Casey showdown
By Violet Li and Ethan Benedicto
The first Casey Council meeting of the year was adjourned after heated protests from residents, prompting a police call-out.
Held on 18 February, the meeting saw hundreds of ratepayers voice their frustrations and anger over private land use permits, the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station and other concerns, including governance, transparency, and maintenance of public spaces.
Tensions ran high from the start, with residents booing and heckling official statements.
Outbursts escalated when Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen addressed the recent online discussions and media coverage regarding a property in Hampton Park where several unregistered vehicles were removed, prompting aggressive shouts from the crowd.
Despite 63 public questions being read, some
residents claimed their submissions were ignored.
Due to ongoing disruptions, the meeting was first paused for 15 minutes before being adjourned for the night as police escorted officials out.
Two officers’ reports were motioned and endorsed by the councillors, the first being Casey to appeal to the Municipal Association of Victoria for telecommunications towers and the Best Start
Best Life early years reforms.
The second report was the road discontinuance of a small section of Sofra Road/Bells Road, to make room for a desalination pipeline, a topic that wasn’t in itself all too controversial but is what eventually led to Mayor Cr Koomen adjourning the meeting shortly after.
Coverage inside
A Casey ratepayer from Tooradin was not happy that his questions were not answered at the Casey Council meeting. (Gary Sissons: 460126)
Victoria Police arrived after the first adjournment. (460126)
Security guards were placed at the Casey Council meeting to maintain order and safety.
Lightfall comes to Cranbourne
Embrace the spirit and beauty of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne as it transforms after-dark with Lightfall.
From the presenters of the global sell-out sensation, Lightscape, this world-first event for Melbourne’s south-east is premiering exclusively during the April school holidays.
From large-scale light sculptures to an immersive soundscape, Lightfall promises to be a magical evening for all ages.
Casual facility hire
Looking to hire a space on a casual basis?
We offer a range of facility hire options from large halls to meeting rooms for your celebration, community group or organisation.
To see what facilities are open for casual hire in 2025 and to submit an application, please scan the QR code.
For more information, contact Council’s Community Facilities team on 9709 9288 or email facilitybookings@casey.vic.gov.au
Council Meetings
Members of the community are welcome to attend the upcoming Council Meetings which are held in the Bunjil Place Function Room, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren.
Council Meetings start at 6.00 pm and are also live streamed through our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
For more information on Council Meetings, or meeting minutes and agendas, visit our website.
With limited dates and tickets, scan the QR code to secure your tickets now!
Casey locals! Book tickets early for 50 per cent off parking. Terms and conditions apply.
Are your pet registration details up to date?
Renewal notices will be sent out shortly, so now’s the best time to make sure your furry friend’s details are correct.
Upcoming Council Meetings:
Tuesday 18 March
Tuesday 15 April
Tuesday 20 May
Tuesday 27 May (Special Council Meeting)
Tuesday 17 June
You may be eligible for a reduced registration fee or refund if you hold an eligible pensioner card, if your pet has recently been desexed or your pet is now 10 years of age.
To find out more, please visit our website.
Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our community engagement platform, Casey Conversations.
• Cranbourne Hub: We’re seeking feedback on the concept design for the proposed Cranbourne Hub at 1-3 Lyall Street, Cranbourne.
• Ackland Park Reserve redevelopment project: the reserve in Narre Warren North is closed until mid-June for redevelopment works.
Head to the Casey Conversations website to find out more or scan the QR code.
Veolia challenges the EPA
By Violet Li
Hallam Road landfill operator Veolia brought the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria to the state tribunal claiming the state environment watchdog didn’t make a timely decision on its development licence application for the proposed Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station.
In an update to the community, Veolia claimed that a timely decision was important as the proposed Hampton Park Transfer Station would be a vital part of South East Melbourne’s waste infrastructure.
“It is central to modern waste management systems that will transition the region away from landfills and deliver waste to facilities that recycle, recover, or effectively dispose of different waste streams,” it stated.
The landfill operator applied to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on Thursday 13 February, to seek a decision on the development licence application for the Hampton Park Transfer Station that was being assessed by the EPA.
“This is because the timeframe for the EPA to make a decision on our proposal expired on January 23, 2025, and we want to have clarity on the outcome, both for the community and ourselves,” it stated.
Veolia stated the action was commonly undertaken to ensure projects continue along the decision-making path.
On 24 January, EPA requested more information from Veolia after receiving more than 700 community submissions. The request has paused EPA’s assessment and decision-making process until the applicant provides a satisfactory response to the matters raised in the submissions.
EPA is also preparing a consultation conference in the community.
Veolia stated that the community feedback already shared with the EPA about the project would also be shared with VCAT, and community
consultation would proceed as normal.
“The Tribunal will consider all of this feedback in its final determination. As part of the process, we are still preparing a detailed response to those community submissions, and these will be made publicly available by the EPA in due course,” it stated.
Several community organisations have publicly called out Veolia’s latest move.
Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association vice president Anthony Tassone said the court action was big business trying to ride roughshod over the clearly outlined processes by EPA Victoria and deprive the community of having their say at the upcoming ’conference of interested persons’ that the EPA would be hosting.
“Rather than pulling these stunts and trying to sidestep our independent environment protection regulator, Veolia should focus on addressing the request for further information by the EPA with their development licence application, and to respond to the community’s concerns as outlined in the 751 submissions to EPA’s consultation last year,” he said.
“Given Veolia’s appalling compliance record at the landfill at Hampton Park Hill and not abiding by EPA’s distance separation guidelines from neighbourhood for their proposed waste transfer station, they must be properly scrutinised by our environment regulator.”
A spokesperson of the Lynbrook Resident Association said Veolia had just crossed the line.
“Instead of proving they can operate responsibly, they’re trying to bully their way through the system,” they said.
“This isn’t just about a waste transfer station anymore. This is about a corporation trying to silence the very processes meant to protect us.”
Veolia said they were now waiting for the initial orders from VCAT.
“Once these orders have been made, we will have more information about the Tribunal’s requirements, which we will share where appropriate,” it stated.
“It is important to note that the EPA may still reach a decision about the proposal.
“We will keep the community updated on all possible developments.
“It is our hope that a timely decision will be made about this vital facility, which will give every Casey resident clarity about the future of the site.”
A spokesperson of EPA said the Development Licence application was a complex process.
“Given the nature of the Veolia application, EPA has required time for both the procurement of information, consultation with the community and the opportunity to properly consider all the factors that could impact on the local community and the environment,” they said.
“There is a high level of public interest in this application. We spoke to almost 100 people across three information sessions and have now reviewed all 751 submissions.
“On 24 January 2025, EPA provided redacted copies of the submissions to Veolia asking them to review and provide a response.
“Veolia’s decision to lodge an appeal with VCAT is their legal right, but the development licence application process will continue. EPA will continue to use feedback from the community to inform our assessment process.”
In September last year, EPA started civil proceedings against Veolia in the Supreme Court, alleging a range of serious non-compliances with the State’s environmental protection laws.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting with the local community about the Development Licence application for the proposed waste transfer station next to the Hallam Road landfill. (Stewart Chambers: 348748)
Car impoundment fury
By Violet Li
A Casey family has claimed Casey Council trespassed on their property and impounded their cars without notice, while the council said the family was storing unregistered cars on their neighbours’ lands and they had sent out “numerous formal notices”.
A member of the family posted their friction with the council on Facebook, which provoked another wave of widespread backlash against the council’s private land use permits. Community members say the incident shows the council’s overreach.
Jenny, a family member, said that on 10 February, when she came home from dropping her kid at school, she found the council officers were loading their car onto the back of a tow truck in their backyard.
Three unregistered cars were towed away on the day without any notice, according to the family.
In retrospection, the family first heard from Casey Council in October last year regarding some unregistered cars in their backyard and the shipping containers. They said they moved quite a few cars straight away.
“We’ve always been compliant. Now then, the council officer came back again and said, I can see that you’ve moved a few cars. We need some more moved, but I’m happy to give you a bit more time. This is all happening over the Christmas New Year’s Eve period. That was the last time I spoke to him,” Jenny recalled.
“If I hadn’t come home, I wouldn’t have known who’d taken the cars because there was nothing left. We’ve got no notice that this was
going to happen.
“The council officer told me that they had been sent paperwork. I haven’t received anything. And he goes, it was legally sent. My opinion of legally sent is registered mail or something where you’ve got to sign. That’s not happened.”
According to a statement provided by Casey Council, the family was storing their unregistered vehicles on the neighbouring property. After three months of unfruitful communication, the council sent out a formal notice that provided details of the vehicles that were impounded and how they could be released.
City of Casey acting director Community Life Callum Pattie said after receiving complaints from the community, officers inspected a property in Hampton Park.
“Six unregistered cars, three shipping containers, multiple boats, jet skis and trailers were found, and after an investigation, the owner of these items was identified as the occupant of the neighboring property located adjacent,” he said.
“Council attempted to reach out and engage with both the owner of the unregistered vehicles and the property owner without success.
“The owner of the unregistered vehicles lives adjacent to where the items were found and has been storing these items on land; they are not the owners of and do not have the authority to use.
“Council has been in contact the property owners of where the items were found to be stored. This property is owned by a local church, who purchased this land in 2015 and who have confirmed they have no lease agreements relating to their adjoining property.”
Council stated that no vehicles were removed
from the property of the vehicle owner, and officers did not enter the property of the vehicle owner.
The family said it was their property, and they had legal documents to back up their ownership.
They also said council officers left no ticket after the impounding.
“They left no tickets. I said, do I get something? He goes, no. You’ll get something in the mail,” Jenny said.
“We’re waiting for this supposed paperwork to arrive out of thin air.
“We want our property back, but we don’t know where they took them.”
Jenny said the permit for unregistered vehicles was a money grab.
“It’s $150 to apply and then $250 per car and the permit only for three months. This is just a money grab,” she said.
Star News was unable to reach the local church.
Libertarian MP David Limbrick said what the council did was outrageous.
“It is government overreach at its worst,” he said.
“Many people moved to this area so they would have the space to work on projects on their property. For many motoring enthusiasts in particular, it’s their passion and their life.
“Property rights are supposed to be protected by the Victorian Charter of Human Rights. The council has absolutely no right to be marching onto people’s properties and taking cars.
“I hope that the new councillors will step up to get rid of these draconian permits and take back control of the council from the bureaucrats.”
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party Victoria MP Jeff Bourman said Casey Council’s private land use permit policy was a clear overreach.
“This instance is an example of what can happen when councils are given so much power,” he said.
“I understand there’s some contention about the status of the land at the rear of the rate payer’s premises, but that doesn’t excuse just coming and taking cars.”
He said if City of Casey wasn’t so busy taking cars from people’s backyards, they’d be able to deal with the real issues.
During the Christmas period last year, inaccurate wording about private land use permits, which is a part of the local law, on Casey Council’s webpage caused significant backlash and raised the awareness of the policy in the community.
After the website information was corrected, the community was still concerned about the law itself.
According to the law, a permit is needed when there are more than two unregistered vehicles on private land, which many residents believe is an overreach.
