News - Cranbourne Star News - 3rd April 2025

and

performances

The festival - showcasing the Australian classic film The Castle - replaced a genuine Christmas festival, which was washed-out last year.

Morepictures, turntopage12

Millions for roads

By Violet Li

Labor has pledged $100 million to remove a roundabout along the boundary of Holt and La Trobe, marking about $190 million of road funding in the South East in recent weeks.

The intersection of Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Clyde-Five Ways Road and Pattersons Road will be signalised to make it safer for motorists and pedestrians while cutting down travel times, according to the ALP.

This project is part of the Federal and State

Government’s joint $1.2 billion Road Blitz, with contributions of $1 billion from the Federal and $200 million from the Victorian Government.

Since 2019, five crashes have occurred at the notorious roundabout.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King said: “We’re fixing roads right across the state; we’ve doubled our road maintenance funding to local councils, reinstated road maintenance indexation that was scrapped under the former government and are investing heavily in our regions and cities.”

Incumbent Holt MP and candidate Cassandra Fernando said she was pleased to have successfully advocated for the much-needed removal of this roundabout.

“This upgrade will mean less time spent in traffic and more valuable time at home with loved ones,” she said.

Laborhassofaralsoannounced$41.75million for the removal and signalisation of Thompsons and Berwick-Cranbourne Roads roundabout in Clyde North, $30 million for the duplication of a section of Evans Road in Cranbourne West, $10

million for the planning to upgrade Western Port Highway, $3 million to plan transport upgrades in and around Warragul and Drouin, $6 million to resurface a Princes Highway section and $4m for road blackspot uprades in Dandenong and Endeavour Hills.

Meanwhile, the Coalition announced the axing of $2.2 billion of Suburban Rail Loop funding, with the funds diverted to Airport Rail Link and other transport projects. None of that money has so far been announced for the South East.

(Rob Carew: 468158)

Alexis, 7, was among the crowd enjoying an outdoor cinema, foods

live

at a ’NOT Christmas’ celebration in Lynbrook on Saturday.

Casey School Road Safety Forum

On Wednesday 19 March, the 2025 Road Safety Forum was held at Bunjil place.

The forum brought together passionate school principals, dedicated school leaders, road safety professionals, and committed Casey officers. Together, they delved into the challenges surrounding school safety and proactively collaborated to enhance the safety of children across Casey.

Floribunda blooms at Bunjil

Place

Drop in to Bunjil Place this Autumn and enjoy the stunning new gallery exhibition - Floribunda.

Presented in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria, and curated by David Sequeria, Floribunda is an intoxicating larger-than-life mashup of floral imagery, design and motif drawn exclusively from the NGV Collection. Floribunda is open and free for all in the Bunjil Place Gallery until Sunday 20 July.

And the floral exploration doesn’t stop at Bunjil Place — across the City of Casey there are a number of programs, activities and events that will immerse you in the natural world. From garden walks, to drawing activities, crafts and more, the region is full of blooms and life to explore.

Visit the Bunjil Place website to find out more.

Jump online, save time

Need to contact us? The online forms on our website make it easier than ever.

Avoid the phone queue and jump online at a time that suits you to manage your bins or hard garbage collection, report a missed bin collection, apply to share the cost of a new fence, register your pet, request a copy of your rates notice, apply for a rates payment plan, or report an issue.

Council partners with 102 schools in Casey to tackle safety around schools, and forums like this are crucial for advancing the vital work of the Safe Around Schools program.

Remember, safely getting children to and from school is everyone’s job!

Active Autumn

Join us for “Active Autumn” this April and take advantage of all the free activities we have planned for the whole family.

From yoga to Zumba, badminton to boxing, there’s something for everyone to get involved in!

Scan the QR code to browse the events calendar.

Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our community engagement platform, Casey Conversations.

• Ackland Park Reserve redevelopment project: the reserve in Narre Warren North is closed until mid-June for redevelopment works.

• Nelson Street Reserve Playground concept design: share your thoughts and help shape the future upgrade of this Cranbourne East playground.

• Pearcedale Skate Park renewal project: share your ideas for a new playground and skate park upgrade.

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

Founder and CEO of Little Blue Dinosaur Michelle Mclaughlin and City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen.

The Netherlands

Flowerpiece late 17th century oil on canvas, 70.4 × 54.6 cm National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

Greyhound racing to return

By Violet Li

Greyhound racing will come back to Cranbourne in late 2026 as an injection of $4 million from the State Government has locked in a much-needed rebuild.

The old greyhound track at Cranbourne Racecourse was closed in 2022 after racing incidents. The old track’s design was regarded as unsafe back then.

Construction work for the new track is expected to start late this year and finish within an estimated twelve months.

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines visited the Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club on Thursday 27 March to announce the $4 million inflow through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund.

The cash injection will bring the total cost of the track redevelopment project to approximately $9.5 million, on top of the $2 million contribution from the club and $3.5 million from Greyhound Racing Victoria.

According to the club chief executive officer Andrew Fennell, the upgraded racetrack will feature the latest safety standards to address the concerns that saw racing suspended at the track in 2022.

It will include a widened track base, an upgraded racing surface, improved lighting and advanced drainage systems, which all contribute to a safer racing condition.

He also emphasised that the new track would have modern practices in the designs, and it was designed purposely for the race distances.

The club will introduce new animal welfare features, including purpose-built holding and viewing pens and modern wash bays to ensure the health, comfort and care of racing greyhounds.

Further safety measures will include fixed starts at 650 metres, 420 metres and 330 metres, removal of drop-on boxes, a traditional cable lure and the newer Safechase system.

Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines, Greyhound Clubs Victoria chief executive officer Brett Jones, Cranbourne Greyhound Racing

The Safechase system has improved monitoring technology to identify risk and safety patterns.

Mr Fennell said the old track had been around for 48 years and had a lot of repairs, maintenance, and a couple of refurbs.

When the racing incidents happened in 2022, the club closed the venue and planned to rebuild straight away.

“Because of different circumstances, finan-

cial and so forth, it’s taken a little bit longer to get to the point where we’re now,” he said.

Racing Minister Mr Carbines said the local region is home to 200 greyhound trainers, making it the biggest group in Victoria.

He said the trainers and their greyhounds would not need to travel afar to Sandown and Warragul to train when the new track was completed.

“That means more time at home, more time

with their families,” he said.

Jihad Talgi, a Devon Meadows trainer who has been in the industry for 25 years, said he was excited about the coming new track.

He lives a five-minute drive away from the Cranbourne track, but for the last two years after its closure, he travelled everywhere to try and find a suitable track for the dog, which very often involved an hour and a half on the car.

“It was disappointing because we educated our dogs on that track too,” he said.

“The news is very exciting and refreshing.”

Greyhound Racing Victoria chief executive officer Stuart Laing, who was also at the announcement ceremony, spoke about the economic importance of the Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club in the region.

Prior to the closure of its racing activities in 2022, the club conducted 70 race meetings and over 15,000 trials each year on average.

In 2021, the year before its racing track closure, the club conducted 89 racing meetings, involving 1,318 active participants and distributing over $4 million in prize money and returns.

By 2030, Greyhound Racing training and breeding activity in the City of Casey is projected to support close to 300 full-time equivalent jobs, according to a review of the track redevelopment program.

“Over the next five years, the cumulative economic uplift stimulated by this new track development project has been estimated at $23.5 million,” Mr Laing said.

“That’s quite a significant investment into this region and it creates jobs but also sustains and maintains jobs and economic development.”

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said it was a fantastic result for the racing community in Cranbourne.

“Backing the upgrade will boost our local economy, bringing together racing enthusiasts, friends and families for a great night out,” she said.

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its 5 new underground stations, with 3 stations now complete. We are also easing congestion by building better roads in Melbourne’s south east.

Train disruptions

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

5 to 6 AprilPassengers change at Caulfield Station for Frankston Line trains to and from the city

Until 9pm, 14 and 15 April 17 April

Road disruptions: Closed roads

Princes Freeway, Berwick 8pm to 5am each night, 2 and 3 April

Bald Hill Road, Pakenham 8pm to 5am each night, 7 to 11 April

Until mid 2025

Buses replace trains in both directions from Parliament to Westall

Citybound at Clyde Road

Between Webster Way and Racecourse Road

Officer-bound between O'Sullivan Street and Racecourse Road

Clyde Road, Berwick At times in mid AprilBetween Princes Freeway and Enterprise Avenue

Check before you travel at

Club chief executive officer Andrew Fennell, Greyhound Racing Victoria chief executive officer Stuart Laing, and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards gathered at Cranbourne Racecourse on Thursday 27 March to announce the $4 million State funding into the upgrade of the racetrack. (Violet Li: 468389)

Labor pledges planning

By Violet Li and Cam Lucadou-Wells

In a further election pitch, Labor has announced $10 million for planning work to upgrade Western Port Highway.

The early works are said to investigate options to improve safety on the 100km/h road that runs across three electorates: Holt, Issacs, and Dunkley.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King was flanked by Labor MPs Mark Dreyfus, Jodie Belyea and Cassandra Fernando for the announcement at Lyndhurst on 2 April.

“We’re giving Victorians the infrastructure they deserve after being short-changed by the former Coalition government,” King said.

