Shining light on autism
Staff,
More pictures, turn to page 9
Waste rejection
By Violet Li
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria has refused the Development Licence application for the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station.
The decision is subject to appeal by the applicant Veolia, but it means the waste transfer station cannot be constructed.
EPA states that it undertook a “comprehensive, science-based assessment” of the Development Licence application.
The assessment was informed by input from the local community and considered best practice standards, nearby land uses, human health impacts, air and odour emissions, noise emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, the Charter of Human Rights And Responsibilities Act 2006, and the Climate Change Act 2017.
“Through this process, we determined the proposed waste transfer station does not meet the requirements of the Environment Protection
Act 2017,” a statement of EPA says.
“There are unacceptable risks to human health from the proposal, primarily from odour and noise emissions.
“Due to the close proximity of the proposed waste transfer station to residential homes and other sensitive receptors, we have determined these risks cannot be reduced to acceptable levels.”
Given the decision to refuse the application, a conference of interested persons is no longer required.
Veolia brought the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria to the state tribunal VCAT in February this year, claiming the state environment watchdog didn’t make a timely decision on its development licence application for the proposed Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station.
EPA notes in its statement that the VCAT hearing is still ongoing, and they have provided all relevant documentation about this decision to VCAT.
The VCAT hearing is set for 11, 12, 14 and
15 August 2025.
Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association vice president Anthony Tassone said the rejection was the only sensible conclusion the EPA could reach based on the scientific evidence, the “appalling” compliance record of Veolia at Hampton Park Hill and in the interests of public health and protection of the environment.
“Local residents can breathe a sigh of relief that this ridiculous proposal so close to people’s homes isn’t proceeding, as they’ve had to battle poor odour management from the landfill for many years,” he said.
“We expect Veolia to appeal the rejection of the application, but rather than fight and undermine our environmental regulator’s considered decision based on the evidence and community feedback, we call on Veolia to work with the community to find a suitable alternative location for the waste transfer station.”
Mr Tassone wanted to thank all the residents
who made a submission to the EPA consultation and attended the community forum co-hosted with Lynbrook Residents Association and Hampton Park Progress Association last month.
“This shows people power works and how critical it is that the community’s voice is heard,” he said.
Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) welcomed the EPA’s decision.
“This is a significant win for the health, safety, and well-being of our local community,“ LRA spokesperson Vernadette Dickson said.
“Over the past few years, our community has voiced strong opposition to this proposal, concerned about the proximity of the waste site to schools, homes, and vital green spaces.
“This outcome is a testament to the power of collective action.
“Residents, community groups, and local advocates worked tirelessly to raise awareness and demand accountability.“
Rainbow garments lit up Quarters Primary School in Cranbourne West in a “sea of colour“ celebration of World Autism Awareness Day.
pictured, as well as students took up the “sea of colour’ theme to raise understanding of autism and its diverse traits.
(Gary Sissons: 469490)
Mental health centre vow
By Violet Li
Cranbourne will get a new Medicare Mental Health Centre under a wider $1 billion election promise if Labor is re-elected in the election next month.
Labor’s $1 billion mental health commitment includes $225 million for 31 new and upgraded Medicare Mental Health Centres, including the establishment of the Cranbourne branch, more than $200 million for 58 new, upgraded, or expanded headspace services, including the existing Dandenong branch, $500 million for 20 Youth Specialist Care Centres to support young people with complex mental health needs, and $90 million to train more than 1,200 mental health professionals and peer workers in postgraduate courses and workplace placements.
According to the Labor Government, the Cranbourne Medicare Mental Health Centre will provide free, walk-in support for people experiencing mental health distress, as well as ongoing care for those with more complex needs.
This centre will be staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including social workers, nurses, and peer support workers, who will offer wraparound care across extended hours.
Incumbent Holt MP and candidate Cassandra Fernando highlighted a roundtable with Hon Emma McBride MP, the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, in February last year to discuss mental health issues in Holt and then advocated for a Headspace in Cranbourne.
She said Holt is one of the youngest electorates in the country.
“Too many people in Cranbourne and surrounding suburbs are struggling to get the mental health support they need when they need it,” she said.
“This new Medicare Mental Health Centre will be a game-changer, providing free, accessible care close to home.”
The Liberal Party has pledged to double Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions from 10 to 20 and invest $400m into youth mental health if re-elected.
Bring your dog and pay your respects on Anzac Day
By Violet Li
Dogs Victoria is hosting its first Anzac Day dawn service this year in Skye.
The service aims to honour the men, women, and service dogs who served and lost their lives in war, conflict, and peacekeeping missions in Australia and New Zealand.
Event manager Aimee Farnsworth said the organisation wanted to bring the community together.
“We thought it would be a point of difference where members of the community can bring their dog along as well,” she said.
The ceremony will be held from 6am at KCC Park, 655 Westernport Hwy, Skye, 3977. The service will be conducted by Dogs Victoria member Lieutenant Commander Dave Lassam RAN (RET) and will include a wreath-laying ceremony.
Dogs are welcome on lead.
Liberals pledge upgrades for Holt electorate
The Liberals have pledged two community infrastructure projects for the seat of Holt this week if elected, including a security upgrade for a growing Lynbrook sports club and new facilities for a Pearcedale reserve.
According to Holt’s Liberal candidate Annette Samuel, an elected Liberal Government will provide $500,000 from a revitalised Safer Communities Fund (SCF) to Dasmesh Sports Club for security upgrades.
The funding would install new CCTV systems and fencing to keep the club a safe and secure place as it supported the local youth, particularly those who were at risk of falling into gang violence and criminal behaviour, Ms Samuel said.