Council told Star News in January that the council’s involvement with a private land permit started with complaints, and the final application of a private land use permit is on a case-bycase basis.
It revealed that from July 2023 to December 2024, a total of 20 private land use permits were issued in the City of Casey.
Council added that in the last five years, the council had impounded vehicles from only 10 private properties.
Pakenham man, 35, accused of motor vehicle theft
Police have charged a man after a group allegedly attempted a home invasion in Cranbourne North this week.
The 35-year-old Pakenham man has been charged with theft of motor vehicle and bailed to Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 26 May.
Two men from Cranbourne, aged 49 and 37, along with two 57-year-old Berwick men are expected to be charged on summons.
According to police, several men demanded entry and shouted threats outside a home in Strzelecki Court about 11.15pm on Tuesday 18 February.
The group didn’t enter the home but allegedly grabbed a dirt bike from the rear yard and loaded it into a minibus.
With the help of the Air Wing, police intercepted a Ford Territory, which was seen with the minivan, and arrested the 49-year-old driver.
Police pursued the minibus, which had two front tyres damaged by police stop-sticks. It came to a halt at the intersection of South Gippsland Highway and Thompsons Road.
Three of the four men inside the minibus surrendered to police while the fourth, who tried to run, was arrested after a short foot pursuit.
Charges
Police have charged five Casey people following an alleged assault at the Casey ARC Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Narre Warren last month.
It is alleged that a 19-year-old male lifeguard on duty was approached and assaulted by a group of youths around 5.50pm at the Park Road premises on Sunday 19 January.
He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. On Monday 17 February, detectives executed search warrants at properties in Cranbourne North and Narre Warren South.
A 19-year-old man and an 18-year-old man, both from Cranbourne North, were
arrested at the scene. They were charged with affray and assault and bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 23 May.
Three teenagers were also arrested during the search warrants.
Two 17-year-old boys from the Casey area have been charged with affray and assault. Both have been bailed to appear at a children’s court on 3 March.
A 15-year-old boy from the Casey area was released pending further enquiries.
In the afternoon of Monday 17 February, an 18-year-old Cranbourne North man self-presented to the Narre Warren police station. He has been charged with affray and assault and bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 23 May.
Air Wing footage of a man fleeing from a halted minivan on the corner of Thompsons Road and South Gippsland Highway. (Victoria Police)
Tensions boil over in Casey
By Ethan Benedicto and Violet Li
The first council meeting for the City of Casey this year was adjourned after hundreds of angry and frustrated residents shouted and heckled, prompting a police call-out.
Casey’s ratepayers attended the meeting on Tuesday 18 February, to voice their concerns and opinions on the municipality’s private land use permits and the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station.
Those concerns included the governance and transparency and the daily maintenance of the roads, parks, and other facilities.
Many of them came to listen to their submitted public questions being read and answered.
Tensions were high from the beginning, with the crowd booing the country acknowledgement and Casey’s diversity statement.
Mayor Koomen first addressed the issues of the private land permit use.
“I want to reassure the community that local law permits are common across Victorian councils and are not unique to Casey. They are only issued when it is absolutely necessary,” he said.
The speech was met with a strong crowd reaction, with many shouting “bulls**t”.
Mayor Koomen further addressed the recent online discussions and media coverage regarding a property in Hampton Park where several unregistered vehicles were removed.
The crowd’s emotion went higher, and one resident shouted: “Shut you f*****g mouth!”
“They own the vehicles!”
Mayor Koomen also addressed the concerns regarding the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station.
“ThereareconcernsregardingEPA’scommunity consultation process, which will determine whether a development licence is issued for this proposal. This process is currently ongoing,” he said.
“Since being elected mayor, I’ve written to the EPA to stress the importance of the EPA’s role in ensuring that the community has a chance to voice their concerns about the proposed location and the potential risks for community health and safety…
“As councilors, we look forward to participating in further meetings with residents and resident groups regarding the proposed waste transfer station over the coming weeks.
“We will continue to listen, to advocate, and to do what we can in our power to address resident concerns.”
About 63 public questions were read. Most were related to the council’s private land use permit and the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station.
Interjections were common, with Mayor Koomen telling the crowd many times to respect the time of not just the councillors but also the residents present who submitted their questions.
Residents shouted, “respect us first”, in return.
He reminded everyone after severe uproars and interjections that, if need be, the meeting would be adjourned for a later time.
When questions on the private land use permits were read, residents were calling the council to change the policy.
“We don’t want to hear your policy. It’s not your backyard.”
“Are you guys just for the government or the people?”
“We must be heard!”
“Human rights are our rights!”
“Our property is ours, not f***** yours!”
There was also a strong call from the assembly for the councillors to answer their questions, despite not having submitted a formal registered question to be addressed during the meeting.
While the Mayor had made it clear that only submitted questions were being answered, residents continued to persist, with many exclaiming that they should not be ignored and that their questions should be addressed right there and then.
Quite a few residents in the front row, where the question submitters were seated, stood up after 63
questions being read and questioned where their questions and answers were. They claimed that they had submitted the questions, but their questions were not read and answered.
Mayor Koomen said in the meeting that all questions received that met the governance rules were responded to at the meeting today.
“The three questions that were not responded to will receive an email,” he said.
The meeting was first adjourned for 15 minutes after the public question times, and Victoria Police came out to escort the councillors and council officers out of the gallery.
The meeting was quickly adjourned again for the night after continuous disruptive shouting from the gallery during the council officers’ reports.
Mayor, councillors weigh in after council meeting disruption
By Ethan Benedicto
Following the adjourned Casey Council meeting on Tuesday 18 February, some councillors have weighed in on the events, reflecting on the genuine concerns of the citizens.
Cranbourne Gardens Ward councillor Michelle Crowther posted on her Facebook account on Wednesday 19 February that initially, she was surprised by the crowd, and that she was “sorry to our community members who asked legitimate questions and could not hear the answers due to the interruptions”.
“I understand the community’s frustration regarding Casey Council’s permit for private land use, I will continue to monitor the use of permits, to ensure they are applied fairly and in line with the intentions communicated to councillors,” she said.
She also added that while she was speaking to community members before the meeting, she was able to answer questions about the permit system and “reduce the fears” around it. By the same token of an echoed sentiment by the gallery during the meeting, Crowther said that “a reminder that councillors are Casey community members too”.
“We are not employed full time at council and aren’t involved in the day-to-day operations, but I reassure the community we are working very hard to represent community views and make Casey a better palace to live, work, and raise a family,” she said.
Casuarina Ward councillor Kim Ross said that she was personally “disappointed on behalf of any residents who showed up with a true and proper intention to be part of the democratic process”.
Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said the public’s “threatening“ behaviour at the council meeting would not be tolerated.
In a statement the next day, Cr Koomen said he was “incredibly disappointed with the behaviour displayed“ “This behaviour is not welcome and will not be tolerated.
“We had a number of residents attending the
meeting in good faith, expecting to hear a response to their questions. Unfortunately they, along with our staff and my fellow councillors, were subjected to threatening behaviour.“
Cr Koomen said police were called due to the actions of “some individuals in the gallery“.
“I understand there is a real frustration over the past five years under Administration - the new councillors acknowledge this and we’re looking forward to listening to and representing our community. However, last night’s behaviour is not the way to go about this.“
Councillors sat at the front of the room, facing well over a hundred residents during the meeting.
A Casey ratepayer complained about his question not being addressed at the meeting. (Gary Sissons)
A Casey ratepayer talked with Victoria Police.
As more people moved into the room, residents moved their chairs forward, with security, in futile attempts, calling for them to leave the chairs behind. (Gary Sissons: 460126_08)
Garage sale delight
By Violet Li
Casey local Alanah Parkin will bring their debut solo comedy to the upcoming Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF), saying the show is inspired by a real-life experience in the City of Casey.
The actor and the improviser of Cranbourne North said the show is a love letter to everyday families living in suburban areas.
“I think there’s not a lot of comedy that you’re ever going to see that’s about this specific experience of having a garage sale in the City of Casey,” they said.
“I think it’s very suburban. It clings to that suburban nostalgia.”
Directed by Issac Haigh, the winner of the MICF Best Newcomer 2023, Garage Sale tells the tale of a married couple of eclectic retirees in Narre Warren South as they navigate the emotional turmoil of downsizing their anarchic and sentimental lives together. The notorious couple in their sixties is having a garage sale because they need to downsize before moving to a retirement village up the road. There is a bargain, and there is a secret awaiting the audience. Both characters will be played by Alanah.
“I’ve wanted to do it for a long time, and I’ve been pretty scared of that. It’s a big thing to do it,” they said.
“It’s fifty minutes just me on stage running around getting changed.G
“I’ve done a lot of theater and a lot of performing, but I’ve never been on stage by myself for fifty minutes before.
“It’s a big deal for me. It’s definitely something I’ve been working towards for a really long time, and I’m really keen to get out there and finally do it.”
The actor said they came up with the idea when they were at a garage sale in Cranbourne North. They were wandering along, so was their train of thoughts.
“Garage sales are so interesting in that way because you go into someone’s garage, and it’s just their entire life, decades of their life, things they bought five years ago, things they bought fifty years ago, just all in a room,” they said.
“Where did you get this? Why do you have this? Thinking about the stories around all of the items that they have is really interesting.
“There’s just so many strange things there. You’re looking through the records and the books. You find a magazine from the sixties. There are so many worlds in this.
“In the show, there are some moments of objects kind of coming to life in that way.”
Alanah bought a vinyl record at the garage sale that inspired them, the Disneyland Boys Choir singing folk songs from all different countries around the world in the sixties. To this day, they still could not believe they had that treasure for 50 cents, including a free freak cassette.
“My partner and I are both very interested in the history of kid’s entertainment, and Disney is a particular interest just because it has such a long history,” they said.
“We found it, and we have to get this. We took it straight home and put it on while we were making breakfast.
“They’re just singing all these different songs in different languages. Then they were singing Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gumtree because they had Australian ones as well.”
When asked why the show had been set in Narre Warren South instead of Cranbourne
North, Alanah joked that Narre Warren South sounded funny to them.
“I spend a lot of time around here as well, so I’m familiar enough with the area that I felt like I could write a show set in Narre Warren South,” they said.
It has been a decade in theatre and film for Alanah. The actor has been doing improvisational theatre for the last three to four years.
“That’s when I really started kind of going down the comedy route more specifically,” they said.
There’s a lot of doing things for yourself, kind of doing everything for yourself, which is fun in a lot of ways.
“It makes you very adaptable and versatile.”
Alanah Parkin is an actor (Still Me, Residence), singer (Video Games Made My Son Like Country Music, Isaac Haigh Sings the Classics), improviser (The Big Hoo-Haa, The Improv Conspiracy) and voice actor (The Specter’s Desire, Tales from Tookaville). Garage Sale is their debut solo show.
Alanah Parkin’s Garage Sale
• 26 March - 6 April 2025, 8.45pm
• DoubleTree by Hilton (270 Flinders St)
• Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au/browseshows/alanah-parkin-s-garage-sale/
Cranbourne woman wins $1 million
A Cranbourne woman won $1 million on Valentine’s Day.
