News - Cranbourne Star News - 6th February 2025 by Star News Group

First day joy

Casey Grammar School welcomed 75 new Foundation students on their first day last week, filled with excitement, nerves, and fun activities. Teachers and parents helped them settle in, exploring classrooms and playgrounds. Principal Fiona Williams highlighted the school’s diversity and inclusiveness, looking forward to guiding students on their learning journey.

Grants for the community Clean Up Australia Day

Applications for our 2025/26 Community Grants Program and 2025–28 Event Funding Program are now open.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community programs, projects and events, while financial assistance of up to $25,000 for three years is available for large or significant events.

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Friday 14 March.

For more information and to apply, please visit the ‘Grants for the Community’ page on our website or scan the QR code. If you require assistance with your application or have any queries, please email gofficer@casey.vic.gov.au

Storm v Cowboys at Casey Fields

Melbourne Storm is heading to Casey Fields for a pre-season game against the North Queensland Cowboys.

To be held on Sunday 23 February at 5:15 pm, Storm fans will also have the opportunity to watch three curtain raisers before the kick-off — Storm Under 17s, Storm Under 19s and the Storm Female Development Squad.

An open Storm training session will also be held Saturday 22 February at Casey Fields from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information and to book your tickets to the game, scan the QR code.

Stay safe around schools

With kids now back at school, please remember it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure they get to and from school safely.

Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists should always be aware of our school zones and take extra care, especially during the busy drop off and pick up times, while following the reduced speed limits as signed.

Scan the QR code for more information.

Anyone who would like to help remove rubbish from Casey’s many waterways, parks and community spaces can either join a registered Clean Up Australia event or register your own local site.

Registered sites receive clean-up kits from Clean Up Australia, and the City of Casey is offering a $50.00 rebate per site for volunteer refreshments, as well as other services to help the day go smoothly.

Clean Up Australia Day is happening on Sunday 2 March To find out more, scan the QR code.

Ackland Park Reserve redevelopment project

Ackland Park Reserve in Narre Warren North is about to undergo a facelift, with a range of new and exciting elements suggested by community.

The reserve will be closed to the public from 17 February until mid-June to complete the works. We look forward to delivering a new space very soon.

Head to the Casey Conversations website to find out more or scan the QR code.

Councillors ‘sidelined’

By Violet Li

Newly-elected Casey councillors are being sidelined from representing the community in local planning issues, former councillors say.

Last year, Casey administrators endorsed a new policy for all planning application decisions to be made by council officers to reduce the risk of corruption, in response to the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry into Casey councillors and developers. In rare circumstances, a councillor may ‘call in’ an application to have the matter determined by the council at a meeting.

However, former councillors say that the administrators went too far.

Former Cr Brian Oates, who is also the president of Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA), was concerned that councillors didn’t have a say on planning requirements that were impacting the viability of local businesses such as BK 2 Basics food pantry in Narre Warren and Phil Hume Auto in Pearcedale.

Star News reported in January this year that both businesses had met with what was described as “impossible and unrealistic” planning guidelines to obtain or keep their permits.

In a statement to Star News, Cranbourne Gardens Ward Cr Michelle Crowther, whose ward is often the battleground for planning issues, said she really wanted to fight for the community.

But she was surprised to learn the vast majority of individual planning applications are made by council officers under delegation, which means councillors are kept at arm’s length from the process.

“I understand this is frustrating for residents to hear. People expect their councillors to help when a planning issue arises,” she said.

“Whilst I cannot influence individual applications, I am doing everything I can to make sure local voices are heard when it comes to broader planning policies and the future direction of Casey.”

Protocols for Councillors - Land Use Planning, the current policy that guides the conduct

of councillors when it comes to land planning matters, was endorsed in May 2024 by administrators.

It states that all applications are determined under delegation by council officers. If a councillor wishes to ‘call in’ a planning application to have the matter determined by the council at a council meeting, this should be made in the broader community interest.

Broader community interest is defined as matters which impact the state, South East Melbourne region or the Casey municipality. It does not include matters that have a discrete, localised or neighbourhood catchment.

Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson said the latest policy is a direct response to recommendations from Operation Sandon, to minimise any risks of corruption.

He specified that councillors had a key role to play in contributing to and setting Casey’s strategic direction for land use planning, while qualified planning officers then deliver on the strategic direction through the determination of planning applications that meet the council policy outcome and planning scheme requirements.

Mr Oates from CRRA acknowledged that Operation Sandon raised legitimate concerns about

alleged corruption and poor handling of conflicts of interest in Casey’s planning matters.

But he said Casey’s policy does not strike the right balance between genuine locally elected representation on matters important to the community whilst managing any potential conflicts of interest.

“Residents were looking forward to having newly elected councillors after last year’s election to restore democracy and true local representation in Casey. Instead, some residents feel as though they now have figureheads following what the faceless and unelected bureaucracy of council officers decide for them,” he said.

He pointed out the thresholds for delegation are too high.

“In not even allowing decisions made at a localised or neighbourhood level that may be important to residents to be ‘called in’ by councillors, it really takes the ‘local’ out of ‘local government’,” he said.

He urged a review of the policy before the compulsory review date in 2028.

Former Cr Damien Rosario said the policy is “really restrictive”.

He recalled back in the day if there were more than six objections to any planning application, it would come to a council meeting for a decision.

He believed that there should be a balance between technical expertise and local knowledge.

“Councillors represent the people. They need to listen to their constituents, and they need to balance that with their obligations under the Planning Act as well. They’ve got to look at both sides, not just delegate their authority,” he said.

“There is a local issue that happens, and if they need to raise it, I think they should be able to do that at a council meeting, which is what we’ve done in the past. We can have debates. We can discuss the technicalities. We can seek officer clarification on the application.

“That’s part of the process of the transparency that goes with these applications that come to council.

“I think without that, you’re removing a big

part of what it is to be a council and to be able to represent the people.”

Former Cr Rex Flannery said councillors may not have the skills to make planning decisions, but they should be consulted on any issues relating to the City of Casey.

“Transparency is supposed to be held in high regard by the City of Casey, but it seems the officers don’t want councillors to know what’s going on. The councillors are the directors of the council and should not be undermined.

“I would be calling the CEO to account and have all planning decisions open for all to see,” Cr Flannery said.

Mr Patterson said they are currently investigating ways to facilitate consultation meetings where there is significant interest in a planning application.

“For example, an application that has received a high volume of objections, where the ward councillor would be invited to listen and observe,” he said.

“This would enable them to hear all views without pre-determining an outcome, should the matter then be presented at a council meeting for a decision.”

When asked if he would raise a motion to review the policy, Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said there are important lessons to be learnt from Operation Sandon, and the council must carefully consider the recommendations from IBAC as they move forward.

“It’s important that we don’t rush to make any hasty policy changes, we need to approach decisions thoughtfully with long-term solutions in mind. It is essential that we get it right,” he said.

“The focus right now is rebuilding the trust in our community that’s been impacted, and that starts with being as open and transparent as possible in all our decision-making.

“The community deserves nothing less. I also recognise the importance of making key planning information and consultation opportunities on planning matters easily accessible to the community.”

Safety worry after another swimming pool brawl in Casey

By Violet Li

Another brawl in one of Casey’s aquatic centres has raised safety concerns in the community.

Police responded to reports of a physical altercation at Casey RACE in Cranbourne East on Sunday 2 February.

It was reported to police that a group of teenagers were seen fighting at a public swimming pool in Casey RACE at about 4.45pm.

It is alleged that the brawl led to an evacuation as the day temperature soared towards 40 degrees.

On police arrival, all parties involved had left the scene. There were no reported injuries.

A video circulated on social media has shown that about 10 people were involved in the brawl. Some involved were punching and pushing each other. A girl was observed to stop the fight.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing. Concerns

The brawl stirred up a wide social media concern over youth crime and safety concerns in the community, as only two weeks ago, a group of eight youths assaulted a 19-year-old lifeguard at Casey ARC, another aquatic centre in the City of Casey. Both Casey RACE and Casey ARC are managed by Aligned Leisure.

The attack on 19 January occurred after the lifeguard asked the group to stop engaging in risky activities in the pool. The lifeguard sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalised.

The offenders from the Casey ARC incident, described as of Middle Eastern appearance, fled towards Overland Drive.

At the time, City of Casey mayor Stefan Koomen

said the council, partnered with Aligned Leisure, was “taking immediate steps to increase security at

all our aquatic centres to ensure a safe environment for everyone”.

Star News is not suggesting the same group of teenagers from the Casey ARC brawl was involved in the Casey RACE fight.

‘Very disturbing’

Cranbourne local and Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Ian Wood said the incidents were very disturbing.

Mr Wood has long been advocating for the formation of a community forum of all politicians, police, and social workers to work through the problem of juvenile crimes in the community.

He said it was time to get together to see if a solution could be found. “The new councillors that are in this area need to look at this and see what we can do,” the former City of Casey 2024 council candidate said.

Bunjil Place, City of Casey. (Gary Sissons: 429633)

A brawl happened at the swimming pool of Casey RACE in the afternoon of Sunday 2 February. (File)

Thank you for the music!

Melbourne is getting all things theatre and the joys of singing along, with Robin Productions bringing Sing-A-Long ABBA into 2025.

With 30 years in the theatre industry, owner Scot Robin and the rest of Robin Productions will be bringing down ABBA’s hits to the big screen, backed by a five-piece band and where the show is not only on the stage but also with the audience.

Known for their long-running production Buddy’s Back, The Buddy Holly Show for over 30 years, their latest production is looking to deliver the same atmosphere.

Hits such as Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen,

Rev your engines

The fastest production bikes on earth are set to return to the iconic Phillip Island circuit as the 2025 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship kicks off in style with its Australian Round. This much-loved event, scheduled from 21-23 February, promises an electrifying start to the season and a spectacular weekend for motorsport fans of all ages.

