Creative spark ignites
Hampton Park Uniting Church brought creativity to life on Saturday 22 February, with a fully booked free arts workshop.
In the lead-up to the Art, Cul-
ture, and Diversity exhibition this March, facilitators guided participants through a vibrant cultural experience. See story page 14
Mayor speaks out
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen has reflected on the gallery’s behaviour during the first council meeting as “disappointing”, as it was adjourned to the next date, while many attendees criticised the public question responses as “indirect,” “unhelpful,” and “irrelevant”.
In an exclusive interview with Star News, Koomen said he understood that there might
be some misunderstandings as to how council meetings operate. While he acknowledged the public’s interest in the council’s work, the mayor said he and the rest of the council “felt unsafe”.
Many residents said that their concerns were not properly addressed. A more informal open forum was pitched to address the public’s concerns on the municipality’s private land use permits
and the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station.
Manyinattendancealsobelievedthatanopen mic should be an option, and that real-time conversation between them and the councillors become the norm moving forward.
The thought was not entertained by Koomen,
however, and he clarified that council meetings are not the platform for open debate.
While he understood that there were many “genuine residents” who attended, he emphasised that he did not want the meeting to reflect the City of Casey as a whole.
Coverage inside
Lyn McBain, Heather Shepherd, MP Gary Maas, Sierra Balsom (instructor) and Sha Yamin (instructor). (Gary Sissons: 456205)
Community feedback sought
By Violet Li
Casey Council is seeking community feedback on the concept design of the proposed Cranbourne Hub.
The proposed $40.3 million community services hub at 1-3 Lyall Street will house the Connected Libraries (Cranbourne branch), City of Casey’s Customer Service and Cranbourne Youth Information Centre all in one convenient location, in an attempt to offer the community access to a variety of services in one convenient location.
Peninsula Community Legal Centre has been identified as a preferred community service to be included in the proposed Cranbourne Hub concept design.
The draft concept design has been exhibited on Casey Conversations, including floor plans for three levels.
Communities are welcome to provide their feedback on some elements of the design. However, budget allocation for the project, services within the building, the proposed location, the scale of the building, and assets and services
outside of the 1-3 Lyall property footprint are non-negotiables according to the council.
The public consultation will close on Sun-
day 16 March. Council officers will consider community feedback and share the community engagement summary report in March this
year. Council will also seek endorsement to adopt the project into the Capital Works Program this year. The hub is expected to open in 2029. To submit your feedback: conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/Cranbourne-hub
The council will conduct the following community drop-in sessions: Cranbourne Youth Information Centre
· Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, High Street, Cranbourne 3976
· Wednesday 26 February, 3pm – 5pm Cranbourne West Community Hub
· 4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne West 3977
· Wednesday 5 March, 10am -
1/3 Lyall Street, Cranbourne 3977 · Thursday 13 March, 3pm - 5pm
The Federal Government announced its $41.75 million investment in the upgrade of the Thompsons Road Intersection in Clyde North on Saturday 22 February.
The project will upgrade the intersection of Thompsons and Berwick-Cranbourne Roads, replacing the existing roundabout with traffic lights and completing associated works to the bus bays and shared user pathways.
The upgrade will increase capacity and improve traffic flow at the congested roundabout by installing additional through lanes and dedicated turning lanes.
It will also improve safety and enhance freight productivity by cutting time off the freight trips around Melbourne’s south east.
The project will deliver new walking and cycling paths to improve connections through the area, along with upgrades to several bus stops near the intersection.
The Federal Government and the State Government are jointly funding the project, with the State Government already committing their half, according to a media release from Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King.
Construction timeframes will be determined in consultation with the State Government.
Ms King said: “We’re building Australia’s future, investing in Victoria’s road network to make it safer and more resilient.
“Unlike the Liberals and Nationals who starved the Victorians of infrastructure funding, we are investing in projects across the state.
“There are more than 110 active major projects across Victoria and the Albanese Labor Government is getting on with delivering all of them.”
Holt MP Cassandra Fernando said she was pleased that she had been able to successfully advocate for this crucial road upgrade.
“This $41.75 million investment by the Federal Labor Government will ease one of our community’s worst bottlenecks, making daily commutes
smoother and safer,” she said.
“This means less time on the roads and more time spent with your family.”
Bruce MP Julian Hill said Victoria was totally
screwed for a decade by the Liberals on infrastructure funding.
“The Federal Labor Government is treating Victoria fairly, and fixing this terrible intersection
is a community priority,” he said.
“Numerous locals have raised it when I’ve
Artistic impression of the proposed Cranbourne Hub. (Casey Conversations)
Disappointment and hope
By Ethan Benedicto
Following the adjournment of the first meeting of the year for Casey Council on Tuesday 18 February, Mayor Stefan Koomen voiced his disappointment with the gallery’s behaviour.
In an interview with Star News, he reflected on the experience, admitting that “it was not something I’ve experienced before”, and despite so added that he and the other councillors handled it as best as they could.
During the 15-minute intermission before the meeting’s official adjournment, the crowd sentiment was strong, and tempers flared.
One resident said that how the council conducted the meeting was “absolutely disgusting” and that they’re “just providing lip service”.
Adam, another Casey resident said that “the councillors aren’t actually listening to us”.
“We should have it open (the mic), so they can actually listen to the people.
“They’re controlling the narrative, and everyone heard and saw it, there were people who had registered questions but it seems like they vetted them,” he said.
Regarding the process of meetings, Koomen said that registered questions are “common practice for public meetings across all councils in Victoria”.
“I acknowledge that a lot of genuine residents did attend, and maybe this was their first meeting and they weren’t aware of the agenda and how meetings operate.
“I do hope that there was an opportunity to understand that this is how local government operates and there is a process for admitting your questions,” he said.
Speaking once more on the behaviour of the gallery, Koomen added he, alongside the other councillors, “felt unsafe”, and that those residents with genuine concerns were drowned out by the “abusive and intimidating behaviour”.
There is a genuine want from himself and the council as a whole to continue with open public meetings, however, he said that there must be a focus on ensuring that they do not go in “in that fashion”.
Despite the unruly behaviour, Koomen saw the large attendance and the way the public voiced their concerns as a “reflection that the community is interested”, and that the people remain engaged with what it is that they are seeking from their new councillors.
“I don’t want that meeting to be a reflection of the Casey community because I genuinely don’t think that the incidents and the individuals who were there to disrupt and intimidate is a reflection of the people,” Koomen said.
“It’s important that we take that away because some people had their questions there, it doesn’t mean that those questions are more valid than
others, and the conversations that we’re having with residents every day.”
In a Facebook post on Wednesday 19 February, his direct response was that “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,” he said.
Koomen further added that the safety and well-being of the community and the staff were a top priority, highlighting that the situation during the meeting escalated to the point where police presence was necessary due to the actions of certain individuals.
“I understand there is a real frustration over the five years under administration - the new councillors acknowledge this and we’re looking forward to listening to and representing our community,” he said.
“However, last (that) night’s behaviour is not
the way to go about this.”
The open mic thought was echoed widely throughout the entire meeting, with residents confidently and constantly yelling out their questions and demands, adding on top of the registered questions, queries should be addressed on the spot.
Casey resident couple Melinda and Aaron said that a podium with a mic “is necessary”.
“The council is meant to be representing us, there was someone who was answering all the questions, but, who are they?
“The actual councillors looked bored, while those at the very back were the only ones that spoke,” they both said.
Koomen doubled down on registered questions, however, that its current process is “common practice in councils”.
“I’ve spoken to a number of other mayors and it’s certainly the way that public questions are addressed in a public meeting, it’s not an opportunity for a back-and-forth debate.
“It’s an opportunity to have your question
voiced and to have it responded, and we did that,” he said.
Speaking once more on greater opportunities for the community to voice their concerns, Koomen remains strong-willed that “as new councillors, we are out there every day in out community”.
“Talking with residents, listening, and I think that’s the most important thing, having those conversations and understanding people’s concerns.
“(However), the public meeting is not the forum for that, there are opportunities for public questions but we want to have good conversations with residents and we’re doing that.
“We’re available and I think that’s the important message that we want the residents to hear.
“That we’re here to represent you and if you do have concerns, you can raise them with us,” he said.
Looking ahead, Koomen said that as it stands, there are no plans to resume the adjourned meeting until the next gathering scheduled for March.
Casey residents decry ‘indirect’ and ‘unhelpful’ answers
By Violet Li
Community members say they are unhappy with the “indirect”, “unhelpful”, and “irrelevant” answers to their submitted questions at Tuesday’s Casey Council Meeting, calling for a better communication format between the council and the residents.
Resident Anthony Tassone, who was present at the meeting and also ran for the Casey Council Election last year, said that even though the council staff read his question and their answer, his question was, in essence, not answered.
“It was a simple and direct question asking whether the newly elected councilors would undertake advocacy to the Victorian Planning Minister as other councils had done with waste facilities in their municipalities,” he said.
“And it was not answered.”
Resident Garry Page, who attended the meeting and also ran for the Casey Council Election last year, also said the answer was unrelated to his question.
“That is a problem,” he said.
“My question has a simple yes or no answer. If I resubmit the question, it will just be dismissed as an answer has already been given.”
Anthony said he witnessed frustration amongst attendees that questions weren’t being directly responded to.
“I was standing at the back of the room, and people around me were getting increasingly annoyed,” he noted.
“The people that were surrounding me were
not the verbal interjectors and hecklers. They were simply muttering under their breath and shaking their heads.”
Tuesday’s Casey Council Meeting on 18 February was met with chaos and disruption. It was adjourned after hundreds of residents shouted and heckled, prompting a police call-out.
Tensions were high from the beginning, but escalating anger and frustration were observed after the public question time. After the council officers read through 60 submitted questions, quite a few residents demanded the councillors, and the council officers, answer their questions on-site.
Other residents in the front row, where the question submitters were seated, stood up after 60 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 then said in the meeting that all questions received that met the governance rules were responded to at the meeting. He said that three questions that were not responded to would receive an email.
Garry said he was not surprised when the whole room erupted to protest the failure to answer all public questions and ensure the meeting conformed to governance requirements.
Anthony said many attendees thought they could ask questions from the floor as an open forum, and when they found out they couldn’t, that angered some people.
He also said many residents assumed these
A Casey ratepayer complained about his question not being addressed at the meeting.
were answers that were coming from the newly elected councillors, but it was from council officers who had prepared them.
