Was 2024 another year for the City of Casey people to seek justice? The answer manifested itself when the Supreme Court landed the bombshell judgment mid-year that Hallam Road landfill operator Veolia was found to have breached its licence and the general environmental duty in the case against its neighbour, Winsome Anderson.
The Anderson family, who own a 38-hectare farmland east of the landfill, commenced the legal proceedings against Veolia in April 2022, accusing the landfill operator of breaching its licence and the general environment duty and interfering with the potential use of their land. The trial began in November 2023, and the judgement was delivered in July 2024 to accept the two breaches and dismiss the claim of interference.
The court ruled that Veolia breached its licence and the general environment duty by failing to take all practicable measures to prevent emissions of landfill gas (LFG) from exceeding the prescribed levels by up to 80 times in the subsurface geology at the landfill boundary between 1 July 2022 and 30 October 2023.
The practicable measures included placing a final cap on cell 12, ensuring the optimal efficiency of its LFG extraction system, and preparing and implementing a remediation action plan when LFG exceeded trigger levels in monitoring bores.
Design faults in the leachate drainage measures of cells 12 and 13 were revealed during the trial, contributing to the escape of the LFG to Anderson’s farmland.
Veolia was also found by the court to have breached its discovery obligations during the trial by briefing one of the expert witnesses with outof-date data regarding the performance of the LFG extraction system at the landfill site.
Continued page 4
Lindsay Anderson and Winsome Anderson present a thick album they have been compiling over the years. It shows the stray rubbish blowing onto their land from the adjacent Hallam Road landfill. (Violet Li: 452719)
Battin grants Heath a spot
By Corey Everitt
New opposition leader and Berwick MP Brad Battin has unveiled his shadow ministry with some of his fellow South East colleagues bumped up for the push to the 2026 election.
Battin unveiled his shadow cabinet on Tuesday 7 January after he took leadership of the opposition from the embattled John Pesutto on Friday 27 December.
“The Liberals and Nationals stand ready to listen, lead, and restore fairness and opportunity for all,” Battin said.
In the mix is Eastern Victoria MP Renee Heath, who will serve as an Assistant Minister for Victims of Family Violence and Multicultural Affairs.
Heath, a supporter of Moira Deeming and one of the five MPs to start the process which saw the defamed MP reinstated to the party room, formerly held a position as Secretary of the Parliamentary Liberal Party.
Heath was dropped from the role on the same day Deeming was expelled from the party room in May 2023.
All five of the MPs who initiated the push for Deeming’s return to the party room in December 2024 retained or were given positions in Battin’s shadow cabinet.
Fellow Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath, the Leader for The Nationals in the Legislative Council, will take the public land management portfolio in the cabinet; this comes with a trade-off for her previous responsibilities of regional development and local government.
Bath also retained her role as Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
South Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans lost her spot as Shadow Cabinet Secretary but has been given Shadow Assistant Minister Role for Education.
Despite a change in leadership, Narracan MP Wayne Farnham retained his role as assistant minister for the Leader of the Opposition. Farnham also became assistant minister for Planning and the Building Industry.
Kingswood Basin’s eroded banks given safety check
A safety assessment is being conducted on Kingswood Retarding Basin due to its “structural instability”.
Melbourne Water started geotechnical testing on the deteriorating embankment in Dingley on 9 November, citing safety concerns over the subsidence.
It stated that the embankment would remain closed until the investigation was complete and results reviewed.
“We’re committed to the safety of the community who live near our waterways, which is why we’re taking action to understand the risks associated with the land around the Kingswood
12736473-JV50-24
Retarding Basin,” Melbourne Water regional waterways manager Dan Besley said.
“The basin plays an important role in carrying rainfall away from built-up areas and into rivers and creeks, and we have a responsibility to make sure it is safe and functioning optimally now and into the future.”
Besley said Melbourne Water conducts regular site visits and inspections of its 25,000 kilometres of waterways and 33,000 hectares of surrounding open space.
Residents can contact Melbourne Water on the basin investigation via smallscaleprojects@ melbournewater.com.au
that heralded the return of expelled MP Moira
Mr Pesutto opted not to run and Mr Battin was elected above Mornington MP Chris Crewther, while opposition financial spokeswoman Jess Wilson’s tilt at the top job failed to pass the first round of voting.
Former tennis player Sam Groth was elected unopposed as deputy leader, while David Davis was elevated to leader of the upper house, with Evan Mulholland retaining his deputy upper house leader role.
“I’m very thankful for the support I’ve got from my colleagues in the party room today to ensure that we could come out united,” Mr Battin said after the vote on Friday, 27 December.
A former police officer and small business owner, Mr Battin said he was a political outsider who understood what Victorians were going through under Labor.
He nominated the cost of living, crime, budget repair and roads as issues he would focus on over the next 700 days until the state election in November 2026.
“Every time a small business is charged more tax, customers are charged more for the items they buy, increasing the pressures on cost of living in our state,” he told reporters in late December.
“It’ll be our goal to have reduced taxes to release the pressure on businesses across the state.”
Mr Battin pledged to crack down on out-ofcontrol crime in the state, fix “crumbling” regional roads and run smaller governments.
But the new leader was forced to defend his democratically elected leadership group which does not feature women.
“We have got very strong performing women within the partyroom who will be on the frontbench moving forward,” he said.
Mr Battin praised his predecessor as a “great man” and a “stalwart of the party”, vowing to work with him in a united party.
Mr Pesutto congratulated the new leader, vowing to stay on in parliament.
Local councils, groups receive AusNet funds
Thirteen councils and community groups will receive close to $2.4 million, as recipients of AusNet’s Energy Resilience Community Fund Major Grants.
Casey City Council and Baw Baw Shire Council are among the recipients, sharing in almost $150,000 of funding.
Executive General Manager Distribution, Andrew Linnie said the Energy Resilience Community Fund was created by AusNet to fund projects that will build long-term community energy resilience and provide support to communities during the recovery phase of severe weather events.
“These major grant projects will build community energy resilience, delivering important and impactful change to communities across these regions, helping them to stay connected and safe during prolonged outages and emergencies,” said Mr Linnie.
Casey City Council received $63,372 to upgrade three sporting pavilions with shower and
power hubs, so they can connect to mobile generators and operate as Emergency Relief Centres.
Those three pavilions are Clyde Recreation Reserve, McNab Recreation Reserve in Cranbourne West and Mick Morland Recreation Reserve in Clyde North.
Baw Baw Shire Council received $75,053 to upgrade five remote community halls so they can connect to mobile generators.
In the Yarra Ranges Shire, the Millgrove Residents Action Group received $277,115 for solar PV, battery storage and an inverter for community infrastructure at the Millwarra Primary School and Millwarra Community Hall.
AusNet established the $12 million Energy Resilience Community Fund following the storms in February last year, to support projects across AusNet’s electricity distribution network in eastern and north-eastern Victoria, and Melbourne’s north and east.
A collapsed bank at Kingswood Basin in Dingley. (Supplied/Melbourne Water)
New role for Battin It was third time lucky for recently-elected Liberal leader Brad Battin as he set out his priorities and attempts to unite a divided party after toppling
old boss John Pesutto.
The Berwick MP is the fourth opposition leader to stump up to Victoria’s Labor government after ousting Mr Pesutto in a party room meeting
Deeming.
Opposition leader and Berwick MP Brad Battin. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
Home prices surge
By Corey Everitt
The South East had some of the state’s best performing suburbs in house prices, with Cranbourne and Pakenham districts in the top five for 2024’s annual growth.
As reported by realestate.com, Cranbourne South and Pakenham Upper were the third and fourth best performing in Victoria’s price growth for 2024, respectively.
Cranbourne South recorded a growth of 4.2 per cent in 2024 with the median price upping to over $780,000.
The Green Wedge land of Pakenham Upper saw increasing demand with the median price jumping to over $1.3 million from a 4 per cent growth in price.
Narre Warren North also made the top 10, recording the sixth best price growth in 2024.
With a 3.8 per cent increase, the median price growth stands at over $1.6 million.
Demand for units in the South East has also grown with Springvale and Clyde North
making the top 10 for annual price growth in Victoria.
Springvale was third on the list with a 9.1 per cent price growth, with the median price for units
standing at over $630,000.
Clyde North was eighth with the median unit price standing at almost $590,000 representing an annual growth of 4.5 per cent.
Refugee ‘desperate’ to build a better life
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Just a piece of paper separates Thanu Mylvaganam from his dreams of marriage, children and buying a home in Australia.
The motivated 31-year-old Tamil asylum seeker in Berwick works long hours, pays taxes, employs workers and has found love with fiancee Sai Dhiruselvam.
All while being denied basic rights as a bridging visa holder for 13 years.
He believes in hard work, loves the great outdoors and tennis and giving back to the community.
“If I have permanent residency, think of how many things I can achieve.
“That permanent visa is the one thing I’ve been waiting for – if I get it, I’m the happiest person in the world.
“I can straightaway buy a house and the second thing is I’d like to marry Sai.”
Instead, the dream is on hold, and the long wait on the outer takes a toll on his mental health. He misses his parents and family in Sri Lanka, who he hasn’t seen for 13 years.
If granted permanent residency in Australia, he’d be able to meet them outside Sri Lanka.
“I just want to see my family anywhere, even if for only one day.”
Thanu is among hundreds of asylum seekers, who last year protested in camps in Oakleigh, Dandenong and Melbourne in a bid for permanent protection.