Phillip Island’s world-famous track is renowned as one of the fastest and most picturesque circuits in the world. It’s the perfect stage for the world’s top riders to showcase their skills, battling wheel-to-wheel at breakneck speeds. With a rich tradition of hosting thrilling Superbikes action, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be a must-see event, with teams and riders bringing fresh strategies, cutting-edge technology, and fierce rivalries to the track.

Exciting news for 2025

This year’s championship is full of anticipation. Remy Gardner returns for Yamaha in the WSBK category, while young Oli Bayliss is ready for a fast start, now racing for Triumph in WSSP joined by fellow Aussie Luke Power riding for the first time in the WSSP championship for MV Agusta! Can 2024’s champion Toprak Razgatlioglu defend his title, or will young challengers like Nicolo Bulega try to upset the repeat? Can the greats like Alvaro Bautista & Jonathan Rea reclaim the crown? Adding to the excitement, Phillip Island

also plays host to Round 1 of the ASBK Season with the fastest Aussie riders battling hard to fight for early season results on a world stage.

Don’t forget the fan zone style paddock show featuring live commentary, food, beverage and merchandise options, and live entertainment to keep the energy high throughout the event. Families, friends, and die-hard motorsport enthusiasts alike will find something to enjoy both on and off the track with off track entertainment and the Expo to visit!

Free Locals Friday – A special treat for the community

Residents of the Bass Coast Shire are invited to enjoy “Free Locals Friday” on 21 February. Present proof of residency at the gate to gain free entry and witness the adrenaline-pumping action of practice sessions and early qualifiers. It’s a perfect opportunity for locals to soak in the atmosphere and experience world-class racing right in their backyard.

Don’t miss out!

Whether you’re a seasoned Superbikes fan or new to the sport, the Australian Round at Phillip Island promises an unforgettable experience. With its combination of high-octane racing, stunning scenery, and vibrant fan engagement, it’s an event that truly has it all. Secure your tickets now and mark your calendar for a weekend of speed, skill, and sheer exhilaration. Let’s make some noise, Phillip Island—the Superbikes are back!

Fernando, Ring, Ring, Waterloo, S.O.S, Take A Chance On Me and over 20 more songs for the audience to sing along to. All costumes worn by the cast of Sing-A-Long ABBA are sourced from the Official ABBA Museum, in Stockholm Sweden.

Rev your engines: The 2025 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship returns to Phillip Island.

The team at Robin Productions are looking to bring Sing-A-Long ABBA into 2025. (Supplied)

State care concern

By Violet Li

Parents of a South East teenager who died of a heroin overdose say their child was failed by state residential care services and inadequate autism therapeutic interventions, a coroner report has revealed.

State Coroner Simon McGregor delivered a detailed report on 28 January on the drug overdose death of an 18-year-old in state care in Cranbourne North.

Since he was 15, the teen was placed in several residential care homes after he had assaulted his father.

He had shown behavioural difficulties since the age of five, and diagnosed with high-functioning autism and associated ADHD. He started using illicit drugs at around 13.

The high-risk behaviours and illicit drug use continued as the teen moved into residential care.

The teen’s parents expressed concerns about their child’s exposure to a negative peer group while in residential care. They observed that he engaged in criminal activities with his peer group, including stealing, carjacking, and assaults, and largely stopped attending school.

Coroner McGregor also found that the teen started ‘chroming’, overdosed on Xanax and alcohol, and self-harmed, requiring hospitalisation on a number of occasions.

The day before the tragedy, the teen asked his support worker to take him to Cranbourne North Woolworths, and was observed to “hide something in a white plastic bag behind his back” after he returned.

The mother told the court that children with complex disabilities should not be placed in group residential homes. She also expressed concerns that the current therapeutic interventions to support children and families experiencing complex behaviours of concern are inadequate.

During the year in residential care, the teen was diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoid-

ance (PDA), a subtype of the autism spectrum disorder, and borderline intellectual function.

PDA is characterised by an intense resistance to demands, exceeding typical reluctance to follow requests or expectations, along with extreme efforts to evade social obligations.

The mother advocated strongly for increased recognition of PDA and the availability of appropriate therapeutic support. PDA is currently not recognised as a standalone mental health condition in Australia. According to a review of the Coroners Prevention Unit (CPU), there are no specific evidence-based recommended treatments or management strategies for PDA. The subtype is not widely accepted in Australian psychiatry as a diagnosis requiring specific treatment.

The CPU observed that the teen’s early diagnosis of “high-functioning autism” might have led the parents to understandably feel that many of his challenges could not solely be accounted for by the autism spectrum disorder.

“The CPU was of the view that (the teen’s) ASD likely had a far greater functional impact than may have been initially understood, compounded by his borderline intellectual capabilities,” Coroner

Saturday 22 February, 2.00 pm

Embracing the rich cultures from the Asia-Pacific region, join us for a family friendly afternoon of art, dance, workshops, music and more. This free event will also showcase the Tāgata Moana (People of the Pacific) art collective, the Pacific Sisters’ legendary FreeStyle FrockAction catwalk. The evening culminates with the world premiere of a major new performance commission - Bunyi Bunyi Bumi. So come dressed to impress, wearing your confidence and bring your strut!

McGregor wrote.

“He may not have received the scaffolding and support he required, resulting in a cascade of behavioural challenges that he faced in his teenage years.

“This was further compounded by changes in the family unit, his co-occurring diagnoses of ADHD and borderline intellectual function, and the significant trauma often faced by young people in out-of-home care.”

CPU also concluded that the teen’s overdose death “does not appear to have been due to him residing in residential care, as the teen was already sourcing illicit substances while living with a parent”.

Coroner McGregor stated that coroners do not investigate aspects of care that have not contributed to a person’s death.

“Whilst I appreciate the time taken to detail these concerns and recommendations, the role of the coroner is limited. I am only empowered to examine matters that are proximate and causative, or contributory, to a death. Coroners do not investigate aspects of care that have not contributed to a person’s death,” he wrote.

“The limitations on this jurisdiction sometimes lead to the result that concerns raised by families are not able to be investigated because they are not sufficiently connected with the cause and circumstances of their loved one’s death.”

He concluded his death “appears to have been a tragic outcome of all the culminating factors, and there was no clear point in time when his death may have been prevented”.

“This was despite him having a loving, dedicated and resourceful family who sought all the resources and support that were available to them,”

Coroner McGregor wrote.

The teen was remembered by his parents as “a brave and spirited person, who lived life with intensity and wild abandon”.

Support is available. National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800 250 015. Lifeline 13 11 14.

Tax cut proposal

In a “back to basics” call, a South East peak group has proposed the halving of the company tax rate for Australian manufacturers ahead of the next Federal Budget.

South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) argues in its pre-Budget submission for a 15 per cent company tax rate – down from the current 30 per cent. It claims this would address cost pressures and boost the sector’s competitiveness domestically and overseas.

“The need to bolster the Australian manufacturing sector has been repeatedly highlighted by industry commentators for decades,” SEMMA president Peter Angelico said. “However, the current federal legislative framework does not adequately address this sector’s critical challenges.”

SEMMA argues that a “universal tax advantage” is more efficient than selective grant programs. It reduces administrative overheads and promotes more equitable distribution of support.

In turn, there would be increased jobs and economic activity – that would ultimately deliver higher tax revenues.

SEMMA also proposes a Government restriction on manufacturing grants, directing them only to Australian-owned companies.

This ensures taxpayer money stays in the domestic economy and promotes national industry resilience, SEMMA argues.

The policies are said to “underpin” SEMMA’s soon-to-be-released Manufacturing Blueprint.

“This policy aligns with a ’back-to-basics’ economic plan, providing a clear, direct, and equitable approach to supporting Australian manufacturers,” Angelico said.

ON NOW until 14 February 2025

Image: Pacific Sisters’ N da Fale Auckland PRIDE, FreeStyle FrockAction. Photo: Raymond Sagapolutele

Image: Bunyi Bunyi Bumi Photo: T Garvie Photography

Celebrating cultures

By Ethan Benedicto

Bringing rhythm, music, dance and atmosphere to Bunjil Place, the Bunyi Bunyi Bumi performance is paving the way for celebrating interconnected cultures.

Scheduled to grace the stages at Bunjil Place on 22 February, in collaboration with AsiaTOPA, the stage play replaces the narratives of trade and Empire with ‘truth, resistance and resilience’.

To welcome the dancers for their three-week rehearsal period, a smoking ceremony was held at the front court of Bunjil Place, and a special welcome to the country was performed by Uncle Mark Brown from the Bunurong Land Council.

Co-directed by raymond d. Blanco and Dr Priya Srinivasan, both had the vision of curating a message that delivers the essence of not just their past but the land’s, its people and their voices through an unfiltered lens.

As a Yadhaigana man from the Northern Peninsula area, a Cape York and Erub Islander of the Eastern Torress Straits, raymond had the “idea to explore my familial connections through Southeast Asia and the outcome was revealing more of our hidden pasts beyond the western agenda and lens.”

As a Tamil, and through his research on precolonial trade in the Indian Ocean, Priya said that first speaking to raymond on the idea had a “beautiful synergy, and his desire to know about his past and connecting those threads”.

“And of course, my connection to this land from thousands of years before and how do we reconnect now, differently, as displaced people and as migrants, as settler colonials on these unceded lands,” he said.

Sound is one of the key factors in the performance, especially when it comes to expressing the connections between country, culture and history.

According to both, the essence of Mother Earth “speaks everywhere”, and that not just them, but everyone is “influenced by this in more ways than one”.

Their ancestors, their Old People, knew the lay of the land and “harnessed its powers”.

“Today, people are entrenched in Western society and the games of power and control that are within it, that they have lost their way,” they said.

“Our work manifests this loss in beautiful and powerful ways and what we are saying is, when we listen to the sounds, energy, rhythms, vibrations of the earth and our own cultural forms, then we have the capacity to heal ourselves.”

TheMayoroftheCityofCasey,StefanKoomen, said that Bunjil Place is more than proud to host the world premiere of Bunyi Bunyi Bumi.

