Creative youth
Quarters Primary School’s second annual Art Show showcased creative work from Foundation to Year 6 on Wednesday 30 October.
Highlights included Prep’s weather-themed art, Years 1 and 2’s warm and cool contrast pieces, Years 3 and 4’s perspective and dioramas, and senior students’ advanced techniques, featuring insect paintings, textured weavings, and clay self-portraits.
Story page 8
The years-long wait for an elected council will soon be over in Casey with official results expected this 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.
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.
The Group A provisional results have appeared to be highly contested races for six wards across Casey South.
Group A votes, the majority, being those which arrived before 6pm on 25 October were counted on Thursday 31 October, with Group B
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.
votes, received after, and preference distributions to be tallied today (Thursday 7 November).
In Correa Ward, former councillor from 2016 to 2020 Gary Rowe led with 29.9 per cent of votes.
In Quarters Ward, independent and accountant Carolyn Eaves led with 20.6 per cent of votes, outpacing Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Ian Wood who secured 18 per cent of votes.
In River Gum Ward, Lynette Pereira, who was a former councillor from 2008 to 2012, led with 24.4 per cent of votes.
Kowan Ward’s race has been close, with Labor member Kasuni Mendis narrowly ahead at 21.2 per cent of votes over independent Bernard Brian Carr, who had 20.2 per cent of votes.
Tooradin Ward has seen independent and pharmacist Anthony Tassone (27.2 per cent) slightly ahead of independent Jennifer Dizon (26.3 per cent).
In Cranbourne Gardens Ward, Michelle Crowther held a lead at 33 per cent of votes, with Anthony Lake following at 23.9 per cent of votes.
Story page 3
Year 5 student Rehmet next to the art. (Gary Sissons: 440109)
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.
Commemorating 45 Years of Service!
From our humble beginnings journey has been one of dedication and heartfelt care. We extend our deepest gratitude to the families who have entrusted us during their most challenging times. Your trust and support have been the cornerstone of our success. Thank you to our incredible team for their unwavering dedication. Here’s to many more years of providing the little things that make a big difference.
Thank you for being a part of our story.
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)
Tight election race in south
By Violet Li
Casey South election races have appeared tight with the early provisional results and candidates say they are eagerly waiting for the remaining counts and preferences later this week.
Group A votes - the majority, being those which arrived before 6pm on 25 October - were counted on Thursday 31 October, with Group B - received after the Group A time - votes and preference distributions to be tallied on Thursday 7 November.
In Correa Ward, former councillor Gary Rowe led the way with 4247 votes (29.9 per cent). Kanu Aggarwal was in second place with 3553 votes (25 per cent). Tracey Ryan had 3029 votes (21.3 per cent), Abdullah Neshat 1784 (12.6 per cent), Shegofa Naseri 1005 (7.1 per cent), and Onkar Singh Sandhawalia 575 (4.1 per cent).
Mr Rowe appeared to be the only former councillor sacked amid an IBAC anti-corruption inquiry in 2020 who might have a promising comeback.
He said he felt humbled looking at the early provisional results.
“There’s still lots of work to be done, and I’m very happy about it,” he said.
Mr Rowe said it was still too early to declare the win.
“You can never be certain in politics,” he said. He said he wanted to thank his opponent in the same ward Tracey Ryan for her wonderful support.
Ms Ryan has publicly preferenced Mr Rowe.
“She put her hand up to run. When you people get to meet her or know her, she’s an absolutely wonderful and dedicated person, and she got a lovely family,” Mr Rowe said.
“It was quite funny when we were talking. I’m an ex-policeman. Her husband’s an ex-policeman. There were so many common things about her life and their life and my life.
“And it was just obviously meant to be.”
In Quarters Ward, independent and accountant Carolyn Eaves was in the lead with 2601 votes (20.6 per cent), ahead of Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Ian Wood on 2274 votes (18 per cent).
Craig Baird had 1961 votes (15.5 per cent), Aftab Hussain 1644 (13 per cent), Kuljeet Kaur Robinson 1582 (12.5 per cent), Jagdeep Singh Sukhija 1434 (11.4 per cent), David Rolfe 865 (6.8 per cent), and Ridvan Rasimi 270 (2.1 per cent).
