News - Berwick Star News - 4th April 2024

By Emma Xerri

An online petition of more than 1400 signatures is opposing a new application for a controversial proposed school near Lysterfield Lake Park.

PARED Victoria lodged a ministerial planning permit application on 15 December 2023, after two previous proposals for new private boys’ school, Lysterfield Lake College, were knocked back by both Casey Council and VCAT.

The boys’ college, which is proposed to be developed at 19-23 Horswood Road, Narre Warren North, was rejected by VCAT due to the site’s unsuitability, and incongruence with state and local planning policies intended to protect the Casey Foothills.

In a recent statement from PARED, it stated it was “hopeful” of the outcome, which is expected in the second half of 2024, and that “the school is working with the relevant areas of government to ensure the success of the application”.

It noted that VCAT had stated the school is beneficial in planning terms as it meets state policy seeking “a diversity of primary and secondary schools”.

However, located next to Lysterfield Lake Park - which receives in excess of 500,000 visitors and tourists annually - local opponents argue the school would result in visibly intrusive urban development near the park, and a disregard for the rural expanse of green wedge land and its wildlife.

“It’s a shocking situation,” local resident and environmental advocate Karen Cavanagh said.

“The green wedge policies are just so weak.

“Once they get their foot in the door, there’s nothing stopping them from reapplying to expand the school.

“And they have to develop the whole site, because financially there are a certain number of students you need to make running a school financially viable.

“So it’s important that the school is refused now, because once you’ve got a small school on the site, you can’t stop it from growing.”

Home to a plethora of wildlife in its natural habitat, the proposed site is a “haven” for animals like the kangaroo and the endangered swift parrot, along with seven other endangered species that rely on the park’s environment for survival, she said.

“The land needs to remain undeveloped to serve as a buffer zone between the town and the park.

“You can’t contain animals, they know no boundaries, so it has always been the plan for the animals of the park to be able to overflow into pastures and properties surrounding the park.”

Opponents have also raised concerns about the school’s proposed Kangaroo Management Plan.

Put forward during theVCAT case, the plan proposed the culling and relocation of the kangaroos from their natural habitat.

“I’ve been rescuing here for 18 years now, so my main concern is the kangaroos,” Sue Johnston of Sue’s Roo Kangaroo Rescue-Rehab-Release said.

“I understand it’s not their land - the national park is - but they’ve been grazing that land for years.

“At the moment, the kangaroos are free to go on that property and the next property and the next… but if that is blocked off for them, then that will push them more onto Horswood Road.”

This sentiment was echoed by the petition’s signers, one of which noted in their comment that “humans do not have the right to interfere with the wildlife just because they are ‘in our way’”.

“It’s so overdue for us to learn that without nature and healthy ecosystems we cannot exist,” they wrote.

Through their petition, locals also take issue with traffic implications.

With the school publicly advocating for parents to transport their children to school, and with no viable connection to public transport available, it would add to the traffic from private vehicles, the opponents argue.

They say it goes against the Victorian Gov-

ernment strategy which promotes a reduction in vehicle emissions and a focus on accessible, 20-minute neighbourhoods.

The potential influx of school-related traffic may disrupt park visitors and endanger wildlife, equestrian riders, and their horses. Additionally, the school’s presence is likely to worsen existing traffic congestion on a road that is already heavily congested, and contribute to increased traffic volume on nearby arterial routes, notably Belgrave-Hallam Road and Heatherton Road, the opponents say.

As well as impacts to traffic, petitioners are also arguing that a school development on the site would mean significantly higher volumes of wastewater and stormwater flowing downhill from the site, affecting the neighbouring lake, dams, wetlands, and Eumemmerring Creek. Continued page

Karen Cavanagh, Kate Rousseaux, Ken Russell and Sue Johnston in front of the proposed school site. 398283

Meet our Community Leadership Program graduates

Our Community Leadership Program is back for its fourth year and Expressions of Interest are now open until 5.00 pm on Friday 19 April.

This free program is for new, emerging and existing community leaders aged 18 years and over who want to enhance their leadership skills, create new networks and learn more about local government.

Mush Rahaman and Ben Plunkett are two graduates of the Community Leadership Program.

Mush lives in Berwick with his family and is a small business owner, running a café in Berwick Village. The program helped inspire Mush to really do more for his local community and provided him with an understanding about how Council works, including budgeting, resourcing and future priorities.

“The Community Leadership Program will really give you a reason to help out and show what you are good at so you can do something worth it that makes a change,” Mush said.

Solar solutions available for residents and businesses in Casey

We have teamed up with Solar Savers, to make solar installation easy, affordable and reliable for residents and businesses.

An online information session will be held on Tuesday 16 April from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm.

This is a free session and bookings are required.

If you would like to learn more about switching to solar, book now by scanning the QR Code.

Ben is proud of the community initiatives he has been able to help deliver with the Rotary Club, including an Interact Club — a young person’s Rotary Club that started in Narre Warren. As President of the Rotary, he has led three main focus areas around mental health, family violence and youth.

“The Community Leadership Program is like an A to Z of leadership — it’s a program for everyone. If you have a little calling in the back of your mind to sign up, then just do it and put in an application,” Ben said.

For more information and to apply, please visit our community consultation website Casey Conversations. For application support, please email caseyclp@casey.vic.gov.au or call 9705 5722.

Looking for new ways to get active?

Active Autumn is a Council-led program that aims to introduce you to a variety of free and low-cost physical activities for fitness and fun.

Run throughout April, there’s something for all abilities and age groups, including basketball, walking groups, park runs, yoga, scavenger hunts, boxing, Zumba, Bollyfit, Akido and more!

For more information and to book, please visit our website.

Join some of our community’s most passionate and knowledgeable local historians for a walk down memory lane at the Casey Cardinia Heritage Festival.

The Festival will be held on Sunday 21 April from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm at Berwick Senior Citizens Centre, 112 High Street, Berwick.

This is a free event and no bookings are required.

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

• Berwick Village Activity Centre: help us shape the future of Berwick Village and provide feedback on the current structure plan which requires updating.

• Endeavour Hills dog-friendly park: have your say on the proposed location and design.

• Safe Around Schools program: complete the survey to tell us what traffic safety concerns you have around Narre Warren South P-12 College.

• Community Service Organisations Growth and Attraction Framework: we are seeking your feedback on the draft Framework.

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

Ben Plunkett. Mush Rahaman.

Centre’s car park concern

By Emma Xerri

Currently sharing their car park with the area’s other facilities, the Timbarra Community Centre is hoping measures can be put in place to safeguard some spots for their patrons, who are struggling to benefit from the centre’s many enriching services.

Located off Parkhill Drive, just next door to Monash Health, Windermere Family Services and Headstart Early Learning Centre, parking for Community Centre staff and patrons has been a consistent struggle, with insufficient spaces to currently accommodate those visiting them and the neighbouring facilities.

For centre manager Kim Peterson, this is especially concerning for the centre’s senior attendees, who use the activities provided as a “lifeline”.

“You might think it’s just a knitting group or a gardening group or whatever it may be, but this is a lifeline for a lot of people,” she said.

“We live in the City of Casey where we’re increasingly trying to support the ageing population, and look at what we can do to keep them interacting to support their longevity and wellbeing.

“Attending these groups could be the most significant part of their day, and if you’ve had to turn away because you couldn’t find accessible parking, then a little thing becomes a big thing.”

Unfortunately for these senior patrons, who look to the weekly activities as a much-needed social avenue, the inaccessible car park has meant many have been unable to return.

“If there’s overflow from the other facilities, they take up a lot of our car park too,” Ms Peterson added.

“So much so that by the time we’re ready to start some of our activities, there’s no substantial parking left for people.

“This has resulted, in the past, with some people not returning because the car park is

too hard to access, which is a real shame.

“And it’s hard when you’re getting there at half past eight some days and there’s already no car parks.

“I do my best to get to the centre early to put out witches hats to provide some space for our mobility-limited patrons, but it’s frustrating when you know people want to attend our services but are at stages of their life that will make doing so a struggle.

“The whole concept of a neighbourhood house is to create social inclusion.”

Regular knitting group attendee and carer, Monica, notes that in order for her to bring her

client to the weekly knitting group, this often requires her parking three blocks away.

“I’m a carer for Victoria, and it’s very hard for her to walk three blocks to the centre,” she said.

“Otherwise I would have to drop her off and leave her here alone while I park, which is not very safe.

“Most of the people who come to these groups are older people with various health issues, so it would be nice if there were some signs around encouraging healthier patrons to leave the closer car parks for less abled people. Or even if we could get permission to park on

the grass, because we get fined if we do.

“Of course, people from other facilities have the right to park here, it’s not illegal. But they have to be more considerate.”

This sentiment was shared by fellow knitting group attendee Glynis, who proposes that seniors parking signage could be used as a potential solution.

“Maybe that would trigger their conscience,” she said.

But for Ms Peterson and the centre’s many attendees, there is no single path forward, rather an underlying hope that greater awareness will allow for some measures to be put in place.

“In a perfect world, we would extend the car park. However, I don’t think that’s likely,” she added.