The local held the only division one winning entry nationally in draw 4508, drawn Friday 14 February 2025. She can look forward to $1 million.
“I’ve been playing the same numbers since the 90s, it’s about time they came up!” she said when an official from The Lott confirmed her newfound lottery loot.
“That was Friday’s draw. What a great Valentine’s Day present! I’ve never had one before.
“This is just surreal. This gives me so much more freedom. I think I’m going to go on a holi-
day amongst other things.
“My passions are travel and photography, which can both be expensive hobbies, but now I’ll be able to take some time off and pursue them.
She said the win took off the pressure of looking for a new job.
“Now I can take my time,” she said.
“What a beautiful start to the day.”
Her winning marked 13-game entry was purchased on The Lott website.
The winning numbers in the Weekday Windfall draw 4508 on Monday 17 February 2025 were 1, 38, 4, 16, 45 and 44, while the supplementary
numbers were 14 and 31.
Across Australia, there was one division one winning entry in Weekday Windfall draw 4508, one in Victoria.
The Lott’s division one winning tally has now reached 311 so far in FY25, including 113 won by Tatts customers.
In FY24, Weekday Windfall, formerly Monday & Wednesday Lotto, created 99 millionaires across Australia.
During this time, there were 109 division one winning Weekday Windfall entries across Australia, which collectively won $108 million.
Path to work
By Ethan Benedicto
Paving the way for the youth in the workforce has always been a crucial initiative of growing cities, and much remains the same for the City of Casey as the Job Readiness Bootcamp is set to take place in just a few weeks.
Located at Chisholm in Berwick, the boot camp will be held on Friday 28 February and begin at 10am in the morning, running until 1:15pm with a key initiative to foster growth in resume and cover letter writing, networking, career planning, and sessions about job market trends.
Andrew Simmons, chief executive of South East Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN), said that providing a platform for those aged between 18-25 who have left school, to grow their soft skills and establish themselves as key workforce candidates is important.
“There are a range of aspects around it, and one of them is knowing what jobs are actually out there and how to go about finding them,” he said.
“We hear a lot about unemployment rates, and as a region, the jobs are rich, especially if you know their whereabouts.
“The other element will be preparing everyone to present themselves in a really good light when they do land those interviews because that in itself is an art form, and some of these kids may have never done that before.”
Andrew, who will be the lead presenter on the day will take time to expand on the three key factors that were mentioned, but will also have employers who are looking for talent engaging with the boot camp’s participants.
According to Andrew, the day’s last session will be all about sitting down with employers and engaging in a “networking activity”.
“It’s about talking to those employers who are in those industries that you’re really keen to get into,” he said.
“To find out the day-to-day stuff, and break down some of those myths about, for example, always working at 4am for the bakery, even though there are other roles where you can start later.
“Look, these are things that young people, are hopefully, not hearing for the first time, but if they are hearing the same story from sources and they end up believing it.”
He added that giving transparency on what certain fields offer and their real balance of labour is key, especially for those who are new to the workforce.
Andrew, who has been with SELLEN for roughly 15 years is more than aware of what the challenges are surrounding work, much less changing careers, and especially starting one.
However, “it’s that first job that’s the one that opens the doors and builds your resume, and then opportunities will come”.
Other organisations will also be present during the event, such as the City of Casey, the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance, the City of Greater Dandenong, Cardinia Shire and more.
As important as work ethic and dedication are, there is an integral role that soft skills play when it comes to being successful and is something that Andrew, SELLEN and other parties during the event endeavour to achieve.
Sissons: 459533)
SELLEN chief executive Andrew Simmons, is keen to provide a platform for the youth to get their foot in the workforce door.
(Gary Sissons: 279401)
Casey local Alanah Parkin’s debut solo comedy the upcoming Melbourne International Comedy Festival tells the story of a retired couple in Narre Warren South. Both characters will be played by Alanah. (Supplied)
Over 55s resort-style living.
Discover resort-style living with architecturally designed 7-star energy-efficient homes, which will redefine your lifestyle so that you can live more and maintain less.
*Incentive is a rebate to the value of up to $40,000, provided settlement of the home purchase agreement occurs prior to 13 June 2025. Select sites may also be offered flexible settlement timeframes, provided settlement of the home purchase agreement occurs prior to 13 June 2025. The rebate incentive does not change the purchase price of the home and will be applied at settlement by way of an adjustment that reduces the amount owing by the rebate amount. The incentive applies to selected sites at Stockland’s Halcyon Highlands, Halcyon Horizon, Halcyon Jardin, and Halcyon Evergreen communities. The promotion finishes on 31 March 2025 at 5:00pm (ADST). All photographs, illustrations, statements and information in this advertisement, are for illustrative purposes only and are based on information available to and the intention of Stockland at the time of creation (February 2025) and are subject to change without notice. No diagram, photograph, illustration, statement or information amounts to a legally binding obligation on or warranty by Stockland and Stockland accepts no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person who relies on them either wholly or in part. Indications of location, distance or size are approximate and for indicative purposes only. Subject to change. Artist’s impression, subject
Artist’s impression. Subject to change.
Artist’s impression. Subject to change.
Artist’s impression. Subject to
Mayors’ plea for out here
By Corey Everitt and Violet Li
Mayors in the South East are pleading for the major parties to learn the lesson of the Werribee by-election by addressing the issues of the voters in outer Melbourne.
Appearing on ABC Melbourne on Friday 14 February, Cardinia Shire Mayor Jack Kowarzik spoke on behalf of advocacy group Outer Melbourne Councils (OMC) to state their view on the Werribee by-election.
The chair of OMC said the issues that affected Werribee applied to all residents on the urban fringe and pleaded with both Labor and Liberal to not take their issues for granted.
“I think the Government and the opposition won’t be properly learning the lessons of Werribee if they think those voter frustrations stop at the Ring Road, and that is fair to say for both the State and Federal Government,” he said.
OMC represents 10 councils that wrap around Melbourne, including the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire.
Traffic congestion, infrastructure gaps, local jobs and overall quality of life were the matters Mayor Kowarzik raised regarding the 1.6 million people who live in outer Melbourne.
When asked if he shared the same concern for the City of Casey, Mayor Stefan Koomen said the growing population in the City of Casey needed more investment than ever before.
Casey’s population is approximately 410,000 residents and is forecast to grow to more than 550,000 by 2041.
Mayor Koomen said the council was committed to advocating to the Federal and State Governments to support Victoria’s growth areas like Casey, with the critical projects and services they needed and deserved.
“Our engagement with our residents indicates
roads, rail, and transport upgrades are the most important for the Federal and State Government to invest in, followed by local job opportunities, health services and facilities, and other infrastructure,” he said.
“Among our key advocacy priorities are the upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road, the upgrade of the Clyde Road corridor, the construction of the Women’s Centre of Excellence at Casey Fields, and the construction of the Clyde Rail Link.
“These priorities are integral to support our rapidly growing population and provide the services, infrastructure, and community connectivity that our city needs.
“As Mayor, I am committed to continuing to work with all levels of government to ensure the best outcomes for our community.”
The Werribee by-election saw an unprecedented collapse of the Labor Party’s vote in the seat they have held safely for decades.
Recording a 16.5 per cent swing away, Labor’s primary could not break 30 per cent where it was previously polled at 45 per cent in 2022.
The South East is strongly Labor, with the exception of opposition leader Brad Battin’s hold of Berwick.
Pakenham and Bass will be key seats to pick up for the Liberal Party in 2026, as they are held by margins of less than 0.5 per cent.
Narre Warren North, Narre Warren South and Cranbourne are all held by 8 per cent for Labor.
“I think politicians need to stop assuming there are safe seats and respond better to voter concerns,” Mayor Kowarzik said.
“The impacts of growth are two-fold. Firstly, new residents rightly demand infrastructure, but also with those new residents, it means there are a lot of first-time voters in these seats, no one really knows who these people will vote for and that is certainly enough to swing any of those seats.”
Motions passed amid chaos at first meeting of the year
By Ethan Benedicto
The City of Casey’s first meeting of 2025 on Tuesday 18 February was cut short after continued disruptions from the assembly, adjourned at 7.52pm to a later date.
After answering all registered 63 public questions, the council managed to go through two officers’ reports for consideration before Mayor Stefan Koomen officially adjourned the meeting.
The first report for Casey was to endorse the proposed notice of motion for telecommunications in growth areas and to proceed to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), as well as a motion for early years education.
In summary, the agenda looked for Casey to call on the MAV, a body of the State Government, to consider cellular telecommunications networks as an ‘essential service’, especially in new residential and commercial estates.
There was also a motion for the MAV to request the State Government to consult with the council’s Best Start Best Life (BSBL) reforms, and issues that have been identified that will prevent Victorian children from having access to two years of funded kinder.
Both motions were carried unanimously by the council but were echoed by protests of “no” from the assembly.
Akoonah Ward councillor Scott Dowling first motioned the topic, seconded by Tooradin Ward councillor Jennifer Dizon.
Dowling said “I think it’s an excellent motion, it’s looking after our young kids and the future of our society”.
Dizon, who said that she had been in touch with residents from in and around Clyde and Clyde North said that “residents have mentioned that they couldn’t even contact triple-zero”.
“This is not just an inconvenience, but also a safety risk, reliable mobile coverage, especially in growing areas,” she said.
Cranbourne Gardens councillor Michelle Crowther emphasised the Early Years section, saying that “we are heading for a crisis in Casey
kinders”.
“Currently we can’t service our maternal health needs, in terms of appointments and there are also 100 children this year missing out on 4-year-old kinder,” she said.
Casuarina Ward councillor Kim Ross also showed her support for the Early Years motion, adding that “given the high percentage of children aged zero to six years, and the need for support for them and their parents”.
The second item of discussion was the road discontinuance of Sofra Road/Bells Road crossing at Clyde North, with officer Kathryn Seirlis saying that the motion was to finalise a small discontinuance of a section of the road.
The reason was to make room for the desalination pipeline “at the request of the State Government and Melbourne Water”.
“We went through public consultation for the proposal and got no submissions, so we recom-
mend for this to be endorsed,” she said.
For background, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action requested for Casey to discontinue to road ‘for the purpose of minimising the road reserve at the intersection of Sofra Road and Bells Road’, as per the agenda.
This would mean that the water supply easement could increase in size.
There were no questions from councillors, with Dillwynia Ward councillor Anthony Walter moving the first motion of support, followed and seconded by Correa Ward councillor Gary Rowe.
However, it was at this point that the gallery had risen in volume again, with mayor Koomen asking for the public to “show some respect to your councillors as they speak to the motion”.
He gave the final warning with no reaction from the people and adjourned the meeting.
The other motions in the agenda that were not touched on included the 2024-2025 Growing
Suburbs Fund applications, with priorities, in order, for the Hallam Community Learning Centre expansion, Courtenay Ave and Hoystead Ave Reserve District Playground upgrade and Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre renewal.
There was an estimated cost of $660,000, with $330,000 from the council and the other $330,000 from the Growing Suburbs Fund on the Hallam Community Learning Centre.
The Reserve saw an estimated cost of $1.5 million, with $750,000 from the council and $750,000 from the fund/
Likewise, the Doveton Learning Centre saw an estimated cost of $926,000 in total, with $463,000 from the council and $463,000 from the fund.