Mr Wood said it was a tricky situation in Quarters Ward as he didn’t know who his opponent, Carolyn Eaves, was.
“She doesn’t seem to have any preference deal going.
“I don’t know much about this person. I can only think Cranbourne voters must have read her statement and liked it and must have voted for her.”
Ms Eaves has been contacted.
According to Ms Eaves’ website, she has been living in Cranbourne for over 24 years and has participated in many community groups and activities. She has experience in personnel, office and business management, financial management, corporate governance and risk management. She is currently running a small business in Cranbourne.
Ms Eaves’ candidate statement lashes out at the previous Casey Council.
“Never have I been more disgusted with any council than I am with our previous one,” she stated.
“The role of councillor is supposed to ensure the good governance of our assets. Instead, we saw our Councillors place their political allegiance ahead of us, and at our expense. Matters that should have been discussed in open meetings were made behind closed doors without any accountability.
“Money that could have been spent on support programs, playgrounds, community gardens (allotments) and fixing potholes, was spent on political promotions. Tales of political donations for favours and suitcases of money were exposed on TV, to our shame, and where is our last Mayor?
“I hold no political affiliation, nor do I hold any desires to become a state or federal politician.”
In River Gum Ward, in the battle between three ex-councillors, Lynette Pereira topped the Group A provisional results with a total of 3142 votes (24.4 per cent), ahead of Wayne Smith with 2172 votes (16.8 per cent) and Damien Rosario 930 (7.2 per cent). Mr Smith and Mr Rosario used to be councillors in the same ward until the council was dismissed in 2020.
Geoff Hansen had 1995 votes (15.5 per cent), Nazir Yousafi 1994 (15.5 per cent), Asher Coleman 1781 (13.8 per cent) and Garry Page 886 (6.9 per cent).
Ms Pereira, who was a previous councillor from 2008 to 2012, said she was pleasantly surprised to see the Group A results.
“But not going to jump the gun. I still want to see how the preferences will be distributed,” she said.
“But I’m very, very happy that I’m having such a high primary vote. That’s really nice after so many years. I really like to thank everyone for their primary votes.
“I think I’ve got pretty good preferences. But actually not having had a how-to-vote card from some of the other candidates, it’s hard to tell where the votes will form. But I can only hope.
“I’m apprehensive to call anything yet. We do need to wait and see next week.”
Mr Rosario said he expected his results as he did not campaign or put out any material.
“I just do my volunteer community work,” he said.
“I wish to serve my community, but there are other ways to do that and maybe politics is not the only way.”
In a tight four-way contest in Kowan Ward, Labor member Kasuni Mendis with 2874 votes (21.2 per cent) narrowly led independent Bernard Brian Carr, who secured 2741 votes (20.2 per cent), Christine Skrobo on 2606 votes (19.2 per cent), and Shane Taylor on 2574 (19 per cent).
They were followed by Jawad Erfani 1115 (8.2 per cent), Joby George 745 (5.5 per cent), Gagan Bumrah 499 (3.7 per cent), and Raj Nayak 416 (3.1 per cent).
Ms Mendis said she was happy to lead the way now, but it was close.
“I’m hopeful for a positive outcome and hopeful that I get to represent the people of the Kowan Ward,” she said.
Mr Carr said as the Group B first preference votes would add almost 2800 votes to the current
tallies, nobody knew which way they would go, much less which way preferences would be allocated.
In Tooradin Ward, pharmacist and independent Anthony Tassone was first with 3456 votes (27.2 per cent), closely followed by lawyer and independent Jennifer Dizon, who harvested 3338 votes (26.3 per cent).
Kuldeep Kaur had 1564 votes (12.3 per cent), Andrew Gai 1518 (12 per cent), Ali Yaghobi 1223 (9.6 per cent), Brenton Kelly 1118 (8.8 per cent), and Singh Ravneet 482 (3.8 per cent).
