News - Berwick Star News - 30th September 2021

BERWICK

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Thursday, 30 September, 2021

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Happy birthday to our libraries

Purr-fect companions

Roadmap for cricket’s return

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SPORT

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Exploring truth to power

Ace tennis move

By Danielle Kutchel Tennis clubs in metropolitan Melbourne can now get back to coaching, as Victoria begins to reopen according to its Covid roadmap.

Under directions posted by the Chief Health Officer on Wednesday 29 September, tennis coaches are now considered personal trainers.

This means tennis coaches can commence group training with two other people if they are not fully vaccinated.

Group coaching can return for five people plus a coach if all are fully vaccinated.

It’s a change that Berwick Tennis Club had been calling for.

Club president Craig Kitner, and head coach at Set 4 Tennis, Allison Miller, had argued tennis coaches should be considered personal trainers given the type of work they do.

“We can do the lesson in a Covid-safe environment,” Ms Miller explained.

When in close quarters the coach and pupil can wear masks, students can bring their own racquets and if they need to borrow one from the club, it is thoroughly cleaned.

Separate entry and exit points to each court at Berwick Tennis Club mean there is reduced opportunity for mingling amongst students, parents and club staff.

They also said tennis should be reclassified as exercise rather than community sport – especially given those playing the game are usually more spaced out than permitted walkers or cyclists.

Ms Miller said the time was right to get students back on the court.

She said kids had missed out on developing social and fundamental social skills, and would likely fall behind their competitors in other states who had been able to practise throughout the year.

“The majority are desperate to get back on courts. Kids need an outlet so badly and so desperately,” she said.

“We offer so much in the care of our clients and members here.

Berwick Tennis Club president Craig Kitner and Set 4 Tennis head coach Allison Miller. 252388 “We want to look after their mental and physical health and wellbeing.”

Mr Kitner said adults and seniors were also

looking forward to playing tennis again.

He said tennis was a Covid-safe sport, with large court spaces and limited numbers in the

Picture: DANIELLE KUTCHEL area at any one time.

“We’re not having outbreaks here at the sports clubs,” he said.

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NEWS

No jail for cannabis

By Danielle Kutchel A Narre Warren South man has avoided prison time for his involvement in a sophisticated cannabis-growing set-up.

Mick Hughes appeared in the County Court on Thursday 9 September where he was sentenced to a two-year community corrections order and 75 days in prison – determined to have been served in pre-sentence detention.

Hughes pleaded guilty to a single charge of cultivation of cannabis.

The drugs were grown on Hughes’ Icy Creek property, which was being rented out to cooffender Daniel Haddad.

The court heard Hughes’ involvement was limited to the purchase of a diesel generator, which he gave to Haddad, knowing it would be used for cultivation of the plants.

But Judge Pardeep Tiwana noted that Hughes was unaware of the scale of the operation, despite being set to benefit financially from the sale of the cannabis.

The suspicions of police were first aroused several years ago.

They conducted surveillance on the Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road property between 6 August 2018 and 30 August 2018, during which

time Haddad was spotted walking across the property to a shed.

Within 10 minutes of him entering the shed, police observed the ground around it heating up – an indication of a “significant” heat source, Judge Tiwana said.

On 30 August 2018, police executed a search warrant on the property.

They uncovered an underground set-up consisting of multiple rooms filled with sophisticated hydroponic systems growing cannabis plants.

They also located the generator Hughes had purchased.

A total of 456 cannabis plants weighing 399.44 kilograms was seized, along with 53.6 kilos of dried cannabis with an estimated street value of over $1.6 million, the court heard.

Hughes was arrested that day on his Narre Warren South property.

Haddad pleaded guilty to cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis and other summary offences and was sentenced on 14 August 2019 to four years and six months in prison.

Judge Tiwana told Hughes that his offence was “less serious” that that of Haddad.

“It is accepted by the prosecution that you played a limited role,” the judge noted, adding that while there was “no dispute” that Hughes was aware of Haddad’s growing habits, he was not aware a commercial quantity was being harvested.

The court heard Hughes had a number of relevant priors, including a 2012 suspended sentence relating to cultivation of cannabis, and a 15-month community corrections order handed down in 2015 for cultivation and possession of the drug.

The court was told that Hughes had developed depression in relation to the proceedings and his mental health was likely to decline in custody.

Judge Tiwana said while Hughes had led an “unblemished life” over the past three years, he was unable to accept Hughes was genuinely remorseful for his offending, and was guarded about his prospects for rehabilitation.

The delay in sentencing, in part due to the pandemic, was considered a mitigating factor.

As part of his sentence, Hughes must perform 300 hours of unpaid community work.

A disposal order was granted for the cannabis.

Don’t forget to wind your clocks forward this weekend!

Time to turn back time Daylight savings begins this weekend.

On Sunday 3 October at 2am, remember to put your clocks forward by one hour.

Daylight savings will end on Sunday 3 April 2022

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Aggravated burglary charges

A South East-based social service is delivering packages of hot-cooked Covid relief to hundreds of vulnerable residents.

Since mid-July, Community Abundance’s emergency relief team have been cooking up about 300 food kits, emergency items and African meals a month. The nourishing fare is available either cool or warm and can be picked-up or delivered by fully-vaccinated volunteers across Melbourne.

“We’re supporting vulnerable people, such as those who are disabled, single parents, elderly, unemployed and homeless,” general manager Deng Kor said.

Their relief program’s State funding runs out at the end of December amid fears continued lockdown will fuel further desperation.

“People are pretty desperate. They appreciate the help.”

At the same time, efforts are being made to bridge the vaccine-rate gap between Greater Dandenong and the rest of Victoria.

Mr Kor says the group had been spreading the word to “take Covid seriously” and get vaccinated.

The “terrible” vaccination booking system was one hindrance in culturally diverse communities, he said. Distrust in vaccines was also a factor.

Each day, the team called up to 20 people to talk through the issue “one on one”.

“In the multicultural community, they

Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested a man following an aggravated burglary and two attempted aggravated burglaries in Berwick.

Officers were called to Adelong Court after a man was disturbed inside a residential home just before 6am on Saturday 25 September.

The female victim, who was home alone at the time, was woken from her sleep by a man as he was taking her car keys from a bedside table.

The victim chased the man from her house to the driveway where he got into her car.

The woman had a short conversation with the man before he got out of her car and ran from the scene.

A search of the area was conducted which resulted in police arresting an 18-year-old Cranbourne North man.

Police believe the man also allegedly attempted to break into two more homes on Warrawong Drive and Camira Court.

Investigators are appealing for public assistance to locate a set of keys stolen from the Adelong address.

The keys consist of one Toyota car key and one house key.

The man has been charged with one count of aggravated burglary and two attempted aggravated burglaries.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.

Warm food deliveries welcomed

Community Abundance workers Ajak, Guil Deng, Deng Kor and Santino Lual are part of the emergency relief team. sometimes have a different view or no view on vaccines,” Mr Deng said.

“I say although I’m not a medical doctor,

I’m sure it’s safe to do it.”

For help, call Community Abundance after hours on 0423 054 292

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Thursday, 30 September, 2021

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Courtney Rushton, Casey Cardinia Libraries, Endeavour Hills branch manager

What does your work at the library involve?

I’m the manager of the Endeavour Hills branch so my role is to manage the staff and library services of that branch. I roster staff, plan and deliver adult programs, maintain the collections, mentor new staff and, most importantly, serve customers. I also lead two organisational teams, adult programs which is responsible for programming across all CCL branches and the READ group which is responsible for initiatives, such as author events and our In a nook with a book Facebook group, that encourage a love of reading in adults.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

Well it’s a bit cliche since I’m a librarian, but I have my own personal library, spread across six bookshelves totalling 932 books. I hope to reach the 1000 mark in 2022.

What is your favourite cuisine?

I’m not a foodie but if I had to pick, I would say Italian cuisine. I spent a month in Italy in 2016 and I lived on pizza, pasta, gelato and Nutella croissants for the whole four weeks. The variety of pizza in Italy is amazing, I had a Nutella pizza and a French fries pizza amongst others.

My mother was a bit mortified about that last choice.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My family - mum, dad, sister and uncle. All have lived experience, both good and bad, and from them shown me how to live my best life.

I am grateful for them and support they give me every day.

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

Ummmmm…is there phone a friend option?

I’m not a cook but I can make scones using a recipe handed down from my Poppy.

If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would be the first thing you would do?

Well, breakfast would be the first order of the day then perhaps I’d get to work on cli-

Meet Courtney!

THREE … facts about kidney disease

1

Kidneys are essential to a person’s health and wellbeing. They rid your body of waste (through urine), clean your blood of waste and toxins, regulate your blood pressure and manage the production of Vitamin D – essential to strong bones, muscles and overall health!

2

About 63 people die with kidneyrelated disease every day. Kidney disease is a silent killer - sufferers can lose 90 per cent of kidney function without experiencing any symptoms and a staggering 1.7 million Australian adults are affected by kidney disease while 1.5 million of those are unaware of it.

3

The biggest risk factors for kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, established heart problems and/or stroke, family history of kidney failure, smoking, obesity, being 60 years or older, of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, or a history of acute kidney injury. To check your risk visit kidney.org.au/ kidneyrisktest

Picture: SUPPLIED

mate change reform.

What are you most looking forward to when lockdown ends?

Seeing people. My family is in regional Victoria so seeing them would be top of my list but also all my friends, work colleagues, library regulars. Just seeing people, not on a screen will be the best.

Why are libraries so important for the community?

