News - Cranbourne Star News - 16th January 2025

Cooking up a storm

With cream of vegetable soup, salads from coleslaw, beetroot carpaccio, herb focaccia and carrot and zucchini fritters, it didn’t take long for the aroma of a hearty and nutritious meal to fill the kitchen at Hallam Primary.

On a December morning, children from as young as seven took the mantle of chefs, guided not just by elder students, but by the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and VicHealth, who announced a $2.7 million partnership.

With the funds set to be invested throughout the next three years, the partnership aims to give children at more than 500 Victorian schools, such as Hallam Primary, the learning foundations of fresh and healthy food.

Stephanie Alexander, the founder of the not-for-profit was present during the event, and while 20-plus years into the path, remained filled with love and purpose as she guided the younger cooks.

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Law and webpage content were later detected by the community members. The information on the webpage was revised in early 2025 to align with the Local Law, which requires permits only under specific conditions, such as nuisance caused by recreational vehicles or more than two unregistered vehicles.

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Residents remain concerned about the Local Law’s lack of exemptions for large rural properties and perceived overreach. Local residents have been arguing for clearer, common-sense regulations and are worried about the financial motives behind permit fees, which range from $150 to $473.

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Adna,

other students

busy with her hands

got to making the coleslaw salad that was soon to be served with the other meals. (Stewart Chambers: 449743)

Search underway for Debbra

By Sahar Foladi

Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information as their concern grows for missing woman Debbra McKenzie.

The 41-year-old was reported missing to police on New Year’s Eve by a person she had been in a relationship with. The status of the relationship remains unknown.

She was initially believed to be last seen on Christmas Eve at the Springfield Crescent in Hampton Park in which she resided with her associates but police have established the last confirmed sighting of Debbra was at the same property on Tuesday 17 December about 3.30pm.

Detective Senior Sergeant, Jarrod Dwyer from Casey Crime Investigation Unit said Debbra left the address without any belongings, does not own a phone and her bank account remains untouched.

“Detectives are concerned for her welfare as ongoing enquiries have confirmed Debbra hasn’t attended an appointment for regular medication and hasn’t accessed money from her bank account, since she was last seen.

“We’ve investigated every available bit of information that has come in. We have no reason to believe at this point any significant threats were made against her.

“It’s very unusual for someone not to access money particularly if they’re disappearing of their own free will.

“We have no evidence of any foul play but the fact that she has been missing for four weeks, we have been unable to identify anybody who’s seen her in that period of time concerns us greatly.”

Detective Dwyer said: “The associates have

been helpful, they have been somewhat reluctant to provide us full information due to previous interaction with the police where I believe they have some level of distrust towards us.

“They may believe we have some ulterior motives, that’s certainly not the case, we simply making sure she’s okay.”

The unusual circumstance where Debbra lacks digital footprint leads police to rely on word of mouth according to detective Dwyer, making it crucial for the public to report any big or small information to be investigated.

As part of the investigation detectives and police have spoken with the family and last known associates of Debbra, however these enquiries have not been able to establish a clear motive or reason for her disappearance.

According to detective Dwyer, Debbra was somewhat estranged from her family and they had not heard from her before her birthday last year.

Although Debbra has been known to frequent the suburbs of Doveton, Dandenong and Hampton Park and is known to have associates in New South Wales, it is unclear where she might have been headed.

“We’ve had some cooperation from New South Wales Police, they checked known associates in Southern NSW but at this stage we haven’t located her or any information.

“We are hopeful (she is alive).”

Debbra is described as about 175cm tall, with a slim build and black, shoulder length hair.

A CCTV footage of Debbra is released by the police walking along Springfield Crescent in Hampton Park on Tuesday 17 December and walking in the vicinity of Dandenong Plaza on Monday 16

about 5.10pm - the day before she was last seen.

Suspicious Springvale fire under investigation

Taskforce Lunar detectives are investigating a fire at two tobacco shops in Springvale.

It’s believed offenders arrived at the Buckingham Avenue stores just before 2am on Thursday, 9 January in a white Toyota Hiace van.

The exact circumstances are still being established, however two neighbouring stores were set alight before the offenders left the scene.

A resident of one of the apartments above the stores called triple zero (000) with police and Fire Rescue Victoria attending shortly after.

All residents of the 20 apartments above the stores had to be evacuated as a result of the fire.

An arson chemist attended the scene and it was understood the building had sustained significant structural damage.

No one was physically injured during the fire.

Police were treating the fire as suspicious and detectives from Taskforce Lunar were appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or with any other information about the fire, to come forward.

Investigators also believed an attempted arson at the same stores on 7 October last year was also linked.

Detective Inspector Graham Banks urged any witnesses with any information to come forward.

“Early this morning we saw 20 residential properties evacuated as a result of this fire – that’s 20 homes filled with innocent people who potentially could have lost their life as a result of this reckless

act.

“We have been clear since these arson attacks started that it is only a matter of time before someone is killed directly because of one of these fires. Today we were very lucky but next time we may not be.

“We also have a large number of people who have had to find somewhere else to stay and will be anxiously waiting to hear what damage their homes sustained. It’s not fair and it’s not acceptable, and we are doing everything we can to find those responsible for both lighting and directing the fire.“

Taskforce Lunar was established in October 2023 to investigate serious and violent offending linked to organised crime groups involved in the illicit tobacco trade.

They are investigating more than 125 fires across Victoria, with the majority occurring at businesses involved in the sale of tobacco.

Detectives have arrested more than 100 people in connection with these fires, as well as a range of serious offending such as extortions, assaults and firearms incidents. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A vehicle still in one of the shops as the fire brigade cleans up. (Gary Sissons: 452864_02)

Time to check recycled water connection

South East Water is encouraging customers with homes connected to recycled water to conduct an annual check to make sure there’s no cross-connection with their drinking water.

More than 62,000 homes across Melbourne’s south east uses recycled water, including for washing clothes, flushing toilets and outdoor watering. South East Water general manager service delivery Tim Lloyd emphasised the importance of maintaining a safe connection to recycled water supplies. “While recycled water is safe, reliable and of high quality, it’s important for customers to check their supply to make sure there’s no cross-connection with drinking water,” he said.

“The check is especially needed if customers have undertaken plumbing, landscaping or renovation works on their property.”

Customers can identify a recycled water supply by its purple pipes, taps and meter. In new housing estates, these are installed at the time of a home’s construction.

Check your recycled water connection in four steps:

1. Turn off the isolation valve at your drinking water meter. Leave the isolation valve at the purple recycled water meter turned on.

2. Turn on all sink, bath and shower taps (hot and cold) one-by-one. All taps should run dry in 5 to 10 minutes depending on the size of the property.

3. After the taps have run dry, flush all toilets. They should refill as normal.

4. Turn on all outdoor taps. All outdoor drinking water taps (if you have them) should run dry, while the purple recycled water taps should continue to flow. If you continue to have water gushing from your drinking water taps after the isolation valve has been isolated for 10 minutes you may have a cross connection. This is where the 2 water supplies are connected to the wrong outlets.

Customers who suspect a recycled water cross-connection with their drinking water are urged to contact a South East Water Recycled Water Officer on 03 9552 3219 or 13 28 12 outside of business hours.

December,

She was last seen wearing black leggings and a white striped top.

Anyone who sights Debbra is urged to call Triple Zero (000) or with information about her whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Debbra McKenzie was last seen wearing black leggings and a white striped top.

Kerfuffle over permit info

By By Violet Li

Information on Casey Council’s website which was later found to have “inconsistencies” caused widespread confusion and anger over the Christmas break. Subsequent awareness of the municipality’s private land use permits set off another wave of backlash at what activities are allowed on private properties.

How did it start and escalate?

The saga started when, on 23 December last year, Devon Meadow landowner Tom Kapitany shared a screenshot of Casey Council’s webpage that contained information on what activities require a permit on private land use in Casey, which he described as “a massive money grab by the former administrators”. The information at the time quickly whipped up a backlash over the Christmas period as locals found it outrageous that they needed a permit when storing or repairing a recreational vehicle, storing a shipping container (up to 90 days), storing unregistered vehicles (up to 90 days), putting up temporary dwellings (no more than 14 days in any 60-day period), and dismantle, repair or service vehicles on private land (non-commercial).

A petition to “abolish the permit requirement for private land use in the City of Casey” was then launched. At the time of the writing, it has gained close to 15,000 signatures. Several YouTube videos that criticised the permit were widely circulated on social media. The controversy mainly centred on the belief that residents had to pay for a permit to change the oil and refill the water for their cars or park caravans and motorcycles on their private properties.

On 31 December last year, almost a week after the social media storm, Casey Council released the first media release to count.

“Over recent days there has been some inaccurate information published online regarding Council’s Private Land Use Permit,” it stated.

“To clarify and reassure our community, this permit is part of the Casey Community Local Law and designed to protect the health, peace and safety of our community.”

Casey Council also said its customer service team had been subjected to threatening behaviour as a result of inaccurate information in recent days.