Resident Ray Dalli, who attended the meeting, also noticed that the format of the meeting was unfamiliar to many attendees.
“They were expecting that to be the meeting where they could turn up, ask questions, and get some answers, and they didn’t understand the format of council meetings about pre-registering questions,” he noted.
Ray, who didn’t get a satisfactory answer either, said the council needed to make the public question time informal.
He said the current format of public questions was just a matter of getting everything on the record, and people never really got the answers they wanted.
“Council officers run the responses through all their legal advisers to make sure they don’t incriminate themselves when they respond,” he said.
“That’s why it has to be an unrecorded meeting for them to answer the questions in an informal manner.
“I think they need to be able to answer the questions. They’re easy questions to answer because the bylaws are pretty clear on private land use permits.
“They just need to put it in a way of communication or a terminology that the resident will understand.”
When asked if they would consider an informal public question format to facilitate the residents’ understanding of local policies and issues, City of Casey Manager Communications and Corporate Governance Chloe Casey said: “The public question time process is outlined under section 65 of the City of Casey’s Governance Rules. The process requiring questions to be submitted ahead of the meeting is standard across many councils.
“If a resident is seeking further information around a specific topic, they are encouraged to speak directly to their ward councillor or contact council to discuss further with a council officer.
“Council will be sharing information with the community in the coming weeks to provide clarity around the process for submitting a public question and to explain how Council Meetings are run.”
City of Casey’s newly elected mayor and councillor Stefan Koomen said council meetings should be made as accessible as possible for members of the community to come and be involved. (Stewart Chambers: 442356)
Job loss concerns
By Violet Li
Workers at glass manufacturer Oceania Glass say they are facing a hard employment market, burdens to pay bills and mortgages, and mounting pressure to support their families if the business cannot find a buyer and has to be shut down.
They also called for the government to support the manufacturing industry.
The 169-year-old glass manufacturer based in Dandenong South, which employs much of its 261 workforces, was announced as in the hands of voluntary administrators at Grant Thornton Australia on 4 February.
The business will continue to trade during the voluntary administration period, with a view to selling to an “appropriate buyer”, the administrators stated.
According to its website, Oceania Glass sold its first glass in 1856 and is Australia’s only maker of architectural glass.
Prior to its collapse, Oceania Glass submitted to the Anti-Dumping Commission that the Australian industry had suffered “material injury” as a result of clear laminate glass imported from Thailand and China at dumped and subsidised prices.
Glass worker Dwayne Gore, who has been working at Oceania Glass for 30 years, said people working here were hard workers, and they all had mortgages, children, and families.
“What they do here is actually extraordinary. You only have to walk down that plant where they’re making the glass, and you’ll understand the actual techniques and skills that the people have got here,” he said.
“People have given up their time, come in on weekends, done the hard work.”
He has been worried about the younger crowd who just landed in this industry.
“There are people here that need to go find a job if the business goes down. It’s hard enough out there to try and find something even if it wasn’t closing down,” he said.
“The government needs to do something about it.”
Ulrich Prince, who has also been working at the business for 30 years, said he still needed to find another job if things went downhill.
He said it was a hard employment market for someone who had been in a specialised industry.
“We are the only glass manufacturer in Australia. Once we’re gone, everything else will be brought in from overseas,” he said.
“As soon as that happens, their prices will go up. Everyone will be paying more for their shower screens, their windows and everything else that we do here.”
Mr Prince said he might have to find a job outside of his skill or get retrained.
“I’ve got bills to pay. I’ve got a mortgage. I’ve got children. It’s going to be tough.
Calls for support
By Violet Li
The Victorian Branch of the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) is calling on the Federal Government to support glass manufacturing as the country’s only glass manufacturer, Oceania Glass, has recently gone into administration.
The union is encouraged by the announcement by the Prime Minister to back the Whyalla steelworks and calls on him to extend the same industry support to Oceania Glass.
The AWU argues that Oceania Glass, which employs 260 workers and produces 165,000 tonnes of flat glass annually, deserves similar consideration.
“The Prime Minister’s decision to save Whyalla shows the government understands the importance of protecting our sovereign manufacturing capabilities. We need that same recognition for Australia’s last remaining glass manufacturer,” AWU Victorian Secretary Ronnie Hayden said.
“Oceania Glass isn’t just another manufacturer. It’s the only float glass manufacturing line in Australasia. Once these skills and capabilities are lost, they’re gone forever.
“We can’t afford to let another critical industry disappear from our shores.
“We have seen our last sovereign plastic manufacturer Qenos shut up shop and leave in the last few months. This is urgent, I can’t state it any more plainly than that.”
Mr Hayden said the union had been seeing enterprises in their commercial districts evaporating by the month.
“It is because other countries are outmaneuvering us, knowing that once we can’t do it ourselves, we’ll be at their beck and call,” he said.
“The Future Made In Australia is more than a catchphrase, it’s our members’ livelihoods.”
Housing Minister Claire O’Neil toured the Dandenong facility with AWU officials on Friday 21 February, to witness the operation and meet with workers whose livelihoods hang in the balance.
“We’re really concerned about what’s been happening on-site here over the last few months,” she said.
Mr Hayden said the current situation of Oceania Glass was the direct result of weak anti-dumping laws that had allowed cheap imported glass to flood the country’s market.
“I’m seeing a tsunami of glass arriving at construction sites across Melbourne. The regulator can’t keep up. We need the Feds to give the Anti-Dumping Commission a cash injection so they can grow some teeth and enforce the laws we already have,” he said.
“We need a cop on the beat bringing prosecutions in weeks to months.”
“It’s devastating in the fact that we’re one big family here. Everyone has known each other for years and years. It’s like a family breaking up.”
Lachlan Mccracken, who just started the work a year ago, said he was worried about his future career. He may have to switch to other fields.
He said that as the government had been transitioning away from coal-powered and gas-powered energies, the manufacturing industry was hit hard. “I like that the government is supporting that just transition, but they need to support the manufacturing first.”
Mr Hayden said Oceania Glass wrote to the Anti-dumping Commission in August last year and asked them to fix up the problem, but the Commission said they might have an answer by April this year.
“Nine months is just not acceptable,” he said. “We’re not saying that the government should be chipping in and fixing up the problems. We’re saying you already have laws in place, fix those laws, enable those laws, and make sure that the products being made in Australia aren’t being underdone by foreign countries.”
Workers at glass manufacturer Oceania Glass said they were facing a hard employment market, burdens to pay bills and mortgages, and mounting pressure to support their families if the business could not find a buyer and had to be shut down. (Rob Carew: 460999)
Oceania Glass in Dandenong South.
Housing Minister Claire O’Neil toured the Dandenong facility with AWU officials on Friday 21 February.
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Samuel hits the stage
By Ethan Benedicto
As the temperature soared and the stage set, it didn’t take long for Samuel Rowland to find his footing during his powerful performance at the Berwick Show.
Held on Saturday 22 February, Samuel was booked in for the 10:15am time slot, singing two songs, singing Swingin’ On The Golden Gate with his carer, and Glory To God in the Highest with sister duo Tanjil and Sienna Adams.
Michelle Rowland, Samuel’s mum, was beside herself with pride and joy, with Samuel’s performance and also with the love that was shown by the crowd.
“I loved it, it really was a blessing for me to witness so much love for my son,” she said.
“My daughter, who had the same condition, her life was very closed, we had therapists and teachers and doctors involved, but on the day I had to return her to the Lord, there were so many people, it was amazing.
“God has made me realise how many lives Samuel has touched and that was great for me to see.”
Recalling Samuel’s determination to “see things through” once he has begun, Michelle was all the more impressed when it came to preparing the performance.
Samuel was born with the generic disease of Dravet Syndrome, and was also diagnosed with autism, yet despite this, Michelle said that he was a boy who gave it his all during the performance.
From the ear microphones, and the sound checks, to smiling for photos, it all went smoothly that Michelle said she was “speechless”.
“The sound checks, the introduction to the backstage, that wasn’t part of the plan but Samuel went along with it like a superstar.
“Family, friends, everyone came to meet him at the back, and it was just something else,” she said.
Furthermore, she commended the Adams sisters for their performance as well, being able to play alongside her son to that degree, despite only having one rehearsal session.
“You know, this whole experience is a blessing, I’m trying to come up with all these words but my mind is just blank,” Michelle said.
“But, we’re blessed, we’re blessed to be living in a place where my child and the things that he loves doing are appreciated and encouraged.”
Samuel Rowland took centre stage, with nothing else but singing his heart out on his mind. (Gary Sissons: 457852)
One of the bigger crowds during the morning performances attended Samuel’s melodies. (457852)
From left to right, Tanjil Adams, Samuel Rowland, Indira Srikanth (Samuel’s carer) and Sierra Adams. (457852)
Samuel with his mum, Michelle Rowland, and dad Kiran Rowland. (457852)
Samuel’s family and friends celebrated after the show. (457852)
Samuel performing with (from left to right) Sierra Adams, carer Indira Srikanth and Tanjil Adams. (457852)
Therapy dog Smudgee. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 460448)
Cranbourne North child sex
offender jailed for 10 years
By Violet Li
A Cranbourne North child sex offender, who worked as a project officer for the Department of Training and Education, was sentenced to 10 years in jail after what the judge called “particularly abhorrent”, “simply horrific”, and “disturbing” offences.
Vishnu Palliyali Vikraman, 25, pleaded guilty to eight charges, including using carriage service to groom a person under 16 years old, using carriage service to transmit child abuse material and to cause child abuse material to be transmitted to himself, and possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service.
Judge Fiona Todd delivered the 10-year imprisonment sentence on Tuesday 18 February, at the Victorian County Court.
She said reading the 35-page prosecution opening summary was to experience a “relentless and profound revulsion and ultimately moral despair”.
“It is unbelievably bleak. The horrific nature of the content of the factual summary in your case presents a practical difficulty for the court,” she said.
The judge chose not to recite or even summarise the facts on the sentence but to quote the prosecution opening very selectively to reduce the exposure of court participants and the public to unnecessary harm and not to reproduce and transmit child abuse material in written form.
Vikraman was first arrested in December 2022 and was bailed on the same day. He reoffended during his bail, which led to his second
arrest in March 2024.
The court discovered that he groomed a girl then aged between 13 and 15.
The offender was also found to have sent child abuse materials to other girls.
The police discovered that Vikraman had more than 3,800 images of child abuse materials across multiple devices.
“The content of the images is quite simply horrific,” Judge Todd said.