“We’re fixing roads right across the state; we’ve doubled our road maintenance funding to local councils, reinstated road maintenance indexation that was scrapped under the former government and are investing heavily in our regions and cities.”

The project is part of a $1.2 billion Victorian Road Blitz, including $200 million of State Government funding.

Ms King noted a growing housing development along the Western Port Highway. She said with the planning funding, the authority would look into what needed to be done on different parts of the highway.

“You can see some parts of the road are already dual carriageway. It’s separated. You’ve got good shoulders. It’s relatively safe,” she said.

“There are some intersections that are not coping with the volume of traffic. There are other parts of the road where it again narrows down to a non-grade separated road.

“We are trying to look at what safety treatments we can put upon those. Then for future planning, further full duplication is really what we’re looking at.”

When asked if further funding would be committed, she said: “If we’re committing planning money, you can be assured that we

will be looking to commit construction money when we know exactly what it is we’re going to do.

“With this particular announcement, we know already there are need for safety upgrades, so they are relatively simple to do.

“When you’re putting barriers along, when you’re increasing the siding so that you’re making sure people do have access to being able to move off the road if something happens.

“Those sorts of things we can do relatively quickly, but bigger infrastructure investments, that’s what the planning component of this $10 million would do.”

State transport infrastructure minister Gabrielle Williams, in a statement, said: “It’s great to have a partner in Canberra that can find Victoria on a map and help deliver critical projects that people rely on every day.”

Labor also announced $250 million for stage 2 of the Mickleham Road upgrade and $3 million to plan transport upgrades in and around Warragul and Drouin.

Star News survey drops nuclear bombshell ahead of poll

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Violet Li

In a pre-election bombshell, voters in the South East have overwhelmingly backed nuclear energy, according to a Star News readers survey.

A huge majority of the 111 respondents supported the Coalition’s nuclear energy policy (71 per cent).

In contrast, Star surveys in Melbourne’s West and East found strong opposition to the nuclear option.

With a nuclear power station pledged for Loy Yang in Gippsland – about 100 kilometres east of Pakenham – a majority of South East respondents backed a nuclear plant in their local area (55.5 per cent).

Interestingly, most responses prioritised cheap electricity prices (78 per cent) over reduced carbon emissions (22 per cent).

South East readers also emphatically believed immigration should be reduced (74.5 per cent), compared to an increased level (6 per cent) and the status quo (19 per cent).

Several linked immigrations to a shortage of

affordable housing and insufficient infrastructure.

Electricity prices and immigration were among the top issues for respondents, along with cost-of-living – which was No.1.

Rounding out the top 5 were health services, and national roads and rail infrastructure.

“All roads within our area are in poor condition, new and old alike,” said a Cranbourne Star News reader.

“Our roads are not safe. Local and major roads need urgent repairs after years of neglect. Our vehicles are being damaged by the poor state of our roads causing unfair and expensive repairs that men cannot afford with the ultra-budget that is far more than their earnings,” another Cranbourne Star News reader said.

Local hospitals (45.5 per cent) were readers’ top priority for more federal funding, followed by defence (21 per cent), infrastructure (16 per cent) and highways (8 per cent).

“(We need) more staff reducing waiting time in ED (emergency department),” said a reader.

“Our health system is suffering, too few doc-

tors and nurses, ambulance ramping, hard to find a GP who bulk bills,” said another.

Cranbourne readers nominated new infrastructure: commercialisation of the Hasting Ports, duplication and extension of the Cranbourne train line, an extension of Thompsons Road to Pakenham, Clyde Road duplication, a South East airport, and more rail freight hubs.

Apart from the new infrastructure projects, several Cranbourne readers called for the quick wrap-up of the South Gippsland Highway and Ballarto Road Roundabout construction by Casey Council, citing concerns that the roadwork has been taking too long.

“It is such a mess and taking far too long to finish, two and a half years so far,” a Cranbourne Star News reader said.

Global security was looming as a concern for 66 per cent of respondents, just behind improving national roads and transport infrastructure for 67 per cent.

A majority of respondents were also concerned about housing affordability (56 per cent). “(We need) affordable and social housing to help address the increasing number of people experiencing housing stress and impending or current homelessness,” a Cranbourne Star News reader said.

In other results, a majority intended to vote for a ‘major party’ (Labor or Liberal) (76 per cent) rather than a minor party (14.5 per cent) or an independent (9 per cent).

Most thought social media was having a significant impact on political decisions and public discourse in Australia (58 per cent).

Just 12 per cent thought social media had insignificant influence. Two-thirds of respondents were aged 61 and over.

3 May election: Nuclear divide amid cost-of-living concerns

By Violet Li

As a recent Star News reader survey reveals strong support for the Coalition’s nuclear energy policy, experts say it highlights the “significant impact” that cost of living has on this election campaign, particularly the cost of energy.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has proposed integrating nuclear power into the nation’s energy strategy to bring down household energy bills.

The proposal will see seven nuclear reactors at existing coal-fired power plant sites, including the one in Loy Yang in Victoria.

The first reactor is anticipated to be operational by 2036.

The nuclear initiative is projected to cost approximately $331 billion and aims to have all reactors functioning by 2050.

About 71 per cent of the 111 respondents in the South East survey supported nuclear energy in Australia, and more than half of the South East respondents backed a nuclear plant in their local area. In contrast, the results in Melbourne’s East and West indicated significant resistance to the nuclear option.

Monash University politics expert Dr Zareh Ghazarian first pointed out the sample was “very, very small”, given that the South East has more than 400,000 voters across the electorates of Holt, Bruce, Issacs, and La Trobe.

A small sample may not accurately reflect the broader population, leading to biased results.

But Dr Ghazarian said the results highlighted the significant impact that the cost of living has on this election campaign, particularly the cost of energy.

“It is really important to a lot of voters across these electorates, but also more broadly as well,” he said.

“The results reflect the overall dynamic in this political campaign in that it is focused on the cost of living.

“It is focused on people being concerned about how they will pay bills and also the responses that the major parties have to try to address these issues.”

Peter Angelico, president of South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA), said locals know that energy supply is a key to reducing the cost of living pressure and ensuring they have a consistent, sustainable supply of energy makes sense.

The peak body representing over 230 leading manufacturing companies located in the South East found the majority of members supported nuclear power.

They believe nuclear power can provide a cost-effective and reliable energy source for manufacturing businesses.

“As the population grows, our policymakers need to ensure our energy policies meet the growing needs of our city, our state and our nation,” Mr Angelico said.

“People know that if we don’t have a consistent, reliable energy supply one that is based on unreliable renewables, we will be hit with blackouts, brownouts, and rising energy costs.

“Essential sectors, like manufacturing, hospitals and medical facilities, aged and childcare and our emergency services must have that certainty of supply, nuclear offers that certainty.”

Speaking of the results of the survey, Mr Angelico believed locals understand that the future requires facts, not fear-mongering.

“People are more informed and understand the benefits and opportunities and want to give their children the best opportunities now and into the future,” he said.

Liberal La Trobe MP Jason Wood was contacted for comment.

Bruce Labor MP Julian Hill said nuclear was “not a serious policy“ and “by far the most expensive form of power generation for Australia“.

“This week, new revelations show that Dut-

A recent Star News reader survey reveals more than two-thirds of the South East respondents backed the Coalition’s nuclear energy policy. (AAP Image/Diego

ton’s costings are cooked, as he has not even included the vastly expensive costs of dealing with mountains of radioactive nuclear waste.

“Australia needs new, cheap power now, through clean, reliable renewables.“

Greens candidate for Bruce Rhonda Garad said the survey results were “interesting” and showed people in South East were fed with misinformation about nuclear power.

Ms Garad, who is a public health academic, said nuclear power was not safe, cheap, quick, or efficient.

“Nuclear power is going to put prices up. It is at least ten to fifteen years away, if at all,” she said.

“What people also don’t know is that nuclear reactors take a huge amount of water. In a drought-prone country like ours, it will deprive people of water because that will have to be prioritised. Otherwise, it will become a risk.

“People are being fed wrong information that these are cheap, quick, efficient, and safe.

“They are none of these. I understand that there is a high favourability because people are being told the wrong information deliberately.”

Ms Garad flagged the finding by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

A draft report by the national science agency in December last year found no unique cost advantage in nuclear technology, due to the substantial nuclear re-investment costs required to achieve long operational life.

The draft report found renewables continue to have the lowest cost range of any new-build electricity generation technology.

The draft report also maintained the total development lead time for nuclear in Australia would be at least 15 years.

A report commissioned by the Coalition and written by economic consultancy Frontier Economics suggested that integrating nuclear energy into Australia’s National Electricity Market could lead to significant reductions in total system cost, up to 44 per cent less than relying solely on renewables and storage.

However, the report did not provide explicit projections regarding the direct impact on household energy bills.

When asked if the support for nuclear power in South East shown in the survey could reflect the political tendency in the area, Ms Garad said the energy choice should be science-based.

“Energy should not be politicised,” she said.

Mr Ghazarian from Monash University said the divide in energy choice goes to the heart of climate policy and the energy policy in Australia.

“For a very long time, national governments appeared unable to have a coherent and cohesive response to energy and climate policy,” he said.

“We think back to the Rudd years, the Gillard years. We think back to Tony Abbott. We think back to Malcolm Turnbull, where climate as a policy issue was really troubling for them and very difficult for them to try and work through.

