News - Cranbourne Star News - 14th October 2021

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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Rorting inquiry The joint IBAC-State Ombudsman investigation Operation Watts looking into alleged rorting of public funds by some Victorian MPs got underway this week.

Counsel assisting IBAC, Chris Carr, in his opening statement, said it would explore “serious corrupt conduct by Victorian public officers“.

This included MPs directing their taxpayerfunded staff to perform party-political work during work hours.

It also investigates state funding to community associations being misused for partypolitical activity.

“When corruption occurs in the public sector it hurts all of us.

“We expect our public officials to behave responsibly and with integrity, and for public resources to be used for the intended purpose to benefit the Victorian community.”

Mr Carr said the Moderate Labor faction of the state ALP would be a “case study”.

Faction members include Dandenongbased state MP and former Minister Adem Somyurek, federal MP Anthony Byrne and Narre Warren state MP Luke Donnellan who resigned as a Minister on day one of the hearings.

Those three were involved in branch-stacking against party rules as part of the informal group South East Alliance, Mr Byrne has told the inquiry.

They allegedly paid for other people’s party memberships and renewals.

Mr Carr described branch-stacking as “organising people to join a political party, which they have little genuine interest in joining”.

“Of course, few reluctant members would part with their money to join, so an integral aspect of branch-stacking is the payment of membership fees by politicians, aspiring politicians, their associates, or those seeking to obtain influence.”

Mr Byrne confirmed the use of public-paid electorate officers and ministerial staff being used for factional activities during work time, such as filling in blank membership ballots.

Counsel Assisting IBAC, Chris Carr, said the inquiry was exploring alleged “serious corrupt conduct” by some Victorian MPs. Some staff were employed at Mr Byrne’s office at the request of Mr Somyurek and never showed up for work for months, Mr Byrne alleged.

Mr Byrne portrayed himself as someone who tried to “de-escalate“ branch-stacking in the South East. Meanwhile, Mr Somyurek was “ramping up“ branch-stacking in recent years,

Mr Byrne told the inquiry.

“As Adem was getting more and more power, it was almost becoming an existential threat for the Labor Party.”

Mr Somyurek, through his lawyer, asserted in cross-examination that it was Mr Byrne that “ran the show“.

The inquiry will also look at community or-

ganisations with “very close ties” to Moderate Labor received government grants.

One of the issues was whether the grants were a “reward for recruiting members to the ALP”.

The hearing is expected to continue for five weeks.

Read more on pages 3, 7,8 and 9

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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IBAC INQUIRY

Donnellan quits Cabinet

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan has sensationally quit the State Government Cabinet after being named by his former boss at an IBAC inquiry on 11 October.

Mr Donnellan, who was serving as a Disability, Ageing, Carers and Child Protection Minister, was a former electorate officer to Holt Federal MP Anthony Byrne.

At the Operation Watts inquiry into alleged ALP branch-stacking, Mr Byrne said his former electorate officers – and now State MPs – Mr Donnellan and Adem Somyurek formed a ‘South East Alliance’.

All three bought scores of ALP memberships and membership renewals contrary to party rules, Mr Byrne told the inquiry on Monday.

Mr Byrne estimated he spent $2000 a year on the memberships, and that the other two MPs spent the same.

They all belonged to the ALP’s ‘Moderate Labor’ faction – of which Mr Somyurek was ‘convenor’, Mr Byrne said.

Soon afterwards, Mr Donnellan announced his immediate resignation from the ministry.

“I accept that I have previously breached party rules while a Minister.

“But let me be very clear: I never misused public funds or resources in any way. And this has absolutely nothing to do with my staff.”

Mr Donnellan said it was not “possible or appropriate” to remain a Minister given the rule breaches.

“The work to support vulnerable Victorians is too important, especially during the pandemic.”

He is the fourth Andrews Government Minister to leave Cabinet in the wake of explosive

allegations of branch-stacking by 60 Minutes and The Age in June 2020.

The others are Mr Somyurek, who is a person of interest at the inquiry, as well as Marlene Kairouz and Robin Scott.