Their spirited vigils attracted media attention including from Star News, which featured several protestors’ stories in October.
Like Thanu, many were working, studying and aspiring for a better life but frustrated by their uncertain plight.
Thanu was part of the Docklands protest camp, sleeping on the streets for at least 80 of the 100 day vigil and returning once a week to his and Sai’s Berwick unit for sleep.
“We didn’t want to do this protest, we have a lot of work and other things to do.
“Why are we doing this protest? It’s because we need our freedom.
“We’ve spent a lot of time here in limbo while working hard in Australia. We’re part of the community.”
He says the encampment was pressured by City of Melbourne, and attacked by Nazis
“It was dangerous at times,” Sai says. “It was not safe at night – people came down and were harassing and bullying them.”
The protest camps have also been staged at the Oakleigh office of Hotham MP Clare O’Neil when she was Home Affairs Minister, as well as outside Bruce MP and Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Assistant Minister Julian Hill’s office in Dandenong.
Recently the Government passed laws to strengthen powers to remove non-citizens, including bridging visa holders from Australia.
“The Bill sends a strong signal that the Australian Government expects cooperation with removal efforts and facilitates the removal from Australia of an intractable caseload of non-citizens who have exhausted all avenues to remain
Dhiruselvam and Thanu
are planning for marriage and a family. (Cam Lucadou-Wells:
in Australia,” a spokesperson told Star News.
Hill recently insisted genuine refugees would not be deported.
“(It) deals with a case load of individuals who have had their visa cancelled on character grounds, who often have serious criminal histories.”
In August, Hill stated that “almost 18,000 of the 19,000 Temporary Protection Visa holders in limbo for a decade under the Liberals have now been granted permanent visas”.
“Many others from the Bridging Visa caseload are now also able to apply for permanent protection.
“The legacy of the remaining caseload is complex, and every case is different and needs to be worked through individually.”
Meanwhile, many like Thanu remain effectively stateless, unable to return to their homeland due to fear of persecution and with no permanent refuge in Australia.
Many of them live in Greater Dandenong and Casey.
Thanu knows of asylum seekers who arrived at the same time as him who have been granted RoS visas.
Meanwhile his application has languished. Rejected under the maligned Fast Track process in 2017, and since under appeal.
The Government hasn’t provided any updates on his visa status for five years, he says.
He’s made fruitless personal requests to former Immigration Minister Andrew Giles and other ministers.
“I handed over my letter to him, saying ‘Please sir, do something – I want my life.’
“That’s why I got involved in the protests. I can’t talk with the Minister, I can’t talk with the Prime Minister – I can only do one thing to raise my voice, to get our freedom.”
As a 19 year old, Thanu arrived by boat in Australia in 2012 and spent six months in detention
Dead body found in Dandenong
Police are investigating after a man’s body was located at a property in Dandenong.
Emergency services were initially called to the McCrae street address shortly before 9.40am on Tuesday, 7 January.
The man, who is yet to be identified, died at the scene.
The exact circumstances surrounding his death are yet to be identified and detectives from the Homicide Squad were set to attend. A crime scene was set up.
The exact circumstances including whether the matter is suspicious are yet to be determined.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Dozens arrested in one week
Scores of people – mainly youths – have been arrested by police for armed robberies, aggravated burglaries and car thefts in Melbourne’s South East and East during Christmas-New Year.
Victoria Police say 41 people aged between 12 and 44 have been charged with more than 150 offences in about a week.
The arrests included a 16-year-old boy from Clyde North over a spate of alleged aggravated burglaries, and a collision in an allegedly stolen car just before 3.30am on December 29.
The vehicle struck a home and the front and rear fences, as well as a pergola and two cars.
centres.
Since his release, he has remained on a bridging visa E.
Settling in Dandenong in 2013, he was initially not allowed work rights.
Living in a house of up to 10 people, he instead studied English language classes, took up chess and relied on food from charities.
Three years later, he gained a work permit. He initially worked on an assembly line by night, office-cleaning jobs by day and since worked casually in various factories up to 16 hours a day.
He’s gained heavy-vehicle and forklift licences, and worked a second job as an Uber driver.
Since then, he’s become a subcontractor, hiring himself and three others to deliver newspapers to Gippsland.
He works seven days a week, with a side hustle delivering Christmas trees last month.
Meanwhile, Malaysian-born Sai arrived in Australia on a temporary student visa, enrolling in a biomedical science course in the hope of gaining permanent residency.
She is interning at St John of God Hospital in Berwick.
“It’s not easy being without family for that long. Even though I visit them every year, it’s tough.
“For Thanu not being able to see his family for 13 years is just bad. I can’t imagine myself in that situation.”
Sai says Thanu now “desperately needs an answer”.
“He deserves a life in Australia because he’s given back. He came here at a very young age, adapted to this lifestyle and been in the community.
“He really needs to start a family. He needs to own a house just like the rest of us.
“If we sent Thanu back to his home country he wouldn’t survive there.”
The boy was charged with two counts of aggravated burglary, one count of attempted aggravated burglary, motor vehicle theft, and conduct endangering life.
He was remanded in police custody before being bailed to reappear in a children’s court at a later date.
Southern Metropolitan Region Acting Superintendent Andrew McKee said police “worked around the clock to keep our community safe” during Christmas-New Year.
“Such a significant number of arrests in such a short time is indicative of just how seriously we take this type of offending.
“A lot of these arrests have occurred under the cover of darkness. While you’re sleeping, police are wide-eyed with members on ground and in the sky – no hiding place is safe for offenders.
“Our message to offenders is clear: if you want to play hide and seek with us, I can guarantee you, our members will always find you.”
Operation Trinity has been specifically targeting burglars and car thieves each night since March 2023.
As a result of this intense focus, police arrested 673 burglars and car thieves almost 1550 times over the 12 months to September 2024.
A further 7350 people have been processed for other offences detected by police working nightshift across the Trinity area of operations.
Over the past week, Southern and Eastern Regional Crime Squads, local investigators, the Crime Reduction Teams (CRTs), Operation Trinity officers and Highway Patrol, who were supported by Police Air Wing and the Dog Squad were deployed.
Sai
Mylvaganam
452267)
Cranbourne South is in the top 10 for best annual growth in house prices. (397762)
2024 - YEAR IN REVIEW
Landfills dominate agenda
By Violet Li
Waste management continued to haunt large parts of Casey in 2024. It was another year for locals to monitor and scrutinise the waste businesses and fight for the right to breathe fresh air free from tip smells.
Stevensons Brothers Industries (SBI) landfill
Down in the south of Casey, Stevensons Brothers Industries (SBI) landfill remained a headache for the surrounding communities.
February was met with a surge of odour incident reports in the vicinity, which residents believed could be attributed to the landfill.
A proposed planning permit amendment of the landfill surfaced in March and caused great concerns among the community. Locals told the paper they were concerned that the amendment would lead to increased traffic, dust, and diversion of stormwater to the nearby residential areas. The amendment document also revealed that the operator removed about half a hectare of native vegetation, allegedly without the authorised permits, during the past three years.
In July, the landfill faced nearly $20,000 in fines from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria after drone flights over its Ballarto Road Cranbourne site revealed inadequately covered waste in its landfill cells.
A week after, EPA Victoria announced that it settled separate legal action against the landfill “for the benefit of the community”. It said that the landfill would pay $200,000 for a project to improve the local environment and ensure company directors and key staff undergo further training.
The State’s environment watchdog commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court against SBI and its directors on 4 August 2023, which the EPA stated that if proven could result in penalties exceeding $1.8 million for SBI and $360,000 for directors per allegation.
Local residents strongly criticised the settlement, underwhelmed and disappointed by the outcome. A spokesperson from the community said that after nearly two and a half years “of suffering the environmental crime inflicted upon us, many residents have seen no option but to leave the area”.
“Feeling forced from their homes to get clean
air and alleviating suspected health impacts, therefore we feel the penalty is not proportional,” they said.
Hallam Road landfill
A leachate leak from the Hallam Road landfill was discovered in late November and an estimated one hectare of vegetation died in the neighbouring property.
The Anderson family, who owns the land on the east side of the landfill, was notified by the landfill operator Veolia about a burst of a leachate pipeline along the southeast side of the landfill. Then they found out the vegetation along the boundary had visibly died and a stinking smell remained in the air. The family was not happy about the latest leachate incident and believed the operator should have installed the pipework in such a way that leachate was contained to their property. A Veolia spokesperson at the time said
following the repair of the pipe on the same day, they “commenced an urgent investigation into what caused this one-off event, and we began to assess the neighbouring property”. They added: “There was no harm caused to people and preparation works to fully clean up and remediate the affected area are underway.”
Proposed Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station
For Casey locals, 2024 started with the official lodgment of the planning permit for a $27m commercial waste transfer station next to the controversial Hallam Road landfill and ended with approval by Casey Council, shortly before the elected council. The proposed facility by landfill operator Veolia will be located approximately 250 metres from the nearest residential dwelling, and it is set to accept about 550,000 tonnes of municipal residual waste, construction and demolition waste, and commercial and industrial waste from
Melbourne’s south-east.
The application was met with strong objections from the community with concerns about fire risks, midnight noise, and increased traffic, dust, and odour. Residents were especially concerned about the track records of the operator as odour from their landfill had been troubling the community for years.
They said they were left devastated, disappointed and angered after Casey Council approved the development.
EPA is assessing a development licence application by Veolia, a separate process from the planning permit application submitted to the council. Its five-week community consultation received more than 600 submissions and residents were told a consultation conference would be held in 2025 to gather more views and recommendations for the licence assessment.