Because libraries are for everyone. They are one of the few places left in society where everyone can go for free. And we have things for everyone from books to DVDs to computers, magazines, to a place to sit and have a chat or sit and play your favourite video game. Li-

braries are many things to many people and there is no limit to what we can be for a person whether they be a small child learning literacy through rhymes at Tinies time or a person running their own business using the free wifi. We are a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

What do you love about the Casey/Cardinia community?

Casey has so many beautiful parks and spaces to go walking. I particularly like walking around Wilson Botanic park, the Royal Botantic Gardens at Cranbourne and Lysterfield Lake.

Anchovies on pizza: yes or no?

Nooooooooooo.

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Too many workers face this every day It’s never ok

worksafe.vic.gov.au/itsneverok

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Thursday, 30 September, 2021

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NEWS

Covid scare anger

By Danielle Kutchel A Casey resident has expressed concern about safety at Casey Hospital, after she was declared a primary close contact after visiting the emergency department last week.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said they visited Casey Hospital’s emergency department on Thursday 23 September for a broken bone, and were then told on Monday 27 September that it was an exposure site.

The resident and their sons are now required to isolate for 14 days.

The resident said they were told by a nurse in charge that there was a positive case in the hospital at the time, but is unclear whether the case was in the waiting room or the emergency department.

They said they were also told it was unsafe to bring their one-year-old baby into the hospital.

The resident said they believed the hospital was subjecting emergency department attendees to the risk of Covid.

The resident added there was no social distancing in the waiting room.

“Not only were they clearly aware [of the positive case] and also knowing we would all need to at some stage be notified of an exposure site, but they are not following protocol at all,” the resident said.

“I’m saddened for the health system and staff, but as general public ,we should never have been allowed to be exposed to this negligence when they clearly knew the outcome.”

In a statement, Monash Health said it had

A microscopic image of the coronavirus.

The resident was classed as a primary close contact after visiting the Casey Hospital emergency Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS department. 224627 infection prevention measures in place to manage Covid-positive patients in emergency departments.

“Confirmed Covid-19 positive patients who come to a triage desk are directed away from the public waiting area to isolate,” the statement read.

“We utilise personal protective equipment and isolation processes to manage any people with Covid-19.

“In response to the growing numbers of Covid-positive cases, Casey Hospital will soon expand the emergency waiting area for any confirmed or suspected Covid-19 patients.”

The statement stressed the emergency department at Casey Hospital remains safe for patients.

The Department of Health was contacted for comment.

Offences tally up on Operation Scoreboard · 188 unregistered vehicles. · 920 speeding offences. · 56 mobile phone offences. · 87 disobey signs/signals. · 35 vehicle impounds. · 54 seatbelt offences. · 53 motorcyclist offences. · 35 vehicle impoundments.

By Danielle Kutchel Almost 200 motorists were detected drink and drug driving on Victoria’s roads in a safety blitz over the AFL grand final long weekend – with seven drug drivers detected within the Casey Police Service Area.

Operation Scoreboard saw Victoria Police ramp up enforcement with 2054 traffic offences detected and a further 198 offences related to drink and drug driving.

Operation Scoreboard was conducted from 12:01am Thursday 23 September until 11:59pm Sunday 26 September.

The four-day, statewide operation targeted high-risk driving behaviour with a particular focus on speeding and impaired driving.

Despite the Melbourne lockdown and ongoing restrictions across the state, police detected 104 motorists drink driving from 11,833 tests while almost one in 10 drivers tested returned a positive reading for drugs.

No drink drivers were picked up within the Casey Police Service Area.

However, within Casey, police detected: Five disqualified drivers.

Three unlicensed drivers.

28 speeding offences.

One disobey signs/signals.

· · · ·

Seven drug drivers were detected in Casey over the long weekend.

· Four mobile phone offences. · Eight unregistered vehicles. · One impoundment.

There were zero seatbelt or cyclist offences.

A summary of offences detected across Victoria from Operation Scoreboard included: 104 drink driving offences from 11,833 preliminary breath tests.

94 drug driving offences from 898 roadside drug tests.

75 disqualified/suspended drivers.

87 unlicensed drivers.

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Assistant Commissioner Road Policing Glenn Weir thanked the majority of Victorians for adhering to restrictions over the weekend.

“It is extremely disappointing that we continue to catch people undertaking high-risk behaviour on our roads with more than 2000 offences detected over the weekend – this is totally unacceptable,” he said.

“Sadly, there were also two lives lost in separate, single-vehicle collisions over the weekend – that’s two lives too many.”

He said police would continue to maintain a highly visible presence over the coming weeks as restrictions eased, and would hold motorists to account for dangerous driving.

“Whether it’s speed, distraction, disobeying road rules, not wearing a seatbelt, fatigue or impairment from alcohol or drugs at play, road trauma can be avoided,” the Assistant Commissioner said.

GPs named as exposure locations

By Danielle Kutchel Two Berwick GP clinics are among the latest coronavirus exposure sites in the area.

Late last week, the Department of Health advised that Murray House Clinic at 13 Clyde Road, Berwick, is a tier 2 site.

Anyone who visited between 4.40pm and 5.35pm on Monday 20 September should get tested urgently and isolate until they receive a negative result.

Casey Superclinic at 50 Kangan Drive, Berwick, is also a tier 2 exposure site on Sunday 19 September between 11am and 11.45am.

Again, anyone there during that time must get tested urgently and isolate until they receive a negative result.

In Hampton Park, 123Kids Early Learning Centre has been named a tier 1 exposure site.

A positive case was identified at the venue on Wednesday 22 September between 9am and 6pm, and Thursday 23 September between 9am and 3.30pm.

Anyone there at those times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from exposure.

In Narre Warren, Krispy Kreme Fountain Gate has been named a tier 2 site between 7am and 4pm on Monday 20 September.

Some individuals here will be tier 1 contacts and will be contacted separately by the Department of Health.

Anyone else must get tested urgently and isolate until they receive a negative result.

Casey is home to multiple coronavirus testing sites. To find your closest testing or vaccination site, visit coronavirus. vic.gov.au

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Thursday, 30 September, 2021

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

Camp out

LENSCAPE

The City of Casey is inviting families to the second Casey Camp Out. Get the household together, set up camp in your backyard or lounge room and join the community online for laughs, music, creativity and competitions.

There will be plenty of activities on offer and many prizes up for grabs during the three-hour session.

There’ll be music, a scavenger hunt and, then once the youngsters are off to bed, an adult’s trivia quiz and soothing live music by local performers, playing all your favourite hits.

This happy, free event is happening on Saturday 2 October, with the online entertainment starting from 6pm to 9pm. To register your household, book at trybooking.com/events/ landing?eid=808397&

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THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up To the Covid testing team at Akoonah Park Berwick. Well organised, courteous and helpful.

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To the Melbourne Demons!!! Sorry couldn’t resist another one, we’ve waited a long time for this.

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Thumbs up I’d like to give a big thumbs up to my new life.

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David W Bull Funeral Directors Provide understanding care and personal service.

For the magical Demons win of the 2021 AFL GRAND FINAL.

To my beloved Demons!

To beautiful weather and being able to take the kids to the park for some fresh air and sunshine.

www.davidwbull.com.au

Thumbs up

To all the people that walk through to Woollies without scanning in!

What is the use of having someone standing there to check?

Thumbs down To the people feeding the swans, your bread isn’t good for them.

Thumbs Up Thumbs Down is your chance to have your say. Malicious or defamatory submissions will not be accepted. All submissions must include a full name address and daytime phone number. Contributions over the phone will not be accepted. Contributors will not be identified. The Star News reserves the right to edit submissions. To submit a Thumbs Up Thumbs Down email to dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au fax to 5945 0777 or post to P.O. Box 9 Pakenham 3810.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

SOCIALLY SPEAKING On Friday 24 September, Star News Group was live on scene at a police siege on Sarno Court in Cranbourne. Here’s how our readers responded to our story online: Mishy Rose: Not surprised! Sarno court is known to have many junkies live and visit that court.

Peter Paraskevas: No way. They are in the city shooting people for walking around.

Shannon Jones: I know where there’s a few thousand police that haven’t much to do.

Amy Roberts: No threat to the community lol just a whacko with a high powered rifle… thanks boss.

Mark Carlson: Frankston killer.

Ashley Coomber: Nice place to live Laura Coomber.

Leader looks forward to Casey’s future

By Danielle Kutchel

starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au com.au

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REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Thursday, 30 September, 2021

A Narre Warren resident is looking forward to putting his new leadership skills to the test in the community, as he takes part in the City of Casey’s Community Leadership Program.

A resident of Casey for nearly seven years, Paul Carter said he felt improving his leadership skills through the program would allow him to “fully participate” in the community he loves.

“So many people in the area have already got expertise to tap into and the program encourages people to step up and share those skills and experiences,” he said.

“There are so many diverse and incredible people in the area who have a lot to offer.”

So far, he’s taken part in about 10 meetups with other participants as part of the program – some in person prior to lockdown restrictions – through which he has been able to work on his skills in communication,

project management and listening.

Participants have also worked on their understanding of the council’s role and functions, and have had the opportunity to gain insights into the leadership approach of the chief executive officer and administrators.

“Very importantly, I have met some wonderful, like-minded people and established great networks,” Mr Carter said.

It’s clear Mr Carter loves where he lives.

He’s taken part in a number of other council programs, including being part of the community grants selection panel and the 2021 Casey Australia Day Awards panel, as well as various community forums and his children’s school council, the Dads Matter group, and writing and sporting groups.