In reference to Mr Somyurek, the ALP had been “basically taken over by one person whose sole objective was power and power alone”, Mr Byrne told the inquiry.

The party was “completely out of control” with “branch-stacking” and the “coercion” of taxpayer-funded staff who were “made to do things they didn’t want to do”, Mr Byrne said.

He said Mr Somyurek had threatened to get rid of sitting MPs from a rival faction, Dandenong MP and Cabinet Minister Gabrielle Williams and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards.

He named Mr Somyurek and Ms Kairouz as MPs that coerced electorate and ministerial staff into performing factional political activities while on the ‘taxpayer dollar’.

After Mr Donnellan’s resignation, Premier Daniel Andrews said Mr Donnellan was a “passionate advocate for vulnerable kids, people with disability and older Victorians”.

“He leaves a legacy of reform of which he can be proud.

“Luke’s work has seen a transformation of the system for children and families in Victoria, investing in hundreds of dedicated child protection workers and navigators to do their important work supporting families and kids – making sure they have the stable foundation to begin their lives.

“Due to inquiries currently on foot, I will not be making further comment.”

Mr Donnellan’s ministerial portfolios have been allocated to Cabinet members James Merlino and Richard Wynne.

Luke Donnellan stepped down as Cabinet Minister on the first day of IBAC’s Operation Watts hearings.

New infrastructure needed in Casey City Without immediate government investment, population growth will outstrip demand for vital community facilities in Casey over the coming years, a new report by the state’s independent infrastructure advisory body shows.

Infrastructure Victoria’s latest research, Social infrastructure in Melbourne’s growth areas, finds that the City of Casey currently has around one library per 76,000 residents, compared to the state average of one per 41,000.

Libraries are increasingly delivering a broad range of services and are now often designed as the core of multi-purpose community hubs.

The situation is starker for the provision of aquatic and recreation centres, with around one aquatic recreation centre for every 126,000 residents, compared to the state average of one centre for every 65,000 persons.

“Rapid urban expansion means social infrastructure has failed to keep pace with population increases in the new growth areas of Casey, Melton, Cardinia, Hume, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham,” Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Michel Masson said.

“It’s not enough to just plan and build housing in greenfield suburbs, all levels of government need to better integrate social infrastructure so that everyone has access to similar services, regardless of postcode.”

The advisory body’s research shows that more people, in particular young families, will continue to move to Melbourne’s growth areas.

Already, over one-third of Melbourne’s children aged four years and under live in these local government areas.

Victoria’s population is projected to surge by 20 per cent in the next 15 years, with Melbourne’s seven growth areas anticipated to make up a large share of this increase.

According to the authority’s new report, Casey will need a new aquatic and recreation centre in the next five years. 218980 Trailing investment in vital social infrastructure risks further widening the disadvantage gap between many newer and established suburbs.

By 2036, the City of Casey is expected to support one library for 29,000 people aged 19 years and under, compared to the cities of Yarra and Port Phillip with rates as low as one library per 4000.

Infrastructure Victoria released the state’s 30-year infrastructure strategy in August this year which recommended the Victorian Government increase funding to support local governments to plan and deliver libraries and aquatic centres in the state’s seven growth areas over the next five years.

According to the authority’s new report, Casey, Melton, Whittlesea and Wyndham will need both a new aquatic and recreation centre and a new library in the next five years.

While social infrastructure can be expen-

sive to build in new suburbs, Mr Masson said the benefits provided to communities and businesses far outweigh the costs.

“Both libraries and aquatic centres provide essential services to the community and in many cases act as a community hub, improving physical and mental health and supporting productive and engaged communities,” he said.

Mr Masson added that visitors also spend money at nearby local businesses, supporting local economies and jobs.

“Co-locating facilities with other services such as primary health care, allied health or aged care services can provide additional community benefits.

“An opportunity exists for governments to work in partnership to ensure the timely delivery of co-located or integrated facilities that meet rapidly growing community needs and support Victoria’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Winner delighted Beatrice Blyth couldn’t believe it when she was told she had won $1000 worth of Woolworths Gift Cards.