People of the Year 2024: Local farming family seeks justice
From page 1
A short time after the judgment, Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria started civil proceedings against the operator in the Supreme Court, alleging a range of serious non-compliance with the State’s environmental protection laws.
For the Anderson family, in the lead-up to the legal move in 2022, years of problems from the neighbouring landfill imposed on their farmland eventually all contextualised into a rejection of a planning permit they applied to the City of Casey to develop horticulture on their land, including constructing greenhouses, which they believed took away their rights to use the land.
At this point, it was under the impression that how to use their farmland was to be at the sway of their neighbours.
Before the horticultural application, the local family had been farming cattle on the land since the late 19th century. Due to concerns about stray rubbish blowing onto the land from the adjacent landfill, the family started to gradually cut down the business. In the latter half of 2022, the family completely ceased grazing cattle.
“We had to do something with the land,” Lindsay Anderson, the son of Winsome Anderson, said.
“The greenhouse precinct appealed to us in terms that it’s linked back to our market gardening roots.
“There were options that we could sell off that we’ve already planned, or we might go copartnerships, co-development. There’s a lot of options. We hadn’t quite got to that stage. The first stage was to do a preliminary plan layout and get a planning permit.
“In doing the submission to the planning
permit, there were several questions asked. We answered all of them. And then the landfill gas migration issue came up.”
The Anderson family first commissioned an LFG Risk Assessment following the request of the Casey planning team. They were then asked to provide an environmental audit that included the design of an in-ground LFG mitigation structure at the boundary of the landfill, which the family believed would cost “a considerable amount of money…without first having the security of a planning permit”. The prospect of getting a permit on conditions was also killed.
“My argument was why do we have to put in
the landfill gas migration issue for their problem? Because we didn’t generate the problem. They were generating the problem. Why are we going to go and spend whatever to fix a problem generated by the landfill?” Lindsay said.
“We could also see we could spend all this money, and they’ll come back and say to us, you’ve done the environment audit, it says it’s clear now, but it might not be clear in the future.
“Where’s the end of the string?”
Before the discovery of the design faults in the two cells, the surrounding communities had been troubled by the odour from the landfill for years.
Behind the odour was the landfill gas.
“If they complied, we wouldn’t have this problem,” Lindsay said.
“There were other problems, trucks, noise, dust, rubbish, runoff, but this is too far out.
“I would say if they didn’t have the design faults, we wouldn’t have had this problem. Or it wouldn’t be as severe by a long way.
“Obviously, we were hit in a certain way, but the residents down there have had to put up with the smell and the stink and the mud on the roads and whatever else.”
Veolia has been ordered by the court to prepare a landfill gas remediation action plan, implement the action plan, provide the final cap design for cells 12 and 13 and progress construction of the caps.
The Anderson family is waiting for the operator’s forthcoming action so that they can one day make use of their land.
“At the moment, we are stopped because of the gas coming onto the land. Once that’s cleared, we can put that horticultural planning permit back into action,” Lindsay said.
In the end, the family agreed that it was all for justice.
“At this stage, you tell the whole flinching world how unjust and unfair it is,” Lindsay said.
“To a certain extent, we went on our own. We were brave.
“Justice for the people and justice for us. I still think we’ve still got justices yet to come.
“While we have a court order, we have invested a lot of time, and emotional toll, are out of pocket for costs, still have not got the use of our land back, and it may be years before we do,” he said, adding that Veolia would continue to make large profits while they awaited action.
An example in the album of the stray rubbish blowing onto their land from the adjacent Hallam Road landfill.
Hallam Road landfill by Veolia. (348748)
SBI landfill. (289985)
2024 - YEAR IN REVIEW Death shocked community
By Violet Li
Services at a women’s health clinic in Hampton Park were partially closed in 2024 following a Casey woman’s death after an abortion surgery.
Narre Warren South woman and mother of two Harjit Kaur died shortly after a pregnancy termination surgery in Hampton Park Women’s Health Clinic in January 2024.
Victoria Police confirmed in March that there would be no criminal investigation.
A coroner investigation into Miss Kaur’s death is still ongoing. An initial autopsy revealed in June found “no significant natural disease contributing to the death, no evidence of any complication after surgery, and ruled out adverse effects of anesthesia, infection, and other conditions or reactions”. The pathologist raised the “possibility of a heart rhythm abnormality”.
The family was devastated by the tragedy.
The Department of Health suspended the clinic’s registration as a day procedure centre on 29 February following two days of inspection.
The Department of Health stated that the clinic’s day procedure service was operating in a way that posed serious risks to patient health or safety and the clinic had also failed to comply with the relevant regulations.
The clinic was found to fail to assess the credentials of medical practitioners appropriately, according to a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) report later that year.
The anesthetist Dr Tony Chow, apparently
hired by others when the director Dr Michelle Kenney was away, had a condition on his registration that only allowed him to practise at Knox Hospital, the report said.
Other non-compliance included infection control, failure to ensure adequate training of staff involved in surgery and anesthesia and inadequate review of events, the report said.
On 15 March, the Medical Board of Australia suspended the registration of obstetrician and
gynaecologist Dr Rudolph Lopes, who performed the abortion surgery on Miss Kaur.
The reason behind the suspension has not been revealed.
The controversy over Dr Lopes centred on his prior professional misconduct. He was reprimanded over alleged lewd remarks to a patient and long-term sexual harassment of a midwife, according to a court judgment in 2021.
In early 2024, director Dr Kenney defended
Dr Lopes and claimed that regardless of his history, he was still a highly experienced registered specialist.
Later in May, Dr Kenney was also suspended. In June, she was granted a stay with conditions by the court.
The court noted that before the suspension of the day procedure in the clinic, Dr Kenney had contacted the Department of Health in November 2023 to report the compliance issues she discovered on her return from health and personal reasons.
It appeared she had begun to take steps to address issues, but the department’s inspection recorded some issues had not been rectified, the court documents said.
The court did not find Dr Kenney would pose a serious risk to the safety of patients in the medical practice and considered the evidence that refusing the stay would potentially harm Dr Kenney personally and the continued operation of the clinic as a general practice.
Due to media interest, the court stated that Dr Kenney was not involved clinically with Miss Kaur’s death.
The board confirmed that it did not suggest there was a link between Miss Kaur’s death and Dr Kenney’s suspension.
Star News is not suggesting Dr Michelle Kenney, Dr Rudolph Lopes, or any other doctor or staff member at the clinic are responsible for the death of Ms Kaur. A coroner’s investigation is under way into the cause.
Year that rekindled Casey’s yearning for democracy
By Violet Li
The highly anticipated 2024 Casey Council October Election took up the better part of the year’s coverage. The warm welcome for the comeback of the elected council after almost five years of administration highlighted the Casey people’s rekindled yearning for local democracy.
The 2024 Casey Council October Election was the first election held since 2016. There was no local election in the municipality in 2020 as the 2016-2020 council was sensationally sacked by the State Government amid an IBAC anticorruption inquiry.
A considerable number of candidates, 89, competed for the 12 councillor roles under the new single-councillor ward structure, including 52 candidates in Casey’s south.
A majority of the candidates were first-time runners, with only five from the previous councils.
Candidates from the 2016-2020 sacked council were former mayor Wayne Smith, and former deputy mayor Damien Rosario in River Gum Ward, Gary Rowe in Correa Ward, and Rex Flannery in Casuarina Ward.
Former councillors from pre-2016 councils who also ran included Lynette Pereira in River Gum Ward and Brian Oates in Kalora Ward.
Former Liberal member Gary Rowe was the only former councillor from the 2016-2020 council who got re-elected in 2024’s council election. The IBAC report made no adverse comments or opinions about him.
In Casey South, the newly elected councillors were Gary Rowe for Correa Ward, Carolyn Eaves for Quarters Ward, Michelle Crowther for Cranbourne Gardens Ward, Shane Taylor for Kowan Ward, Lynette Pereira for River Gum Ward, and Jenner Dizon for Tooradin Ward.
In Casey North, new councillors were Scott Dowling for Akoonah Ward, Kim Ross for Casuarina Ward, Anthony Walter for Dillwynia Ward, Dave Perry for Grevillea Ward, Melinda Ambros for Kalora Ward, and Stefan Koomen for Waratah Ward.
The new Casey Council team had one Labor member Cr Koomen, one Greens member Cr Perry, and ten independents.
Cr Koomen and Cr Ambros were unanimously elected by their fellow councillors to be the mayor and the deputy mayor, respectively.
The campaign kicked off early in the year when Hallam resident Ezatullah Alam announced his intention to run for Waratah Ward
in the paper in early May.
The election year saw candidates actively engage with the locals to hear their concerns and advocate for a new beginnings in Casey. On the south side, issues like landfills, road conditions, green wedges, planning, and coastal hazards were heavily discussed and debated among the candidates.
Conventional campaign slogans such as “building trust”, “pursuing transparency in decision-making” and “making voices heard” were
tinged with unprecedented genuineness and urgency in 2024 after the IBAC report involving the previous council.
On the other side of the picture, election, the modern-day Pandora’s box, is riddled with troubles that require immediate attention and resolution. Racism was the one on Casey’s doorstep. The hatred clouded the candidates from multicultural backgrounds and was indelibly imprinted on their minds. Defaced candidate signboards with racist hate speech were not an
unusual streetscape here in one of the most diverse councils in Victoria.