The final officer report on the agenda included the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) Fund Applications, with the council looking to submit applications for three active transport projects.
This included the Graves Road shared user path in Akoonah Ward as the first priority, with 650 metres of shared pathway to be considered from Liara Boulevard to Domain Drive.
Once and if completed, the path would see safer walking and cycling routes along a 70-kilometre-per-hour arterial road.
The estimated cost was $493,350, with $246,675 from the council and $246,675 from GAIC.
The second priority would be the Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Clyde-Five Ways Road roundabout shared user path, with a proposed 800 metres of shared path network around the roundabout, also improving pedestrian and cyclist safety.
However, this requires private land consent for a small section.
The estimated cost is $614,900, with $307,450 from council and $307,450 from GAIC.
Likewise, the third priority was the Ballarto Road footpath in Cranbourne Gardens Ward, which would see a 1.5 metre footpath to connect existing footpaths between Houlder Avenue and Riverwood Drive in Junction Village.
The estimated cost is $164,450 with $82,225 from the council and $82,225 from GAIC.
The council managed to discuss two officers’ reports before Mayor Stefan Koomen had to adjourn the meeting due to constant interruptions. (Gary Sissons: 460126_18)
Armed man dies in Lynbrook
By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Violet Li
An armed man who died at a Lynbrook shopping centre had self-harmed and then was tasered by police, according to a leading Homicide Squad detective.
Homicide Squad, under Professional Standards Command oversight, are investigating what happened after police chased the 36-year-old man into the shopping centre on the South Gippsland Highway about 1.10pm on Friday 14 February.
After a search, police forced the closed door of a female toilet cubicle and found the man armed and wounded, Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said.
“It was clear he had injured himself with what appeared to be an edged weapon.
“He was still holding that weapon …
“He was armed and he was still threatening at that point of time.”
He said a taser was deployed, then police immediately started first aid and an ambulance was called.
Paramedics took him in an ambulance to a nearby park to await an air ambulance. He died at the park.
Det Insp Thomas said a post-mortem was expected on Saturday 15 February.
“We will (then) be in a better position to understand what has caused his death.
“At this stage it would appear that the injury he has inflicted upon himself has certainly led to his death.”
Before the incident, Croydon Family Violence Unit members and local uniform officers had arrived at a nearby apartment to arrest the man on outstanding family violence matters.
The man, of no fixed address, was staying at what was believed to be his friend’s apartment at the time.
On police arrival, the man jumped off the unit’s balcony into the shopping centre grounds and the chase begun.
The police officers involved were later taken to Dandenong police station for drug and alcohol testing as well as to provide accounts of what occurred.
“The police involved are obviously very shaken up,” Det Insp Thomas said.
“They didn’t expect to come to work and be confronted with this.”
The State Coroner was notified, and a duty coroner was called out to inspect the scene to assist in any future inquest.
A worker at the shopping centre told Star News that “apparently, the man ran through to the building and straight down to the toilets. And he barricaded himself into the girls’ toilets”.
“And then, the police showed up not long after, and then they all went down the hallway and were trying to get into the toilet.”
The shopping centre worker added that there was “a lot of people around”.
“A lot of people were standing over in the delivery area, which is at the back where the dumpster area is.
“Everyone was standing around and surprised and asking us what was going on.
“There were about 20 police, car engines, and
ambulance, and then there was a helicopter as well.”
Det Insp Thomas said he expected bystanders would be traumatised. Services were available to help them, he said.
Police are appealing for any witnesses, information and dashcam footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au Help is available. Lifeline 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or visit beyondblue.org.au
‘Worth the short-term pain’: Key road link finally open
By Ethan Benedicto
As motorists drove through the newly opened Bells Road, both the City of Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen and Dillwynia Ward councillor Anthony Walter took time to marvel at the new arterial passage.
The new, six-kilometre road connecting Clyde North and Berwick has since served as a critical passageway and has been crucial in easing congestion on the main path of Clyde Road.
Looping through O’Shea Road to Heather Grove, it has effectively replaced the former Soldiers Road which was notorious for its congested t-intersection, especially with neighbouring schools during peak hours.
Koomen acknowledged not just the local residents’ concerns, but motorists who frequent Clyde Road on its congestion, saying that “with this road open, it’s a big boost for our local road network”.
“We want to say a big thank you to our local residents for their patience while works were taking place to get this new stretch of road opened up.
“We think it was worth the short-term pain of road works to get Bells Road opened up, to support our growing community and make travelling to work, school, and sport much easier,” he said.
Local councillor Walter echoed the same sentiments, saying that there is an “extreme importance” in Bells Road, especially considering that “at any time during rush hour, Clyde Road is a mad house”.
“So just having this, to be able to get down to O’Shea Road and onto the freeway much easier, it really helps,” he said.
Koomen added that advocating for further works to be done in the area, namely the Thompsons Road roundabout, was a key piece in the council’s agenda.
“The Thompsons Road extension and the connection between Officer and all the way to Pakenham is one of our most vital road links, it’s been on the forward plan for many years.
“We’re advocating to all levels of government for the federal election coming up,” he said.
The project, which was valued at over $58 million, provides an alternative route for residents to travel between the northern and southern ends of
Casey. The road, which previously met delays due to gas pipeline works, now also supports new bus routes that service the greater Clyde North area.
Building on the importance of future upgrades to Thompsons Road, Walter agreed that the removal of the roundabout is a “major topic”.
“Luckily with Bells Road, that’s going to help divert the traffic when the construction begins to get those traffic lights up,” he said.
Ultimately, however, the vision has always been to ensure that there is infrastructure that accommodates the growing needs of newer areas in the city.
Mayor Koomen said that these roads “have been planned”, but it’s “just about getting on with it and delivering them”.
“We want to work with all levels of government to make that happen, and Thompsons Road is a particularly important link for employment precincts.
“It’s about jobs, it’s about getting people home quicker to be with their families, and it’s an absolute priority for this area,” he said.
Walter is on the same page, adding that there needs to be more motions on being “proactive and less reactive when it comes to city planning”.
“Maybe instead of just making two lanes for a road, we could make it three, we just need to think about the future, so if we can focus on that, we’ll be kicking goals,” he said.
Lynbrook Shopping Centre was cordoned off by police vehicles following the death of a man evading police. (Violet Li: 459688_03)
The City of Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen, walking alongside Dillwynia Ward Councillor Anthony Walter at the intersection between Bells Road and Thompsons Road. (Ethan Benedicto: 459478_10)
Syndicate busted, police say
Four members of an organised-crime syndicate allegedly behind a spate of burglaries targeting collectabletradingcardsandcryptoATMshavebeenarrested.
Police say the group targeted three collectable card stores, including one in Eumemmerring, since mid-January.
They also stole six cryptocurrency ATMs across Melbourne, including Vermont and Bentleigh.
North West Metro Regional Crime Squad detectives say stolen cars were used in the offending.
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson said Middle Eastern organised crime syndicates were “tasking” the arrested men.
“We are confident that we have apprehended the
main offenders who were sharing their criminal trade craft with lesser offenders.
“Police have also identified the lesser offenders supplying stolen goods.”
In raids across Melbourne, police say they uncovered an “Aladdin’s cave” of items, including $50,000 worthofcollectabletradingcardsincludingPokemon, Disney, Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, AFL and NBA.
Police also seized five alleged stolen guns, about 100 alleged stolen car keys, ammunition, pill press machine and stolen power tools.
Among the four people arrested were the two alleged primary offenders, a 37-year-old Reservoir man
and a 32-year-old Epping man.
The Reservoir man was charged with 14 counts of burglary of commercial cryptocurrency ATM and commercial games stores, being a prohibited person possessing a trafficable quantity of firearms, being a prohibited person possessing a firearm and handling stolen goods.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 2 May.
The 32-year-old Epping man was charged with five commercial burglaries, three counts of vehicle theft, theft, unlicenced driving, as well as possessing methamphetamine,adrugofdependenceandaprohibited weapon.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 February.
Two other men, a 33-year-old and a 46-year-old both from Reservoir, were released pending further investigation.
“This was a highly organised and coordinated police operation,” Det Insp Watkinson said.
“Wethankthevigilanceoftheaffectedtradingcard community and the invaluable support from industry partners – which assisted in the dismantling of a significant network of offenders.”
Any information about drug or firearm trafficking to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Celebrating International Women’s Day with Jo Stanley
As a celebration of International Women’s Day, the City of Casey will feature JO Stanley, at Bunjil Place on Wednesday 5 March.
Starting at 10am and running until 12:30pm, guests will be greeted with complimentary mimosa and morning tea, before settling into an event poised to honour the achievement of women in business, while fostering connections within the community.
Casey’s deputy mayor Melinda Ambros said that “this unique International Women’s Day event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and support local businesses”.
“We are thrilled to be able to host this unforgettable event at Bunjil Place, bringing together women from all walks of life to celebrate their achievements and to inspire one another,” she said.
Jo will share her journey and insights as a trailblazing female leader and then join a panel
of successful women in business to discuss their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering valuable lessons and inspiration.
The panel will be hosted by the chair of Women Making It Work, Khatija Halabi, and will feature best-selling author and keynote speaker Kabinga Mazaba, St. Margaret’s Berwick Grammar School principal Dr Annette Rome, and Casey’s director of customer and corporate services Jen Bednar.
Following the panel, guests can explore a vibrant market featuring local goods and services from members of the Women Making It Work business network.
Jo Stanley will be one of the many people leading the day as visitors celebrate women. (Supplied)
a sneak peek of the lifestyle you could enjoy at our free Open Home event. Explore our community, inspect our display home, discover our social activities, chat with our friendly team and find out if retirement living will suit you.
Gardens 41 Craig Road, Cranbourne Tuesday, 4 March (10-11am)
Judge weighs sentence
By Ethan Benedicto, Cam Lucadou-Wells
A South East man has pleaded guilty to five drug charges, including trafficking, at the Victorian County Court.
Lionel Ari Albert pled guilty after a sentence indication to trafficking methylamphetamine and the possession of precursor chemicals phosphorus, iodine and hypophosphorous acid above legal limits in Langwarrin South on 13 September 2022. He also pled guilty to the possession of a fire-
arm while being a prohibited person, the handling of stolen goods and attempting to pervert the course of justice by trying to persuade witnesses to retract their police statements.
The courtroom debate on 14 February hinged on sentencing - imprisonment versus monitored rehabilitation.
With Albert having already served 820 days in custody, his defence advocated for a sentence equal to the time served combined with a Community Correction Order.
The defence further argued that Albert should receive structured supervision and therapeutic intervention, considering he is currently drug-free and on a rehabilitation pathway.
The prosecution opposed the CCO proposal, instead highlighting that Albert had an extensive criminal history, including multiple breaches of previous community orders between 2007 and 2017.
It was further added that due to his involvement in drug trafficking and attempt to obstruct justice,
Albert’s sentencing should follow a traditional custodial sentence with a non-parole period.
Judge Stewart Bayles acknowledged the legal validity of a combined sentence of jail and a CCO, but also expressed concern given Albert’s non-compliance with court orders.