The Berwick woman was the winner of the Star/Woolworths Spring Shopping spree competition, which was run for five weeks across all the Star newspapers.

Beatrice said she was excited by her win, saying, as a pensioner, the prize would make a huge difference to her.

As a regular Woolworths shopper and Star reader, Beatrice is looking forward to shopping up big at her local Woolies.

She is also an active Probus member.

A big thanks to the 4500 readers who entered our major spring competition.

Beatrice Blyth with her Woolworths Gift Cards.

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Sountharam Chidambaram, Casey resident and participant in Truth to Power Cafe

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

If I see a slide and a swing I start running and screaming like a little girl to play on it.

What is your favourite cuisine?

Asian cuisine - Nasi lemak with ikan billis sambal. Nasi lemak cooked in coconut milk, lemon grass and ginger served with yummy spicy ikan billis (anchovies) cooked in dried red chilli, tamarind along with onion and tomato. It goes well with a boiled egg and cucumber salad.

THREE … ways to prepare your property for fire season

1

Remove fuel for a fire. Prune tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls. Replace mulch near the house with less flammable alternatives like pebbles. Keep grass shorter than 10cm and regularly remove leaves and twigs from around the house. Don’t have large shrubs in front of windows or glass doors.

2

Before leaving early, make sure you remove all flammable items from around your home – including the doormat!

3

Check that your home and contents insurance is current and includes a level of cover in line with current building standards and regulations.

What has been your most memorable moment?

My graduation for my bachelor’s degree. It was my first degree and I received it in Sydney with my family. My neighbors and my family celebrated the happiness with me.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My mummy is my biggest inspiration - my lucky charm, my strength, my driver etc - the list isn’t exhaustive.

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

The Polish dish pierogi. I love to cook for my God mum and my well-wisher Barbara B. If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would be the first thing you would do?

I want the multichant prayers and country’s acknowledgement in different languages.

Meet Sountharam Chidambaram!

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Nigeria Falls in Canada and to travel locally on the Ghan.

lunch. Me and my bestie go to the movies to sleep!

What are you most looking forward to when lockdown ends?

Meeting my bestie Lynn B for a movie and

What do you love about the Casey community?

It’s a dynamic, bubbling, harmonious multi-

Picture: GRAHAM DENHOLM cultural community. I love the beautiful parks and gardens. We have lovely multicuisine restaurants and soulful worship places.

Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?

YES YES, a lot of pineapple please!

The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to find a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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NEWS

New model plans for library service The City of Casey and Cardinia Shire have made a joint decision to change the service model of their libraries which will see the dissolution of the Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) Corporation at the end of 2022.

While the transition to a different service model will mean changes behind the scenes, there is no intent from either council to reduce library services, and instead continue to improve and enhance the much-loved and valued library services.

The decision has been communicated to the CCL board, staff and library members.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire agreed to look at their library services earlier this year to help the councils plan and make informed decisions for the future.

“The joint decision was made due to a number of contributing factors, most notably the significant growth and change in demographics of both communities, along with new legislation in the Local Government Act 2020 which requires the current regional library model to be changed in the coming decade, and the timely need for a review of the existing model,“ Ms Duff said.

“Over the past 25 years, CCL has grown to Victoria’s largest public library service with the population across the two municipalities increasing to almost half a million people and is planned to reach 750,000 by 2041.”

Recent changes in the Local Government Act 2020 also impact on libraries and means that CCL can not continue as a ‘Regional Library’ beyond June 2030.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Brett Owen said

The Cranbourne RSL venue will close at the end of October. 230284

Cranbourne RSL closes

By Danielle Kutchel

Casey Cardinia Libraries Corporation will be dissolved at the end of 2022. 207627 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS the change in legislation had been a contributing factor towards the councils initiating discussions and looking to explore the most suitable options for the libraries going forward.

“Both councils acknowledge that it’s important for our services to be fit for purpose, for both community needs and the councils’ requirements,” Cr Owen said.

“This has led both councils to realise the benefits that may be available in operating separate library services and as such we’ve now started to take the necessary steps to allow us to explore the opportunities for future service models independently.

