News - Berwick Star News - 13th February 2025

Shining bright among the crowd

By Ethan Benedicto

Pool safety calls

By Ethan Benedicto

The assault of a lifeguard at Casey ARC in January and the altercation that broke out between youths at Casey RACE have sparked concern and indifference from locals, with the City of Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen saying that they are work-

ing with Aligned Leisure on procedures to protect the community.

While Koomen added that he is unable to comment on an ongoing police investigation, Casey, alongside staff and the contractors are working with officials on the case.

He further said that the council remains

strong-willed in fostering environments of play and safety and that it will continue to be a priority to ensure that this endeavour is upheld.

A general sentiment of safety remains from many others, especially online, with, especially parents, calling for more to be done to keep patrons away from harm.

Story page 8

Meanwhile, local residents and staff from nearby facilities at Casey RACE have noted that these kinds of incidents are uncommon and that if they did occur, remain concentrated in one area and do not reflect the behaviour around the entirety of the leisure centre.

Luis, one of the many younger students of the new school, held a candle as he brought it up to the front of the ceremony, his eyes as bright as the flickering flame. (Stewart Chambers: 458017)

The official opening of St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School in Clyde North was attended by more than 100 people, from new students and teachers to local MPs. Story page 18

Pokemon cards targeted

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A trading card game (TCG) outlet in Eumemmerring has been ransacked during a reported Melbourne-wide burglary spree targeting Pokemon cards.

Ozzie Collectables’ front automatic glass doors, security shutters and glass cabinets were damaged by an alleged group of intruders about 3-4am, according to staff.

“Most of the stock stolen was TCG related, with the majority being Pokemon cards,” store manager Dayna Mortimore said.

“Unfortunately this is becoming a recurring targeted situation with so many local businesses and card shops across Melbourne being hit over the last month.”

Mortimore said the “high-value”, “rare” collectors cards could be particularly lucrative.

She listed six similar shops that had been recently ransacked, including a Thomastown outlet broken into twice in the past few months.

For much of Friday, Ozzie staff were cleaning up the broken glass, uptipped shelving and other extensive damage.

“We’re far from the only business affected, but we’re all obviously very devastated about the impact on our business,” Mortimore said.

“Things like this are taken very personally by all of us.”

It had taken a “round-the-clock” effort to build up the business since 2016, Mortimore said.

The business expanded to its larger Princes Highway outlet three years ago amidst the Covid lockdowns.

“We’re so proud of how far we’ve come and whilst a setback like this is a hard blow, we have no doubt we’ll be back up and running safely as soon as possible.”

Timber on the hill

By Ethan Benedicto

Visible at the cusp of the road and seemingly towering over every other home in the area, the cedar redwood stands valiant, with Malcolm and Christine Temple more than eager to live in the final product.

From over 14,000 kilometres away, the couple first fell in love with the idea of log cabins after their visit to Mansfield, when they set their eyes upon what they described to be some of the most beautiful homes they have seen.

Ever since then, they knew they had to build one themselves.

“The inspiration came from the ones we saw in Mansfield, and since then it’s just been niggling at us.

“Construction began two weeks ago, but that’s just here, actual construction began in March 2024 in Canada,” Mallory said.

It was love at first sight, and with determination higher than ever, both Mal and Chris endeavoured to get their hands on the wood as soon as they could.

The cabin itself was first made in Canada, with the redwood stripped, sanded and constructed into the parts necessary to make a home.

Handled by Alpine Log and Timber Homes, Louis van der Heyden, owner of the business, said that being able to deliver these kinds of homes, homes that have the “natural beauty of timber” has been his passion for as long as he could remember.

“Me, the team, we just love what we do, creating something that other people, the broader community appreciates, of the quality of the craftsmanship and the timber, it’s beautiful.

“That’s really what draws me and everyone else here to it, that’s what keeps us doing it, I can’t think of doing anything else other than building log homes,” he said.

A team of eight have been handling the re-erection of the home, with April, according to Mal and Chris, set to be the completion date.

In partnership with Log Homes Canada, Louis noted that there are stark differences between Australian timber and Canadian timber, specifically cedar redwood.

While Australian timber might be “structurally superior” and in some cases can be “as strong as steel”, its shrinkage can exacerbate in cold and hot weather conditions, either making the interior very hot during summer or very cold during winter.

“Canadian western red cedar is recognised in Australia’s building code, it’s a mildew and rock-resistant timber and has the highest insulation value of any softwood in the world,” he said.

Once prefabrication was complete, it was all

about playing the waiting game, with Mal recalling the many steps that needed to be taken in order for the timber to be shipped to Melbourne, much less to the northern fringes of a local southeast metropolitan suburb.

“It was last year when they built it, put the parts into containers and shipped it over here, so now everyone’s just putting it back together,” the couple said.

While the soon-to-be home stands proud on its hill, both Mal and Chris consider this next chapter in their life as a downsize.

With four children and 13 grandchildren, their 70-acre homestead in Narre Warren North grew a little too lonely with less family around.

Nevertheless, both agreed that while the home and property may be smaller, it serves as having its own charm, bringing the rustic and sombre feel of the high woods, the comfort of being hugged by the sounds and crowd of the trees, right into their feet.

“We’re sizing down, but we’re sizing down in something beautiful, something different,” Christine said.

“We were up there in Mansfield and I was just

looking at the log homes, and then I said to my husband, that’s it, I want to build a log home, that’s what I want.”

Years prior, the couple, now in their 60s, were already in the process of building a home in Mansfield, but due to the pandemic, they instead sold said property.

After that, they both came to the realisation of, ‘why not just build here’?

The process, although long, was far from tedious, with Mal coining Alpine Timber and Log Homes as efficient when it came to handling logistics and construction. “It was long, very long, it took around nine to 12 months and that included drafting, the engineers, and of course, getting the permits,” Mal said.

Overall shipping costs for the couple were around $60,000, with the costs for re-erection, assembly and other factors included in that process set at around $50,000.

However costly, it seemed trivial as the couple yearned for that cosy cabin living, with visions for the interior already planned out, they frequent the construction site, taking time to marvel at their dream home.

Bailey Craig surveys the losses after Ozzie Collectables was ransacked early on Friday 7 February. (Stewart Chambers: 458240)

The log home in Harkaway is taking shape, with both Malcolm and Christine eager to see the final product. (Ethan Benedicto: 459146_03)

A Donut King owner-operator at Berwick and Rosebud has been charged with more than 70 alleged breaches of child employment laws.

Minto Nominees Pty Ltd trading as Donut King Rosebud Plaza and Berwick is accused of the multiple offences between 1 January-6 July 2024.

EPA pauses assessment

By Violet Li

The assessment for the Development Licence of the proposed Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station has been paused after a request for more information.

According to a spokesperson of the assessment body Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria, there was a high level of public interest in the application.

The state’s environment watchdog received 751 submissions and spoke to almost 100 people across three information sessions after almost five weeks of community consultation last year.

On 24 January 2025, EPA provided redacted copies of the submissions to the applicant, Veolia, asking them to review and provide a response.

“Once we receive their response, it will be published on Engage Victoria,” the spokesperson said.

“It is common practice for the EPA to seek more information during a development license process.

“While we wait for Veolia’s response, the application’s assessment is paused.”

Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association welcomed the decision by EPA Victoria.

“We believe the waste transfer station should not proceed in its current location and is not in the long-term interests, health, and safety of the local community,” vice president Anthony Tassone said.

“Given the 700 plus submissions to the public consultation of the proposed waste transfer station, the appalling compliance record of Veolia including the unprecedented judgement in the Supreme Court of Victoria of breach of General Environmental Duty and the fact that EPA Victoria themselves are in the middle of civil proceedings in the Court with Veolia cast significant doubts on whether they’re fit and proper to operate the proposed waste transfer station so close to people’s homes.

“EPA Victoria has a duty to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of pollution and waste on Victorians and their environment.

250 metres away from their homes that does not meet the EPA’s own distance separation guidelines - which are in place for a reason.”

Mr Tassone said CRRA was planning a public community forum with Lynbrook Residents Association and Hampton Park Progress Association in the coming months prior to any EPA conference to ensure residents are given the opportunity to hear more about the proposed Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station.

Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) also welcomed the EPA’s decision to pause the assessment.

“While this pause is a step forward, the fight is not over. LRA remains firmly opposed,” a spokesperson said.

“LRA urges the EPA to reject this proposal outright. The community has spoken. We will not back down.”

“All Victorians have the basic right to clean, fresh air without the worry of harmful health impacts from having a waste transfer station barely

Where are the Labor candidates?

By Corey Everitt

Despite unofficial campaigns underway and an announcement of the next Federal Election around the corner, some experts and politicians are left puzzled as a Labor Party candidate has yet to surface in many areas including the local seat of La Trobe.

On a day no later than May this year, the country will go to the polls to decide the next Federal Government.

Well before that day, the branches of the major parties typically preselect a candidate to contest their respective seat.

The Liberal Party, eager to return to power this year, announced their candidates throughout 2024. Liberal candidate for Bruce, Zahid Safi, formally announced his contest against Labor’s Julian Hill in April last year.

Yet, a Labor candidate in the neighbouring seat of La Trobe, held by Liberal Jason Wood, is nowhere to be seen with mere months to go before the election.

Monash University’s Head of Politics and International Relations, Dr Zareh Ghazarian said that though this has been seen before, it is still unusual to see Labor leaving it so late.

“It is a bit surprising, that Labor does not have someone yet who is out there raising their profile and talking to the community,” Dr Ghazarian said.

“Because it is a growing part of Melbourne with Clyde North, Berwick, there would be interest from voters about the policy the major parties would have on infrastructure, roads, housing and cost-of-living”

This is not isolated to La Trobe, Star News has yet to see a Labor candidate for the Liberal-held seat of Casey and the formerly-Liberal, now independent seat of Monash.

Dr Ghazarian can only speculate about La-

bor’s strategy.

With opinion polls such as Roy Morgan stating Australia would have a hung parliament if the election was held today, the Labor Party could be focusing on holding the fort and picking off some marginal seats.

As Mr Wood holds La Trobe with an eight percent margin the seat may not be on Labor’s list of priorities.

However, that still doesn’t explain why there is little activity to mobilse the membership base.

“The numbers are so close in Parliament, you would think the party would try to maximise its support base and it could do that through the preselection of candidates, campaigning to raise their profile and maximising their support,” Dr Ghazarian said.

Furthermore, Liberal Aaron Violi holds the seat of Casey by a mere 1.5 percent and there is yet to be any word of a Labor challenger.

The seat of Monash has comfortably leaned Liberal for the last 20 years, but in 2025 it is set to have a strong field outside of the major parties with Voices for Monash and former-Liberal Russell Broadbent running independently which could bleed the Liberal Party’s vote depending on preferences.

Labor candidate in 2022, Jessica O’Donnell announced she will not run again in Monash for 2025. Star News is not aware of a new Labor candidate.

Outside of picking up a high-profile candidate, Dr Ghazarian thinks it certainly puts a candidate on the backfoot to start this late.

“It’s not unusual, there are cases of this in the past, but it is intriguing to see Labor’s approach so far,” Dr Ghazarian said.

“Even if a candidate was selected right now, they would have just over three months to raise their profile and get their message out there.”

