Giving this holiday season
on Wednesday 27 November, with the pair in the local shopping centre some of the first in Melbourne. The bright red boxes all hold their own unique donation options that go to a specific charity, allowing the public and shoppers to make an easy, and novel way to lend a helping hand this Christmas season.
Full story page 2
City of Casey’s Deputy Mayor Melinda Ambros holds the scissors before cutting the ribbon with the charity representatives; from left to right: Elisa Dillon from Foodbank, Melissa Jones from Blaze Aid, Sally Beard from Backpacks 4 VIC Kids and Nikki Barrens from UNICEF. (Gary Sissons: 446471)
Leak devastation
An estimated one hectare of vegetation has died after a pipe burst at the Hallam Road landfill, leaking leachate into a neighbouring farming property.
Landowners Lindsay and Winsome Anderson were notified by landfill operator Veolia on November 25 about a burst of a leachate pipeline along the southeast side of the landfill.
The Andersons reported a foul odour and visible damage to vegetation along their property boundary.
Leachate, a liquid byproduct of decomposing waste, can contain harmful contaminants. Veolia stated the pipeline was repaired, emergency protocols were followed, and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was informed.
EPA has issued a notice to Veolia to investigate the spill’s impact and ensure compliance and it is investigating potential breaches of Veolia’s licence.
In a decision in July this year, the Supreme Court accepted the two breaches.
Mr Anderson said the family was not happy about this latest leachate incident, especially given what had happened in the Supreme Court.
Full story page 5
The Anderson family brought the landfill operator to the Supreme Court last year, claiming that Veolia breached its operating licence and general environment duty, as the tip’s landfill gas had migrated to their property and exceeded safety benchmarks at the boundary.
66 drivers caught in blitz
Fifty-seven drink drivers and nine drug drivers have been detected in a two-night police operation on Monash Freeway.
Police also impounded 13 vehicles during the driver-testing blitz dubbed Operation Colossus on 29 November-1 December.
There was a particular spike in impaired driving between 3am-5am, Inspector Rodney Maroney from Victoria Police’s Southern Metro Division 3 said.
“To detect so many impaired drivers in two nights on a major Melbourne freeway is extremely concerning.
“This indicates to us that there are still far too many people opting to drink alcohol or take drugs and then drive – this demonstrates a complete disregard for not only your own safety, but the safety of your passengers and all other road users.”
There were 25 impaired drivers caught during 3am and 5am on Saturday morning compared to three impaired drivers between 11:30pm and 3am.
Similarly, there were a further 31 impaired drivers caught during 3am and 5am on Sunday morning, compared to seven impaired drivers between 11:30pm and 3am.
Police also detected nine disqualified or suspended drivers and issued one infringement for failing to accompany for a breath test.
Victoria Police is warning motorists there will be a focus on drink and drug driving in December and January, including a major road policing operation next week.
“We’ll continue to be out conducting alcohol and drug testing anywhere, anytime – so if you think you won’t be caught, think again,” Insp Maroney said.
“We need all road users to completely separate these behaviours – alcohol, drugs and driving don’t mix.”
First time offenders who are fully licenced and over 26 years caught with a blood alcohol limit between 0.05 and 0.07 receive a $593 fine and an immediate three-month licence suspension.
The penalties increase substantially for those under 26 years of age, those required to have a zero blood or breath alcohol level, those caught for second or subsequent drink driving offences, and those caught over 0.07 or above.
Penalties include larger fines, longer licence suspensions, alcohol interlocks, attendance at court and jail time for the most serious offences.
Exceeding the prescribed concentration of drugs while driving carries a $593 penalty and a six-month licence suspension.
Operation Colossus was conducted by Southern Metro Division 3 Highway Patrol, with support from uniform members, State Highway Patrol and Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section.
From
Vending a helping hand
By Ethan Benedicto
As the Christmas season draws nearer, it becomes clear that there are many who are unable to buy their loved ones presents and many who are struggling to gain access to basic living amenities such as food, water and shelter.
The Giving Machines that opened in Narre Warren give everyday people a chance to support others through the form of a vending machine and the touch of a few buttons.
It serves as a donation that extends a helping hand through a hygiene pack, a hot shower, or even providing 40 meals to families in need.
Officially launched on Wednesday, 27 November, by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the pair of machines in Westfield Fountain Gate are some of many in over 108 locations around the world.
Shar Balmes, the church’s communications director said “I am so excited”.
“I truly feel humbled and privileged to be part of this, even in a small way.
“I am beyond impressed and grateful for the charity partners that we have and the work they do out and about.
“Overall, it’s is an important service that we’re giving, not just to the recipients of the donations but to the people who have that moment of experiencing the joy of giving,” she said.
How the machines work is someone would first browse the wide range of charitable donations that they could choose and from there, they pick the
number and pay, much like a regular vending machine.
From there, a card drops to the bottom of the machine, representing the gift that you would be sending to someone else.
Elder Damon Page also addressed the crowd, first of all thanking everyone for their attendance and then touching on the importance of the machines, and the wide array of support that they are able to provide for those in need.
“The Giving Machines are about enlightening the world, and as a church, we encourage and invite everyone to follow those steps,” he said.
“If you look across here there are so many items that people can contribute to whether it’s food items, personal care, there is something there for everybody.”
Also in attendance were the charities to which the donations would be going to, with representatives from UNICEF, Blaze Aid, Foodbank and Backpacks 4 VIC Kids speaking on the joy of Christmas and how a simple donation could easily change a life.
The City of Casey’s deputy mayor, Melinda Ambros, alongside Casuarina Ward councillor Kim Ross were also present, with Ambros saying how it’s “a great privilege to be standing here before everyone and to come together to celebrate this special time of the year.”
“This time of the year is the time for family, for reflection, and most importantly for kindness, it’s a time to remember the power we have to make a difference in the lives of others,” she said.
Ross likewise echoed the sentiments, but praised the ingenuity and “novelty” of the machines, saying that they cater to a wide range of audiences with their ease of use.
“Christmas is my favourite season, so this [the machines] really appeal to our younger generation, and of course the older generation but it also makes that a bit more personable, with the photos being easy to share on social media - I think the setup is a fantastic idea,” she said.
So far, these Giving Machines have raised over $33 million across the globe, supporting over 450 charities and being praised by many. With another set of machines in Highpoint Shopping Centre, it doesn’t seem long until the bright red machines are all around the state.
Thank
Just before cutting the ribbon, with - from left to right - Peta Kerwin from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Melissa Jones from Blaze Aid, Sally Beard from Backpacks 4 VIC Kids, Nikki Barrens from UNICEF and Elisa Dillon from Foodbank. (Gary Sissons: 446471_05)
Casey’s Deputy Mayor Melinda Ambros making her first donation at the giving machine. (Gary Sissons: 446471_11)
War of words over lake
By Ethan Benedicto
The attendance and claim of belonging from neo-nazis to the 19 November community gathering at Guru Nanak Lake has since stoked the fires of division, with Parliamentary discussions from local MPs to the Premier rife in the air.
Victoria Premier, Jacinta Allan MP, stood stalwart in her support of the naming of Guru Nanak Lake, where in Tuesday 26 November, she called out the neo-Nazis for their attendance, and called the meeting of at 19 November as a move to “stoke division and hate”.
“When you divide communities, you create a void and extremists rush to fill it.
“We on this side of the house [Speaker], we stand with the Sikh community, we recognise the Sikh community, we name Guru Nanak Lake in honour of the Sikh community.
“The question for the Leader of the Opposition is does he stand with the Sikh community or does he stand with the neo-Nazis who drive division and hate,” she said.
Allan’s speech was met with jeers from the opposition and applause from her peers, as the discussion rippled from local MPs placing the blame for the presence of the neo-Nazis on Berwick MP Brad Battin.
This development came as both Change. org petitions come to a head, where as of Sunday 1 December, the petition to keep the name of Guru Nanak Lake has reached 8775 signatures, while the petition to change it to Berwick Springs Lake sits at 7728.
The City of Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen was appalled at the attendance of the extremists.
“As a newly elected councillor, and the mayor of Casey, our role as leaders is to bring our community together,” he said.
“It’s concerning and disappointing to hear that a small number of individuals who are committed to spreading extreme views and hate across Victoria attended a gathering in Casey.
“This behaviour does not reflect the community that I know and love.”
Although the lead has been taken, Michael Ball has actively denounced the neo-Nazis’ attendance and remains headstrong in pushing for the repealment, adding that he was shocked to hear what the Premier had to say.
“They’re making this a political issue, and it’s not,” he said.
“We are not playing party politics, it doesn’t matter who’s in government, whether it’s Liberal, Labor or independent, it’s not important.
“The issue is that we were not consulted and they’ve just turned up and changed the name [and] as I said with the neo-Nazis, they weren’t invited, they have no relevance to this issue whatsoever.
“I denounce any link between them and our campaign, there is no link, I denounce them trying to be there.”
Ball added that the Premier herself is trying to “make it a racism issue” and highlighted Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra’s points in a previous Berwick Star Article titled ‘Berwick Springs heats up’ as “completely wrong” and that he too is trying to make it a “political issue”.
Kandra had previously coined the backlash of the name as the fear of the unknown and questioned if it was truly the lack of consultation or the nature of the name itself.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Back in Parliament, Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, who had attended the initial announcement of the name on 9 November, had “condemned” the Leader of the Opposition as well as Berwick MP Brad Battin regarding the neo-Nazis.
While Maas’ leave was refused, it was on the basis on “waiting three days and for a call from The Age to come clean about the fact that neo-Nazis had rocked up to a protest that they had organised”.
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards also weighed in on the extremists, condemning, once more, the Leader of the Opposition, for “failing to stand up” against the neo-Nazis.
“[Also] backing in the member for Berwick, who has failed to condemn or apologise for the neo-Nazis who showed up at this divisive rally.”
From the west, Laverton MP Sarah Connolly also had a few words on the matter, saying that “this house condemns the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Berwick for spending their entire parliamentary careers spewing hate”.
“Whether it was African gangs, backflipping on treaty or attacking our much-loved Sikh community.”
Battin, during the community meeting on 19 November had explicitly highlighted that the topic of discussion had not been regarding the Sikh community and their belonging, additionally touching on their contributions to Victoria, but really about the lack of consultation and sidelining from the State Government of the Berwick Springs estate residents.
After Connolly, Lara MP Ella George and Melton MP Steve McGhie both criticised the leader of the opposition as well as Battin for the same lack of denouncement and action during the meeting towards the extremists.
With the debate resuming on Sonya Kilkenny’s motion of the same nature, Narracan MP Wayne Farnham came to Battin’s defence, stating that it is “disgraceful the way they [Labor] have behaved”.
“The member for Berwick is a hardworking member tha thad a community event about a lack of government consultation, this is what the event was about.
“Then we get grubby politics from the other side of the chamber accusing the member for Berwick of being affiliated with neo-Nazis and white supremacy and all the other rubbish that they want to come up with because they are flailing in the polls,” he said.
Once more adding that the moves against Battin have “no place in this chamber”, Farnham pointed out that the accusations on the Opposition have their basis as a form of diversion against the state’s support for Labor faltering.