He praised the council for being “forward thinking” in its initiatives and said he hoped other councils could follow Casey’s lead.

“I feel very connected to the area,” he said.

CLP participant Paul Carter.

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NEWS

Shaping our social fabric “Who has power over you and what do you want to say to them?” Jeremy Goldstein asks the Casey community during Truth to Power Cafe, an online hybrid of theatre and activism presented by Bunjil Place and London Arts Projects.

Truth to Power Cafe celebrates the life experiences of participants whose contribution to the social fabric of the community has shaped the world as we know it.

Each performance mirrors the passions, interests and concerns of local communities as participants are invited to step into their own power and speak passionately from their lived experience about something important to them that they believe should be important to all of us.

Their stories are particularly poignant as Victorians surpass over 200 days in lockdown, facing both social and physical isolation from their communities, their peers and their families.

For this cathartic experience of truth-telling, nine members of the local Casey community were invited to share their responses to the questions for a profound theatrical reflection on loss, hope and resistance.

Their stories were filmed and compiled into a collection of personal memoirs to create a space for conversation and the search for finding voice.

Mr Goldstein said telling true and untold stories about our lives was becoming more important than ever, as Victoria emerges from lockdown.

“Through the telling of these stories, we can capture progressive energy and use it as a catalyst for change and renewal in the connected space of theatre,” he explained.

“This is a chance to claim agency over ourselves and our community, and to do this, in the eyes of family, friends and allies, is what makes the show so empowering.

Sountharam C Charomi draws strength from her mother and shares her story in Truth to Power Cafe.

Picture: GRAHAM DENHOLM “At a time when there can be no return to normal, we demand that you listen.”

Casey participant Sountharam C Charomi said she was motivated to share her story of power as part of the project.

“Power is positive for me; that’s the driving force in me,” she explained.

“Being a migrant here… I’ve got to look at power in a very positive way and think, how do I take advantage of that.

“If you allow yourself to become powerless then you’ve got no power. You need to develop that power. That’s your responsibility to become powerful.”

She said she draws strength from her mother, who passed away two years ago.

“She was supportive of everything and was there with my failures and successes,” Sountharam said.

“She is my source of power. If I’m really down or depressed I just need to think of my mum, visualise her, think of what she told me and that’s my strategy to bounce back.

“My message to her is: mum, I think you’ve brought out the best in me.”

Finding voice is of particular importance to Mr Goldstein, whose personal experience commences the performance.

His struggle with the power of his father, HIV and drug use is his own answer, sharing memoir, poetry, image music and performance to tell the story of his complicated past

and the resolve in the years following his father’s death.

His passion in the belief that people need a space to speak their own truths to those who have power over them inspired him to not only create Truth to Power Cafe but a whole new genre of theatre.

Mr Goldstein was also inspired by the political and philosophical beliefs of Nobel prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter and his Hackney Gang, which included Mr Goldstein’s late father Mick and poet Henry Woolf who, at 92, is the sole remaining member of the gang.

For 60 years, the gang maintained their belief in speaking truth to power and remained firmly on the side of the occupied, the disenfranchised and their allies.

Speaking truth to power is a non-violent means of conflict resolution that has historically used the stage to speak to those in authority, no matter who that may be.

Mr Goldstein believes speaking out has heightened value in our era of post-truth, alternative facts and fake news.

Speaking truth to power is widely accepted to mean saying something to those in a position who don’t want to hear it.

The event has travelled the world from London and beyond and now comes to Bunjil Place as a part of The City of Casey’s Ageing Positively Festival.

As it has travelled around the world, members of local communities have played their part in shaping the narrative of the performance, speaking passionately about what matters most to them.

Truth to Power Cafe will run from Saturday 2 to Sunday 31 October via on-demand digital theatre streaming by Bunjil Place.

Tickets are free but registrations essential are essential via bunjilplace.com.au/bunjilplace-presents-truth-to-power-cafe

RUNNY NOSE OR COVID? The only way to be sure is with a test at the first sign of any symptom.

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For testing locations, visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

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Thursday, 30 September, 2021

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STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

The business of change At the start of my career I was a computer programmer and back then software development projects were notorious for being late, over budget and often not meeting customer requirements.

Indeed, a famous “CHAOS” report produced in 1995 by ‘The Standish Group’ (www. projectsmart.co.uk/white-papers/chaos-report.pdf) found that only 16.2 per cent of software projects were completed on-time and on-budget and for larger companies this was just nine per cent of all projects.

The report was instrumental in changing the way software and IT projects were planned and managed and even spawned a new methodology known as “Agile”, designed to provide early visibility to customers (and hence feedback) and tighter monitoring of the cost, schedule, scope and quality elements of a project.

As a result, there were definite improvements to software and IT project deliveries but still many still failed especially often due to a lack of take-up by staff.

Around about the same time that the Standish published its CHAOS Report, another methodology was beginning to take shape which we now refer to as ‘change management’ which focused on how to prepare organisations for change.

Whereas project management focuses on the technical side of a project (what has to be delivered, to what standard, by when and for what cost), change management focuses on the people side and provides tools and techniques for understanding the people impact of the project and how best to manage this.

This is neatly summed up by Ron Stewart, Executive Director of Prosci, Canada (Prosci is a leading change management practitioner and accreditation company): “While the project team prepares the solution for the organization, the change team pre-

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH pares the organization for the solution”.

Change Management is necessary because it recognizes that most people resist change in business. Why? Because when a change is significant and/or radical, it may actually represent a ‘paradigm shift’.

In such a scenario, knowledge and skills acquired under the old way of doing things may no longer be applicable or even useful and hence represent a threat to those who have achieved certain positions or status within an organisation based on these.

Without proper communication to the affected staff, it is easy to see how the proposed change is likely to be interpreted negatively and hence resisted.

In practice though, businesses still need good people and it is rare the threat leads to a wholesale change of staff.

Indeed, if the change is being made for the right reasons, very often it leads to improved conditions and business results, but it is very hard to achieve this if staff are rebelling against the change itself.

This is where the application of a proper change management process yields significant benefits and there are plenty of them out there.

They each has their own way of doing things but there are a number of common characteristics that I shall list below and which are well worth considering when you need to introduce an important change into the business: Be clear about the nature of the change and the reasons for doing it now

·

advocates and influencers to help with · Ensure people understand why the change is · Enlist the roll-out necessary and what the expected benefits are that staff are properly trained and · Explain the impact on all individuals affect- · Ensure check on their ability to apply the learnings ed (overall business impacts are best communicated by the CEO and personal impacts · Regularly check to ensure that people are not drifting back to their old ways by the individual’s line manager) · Communicate with staff frequently on prog- Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB ress and provide opportunities for feedback, Q&A

Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au

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Ryan Quinsee looks back at some of the past memories of Casey Cardinia Libraries. 251616

Shaniace Daymond and Ryan Quinsee at Pakenham Library get in on the celebrations. 251616

Libraries mark birthday

By Danielle Kutchel Break out the balloons – our local libraries are celebrating a milestone!

Casey Cardinia Libraries turned 25 on Sunday 26 September, and, despite Covid restrictions, the celebrations are still happening.

Staff across the organisation’s locations have put together special window displays to let passers-by know of the big occasion.

The display at Pakenham includes a selection of photos taken over the organisation’s life – a celebration of where it came from, and the important role libraries play in the community.

Casey Cardinia Libraries chief executive officer Chris Buckingham said the libraries continued to be a hub for the community even during the pandemic, moving to new ways of service including home delivery, click and collect and print click and collect.

“We’re considerably proud of the way the team rallied together and has shown resilience to keep the service up to the community,” he said.

There have been plenty of memorable moments over the years and, for Mr Buckingham, one is the establishment of the Forgiving Tree campaign in his first year as CEO. Since then, Casey Cardinia Libraries has removed fines permanently and other libraries around Victoria have followed suit.

“It signalled to the community that we’re a thoughtful, kind and generous organisation and we want people to feel welcome,” he said.

“We welcome all in the library. We’re there for them.”

He believes libraries will continue to thrive over the next 25 years.

Reading and literacy will still be at their core, even though the ways people consume

Ann and Chamani at Hampton Park Library. 251597 information might change, he said.

“I think we’ve got a bright future. My only hope is that more libraries are built in future, to match the growth in the area.”

Mr Buckingham added the entire Casey Cardinia Libraries team was grateful for the support and appreciation of the community.

He said they were proud to be able to make a positive contribution to the community.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS “25 years is a point of celebration for us – we hope that the community feels the same way,” he said.

Ryan Quinsee, information services librarian at Pakenham Library, paid tribute to the history of the organisation and said the libraries had adapted to the community’s needs and had been able to “grow with the community”.

Shaniace Daymond, customer experiences librarian at Pakenham Library, said it was in-

teresting to look at how far the organisation had come.

“What we used to be and what we are now and what we can offer the community is very special,” she said.

“We’re not just a library anymore; we’re a very important part of the community.”

Once restrictions lift, in-person events will be held for staff, customers and stakeholders to celebrate properly.

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Hot property in Casey

By Danielle Kutchel Two Casey suburbs are among the most affordable in Victoria.

That’s according to a new report by buyer’s agents BuyersBuyers which found Hampton Park and Cranbourne North remain relatively affordable for buyers, with median house prices of $599,223 and $658,970 respectively.

This compares to the median capital city house price of $908,239.

Despite the economic impacts of Covid-19, the Victorian property market is still forging ahead, the company said in a statement.

