Tributes flow for Mila
In
Thursday 17 October. A driver has been charged over the incident, while there have been strong public calls to improve safety at the steep 80km/h section of Heatherton Road. For more on the story, turn to page 3
Tributes at the crossing on Heatherton Rd where a child was killed. (Gary Sissons: 439283)
New charge laid
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A 24-year-old man is facing upgraded charges after a three-year-old girl was fatally injured when allegedly struck by a car in Endeavour Hills. Kamal Ghali, of Endeavour Hills, briefly appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 23 October where he was charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Amelia Wang.
This was on top of a police charge last week of dangerous driving causing serious injury.
Amelia, also known as ’Mila’, was critically injured when struck at a signalised pedestrian crossing on Heatherton Road, near the corner of James Cook Drive about 8.30am on Thursday 17 October, according to police. The next day, Victoria Police announced that Mila died at hospital.
A defence lawyer told the court that Ghali wished to express his “deepest condolences” to the girl’s family.
He also said that the road section was “notoriously dangerous”, adding that there had been two recent pedestrian fatalities nearby.
Ghali was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 25 March 2025.
His varied bail bans him from leaving Victoria without the written approval of the police informant.
The defence was seeking the release of a study into the crossing’s traffic signals. The Department of Transport and Planning as well as Casey Council were attending to the issue of the road’s safety, the lawyer said.
More homes in the pipeline
The State Government will unlock blocks of land across Casey South for new homes in the coming decade.
On Wednesday 23 October, it released a plan for 27 additional greenfield areas across Melbourne’s outer south-east, north, and west to be released over the next 10 years, promising to provide the space and complete the planning work to deliver 180,000 new homes over the decade.
The first greenfield plans set to be released in 2024-25 across Casey South include Casey Fields South Precinct, Cardinia Creek South Precinct (Part 2), Croskell Precinct, and Devon Meadows Precinct.
The second greenfield plans set to be released in 2025-26 and 2028-29 include Clyde South Precinct.
According to the State Government, the key part of the 10-year plan is the potential growth for home builders.
“They can see exactly where the opportunities lie for their sector and look ahead with confidence,” a media release states.
“The government will also improve the planning system so builders can get on with building.
From 1 January 2025, the Victorian Planning Authority will be integrated with the Department of Transport and Planning.
“It means, for the first time, the four major components of Victoria’s planning system – stra-
tegic, transport, statutory and spatial – will be working together to cut delays and duplication and deliver faster and better structure planning.
“The government will also offer a dedicated concierge service to work with councils and industry to identify, intervene and fix the issues that are preventing zoned land from being developed. Government will also review several existing greenfield PSPs that are not yet fully developed
to understand opportunities for increasing the number and types of homes where there is sufficient planned infrastructure.”
The statement also says the 10-year plan will turn the tide and help realise the government’s vision of 70 per cent of homes in Melbourne going in inner and established areas with 30 per cent going in outer-suburban ‘greenfield’ areas, instead of the other way around.
“This plan provides the space and the planning work for that 30 per cent.”
Planning and Suburbs MP Sonya Kilkenny said: “This is a window ten years into the future for home builders like those represented by the Urban Development Institute of Australia, it’s what they’ve been asking for to plan and build with confidence.
“This is all about providing choice and getting the balance right between development in the outer suburbs and development in the inner city. For too long, that’s been too one-sided.”
High-risk drivers caught as part of Operation Malleus
A 147 km/h driver ‘running late to a meeting’ at 6am, unaccompanied learner drivers with meth in their systems and a motorist detected at 0.133 after dodging a roadside breath test station were among the offenders caught in a three-day road policing blitz in Casey last week.
Operation Malleus targeted high risk behaviours including speeding, impaired driving and unauthorised driving on 15, 17 and 18 October.
Among the offenders was a driver detected at 147 km/h on Princes Freeway about 6am on Tuesday 15 October.
He told police he was running late for a meeting.
His vehicle was impounded for 30 days, and he was expected to be summonsed to court.
Other notable incidents were:
• A woman intercepted after avoiding a PBT site in Narre Warren South and returned an alleged evidentiary breath test of 0.133 about 1.40am on Thursday 17 October. Her licence was cancelled for 13 months, and she was fined $840 .
• An unaccompanied learner driver in Hallam not displaying L plates about 9am on Friday 18 October. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days at $1120.50, with the driver to be summonsed to court.
• A disqualified driver driving a friend’s car in Narre Warren South tested positive to methamphetamine about 12.05pm on Friday 18 October. The driver is to be summonsed to court.
• A male was intercepted on an e-scooter on
Overland Drive, Narre Warren and tested positive to methamphetamine about 12.30pm on Friday 18 October. The driver is to be summonsed to court.
• An unaccompanied learner driver in Endeavour Hills displaying P plates and with cancelled vehicle registration had tested positive to methamphetamine and cannabis at 9.40pm on Friday 18 October. The driver is to be summonsed to court.
Dandenong Highway Patrol’s Acting Sergeant Dexter Kiernan said it was “extremely disappointing that we continue to detect so many people drink and drug driving, which we know contributes significantly to trauma on our roads”.
“Getting behind the wheel while impaired by
alcohol and drugs is not only putting yourself in serious danger, but all other road users are put at significant risk.
“We make no apologies for detecting and removing dangerous drivers, and will continue to conduct road policing operations to reduce trauma on our roads.
“There is absolutely no excuse for drink or drug driving.”
Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong Highway Patrol units, with the assistance of State Highway Patrol and the Public Order Response Team, conducted the operation.
Safe Transport Victoria also conducted vehicle compliance checks, resulting in defect notices for unroadworthy vehicles.
Plea for safety upgrades
By Ethan Benedicto, Cam Lucadou-Wells
In light of a tragic incident last week that resulted in the death of a young child, residents are calling for safety upgrades on an 80km/h road section in Endeavour Hills.
Mila, 3, was critically injured when struck at a signalised pedestrian crossing on Heatherton Road, near the corner of James Cook Drive about 8.30am on Thursday 17 October.
Her grieving mother Wenna Lin posted on a social media group: “I can see Mila’s face looking so worried every time I close my eyes. I know she didn’t do anything wrong… Mummy is here for you. Love you Mila.”
A 24-year-old Endeavour Hills man, Kamal Ghali, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death as well as dangerous driving causing serious injury since the incident.
Melinda Ambros, an independent Casey Council election candidate for Kalora Ward, told Star News that action should be taken to prevent any future incidents, from initiatives such as “safer traffic light setups, speed reduction measures and better signage”.
Ambros also added that the steep hill encouraged speeding for Dandenong-bound traffic, with the traffic lights malfunctioning a week prior to the incident a telling indication of the road’s dangers.
Andrew Brasilis, from Endeavour Hills Chiropractor, echoed the same sentiments, agreeing that more should be done in consideration of the children at nearby primary schools, as well as the general public.
“I would say that there is an accident every month on this road, so that’s a red flag for me,” Brasilis said.
“The other point is that on the pedestrian crossing. They were running lollipop people up until this year, and then they took them out, and that’s staggering to me.
“Chalcot Lodge (primary school) is a busy school, and to get there, everyone that lives on the other side obviously has to cross the road, and we’re talking a lot of primary school-aged children that are unaccompanied.”
The City of Casey’s CEO, Glenn Patterson offered his condolences to Mila’s family, saying that the council is committed to keeping communities safe, especially around schools.
“We have several road safety programs in place to educate our community, including our road safety education program and Safe Around Schools [which] is specifically designed to support school communities across Casey.
“Council is committed to improving road safety and will continue to advocate the State Government for reduced speed zones, better pedestrian sequencing (time allowed for pedestrians to cross) and red and speed light cameras where there are large numbers of school student pedestrians,” Patterson said.
However, Brasilis said that in the 35 years of operation in the intersection of James Cook Drive and Heatherton Road, he has seen his fair share of accidents in what he called a troubling “black spot”.
While admitting that the most recent incident is the only pedestrian collision he has heard of, he said it’s not uncommon for vehicle-to-vehicle
crashes to occur.
“Something should be done, the population has increased, the density in this area has increased and nothing’s happened,” he said.
The intersection of James Cook Drive and Heatherton Road is situated at the bottom of two hills, a topographical trait that both Ambros and Brasilis said makes for a dangerous location when it comes to drivers’ speeds when moving downhill.
Ambros said that the local community has asked for a dedicated traffic light, design changes for safer crossings, a supervised crossing guard and more, adding that “we’re not just asking for improvements, we’re asking for life-saving mea-
sures”.
To Brasilis, with schools in the vicinity, the area’s accident-prone nature and the most recent incident, action needs to be taken.
“It’s a crossing for kids, it needs to be improved, and now we’re paying the price,” he said.
The Department of Transport and Planning is supporting a police investigation into the incident, and says it’s inappropriate to comment further at this time.
“Any life lost on our roads is a tragedy,” a department spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating incident, especially family members and friends.”
Two interviewed by police after Clyde North man drowns
Two people have been arrested following the death of a Clyde North man.
The 22-year-old’s body was discovered in the Yarra River earlier this month.
Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad arrested two males on Monday 21 October, after two warrants were executed at residential addresses in Collingwood and Melton South.
Investigators alleged that shortly after 1am on 30 September, the 22-year-old victim left a licensed venue on Flinders Street in Melbourne’s CBD.
He then had a conversation with a group of males where it is believed an altercation oc-
The Clyde North man was located in the Yarra River in Melbourne’s CBD around 4pm on Tuesday 1 October, after emergency services were called to reports of the victim’s body.
curred; investigators do not believe the parties were known to each other.
The Clyde North man was punched and elbowed in the head before he ran from the scene; he was then chased by two of the men, one of whom brandished a machete, police allege.
Just before 2.50am, the victim jumped into the Yarra River in what is alleged to be an effort to escape his pursuers; he managed to scramble onto
a jetty before once again falling into the water and subsequently drowning.
An 18-year-old Collingwood man and a 16-year-old Melton South boy were both arrested and interviewed by police.
Anyone with further information or CCTV is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Mila, 3, was fatally injured after being struck by a car at a pedestrian crossing on Heatherton Road, Endeavour Hills on 17 October. (Facebook)
Condolence messages amongst the shrine have gone up at the crossing on Heatherton Rd Endeavour Hills. (Gary Sissons: 439283_15)
Shadow Cabinet talks Casey
By Ethan Benedicto
Issues from infrastructure to the struggles of small businesses were discussed at Fountain Gate Hotel as the Victorian Shadow Cabinet spoke to local businesses and community groups during the Casey Community Lunch.
A casual event that opened the floors to the community from banter to discussion of topical matters, the majority of the cabinet was present, from the leader of the opposition and of the Liberals John Pesutto to local Berwick MP Brad Battin.
Pesutto addressed the crowd of roughly 50 people who gathered in the hotel’s function room, touching base on the importance of having the cabinet’s boots on the ground and engaging with growing cities like Casey.
The topic of ‘alternatives’ was the main focus, with Pesutto emphasising on “providing balance” to the current State Government’s policies and agendas.
“I love taking the Shadow Cabinet out on the road and we try to do that as often as we can, it’s really important to meet with local community leaders and hear their concerns,” he said.
Members from the Berwick District Woodwork Club, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) and many more were present, all of who were more than eager to speak with the politicians.
Pesutto said Casey was one of the biggest councils in state and it was “growing rapidly”. He said it needed more support.
With family in the City of Casey, he said he understood the importance of proper representation, with Evan Mulholland, the shadow minister for home ownership and housing affordability echoing the sentiment, agreeing that Casey’s challenges needed to be in the spotlight.
“It’s very difficult to get new housing projects off the ground, particularly connecting new suburbs with infrastructure,” Mulholland said.
As for Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) funding, Mulholland said they support a system “where what is collected is spent straight away, so things are built as housing estates are going up, whether that be roundabouts, bus stops, train stations”.
“We need to build infrastructure before or as people move in, not decades after.”
In November 2022, the government faced criticism after it was revealed the GAIC fund had more than $368 million in unallocated funding. At the time, a government spokesperson said, “every dollar of the contribution is spent on providing infrastructure for growing communities – such as schools and ambulance facilities”. The government denied it was not using the contributed funds appropriately, the ABC reported at the time.
For Brad Battin, the process of getting out there isn’t anything new, but it remains an integral process of “hearing what’s happening on the ground”.