“This funding is a direct response to the concerns raised by our community. I’ve heard firsthand from Lynbrook residents that safety is a priority, and we’re responding with practical measures to help make public spaces safer for everyone.
“Dasmesh Sports Club is more than just a sporting hub, it’s a vital community asset that offers children a safe space for personal growth, education, and positive social interaction.”
Dasmesh Sports Club is a growing cultural and sports club situated in Lynbrook.
According to its website, the club has net-
ball teams, one volleyball team, one cricket team, and a range of soccer teams through Lynbrook Falcons Sports Club and offers kids and adult Bhangra classes to the community.
Down in the south of Holt, the Liberals have promised to deliver a brand-new playground and social space at the Pearcedale Recreation Reserve if elected.
Ms Samuel highlighted the importance of this project in meeting the growing demand for modern recreational spaces that support local families and enhance overall quality of life.
“Pearcedale and the surrounding areas are experiencing rapid growth, and families here have told me they need more spaces for their children to play and for the community to gather,” she said.
“This project will provide safe and modern facilities, offering families the space they need to stay active, spend time together, and strengthen community connections.”
The redevelopment will include a new skate park, playground, surrounding shelters, BBQ areas, and improved car parking facilities. Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Senator James Paterson said the Holt community would be stronger, more secure, and better supported to tackle crime if the Liberals were elected.
Incumbent Holt MP and candidate Cassandra Fernando was with Dr Shahbaz from ProHealth Family Medical Centre in Cranbourne. (Supplied)
Robyn Ross and Louise McFarland from Dogs Victoria Therapy Dogs Committee were with their two certified Therapy Dogs, Tia and Rampage, who would be joining the Anzac Day Dawn Service. (Supplied)
The Liberals have announced $500,000 for Dasmesh Sports Club in Lynbrook for security upgrades. (Supplied)
Neighbours’ safety pleas
By Violet Li
Cranbourne residents, on edge following a highprofile alleged theft in the area, are petitioning to evict occupants from a local commission house after enduring years of abnormal activities.
Authorities say they are aware of concerns regarding alleged antisocial behaviour at the public housing premises.
A petition was launched online last week calling for the eviction of those who reside in the commision house in the Cranbourne district.
The petition quickly garnered more than 1200 signatures in less than a week.
Started anonymously by a self-claimed “distressed citizen”, the petition is urging the local housing commission and the city authorities to take immediate action to evict the residents.
“This is personal to us; we don’t feel safe even in our own homes anymore,“ the petition states.
“The fear and insecurity this has caused is im-
measurable. Children no longer play outdoors; elderly residents feel trapped in their homes. This isn’t how a community should feel.”
A resident on the street, who preferred to be anonymous due to safety concerns, said they were petrified living nearby.
They recalled that the situation got worse and worse over the years, and now to an out-of-control extent.
“There can be up to 15 people in here at once,” they said.
They said their mental health was stuffed as they couldn’t sleep due to the noise from the house.
“They’re awake all the time. One night they spent taking a roof off a van, like pulling it apart,” they recalled.
The owner of four nearby units, who also preferred to be anonymous due to safety concerns, said he and his tenants had trouble with that public housing for years.
“That has really got worse over the last few years,” he said.
“It’s not really much going on during the day, but the tenants have told me, and the other neighbours around there, they’re up to all hours of the night sort of making noise.
“There’s lights on. They’re walking up and down the street.
“The tenants have complained to us. They’ve complained to the agent.”
The owner said the tenants are now quite worried and scared about what’s going on with these occupants, and some of them at this stage are looking at vacating.
He heard that some house owners nearby couldn’t sell their houses at the moment.
“Because people know what’s going on around the area. They don’t want to live there,” he said.
Quite a few houses in the neighbourhood are currently on the market for sale.
A Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) spokesperson said the department was aware of concerns regarding alleged antisocial behaviour at the public housing premises.
“The department does not tolerate antisocial behaviour in accommodation it owns and takes all incidents and complaints seriously,” they said.
“We are aware of concerns regarding alleged antisocial behaviour at the premises. We are working with Victoria Police and supporting agencies to address these concerns.
“We encourage people to report antisocial behaviour to the department and any criminal matters to Crime Stoppers or Victoria Police.”
The petition comes amid community concern after police charged a woman and two men after a number of goods were allegedly stolen from a store in Cranbourne. Three other people were arrested on unrelated matters.
Victoria Police declined to comment as the matter is now before the courts.
‘Not enough federal action’, says homelessness agency
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
In response to a worsening housing crisis, political parties seem to be just “tinkering around the edges”, says Wayss homelessness support and renter services general manager Shari McPhail.
“For a lot of the time, there’s a lot of white noise.
“What we need to see is action.
“We’re not seeing things that are making it easier for people, so they don’t have to come to our service.”
Housing stress is worsening - with South East rental stocks declining by 14 per cent. At the same time, affordable rental dwellings shrank a disproportionate 30 per cent.
Street homelessness is noticeably more prevalent.
Meanwhile, Wayss is placing people-in-need into motels, because of a shortage of emergency-housing stock.
“As the biggest homelessness agency, we don’t have a solution for them. Because the solution is housing.”
McPhail is frustrated that housing is not regarded as “critical infrastructure”, like schools, roads and hospitals. And that there isn’t bipartisan agreement on how to solve the crisis.
“In terms of what we want to see is a national
St Therese's Catholic Primary School
AtStTherese'sCatholicPrimarySchoolourvision issimple:doallthatyoudowithlove.Weaspireto provideafaith-filled,safe,respectfulandwelcoming communitywhereeveryonethrives.
homelessness and housing plan to ensure every
Australian has access to adequate housing.
“We think that’s pretty basic. It’s not asking for a lot.“
Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize of Everybody’s Home described the election debate so far as “dispiriting” with “nothing new” from the Government.
