Festival shining bright
The Diwali Festival was well underway, beginning on 31 October until 1 November, with Stockland Minta Estate embracing the cultural dances, foods and music to celebrate the festival of lights. Festival goers enjoyed an array of songs, foods from chickpea curry to samosas, and an atmosphere that celebrated the victory of light over darkness.
Diwali coverage page 10
in
Council countdown
By Ethan Benedicto
The City of Casey’s election finale is near, with the municipality, after four years of no councillors, soon to be looking at 12 representatives by 2pm Friday 8 November.
It comes as the State Government this week revealed who the two municipal monitors would be to “guide newly elected councillors in their first year of elected representation”.
They are Peter Stephenson and Cameron Boardman.
Mr Stephenson has served as an administrator at Strathbogie Shire Council, and has previously been appointed as a municipal monitor for the Rural City of Wangaratta and South Gippsland Shire Council.
Cameron Boardman will be transitioning from his role on the panel of administrators for the City of Casey, and is a director of the Oceania Cyber Security Centre.
Back to the election and the numbers for Group A’s provisional results revealed tight races and big leads in the northern wards, but with
Group B’s numbers to be finalised at the end of the week, the outcome remains uncertain.
The earliest possible results will be known late today (Thursday 7 November) and if available, to be published online as soon as they are compiled.
However, official council announcements will be made at Bunjil Place, with wards and their respective councillors to be declared in alphabetical order.
To refresh, the numbers from Group A, which were finalised on 30 October have Samuel Dennison with the most first-preference votes in
Akoonah Ward.
Grevillea Ward has Carmen Powell leading; Casuarina Ward with Kim Ross; Kalora Ward with Melinda Ambros; Waratah Ward with Stefan Koomen and Dillwynia Ward with Anthony Walter.
Compared to the neighbouring cities of Dandenong and Cardinia, Casey had 89 registered candidates during the race, with 47 candidates in the northern wards.
Story page 3
MP
Minta Estate embraced music and dance galore
celebration of the festival. (Supplied)
Non-stop for mental health
By Ethan Benedicto
Encountering
from work to family, can sometimes be too much to handle, but even through the thick of it, Kaine Bundy dipped into the worst and is determined to come out stronger with the aim of running, walking and just moving to hit 200 kilometres in 24 hours.
Doing so in the name of finding himself and showing others that it is okay not to be okay, Kaine’s 24-hour Beyond Blue Charity Run advocates for mental health and shows others that being vulnerable is part of being human; and of course, is a way to tell himself to be stronger than before.
After a relationship breakdown and having to move away from his kids, Kaine “didn’t know how to handle it”.
“I had a business that was struggling and I turned to gambling as well, which isn’t the answer, and in turn, it cost me everything in life.
“I didn’t know how to handle any of it mentally, being stuck in my own head; I ended up living in my car for a little bit and it wasn’t because I didn’t have anywhere to go, it was just because I didn’t know how to turn to anyone.”
The last year has been more than rough for Kaine, losing all he thought he had, and the feeling of everything slipping from his grasp became unbearable; he was knocked down but through iron will his feet found the floor once more.
With three slabs of bottled water, electrolytes, fruit, muesli bars, extra socks and phone chargers, Kaine took the Marriot Waters Reserve oval for a spin that began at 6pm on Monday 4 November.
While he had never run for this long before, he had his chin held high and his determination set, for the run was not just an act of self-resolution, but a message to others that it is okay to speak about your struggles and it is okay to ask for help.
“This thing I’m doing takes me back to day one when I decided that I’m going to fight for my life again, fight for my kids - I was always there for them in person, but not mentally,” Kaine said.
“I went through some pretty dark days, and my problem was [not] reaching out to someone like my dad, and when I did, as well as a couple of close mates, I became pretty open about things.
“On my Instagram, that’s where I voice my problems and I find it a lot easier to voice my problems, [but still], a lot of other people can’t and that’s why I do try to speak up.
“To you know, just keep spreading the word and getting it out there because I know a lot of people that can talk to those close to them - which is what I struggled with - but they can’t talk in a public setting and they can’t be open about their struggles.
“So that’s where I am now, trying to repay my mistakes in the past by trying to help others wherever I can now.”
Realistically, Kaine is aiming to complete at least four marathons or a total of 168 kilometres by 6pm on Tuesday 5 November, constantly moving even when not running, pushing through burning lungs and sore muscles in the name of advocacy.
His training began roughly four months prior when he began regularly running with 10-kilometre runs and half marathons, but it’s the mental aspect that he believes would prove to be the most difficult.
“It’s more of trying to break the pain barriers mentally more than anything,” Kaine said.
“But I just wanted to have something to look forward to, I couldn’t really get out of my own head so I was looking for a charity that resonated with me and that’s pretty much where it took off.”
Family and friends have set up times to visit Kaine and accompany him on his run, with his
father, Tony, the first on the scene; then followed by his niece and brother, and a number of friends who have also chosen to run alongside him.
As of noon on 5 November, Kaine had completed 120 kilometres and with six hours left on the clock, he had his eyes on the prize.
“I’m not a crazy athlete by any means, I’m your everyday person and sure I’ve worked on my fitness I guess, but I want to show people that if
you have the right mindset, you can do something pretty special.”
By 6pm on Tuesday 5 November and after 24 hours of non-stop movement, Kaine had run and walked a total of 144.85 kilometres, and while just a few short of his intended goal, he remained amazed at himself and the accomplishment.
Out of the whole 24 hours, Kaine recalled that it was only three of those hours where was he left to his own devices.
“I had people down all night supporting me, even all morning and at the end there was this big crowd,” he said.
“It was something really special, my kids came down, my nephew, my niece, my brother and dad, my friends, it was amazing.
“But when there were two hours left, I was going on my own for a few hours and I just lost it; I broke down, started crying for no reason, it was just hitting the mental wall and you can’t explain it properly or prepare for it.”
It was only after Kaine’s best mate turned up and ran with him that another eight kilometres was achieved in the last stretch, and at that point, he was struggling to put one foot over the other, recalling that his body refused to take anything else besides water.
Thinking he was going to tackle the challenge as a one-man crew, Kaine was nothing short of surprised at the support he received throughout the entirety of the run, which he said was “the difference between finishing or not”.
Not only is he grateful, but it remains an example to Kaine that no matter what, there will always be someone there to help you.
Thankful for the overwhelming support and his legs giving out, he’s looking to take some rest, and as it stands, a total of $730 has been raised for the charity, with Kaine planning to keep the funding page open for the next few weeks.
• For more information on the challenge, visit gofundme.com/f/g8pnj8-24-hours
• Support is available.
• Contact BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636 or go to beyondblue.org.au
Kaine Bundy aimed to tackle the 200-kilometre goal in the name of advocating for mental health.
(Ethan Benedicto: 442001)
Extra socks, chargers, water, fruits, muesli bars and more are in stock to fuel Kaine’s body as he looked at the last six hours of his challenge. (442001)
As votes are counted, who’s leading the pack?
By Ethan Benedicto
More updates have come through with the early polling results of the local council elections, with each ward in the north offering nothing short of big leads and tight races.
These numbers have been taken from the VEC polling building at Cranbourne Shopping Centre, with most counts stated to have been finalised between 4pm and 7pm on 30 October.
Take note that these numbers are the final tally for the Group A count. The extraction of Group B’s ballot papers were set to begin yesterday (Wednesday 6 November).
This means that the councillor seat for each ward is still in limbo, with the current numbers to be detailed below, especially wards with a closer margin, to be approached dubiously by all parties on the official candidacy.
Akoonah Ward’s Samuel Dennison holds a solid position over the other candidates, with 3666 first-preference votes as of 4pm on 30 October.
Similar to yesterday’s reports, Scott William Dowling still holds the second position, with 3038 votes.
Dianne Pagliuca is still third, this time with 2249 votes, while Mush Rahaman remains at fourth with 2134.
Kushal Shah has 1614 votes, while Patrick Ferdinands has 982; the total votes counted sit at 13,683.
Candidates, in general, have decided to not comment on the Group A results, putting emphasis on the preferential voting system’s process of elimination, and that the game is still anyone’s until the finale on Thursday 7 November.
Next door at Grevillea, Carmen Powell has taken the lead with 2552 first-preference votes, with John Ternel tailing close with 2451.
Stephen Matulec isn’t far, however, with 2173, followed by Dave Perry with 2049.
Bernie Postma has 1833 votes, Stephen Capon with 1101, Haroon Sayed with 482 and Sinfree Chirunga with 476.
The ward sits with a Group A total of 14,522 votes counted.
Casuarina Ward still has Kim Ross at a commanding lead with 2896 first-preference votes, with the second place being Rex Flannery at 1742.
After Flannery, the competition becomes
Hidden treasures on display
From a mug valued at about $2500 to a teddy bear collection, there was something for every one at this year’s Berwick Antique and Collectible Fair.
Run by the Rotary Club of Rowville-Lysterfield, the event on Sunday 20 October at the Berwick Leisure Centre included about 40 stalls filled with rare antiques, unique collectibles, and vintage treasures, with about 700 antique enthusiasts making their way through the doors.
Project co-ordinator Stephen Palamara said all proceeds from the event would go directly to the Knox Nocturnals Youth Program, a vital initiative that provides support and social inclusion for vulnerable young people in the Knox area.