House prices have recorded strong growth over the past year, despite some softening over recent weeks due to the extension of lockdown restrictions.

And Cranbourne North has recorded price growth of 57 per cent over the past five years.

Pete Wargent, co-founder of BuyersBuyers. com.au, said: “with mortgage rates still close to the lowest on record, all capital cities offer some opportunities for those with a reasonable buffer and a level of employment security.”

“With first homebuyers still active and now

There are still bargains to be had in Casey, according to a new report. competing with investors for a low level of stock on the market, we expect the more affordable suburbs in Australian property to be sharply in focus.”

The BuyersBuyers report is based on analysis undertaken by RiskWise Property Research.

The research revealed that detached houses represent solid buying opportunities for those with long-term strategies, who could expect to see solid capital growth over the coming years, Mr Wargent added.

And thanks to ultra-low interest rates, in many areas it’s in fact cheaper to buy a house than pay rent, he said.

WHAT’S ON If your community group or organisation is running an online-based activity during lockdown, email the details to dailyeditor@starnewsgroup. com.au for inclusion in our What’s On column.

Join CaseyU3A CaseyU3A is still operating even during Covid lockdowns. Indeed our membership has grown to 440! We currently offer a variety of classes on Zoom including TaiChi, Gentle Exercise, Meditation, French, Guitar, Uke, Current Affairs, Bookclub, Zumba-Gold, Sketching, Ted Talks, etc. Out of lockdown we’ll move back to 50 classes!

Check out the website: casey.u3anet.org.au/ or phone Jean (membership officer) on 0478 226 521.

·

Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House activities A range of activities to keep the kids entertained in the final week of school holidays!

Online Art: Alcohol ink drawing 8-12 year olds Thursday 30 September, 10.30am, events. humanitix.com/online-art-alcohol-ink-drawing8-12-year-olds BPNH Lego Legends Quiz Friday 1 October, 1pm, events.humanitix.com/bpnh-lego-legends Online Art: Air Dry Clay 8-12 year olds Thursday 7 October, 5pm, events.humanitix.com/ online-art-artdryclay Online Art: paper quilling 8-12 year olds Thursday 14 October, 5pm, events.humanitix. com/online-art-paper-quilling

· · · ·

Join your community choir Voices of Casey are continuing to rehearse throughout the lockdown. When lockdowns restrict in-person meetings, the choir rehearses over Zoom. On Zoom the choir is split into two ’rooms’ to make rehearsing easier and allow ongoing interaction. If you’re looking for a new hobby, a chance to practise your singing or a place to make new friends, why not join Voices of Casey - it’s Covid-safe! Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 7pm till 9.30pm at Fiddlers Green in Berwick (when allowed in-person), or otherwise over Zoom.

For more information contact Paulien on 0412 741 195 or maritimes.1@hotmail.com

·

TedX comes to Casey TEDxYouth@Casey 2021 will take place at Federation University in Berwick. This is the first live event for some time and will be a dedicated youth event with a range of guest speakers. The event will be held on a yet-to-be-confirmed date.

Cost is free but bookings will be required.

For more information or updates, visit tedxcasey.com/

·

Enjoy a nutritious meal Lynbrook Community Centre is continuing its community meal program during restrictions.

Come along and enjoy a nutritious meal, good company and additional supports in a friendly and welcoming environment. This program is in partnership with Casey ADRA Cafe.

For more information and to book your space, call 0425 747 866.

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Joshy looking gorgeous at home.

Pepe looking quizzical in a box.

Lucy enjoys the sun.

Look at that face! Cleo looking adorable.

Purr-fect companions

By Gabriella Payne Theres no doubt that throughout these difficult times, the love of our pets has been getting us through.

A few weeks ago, we asked residents to send in pictures with their canine best friends, and this week, our purrrr-fect cat friends have taken centre stage.

Whether curled up on your lap, having a nice big stretch or being mischievous and playful - cats always know just how to cheer us up and many locals couldn’t imagine their lives without them.

With everything going on in the world right now, they make us smile on a daily basis and life would surely be cat-astrophic without them.

So here’s to all our feline friends!

Rebecca Rowed and her cat, Bowie: “This is Bowie. We adopted him from the pound in November 2020.

He came as a surprise. I was looking at getting a dog but I came across his face on the pound page. We all fell in love. He has become such an important part of our lives. He has given my old dog a new lease on life.

Bowie is an inside only cat but my dad built an enclosure so he can still enjoy the outdoors safely. We are so lucky to have found each other.”

Amanda Wicks and her cat, Max: “This is Max, he is a Bengal cat and is always making us smile with his antics.

He’s pretty high maintenance in that he is very loud and can be demanding, but he also loves splashing in the bath and will only drink from a running tap. We definitely wouldn’t want to live through lockdown without him.”

Joanne Peak and her cat, Billy: “This is our feline loaf, Billy, he is a four-yearold domestic, medium hair. He was adopted from AAPS back in January 2020, and is a huge part of our family.”

Marj Couch and her cat, Leo: “This is our fluffball Leo. He is a Birman and is great company. He needs to be around me all the time!”

Kimberly Riddell and her cat, Mercy: “This is Mercy, she has definitely made lockdown more bearable.

Mercy is a four-year-old calico, domestic, short hair, we adopted her from the Maneki Neko Cat Rescue when she was nine weeks old and since then she has built up a cheeky stubborn attitude which keeps things interesting through lockdown! We can’t imagine life without her.”

Angelina Lay and her cat, Csikos: “Here are some photos of my boy Csikos pronounced Chee-kosh. During lockdown he has indulged in taking extra long naps, getting as many cuddles as possible and ensuring that he keeps us company if he finds us in our study by ourselves. He’s a very good boy.”

Lauren Dalton and her cat, Milo: “This is Milo, helping celebrate birthdays whilst in lockdown. She is one-year-old, we rescued her when she was four weeks old.”

Alicia Rollings and her recently passed cat, Diego and new fur-baby, Cleo: “This is Diego, he was nearly four years old.

I adopted him from Forever Friends, he was berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

This is Joanne’s gorgeous girl Freyja, striking a pose!

This is Sue’s gorgeous girl Miss Fenton, surveying the land.

This is Milo, Lauren Dalton’s beautiful cat and a real party animal by the looks of things!

This is Roz’s rescue cat, Jasper, enjoying a bit of the great outdoors.

Here is Kelly’s rescue stray, Ratbag, now loving his new home.

amazing with people and gave the best cuddles. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer [and passed away]. I miss him so much.

This is Cleo, she is two years old and I adopted her through a rescue. She isn’t a fan of other people but slowly is getting better. She is very cheeky and loves cuddles on her terms. I couldn’t see myself without her and she is the best company when coming home from a busy day at work. She has helped me though these tough times.”

Angelique and Noah Summers and their cats Buffy, Gin and Pepe: “This is my princess Buffy, followed by my son Noah’s boy Gin and our shared handsome boy Pepe. We would be lost without them!”

Ethan and Amy Davies and their cat, Joshy (Joshua): “Here is our beloved cat Joshy, (Joshua). He always wants to be the centre of attention and sit directly on top of puzzles, laptops and colouring. He is a recuse cat, and we sense that he is forever grateful for giving him a second chance.”

Divya Stoicevici and her cats, Arwen and Leia: “This is Arwen and Leia - they like to party with us on Friday nights!”

Jessica Lee and her cat, Bebe: “Bebe is 14 years old, she has been my rock in life, especially these last 18 months. She’s not just a cat, she’s my family. Very affectionate cat who loves to cuddle. She enjoys lots of naps, but has also become quite playful recently

with me being home so much.”

Joanne Lee and her cat, Freyja: “At only a year and a half old, living on the streets and already having a litter of kittens, Freyja was saved at the 11th hour from being killed at a local pound. She was taken in by Rose’s Refuge - a local rescue - and spent time there adjusting to life as a cat with a home.

Unfortunately she has a skin condition which may require life-long treatment, or it may resolve with the right treatment. Either way, we are prepared to provide her supportive care.

She’s such an affectionate and playful cat.

The number of animals just like Freyja being destroyed at shelters and pounds each year is abominable. We would like to encourage everyone to adopt not shop!”

Gazette journalist Danielle Kutchel and her cats, BB, Connie and Lucy: “These three are my absolute world. They’ve all got their own unique purr-sonalities: BB is the boss of the house but is now the middle child; Connie is the youngest and still shy despite being a house cat for four years; and Lucy is confident, affectionate, and sounds like a frog when she purrs. BB and Lucy are both from Ingrid’s Haven. BB had a rough start on the Victorian border but chose us in a drug-induced haze after her desexing surgery.

She is currently battling inflammatory bowel disease and is taking it like a trooper. Lucy languished in the shelter for years, unwanted.

She has had both ACLs reconstructed and has a crazy walk as a result, but she doesn’t let her ’disability’ stop her from chasing her sisters. We adopted Connie from Casey-based

Bast Cat Club, and though she started life as a colony cat she has really taken to this indoors thing and loves a good cuddle!”

Tahlia Highman and her cat, Ron: “Ron is a big, floofy, beautiful boy. He’s also very chilled out; he doesn’t mind when his canine sister gets a bit too excited. Here he is showing off his lip freckle!”

Divina Guerrera and her cat, Penny Lane: “Penny Lane is seven years old. She is very spoilt and independent. Only likes one brand of cat food and is very fussy about her bedtime.

Let’s us know when she needs her own space.”