“So the other option is timed parking, which I don’t think will make anyone happy. It will never be the right amount of time for people, and it will be hard to monitor. And what if there are people who attend our facility and want to stay for more than one thing?

“Other facilities have set aside parking for their patrons, so maybe we could have some parks that are dedicated for neighbourhood house attendees.

“There must be a better way for us to work harmoniously.

“We want all services to be accommodated. We’re not just rattling our cages saying ‘it’s all about me’. I know there are parents who would struggle getting their kids toWindermere Family Services, same too with the kindergarten if you have parents trying to drop multiple kids off.

“The Berwick Neighbourhood Centre is for everyone. We’re not trying to upset anyone, we really just want to make it so that the community has a fair ability to get to these services and activities that we wish to provide.”

Narre Warren train station opens doors to commuters

The Narre Warren station is now open, with the first trains gracing its new elevated platforms on the morning of Thursday 28 March.

After the removal of the level crossing at Webb Street in late 2023, Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said the station is ready to cater to roughly 1000 passengers a day.

“We’re transforming Melbourne’s booming southeast by delivering a level crossing free Pakenham line next year, making roads safer and less congested for thousands living along the corridor,“ he said.

The elevated station now houses an upgraded ticket office, with stair and lift access available on both platforms.

Additional lifts, a new air-conditioned room and some new toilet facilities are expected to be installed in the coming months.

For Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wil-

son, the new station is a big boon for locals, public transport goers and drivers passing through Webb Street.

“The dangerous and congested Webb Street level crossing is gone for good and locals now have access to an elevated station in the heart of Narre Warren Village,” she said.

Works will continue outside of the station, with the project looking to add 672 new car parking spaces, as well as planting more than 300 new trees and 63,000 plants to revitalise the area’s green space.

Before the new station, the boom gates at Webb Street were down for 33 per cent of the morning peak, causing congestion for 13,200 vehicles every day, with an additional 19 near misses at the crossing since 2012.

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas said he was excited to see what the new station

would bring to the area.

“Narre Warren is the latest community to benefit from a new station, which will provide better connections for the local community and make public transport more accessible,“ he said.

The level crossing is the 14th removed by the State Government on the Pakenham line, with more work underway on another eight to make the line boom gate-free by 2025.

These works also contribute to the new metro tunnel also set to open in 2025, which would see more services delivered in the Pakenham line and create a new, continuous line to the west in Sunbury.

As for crossing levels in Pakenham, works continue with a 2.5-kilometre rail bridge and two new stations being built and geared open later this year.

One of the first few trains to arrive at Narre Warren Station on the morning of Thursday 28 March. Picture: JEREMY VENOSTA

The car park is often full to the brim. 398855

Discover services

By Emma Xerri

Oakgrove Community Centre is once again opening their doors for a celebration of community pride and collaboration.

Running from 11am to 2pm on 12 April, the Community Expo will shine a light on the many services provided by the not-for-profit organisation and beyond, placing particular emphasis on offerings from the City of Casey and other essential service providers.

“This event is much more than just a gathering,” Oakgrove’s Anu Ravindernath said.

“It’s a celebration of community resilience, resourcefulness, and mutual support.

“Attendees can expect a dynamic showcase of services and resources designed to enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this is your chance to discover the heart of Oakgrove and all the services it has to offer.”

Representatives from the City of Casey will be in attendance, providing information and assistance on various municipal services, including waste management, community programs, and recreational facilities.

And the expo will also serve as an opportunity for locals to discover the wealth of resources offered by organisations, non-profits, and businesses within their community, from healthcare providers to educational institutions, social services and cultural associations.

“The Community expo Event is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines Oakgrove,” Ms Ravindernath said.

“By bringing together residents, service providers, and local stakeholders under one roof, the event fosters connections and strengthens the fabric of the community.

“It’s an opportunity for neighbours to come together, share ideas, and work towards common goals that benefit everyone.”

In catering to community members of all interests and ages, the day will also boast certain

Various sports activities will also be on offer for the budding athletes and sports enthusiasts, from friendly matches of soccer and basketball to relay races and obstacle courses.

The expo will also feature a 360 Bus, equipped with interactive games, arts and crafts activities, and comfortable seating areas.

IN BRIEF

Man shot while sitting in vehicle

Police are investigating a shooting in Lynbrook on the night of 27 March.

It’s believed a man was shot while sitting in a vehicle at a set of traffic lights at the intersection of Commercial Drive and South Gippsland Highway about 8.30pm.

The man was driven to the hospital by a relative where he remained in a stable condition.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined at this stage.

Detectives will investigate if a car fire in NarreWarren on the same night is linked to the shooting. Emergency services received reports an Audi was alight on Boundary Road shortly before 9.30pm.

The fire is being treated as suspicious. Anyone with information about the shooting or the car fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

New park open

A brand-new neighbourhood park has opened within the fast-growing Smiths Lane community in Clyde North.

Located on 35 Burnbank Parade, Lacey Park is the third park to open within Smiths Lane by property group Mirvac.

It joins the popular Banjo Park and Tilion Park, providing residents and the wider community with opportunities to gather, connect, play, and explore.

Inspired by the native Lace Monitor Goanna, Lacey Park is approximately 8000 square metres and features adventure opportunities for all ages.

It includes a sandpit and sand play table, play hut, ropes course, climbing structure, swings, trampoline, slide, large kick-about lawn, and undercover barbecue areas and seating.

College backlash: Petition garners 1400-plus signatures

From page 1

“The old Narre Warren North Township Strategy talks about making sure that land north of the township is not developed because the land is not capable of servicing septic systems,” said Ms Cavanagh.

“You’re talking about hilly land and granite boulders all around the ground, which complicate septic absorption.”

The objectors are also concerned by the location of a school at the end of a dead-end road with only one entry and exit lane in a high-risk bushfire area, which is at odds with both Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) policies and the 2009 Royal Commission recommendations.

It will also test Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny’s commitment to strengthening protections for green wedges, going against one of the key Labor Party promises to hold strong on the Urban Growth Boundary and restricting growth beyond the boundary, the objectors say.

As the matter is currently before the Minister, PARED stated it was “not appropriate” to provide further comment at this time.

2024 Scholarship Program is Open for Applications

We have redesigned our scholarship program in 2024 to reflect our 4As, so that we can award talented individuals cross a range of disciplines including academic, sport, art and design, dance and music.

To find out more and to apply please visit our website or use the QR Code.

StMargarets.vic.edu.au

crowd favourites with a jumping castle and face painting.

The Oakgrove events have always been a great opportunity for residents to gather. 399173

The proposed school site next to the main gate of Lysterfield Lake National Park.

A family of kangaroos on the proposed site, with the nearby urban area of Narre Warren North in the background. Kangaroos grazing on the proposed school site, taken from the neighbouring property.

Double drowning tragedy

By Keira Jenkins, AAP

The community of two men who drowned while trying to save a toddler who fell into a pool is devastated by their deaths.

Dharmvir Singh, 38, and Gurjinder Singh, 65, leapt into the pool at a Gold Coast hotel to try to save the younger man’s child on Sunday, 31 March.

The two-year-old had been playing on the step of the pool before losing their footing and falling into deeper water.

The deepest part of the pool is 2.1 metres with the shallow end 1m deep.

Police said the father and grandfather were able to get the child to safety, but could not swim and got into trouble in the water.

“Unfortunately they were not able to save

themselves,” Superintendent Peter Miles said.

“It’s a tragic reminder of what can go wrong and how quickly it can occur.The two-year-old is safe and well but they’re without their father and grandfather now.”

Victorian Sikh Gurdwaras Council vice president Gurdeep Singh Matharoo said it was a “very sad moment” for the community.

“I can feel the pain,” he told ABC Radio.

“It’s a pain for every family who lost their two fathers in the moment.”

Royal Life Saving chief executive Justin Scarr said there had been a number of drownings in hotel or motel swimming pools over the past few years.

He said there was a need to look more closely at safety guidelines of these pools.

“It may be that the current regime, signing and fencing is not enough and more needs to be done, given a range of factors including the sorts of activities that people are doing in those pools and perhaps some weaknesses in people’s understanding of water safety,” he said.

Mr Scarr said there had been at least 34 drowning deaths in March across the country.

Over the 2023/2024 summer months, 99 people drowned.

The two men who drowned were holidaying on the Gold Coast from Victoria.

Premier Jacinta Allan said Victoria ran a range of programs when asked if more needed to be done to teach adults and the multicultural community to swim.

“I would certainly encourage everyone to

be safe around the water,” she said.

“Today, I think our focus should be on supporting the family and the loved ones who have gone through such a terrible, terrible tragedy at a time when they were hoping to enjoy a really lovely holiday.”

Mr Scarr said it was important for people of all ages to learn swimming skills and for young children to be constantly watched in the water.

“Ensuring that all Australians, whether they’re residents, migrants, people who were born here or from overseas, ensuring that everyone understands water safety is important,” he said.

Supt Miles said safety measures at the pool would form part of the report police are preparing for the coroner.

