Casey BMX Club was packed with spectators and competitors for the final round of ‘Track Attack’ on Sunday 19 January.
The six rounds of intense competition over nine days among the Eastern Region clubs saw an estimated 2500 people line the track and more than 500 enter the varying degrees of competition in one of the biggest days that the course has seen in its history.
South East locals have been recognised at this year’s Australia Day Honours List.
Four community members were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), including Gulghotai Bezhan of Narre Warren North, Selba Gondoza-Luka of the organisation Afri-Aus Care, Dr Colin Walker of Pearcedale, and Geoffrey Davidson of Berwick.
Founder and president of the Afghan Wom-
en’s Organisation Victoria since 2009, Ms Bezhan left behind her doctor’s degree attained in Kabul when she embarked on community work in Australia. The organisation provides everything Afghan women in the community need to settle and find their way in the country.
Ms Gondoza-Luka was awarded for her intense work in the African community through her organisation Afri-Aus Care founded in 2015,
built through her personal experiences after she migrated from Malawi in 2001.
The veterinarian Dr Walker was awarded for his 30 years of service to avian veterinary science and pigeon racing. Now even into his retirement, he didn’t stop and continued the veterinary work for various pigeon organisations, entirely on a pro bono basis. Apart from his professional life, Dr Walker lives a recreational life of racing pigeons.
His fascination with pigeons has motivated him to continue to contribute throughout his entire career.
Mr Davidson was recognised for his service to his local community. His journey into volunteering began at the age of seven during the Second World War and ever since he has been living a life of volunteering.
Coverage pages 2, 3, 9, 11
By Sahar Foladi
This year’s Australian Day Honours List has awarded Gulghotai Bezhan for her services to the Afghan community in Victoria.
Founder and president of the Afghan Women’s Organisation Victoria (AWOV) since 2009, Ms Bezhan - now named as an Order of Australia Medallist (OAM) - left behind her doctor’s degree attained in Kabul when she embarked on community work in Australia.
As Ms Bezhan settled in Australia, her focus shifted to the path she is on today to make real changes and differences.
“At the beginning we did volunteer work. We started with 10 women from Afghanistan and an Australian lady. It’s very big now.
“Every night I look forward to tomorrow.
“I told my mum this is similar to being a doctor.”
Now she has up to 10 paid staff working in her organisation as well as volunteers and also secured a grant to provide settlement services for new arrivals across the South East.
Afghan Women’s Organisation Victoria provides everything Afghan women in the community need to settle and find their way in the country.
Something as simple as learning English to learn the names of vegetables, fruits and utensils in order to go shopping and communicate what they need.
There are also citizenship classes, knitting, various information sessions on family violence, childcare, health and facilities available to them in the community.
It also provides karate classes for young girls to be able to defend themselves when required. AWOV also helps parents to understand and bond with their children as they change within the new environment.
Ms Bezhan has literally saved lives when she took about 50 women from her organisation to do breast screening tests.
Out of the 50, two women were diagnosed with breast cancer and are undergoing treatment.
“One got a surgery and has started chemotherapy.
“I’m so glad we caught it on time otherwise it would’ve been too late for them.
“Its basic but it’s very important for them to know in their own language.”
She is not just making a difference here in Victoria but is also working tirelessly and under great risk in Afghanistan to run home-based school for girls under the rule of the Taliban.
After the Taliban came to power, one of the first
things they banned was the education of young girls and women.
Despite the great risks involved, Ms Bezhan had her house in Afghanistan renovated to be used as a school for girls, who also risk their lives to attend, to lean and to laugh openly for some time.
“We renovated my house to run micro finance programs (inspired by her trip in India), sewing classes, cooking classes.
“It was a way for women to learn and earn small amounts of money through their small business.
“Since the Taliban has arrived, the sewing class
is more popular.
“Even now in winter we normally shut down but because of Taliban the girls were interested to come to school and sewing class. The girls openly laugh and talk during these classes.”
Her advocacy and efforts to educate women and young girls may not be supported in Afghanistan, but they are supported here in Victoria, recognised and commended by all. Her organisation has won many awards including the 2022 Victorian Honour Roll of Women and recognised in the business category at the Victorian Refugee Awards by Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC).
By Violet Li 455295
Dr Colin Walker of Pearcedale has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List.
The veterinarian talked to Star News on this special occasion to look back on his 30 years of service to avian veterinary science and pigeon racing.
Dr Walker went back to the university for his postgraduate qualifications in avian medicine and surgery in 1994 after 15 years of general practice.
He founded Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic and for the following years until his retirement in 2013, he worked there as a bird veterinarian. He has been an Honorary Veterinarian for the Victoria Homing Association and the Victorian Pigeon Racing Board.
Looking back, Dr Walker said he had been lucky enough to be in situations where he was able to do new things as an avian veterinarian.
He recalled the time when he worked with government agencies to develop vaccines for viral diseases to protect pigeons. He also went to a number of international conferences to present the achievements from home on an international stage.
Even into his retirement, Dr Walker didn’t stop and continued the veterinary work for various pigeon organisations, entirely on a pro bono basis.
The incentive has been his fascination with pigeons. Apart from his professional life, Dr Walker lives a recreational life of racing pigeons.
He started racing pigeons in 1968 as a schoolboy, a long way before his avian veterinary career.
“We had a guy who raised pigeons moved in where my parents used to live, about three doors away from us. After he was there, I started to see his racing pigeons flying around,” he recalled.
“I was just mesmerized, so I went down and introduced myself. He invited me around, so I got to know him.
“After he realised that I was genuinely interested, he offered to breed me a few babies after a period of time.”
Fast forward almost 60 years, Dr Walker is now living with 500 pigeons, mostly racing pigeons, on his big acres in Pearcedale. His lifelong fascination with pigeon racing has also produced a 600page book on the topic and still motivates him to write for a national racing pigeon magazine after 40 years.
To be successful in racing, pigeons have to have the right genetic makeup, according to Dr Walker.
“People see a pigeon peeking in the street and they think, oh, I’m gonna catch that. That’s what a normal member of the public might think. But racing pigeons are thoroughbred and have been selected for endurance, speed, and orientation ability for centuries,” he said.
“And then they have to be fed correctly. They have to be exercised so that they’re fit.
“It’s important to create an environment that is motivational for the birds, so the birds want to get back.
“For most pigeons, they’re keen to get home. The loft represents a secure, safe, cozy place where their friends live, where there’s food and water available.
“So the natural instinct when they’re taken
away from that is to, like a lot of humans, you just want to go home.”
One of the things that particularly appeals about pigeon racing to Dr Walker is the way that humans can let the birds out and let them fly free.
“They’re creatures of the sky. They’re not pet parrots that are always in an aviary,” he said.
“Each morning they’re let out, they fly free, they choose to come back, and I like that. “They don’t have to stay, but they do.”
Dr Walker also likes the way that pigeon racing is done at home.
“Pigeon racing is something you can do in your own backyard, with your family, rather than having to go somewhere else,” he said.
“If you want to race horses, you need stables and really significant infrastructure, whereas with
pigeon racing, you can set your own little entrepreneurial.”
Even after a lifetime of knowing the creatures, Dr Walker has still been fascinated with them, how far away they come back from, and how quickly they do it.
He remembered that his last race was a 900-kilometre travel between south of the Queensland border and Pearcedale. Those pigeons were let go at 6.15am on the day and they came back at 8pm.
“And you think, wow, that pigeon is at the Queensland border. It’s come down through the red dirt country of central New South Wales, and then maybe after lunch, it starts to see the Murray River coming up,” Dr Walker said.
“On it comes and then down through Shepparton. Then they see Melbourne ahead and then
over Melbourne and down to the Mornington Peninsula and they land.
“I think that’s just amazing when they do that.” Pigeon fanciers don’t have to be home when the pigeons come back because they’re chipped, but Dr Walker loves to be there when the pigeons come back. He wants to look up and see his little group of pigeons coming, getting bigger and bigger in the sky.
“It’s really exciting,” he said.
“We know them all as individuals. We’re into those babies, see them grow up, mature, start their training, and, and then they’re mature race birds that are coming back from 100 miles to you.
“It’s very rewarding. It’s been a fascinating activity that I’ve enjoyed all my life.”
By Violet Li
A South East woman, a victim of family violence, is determined to tell her story.
The single mother has been worried that her little boy would turn into someone like his abusive dad one day. For her, telling the story is a way to show the little boy how hard she fought for him against the wrongs in the family relationship.
Anyone can tell Rahima (not her real name) looks tired, but they will soon realise she is tough and ready to continue with the long legal matters against her ex-husband after three years.
She said even after the divorce and family violence intervention orders in the past three years, her ex-husband, who physically and mentally abused her, is still controlling her and would not leave her alone.
Five years ago, Rahima got married to her ex-husband and the domestic violence started after several months of marriage, the honeymoon period.
“He physically abused me. He did not let me go anywhere. He cut all my friends from me. He changed my number. He told me to resign from my job,” she recalled.
She suffered from a miscarriage after being hit during the pregnancy.
“After three months I got pregnant again with my son now. I had to hide that from him for six weeks. I didn’t tell him because I was very scared that he might be violent to me again and I might get a miscarriage again,” she said.
“After six weeks, I told him that, yes, I’m pregnant. Then, while I was three months pregnant, again, he hit me a lot.”
Rahima said that her ex-husband started to be violent with her son when he was about three to four months old.
In 2022, she called the police. The ex-husband was arrested, but no charges were laid.
Eight months later, an official Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) was granted against the ex-husband for a year. Rahima later gained a five-month extension, which has now expired.
Now without the protection of an FVIO, she will apply for a new five-year extension due to the continued controlling behaviour concerning the child’s parenting. Currently, Rahima and her ex-husband share joint decision-making responsibility for their son.
Rahima said she was in a very stressful and bad situation with her ex-husband as he just wouldn’t let her alone.
“I don’t feel safe from this person. I’m not sure what he will do if he doesn’t have an intervention order on him. He can do whatever he wants,” she said.
“How can I trust the person who has done almost three years of family violence on me? He was not just abusive physically. He was abusive from the mouth.
“He was telling me very bad words. He was taking my videos. He was not taking care of my son. He was physically abusive to my son.
“He is very controlling now. He is not leaving me to decide for my son.”
Rahima was frustrated about the five months she had to wait this year before getting the extension of the Intervention Order and the fact that there was no charge against the perpetrator.
“They were not taking me seriously. And that’s why this person is now at the top of my head,” she said.
She was also frustrated that her culture and community did not help to tell her ex-husband to stop.
“I have been to court. I have been to the police station. They have not told him to stop. No one told him to stop,” she said.
“Now he learned that he could abuse me more. He knows that there is no one on the back of me.
“I’m the proof of violence. No one is taking a step. I cannot afford a good lawyer because I’m totally on Centrelink. My son is totally on my responsibility. I cannot leave my son to anyone.
“I’m really alone here.”
But Rahima will not give up. She knows how much a father can be an influence on a child, good or bad. She is worried that the toxic aspects of her ex-husband will one day be passed onto her little boy.
“I don’t want my son to be the same guy as my ex-husband. He has to learn how to respect women. I’m scared for him when he is going to his father because he is learning a lot from him. The things he is learning for him is dangerous for him to be in the communities when he grows up,” she said.