“Engaging with groups like Syndromes Without a Name (SWAN), and meeting the children tackling these challenges; these small businesses, the different religious groups and talking about topics like mental health in the justice system has been amazing.”
Maya from SWAN sees a benefit in having political figures out and engaging with everyone.
“While I’m not too big into politics, it’s nice to be able to get in touch with people who are able to talk about Syndromes Without a Name, people like Brad (Battin) who attend fundraisers and so on,” she said.
Omar Saleem, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said that it is essential for politicians to have their “boots on the ground”.
“It’s good to get an audience with the Shadow Cabinet, we believe that the status quo has to be settled, has to be challenged,” Saleem said.
Shadow minister for youth Sam Groth sees
gagement, especially surrounding crime, mental health, and how to foster prosperity and growth.
“Itshouldn’tbeabunchofpoliticiansinSpring Street telling young people what to care about, we have to go out and speak to young people in their environment and hear what’s important to them first,” Groth said.
“More than ever young people are getting more and more involved in politics, and their access to information now is much more readily available - and they are the future.”
Charlotte Jones from the Mental Health Legal Centre said that having the chance to speak to the cabinet is significant for residents and lo-
“The City of Casey has a unique set of challenges particularly within the health space, the access to good healthcare is complex down here, as is access to good mental health care,” she said.
“With the expansion of the state’s hospital infrastructure, it’s important that this area and its needs locally are met.”
Also present during the lunch was Akoonah Ward candidate Samuel Dennison and Grevillea
of
Ward candidate John Ternel alongside a number
other shadow cabinet members from AnnMarie Hermans MP, Emma Kealy MP and David Southwick MP.
Leader of the Coalition and of the Liberals, John Pesutto MP addressed the crowd on the importance of hearing the community’s needs and concerns. (Stewart Chambers: 438580_11)
Brad Battin MP and David Southwick MP with Berwick District Woodworkers members Brian Crowe, John McMahon and Don Buchanan. (Stewart Chambers: 438580_02)
Many members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community attended the event, with Omar Saleem (maroon blazer) second to the left. (Stewart Chambers: 438580_15)
Brad Battin MP with Rinal, Lloyd and Maya from SWAN (Syndromes Without A Name) Australia. (Stewart Chambers: 438580_09)
Mark Burnell (Australian Horse Industry Council), Sue Leslie from CFA Large Animal Rescue Team and Emma Kealy MP (Nationals Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Agriculture). (Stewart Chambers: 438580_18)
Sam Groth MP and Evan Mulholland MP both touched on issues around housing, infrastructure and the youth. (Stewart Chambers: 438580_13)
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Vulnerable plovers
Authorities are issuing a reminder to coastal visitors this National Bird Week about the small, but important actions they can take to safeguard vulnerable hooded plovers as they begin nesting along Victoria’s shorelines.
Spring also marks the start of joint protection efforts by the Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria, and BirdLife Australia under Operation Save our Hoodies (SoHo), an initiative educating beachgoers about keeping their distance from hooded plovers and their nests and taking enforcement action when these rules are broken to support the species during their crucial breeding season.
Hooded plovers are tiny, threatened birds that lay eggs in shallow sand scrapes and raise their chicks on beaches between August and March.
The species faces significant threats from people trampling nests or scaring adult birds away from their nests, which leaving eggs vulnerable to the weather and predators, and from dogs chasing, catching, or killing vulnerable chicks.
Last season, Birdlife monitored 152 breeding pairs along Victoria’s coastline and recorded 61 chicks that survived to become juveniles.
Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria Authorised Officers are patrolling Victorian beaches from the far south-west along the coast to Mallacoota in Gippsland as beaches get busier, while BirdLife Australia is monitoring hooded plovers and helping protection efforts by raising public awareness of the species, installing signage, and fencing-off nesting sites.
This year there will be more on-ground presence, education and infrastructure through Operation SoHo.
David McIlroy, director of Regulatory Operations, Conservation Regulator Victoria, said:
“While this week is a great time to celebrate hooded plovers, it’s also crucial for drawing attention to the plight of these tiny native birds and the major impacts beachgoers have on the survival of their eggs and chicks.
“By staying alert to the presence of hooded plovers on beaches from now until March and keeping dogs on leads, not only will community members stay on the right side of the law, but they will be helping protect one of our most vul-
nerable species.”
During the last breeding season from September 2023 to April 2024, Authorised Officers conducted 260 patrols along the Victorian coast and engaged with more than 1600 people.
Authorities also found more beachgoers doing the right thing, issuing only 32 fines, down from 83 in 2022-23, to people for various offences, including disturbing birds and dog owners not complying with rules near hooded plover habitat.
The Conservation Regulator has also selected the hooded plover as one of six native animals featured in its Focus Species program, an initiative promoting wildlife protection at home and in the wild.
The program aims to engage and educate the public on why Victoria’s environmental regulations exist and how following them helps native species survive and thrive for generations to come.
Hooded plovers are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to disturb, injure or destroy them, damage their habitat, or interfere with warning signage. Offenders face maximum penalties ranging between $3,951 and $47,421.
Dog owners must also be aware of local beach regulations, particularly areas where dogs are prohibited, and always keep pets on lead or under their control, as they face fines of up to $4,939 if their dog attacks wildlife.
The Conservation Regulator investigates reports of habitat destruction and dogs harassing hooded plovers. Reports can be made to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
The public is encouraged to report any sightings of hooded plovers nesting in unmarked areas to BirdLife Australia at (03) 9347 0757 or beachnestingbirds@birdlife.org.au
Mpox cases high in South East region
More than a quarter of the 330 mpox cases confirmed and diagnosed in Victoria this year have been in people living in Melbourne’s South East, according to Monash Health.
Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It’s mostly spread through prolonged physical or intimate skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox.
Symptoms resemble sexually transmitted infections and can include a rash that can be painful and affect any part of the body.
Mpox can cause severe illness and leave long-term impacts, such as scarring.
So far 27 people have been hospitalised this year.
“This can be a sexually transmitted infection, so anyone who is sexually active can be at risk,” professor Rhonda Stuart, who is the director of Monash Health’s South East Public Health Unit and director of Infection Preven-
tion & Epidemiology at Monash Health, said.
“It is mainly diagnosed in men who have sex with men, but now we are seeing it in other
people, including a handful of women and in heterosexual transmission.
“People who are sexually active and have any symptoms should get a test from their GP or at a sexual health clinic so they don’t spread it on to other people.”
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer recently released a Health Alert urging doctors to test patients with compatible symptoms for mpox.
Free mpox vaccines are available for eligible Victorians from vaccination providers across Victoria and in the South East.
“It’s important to remember that vaccination prevents severe disease, and, in some cases, it might prevent infection as well,” professor Stuart said.
“But it doesn’t stop all people becoming infected and so you are still at risk of getting the disease, even if you are vaccinated.”
Fatality at Blind Bight
Police are investigating after a motorcycle rider died following a collision in Blind Bight on Thursday 17 October.
Police have been told the rider was traveling on Baxter-Tooradin Road, near the intersection of Warneet Road, when he was struck by another vehicle at about 6.20pm.
The male rider, believed to be aged in his 40s, died at the scene.
The female driver of the car, who was not injured, was arrested at the scene.
She has since been released pending further enquiries.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, with dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
A fatality on Baxter-Tooradin Rd in Blind Bight near the intersection of Warneet Road. (Gary Sissons: 438448)
Post your vote
Voting for the upcoming local council elections will close this week on Friday 25 October, with the Victorian Electoral Commission urging residents to vote before it’s too late. Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said that “local councils make all kinds of decisions for their communities, so it’s important that you exercise your right to vote”.
“Your vote will help decide who will be representing you at the local level or the next four years.”
Completed ballot papers must be in the mail or delivered to the election office by 6pm on Friday, with ballots posted after the deadline not being counted. Voters who haven;t received their ballot pack should go to the VEC website at www. vec.vic.gov.au/2024-council-elections to complete an online replacement ballot pack before Wednesday 23 October. After this date, voters will need to visit their election office to get a replacement on the spot. Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled for this election at 4pm Wednesday 7 August - voters who don’t vote may be fined.
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN
Thumbs up
To the Bunyip Community Market on this Sunday with more than 110 stalls.
Thumbs up
To the amazing Relay in Casey committee. After a year of planning and finally this Saturday, we hit the track. All the very best to all the committee and teams participating. Cancer sucks!
Thumbs down
To the theft our local traders are experiencing in their stores. A real problem is evolving.
Thumbs down
To the state of the roads. Major highways, back roads, length of grass.
Thumbs up
To each day being a new day and the sunshine.
Thumbs down
To the reopened giant potholes everywhere again. What was even the point of filling them when they just reopened? Just do the whole section of the road.
Director of Monash Health’s South East Public Health Unit and director of Infection Prevention & Epidemiology at Monash Health Professor Rhonda Stuart. (Supplied)
Hooded Plover at Flinders Beach. (Gary Sissons: 439448)
Pushing back against jail
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
An “entitled” and “privileged” serial hoon from Berwick is arguing against a jail term after pleading guilty to a spree of dangerous social-media stunts on public roads.
Sushant Mittal, 20, stands accused of reckless conduct endangering life for many of the 12 alleged driving incidents recorded on mobile phones, including his own while driving.
The P-plater admitted to multiple high speed acts up to 255km/h, street racing, rapid swerving between heavy traffic and seat-swapping with a passenger while driving on Monash Freeway.
The incidents took place in Hallam, Clyde North, Berwick, Dandenong North, Eumemmerring, Mulgrave, Blackburn North, Glen Waverley, Parkville, Mt Waverley, Box Hill North, Wheelers Hill and Melbourne in 2022 and 2023.
Many were committed in his family business’s high-powered sports Mercedes – despite it being a prohibited vehicle for probationary drivers due to its high power-weight ratio.
The P-plate driver was also charged with driving a vehicle that was prohibited for probationary drivers due to its high power-weight ratio.
Its speed limiter of 250 km/h had been overridden and its six-cylinder engine re-mapped to a V8, prosecutor JJ Jassar told Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 16 October.
Jassar argued for a jail term and community corrections order (CCO) noting the manner of driving, speeds and the posting on social media for “likes” and “self-aggrandisement”.
Much of Mittal’s “experience” was from playing video games at home, Jassar told the court.
Defence lawyer Chris Farrington said there was scope for a long, punitive CCO only, citing his client’s youth, zero priors and vulnerability in custody.
Magistrate Malcolm Thomas said it was “more likely than not” that he’d sentence Mittal to a
term in custody – despite his own concerns at the “privileged” ex-private school student’s vulnerability.
“He’d find it very very hard, whether it’s adult prison or youth training.
“If he goes in that environment, he will be in a place with people with significant disadvantage.
“He won’t fit in.”
Mittal’s antics weren’t a momentary lapse of attention nor a “one-off”, Thomas said.
Drivers “not driving nearly as badly” as him had killed people on the road and gone to jail for years, Thomas said. He’d put multiple people at an “appreciable risk of death”, the court heard.
He pointed to a video posted on Mittal’s TikTok account @sushionfire – estimating 40 vehicles put at risk as Mittal reached speeds of up to 184 km/h while cutting through mid-afternoon traffic on the Monash Freeway, Mt Waverley.
It depicted Mittal rapidly overtaking a truck,
narrowly missing a car ahead in the next lane and then cutting across two further lanes near the front-end of another vehicle.
“It’s like a game, but it’s not a game – you don’t get to re-spawn,” Thomas said.
“People die.”
It would have just taken Mittal to “clip” an innocent driver merging at the wrong time for potential fatalities and maiming, the court heard.
An aggravating feature was Mittal’s “showing off” as “some big hero” on social media posts. It was an emerging culture that needed to be stamped out, Thomas said.
Thomas said it was “utterly extraordinary” that Mittal continued to have access to the Mercedes even after a visit from police for a 187km/h speeding incident on Eastlink in late 2022.
Defence lawyer Farrington said the father had expressed his “disgust“ after the visit, eliciting a promise from Mittal that it wouldn’t happen again.
The offending had been a “disgusting“ period for his “feeble” and “immature” client, who’d been seeking “likes” on social media and approval from friends.
He’d been since ostracised from his social circle after falsely nominating seven associates and relatives as potential drivers during the incidents.