“I suspect what we have here is that continuation of the debate and questions presumably from voters about how the energy mix, energy security, energy price are going to impact them.”

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King was flanked by Labor MPs Mark Dreyfus, Jodie Belyea and Cassandra Fernando for the announcement of a $10 million funding for the Western Port Highway at Lyndhurst on 2 April. (Violet Li: 469689)

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Stadium promised

The election funding commitment has arrived at the City of Casey as Labor has promised a $10.68 million new stadium at Casey Fields if re-elected.

Incumbent Labor Holt MP and candidate Cassandra Fernando, incumbent Labor Bruce MP and candidate Julian Hill, and Infrastructure Minister Catherine King attended the Casey Fields on Sunday 30 March to announce the latest investment promise.

The $10.68 million commitment will deliver the so-called Casey Fields Mini-Stadium, with a complete fit-out of the grandstand, lights, amenities, fences, scoreboard, pitch

and landscaping, if Labor is re-elected in the upcoming May election.

The promised rectangular stadium is said to include a natural turf pitch, grandstand pavilion and spectator seating for community and elite-level sports.

The proposed facility will host the Women’s Centre of Excellence, providing new sporting opportunities for women and girls in soccer, rugby league and rugby union.

Melbourne City Football Club (FC) and the City of Casey welcomed the funding commitment.

Melbourne City FC chief executive officer

Brad Rowse said Casey Mini Stadium would serve as a vital hub for their youth academy and elite teams while delivering facilities of the highest quality for local clubs and communities, should this funding be confirmed after the Federal Election.

“With women’s football on the rise, the stadium would serve as the dedicated home for our A-League Women’s team, delivering a venue that shines as a beacon for the women’s game,” he said.

“It would also showcase our youth academy and offer potential for Australia Cup and pre-season fixtures for our men’s team.”

Hands up for Holt race

Four candidates are so far vying for the seat of Holt for the 3 May Federal Election, which includes most parts of the Cranbourne area.

More candidates are likely to enter the race as the campaign unfolds.

The declared candidates so far are the incumbent Labor MP Cassandra Fernando, Annette Samuel of the Liberal Party, Payal Tiwari of the Greens, and Trevor Hammond of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.

Labor’s Cassandra Fernando won Holt in 2022 with a notional post-redistribution margin of 7.1 per cent over the then-Liberal candidate. It has been considered a fairly safe seat for Labor.

The boundary of Holt was realigned last year, and it lost around 7,000 voters in Cranbourne North to Bruce with no change to the Labor margin for Holt.

The seat now covers Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne South, Cranbourne West, part of Cranbourne North, Clyde, part of Clyde North, Hampton Park, Lynbrook, Lyndhurst, part of Narre Warren South, Botanic Ridge, Junction Village, Devon Meadows, Pearcedale, Tooradin, Blind Bight, Cannons Creek, and Warneet. Holt has been held by Labor since 1980.

According to the latest polling of YouGov, Labor is the projected likely winner with a 4.4 per cent margin.

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Incumbent Labor Holt MP and candidate Cassandra Fernando, incumbent Labor Bruce MP and candidate Julian Hill and Infrastructure Minister Catherine King attended the Casey Fields to announce Labor’s latest investment promise. (Supplied)

A floral escape at Bunjil

By Ethan Benedicto

The Floribunda Gala and opening was in full swing at Bunjil Place on Friday, 28 March, as people donned their flower best, eager to step foot into the gallery.

The gallery itself opened at 8pm, with patrons greeted by a purple-lit foyer, drinks and canapes, and intricate artwork by local Casey artists as a taste of the big reveal.

Multiple councillors were present for the event, with Cr Kim Ross, Cr Shane Taylor, Cr Jennifer Dizon, Cr Lynette Pereira, and Deputy Mayor Melinda Ambros delivering a welcome reception and speech.

Prior to her speech, she told Star News journalists that the gallery featured “priceless pieces”, and was astounded to have something of its calibre so close to home.

“The fact that we have something like this in our backyard is beautiful,” she said.

“It’s like, when you walk in there, you feel like you’re in a completely different world.”

The order of business was straightforward: visitors were given tickets to the piano room, which featured performances at set times, with the first sessions also kicking off at 8pm.

However, these same visitors were handed a pleasant surprise, as two opera singers took to the stage at the bend of the foyer stairs.

With the stagelights on them, their voices soared through the air, echoing through the walls and bouncing from one glass pane to the other, reverberating in every audience’s heart.

The verses of Leo Delibes’ Lakme, or the Flower Song, were sang, as all eyes were drawn to the women, with none daring to look away.

David Sequeira, Floribunda’s curator, spoke at length about the intricacies of the gallery, what the flowers meant, and what they stood for so that each person could set their eyes on it.

“Why have flowers persisted for millennia in the lives of human beings? I think artists are fascinated by them because flowers, they don’t live very long,” Sequeira said.

“They’ve got this very short moment of life, a short burst of it, and we use them for make-ups, break-ups, dreams, births, deaths, we use them in all these spaces.”

The gallery opened, as Sequeira described, like a rose petal, introducing patrons to a strong

start, with a wall on their left covered in flower portraits and a troupe of mannequins donned in floral garments to their right.

Each painting on the wall spoke a different language and flowed with a different essence, with every flower a depiction of one emotion and then another.

Some were bespoke, some were fluid, and some were as still as a photograph.

Sequeria, who wandered the gallery as many admired the works, said that “it’s a joy for me to see this project come to fruition”.

“I’ve been sort of the captain of the helm and working with an extraordinary team of people from the NGV and Bunjil to bring over 150 works out here.

“And when I see it all out here, in one room, it’s like all the objects, all the works of art, in harmony together to create this multifaceted understanding of the place of flowers in people’s lives,” he said.

The final flourish sat in the middle of the gallery, a cave of resin-embalmed flowers, numbered in the dozens, inviting the people in like a temptation that could not be satiated.

work by Azuma Makoto, called Block Flowers, they sat in rows, suspended in the air, still as a rock, with their beauty preserved for all to see.

On the other side, more portraits of flowers donned the walls, some in graphite, some in paint, then a transition to vases, clothing and textiles.

The night went on, with many more eager to see the displays, lining up in droves with some craning their necks to take a peek.

The piano room continued its melodies, and many mingled with one another, basking in the atmosphere of everything floral.

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Inside the exhibition, where many onlookers spent time looking at the paintings. (Gary Sissons: 462313)

Before the show opened, the gallery’s curator, David Sequeira, spoke about the meaning of flowers, and what it held for people in their everyday lives. (Gary Sissons: 462313)

Inside the exhibition, the holy grail of flowers in resin, a work by Azuma Makoto. (462313)

Melinda Ambros spoke during the opening, introducing Uncle Mark Brown for the Welcome to Country and David Sequeira to speak on the gallery. (462313)

One of the many walls on display at the foyer easing visitors into the theme and preparing them for the gallery. (462313)

From left to right: Georgia Milton, Skank Sinatra and Vicki Barber; Skank Sinatra welcomed guests to the gala, strutting from one place to another, making sure that everyone’s floral interests were met with the same glee. (462313)

The opera singers were on the stairs during the opening, with lights on them, it was impossible for the audience to pull away their gazes. (462313)

The crowd gathered at the foyer eagerly at the beginning of the night. (462313)

Piano Recital for the singers at the opening, its melodies in harmony with their voices. (462313)

Loop cash gone under Libs

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The Liberal-Nationals Coalition has pledged to cancel $2.2 billion of federal funding for the controversial Suburban Rail Loop (SRL).

Opposition leader Peter Dutton labelled the project an “unfunded, cruel hoax” that “would never be delivered”, promising to divert part of the funds towards the $13 billion Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

He’d also cancel $2 billion federal funding for an upgrade of Sunshine railway station.

The total savings of $4.2 billion would go towards the airport rail link ($1.5 billion) and other Victorian road and rail projects such as extending the Frankston line.

The airport rail link funding is on top of $5 billion committed by the Labor Federal Government, making a total of $6.5 billion.

In response, Bruce Labor MP Julian Hill la-

belled the Liberals’ funding promise as a “cruel April Fool’s joke”.

“It is actually a $500 million cut and doesn’t include upgrading Sunshine station.

“You cannot actually have Airport Rail without upgrading Sunshine station.

“With no new platforms or rail flyovers it would leave Melbourne with a big chokepoint in the rail network and mean airport rail would be so infrequent it would be unusable.”

Recently, the State Opposition called for a “pause” on stage one of the SRL – between Cheltenham and Box Hill - estimated to cost $34.5 billion.

It cited Infrastructure Australia finding the State Government’s business case “overstated” the project’s benefits.

At the same time, the State Labor Government is reportedly seeking $11.5 billion of federal funding.

La Trobe Liberal MP Jason Wood said “we can’t keep pouring billions” into the SRL, which lacked a justifiable business case.

On the other hand, the airport link was “so important” and it was “embarrassing not to have one.”

When asked if the South East would receive any of the diverted funds, he said: “We’ll have to see. Watch this space.”

Bruce Greens candidate Rhonda Garad said the State Government needed to “review” the “financially irresponsible” SRL project.

“The business case has not been made. It would appear that there’s no money to finance this.”