La Trobe MP Jason Wood has been making pledges to local organisations since last year in the lead-up to the election and has still yet to see who his main opponent will be for 2025.

“It’s disappointing that no one has raised their hand yet and I think it shows disrespect for the area,” Mr Wood said.

“Considering this is a growth area there are many issues the community wants addressed.”

Without much of a campaign from Labor, his pledges largely go unanswered and Mr

EPA Victoria has confirmed it will hold a consultation conference for the assessment of the Development Licence. The date has yet to be pinned down.

In court

By Ethan Benedicto, Cam Lucadou-Wells

A former Clyde North woman reportedly accused of arson and property damage against her housemates and landlord is facing additional charges at the Victorian County Court.

Tsai-Wei Hung appeared by video link with an interpreter during a committal hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 11 February.

She pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal damage, including to a victim’s 2016 Infiniti Q50, one count of burglary as well as a summary charge of driving in a manner which was dangerous to the public, at Clyde North on 10 March 2024.

These property damages also extend to the garage roller door, brickwork to the residential premises, a 2011 Honda Jazz and a 2007 Mazda 3 sedan.

Charge seven, the count of burglary detailed that Hung entered the premises as a trespasser with intent to cause damage.

Last month, Hung had reportedly pleaded guilty to charges including arson and property damage.

The five further charges were part of an alleged “course of conduct with the same victims”, the court heard.

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

2022 voting booth at Pakenham Uniting Church. (File: 280812)

Longer ambulance wait

By Violet Li

Casey and Greater Dandenong residents waited longer for the ambulance than last year, according to the latest quarterly statistics released by Ambulance Victoria (AV).

From October to December 2024, about 61.3 per cent of Code 1 incidents in Casey were responded to within 15 minutes, a drop from 64.6 per cent in the same period in 2023. The average response time was 15 minutes 46 seconds in the quarter, 35 seconds longer than the year before.

Greater Dandenong saw an 8.2 per cent decrease in Code 1 incident responses within 15 minutes in the quarter, from 74.3 per cent in 2023 to 66.1 per cent in 2024. The average response time in 2024 was one minute and six seconds longer than in 2023, from 13 minutes 49 seconds to 14 minutes 55 seconds.

Neither the performance in Casey nor Dandenong in this quarter met the statewide targets of responding to Code 1 incidents within 15 minutes for 85 per cent of incidents.

Statewide, AV crews across Victoria responded to 64.9 per cent of Code 1 cases within the statewide target of 15 minutes.

The state-wide average response time to Code 1 emergencies was 15 minutes and 42 seconds.

Code 1 incidents happen to patients who require urgent paramedic and hospital care.

Statistics from the Victorian Agency for Health Information (VAHI) have shown that when it comes to the 90th percentile response time for life-threat-

ening incidents under Code 1 incidents, Casey recorded a response time of 19.02 minutes in the October to December quarter, about 2.88 minutes slower compared with the year before. The number was higher than the statewide value of 18.74 minutes.

Ambulance Victoria (AV) executive director Regional Operations Danielle North said demand for ambulance crews remains steadily high, with the last quarter of 2024 being AV’s fourth busiest on record.

“We have seen a 26.6 per cent increase in Code 1 cases since the pandemic began more than five years ago,” Ms North said.

“October to December is commonly one of our busiest times, and last year was no exception as our crews were called to 99,799 Code 1 emergencies. This was also the third quarter in a row close to or above 100,000 cases.

“In the face of this sustained pressure, our highly skilled paramedics and first responders do a remarkable job providing the best care to their communities, each and every day.”

Ms North said there was more work to do.

“AV continues to work with hospitals to promptly transfer patients and ensure all Victorians receive the right care at the right time,” she said.

“More new paramedics have also hit the road to help meet demand. Since last November, we have welcomed 84 new graduate paramedics to our ranks, and a further 15 new recruits will start soon, including qualified paramedics from New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and New Zealand.

“Our people are our greatest assets. It is through them that we continue to lead the way in patient care, including one of the best cardiac arrest survival rates in the world.

“We are also giving them the latest technology they need to do their job and get back on the road quicker. In 2025, we are rolling out new digital radios across regional Victoria and iPads to all our crews with a modern platform, making it easier and faster to complete electronic patient care records.”

Mixed results on elective surgeries at two local hospitals

By Sahar Foladi

Elective surgery wait times have improved overall at Casey and Dandenong Hospitals, according to the latest quarterly stats released by the Victorian Agency for Health Information.

Both hospitals completed 100 per cent of urgent surgeries (category 1) within the recommended 30day wait times in the October-December 2024 quarter.Thiswasalsothecaseinthesamequarterin2023.

By the end of the reporting between October to December 2024, the median waiting time for semi-urgent (category 2) planned surgeries was 67 days in Casey Hospital with 66 per cent treated within the clinically recommended time of 90 days.

This is compared to 60 days at Dandenong Hospital with 63 per cent of semi-urgent patients treated within 90 days.

Similarly, in category 3, 80 per cent of non-urgent patients were seen within the recommended time of 365 days.

This is a significant improvement from 47 per cent a year earlier.

Dandenong Hospital also recorded an improved 62 per cent, up from 43 per cent.

However, despite the improvements, there are a large number of patients receiving overdue semi-urgent surgeries despite a drop in the number of people treated at Casey (18 per cent down) and Dandenong (10.5 per cent down).

Overdue surgeries are those that occur beyond the recommended treatment times.

In Casey, there were 1899 patients who received overdue semi-urgent surgeries and 1145 in Dandenong. The average overdue wait times are 102 days in

Casey and 156 days in Dandenong.

Moreover there’s a significant amount of people still on the waiting list for planned surgeries across all categories, urgent, semi-urgent and non-urgent as of

December 2024.

In Casey hospital, 2287 patients are waiting and 1744 in Dandenong hospital.

Victoria’s Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas MP said investments made to improve surgery wait times are contributing to the success of the “impressive results,” highlighting the roles of the government’s urgent care clinics and virtual emergency department.

“Despite facing record demand our dedicated doctors, nurses, midwives and paramedics continue to provide world-class healthcare to Victorians, when and where they need it.

“We’re continuing to invest in our hospitalsgrowing the workforce, delivering more beds and reforming how our health services work together – to reduce pressure on EDs and our paramedics.”

Opposition health spokesperson Georgie Crozier said the system “remains far from meeting crucial benchmarks”, noting the 65 to 70 per cent of ambulance transfers within 40 minutes.

“The government keeps shifting blame, but the reality is patients are still waiting too long for care.

“Instead of fixing the root causes, the government’s response has been to penalise health services for failing to meet targets – yet it’s patients who are ultimately paying the price.

“It shouldn’t be this hard to get patients transferred and treated on time.”

Ms Crozier said despite the reduced patient load, hospitals continued to struggle to meet the 40-minute target.

(Creative Commons Licence: Liamdavies)

Casey Hospital in Berwick is part of the Monash Health network. (Supplied)

Oceania Glass collapses

By Cam Lucadou-Wells SEMM

A 169-year-old glass manufacturer based in Dandenong South has collapsed after warning of the impact of cheap imports being dumped in Australia.

Oceania Glass - which employs much of its 261 workforce at Dandenong - was announced as in the hands of voluntary administrators at Grant Thornton Australia on 4 February.

The business will continue to trade during the voluntary administration period, with a view to selling to an “appropriate buyer”, the administrators stated.

According to its website, Oceania Glass sold its first glass in 1856 and is Australia’s only maker of architectural glass. It’s considered a vital part of the glass supply sector.

Prior to its collapse, Oceania Glass submitted to the Anti-Dumping Commission that the Australian industry had suffered “material injury” as a result of clear laminate glass imported from Thailand and China at dumped and subsidised prices.

The Commissioner launched an investigation last year as a result but the issue is yet to be resolved, joint administrator Matt Byrnes said.

“The company’s view is they need better protection by the Government that would enable them to be more price-competitive.

“We’re still working through all the reasons for (Oceania Glass’s collapse) - but that’s likely to be one of them.”

Oceania Glass reportedly owes creditors an estimated $125 million-plus.

Byrnes said the final amount was still being worked through, including money owed to workers. More information was expected in a report to a creditors meeting on Friday 14 February.

South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance chief executive Honi Walker said Victorian manufacturers were “at a crossroads”.

“We simply can’t compete on price from China and other Asian countries.

The loss of “sovereign capability” on an “essen-

tial product” would cause homes to cost more and take longer to build with “unsafe” overseas glass, she said.

“What our governments have completely ignored is safety.

“Imported steel from China does not meet Australian Standards and was the reason the new stand

Construction underway for $13.5 million clubhouse at Stockland Halcyon Evergreen

at GMBH Stadium collapsed in 2023 and the Kew Recreational Centre’s roof caved in.

“Lives are at risk on many levels.”

Walker called for the reinstatement of federal anti-dumping laws to stop “cheaply, poorly made products being dumped in Australia and used on vital public projects”.

As well as the State Government to “start applying their own Local Content Jobs First policy”. Last week, SEMMA unveilled a pitch for a halving of the company tax rate from 30 per cent to 15 per cent for Australian manufacturers. Industry Minister Ed Husic’s office was contacted for comment.

Construction has commenced on the $13.5 million state-of-the-art clubhouse at Stockland Halcyon Evergreen, an all-electric land lease community designed for over 55s in Victoria’s south-east. Halcyon Evergreen is located in Clyde, a growing suburb approximately 57 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. Once complete, Halcyon Evergreen will comprise 295 architecturally designed homes, each with a 7-star energy rating and a 3.9-kilowatt solar system as standard.

The new clubhouse will include a library, social dining and recreational spaces, BBQ area complete with a pizza oven and firepit, and a health and wellness precinct. This wellness precinct will feature an indoor pool, outdoor spa, sauna, yoga deck, a gym, three pickleball courts, a half-sized bowling green, sports pavilion, vegetable garden and greenhouse.

Homeowners at Halcyon Evergreen already enjoy access to the Stables Precinct, which includes a fully equipped community kitchen, dining room, gold-class cinema, and games room, creating a hub for socialising and entertaining. Garry and Karen Dyer recently moved into Halcyon Evergreen for its lock-and-go lifestyle and are already making great use of the amenities in the community.

“I had always thought about lifestyle living – it was something that appealed to me. The safety of living this way and the ease of lock-and-go matched the lifestyle we were after. We feel we have made the right decision at the right time for us,” Karen said.

“We are currently using the Stables Precinct for catch ups with other home owners and with our family and friends. The cinema was a hit with our granddaughter and the rest of the family are looking forward to using it. We are both very much waiting for the jewel in the crown that is the clubhouse – particularly the pool, gym, and outside amenities.

“Other home owners in the community have now become our friends, and we all know we can call on each other if we need any help. Our 4-year-old Cavoodle gets many pats from other home owners and the managers here have been extremely helpful and approachable if we need anything,” Karen added.

Stockland General Manager of Halcyon Victoria, James Westh, said the clubhouse will be a quality addition to the existing community facilities at Halcyon Evergreen.

“We understand that today’s over-55s are looking for more than just a home, they want a community that is vibrant and connected, with quality facilities on their doorstep,” Mr Westh said.

“Halcyon Evergreen combines the best of Clyde’s surrounds – the Clyde Park Sports Precinct, equestrian trails and proposed parks and playgrounds – with resort-quality living, making it a great place for home owners to connect with nature and enjoy an active lifestyle.”

