Embrace the spirit and beauty of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne as it transforms after-dark with Lightfall.
From the presenters of the global sell-out sensation, Lightscape, this world-first event for Melbourne’s south-east is premiering exclusively during the 2025 April school holidays.
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, register your pet, pay your rates or apply for a rates payment plan, or report an issue.
From large-scale light sculptures to an immersive soundscape, Lightfall promises to be a magical evening for all ages.
With limited dates and tickets, scan the QR code to secure your tickets now! Casey locals book tickets early for 50 per cent off parking. Terms and conditions apply.
#CaseyGirlsCan: Women’s Soccer Program
Rainbow Events at Casey
Join us for several upcoming Rainbow events in Casey including Australia’s annual queer arts and cultural Midsumma Festival.
Running in January and February, these events aim to bring together a diverse mix of LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, communities and audiences. Join in to celebrate community, equality and inclusion for all!
Scan the QR code for more details.
Join us for a free six week soccer program run in collaboration with Melbourne City FC.
This program offers a fantastic introduction to soccer in a fun, social and welcoming environment. Coaches will guide you, making it perfect for all abilities as you gain confidence in the sport over six Mondays from 3 February to 10 March 2025 at Casey Fields in Cranbourne East.
There will be a Socceroos program for kids aged 4 years plus as well as on-site childminding. Scan the QR code to register your (free) place now.
Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025
Celebrate, connect and be inspired at this unforgettable International Women’s Day event on Wednesday 5 March.
To be held at Bunjil Place from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, you’ll be greeted with a complimentary mimosa and a delicious morning tea, before special guest speaker Jo Stanley and a panel of trailblazing female business leaders take to the stage to share their tales of success and challenges.
Following the event, guests can also peruse a market of local goods and services from business members of the Women Making It Work business network.
Secure your tickets today via the QR code.
Melbourne City FC Women’s Derby
Attention soccer fans!
The fiercest rivalry in Melbourne football is heading to your backyard as Melbourne City FC take on Melbourne Victory in an epic A-League Women’s Derby on Saturday 1 February. Bring the family and cheer on your local heroes.
There will be a range of activations for everyone to enjoy and lots of giveaways. After the game, you can also meet the stars and grab a derby-day selfie. Gates open 4:00 pm.
Kick-off at 5:00 pm.
Scan the QR code to get your tickets.
Event proposal pushback
By Violet Li
Residents in a Green Wedge zone in Casey’s south are objecting to a planning application for a temporary cultural event on their doorsteps, which would attract 40,000 attendees over 12 days.
Non-profit Hindu organisation BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha proposed a cultural event between 12 February and 4 March this year at the old Five Star Equestrian Center along the Westernport Highway in Cranbourne South.
The applicant proposes most of the event setup will utilise the existing shed structure on-site. A decorative gantry will be erected to welcome the participants.
On most of the days, the event is set to run two sessions, one between 6am and 12pm, and the other between 4pm and 8.30pm. The morning session is expected to attract 1500 attendances, and evening session 2500, which will lead to a total of 40,000 attendees throughout the proposed days.
About 1000 carparks will be provided on-site and cars will access the site via Homewood Road.
The proposed site is within the Casey Western Port Green Wedge and the applicant claims the application is consistent with the strategic policy.
It claims the event will not result in the permanent loss of productive agricultural land, impact on biodiversity or environmentally sensitive areas, or affect the visual amenity of the rural landscape and character of the area with screens by existing vegetation.
City of Casey manager Planning and Building Tania Asper said the council had received over 130 submissions to the proposal after advertising it to the community throughout December 2024.
“Council is now considering the planning permit application, as well as the submissions made before deciding on the application,” she said.
“At this point, we do not have a timeline for a decision.”
Council is now also advertising the original planning documents on its website due to “high community interest”.
“This will ensure that the community can continue to see the proposal until a final decision is made,” Ms Asper said.
“The conclusion date is a system-generated date and not a fixed date. The documentation will be available to view up until the date a decision is made.”
Craig Bradley, a local, said the proposed event was not in line with what the green wedge had been intended for.
“They’re claiming that they’re not going to be affecting any vegetation, but they’re building a
car park with about 1000 cars. So you tell me how that’s not gonna have 40,000 people trampling the land?” he said.
“They claim to be spending about $230,000 to run the event, and it doesn’t even support any local jobs.
“It has provided no benefit to the local community. It’s just going to be a nuisance.”
Mr Bradley cited the lingering concerns about a similar cultural event that happened in late January last year at the corner of Browns Road and Kelly Road in Cranbourne South.
“The traffic chaos was just phenomenal. The
line to get in was kilometres long, and people just started parking their cars on the side of the highway and walking with prams,” he said.
“It was just such a dangerous thing. It’s really the wrong area.
“I personally believe that they should go to somewhere like Cranbourne Racecourse, somewhere that’s actually set up to hold an event with this magnitude.
“It’s just not an appropriate use here.”
Mr Bradley noted that a lot of community members had contacted the local councillor Michelle Crowther. He hoped the matter could be heard at
the next Casey Council Meeting in February.
The local community in the Green Wedge area in Casey’s South has seen several large-scale temple or cultural event applications in their backyard in recent years, including a temple application on the corner of Dandenong-Hastings Road and South Boundary Road West in Pearcedale, which was heard in front of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) late last year, and a Cranbourne South one, which will go to VCAT soon this year.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha was contacted for comments.
‘Amazing’: Women’s team set to take the field in Clyde
By Ethan Benedicto
As the fringes of Clyde and Clyde North grow, so too does its population, and with people always comes the love of sport, especially footy.
The local Clyde Cougars Junior Football Club was established in 2020, and after four years catering to the young ones’ aspirations, have recently an-
nounced their first official seniors’ division, with a women’s team also set for the 2025 season.
Amel Mrkanovic, the club’s treasurer, said that considering that it has only been relatively recently that women have kicked off in the football space, “being able to provide a community place for women to come in, be comfortable and the facilities to train is amazing”.
“Being able to have such an amazing facility here is fundamental, and of course, being able to funnel up with the juniors is going to be great,” he said.
Anthony Tassone, former Tooradin Ward candidate and Co-Proprietor of TerryWhite Chemmart has been announced as one of the sponsors for the club, and the women’s team.
“We know health and wellbeing isn’t just about physical health, but also mental health and belonging,” he said.
“Creating more opportunities for women to participate in competitive sport is a cause worth getting behind. This is our neighbourhood, and as neighbours, it’s good to look out for each other and look after one another.”
Tassone added that considering that many of these people who enjoy the sport are frequent visitors of the chemist, the least that they could do is show the same kind of support.
The women’s team is still in the process of recruiting, with already 14 members on board, they’re looking to have their pre-season debut just after the Australia Day weekend.
Mrkanovic said that the club has been active in their recruiting process, popping down to Bunnings at Clyde North to spur the excitement of the sport and of course, encouraging women to join the team.
“Without the backing of the community, we can’t have these clubs you know? We’re not a big snazzy or fancy club, everyone comes and volunteers, but
having that support from people like Anthony is key to us.” Despite being one of the fresher teams in the region, Mrkanovic is confident that with their coaches and leadership team, alongside their eagerness to prove themselves, they’re more than ready for the
stage. “At the start, we’re going to have some challenges, but we’re happy to face them and we’ll continue to do, we’re confident that it’s going to be a good season,”
A cultural event that would attract 40,000 attendance over 12 days has been proposed at the old Five Star Equestrian Center along the Westernport Highway in Cranbourne South. Violet Li: 454523
Anthony Tassone (left) and Amel Mrkanovic are keen for the women’s first 2025 season to begin. (Ethan Benedicto: 455068_01)
New school coming
A new Catholic primary school is coming to Clyde after the Bishop of Sale announced that it will be named after the Blessed Carlo Acutis who will be canonised in 2025.
This was done in partnership with the St Thomas the Apostle Parish and the Bishop, Most Reverend Greg Bennet, making it the third Catholic primary school within the Parish.
The first stage of the school is planned to open in 2027.
The site, at 121-123 Bellavita Avenue in Clyde was visited by parish priest Very Reverend Denis O’Bryan EV was enthusiastic about the construction.
“The naming of the school after Blessed Carlo Acutis - a young Italian gamer and computer programmer known for his acts of kindness and devotion to the Eucharist will set the charism of the school for future generations,” he said.
Father Denis was accompanied by the Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale Paul Velten and DOSCEL General Manager of Infrastructure and Support Services Dermot Cannon.
“Blessed Carlo, who passed away from leukemia at the age of 15, utilised his media skills to work on projects to share the faith with a younger audience, embodying the values of compassion and dedication,” Father Denis said.
Mr Velten said that new Catholic primary schools are needed in the rapidly growing areas of Clyde and Clyde North to cater for families seeking Catholic education for their children.
“The existing St Thomas the Apostle Primary School at Cranbourne East has experienced significant demand with some 700 student enrolments,” he said.
“Our second Catholic primary school in the Parish - St Josephine Bakhita at Clyde North has just been completed and set to open in January 2025 to serve the eastern part of the parish.”
On 27 July 2024, Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Minister for Medical Research, Hon. Ben Carroll MP confirmed the application under the Victorian Government Capital
Funding Program 2023-2027 for $6 million.
The first stage of the construction will include eight general learning areas, specialist spaces, administration, site works and building services related to a green field site. Construction is planned to begin this year and is expected to be completed
IN BRIEF
Car crashes into home
Police are investigating an incident after a car crashed and flipped into a house at around 4.30am in Hampton Park on Wednesday 22 January.
It is believed that the male driver was travelling along Hallam Road when they left the roadway and hurled into the home on Ivan Crescent.
The impact of the crash forced the car to flip onto its roof, there were no casualties.
Two people were inside the home at the time and were not injured, however, they were taken to the hospital for observation.
The driver and the passenger in the vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
A Country Fire Authority spokesperson said that three CFA units from Hampton Park and Narre Warren attended the scene alongside SES, Fire Rescue Victoria, police and Ambulance Victoria.
“The incident was deemed under control at 5.08am and declared safe at 5.13am, the scene was handed to Victoria Police,“ they said.