“One thing that my client can be thankful for is that throughout this idiocy no one has been harmed,“ Farrington said.
Magistrate Thomas said Mittal had been “given everything on a platter”, felt “entitled” and had not felt consequences until now.
The Indian-born accused had dropped out of Haileybury College during exams.
His father then gifted him part-time work and a share in his IGA supermarket.
The Mercedes had been previously impounded by police for one month. After Mittal’s parents paid for its release, the offending then got “worse”, Jassar said.
The prosecution will apply for the car’s forfeiture as “tainted property”.
In March, Mittal had rejected a magistrates’ sentence indication which included a jail term, and indicated he’d fight the charges.
He eventually pleaded guilty at the start of a contest mention hearing on 7 October, with a portion of the 110 original charges being withdrawn.
Mittal had “absolutely no prospect of success” in beating the charges, Thomas said.
In July, Mittal’s twin brother and co-offender Subhanu was convicted of 15 similar charges.
He was fined $4000, disqualified from driving for two years and put on a two-year community corrections order.
Mittal was bailed to next appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 19 November.
‘Tainted property’: Hoon-car confiscation bid fails
The father of a Berwick serial hoon has successfully beaten a police bid to confiscate a BMW vehicle used for dangerous acts such as seatswapping while driving on Monash Freeway.
Dandenong magistrate Julian Ayres found on 21 October that there was no dispute that the car was “tainted property” under the state’s confiscation laws.
However, taking away the 2020 BMW –which was bought for $73,000 by the offender’s parents’ company PHSS Pty Ltd - would cause undue hardship to the father.
The son Subhanu Mittal, 20, had this year pleaded guilty to 15 charges including reckless conduct endangering life, driving with a suspended licence, dangerously losing traction and being a P-plater driving a prohibited vehicle in January-April 2023.
Mittal had used the BMW for at least three of the reckless conduct endangering life charges, Ayres said.
Ayres found that the offending son was not the legal owner of the BMW, though he had bought the car’s $17,000 number plates as an “investment”.
The BMW was bought with a $60,000 loan in 2021, with the father making $760 monthly repayments.
The father would be immediately liable for the remaining $46,000 debt if the car was forfeited to Victoria Police, Ayres said.
He had several business interests that seemed to be largely funded by credit and had no significant cash flow or regular income, the court heard.
Further, there was no evidence that the father had prior knowledge of his son’s illegal driving in the BMW until police raided their home in April 2023, Ayres said.
There had been no further offending in the BMW until it was seized by police eight months later.
Ayres ruled that a forfeiture order would cause “undue economic hardship” and therefore a “disproportionate sanction” on the father as an “innocent but interested third party”.
The family company PHSS that owned the BMW had four directors – co-offending twin brothers Subhanu and Sushant Mittal, and their father and mother.
Subhanu and Sushant Mittal are not shareholders in the company.
The Chief Commissioner of Police will be ordered to pay the father’s legal costs, Ayres ruled.
He added he had “no criticism“ against the police’s “very fair and appropriate“ application.
In July, Subhanu Mittal was convicted by Ayres, fined $4000, disqualified from driving for two years and put on a two-year community corrections order.
The CCO includes supervision, mental health treatment and a likely road-trauma awareness course.
Police had detailed Mittal’s 360-degree burnouts, fishtailing, 200-km/h drag racing on Monash Freeway as well as seat-swapping at high speeds on the freeway, in Domain Tunnel and on Princes Highway, Hallam over four months in 2023.
During the seat swaps, the high-powered BMW was left on cruise control and lane-assist while without a driver for up to 17 seconds.
One of them was performed on the Monash on a Saturday afternoon with an L-plate passenger.
This month, Mittal’s twin brother Sushant Mittal pleaded guilty to charges including reckless conduct endangering life for similar offending.
The Mercedes AMG sports car used by Sushant is also subject to a confiscation bid by Victoria Police.
The County Court of Victoria. (AAP Image/Con Chronis)
Carbon, ecosystems focus
By Ethan Benedicto
Recent reports have revealed that the world’s carbon sinks are on the decline, meaning the natural capacity of Earth’s nature to absorb human emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been severely reduced in 2023, as compared to previous years.
A Guardian article, which cited research from a global research team, stated that in 2023 the global land carbon sink absorbed 0.44 gigatonnes of carbon per year (GtC), far below the 2.04 GtC average from 2010 to 2022.
The U.S-based not-for-profit Conservation International responded to the article, with scientists Will Turner and Bronson Griscom agreeing that nature’s ability to absorb CO2 is weakening but emphasised that natural processes are continuing, although on a much smaller scale.
Belinda McPhee, a Federation University student in Environmental and Conservation Science, shared insights from a pilot project, where she and her peers planted native species across local councils to see how they adapt to climate changes.
“Really, working ecosystems store the most carbon, so we need to make sure that we keep our ecosystems healthy over the long term,” she said.
She acknowledged the severity of the situation but stressed that preserving healthy ecosystems remains key in balancing the carbon equation.
“We can’t plant our way out of the carbon crisis, there is not enough land on Earth to plant enough trees to absorb it all… we have to stop emitting so much.”
McPhee added that projects like the one she took part in can help ecosystems adapt to the already changing climate.
The Guardian’s article was based on research from institutions like Tsinghua University, the University of Exeter, Leipzig University, University of Paris-Saclay and Microsoft Research, titled “Low latency carbon budget analysis reveals a large decline of the land carbon sink in 2023.“
The findings emphasised that nature’s ability
to mitigate climate change is faltering, driven by deforestation, fossil fuel burning, and industrial activities.
Conservation International critiqued the ar-
ticle for missing opportunities to highlight successful restoration efforts globally, which showed that natural climate solutions could offer some hope.
With both Conservation Natural scientists calling for natural climate solutions, McPhee and her peers saw good progress in the first threemonth interval of their project, with a 94.3 per cent survival rate across the five sites from the Greater Dandenong Council, Knox City Council and Maroondah City Council.
The project’s plants, where some originated from Warrandyte and in cooler climate areas such as Inverloch “are not affecting their ability to establish”.
“We’ve used five locally indigenous species sourced from cooler, wetter climates, to help local plants adapt more quickly to the expected future climate,” McPhee explained, noting that intermingling species accelerates this adaptation.
The international report also highlighted the impacts of extreme climate events, such as record temperatures and droughts, which reduced nature’s ability to absorb CO2.
Droughts in the Amazon led to carbon losses of 0.31 GtC, and wildfires in Canada contributed 0.58 GtC in emissions.
The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii recorded a CO2 growth rate of 3.37 billion tonnes in 2023, 86 per cent higher than in 2022, marking the highest rate since measurements began in 1958, with this rapid increase pointing to the weakening of natural carbon sinks.
For McPhee and Conservation Natural, restoring and supporting natural ecosystems is essential.
“Where this project fits in is that these are ecosystems that we’re working to restore because they help with mitigation, they help people feel good, they help with the ecosystem that they are in.
“We also need to think about Australia, how big of an influence we’ve had in the ecosystems and the species here… we need to be looking after our natural capital, it’s all we’ve got.”
Belinda McPhee believes that measures that cultivate nature, much akin to the project she took part in, are what is required to mitigate the effects of climate change. (Riley Fisher Photography)
Frustrations voiced over preferential voting moves
By Violet Li
Independent Casey Council candidates in the south say they are frustrated at the preferential voting strategies by party-affiliated candidates in their respective wards.
As Star News understands, about 12 out of 42 Casey South candidates across six wards, including Correa, Cranbourne Gardens, Kowan, Quarters, River Gum, and Tooradin, are Labor members, one Libertarian, one Liberal, and two Freedom. None of the Labor members in the Casey South have been endorsed by the party.
According to the Australian Labor Party Victorian Branch Rules 2023, any party member standing for election to a municipal vacancy shall be required to direct preferences to any other party member standing for the same vacancy before any other candidate, unless exemptions apply.
Kowan Ward independent candidate Jawad Erfani said he had seen the impact of preferential voting and how it could be frustrating.
“Especially when political parties used it to push their own agendas at the local level,” he said.
“Unfortunately, in our ward, we’ve seen partybacked candidates use preferential voting strategies to influence the outcome, which limits the chances for genuine, independent candidates like myself to represent the community without political bias.
“It’s damaging when political parties infiltrate local elections because it shifts the focus away from what truly matters—local issues that affect everyday residents.”
Kowan Ward has two Labor members, one Libertarian, and five independents.
Tooradin Ward independent candidate Anthony Tassone said there were three Labor-affiliated candidates in his ward, and they had all put each other under top preferences.
“This has not been made clear to voters the reasons behind this, and I believe political party membership, not just whether they are endorsed, should be disclosed clearly to voters in ballot packs to best inform them,” he said.
“Some candidates may indicate that they are members of a political party but are not endorsed and are running as an independent. If their political party membership rules require them to act in a certain way with preferencing then how can they seriously call themselves ‘independent’?
“They’re following a directive of a third party which is a political organisation, and that is not independent at all. While I have been doorknocking, I often get asked whether I am affiliated with a political party so it’s clearly of interest to voters.
“Political parties have enough influence at state and federal government level and have no place at local government to act in the best interests of residents.”
River Gum candidate, also a Labor member, Garry Page agreed with Mr Tassone and said as the candidate statements did not require nonendorsed party members to show their memberships, the average voter could give their votes to a
candidate who would not normally receive their vote if party memberships were known.
“When I state that I’m a member of the Labor, there are likely to be some voters who prefer other political parties, to then move me further down the ballot paper. Therefore there is a slight advantage of not providing party membership information as that suppresses any negative impacts associated with a political party,” he said.
Mr Page said he was not doing any preference deals with any candidate in his ward.
“My preference is for the election of a competent and trustworthy councillor,” he said.
“Voters will decide on the merits of every candidate without my influence on their distribution of preferences. Therefore, I’m not supplying a how-to-vote card.”
Mr Page and candidate Wayne Smith in River Gum Ward are both Labor members. Mr Smith put Mr Page under number four.
Quarters Ward independent candidate Ian Wood said candidates should not be doing multiple preference deals.
Kowan Ward candidate Kasuni Mendis, who is a Labor member, said other candidates in her ward had made strategic alliances to attempt to create better preference flows for themselves.
“This I feel reduces the integrity of the preferential voting system which is to encourage voters to vote according to their own values. In my view, a candidate’s ’How to Vote’ should be a recommendation to voters based on who is the next best to represent the community based on values,” she said.
Ms Mendis said though she was obliged to preference another Labor member Raj Nayak, she was also happy to preference Mr Nayak second based on their similar values and similar involvement with the community.
“I’m proud to say that I have been transparent and open not only about my involvement within a political party but also with how I have determined my how-to-vote recommendations…” she said. “It could be said that those who have been transparent about their affiliations have run more transparent and honest campaigns with integrity than those who have hidden their alliances and have made deals with other candidates based on what is best for their prospects of getting elected, over what is best for the community according to their values.”
Mr Nayak, when inquired, said during his campaign, he found out voters didn’t show much rejection of any political party. “They stick to their issues to be solved,” he said.
Quarters Ward candidate, also a Labor member, Aftab Hussain said the preferential voting system allowed voters the opportunity to cast their vote beyond their cultural and linguistic inclinations which would allow the best candidate to succeed and represent the community.
“As a member of the Labor, I have preferenced my fellow Labor members and others who have a view of improvements in the Ward,” he said.
Tooradin Ward independent candidate Anthony Tassone. (Supplied)
Kowan Ward independent candidate Jawad Erfani. (Supplied)
Kowan Ward candidate Kasuni Mendis (Labor member). (Supplied)
Kowan Ward candidate Raj Nayak (Labor member). (Supplied)
Quarters Ward candidate Aftab Hussain (Labor member). (Supplied)
Quarters Ward independent candidate Ian Wood. (Stewart Chambers: 414834)
Dementia impacting many
By Ethan Benedicto
Dementia Australia has called for a greater emphasis on early preventative measures, as new statistics reveal that dementia remains one of the highest causes of death in the country, with Victoria second on the list for the highest rates.
The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that in 2023, dementia accounted for 9.1 per cent of all deaths in the country, which closely follows ischaemic heart disease at 9.2 per cent.