City of Casey Mayor, Councillor Stefan Koomen said Council has a longstanding commitment to partnering in projects like this, which have delivered far-reaching benefits for our community and its visitors.

“These types of projects are an important part of the housing continuum, offering early-age retirees, or those approaching retirement, opportunities to downsize to lifestyle living with options full of community and recreational amenities,” Cr Koomen said.

“We are pleased to see this project come to life as it aligns with Council’s commitment to delivering connected, sustainable and affordable housing.”

The clubhouse will be built by local builders, Jardon. This is Jardon’s second clubhouse under construction at a Stockland community, with the first at Halcyon Jardin nearing completion in mid-2025.

More information on Halcyon Evergreen can be found at: https://www.stockland.com.au/halcyon-communities/vic/halcyon-evergreen

Oceania Glass based in Greens Road, Dandenong South is in the hands of voluntary administrators. (Gary Sissons: 457858)

Andy’s book hits the shelves

By Violet Li

Clyde North local and auctioneer Andy Reid launched his first book last month, wishing to help people build better connections with their vision of success.

The book, named Success Curious, dedicated to his two children, explores the common challenges people face in their careers, businesses, and personal lives and aims to provide tangible and practical steps towards self-improvement.

The author, who spent a lot of time volunteering in the local soccer club, community centre, and business organisation, has a portfolio of high performance and chasing success: Australian auctioneer of the year 2022, director of an auctioneering company servicing more than 130 different real estate agencies throughout Victoria, host of podcast High Performance Humans, and the list goes on.

However, unlike many personal development authors who like to insert their success stories to constantly prove their strategies, Andy tried to be invisible in the book and only showed up when necessary, believing that the book was not about him but about whom he could help.

“I’m the least important person,” he said. It has been out of a professional habit as an auctioneer.

“You got a vendor whose biggest asset is being sold. You got a buyer who’s making a massive decision in the context of their lives, one of the

biggest in their lives. You’ve got a real estate agent whose reputation in future business is relying upon it,” Andy said.

“I’m just out there shouting, having fun, and that’s what puts me into a flow state.

“When I can wire it in my head for it to be about everybody else, I’ll wait. I’ll be spot on, and I will help, and I will help people be successful.”

The Clyde North local admitted that the chase for success sent his mental health into the drain, which was the reason he initially wanted to write this book. He became curious about the concept of success, and after a long time of contemplation, he thought he could now articulate quite well on what he found to help others.

“I’ve been lucky in whatever I’ve been doing in my life. It’s not like I’m the best thing ever. When I’m involved in something, I tend to do quite well,” he said.

“When mental health really got a grip on me, it made me reassess everything, and I knew that I had to change as a human because I was in denial almost.

“It was almost like I had to chase success to make up for how bad I was feeling at times. It was like a papering over the cracks. It was like a bandaid on a broken leg.

“One of the best things I ever did was become a student myself. Understand the chemicals in my brain, understand the dynamics in the background, the psychology around emotion and all

that sort of stuff. I just became a massive geek around it.”

During his research, the student was hoping to find evidence to disapprove a lot of commonly known things around success, but only to find out everything out there is correct.

If everything out there about success that everybody knows about is right, why aren’t more people doing it? Andy questioned.

“The easy answer is to tell is because it’s hard. But I disagree. Because all the elements, the knowledge, the theory around being successful has been around since Ancient Greece,” he said.

“But we’re looking at it the wrong way, and this is the biggest thing I’ve learned.

“The problem is not the people. The problem is not that it’s challenging. The problem is the gap in connection between the knowledge and the identity of the human being.”

The book further explores potential answers to the question and other elements of success. Each chapter begins with a question that people ask about success, and Andy tells a story related to his life, backs it up with evidence, and connects the knowledge with reality.

Andy hopes this book can actually help to make every version of success more accessible.

“This book is not going to tell you something you don’t already know, but it might help you feel that what you do know is actually half achievable,” he said.

Nepalese women taking the plunge for water safety

A summer of swimming and enjoying the beach is on the cards for a group of Nepalese women who, before this year, had rarely been in the sea.

With the help of a 2024 South East Water Community Grant, non-profit organisation Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria (DBSV) has trained 42 Nepalese women from the Casey, Dandenong and Wantirna suburbs in water safety.

DBSV, which connects Nepalese women and organises health and wellbeing activities to help break social isolation, received a $10,000 grant to provide swimming and ocean safety lessons.

Coming from landlocked Nepal, the women had little opportunity to learn these skills. This program provided them with essential training and confidence to go swimming and help look out for others.

The Nepalese women participated in a series of pool sessions to build their confidence in and around water.

Life Saving Victoria facilitated the final session on beach and water safety, both theory and practice.

The women used the skills and knowledge they learned through the program. Some stepped into the seawater for the first time in their lives. This program will provide many women with essential water safety skills, giving them the confidence to enjoy water activities with their families,” DBSV advisor Roshan Bhandary said.

“It’s about breaking social isolation and fostering a sense of belonging,” DBSV coordinator Neera Basnet said.

DBSV coordinator Brinda Shrestha said the women were developing vital water safety skills and building connections with others in the community.

“They’re not only developing vital water safety skills but also building connections with others in the community.”

Sanju Subedi was one of the 42 women who participated in the program and said it was a life-changing experience.

“I never thought I would feel comfortable in the water, but this program has changed that completely,” she said.

“Now, I feel confident to swim with my family and even help keep them safe.

“It’s not just about learning to swim. It’s about finding freedom and joy in something I

never imagined I could do.”

South East Water’s Community Grants program funds local projects that support vulnerable community members; make our environment healthier; help people be more active and connected; and build our knowledge about water and how to use it in the best way possible.

“We’re delighted to support Didi Bahini Samaj with this important initiative, helping women learn essential water safety skills and enjoy the confidence to embrace all that Port Phillip Bay has to offer,” South East Water acting general manager Strategy and Stakeholder Caroline Patrick said.

“This program is a wonderful example of how our Community Grants can empower local groups to make a meaningful impact—building skills and connections whilst improving health and wellbeing.”

The Community Grants program helps make grassroots community projects possible, supporting the community in the areas of affordability, health and liveability, environment and water security and knowledge.

Applications open for the 2025 program on 17 February 2025.

Learn more about the South East Water Community Grants here: southeastwater.com. au/grants

Candles alight at the opening of St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School, Clyde North. (Stewart Chambers: 458352)

With the help of a 2024 South East Water Community Grant, non-profit organisation Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria (DBSV) has trained 42 Nepalese women from the Casey, Dandenong and Wantirna suburbs in water safety. (Supplied)

Clyde North local Andy Reid with his debut book Success Curious. (Supplied)

Enjoy single-level living at Summerset Cranbourne North

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Safety calls after incidents

By Ethan Benedicto and Violet Li

The recent brawl at Casey RACE, alongside the assault of a lifeguard at Casey ARC, has prompted the City of Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen, to assure that there are “strong procedures“ in place for the safety of the community.

Likewise, these incidents have since fanned discussions amongst local residents and facility patrons on safety, especially considering the presence of younger children.

Koomen said that the council is working with its leisure contractor, Aligned Leisure, to ensure that there are “strong procedures in place to protect the community and staff when there are any serious instances”.

“These two incidents are currently under police investigation, so we can’t comment specifically on them, and we’re working with Victoria Police, our staff, and the contractors, as they do their investigations,” he said.

Koomen also added that on both occasions, it has been confirmed that staff had followed procedure when it comes to responding to these types of incidents.

He further noted that these are “two separate incidents” that took place at different times and places.

The investigation into the assault on the lifeguard remains ongoing, according to Victoria Police, with more information to be made available to the public when there is an update.

The investigation into the Casey RACE brawl also remains ongoing.

The said brawl between youths at the Cranbourne East pools on Sunday 2 February led to a facility-wide evacuation, with police attending the incident.

However, all parties had left the scene before officials could intervene, and no injuries were reported.

About two weeks before the Casey RACE brawl, a group of eight youths assaulted a 19-year-old lifeguard at Casey ARC - another aquatic centre in the City of Casey.

However, sentiments from employees at neighbouring facilities have noted that there have never been any “specific issues”.

“We’ve been here for a while now, and there are always a lot of kids and families in this area with the courts and the pools, but it (fights) is not really a concern.

“I don’t think it’s something to highlight, maybe the issue is just over there but it certainly hasn’t spilled out of it,” they said.

Another worker said that children and youth are common in the Casey RACE area, considering The Shed Skatepark, Casey Stadium, and schools in close proximity such as Casey Grammar, fights and scuffles are few in between.

“It’s not really common, I mean what happened at the other place was different, but things like fights don’t really happen,” a local resident who frequented the area’s facilities said.

“A lot of people come here to enjoy the amenities, so I mean, from my perspective, I think it’s normal for people to not want to ruin that atmosphere.

“I mean it sucks that it’s happened twice at different pools now, but I wouldn’t say it’s a regular occurrence.”

While there is no confirmation from the po

lice if the two incidents are linked, social media is rife with unfounded allegations such as that the same group of teens was involved in the two incidents, with a focus on the ethnicity of the teens.

The suspect images of the Casey ARC assault released by the police have shown that the offenders are of Middle Eastern appearance, while an alleged low-resolution video of the Casey RACE brawl does not exhibit identifiable facial features.

A number of online comments on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) urged the deportation of “Afghan youth gangs” after the second incident.

A racism expert - who did not wish to be named - said the two incidents were a social problem, not an ethnic problem.

“By emphasising that it was a group of Afghan kids, it sounds like it was done because they were Afghans, but it has nothing to do with them being Afghans or other races,” they said.

The expert noticed that the two incidents were used by far-right extremist groups in Victoria to push their ideological extremist agenda.

“I think when people read it, they may not get the bigger idea of those neo-Nazi groups that are driving that. But what they do see is the people, the non-white or the Afghan or the African, they cause trouble. Maybe we should keep them all out,” they said.

“That makes them then more vulnerable or

more susceptible or more receptive to the bigger ideological agenda of those groups.

“These groups are trying to gradually bring more people to their ideological mindset with that kind of message. And that’s common across the world. It’s not specific to Australia.”

Acting on safety, Royal Lifesaving Victoria updated a December 2024 release and campaign on tackling abuse against lifeguards called, ‘Keep Your Cool at the Pool’.

According to their research, in 2023/2024, there were over 2000 incidents that involved abuse, violence and aggression directed at staff who were working in aquatic facilities around the country.

The campaign, as stated on their website, sets out clear behavioural expectations for users and “calls for users of aquatic facilities to treat each other and staff respectfully”.

Royal Life Saving general manager, capability and industry RJ Houston said that “violence and aggressions towards lifeguards and swim teachers are unacceptable”.

“Our campaign has been developed to reinforce a culture of respect, cooperation and ze

In depth, the campaign looks to support staff safety and well-being as well as the patrons, by “encouraging responsible behaviour”. At the same time, it endeavours to improve the confidence of lifeguards, swim teachers and reception staff when it comes to delivering safety instructions to facility goers through the minimisation of instances of abuse and aggression.

Touching on Casey’s endeavour to improve and nourish coherency within the youth, Koomen said that it remains a crucial part of what the council strives for.