“We’d like to reassure library members across both municipalities that it’s not the intention to reduce or impact library services and there will be a focus on retaining CCL staff

in whatever new service model we both pursue.”

Ms Duff added that the transition to a new service model would be a staged process over the next 16 months, allowing for a planned transition with the objective of minimising impact on library services to the community.

“As with any change like this, our community and customers are always at the forefront of everything we do, and both councils will undertake community engagement on their future library vision throughout 2022.

“We would also like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic work of CCL staff throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Staff have demonstrated their dedication and resilience to the communities they serve and the organisation,” she said.

The Cranbourne RSL site is set to close by the end of the month.

The organisation made the announcement on its Facebook page and said it would close from Monday 25 October.

The closure comes in spite of a strong public campaign to save the venue, which was put up for sale by the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch earlier this year.

In March, president John Wells said the Cranbourne venue had suffered “exponential” losses, with $11 million lost at Cranbourne over a decade.

It’s understood the Sub Branch will continue on in a smaller Cranbourne venue.

In its post, Cranbourne RSL thanked all those who “tried to save our beloved RSL”.

“The Cranbourne RSL was 100 years in the making and will be sadly missed.”

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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STAR NEWS 5

OPINION

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Holt deserves local representatives The people of the South East deserve real local representatives, not factional stooges who stack branches and manipulate migrant communities for their own profit.

That’s why I’m standing as a genuine local Greens candidate for Holt representing the migrant community and Australian voters in the upcoming federal election.

Our party would create a genuine Federal ICAC with teeth - because we all know corruption doesn’t stop at state boundaries.

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Time to prepare for fire season

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The media states Covid cases have increased by 10 per cent in the City of Casey.

I went for a walk to the Berwick Botanic Gardens, where I noticed at least 50 per cent of the people were not wearing masks.

I made this disclosure to the City of Casey and their response was it’s not their problem, ring the police.

Now this is a public garden run by our local council and they have a responsibility to protect my health and safety while I take a stroll around this beautiful park.

Walking into the park I never noticed any information regarding mask wearing.

Also, there needs to be clarity on the wording of exercise and walking around the park without a mask.

I also noticed if you are holding a cup of coffee it makes you exempt from wearing a mask.

Rex Flannery

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The fire season is fast approaching and now is the time for all Victorians to ensure they are prepared and have a plan for those high fire danger days.

The latest long-term weather outlook is indicating a wet few months ahead, however, this will also have the effect of rapid growth of grass and scrub fire potential.

For our farming communities the Victorian winter crop production forecast is some 7.7million tonnes or 11 per cent above the 10year average.

In short, grassfires and crop fires will be a real concern for our CFA members leading into the season across the north west, western and central agricultural regions.

Grass fires are a particular risk along the plains of Western and North Western Victoria and around regional cities, while bushfires remain a constant threat in many areas.

As such we should never be complacent and let our guard down.

Recent climate change research by the CFA and other international bodies found that the number of very high fire danger days each year will significantly increase and our fire seasons will start earlier, last longer, and further strengthen the need for a shared responsibility between hazard owners, communities and emergency services.

To the carers who have helped me out so many times with transport to different places, e.g. medical etc., you’re just the best. Also, big thankyou to MECWA and all the people I have gotten to know. Thank you Darlene, and Jenny, much appreciated.

Thumbs down To Russell Broadbent MP for not rolling up his sleeve for the jab.

Thumbs down To people trying to sell Woolworths brick items for ridiculous prices to those trying to complete sets for their kids. Greedy!

com.au

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Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

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REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Thursday, 14 October, 2021

Farrier Edward Roberts does the Hot Shoe Shuffle at Narre Warren North. 253687 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS You may have seen a campaign recently outlining the skills of professional firefighters and inviting community members to check if they’re protected by professional firefighters.

I want to reassure all Victorians that regardless of whether they live in CFA or FRV response district, they are supported by skilled and experienced firefighters who respond alongside members of all other emergency services right across the state under the mantra ‘we work as one’.