“It was wonderful to officially welcome the creative team to Bunjil Place on Monday, the team have travelled from all corners of the country to be here, and for the next three weeks will rehearse their new performance ahead of its world premiere,” he said.

“It’s exciting to have such a significant premiere right here in our community and be part of this groundbreaking BlakDance production.”

Speaking on the role of body percussion and rhythm and their contributions to shaping the performance’s storytelling, both raymond and Priya said that people’s bodies have always re-

sponded to the “sounds, energy, and vibrations of the earth”.

“But since we have forgotten these connections, Buniy Bunyi Bumi helps us to reimagine what those might be,” they said.

“The work thrums with dance, body percussion, and syncopated rhythms, rejecting Western notions of linear storytelling and instead embracing embodied, cyclical, and relational ways of knowing.”

As part of returning to one’s roots, there is no denying that the performance is part of the much larger endeavour and movement to reclaim and celebrate Indigenous and First Nations storytelling.

For the directors, both raymond and Priya understand that Bunyi Bunyi Bumi is something that is “deeply embedded” in the broader conversations about Indigenous “artistic expressions and cultural exchange”.

“It operates at the intersection of First Nations storytelling, transnational collaboration, and de-

IN BRIEF

Fatal collision

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Lynbrook on the afternoon of Sunday 2 February.

Emergency services were called to Evans Road and Damper Way at about 1pm after reports a mobility scooter and a car had collided.

The male rider, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. The driver of the car was transported to the hospital for assessment.

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

Driver nabbed in Devon Meadows

Police have impounded a motorcycle after it was detected allegedly travelling at double the speed limit in Devon Meadows on the afternoon of Sunday 2 February.

Officers on patrol detected the rider travelling at speeds up to 163km/h in the 80km/h zone along Fisheries Road just after 12pm.

Quickly intercepting the rider, officers impounded the 26-year-old man’s bike for 30 days at a cost of $1,115. He is expected to be charged on summons with traffic-related offences including exceeding the speed limit by 45 km/h or more, failing to display a P plate when required, and failing to comply with standards of registration.

Affordable housing boost

Noble Park and Lynbrook will see more than 100 social and affordable houses in the coming years, as part of the initial round of the Federal Government’s housing fund.

Noble Park will see a total of 97 dwellings being built and Lynbrook 20.

colonial performance practice.

“The work not only amplifies First Nations voices but also redefines how Indigenous narratives are presented and engaged within contemporary performance contexts,” they said.

Furthermore, the directors added that sovereignty is important and that First Nations people are leading intercultural work without a ‘white’ centre that would determine what the relationship is between the people in this region.

“It’s more than a performance, it’s a provocation, a reclamation, and a call to action,” they said.

“It expands conversations about, who defines contemporary performance, how Indigenous artists create across borders while honouring cultural integrity, and the responsibilities audiences, venues and curators have in engaging with First Nations work.

“By bringing these questions into the mainstream performing arts sector, the work ensures that Indigenous artists’ expressions are not just included, it is leading the conversation.”

Housing Australia announced the approval of 12 project contracts within the initial pipeline of housing projects selected under Funding Round One of the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility and National Housing Accord Facility on 31 January.

Partnerships with the Community Housing sector will enable the projects with contracts awarded to access funding under Funding Round One to deliver more than 240 social and 570 affordable homes, with the majority of homes complete or currently under construction.

The initial round of the projects will potentially deliver more than 13,000 social and affordable homes across Australia, which would achieve onethird of the program’s 5-year target of 40,000 social and affordable homes.

Housing Australia chief executive officer Scott Langford said: “We are delighted to be supporting the market to deliver more social and affordable housing in accordance with the objectives of the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility and the National Housing Accord Facility.

“These initial projects demonstrate the impact of partnering to bring capital and capability together to improve housing outcomes.”

City of Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen (third from right) alongside raymond d. blanco (second right), Dr Priya Srinivasan (right-most) and Uncle Mark Brown (third left). (Stewart Chambers: 457073)

Mayor Koomen during the smoking ceremony led by Uncle Mark Brown, a sacred and traditional ritual performed that invovled burning native plants to purify a place, person, or event, as well as offering protection, cleaning and connection to Country. (457073)

From left to right: raymond d. blanco, Mayor Koomen and Dr Priya Srinivasan (457073)

No jail for ex-teacher

By Corey Everitt and Cam Lucadou-Wells

A former primary school teacher and baseball coach who pleaded guilty to the sexual assault and grooming of children has avoided jail time and will serve three years on recognisance-release and correction orders.

Nicholas O’Shea, 31, of Pakenham, preyed on nine teenage boys, many of whom he’d either met as a teacher or as a baseball player and coach across the South East for a period of 11 years.

O’Shea pleaded guilty to 13 State and Commonwealth charges relating to sexual assault, grooming, and indecent acts in the presence of others.

The charges relate to nine victims, all young men with some under the age of 16 at the time of offending.

On Friday 31 January, Victorian County Court judge Stewart Bayles sentenced O’Shea to 12 months imprisonment but immediately released on a $2000 recognisance release order for three years – similar to a suspended jail term.

This was accompanied by a community corrections order over the same period.

Twelve of the 13 offences occurred between 2012 and 2020 with the last offence in August 2023. O’Shea befriended his victims on social-media app Snapchat when some of them were as young as 15.

He would send nude photos and request the same from the boys.

He also sent graphic videos of himself, and plied the boys with alcohol, groped, spooned and propositioned them.

A defence submission argued against jail time citing lack of prior convictions, “frank and honest” cooperation with police, O’Shea’s youthfulness during most of the offending, his engagement in treatment and “true remorse” including a “willingness” to apologise to each victim in-person.

A psychological report stated O’Shea was “socially and emotionally immature” with “difficulty

accepting” his homosexuality which results in “shame and paranoia”.

It found he had “a moderate risk of reoffending” determined by his “empathy for the victims”, “lack of criminality” and sustained commitment to treatment and alcohol abstinence.

Prosecutor Zoran Petric argued for immediate jail time with a non-parole period stating the “significant need” for the “protection of community” and a “just punishment” for his action.

O’Shea’s actions were a “gross breach of trust” marked by a “persistence” in offending, Petric submitted.

His action had a “wide-reaching impact” on the victims and the community as a former “role model” within the groups he participated in.

Judge Bayles said he must balance the need to punish and deter O’Shea as well as promoting his rehabilitation - which in turn would protect the community from further offending.

The victim impact statements showed the impacts of his actions are “far-reaching” on the victims, the parents, and the wider community, he noted.

O’Shea’s three-year community corrections order, including 300 hours of unpaid work, a sexual offenders’ rehab program and treatment for alcohol and mental health issues.

As part of the CCO, O’Shea will be supervised and judicially monitored.

He must report as a registered sex offender for life.

Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit have charged two men, including one from Cranbourne West, following alleged armed robberies in Melbourne’s south on Tuesday 4 February.

It is alleged two males attended a tobacco shop on Centre Road in Bentleigh armed with a knife and demanded cigarettes about 9.25am. A male staff member sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital.

The two offenders fled the scene in a Holden Commodore ute. They allegedly attended another tobacco shop in Como Parade, Mentone, a short time later.

It is alleged they stole cigarettes and jewellery before fleeing in the Holden.

A pursuit was initiated, and officers followed the ute to Noble Park where the two vehicles collided in Arena Square just before 10.30am.

Police officers drew their firearms as they arrested the two occupants of the vehicle. They were both taken to hospital under police guard.

Two police officers involved in the collision were also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A 20-year-old Cranbourne West man has been charged with:

· Armed robbery

· Intentionally cause injury

· Assault with a weapon

· Robbery

· False imprisonment

· Theft

· Handle stolen goods He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later on Wednesday 5 February.

An 18-year-old Doveton man remains in hospital under police guard and will be interviewed by detectives.

The County Court of Victoria. (AAP Image/Con Chronis)

Hospitals welcome interns

Dandenong Hospital and Casey Hospital have seen an influx of junior doctors embarking on a new journey since January this year.

More than 100 junior doctors joined Monash Health as interns in January. They started placements at Casey Hospital, Dandenong Hospital, Monash Medical Centre, Kingston Centre, and Moorabbin Hospital.

The interns will rotate through an array of units over five terms lasting 10 to 12 weeks each, including General Medicine, Mental Health, Emergency Medicine, Urology and Palliative Care. They will work as part of the inpatient multidisciplinary team supervised and supported by more senior medical staff.

Medical intern Dr Adam Baker has started a rotation in General Medicine at Dandenong Hospital. He has been responsible for looking after patients from their first day in the ward all the way through to either when they go home or get transferred.

“We manage patients’ medical issues, liaise with other teams and then try and take a very holistic approach to home care as well,” he said.

“It’s a lot of dealing with family, dealing with medical practice units in the community, dealing with places like nursing homes and aged care facilities and just making sure everybody’s on the same page about what the plan is.

“My main role is mostly to look after the patients and to act for these plans as well as support our teams in managing the patients.”

For Dr Baker, it was a career choice inspired by time spent volunteering at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre with his mother.

“I got to observe a lot of things and see what the day-to-day operations were like, but what really stuck with me was the limited interactions I could have with patients, and I knew I wanted to do something where I could be more involved,” he recalled.

“From there, going through high school and going into university, I wanted something that would allow me to help pursue that a little bit more.

“It’s kind of just where I ended up. There’s a whole range of reasons why I think medicine is the best job in the world, or at least the best job

in the world for me. A big plus is being able to be very privileged to be able to be in those positions to help others.”

Dr Baker said he expected to keep learning and develop his own abilities, and skill sets through the internship.

“Mostly I can continue to help my patients the

best that I can,” he said.

“So far, I’m learning a lot. It’s been really good being able to interact with other senior members of the team. And they’ve been a big support for me as well so far, teaching me lots and lots.

“I think that’s going to keep on going, and I’m really thankful to be a part of it.”

Medical intern Dr Michelle Xing shared many of the similar experiences as Dr Baker.

She started her first rotation at Casey Hospital Emergency Department (ED), and by a pure stroke of luck, has commenced on the same rotation as two of her best friends from medical school.