“Not only does the fair bring together a fantastic variety of stallholders and collectors, but it also allows us to give back to the community by supporting the Knox Nocturnals Youth Program,“ he said.
Rotarian David Freeman from AAauctions. com.au provided his valuations for a donation with one lady bringing in a mug she bought recently at a fair, which was valued at about $2500.
tight, with Lyndon Samuel at 1634, Jane Foreman at 1633 and Morteza Ali at 1501.
Bassir Qadiri holds 1114 votes, Suzanne Carmody with 1101, Rex Lazaros with 1038 and Michael Kelaart with 526.
Casuarina’s total vote count is at 14,042.
In the northwest, Kalora Ward has Melinda Ambros in a strong lead, with 3362 first-preference votes.
She’s followed by former councillor Brian Oates with 2373, who in turn is followed by Damien Sawyer with 2047.
Zabi Mazoori is sitting with 1896, then Jafri Luwanga Katagara with 1409, Duc Nguyen with 1012, Peterine Smulders with 934, Fred Jover with 688 and Afroz Ahmed with 573.
The total count for Kalora in Group A 14,294.
Neighbouring Waratah Ward sees Stefan Koomen have everyone in the rearview mirror in the north with 5624 first-preference votes.
Coming in second is Jamel Kaur Singh with 2787, Nasser Yawari with 1953, Ezatullah Alam with 1635 and Burak Dilbaz with 785.
Waratah’s total Group A count is 12,784.
Dillwynia Ward in the east holds a tight margin, only after Anthony Walter heading with 2623 first-preference leads.
Behind him is Joe Pang with 1970 votes, then David Bissell at 1520.
Gurpreet Gill holds 1444, Baljinder Dhaliwal with 1200, Jaz Masuta with 1116 and Champika Hewa Maddumage with 807.
These numbers are not final, with the second round of counts being finalised in by the end of Friday 1 November.
As for Dillwynia, the count sits at 11,797.
Breaking it down further, the process of elimination for a ward, if a certain candidate does not accumulate more than 50 per cent of first-preference votes, means that the candidate with the lowest amount of said first-preference votes will be eliminated from the count.
The ballots of the eliminated candidate are then going to be examined for the second preference and redistributed accordingly to the remaining candidates.
Votes are then recalculated, and the process will continue if a candidate still does not reach over 50 per cent of the votes.
Vaughn Brooks and Kirrily Guinan from Vintage Keepsakes in Cranbourne East. (Gary Sissons: 437981)
Alison Berton from Drouin with a collectable teddy bear. (Gary Sissons: 437981)
A journey of reclamation
By Ethan Benedicto
Tackling trauma has never been an easy task, and finding an effective medium for it has proven to be much more difficult, but for Left Write Hook, the uncanny combination of boxing and creative writing has proven to be the needed combination for conversations on sexual assault.
With the documentary recently winning the Audience Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival, program founder and producer, Donna Lyon sees the documentary landing in the City of Casey on 25 November as a step forward in advocacy and transparency for those suffering childhood sexual trauma.
The eight-week program, on which its genesis began in 2019, bloomed into a full-fledged initiative in 2022, becoming an organisation as well as undergoing the process of filming; ultimately culminating in a message of resilience, hope and strength.
Lyon, who has lived experience of being a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, said that its “impacts were deep and lasted many years”.
“So when I went on a process of healing and recovery, part of that was finding boxing, and at the beginning, it felt like a sport where I could release my anger, but I quickly discovered that it wasn’t about that.
“It was actually about mindfulness, and it was probably the first time I began to feel a real sense of power and agency in my body,” she said.
After going on a two-year amateur fighting journey, and subsequently racking up more losses than wins, Lyon realised that she wasn’t “meant to be a competitive fighter”, but the love for training, the sport and everything that “it gave to me” was true, and it stuck.
“I felt like I wanted to meet other survivors and work with them in a setting of boxing; but I didn’t just want to teach boxing,” Lyon said.
With a background in creative arts and filmmaking, Lyon had a vision, of introducing creative writing into the group, combining it into a formula where boxing served as a medium to exert one’s emotions but then channelling them through the act of writing.
Lyon acknowledged that being in the group in itself is a bold endeavour, to let oneself be open and vulnerable to others with lifelong trauma is no easy task.
However, “very quickly people forged incredible bonds in the group, and there’s an incredible amount of strength that comes with the vulnerability of sharing”.
“What happens is people tend to move from a very internal space often full of fear and trepidation, but as they begin to write and share and reflect, and then box, they begin to move into a form of empowerment and it’s really beautiful to watch.
“There are incredible transformations taking place and we’ve done a lot of research that actually provides evidence to suggest this is happening, and that there’s an incredible effect on people’s mental health and well-being,” Lyon said.
Julie, the very first member of the program and one of many actors in the film, said that what the program has done for her has been life-changing, and delivering its messages out to the public, through exposure in film or other forms of media is integral in what Left Write Hook aims to do.
For her, being through an array of different therapies and finding no solution, Julie’s choice of joining the program was a last-ditch effort that instead turned her world for the better.
“I’ve been through a lot of therapy, a lot of hospitals and not with great outcomes so I had nothing to lose,” she said.
“I love writing, but I’ve never boxed in my life before, so I said, ‘let’s see where it goes’, but of course, it was scary you know, it’s something you don’t talk about with anyone and going in a room filled with other women who are all survivors, I’ve never experienced that before.”
Being a shy person, it was difficult at first for Julie to open up, but once she began to listen and observe how everyone was being open about their experiences, it gave her the drive to do the same, recalling that she felt “this ease come over me”.
“I started talking about things that I’d been told to be quiet about for such a long time, trauma’s not talked about in the community and it’s a bit of a taboo subject, but I felt quite comfortable and I wasn’t judged.”
Being part of the film, Julie admitted that it was strange to have the cameras around at first, considering that it made her conscious and she “held back” and didn’t “share a lot”; but once she and the others got into the program, it was business as usual.
“Once the writing prompts are down, you go into your own space and you write for 10 to 15 minutes or so and then you’re boxed in and you are at your most vulnerable state in that spacebut in all honesty, you don’t realise the cameras are there and you’re just your true self.”
Despite the cameras, “everything comes out, there’s sweat, tears - there’s a lot of crying, hugging, a lot of emotional surges from people”.
“The program, with the boxing especially, gives you a sense of power back in your own body again, when you have that sense that your body isn’t yours and you feel very violated, but when you’re boxing, it empowers you and you feel
strong.”
The combination of writing and boxing allowed the participants to be able to express their emotions, whatever they may be, through different mediums at different levels, stable and steady through writing and heavy and strong through boxing.
The two activities served as the perfect combination of displaying one’s feelings and being vulnerable but also, as with Julie’s expression, assuming authority over what was once yours.
Safe spaces, that is the goal of the program, and are something that Lyon continues to pursue in order to have that “real transformation” and impact on people’s mental health and well-being.
“Our program isn’t about trying to read traumatised people, it’s about gently using creativity and boxing as an empowered way to release and reclaim narratives,” Lyon said.
“Those are the biggest challenges, but we go slowly, and we know people need to just make sure that they’ve got the right therapeutic or mental health support in place because you want to make sure that it’s not meant to destabilise people.
“It’s there to help them grow, but something through that there can be some discomfort, which I think is a healthy way to grow,” she said.
Likewise, during the process of filming the documentary, a “trauma-informed approach” was ensured, one that gave the participants as much choice and agency throughout the filming journey as possible.
Through doing that, Lyon, the other producers and director Shannon Owen were able to capture that presence of vulnerability and strength with the participants in tow to deliver a message of having that conversation.
“Sexual violence statistics are alarming and they’re very high across women and men that cause long-lasting impacts of trauma, and I think that our film offers a really incredible insight into the effects of that trauma,” Lyon said.
“It opens up a conversation about how it man-
ifests in the lives of people and I think that it will give people a sense of empowerment about how to have these conversations and how to sit with difficult subject matters like child abuse.
“This film, in its heart, is a real story of resilience and hope, and I think because it allows people to engage with the difficult topics in an easier way.”
Both Lyon and Julie admitted that the program has changed them, and allowed them to find themselves when they both previously thought it impossible, and they want the film to be able to show that same possibility to as many people as possible.
“Fundamentally I think I’ve changed during this whole process and I feel grateful for that, that I’m in the film and in many ways healing alongside the group of participants,” Lyon said.
“I know I founded it, so they were my ideas, but I think my engagement with those ideas became deeper and more connected to actually who I am rather than what I’m trying to say.”
The way the program has changed Julie has been enormous, where she said that after going through everything, “I feel like I can stand up for myself”.
“I can say no to people, even if it’s something small that I don’t want to do, I’m emotionally stronger, I’m not afraid of the repercussions.
“I’m more open with people as well, especially with the film and doing the Q and As, if they ask me a question I’m happy to answer, I’m not ashamed any more of my trauma.”
Registered as an official charity in 2022, Left Write Hook has had 68 participants take part in the program throughout 13 different locations in Melbourne, but Lyon is eager to bring this to the national stage and deliver the message to more and more people.
Once more, the movie will be screening in the Village Cinemas at Westfield Fountain Gate on Monday 25 November, from 6.15pm to 8.45pm. For more information please visit events. humanitix.com/left-write-hook-documentaryscreening
Help is available.