It also remains the leading cause of death for Australian women, representing 12.2 per cent of all female deaths and 6.4 per cent of male deaths.
Margaret Nummey, a caregiver from Cranbourne by trade and by heart of over 25 years, said that more transparency and resources are needed to combat the terminal disease.
“The clients aren’t told what’s available to them unless they ask, and I also find that they’re embarrassed to ask because obviously they don’t want to admit that their loved one has dementia, that’s the first problem,” Nummey said.
Currently, Nummey cares for two elderly patients with dementia, where she adds that a greater level of care not just for the patients, but also for parties and bodies helping them is required.
“The second problem is that there’s not enough contact with the people at the office, there’s no rapport with them, they see their care managers maybe twice a year; maybe you’ll get the exceptional one, but then they leave - there’s no continuity.
“Most of the clients I’ve had, I’ve had with my current company, so we’re looking at nearly four years and watching the decline as a caregiver is one of the saddest things to ever see, you’ve become part of their family.”
Nummey was a caregiver before she was officially a ‘caregiver’ - having looked after her mum for over 12 years who also suffered from dementia, an experience that she believes makes her the person with a passion like no other for the role she has today.
Being a caregiver gives Nummey a sense of
fulfilment, where her love for the job has her treating patients “like they are my parents, and how they should be treated”, making her sense of duty to those in need, especially when “more could be done”, ironclad.
As of 2023, Victoria recorded 3658 deaths related to dementia including Alzheimer’s disease; throughout Australia, the country recorded 16,685 deaths related to the disease.
Dementia Australia CEO professor Tanya Buchanan said that given there is no cure for dementia, as well as the poor community understanding of the terminal nature of the disease, the ABS data reinforces the urgent need for a public health approach that looks to reduce or prevent the risks of developing dementia.
“This call is backed by the 2024 update of the
Lancet Commission on the prevention, treatment, and care of dementia, which reports that almost half of the dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed,” the professor said.
According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, which cited the Lancet Commission in their research, 45 per cent of dementia cases could be delayed or reduced, which was up 5 per cent from their findings in 2020.
The study found that addressing most risk factors in midlife (between 18 and 65 years) had the greatest impact on delaying or preventing the onset of dementia later in life.
Meanwhile, insufficient education for those aged up to 18 was identified as a risk factor.
In addition, social isolation, air pollution and vision loss were found to have a more significant impact on risk in late life (65 years and over).
“There are currently an estimated 421,000 Australians living with dementia and without a significant intervention, this number is expected to increase to more than 812,000 by 2054,” Professor Buchanan said.
To Nummey, delivering this message of advocacy and exposure at all levels of the local community is essential for early prevention, whether it be through TV, social media platforms or local forums.
“The company that I work for and others can open this information up to other people, or even the government to have meetings where people can go ask questions and not feel like they’re being silly,” Nummey said.
Processes and specifications related to dementia, from medical consultation to aged care support and legal and financial planning “need to be simplified”.
“Everything needs to be simplified, it has to be put in an order, from A, B, C, D, so people in the aged care sector can understand where they’re at and what they’re doing,” she said.
“Some of these people [patients] don’t have any family and it’s really sad; but who else have they got? They need advocates, everything that is required for people with dementia has a cost.
“So who’s going to advocate for them? Is it really up to use caregivers? It puts us in a stressful position because we’re seeing how they are, their financials, we caregivers shouldn’t be doing that, but we do it because we like to help.”
A new system or body that oversees those with dementia or terminal illnesses is a must, with Nummey adding that simplification goes a long way, even for the general public to be made aware of what dementia is, how it affects people and what steps can be taken early on.
For Buchanan, taking a two-pronged approach to further early education and broader advocacy and exposure can be the essential steps needed to reduce the percentage and dementia’s rise to the nation’s leading cause of death.
Creative talents on show as art lovers flock to Noble Park
Art lovers flocked to Noble Park Community Centre Art Show last weekend (18-20 October), taking in a whopping 720 works.
The annual event showcases the best of Noble Parks artists - from the young to the experienced.
Among the winners in 2024 were Glenn Hoyle and Qian Zhao, who each took out two awards.
There were 15 prizes on offer, including awards for open artists, juniors, schools and photography.
Internationally acclaimed painter and gallery artist Julian Clavijo was one of the esteemed four judges.
Margaret Nummey, a 61-year-old caregiver, said that simplification and early education need to be prioritised for an effective approach to dementia. (Ethan Benedicto: 439083_01)
Jayden Truman, 10, with his work Bear of Cool Throne. (Rob Carew: 435471)
Noble Park Community Centre Knitting Club, from left, Grissel, Valerie, Cecilia, Sheila, Maline, Maria. (435471)
Adrian Olguin and his work Sedated Halo. Olguin is also featured in an exhibition at the community centre. (435471)
Elizabeth Thomson with her True Love watercolour. (435471)
Anthony J. Galea with his work Bloom (Spring Incarnate!). (435471)
Lions Club of Noble Park and Keysborough members Joshua Out, Carolyn Dodds, Julie Clarke, Thomas Out and Carol Curtis. The club sponsored the Best School prize given to Spring Parks Primary School. (435471)
Louisa Arnott with her work A Butterfly Garden. (435471)
Ready for the next journey
By Ethan Benedicto
but the moment was even sweeter for Elizabeth Zavros.
The culmination of 12 years of schooling reached a climactic end on Wednesday 16 October, as the journey to becoming a maternal and child health nurse came to a close, Elizabeth delivered a riveting speech to the audience, one that spoke of resilience, perseverance and triumph.
“I still feel like I have to pinch myself that I actually got here,” Elizabeth said.
“But I was nervous, I don’t think anyone really enjoys public speaking, but getting up there and delivering that speech, made me reflect on the last 12 years or so of my life.
“To get to that moment it was like, tying it all together rather beautifully, it was the last time I was going to be doing that, and I don’t think I’m going to study again, so I really kept those
[thoughts] at the back of my mind.”
Elizabeth completed a Graduate Diploma of Health (Child and Family Health Nursing) after training and working as a nurse and midwife; beforehand, she was motivated to enrol in the course while recovering from a preventative double mastectomy after discovering she had a BRCA2 gene mutation.
When she first began her studies in 2013, it was as a single mum, and after dropping out of high school in Year 11, “people thought I was pretty crazy”.
“‘Uni is really hard’, I remember being told that many a time, that it’s really tough, and that I have two little girls and that I’m a single mum, they asked, ‘do you really think you should be doing this?’
“And I did, I got through three years without failing anything, I did my nursing grad year after, but I’ve always wanted to do midwifery and maternal and child health, that was always the goal.”
After applying to the midwifery course, Elizabeth met her current husband, and also with two
daughters meant a “demanding” few years from her studies to her everyday life.
Nevertheless, she pushed through, soon after working as a midwife for five years before she was diagnosed; but it was then, a wave of feelings and realisation, the determined thought of working towards a greater good when Elizabeth decided to apply for her course.
The previous year was nothing short of difficult, with her coming out of her surgery at the beginning of 2023, and with classes beginning in March with 330 hours of placement on top of her part-time role as a midwife and nurse.
“Then, in the middle of last year, my father passed away, it was a lot, it was a tricky year,” she said.
“Dealing with the mastectomy, and the ongoing procedures, but I got there in the end, I just had to take one step at a time.
“If you think about it and you stand back and go, ‘oh my God, I’ve got to do three degrees, there’s no way I’m going to be able to do this’.
“But you’ve just to take it one step at a time
and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, close friends, and my children as well.”
For Elizabeth, it was all about taking it slow, and through the support of her loved ones, having the confidence in herself to achieve what she has always wanted to become.
“My children are my number one priority, hence why I went into midwifery and maternal and child health,” she said.
“I look at my children and think, I want to provide them with a great life, and I want to be able to show them what you can do as well.
“It’s all about going step by step, one week at a time, one day at a time, being slow and pacing yourself, and you just have to think about what your goal is and really hold on tight and make sure you follow through.
“Don’t listen to that self-doubt, and I didn’t think I would ever say how much I absolutely love a job, but it’s just a job for me - it’s about holding on to that dream and to keep on going,” she said.
Youth celebrated at inclusive awards dinner
By Violet Li
Local charity Bakhtar Community Organisation held its annual Bakhtar Youth of the Year Award Dinner on Friday 11 October.
The night recognised the outstanding contributions and achievements of the youth, with a turnout of over 300 attendees, including dignitaries from more than 70 organisations as well as government representatives.
Award winners included Parisa Sekandari for Bakhtar Youth High Achiever of the Year, Zahira Malikyar for Bakhtar Youth Volunteer of the Year, and Nilab Mohammadi for Bakhtar Youth Athlete of the Year.
Bakhtar founder and chief executive Bassir Qadiri said this year the award night was a bit different because it wasn’t for the Afghan community only.
“It was inclusive of everyone. As in the guests, they were not only from the Afghan community. We had guests from different community backgrounds, and the session was full in English,” he said.
“That’s how we moved on to become a multicultural organisation. That’s why we wanted it to be reflected in our events as well.
“We had performances like Bollywood performances from India, and we had a Turkish performance.”
Finalists for the Bakhtar Youth Awards.
Youth Volunteer Finalist Rahmana Basit and chief executive Bassir Qadiri.
Bakhtar Youth High Achiever of the Year winner Parisa Sekandari and South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis.
Turkish performer Serkan Tumkaya is performing Turkish dance.
Bakhtar Youth Volunteer of the Year Award winner Zahra Malikyar and chief executive Bassir Qadiri.
With chins held high and smiles on their faces, graduates from Federation University’s Berwick and Gippsland campuses graced the halls and stages of Bunjil Place,
The stage was adorned by colourful academic regalia, complete with hats, gowns and pride on their chests. (Gary Sissons: 437629)
Elizabeth Zavros delivered a speech during Federation University’s graduation ceremony on Wednesday 16 October. (437629)
Aus Day ceremony debate
By Violet Li
As calls to change the date of Australia Day have gained increasing public attention in recent years, Star News spoke to Casey South candidates across six wards on their attitudes towards Australia Day celebrations at the council level.
In 2022, the Federal Government allowed councils to hold citizenship ceremonies within three days before or after Australia Day.
Casey Council had chosen to stick with its tradition of holding the Australia Day citizenship ceremony on 26 January, despite many councils pulling out after the policy change.
The endorsed City of Casey Reconciliation Action Plan in May this year states that the council will seek wider community feedback on holding the annual Australia Day citizenship ceremony on an alternative date(s) within the parameters of the Federal Government Guidelines.
Most candidates surveyed across Correa Ward, Cranbourne Gardens Ward, Kowan Ward, Quarters Ward, River Gum Ward, and Tooradin Ward have supported the citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.
Kowan Ward candidate Shane Taylor said he saw no compelling reason to alter the date of this significant national citizenship ceremony.
“Australia Day, celebrated on 26 January, holds a deep historical and cultural significance for our nation. It’s a day that symbolizes unity and national pride, offering an opportunity for all Australians to come together and celebrate our shared values and achievements. For many new citizens, this day also marks a meaningful milestone as they are officially welcomed into the Australian community,” he said.
“Having spoken with a number of immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds, I have found that they are eager to embrace Australian traditions and values.
“They view the citizenship ceremony on Australia Day as a powerful affirmation of their commitment to their new home.
“It’s a moment that signifies their acceptance into Australian society and their respect for everything that makes this country unique.”
Mr Taylor said he understood that there were differing opinions.
“I believe changing the date of the Australia Day citizenship ceremony could potentially create more division rather than fostering unity,” he said.
“Our focus should be on celebrating what unites us as Australians, rather than what divides us.
“We must ensure that we can celebrate our nation without feeling as though we are offending other cultures or communities.”
Cranbourne Gardens Ward candidate Tamas Kapitany shared a similar attitude with Mr Taylor.
“I see no reason to change that date,” he said.
“It’s a tradition we have and value. Attempts to change that date only divide us and create potential conflict.”
Another Cranbourne Gardens Ward candidate Michelle Crowther said Australia Day had been a key topic in her conversations with locals throughout the election and she would bring more events on the day if elected.
“In 2024, there wasn’t an official City of Casey Australia Day event, so my family and I attended a community celebration at Arthur Wren Hall in Hampton Park. It was a wonderful occasion that
brought together many different cultural and community groups,” she said.