“Your transmission charges involve the exchange of child abuse material with some 29 people. The content is grossly depraved and violent.
“A large number of children were involved. Their images circulate with your help permanently and infinitely across the Internet, making an enduring and endless republication of these children’s horrifying abuse.”
While there was no evidence of monetary profit in the case, Judge Todd said Vikraman participated in the trade of child exploitation material in online spaces where his fellow offenders would send to and repay him with images and videos on a one-for-one basis.
She called Vikraman “a market participant in the child exploitation industry”.
Judge Todd said that to spend time with these facts was to stare into the abyss.
“If the most vulnerable and smallest children are the subject of violent adult sexual conduct, it is difficult to believe that anyone is safe anywhere,” she said.
The offender pleaded that he was lonely and felt inadequate to the task of forming an adult relationship, which Judge Todd believed fell well short of excusing or even explaining what he did.
“You were capable enough as an adult. You finished tertiary study, and you’d worked including in a government department,” she said.
“You were not raised in an environment that exposed you to or normalised deviant sexual behaviour. You grew up in a stable home, and you were living in an environment where the moral compass was set to north.”
The court revealed that Vikraman was born
in India and raised in Singapore. The family emigrated to Australia when he was eight.
His childhood was characterised by harsh discipline, particularly in the context of academic performance. Vikraman’s father would physically discipline him on some occasions, and the two had a conflicted and detached relationship.
Vikraman achieved excellent academic results at school but struggled socially. He was said to have significant issues developing connections with his peers and was subject to bullying.
He completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne. His mental health deteriorated during this period, and he was diagnosed with depression.
At the time of his first arrest, he was employed as a project officer at the Department of Training and Education.
No prior conviction history was found.
The expert witness opined that Vikraman developed “’paedophilic sexual arousal patterns”.
Judge Todd said the role for this sentence was to deter other people from engaging in this behavior.
“This sentence must communicate to anyone tempted to involve themselves in similar conduct…
“This sentence must also serve as a public denunciation of what you did on behalf of the community.”
Vikraman was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment, including a non-parole period of six years and six months.
By Tuesday 18 February, he had already served 348 days of pre-sentence detention. He will be registered as a sex offender for life.
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County Court of Victoria. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 231934)
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
Treat them clean, keep green
Sustainability is a focus of many schools these days, with students often encouraged to engage in practices such as packing ‘nude’ lunches, recycling and switching off lights when not in use. How can parents help encourage their kids to be sustainable students?
Here are eight tips from Sustainability Victoria:
1. Lunches - get the kids to make their own lunch and use containers suited to nude food, eliminating the need for disposable wrapping. If you do need to wrap, reusable beeswax wraps can be used. Find out about them online or do a course on making them at your local neighborhood house or community arts centre.
2. Make your own snacks - despite what they say, many kids have plenty of time on their hands. Teach them to make their own muesli bars and other snacks. Be patient, it’s a great life skill. They will learn to be more independent and have fun doing it!
3. Get more value - use the ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ website to get great recipes to use last night’s leftovers in exciting ways for school (and work) lunches.
4. Use what you’ve got - save money by digging out pens, pencils and other consumables from drawers, cupboards and bags, rather than buying new ones. Many stationery makers also have a range of notebooks made from recycled paper.
5. Textbooks and uniforms - most schools have secondhand book and uniform shops, but your local op shop is also worth trying. Many high school English and literature books are available for free on Kindle. For other subjects, ask teachers what the difference is with this year’s version of a textbook compared with last year’s, as the older edition may still be suitable.
6. Walking or riding to school is a great way to stay fit. It saves fuel and reduces vehicle pollution and traffic jams at the school gate. Otherwise, park a short distance from the school and walk with the kids and use it as an opportunity to teach road rules. Catching the bus may also be an option.
Second-hand office furniture shops often have very modern goods at a much better price than new and they will last. It is also worth checking out Facebook Marketplace for some great quality bargains.
7. Buying a desk, bookcase or filing cabinet?
St Therese’s Catholic Primary School is a welcoming and happy place where children are nurtured to become independent and responsible learners. Families are welcome to contact the school any time to discuss the enrolment of their child and book a tour.
The catchment area (or zone) for St Therese’s is presently those families within the St Agatha’s Parish boundaries living north of Camms Road and north of Thompsons Road.
refer to our
8. Ask your school to join the ResourceSmart Schools program offered by Sustainability Victo-
ria. Supporting schools within the state to embed sustainability measures across the school facilities, community and curriculum, once a school joins the program, it will have access to an online portal to learn and practice ways of integrating sustainability while also saving resources and money for the school.
Housing struggles amid jobless rise
By Ethan Benedicto
As Victoria’s unemployment rate rose to 4.1 per cent in January, a local support service has seen a 20 per cent spike in people requiring help since Christmas last year.
In the City of Casey, Helen Small, the executive manager of Casey North Community Information and Support Services said that the organisation is seeing “a lot more people here than ever before”.
“The number of people we see each day has increased roughly 20 per cent since Christmas, it’s been really noticeable.
“We’ve also seen a big increase in people who are homeless, but not necessarily sleeping rough.
“What you see in Casey is a very hidden homelessness, and compared to the CBD, you see a lot of people sitting on the footpaths, sleeping, not here,” she said.
This rate is a jump from the 4 per cent in the previous month, however, the ABS detailed that employment increased by 44,000 jobs throughout the state, yet the number of officially unemployed people also climbed by 23,000.
While the employment increase is a sign that more people are entering the workforce and actively looking for jobs, homelessness remains a major issue.
The Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) released on Thursday 20 February that there is a need for emphasis on programs for those sleeping rough unless the State Government were to provide funding lifelines in the upcoming budget.
They also added that homelessness in the state rose 24 per cent during the last Census and that in 2021, more than 30,000 Victorians were without a home on the night of said Census.
According to the CHP’s CEO, Deborah Di Natale, the state’s housing crisis “is reaching a crossroads”.
“With political will, we can end homelessness, but a failure to act will cause a human catastrophe.”
The CHP’s plan lays on their 2025/26 State Budget submission which calls for $100.9 million in the next financial year - $421.9 million over four years - to fund Housing First programs that provide housing and support for rough sleepers.
The City of Casey, which has one of the state’s fastest-growing populations, with a population of 392,110 as of 2023, is subject to the same is-
sues.
Financial insecurity is widespread, the rising housing costs and stagnant wages have made it difficult for people, particularly those in low-income or casual work, to find stable employment and housing.
The difference, according to Small, was that while other parts of Victoria, such as the city, may visibly show the effects of homelessness, Casey sees people who are sleeping in parking lots, in their vehicles and in tents at parks.
Overcrowding was another issue she said, where you will often “see people who have a four bedroom home, but with 17 to 18 people inside it”.
“The other more difficult situations are those people living with family violence, so these are the things that we struggle with in Casey that are probably very different in Carlton or Fitzroy.
“Another aspect is the high migrant population who probably are not aware that there is help available, and while many are doing their best, information in languages other than English is not easily accessible,” Small said.
Looking at Cranbourne, the CHP released a profile of the area’s homelessness in 2022, which recorded that there were 240 people without a home.
It further stated that homelessness affected 38 people per 10,000, as compared to the state average of 42 per 10,000 people; this ranked Cranbourne 38th in the state out of 88 electorates.
Recurring with Small’s and the CNCISS’ observations, there were 170 people in severely overcrowded dwellings, and the second highest with 33 people in supported accommodation.
“Housing First programs have demonstrated remarkable success in providing stable, longterm housing for people who were previously sleeping rough,” Di Natale said.
“Victoria’s From Homelessness to a Home (H2H) program had a 95 per cent success rate but was ended in 2024 and replaced with a smaller program.
“What Victoria needs now is for the government to double-down on Housing First programs, rather than scaling back.”
For South East Local Learning and Employment Network, CEO Andrew Simmons said that Casey holds more people in housing stress as compared to other areas.
“This is a measure of the percentage of in-
come that goes into rent or mortgage payments, so statistically, we have a high representation of families or households that are under either mortgage or rental stress.
“That is potentially the result of low-income jobs, but also families that might only have one source of income,” he said.
While Simmons agrees that in the Southeast as a whole, there tends to be more affordable housing, it may not necessarily be more affordable for the younger generation, with multiple barriers that prevent the youth from buying their first homes.
“There’s a really high percentage of people who battle the rental element versus entry-level roles, particularly if you’re only working parttime while studying,” he said.
“But this is the case even if you’re an apprentice, it’s really not an option at all; you’re either living at home or at a shared house, you’re certainly not living on your own.”
The CHP’s budget submission also called for an urgent investment in critical homelessness prevention programs, with a call for the state government to invest $37.1 million in the Private Rental Assistance Program and Tenancy Advocacy and Assistance Program.
It was also added that with Victoria’s need for a minimum of 6000 social housing dwellings to be built each year for at least a decade, a $4.9 billion investment in the budget to grow the state’s public and community housing stock is a must.
Di Natale said that “critical services supporting rough sleepers and families with children are at risk of extinction without an urgent funding commitment from the Victorian government”.
“Prevention is always better than cure, unprecedented demand for rental assistance schemes means we need urgent investment to ensure people don’t fall through the cracks into homelessness,” she said.
The City of Casey adopted the Affordable Housing Strategy on 15 December 2020, with a 10-year strategy in place for Social and Affordable Housing in Victoria.
In 2023/2024, a review of the plan saw priorities for 2024 as to scope out emerging opportunities at both state and federal levels for a range of options that Casey could take in affordable housing space.
This was said to be presented to the new and current council for consideration and decision.
Casey home target cut
By Violet Li
Casey’s mandated housing target for the next three decades has dropped by 16 per cent, and the mayor says the council is confident it can achieve the target.
The finalised housing targets were published on Monday 24 February, where Casey’s quota by 2051 dropped from 104,000 in the draft plan to 87,000 - about 16 per cent - comprising 28,500 in the non-greenfield and 58,500 in the greenfield.
According to a media release by Premier Jacinta Allan, more homes are needed in established suburbs close to jobs, transport and services, so that young people can live near family and work. Pressure needs to come off outer suburbs that have carried too much of the load, she said.
“That’s what the targets achieve: taking pressure off Melbourne’s urban fringe areas by delivering 70 per cent of growth in established areas and 30 per cent of growth in the outer suburbs, instead of the other way around,” she stated.