“It’s part of the work that councils, schools, sporting clubs do to make sure that we have positive social spaces and activities for young people to be part of,” he said.

“That is a big focus of our work as new councillors, and it’s to make sure that there are those spaces where kids can be active and have healthy activities, so we want to encourage young people to use these facilities, but use them safely and properly.”

For a local shopper and mum of two, the fights have been a “concern”, seeing as that she and her family are frequent visitors to both pools.

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A brawl between youths at Casey RACE has sparked community concerns. (Stewart Chambers: 218980_04)

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Boost jobs with training

By Violet Li

Construction, health and community services, education and training, and retail and hospitality are the sectors Chisholm Institute of TAFE and the City of Casey have identified to expand priority training programs in.

Last month, the two institutions announced their partnership to create accessible employment pathways for residents and enhance local hiring opportunities for businesses.

According to Chisholm Institute of TAFE, through industry and community engagement and analysis of the Victorian Skills Authority employment projections, the partnership has identified that expansion of priority training programs is needed within the Construction, Health & Community Services, Education & Training and Retail

& Hospitality sectors to support the growth and resilience of the City of Casey’s businesses.

The partnership also formalises Chisholm and the City of Casey’s commitment to expanding training into emerging areas of regional significance, including Advanced Manufacturing, Business and Professional Services, Logistics, Creative Industries, and the Visitor Economy.

“By focusing on these areas, the partnership aims to equip the region with the skills needed for future industries, ensuring workforce readiness and providing a competitive advantage to meet growth trends in both established and emerging sectors,” a spokesperson for the Chisholm said.

“A key focus of this partnership includes increasing engagement with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community by actively seeking input from Indigenous leaders and or-

ganisations to enhance educational access and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

The spokesperson also said it had established training partnerships with Casey businesses to recruit, train and employ job seekers across the region to meet the local workforce skill shortages, particularly in manufacturing and early childhood education.

“Additionally, Chisholm is actively contributing to the development of the local Healthcare Precinct, collaborating with Monash Health and the City of Casey to promote training and employment opportunities in the care sector,” they said.

“This collaboration aims to build a highly skilled, locally trained workforce to meet the growing healthcare needs of the region.”

Chisholm also works closely with local indus-

tries through its Industry Advisory Groups (IAGs) to ensure its programs are responsive to the needs of employers and the community.

Chisholm Institute of TAFE chief executive officer Stephen Varty said they are proud to partner with the City of Casey to develop training programs that directly respond to industry needs and provide residents with hands-on learning opportunities.

“This collaboration reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality education that benefits individuals, businesses, and the broader Casey community,” he said.

“With two of our campuses based in the City of Casey, our Berwick and Cranbourne campuses, this partnership plays a vital role in aligning our education offerings with local Casey industry needs and supporting the growth and resilience of priority sectors in the region.”

Celebrating school crossing supervisors across Casey

By Ethan Benedicto

Shirley Tjoa, the crossing supervisor for Turrun Primary School on the eastern border of the suburb, has been on the job for several years, a job that she loves.

“My favourite part is having the kids cross, they’re just all really excited, especially the little ones, and they’re very cute,” she said.

“They always want to say hello, and I appreciate their parents too; they all seem to trust me with this responsibility and I enjoy it.”

Having a day dedicated to hers and every other supervisor’s efforts was ecstatic, with Shirley saying that it made her feel special, and acknowledged.

“It’s to recognise the importance of this work, that it’s for safety, about getting these children across the road safe,” she said.

The City of Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen was also in attendance, speaking to Shirley and saying that it’s crucial to appreciate the people “looking after our kids and families”.

“Especially on their way to and from school, and I think it’s important to recognise the work that they do.

“This year alone we’ve got four new schools opening in Clyde North, so that’s a lot of traffic in our streets,” he said.

Koomen touched on raising awareness and the encouragement of local drivers to tread carefully around newer areas, especially considering the soon-to-be increased volume of children.

Shirley admitted that with new homes still being built, and new residents still pouring in with no signs of slowing down, there is an increased intensity to her role.

“I’ll just have to take it as it comes,” she said.

“I know the traffic at the moment is a bit rough, they’re not that aware yet that it’s a school zone, people are still getting used to it.”

Despite the road being rough around the edges, Shirley remains steadfast that she can perform in her role, and in smoothing out the daily habits of com-

muters in the area.

Turrun Primary School’s principal, Kristy Miller, said that she, the staff, and the children are happy to have the likes of Shirley alongside them and to have

the ability to safely cross.

“It ensures the safety of our kids, which is one of our top priorities,” she said.

“A big part of our role is to make sure that the chil

As School Crossing Supervisor Day passed on Friday 7 February, the City of Casey celebrated it by acknowledging the contributions of a local supervisor in Clyde North.

dren not only know safety but demonstrate it as well.

“Our responsibility is to make sure that that happens within our school, and of course to help edu-

Shirley Tjoa, the school crossing supervisor for Turrun Primary School is all smiles, celebration day or not. (Stewart Chambers: 458034_01)

Shirley holds the stop sign as Mayor Stefan Koomen, Kristy Miller (principal), and students Ava and Sidratul cross at the crossing. (Stewart Chambers: 458034_03)

Mayor Stefan Koomen, Shirley, Kristy Miller (principal) with students Ava and Sidratul. (Stewart Chambers: 458034_02)

Passengers to scientists, take a trip to Antarctica

Travelers planning a trip to Antarctica are encouraged look at the Viking Expedition Cruises to learn first-hand what the Viking Difference means.

For those who yearn for more than a sightseeing tour, they could well be thrilled with the extent of knowledge shared by resident scientists who travel onboard the Viking expedition cruises, offering onboard experiences designed to optimise onshore discovery.

Viking has created the world’s leading scientific enrichment environment in an expedition setting.

A group of scientists selected by Viking’s academic partners, the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, are on board every journey, providing lectures, advice and insight to guests in areas such as biology, botany, geology, glaciology, oceanography, ornithology.

This diverse group of experts lead guests through meaningful scientific work, provide guiding and interpretation during shore excursions and deliver world-class lectures.

Viking and its Viking Expedition Team published the company’s first scientific paper in 2022 following observations of the rarely encountered ‘scyphozoan Stygiomedusa gigantea’, commonly known as the giant phantom jellyfish.

Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen said in creating ‘the thinking person’s expedition,’ it was their intention that every voyage should provide opportunities for scientific discovery,

“At the core of Viking Expeditions is the goal to do meaningful scientific work,“ he said.

“After just one full season in service, our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have beenpossibleotherwise,andwelookforwardto providing critical research opportunities on future voyages.”

Previous encounters with the giant phantom jellyfish have taken place during submersible dives in the coastal waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. Despite reaching up to 30 feet (10 meters) in length, only 126 encounters with these jellyfish have ever been recorded since the species was first described in 1910.

During Viking’s inaugural season in Antarctica in 2022, direct observations of the giant phantom jellyfish were made three times from submersibles deployed from Viking’s expedi-

tion vessel, the Viking Octantis and documented through stills and video photography.

In May 2024, Viking announced its latest scientific advancement on board the company’s expedition fleet with the addition of realtime environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing of phytoplankton.

The phytoplankton was genetically sequenced at sea for the first time with scientific support from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI).

The PCR lab on board the Viking Octantis has been converted into an advanced scientific environment where visiting scientists contributing to the Genomics at Sea Program (GASP) and are able to monitor the environmental impact on phytoplankton without the need to transport samples to a distant shoreside facility.

This marks a significant milestone in marine research and exploration, as Viking becomes the first travel company to support real-time environmental genetic sequencing capabilities on board its vessels.

In March 2024, Viking announced its expedition team supported the discovery of a new colony of chinstrap penguins not previously known to science on Diaz Rock, near Astrolabe Island, in Antarctica.

ThefindingtookplaceinJanuary2024when Viking Octantis visited Astrolabe, a three-milelong island, located in the Bransfield Strait of the Trinity Peninsula in Antarctica.

Astrolabe Island is home to a colony of chinstrap penguins that had not been surveyed since 1987. During the visit, Viking’s scientific partner, ‘Oceanites’, the leading field research entity in Antarctic penguin monitoring, conducted a visual and thermal aerial survey.

The fieldwork documented the first survey in nearly forty years of the known chinstrap penguin colony of Astrolabe Island and in the process, discovered the additional colony on Diaz Rock.

Those who wish to discover the wonders of Antarctica can travel on one of Viking’s expedition ships, which have been designed so guests can explore some of the world’s most pristine destinations in comfort while maximising

viewing in these spectacular locations. Passengers will be able to view the experience from the Aula, a stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall. The Aula features a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts to expose floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views.

The Finse Terrace is an outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed, heated couches and lava rock ‘firepits,’ designed to allow guests the comforts of the ship while enjoying the dramatic scenery.

While the Bow is an important forwardviewing platform with the option to retreat to the Shelter, even the Nordic Spa has floor-toceiling windows so you can relax in the hydrotherapy pool and never miss a thing. Every stateroom features a Nordic Balcony, a first for polar expedition vessels, the sunroom converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera.

For more information please visit www.viking.com or call (AU) 138 747)

Viking provide the watercraft and expertise to ensure a trip to Antarctica is a once in a lifetime experience.

LEE MCCARTHY

The Polar Citizen Science Collective aboard Viking

The Polar Citizen Science Collective creates opportunities for research and public education through citizen science, leveraging the reach of polar travellers to enhance understanding and protection of the polar regions.

High costs and the complexity of access to the polar regions are often prohibitive to Arctic and Antarctic research however Viking (cruises) have two purpose-built expedition ships and have partnered with The Polar Collective to support a range of projects that have been selected to fit into the unique modes of tourism operations in the polar regions.

Viking hold a provisional membership with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

The team work closely with these leading organizations to ensure they employ best travel practices, promote awareness, support scientific research, and protect the fragile ecosystems and environments in which we travel

The Polar Collective actively supports a series of citizen science projects including the Secchi Disk Study, Happywhale, Globe Clouds, Southern Ocean Seabird Surveys, Aurorasaurus and Antarctic Snow Algae Study.

The Secchi Disk study is a global citizen science study of marine phytoplankton, launched in 2013 and it has so far, resulted in over 3,000 observations from around the world.

The project can easily be done from a small Zodiac-style boat or yacht where the clarity of the water is measured by identifying the Secchi Depth. This is an indication of phytoplankton abundance.

The aim is to use the collaborative power of citizen scientists to increase the data collected from the oceans to compare to historical Secchi Disk data. This will help expand the Secchi Disk study’s long-term dataset enabling scientists to better understand changes in the ocean’s phytoplankton.

Happywhale was launched in 2015 and is a platform collecting photos of marine mammals taken by citizen scientists from all over the world for photo-ID purposes.

So far the program has recorded over 220,000 whale encounters from over 9,000 participants worldwide, with over 5,300 individual cetaceans identified in the Antarctic and 1,400 in the Arctic.

Photos submitted to Happywhale are shared

with a large network of researchers to improve understanding of marine mammals. The images provide valuable information on, for example, whale migration patterns and population status.

The Globe Clouds project was launched in 1994 and compares cloud observations taken by citizen scientists from the ground to information retrieved from satellites.

So far, more than one million cloud observations have been reported from all over the world, yet observations from the polar regions are still limited with only a 1,000 submissions to date.