Mr Tassone said he was grateful to everyone who had preferenced him and kept him in this really tightly contested election.
“I can only now wait and hope that results go favourably from here on. But I am very grateful for the support I’ve had, and I wish all candidates luck for the remainder of the calendar,” he said.
“I’m very grateful to the residents of 3,000 homes that I doorknocked over the past almost four months’ campaign.
“Whether they voted for me or not, people were so generous with their time and really open about what they wanted to see from their elected council, and that’s something I will always be grateful for.
“It will be an honour and privilege for whoever is fortunate enough to be elected to represent the resident of the City of Casey.”
Ms Dizon said she was pleasantly surprised and incredibly honoured to have gained the support of 3,338 people in her community so far.
“I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received from my fellow residents,” she said.
In reflection, Ms Dizon said her campaign was more about building meaningful relationships with the community.
“While I highly respect that other candidates have invested more in campaign materials, I chose to allocate minimal funds for this purpose,” she said.
“I believe there’s value in a more personal approach rather than heavy spending on campaign
materials. By connecting directly with residents and discussing the issues that matter most to them, I hoped to demonstrate my skills, experience, and genuine commitment to improving our community.
“For me, building these meaningful relationships felt like a more impactful way to share my vision for a better Casey.
“I think people may have voted for me because of the way I connected with them, showing my genuine passion and being present in the community.”
Ms Dizon said it would have been beneficial if she started her campaign earlier.
“Beginning sooner could have made a difference,” she said.
“Nonetheless, I feel incredibly grateful and privileged to have gotten to know my fellow Tooradin ward residents. Win or lose, my commitment to supporting our community will continue.
“It takes a lot of courage to put your hand up for this role, and I have nothing but admiration towards my fellow candidates.
“I wish everyone the best of luck, and whoever is elected hopefully will represent our community well.”
In Cranbourne Gardens Ward, Michelle Crowther had a lead with 4480 votes (33 per cent). Anthony Lake came second with 3245 votes (23.9 per cent). Tamas Kapitany had 2538 votes (18.7 per cent), Jo Muir 1303 (9.6 per cent), Blessing Nhliziyo 1046 (7.7 per cent), and Mary Beth Melton 976 (7.2 per cent). John Ternel and Carmen Powell (Grevillea).
Ms Crowther said she was thankful to all of the Cranbourne Gardens Ward residents who put their trust in her and had given her their first preference.
“I am very pleased with the provisional results at the end of Group A ballot counting,” she said.
“However, Group B counting and preference distribution is still to come, and I am nervously awaiting the official results.
“I do hope I can earn the privilege of representing the
Cranbourne Gardens Ward.”
Cranbourne Gardens Ward candidate Michelle Crowther. (Stewart Chambers: 390923)
Quarters Ward candidate Ian Wood.
Tooradin candidate Jennifer Dizon.
Correa Ward candidate Gary Rowe.
Kowan Ward candidate Bernard Brian Carr.
Tooradin candidate Anthony Tassone.
River Gum candidate Lynette Pereira.Kowan Ward candidate Kasuni Mendis.
Correa Ward candidate Kanu Aggarwal.
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
THREE … ways to celebrate National Children’s Day
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.
Serial family violence 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 two-year 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.
South Eastern Men’s Discussion Groups co-ordinator Ken McMaster. (Stewart Chambers: 434867)
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.
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 would revert to public open space.
“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)
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)
North Open Days
Pop along to Summerset Cranbourne North’s upcoming Open Days, enjoy some refreshments, and tour the brand-new range of Hibiscus homes.
These premium single-level villas are a range of ground or lift accessible, upper-level homes featuring two spacious bedrooms, bathroom, powder room, and internal access garage. Featuring open-plan kitchen, living and dining with either a generous garden or balcony with views over the neighbouring park, they’re perfect for entertaining friends and family.
Once complete, residents of Summerset Cranbourne North# will be able to enjoy a range of resort-style facilities, including an indoor swimming pool and spa, resident bar, café, exercise room, hair and beauty salon, recreational bowling green and resident workshop.