His criminal history included being convicted of drug trafficking and possession involving methylamphetamine and other chemicals in 2018. Albert was scheduled to reappear at court on Thursday, 20 February.
Songs from the heart: Young Samuel ready for show
By Ethan Benedicto
Born to sing and express himself through melodies and instruments, Samuel Rowland is ready to take on the stage at the Berwick Show on Saturday 22 February.
However, Samuel only learned how to sing six years ago, as a matter of fact, he only learned how to speak around the same time.
At just 11 years old, he was born with the genetic disease of Dravet Syndrome and autism, making childhood difficult for Samuel.
According to his mother Michelle, seeing her son persevere was nothing short of amazing.
“Oh it’s been an awesome, awesome journey, he learned music from his sister, who also had the same condition,” she said.
“However, she’s in heaven now, and he developed a sense of music from her, so I guess he’s been listening to songs from the day he was born.
“It was in 2019 and early 2020, when the lockdown hit that, through me giving him that one-on-one support, he learned to talk, to read through the lyrics; and then he started singing.”
His sister, who had passed away due to illness, left a strong and lasting impression on Samuel, an impression that came in the form of music.
Michelle recalled that he began to teach himself to read, to discern the lyrics and melodies, and from there, his love for it only grew.
Come Saturday, Samuel, supported by friends and the sister duo Tanjil and Sienna Adams, has been granted the opportunity to perform at 10.15am, with two songs ready to go under his belt.
The reality of it became even clearer to not just Michelle, but Samuel as well after his rehearsal with the sisters on Sunday 16 February.
“Everything Samuel does is music, his personal carer when they’re brushing teeth, he has to make up a song,” she said.
“Going to the toilet, they make up a song,
it’s all songs for him, and everything is a song to him, so it has been an extraordinary journey.”
Samuel’s love for the art only grew, and it continues to look as if there will be no end to it.
He began to add flair to his music with costumes, imitating artists that he saw online or on television, learning their dialogues and their tunes.
Blessed with what Michelle described as an astounding memory, Samuel can just “store chunks of information”, and that when he takes interest in a band, “he needs to learn everything about them”.
“It can be from the singers’ spouse’s name, where they are from, anything,” she said.
Currently, Samuel’s favourite band is Ernie Hase and Signature Sound, and while it may
seem a little niche, Michelle said that her children always had a penchant for gospel music.
Samuel’s interest doesn’t stop there, however, and like a true old soul, also took a liking to Long Play (or LP) CDs, then more to DVDs and eventually, everything technical.
His love for music expanded, and Samuel learned how to download songs, edit certain segments, and add his own flair.
“Don’t ask me how he does it, because I have no clue, but then one day, he discovered VHS tapes,” Michelle said.
“So I went to Facebook and searched for VHS tapes, and an older couple who were selling it were curious as to what I was going to do with it, but I was happy because I knew Samuel would enjoy it.”
Everything about music, from the melodies it produces to the technicalities that work behind the scenes to make people groove, Samuel loves them all.
The boy has been through multiple hospital admissions, and incubations, has experienced language delays, has had problems walking and often times low on energy.
The severity of his condition was nothing to scoff at, yet despite all that, Michelle said that “he’s still quite hyper though, so it’s a bit contradictory”.
“I always say he was born to perform, he has no sense of fear that sometimes comes with autism.
“He’s a natural you know? The pain and suffering, the hardships for him to do just the most basic things that kids his age do has been difficult, it’s an uphill challenge.
“It’s hard, but he never lets it get him down; he can’t write because he’s unable to get that pencil grip, but he finds other ways of expressing himself,” she said.
Both Michelle and Samuel are excited, more so his mother, considering that her son is a step closer to living and realising his passion for many to enjoy.
Samuel himself has been preparing for Saturday for well over a year, from intertwining himself with different instruments to designing his own stage at their home.
Finally dawning on her, it didn’t take long for her to tell family, relatives and friends about the upcoming performance.
“He’s a self-made man, including all the stuff online that he does, the music, how he learned to edit, photography, everything,” Michelle said.
“My heart is so filled with pride because I have watched him have those prolonged seizures, and be hospitalised, but now I’m just soaking in this blessing. Being able to witness this, it’s one thing to desire, to dream and to want things like this for your child, but God has given me the grace and the blessing to live it.”
Narre Warren North community set to go back in time
By Ethan Benedicto
Relics of the past are soon to be unveiled as the Narre Warren North community and surrounds prepare themselves for the opening of a 25-year-old time capsule.
Scheduled to take place on Saturday 15 March, the grand reveal of 36 capsules from 2000 is just under a month away, with artefacts placed underground by local schools, community organisations and charities to be displayed for all to see.
John Ternel, Narre Warren North Community Association member said that he, his family, and many others are excited to unpack the treasures that were left behind.
“Look I’m very excited because you’ve got 25 years of history down there about to be opened up, and we get to see what was happening in the community all that time ago,” he said.
“We also have the chance to read some of the stories from the schools, a bit of a snapshot in a sense of what their lives were like.
“It’s like stepping into a time machine, uncovering memories, trends, and the everyday items that shaped our lives back then.”
These 36 containers were put together by 29 groups as mentioned above, which, once fully ‘excavated’ will be displayed inside the Narre Warren North Hall for everyone to see.
The day will begin with a brief welcoming ceremony at 11am, which is followed by the excavation at 11:30.
However, the excitement doesn’t end there, for at 2pm, a new time capsule will be inserted, put together
by current community organisations to be opened in 27years,justintimefortheNarreWarrenNorthPrimary School’s 175th anniversary.
As the president-elect of the Rotary Club of Dandenong and Endeavour Hills, John had in mind of playing his part and storing trophies, flyers and pamphlets that are relevant to Holden, since for him, “it’s about more than just nostalgia—it’s about preserving history”.
“I’m planning to put together a collection of artifacts that capture significant moments, including the rise and fall of Holden Australia, which was such a huge part of our automotive and cultural identity,” he said.
“Since Holden has closed down, it would be a great opportunity for people in the future to see what was going on 27 years ago.
“They’re going to be seeing these old Commodores, which, at that point, I’m guessing would be collectibles.”
He further added that aside from the historical significance of the items that are soon to be unearthed, there are also personal and emotional connections, from childhood keepsakes and other mementos.
“For me, opening a time capsule is about preserving and celebrating history—not just personal memories but moments that defined our community and country,” he said.
“It’s a chance to look back, appreciate how far we’ve come, and ensure future generations understand the journey that got us here.”
Samuel Rowland, alongside the Adams sister duo at their practice sessions on Sunday. (Supplied)
Mike Allday (left) and John Ternel (right) at the site of the time capsule. (Stewart Chambers: 459500_05)
Show pulls in thousands
Tooradin had its annual Tractor Pull and Truck Show on Saturday 15 February.
Despite the wind and the rain, the community event attracted thousands of visitors.
The locals gathered around to see tractors competing, car shows, helicopter rides and burnouts.
Burnout area.
Paul Bennet Airshows. Stunt flying.
Parker from Kyneton next to dad’s tractor.
Part of the truck show.
Burnout area.
A bumper crowd.
Kids are talking to the MC.
Braxx from Bittern was having his birthday, and they got the crowd to sing Happy Birthday to him.
A VZ Maloo with an LY6 Block and an 871 Blower, Methanol EFI.
Grading the track.
Paul Bennet Airshows. Stunt flying.
Coming back after a run.
Chris Oscuro is driving his 1969 HT Holden Kingswood while performing burnout. (Gary Sissons: 459479)
Learning centre underway
Clyde Grammar has held a sod turning ceremony to signal the beginning of the development of a $11 million Collaborative Learning Centre.
The learning centre is expected to enable Clyde Grammar to offer students a complete Foundation to Year 12 education.
The Collaborative Learning Centre will be completed ready for the start of the 2026 school year and the first Year 7 students will become part of the school in 2027.
The sod marking the start of the new development was turned by South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Michael Galea. South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis also attended the ceremony.
“Parents, students and teachers are very excited for this next stage in Clyde Grammar’s
journey to begin. The new facility will include state-of-the-art facilities for our current students and for those students who join us in the future,” principal Leanne Evans said.
“It will be a cornerstone for collaborative learning and foster innovation and creativity.”
When completed, the centre will include four classrooms, a sessional music room, a full-size basketball court, an assembly hall with retractable seating and a before and after-school care area.
The centre will also incorporate student change rooms, storage areas, a staff office and amenities.
Year 3 student Aiden is looking forward to being active and playing basketball in the new
Centre.
“I hope there are two basketball hoops on each side and lots of lines and curves on the floors, pictures on the walls and seats to rest and watch people play sports. I think it will be amazing,” he said.
Year 4 student Sahib is also excited about the sports facilities in the new Centre.
“I am really excited about our gymnasium for PE, and we will be able to be all together for our school assemblies,” she said.
Clyde Grammar was awarded $3.6 million towards building the centre by the Victorian Government’s Building Fund for Non-Government Schools.
Mrs Evans said the school hoped to achieve
another milestone in 2032 when the first cohort of students was expected to graduate as the inaugural valedictorians.
“So many elements have helped Clyde Grammar reach this milestone, and our students continue to flourish,” she said.
“We have healthy waiting lists with many more local families wanting to send their children to our school, and we think very carefully about every decision we make – everything we do at Clyde Grammar has our students’ success, wellbeing and growth at its core.
“We look forward to watching the evolution of the Collaborative Learning Centre and to taking the next step in this exciting journey together as a strong school community.”
Floral creations and connections: Bouquets for loved ones
By Ethan Benedicto
Held just before Valentine’s Day, the Andres Pancha Anchor Community gathered at the entrance of Wilson Botanical Park for their first activity of the year.
Called the Flower Bar, it involved participants trying their hands at making a bouquet for their loved ones, a process that involved careful and firm handling, but also that splash of creativity to make each flower blend amongst one another.
The charity’s director, Katalina Vergara, said that despite the cloudy weather and the rain, “we feel good”.
“People pushed through and it still turned out great, you know? We’re also very excited for this year since we feel more prepared.
“There are events in the works, and we also finally have people who are donating to the charity so we have that budget in our pocket, which also means that we can make these activities more fun,” she said.
From roses, carnations, and peonies to daisies, every person had their hands busy, with Divine Pancha leading the way in guiding those who needed some extra assistance.
“This is beyond what we expected really,” Divine said.
“We planned to have a small family gathering, with some other family members but then it went beyond that, they invited their friends who also showed up.
“Of course, these young people had the chance to make their own creations, and also learned those techniques and skills when it comes to working with flowers.”
The skills don’t apply to just flowers, according to Divine they serve as a bigger platform for
creativity, something that should be fostered with the youth.
In addition to that, it’s also about learning to be sustainable, through the simple act of mingling with flowers and other orchids, to using recyclables such as newspapers to act as the bouquet.
“We’re tackling different values, advocacy for things such as family, connections with friends, all in go,” she said.
For Katalina, she and the other members of the charity are keen to keep the momentum going for the remainder of the year.
“Our workshops are going to be more constant, we’re looking at having them once a month, all different of course,” she said.
