Huge day set for Cranbourne
Cranbourne Cup hopefuls Earlswood and Military Expert looked in tip-top shape on Tuesday morning as the buzz continues to build for Saturday’s 1600-metre classic.
Local trainer Gavin Bedggood has gone close to cup success in recent years and a win from Earlswood or Military Expert would provide Bedggood with a thrilling career highlight.
Cranbourne Cup Day will be bigger and better than ever this year, with the inaugural running of the $1million The Meteorite attracting a great field of group-quality gallopers.
Stories
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United on leaders
By Ethan Benedicto
The City of Casey welcomed its first mayor in almost five years, as Stefan Koomen from Waratah Ward was unanimously elected by his fellow councillors on Tuesday 19 November.
Alongside Koomen stands Kalora Ward’s Melinda Ambros, who was unanimously elected as the council’s deputy mayor.
Both have expressed their gratitude not just to their peers and families, but also to their communities and the wider city for choosing them to be their representatives.
This marks the first, full council since the former group was dismissed in 2020 following a report by a municipal monitor who identified significant governance failures.
Followed through by an investigation by
the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) into allegations of corrupt conduct that involved councillors and property developers, the current council has pledged to a strong stance of goodwill and establishing trust.
Working towards unity through proper communication amongst themselves and the community, Koomen and Amabros said that they are both keen to sink their teeth into their roles and
dedicate themselves to the needs of the city.
The mayoral announcement was followed by a dinner in which councillors, alongside their families attended.
The first official council meeting is scheduled for 10 December, with mayoral training to continue until the middle of the month.
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(Stewart Chambers: 444530)
Administrators’ final words
By Violet Li
Casey’s three administrators officially finished their term after the mayor and deputy mayor elections on Tuesday 19 November.
A close-out report was tabled in September, detailing the accomplishments, challenges, and community sentiment during their four-year term in Casey.
In the report, it is stated that the administration panel has been focusing on “addressing governance issues, rebuilding public trust in the Council’s decision-making and delivering reforms that uphold integrity and transparency through clear, contemporary policies and decision-making”.
Actions prioritised and introduced include reviewing governance and integrity systems in Casey, setting out a clear governance audit and action plan, endorsing a new protocol and policy for councillors and their role in land-use planning, developing a new policy to guide strategic planning scheme amendment requests from proponents and developers, reviewing delegations to ensure they are appropriate, and embedding conflict of interest obligations in revised Governance Rules.
City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM, on behalf of the Panel of Administrators, Miguel Belmar and Cameron Boardman, said the panel of administrators had supported Casey to lead and deliver critical services for the community and ensure that Casey community continued to thrive and receive the support after challenging times.
She highlighted the delivery of major capital works across Casey, including delivering more than $23 million to parks and open spaces, upgrades to the major aquatic facilities, including a roof replacement at Casey ARC, and the completion of an $8 million sporting hub at Casey Fields, with an indoor training facility to support elitelevel competition.
“We also endorsed the fourth and final year of our Council Plan 2021-2025 and supported our Shape our City community engagement program that will help build our new community vision.
“We saw 117 participants graduate from Council’s Community Leadership Program, which provided free training for new, emerging
“We guided Council’s response to the Covid by modifying the way many of our services were delivered to ensure they could continue to operate for our community,” she said.
and existing community leaders in Casey who wanted to further develop their leadership skills and learn about community engagement and local government.”
Ms Duff PSM said the community’s best interests had always been at the centre of their decision-making during their term.
“We have laid strong foundations for the incoming council to build upon, always taking a strategic focus,” she said.
“It’s a great privilege to serve a community in the role of a councillor.
“The 12 incoming councillors have a big job ahead of them in ensuring that they are strategic and focus on the big-picture issues for the Council and the community as it continues to grow in the future.”
Mr Boardman officially transitioned to his new role as a municipal monitor of Casey on Tuesday 19 November.
Former City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM. (FILE)Former City of Casey administrator Miguel Belmar. (FILE)
Former City of Casey administrator, now municipal monitor, Cameron Boardman. (FILE)
Koomen to lead with Ambros by his side
By Ethan Benedicto
The City of Casey has welcomed its new mayor and deputy mayor after official announcements on Tuesday 19 November.
Following a special council meeting at 4pm in Bunjil Place, Waratah Ward’s Stefan Koomen has been elected as Casey’s mayor, with Kalora Ward’s Melinda Ambros as the deputy mayor.
Though labelled as a special meeting, this was also the first time all councillors - save Anthony Walter - officially gathered with a public audience, with the affair also attended by members of the local community and former candidates such as Jane Foreman and Gary Page. Koomen, who was moved to tears after he was unanimously voted in as the mayor, said that exalted to be the first mayor in over eight years.
Addressing the meeting, he said that he was “absolutely delighted to be here as a councillor, along with my fellow councillors, and secondly as a mayor”.
“I’m genuinely taken aback, thinking on when I first started knocking on doors earlier this year in Doveton - to think that right now I’m a councillor, let alone mayor was not something that crossed my mind.
“I came into this role with a real desire to serve our community and I’m happy to be here.”
While he was moved to tears after thanking his mum, wife, kids, fellow councillors and everyone else who had shown support for him, Koomen also added “I don’t think we could have wished for a better group of people”.
“It’s often said that the voters don’t get it wrong and they didn’t this time, and I think we’ve got a real collect ion of different experiences and different backgrounds.
“An exemplary group, that based on the last week we’ve been together, can really work to-
gether to serve the people of Casey.”
Koomen said that the first thing as mayor he aimed to do was build a culture of good governance and trust from the residents, acknowledging that the councillors themselves are also residents, “we want the people to know that we’ve experienced and we’ve felt the difficulties of the last five years”.
“We were shocked about what happened and we have to be upfront about that, and I think our job is to bring back that trust and we’re ready to do that,” he said.
A true sense of pride and honour also graced Ambros, who, after also being unanimously elected as deputy mayor, was taking in her full capabilities of representing the people on important levels of local government.
“To be standing here as deputy mayor, I know I couldn’t have been here without my fellow councillors and I’m grateful for their support and trust in me,” she said.
“But also I couldn’t have been here without the voters, the residents, my family, husband and children - and I’m looking forward to supporting the whole City of Casey and moving in the right direction.”
Working towards Ambros’ vision of a stalwart deputy mayor, she said that it is important to “identify that we have support around us”.
“To utilise that support that we do get from the council and also from my fellow councillors and the community, that is the best way to, in turn, support me and help me do my job.
“It’s also knowing about the fact that I am human, and I have limits, but I did take on this responsibility and I will do it to the best of my ability.
“I can’t do it alone, I have to do it with the people around me,” she said.
After a round of photos and prior to departing
Changing leadership
Former Casey mayor Brian Oates was elected the president of the Casey Residents and Ratepayer Association (CRRA), taking over the role from the outgoing president Kasuni Mendis.
CRRA held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday 16 November to confirm its financial accounts, annual report, and elect committee members for the 2024-2025 year.
The newly elected committee includes Brian Oates as president, Anthony Tassone as vice president, Andy Goldsworthy as secretary, Helen Horvath as treasurer, and David Parr and Aftab Hussain as general committee members.
Mr Oates said he was grateful for being elected president following the nomination and endorsement by members.
“The CRRA looks forward to collaborating with our elected council, whilst holding them accountable for representing the interests of our members and residents, particularly given the commitments made by successful candidates during their respective election campaigns,” he said.
“Our rates must deliver value for residents. We deserve accountability and transparency on the use of council funds to ensure our community benefits and the council is working in the resident’s interests.
“On behalf of the CRRA, I would like to congratulate Kasuni on her fantastic contribution to our association and the broader community.
“She has been a tireless advocate and volunteer for the City of Casey for many years. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours.”
Ms Mendis did not seek re-election to the committee after eight years of service.
She said she was proud of CRRA’s achievements and felt it was the right time to step back from the role. “The CRRA has long been a voice for residents and sought to hold our council to account.
“The CRRA has been at the forefront of and will continue to advocate and help influence council policies and decisions in representing the City of Casey residents’ best interests,” she said.
“I would like to thank the committee and the members for their support.
for the election of mayor dinner, Koomen added that while he was not expecting to be taking the seat, “democracy is back”.
“The representatives are back and we are ready to help, ready to make decisions on behalf of the community.
“This [mayor] is a full-time role, it needs absolute commitment and I’m ready to give that so from tomorrow I’ll be straight into it.
“I would say I’ve got a lot of experience working in government and across different councils so I think I’ve got the ability to hopefully lead a team and bring together this new group and make sure we get the governance right and make decisions in the best interest of the community.”
As for the first step, Koomen is adamant that all councillors being on the same page is integral before making any big decisions, emphasising that a “strong team” is needed to cater to the city’s needs.
River Gum Ward Cr Lynette Pereira, who told Star News last week that she would run for mayor, decided not to run.
She said there was a positive side to not being mayor as she could spend more time focusing on the Waste Transfer Station issue.
She also said she looked forward to her first time on the Audit & Risk Committee.
“A role in which I will learn more about the internal and external audits and have the opportunity to examine the Council budget in more detail”, she said.
Cr Pereira and Quarters Ward’s Carolyn Eaves have also been elected to be part of the council’s audit and risk committee who are scheduled to have their induction for the role early in December.
While the councillors finalise their last steps of introduction, the first general council meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday 10 December.
“It was pleasing to see the long-awaited local government elections in Casey after eight long years because of the dismissal of the council in 2020 and the subsequent Operation Sandon report.
“We congratulate all the elected councillors and wish them the best of luck for the upcoming term to serve our residents, as our residents deserve genuine and transparent local representation.”
The CRRA welcomes interest in membership and participation in their advocacy initiatives.
To find out more, contact CRRA via Facebook: facebook.com/CaseyRatepayersAndResidents
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.
Melinda Ambros (deputy mayor) and Stefan Koomen (mayor) were both unanimously elected by the council. (Stewart Chambers: 442356)
Kerrigan tunes in to Casey
By Ethan Benedicto
Captivating audiences with his mellow vocals and nostalgic atmosphere, Berwick local and seasoned musician, singer and songwriter Kerrigan La-Brooy aims to make 2025 a packed year.
After selling out his latest performance at Bunjil Place on 19 October, Kerrigan has his sights set on still making those waves happen, with new songs and melodies already in the works.
Kerrigan was nominated for and won the National Gospel Artist of the Year award during the Tasmanian Independent Country Music Awards on 2 November, a feat that he said made him feel amazing and honoured.
“Touring is key now that the kids are bigger— they can even join me on stage,” he said.
“I’ve played a number of songs at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and after 23 years I went back and even then it was a bit weary.
“I didn’t know what to expect but people remembered me and they just took to me like it was, like a pause button and everyone just pressed play.”
The October Bunjil concert was a testament to Kerrigan’s versatility as a performer, tackling multiple genres from different periods, adding that there is always something for everyone in every genre.
“I did disco, 70s classics like Boogie Shoes, stuff that takes your parents back you know?” he said.
“I even do modern country rock, rock and roll in the 60s like Elvis which never grows old; I don’t want to be boxed into one category and I cater to any audience, the goal is always to give people an unforgettable experience.”
Despite his decades-long career, Kerrigan maintains that his passion for music remains rooted in his upbringing and personal connections.
He also coined his love for music as a familial trait, recounting that his parents met through and fell in love during a party, “through music”.
“I started when I was five years old. My dad and mum fell in love at a party through music, and they were my first inspirations,” he said.
“As a teenager, I decided to make music fulltime, and when I was about 17, I was doing TV shows and radio shows overseas and then brought it to Australia, and I haven’t stopped.”
This lifelong dedication is complemented by
his dynamic performances where Kerrigan combines his own tempos from the guitar to the keyboard.
However, staying put was never in the books for him, adding that he wants “to move, dance, and connect with the audience”.
Kerrigan’s success also extends beyond the stage, where after stepping away from touring to raise his six children, he founded Gethsemane
Church & Charity, a not-for-profit organisation in Berwick that supports the homeless and feeds thousands of families through the help of initiatives like the Transit Kitchen in Narre Warren. He believes that music can be utilised as a bridge to reach people, likewise with his endeavours through the church and charity, and both mediums allow him to share his message of connection and glee through song.
Kerrigan’s musical inspirations range from ABBA to Garth Brooks and to his parents, people and artists whom he has built strong connections with to reflect his style.
