Safety Day a success
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre’s annual open day on 5 October focused on community safety, featuring fun activities, interactive sing-alongs, and safety information from Vic SES, Ambulance Victoria, and CFA.
Story page 8
Facebook face-off
By Violet Li
Casey Council candidate Gary Rowe is considering legal action against the Facebook account City of Casey Transparency Monitor, accusing it of defamation.
The account has posted claims about Mr Rowe and fellow ex-councillor Wayne Smith in relation to the IBAC Operation Sandon anti-corruption
investigation into Casey Council. Mr Rowe has denied the allegations, calling them “utter rubbish“ and pointing out that IBAC made no adverse comments about him in its report.
He said the posts misrepresented the facts and lacked proper authorisation.
“There’s no declaration as to who’s making these assertions. It’s totally anonymous. They cannot put anything up during a campaign that
is not authorised by the person who puts it up,” he said.
The account, run by local resident Amanjit Gill, states its purpose is to share information about the 2024 Casey City Council election.
Ms Gill said she was not trying to be anonymous and maintained the IBAC-related claims in her posts.
Ms Gill added she didn’t put her name on her page because it was not about her, but about the community.
Turn to page 5 for the full story
Ms Gill also said she did not need to authorise her posts because she was not running an electoral campaign, was not campaigning to achieve a specific outcome at the election, was not posting to further anyone’s interests, and was not telling people who they should vote for.
’KC Dog’ from Neighbourhood Watch Casey. With from left, Nik Filips (City of Casey), Jo Ann Fitzgerald (volunteer), Graham Trapnell (volunteer) and Paul Broom (volunteer). (Rob Carew)
Candidates weigh in on hub
By Violet Li
As the population for Cranbourne catchment is forecasted to almost double over the next two decades, Star News spoke to Quarters Ward and Correa Ward candidates about how Cranbourne Major Activity Centre can be revitalised to meet the growing servicing demand.
According to the council’s structural plan 2020, Cranbourne Major Activity Centre has been divided into four precincts: mixed-use commercial core, employment and services, residential growth, and Casey Complex. They are wedged between major transportation lines: South Gippsland Highway, the future rail extension to Clyde, and Berwick-Cranbourne Road.
Quarters Ward and Correa Ward take up most of the major activity centre.
A major step made by Casey Council to revitalise Cranbourne’s activity centre is the proposed $40 million Cranbourne Community Hub, which will be built on the council’s car park at 1-3 Lyall Street. The project, proposed in 2023, has been identified as a “priority major community infrastructure project” with a completion day in 2028.
Quarters Ward candidate Ian Wood said he would not support the Cranbourne Community Hub and would like to see it scrapped if elected.
“The main reason is the location. I believe the proposed location is not safe for the number of people that might go to that area,” he said.
“I have been out in the community talking to people and I am finding no real support for this Community Hub.
“Last year I facilitated a meeting on this proposed Community Hub and found no support among attendees for the proposal.
“This year I attended an information session on the proposed Community Hub run by the council, and I was the only attendee. This tells me there is no real support in the community for this.”
Mr Wood said there should be more community consultation on ways to revitalise the Cranbourne Activity Centre not just around the proposed community hub but the whole eastern side of High Street.
“All the businesses in the area should be consulted and opinions obtained. It is important to question the Cranbourne community to find out how best to spend the ratepayer funds,” he said.
“If $40 million is available, my vision would be to spend that at the Casey Sporting Complex, upgrading the existing facilities there including the library, and providing support services there as well therefore removing the need for the proposed hub.
“The new Cranbourne Community Hospital is going there. Money should be spent upgrading Casey Race, and Casey Fields nearby.
“The State Government should be lobbied to extend the rail line out there. It all makes sense.”
Quarters Ward candidate Aftab Hussain said though he was generally in support of the Cranbourne Community Hub, the details of the project had not been provided to him, and he would be preliminary subject to further information from council officers if elected.
“In terms of the location, reducing car parking in the Cranbourne Shopping Centre is not a good idea as this reduction will impact businesses and
residents alike,” he said.
“However, I will need to make an analysis of the Cranbourne Major Activity Centre Structure Plan to make an informed comment.
“In terms of the hub, consideration needs to be given to the option of knocking down underutilised buildings and rebuilding a modern facility with appropriate parking.”
Mr Hussain said many jobs could be created in the primary commercial core area along the South Gippsland Highway due to the large vacant lots to the north of the precinct around the Cranbourne Railway Station.
“There are hundreds of employment opportunities in the local area as a result of this project going ahead - in the long term,” he said.
“By modernising the buildings as many of them are decades old, more employment and more opportunities for local businesses including trades will be generated.
“Improving the use of the mixed-used zone will bring additional employment and business development opportunities which will enhance sufficient open and green space to cater for the needs of residents of the medium-density housing.
“While there is much detail that needs to be confirmed after research, the project has a major impact on the southern part of Casey City. The project will take many years to complete with
council funding, State funding and private capital.”
Mr Hussain also said the community seemed to be not aware of the Community Hub project.
“Our Cranbourne community whom I have spoken with do not understand the scale of the project at all. While there are many benefits for the community, the plan is unknown within the general community,” he noticed.
“When elected, I will make sure that residents near the Activity Centre are aware of the plans and its developments.”
Correa Ward candidate Kanu Aggarwal said the proposed Community Hub was undoubtedly a significant project for the community’s development, and its importance could not be overlooked.
“However, it is crucial to carefully consider several key factors before moving forward: the location, financial investment, timeline for completion, and the overall cost-benefit analysis,” she said.
Ms Aggarwal said the development of a Community Hub could bring positive outcomes like job creation, business growth, and better recreational opportunities, but thoughtful planning would be needed to avoid negative impacts on surrounding areas, ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds, and resolve existing issues like parking challenges, rather than worsening them.
Cranbourne Major Activity Centre has been divided into four precincts: mixed-use commercial core, employment and services, residential growth, and Casey Complex. (City of Casey Cranbourne Major Activity Centre Structure Plan 2020)
Quarters Ward candidate Ian Wood. (Stewart Chambers: 414834)
Correa Ward candidate Kanu Aggarwal. (Supplied)
Quarters Ward candidate Aftab Hussain. (Supplied)
Future of Tooradin focus
By Violet Li
As the recently endorsed Casey Coastal Framework has highlighted the concerning outlook for Tooradin, Star News spoke to Tooradin Ward candidates on the future of the town.
The framework reveals that over 84 per cent of the general residential zone and all commercial areas are at a high risk of temporary inundation by 2100. It suggests a general principle for planning to avoid new development or assets in coastal hazard areas.
Candidate Anthony Tassone said the Tooradin community felt let down by Casey Council who he said rushed through the adoption of the framework without having genuine consultation.
He questioned the data sources and modelling used within the framework.
“The current level of perceived high risk is not seen as credible by local residents,” he said.
“The report also has an unvalidated conceptual economic impact analysis that states that even with adaptation towards climate change impacts, all infrastructure assets in Tooradin will devalue from the current day to 2100. Publishing such unverified data is reckless and without regard to the residents of Tooradin.
“It could have unintended, potentially damaging financial and economic impacts for residents, home, land and business owners on their currently held assets or raise insurance premiums. All without genuine consultation or explanation of the logic applied in developing the report.”
Mr Tassone said the newly elected council needed to ensure proper community consultation before incorporating the framework into the Casey Planning Scheme.
“What we do not want to see is this report being used as a basis to not invest in the Tooradin township due to speculative and uncertain inundation risks that are forecast decades from now,” he said.
Mr Tassone said the locals wanted a range of pragmatic and modest investments to increase the appeal and connectivity of the town.
“They feel as though surrounding local government areas such as the Cardinia Shire Council have far better sporting and recreation facilities that are just a short drive down the South Gippsland Highway, but in Tooradin, they’ve felt forgotten,” he said.
The investments have included bike and walking tracks that loop around and connect the township from the foreshore, upgrades for recreational facilities, additional bus service routes, better use of vacant council-owned land zoned for public use near the foreshore and recreation reserve, better drainage, update of the main street streetscapes, and support for Tooradin Fisherman’s cottage.
Candidate Ali Yaghobi said with Tooradin being the most affected area in Casey by inundation and the rise of sea level, one step was to get a finer-grained study that specifically looked at Tooradin at the property level right now and into the future.
“Managing emerging coastal hazard risk requires longer-term strategic thinking and adaptive approaches,” he said.
“Understanding local values and risk profiles, including what is at risk like land values and assets, and how the risk profile is changing over time can inform our adaptation responses.”
Looking into the future, Mr Yaghobi said he would fight for the town despite challenges, and he was going to progress on building The Tooradin Eco Visitor Centre if elected.
Candidate Kuldeep Kaur said the most pressing concerns for the town revolved around the environment, particularly the protection of wetlands, waterways, and wildlife.
“Many residents worry about the impact of future developments on their coastal ecosystem, especially the threat to biodiversity and rising sea levels. There is a desire for sustainable practices and greater conservation efforts, especially for the Ramsar wetlands,” she said.
“While some residents are concerned about overdevelopment and the potential loss of Tooradin’s small-town charm, others advocate
for well-planned, moderate development that enhances infrastructure.
“The economic aspect also comes up frequently, with residents highlighting the need for more local businesses and job opportunities. Many feel that Tooradin and nearby areas haven’t seen enough economic growth compared to other parts of the City of Casey.”
Ms Kaur said she would propose stronger environmental policies if elected and she also envisioned encouraging local businesses and tourism by promoting Tooradin as a destination for visitors who want to experience nature, wildlife, and peaceful coastal living.
She would also push for better road maintenance, improved transportation links, and the creation of community spaces.
Candidate Andrew Gai said regarding Tooradin being low-lying and at high risk of temporary inundation, he would ask for technical advice from the experts to determine the best course of action for the safety of the residents and the sustainability of the town.
Mr Gai said residents were concerned about
the poorly designed drainage system, which left stagnant water sitting underneath the drainage pipe and created a perfect home for mosquitos.
“One of the key takeaways was that the residents don’t just want confidence restored in the council but also ‘common sense’ when it comes to decision-making on planning and service delivery,” he said.
He said he would find ways to fix the drainage system and find a safe chemical to spray in the areas with stagnant water to eradicate mosquitoes.
Mr Gai also said he would develop Tooradin into a tourist spot.
“Tooradin is the gateway to Phillip Island but it has its own tourism potential as a coastal town,” he said.
“The foreshore requires a massive revitalisation to create picnic spaces for families who just want to enjoy the foreshore experience if they don’t want to go to sandy beaches which are a fair distance away.
“I would like to see the Tooradin Marine Life Centre Project come to life to create more opportunities for people to visit Tooradin.”
Rob Ward decides not to run in Casey election race
By Violet Li
Tooradin Ward would-be candidate Rob Ward has pulled out from the coming Casey Council election, believing he can play a “more positive role from the outside” to “critique the decisions of the council”.