She said she’d prefer the money to be spent on hospitals, schools and services.

Garad supported the airport rail, which was financially viable and could be fully funded.

Federal election: Minority government on the cards

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Australia could be set to elect a minority federal government, according to political expert Dr Zareh Ghazarian.

The head-of-politics at Monash University predicts a “very tight electoral race” for the 3 May election, with neither the Labor Government or Coalition opposition certain to govern in their own right.

“Labor can’t afford to lose seats as it won government with a very slim majority in 2022.

“Losing a couple of electorates may mean Anthony Albanese becomes a one-term prime minister.”

On the other hand, the Coalition – despite a “bit of bounce” in the polls – is coming from “too far back to claw back all of the seats”.

Cost-of-living will continue to be the main focus during the election campaign, along with energy, health care, education and infrastructure, Dr Ghazarian says.

“The key difference between the major parties is how they are going to address costof-living.”

In recent days, Labor has unveiled a round of tax cuts from next year and electricity subsidies. In contrast, the Coalition has pledged fuel excise cuts.

“Cost-of-living has been something people have been talking about.

“It has been dominating the headlines and hasn’t gone away with talk of inflation, interest rates and housing affordability.”

Dr Ghazarian expects the status-quo to remain in South East seats.

Bruce, held by Labor MP Julian Hill since 2016, is considered marginal after a boundary redistribution.

“There’s still some really strong booths for Labor (in Noble Park North and Dandenong).

“As we go out more towards Berwick, there’s a few more Liberal booths – but it should be a Labor hold.

“If Labor can’t hold onto Bruce, it can’t hold onto government.”

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton during a Liberal Party campaign rally in the seat of Chisholm. (AAP/Diego Fedele)

(Element5 Digital on Unsplash)

Three arrested after incident

By Violet Li

Panda Mart security guards are warning about the rising crime rates in the region and Statewide, after fighting against an alleged daylight group robbery.

According to Victoria Police, a group of offenders allegedly robbed Cranbourne’s new discount warehouse at around 11am on Wednesday 26 March.

One widely circulating video shows one security guard trying to stop one of the men from the alleged robbery and a passer-by intervened, striking the offender with a guitar.

In another video, several men allegedly attempted to use metal bars to hit the store’s security guard and store staff. They then jumped onto a white van and fled away.

The next day, a white van was seized by police at a Cranbourne North address.

On Friday 28 March, investigators arrested two men and a woman at a different property in Arnott Street, Cranbourne North. Three others were arrested on unrelated matters.

The Panda Mart security guard, who preferred not to be named due to the nature of his job, said customers were terrified during the alleged robbery.

“We tried to catch (one of the alleged offenders), but his friends came up back with a van, taking out all the weapons to threaten everyone, and started breaking something with the metal bars and the crowbars.

“They were attempting to hit me, but I managed to protect myself.”

Another security guard, who also preferred to be anonymous, said it was the first time the store had run into a robbery of this scale and severity, but the crime rate in the area and state-wide was increasing.

He was grateful that his colleague was not hurt, but he knew a lot of security guards were getting hurt after violence towards them.

The latest state crime statistics show Ca-

sey recorded the highest number of criminal offences since 2016 in the 2024 calendar year, with a total of 27,285 offences.

The security guard said the store had been cracking down on retail thefts since its opening.

“It’s a lot of small stuff. A lot of people stole especially cosmetics and things like that. They just try the products as well and they put it back or they put stuff down their pockets,” he said.

“We’ve put in place a lot of methods to deal with that and we’ve had a pretty big impact on it.

“We reduced stock loss in the last couple of weeks. Things have improved a lot in the last two weeks.”

Panda Mart has had a turbulent month since its opening in late February this year.

Its grand opening week was marred by an overwhelming turnout with hours of queues, fighting and verbal abuse, vandalism, a police callout, and an early shutdown.

Consumer Affairs Victoria cracked down on

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the discount store in the second week, warning customers that some goods failed to meet mandatory product safety and information standards.

Energy Safe Victoria hit out in the third week and issued an urgent safety warning to consumers who had purchased table lamps from the store.

Investigations into the alleged robbery remain ongoing. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au

New dog park in Berwick

A new dog park in Sweeney Reserve, Berwick, has been confirmed, with a $240,000 investment from the State Government.

This development is part of a much larger initiative of $4.9 million for 26 new and upgraded dog parks throughout the state in the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program.

Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, said that they are ensuring that Victorians, “two and four-legged alike, have more opportunities to connect, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors”.

The design of the parks will follow community consultation and will feature designated play areas, drinking fountains, fencing, shelters, bins and shading.

As well as pathway improvement, landscaping and lighting.

The City of Casey held a consultation period in 2024 that ended in September, with a project budget of $214,500 allocated from the council’s Capital Works Program.

It was highlighted that there was an

opportunity for the council to apply for a grant through the Department for Energy Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), with the release confirming the application’s success.

Casey’s community engagement summary report stated that if the council were to be awarded the funding, construction would commence mid-2025 for completion by June of this year.

“These dog parks cater for all kinds of pooches, whether they want to test their agility, socialise with their furry friends, or take it slow in the seniors section, there is something for every dog and its owner,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

These projects are part of the State’s $20.8 million investment to build new and upgraded dog parks, as well as better parks and playgrounds.

Across Victoria, 50 dog parks have been completed, from Werribee to Pakenham, and in fringes such as Mildura and Portland.

A Panda Mart security guard who fought against a group of alleged robbers. He warned about the rising crime rate in the area. (Violet Li: 468429)

A new dog park is set for Sweeney Reserve in Berwick, as 26 others are coming for the rest of the state. (On File)

Master of ceremonies by comedian Des Dowling

Cranbourne’s newcomer Panda Mart has had a turbulent month since its opening in late February this year.

Small group tours at Summerset Cranbourne North

Come along to Summerset Cranbourne North’s upcoming open days on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 April, for a small group tour around our developing village and currently available homes, followed by light refreshments.

Our two-bedroom Gardenia villas feature a modern open-plan kitchen, dining and living, which extends out to a fully-fenced backyard, ideal for entertaining friends and family.

These single-storey, double-glazed homes include a bathroom, powder room, and two individually operated split systems, one in the living area and the other in the master bedroom. The master bedroom comes with a spacious walk-in wardrobe and ensuite access, providing privacy and convenience.

The first release of Gardenia homes sold out quickly, and we’re now selling Stage Two, which are ready to move in to. These Stage Two homes are located just a short distance from the village centre which will offer stunning resort-style facilities once complete including a café, library, hair & beauty salon, exercise room, indoor pool and spa and a recreational bowling green.#

With two-bedroom Gardenia homes available with flexible pricing from $693,300,* you could be loving Summerset life sooner than you think. Plus, you could also treat yourself with $20,000 cash back. Simply sign a Sales Application for a selected home between 01 April 2025 and 30 June 2025 and then settle by 30 September 2025.^

Love the life you choose.

Open days with small group tours

Friday 11 & Saturday 12 April, tours commence at 10am, 11am, 12noon and 1pm Enjoy light refreshments after each tour

Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au

* Licence to occupy. Images are indicative. This insert is produced using a Chain of Custody

NEWS Blind Bight comes alive

A new festival graced the coastal villages in the City of Casey during the past weekend.

The inaugural Coastal Communities Festival was held on the foreshore at Blind Bight on Saturday 29 March.

The event brought together local groups, businesses, and residents to celebrate their strengths and support one another in a day filled with fun, food, and festivities.

Attendees indulged in Devonshire tea, provided by the Country Women’s Association of Pearcedale, while the Lions Club of Tooradin kept the crowd satisfied with sizzling sausages.

The Coastal Villages Art Group showcased their artwork and engaged children in creative jellyfish-making activities.

The Warneet Blind Bight CFA hosted a variety of activities, including a thrilling tug-of-war, a firewood auction, children’s games, show bags, and the popular “collect a can” challenge.

Their mascot, Captain Koala, was a standout attraction, delighting attendees of all ages.

The Warneet Motor Yacht Club encouraged young participants to build and race toy boats crafted from recycled materials.

Creativity flourished as 19 boats set sail on the pond.

Market stalls scattered throughout the event featured an array of homemade goods, from jams and plants to handcrafted cards and clothing.

Families enjoyed face painting, while a live music band provided a lively soundtrack to the day’s celebrations.

One of the biggest draws of the festival was the Giant Atomic Drop Slide, which saw both the young and the young-at-heart take on the quick descent.

“It was a thoroughly wonderful event that showcased the coastal community spirit,” organiser Patricia Bourchier from the Warneet-Blind Bight CFA said.

Sandra, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale , Chris, Neralie, Naomi, Annie and Casey Cr Michelle Crowther.

Benjamin and Hannah from Clyde were making things in the art and craft at the Blind Bight Community Centre.

Trish Turner and Jennie and Neil Toyne from the Coastal Villages Community Buses (Tooradin & Coastal Villages Branch of Bendigo Bank).

Organisers of the day Patricia, Annie, Mark, Tudi, Ian, Alex, Janet, Hans and Sandra.

St Johns Paula, Jed and Nicole.

Tracey Perrott with Annette Samuel (Liberal candidate for Holt).

Ben with his son Toby. (Stewart Chambers: 461598)

Nellie and Zane from Blind Bight measured their strength in a tug of war.