Backing Kilkenny, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale praised the efforts made by Cranbourne MP Richards, Narre Warren South MP Maas and Bentleigh MP Nick Staikos in their support of the Sikh community.
“This is about community; this is not about the media, I join with them in the condemnation of those opposite that has fuelled division, effectively rolling out ‘the welcome mate of hate’.
“Victorians are entitled and right to be concerned, and in fact scared… about the regular occurrence of neo-Nazis turning up at events organised by, facilitated and enabled by members of the Liberal Party.
“This has been enabled by the Liberal Party, it is an absolute disgrace,” she said.
Crugnale began the conclusion of her speech by reading out a quote from a photograph posted by the neo-Nazis online, where it stated: “‘Me and the boys at the Liberal Party Klan rally at Berwick Springs on Tuesday… to take the lake back for the White Man!’.”
She further added that people would be “well within their right” if they were to question the feasibility of organising what she referred to as a “protest” alongside Anne-Marie Hermans MP if it wasn’t about the naming of a man-made lake
that “had no name before”.
“People would have been entitled to question whether the rally would have ever occurred if the proposed name had not been a multicultural celebration.
“There was no name; had this been a white, middle-class name, had this been a name that fit in with every other name of the prevailing views over generations and many decades, would this rally or protest event [have] even occurred?
“Would it have occurred if the lake was proposed to be named May MacKillop Lake or Spring Valley Lake?” she said.
Ball has been adamant that the event had nothing to do with the Sikhs, their religion or their community, also acknowledging their merits and contributions within the state.
He claimed that Labor had begun pointing fingers, reiterating Farnham’s points that it was in a move to skirt the original topic of the lack of consultation, thus leaning on a more convenient crutch of the connections with the extremists.
Echoing Farnham’s points, Ball said that Labor’s moves of pointing fingers are an effort to divert attention from the initial issue, where they are instead leaning on the crutch of the connections to the extremists.
As te debate continues, the petitions and parliamentary rhetoric underscore deep divisions in the community, raising broader questions on representation, consultation and the role of identity.
Michael Ball speaking to the crowd during the community meeting on 19 November, with Berwick MP Brad Battin, Southeastern MP Ann-Marie Hermans and local resident Monique Davis in the back. (Ethan Benedicto)
New Cranbourne SES opens
The new Cranbourne SES unit officially opened on Tuesday 3 December.
The newly built facility is located on the corner of Cranbourne-Frankston Road and Ballarto Road. Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes joined Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, VICSES officials and volunteers at the opening event in Cranbourne.
“Cranbourne has seen rapid growth over the last few years and I’m very proud to officially open this new VICSES unit so that we can ensure the needs of this community are met,” Ms Symes said.
She said the facility was designed to accommodate future growth and it was the first newly established SES unit to open since 2010 in Victoria.
The new Cranbourne Unit features six drivethrough motor bays, a kitchen, training rooms and offices.
The facility has sustainable features, including water tanks, solar panels and a backup generator.
It will also serve as a training base and meeting facility for other emergency services, including Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria.
Since its establishment, the Cranbourne unit’s 41 active members have responded to more than 150 requests for assistance with storms, floods and rescues.
The facility has been designed to accommodate up to 90 volunteers to support a growing local population in the Casey region, which is expected to increase by more than 60 per cent by 2030.
The Cranbourne unit is among four new SES units set to be officially opened over the following week, in a major boost to the emergency response capability of the state.
The State Government has invested more than $38 million in building these four new units.
Additional funding of almost $3 million has also been provided to give volunteers the vehicles and equipment they need to perform their important work. Each new unit will receive a medium rescue truck, a light rescue vehicle, a twin-cab support vehicle and a storm trailer.
VICSES Cranbourne Unit controller Brian McMannis, Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes, and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards.
Tip leachate leak devastates
By Violet Li
An estimated one hectare of vegetation has died after a pipe burst at a South East landfill, leaking leachate into a neighbouring property.
Winsome Anderson’s farmland abuts the east side of the Hallam Road landfill in Hampton Park.
Her son Lindsay Anderson, also the owner of the land, said he was notified by the landfill operator Veolia on Monday 25 November about a burst of a leachate pipeline along the southeast side of the landfill.
The farmer then found out that almost one hectare of the vegetation along the boundary was visibly killed and a stinking smell remained in the air.
“They [Veolia] should have installed the pipework in such a way that it’s contained to their property,” Mr Anderson said.
“What we are doing on our farming land is required to stay within our property boundaries.
“The landfill gas and leachate are exactly the same. It’s meant to stay within their property boundaries.”
Mr Anderson described the leachate leakage smell as “rotten”, “disgusting”, “toxic”, and “a disgrace to the environment”, even as the recent rain had aerated the smell a bit.
Leachate is the liquid that drains from landfills, where it results from rainwater or moisture interacting with decomposing waste.
Leachate can contain a wide variety of contaminants, including organic matter, heavy metals, pathogens, and chemicals, depending on the composition of the waste.
A spokesperson of Veolia said: “On Monday 25 November, our team followed emergency protocols to immediately shut down a pipeline after a broken fitting caused leachate to go into a neighbour’s property.
“We immediately notified EPA Victoria and the neighbour.
“Following the repair of the pipe on the same day, we commenced an urgent investigation into what caused this one-off event, and we began to assess the neighbouring property.
“There was no harm caused to people and preparation works to fully clean up and remediate the affected area are underway.”
The Anderson family brought the landfill operator to the Supreme Court last year, claiming that Veolia breached its operating licence and general environment duty, as the tip’s landfill gas had migrated to their property and exceeded safety benchmarks at the boundary.
In a decision in July this year, the Supreme Court accepted the two breaches.
Mr Anderson said the family was not happy about this latest leachate incident, especially given what had happened in the Supreme Court.
Looking back, the tipping point for the Supreme Court case is that the pollution from the tip hindered the potential horticultural development of the land, according to the Anderson family.
When the family applied to Casey Council for a planning permit to develop horticulture on their land in September 2020, Casey Council required an environmental audit that included the design of an “in-ground pathway intervention structure at the boundary of the landfill to address the changing risks of LFG”, which the family believed would cost “a considerable amount of money…without first having the security of a planning permit”, the court heard last year.
Mr Anderson said before the application for
horticultural development in 2020, they used to raise cattle on the land, but the stray rubbish from the landfill was harmful to their cows.
Mr Anderson spoke with Star News in March 2018, saying the rubbish from the landfill had escaped the tip’s six-metre litter screens regularly over the past 18 months.
He said then at least one of his cows had died from ingesting the plastic litter.
Later, the Anderson family stopped raising cattle on the land.
The land has been sitting empty for about four to five years.
Now with the leachate leakage, Mr Anderson said they would be in big trouble if this happened with their cattle.
“This is one of the reasons why we can’t have cattle here. They could go up and smell it and just get crook from it because they don’t know what it is,” he said.
“If they happen to drink it, they’d be very sick.
“Cattle are not stupid either. They probably might want to stay away, but they are inquisitive. They’ll come and sniff and do all sorts of things.”
A spokesperson of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) said the incident was re-
ported to EPA late on Monday 25 November and their officers attended the site the next day.
“The spill was contained to the neighbouring property and no local waterways were impacted,” they said.
“The investigation will focus on whether the company breached any of its licence conditions.
“EPA has issued the company with a notice to investigate the impact of the spill and clean up the land.
“Our own investigation will focus on whether the company breached any of its licence conditions.”
A bird is spotted eating worms from the potentially leachate-contaminated area.
The dead vegetation on Anderson’s farmland and the landfill across the fence.
Dead vegetation.Dead blackberry bush.
Dead vegetation.
Lindsay Anderson and Winsome Anderson, owners of the farmland east of the Hallam Road landfill, are standing next to dead blackberry bushes, which were killed by leachate leakage from the landfill. The photo was taken on Wednesday 27 November. (Violet Li: 447142)
Lindsay Anderson is standing in the vegetation killed by the leachate leakage from the landfill next door. He estimated that a hectare of his land could be damaged by the leachate leakage.
The dead vegetation presents a sharp contrast with the alive one from afar.
Domino for a good cause
The spirit of giving was in the air at Waverly Christian College as students from both primary and secondary schools joined arms to donate almost 400 cereal boxes through the Cereal Box Donation Drive.
Held on Thursday 28 November, this was no simple donation, however, a domino formation of - to be precise - 395 cereal boxes were laid out on the court in what the campus student chaplain, Kathy Scott, said as “each a symbol of compassion and duty”.
“The celebration was not only about the excitement of the chain reaction, it was about the impact their efforts will have on the wider Casey community,” she said.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Transit Outreach Soup Kitchen, as Lisa Milkovic was given the honour of starting the almost hypnotic chain reaction that saw each cereal box topple one after the other.
In addition to what Scott described as a “stunning display of teamwork” prior to the fall, she added that the domino formation was a “visual representation of the ripple effect that kindness can have”.
“This contribution will go towards feeding families in the Casey area who are struggling during the holiday season.
“The cereal boxes will provide much-needed nourishment to those who may otherwise go without, bringing a little more joy to Christmas for these families,” she said.
From cornflakes, fruit loops, Milo, Nutri-grain and Weet-Bix, these cereal boxes were carefully packed into the soup kitchen’s van and soon set
off for donation at Transit Outreach.
“In a time when the holiday season can be difficult for many, it is heartening to see the students
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN OPINION LENSCAPE
Thumbs down
To our government’s failure to respond to the very real emotional, financial and physical effects on families of the cost of living crisis. Tragically we are seeing a dramatic increase in mental health and homelessness issues locally with no genuine response from state or federal governments. We need help for those that are on the edge, and tragically we are now seeing the horrific results in the news. We deserve better!
Thumbs down
To the shelves being empty at Woolies because they are too greedy with their huge profit margin to come to an agreement with their staff.
Thumbs up
To all the birds around Paky especially my neighbourhood crows. So many varieties and sounds. Beautiful.
of this college stepping up to make a difference,” Scott said.
“It is a shining example of how young people
can be powerful agents of change, inspiring others to give and make a positive impact in their communities.”
Balloons at Pakenham bowls. (Stewart Chambers: 447195)
Students gathered with members of the Transit Kitchen and Food Support after the cereal domino formation had fallen. (Supplied)
From Milo, and Weet-Bix to corn flakes, those who donated ensured that there was something for everyone this Christmas season.
Students carefully placed each box down, careful not to trip over them and cause an early fall.
Serial hoon jailed again
By Violet Li
A South East serial hoon has been jailed for more than 30 charges that followed his three months’ imprisonment last year.
Dylan Desmond Milkins, of Hallam, 24, was sentenced at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to 15 months jail for his crime spree between December 2023 and May this year, including drug driving, disqualified driving, assaulting a female Uber driver and reckless conduct endangering persons with serious injury in which a car caught fire after he performed a series of burnouts.
He also pleaded guilty to Commonwealth offences in relation to the opening and operation of a fake bank account.
It comes after Milkins was sentenced to 93 days of imprisonment and placed on a 12-month Community Corrections Order last year after pleading guilty to about 50 charges from 2021, involving a spree of hooning, high-speed police pursuits and scamming Government disaster assistance schemes.