The exact circumstances around the crash are yet to be determined and the investigations remain ongoing.
Man dies following collision
A man has died in hospital following a collision in Pearcedale on Saturday 11 January.
It is understood a Toyota Camry collided with a Mitsubishi Triton at the intersection of Baxter-Tooradin Road and Craig Road at about 8am.
The driver of the Toyota, an 87-year-old Pearcedale man, was taken to hospital where he died on 18 January.
in 2026, with an opening date set for 2027.
Furthermore, Mr Velten added that the development of new schools is an example of the DOSCEL and the Parish community’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that “provides a nurturing and faith-filled environment”.
His passenger, an 85-year-old Pearcedale woman, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 24-year-old Chelsea woman, was not injured.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and will prepare a report for the coroner.
From left to right: Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Parish Priest – Very Rev Denis O’Bryan EV and Mr Dermot Cannon - DOSCEL General Manager of Infrastructure and Support Services. (Supplied)
Opening doors to jobs
The City of Casey and Chisholm Institute of TAFE have joined forces to create accessible employment pathways for residents and enhance local hiring opportunities for businesses.
The strategic partnership was cemented in October 2024, when the two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining their commitment.
The agreement focuses on developing training programs that meet industry requirements, promoting inclusive local learning opportunities, and creating clear, accessible employment pathways for all residents.
As a focus, it prioritises engaging with the city’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to seek their guidance to support improved education and employment outcomes for their communities.
With extended connections throughout the business community, the agreement aims to provide students with practical skills and handson experience through work placements in local industries.
City of Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen said: “This partnership marks a significant step in our efforts to create a resilient and competitive local economy.
“Chisholm Institute of TAFE’s expertise makes them the perfect partner to help us in this pursuit.”
Chisholm Institute of TAFE CEO Stephen Varty shared his excitement about the collaboration.
“We are excited to collaborate with the City of Casey to develop programs that not only enhance the skills of our students but also meet the
evolving demands of local employers,” he said.
“This partnership is a testament to our commitment to delivering quality education that makes a positive impact in our communities.”
For more information
Landfills top the most dreaded places to live around
New market research has shown landfills are the most dreaded places for Australians to live around.
According to statistics from Compare the Market, about 30 per cent of people surveyed say a landfill or dump is the top bugbear for them when they look to buy or rent. One in three people said they couldn’t stand the sight or smell of rubbish.
Living close to an airport was second to living close to a dump, with one in five saying they couldn’t put up with airport noise.
Other undesirable spots included graveyards (16.5 per cent), highways (12.3 per cent), railways (6.8 per cent), and even schools (6.2 per cent), all of which were noted for issues like noise, traffic, and other nuisances.
According to Compare the Market property expert Andrew Winter, understanding what you’re getting into before purchasing a property is essential to avoid buyer’s remorse.
He said doing the due diligence was key before making an offer on any property.
“While some factors like highway noise may be obvious, others, like flight paths, are less ap-
parent but can still have a big impact,” he said.
“Whether or not these issues are a dealbreaker can also depend on their location and the local market. A busy road in a quiet suburb or acreage location can have a huge negative impact, but traffic noise is part and parcel of living in city and urban environments.
“Even airport noise is accepted as the norm in some areas if it means you are living in a well-placed, high-demand area. Simply consider, ‘Are any negatives appropriate for the area?’ If they are, don’t stress too much about them.”
He suggested buyers could request a suburb property report and visit the area at different times of day to avoid property regret.
*Based on a survey of 1,006 Australian adults, conducted in October 2024.
New market research has shown landfills are the most dreaded places for Australians to live around. (File)
The collaboration will also deliver targeted training programs focused on innovation and environmental sustainability, supporting the growth and resilience of strategic sectors in the
City of Casey.
about the project, contact the City of Casey or Chisholm Institute of TAFE.
The City of Casey and Chisholm Institute of TAFE have joined forces to create accessible employment pathways for residents and enhance local hiring opportunities for businesses. (Supplied)
By Corey Everitt
When asked what his targets are for the next State Election, new opposition leader Brad Battin said Pakenham first, followed by numerous South East seats and the upcoming Werribee by-election may prove how key this growth corridor will be in 2026.
Recently, Battin sat down with Sky News, and he was asked where he will win seats in the 2026 election.
The affluent inner east was not first to mind as Labor over the last several elections has chipped away at the Liberal Party’s traditional heartland.
Instead, the first words out of Battin’s mouth were “growth corridors”.
“Pakenham, they’re desperate for a change,” he said in the interview.
“Hastings, Bass, the Narre Warren seats, they need to see change out there.”
The inner city will still be crucial for Battin to both retain seats from Kew to Brighton as well as recapture seats like Box Hill and Bayswater.
But a significant offensive in growth corridors, Battin’s own South East most of all, may prove pivotal.
Labor’s hold of the South East has only increased with consistent swings toward red in the last three elections through Dandenong, Narre Warren and Cranbourne.
Labor picked up a further two seats with Jordan Crugnale taking Bass in 2018 and retaining it in 2022 while Emma Vulin became the first MP for the new seat of Pakenham in 2022.
But there is one bulwark that has prevented a Labor wall stretching from Oakleigh to Pakenham: Brad Battin himself.
In the 2018 State Election, Battin only narrowly won his then seat of Gembrook against Labor contender, now upper house MP, Michael Galea with a 0.79 per cent margin.
In 2022, the Liberal Party’s overall vote still went down, yet Battin not only held the line but gained a 4.17 per cent margin in his new seat of Berwick.
Battin’s defence in 2022 may inform his general
offensive to try and break Labor’s decade-long rule in Victoria.
Pakenham and Bass are certainly in the Liberal Party sights as both are held by Labor with less than half a per cent of the two-party preferred vote in 2022, 0.39 and 0.24 per cent respectively.
The wall of Narre Warren North, Narre Warren
South and Cranbourne will be harder to breach, all holding firm with an 8 per cent margin.
The next election may not be until November next year but the Werribee by-election on 8 February may prove influential in how hard the Liberal Party pushes in the South East.
Covering the growth areas of Werribee and Wyn-
dham Vale, the seat, in varying formations has been retained by Labor for almost 50 years and today holds a strong margin of 10 per cent. If the Liberal Party can make a decent dent in that margin, let alone pull off an unlikely win, it could make Battin’s neighbours on the other side of the city into big targets.
Brad Battin said he was a political outsider who understood what Victorians were going through under Labor. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
Hampton Park Central a priority
By Violet Li
Newly elected councillors are determined to improve Hampton Park Central this year.
City of Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said Hampton Park Central was a major precinct in Casey and a key part of the community.
“It’s crucial that spaces like this in Casey are accessible, well-maintained, and places we can be proud of,” he said.
“As new local Councillors, we are committed to listening to and working with residents and all stakeholders to ensure these areas thrive and
meet the needs of our community. “This is a top priority, and we look forward to sharing updates later this year.”
River Gum Ward Cr Lynette Pereira said as local ward councillors, Mr Koomen and she were aware that Hampton Park Central was a significant precinct and important to the community.
“I have lived in Hampton Park for 38 years. I am aware of problems with the local shops,” she said.
“I aim to work with the council so that this community has an attractive and safe place to shop.”
According to Casey Council, the centre serves approximately 30,000 to 60,000 people, and it faces
two significant challenges that hinder its potential as a lively community destination: access and movement, and its urban design.
“Underlying these two issues is the centre’s fragmented land ownership and its irregular subdivision,” the council stated on its website.
“A lack of coordination and holistic management of the site has resulted in a centre with disconnected movements, blank walls, and a scattered built form.
“The site is currently lacking in open green space, wayfinding signage, permeability of the walking environment, and a sense of place.”
Landowner waiting for tick from council
By Violet Li
The old site of the Hampton Park Food Market may finally see a new development after sitting empty for over 5 years. However, the landowner says the development is now being held up by a “minor” amendment approval.
As the owner of the block of land at 65 Hallam Road next to the Hampton Park Shopping Centre, Ms Le has been waiting for five months for the outcome of a planning amendment.
The council sent an email to her town planner to inform her that the allocated planning officer went on leave in November last year and ever since then, she didn’t know who was looking at the application.
She was only told this week that a new planning officer was assigned to look at the application.
Ms Le said it was a Section 72 application to amend a planning permit, and she had support from the council in a pre-meeting.
Therefore, she believed it shouldn’t take the council this long to process.
“Everything is dependent on this permit to
move forward,” she said.
“I’m waiting for the amendment to be approved because we’re ready to proceed.
“I was hoping I would have the amendment approved before Christmas only to hear a new officer has just been allocated.”
Ms Le said she simply wanted to build some-
Man charged following Tooradin collision
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a collision in Tooradin where a man sustained life-threatening injuries on 20 January.
A BMW sedan allegedly drove into the path of a motorbike on the South Gippsland Highway, near the intersection of Dalmore Road, about 6pm. The rider, a 39-year-old Jam Jerrup man, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital.
The driver of the sedan, a 35-year-old Newport man, was arrested at the scene.
He was interviewed and charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury.
The man was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 22 January.
Teens charged over alleged robbery spree
Four teens have been charged over a spree of alleged burglaries and robberies across the South East last week.
Early on 17 January, Police Air Wing followed an alleged stolen Hyundai Accent sedan entering Monash Freeway from Eastlink.
The car had been seen in the vicinity of the alleged crimes on 15-17 January, police say.
After stop sticks were deployed, the car came to rest at Broad Oak Drive in Cranbourne.
Police seized about 920 packets of cigarettes from the car as well as several suspectedly stolen items.