Three more charged following death

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a further three males on 26 March, following a fatal stabbing in Lyndhurst earlier this month.

An 18-year-old Seaford man and an 18-year-old Cranbourne North man were arrested at a hotel in Box Hill.

A 17-year-old boy from the southeastern suburbs was then arrested in the Dandenong area.

All three were interviewed by police and have subsequently been charged with murder and armed robbery.

The two men were set to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

The 17-year-old boy will appear at a children’s court at a later date.

An 18-year-old man from Narre Warren was previously charged with murder on Saturday, 22 March.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 28 July.

The charges follow an incident where a group of males were seen fighting in the vicinity of Society Avenue about 8.30pm on 14 March.

Emergency services arrived to find a male with serious stab wounds.

All other parties had fled the scene.

Timothy Leek, a 24-year-old man from Clyde, was taken to hospital where he later died.

Police believe the parties involved were known to each other.

The investigation is ongoing.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Learner nabbed

Sunday 30 March.

Police were patrolling along Thompsons Road when they spotted two vehicles allegedly racing each other at about 1am.

One of the vehicles, a blue Volkswagen Golf R, was detected doing more than double the 80km/h speed limit, travelling at exactly 200km/h, police say.

The driver allegedly turned off his headlights and fled the scene.

Officers located the driver in a nearby street as he was exiting the vehicle.

The 18-year-old Clyde North man’s vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1138.10.

On top of that, police say he can expect to be charged on summons with numerous offences including speeding, participating in an unlawful street race, unaccompanied learner and failing to drive with headlights at night. Investigations into identifying the driver of the second vehicle remain ongoing.

Police at the alleged murder scene at Lyndhurst earlier this month. (Gary Sissons: 465776)

An unaccompanied Clyde North learner driver has shocked police after allegedly being clocked doing 200km/h in Cranbourne North in the early morning of

The 18-year-old Clyde North man’s vehicle was impounded for 30 days. (Victoria Police)

Movie magic under the stars

By Violet Li Lynbrook

Residents Association held a distinctive Christmas Festival this year, bringing a Moonlight Cinema to the neighbourhood.

The celebration, named NOT Christmas Festival and Moonlight Cinema, was held in the Banjo Paterson Reserve on Saturday 29 March.

The festival featured an array of market stalls, food trucks, amusement rides, and live performances.

“The event was called NOT Christmas festival because we couldn’t run our Christmas festival last year because it rained,” president Scott Watson said.

“We called it NOT Christmas festival when we played some Christmas carols and just had a bit of fun.”

Mr Watson said the association had not run a movie night for a long time.

“We were really happy with the turnout, around 600 to 700 across the day,” he said.

“It’s always nice to get the community together and have a few markets and the movie.”

The association picked a 1997 movie called The Castle.

“It was no accident that we picked The Castle,” Mr Watson said.

“It’s resonance against big business. It’s very Australian humour.

“It’s essentially about a big group of people that live next door to an airport, and they’re being forced to move out of their homes, so they fight them through the courts.”

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The big screen came to life showing the classic movie The Castle. (Rob Carew: 468158)

People settled on the grass to watch the movie.

Sunset market.

Barbara (left) and Indra (right) from Lynbrook Residents Association, with tickets for the many rides.

Billy The Kidding, Bubble Wrangler.Spiderman.

Arrests amid blitz

Police have arrested 25 people in the South East this year allegedly linked to using reprogramming devices to steal cars.

Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Superintendent Mark Langhorn said an “alarming number” of the devices had been uncovered during search warrants or in the possession of thieves.

“Offenders are evolving their techniques to steal cars, and police are also changing tactics, which is evident in the number of arrests being made.”

The third-party electronic devices are used to steal cars in minutes without the need for car keys.

Once inside the vehicle, the device can be plugged into the car’s on-board diagnostic port to override the security system and start the engine.

In Victoria, car theft was up more than 40 per cent in the past year, reaching nearly 30,000 vehicles and the highest levels since 2002.

Up to 20 per cent of the thefts involved reprogramming devices, police say.

On 7 January, two people were allegedly using a screwdriver to break into a Holden Commodore in a Fountain Gate shopping centre car park.

Police arrested the 38-year-old Dandenong man in the passenger seat of the car.

It will be alleged he was in possession of a reprogramming device, police say.

He was charged with attempted vehicle theft, going equipped to steal, possessing a controlled weapon, and theft from motor vehicle.

He will appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 12 May.

A 16-year-old woman was also arrested at the scene and cautioned for attempted car theft.

On 10 January, a man was allegedly found with reprogrammed key fobs after intentionally reversing a stolen Holden Commodore into

a police vehicle at a Cranbourne sporting club.

Police say the driver’s side door lock was damaged consistent with forced entry.

The 27-year-old Cranbourne man was charged with offences, including theft of a motor vehicle, and going equipped to steal.

He was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 14 April.

On 13 January, police seized reprogramming keys, stolen goods and drugs during a raid in Pakenham.

A 39-year-old man was charged with burglary, theft from a vehicle, driving disqualified and possessing methylamphetamine.

He was bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 15 April.

On 3 February, police allegedly found a reprogramming device in a stolen car after a traffic incident in Hampton Park.

The driver was unconscious in a white Toyota Corolla with cloned plates, which was stationary in the middle of the road.

The 24-year-old Mulgrave man was charged with offences including vehicle theft and going equipped to steal.

He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 22 April.

On 11 February, police allegedly seized a reprogramming device during a firearms prohibition order search of a Dandenong South home.

Drugs, prescription medication and cash was also seized.

A 56-year-old man was charged with 15 charges including suspected proceeds of crime, handling stolen goods and drug offences.

He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 20 May.

On 12 March, a black Toyota Fortuner stolen from Lyndhurst Boulevard, Lyndhurst was seen by police at Cranbourne West shopping centre.

Police say the driver met a driver of another stolen car – a silver Toyota Prado Landcruiser – which had been taken from Monash Drive,

Dandenong South.

The pair allegedly dumped the Prado in an underground car park at Cranbourne Park Plaza shopping centre.

They were arrested in possession of vehicle reprogramming devices, police say.

A Noble Park man, 40, was charged with vehicle theft, going equipped to steal, failing to stop a vehicle on police direction, disqualified driving, drug possession and proceeds of crim.

He was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 4 April.

A 34-year-old Cranbourne North man was charged with theft, vehicle theft, going equipped to steal, handling stolen goods and driving offences.

He was remanded and pled guilty at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 20 March.

Police say that certain car makes and models with electronic push buttons are vulnerable to the new technology.

In the 12 months to January 2025, Subaru thefts soared by 107 per cent, Holdens by almost 93 per cent and Toyotas more than 75 per cent.

Models made in the mid-2010s are the most frequent targets, police say.

Supt Langhorn advised owners to take preventative measures to deter thieves, including an onboard diagnostic port lock.

These locks are affordable and self-installable, according to police.

“We encourage car owners to fight fire with fire – without installing technology to block these reprogramming devices, it is likely that we will see even more cars stolen in this way.

“While it’s an added cost, it’s much cheaper than the alternative where you have to replace your vehicle.

“We know thieves go to great lengths to steal a car, so taking an extra step to secure yours could make all the difference.”

Parking off the street and always locking the vehicle are also advised.

JPs talking the talk

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A new crop of Tamil-speaking Justices of the Peace is on call in the South East.

Amirthalingam Dhileepan, of Officer, was part of the latest volunteers sworn in at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 26 March.

It continues his life of community service, as well as possibly being the only Tamil-speaking JP in Cardinia Shire.

“It comes from my childhood, with my grandparents and parents doing community work in Sri Lanka.”

As a JP, Dhileepan can witness stat decs, affadavits and certify wills and people’s identities such as for visa applications and passports.

As a secretary at Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre (SMRC), he sees many new arrivals who hit language barriers when they seek a JP’s help.

“Sometimes they’re looking for people they can trust or who can speak Tamil to explain things in their own language.”

In the past, he’d usher people to visit Dandenong-based Tamil JP of 30 years, Wicki Wickiramasingham.

“This area needs more JPs, not just in our community but the broader community,” Wickiramasingham says.

For much of his stint, Wickiramasingham was the region’s only multilingual JP, speaking Spanish, Sinhalese, Tamil, English and Italian. Now there’s nine Tamil speaking JPs to cater for Tamil speaking residents from Singapore, India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

School celebrates diversity

Quarters Primary School in Cranbourne West embraced the spirit of unity and inclusivity on Friday 21 March in celebration of Harmony Day Assembly.

According to a spokesperson for the school, the celebration has become an annual event

at the school since 2023. Students performed a variety of acts including traditional dances, singing and storytelling, that showcased the many different cultures represented within the school community. Throughout the week, students were en-

gaged in classroom activities aimed at understanding and appreciating different cultural perspectives. They were invited to wear their traditional cultural clothing or a touch of orange.

“Our performers worked hard over the past

few weeks to get their acts ready,” the spokesperson said. “We had dances from New Zealand, Samoa, Australia, India, Philippines, and China. It is a concert that recognises and highlights the beauty of our cultural diversity and inclusiveness at Quarters Primary School.”