In an emergency, call triple-zero (000). 1800RESPECT is the national domestic family and sexual violence counselling service. Call 1800 737 732 or chat online at 1800respect.org.au
The group of participants at Left Write Hook engaged in a short writing task amidst the boxing class.
(Sarah Enticknap)
Donna Lyon, founder and producer of the film has seen her life take leaps in the right direction through the program. (Sarah Enticknap)
Offender sentenced to six months’ jail
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A serial family violence offender who assaulted an ex-partner, kicked-in her car and threatened to burn down her house has been jailed.
The 35-year-old Narre Warren South man pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to persistently breaching a family violence order, intentionally damaging property and threatening to damage property.
Aside from a volley of insulting messages, the man verbally abused the victim and kicked a $5000 dent in her uninsured car during an argument in August 2023
Six months later, the man swore, verbally abused her and struck her to the head in a car park in front of their child and her mother.
He threatened to burn down the victim’s house by the end of the week.
As she tried to call triple-0 for help, the man pursued her, struck the phone out of her hand onto the ground and threatened her again.
She later reported the attack to a local police station.
In sentencing on 24 October, Judge Gavan Meredith said the man’s violent, threatening conduct while breaching intervention orders had significant impact on her.
The anxious and afraid victim moved into emergency accommodation, missed work and suffered financial stress during the ordeal.
The man had faced court three times previously for family-violence intervention order breaches, property damage and threats.
Two of the cases were against the same victim in 2021 and January 2024 – the latter only weeks before the car park incident.
On each occasion at court, he was fined only.
The man, raised in Pakenham, was effectively homeless and living with friends at the time. He’d long used meth in his 20s up until his child was born.
He’d not seen the child since his most recent offending.
The man had worked until a workplace injury in 2019. He’d unsuccessfully tried to return to this work this year.
Judge Meredith noted that there was a need to deter the man with imprisonment, given his continued offending.
He was jailed for six months followed by a twoyear community corrections order.
The CCO includes 12 months’ supervision, as well as drug-and-alcohol and mental health treatment.
The man was also ordered to pay $5094.97 to the victim for damaging her car.
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Man faces charges
A 30-year-old Narre Warren man has been arrested after multiple alleged assaults near the Westfield Fountain Gate shopping centre bus stops in Overland Drive on Tuesday 5 November.
Police have charged the man after it is alleged he physically assaulted three people near the bus stops around 2.25pm.
Previous reports of the offender using a box cutter have been recanted, with police confirming that he used no weapons and physical force was used to inflict injuries.
The man allegedly fled the scene before police arrested him inside the shopping centre shortly after.
One woman and two men were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Narre Warren man has since been charged with affray, reckless cause of injury, unlawful assault and possessing a controlled weapon.
He was bailed to appear at the Dandenong Magistrate’s Court on 14 February 2025.
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The man was arrested inside the shopping centre.
The County Court of Victoria. (Con Chronis/AAP)
Arianna soars in gymnastics
By Afraa Kori
Berwick gymnast Arianna Mei Naidu is embarking on a glorious journey after winning two championships.
During the National Clubs Carnival held on the Gold Coast in September, her team finished fifth overall and was the top Victorian team.
At the Victorian Championships held in October, Funtastic Gymnastics, won the overall team championship and Ari was the individual overall champion for level 6 division 1.
Arianna felt a sense of accomplishment throughout her rewarding and challenging journey.
“I get a lot of satisfaction when I achieve higher skills. I’ve been doing gymnastics since 2021 (just over 3 years ago). I hope I’ll get the opportunity to represent Australia at the Olympics,” she said.
“Gymnastics is a difficult sport and you have to fail many times before you can succeed in even just getting one skill right. Having to compete in front of a big audience such as states and national clubs events has helped me grow my confidence.”
Berwick’s Funtastic Gymnastics head coach, Janet Howe said the most rewarding part is seeing Ari’s resilience despite the setbacks.
“Ari was injured this year at the beginning of the competition season while training higher level skills, and she was unable to train properly due to this injury for around a month. While injured, she still attended training every day and did what she could, despite being significantly hampered.
OPINION
LENSCAPE
“She excelled at the championship particularly on the Beam, she had a minor setback on the bars and in order to win the event she had to stick a flawless beam routine (her last event of the day) which she did, in fact, she performed her best Beam routine of the year when she was under the most pressure she’s possibly ever faced at a competition.”
Ms Howe is confident that Ari will maintain the momentum due to her exceptional skills.
“Ari has worked very hard throughout the year at training to maintain her extremely high standard of results, she is a very driven and motivated gymnast who has very high expectations for herself at competitions which enables her to perform her routines under pressure and achieve very scores.
“Ari will now move to level 7 and will attend State Team Trials in 2025 with the aim of being selected as a state team member to represent Victoria at the Border Challenge competition in 2025.
“The move up to level 7 will see Ari challenge herself with upgraded skills on all apparatus.
Coaching Ari has been a very rewarding experience, I have watched her grow from a very quiet, naturally talented, shy 7 year old who came to our gym to do a one hour recreational class into a confident, determined State Champion gymnast who approaches each training session and competition with 100 per cent of her energy and effort every time and never wants to miss a minute of training.”
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN
Thumbs up to Southern Cross Brix Inc exhibition in Pakenham over the weekend
Thumbs up
To the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society for funding and organising a very talented artist to paint a mural on the back of the Woolworths wall in Kooweerup.
Thumbs down
To the roadworks taking so long, for what? Manhole covers on McGregor Rd and other spots and bumps not being finished properly, traffic chaos with queues still backing up for over a kilometre. Blows my mind how Pakenham gets away with giving nothing back to its residents.
Thumbs down
To the declining state of the Pakenham CBD. Closed and boarded up shops, rubbish, graffiti... Time to turn this ship around.
Thumbs up
To the weather.
Pakenham Pumas Baseball players join bats at Toomuc Reserve. (Stewart Chambers: 441392)
Ari is unstoppable. (Supplied)
NEWS Casey gives Veolia the tick
By Violet Li
Casey Council approved the planning permit for the controversial waste transfer station next to the Hallam Road Landfill on Monday 4 November.
Hallam Road Landfill operator Veolia lodged the planning permit in late December 2023 to build a $27m commercial waste transfer station on the land adjacent to the landfill.
The proposed facility will be located approximately 250 metres from the nearest residential dwelling, and it is set to accept about 550,000 tonnes of municipal residual waste, construction and demolition waste, and commercial and industrial waste from Melbourne’s south-east.
It would recover and recycle some waste streams and transfer residual waste to energy recovery facilities.
Star News reported in January this year that the surrounding community rejected the proposed facility with concerns about fire risks, midnight noise, and increased traffic, dust, and odour.
On Casey Council’s website, it states the application achieves the objectives of several State Government policies including the State-Wide Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan 2018 and the Victorian Recycling Infrastructure Plan.
“A review of the application against the relevant requirements of the Hampton Park Hill Development Plan, Casey Planning Scheme and relevant State Government policy was undertaken to ensure the waste transfer station is strategically justified,” it states.
“The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Department of Transport (DOT) have also reviewed the proposal and indicated no objection to the grant of the planning permit.
“Council considered several technical reports and utilised specialist input when making this decision.”
In a letter to the impacted residents, City of Casey Senior Statutory Planner Paul McMahon stated that there were no appeal rights for this decision as the application had been exempt from public notice requirements, the decision requirements, and the review rights.
would revert to public open space.
Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) spokesperson Viv Paine said once again planning in Casey was embroiled in controversy with the waste transfer station approval announcement after the council had repeatedly promised residents that once full the Hallam Road Landfill
A community for all
By Ethan Benedicto
Being part of a community is much more than just being there, with Year 6 students from St Margaret’s highlighting the importance - and of course, fun - of engaging with local amenities.
From walks in the parks, contributing to local charities, supporting local businesses and getting involved with community groups, students Angelica, Lindsay and Tracy have taken action to share their findings on how everyone in the Berwick community can feel like they “belong”.
“In a world that often feels disconnected, the neighbourhoods of Berwick stand out as having a community spirit.
“From the many family-friendly parks and local events, Beriwck has an environment where friendships can flourish and everyone can go out,” Angelica said.
The group compiled their research online, and having lived in the suburb for around two years, they too were common visitors of these neighbourhood amenities. Angelica added that whether someone is passionate about “gardening, sport, art or community service, joining a local club can help you meet likeminded individuals and forge lasting connections”.
Fellow group and classmate Lindsay emphasised the natural beauty that Berwick had to offer, saying that the suburb is “home to several beautiful parks including the iconic Wilson Botanical Park and Akoonah Park”.
“They’re perfect for picnics or simply relaxing, where regular visits to these community spaces can help people connect with others and enjoy the natural beauty of the area,” she said. Tracy, while absent for the Star News interview, had been an integral part of the group’s research, where they found that “belonging is about connection and in Berwick the warmth of the community shined through every interaction”.
Lindsay, as an international migrant from China, sees the importance of becoming part of the community they reside in, saying that “if we don’t feel like we belong, we might feel marginalised or isolated”.
“It’s important we can have positive inter-
Angelica (left), Lindsay (right) and Tracy (absent) have banded together to curate a list of actions that residents can take to further the community spirit. (Supplied)
actions with the people and the wider community.”