She never imagined she would start her first week of being a doctor on a run of night duty, but it ended up really good for her.

“I felt really supported. I was working with a lovely supervising doctor,” she recalled.

“My nights end up being great. I was glad that I started on nights, so there was a bit of independence.”

The Monash University graduate did all three of her years of placements at Monash Health, which made her decide to come back.

“I wanted to go back because I really liked it there. I think they could sort of gauge that vibe from me that I really wanted to work there,” she said.

“The people are just so nice. All the senior staff, all the junior staff too, are just so supportive. You never feel like you’re asking a silly question or that you should be afraid to ask for help for anything.

“It’s just a really nice work culture. Everyone’s really supportive and gets along really well, and people always check up on each other.”

Dr Xing said it was very nice to be able to help people and also learn a lot on the job.

“You’re always learning. You never know everything,” she said.

“It’s nice to see a big range of presentations and patients and learn from your mistakes.”

Come along to Summerset Cranbourne North and enjoy an inspirational session from the team at Daytripper Tours, who oﬀer quality small group tours around local Melbourne and beyond. Join us on 11 February and Summerset will provide a complimentary morning tea while you hear about the exciting range of tours available in 2025.

Daytripper Tours and morning tea Tuesday 11 February, 10.30am

Spaces are limited, please RSVP to Kay Murdoch on 03 7068 5642, cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au

Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North

Medical intern Dr Michelle Xing started her first rotation at Casey Hospital Emergency Department (ED).

By Violet Li

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION

Safety tips to protect kids on roads after awful year

As Victorian children return to school, Kidsafe Victoria is asking parents, carers and drivers to prioritise child safety on the roads.

With busy driveways, bustling school zones and increased traffic during drop-off and pickup times, the injury prevention organisation is reminding everyone to take extra precautions to keep kids safe.

The warning comes after a horror end to the 2024 school year. In October, a car crashed through a fence into the playground of Auburn South Primary School, killing 11-year-old Jack Davey and injuring four others. The following month, a truck crashed into the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School in Riddells Creek, leading to the death of speech pathologist Eleanor Bryant.

According to data from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), 56 children aged 5-15 lost their lives on Victorian roads between 2014 and 2024. Alarmingly, most fatalities occurred during peak school commute hours:

8-10 am: 10 passengers, 9 pedestrians, 1 cyclist

2-4 pm: 10 passengers, 8 pedestrians, 1 cyclist

4-6 pm: 12 passengers, 6 pedestrians, 5 cyclists

Of these, 24 fatalities occurred in Melbourne and 32 were in rural Victoria, highlighting the need for vigilance across the state.

To help reduce these numbers, Kidsafe Victoria has released a Safe School Run guide, a free guide for parents addressing key safety concerns when leaving home, on the road and at the school gates.

“Back-to-school time is exciting but busy, and it’s easy for safety to slip through the cracks as we all get back into routine,” said Sarah Sexton, CEO of Kidsafe Victoria. “By staying alert and taking small steps to improve safety at home, in the car and on the road, we can all help protect our kids and make the school commute safer for everyone.”

Morning and afternoon rush:

A key danger zone

Driveways can be particularly hazardous during the morning rush to school and at the end of the day when families return home. Children are naturally unpredictable and quick, increasing their risk of injury in these areas.

Kidsafe Victoria encourages all families to follow the Supervise, Separate and See safety approach:

Supervise: Always supervise children around driveways, car parks and vehicles.

Separate: Create barriers, such as fences and gates, to separate children’s play areas from garages and driveways.

See: Be aware of your car’s blind spots, which can extend up to 15 metres. Always walk around your car and check for children before reversing. Modern safety technologies, such as revers-

ing cameras and sensors, have significantly improved vehicle safety. However, they are not foolproof and should always be used alongside good safety practices.

“While reversing cameras and sensors are valuable tools, they can’t replace the importance of physically checking your surroundings,” said Ms Sexton.

“In fact, 72 percent of low-speed runover fatalities in the past decade occurred when the vehicle was moving forward, not reversing. Taking a moment to walk around your car and ensure the area is clear before driving is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep kids safe.”

Safety inside the car

Kidsafe Victoria emphasises that children under 12 should sit in the back seat where possible.

Research shows that injury risk for children aged 12 and under is nearly double in the front seat, regardless of the type of restraint used.

“The front seat is not a treat - it’s simply not as safe as the back seat for younger passengers,” said Ms Sexton. “We encourage families to prioritise safety over convenience. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in protecting our kids.”

Children should also be properly secured in their car seats every time they travel. While fostering independence is important, parents and carers must double-check that seat belts and child restraints are correctly fastened.

School zones: Slow down and stay alert

Drivers are reminded that reduced speed limits will be in force around schools during drop-off and pick-up times. Pay close attention to school zone signs and always use designated drop-off and pick-up areas to ensure a safe environment for all children.

“School zones are busy places, with children crossing roads, getting out of cars and sometimes rushing in their excitement to get to class,” Ms Sexton added. “We urge drivers to slow down, stay vigilant and be prepared for the unexpected.”

The dangers of leaving children in cars

Leaving children unattended in a vehicle can have fatal consequences. The temperature inside a car can soar 20-30°C higher than outside, even on mild days. Fatal distraction - a condition where parents or carers unknowingly leave a child in a car - can happen to anyone, with tragic outcomes reported in Australia and globally.

“Never leave your child alone in the car, even for a minute,” Ms Sexton said. “It’s just not worth the risk. Taking a few extra seconds to bring them with you can save a life.”

Parents and carers can download the Safe School Run guide at the Kidsafe Victoria website.

Safety tips to protect kids on the roads

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION

Foundation students take first steps at Casey Grammar

The playgrounds and classrooms at Casey Grammar School were full of children, parents and teachers as the first day of the new school year finally arrived.

The day had been long awaited by the school’s newest members – the 75 Foundation students who experienced some nerves and a few tears, but who were excited to put on their uniform, pack their school bags and meet their new classmates and teachers.

“I feel happy about starting school because I get to make new friends and I like having recess because we get to go to the playground,” Isaac said.

“I feel excited to start school because I like my teacher,” Aarna said, who was keen to get to work.

“I like to learn about ABCDs and do the writing.”

The teachers and Vanessa Hodgkiss, head of Early Years at Casey Grammar, helped the youngest students ease into the classroom routine with some fun, hands-on activities.

“During their first days, the Foundation students get to know their new classmates and explore their classroom with their teachers. They create, build and make things together, enjoy all the activities in their classroom and love to discover the playground and outdoor spaces,” Ms Hodgkiss said.

Parents had spent weeks preparing their children for the first day of school by talking about what the first day might include, practising putting on the school uniform, reading books, and reading a special welcome letter each new student received from their teacher during the summer holidays.

Casey Grammar School principal Fiona Wil-

liams said the Foundation students join a community that prides itself on its diversity, inclusiveness and warmth.

“This year, we again welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds who continue to

epitomise the wonderful diversity of the Casey Grammar community.

We always look forward to meeting new students and their families and learning about their lives and interests,” she said.

Meet the Principal

Fiona Williams

“For our teachers, it’s always a huge privilege to start this exciting journey of discovery with our Foundation students. We look forward to watching them grow and thrive each step of the way.”

Every day, as she leads the team at Casey Grammar School, Fiona Williams nurtures a school community that strives for academic excellence while understanding the value of building strong and respectful relationships, and supporting student and staff wellbeing.

Since being appointed Principal in 2020, Fiona has continued to build the school’s reputation while introducing innovative programs that capture young minds. These efforts, supported by the team at Casey Grammar School, have seen Fiona and the school earn national recognition.

Fiona was named one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators by The Educator. The awards celebrate education leaders and changemakers who have made an impact on students, school communities and the education sector. They also recognise those who demonstrate innovation and creativity to drive Australia’s education industry onwards and upwards.

Fiona has also been a Principal of the Year finalist in the prestigious Australian Education Awards.

While enhancing facilities for the 1,000-plus students through a program of major building works, Fiona is also building a safe and welcoming environment where students can learn, explore and follow their passions from their very first day at the school.

“Our exceptional teachers inspire students to be creative, curious and collaborative learners through programs which explore real world challenges and solutions,” says Fiona.

“Our goal is to provide every student with practical, life-long skills to ensure they are ready for the world beyond school and to help each and every student to enjoy respectful relationships and embrace compassion for others.”

To ensure students continue to enjoy the highest standards of education in the classroom, Fiona encourages staff and students at Casey Grammar School to be lifelong and curious learners themselves. This approach to life and learning is also one that Fiona follows.

“We are very proud of our warm sense of community and of our focus on excellence,” says Fiona. “Together, these grow students with bright minds and kind hearts.”

Olivia.

Foundation student Allam. (Stewart Chambers: 454530)

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION

Smiles for first school day

It was a day that had been long awaited by 52 of Clyde Grammar’s newest students.

Foundation students arrived for the first day of school fully prepared in fresh uniforms and with their bags carefully packed.

They hugged their parents goodbye and then got down to the serious business of making new friends and exploring their classrooms.

Emilia was excited to finally start school.

“I want to make new friends, and I like learning and want to learn more Maths,” she said.

Samuel ‘felt good’ about starting school.

“I want to get a book from the Library and to play sport,” he said.

Cruz’s Mum, Bec, was proud to see her son settle into his classroom at Clyde Grammar.

“We helped prepare him by chatting to Cruz about what is expected at the big school,” she said.

Phoenix’s Mum, Emma, said her son was also ready for his first day.

“Phoenix and I laid out his uniform the night

before and packed his lunch. We’d been counting down to his first day for weeks so he was very confident,” she said.

“Phoenix is looking forward to seeing his big brother around the school yard and he’s also looking forward to making new friendships and learning Maths.”

Clyde Grammar principal Leanne Evans said the first day of school and welcoming the Foundation students is always a highlight of the year. It’s also a busy day for the new arrivals.

“Children spend the day familiarising them-

selves with the school grounds and they have lots of fun in the playground,” she said.