Star News reported in May this year that Mr Ward would run for a third time in the October election and stand in Tooradin Ward. However, last month, his name didn’t appear on the formal list of candidates because he decided not to nominate.
Mr Ward said the recently amended Councillor Code of Conduct and power exerted by the mayor had made restrictions placed on councillors clearer.
“Some of the changes that have taken place in Codes of Conduct and regulations are good, but they also muzzle to some degree the voice of councillors,” he said.
“I think the capacity of an individual councillor is very limited, so I think I will stand outside, supporting councillors, critiquing in a positive way the decisions the council make.”
Mr Ward said a classic case would be the ad-
ministrators’ decision to close down the L’Arte Central Cafe and other community facilities at the Casey Administration Building.
“The cafe, the toy library, the radio and all of the other things that were there have been kicked out, but the Cranbourne Library next door will stay there under the same roof and same building for another two or three years,” he said.
“Where’s the logic in that? The council were answerable to nobody in that case. Hundreds
and hundreds of people objected, and they fell on deaf ears.
“The community consultation has been a joke. I’ve attended some of the community consultations. They’ve already decided what they’re going to do. They’re playing around to the edges.
“There’s all sorts of things like that as a councillor, I could say nothing about. But as an independent person, I can say something about.”
Mr Ward said Casey would end up with a relatively inexperienced bunch of councillors.
“It’ll be like herding cats. You get 12 cats in a room and try to line them up. It’s impossible. And that means the bureaucracy of the council will be running the show again,” he said.
“The capacity of one person on the council to really make a difference in the decisions made by the council would be really hard because the council officers and the council bureaucracy have tremendous sway, and the CEO has tremendous power.”
Mr Ward said his commitment to the community remained unabated.
“I still want to support the community. I still
want to be involved in the council as much as I can, but as a truly independent person. I have no party affiliation,” he said.
Mr Ward is a committee member at the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce and a member of Casey’s community safety committee.
A “lesser factor” in his decision to pull out was his recent surgery, Mr Ward said.
“Relatively minor, but it took me out of action for a couple of weeks. I couldn’t attend meetings. I couldn’t run anything. I’m back to normal now, but it would have interrupted my campaign schedule.
“I’ve been waiting two and a half years for it. So when they rang me and said we’ve got a date for you, I just couldn’t put it off.”
Finances were the last reason behind his withdrawal from the election.
“It’s also pretty expensive. Some people are spending $15,000. Now I don’t have that kind of money. And you can easily be outspent by the political machine,” Mr Ward said.
Mr Ward said he would be supporting Tooradin Ward candidate Anthony Tassone.
“In fact, if he wasn’t running, then I would probably still have run,” he said.
Rob Ward has pulled out of this year’s Casey Council election. (Stewart Chambers: 409206)
Tooradin Ward candidate Ali Yaghobi with Dr Pat McWhirter, Chair of the Healesville to Phillip Island Nature Link. (Supplied)
Tooradin Ward candidate Andrew Gai in Tooradin. (Gary Sissons: 434368)
Tooradin candidate Anthony Tassone in Tooradin. (Stewart Chambers: 436002)
Counting the cost
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
How much do you need to spend to win a council election seat?
Casey independent candidate Jafri Katagara Luwanga has campaigned for 12 months in Kalora Ward, which includes parts of Endeavour Hills and Narre Warren North.
After spending about $15,000 on a campaign including full-gloss leaflets, he says he’s “broke”.
“People say they don’t want to see political parties in council. The problem with running as an independent is you need to spend a lot of money.
“I’m not running to be Prime Minister, just a councillor.”
Luwanga is one of nine candidates vying for Kalora Ward. He says some are ‘dummy’ candidates – a tactic used to harvest preferences for his rivals.
He says if he runs for council again, he’d seek endorsement – and resources – from a political party.
“The council election is for people with money. I don’t have a problem with political parties endorsing candidates because it helps people like me to run for council.”
Keysborough South Ward candidate Sasha Jankovic, who is a Labor member, says he estimates some candidates are spending well over $10,000.
He said he’s keeping costs down by doing his own letter box drops.
“I hope (campaign spending) isn’t an overriding factor. I’m just focused on my own campaign.”
Daniel Dang, a Labor member running in Keysborough Ward, has not declared a budget for his self-funded campaign. He’s confined himself to letter-box drops, rather than corflute signs.
“You need a strong financial background in order to help the community. If you don’t have strong financials on a day-to-day level, how can
you be a representative on the council?”
Angela Holl, an independent in Springvale North Ward, is self-funded. She’s accepting advice and non-financial support from family friend and outgoing deputy mayor Richard Lim.
“I think the costs are a little bit prohibitive. I think that’s why there’s less people running, especially with cost-of-living pressures.”
Across the wards, Labor-aligned candidates are boosted by preference deals between each other, she said.
Notably, there’s a majority of ALP members running against Green candidates Isabella Do and Rhonda Garad in Keysborough South and Cleeland wards.
Holl has taken issue with being eschewed by independent Huong Dinh, who is preferencing incumbent ALP-member councillor Sean O’Reilly.
Dinh is a volunteer at South Eastern Melbourne Vietnamese Associations Council (SEMVAC) and campaign-managed by SEMVAC president Kim Son Vu.
SEMVAC is also linked to Labor member candidates such as Alice Phuong Le (Springvale Central), Malab Hem (Springvale South) and Loi Truong (Springvale South).
“I was told she was preferencing the incumbent councillor because ‘Sean is a close friend of SEMVAC’,” Holl claims.
O’Reilly – who has publicly opposed dummy candidates – said he had no prior knowledge of Dinh’s nomination before it was listed
on the VEC website.
“Based on my consistent record of supporting all multicultural communities, it makes sense that Huong Dinh would likely preference me.
“If she has, I commend Huong Dinh for preferencing based on merit and not based on a preference deal.”
Keysborough Ward independent Peter Brown was not troubled by the impact of Labor preference deals.
He said in postal ballot elections, voters were less swayed by candidate how-to-vote cards and tended to make up their own minds on preferences.
In a Star News survey, most candidates in Greater Dandenong and parts of Casey are coy on the amount that they are spending.
Some of the front-runners like Labor members Jim Memeti (Dandenong Ward) and Stefan Koomen (Waratah Ward) have set $5000 budgets for self-funded campaigns.
Greater Dandenong incumbent mayor Lana Formoso (Noble Park North Ward) and husband Daniel Formoso (Dandenong North Ward) have each set $2000 self-funded limits.
Independent candidate Ezatullah Alam (Waratah Ward) has declared $10,000 from his own pocket.
Meanwhile, Waratah independent Jamel Kaur Singh – who has been outspoken in the media after being targeted by racist slurs during the election – set a $1500 budget.
Most candidates have declared they are selffunded and not accepting donations – even those with political party affiliations.
However, Greens candidates Rhonda Garad (Cleeland Ward, $2500 budget) and Isabella Do (Keysborough South) are accepting community donations, as is Labor member Ezatullah Alam (Waratah Ward, $5000).
Independent Zabi Mazoori (Kalora Ward) has received individual donations ranging from $50 to $1000.
Restaurant destroyed
A vacant former restaurant in Eumemmerring was destroyed by a suspicious fire early on Sunday morning (6 October).
Firefighters were called to Hog’s Breath Café at Princes Highway about 5.47am.
The 1600-square metre timber building was found “fully involved in flames” and the response was “escalated”, an FRV spokesperson stated.
FRV and CFA crews, including an aerial appliance battled the blaze, bringing the scene under control at 8.21am.
“There was minor fire exposure to neighbouring properties, including a petrol station and several houses.
“Firefighters made significant progress in the first hour but were expected to remain at the scene for several hours to fully extinguishing the blaze.”
A Community Advice warning was issued for smoke in the area, with smoke impacting visibility on the Princes Highway.
Victoria Police was investigating the blaze, which was being treated as “suspicious”.
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A suspicious fire has gutted the former Hog’s Breath Cafe in Eumemmerring. (Gary Sissons: 436008)
Row over Facebook posts
By Violet Li
A Casey Council candidate says he is considering legal action against a local Facebook account, which he has accused of defaming him.
Correa Ward candidate Gary Rowe, a former councillor and an ex-Cranbourne Liberal MP, denied claims made by the Facebook account called City of Casey Transparency Monitor about him and another former councillor Wayne Smith.
The recently-created City of Casey Transparency Monitor has twice posted about the pair of councillors being named in the IBAC Operation Sandon anti-corruption investigation into Casey Council and property developers.
Mr Rowe alleges that the posts have made defamatory assertions - which he describes as “just rubbish, utter rubbish”
The account’s introduction states: “I present accurate information about the 2024 Casey City Council election, so you can decide who to vote for. I’m not affiliated with the council, or with any candidates. I won’t tell you who to vote for. It’s your decision.”
The posts noted that IBAC made “no adverse comments or opinions” on Mr Rowe.
Mr Rowe said there was no statement by IBAC that said he could be compromised.
“There’s nothing for them to infer out of the IBAC report. The IBAC report totally clears me. And there’s nothing there other than that. They’re not putting the truth up there to say that we could be compromised because of the IBAC report.”
Mr Rowe also said the information on this Facebook page was not authorised.
“There’s no declaration as to who’s making these assertions. It’s totally anonymous. They cannot put anything up during a campaign that is not authorised by the person who puts it up,” he said.
Amanjit Gill, a Casey local who is behind the account, said she was not trying to be anonymous.
“I’ve shared my Facebook page on my person-
al profile, and I used Facebook ads to promote my page, fully aware that my real name will appear in the Ad Library for the next seven years,” she said.
Ms Gill posted on her LinkedIn two weeks ago that she created the City of Casey Transparency Monitor to share the intelligence she could gather about this year’s candidates in the Casey election.
“My post clearly says that IBAC didn’t have ‘adverse comments or opinions’ about Mr Smith and Mr Rowe.”
Ms Gill referred to a section of the Operation Sandon report called ’The use of other Casey councillors’
The report stated that in 2014, developer John Woodman and associates cultivated a relationship with Mr Rowe on the basis that he supported rezoning industrial land.
“There is no evidence, other than an assertion by Mr Woodman, that (his associate Tom)
Call for more safe injecting rooms amid overdose deaths
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
There are calls for more safe injecting rooms after 547 Victorians died from overdoses in 2023, including a record toll in Greater Dandenong.
The Victorian overdose toll was the secondhighest on record, according to the Victorian Overdose Deaths 2014–2023 report from the Coroner’s Court of Victoria.
Last year, 25 people died from drug overdoses in Greater Dandenong – also its highest yearly toll in the past 10 years.
It was fifth-highest in the state, behind council areas Yarra (33), Brimbank (27), Geelong (27) and Melbourne (27).
In Casey, there were 15 overdose deaths. Its annual toll has fluctuated between nine and 20 over the past decade.
In Cardinia, there were six deaths last yearwith figures fluctuating between two and 13 in the past 10 years.