“Then we’re also looking at more major events throughout the year, such as our wellbeing conference in June, held on the same day as the death anniversary of Andres Pancha.”
With a strong start to the year, the charity is confident of taking big leaps on its mission of connecting and uplifting the youth through advocacy of mindfulness and wellbeing.
Valentine-themed stuffed toys, as well as small and traditional Filipino treats, were available to purchase throughout the event, with all proceeds going to the charity. (460408)
The attendants of the Flower Bar, alongside committee members from APAC, stood next to their flowery creations. (Ethan Benedicto: 460408)
The APAC committee, from left to right: Charlene Deldio, Grace Pancha (daughter), Divine Pancha, Katalina Vergara, Nicole Castro and Elizabeth Sabelino. (460408)
Principal Leanne Evans addressed the public at the ceremony. (Violet Li: 459452)
Clyde Grammar has held a sod turning ceremony to signal the beginning of the development of a $11 million Collaborative Learning Centre.
NEWS MPs share family journeys
South-East MPs have shared stories on their migrant families’ journeys to Australia and their sense of identity.
Holt MP Cassandra Fernando and state upper house member Lee Tarlamis have both penned personal stories that feature in the ‘Heartlands: At the Heart of Identity’ publication, produced by migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia.
Ms Fernando says in the book she sees herself as a reflection of the communities she serves.
“I’m hardworking, a migrant and I’m unafraid to speak up when it matters,” she says.
“These values have shaped my life, from my childhood as a migrant in suburban Melbourne to becoming the first Sri Lankan-born member of Australia’s Federal Parliament.
“My story begins in Sri Lanka, where my parents led a comfortable life. They had stable careers and a close-knit community, but they wanted something more for my brother and me. They wanted us to have opportunities we wouldn’t have had in Sri Lanka. So, in 1999, when I was just 11, they made the life-changing decision to leave everything behind and start again in Australia.
“The first months were tough. We arrived in Melbourne, then briefly moved to Sydney before finally settling in Dandenong North – and we never moved again.
“Starting over in a new country was a challenge, especially for my parents, who had to navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and the reality of building a new life from scratch. But through their courage and resilience, my brother and I learned the value of hard work and sacrifice.“
Ms Fernando said she loved the diversity in Melbourne’s South East - “a cultural melting pot of Greeks, Italians, Vietnamese, and more“.
“Here, I learned the true meaning of community as people from different backgrounds came together.“
South-East Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis tells of reconnecting with his heritage.
“I became determined to reconnect with Greek culture.
“Embracing both the Greek community and my wife’s Vietnamese culture helped me value diversity and the importance of preserving it.
“I’ve come to see how important it is for migrants and their descendants to retain their heritage while also integrating into a new society. For me, this balance – holding onto my Greek roots while embracing my broader Australian identity – has become a lifelong journey of understanding and growth.
“I am passionate about ensuring that every voice is heard, regardless of how long someone’s family has been in Australia or where they have
come from.
“Whether they are part of well-established communities or have recently arrived, I am
Narre Warren police station shut for upgrades
Refurbishments for the Narre Warren Police Station are set to begin in March, with the public reception counter expected to be closed until February 2026.
To be precise, upgrade works are scheduled for 11 March this year, and are expected to be completed by 28 February the year after.
The station design includes new public-facing areas and a major upgrade to the building to enable police to better serve the community.
Southern Metro Division 3 superintendent Damian Jackson said that “the refurbished Narre Warren police station will provide our officers with the modern facilities required to carry out the important work they do in keeping the community safe”.
“Officers based within the new station will continue to perform round-the-clock patrols, which are vital to help prevent crime and arrest offenders.”
Despite the closures, community members who require urgent police attendance should call Triple Zero.
Non-urgent crimes, such as property damage, can be reported via the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or by using our online reporting service at police.vic.gov.au.
For those who need to attend a 24-hour police station reception counter has three options within less than 15km of Narre Warren Police Station.
Endeavour Hills Police Station is a 12-minute drive, Dandenong Police Station is a 16-min-
committed to making sure they feel represented and empowered. My goal is to build bridges and create opportunities that benefit everyone in my community, not just my own diaspora.
“I firmly believe that our society is at its strongest when we move forward together, and I will continue to dedicate myself to fostering progress, equity, and inclusion for all.“
The book, launched at Parliament House in Canberra this week by Ms Fernando, also contains reflections by SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, former Socceroo Archie Thompson as well as the children of migrants from 15 different countries.
Published recently as part of AMES Australia’s annual ‘Heartlands’ cultural project, the book is a reflection of Australia’s long and diverse history as a nation of migrants.
AMES Australia CEO Cath Scarth said the book was timely at a point in history when polarisation and divisiveness are on the rise across the globe.
“Stories of settlement in Australia, no matter where you have come from, are things that unite us,” Ms Scarth said.
“These stories are reflection of how migrants have helped to build Australia and helped to create the successful brand of multiculturalism we enjoy along with the high levels of social cohesion that we have built.
Resident escapes house fire
A resident has been treated for smoke inhalation after a home was destroyed by a suspicious fire in Ash Street, Doveton on Friday morning (14 February).
Firefighters got the call-out about 9.13am, finding the single-storey brick house “fully involved by fire”.
Two FRV crews in breathing apparatus doused the fire inside the building and searched for occupants.
“All occupants were accounted for and one patient was with Ambulance Victoria for smoke inhalation.”
The fire was brought under control by 9.32am and deemed suspicious, the spokesperson said.
Victoria Police was investigating the scene.
The fire’s cause was yet to be determined, a police spokesperson stated.
“No one was injured during the incident.”
FRV issued a community advisory message warning of smoke in the area.
ute drive and Cranbourne Police Station is a 20-minute drive from the Narre Warren facility. The upgraded Narre Warren Police Station
Narre Warren Police Station will
The Heartlands project tells the stories of migrant families’ journeys to Australia. (Supplied)
Holt MP Cassandra Fernando and South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis contribute to the book. (Supplied)
WHAT’S ON
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre
17 March - 12pm - Harmony Day cultural celebration - Celebrate your culture through food, bring a plate and come and meet new friends at Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre - Free Fridays from 7 March - 10-12:30 - Hazaragi Computers for Work - Learn digital skills for the workplace in Hazaragi from a native speaking computer skills teacher - Free during term 1
Every Monday - 9.30-11am - during school termsCome and sew tote bags - For sewists who want to meet new friends and practice their sewing skills making tote bags - we supply the sewing machines and fabric - Free
Every Friday - 11am-2pm - Thee Coffee Table - Welcoming women’s community group - Free Volunteers are welcome to come and help to maintain our community garden
All the above are held at Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre, 141 - 147 Endeavour Drive, Cranbourne North 3977
• For more information and bookings call - 5996 9056
We also have:
• Fridays 9.30am-11.30am during school termsConversational English Classes at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre - Come along to practice and improve your English skills in a relaxed environment comfortable, casual classes with a friendly, patient tutor - $5 per class.
• Call 03 5996 9056 to enrol in Conversational English or come along to Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre during class times. The Cranbourne Park Community Hub is conveniently located in Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, in the space behind Target, next to Pacific Smiles Dental and opposite Centre Management, and the nearest entrance is next to Australia Post.
U3A Cranbourne
A community group for people aged 50 and over to pursue a variety of activities and interests. We are at 20 - 22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne.
Line Dancing and ballroom dancing are run offsite.
Supported by Casey Council we are 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, quilling, knitting, singing and ukelele and guitar classes.
Our gardening group started this week with a lovely meeting to share ideas and encourage each other. We are keen to start planting out some tubs and containers next week with herbs and vegetables.
• Wish us luck! Check out all our courses at our website www.u3acranbourne.org.au or phone 0493 991 919 for more information.
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 15 March, 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
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 person or by phoning the centre between 9am -3pm.
• Online enrolments can be made: ballaballa. com.au/programs/
Combined Probus Club of Narre Warren
The club welcomes men and women to join for fun and interesting activities.
The club hosts bowling, armchair travel, book clubs, walk and talk, happy snappers and cards.
• For enquiries, contact Heather at hsims14@ gmail.com
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club has started a Scrabble Club recently and it runs every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.
It will be both competitive and social on a 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.
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. Community Place, 16/18 Playwright St, Clyde North.
Smith soars to new heights
By David Nagel
The statistics are mind blowing and the purity of his craft is to be admired; but the genius behind the wand-waving ability of Pakenham champion Chris Smith is hidden in the calculated cricket-machine on his shoulders.
Smith, or ‘Smudge’ to his Pakenham teammates, created history at Glover Reserve on Saturday, blazing 229 not out, from 62 rain-reduced overs, to break his own club record and complete a preposterous 12 months of his career.
On January 26 last year, Smith began a remarkable run of 662 runs without dismissal, with his 140 not out against Devon Meadows - on the very ground he destroyed them again on Saturday - the beginning of something special.
He backed that up just seven days later with the first double century of his career, before dousing his 210 not out against Merinda Park with a new career-best 214 not out against Cardinia just three weeks later.
His remarkable run came to an end in round 14 against Tooradin; where he fell just two runs short of a fourth-consecutive visit to triple figures.
Since beginning his senior career as a 15-yearold for Pakenham Upper/Toomuc on February 4, 2006, Smith has been the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association’s number-one run-getter.
He made 2998 runs for the Yabbies, before moving to Toomuc Reserve for the 2013/14 season.
He has since made 6348 runs for the Lions, taking his overall tally to 9346 at the remarkable average of 44.72.
He has now scored 21 centuries across his time at both clubs; raised his bat for a half-century on 51 occasions and now has a new top score of 229 not out after 20 seasons in the top flight.
His current captain, opening partner and great friend Jack Anning has seen it all up close.
He is as impressed and full of admiration as anyone that has seen the elegant right-hander elevate his game to new levels by picking to pieces his opposition.
Anning began in the middle on Saturday, and then admired from afar as Smith cracked 34 fours and five sixes on his way to his record score.
“He’s a marvel; his ability to identify what the bowler and opposition captain are trying to do, and then manipulate the field to his own benefit is like something I’ve never seen before,” Anning said.
“There are a lot of guys that do it with brute force, but Chris doesn’t do it that way.
“He’s ability to read the play is next level.
“On Saturday, they had a wide-mid-off, cover and cover-point, on angles that didn’t allow a gap to be there; but he pierced the gap three or four times in two overs.
“I don’t envy anyone that has to try and set fields for him; he’s so clever and sees things well in advance of when I see them when we open the batting together.
“He’ll tell me to ‘watch out for this’, or, ‘they’re trying to do this’, ‘have you noticed this’; he’s mindset and how clever he is gets underrated be-
opener
cause of how quiet, reserved and humble he is.
“I’ve said it for a long time now, and I say it regularly to him, that the 34-year-old version of Chris Smith would be an outstanding captain.
“But I don’t think that’s high on his priority list right now.”
Anning said Smith’s capacity to grind things out is another underrated feature of his game.
“He’s got this ridiculous ability to not throw it away and not mentally quit,” Anning said.
“He was 130 not out on Saturday and let a full over go through to the keeper; where a lot of guys in that position would be looking for the big shots.