She also stated that the State Government would intervene and unlock space for more homes, including through rezoning if councils didn’t start doing the planning work now to meet their targets.
The Minister for Planning would also retain her powers to intervene or fast-track developments.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said Casey Council was confident that it could achieve its housing targets.
“Achieving this housing target will require continued collaboration between the State Government, council, and the housing sector,” he said. “We want Casey to be an affordable and accessible city that welcomes everyone, particularly first home buyers and young families.”
Dr Marcus Spiller from SGS Economics and Planning said it was fair enough for the State Government to intervene when ‘state interests’ are at stake.
“Creating a more responsive housing supply system does fit into this category given the crisis we’re in,” he said.
“This said, I hold to the view that local governments know their areas well and are best seen as partners, rather than adversaries, in the achievement of housing targets.”
Casey has 131,000 existing homes, according to the statistics in 2023.
The Council to Homeless Persons has called for more attention and action on programs that provide support from the State Government. (On File)
Helen Small, executive director of CNCISS, says that considering Casey’s size, support for the homeless is a must. (Rob Carew: 332999_03)
Deborah Di Natale, CEO of CHP, is calling for the State Government to have a greater focus on supporting the needs of the homeless. (Supplied)
Bunjil Place, City of Casey. (Gary Sissons: 429633)
Tragedy spurs safety plea
By Ethan Benedicto
The grief of losing a loved one is unforgettable and for Regis and Marita Roussell, there is pain and a tightness in their chest after their son Danny was lost to an accident at BelgraveHallam Road.
The tragic incident on 15 January unfurled after a Ford ute veered into the path of a Mazda sedan after overtaking two vehicles, both subsequently losing control.
It just so happened that Danny Roussel, the 33-year-old son of Regis and Marita was on his way home from his usual routine run at Frog Hollow Reserve.
Just before 3pm, he was struck and killed.
Both Regis, the father, and Marita, the mother, described the loss as horrific and life-changing.
Regis recalled the day they heard the news, he recalled that when Marita heard it, “she was really lost”.
“They had to ring an ambulance for her when we were at the police station, she was just all over the floor and it was, it was grief in its rawest form.
“We heard the news, and we had an inkling, but then it became the final nail in the coffin,” he said.
Danny loved everything fitness, he held a PhD in physiotherapy and had been in the profession for well over a decade.
Marita said that her son “lived for his fitness”.
“He jogged every single day, if not gym, he would jog, or both, and on weekends, he’d be up at you know, 5.30am, he was a very active guy,” she said.
The love from others has been overwhelming, according to the family, with family and friends showing and voicing their support.
Nevertheless, the family is still “not coping”.
“I was at counselling today, and Marita had a visit to her psychiatrist on Tuesday, that’s what we have to go through non-stop,” Regis said.
Both lamented on the loss, that with Danny still living at home, it felt emptier than before as the family never grew tired of each other, of the busyness of the home.
Their eldest daughter, Lisa, is also grieving, and for Marita, it felt as if the family had been given a “life sentence”.
“She’s not coping, and Danny still lived at home, so we were a close family, very close,” they both said.
“We miss him you know? Him walking up and down the area, we still see his things around, and we’re kind of just waiting for him to come through the door after his run.”
Close family friend Charlotte Cox shares the family’s pain and has pledged to herself and them to be their voice of change.
After hearing the news, and seeing the support from friends and peers at work online, Charlotte felt that something could be done.
“What we were discussing was that we were concerned about where the barriers on that road are placed,” she said.
“There’s no protection between the edge of the road and the footpath.
“So I would think that the State Government have a duty of care, that if they were putting a footpath beside a main road, there should be some form of protection for pedestrians, runners, or someone walking their child.”
While Marita couldn’t find it within herself to visit the site of the accident, Regis did, and from what he saw, it wasn’t difficult to surmise that “it’s very dangerous”.
“Where Danny was jogging, it’s very close to the road, when some car goes past, you can feel the wind that it creates,” he said.
For them, it’s simple - change the speed limit.
The family is aware that other traffic calming devices are out of the question, considering the arterial nature of the road, but at the same time, there seems to be no hope when it comes to changing people’s behaviour on the roads.
“You can’t change silly people’s minds,” they
all said, adding that if people wanted to see how fast their car could go, they should “take it somewhere else, not where people are going to be”.
Growing up, it seemed to be destiny that Danny involved himself with all things active, being an avid Geelong Cats supporter since birth - a family trait according to Regis - he found himself engrossed in footy.
While he played all kinds of sports, from cricket to soccer, he always found himself on the oval field, winning the local premiership when he played for the under-16s in Noble Park.
“Everyone loved Danny, even his friends, they come here now, and they adored him, everyone, he just had this charisma on him,” both parents said.
“It was difficult for his friends to hear the news, they loved him, and even his boss came and they said they still couldn’t believe it.
“It shows how much he meant to them, to the people.”
Charlotte recalled that Danny was the “kind of person who gave so much of his time to so many people, but didn’t expect anything back”.
Danny graduated with a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University in 2015, and in the break, took his one last leap of freedom to visit the United States with Charlotte’s family, before returning to become a full-time physiotherapist.
Charlotte, alongside the family’s eldest daughter Lisa, is advocating for change, and hopes are in the air as she’s expecting to meet with local Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson in the coming weeks.
“There’s hard work for these changes to be made, and we want that barrier moved,” she said.
“The speed limit to be reduced as well, because the pedestrians need to be protected.”
When asked how the family deals with the grief, Regis and Marita simply said “we can’t”.
“We all sit here, in the living room, my daughter would sit opposite us, and we just sort of look at each other.
“We’re still in shock, I don’t know, we don’t say much, the TV’s going in the background but we’re not there.
“I mean, we’re here, but life is gone, that’s the only way to explain it.”
‘Long overdue’: Debate unfolds over Victoria’s cannabis laws
By Sahar Foladi
A state inquiry in reviewing current cannabis laws has sparked debates, concerns and hopes for various communities.
South East Monash Legal Service submitted in favour of softening cannabis laws in a State Parliament review initiated by South East Metropolitan MP Rachel Payne from Legalise Cannabis Victoria party.
Ms Payne wants adults to be able to possess small quantities of cannabis for personal use and grow up to six plants at home without any fear of prosecution.
The support from SEMLS comes in a bid to move from criminalisation, which affects particularly young people, to a “harm-reduction” approach.
A SEMLS spokesperson says their work with young people show significant social and legal consequences of the current cannabis laws.
They say young people should not be criminalised for cannabis use.
“Our experience shows that criminalisation leads to significant legal and social consequences, often entrenching disadvantage rather than addressing harm.
“A health-based, harm-reduction approach would be a more effective way to minimise risks while ensuring support and education are available for those who need it. Drug law reform is an important step towards a more just and evidence-based system.
“SMLS supports formal decriminalisation or a regulated legalisation scheme for cannabis use to reduce the harms caused by prohibition.
“Our clients—many of whom are already disadvantaged—face devastating consequences from minor drug offences.
“In our experience, prohibition does not deter usage but does increase harm. We must shift towards education, harm reduction, and providing meaningful alternatives for young people.
“A smarter approach to cannabis is long overdue.”
The organisation refers to global examples of decriminalisation which they say have reduced drug related harm, improved public health outcomes and eased pressures on the justice system.
City of Greater Dandenong has the highest cannabis drug use and possession (321) in the year ending September 2024 according to the Crime Statistic Agency.
This is compared to its surrounding cities like City of Casey (298), Frankston (233) and Kingston (167).
Victoria Police has not made any submissions to the inquiry however Dandenong-based notfor-profit community organisations Dalgarno Institute made an opposing submission.
The Institute’s executive director Shane Varcoe says decriminalisation of a substance is unnecessary to achieve an educative exercise rather than a punitive one.
He is concerned the science on the harms of cannabis is being “ignored” by a minority to push
“a particular agenda.”
“All you have to do is shift the management of the laws from the enforcement body to be diverted to counselling rehabilitation.
“That should be what’s done without a punitive response of having charges against you.
“We’re all for that, we don’t want to see people go to jail for ongoing cannabis use.
“However, our submissions has borne this out - no one is in jail for smoking weed, it doesn’t exist, it’s a complete fabrication.
“People are in jail when cannabis is involved, if they have acted out in a dissociative state and committed a crime whilst doing that. Consequentially they have got in trouble with the law.
“We don’t want to see people jammed up just
for smoking weed but we do want it to stop because we know in the long run this is going to cause more damage (not necessarily criminal damage).”
Mr Varcoe says he understand why legal services are in favour of this inquiry but says he’s concerned this may attract young people toward cannabis usage.
“We want to keep them away for as long as possible and the changing of laws isn’t going to facilitate that mechanism.
“It will facilitate greater interest in use, that is our concern and all policy makers should be concerned about.”
He shares his brother, who passed away last year, to be a “classic example” of the long-term impacts and sufferings of cannabis.
“So, we’ve seen the outcome, trauma and drama to him and the family on the way through.
“It was put down in monetary cost to be astronomical. We’re talking 25-35 years of grief and dysfunction and welfare because of his disability with cannabis use.
“So we’ve seen firsthand what this does and those narratives that have been ignored by pro-cannabis lobbyists who have the leverage and the money.”
He lists the harms of cannabis use such as its mental and physical health impacts especially in the long run, costs on the state’s budget and more importantly he questions who will oversee how adults are using cannabis as well as ensuring young people are not engaged.
Regis (left) and Marita (right) Roussel, holding a memorial portrait of their son, Danny. (Ethan Benedicto: 461020_01)
South Eastern Metropolitan MP Rachel Payne, front right, moved for a review into decriminalising cannabis use in State Parliament. (Supplied)
Waste going to parliament
By Violet Li
The community is set to expect a parliamentary debate on the proposed Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station in weeks ahead after a local MP tabled two petitions in parliament last week.
Opposition MP for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region Ann-Marie Hermans tabled two petitions in parliament on 18 and 19 February to stop the construction of the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station.
Two petitions with more than 4000 signatures requested that the State Government overturn the planning approval of the proposed waste transfer station and reject a separate development licence application that is being assessed by Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria. The petitions also asked the State Government to investigate the processes that led to the planning permit application being approved by the City of Casey.
Ms Hermans said an ensuing parliamentary debate would be in around April or May as there were several other petitions qualified for debate ahead of hers.
She said as a local woman, she had tremendous empathy for people living in the area.