Greater Dandenong recorded its highest overdose toll in the past decade, including a decadehigh number of deaths involving heroin.
There were 17 fatal overdoses involving heroin in the council area last year - the second-highest in the state, behind City of Yarra (19) which is home to Melbourne’s only safe-injecting facility.
Heroin was involved in 68 per cent of fatal overdoses in Greater Dandenong.
Neither Casey or Cardinia featured in the top 13 council areas for fatal heroin-involved overdoses over the past decade. Greater Dandenong was ranked fifth-highest.
Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association, a peak group which represents drug and alcohol services, stated there was a clear need for additional medically-supervised injecting centres in high-risk areas.
It stated that the North Richmond facility managed more than 9000 overdoses and supported more than 1000 people onto opioid pharmacotherapy.
“While the Victorian Government is to be commended on progressing harm reduction policies like drug checking and expanding access
to naloxone, deep frustration remains with the decision to abandon a CBD medically supervised injecting room,” chief executive Chris Christoforou said.
“Each person who fatally overdosed in 2023 had family, friends and loved ones who now keenly feel their loss.
“Bereaved families are often left to pick up the pieces and work through the associated trauma that comes with their grief.
“This is complicated by the stigma and discrimination experienced with overdose.”
State Coroner Judge John Cain said the statewide toll was “deeply troubling”
“These deaths are preventable and we must strengthen our public health response and increase access to supports and treatment.
“Drug-related harms are complex and are driven by a variety of factors including changes in drug use, availability and regulation.”
The Coroner’s report found a majority of overdose deaths in Victoria involved multiple drugs (71.5 per cent). The vast majority were deemed unintentional deaths.
The top contributing drugs included legal and illicit substances – diazepam (213 deaths), heroin (204), methamphetamine (164), alcohol (153) and pregabalin (78).
Over the past decade, pharmaceutical drugs were the most frequent contributors. This role had declined from 82 per cent in 2014 to 69 per cent in 2023.
Heroin-involved deaths had decreased slightly from 230 in 2022 to 204.
“Heroin-involved overdose deaths vary substantially from year to year amongst local government areas, with the exception of Yarra, where heroin-involved overdose deaths have been consistently elevated,” the Coroner’s report stated.
New psychoactive substances – which mimic the effects of other drugs - were an “emerging concern” , increasingly involved in overdose deaths since 2019.
These included NPS benzodiazepines, NPS opioids and NPS nitazenes.
Kenessey unduly influenced Councillor Rowe to support Amendment C219,“ the report stated.
In 2016, Mr Woodman organised a fundraising event that raised $10,000 for Councillor Rowe’s Casey Council election campaign.
“Councillor Rowe was unable to identify individual donations from the fundraising event.
“Consequently, he provided an addendum to his donation return, stating that he had received advice from the Local Government Inspectorate that he was not expected to provide details of multiple small donations at a fundraising event, even if the aggregate amount was more than $500.
“He did not, however, declare Mr Woodman’s contribution to the event, which would have exceeded the prescribed limit.“
In 2014, Mr Rowe introduced a motion at council to explore non-industrial uses of industrial land owned by a Woodman’s employer Leighton Properties. The motion was not drafted
by him; it was drafted by a Woodman associate Megan Schutz.
“Although Councillor Rowe supported the rezoning, it appears that his awareness of the relationships between Mr Woodman and Mr Kenessey and Ms Schutz, and their involvement and interests in Amendment C219, was limited,“ IBAC reported.
Ms Gill said she did not need to authorise her posts because she was not running an electoral campaign, was not campaigning to achieve a specific outcome at the election, was not posting to further anyone’s interests, and was not telling people who they should vote for.
“And as far as I am aware, I don’t know any candidates personally. I’ve never been a member of a political party. I’ve never helped a candidate by distributing flyers, etc.
“Therefore, the posts I produce are not electoral campaign material. For that to be the case, there would need to be an electoral campaign.”
Ms Gill also said she didn’t put her name on her page because it was not about her.
“It’s about our community and our shared experience of navigating a council election after the events of 2020,” she said.
“The posts I write are similar to what one might find on a blog.
“Australians are allowed to discuss politics and politicians without authorising all of their statements, including during elections.
“If it turns out that political discourse pertaining to specific people or events is electoral campaign material, this would set a troubling precedent by which all political commentary, online and offline, would need to be authorised. This would mean that we are mistaken as to our collective understanding of our rights.”
Mr Rowe said he would continue to speak with his lawyer and he had also put a request to the Local Government Inspectorate.
“To be honest, I got a lot more important and better things to do than do these things,” he said.
Former Casey councillor Gary Rowe in 2017.(Victoria Stone-Meadows: 166911)
Candidates on rural issues
By Violet Li
As Cranbourne Gardens Ward has its unique landscape in Casey with major parts being rural and semi-rural, Star News spoke to candidates in the coming City of Casey election on the issues and concerns rural land occupiers are facing.
Candidate Mary Beth Melton said she had heard significant concerns from landowners around schools and places of worship being approved to be built in the green wedge areas.
“This is concerning for residents due to additional traffic that the roads are not equipped to manage, the aesthetic of buildings creating an eyesore on our beautiful natural views, the impact on the habitats for our native animals as well as the destruction of our native fauna and lastly, the irreparable damage that this construction does to our precious farmland,” she said.
“People feel like we are chipping away at this resource and albeit the approval of one building might appear to have a small impact, it is the repeated approval that adds up.
“If elected, I will be exploring what role our council has in this, in terms of approving the permits and calling for a review of our communities’ and council priorities.
“We need to stop approving these permits as a stopgap solution until we can review our position and solidify our stance on this sort of urban development in our green wedge spaces.”
Ms Melton said the council should explore advocating to the State Government and the Minister for Planning to review the Victorian Planning Provisions amendment VC103 in 2013 that allowed the approval of urban uses for Green Wedge land to further protect the resource and make it more difficult for rich developers or businesses or lobby groups to challenge council in VCAT.
Candidate Tamas Kapitany, a rural landowner himself, said the biggest issue for rural landowners was the considerable costs to maintain large properties, particularly with rate increases.
“One of the problems is the restriction of activities allowed, like the removal of vegetation whether it is invasive or not,” he said.
“Now it is even to the point where the council attempts to control what types of trees and shrubs we plant. Council has used excessive policies with regards to storing old cars, and sea containers on properties, regardless that the regulations don’t restrict it.
“People have sold up and moved as a consequence of intimidation. Even affordable recycled asphalt commonly used in many properties has been targeted by the council.”
Mr Kapitany said Cranbourne Gardens Ward was extremely neglected.
“Ever since the City of Casey absorbed this area and shut down Cranbourne Council, we have been forgotten about. They overrate us and give us little in return,” he said, adding “small hobby businesses should be allowed to be developed”.
“There are very few jobs for locals…
“We are a neglected rural community without proper representation and with very little possibility of change.”
Candidate Michelle Crowther said residents
had expressed feeling neglected by Casey Council.
“Many rural landowners with larger properties pay higher rates due to higher property valuations but feel they receive fewer services in return compared to suburban areas. This frustration is exacerbated by rising rates without a corresponding improvement in local amenities,” she said.
“Communities, particularly in coastal areas, have repeatedly raised the need for better public and disabled toilet facilities, especially as the number of day visitors increases. I have met some
OPINION
amazing volunteers who are stepping up to maintain the area, even cleaning up waste and rubbish left behind by visitors.
“Many landowners feel that the council is slow in processing development applications, hindering their ability to improve or manage their land efficiently.”
Ms Crowther said she would work with the council to expedite building approvals and address critical needs like public toilet facilities, particularly for the coastal communities, advocate for a review of rate structures to ensure more equitable rates for rural areas and advocate for
equitable funding for all parts of Casey to ensure the ward was not neglected.
Ms Crowther also said she would also advocate to protect the purpose and character of the Green Wedge areas.
“Development should align with the area’s character and avoid negatively impacting the local environment and community,” she said.
Advocating for immediate pest control solutions and sustainable pest management programs are also among Ms Crowther’s preliminary strategies if she is elected.
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN
Thumbs down
To the empty shopping precinct alongside all the lovely open spaces being created under the rail line in Pakenham. Such a sad sight.
Thumbs up
To the great team at Casey Council who organised and participated in the Ageing Positively Festival at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick. A small group of us from Selandra Rise Retirement Village attended the rock concert and expo. We all had a fabulous day.
Thumbs down
To the really long grass from Army Road all the way to Nar Nar Goon.
Cranbourne Gardens Ward candidate Michelle Crowther. (Stewart Chambers: 390923)
Cranbourne Gardens Ward candidate Tamas Kapitany.
Cranbourne Gardens Ward candidate Mary Beth Melton.
Glenn Parmansche takes Boom Mountain over the jumps at the Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre on Saturday for the 2024 Lillico and District Pony Club and Open Show Jumping Day. (427982)
Legal service launched
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A ground-breaking legal service for the LGBTQIA+ community has been launched in the South East.
Justice Q was created by South-East Monash Legal Service (SMLS) to provide “safe, inclusive and affirming” legal help that is free and confidential.
A team of LGBTQIA+ lawyers, social workers and community development professionals are delivering the wraparound service.
It aims to clear legal hurdles faced by LGBTQIA+ clients, in areas such as discrimination, harassment, family violence, gender affirmation and family law.
Searing stories were told of the barriers at the Justice Q launch on 2 October.
Often people feel marginalised in a system “tailored to those with more privilege”, guest speaker and transgender-rights activist Sasja Sÿdek said.
Sÿdek, a transgender woman of colour, sought legal help for a workplace discrimination case.
It was hard to find respectful lawyers. She felt misgendered, overlooked and even questioned about her sexuality – which was irrelevant to her case.
Her lawyer – an older, straight, white man –invited her for a drink. Others seemed more focused on the money and didn’t fight hard enough for Sÿdek.
The newly-installed Victorian Commissioner for LGBTQIA+ Communities, Joe Ball, shared a powerful example of how laws impact lives.
A proud transgender man, Ball told of the difficulties of changing his assigned gender on his birth certificate in Queensland – up until a law reform that came into effect this year.
“The only way I could have changed my gender, without that legislative change, was if I’d have a sterilisation surgery... a forced hysterectomy.
“That would have been a completely unnecessary surgery for me, just so that I could have the
right gender that I live my life in on my birth certificate.
“Importantly it means when my first child is born I can be a father on the birth certificate. And that means the world to me.
“Imagine if you had to put something that was not yourself on the birth certificate or you couldn’t be on the birth certificate.”
That reform was won after many years of advocacy from community legal services and LGBTQIA+ groups, Ball said.
Ball noted the importance of new services outside of “established” LGBTQIA+ community centres such as Brunswick and Prahran.
“I’m always moved to this day when I see people setting up services that are outside of the city centre. Because the message that sends is we are everywhere.
“To expect people to travel at some of the
hardest times of their life – to travel up to an hour and a half to get that legal support is so prohibitive.”