“They gradually build their confidence about where to go when the bell rings and they join in lots of hands-on activities, such as art, building with Lego and using playdough, so they can get to know their classmates.

“This year, it’s been particularly special to see so many younger siblings of existing students join us. We look forward to watching all our Foundation students flourish.”

Leanne Evans

Since Clyde Grammar opened its doors in January 2020, Principal Leanne Evans has seen the school community thrive and today, she’s proud to lead a school that is renowned for its welcoming and inclusive culture.

“Every student can ask questions, explore, be curious and find their passions and strengths. One of our key values at Clyde Grammar is respect and everyone understands the importance of respecting each other inside and outside the classroom,” she says.

“We also have teachers and staff who are genuinely passionate about helping every student to discover their potential. Our teachers care — they want students to succeed and to know that they matter.”

The co-educational school in Clyde North currently offers classes from Foundation to Year 5. In a major step, Clyde Grammar recently announced it will welcome it’s first Year 7 classes in 2027, and by continuing to add a new year level each year will become a fully-fledged Foundation to Year 12 school by 2032.

“We’ve always had a vision to provide a comprehensive and high-quality education from the early years through to Year 12. Our current parents are thrilled that their children will be able to remain within Clyde Grammar for the rest of their school years. We’ve achieved a huge milestone,” says Leanne.

To support this growth, Clyde Grammar successfully applied to the Victorian Government’s Building Fund and received $3.6 million towards building a $11 million Collaborative Learning Centre to open in early 2026. It will include classrooms, a music room, basketball court, assembly hall and a before and after-school care area.

Leanne says Clyde Grammar is going from strength to strength due to a robust academic program and an emphasis on students’ physical, social, personal, emotional and cognitive growth.

“Clyde Grammar’s mission is to empower each young person to face challenges, and become the best version of themselves,” she says.

Foundation student Thomas. (Stewart Chambers: 454531) Zara. Arbaaz.

FOCUS ON … SENIORS

Volunteering is rewarding

Volunteering as a senior can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. There are many opportunities available where your skills, experience, and wisdom can make a significant impact. Here are some ideas to consider:

Mentoring: Offer your time to mentor younger individuals or even peers who may benefit from your guidance and expertise. Many organizations, schools, and community programs are always in need of mentors.

Tutoring: Help children or adults in your community with their education. You could volunteer at local schools, libraries, or community centers to assist with homework help, literacy programs, or adult education classes.

Senior Centers: Many senior centers have volunteer programs where you can help organize activities, lead classes or workshops, or simply spend time socializing with other seniors.

Nonprofit Organizations: There are countless nonprofit organizations that rely on volunteers to carry out their missions. You could volunteer at a food bank, animal shelter, hospital, environmental organization, or any cause that you’re passionate about.

Virtual Volunteering: If mobility or health issues make it difficult for you to volunteer in person, consider virtual volunteering opportunities. You could provide online tutoring, assist with social media management for nonprofits, or participate in virtual support groups.

Remember to choose volunteer opportunities that align with your interests, skills, and schedule. Volunteering not only benefits others but also provides a sense of purpose, connection, and fulfillment in your own life.

Volunteering not only benefits others but also provides a sense of purpose within your community.

Welcome to Belvedere Aged Care Noble Park. A familyowned and operated residential aged care home offering you a comfortable, safe and secure home environment.

Enjoy the highest quality care and services tailored to your needs including:

• Single and couples’ accommodation

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We proudly embrace all vibrant and multicultural communities with our resident-led and community focused spiritual and culturally rich lifestyle programs.

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

and

Dancing for older Australians: give it a whirl

The health benefits of dancing for seniors range from improving your physical health to creating strong social connections that increase your sense of wellbeing.

Further studies have found that dancing can slow or even reverse the signs of ageing in the brain.

Among these benefits, older Australians are likely to experience an improvement in balance, coordination and spatial awareness, which in turn could reduce their likelihood of falls.

Dancing also provides an increase in heart rate, encouraging the movement of oxygen throughout the body. This has shown positive effects on heart and lung condition, and has the potential to lessen the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Regular dance also assists in weight management, toning muscle, improving strength and reducing joint pain.

The benefits of dancing aren’t just physical. Regular dancing has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain responsible for spatial navigation and memory formation.

Not only did study participants enjoy a range of physical and mental progress, they also experienced a shift in overall mood, selfesteem and confidence. This is attributed to a combination of the effects of physical exercise and the social interactions and connections formed during the dance classes.

Before you pull on your dancing shoes, it’s important to consult your doctor or medical professional. They can provide you with proper advice tailored to your health needs. Take care not to over work yourself on the dance floor. Remember, it’s all about getting active and having fun. Now get out there and bust a move!

FOCUS ON … SENIORS

At Lifestyle Communities, downsizing isn’t just about moving to a smaller home but about upgrading your lifestyle. With over 20 years of experience in independent living, we know that the right community should give you the freedom to enjoy life, connect with like-minded people, and feel secure in a place that truly feels like home. Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal escape or a vibrant neighbourhood with plenty of social events, here are some key things to consider.

Location and Convenience

Where you live sets the tone for your lifestyle. Being close to family and friends makes life more enjoyable, while easy access to healthcare, shopping, and restaurants ensures your day-to-day is hassle-free. Consider whether the area matches your interests whether that’s beach walks, park strolls, or the buzz of city life.

A Sense of Community

A welcoming, friendly community makes all the difference. Social events like BBQs, trivia nights, and group outings create opportunities to connect. Having access to clubs and hobbies, such as gardening, arts and crafts, or fitness classes, adds to the experience. Living among likeminded people fosters a supportive environment where every day feels more fulfilling.

Facilities That Enhance Your Lifestyle

A great community should feel like a holiday every day. A stylish clubhouse provides a place to meet, relax, and celebrate, while pools, gyms, and walking tracks help you stay active. If you have a pet, finding a community with pet-friendly spaces ensures they’ll be as happy as you are.

Peace of Mind

Feeling safe in your home is priceless. A community with secure access offers privacy and se-

curity, allowing you to relax. And having a nextdoor neighbour you can rely on when you’re off enjoying your retirement in the Bahamas? That’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on.

Low-Maintenance Living

Enjoy more free time with a home designed

for easy living. Smart, modern layouts maximise space and comfort, while minimal upkeep means no more worrying about mowing lawns or fixing fences.

Take the time to visit, talk to current homeowners, and explore what’s on offer. When you find the perfect balance of security, social activities and lifestyle perks, you’ll know, you’ll get that ‘feeling.’

Thinking about downsizing? Discover the vibrant lifestyle waiting for you at one of our Lifestyle Communities today. Call 1300 50 55 60 to speak to a member of our team.

What should you look for in a community when downsizing?

‘Bans rarely work’: Cr Ross

By Ethan Benedicto

With the first term of school back in action, the social media ban for those under the age of 16 looms ever closer.

Although stated to come into effect towards the end of 2025, the beginning of the school year could mark the start of changes in how the average classroom and student operate.

Taking into consideration the prominence of social media and how intertwined it is with today’s youth, Casuarina Ward councillor, Kim Ross said that “bans rarely work”.

“It’s an incomplete ban, which is in itself a problem because they’re not looking at gaming apps, which can be a pipeline to gambling and are also very addictive.

“But if the whole aim behind this is trying to reconnect, to stop the epidemic of disconnection that we have, it’s not going to make any inroads into that way of things.”

Announced on 28 November 2024, this decision came after the government passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, which will take effect in roughly nine months.

Under these laws, it states that 16 years old must be the minimum age for social media access, and imposed a requirement for social media platforms to take ‘reasonable steps to prevent underage users from having social media accounts’, as stated on the Victorian Government website.

An online consultation period that ran from 8 October to 1 November 2024, that involved students, parents and teachers found that of the 3558 who participated, 80 per cent of the two latter parties ‘overwhelmingly reported’ that social media had a very negative or negative impact on children.

Children, on the other hand, were less likely to report a negative impact, at 10 per cent.

Chayenne, a Year 10 student from Clyde North’s St Peter Secondary College campus has conceded that social media has had detrimental effects on the youth, most commonly being, addiction.

“I think it’s good, even though I use social media a lot, I think it would be beneficial because everyone’s really addicted to it,” she said.

“I feel like people are getting too influenced by everything they see on social media, it would also help younger people with brain rot.”

However, a different sentiment is held up north, at Alkira Secondary College, with Year 12 student Katleya saying that social media plays an important role in many people’s lives, especially

WHAT’S ON

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

when it comes to communication.

“I got my first job at 15, and I needed social media to get in touch with others, workmates, and so on,” she said.

“I use it every day because it’s my way of talking to my friends and family, and for me, I hardly watch the news so it’s my way of keeping up with what’s going on.”

Aware of the dangers that content could pose to younger teens, Katleya said that lowering the age requirement to 13 would make more sense, adding that parents ultimately have the most influence, regardless of whether the ban exists or not.

“I feel like it would also be the responsibility of the parents as well because they can have an impact on their kids,” she said.

According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, they acknowledge that the ban is designed to protect children and young people from “online harms and the negative impact social media” on their wellbeing.

The AHRC’s release also added that the ban is consistent with the requirement of Article 17 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), as well as Article 19, both relating to the protection of children through the development of appropriate guidelines.

Ross doubled down on the incoming ban’s plausible ineffectiveness, saying that besides more technologically-versed youth being

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.

Weekly activity times - Line Dancing Mon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.

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

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

U3A Cranbourne

U3A 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

equipped to bypass it, “it’s not a ban that they can enforce”.

“The sort of parents who are strict about social media aren’t going to change, it’s not going to change in terms of parental perception.

“It would be more beneficial for us to acknowledge how insidious social media is for everyone in the population; although there are some good parts to it, some benefits,” she said.

Also from the AHRC, its listed key reasons for introducing a social media ban include protection from harm such as cyberbullying and online predators, promoting healthy development such as brain development, addressing online privacy concerns through data collection concerns and supporting parents.