“ABBA has been a huge influence, I used to sing with a hairbrush in front of the mirror; they’re timeless,” he said.
For Kerrigan, performing isn’t just about the music—it’s about that connection, with the song, with the instruments, with the performance and most of all with the audience.
“I love seeing the audience’s faces, making eye contact, and knowing that I’ve touched someone,” he said.
“At Bunjil Place, we sold out with 200 people, but we’re already planning to book a larger venue for the next show to accommodate more fans.”
As he prepares for 2025, Kerrigan is eager to take his music to new heights, confident that with his knowledge of understanding what the audience wants to hear, he is more than ready to take things back to the stage.
“It’s a personal thing, if you’re being yourself and when you’re true to that when performing, then you can keep going,” he said.
“There’s so much to look forward to, touring is back on the cards, and the kids will be joining me on stage more often, it’s going to be an incredible year.”
With a career spanning decades, an unwavering dedication to his craft, and a deep connection to his community, Kerrigan La-Brooy continues to inspire audiences in Berwick and beyond, proving that music truly has no boundaries.
Kerrigan La-Brooy is keen to get things back on the road and his feet on the stage, as 2025 looks to be an exciting year for his music. (Supplied)
Care pledged amid deficit
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A cash-strapped Monash Health has stated that its state-topping $329 million deficit will not impact timely hospital care in the South East.
The health service, which includes Monash Medical Centre and Dandenong and Casey hospitals, stated the operating loss in its 2023-’24 annual report. The next-worst performing health services, Northern Health, Western Health and Eastern Health, posted $100-million-plus deficits
Monash also reported just 2.1 days of available cash – well short of its 14-days target – and a $129 million cut in State Government operational funding.
Its financial decline - down from a $450,000 surplus in the previous year – comes months after fears of an impending $200 million budget cut. These were seemingly allayed by the Government’s $1.5 billion boost to hospitals in August.
On 15 November, a Monash Health spokesperson said the 2023-’24 deficit “will not impact or compromise the excellent, compassionate and timely care we strive to provide our community”.
Monash had incurred higher operating costs, including a new hospital, legacy Covid safety measures and unprecedented patient demand with increased acute and complex presentations, the spokesperson said.
“Monash Health has worked closely with the Department of Health to ensure the 2024-25 budget will deliver the care our community needs.”
According to the Government, health systems were still under “significant pressure” since Co-
vid. At the same time, health costs were up nearly 10 per cent a year for the past five years.
It was now implementing a “new, fairer funding model to reset hospital budgets”, with a record $21 billion-plus funding, a spokesperson said.
“We’ll always back our hardworking doctors, paramedics and nurses and midwives, and since coming to Government we’ve grown our public health workforce by 50 per cent.
“Only Labor invests in our health system. The only political party that cuts and closes hospitals is the Liberal Party.”
The operating deficit had no impact on a health service’s ability to deliver care, according to the Government.
As part of the August reforms, the Government also announced a recommended voluntary merger of Monash Health and the West Gippsland Health Group.
Opposition health spokeperson Georgie Crozier said Victoria’s 68 health services recorded a net deficit of more than $1 billion in 2023-’24.
“These reports reveal the extent of Labor’s one-billion-dollar hospital cash crisis.
“The Allan Labor Government can find tens of billions of dollars for a new train line from Cheltenham to Box Hill but cannot find the money to pay doctors and nurses on time – their priorities are all wrong.
“Labor’s financial mismanagement and record debt is starving funding from Victoria’s hospitals and means poorer health outcomes for Victorian patients.”
Jailed for drug trafficking
By Violet Li
Casey-raised professional boxer Kayne Clarke has been sentenced to jail for trafficking cocaine of commercial quantity.
The 36-year-old Abu Dhabi-born boxer, with the alias of Superman, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court and was sentenced to prison for three years and six months with a non-parole period of two and six months on Friday 8 November.
Clarke was arrested on 8 August 2023, the same day when he supplied 498.9 grams of cocaine at 71 per cent purity (354 grams) to coaccused Bilal Mpinganjira in Oakleigh.
Mpinganjira, a subject of an ongoing police investigation, went on to sell the amount to Victoria Police Covert Operatives and was arrested on the scene.
Police then attended a fish and chip shop on Eaton Mall in Oakleigh to arrest Clarke.
The court heard that Clarke managed to secure the cocaine through a third party called ‘Cisco’ within eight hours on the day of the transaction.
“Your role necessarily informs the seriousness of the offending and while you did not initiate the sale, you were the supplier with whom Mr Mpinganjira made immediate contact when he needed to source the drug,” the court stated.
“You then discussed with a third party a range of suppliers indicating a need to maintain Mr Mpinganjira’s business as you saw him as a ‘big connect’.”
The court stated that Clarke’s moral culpa-
bility was relatively high in the circumstances.
“While you are being sentenced only for one transaction on a single day when consideration is given to your conversations with Mr Mpinganjira, together with the wider circumstances, it is plain that you were well connected at a relatively high level in order to quickly source the amount of drug that was being sought.”
The court also heard the personal circumstances of Clarke where he was expelled from schools in Casey three times during his adolescent years.
He became a professional kickboxer at age 25 and went on to secure two Australian titles and entered three professional fights.
He continued kickboxing throughout his early 30s until he seriously injured his knee one week before his world elimination fight, which ended his career.
The court found that Clarke experienced “a turbulent childhood characterised by alcoholism and violence on the part of his father”. His parents separated during Covid and his older brother, at the time, was struggling with a severe meth addiction, which accrued a $20,000 drug debt and led to drug-related offending to repay the debt.
The court took into account his personal circumstances but believed there was little evidence to support a reduction in moral culpability based on his early experiences.
Clarke was found with a prior criminal history of a number of injury-related charges but no drug-related offending.
Celebrating people, groups
Nominations for the 2025 Casey Community Awards are now open.
The awards are a recognition program designed to celebrate the remarkable individuals and groups whose contributions have improved the quality of life in the City of Casey.
Anyone living in Casey can apply for the following categories:
• Casey Citizen of the Year
• Casey Young Citizen of the Year
• Casey Senior of the Year
• Casey Woman of the Year
• Casey Community Group of the Year
• Lindsay King Art Award
• Casey Environment and Sustainability
Casey City Council election Declaration of results
Champion(s)
• Casey Equity and Inclusion Award
The council has been celebrating community contributors through its awards program for more than two decades.
Nominations are open until Monday 25 November 2024. All finalists will be invited to attend the awards ceremony, which will be held in April 2025. To learn more about the nomination categories, eligibility, and how to nominate an individual or group, visit: casey.vic.gov.au/caseycommunity-awards
If you need assistance with writing your nomination, email: caseycommawards@casey.vic.gov. au
The following candidates were elected to Casey City Council at the general election held in October 2024:
Akoonah Ward
DOWLING, Scott William
Casuarina Ward
ROSS, Kim
Correa Ward
ROWE, Gary
Cranbourne Gardens Ward
CROWTHER, Michelle
Dillwynia Ward
WALTER, Anthony
Grevillea Ward
PERRY, Dave
Kalora Ward
AMBROS, Melinda
Kowan Ward
TAYLOR, Shane
Quarters Ward
EAVES, Carolyn
River Gum Ward
PEREIRA, Lynette
Tooradin Ward
DIZON, Jennifer
Waratah Ward
KOOMEN, Stefan
Further details about the results are available at vec.vic.gov.au
Amanda Golding Election Manager 11 November 2024
Casey Hospital in Berwick. (Supplied)
Kids can see clearly now
By Violet Li
Cranbourne East Primary School has received 89 glasses from the non-profit organisation State Schools Relief (SSR).
SSR, in partnership with the State Government, is delivering an expanded Glasses for Kids program from 2024-2027, aiming to remove vision impairment as a potential barrier to educational engagement for disadvantaged students.
Martina Owen, business manager of Cranbourne East Primary School, shared that about 70 per cent of the students were screen-tested for the glasses and 89 glasses were prescribed following
the optometrists’ visit to the school, which was 23 per cent of the students screen-tested.
Acting principal Stephen Bourbon said the glasses were a game-changer for the students.
“They weren’t able to learn to their very best ability without these glasses,” he said.
“We’re really proud of our community for taking out the opportunity.”
In research conducted by SSR, it was revealed that over 56 per cent of parents of disadvantaged prep students had expressed concerns about their child’s eyesight but did not attend a vision service, and approximately 83 per cent of prep students had not been seen by an optometrist in
more than 12 months.
Optometry Australia has highlighted the need for early screening in children for myopia (shortsightedness), which develops from a young age and affects around 6.3 million Australians.
According to its 2022 Vision Index report, one in five children in Australia have an undetected vision problem.
The ‘Glasses for Kids’ program aims to identify these problems through initial vision screening, which will occur in 770 mainstream and specialist schools across the state and target 108,000 students from Prep to Year 3.
It is projected that over the course of the three-
year program, over 64,000 students will participate in screening, with a further 27,000 comprehensive eye tests conducted, and over 16,000 pairs of glasses distributed at no cost to the students or their families.
Acting chief executive officer of SSR Anshika Heritage took great pride in the opportunities that the Glasses for Kids program provided.
“This is an essential program that addresses vision impairment as a barrier to education, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to fully participate in learning from an early age,” she said.
Hot off the press: South East mastheads recognised
More than 170 people attended the Victorian Country Press Association’s pinnacle event for 2024, held at the RACV Resort in Torquay on Friday, 15 November.
The awards night was the culmination of the VCPA’s annual conference, in which delegates from across Australia heard from a world-class field of speakers, headlined by International News Media Association executive director and CEO, Earl Wilkinson.
VCPA chairman Jared Loughnan said Mr Wilkinson was widely regarded as one of the news media industry’s most experienced and respected speakers, and his presence and participation in this year’s conference was a major highlight.
“Earl is a true leader in our industry and our members and other conference delegates thoroughly enjoyed his presentation, and his company over the time he was able to spend with us,” Mr Loughnan said.
The awards night was compered by comedian Dave O’Neil and had 19 awards announced as part of a new look for the VCPA’s major yearly
event, with a record 537 entries received.
Major winners included the Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser, which was named winner of the open category Newspaper Excellence award, the Yarrawonga Chronicle in the under 2500 circulation paid newspaper category and the Shepparton Adviser as winner of the Best Free Newspaper.
Star News Group featured prominently in the awards.
Cranbourne Star News reporter Violet Li was commended for her story Home Fires Fury.
Judge Alison McAdam said her story was commended for cleverly linking a breaking news event with a long-running campaign for a new fire station.
“The journalist seamlessly switches between reporting the latest event and explaining the background context, and includes good quotes throughout the story,” she said. “The photos are well composed, showing the action of fighting the blaze as well as featuring the main primary source.”
Rob Carew’s entry Show Delight was highly commended in the Best Agricultural Photo category.
“Rob has captured what will probably one of this young girl’s most memorable moments,” judge Peter Hyett said. “Proudly, but with some obvious challenges, this young girl strives to place
the ribbon around the prizes winning entry’ neck. Capturing these moments takes a keen eye, patience and the ability to respond quickly which Rob has managed to achieve. The use of long lenses does reduce your ability to create the perfect picture in relation to depth of field but with a strong focal point on the young girl face this picture draws you in to this very proud moment.”
Gazette reporter Corey Everitt was commended in the Best Agricultural Story category for his On The Land feature headlined Chicken Before The Egg.
“Great headline and beautiful photos,” judge Simone Smith said. “A deep-dive into an agricultural business, this article includes the ideal combination of background, production detail and personal quotes to tell a well-rounded story about the development of a local egg business and what it has meant to this family.”
Corey was also highly commended in the TAC Award For Road Safety for his piece Road Trauma to the Fore, which judge Samantha Cockfield described as an in-depth look at how volunteers working for Amber Community, a not-for-profit dedicated to addressing road trauma, are changing attitudes of people convicted of serious road traffic offences.
“Corey’s portrayal of the volunteers, some of whom had previously been convicted themselves, showed a strong level of trust between the
reporter and his subjects. The story also explored the potential of extending the use of seminars beyond offenders, to all young drivers.”
Kelly Price was commended in the Best Locally Produced Advertisement category for her Meet Your Local Agent ad for Barry Plant.
“This is a great ad and creates a sense of intimacy but inviting readers to learn more about the agents,” judge Krista Shada said. “The layout is simply but works really well with the colour scheme and business logo and information. The copy is engaging and designed to encourage a real relationship between buyer or seller and the agent.”