Angelica is on the same page, adding that feeling like one with the area can contribute to practical skills not just in theirs, but others’ futures, where for example, constant conversations with people at local events, workshops and more could improve your communication skills. As residents of the suburb, both Angelica and Lindsay noted that positive interactions with the community through these spaces have helped them both feel welcomed/
Recounting a common interaction with a resident and his pet dogs at the Berwick Springs Lake, Angelica said “he’s kind and I like having that conversation through the walk”.
Lindsay had the same experience at school, where she highlighted that having only been in the institution for over a year, “I feel like I belong because my classmates and teachers are really kind and they’re willing to help me”.
“Many migrants, they don’t know how to speak the language in the country, I don’t have really good English but when I got to school all my classmates and teachers were willing to help and support me,” she said.
Ultimately, the group, utilising their own experiences with the suburb of Berwick and thorough research, see being involved and putting oneself out there, even through everyday acts of park walks and small conversations can help uplift that spirit of togetherness.
“Once again the objections of 1056 Casey residents surrounding the landfill have been thrown aside by Casey Council in favour of allowing a huge new waste transfer station to be built alongside family homes in breach of the basic human right to live in peace and quiet without foul odours invading properties and impacting health and wellbeing,” he said.
“Clearly a far better location for any new
waste transfer station in Casey would be on open ground along the Gippsland railway line so containerised waste from the facility can be efficiently transported by freight train to Maryvale for processing.”
EPA is assessing a development licence application by Veolia, a separate process to the planning permit application submitted to the council. EPA will be undertaking community consultation on the development licence.
Casey Council approved the planning permit for the controversial waste transfer station next to the Hallam Road Landfill on Monday 4 November. (Stewart Chambers: 348748)
Stepping up to fight ice
By Violet Li
A charity walk was held to raise community awareness against ice on Saturday 2 November at Cranbourne Racecourse.
The event was hosted by the founder of Hope Cartel Gary Wright and the president and founder of the Zerosuicide Community Awareness Program Paul Withall.
“The event was focused on ice. We did the first Australian Anti Ice Campaign in Cranbourne. We get the public down there. And we offered them free space to make a street where people can get direct access to support,” Mr Withall said.
“We managed to run the whole event free of charge for everybody who entered. About 300 people attended to walk against ice when we walked around the park.
“We got 5,000 people to come down on the day from all around Victoria and have some fun with their children while getting direct access to their means.”
Instant access to recovery and support services was provided onsite all day, including Headspace, Wellways, Hope Cartel, Leg Up Program, Butterfly Foundation, Amend Movement, Your Recovery House, and other organisations.
Mr Withall said they had the day in Cranbourne for a reason.
“In Victoria, when you talk from Dandenong, out towards into South Gippsland and up to all the Casey area, there’s not just a lot of ice there.
There are a lot of ice deaths. There’s a lot of crime, and it’s very significant,” he said.
“You hear about it more on social media in that area than you do anywhere else, so that’s why we chose that area.
“It’s not just more addicts. There’s more crime and there’s more death.”
Mr Withall said ongoing drug issues stemmed from someone who had been very traumatised or dealing with pain.
“And they haven’t unpacked that trauma yet. That’s the biggest side of drug use. We need to show that these people are covering trauma. They’re broken people that need help,” he said.
“By doing that, we break the stigma in ice.
“Drugs and alcohol addiction is suicide. It’s just not noticed as suicide. If you continue to use drugs, you will either end up dead from the drug or you’ll get hurt and killed. Or you’ll kill someone else while you’re on the drug.
“This is a part of suicide that our society doesn’t realise. So doing an event like this, we’re raising hardcore truths and real-world awareness.”
• Support is available. In an emergency, call triple-zero (000).
• Lifeline 13 11 14.
• DirectLine is a statewide telephone and online service which supports people seeking alcohol and other drugs information, advice or referral. Call 1800 888 236.
Emma Free from Wellways Gippsland (Peer lead suicide prevention and community engagement). (439824)
Headspace Narre Warren and Pakenham: Sancha, Naomi, Louise. (Rob Carew: 439824)
Instant access to recovery and support services was provided onsite all day. (439824)
Tessa Jetson (right) with Belinda (left) who was a participant in Tessa’s Restart Your Life retreat. (439824)
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NEWS Dazzling lights in Berwick
The Diwali Festival was in full swing in Berwick, as the Stockland Minta estate hosted an event that garnered more than 350 residents who joined the festivities on 25 October.
Known for its dazzling lights and cultural richness, Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated around the world with the goal of bringing together communities in a celebration of light triumphing over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
The local celebration brought the spirit of Diwali to life through festive lights, tunes from a Diwali DJ, belly dancers, dhol drummers and of course, food trucks serving traditional dishes.
The event culminated in a bright and lovely performance from Bollywood dancers as a symbol of victory over darkness, but also as the finale of an event that fostered a strong sense of friendship, camaraderie and togetherness in the local community
Fun and fireworks for Diwali at Akoonah Park
Fun for all members of the family took over Akoonah Park in Berwick on Saturday 26 October as part of the Grand Berwick Diwali Fair event.
The event featured market stalls, food stalls, merchandise stalls, amusement rides, and a variety of multicultural cultural programs.
The evening went off with a bang with colourful fireworks wowing the crowds.
Fireworks wowed the crowd.Camel rides were among the attractions. (Ian George)Cultural dancing took centre stage during the event.
Thumbs up for the rides.
Getting everyone involved has always been the atmosphere of Diwali, from India to every corner of the globe including Berwick. (Supplied)
Cultural favourites from chickpea curry to samosas were bountiful during the celebration, with a plate for every festival-goer.
A Diwali DJ made sure that the atmosphere remained vibrant, moving and most of all, upbeat.
The dancers gathered a strong audience from the children, engaging them with traditional dances.
Financial saviour recognised
By Sahar Foladi
A financial counsellor for more than 40 years, Margaret Taig’s dedication has been recognised with the awarding of the Honorary Life Membership of Financial Counselling Victoria.
Known as a pioneer in her field, she started her journey as a volunteer financial counsellor in 1979 at Dandenong Valley Family Care, a year after Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic) was formed.
Having experienced financial difficulties as the eldest daughter of a self-employed interstate truckie, she was eager to do something as a solution for those experiencing financial hardships.
“Being awarded an Honorary Life Membership of FCVic is the most unexpected, overwhelming and the most humbling experience, and it has caused me to reflect on the many years since I was first introduced to financial counseling.
“I was fully aware of the financial ups and downs a family can experience when household income is either not enough, inconsistent, or when cash flow and expenses do not match and the anguish and heartache when assets are at risk, or the beloved family home is lost.
“This together with a strong sense of community and the ‘Aussie’ value of being there for each other came together in the pioneering world of financial counselling.”
FCVic chief executive Zyl Hovenga-Wauchope praised Ms Taig’s impact in the sector.
“A quiet achiever in the sector, but nonetheless a leader, mentor and dedicated advocate, Margaret’s contributions qualify her as worthy of recognition as a Life Member of the Association.”
She is the fifth and most recent recipient of the award in FCVic’s 46-year history.
Ms Taig remembers her first meeting was attended by just five financial counsellors and draws the comparison to today where there are over 400 financial counsellors in Victoria alone, which is to only expand further.
In her current role of seven years with South East Community Links (SECL) she has been instrumental in delivering the vital ‘Bring Your Bills’
days, which saw large turn-outs and have proven to be an essential free community service.
As reported previously by Star News, the event
has wiped away more than $500,000 of debt from households in Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong in the past year.
Ms Taig says she enjoys not only the one-toone service with community members but also working and advocating to reform systems that shape the financial world.
“Whilst reforms and systemic change are essential, some of the most gratifying moments come when through our advocacy, we can change even one person’s life for the better.
“It may be something as small as preventing a service disconnection or at the other end of the scale avoiding the repossession of a home when the sheriff is at the door.”
Known as a “fierce social justice warrior” Ms Taig has an extensive portfolio working across organisations including FCVic’s predecessor organisation CAFCA. She has also been co-convenor of the Southern Metro Network (2011-17) facilitating vital information-sharing and peer support between financial counsellors across several organisations.
One of her pivotal and “rewarding role” has been working at the Dandenong and District Aborigines Cooperative Limited and Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place since 1998.
She says being able to do what she does has unlocked access to financial counselling for many First Nations community members who otherwise may not have accessed the service.
SECL’s head of financial wellbeing Rachna says they are “incredibly proud” of Ms Taig’s recognition.
“Her unwavering commitment has not only empowered individuals facing financial hardship but also shaped the very profession of financial counselling.
“This honorary life membership is a testament to Margaret’s extraordinary contributions, her tireless advocacy, and the lasting impact she continues to have on the community and the sector.”
Edrington Park Retirement Living is a thriving community set on prestigious gardens and home to a heritage-listed community centre. Enjoy easy access to shops and public transport, and sought after facilities, including gym and hair salon as well as an active social calendar.
Don’t miss out on low-maintenance retirement living, enjoying spacious, modern villas with private courtyard gardens and 24/7 emergency call systems.
Margaret Taig (pictured centre) with her husband Gary Taig and daughter Nicole Kershaw at the presentation of her life membership.
THE LOWDOWN
Q&A
What do you love the most about the Men’s Discussion Group?