She cited a “shocking” recent report from Everybody’s Home stating renters needed $130,000 to comfortably rent in Australian capital cities. “People are struggling to buy and also struggling to rent, which is a sad indictment.
“The Labor Government is doing things I support but they’re benefiting only a small
number of people.”
For example, the Government’s promise for 55,000 social and affordable rentals by 2030 was well short of a 640,000-dwelling shortfall, she said.
“We had numbers of affordable homes right up to the early 1980s when 1 in 3 renters were renting from the Government.
“All sorts of people were involved – public servants, teachers, not just low-income earners – and that was why they were able to save to buy a home. When you look around the world at the countries doing well, it’s where governments play a big role in housing.”
We’re building the Metro Tunnel and there will be disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Cranbourne and Pakenham lines
First train to 9pm, 14 and 15 April
Parliament to Westall 17 April
26 to 27 AprilCaulfield to Westall
Road disruptions: Roads closed
Bald Hill Road, Pakenham 8pm to 5am each night, 7 to 11 April
Between Webster Way and Racecourse Road
Until mid 2025Officer-bound between O’Sullivan Street and Racecourse Road
Clyde Road, Berwick At times in mid AprilBetween Princes Freeway and Enterprise Avenue
Anzac Station
Early eviction questions
By Violet Li
Locals have questioned and condemned Casey Council for evicting most tenants from the old administrative building “so early”, after a locally beloved tenant went into voluntary liquidation this week.
In June last year, most tenants of the old Casey Administration Building moved out after receiving eviction notices from the Casey Council. Only Peninsula Community Legal Centre and Cranbourne Library stayed.
Casey Council claimed the building will be decommissioned as it is at the end of its life and not financially responsible to retain.
A year after the eviction notices were sent out, the building has still been standing there with no clear sign of demolition or other forms of decommissioning. The legal centre and library are still operating under its roof.
When inquired last week, City of Casey Manager City and Asset Planning Keri New said the Casey Administration Building will be retained until Connected Libraries and Peninsula Community Legal Centre can be relocated to the proposed Cranbourne Hub.
“Due to the poor condition of the remaining areas of the building, there will be no further tenancies, and the building will be decommissioned,” she said.
The proposed Cranbourne Hub will not be built until 2029, according to the Council’s plan.
Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association (CRRA) vice president Anthony Tassone said the Council made a hasty decision evicting most tenants so quickly when the future plans of a Cranbourne community hub weren’t yet finalised.
He spoke of the L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Cafe, a beloved Cranbourne charity cafe that was among the evicted tenants and went into voluntary liquidation this week.
Cafe owner Anthony Cheeseman told Star News last year that the Council caught him off guard by giving him a three-month eviction notice.
He scrambled to find a new location in Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre but had to shut down the venue in November, five months after the relocation.
“Our forced shift from our original location and lack of sales means it just isn’t viable,” a Face-
Together, we celebrate
By Violet Li
Local charity Bakhtar Community Organisation partnered with the City of Casey to celebrate the Nowruz Festival in Hallam on Saturday 5 April.
Founder and chief executive Bassir Qadiri said it was more than the celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
“We celebrated Eid and an early celebration of Easter as well,” he said.
“It is just to bring all these celebrations in one event so that we can bring all nationalities together and celebrate common values.
“We had a very diverse performance, dances, and activities so that everybody could enjoy.”
The festival brought together 16 communities, including Pakistan, India, and Turkey, and attracted more than 3000 attendants.
book post writes.
“We will still be operating our Clayton Cafe and Catering Enterprise, so if you need catering, please contact us.”
The Clayton branch has even since supplied Cranbourne and surrounding areas with catering services.
Fast forward to April this year, the remaining Clayton branch went into voluntary liquidation, meaning the entire L’Arte business was gone.
“I think things would have been very different for them if they weren’t evicted and were allowed to continue in their previous premises until 2029 as other tenants there have been allowed to,” Mr Tassone said.
“No one understands why tenants were evicted so early and no one understands why you can continue to have some tenants there if it was previously thought of as not being suitable to house tenants.
“This is haphazard decision-making by the council that has now jeopardised much-loved small businesses unnecessarily with poor logic and rationale, negatively impacted socially disadvantaged people who may have been employed
by L’Arte or used their services.
“We’re yet to see any accountability for these poorly thought-out decisions on the run.”
Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Ian Wood agreed with Mr Tassone, and he said the Council made a bad decision in evicting some tenants while leaving some tenants there. The chamber used to have its meeting at the old Casey Administration Building. It had to relocate as well last year.
“It doesn’t make sense. Why did the legal service and the library stay when the radio station and the cafe were evicted?”
The voluntary liquidation of the Cafe this week sent Mr Wood into shock as the chamber lost its catering service.
“They can’t do it anymore because it’s in liquidation,” he said.
“We are looking now for another caterer. We’re going to function next Thursday, so we’re scrambling at the moment. It’s creating a problem.
“If the Cafe just stayed in that building, the situation would be very different because the cafe was very popular in that building. There were always people there.”
Melanie Kiremitciyan (Stage Name Melanie Khanum).
Market stalls.
Opposition leader and Berwick MP Brad Battin.
Hallam FRV was at the event. L-R: Rob Clarke, Sahil, Abobakan, Halima and Alec Draffin.
A crowd enjoying the entertainment at Nowruz Festival. (Gary Sissons: 469893)
Jawed Hussain and Amir Nayimi.
Works kick off on jetties
Construction on the Warneet jetties project has begun.
Works have started to deliver these brandnew Warneet North and South jetties that will offer safer access to the water for locals and visitors when the project is completed in late 2025.