Four boys were arrested and interviewed by police over the following alleged incidents:
· Burglary at Bemersyde Drive, Berwick on 15 January
· Robbery at James Cook Drive, Endeavour Hills, 15 January
· Fail to stop for police Camms Road, Cranbourne, 16 January
· Theft from motor vehicle, Artfield Street, Cranbourne East. 16 January
· Robbery, South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne North, 16 January
· Attempted armed robbery, Ballarto Road, Cranbourne East, 16 January
· Robbery, McMahons Road, Ferntree Gully, 16 January
· Robbery, Thompsons Road, Cranbourne West, 17 January
· Robbery, Warrigal Road, Bentleigh East, 17 January
· Theft of motor vehicle, Broad Oak Drive, Cranbourne East, 17 January
A pair of 15-year-old Cranbourne East boys were charged with attempted armed robbery, robbery, burglary and aggravated burglary. A 17-year-old Sandhurst boy was charged with attempted armed robbery and burglary offences. A 14-year-old Cranbourne East boy was charged with robbery and burglary offences. The teens will face a children’s court at a later date. Boys arrested in alleged stolen car
A man and three boys from the South East have been charged over an allegedly stolen vehicle in Springvale on Friday 17 January.
Springvale police responded to reports of a carload of males wearing balaclavas and gloves in a Princes Highway car park about 8pm.
After being boxed in by police vehicles, the silver Nissan X Trail allegedly reversed at speed, collided with a parked car and drove forward into a police vehicle.
Three males were arrested in the Nissan by police, a fourth fled on foot and was arrested in a nearby backyard.
There were no injuries, police say.
The Nissan was allegedly stolen from a Clyde North property last week.
thing there.
“I have been associated with the site for over 20 years and I’m doing everything I can to build something there for the people of Hampton Park,” she said.
“It doesn’t give me any joy to leave it empty because the land tax and holding costs are very costly.”
According to Ms Le, the current planning permit has one level of basement parking, one level of retail, one level of commercial, and more than 100 apartments.
She was granted the planning permit in 2019 and the subsequent planning endorsement in late 2022. The project was then paused for a year because of the astronomical increase in construction costs.
The situation stabilised last year, and Ms Le eventually submitted the planning amendment in August 2024. Now, she is waiting for this final step before everything else can move on.
When inquired, Casey Council stated that they could not advise a specific timeline for a decision for an active application until the review had been completed.
A 14-year-old Cranbourne boy, a 16-yearold Dandenong boy and a 13-year-old Greater Dandenong boy were charged with car theft. They were bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date. A 21-year-old Clyde North man was charged with car theft. He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 30 April.
Fatal collision
A pedestrian has died after a fatal collision on Belgrave-Hallam Road on Wednesday 15 January.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the collision in Narre Warren North which occurred around 2:45pm, after a dark grey Ford ute collided with a Mazda 3. This resulted in the ute subsequently crashing into a pedestrian, killing the man whom detectives are still working on identifying.
The male driver of the ute was taken to hospital under police guard with non-life-threatening injuries. The female driver of the Mazda was too, taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and will be spoken to by police.
An investigation into the exact circumstances of the collision is still underway.
City of Casey mayor Stefan Koomen and River Gum Ward Cr Lynette Pereira are determined to improve Hampton Park Central this year. Violet Li: 454917
The old site of the Hampton Park Food Market has been sitting empty for almost five years. Violet Li: 454917
Mechanic is fighting back
By Violet Li
As a beloved agricultural mechanic service in Pearcedale is facing the possibility of being shut down by the Casey Council, about 500 people have signed a petition to save the community business after 15 years.
Phil Hume, the owner of agricultural mechanic service Phil Hume Auto in Pearcedale, said even though Casey Council didn’t explicitly say they would shut his business down, it had given him guidelines that were impossible to fit into.
In a Planning Contravention Notice to Mr Hume in late October last year, the Council said operating under the category of Home Based Business in a Green Wedge Zone, the land must meet the requirements where the net floor area of the business must not exceed 100 square metres.
Mr Hume found the requirement “virtually impossible to do in a rural community”.
“That’s not even about a third of my workshop, so there’s no way I can fit into that,” he said.
Council also required that no motor vehicle might be adjusted, modified, serviced or repaired for gain on-site, which was exactly what a mechanic service was intended for.
The overnight contravention notice has been rather baffling for Mr Hume, given that the business has been operating in the area for 15 years.
“Never been an issue, never been a problem, and now all of a sudden, they state that there’s a complaint. All of a sudden out of the blue, they say I’m a commercial industrial business operating within a green wedge, which I don’t believe is correct,” he said.
“I’m not really industrial, and I’m not commercial. I do all the local agricultural repairs, a lot of ride-on mowers, tractors, and farm equipment.
“It makes sense that you live in that environment or work in that environment to be able to repair in that environment.
“We also do some cars. It’s probably only 20 per cent, the automotive. The rest of it, the 80 per cent, would be agricultural.”
Mr Hume highlighted that the business did not operate late into the night.
“There’s no after-hours, no noise of a night. We’re out of there by 5 o’clock. I don’t like working after that,” he said.
“I try and be respectful and mindful of the neighbours. As you have a look around, it’s not a
junkyard.
“We don’t have racks lying around everywhere and bits and pieces. We try and keep it clean and tidy.
“Council hasn’t actually given us an answer on how it’s affecting the green wedge.”
Over the years, the business has served the local community, repairing vehicles for the local
disability service, the animal charity, the fire authority, and others.
Mr Hume said he was suggested by the council that he move to a commercial industrial area, but he said there was no such area in Pearcedale.
“You’d have to go out of Somerville, Baxter, which is another 20 to 30-minute drive for my clients if they wanted to come and stick with me and follow me,” he said.
“It makes it pretty hard in that way.”
Several months into the matter, the business owner still found it hard to fathom how the council had come to this decision after 15 years.
“There’s lots of businesses around the area on the properties, whether it be truck drivers with B-double trucks and excavators, machinery, that sort of stuff,” Mr Hume said.
“But to me, if they’re going to shut down one, they got to shut down all. You can’t just randomly select somebody and say, you’re the next one.”
When inquired, City of Casey manager Planning and Building Tania Asper said council had investigated the land in question regarding concerns raised by the community, specifically with regard to the use of the land for motor vehicle repair and servicing.
“This type of use is not permitted in the Green Wedge Zone,” she said.
“In line with council procedures, the planning compliance team has requested a response from the landowner regarding the findings of the investigation.
“As this is an active compliance matter, no further information can be provided at this time.” Mr Hume said he was not going to go down without a fight.
“This is my livelihood,” he said.
Cranbourne Gardens Ward councillor Michelle Crowther was contacted for comments. A petition to save the business has gained about 500 signatures at the time of writing. To sign the petition, visit: petitions.net/save_local_ workshop
Casey lifeguard attacked
By Ethan Benedicto
A 19-year-old lifeguard was assaulted at Casey ARC by a group of up to eight youths.
Casey CIU detectives are currently investigating the affray, which occurred on Sunday 19 January at around 5.50pm while the man was on shift.
The man sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The offenders, described as Middle Eastern appearance, fled the scene and were last spotted heading along Overland Drive.
Police have released images of people they believe may be able to assist with the investigation.
City of Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said that while authorities are investigating the issue, “our staff are fully cooperating with their enquiries”.
“On behalf of the council I want to reassure our community that we are deeply committed to making our aquatic facilities safe for everyone to enjoy, we are actively supporting the police investigation and providing all necessary assistance,” he said.
The facility’s gym operates on a 24-hour basis, but the remainder, which includes the pools and the saunas, are manned by staff and lifeguards during the same hours as reception, which is from 5,30am to 10pm from Tuesday to Thursday, until 8pm on Friday, and from 8am to 8pm on Monday, Saturday and Sunday.
The youths, who attacked the lifeguard, had been using the pools prior to the incident; all who remain at large.
Local community members have commented that these types of incidents are rare at the facility, with several expressing their shock at how the events transpired.
“I mean it happens down the road at the shopping centre pretty often, but it’s sad to see it there, a lot of kids go there,” one shopper said.
According to Cr Koomen, the council, partnered with Aligned Leisure, is providing support to the lifeguard and all of the staff involved.
“We are taking immediate steps to increase security at all our aquatic centres to ensure a safe environment for everyone,” he said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Phil Hume, the owner of agricultural mechanic service Phil Hume Auto in Pearcedale, has launched a petition to save his business. Violet Li: 455011
A group of males that police wish to speak to in relation to an assault of a lifeguard at Casey RACE. (Victoria Police)
A lifeguard has sustained upper body injuries after he was attacked by a number of youths at Casey ARC. (On File)
NEWS Charity just wants to help
By Ethan Benedicto
A local charity in Narre Warren wants things to be just like their name, to go back to basics.
Back 2 Basics, a charity that serves well over 7000 people in need a week is in some dire straits after restrictions from the City of Casey have made it difficult to continue operations effectively.
A Change.org petition started by Kelly Warren, co-founder of the charity, has reached over 4000 signatures as of Tuesday 21 January and calls for the local community to show solidarity and “the City of Casey how essential we are to them”.
Kelly, who began the charity with family from their own home some years ago, said that “there are unrealistic demands of what we have to do to obtain the permit”.
“We’re not a supermarket, we’re a charity, we were charging a $25 one-off fee that worked out at six cents per shop.
“As per the Australian Charities and Not-forprofits Commission (ACNC), we’re allowed to do that as long as we’re not making money, and we’re not.
“We get no funding, our bins have gone up to $1000 a month, the power’s tripled, and sometimes it can get up to $3000 for the food bank,” she said.
Listed on the petition’s description and reiterated by Kelly, the restrictions include that driveways at their two facilities in Narre Warren remain clear and vehicles only to be parked for 15 minutes or the charity will be fined.
There must be no deliveries during business hours, all rubbish bins to be stored inside the facility, no community events to be hosted such as Christmas celebrations, Halloween and so on, and no emergency assistance for fires, floods and other disasters.
“If we can’t get deliveries during the day, how are we going to feed all the people, all 7000 of them who come here a week?”, Kelly said.
“If we put the rubbish bins inside with the food, then we’ll have the health department on us.
“The parking too, we get fined if it’s over 15 minutes, no one can police that, how are we going to police that?”
As part of the application process, a neighbouring local business owner in the industrial park had expressed concerns about the charity’s operations, which played a part, according to the petition, to the “re-evaluation of (their) status”.
There are a total of three objections to the planning permit application; the proposal description is detailed as the ‘use of land for retail premises (charitable distribution) (retrospective)’.