Saige. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 464540)

Simrit, Khushi, and Nehmat. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 464540)

Luna. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 464540) Simrit. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 464540)

Tisha. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 464540)

Ava-Reign. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 464540)

Sootuli, Claire, and Helen. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 464540) Manraton, Gectman, Guransh. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 464540)

Nehmat. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 464540)

The staff team. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 464540)

Bakhtar Casey Nawroz Festival

As we come together to celebrate Nawroz, Eid & Easter, we are delighted to announce a special initiative for newly arrived families. We will be providing a Nawroz Gift Package, which also includes a food voucher provided by Foodbank Victoria, to support those who have recently joined our community.

We warmly invite all newly arrived families to attend the Bakhtar Casey Nawroz Festival and be part of this vibrant celebration. To receive their Nawroz Gift, families must arrive on Saturday 5 April at 12:00 PM at Gunns Road Hallam for registration, and the packages will be distributed later in the day.

Festival Highlights

• Music Performances – Afghan, Bollywood, and Rock Band

• Dance Performances – Iranian, Afghan, and Bollywood

• Fashion Show – Showcasing Afghan, Bollywood, African, and Nepali attire Face & Henna Painting – Fun activities for all ages

• Fairy Floss & Kite Flying – Traditional and engaging experiences

• Rides & Attractions – Bumper Cars, The Claw, The Twist, Carousel, Jumping Castle Slides

• Acknowledgement of Community Champions & Sport Teams – Honouring achievements

• Parade of Nations Flags – Celebrating cultural diversity

• Festival Food Trucks – A variety of cuisines representing different cultures

• Community & Business Stalls – Showcasing local organisations and vendors

• Honouring the Legacy of Afghan Cameleers

– Recognising their vital role in shaping Australia’s history through resilience, trade, and transport in the outback.

• We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors, especially our major sponsor, Bendigo Bank – Dingley Village, for their generous support in making this festival possible. We encourage our community partners to spread the word and ensure that newly arrived families feel welcomed and included in this special celebration.

We look forward to celebrating Nawroz, Eid, and Easter together!

Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre

• 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 Table - Welcoming women’s community group - Free

• Volunteers are welcome to come and help to maintain our community garden

• All the above are held at Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre, 141 - 147 Endeavour Drive, Cranbourne North 3977

• For more information and bookings call - 5996 9056

We also have:

• Fridays 9.30am-11.30am during school termsConversational English Classes at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre - Come along to practice and improve your English skills in a relaxed environment comfortable, casual classes with a friendly, patient tutor - $5 per class.

• Call 03 5996 9056 to enrol in Conversational English or come along to Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre during class times. The Cranbourne Park Community Hub is conveniently located in Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, in the space behind Target, next to Pacific Smiles Dental and opposite Centre Management, and the nearest entrance is next to Australia Post.

U3A Cranbourne

A community group for people aged 50 and over to pursue a variety of activities and interests. We are at 20 - 22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne.

Line Dancing and ballroom dancing are run offsite.

Supported by Casey Council we are a not-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.

Announcements

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.

• Weekly activity times - Line Dancing Mon.10am-12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm-3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am-2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am2pm.

• 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.

Berwick Springs VIEW Club

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

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

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

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

John and Coral celebrating 60 years married.

They met when Coral was 14 and John was 16 years old at Mordialloc Life Saving club and have been together ever since.

On the 27th of March 1965 they got married St Bridges Church Mordialloc, and from their wedding they moved into their unfinished 10 sq house in Cranbourne that night.

They have 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

From their small house in Cranbourne, they then moved to Cranbourne South on a little farm in 1977 (48 years ago).

They still live at that farm and love the area. It was hard early days but thoroughly enjoyed it.

John was very busy at work as a concreter (Martello Concreting) and Coral stayed home looking after the children.

Most of their large family live in the terrific area of Cranbourne South.

John and Coral spend their time now catching up with friends and family and John still enjoys going to the local football every week.

& CORAL MARTELLO

Fierce rivals resume battle

By David Nagel

Some things have changed significantly at Kalora Park since Narre Warren and Cranbourne continued to forge a fierce rivalry from 2010 to 2014 in the Casey Cardinia Football League.

Brighter lights now illuminate a fresh new facility at Fox Road that replaced an older version that absolutely reeked of character.

If only those walls could talk!

They’d talk about the day when Narre Warren full-forward Kerem Baskaya laid a short-front on Cranbourne defender Stuart Morrish that rocked him to his very core.

The slap of skin on skin, the bone-jarring sound, the consequence of Morrish spinning in the air and lying strewn on the ground, lifeless for what seemed like minutes…it summed up the eye-for-an-eye attitude of both football clubs.

The call from the umpire that day; play on!

But don’t feel sorry for Cranbourne; who also had a leviathan full-forward that could cause some serious damage of his own.

If those walls could put pen to paper, the full history of champion forward Marc Holt and his ongoing run ins with Narre Warren would take more than this page to fill.

Baskaya and Holt were burly; they were strong…and it was never a good idea to antagonise and push their buttons and then defiantly stand in the hole.

That never ended well!

The coaches at the time; well they simply despised each other as well.

Both were uncompromising as footballers and brought a similar approach to their coaching.

No Narre Warren player would ever let down Chris Toner with a timid baulk or sidestep against Cranbourne, while Doug Koop demanded and expected every player on his Cranbourne list to hit the contest with full intent.

Blood was spilt, bones were broken, bodies were bruised; but both clubs would not have it any other way.

They were the best; clearly the best two…and they were fighting for the same prize.

That’s the only way rivalries can exist, fighting for the same prize, and at 7pm on Saturday night the rivalry between the Magpies and Eagles will forge its next chapter.

Things have changed in football - with blood, bones and bodies a lot more protected than they use to be.

That may be the case, but courage will still be

tested in the most anticipated season opener in recent memory.

Narre and Cranny…it’s great to have you back!

The Magpies and Eagles; quite literally, will steal the spotlight this week, but this is a weekend of football and netball for the ages.

Bunyip makes its long-awaited return to the Ellinbank league, with a home game against Trafalgar the first true test of new coach Nick Smith’s reign.

The Doggies tasted rare success in the off-season; albeit in a practice match, and will be chomping at the bit to continue that winning form.

In West Gippsland, the netballers from Inverloch-Kongwak begin their quest for an unbelievable fourth-consecutive premiership.

The playing field looks even, with clubs recruiting well and the Sea Eagles losing some

guns, making this journey a testing one from the start.

If they win it again; they climb from rarefied air into a completely different stratosphere!

And whoever pieced together the draw for the opening round of WGFNC football should take a lengthy bow.

Phillip Island host reigning premiers Nar Nar Goon in a mouth-watering grand final rematch, while Tooradin-Dalmore and Cora Lynn are set to unleash some boom recruits when two serious premiership contenders collide on the banks of the Westernport.

In Eastern Division 1, Beaconsfield welcomes back former Richmond AFL forward Jake Aarts to Holm Park Reserve for a tricky test against North Ringwood, with the Eagles beginning their fourth season in Eastern with a healthy dose of confidence.

Mick Fogarty and his team fell one game short of the big one last year, but have added significantly to their list and appear a major contender this season.

Then there’s Pakenham!

Historically one of the most successful clubs in Australia, the Lions have fallen from the highest mountain in recent years to lose their billing as Kings of the Jungle.

But the doom and gloom forecast has been pushed to one side, with new coach Justin Stanton taking on the challenge ‘head-on’ of bringing a 31st premiership cup to Toomuc Reserve.

A visit to Yea would not have been on the master plan this time last year, but the relegated Lions need to win to capitalise on this initial burst of spirit.

So many storylines, so many chapters to tell… footy and netball; it’s great to have you back!

Shankland shines as Cavaliers begin season with a bang

By Justin Schwarze

With some early bumps in the road, Casey Youth League Men are now travelling smoothly after four games of Championship action.

The Cavaliers have opened their season 3-1, claiming wins over Melbourne in round 1, Waverley in round 2 and Dandenong in round 3.

In the round 3 double header, Casey went down in its trip to Keilor, but bounced back perfectly the next day to knock off the Rangers at home, 109-87.

The scoreline may read a 22-point and an assumed comfortable win for the Cavaliers, but the game was all square at three quarter time.

An offensive explosion in the final frame lifted the hosts as they dropped 43 in the term with Dandenong’s defenders having no answer.

Blake Shankland was exceptional, recording a dominant statline of 29 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and three blocks.

He was one of the initiators in Casey’s monster fourth, scoring seven points and grabbing six rebounds in the final term.

Superstar guard Justin Ochaya contributed 16 points and Joel Robinson provided an efficient double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds on 8/14 shooting.

“Right now, it’s been a really positive start to the year,” head coach Paul Mellett said.

“With a new group and a new style of play, to be 3-1 at this stage in the season is really positive.

“We’ve got a lot of depth on our roster, the team balance with offensive firepower, we certainly have that.

“We scored 43 points in the last quarter, so that’s the potential of the group, we’ve got a lot of guys that can score, we just need to keep trying to figure out ways to share the basketball, get good shots and rebound.”

The Cavaliers were enforcing on the glass

in the result over the Rangers, hauling in 60 rebounds as a team, including 27 of those being offensive.

It was a focus of Mellett’s side to be active on the boards as they were out-rebounded in their previous three games.