His P2 driver’s licence was cancelled for 30 months, commencing from June last year.
Among his new offending was being spotted driving disqualified by a Road Safety Camera in Hampton Park along Pound Road on 8 December 2023. The car had a false number plate and Milkins did not wear a seatbelt at the time.
Milkins was also found guilty of reckless conduct and property damage when he performed burnouts in an unregistered car that caught fire about 4.30am on 15 April in an industrial area in Peet Street Pakenham.
The damage to the road caused by the fire was valued at about $18,000 by Cardinia Shire Council.
Police found videos of Milkins and a pas-
senger engaging in the burnouts during an execution of a search warrant of his home on 9 May.
The police stated that Milkins put his passenger at significant risk of serious injury.
The two fled the car blaze before a passerby called emergency services 20 minutes later.
Milkins later assaulted a female Uber driver. He scratched and caused a small abrasion to the hand of the driver, took away her car keys without her consent, and recorded a 30-second video of the distraught driver crying for help.
The court also found Milkins had failed to attend six appointments for his community correction order. He often rescheduled and claimed he could not get a lift.
On 1 May this year, he was observed by police to drive a car with an incorrect number plate while he was disqualified after finishing his 30-minute supervision appointment at Pakenham Justice Service Centre.
He then fled away from a police intercept, during which he drove at about 120km/h in an 80km/h zone, and did not slow down when entering a school zone.
The court heard that a neuropsychological report indicated that Milkins had symptoms consistent with ADHD.
The conclusions drawn by the report indicated that the factors in Milkin’s childhood had an impact on his ability to think through the consequences of his offending.
Milkins was sentenced to 15 months. He has already served about five months in pre-sentence detention.
He was further disqualified from driving for three years and fined $4,000.
| 8571 5320
Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday | 12pm - 4pm | Group tours by appointment
Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. (Gary Sissons: 244718)
Invasive weeds flooding park
By Ethan Benedicto
An invasive plant that produces thousands of seeds has been attacking Lysterfield Park, with native flora in the 1400-hectare nature pocket in danger.
The Friends of Lysterfield Park, a volunteer group that works to conserve the park’s integrity as well as Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne stated that the plant species, known as boneseed, is inevitably consuming the park.
Payne initially initiated the conversation at a Legislative Council meeting on 17 October, where, speaking on behalf of a member of the Friends, said then that there are “already one million boneseed weed trees in Lysterfield Park”.
“Boneseed originates in Africa, another continent in the southern hemisphere so it performs well in Australia, it’s a weed of national significance and it is reducing the biodiversity value of our beautiful Lysterfield Park,” she said.
Boneseed, which gets its name from the bone-coloured seed when dry, is capable of producing 50,000 seeds per plant, and according to Weeds Australia, has the potential to significantly increase and become much more abundant in native undisturbed vegetation.
This weed shrub can grow up to two to three metres high, with woody branched stems and leaves that are 20 to 70 millimetres long and 10 to 35 millimetres wide.
The yellow flower heads are in groups of three to 12 and are individually up to 30 millimetres in diameter with each flower producing five to eight bright petals.
“The number of boneseed shrubs in the park is doubling every three years, I’ve raised the threat to the park in Parliament and I’ve asked Victoria’s Minister of Environment and Outdoor Recreation Reserve, Steve Dimopoulos if the government will fund a comprehensive control program as soon as possible,” Payne said.
“Lysterfield Park with its beautiful lake, picnic areas, and cycle and walking tracks is
too precious to lose.”
Dimopoulos, in response to Payne, said that it was impossible to erase the shrub.
“I am advised that complete eradication of this species is not feasible due to the highly mobile seed bank which is spread by birds, native animals and pest animals,” he said.
According to the Department of Environment and Conservation NSW, through their Boneseed management manual published in 2006, the plant was first introduced to Australia around the mid-nineteenth century.
The first recorded gardens were in Sydney in 1852 and Melbourne in 1858, where it was speculated to have become naturalised with self-sustaining populations in 1910.
A restoration ecologist professor from Federation University, Singarayer Florentine, said that the nature of invasive species, such as boneseed, makes them “extremely difficult” to eradicate, and that a more effective approach is to “minimise the elevated population”.
“Once an area’s got it [invasive weeds], unfortunately, that’s it, you’ve got it [but] one of the things you can do is to minimise the spread.
“Given that I research and that I also work with community groups, one of the best ways to counter this is something called evidence-based management; what we need to do is take a step back and see how big the problem is.”
A subspecies, called bitou bush, arrived in 1908, where, alongside the boneseed, were planted extensively with the goal of stabilising coastal sand dunes and for erosion control from the mid-1940s to the 1960s.
With the same goal of soil erosion control, boneseed was introduced to the You Yangs, and the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science (AIAS) estimated that around 405 hectares had been colonised by the plant by 1976.
By 2000 it was listed at rank 6 by Weeds of National Significance as one of the 20 most significant weeds in Australia.
Florentine added that a multi-pronged ap-
proach would be the most effective, where, for instance, the physical removal of these weeds should be followed by a restoration program to prevent seed droppings and the conclusive spread of more boneseed.
“Subsequent monitoring management is very important because if you pull the plant during November or springtime, and you come back next spring, there will be another thousand plants there, I can guarantee that,” Florentine said.
“The way to go is continuous management but also increasing the competition by planting natives and reducing the light intensity in a way that these weed species will not be able to grow as well.”
Dimopoulos added that Parks Victoria currently delivers several weed management programs in Lysterfield Park with a focus on the protection of key biodiversity assets.
“Programs include the removals of boneseed and other noxious weed species,” Dimopoulos said.
“Management of weeds such as boneseed is labour intensive, requiring direct application of an approved herbicide or manual removal.
“Parks Victoria will continue to monitor areas of high conservation value within the park and treat priority areas.”
Tony Forster from the Friends said that the government has an unsystematic approach to the infestation and that an overarching blueprint was needed.
“The government has a plan for 5 per cent to 10 per cent of the park, the priority areas, but what is the plan for the remainder of the park?” Forster said.
“Ignoring 90 per cent of the park is not a long-term solution, the longer the government leaves the infestation, the more expensive the problem will become to control.”
In addition to the large number of seeds produced and the role of wildlife spreading said seeds, according to Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania, boneseed remain viable in the soil for over 10 to 15 years, in turn allowing
more time for germination which would occur after solid disturbances and fire.
Against native plants, their dense canopy formation gives them a strong advantage, coupled with the shallow root system that allows them to absorb moisture from even lighter rainfall before it reaches the deeper roots of native flora.
Florentine said that the scale of the issue plays a big role and that if, for example, 50,000 hectares have been infested, “pulling all the plants out is not going to work”.
“There should be a landscape scale level of management, that is an integrated approach and you need to think about the sensitive nature of the park, whether there are any threatened or endangered species there.
“Then you can say, okay, there are spots there with threatened orchid species or plant species, then you might want to be careful about hand pulling those to develop some form of fire control areas, where you can then invest a suitable time to burn that area,” he said.
Even then, while considering using fire as a controlling agent against boneseed, and if parties from the State Government to the CFA were to effectively mitigate the spread of boneseed, Florentine said that subsequent management after treatment is still key.
“Fire can visually give you a fantastic impression when you look at it, but after two days all the plants have grown back, and within a week or two, and with rainfall, there’ll be a lot more seedlings that will come,” he said.
With a specific method already in place by the State, Forster remains adamant that decisive action should be taken as soon as possible.
“If this is neglected for three years, it will cost twice as much to address, and control this noxious weed now, because it is eating our beautiful park,” he said.
“Spend the money, invest in nature - this park is loved in the southeast.”
Boneseed in the You Yangs had spread over 405 hectares by 1976. (Supplied: Nick Pitsas CSIRO, CC BY 3.0)
Professor Singarayer Florentine said that mitigation is the best course of action against invasive weeds such as boneseed. (Supplied)
Boneseed are rife in Lysterfield Park, such as this shrub which has grown around local flora. (Supplied)
Push to change time
By Violet Li
The call to change the Casey Council meeting time from 4pm has resurfaced among the community, as the newly elected council will have its first meeting next Tuesday, 10 December.
Casey Council meetings historically started at 6.30pm every Tuesday until the council changed the time to 4pm in April 2020.
According to the Council Meeting Agenda on 7 April 2020, the council stated that “a 6.30pm start time requires the council to provide dinner to attending staff and requires staff to work beyond standard business hours”.
It also stated that “the routine of 6.30pm commencement did not in itself increase transparency and community engagement with Council decision making” and the amended schedule would provide the council with an approximate saving of $3300 per meeting.
Casey Residents and Ratepayer Association (CRRA) has called on the City of Casey to change Council meeting times to allow for more residents to attend.
“4pm is not convenient for residents whether they work and must travel from the CBD or pick up kids or grandchildren from school. It is a real barrier for interested residents to attend council meetings,” CRRA chairperson Brian Oates said.
“Now that democracy has returned to the city with elected councillors, it is a good time to change the time of council meetings to a more convenient and sensible time no earlier than 6.30pm.
“The administrators refused to listen to the people over meeting times because it did not suit their schedule. Now it is time for our councillors to hear residents.”
At a council meeting in December last year, a council officer recommended the time be changed to 5pm for all council meetings scheduled in 2024, following a petition with more
than 200 supporters, but then Casey administrator Cameron Boardman moved an alternative motion to change 5pm back to 4pm, which was unanimously voted for.
At the time, Mr Boardman said that there wasn’t significant community justification or expectation and moving the start time to 5pm would not result in any benefit to the administrators, the council, and the community as a whole.
He also said it would certainly be a matter that would be considered by a future council.
City of Casey’s newly elected mayor and councillor Stefan Koomen said he had spoken with a lot of residents and fellow councillors and believed there was a view amongst the community that the current time of 4pm was probably not the best for residents who wanted to attend.
“We want to make sure our meetings are as accessible as possible for members of the community to come and be involved,” he said.
“We haven’t decided on a time yet, but that’ll come in the meeting on 10 December.
“And there’ll be probably different motions... but we’ll work together to come to an agreement.
“But I think there’s a strong view towards having them outside of business hours to allow the community to come and be involved.”
City of Casey manager Communications and Corporate Governance Chloe Casey said: “In accordance with council’s Governance Rules, council must fix by resolution, at or before the last Council Meeting each calendar year, the date, time and place of all Council Meetings for the following calendar year. At the 10 December Council Meeting, council will set the meeting start times and dates for 2025.”
Casey Council will have its last meeting this year on Tuesday 10 December at 4pm in Bunjil Place.
A dozen Melbourne stars and sports personalities came together on the morning of Thursday 28 November to bring joy to young cancer patients and their families from the My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.
Tiny titans between the ages of three and 18 teamed up with their heroes for a day of fun, laughter and unforgettable thrills at Gumbuya World Theme Park.
The Stars Align for My Room saw the children and their families split into two groups, Gumbo’s Joeys and Ranger Benny’s Brigade with, female trailblazers, two of our great Aussie Diamond netballers, Olympians and AFL and AFLW stars for a morning of joy. Together they explored Gumbuya World, making new friends along the way.