With two-bedroom Hibiscus homes available with flexible pricing from $721,500,* you could be loving the Summerset life sooner than you think.
Love the life you choose.
Open Days
Friday 15 & Saturday 16 November, 10am - 2pm
Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au
Art show highlights talent
The second annual Art Show for Quarters Primary School in Cranbourne West was held on Wednesday 30 October.
The artwork produced by the Foundation to Year 6 since January was on display.
Prep students explored weather-themed art, creating a sun-over-mountain collage using waxresist and paper-ripping techniques and painted umbrella scenes with bubble wrap. They also made collages inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Day the Crayons Quit, experimented with crepe paper bleeding, and crafted cotton wool plane trails.
Years 1 and 2 students focused on warm and cool colours with contrasting art pieces, including patterned hot air balloons and monster faces. They created Matisse-style cutouts, mixed media owls, and wax-resist rainbow paintings.
Years 3 and 4 students worked on perspective with oil pastel trees, seascape collages, and woven owl art. They ended with 3D dioramas depicting mood and inference through detailed scenes.
Senior students mastered advanced techniques, creating insect paintings with watercolour, sunset cityscapes with ink printing, textured weavings, and whimsical self-portraits as mad scientists. A highlight was their coloured clay selfportraits, including staff likenesses for the library.
Belinda Kemp (teacher), Liz Davey (principal) and Shilpa Sanghani (teacher). (440109)
Jai (Year 1) with his artwork of Owls. (440109) Shanaya (Year 5). (440109)
L-R Shanaya (Year 5), Manasir (Year 5), Rasul (Year 5) and Milos (Year 6). (Gary Sissons: 440109)
Linh (Year 4) and Khalinh (Prep). (440109)
VERY MERRY FRAGRANCE
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)
CASH FOR UNWANTED GOLD & JEWELLERY!
Turn your unwanted jewellery and gold and precious items into CASH
HOW DO I DO THIS?
Show your items to our expert buyers. After we have calculated the price based on its resale value, you can then decide to sell them to us or just walk away with a free assessment of your jewellery!
WHY SELL?
Is it worth keeping old jewellery that you will never wear again? The extra cash may help now or in the future rather than unwanted jewellery sitting in your drawer!
We buy all gold Jewellery, Antiques & Contemporary Jewellery Diamonds, Silver Jewellery, Gold Sovereign Coins and other coins, Precious Stones, Including Broken Jewellery and Watches and unusual Items.
Your Questions Answered “Your Jewellery maybe worth a lot more than what you think!” Saturday 16th November 2024 - 11am to 3pm
FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING
Discover a vibrant lifestyle
At Lifestyle Communities, we believe in creating more than just beautiful homes – we build vibrant, connected communities where over 50s can truly thrive. Our stunning, low-maintenance homes are nestled within lush, professionally landscaped gardens that offer a peaceful retreat, while our state-of-the-art Clubhouses serve as the heart of our communities. Living at Lifestyle Communities means more than just a new home; it’s a chance to embrace a whole new way of living. With a wide range of social activities on offer, there’s something for everyone. From bowls and yoga to workshops and movie nights, our monthly calendar is packed with fun events, giving homeowners endless opportunities to connect and stay active. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, try a new hobby, or simply relax with good company, there’s always something happening.
One of the greatest benefits of our communities is the low-maintenance lifestyle, which frees
up time for homeowners to enjoy the things they love most. Say goodbye to endless house chores and gardening and hello to a life filled with adventure, connection, and fun. Come and experience for yourself how a move to Lifestyle Communities can change your life –it’s the best decision you’ll ever make!
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
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
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
Tuesday
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)
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Services around 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
People of all ages placed poppies within the cenotaph.
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Pirates sting Cranbourne
By Marcus Uhe
A team-first approach and a greater focus on roles within the playing XI is pushing Parkmore back into Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 2 contention this summer.
Having survived a one-wicket thriller against Cranbourne in round five to keep its unbeaten run alive, the Pirates join Coomoora as the only sides yet to be downed in Turf 2 action thus far.