Founding lawyer Kavitaha Sivasamy said there was a need to help clients “feel seen, hear and valued in the legal system”.
“As a proud transgender woman of colour, I feel so passionate about Justice Q because I have felt incredibly safe, understood and empowered when being helped by people who share my lived experience.”
Community education and engagement is another focus for Justice Q.
“We’re not just providing legal advice,” Justice Q community development worker Fiona Vuong said.
“We’re creating a supportive community where our clients can feel truly understood and supported.”
Such is Justice Q’s importance, SMLS is largely self-funding the program in its initial stages.
“Launching this program is one of the proudest moments in my career,” SMLS chief executive Kristen Wallwork told the event.
“We are responding to the people around us and providing a service for our whole community.
“The right legal help can have a hugely positive impact on people’s lives.
“Legal problems are incredibly stressful, and we need responses that are safe, affirming and above all kind.”
Justice Q in-person and telephone appointments are available at Springvale and Narre Warren. A free interpreter service is available. Contact: 9545 7400 or JusticeQProgram@ smls.com.au
‘Superb event’: Community Safety Day a success
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre held its free annual open day on Saturday 5 October, with a focus on community safety.
“There were lots of fun activities for all the family. Myuna Farm Mobile Ark brought their cute farm animals along for a cuddle. Hey Dee Ho got everyone moving with their interactive sing-along. Neighbourhood Watch Casey’s KC Dog kept everyone captivated with stories,” a spokesperson for the centre said.
“We had our community heroes from Vic SES volunteers, Ambulance Victoria, and the CFA Cranbourne Fire Brigade.
“Neighbourhood Watch Casey and the City
of Casey held information stalls about community safety. City of Casey Sustainability and Waste educated about how to recycle responsibly and taught people how to make bunting, while Monash Health talked to the community about all the options available in a medical emergency.
“Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas came along to join in the fun and support this superb event.”
The spokesperson said they were looking forward to next year’s open day, which would have a theme around diversity and inclusion.
Cranbourne CFA, from left, Steve Howard, Mitchell Newman, Zoe Russell, Deb Jackson, Ashley Jackson. (Rob Carew: 435406)
The staff from Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre. (435406)
Casey Lions Club volunteers from left, Faye, Mary, Norma. (435406)
SMLS chief executive Kristen Wallwork, Justice Q community development worker Fiona Vuong and founding lawyer Kavitha Sivasamy. (Gary Sissons: 426599)
Sasja Sÿdek addresses the Justice Q launch. (Gary Sissons: 426599)
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
New focus on phonics
Evidence-based teaching and learning will be embedded in Victorian classrooms, including best practice teaching of phonics in the early years.
Education Minister Ben Carroll in June announced the updated Victorian Teaching and Learning Model, to be implemented in all government schools across the state from 2025 with explicit teaching at its core.
All students from Prep to Grade 2 will be taught using a systematic synthetic phonics approach as part of their reading programs, with a minimum of 25 minutes daily explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness.
This will be a core component of a comprehensive reading program that also includes explicit teaching of oral language, vocabulary, reading fluency, and comprehension.
Systematic synthetic phonics is a structured approach that explicitly teaches the relationship between sounds and letters to read words.
Schools and teachers will receive high-quality, practical lesson plans, first in English and mathematics and then in science and design and digital technologies.
“The reforms and the rollout of the lesson plans will reduce teacher workload and equip them with high quality, best practice materials so they can spend more time with their students and less time planning,” Mr Carroll said.
Evidence from Victorian schools and from reviews conducted by research organisations like the Australian Education Research Organisation and the Grattan Institute shows explicit teaching works best for the largest number of students, particularly those who might be struggling.
Studies from the United States, United Kingdom, and across Australia now recommend systematic synthetic phonics as the most effective method to teach children to read.
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
Sustaining PE up to VCE
Physical education (PE) is essential in early education, focusing on physical fitness, motor skills, and healthy habits.
Its benefits extend well beyond early years, becoming even more crucial as students progress to the upper years of schooling.
Here, we explore the advantages of continuing PE during the upper years, emphasizing its role in promoting physical, mental, social, and academic well-being.
Physical Health and Fitness
Physical activity is vital for overall health at any age. Regular PE helps students maintain or enhance their fitness levels. Adolescence is a critical period for growth, and PE offers opportunities to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility. Prioritisng physical activity helps reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues later in life.
St Therese’s Catholic Primary School is a welcoming and happy place where children are nurtured to become independent and responsible learners.
Families are welcome to contact the school any time to discuss the enrolment of their child and book a tour.
The catchment area (or zone) for St Therese’s is presently those families within the St Agatha’s Parish boundaries living north of Camms Road and north of Thompsons Road.
Lifelong Habits
Fostering healthy habits early paves the way for lifelong well-being. Maintaining PE in upper years helps students develop a foundation for a physically active lifestyle, likely to continue into adulthood. This reduces the risk of sedentary behaviors that contribute to health complications. PE encourages students to enjoy exercise, making fitness a part of their daily routines.
Mental Health and Stress Management
Physical activity significantly impacts mental health. Regular exercise during upper years can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Adolescents face academic pressures, social challenges, and hormonal changes, making PE a crucial outlet for stress relief. Exercise stimulates endorphin release, promoting a positive mood and enhancing cognitive function, ultimately improving academic performance.
Improved Academic Performance
Contrary to the misconception that PE detracts from academic pursuits, research suggests a positive correlation between physical activity and academic performance. Regular exercise enhances cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. PE helps students experience improved focus and concentration, leading to more effective learning in other subjects.
Social Interaction and Teamwork
PE provides a unique environment for social interaction and teamwork. Students refine their interpersonal skills, develop leadership qualities, and learn to work collaboratively with peers. Team sports and group activities foster camaraderie and mutual support, enhancing students’
ability to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts.
Body Image and Self-Esteem
Adolescence is a time when body image and self-esteem can be particularly vulnerable. PE programs that emphasize positive body image and self-acceptance contribute to a healthier self-concept. Engaging in physical activities that challenge and nurture their bodies can boost students’ self-confidence and help them develop a realistic view of their physical capabilities.
Motor Skills and Coordination
Upper years provide opportunities for students to further refine their motor skills and coordination through various physical activities. These skills contribute to overall physical fitness and impact daily tasks and recreational activities. Developing strong motor skills and coordination enhances students’ ability to engage in a range of physical activities with confidence.
Preventive Health Benefits
Engaging in PE significantly impacts preventive health measures later in life. Adolescents who cultivate healthy habits are more likely to continue regular exercise as adults, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
Time Management and Balance
Sustaining PE programs teaches students valuable time management skills. Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and physical exercise fosters discipline and organization. These skills are transferable to adulthood, where juggling various responsibilities is a constant challenge.
Setting a Positive Example
Educational institutions play a pivotal role in shaping students’ attitudes and behaviours. By prioritising PE, schools set a positive example, signalling that physical well-being is integral to holistic education. This encourages students to value their health and make informed lifestyle choices.
Sustaining PE in upper years is a multifaceted investment yielding lifelong benefits. Beyond immediate advantages, PE promotes mental health, academic performance, and social skills. The habits formed during these crucial years lay the foundation for a healthier, more active adulthood. By recognising the far-reaching impacts of PE, educational institutions can empower students to lead balanced, active lives that contribute positively to their overall well-being.
Physical education provides a unique environment for social interaction and teamwork.
Physical activity remains essential for overall health, regardless of age.
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
$200 sport vouchers up for grabs to help families
The State Government announced the next round of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, with $200 sport vouchers on offer for eligible families.
In an announcement on Monday, 7 October, Premier Jacinta Allan and Community Sport Minister Ros Spence announced the program, which aims to promote children to join a local sports club or try a new activity.
Families who hold health care cards or other concession cards can apply for vouchers of up to $200 per child to help cover the costs of sports memberships, registration fees, uniforms, and equipment.
Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said that about 150,000 vouchers have been claimed through previous rounds of the program.
“These vouchers are a win for healthy habits, a win for communities, and a win for the huge number of kids who would otherwise not be able to participate,” Ms Spence said.
Premier Jacinta Allan said that the program aims to assist busy families by making sure every child can get active this summer.
“Whether they like basketball or ballet, every kid deserves to have a go at the sport they love,” Ms Allan said.
The program is open to children aged up to 18 who are named on a Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and named on a Medicare Card.
Special consideration is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, migrants and international students. Families can apply for the vouchers online before redeeming them at an activity provider such as a local sporting club. $6 million was allocated
MARNEBEK SCHOOL
Learning at Marnebek
Marnebek is a dual campus school based in Cranbourne East. Across both campuses, we offer an environment that supports students’ academic, social and personal needs, with Primary, Secondary and Secondary Pathways.
We offer a range of support and allied health services, ensuring every student has access to the support they need to excel in their learning and development.
Head to our website, or book a school tour for more information.
The State Government announced the next round of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, with $200 sport vouchers on offer for eligible families. (Unsplash).
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
Outwit nits
By The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
At this time of the year, parents of school-age children are settling into the new school year – and all the challenges that this brings. While some of these challenges are easy to deal with, one of the biggest facing parents is the ever-present threat of head lice which seem to be part-and-parcel of the school experience for many children.
Statistics vary but indicate generally that between 20-30 per cent of primary school students are likely to get head lice at some stage. A single infested head can successfully infest a whole classroom and when the children return home, they often unwittingly pass the infestation on to the rest of the family. Head lice are wingless creatures which cannot fly or even jump but move from host to host by crawling or climbing. Close contact between children therefore gives them great opportunities to spread but it is important to understand that head lice are not confined to children. In fact, anyone can get head lice but they are more common in children because of their close contact. Head lice do not carry disease, but we need to get rid of them. If your child has head lice, you might notice your child itching and scratching, especially around the back of the neck and behind their ears. A bad case of head lice can lead to itchy dermatitis on the scalp, crusted sores and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. But this isn’t common, and your child can avoid it if your treat their head lice as soon as possible.
When you look closely at your child’s hair, you might see small, oval-shaped, white or brownblack nits attached to the root of the hair, near the scalp. You might also see live head lice. Live head lice move fast so to spot them you might have to part your child’s hair very quickly.
Having found head lice, the next step is to try to get rid of them and fast. Your community pharmacy stocks special combs as well as shampoos, conditioners, creams and other products to treat
head lice infestation. There are chemical-based treatments available as well as a number of treatments which are based on essential oils such as anise, rosemary, lavender, and tea tree oil. There also are a range of herbal products. The wide variety of active ingredients available is due to the fact that head lice are very adaptable and can develop resistance to some chemicals. For this reason it is important to talk to your community pharmacist about what is the right product for you or your child. Your pharmacist has the experience and training to make sure you get the best treatment. After selecting a treatment, it is important that following its use, you test to see if the lice are dead. This is because you need to be sure that what you are using is working on the lice.