From riding the water slides and exhilarating roller coasters to getting up close and personal with the resident wildlife, there was no shortage of laughter and fun, providing respite from the daily challenges of battling cancer.
The day saw Western Bulldogs players Cody Weightman, Rory Lobb and Anthony Scott, Geelong AFLW stars Georgie Rankin and Nina Morrison, Aussie Diamonds Jo Weston and Kate Moloney, Olympians Caitlin Parker (Boxing – Bronze) and Sam Williamson (swimming), The Block’s Ricky and Hadyn and more come out to play.
My Room is committed to funding research and clinical care to improve cure rates and decrease the toxicities of therapy and long term side effects such as heart conditions, infertility, stunted growth or even intellectual disability as a result of cancer treatment.
My Room Children’s Cancer Charity is a volunteer led charity founded by families for families funding crucial financial support for families, medical equipment, clinical care, research and trials.
Edrington Park Retirement Living is a thriving community set on prestigious gardens and home to a heritage-listed community centre. Enjoy easy access to shops and public transport, and sought after facilities, including gym and hair salon as well as an active social calendar.
Don’t miss out on low-maintenance retirement living, enjoying spacious, modern villas with private courtyard gardens and 24/7 emergency call systems.
Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association secretary Brian Oates. His association is calling for charges to be laid as a result of IBAC’s Operation Sandon inquiry.
Tiny home theft charges
A 33-year-old Cranbourne North man, believed to be a chapter president of the Hells Angels OMCG, was charged with theft, possessing steroids and prohibited persons possessing firearms.
He was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Monday 2 December.
A shotgun was located under the tiny home and a quantity of white powder, believed to be a drug of dependence, steroids and a signal jam-
The
mer were seized from his Cranbourne North address.
A 31-year-old Cranbourne South man was charged with possessing ammunition and pos-
sessing a drug of dependence.
He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 20 January.
A 35-year-old Clyde man was charged with possessing a drug of dependence.
He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 17 January.
The charges follow the execution of a warrant at the Heidelberg Road address shortly after 10am on Friday, 29 November with assistance from the Special Operations Group.
Police seized a miniature property, which is alleged to have been stolen from a Campbellfield business in June this year.
The home, which is valued at approximately $70,000, was in the process of being renovated.
As part of the investigation into the theft, police identified that it had been transported to the OMCG clubhouse in Alphington.
Anyone with information on OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au
arrest of the Cranbourne North man. (Victoria Police; screenshot from supplied video)
Supporting victims’ families
By Ethan Benedicto
The Andres Pancha Anchor Community officially launched over the weekend, with an attendance of over 40 people, it was the first major step towards the not-for-profit’s goal of supporting those impacted by crime.
Held on Saturday 30 November, the celebration took place in conjunction with Andres Pancha’s birthday, father of three and late husband of Divine Pancha, who headed the day with speeches and a combination of the organisation’s wayfinder workshops.
With mass running from 11am to 12pm, the period from 1pm to 3pm saw guests take part in activities from painting, slime-making, clay making, cutout poetry and more.
However, these activities weren’t limited to the children, with their parents and other adults also taking part.
To Divine, seeing everything come together like it did from a simple welfare check was more
than amazing.
“I will always start with gratitude, and this is people’s work, we are all part of this web of life,” she said.
“But I am also so glad that it is officially a charity so people have the opportunity to give, and that donation is also what will nourish them.
“That money will be used for resources to run the programs that we will be providing to them, the children, their parents and their grandparents, it’s all a circle.
“This is not a single-direction sort of relationship, it’s both ways, it’s symbiotic.”
Becoming an official charity on 29 November, donations for APAc are up and open, with, as Divine mentioned, monetary investments going towards broadening not just their work such as the wayfinder workshops, but also their reach.
The remainder of the organisation’s body, which included social communications manager Elizabeth Sabelino, co-director Katalina Vergara and treasurer Charlene Deldio not only super-
vised the event but like the others, also took part in the activities.
Katalina said that seeing everyone’s effort pay off was gratifying, especially when it was for a cause that has greatly impacted not just the Pancha family, but also their local community.
However, while Katalina said that she would have liked to say she was “relieved” at such a big turnout, she “kind of expected it to go like this”.
“I just knew the community would be so supportive, but I hope it gets bigger and this makes me feel hopeful.
“Our team is looking to have a meeting early in 2025, but now that we’ve got the ball rolling, we can start looking at fundraisers and getting the word out there in order to make our community bigger,” she said.
Like Divine, she holds a vision of APAC being able to support more people, and that support from outside close friends, family and local communities isn’t that far away.
“We’ve seen it before when the incident was
still fresh we saw it, and it would be nice to see that again to know that they [people] weren’t just there at the peak of the tragedy,” Katalina said.
For Elizabeth, she said that it was “crazy” to see everything bloom from just an idea “coming to life”.
“Auntie Divine told us that she sort of just wanted to do some underground work, but here we are today, actually running as a charity on Uncle Andres’ birthday,” she said.
For treasurer Charlene, it was “amazing seeing everyone coming together”, with emphasis on everyone’s engagement with the activities, but also their love for Divine and the rest of the Pancha family.
“It’s great to honour Uncle Andres this way, and we hope to make him proud,” she said.
As for 2025, it’s gearing up to be a busy yet fulfilling year for APAC and with the tempo set, a lot more motions are in the works.
For more information on APAC, visit https:// apacommunitygroup.carrd.co/
Early intervention is key to help prevent crime
By Violet Li
A South East local has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship to research and implement proven youth crime prevention strategies from leading police jurisdictions.
The Churchill Fellowship gives recipients up to eight weeks to immerse themselves in international best practices, gathering firsthand experiences and knowledge from around the globe.
Victoria Police Sergeant Trent Delaney of South East will use the fellowship in early 2025 to go to eight countries in northwestern Europe that operate with a minimum age of criminal responsibility above Victoria’s.
“I’ll work with different units at different areas during the week in each country just to observe what they’re doing, how they’re doing it, and then bring that back here to hopefully implement in Victoria so that we can get the early intervention nailed so that it prevents more children and young offenders into that mode of serious and violent crime,” he said.
“And when they get there, how do we man-
age them effectively out of it and provide pathways away from that offending?
“We’re very good at arresting people in Victoria. We’ve had 3000-plus arrests this year in Victoria of youth offenders because of Trinity Alliance. And they keep doing it. Recidivism is really high.
“I want to find out how we stop it both before and after the events.”
Prior to the fellowship, Trent travelled to Denmark and Germany last year to investigate how their policing jurisdictions were contributing to the crime reduction effort and the subsequent reduction in overall offending by children and youth.
The trip brought up more questions for Trent, which eventually led him to apply for the Churchill Fellowship 2024.
He observed that Denmark had a really good preventative system for youth.
“Police over there are really well-educated identifying risk factors of young people that contribute to offending,” he said.
“Police will walk into a house of a family violence matter. They will see a 10-year-old,
and they will look at their surroundings. And if there’s anything in there that’s not socially accepted or that could be seen as a risk to that young person, it gets identified at the age of 10.
“And then external services do their thing. How do we stop that negative environment that young people have? Because research suggests that those environments contribute to offending. It’s no secret that kids with a really good upbringing generally don’t offend.
“So quite often, police are the first responders in relation to identification of risk factors of young people when they’re 10. If we can train our police here to identify that really early and then pass that information collaboratively to our partners, then they can get in there and do their work before the offending even happens.”
As for Germany, Trent said police there were very good at managing serious and violent crime offenders who were already heavily entrenched in offending.
Ever since Trent’s visit to Denmark last year, some strategies he investigated have
Divine Pancha in the middle (red shirt) with her children, family and her late husband’s siblings. (Ethan Benedicto: 448062_11)
Divine addressed the crowd before the series of activities began during the afternoon. (Ethan Benedicto: 448062_01)
Divine with her small team of ‘Anchors’, from left to right: treasurer Charlene Deldio, communications manager Elizabeth Sabelino and co-director Katalina Vergara. (Ethan Benedicto: 448062_04)
been implemented within current initiatives being utilised by Victoria Police to combat the sharp rise in crime caused by youth and children. He is looking forward to his study next year.
Victoria Police Sergeant Trent Delaney. (Supplied)
Young artists shine bright
By Ethan Benedicto
Being an art teacher, like other professions, comes with its challenges and lows, but its highs can scrape space itself when eight of your students take home awards at the latest Royal Melbourne Show.
Lara O’Keeffe runs Lara’s Art Academy, her very own startup business that went live in 2016 through her love of everything creative.
Having it passed down the family tree, her penchant for the canvas was also carried onto her daughters and of course, to her students who have received merits for their hard work.
“It started in 2016, I was volunteering at my daughter’s school and I had parents approach me saying would I look at teaching after school?” She said.
Lara began art when she was just around four years old, and through love, trial and error, she found her strengths through pencil and pastel.
With 16 students submitting their work and eight winning awards, she was more than just ecstatic to see not just her but especially the children’s work bear fruit.
“I was so excited and it was incredible, I didn’t know what to expect because it was a first-time entry, but I was blown away.
“I was very emotional, I was [also] very proud of my students and I can see the talent that they have and I wanted them to put that talent out there,” she said. Amy, her youngest student at just six years old, took home the first place prize in the prep to Grade 2 category for her masterful drawing of an elephant, where she recalled “feeling great about the award”.
For Skye, taking home the first prize in her first-ever piece with Lara’s class was exhilarating, and at the Grade 3 and 4 bracket, she said she was “more than happy” considering the work she had put into her dog piece.
Mia, who had been painting and drawing since she was nine years old, was recognised in the Year 9 and 10 category after her highly com-
mended portrait of her grandmother.
“I was so excited [that] I couldn’t wait to go see the award,” she said.
“The piece is of my grandma, and I love her very much, she tells great stories and she loves seeing my art so I wanted to show her something of herself.”
With a temperament for portrait pieces, Mia took a liking after Lara had recommended her to do one some years prior; since then, it’s been a steady rise.
She fell in love with the “way you can capture someone, the way you can capture emotion and how they were in that one timeframe”.
“The smallest details can change how someone is perceived, and you have to get them just right,” she said.
Jess who Lara said is someone who “always strives for perfection”, took home a highly commended piece in the Grade 3 and 4 category, where she drew three betta fish - also known as Siamese fighting fish - in vibrant colour.
“I’ve had these fish before and I loved it, I loved its colours and I wanted to draw one,” she said. As for Emily, Lara’s daughter and student, she took home a commended piece of a cat in the Year 11 and 12 category.
The feline, whose name is Marvin, took inspiration from her friend’s pet of the same name, and with the piece serving as a present to said friend, Emily was in glee when she found out it had taken home something.
“We’ve grown up with art our whole lives, so we’re very artsy, had a lot of fun with it and we kept going with it,” she said.
While not looking to pursue art in her university studies, post-graduation has seen Emily with a lot of spare time, which means a lot of time for her to be alone with her art and find her “own style”.
For Lara, as the final term and the Christmas season look to wrap up, she has her eyes set on 2025, with her and her students’ craft only looking for more room to grow.