“I’ve got friends that also live in the area, and it’s just appalling to think that in a first-world country like Australia, we can have a waste transfer system built so close to residential areas without even having an understanding, not just of the environmental impact, but also what is this going to do to these residential homes and people and their families,” she said.
“What are the health risks for everybody?
“And this is untried. It’s unheard of in firstworld countries.”
Ms Hermans said the locals were getting stonewalled.
“It’s really important that the people are heard and that their concerns are heard,” she said.
When inquired, Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas said the landfill and waste transfer station were being taken advantage of for political purposes during State, Federal and Council elections.
“This has resulted in some candidates making promises to close the landfill immediately and stop the waste transfer station. These are false promises that I will not make. I have always worked in the best interests of my constituents,” he said.
“There are contracts in place for our waste to be processed at the site. The State Government’s recycling plan and the waste transfer station are essential parts of a circular economy to tackle climate change for all Victorians, now and into the future.
“The waste transfer station is a part of that overarching plan with the council following the planning process for the site, and the EPA is responsible for the oversight of the operations.
Panda Mart opens doors
By Violet Li
International retailer Panda Mart is opening its first store Australia-wide in Cranbourne today (Thursday 27 February).
The warehouse-sized store is located at the ex-Masters site at the Cranbourne Homemaker Centre along the South Gippsland Highway. The site had been sitting empty since 2016 before the retailer secured a lease late last year.
The bargain retailer started its business first in South Africa more than a decade ago and expanded the global empire over the years into South America, the US, and New Zealand.
The Australian leg will first see two big stories opening this year in Cranbourne and Preston.
Owner John Chen said the Cranbourne store features homewares, offering a variety of 28,000 products that cater to the needs of the local market.
A walk around the store will expose the community to row after row of goods from kitchenware, furniture, and cleaning supplies to home decoration and outdoor sports equipment.
When asked how the store competes with Australia’s major homewares players, such as Kmart, Mr Chen said Panda Mart provides customers with more price options.
“For example, we sell a variety type of cups, like dozens of options. Prices range from low to high. Some offer great value for money. Some are justified by quality,” he said.
Mr Chen also said the store would gradually
Owner John Chen was excited that Panda Mart would open its first store Australia-wide in Cranbourne on Thursday 27 February. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 461172)
expand the product range to over 50,000 varieties to give customers a wider selection.
Speaking of why Cranbourne was selected as the retailer’s first destination in Australia, Mr Chen noted that the area had been developing quickly with a growing influx of immigrants and a high demand for shopping. The ample supply of parking and the easily accessible location were also attractive factors.
Panda Mart Cranbourne will offer a 20 per cent discount in the first four days of opening, from Thursday 27 February to Sunday 2 March. It will open seven days a week from 9am to 8pm.
A huge panda logo will be painted outside of the warehouse in the coming weeks.
”If there are issues with the waste transfer station, then let’s look at the design and other issues to reduce any impacts to the nearby community.”
He said when the operator Veolia had breached conditions of its licence, then they should be properly held to account by the reg-
ulator,
how the Hallam Road Landfill and the waste transfer station were run and operated to reduce impacts on affected residents.
Strict CCO for drug offender
By Ethan Benedicto
Southeast man Lionel Albert was sentenced to a strict community corrections order after serving 27 months in custody.
Albert, 41-year-old, was charged and pled guilty to five drug charges on Friday 14 February, and attended court again on Thursday 20 February, for further plea and sentencing.
Following a police raid at a Langwarrin South property where a clandestine drug lab was found in 2022, alongside 672 grams of drug-related substances, a stolen Porsche 911 coupe and a dismantled shotgun with five cartridges, Albert initially pleaded guilty to five charges.
These charges included trafficking methamphetamine, the possession of precursor chemicals, firearm possession, handling stolen goods - the Porsche - and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Albert’s CCO will run for two and a half years, with the following mandatory conditions of 100 hours of community service, supervision by Corrections Victoria, compulsory drug treatment and mental health assessment, judicial monitoring hearings every three months and immediate breach consequences.
The latter included the possibility of re-sentencing if Albert were to breach the CCO.
In court, Judge Bayles acknowledged the seriousness of Albert’s offences, his lengthy criminal history, which involved drugs, dis-
honesty, firearm-related convictions and his previous breaches of multiple CCOs.
However, due to him already serving 826 days in pre-sentence detention, the judge ruled that he was eligible for a supervised release under strict conditions.
The initial argument the prosecution argued for was a full prison sentence with a non-parole period, once more citing Albert’s history and the assessment that he has a high risk of re-offending.
The defence successfully pushed for a combination sentence, arguing in their stead that a structured rehabilitation program under said CCO would be more effective than extended imprisonment.
Jude Bayles said to Albert “I hope you understand the effect of this order and I hope you understand that this is an opportunity that I’m giving you”.
“I’m taking a chance on you and I’ll be bringing this back in three months’ time to monitor your progress,” he said.
He also highlighted that if Albert had not pled guilty and was found so, he would have been sentenced to five years in prison with a non-parole period of three and a half years.
Judge Bayles also ordered the forfeiture of all seized drug paraphernalia, firearms and stolen goods, including the Porsche 911 coupe. Albert must report to the Dandenong Corrections Office within two working days of release.
His first judicial monitoring hearing is set for 11 June 2025, where the court will assess his progress and compliance with the CCO.
the EPA. “Indeed, the EPA has recently initiated proceedings against Veolia regarding alleged breaches at the site,” he said. Mr Maas said he would continue to work with residents on
Opposition MP for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region Ann-Marie Hermans in a protest outside Hallam Road Landfill in 2022. (Supplied)
New features a big success
By Afraa Kori
This year, Berwick Show’s new attractions - the Sandy Creek Clydesdales and the Heritage Draught Horse Club - proved to be major crowd-pleasers.
While the woodchop event continued to draw large crowds and remain a beloved part of the show along with our traditional agricultural, horticulture, livestock, craft, cooking, photography, art and school displays.
The owners of Sandy Creek Clydesdales, Jaimie and Matthew Thompson, cherish the stories and emotions their Clydesdales evoke in people, calling it the highlight of the show.
“We had a gentleman who lost his Clydesdale last year and he had a lovely moment with our
guys remembering his past horse.
“They were a lovely crowd, lots of wonderful questions and stories shared. People often like to know where the Clydesdales originated from, what they’re used for nowadays and what we do with them.
“Everyone was very friendly and approachable and we had a very good interaction with the show. We are very flexible, as we go into a show not knowing the crowds.
“People only had well wishes about our blacksmithing and Clydesdale displays, they enjoyed the cool spray from the misting hose as well.”
This encouraging response motivates them to consider returning for future Berwick Shows.
Unfortunately, the new attractions had to adapt to the tough conditions as a total fire ban
Calls for more information as magpie shot with arrow
Conservation Regulator Victoria is seeking information about two separate incidents where Australian magpies were shot with arrows.
The birds were found on 1 February 2025 in Narre Warren and 7 February in Seaford; it is not believed that the two incidents are connected.
According to a Conservation Regulator spokesperson, they have “opened an investigation into two separate incidents in which Australian magpies were shot with arrows”.
“We are seeking information from the public after the magpies were found, sadly died as a result of their injuries,” they said.
All wildlife in the state are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, with the Conservation taking all allegations of wildlife crime seriously, and have urged anyone with more information to contact 136 186.
According to the Act, it is illegal to hunt, take, destroy, injure, or interfere with wildlife without authorisation.
Offenders face maximum penalties of more than $9,870 and/or six months imprisonment. Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000, or by visiting crimestoppersvic.com.au.
was in effect on both days - announced just one day prior.
On Saturday, a fierce storm swept through the showgrounds, and Sunday experienced intermittent wind and rain, causing damage to some traders’ marquees.
Jaimie and Matthew Thompson packed misting hoses to provide relief from the heat for both themselves and their horses, along with ensuring adequate shade. They also organised total fire ban permits to allow displays to proceed when possible, as the wind caused issues.
Despite the challenges, the event went ahead successfully thanks to the resilience and dedication of the committee, volunteers, and community.
Berwick and District Agricultural and Horti-
cultural Society Inc president Sharon Geoffrey highlighted that the key takeaway from this year’s event is that, no matter the weather, “the show will go on”.
“Our team took it all in their stride and made the necessary changes as required,” she said.
“Our committee generally believes every show is a success if it puts smiles on the faces of all those who attend.
“I believe it’s very important to continue with the region’s agricultural and horticulture heritage.
“The continued success is a combination of many people over many years all with one thing in common; a passion in keeping the tradition of the Berwick Show going and I feel privileged to have been a part of the show’s history.”
on the money!
Connected Libraries will welcome Victoria Devine to Bunjil Place Function Centre to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Victoria is a retired financial advisor, business owner, podcaster, educator and author. Her podcast She’s on the Money reaches 1.2 million listeners each month, and she is the author of three bestselling books.
Victoria will discuss everything from investing and budgeting to how to avoid impulse purchasing and provide practical advice on how to have a better relationship with money.
Connected Libraries chief executive officer Beth Luppino said: “In celebration of International Women’s Day, we want to empower and give women in the City of Casey the tools to financial freedom.
“Victoria has a huge following of women in particular who want to get ahead in life by learning the tools for saving and investing wisely.
“If you, your daughter, your niece or anyone you know could benefit from learning more about being savvy with money, then why not grab a couple of friends and make a night of it.”
The event will be held on Wednesday 12 March, 7pm at Bunjil Place Function Centre. This is a free event. Book sales and signings will be available on the night.
Book now by visiting connectedlibraries. org.au or visit events.connectedlibraries.org. au/event?id=129664
Sandy Creek Clydesdales. Fiona Bennett with young Mackenzie from Berwick.
Wood chop action featuring Adele Deverell from Kilmore (right). (Garry Sissons: 461701_01)
Maya, 4, from Carrum riding.
Don Buchanan part of the Berwick and District Woodworkers Club inc:
Two magpies were shot with arrows at Narre Warren and Seaford in February. (On File)
She’s
Victoria Devine, who runs the podcast She’s on the Money, will come to Bunjil Place Library on Wednesday 12 March. (Supplied)
Works start to widen bridge
Works are ramping up on the Clyde Road Upgrade with crews starting widening works on the bridge over the Princes Freeway.
Expanding the bridge from six lanes to 10 lanes, which includes new turning lanes on and off the freeway and improved bus access, crews will start work to build the bridge foundations and end supports from 17 February.
“The Clyde Road Upgrade is ramping up with bridgeworks beginning to take shape,” Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Brendan Pauwels said.