Editor Garry Howe was commended in the Best Editorial or Opinion category for an Editor’s Desk in the Gazette on IBAC’s Operation Sandon investigation into planning issues at Casey Council.
The judge was Patrick Elligett, editor of The Age.
“Garry Howe’s notes from the editor’s desk are eminently readable,” he said. “Engaging to the last word, his snappy assessments of complex issues are delivered with such familiarity that they leave readers feeling like they’ve just caught up with the editor for a coffee and a chat. The tone might be casual, but the topics are important and the messages they contain are compelling.”
Reporters Corey Everitt and Violet Li at the VCPA awards. Both were commended for their entries.
A proud Hanna with Berryvale Russia and a ribbon to take home at the Berwick Show. This image by Rob Carew was highly commended at the VCPA awards.
Exodus-Reign with his glass. (443880)
Acting principal Stephen Bourbon with student Evelyn, who received a free glass from the program. (Stewart Chambers: 443880)
Evelyn, Exodus, Aubrey, Suprise, Gurshan and Armin with their glasses. (443880)
255km/h hoon too
‘vulnerable’ for jail
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A serial hoon from Berwick has been spared jail for an eight-month spree of high-speed, dangerous social-media stunts on public roads.
Sushant Mittal, 20, had pleaded guilty at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to a long list of offences – including 11 counts of reckless conduct endangering life for 11 separate driving incidents in 2022 and 2023.
The P-plater had admitted to speeding up to 255 km/h, street racing and rapid swerving between heavy traffic in his family company’s sports Mercedes - a car so high-powered it’s prohibited for P-plate drivers.
Several times, Mittal had also seat swapped with a passenger while travelling on Monash Freeway.
The car was effectively driverless during the transition – but for cruise control and lane-assist.
The incidents took place in Hallam, Clyde North, Berwick, Dandenong North, Eumemmerring, Mulgrave, Blackburn North, Glen Waverley, Parkville, Mt Waverley, Box Hill North, Wheelers Hill and Melbourne.
On 19 November, magistrate Malcolm Thomas said he’d come “extremely close” to sentencing Mittal to a youth justice centre.
However, he noted that the “vulnerable” exprivate school student with poor social skills would be “no doubt” subjected to bullying and abuse in custody.
Mittal had been “bullied at Haileybury”, so “you can imagine what it’d be like bullied at Parkville”, Mr Thomas said.
Mittal’s youthful age and being a first-time offender were significant mitigating factors. His offending was largely a product of his immaturity,
Mr Thomas said.
“I accept that you’re immature even for your age.”
Mittal had not reoffended since his arrest in April 2023, and had “reasonably good” rehabilitation prospects, Mr Thomas found.
After receiving a torrent of social media abuse during his case, it was more likely he’d not reoffend.
On the other hand, Mittal had “wantonly and totally unnecessarily” put a large number roadusers at peril for “social media and likes - or to show off”, the judge said.
During what the judge termed a “lifestyle of arrogance”, Mittal had exclaimed that it was like playing a “game“.
It was only through “luck” that no one was seriously injured or killed, Mr Thomas said.
Defence lawyer Chris Farrington had told the court that Mittal was distressed by abusive, threatening social-media messages in recent weeks, warning what would befall him in jail.
It “heightened” his expectations of what custody would be like.
Having tried to gain “respect” on social media, Mittal was now aware that the public were “disgusted” and “hate” perpetrators of this sort of offending, Farrington argued.
While in the shower recently, he suffered a medical episode - “some sort of shock” - in which he lost functionality but was still conscious.
Prosecutor JJ Jassar urged for a combination of youth detention and a CCO, given the repeated “deplorable” offences even after a police warning.
Any offener facing potential jail would endure “high anxiety” prior to sentencing, Jassar said. “That is the norm.”
With head bowed for much of the hearing, Mittal wiped his eyes and nose several times after receiving his sentence - a two-year community corrections order, including judicial monitoring and 350 hours of unpaid work.
He was also convicted, fined $2000 and disqualified from driving for five years.
Mr Thomas said the “punitive” community corrections order was designed to deter Mittal and others – taking into account his youth and previously clean conviction record.
He hoped Mittal had “grown up” and would “act in an adult and mature way”.
“Grasp the opportunity that’s been given you.”
Mr Thomas ordered for the forfeiture of “tainted” property used in Mittal’s crimes, such as the family company’s Mercedes and his phone.
The family has 60 days to appeal the car’s forfeiture to the State.
Mittal was scheduled to appear for judicial monitoring at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in February.
IN BRIEF
Man arrested after fight
A recent group scuffle at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre on Sunday 17 November saw a man allegedly brandishing a knife before fleeing the scene.
A 20-year-old Beaconsfield man was arrested on Monday evening and charged with affray, assault with a weapon, assault in company and possession of a prohibited weapon. These charges follow an alleged fight between a group of males at around 6pm, with the group fleeing prior to police’s arrival. No injuries were reported to police, and the 20-year-old will face court at a later date.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward by reporting to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Energy resilience boost
Casey Council will receive over $56,000 in two grants from AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund.
About$6,660willbeusedforanenergyefficiency awareness multilingual video. The video will be produced and translated into Hindi, Hazaraghi, and Sinhalese to address the gap in energy efficiency education among diverse groups in Casey. The video will be shown and distributed widely throughout local schools, community centres, council’s social media platforms and websites.
According to the City of Casey manager Active Communities Angie Peresso, filming for the video is anticipated in the coming months, with final translated versions expected to be ready in February or March 2025. Another $50,000 will be used to fund solar batteries at two community facilities, Fairhaven Family and Community Centre in Cranbourne West and Arbourlea Family and Community Centre in Cranbourne North, providing backup power support for residents in emergencies.
According to the project summary by AusNet, Casey Council currently doesn’t have buildings that can operate during a blackout, which limits the ability to provide support to residents during extreme weather. “During storms in February and September 2024, Council successfully activated emergencyPowerandShowerHubsatCaseycommunity facilities, these temporary hubs provided support to our community during these extreme weather events,” Ms Peresso said.
“The grant will assist in bolstering future emergency responses. It is anticipated that the batteries will be installed and commissioned in mid-2025.”
Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. (Cam LucadouWells: 171634)
BUSINESS IN FOCUS
History meets progress
St.Germain Estate History
Settlement in the Berwick Shire began in the 1830s-1840s with squatters grazing sheep and cattle.
Crown leases of short duration were granted for ‘runs’ measured in square miles.
James Buchanan settled the St.Germain Estate in 1841, later purchased by Alexander Patterson in 1848. The 9-square-mile run stretched along Cardinia Creek, encompassing 6,000 acres.
Patterson, a pivotal figure in Cranbourne Shire, built the original St.Germain homestead in 1851 and successfully bred cattle and sheep on the drained swamp flats.
He was a founder of the Port Phillip Farmers Society (later the Berwick Agricultural and Horticultural society) - the first such society in Victoria. He served on the Cranbourne Shire Council for 14 years.
Upon his death in 1896, the estate passed to his son, John Denham Patterson, who also served on the Cranbourne Shire Council. John sold the run in 1908.
In 1906 a section of St.Germain was divided, and the Cardinia township was established, complete with a school, post office, and store by 1910. Oakwood and the Campbell Family John and Rebecca Campbell emigrated from Ireland in the late 19th century.
Their son Robert and his wife Maggie established ‘Oakwood’ in Clyde North in 1920, moving a timber homestead by train, then horses and a dray.
The 722-acre property was maintained as a sheep and cattle farm, managed by Robert and later his son William. Both also served as longstanding Cranbourne Shire councillors. Lerwick Park
In 1980, Gordon and Margaret Gill acquired Oakwood, renaming it Lerwick Park. It continued to be a sheep and cattle farm until 1990 when encroachment of suburbia made it impossible to
farm sheep, making the transition to being a Murray Grey stud farm.
Lerwick Park gained acclaim at agricultural shows. In 2005 Lerwick Park won Grand Champion Bull, Supreme Exhibit for Lerwick Park Yarraman. Also, Grand Champion Female for Lerwick Park Millwood Petrina at the 2005 Royal Melbourne Agricultural Show.
Lerwick Park continued with Murray Grey Stud cattle until 2015 when residential development began at the property.
Now, what does it look like today?
St.Germain Estate
Nestled within the bustling heart of Clyde North lies St.Germain, a showcase development that embodies the essence of a vibrant and thriving community.
This master-planned precinct is not just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive, offering residents a lifestyle that encompasses everything they need within easy reach.
From residential homes to a bustling town centre, healthcare facilities to employment op-
portunities, St.Germain is a testament to thoughtful urban planning and community-focused design.
One of the standout features of St.Germain is its central hub, aptly named St.Germain Central.
This dynamic shopping centre is the beating heart of the community, designed with the lifestyle of a contemporary European village in mind. It’s not just a shopping destination; it’s a place where residents can live, work, shop, and socialise, all within walking distance of their homes.
At the core of St.Germain Central is a full-line Coles supermarket, providing residents with easy access to fresh produce and everyday essentials.
But it doesn’t stop there.
The shopping complex also boasts a range of 19 specialty stores including retail, restaurants, and cafes, catering to every taste and preference. Whether you’re craving a gourmet meal, need to stock up on groceries, or simply want to unwind with a cup of coffee, St.Germain Central has you covered.
A medical and wellness precinct recently opened, housing St Germain Superclinic, Anytime Fitness, and soon to open Marina Radiology, ensuring that local healthcare needs are met without the need to travel far.
As St.Germain continues to grow and evolve, future stages have now been approved by Council (including large format retail, with their leasing campaign now underway). A new Childcare Centre is under construction and is forecast for completion in the second half of 2025, further enhancing the liveability of St.Germain - a place like no other.
St.Germain is more than just a showcase development; it’s a blueprint for modern community living. With its wide range of residential homes, bustling town centre, and focus on community, St.Germain sets the standard for future developments in the City of Casey. It’s a place where residents can truly live, work, shop, and socialise, all within a vibrant and thriving community. St.Germain Central – A Place Like No Other For more information, go to stgermaincentral. com.au
A medical and wellness precinct recently opened, housing St Germain Superclinic, Anytime Fitness, and soon to open Marina Radiology, ensuring that local healthcare needs are met without the need to travel far.
At the core of St.Germain Central is a full-line Coles supermarket, providing residents with easy access to fresh produce and everyday essentials.
Lake name fallout
By Ethan Benedicto
More than 600 people were in attendance during the community-wide meeting at Berwick Springs/ Guru Nanak Lake on the evening of Tuesday 19 November.
Organised by Berwick MP Brad Battin, South Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans and petition heads Michael Ball and Aldonio Ferreira, cheers and claps echoed throughout the streets as the people called for a repeal of the renaming.
The recent string of events has been mired with confusion, with residents adamant on having no clear and definitive answer if it truly is a naming or a renaming as originally stated.
Ball said that Berwick Springs is “standing up for all Victorians”.
“I think that’s what’s happening here tonight, people don’t realise that we are the precedent for all of Victoria, Daniel Andrews [basically] said in 2018 that they can change the name of your street.
“The government is putting out all these releases saying it’s not part of the Remember a local, Name a place campaign, but Ingrid Stitts on 9 November said that; Melbourne’s Water press release said that; City of Casey’s media release says that,” he said.
He is resolute that due process should have still been followed regarding the renaming of the lake, adding that the state is now trying to “backtrack” on their initial statement of renaming Berwick Springs Lake to Guru Nanak Lake.
A Victorian Government spokesperson previously confirmed that the naming of the lake “does not relate to the recently announced ‘Name a Place’ campaign”.
The campaign, which is delivered by Engage Victoria and Geographic Names Victoria aims to name 6000 new - not existing - places in the state in recognition of the people who have made significant contributions to the local community.
However, Ball, in his speech to the people, said that initial media releases from the State Government on 9 November, as well as email responses to him from Melbourne Water and the City of Casey, have stated the recent event as a ‘renaming’.
“Regardless of how they’ve done it, whether it’s through Engage Victoria or whatever, they still have to follow the same requirements, they still have to consult us, they still have to have an objections process, an appeals process,” Ball said.
“Tonight was about telling people how this happened, it’s calling people out who are responsible for not consulting us, it’s giving respect to the Sikh community who the people here have no issue with whatsoever.
“I feel on their behalf that this is a joyous occasion for them, they should be celebrating what’s happening, and yet the State Government’s created this division just because they didn’t follow their own process.”