While resistance is an issue, many treatment failures are due to inadequate time in contact with hair and scalp, inappropriate application methods, or the use of ineffective products. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an evidencebased product – that is: one that is proven to be effective – and also to show you how to apply it effectively. Whatever head lice treatment is chosen, a fine toothcomb is essential to get the nits out. If live lice are found in the combings after treatment, it’s possible that the head lice are resistant to the particular product, and retreatment should begin as soon as possible with a product from a different active-ingredient group. If the lice are dead, treat again in seven days using the same product. If the treatment has worked, the lice will be dead within 20 minutes. It is possible a head lice product could cause a reaction and should be used with care by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children less than 12 months old and people with allergies, asthma or who have open wounds on the scalp. Your pharmacist can advise you on how best to treat head lice and which products may work best for you or your children.
Meet the Principal
Pam Robinson
Lyndale Secondary College, situated in Dandenong North, Melbourne, is a distinguished and forward-thinking secondary college with a proud history since its founding in 1961. Over the years, the college has remained steadfast in providing high-quality education to a diverse student body. Our commitment extends to cultivating a vibrant community that actively champions inclusion and celebrates diversity, fostering collaboration between educators and learners to instil essential 21st-century skills.
Our school takes pride in its forward-thinking approach, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, including the only Victorian Government School Augmented Reality Immersive Technology Laboratory. This innovative space is where inspiration meets cutting-edge technology, shaping the promising futures of our students.
At Lyndale Secondary College, our mission is to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge essential for thriving in an ever-changing world. We’ve adapted our classrooms to cater to digital learners, featuring an Augmented Immersive Technology Classroom seamlessly integrating advanced technology into traditional learning environments. Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and Senior Certificate, this immersive experience transforms abstract ideas into tangible learning, nurturing a profound understanding and passion for knowledge.
Investing in both learning and well-being, we empower students with the tools to navigate current challenges and cultivate the innovation and leadership needed for tomorrow. Our Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) program offers high-achieving students a rigorous curriculum, individualized support, and guidance from experienced teachers, fostering a love for learning and positive environments. By joining the SEAL program, students unlock their potential, gaining a valuable education for future success.
We extend a warm invitation for you to explore Lyndale Secondary College by contacting us at 9795 2366 to book
Catching head lice does not mean your child has done anything wrong or is not hygienic. (File)
Meet more Casey hopefuls
CRANBOURNE GARDENS WARD
· Suburbs: Cranbourne West, Cranbourne South, Cranbourne, Junction Village, Botanic Ridge, Devon Meadows, Pearcedale, Cannons Creek, Blind Bight, Warneet
· Candidates: Anthony Lake, Michelle Crowther, Jo Muir, Tamas Kapitany, Blessing Nhliziyo, Mary Beth Melton
MARY BETH MELTON
Suburb of residence: Cranbourne.
How long have you lived in Casey? 20 years.
Political party (past and present): None I am Independent.
Occupation, business/employer name: I have worked my entire career in the community services industry for non profits, non government private charities, from program delivery to middle management to the executive level.
Property interests: I am part owner of two properties in Cranbourne.
Business interests: None.
Three most important issues for your ward:
In my conversations with residents and neighbours it is clear that people want our council to focus on community safety, fixing the roads
TAMAS KAPITANY
Suburb of residence:
Devon Meadows
How long have you lived in Casey? 34 years.
Political party (past and present): None though I did support a friend setting up an independent party which morphed into another party (Fusion). Though I never voted or partook in anything, withdrew recently.
Occupation, business/employer name: DirectorNationalDinosaurMuseumCanberra, owner Crystal World exhibition Centre in Devon Meadows, Collectors Corner Garden World, international consultant to governments and small communities around the world Property interests: My home/Crystal World in Devon Meadows.
Business interests: Numerous as above. Three most important issues for your ward: Neglect by the city of Casey. Lack of sealed of maintained roads and footpaths. Overrating
JO MUIR
Suburb of residence: City of Casey.
How long have you lived in Casey? 18 years.
Political party (past and present): Nil.
Occupation, business/employer name: Inclusion, community and marketing manager at the Amstel Group
Property interests: Owner/occupier of a residential property in the City of Casey. Business interests: Nil.
Three most important issues for your ward: Bringing back trust in our council following many years of uncertainty. Having a transparent councillor who is willing to have a seat at the table for all issues that the Cranbourne Gardens Ward raises with me. Community safety and the reduction of crime in our area. Describe your involvement in the local community: Working alongside people living with a disability and providing a trailblazing program for training and employment opportunities at no cost to the participant has been a huge step forward to creating an inclusive culture in the area of Cranbourne. The Every 1 Cafe sees over 1000 customers a year and all money raised through this goes back to local charities such as the Cranbourne SES. I was also nominated as a finalist in the 2024 Casey Community Awards in the category of Inclusion and Diversity for my work completed in the City of Casey.
Why are you standing for election? As the City of Casey undertakes a new journey, I am honored to stand as a candidate for
and seeing our council demonstrate fiscal responsibility with our ratepayer dollars.
Describe your involvement in the local community: I am a member of the Casey Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of the Casey Ratepayers Association, I represent my neighbourhood body corporate as a committee member.
Why are you standing for election? I am standing for election as I believe that Casey Council needs to get back to basics. Residents want to see value for dollar and want to see councillors demonstrating fiscal responsibility, diligence, integrity, accountability and most of all, transparency.
What is your campaign budget? $500. Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? None.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? None.
properties after rezoning without a change of use.
Describe your involvement in the local community: Education in science and natural history, particularly geology, saving Rosie the Shark. Supporting local landholders from overbearing council staff.
Why are you standing for election? Locals suggested I can make a difference. Mostly as I am prepared to stand up and fight authoritarian council staff.
What is your campaign budget? Whatever is needed!
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? My own companies; (me). What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? None - foolishly.
Who will you direct your preferences to? Beth Melton as she and I have shared information. Though no personal contact.
Cranbourne Gardens Ward. Leveraging my 25 years of business expertise, neurodiverse coaching qualifications, management acumen, and community leadership skills. Coupled with a proven track record of successfully running my own business and currently serving as Inclusion and Community Manager, I have fostered deep community connections, positively impacting many local residents. As a homeowner, ratepayer, and long-time resident I am deeply invested in this community.
I proudly raised my family here. My active social participation in local clubs, weekly walks through our beautiful Cranbourne Botanic Gardens, support of many local businesses and patronage of local cafes are just a small insight into what our community means to me.
My vision is for a council who prioritises inclusivity, fiscal responsibility, and well-being, keeping our roads safe and enabling all residents to flourish.
What is your campaign budget? Unsure at this stage of the campaign. I would estimate that this will be around $1000.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? Nil. My campaign is funded by myself only.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? Nil.
Who will you direct your preferences to? Those who I believe will benefit the Casey Gardens Ward. I will make this decision closer to the time after looking at the offerings of each candidate.
BLESSING NHLIZIYO
Suburb of residence:
I am a long-term resident of the City Of Casey and proud resident of the suburb of Junction Village 3977 which is a suburb that is situated on the northernmost border of the Cranbourne Gardens Ward.
How long have you lived in Casey? I have lived in the city of Casey for almost two decades now, and during that time I have also lived in several other areas within the City of Casey. I have deep connections within the City of Casey community including family and social connections. My professional life has also seen me work on a number of projects within the City of Casey including telecommunications development and upgrade projects, renewable energy development projects amongst a plethora of other developments. Political party (past and present): I have no specific political party affiliation and have a non-partisan approach in that respect. My focusing is mainly on noting and supporting those that are supportive of our local community’s development.
Occupation, business/employer name:
I am an experienced town planning consultant and development manager with over a decade of experience in facilitating major developments across Australia (including project right here in the City of Casey). I am currently a development approval manager for a local engineering firm specialising in renewable energy development.
Property interests: My family and I are proud residents and ratepayers with property interests in the City of Casey. We love and believe in the City of Casey as a wonderful place to live and raise a family. A place with a colorful
tapestry of people and culture. A place we are happy to call home (a sentiment we are likely continue to carry for years to come).
Business interests: I conduct work in the City of Casey area on behalf of clients.
Three most important issues for your ward: 1. Upgrading existing infrastructure. 2. Facilitating new development. 3. Advocating for new schools. 4. Advocating and supporting council efforts aimed at alleviating cost of living pressures on City of Casey residents.
Describe your involvement in the local community: I have a strong history of community involvement, including conducting outreach programs, participating in social groups, and supporting local initiatives.
Why are you standing for election?
My drive for standing for election to represent the interests of Cranbourne Gardens Ward residents stems from wanting to make a positive contribution to the long term development of our wonderful (our home) and to use my professional, social and personal experience to help foster positive changes in our community.
What is your campaign budget? I am a selffunded independent candidate who (with the support of the Cranbourne Gardens Community) is looking to give back to the community over the next four years as part of the City of Casey Council.
Who are your campaign donors? How much have each contributed? I believe in the vision of a thriving City of Casey so much that I have set out to self-fund the entire campaign thus far.
What councillors, ex-councillors, MPs or ex-MPs have assisted or advised your campaign? N/A.
Who will you direct your preferences to? These are yet to be determined.
AusNet is currently seeking feedback on funding to maintain and upgrade it s electricity distribution network over the next five years.
This funding will support:
a safe, reliable and more resilient network keeping up with customers moving to all-electric homes and electric vehicles
customer service improvements more renewables, including large and small renewables like rooftop solar.
Chasing the wood journey
By Violet Li
When Vince Manna covers the room with his collection of rectangular-sized timber species, even the least sensitive person to the wood differences will be awed.
The mosaic floor presents a microcosm of forests. There are over 14,000 samples whose colours and patterns contrast sharply. Most of them were obtained personally when Vince traced the timbers back to their origins.
In the past 50 years, the Keysborough craftsman travelled around the world to collect and research the rarest wood between the intervals of his woodworking. His footprints went far into the remote jungles, forests and tribes of seven continents and some joining islands, where the most exotic timbers stand. The longest venture would be about a year and the short ones lasted variously from two weeks to several months.
“When I travel, I spend a lot of time with the locals, sit down with them, and usually come back home with a few nice samples,” he said.
“But we actually exchange techniques, methods, tools, how you sharpen, how they sharpen, how they sand it, and how they don’t sand it.”
To chase a rare tree in the wild is a meticulous project.
“First of all, you learn where to find the trees, then you learn how to identify the trees by using the bark, the leaves, and the fruit. You learn with the locals how they use the woods to survive,” Vince said.
“Wood is a very important resource to us here. It’s 10 times more important for them.
“They survive on wood, from the shelters to hunting the animals that visit the trees. They use wood to build their huts, their canoes, weapons, and furniture. It’s basic, very simple furniture that they’ll make. Could be the trunk of a tree, I sit on it…
“It’s not just to learn, but also to study how they do it.”
He spoke of his frantic landmark quest for snakewood in the Amazon region of South America. He went back many times to locate the reddish timber and suffered numerous setbacks, including a severe fleshing-eating parasite infection, a gunpoint, and being stranded in a drastic landslide, before finally stumbling upon a felled tree with the help of an Indigenous. Luckily, there were a few juvenile trees around.