“I don’t want to give up. I know it’s taken my time. It takes my son time. It takes my job. It takes everything. But still, I want to fight for this because I want to tell him how much bad you have
done.
“But still the good things are there. You can be a good man for your son, not for me because I don’t have any relation with you now. But you can be a good man for him because he is learning a lot from you.”
In Melbourne’s South East, City of Greater Dandenong and City of Casey are among the highest rankings for family violence incidents in Victoria.
Casey recorded 5,738 family violence incidents in the last financial year, a 5.7 per cent increase from the previous financial year. About 32 per cent of the victims are born overseas.
Greater Dandenong had 2651 family violence incidents in the FY 2023-24, the same as the previous year’s number. About 30 per cent of the victims are born overseas.
Dalal Smiley, chief executive officer of the local women’s organisation Wellsprings for Women, said Rahima’s story was indeed a common story that mothers who left an abusive relationship did experience when it came to their children.
“The Federal Family Court makes the decisions regarding parent’s access to their children. So, while there might be a state-issued FVIO that protects the mother from further abuse, this does not mean that the father loses access to his child unless the child has been subjected to the violence as well and the FVIO covers both of them,” she said.
“This issue is one that our peak body Safe and
Equal has done a consultation on and provided a submission to the government with 13 recommendations for change.”
Ms Smiley recommended that women going through similar experiences seek the support of specialist family violence services.
“It is important for women to receive the holistic support they need as they try to navigate the various services,” she said.
“Just having legal support is not enough in itself.”
She also said women from migrant and refugee backgrounds who left an abusive relationship, might also face community backlash and could feel isolated.
“Having the support of a caseworker is critical in helping the victim/survivor through this phase and providing options for healing, recovery and resilience building,” she said.
“At Wellsprings our role does not end when the client leaves the relationship and is safe from violence, we continue supporting her post the violence to address the challenges that she will face which at times become too overwhelming and could lead her to return to the abusive partner.”
Support
Help is available. In an emergency, contact Triple-Zero (000). 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence; you can also talk online at 1800respect.org.au
By Sahar Foladi
Locals from all walks of lives from Casey and Greater Dandenong were moved by a preview screening of the film ‘My Melbourne’.
Produced by Indian-Australian film-maker Mitu Bhowmick Lange from Mindblowing Films, the anthology of four stories of diverse identity and belonging is set to be released nationally in March.
Lange is also the festival director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and according to her this is the first time in a decade such an Australian film will be released in India.
“The reason for making My Melbourne was our opportunity to tell our own stories and be able to talk about the authentic stories we have. To be the storytellers of our own stories, rather than through other people’s lenses.
“That was the key aim and objective - authentic storytelling.
“We wanted to celebrate the four foundations of diversity which is disability, gender race and sexuality.
The preview was held at the Village Cinemas Fountain Gate on Thursday 23 January, co-hosted by Bruce MP Julian Hill who is also friends with the producer.
“Mitu and I have been friends through my brother. When he was alive, he was a dear friend of Mitu and he was a filmmaker,” Hill said.
“This film My Melbourne took a film festival in India by storm and is about to be released in 22 cities.
“It’s terrific that we have so many members of our community particularly from our Afghan and Indian community who are featured in the film are here tonight.”
My Melbourne depicts incidents in Setara Amiri’s life after she migrated to Australia in 2021 from Afghanistan.
Setara, meaning star, is literally considered the star of the film and it was evident she had a long line of fans waiting to click photos with her after the preview.
“It’s very important as a young Afghan girl who lost her identity, to inspire everyone not just young girls from Afghanistan.
“There’s lots of opportunities for everyone from every background in Australia.” Others in the audience were moved to tears at Setara’s story, with her telling of her passion for cricket, being on the Afghanistan National Cricket team and how she was forced to leave all that behind and start
Casey resident Nisar Ahmad struggled to contain his emotions after the screening.
“It was an amazing movie but when Setara came on the screen it took me back to Afghanistan and the thought of all the girls living there who can’t study and are deprived of their basic rights which is education.
“I was emotional, and I wanted to cry for my fellow Afghan sisters and women and girls living in Afghanistan.”
Mulgrave MP Eden Foster, Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP, Casey mayor Stefan Koomen, community organisations such as the Bakhtar Community Organisation also attended.
Koomen says it’s important for migrant stories to be showcased.
“Every migrant that comes to Australia has their own story and it’s important to showcase those and explain to people in our community what the history is of different ways of migration and the different people who have come to call Casey home.”
By Violet Li
A family in Botanic Ridge is advocating for organ donation after a liver transplant gave their daughter a second chance at life about eight years ago.
The eight-year-old Layla is one of the happy kids in the community, starting Grade 3 at the end of this month. At just seven weeks old, she was diagnosed with the life-threatening condition, biliary atresia, which was causing her liver to fail.
“It was a lot to process at the time,” mother Aleisha Saxon said.
“Within a week, she was at Royal Children’s Hospital having her first operation. They just had to make drainage from her liver to be able to get rid of the excess bilirubin that was in her system.
“We were told it could be successful but it might not be, and just to wait and see if it was successful. It was quite quick to realise that it wasn’t successful, and it had failed.
“We just continued to notice that she was getting yellower, and sicker, and her belly would swell up with fluid in her tummy. She eventually just wasn’t drinking as well so ended up having a nasal tube put in to help get her food into her.“ Layla went downhill really quickly at the time and was put on the top of the national waitlist for a liver transplant.
“She was always a happy baby despite being so sick,” Aleisha recalled.
“But she deteriorated, and we started to notice that things were escalating, and we were getting to the point where she was quite desperate for a liver transplant.”
The parents were told Layla might not live to see her first birthday unless a liver transplant. They waited not knowing if that call would come. After a long wait, that call did finally come. The hours about finding out if the organ was a complete match were very “nerve-wracking”. It matched, and the gift of organ donation saved their daughter’s life.
“She ended up being in the theatre for around 14 hours. Very long time. And when she first came out, it was the first time we saw her and we’d already noticed a huge difference in her skin,” Aleisha said.
“Her skin was starting to turn white, and it had been yellow for a very long time. Her eyes as well were already starting to turn white.
“It was remarkable how quickly the liver was working. And then we spent about another month in the hospital, and she was just already a new completely different baby.
“She started to giggle. She started to roll. She started to eat, all the things she just couldn’t do before her transplant.”
After the rollercoaster journey, the family has ever since been advocating for organ donation.
“It’s changed our lives, but most importantly, Layla wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for organ donation and her donor and her donor family for saying yes to donating,” Aleisha said.
“We encourage people to sign up because it really does make a huge difference. We’ve been able to have nearly nine years of Layla that we potentially weren’t going to have.
“It was such a bizarre feeling going through the transplant process because you’ve been hanging on for so long for her to have the transplant, and then you’re so nervous about everything that can go wrong about the transplant.
“And then you feel joy as well that she’s able to get it, but at the same time, you know that someone else has had to pass away. It’s a very bittersweet feeling.”
Every year for the anniversary, the family would sit down and talk about how special the do-
nor is, even though they don’t know who they are.
“They’ve changed our lives and thank you is never enough. There are no words to explain how thankful we are,” Aleisha said.
There are currently 1,800 Australians on the waiting list for an organ transplant, with a further 14,000 undergoing dialysis who could benefit from a kidney transplant.
Registering to be an organ and tissue donor only takes one minute. Register at: donatelife.gov. au
By Ethan Benedicto
The family whose home has been left in ruins after a harrowing crash has called for increased safety in Hallam Road.
Situated on the corner of Ivan Crescent in Hampton Park, Ravinder and Neha, parents to two young children thought that installing metallic fencing and laying the foundations with bricks would provide ample protection.
While they were aware of the dangers of corner-home living, they never expected an upturned vehicle to be a mere foot away from their feet at 4.30 in the morning.
Despite the speed limit being 60 kilometres per hour, and 40 kilometres per hour on school hours, the family said that “many people don’t go 60 kilometres”.
“I know the road is nice, but still I feel that the limit, it’s not adequate, it’s too fast, it should be slower because there’s a school right there,” both parents said.
The family had moved from Springvale a few years prior, thinking they had experienced the worst that the suburb’s traffic, congestion and crashes had to offer.
They are thankful that no one was seriously injured during the accident, but both Ravinder and Neha both live under the guile of fear and with the noise of the crash still fresh, have found it difficult to think about sleeping, much less spending time in their beloved home.
The driver of the vehicle was a 25-year-old Narre Warren man, and the passenger was a 26-year-old man from Dandenong North.
“We don’t know what happened with those men (in the vehicle), but we want justice,” Ravin-
der said.
“I mean, we were living here, but there is no comfort anymore, the insurance does its job, but whose fault was it?
“It’s the mental damage, our mental health, my daughter’s my son’s, the family.”
There is fear for their children, especially their daughter, who has recently been enrolled at the neighbouring St Kevin’s Primary School.
Neha, the mother, said the 40 kilometres per hour limit should be constant, at least until Hampton Park Shopping Centre.
“It should be 40 kilometres here all the time, not just school, but always,” she said.
Narre Warren South MP, Gary Maas is thankful that there were no serious injuries or deaths in light of the incident.
Maas added that when incidents like these occur, reviews are being conducted by VicRoads, withthebodyconsultingroadusers,localschools, residents and other relevant stakeholders.
“The safety of our community is paramount, no one wants traffic flow to be reduced along our road networks due to a few selfish idiots who do not follow the speed limit,” Maas said.
Maas said laws and road rules were there to be abided by, “but our outstanding police can only do so much when road rules are flagrantly disregarded by drivers who excessively speed”.
River Gum Ward councillor, Lynette Pereira is adamant that more action should be taken when it comes to deterrence of dangerous driving, but also on working together with authorities to make a lasting change.
While the road itself isn’t a hot spot for severe accidents or crashes, she collates that it is indeed a stretch where drivers, despite the speed camer-
(Supplied)
as, like to test not only their vehicles’ limits, but the regulated limit as well.
“So when you think of a small car that loses control, can you imagine a bigger truck losing control?” Lynette said.
“We’ve got a lot of problems with unsafe drivers at the moment, and you’ll see it online on Casey Crime Page, where it is evident that crime is growing in Casey.
“This is a worry for us and we need to stick our heads together and work with the police, who also need support.”
While she understands that the residents are calling for more safety measures, she echoed a similar notion to Maas, where a certain balance must be met when implementing these considering the arterial nature of Hallam Road.
Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen, added that he and the council are aware of the community’s
concerns regarding speeding along Hallam Road and that they are “committed to improving road safety and will continue to advocate to the State Government for safety improvements”.
“With kids now back in school, it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure they get to and from school safely,” Koomen said.
“Council urges all drivers to take care, be alert and abide by the rules when behind the wheel.”
Star News understands that the speed of 60 kilometres on the road is considered an acceptable limit under the state and the Department of Transport and Planning, and that traffic calming devices such as speed humps would not be suitable for carrying such high volumes of traffic.
Ravinder, building on the stress the accident has caused, is also frustrated.
“This has been very frustrating for us, you know, we’ve been trying to make the home nicer and nicer, but then all of a sudden someone comes along and does this,” he said.
“Now we are the people that have to do something about it, so it’s justice, that’s what we want.
“We don’t feel safe when we’re here, this is our house and we’re missing our home.”