Roz Blades and her cat, Jasper: “This is Jasper our rescue cat, who we got from Cat Rescue. He is a frightened timid cat, whose life we have improved. He has a lovely nature and a great personality.”

Kelly Warren and her cat, Ratbag: “Meet Ratbag aka Pallet cat. We had been trying to catch this little fella for a few days knowing he looked very skinny and sick. Being a large charity we normally look after people not cats. Well Ratbag must have known we wanted to help him and one afternoon he was crying under a pallet. The vet said he was only days off dying.

Fast forward to today and the second photo shows you that he’s very much the king of the castle in our house.

We have been at the warehouse two years and just after Ratbag, I started making friends with another very feral cat. Fast forward and tonight I have two beautiful babies sound asleep beside me. My motto is, it’s free to be kind. Even to animals.”

Thursday, 30 September, 2021

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Journey’s barriers In 2020, Star News Group journalist DANIELLE KUTCHEL received funding from the Melbourne Press Club’s Michael Gordon Fellowship to explore mental health in asylum seeker and refugee communities. Below is part two of the story.

VMC commissioner and chairperson Viv Nguyen AM.

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Rex name shame

By Mitchell Clarke Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name.

Former Springfield Ward councillor Rex Flannery, who resigned as deputy mayor just days before the State Government sensationally sacked the entire council in February 2020, says the events of the past 12 months are still “eating” him up.

He has now officially requested that his name is removed from both a councillor honour board in the customer service centre and a wall plaque in Bunjil Place.

“I have never had any involvement into this alleged corruption scandal and therefore I do not wish to have my name associated with past or former councillors who may have brought our City of Casey into disrepute,” he told Star News.

“People look at your name and they see that you’re from Casey Council and immediately they put you in that same mould, which couldn’t be further than the truth.

“It’s just horrible to have been a councillor in that term. It gives you a sickening feeling in your gut and now I have to live with that.“ Mr Flannery argues his name should never have been placed on the plaque celebrating the $126 million Bunjil development because at the time he didn’t support the project.

“I guess I’ve eaten a little bit of humble pie with Bunjil Place. I’ve been able to see the value that place brings to the community but at the time I was against the development and I wasn’t once consulted (about having my name included),” he said.

He also claims former ex-ward partner, Sam Aziz, stated to him that he “wished he never had my name added to the plaque”.

“That was the only time I agreed with him,” Mr Flannery said.

While Mr Flannery hasn’t accused any former councillor of committing wrongdoing, he said anyone found guilty from the IBAC hearing should immediately have their honours stripped.

“They need to have their plaques removed

Rex name shame

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Thursday, 30 September, 2021

Rex Flannery, pictured in late 2015, wants his name stripped from council. 148005 from anywhere within the City of Casey ... whether it’s a plaque in the botanical gardens or in Bunjil Place, I want them removed so they have absolutely no recognition anymore,” he said.

“They’ve disgraced themselves and they’ve disgraced the council. They’ve taken something away from me that I totally enjoyed. I loved serving the Casey community. I just want some clarity as to what way it’s going to go.”

Since his resignation, Mr Flannery has been working in an operating theatre at a local hospital. He said he has every intention to run for council again in 2024.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“I want to get back into serving the community again. I want to run again and I want to get my name back on the honour board for the right reasons. At the moment it’s a dishonour board,” he said.

Star News understands Mr Flannery has put forward his request to be heard by the administrators at the next council meeting, slated for Tuesday 2 February.“It’s up to them now but a year later, this is still eating at me. I need closure and this is one way that I can get it,“ he said.

“I played no part in any downturn or sacking of the council and I feel it’s my duty to say that I don’t want to be a part of or in any way

Bunjil Place. associated with the 2016-20 term.”

Casey’s governance manager Rhys Matulis said: “Given the IBAC investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment on that matter. Council has received and will consider Mr Flannery’s request in due course.”

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Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name.

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By Mitchell Clarke

When *Sam realised he was experiencing mental health issues, he knew he had to get help.

It was 2013, and he’d just had his first major anxiety attack.

On the outside, Sam had it all; he’d made it to a senior management level at his job and had settled down to life in Australia with his wife and family.

But the anxiety attack shook him deeply.

He felt foggy and experienced a loss of identity, and worried he was losing his mind.

He felt trapped, out of control, worthless, angry – and guilty.

“I didn’t know what it was all about – although I had studied bits and pieces [about mental health], I had never experienced such a thing personally,” he said.

“I was always a bright kid at school, always funny with friends…always cracking jokes, a full-of-life kind of guy.

“So when the anxiety happened, I was in denial. I didn’t know what had happened to me. The world became dark and my stressors kept building up.”

Sam visited his GP to find out what was wrong, and was referred to a psychiatrist.

It wasn’t long before the professionals had traced his mental health issues to their roots, and found that they were at least partly derived from his traumatic experience in leaving a war zone in Afghanistan with his family as a child.

The stress of his adult life had compounded that trauma.

“It was a combination of leaving Afghanistan, resettling into another country with a different language and culture…then coming to another country, and again the culture shock and financial stresses and some mild relationship issues,” Sam explained.

His condition deteriorated in 2013 and 2014 and he was hospitalised for five weeks.

After being discharged, he attended a recovery class at the hospital, a day a week for almost two years.

But a second anxiety attack hit Sam in 2018 that was even worse than the first.

This time round, he received ECT – electroconvulsive therapy.

To this day he is still struggling, he said, trying hard to recover fully and get back into work. Of course, the pandemic hasn’t helped things.

“Once you get anxiety and depression, you live in your mind; you don’t live life as it used to be,” he explained.

But he knew he had to get help.

“I had to do something about it; that much I knew,” Sam said.

Sam was lucky, in a way, given he knew which people to approach for help with his mental health.

But not all new Australians are so fortunate.

When you’re unfamiliar with the health system of your new home, you may find it difficult to know where to go.

Dr Judy Tang, clinical neuropsychologist and a commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), said there was often no set pathway for refugees and asylum seekers to access support when it was needed.

“Ideally, they get set up with services to support them in other areas, like housing or job seeking, making sure they’re attending English classes and helping them understand the medical or health system itself,” Dr Tang explained.

“Ideally those people like the GPs or other support services are able to link them in with mental health and support services if they feel that’s needed.”

Viv Nguyen AM, commissioner and chairperson at the VMC, added that many newcom-

ers might be unfamiliar with the idea of getting help with their mental health.

“Accessing things like mental health support and other services that refugees aren’t familiar with in their country - they might not know where to go, might not think it’s a mental health issue and might let it sit for so long and by the time they access or realise that they can access or are able to access help, it might be a bigger challenge for them and our society than if we had identified it in the early days and supported them to settle and integrate.”

But improvements can be made to this system, Dr Tang said – like better pathways, so that people don’t have to wait until they get to “the end of their tether” to access support.

“What usually happens…is because there’s no clear understanding or a more direct pathway to access mental health support or wellbeing, the individual or family member might feel quite isolated and not seek that help until it’s much further down the track.”

In Australia, if a person has Medicare, they can access a mental health treatment plan of subsidised or free psychological services.

But there are many in the community without access to Medicare, Dr Tang said, and for those with visa issues or other barriers to the nation-wide medical cover, they don’t get access to those treatment plans.

In those cases, they can turn to support or advocacy services who will be able to point them in the direction of medical help.

Though, as Dr Tang cautions, accessing support often comes down to being able to afford it.

In Sam’s case, his GP and psychologist were able to provide him with the help he needed.

His journey is ongoing; he said he always knew in the back of his mind that his feelings were only temporary, and tried to be there for himself first and foremost.

But professional medical guidance and medication have also been integral to his treatment.

Sam believes another barrier to accessing mental health support in refugee and asylum seeker communities is a lack of culturally appropriate resources.

He was fortunate to have the support of his immediate family, but mental health is still subject to dark stigmas and many people don’t share the truth of their condition with their wider social circle, he said.

He said more awareness of mental health resources is needed for the whole community.

“If I had come across even a small flyer that talked about mental health and had a [support phone] number in there, at the time when I had this attack with the symptoms, I would probably not have panicked about my condition,” he said.

“I think it would be a fantastic idea to bring more awareness to the community, and to have some key points for people to know, something as little as ‘if you’re feeling XYZ, please make sure you speak to people’, and provide another resource. That way, they can go there and be reassured.

“But I learned a lot, the hard way.”

Part three of this story will explore the stigmas that still dog discussion of mental health, and how these are being countered by various community groups. *Not his real name. Sam wanted to withhold his name as he does not want to add to the worry of his community.

If you need to talk to someone, please reach out to: Lifeline - 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue. org.au

· ·

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Choir celebrates online Edelweiss Casey Choir has celebrated the season with a special online musical extravaganza.

Due to the continuing lockdown in Melbourne, the choir had to change its initially planned stage performance to an online performance to welcome and celebrate the MidAutumn Festival (also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival) on the evening of Sunday 19 September.

The members of the celebration party were firstly greeted by Mrs Xu, followed by an opening speech by Emily, the director of Edelweiss Casey Choir.

The celebration party kicked off with wine toast and some heart-warming and humorous remarks by Rose, the master of ceremonies.

The first item on the playbill was called Bragging About All Our Choir Members, performed in a lively manner by six senior choir members.

Tenor David Pavarotti sang a song named Looking At The Moon, which stirred up a mixture of feelings of missing family in the homeland and gratitude for being here in Melbourne.

Mr Wu gave a guitar performance accompanied by a vocal performance of My Home is There.

Edelweiss’ vocal music teacher, Kim, then performed All Is Found, a song from the 2019 Disney film Frozen 2.