Graduate over the moon with Top Designs exhibit

By Emma Xerri

Now at the Melbourne Museum, the annual Top Designs exhibition, in a continuing partnership with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), has 87 creations on display this year, carefully selected from a highly talented pool of more than 1000 VCE applicants.

Among the young artists on display is Waverley Christian College graduate Joshua Roberts, whose piece titled the MOON Project responds to a need for contemporary design and exhibition spaces for emerging designers and artists.

“My piece is a space for young designers and creators to be able to thrive in their work and their practice, and a spot to exhibit their works,” he said.

“I started off with a love for art galleries and reflecting on how fun it is to visit different exhibitions and the sense of calmness it gives me.

“I was also thinking of my own struggles in having access to big spaces where I could do my work and be productive. So, the piece camefromacombinationofthosetwoneeds.”

Having only previously dabbled in architecture through his visual communication studies, the MOON Project served as Joshua’s first endeavour into model building.

“I had never done anything like this before,” he added.

“I’d done vis com projects in architecture, but I’d never built models. I’d never done the physical stuff. So, that was a challenge - in learning all the new methods and how to deal with the new materials and equipment - but also really exciting to see my project realised.

“There were a few times where I was a bit hard on myself for not being able to get things right the first time, because I’m very much a perfectionist.

“But I learnt to just be confident in myself and know that mistakes are part of the process.”

And Joshua’s risks more than paid off. Now a master in manipulating wood veneer, plastic and spray paint, Joshua is furthering his architectural passions at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), and he hopes his work can serve as an inspiration for current and futureVCE students hoping to earn a spot in the exhibition, just like he was inspired by those before him.

“One of my friend’s [work] was exhibited in 2020, so to know that they had done it was really cool because it made me realise that it was something that was achievable.

“I hope that students attending the exhibition can be inspired in what they can do in their own VCE endeavours, and realise that the possibilities are endless.”

Top Designs is open to the public at the Melbourne Museum until Sunday 14 July.

“There’s 1000 applications and it’s an exhibition of only 87 people, so I think it’s a really cool opportunity to have my work on display, and a huge honour to be surrounded by so many other insanely creative people. “And having my piece in that exhibit space with all the other amazing works makes it look even better.

Joshua Roberts’ work is on show at the annual Top Designs exhibition.

Pictures: NICOLE CLEARY/VICTORIAN CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT AUTHORITY

Everyone’s in harmony

Traditional and cultural dresses from Ireland, India, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe were proudly on display in the classrooms of Clyde Grammar on Friday 22 March as part of the school’s Harmony Day celebrations.

The school, with students from five continents across Australasia, Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe, has celebrated Harmony Day since it first opened its doors in 2020 and it has become an important and much-loved date in the calendar for students and staff.

“We are proud to have students from different cultures at our school and Harmony Day was a great opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate these cultures together,” Clyde Grammar School principal Leanne Evans said.

As part of Harmony Week, classroom lessons include activities that focus on cultural diversity and inclusivity.

The week culminates in Harmony Day where students wear cultural dresses, and everyone also enjoys music and dance demonstrations from different cultures represented at the school.

This year students took part in a Harmony Day parade and wore cultural dresses from Australia, Ireland, India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius,

Persia, the Netherlands, Turkey, Italy, Greece, Colombia, Chile, and Zimbabwe.

“I really like the parade. My little brother is in Foundation, and this was his first time. I was excited for him because it creates good memories each year. Australia is one family, and every culture is welcome in Australia,” Year 3 student Sahib said.

“I did some dancing that I haven’t done before. I really enjoyed doing the Harmony Day activities,”Year 2 student Aiden said.

Mrs Evans said Harmony Day ‘lifted’ the atmosphere of the school.

“The beautiful costumes, colourful clothing, big smiles, and sense of belonging create quite a buzz that is hard to top,” she said.

“Dress-up days always get the students excited, however, our Harmony Day celebration has a very special feeling due to the lessons that happen during the week and the meaning behind the day.

“At Clyde Grammar we continually encourage the students to be the best version of themselves and to always be kind and respectful to others. Harmony Day reiterates those important life lessons.”

LENSCAPE OPINION

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To all the volunteers on the gate at the Lang Lang Rodeo who so efficiently scanned tickets and organised parking. The toilets were kept clean and the rubbish bins kept from overflowing. So well done!

Thumbs down

To the people who park in the disabled area.

Thumbs up

To celebrating Easter with family.

Thumbs up

To the volunteers for theYakkerboo Festival Pakenham who are working so so hard to bring something wonderful to Pakenham and working around all the ridiculous council red tape!

Thumbs up

To Thumbs Up Thumbs Down. It gives me a chance to sit for a minute and think about something positive that might have happened in the last week. Unless of course, I might have a specific Thumbs Down item.

Thumbs down

To people who ignore No Smoking signs and puff away at hospital entrances, forcing the rest of us to suffer just to get into the hospital.

Thumbs down

To the smell of sewage and smoke in Pakenham the last couple of weeks.

Thumbs up

To my hubby for getting me a chocolate sausage dog called Snickers for Easter.

Avreen, Agam, Skyla, Lex, and Ryan. 395864

Pictures: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

Indie, Saron, Viyansh, Anthony, Sahibnoor, and Hazel. 395864

Devyansh, Emma, Ruby, Mudiwa, Ariah, and Rehras. 395864

Ashleen, Austin, Laylah, Rrayan, and Dinaya. 395864

Harmony Day about to begin. 395864

Students back food parcels

Students from Waverley Christian College mustered a generous donation of roughly 1100 individual items for the Berwick Food Pantry which was collected onWednesday 27 March.

The initiative for the donation began when head of campus Mark Crnkovic expressed the aspiration for the college to contribute to the local Casey community.

Kathy Scott, campus student chaplain then reached out to Michelle Gould, head of the Berwick chapter for the Food Pantry to organise an in-school donation campaign.

“Michelle and her team tirelessly provide nourishment to numerous families in need, distributing essential food parcels throughout the region,” Ms Scott said.

“During our conversation, Michelle outlined the 12 most crucial items urgently required by the pantry.

“With this information in hand, our student leaders enthusiastically rallied their peers, initiating a spirited competition among year lev-

els to collect the items,” she said.

Of what was included in the donations were buckets of two-minute noodles, canned goods, frozen foods and pasta sauce jars among many

others.

The Berwick Food Pantry has been providing free material aid for local families in need since 2012, with donations from the public such as Waverley Christian College bolstering their capabilities.

On the day of the pick-up, the pantry organised a trailer to transport the collected goods, where photos for memorabilia and commemoration were taken of the students, teachers and representatives from the Food Pantry.

For Ms Scott, her peers and the students, the college “is committed to a recurring initiative of supporting various community care endeavours within the City of Casey each term”.

“Together, we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing hardship within our community,” Ms Scott said.

From left to right: Rebekah Matthew, Sarah Michael, Jonathan Wijaya, Dani Noy, Tirzah George, Abraham Cheng, Zara Nayagam, Liliana Zeng, Kiarah De Silva, Kathy Scott, Dylan Rodrigo, Mark Crnkovic, Shannara Fernando, Matthew Daniels and Michelle Gould. 397851

Students Zara Nayagam and Abraham Cheng next to some of the food that had been loaded on the trailer. 397851 Picture: GARY SISSONS Michelle Gould (left) from the Berwick Food Pantry thanked the students and teachers. 397851

Top citizen Keen to give

By Emma Xerri CFA

volunteer, former brigade captain and Casey Group Officer Shane Keen has been honoured by the City of Casey with the title of Casey Citizen of the Year for 2024, after more than 47 years of devout service across Casey’s CFA brigades.

Announced at a gala celebration event at Bunjil Place on Friday 22 March, the Casey Community Award winner was “humbled” to receive the accolade, marking a very proud moment for Shane who is otherwise quick to laugh about his “senior’s moments”.

“There were some very good candidates, and the finalists were all terrific, so I was very humbled to accept the award,” Shane said.

“It means a lot to me. I grew up in this area, so to see it grow so much and be part of that growth has been great.”

Shane’s decades-long run with the CFA got its start in 1977, after a desire to become more involved with his community saw him join the Hampton Park Fire Brigade.

“I wanted to give something back to the community. I wasn’t the type of person to join footy or cricket, so I thought I would give the CFA a go,” he said.

While Shane has since done the rounds throughout various local brigades, including five years at Narre Warren and three and a half years at Narre Warren North where he served as captain, the “camaraderie” and “community” that first inspired him to join at Hampton Park continues to live on for Shane, who believes “community is at the centre of all we do at the CFA”.

Quick to climb the volunteer ladder, Shane has taken turns occupying various positions across the organisation, from captain to Casey Group Officer.

In his role as the Group Officer, Shane works to facilitate information sharing and emer-

gency response development between the 13 brigades within the City of Casey, and assisting with their training and operational needs.

In an unceasing quest to give his all to his volunteer work, Shane is also a representative of the City of Casey Municipal Fire ManagementWorking Group and the Municipal Emer-

Refurbishment complete

The newly refurbished Hampton Park Community House was officially opened on Thursday 28 March, following a $972,884 upgrade.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM and chief executive officer Glenn Patterson were joined by Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, Hampton Park Community House honorary treasurer Bruce McBain, community house staff, and local community groups who use the facilities to celebrate the project’s completion.