“That was a point of emphasis in the pregame, and the players were able to carry it out which was a real positive,” he said.

“To get second and third opportunities, it gives us a real chance of having a competitive score and that was shown at the end on the weekend with 109.

“Rebounding isn’t all about size, it’s about attitude and effort and there’s definitely been a shift in that on the weekend.”

Mellett has been clear with his side to bring energy and pressure to every game, with lots of strategies that include picking up players from full court.

The DNA for Casey is a fast tempo on both ends, with the synergy brought from defensive stops being translated into offensive sets.

“We play fast both ends, full court, 40 minutes,” Mellett said of the Cavaliers’ style.

“Three of the four games, that’s what got us across the line, because we were able to increase our energy in the fourth quarter and run away with the win.

“The constant pressure that we apply and the fact that I’ve got a little bit of depth holds us in good stead that makes us able to run over the top of teams in the fourth quarter.

“Our offense is race and space, we race it down there and have good spacing in the half court with lots of movement to open areas to try and create an advantage.

“We’re trying to create an advantage as early as possible in the possession, to open up space, whether that’s cutting or a two-man game, dribble handoffs, whatever we like which opens up

good shots at the basket.

“We definitely played a fast tempo, and we’re always trying to apply pressure to both ends of the floor.”

Shankland and Ochaya have been one of the league’s best duos so far this season, with Shankland second in scoring at 23 points per game to go along with an average of eight rebounds.

Ochaya is averaging 18.5 points per game on an impressive 60 percent two point shooting.

The pair is supported by a fantastic supporting cast, making Casey a real threat in Championship.

Most importantly, the team showed outstanding toughness after being beaten by Keilor.

“We did struggle in the fourth quarter against Keilor, kind of lost our way a little bit, so we’re still trying to figure out combinations on the floor,” Mellett admitted.

“That’s going to take a little bit of time, so the focus at the moment is on just on us, and in time that will shift to our opponents but we’ve still got a lot of things we need to get better at.”

The impressive start comes at an exciting time for Cavaliers basketball, as the NBL1 South season tipped off on the weekend at Casey Stadium.

The NBL1 Women were overrun by a wellequipped Dandenong side, being outscored in every quarter to end in a result of 56-98 in favour of the visitors.

Esra McGoldrick and captain Jaden Owens and were the only two Cavaliers players in double figures as the team connected on just 28 percent of their shots from the floor.

Following that, the NBL1 Men charged to a spectacular victory against the Rangers.

Led by Tyler Robertson’s 21 points and eight rebounds, Casey did the damage in the first half and was able to withstand a resistance from Dandenong, winning 87-80.

Handy buckets and clutch shot making from Nate Roberts and Trendon Hankerson staved off Dandenong, as Hankerson managed 21 points himself, knocking down 3/6 of his attempts from beyond the arc.

2024 Youth League Championship MVP Ben Waller looked comfortable at the next level, providing eight points on 3/4 shooting off the bench. The hosts were able to keep their opponents to 38 percent shooting, with the Rangers going just 8/32 from deep.

In round 2, the Men and Women squads will make a long interstate journey to play Mount Gambier.

The long-standing rivalry between Narre Warren and Cranbourne will resume at 7pm at Kalora Park on Saturday night. (Stewart Chambers: 106294)

Tyler Roberston’s 21 points was crucial for Casey in its NBL1 opening round win. (Supplied: 469337)

No Moore as Josh resigns

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dandenong Stingrays girls coach Josh Moore has resigned as head coach of the female program.

Moore has served as the Stingrays’ girls regional development coach for each of the past two seasons, the first two that the Coates League girls have had a full time coach, and left a profound impact on the program.

It follows five seasons as a senior assistant coach heading the midfield in the boys program, with Moore taking a role in Essendon’s AFLW recruiting department.

Moore will coach the first two games of the Stingrays season, and the Vic Country under-16s before transitioning into his new role, giving the AFL a month to find a replacement coach.

“The Stingrays and AFL are a good platform to develop coaches but the real grounding they gave me was to develop my leadership which will translate into my new role,” Moore said.

“There’s lots of great leaders within Stingrays, Vic Country and the AFL.

“I’ve learned the right way to do things so I’m very grateful to all three organisations.”

AFLW players Mikayla Williamson, Meg Robertson, Elli Symonds and Zoe Besanko are among the players Moore has mentored in their talent pathways career.

“I’m pretty proud of all the players that got drafted during my time, especially in the girls program, being head coach and seeing girls get

onto AFLW lists,” the respected mentor said.

“They’re memories I’ll cherish, and the draft nights were special.

“I’ve coached hundreds of amazingly talented footballers, and I’d like to continue to watch their journey whether that’s at AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW or even local footy.

“All the players I have coached, I continue to follow their progress and the relationships you form with staff you love and is why you do it.”

Moore highlighted boys coach Nick Cox and long-time wellbeing co-ordinator Kellie Fallon as important pillars, with both serving in their roles across Moore’s entire tenure at the ‘Rays.

“I took lots of learnings from ‘Coxy’ and I was still working out what sort of coach I was (when I came in) but with his and many others’ help, I worked that out and my style and was able to grow from there,” Moore said.

“‘Coxy’ has a lot of strengths to his coaching, and I’ve been able to put that into my coaching and leadership style.

“I’ve always had him for support and mentorship and we’ve been able to bounce ideas off each other and help each other along the journey.

“Kellie Fallon has been an absolute rock for me: every program I’ve been in, she’s been there.

“We’ve got a really good working relationship built on trust and respect so those two people I’ll keep in my corner going forward.”

Dandenong Stingrays was contacted for comment.

Duursma delivers as pick one contender shines bright

By Jonty Ralphsmith

A magical performance by pick one contender Willem Duursma has led Gippsland to a commanding 13.12 90 to 6.6 42 victory over Murray.

The athletic dynamo combined 36 disposals with 1.3 and was as flashy as always and thrived around the contest, a positive start to the season for a player whose contested ball-winning has been queried.

Just as influential as Duursma was over-aged debutante Zac Walker, who spent last season developing quickly in Phillip Island’s senior side after being cut from Gippsland’s under-16s program.

The sole overager on Gippsland’s list, Walker was an intercepting force, finishing with 10 marks and 16 disposals in a head-turning performance.

A five goal to one first quarter set up the victory, with plenty of players starting the season on the right note for the Power.

The courage of Luke Cheffers and Warragul Industrials bottom-ager Cody Templeton set the tone in the first half, while Vic Country’s Zach O’Keefe and tenacious Drouin midfielder Brodie Atkins (24 disposals, 11 tackles) were all part of a formidable on-ball brigade.

Adelaide father-son prospect Mitch Stevens –son of former Crow, Mark - blended offence and defence well off halfback, before getting midfield time in the last quarter and winning several clearances.

In the forward line, livewire skipper Tom Matthews showed why he has been touted as one to watch by Gippsland all preseason, with the small forward finishing with 17 disposals and two goals, particularly damaging early.

Fellow small forward Marlon Neocleous, a standout at the under-16s national championships in 2024, was strong, quick and clean, combining 23 disposals and two goals in a dynamite round one performance.

But that pair was outshone by bottom-ager Wil Malady, who finished with 4.2 as a speedy hit-up target who looks set for a monster campaign after getting a taste of Talent League footy last year.

Nar Nar Goon tall Xavier Ladbrook, mean-

while, was handy on debut, the 200cm prospect utilised on a wing to showcase his running and ball-use and finishing with 10 disposals.

Dandenong Stingrays was similarly dominant over Geelong in round 1, winning 15.12 102 to 7.11 53.

A four goal first quarter set it up, before the ‘Rays kicked away with a seven goal last quarter just as Geelong had pulled back the margin late in the third quarter.

Returning overager Henry Hayes kicked four goals, while midfielder Sam Lewis finished with 24 disposals in a promising round one performance as he pushes for higher representative honours.

Devon Meadows local and Melbourne Next Generation prospect Toby Sinnema gathered 22 disposals, while AFL Academy member Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves started his season with a solid 18-disposal outing.

Gippsland play Dandenong this Sunday at Morwell in a double-header, with both programs’ girls seasons kicking off, before the boys’ round 2 clash.

Deperate Dees hold off Suns

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Two close finishes to start the season and six points to show for it.

While a frustration shadow lingers over Casey’s round 1 inaccuracy-plagued draw with North Melbourne, the Demons’ grit late in both games has been promising.

Despite Gold Coast coming hard late, Casey held on for a two-point win on Saturday at Casey Fields.

With close VFL watchers predicting an exceptionally tight season, banking early results is critical, while the capacity for the young side to run out games showed spirit.

It follows a 2024 where Casey faded out of games, going 1-3 in matches decided by two goals or less and 2-6 in those with a margin within 20 points.

Casey fired out of the blocks in both games, but while round 1 required the Demons to score in a hurry in the last quarter, round 2 was all about defending a 20-point three-quartertime lead.

The home side didn’t register a goal in the fourth stanza, with the Suns kicking three, including a Ben Jepson major at the 29-minute-mark, bringing the margin within a kick, creating a tense conclusion.

Daniel Turner turned in a best-on-ground

performance with five goals and 14 marks, impacting at both ends of the ground.

He spearheaded the forward line for most of the day, but coach Taylor Whitford sent him into defence to play as a spare behind the ball late in each of the final three quarters, where his aerial work was instrumental in stymying the Suns.