Clouds are powerful agents of global change and play a large role in influencing local weather as well as controlling the planet’s long-term climate. Even small changes in the abundance, location or type of clouds can impact Earth’s climate and weather.

The Southern Ocean Seabird Surveys were launched in 2015 and are studying the distribution of birds at sea.

So far, hundreds of observations from the Southern Ocean and Antarctica have been gathered to add to the existing collection of bird data from around the world in the eBird database.

Theprojectisbuildingalong-termecological monitoring program of seabirds in the Southern Ocean and along the Antarctic Peninsula. These recordings help researchers understand how birds use oceanic habitat, to discover new details about the lives of these remote species, and ultimately how their behaviour and populations might be changing as a result of climate change.

Aurorasaurus is an award-winning project tracking auroras around the world via reports on its website and on Twitter. Using aurorarelated tweets and reports, it generates a realtime, global map of the Northern Lights.

Citizen scientists can also log in and verify the tweets. Each verified tweet and report serve as valuable data point for scientists to analyse and incorporate into space weather models.

The Antarctic Snow Algae Study aims to create a baseline database documenting the

temporal and spatial occurrence of snow algae along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Snow algae plays a significant role in the environment by increasing the absorption of sunlight leading to an enhanced melting of snow. There is strong evidence that warming Antarctic temperatures may be intensifying their growth.

Researchers often rely on satellite images to monitor snow algae, but clouds in the Antarctic sky frequently inhibit clear images.

Akvaplan-niva scientists are engaged in cross-disciplinary research programs on water related issues. On the Viking ships, Ferry Boxes are installed to sample sea and lake water to provide continuous information about oxygen levels, temperature, salinity and other data.

The ships is also equipped with Kongsberg Multibeam sonar which allows us to map the lake/seabed.

To learn more about the exciting opportunities available on Viking and with The Polar Citizen Science Collective visit www.viking.com or phone (AU) 138 747.

Viking guests cross country skiing in Antarctica.

LEE MCCARTHY

The special ops and zodiac hanger on Viking Octantis offers guests a much more inclusive holiday in Antarctica.

Scientists on board Viking provide lectures, advice and insight and the Viking Octantis is equipped with an onboard laboratory.

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Off Train Experience and short stop in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna

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Nature to the fore at estate

A new nature-inspired community has finished construction in Junction Village, and its developer says the community turns environmental constraints into a haven for residents and fauna.

Launched to market in 2019, Octave now houses hundreds of residents living across 321 lots spanning 210 to 1,237 square metres.

Dr Andrew Ashwood, managing director of Developments from developer Jinding, said Octave’s setting alongside the Royal Botanic Gardens of Cranbourne presented many challenges and constraints.

Octave’s masterplan was developed in response to a range of environmental requirements as well as a vision by the City of Casey to improve livability through the provision of open space and preservation of nature.

At the heart of Octave’s urban design is 5.7 hectares of open space, comprising active parkland, reserves and conservation areas.

Harmony Park and the conservation reserve boast 2.98 and 1.2 hectares of open space, respectively, while there are also two kilometres of shared walking and bike paths.

Bound by Southern Brown Bandicoot Conservation within the Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), the development provides solutions for the crossing of the Southern Brown Bandicoot with safe passage under roads.

Landscaping incorporating indigenous trees and plants also aims to facilitate the movement of the Southern Brown Bandicoot.

Culverts have also been installed under the roads to ensure safe passage for the Southern Brown Bandicoot and other wildlife species. Octave is also a cat-free community.

Working with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and the City of Casey, the developer assessed the site to ensure that high-value trees were retained.

Another civil infrastructure that’s been integrated into the project to enhance its overall appeal is stormwater treatment.

For instance, a Melbourne Water drainage outfall

running through Octave treats stormwater for the catchment area.

This stormwater quality treatment runs through a drainage reserve encompassing more than two hectares, reducing the environmental impact of stormwater on the developed areas and their natural surroundings.

Landscaped, this feature serves residents and serves as an additional water source for wildlife.

ResidentEamonnMilloysaidOctaveisabeautiful place to live with all the wildlife surrounding them.

“You hear the kookaburras in the morning and are right next to the gardens. It’s not like a normal estate. It’s a hidden gem,” he said.

Octave was shortlisted in last year’s Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Awards residential subdivision category.

“Octave was not a simple proposition. From endangered animal safe crossings, prescripted parks and open space, to connectivity with an abutting established suburb, Octave was not about simply delivering a liveable and appealing community within the

JINDIVICK FARM

560 Jacksons Track, Jindivick

FOR SALE

Expressions of Interest closing 26th March at 12 noon unless sold prior

Evan Broadbent 0438 379 151 evan.broadbent@harcourts.com.au harcourts.net/au/office/warragul

Todd McKenna 0418 391 182 todd.m@neilsonpartners.com.au neilsonpartners.com.au

bounds of the site restrictions but embracing those constraints and amplifying opportunities to elevate the area to deliver the most worthwhile and vibrant community possible,” Dr Ashwood said.

“While the site constraints could have been intimidating, we took a positive view and were determined to show how design, innovation and engineering could create immense benefit.

“We wanted to establish a new bar for residential land development and inspire both the industry and community.”

602HA (1490 Acres approx.) ACROSS 13 TITLES

Offered for sale for the very first time in the renowned West Gippsland dairy region located at the foothills of the Baw Baw Ranges, only 10 minutes from the Princes Highway and 90 minutes from Melbourne.

• 13 Titles opportunity for development (STCA)

• Substantial dairy infrastructure and shedding

• Three homes

• Secure permanent water supply including 200ML of dam storage, irrigation licence for 60ML, plus the convenience of mains water

• All weather laneways & sealed road frontage

• Currently milking 800 cows through multiple herringbone dairies with capacity to increase productivity

Jindivick Farm offers income and limitless potential.

Octave community has finished construction in Junction Village. At the heart of its urban design is 5.7 hectares of open space, comprising active parkland, reserves and conservation areas. (Supplied)

THE LOWDOWN

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

A strong advocate for the Afghan community in Australia for over 25 years, helping countless people resettle and build new lives.

What do you love the most about your job?

I love making a real difference in people’s lives. I support and empower people during one of the most challenging transitions of their lives.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be? Horse.

What was your most memorable moment?

Receiving the Order of Australia Medal (OAM). What were you like as a kid?

I liked to play with dolls.

What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

School opening for Afghan Girls in Afghanistan. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Malala Yousafzai, Fatima Jinnah and Julia Gillard.

What would you do on your perfect ’day off’? Gardening.

Where is your happy place?

My house and office.

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? Afghan ASH.

Where is your dream holiday destination? Paris.

FOCUS ON … DISABILITY

all people with disabilities from children to adult providing quality services and support to our participants in South East Victoria

THREE … ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day

As Valentine’s Day fast approaches, here are three ways you can celebrate the day of love between partners, friends and family.

1

Whether it be for your partner, amongst your friends or for your family, nothing beats a hearty and thoughtful meal for your loved ones. Bring out the recipe book, spend time cooking together and chow down at the table.

2

For those who love going out, treating a loved one to a day trip to a scenic nature spot, or a themed activity such as a Valentine’s cooking class or a wine-tasting event could be the move.

3

Or things could be kept simple, such as spending quality time with each other or your friends, being in each others’ presence as you go about and leisurely enjoying your hobbies while taking the time to show your appreciation for them.

Social inclusion matters

Empowering Lives Through Social Inclusion at BJ Care Services

At BJ Care Services, we believe in the power of social inclusion to transform lives. It’s not just a principle — it’s a fundamental right that ensures individuals with disabilities are empowered to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives. Inclusion fosters mental well-being, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. That’s why we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and promoting accessibility, equity, and opportunity for everyone.

Why Social Inclusion Matters

Social inclusion isn’t just an ideal—it’s essential for creating a compassionate society where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. It means ensuring that people with disabilities can access education, secure employment, connect with their community, and live independently.

An inclusive society values all people, celebrates diversity, and actively eliminates discrimination.

At BJ Care Services, we strive to create a world where every person can fully participate in life’s opportunities, regardless of ability. By promoting social inclusion, we are building a society that benefits everyone and drives innovation, respect, and growth.

How BJ Care Services Leads the Way in Social Inclusion

Inclusive, Accessible Environments: Our facilities and community spaces are designed with universal accessibility in mind. We also advocate for accessible transport, ensuring participants can attend events and appointments without limits.

Person-Centred Support Plans: At BJ Care Services, we understand that every individual has unique needs and goals. That’s why we create personalised support plans to empower participants, helping them develop the skills and confidence to engage with their community and lead independent lives.

Educational Integration: We work hand-inhand with schools and educators to ensure students with disabilities are integrated into their educational settings, where they can thrive academically and socially. Inclusive education models foster mutual understanding, creating a more respectful society.

Building Connections: Social inclusion is about more than just access—it’s about fostering relationships. We organise community outings,

The importance of social inclusion for people with disabilities.

social events, and creative activities that encourage participants to connect, build friendships, and engage meaningfully with their community.

Challenging Prejudices: We actively engage in awareness campaigns that promote the value of diversity. By changing societal attitudes, we’re helping to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where all people are respected and valued.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Inclusion

The future is bright, and at BJ Care Services, we’re committed to creating even more inclusive spaces, expanding opportunities, and fostering a society where everyone can thrive. We’re working with schools, employers, and community organisations to ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, can fully participate in society. Join us in making a difference. Together, we can create a world where inclusion is the norm, not the exception.

Discover the Support You Deserve at BJ Care Services—Where Inclusion and Empowerment Come First.

with Gulghotai Bezhan

Gulghotai (Gula) Bezhan. (Stewart Chambers: 454815)

Wida’s new book launched

By Ethan Benedicto

Fighting one delay after another, the day finally came for the official announcement of Wida Tausif’s third children’s novel, Ali Goes to School.

Held at Oakgrove Community centre on Saturday 8 February, Wida, alongside her family, friends, and local representatives such as River Gum Ward councillor Lynette Pereira, Quarters Ward Councillor Carolyn Eaves and Bruce MP Julian Hill, were all present for the reveal.

For Wida, seeing her work finally bear fruit was ecstatic, especially when it meant, not just for her, but for the children that she looks to reach, a step closer to a more inclusive and accepting environment.

“I’m feeling a little bit nervous but I’m also very, very excited, I’ve been waiting for this day for such a long time and now it’s finally here,” she said.

“This all doesn’t feel real to be honest, it still feels like a dream, but I also can’t wait to read a page out of the book and have the kids give me some feedback.”

Giving recognition to local talent has always been pivotal for councillor Pererira, and much like it is for Wida, she supports any initiative that “will benefit the kids in their learning”.

“Especially when it comes to learning about multiculturalism, I think a lot of kids here (Casey) can relate.”

She also added that having these messages learnt at a young age is important, considering that there is a lot of “division still in the community”.

Likewise, she recalled times when she was younger when she felt “invisible” since she didn’t “see herself in any books I was reading”.

“I think kids need to learn to get along with each other, and there is a powerful message in here that can help them, but also their parents, to foster good and respectful relationships between all ethnicities.

“But you’re also being recognised as being viable, as, you know, as part of the society that you live in,” she said. It remains as a great leap forward when strides

such as those made by local educators and authors delve into the messages and undertones of inclusivity, with Wida acknowledging the significance ofhaving leaders in local communities attend her event.