The community members pointed out the “inaccurate information” was attributed to Casey’s own webpage. Eagle-eyed locals also highlighted that the multiple areas of information on the webpage were inconsistent with its origins, the Casey Community Local Law 2023.

According to the law, a person must not, except with a permit, use private land to dismantle, repair, or service vehicles or machinery in circumstances where the activity or use is detrimental to the amenity of the area in which the private land is located. The statement differs from the information on the webpage with an addition of a condition.

When it comes to the regulation of recreational vehicles like minibikes, motorbikes, and go-karts, an owner of private land must not, except with a permit, use a recreational vehicle on that private land. A person who uses a recreational vehicle must ensure that the use does not inconvenience, obstruct, hinder or endanger any person, cause damage to any property or cause a nuisance to the occupier of any neighbouring land. The law emphasises the usage instead of storage and repair of recreational vehicles on private land as stated on the webpage. A similar inconsistency applies to the regulation of temporary dwellings.

In terms of unregistered vehicles, the law specifies that a permit is needed when there are more than two unregistered vehicles on private land.

The first several days of 2025 saw Casey Council gradually revising the webpage until the wording eventually synchronised with the Local Law.

On 7 January this year, Casey Council released the second and the third statement where it acknowledged that the wording on its website contained inconsistencies which had contributed to confusion, misinformation and concern across the community.

“Our residents do not need a permit to do minor maintenance on their car on private property, for example, an oil change or belt change,” it stated.

“You also don’t need a permit to park a caravan on your property.”

When inquired by Star News, City of Casey acting manager Connected Communities Lee Hobbs said council officers were working to continue improving the webpage to make this clearer for the residents.

Anthony Tassone, vice president of community organisation Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association (CRRA), said such was the concern of some residents on the initial incorrect information that they thought it was an early April fool’s joke.

“Mistakes can happen. They shouldn’t happen, but they can happen,” he said.

“What was disappointing was that the City of Casey did not appear to own that mistaken error initially. In their statement on 31 December was an inference that there were residents themselves who were responsible for spreading inaccurate information published online.

“The main source of the inaccurate information was the City of Casey’s website itself.

“A main part of continuous quality improvement is accepting when errors have been made.

“They need to own a mistake, review how it happens, and do whatever they can to ensure it doesn’t repeat because it has caused a lot of angst, concern, and confusion.” What are the concerns now?

Mr Tassone said there remained areas of concern for residents regarding what was in the Local Law since the webpage information had been corrected, updated, and clarified.

The requirement for a permit for using recreational vehicles on private land has been particularly of concern.

“The Casey Local Law does not differentiate or make exemptions based on land size,” Mr Tassone said.

“The City of Casey is a diverse community, particularly the southern parts of our municipality where there’s green wedge and semi-rural acreage and farmland. Private landowners may live on large properties and don’t feel that it’s necessary that they should be expected to get a permit to use a recreational vehicle because they’re not causing any disturbance or nuisance to any neighbours or anyone else.”

Mr Tassone also questioned the free-ofharm condition of servicing and repair of vehicles on private land.

“It does seem bizarre that a resident can obtain a permit to service, repair, or maintain a vehicle if the activity is having a detrimental impact on the amenity of the property,” he said.

“Rather than requiring someone to get a permit, why don’t you just not allow them to do it?

“Rather than allow rather than requiring everyone to get a permit to use a recreation vehicle on private land, if they’re being a nuisance and impacting the amenity of the area, why don’t they directly address those particular instances which would be the exception?”

Mr Tassone said CRRA was aware that the purpose of the Casey Community Local Law 2023 was to “provide peace and order, provide an environment free from hazards and prevent nuisances” which might affect the quality of life and enjoyment of residents.

“The City of Casey needs to ensure the balance is right without creating unnecessary red tape, intrusion, and cost burden for residents to use their private land,” he said.

“This would need a review of the existing Local Law which the CRRA would welcome and participate in consultation.

“The CRRA is committed to working with the City of Casey to help best inform this.” What is Local Law?

The permit concerns circled back to the intention, the interpretation, and the enforcement of the Local Law.

City of Casey acting manager Connected Communities Lee Hobbs said the council was not attempting to tell people what they could and couldn’t do on their private land through the Local Law.

He highlighted that a permit was only required in circumstances where the activity or use is detrimental to the amenity of the area in which the private land is located.

“The intention of the Casey Community Local Law is to support the peace, health, safety, and wellbeing of our community. Some clauses within the Local Law require a permit from the council for an activity to be undertaken,” he said.

“The aim of local law permits is not to restrict activities unnecessarily but to ensure they are managed in a way that minimises disruptions or harm to neighbours and the community.”

Mr Hobbis explained that the council’s involvement with a private land permit started with complaints and the final application of a private land use permit is on a case-by-case basis.

“Typically, the way the council would approach a private land permit is firstly when a resident contacts the Council to make a complaint or to inform the council that a property is impacting their peace or wellbeing,” he said.

“Some examples might include hoarding multiple cars on private property, untidy properties with car shells, car parts and other machinery, illegal mechanics operating from a private property causing a lot of noise or creating hazards, people living in caravans on private property for extended periods of time, this can cause a nuisance to neighbours and environmental health issues.

“Shipping containers located in the front yard of a private property obstructing views and creating hazards.

“Council officers will then contact the property owner to investigate. If it is discovered that an activity is causing detrimental impact to the peace, health, safety and wellbeing of neighbours or the local amenity, council will work with the property owner to find

the best outcome for both the property owner and the neighbours. It will be at this stage that a Private Land Permit will be discussed.”

Casey Council revealed that from July 2023 to December 2024, a total of 20 private land use permits were issued in the City of Casey. No permits have been required or issued by the council in relation to servicing vehicles on private property.

What are the other concerns?

Devon Meadows landowner Tom Kapitany, who first made known the initial incorrect information on the council’s webpage, has been upfront about his criticism of how council officers apply the Local Law, given his history with Casey Council’s town planning team.

“It’s always about how the council officers apply the law. They can decide to act or not act,” he said.

“The problem is that there’s always so much overreach by council officers. They want to show people they’re doing their jobs. They want to show people they’re getting fines and making money and complying with green wedge regulations or other things.”

He said there should be a common sense approach to the application of laws.

Mr Kapitany believed financial want was behind the overreach he had personally experienced, and he had heard from other local landowners.

He said the pricing of the permits was a “pure money grab”.

Currently, the application fee for a permit is a non-refundable $150 plus. Permit for a recreational vehicle costs $150, long/heavy vehicle $473 per vehicle, shipping container $350, temporary dwelling $350, and unregistered vehicle $250 per vehicle.

Mr Kapitany said the former administrators should take the blame as the latest version of the Local Law was passed amid their reigns.

“My criticism of the administrators has always been that they don’t care about people. They care about money and finances,” he said.

“The administrators went around to any sort of money-grabbing exercise I possibly could imagine.

“They did anything that they could do to save the council money.

“What this council has done is just to find more ways to grab money from people to fill up the financial shortfall.”

When inquired, City of Casey acting manager Connected Communities Lee Hobbs said the private land use permits were not aimed at raising revenue from the residents.

“In 2023, the fees and charges for private land use permits were brought in line with the local government sector. Fees and charges are based on the administration and resources required to service the permit,” he said.

“This includes engagement with property owners and local neighbouring properties, reviewing required documentation and site plans and related administration.”

Devon Meadows landowner Tom Kapitany said the pricing of the private land use permits was a “pure money grab”. (Violet Li: 453756)

Anthony Tassone, vice president of community organisation Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association (CRRA).

Ready for clash

One of the fiercest rivalries in Melbourne football is heading to the City of Casey, with Melbourne City FC taking on Melbourne Victory at the A-League Women’s Derby on Saturday 1 February.

However, the stakes remain high, in a City versus Victory match-up, pride, bragging rights, and three crucial points are on the line during the clash with gates opening at 4pm and kick-off at 5pm.

Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen said that every year, football continues to grow in popularity among the city’s residents.

“I am a massive football fan and when I was growing up, I wanted to be the captain of the Soc-

ceroos,” he said.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t make it that far but I do play for my local club and just love the game.

“I encourage all lovers of sport to come along and cheer on their local heroes at Casey Fields.”

During the day and alongside the matchup, there will be a range of activities for everyone to enjoy, from Nostra Home’s face painting and kids colouring-in station to McDonald’s inflatable goals and Keepy Uppy Challenge.

There will also be a This Girl Can program session, a City merchandise van and giant games.

“The derby is not to be missed, so make sure

you mark 1 February in your diary, we look forward to seeing you there,” Koomen said.

The canteen will also be open and there will be a number of giveaways which include iced treats, teampostersandMacca’sminiballsafterthematch.

Once the game concludes, derby-goers can also meet the stars and grab some selfies, especially with City’s newest Matildas stars Bryleeh Henry and Leah Davidson leading the charge.