“We’re starting works this month to widen the bridge over the Princes Freeway, as we begin the biggest part of the project to create the wider bridge to help ease congestion.”
To ensure a strong and stable foundation for the wider bridge, crews will drill bore holes up to 17 metres deep, roughly as tall as a four-storey building, before filling them with reinforced concrete.
This method of bridge construction helps to minimise noise and vibration impacts, making for less disruption to the local community while we’re working on the foundations.
From there the towering 5.6 metre centre median wall will take shape, as the biggest piece of the project.
Once these works are completed, the project will begin installing 14 bridge beams – each 74 metres long and weighing approximately 48 tonnes – to build the main superstructure of the bridge.
The Clyde Road Upgrade has been busy completing early works over recent months –with works on underground utilities nearing completion as well as the removal of the centre median and installing temporary asphalt and line marking.
These measures help to keep two lanes of traffic flowing on the Clyde Road Upgrade to minimise delays.
Preparations to build the new northbound lanes on Clyde Road have also started. Tem-
Clyde
porary safety barriers are now in place between the freeway and Kangan Drive, allowing crews to work safely with minimal disruption to traffic flow.
The relocation of underground utility ser-
vices, including telecommunications, internet, water and gas protection is expected to wrap up in the next few months, with 80 per cent of this work now complete. If you’d like to learn more about the project,
the team will be hosting a free sausage sizzle in Buchanan Park in Berwick on Saturday 29 March. For more information visit: bigbuild. vic.gov.au/events
Road. (Supplied)
Arts workshop a success
By Violet Li
Hampton Park Uniting Church hosted a free arts workshop on Saturday 22 February, in the leadup to its big exhibition in March.
Facilitator Lyn Mcbain said they put in cultural workshops prior to the arts exhibition Art, Culture, and Diversity, so people could be taught. Facilitators were present on scene to engage the participants with arts.
“We had four different cultures come in,” she said.
“It was very successful. We had about 50 people. We were completely booked out.
“Some of those facilitators have been invited to feature their art, so they can put up to about six pieces of their own art and be featured artists.
“We’ve not done that before, so that’s something different. Every year we try and do something different.”
Free program launched for small businesses
By
Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce has officially launched its big program of the year to help locals start and grow their small businesses.
The free program Start Smart – Run Smart is a multicultural initiative designed to enable and empower locals to start or run a small business. It is open to everyone, regardless of background.
According to the chamber, the program includes four speaker events on different key aspects of starting and running a small business, expert guidance and practical tips to help locals navigate the business world, and a supportive, multicultural environment that understands the challenges and opportunities of business owners.
The first speaker event will be on 24 March at Cranbourne Public Hall, featuring two guest speakers: chief executive officer of Yarra Lane Group Nick Perrett, and owner of marketing agency Innovnate Pty Ltd Nate Ward.
Mr Perrett will be discussing business plans, cash flow management, and budgeting, while Mr Ward will cover marketing for startups and small businesses and the importance of branding.
Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Ian Wood said the program was all about bringing experts in to tutor people who wanted to start small businesses in the Cranbourne area.
He said if anyone wants further specialist advice, they could follow up with the speakers.
The information on the other three sessions will be shared soon.
Locals can book for the first speaker event
through the chamber’s website. Spots
Weapons seized in South East
Eleven people were arrested and 20 weapons seized during a police blitz across the South East.
The arrests were made during 61 raids as part of firearm prohibition order (FPO) checks across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia between 11-13 February.
Among the 20 seized prohibited weapons were an imitation gun, double-edged hunting knives, extendable batons, long batons, flick knives, a laser and OC sprays.
A stolen Mazda CX9 was recovered in Noble Park, as well as large amounts of drugs such as heroin, meth, GHB and cannabis.
More than 40 charges were laid.
Local police - including the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Crime Investigation Units, and the Greater Dandenong Crime Reduction Teamwere supported by the VIPER Taskforce.
Any information on illicit firearms to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
On its first event this year, a preview of the small business program was presented. L-R: Liberal candidate for Holt Annette Samuel, chamber president Ian Wood, speaker Mark Williams and members of the chamber. (Supplied)
Violet Li
Community support worker with the Uniting Church Sam Igoe, instructor of Pakistani Truck-Art Sha Yamin and art committee member Sue Ann were at the workshop.
Calara from Nar Nar Goon was with some of her work.
Mary Murphy was painting a vase (Pakistani Truck-Art). (Gary Sissons: 456205)
Facilitator Sierra Balsom was teaching at the workshop.
Kimiora Daniel, Cooke Islands Maori, was learning indigenous art.
Cranbourne Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Inc Autumn Plant Sale
• Plant sale dates: Saturday and Sunday 22 and 23 March, 2025
• Times: 10am – 4pm on both days
• Location: Royal Botanic Garden Victoria –Cranbourne (Cnr Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne)
The plant sale will be held at the northern end of the Australian Garden. Parking and entry is available nearby (look for the large red banners). A large variety of Australian native plants will be available. A plant list will be available on our website approximately a week before the sale. EFTPOS is available.
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 terms - Come 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 TableWelcoming 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
Trades & Services
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-forprofit 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.
Berwick Bridge Club
Berwick Bridge Club is looking for new members. There are two free beginner’s courses.
One starts on Monday night, 24 February, from 7 to 9pm and the second is on Friday morning, 28 February, from 10am to 12pm.
Both courses run for eight weeks.
Lessons are run at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, 21A Bemersyde Drive, Berwick. No partner is required.
• To reserve your place please phone Maree on 9702 2348.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club meets weekly for a range of different events, including bus trips, community days, games, coffee and chat, bingo, dancing and carpet bowls.
Weeklyactivitytimes-LineDancingMon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
• For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
• Find us on facebook https://www.facebook. com/groups/487808127399953
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 online - https://ballaballa.com.au/health-wellbeing/ Morning Melodies is back! Held the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Our featured entertainers will sing the songs you know and love. Enjoy a cuppa, or scone with jam and cream, make friends and have some fun.
Enrolments and bookings can be made in person or by phoning the centre between 9am -3pm.
• Online enrolments can be made: ballaballa. com.au/programs/
Combined Probus Club of Narre
Warren
The club welcomes men and women to join for fun and interesting activities.
The club hosts bowling, armchair travel, book clubs, walk and talk, happy snappers and cards.
• For enquiries, contact Heather at hsims14@ gmail.com
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club has started a Scrabble Club recently and it runs every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.
• Contact David on 0433 566 456.
PROPOSAL TO INSTALL A NEW MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY CO-LOCATING ON THE EXISTING MONOPOLE AT 260A HEATHER GROVE CLYDE
• An equipment cabinet at ground
monopole; and • Ancillary equipment including but not limited to twenty-one (21) remote radio units, two (2) GPS antennas, feeders, cabling, and other associated equipment.
2. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installation as Low-impact under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the above description. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.
3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Ms Pranal Salunke at Service Stream Limited, 0437 384 924 or Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm Monday 17 March 2025
4. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3978014
CCCA Heat Policy halts play
By David Nagel
Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA)
President Ben Knowles understands the frustration and has vowed to provide an open forum for change after all CCCA cricket was abandoned on Saturday due to the association’s Extreme Heat Policy (EHP).
Saturday morning junior cricket was called off at 9.30 on Friday night, and senior cricket at 6.30am on game day after the Country Fire Authority (CFA) placed an ‘Extreme’ Fire Danger Rating on the Central District of Victoria; of which the entire CCCA competition sits in.
The ‘Extreme’ rating triggered a clause (24.2) in the CCCA EHP that all cricket be cancelled; overriding the still existing trigger of a forecast of 38 degrees at 11am on game day.
The temperature in Melbourne on Saturday officially reached 34.8 degrees.
Knowles provided background as to why clubs were asked to vote on the adapted policy which was adopted in August 2024.
“The Fire Danger Rating was previously in the Extreme Heat Policy, which is clearly written in our Policies and Procedures, but previously it was a junior rule only,” Knowles explained.
“We had a scenario last year where juniors were called off in the morning, because the Fire Danger Rating was extreme, but then those same juniors were allowed to play senior cricket in 38 degrees in the afternoon.
“It made absolutely no sense that cricket was called off in the cooler part of the day (juniors), but they’re allowed to play seniors which is harder cricket in the hottest part of the day.
“The junior and senior committees both agreed that it didn’t make sense.
“It was rewritten at the end of last year and that rewrite was added to the Extreme Heat Policy.
“It was sent out to the clubs, 21 days prior to the Rules and Affiliation meeting; all the clubs voted on it, and that’s where we stand today.
“On Saturday the Fire Danger Rating was extreme, the policy was implemented as it should be, and people are up in arms as to why we’re not playing cricket.
“The clubs voted it in and I’m just following the rules.”
Knowles has won praise for his no-fuss, black and white approach to the rules since taking over from Rob Hansen at the end of last season.
But, while a stickler for the rule book, Knowles, when pushed, acknowledged that change is needed to the EHP.
“I’d say yes; because when you dig deeper the Extreme Fire Danger Rating varies from 51 to 99,” Knowles said.
“On the weekend I saw it at 67 and 71; which is getting up there, and the CFA told me it was purely because of the wind.
“Is the rule good at what it does; yes, but does it need a bit of tinkering…absolutely.
“We may need to look at the specific ‘number’ instead of the generalised rating, and we can do
to the implementation of the CCCA’s Extreme Heat Policy.
that because we will learn from our mistakes.
“My job is to implement the rules once they are approved, but yes…I do think it needs some work.”
Following up from the weekend, Knowles has contacted both the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire to see if both local governments have a heat policy in place; at venues that the CCCA utilises.
City of Casey does not currently have anything in place, while Cardinia Shire has communicated its policy to community groups and users.
When the Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) - which is the base on which the CFA issues its Fire Danger Rating - reaches 75, then certain facilities in the Cardinia Shire are not deemed fit for use.
Two prominent cricket associations didn’t
play on the weekend with Ringwood and District Cricket Association joining the CCCA on the sidelines.
Neighbouring leagues such as Dandenong District (DDCA), Mornington Peninsula (MPCA) and Warragul and District (WDCA) all played on Saturday, while Ferntree Gully (FGDCA) played on with its heat policy having a “Catastrophic” rating cut-off point of 100-plus.
Knowles understands the frustrations that cricketers felt on the weekend.