In an email addressed to Ball by Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, it was acknowledged that “the previous media releases and information calling it a ‘renaming’ has regrettably led to some confusion”.
Maas touched on Daniel Andrews’ promise in 2018 who made a public commitment to name a landmark in honour of Guru Nanak Dev ji in recognition of the significant contributions of the Sikh community.
It still stands, however, that Berwick Springs Lake is not a gazetted name with the Victorian Government and cannot be found on Geographic Names Victoria; this means that the lake had not been officially named before and thus took on the neighbouring estate’s title as an ‘interim name’ prior to recent events.
Maas further added that in 2022, the Multicultural Affairs portfolio consulted with the Bunurong Land Council who confirmed their support for this project, as well as other stakeholders such as the Victorian Multicultural Commission, City of Casey, Melbourne Water, Emergency Management Victoria and Geographic Names Victoria. Various Sikh communities were also consulted, such as the Victorian Sikh Gurdwaras Council, Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria, Siri Guru Nanak Darbar, Compassionate Hands Inc., Dream Harmony Seniors Club and Sikh Cultural Society of Victoria/Sri Guru Singh Sabha.
Maas also confirmed that the naming of the lake will not affect the Berwick Springs Estate. Ball strongly reiterated on numerous occasions that the Sikh community nor Guru Nanak Dev Ji are the targets of this backlash, and this is a focus on the lack of consultation from the responsible authorities.
In the same speech, Ball criticised the other petition in support of the lake’s new name, which has
Michael Ball delivered a strong speech that echoed the sentiments of the crowd. (Ethan Benedicto: 444979)
since garnered 3480 signatures as of 20 November, claiming that its statement that it is not a ‘renaming’ is false, once more citing on what Ball referred to as the State’s decision to “backtrack” on their original statement.
At the same time, Ball actively called for the resignation of the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt, which was met with loud, booming cheers and applause from the crowd.
“It is really disappointing and offensive for the multicultural minister, to discriminate and segregate the people in our community,” Ball said.
“I might be a simple man but multicultural affairs means to me multi-affairs, the Sikh community - with no offence to them and I make that very clear - represents a small per cent of the people here, what about the other community groups that live in our area?
“For that reason tonight, I publicly call for her resignation on behalf of the people of Victoria, not just Berwick Springs.”
According to the 2021 ABS census, Victoria is home to one of the largest Indian communities in Australia, with 371,901 Victorians with Indian ancestries.
As for the City of Casey, with 365,239 residents according to the same census, 44,967 of these people are of Indian ancestry; furthermore, with 25.1 per cent of the India-born population in Victoria identifying with Sikhism, applying that same number sees 11,290 Casey residents that are of Sikh faith.
Touching on attendance, while the numbers remain unclear, Aldonio Ferreira, who oversaw physical petition signatures, said that more than half of the crowd had put down their signatures.
Ferreira, who had lived in the area for over two decades, was in disbelief when the news of the new lake’s name first arrived.
“You know, I said, how is this even possible that this is happening?” he said.
“It was a sense of loss, that something had been taken out, something that’s part of the identity of Berwick Springs.
“This is the reason why I thought we had to do something, we had to stand up for our rights, and we had to stand up for democracy, which is really what it’s about, the people need to be heard.”
The local lake has seen widespread attention, gaining coverage from other news outlets, independent and established as well as international and local, to traction in online platforms such as TikTok.
While there had been no connection, invitation, or prior consultation with the organisers as well as the MPs, a number of men dressed in black shirts with crosses on them had also expressed their concern on the recent naming of the lake, with one of them adding that it sets a precedent for other places in Australia.
Also in attendance was Monique Davis, a resident who has lived in the Berwick Springs Estate for over 45 years, and whose parents purchased the original farm in 1972.
Her family’s original homestead still remains in the estate, a home which they moved into in 1979.
Touching on the history of the area, Davis spoke on the Greaves Family and their contributions to the area, from local farms, hunt clubs and activities, to a widespread equestrian community as well as market gardens.
“To me, the name Berwick Springs Lake acknowledges the history of the property and the entire use of the land,” Davis said.
“I think it’s important to keep our heritage and to carry it forward into new generations, I have photos of our original farm and growing up here on this land, history is important and I believe names should not be changed.
“This is not meant to disrespect the Sikh community, it is the legal process and the disregard of this place’s history that is being questioned.”
Brad Battin also addressed the crowd, initially apologising on behalf of Kowan Ward councillor Shane Taylor who had not been able to attend and praising the Sikh community for their contributions to Casey and Victoria as a whole.
“First and foremost the Sikh community do an amazing job, if anyone here is in the fire services, if you go out and volunteer on those campaign fires, the first truck to turn up is the Sikh truck with food to help you,” he said.
“They [Sikhs] have done it for a lifetime, however, when we are renaming government assets it is my personal view that we should not be renaming them after any religion, it is just divisive.
“I’m going to stand up for this one because I thoroughly believe that by naming this lake - or using the word ‘renaming’ - is factually incorrect, we want to acknowledge those communities that help out.”
Battin touched on the Rob Porter Recreation Reserve in Officer, how it was named after Rob Porter after his contributions of over 55 years to catering for the grounds, and how the naming process underwent community consultation of over three years.
Ball, who touched on the fact that he believes the name could be called “Little Baby Jesus Lake”, but it would not matter if they were not consulted and that he is not a local, is something that Battin echoed.
“I would be more than happy to have a Father Bob Lake who did so much in our community and name something after a genuine hero in our community,” Battin said.
“That’s what we should be doing, I am going to be calling on the government and say to them that they need to take a step back.
“I’m going to continue my discussions in my seat with the community as well and explain to them that the people in the audience here are not anti any religion, they’re not anti any faith, they’re not anti any person or background.
“This community has come forward because all they wanted to do was to be heard and we will make sure you are heard by starting a consultation period so that you can have a say.”
Ann-Marie Hermans spoke after Battin, admiring the crowd for their willingness to “take a stand”.
She touched on her locality in Casey, adding that the city had been her home, her partner’s and his family’s home for a long time and that she sees herself as a local and that local issues have a real impact on her.
“I’m not against the Sikhs. I’m not against any religion and I think that everything that’s been said today has to be echoed,” she said.
“Normally as Australians, we are very laid back and we’re happy to just get along, it doesn’t matter what your religion is, what your race is, to just get on with our lives and look after our families and make it a great nation.
“But right now when you have a situation like this, it becomes divisive and that’s not Australia, it is not the Australia that I raised my kids in and that’s not the Australia that I would want for anybody’s kids in the future.”
Hermans finished her speech by thanking the people for being present and letting their voices be heard, and while not naming names, also criticised local MPs for not being locals and, therefore, not having any true connection to the community.
The current petition on Change.org to repeal the decision sits on 6561 signatures as of 20 November, with more to come after physical signatures are finalised in the coming days.
Different voices
By Ethan Benedicto
A petition, this one in support of Guru Nanak Lake’s naming, has gained some traction, encouraging engagement of the Sikh principles.
The petition stated to be “an appeal on behalf of entire Australian Multicultural Communities” has since hit roughly 2800 signatures on 18 November, just three days after it began. Federation University engineering professor Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra said that clarity is of the utmost importance regarding the lake and whether it is truly the lack of consultation that residents are angry about or the name itself.
As a notable figure in local initiatives involving the Sikh community, such as partaking in the Safety Engaging with Water pilot program, Kandra said that the lack of consultation is something that the “Sikh community has nothing to do with”.
“Are people compassionate enough to be able to accept the new name as well as an apology [explanation] to the lack of awareness, or are they going to keep on pressing to change the name?
“This is no one’s land, this is Indigenous land, we are all migrants here, so those protesting should actually understand that Indigenous leaders have ticked off the name change.”
The Change.org petition called for the same form of mentioned clarity, to push through the misunderstanding and to spread the message of awareness on what the Sikh community has offered on the wider message of multiculturalism in Australia. The fear of the unknown is how Kandra coined it, highlighting the lack of what the Guru stands for and what it means will not impact what the lake is, what it has been, and what it will be.
“If the lake’s name changes do you think the purposes of the lake are affected in any way? Do you think people will not be able to walk there, exercise there and enjoy nature? Will the ecology of the lake be affected? None of these things are going to happen, there is an ego issue out of this that I don’t understand.
“If you are to look at the history of Guru Nanak, he is a person who has been advocating for love, compassion and world peace, and I think if a lake is named after him, it is acknowledging that we need to have that love and compassion in the community,” he said.
Kandra wanted to emphasise the Sikh community’s efforts and contributions Victoria-wide, such as the Sikh Volunteers Australia and their delivery of food and support throughout natural disasters and the Covid pandemic, as well as the works of the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria.
He added that the events that have transpired have become too “political”, and questioned if the efforts culminating in now what has reached 5745 signatures is “productive”.
“This might get half a million signatures in support of their petition, but is that productive? Should all of us invest that kind of time in such a trivial matter? There are streets in several parts of Victoria such as Church Street or Chapel Street, so why can’t we have a multicultural name, or a name after someone who has always advocated for love and compassion?”
Most of all, Kandra echoed many of the Sikh community’s sentiments to the lake’s renaming backlash, inviting those who are willing and interested to learn more about what the Guru stands for. “If consultation should have happened, and if the people think that it’s an administrative error, they should tell the Premier to learn from this and not do this in the future. The matter should be closed; but if they want the name to be changed, then I think it’s not very in line with the multicultural values of Australia,” he said.
However, he understands that this change is the first of its nature, and acknowledged that “big changes happen in small stages”.
Coroner probes tragedy
By Violet Li
A Cranbourne East man who took his own life in early 2021 suffered from deteriorated mental health due to the breakdown of his relationship and the subsequent online bullying and abuse, a State Coroner has found.
Brendon (not his real name) lived in Cranbourne East as a carer for his grandmother at the time of his death.
The then-35-year-old formed a romantic relationship a few years before his passing, which ended when he discovered an affair with a longterm male acquaintance of his.
He was initially physically assaulted when he confronted the pair and then he was sent “harassing electronic messages” including telling him to end his life.
Brendon admitted to his mother he was struggling with his mental health as a result.
About three weeks before his death, Brendon sent his mother a screenshot of an abusive message. The message, according to the recall of the mother, implied that Brendon attempted suicide before and induced him to “get it right next time”.
Brendon’s mother told the coroner that she was not aware whether her son had made a previ-
ous suicide attempt, but she tried to engage him in mental health support or medication.
Brendon declined as he knew the problem and believed “things would be better once his former partner was out of his life”.
A day before his passing, Brendon sent his family a message saying: “I’ve had enough and can’t deal with everything anymore.”
State Coroner Simon McGregor believed that although copies of the abusive messages sent to Brendon by his former partner and male acquaintance had not survived, “an indictable offence might have been committed by the act of
sending them”. He then confirmed that no charges were ultimately laid.
Brendon grew up in Belgrave South and was described as a “happy child” by his mother. He left school at age 16. While struggling academically, he was always good with his hands and interested in motor mechanics.
He became his grandmother’s carer when she developed dementia and “remained devoted to giving her the best care he could” until his passing.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Another step towards unity with new program launch
The Australia Multicultural Organisation Network (AMON) launched 13 October, bringing together leaders and advocates from various backgrounds to improve multicultural representation in Australia.
Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, said, “Our Fair Go policy reflects the success of our multicultural ethos. Political leadership matters, and our policies are deliberate in fostering unity.”
Mr Hill also spoke to “the Racial Discrimination Act, introduced by the Whitlam Government,” which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, significant to Australia’s progress in achieving unity.
AMON Chairperson, Manoj Kumar, said the network’s mission was “a strong, collaborative voice capable of engaging with elected representatives and policymakers across all levels of government”.
The network aims to address “issues such as the recent Uber drivers’ agitation, the un-
derrepresentation of women in the workforce, mental health challenges, business needs, and concerns related to private colleges,” said Mr Kumar.
AMON’s president Dr Raju Adhikari, said: “The AMON declaration emphasises that unity in diversity is a vital asset, and CALD communities are instrumental in building a harmonious Australia.”
The next step to this initiative is to host a CALD convention to engage stakeholders and develop a long-term strategy, roadmap, and action plan.
AMON’s goal is “to ensure greater representation and participation of multicultural communities in government roles, advisory boards, advocacy platforms, and political leadership,” said Mr Kumar.