BUSINESS PROFILE
Stockland Halcyon – offering financial freedom and secure living for over-55s in Melbourne’s South-East.
Victorians over 55 years of age are increasingly seeking to unlock the capital tied up in their homes and invest it in an upgraded quality of life as they approach retirement. Not wanting to compromise on anything, purchasing a home in a Stockland Halcyon community allows them to maintain their financial independence while living an active life in a vibrant community.
To help address this need, Stockland now has three Halcyon communities in Melbourne’s SouthEast. Since the introduction of the first Halcyon community in Victoria just over three years ago, Halcyon Evergreen, Jardin and Berwick give homebuyers a more affordable way to buy the home of their choice in a centrally located community equipped with services and amenities that enhance their quality of life.
Halcyon communities operate as a Land Lease
Community model, meaning the buyer purchases their home, while Stockland maintains ownership of the land. No stamp duty or entry fees are applied to the purchase. And unlike many retirement villages, there are no Deferred Management Fees (or Exit Fees) levied if the property is sold, so homeowners keep 100% of any capital gains when they sell.
“Land lease models are becoming increasingly popular with Victorians planning for their retirement, but keen to remain connected and stay active,” says James Westh, General Manager of Stockland Halcyon Victoria. “Demand is growing because our homeowners appreciate the simplicity and transparency of our financial model, and absolutely love the lifestyle benefits Halcyon offers.”
Stockland’s Halcyon communities include premium amenities without burdening residents with the hassle of upkeep. Halcyon buyers own their home and contribute to the maintenance of the properties, cover council rates, and obtain access to shared services – such as an on-site manager or
community bus – through weekly site fees.
The communities are designed with a resort-like feel and include facilities like cinemas, pools, spas, fitness centres and clubhouses, as well as dining rooms, bars, bowling greens, pickleball courts, workshop spaces and art studios.
There are now 10 stunning architecturally-designed display homes available to see in the SouthEast – six at Halcyon Evergreen and four at Halcyon Jardin. Created for Stockland Halcyon by local Melbourne interior designer, Kirstin Bailey of Bailey Studios, each highlights quality of the construction and the interior design, and showcases the size and space of the homes on offer.
“The Halcyon communities are a unique blend of sophisticated luxury, active living and tranquil greenery, providing rich inspiration in the design of these special homes,” says Kirstin Bailey. “I was thrilled to collaborate with Stockland to create an environment that would complement the vitality of the surrounding community, but which also served
as both a gathering place and sanctuary for residents.”
One of the standout benefits of Halcyon Communities is their convenient locations throughout the region. Residents can make a positive lifestyle change while remaining close to their familiar neighbourhoods, family, and friends. In addition, the “lock up and leave” model provides peace of mind for travellers, knowing the community will help keep things safe while they’re away.
“Our residents enjoy the perfect blend of independence, security, and community connection,” says Westh. “Halcyon is about giving you the freedom to live your best life in retirement, surrounded by the family and friends who appreciate the same things you do.”
Whether homebuyers are drawn to the relaxed, gated village charm of Evergreen or the serene, walkable lifestyle of Jardin, these communities help deliver financial security and a remarkable living experience. To find out search Stockland Halcyon.
Stockland Halcyon – offering financial freedom and secure living for over-55s in Melbourne’s South-East.
Jess, 10 years old, took home a highly commended award after her betta fish pencil.
Mia, 16 years old, took home a highly commended award for her grandmother’s portrait.
Amy, 6 years old, took home first prize for her elephant drawn in pencil. (Photos Stewart Chambers: 446315)
Skye, 10 years old, took home first prize for her dog drawn in coloured pencil.
GSEM unveils election pitch
Advocacy group Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) has launched its Federal Election priority-project wishlist including affordable housing projects, a Thompsons Road upgrade and a new international airport.
At the launch at Knox Civic Centre on 4 December, GSEM chair Simon McKeon said the Federal Government had a “critical role” to ensure the South East met its full potential - which was as “one of the nation’s great engine rooms for employment and growth”.
“South East Melbourne is one of the fastest
growing parts of Australia’s fastest growing city.
“Few other parts of Australia can boast the diversity, productivity and promise of our region.
“With the greater South-East’s population forecast to surge past two million next decade, it’s crucial we make the most of existing infrastructure and services while also planning and building for the future.” Under a motto of improving jobs, skills, housing and liveability in the South East, the ‘policy and investment blueprint’ includes:
-MakingtheSouthEastapilotzoneforagovern-
ment-backedloanschemetofullyelectrifyhomes
- $20 million to develop social and affordable housing projects
- Expand the Dandenong Employment Hub across neighbouring regions
- Expand the Young Mothers Transition Program to overcome barriers to education and employment
- $5 million for start planning an international airport near Koo-wee-rup
- Boost the road, rail and active transport network
- Develop ‘net zero precincts’ to “turbocharge” the shift to a net-zero emissions economy
- Planning for Caulfield-Rowville ‘trackless rapid transport’ system
- $15 million funding for a major project businesscasetoupgradeandextendThompsonsRoad GSEM is comprised of eight councils including Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong as well as employers and community groups.
On the GSEM board are McKeon as well as former Liberal and Labor MPs Margaret Fitzherbert and James Merlino.
GSEM chair Simon McKeon, who launched the regional advocacy group’s Federal Election blueprint. (Gary Sissons: 356200)
FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS CHEER
Raspberries and cream Christmas tarts recipe
Method
Using a 7cm diameter round cutter, cut 18 rounds from the pastry sheets. Press pastry into a greased patty pan or mini tart tins. Squash 1 square of cream cheese in each tart case and spoon over a teaspoonful of jam, sprinkle with almonds.
Bake at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until pastry and almonds are golden. Cool for at least 15 minutes before dusting with icing sugar and serving warm or at room temperature. Cooking tip: Tarts are best served the day they are made, but can be kept refrigerated for 2 days.
and are super easy to make.
Top choice for quality
Located at 20 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick, Harry’s Clothing offers a wide range of high-quality, affordable apparel for every fashion need. From the latest trends to timeless classics, Harry’s has something for everyone.
If you’re preparing for the Pakenham Cup, Harry’s has you covered. From vibrant prints, jackets, and pants to shoes, hats, socks, and underwear, there’s an outfit for every style. With sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, you’re sure to find the perfect fit.
For summer, explore stylish new arrivals, including shorts, cargo fits, and breezy linen shirts—perfect for hot days. Whether you need socks, hats, or a wardrobe refresh, Harry and the team are ready to assist.
For quality, variety, and a personalized shopping experience, visit Harry’s Clothing today and find the right fit at the right price.
The store features exclusive brands like KSCY, NXP, Nomadic, Urban Street Wear, Country Road, and Industrie—labels not found in major department stores. With new stock arriving regularly, you’ll discover unique pieces that set you apart.
These Christmas tarts from Dairy Australia, taste great, look fantastic
(Supplied)
Come and meet Harry and the team at Harry’s Clothing.
Refugees’ deportation fears
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Asylum seekers and their supporters are in despair after powers to deport cancelled bridging-visa holders to third countries passed Federal Parliament last week.
According to the Government, the Migration Amendment Bill is targeting people who have had visas cancelled on character grounds and are refusing to be resettled.
The laws respond to recent High Court cases, such as a November 2023 ruling that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful, which prompted the release of 224 people including violent and drug-related criminals.
However in the lead-up to the Bill, several asylum seekers on bridging visas in the South East had recently received Immigration Department letters advising them to “voluntarily leave” the country.
Living on bridging visas for more than a decade, they were informed their work permits would not be renewed in three months, and they should prepare to leave Australia.
Refugee advocate and long-time ALP supporter Wicki Wickiramasingham, who confirmed the letters, says the passing of the Bill last week height-
dren, who are born here. All our homes are destroyed in Sri Lanka – where will we live?”
Fleeing from Iran, a shattered Narges Shaterian and her husband and three children have been on ‘Fast Track’ bridging visas in Australia for more than 10 years.
She has joined others in rolling protests outside the offices of former Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil and Assistant Multicultural Affairs Minister Julian Hill.
An Iranian friend on a bridging visa also recently received a letter to depart the country, she says.
“Most of our friends can’t sleep. They are crying, depressed and nervous – saying what can we do?
“If you go to back to Iran, you go to jail or an execution. Who knows what happens to us in that country?”
Since arriving in Australia, Shaterian’s daughter has studied to become a pathologist, her son is a real estate agent.
Despite Shaterian paying taxes and running businesses such as a pizza shop, her children pay full fees as ‘international students’ to study at university.
To now face possible deportation awas “unfair”.
Pinoy spirit shines bright
By Violet Li
Community Inc (PCCI) held its second Pinoy Olympics at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick on Sunday 1 December
The Olympics feature 14 traditional Philippine games, including Patintero, Piko, Luksong Lubid, Sipa, Sungka, Eroplanong Papel, Luksong Tinik, Tyakad, tug-of-war, and Luksong Sako.
The day had a turnout of more than 100 participants, and special guests included Bruce MP Julian Hill, South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis, and community liaison officer from the Department of Home Affairs Al Noveloso.
PCCI president Alfie Tilan said everyone wanted to play the games and enjoyed themselves.
“There was one participant. He’s 13 years old. He wasn’t able to join last year, and he came this year. Then he’s already asking his mum, when is the next one?” he recalled.
“He’s a Filipino born here in Australia. He didn’t get to all these experiences here, but he’s been hearing something from his friends.
“When he experienced that, he said, when is the next Olympics?”
Mr Tilan said he was really thankful that these Filipino games were being exposed and moved to the new generation here.
“Some volunteers also want to take that opportunity to experience the games and make sure that their kids are watching,” he said.
Mr Tilan said the most grateful blessing was the beautiful weather.
He had been checking the weather for several weeks. The weather forecast showed a 50 per cent chance of rain in the morning days before the event, but the night before the rain shifted to the afternoon.
“Literally after we packed up and headed out into the road, the shower started to pour,” he said.
BUSINESS PROFILE
Joining forces to help end youth homelessness
Direct Chemist Outlet and Lighthouse FoundationJoinForcestoHelpEndYouthHomelessness.
As the holiday season draws near, the spirit of giving takes centre stage. For the second consecutive year, Direct Chemist Outlet (DCO) proudly partners with Lighthouse Foundation in their shared mission to end youth homelessness and create brighter futures for vulnerable young Australians.
For over 33 year, Lighthouse Foundation has been providing children and young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness or trauma the support they need to heal and thrive.
Through their evidence-based Lighthouse Model of Care, they create therapeutic homes and deliver support programs to transform young lives. Their Lighthouse Homes, Foster and Family Care and In Community care environments ensure support reaches the children and youth who need it, where they need it, for as long as they need it.
This year, DCO continues its commitment to this cause with a heartfelt initiative to raise funds through the sale of Star Christmas Ornaments ($4.95) and Socks ($14.99), available in stores nationwide. Customers can also make direct donations in-store or online (https://shoutforgood. com/fundraisers/DirectChemistOutlet2024Fes-
tiveAppeal). Every dollar from these purchases will be donated to Lighthouse Foundation, ensuring that the holiday spirit reaches those who need it most.