Located on Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park Community House was established to support individuals of all ages and backgrounds to belong, be and become, and to support the local community to lead active and full lives through information, education, service provision, and advocacy.

Refurbishment works included the renovation of amenities, the relocation of a community space, the reconfiguration of the reception area, office, and classroom, the installation of

an airlock at the front entrance, and minor landscaping.

Ms Duff said the important refurbishment works at Hampton Park Community House would improve functionality at the facility.

“The works will also increase capacity at the site, allowing more people to attend its many programs, such as computer training, Tai Chi, English as a Second Language classes, occasional childcare and after-school care, and three and four-year-old kindergarten,” she said.

Ms Duff said the project was made possible thanks to a $938,884 grant from the State Government through the Growing Suburbs Fund, with council funding the remaining $34,000.

“The Growing Suburbs Fund grant is a vital source of funding for the City of Casey and other growth councils, helping to provide much-needed local infrastructure for our communities,” she said.

“And I’m a good listener. I listen to people’s needs and make sure they are met.”

As well as cultivating a rich investment in local fire safety and in his community as a whole, Shane’s time in the CFA has also helped him grow at a more personal level, immersing him in career development opportunities that have allowed him to develop in his career outside the CFA, working for a private fire company Venetia Pty Ltd that looks after defence force bases.

“The CFA has given me the qualifications to be able to accept this job, which I’ve been at for nine years.”

But surely the most important of these personal experiences was getting to meet his wife and fellow volunteer, Sharyn, whose family has a combined effort of around 500 years with the CFA.

Together they have raised a son and daughter who, now adults themselves, have adopted their parents’ love for the organisation.

“We like to go for drives through the country and get away when we can.

“We’re not big explorers, we just like to have a break, read a good book, put our feet up and have some nice conversations.”

And for Shane, these getaways, much like his Citizen of the Year award, are more than deserved.

“I believe I’ve put so much into the community over this time.

“During the Black Saturday fires, which impacted Casey so heavily, I spent nearly two weeks mostly away from my family.

gency Management Planning Committee.

When asked why he has always sought to climb the CFA ladder, Shane humbly shared that he thinks it is because he is a leader.

“I believe I always have something good to offer,” he said, though hesitantly.

“And serving in these leadership roles and as the Group Officer, there have been times when I’ve given up birthday parties or family functions to get to an emergency.

“But all of that has accumulated in this award, so it has been well worth it.

“This is my time.”

Panel for plan inclusions

Casey Council has resolved to request the Minister for Planning to appoint an independent panel to consider the concerns raised by the community in response to the Collison Estate Planning Scheme Amendment at the 19 March council meeting.

The concerns regard the traffic impacts, drainage timing, and inclusion of infrastructure items for reimbursement.

The Planning Scheme Amendment C286case will introduce the proposed Collison Estate Development Contributions Plan(DCP)intotheCaseyPlanningScheme, which details the method to finance most of the needed key infrastructure items.

It will also help implement the proposed Collison Estate Development Plan (DP) into the Casey Planning Scheme, which sets out the development vision and urban structure.

The two plans will guide the redevelopment of the Cranbourne East precinct into a residential area consisting of approximately 1700 dwellings with a local neighbourhood activity centre and community facility.

The amendment attracted 48 submissions, including seven objections and eight support with changes.

Five objectors expressed concerns about the traffic impacts of the proposal on the surrounding road network. One of them stated that the proposed neighbourhood activity centre would cause increased congestion in the area.

Council officers responded to the concerns that the council had prepared a traffic impact assessment via specialist traffic management experts to advise how best to manage traffic and road infrastructure needs and impacts on the precinct and surrounds.

“Council will continue to assess traffic conditions and prioritise road improvement projects over time,” it stated.

“The temporary traffic impacts due to construction activities will be managed via the planning permit process to minimise inconvenience where possible.”

Three submitters had questions about the timing and process for the transfer of land to the council for needed drainage reserves and infrastructure.

Four submitters questioned the rationale for the delivery timing of certain road infrastructure set out in the DCP and asked why certain Local Access Streets were not included for DCP reimbursement.

Casey Council has proposed two changes after assessing all submissions, which are redesigning an existing traffic island with increased width and amending the road designations of Casey Fields Boulevard and Linsell Boulevard to connector roads. It believed that the most appropriate way to address the submissions are to request the Minister for Planning to appoint a planning panel to consider the submissions and provide submitters with the opportunity to be heard by the planning panel. The planning panel’s report is required to be brought back to a future council meeting before the council decides to adopt the amendment with or without changes or abandon the amendment.

Hampton Park Community House executive officer Kate Madden, Hampton Park Community House honorary treasurer Bruce McBain, Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas, City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM and Hampton Park Community House secretary Diane Leak.

Shane Keen has been named the Casey Citizen of the Year for 2024. 398104

Move up to your best life

Aveo’s elegant Edrington Park Retirement Living community in Berwick empowers residents to live life to the fullest in a unique setting surrounded by friendly and supportive neighbours.

At the heart of the vibrant community is a gracious, heritage-listed home and extensive tranquil gardens.

The historic Mansion House, once home to former Governor-General Lord Casey and his wife, now hosts the community centre where residents gather for their social activities.

Edrington Park is conveniently located close to major retail facilities, cafes, restaurants and medical facilities including hospitals, while a shuttlebus takes residents to appointments and shopping adventures.

With a range of in-home services available, residents can continue living the independent lifestyles they love in modern and spacious villas with access to a range of personalised services including meals and domestic support such as cleaning and heavy laundry.

As an approved provider of Commonwealth-funded Home Care Packages, the Aveo team at Edrington Park can guide you and your family through the process of accessing the tailored support you need.

Home-care services can be covered through your government package or Aveo’s fee for service option.

With someone else to take care of the chores, residents have more time to do the things they enjoy.

The community’s busy social calendar of events including functions, fitness and fun are held in the lavish community centre where there’s a library, movie room, dining hall, billiards room and beauty salon.

The onsite cafe is the perfect spot to meet friends and family.

Live your best life with a little support.

Edrington Park’s residents have the choice of low-maintenance fully equipped studio or two-bedroom villas, all providing the convenience of a 24/7 emergency call

system. Pets will be considered with prior approval.

Edrington Park is located at 6 Melville Park Drive, Berwick, with prices ranging $385,000

to $590,000.

To book a tour of the beautiful community, call Aveo on 13 28 36 or visit aveo. com.au

Apartments with services now selling

Edrington Park Retirement Living is a welcoming and supportive community set on prestigious gardens and a heritage-listed community centre - Mason House. Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle and an active social calendar catering to all interests such as a garden club, a craft group and trips on the community bus.

Studio and two bedroom apartments with services are now available, with 24/7 emergency call system, well-suited for a range of lifestyles and budgets.

Hats off to uni graduates

By Emma Xerri

Federation University welcomed more than 300 new alumni last month, with two graduation ceremonies held at Bunjil Place on 27 March.

Coming together to celebrate their achievements were this year’s graduates and their loved ones, hearing from the university’s best and brightest, including graduate speaker Danielle Lewis who spoke of the importance of caffeine when overcoming academic obstacles, and urged her peers to “be fearless in the pursuit of [their] goals”.

And Danielle, who is the first in her family to graduate university, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Community and Human Services, has already made some of these goals a reality.

“As soon as my studies finished I moved into a job, so I’m working in the field already and I’m pretty excited to be pursuing my career and furthering myself,” Danielle said.

“I’m already working with a lot of my friends, so it’s really exciting to be moving into the next stage of our lives together.

“And being asked to give the speech on behalf of the graduates was incredible.

“I was super nervous, but so glad that I did it.”

Working in community services, Danielle has embraced what the university’s vice-chancellor referred to as “Federation’s purpose of transforming lives and shaping communities,” much like IT graduate Amy-Marie Patsalis, whose newfound passion for data is sure to see

her navigating the ever-changing tech world in no time.

“It’s surreal. It hasn’t hit me yet that I’ve graduated,” she said.

“But now I’m definitely on the lookout for work that is IT related.

“Because of my degree, I’ve found an interest in data, which I would not have expected, especially because my whole mindset at the start of my degree was around game development.

“Now, I know what jobs to look for, and I’m more experienced and more skilled.”

With passion and a keen sense of what they want to achieve, each of these students is sure to live up to the lyrics performed by former students Lachlan and Perry, who sang “we’re the movers and we’re the shapers; we’re the names in tomorrow’s papers”.

And as of now, the latter is already true.

Changes to planning scheme to guide ‘smart’ land use

By Ethan Benedicto

The Planning Scheme Amendment C284 could see some changes to the current Casey Planning Scheme following the most recent council meeting on 19 March.

Amendment C284 proposes to change the Casey Planning Scheme to meet the State Government’s Smart Planning requirements and to implement a significant body of strategic work adopted by the council.

In addition, the amendment also implements recommendations from recent Planning Scheme Reviews and corrects minor anomalies and errors in the scheme.