Four members - Yong Mei, Eileen, Liya and Anny - recited three affectionate poems accompanied with great Chinese folk music.

Edelweiss, a show tune from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music was subtly and intricately played by the choir’s solo flautist, Mr Huang.

Both the MC Rose and Sisi then performed a scene with full costume from the largest Chinese opera form, Beijing Opera.

Choir members Phyl , Weiguo, Linda, Xiaxia, Mrs Bai and Mr Zhang all gave wonderful

The choir members gathered online for their celebration.

Through song, they celebrated their hometown. and differently styled performances.

Melbourne, my Second Hometown, a poem written by Mr Youyuan, was recited affectionately by Yingmei, Jinyan and Elma, expressing the yearning of Australian Chinese for their

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The solo performance by the choir’s flautist. hometown and their gratitude for their Australian life.

The party was also interspersed with riddle games and activities such as snatching and opening red envelopes.

The party ended with cheers and laughing to the song You Are My Sunshine.

It was a meaningful and bright traditional Chinese festival that the family of Edelweiss Casey Choir spent together here in Melbourne.

SPRING 2021

Dinner time with

SAM WOOD

The importance

OF BIRTH ORDER Inside Olivia’s

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HOUSE OF WHITE

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 30 September, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 17

FOCUS ON … SENIORS WEEK

Take the First Step quiz If you’re thinking about making the move to a retirement community, you likely have a few questions before taking the first step.

When is the right time to move? Are there many activities or events? Will I have space and privacy? What will I do with my pets? How do I find the right home for me?

Aveo has made it easy for you to take the First Step to great retirement living with confidence.

Head to their website and you’ll have the opportunity to hear from residents who have been in your shoes and made the journey to

great retirement living, as well as some advice from their friendly staff, with a range of Q&A videos answering some commonly asked questions.

A great retirement is all about you, so Aveo’s friendly team are there to answer your questions and learn more about what you’re looking for.

They’ve created the First Step quiz to get a better picture of your needs and wants in retirement. You’ll have the opportunity to tell them what matters to you most, the things you want to keep, and any barriers currently hold-

ing you back from moving into a retirement community.

This spring, they’re even giving away $10,000* to make someone’s dream retirement a reality. All you need to do is fill out the First Step quiz on their website and tell them one thing you’ve dreamed of in retirement to go in the running. How good is that!

And, because choosing the right location is a big part of taking the First Step to great retirement living, you can also explore Aveo retirement communities to find one that could be a great fit for you.

With over 90 Aveo retirement communities nationwide, it’s easy to find the right place to call home. One that celebrates your passions, puts your peace of mind first, and has facilities, services and support to suit your needs.

If you’re ready to take the First Step to great retirement living today, simply call 1800 954 416 or visit aveo.com.au/firststep *Terms and conditions apply.

Natural relief for pain 12515056-AV40-21

It’s all too common for seniors to be told they just have to put up with foot and knee pain and degenerative concerns such as arthritis, that they should expect it at their age or that surgery and medications are the only options. But this is simply not the case say the experts at Foot and Leg Pain Clinics who’ve been assisting seniors with foot, knee and leg concerns for 25 years.

They’ve helped many to: Reduce or eradicate pain, increase mobility. Avoid surgery.

Eliminate the need for ongoing medications.

“We can assist pain and improve function and mobility better than ever before.

We can even repair damaged and degenerated joints and tissues - all with natural treatments and without the need for surgery”, says Dr. Paul Dowie, founder of Foot and Leg Pain Clinics and one of Australia’s

· ·

leading foot, knee and leg pain experts.

“If you’re in your senior years and suffering foot, ankle, knee, leg or hip pain don’t be disheartened there is nearly always something we can do to assist, regardless of age.”

Foot and Leg Pain Clinics have helped seniors in their 70s, 80s and beyond, with a range of concerns. These include: Degenerative conditions Arthritis particularly osteoarthritis inflammatory conditions General joint pain Mobility and postural concerns Soft tissue tears Balance issues and falls risk Call 1300 328 300 for an appointment at Foot and Leg Pain Clinics Berwick. Mention this article and get $50 off your initial consultation.

· · · · · · ·

Diane & Jan, Residents

Take the

to great retirement living When it comes to finding the right retirement community, it can feel like stepping into the unknown.

You know what you’re looking for; somewhere to feel safe, to be connected, to live in comfort with less worries. We can help you find just that.

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30 retirement communities across Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo and the Mornington Peninsula

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SCAN HERE TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Call 1800 954 416 or visit aveo.com.au/firststep 12515011-NG40-21

18 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 30 September, 2021

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Downsizing re imagined Introducing Lifestyle Meridian in Clyde North Our smartest community yet and the latest in a growing list of communities that redefine the downsizing lifestyle for our homeowners. It is the culmination of almost 20 years of experience, expertise and intimate knowledge, coupled with an unwavering focus on designing and delivering homes that really hit the spot for downsizers.

Homes now selling from $370,000*

Lifestylemeridian.com.au | 1300 50 55 60 | 20 years in the making *Price correct as at September 2021

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berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 30 September, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 19

Taking Enrolments for 2022 FOCUS ON … EARLY Kool Kidz Narre Warren is a purpose-built Early Learning, Childcare and Kindergarten facility that provides a safe, fun and exciting environment to explore, learn and grow in for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.

LEARNING & PRIMARY

CARING & FAMILY FRIENDLY

New centre for childcare

17 Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren www.koolkidznarrewarren.com.au

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Phone 9705 1532 to speak with Janette or Maria to ENROL NOW

Explorers Early Learning Where children learn and thrive.

proach allows children to express themselves in different ways as they grow and focuses on three core principles: the child, the environment, and the teacher.

The benefits to children are varied but perhaps the most valuable advantage of the Reggio Emilia approach that all educational global models strive to achieve but do not always accomplish; it ignites a love of learning in them.

Places at Explorers Beaconsfield are limited and filling fast!

To be one of the first to receive an offer of enrolment and the latest information about Explorers Beaconsfield, please register your interest at eel.com.au or call on 1300 000 335.

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Book your tour today.

Explorers child care is excited to announce their newest Explorers Early Learning Centre in Beaconsfield is now open, located on the corner of Princes Highway and O’Neil Road.

Offering premium quality early learning and government-funded three-year-old and fouryear-old kindergarten to the local community for children aged between six weeks to six years of age.

The brand-new, state-of-the-art centre features high-quality learning resources, large classrooms filled with natural light and architecturally designed outdoor play spaces to encourage and challenge children’s development.

What is the Reggio Emilia Approach?

Explorers Beaconsfield is largely influenced by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, an approach to education originating in Northern Italy and was created by Lorris Malaguzzi, a teacher and a parent.

This approach to early childhood education has been widely recognised for its innovative program and acknowledged by educational institutes, psychologists, and researchers from all over the world as the most exceptional example of high-quality early learning education.

The Reggio Emilia approach starts with the idea that children use different ways, “one hundred languages”, to express their understanding, thoughts, and creativity. This ap-

Your Children

Book now for 2022

2 Pink Hill Bvd, Beaconsfield (03) 7037 6223

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Welcome to Hampton Park Community House

3 year old Kindergarten P : 03 8768 8342 or 0417 375 344

Schools we service: • P 12 Narre Warren • Kilbery Valley Primary School • River Gum Primary School • Hampton Park Primary School • St Kevin’s Primary School hamptonparkch.vic.edu.au • Coral Park Primary School

Find out how our world-class International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and expert ELC and Junior School staff can help your child flourish in their learning through action in our intimate learning spaces and classes.

3 yr old Kindergarten 9.30am – 2:30pm Mon, Wed & Thurs Occasional Care 9.30am – 2.30pm Mon to Fri Before & After School Care Morning & Afternoon Tea provided Vacation Care Programs in School Holidays Morning & Afternoon Tea provided Our Address : 16-20 Stuart Ave, Hampton Park VIC 3976

Non-Selective | Non-Denominational Small Classes | Co-Educational ELC and Junior School Dedicated Senior Girls and Boys Schools

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20 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 30 September, 2021

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EARLY LEARNING AND PRIMARY

Step into prep online

Starting ELC Arguably in education one of the greatest disruptions, due to Covid, has occurred in early learning, where access has been patchy, or families have decided that children should not attend ELC during the pandemic. This means that selecting your ELC in 2022 is even more important to ensure that your child gets the best start possible to their education.

We’ve been speaking to Sue Eden, Director of St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar’s Early Learning Centre on some things to consider when choosing a place for your three or four-year-old.

“Reflecting back over the past few months, I’m so proud to say that our ELC remained open throughout the Covid lockdowns. While onsite services were limited to essential workers and those with permits, we supported all our families during the lockdown with packs, educational activities and online learning through the Seesaw app.

The children were also able to connect with one another through daily Team’s meetings.

So, while we’re not out of the woods yet, an important consideration over the next 12 months will be, how will your ELC support you if we have another Covid flare-up “I’ve been educating early learners for many years in both day Kindergartens and Early Learning Centres. When choosing an educational setting it is crucial that the philosophy and program align with your family’s goals and hopes for your children. For some parents, their primary goal is childcare, to have a safe place for their child to be while they are at work. For others the goal is to give their child an educational head-start and for others it’s both. We have faith that at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar ELC we can cater for each child and support them to be

best that they can be.

“All registered childcare providers and ELC’s provide a safe environment as you would expect, as this is a highly regulated area of education. The differences come with the approach the centre takes towards education. At our centre we leverage the highly recognised International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) of the St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar Junior School, to build a nurturing early learning curriculum that is tailored and scaffolded to support each individual child.