The new Warneet South Jetty will be built from durable steel piles with a 2.6-metre-wide timber deck and include modern handrails and lighting along the walkway to enhance pedestrian and boating safety while minimising the impact on aquatic life, according to the State Government.
The new Warneet North Jetty will be constructed from durable steel piles and 1.8-metre-wide fibreglass reinforced plastic deck for durability and feature a new low-level landing with steps to improve access to the water.
The new Warneet jetties are part of the State Government’s $46 million funding to deliver critical rebuilds and repairs to local port infrastructure across the state.
Simpson Construction Co Pty Ltd was the successful contractor following a public tender process.
The North jetty was closed in 2020 and the South one was shut down in late 2022, both due to safety concerns.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said the local community had championed the replacement of the Warneet jetties and the start of works signified progress towards getting people back on the water.
“Thanks to local community support, we can watch with excitement as construction works kick off on the Warneet Jetties,” she said.
For more information or to sign up to receive updates on this project visit, parks.vic. gov.au/projects.
New code ‘could do more for outer suburbs’
By Violet Li
As the State’s new planning standards for townhouses and low-rise apartments remove the requirements for developments to align with the neighbourhood character, an urban planning expert says it will not fundamentally change the look of the outer suburbs like Casey and Cardinia.
But he says it is disappointing that developments are not required to be built in areas of existing public transport and infrastructure under the new policy.
The State Government rolled out its new Townhouse and Low-Rise Apartment Development Code on 30 March, which is designed to streamline the planning process for medium-density housing, particularly townhouses and low-rise apartments, in residential zones.
According to a media release, the new Code will implement new rules, called “deemed to comply” standards, for assessing multi-residential developments of three storeys or less.
If a planning application is “deemed to comply” with these standards, it will benefit from a faster and more certain permit process.
Apart from introducing new standards, the new policy removes the requirement for a neighbourhood character assessment, and requirements around transport access, service availability, and integration with community infrastructure.
Dr Liam Davies, an urban planning researcher from RMIT University, said the removal of a neighbourhood character assessment is not going to fundamentally change the look of the suburbs in many ways because the shape and the form of the townhouses will be loosely similar to the restrictions on the shapes and the forms of the houses.
“When you build a house in Melbourne at the moment, what you do is you buy a block of land from a developer, and then you commission a builder to do it. And what the builders do is they have a series of designs that are basically planning approved. What that means is you don’t need that much of a rigorous planning assessment,” he said.
“That’s where you get a whole heap of houses that all look the same (in the outer suburbs).
“What this code is saying is we treat townhouses like this…So now where you get one house on a block that looks the same. Soon,
An expert says it is disappointing that developments are not required to be built in areas of existing public transport and infrastructure under the new Townhouse and Low-Rise Apartment Development Code. (Tom Rumble/Unsplash)
you will be able to cut that house in two and build two townhouses side by side.”
But when it comes to the deletion of the infrastructure requirements, Dr Davies said we should be building larger numbers of higher-density housing in areas where people have more transport choices to walk, ride a bicycle, or catch public transport.
“They should also be in areas where there’s a lot of destinations that they can go to within a quick walk, like near shopping strips and public transport features,” he said.
“The fact that those elements aren’t part of this plan, I think, is a disappointment.”
The City of Casey has already been experiencing significant public transport challenges due to rapid population growth and infrastructure constraints in recent years.
Dr Davies also pointed out that the new dwelling diversity requirement is not suitable enough for families who want a lower-cost home with more bedrooms.
The new code requires the development with more than 10 dwellings to ensure a diversity of housing by providing one dwelling that includes no more and no less than two bedrooms for every 10 dwellings, and one dwelling that includes no more and no less than 3 bedrooms for every 10 dwellings.
“The diversity is very low,” Dr Davies said.
“That means that you could build a row
of townhouses that have eight one-bedroom apartments, one two-bedroom, and one three-bedroom, and that would be deemed to be providing diversity.
“That’s not good enough...What we need is a plan that delivers far more three-bedroom dwellings in a variety of different formats because currently, most of the three-bedroom dwellings are stand-alone housing.
“If we’re going to build more townhouses and more flats, we need to make sure that many more of them are three bedrooms. And this code simply doesn’t do that, and it won’t increase the number of townhouses and flats that are suitable for families.”
This means those families in the City of Casey would go to bigger houses instead of apartments because the suitable options are still very limited in the market, Dr Davies said.
The City of Casey has a higher proportion of large households compared to Greater Melbourne.
In 2021, about 45 per cent of households in Casey were couples with children, whereas this figure was 33.1 per cent for Greater Melbourne.
“Sometimes there are intergenerational families that have parents with children and grandparents living there. And a two-bedroom townhouse isn’t going to be good enough for that,” Dr Davies said.
“What we need is larger dwellings. If developers aren’t required to build them, no one’s going to build them
“I think that the target of this policy is closer to the city.
“But even then, without good diversity, it still means that people are forced to live in the area that provides the housing they want because you can’t get family housing at a reasonable price closer to the city.”
City of Casey Manager Planning and Building Tania Asper said Council is working through the changes recently introduced into our Planning Scheme by the Victorian Government.
“We will continue to carefully consider how we share and clearly communicate the new rules for planning to everyone involved in the process, including residents and developers.
“In 2024, Council received more than 500 applications for residential dwellings and less than half of these were required to be advertised to neighbours.”
Five CFA units alongside Fire Rescue Victoria responded to a house fire on Kerrison Drive in Hampton Park at around 4:03pm on Sunday, 6 April. Units from Hampton Park and Narre Warren arrived at the scene, where a 15 by 15 garage attached to a house was fully engulfed in flames.
CFA reported that the fire was caused due to unattended cooking.