Despite recruiting a number of new faces into the playing XI, from opening bowler Ankit Saxena, to wicketkeeper Josh Tonna and all-rounder Satheesh Fernandu, there is no dispute or conjecture about responsibilities in the senior side that has enjoyed a brilliant start to the new season, according to new captain-coach Niranjen Kumar.
“We know what everyone’s role is in the team, we identified that pretty quickly,” he said.
and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
“In previous years we’d gone out on a reach and said ‘can you do a job for us?’, so this year we’ve gone back to asking what people really want to do and where they can add value, and it’s worked so far.
“It’s also helped our older brigade find a new lease to help the team.
“It’s bringing a squad mentality where anyone can step in and bowl 12 overs if needed, or hang in and build a partnership.
“So far, it’s worked in our favour.
“We scraped through with a win on the weekend which was a tight one but overall we’re happy.”
Saturday’s contest with Cranbourne went down the wire, as the Pirates hung on for a onewicket win at Frederick Wachter Reserve.
An excellent bowling effort meant they needed 160 for victory, but Cranbourne’s spinners ensured the chase would reach the second-last over.
The Pirates offered no width whatsoever in a disciplined bowling display that made finding runs increasingly difficult for Cranbourne’s batters in the first innings.
It was a deliberate ploy from the Pirates, believing unrelenting pressure is the key in bringing batters’ downfalls in the pursuit of 10 wickets.
Opening pair Harrison Carlyon and Cameron Kelly looked sound in an opening partnership of 39 runs before Carlyon cut the first ball of Kumar’s spell to gully.
The wickets of Dean McDonell, Sukhjit Singh and Harsaroup Singh all followed in quick succession as the Eagles fell to 4/50.
Kelly offered the most resistance at the other end while wickets fell around him, but the cycle of new partners saw the visitors fail to build partnerships.
Kelly eventually perished for a well-made 40
and when Ketan Baskhi and Marty Kelly departed soon after, the Eagles were in major trouble at 8/112.
Vital contributions from Tim Fathers (18 not out), Alex Hollingsworth (10) and Clint Ayers (13 not out) pushed the total to 159, a tricky total given the spin and variation provided by the centre wicket.
Each of Parkmore’s bowlers finished with economical figures, with four of the six used conceding less than four runs per over.
Kumar was intelligent with his use of the bowlers, bringing his frontline quicks Saxena and Fernandu back into the attack when Cranbourne appeared to be building momentum.
The pair finished with two wickets apiece while the captain took three.
Fernandu backed-up his bowling performance by anchoring the chase with a pivotal 63 at the top of the Parkmore order.
He added 59 for the opening wicket with Kyle Gwynne before Gwynne and Ben Graham both fell to Cranbourne’s returning leg-spinner Bakshi in quick succession.
Fernandu became Harsaroup’s Singh’s first victim at 3/94 and without their rock, the Pirates suddenly found themselves in troubled waters.
Josh Tonna, Ammar Bajwa and Johann Brohier all fell in quick succession to Singh and Carlyon, as Parkmore’s position of ascendency appeared squandered at 6/124.
The tension rose even further when Kumar fell for seven, just three runs shy of the target, to leave his side nine wickets down, with numbers 10 and 11 at the wicket.
Thankfully for Kumar, a boundary from Avisha Wilwalaarachchi with seven deliveries remaining saw his side home, joining the Roos as the only other side yet to lose in Turf 1.
Kumar said he “always” had confidence in his tail, not wavering in his faith despite the predicament.
“We bat quite a way down to the end,” he said.
“It was unfortunate that me going out added to the pressure but overall, three runs (to go), we were confident.
“There was a close LBW shout for the 10th wicket but it wasn’t given.
“They chose to bowl a leg spinner in the last over so we thought we had a chance with the field in.”
Singh finished with 3/30 for Cranbourne and Bakshi 3/35, with Carlyon not far behind with 1/27.
Parkmore and Coomoora will put their undefeated runs to the test this week when they square-off at Coomoora Reserve.