“This is extremely important, particularly so my voice can get out there and spread the message of the book,” she said.

“It’s not just a one-person job, so if I’ve got the

councillors and parliament members here, they too are able to relay ny message and get my voice across to support those children.”

As for Hill, who has known Wida for nearly 10 years, he too understood the gravity the release held, not just for her, but for the wider Casey community.

“It’s terrific that we’re seeing homegrown Australian authors telling normal, everyday kid stories, but through multicultural characters.” he said.

“If we want to be a country where everyone feels included, where they feel a sense of belonging, then if you turn on the TV, look at parliament, listen to the radio, or read books and stories, you want them to reflect the community.”

He also said that considering that ‘Ali’ is a very common name, not just in Casey, but throughout the state, there is no question that characters of the same name should thrive in more novels, children’s or not.

While outside of the municipality, Wida, alongside Glen Education, will see her books open for reading for the young children across their 23 kindergartens.

Melissa, alongside her peers from Glen Education said it was a proud moment for them to “support one of our own”.

“We’re proud to support one of us, and to of course shine a light on what it’s like to make that big transition from kindergarten to school, but done from a multicultural lens,” she said.

The afternoon began with Wida taking her audience through her journey, where she also confirmed the second book in the series, set to release in the near future.

She also held short reading sessions for her two children and the others who were in attendance.

Greater Dandenong Council weighs up Afghan Bazaar debate

By Sahar Foladi

City of Greater Dandenong Council is weighing up two heavily-backed, opposing petitions on the proposed renaming of the Afghan Bazaar precinct in Thomas Street, Dandenong.

In the council meeting on Monday 10 February, both petitions were tabled - one for the renaming of the precinct to Little Bamyan by the Hazara community and the other to preserve the current name Afghan Bazaar filed by Afghan community groups.

The council meeting was widely attended members from both communities, including Barat Batoor who initiated the name-change proposal and Khalid Amiri, a spokesperson for the group to retain the name Afghan Bazaar.

They were among several who stood to ask questions during public question time.

Batoor’s paper petition to the council garnered 173 signatures from businesses in Thomas Street and surrounding areas, including non-Hazara traders and 19 signatures from community organisations and sporting clubs.

A separate online petition for Little Bamyan has attracted more than 3400 as of Tuesday morning and the Afghan Bazaar has garnered over 3770

signatures.

In response, Council’s chief executive Jacqui Weatherill said the council had not made any decisions on this matter yet and both sides would be given “very careful consideration.”

“We have received a very significant amount of enquiries on this topic of Afghan Bazaar in the last two weeks from various perspectives and what they have in common is they have been very sincere, very genuine and very heartfelt.

“Any change or formal naming process would only be taken after a genuine and thorough community consultation, which will take quite a few months and will also require quite a lot of council resources, that we listen even more deeply and understand more about people’s views in regard to it.

“The mayor has been meeting with a variety of groups along with our manager for economic development and they are certainly hearing everybody views and will have a conversation with the council.”

She said depending on the dialogue with the community and the council, a name may be pursued through the Geographic Names Victoria “but it’s too early to say at this stage what kind of approach will be taken.”

“From the enquiries we have received its clear

Pair charged after pursuit

A Doveton man and a Cranbourne West man have been charged over a pair of alleged armed robberies at tobacco shops on Tuesday 4 February.

Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives say two men armed with a knife demanded cigarettes from a shop on Centre Road in Bentleigh about 9.25am.

A male staff member suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital.

The pair allegedly fled in a Holden Commodore ute.

A short time later, they were said to have stolen cigarettes and jewellery from another outlet in Como Parade

A police vehicle pursued the ute, with the two vehicles crashing in Arena Square, Noble Park about 10.30am.

Police officers drew guns and arrested the pair. The men were taken to hospital under police guard.

Thetwopoliceofficersinvolvedinthecollision were also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A Doveton man, 18, has been charged with:

· Attempted armed robbery

· Intentionally causing injury

· Assault with weapon

· Armed robbery

· False imprisonment

· Theft from motor vehicle

· Handling stolen goods

· Reckless conduct endangering death

· Reckless conduct endangering serious injury

· Dangerous driving whilst being pursued

· Driving whilst disqualified

A Cranbourne West man, 20, was charged with:

· Armed robbery

· Intentionally causing injury

· Assault with a weapon

· Robbery

· False imprisonment

· Theft

· Handling stolen goods

They were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 April.

this topic is very complex and sensitive and we don’t want to rush any action on this matter

“We’re very proud of the Thomas Street precinct; it’s a lively and thriving fantastic commercial and cultural precinct.

“It’s a credit to all diverse traders who have created this special place over more than 20 years.

“We’re proud of the peaceful way our Greater Dandenong community gets along despites many residents having had very painful experience of conflict and division in their birth countries.”

It was also clarified that if Thomas Street’s name was changed, it would require the state government’s Geographic Name Change registrar process.

The opposing groups are trying to garner as much support as they can, including on social media platforms, Facebook and TikTok videos which have attracted more than a thousand views.

There were more than 300 comments on Batoor’s video post the council meeting and Khalid Amiri’s TikTok video has attracted more than 4000 views and over 400 comments.

Both sides contain strong supporters in the community as well as online.

Batoor is a Hazara, internationally known and an award-winning freelance photojournalist and filmmaker, who called Australia home in 2012 and has become vocal on the struggle of identity and belonging through his works.

Khalid Amiri was a journalist in Afghanistan for the Afghan state broadcaster RTA and known for his courageous reporting.

He fled to Australia with his family after the Taliban took to power where he’s pursuing masters in international relations in University of Melbourne. Amiri is also vocal on refugee rights, multiculturalism and inclusion in the community.

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Wida Tausif, in the middle, alongside her husband, Daniel Parangasa (left) and Bruce MP Julian Hill (right). (Ethan Benedicto: 459147_04)

Barat Batoor the organiser of the petition for the renaming of the Afghan Bazaar.(Stewart Chambers: 455477_10)

New school officially open

By Ethan Benedicto

The official opening of St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School in Clyde North was attended by over 100 people, from new students to teachers and local members of Parliament.

The event began with a mass, attended and led by the Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet and Very Reverend Denis O’Bryan, the official opening also served as a commemoration of St Josephine Bakhita, the saint after which the school was named.

Kathryn Pepper, the school’s principal, opened the mass by welcoming over 100 people who were in attendance, from local residents, and students, to local members of parliament.

“It’s absolutely amazing to see the whole community come together and really unite,” she said.

“We’ve got a really diverse population here so seeing the acceptance from everyone and the warm welcome that everyone’s got, it’s something else.

“People have been very understanding, considering that we’re in the building phase, but they’re all keen to get into the school and they want to be part of that foundational community.”

Pepper added that throughout the coming years, the school will be able to accommodate over 700 students, a viable progression she noted, not just for them but for the residents and their children to receive “quality Catholic education for all families”.

“It’s not just for Catholics, we welcome everyone from all faiths, of all cultures, and that is our way to be inclusive,” she said.

The school recently accepted 64 new preps into its fold, with allotments for 2026 already filling up as 100 preps are ready to be taken in for the next year.

To accommodate for this, State funding for the second stage of construction has been confirmed and was also announced during the ceremony.

This second stage includes eight new classrooms, a dedicated STEM room and a basketball court, expanding for what principal Pepper said would be the school’s growth of 100 new preps every year.

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, Southeastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis, and former Victorian Deputy Premier and current Victorian Catholic Education Authority chair, James Merlino were present, all sharing their support of growing education in a growing suburb.

Richards acknowledged the breadth of new schools that have opened in Clyde North in the last year, saying that “it’s important for our students to gave the facilities that they need and deserve”.

“Of course, it’s also for our educators to give these top-notch education facilities.

“This is integral in making sure that the said facilities are here as growing families and emerging communities arrive,” she said.

As for Merlino, he summed it down to being “delighted”, seeing as that the City of Casey and

Clyde North harbour fast-growing communities, “this has been years in the making”.

“This is one of the fastest growing dioceses in the country and we’ve got a responsibility to make sure that we can provide that Catholic school education for local parents looking for it, and in partnership with the Victorian Government and supportive parents, we’ve been able to deliver it.”

Tarlamis always sees the growth of schools alongside new suburbs as essential, considering that it is where the youth “learn their values and prepare them for what comes in life”.

“It’s really our foundational support and values they learn that is important, so to have schools, people-purpose modern schools that have all the facilities they need in that growth is key.

“We’ve seen the growth in Clyde, we’ve seen the schools opening up, but having that diverse offering for those who want that Catholic education is important too,” he said.

The mass saw the younger students who were sat at the front take an active role, from delivering the communion to the Bishop, to being directly addressed during the sermons.

Once the mass concluded, Bishop Greg, alongside a select few students, altar servers and principal Pepper, went around the numerous classrooms and blessed them with Holy Water, all the while reciting prayers.

The finale involved the cutting of a red ribbon and the unveiling of the school’s official plaque.

Paul Velten, the director of Catholic education and ceo of the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited, said that it was “exciting” to be able to attend the opening ceremony.

“This is exciting in terms of opportunity for Clyde North and its community, to have a school that will support those looking for Catholic education,” he said.

With a waiting list already filling up for their classes, Pepper is keen to get the year started, with more on the way for St Josephine Bakhita Primary.

Most Rev. Greg Bennet, alongside fellow priests and altar servers, moved from one class to another to bless the rooms.

Principal Kathryn Pepper first addressed the crowd before mass and the announcement ceremony began.

Most Rev. Greg Bennet began the blessings at the open space but soon moved to the other classrooms.

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards cuts the ribbon, as Most Rev. Greg Bennet (right), Father Denis (left), principal Kathryn Pepper and students hold it up. (Stewart Chambers: 458017)

Most Rev. Greg Bennet speaking to the preps during the homily.

A group photo with the preps holding the school’s brand-new plaque.

Support for frontline heroes

By Afraa Kori

For those who on the frontlines of danger and emergencies, a new safe haven awaits.

St John of God Langmore Centre is pleased to bring the first dedicated psychological trauma service for emergency services and defence personnel to Melbourne’s south east.

With a large number of emergency and defence personnel working and living in the rapidly growing region of south east Melbourne, the need for a dedicated service became evident.

The St John of God Berwick Hospital has responded to the community’s needs by ensuring access to care is provided closer to home, said general manager and CEO of St John of God, Lisa Norman.

“The location of the service is vital. It is widely understood that the involvement of loved ones can improve the emotional wellbeing of hospital patients and with a service closer to home, the program aims to keep families and support networks close at hand.”

Trauma and PTSD as a result of a psychologi-

cal injury or harm is prevalent amongst those who work to protect the community.

“It is important for emergency services and defence personnel to know that they are not alone and we are ready to support them,” Ms Norman said.

“It is important for people to be aware that psychological trauma can happen to anyone and relates to the experiences an individual is faced with, rather than an inability to cope with a difficult situation.

“People need to know that there are treatments and supports which can help them manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives. The hardest thing is acknowledging there is a problem and finding access to programs. We are here to help and deliver them an opportunity for a brighter future.”

St John of God Langmore Centre’s Emergency Services and Defence Trauma Recovery program has been designed around the specific needs of emergency services and defence personnel. The development of this service has included discussions with Victoria Police, The Police Association

Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria.