Last year’s fundraiser was a resounding success, raising over $27,000—enough to cover the electricity costs for all Lighthouse homes for an entire year. This tangible impact not only eased
the financial burden on the charity but also reinforced the importance of community support in changing lives.
Susan Barton AM, Founder and Director of Lighthouse Foundation expressed her gratitude: “When communities rally together, incredible things happen. Last year, Direct Chemist Outlet and their customers made an extraordinary dif-
ference to the lives of the young people we support. Their generosity literally helped us keep the lights on in our homes, ensuring warmth and safety for those who have endured so much. This year, we’re thrilled to continue this partnership and invite Australians to join us in creating change.”
For Direct Chemist Outlet, this campaign is more than a fundraising effort—it’s a reflection of the company’s core values. “This season is about giving and supporting our community,” said DCO Brand Manager & Creative Director Ryan Fehily. “Every young person deserves to feel valued and loved, especially during the holidays. By working together, we can make a real difference in their lives”.
Customers can visit their nearest DCO store to purchase a Star Ornament or a pair of Socks, knowing their contribution will help the Lighthouse Foundation continue its life-changing work. Join us this holiday season to make a difference. Together, we can light the way to a brighter future for these vulnerable young people who need our support.
Direct Chemist Outlet and Lighthouse Foundation join forces to help end youth homelessness.
Local community organisation Pinoy Casey
Bruce MP Julian Hill, winner Gerlyn Broadway, winner Rodger De Vera and Alfie Tilan president of Pinoy Casey Community Inc Alfie Tilan. (Gary Sissons: 444790)
Some of the medals to be awarded.
Gerlyn Broadway.
Mateo from Sandringham.
Selfie Olympic style!
Upendra Goonawardana, president of Devi Balika Past Pupils Association Australia Inc.
The Tiyakao event.
Rashini Jayasinghe from Devi Balika Past Pupils Association Australia Inc.
Christmas cheer at Bunjil
Despite the afternoon rain pushing the market indoors, it couldn’t dampen the holiday spirit as thousands of people flocked to Bunjil Place for the annual Christmas Maker’s Market on Saturday 30 November.
Visitors enjoyed shopping a mix of handcrafted goods, while a selection of food trucks were on site to satisfy hungry shoppers.
Kids were entertained with live music, face painting, and special appearances from a giant Santa and Frosty the Snowman.
As evening fell, crowds gathered in the Bunjil Place Plaza for the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Mayor and councillor Stefan Koomen, joined by deputy mayor and councillor Melinda Ambros and fellow councillors, led the countdown to illuminate the tree.
Mayor Koomen said: “It was wonderful to see so many friends and families out enjoying the evening and celebrating with us.
“This event marks the start of Christmas celebrations across our beautiful city, and I encourage all residents to embrace this time of year, be involved and enjoy the Christmas festivities.”
Cr Dave Perry, Cr Lynette Pereira, Cr Shane Taylor, Boonwurrung man Jaeden Williams, Cr Melinda Ambros, Mayor Stefan Koomen, Cr Jennifer Dizon, Cr Scott Dowling, Cr Kim Ross, Cr Carolyn Eaves.
Queena with one of the food delights that filled the air with aroma.
Kingsley and Frankie came prepared for the weather.
“Lavely Music”, Felicia (left) and Adz, performed live.
Christmas spirit from mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and his family. (444783)
WHAT’S ON
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
Community Day - Morning Melodies with The Hoffmans - Friday 6 December 10:30am-4pmincludes lunch and afternoon tea - Proudly sponsored by City of Casey.
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club meets weekly for a range of different events, including bus trips, community days, games, coffee and chat, bingo, dancing and carpet bowls.
Weekly activity times - Line Dancing Mon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
• For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
• Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ groups/487808127399953
Lynbrook Christmas Festival and Market
The Lynbrook Residents Association is proud to present the Lynbrook Christmas Festival and Market! Saturday 7 December 4pm - 8.30pm
Get excited Lynbrook (and Surrounds) as this event is one to be added to your calendar. Santa is also coming to town!
Market stalls, rides, food trucks, SANTA, Charlie SillyPants, a stage program with several talented singers performing all your Christmas favourites, bubble wrangler, Chris Morant magic show, stilt walkers and did I mention rides?!
So dress up in your festive best and come enjoy what promises to be a great Christmas celebration.
You’re encouraged to bring a picnic rug or chair to enjoy the stage.
Free entry too!
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre
We invite you to join us at Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre for the official opening of our community garden. Join us in our garden to celebrate this wonderful occasion and enjoy some light refreshments. All welcome.
• When: Thursday 12 December at 10am
• Where: Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre, 141 - 147 Endeavour Drive, Cran-
bourne North 3977
• RSVP: Call 03 5996 9056 or email admin@merindapark.com.au to book.
Tamil Festival Australia
A grand heritage carnival celebrating Thai Pongal with all-day entertainment for the whole family. Includes delicious Pongal, live music, traditional Tamil crafts, arts, history, sports and cuisine, rides and storytelling.
• Saturday 18 January, 8.30am-8pm at Caulfield Racecourse. Free entry. Details: tamilfestival. org.au
U3A Cranbourne
U3A Cranbourne is situated at 20-22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne. Most of our classes are held there except for Line Dancing and Ballroom Dancing which are held at Casey Basketball Stadium in Cranbourne. We are a community Group for anyone over 50 to learn, share and socialise. Supported by Casey Council we are a not-for-profit organisation with a fee of $50 per year. This fee allows members to join as many classes as they wish. A chance to make friends while you pursue a passion, be creative or exercise. Italian, Music, Board Games, Arts are just some of the wonderful activities on offer.
• 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. Berwick Springs VIEW Club
Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.
The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.
The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy lunch and then host a guest speaker.
Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.
The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.
• For more information, contact Shirley on 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com
Probus Club of Casey Combined
Meetings finish at noon when many of our members assemble for lunch at one of the local cafes.
The club meets at the Old Cheese Factory at 9.45am on the second Tuesday of each month. BADFolk Club
Berwick and District Folk Club meets on the third Friday of each month.
Doors open at 6.30pm, with the music running from 7pm to 10pm with entry $15.
• For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264. Craft classes
Join Berwick Activities Group’s Elizabeth to discover the world of papercraft and have a chat with like-minded people.
Tuesdays from 10am to noon at Timbarra Community Centre at $5 per class, all materials supplied.
• Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.
SPORT
Rising Riek set for stardom
By Marcus Uhe
Pakenham’s boxing rising star Riek Chuol could next year swap the green and white shorts of Doveton Boxing Club’s for the green and gold of Australia following his latest success in Canberra late last month.
The power-hitting and prodigious talent is the best amateur boxer in the country for his 57 kilogram weight class after claiming the Australian Elite Men’s title at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) on 23 November, defeating a vastly experienced fighter on points in the championship fight.
After a unanimous decision in the first fight of the weekend, Chuol’s second fight was stopped by the referee late in the first round after a dominant display, booking his place in the final against New Zealand-born Harrison Knew.
Despite having fought in nearly half the bouts of his experienced opponent, and fighting with a broken left hand, Chuol showed tremendous grit and determination to have his hand raised by the referee at the conclusion of the bout.
“I thought I was going to cry, I was so full of joy,” Chuol said of the moment he was announced victorious after the final.
“All the hard work I’ve been putting in, coming to train every single day, it’s meant a lot, and took the weight off my shoulder, knowing that I’m number one.”
Chuol fought through “unbearable” pain in his left hand across the weekend after striking the elbow of a sparring partner in the lead up to the championships.
Chuol throws jabs with his left hand as a result was limited with what he could execute in the ring, forcing him to change his natural style and stay lighter on his feet.
When fighting junior boxers earlier in his career, his power game allowed him to dominate opponents with withering strikes, but the step up in standard and age group, combined with the injury, forced him to reconsider his approach.
“In the finals I was able to adjust and tap and move,” he said.
“I knew the adrenaline would play a part.
“Tapping and moving and adrenaline made me go through the whole tournament.”
The result opens the door for selection to represent Australia at the World Championships in Liverpool, England next year, and adds another layer to his remarkable rapid ascension in the country’s boxing ranks, having made the jump from fighting in the youth age groups to fighting open age, and earning instant success.
Canberra’s success means he finishes the calendar year undefeated, winning all nine of his fights including the 57-kilogram Elite Open title at the Australian Club Championships in May, and the Victorian Open State Championship in September.
The World Championships are already at the top of his goals list for 2025, eager to show the world - beyond just the Australian boxing scene - what he’s capable of.
“My main goal is winning the championship, that’s really what it is,” Chuol said.
“Not many Australians go up there and win gold and that’s really my opportunity, if I get the chance to make it.
“I don’t want to be (one of) the people that say ‘I represented’, I want to be (one of) the people that say ‘I medalled’.
“That’s the goal right there for 2025.”
Ryan Wilson, Chuol’s coach at Doveton Boxing Club, watched him fight in Canberra in his capacity as an assistant coach with the Victorian squad.
So feared and strong is the 19-year-old’s reputation that Wilson has difficulty in finding competitors willing to step into the ring with him, while the experience at the AIS saw him fight in front of a knowledgeable boxing crowd of coaches, competitors and judges, impressed by his appetite to fight and unpredictability.
He walked away from the Australian Championships immensely proud of his emerging star, further convinced of Chuol’s ability and bright future, given his lack of experience in the ring thus far, having only taken the sport up two-and-a-half years ago.
“He won quite convincingly in the final fight against a man who’s had 50 fights and has been boxing for years,” Wilson said.
“It was tough because Riek was giving (Knew) everything and he just kept coming,
“It was harder - Riek would usually dominate with the younger ones, but he still managed to get it done.
“Riek was able to just outscore him and give him a good standing eight-count in the last round.
“He’s very green still, he’s got so much to learn but he’s got a ton of natural athleticism, and he’s got the hunger, he wants to win these tournaments.
“We haven’t seen nothing from this kid.
“The bigger the prize in front of him, the more this kid matures.”
Explicit triumph adds further lustre to Thompson legacy
By Damien Ractliffe
Superstar Explicit has stamped himself as the sport’s champion greyhound, winning the Melbourne Cup in his penultimate race start to give Team Thompson their fifth triumph in the time-honoured race.
Avoiding trouble at the first turn at Sandown Park, Explicit looped the field and kicked clear down the back, and they could not chase the favourite down.
“I don’t know how he did it; how he whipped around them and got to the front, I can’t believe it,” Luke Thompson said.
He’d won a Temlee, but the big majors had eluded Explicit until Saturday night.
The Melbourne Cup was his second group 1 triumph, adding to a Ballarat Cup, a Shepparton Cup and a Great Chase final.
For Team Thompson, the triumph adds to the wins of Light Of Fire (1994), Got A Moment (2012), Black Magic Opal (2013) and Aston Dee Bee (2017).
He’ll have his final start in the world’s richest greyhound race, The Phoenix, on Saturday 21 December, representing Awesome Lodge.
“This dog from day one, we knew he was a group 1 dog,” Thompson told the Racing.com broadcast.
“We knew he was a group 1 dog from the start.
“When he won the Temlee, everyone expected him to win every race from that point on, but they’re tough races to win, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got box one or eight.