I enjoy company and the opportunity to laugh. I love witnessing the change in a new member as he settles in and begins to feel comfortable at our Men’s Discussion Group.
What message would you want to send to people struggling with loneliness or mental illness?
I would encourage them to take small steps, one day at a time and offer them to join and enjoy the positive support of the Men’s Discussion Group. Which five dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to your ultimate party?
Two past mates, the Franciscan priest who married my wife and I, my best man and my old football coach.
What has been your most memorable moment?
The birth of our first child.
What were you like as a kid?
Involved in all things practical--- making and building items to amuse myself, and riding my bike.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
The recovery of my father on his return from WWI, and his adjustment back into civilian life without professional help.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Trustworthy, dedicated and determined.
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
Go surfing, if I am fit enough.
Where is your happy place?
Reading and writing poetry and trying to grow Men’s Discussion Groups.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
MasterChef? I would need supervision.
Where is your dream holiday destination?
A river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.
with South Eastern Men’s Discussion Groups co-ordinator Ken McMaster
As Universal Children’s Day is soon approaching on 20 November, here are three ways you can commemorate the day.
1
Educational workshops and activities are a great way to indulge children with not just fun and enjoyable activities, but also educational sessions that can highlight safety measures when playing with others, using online platforms and more.
2
Community events and celebrations that centre on children are another good way to celebrate, with an emphasis on play and activities that encourage teamwork and fairness, but also highlight the children’s abilities through art, writing, sport or performances.
3
Advocacy and awareness to the wider community is an important step, where groups or the local community can organise fundraising events with proceeds going to children’s charities or programs, as well as shining light on issues that impact children and being a voice of change.
South Eastern Men’s Discussion Groups co-ordinator Ken McMaster. (Stewart Chambers: 434867)
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NEWS Enter the garage if you dare
By Ava Cashmore
Lynbrook couple, David and Emily Polites transformed their garage into a semi-permanent haunted Halloween display, attracting children and families to enjoy a “spooky, but not too overthe-top” experience in their neighbourhood.
The couple’s Halloween fascination started over a decade ago when they opted for a Halloween-themed wedding instead of a destination wedding at Disneyland, with David dressing in a rabbit suit.
“We got married, and we were thinking of travelling, but we had a lot of family members that were sick and couldn’t travel.
“Then we started thinking, how do we bring a themed experience home for the wedding, rather than going to it?”
Since then, Halloween has become a tradition for the couple. Each year, they add to their collection of props, some of which can cost “in the ballpark of about 1000 bucks”.
Their setup draws crowds each year, and they enjoy seeing the reactions from children, including their own four-year-old daughter.
“To her, this stuff’s pretty normal, because we’re always bringing home something, or building it,” David said.
Though Halloween remains their primary focus, they haven’t ruled out expanding into other holidays.
“I have ambitions one day to do Christmas,” David said.
“But Christmas is our break,” Emily said.
“Every year we try and do something better than the year before, and we’ve been getting more and more kids every year.“
Spookiest night of the year a joy for the children
The night of Halloween was in full swing on 31 October, as witches, zombies, skeletons and ghastly species of the night took to the fields and brick homesteads of the Old Cheese Factory.
From the hours of 5pm to 9pm, true unbridled horror overtook Berwick, as children of all ages indulged in a series of free activities, rides and entertainment in celebration of the spookiest night of the year.
A terrifying DJ made sure the atmosphere was filled with haunting noises, with face paint-
ing activities and a stage show that featured princesses and a mad scientist entertaining the audiences.
The children were also able to wander through the Haunted Factory, the Witches Lair and the Spider Den, testing their mettle to the horrors within; but once outside were again able to enjoy activities like creating their own lantern at the craft workshops and taking selfies with the giant Bounce Beasts.
Costumes of all kinds with the aim to terrorise had children prowling the grounds for activities and lollies alike. (Supplied)
A white lady ghost and a vampire walk hand in hand as they search for their next victims (lollies) of the night.
Ghastly maidens whose heads grazed the skies trotted through the factory’s grounds.
Spooky decorations inside the garage. (Ava Cashmore: 441108)
David and Emily at their “Weddingween.” (Supplied)
David and Emily’s Halloween themed wedding. (Supplied)
David and Emily Polites in front of their display. (Ava Cashmore: 441108)
The festive decorations around the back of the house, inside the garage. (Ava Cashmore: 441108)
46 Paterson Drive, Lynbrook. (Ava Cashmore: 441108)
Collect a Can for Compost
A local kindergarten is taking big steps towards a greener future with their ‘Collect a Can for Compost’ project!
The Junior Kinder program has launched an exciting fundraising effort to raise $294. Their goal is to install a compost bin and worm farm right in their yard, giving their sustainability curriculum a fantastic boost.
The project is testament to how Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme can contribute to organisations like kindergartens in reaching their fundraising goals.
By setting up a designated collection bin or bag, organisations and community groups, such as this kindergarten can collect eligible containers from their community.
They can also join the scheme as donation partners by registering through the CDS Vic website, allowing them to raise funds from the proceeds of container returns.
The project started with a small but impactful step: the kinder teacher began collecting cans and bottles at home, depositing them to kickstart the fundraising with an initial $6.40.
In just a few days, they had collected a remarkable 589 cans and bottles, generating $58.90. With this contribution added to the initial deposit, the project is already well on its way to reaching its goal, with only $229.70 left to raise.
A teacher at the kindergarten will then transport them to their nearest Return-It depot in Cranbourne West.
This depot offers a quick and efficient way to process drink containers with their new fastcounting machine, the MEGA.
Open seven days a week.
Address: 27 Whitfield Blvd, Cranbourne West 3977
OzHarvest on way
By Corey Everitt
Food rescue organisation OzHarvest will expand their work through the South East to combat rising local demand with a new hub to be built in the region.
OzHarvest will receive $200,000 from the State Government’s Community Food Relief Program to go to a new operational hub in the South East.
As the cost of living is rising, OzHarvest said, food insecurity is becoming the norm for more and more families. Reports from their agencies show a 29 per cent increase in demand and 74 per
cent of those agencies are requesting more food for their service.
OzHarvest has 146 charities on their waitlist, 42 percent of them are reportedly located in the South East of Melbourne.
As part of their overall response to the demand, OzHarvest will establish a new warehouse and distribution centre to expand their local capabilities in the growing South East.
Twelve new charities could be serviced with the establishment of the new hub across Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Knox, Monash and Mornington Peninsula.
Currently, OzHarvest deploys three vehicles to deliver produce across the area, with this new hub they say three tonnes of additional food or 6000 meals could be saved each week.
OzHarvest Melbourne currently rescues 174 tonnes of food each month, delivering over 350,000 meals to 137 charitable agencies across the Melbourne Metropolitan area and beyond. You can support OzHarvest’s efforts to establish the hub from either donations or the lending of equipment and space, to find out more contact Manager Christine Crowley at christine.crowley@ ozharvest.org
IN BRIEF
Police seek info on roo killer
Police officers assisted Wildlife Rescue Victoria in saving a now orphaned joey, after its mother and four other kangaroos were shot and killed at Cardinia Reservoir in an act of animal cruelty, police say.
Two Joeys were located inside the pouches of their deceased mothers at the scene, however only one survived.
One adult kangaroo appears to have also been struck with a vehicle and had to be euthanised at the location.
The incident is believed to have occurred between 7.30pm on Sunday 3 November and 7am on Monday 4 November.
If anyone has any information relating to the incident, please contact Emerald Police on 5954 0200, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Local police officer with rescued joey.
OzHarvest will establish a new hub in the South East
LEST WE FORGET
11th November
REMEMBRANCE DAY Services around the region
Pakenham
· Time: 10.45am for 11am service
· Location: Pakenham Cenotaph, Cnr fo Henry and John Street
Gembrook
· Time: 10.45am for 11am service
· Location: Gembrook RSL, 49 Main Street Gembrook Cockatoo
· Time: 10.30am
· Location: Cockatoo RSL, 20 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Cockatoo Kooweerup
· Time: 10.45am for 11am service
· Location: Kooweerup War Memorial, Rossiter Road, in front of the Kooweerup Community Centre
Bunyip
· Time: 10.45am for 11am service
· Location: Bunyip War Memorial, Main Street, Bunyip
Berwick
· Time: 10:45 am start for an 11:00 am service
· Location: Berwick Cenotaph, corner of High Street and Clyde Road, Berwick
Cranbourne
· Time: 10: 40 am – 12:00 pm (service at 11:00 am)
· Location: Cranbourne Cenotaph, Greg Clydesdale Square, High Street, Cranbourne Pearcedale
· Time: 10.00 am – 12.00 pm (service at 11:00 am)
· Location: Pearcedale Public Hall, 45 Pearcedale Road, Pearcedale
125 years of supporting those on the battlefields
We have heard time and time again people tell their children, “Never walk past The Salvos without giving a donation, because they helped us (or your grandparents) during the war.”
It is a sentiment that has been around for generations and still exists today.
A long legacy that The Salvation Army has had during devastating times of war and conflict, where they have provided a safe space of rest and support.
This year marks the 125-year anniversary of The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services (RSDS) supporting those during these difficult times. And on behalf of The Salvos, it has
been an honour to have served defence members, shoulder to shoulder, during times of war over the past 125 years.