Clinicians working within the program will have undergone additional training and upskilling to enable them to understand the organisations they are working with, their processes to ensure we provide tailored care.

The program will be run by a multidisciplinary team including: psychiatrists, psychologists, allied health (including exercise physiology, art therapy, music therapy), pastoral care and nurses.

Together, these clinicians offer holistic care which encompasses medication, group and individualised therapy, spiritual and emotional care, physical wellbeing, and neuro-stimulation treatment including a new treatment known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

A regular support group will be offered to family members and support people. Allied health, including pastoral care practitioners and psychologists, will offer support and guidance, providing strategies to help create the optimal environment

for families facing a loved one with PTSD, with the aim of optimising recovery and maintaining healthy relationships.

St John of God Langmore Centre will be commencing dedicated trauma day programs in May 2025. In the future, these programs could be delivered offsite to communities relevant to the needs of patients we are caring for.

Ms Norman said the program will play an important role in the support ecosystem for emergency services and defence personnel.

“Our role in providing this service is to react to the needs of an individual facing a crisis. It is our hope in the future that we can work with emergency services organisations and the defence force to play a role in education and prevention.”

The official opening of St John of God Langmore Centre new service will be held at the end of this month, with exact dates to be announced shortly. Personnel will require a psychiatrist or GP referral and can access the program by calling the intake team on (03) 9773 7000 or emailing Langmore-intake@sjog.org.au. The program can be funded by Work Cover, DVA or with private health insurance.

All smiles last month for Preps’ first day at school

Excitement, smiles and some lingering goodbye hugs were in the air as the preps began their first day at Haileybury’s Berwick campus on Wednesday 29 January.

The local campus welcomed 45 new preppies and found themselves settling in rather quickly, with the first day filled with meeting new friends, learning their classrooms’ layout and of course, having fun in the playground during break times.

New prep student Sierra was willing to start her learning journey, saying that she was “looking forward to trying new things”.

For Reya. the first day was all about enjoying the moment with her family, especially for her older sister.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my sister in the yard,” she said.

To ease the little ones in, they helped create an ‘All About Me’ display so their teachers could learn more about them, their families and the things that

they enjoy.

A guided tour was also held of the Junior School and they were reminded of the playground and classroom rules.

Haileybury’s head of junior school in Berwick, Michelle McGill said that “without fail, every year the first day of prep is exciting for everyone, for the students, staff and for the families”.

“It is a very big milestone that children and parents look forward to, there’s a lot of preparation and anticipation.

“Our prep students always look so grown up in their uniform and on the first day, they enjoy showing their parents their lockers and their classrooms.

“Each student also has their photo taken with a ‘first day of Prep’ sign to mark this special moment in their school journey,” she said.

Rihan looked forward to recess and lunch the most so he could play with his friends, with Alex arriving at school ready to ‘practise things’, as Krish

and Aria were both keen to ‘learn new stuff’. As for Mia, the first day was a time to get some exercise and to enjoy the moment.

“I enjoyed playing on the monkey bars,” she said.

of Victoria, Australian Defence Force, Ambulance

Langmore pastoral service. (Supplied)

Patient and caregiver in the kitchen. (Supplied)

Patient and caregiver.

Art therapy.

From left to right: Sierra, Rihaan, Reya. (Supplied)

From left to right: Mia, Alex, Aria, Krish. (Supplied)

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 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 club starts on 4 February.

• Check all the courses at our website www. u3acranbourne.org.au or call 0493991919 to learn more.

Blind Bight Community Centre

Craft gift making for adults from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Tuesdays.

Join in the craft gift making class and bring along your own craft to complete.

A variety of techniques and skills are shared including mosaics, macrame, sewing and painting at $3 per class.

Playgroup from 10.30am to noon on Wednesdays. The program provides fun play activities and craft for children at $5 per family.

Free knit and crochet from noon to 2pm on Wednesdays.

Line dancing from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesdays. All ages, and abilities welcome at $10 per class.

• For more information and for bookings, visit www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club

Are you new newly retired, or new to the area, or

just wanting to enjoy your freedom as a senior or expand your social life?

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities and friendship. The club hosts weekly social activities with dance to low-key in-line dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, a chat, and then afternoon tea. Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dine-outs, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.

Anyone interested can visit on Thursdays at 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive or join the club for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday from 10am at the new François cafe in front of Myer in Fountain Gate.

• For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.

Balla Balla Community Centre Playgroup – Balla Balla Bubs for families with babies (0-12 months) and Playgroup (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 per-

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION ON THE EXISTING MONOPOLE AT 125 HOMESTEAD ROAD BERWICK VIC 3806 INCLUDING 5G

1. Vodafone proposes to install mobile phone base station on the existing monopole to provide 4G and 5G coverage to the local area.

The proposal includes the installation of;

•A headframe on the existing monopole (no height increase proposed).

•Six Vodafone panel antennas (each measuring not more than 2.8m in length), including 4G/5G, on the new headframe.

•Twelve Vodafone Remote Radio Units (RRUs) on the new headframe.

•A Vodafone equipment shelter.

•Ancillary equipment including antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners and other associated equipment.

2. Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Scott Sibly at Service Stream Limited, 0455 214 172, TPG.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or PO Box 14570 Melbourne VIC 8001 by 5.00pm Thursday 27th February 2025. 4. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3806017

inthissection are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexualservices.

son or by phoning the centre between 9am -3pm.

• Online enrolments can be made: ballaballa. com.au/programs/

Combined Probus Club of Narre

Warren

The club welcomes men and women to join for fun and interesting activities.

The club hosts bowling, armchair travel, book clubs, walk and talk, happy snappers and cards.

• For enquiries, contact Heather at hsims14@ gmail.com

Scrabble Club

Berwick Activities Club has started a Scrabble Club recently and it runs every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.

It will be both competitive and social on a one-toone basis.

Come along to learn how to play or improve your game.

Word lists and more will be available to increase your skills.

• Contact David on 0433 566 456.

Berwick Springs VIEW Club

Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.

The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.

The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy lunch and then host a guest speaker.

Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.

The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.

• For more information, contact Shirley on 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com

Probus Club of Casey Combined Meetings finish at noon when many of our members assemble for lunch at one of the local cafes.

• The club meets at the Old Cheese Factory at 9.45am on the second Tuesday of each month.

New faces for Doves

By Justin Schwarze

Doveton has reloaded and bolstered its line-up for season 2025 with multiple fresh faces looking to guide the club to the Promised Land.

Over the summer, the Doves welcomed recruits Zack Charles, Justyn Kennewell, Ryan Hall, Jake Calvert, Jarrod Smith and Michael Richardson through its doors.

After coming up short in the preliminary final in 2024, the Doves will look to build on their experience and be a serious premiership contender.

Calvert, a tall key forward, joins Doveton with a wide variety of football experience, including playing for the Dandenong Stingrays and the Frankston Dolphins of the VFL.

“We’ve seen him come through the Stingrays where he played some really good footy there and through the VFL system,” Doves senior coach Matt Stapleton said of Calvert.

“He’s got a lot of experience, really good size and lovely skills and can take a really nice contested mark, we’re really happy to have Jake on board.”

Richardson joins the club from Emerald, where

he was a part of its 2023 premiership side.

With the season still a few weeks away, his impact has already been felt at the club.

“Michael is a really well-balanced, skilful player,” Stapleton said.

“He’s been showing some really good signs over the preseason, and he’s been really good out there for us on the track.”

Smith has returned to Doveton after playing in the club’s junior program.

He has enjoyed premiership success over his career with different clubs, winning senior titles in 2022 with Narre Warren and last year with Nar Nar Goon.

His football resume attracted the Doves, who hope his post-season experience can translate in 2025.

“He’s going to add tremendous value for us as a forward-midfield type of role,” Stapleton stated.

“Anyone that has a premiership on their footy resume, you’re obviously doing something right.”

Other recruits announced for the upcoming season were Charles returning to Doveton from Officer, Hall from Rowville and Kennewell from

East Brighton.

“All these guys, we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do for us this year to help get better,” Stapleton said.

“Ryan’s come in and led the way with the group from a perspective of his footy IQ and the way he prepares.

“Zack is still pretty young but has shown tremendous improvement, so we’re really excited to get him back into the club.

“Justyn’s played a really good amount of senior footy in a strong team and a strong competition.”

With their eyes set on ramping up before the Division 2 season kicks off on 5 April, the team looks to mesh their youth and new recruits.

There’s a goal on winning, but also one of development and culture.

“We’re looking for a few of our younger guys, 22 and under, to hopefully start to take that next step with their footy,” Stapleton said.

“These players we’ve brought in can complement some of the younger guys, which is really important for us as a footy club that we develop them as best as possible.”

Kellapotha class has Swans on the front foot

By Marcus Uhe

Casey South Melbourne’s push for a top four position on the Victorian Premier Cricket ladder remains alive after another brilliant bowling performance from Ruwantha Kellapotha.

The legpsinner claimed his second five-wicket haul for the summer, taking 5/66 against St Kilda as the Swans kept the home side to 234 on day one.

Luke Shelton won the toss and chose to bowl with the Saints missing a trio of key batters selected for Victoria’s Sheffield Shield contest against Tasmania, in former Australian Test players Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb, and emerging star Harry Dixon.

The Swans pounced on the insecurity at the top of the order with Nathan Lambden and Harry Hoekstra combining for three wickets in the opening three overs to reduce the Saints to 3/5.

St Kilda steadied to reach 3/129 but the Swans struck twice on 129, through Hoekstra and Kell-

apotha, to remove captain, Ed Newman, and dominant batter Blake Macdonald, forcing the middle order to regroup and start again from scratch.

The wicket of Macdonald set the wheels in motion for Kellapotha, who took the next four to claim the match ball at the conclusion of play.

He now has 34 wickets for the year and a comfortable gap over Nathan Lambden for second on

Gators back on home turf

By Marcus Uhe

Cricket is back at the swamp.

It was 1071 days between home games for Fountain Gate’s First XI in the Dandenong District cricket Association due to ongoing upgrades to its home ground at Max Pawsey Reserve.

But the drought was finally broken on Saturday when the Gators’ First XI welcomed Narre North for action.

Bruce MP Julian Hill, City of Casey Councillor Kim Ross and Hill’s upcoming Liberal opponent at the 2025 Federal Election, Zahid Safi, joined the presidents from both the Cricket Club, Turhan Khalil and Fountain Gate Junior Football Club, Anthony Scolyer, in cutting the ribbon before play on Saturday.

Encased by a traditional white picket fence and on a freshly sewn playing surface, the match marked the end of what Secretary and former president Justin Smith described as “the most challenging 36 months in the club’s history.”

With the club’s Turf sides unable to play matches at home, the flow on effects rippled throughout the club and compounded the existing issues unresolved from Covid-19.

“First and foremost, our second XI have to play every Sunday, which means our ones also play every game away, which means those who come back to the club on a Saturday afternoon traditionally, that doesn’t happen anymore,” Smith said of the issues associated with the redevelopment.

“Your twos don’t want to come back (to the club) because they’re playing on Sunday, your ones are playing away, no one wants to come down and watch your lower grades play synthetic cricket so that in turn has seen club revenue go down and sponsors don’t want to sponsor clubs that don’t want to play at home.