Furthermore, the changes would improve the current scheme’s usability and efficiency, therefore enabling better land use decisions.

Initially, the amendment was exhibited for over six weeks from 19 October 2023, with submissions closing on 1 December 2023.

In that timeframe, 28 submissions were received which included two late submissions.

Of these submissions, 23 of them requested for changes to be made to the exhibited provisions.

public submissions.

The first option is to change the amendment to satisfy a submitter or to abandon a part or all of the amendment.

However, the most appropriate course of action discussed in the agenda was to request that the Minister for Planning appoint an independent planning panel in order to consider all of the submissions.

Amendment C284 aims to replace the Municipal Strategic Statement – MSS – and Local Planning Policies in the Casey Planning Scheme with a new Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS).

In addition to correcting the mentioned errors and anomalies, it also introduces new local policies within the Planning Policy Framework or PPF.

To be more specific, several submitters requested that the amendment include a greater requirement for the planting of canopy trees, in relation to the general theme of the inconsistency between approved Precinct Structure Plans – PSPs – and Framework Plans.

The other most common objection revolved around matters that were beyond the scope of the amendment.

Keeping up to date with

To be precise, several submitters requested changes to the planning scheme such as rezoning of land or the amendment zone (overlay boundaries), changes to the Urban Growth Boundary and the inclusion of new or updated policies that have not been prepared or adopted by the council.

Moving forward, the council has three statutory options in order to address the

local news has never been so easy...

Casey Council approved the preparation of Amendment C284 in September 2022, with the Minister of Planning authorising its preparation in May 2023.

If the independent planning panel were to go forth, their report would then be considered at a future council meeting, where the council can decide where to adopt the amendment – with or without changes – or to abandon it.

Theproposedamendmentattracted28submissions. 238145

Amy-MariePatsalisandDanielleLewis. 397455

Pictures:GARYSISSONS

TheAustralianAnthemandtheAcademics. 397455

Transport blitz on tour

Cardinia and Casey locals are encouraged to learn about improvements coming to the local transport network and milestones on infrastructure projects with Victoria’s Big Build team visiting the Casey Kids Carnival on Saturday 6 April.

The sold-out event is running from noon to 5pm at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick, including free rides, free face painting, a petting zoo, a reptile encounter, a butterfly enclosure, music and craft workshops and mini golf, as well as entertainment and food.

The Big Build stand will be hosting free and transport-focused activities including mini diggers, building blocks, paper trains, colouring and show bags.

Teams from the Level Crossing Removal Project, Major Road Projects Victoria and the Metro Tunnel will be on hand to answer questions about current and planned changes to the road and rail network in the area and planned disruptions.

The teams will reach a major milestone next year, when the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines will become level crossing free, with boom gates recently removed at Camms Road in Cranbourne and Webb Street in Narre Warren, one year ahead of schedule.

Opened last week, the new Narre Warren station includes two platforms with new stairwells and lift access, an air-conditioned waiting room, landscaped forecourt with seating, and improved pedestrian connections to Narre Warren village.

Pakenham’s new 2.5-kilometre rail bridge is also taking shape, with level crossings at McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road being removed to make way for the bridge and two new stations at Pakenham and East Pakenham, with rail track and ballast now laid along the elevated rail line.

The work also includes activity zones under the elevated rail line at Pakenham, with the

concrete piers currently being painted a bright blue to indicate the active areas in the open space; the exercise area, the playground, and the basketball court.

Work will continue this year to build a new plaza and community open space, landscaping, and 400 new and upgraded car parks for Cranbourne Station, and modern pedestrian and cyclist connections will also be added.

On the roads, major construction of the Hall

Road Upgrade finished nine months ahead of schedule to complement the recent development of Lathams Road and the Ballarto Road and Cranbourne-Frankston Road intersections with Western Port Highway.

Victoria’s Big Build is also creating extra lanes, upgrading intersections and building new walking and cycling paths on Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road.

Work is now underway to upgrade the

Camms Road leg of the intersection, with Camms Road closed between Hotham Street and Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road until mid-2024.

With work also progressing to build the northern side of the Cameron Street and Berwick-Cranbourne Road intersection, Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road will also be closed between New Holland Drive and BerwickCranbourne Road.

The progress on Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Narre Warren Cranbourne Road. Picture: SUPPLIED

Positively influencing sales

It is often said that ‘people do business with those that they know, like and trust’ and this is indeed true, but what happens if you are trying to do business with someone that you don’t know? Does that mean that there is no possibility of a sale? Of course this can’t be correct, but it will certainly be harder to get someone to purchase in this case so let’s see how this might be achieved in this event.

Personality profiling has become increasingly popular over the years as the tools in this space mature and its relevance to business more and more established. A personality profile is created through an assessment of an individual by a series of questions that provide an insight into their behavioural preferences and hence provides an indication of how they are likely to interact with the world. There are many different instruments in this space (DiSC and Myers-Briggs being two of the most common) and nearly all are based on the theory of Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP). These tools look at personality from a range of perspectives, e.g. introvert vs extrovert, detailoriented vs big-picture etc and determines where a person would (prefer to) sit on such spectra, i.e. we are all introverted or extroverted to some extent, few people are completely introverted or completely extroverted.

One too that I find particularly practical is based around the following four personality styles:

· Action-oriented – people who focus on results, get things done and typically like to be leaders. They love a challenge and are practi-

cal but can get impatient with little time for chit-chat.

· Process-oriented – people who prefer structure, order, rules and a prescribed way of doing things. These people love facts and data but can find it hard to see new ways of doing things.

· People-oriented – relationships, teamwork and communication all matter to these people who strive for harmony. For these people, the journey is more important than the destination.

· Ideas-oriented – these people are fascinated by possibilities and concepts. They love to invent and experiment but can be easily distracted and usually not very well organised. As noted above, nearly all of us will have elements of the above to varying degrees, but typically there will be one or two styles which

will be more pronounced. It should also be clear that a particular style is more likely to find it difficult to engage with another style, for example Action-oriented people love to get straight to the point and may well get frustrated by other styles that prefer to get there by potentially slower routes. Similarly Process-oriented people may well get annoyed by Ideas-oriented people who, from their perspective, seem to wander off the point and may be seen as unrealistic.

However, if it were possible to get a sense of the predominant style(s) of another person, then the potential for you to influence that person would go up since you would know what sort of communication style is likely to have the best chance of success.

And so back to sales. It should be clear that you greatly enhance your prospect of making

a sale if you are able to converse using the preferred style of the other person. For example, it is well worth an Action-oriented salesperson taking the time to build the rapport and relationship with a People-oriented person before even discussing the prospective sale. Often there will be many clues that will betray an individual’s preferred style(s): the words that they use, the topics they like to discuss and even how their office is laid out (e.g. a Processoriented person will have a clean, neat and tidy desk whereas an Ideas-oriented person may well have an untidy desk with papers and notes scribbled everywhere). Taking the time to understand these may well pay off in a big way.

Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au

It should be clear that you greatly enhance your prospect of making a sale if you are able to converse using the preferred style of the other person, Ian Ash reports this week.

Picture: PATRICK TOMASSO ON UNSPLASH

Tell us about yourself and your role at Sue’s Roo Rescue!

I have been rescuing kangaroos for 18 years and running a wildlife shelter dedicated to rehabilitating joeys for six years.

What do you love the most about running

Sue’s Roo Rescue?

Releasing an orphaned joey back into the wild after I have raised it for 14 months.

What is your most memorable moment from your current role?

My first joey, Jack.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

The obvious choice would be a kangaroo, but they have such a hard time, so I would choose an eagle.

What were you like as a kid?

I was quiet and always loved animals. What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

I would go back to before 1920 to see thylacines and try to stop people from hunting them to extinction.

Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

My mum, my four grandparents and my friend Marianne, who are all no longer with us. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Strong, caring, loyal.

What would you do on your perfect day off? Sleep.

Where is your happy place?

At home.

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

Some sort of cake.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Somewhere sunny - the Maldives would be lovely!

THREE … ways to use up your chocolateEaster

1 Add them to your baking

Chocolate is the perfect addition to almost every sweet treat, so what better way to get through your many milk chocolate eggs than through baking?Whether it’s homemade hot cross buns, chocolate chip cookies or a chocolate tart, working your Easter chocolates into your dishes is a great way to repurpose.

2 Make hot chocolate

There is nothing worse than a bland hot chocolate, and chocolate eggs are a surefire way to avoid that. Simply grab your favourite mug and pour your hot milk of choice over pieces of Easter chocolate for a perfect ‘chocolatey’ beverage.

3 Donate!

While your Easter baskets might be full, others may have gone without. Reach out to your local soup kitchens and food support groups to see if your bunnies would make a welcome addition to their grocery supplies.

Sue Johnston. 398283

WHAT’S ON

Casey Cardinia Heritage Festival

Community members across Casey and Cardinia are invited to come along to the 2024 Casey Cardinia Heritage Festival. This free event will feature various information stalls from local historical community groups, book sales, live music, and entertainment for all.