We cast our minds back to the second Boer War in November 1899, when Salvation Army founder William Booth said, “Investigate what can be done for our soldiers in the field of battle.” Since then, The Salvos have been looking to find ways to support Australia’s service men and women wherever they find themselves.
Indeed, there hasn’t been a major conflict or peace-keeping effort since the Boer War where The Salvos haven’t been there to bring support and hope.
Berwick RSL Inc.
Service for Remembrance Day will be held at the Memorial in High St, Berwick.
The service will commence at 10:45 am.
From the two World Wars to conflicts in Malaya, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Somalia, East Timor, the Middle East, and more, The Salvos have been there.
During major conflicts, the RSDS, affectionately known as the Sallyman or Sallyma’an, were on the ground with soldiers to provide a warm drink or refreshments, a bite to eat, and most importantly a place to have a chat in a safe space.
The Salvos are proud of the strong bond we have created with our service men and women across the nation, and around the world.
In these times of devastating violence, hard-
ship and injustice, The Salvos look to bring a glimmer of hope and support to those who really need it.
We continue this important work to this day. In Darwin, Townsville, Brisbane, Singleton, Holsworthy, Canberra and Adelaide, we serve those who serve and will continue to do so into the future. It is a privilege to do so.
On behalf of the Berwick RSL Sub-branch, especially our veteran community, I would like to thank you the people of Berwick and surrounds for your very generous donations and support as part of our Poppy and ANZAC Appeals. All money raised from these appeals goes directly into supporting the veteran community of Berwick.
People of all ages placed poppies within the Berwick cenotaph.
(AAP Image/David Crosling)
Major Brett Gallagher Chief Commissioner of The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services
Barbecue wraps up festival
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre wrapped up its celebration of the City of Casey’s Ageing Positively Festival with a barbecue on Wednesday 30 October.
“Throughout October, Merinda Park welcomed the senior residents of the community to a variety of events, which were part of the City of Casey’s Ageing Positively Festival,” a spokesperson of the centre said.
“From a scrumptious morning tea with homemade scones and jam to potting plants with our kinder children, the centre embraced the elderly. The final event, which was a BBQ in the park, turned out better than expected.
“The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and some great friendships blossomed.
“We look forward to seeing more visitors at our next Ageing Positively Festival.”
WHAT’S ON
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
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!
2:30pm Sunday 10 November, 2024 Cranbourne Presbyterian Church, Crn Sladen & Russel Sts, Cranbourne
• Tickets $25 Adult, $20 Concession, $5 Children
With guest artists Paru and Pranav, folk-playing siblings on guitar and violin.
...and after all that, a sumptuous afternoon tea to refresh you before your journey home!
Mega Garage Sale Warneet and Blind Bight CFA
Saturday 23 November, 8am onwards Coffee Van, Egg & Bacon Rolls, Sausage Sizzle,
Raffle Tickets
Blind Bight Community Centre, Warneet Blind Bight CFA Station
• Approx 40 Garage Sales within 4km
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
Tuesday morning Tai Chi at Living and Learning Pakenham. (Stewart Chambers: 193271)
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
U3A Cranbourne is situated at 20-22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne. Line dancing and ballroom dancing classes are held at Casey Basketball Stadium in Cranbourne.
Supported by Casey Council U3A is a not-for-profit organisation with a membership fee of $50 per year. Members can join as many classes as they wish.
Our resin class has started with lots of beautiful objects being created.
The singing, guitar and ukulele groups are practicing for the Christmas lunch.
Beautiful Christmas cards can be purchased that have been made by the card making group. The walls are adorned with art work created by
Free Martial Arts Classes
Australian Oriental Martial Arts Tai Chi or AWCC Tai Chi, will be hosting free trial classes for kids interested in martial arts this weekend.
For the past 8 years, AWCC Tai Chi has been making contributions to the Melbourne community, the founder is Tai Chi Master Wendy Jiang Hui, the 16th World Wushu All-Around Champion.
There will be two classes for residents in Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong.
On Saturday 9 November, AWCC Tai Chi from 11am to 12pm and 12pm to 1pm at Nazareth College, Manning Drive, Noble Park North.
On Sunday 10 November, from 11am to 12pm and 12pm to 1pm at Berwick College, Manuka Road.
members and it shows the variety and talent of our members.
You can come and have a cuppa and knit.
You can do as little or as much as you like.
Please check our classes on the website www. u3acranbourne.org.au or call 0493 991 919 to learn more.
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
Committee member Stephen Borsodi is the Master Chef at the BBQ. (Gary Sissons: 440730)
Gabrielle Sutton (student), Debbie Elliott (student) and Andrea Sumner (student). (440730) People are enjoying the BBQ and the weather. (440730)
Committee members Stephen Borsodi, Coreena Bron (secretary) and Reigan Reed (president). (440730)
Didar Ali (level one student), Rabia Khan (level one tutor) and Vincent Vejano (student). (440730)
(Retrospective) Shed and Swimming Pool Outside the Building Envelope and Variation to Covenant
The applicant for the permit is: Alantouri Design
The application reference number is: PA24-0482 - (Bhavna Gungabison)
You may look at the application and
SPORT Lions roar as Bears buckle
By Marcus Uhe
Corresponding outcomes for last season’s Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 1 grand final teams left Buckley Ridges as the final undefeated team standing in the division after round five.
Where the Bucks defended 210 against Berwick, Springvale South fell four wickets short of preventing Narre South from reaching its total of 7/227 to taste defeat for the first time this summer.
The Lions got the better of Springvale South in a 50-over contest earlier this year at Strathaird Reserve and history repeated itself to see Narre South notch this summer’s maiden win.
79 from Jordan Wyatt and 58 from Blade Baxter were the primary contributions for the Bloods in the first innings of the contest after the rest of the top order failed to fire.
Mitch Forsyth’s excellent run of scores to begin the summer ended with a duck in the opening over to Callan Tout, as Cameron Forsyth (14) and Stephen Hennessy (seven) also departed for low scores.
Wyatt was at his destructive best at the other end, with his 79 featuring a number of trademark boundaries.
AgainsttheseamofLiamSheehanhelaunched the left-armer for a glorious straight six towards Community Parade and targeted the same area of the ground with back-to-back maximums in Joel Zietsman’s first over later in the innings.
Not even Jeevan Mendis was spared his wrath of destruction, as the two latest to join the Wookey Medal honour board went toe-to-toe.
Mendis’ first ball of the afternoon was cut to the cover boundary for four and Wyatt took 10 from the first two balls of his second over to bring up his half-century from 31 deliveries.
A change of ends for would bring Wyatt’s undoing however, having had his strike rate reduced by Mendis and Morteza Ali.
With Mendis now bowling with the hill at his back, Wyatt shelled a cut shot to the ring field and made way for 79, featuring five sixes and eight fours, with his demeanour as he left the centre alluding to frustration at losing his wicket when he did.
Baxter and Jackson Sketcher then added 65 for the fifth wicket but Sketcher’s attempts to lift the intensity saw him hole-out for 36.
With Baxter the only player to join Wyatt in passing 50, it was a case of the Bloods’ issues from last season coming back to haunt them, with too much responsibility falling on the talismanic batter’s shoulders once more.
Tout and Ali both took two wickets each in impressive bowling performances.
Ali’s torrid start to the summer with the bat continued, earning his second duck from three innings in Narre South’s chase, but unlike Springvale South, his compatriots were able to make solid contributions with the blade.
Four players scored 20 or more and four part-
nerships passed the 40-run mark to keep the pressure on Springvale South.
Kyle Hardy and Vineth Jayasuriya each fell in the 20s as captain-coach Mendis played the anchoring role in the pursuit.
Mendis kept the strike ticking while also finding the boundary, sharing a 59-run stand with Jayasuriya before the number three became Jarryd Straker’s first victim.
He then added 48 with Zac Wilson, with the tall Englishman playing a key role in helping to neutralise the threat of Straker with a handful of boundaries, but with Wilson and Riley McDonald succumbing in consecutive overs, an opening for the Bloods emerged.
Mendis and Adam Snelling quickly steadied the ship, taking the fight to Springvale South with a counter-punching partnership of 46.
The pairing had little trouble in finding the boundary and transferred rarely-seen bowling pressure back onto last summer’s runner up.
Mendis eventually fell for a brilliantly crafted 71, leaving Snelling and Stephen Brooks to finish the job for the Lions.
Snelling finished unbeaten on 37 and provided some of the highlights of the afternoon with some sumptuous straight drives off the express pace of Nick Boland.
Boland, Straker and Josh Dowling each fin-
Bloods stars to be tested
By Marcus Uhe
The challenge has been thrown to Springvale South to repeat last summer’s Dandenong District Cricket Association T20 competition heroics after drawing a pair of fellow Turf 1 sides in its three-team group round to open the tournament.
The Bloods will need to get through bitter rival Buckley Ridges and 2022/23 champions Berwick in order to advance and keep its chance of defending the title alive.
Last season they bested Buckley Ridges by seven wickets in the group stage after an excellent bowling performance restricted the Bucks to just 115 in the first innings.
Theirs is the marquee trio of the groupings and the only with three teams from the same division.
Runner up HSD, by contrast, has a far-more favourable draw, with a pair of Turf 3 sides in Lynbrook and Keysborough to open proceedings.
Third-placed North Dandenong, meanwhile, should also like its chances, assigned to
face Berwick Springs and Silverton in the group stages.