“Early childhood is a vital time for children’s learning and development, so selecting a centre that’s welcoming to you and your child is critical. The St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar play-based program provides children with time to explore, discover and inquire and they will be supported to develop essential relationships with their teachers and peers. In our centre we aim to provide a program that nurtures the unique personality of each child and enables development of their independence and self-confidence, ensuring a smooth transition on to school when the time comes.”

What a year it has been to date! For parents of next year’s Prep students it must be extremely frustrating. It certainly is for us. By now we will have had the pleasure of hosting you on personal tours of our school and have attended our unique Step into Prep program. None of that has happened as yet.

Parents often ask me what’s the difference between a good school and a great school. My short answer is the culture and climate of the school. That, of course, leads directly to the people – the school staff, the parents and the children and the relationships that exist between them.

In moving forward into term 4 we will be providing online Webex meetings commencing in week 2 on Tuesday evenings at 6.00pm.

They will be an online version of our Step into Prep program in which our leadership team, Prep teachers and Specialist programs teachers to answer all your questions as well as providing you with important transition to school information our curriculum and wellbeing programs as well as the bread-and-butter administration matters that are also important.

Why not check us out on our website: www. berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.au and contact us via email or phone for the link to our Webex meetings next term.

By the way, we are still taking enrolments from beyond our zone, if that is something of interest to you.

Henry Grossek, Principal

SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE • Australian FLL Robotics Champions 2013 and Victorian FLL Robotics Champions 2015 • Radio program and film making • Beautiful Sensory & Community Gardens • Augmented Reality Extension Program • Whole school LOTE Mandarin program

Kevin Heinze Best School Garden Award 2018 P: 9707 1766 F: 9796 2198 E: berwick.lodge.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Visit our website and check out the virtual tour and enrolment details. www.berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.au 12459513-NG36-20

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 30 September, 2021

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STAR NEWS 21

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STAR NEWS 23

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Clubs support Outer East

By Nick Creely While there is plenty of noise around the long-term sustainability of the AFL Outer East model , three of the south-east clubs involved in the competition have staunchly defended the league and have committed long-term to its plans.

With Beaconsfield looking likely to land in the Eastern Football League, Doveton to the Southern Football Netball League and Cranbourne exploring the option of joining the Mornington Peninsula league again - off the back of Berwick’s departure last season - there is plenty of chatter about whether the league’s long-term future is secure.

However, two former members of the nowdefunct SEFNL who aligned with the AFL Outer East, Officer and Pakenham, as well as competition newcomer Berwick Springs, who put together a promising debut senior football and netball season, have come out strongly with a message for those that are doubting its future place in the community.

That they’re committing to the competition’s future, and have no plans to explore their options elsewhere..

“The future of football has been a longstanding sore point for clubs in our region for a number of years, however in my mind this matter was resolved for our club when we joined AFL Outer East in 2019,” Officer president Nick McLennan told the Star News Group.

“Our club has really enjoyed our time in the AFL Outer East. We’ve been given the opportunity to play competitive football which has been important for our players and supporters.”

Pakenham president Travis Hamilton said that for his club it’s been the right move both on and off the field.

“We’ve found the competition to suit Pakenham and the needs of our club,” he said.

“Outer East have been accommodating to the clubs’ needs and very helpful, their leadership the group has been great to deal with.

“The club looks forward to working with Outer East in the Premier Division in season 2022.”

And for Berwick Springs president Ashley

Officer is one club that has come out in support of AFL Outer East. 238292 Allison, the formation of the senior club has been a great success in the AFL Outer East.

The Titans snagged a few senior football wins in its first season under esteemed coach Rodney Benstead and were ultra-competitive in A Grade netball and through the grades.

The club has also moved into its new home at Mick Morland Reserve, and have settled in nicely.”Our decision to be a part of Outer East Football Netball League has been a great move,” he said.

“We have been supported with advice and

Picture: ROB CAREW

direction by the OE team throughout a tough couple of years. Aaron, Cameron and the team are always accessible with regular proactive communication.”

McLennan added that from on off-field perspective, clubs have saved considerable funds, particularly from clubs joining from the SEFNL, and are full of praise for development type programs, particularly in the mental health space.

“Off field the commission has also helped our club go from strength to strength. Our

league fees have been dramatically reduced, yet in return we have been provided more support than ever before,” he said.

“One of the things I have been most impressed by is the work being done by Aaron Bailey and others in the development of new clubs. We’ve already seen Berwick Springs grow with great success and I understand there will be another new club coming to the league very soon.

“The Officer Senior Football Club is here to stay and we have no plan to go anywhere.”

Roadmap for a return trip

By Nick Creely Cricket Victoria (CV) has encouraged local cricket associations to target a season start date of the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 November after releasing its roadmap this week.

CV has developed its roadmap - which has been shared with the State Government to confirm that it aligns with the recent roadmap announcement from Premier Daniel Andrews.

While this cricket roadmap is being developed on the basis of vaccination rate, here’s what CV has communicated with associations: 80 per cent single dose (expected in coming days) Metro No matches No organised training Use of cricket ovals/nets if all vaccinated.

Multiple groups of five can gather to exercise (including cricket) If not all vaccinated, you can have a hit of cricket with dependants and one other person A coach can instruct two people with single/no dose vaccination status Regional Vic No matches v other opponents Organised training permitted (no group size limit) No spectators allowed Change rooms to remain closed Centre wicket training and match simulations training permitted

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

70 per cent double dose (26 October) Metro No matches v other opponents Organised training permitted (no group size limit but small groups recommended) No spectators allowed Change rooms to remain closed Centre wicket training and match simulations training permitted Regional Vic No matches v other opponents Organised training permitted (up to 100 people max) Woolworths Cricket Blast possible (in line with density limits) Canteen/bars can be open in line with food, drink and liquor licence rules - outdoor consumption 80 per cent double dose (5 November) Statewide Matches permitted Training permitted (no group size limit) Spectators permitted (max 150) Metro maximum travel distance removed Indoor training and matches allowed Changerooms, social rooms and canteens open in line with density rules In regards to the season start dates, Cricket Victoria’s Paul Milo said that 13 and 14 November - the weekend after Melbourne Cup week - was the best possible scenario for clubs and associations to begin preparation, however there will be more information in regards to Premier Cricket, as there are different guidelines for expected pre-season preparation.

CV also stated that one-day and Twenty20

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Get excited! Cricket’s around the corner after CV’s roadmap was released. 232575 Picture: ROB CAREW matches should be scheduled again this season.

“Cricket Victoria acknowledges that each Association will set their specific starting date based on the position of their Clubs/Executive based on their local needs,” he stated.

“Given the season delay, potential for localised lockdowns and the expected wetter than normal summer ahead, delaying the season too far will erode the chance of maximising the number of matches played yet this date should allow adequate notice for confirming the season start after reach the 80 per cent double dose target.

“For most comps, a November 13/14 start will allow 14 rounds that sees everyone play each opponent home and away through the

year before March finals.”

Milo reiterated that the most important thing right now is reaching those vaccination milestones.

“The vaccination trigger targets are the critical milestones, not the estimated dates - cricket matches cannot start until at least after we reach 80 per cent double dose vaccination.”

The Dandenong District Cricket Association is yet to make any official announcements, the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association is preparing for the 13 November start, while it is more likely that the Premier Cricket competition will begin the following week to allow for a longer block of pre-season training.

Thursday, 30 September, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 25

SPORT

Kiana Oates snared the Division 1 Women’s Best and Fairest. 238286

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cranbourne star Tara Cecil. 182402

Cody clinches top award

By Nick Creely Narre Warren star Trent Cody has capped off a sublime season in style, clinching the Shane Smith Medal for Premier Division League Best and Fairest.

The Magpies midfielder/half-forward - who was named skipper of the Premier Division Team of the Year - was a class act in 2021, averaging 22 disposals and two goals per match this season, combining sheer power through the middle and a strong goal sense to dominate the competition.

Cody was also ranked third for inside 50s, third for score involvements and fifth for Premier Data Points to finish with 14 votes.

Midfield star Nick Battle finished second in the count with 12 votes, Cranbourne legend Marc Holt and teammate Nick Russ finished equal third with nine votes, and Pakenham duo Jafar Ocaa and Liam Tyrrell also polled strongly with eight votes.

Narre Warren’s Mitch Cowan was also recognised for an outstanding season in to take out the Premier Division Reserves League Best and Fairest.

Cowan just shaded teammate Joel Paredes and Cranbourne ruckman Michael Boland by four votes.

In Division 1, Officer midfielder Anthony Bernardo and Seville forward Nathan O’Keefe clinched the Harold Ramage Medal for League Best and Fairest with 11 votes.

The first-year Kangaroo was the dominant midfielder of the competition in 2021, ranking number one in the competition for disposals, second for clearances and third for contested disposals.

O’Keefe - the champion goal kicker - was a class act for the Blues this season and also named as Team of the Year captain, averaging 23.5 disposals per match and almost three goals a match.

Bernardo and O’Keefe just pipped Kangaroo ruckman Dylan Chapman and Gembrook Cockatoo’s Josh Tilly, who finished with 10 votes.

Seville’s Ben Conder took out the Len Strat-

Samantha Neil of ROC won the Division 1 Best and Fairest. 238292

Trent Cody has taken out the Premier Division League Best and Fairest. 234452 Pictures: ROB CAREW

tford Medal as Division 1 Reserves League Best and Fairest.