On the other hand, their key reasons against a social media ban list a breach of the Right to Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, impacting inclusion and participation, privacy risks due to reliance on effective age assurance from every Australian, and the general ineffectiveness of blanket bans.

Efforts and resources that contributed to the ban could have been allocated elsewhere, according to Ross, such as broader programs around mental health and others that help the youth reconnect with one another in person.

“Whenever we try to stop a behaviour, it’s very difficult because what you’re looking at is changing habits, and we have to go back to knowing what works for mental health habits,” she said.

“We want to start other behaviours, here are things you can do instead, and here’s how we’re going to facilitate it.”

She also touched on a social prescription policy that other municipalities in Victoria have implemented that work with people experiencing depression and anxiety, a program that is all about linking others.

“That model of how we connect people is what we need for all ages, particularly our vulnerable youth, rather than what is another punitive measure,” Ross said.

“Because it’s one of those things that kids that are are just going to laugh about, they’re just going to go, ‘okay, we’ll do it this way’.”

Expert opinions have been varied, with Dr Mugdha Rai, the director of master of strategic communications management at Monash’s School of Media, saying that the premise of the legislation is “well-intentioned” and is also likely to be “widely popular”.

“The devil, of course, is in the detail; as many have noted, this legislation has been pushed

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

through in a very limited time frame.

“Regulating digital and social media has been notoriously difficult, and, at this stage, the legislation raises a number of questions that will need answering.”

Dr Rai touched on the key factors detailed by the AHRC, questioning the “reasonable steps” to block users under 16 years, and how age verification would actually work.

From La Trobe University, IT and education expert, professor Therese Keane addressed the dangers of social media, saying that it is “affecting our children in so many ways, from self-esteem issues to an inability to interact in person, through misinformation and harmful content”.

“Social media companies cannot and will not self-regulate their platforms, it is a very encouraging and brave step the government has made to take control.”

On the other hand, Dr Alexia Maddox, director of digital education and a senior lecturer in pedagogy in La Trobe said that while it is crucial to protect the youth, their relationship with social media use and mental health is “more complex than public discourse suggests”.

“The timing of this proposal, ahead of the election, appears to capitalise on parental anxieties rather than engage with the nuanced evidence base.

“What’s clear is that blanket bans may create unintended consequences, potentially driving young people to less regulated spaces or cutting them off from valuable support networks,” she said.

Ross agrees, adding that the complexities around cyberbullying are much the same as any other form of bullying.

She also added that one of the more detrimental reasons why cyberbullying persists is because children are afraid of their devices being confiscated, which is their main source of connection with their peers.

“The ban has the potential to drive this even further underground, particularly for kids who would find a way around the ban,” she said.

“Even more so, I don’t think it’s going to be a great assistance in encouraging open and honest conversations about cyberbullying.

“So unless we’re actually honest and brave enough to look at the root cause of this and for the adults to accept that they’ve created this problem in society and that this is nothing more than a band-aid, headline-grabbing move, we’re not going to solve these real problems that our kids are facing.”

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 (1- 4 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 onlinehttps://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/

Casuarina Ward councillor Kim Ross said the upcoming social media ‘blanket’ ban would be ineffective. (Stewart Chambers: 442141)

A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme

The applicant for the permit is: Jova

The application reference number is: PA24-0376

of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application

Public Notice

Planning and Environment Act 1987

CASEY PLANNING SCHEME

Notice of the preparation Notice of of an amendment an amendment Amendment C291case

The Casey City Council has prepared Amendment C291case to the Casey Planning Scheme.

The land affected by the amendment involves various land within the municipality, including land parcels that are within 12 existing Heritage Overlays, a Public Acquisition Overlay, a Public Conservation and Resources Zone and a Public Use Zone.

The amendment proposes to correct anomalous Scheme mapping of heritage properties; correct descriptions of heritage properties in the HO Schedule; update heritage citations via two new Incorporated Documents; correct one ordinance typographical error; correct one Public Conservation and Resource Zone (PCRZ), and one Public Use Zone (PUZ) mapping anomalies; and remove one redundant area covered by the Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO).

You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at: the City of Casey website at www.casey.vic.gov.au/currentplanning-scheme-amendments; during office hours, at the office of the planning authority at Bunjil Place - 2 Patrick Northeast Drive in Narre Warren or Cranbourne Customer Service Centre – Shop 156, South Gippsland Highway in Cranbourne; at the Department of Transport and Planning website, https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-schemes/amendments/ amendments-on-exhibition or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation.

Any person who may be affected by the amendment may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.

Name and contact details of submitters are required for council to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend council meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions. The closing date for submissions is 17 March 2025.

•A submission must be sent to: Team Leader Strategic Planning and Reform City of Casey PO Box 1000 Narre Warren VIC 3805 •or by email to: planningscheme@casey.vic.gov.au. •or via online form at: https://forms.office.com/r/z56mCJbGiq

The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its

Sahota takes them all

By Marcus Uhe

Calls to build Harman Sahota a statue at Berwick Springs Recreation Reserve are emerging on the back of the Titans’ opening bowler’s extraordinary performance against Fountain Gate on Saturday.

Sahota claimed a maiden 10-wicket haul to help his side to an incredible upset win over Fountain Gate in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 3 competition.

Sahota claimed every wicket in Fountain Gate’s first innings, finishing with scarcely-believable figures of 10/28 from 17 overs in the 15-run win after bowling unchanged with opening bowling partner Ethan Marinic all day.

The Gators were dismissed for just 79, chasing 94. Bowling with aggression and without fear in the face of such a huge challenge, Sahota, whose previous largest wicket haul was six, said he felt he was in for a good day early in his spell after addressing a lingering neck injury from the week before.

The magnitude of a 10-wicket haul, however, was still sinking in in the hours after the feat.

“I had an inkling throughout the innings but I was so focussed on trying to get these 10 wickets and wasn’t thinking about when I’d get that huge bag, I just wanted the team to get the 10 wickets,” he said.

“I keep replaying the moments - it just fell in the right places today and I got bang for my buck.

“I was trying to put the ball on a handkerchief, you could say, try to draw the error and bowl in partnerships with Ethan (Marinic) as well.

“I believe the wicket of ‘Jas’ (Jasdeep Singh), I’ve never bowled a ball like that before; shaping away and then cutting him in half.

“That was before drinks and I think there were three wickets to get after that, and I was believing that I was going to get 10.

“I’m really happy to get the win first and individual accolades can come later but I’m really happy with how we went as a team.”

His first spell lasted five overs on day one, when his two valuable wickets of Zaki Mirranay and Shantanu Gupta gave the Titans a slim hope heading into the second day.

On day two, he bowled 12 overs unchanged, taking 8/13.

He began day two by removing John Mirranay for 27 and ending a dangerous 42-run stand in the process that threatened to take the six points away from Berwick Springs.

With 16 required for the Gators at the beginning of the 44th over with two wickets in hand, Sahota struck on the first and last deliveries of the over to seal the incredible feat.

“When I got the first two last week and then got the first two early today as well, I felt like I was ‘on’; my body felt good, the rhythm felt good and everything fell into place.

“(Being ‘on’ is about) the rhythm and the control; bowling to where I want the ball to land and

bowling to a plan, trying to work out a batter, where their strengths and weaknesses (are).”

When asked if he could possibly replicate the feat, he said an extensive review into his pregame routine from this morning was already underway.

“We spoke about it at the end of the game, I sat in a different spot in the changerooms today, so I’m

definitely not going to change that from now-on, that’s going to be my spot.

“I’m going to stick to that and hopefully try to get, if not, similar rewards when we’re out at Berwick Springs.

“I’ve got the match ball and I’ll be holding onto it forever.”

Nine-year-old blasts 130 runs from 52 balls

By Justin Schwarze

Young gun Lang Lang cricketer Blake Easton enjoyed the highlight of his career on Friday night, blasting 130 not out for the Tigers in the under 12s competition. Easton, at just nine years old, is playing up an age group due to his impressive skill for his age.

In the innings, he was forced to retire after scoring 39 runs off his first 20 balls, as per rules in the age bracket.

After wickets fell, he was allowed to return to the crease, where he reached 130 after just 52 deliveries, scoring his last 91 from just 32 balls.

“It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt,” Easton said.

“I did get a bit emotional.

“It meant a lot to me to stay in and do well for my team.”

He hit 24 balls to or over the boundary in his time in the middle, including 16 fours and eight majors. His family has been a massive part of his cricketing journey, with his dad Glen serving as his team’s coach, and his older brother Chaise playing alongside him in the under 12s.

His dad was helping out umpiring at square leg during the match, and Easton was quick to embrace his father in a moment of pure elation after his wonderful innings.

“He’s my idol,” Easton said of his dad.

“I look up to him, he’s taught me my whole life and he’s just a great coach.”

The fabulous knock pushed him into second in the league for total runs scored, trailing only his

brother. Easton is no stranger to playing against older opposition, as he started playing cricket when he was six, before playing two years of under 10s.

“I’ve worked really hard,” Easton said of his ca-

Campbell’s time comes to an end with Cobras

By David Nagel

Relegation-bound CCCA Premier Division club

Merinda Park is on the hunt for a new leader after captain-coach Mat Campbell was stood down last Wednesday.

The club’s committee met on Tuesday 28 January, just days after a round-11 loss to Clyde left the Cobras languishing in bottom place after a currently winless season.

Club President Jamie Smith informed Campbell of the committee’s decision to stand him down immediately the following day. Bevin Corneille took the reins for the round-12 clash against Tooradin on Saturday.

Campbell, who played in premierships at Moorabbin Park and Mordialloc, previously played at Merinda Park prior to being appointed captain-coach of the club for the 2023/24 season.

The Cobras won four games during his initial stint at the helm, finishing sixth in the eight-team Premier Division, but have yet to taste victory in 2024/25 despite several competitive performances against strong opposition.

Both Campbell and Smith denied rumours that a physical altercation between Campbell and a player had contributed to last week’s decision.

Smith would not divulge all details, but said the time was right for the Cobras to flick the switch and move forward.