However, this isn’t the first time that the charity and the council have been on turbulent waters when back in 2019, the City of Casey requested the organisation to “seek alternative premises”, according to their statement, following complaints about the establishment’s ongoing operations in residential premises.
Acknowledging Back 2 Basic’s contribution to the local community through their charity work,
the council added that conducting warehousing and distribution services from their former residential address did not meet the Casey Planning Scheme requirements.
The City of Casey released an official statement regarding the charity on 16 January, where they detail that after receiving the planning application from Bk 2 Basics in May 2024, and having it advertised to the public in September, they are now “considering the permit documents and material, as well as submissions made by the public, ahead of making a decision”.
“Council acknowledges the important work that Bk 2 Basics provides the community, and we will continue to engage with them in a meaningful way to understand their business model and how this relates to their planning application,” it said.
The council’s Manager of Planning and Building, Tania Asper said that since Planning Permit Application PA24-0217 is still open for feedback from the community, “we are unable to provide any further information on this application until
the assessment has been completed”.
“Providing feedback via a formal submission allows our Planning Officers to consider all views, alongside the Planning Scheme, as part of the decision-making process,” she said.
As for Kelly, she said that they aren’t applying for a land permit, just for one that allows them to run the charity.
“I just wish they would leave us alone so we can do what we do, that’s all I want, just leave us alone,” Kelly said.
“We don’t annoy anybody, we turn up six days a week and we work 18-hour days.
“It’s easy for us to walk away, it really is, but there was a little girl today who was really happy because she was munching on a capsicum, and that’s what it’s all about, things like that make it all worthwhile you know?”
Kelly’s family moved from New Zealand roughly 13 years ago, and having lived in the country with a family of seven, it was uncommon for them to see and experience the struggles of homeless people in bigger cities such as Mel-
bourne.
From there, not just Kelly, but the whole family felt inspired to act, from collecting clothes and food for donations to holding these food drives themselves until it became what Back 2 Basics is now.
“I just want the rules to be realistic,” Kelly said.
“I’ve basically agreed to what, 80 per cent of what council asked of me and I just want them to negotiate the other 20.
“There are departments in Casey Council that support us, we get the textile drive that comes to us, there are also Christmas gifts from them and they also refer people to us, but we won’t be shut down because of them.”
Kelly, alongside the charity, has stated in the petition that they have since invested in town planners to help navigate the new requirements.
With the documents submitted, there is little left to do but wait, with Kelly and the charity hoping for an outcome that strikes a balance between adhering to local regulations and allowing the charity to provide for the community.
Campers warned on fire risk as long weekend nears
With fire danger still high, campers are being warned not to leave campfires and barbecues unattended during the upcoming long weekend.
This month police issued a warning about the dangers after an unextinguished campfire in Cape Otway sparked a bushfire.
About 14 hectares were burned during the fire on January 8 and approximately 150 people needed to be evacuated from nearby campsites.
Police are now treating the bushfire as a criminal investigation.
Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said that campers needed to be mindful of fire danger ratings and weather conditions, including whether there’s a Total Fire Ban in place.
“It’s important to be aware of your responsibilities when it comes to fire. Don’t start fires on high-risk days.
“These fires can be devastating for communities and devastating for fire-fighters.
“It doesn’t matter how the fires start – the re-
sult is the same.”
A growing number of fire-bugs have been charged in the past year, with offenders facing hefty penalties. In the 12 months up to September 2023, 46 offenders were charged with causing a bushfire across Victoria – up 59 per cent.
Bushfire arson is punishable with up to 25 years’ jail, while recklessly or negligently causing a bushfire attracts up to 15 years’ prison.
Lighting a fire on a Total Fire Ban day can lead to fines of up to $46,154 or two years’ jail. Starting a campfire in State forests and parks during restrictions can also attract heavy fines.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan also urged those firing up their barbecues and outdoor cooking appliances this weekend to make sure they are properly extinguished before walking away.
“We want all Victorians to enjoy their long weekend without any surprises, so it is really important your set-up is safe,” Heffernan said.
“Our messages remain clear – check your equipment for any faults before use and always have someone by the fire.
“We also recommend having at least 10 litres of water or a hose nearby.
“We know campfires, spit roasts, pizza ovens and fire pits will be popular this weekend, however if they are not within a properly construct-
ed fireplace or exceed one metre by one metre in size, they can pose a serious fire risk.”
Heffernan said the fire danger would continue to linger over coming months, with forests and grasslands “drier than normal”.
“With temperatures set to reach high 20’s to mid-30’s across the state, I want to emphasise the significance of downloading the VicEmergency App to remain alert to any fires in the region you find yourselves in.”
■ Further information about bushfire arson and reckless fires is also available on the Victoria Police website: www.police.vic.gov.au/bushfire-arson
■ For travel safety tips, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ travel
■ Check the Fire Danger Rating by visiting www. cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerratings
■ Anyone who witnesses suspicious or reckless behaviour as it is occurring should call Triple Zero (000) and anyone with other information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
The volunteer team at Back 2 Basics is looking for a realistic outcome to the application, with hopefully, an ease on the current restrictions. (Supplied)
This space, alongside a neighbouring warehouse, is filled to the brim with perishables that supply roughly 7000 people on a weekly basis. (Supplied)
A wall stocked full of veggies and fruit is a common sight at the Narre Warren warehouse, with those in need free to pick out their essentials. (Ethan Benedicto)
Kelly Warren (left) and her partner have been calling for the community’s solidarity through a Change.org petition in order to continue their support for the community. (Supplied)
AUSTRALIA DAY
We are one and free
By Ann-Marie Hermans MLC
Australians are a truly globe-trotting people but no matter where we go in the world, Australia remains home. While we may not have the grand historical architecture or military power of other nations, our greatness lies in our people—resilient, fair, and accepting. Our land offers equal opportunity and freedom, safeguarded by our monarchy, Westminster conventions, and the brave men and women in our defence forces. It is in this spirit that we celebrate our national day.
Australia Day aims for unity, not division. Through my work with Indigenous youth and leaders, I appreciate the deep history and wisdom of Indigenous Australians. They have cared for the land for thousands of years, developing medicines and laying the foundation for the nation we now call home.
On January 26th, 1788, the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Cove, marking the beginning of our second phase as a nation. Enduring sickness and
poverty, they persevered and helped shape our national destiny. When Australia became a nation on January 1st, 1901, the concept of Australian citizenship did not legally exist. It was only through the Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1948 that this was formalized. Though January 26th was not always a public holiday, it is now celebrated across the country.
211 years later, on the same date, we established formal ceremonies for Australian citizenship. While the Greens and some local councils seek to cancel these ceremonies and shame those who disagree with them, I am proud to continue the tradition of welcoming new citizens – “who’ve come from across the seas” - at our local citizenship ceremonies. By celebrating Australia Day, we reinforce our unity as a people, and work together to make Australia a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
By celebrating Australia Day, we reinforce our unity as a people, and work together to make Australia a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
Lobbying rules may widen
By Violet Li
The City of Casey’s mayor says any steps taken to improve transparency and integrity is a good thing. His comments come in response to proposed State Government Lobbying Reform, which could see regulations extended to councillors.
The State Government is mulling introducing new legislation focused specifically on lobbying, after renewed public interest in the effect of lobbying on government decisions and processes over recent years.
Several reports from the Independent Broadbased Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) recommended the improvement of regulations in lobbying in the State, after identifying specific instances in which inappropriate lobbying activities may have distorted decision-making processes.
Among them is the Operation Sandon special report that provides allegations of two former Casey councillors receiving payments and inkind support to further a developer’s interest.
Lobbying at the local government level is currently not regulated in Victoria. The consultation
Judge takes youth role
A former Dandenong magistrate has been appointed to specifically hear criminal cases involving repeat youth offenders.
With 35 years in the legal system, magistrate Julie O’Donnell starts in the role in the Victorian Children’s Court today (20 January).
Ms O’Donnell ruled on criminal and child protection cases at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court for more than a decade, moving to Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court in 2022. She is also a former senior lawyer at Victorian Legal Aid.
According to the State Government, the role will help ensure repeat youth offenders’ cases were heard quickly and make offenders more accountable.
“Ms O’Donnell will be a great asset to the Children’s Court,” Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said. “Her wealth of experience and expertise will ensure consistency in hearings and more accountability for repeat youth offenders.”
In December, the Government introduced bail reforms for Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 offences such as aggravated burglary, armed robbery, carjacking or home invasion.
It also created a new offence for committing Schedule 1 or 2 offences on bail.
paper considers if the scope of regulation should be extended to cover local government to align with other jurisdictions.
Councillors could face regulations that prohibit them from engaging in lobbying activities relating to any matter with which they had official dealings in a ‘cooling-off’ period after they cease to hold office.
They could also have the obligation to record and disclose details of meetings with lobbyists. But the paper also considers that imposing extensive recordkeeping requirements on councillors may be “too onerous”, given their part-time capacity, and a fine line should be established.
“Consideration should be given to whether a regulatory regime that imposes the same obligations on state and local government decision-makers would be appropriate and adapted given the limited time and resources available to councillors,” the paper states.
“A tiered approach, similar to the approach in other jurisdictions, with appropriate exceptions may better reflect the unique role of local government councillors.”
At the time of the writing, Casey Council has not formed an official position regarding the
State Government’s Lobbying Reforms but welcomes the implementation of all recommendations from the IBAC Operation Sandon.
Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said he welcomed the State Government’s engagement on lobbying regulation.
“Any steps taken to improve transparency and integrity at all levels of government is a good thing,” he said.
“Although council is yet to form a formal position on the reforms, I am committed as mayor to re-building the trust of our community and advocating for integrity in all that we do. I look forward to seeing how these reforms are implemented across the sector.”
Community organisation Casey Residents & Ratepayer Association has been vocal on the follow-up on the IBAC Operation Sandon’s finding.
Vice president Anthony Tassone said there should be obligations on Local Government representatives and executive leadership team members that aligned with those at a State government level to ensure transparency, integrity and the best use of taxpayer or ratepayer funds.