Victoria Police were also at the scene, as well as the relevant power and gas company.
A warning was issued to the community for smoke in the area.
The incident was deemed under control at 4:42pm and safe at 5:20pm.
Warneet South Jetty render. (Supplied)
Five CFA units, alongside FRV, responded to a structural fire in Hampton Park on Sunday, 6 April. (On File)
Colour sparks awareness
Quarters Primary School in Cranbourne West celebrated World Autism Awareness Day on Wednesday 2 April.
“This day is dedicated to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting in-
clusion,” a spokesperson of the school said.
“Through various learning activities and discussions during our SEL session, we aim to spread knowledge and raise awareness about autism and its diverse characteristics.”
As this year’s theme is colour, the school turned into a sea of colour on the day.
“A big thank you to our families, students and staff for coming together to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day,” the spokesper-
son said.
“A very special mention to our wonderful Education Support Team who looked incredible and went above and beyond every single day to support our students.”
You’lllovelivingatCaseyGrangeVillage
Enjoyamodernretirementlifestyle,closetoshops, servicesandamenityinoneofVictoria’sfastest growingareas.
Yourbeautifulvillaisonlythebeginning.Asan extensionofyournewhome,ourresidentsshare beautifulcommunityfacilities–fromtheClubhouse, tothepool,tothevegetablegarden–there’senough spacetoentertainandenjoyyourself.
Senumi and Gabbi. (Gary Sissons: 469490)
Standing from left: Dora, Maria, Adeline, Laccey. On stand: Hennessy and Macky.
Oscar, Raihan, Keria, Helia, Harper, Amelia, Ava and So’Otuli.
Running through rainbow
By Violet Li Devon Meadows
Primary School held its annual fun colour run on Friday 28 March.
According to the school’s mental health and well-being leader Nicole Lockhart, it has been approximately the fifth year of the event and this year, it was such a success.
“They (students) just run around for about forty-five minutes. There are little obstacles like inflatable doughnuts, so they start off being sprayed with water by the parents, and then they go around and get immersed in all the colours,” Ms Lockhart recalled.
“Just such a joy and all children of all ages and abilities just don’t wipe the smile off their face for the whole time.
“They absolutely love it and look forward to it every year.”
About 20 community members were involved in the organisation of the colour run, Ms Lockhart shared.
“The initiative was something that came from the parent and friends committee, and they just
wanted an effective and fun way to raise some funds for the school,” she said.
“So each child developed their own profile online and then received sponsorships through that. And once they have raised a certain amount of money for the school, they get prizes as well.”
Small group tours at Summerset Cranbourne North
#For
Join us at Summerset Cranbourne North for small group tours Friday 11 & Saturday 12 April and get a taste of the Summerset life.
Whether it be a special holiday, or another treat for yourself - there’s never been a better time to make the move - 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.# Get in touch today to find out more.
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
Devon Meadows student Nate gets hosed down.
Imogen enjoys a cluster of bubbles. (Stewart Chambers: 465141)Elijah shows off his colourful attire.
Bridget (aide) and Elsa (teacher).
Willow and Aubrey run the rainbow gauntlet.
FOCUS ON … EASTER HOLIDAY GUIDE Event open to all families
Building Resilience Project: Coping & Managing Anxiety at Primary School
The Building Resilience Project is an initiative developed in collaboration with Uniting Vic/Tas and Windermere Family Services. Designed to support parents and carers of primary school-age children, this community-centered event will offer practical tools and resources to effectively manage childhood anxiety in an educational settings.
We are delighted to announce the second workshop in this four-part series. Taking place on Tuesday, May 13 at the Cranbourne West Community Hub, this free, in-person event promises to be an invaluable experience for parents, carers, and practitioners alike. We hope to empower children and families to navigate their anxiety and thrive in school settings.
Key Objectives:
· Equip families with the knowledge and strategies to support children experiencing anxiety at school.
· Foster connections between attendees and local services that cater to community needs. Provide a platform for open discussion through interactive presentations and Q&A sessions with experts.
Featured Guest Speakers:
· Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg: A renowned child and adolescent psychologist, widely recognized for his expertise.
· Dr. Jodi Richardson: A celebrated speaker, author, and specialist in wellbeing.
· Jessica Homicki: Team Leader for the School Attendance Support Program (SASP) at Uniting.
Event Highlights:
Interactive Presentations: Gain insight and advice directly from our guest speakers.
· Q&A Panel: Engage in meaningful conversations about managing childhood anxiety.
Local Services Information Tables: Discover resources and programs available in the Casey/ Cranbourne area.
How to Get Involved:
Promote the Event: Share this event with families in your programs and encourage them to register via the Eventbrite QR code provided on the advertisement.
Professional Development Opportunity: Practitioners, teachers and support staff are warmly welcomed to attend for their own learning and growth.
Event details
Date: Tuesday 13 May 2025
· Time: 5.30 pm - 7.00 pm
· Where: Cranbourne West, Community Hub 4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne West. Plenty of parking onsite.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ coping-and-managing-anxiety-in-primaryschool-tickets-1143405108459?aff=eivtefrnd&u tm_share_source=listing_android
Registrations close: Tuesday May 6 2025
Prepare yourself with a variety of fun kids activities for the next school holidays.
Free event for parents and carers of primary school children:
Coping and managing anxiety at primary school
Please join us for light refreshments and engaging and useful information from our expert guest speakers:
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s most prominent child and adolescent psychologists.
Jessica Homicki- Uniting Vic Tas’s School Attendance Support Program (SAPS) Team Leader. Jess is a social worker with over 10 years experience in supporting children and families.