“Anything can happen.
“All we wanted to see was him win a big group 1 … and he’s done it tonight. I’m just so proud of him.
“It’s what we work hard for.
“The Melbourne Cup just has that history and prestige to it, and so lucky to win it four times in the past, and to add a fifth one this year, just so grateful to have these unbelievable dogs.”
Riek Chuol continues to soar through the ranks of Australian boxing. (Gary Sissons: 406096)
Kennelmate Joey The Jet finished second from West Australian raider Miss Envy, with rank outsider Buddy Monelli in fourth.
Schillaci was the hard luck story. He looked destined to lead into the first turn from box three, but Sunset Frazier was cramped for room on his heels and he tumbled down, interfering with Schillaci.
Sunset Frazier finished the race and was vetted,
found to have a sore left wrist. He will be stood down from racing for seven days.
Epitomize was vetted and had no apparent injury.
Luke Thompson with Explicit after his Melbourne Cup win at Sandown Park on Saturday night. (Supplied: 447275)
Form sides clash in Turf 1
By Marcus Uhe
The Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 competition is both as unpredictable as it is predictable.
For as much as you know that there will be a scrap for the lower places in the top four every summer, you also know that the powerhouse clubs are the powerhouses for a reason.
Continued, sustained excellence and high performance over long periods of time sees Buckley Ridges and Springvale South remain in premiership contention, with Hallam Kalora Park buzzing around the mark, so often on the outside looking in; the third wheel to a rock-solid partnership glory in the last three summers.
But now, on a four-game winning streak, it is the Hawks that have muscled their way to the top of the podium, as the competition’s undisputed form side with four consecutive wins.
Their next opponent, Berwick, is on a winning run of its own, winning its last two and re-establishing itself as a top-four threat.
A slow start has given way to a pair of team performances with nearly all key members of the First XI offering solid contributions at some stage in the summer.
The turnaround in form has been largely due to the Bears’ bowling efforts.
They struggled to make breakthroughs in the season’s early whiteball contests, taking just 14 wickets in the first three matches, but have removed all 10 batters in the last two bowling innings, coinciding with a pair of wins.
At Alex Nelson Reserve, Beaconsfield’s ultraaggressive bowling approach will be put under the microscope by Springvale South.
The most damaging bowling attack in white ball cricket will pose a tricky prospect for the hosts which early in the season became reliant on too few contributors on the batting card.
If the Tigers can roar through the Bloods’ top order, particularly the big scalp of Jordan Wyatt, their chances of creating a major upset will skyrocket.
Taking the chance presented to them, however, is a different story, having lost three matches from winnable positions already in this campaign.
At present, they sit just outside the top four behind Dandenong West, but too many more close losses and they risk falling back into the pack.
Springvale South, meanwhile, is back to winning ways, having toppled Buckley Ridges last round with Wyatt crunching a typically barnstorming century of 59 deliveries.
Beaconsfield are not without a chance, but need to execute at its very best.
From there, however, the drop-off is stark, with no other batter making more than 60 runs for the summer.
Hallam Kalora Park’s bowling attack has been on-song to begin this summer and with the form of Lee Brown and Pavandeep Singh, they now of-
Removing Matthew Hague will be a key component of the equation for Hallam Kalora Park, with the opener averaging 44.4 from his five knocks this summer, while Jake Hancock, Jarryd Wills and Michael Wallace have each worked their averages into the high 30s.
fer a dual spinning threat for opponents to tackle.
Their four frontline seamers, meanwhile, are averaging 22 or less, and in the one-day games to open the season, only Buckley Ridges and Beaconsfield took more scalps with the ball.
Hallam Kalora Park won the match-up between the two at Hallam just before Christmas last summer and should expect to repeat the dose.
Elsewhere in Turf 1, Dandenong West faces its toughest test of the summer this far when Buckley Ridges comes to Greaves Reserve, and the bottom-two sides in Narre South and North Dandenong will battle to avoid being stuck to the foot of the table.
Tips: NARRE SOUTH v North Dandenong, HALLAM KALORA PARK v Berwick, Dandenong West v BUCKLEY RIDGES, SPRINGVALE SOUTH v Beaconsfield.
Battle of the birds takes on major Turf 2 connotations
By Marcus Uhe
Round eight of the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 2 competition can go one of two ways.
Coincidental circumstances in the fixturing has the top four sides (HSD, Coomoora, Cranbourne, Parkmore) slated to face the bottom four sides (St Mary’s, Narre Warren, Lyndale, Parkfield) in potentially one-sided contests.
In one world, the top four can create some breathing room between themselves and the chasing pack in the form of a 12-point cushion.
On the other hand, wins for the bottom half of the table would throw proverbial cats amongst pigeons and light sparks under those clubs battling for a foothold at the season’s midway point.
Of most significant is the contest at Casey Fields, where fourth-placed Cranbourne plays host to the resurgent and in-form Narre Warren.
The two sides are separated by one win at present but the Magpies could draw level with the Eagles on points if the result goes their way.
Narre Warren has won two of its last three contests and uncovered a serious talent in Amila Ratnaike, whose scores this summer read
(Rob Carew: 445264)
117,101 and 86 not out, one and 74.
The problem for the Magpies is that their best win of the season thus far - round seven’s
148-run hammering of Coomoora – came with the red ball, with the white ball contests to open the season proving challenging.
Only once did they pass 200, reaching 219 in a two-wicket loss to Lyndale in round six, averaging totals of 168.5 from four innings and taking just 24 wickets.
By contrast, Cranbourne finished seven deliveries and one wicket away from winning its opening three contests before being completely outclassed by HSD in the fourth.
Strong depth in the spin bowling department for the Eagles with Ketan Baskhi, Harsaroup Singh and Harrison Carlyon will prove tricky to handle on a spinning surface at Casey Fields, while Hayden Lamb has presented a good selection conundrum for Carlyon at the top of the order, with a crucial 60 in his first senior game of the summer against Parkfield.
Cranbourne has the edge in this contest but the benefit of confidence within the Narre Warren ranks cannot be understated.
In other contests, Parkfield takes on the only side to emerge from white-ball cricket undefeated in Coomoora, Lyndale has a tough task in tackling HSD and Parkmore welcomes St Mary’s to Frederick Wachter.
Tips: COOMOORA v Parkfield, Lyndale v HSD*, CRANBOURNE v Narre Warren, PARKMORE v St Mary’s.
Swans and Panthers meet with wins needed on both sides
By Marcus Uhe
Casey South Melbourne and Dandenong will square-off at Casey Fields on Saturday as Victorian Premier Cricket moves into its T20 era for the summer of 2024/25.
The contest is the first of three matches scheduled at each venue on Saturday, with Essendon the third side to join the two to complete the hattrick of matches at Cranbourne.
Round six, seven and eight of the competition were abandoned due to weather.
The Swans have the wood over the Panthers in the two clubs’ recent contests, winning four of the last five, while Dandenong won the most-recent T20 contest between the two sides back in 2016.
Only a handful of players remain on either side from that encounter; Devin Pollock and Nathan Lambden for the Swans, Brett Forsyth and James Nanopoulos for Dandenong.
On that day, an excellent bowling effort from the Panthers – keeping Casey South Melbourne to 111 in the first innings thanks to James Pattin-
son’s 1/9 from four overs – made for a small run chase, despite taking nearly 19 overs to complete.
The current-day side has been marred by inconsistency this summer, yet to string together consecutive wins despite some impressive performances.
The bitter taste of their last outing - a 17-run loss to lowly Fitzroy Doncaster - dodged the prospect at being washed out last week, festering during a weekend of heavy rainfall.
Chasing 238, Dandenong could only muster 221 in reply, with Joshua Slater the only player to pass 50.
It was the Panthers’ only completed white-ball contest of the summer, after play in the second half of its contest against St Kilda in round one was abandoned.
Likewise, the Swans were poor in round five, dismissed for just 162 chasing 179 at home against Camberwell.
Ruwantha Kellapotha’s excellent summer continued with 5/35 but no batter on the home side passed 50.
Without a win since round three and having fallen to 10th on the table, the Swans risk losing touch with the top eight if they fail to rediscover winning form.
When the two met in a soggy opening round
in 2023/24, Kellapotha and Forsyth stole the show with brilliant individual performances in a Swans win.
Kellapotha hit 109 as the Swans posted 5/264 and kept Dandenong to 5/241 in the chase, despite an unbeaten 135 from Forsyth.
The home side got 43 runs each from sincedeparted pair Harrish Kannan and Michael Wallace, while Dandenong handed out club debuts to young bowlers Vishwa Ramkumar, Noah Hurley and Ollie Jenkins.
Since then, Hurley has emerged as one of the state’s rising fast-bowling talents, and Vishwa Ramkumar represented Australia in Under 19s cricket in India.
The match is scheduled for a 9.30 start, with the Panthers to play Essendon at 1pm and Essendon to face the Swans at 4.30 to complete the trifecta.
Essendon is second-last on 10 points, without a win to show for their efforts this summer and the competition’s second-lowest net run rate.
Two club captains in Luke Shelton (Casey South Melbourne) and Brett Forsyth (Dandenong) will both be eager for wins when the two sides meet on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 365478)
Narre Warren’s Ruwan Jayaweera will need a big day with the ball against Cranbourne on Saturday.
Lauchlan Gregson and the Hallam Kalora Park bowling attack have been excellent this summer. (Rob Carew: 439523)
DDCA
Spotlight on shortest form
By Marcus Uhe
The group stages of the highly-anticipated Dandenong District Cricket Association’s T20 competition will be played on in midweek fixtures over the upcoming three weeks following the postponement of Sunday’s scheduled series of tripleheader contests.
The decision was made on Saturday morning to postpone the contests following heavy rainfall on Saturday 30 November.
The first round of the T20 competition will be played on Thursday 5 December, followed by contests on Wednesday 11 and Wednesday 18 December to round-out the three-match group stage, making for a busy end to the calendar year for DDCA cricketers.
One team advances from each group before the knockout stages begin early next year.
Springvale South won last summer’s competition but fought off a gallant HSD in the final, the Cobras making a run from Turf 2 and acquitting itself extremely well in the decider.
GROUPS (Turf competition)
GROUP A - Hampton Park (3), Parkmore (2), Lyndale (2)
· Thursday 5 December - Parkmore v Hampton Park
· Wednesday 11 December - Lyndale v Hampton Park
· Wednesday 18 December - Parkmore v Lyndale
On surface level, this group appears Parkmore’s to lose.
Parkmore have enjoyed a brilliant start to the summer as one of the early premiership contenders in Turf 2, and already have a win over Lyndale, while Lyndale and Hampton Park have just a single win apiece to show for their respective endeavours.
But the shortest format of the game offers the most severe volatility, and opens the door for a potential upset.
Playing straight and defending does not appear to be part of the Hampton Park modus operandi – its only two-day contest ended in an innings defeat – but the one-day contests suited their approach much more, hitting scores of 257, 152 and 165.
With no time to muck around, the likes of Travis Lacey and Ranees Khaleel will be afforded the chance to accelerate.
Parkmore is a tough opponent to get first, putting significant pressure on the second contest of the trio against Lyndale.