“Absolutely I understand the frustration; there are a lot of people out there that pay good money to play cricket, and I totally understand where their frustration is coming from,” he said.
“But I have a set of black and white rules; and
this one is pretty easy to read.
“I had guys from my own club (Clyde) ringing me and asking me why we weren’t playing; I get it, I do.
“People work hard, Monday to Friday, and Saturday is their time to play cricket and have a few beers with their mates and that didn’t happen on the weekend.
“Does it need work; yes, I would have to agree with every single player that feels grumpy.
“It was a no-win situation on the weekend; but sometimes it’s unavoidable.”
Concern is growing within the CCCA cricket community that ‘Extreme’ ratings from the CFA could become more commonplace in the future.
Eurell to unleash his Untapped potential at Pakenham
By Michael Floyd
Cranbourne trainer Greg Eurell is hoping Thursday night’s Sportsbet Future Stars Final at Sportsbet-Pakenham is a stepping stone towards bigger things for his emerging three-year Untapped.
The hulking brown gelding was brilliant when winning the opening heat of the $1.2m series in January, and quickly backed up to win equally as impressively at the same venue two weeks later.
Eurell said that while there was the temptation of stepping up to a number of ‘black-type’ threeyear-old races on offer, the lure of the $300,000 final was too great.
“From his last run, it gives us an opportunity to give him a little freshen up and ideally, if we could send him out on a fresh set of legs into the final, that’s probably going to be the best way to go,” he said.
“I think it’s worked out well.”
Untapped rounded out his preparations for the final with an effortless jumpout win at Cranbourne last Monday, with jockey Zac Spain dictating the pace at the front of the field before extending in the run to the line, winning by seven lengths.
“It was good,” Eurell said of the jumpout.
“It said all the right signs were there that he’s
heading in the right direction, and to date everything has worked to plan.”
Eurell has long had a high opinion of the son
concluding
His spring campaign was derailed by a minor leg injury, and while disappointed at the time to miss his early three year old season, Eurell said the break has allowed Untapped to mature and grow into his large frame.
With a faultless preparation under his belt, Eurell is bullish about what lay ahead for Untapped but is happy to allow the horse’s results to dictate which direction he takes.
“It’ll be interesting; I think he’s a progressive sort of horse and he’s still finding his way a little bit,” he said.
“But he’s lightly raced and this time in he’s been faultless, he’s done everything you’d like to see.
“Ideally, if he can get a mile it opens it right up for him.
“He’s a big, strong horse that enjoys his workhe always has - and he’s fairly undentable in that way; he comes out of his runs in terrific order, he looks terrific and he’s racing accordingly.” Now in its third season, the Sportsbet Future Stars Series has already proven an excellent series for emerging talent with horses including Gringotts, Oh Too Good, Bel Air and Marble Arch graduating from the first two editions of the series.
Pakenham’s Toomuc Reserve was a ‘ghost-town’ on Saturday, as were many other grounds around Casey and Cardinia, after cricket was abandoned due
(Stewart Chambers: 460859)
of Foxwedge.
Untapped made his race debut 12 months ago when running a close fourth in the Group 3 Blue
Diamond Prelude at Caulfield before
his two-year-old season in the Group 2 Sires Produce.
The Greg Eurell-trained Untapped will look to make it three in a row in the Sportsbet Future Stars Final at Pakenham on Thursday night. (ROSS HOLBURT/RACING PHOTOS: 461811)
Top two flex their muscles
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Heinz Southern Districts and Parkmore have cemented home semi finals and will enter finals full of confidence following dominant wins in the penultimate round of the season.
The two leading DDCA Turf 2 sides defeated Cranbourne and Coomoora respectively, both of whom are jostling with Lyndale in the last weekend of the season for the two remaining finals spots.
At Reedy Reserve, star-anchor Mackenzie Gardiner scored his second consecutive half century, and fourth of the season, to guide HSD past Cranbourne’s paltry 98.
Gardiner partnered with Jason Ward, who blitzed a quick 58 to put an exclamation mark on the victory.
At Frederick Wachter Reserve, Parkmore set a commanding 3/263 in a match reduced to a one-day fixture.
Second-year Pirate Kyle Gwynne batted with intent and scored his first century for the club, clattering seven sixes in a knock of 108 off 125 balls.
Opening partner Satheesh Fernandu made a quickfire half-century as the pair combined for 84 before the Roos broke through, while number three Johann Brohier also made a brisk half-century.
Coomoora lost frequent wickets in the run chase, finishing on 7/149.
Elsewhere, Parkfield got just its fourth win of the season, chasing down St Mary’s 4/190 and consigning the Saints to certain relegation.
Bandits number-four Chris Pond made the most of just his second First XI game of the season, with his unbeaten 84 the high point of the day after spinner Nicholas Jeffrey helped contain St Mary’s.
At Lyndale, the hosts bowled Narre Warren out for 139 which was chased down five wickets down with more than seven overs to spare.
Forced to navigate the loss of four quick wickets, Ciaron Connolly, Himesh Galhenage Don and Rajika Fernando steadied and continued to score at a brisk rate.
State of play
HSD: Plays St Mary’s with a win to guarantee top spot; an unlikely loss could see the Cobras fall to second.
Parkmore: Plays Lyndale, with a win to propel them to first if HSD loses. If HSD win, they will remain second.
Cranbourne: Plays Parkfield and need a win to lock in a top-four spot. A loss would see the Eagles fall to fourth if one of Lyndale or Coomoora win, and fifth if both win.
Lyndale: Is equal on points and slightly ahead on percentage of fifth-placed Coomoora.
A win over Parkmore would likely lift it to third if Cranbourne loses, and just about lock in a finals spot regardless of the Eagles’ result - but there is a caveat.
If Coomoora wins its match by a significantly greater margin than Lyndale, and Cranbourne win, the Dales could fall out of the top four even with a win.
If Lyndale loses, it will be sweating on the Roos to also lose.
Coomoora: The Roos most straight forward route to finals is beating Narre Warren and hoping one of Lyndale or Cranbourne falter - but as referenced above, even if all three win, Coomoora remains in the hunt if it wins big.
If both sides above it lose, a win would propel the Roos to third. A loss shuts the door on any finals hopes.
Parkfield: Last year’s grand finalists will be playing for pride against Cranbourne and cannot move from sixth position. Narre Warren: Will be looking to add a fourth win
against Coomoora, but won’t move from seventh. St Mary’s: Has the difficult assignment of facing premiership favourite HSD to finish a season which has consigned it to relegation, regardless of Saturday’s result.
Results: HSD 6/170 v Cranbourne 98, Parkmore 3/263 v Coomoora 7/149, St Mary’s 4/190 v Parkfield 5/191, Lyndale 5/140 v Narre Warren 139 Ladder: HSD 60, Parkmore 60, Cranbourne 46, Lyndale 42, Coomoora 42, Parkfield 34, Narre Warren 24, St Mary’s 12 Fixture: HSD v St Mary’s, Coomoora v Narre Warren, Parkmore v Lyndale, Cranbourne v Parkfield
De Silva going for back-to-back in open Gartside race
By Marcus Uhe
The race for the Gartside Medal as the premier player in the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf 2 competition is set to go down to the wire this season as a handful of names jockey for the division’s highest honour.
There’s a pair of Pirates, a new Magpie, an international Eagle, a mysterious spinner and the reigning champion all in the running this season, while a Lyndale seamer is coming home with a rush.
Let’s break down the contenders.
TRIYAN DE SILVA - HSD
348 runs at 34.80, 3 x 50s. 19 wickets at 19.11, 1 five-wicket haul
Three players have won multiple Gartside Medals since its inception in the 2001/02 season. De Silva is right in the mix to become number four, and the second to win the award in consecutive years, following Peter Sweeney’s back-toback triumphs for Cranbourne in 2021/22 and 2022/23.
While not displaying the dominance of previous seasons, De Silva’s consistency flies under the radar and he remains one of the primary focuses of opposition’s scouting reports.
After a quiet beginning to the summer, rounds five (2/20 and 79), seven (97 and 1/57), nine (5/29 and 21) and 10 (4/27) will be where the all-rounder makes his move.
MALAN MADUSANKA - COOMOORA
27 wickets at 18.22.
One of the hottest players in the competition in the opening half of the season who spun his Roos to victory on multiple occasions.
As teams saw him for the first time and battled to figure the left-arm finger spinners out, Madusanka pounced and quickly became one of the division’s most feared prospects.
Rounds four (4/15), five (4/43) and six (3/9)
(Stewart Chambers: 451340)
may very well see him collect the maximum votes in a three-week span and open an early lead, as a crucial figure in two tight defences and a first innings domination.
His form did not translate particularly well to red ball cricket, but his match-winning heroics were on show once again in round nine, with three huge wickets in a tight win over Lyndale.
His back half of the season will be lean when it comes to votes, so his white ball period may be what gets him over the edge.
SATHEESH FERNANDU - PARKMORE
344 runs at 38.22, 4 x 50s. 13 wickets at 16.31.
A new arrival to the DDCA scene this summer, Fernandu took to the competition like a duck to water in his new colours, quickly forming an essential piece of the Pirates’ puzzle.
Runs (51, 35, 61) and wickets (1/21, 2/30) in his first three outings will see him steal an early march in the count before Madusanka gets into his work, while rounds seven (44 and 2/14) and eight (78) will see the seam-bowling all-rounder close the gap.
While his bowling has remained consistent throughout the summer, with wickets in eight of his first 10 bowling performances, his batting has
fallen away post-Christmas.
Sitting at an average of 46.6 after round nine, single-figures scores since Christmas have seen it dip considerably to 38.22.
Like Madusanka, his placing at the midway point off the count will be vital in determining his landing spot.
ANKIT SAXENA - PARKMORE 27 wickets at 10.22.
There’s hardly been a player more consistent than the Pirates’ metronomic and unnerving accurate opening bowler.
In just one innings he failed to grab a scalp for his side, having led the competition for wickets taken for much of the campaign, in a side entrenched in the top three for the duration.
In seven of the Pirates’ first eight bowling innings he finished with the best figures for his side, with an economy rate barely breaching three runs per over.
He and Fernandu may pinch votes off one-another, but rounds two (3/23), four (4/26) and eight (4/18) will be where he makes his move.
AMILA RATNAIKE - NARRE WARREN
545 runs at 60.56, 2 x 100s, 4 x 50s.
Easily the best to wear the black and white colours this season for Narre Warren who had led the leading run scorer’s list for nearly the length of the summer.