The woodseeker waited and returned after two years when the little trees grew.
He brought the wood back to Melbourne, made earrings out of it, and took them all the way to the jungle.
“I gave it to the tribespeople, and they quickly fiddle around with these beautiful things by hanging in their ears,” he said.
“To take them there it’s not like just getting a taxi, you have to go on a canoe for weeks through the jungles.
“You’ll often stop at gunpoint. It’s like a Rambo movie in the sense when you go down the river. Because it’s like in the middle of nowhere, and the middle of nowhere requires special transportation.
“I have been threatened twice, but I was so passionate to do it again and again.”
Photography is an expected derivative skill out of his wood passion, for properly documenting and capturing.
He reflected on his trip to the coast of Argentina, the very tip of South America to see the Forest of Stone in 2009.
“These are ancient trees that fell millions of years ago. They died and they got buried, and then they became petrified with all those minerals washed through it,” he said.
“It’s a petrified forest. This is extraordinary scenery.
“A young lady took me and my friend there overnight. It’s so remote. There were only two or three people there at the time.
“It was incredibly cold. It was freezing at sunrise, but the view we had, it’s just a beautiful place.”
Another unforgettable moment is when he captured the rainbow eucalypts from an “over the rainbow” angle in Hawaii.
“The tree’s actually on the side of the road. To get to this tree was so dangerous because the road was curved. I had nowhere to really stand on the road because the cars could hit you, but yet I had to go down,” Vince recalled.
“It was so slippery. I could not even use a tripod. I had to do it by hand.”
He recalled that his friend even photographed him on the tree with a giant selfie stick that was about 15 metres.
The true lucky moment for the trip was when he set off early in the morning, he was able to capture two massive real rainbows hovering over the
eucalypts.
An inveterate adventurer and wood chaser, Vince admitted that what he had been doing over the years could be very hard to repeat.
“You’ve got to have a specific reason to go many many times to the same place. For me, Brazil, for example, I know there are so many different species of trees there,” he said.
“One year might be targeting this tree, another year might be targeting that tree. But if you have to go all at once, you’d be spending two years there to get around because Brazil is vast.
“So getting around and then you get homesick. You still have to run your business. You can’t
really go and chase 1000 trees in the rainforest, and you’ll be there for 10 years.
“You’ve got to do your thing, come back, start again, book another, might be a different place. That’s how we’re doing it.”
“Very few woodworkers will get to see the trees, get to see what they’re working on. I go there and study with the natives. It’s rare.” he said.
“I wouldn’t do it for the money. I was doing it for the education. I am very much into it.”
The Keysborough craftsman, photographer, and wood collector has been archiving his 50 years of passion-driven works on his Instagram. Visit: instagram.com/roseswood_
rain
Vince Manna captured a moment of a double rainbow over rainbow eucalyptus in Hawaii. (Supplied) Yanomani woman in South America is wearing the snakewood earrings made by Vince Manna. (Supplied)
Vince Manna captured Rainbow eucalyptus in Hawaii. (Supplied)
Vince Manna has a collection of over 14,000 timber samples. He jokes that one day he will make a floor out of them. (Supplied)
Vince Manna captured Guianan cock-of-the-rock during one of his trips to look for snakewood in South America. (Supplied)
Vince Manna from a hideout in South America. (Supplied)
WHAT’S ON
U3A Casey Expo for Seniors
Seniors are invited to come along between 10am and 2pm to see what U3A Casey is about and what we have to offer.
As well as celebrating our 33 years in the City of Casey, we will also be showcasing our over 60 different activities for seniors.
This free to enter event will include active demonstrations and displays, including Walking Football, Tai Chi, Discussion Groups, Pickleball, Zumba, Music, Arts & Crafts, Fitness and much more. Join us for a free sausage sizzle, with scones and coffee also available for purchase.
• Friday 11 October, 10am – 2pm, Jack Rae Pavilion, Akoonah Park, 2 Cardinia Street, Berwick Entry cost: Free; Enquiries: 0410 415 409 Cranbourne Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens
Plant sale dates: Saturday and Sunday 12 and 13
October, 2024
Times: 10am – 4pm on both days
Location: Royal Botanic Garden Victoria – Cranbourne (Cnr Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne)
The plant sale will be held at the northern end of the Australian Garden. Parking and entry is available nearby (look for the large red banners).
A large variety of Australian native plants will be available. A plant list will be available on our website approximately a week before the sale. EFTPOS is available.
Lynbrook Lake Lantern Festival Banjo Paterson Reserve Lynbrook, Saturday 12 October, 4pm - 8.45pm
2024 WILL BE OUR BIGGEST LANTERN FESTIVAL
EVER FREE ENTRY - all welcome!
Paint a lantern and display for all to see or release a floating lotus candle lantern onto the lake and watch in awe as hundreds of other people do the same. It’s quite the spectacle. Painting and floating lanterns for sale at the event $3-$5. FREE childrens show with Charlie Sillypants, FREE Chris Morant Magic Circus show, FREE Mermaid Tariel by the lake delighting the young and young at heart. Stories of the sea and games.
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 20-22 Bowen Street in Cranbourne. We still do ballroom dancing and line dancing at Casey Basketball Stadium in Cranbourne. Supported by Casey Council we are a not for profit organisation with a membership fee of $50 per year which allows you to join in as many classes as you wish. If you want to keep your brain and body active, be creative or pursue a passion there is a class for you. Check out the classes on offer at our website www.u3acranbourne.org,au or call 0493 991 919 to learn more.
• Our open day will be on Friday 18th October 10am till 1pm. Come and have a coffee with our members and find out 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, 2025
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 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.
Blind Bight Community Centre
Craft gift making for adults from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Tuesdays.
Join in the craft gift making class and bring along your own craft to complete.
A variety of techniques and skills are shared including mosaics, macrame, sewing and painting at $3 per class.
Playgroup from 10.30am to noon on Wednesdays. The program provides fun play activities and craft for children at $5 per family.
Free knit and crochet from noon to 2pm on Wednesdays.
Line dancing from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesdays. All ages, and abilities welcome at $10 per class.
• For more information and for bookings, visit www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club
Are you new newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom as a senior or expand your social life?
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities and friendship.
The club hosts weekly social activities with dance to low-key in-line dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, a chat, and then afternoon tea. Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dine-outs, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.
Anyone interested can visit on Thursdays at 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive or join the club for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday from 10am at the new François cafe in front of Myer in Fountain Gate.
• For more information, contact enquiry officer
Gloria on 0468 363 616.
Balla Balla Community Centre
Health & Wellbeing classes held at Balla Balla Community Centre include pilates on Tuesday afternoons or Wednesday evenings, Zumba - Tuesday evenings and Yoga Thursday late afternoons or evenings. Enhance your fitness levels before Spring arrives.
• For more information, visit ballaballa.com.au
Combined Probus Club of Narre
Warren
The club welcomes men and women to join for fun and interesting activities.
The club hosts bowling, armchair travel, book
clubs, walk and talk, happy snappers and cards.
• For enquiries, contact Heather at hsims14@ gmail.com
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club has started a Scrabble Club recently and it runs every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.
It will be both competitive and social on a one-toone basis.
Come along to learn how to play or improve your game.
Word lists and more will be available to increase your skills.
• Contact David on 0433 566 456. Berwick Springs VIEW Club
Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.
The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.
The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy lunch and then host a guest speaker.
Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.
The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.
• For more information, contact Shirley on 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com
Probus Club of Casey Combined Meetings finish at noon when many of our members assemble for lunch at one of the local cafes.
The club meets at the Old Cheese Factory at 9.45am on the second Tuesday of each month.
BADFolk Club
Berwick and District Folk Club meets on the third Friday of each month.
Doors open at 6.30pm, with the music running from 7pm to 10pm with entry $15.
• For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264.
New arrivals inspired by art
By Sahar Foladi
An art exhibition for young talented artists from diverse backgrounds has opened to the public at Connect Art Space in Dandenong.
The exhibition opening was hosted by the Southern Migrant Refugee Centre on Monday 30 September as part of its annual Youth Art Exhibition.
Now in its sixth consecutive year, it’s run through the SMRC STAR Homework Club and Literature Exhibition to help young and talented artists showcase their artwork to the community.
Aspiring artist Mohammed Atae has been in Australia for two years and had two of his artworks on display at the exhibition.
“I don’t have many connections with the community as a new arrival but I wish to continue in this field as it’s my passion,” he says.
A few of his works are on display in Pakistan and America.
One of his artwork, is a figure of a woman (signifies life) and a pot which signifies a materialistic product of this world which has been passed down.
Mohammed used cold and warm colour to symbolise grief, sadness and happiness and beautiful memories human share with each other.
“Life is not just bad or good but it’s a mix of both that every human experiences, not just a few,” he said.
This was Mohammed second exhibition in Melbourne which earned his work the winner or the best artwork within his age group 18-25 years.
He also volunteers with Foundation House to assist new arrivals in the community.
Senior coordinator of Settlement Casework and Engagement, Jesse Boyd says a majority of the young talents have been creating art their whole life but lack the correct platform or the opportunity to display their works with the community.
“For young people it’s very hard to show their work publicly.
“Even if they’re amazing, they have to know someone or understand how to get their work in the gallery which is not accessible for someone especially who has newly arrived and doesn’t understand how the artwork works here.”
The exhibition creates multiple benefits for the artists - social activity, confidence, a chance to invite the community into their own interpretation of life through their artworks and unlocking opportunities.
“They have the opportunity to sell pieces. Our hope is this experience really builds the
confidence for young people and shows to them they’re realised just like everyone else.”
A participant from last year was selected for a paid workshop to teach art to a group of youths.
Farishta Ebrahimi is one of the many in the group who has been drawing her whole life as a passion but challenged herself into painting for this exhibition.
She has produced three artworks, all have a dark component and a single feature of light symbolising there’s always light after darkness, drawing from her own journey of migration to Australia.
“For me, when you migrate, it has its own
struggles and challenges but despite all that it means a lot to me to be able to see the light and maintain positivity in these challenges.”
After the Taliban took over in Afghanistan in 2021, Farishta sought refuge in Pakistan while waiting for her visa approval to Australia. It has been only six months since she has arrived and she’s full of hope for a bright future.
The STAR Homework club provide help to young people form the ages of 12-25 with school work, resume and CV, secure employment, assist with scholarship applications and much more.
Young artists with their friends and family along with the SMRC coordinators who made the exhibition happen. (Stewart Chambers: 433854_18)
Fatima Sharifi with her artwork at the top. (Stewart Chambers: 433854_05)
NEWS Doveton in the spotlight
Hundreds swarmed to Autumn Place for the return of the annual Celebrate Doveton festival on Friday 4 October.