Event details
Date: Tuesday 13 th May
2025 Time: 5.30 pm - 7.00 pm
Where: Cranbourne West
Plenty of parking onsite
With the next round of school holidays quickly approaching, many parents and guardians may be scratching their heads trying to think of activities to keep their kids occupied.
Read on to find out a few fun ideas to keep the kids busy in a sustainable way: Make your own backyard games: rather than buying new toys for the holidays, use a few common household items to create some fun games. For example, find empty plastic bottles, paint them white with red stripes and use tennis balls to make your own pin bowling set.
· Go on an insect scavenger hunt: create a checklist of insect pictures of the bugs and
other critters found in your backyard. Go outside with the kids and a magnifying glass and teach them about the little beasties around your home.
Build a little veggie garden. Pick up a small garden bed from your local hardware store, along with enough bags of soil, manure and other products to fill it. Plant some easy veggie seedlings and use some icy pole sticks to write the name of the plants in the garden. Not only will these activities keep your kids entertained and happy for some time over the holidays, they will also benefit the planet! Originally published on www.realestateview.com.au. -
Dr Jodi Richardson- Dr. Jodi Richardson is a renowned speaker, author, and wellbeing expert, specialising in empowering students, educators, parents, and school leaders to manage anxiety, reduce stress, and enhance wellbeing.
Our expert panel will answer any of your questions.
Registrations close: Tuesday May 6th 2025
FOCUS ON … EASTER HOLIDAY GUIDE
Encouraging kids to fish
More than 70 lakes across Victoria are stocked with rainbow trout, ready for families to enjoy the great outdoors.
The State Government released 35,000 rainbow trout into lakes across the state in September last year.
“We know parents are always looking for fun, low-cost activities that get kids outside and into nature – so we’re providing great fishing opportunities for families,” Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said.
Many of the freshly-stocked lakes have fishing platforms, walking tracks, barbecues, and playgrounds, ready for a fun and easy day out for the whole family.
Families can join the fun at lakes across Melbourne and in regional areas.
Rainbow trout are the perfect catch for beginners because they can easily be caught using widely available bait.
“These catchable size rainbow trout for kids are part of our record-breaking stocking program, which released more than 11.5 million fish, more than all other states and territories combined,” Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said.
The State Government provided Little Angler Kits to school students across Victoria, including a rod and guide to fishing with advice on how to catch a rainbow trout, what bait to use, and more handy hints for reeling in a catch.
To view the full list of lakes and see what’s been stocked at your local fishing spot, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/holidaytrout.
More information about fishing can be found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, which is available free at most bait and tackle shops, online at vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide, or via the free Vic Fishing app.
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Easter Craft for Kids
Tuesday 8 to Thursday 10 April, 11am to 2pm
Decorate and take home an Easter Tote Bag (Tuesday), Easter Bunny Ears (Wednesday) and an Easter Bonnet (Thursday).
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Wednesday 16 & Thursday 17 April, 11am to 2pm
Children aged 4 to 12 years are invited to enjoy Morning Tea* and receive a FREE Easter gift.
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Magpies soar in Southern
By Blair Burns
Footy was back and so was the rivalry which we all know and love, as Narre Warren hosted Cranbourne for a Saturday night special under lights with the Magpies making a statement winning the clash 12.13 (85) to 9.6 (60) with plenty of promising signs.
Hundreds of spectators filled Kalora Park for the big occasion as Narre Warren unveiled its 2024 premiership flag from the Outer East Football Netball League, before both sides met on field to battle it out.
Since their first ever clash at Racecourse Oval back in 1955, the two powerhouse clubs have now played 128 games without a draw, including 14 finals and three grand finals.
There is not a lot splitting them with Cranbourne leading the head-to-head tally by only two victories (65-63) while they have won seven finals each, but Narre Warren have got the edge in the grand finals 2-1.
The siren sounded and the game was underway as the ball rocketed from one end of the oval to the other with some electric ball movement, but the Magpies quickly gained control of the contest.
It was clear that Narre Warren was a class above in the first term as the side executed its plans, transitioned the ball efficiently, and set up well behind the play to put the Eagles on the back foot.
Hamish West was slippery in the forward line and got off the leash to kick his first for the day and the margin was 17 points at the first break, which could’ve been worse for Cranbourne if the Magpies had kicked straighter than 3.6.
Narre Warren coach Steven Kidd was happy with the intent of the side and the way his players embraced the challenge.
“I was really pleased with how we started the game, our clearance work was really good and we put pressure on them … that created a few turnovers in the first quarter but it would’ve been nice to put a bit more scoreboard pressure on them,” he said.
“To Cranbourne’s credit, they fought for the rest of the game and kept coming, we just couldn’t get clear of them.
“We found out that it’s not going to be easy to pull away from anyone in this competition, if we have any lapses with our defence, we will let sides back into it.”
At quarter time, Cranbourne coach Angelo Soldatos urged his players to be more composed with the ball, encouraging them to be brave and use the corridor, and that’s what they did.
Halfway through the second term and it was starting to come together for the Eagles, they had lifted their intensity and had closed the lead to just two kicks as the main break approached but it wasn’t before Narre Warren forward Will Howe plunged a couple of late daggers into the Cranbourne hearts.
Howe took an uncontested mark in the goal square in the final minute and slotted his first of the game.
Seven seconds later and he had the ball in his hand again lining up 20 metres out directly in front.
Teammate Tom Toner was slung to the ground and a 50 metre penalty took him to the goal line, kicking after the siren to extend the half time lead to 24 points.
But he wasn’t done yet as another contested mark and a sweet set shot from beyond the arc at the beginning of the third quarter handed the star his third in as many minutes, and all of a sudden a 12 point lead had ballooned out to 30.
