.
It was Goalkeeper Gabrielle Dwyer who made the game-sealing shot, however, earning her Best on Court status for the second year running after another brilliant display.
Mt Evelyn has been the Magpies’ kryptonite this year, and won its last two matches heading into the grand final against Narre Warren, earning them the psychological upper hand.
Bell’s head-to-head with Kaitlyn Black in the Magpies’ goal circle and Brittany Mashado’s with Montana Wallis in the centre were both intriguing battles, with Black the head of the maroon snake that sets the tone from the defensive end.
A tense opening to the game saw goals hard to come by and the atmosphere reduced to a hush, with wind making life difficult for the shooters to ply their trade.
In open play, Black could dictate how the Magpies fed Bell and Tonna in the goal circle, but the Magpies did everything they could to extract her away from the action.
Out of bounds entry passes and penalties that put Black out of position took on extra significance, with Bell making her pay on nearly every occasion.
Two chances to take a two-goal lead into the first break were not taken by Bell, however, missing both shots after the quarter time siren, in a moment that threatened to haunt the Magpies in their quest for glory.
The second term was littered with momentum swings, as every goal felt it was worth double in such a low-scoring affair.
Narre Warren started the quarter better and edged ahead by four goals but Mt Evelyn responded with seven of the next nine, as the half closed with the scores locked at 22.
Unlike the first period, Bell nailed a shot on the half-time buzzer, after some sharp work from Julia Kaitani and Mashado further afield.
Kaitaini won a critical interception and Mashado, sensing time was of the essence, wasted no time in getting the ball down to her coach, who capitalised on a late chance.
Mashado’s speed was beginning to emerge as a critical factor in the contest with her ability to change the momentum of the game becoming noticeable in catching Mt Evelyn’s vaunted defence off-guard.
A five-goal scoring run from Mt Evelyn early in the third quarter threatened to break the game apart, as Narre Warren felt the trademark defensive squeeze the women in maroon have so expertly applied to all sides they’ve faced this season.
The Magpies offence appeared to be drying up, but crucial rebounding and interceptions in the mid-court ensured the weight of opportunities saw the Rovers buckle.
From a 26-28 deficit midway through the quarter, Narre Warren scored six of the quarter’s final seven goals to take a two-goal lead into the last quarter.
Like the second period, another Mashado and Bell connection in the last moments of the quarter saw Bell take her chance, and harness momentum ahead of a huge final quarter.
Mt Evelyn secured the first break through a Wallis interception to tie the scores at 33, but the Magpies scored the next four to create some separation.
Tonna was beginning to find her groove, responding from a pair of missed shots by nailing the third attempt that sent the Magpies on their run.
Three of the next four went Mt Evelyn’s way to cut the lead to two, before Bell’s tumble brought the contest to a frightening pause.
She was carried from the court in immense pain, having rolled her ankle in an unfortunate tangle, forcing Dwyer to come to the shooter’s position for the game’s final minutes.
After the delay in escorting Bell from the court, Tonna nailed the next goal to get the Magpies back on track.
Measures were getting desperate for the Rovers, who attempted long passes and risky decisions to cut the lead down, but ultimately brought them undone, as the Narre Warren defenders made vital interceptions.
A four-goal lead became one heading into the last minute, before Dwyer stepped up to make the biggest shot of the afternoon with 30 seconds left.
Mt Evelyn threw one final punch, but it wasn’t enough, with the final siren confirming premiership status once again by the barest of margins.
Momentum key as Mendis takes centre stage at Lions
By Marcus Uhe
Jeevan Mendis will shoulder the dual-responsibility of captaining and coaching at Narre South Cricket Club this summer in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) Turf 1 competition.
The 2022/23 Wookey Medal winner, who holds ambitions to coach professional sides and has worked part-time at Dandenong in Victorian Premier Cricket, replaces Matthew Brooks as the Lions’ First XI coach, and Kyle Hardy as captain, who chose to step down after three seasons leading the Lions.
Narre South was one of the feel-good stories of the DDCA last season as a rapid improver powered by a brilliant second half of the season that saw them fall two wickets shy of a stunning grand final berth in a heartbreaking loss to Buckley Ridges.
Close wins in the second half of the seasons
against fellow finals aspirants in Berwick (five runs) and Springvale South (six runs) saw them qualify for finals action, and prevail in another test of mental fortitude against Hallam Kalora
Park in a spiteful and heated semi final by just two runs at Hallam.
Despite breaking into the upper echelon of Turf 1 teams, Hardy believes the Lions will still be seen as underdogs.
“That’s just how we’ve always been perceived since coming up to Turf 1,” he said.
“We’ve definitely earned a bit of respect from other clubs and we obviously noticed that, but Narre South as a whole, we’ve always had that underdog mentality where we think that most people are against us and they’re doubting how good we are, so we want to go out and show them.