Riley Bonner, Riley Baldi and Bailey Laurie all played important roles in the midfield, while Kynan Brown’s pressure was important

The former trio’s experience has proven instrumental in big moments across the first fortnight, while the exposure of close games will expedite the development of the less experienced VFL players in the side.

Despite AFL-ready Suns ruck Ned Moyle dominating the ruck contest, Casey were plus17 in clearances and did well to neutralise the visitors when they had momentum.

Jed Adams was excellent in the backline with 19 disposals, while Noah Yze kicked two first quarter goals.

It was somewhat of an upset given the Dees lined up with just nine AFL-listed players compared to 16 for the Suns.

The Demons will be looking to maintain their undefeated start to the season this Friday against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

Willem Duursma led Gippsland to a round one win. (AFL Photos)

Dandenong coach Josh Moore has left a lasting legacy at the Stingrays. (Gary Sissons: 403699)

Bonner builds bonds

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Casey recruit Riley Bonner is set to play a key role for the Dees in 2025.

The 112-game former AFL player arrives at Casey Fields after nine seasons on an AFL list at Port Adelaide and St Kilda, giving him experience to impart on a young, regenerated squad.

The staunch defender has had a strong start to 2025, averaging 33 disposals across the first fortnight of his season, while also serving as Casey’s backline coach.

The 28-year-old played under experienced mentors Ken Hinkley and Ross Lyon during his time at the top-level, and is now learning off Casey head coach Taylor Whitford.

“On gameday, I’m a sounding board and playing coach - I feel like I can see the game and help us set up defensively behind the ball, but also want to play some good footy and help the boys get back to finals footy and I’ve loved it so far,” Bonner said.

Bonner splits his time between Casey VFL, Melbourne AFL and the Dees Next Generation Academy, giving him strong ties with both the AFL and VFL-listed players - and providing him with further coaching education.

“I’m a strong relationship-builder so I want to create those relationships and all players learn differently,” Bonner noted.

“Some players like stronger feedback; others prefer a guide through tougher times, so being able to coach all my players to their strengths and bring out the best of them on gameday is something I’m looking to do

“Giving feedback is never an easy task and still being quite young as a player, being able to have those tough conversations but building a strong relationship so I can have those conversations and players know they can come to me for feedback or an honest conversation is important.”

Bonner was named in the VFL state squad to compete against the SANFL state side in a representative match during AFL’s Gather Round.

He was named alongside fellow Dees Deakyn Smith and Mitch Hardie, for the annual showcase, while Casey head coach Taylor Whitford is part of the coaching panel.

Dees VFLW quartet Sophie Casey, Lauren Jatczak, Meg MacDonald and Olivia Morris were all named in the VFLW State squad for the inaugural female state league clash.

A South Australian native, Bonner is in the distinctive position of competing against his home state, but spoke of the value of such matches.

“To pull on the Big V would be a great achievement and I’m looking forward to doing that if it comes because I know a lot of the South Australian boys quite well,” Bonner said.

“I know how important it is to the state and how important it was 20-odd years ago and there are plenty of blokes before you who played and they were high level footballers.

“There is a rich history in that, and I know how important that is to the state you’re representing.”

134 peg on top night of darts at the oche

By David Nagel

It was a magnificent night at the oche in round seven of the South West Gippsland Dart League (SWGDL) with three 180s thrown and a superb 134 checkout the pick of the individual highlights.

The number-one marksman this week was Ant from Cheers who brought his teammates and opposition to their feet with his delightful 134 finish in a 10-5 victory over AAA Dartz.

Ant was in ripping form on the night, adding five tons to his epic check-out, while teammate Liam Edwards was not far behind.

Edwards threw his second 180 for the season while also moving to second on the list of most tons; with his four triple-figure scores making it 31 for the year.

Cheers remain the only undefeated team in the competition; but sit second on the ladder with top-of-the-table Snipers still to have the bye.

Snipers moved from second to first on the ladder after a percentage-boosting 12-3 win over bottom-placed Dart Attack.

The Snipers guns were firing, with Chris Richardson adding her second 180 for the season and throwing six tons on the night.

Her husband Bill also had his eye in with his seven tons the best return of round seven.

Dean Gibbs was also on target for Snipers, throwing five tons to make it a season-high 43 for the season at the remarkable average of just over six per night!

It is little wonder the Snipers now sit top of the ladder.

Gembrook is celebrating hard after breaking its duck this season with a thrilling 8-7 win over

Bullseyes.

The Brookers have done it tough so far in the SWGDL but can now look forward with promise after a confidence-boosting victory.

Dart Vaders have improved their ladder position from tenth to eighth with a hard-fought 8-7 triumph over 26ers.

Vaders had to dig deep to keep their season alive after three-consecutive losses threatened to spiral out of control.

The win keeps them locked in a three-way battle with AAA Dartz and Dart Devils for sixth spot on the ladder.

Just Social has made it three straight wins with a 10-5 success over Dart Devils.

JJ Jenkins was the consistent rock for fourthplace Socials on the night, throwing five tons at crucial stages to keep his team in the lead.

Jenkins is now sixth on the list of most tons

Siena stars at Moonee Valley

By Justin Schwarze

Pony racing has a new rising superstar after 10-year-old Siena Mammino from Cranbourne and her pony Belle ran a brilliant race at Moonee Valley recently, placing fourth in the pony race for the Victorian Qualifier Series.

After making it through trials in Ballarat a few weeks ago, Mammino was selected to race in the small pony category at the prestigious racetrack.

For their great run, Mammino and Belle were awarded the Pick of the Yard for their race.

“It was amazing getting picked, I was feeling amazing,” Mammino reflected on being selected as Pick of the Yard.

“I was definitely proud, I learned to gallop only four weeks ago.”

Belle and Mammino share a special bond after riding together for the past few years through all kinds of different events.

None bigger than this past weekend, where the connection between the two brought them to a fabulous effort on the track.

“We’ve had her for two or three years, we both love show jumping so we bond on that, but also both love going fast in cross country events,” Mammino said.

“I did get to watch my race back, and my pony was definitely a little bit nervous from the loud speakers, but after we started, we had the best time.

with 21 for the season.

And Mud Rats have locked down fifth place with a 10-5 win over Generals.

The Generals were in good form heading in, having won their last two, but a great night at the oche from Scott Dale propelled the Rats to victory.

Third-placed Predators had the bye.

SWGDL SUMMARY – ROUND 7

RESULTS

Snipers 12 def Dart Attack 3, Gembrook 8 def Bullseyes 7, Mud Rats 10 def Generals 5, Just Social 10 def Dart Devils 5, Dart Vaders 8 def 26ers 7, Cheers 10 def AAA Dartz 5. Bye: Predators.

LADDER

Snipers 24, Cheers 24, Predators 20, Just Social 20, Mud Rats 20, Dart Devils 12, AAA Dartz 12, Dart Vaders 12, 26ers 8, Garfield Generals 8, Bullseyes 4, Gembrook 4, Dart Attack 0.

FIXTURE – R8

Bullseyes (11) v Snipers (1), Mud Rats (5) v Dart Attack (13), Gembrook (12) v Dart Devils (6), Dart Vaders (8) v Generals (10), Cheers (2) v Just Social (4), AAA (7) v Predators (3). Bye: 26ers.

MOST TONS

Dean Gibbs (Snipers) 43, Liam Edwards (Cheers) 31, Jordan Gray (Predators) 28, Chris Richardson 24, Bill Richardson 23. 180s

Michael Tuck (Mud Rats) 2, Chris Richardson (Snipers) 2, Liam Edwards (Cheers) 2, Bill Richardson (Snipers), Terry Griffin.

TOP PEG OUTS

Ant (Cheers) 134, Tim Williams (Snipers) 110, Ricki Beath (Just Social) 110, Fred Dewart (Dart Vaders) 101, Jordan Gray (Predators) 101.

“I’d definitely love to do it again, it was amazing; it was special.”

The build-up and huge crowd created a little bit of nerves for Mammino.

However, the nerves were quickly forgotten once the race began.

“It was amazing, especially when we started,” she reflected.

“At the start I was a little bit nervous, but when I went I was fine.”

Mammino has spent a lot of time at the Dandenong Ranges Pony Club, a club that she has a lot of appreciation for; guiding her in her journey up to this point.

She said the pony club’s atmosphere and culture helped her along the way.

“I started at Dandenong Ranges Pony Club, which is one of the best pony clubs,” she said.

“I love it there, everyone cheers on each other.”

As for her race, it was a new experience after competing with Belle in other pony events.

Mammino is yet to pick a favourite event, but being a jockey was something she thoroughly enjoyed.

“It was a really cool experience and everybody was kind there so we had lots of fun,” she said.

“I got to see a different sport in horse riding, with jockeys.

“I didn’t really know what jockeys did, so I got to know more about the sport.”

When she crossed the line, she took in the accomplishment with a touching moment of reflection.

“I was so happy I fully made it there and I made it through the trials and got there,” she said.

Former AFL player Riley Bonner is keen to have a positive impact in 2025 at Casey Fields. (Rob Prezioso: 469194)

Siena embraces with coach Georgia after her sensational race at Moonee Valley. (Supplied: 469186)