“Those couple of goals to Will were huge, I thought he had a really good game and clunked some big marks which were important going into half time,” Kidd said.
Cranbourne refused to give up and had enough entries, but the lack of a big forward target like Jake Richardson and Howe at the other end was hurting their winning chances.
The Eagles managed to stay within striking distance throughout the third quarter and after Eagles’ veteran Ryan Jones kicked the first of the last term and had another shot straight after, they were threatening a comeback but Narre Warren did enough to win by 25 points at the final siren and start their season on a high.
There was one major injury from the game as Dan Toner hurt his knee when he was stepped by a Cranbourne player on the wing in front of concerned spectators, Kidd said scans will determine
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 REVIEW - ROUND 1
the severity but had his fingers crossed.
“We’re hoping it’s not the worst case scenario but it’s either going to be an 8-12 week injury or the worst possible … he will have scans today,” he said.
Kidd wasn’t satisfied with the final quarter where the Magpies were outscored (20-14) and wanted to see a stronger finish against East Brighton this weekend.
“We would’ve liked to have seen a little bit more in that last quarter, we will be better for the run and hopefully finish next week’s game off a bit stronger,” he said.
“They’ve got some AFL experience in that side and we’re expecting a really tough game.”
Howe, West and Jett Kearney kicked three goals each for the Magpies with Josh West, Peter Gentile, Kurt Mutimer and Trent Papworth some of the best players.
Cranbourne’s Ryan Jones and Mitchell Tharle kicked two each in the loss, while Matt Alister,
Tom Freyer, Callum Pola and Shaun Keenan all performed well.
In other games, Dingley proved that they are the early premiership favourites after destroying Cheltenham by 61 points in a grand final rematch as Caleb Lewis booted six goals for the Dingoes.
Both sides were expected to be among the top teams as the Rosellas challenge for a three-peat, but to be held goalless for the first half of round one was a far from ideal start to their premiership defence.
Dingley, on the other hand, look the real deal; if they can do that to a team which only lost one game last year and won back-to-back flags, what can they do to the rest of the competition?
St Pauls McKinnon got the better of Bentleigh in a two-point thriller at Bentleigh Recreation Reserve to win 14.10 (94) to 13.14 (92).
The Bulldogs trailed at every break before hitting the lead in the last quarter and securing a hard fought comeback victory to start their sea-
son in a big way, with an even contribution of scorers at the offensive end.
Port Melbourne opened their season account with a crucial victory over Springvale Districts as some exceptional accuracy helped them to a nine point win finishing with 14.6.
Despite a final quarter resurgence from Springvale Districts where they outscored the Colts (28-9), Port Melbourne limped to the line and secured the four points with five goals from Mitch Clarke making a huge difference.
Despite Murrumbeena’s recruits performing well in their new colours, the team’s inaccuracy in front of the big sticks ultimately cost them, while East Brighton was the opposite and couldn’t miss, kicking 17.8 to win by 53 points.
East Brighton would’ve been pleased with its new signings as Tom Bracher (Richmond VFL) and Ben Reid (former Collingwood AFL) combined for eight goals, with a further four players kicking multiple majors.
Narre Warren coach Steven Kidd addresses his troops. (469859)A huge crowd was in attendance for the big rivalry as the Magpies’ 2024 premiership flag hangs on the right. (469859)
Kurt Mutimer was one of Narre Warren’s best in the 25 point win over Cranbourne. (Rob Carew: 469859)
Casey Cannons fire up in season opener
By Blair Burns
It was a huge weekend for the Casey Cannons Hockey Club as it won five of a total eight matches across the men’s and women’s competitions with an impressive 24 goals scored for, and just six against.
Men’s coach Steve Noney said it was a great start to the season but said the teams wouldn’t be getting too far ahead of themselves as they look towards round two.
“It was a pretty solid weekend, with the results we can definitely see growth within the club, and we have players who want to be there, there’s a nice family feel, and we are really trying to achieve something,” he said.
“We’ve got four men’s teams which is the first time in the club’s history that we’ve got that many, we have moved them up a grade too.”
The Cannons were too strong for Frankston in the Men’s Vic League (MVL) 2 competition as they took home a big win 4-0.
Tristan Chaffey was going to be a handful for his opponents from the outset at the star netted two goals and gave his side a great lead.
Craig Moore’s leadership was strong as the captain led his side to a huge round one victory with Joshua Watson and Bryan Young also getting in on the action.
Casey is now sitting second on the ladder as the team prepares to travel to Wantirna Reserve
next week to battle against Knox who will be looking to bounce back this week.
While the MVL 2 Reserves also wanted in on the action as they smashed Frankston 7-0 in a huge round one victory which has them sitting on top of the ladder going into next week’s clash.
Captain Blake Edwards would’ve been very impressed with the way his side performed as the Cannons quickly gained control of the match and didn’t look back.
Harry Coster was the only multiple goal scorer as he found the back of the net twice throughout the game.
“The ones had a good win 4-0, we had a plan and we stuck to it, we are hoping to continue developing and hopefully have another solid season,” Noney said.
“There was a lot of different goal scorers which was great, and we really set it up from the defence and let guys run through and score goals.
“The threes had a good 4-2 win over Monash and have a few young players coming through with good mentors, we are using that as a bit of a development team.”
The fours fell short against Frankston in the Men’s Metro South 2 competition narrowly losing 0-1 by the time the whistle sounded.
“That was a very good and competitive game and I think the goal was scored in the fourth quarter, we are looking forward to the next challenge and not getting ahead of ourselves,” Noney
said.
The Casey Cannons women also had a solid start to the season with two of the four sides winning their round one clashes.
The Women’s Vic League (WVL) 1 side fell short to Mornington 1-0 but there wasn’t much in the result as they also had their chances to score an equaliser.