“He just gave himself a reset and soldiered on from there; looking for his next boundary ball.
“It’s just a ridiculous mental capacity to not bail out.”
Pakenham has had many great champions over the years, with players like Eddie Lewis and Dallas Wyatt considered the best of the best over the long journey.
Smith’s record, which now contains three double-centuries, would more than match motors with those legends; but Anning fell short of naming his close friend as Pakenham’s greatest-ever player.
“I have a connection with people like dad (Club President Phil Anning), Eddie Lewis, Clinton Smith and Keith Popovits, because I’ve grown up with those guys and I’m fully aware of the history of the club, dating back to the sixties when dad first started playing,” Jack said.
“One thing we’re really mindful of, guys like myself and Dom (Paynter), when we talk about the history, is that we don’t disrespect the past and say that ‘Chris Smith has to be our greatest ever player’.
“We can’t comment on that because we never saw Eddie Lewis play.
“I can read his statistics, listen to stories about how they went about it, but I think it would be disrespectful for us to declare him the greatest player that Pakenham has ever had.
“But for us in the modern world, Chris and Dale (Tormey) have separated themselves to the next level; both statistically and how they go about their cricket.”
Anning said he felt humbled to captain a player that he almost considers a hero, and is more than happy to have his name connected with the batting maestro stories get longer and more animated down the track.
“We’ve got a wonderful relationship and it’s just a privilege to be at the non-strikers end and watch him go about this work,” Anning said.
“Maybe in the future my legacy will be - if anyone remembers me - that I was Chris Smith’s opening partner.
“I’d be more than happy to be remembered as the guy at the other end.
“Admittedly, when he does get these big scores I’m normally out pretty early…but the scoreboard still says C Smith; J Anning, that went out to open the innings.”
‘Purple Army’ excited as Casey Fields gets rocked by Storm
By David Nagel
Casey Fields will be pumping with excitement on Sunday when Rugby League powerhouse Melbourne Storm fine tunes its preparations for its 2025 NRL opener with a pre-season match against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Storm is expected to name a full-strength NRL squad as it lays the platform for another successful season under the guidance of coach Craig Bellamy.
Storm is expecting the ‘Purple Army’ to be out in force as it puts the final pieces in place ahead of the Round 1 clash with Parramatta Eels on Sunday 9 March at AAMI Park.
While the NRL pre-season match will be the highlight of Sunday’s action, Storm fans can also watch three curtain raisers before the 5.15pm kickoff, on what is sure to be an epic afternoon of footy.
The Storm Under-17s will play at 1pm, followed by the Under-19s at 2:30pm, with both teams taking on the Manly Sea Eagles.
At 4pm, the Storm Female Development Squad will showcase their talent in an intra-club match, before the big guys hit the field.
Storm forward Trent Loiero said it’s a great time of year, knowing the grind of pre-season training is almost done.
The 23-year-old said the Storm had worked hard after last year’s NRL grand final loss to Penrith.
“It’s been very tough but all the boys have been ripping in; I think there’s definitely been a hunger, coming back after what happened at the back end of last year,” Loiero said.
“Everyone came back ready to train and we’re looking forward to trials and round one.
“We came back a bit later, but we’ve definitely squeezed a lot of work into the shortened pre-season that we’ve had.
“We’re definitely ready footy wise, and we’re just looking forward to games.”
Loiero can’t wait to experience the vibe at Casey Fields once again, having been part of the pre-season clash in 2022.
“It’s always good going out to the regional grounds and I remember all the fans showed up, we got a massive turn out and we definitely felt their support,” he said.
“All the boys are looking forward to playing in front of our loyal fans again.
“It’s special, they come from far and wide to AAMI Park to watch us, so it’s nice to repay the favour, to do open trainings and play in games like this, like we did in 2022.
“Our supporters are very important to us and we can feel their love and support every time we play in front of them.”
Loiero said fans can expect a full-scale test against the Cowboys as the excitement builds for round one.
“It’s a good chance to test any new combinations, and I feel like you can do all the training you want, but nothing can prepare you for games and
game speed and even just the contact,” he said.
“That’s what we’re most looking forward to, testing our combinations and playing the footy that we’ve been working on.”
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said the event is a great opportunity for Storm fans to watch their favourite team play before the start of the NRL season.
“The City of Casey is home to thousands of Storm members, and Council is thrilled to welcome the Storm back to Casey Fields,” Cr Koomen said.
“It promises to be a great day for the whole family, so get your tickets now.”
Tickets can be purchased via: www.melbournestorm.com.au
MELBOURNE STORM PRE-SEASON MATCH DETAILS
Sunday, 23 February
Casey Fields, Cranbourne East 1pm Gates Open Storm Zone Open Harold Matthews U17s 2:30pm SG Ball U19’s 4pm Female Pathways 5:15pm Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys 7pm Storm Zone Close
Pakenham
Chris Smith made his third double-century in 12 months with a magnificent 229 not out against Devon Meadows on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 393920)
Cranny outclassed by Lions
CRANBOURNE BOWLS
Weekend Pennant
The day started out cloudy, cool, with rain and even hail and, being honest, many of us didn’t think we’d get through the day.
The rain and hail continued but, being the last round-robin game of pennant, everyone was keen to get out there, play bowls and do the very best for their respective clubs.
Cranbourne 1 Div 1 travelled to Pakenham to take on second-placed Paky 1 under the roof and the lads and lasses had to take their medicine and were just out bowled by the better team.
Best rink for Cranbourne was Skipped by Ryan Drummond, with Gavin Wright 3rd, Peter Elgar 2nd and Joe Byrne Lead, who only went down 17-19.
Best wishes to Pakenham in the finals, but our Cranbourne 1 team can hold their heads high with their efforts.
They avoided relegation, they kept themselves in Division 1 and finished a credible fifth position on the ladder.
Cranbourne 2 Div 2 hosted previously unbeaten top-of-the-ladder Berwick 1.
In what was always going to be a hard-fought game, both clubs won two rinks each, but Cranbourne 2 squeezed their opponents to take the overall win and inflict Berwick’s only loss for the season.
Best rink for Cranbourne was Skipped by Stephen Arms, with Phil Nielsen 3rd, Chris Rea 2nd and Vic Butera Lead winning 29-19.
Cranbourne prevailed to eventually win the overall by two shots.
By defeating Berwick, Cranbourne achieved the following.
They avoided relegation, finished fourth on the ladder, stay in Div 2 and next week will play in the elimination final against Burden Park 1 at their home ground.
Congratulations Cranbourne 2 and best wishes for the finals.
• Cranbourne 2 Div 2 (85) def Berwick 1 (83) + 2 shots and 14 points.
Cranbourne 3 Div 3 hosted Narre Warren 2 on the front grass green.
This team has struggled all year and have had many changes to it when changes needed to be made and though they tried hard, they struggled and were outclassed by many teams including Narre Warren 2 who are top of the ladder. Best rink for Cranbourne was Skipped by John Stanley, with Olive Stanley 3rd, Marijan Bobetic 2nd and Stuart Walters leading in a very honorable 17-17 tie.
We thank the team for showing up each week and trying their hearts out and we thank them all and they’ll be back next year bigger and better.
• Cranbourne 3 Div 3 (54) def by Narre Warren 2 (82) - 28 shots and 1 point. Final Position: Eighth.
Cranbourne 4 Div 6 trundled down the South Gippsland Highway to Hampton Park to take on their number 2 team on their reasonably quick synthetic matting.
Now there was a fairly strong southerly wind blowing along with a cross breeze that made it tricky for many bowlers to pick line and weight.
Hampton Park jumped out to a significant early lead and were making life difficult for Cranbourne. After a short break after 12 ends the Cranbourne had a brief chat to reinforce that we were still in the game and to just try and get bowls in the head.
For the rinks that were trailing the aim was
to minimise the shots that our opponents were leading by.
Slowly, the Cranbourne rinks started to get their game together and reduce the Parkers lead and eventually the Cranbourne rinks came home the stronger to eventually win two rinks, tie one rink and lost one.
The gods ended up smiling on this group of players, because after the break, we had very little rain and finally got to the 84 ends.
Best rink for Cranbourne was Skipped by Hans Worsteling, with Steve Bakker 3rd, Leslie Deal 2nd and Bruce Harper Lead, who won their rink 25-11.
Following closely was the team of Skip Harry Van Soest, with Ron Fenton 3rd, David McMaster 2nd with Frank Verco Lead who won their rink 21-18.
The team Skipped by Bill Sherriff came from eight shots down to scramble a tie, while Skip Scott De Piazza - who at one stage was down by 15 shots - banded his team together and slowly they reduced their deficit to lose by nine shots.
This past month this team has been so determined to do its very best, that the spirit in the team lifted, everyone was supporting each other and playing some good bowls, their reward is; they avoided relegation, made finals, saved their division with a chance of promotion.
They finished second and have earned the double chance and a home final, but this depends on how matches go next week.
Cranbourne 3 will play Mulgrave CC5 at Mulgrave in the Section Semi-Final.
Fantastic effort by this team and they’re very excited about playing finals and hopefully be successful. Great effort Cranny 4.
• Cranbourne 4 Div 6 (81) def Hampton Park 2 (73) + 8 shots and 15 points.
Cranbourne 5 Div 8 due to not enough players being available had to forfeit their game to Cardinia Waters 2.
Cardinia Waters were awarded 12 shots and 16 points.
MIDWEEK PENNANT
On a beautiful morning, that was getting warmer and warmer, Cranbourne Teams 1, 2 and 3 all had wins while Cranbourne 4 had a bye.
Our top team travelled to Pakenham where they took on Cardinia Waters 1 on their sleek synthetic. Playing some great bowls was the team Skipped by Peter Colthup, with Cheryl Wright 3rd, Robert Paganoni 2nd and Dennis Tomlin Lead, who won by 20 shots and laid the foundation for Cranbourne to take the overall points which can be rare at Cardinia Waters.
Not to be outdone, the rink of Skip Nick Arnold, with Wayne Stevens 3rd, Karen Hickson 2nd and Vic Butera Lead, had a great encounter with their opponents, but when it mattered our team was three shots up, winning 17-14.
The third rink banded together to keep the loss to a minimum and allow Cranbourne to take the overall win.
• Cranbourne 1 - Div 2 (60) def Cardinia Waters 1 (48) + 12 shots and 14 points. Ladder Position: Second.
Cranbourne 2 - Div 3 playing at home, hosted Berwick 2 in a very important game to help the club avoid relegation and what a game this turned out to be.
The team Skipped by Steve Hickson had a great game to outlast their opponents, winning their rink by a shot.
John Kent’s team had a battle all day, but fought it out and went down by 10 shots.
This left one rink to decide the fate of each
team for the day and Cranbourne’s third rink, skipped by Chris Deal, had the luxury of having three lovely team mates in Lesley Deal 3rd, Lois Brock 2nd and led by Denise Meulman to do the hard yards while he doddled through the day. Playing quite brilliantly, this team really clicked today and took the choccies from their opponents winning 25-8. It was great for team and club spirit.