Tickets for the event are on sale, and for more information, visit events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/ liberty-a-league-women-s-melbourne-city-fc-vMVFC

Consultation conference for Veolia proposal

By Violet Li

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria has confirmed it will hold a consultation conference for the assessment of the Development Licence of the proposed Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station.

The date has not been pinned down yet.

The Conference of Interested Parties is a further consultation after the state’s environment watchdog’s consultation in the community late last year.

The conference will have an independent facilitator to gather the views and make recommendations to EPA. The recommendations will be considered alongside the written submissions from the community.

According to an email to the local community, the state organisation had received more than 600 submissions on the day of the closing of last year’s consultation.

“EPA continues to assess the Development Application from Veolia Recycling and Recovery Pty Ltd to develop a Waste and Resource Recovery Plant in Hampton Park,” a spokesperson of EPA Victoria said.

“Several community information sessions have already been held and EPA plans on holding a further Conference of Interested Parties in the near future.

“Details will be provided to the community as soon as they are finalised. EPA recognises the strong level of interest from the community regarding this project, which is reflected in the high volume of submissions which we are still working through.” Community organisations Lynbrook Residents

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting with the local community about the Development Licence application for the proposed waste transfer station next to the Hallam Road landfill. (Stewart Chambers: 348748)

Association and Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association have written to EPA and requested a minimum of four weeks of notice before the conference to allow residents time to prepare, an appropriate time after work hours or on a weekend to enable maximum attendance, formal invitations to local councillors and council planners, particularly those with decision-making powers, and translated ma-

IN BRIEF

Murder charge

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man following the death of a man in Dandenong last week.

Emergency services were called to McCrae Street after a man was located with serious upper body injuries just before 9.40am on Tuesday, 7 January.

The 49-year-old Dandenong man died at the scene.

Detectives arrested a 30-year-old Dandenong North man in Dandenong on 9 January. He was charged with murder and was set to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday 10 January.

Teenagers arrested Police arrested six teenagers in an allegedly stolen car following a collision in Hallam on 8 January.

Officers were called to reports of a two-vehicle collision out-bound on the Monash Freeway, between the South Gippsland Freeway and Belgrave-Hallam Road, shortly after 8.30am.

Members of the public watched as six children piled out of a badly damaged Nissan hatchback and attempt to flee the scene.

Bystanders managed to stop the uninjured teens from leaving the area until police arrived.

They took the four boys and two girls into custody where they would be interviewed.

The male driver of the second vehicle escaped injury however his vehicle sustained significant damage.

Checks soon revealed that the Nissan was allegedly stolen from a Gippsland address on 6 January.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Woman injured

A 93-year-old woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after it was believed she may have been struck by a reversing vehicle near Springvale Road in Mulgrave.

The driver of the car, a 54-year-old Dandenong man, stopped at the scene and has been interviewed by detectives.

Police have been told that the woman was walking in the vicinity of a doctor’s clinic when it is believed she may have been struck by the vehicle by around 12.15pm.

At this stage, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, with Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives still to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or with footage or urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Two face charges

Two teenage boys in Narre Warren were charged by the Southern Metro Region Crime Squad on Sunday 12 January for allegedly possessing drugs and a firearm.

Police were called to youths allegedly causing trouble at a Narre Warren shopping centre and arrested two males just after 1pm.

Officers searched a vehicle in the car park and allegedly located a knife, drugs, ammunition and a firearm.

A 17-year-old boy was charged with possessing a firearm, possessing a drug of dependence, two counts of handling stolen goods, possessing ammunition and other related offences and has been remanded in custody.

Another 17-year-old boy was charged with possessing a drug of dependence, resisting police and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and will appear at a children’s court at a alter date.

Train delays

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines were suspended on Tuesday morning (14 January) due to vandalism, the Department of Transport reported.

Buses were replacing trains between Oakleigh and Dandenong.

terials to make the consultation accessible to all residents.

Hallam Road landfill operator Veolia proposed to build a $27m commercial waste transfer station on the land adjacent to the landfill. Casey Council approved the planning permit in November last year. EPA is currently assessing a Development Licence application.

Gippsland V/Line services were terminating and originating at East Pakenham, with passengers asked to board the Metro replacement buses.

Metro Trains were continuing to run between Flinders Street and Oakleigh, Dandenong and East Pakenham and Dandenong and Cranbourne, with delays to these services.

Football giants are set to clash in Casey, with Melbourne City FC and Melbourne Victory duking it out at Casey Fields in early February. (Supplied)

We’re building the Metro Tunnel and there will be disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel. Work is underway with the fit out of five new underground stations at Anzac, Town Hall, State Library, Parkville and Arden. We’re now testing trains through the tunnel and fitting out the station interiors, making sure they operate smoothly, safely and they’re accessible to all. We’re also easing congestion by building better roads in Melbourne’s south east.

While we work, disruptions could affect your travel

Train disruptions:

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines 25 to 26 Jan

Road disruptions: Closed roads and ramps

McGregor Road, Pakenham 14 Jan to mid Mar

Bald Hill Road, Pakenham 8pm to 5am, 20 Jan to late Feb

Passengers change at Caulfield Station for Frankston Line trains to and from the city

Citybound entry ramp to Princes Freeway

Between Webster Way and Racecourse Road

Anzac Station

Inspiring leader’s legacy

After 42 years at Harrisfield Primary School, principal Meredith Iaconese was farewelled with a standing ovation at her final assembly on 20 December.

Students, families, staff, alumni, colleagues and long-time friends celebrated what the school described as a “legacy of teaching excellence, compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment”.

In 1982, Iaconese began what was expected to be a short-term appointment at Harrisfield after a serious accident involving two teachers outside school.

She ascended to principal in 2007.

On her final day at the school, she said it had been a “privilege” to be part of the community and share in the lives of so many families.

“WhenIfirstwalkedthroughthedoorsin1982, I was told by the deputy to remember I would get the most out of Harrisfield students with a spoonful of honey,” she recalled.

“It isn’t difficult to love our students because they are so warm, caring and responsive.

“The same can be said of the wonderful staff

who work collectively to provide the very best for all the students.”

Iaconese was said to be a staunch believer in the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”.

“She worked tirelessly to foster collaboration among teachers, families, and students, ensuring every child had the opportunity to grow in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment,” longtime friend and staff member Cathy O’Brien said.

She also urged everyone to “participate with enthusiasm” in school traditions such as twilight sports, Harmony Day dinners and graduation ceremonies.

Iaconese oversaw a transformation from “struggling school” to “success story” with curriculum upgrades, new modernized teaching methods and state-of-the-art buildings.

“Though her presence will be deeply missed, Meredith Iaconese retires knowing she has shaped a school culture rooted in excellence, respect, and the spirit of collaboration,” O’Brien said.

“Harrisfield Primary School bids farewell to a remarkable leader, forever grateful for the decades she dedicated to its success.”

Thumbs down

To those who think it’s ok to light fire pits on 20-plus degree evenings polluting the whole neighbourhood.

Thumbs down

To VicRoads for spelling Rythedale with two e’s on the first exit sign in bound and the next two signs spelled correctly Rythdale.

Thumbs up

To the petrol Gods for not jacking up the price of petrol for the school holidays!

Thumbs down

To potholes on Belgrave-Gembrook Road going towards Avonsleigh from Emerald just after the Woolworths.

Staff member Mr T pays tribute to beloved principal Meredith Iaconese. (451137)

Meredith Iaconese is bestowed with a wreath by student Ganicus. (451137)

A standing ovation for Meredith Iaconese (451137)

Meredith Iaconese with past student Luke at the farewell assembly. (451137)

After the tributes, Meredith Iaconese embraces a parent. (451137)

Meredith Iaconese is laden with farewell mementos. (451137)

With a ready smile, Meredith Iaconese addresses her final school assembly. (451137)

Running in honour of Peter

By Ethan Benedicto

A stalwart supporter of the runners, Peter Fleming was a beacon of positivity whenever his feet touched park grounds, and after his passing, there is no denying the lasting impact he has made to the runners and Parkrun as a whole.

On Saturday 11 January, at the early cusps of the morning, the weekly Parkrun at Wilson Botanical Park began in honour of Mr Fleming, where runners and walkers dedicated their morning to his support.

Patrick Herft, co-event director and one of the many runners who have chanced upon Peter’s cheers, said that his contributions have made him the group’s “unofficial cheerleader”.

“This Parkrun at Wilson Botanic has been going on for eight years and we start at 8am every Saturday, but he (Peter) leaves at 7.30am so he can meet us.

“He meets all the runners, going the opposite way, he’s been giving encouragement, doing high-fives and all that,” he said.

The day began at around 7.45am to ease the runners into their new routine, that is, running in the opposite direction, the same direction when Peter would cheer everyone on.

The morning was filled with people of all ages, eager to not only get their exercise in, but also to dedicate themselves and their hearts to a man who always had their backs.

“Peter did it rain, hail or shine you know?” Patrick said.

“He’s probably done it 46 out of 52 weeks in the year - the majority of the time, he was there.