“We just think the time is right now to have a reset and go down a different path,” Smith explained.

“But I do want to thank Mat for everything he has done for the club for the last two years.

“On the field he has been one of our better players and off the field he has brought heaps of sponsors in; he gets involved in everything off the field.

“But we need to look to the future now and I wish Mat all the best for wherever he goes to next.”

Campbell knew change was inevitable at Merinda Park given the club’s recent level of performance.

“There was always going to be an open conversation at the end of the season; you can’t have a season like we’ve had and not ask questions and make changes,” Campbell said.

“I’ve still got some great mates at Merinda Park, and I even offered to play out the rest of the season, but the club chose not to go down that path.

“At the end of the day I can hold my head high, I’m content with what I’ve done, I have made improvements and helped the club go from three teams to six teams…I walk away happy.”

Campbell said the Cobras were only a few wickets or runs away from this being a different story.

“I’ve had strong conversations with a couple of players that they don’t know how to win; it’s not a skill…it’s a culture,” he said.

“We get ourselves into winning positions and then can’t follow it through and you can’t do that at this level.

“I wouldn’t be doing my job if I wasn’t asking questions.

“You live by the sword and die by the sword… but I walk away content but still seeking a few more answers.”

reer. Looking ahead, he’s got goals for himself in the future.

“I just want to make the team happy and put some runs on the board,” he said.

Merinda Park needs to chase down Tooradin’s 6/270 this Saturday, and then defeat Cardinia and Upper Beaconsfield in the final two rounds of the season to be any chance of avoiding relegation to District Division.

Berwick Springs quick Harman Sahota took 10/28 against Fountain Gate. (Supplied)

Youngster Blake Easton notched 130 not out for Lang Lang Under 12s. (Supplied: 457420)

Merinda Park captain-coach Mathew Campbell had his term ended by the club last week. (Stewart Chambers: 443986)

Eagles get wings clipped

By Marcus Uhe

A second week of action that threatened to disrupt the run home in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 2 competition did not eventuate to anything outside of the ordinary on Saturday, with three of the top four sides taking care of business.

Cranbourne’s loss was the only result that raised eyebrows, going down to an in-form Lyndale and dropping to third place in the table.

Lyndale won its third match in its last four contests, with the only loss in that period coming by 10 runs against Coomoora in round nine.

The Two Blues reached Cranbourne’s target of 211 in the 66th over, with two wickets in hand thanks to some key contributions from its primary run scorers.

Opener, Usman Ali made 57, Brendan Ash made 44 at number four and Faraz Rahman finished unbeaten on 49, one run shy of his second 50 of the summer.

The trio contributed to 150 of the 212 runs, with only one other score in double figures.

Cranbourne conceded a startling 27 extras, including 16 byes and six no-balls.

Eagles skipper Harrison Carlyon threatened to turn the defence on its head with three quick wickets in the middle order, including the dangerous Himesh Don for a second-ball duck, but Rahman and Manroop Singh settled proceedings with a 53-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Carlyon and fellow Jerseyman Julius Sumerauer each finished with three wickets.

Cranbourne’s loss was Parkmore’s gain, which returned to second place with a win over Parkfield.

Resuming at 4/36 in pursuit of 81, the Pirates reached the target in the 28th over without the loss of any further wickets.

Ammar Bajwa and Hewanfonsekage Fonseka guided their side to safety in a 90-run stand that ended with Bajwa’s wicket for 27.

The Pirates continued to bat beyond reaching the target, with Fonseka reaching 90, his second half-century from his last three innings.

The innings came to an end in the 60th over after Parkmore reached 199.

Travis D’Souza finished with 5/57.

Parkfield’s minor chances of sneaking into fourth place remain, but they have fallen behind Lyndale into sixth place, and are 14 points behind Coomoora in fourth.

The Pirates, meanwhile, joined HSD on 48 points.

Coomoora returned to the winner’s list with a 34-run win over St Mary’s.

Quicks, Sam Wetering and Joel Robertson enjoyed excellent first sessions with the still-new ball, taking two wickets apiece to have the Saints in trouble at 5/45.

St Mary’s lost their leading run scorer Sasindu Arachchige for six and were without middle order mainstay Junaid Kari, with the reinforcements not filling the void.

Keppler Fernandez and captain, Raveen Nan-

ayakkara added 41 for the sixth wicket but the tail failed to wag, dismissed in 54 overs for 125.

Wetering finished with 4/25 from 15 overs for Coomoora in his first bowl at Turf 2 level since the Christmas break, with Robertson and Malan Madusanka each taking two wickets.

It’s just the Roos’ second two-day victory for the summer, having lost to Cranbourne and Narre Warren and snuck home against Lyndale in previous encounters.

Their ability to handle the rhythms of longform cricket at Turf 2 level will be vital in the next

two weeks, set to come under extreme scrutiny against the current top two teams in HSD and Parkmore.

Cranbourne hosts Parkmore this week and HSD heads to Coomoora as the top four sides square off.

Lyndale, meanwhile, heads to Parkfield, and Narre Warren hosts St Mary’s in a contest that may determine which side plays in Turf 3 next summer.

St Mary’s trails the Magpies by six points and significant percentage.

Lehman bounces back to brilliant best with mighty century

By David Nagel

The old saying goes that you should never write off a champion and Tooradin (6/270) star Russell Lehman (117) further endorsed that point with a masterful century on day one against Merinda Park on Saturday.

It’s not that anybody had actually written off the now 33-year-old; but a mixture of injuries and bad luck has curtailed the gun all-rounder from showcasing his absolute best in recent times.

The curse seemed to have struck once again in last week’s one-day loss to Cardinia, with Lehman forced to retire hurt on 27 after a freak accident while batting.

The left-handed bat was struck in the neck region by an errant throw as he looked to complete a quick single.

The hit was significant enough for the rightarm medium-pacer to sit out the post-tea session.

But just seven days later, Lehman took back the spotlight; a focus his cricket exploits have demanded for the best part of 20 years.

Saturday’s exquisite knock was his seventh Premier Division century, with two unbeaten hundreds (104 and 113) at Catani in November 2008 the early signs that Lehman was something special. He had just turned 17 at the time, after making his senior debut for Catani as a 14-year-old on March 6, 2006.

Lehman crossed to Pakenham and made 116 not out in District Division in early 2010, and made 132 for the Lions in Premier Division during 2012/13.

He has now made four top-flight tons for Tooradin since moving to the Seagulls for the 2016/17 season.

He made centuries in three-consecutive seasons; beginning in 2017/18, with Saturday’s 203ball innings his first triple-figure score since mak-

ing 101 not out against his former club Pakenham in March 2020.

Lehman has won premierships at all three clubs, and won the coveted Terry Stephenson Medal for the best player in Premier Division on two occasions.

He won his first with Pakenham in 2014/15 before repeating the dose at Tooradin in 2019/20.

Lehman shared the stage on Saturday with the up-and-coming star of this generation; with Tyler Evans (67 not out) making his maiden Premier Division half-century.

The 20-year-old has already won multiple Premier Division flags at Tooradin; and reminded all and sundry of his elite all-round skills on the weekend.

Tyson Bertrand (3/66 off 22) led the bowling attack for the Cobras, who need to chase down 271 to keep their chances of staying in Premier Division alive.

They will do so without former captain Mat Campbell; who was stood down by the club last Wednesday after a board meeting was held on Tuesday night.

Nothing but a maximum 20 points will appease Pakenham (1/121dec) on Saturday after the Lions produced a dominant display against Upper Beaconsfield (116 and 1/15) at Toomuc Reserve.

Currently sitting fifth, the Lions could leapfrog Clyde and Kooweerup into third place on the ladder if they finish off the job against the Maroons.

All indications after day one would suggest that shouldn’t be an issue.

Only Josh Westra (19 off 78) and skipper Will Haines (23 off 64) really dug in for the fight as the Lions toyed with the visitors batting order.

Late runs from Zac Claxton (25), Andrew McDonald (15) and Scott Pitcher (14) stopped this one from getting embarrassing for the Maroons, as Jason Williams (2/9), Sendhil Naidu (2/13), Chris Smith (2/16) and young leggie Jordan Seers (2/49) went to work.

James Close (1/7 off 7) and Nick Sadler (1/9 off 8) were also impressive for the Lions in the hot steamy conditions.

While the Maroons made batting look hard, the Lions made it look easy with Chris Smith (72 not out) showing his undisputed class at the top-ofthe-order.

Smith cracked 10 boundaries from 66 balls and along with Williams (32) and Sadler (14 not out) piloted the Lions to first-innings points.

Smith had a first century of the season staring him in the face; but skipper Jack Anning made the correct ‘team’ call by declaring and asking the Maroons to face four overs.

Naidu (1/7) made sure it will be a long day two for Maroons’ opening bat AJ Claxton (1), who followed up his duck from earlier in the day with a second failure.

Kooweerup (1/0) is very much in the box seat despite the loss of a late wicket in the top-four clash against Clyde (176) at Denhams Road.

The Cougars won the toss and elected to bat

first, with all members of their top six settling in for the journey.

None of the top six batted for fewer than 29 balls, with Trevor Bauer (11 off 42), Kane Avard (22 off 38), Praveen Perera (17 off 44), Ben Buller (11 off 29) and a lackluster Teddy Fonseka (4 off 50) all tied down by a quality Demons’ attack.

Former Sri Lankan international Michael Vandort (85 off 186) was the only player to truly kick on for the Cougars, with his fourth half-century of the season taking him to second on the run-scoring list with 469 runs.

The McMaster boys were brilliant for the home side with Adam (4/18 off 10) continuing his fine form after a late start to the season and Luke (3/33) bowling 18 overs of pure quality.

Shiran Rathnayake (2/29 off 15) was also superb for the Demons, getting the key wicket of Vandort just 15 runs shy of his century.

Kooweerup had one over to face in reply, with Chris O’Hara (0) lasting just three balls before disappearing into the pond at the hands of Nick Shannon (1/0).