As part of the family-friendly fun, visitors enjoyed face painting, a stupendous magic show, VR demonstration, animal farms, goodie bags, information stalls and a chance to win a shopping voucher.
Groups such as Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre (DNLC), Doveton College, Our Place Doveton, Autumn Place Hub and Doveton Library got behind the day.
The aim was to create an event where everyone feels welcome and celebrated, says DNLC centre manager Paula Correia.
A Doveton College spokesperson said it was “truly a community-driven event”.
“We’ve seen such enthusiasm from students and parents alike. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with each other outside of the school setting.”
Magician Luigi Zucchini with the help of a volunteer at Celebrate Doveton. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 435638)
Rennzo, 2, meets a young goat at the festival’s animal farm. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 435638)
Bavana, 5, with a curious kid goat. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 435638)
Shen, 1, ventured in the animal enclosure. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 435638)
Mudita, 4, feeds a goose in the animal farm. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 435638_07)
Dinosaur fan Mathias, 4, meets a modern reptile. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 435638)
The Lizard Wizard’s Ryan and Monique brought the reptiles. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 435638)
Cavaliers Under 14s show class on the biggest stage
By Marcus Uhe
The Casey Cavaliers Under 14 Boys basketball team cut the nets off the rings at their home court at Casey Stadium last week after completing an extraordinary undefeated calendar year across five different competitions.
The Under 14 Club Championships was the final in a run of unprecedented dominance for Casey Basketball teams, where they completed their 59th and final win from 59 games across varied competitions and with challenges from all corners of the country.
A squad exploding with envious depth, including seven state-level players, could not be stopped in 2024, dominating whatever competition was thrown their way.
Comprehensive wins in the Eltham-Dandenong Junior Basketball Tournament in January and the South Eastern Junior Basketball Tournament in March sowed the seeds for a special year, before claiming this illustrious ‘Triple Crown’; the National Junior Basketball Classic, the Victoria Junior Basketball League and National Club Championships for their age groups.
From their 59 matches, just four were won with single figure margins, with the Australian Junior Championships seeing them win by an average of 36 points per contest.
“Across the board, all 10 of them are high quality elite athletes,” the team’s coach, Mitch Taylor said.
“For a lot of teams, the stars will play and blow [the lead] out, and then the bench will come on and will kind of cut back in, but for us, the stars will extend the lead and the bench will extend the lead against the other team’s starters as well.
“We’ve got two boys that play for Victoria that come off the bench for us and realistically we don’t consider it a starting five and a bench – it’s just two even groups across the board.”
As word spread about their successes and extraordinary athletes, including the slam-dunking 6’5” 13-year-old Mobarede ‘Barry’ Akingbade,
the team quickly took on celebrity status in basketball circles.
A Facebook page initially dedicated to a fundraising effort for the squad reached 2000 followers by the end of their year as word spread about the outrageous successes they experienced.
The players quickly began facilitating photo and pre-game dunk requests from not only fans, but opponents, while the sight of opposition scouts filming their training sessions was not an uncommon sight – nor were post-game jersey swaps.
Rolling into the National Club Championships with customised Nike Air Force sneakers for before and after the game, and ‘Sabrina’ shoes for on the court, with the team name and player
numbers etched into them, there was a swagger and prestige about this abundantly talented squad of teenagers that somehow never infiltrated their team-first mentality.
It’s a trait that Taylor believes was arguably their most impressive, declaring their lack of collective ego “amazing”.
“A lot of kids could have cracked it and wanted to score 50 against some of the teams when we were winning by 80 or 90, but they were awesome all year.
“I think the boys realised that all the success we were having was because everyone was being so unselfish, and that was one of the driving factors.
“We were winning games by 60/70 points and
the starts are jumping around and going crazy for the guys that are coming off the bench behind them for making threes, even though we were up by 70.
“Not in a silly way, they were more just happy to see their friends succeed.
“When every single kid on the team is happy for their teammate’s success, you know you’re going to go a long way.”
The successes they’ve experienced are undeniable and will be etched into Casey Basketball folklore, but harder to quantify are the memories and friendships that the players cultivated throughout the year.
Ahead of the National Championships on their home courts in September, the boys spent the week living together in an AirBNB in Narre Warren North to minimise travel constraints and further solidify their already tight bonds.
Given their differing paths and varied ages within the squad, there’s a chance they may never take the court together as a team again, but internally, they’ll be connected forever.
“They’ll look back on how much we won by and that type of thing but most memories for them will probably be staying together at the AirBNB for the whole week, the stuff they did before and after games.
“We got them to jump in a cold bath and do ice baths.
“Watching each other do that and joking around, I think the friendships and how close they get off the court for that week is definitely something they’ll remember more.
“They’ll look back on photos and they’ll think about games but the friendships and how close they got during the week will be more important for them.”
The Basketball Australia U14 Club Championships winning squad: Angus Dixon, Kaitiaki Andrew, Jai Kamande, Zac Taylor, Archie Robinson, Tom Fernandez, Kael Likiliki, Mobarede Akingbade, Aston Mccallum, Mofeoluwa Adio, Elijah Honeyford, Emmanuel Akla Labella.
October and cricket season mix like oil and water once again
By Marcus Uhe
In what is becoming an annual tradition across Melbourne, the opening round of cricket season has been thwarted by Mother Nature once again.
For the fourth consecutive season, the pentup energy, testosterone and eagerness of Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf cricketers has been suppressed for the first weekend of October with the league citing ‘the State of many grounds in the City of Greater Dandenong and City of Casey.
The DDCA made the decision on Wednesday, 2 October that no Turf cricket will be played over the weekend and formally communicated with clubs on Thursday morning, 3 October. Putting the stumps in and getting a full day’s play, however, would have been difficult, given nagging October rainfall that has become a traditional enemy of the opening rounds.
After a sunny Saturday morning, significant rain fell in the afternoon, with more than nine millilitres recorded at the Moorabbin Airport weather observation centre between 2 and 5pm.
Dandenong’s opening round of the Premier Cricket Victoria season at Shepley Oval was abandoned at the innings break, having been unable to restart after the interval.
Statistics from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) indicate October is the least ideal time to begin the competition in the region, based on historical rainfall data.
“Down the South East of Melbourne, taking the closest observation point for rainfall around the Pakenham area, Beaconsfield Upper, the median rainfall for October is actually pretty high - 97.3 millilitres,” Chris Kent from the BOM
said on Friday 4 October.
“Looking throughout the whole year at this particular location, October is the wettest on average throughout the year.
“88 ml is the average through October and 81 ml in November.
“September is only 79 ml and through Winter, 83 ml in June.
“When you look at it that way, getting washed out in October is probably something that probably happens a fair bit, given it’s the wettest month of the year.
“Looking at last year in October, there was 110 ml recorded.”
Kent says the drastic juxtaposition between
hot and cold temperatures is not isolated to Melbourne, and is reflective of the weather patterns across the country.
“(In) October you are starting to see some warmer temperatures developing especially across warmer parts of the country and the volatility of Spring comes from the sharp temperature change between cold and warm.
“When you get those two areas mixing and you get a cold front moving through and dragging down a lot of that heat from inland, and mixing with the cooler air across southern Australia, that’s where the volatility comes from in terms of the weather.
“Come Summer time, that temperature gra-
dient between north and south isn’t that strong, so it tends to be a bit more stable.
“October, you’re starting to see those warmer temperatures in the north.
“Currently across northern Australia it is quite warm.
“For October, we are expecting temperatures across Melbourne and the south east… the chance of exceeding the average temperature to be quite high.
“We are expecting some warmer than average temperatures through that part, hence the volatility could be a little more on the higher side and we’ll get those drastic shifts in weather.”
With further rain expected in the coming weeks, it could force a major reshuffle of the DDCA’s fixtures for later in the season.
Unlike previous years, the competition begins in the three Turf grades with six One Day matches before donning the whites for the first in mid-November in round seven.
“For the forecast over the next couple of weeks, it’s still looking like you could see a little bit of rainfall on the cards,” Kent said.
“Starting next week and going by the climate outlook, you could still see around 2-13 millilitres through the area.”
The prospects of the matches being replayed at a later date remains to be seen.
Last summer, round one was replayed on Sunday, 10 December, after the original fixtures date, Saturday 7 October, was abandoned due to weather conditions.
The DDCA was contacted for comment.
A sorry sight; covers were down across the cricket grounds on Saturday. (Marcus Uhe: 318285)
The unstoppable Casey Cavaliers Under 14 boys basketball team. (Supplied/Vaughn Salcedo Baird)
Swans score significant result on sodden Saturday
By Marcus Uhe
It’s a win that Casey-South Melbourne could well reflect on come the season’s pointy end as being as critical as any in what is expected to be another hotly-contest Premier Cricket season.
Just two points separated positions three to six last summer, highlighting the importance of every single contest in the competition, and luck was on the Swans side on Saturday in the midst of a spate of wash outs across Melbourne.
Despite a depleted First XI due to injuries and availability, Casey-South Melbourne successfully defended 174 in a cold, wet and windy one-day contest against Frankston-Peninsula at Frankston.
The Swans’ veteran bowling attack kept the Heat to just 159 in reply, ensuring Devin Pollock’s steely 33 with the bat went rewarded.
Coming to the crease at 3/53 after the top three fell for single-figure scores, the stand-in captain formed a crucial partnership with Chris Bedenek to stabilise the innings.
Pollock top-scored for the Swans with an innings that made his injured skipper Luke Shelton beam with pride.
“That’s ‘Dev’ to a tee and that’s why I love ‘Dev’ as a cricketer,” Shelton said.
“He’d be the first to admit that it was a pretty scratchy 30 – he got dropped once or twice and didn’t hit much out of the middle at all, but he’s a fighter and managed to fight through to get us to a decent enough score.
“We probably just needed a couple of senior heads to get together for an hour to wrestle some momentum, and Dev and Chris Bedenek did that.
“They were both extremely disappointed to get out when they did but in hindsight, that partnership probably got us to a score we were able to defend.”
With the ball, the trio of Jackson Fry, Nathan Lambden and Kellapotha were at their miserly best, working well in tandem to strangle the Heat’s chase.
Lambden picked up where he left off from a brilliant summer last season, removing opener Nicholas Taranto in the opening over of the chase to immediately give the Swans the upper hand.
The home side’s top order offered little resistance outside of Charlie Maxwell, and at 4/34 in the eighth over, the Heat was forced back into their shells.
Maxwell was the key wicket, the only player to pass 50 in the afternoon, striking at just shy of a run a ball, with plenty of boundaries to put the pressure back on the bowling attack.
When debutant Jack Stevenson dismissed him for 58, the game took another sharp swing.
To that stage in the innings, Maxwell had made 58 of the Heat’s 80 runs, and when he became Stevenson’s first victim in Casey-South Melbourne red, the Swans were jubilant.
“He was looking to score coming after our bowlers and hitting the ball really cleanly,” Shelton said of Maxwell.
“That wicket was massive and the rest of them were looking to occupy the crease, survive and chew-up balls, which might have been their downfall in the end.