Upwey Tecoma star Kiana Oates took out the Division 1 Women’s League Best and Fairest, just shading Beaconsfield’s Lauren Hojnacki.

Officer’s Tali Verhoeven held off Yarra Junction’s Jade Mewburn to take out the Division 2 Women’s League Best and Fairest.Tara Cecil has clinched the top netball award for 2021, with the Cranbourne star taking out the Jodie Chandler Medal for Premier A Grade League

Best and Fairest.

Cecil finished three votes clear of Beaconsfield’s Ashleigh Gill and four votes adrift of Narre Warren’s Brittany Mashado.

In Division 1, Gembrook Cockatoo star Paige Laner took out the League Best and Fairest after an outstanding season, sharing the award with ROC’s Samantha Neil.

The pair finished on 11 votes, just clear of Mount Evelyn’s Gabi Bingley and Emerald’s Kaylah Loulanting.

In the remaining netball League Best and

Fairest awards, Beaconsfield’s Jordan Lang took out Premier Division B Grade, sharing the award with Olinda’s Dana Millwood, Narre Warren’s Summah Hinchcliffe took out C Grade, with Berwick’s Shayla Wood winning the D Grade Best and Fairest alongside Narre Warren’s Sarah Fabbri.

In Division 1, ROC’s Amy Jones clinched the B Grade title, ROC also saw Bec Johnson win the C Grade Best and Fairest, while Emerald’s Tayler Kennedy won the D Grade award alongside Jessica Hoskin from Mount Evelyn.

12512098-NG37-21

26 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 30 September, 2021

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Munro claims top award for Casey

Dee delight

By Nick Creely

By Nick Creely He’s one of the VFL’s most respected footballers, and one of the region’s biggest stars.

And now Beaconsfield product Jimmy Munro is a back-to-back VFL Best and Fairest winner for the Casey Demons after yet another superb season in the clinches.

The on-baller snared the Demons’ top men’s award at the club’s virtual VFL and VFLW Awards Night last Thursday night, with the tackling machine claiming the Gardner Clark Best and Fairest after also winning the award in 2019.

It was another ultra-impressive campaign for the midfielder, who averaged 21.4 disposals, 4.3 clearances and a whopping 9.3 tackles a match from nine matches. He also hit the scoreboard, kicking six goals.

AFL-listed forward Toby Bedford finished runners-up in the best and fairest, with the youngster averaging 15.3 disposals, 5.9 tackles and 0.9 goals a match in a promising season.

Demons veteran Neville Jetta took out the Trademark and Values Award after a consistent season guiding the backline in 2021, with small defender averaging a tick under 20 touches a game.

Emerging forward George Grey snared the Steve Harrison Rising Star Award for his promising debut season in attack for the Demons, where he averaged a goal a match.

After an exceptional debut season, Eliza West took out the Demons’s VFLW Best and Fairest, in what was a remarkably consistent and reliable season.

West averaged 22.3 disposals a match from 13 games, which included five tackles a match, and also managed to kick seven goals.

Demons star Casey Sherriff finished as runner up in the best and fairest, with the creative playmaker picking up 16 touches per match, three marks and 4.1 tackles. She also kicked multiple goals on two occasions to showcase her wares in front of goal.

Defender Emma Horne was also rewarded for her promising season, with the youngster clinching the VFLW Rising Star Award, in a sea-

Jimmy Munro claimed best and fairests for the Casey Demons. 193716 son in which she averaged 8.5 disposals and three tackles from 15 matches.

Meg MacDonald won the Trademark and Values Award for her reliable season, which

Picture: ROB CAREW

included almost six tackles per match, Shree Fairchild clinched the VFLW Coaches Award and Monica Harasimiuk took out the Most Improved Award.

Comeback kid eyes off Melbourne Cup

By Jason Adams Comeback kid McCooly’s Lad produced a devastating win at Sandown Park on Thursday making him one of the top contenders for the world’s greatest greyhound race.

Romance surrounded the win given it was his third start back and first at city level since an injury that kept him away from racing for the bulk of this year.

It’s been a monumental training achievement to not only get him back racing but winning so impressively on the big stage of city class racing.

“Incredible mate, incredible. He’s a champion,” said an emotional Anthony Azzopardi.

The Azzopardi family plus owners and breeders Darren and Michael Puleio have gone to great lengths to get ‘Ralph’ back to full health. The continuation of his racing career has been nothing but a bonus.

“It’s special. A lot of work and time has gone into this dog by our whole team - it’s very emotional.”

Back winning at Sandown Park is one thing but his time of 29.11 is the fifth fastest of the year and half a length better than his previous best set in November last year.

He was a baby coming through the ranks leading into last year’s TAB Melbourne Cup series but now has maturity on his side to tackle the world’s greatest greyhound race.

“The Melbourne Cup is the main aim but I’m still going to take my time. We’ve got a plan for him, we’ll probably come back in a fortnight but he’ll be racing sparingly. When we get to the Melbourne Cup it’s obviously full bore from there.”

The road to the TAB Melbourne Cup hits berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Five Star produced one of the more complete staying performances in recent times. full throttle on Thursday October 7 with the ‘50 Day Countdown’ special event - the winner will be exempt into Cup heats on Friday November 19.

Earlier in the night gun stayer Five Star produced one of the more complete staying performances to win in a romp.

He was expected to win comfortably but stunned fans with his time of 41.32 - the quickest time of the year over 715m and the seventh fastest ever.

“It surprised me a little. He went 41.50 when he won at Speed Star but these are better conditions for it with the warmer weather,” said trainer Paul Abela.

Abela has eyes on the Topgun Stayers at The Meadows in early November then the Bold Trease at Sandown Park later that month.

“We’re hoping to get a start in the Topgun.

We’re bypassing Sydney with the border restrictions. I’ll pick and choose when he races leading up to the features.”

Not only have border restrictions halted ambition to race interstate but also past experience which didn’t go to plan. Five Star travelled to Brisbane in June and didn’t handle the experience.

“It was a disaster and it knocked him around. To be honest we’re pretty lucky to have got his confidence back. Peter (Lagogiane) did a great job but the dog just didn’t handle being away from home.”

“I’m not doing it again. He’s not going anywhere now.”

The bond Abela has with Five Star, or ‘Jarman’ as he’s known to those closest to him, is strong and obvious when seeing them together at the track.

“I let him out for a gallop the other day and he didn’t take off, he just stood there and preferred to be by my side so I had to get moving myself. I’ll be kicking the missus out soon,” he joked.

“He’s a funny dog, he loves the attention and gets plenty of it.”

As 57 years of anguish and despair washed away from die-hard Melbourne fans in the midst of one of the greatest patches of football ever played, the noise reverberating around the city, and country, would have been deafening.

And the noise pumping out of Devon Meadows as a favourite son, James Harmes, played a crucial role in the grand final win would have shook the town silly.

Harmes - a heart-and-soul Demon was a bull through the midfield and halfforward in an underrated performance.

Harmes’ selfless, team-orientated mentality was on full display late in the game, as he offered to sub himself out of the game so medi-sub James Jordon could come onto the ground.

It’s an attitude, and a selflessness that has crept into the club and one of the main reasons this group became every football fan’s second side in 2021.

The Demons triumphed in Perth against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, overcoming a 57-year curse to clinch an unforgettable and emotional bit of silverware.

The Dees burst out of the blocks to lead by 21 points at quarter time, combining ferocious intensity at the contest with a desire to run and gun the footy.

But the Doggies - well-drilled and oiled for the big stage - bit back through skipper Marcus Bontempelli to wrestle back the lead with a scintillating second term to slam on six goals.

It was then that the Demons stood tall as the Dogs threatened to run away with the premiership in the third term, with Bayley Fritsch slamming on two quick goals to get the fire started, with two brilliant individual pieces of play that set the tone for an inspired comeback.

It loomed as a classic grand final finish. One with twists and turns, and everytime you looked away something seemingly shifted the momentum and energy of the contest.

But what occurred was amazing.

Ask any Melbourne fan for the past six decades - who would have been overcome by jitters of the past - whether it was all some big dream.

There was no way they could have envisioned what would happen next as they enjoyed their cheeseboards and vintage bottles of shiraz.

The Demons would go on to play one of the greatest 15 minutes ever seen, slamming on six goals to finish the third term and ice the game then and there.

It was breathtaking football led by Norm Smith medal winner Christian Petracca, with the midfielders dominating proceedings and turning each touch into one irresistible bit of gold.

As the premiership loomed for longsuffering Melbourne fans, the players didn’t let them down in the final term, racing to a 74-point win in 30 minutes of football that will be replayed for weeks, if not months and years on repeat.

The Doggies to their credit, never gave in, holding their heads high and running out the game with class.

But there was starring performances on every line.

Petracca’s masterpiece of a match comprised of 39 disposals and two goals, Coldstream boy Bayley Fritsch snared six goals to finish runners-up in the Norm Smith Medal, big Benny Brown kicked three, skipper Max Gawn towered above all else to lead from the front, and Angus Brayshaw drove himself from contest to contest and made an enormous impact.

57 years is a long time in football history - it’s last grand final victory prior to Saturday night being a four-point epic against Collingwood back in 1964 when the club was coached by the legendary Norm Smith and captained by the iconic Ron Barrassi.

It’s been a long time between the 12th and 13th premierships - but it was worth the wait.

Thursday, 30 September, 2021

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STAR NEWS 27

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Thursday, 30 September, 2021

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