While the Reserves got redemption for the previous result as they smashed Mornington 5-0 in what was a preview of what the team can produce this season.
Skye McDonald and Jenna McLauchlan starred in the victory scoring two goals each and causing their defenders all sorts of problems, while Ebony Williamson scored one.
The Pennant E South East side fell short in a thriller against Toorak East Malvern 3-2 but will definitely take some positives out of the close encounter.
Darcy Hetherington and Aleisha Foot gave the Cannons a chance for victory as they both showed their elite offensive play to score one goal each.
Finally, the Metro 1 South side made it another win for the Cannons to round out a huge start to the season as they won a narrow encounter against Frankston 1-0.
Foot also played in this game and her single was the difference, and was the only goal scored in this even contest.
Demons suffer first defeat of VFL season
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey was outlasted by Geelong 16.13 109 to 14.9 93 in a shootout at GMHBA Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The Demons led at every break before conceding five goals in the last quarter in their third tight game of a season which has so far yielded 1-1-1.
Making his Dees debut against his former side, Mitch Hardie added important experience in the midfield, finishing with 26 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.
Also playing his first game in the new colours was Melbourne SSP signing and former Eagle Jai Culley, who initially signed with Casey before finding his way onto the AFL list.
Coming off a month on the sidelines with a foot injury, Culley finished with 12 disposals and four clearances as he looks to build his case for AFL selection.
Tom Fullarton also performed well, spearheading the forward line as he hammered home 5.2 and took eight marks in a 19-disposal effort. Casey fought hard in the midfield and got the lead to beyond three kicks on several occasions through the middle of the match, but they were never able to shake the plucky Cats who were better in some big moments late.
Other strong performers included disciplined AFL-listed midfielder Kynan Brown, the experienced Riley Bonner and Aidan Johnson, who kicked 2.2 after getting an early debut in his first year on an AFL list.
Highly-regarded Nar Nar Goon local Paddy Cross finished with 17 disposals and showed promise as he looks to build continuity following a wretched run with injuries in recent years.
Regular season VFL will be absent this weekend as a representative Victorian side is sent to Gather Round, with Mitch Hardie, Deakyn Smith
and Riley Bonner all in the extended squad, and mentor Taylor Whitford on the coaching panel.
The Demons will return to Casey Fields against GWS on Saturday 18 April at 11.05am, with the Dees’ VFLW season to kick off later that day against Collingwood.
Froggy breaks Cranny record
By Michael Floyd
Craig Newitt rode his 150th winner at Southside Racing Cranbourne on Friday night breaking the long-standing record of the late Peter Mertens.
Riding the Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans-trained On Broadway, Newitt settled third behind odds-on favourite Sumo Sandy over the 1600m maiden before taking a split on the turn and powering to his record-breaking win.
“It was brought to my attention the middle of last year that I was getting close to the record,” said Newitt, better known as ‘Froggy’ in racing circles.
“Obviously Pete was a great rider and a local legend.
“He was a great friend; this is a very humbling moment.
“I sat alongside Pete in the jockey room for a number of years.
“He was good friends with my father which is a pretty special memory, and obviously Beau (Peter’s son), who I’m good friends with as well, is following in Pete’s footsteps.”
Hailing from Launceston, Newitt rode his first Cranbourne winner in September 2002, the then apprentice guiding home Grand Falls for his former boss, Lee Freedman.
Newitt has ridden over 2300 winners - including 33 at Group 1 level - over his career, rating Cranbourne as one his favourite, and most successful, circuits.
“Cranbourne has been a good place for me, especially early in my career,” he said.
“The guys that I rode for, Mick Price, Peter Moody and a lot of those Caulfield based trainers had a lot of runners here.
“The tighter track suited my style of riding so I rode a lot of winners early when I first moved over and it continued from there.
“It’s a track I’ve had a lot of success at and hopefully it continues.”
Among his Cranbourne highlights are his two Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup wins, each coming in very different circumstances.
His first victory came on board Boom ‘N’ Zoom for local trainers Ken and Kasey Keys.
Settling at the back of the field in heavy conditions, Boom ‘N’ Zoom powered down the middle of the track to score a popular victory in front of a huge local crowd.
His second came aboard Mourinho, who would lead all of the way in fast conditions before going on to win at Group 1 level and finish his career with more than $1.3m in prize money.
“We were bananas and oranges me and old Mourinho,” Newitt recalled.
“He had a really bad tendency to lay out, and me being a left hander really wasn’t a good recipe but we seemed to click for whatever reason.
“I was confident so far from home with this horse that as long as I could get him around the corners that he was going to be hard to run down.
“Once he got into his rhythm, he was happy and wasn’t too bad, but as he had a tendency to do, I ended up in the middle of the track and took a few with me.
“I ended up getting suspended and missed a Caulfield Cup ride so it was probably not a highlight, but it was a memory for certain.”
Newitt will look to add to his tally as racing continues at Southside Cranbourne each Friday until the end of May, including the Good Friday Dual Codes meeting on Friday 18 April. The meeting features free kids rides and activities, DJ ‘Nothin But 90s vs 00s’, and a concert featuring Dale Ryder from Boom Crash Opera and Tristan Ross after the last.
Tristan Chaffey controls the ball in the 4-0 win against Frankston on Saturday. Chaffey scored two goals in the victory. (Rob Carew: 469891)
Tom Fullarton kicked five goals for Casey in round three. (Stewart Chambers: 466727).
Craig Newitt is all smiles after riding his 150th winner at Cranbourne on Friday night. (ROSS HOLBURT/RACING PHOTOS: 470760)
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Artist’s impression. Subject to change.
Artist’s impression. Subject to change.