Some affected candidates refused to be vulnerable and called out the misconduct, while others chose to forgive and forget.
Perhaps the most fatal and wounding blow for those who were hurt was a glimpse of the winners. It was not too hard to admit how few “nonAnglo” councillors were elected from a widely diverse field of candidates. Out of the 12 newly elected councillors, there are only two from a diverse background. Experts said Casey still needed more time, but it was on the right track.
At least the after-election story has been hopeful. Unsuccessful candidates did not see the loss as the end. They went back to their original roles in the community and continued to contribute. The journey for them goes on. They have already eyed out the problems and they decide not to let them slide. One could confidently say Casey now has more community advocates than ever. Casey people have very good reasons to look into a year of difference in 2025.
New Casey councillors at the mayor election. (Stewart Chambers: 442356)
Some of the new councillors. (Stewart Chambers: 442356)
Hampton Park Women’s Health Clinic. (Stewart Chambers: 396246)
2024 - YEAR IN REVIEW
Reception calls answered
By Ethan Benedicto
The eastern border and central suburbs of Clyde and Clyde North have been under the thumb of subpar mobile connection since its population began to boom in the late 2010s, however, there was some progress in 2024 where seemingly, the residents’ wishes were finally heard.
The initial report by Star News in 2024 occurred in late February, where once more, the struggles of the lack of reliable connectivity were echoed by the people.
Despite the ongoing roadworks in the area, as well as the constant rise of new homes, Elizabeth Sabelino, who has been living in Clyde North since 2017, was still experiencing reception issues.
“To this day the reception hasn’t gotten any better, from my house I still only have one bar on a good day,” she said in February.
In 2016, Clyde North had a population of 8000 residents, while Clyde had 2000 - both suburbs seeing exponential growth of 288.26 per cent and 427.76 per cent respectively, by 2021.
Previously a communications intern for the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority, Sabelino had instances where she worked from home, an experience she said was made challenging by the lack of proficient cell reception.
“I’ve had to work around by doing WIFI calling but even that doesn’t help that much.
“What I’ve had to do every time there’s a call, I have to go to the front of the house to get better reception,” Sabelino said.
Maree Cullinan, the manager of the Balla Balla Community Centre in Selandra Rise, echoed Ms Sabelino’s sentiments. In February she said that the poor cell reception “isn’t really a selling point for Clyde North”.
“Many people are still working from home, and we have trouble even here, we have to go out of the building just to make calls.
“The one thing we should have access to is good cell reception, especially in this day and age,” Ms Cullinan said.
At that stage, an associate professor from RMIT’s school of engineering, Mark Gregory said that “things like buildings, the terrain and of course, the location of freeways and vehicles, and supermarkets” can impact signal.
While topographically Clyde and Clyde North are relatively flat, Professor Gregory said that the weather is one of many things that “really degrade the signal”.
“In regards to that you’ve got heat, dust, and moisture in the air.
“You mix that in with tall objects like trees, buildings, and hills, you’re going to have a combination of things that are going to affect the signal,” he said.
Fast-forward a month later, there were motions from a local MP, with Holt’s Cassandra Fernando endeavouring to take the needed steps after receiving a sizeable stack of surveys from residents that all said the same thing: they needed better connection.
A stack of over 3000 physical surveys made their home in Holt MP Cassandra Fernando’s office with 2000 more via email after she inquired local citizens on reception issues.
While there was a barrage of complaints and
concerns, the most common factor that was more often mentioned than not was calling triple-0.
“The people, if you look at all these surveys - with the people I’ve spoken to - they can’t call triple-0 and that’s a basic necessity for any person living in this country,” Ms Fernando said.
A total of 10,000 surveys were sent out by the office, which at that point, marked two years since plans around addressing said reception issues began brewing in April 2022.
What began with door-knocking and calling constituents, soon developed further during the pre-polling season when she realised it was a much bigger topic and issue.
“I said to myself and to those people, if I come into government, or as a member for Holt, that was something that was going to be a main focus for me, that these people get the coverage they need,” she said.
The Connecting Victoria campaign and its $56 million Victorian Mobile Project was crucial at this stage - and remains so - which would eventually see 230 places in the state fitted with better mobile infrastructure, and deliver more than 1400 projects by 2026.
Fernando at that point had plans to speak with all relative parties involved in the processes and decision-making surrounding the towers, and when she spoke with Optus, she said that although they are in the planning phase, Optus had ten sites in the works for the surrounding areas.
She also spoke with City of Casey’s CEO Glen Patterson where she emphasised to him that the surveys show “a community need for proper mobile coverage”.
Likewise, she also called for other electorates whose citizens are experiencing reception issues to take action similar to hers, or anything that addresses the issue.
“I’ve faced the issue myself and I think just experiencing it is very important to know these people’s struggles that they have to go through,” she said.
Two months later, some good news finally came.
A Telstra spokesperson told 9News in late April 2024 that three projects were currently underway
as part of the Connecting Victoria Mobile program to improve 4G and 5G connectivity in the local area.
With two new mobile stations and an upgrade for an existing one in the books, the spokesperson said that “Telstra expects to have one new mobile base station in Clyde East constructed during May and operational by the end of June this year”.
Ari Ross, a worker at Clyde North’s Deoro Cafe said “it’s about time”.
“I live just down the road, and I only have one bar in my whole house it’s terrible, so I think it’s about time honestly,” she said.
Her difficulties are well-known and a common sentiment for a majority of residents in Clyde and Clyde North, with Maree Cullinan, executive officer at Balla Balla Community Centre saying that “we agree that community members are very frustrated with the lack of coverage in the area”.
Optus is in the same boat, with three new sites operational in the last year and covering parts of Casey Stadium and Clyde North.
“We are working hard to bring residents of Casey improved mobile coverage,” an Optus spokesperson said.
“Optus is working on an additional eight towers in the area - seven of these are part of the Connecting Victoria Mobile Program to improve mobile connectivity in Clyde, including Clyde North, Cranbourne, Berwick and Hallam.”
Provided to 9News also at that same time frame, a Casey Council spokesperson said that they were working closely with the State Government and telecommunications providers in order to address the infrastructure and servicing gaps throughout the municipality, especially for Clyde and Clyde North.
“A total of two mobile towers (and one broadband solution) and four mobile towers have been identified to be delivered and service Clyde and Clyde North, with several of these towers already being delivered or having received relevant approvals before construction.
“Casey has issued 12 planning permits for new towers in the last year, six of which are all in Clyde/ Clyde North,” the spokesperson said.
Three months passed and the first Telstra tower
in Clyde North was finally installed on Thursday 25 July.
It is situated in the corner of Ramlegh Reserve, with Michael Galea MP addressing the 31 July legislative assembly meeting where he called on the Minister for Government Services for further development following the installation.
Then just two months later, a bigger step was taken when the Peri-Urban Mobile Project was officially announced in Clyde on Thursday 24 October.
Also known as PUMP, the project will have two towers in the Holt electorate, one in Clyde and another in Blind Bight to open in 2025, with a grand total of 12 for the growing suburbs in Casey.
Attended by Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland, she said that “this is absolutely essential for every resident, everyone relies on connectivity; the people who are working from home, the students, and for accessing emergency services”.
“This is no longer a society where we rely on landlines, there would be a huge percentage of people here who would either wouldn’t be using a landline or wouldn’t know what their landline number even is,” she said.
Also in attendance were Holt MP Cassandra Fernando, Waveconn CEO Grant Stevenson, National Growth Alliance CEO Bronwen Clark and Stockland Estate representatives.
Then, with Christmas coming early and marking the second instalment of 2024, the tower at 36 Bells Road in Clyde marked what looks to be a rather steady journey for reception upgrades in Clyde and Clyde North.
The minister for government services, Gabrielle Williams, announced on Thursday 5 December, the completion of the tower, which improves TPG and Optus coverage for over 8000 premises and delivers an 18-kilometre-squared upgraded outdoor 4G and 5G coverage.
“We know the communities of Clyde and Clyde North have struggled with poor coverage in the area for some time - by supporting these new towers we are providing residents and businesses with better connectivity,” Williams said.
From left to right: Grant Stevenson (Waveconn CEO), Bronwen Clark (National Growth Areas Alliance CEO), Holt MP Cassandra Fernando, Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland and a Stockland Estates representative. (Ethan Benedicto: 440787)
2024 - YEAR IN REVIEW
Best photos of the year
Casey’s music-based charity The Common People represented Australia at the world’s largest choir competition in 2024. In the photo, they are rehearsing for the competition. (Gary Sissons: 414536)
Julian Hill, Gerlyn Broadway (winner), Rodger De Vera (winner) and Alfie Tilan (president of Pinoy Casey Community) at the second year of Pinoy Olympics. (Gary Sissons: 444790)
Magnificent and entertaining Welcome to Country by Boonwurrung Man Jaeden Williams from the cultural organisation Biik Bundjil at Casey’s Christmas Market. (Rob Carew: 444783)
Mia with a lotus flower ready to place on the lake at sunset at the Lynbrook Lake Lantern Festival. (Rob Carew: 434595)
John McMahon, the 2024 Lindsay King Art Award winner, with his crafts in the Berwick District Woodworkers Club. (Rob Carew: 399597)
Maree Quinn held a candle as the lights were turned off at the Cancer Council Victoria’s Relay For Life. (Rob Carew: 439676)
Rev Ric Holland Minister at Hampton Park Uniting Church, speaking at his retirement. (Gary Sissons: 390737)
Wild Days Wildlife Shelter’s founder, owner, and carer, Kay Taranto with the flying foxes she cares for. The Narre Warren resident was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List. (Rob Carew: 402220)
Lexi during the beautiful weather at the Holi Festival. (Rob Carew: 402993)
Tooradin’s para-equestrian Phoebe Roche represented Australia with Smartie at the 2024 Virtus Open European Equestrian Championships in the United Kingdom. (Stewart Chambers: 412125)
2024 - YEAR IN REVIEW
SEMMA backed nuclear
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
South East manufacturers emphatically backed nuclear energy, according to a peak-body members survey in July.