Parkmore’s Ankit Saxena (bowling) showed his class with the ball against Cranbourne on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 440831)
Cleef cleans up Gulls
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Devon Meadows captain Lucas Ligt has heaped praise on coach Chris Cleef, who bowled the Panthers to victory against Tooradin on Saturday in the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association’s Premier Competition.
The hosts set the Seagulls 271 for victory in round 4 with Cleef’s offies netting him 7/88 from 30.2 overs.
The experienced tweaker was metronomic before tea and built significant pressure going into the break with the wicket of set batter and runscoring machine Cal O’Hare.
But it was his indefatigable spell when he switched ends after tea which surged his side to a potentially season-defining upset win over Tooradin.
Cleef bowled unchanged after the break, with his economy rate across his first 20 overs hovering at about two, which built pressure, and led to a collapse.
The Seagulls lost 5/11, with Cleef taking the key wickets of O’Hare, Tom Hussey and Mick Sweeney to stall the chase.
“He’s the hardest person I have ever faced and I hate facing him in the nets,” Ligt said.
“I think that’s one thing teams will find this year - you can’t leave more to do later in the day against him because the more he gets in, the harder he is to score off.
“As soon as that rate climbs, you can’t get after him.
“He bowls so tight and makes you have to play at the ball but it’s flat enough where you can’t get
under it.
“I haven’t seen anyone get him away consistently and I don’t think I will.”
Cleef then took the last four wickets as his disciplined red ball lines and lengths gave batters nothing to work with and forced them to take risks as the required run rate got above six for an extended period.
Having been seen predominantly in one-day fixtures in recent years as he balances family and work life, Cleef proved he’ll be a key cog in a spinheavy attack for the Panthers this season.
“Early on we just wanted to keep the rate climbing,” Ligt said.
“It got into the fours.
“It sat at four-ish for a while and we were just like ‘let it build’ and as soon as the wickets started falling and the run rate climbed towards sixes, it was just about cutting the boundary ball.
“We quickly wanted to establish where batters’ boundaries were going to come and block that.”
Jakeb McVicar and Ben Marsh are other members of the slow bowling brigade but both were missing on Saturday, highlighting the importance of Cleef’s spell.
After a solid but unrewarded opening spell, Coby Podd bowled some important overs after tea to allow Cleef to lock in.
The right arm quick finished with 2/46 off 17.
It came after Ricky Mitchell’s 1/30 off 15, predominantly before tea, with his accuracy applying scoreboard pressure once the wickets started falling, with the seamer nabbing the first breakthrough.
“That’s the best (Coby’s) probably bowled for the club,” Ligt said.
“With the depth in bowlers we’ve got, it allowed him to just come in and bowl.
“We talked about the areas to hit and executing that was the focus.
“But there isn’t the focus of having to start well – if it doesn’t work, it’s okay and that reduced pressure helped him.
“His spell after lunch was awesome with the older ball. To still bowl fast and tight was a credit to him and Ricky has been a really reliable asset without having huge wicket counts.
“His consistency as a new ball bowler really helps Coby so his efforts are fantastic.”
Tooradin had a 115-run opening stand before the momentum shifted, with Ligt rapt with the psyche of players to ride that out and wrench back control.
After finishing fifth last season, the Panthers will be looking to make the leap into the top four, with their quest continuing in round five against Clyde in a two-day fixture.
“No-one panicked,” the captain said.
“We were all confident in what we were doing, confident in all the players.
“There were no nerves.
“The belief was there from everyone on the field that we still had it under control and it didn’t feel like a one-off.
“We don’t need to go out and blow teams out of the water, we just need to execute the basics and the game plan for the results to take care of themselves.”
Bloods to be tested in T20 ‘group of death’
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
Springvale South’s road to repitition in the DDCA’s T20 competition will be difficult this summer.
(Marcus Uhe: 388407)
• 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, Silverto Lois Twohig Reserve
• Narre South, Parkfield, Dandenong West Strathaird Reserve
• Lynbrook, Keysborough, HSD Marriott Watters Reserve
Swans home in tense end to a thriller
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.
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 64-run 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.