The Pirates have an excellent bowling attack and will back themselves to defend whatever total they set, but could be vulnerable to a chase, given the heavy reliance on Satheesh Fernandu at the top of the order.
The recruit has 79 more runs than his next highest-scoring teammate in opening partner Kyle Gwynne, before a significant drop of 72 to their third best in Josh Tonna.
Expect this group to come down to the final game of the trio, but Niranjen Kumar’s side should have what it takes to progress.
Tip: Parkmore
GROUP B - Cranbourne (2), Fountain Gate (3), Beaconsfield (1)
· Thursday 5 December - Cranbourne v Fountain Gate
· Wednesday 11 December - Beaconsfield v Fountain Gate
· Wednesday 18 December - Cranbourne v Beaconsfield
One of just two groups with a side from each division, this group has something for everyone.
It will be these contests that will see Cranbourne captain-coach Harrison Carlyon come into his own, with much of his experience for Jersey at international level coming in the game’s shortest format.
With a strike rate of 121.7 in T20 internationals and having shown his big-hitting prowess early in the summer, both Beaconsfield and Fountain gate will have his name circled at the top of the scouting report.
The Eagles will have revenge on their mind when they take on the Tigers, the first time the two will come face-to-face since Beaconsfield claimed the Turf 2 flag on grand final day against Cranbourne in 2022/23.
A fair bit has changed for the Tigers since that afternoon with a trio of key names, headlined by Mark Cooper, making way in the offseason.
Their recruits from recent summers are immensely talented and with Susantha Pradeep
DDCA DANDENONG DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION T20 PREVIEWS
steering the ship, they have shown a penchant for attacking with the ball – no side made more than 200 against them in the white ball fixtures to begin Turf 1, when they took 39 of the 40 wickets available from four contests.
Fountain Gate, meanwhile, have developed a winning style under Ray Pal by playing patiently with the bat and attacking in the final block of overs.
Whether this style will convert to the shortest format of the game and condensed innings will ultimately determine the Gators’ fate.
Tip: Cranbourne
GROUP C - Narre North (3), Narre Warren (2), Coomoora (2)
· Thursday 5 December - Narre North v Narre Warren
· Wednesday 11 December - Narre Warren v Coomoora
· Wednesday 18 December - Narre North v Coomoora
Coomoora enters this group as a raging favourite with ticker and resilience required suited for the pressure moments white ball cricket can throw their way.
Marquee signing Brendan Rose will add to an already excellent bowling attack and bolster the credentials of the squad already loaded with exPremier Cricket talent.
But a recent hammering at the hands of Narre Warren in Turf 2 offered a strong reality check, and will be in the minds of both sides when they meet in the second contest of the trio.
Narre North is the wildcard the challenge of taking on sides outside of their division may be too tall a task.
Like he has done time and again for the Roos in recent summers, the wizardy of Malan Madusanka will be vital to their hopes of advancing.
Tip: Coomoora
GROUP D - Springvale South (1) Berwick (1), Buckley Ridges (1)
· Thursday 5 December - Springvale South v Berwick
· Wednesday 11 December - Berwick v Buckley Ridges
· Wednesday 18 December - Springvale South v Buckley Ridges
Featuring the previous two T20 champions and the reigning Turf 1 premiers, this group is a shoe-in for ‘Group of Death’ status.
A stronger opening partnership than Brett Forsyth and Jordan Wyatt you’re unlikely to find, while the promising early Turf 1 returns Jarryd Wills and Matthew Hague for Berwick, plus the addition of Michael Wallace, makes the Bears a force to be reckoned with.
Buckley Ridges, however, know what it takes to win tournaments and games of cricket, and have
be
firepower to adjust to game circumstances.
Plenty is expected from Daniel Watson and Ben Wright in the Buckley batting line-up, and with former club junior Jonathan D’Rozario playing as the club’s marquee, the depth of talent swells even further.
Ryan Quirk’s absence will hurt Springvale South but the Bloods have last season’s experience and a bowling attack to envy, spearheaded by economic spinner Jarryd Straker and recruit Nick Boland, gives them the edge in this group.
Tip: Springvale South
GROUP E - St Mary’s (2), Doveton (3), Hallam Kalora Park (1)
· Thursday 5 December - St Mary’s v Doveton
· Wednesday 11 December - Hallam Kalora Park v Doveton
· Wednesday 18 December - St Mary’s v Hallam
when
Kalora Park
St Mary’s storming to the semi finals was one of the stories of the competition last summer, having downed Berwick and the Hawks along the way.
It was the obvious bright spot on a tough season for the Saints that saw them robbed on the eve of the season and relegated by the end.
Saveen Nanayyakara made a stunning 89 against Berwick and a vital 54 against the Hawks as a key piece to their rise, but won’t feature in this campaign having switched clubs.
Given Doveton’s batting woes and the strength of the Hallam Kalora Park line-up, any outcome other than the Hawks advancing would be a shock.
Tip: Hallam Kalora Park
Continued page 23
Berwick’s Jarryd Wills will be crucial to his side’s hopes of advancing from the group stages. (Rob Carew: 436976)
Cranbourne’s Harrison Carlyon won’t
playing too many forward defence shots
the DDCA’s T20 competition begins. (440831)
...From page 22
GROUP F - North Dandenong (1), Berwick Springs (3), Silverton (3)
· Thursday 5 December - North Dandenong v Berwick Springs
· Wednesday 11 December - Berwick Springs v Silverton
· Wednesday 18 December - North Dandenong v Silverton
Expect fireworks aplenty in this group with a plethora of explosive talents across all three sides.
North Dandenong has a multitude of players better suited to the white-ball format and made it to the semi-final stage in the previous two summers.
Berwick Springs has rediscovered its mojo and is one of the big winners of Sunday’s rain as it allows additional time for talismanic batter Jackson Marie to recover from his early-season hand injury.
His potential addition to the Berwick Springs side is a total game-changer and could swing the fortunes of the entire group.
Silverton will be hoping for another innings from Anmol Zakhmi akin to his 157 in round seven against Hampton Park, while in Harkanwal Singh, the Bakers have a player in their midst who knows what it takes to lift the trophy, having done so with Berwick in 2022/23.
Tip: North Dandenong
GROUP G - Narre South (1), Parkfield (2), Dandenong West (1)
· Thursday 5 December - Narre South v Parkfield
· Wednesday 11 December - Parkfield v Dandenong West
· Wednesday 18 December - Narre South v Dandenong West
Few teams are as well-versed in winning as Dandenong West in recent DDCA seasons.
Sensational triumphs in Turf 3 and 2 in backto-back seasons have added to the Greaves Reserve trophy cabinet, and there will be a pressing urge to add another in the form of a T20 championship.
Few players have had as strong a start to the summer from an individual standpoint than Nuwan Kulasekara, but his former Sri Lankan teammate Jeevan Mendis would have as strong claims as anyone to that throne, with runs and wickets for Narre South.
Both are key pillars to their respective sides’ fortunes, with Mendis carrying a heavier burden with not only his leadership roles, but the reliance
on his abilities.
Dandenong West smacked the Lions earlier in the Turf 1 season and have been extremely consistent in performances, where the Lions have been tough to predict – beating Springvale South but making just 101 against the Bulls, an encapsulation of their rollercoaster summer thus far.
The Lions will be hoping for Morteza Ali to return to form, having endured a tough resumption to life in Lions colours.
Narre South made it out of the groups last summer but was found wanting against Springvale South in the quarter-finals.
Parkfield, meanwhile, need a win to kickstart their season, and have engaged Sachin Halangode as its marquee.
Tip: Narre South
GROUP H - Lynbrook (3), Keysborough (3), HSD (2)
· Thursday 5 December - Lynbrook v Keysborough
· Wednesday 11 December - Keysborough v HSD
· Wednesday 18 December - Lynbrook v HSD
This group is no-doubt HSD’s to lose.
A side that has barely put a foot wrong this season and the second-best in this competition last summer is one of the most-obvious favourites to advance from the group stages across the pools.
They have the depth across every line and the services of Prahran veteran Brodie Symons at their disposal, making for a near embarrassment of riches.
So what are the chances of their opponents?
Both won three of their four one-day contests this season with Lynbrook demolishing the Knights back in round two by 153 runs.
But with significant reinforcements finding their place in the Knights’ First XI since, in Chanaka Kahandawala, Shanaka Perumpuli and Jackson O’Brien, Keysborough now presents a much tougher proposition.
With the ball, meanwhile, no side has taken more wickets than the Knights, with Christo Otto, and James Wright leading the charge, taking more than half of the 56 wickets between them.
Lynbrook’s Jattinder Singh will be the name at the top of the whiteboard for opposing sides, averaging 6.7 with the ball and just under 40 with the bat.
Tip: HSD
Biggest guns return as DDCA T20 carnival comes to life
By Marcus Uhe
There will be a strong smattering of yellow and black across the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) T20 competition this summer with a handful of Richmond stars from Victorian Premier Cricket signed as marquee players across the three grades.
Among the Tigers to take the field is Jonathan D’Rozario, who will return to his junior club and the team his father, Shane won a Wookey Medal for, in Buckley Ridges.
Jonathan was among the HSD squad that reached the final last summer but ultimately fell short in the wake of an excellent performance
from Springvale South.
If Buckley Ridges are to advance from the group stage, D’Rozario’s impact will be critical, with the Bucks to face the Bloods again, along with previous champion, Berwick.
Elsewhere, seamer Brendan Rose will represent Turf 2 outfit Coomoora, and Josh Sawrey joins D’Rozario in returning to his junior club, in Turf 3 side Berwick Springs.
Rose had represented Berwick as its marquee last season having won the Turf 1 premiership as a Bear back in the summer of 2019/20.
Sawrey, meanwhile, crossed to Richmond this summer after making his way through the
ranks at Dandenong.
He has hit 122 runs in five innings for Richmond’s second XI thus far.
Springvale South has re-engaged the services of reigning Ryder Medal winner Brett Forsyth, who showed his class with 222 runs last summer in the same competition at the top of the batting order, and will join brothers Cameron and Mitch in red and white.
Despite losing one Premier Cricketer from its T20 ranks, HSD will not enter the competition undermanned, having signed Prahran allrounder Brodie Symons.
Symons has wickets in every match this
summer to go with handy contributions at solid strike rates for the True Blues.
Around the competition, Parkfield welcomes back 2022/23 marquee Sachin Halangode, Dandenong West has Mornington Peninsula stalwart Sam Fowler on its books, Silverton has signed the experienced Talwinder Prince, and Beaconsfield welcomes Ryan Adams to the fold.
The DDCA’s T20 competition was scheduled to begin on Sunday 1 December but was postponed due to the weather forecast and heavy rainfall on Saturday 30 November.
The group games have been rescheduled to mid-week fixtures, beginning on Thursday 5 December.
Brendan Rose is Coomoora’s marquee player for the DDCA’s T20 competition this summer (Stewart Chambers: 227540)Brett Forsyth will don the red and white of Springvale South once again in the DDCA’s T20 competition. (204118)
Narre South will hope that Morteza Ali can recapture some form in the T20s. (Rob Carew: 439517)