Neha lamented that the family frequented the front yard in their free time, with activities from using the trampoline, the kids on bikes and other small activities, it was, as the parents coined, their little playground.
In the meantime, the family is currently living away from home, and while waiting for the repairs to finish, they make frequent trips to and from the home to gather their belongings.
They are hoping that something can be done to both quell the numbers of dangerous driving, and increase the safety of those living near main roads.
By Violet Li
Hampton Park locals are frustrated at an absence of translation services for its multicultural community regarding the planning information for the proposed waste transfer station.
Star News reported last year that communities were left devastated, disappointed and angered after Casey Council approved the proposed waste transfer station next to the Hallam Road landfill in November. Shortly after, community organisation Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) launched a parliamentary petition to request the State Government to overturn the planning approval.
As volunteers doorknocked to urge the residents to sign the petition, they discovered that many multicultural community members were aware of the planning application, largely due to a lack of materials and notices in alternative languages.
Socheata, a local who migrated from Cambodia, said she found out the news from her neighbour instead of from Casey Council.
She was very unhappy about the proposal as she was concerned that it would affect her property values, and most importantly, the local environment.
She also realised a lot of people from the local Cambodian community did not know about the planning proposal and ever since, she has been helping with the translation.
She said a lot of people refused to sign the petition at first because they didn’t understand the situation, but after she well explained the proposal and what it would mean for the community, people were unanimously eager to sign. She also said a lot of people were afraid to stand out against the proposal because “it was a government thing”.
According to the 2021 ABS census, about 72
By Afraa Kori
Talk n Dawdle group has kicked off, meeting weekly on Wednesday at 10am.
The Talk n Dawdle started in early 2023, thanks to Ricci Webster’s simple yet lovely idea.
After purchasing a house near the Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick with her husband Stephen, she wanted to meet fellow locals to walk with, accompanied by her dog Archie.
“The hope was to engage the interest in the community for retired folk, seniors and really anyone that might enjoy an outing weekly, meet some new faces, and also an opportunity for their dogs to socialise,” Ricci said.
The Talk n Dawdle group has evolved remarkably well since its inception, growing from a small group of 4-5 members to a thriving community of 25-30 participants on Wednesdays.
The group consists of retired men and women, employed individuals, and young enthusiasts. Ricci also encourages newcomers weekly to the group by introducing them to some regulars who may have similar interests.
However the absolute common denomina-
tor among the group members are their dogs.
“They are brilliant conversation starters and such a buzz to watch these dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments come together so well. Since the group started there has never been an incident with the dogs, which is pretty remarkable.”
Ricci believes that the very simplicity of the Talk n Dawdle is attractive to many.
“I had emphasised that it was a Dawdle, not a marathon as such,” she said.
“My most enjoyment personally in hosting this group comes from the enormous satisfaction I receive in seeing people from all different backgrounds, areas and history come together for a short while to engage in other company, have a chat, laugh and watch their dogs interact with others, and perhaps head home with a thought that the world isn’t such a bad place after all.
“Some dawdlers may be quiet and shy, and there’s no pressure to talk unless you want to. There is a lovely and mutual respect for our canine pals, and Wilson Botanic Park is a stunning part of the world to simply admire.”
per cent of the people in Hampton Park have both parents born overseas.
Socheata said the area was demographically diverse, with communities of Cambodian, Vietnamese, Afghani, and Indian.
Sue Lanigan, a concerned local, said it would be really good to get the planning information translated into different languages so people in the area could make a fair and reasonable assessment rather than having it thrown onto them.
“We’re still putting the information out there because there’s a lot of people who don’t know,” she said.
“And even if we can get them to start asking questions, hopefully, they will have enough information to ask questions. You can’t ask questions if you don’t know what you’re asking about.”
Sue believed it should be people like Socheata doing the translation work for the community, instead, it should be Casey Council.
“I’m so grateful to these ladies for walking around for hours and doing all the translating. But they shouldn’t have to be doing it. The council should be doing it,” she said.
“They should be recognising the nationalities in this area, and they should be making sure that they’re fully informed.
“There needs to be a better way of communicating with people.
“You can’t keep taking advantage of people that you invite into this country to help support us, and you do this to them.”
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria is assessing a Development Licence for the proposed waste transfer station. It will hold a consultation conference with the date pending.
LRA has written to EPA and requested translated materials to make the consultation accessible to all residents.
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SES was on hand to save the Teddy. No bears were hurt in this demonstration.
Hampton Park Progress Association held its annual family-friendly fun day on Australia Day.
The event saw an attendance of over 300 people.
Australian Air League marched with the flag. AhmadiyyaMuslimCommunity’sChildren’sChoir proudly sang the Australian National Anthem.
Attendees included emergency services, Victoria Police, Hampton Park Fire Brigade (CFA), State Emergency Services Narre Warren Unit, Ambulance Victoria, Neighbourhood Watch Casey, Australian Air League - Berwick Squadron, Vocal Performance School, Team Richards Rock n’ Roll, Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Club, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Children’s Choir, mayor Cr Stefan Koomen, Cr Michelle Crowther, Hampton Park Uniting Church, and Hampton Park Baptist Church.
“Following a long-held tradition of our 102-year-old Association, we brought our commu-
nity together in harmony on Australia Day at our Free Family Friendly event,” said Luke DeLutis, president of Hampton Park Progress Association.
“We fundraise throughout the year to afford to host a free event where families, individuals and our wider community can enjoy the day without needing to break their budgets.
“We recognise that these are challenging eco-
nomic times and so this is our way of supporting our community.
“We were very pleased to see so many people enjoying the day with us and we hope that even more people will join us again in 2026.”
By Afraa Kori
Throughout his life, Geoffrey Davidson has led a life of service, never seeking recognition or praise. He volunteered out of a genuine desire to help others and make a difference in his community.
His journey into volunteering began at the age of seven during the Second World War. At this time, there were many opportunities for children to get involved in volunteering work, and he chose to assist with Air Raid Precautions (ARP). He even helped his mum collect money for causes like the Red Cross and the Australian Comfort Fund.
In 1951, he joined the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 18 and received both the defence medal and the national service medal. The challenge he faced was not having a choice, as it was mandatory for men to serve in the military. Another biggest challenges was being separated from his father, who was serving in Papua New Guinea. However, he learned to follow orders and get along with others, as team work is important for success and building companionship.
After war, Geoffrey completed recruit training at Flinders Naval Depot and flying training at an Air Force Base in Queensland, qualifying as a pilot. He also trained as an engineer at Caulfield Technical School, where he designed and built machines to meet specific needs and challenges. Through this experience, he gained the skill of problem solving, which he applied throughout his life.
As a young adult, he joined the Apex Club in Dandenong and became a dedicated fundraiser and community volunteer for 13 years.
Additionally, he was a member of the Upper Beaconsfield Rotary Club in 1983, serving for 11 years. In 1993, he was appointed President and was was honored with Rotary’s prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship.
He was involved in several Rotary initiatives: smallpox eradication programme, bone marrow bank assisting cancer patients and charity gold events for the underprivileged.
Geoff was not only an excellent organiser, he approached tasks hands-on; volunteering to chop and deliver wood, providing transport for those in need.
In 1999, Geoff joined the Upper Beaconsfield Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) and held roles as secretary and
treasurer.
When his oldest daughter Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer, Geoff spent 2 years supporting and nursing her at his home until her death in 2009. Due to the rewarding and challenging experience as a caregiver, Geoff completed Palliative Care Volunteer Training.
From 2012 to 2020, Geoff assisted and supported many people struggling with terminal illness – either themselves or with a loved one.
Geoff turns his own challenges and experiences into a strength, using them to offer emotional support, comfort, and wisdom to others.
“The best volunteering I ever did was palliative care. You meet these people and in no time at all you find you know somebody in their family. They’re not only people who need someone to talk to, but they’re interesting to get to know them and keep around,” he said.
“The problem with Australians is that once they hear somebody has died, they just give up. They don’t visit anymore because they want to leave you alone to grieve but it doesn’t work that way. The community we had was not far-reached, they were very supportive during our grief journey.”
In 2014, Geoff was awarded the La Trobe Community Award for valued contributions to the Community.
As published in the Village Bell in 2014, Jason Wood MP, Federal Member for La Trobe wrote “Geoff is respected for his service in the Royal Australian Navy in 1951, and over the years has been a member of a wide variety of community groups. Geoff has not only been a valued member but has also volunteered his services to the Apex Club in Dandenong for 13 years and the Upper Beaconsfield Rotary Club for 11 years. He has also
volunteered his time for many community events such as the Pakenham Show for 8 years, and is an integral part of many local community events. Geoff currently volunteers for South Eastern Palliative Care, helping those who need it most. He has now been volunteering for a total of approximately 35 years.”
Despite some physical health challenges, Geoff has maintained a positive attitude. He became a member of the Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group, a self-help support group to relieve pain and improve quality of life of members. They also raise money for charities, such as the Musculoskeletal Australia for Juvenile Arthritis. Geoff also volunteered as assistant treasurer and took on the responsibility of running the annual general meetings (AGM). The Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group presented Geoff the Peer Support Group Award for 5 years Long Service in 2015 and 10 years in 2019.
Since 2017, Geoff facilitated the Men’s Discussion Group at the Balla Balla Community Centre, allowing men to socialise, connect and make new friends in a non-judgemental environment. Geoff’s wisdom and experience navigating differences and strong personalities within the group shone. He encouraged sharing in a relaxed respectful way ensuring informative sessions with plenty of laughs which led to firm friendships growing from this group.
Geoff’s years of voluntary contribution were recognised with certificates of appreciation from Balla Balla Community Centre. In 2019, Geoff was awarded the Gembrook Community Award for going the extra mile to build a stronger community by MP Brad Battin.
Now at the age of 91, Geoff remains involved in the Men’s Discussion Group and has recently become a remote aged care volunteer for Inclusee, assisting to connect seniors with online learning and virtual events.
“I’m very happy with my award. It’s nice to have something you haven’t done yourself, that recognises what you do,” he said.
“You can’t sit around hoping that something’s going to happen. If you want something to happen, you have to find like-minded people and do it together. That’s my volunteering principle!”
“I hope my family prosper and do well. My wife and I have done all we can to give them a good life. I hope they can see that you can do charity work and still have a home life as well.”
By Dr Jamel Kaur Singh
Recently I spoke at length with Noonuccal elder Uncle Gene Blow, one of the most insightful and connected individuals I have ever met. Together, we reflected on the polarised discussions surrounding Australia Day.
Instead of simply calling for a change of date, we explored what a truly inclusive day might look like— one that respects First Nations people, acknowledges our history, and brings all Australians together.
This is not about being flippant or trying to change minds; it’s about uniting people, finding a compromise that makes sense, and creating a sense of pride that reflects the strength of what it means to be Australian.
We are not stubborn people, we are happy go lucky, the “she’ll be right mate” attitude, and we respect a ‘fair go’ and believe in mateship and camaraderie.
THE TRUTH BEHIND 26 JANUARY
Many Australians misunderstand the significance of 26 January.
It is not the day Captain Cook arrived (April 29, 1770) or even the day the First Fleet landed (January 18–20, 1788).
Instead, it marks the raising of the British flag at Sydney Cove in 1788—a moment that began the colonisation of this land, with devastating consequences for First Nations peoples.