A Devonshire tea will also be available for purchase for $2.50.

This event is proudly delivered by Connected Libraries and Myli (My Community Library) and supported by the City of Casey.

· 10am to 2pm, Sunday 21 April, Berwick Senior Citizens Centre Yakkerboo Festival

Kicking off on Saturday 20 April, with a carnival at amusement ride prices. The event will also feature an open mic competition and a spectacular firework display to close out the evening.

On Sunday 21 April, the family festival gets into full swing, commencing with the parade at 10am.

From 11am to 4pm there will be unlimited rides for all ages, with the purchase of a $15 wrist band, as well as a line up of local talent to entertain on stage.

· Saturday and Sunday, 20 and 21 April.

Holi ‘The Festival of Colours’ in Lynbrook

The Lynbrook Residents Association is very proud to present Lynbrook’s most colourful event.

Free entry - all welcome.

Plain white clothing shows the colour best (plain black also works well.) Please note: Colour may not fully wash out so don’t wear your best threads. Bags of colour (100g) $3 each.

There will be about 20 market stalls at this event too! Come have some retail therapy with us and support local small businesses.

· The Holi Festival of Colours is on Saturday 27 April, 12pm to 5.30pm.

Craft Classes

Do you enjoy craft making?

Join Berwick Activities Group’s Elizabeth to discover the world of papercraft and have a chat with like-minded people.

You will be introduced to a range of papercraft

techniques through a new project each week.

Casual attendance is welcome.

Timbarra Community Centre 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick $5 per class, all materials supplied.

· Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863. Tuesdays from 10am to noon.

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 us.

Narre Warren Seniors is a friendly Club and we can offer you many activities. Our main Club day is on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 3pm.

On the first Wednesday of the month we enjoy socialising with our members and, on the next three (3) Wednesdays we have live entertainment wherein you can do some line-dancing if you wish and enjoy an afternoon cup of tea. 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.

· We are located at 192-196 Centre Road near the Narre Warren Station. Phone us at 9704 0015 or 0426 736 467 or email us at: narrewarrenseniors@gmail.com for more information

Mental Health Peer Support Program Cranbourne Group - Free

The program is based on a 12-step program of personal growth, mutual help, and support. Participants share challenges and solutions in a supportive and structured peer-to-peer format within a confidential, caring, and sharing community.

· The meetings are weekly and go for about two hours. 10.30am to 12.30pm Thursday, excluding school holidays, 7/9 Selandra Boulevard (Balla Balla Community Centre), Clyde North. For any enquires contact Grow Victoria on 9528 2977/1800 558 268.

Balla Balla Community Centre

The centre is filled with activities in the coming weeks, catering to both children and adults.

Morning Melodies – running on 9 April at

10.30am, the centre’s entertainers will be singing for the audience, joined with some tea, scones, creams and jam and some friends to make along the way.

Introduction to creative writing – facilitated by local author Rod Grigson, the class will be held every Friday for eight weeks, beginning Term 2 and will prepare participants with the inspiration and skills to write their own stories.

Citizenship training – Held on Wednesdays, the eight-week course will cover all topics included in the Australian Citizenship test.

Playgroups – Balla Balla Bubs for 0-12 months will be held on Wednesday mornings and encourage little ones to explore tummy time, sensory play, singing and also reading with your baby.

For playgroups 1-4 it also includes singing,dancing, sensory play, craft activities and story time.

Introduction to mindfulness meditation – Held on Monday evenings, this four-week meditation course will explore the topics of mindfulness, instructions and meditation practice, mindfulness of breath and body, the heart and being fully human and mindfulness of emotions.

· Bookings are essential for all of the mentioned activities and events and can be done over the phone at 5990 0900 or online at ballaballa.com.au/special-interest

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club

Are you newly retired or new to the area or just wanting to enjoy your freedom or expand your social life?

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social/ chat activities with low-key in line dancing if you want to tap your feet and enjoy an afternoon tea.

Day, short and long trips away via coach and flights, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly evening dineouts, weekly table tennis club, walking groups, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, and more.

· Come along and get to know us by visiting us on a Thursday at 2pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join us on a Wednesday at 10am for a Coffee at Little Sparrow Fountain Gate. For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.

Cranbourne U3A

Come along to Cranbourne U3A meet new friends and have fun doing interesting classes. We are a not-for-profit group for over 50 retired, or semi-retired people.

Our latest class will be Resin Craft, where we will be creating small items such as earrings, necklace pendants, coasters, and more. Great for small gifts for your friends. ome along and give it a try. Class materials will be provided for the first 4 weeks to give you an opportunity to try out a large variety of casts and molds. We have lots of samples to give you inspiration.

Our usual craft, music, chess, table tennis, and calligraphy classes are all open to new members. Come along and give it a try.

Our rooms are in the Cranbourne Library Admin building, enter from the Casey Radio entrance, next door to L’Arte Cafe.

We are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm.

· Our website is - u3acranbourne.org.au. Check it out for more information or come along and talk to one of our friendly members who will show you around.

Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre

Located in Cranbourne North, it has vacancies in the following classes, learn to speak, read, and write in English - all levels, Monday to Thursday; Early Childhood Education classes - four hours on a Friday, government-funded, great to do before enrolling in a Certificate class; Computer classes every Wednesday morning and afternoon and in Hazaragi Wednesday evenings; Crochet and chat every Wednesday morning with a crochet teacher for free.

· Enrol now for our funded three and four-yearold Kinder Program with sessions up to five days a week. 9.30am to 2.30pm every day with structured play.

Weekly badminton

Badminton for ladies or retired.

All welcome.

· Mondays 7pm-9pm and Wednesdays 12pm2.30pm at Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.

Finals the aim for Eagles

By David Nagel

Beaconsfield will look to continue its forward progression when the Eagles begin their third season in Eastern Division 1 against Wantirna South on Saturday.

Coach Mick Fogarty steered the Eagles into fourth place last year, with a 10-8 winning record leading to an elimination final defeat at the hands of North Ringwood.

It followed a 6-12 record, and seventh placing, in the Eagles inaugural year in Eastern in 2022.

“It’s an upwards progression; it’s nice that its trending that way, but the competition in division one is really tight and you can’t take anything for granted,” Fogarty explained.

“You’ve got your standouts like South Belgrave and Mitcham, Montrose will be up there as well

“Those three are pretty tight at the top end, and then there’s the rest of us fighting it out for the next couple of spots.

“I’m not putting a ceiling on it, I do expect us to play finals, I really do, and we want to stay on that upward progression.

“However, the competition does nobody any favours, it’s a good competition, a tough and even competition; but I’m pretty confident that if everything goes well, we’ll be there at the end of the year.”

Due to a restructure of Eastern football, the bottom two teams from last year - Croydon and Lilydale – have dropped to Division 2 and been replaced by Premier Division cellardwellers Doncaster and Park Orchards.

The Eagles have lost prime-mover Sam Mackinder to Seaford, but have bolstered their stocks in key positions on the ground.

Former St Kilda utility Nathan Wright put pen to paper in the off-season, joining the Eagles from Southern League club Chelsea Heights.

The 30-year-old played 35 AFL games - from 2013 to ’18 – and brings a wealth of experience to the midfield.

“With us being a young side, he’s leadership and direction has been terrific and he’s thoughts on the game come from the highest level,” Fogarty said.

“I’m not saying we’ve got an AFL gameplan, but it’s got similar traits to what he’s been involved with in the past; he understands what we’re trying to do which is really important.

“He’s also going to bring some real toughness around the footy, which is what we need to help out our midfield.

“He’ll be a terrific inclusion for us; not just

for his football ability but his leadership and nous as well.”

The Eagles have also bolstered their front half, with key forward Charlie Muley making the short trip across from Berwick’s Edwin Flack Reserve to Holm Park Reserve, while small forward Mackay Bateson heads to the club from Monbulk.

It’s a combination that Fogarty hopes will prove lethal

“Charlie (Muley) showed it in Premier Division last year with Berwick, and already in practice matches, that if he doesn’t mark it, he brings it to ground and allows the smalls to feed off that; get front and centre around a strong target,” he said.

“He’s strong, he leaps at the footy really well and is going to provide a real focal point for us in the forward half.

“He can also chop out down there in the ruck; so, we’re really excited by the presence he brings this year.

“And Mackay is a small forward who has really impressed through pre-season; I’m look-

ing forward to what he can do this year, and we’ve got quite a few younger guys coming through that could also have an impact.

“I can think of four or five off the top of my head that are going to be serious players for this footy club over the next couple of years.

“Those younger players can lead the way and take the footy club to a really good place.”

Brady Niezgodka also joins from Noble Park, while Jafar Ocaa returns from a broken leg and Darren Minchington is expected to improve his output after a rock-solid preseason.

The Eagles will also have a long list of VFL talent at their disposal for varying lengths of time.

Kobe Shipp and Mitch Szybkowski (Casey), Harrison Coe, Matt Johnson and Josh Mounter (Frankston) and Kade De La Rue (North Melbourne) will all have impact when their VFL schedule allows them.