The competition begins on Sunday 2 December and culminates at Shepley Oval on Sunday 2 February.
GROUPS – venue
■ Hampton Park, Parkmore, Lyndale
Frederick Wachter Reserve
■ Cranbourne, Fountain Gate, Beaconsfield
Casey Fields 2
■ Narre North, Narre Warren, Coomoora Narre Warren North Reserve
■ Springvale South, Berwick, Buckley Ridges
Alex Nelson Reserve
■ St Mary’s, Doveton, Hallam Kalora Park
Carroll Reserve
■ North Dandenong, Berwick Springs, Silverton
Lois Twohig Reserve
■ Narre South, Parkfield, Dandenong West
Strathaird Reserve
■ Lynbrook, Keysborough, HSD
Marriott Watters Reserve
ished with economy rates over six, with Baxter and Matt Wetering each shortly behind on 5.5 runs per over.
Straker and Boland did themselves a disservice by sending down seven wides each and Wetering six, in an uncharacteristically undisciplined performance.
In nearby Berwick, Buckley Ridges made a welcome return to the venue at which they were crowned Turf 1 champions last summer by defending its score of 7/210.
They have Ishan Jayarathna to thank primarily for the result, who finished with sensational figures of 6/33 from his 11 overs.
The Sri Lankan removed Matthew Hague on the third ball of the innings as he nicked a catch to Jake Cronin behind the stumps and finished his opening spell with the wicket of Brodie Herkess for 23.
After taking the catch to remove the big wicket of Michael Wallace, he made an instant impact on his return to the bowling crease by getting through Jordan Cleland’s defences in his first over back.
He made the critical breakthrough of dismissing Jarryd Wills for 53, before returning later in the innings to help wrap-up proceedings with wickets five and six.
Berwick reached 170, its innings coming to its
conclusion in the 43rd over.
Seamer, Prav Chahal, continues to make an impact with the ball, taking 3/37.
Earlier in the day, German debutant Matthew Montgomery made a half-century on debut for his new side, sharing in a 106-run stand with Ben Wright for the second wicket.
The pair spent more than half the innings together and provided the backbone of the Bucks’ score, with 57 and 64 respectively, as Roshane Silva joined them as the only other batter to reach double figures.
Berwick let themselves down with the ball, meanwhile, bowling 27 extras.
Elliot Mathews was the leading wicket-taker with 4/37 but his six overs were expensive.
Other Turf 1 results saw Hallam Kalora Park hang on for a seven-run win over Dandenong West, and Beaconsfield thrash North Dandenong by 81 runs.
Susantha Pradeep played his best game yet for his new Beaconsfield side, hitting 79 from 69 balls in a 99-run stand with Ashan Madhushanka. Each of the top six got starts, with the Tigers skipper the only player to pass 50, before Mitchell Tielen took over with the ball.
The spinner grabbed 5/28 from his 12 overs as the Maroons were bundled out in 37 overs for just 147.
Beyond Ramneet Dhindsa’s 57, contributions were limited from the remainder of the North Dandenong batting card.
Beaconsfield moves into third place and with a strong percentage following two significant wins and a tight loss in its opening three contests, adding fuel to fire for a significant contest with Berwick on Saturday.
At Hallam, Mahela Udawatte’s 83 and Damith Perera’s 53 pushed the Hawks to 6/231, just out of Dandenong West’s reach.
Adam Reid and Amrith Sri Mahan were the Bulls’ only wicket-takers.
Venuk Hemachandra led the Bulls’ response with 72 and Anthony Brannan made 41 but a middle order stumble following Brannan’s departure put the Bulls too far back in the game, finishing at 8/224.
Round six, meanwhile, begun on Sunday afternoon, as Dandenong West chased Narre South’s total of 101 five wickets down.
Springvale South’s road to repitition in the DDCA’s T20 competition will be difficult this summer. (Marcus Uhe: 388407)
Ishan Jayarathna tortured Berwick’s batters once more. (Rob Carew: 386712)
The spinning tandem of Morteza Ali and Jeevan Mendis was crucial to Narre South’s success. (439517)
Redbacks’ spine complete
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Hampton Park has picked up strong marking forward Myles Wareham to cap off a recruiting spree and add significant size to the Redbacks’ line-up.
He kicked 26 goals for ninth-placed Outer East Final Netball (OEFN) Premier Division side Gembrook-Cockatoo in 2024 after a competitionleading 71 goals in the Brookers’ Division 1 premiership in 2022.
He follows Brad Coller, who coached the Brookers to the 2022 flag, across to Division 2 of the Southern Football Netball League.
Redbacks coach Luke Bull is confident Wareham will provide his side with presence inside 50 which they lacked in 2024.
“He’s the perfect age for the sort of guys we want to bring in,” Bull said.
“He’s great one-on-one and will add grunt to our forward line and has a good head on him so will add structure.
“There’s a good mix in the forward line now with talls, mediums and speedy forwards.”
His addition caps off a clutch of offseason additions for the Redbacks, which reached semifinal weekend in 2024 after finishing the season in fifth position.
Most notably, Hampton Park will enter the 2025 season as among the stronger and taller teams in the competition, changing the way they will be able to move the footy.
While much of the big man responsibility fell on Jye King in 2024, the Spiders will have fellow defender Mitch Woolgar, forward Liam Scott, ruck Mason Hawkins and Wareham to share the load in 2025.
Nathan Langley is also returning, after kicking 30 goals from 10 late season games in 2024.
Scott, Langley and Wareham shapes as a deep forward line that will stretch opposition back-
lines, while Woolgar’s addition will free King up to intercept and get higher up the ground, rather than locking down.
Meanwhile, Hawkins will give Hampton Park more control around stoppage.
Classy Hillman
By Marcus Uhe
Berwick Springs has broken through for its maiden win in the new Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 3 season, overcoming the previously unbeaten Lynbrook by 47 runs on Saturday.
Despite missing the destructive Jackson Marie at the top of the batting card, the Titans turned in their best batting performance of the season to date in the first innings before rolling Lynbrook for 148 in 41 overs.
Titans skipper Braydon Hillman hit an impressive 65 to provide the backbone of the innings, passing 50 for the first time this season as the mainstay on the card.
The skipper persevered through the adversity of losing a handful of partners before their respective innings’ got going, hitting two sixes and six fours in his stay at the wicket.
His resilience helped to counteract teenage prodigy Yashwant Singh, who took 4/39 from 10 overs for the Lakers.
Ethan Marinic also contributed 30 with the bat.
Harman Sahota’s opening spell put the Lakers on the back foot immediately by removing opening pair Sithara Perera and Cody Thompson for two and five, respectively.
Jay Walia pushed back with 73 at number six but his was the only score of note for the Lakers who succumbed in the 41st over.
Titans coach Shalika Karunanayake was the leading wicket taker with 4/39, with Sahota finishing with 2/13 from his seven overs.
At Narre North, the competition’s newcomers showed improvement in both departments against Fountain Gate but failed to prevent the Gators from collecting a third win on the bounce.
It took all 10 wickets for the second time in two weeks and posted its highest score with the bat, reaching 137 chasing the Gators’ 207.
Amardeep Hothi made 56 to top score for the Gators as they played a typically patient batting innings before Nadim Nazif top-andtailed Narre North’s batting card, taking 4/45.
Kiruba Sathiyaseelan showed his class and experience by taking 3/41 for Narre North, as James Webb (37) and Fazmin Mohamed (36)
“We needed a spine and we were able to get it,” Bull said.
“We can restructure now and stretch sides with our height.
“We have more security to go long with mark-
puts Titans on the board
both made starts.
Fountain Gate now stands head and shoulders above the remainder of the field as the only team yet to taste the pain of defeat in Turf 3.
Around Turf 3, Keysborough’s season has roared back to life following a 60-run defeat of Silverton.
Having opened the year with a heavy defeat to Lynbrook, the Knights appeared to iron out some creases in last week’s five-wicket win over Hampton Park, and doubled-down on their improvement by beating the Bakers.
Late runs from Christo Otto and Abhinay Motupalli took them to 8/182 in the first innings despite Harkanwal Singh’s 5/34, before rolling the Bakers for 122 in reply.
Otto added to his efforts with the bat by taking 3/18 with the ball, but the best figures in his side went to James Wright, who took 4/37.
Silverton never settled, dismissed in the 33rd over with Charith Anthony’s 30 the highest score for his side.
The loss was Silverton’s first, seeing them
retreat to the pack with three other sides on 18 points.
Joining the quadrant is Hampton Park, becoming the latest team to thrash Doveton.
Led by Manjinder Kingra’s 62 and Travis Lacey’s 59, the Lions scored at nearly a run-aball in setting 258 for victory.
A total of that size was likely to be too much for Doveton, given their early-season batting woes, and it proved to be just that.
Just two players reached double figures as the Doves capitulated to 79 all out in 25 overs.
Hassan Ali and Obaid Syed put on 28 for the first wicket but Ali’s dismissal was the beginning of the end for the Doves, as the 10 wickets fell with the addition of just 51 more runs in 18 overs.
Vijay Pal Singh concluded the innings with a hat-trick for the Lions to finish with 3/4.