“This parkrun was to create that atmosphere, to acknowledge what he was doing and keep that in his honour.”

Back in 2022, Star News spoke to Mr Fleming, where he revealed his love for all things running and walking.

At the young age of 90, he said that he began lacing up and taking to the tracks when he was 50, his passion for running ever growing after he picked up the hobby at the Tan in the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens.

However, his daily routine at Wilson Botan-

ical began 18 years ago, after he moved into the neighbourhood just 300 metres away from the park.

He visited the park on a daily basis, picking up rubbish and of course, enjoying the nature and outdoor exercise.

“I thought it was a beautiful place and shouldn’t be dirty,” he told Star News back in 2022.

“I clean it up, I take a bag and pick up the dog poo and the lolly wrappers.”

Patrick recalled that it was difficult to find someone in the group who didn’t know who Peter was, and this extends to the everyday person who would take their walks at the park.

However, there was always a soft spot for Peter when it came to the Parkrun, with Patrick recollecting that “he loved it and he loved

going the opposite way”.

“It was so he could see as many runners as he could, and he knew exactly who was who.

“We do two laps, and you would pass him on that second lap as well and he would say ‘keep going’ or ‘see you next week’.

“He knew the faces, he knew everyone, so we want to emphasise that that was his thing,” he said.

His passing was momentous, and something that Patrick said would be felt not just in the Parkrun group, but in the local community for a long time.

Back in 2022 and reflecting on his passion for running, he still took to the track even after his knee had been “playing up”, and when he discovered the park full of runners that one fateful Saturday morning, he discovered a new

way to enjoy his passion vicariously through the many participants.

“I decided to walk in the opposite direction and meet everyone who runs past,” he said then.

“I say, ‘good on you, keep it going’, I cheer them up and someone said once, ‘you got me out of bed this morning’.

“I know them by their faces, most of them give me a high five, it’s good at 90 to have a whole lot of friends.”

An official memorial service was set to be held on Tuesday 14 January, at 10am just off the north-western edges of the lake. For many, Pater’s presence was something that brought people together, making normal the everyday behaviour where everyone enlivens the park with that go-getter attitude.

The event volunteers after the successful finish were all smiles, having completed two laps of the park in honour of Peter. (Rob Carew: 453011_04)

Co-event director, Patrick Herft, ensured the participants were ready and explained the new course. (Rob Carew: 453011_02)

The runners had an energetic start, with the winner eventually being Clarence Ching (in yellow at the far right) with a time of 19 minutes and 19 seconds. (Rob Carew: 453011_01)

Cardinia Councillor Brett Owen and son Max (13) got ready for a very hot morning start. (Rob Carew: 453011_05)

Jossie Labuscagne (right) from South Africa has completed 158 Parkruns; she stood alongside Parkrun director Kerry Russell (left). (Rob Carew: 453011_07)

Rachael from Highett, she said that Peter Fleming was the reason that she came to the event. (Rob Carew: 453011_11)

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Tributes flow for a great man

By Ethan Benedicto

On the cool yet sunny morning on Tuesday 14 January, family, friends and many others who have been touched by Peter Fleming’s actions gathered at the western lakeside open space at Wilson Botanic Gardens in memorial of his life and his contributions.

Following the Parkrun event just the Saturday before, where over a hundred people took part in running a new route to commemorate Peter George Fleming’s impact on the group, the Tuesday morning memorial saw that same love in the air.

With the stage set at 10am, and the large trees providing ample shade, Reverend Tony Duncan began the service not by reciting a sermon but by singing ‘Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace’ instead alongside two of Peter’s grandchildren.

Love was a big part of Peter’s character, with son, Mark Fleming recounting that his father “was never threatened by other people’s achievements but rather experienced happiness in other people’s success”.

“His desire was to always encourage and empower people, to make others’ lives better and he lived for other people - he didn’t live for himself.”

Peter, born on 10 October 1932, was a person who found his connection with the outdoors, having spent time at his grandparents’ home in Parkdale and recalling fond memories of visits to the beach and their holiday home in Healesville.

Visits to his uncle’s farm in Mallee were frequent, and, according to Mark, after being subject to bullying, he became fond of exercise and sports such as swimming, rowing, athletics, boxing, gymnastics and football.

While he had struggled academically, it wasn’t until he found science that he found his footing, with son Robert Fleming saying that his father felt, in his later years, “that people who experienced failure themselves usually made better teachers”.

“Maybe that was why he wasn’t afraid to have a go and risked making mistakes,” he said.

It was Peter’s time at Geelong College from 1944 to 1949 when he joined the Exploration Society, where his love for nature grew exponentially.

He enjoyed bushwalks and hikes and by the age of 16, he became a member of Base Camp in the first successful attempt to climb Federation Peak in Tasmania; he also joined an expedition to explore the caves on the Nullarbor Plain for a month, and he became a volunteer search and rescue team member in the 1960s.

Before that, he was admitted to Melbourne University in 1950 under a science and teaching studentship; however, it was also the fated place where he met his future wife, Wenda Cordingley on his first day.

“His first day at university was memorable because he spotted a particularly lovely female fellow first-year student, he took note of her name and engineered an introductory conversation with her by the end of the day,” Robert said.

“Our father always described meeting our mother and calling her, then marrying her five years later as being the best life choice that he ever made.”

The outdoor escapades continued, now with Wenda along for the ride, the couple joined the Mountaineering Club; being devout Christians, they also joined the university’s Christian movement, and alongside Wenda’s family, attended the Avenue Presbyterian Church in Blackburn where he served as an elder and a youth group leader.

Fast forward a few decades in his later years, Jessica Zhao became his carer in 2019, an experience she coined as six years of feeling part of the family.

“Peter kept himself busy with promoting community well-being, it gave him meaning and made him feel good, and I’m sure many of you have come to know him through that,” she said.

“Through U3A, Peter was a champion for his running classes, he facilitated and participated in up to five classes regularly, and he always set up the house for the class in the morning.”

Speaking on his character, Jessica lamented that Peter, no matter the avenue, may it be through educational discussions or sport, “did not make enemies despite winning more often than losing”.

Encouragement was key and support towards others was key, where he was adamant that people “exist in their own unique ways” and that he was interested in “what makes a human, human, not what makes me different from you”.

Outside of his love for nature, Peter spent time learning about current affairs and was a regular donor to over 40 organisations for their development and charity work - ranging from humanitarian work and research to social justice, environmentalism, education and health.

“Regarding his relationship with individuals, many of you here would agree that Peter has a special way of connecting with others, he embraced diversity and wanted to help people engage in life,” Jessica said.

It was in 1955 when Peter was awarded the Bachelor of Science and a Diploma of Education, soon after finding himself teaching maths and science at Box Hill High School.

His teaching saw him travel to a number of different schools, from Mac Rob Girls’ High School to Nunawading High School until 1960, then Greythorn High School from 1961 to 1964.

From that point, both Peter and Wenda found a calling for overseas service, where on 5 January 1965, they departed with Anne, Robert and Mark for two years in East Africa.

“Our parents taught at a boarding school located around 30 kilometres southwest of Dar es Salaam and it was attended by over 600 male students from across Kenya and Tanzania,” Robert said.

“We lived on campus in a concrete house, it was very simple and a very simple way of lifechimpanzees constantly chattered at us while hanging in the jungle, occasionally lions growled at night, various lizards, snakes and armies of ants kept us occupied.

“For us kids, it was a carefree existence with a great deal of education, there were adventures and every term break we went on safari tours in our Citroen.”

It was also here where Peter scaled Kilimanjaro just after the birth of Sally in December 1965.

Soon after, the family returned to Melbourne, but of course, detours were a must and stops at New Delhi, Kathmandu, Calcutta, Bangkok and Singapore were made.

While returning to Melbourne saw the family make more adjustments to their lifestyle, they also found that they yearned for the outdoors more than ever.

This period of Peter’s life saw him endeavour in multiple avenues of work and roles, where in 1968 he was appointed as the Head of Department at Melbourne Secondary Teacher’s College.

In the 1970s, he was appointed as the Coordinator of Studies for Dip Ed at Melbourne State College, and just before the decade passed in 1979, he was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy with his thesis on the Interaction of Personality with Tertiary Teaching/Learning Method.

A year later in 1980, he was part of the first staff exchange between the University of Melbourne and the University of Oregon for seven months, with Wenda and Sally accompanying him.

From 1981 to 1994, he was appointed as the Director of Educational Development in the Family Medicine Programme (FMP) with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), which in 1993, he was awarded an Honorary Membership for.

Before all this, with the family’s return to Australia, it was evident that what would soon be a massive undertaking of learning from Peter would also be seen in his children.

“Robert Mark and I would go on extensive cycling expeditions,” Sally said.

“The family was also all actively involved in the life of St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, and our father and mother were a closely knit team.

“Both of them were environmentalists and conservationists, and from an early age, we were taught about the importance of appreciating and taking care of the environment and so on.