Of more than 190 South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) surveyed members, 71 per cent were strongly in favour of including nuclear power into the energy mix.
Also, 61 per cent strongly agreed that nuclear was a cost-effective and reliable energy source for manufacturers, and 66 per cent had a “strongly positive” opinion of the energy source for industry.
About 14 per cent of members were strongly opposed to the propositions.
The results put SEMMA and its members firmly in favour of the federal Liberal-Nationals Coalition’s proposal for nuclear generators across the country, including the La Trobe Valley in Gippsland.
The idea has been strongly opposed by the Labor state and federal governments.
Back in July 2024, SEMMA president Peter Angelico said “the nuclear option has merit when we are talking about a long-term zero-emission consistent energy supply”.
“Globally, there are 32 countries using nuclear power (a total of 440 reactors) and many have successfully combined these energy inputs, solved waste concerns and ensured an efficient, consistent, cost-effective, safe and sustainable energy supply for everyone.
“Australia must move forward in our energy choices to remain globally competitive for the sake of our manufacturing industry that currently employs 803,000 nationally.”
SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said manufacturing needed a “consistent, reliable baseload energy supply”.
“That is in danger if policy makers ignore this fact,” Ms Walker said in July 2024.
Ms Walker said there was not enough renewable energy in the current system to support manufacturing – or domestic users.
“Renewables can provide part of that supply, but it is an intermittent supply and batteries do not generate energy – they only store it.”
Gas needed to remain in the system for manufacturing during the transition, she said.
In July 2024, Bruce Labor MP Julian Hill said
nuclear energy was “way too expensive and far too slow for Australia’s needs”.
“Multiple independent scientific reports have confirmed that even if anyone was crazy enough to decide to go down the risky nuclear route, it would take almost two decades for nuclear power to come on in Australia, costing $25,000 or more per taxpayer.”
He said the Federal Government was delivering “cheaper, cleaner energy right now, utilising our abundant natural resources – literally the
best renewable energy resources anywhere in the world”.
“In just two years, the government has ticked off new renewable energy supply equivalent to over eight expensive risky nuclear reactors.”
Mr Hill agreed that gas was needed in manufacturing for “high heat applications”.
“(It) will help us move up the value chain for growing industries like critical minerals.”
La Trobe Liberal MP Jason Wood, who for a long time opposed nuclear, in July 2024 said it’s required “in the mix“ for Australia to reach netzero emissions by 2050.
He said when 90 per cent of coal power stations go off line over the next decade or so, a power combination of “wind and solar“ wasn’t reliable in all weather and all seasons.
“I fully support the solar and the wind (industries) but you have to have something humming along in the background when there’s no sun or wind.“
SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker called for a reliable baseload power supply for manufacturers.
SEMMA president Peter Angelico said the nuclear option had merit. (Supplied)
FOCUS ON … SENIORS
Dal and Lucia’s milestone
By Dalmazio Tuccio
This week Belvedere Aged Care residents Dal and Lucia celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. On behalf of Belvedere Aged Care, the beautiful couple and their family were congratulated on such a huge milestone.
Dal shared their story...
“When I was working in a factory producing Olive Oil in Abruzzo near Rome, I had to work 18 hours a day. Two women would come in to bring food for the workers. That is when I saw Lucia with her cousin, providing us with food. I saw her and was smitten. But then war broke out and I was not able to see Lucia to tell her my intentions for another three years. When I was able to go home, I lost no time to go to her house and ask her whether she would marry me. Guess what she said?
‘I will think about it’!
“A few days later I called on her house again, asking the same question and she agreed. Lucky me. In 1952 we got married, welcomed our daughter Assunta into our lives and thinking of what the future will hold for us. I decided to go to Australia where my brothers were working. In Perth I did not find work, so I went to Canberra and worked for two-and-a-half years until I had enough money together to move to Melbourne, working for O’Brien Glass, contributing to the stained glass windows at St Gerard’s Church North Dandenong. I worked with them for 23 years. It was finally time to let Lucia follow me to Springvale, Melbourne with our three-year-old daughter.
“Soon our son John was born. I consider myself and Lucia as very blessed by God to have such a long, happy marriage. Part of it maybe is that we have a strong spiritual integrity. Once my wife found a purse with $74 in it and at the time this was a lot of money.
“She showed it to me when I came back from
work and we were thinking that somewhere a lady pensioner was worrying about the whereabouts of her lost money. I went door knocking
until I found the right person and handed over the money and we were all very happy. I think this is why God is blessing us.”
All Retirees and Semi-Retirees are welcome to join the NEW Meeting at the Amstel Club, 1000 Frankston-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne on the Tuesday 11th of February at 10:00am
Please Contact Ethan for more information: 1300 630 488, membershipsupport@probussouthpacific.org
Dal and Lucia celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary this week.
Mayor of Greater Dandenong, Cr Jim Memeti sent a stunning bouquet on the couple’s anniversary.
(452785)
FOCUS ON … SENIORS
Live a life unlimited
At Lifestyle Communities we believe in life without restrictions. One with the freedom to do the things you love, and the confidence to be whoever you want to be, where every new day is a fresh opportunity. It’s a philosophy that rings true in our best-in-class homes and clubhouses. Whether you’re working, semi-retired or retired, come and join a community where Life is Unlimited. Join in on pickleball, croquet, yoga, arts and crafts, woodworking, bowls and swimming. There are also happy hours, guest speakers, musical entertainment and much more. Plus, you’ll have loads of new friends to enjoy all of this with and a beautiful home to live in. The community is thoughtfully planned and designed making it easy to get around and enjoy.
Lifestyle Communities promotes a lifestyle that emphasises freedom, the choice to do your thing, your way. Live independently whilst also enjoying a vibrant social life and a variety of recreational activities.
Buying a home at Lifestyle Communities means embracing a life where your horizons are boundless. With a host of activities and an abundance of new friendships waiting for you, your days will be filled with excitement and companionship. Here, you are not just living, you are thriving, and it’s a testament to the limitless possibilities of a life unencumbered by restrictions. Come and experience the freedom to be you, every day, in your new home at Lifestyle Communities.
We’re
Come along and view our beautiful community, tour our Clubhouse and view the homes for sale.
Whether you’re considering a move, simply curious, or looking for a welcoming community to call home, our open day is the perfect opportunity to see the vibrant and engaging lifestyle we offer.
Where: 45 Annabella Street, Cranbourne East
Date: Thursday 23rd January
Time: 10:30am to 1pm
Call 1300 50 55 60 to RSVP or walk in on the day!
lifestyle casey fields
Discover a Vibrant Lifestyle at Lifestyle Communities.
Making front page news
2024 - YEAR IN REVIEW
Controversy over lake name
By Ethan Benedicto
Despite unfolding in the latter part of 2024, there is no question that the events that transpired around Guru Nanak Lake, formerly Berwick Springs Lake, have shaken the grounds of the local and wider community.
After what many residents of Berwick Springs considered to be a shock announcement on Saturday 9 November, it wasn’t long before eyebrows were raised on consultation, and if there had been any.
While local MPs and official responses from State authorities and a 2018 release state that the wider Victorian Sikh community had been consulted over a period of two years, as well as approval from Indigenous leaders, residents of the Springs were appalled that they had simply been left out.
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt, announced $600,000 in funding for Langar celebration events across Victoria, as well as Berwick Springs Lake’s change of name.
“I’m delighted to be recognising the significant contributions of our Sikh community in Victoria by naming a landmark after the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak,” Stitt said.
Criticisms from the local residents have been strong, with a petition to change the name amassing roughly 700 signatures as of Tuesday 12 November.
That petition, started by local resident Aldonio Ferrera quickly gained traction, amassing roughly 1700 votes by Wednesday 13 November, with 500 in the first 24 hours.
Head petitioner Michael Ball, also a resident and frequent goer of the Lake Walk, has asked the question of, “why” the renaming, and more importantly, “why” the lack of consultation.
“Obviously this has been done without any local community consultation and the residents are frustrated, this is Berwick Springs, the lake is called Berwick Springs and the local area derives its name from the lake,” he said at the time.
The State Government noted at that point that the name Berwick Springs Lake was not a formally recognised name under Geographic Names Victoria, making ‘Berwick Springs Wetland Reserve’ – or lake – essentially serve as an ‘interim’ name for the area.
The change has been more than welcome to members of the Sikh community however, with Dya Singh, a renowned musical figure in the global Sikh community who has lived in Australia for over 45 years and a Casey resident, saying that he is “tremendously proud of the change”.
“The backlash is something we expected, change is something very hard to take, the opposition is there but I hope that in time it will get smoothed over,” he said.
The new name and the turmoils around the lack of community consultation didn’t take long to hit Parliamentary discussions, with the community-wide meeting on Tuesday 19 November organised not long after the renaming/naming.
According to the Hansard from Thursday 14 November, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt, emphasised her initial statement of
support for the change.