“It’s tough sometimes to juggle that, but we want our players to experience that level; get coached by coaching groups aligned with

AFL clubs; because it means when we get them back, they come back as better players,” Fogarty said.

“It’s difficult from one standpoint, but we want them to progress and achieve their dreams.

“They’re Beaconsfield juniors, we would love to see them succeed; and it’s just a bonus when we get them back.”

Beaconsfield premiership player Kris Fletcher has also returned to the club as an assistant-coach from Monbulk.

“He (Fletcher) has brought in a really strong gameplan, that relies a lot on a defensive system that we’ve been focussing on in pre-season,” Fogarty explained.

“It allows us to get some really good looks going inside 50, when we win the ball back, and it’s a system that we think will improve our footy this year.”

Beaconsfield defeated Wantirna South by eight points in the corresponding clash last year.

Bell banks on new blood to any bely Magpie hubris

By Marcus Uhe

Narre Warren’s premiership-winning netball coach Erin Bell believes competition for spots in the Magpies’ A-Grade team will eschew any hints of complacency within the squad heading into a new campaign this weekend.

The Magpies conquered Outer East’s senior netball competition by winning the A, B C and D-Grade premierships last season in a stunning display, reflecting their winning culture and dominance over the league in September last year.

The question for Bell and the Magpies becomes thus; how do you build on success of THAT magnitude?

The attitude of the entire squad, not just the top bracket of players, is driving the preseason, and is expected to carry into the season proper, in the eyes of Bell.

“I think if you have the exact same team going in and you’ve won a grand final, then you might have that complacency, but I think for us, because our team will be quite different, and because B, C and D-Grade have had quite a few changes, I think that gets rid of that complacency,” Bell said.

“You can’t rely on the fact that you had that winning team last year, there are a few

new players to bring in.

“I wouldn’t say we’re feeling at all complacent, but it’s certainly a risk when you win the previous season.”

Shooter Clare Vearing is the primary loss and biggest-name absence while a handful has chosen to retire or step-away from netball within the club’s lower grades.

But on top of the four senior flags the club won last year, four of their six junior sides

also added to the trophy cabinet at Kalora Park, making for eight of a possible 10 netball premierships in 2023.

That success has seen a number of players put their name forward for selection in Bell’s A-Grade side, eager to make an impact at the highest level.

As long as they bring the typical intensity and tenacity that Narre Warren Netball Club prides itself on, the Magpies will be expecting

to challenge for success once again.

“I think, you win a premiership and you kind of lose a few players, and our juniors have come in, and they bring that motivation,” Bell said.

“They’re excited to play seniors and they’re that little bit younger and fresher.

“I think we’ve been trying to feed-off them and their enthusiasm and motivation, so that’s been good to have them there.

“Hopefully given that we do have a few new players, we can call on their strengths, and I’m yet to really figure out what that is.

“With our new group, being open to new things based on the new players we do have, and working to our players’ strengths, is what I’m aiming to do as coach.”

The Magpies begin their season at home on Saturday against Pakenham where they will have the chance to reflect on the successes of last season when they unveil their premiership flags.

Pakenham, for their part, will be without Emma Jones for the duration of the 2024 season after she tore her ACL during the preseason.

Caitlin Cooke will fill the breach as AGrade captain, with the Lions to be coached by Matt Cooke once again.

Narre Warren begins their premiership defence on Saturday against Pakenham at home. 362381

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Beaconsfield coach Mick Fogarty fully expects his Eagles to play finals football this year. 277794

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Toner turns match-winner

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Narre Warren footballer Jack Toner lived out the footy fairytale of winning his team the game with a kick after the siren on Friday for Williamstown in the VFL.

Toner, who has established himself as a key part of the Seagulls’ line-up in recent years, needed only a behind to seal the result against Coburg, but kicked truly from 20 metres out on a slight angle.

Coburg had kicked three consecutive goals in stoppage time to level the scores at the 31-minute mark, beforeWilliamstown won the final centre clearance.

That gave them repeat stoppages inside 50, with Noah Gadbsy gathering the ball in congestion and throwing a short kick on the boot, which hit Toner on the chest at the top of the goal square.

“I knew when I took the mark it would be pretty close (to the siren),” Toner said.

“I was pretty nervous, I’m glad I was able to take the grab.

“(Coach Justin Plapp) sent me to the line.

“I was loitering around the contest and he said they had a spare on the goal line and they needed me to even it up so I went and did that and thankfully came off – ‘Plappy’ won the game not me!”

It’s the first time Toner, who has experience playing for Narre as well as his 38 games for Willy, has had a kick to win the game for his team.

“I heard the siren and my hands were pretty wobbly so I was just hoping I didn’t kick it into the man on the mark or out on the full, but I got it home for us,” Toner said.

“It was a bit of relief, we were keen to get it

done and were lucky to get out of there winners.”

It’s Toner’s fourth year at the club, and first playing a half-forward role after starting as a defender and spending time on the wing in 2023.

“I just want to become accustomed to that

City, Comets crash out of Australia Cup contention

By Marcus Uhe

Berwick City and Casey Comets were two of seven South Eastern sides to perish in the fourth round of knockout action of the Australia Cup over the weekend.

Berwick City fell 4-5 in a nine-goal thriller against Sunshine North Eagles, while the Comets lost 0-2 to State League 2 side Uni Hill Eagles.

The lead changed three times throughout Berwick City’s seesawing clash, with scores tied 2-2 at the half.

The Eagles scored three consecutive goals to swing the game from trailing 2-3 to leading 5-3, before City pulled one back in the dying stages.

Casey, meanwhile, conceded on either side of the half time interval, with Ali Nazari receiving a pair of yellow cards in a clash where both sides finished with 10 men in Mill Park.

State League 4 side Endeavour United was thoroughly outmatched by National Premier League (NPL) Victoria side Avondale FC, going down 1-11 in a lopsided affair, while Doveton went down 1-3 at the hands of Victorian Premier League 1 (VPL1) side, Langwarrin, despite a first-half strike from Luca Slavica.

NPL side Dandenong City’s campaign came to an end at the hands of Preston on Thurs-

day night courtesy of a 10-minute lapse they would like to take back.

The Lions opened the scoring late in the first half and added a second immediately after the interval, with City unable to make up the ground in the remaining 40 minutes of play.

It was an upset loss for City, with the Lions in the State’s second division, theVPL1, knocking out a highly-touted opponent.

At Dandenong’s George Andrews Reserve, Dandenong South conceded early against Bundoora United and failed to recover, suffering a 0-1 loss.

A dangerous pass across goal from Ali Ibraimi was picked-off by Bundoora forward Daniel Soumelidis, before Ross Phlorides produced a beautiful strike from outside the area that curled into the top-left corner of the net in the 15th minute.

Dandenong South pressed in the second half with a number of near-misses but the desperate search for an equaliser, went unanswered, consigning the State League 3 South East side to elimination.

Meanwhile, Springvale White Eagles was thrashed 1-4 at the hands of St Kilda Celts FC at Keysborough’s Serbian Sports Centre.

NPL side Dandenong Thunder’s next Cup fixture is against Skye United on 10 April.

and help the team as best I can playing a halfforward/midfield role, trying to emulate a bit of what (now Geelong-listed) Shaun Mannagh did last year (forWerribee),” he said.

The Toner name is synonymous with Narre Warren, with Jack’s Dad, Chris, a club legend and premiership coach, and brothers Tom and Sam, and younger cousin Daniel all current players.

Also in that game, Springvale Districts’ Riley Collier-Dawkins continued his strong start to the season for Williamstown with 26 disposals and six tackles, while Cranbourne key forward Corey Ellison kicked a goal and took five marks for the Seagulls.

Cannons start with a win

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The Casey Cannons Vic League One (VL1) women took out hockey’s Vic League Cup preseason final on Thursday night with a 3-1 win over reigning VL1 champions Yarra Valley.

It followed victories over well-credentialed opponents PEGS, Brunswick and Mornington to reach the summit.

Yarra Valley started quickly and scored in the 3rd minute, and could have added a second shortly thereafter if not for a crucial save by ‘keeper Sarah Sutton-McLellan.

Casey struck back four minutes later with a short corner goal to Mikaela Davis, before the game settled into a rhythm.

With the scores deadlocked at the main break following an even first half, the Cannons came out firing in the second half.

Casey dominated territory, generating all six scoring shots of the third quarter, but went unrewarded on the scoreboard.

It made for a tense start to the final quarter, with Casey ultimately breaking the drought after Sam Wagg converted from a second consecutive short corner in the 55th minute.

Casey maintained the ascendancy for the rest of the night, with a 62nd-minute goal opening up breathing space late in the contest and showcasing the type of ball movement the team is capable of.

Emma Harris and Jemma McLauchlan linked up to transition the ball quickly and effectively, with Mikayla McDonald in the perfect position to convert the well-executed cross.

Casey had to see off two late short corners to Yarra Valley to secure the statement victory.

Defenders Michaela Bullock and Rebecca Wagg led a strong effort to see the team to victory.

“The girls have been fantastic with a preseason dedicated to improving fitness and developing a new game plan,” coach Andrew Harris said.