“We celebrated Australia Day and reflected on how fortunate we are to live in a united and diverse country.
“If elected, I will advocate for bringing back Australia Day events in the City of Casey. These events offer a chance for our community to come together and celebrate the values that unite us.
“I understand that Australia Day can be challenging for some, so I believe the City of Casey could offer events that acknowledge our history while celebrating the best of Australia, giving everyone the freedom to participate in a way that feels meaningful to them.”
Kowan Ward candidate Jawad Erfani said if elected, he would not support any changes to the Australia Day citizenship ceremony or altering the significance of Australia Day and its celebration.
“I understand that there are differing views on this topic, but I personally support maintaining the current date for citizenship ceremonies and celebrating Australia Day as a national holiday,” he said.
“It holds great importance for many residents in the City of Casey, and I believe in respecting their views.”
Quarters Ward candidate David Rolfe said Australia Day celebrations and citizenship ceremonies won’t change on his watch.
“The day celebrates being Australian, regardless of heritage and welcomes migrants to our big Aussie family,” he said.
River Gum Ward candidate Wayne Smith said he was absolutely in favour of an Australia Day Citizenship.
“I attended every year for nearly 25 years and MC’d at various Aust Day events for almost as long,” he said.
Quarters Ward candidate Aftab Hussain said he supported the citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.
“Our community has expressed their desire to celebrate Australia Day and I am committed to celebrating it,” he said.
Correa Ward candidate Gary Rowe said: “We as Australians can’t continue to give up on our
traditions and celebrations. We have no good reason to.”
River Gum Ward candidate Damien Rosario said he would keep the ceremony and tradition of awarding citizenships on Australia Day.
“Australia Day should be a time to unite every one of all backgrounds together to celebrate what’s good about modern Australia. We have progressed a long way as a nation since our founding and though we cannot change the past, we can learn from our history and stand united for a brighter future together,” he said.
Cranbourne Gardens Ward candidate Mary Beth Melton and Tooradin Ward candidates Anthony Tassone and Jennifer Dizon believed that it was not an issue that should be focused on at the council level, but they supported the celebration on the day.
Ms Melton said the local council needed to focus primarily on local issues.
“As long as Australia Day remains on the 26th, I support citizenship ceremonies on the day to signify pride in our national identity, emphasise our civic responsibilities and promote community celebration,” she said.
“I do not believe our local councils should be weighing in on the day we celebrate Australia Day at all, but personally, I will celebrate on the 26th as I always have.
“I am absolutely committed to doing everything I can to ensure that our local council remains focused on local issues and is only involved in affairs that impact our local community as much as possible.
“I believe changing the date of when we celebrate Australia day is a Federal issue and I believe Victorian councils are too politicised. Community members I have spoken to are crying out for local councils to stay focused on local issues. This is what I intend to do if elected.”
Mr Tassone said it was not within the remit of local government to debate what day the national day should be.
“That is a matter for other levels of government. Whenever our National Day is declared, and it is currently the 26th of January, I strongly believe that local councils should fully support it as a day of community celebration recognising how great our country is made all the stronger by
our diversity and multiculturalism,” he said.
“Citizenship ceremonies are a tremendous honour for not only the recipients of Australian citizenship but for local councils to host.
“Whilst I have been doorknocking, I have met many residents who have become Australian citizens on Australia Day, and they feel great pride and gratitude. It truly is very special.
“Many Australian service men and women, and the families that have lost a loved one, have paid the ultimate price defending our country and interests under our nation’s flag so we can have the freedoms we enjoy. This should never be taken for granted.”
Ms Dizon said: “I believe that changing the date of Australia Day is a Federal Government issue, and it’s important for the Casey City Council to remain focused on the issues that directly impact our local communities. Councils should move away from non-local issues and focus on essential local matters. If elected, this will be my utmost priority.
“Nonetheless, I strongly support maintaining the current date for the citizenship ceremonies and celebrating Australia Day on 26 January. It is a day of significance for many Australians, and I see no reason to abandon this tradition.”
River Gum Ward candidate Garry Page has been the only responding candidate saying the starting point for discussion should be what event was to be celebrated as Australia Day.
“Wikipedia has the first designated ‘Australia Day’ as Friday 30 July 1915. The current date is not a celebration of Captain Cook’s discovery of Australia, or Federation when the original colonies joined together to form the Australian nation. What is the point of celebrating the wrong date?” he said.
“The starting point for discussion should be what event is to be celebrated as ‘Australia Day’.
“Why should we celebrate ‘Sydney Day’ as ‘Australia Day’?
“If Australia becomes a republic would there be a new date for ‘Australia Day’? The current date makes as much sense as having a Queen’s Birthday celebration when we have King Charles. Let alone the fact that the Queen’s Birthday public holiday was never held on the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.”
Kowan Ward candidate Kasuni Mendis said: “Australia is a country full of a diverse and broad range of people who have different views and opinions on Australia Day. For some, it is a day of pain and hurt as a result of past and present transgressions, for some, it is a day of celebration for all that our country is.
“I believe we need to find a solution for this issue that allows for both perspectives.
“I believe we absolutely should be celebrating the best of what this great nation has to offer. Changing the date of the public holiday, however, is a Federal Government issue.”
Tooradin Ward candidate Andrew Gai said If elected, one of the biggest shifts in the next council’s decision-making would be to consult prior to making a final decision on big issues such as Australia Day.
“So I would like to hear what Casey residents think in regards to holding a Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day 26 January and I will respect the outcome of such consultation,” he said.
“I personally would like to see Australia Day move to a Day that all Australians, particularly our First Nations people can celebrate.”
‘A collective effort’: Honour for Wellsprings leader
Known as a tireless champion for migrant women, Wellsprings for Women chief executive Dalal Smiley is among 21 new inductees in the 2024 Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
Smiley’s induction in the ‘local champion’ category was announced by Women’s Minister Natalie Hutchins at the Arts Centre Melbourne on 16 October.
It was important to note that her induction was due to the “efforts of the women in my life”, Smiley said.
“(Their) contribution, kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness and appreciation made this happen.
“From (Dandenong MP) Gabrielle Williams who nominated me, to our chairperson Janet Cribbes whose endorsement of the nomination
was critical, to my staff and management team whose work is being celebrated and acknowledged through this award today.”
In 1976 Smiley arrived with her family as refugees from the civil war in Lebanon.
In a varied and storied career, Smiley has led award-winning programs at City of Darebin, chaired the Victorian Arabic Social Services and served as a commissioner with the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
Smiley has been a strong advocate at the helm of Dandenong-based Wellsprings for Women since 2017.
It provides services such as specialist family violence case management for migrant and refugee women.
“Nothing is achieved by one person,” Smiley
said.
“But mountains are moved by a collective effort as evidenced at Wellsprings as we all pulled together in the last seven years to be the safe and enabling place for women to thrive.”
The Honour Roll was created by the late Premier Joan Kirner in 2001.
Since then, more than 750 women from across Victoria have been inducted for their contributions in fields such as science, art, environment, law, social justice, research, health, media and education.
Hutchins said the Honour Roll recognizes “remarkable, intelligent and determined women who have paved the way for countless others, contributed to their communities and become leaders in their fields”.
Wellsprings chief executive Dalal Smiley has been inducted in the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. (Stewart Chambers: 365111)
Do you support the citizenship ceremony on Australia Day? (AAP Image/Darren England)
Studio life with artist Sam
By Violet Li
When Sam Michelle first attended the Casey’s Open Studios Weekend, she was painting in the lounge room of her Berwick home.
Fast forward seven years and now, she has a studio of her own nestled at the back of her house in the quiet peaceful town of Blind Bight. The artist will soon have her second experience in late October.
The sweet spot is where arts, nature and life meet. Oil paintings of native flora scatter abundant colours around. Large portraits of wattles, waratahs, banksia, and protea.
A lineup of ceramics and textiles on the shelf shows the alternative creative efforts. Greeneries flicker as you move around the space. Threads of light travel through the translucent ceiling, bathing the room in a membrane of tender cosiness.
A path at the end of the studio goes to Sam’s beloved garden, where she finds her inspiration.
“I grow what I want to paint now,” she said.
“I’ve germinated heaps of seeds, which is really exciting. I don’t know what they’re even going to really look like in real life, but when they grow, then I’ll be like, oh, I’ve got to paint those before they die.
“It’s just this constant inspiration out here.”
When there is not enough happening in her garden, the Blind Bight artist will go to the neighbours, the florists, the local nurseries, and the flower markets to keep her artistic mind flowing.
The New Zealand-born artist has been a fulltime oil painter in her home studio for a decade. She paints native flower arrangements in household scenes to tell stories.
It’s a life she chose to follow her passion for the ex-banker.
“I was always drawing. When I went to high school, that’s when I found my passion for art, and it was the question of, do I get a full-time job or do I go to university and study art,” she recalled.
“And I always wanted to keep it more personal rather than a job back then when I was younger.
“But I think when you’re working in a bit of a soul-sucking finance job, it was just so stressful. A few things were happening at work, and I realised that I needed to follow my passions.
“My husband was in finance also, and he stopped to start his passion, which is teaching kids sports. And that was inspiring to me, to see that someone could do it. I slowly went part-time and then reduced my hours. And then made the sweet time.
“So I took a career break. I took a soft chance.”
The fear of having to go back to the banking job had kept her motivated and getting outside her comfort zone, Sam joked.
“Sunday nights at the bank, I always used to be so stressed out. I’ve got banking tomorrow to
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go to, but then last night, I’m not stressed out because I get to do what I love,” she said.
“What drives you? That’s what I’m saying to my kids, like, come on, I will support you to study whatever drives you, not something that you just think is going to make money.
“Do what you wanna do.”
For Sam, Open Studio Day has always been special for artists.
“You basically stand here and feel judged for the whole time, so I am gonna have some food and drink,” she joked.
“A lot of others come and ask all the questions, which is great. And then you’ll have the old follower on Instagram who just wants to come and have a look.
“It’s a vulnerable experience, but it’s really lovely at the same time.
“I do it for the connection. You’re here by yourself all day every day, so it’s nice to meet people and share tips and tricks.
“When I visit my friends’ spaces, it’s pretty special to be where they create every day. I don’t know if everyone will feel like that when they come here, but I think it’s a beautiful opportunity for people to come and connect with artists.”
Sam will deep clean her house and welcome anyone who wants to connect or just have a look on 26 and 27 October in her Bind Bight studio. There are 11 other spaces participating in the Casey’s Open Studios Weekend, and art forms include printmaking, painting, wood turning, pottery, hot glass and ceramic sculpting, pottery, UV reactive art and more.
For more information, visit: casey.vic.gov.au/ events/open-studios-weekend
Christmas Day
Join us in the Ballroom at Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley this Christmas and indulge in a Yuletide Celebration. Indulge in a sumptuous buffet featuring all your traditional favourites including antipasto, seafood, carvery station and delicious desserts as well as a festive selection of beverages.
Lunch from 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Dinner from 6:30pm – 9:30pm
$229.00 - Adult (18+ years)
$79.00 - Child (6-17 years)
Children 5 years and under are Complimentary
and
or
Sam Michelle in her home studio. The Blind Bight artist is about to finish her latest works. (Stewart Chambers: 437098)
The cosy home studio. (437098)
Funds flow to community
A bank has celebrated its 25th birthday by handing out $250,000 of grants to South East community groups.
Community Bank Carrum Downs and its Marriott Waters branch gave grants to 30 awardees at a birthday party and presentation on 9 October.
Recipients included a Christmas twilight market, a cat adoption program, a bike donation program to refugees, a mobile kitchen outreach service, free school lunches, Skye CFA, Cranbourne Rotary Club, Cranbourne Little Athletics, Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce and Cranbourne CFA and Cranbourne Cricket Club.
“It was such a special event and a poignant time to reflect on the massive impact that Community Banking has made over the last 25 years and how we continue to help our community thrive,” the bank posted on social media.
“There were so many great stories that were shared, and so many amazing groups involved that we couldn’t possibly fit them all into one post.”
Over their 25-year history, the branches have returned 80 per cent of their profits back in the community, totalling nearly $5 million.