“Guru Nanak’s message and values of unity, equality and selfless service continue to resonate through the contributions of the Sikh community to all Victorians,” she said.
A Victorian Government spokesperson told Star News that Guru Nanak Lake in Berwick Springs “was identified as a suitable landmark due to its positioning in [Casey], which is home to a large Sikh population”.
“The lake did not previously have an official, gazetted name – this is the first time it has been officially named,” they said in 2024.
However, Stitt’s point was countered by both Berwick MP Brad Battin and the Shadow Minister for Public Transport Matthew Guy, with Guy specifically pointing out the play on politics, the contradiction around barbecues and the Sikh faith.
Nevertheless, consultation remained one of the biggest issues residents have with the renaming, with the relevant naming department addressing key stakeholders such as the Bunurong Land Council, Victorian Multicultural Commission, City of Casey, Melbourne Water, Emergency Management Victoria and Geographic Names Victoria.
On 19 November, the gathering, which was organised by Berwick MP Brad Battin and South
Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans, as well as petition heads Michael Ball and Aldonio Ferreira, was attended by over 600 people.
Widespread cheers and claps echoed throughout the streets as the people called for a repeal of the renaming.
Ball said that Berwick Springs is “standing up for all Victorians”.
He remained resolute that due process should have still been followed regarding the renaming of the lake, adding that the state is now trying to “backtrack” on their initial statement of renaming Berwick Springs Lake to Guru Nanak Lake.
In response to the widespread reception of the call for repealing the name, a counter-petition in support of Guru Nanak Lake emerged, gathering around 2,800 signatures by 18 November. Advocates emphasised the importance of embracing multiculturalism and the values Guru Nanak represents, such as love and compassion.
“Regardless of how they’ve done it, whether it’s through Engage Victoria or whatever, they still have to follow the same requirements, they still have to consult us, they still have to have an objections process, an appeals process,” Ball said.
“I feel on their behalf that this is a joyous occasion for them, they should be celebrating what’s happening, and yet the State Government’s cre-
ated this division just because they didn’t follow their own process.”
Monique Davis, whose family had lived in the Berwick Springs Estate for generations, highlighted the historical significance of the lake’s name when she addressed the crowd.
Likewise, both Battin and Hermans acknowledged the contributions of the Sikh community to the state, but both argued against naming government assets after religious figures, both emphasising its potential to be divisive.
Events after the gathering took a sharp turn however, with a number of men dressed in black who attended the event confirmed to have been neo-Nazis.
At the time of the meeting, both Battin and Hermans immediately left the meeting once they were notified of the extremists’ attendance, with VicPol quickly arriving on the scene.
Ball denounced the extremists’ participation of the event, adding that they had neither made attempts to communicate their attendance with the Liberal Party nor the residents that organised the event.
Despite this, the conversation once more hit State Government discussions, with Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan MP on Tuesday 26 November called out the neo-Nazis for their attendance 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,” she said.
The Liberal Party, specifically Battin, was targeted by other Labor MPs, including Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards and Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, for allegedly failing to denounce the neo-Nazis.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale accused the Liberal Party of enabling hate, highlighting a neo-Nazi post referring to the event as a “Liberal Party Klan rally.”
Battin then defended his position, stating that the protest was never about religion or the Sikh community but solely about the lack of consultation.
Narracan MP Wayne Farnham came to Battin’s defence, accusing Labor of engaging in “grubby politics” to divert attention from their failure to consult residents, which had been the original basis of the community meeting.
As of early December, petitions both supporting and opposing the renaming have garnered thousands of signatures, reflecting a deeply divided community sentiment that has evolved from not informing residents on change.
The debate continues to evoke discussions on the balance between honouring multicultural contributions and ensuring adequate community engagement in decision-making processes.
In a rather tumultuous end of the year for Berwick Springs, the situation remains dynamic, with ongoing dialogues among residents, community leaders, and government officials aimed at addressing the concerns raised and fostering a cohesive resolution.
FOCUS ON … DANCE, MUSIC, DRAMA
21 years of Rockn’ Suzies dance classes
By Rockn’ Suzie
Rockn’ Suzies dance classes have turned 21 years
... And I still love teaching people how to dance. I believe that Rock and Roll is one of the easiest of the dance styles to master as it allows for lots of individuality.
My classes are designed to be fun and easy to follow for those aged 10 upwards. Dancing is great for fitness, co-ordination, balance and memory, and many people form great friendships through the classes.
I teach in Pakenham and Cranbourne.
The Pakenham class is held in the hall where the library is, corner of John and Henry Streets. The Cranbourne class is held at the Senior Citi-
zen’s Hall corner of Codrington Street and the South Gippsland Highway.
Both of the nights have beginner and advanced rock ‘n’ roll classes open to all with no partner required.
Between classes some of the popular line dances are taught as well.
Rockn’ Suzies also runs a monthly charity dance at the Pakenham Hall which has been running for 20 years now.
A different band plays each month which everyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to attend .
· For information call Sue on 5940 9791 or 0400 216 670.
Guru Nanak Lake, formerly known as Berwick Springs Lake was the subject of rife discussions that escalated to more dire straits after the attendance of extremists, with the local community still in limbo with the lack of answers. (On File)
Rockn’ Suzies dance classes have been going for 21 years.
Kid-Tastic Fridays brings fun to Southside Racing
This January, Southside Racing Pakenham is rolling out the ultimate summer family experience with Kid-Tastic Fridays. On 10 and 17 January, the racecourse will transform into a hub of excitement, promising fun for kids and adults alike. With free entry for kids under 17 and adults paying just $10, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy an action-packed day. Little ones can delight in face painting, pony rides, an animal farm, and kite flying. Thrill-seekers will love the scrambler ride, soccer darts, and on 17 January, dodgem cars will add to the excitement.
Got a group of mates? We’ve got fantastic Mini Marquee options to accommodate you - the perfect way to enjoy the festivities together in style!
While the kids play, adults can enjoy the atmosphere of live racing action and indulge in delicious offerings from a variety of food trucks. It’s the perfect chance to create lasting family memories, all while soaking up the summer vibes.
Mark your calendars and get ready for two unforgettable Fridays - because at Southside Racing Pakenham, fun is always on the agenda.
Kid-Tastic Fridays bring family fun to Southside Racing Pakenham.
2024 - YEAR IN REVIEW
What they said in 2024
“Theloveliestthingabouttheawardistheamount of people that we haven’t heard of for years who have seen it in the paper or heard about it, and they’ve rang up and congratulated us. You don’t look for congratulations, but it’s nice to get them.” - Lindsay Tharle, the OAM 2024 recipient, talks about receiving the award.
***
“It was not a very smooth life, but I think we met the right people. When I sent my son to that school, the principal offered me a job because they knew my previous learning. They also gave my son a scholarship. We struggled and we worked hard to pay for things. I once even delivered the Star’s papers.” - Vineetha Wijesuriya, Finalist of Citizen of the Year in the Casey Community Awards 2024, reflects on her immigration to Australia.
***
“In many cases, ministers don’t have freedom because they’re restricted by the orthodoxy at their organisations. I like the freedom that you have to be able to respond to different needs in different ways. And I think I’ve always been able to do that, as a minister. I also like the opportunity that it gives you to enter the lives of people, who otherwise wouldn’t be open to you. As a minister, people are accepting and well welcoming. And there’s a general level of accepting of a minister in the community, and I’ve always enjoyed that freedom.” - Former Hampton Park Uniting Church’s minister, Reverend Frederic Holland, talks about what he likes the most about being a minister in his retirement.
***
“I spent 50 years without a bike. Because my father was dead against me having a motorbike, and when I lost my licence, he said that maybe
you should sell it and get rid of it. And then I got married and had family and grandchildren. Then I retired last year and had nothing to do. My wife said, well, you know, go and buy yourself a bike. Good idea, and this is great. I love coming along here and just talking to anyone and just talking rubbish.” - Max, a member of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC) Mornington Peninsula group, tells his story with motorbikes and with the club.
***
“Everything in council is bureaucracy. There is no logic. There is no simple way of doing things. They put blocks in my way. I’ve had to find ways around the blocks that they create. It shouldn’t be so difficult. The council lacks decision-making. They won’t make decisions because they’re afraid to take risks or afraid to do things.” - Tom Kapitany, a candidate for the 2024 Casey Council October Election, talks about why he decided to run.
***
“I gave it to the tribespeople, and they quickly fiddle around with these beautiful things hanging in their ears. To take them there it’s not like just getting a taxi, you have to go on a canoe for weeks through the jungles. You’ll often stop at gunpoint. It’s like a Rambo movie in the sense when you go down the river. Because it’s like in the middle of nowhere, and the middle of nowhere requires special transportation. I have been threatened twice, but I was so passionate to do it again and again.” - Vince Manna, a Keysborough craftsman for the past 50 years, talks about him making the snakewood into earrings in Melbourne and taking them to where he found the wood in the Amazon region of South America.
Lavinia (left) and Lindsay Tharle, the OAM 2024 recipients. (385346)
Vince Manna, a Keysborough craftsman for the past 50 years. (Supplied)
Tom Kapitany, a candidate for the 2024 Casey Council October Election. (Supplied)
Max, a member of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC) Mornington Peninsula group. (415946)
Vineetha Wijesuriya, finalist of Citizen of the Year in the Casey Community Awards 2024. 389390
Rev Ric Holland Minister at Hampton Park Uniting Church speaks at his retirement. (390737)
2024 - YEAR IN REVIEW
Fire sparks questions
By Violet Li
An ironic nightmare in Clyde North occurred in early 2024 when a residential fire just opposite the undelivered Clyde North Fire Station destroyed eight garages and one townhouse in early March.