“We try and we thank our current sponsors for all their support and commitment, but we’re stoked to be back and increase our club revenue through canteen, bar sales, attendances and culturally, it’s really important for us.

“(Last summer) our second XI were probably our fifth-best XI due do the fact that asking our players to play Sunday is a very difficult ask.

“When your second XI isn’t your second XI, it is embarrassing, but we got through it and here we are.”

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m proud - proud of the group, proud of the club, proud of everyone for pushing through like we have done.”

the list, with 30.

After bowling 31 overs last Saturday against Northcote, Kellapotha sat out of Berwick’s semi-final in the Dandenong District Cricket Association T20 competition against Hallam Kalora Park the following day, owing to fatigue and soreness.

He dusted off those concerns to send down another 31 for his side on Saturday, however, including six maidens, to help the Swans to a positive position ahead of next week’s second day.

The Swans survived four overs before stumps unscathed, with Ashley Chandrasinghe and Matthew Calder to resume at 0/16 next week.

Casey South Melbourne needs both Dandenong and Camberwell to lose their contests next week, along with secure the points in its own contest against St Kilda, to climb into fourth place before a final round showdown with Carlton.

Camberwell needs to defend 297 while Dandenong has a big challenge on its hands, set 327 to win against third-placed Richmond at Shepley Oval.

Smith said he hopes the completion of works can mark the beginning of a new era for the club, with the ambition to host finals and major events in future seasons once teething issues are addressed with the playing surface and centre wicket area.

Along with the new fence and surface, works were completed to improve the drainage and irrigation at the Highway end of the facility, and the wicket table increased from four pitches to five.

While disappointment remains at the scrapping of plans to build new clubrooms between the two ovals and instead upgrade the current pavilion overlooking the synthetic oval, things are looking up for Gators as one of the contenders for the Turf 3 premiership, currently atop the standings with two rounds remaining.

“It’s Ray’s (Pal, Coach) first year and the first year for a lot of the boys as well; we’re looking at locking them in for future years to come,” Smith said.

“We’re not looking to get players for one or two years, it’s a four/five/six year, long-term commitment to really drive what we want as a club.

“Hopefully that’s Turf 2, and maybe even a 10year goal is Turf 1.”

Matthew Stapleton has been reappointed as coach. (Gary Sissons: 399551).

Ruwantha Kellapotha took 5/66 for Casey South Melbourne. (Rob Carew: 436984)

From left; Fountain Gate JFC President Anthony Scolyer, Fountain Gate CC President Turhan Khalil, Bruce MP Julian Hill and City of Casey Councillor Kim Ross cut the ribbon to mark the return of cricket to Max Pawsey Reserve. (Stewart Chambers: 457969)

Tigers turn it around

By Marcus Uhe

Beaconsfield’s breakthrough win in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 1 was much-needed validation for a mountain of work taking place behind the scenes and on the training track.

Winless in its last six matches, the Tigers stared relegation in the face on over the weekend and dispatched the prospect for another week longer against fellow struggler North Dandenong at Perc Allison Reserve.

If this was a contest that would determine who is staying in Turf 1 for another summer and who is packing their bag for Turf 2, the Tigers are racing to sign another 12 month lease following a dominant 188-run victory.

Set up by a strong first innings total despite a collapse of 4/13 in the middle order, Beaconsfield set the Maroons 249 to win and executed their plan with the ball to a tee, falling six wickets shy of an outright win.

The Tigers routed the Maroons in just 38 overs for 61, and had them 4/43 when play was called on the second day to secure their first home win in Turf 1 cricket.

Tigers coach Mick Cronin was delighted for his players, believing he could sense a weight coming off his players’ shoulders.

“We knew this game was very important to us and we knew how close the ladder was,” he said.

“We did the right things, we had a good game plan and knew how they were going to play.

“There was always that self-belief. To see the smiles on the young guy’s faces when we won was priceless.”

In Cronin’s first season at the helm, there are signs that the wheel is beginning to turn.

Beaconsfield has made its two highest scores for the season in the last three rounds, either side of a disappointing performance against Hallam Kalora Park, with totals of 252 against Buckley Ridges and 249 this week against North Dandenong.

Central to the Tigers’ change in fortunes is the uptick in performance from Tyler Clark.

Before Christmas he had just 96 runs to his name with an average of 12 on the season, but since returning from the break he has changed into one of the competition’s hottest players.

Scores of 79 and 92 against quality bowling attacks in his two previous innings went unreward-

ed, but his 78 against North Dandenong was vital in Beaconsfield riding out another customary batting collapse in the middle order.

With the innings on the slide at 7/121, following ducks for Ashan Madhushanka and Abaseen Taniwal, and seven each from Andrey Fernando and Susantha Pradeep, Clark knuckled down with the returning Daniel Maskiell for a vital 109run partnership for the eighth wicket.

Having committed to going the extra mile on the training track, the number three is beginning to see the fruits of his labour blossom in the middle.

“He’s doing, probably, 150 extra balls through throwdowns, plus batting, and maybe batting again at the end of the night,” Cronin said of Clark.

“He wants to score all the time but we want to work on our rotations, and that’s the thing he’s improved out of sight; when they’re bowling really well to him, he doesn’t get stuck anymore, he gets off strike.

“The mindset has changed where he understands his game a little better now.

“We’ve really been working on that side of things where, he thought he thought he needed to score all the time, or if he thought we were getting further back in the run rate.

“He worked did a lot of work over Christmas so it’s a credit to him.”

With a defendable total at their backs, the Tigers took the field with a clear head and detailed expectations following a concise breakdown of their opposition’ batting approach.

They loaded up with a trio of spinners and preyed on their opponent’s temptation to attack slower bowling, seeing instant rewards in a horror display from North Dandenong.

Batting with the knowledge of the ramifications of a loss on their future, the Maroons found themselves 7/28 when Mitch Tielen had Muhammad Dawa Khan caught by Susantha Pradeep.

A unique new ball pairing of seamer, Jake Cutting and finger spinner Madhushanka had taken three wickets each, with numbers two to six on the batting card, including round 11 centurions Imran Laghmani and Riley Shaw, all removed without scoring.

Having previously provided the information to his bowlers on the morning of the game, the decision was made to convey the planning at Thursday night instead, in order for the intentions to crystallise and sink in over the following days.

Panthers fight hard for draw

NARRE WARREN BOWLS

Saturday was a big day at home for Narre Warren Bowls Club with four teams playing under the Panther Dome and over 120 players at the club.

Thankfully the weather was nice to us, as it wasn’t too hot.

The top side welcomed Cheltenham who is sitting second on the ladder and looking forward to a good finals series.

For the Panthers, who are sitting sixth and hoping to stay away from the relegation zone, this was a very big game.

The game was close all day and NWBC got away to a good start and got out to a 15-shot lead. Cheltenham was always putting the pressure on and pegged NWBC back and eventually took the lead with eight ends to play.

NWBC fought hard and eventually took the lead with three ends remaining but, as expected from a team sitting second, Cheltenham played some very good bowls and the game finished an 87-87 draw.

NWBC picked up two rinks and nine points.

Best rink: Scott Butterworth; Russell Keay; Peter Butterworth and Ethan Higgins +9.

The second side, who is in the finals already but just not sure where it will finish as the topfour is very close, also welcomed Cheltenham to the Panther Dome.

This was a very different game to the game played between the top sides as this was a very one-sided game on the main board all day as NWBC got out to an early lead and were never challenged. Narre Warren eventually went on the win three rinks and 103-57 overall.

Best rink: Michael Graham; Michael Black; Dennis Paul and David Wood +24.

NWBC are sitting top after 13 rounds with the other top three teams all four points behind. Narre Warren 3, Div 4, also played at home and welcomed the very strong Clayton Bowls Club. NWBC is expecting to play Clayton during the finals and were looking forward to a tough game. That is what happened and there was nothing in it all day.

“We focused on our spinners because we knew Dandenong North were going to be super aggressive and try to sweep off the stumps, and they did exactly what we expected them to do,” Cronin said.

“Their top five, probably 80 per cent of their dismissals are caught in front of the wicket, which tells us that we need to keep the ball full.”

The result lifts Beaconsfield to fifth with two rounds remaining, and locks the bottom four on 24 points each.

Close losses and competitive showings every week has come full circle to reward the Tigers, as their superior percentage has put them in the box seat of all clubs to stay in the highest grade.

They face Berwick and Dandenong West in the final fortnight of competition with the renewed confidence in their progression looming as critical inclusion to a run home already bubbling with emotions and permutations.

Whatever the outcome, Cronin can see definite progression under his watchful eye.

“They’ve probably got some of the best character that I’ve seen at a cricket club,” he said.

“We’ve asked a lot of these players with the way they see the game and how they play the game, and we knew we were going to cop a little bit for that, but the players are on board.”

North Dandenong now faces the fight of their lives to remain in Turf 1, with contests against Buckley Ridges and Hallam Kalora Park in the final two rounds.

The Maroons’ draw is comfortably the most challenging of all sides fighting for survival as the only team that will face two finals-bound outfits.

Charith Keerthisinghe continues to be a bright spot on the Maroons’ season, taking 6/62 in the first innings.

DDCA Turf 1 Summary

Results R12: Springvale South 208 def Narre South 126, Buckley Ridges 7/329 def Berwick 258, Beaconsfield 249 def North Dandenong 61 and 4/43, Dandenong West 103 and 86 def by Hallam Kalora Park 9/212d.

Ladder: Buckley Ridges 54, Springvale South 52, Hallam Kalora Park 52, Berwick 42/ Beaconsfield 24, Narre South 24, Dandenong West 24, North Dandenong 24.

Fixture – R13: Narre South (6) v Dandenong West (7), Hallam Kalora Park (3) v Springvale South (2), Berwick (4) v Beaconsfield (5), North Dandenong (8) v Buckley Ridges (1).

NWBC won two rinks but unfortunately this wasn’t enough with Clayton winning overall 7180.

Best rink: Ash Suhr; Luke Suhr; Alan Meyer and Adrian Johnson +10.

Narre Warren 4 travelled to Parkdale for the day and had a tough day out.

In what was hard conditions in the wind, NWBC struggled to handle the conditions and went down 69-97 overall, winning two rinks. They will finish just out of the finals but should be very proud of what they have achieved this season.

Best rink: Pauline Kempf; Joe McGuire; Michael Toole and Steven Roy +6.

Narre warren 5 was the last team to play at home this week and came across the very strong Pakenham side that are on top of the ladder and showed why.

NWBC tried all day and got close, but Pakenham was too strong and pulled away at the end.

NWBC picked up one rink but went down 7091 overall.

Best rink: Nola Burdett; Tom O’Loughlin; Pauline Blake and Ian Miller +8.

NWBC Div 7 side is looking forward to playing finals for the second year in a row.

On Saturday they went to the picture-perfect Upwey Tecoma Bowls Club.

Needing a strong performance to take into the finals they all played a very good game winning three rinks and 99-61 overall.

Best rink and Ferguson Plarre Rink of the Day winners were Darren Moore; Peter Castricum; Andy Tobler and Peter Anderton with +29…34-5.

-Craig Moore-

Beaconsfield’s Tyler Clark made 78 against North Dandenong. (Rob Carew: 439523)

It’s all smiles at Narre Warren Bowls Club. (Stewart Chambers: 449635)