Doveton seamer Hamed Azadzoi offered his side a silver lining, meanwhile, taking 4/35 with the ball in the first innings.
ing targets and we’ll be able to hold on to the ball.” The Redbacks have comfortably been the most active club in Division 2 of the SFNL on a recruiting front and will enter 2025 with a list that can contend for a premiership.
Local athlete leaps ahead
Teenaged Officer athlete Kevin Navodya blitzed the Victorian All School Track and Field Championships at Lakeside Stadium last Saturday.
The Officer Secondary College student came first in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.66 seconds, which led to selection in the Australian National Championships in Brisbane during December.
Navodya also came third in discus, with a throw of 37.28 metres and fifth in the 100 metre sprint semi-finals, with a time of 12.09 seconds. 2024 is the second consecutive year that Navodya has taken out the state hurdles title, winning the 90-metre hurdles last year.
The National Championships in December will cap off an eventful year for the aspiring Olympian.
The 14-year-old placed in the top two in each of the following events at last summer’s Coles Regional Track and Field Carnivals: high jump, discus, 100-metre sprint and 90-metre hurdles.
The Casey Cardinia athletics junior also had strong meets at the State Track and Field Championships in March, placing first in the 90-metre hurdles and third in the discus and 100-metre sprint.
As well as his track and field accomplishments, Navodya also plays basketball at Dandenong Ranges and Berwick Basketball Club and is also part of the Beaconsfield Football Club.
Kevin Navodya will be in action at the Australian All School Championships in December. (Supplied)
Braydon Hillman’s 65 was vital for Berwick Springs. (Rob Carew: 388164)
Myles Wareham (right) will straighten Hampton Park up. (Rob Carew: 422967)
Unique bat has Luke smiling
By Marcus Uhe
There’s just something about cricketers and their bats.
There are few relationships as integral to an athlete in any sport as that between a cricketer and his choice of willow.
Ask anyone who’s played the game and they’ll likely have a story about one on standby - whether it’s a favourite, their first, the one from their best season - while simply listing different models from years gone by is enough to elicit guffaws from cricket tragics and can see hours disappear during a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
For cricket-mad Lysterfield teenager Luke Spierings, however, finding the ideal blade has been a struggle over the years due to a medical condition.
Spierings was born with a left-arm deficiency and as such, is forced to bat with only his right hand gripping the handle.
The condition has never stopped him from throwing himself into anything and everything competitive - be it basketball, football, tennis or table tennis, Spierings’ weekends are non-stop as he embraces all that teenage life has to offer with his mates and family.
Finding a cricket bat to suit him, however, has proven a challenge, with the leg-spinner struggling to play a full array of strokes for his Lysterfield Beavers due to the cumbersome weight of the products on the market.
Spierings wants to take his cricket ‘as high as it can go’, whether that be forcing his way into the First XI at Lysterfield’s seniors or even playing Victorian Premier Cricket, options he considers “pretty cool”.
Through a chance relationship with leading equipment manufacturer Kookaburra, however, his fortunes have changed for the better this summer.
Living in close proximity to company Chief Financial Officer Lawrie Kirby, a conversation between the family and Kirby during the offseason put the Spierings in touch with Kookaburra bat maker, Lachlan Dinger.
Some of the game’s most high-profile Australian cricketers have Dinger on speed-dial as the man trusted to perfect and tinker with their bats, from Glenn Maxwell to Alyssa Healy, Phoebe Litchfield and even Spierings’ favourite player, Marnus Labuschagne.
Dealing with the minutiae and specifications in requests from the professionals is something that Dinger has come to expect and learned to manage in his near decade at the Moorabbin factory, but Spierings’ requirements threw him a brand new challenge.
“We make all kinds of different specification bats here customised to sponsored players’ needs and wants but I’ve never made one for someone with one arm,” Dinger said.
“It was a matter of Luke and his family coming down, trying to understand how he sets up and how he bats, and what we can do differently with the bat to help him.
“We do it with all our players, to try to understand what they want.
“There’s limitations and rules and regulations that we have to play with in terms of making the bat, then we spit-balled a few ideas around on how we could reduce weight and make the bat swing a little better, or change the size so that there’s no wasted weight.”
Using a would-be discarded piece of willow that would have been too small to produce something that could be sold commercially, Dinger combined his expertise with the needs and desires of Spierings and developed the one-of-akind bat in short order.
With a shorter face, longer handle and an oversized knob at the top, Dinger’s masterpiece came with the ‘Ghost’ sticker insignia in a tribute to Labuschagne.
“The way that he holds it, one of the big things (to consider) was the weight,” Dinger said.
“He told us that with the standard size five bat that he was using, a lot of the handle was wasted by not having the second hand above his bottom hand.
“Removing part of that allowed us to save a bit of weight; it’s not like a standard size that we would produce in retail, it was a totally different size.
“Even something like, it had a bit of an enlarged knob at the top of the handle so that he can lock his hand in - not having that second hand to grab and grip onto, it was about him having some kind of mechanism to lock his hand in.
“It’s not something we hadn’t done, but not in that use for a junior, not something we’ve ever done.
“I think we talked him into a round (handle) because the oval (handle), in your grip, it really dictates that you have to play straight.
“When it’s round, a lot of players feel that you can manipulate the bat better, to hit square of the wicket.”
Dinger’s instincts proved vital, with the eager young batter validating his intuition in his early net sessions and games with the new weapon while fully kitted out in brand new pads and other equipment from the company, having received the rock star treatment upon its collection.
“I had to get used to it at the start because it’s a bit shorter, get used to the length of it and the placement of the hand,” Spierings said.
“It was a bit harder to get a cross-bat shot through (with previous bats).
“I can basically play anywhere with this bat.
“I love looking to have fun with my mates, be-
ing out there and being able to have a bat and make some runs, it’s a good feeling, (along with) getting a wicket and having everyone getting around you.
“I thought it was really good on their behalf, looking out for everyone and being really inclusive.”
Early in the Beavers’ U16s season and with bouts of inclement weather to contend with, he’s had limited opportunities to put it to use on Saturday morning thus far, but a number of cherries and scuff marks on the bat face suggest it’s knocked-in and on standby for a long stay at the crease.
As much as he and his family expressed gratitude for Kookaburra’s efforts, the man responsible for the creation had his own slice of satisfaction for crafting something for Spierings to cherish, marvelling at his young client’s endeavour and persistence for the game.
“We love seeing people score runs and the unique thing here is, instead of being someone on a state or national arena, it’s someone in a park, but someone that’s experiencing some difficulty and there’s maybe not a product out there that suits him and helps him enjoy cricket,” he said.
“I said to Lawrie when he left, ‘you can tell he just loves cricket and is a cricket tragic like a lot of young Aussie kids’.
“It’s so awesome that he’s out there and having a crack, regardless of the difficulties that he has.
“I struggle with two hands at the best of times; it’s amazing that he’s still out there playing.
“It’s obviously a fun game when you’re scoring runs - if we can help him do that, he’ll have a lot more fun and it breaks down any barriers that he thought there may be.
“It’s equally as cool making a different and challenging bat (as it is for professionals), something that I wouldn’t ordinarily make, for someone like Luke and you know that they’re going to get a whole amount of enjoyment out of it.”
Swans sneak home in nail-biting thriller at Casey Fields
By Marcus Uhe
The never-say-die spirit coursing through the veins of the current Casey-South Melbourne Cricket Club squad was on full display once more on Saturday, completing a stunning turnaround against Prahran to sneak home by 10 runs in Victorian Premier Cricket action at Casey Fields.
In taking the final eight True Blues wickets for just 100 runs, the Swans dug themselves out of major trouble to preserve their undefeated streak to open the season and bag vital points against a likely finals contender once more this summer.
The varied bowling attack shared responsibilities with the ball and took vital wickets to drag themselves back into the hunt, having posted 310 in the first innings of the contest.
Prahran made a blistering start to the reply, scoring at better than a run-a-ball for the first 20 overs with a massive task on their hands.
Halfway through the overs allotment, the visitors were more than on their way to a win, bringing up the 200-run milestone in the 43rd over at a run rate of 4.65.
partnership in the process.
Important strikes in quick succession from Harry Hoekstra and Vinu Mohotty then took the Swans into Prahran’s middle order, and when Ruwantha Kellapotha bowled the final remaining batter in Brodie Symons for a dogged 47, the visitors were now in trouble at 7/262.
The Swans’ squeeze was on, with maidens now coming just as frequently as boundaries as the chase slowed to a crawl, and the hosts attacked.
Kellapotha’s third reduced Prahran to eight wickets down with a further 29 for victory.
A second for Hoekstra put the game on a knife’s edge at 9/289, before Kellapotha’s fourth sealed the result, with Mohotty holding a sharp catch at first slip.
The leg-spinner finished the contest with 4/48 from 26.3 overs in a masterful display of control and attack, with Lambden taking three wickets and Hoesktra two.
A tough test awaits next week with a trip to Richmond, sitting pretty at the top of the table as one of three sides on 14 points.
Casey-South Melbourne is fifth.
The next handful of overs changed the contest, however, with a double-strike from Nathan Lambden giving the Swans hope.
The spearhead removed the two set batters in Damon Egan and Max Delaney, ending a 64run
Ruwantha Kellapotha took four vital wickets for Casey South Melbourne. (Rob Carew: 436984)
Luke Spierings with his customised bat. (Marcus Uhe: 441690)
Spierings with the man behind the creation, Lachlan Dinger.
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