• Cranbourne 2 - Div 3 (58) def Berwick 2 (50) + 8 shots and 14 points. Ladder Position: Sixth.
Cranbourne 3 Div 4 playing at home, hosted Narre Warren 3 and this team has struggled all year, but today they got some reward for great effort.
It started with the team of Harry Van Soest who had an honourable draw with their opponents, scoring 17 shots each.
Scott De Piazza’s team also had to fight hard and eventually their efforts paid off winning their rink by two shots 19-17.
This leaves the rink Skipped by Ron Fenton, with Stephen Muhi 3rd, Elizabeth Hughes 2nd and David McMaster Lead who enjoyed their game and defeated their opponents 27-14.
This gave Cranbourne 3 two winning rinks and one tied which gave Cranbourne the overall win and still gives them a slim hope of avoiding relegation.
• Cranbourne 3 Div 4 - (63) def Narre Warren 3 (48) + 15 shots and 15 points. Ladder Position: Seventh.
• Cranbourne 4 (6-A-Side) had a bye. Ladder Position: Fourth
Great effort teams on a brilliant day. Keep it going.
-Derek Maguire-
Eagles plummeting quickly at the most critical time of year
By Marcus Uhe
Cranbourne’s worrying downturn in form is set to result in a three-game losing streak this weekend when play resumes against HSD in the Dandenong District Cricket Association Turf 2 competition.
The Eagles soared to the top of the table after defeating Coomoora in round 10 but have since dropped games to Lyndale and Parkmore to surrender momentum at a critical time of the year. While a lot would need to go wrong in the final two rounds to see them fall out of the top fourlosing in round 14 to Parkfield and both Lyndale and Coomoora winning their final two matches –searching for form at this time of year is far from ideal.
In a rain-affected Saturday at Reedy Reserve, Cranbourne ground its way to 9/95 in 56 overs after Craig Hookey sent the visitors in on difficult
batting conditions.
Eagles captain Harrison Carlyon tinkered with the batting order, sending Dean McDonell to the top of the card and moving himself to number four.
McDonell’s opening partner Hayden Lamb, and number three Ketan Bakshi both departed for one, with the Eagles reeling at 2/12 once rain brought a temporary halt to proceedings.
HSD’s new ball pair Ryan Patterson and Triyan De Silva honed in on dangerous areas with the ball, beating outside edges on countless occasions once play resumed.
McDonell was dropped on four in a frustrating moment for the Cobras but the emotions quickly subsided when Carlyon departed in the following over.
Tied down by the HSD combination’s dot ball pressure, Carlyon attempted to push back with an aggressive lofted stroke down the ground that failed to gain the necessary leverage. It did not clear De Silva at mid off, who hung on to the big wicket to send the captain on his way for 14.
The Eagles opted to occupy the crease for the remainder of the afternoon with the scoring rate barely passing two for the duration of the 56 overs. McDonell lasted 100 balls to reach 17 and Justin Dickinson joined his skipper in reaching 14. Patterson finished with 3/11 from his 14 overs as Harry Funnell and Sakuntha Liyanage each took two wickets.
The contest was the only Turf 2 fixture that saw play on Saturday due to the inclement weather.
It was all smiles for Cranbourne 4 Lead Jacqui Warner and her skip Scott DePiazza. (Supplied:
Dean McDonell lasted 100 balls in his new role at the top of the order for Cranbourne. (Stewart Chambers: 457976)
Rare day for record books
By David Nagel
Three absolute superstars of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) turned grey skies into a glorious sunset on Saturday on a memorable day of Premier Division action.
Pakenham’s Chris Smith (229 not out) broke personal, club and league records against Devon Meadows; while at the same time Kooweerup’s Shiran Rathnayake (160 not out) became the number-one player in the competition; becoming the first batter to crack the 600-run milestone this season.
Meanwhile, down at Clyde, Tooradin jet Tom Hussey (116) reminded everyone of his sublime skills with his first century in almost three years.
For those who love their horse racing; it was akin to having Black Caviar, Winx and Makybe Diva all win easily at different venues on the same day.
Smith and Hussey have already earned the title as the best player in the competition over their cricketing journeys; while Rathnayake might already have pinned that accolade to his chest in his first season at Denhams Road.
We’re talking the cream of the crop here; three players that have all had magnificent careers.
Smith’s overall journey - that is heading towards 10,000 Premier Division runs - will be highlighted in a different story on a different page this week, but his innings against Devon Meadows on the weekend was absolutely sublime.
He gave a gilt-edged chance to first-slip, when 27 off 30 balls, and survived a difficult missed stumping when 185 off 196.
They were the only chances in a 235-ball masterclass, that led the Lions to 6/397 and a certain position in this year’s finals series.
Rain delayed the start of play at Glover Reserve, with Devon Meadows skipper Lucas Ligt deciding to bowl first as cloud-cover began to lift overhead.
It was a decision that sort of made sense at the time; to get the new ball moving around, but was in the end a decision that would forever be embedded in the record books.
Smith and Pakenham skipper Jack Anning (26) strode to the crease and were positive from the outset, with Anning initially outscoring the champ in the early overs.
Smith gradually worked into gear and by the time tea was taken, after 18 overs, Anning had departed, with Smith on 53 not out and joined by Jason Williams (56) in the middle.
The pair put on 128 for the second wicket, with Smith crunching 12 fours in their union, that only ended after Williams was run out with a direct throw after he pushed into the covers and took off for a quick single.
Smith and Williams were in total command at the time and it took a freak piece of fielding to end their dominance.
Stuart Johnson (0) then came and went in a hurry before Dom Paynter (47) joined a rampant Smith in the middle, who was on 122 at the time.
The pair put on 113 runs in just 19 overs to keep the ball rolling, with Smith on 182 when Paynter and Nick Sadler (2) both fell to Panthers’ leg-spinner Ben Marsh (3/98 off 20) in the same over.
Smith was then joined at the crease by his ‘good-luck charm’ Sendhil Naidu (19), who was in the middle with the now 34-year-old when he made his second-consecutive double-century against Cardinia at Gunton Oval on February 24 last year.
Just as he had done earlier to bring up his 150, Smith brought up the third double-century of his career - all in the last 12 months - with a thumping six over the square-leg boundary.
He dropped his right knee and produced a slog-sweep off Marsh that would live in his heart forever.
Three double centuries in 15 innings… quite incredible really!
He then cruised past his previous best of 214 not out with a celebratory dance and lofted straight drive for four.
The very next ball he produced another slog-sweep for six that almost ended the party.
After 20 years of senior cricket; Chris Smith had just set a new benchmark in an already incredible career!
Marsh was the pick of the bowlers for the Panthers, while Mitchell Kleinig (1/100 off 24) can still hold his head high after joining Smith
as a triple-figure performer on the day.
At Upper Beaconsfield (1/40), Kooweerup (5/276 declared) can thank its star-recruit Rathnayake for batting the Demons into a powerful position against the Maroons.
The wristy-right-hander was at his imperious best, only hitting nine fours and one six in an innings that showcased his ability to pierce the field brilliantly with his placement.
It was a key feature of his play in his two match-winning half-centuries for the CCCA Country Week team in the build up to Saturday’s innings.
Rathnayake only played twice during Country Week; with both resulting in wins… before work commitments at a new job halted both his and the team’s magnificent form.
The 29-year-old has been a revelation in his first season in the CCCA since making the switch from Phillip Island.
He made over 500 runs and took 32 wickets for Phillip Island last year, with Kooweerup President Matt Davey putting the feelers out to see if the spinner/top-order-bat would be interested in making the move.
It was a call that Davey and the Demons would be more than happy to pay a high-price for right now!
Rathnayake has been brilliant for Kooweerup this season, with his best-of-theseason 160 not out on Saturday eclipsing previous scores of 102, 61, 58, 49, 47, 44 and 43.
He now leads the competition with 602 runs, 39 clear of his teammate Chris Bright (563) and exactly 100 ahead of Pakenham’s record-breaker Smith (502).
He also sits fourth on the wicket-taking list, with 21 poles, and would now have to be a short-priced favourite to take out the Terry Stephenson Medal as the best player in Premier Division this season.
No other player sits top-10 in both categories.
Rathnayake and Mitch Davey (73) were the stars for the Demons on the weekend, after Maroons’ spinner Andrew McDonald (3/78 off 26) made early inroads with the new ball.
McDonald had Bright (1), Luke McMaster (4) and Rob Maskiell (7) all back in their ‘Civies’ in a hurry, while Will Haines (1/40) claimed the wicket of Cody Miller (20) to leave the Demons in trouble at 4/75.
Rathnayake and Davey then steadied the ship with a fantastic 201-run partnership from just 29 overs at the crease.
Davey, who showcased his talents with a double-century in A Grade earlier this season, slammed four balls to the boundary and three flying over the ropes.
The speed of their partnership allowed skipper Bright to declare and have 17 overs at the Maroons in the lead up to stumps.
Jess Mathers (1/14) claimed the wicket of AJ Claxton early, but the Maroons would be feeling content after Marcus Gehling (21 not out off 52 balls) and Josh Westra (8 not out off 32) showed true grit to survive against a high-quality bowling attack.
The Maroons, particularly Ben Amos, showed enormous resilience against Pakenham last week and appear determined to take the Demons all the way once again.
One of the all-time greats of WGCA/CCCA cricket wound back the clock on Saturday with Tom Hussey (116) guiding his beloved Tooradin (9/349) to an impregnable position against Clyde.
Hussey, formerly the number-one top-order bat in the competition, was back to his brilliant best after enjoying a return to the top of the order.
The elegant right-hander has become an
‘insurance policy’ for the Seagulls in recent years, with the 36-year-old happy to step out of the spotlight to let a plethora of emerging talent shine through. But it was time for the champ to stand up and be fully prepared for the Seagulls’ quest for back-to-back premierships this year.
Just one round after fellow stalwart Russell Lehman (117) capitalised on his return to prominence, Hussey stole the show, making his 13th century for the Seagulls since making his debut for the club in 2011.
He has now made 5589 runs at the impressive average of a tick over 42; a genuine passmark for any champions’ career.
Saturday’s century was his first since making an identical score (116) against Carlisle Park on March 5, 2022.
Seagulls’ openers Josh Lownds (52) and Cal O’Hare (37) staved off the danger of Ankush Rana (1/55) on Saturday, with the Clyde quick the leading wicket-taker in Premier Division this season.
That laid the platform for a dynamic afternoon of batting with Hussey and young-gun Tyler Evans (75) working together beautifully. The pair put on 161 for the fourth wicket, with Hussey whacking 12 fours and an enterprising six, while Evans hit five to the boundary and one maximum.
The youngster, who held his own at his Country Week debut, has now made back-toback half centuries after making his maiden fifty - 67 not out - against Merinda Park last week.
Praveen Perera (3/78) and Nick Miles (2/15) were the multiple wicket-takers for the Cougars; who need to chase down the imposing total to keep their season alive.
The final game of round 13, Cardinia v Merinda Park, will be played as a one-dayer.
A touch of class. Pakenham superstar Chris Smith made his third double century in 12 months against Devon Meadows on Saturday. Smith finished on 229 not out. (Stewart Chambers: 440878)