For many, it is a painful reminder of dispossession, survival, and resistance.
For many a disgust at the inhumanity rendered on the traditional custodians.
However, 26 January also holds another layer of meaning.
On this day in 1949, the Australian Citizenship Act came into force (according to the NLA), making
Dr Jamel Kaur Singh.
Australians citizens of their own nation for the first time rather than British subjects.
Millions have since chosen this day to formalise their Australian citizenship, making it significant for many.
Uncle Gene is doing a smoking ceremony for the beautiful Pilipino community that celebrate 26 Jan each year as the day they pledge allegiance to this country.
So let’s change 26 January to a day of thanksgiving, remembrance and acknowledgment and call it Citizenship Day? But moving forward is this the best date to represent who we are as a nation?
PROPOSAL: A BETTER DATE - DECEMBER 12, THE DAY OF COLLABORATION AND IDENTITY
A more fitting date would be one that symbolises unity, collaboration, and progress—a day that tells the story of Australia’s identity in a way that reso-
nates with all its people.
12 December, 1817, stands out as the most logical and inclusive choice.
On this day, Governor Lachlan Macquarie formally recommended the name “Australia” to replace “New Holland”.
This change was inspired by the work of Matthew Flinders, the first person to circumnavigate the continent, and Bungaree (a Garigal man), the first Aboriginal man to do so.
Together, Flinders and Bungaree mapped the Australian coastline, proving it was one landmass and shaping the identity of the nation we know today.
It is important to recognise that it wasn’t Macquarie who came up with the name “Australia”.
The proposal came from Flinders and Bungaree, whose collaboration exemplifies the values of teamwork, respect, and a shared vision.
Macquarie merely presented their suggestion—a decision that ultimately defined how we see ourselves as a nation.
1 January, 1901, marks the federation of Australia, when six British colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia.
It was undeniably a milestone in our history, symbolising unity and progress.
However, choosing January 1 as Australia Day risks overshadowing its significance as it coincides with New Year’s Day.
It would also tie the celebration to federation, which might alienate those who hope for Australia to one day become a republic.
By leaning towards 12 December, we select a date that transcends these debates and celebrates a unifying moment in history, regardless of our political future.
Reframing Australia Day isn’t about disregarding history—it’s about recognising it honestly and inclusively.
The current date perpetuates division and pain, where we need harmony and pride.
By choosing a date like 12 December, we acknowledge the collaborative spirit that defines Australia and celebrate the resilience of its people— First Nations, settlers, and migrants alike.
This isn’t about rewriting the past; it’s about reshaping the present to build a stronger, more united future. It is about changing the narrative.
LEADERSHIP AND ACTION ARE NEEDED Now is the time for strong leadership.
Politicians and decision-makers must stop brushing aside this critical conversation and instead take meaningful action to unite Australians.
We no longer live as sheep, no more divide and conquer. Ignorance breeds misunderstanding, racism, bullying and fear.
We are better than that.
Reframing the narrative of Australia Day is not a trivial change; it is a crucial step in creating a shared narrative that brings people together and strengthens national pride.
Perhaps choosing 12 December as Australia Day would allow us to celebrate a moment of unity that transcends politics, division, and debate. It would symbolise collaboration, resilience, and the shared identity that makes Australia extraordinary. This is our chance to move forward together: Stronger, prouder, and more united.
Dr Jamel Kaur Singh is an Eumemmerring author, academic and founder of Corporate Cultural Change Consultancy. As a candidate in the 2024 Casey Council elections, Dr Singh called out racist abuse in politics and community.
Amstel Hotel celebrated Australia Day with the wide Cranbourne community, including the local SES. Face painting, kids’ activities, live music, barbecue, and themed cocktails were offered on the day.
Melbourne Edelweiss Choir hosted a vibrant Australia Day celebration at Lysterfield Park, drawing hundreds of community members to share in the festivities.
Themed “We Are Also in the Australian Story”, the event celebrated the spirit of togetherness, cultural appreciation, and joy.
This marked the Choir’s fifth Australia Day event, supported by funding from the Australian government.
With the Chinese Spring Festival just around the corner, the Melbourne Edelweiss Choir, composed of Chinese members, embraced the festive atmosphere to create an inclusive celebration.
The celebration featured a dynamic mix of cultural performances and interactive games.
The Melbourne Edelweiss Choir moved the audience with a heartfelt performance of “Edelweiss”. The White Horse Dance Group performed their dance “Ascending the Spring Mountain” and presented a sign language performance of “A Grateful Heart”.
The Choir’s group dance “Sleepless Tonight” added an extra spark to the day.
Guests also enjoyed a variety of interactive games, including blindfolded walking chal-
By Sahar Foladi
Once there was a Mama who was grappling through the challenges of life. Now, she has become a beacon of hope for hundreds of others.
Announced as an OAM recipient on the 2025 Australia Day Honours List, Selba Gondoza-Luka doesn’t like to call herself the “boss” at her organisation Afri-Aus Care.
She rather prefers to be called a Mama.
“My job is not a job. When you have a job, you hate it (not all the time). When you have it at your core it’s your passion.
“When I’m at Afri-Aus Care I’m not a CEO, I’m a sister and a Mama.
“There’s no hierarchy and it helps the women not to feel inferior. Sometimes people will start introducing me as their boss, but no I’m their sister or Mama.”
She was awarded the honorary Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her intense work in the African community through her organisation founded in 2015, built through her personal experiences after she migrated from Malawi in 2001. Her family was struggling in every sense since the move but an unsupportive abusive husband, the loss of her baby who was only in this world for a few months after a premature birth, was the last straw. She attempted to take her own life as she slipped into postnatal depression.
“When people have problems or catastrophe in their lives instead of digging in the sand and sitting sad, it’s better to take the problem and find others who have the same problems.
“I know a lot of women are suffering from family violence, kids go off the rails - it all happened to me.
“My baby died but instead I took the experience and looked for people who went through what I went through.”
Later, a daughter Kwacha Luka stayed out of home in her early teens to avoid the problems and fell through the cracks.
Selba and her daughter are the symbol of not everyone is perfect but what you do with your circumstances will make or break you.
Kwacha, who is now a successful fashion designer, has seen the incredible journey of her mother and can’t express just enough of how proud she is.
“I have seen her when she was at her lowest. It’s been an amazing journey.
“From where she came from, she used to be very dependent on my dad. He was the main person that handled a lot of things at home.
“She was more vulnerable than I was, she lost her marriage etcetera - her lived experience is why she is able to do what she does now.”
She changed herself as a person and a mother, formed a healthy and positive relationship with her daughter, took her struggles and experienc-
es to study the very thing that almost broke her - mental illness. And she worked with Monash Health in various settings.
“I worked with Monash community mental health service with South Sudanese children on several projects. This is where my eyes opened, where I saw a big gap between the youth and us the elderly,” Selba says.
“To do the work well, following UBUNTU values, seeing others in my shoes and having my own personal experiences as a family violence survivor, the inter-generational conflict with my daughter, my daughter suffering inter-generational trauma and when I was a psychiatric patient.
“Our young people have got rights without responsibility, which brings consequences.”
UBUNTU is all about connection to the community, to the family and with people because as Selba says, ‘I am because we are.’
She thanks God Jehova and her parents John Ned Gondoza and Ms Maness Gondoza for raising
her the way they did.
“I learnt the UBUNTU values from my parents. Our homes have orphans and the less priviliged.”
A decade later, she has saved hundreds of families, as well as young people in and out of the justice system. Her UBUNTU Mama’s learn to regain control of their lives, form better relationships in their family unit and make better life decisions.
“We are still living in Africa in this generation having strict African values. In most cases it doesn’t work here.
“Most of the children come from school and lock themselves in their room, in isolation but in the same house.
“So, our work is trying to stop that isolation, and it works.”
Selba Gondoza Luka is not an unknown name in and outside of Victoria, especially in Greater Dandenong.
She’s renowned for her work with youth from the African communities to avoid anti-social be-
haviour and promote a sense of community, as well as working with their Mamas. She also supports Mamas and babies from early pregnancy, providing guidance, support, stability and a sense of community though UBUNTU values. Selba has worked with various Government departments and universities to further the opportunities available to African youth because “Australia is the land of opportunity and freedom”. “If you don’t know how to find the opportunities, you will be lost.” Passionate and driven to better provide for her community, she is unstoppable despite her busy calendar. She still finds time to go out to the Parkville Youth Justice Centre to cook and provide counselling to the young people in prison. She mixes cuisines across the world to produce “beautiful food” all while teaching them the values of UBUNTU and treating others the way they want to be treated, with respect.
By Sahar Foladi
South East service Afri-Aus Care has won a Community Group of the Year Australia Day Award from City of Greater Dandenong, crowning a decade of ground-breaking service.
The Springvale South-based organisation was established in 2015 by Selba Gondoza Luka OAM, a popular name in the tight-knit community of Greater Dandenong and all over Victoria.
“There are so many people who are doing great things to get such an honour for me is a shock,” Luka says.
“My experience as mental health clinician and UBUNTU values helped me understand the situation people are facing.
“It helped me to dig deeper into the African community. Nearly 300 women are working (at Afri-Aus Care), they have been empowered I can proudly say that.”
She thanks and expresses gratitude to all the donors, funders, community members, volunteers and staff.
“The award is for all of us as the UBUNTU family.”
Afri-Aus Care has been a haven for a decade now for families, UBUNTU Mama’s, youth and so many others in so many ways.
Major plans are drawn up for the organisation as they seek funding to knock down the old and building and build a UBUNTU Village community.
“While we love our beautiful centre that is full
of love and passion for our work, the space is no longer big enough to be able to cater for all people accessing our services and programs we are running and planning to run,” Luka says.
Part of the plan is also to include a Black Rhinos sporting team Community Hub in the multi-purpose space, which will be open for different communities to use.
A young South Sudanese volunteer Mamuch Chuol is among the many who have benefitted under Luka’s mentorship and guidance.
He started volunteering with the organisation to understand how to establish an organisation, seek guidance from Selba and is now a successful young founder of the youth-led non-for-profit organisation NextGen Unite in Dandenong.
“I had already started an organisation, I studied full time as law student, I was working at a furniture shop.
“Selba and her team were very supportive of me, they helped to put in my first grant application for my organisation and continuously guided me in every phase.
“It’s amazing to see her commended for her efforts. Super grateful to have her as my mentor and I’m really glad she could be honoured in that way.”
Chuaol was also one of the basketball players on the Black Rhinos team, which is committed to empowering South Sudanese youth through sports programs, music programs and other pathways.
“We started the organisation because of what we saw going on in the community.
“We thought in this section there wasn’t enough young people neither was there a voice for young people.”
Black Rhinos has engaged over 2000 young people within the organisation and has more than 15 paid and unpaid staff.
Program manager Abraham Kuol calls Afri-Aus Care a “home away from home”.
He started volunteering as a fresh graduate from RMIT University where he undertook undergraduate and honours degree in Project Management.
His mother - a senior UBUNTU ambassadorconvinced him to interact and work with Afri-Aus Care.
“So, I came in with the intention of using some of my skills to see how I could work with her (Selba) and people from the community to build it up.
“Selba was doing incredible the team was amazing, and they were already doing amazing things.