When owners realised the proximity of the could-have-been-there fire station, they were left wondering if the reality would be any different.
The damaged site on Spartan Avenue was less than 400 metres from the proposed station site.
FRV’s Cranbourne senior station officer and United Firefighters Union delegate, Geoff Barker, who was at the fire rescue, said at the time that if the Clyde North Fire Station had been built, it would have significantly minimised the property loss.
He recalled that it took some 10 minutes for the fire trucks to arrive on the scene, which was unacceptable by both FRV and CFA standards.
“By the time the fire trucks arrived on the scene at 8.21am, some 10 minutes after response, the fire had destroyed eight garages, a number of cars, one townhouse and damaged seven others,” he said.
About a month before the fire, one of the union members for Cranbourne Fire Station had talked with the paper about his frustration at the failure to deliver the promised fire station as it posed operational difficulties to Cranbourne Fire Station.
The proposed Clyde North Fire Station was first identified in 2009. FRV announced the site for Clyde North’s fire station nearly four years ago, which would be situated on the corner of Matterhorn Drive and Thompson Road.
Originally, it was estimated that work was expected to begin in 2021 and finish in 2023.
By the time the Clyde North fire engulfed the houses, the construction had not commenced.
Freda, who lost the townhouse her family had
been residing in for only two years to the fire, told the paper that she remembered when she called Triple 0, it was mentioned there was a nearby fire station, so she was expecting sirens straight away.
She later searched for the nearby fire station and saw there was a plan for a fire station just one road across her house.
“But that’s been a long-time plan,” she said.
“I was surprised when I read that piece of information.
“I’m not being political or something. I think this party has failed the people of Clyde North because this has been like a plan for the longest time for a fire station to service Clyde North.”
Berwick MP - and now opposition leaderBrad Battin commented at the time that immediate action had to be taken to finally get the emergency service infrastructure built in Clyde North before more events like this occurred.
“Sadly, we are no longer talking about what could happen, but what is happening due to the
absolute failure and incompetence of years of Labor government’s inaction in Clyde North,” he said.
An FRV spokesperson said at the time that the planning for Clyde North Fire Station was complete.
“FRV will communicate a timeframe for construction once it is established. FRV and CFA continue to ensure the local community is provided with a high level of service,” they said.
This view from Laker Blvd showed the rear of the properties. (392643)
The view along Lobos Lane in Clyde North showed the damage to multiple garages. This is when some parts started to collapse. (Gary Sissons: 392643)
Mid-season guns in CCCA
By Jonty Ralphsmith and David Nagel
It’s been a funny old season in CCCA Premier Division to date with fresh faces dominating with the ball and a battalion of experienced batters showcasing their talents with the willow. For what it’s worth, here are our selections for the CCCA Premier Division Mid-Season Team of the Year.
Daniel McCalman - Merinda Park
344 runs at 43. High Scores: 181, 54, 54. Has played a lone hand for many years at Merinda Park and while there have been glimpses of improvement this season, they have generally been batting around McCalman. Playing through pain, his steady 180 against Kooweerup had teammates, neutrals and opponents singing his praises. The consistent cog seems to have somehow found another level this season.
Trevor Bauer – Clyde
295 runs at 42.14. High Scores: 116, 52. Has a century and a half century this season which have made up the bulk of his runs, but the first-year Clyde skipper had made a habit of blunting the new ball and seeing off the opening spell even when dismissed without getting away on the scoreboard. That’s exactly what you want from your opening batter, and the Cougars will hope he gets rewarded going forward. Plays straight and doesn’t get flustered which provides belief that a strong second half of the season is on the horizon.
Josh Lownds – Tooradin
281 runs at 56.2. High Scores: 65*, 54 10 wickets at 20. Best Bowling: 2/21
Hasn’t been as dominant with bat and ball this season, but is still building nicely towards another season of note. It was a tough choice between Lownds and Chris Cleef and Mark Cooper for this spot in our side, but Lowndsy gets the nod courtesy of his consistency with bat and ball. His most recent five hits read 54, 65*, 40, 35* and 44*, while he has taken wickets in six games this season.
Chris Bright – Kooweerup 443 runs at 88.6. High Scores: 205, 68, 64, 62
Gave up the gloves this season to dedicate more energy to his batting and it’s worked in spades, with ‘Wombat’ 99 runs clear at the top of the Premier Division runs list. Has made three half centuries this season, but his spectacular 205 not out in Kooweerup’s epic run-chase against Merinda Park in round four has been spoken about widely as one of the greatest innings ever played in the WGCA/CCCA.
Shiran Rathnayake – Kooweerup
323 runs at 46.14. High Scores: 102, 61, 58 15 wickets at 18.27. Best Bowling: 6/106 Kooweerup’s Phillip Island recruit has captured the attention of the competition this season as an organised middle order batter with so much time at the crease. Always scores in the vicinity of a run a ball and his arrival at the crease immediately transfers pressure back onto the bowling team. His spinners have also caused confusion amongst opposition batters, sitting equal third on
CASEY CARDINIA CRICKET ASSOCIATION PREMIER DIVISION - MID-SEASON TEAM OF THE YEAR
the wicket-taking list this season.
Dominic Paynter – Pakenham 272 runs at 68. High Score: 164
The former Pakenham skipper played his best innings since his return from retirement last season in round seven, scoring a run-a-ball 164 in the middle-order for Pakenham against Kooweerup. The hard-hitter did it against arguably Pakenham’s biggest rivals for the premiership and has also had a few handy cameos in tandem with Zac Chaplin during tricky chases to start the season.
Bradey Welsh – Tooradin (wk)
151 runs at 30.2. High Score: 66*
Started the season with positive signs before a quieter period going into Christmas but still has the best record of all ‘keepers in the competition. Has the proactive intent you want from a middleorder bat which has been needed at times for an at-times floundering Cardinia top-order, and is proven and experienced with the gloves.
Tyler Evans - Tooradin
Demons under the
By David Nagel
Kooweerup’s quest for a remarkable ninth Premier Division title since 2010 is about to get serious on Saturday as the Demons square off against their biggest rivals over the three cricket days in January.
The Demons - currently fourth - host archrivals Cardinia this week before back-to-back visits to Tooradin and Pakenham complete the one-day facet of their season.
Lose all three, or maybe even two of those high-level contests, and the Demons will more than likely have a unique and unusual view from outside their comfort space of the top four.
But that’s not the way they think at Denhams Road.
It’s more like “let’s win all three and put our undeniable stamp on the competition.”
It’s been that way for years for players like Chris Bright, Jess Mathers, Luke McMaster and Steven Dillon; who have provided the backbone for recent success.
That structure has been added to this season, with Phillip Island all-rounder Shiran Rathnayake becoming an instant hit in the competition,
while
contributions
certainly have the weaponry
19 wickets at 17.05. Best Bowling: 5/74
Tooradin has been without express paceman Brad Butler this season which has put the onus on others to intimidate upfront and Evans has risen to the challenge. The high point of his season so far was a round seven spell against Cardinia which yielded figures of 4/35 at less than two runs per over, and five wickets against Devon Meadows in round four also highlights his consistency.
Ankush Rana – Clyde 17 wickets at 16.18. Best Bowling: 4/22
A big part of Clyde’s resurgence after a difficult start, Rana created plenty of chances in the early part of the season and has led the way in a couple of strong Cougars bowling performances. Has taken four wickets in each of his last three games, against Upper Beaconsfield, Merinda Park and Pakenham, and looms as a big threat as the Cougars look to push towards finals.
Connor O’Riordan – Tooradin 15 wickets at 9.87. Best Bowling: 4/23
Perhaps a surprise selection, but has shot up the wicket-taking chart and has done it as a player not blessed with unbelievable amounts of pace or seam. His discipline, work rate and ability to bowl to plans frustrates batters and many have succumbed to the pressure. Offers something a little bit different and is one who has plenty of upside in his first season of First XI cricket.
Jordan Seers – Pakenham 15 wickets at 13.13. Best Bowling: 4/29
The young leg-spinner only turned 22 earlier this week and is slowly but surely gaining the experience and knowledge required to become a consistent deliverer of the hardest skill in the game. Leggies don’t grow on trees, and new captain Jack Anning knows what he has at his disposal, providing Seers with ample opportunity to showcase his skills this season. He averages 13.13, at an economy rate of 3.28 runs per over, that’s very impressive stuff for a young leggie.
but, as it currently sits, have only had wins against the bottom three teams on the ladder.
Cardinia, led by former Kooweerup premiership captain Mark Cooper, will be dead keen to keep it that way on Saturday!
Cooper knows every blade of grass at Denhams Road, and the dangers that the Demons present, so it will be very interesting to see how he sets up on the weekend.
Chris Bright and McMaster, in particular, love the tiny square boundaries on their home deck and will have the radar dialled in that direction.
Can Cooper keep his nerve with field settings and, more importantly, can his bowlers support him with a steady line and length.
They will, but not for long enough…it’s the Demons to win handsomely.
In the other highlighted game this week, Clyde and Devon Meadows will battle it out for fifth position at Clyde.
The Cougars have been in ripping form of late, downing Devon Meadows, Merinda Park and Pakenham prior to the Christmas break.