The full list of grants is below:
· Lyrebird Community Centre - Christmas Twilight Market
· Frankston Bombers FNC - Trophies / presentation night
Melbourne Roller Hockey - Junior Development Program
· Pines Men’s Shed - Defibrillator
2nd Chance Cat Rescue - Cat adoption program
· Skye Cricket Club - Life members and sponsors event
Door of Hope Aust. Inc. - Provide support to the Sudanese community in Australia.
· Cranbourne Rotary - Support ACE Foundation. 100 pairs of glasses.
· Rotary Club of Frankston North - Refurbish phones for domestic violence survivors
WHAT’S ON
Emerald Cemetery Walk
The Narre Warren and District Family History Group is hosting a 90-minute walk through the Emerald Cemetery at 180 Macclesfield Road, Avonsleigh on Sunday 27 October from 10am.
The group will be sharing stories of people from the Casey Cardinia area, including a young man shot by his best friend, a pioneer in vitamin C research, a humanitarian involved in starting Amnesty International Australia, a nurse who set up a Bush Nursing Centre, and a policeman who arrested a dead man.
The Emerald Cemetery was established in 1883 and is managed by the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.
Light refreshments will be included at the end of the walk and a book will be available for purchase. $10 entry.
• For more information, contact cemetery. tours@nwfhg.org.au, treasurer@nwfhg.org.au or 0412 084 671.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
Community Day - Morning Melodies with Gavin Chatelier - Friday 1 November 10.30am-4pmincludes lunch and afternoon tea - Proudly sponsored by City of Casey. Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club meets weekly for a range of different events, including bus trips, community days, games, coffee and chat, bingo, dancing and carpet bowls.
Weekly activity times - Line Dancing Mon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
• For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/ groups/487808127399953
Cranbourne Chorale
Cranbourne Chorale invites you to enjoy a pleasant Sunday afternoon of lovely choral music... Selected from this year’s wide-ranging repertoire, with world music, folk (traditional and recent), Gospel and popular songs... plus a lively set of jazz and swing numbers, sure to get your toes tapping!
· Belvedere Bowls Club - Prize money/membership drive
· Peninsula Dragonfly’s - Boat Covers
· The Sixth Child - Positive Incentive Program –10 schools
· Camp No Fear - Sensory space and equipment for special needs campers.
· The Babes Project - Re-print motherhood book
· Fusion Australia - Case work for social housing project
· Skye Fire Brigade (CFA) - New space for members, amenities and equipment at Skye Fire Station.
· Mum’s Supporting Families in Need - Hamper containers for Christmas food support.
· Brainwave Bikes - Donate 20 bikes to refugees in South East suburbs.
· Cranbourne Little Athletics - Replace athletics equipment
· Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce - Help locals from multi-cultural backgrounds with skills to set up and operate businesses.
· South Sea Roller Derby - Subsidise cost of attending roller derby tournament.
· Frankton & District Netball Association - Bendigo Bank Umpire Program. Essential items for stadium.
· Frankston SES - Upgrade training equipment
· Cranbourne SES - New unit, SES Open Day. Attract new members and volunteers.
· 21st Vic. Boys Brigade Mitcham - Training course for volunteer
· Elevate 180 - School lunch program (nine schools and one kindergarten. 210 meals per day – 1 year).
· Seaford Tigers Cricket Club - Sport & Life Training (SALT) leadership program.
· Life-Gate Inc. - Upgrade food van and trailer. Mobile kitchen outreach program.
· Frankston Rovers Junior Football Club - Commercial dishwasher for safe food and drink service.
· Cranbourne Cricket Club - Junior development program.
Tickets $25 Adult, $20 Concession, $5 Children
With guest artists Pare and Pranau, folk-playing siblings on guitar and violin. ...and after all that, a sumptuous afternoon tea to refresh you before your journey home!
• 2:30pm Sunday 10 November, 2024 Cranbourne Presbyterian Church, Crn Sladen & Russel Sts, Cranbourne
Berwick CWA
The Country Women’s Association Berwick Branch acknowledges recent support for their ’Spring Comes to Berwick 2024’ Fashion Show in September.
As promised, 100 per cent of profits from this event is supporting their Casey North Community Information and Support Service Christmas Appeal.
This is being donated as $4000 of food hampers for some of the community’s most vulnerable members and $500 of children’s toys.
The members of CWA Berwick recently voted unanimously that a further $500 be donated to Bk2Basics in Narre Warren and Have A Little Hope in Pakenham in the form of children’s presents. A further $500 of food and presents supporting the local WAYSS branch is also being donated.
• The CWA ladies are holding their Christmas Bake and Craft Stall at Akoonah Market on Sunday 1 December.
U3A Cranbourne
This week U3A is having it’s open day. We are inviting neighbours, friends and interested people to visit us to see what we do at U3A Cranbourne. We are a friendly group for Over 50’s. Our classes include Art, Calligraphy, Patchwork and Sewing , Knitting, Chess, Scrabble, Italian, Quilling, Ukulele and Guitar, Singing, Parchment Craft, Table Tennis, Card Making and Books. New groups that will be starting soon are gardening and resin craft. We also have Line Dancing and Social Ballroom dancing, these are held at Casey Basketball Stadium. Lots of our Art work is on display. Come and see what our talented members have produced. U3A Cranbourne is supported by Casey Council. A membership fee of $50 per year is all you pay for as many classes as you wish.
Our open day is on Friday 18th October 10am till
1pm. Come and have a coffee with our members at 20-22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne.
• Find out more at our Website www.u3acranbourne.org.au or call 0493991919.
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
leaders.
Community Bank Carrum Downs staff and grant recipients celebrate the bank’s 25th anniversary. (Gary Sissons: 435501)
Bank senior manager Len Barda presents a grant to Cranbourne SES controller Brian McMannis. (Gary Sissons: 435501)
Pledge lacks candidates
By Sahar Foladi
Four City of Greater Dandenong candidates have joined a statewide pledge to make Palestine a local council election issue.
Nearly 300 local government candidates across Victoria have pledged to take action for Palestine if elected.
The four in Greater Dandenong - out of 45 candidates - were Victorian Socialist Sean Stebbings in Springvale Central ward, Greens members Isabella Do and Rhonda Garad in Keysborough South and Cleeland wards respectively and Sinan Akkurt running for Keysborough ward.
One of 89 candidates in City of Casey signed, and zero in Cardinia Shire, according to organisers.
The pledge is part of the We Vote for Palestine “transparency campaign”, said to be initiated by an alliance of advocacy groups in NSW and Victoria.
It is to demonstrate Palestine is an important “voter issue” and uses the pledge to identify candidates who share its values.
Garad has been vocal on the matter from the beginning, attending protests in Dandenong calling for a ceasefire.
“I have been strongly concerned about the illegal genocide of Palestinians which is being found to be illegal from the highest courts of the land.
“We’ve seen thousands of deaths of Palestinians. They’ve been starved, displaced, orphaned, Gaza is in ruins. We need to stand up and be accountable to this - that’s why I took the pledge.”
According to the United Nations, more than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza and almost 99,000 wounded in 12 months by Israeli attacks since October 7 last year.
The incumbent councillor had moved a motion in a Greater Dandenong Council meeting in November calling for a permanent ceasefire.
“To say Dandenong is immune to this, we are uniquely connected to the whole world we are one Whats App away from the news in real time.
“Many of our residents are affected by this situation in Gaza. We have such a big Muslim diaspora, Lebanese community and they’re all deeply affected.”
Running for the Cleeland ward at this local government elections, she says she “sticks to her values” as a human first and foremost to “oppose violence” anywhere.
“For me it’s not a question and I don’t weigh it up against my chances of getting elected.
“It’s a fine balance because a lot of residents
say local government has nothing to do with foreign wars.
“They (candidates) may perceive it goes against them but for me I know I can be a good councillor and care about the mass slaughter of women and children.”
Candidates were emailed the pledge through their VEC contact details and many also received a follow up from community groups according to the organisers.
The organisers believe they could’ve seen much higher pledge numbers with more time and publicity.
The campaign, established less than four months ago, had a short time to reach areas without established community groups advocating for Palestine according to the organisers.
FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING
Incumbent councillor Jim Memeti, who has attended a number of protests in Harmony Square Dandenong and also supported Garad in her motion for a ceasefire, missed the pledge request.
He says if given the chance, he would’ve most likely taken part in the pledge “if it’s calling for a ceasefire.”
Candidates are sent a considerable amount of different materials as they juggle campaigning and listening to the residents, he said.
“I would always recommend a ceasefire in any war because I think it’s easier and better to sit at a roundtable instead of creating war where people are the biggest loser.
“There’s so many emails for different pledges with different groups that we’ve lost track while everybody is busy campaigning.
“Residents have different issues - speaking to them at the same time ultimately ensures pledges like these are left in the tray to get back to.”
We Vote for Palestine states that it has mobilised diverse community groups, especially in Melbourne’s western suburbs and regional Victoria, as groundwork for Federal elections in 2025.
Fatima Measham, a WVFP co-organiser, says overall the campaign has been successful as many residents refer to the pledge to inform their voting decisions.
“We Vote For Palestine is breaking ground, starting at the council level. The response from candidates and voters shows a strong appetite for substantive justice in Palestine.
“Constituents reject a politics of self-interest that presents them with the false choice between human rights obligations and their welfare. This does not bode well for candidates at the Federal and State levels.”
Foot and knee pain help
Most people suffer foot or knee pain at some point in their lives but it can be difficult to find effective treatment with long-term results. Foot and knee pain expert and musculoskeletal podiatrist, Dr. Paul Dowie explains.
“Many foot and knee conditions are misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated, often because only symptoms are treated and the cause and contributing factors of the pain or injury are not being addressed.”
With over 25 years experience in musculoskeletal medicine Dr. Dowie has been the chosen practitioner to some of the world’s best athletes, providing proven solutions to help alleviate pain, heal injuries and even delay or eradicate the need for surgery. He provided us with the following insights into common foot and knee complaints and treatments.
Bad foot posture can continually pull your body out of alignment, placing undue stress on other joints and tissues throughout the body, contributing to pain, injury and arthritis. Consulting a lower limb, musculoskeletal expert who has an understanding of complex foot and leg biomechanics, is essential in ascertaining the exact nature of your foot or knee condition and providing appropriate treatment.
Many foot and knee conditions e.g. plantar fasciitis symptoms, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, injuries and degenerative concerns, are incorrectly treated with cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications and/or arthroscopies. These may provide some temporary relief but do not fix most conditions and can delay healing and even
cause further tissue damage.
To achieve safe, effective, long-term outcomes for foot and knee pain and concerns the latest medical research supports the following strategies:
1. Assisting load management, to reduce forces and stress placed through the joints and tissues
2. Encouraging joint and tissue repair
3. Improving joint and tissue function, range of motion, strengthening and conditioning
If you have any foot, knee or leg pain you can see Dr. Dowie at his Foot and Leg Pain Clinics in Berwick and other locations across Melbourne. Call 1300 328 300.
Scene from the Harmony Square after the motion for Palestine calling for a permanent ceasefire was passed in November 2023. (Supplied)
If you have any foot, knee or leg pain you can see Dr. Dowie at his Foot and Leg Pain Clinics.
THE LOWDOWN
Q&A
with Country Women’s Association of Victoria West Gippsland Group president Ann Laws
Tell us about yourself and your work in your organisation.
I joined the Casey Dinner Branch of The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc in 2005 and have served as a Branch President and Branch Secretary and now I am the CWA West Gippsland Group President.
What has been your most memorable moment during your work in your organisation?
One of the memorable moments was after the Bunyip State Park bushfires when our CWA Branch was able to donate vouchers, food stuffs and plants to the Tonimbuk Hall Relief Centre. We were able to spend some time with local residents and we were filled with admiration for their sense of community and support of each other.
What do you love about your work in your organisation?
I have made so many friends at CWA and am always impressed with their community spirit and their “can do” philosophy. The support and friendship I have received will always stay with me.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
I would love to be a guinea pig. They are so adorable and seem to enjoy life being with other guinea pigs.
What were you like as a kid?
When I was a kid I grew up in Bethnal Green, London and enjoyed playing street games like skipping, hide and seek and cricket.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I would like to witness the world coming together to seriously reverse climate change.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
I would invite David Attenborough, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Paul McCartney, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Three words I hope my friends would use to describe me would be: industrious, humorous and supportive.
What would you do on your perfect ’day off’?