“I think people might think [we overachieved] outside, but inside, we never felt like we over-achieved, we felt like we were as good as anyone, and that’s how we’ve always thought.
“We were just going to go about playing our cricket and see what happens, but we never thought we over-achieved to get to that point,
we just thought we’ve achieved what we had, because we were as good as anyone, and that’s just how we go about our cricket.”
All-rounders Mendis and returning former Wookey Medal winner Morteza Ali will provide stability and seniority to both the batting and bowling departments, with Callan Tout, the competition’s best seam bowler last summer, set to lead the attack once again.
Overseas imports Callum Nicholls and Alex Cruickshank are not returning to the club after brilliant seasons in purple last summer, as is fellow quick Jawed Hussaini, but Zach Wilson is, and with the development of younger players such as wicketkeeper Riley McDonald and batter Vinnie Jayasuriya, Hardy is confident the club has enough emerging talent to cover the absences.
“They’ve played enough and they’re good enough to be making runs for us, so I think it will be them (stepping up).”
Jeevan Mendis will captain and coach Narre South Cricket Club this summer. (Rob Carew: 392175)
Chelsea Tonna and Gabrielle Dwyer experience the delirium on the final siren as Brittany Mashado climbs into Sophie Hennessey’s arms. (Stewart Chambers: 432653)
Magpies and Lions salute
By David Nagel
Narre Warren and Pakenham were the ‘curtainraiser kings’ on Saturday, with the Magpies and Lions fending off the brave challenges of UpweyTecoma and Officer to win the Reserves and Under-19s flags.
RESERVES
NARRE WARREN 4.3(27) def Upwey-Tecoma 2.8(20)
Best on Ground: Matthew Butera (Narre Warren)
The famous depth of the Narre Warren Football Club has once again shined through with the Magpies claiming a remarkable fourth-consecutive reserves premiership against Upwey-Tecoma on Saturday.
In a game that never reached great heights; due to a blustery breeze blowing to the outer wing at Starling Road, the Magpies held on in a gripping final term; eventually prevailing 4.3(27) to 2.8(20).
Narre Warren won the inaugural 2019 Outer East reserves premiership by one point against Berwick, before Covid stopped any finals football from being played in 2020 and ’21.
The Magpies have now defeated Upwey-Tecoma on three consecutive occasions, with wins by 13 points in 2022 and a 14-point victory over the Tigers last year.
Narre Warren started well and jumped the Tigers in the opening quarter, with set-shot goals to Ryan Stephenson and best-on-ground medal winner Matthew Butera opening up a 12-point lead at quarter time.
The Magpies back six of Mason Binns, Brice Letang, Harry Miller, Patrick Manno, Nathan Power and Travis Callahan was holding up well, while
Butera spent time as a loose man in defence.
The Tigers struggled to make head-way, but reduced the margin to just two points at half time after a second-quarter goal to Tom Brady.
Upwey-Tecoma probably should have had the lead at the major interval, but kicked 1.4 to no score in the second term to leave the door ajar.
Scoring shots were at a premium in the third quarter with a goal to Bailey Howarth giving the Magpies a nine-point lead with a quarter left to play.
The Magpies looked all-over winners after James Milivojevic converted a free kick to make it 15 points the difference, but the Tigers still had one last shot to fire.
Upwey-Tecoma dominated the territory battle in the final term, and a great mark and goal from Aaron Grenda cut the deficit to seven points with minutes left on the clock.
The Tigers had their chances but will be ruing missed opportunities at the scoring end of the ground.
They kicked a combined 2.6 in the second and final quarters to blow any chance of victory.
Butera was brilliant for the Magpies and thoroughly deserved his best-on-ground medal, while Callahan and Miller were rocks for the Magpies in defence.
Jeremy Materia and Josh Sherlock were also important for the winners, while the clinical finish of Milivojevic was crucial in the final term.
The Tigers will be happy to see the back of the Magpies; who move to the Southern League next year, after three consecutive grand final losses.
Jackson Hannagan, Blake Burrows, Jack Murray and Simon Orenshaw could all hold their heads high in defeat.
8.6(54) def Officer 5.6(36) Best on Ground: Mason Hall (Pakenham)
A bright light is illuminating the Pakenham Football Club from the ground up after the Lions’ Under 19s won the Outer East Premier Division flag against Officer on Saturday.
The Lions looked to be hanging on midway through the second term, before kicking seven unanswered goals on their way to an 8.6(54) to 5.6(36) triumph.
Lions’ coach James Perkins asked his group pre-match to prove they were the best team in the competition, but a talented Officer outfit initially made that a very hard statement to make.
The Lions hit the scoreboard first through skipper Bailey Brougham, but Officer had the better of the opening exchanges.
Jack Liddle and Tyler Canute were on fire for the Kangaroos through the midfield, and it was no surprise when Liddle hit up Tyler Astle for Officer’s first goal.