The launch also included a traditional Afghan men’s dance, with attendees from different communities joining in. The event concluded with an Indian dinner, celebrating cultural unity.
Attendees at The Australia Multicultural Organisation Network launch. (Supplied)
Corridors for our koalas
By Violet Li
Moonlit Sanctuary and Western Port Biosphere Foundation officially launched the three-year Koala Corridor Project in November.
A launching ceremony was held on Wednesday 13 November at Moonlit Sanctuary.
The project aims to create corridors of trees to link koala habitats within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These corridors will reconnect fragmented habitats and provide safe pathways for koalas and other vulnerable species to move between areas of bushland.
Moonlit Sanctuary founder and director Michael Johnson addressed the public at the launching ceremony on how important the project would be for the future of koalas in the area.
“We are losing koalas,” he said.
“We’re facing a situation where we’ll lose them entirely if we’re not careful because we’re putting them in smaller and smaller areas of habitat where they become inbred, and the population dies out or there’s just not enough food for them.
“They can’t move around. They’ve got to get across roads.”
According to the project officer Kelly Smith from Biosphere Foundation, the project contains two key components.
The first part, a population survey and research, will involve thermal imaging drones to find koalas and acoustic monitoring to listen out for their sounds to see whether they’re present or absent in an area. Volunteers will also help collect koala scats for future analysis of their DNA.
Ms Kelly said the information gathered would help the project understand how koalas use the landscape, how healthy the koalas are, and give an estimate of koalas across the entire Biosphere Reserve.
The information would help the team better manage the species and help guide them in the
other key part of the project: revegetation, she said.
Revegetation efforts will create a big continuous wildlife corridor across the entire Biosphere Reserve, from the Mornington beach across to the Bass Coast. It involves planting trees on private properties with the help of volunteers.
“Koalas and all wildlife need to be able to move through the landscape safely,” Ms Kelly said.
“They need to be able to mix with all the animals and breed with all the animals in different areas so they can increase their genetic diversity.
“Essentially, this wildlife corridor is safeguarding them for the future.”
A private landowner shared her experience of working with the project at the launching ceremony to encourage other landowners to consider volunteering.
She recollected how she grew up with koalas on the trees in the backyards.
“We planted out an area that was probably almost a third of our property here, which probably would be about three acres. And it was a couple of thousand trees,” she said.
“We’ll lose a certain amount of them, so it’s important that you put many in.
“I was told that in five years, I might have some koalas come and visit and live again. That’s wonderful.
“Hopefully, more people will come on board.”
According to Ms Smith, approximately 8000 trees have been planted for koalas on private properties, between the Mornington Peninsula and Corinella on the Bass Coast by November 2024.
The Koala Corridor Project is calling on the community to support the initiative. In addition to planting trees, the project is looking for volunteers to help survey koala populations, create new habitats on private properties, and raise funds for the project.
Stephen Brend from UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Foundation, Koala Corridor project officer Kelly Smith from UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Foundation, and Moonlit Sanctuary founder and director Michael Johnson at the launching ceremony. (442401)
Western Port Biosphere chief executive officer Mel Barker at the launching ceremony. (442401) Stephen Brend from UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Foundation is giving a speech at the launching ceremony. (442401)
Moonlit Sanctuary founder and director Michael Johnson and Koala Corridor project officer Kelly Smith from UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Foundation are with one of the koalas at Moonlit Sanctuary at the launching ceremony. (Gary Sissons: 442401)
One of the koalas at Moonlit Sanctuary. (442401)
Kelly Smith and Michael Johnson are cutting a koala-looking cake. (442401)
Free buses trial rejected
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
South East Metropolitan MP Rachel Payne has vowed to continue fighting despite a proposal for free and more frequent public-transport buses being voted down in State Parliament last week.
Both the government and Liberal-National Coalition opposed the Legalise Cannabis party’s motion, including a 12 month free-bus trial as well as a review of bus routes.
The Greens supported the proposal.
“Sadly, the government and opposition voted against this commonsense proposal,” Payne said.
“Both the government and opposition agreed that the bus networks need work yet did not support this proposal for a review of the networks as well as consideration for incentivising people to get on buses.”
Payne said the free travel plan had parallels to Queensland’s recently-introduced 50-cent fares.
“I haven’t given up. I will continue to fight for a fair go for everyone.”
She said too many in the outer South-East suburbs were in “public transport deserts with no trams, infrequent trains and substandard bus services”.
This led to entrenched disadvantage, isolation, cost of living pressures, pollution and road congestion.
In Parliament, Labor upper house MP Michael Gallea said eliminating fares only improved patronage to a “small degree” – “nowhere hear enough to justify the cost of making it free”.
Service frequency, connectivity and reliability were the “things that drive patronage”.
Gallea said Victoria’s Bus Plan was focused on network improvements, such as the extensions of 831, 798 and 928, as well as extra weekend services on the 800 Dandenong to Chadstone.
He conceded there were “pockets” of Melbourne that were “not optimal”.
“When you have slow, meandering bus routes, you actually drive down the potential patronage and you also of course require more resources to use it.
“Where we can have clear, direct, logical bus routes such as the extensions that we are doing in, for example, Clyde North, … that means that you can really maximise the benefit of those bus services.”
Casey Grammar has welcomed its new school captains for 2025.
Nick Schweden and Tania Sebastian will be school captains at Casey Grammar School for 2025.
Both students have been enrolled since Year 7 and they have a deep connection to the school and all it stands for.
Nick said it was a great honour to step into such an important position.
“I know from my years at Casey Grammar that the school captains have a big impact on decisions around the school, so I’m very excited to use my skills to make 2025 a memorable year,” he said.
Tania said she felt extremely rewarded to know the school community had placed their trust in her to represent them.
“And I look forward to working alongside the students, staff and leadership team,” she said.
Nick said he hoped to organise additional events across the school year that covered broad areas of interest and connected all students more closely to the school community.
As for Tania, she said she wanted to focus on enhancing the school spirit.
“I’d like to introduce more student-led activities like more fundraisers, school competitions and themed days,” she said.
“I’d like to enhance ordinary school life with some small changes or by introducing some new fun traditions.”
While both school captains face a busy year juggling VCE studies and their leadership role, they are keen to give back to a school that they feel has given them so much.
“Since starting my high school journey, I’ve had so many incredible opportunities like the SIS inter-school competitions, House events such as the swimming and athletics carnivals and the camps, especially the Outdoor Education camps and the Snow Camp. Along the
way, I’ve made wonderful connections and great friends,” Nick said.
“Looking ahead to the 2025 school year, I’d like to give all students a voice so that everyone, including the younger year levels, feels comfortable to express their opinions and ideas.”
Tania agreed that ensuring every student felt ‘heard, seen and valued’ and encouraging them to be the best version of themselves was an important part of the school captain’s role.
“The coming year is about inspiring people to embrace leadership in their own unique way and to uphold the values that make Casey Grammar so special,” she said.
Botanic Gardens is a close-knit community set on landscaped native gardens and neighbours the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne. Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle and an active social calendar catering to all interests.
With affordable villas available with services offering a more supported lifestyle, and 24/7 emergency call system, enjoy peace of mind in retirement.
Nick Schweden and Tania Sebastian will step into the role of School Captain at Casey Grammar School for 2025. (Supplied)
Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne will continue calling for a 12-month trial of free buses despite its defeat in State Parliament last week. (Supplied)
Plea for assistance
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Police have released CCTV and images in their appeal for public assistance over the shooting of a Dandenong father-of-three this month.
The victim Jesse, 36, was found with a gunshot wound to his head in Frankston North. He remains in hospital with “life-altering injuries”, police say.
Armed Crime Squad detectives say Jesse was involved in an altercation with a group at a park on Armata Crescent about 7.15pm on Monday 4 November.
The victim and the group were known to each other, and it was a “targeted” offence, according to police.
Jesse’s mother Michelle visits her son in hospital every day since the shooting. He’s lost functioning in the left side of his body, with surgeons unable to remove the bullet from his head.
She described Jesse as a “family man”.
“He’s good to his partner, good to his family. He’ll give them his last $5,” Michelle said.
“They’re really struggling.
“Words can’t describe how it felt (to hear of Jesse’s injury). Just devastating.
“It’s going to be a long road for Jesse.”
Police say they wish to speak to a man depicted in the released images as part of their investigation.
The man in the images was described as Caucasian appearance, about 18-25 years, with a lean build, light brown hair and a distinctive tattoo on the outside of his lower right leg.
Police say the man was believed to have been involved in an aggravated home invasion in which a group broke in and confronted a female in Raymond Avenue, Frankston just before 6pm on the same day.
Investigators believe the incidents are linked, with Jesse meeting people about the earlier break-in.
The wanted man, who is believed to have not been involved in the shooting, had changed clothes between the incidents.
“The outcome of this incident has been devastating for a young family – a 36-year-old man remains in hospital with life altering injuries,”
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Dave Shannon said..
“Investigators are very keen to speak to anyone with knowledge of this incident – particular-
ly anyone who recognises the man in the images.
“We ask that people look closely at the images and the CCTV and if you have any information, please come forward and speak to police and as always, this can be done anonymously via Crime Stoppers.”
Michelle also implored for the man to “come forward”.
“Be a man and just come forward and help us as a family. I’m sure your family would like you to come forward.”
Police have charged eight people over the incident in the park - a 17-year-old Bentleigh boy, an
18-year-old Frankston North woman, a 21-yearold Mornington man, a 22-year-old Frankston North man, a 23-year-old Mornington woman, a 24 year-old Cranbourne North man, a 26-year-old Carrum Downs woman and a 29-year-old Carrum Downs man.
Two were charged with firearm-related offences, the remainder charged with affray and assault.
A 28-year-old Cranbourne North woman was arrested and released pending further enquiries.
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Water plant progress
Hydroflux has been awarded the contract to design, build and operate a new water recycling plant in Lyndhurst.
Using Australian-first technology, the plant will treat about 52 million litres of wastewater a year, converting it to Class A standard for each home in the Aquarevo housing estate.
The water would be suitable for nondrinking purposes such as toilet flushing, garden irrigation and washing machines.
The plant will include a greenhouse and an ‘organica’ food chain reactor, which looks like a natural garden to help blend in with the neighbourhood.
The process could treat up to 207 kilolitres of wastewater daily – the volume of an Olympic swimming pool in 12 days.
The contractor was announced by Planning Minister and Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny on Friday 15 November.
Construction is planned to start in early 2025, with the plant to be operational by late 2026.
Aquarevo estate is a collaboration between South East Water and Villawood Properties to create a water and energy efficient urban housing development.
Residents have access to three types of water – drinking-quality, rainwater and Class A recycled water - plumbed to their homes.
Their households are using on average 40 per cent less drinking water than other South East Water homes as a result.
South East Water managing director Lara Olsen said Aquarevo was a “working example” of how to reduce the impact of urbanisation on water supplies and local environments.
“We’re excited to work with Hydroflux to deliver Australian-first water treatment services to our customers that will reduce reliance on previous drinking water across our network in Melbourne’s South East.”
New chapter for Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce
By Violet Li
A new committee for the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce was elected on Thursday 14 November and the business organisation is looking at a big agenda for next year.
President Ian Wood was re-elected again this year.
The new committee includes president Ian Wood, vice president Judy Davis, treasurer Kavitha Joachim, secretary and social media marketing Kristin Lord, Rob Ward, Anthony Cheeseman, Anthony Tassone, Bill McMartin, and Damien Rosario.
The Chamber will launch a major project next year to help locals from multicultural communities with skills to set up and operate businesses, after receiving grants from Bendigo Bank.
“We’re going to be running programs and
workshops. We’re going to bring on speakers.
We’re going to set up a subcommittee to do this in the early part of 2025,” Mr Wood said.
“It’s a brand-new program. This is something we’ve never done before. I think it’s worthwhile.”
Mr Wood shared that the chamber would also continue its normal events throughout 2025.
He also said the chamber would strive hard to expand in 2025 to get up to 100 members.
The institution now has about 50 members.
“We have to get out and work hard on that. And I think that’s achievable,” Mr Wood said.
Jesse, 36, of Dandenong who was found with a gunshot wound to the head in Frankston North.
Images of a man that police want to speak to following the shooting of a Dandenong victim in Frankston North on Monday 4 November. (Supplied)
An artist impression of the Aquarevo Water Treatment Plant, with greenhouse and garden setting.