“Winning the final was a fitting result for all their hard work.”

As well as winning the Pennant title, the club secured $2000 in prize money.

It’s an excellent way to kick-start the year for the Cannons, who are expected to again be premiership threats in 2024.

Premiers: Back row (L-R) Leandra McLauchlan, Sarah Sutton-McLellan, Jenna McLachlan, April Picton, Andrew Harris (coach), Jessica Rowland, Aleisha Foot, Michaela Bullock, Sam Wagg, Kayla Joll, Charlotte Davis.Front (L-R): Mikayla McDonald, Aleisha Daly, Mikaela Davis, Tegan Hyland, Emma Harris, Rebecca Wagg.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Jack Toner (left) lived out every kid’s fairytale in the VFL last week. 197751

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Redbacks finally at home

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Southern Football Netball League Division 2 club Hampton Park is set to return to Robert Booth Reserve in 2024 after the establishment of new clubrooms kept them away last season.

There is excitement around ‘Spiderland’ about the new facilities and the prospect of playing at home again after playing home games at Cranbourne West’s Tony Way Recreation Reserve in 2023.

The Redbacks will play their first home game in round 2 against old foes, Doveton.

“We look forward to playing at home and hopefully making it hard for opposition sides to come and play against,” coach Hayden Stanton said.

“Hampton Park has a steep history of very good football talent which we hope to welcome to the new rooms.”

On-field, Hampton Park is set to enter the season with a toxic lack of key-position players.

After a lack of talls plagued them in 2023, a key pair they relied on to fill those roles, in ruck Andy Parker and bullocking forward Nathan Carver, are both not playing this season.

“That will make it hard to compete with big sides like Murrumbeena in the air, so we will have to get them in contest and get the ball in quickly and keep pressure on to keep the ball in our forward half,” Stanton said.

“We’re coaching them at being better in the contest and more efficient defending the ground.”

The Redbacks have also lost flashy midfielder Makaio Haywood to the Ellinbank and District Football League and small forward Kyle Hendy to Springvale Districts.

High on the agenda for Hampton Park will be two-way running and moving the ball fluidly to afford small-medium forwards Trent

Thomas, Declan Brunell and recruit Bailey D’Monte ample scoring opportunities.

“In the perfect scenario, we proved last year we can excitingly move the ball and use it pretty well but that second layer of inside midfielders in the past has not been there, so we’re trying to build that,” Stanton said.

Misses costly for Demons

By Marcus Uhe

Inaccuracy in front of goal proved disastrous for the Casey Demons in their 14-point loss to Footscray at home in round two of the VFL on Saturday afternoon.

The Demons failed to convert on four consecutive shots on goal in the second quarter, and six in the third quarter, including the final five of the term, and while the Bulldogs weren’t much better, their two goals and three behinds in the third term grew the margin from eight points at the half to 17 at the final change.

The Bulldogs then kicked two in the opening five minutes of play to push the lead to 30, before Casey fought back with four of the final five majors, the final score reading 15.9 99 to 12.13 85 in Footscray’s favour.

Six goals apiece in the opening term set the scene for a shootout with Josh Schache and Rory Lobb cast as the main characters in the battle.

Schache kicked two and Lobb three, whose height was quickly becoming an issue for the Casey defenders.

The Demons held an 18-point lead late in the opening term but conceded the next three as the visitors tied the scores at the first break. Schache kicked his third to open the second term but the Demons then let four opportunities to grow the lead slip, kicking four consecutive behinds.

The Dogs had no such issues, kicking three

goals on the bounce to retake the lead, before hitting the long break eight points ahead.

With mental demons already infiltrating the playing group from a wayward second term, the third quarter saw the concerns fester and spread in frustrating fashion as players blew chance after chance to reel the Bulldogs in.

Footscray, who humiliated the Demons to end their VFL campaign last season, took their opportunities, and ran away to an unassailable lead early in the fourth term, with Casey’s late fightback only in vain.

Demons’ captain Mitch White led the way for the Demons with 28 touches and a goal, while newcomers Campbell Hustwaite and Leo Connolly continue to impress with 25 and 24 touches, respectively.

Schache dodged the inaccuracy bug with four-straight goals, but Matthew Jefferson (2.3) and Oliver Sestan (1.2) were among the main culprits.

Former Demon James Harmes was right at home at the familiar surrounds of Casey Fields, racking up 33 disposals and a goal for his new side.

An opening fortnight at home did not provide the start that the 2022 premiers would have envisaged, dropping two matches that could prove costly as the season wears on.

The AFL’s Gather Round results in a leaguewide VFL bye next week before the Demons head to Port Melbourne with an opportunity to kick-start their season on 13 April.

The coach highlighted Kilsyth recruit Jayden Weichard, a star of the Eastern Football League’s Division 4 competition, and skipper Liam Myatt, who has endured a wretched injury run, as players who have impressed in preseason.

Hampton Park is set to kick its season off on the road against St Kilda City.

Ins: Jayden Weichard, Bailey D’Monte, Ryan Patterson, Bailey Mayworm, Will Tyers.

Outs: Kyle Hendy, Nathan Carver, Lionel Benoit, Jackson Dalton, Makaio Haywood, Cory Phillips, Charlie O’Neil, Andy Parker, Ryan Hillard, Jack Wilson.

Next step awaits Falcons

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) club Endeavour Hills is confident its young list will stand up to the rigours of Division 2 footy after a momentous 2023 flag.

The Falcons, who defeated Frankston Dolphinsby25pointsintheDivision3grand final last year, are backing internal development to see them immediately compete in Division 2.

The club brought in Fallon Wanganeen, former Narre Warren Magpie Jake Hough and Kansas Varker, who are all set to slot in well, but the excitement stems from seeing the incumbents improving.

“We have a pretty young team generally and it’s about them taking the next step, which I think they can,” coach Matt Peake said.

“There’s enough talent there that they will be up to the next level.

“You have to make sure the guys that are there feel like they’re looked after and hopefully that breeds years of loyalty.

“As a young group, that’s what I’m looking for because they can keep improving yearon-year and put us in a really good place.”

The Falcons’ toughest task in the offseason was finding a replacement for star Sean VanVelsen.

A ruckman who carried a heavy load last season and capped it off with a huge performance on grand final day, Van Velsen is travelling this year and thus unavailable for selection.

Unable to secure a primary ruck, Peake forecasts rotating several players through the position, including emerging talentTyler Studd, describing him as a “goer with strong follow-up.”

“It will be around doing something slightly different,” Peake said of replacing Van Velsen.

“You can’t just replace a Sean Van Velsen so it will be a mixture of potentially (Studd) and others, because we have a lot of second rucks who can pinch-hit.

“Alex Cann can chop-out in the ruck, Ben

Holland can play a role and Fallon Wanganeen has size so they will all be serviceable.”

Seeking to run young blood through the midfield to accompany stars John Rafferty and Liam Hasler, there is an acceptance that the ruck dominance could change the dynamic.

“We’ll have to be quite honest in there and have the discipline and organisation in the midfield,” Peake said.

“It’s something I’ve been highlighting with the group and I’ve seen big steps made in early intraclubs and practice matches, so I’m buoyed by that as well.”

It was the defence which held up so strongly against a fleet-footed Frankston last year, with an injection of forward speed set to accompany that in 2024 as the club looks to make an immediate impact.

“I want to play finals,” Peake said.

“Maybe others think that’s unrealistic, but that’s what I’m aiming for.

“I don’t want to set a limit on what we can achieve but the main thing is to focus on getting better.

“Development is a big thing and it’s going to be so important with a young group this year.”

Endeavour Hills’ season kicks off against a strong Highett outfit at home on Saturday. Ins: Fallon Wanganeen, Jake Hough, Kansas Varker

Outs: Rohan Scott, SeanVanVelsen

Josh Schache kicked four goals for Casey in the Demons’ loss to Footscray

Division 2 awaits Endeavour Hills. 359763

Picture: ROB CAREW

Declan Brunell is set to have a huge scoreboard responsibility for Hampton Park. 354792

Picture: ROB CAREW

Can You Help Save Local Jobs in the South-Eastern Region?

Dear Friends,

We urgently need your help to halt the closure of a vital transport link which is threatening to destroy manufacturing in the south east, impacting thousands of local jobs.

The Level Crossing Removal Program (LXRP) is going to close Progress St in Dandenong South so the government can tick-a-box and say they have removed another level crossing.

The level crossing in Progress Street will not be replaced with a road-over-rail or road-under-rail alternative but will be completely closed to through-traffic cutting off a critical link to the Princes Highway and the Monash Freeway.

We need to be doing everything we can to support major industries in our south-eastern region who provide thousands of local jobs and create the training opportunities for our young people to be future-ready.

We need your help to halt the closure of Progress St.

Scan the QR code below to sign our online community petition so we can show the Allan Labor government the people of Berwick, Cranbourne, Dandenong and Pakenham are prepared to stand up and protect our local businesses.

If you are concerned about other road or rail projects in your neighbourhood, contact my office on 9794 7667 and let’s work together for a better future.

Yours sincerely

Ann-Marie Hermans MP