Ruwantha Kellapotha took four vital wickets for Casey South Melbourne. (Rob Carew: 436984)
Chris Cleef led the way for Devon Meadows. (Stewart Chambers: 441149)
SPORT
Big week for bowlers
CRANBOURNE BOWLS
WEEKEND PENNANT
Saturday 2 November was a beautiful sunny day with a reasonable swirling breeze that seemed to kick in when bowlers didn’t need it too and presented a bit of an issue, but we all had to deal with it.
Cranbourne 1 travelled away to take on Parkdale 1 and the games were very tight.
Playing at home Parkdale won one rink, drew one and lost two, but still hung on to win the overall game by five shots.
Cranbourne 1 (77) was defeated by Parkdale 1 (82) - 5 shots and 5 points.
Cranbourne 2 hosted Dandenong Club 2 on the front green and three of the rinks had close games, but unfortunately one rink struggled and we’re just outplayed by the Dandy Club lads winning that rink by 22 shots.
Cranbourne 2 (58) were defeated by Dandenong Club 2 (86) - 28 shots and 1 point.
Cranbourne 3 travelled to the Dandenong Club to take on their number 3 side.
Winning three rinks to one, Dandenong Club 3 were too strong in the end winning the overall by 24 shots.
Best rink for Cranbourne 3 was the team of Roger Townley, John Stanley, Rob Scott and Phil Nielsen, winning their game 16-10.
Certainly worthy of mention was the team of Brian Turton, Frank Verco, Fritz Helle and Roger Roscoe who had an epic game and only went down by two shots 24-26.
Cranbourne 3 (61) was defeated by Dandenong Club 3 (85) - 24 shots and 2 points.
Cranbourne 4 hosted their game against the Cranbourne RSL (Silks).
Utilising the back grass green, the two teams went at it and gave their all.
In the end Cranbourne 4 won the match winning by three rinks to one.
Cranbourne 4 (92) defeated Cranbourne RSL Silks (67) + 25 shots and 16 points.
All rinks played very well and supported each other greatly.
Cranbourne 5 travelled to take on Churchill Waverley Golf 2 on their grass rink in the 12-ASide match and for as hard as they tried, our Cranbourne team were outclassed by the home club.
The best rink for Cranbourne was Helen Winter, Helen Blake, Rob Sorensen & Mick Feeley who only went down by six shots, 20-26.
Cranbourne 5 (51) was defeated by Churchill Waverley Golf 2 (80) - 29 shots and zero points.
MIDWEEK PENNANT
TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER
The day started out cloudy and a bit chilly, but warmed when the sun came out later in the day.
Cranbourne 1 travelled to our neighbours Edithvale to take on their number one team.
All teams did their best, but Steve Bentley’s team went down by one shot.
The team skipped by Nick Arnold went down by 11 shots and things were looking grim, until the best rink of the day, Skipped by Rob Scott, Chris Stevenson (3rd), Lois Brock (2nd) and Gwen Scott (L) had a day out and won their game by 23 shots.
A job very well done, team.
Cranbourne 1 (58) defeated Edithvale 1 (47) + 11 shots and 12 points.
Cranbourne 2 hosted Dandenong Club 3 and came away winning by three rinks to nil, collecting 16 points.
Best rink was Skippered by Chris Deal, with Lesley Deal (3rd), Jacqui Warner (2nd) and Brian Turton (L) winning by nine shots and collecting all 16 points.
Cranbourne 2 (62) defeated Dandenong Club 3 (42) + 20 shots and 16 points.
Cranbourne 3, playing at home, took on Parkdale 2 and in the closest game of the day.
Winning 1 rink and losing 2, Parkdale 2 came out on top to take the game by one shot and collecting 14 points.
The best rink for Cranbourne was Skipped by Harry Van Soest, Dermot McConville (3rd), Olive Stanley (2nd) and Frank Male (L), winning their rink by eight shots and collecting two valuable points.
Cranbourne 3 (49) was defeated by Parkdale 2 (50)
Cranbourne 4 ventured down to the grass greens of Noble Park to tackle Noble Park 3 in the 6-A-Side game.