“What stood out was there was a community, a dedicated group of people who were coming from different parts of life looking to build each other up.
“You can see the joy of the community members when they visit and see the commitment of the staff and that’s not something you see in a lot of places that’s what stood out, the passion.”
Kuol who is also a resident of City of Casey and previously Greater Dandenong, is an associate research fellow and PhD candidate in criminology at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalization at Deakin University.
He is able to mix his passion and explore the post settlement challenges of African Australians focusing on the justice system contact.
His interests include youth violence, risk, and protective factors for offending, and culturally and linguistically diverse young people.
Kuol is one of the 10 recipient of Westpac Social Change Fellowship scholarship 2025.
The fellowship provides up to $50,000 funding towards personal development for conferences, coaching, as well as overseas learning trips for professional development.
It also provides leadership coaching and networking with other like-minded people in his chosen sector.
Kuol intends to stay with Afri-Aus Care for as long as he can both as a volunteer or paid staff.
Nine wanted people mainly from Casey have been targeted in Crime Stoppers Victoria’s latest blitz.
CSV chief executive Stella Smith said information was sought from the public to track down the nine who are wanted on multiple Victoria Police warrants.
“Everyone has a part to play in keeping the community safe and this is a way that people living in the Casey area can help.
“We are asking people in Casey, do you know any of these wanted persons? Share what you know with Crime Stoppers.“
Four of the group – Brendan Moore, Collis Ernstzen, Matthew Beverley and William Buckby - remain at-large following a similar blitz last May.
Brendan MOORE
AGE: 38 years
HEIGHT: 175 cm
BUILD: Medium
EYES: Brown
HAIR: Brown
COMPLEXION: Fair
· Brendan Moore is wanted by police for theft, failing to stop vehicle on police request, and possessing cannabis.
· Nine warrants have been issued for his arrest.
· Moore is known to frequent the Narre Warren area.
Reference number: WTD2144
Jessie FITZGERALD
AGE: 35
HEIGHT: 175 cm
BUILD: Medium
EYES: Brown
HAIR: Black
COMPLEXION: Fair
· Jessie Fitzgerald is wanted by police for contravening a community corrections order, affray, and theft.
· Five warrants have been issued for his arrest.
· Fitzgerald is known to frequent the Cranbourne area.
Reference number: WTD2575
Even the smallest piece of information on the wanted persons could help lead to a conviction, Ms Smith said.
“Your information, even if you are not 100 per cent sure, could be the missing piece of the puzzle that helps investigators solve a crime.“
Ms Smith said she understood that people could feel anxious about providing information.
“We want to remind the community that Crime Stoppers is a confidential crime reporting service that does not require you to provide your personal details.”
Any information on the listed persons to Crime Stoppers at crimestoppersvic.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
Collis ERNSTZEN
AGE: 40
HEIGHT: 170 cm
BUILD: Solid
EYES: Brown
HAIR: Black
COMPLEXION: Olive
· Collis Ernstzen is wanted by police for threating to inflict serious injury, criminal damage, and driving whilst suspended.
· Seven warrants have been issued for his arrest.
· Ernstzen is known to frequent the Berwick area.
Reference number: WTD2156
Mark JOHNSON
AGE: 47
HEIGHT: 175 cm
BUILD: Medium
EYES: Blue
HAIR: Black
COMPLEXION: Olive
· Mark Johnson is wanted by police for vehicle theft, theft, and driving whilst disqualified.
· Seven warrants have been issued for his arrest.
· Johnson is known to frequent the Hallam area.
Reference number: WTD2576
Keanna MORRISON
AGE: 28
HEIGHT: 175 cm
BUILD: Thin
EYES: Blue
HAIR: Blonde
COMPLEXION: Fair
· Keanna Morrison is wanted by police for contravening a community corrections order, vehicle theft and possessing methylamphetamine.
· Five warrants have been issued for her arrest.
· Morrison is known to frequent the Narre Warren area.
Reference number: WTD2580
Matthew BEVERLEY
AGE: 36
HEIGHT: 165 cm
BUILD: Medium
EYES: Brown
HAIR: Brown
COMPLEXION: Fair
· Matthew Beverley is wanted by police for contravening a community correction, recklessly causing injury, and drinkdriving.
· Five warrants have been issued for his arrest.
· Beverley is known to frequent the Cranbourne area.
Reference number: WTD2434
David GIBSON
AGE: 46
HEIGHT: 190 cm
BUILD: Medium
EYES: Blue
HAIR: Brown
COMPLEXION: Fair
· David Gibson is wanted by police for failing to answer bail, contravening a community corrections order and burglary.
· Nine warrants have been issued for his arrest.
· Gibson is known to frequent the Mount Evelyn area.
Reference number: WTD2578
William BUCKBY
AGE: 25
HEIGHT: 175 cm
BUILD: Thin
EYES: Blue
HAIR: Brown
COMPLEXION: Fair
· William Buckby is wanted by police for contravening a community corrections order, common law assault, and theft.
· Six warrants have been issued for his arrest.
· Buckby is known to frequent the Sale area.
Reference number: WTD2574
Emma KELLY
AGE: 30
HEIGHT: 168 cm
BUILD: Medium
EYES: Brown
HAIR: Black
COMPLEXION: Fair
· Emma Kelly is wanted by police for failing to answer bail, contravening a community corrections order, and burglary.
· Five warrants have been issued for her arrest.
· Kelly is known to frequent the Hampton Park area.
Reference number: WTD2579
By Violet Li
Tamara Bush has been frustrated to see most of the trees the community planted last year are now dead at Troops Creek Wetland in Narre Warren North. She believed the Casey Council should prepare and maintain them better.
On 28 July 2023, Casey Council held its Create Canopy for Casey tree planting event to commemorate National Tree Day at Troops Creek Wetland in Narre Warren North.
Around 280 residents planted approximately 10,000 trees and shrubs on the day. Tamara, who helped plant trees on the day, has been watching closely ever since.
Having lived in the area for more than a decade, she found the tree-planting meaningful as the wet-
land could use more shades in the hot summer and trees could potentially block off the noise from the freeway.
Fast forward six months, she discovered that the survival rate was disappointingly low, with only 10 per cent estimated. It was rare to find a surviving one among thriving grass.
She said there was no mulch, no weed mat, and the council could have poisoned all the grass.
“Three things they could have done. They did nothing,” she said.
“Last year’s July was very wet. There was water everywhere. And then August barely had any rain. So, by the end of August, some of the plants were dying, which was unusual. It was unusually warm and dry.
“Then this grass started to grow in September
and October. A couple of months after, the council came out and put some of these tree guards around with not even a tenth of the plants.
“Some of the tree guards over plants are already gone. Already dead. It’s just for looks.”
Tamara also noticed that in the two weeks after the plantings, purple swamp hens came out and picked plants out.
“Council people came out and then put them back in. All the damage was pretty much replanted back in, but it wasn’t raining, so a lot of them died,” she said.
“That really wasn’t anyone’s fault, but it should have been stronger borders and preparation before they were planted.
“It’s hard to maintain 10,000 trees in a remote spot. It’s not your backyard. So what you got to do
By Ethan Benedicto
A Sikh charity organisation graced the local Guru Nanak Lake wetlands with the aroma of sizzling sausages and the aura of camaraderie.
Turbans 4 Australia, comprised of volunteers who provide disaster relief and advocate for education around the Sikh religion, alongside their president and founder, Amar Singh, spent the day celebrating and providing food for the everyday park-goers.
However, as the new year passes, a local issue persists, with Michael Ball, one of the resident organisers for a community meeting at the lake in November 2024, holding up a sign in the Promenade that read ‘toot if you object’, in reference to the name of the lake.
Singh is more than aware of the criticism and backlash around the name, as well as the series of events that unfolded last year.
While he understands the frustrations around the lack of consultation, he remains grateful that it was named after the founder of the Sikh faith.
“Official sources have told me that the lake didn’t have a name before that, so when people are going up and down saying that they’ve changed the label of history, that’s not fair or right,” he said.
“However, I do understand that a lot of people are upset that the government did not consult with them, but that is up to them (governing bodies) as we common people cannot tell the government what to do.”
For Ball, however, his feelings remain unchanged, and he “demands” answers from the State Government as to why there had been no discussion with the local community beforehand.
“It’s still the same, why weren’t the people consulted? They (the government) knew for two years, why weren’t we consulted?
“This is a core local issue that has hit the
nerve of a lot of people, and these people feel really strongly about it, about the fact that there’s no respect for them.”
While this story has been covered extensively, it must be reiterated that Berwick Springs Lake was not formally gazetted under the Victorian Government nor the Geographic Names Victoria; which means that Berwick Springs Lake had never been recognised as the lake’s recorded name.
The name, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, came from former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ promise back in 2018 to honour the Sikh community’s contributions from disaster relief to community food drives, through the naming of a local landmark.
Despite this, however, Ball is adamant that the term ‘springs’ has a long and strong claim to a history that dates back to the construction of the Old Cheese Factory and William Clarke, who owned the homestead and roughly 1600 acres of land that included the current Guru Nanak Lake.
“Without any consultation, they removed that
history, they had no respect for it and that is what the people are upset about,” Ball said.
To Singh, he remains headstrong that there needs to be a stronger basis of understanding from everyone, especially when it concerns the idea of the foundations of multiculturalism and the meaning behind it,
“At the end of the day, Australia is built on migration, we should appreciate and accept the people that call Australia home now, no matter what faith or what country they’re from.”
When it comes to multicultural communities, Singh said that there will always be a mixture of faiths, languages, and of course, culture within society; it is then up to these communities if they are willing to accept and enjoy these other cultures, allowing coexistence in coherency.
“So if we’re not allowed to celebrate our culture or language, then are we really accepting others?” he said.
“There is no hard rule that you cannot name anything after a religious figure or religious guru, deity or prophet.
“We’ve got plenty of towns and streets in Melbourne that are named after figures of the Christian faith, so you know, there shouldn’t be any issues around that.”
Singh added that Ball, alongside a small number of people, had spoken with him and his peers in friendly discussion around the series of events, and while Singh once more reiterated that he does indeed understand their frustrations, he and the Sikhs in general are not the people to voice their frustrations to.
“The whole point was to celebrate Australia Day and we all did just that, at the end of the day everyone is allowed to have their own opinion,” he said.
“Everyone came up and enjoyed the barbecue, they grabbed a sausage, there were families and young people, and there were no issues at all.”
you got to prepare it properly in the first place.”
When inquired, City of Casey manager Sustainability and Waste Michael Jansen said: “Following our planting events, Council engages a contractor to undertake weed control and occasional watering — this generally results in an 80 per cent success rate.
“Unfortunately, Purple Swamp Hens pulled out and destroyed many of the plants at the Troops Creek planting last year and while these plants were replanted, some did not survive. We have installed stakes and guards to protect the remaining plants, which we will maintain over three years.
“While stakes and maps were provided to the site owner of Troops Creek — Melbourne Water — unfortunately some areas were slashed. Council plans to plant additional plants in autumn.”
RSPCA Victoria is thrilled to continue offering its low-cost pet vaccination days in the Casey and Cardinia in 2025.
The clinics, run by an RSPCA Victoria vet, are aimed at making veterinary care more accessible for people and their pets.