Part of the new committee. First row: Kristin Lord, Kavitha Joachim, Judy Davis, Damien Rosario.
Second Row: Bill McMartin, Ian Wood, Gary Rowe (not a committee member), Rob Ward (Supplied)
NEWS Major exhibit on the way
An exhibition and workshop series by Tagata Moana (People of the Pacific) art collective, the Pacific Sisters, will be showcased at the Bunjil Place Gallery from Sunday 8 December through to Sunday 9 March 2025.
The Pacific Sisters’, FROCK A WHANAUNGATANGA, a major exhibition, is coming to Bunjil Place Gallery.
Presented in association with Asia TOPA and Arts Centre Melbourne, this exhibition and workshop series showcases the Pacific Sisters’ legacy through fashion, performance, film, and music.
Visitors will encounter niu aitu (new ancestors) adorned in the Sisters’ intricate handmade garments alongside over 40 ancestral taonga and measina (treasured cultural items) drawn from the collections of Museums Victoria.
City of Casey Manager of Creative Communities Emily Clarke said: “We are looking forward to sharing the creative vision of the Pacific Sisters at Bunjil Place as part of our Asia TOPA partnership.
“The Pacific Sisters’ exhibition and workshop series sits alongside recent theatre events such as the sold-out 4Cs program, which saw a large representation of the Pasifika community participate.
“Creative programs like these highlight our commitment to supporting and celebrating diverse communities from across the City of Casey. I’m excited to experience the Pacific Sisters’ unique creative practice at Bunjil Place!“
The exhibition curator, Jade Hadfield has worked with the Pacific Sisters on curating this exhibition for Bunjil Place audiences.
“With the largest population of Pasifika community in Victoria residing in the City of Casey, this is an important exhibition for Bunjil Place. It provides access for Pasifika to see themselves and connect with world-leading Pasifika artists,” she said.
“This exhibition by the Pacific Sisters is an opportunity to cement relationships with a large part of the City of Casey’s community.” FROCK A WHANAUNGATANGA will also fea-
There are also opportunities for people to join one of the public adornment-making workshops on offer over the exhibition period.
ture a dynamic Pasifika lounge where exhibition visitors can engage with archival footage and imagery from the Pacific Sisters’ 30 years of pioneering work.
Pacific Sisters: He Toa Taera | Fashion Activists, 2019. (Auckland Art Gallery)
SUPER SAVERS
Thunder before the storm
The build up to the biggest day of racing on the local calendar went to exciting new heights on Tuesday morning when Southside Racing hosted its Stars and Strides Breakfast Gallops.
The Cranbourne track - which will this Saturday host the $500,000 Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup (1600m) and $1million The Meteorite (1200m) - was a hive of activity as local trainers and horses fine-tuned their preparations for the two feature races.
Cranbourne News photographer Stewart Chambers was on hand to capture all the action.
It’s A Wild Night shapes as a major player in Saturday’s Cranbourne Cup for local trainer Mark Walker. (Stewart Chambers: 444530)
The team behind the scenes at Southside Racing, from left, Chloe, Jules and Jess.
Oscar’s Fortune is shaping to be a key player in The Meteorite.
The Gavin Bedggood-trained Military Expert prepares for a gallop on Tuesday.
Southside Racing Communications Executive Mick Floyd was all smiles on Tuesday.
Group-1 winner Pinstriped limbers up for his hometown cup with a gallop at Cranbourne on Tuesday.
Jockey Luke Currie enjoys his time at the track.
John Barbaressoss and Corbin Ellis were keen observers on Tuesday.
Scott Brown has been a familiar face at Cranbourne for many years.
Mighty Ulysses is well fancied to run a big race in Saturday’s Cranbourne Cup.
Moby Dick tunes up for a tilt at the $1million The Meteorite at Cranbourne on Saturday.
Cranbourne trainer Michael Kent Jnr keeps a close eye on his Cranbourne Cup hopefuls.
WHAT’S ON
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 Cranbourne Shire Historical Society
The group has a guest speaker at our next meeting on 28 November, at 7.30pm at the old school building located at 13 Mickle Street, Tooradin. The topic is THE CRANBOURNE METEORITE, guest speaker is author, Sean Murphy.
Twelve iron meteorites weighing between 3550 and six kilograms were discovered between the 1850,s and 1982 mostin the vicinity of Cranbourne and Devon Meadows.
• To reserve your seat, please contact: Sue on 0410460824 or Barry on 0427618518.
• Free admission to the talk. Supper provided. Twilight Christmas Makers Market and Lighting of the Tree
Join us for a magical evening at Bunjil Place for the beloved annual tradition. This cherished community event promises an unforgettable experience for all ages, attracting thousands every year. Dive into the festive spirit at The Creative Assembly Co. Market, where over 70 stalls brim with delightful stocking fillers and unique Christmas gifts. There’s truly something for everyone on your Christmas gift list.
Beyond shopping, we’ve lined up a variety of activities that will captivate the kids and entertain the adults, ensuring a joyful experience for the whole family. Gather your loved ones and revel in the merriment of this much-loved event, filled with the warmth and joy of the holiday season.
• Saturday 30 November 3pm – 9pm, Lighting of the Christmas tree 8pm, Bunjil Place Plaza, Free Entry, Stall items and food at vendor prices
Tiny Forest Market
Welcome to A Family-Friendly Market, located in the heart of Casey Central Park, Narre Warren South. Our market is situated opposite Casey Central Shopping Centre, making it easily accessible for all. Join us for a day of fun, and shopping in one of the fastest-growing areas in Southeast Melbourne.
General Notices
Jim Naish
Discover the charm of Melbourne’s local makers and indulge in delicious street food and drinks at our market stalls. Set amongst a beautiful Tiny Forest of Trees, our market offers a unique shopping experience for locals Come and join us for a day of fun and support a community of talented makers.
Highlights: 110 Stalls inc. 10 Street Food & Drink
Stalls, Kids Playground, Food Lawn with Live Acoustic Singer, Shaded Permanent Seating Area
• Sunday 1 December 2024, Sunday 2 February 2025, Sunday 6 April 2025, 10am - 2pm, Casey Central Park, free event
Berwick CWA
The Country Women’s Association Berwick Branch acknowledges recent support for their ’Spring Comes to Berwick 2024’ Fashion Show in September.
As promised, 100 per cent of profits from this event is supporting their Casey North Community Information and Support Service Christmas Appeal.
This is being donated as $4000 of food hampers for some of the community’s most vulnerable members and $500 of children’s toys.
The members of CWA Berwick recently voted unanimously that a further $500 be donated to Bk2Basics in Narre Warren and Have A Little Hope in Pakenham in the form of children’s presents.
A further $500 of food and presents supporting the local WAYSS branch is also being donated.
• The CWA ladies are holding their Christmas Bake and Craft Stall at Akoonah Market on Sunday 1 December.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
Community Day - Morning Melodies with The Hoffmans - Friday 6th December 10:30am-4pm
- includes lunch and afternoon tea - Proudly sponsored by City of Casey.
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club meets weekly for a range of different events, including bus trips, community days, games, coffee and chat, bingo, dancing and carpet bowls.
Weekly activity times - Line Dancing Mon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
• For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
• Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/groups/487808127399953
U3A Cranbourne
U3A is a community group for anyone 50 and over to learn, share and socialise. The group offers a large variety of activities at its premises 20-22 Bowen Street in Cranbourne. Line dancing and ballroom dancing classes are held at Casey Basketball Stadium in Cranbourne. Most classes are run by our wonderful volunteer tutors and leaders. Supported by Casey Council U3A is a not for profit organisation with a membership fee of $50 per year. Members are welcome to join as many classes as they wish. Board games, Table Tennis, Art, Guitar and Ukulele are a few of the classes that U3A runs plus monthly luncheons. Check out the courses on offer at our 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
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club has started a Scrabble Club recently and it runs every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.
It will be both competitive and social on a one-toone basis.
Come along to learn how to play or improve your game.
Word lists and more will be available to increase your skills.
• Contact David on 0433 566 456.
Beyza’s long road ahead
By Sahar Foladi
A Cranbourne North couple are desperate to bring their pet cat back home fully healthy after he was diagnosed with a viral disease.
Tanya Kamil is distraught after what she thought would be a regular vet check-up with some medication. Instead she was told to take her cat Beyza to Dandenong’s Veterinary Referral Hospital (VRH).
The one-year-old “sweet indoor cat” has been treated at the hospital for feline infectious peritonitis - an immune-system response to feline coronavirus.
He’s not off the hook yet as recovery may take months with ongoing medication.
Beyza returned home from the hospital with a weak immune system, isolated in a room completely disinfected to avoid him falling sick.
“He used to eat three times a day. When he fell sick, he stopped eating. He used to love his food,” Tanya says.
“He’s a simple boy.
“I feel bad for him because he doesn’t cause problems. He’s not strong or the fighter of the group.”
Tanya says she and Beyza bonded when she nursed him back to health during a previous illness.
“We weren’t friends at first but slowly he grew on me. I connected with him when he had his first cat flu.
“I had to take care of him and give him his medicines in the morning a few times a day, put in his eyedrops.
“We liked each other. We were hesitant at first, but we bonded. We used to play with each other.”
The feline coronavirus infects cats worldwide however it mutates within the host becoming virulent and the infection uncontrollable for the immune system.
The infection can affect all organs such as brain, liver, eyes and kidney.
It was once considered to be a death sentence with no successful treatment available until recently, according to a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist at VRH.
“The treatment of feline infectious peritonitis (“FIP”), a coronavirus that is specific to cats, is a landmark development in veterinary medicine,” Dr Matt Munro said.
“FIP is a serious systemic infection that can occur in any cat but is more commonly seen in younger patients.
“Until recently, there was no successful treatment available for FIP and this disease was invariably fatal for all cats.
“With the explosion anti-viral drug discovery in human medicine, veterinarians have been able to adopt treatment with medications such as remdesivir, GS-441524, and molnupiravir.”
According to him, recent studies show up to 80
Two injured in school bus rollover on the freeway
Two males were hospitalised after a school bus rolled over on the side of South Gippsland Freeway, Hallam.
Police say the bus left the freeway and rolled about 10.30am on 13 November.
The 55-year-old driver from Carrum and his male passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police say.
Both were taken by road ambulance to Dandenong Hospital.
Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol officers
were investigating the rollover. The exact cause is yet to be determined, police say.
Any information or dashcam footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Emergency services at the scene of a bus rollover on South Gippsland Freeway, Hallam on 13 November. (Casey Crime Page/Facebook)
per cent of cats can be successfully cured in what is considered a “major breakthrough for veterinary science.”
Some cats however can relapse but Dr Munro says options remain to continue to successfully treat the patients.
“Treatment is typically carried out over several months and generally consists of daily oral medication. Research continues to optimise treatment protocols and treatment success.”
Tanya has so far used almost $4000 of savings on Beyza’s hospital stays, medicines and tests.
She has organised a GoFundMe page to help cover Beyza’s present and future medical needs, which amount to $10,000 or more, depending on his recovery.
She doesn’t have any insurance to cover the costs and is also on a hunt for a work-from-home job.
“I should at least spend $3000-4000 for the month because he has internal specialist appointments and his medicines. It’ll be a lot.
“If I had the money I wouldn’t hesitate, it wouldn’t matter to me.”
She fears Beyza may stop receiving the treatments due to financial strain and desperately welcomes any help on her page.
Beyza’s GoFundMe page can be accessed at gofund.me/701c0039
Little Beyza is being treated for FIP but needs financial help to recovery full health. (Supplied) Dr Matt Munro says what was once considered a fatal infection can now be cured. (Supplied)
Carving Cutting on the run
It’s the moment that every boxer dreams about; but probably the most difficult one to live through.
Clyde boxer Stephanie Lee-Cutting thought she had done enough to defeat title holder Jaala Tomat to claim the Australian Featherweight title at Sunshine’s Westend Hotel in early October.
She was ahead after two judge’s scorecards had been read out; being awarded the fight 77-75 on card one before judge two scored the fight a draw…76-76.
But to take the title away from a champion a challenger must win the fight, meaning a split decision would see Cutting’s brave efforts go unrewarded.
“Your first judge scored the contest 77-75; Cutting,” the ring announcer began, after eight rounds of championship boxing.
“Your second judge scored the contest 76-76; your third and deciding judge scored the contest 77-75, to your winner and….