“This should include disclosure of lobbying activity by both councillors and lobbyists them-
selves including the provision of meeting diaries,” he said.
“Whilst Local government does not have the level of resourcing or capacity that State or Federal levels of government may have, there would need to be a good reason to provide any exemptions from their obligations.
“As the old saying goes, if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear.”
Mr Tassone said despite the explosive findings of the Operation Sandon report by IBAC, there had been no enforcement action taken against those individuals who had serious negative findings against them.
“It’s one thing to have reforms to increase obligations on councillors in reporting and disclosing lobbying efforts. It’s another to have actual consequences for behaviours that are a breach of their duties to residents and ratepayers and proper use of funds.”
The consultation on reforming Victoria’s lobbying regulation is open until 9 February. To participate, visit: engage.vic.gov.au/lobbying-reform Casey Council will review the consultation papers and consider a submission on behalf of the City of Casey.
Mahdia is a voice for refugees in need
By Ethan Benedicto
Fleeing from a war-torn country is an experience that no one should have to go through, yet, unfortunately, it remains one of the most-told stories from immigrants in Australia.
Mahdia Qasimi escaped from Afghanistan after the Taliban came to power in 2021, since then, she has been on a journey to advocate not just for Afghan girls’ education and human rights, but for all of those whose lives have been ravaged by war.
“My journey has been anything but ordinary, it’s been shaped by war, loss, resilience and hope,” Mahdia said.
“On the day the Taliban took over, my life as I knew it changed forever, I was banned not only from going to school but also from leaving the house.
“I wrote in my diary that it felt like the end of the world, the airport was closed and no one could leave the country, ‘am I going to stay home for the rest of my life?’.”
Having endured the change, Mahdia was one of 12 recipients of the 2024 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Award, and now, she has nominated herself for the Saward Dawson Community Service and Social Impact Award with the hopes of taking her endeavours to another level.
Since she was young, Mahdia had a penchant for learning, what she described as a “curiosi-
ty about the world” and an appreciation for the smaller things in life.
Her father had left for Australia when she was just three, recalling that he had done so in a search for a “better future for our family”; however, it would be another 10 years before she would see him again.
After reuniting in Australia, a new set of challenges had taken root, the most integral at that time being that she couldn’t speak English, something that devastated her since she could not express herself.
“Over the past three years however I refused to let those barriers hold me back, and I poured all my energy into learning,” she said.
“Once I started high school here, I became part of the leadership team, first as SRC and then as house captain, since I was always looking for that chance to make a positive impact.”
Free from the fear of war and the shackles of oppression, Mahdia and her family were given a fresh start, a clean slate that she quickly got to work on.
Starting in school, she has since been an active contributor to the YMCA Victorian Youth Parliament and also participated in the Holt Young Leader Initiative, experiences where she was able to hone her skills in leadership and also worked alongside other youth leaders.
Furthermore, she bode her time with the Vic-
torian Student Representative Council and played a role in raising awareness on social issues; she worked as a youth Leader with Southeast Community Links in support of migrants and refugees adjusting to their new lives in Australia.
“I’m proud to say that I’ve achieved more than I had ever imagined,” she said.
“From excelling in my studies to becoming a youth leader and participating in community initiatives, I was able to embrace every opportunity that has come my way.
“I’ve delivered speeches on the challenges that refugees faced and drew on my own experiences to advocate for that change.”
For the new year, Mahdia’s ambitions remain great, with plans to start a business of which its profits will contribute to support refugees and migrants in need, alongside a library that will cater to helping with learning English and other resources to navigate their new environment and lives.
“I know the pain of being denied an education, and I want the world to understand the struggles Afghan girls face every day,” she said.
“My hope is to create a future where no girl feels silenced or forgotten, and I believe that by sharing my story on international and national platforms, I can shine a light on these challenges and refugees’ resilience.
“I want to amplify their voices, the girls who were denied the chance to dream, grow and thrive.”
Mahdia Qasimi holding her award next to Minister of Veterans, Natalie Suleyman. (Supplied)
Two men fatally stabbed
By Violet Li
A private birthday party in Clyde North took a tragic turn last week.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two men in Clyde North on the night of Thursday 16 January.
Emergency services were called to a property on Observatory Street shortly after 9.30pm following reports of an altercation.
A 23-year-old and a 54-year-old from the same family in Seaford were found with stab wounds and treated by paramedics, but both died at the scene.
It is believed that multiple people left the address before police arrived.
Detective Superintendent Serious Crime Division Janet Stevenson told the media on the morning of Friday 17 January that an argument had occurred at around 9.30pm and escalated into a brawl that spilled out onto the street.
“At some stage during that brawl, two men have been stabbed and they both died at the scene,” she said.
“Some people left prior to police arriving, and we really need to speak to those people so we can piece together exactly what happened here last night.
“It’s very early on, and we are working on getting in contact with those people.”
Ms Stevenson said the police understood that there were about 20 people involved in the brawl.
She said it should have been a celebration, but unfortunately, it had a tragic outcome.
On Monday 20 January, a spokesperson of Victoria Police said: “Detectives from the Homicide Squad are continuing to investigate the fatal stabbing of two men in Clyde North last week.
“Police have now spoken to all people we are aware of who were unaccounted for following the function at the Observatory Street property on Thursday, 16 January.
“No one has been charged and the investigation remains ongoing.
“If anyone is aware of further people who were
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Forensic police at the crime scene.
Market makes ’25 return
By Violet Li
Pearcedale Community Market had its first event in 2025 on Saturday 18 January.
Coordinator Sharon Mitchell said after the struggles in the first several years, the market had now been on the right track.
“We’ve been going since 2018. We were struggling when we started out of the town a bit.”
She said two years ago the Pearcedale Public Hall committee agreed to the market being there, and that’s when it took off.
Ms Mitchell said now the market was in the middle of the town, the vibe was just amazing.
“Everybody comes with their dog and their children, and it’s a real community market now,” she said.
“We’ve got amazing stall holders now. We only charge $10 a stall because we want people to come.
“We were not into making a profit. We’re all volunteers. We don’t have to make a profit to pay anyone. The community just donates its time and expertise, and it’s just great.
“We just love it.”
The market will have its next event on Australia Day this Sunday.
BUSINESS PROFILE
Discover your next adventure at Travel and World Cruise Expo
Geelong Travel’s highly anticipated Travel and World Cruise Expo returns to Geelong on Sunday, February 2, at GMHBA Stadium.
The annual event promises to be packed with fantastic holiday ideas, exclusive travel deals and expert advice – all with free entry.
With more than 25 engaging travel presentations covering everything from luxury ocean and river cruises to outback Aussie adventures, this expo is your one-stop destination for travel planning.
It’s your chance to meet representatives from the world’s top travel companies, who are ready to help you design your dream itinerary and secure exclusive offers.
Among the expo guests will be celebrity chef Gabriel Gate who will serve up a French cooking demonstration and highlights of Scenic Tour’s luxury European river cruises.
Stuart Coffield, who heads up the familyowned and operated Geelong Travel company, says the popular event’s winning attraction is its lineup of expert travellers.
“We don’t have people reading from brochures or clicking on YouTube links. You get to talk to people who have been on the tours and have real experience – their presentations are amazing,” Mr Coffield said.
Geelong Travel’s 20 experienced team members will be on hand to help expo visitors with enquiries and bookings. And there’s a travel experience to suit everyone. Among the exciting presentations will be:
· The Ghan & Indian Pacific – Australia’s Great Rail Journeys.
· The wonders of Canada and Alaska with APT & Travelmarvel.
· Explore the new world of Viking’s Ocean, Rivers & Expeditions.
· Trafalgar’s Tour Differently – the experts, the
Discover your next adventure at Geelong’s Travel and World Cruise Expo.
icons, and hidden secrets of travelling with ease.
· Bucket list adventures including The Kimberley, Africa, South America & Asia with APT and Travelmarvel.
· Must-see places and Immersive cultural experiences throughout Asia and beyond with Wendy Wu.
· Travelling to Antarctica and the Arctic with Quark Expeditions
· New Zealand coach tours with Grand Pacific Tours.
· Small group 4WD expeditions throughout Australia with Outback Spirit.
Don’t miss the chance to make your ultimate travel plans a reality!
Visit the Travel & Cruise World Expo on Sunday, February 2 at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong from 10am – 4pm. To register, visit geelongtravel. com.au, or call the friendly Geelong Travel team on 5244 3666.
John Surace with home grown vegetables and fruit.
Jan Henderson-Drife, Selling Shiatsu Orthopedic massage chairs with Infra red heat.
Jenny and Rob Anderson from “Say Yes to Gelato” were very popular on the day.
June Sing (a stage name) gave the class and a sense of occasion to the morning.
(Rob Carew: 453946)
Fellow Market organiser, Jordyn shows items for sale from her local business “Vintage Interior Victoria” based in Cannons Creek. Beautiful surrounds.
Bunjil hosts art collective
By Afraa Kori
Bunjil Place, in association with Asia TOPA and Arts Centre Melbourne, is thrilled to present the exhibition and workshop series FROCK A WHANAUNGATANGA by the legendary Tagata Moana (People of the Pacific) art collective, the Pacific Sisters, in the Bunjil Place Gallery from 8 December 2024 to 9 March 2025.
AsiaTOPA partnered with Bunjil Place because it recognised there are a significant number of Pasifika communities in this area.
Curator of the Moana Wan-Solwara collection at Museums Victoria, Jade Hadfield and the Bunjil Place had been in talks for years about the type of programming that they could do for Pasifika –to reconnect ancestral items in the museum and community.
When AsiaTOPA introduced the idea, they were excited about the opportunity it gave them in terms of the Pacific Sisters contemporary yet ancestral provocative style, bringing the past and the present to the fore.
Curated by the Pacific Sisters from News and Jade Hadfield, FROCK A WHANAUNGATANGA marks the Pacific Sisters’ first Australian solo exhibition and showcases their vibrant legacy through fashion, performance, film, and music, exploring ancestral connections and kinship, bringing to life the artistic traditions of the Moana.