“We often went bushwalking on weekends, and in more recent times, Peter and Wenda decided to convert the swimming pool in their Berwick

home into a natural pond.”

After Peter retired in 1994, both he and Wenda went on a number of overseas trips before they settled in their final home in Berwick in 2006.

Once that project was finished, Peter took to the track and in his late thirties, running became the norm until his late eighties when his meniscus began to wear thin.

Then in 2013, Wenda passed, and it became a regular occurrence to see Peter taking on the Wilson Botanic Garden’s paths, greeting the Saturday runners as they went on their laps.

“This didn’t stop him from ploughing onwards around the park, especially when he walked in the opposite direction to the participants to encourage them along the way,” Sally said.

According to his daughter Anne, Peter found himself needing to be occupied, and it was then that he became heavily involved with Casey’s U3A, and was called to RMIT University to receive the Best Victorian U3A Class award in October 2024.

“If we hadn’t realised prior, it became apparent to the family that our father didn’t do anything by halves and that he was an all-or-nothing kind of man,” Anne said.

“It became a joke amongst the children that we needed to book an appointment to see him, and invitations to family events were sometimes declined by Peter due to his other commitments.

“Whether it was in his role as a secondary teacher, university lecturer, a trainer of the trainers of medical graduates, or involvement in U3A, Peter was always looking for ways to improve the experience of learning.”

In the present, much of Peter’s influence could be observed in his children and also in the wider family, with Laura Young, who spoke on behalf of all the cousins saying that Peter was a teacher not just in the “formal sense, but in the quiet everyday moments that shaped our lives”.

“He wasn’t the kind of person to stand at the front of the room giving lectures, he taught through actions by sharing what he loved and by showing us how to embrace the world around us,” she said.

A number of community tributes were also made, with one from David Hooke, and representatives from Casey U3A, Parkrun Australia and Wilson Botanic Park.

For the family, friends and the wider community, Peter is a man who will be sorely missed.

“In his quiet way, grandpa taught us to see the world with wonder and appreciation and to notice the small things that a lot of us will probably overlook,” Laura and the cousins said.

“As we reflect on all these memories we realise that grandpa wasn’t just someone who passed through our lives, but someone who encouraged us to be curious and to always keep learning and to never take life too seriously.”

The four children of Peter, from left, Sally Willig, Robert Fleming, Anne Lawry, Mark Fleming, spoke in length about their father. (Rob Carew: 453748_02)

Grandchild Laura Young spoke on her and the cousins’ experience with Peter as her husband supported her. (Rob Carew: 453748_08)

Jessica Zhao, Peter’s carer, spoke on her relationship with Peter, one that is filled with joy, learning and happiness. (Rob Carew: 453748_03)

Gifts flow to those in need

Connected Libraries (CL) ‘Deliver Joy’ Campaign received more than $5000 worth of gifts and non-perishable food items from community members in the lead-up to Christmas in 2024.

The campaign offered library members a way to pay it forward and help people doing it tough over Christmas.

The library also encouraged members to donate to the campaign instead of paying for existing charges on their library cards.

The local library does not charge overdue fines, but costs are recouped if a borrowed item is lost or damaged.

If members donate to the campaign, the library will then waive those fees.

More than $3,000 in charges were waived as part of the campaign.

The library partnered with six local charities, including The Andrews Centre, Cranbourne Information and Support Service (CISS), Cranbourne Food Truck, Transit Outreach Service, St Vincent De Paul Society - Berwick Soup Van and Manna4Life to ensure the donations were distributed to those who needed them most.

Judy, a volunteer at the Andrews Centre, said: “It has been a year like no other for people struggling to just put food on the table... your support, as we try to provide for the most disadvantaged, is greatly appreciated.”

Rebecca Ruffin, Soup Van coordinator at St Vincent De Paul Society, said: “Last month alone, our Berwick Soup Van provided over 2500 meals to people experiencing poverty and food insecurity in Casey… Your support truly makes a difference”.

CL chief executive officer Beth Luppino said Deliver Joy had been running for many years and every year they were overwhelmed by the generosity of the Casey community, especially given the current economic climate.

“Thanks to all our wonderful members who participated, we are grateful.”

Michelle from charity Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support and Kiara from Connected Libraries with donations from library members to the charity. (Supplied)

FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Kid-Tastic Fridays bring family fun to Southside

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 youthe 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 last-

Kid-Tastic Fridays bring family fun to Southside Racing Pakenham.

Education through food

By Ethan Benedicto

With cream of vegetable soup, salads from coleslaw, beetroot carpaccio, herb focaccia and carrot and zucchini fritters, it didn’t take long for the aroma of a hearty and nutritious meal to fill the kitchen at Hallam Primary.

On the morning of Monday 16 December, children from as young as seven took the mantle of chefs, guided not just by elder students, but by the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and VicHealth, who announced a $2.7 million partnership.

With the funds set to be invested throughout the next three years, the partnership aims to give children at more than 500 Victorian schools, such as Hallam Primary, the learning foundations of fresh and healthy food.

Stephanie Alexander, the founder of the notfor-profit was present during the event, and while 20-plus years into the path, remained filled with love and purpose as she guided the younger cooks.

“Well we think it’s absolutely central to living a good life,” she said.

“What we are showing is that even very young children are capable of enjoying these tasks, developing real skills, but also finding out all sorts of things that they’ve not experienced before - and they love it!

“I mean, it’s pleasurable, the fact that it’s hands-on, that they enjoy it and so they want to keep doing it, it’s creating a habit of life really.”

The Kitchen Gardening Program will see the $2.7 million spread out to 60 grants - 30 per year - allocated to schools between 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 financial years.

Focusing on schools in communities that need it the most, this grant will help cover the costs of a small-scale kitchen and garden equipment and or infrastructure, as well as membership for the program.

VicHealth CEO, Sandro Demaio, said that these kinds of partnerships are essential, echoing Alexander’s goals of educating through the act of cooking, and nurturing love for it through a form of creation through the children’s own hands.

“I’m incredibly proud, for more than 20 years Stephanie and her team have been doing amazing work and a program that is now national and

internationally recognised has come out of Victoria,” he said.

“It’s that partnership with VicHealth and this program, to continue to provide this connection to food and growing it, enjoying food and for kids across more than 400 schools participating, it’s a huge privilege.

“It’s important to know that the earlier you connect kids with food and cooking, understanding where it comes from, understanding how to prepare it, to share it and enjoy it, they’re going to get health benefits right across their lives.”

The foundation’s CEO, Cathy Wilkinson said that really, “It’s about connecting heads, hearts and hands so that children have those practical skills for life”.

“It’s the joy of watching someone grow in the garden, the understanding of how you prepare it

in the kitchen and then being able to bring that together in an incredible dish that they share.

“This partnership for us is significant, we’re aligned in values such as that focus on preventative health, the focus on protecting children from commercial detriments of health, and improving the resilience of our food systems,” she said.

Hallam Primary’s learning specialist, Louisa Carey has overseen the program in the school for over 10 years, and during that time the way the children move around the kitchen and create their masterpieces never ceases to amaze her.

“It’s an amazing program, it really provides a lot of hands-on and authentic learning opportunities for the kids and what they’re doing in class,” she said.

“They come into the kitchen, they’re learning about procedural text, reading and writing reci-

pes, learning about weighing and measuring.

“Then in the garden, they’re learning about plants’ life cycles, but they also make the connection of how food is actually grown, it’s not just in the shop,” she said.

For both Cathy and Stephanie, it’s about nurturing that understanding of food, sustainability and health at a young age, but they can’t help but fall in love with the work that they do and the smiles they see on the children’s faces.

“I feel very proud and I am still amazed at how competent these little kids are and how much enjoyment they have and the focus they have on what they’re doing,” Stephanie said.

For Cathy, these events just “fill your heart and soul”.

“Seeing kids engage in such positive activities, it’s really very special, very meaningful,” she said.

From left to right: Alia, Adna and Tyler getting busy in the kitchen. (Stewart Chambers: 449743) Ariela, Stefan and John in the garden where the food students used was grown. (449743)

Ms Lee, one of the many helper chefs, with Hazheer and Poli as they make the dough. (449743)

Christopher mixed the salads as Stephanie Alexander supervised him.

From left to right: Cathy Wilkinson (CEO Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation), Sandro Demaio (CEO Vic Health), Stephanie Alexander and Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson (449743)

Sprouting their passion

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Twelveyearsago,BryanHunterwasgivena‘blank cheque’ to lead Athol Road Primary School’s environmental studies program.

Since then, he and his students and volunteers have propagated a learning oasis at the Springvale South school.

A veritable farm with alpacas, chooks, bee hives, wetlands, nature playground, indigenous forest, and fruit and veg gardens.

The school is a model of sustainable, innovative agriculture, with no-dig beds, vertical gardens and aquaponics systems – which harvests the nutrient-rich water from fish tanks to grow hydroponic plants.

Starting as young as four, students are taught not just the basics, but advanced gardening techniques such as grafting, pruning and espalier to students.