The next word the ring announcer would mutter would determine whether Cutting had taken her undefeated streak to seven, adding the Featherweight crown to her WBF Australasian Lightweight title she won in mid-December last year, and to the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) Super Featherweight championship she claimed at Melbourne Pavilion on May 31 this year.
The word ‘new’ would mean she was the new champion, while the word ‘still’ would mean Tomat was still at the top of the tree.
Cutting, with her hand being held by the referees right hand…was about to learn her fate, muttering ‘new’ to herself, knowing how much that next word meant.
“…new, Australian Featherweight champion, Stephy Lee-Cutting.”
It was a euphoric moment for Cutting, who only had her first professional bout on March 17 last year.
“I knew I had done enough to win the fight, but you never know in boxing what the result might be,” she explained.
“That was a long wait for the announcement, but when he said ‘new’, it was such a relief, I can’t even put into words what that felt like.
“I never get emotional in the ring, but I had to hold back the happy tears.
“It was quite literally the highlight of my life… it’s the best feeling I’ve ever experienced.”
It’s been a rapid rise for the just turned 34-year-old, who continues to deal with the trauma of a workplace injury that instantly curtailed a promising football and sporting career.
She had the job of her dreams, was kick-boxing at the time, travelling overseas…just living her best life.
The workplace injury took that all away, with Cutting left stuck on the couch and wondering what could have been.
“I had to get myself out of that dark place,” she confessed.
Boxing became her salvation and, as she’s proven, she’s pretty good at the craft.
“I’m learning on the job to be honest,” Cutting said with excitement.
“The first couple of fights were daunting; the walk to the ring, things like that, but I’m comfortable in every aspect now.
“My confidence is up and I can’t wait for the next challenge.
“Sometimes you try and convince yourself, or try to hype yourself up, but I am actually confident, comfortable and having fun while learning on the job.
“I’m looking at the crowd, listening to my coaches and taking it all in, where at the start it was all a bit of a blur.
“I’m present in the moment now; which is really important in boxing.
“I look back and think, ‘how was I there’, and I’m just finally starting to get that person, preinjury, back, and feeling myself again.
“It’s just a great feeling in all aspects of my life.”
Cutting maybe learning on the run, but her pre-fight camp under renowned coach Luke Bones has provided her with a greater appreciation of the sport.
“It’s kind of like riding a bike; you’re a bit wobbly to start with until you understand what’s required,” she said.
“I can see and understand what is needed now and the sweet science behind it: it’s not all about
going in there and being tough; which is what I always relied on, it’s about using my brain, pick my shots, fight smarter, not harder, although I will fight harder if I have to.
“I have a better understanding of the sport and that’s going to make me harder to beat when I do climb up the ranks and start fighting more experienced girls.”
With Cutting now ranked number-one in Australia, and seven in the world, those more experienced boxers are very close on the horizon.
“We want the bigger cards, the better opponents, and overseas is an option: I just want to grow my boxing IQ and become the best fighter and overall person I can be,” she explained.
“I can’t talk too much about what’s happening moving forward, but I went down a division, made the weight, and I felt good and strong at that weight which was really important.
“It opens up so many opportunities now, having two weight classes to work with; it’s opened up a lot of doors and next year will be very exciting.
“We’re still yet to decide, but whatever will help with my career and my rankings will be the next step.”
Stephy is clearly not just fighting for herself, as she kissed a meaningful memento around her neck and pointed to the sky after being announced the winner.
“They are my Nan’s (Mavis) rosary beads; she is no longer with us, but it’s something I have walked to the ring with for every fight and then my best friend takes it off me,” she confided.
“It’s the last thing that comes off me before I fight and also the first thing that goes back on afterwards.
“It reminds me that she is looking over me and I am doing this for her as well.
“I also lost my aunty (Sharon) two weeks before the fight, while I was in camp, and the last words I said to her were ‘I’ll get the win’.
“Also my cousin Sean, we were close, he was like a brother, and I lost him in the younger days after we used to watch fights together.
“It’s just surreal…I knew I was going to do it but now it’s like wow…I’ve actually done it.”
Seagulls youngsters finding their feet as fielding falters
By Jonty Ralphsmith
The performances of Tooradin duo Liam Simpson and Cody Mannix have been the silver-lining of an up-and-down start to the season for the Seagulls.
Question marks loomed over the Gulls entering the 2024-25 season given the absence of Brad Butler and Pete Sweeney, through injury and retirement respectively.
But strong allrounder Simpson and spinner Mannix have highlighted the strong depth that Tooradin has in the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association Premier competition.
Simpson has played multiple important cameos as a swashbuckling lower-order batter as he establishes himself in his first full season of First XI cricket.
He then contributed with the ball in the round 5 outright victory over Upper Beaconsfield, claiming a hattrick in the first innings, before opening the bowling in the second.
“He bowled just about the perfect hattrick ball, it angled in, right on the chalk and went under the bat, it was well executed by Liam,” said captain-coach Mick Sweeney.
“He’s been coming for a little while even before I got to the club they identified him as one worth investing some time into and encouraging him.
“He has a strong action but he has had back issues in the past which waylaid his bowling a couple of years ago, but he had a full year of bowling last year and performed strongly in the twos.
“As he gets bigger and stronger, he’ll develop his skills and become the best he can be at the optimal time but like a lot of young blokes he’s in a hurry which is a good thing.
“He’s got a good bit of pace on him and we
use him in short and sharp spells so he can impact.
“As a batter, you wouldn’t say he’s a Greg Chappell type but they stay hit when he gets hold of them.”
The resilience of Mannix has impressed the skipper, who was a wicket-taking machine early and has continued creating chances, but been a victim of poor fielding since.
His stability has enabled Tooradin to play two spinners, which has benefitted team balance.
“He’s become a mainstay of our side pretty quickly,” Sweeney said.
“It’s pretty difficult being a young spinner and you have to have a fair bit of resilience.
“He’s gone over the fence a few times and comes back and takes a wicket.
“He has a fantastic attitude, the boys love him and he’s fit right in.
“He has a bright future for the club.”
It has been the experienced middle-order which has faltered, leading to losses against Pakenham in round 1 and Devon Meadows in round 4.
Fielding has also been an issue, with the Tooradin attack creating plenty of chances which have gone begging, underlining the absences of Pete Sweeney and Butler.
“I’ve spoken about the loss of Pete and Brad in the past and you think straight about their bowling stats and Pete’s batting but Pete was our first slipper and dropped one all year last year,” Mick Sweeney said.
“Brad is a very athletic outfielder so I think we’re missing them in the field as much as their batting and bowling so that’s one reason but we’re not going to use it as an excuse.”
Tooradin currently sit third on the table, less than a game off the ladder-leading Cardinia following an outright victory over Upper Beaconsfield, but the captain-coach is aware there’s still work to do.
Clashes with top-two sides Kooweerup and Cardinia will demonstrate how Tooradin hold up under pressure against the best sides in twoday cricket.
“It was good to be on the right end of the scoreboard however I thought against Devon Meadows fielding separated the two sides, they took their chances and bowled to plans well and we didn’t,” Sweeney said.
“Despite the scoreboard being in our favour, I thought we were still not where we wanted to be in the field against Upper Beaconsfield.
“It’s good to still be getting decent results while working through where we need to get to being.”
Cody Mannix, pictured, and Liam Simpson have established their 1st XI roles for Tooradin. (Stewart Chambers: 441149).
Clyde boxer Stephanie Lee-Cutting is taking Australian boxing by storm after winning three title belts since early December last year. (Supplied: 444692)
Locals have eyes on prize
By David Nagel
Saturday’s standalone $500,000 Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup (1600m) looks set to be one of the most open in recent memory with a strong local contingent keen to keep the cup on home turf.
The cup proved elusive for Cranbourne trainers for many years, but the switch to Saturday standalone status in 2021 resulted in a change of fortunes.
King Magnus ploughed through the mud to give Robbie Griffiths/Matt de Kock their first win in the race in year one, before Uncle Bryn careered away from a strong field to give Trent Busuttin/Natalie Young the spoils in 2022.
And last year, Cranbourne trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace prepared Irish-import Charterhouse; who produced a barnstorming finish to clinch the mile classic on his home track, making it three in a row for locals.
Uncle Bryn returns to the scene of his 2022 success, but will need to turn around some lacklustre runs at his previous two starts.
The seven-year-old gelding made a huge impression winning on October 5 at Flemington; thumping a quality field by almost two lengths over 1400-metres at the massive odds of $61.
Uncle Bryn then stepped up in class and distance, running eighth of 11 in the Crystal Mile at Moonee valley, before finishing second last in the Chester Manifold Stakes (1600m) on Oaks Day.
Pinstriped is another well-credential local who could be a legitimate chance if he can return to early spring form.
Trainer Enver Jusufovic said it would mean a lot to win his hometown cup with Pinstriped.
“To win your local cup, you don’t get too many opportunities, you need the right horse and being in the area for 30 years, and seeing how racing has evolved, it would be a great feather in my cap and for the stable as well,” he said.
“I think in the future the Cranbourne Cup will become an even more prestigious race to win.
“He (Pinstriped) is a group-1 winner now so he certainly has the quality to win.”
LADBROKES CRANBOURNE CUP FIELD
LISTED $500,00 (1600m)
Saturday 23 November, 5pm
1.Pinstriped (2) E Jusufovic
2.Mighty Ulysses (14) A Neasham/R Archibald
3.Uncle Brynn (3) T Busuttin/N Young
4.Nugget (6) C Maher
5.Steparty (1) P Preusker
6.Bankers Choice (13) M Moroney/G Thompson
7.Von Hauke (10) C Brown
8.Air Assault (18) A Gluyas
9.It’s A Wild Night (5) M Walker
10.Running By (12) C Maher
11.Globe (8) M Price/M Kent Jnr
12.Earlswood (7) G Bedggood
13.Cadmus (9) A & S Freedman
Pinstriped has since lowered his colours to Mr Brightside and Antino in subsequent group-
The Street Boss six-year-old gelding shocked the racing world at Caulfield on the last day of August, defeating Mr Brightside, Gentleman Roy and Antino in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), giving his popular trainer Enver Jusufovic his first group-one success.
one outings, but a close-up third in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield would suggest he’s in this up to his ears.
Pinstriped finished ahead of leading Cranbourne Cup contender Globe in the Moonga; and lowered his colours by only two lengths to earlycup favourite Mighty Ulysses.
14.Makram (15) B & W & JD Hayes
15.Cosmic Vega (11) C Maher
16.Dashing (4) A Purcell
Emergencies
17. Poison Chalice (17) P Preusker
18.Flash Flood (16) C Maher
Quality field chases $1million purse in The Meteorite
By David Nagel
A hot-field will contest Saturday’s $1million The Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne where three last-start winners will look to create history and become the first-time winner of the race.
The Kris Lees-trained Cloudland will look to make it back-to-back wins after winning the Greys race on Melbourne Cup day, while two local trainers from the region will also have their eyes on the big prize.
The Pakenham training partnership of Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman has Pounding entered for the event, fresh off a narrow but impressive victory in the Sale Cup.
And popular Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths will look to strike it rich on Cranbourne Cup day once again, teaming up with Mathew de Kock to prepare Rey Magnerio for the big race.
The Magnus/Luchardo five-year-old gelding has had four runs this spring and never failed to finish in the money.
He ran placings at Caulfield and Flemington over the carnival, before finding himself
Rey Magnerio, middle, broke an unlucky run of outs to win at Flemington on Champions Day. Southside Racing is the Slot Holder for Rey Magnerio in Saturday’s $1m The Meteorite. (Scott Barbour/Racing Photos: 444283)
in the winner’s stall after a last-start win over 1200-metres at Flemington on Champions Day.
Slot Holder Southside Racing has Rey Magnerio in the race as it looks to win the richest race in the club’s history.
Expect a big cheer if the local galloper can strike it rich in The Meteorite.