The Kangaroos led by a point at quarter time, but quickly grew that to 13 points after quality finishes from Zak De Bono and Jack Hamilton.
Liddle was everywhere for the Kangas; clearly best on ground over the first 30 minutes of play; before a challenger emerged from the pack.
Lions’ ruck James Lee kicked a real team-lifter to cut the margin to six, before a set shot from Lachlan Rice levelled the scores, just before half time.
Lions’ mid-forward Mason Hall then took control of the contest, beginning his successful nomination for best player on the ground.
Hall kicked a magnificent goal on the run, right on the half-time siren; with his back-flip cel-
ebration one for the ages.
The Lions had kicked the last three goals of the opening half to lead 26-20 at the major interval.
Hall then further put his stamp on proceedings with a dominant third-quarter display.
He first cleared a ball from half back, then followed up his own work to kick another cracker on the run; making it two goals in roughly two minutes of play; either side of half time.
He then flew for a spectacular mark, before gathering the resultant crumb and kicking an opportunistic six-pointer to give the Lions an 18-point lead.
Hall then found Campbell Sheedy on the lead, who snapped calmly off his right boot to make it a four-goal advantage.
The third quarter, the premiership quarter, had proved fruitful for the Lions, who made it five goals the difference after a bullet pass from Josh Trembath found Lewis Davies on the lead.
The Lions looked home; and even five-goals up at three-quarter time.
Officer did respond in the final term, with goals to Noah Crew and Canute cutting the deficit to 18; but the Lions managed the game well to secure the club’s second premiership this season.
The triumph follows the Lions’ win in the Outer East Women’s Division One grand final back on August 25.
Hall finished with three goals for Pakenham and was clearly the most influential player on the ground, while Trembath controlled things brilliantly across half back.
Oscar Jones, Ashton Hermanus, Seth Cannon and Ryan Martini were other players to shine, while Crew, Liddle, Canute and AJ Claxton were among the best for the Kangaroos.
Female participation front of mind for cricket’s leaders
By Jonty Ralphsmith
The region’s two local cricket leagues have reached a reciprocal agreement to boost female junior participation.
Clubs from the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) and the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) are permitted to compete in both leagues, allowing local girls to participate in more cricket.
The DDCA competition will take place on Wednesday nights, while the CCCA competition will take place on Monday nights.
The DDCA competition will follow a traditional approach where players are separated by age, but the CCCA is taking a revolutionary approach for the 2023-24 season.
The competition will have two stages: the first of which requires a minimum of seven players per team and is played with a soft ball, and the second of which is for more advanced players and played with a hard ball.
It is hoped both competitions will be fullyfledged with a minimum of six teams competing.
The modern approach largely removes players’ age from the equation and is aimed to encourage teenaged girls to take up the sport without apprehension of the skill level of opponents who may be more advanced.
It also will stimulate the advanced players at
a higher standard, increasing the opportunity of them reaching representative cricket.
The following CCCA girls clubs look likely to field a team in the 2024-25 season: Clyde (two teams), Avengers, Officer, Upper Beaconsfield, Merinda Park.
Carlisle Park is also hopeful of fielding a team.
In 2024-25, the DDCA will have hard ball and soft ball competitions for the under-14s girls and under-16s girls, and a soft ball competition for under-12s.
In 2023-24, the DDCA had a girls-only junior competition in the under-14s age group with the following clubs taking part: Berwick (two teams), Berwick Strikers, Keysborough, Lynbrook, Narre South.
The DDCA also had a senior women’s T20 competition held in late 2023 which the following clubs competed in: Springvale South, Noble Park/Monash University, Parkmore/Bonbeach, Buckley Ridges, Parkfield, Dandenong West/ Tooradin.
Casey Cardinia club Clyde is hopeful of entering three teams into competition this season, having invested heavily in equipment and waived the cost of registration and playing polos and caps, with its two coaches, Ben Knowles and William Round, both having completed a level one coaching course.
“It’s all about keeping it short, sharp and fun and competitive,” said Knowles, who serves as female cricket coordinator at Clyde.
Knowles is also the CCCA president, attending the Cricket Victoria girls forum last week as he pushes participation in the region.
“There’s so many games you can create on an oval so keeping the attention there is really important.
“It was a missing link for us to grow.
“It allows us to have more participation and people part of the club which helps with growing sponsorship and building for the future.”
All junior competitions in the CCCA and DDCA are played as mixed competitions, opening up another avenue for female participation. The DDCA has been contacted for comment.
UNDER 19s
PAKENHAM
It’s all worthwhile for Narre Warren skipper Grant Mitchell and coach Jamie Brown after Saturday’s grand final win over UpweyTecoma. (Gary Sissons: 432647)
Pakenham captain Bailey Brougham and coach James Perkins hoist the 2024 Outer East Under 19 premiership cup. (432646)
Clyde’s female participation numbers are on the up. (Supplied)