They turn their produce into meals such as spinach ricotta triangles, even raising grain crops which are ground into flour and cooked as damper over a campfire.

These are opportunities that children can’t get anywhere else, says Hunter.

“It goes back to the old thing that children are disconnected to where their food comes from these days.

“Our students grow their own produce, which they then harvest and use to prepare a meal –rather than relying on the supermarket to provide a ready-to-eat meal.

“They learn by doing and by getting their hands dirty.”

In December, Hunter earned the School Garden Champion trophy in the Victorian Schools Garden Program award for his dedication and achievements.

Among his initiatives were leading a 75 per cent reduction in the school’s waste.

Starting 4th February at

He also established a community garden, weekly gardening club, and $1 fresh produce market, which have been connection points for parents, families and green thumbs.

Principal Carmel Nigro said Hunter was an “exceptionally effective garden educator” with a “deep passion for the natural environment”, who engaged students from kindergarten-Year 6.

He was someone who always went “above and beyond” – including volunteering on weekends and holidays to maintain the garden.

“Bryan has been a powerful force in inspiring both students and the broader community to engage with gardening and sustainability.

“His tireless efforts have transformed the school garden into a cornerstone of sustainability and education.

“His innovative approach to gardening inspires curiosity, as he introduces students to nonmainstream plants like rice, water chestnuts, and wasabi, expanding their understanding of diverse crops.”

Hunter’s love for the garden came from his parents, who kept ducks, rabbits, chickens and a vegie patch in Keysborough.

The late Robert Wakelam from Gardeners Gate Nursery helped build the school garden in 2012, provided the resources on Hunter’s wish list and passed on an array of skills to pass onto students.

And behind him from the start was the school’s former principal Ruby Toombs.

In 2012, Toombs selected the then-PE teacher to lead the environmental education program, elevating it to a specialist subject.

“She told me to make it something that hasn’t been done before. I’ll give you a blank cheque –and she funded it all.

“It’s great to have the passion but if you don’t have the leadership and the funding behind you, it’s hard to do.”

Bryan Hunter with his School Garden Champion trophy. (449438)

Bryan Hunter with students Sienna, Chloe, Bun Long and Ethan in the greenhouse. (Gary Sissons: 449438)

Sienna feeds fresh greens to Cruz the alpaca at Athol Road Primary School. (449438)

Chloe and Sienna with Redmond the eclectus parrot. (449438)

Sienna, Chloe and Ethan get a grip on shingleback, bearded dragon and blue-tongue lizards. (449438)

Bryan Hunter, centre, receives his award from Gardening Australia presenter Costa Georgiadis and Victorian School Gardens Program chair Craig Taberner.

Bun Long with a Stimson Python. (449438)

Senator’s the ultimate goal

By Ethan Benedicto

Former City of Casey Grevillea Ward council candidate Stephen Matulec has announced his candidacy for the Senate ticket at the federal election as part of the Libertarian Party.

With a focus on pushing for those other voices in parliament, Matulec is looking to balance the scales, advocating more representation from minor parties from discussions to decisions.

At this stage, Matulec saw his campaign during the council elections not as a stepping stone, but as a great opportunity to have that grounded perspective of the people.

“I never saw it as a stepping stone, I’m somebody who is interested in all levels of government and I don’t see myself using one platform to move into another,” he said.

“I think there really does need to be some big changes at all levels of government, so whatever opportunity I get to be involved in, I think that I just need to put my hand up.”

He has also emphasised proper fiscal responsibility, government accountability and the importance of individual freedoms, that “seeing what’s happening with both Liberal and Labor, they’re neglecting people, not listening, not doing their job properly”.

“We’ve seen, for a very long time now, of more than a decade of both Liberal and Labor governments spending so much money.

“The debt has been going up every year and no one’s really willing to look at that and that’s the sort of inflationary pressure that we’re seeing now.

“I think people are just sort of frustrated, especially with both major parties, there’s a lot of people that think there’s not much difference between them,” he said.

One of Matulec’s key rallying cries is addressing what he referred to as the current “oppressive tax system”, where he pointed out the excessiveness of the number of items being taxed from fuel excise to income taxes.

“We are literally getting taxed to death, the government’s being too greedy, they’re taxing us more and they’re spending more and the situation is getting worse,” he said.

“People pay income tax, people pay tax on the petrol, there’s GST on everything and if you want to invest in something there’s the capital gains tax, it just does not end.”

Matulec believes that the solution is to simplify the tax system and provide relief for everyday Australians, with the fuel excise, for example, with

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its goal of generating revenue and cost recovery for road infrastructure something he considered a “wrong system”.

He pointed out that middle-class Australians are hit the hardest with these, facing a barrage of taxes that prevents people from bearing the fruits of their labour.

“The middle class is getting taxed so much and all that tax they’re paying for, they’re not really seeing anything,” he said.

“Imagine if the government got rid of that, and instead of fuel being $1.65, it cost a dollar, that would help everybody, like going to the pump and actually saving money.

“It’s not just the individual or the family, it’s also the fact that everything moves with fuel; the groceries at the supermarket get moved by trucks, trucks that pay the fuel tax.

“Groceries could be cheaper but that’s a business cost that the supermarket has to pass on to the consumers.”

Building on the topic of costs, Matulec also pointed out the inadequacies of the current energy system, highlighting that not only current energy sources are getting less effective, but also that the overall concern on the country’s emissions is misplaced.

“Nuclear power has seen success, there are a lot of movements around the world, like in Scandinavia, America and in Europe, who support nuclear power because it’s one of the cleanest forms of power,” he said.

“To see the power bills going up every year, it’s ridiculous with this government policies, so we need to stop giving the subsidies out, remove the ban on nuclear power and just let the market do its thing.

“Removing the ban doesn’t mean you have to use it, but it’s letting the market have an option to work.”

While nuclear power is recognised as a low-emission energy source with high efficiency and reliability, its costs, questions around safety and economic considerations have been some of

the stronger points for its non-implementation, as well as other renewables like wind and solar being currently cheaper.

As for emissions, Matulec is adamant that in the grand scheme of things, despite the per-capita rate of emissions, the fact that Australia generates only one per cent of the world’s emissions and that there are other, much bigger names such as the United States and China, has driven up costs without providing reliable alternatives.

“Will it really matter? We need to be reasonable on how we’re doing this and actually make sure of people’s prosperity and that they are able to afford what they need to buy,” he said.

Ultimately, aside from the specifics on political standpoints, Matulec believes that there is a need for the government to take some form of political accountability, accusing both major parties of “working together” to maintain a system that benefits them.

“Liberal and Labor both support big corporations, the government’s throwing millions of dollars of subsidies to these guys and that just shows that the agenda is set,” he said.

“I will stand with the Greens and other minor parties and independents on this, that the duopoly of both major parties should not see them trying to team up and pass things that hinder the potential of minor parties.

“If they are afraid of minor parties coming in to dominate, they need to show themselves that they can be better.

“I don’t just say this as someone from the Libertarian Party, but if there was less of Liberal and Labor, and more of other parties, more of everybody, I think that would be great for democracy.”

The scales have been tipped to favour one side, according to Matulec, and that balance must be met.

Having joined the party in 2022, Matulec plans to keep his feet moving, engaging with local communities and working on a grounded, people-first campaign in the lead-up to the election.

New emergency defibrillators have been installed across the City of Casey, thanks to the collaborative effort across multiple Council departments.

The defibrillators have been installed in public spaces frequented by older people, and can be found at the following 10 locations:

-Arthur Wren Hall, Hampton Park (accessible inside)

-Bayview Reserve Car Park 1001 Steps, Narre Warren North (accessible outdoors, halfway)

-Casey Fields Regional Athletics Centre, Cranbourne East (accessible outdoors, under roofline stadium)

-Connected Library, Endeavour Hills, (accessible inside)

-Cranbourne Senior Citizen Centre, (accessible inside)

doors, cafe)

The installation of the new defibrillators is just one of the 49 initiatives in the council’s Living and Ageing Well Action Plan, which outlines the strategic direction for creating a more age-friendly Casey, to support the community to live and age well. When undertaking its extensive engagement for the Action Plan, the council learned that many older people with underlying health issues were hesitant to seek connection and participate in various places or spaces due to uncertainty about emergency support.

•

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To find out more, call us today or visit our website belvedere.com.au

-Doveton Senior Citizen Centre, (accessible inside)

-Endeavour Hills Senior Citizen Centre, (accessible inside)

-Hallam Senior Citizen Centre, (accessible inside)

-Marriot Waters Family and Community Centre, Lyndhurst (accessible inside)

-Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick (accessible out-

This feedback significantly influenced the development of this initiative, with Council departments working together to identify spaces that were frequented by older people (or have the potential to), and not already supported with a defibrillator.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said this initiative is all about making sure people feel safe in our community.