THE METEORITE FIELD
SLOT HOLDER NAME
Busuttin Racing
Horse: Spacewalk
Trainer: James Cummings
· Cape Schanck Racing
Horse: Oscar’s Fortune
Trainer: Gavin Bedggood
· Carl Holt
Horse: Robrick
Trainer: Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr)
· Cavallo Park
Horse: Philospher
Trainer: Enver Jusufovic
Ciaron Maher Racing
Horse: Nadal
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Ladbrokes Racing Club
Horse: Moby Dick
Trainer: Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr)
Lindsay Park Racing
Horse: Arkansaw Kid
Trainer: Ben, Will and JD Hayes
Lofty Group
Horse: Deepour
Trainer: Nick Ryan
· Moody Racing
Horse: Pounding Peter
Trainer: Moody and Katherine Coleman
· Moonee Valley Racing Club
Horse: Baraqiel
Trainer: Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin
OTI Racing
Horse: Cloudland
Trainer: Kris Lees
· Sheamus Mills Bloodstock
Horse: Kristilli
Trainer: Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr)
· Southside Racing
Horse: Rey Magnerio
Trainer: Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock
Sportsbet/MRC
Horse: Who Dares
Trainer: Pat Carey and Harris Walker
Casey and Cardinia community groups set to win big
Excitement is building for Saturday’s $500,000 Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup day with 14 community groups in contention to win significant cash prizes over five weeks of fantastic racing action.
Southside Racing randomly selected the community groups to participate in the inaugural Southside Slot Series, Australia’s first-ever thoroughbred Slot Racing Series.
The Southside Slot Series begins at Cranbourne on Saturday, with the running of the $1million Ladbrokes Meteorite (1200m), before the series continues with the $1million Sportsbet Supernova (1400m) at Sportsbet Pakenham Cup Day on Saturday, 21 December.
With support from major partners Ladbrokes and Sportsbet, this ground-breaking event will match these local organisations with prestigious slot holders for two thrilling days of racing in November and December.
Each group will attend the Meteorite Barrier Draw on Wednesday, 20 November, where they will be assigned a slot holder and discover the horse they will support in the first leg of the series.
The process will be repeated in December at the Supernova Barrier Draw.
The call for Expressions of Interest received
an overwhelming response, with many worthy groups vying for a place in this exciting event.
To ensure fairness, Southside Racing conducted a random draw to select the 14 participating groups.
Participating groups have a chance to win significant cash prizes based on their horse’s performance, with rewards of up to $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, and $2,000 for third in each race. Additionally, each group will receive 10 complimentary general admission tickets for
both race days, allowing them to fully experience the excitement on track.
Southside Racing said it was proud to offer this unique opportunity to local non-profit organisations in Cardinia Shire and the City of Casey, celebrating their invaluable contributions to the community and marking a historic chapter in Australian racing.
The selected community groups from Cardinia Shire and the City of Casey include:
Better Life for Foster Kids
Local community groups are in contention to win big when the spotlight of Victorian racing focuses
Cranbourne and Pakenham in the coming weeks. (Rob Carew: 375565)
Cranbourne trainer Enver Jusufovic will be hoping to add a Cranbourne Cup to his Memsie Stakes success on his home track on Saturday with Pinstriped. (444811)
Narre sets Coomoora a test
By Marcus Uhe
Narre Warren will put Coomoora’s ‘win from anywhere’ belief under the microscope on Saturday, having set the Roos 326 for victory in Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 2 cricket.
Led by a second-successive hundred for form Magpies batter Amila Ratnaike, Narre Warren maximised home conditions at Sweeney Reserve to post an imposing total that will require the absolute best from Coomoora’s batting lineup.
Ratnaike, recruited from Leongatha Town Cricket Club in the Leongatha & District Cricket Association, followed up his 101 against Lyndale the week prior and 86 two games back against St Mary’s with 117 on Saturday as the key to Narre Warren’s innings.
Joining coach John Mentiplay with their side in trouble at 3/54 in the 24th over, the two added 146 for the second wicket before Mentiplay fell for 46, with Ratnaike reaching triple figures late in the partnership.
His century included two sixes and 17 fours and moves him ahead of HSD batter Mackenzie Gardner as the competition’s leading run scorer for the summer, with now 379 runs to his name from five innings.
Important knocks from Narre Warren’s lower order batters in Ben Swift (29), Waduge Fernando (37) and Avinav Singh (25) ensured the home side batted out the 80 overs, and capitalised on the platform built by their new star teammate.
While Narre Warren took 56 overs to reach 200 runs, the next 100 milestone required only 21 overs.
Coomoora’s bowling attack, the Roos’ strength to open the season in white ball cricket, was cut down to size in the longer format, with even Malan Madusanka’s economy rate finishing just below five runs per over.
He was the only bowler to grab multiple wickets, with singles going to Jackson Noske, Dean Krelle, Michael Klonaridis and Amarjot Singh.
Coomoora’s premiership-winning opening batter Lance Baptist, in his first contest of the summer having returned from a calf strain, has a
big role to play if the Roos are to maintain their unbeaten run.
Narre Warren, however, has taken fewer wickets than any other side in the competition from the opening block of the summer, with more required from the likes of Ruwan Jayaweera and Kumara.
HSD enjoyed similar success with the bat on Saturday, reaching 336 against St Mary’s at Carroll Reserve.
86 runs from Ethan French and 97 from Triyan De Silva gave HSD a strong foothold and helped the Cobras to score at more than four runs per over across the course of the afternoon.
Where French was meticulous and considered in his innings, scoring at a strike rate of 49.7, De Silva played the role of aggressor with a strike rate of 82.
The pair added 151 together for the third wicket before French lost his wicket to Junaid Kair, while De Silva was Rumesh Ranasinghe’s second of the victims, just three runs shy of triple-figures.
Late-innings ball-stirking from Harry Funnell and Zahoor Sarwari gave the innings a late jolt in momentum and further increased the degree of difficulty facing the Saints next week.
Ranasinghe was the pick of the St Mary’s bowlers with 3/46.
Parkfield’s batting issues continued against Cranbourne with the Bandits rolled for 190, with only all-rounder Hansika Kodikara passing 50.
Martin Kelly took 4/41 as the Eagles completed the innings in the 78th over, leaving them in the box seat to consolidate a top-four position and put a gap between themselves and the chasing pack, led by Parkfield in fifth position.
Parkfield opening pair Nathaniel Cramer and Dishan Malalasekera hit single-figure scores and Sahan Jayawardana joined them with just seven.
Partnerships between Shahwali Mosavi and Travis D’Souza (56) and Steve Cannon with Kodikara (53) did the bulk of the scoring for the Bandits, who lost wickets in clumps throughout the day at home.
The chase will be trickier than usual for Cranbourne, however, due to the absence of captaincoach Harrison Carlyon.
Parkmore, meanwhile, needs to defend 258 against Lyndale in an evenly-poised affair. 78 from star recruit Satheesh Fernandu and 68 from Kyle Gwynne at the top of the order accounted for 56 per cent of the Pirates’ total haul, with 28 from Hewafonsekage Fonseka the nextbest contribution.
English import, Callum O’Connell, managed just one on senior debut.
Captain Ben Montgomery took 3/23 for Lyndale, with Harry Singh, Faraz Rahman and Rajika Fernando each taking two wickets.
Warmth enjoyed as top teams set the scene for Cranbourne
CRANBOURNE BOWLS
A sunny and warm day greeted weekend pennant teams on Saturday - but an enormous breeze blowing all over the place didn’t make it easy for any teams, friend or foe.
Cranbourne 1 Div 1 travelled to Mulgrave Country Club to take on Mulgrave’s numberone team.
A great game ensued and all rinks played well, but eventually Cranbourne came out on top winning three rinks to one. Best rink was skipped by Jay Tootell, with Matt Stevens third, Danny Meyer second and the lead Dale Henry winning by eight shots (24-16). This was closely followed by skip Shane Jakins, Ryan Drummond third, Hayden Leveridge-Watkins second and Steve Bentley lead winning their rink by seven shots (20-13).
• Cranbourne 1 Div 1 (80) def Mulgrave County Club 1 (65) + 15 shots and 16 points.
Cranbourne 2 Div 2 played at home and took on Burden Park 1. One rink received a bit of a work over by their opponents, but our other three teams carried the torch forward to give the home team a comfortable win overall. Best rink was skipped by Nick Arnold, Wayne Stevens third, Terry Byrnes second and Vic Butera lead. This rink won by 24 shots (33-9). The team skipped by Ian Barrenger, Stephen Arms third, Barry Thomas second and Loui Magri leading had a comfortable 10-shot win.
• Cranbourne 2 Div 2 (90) def Burden Park 1 (66) + 24 shots and 16 points.
Cranbourne 3 Div 3 took on Hampton-Bayside 2 on the synthetic. Again we had one team struggle and this turned out to be the difference between the two teams, with Hampton Bayside 2 taking the honours on the day winning three rinks to one. Best Cranbourne rink was skipped by John Kent, Ron Fenton third, Dermot McConville second and Bob Pyne lead winning 28-20.
• Cranbourne 3 Div 3 (72) def by Hampton Bayside 2 (88) - 16 shots and 2 points.
Cranbourne 4 Div 6 travelled to Oakleigh to take on Oakleigh 2. Most of our players had
never played here before, so it was a baptism of fire for most of us. Also everybody had to deal with extremely strong wind gusts that stayed around all day. At one stage my own rink was down 16 shots, but pure perseverance and belief got it back to only three shots down. The two outstanding rinks were headlined by the one skipped by Harry VanSoest, Steve Bakker third, Dennis Tomlin second and Liz Hughes lead. This team was in great form winning by 21 shots. The second winning rink was skipped by Roger Roscoe, Cheryl Wright third, Bill Sherriff second and Neil Fotheringham lead…who won by eight shots.
• Cranbourne 4 Div 6 (95) def Oakleigh 2 (81) + 14 shots and 14 points.
Cranbourne 5 Div 8 12-A-Side played at home on the back green and took on Willow Lodge 1. Cranbourne 5 won two out of the three
rinks, but the one loss was significant enough to lose the overall game by 12 shots. Best rink was skipped by Mick Feeley, Sarah Richardson third, Jo Alsop second and Bruce Canavan lead winning 17-12.
• Cranbourne 5 Div 8 (43) def by Willow Lodge 1 (55) - 12 shots and 4 points.
The day finished with Cranbourne 1, 2 and 4 winning, but 3 and 5 went down.
Well done everyone and Go Cranny.
MIDWEEK PENNANT
Cranbourne 1 Div 2 played at home against Dandenong Club 2. The two teams sitting first and second on the ladder were expecting a close match and that’s what we got. In a very close game, Dandenong Club 2 defeated Cranbourne 1 by winning two rinks to one. Best rink for Cranbourne was skipped by Nick Arnold,
Wayne Stevens third, Karen Hickson second and led by Vic Butera the team got up by one shot 19-18. The team skipped by Rob Scott only went down by three shots, while the team skipped by Stephen Bentley went down by six shots. A great effort by the team who still holds second place on the ladder.
• Cranbourne 1 (55) def by Dandenong Club 2 (63) - 8 shots and 2 points.
Cranbourne 2 Div 3 travelled down to Bangholme to take on Willow Lodge 1. Always a difficult assignment our Cranbourne team played as well as they could and even though they won two rinks to one, the winning rink for Willow Lodge won by enough to take the overall points. Best rink was skipped by John Kent, Sarah Richardson third; John Stanley second and led by Denise Meulman won 19-14, and the team skipped by Steve Hickson won 19-18. Try as hard as they could the team skipped by Cheryl Wright was just outplayed by their opponents going down by 10 shots; 27-17.
• Cranbourne 2 (54) def by Willow Lodge 1 (58) - 4 shots and 4 points.
Cranbourne 3 Div 4 hosted Mordialloc 2 on the synthetic green. Another close game was played, but after 63 ends of good bowls it was Mordialloc 2 that came out on top by winning two rinks to one. Best rink was skipped by Ron Fenton, Liz Hughes third, Tom De Pradines second and led by the lovely Davina Bobetic this team won by five shots 19-14. Scott De Piazza’s team went down by one shot 18-19, while Harry Van Soest’s team battled their hearts out, but went down by seven shots (14-21).
• Cranbourne 3 (51) def by Mordialloc 2 (54) - 3 shots and 2 points.
Cranbourne 4; 6-A-Side due to no players being left or available had to give their opponents Black Rock 1 a forfeit. Subsequently, Black Rock was awarded eight shots and 14 points. That’s bowls, but we’ll be back next week to try again. Well done one and all.
Go Cranny
-Derek Maguire
HSD’s Triyan De Silva’s innings came to an end three runs shy of a century. (Rob Carew: 443990)
Cranbourne 2 skip Neil Drummond was part of a winning team against Mulgrave Country Club. (Supplied)
Club Chairperson at Cranbourne Chris Deal would have been happy with Saturday’s results.