“As soon as he went out, we were able to suffocate them a bit and when it was time, when they
had no choice but to try and score, they got out.”
A 49-run stand for the sixth wicket brought the Heat back into the contest, before Stevenson and Fry combined to break it at 6/129.
The tail offered some resistance, but fell away dramatically, losing their final four wickets for eight runs to finish 15 shy.
Kellapotha’s economy was finally rewarded late in the innings, taking two wickets in the tail to finish with 2/24 from nine overs.
Despite a meagre total to defend, Shelton never wavered in his confidence that his bowlers could get the job done with ball.
Having blown out the cobwebs, the Swans now set themselves for a massive pair of upcoming fixtures at home against two sides they defeated on the way to last year’s grand final, in Prahran and Ringwood.
“We’ve built a DNA in the last few years that, whether we’ve got 400 on the board or 100, we want to bowl, field and play a similar way,” Shelton said.
“I wasn’t too stressed about the runs we had
on the board, because I knew if we bowled to our potential, we would bowl them out and have enough runs.
“We were one of the two ‘lucky’ games to be completed and if the result had have gone the other way, we would have been behind the eightball a little bit.
“We were fortunate that we did get the win, but we’re still extremely confident in our squad and what we’ve got at our disposal.
“Fingers crossed we can progress keep building and bank as many wins as possible and finish as high as possible, so that potential couple of extra points doesn’t make or break us come to the last round, and we’re already in a really strong position.”
Shelton will miss the next four weeks as he recovers from a back injury, while Harry Hoekstra won’t return from India in time for round two, currently touring with the Australian Under 19 side, and Ash Chandrasinghe’s availability will be dependent on Victorian Sheffield Shield selection.
Local kayaker developing his craft on the world stage
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Narre Warren South kayaker Bradley Buissink represented Australia at the under-18s marathon kayaking world championships in Metkovic, Croatia, in September.
The 17-year-old spent 10 days in Europe competing against kayakers his age and a year older, coming 27th out of 37 in the K1 singles and 17th out of 23 in the K1 doubles.
It was Buissink’s first time competing on the international stage and he is setting himself for a better finish next year, when he will be among the oldest competitors in age-capped field.
“It was a great experience to see how I compared to all the other countries around the world and it was an eye opener to how much I can improve and how much I will improve,” Buissink said.
“I got to learn new techniques and methods throughout the racing.
“There were a few mechanical issues throughout the races but considering all that I think the results were pretty good.
“I’m confident I can build up enough endurance and strength to be very competitive with the top guys next year.”
Buissink took up kayaking at the age of eight after watching his Dad take out the esteemed massive Murray Paddle, an annual kayaking event held on the Murray River.
Three years later, Bradley become the youngest competitor in history to complete the event, where racers paddle 400kms across five days.
It followed three years of training thrice per week, and since 2019, his training load has doubled as he’s looked to take his sport to the next level.
“I have to do much more refined exercises; I do a different variation of the bench press called the forward press.; there are more explosive moments,” he said.
“Another big one is a bench pull; the opposite of a bench press (which I do) as explosively as possible, and a lot of running to keep my cardio fitness up.”
Buissink started his journey at Patterson Lakes Canoe Club before transferring to Fairfield Canoe Club, which have supported him more recently as he has trained up to six times per week.
While Buissink’s specialty has been in longer-distance racing, with the marathon world championships raced across more than 20km, he is transitioning to Kayak Sprinting – an Olympic event.
Competing at the kayak sprinting under-18s national championships this year in Penrith, he finished in the middle of the field, but was the highest finisher among the 2007-born paddlers, positioning him well for a podium finish next year.
“My primary focus is to work on sprint as much as possible,” Buissink said.
“My goal is to try and make it to the 2032 Olympics.
“It will give me enough time to mature agewise and strengthen my body to my peak and it’s a home Olympics.”
Local kayaker Bradley Buissink has ambitious goals. (Picture: Ljubica Vrankovic: 435359).
Devin Pollock made a gritty 33 for Casey-South Melbourne. (File)
Cal and Connor ‘O’ so good
By Jonty Ralphsmith
A Cal O’Hare century led Tooradin to a comfortable 63-run victory over Merinda Park to get the reigning premiers’ season started with a win in the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) Premier competition.
O’Hare finished unbeaten with a-run-a-ball 117, setting up the innings with an 83-run opening partnership with Josh Lownds before accelerating at the back-end.
The game was shortened to a 34-over per team contest due to rain, with Tooradin reaching 3/218 in a blistering batting display, before keeping Merinda Park to 8/155.
Debutantes Connor O’Riordan and Cody Mannix both impressed captain-coach Mick Sweeney with their control in wet conditions.
O’Riordan had a dream start to First XI cricket, picking up a wicket off his first ball and finishing with 4/23 with his mediums, while Mannix got 2/46 off seven.
“Connor is probably our best trainer – he never complains and is really dependable,“ Sweeney said.
“I’m sure the footy club would say the same thing about him.
“He’s predictable to his teammates, and he was a very good selection for us.
“He played exactly the way he trains.
“He’s a medium pacer, really accurate, forces batters to change what they’re doing - you can set fields for him, he’s capable of hitting the seam and moving it around a little bit.
“He’s not the sharpest but he’ll wear you down and apply the pressure.
“Cody did get hit for a few fours and you know young spinners will but for him to bounce back and take wickets off the back of that when you could (drop your head) with a wet ball was impressive.
“It wasn’t ideal conditions for him but we were rapt with both debutantes.”
For Merinda Park, English recruit and club debutante Ash Slater provided an glimpse into his talent, top-scoring with 35, just five days after arriving in the country.
O’Hare’s century reinforced his bullocking reputation in the CCCA competition, following 764 runs including a grand final century last season.
“There’s not too many, if any players in the competition who can do what he does with the bat at his size and style of cricket,” Sweeney said.
“I certainly wouldn’t want to be opening the
bowling to him.
“Cal’s consistency after last year; I’d like to think the innings was a little bit of a statement that as he’s getting older, he’s getting better so hopefully it bodes well for the rest of the season.”
Each of the other three games started, before persistent afternoon rain lead to the matches being abandoned.
Upper Beaconsfield was competitive against Pakenham, keeping the visitors to 6/110 in 32 overs before rain prevented further play.
Daniel Brennan claimed the wicket of Jack Anning in the first over, with run-scoring machine Chris Smith (36) and Zach Chaplin (42*) the only batters able to score freely on the day.
Brennan claimed two wickets in an attacking opening spell, while Chad McDonald built the pressure up the other end with an economy rate of 2.25, and Andrew McDonald also chipped in with two wickets.
Cardinia was well on top against Devon Meadows, scoring 4/196 before having Devon Meadows 5/90 in response, just eight overs short of a completed match.
The returning Mark Cooper started his tenure back at the club with a well-built 70, grafting early before catching up his run-rate later in the innings.
Bradley Welsh also caught the eye with 66 off 54, before recruit Trishane De Silva started the Devon Meadows’ innings with a wicket to put
Cardinia on the front foot.
De Silva finished with 2/26 and opened the bowling alongside fellow Beaconsfield recruit Jack Burchill, while leggies Yohan Arumadura and Cooper combined for 3/15 off 12 overs.
In the other game, Clyde wasted a 78-run opening partnership between first-year skipper Trevor Bauer and stalwart Michael Vandort losing 9/50 to fall to 9/139 at the change of innings before rain fell.
In his highly anticipated first match back at full-fitness, Jess Mathers bowled five overs at first change for Kooweerup for a return of 0/20. Joel Anderson, Steve Dillon, Shiran Rathnayake and Cody Miller each claimed two wickets.
Merinda Park ready to make waves in Premier Division
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Merinda Park blooded five First XI debutantes on Saturday as the club looks to progress in 2024-25.
Josh Guinea, Ash Slater and Sulakshan Mendisque all made their club debuts, while Matt Dennerley and Danny Diwell both returned after stints away from the club and were thrust into the top flight.
The Cobras finished seventh last season, struggling to piece together full games against the top sides, but believe they have the talent to give finals a shake in 2024-25.
While the Cobras were beaten by reigning premier Tooradin by 63 runs in the only completed match of the rain-affected first round of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association Premier competition, coach Matt Campbell is confident the club has taken a step forward.
“We’ve brought in players who have the right attitude,” Campbell said.
“There’s players around (batting anchor) Danny McCalman now – we have the capability to bat 80 overs and win games of cricket.
“Bowling-wise, the big thing for us is that we identified we needed a bit more experience and a bit more aggression in the way we go about it.
“We were very much a side that got dictated to with the ball so to ascertain what we needed and go out and get it has been great.
“The professionalism that will stem on from that is second to none.
“We’ve been fighting to stay in premier for so long, this year is all about taking that next step
and playing finals cricket.”
The additions significantly offset the departures of Rumesh Ranasinghe and Rajan Rana, and loss of Liam Bertrand for the season due to injury, with each recruit addressing a specific club need and helping boost the culture offfield.
Josh Guinea is a reliable medium pace bowler whose line and length bowling adds sturdiness to a lineup which frequently dropped short last season.
He crosses from Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association club Tyabb, where he was playing Second XI cricket.
Ahead of his cap presentation on Thursday night, Campbell spoke of Guinea’s work rate and will to get the most out of himself.
“His want to be there, the ability to stay in the game, concentrate, focus and chase down balls at the end of the days play is mighty impressive,” Campbell said.
Slater adds a hard edge to Merinda Park’s
approach with both bat and ball, arriving from England on Tuesday before scoring a threatening 35 against Tooradin.
A strongly-built allrounder, his addition adds vital experience, with those around the club impressed with what he showed in his two training sessions before the season begun.
He has played only one full season of cricket across the past five years.
“I’ve not had much time but the time I have had, it’s been a family orientated club,” Slater said.
“I’ve only had one club back home at Leeds so to have a similar environment is the perfect fit.”
Mendisque is a durable spinner and stable middle order batter who can absorb pressure, crossing from Skye, with his skills set to shine through in the two-day game.
Matt Dennerley’s Dad, Rick, is a club stalwart and he returns after playing juniors at the club.
An opening bowler and lower-order hitter, his preseason has caught some eyes, while Diwell’s experience will provide important reassurance for Campbell.
“I liked the way things were heading under Matt,” Diwell said.
“He is the right figure to push this club to be successful so he contacted me to ask if I’d be interested in getting involved in coaching so I’ve brought the areas I specialise in to help Matt who has the fundamentals.
“It’s all heading in the right direction.
“The main reason to come back is to see the club successful again.”
Merinda Park is ready to turn a new leaf. Debutantes pictured: left to right - Josh Guinea, Ash Slater, Matt Dennerley and Danny Diwell. (Jonty Ralphsmith: 436449).
Callum O’Hare continued his ridiculous consistency with a century to start the season.
(Rob Carew: 435768).
Bradey Welsh played with impetus late in Cardinia’s innings.