“It celebrates our deep connection across the Moana, bridging time and space. This exhibition offers Pasifika communities in Victoria the opportunity to see themselves reflected and honoured on the exhibition and workshop series,“ Jade said.
“By inviting audiences to engage with these themes through interactive elements and evocative displays, the exhibition fosters a shared sense
of connection and celebrates the enduring importance of kinship in sustaining cultural identity.“
Jade Hadfield, Ngati Kahungunu and Ngati
Whatua ki Kaipara, is a conservator and curator with over twelve years’ experience at leading cultural organisations, including Te Papa, ICCROM, The Koorie Heritage Trust, and State Library Victoria, and is currently Curator, Moana Wan-Solwara Collection at Museums Victoria. Jade is committed to Indigenous museum practices and elevating art of the Moana.
Pacific Sisters is a Tagata Moana art collective that emerged from the fringes of mainstream arts and culture in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1991. They are now celebrated for their multi-disci-
‘Something I truly enjoy’:
By Tanya Steele
Connecting community across the airwaves, a volunteer broadcaster reading the news in Upwey at 3MDR has gained recognition for her work for the Tamil-speaking community in Melbourne.
Saranya Balakrishnan received a Bruce Volunteer Recognition Award in Dandenong on 2 December 2024.
“Gathering information and sharing with others is something I truly enjoy,” said Ms Balakrishnan, who has volunteered with the team at 3MDR nearly every Sunday for eight years.
“I was really, really surprised because I didn’t expect any award for my work,” she said.
The newsreader was congratulated across social media on 10 January by her fellow volunteers and the team at 3MDR in Upwey where she has honed her skills as a broadcaster, providing a dedicated voice to connect communities across the globe.
“Saranya has played an instrumental role in her community through her voluntary work as an Emcee in Melbourne,” the post read.
“Her role as a Tamil news anchor reporter at 3MDR 97.1 FM has allowed her to share important news and keep the community informed, ensuring that the Tamil diaspora remains connected with both local and global events.”
Ms Balakrishnan along with many other volunteers received her award at a ceremony held in Dandenong.
Julian Hill MP, Federal Member for Bruce and Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs presented at the ceremony, along with the City Council of Dandenong, led by Mayor Jim Memeti who acknowledged and applauded Ms Balakrishnan’s work.
Recalling the day as she shared a stage with others receiving recognition in her community, Ms Balakrishnan said she felt honoured to be alongside many people in her community who had been volunteering for such a long time.
“They had been working so many years – and I thought, we are doing something valuable,” she said.
Ms Balakrishnan said she would also like to thank her team at the 3MDR radio station for their continuous support and encouragement.
“Working at a radio station has always been my dream job,” she said.
First going to air on 9 April, 1994, the Sanganatham Tamil Community Volunteer Broadcasting team has provided a vital space for the Tamil-speaking population in Melbourne to tune into.
As a news reader, emcee and more, Ms Bal-
and imagery from the Pacific Sisters’ 30 years of pioneering work.
Alongside the exhibition, visitors will also be able to immerse themselves in making practices of the Moana with a series of adornment-making workshops, exploring textile techniques and chatting with the Pacific Sisters about Moana making practices, kinship, ritual and activism through art and adornment.
The major event that they are gearing up for is the AsiaTOPA launch party on Saturday 22 Feb where locals can witness the Sisters in action through performance and frocktiVAtion through their Freestyle Frock Action.
As fashion activists, they redefine the catwalk as a space for empowerment, where models represent diverse body types, genders, and cultural heritages, challenging Eurocentric beauty standards and celebrating the vibrancy of the Pacific diaspora. Their Freestyle Frock Action catwalks are not just fashion shows—they are acts of storytelling and protest, addressing issues such as climate change, marginalisation, and cultural erasure.
plinary practice that blends Moana heritage art and contemporary forms to create fashion activism. Through ceremony, art, adornment and performance, they embrace and assert their urban Maori, Pacific, and Queer identities, unique to Aotearoa New Zealand.
As visitors move through the exhibition, they will encounter niu aitu (new ancestors) avatars adorned in the Sisters’ intricate handmade garments alongside ancestral taonga and measina (treasured cultural items) drawn from the collections of Museums Victoria and National Gallery of Victoria, and new works from the Sisters.
The exhibition also offers visitors a dynamic Pasifika lounge to engage with archival footage
Mayor of the City of Casey, Cr Stefan Krooman is absolutely delighted to welcome the Pacific Sisters to Bunjil Place for their first solo exhibition in Australia.
“It’s an incredible honour to have their groundbreaking work on display, and we’re thrilled that our gallery, which has been home to some truly exceptional exhibitions, is chosen to host such a remarkable event. We encourage our community to visit this extraordinary exhibition and experience the inspiring creativity of the Pacific Sisters. The Bunjil Place Gallery remains dedicated to supporting and showcasing diverse and inspiring talent, and this exhibition is a testament to that commitment.”
Volunteer broadcaster honoured
akrishnan has been contributing with fellow longtime volunteers Wicki Wickiramasingham and Senthil Nathan for the Tamil community on the Sanganatham program since 2016.
She has also made contributions to Channel 31 as VJ for the Tamil Oli program and also acts as an emcee across Melbourne for many cultural and musical events.
Having a longstanding interest in community and connection from a young age in India, Ms Balakrishnan said she has always been a social person and loves connecting with people.
“I used to contribute to the school prayer sessions,” she said.
When Ms Balakrishnan moved to Australia in 2013 she said it gave her a new opportunity to develop her skills in media and communication.
“After coming here, I thought why can’t I try here? It’s in the mindset,” she said.
After searching for Tamil radio stations in Melbourne she found the 3MDR Sanganatham Tamil Radio show online.
“I contacted them and went straight to the station the next day, I shared my knowledge and interest in working with them, and that’s how my journey in radio began. I’ve been working there ever since,” she said.
Julian Hill MP said Ms Balakrishnan has had such a positive impact on their local community
through her work and that presenting her with a Bruce Volunteer Award was ‘an absolute pleasure’.
“Showing a profound commitment to volunteerism and community engagement, Ms Balakrishnan uses her platform to amplify local Tamil voices – fostering unity and celebrating Tamil Australians rich heritage,” he said.
The Bruce Volunteer Recognition Awards are an annual tradition in the south-east, celebrating individuals whose volunteer efforts create positive change within their communities.
Ms Balakrishnan said the core purpose of her work is in her language – Tamil.
“I love speaking in Tamil, and I aim to promote it across various platforms, to encourage the youngsters to incorporate it into their daily lives here,” she said.
Tamil is one of the oldest living languages, with over 2,000 years of literary tradition. Spoken primarily in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, it belongs to the Dravidian family and is rich in poetry, philosophy, and culture.
“As a classical language, Tamil remains vibrant and widely spoken today, making it a cornerstone of South Indian identity and heritage,” Ms Balakrishnan said.
A meaningful Tamil phrase related to community service and Tamil language is as follows: Periya paniyarruvatu makkalin cevayinal tan
“Great work is done through service to the people.”
Ms Balakrishnan said this phrase emphasises the importance of serving the community and reflects the idea that true greatness comes from helping others.
“It aligns well with Tamil culture, which values social harmony and service to the greater good,” she said.
In her time at 3MDR Ms Balakrishnan said she has come across many people and their life stories and that she has also seen growth in the Tamil community.
“I can see people are getting motivated and inspired,” she said.
“We can get knowledge, or whatever help they want from the radio community.”
Ms Balakrishnan lives with her family in Cranbourne West and she said they are the ‘backbone’ of what she does and has always approached her volunteering as a job.
“I’m coming to this at 100 per cent,” she said.
The radio newsreader dedicated her award to her family— her husband and two kids.
“They always support and help with my work,” she said.
“We are representing our community, and we are representing our people around us, and we can show what people are facing.”
Even when going through the birth of her children and travelling home to visit her parents, Ms Balakrishnan has sent her work through to her team at 3MDR.
“I just got discharged from the hospital, and I came to my home, and I straight away went to the recording room,” she said.
“I always feel that moment was reflective of how deeply I am involved in this work,” she said.
A great believer in the power of radio, Ms Balakrishnan said she has been further inspired to do more than news updates and has launched a new program for 2025 surrounding a ‘No Plastic’ campaign.
“I wanted to offer something truly valuable to the community, something that can benefit their everyday lives,” she said.
The dedicated newsreader will continue to serve her community and people can tune into her show every Sunday – she said she now feels an even greater sense of responsibility for what she does and is eager to give back to the community more and more in the coming years.
“My whole soul is fully connected, I feel so proud of myself and of how I did all these things,” she said.
Pacific Sisters FROCK A WHANAUNGATANGA installation view Bunjil Place Gallery. (Tiffany Garvie)
Indian news reader Saranya Balakrishnan (middle) received a volunteer recognition award from Julian Hill MP (left) alongside City of Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti Mayor. (Supplied).
Australia Day Multicultural Community Barbecue
A free barbecue for the local community to come and enjoy. This event is hosted by Turbans 4 Australia.
Arthur Wren Hall, 16-20 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park, 26 January 2025, 10am - 1pm
Activities include: Rock Climbing, Jumping Castle, Icy Poles, Face Painting, Sausage Sizzle, Slushies
This event is hosted by the Hampton Park Progress Association.
Berwick Bridge Club
Berwick Bridge Club is looking for new members. There are two free beginner’s courses.
One starts on Monday night, 24 February, from 7 to 9pm and the second is on Friday morning, 28 February, from 10am to 12pm.
Both courses run for eight weeks.
Lessons are run at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, 21A Bemersyde Drive, Berwick. No partner is required.
· To reserve your place please phone Maree on 9702 2348.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club meets weekly for a range of different events, including bus trips, community days, games, coffee and chat, bingo, dancing and carpet bowls.