We must thank Noble Park for providing us a spare player.
Winning one rink each, Noble Park 2 took the chocolates and won by 17 shots.
Cranbourne 4 (30) was defeated by Noble Park 3 (47) - 17 shots and two points.
- Derek Maguire
Melbourne five-fa helps Lions roll Cougars
By Justin Schwarze
As the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) season shifted to two-day matches, the competition’s second day’s play saw results across the grades.
A GRADE
Kooweerup successfully chased Merinda Park’s score of 279 with just one wicket in hand thanks to a brave 68 from Hunter Cairns off 114 balls.
A five-wicket haul from Jack Melbourne and three from Jack Scott bowled out Clyde for 118, meaning Pakenham walked away as 36-run victors.
Devon Meadows were sent into bat again and bowled out for 132, failing to reach 229 after a low-scoring first innings as Tooradin was crowned outright winners.
Cardinia’s first innings total of 209 was enough to guide the Bulls to victory, as Cranbourne Meadows finished on 157 on day two.
B GRADE
A steady 65 from Robert Newell helped Pakenham fend off five scalps from Upper Beaconsfield bowler AJ Claxton, as the Lions were one wicket winners.
Pakenham Upper Toomuc took home a five wicket triumph over Clyde at Harry Blackman Oval, where Niran Warnakula posted 47 runs for the hosts.
Nar Nar Goon-Maryknoll was steered to victory by Kuwarjeet Singh with 61 and Sumit Sharma with 43 against Emerald.
Officer dominated Tooradin, as the Bullants’ declared score of 130 in the first innings saw them home, with Tooradin only reaching 63 in their
second time at the crease.
C GRADE
Liam Pirotta fell one short of a half-ton but Kooweerup still managed to get over the line against Officer, as Michael Monckton hit the winning runs with just one wicket to spare.
Solid batting from Carlisle Park including 57 from Christian Elliott, 63 not out from Dean Lyddy and 43 not out from Brendan McCarthy saw the Vikings comfortably cruise to a five-wicket win against Kerala Strikers.
Adam Newstead took 3/47 and Russell Alison and Paxon Smith added two wickets each helping Merinda Park hold Devon Meadows to 129, leav-
Redbacks complete their spine
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 competition-leading 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.”
ing the Panthers 76 runs short.
Yasuntha Gamalath posted a half-century before retiring as Melbourne Sixers coasted past Cardinia’s score of 124, then ultimately deciding to continue to bat and finishing with a scoreline of 6/234.
D GRADE
Pakenham couldn’t reach the target of 351 posted by Kerala Strikers due to five wickets from Davis Joseph.
Kooweerup’s batting line-up of Nasib Sunny with 44 and Mahbub Sarkar with 35 was too strong for Emerald, as the Demons claimed the two-wicket win.
An unbelievable batting display from Allan Collins saw him bring up 143 not out with 26 fours, leading Pakenham Upper Toomuc in its run chase over Merinda Park.
Ryon Tocknell’s 3/10 and seven maidens paired with Seamus Hill’s 3/26 helped Nar Nar Goon-Maryknoll defend their total of 177 in the first innings against Officer.
E GRADE
Despite 67 runs from Johnee Cuthbertson, Merinda Park fell just three runs short of the target, with Steve Finch taking 3/11 in Officer’s successful defence.
Shane Jack lifted Clyde over Pakenham Upper Toomuc in front of the home crowd by batting beautifully and posting 137 runs.
After each team batted twice in a low-scoring affair, it was Pakenham who ended up on top against Carlisle Park by seven wickets.
Cardinia’s first innings was enough to get the job done against Melbourne Sixers at Livingston Recreation Reserve.
His addition caps off a clutch of offseason additions for the Redbacks, which reached semi-final 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 backlines, 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.
“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 marking 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.
Niran Warnakula posted 47 in Pakenham Upper Toomuc’s B-Grade victory. (Stewart Chambers: 440881)
Myles Wareham (right) will straighten Hampton Park up. (Rob Carew: 422967)
Cranbourne has a tough weekend on the greens. (Supplied)