My perfect day would involve reading with my feet up with constant cups of tea brought to me.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
I am very much a plain food cook so I probably wouldn’t make the grade on MasterChef.
Where is your dream holiday destination? My dream holiday destination now would be Samoa. A tropical paradise with wonderful friendly people.
THREE … ways to celebrate World Kindness Day
As World Kindness Day approaches on 13 November, here are three ways to celebrate the day.
1
Performing a random act of kindness can go a long way, not just for the person you help, but also for yourself. This can be anything from paying for someone’s coffee, helping a neighbour, or helping an elderly resident cross the street - small gestures can go a long way.
2
Volunteering for a good cause is another way to celebrate, where you can take part in the efforts of your local charity, soup kitchen or local community cleaning events at parks.
3
Organising something like a kindness workshop at your workplace or institution is an effective way to get yourself and others involved, where team-building activities or discussions with a focus on kindness can engage larger groups in celebrating the day.
CWA Group president of West Gippsland Ann Laws. (Stewart Chambers: 438607)
The hedgehog concept
TAKING CARE
IAN ASH OF BUSINESS
In 1996, American researcher, author, speaker and management consultant James C. Collins lead a team of 21 research associates to understand what made an American business great. They had some pretty stringent criteria for what constituted a “great” company.
They examined thousands of businesses and assessed each as follows: the company had to have been able to generate a stock return three times better than the average stock market return over a 15 year period; the business had to have demonstrated a consistent pattern of growth (i.e. not a one-off wonder); and it had to be a well-recognised entity.
As a result, only eleven businesses made the cut. The team’s conclusions are documented in Jim Collins’ book “Good to Great” which is a valuable read for any business owner since it identifies what these eleven companies all had in common in order for them to be successful.
One of their key conclusions was that each business adhered to what Collins termed ‘The Hedgehog Concept’. The theory goes like this: The hedgehog (much like its Australian equivalent the echidna) does not have a wide array of techniques to protect it from potential predators – it does just one thing really well: when it is attacked, it rolls itself into a ball and becomes pretty well impenetrable by virtue of its sharp spines.
In a similar way, each of the American ‘great’ companies all shared the three core attributes at their core which collectively made them very hard to beat.
These core attributes were:
· Understanding what they were deeply passionate about;
· Being exceptionally competent in that space and
· Great insight into their ‘economic engine’. Let’s look at each of these in turn. Very few worthwhile things in life are achieved without passion. This is the oil that keeps things moving even when times get tough. The great
companies had people that were genuinely passionate about the business they were in and it permeated their company culture. The passion was focused on what the company was there to do, not necessarily on how they went about it. Interestingly, not one of the ‘great’ companies had as their core focus to make a lot of money. Financial success naturally followed as a result of their collective passion.
‘Being exceptionally competent in that space’ (or as Jim Collins stated “Understanding what you can be the best at”) might sound obvious at first sight, but the point here is that these great companies understood what it took to be exceptional in their field and focused on this rather than get drawn into spaces where they were less capable. This meant that business decisions tended to be based upon rational logic and objectivity as opposed to emotional reaction. Focus is the key word here.
Finally, having ‘great insight into their economic engine’ meant that each of these successful businesses knew what underpinned their success financially. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly only one of the eleven businesses was in a ‘top 10% industry’ which meant that the majority of these great businesses were able to stand out in industries where it was not seen as easy to succeed. The ‘great’ companies each understood what drove their financial success, i.e. which products and services provided a great return or cash-flow and which did not. In essence, they really knew their numbers.
So, a great Hedgehog Concept is where a business has deep understanding and knowledge in all three of these areas and applies this consistently to achieve and maintain success.
Ian Ash ACC, AIECL, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au
The hedgehog (much like its Australian equivalent the echidna) does not have a wide array of techniques to protect it from potential predators – but it does just one thing really well: when it is attacked, it rolls itself into a ball and becomes pretty well impenetrable by virtue of its sharp spines.
(George Kendall on Unsplash)
The
With
Call
•
General Notices Announcements Trades & Services
The application reference number is: PA24-0439 - (Rupa Bhullar)
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority.
JACKSON, Barbara (nee McLennan)
Passed away peacefully in Sydney on October 15th, 2024, aged 86 years.
Dearly loved wife of Graham, mother of Fiona, Lachlan and Bob, mother-in-law of Jamie, Eileen, and Jody.
Grandy to Katherine, Lizzy, Dan, Tom, Matt and Bowan.
A long-time resident of Upper generosity, and community service touched the lives of many.
brought joy into her life. Forever in our hearts.
Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/viewplanning-applications
Riak taking the long road
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Meniscus surgery, a quad tear and a concussion.
Key forward, ruck and intercept defender.
Rising Berwick footballer Riak Andrew has faced a concoction of barriers as he craved the one quality so many sportspeople take for granted: continuity.
The Melbourne Next Generation Academy prospect’s entire 2022 season was wiped out due to a meniscus injury, and he faced a delayed start to both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, due to a quad tear and multiple concussions respectively.
“With my knee and quad (injuries) I lost a little bit of speed and vertical leap which puts doubt in your mind,“ Andrew said.
“When you play a bad game you go ‘what’s the outside world going to think?’.
“I lacked a bit of confidence going into games thinking ‘what if I injure my knee or quad again’?
“In the last couple of games of (2023) I got the confidence back.”
After building some form for the Wickers’ under-19s team, Andrew made his Coates Talent League debut midway through the 2023 season, playing with flair and showcasing athleticism, albeit very raw.
The utility played 10 games for the Stingrays in 2023 across all thirds of the ground, unable to cement a role and teasing with his skillset, until the last of those games.
What everyone had been hoping to see all year came together for only a short period in Dandenong’s finals loss to Gippsland in 2023.
It was enough to prove he had compelling AFL attributes, taking a series of intercept marks and setting the game up off halfback with his runand-carry and ball use.
“I was just (in the mindset of) ‘see-ball, try and mark the ball and see what I can do in the air,’” Andrew said.
“I had a purple patch with teammates getting around me but I wasn’t focussing on my man, I was just trying to mark the ball.”
Andrew pinpoints that as the day he started viewing himself as a defender.
After being overlooked for the AFL draft in 2023, he was given the chance to return to the Stingrays as a 19-year-old this year, after spending preseason training with the Casey Demons and learning the craft of defending.
But a familiar hindrance confronted him just as he had regained full confidence in his body, suffering a concussion in a practice match which ruled him out of the first three games of the year.
It effectively ended his midseason draft hopes.
While he still found a spot in the AFL Young Guns series which brings the best 19-year-old midseason prospects together for two games in front of recruiters, he had no form behind him, restricting his production.
Soon thereafter, he suffered a second head knock following his earlier concussion, which kept him to just one game for Vic Country in the national championships.
“It was a pretty dark time,” Andrew recalled.
“I went to work in the rehab, did everything right and wasn’t putting myself in danger of making the symptoms last longer and when I got my second head knock was when it really hit me because (of how much) footy I was missing out on.
“There’s nothing I hate more than watching all my mates run around and play footy so it was a dark period, but it shows (my) resilient side, coming back and being better and stronger.“
The form he pieced together since returning, though, has propelled him onto AFL clubs’ radars.
His fundamental skills have improved from last year: marks are sticking, groundballs are cleaner and he’s grown his understanding of his role.
Locking down AFL Academy tall forwards Jack Whitlock and Jobe Shanahan fastened scouts’ growing regard for him.
“The focus is positioning, not going bodyon-body because a lot of these key forwards are stronger than me so it was honing-in on (playing) on the back shoulder so I can run and jump and spoil the ball.”
As much as injuries, the comparisons to AFLlisted big brother, Mac, have shadowed Riak during his time in the AFL talent pathway.
There were plenty of training sessions together
when the pair were younger, with Riak watching with interest as Mac has started to breakthrough on the big stage amid the limelight of a monster contract.
“What I’ve learned from him is the professionalism it takes to be an AFL footballer,” Riak said.
“He’s had his problems in the first couple of years as an AFL footballer and he’s learned and matured from that.
“If you’re good enough, you’ll get there, but the hard work starts day one when you arrive at an AFL club, you can’t just get drafted and think you’ve made it.
“We’re fairly similar, both being fairly tall, skinny and athletic so I’ve just tried to model my game off him - sag off, not initiate body contact, run and jump and use my athleticism.
“He’s been huge for me just giving me tips about how to be an AFL footballer.
“He’s (told me) first impressions are everything so if I land on an AFL list, then I’ll try to earn the respect of senior players and showcase why this club picked me.“
Industry scuttlebutt suggests Andrew is more likely to get picked than not, joining brother Mac, Jaxon Binns, Miller Bergman and Judson Clarke as Berwick alumni on an AFL list.
In a similar vein to his brother’s rise to AFL vogue, Riak’s curiosity, sociability and calmness is at odds with what could lie ahead, with the youngster grateful for the platform Berwick provided.
“I’ve played for Berwick since under-10s and they’ve been huge for me, really supportive with what I’m going through at the moment,” Riak said.
“It’s a family club and a really good community.”
The AFL drafts take place from 20-22 November.
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Riak Andrew’s athleticism and intercepting has caught the eye. (AFL Photos)
Swans secure draw after a severe dive
By Marcus Uhe
Casey-South Melbourne has survived a dramatic middle order collapse to escape with a draw against Ringwood on Saturday in the second round of the Victorian Premier Cricket season.
The Swans lost debutant Jackson Isakka, Matthew Calder, Chris Bedenek and Devon Pollock –the final three all without scoring - in a dramatic five-over period that saw them slide from 2/112 in the 43rd over to 6/122 at the end of the 47th.
Chasing the Rams’ total of 9/283, Casey reached 8/210 at the close of play to split the points at Casey Fields.
Opener Yash Pednekar played a lone hand at the top of the order for the Swans, notching 74 from 153 deliveries, while all-rounder Vinu Mohotty contributed a vital 52 from 113 to help the Swans hang on.
Without Ash Chandrasinghe (Victoria) and Michael Wallace (retired) at the top of the batting card, the Swans are experiencing some teething issues with a new-look line-up that’s yet to fire in 2024/25.
Isakka, Calder, Bedenek and Pollock all fell to right-arm quick Justin Beaton, who finished with 5/46 from his 18 overs.
Pednekar and Mohotty offered some stability
following Beaton’s devastating spell, but Pednekar’s wicket was quickly followed by the returning Harry Hoesktra’s, to leave the Swans vulnerable once more at 8/151 in the 57th over.
Mohotty and Nathan Lambden showed the necessary grit and resolve, however, putting on 59 for the final wicket in the remaining 26 overs to split the points.
It won’t get much easier for the Swans next week, when they welcome Prahran to Casey Fields.
The Swans should regain Hoesktra for both days but will likely not have access to Chandrasinghe again due to Victorian commitments.
Winners and losers from DDCA washouts
By Marcus Uhe
Beaconsfield and Dandenong West shape as the biggest winners of Melbourne’s annual October deluge in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) Turf 1 competition this summer, both claiming six points each for two no-result clashes against last season’s two grand finalists.
Patchy clouds and English-like conditions on Saturday bore witness to no cricket in the DDCA this weekend, with play abandoned for all junior and senior cricket on Saturday morning.
While barely any rain fell on Saturday, a heavy downpour of more than 30 millilitres on Friday proved detrimental to the condition of the grounds, rendering the third round of the year a no-result affair.
Rainfall data from the Bureau of Meteorology showed that Dandenong received 24.4 millilitres of rain between 9am and 12pm on Friday, which, followed by overcast conditions and more showers throughout the day, failed to dry across the region.
Dandenong West was scheduled to face reigning premiers Buckley Ridges in round one and runner-up Springvale South in round three, while the reverse applied for Beaconsfield.
Both matches would have been difficult assignments for the Turf 1 newcomers in maroon and gold to handle in the opening weeks of their new venture, particularly with captain-coach Anthony Brannan also unavailable for selection, while the Tigers are still finding their feet at the level after surviving in the grade last summer. In Turf 2, the same can be said for newlypromoted Coomoora, and Narre Warren, splitting the points with finalists from last summer in
New venture for Panthers at the dome
Narre Warren Bowls Club has had a very busy off-season, and once again became the choice for several new players across all divisions.
After strong training sessions and some very good results in the pre-season, we were all looking forward to the start of the new Pennant Season.