In just one of his first six innings, the veteran did not pass 50, with excellent showings against finalists in Parkmore (74), Coomoora (117) and Cranbourne (51).
No batter has raised the bat for a half-century than him this summer as he closes in on a marvellous 600-run campaign.
Half-centuries in wins against St Mary’s (twice) and his 117 against Coomoora, also in a victory, will demand votes, as will his 74 in round two.
Whether his team’s poor record counts against
him, however, will be a storyline to watch as the count progresses.
HARRISON CARLYON - CRANBOURNE
384 runs at 38.40, 1 x 100s, 3 x 50s. 11 wickets at 24.27.
Came with big wraps as an international from the other side of the world and has not disappointed for the Eagles in what could be a premiership season.
His exploits with the bat and the ball have been vital for Cranbourne in leading them back to premiership contention.
Carlyon top-scored on his team’s batting card on four occasions, three times in victories, and has been a consistent threat with his spinning options with the ball.
He could very well open the season with maximum votes from the first two contests, thanks to an explosive 73 and a very tidy 3/19 in the two wins.
2/5 and a century in round eight against St Mary’s are guaranteed votes, but his countrymen Julius Sumerauer may steal a vote from him after an eight-wicket performance.
RAJIKA FERNANDO - LYNDALE
174 runs at 19.33. 32 wickets at 18.00, 1 x five-wicket haul.
A late season jump in form has seen Fernando rocket into contention.
He took the lead in the leading wicket-taker’s list after round 12, having returned from the Christmas interval with a vengeance.
4/80 in a win over Cranbourne in round 11, 6/41 against Parkfield in round 12 and 3/43 against St Mary’s in round 10 will have the leaders in the count sweating when the final few rounds come to be counted.
Whether he can poll votes in a pair of losses to Coomoora, where he took four wickets on each occasion, will determine just how close he comes to rattling the count’s cage.
Kyle Gwynne played a gem of an innings for Parkmore on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 460831).
Gartside Medal winner Triyan De Silva took five wickets to bowl HSD to a win over Parkfield.
Super Saturday at Cora Lynn
By David Nagel
Lovers of winter sports will be well catered for this weekend as Cora Lynn hosts the second edition of its ‘Super Saturday’ carnival at the Cobradome.
The Cobras kicked things off last year with Carrum Patterson Lakes, Hampton Park, Pines, Eltham and Pearcedale all attempting to kick goals, while Bunyip, Neerim South and Pearcedale competed with the Cobras in round-robin fixtures on the netball court.
This time around, some familiar faces return while some new faces will make their ‘Super Saturday’ debuts.
Langwarrin under-19s will kick things off with an intra-club practice match at 10.30am, before the senior boys run out with Pines taking on Officer at 12.30pm.
The football side of things will then finish off in style, with the home-town Cobras taking on Langwarrin at 3pm.
Cora Lynn, Lang Lang and Pines will hit the netball courts for round-robin games beginning
at 9am.
Super Saturday begins a busy month at the Cobradome, with Cora Lynn hosting Springvale Districts on Saturday 15 March.
On Sunday 16, Langwarrin will play Chelsea, before the Cobras take on Pines on Saturday 22 March.
Practice matches at the Cobradome will then be complete when Langwarrin takes on Frankston Bombers on Sunday 23 March.
Cora Lynn president Rohan Marriott was thrilled with response to the inaugural event last year.
“We had a good crowd turn out; there were cars all the way around the ground and the netball courts as well; it was just a really good atmosphere and a great way to kick things off for the season.”
The Cobras finished top of the ladder in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition last year before being bundled out in the preliminary final. Full bar and canteen facilities will be open on the day.
Pathways pivotal for Storm
By Justin Schwarze
Melbourne Storm’s Female Development Squad contained a strong local flavour when the exciting talent ran out for an intra-club practice match at Casey Fields on Sunday.
The match was held prior to Storm’s NRL team playing a preseason game against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Of the 30 girls involved in the program, six come from the Casey Warriors, putting their talent on full display in front of family and friends.
Florance Fuiono, Julliana Kolio, Ocean Kaiwai-Rangikauhata, Lorelai Cordtz, Justice Huriwai-Daymond and Eboni Heurea are all now wearing ‘purple’ after being selected from the Casey Warriors.
“We wanted to give our girls the opportunity to play in front of their friends and families at home,” Melbourne Storm’s Female Pathway Program Manager Pauline Poloai said.
“It gave the girls the opportunity to showcase their talent and also showcase the game of Rugby League in the Casey area.”
In the week prior, the girls had a training session in Hallam, where they were visited by Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen.
“Now that we’ve got our story and our footprint out there, it’s going to bring more awareness to the Melbourne Storm’s female programs and our pathways,” Poloai said.
“We wanted to broaden our horizon around providing Melbourne Storms fans the opportunity of seeing the pathways for females as we venture into the next phase of female sports on the trend.
“The girls were nervous; however it was such a great day for them.
“The smiles, the excitement we saw on their faces; they were nervous but at the end of the day it was really great to see how far they’ve come.”
Along with the club’s fans, the program and event hopes to reach even wider audiences.
Another major focus was growing participation and awareness of women’s sport overall.
“I hope to see this program continue, it’s going to be an exciting foundation for us, as well as the opportunities,” Poloai said.
Cranbourne down but still not out
CRANBOURNE BOWLS
On a very warm and windy Saturday two Cranbourne teams travelled away to take on opponents in the first day of Pennant finals.
Cranbourne 2 Div 2 headed to take on Burden Park on their home greens in the three v four semi-final and came away with an exciting oneshot win.
Having to contend with blustery winds, the two teams battled their way through very trying conditions and there was nothing between the two teams all day.
Best rink for Cranbourne 2 was skipped by Ian Barrenger, with Peter Colthup third, Roger Roscoe second and Loui Magri Lead, winning their rink by six shots.
Running close behind was the rink skipped by Nick Arnold, with Wayne Stevens third, Chris Rea second and Vic Butera Lead winning their rink by five shots.
Doug Boggie’s rink only went down by two shots, while the rink skipped by Neil Drummond went down by eight shots.
•Cranbourne 2 Div 2 (81) def Burden Park 1 (80)
Cranbourne 2 Div 2 then advanced to Sunday’s Section Preliminary Final against Dandenong Club 2 at Dandenong Club on Sunday.
Cranbourne was outplayed on three rinks, going down 85-75, but special mention must go to the winning rink of Neil Drummond skip, Terry Byrnes third, Phil Nielson second and Chris Deal lead, who had a 25 to 9 victory.
Unfortunately, their 16shot margin was gobbled up on the remaining three rinks; which collectively went down by 26 shots.
•Cranbourne 2 Div 2 (75) def by Dandenong Club 2 (85) CRANBOURNE 4 Cranbourne 4 Div 6 took on top-of-the-ladder Mulgrave Country Club 5 after the home and away season.
The two teams came to an agreement to start the game at 10:30 am in an attempt to beat the hottest part of the day.
After the first 11 ends of the game - when the teams took a 10-minute break - Cranbourne held a four-shot lead.
The break seemed to do wonders for Mulgrave and
they started to take control over three of the four rinks.
Cranbourne 4 tried very hard, but just couldn’t pull it off on the day, losing by 18 shots.
Cranbourne 4 will prepare and practice hard to take on Dandenong Club 5 this Saturday 1 March at 1pm at Cranbourne.
Best rink was skipped by Harry Van Soest, with Bill Sherriff third, David McMaster second and Frank Verco Lead winning their rink 21-19.
•Cranbourne 4 Div 6 (65) def by Mulgrave CC5 (83) MIDWEEK PENNANT
The morning started off cool with a slight breeze and even a little drizzle as the teams ventured out to play the last of the round-robin games for season 2024/25.
Cranbourne 1 Div 2, playing on our synthetic green, took on Narre Warren 2 who was holding top position on the ladder.
Not to be deterred our team skipped by Nick Arnold, with Wayne Stevens third, Karen Hickson second and Vic Butera Lead won their rink by 17 shots - 30-13 - squaring up the ledger at a rink a piece.
It was down to the final rink and our team skipped by Peter Elgar, with Chris Stevenson third, Steve Bentley second and Loui Magri Lead enjoyed their bowls and swamped the Narre players with some great bowls; running away to win the rink 41-10.
•Cranbourne 1 Div 2 (85) def Narre Warren 2 (54) + 31 shots and 14 points. Ladder: Second.
Cranbourne 2 Div 3 travelled to Hampton Park to take on their number 1 team.
Best rink was skipped by Chris Deal, with Lesley Deal
third, Terry Byrnes second and Lois Brock Lead winning 19-14.
Cranbourne’s second rink went down narrowly, 16-14, but the third rink struggled and unfortunately lost by 20 shots that allowed Hampton Park 1 to win the overall.
•Cranbourne 2 Div 3 (46) def by Hampton Park 1 (59)13 shots and 4 points. Ladder: Sixth.
Cranbourne 3 Div 4 travelled to take on Edithvale 2; currently on top of the ladder. The Edithvale team showed Cranbourne why it sits at the top and had a comfortable win over a brave Cranbourne team.
Best rink for Cranbourne was skipped by Ron Fenton, with Joe Byrne third, Liz Hughes second and David McMaster Lead going down 21-16.
It’s been a tough year for this team and it looks like they’ll be relegated, but they tried hard.
•Cranbourne 3 Div 4 (38) def by Edithvale 2 (71) - 33 shots and 0 points. Ladder: Seventh.
Cranbourne 4 (6-A-Side), playing at home on the front grass green, took on Cranbourne RSL 2.
Our two rinks both played very well, with the rink skipped by Dale Henry, with John Anstiss second and Jeanne Tomlin Lead winning their rink by 14 shots, 26-12.
The rink skipped by John Stanley, with Rod Challis second and Helen Blake Lead also won their rink impressively by 10 shots…20-10.
•Cranbourne 4 (46) def Cranbourne RSL 2 (22) + 24 shots and 14 points. Ladder: Second.
-Derek Maguire-
Football action returns to Cora Lynn on March 1 for a ‘Super Saturday’ of action. (Stewart Chambers: 425712)
Cranbourne 4 lives to fight another day despite a loss to Mulgrave Country Club. (Supplied)
Melbourne Storm Female Pathway players Eboni Heurea and Justice Huriwai-Daymond with Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen. (Supplied: 461814)
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Artist’s impression. Subject to change.
Artist’s impression. Subject to change.