Speaking about the clinics, Rebecca Cook, head of prevention for RSPCA Victoria, said they were looking forward to visiting new locations and returning to familiar communities in Melbourne’s east.
Appointments at each clinic must be booked online in advance with limited places available. Those with more than one pet must book a separate appointment for each animal.
For $59, a dog will receive their preventative vaccines and be checked by an RSPCA veterinarian to ensure they are fit for their vaccinations.
Pet owners can also receive professional advice on how to keep them healthy now and into the future. To book your fourlegged friend a low-cost vaccination, visit rspcavic.org/vaccinationclinics
Dog vaccinations
· Clyde, Thursday 6 Feb at Clyde Public Hall
· Pakenham, Thursday 20 Feb at James Bathe Community and Sports Hub
· Devon Meadows, Wednesday 26 Feb at 1st Devon Meadows Scout Hall
Cat vaccinations
· Pearcedale, Thursday 13 Feb at Pearcedale Community Centre
By Ethan Benedicto
With her excitement bubbling and after two-odd years of drawbacks, the long-awaited release of a local author’s third children’s novel has finally been announced for 8 February 2025.
Wida Tausif, who received the 2024 Victorian Afghan Association Network’s Award, is keen to once more be that voice for cultural awareness among children, especially as her new novel, titled Ali Goes to School and its release is just around the corner.
“I am very, very excited, you know just holding the book in my hands, and the moment I opened it, it was like a dream come true,” she said.
“I’ve had visions and have been dreaming about this book to be out and now it’s finally done.”
Remaining true to her cause of also being an educator and a strong community advocate, Wida believes that books are one of the best platforms for children, especially in the early years of school, to learn about diversity and other cultures.
Working in this environment, from early childhood learning to kindergarten, she has always wanted to support young minds, and for her, the least that she could do when it comes to that fear was “through writing”.
“For me, it’s a way to support not only these children but their families as well because I know that with these types of stories, I can send those important messages,” she said.
“Kindergarten can be really nerve-wracking, so I want to change their mentality and to make it positive.
“The amount of feedback I hear from these kids, and how interesting it is that some would say that they’re scared or that they want to do another year of kinder is astounding.”
Helping children overcome their fears of the unknown was a driving force behind Wida’s novels, and this new piece being the third, she is no stranger to what it is that the young ones search for.
Without having to spoil her novel’s contents, the story revolves around a young boy named Ali, and throughout the pages, he eventually builds the courage to go to school and learns that not all is as intimidating as it seems.
“It’s their imaginations you know, and even after the first transition they get a bit overwhelmed seeing a lot of bigger kids around them and lots of teachers as well,” she said.
“My goal is to get that message across, to support these children and let them know that school isn’t a scary place.
“I want them to know that it’s an environment
where you can learn, have fun and make friends so this novel is a really big deal for me.”
Wida’s book launch is set to take place in Oakgrove Community Centre, with excitement in the air as her students and their families are set to at-
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A new $10,000 wage bonus to home-building apprentices has been slammed as a “band-aid” approach by a peak manufacturing body in the South East.
Last week, the Government announced a doubling of the wage incentive from 1 July to encourage more apprentices into the housing sector.
From July 1, eligible apprentices will receive $2,000 at six, 12, 24, 36 months, and at the completion of their apprenticeship.
A recent Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme had found cost of living pressures were a key factor in Australians not pursuing apprenticeships.
In response to the findings, the Government will also be raising the allowance paid to apprentices living away from home for the first time since 2003.
The changes are estimated to help about 1745 apprentices and trainees in the Bruce electorate.
“For too long apprentices have earnt far too little, all while being asked to pay for their own tools, safety gear and clothing,” Bruce MP Julian Hill said.
“The Government is serious about skilling Australians for the jobs of the future through initiatives like Fee Free TAFE and now the $10,000 incentive payment for apprentices in the housing sector.
“This will mean more bricklayers, plumbers and carpenters to deliver Labor’s bold goal of 1.2 million new homes by 2030.”
In response, South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) said the incentives would not solve the skills crisis or help meet the home-building quota.
“The government has ignored the supply chain with this band-aid approach,” chief executive Honi
Walker said.
“If manufacturing doesn’t have the apprentices – the skilled people to produce the building componentry needed – like trusses, metal fixings and piping as well as windows and doors, how can we meet demand?
“We need a ‘whole-of-industry’ approach to solve this problem.”
The incentives would “do nothing” to encourage young people to take up apprenticeships, Walker said.
“Better pay for apprentices from the outset is what is needed as is a government willing to back their local manufacturers with our sovereign capability within our supply chain.”
Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia also expressed concern.
It stated the incentives ignored skills gaps in other critical industries such as agriculture, health, aged care, vehicle repair, ICT, tourism, hospitality and the resources sector.
Union body ACTU welcomed the wage incentives.
“Unions hear from apprentices across Australia that the biggest barrier holding them back are low wages,” ACTU assistant secretary Liam O’Brien.
“Thousands of young Australians, especially in our outer suburbs and regions, make huge sacrifices to pursue an apprenticeship so they can get ahead.
“The $10,000 wage bonus will go a long way in easing their cost-of-living so they can build Australia’s future.”
Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles said the strategic review showed apprentices were especially exposed to cost-of-living pressure.
“This cost-of-living measure should encourage aspiring housing construction tradies to take up the call and join this critical workforce.
be pub-
“Apprentices are the lifeblood of so many Australian industries.
“The skills they develop are vital ingredients for us to capitalise on our Future Made in Australia plan and deliver the infrastructure to achieve net zero.”
Housing and Homelessness Minister Clare O’Neil said more homes were being built because of programs like Free TAFE and improved support for tradies.
“More tradies means more new homes, so supporting more apprentices in construction and housing is something we need to get right.”
lished sooner than expected. In the meantime, Wida is eager to get her pages turning as the new year offers a strong start to her advocating for educating diversity among the youth.
The City of Casey is excited to welcome more than 70,000 students back to school for term one of the 2025 school year.
The school year officially began on Tuesday 28 January, with most students starting on Wednesday 29 January, and with it has come a renewed focus on road safety around school zones.
This year, four additional schools are opening in Clyde North to service the ever-growing community: Wulerrp Secondary College, St Josephine Bakhita Primary School, Turrun Primary School and Mirniyan Primary School.
This brings the total number of schools in the municipality to 102. Changed traffic conditions around these new schools will require drivers and pedestrians alike to take note of new signage designating school zones, drop-off and pick-up zones, and the changing directions from school crossing supervisors.
City of Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said the start of a new school year was an exciting time for students.
“We estimate that there are more than 420,000 school trips per week on our road network in Casey. Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists must be aware of our school zones and take extra care, especially during the busy drop-off and pick-up times,” he said.
For more information on how to be safe around schools, visit: casey.vic.gov. au/safe-around-schools
Moonlit Sanctuary’s Valentine’s Day Night Tour – Wild About You
• When: Friday 14 February, 7.15pm
• Where: Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale VIC
• Tickets: $170 per couple
• Bookings: moonlitsanctuary.com.au/nighttours/ Tooradin Tractor Pull, and Truck Show Saturday 15 February, 10am - 10pm (Gates Open 10am)
Rutter Park Reserve, South Gippsland Hwy, Tooradin
The Tooradin Tractor Pull & Truck Show has been an annual event since 1998 and has grown into a fabulous family day packed with lots of fun things to see and do. It is a non-profit event that is run by a committee of local community people putting all proceeds back into our local clubs, schools and various charities.
• Booking: ticketebo.com.au/tooradin-tractorpull-truck-show/tooradin-tractor-pull-truckshow-2025
Casey Kids Carnival
Casey Kids Carnival is back for 2025 providing a free event filled with rides, stalls, and entertainment. The event is ticketed so be sure to keep an eye out for when they release!
• When: Saturday March 15, 12pm – 5pm
• Where: Old Cheese Factory
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
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.
Weeklyactivitytimes-LineDancingMon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
• For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
• Find us on facebook https://www.facebook. com/groups/487808127399953
U3A Cranbourne
U3A Cranbourne is a community group set up for people 50 and over to pursue a variety of activities and interests. We are situated at 20-22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne. Line dancing and ballroom dancing are run offsite. Supported by Casey Council it is a not-for-profit organisation with a membership fee of $50 per year which entitles you to join as many classes as you wish. Members have the opportunity to learn, share and socialise. The variety is endless from table tennis to Italian, cardmaking, art, sewing, knitting, singing, and guitar are just some of the activities. Our gardening club starts on 4 February.
• Check all the courses at our website www. u3acranbourne.org.au or call 0493991919 to learn more.
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
• Playgroup – Balla Balla Bubs for families with babies (0-12 months) and Playgroup (14 years). All our Playgroups are led by Early Learning Educators and are a great opportunity for families to make friends, socialise children and enjoy crafts, singing, sensory play, Storytime and more. Enrol online https://ballaballa. com.au/children-youth/
• Health & Wellbeing – Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, Walking Group, Tai Chi - Regular exercise has been shown to help boost energy levels and enhance your mood. It may also be associated with many other health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic disease.
• Look after your social wellbeing by joining our Men’s Discussion Group – ideal for men over 50;
• Mindfulness Meditation – learn to enhance your self-awareness and recognise your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This awareness can lead to a better understanding of how one communicates and interacts with others. Further details online - https://ballaballa.com. au/health-wellbeing/
• Morning Melodies is back! Held the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Our featured entertainers will sing the songs you know and love. Enjoy a cuppa, or scone with jam and cream, make friends and have some fun.
• Enrolments and bookings can be made in person or by phoning the centre between 9am -3pm.
• Online enrolments can be made: ballaballa. com.au/programs/
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 oneto-one 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
By David Nagel
The Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) will field a new-look team when Melbourne Country Week takes place across metropolitan grounds from February 10 to 14.
The 14-strong squad consists of only four players that represented the Crusaders at last year’s carnival, with Country Week stalwarts Chris Bright (Kooweerup) and Jason Williams (Pakenham) joined by reigning Glasscock Medalist Lucas Ligt (Devon Meadows) and wicket-keeper Ben Parrott (Tooradin) from the team that finished runner up last year.
The CCCA will play in the elite-level Provincial competition after earning promotion by qualifying for the Division Two grand final against Bairnsdale at the Albert Ground in Melbourne.
It was the CCCA’s first Country Week campaign since pre-Covid in 2019.
The new-look line up starts at the top, with Tooradin star Cal O’Hare set to lead the Crusaders into battle; ending a lengthy hiatus from Country Week.
O’Hare is proven at this level, having won two Glasscock Medals as an all-rounder in 2010 and 2014, with the now 36-year-old in career-best form as an opening bat.
Five players in the squad, Bright (516), O’Hare (454), Trevor Bauer (399), Shiran Rathnayake (398) and Ligt (359), currently sit in the top-10 for batting in CCCA Premier Division this season, while Merinda Park import Tobias Van Den Heever will provide important impact through the middle order with his experience on turf proving vital.
Rathnayake is the star all-rounder in the team, with the former Phillip Island spinner sitting third for wickets with 19.
The bowling brigade is well stocked with a heavy arsenal, with Clyde’s Ankush Rana (26) and Tooradin youngster Tyler Evans (23) the leading wicket-takers in Premier, while Pakenham Upper/Toomuc’s Raja Sadiq - the only player selected from District Division - has 28 scalps for the season.