Narre Warren started its first ever season in Division 1 with a Friday night home game against local rivals Cranbourne Bowls Club under the Panther Dome.
Narre Warren had five players playing their first game for the club.
There was a very good crowd in attendance to watch what was a very close game.
There were less than 10 shots in it all night, with Cranbourne edging away at the end to win by 12 shots.
Saturday saw three more sides at home and another three players making their Narre Warren debut.
Narre Warren won two close games and lost the third game.
Away from home, Narre Warren had two more players playing their first game for the club.
Narre Warren was very strong, winning both games against Pakenham Bowls Club and Mulgrave Country Club.
DIVISION 1 lost to Cranbourne 73 - 85. Best Rink Lynne Wood; James Stewart; Colin Groom and Tim Gray - +16.
DIVISION 3 defeated Pakenham 85 – 81. Best Rink: Yvonne Keay; John Pentreath; Wilma Stevenson and David Wood - +11.
DIVISION 4/7 defeated Beaumaris 91 –85. Best rink: Ana Mateos; Lorraine Marsden; Sam Bailey and Eric Marsden - +22.
DIVISION 4/8 defeated Burden Park 94 – 77. Best rink: Gerry Van Eerden; Joe McGuire; Ralph Devonshire and Steven Roy - +22.
DIVISION 5 lost Keysborough 54 – 73. Best rink: Reg Young; Nola Burdett; Colin Hampton and Ray Aylen: +7.
Parkfield and Cranbourne in the two abandoned contests.
At time of publication, the forecast for Saturday 26 October is rain-free; however a wet end to the working week may prove problematic once again.
DIVISION 7 defeated Mulgrave CC 76 –60. Best rink: Joe Selfridge; Donna Wood; Ray Payne and John Rogers: +15.
The Ferguson Plarre Rink of the Day winners are Ana Mateos, Lorraine Marsden, Sam Bailey and Eric Marsden with a very strong 38 – 16 win.
The sight of covers meant no cricket was played in the DDCA on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 368259)
Pace spearhead Nathan Lambden’s batting was vital on Saturday for Casey-South Melbourne. (Stewart Chambers: 259762)
Narre Warren’s Joe Selfridge in action. (Supplied: 190344)
BDTA stars getting into the swing on the tennis courts
The action is heating up in the early rounds of the Berwick District Tennis Association.
Here are the results from round 2.
SATURDAY
Osborne Shield
Narre Warren North 0 0:18 v 3 6:38 Cranbourne Blue, Cranbourne Gold 0 0:14 - 3 6:37 Beaconsfield, Pakenham 3 6:36 - 0 0:15 Upper Beaconsfield, Clyde White W/O Clyde Black.
Section 1 Rubbers
Beaconsfield Blue 0 0:3 v 0 1:6 Cranbourne, Berwick Blue 2 4:38 v 1 3:33 Berwick White, Narre Warren 2 4:35 v 1 3:28 Narre Warren South, Clyde W/O Beaconsfield Gold.
Section 2 Rubbers
Beaconsfield 0 0:4 v 0 1:6 Clyde, Berwick 1 3:36 v 2 5:45 Upper Beaconsfield, Narre Warren 1 3:34 v 2 4:31 Tooradin.
Section 3 Rubbers
Berwick White 1 2:28 v 2 4:32 Berwick Blue, Narre Warren North Red 1 2:29 v 2 5:41 Cranbourne, Upper Beaconsfield W/O Bunyip, Officer W/O Narre Warren North Black.
Section 4 Rubbers
Berwick White 0 1:33 v 3 6:41 Berwick Blue, Narre Warren North 1 4:43 v 2 4:42 Narre Warren Gold, Clyde White W/O Clyde Blue.
Section 5 Rubbers
Narre Warren Green 2 4:28 v 1 3:31 Bunyip, Pakenham Blue 2 5:37 v 1 2:24 Narre Warren Gold Pakenham Red 2 5:42 v 1 3:36, Narre Warren North Officer W/O Lang Lang.
Section 6 Singles
Section 7 Singles
Beaconsfield Gold 5:41 v 3:29 Clyde, Fountain Gate 4:31 v 4:33 Narre Warren, Pakenham 2:28 v 6:43 Beaconsfield Blue, Cranbourne 3:38 v 5:42 Narre Warren South.
Beaconsfield Blue 6:44 v 2:26 Bunyip, Berwick 6:40 v 2:26 Officer, Fountain Gate 6:41 v 2:25 Narre Warren, Clyde W/O Beaconsfield Gold.
Section 8 Singles
Narre Warren 3:39 v 5:42 Berwick, Pakenham Blue 5:45 v 3:39 Cranbourne, Pakenham Red 6:44 v 2:21 Tooradin, Cockatoo W/O Officer.
Challenges for Lions, Bears
By Marcus Uhe
Narre South and Buckley Ridges will square-off for the first time on Saturday since last summer’s incredible preliminary final in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 competition.
A crunching cut shot from Wes Nicholas put the finishing touches on an incredibly hot and taxing weekend of cricket at Park Oval that was captivating from first ball to last, as the Tigers came just eight balls and two wickets shy of upsetting the Turf 1 status quo.
They’ll meet again at the very same venue that broke Lions’ hearts on Saturday, but without key contributors from the aforementioned contest.
Centurion, Harsha de Silva, has departed the Lions den, along with seamers Alex Cruickshank and Jawed Hussaini, who combined for seven of Narre South’s eight wickets in Buckley’s batting innings.
Buckley Ridges, meanwhile, remains almost entirely intact, bar a few minor changes.
There’s pressure on the Lions to perform, having turned in one of the more disappointing performances in the season’s only round so far, slipping to 9/90 in pursuit of Beaconsfield’s 204.
Their bowlers held up their end of the bargain, combining for nine wickets - with none from spearhead Callan Tout - before coming completely unstuck with the bat, as three of the top five failed to get off the mark.
Buckley Ridges is one of the last side’s you would want to face when eager to kick-start a campaign, but they were shaky in their own right in round two, just getting over the line against Hallam Kalora Park.
Familiarity of their home wicket should give the Bucks an edge, a side that’s traditionally very difficult to beat at Park Oval.
If Buckley Ridges is not the worst side to take on when the pressure is up, their arch rival in Springvale South is the side most likely to unseat them from the mantle.
Berwick welcomes the Bloods to Arch Brown Reserve on Saturday in a contest that will say plenty about their prospects of success this year.
The Bears struggled to beat the sides above them on the table last summer, with the Bloods battering them twice in brutal batting displays from Jordan Wyatt.
The Wookey Medal winner made 77 off 46 deliveries in a one-day contest at Berwick and 118 off 90 in a stunning display of power and aggression in whites at Alex Nelson Reserve.
Restricting him will be the key, and a new challenge for left-arm quick James Trodd, whose express pace impressed at Dandenong West in round two.
A win over Springvale South will do wonders for Berwick’s confidence and legitimacy as a finals contender this season, but the Bloods look as strong as ever.
In Turf 1’s other contests, the fighting Tigers of Beaconsfield head to Hallam Kalora Park to take on the Hawks, and Dandenong West welcomes North Dandenong to Greaves Reserve.
Tips: BUCKLEY RIDGES v Narre South, Berwick v SPRINGVALE SOUTH, DANDENONG WEST v North Dandenong.
SUNDAY
Section 9 Singles
Gloucester 6:41 v 2:30 Clyde, Beaconsfield Gold 2:23 v 6:44 Beaconsfield Blue, Cranbourne 5:35 v 3:30 Berwick, Narre Warren North 8:48 v 0:10 Narre Warren.
Section 10 Singles
Berwick 0:17 v 8:48 Tooradin Red, Tooradin Green 4:40 v 4:33 Gloucester, Narre Warren North
6:41 v 2:20 Narre Warren.
Section 11 Singles
Berwick White 1:31 v 7:44 Upper Beaconsfield, Harkaway 7:43 v 1:17 Narre Warren Green, Cranbourne 7:44 v 1:24 Berwick Blue, Narre Warren Gold 1:29 v 7:47 Beaconsfield.
Section 12 Singles
Berwick 8:49 v 0:16 Narre Warren Green, Pakenham 5:42 v 3:31 Upper Beaconsfield, Narre Warren Gold 1:17 v 7:46 Fountain Gate, Clyde 4:33 v 4:35 Narre Warren South.
Section 13 Singles
Fountain Gate 4:34 v 4:33 Beaconhills (Pak), Pakenham 7:47 v 1:15 Officer Blue, Cranbourne 3:37 v 5:39 Berwick, Narre Warren 1:23 v 7:44 Officer Red.
Section 14 Green Ball Singles
Pakenham 4:38 v 4:35 Harkaway, Cranbourne 1:17 v 7:46 Berwick, Beaconsfield 6:43 v 2:28 Narre Warren South.
Section 15 Doubles
Berwick Blue 4:31 v 2:22 Tooradin, Beaconsfield Gold 3:26 v 3:22 Beaconsfield Blue, Beaconhills (Pak) 1:24 v 5:35 Berwick White, Officer 1:22 v 5:32 Upper Beaconsfield.
Section 16 Doubles
Clyde White 3:28 v 3:29 Beaconsfield Blue, Officer Red 3:23 v 3:18 Officer Blue, Beaconsfield Gold 6:36 v 0:10 Clyde Blue, Narre Warren North 3:30 v 3:30 Clyde Gold.
Section 17 Doubles
Berwick 2:23 v 4:30 Officer Green, Pakenham 2:27 v 4:32 Fountain Gate, Officer Red 6:36 v 0:18 Narre Warren, Beaconsfield Blue 2:22 v 4:30 Beaconsfield Gold.
Titans tackle Gators again
By Marcus Uhe
Revenge will be on the mind when Fountain Gate heads to Berwick Springs Recreation Reserve this weekend to tackle the Titans in the Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 3 competition.
Berwick Springs humbled the Gators by 137 runs in their last meeting, which came in a semi-final and ended Fountain Gate’s summer.
Fountain Gate held the Titans’ stars in check with the bat, but let Archie Vora off the chain, scoring a match-defining hundred.
When the Gators were required to chase, the innings fell apart quickly, slumping to 5/45 and never recovering.
Fountain Gate’s batting woes continued in round 2 against Doveton but were offset by a strong bowling performance to climb to an important win.
The Titans, meanwhile, were one of the surprise losers of the opening week of matches, falling to Silverton by six wickets.
Early dismissals to Jackson Marie and Riley Hillman put the Titans on the back foot early against a revamped Bakers side, with only Shalika Karunanayake passing 50.
Berwick Springs carry expectations as high as anyone this summer on the back of last season’s exploits but will need a spread of contributors to regain that winning form of 2023-24.
At Booth Reserve, Hampton Park has the potential to put Keysborough in a world of trouble, with the chance to consign them to a winless opening four rounds of action.
Keysborough were one of the major disappointments of round 2, having competed in Turf 2 last year and eager to return to the second division.
Performances like what they displayed against Lynbrook - reaching just 84 after conceding 237 - simply will not cut it in this division, and will leave them well-short of their goals.
The Lakers for their part will get their first
look at Narre North, a side keen to make an impression in Turf 3.
They showed promise with the ball in round two against Hampton Park, taking seven wickets in the Lions’ chase, but need to stabilise their batting, having only reached 102.
With Hampton Park one of the poorer performing sides in Turf 3 last season, expect the challenges to only get tougher for Narre North. Silverton, meanwhile, will be eager to take its winning form into Saturday’s clash with Doveton.
Led by a captain’s knock from Robert North, the Bakers were excellent against Berwick Springs with a number of contributors, as Harkanwal Singh, Varinder Verk and Dylan Hayes each took multiple wickets. Doveton, meanwhile, is regenerating their senior side on the run, and appear vulnerable in the early stages of the summer.
Tips: HAMPTON PARK v Keysborough, Doveton v SILVERTON, Narre North v LYNBROOK, BERWICK SPRINGS v Fountain Gate.
Round 2 of the Berwick District Tennis Association saw plenty of matches take place. (Rob Carew: 293980)
As always, Jordan Wyatt will be a key wicket in the Springvale South batting lineup. (Rob Carew: 267270)
Berwick Springs pair (left) Jackson Marie and Shalika Karunanayake need to fire with the bat this week for the Titans. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 384313)