Weekly activity times - Line Dancing Mon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
· For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
· Find us on facebook https://www.facebook. com/groups/487808127399953
U3A Cranbourne
We have had a wonderful year with membership growing and our move to new premises. We have maintained our activities and introduced some new ones. Next year we will still be offering Line Dancing and Ballroom Dancing at Casey Basketball Stadium
while the rest of our activities will be carried out at 20-22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne. Our singers and guitar and ukuleles players entertained our members at the Christmas Party held at Beaconsfield Football club to celebrate the end of the year. U3A will close on Friday the 13th and reopen the 13th January, 2025. Our membership fees will stay the same at $50 for the whole year for as many activities as you wish to do. We thank Casey council for their support over the year and continued support into 2025. Please check out our website www. u3acranbourne.org.au to see the courses for next year or contact 0493 991 919 to learn more Cranbourne and District Garden Club
The club is turning 51 this year and still meets at the Cranbourne Public Hall from 1.15pm on the second Thursday of the month.
The club enjoys day trips and lunches, afternoon teas and friendship.
· For more information, contact Julie on 5995 1420 or Jean on 9704 6242.
Blind Bight Community Centre
Craft gift making for adults from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Tuesdays.
Join in the craft gift making class and bring along your own craft to complete.
A variety of techniques and skills are shared including mosaics, macrame, sewing and painting at $3 per class.
Playgroup from 10.30am to noon on Wednesdays. The program provides fun play activities and craft for children at $5 per family.
Free knit and crochet from noon to 2pm on Wednesdays.
Line dancing from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesdays. All ages, and abilities welcome at $10 per class.
· For more information and for bookings, visit www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club
Are you new newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom as a senior or expand your social life?
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities and friendship.
The club hosts weekly social activities with dance to low-key in-line dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, a chat, and then afternoon tea.
Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub
lunches, monthly Tuesday dine-outs, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.
Anyone interested can visit on Thursdays at 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive or join the club for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday from 10am at the new François cafe in front of Myer in Fountain Gate.
· For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
Balla Balla Community Centre
Health & Wellbeing classes held at Balla Balla Community Centre include pilates on Tuesday afternoons or Wednesday evenings, Zumba - Tuesday evenings and Yoga Thursday late afternoons or evenings. Enhance your fitness levels before Spring arrives.
· For more information, visit ballaballa.com.au
Combined Probus Club of Narre Warren
The club welcomes men and women to join for fun and interesting activities.
The club hosts bowling, armchair travel, book clubs, walk and talk, happy snappers and cards.
· For enquiries, contact Heather at hsims14@ gmail.com
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club has started a Scrabble Club recently and it runs every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.
It will be both competitive and social on a one-toone basis.
Come along to learn how to play or improve your game.
Word lists and more will be available to increase your skills.
· Contact David on 0433 566 456.
Berwick Springs VIEW Club
Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.
The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.
The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy lunch and then
host a guest speaker.
Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies. The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.
· For more information, contact Shirley on 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com
Probus Club of Casey Combined
Meetings finish at noon when many of our members assemble for lunch at one of the local cafes. The club meets at the Old Cheese Factory at 9.45am on the second Tuesday of each month.
BADFolk Club
Berwick and District Folk Club meets on the third Friday of each month. Doors open at 6.30pm, with the music running from 7pm to 10pm with entry $15.
· For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264.
Craft classes
Join Berwick Activities Group’s Elizabeth to discover the world of papercraft and have a chat with like-minded people. Tuesdays from 10am to noon at Timbarra Community Centre at $5 per class, all materials supplied. Contact admin@berwicknc. com.au or phone 9704 1863.
Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre
If you are over 55 years old, newly retired, or new to the Casey area and looking for something to do, come and join the main club day on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 3pm at 192-196 Centre Road in Narre Warren.
There are also weekly activities on other days of the week, which include the Garden Group Club, indoor carpet bowls, line dancing, table tennis, friendly card games, and a gentle exercise class. For more information, phone 9704 0015 or 0426 736 467 or email narrewarrenseniors@gmail.com
Chair dancing
Would you enjoy exercising from the comfort of your chair? Join the Berwick Activities Group for some seated movement sessions from 10.45am to 11.30am on Wednesdays including fun and uplifting songs and different styles and eras of music. Timbarra Community Centre at $8 per session. For more information, contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.
Loyal Lincoln hits 500 games
By David Nagel
Devon Meadows Life Member Lincoln Hepburn was appreciative but wearing thin of the accolades as he walked proudly through a guard of honour to play his 500th game for the Panthers against Pakenham on Saturday.
The Panthers’ E Grade skipper walked through the applauding players, respectably acknowledging both teams, before rubbing his hands together prior to the first ball being bowled at Booring Reserve.
“Righto, that’s enough of that stuff…let’s get into it.”
Hepburn was now in his comfort zone, playing cricket for his beloved Panthers; a tradition he has continued since playing his first game as a 10-yearold in the under-14s in 1983.
He has gone on to make 5075 runs, while his 776th wicket came during the Panthers nine-wicket win over the Lions on Saturday.
Hepburn has played in six premierships at the club, including two First XI flags after making his senior debut in 1988.
He claimed his best bowling figures of 7/16 against Lyndhurst Vikings in 1997 - one of three seven-wicket hauls – and made 116 not out against Beaconsfield in F Grade in 2009.
His exploits, both on and off the field, led to him receiving Life Membership at Devon Meadows in 1995.
He has served several stints as vice president at Devon Meadows and even served as secretary of the WGCA.
Former Devon Meadows president Mick Floyd acknowledged Hepburn’s wonderful achievement via a video tribute at training on Thursday night.
“It’s an extraordinary achievement, representing four decades of dedicated service to the club and to the game of cricket,” Floyd said.
“The numbers you’ve put up over that time are truly extraordinary.
“Over 5000 runs, 775 wickets, and six premierships, but the numbers alone don’t reflect your contribution to our great club.
“You’ve always been exceptional at taking your players under your wing.
“I was 19 when I came to Pantherland and I remember you kindly offering me a lift to Cardinia for my First XI debut.
“I learned a lot on the field that day, but learnt a whole lot more on the trip home.
“Over the next 25 years I’m proud to say that
you’ve continued to be a fantastic mentor, club mate and friend.”
Hepburn was caught unaware by the video; but his response showed his love for both the game and the club he has represented more than any other player in history.
“I took a while to get to 500 because back in those days we only played eight, 10 or 12 games, and it was all two-day cricket,” he said.
“Obviously I’ve seen a lot of change in cricket generally, but certainly around Devon Meadows… this used to be a tin shed.
“I’m just so lucky, and so lucky do have done it at this club.
“There’s been near on a thousand players come through and being the historian I’ve got them all on a spread sheet.
“I looked through it and I think I’ve met in excess of 800 of them.
“It’s been an absolutely magnificent club to play for and I hope everyone appreciates that.
“Devon Meadows is, by and large, still very, very similar in culture and attitude.
“I appreciate all of the committee members over the years that have enabled the club to prosper for 55 years now.”
Hepburn then returned the favour by heaping praise on Floyd.
“I really must thank Mick (Floyd), who I paid tribute to not long ago when he stepped down from the presidency after an enormous impact as president,” Hepburn said.
“I said at the time, ‘it’s probably the most important individual effort that anyone has put into
this club over the course of 15 years.”
Hepburn said he had entertained thoughts of retirement, but the thought of hanging up the creams was too tough.
“I’ve sort of thought about it leading into this day, this time, and when should I retire,” he said.
“Like a good darts player I could go out on 501, but I may as well keep going as long as I can; I would miss it too much.
“To me it’s not really an achievement, I love playing cricket and I love this cricket club.”
Hepburn rates his match-winning spell of 5/26 in the 2001/02 premiership win over Merinda Park as his career highlight.
On Saturday, teammates from that game almost 23 years ago – Peter O’Brien and Peter Zauner –formed part of his 500-game guard of honour.
Winning is a numbers game for Cranbourne and Carlyon
By Marcus Uhe
Cranbourne captain-coach Harrison Carlyon outlined the task to his Cranbourne teammates before play ahead of a tricky chase against Coomoora in a vital Turf 2 contest of the Dandenong District Cricket Association.
They needed just 140 to win, but begun the day knowing they’d get no further assistance from Carlyon, Hayden Lamb and Cameron Kelly, the side’s three leading run scorers.
Carlyon simplified the assignment, outlining the increments on his whiteboard that accompanied his side’s awaiting batters, and his Eagles responded tremendously, passing with flying colours – specifically, blue and gold.
“Every time we got 10 runs we’d tick it off the board,” he said of the theory.
“We worked our way down from 14 to one and it stops everyone looking at the bigger number.
“It’s a mind, mental thing.
“I said to the boys, to be 3/30, maybe where we were at the start of the season we might not have got those runs, but we’ve worked through a lot of things this season and that’s really pleasing to see.
“We had a bad last hour on Saturday but to come back and continue playing the way we wanted to play, and chase down that score with confidence, was great.”
Resuming the assignment after reaching stumps last week was Tommy Marks and Dean McDonnell.
Marks added just a single run to his overnight total, falling to an exceptional diving catch behind the stumps from Jarrod Munday at 4/36.
Coomoora had tightened the screws and looked in ominous touch, restricting the Eagles to singles and twos as balls plugged in the sandy Casey Fields surface with the boundary in sight.
Scoring was tricky, but McDonnell and Harsaroup Singh picked gaps and found an occasional
boundary to keep the run rate ticking.
12 overs of seam to open the day gave way when Liam Hard tossed the ball to the ace up his sleeve in match-winning spinner Malan Madusanka.
Conditions looked ripe for him to spin his side to another victory, but Singh had other ideas.
He defended the first two balls of his spell but released the shackles on the third, hitting the (at the time) competition’s leading wicket-taker over his head for six.
It unsettled Madusanka who so often has the game on his terms when looking to bowl his side
to a result, and his rhythm faltered and fluctuated as a result.
Dean Krelle grabbed McDonnell in the prevailing over after a catch went down at square leg the previous ball, opening the door for Coomoora once more at 5/72, but with Singh set, and with compensation runs on the mind after a lean summer, the threat was quickly extinguished.
Singh was sweeping both Madusanka and Amarjot Singh excellently and nullifying their impact to short, intermittent spells, with new batter Justin Dickinson providing the ideal foil at the other end. Harsaroup Singh reached his first 50 of the
summer but fell on the stroke of the tea break for 65, thanks to an excellent diving catch from Liam Hard.