Chris Bright and Cody Miller will take up the fight when play resumes on Saturday. And a hungry second-placed Cardinia (3/117) has already locked away first-innings points against Devon Meadows (114).

15-year-old Ethan Wood (34) and 18-year-old Zac Bates (33) batted well for the Panthers, but the cunning and craft of Bulls’ skipper Mark Cooper (3/17 off 13) and off-spinner Travis Wheller (4/22 off 15.1) brought the home side to its knees

In reply, Alex Nooy (58 off 33 balls) then continued his blistering form; moving to number-four on the run-scoring list with his third-consecutive half-century.

John Nooy (35 not out) also cashed in for the Bulls; with Matt Welsh (7 not out) securing the winning runs in the last over prior to stumps.

That’s out! Coomoora’s Joel Robertson celebrates the wicket of St Mary’s batter Sasindu Arachchige. (Rob Carew: 456344)

Tooradin star Russell Lehman was back to his brilliant best on Saturday with 117 against Merinda Park. (Stewart Chambers: 441149)

Fame focus on Cranbourne

By David Nagel

The stage is set for another magnificent edition of the region’s greatest harness race with champion pacer Leap To Fame back to defend his crown in Saturday night’s $100,000 Group 2 Decron Cranbourne Gold Cup.

Trainer-driver Grant Dixon brought his stable star to Cranbourne for the first time last year, for the first running of the cup in its new timeslot; the second Saturday in February.

The addition of Leap To Fame added pomp and ceremony to Cranbourne’s great race, that boasts an honour roll of champions including Gammalite, Golden Reign, Im Themightyquinn, Koala King, Master Musician, Mr Feelgood, Paleface Adios, Quite Famous, Riverlea Jack and Tailamade Lombo.

Leap To Fame’s win came just seven days after his win in the 2024 A.G. Hunter Cup; one of the great races on the calendar.

The Cranbourne Cup suited Dixon’s plans for Leap To Fame, who had a week off after last year’s cup win before heading to New South Wales to contest the Newcastle Mile and Miracle Mile.

Dixon has similar plans this year, but enters Saturday night’s race with no Hunter Cup to show off proudly after a narrow loss to Leap To Fame’s older brother Swayzee in last week’s epic edition of the race.

Swayzee broke the A.G Hunter Cup track record set in 2019 by Tango Tara (1:53.2) in a mile rate of 1.51.9.

Leap To Fame won’t have things all his own way at Cranbourne, with Hunter Cup rivals Tact McLeod and Don’t Stop Dreaming both expected to run as they look to become the first NZ-trained winner since Bettors Strike in 2009.

Locals will also have skin in the game with Bullet-

proof Boy returning for his fourth crack at the race.

Scott Ewen’s 10-year-old ‘war horse’ has a record of 46 wins and 44 placings from 204 starts and boasts just over $700,000 in prize money. The roof could be lifted off the Cranbourne

grandstand if Bulletproof Boy could win his local cup for Ewen at his 49th start in a group race. Kiwi trotter Oscar Bonavena will be hardest to beat in the other feature on the night, the Group 1 Cranbourne Trotters Cup.

with free rides for the kids and heaps of other entertainment, featuring a Kite Flyer Ride, Jumping Castle, Tea Cup Ride, Pony Rides, Animal Farm, Market Stalls and Food Trucks.

Cranbourne 4 saves the day on very mixed one for bowlers

CRANBOURNE BOWLS

On a very warm Saturday where the temperature reached 35 degrees the Cranbourne Bowling Club once again had a mixed day of results.

Even though some great matches were played only Cranbourne 4 could earn the tag of a ‘winning team’ on the day.

Cranbourne 1 Div 1, playing at home on the front grass green, took on Mulgrave Country Club 1. Mulgrave CC played some very good bowls and our Cranbourne team was not disgraced in any way.

Mulgrave took the chocolates winning by three rinks to one.

Best rink for Cranbourne was skipped by Jay Tootell, with Matt Stevens 3rd, Wayne Stevens 2nd and Dale Henry Lead beating their opponents 16-15.

Honourable mention goes to skip Shane Jakins, with Nick Arnold 3rd, Hayden Loveridge-Watkins 2nd and Stephen Bentley Lead who went down 17-20.

•Cranbourne 1 Div 1 (62) def by Mulgrave CC 1 (84) - 22 shots and 2 points.

Ladder Position R12: 5th.

Cranbourne 2 Div 2 travelled to take on Burden Park 1 and both teams played a great game all day. All rinks had close games with Burden Park winning three rinks to one.

Two rinks they won by one shot, another by three shots and Cranbourne won a rink by three shots.

Best rink for Cranbourne was skipped by Ian Barrenger, with Peter Colthup 3rd, Roger Roscoe 2nd and Vic Butera Lead.

•Cranbourne 2 Div 2 (69) def by Burden Park 1 (71) - 2 shots and 2 points.

Ladder Position R12: 4th.

Cranbourne 3 Div 3 travelled down towards the bay to take on Hampton Bayside 2 on their home turf. Both teams had two winning rinks each but the two that Hampton won was enough to take the overall win.

Best rink for Cranbourne was skipped by Loui Magri, with Bob Bellamy 3rd, John Anstiss 2nd and Monica Peers Lead winning by seven shots. Honourable mention goes to skip John Stanley, with Sofio Rati 3rd, Davina Bobetic 2nd and Elizabeth Hughes Lead winning by five shots.

•Cranbourne 3 Div 3 (67) def by Hampton Bayside 2 (96) - 19 shots and 4 points.

Ladder Position R12: 8th.

Cranbourne 4 Div 6, playing at home, hosted Oakleigh 2 on the front synthetic.

Oakleigh put up a very good show and didn’t make it easy for Cranbourne, who are endeavour-

ing to play finals and trying very hard to get promotion for the Club.

Best rink of the day was skipped by Harry Van Soest, with Bill Sherriff 3rd, Allen Skurrie 2nd and Frank Verco Lead winning 36-9. Followed closely was the rink skipped by Hans Worsteling, with Dermot McConville 3rd, Steve Bakker 2nd and Bruce Harper Lead.

Cranbourne eventually took the overall points, by winning two rinks, drawing one and losing one.

•Cranbourne 4 Div 6 (91) def Oakleigh 2 (60) + 31 shots and 15 points.

Ladder Position R12: 2nd.

Cranbourne 5 (12-A-Side) travelled down to Bangholme to take on Willow Lodge 1 under their roof.

With many more unavailable players this week, our poor old Cranbourne 5 team only had nine players and they ran into a red-hot Willow Lodge team. It was a very tough day and with this team receiving and having to forfeit games through lack of players, it makes it very difficult to get consistency. Our three rinks did their very best, but unfortunately not good enough.

•Cranbourne 5 (12-A-Side) (28) def by Willow Lodge 1 (128) - 100 shots and zero points.

Ladder Position R12: 7th.

MIDWEEK PENNANT

The day started with a cool strong breeze and even the odd shower of rain before the sun came out and warmed the day. Cranbourne had a very good day with three teams winning and one losing; but not by much.

Cranbourne 1 Div 2 travelled to Dandenong Club to take on their number two team who enjoyed a six-shot win. The guys are still well placed to play finals and they’ll hopefully get back on the winner’s list next week when they play Pakenham 2 on our home turf.

•Cranbourne 1 Div 2 (51) def by Dandenong Club 2 (62) - 11 shots and 2 points.

Ladder Position: 3rd.

Cranbourne 2 Div 3 hosted Willow Lodge 1 at home. These games are always a toss-up, but our Cranbourne team worked hard and eventually won the match by two rinks to one.

Best rink of the day was skipped by John Kent, with Phil Nielsen 3rd, Bill Sherriff 2nd and Tom De Pradines Lead winning their rink by seven shots. Honourable mention goes to Neil Drummond and his team who won by six shots. The win puts the team back in the hunt for getting into finals, but must continue to win and they’re good enough to do it.

•Cranbourne 2 Div 3 (65) def Willow Lodge 1 (56) + 9 shots and 14 points.

Ladder Position: 6th.

Cranbourne 3 Div 4 took a trip to play at Mordialloc BC against their second side. Now the season so far for Cranbourne 3 hasn’t been good, but they still can improve their position and avoid relegation by coming home in the next three rounds.

Today however, the team took on Mordialloc 2 and in another close encounter our Cranbourne teammates pulled out all stops to eventually overpower Mordialloc 2 and take the overall points by two rinks to one. Best rink for the day was skipped by Allen Skurrie, with Sofio Raiti 3rd, Liz Hughes 2nd and Rod Challis Lead winning their rink by 12 shots. The team of Harry Van Soest won its rink by one shot while Scott De Piazza only went down by two shots. Great effort team and let’s bring it home by winning the three final games.

•Cranbourne 3 Div 4 (63) def Mordialloc 2 (51) + 12 shots and 14 points.

Ladder Position: 8th.

Cranbourne 4 (6-A-Side) hosted top-of-the-

ladder Black Rock 1 at Cranbourne. Whenever beat a top team it gives you that impetus and thrill of winning and Cranbourne 4 experienced that today.

Our best rink was skipped by Dale Henry, with John Stanley 2nd and John Anstiss Lead defeating their opponents by 13 shots, 26-13. This was closely followed by skip Steve Muhi, with Helen Blake 2nd and Jeanne Tomlin Lead winning their match by eight shots, 27-19. Fantastic effort team and keep it going.

•Cranbourne (4) 6-A-Side (53) def Black Rock 1 (32) + 21 shots and 14 points.

Ladder Position: 2nd.

On behalf of the selectors (particularly Steve and Frank), we would like to once again thank our emergencies and others for stepping up and filling some holes with the numbers of unavailable players and those who are not well or on vacation. It is greatly appreciated and WE THANK YOU.

-Derek Maguire-

The Cranbourne Cup is a family friendly event

Champion pacer Leap To Fame is back to defend his crown in Saturday night’s Cranbourne Gold Cup. (Supplied: 457759)

Cranbourne and Oakleigh bowlers dealt with hot conditions at Cranbourne. (Supplied: 457704)