If you would like to find out more about how the Living and Ageing Well Action Plan, how it is progressing, evaluation results and upcoming works, visit casey.vic.gov.au/policies-strategies/ living-ageing-well-action-plan-2023-25

The 1001 steps in Narre Warren North now has an emergency defibrillator. (Supplied)

Stephen Matulec is looking to make a change at the Senate level, declaring his candidacy for the upcoming federal election. (File)

Rescued hiker back home

By Jack Gramenz and Alex Mitchell, AAP

Rescued bushwalker Hadi Nazari, of Berwick, was discharged from hospital last week and was set to continue recovering from 13 days lost in the Australian Alps at home.

Treated for dehydration at Cooma Hospital after his ordeal, Mr Nazari was released on Friday morning, 10 January.

Mr Nazari was found by a group of hikers on Wednesday, near Blue Lake in the Kosciuszko National Park, after he was last seen by friends descending the Hannels Spur trail on Boxing Day.

The Southern NSW Local Health District confirmed his release from hospital on Friday.

“Mr Nazari and his family thank the public for their interest and support but request privacy so that Mr Nazari can recover well at home,” a spokeswoman said.

His cousin Hussain Ali told reporters outside Cooma Hospital he had tried to talk him out of another trek.

“When he’s completely fit and fine then we’ll see how he goes,” he said.

“When we found him ... he was keen to go for another hike.

“I was like, ‘no more hiking for you, that was it’.”

Search and rescue specialist Paul Luckin told AAP he was glad his earlier doubts about the prospect of Mr Nazari being found alive after almost two weeks had not borne out.

“I love being wrong when I’m being pessimistic,” he said.

“I’m always delighted when we have a survivor ... and it was always a possibility.”

In a statement on Thursday, Mr Nazari praised the tireless work of emergency services personnel who spent 13 days searching for him amid tough conditions.

“I would also like to thank members of the public, family and friends for their well wishes and prayers,” Mr Nazari said in a statement released through NSW Police.

FOCUS ON … DISABILITY

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At BJ Care Services, we don’t just provide a place to stay—we offer personalised care and support. Our experienced staff are trained to assist individuals with a wide variety of needs, from those requiring specialised disability services to individuals needing general care during difficult times. We focus on creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive, with attention to sensory needs, routines, and behaviours.

Our Emergency Accommodation includes:

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Hadi Nazari (Riverina Police District).

Hadi Nazari being transported by NSW Police Aviation Command (NSW Police)

Emergency Accommodation is available at BJ Care Services.

WHAT’S ON

Berwick Bridge Club

Berwick Bridge Club is looking for new members. There are two free beginner’s courses.

One starts on Monday night, 24 February, from 7 to 9pm and the second is on Friday morning, 28 February, from 10am to 12pm.

Both courses run for eight weeks.

Lessons are run at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, 21A Bemersyde Drive, Berwick. No partner is required.

• To reserve your place please phone Maree on 9702 2348.

Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club

Wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy, safe new year.

Our next function will be Sunday, 12th January, 2025 - New Vogue and Old Time Dance Sun. 1pm5pm, please bring a plate for afternoon tea, entry $5 per person.

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

Monthly activities - Community Day Entertainment, including lunch and afternoon tea, 1st Friday of the month 10:30-4pm. New Vogue and Old Time dance 2nd Sunday of the month 1-5pm, Club Bowls Competition 2nd Friday of the month, 11-3:30pm.

• For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.

• Find us on facebook https://www.facebook. com/groups/487808127399953

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

Trades & Services

We have had a wonderful year with membership growing and our move to new premises. We have maintained our activities and introduced some new ones. Next year we will still be offering Line Dancing and Ballroom Dancing at Casey Basketball Stadium while the rest of our activities will be carried out at 20-22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne. Our singers and guitar and ukuleles players entertained our members at the Christmas Party held at Beaconsfield Football club to celebrate the end of the year. U3A will close on Friday the 13th and reopen the 13th January, 2025. Our membership fees will stay the same at $50 for the whole year for as many activities as you wish to do. We thank Casey council for their support over the year and continued support into 2025. Please check out our website www.u3acranbourne.org.au to see the courses for next year or contact 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.

Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre

If you are over 55 years old, newly retired, or new to the Casey area and looking for something to do, come and join the main club day on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 3pm at 192-196 Centre Road in Narre Warren.

There are also weekly activities on other days of the week, which include the Garden Group Club, indoor carpet bowls, line dancing, table tennis, friendly card games, and a gentle exercise class.

• For more information, phone 9704 0015 or 0426 736 467 or email narrewarrenseniors@ gmail.com

Hat-trick heroes hit Clyde

By David Nagel

The Clyde Recreation Reserve should have ‘The Home of the Hat-Trick’ added to its welcome sign on Pattersons Road after cricket’s rarest bowling feat was achieved twice in a matter of hours on Saturday.

Devon Meadows stalwart Rob Worsteling was the first to delve into his bag of tricks, taking a hat-trick against the home side in E Grade, before Clyde’s Ankush Rana got one back on the Panthers, taking his first hat-trick in Australia in Premier Division.

Not only were both hat-tricks achieved at the same venue on the same day, but both also came from the last three wickets of the match.

Worsteling claimed the second hat-trick of his career when teammate Jason Brzezowski snapped up a hot chance at short-gully/point, capping off a very special day for the E Grade Panthers.

Teammate Mark Hosking was expecting to bask in the spotlight, celebrating the 300th game of his career.

“It was really good to win the game for him, but I didn’t want to take the limelight away from his day too much, unfortunately, which it seems to have done,” Worsteling said.

“But we won the game for him which made it all the more special.

“The team is full of really good players that have been at the club for many years, so to do it with those boys around was probably the best part of it all.

“They’re the things that we’ll all look back on and remember down the track; it just makes a special milestone game all the more special doesn’t it?

“Some of those players started at other clubs, but for the last 15 to 20 years they’ve just stuck it out and they’re only playing because of each other.

“They’re not interested in playing in any other team; they’re just interested in playing with each other.

“That commitment to each other just sums up how good our cricket club is.”

Worsteling said there were no signs that Saturday would end the way it did.

“To be honest it didn’t even feel like I was bowling that well; and then there were a couple of dropped catches…but things just fell my way in the end,” he said.

“You can be the best bowler in the world, but it doesn’t mean you’re going to get someone out.

“I can only put it down to luck.”

“I did get a big buzz out of it; just being the day that it was make it very exciting.”

With Clyde’s Pink Ladies Day happening in

the background, Rana then shone like a shooting star with three brilliant deliveries of his own.

The 35-year-old needed no help from teammates, bowling Ricky Mitchell before trapping Ethan Wood and Mick Floyd plumb in front of their stumps.

The lively quick moved to Australia from India in 2013, having previous stints at North Melbourne, Mulgrave and Doncaster.

He became a resident of Cranbourne West just two years ago, moving cricket clubs to Clyde as a consequence.

“This was like the thirty-third time I’ve been on a hat-trick, and in the last couple of games I was so close for the hat-trick as well,” Rana said.

“My teammates were like, ‘you have to take this one, this is your third chance for the season’ and I told them I would try my best and see.

“I did nothing special; I bowled a good yorker ball and the batter completely missed it and he was plumb.

“It felt good and I was excited to get my first hat-trick in Australia after 13 years of playing cricket.”

Rana is joint leader on the wicket-taking list in Premier Division this year, joining Tooradin’s Tyler Evans on 21 wickets for the season.

He rates his second season at Clyde as clearly better than his first.

“Last season my form was quite average, but this time I prepared much better and so far I’m very happy with my performance,” he said.

“I played with two-piece balls for seven or eight years (at Doncaster) but now I’m bowling with four-piece balls, which is quite a change.

“This year I decided to stick to the basics, bowl to a fourth or fifth stump, and try to use my variations a lot.

“Anybody can swing a two-piece ball, controlling it is the issue, but a four-piece ball stops swinging after five or six overs.

“But if you really look after the ball you can still swing it, and after 20 or 30 overs it will start to reverse.

“That has really helped me this year, as well as bowling slower balls, bouncers, cross-seam, as many variations as I can.

“I plan for each batter according to their strength, and use my strengths to my advantage.

“Some batters are good at the cut shot, others good on the drive, so I just prepare myself according to the situation.”

Rana is the hottest bowler in Premier Division over the previous four rounds of the season, taking 16 wickets at the impressive average of 11.

Rana ended the day with figures of 4/41 on Saturday, while Worsteling returned the best bowling of any player across all divisions of the CCCA; with 6/25.

Singh hitting the right notes in thrilling first season for Lakers

By Marcus Uhe

Lynbrook coach Shane D’Rozario has declared that the “sky’s the limit” for his child prodigy leg spinner Yashwant Singh, whose exploits are beginning to permeate the wider cricketing scene.

Despite being just 11-years-old, Singh has played every game in Lynbrook’s Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 3 side this summer, more than holding his own as the Lakers’ leading wicket taker through 10-and-a-half rounds. In his last three matches alone for the Lakers, he has taken 14 wickets with two five-wicket hauls, and now has 23 wickets at an average of 10.7 for the season.