But his innings, a clear best of the summer, put his side in a comfortable position at 6/137.
Some tail-end aggression from Julius Sumerauer upon the resumption of play after tea, with only a further 20 runs required, saw the Eagles home by four wickets.
Singh’s innings was a standout for Carlyon, critical in nullifying the looming threat of Madusanka, who finished wicketless for the first time this summer.
“Looking at previous scorecards, the opening bowlers probably haven’t taken as many wickets as he has,” Carlyon said of Madusanka.
“To keep him out of the game, there’s a pretty high chance we were going to win the game, which I thought we did well.
“We didn’t just sit on him, we applied pressure when he bowled a bad ball and knocked him around when they put the two guys back.
“’Hars’ did that well and that’s exactly how we wanted to play.
“He’s (Singh) a phenomenal all-round cricketer and it was just a matter of time for him to click into some touch.”
With Parkmore’s loss to HSD, the Eagles soar to the top of the table with four rounds remaining in an ever-so-close scramble for seeding.
Plenty of cricket remains in the summer, but it’s an enviable position they find themselves in with four rounds to play.
Coomoora will regret a poor fielding display in which a handful of chances went to ground, but will bolster their line up in the coming weeks with a handful of key players returning to the senior side.
Opening batters Lance Baptist and Rahoul Pankhania will be welcome additions to a side that has relied heavily on its bowling depth, as will Sam Wetering, a leader of the bowling group.
Devon Meadows legend Lincoln Hepburn walks through a guard of honour to play his 500th game on Saturday. (David Nagel: 454474)
14 blocks of 10.
Justin Dickinson played an important role in Cranbourne’s run chase against Coomoora. (Rob Carew: 453800)
Six-straight wins for Swans
By Marcus Uhe
A sixth-consecutive win in Victorian Premier Cricket sees Casey South Melbourne remain within striking distance of breaking into the competition’s top four.
The brilliant summer of all-rounder Ruwantha Kellapotha continued for the Swans in the weekend’s triumph, with another starring performance in both disciplines to pilot the seven-wicket win over Geelong at Casey Fields.
He’s the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 27 wickets at 20.7, and is second for total runs at the Swans with 311 at 28.2, trailing only Matthew Calder by 11 runs, making him a major player in Ryder Medal contention.
Over the weekend, his 3/71 helped bring a premature end to the visitors’ batting innings for 175, before top-scoring with 81 in the reply, as Casey South Melbourne completed the equation with seven wickets in hand.
With the Swans losing the toss and forced to field in Saturday’s heat, Kellapotha pounced on some hard yards from strike bowler Nathan Lambden early in the innings.
Lambden struck with the third ball of the afternoon and followed up with a second later in his spell to have both of Geelong’s opening batters back in the sheds within the first seven overs.
A pair of 50-run partnerships in the middle order saw Geelong look to rebuild its innings but the quicks had made irreversible damage in the early stages to render them entirely on the back foot.
Kellapotha returned to the bowling crease for his second spell in the 51st over and struck with his first ball to take the eighth Geelong wicket, and the ninth with the last ball of his over as the visitors’ innings came to a crashing halt.
Luke Shelton claimed the final wicket on the first ball of the 52nd over to make it 3/0 in seven balls.
Ashley Chandrasinghe departed early in the chase, the left-hander edging onto his stumps for just seven, but a 104-run partnership from Kellapotha and Yash Pednekar alleviated any concerns of a collapse for the Swans.
Pednekar’s inconsistent year continued for the Swans, making 35 in a summer where, like Chandrasinghe, he has failed to live up to high standards set during the previous campaign.
A top-edged sweep of leg spinner Arjun Sehrawat shortly before stumps on day one brought his downfall, slumping to his knees and shaking his
Kellapotha is having a golden season for Casey South
head in frustration as he left the pitch.
Casey South Melbourne resumed day two at 2/117 needing only a further 59 runs for victory.
They cruised to the target in the 55th over the innings, with Kellapotha departing with the target in sight at 3/152.
DDCA drops clash with VTCA
By Marcus Uhe
The Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) representative team was on the wrong end of a final over thriller in its exhibition game against the Victorian Turf Cricket Association (VTCA) on Sunday at Noble Park’s Pat Wright Senior Oval.
The home side was unable to defend 10 runs in the final over after posting 9/204 for victory in the first innings.
North Dandenong seamer Deeshan Vimukthi was chosen by skipper Jordan Hammond to bowl the final set of six deliveries and nearly began the over in the best possible fashion with the wicket of VTCA captain Mitch Johnstone.
Johnstone nailed a lofted straight drive down the ground on the first ball of the over, chancing his arm and eye despite the DDCA having two fielders on the long straight boundary.
The catch was there for the taking but a miscommunication between Mitch Forsyth and Triyan De Silva saw the ball go to ground, and the batters run two.
Vimukthi nailed a wide yorker on the second ball but was hit for six on the third, as Johnstone this time cleared the straight boundary.
A well struck drive beat the infield on the fourth ball of the over, allowing the batters to run the final two required for victory.
The DDCA took regular wickets in the first half of the innings, including two in the opening two overs.
The visitors were in trouble at 5/81 when De Silva grabbed a crucial wicket in his second over.
Player of the match, Matthew Gaskett, however, made 42, and Aaron Maynard 39, to put their side in a winning position, before the
captain sealed the deal with the winning runs, seven wickets down.
Berwick quick James Trodd was the DDCA’s only multiple wicket-taker, grabbing 2/33 after an exhillirating display with the new ball.
Earlier in the day, the DDCA failed to capitalise on a promising start made by the top order.
Forsyth (26) and Hallam Kalora Park’s Damith Perera (34) added 46 for the second wicket but both departed in the space of 10 balls.
Michael Wallace and Venuk Hemachandra both followed suit in quick succession as the DDCA fell to 5/97, after reaching 1/81 against a quality VTCA attack.
Jeevan Mendis and De Silva both added 34 in a stabilising 63-run stand and Trodd added 24 in the dying stages to lift the home side to 9/204.
The VTCA has now won the last three contests between the associations.
The Swans reached 256 in 79 overs, before bowling at Geelong for a second time on Sunday afternoon.
Geelong managed 4/155 in the second innings, with Lambden, Kellapotha and Calder each taking one wicket each, and Chandrasinghe affecting a run
out.
Casey South Melbourne sits one point behind fourth-placed Dandenong, but is the only side in the top six with a negative net run rate.
They will shoot for a seventh win on the trot next weekend against Northcote away.
Cranbourne back in the mix after overpowering competitive Parkdale
CRANBOURNE BOWLS
Welcome back to Pennant Bowls following the Christmas break and a happy New Year to one and all.
Saturday was a glorious sunny day, warm, with a stiff breeze blowing but this didn’t stop bowls games from starting in round 10.
Cranbourne 1 Div 1, playing at home, took on Parkdale 1 on the front synthetic and the matches were good. Staying in the hunt to play finals, Cranbourne 1 eventually overpowered the Parkdale 1 team, winning three rinks and sharing one. Best rink of the day was skipped by Shane Jakins, with Nick Arnold (3), Hayden Leveridge-Watkins (2), and Stephen Bentley (Lead) winning 20-11. Honourable mentions also to Jay Tootell’s team, who won by seven shots, along with Ryan Drummond who won by five. The team led by Scott Guymer drew with their opponents.
•Cranbourne 1 Div 1 (76) def Parkdale 1 (55) + 21 shots and 17 points. Ladder Position: Fifth.
Cranbourne 2 Div 2 travelled to Dandenong Club 2 to play on the under-roof synthetic. Well what a day; Dandenong Club 2 played out of their hats, and we didn’t, to put it simply. For a team sitting second on the ladder it was a terrible display, but you can only do what your opponents allow you too and our opponents played the better bowls on the day. Despite losing all rinks, we much acknowledge our best rink effort. Skipped by Neil Drummond, Fred Scicluna (3), Billy Bradbury (2) and Marijan Bobetic (Lead) fought it out to the end, going down by four shots. I’m sure this team will be back to their best this Saturday.
•Cranbourne 2 Div 2 (43) def by Dandenong Club 2 (106) - 63 shots and zero points. Ladder Position: Third.
Cranbourne 3 Div 3 hosted Dandenong Club 3 and played their game on the back grass green. Like their number two team who savaged our number two team at Dandenong, this team came
ready to play, and play they did, at the expense of Cranbourne 3.
The best rink was skipped by Phil Nielsen, with Dermot McConville (3), John Stanley (2), with Roger Townley (Lead) who were defeated by four shots. Cranbourne was playing the top of the ladder Dandy team, and they need a big confidence booster and can hopefully get some wins before seasons end.
•Cranbourne 3 Div 3 (57) def by Dandenong Club 3 (117) - 60 shots and zero points. Ladder Position: Eighth.
Cranbourne 4 Div 6 took the short trip to the Cranbourne RSL 1 at Silks to do battle on their very tricky synthetic, especially with the wind making it more difficult. Following a couple of close losses, this team took the opportunity to get to the venue a little earlier than normal and availed of the time and opportunity to get some practice. They worked on line and speed and I really believe this helped us win a very close encounter. There is not much between the two teams, but to get a win playing away is something special.
The best rink for the day belonged to skip Cheryl Wright, with Scott De Piazza (3), Jo Alsop (2) and Jacqui Warner (Lead) winning their rink by eight shots.
Cranbourne 4 eventually won two rinks, lost 1 and drew one.
The rink who lost was down 15-2 at one stage, but continued to fight and keep their loss to a minimum and this they did eventually going down by 10 shots.
•Cranbourne 4 Div 6 (70) def Cranbourne RSL 1 (68) + 2 shots and 15 points. Ladder Position: Third.
Cranbourne 5 (Div 8 Sth) forfeited its game against Churchill Waverley Golf 2 due to the lack of available players. Ladder Position: Sixth.
-Derek Maguire-
Ruwantha
Melbourne. (Rob Carew: 453799)
The DDCA’s representative team went down in the final over against the VTCA. (Marcus Uhe: 454270)