Skipper Trevor Bauer (116), Praveen Perera (107), Kane Avard (67) and Teddy Fonseka (62) have all contributed half centuries or better through that winning run, while Ankush Rana has taken 12 wickets (4, 4 and 4) in his last three games.
This is a huge game for both clubs; but we’ll go for the Cougars to get the choccies at home.
In other games, Pakenham should bounce back to the winners’ list on a visit to Merinda Park, while Upper Beaconsfield will be no match for Tooradin when the Maroons roll out the welcome mat at Stoney Creek Road.
TIPS – ROUND 9: KOOWEERUP v Cardinia, Upper Beaconsfield v TOORADIN, Merinda Park v PAKENHAM, CLYDE v Devon Meadows (3pm).
Ayden Mills and Paul Bright are familiar faces making steady
with the bat. The Demons
Kooweerup skipper Chris Bright will look to lead from the front as the Demons take on a challenging stage of their season. (Stewart Chambers: 438535)
Ankush Rana has been a crucial member of Clyde’s bowling lineup. (Stewart Chambers: 445254).
Thrills and spills in District
By David Nagel
What an exciting team the CCCA District MidSeason Team of the Year would be with a fivepronged pace attack mixed with a very hard-hitting batting order.
It’s a mouth-watering prospect, with a mix of grit and determination also thrown in with bat and ball to help balance the ledger.
Here’s the starting XI we’ve selected from performances prior to Christmas.
Chathura Imbulagoda – Officer
468 runs at 93.6. High Scores: 150, 101, 97
He’s not only at the top of the order, but also the first player picked in the CCCA District Division Mid-Season Team of the Year. Imbulagoda has had a magnificent season to date, scoring 138 more runs than any other player in the comp, with individual scores of 150, 101 and 97 giving an indication of his fire-power. His Officer captain Cooper Pursell admits it is Imbulagoda’s deeds at the top of the order that have provided the platform for some huge post-tea batting sessions this season.
Michael Nell - Emerald
254 runs at 36.29. High Scores: 97, 77*
If we picked this team with recency bias in mind, then Nell would not be selected. His recent form has dropped away, making it easy to forget that his season started with scores of 97, 43 and 77 not out. Aside from Imbulagoda, that’s a run of form that nobody can match across three innings, and the reason why he opens the batting with ‘Chad’ in the MSTOTY. Nell will also take the gloves.
Kasun Balasuriya - Carlisle Park
310 runs at 62. High Scores: 119*, 80
Only three players have made more than 300 runs in District Division this season, and Kasun is one of them. Started the season poorly, with 60 runs at an average of 20 across his first four games, but has quickly made amends. Has scores of 119 not out, 25, 80 and 26 across his last four hits to be one of the in-form players in the competition.
Ash Smith - Officer
174 runs at 58. High Scores: 61, 50*
It would be quite easy to pick his Officer teammate Jaswinder Gill ahead of him, but we’ve se-
CASEY CARDINIA CRICKET ASSOCIATION DISTRICT DIVISION - MID-SEASON TEAM OF THE YEAR
lected the former Bullants’ skipper for his rocksolid temperament through the middle order. Imbulagoda and Gill have come out blazing this season, allowing Smith to play his more defensive game throughout the mid to latter overs. Has put together consecutive knocks of 43, 61 and 50 not out to prove himself one of the most reliable players in District.
Oshadha Ariyadasa - Lang Lang
266 runs at 33.25. High Scores: 88, 75
The Lang Lang skipper has been the standout batter for his team this season, although his recent form has lacked a little consistency. Really delivered when the Swamp Tigers needed him most in rounds three (88) and five (75), with those two knocks almost guaranteeing him a place in this year’s team. He has also made three solid
starts, all in the 20s…so his post-Christmas prospects look promising as well.
Syed Akbar Shah - PUT
330 runs at 55. High Scores: 101, 100* 6 wickets at 25.5. Best Bowling: 2/31
Wow, where did this bloke come from! He was simmering along okay with 101 runs from his first four hits before he exploded into action in rounds six and seven. His highest score of 101 included eight boundaries and 10 sixes, before backing that up with 100 not out from just 82 balls against Carlisle Park. Shah hit an incredible 154 runs in boundaries or sixes across both innings. Handy to have at number six!
Cooper Pursell - Officer
15 wickets at 16.93. Best Bowling: 4/19
103 runs at 103. High Score: 72*
Seems to be flying under the radar compared to his usual standards, but the Officer skipper still has serious claims to being the number-one all-rounder in District Division this season. Has taken 15 wickets, without really hitting his straps, while his 72 not out in a fiery clash against NNG/ Maryknoll reminded us all of just how good this bloke could be. Already deserves his place; but our tip is he will dominate in both forms of the game after Christmas.
Devon Gabriel-Brown - Officer
17 wickets at 12.35. Best Bowling: 7/16
Much like a batter making a double-century, one performance in particular has earned Gabriel-Brown his spot in the starting XI. His combined figures against Lang Lang in round four were 11/41 from 20 overs, which included seven maidens. Has also taken multiple wickets in his last two games and is looming large come finals.
Raja Sadiq - PUT
23 wickets at 12.65. Best Bowling: 6/20
How can you leave out the number-one wicket-taker in the competition, with 23 wickets to his name? The Yabbies are proving a tough nut to crack this season and Sadiq is a major reason why. He has two six-wicket hauls to his name and has also taken two wickets on five other occasions. His partnership with Ben McLeod could take the Yabbies to the Promised Land this season!
Jaan Balasuriya - Carlisle Park
20 wickets at 12.35. Best Bowling: 5/64
Balasuriya is the only bowler in District to have taken a one-fa, two-fa, three-fa, four-fa and five-fa in 2024/25. Has been remarkably consistent, shouldering the bulk of the Vikings’ bowling load. Has dangerous pace and a well-disguised short ball that often catches batters unaware. Is the key to the Vikings maintaining their current fourth-placed ranking.
Ben McLeod - PUT
18 wickets at 13.72. Best Bowling: 5/43
One of our favourites at the Gazette who played lower grades for some time before reapplying himself and now showing what he is genuinely made of. Is not quick, but is very accurate and disciplined with his attack, forcing opposition batters into mistake. Has a big heart and will not take a backward step in finals.
Sixers surrender as Emerald and Carlisle Park lock horns
By David Nagel
Emerald will look to put its name forward as a potential finalist when the Bombers welcome Carlisle Park to Chandler Reserve in a new-look CCCA District Division on Saturday.
Only seven teams remain in the second tier of CCCA cricket after a battling Melbourne Sixers were allowed to forfeit the remainder of its season.
The Sixers were struggling to fill their commitments to the District competition with CCCA President Ben Knowles made aware of their plight in the early rounds of the season.
Knowles gave the Sixers until the completion of round seven to either pull the pin or keep playing, with the Sixers deciding to end their time in District as a consequence.
They forfeited their round eight clash against NNG/Maryknoll prior to Christmas…meaning all seven remaining clubs will bank winning points when scheduled to play the Sixers in the second half of the season.
Outrights wins over the Sixers by NNG/ Maryknoll (R4), Pakenham Upper/Toomuc (R5) and Officer (R7) have been adjusted by the CCCA; with those wins now worth 12 points instead of the maximum 20.
An in-form Pakenham Upper/Toomuc has the bye this Saturday while the Bombers and Vikings battle it out in the big one.
Carlisle Park will go in as favourites this week after piecing together some fine form prior to the break. The Vikings most recent win against Cranbourne Meadows was undoubtedly their best win of the season, with Ben Perry, Dave Nutting and Kasun Balasuriya delivering with the bat after Perry, Jaan Balasuriya and Ethan Davies had ripped the Rebels to pieces with the ball.
The Balasuriya boys have led the way for the Vikings this season, while Perry looms large with finals just around the corner.
But first the Vikings need to get there, and de-
feating the Bombers on Saturday will go a long way towards reaching that target.
The batting of the Bombers has fallen away in recent times with no player making a 50 since Michael Hoban (61) and Owen Thorne (54) did so all the way back in round five.
Club stalwart Clinton Marsh top-scored with 22 not out, batting at legs-eleven last start, and you can’t win games of cricket like that.
It’s the Vikings to extend their margin in fourth place on the ladder.
In other games this week, Cranbourne Mead-
ows should reclaim second place with a strong win at home over Lang Lang, while top-of-thetable Officer will look to put a dent in Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll’s finals chances at Rob Porter Reserve.
The Marygoons batted well against the Bullants in round five, making an even 300, but then failed to make inroads as Chathura Imbulagoda (150), Kuldeep Sidhu (55) and Ash Smith (43) guided Officer (9/398) to victory.
The round five contest did not end on friendly terms, with Marygoon’s bowler Troy Ferguson
deciding to Mankad Bullants’ number-10 Devon Gabriel-Brown.
Officer skipper Cooper Pursell (72 not out) and number-11 Dan Irvine (8 not out) then made the Marygoon’s pay…batting on for the full 80 overs despite having secured the victory. A fired-up and switched on Officer will win again.
TIPS – ROUND 9: CRANBOURNE MEADOWS v Lang Lang, Emerald v CARLISLE PARK, OFFICER v NNG/Maryknoll Bye: Pakenham Upper/ Toomuc.
Jaan Balasuriya will cause Emerald’s top-order some headaches when Carlisle Park visits Chandler Reserve on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 438651)
Officer opener Chathura Imbulagoda has been the standout batter in CCCA District Division this season. (Stewart Chambers: 438651)