Last week during the Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union Junior Carnival K Mitchell Shield competition as a member of the DDCA’s Under 12 side, however, his status grew even further against some of the brightest talents in his age bracket from across the city, thanks to impressive performances with the bat.

Following the DDCA’s opening five contests last week, he topped both the wickets taken and runs scored list, with eight scalps and 269 runs.

Against the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association, he made an unbeaten 111 from just 60 deliveries and took 3/11 in the successful defence, while he also made 63 against the Ringwood District Cricket Association, and 72 against the Eastern Cricket Association.

D’Rozario showed no fear in selecting him for the Lakers’ opening contest of the year and the pri-

mary school-aged talent has not looked back. Having worked closely with the youngster to refine his approach to the crease last summer, D’Rozario and Singh are beginning to see the fruits of their labour come to bare on the field.

“His control is second-to-none as an 11-yearold - you don’t see that too often where you get an 11-year-old who hardly misses his length,” the Lakers’ coach said.

“‘His dad brought him nearly every second week to senior training prior to training for me to do a couple of things with him.

“(His run-up) seemed to be spot on and through juniors last year with his run-up and bowling, he’s improved no end with his accuracy after getting his bowling and run-up right.

“His hard work is second-to-none.

“I’ve always said to the guys that I’m going to promote the kids as much as we can but ‘Yash’ is a little bit of a different talent – he’s right up there with any of the best we’ve got at the moment.”

So strong is Singh’s appetite for cricket that he stunned D’Rozario with his willingness to remain in the nets after copping a blow to the leg at training.

His defiance and will to continue batting took his coach by surprise, cementing the belief that he had more than just an extremely talented cricketer in his squad.

“I walked down the net and had a chat with him, he had a few tears and I got him some ice” D’Rozario recalled in the aftermath of the blow.

“I was more concerned with his health more than anything else but five minutes later I turned around to speak to my batting group and he still had his pads on.

“I said to him ‘what are you doing?’ and he said ‘I still want to go in and bat!’.

“That took me by surprise - I’ve seen a lot of young kids over my days where they’ve gone ‘I’ve been hurt and I don’t want to bat again’ but the same bloke was thundering in and bowling and I was completely shocked.

“When I talk to him about game situations and stuff like that at senior level or at training, he’s really keen and tries to implement that and shows what it is to be a senior cricketer at such a young age.

“We’ve all seen great junior kids with the talent he’s got, but ‘Yashy’ at this stage seems to have something a little bit extra than other kids do.

“He’s done a holding role as well where (opposition batters) haven’t tried to get after him but they can’t get him away at the same time - his accuracy is amazing to see.

“I don’t want to earmark him and say ‘he can do this, he can do that’, but if his willingness is still there in years to come and he’s willing to learn and take on what the next level of coaches tell him, the sky’s the limit.”

Singh’s second five-wicket haul of the summer – and second in consecutive games – was crucial in putting his side in a winning position after day one against Hampton Park.

He claimed 5/60 as the leading wicket-taker in the innings as his side dismissed the Lions for 172 in 56 overs.

Lynbrook is well on its way in the reply, needing just a further 71 runs for victory at 4/102. With both sides entering the contest tied for fourth place on 24 points, the outcome will be significant for whichever side emerges victorious.

Ankush Rana took a long-overdue hat-trick against Devon Meadows on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 386718)

Lynbrook youngster Yashwant Singh has been brilliant in Turf 3 this summer. (Supplied)

Cranbourne in even contest

By Marcus Uhe

Cranbourne and Coomoora could hardly be more evenly poised at the conclusion of the first day of their Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 2 matchup at Casey Fields, following a day on which the bowlers – and Nick Suppree – reigned supreme.

Cranbourne requires only 142 more runs for victory but won’t get any help from their three-highest run scorers for the season when play resumes, with Harrison Carylon, Hayden Lamb and Cameron Kelly all losing their wickets before stumps on day one.

For that, Coomoora has Joel Robertson to thank, who removed the nucleus of Cranbourne’s batting order in six withering overs.

When Liam Hard throws him the ball for the first time on Saturday his bowling figures will read 3/7 from six overs, with three maidens.

He sent Carlyon packing in the opening over after hitting Malan Madusanka a catch, before Lamb and Kelly both made way in the fifth and seventh over, respectively.

Dean McDonell and Tommy Marks will resume the assignment next week.

Earlier in the day, a second five-wicket haul from Julius Sumerauer ensured Carlyon’s decision to bowl first at Casey Fields was vindicated.

The Jersey quick, who has wasted little time in adjusting to Australian conditions, grabbed 5/38 as the key figure in an excellent bowling performance from the Eagles, which kept Coomoora to 171.

Sumerauer removed opener Kanwardeep Singh and number three Jarrod Munday early in the piece and returned later in the day to remove the key cog of Suppree, the Roos coach who found a way to resist the onslaught.

Suppree’s 76, his first half-century of the summer, was a welcome return to form for the premiership-winning coach, and came in a vital period for his team under immense pressure from swooping Eagles.

Only he, Hard and Dean Krelle reached the salvation of double figures, and beyond those contributions, the cupboard was alarmingly bare.

Suppree’s wicket at 5/156 was the beginning of the end of Coomoora’s innings, which, while resistant and frustrating, failed to put runs on the board.

The final six wickets fell for just 16 runs, allowing Cranbourne a dash with the bat before stumps. It’s a period that could come back to bite them, however, given the difficult predicament it now needs to navigate.

Around Turf 2, Lyndale needs 181 more runs to defeat St Mary’s but will resume the chase three

The Saints maximised the 11 overs with the ball at the tail end of a long hot day, with the decision to open the bowling with Ranasinghe’s spin proving a masterstroke from Saints skipper Raveen Nanayakkara.

Two Blues leading runscorer Faraz Rahman was stumped without scoring in the opening over before Ranasinghe claimed two more scalps in the

Deserving recognition for sporting talents

By Marcus Uhe

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Victorian Sport Awards (VSAs).

The most prestigious night for Victoria’s sporting and active recreation community, the VSAs recognise and celebrate those who made an outstanding contribution to Victorian sport during 2024 by honouring the grassroots heroes who excelled at a community level, high-performance athletes who shone at a national and international level and everyone in between.

With 18 awards presented, individual and team athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media personnel and the initiatives that ensure Victorians remain active will all be recognised.

The nomination process is open to all members of the public, with nominations submitted via the Vicsport website between Wednesday 15 January and Friday 14 February.

Officer City Soccer Club won the Community Sporting Club of the Year award for 2022 in recognition of the club’s inclusivity efforts and integration of female participants.

Following the closure of nominations after Friday 14 February, four finalists for each of the 18 awards will be decided by esteemed judging panels and announced in March before the winners are revealed on Wednesday 14 May in the Members Dining Room at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“In partnership with the Victorian Government, Vicsport is thrilled to once again recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our state’s sport and recreation community at the Victorian Sport Awards,” Vicsport Chair, Jason Hellwig said

“The premier event on the Victorian sporting calendar, it is a special night where we have the opportunity to honour the grassroots heroes who keep our sport and recreation sector thriving as well as the high-performance athletes who starred on the world stage at events such as the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

“With 18 awards on offer, I strongly urge all Victorians to submit their nominations to ensure their sport is well represented on the night.”

fifth of the innings. Junaid Kari’s stellar year for St Mary’s continued in the first innings, reaching 91 in a lone hand for the home side, where his next-best teammate reached just 27.

Parkfield, meanwhile, has just 86 more runs to defend, but need only a further five wickets to defeat Narre Warren.

The Bandits’ batting woes continued, making just 153, before taking 5/67 in the final 21 overs of play.

DDCA’s best up for the challenge

By Marcus Uhe

Pat Wright Senior Oval will play host to 11 of the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s (DDCA) finest talents on Sunday in the Association’s annual representative clash with the Victorian Turf Cricket Association (VCTA).

Last summer’s Wookey Medal and Gartside Medal winners, Jordan Wyatt and Triyan De Silva, have both earned selection, with Wyatt joined by Jeevan Mendis and Jordan Hammond as previous winners of the highest individual accolade on offer in the competition.

Hammond will captain the side, with Sukantha Liyanage joining De Silva as the sole other representative from Turf 2.

The yearly contest returns to the South East for the first time since the summer of 2022/23 when it was played at Hallam Recreation Reserve.

The VCTA has had the wood over the DDCA in recent years but a strong cast has been assembled for the DDCA to restore order.

Mendis, Hammond and North Dandenong quick Dimuth Vimukthi were all part of last summer’s representative side, which lost by five wickets.

The contest will begin at 10am on Sunday 19 January.

The DDCA XI

Jordan Hammond Hallam Kalora Park (c)

Damith Perera Hallam Kalora Park (wk)

Mitch Forsyth Springvale

wickets down, with star batter Faraz Rahman one of three to fall to Saints spinner Rumesh Ranasinghe before the close of play.

76 from Coomoora

coach Nick Suppree kept Cranbourne at bay. (Rob Carew: 452627)