Rana has been in electrifying form for the Cougars, taking 21 wickets from his last six games; including a hat-trick against Devon Meadows.
Williams, Ben Marsh (Devon Meadows) and Cardinia’s Yohan Arumadura will join Rathnayake in a strong spin-bowling brigade, while Arumadura’s Bulls’ teammate Trishane De Silva will be looking to take early wickets with the new ball.
Tooradin veteran Tom Hussey and Carlisle Park captain Kasun Balasuriya are the two emergencies for the squad.
O’Hare said enthusiasm for 2025 Country Week had shined through at the initial training session where numbers were impressive.
“We had a great turnout at training; there were players from District that I don’t know a lot about who were quite impressive as well,” O’Hare said.
“We’ve got a lot of players in form and it’s great to see some new players to the comp put their hand up to represent the league.
“We’ve got four or five players come into the league with experience in turf cricket and that should hold us in good stead.
“Then there’s a young bloke like Tyler (Evans), who’s had a great season; it’ll be a great experience for him to test himself against the best.
“It’s always exciting to have a couple of debutants; but we’ve got nine or something like that.
“I think we’ve got a good mix of guys that can do everything, which is good.”
The Crusaders skipper said the time was right to return to the fold, with the Crusaders set to match motors with the best country cricketers in the state.
“Being back in the top division is exciting; it’ll
be really good cricket and a great challenge and I can’t wait to see how we go,” he said.
“We’ve got some really exciting players around the league and I thought it would be good to go around for one more time.
“I’m looking forward to it (captaincy); I haven’t done it for a couple of years now, so I’ll have to be on my game, but we’ve got quite a few captains in the team so there’ll be plenty of help in that regard.”
O’Hare is looking forward to seeing a smorgasbord of talent from the CCCA shine through but, when pressed, picked out a stalwart of the competition as the player he is looking forward to watching most.
“I think Wombat (Bright) is hitting them as well as he’s ever hit them before,” O’Hare said.
“It will be nice to be on his side for a change.”
O’Hare has a good idea of what the Crusaders batting order might look like, but thinks being flexible will be the key with two right-handers
(O’Hare and Bright) joining two lefties (Bauer and Ligt) in a likely top order.
CCCA CRUSADERS
2024/25 COUNTRY WEEK SQUAD
Cal O’Hare (Tooradin – Captain)
Yohan Arumadura (Cardinia)
Trevor Bauer (Clyde)
Chris Bright (Kooweerup)
Trishane De Silva (Cardinia)
Tyler Evans (Tooradin)
Lucas Ligt (Devon Meadows)
Ben Marsh (Devon Meadows)
Ben Parrott (Tooradin)
Ankush Rana (Clyde)
Shiran Rathnayake (Kooweerup)
Raja Sadiq (Pakenham Upper/Toomuc)
Tobias Van Den Heever (Merinda Park)
Jason Williams (Pakenham)
Emergencies:
Kasun Balasuriya (Carlisle Park)
Tom Hussey (Tooradin)
By Marcus Uhe
One of the showpiece days on the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) calendar will captivate onlookers at Pultney Street on Sunday as the semi finals and grand finals of the DDCA’s T20 competition whittles the field from four teams to one.
Hallam Kalora Park and Berwick will square off on Shepley Oval in a heavyweight Turf 1 contest, with Cranbourne flying the flag for Turf 2 on next door Wilson Oval against Dandenong West. The winners of each game (beginning simultaneously at 11am) will advance to the grand final on Shepley Oval at 3pm, where the tournament’s winner will be crowned.
HALLAM KALORA PARK v BERWICK
There’s no secret to how the Hawks have approached the T20 tournament this summer.
One only has to look at their three totals and see that the contests were often over by the change of innings.
Scores of 188, 235 and 244 have shut the gate on teams attempting to chase, as Damith Perera and Jordan Hammond embrace the opportunity to free their arms.
Perera’s scores of 50, 111 and 40 has seen him transfer his form from Turf 1 into the shortest format and he currently leads the competition for totals runs scored, with 201 at 67.
Hammond, meanwhile, is third on that list with 137, has two half-centuries to his name and brings Wookey Medal winning pedigree to the Hawks.
Should Berwick skipper Jarrod Goodes win the toss, the temptation to bowl first and put the Hawks under pressure for the first time in the tournament will be hard to ignore.
Berwick’s bowling attack has been excellent in one of the hardest runs to the semi finals of any remaining side, having prevailed in a group containing Springvale South and Buckley Ridges.
Across those two performances, the Bears took 20/223, bowling first against the Bloods and defending just 117 against the Bucks.
James Trodd bowls quick, and will be a great test at the top of the Hawks’ order, while Ruwantha Kellapotha, Elliot Mathews, Lachlan Brown and Matthew Hague’s spinning varieties will be critical in keeping the scoring rate down.
Should Trodd and Goodes make an initial breakthrough or two with the new ball, Hallam Kalora Park’s remaining batters will be exposed.
Matthew Calder, their marquee from Casey South Melbourne, and Mahela Udawatte, are excellent reinforcements, but beyond them, their reserves will be tested.
Berwick is yet to post a big total in the competition yet, but has the capacity and firepower to do so.
Kellapotha, Hague and Jarryd Wills will target the shorter square boundaries, with Michael Wallace and Jake Hancock offering stability in the middle order.
Wallace and Hancock will both be familiar with Shepley Oval as former Premier Cricketers and will likely play foil rolls for the big hitters at the top of the order, working the ball into the
ground’s big gaps and running hard between the wickets.
It’s one that could go either way, but with the Hawks yet to be tested thus far, and Berwick’s winning pedigree in this competition as previous winner two seasons ago, the Bears have a slight edge.
CRANBOURNE v DANDENONG WEST
Given its predicament midway through the second group game, seeing Dandenong West in the final four is an incredible achievement in itself.
At 5/30 early in the eighth over, the Bulls’ run looked set to peter out, until Nuwan Kulasekara and Nathan Power performed a spectacular revival. Boundary-heavy half-centuries from both players took them to 149, 44 too many for the Lions to chase at home.
Against Silverton in the quarter-final, when the top order faltered again chasing 101, Kulasekara was there once more to dig the Bulls out of a hole. With 30 wickets across three matches and having conceded the least runs of the four sides remaining, Dandenong West’s bowlers are welland-truly holding up to their end of the bargain, steered expertly by Riley Siwes in the field.
An explosive Cranbourne lineup, however, pose a completely new threat.
When the Eagles have claimed the upper hand in their matches thus far, they have not looked back.
Bowling first in each contest (twice by choice), Cranbourne have kept teams to 106, 129 and 107 in three games, before chasing the totals with relative ease - it has lost just eight wickets and scored at eight runs per over across the course of three innings.
Harsaroup Singh and Harrison Carlyon are as dangerous a pair as you’ll find at the top of the order, having accounted for two-thirds of the Eagles’ total runs.
Their batting against Dandenong West’s bowling, therefore, becomes the major match up.
Like Berwick, the Bulls will have to bowl first and back their ability to contain Cranbourne’s power hitters.
They simply cannot rely on Kulasekara to rescue them again - even though he probably could. With multiple spinners and a pair of international talents that do this for their country, in Carlyon and Julius Smerauer, Cranbourne should enter as favourites.
By Marcus Uhe
A fightback from the previously discounted bottom half of the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 2 division has the competition in flux midway through round 11.
Cranbourne and Coomoora are vulnerable, and HSD could go a long way to sealing the minor premiership if it takes care of business next week against Narre Warren - with the potential for further pain.
The Cobras can bank six points with just 44 more runs, and will likely explore the chance of another four with an outright victory.
Marking their first game at Reedy Reserve for the summer following resurfacing and maintenance works on the playing surface, HSD’s bowling attack found their groove after the tea break to run through Narre Warren’s batting lineup with little resistance.
The Magpies added 47 for the first wicket, making the most of the unused playing surface and spending valuable time at the crease.
Englishman Harry Funnell made the initial breakthrough shortly before Tea, removing opener Akshjit Sammi, before spinner Brett Hookey grabbed two in consecutive overs, including the huge scalp of run machine Amila Ratnaike for a duck.
Following the interval, the path between the changerooms and the centre wicket became well-trodden for the Narre Warren batters, succumbing in just the 54th over for 114.
After a promising opening partnership, the combinations of four ducks and four single-figure scores resulted in the 10 wickets falling for just 67 runs in one of the worst batting collapses seen this summer.
Coming off a similarly poor performance against Parkfield in an outright loss last week, losing 20 wickets for 222 runs across the span of two innings, there appears some soul-searching required at the nest.
Brett Hookey, the twin brother of captain-coach, Craig, grabbed his first five-wicket haul at senior level for HSD, finishing with 5/50.
Having only forced his way into the First XI in the final contest before the Christmas break, he is making a strong case to now hold his place in the side with finals on the horizon.
Fellow spinner Sukantha Liyanage took 3/12, with strike bowlers Ryan Patterson and Triyan De Silva both finishing wicketless.
HSD faired far better with the bat, cruising to 1/71 by the close of play.
With just 44 runs required and a dynamic batting line-up capable of amassing quick runs, the temptation for Craig Hookey’s side will be to press for the extra four points courtesy of an outright victory.
Given the Magpies’ current batting issues, there will be little doubt in his bowling attack to take another 10 wickets in limited time next week, and seize top spot as a result.
They will leapfrog Cranbourne, the current ladder leaders, who find themselves in a tricky position against Lyndale.
A poor showing from the Eagles’ top order has them needing to defend 211 against the Two Blues at Barry Powell next week.
Only captain Harrison Carlyon passed 50 for the visitors, reaching 56 in his third half-century of the summer, with the remainder of his top five combining for just 27.
Harsaroup Singh, who rediscovered some form last week against Coomoora, managed just three, and Dean McDonell lasted just one ball.
Surprisingly, it was former Turf 1 premiership-winning wicketkeeper Ciaron Connolly that brought Carylon’s demise, breaching his defences
in the first of his three wickets at 5/112.
The Eagles’ lower order made vital contributions, through Julius Sumerauer, Justin Dickinson and Ketan Bakshi, but the end came quickly once Dickinson was caught for 31.
From 5/171, the final five wickets yielded just 40 runs, the innings concluding in the 57th over in an excellent showing from Lyndale.
Sumerauer added a boundary-heavy 49 and Bakshi 29.
Rajika Fernando took 4/80 from his 23 overs for the Dales, while Connolly finished with 3/40.
Three of Lyndale’s four wins this summer have come when chasing, but it has only passed 211 once, against Narre Warren in a white-ball affair.
St Mary’s, meanwhile, can make life extremely uncomfortable for Coomoora.
A second-consecutive disappointing effort with the bat has the Roos defending just 159 against the Saints, a side in dire need of a victory to alleviate their relegation prospects.
Like he did against Cranbourne last round, it was Coomoora coach Nick Suppree who faired the best of the Roos batters, making 74 at the top of the order.
Coming off 76 the previous week, there will be a strong temptation for the premiership-winning
coach to stay at the top of the card, rather than slide back to three or four, as he has for much of his Coomoora tenure.
Lance Baptist made 17 in just his fourth Turf 2 innings of the summer, having battled injuries and fitness for much of the campaign, with his innings eventuating to the second-highest score behind Suppree’s half-century.
The Tea interval came at a terrible time for Suppree, who shelled a catch to midwicket just three balls after the break, before the Saints, piloted by finger-spinner Rumesh Ranasinghe, performed a brilliant fightback to have the Roos dismissed in 69 overs.
From 2/110 at Tea, Coomoora showed its vulnerabilities with the bat once again, losing 8/49 on a dry wicket.
Last season’s Turf 3 premiers are yet to see out a full day of 80 overs with the bat in a two-day contest this summer, passing 200 just once with an average first-innings score of 180.
Seam bowler Harrison Kidd made the initial breakthrough with Suppree’s wicket, before Ranasinghe entered the action by bowling Joel Robertson around his legs on seven.
Kidd then had captain Liam Hard caught in the gully for just two, with Ranasinghe then claiming the next three in a mesmerising spell. He dropped his pace and bowled with flight to deceive the batters time and time again, while even managing an excellent low catch off his own bowling to end Jackson Noske’s stay at the crease.
Beyond the top three, only Sam Wetering and number 11 Malan Madusanka reached double-figures, as the Roos frittered away a position of power in what has suddenly become an important contest.
Wetering struck in the first over of the Saints’ innings to send Ranasinghe back to the pavilion for one, in a fiery spell to close the day with a series of appeals and pleas to the bowler for catches and LBWs.
St Mary’s reached 1/13 at stumps as Duveen Arachchige and Chameera Fernando both survived until the close of play, needing a further 147 for victory next week.
Six St Mary’s points will tie them for seventh place on the table with Narre Warren on 18 points, while Coomoora could have just a two-point cushion on Parkfield, if the Bandits get the better of Parkmore.
By Marcus Uhe
Casey BMX Club was packed to the brim with spectators and competitors great and small for the final round of ‘Track Attack’ last weekend.
The culmination of six rounds of intense competition over nine days among the Eastern Region clubs saw an estimated 2500 people line the track and more than 500 enter the varying degrees of competition in one of the biggest days that the course has seen in its history.
From 2024 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) BMX World Championships junior World Champions Joshua Jolly in the Men’s Superclass and current and future Olympians, to the Mini Wheelers simply happy to test their skills on Casey’s Olympic-sized track, there was no shortage of action.
Casey BMX Club president Ben Schapendonk said the track was in “mint” condition and was delighted with how the day played out.
With a 5.5 metre hill – the biggest on any South East track in Melbourne - the track caters for the sport’s top talents while also offering a place to experience BMX riding for the first time.
Schapendonk hopes it can act as a springboard for the club to host bigger events in the coming years.
“It went extremely well, there were no hiccups or accidents,” he said.
“‘Track Attack’ is annual event but it does give us a leg-up into what we call a State Round.
“We’ve applied for that because we’ve done a few Track Attacks now, so it gave us the ability to run a State Series.
“We’re hosting a third round on the 15 February - that will lead into State and UCI events.
“We have also done national championships in 2019 but we want to get back up to that.
“Compared to the other tracks, the facility is built for the big stage.”
Star News photographer Gary Sissons got an up-close experience at Cranbourne last Sunday.
By Marcus Uhe
Casey South Melbourne opening batter Ashley Chandrasinghe marked his 150th game in red and white in style with his second century of the Victorian Premier Cricket season.
The left-hander’s 104 included 16 fours as his encouraging run of recent form continues, following a tough first half of the summer.
After passing 50 just once in his first 16 innings across all competitions, the Victorian representative’s last four scores make for impressive reading, with 100, 61 and seven proceeding Saturday’s triple-figure score.
The performance formed the core of a very strong first innings total against Northcote at Bill Lawry Oval.
The Swans posted their biggest total of the summer, reaching 338 as they aim for a seventh consecutive win.
A trio of major partnerships was the key to their success, along with Chandrasinghe’s solo effort.
He and allrounder Jackson Isakka added 138 for the third wicket, with Isakka raising the bat for the second time this season with a score of 74, while important contributions from Luke Shelton (36), Nathan Lamden (30) and Vinu Mohotty (42) arrested a mid-innings stumble.
Beginning with Chandrasinghe’s wicket, the Swans lost Devin Pollock for 16 and Matthew Calder without scoring in a concerning three-over period of 3/0.
Shelton and Mohotty combined to restore order, adding 52 for the seventh wicket, with Lambden replacing Shelton in a 54-run stand following his captain’s dismissal.
Northcote has some strong chases under its belt this season, having reeled in 300 against Dandneong, 245 against Greenvale and 230 against Ringwood, but
339 would set a new benchmark. With Dandenong on the back foot in its game against Ringwood, the Swans have a golden oppor-
tunity to leapfrog the Panthers and climb into the top four with two matches remaining in the home-andaway season.
CRANBOURNE BOWLS
Cranbourne 1 - Div 1 Sect 4
On a beautiful day, warm and no rain, Cranbourne 1 travelled to Cheltenham to take on their number 1 team on their home grass greens. Both these teams have nothing really between them, and it just comes down to who plays the better bowls on the day. Both teams won two rinks and lost two rinks, however Cheltenham did a little better to take the overall and the majority of the points.
Best rink for Cranbourne was skipped by Jay Tootell, Matt Stevens 3rd, Wayne Stevens 2nd and Dale Henry Leading up front. They won by 11 shots 25-14.
•Cranbourne 1 Div 1 (76) def by Cheltenham 1 (80) - 4 shots and 4 points.
Cranbourne 2 - Div 2 Sect 8
Playing on the front grass green, Cranbourne 2 took on the Clayton 3. Another game of some ups and downs, resulting in both teams winning two rinks each, but Clayton’s winning rinks were just a bit more than Cranbourne’s allowing them to take the overall score and majority of points.
Best rink for Cranbourne was skipped by Lyn Quigg, Stephen Arms 3rd, Chris Stevenson 2nd, and led by Fritz Helle won 25-17.
•Cranbourne 2 Div 2 (73) def by Clayton 3 (83) - 10 shots and 4 points.
Cranbourne 3 - Div 3 Sect 8
Looking to break the drought and get the team a win, the players from Cranbourne 3 hosted Cheltenham 3 on the front synthetic green. Again the game was close on a couple of rinks with the best rink for Cranbourne being skipped by John Stanley, Sofio Raiti 3rd, Davina Bobetic 2nd, Liz Hughes Lead. A great effort to share the points with their opponents 16-16. We must give an honourable mention to the team skipped by Loui Magri, Bob Bellamy 3rd, John Anstiss 2nd, Monica Peers Lead who lost 17-20. Unfortunately our other two rinks went down by 24 and 14 shots respectively.
•Cranbourne 3 Div 3 (56) def by Clayton 3 (97) - 41 shots and 1 point.
Cranbourne 4 - Div 6 Sect 8
Travelling over to Dandenong Club, Cranbourne 4 was looking for a repeat of last week’s win over Cranbourne RSL. With only two Dandy teams playing at home, we were the beneficiaries of being able to play under the roof instead of a hot day on the grass.
All the games were extremely close and the lunchtime score was 38 apiece. After the break both teams played some great bowls and it was only getting towards the last five or six ends that the Cranbourne teams started to pull away slight-
ly and eventually took the chocolates by winning three rinks to one to take the overall.
Best rink was skipped by Harry Van Soest, David McMaster 3rd, Allen Skurrie 2nd and Frank Verco Lead, winning 26-16. Next was the rink skipped by Hans Worsteling, Dermot McConville 3rd, Steve Bakker 2nd and Bruce Harper Lead winning 24-16. The team skipped by Bill Sherriff had a tight game with their opponents all day, but won in the end 20-19, and the rink skipped by Cheryl Wright was certainly not disgraced, only going down by two shots, 17-19.
•Cranbourne 4 Div 6 (87) def Dandenong Club 5 (70) + 17 shots and 16 points.
As Manager of this team I have to say how proud I am of them. Our last two games have both been away on tricky greens but these players did everything asked of them and kept at it to win. I just want to thank them for a brilliant effort. We just need to continue to believe, get bowls in the head and who knows what might eventuate.
Cranbourne 5 Div 8 South East Section 4
With regret, due to the lack of available players this week, we had to forfeit Cranbourne’s game against Noble Park 3. Noble Park 3 we’re awarded 12 shots and 16 points.
Let’s hope we get a few more players back for next weekend’s pennant.
MIDWEEK PENNANT
On a beautiful hot and muggy day, the troops went out to do battle with their opponents and un-
fortunately the day didn’t go the way Cranbourne would have liked.
The top three teams were defeated while the fourth team (6-A-Side) playing at Royal Melbourne Golf were the club’s shining light with a win.
Cranbourne 1 Div 2, playing at home, hosted Mulgrave Country Club 3 on the front grass green and the Mulgrave team took their opportunities playing some very good bowls. Despite two of our rinks going down by two and three shots, Mulgrave played the better bowls on the day and won all three rinks. Best rink for Cranbourne was skipped by Lyn Quigg, Peter Colthup, Ian Barrenger and Kristi Hickson. I’m sure the team will bounce back next week.
•Cranbourne 1 Div 2 (46) def by Mulgrave CC 3 (65) - 19 shots and zero points. Ladder; 3rd.
Cranbourne 2 Div 3 hosted Churchill Waverley Golf 1 on the front synthetic on rinks 4, 5 and 6.
Churchill WGw 1 currently lies third on the ladder and was looking for another good day against a struggling team this year. Best rink was skipped by John Kent, Phil Nielsen 3rd, Bill Sherriff 2nd and Tom De Pradines Lead winning their rink 26-19. Our other two rinks went down by 11 and 12 shots which gave the overall win to Churchill WG 1 two rinks to one.
•Cranbourne 2 Div 3 (52) def by Churchill WG 1 (68) - 16 shots and 2 points. Ladder: 7th.
Cranbourne 3 Div 4 hosted Hampton Bayside 3 on the front grass green. Cranbourne 3 has
struggled all year and we’re taking on the second placed team. Our best rink was skipped by Harry Van Soest, Dermot McConville 3rd, Fritz Helle 2nd and Davina Bobetic Lead. Again our other two rinks struggled and went down by 16 and 25 shots. Tough day for the team, but that’s bowls.
•Cranbourne 3 Div 4 (41) def by Hampton Bayside 3 (79) - 38 shots and 2 points. Ladder: 8th
Cranbourne 4 (6-A-Side) travelled to Royal Melbourne Golf 3. Now due to unavailability of players in many teams, the selectors had to move players into other teams and this morning we were two players short, one through illness and heat and the other side were down to two in their side until we were able to get a Sub from Narre Warren to help us out. We have to thank Graham Saunders sincerely for helping us out today. We (Cranbourne Bowling Club) wish to thank Graham and we owe him a drink. Both teams tried their hearts out and did the best they could. Our rink of John Anstiss and Helen Blake did their very best being one short and went down by 19 shots. Our team skipped by Allen Skurrie, Graham Saunders 2nd and Rod Challis Lead had a great win 30-5. This meant both teams won a rink each, but with an overall six-shot win Cranbourne got the points.
•Cranbourne 4 (6-A-Side) (41) def Royal Melbourne Golf 3 (35) + 6 shots and 12 points. Ladder: 4th
-Derek Maguire-