Australia has always been well served by its volunteers who have defended this nation during some of its darkest hours.

Across the country, volunteer fire services, with more than 150,000 members, make up 91 per cent of total firefighters.

Volunteer firefighters have been at the heart of our fire emergencies for decades, supporting and protecting their communities at all times of the day and night. Victorians trust and respect CFA and its volunteers, as well as our other emergency service partners.

That’s why the Victorian Government is investing $126 million over five years for CFA to deliver additional equipment, infrastructure, training and leadership skills, in line with the outcomes from the Fire Services Reform which includes building and strengthening CFA as a volunteer organisation.

Volunteer firefighters across the country deliver a world-class service and CFA firefighters are trained to the highest national standards – the same standards as our colleagues in other career fire services.

You don’t need a pay cheque to be professional.

CFA members are more than just firefighters; they are skilled to operate in a wide range of emergency situations and to deal with a variety of hazards in addition to bushfires, house fires and grassfires; hazardous material, road crash rescue and technical rescues (high angle, trench, mine operations).

We also prepare communities for fire through planned burning, engagement and education.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up

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LENSCAPE

Thumbs up To all the community responding to help people who are currently in iso - amazing!

Thumbs down To most doctor’s surgeries only doing telehealth appointments. Covid is not the only illness going around at the moment.

Thumbs up To anti-intellectuals who claim to have done their ‘own research’. Impressive that you’re conducting clinical trials and laboratory studies in addition to full-time work.

Thumbs down

Thumbs up

To mandatory vaccines.

To the sun currently being out.

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.

We have a shared responsibility with other sector agencies to ensure that communities are prepared and ready for the upcoming fire season.

As Victorians understand all too well, from the devastating summers of 2009 and 2019/20, there are more houses in extreme and high risk areas than there are fire trucks.

That is why Victorian emergency services work as one with government, business, industry and the community building community resilience through the principle of ‘shared responsibility’.

Throughout the Covid pandemic, CFA has been working with communities to prepare their properties and plan for the fire season.

Do you have a bushfire survival plan?

Our brigades are holding online sessions across Victoria and I’d encourage you to look out for those in your area by visiting the CFA website: cfa.vic.gov.au/about-us/whats-on These sessions will give you a better understanding of your local fire risk and help you prepare a fire plan.

Even if you’re not in a high fire risk area, you should still be practising your fire escape plan as house fires occur all year round.

Our 1200 brigades are highly trained and ready; are you?

Remember to visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au for advice on how to plan and prepare for the fire season.

Stay safe.

Jason Heffernan, CFA Chief Officer

SOCIALLY SPEAKING On Friday 8 October, a story was shared to the Star News Facebook page regarding a newly released report recommending a swathe of new infrastructure for the City of Casey. Here’s how our readers responded online: Emma Rolling: All the council is interested in is pumping out housing and new estates and bumping up rates. In 40 years of being a resident, the roads especially Clyde Road through to Cranbourne and surrounds are just an utter joke. How can the council allow developers along Clyde Road build large estates without upgrading roads to accommodate the traffic flow? Also contribute towards telecommunications towers.

Deb Bayley: What is needed in Casey is the new paediatric children’s emergency department at Casey Hospital.

Barny Rubble: The same argument has been had many times before. As a Casey resident of 24 years, it’s more of the same old argument. Yet again nothing will be done, but guarantee the council get to line their pockets.

Peter McKill: Need basic infrastructure, not that the noted are in short supply.

Berwick-Cranbourne Road through to Five Ways, Ballarto Road to name a couple. Developers need to contribute more towards basic infrastructure.

Sue Baldizoni: Is this news to anybody?!

We’re over populated now!! cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

IBAC INQUIRY

MP ‘lobbied’ mayor vote

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The then-Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek allegedly lobbied councillors and ‘did in’ a candidate at a Greater Dandenong Council mayoral election, an IBAC inquiry has heard.

Holt federal MP Anthony Byrne, in texts to a staffer, described Cr Loi Truong as being promised the mayoralty by Mr Somyurek in November 2019.

“I was in a room with him and Loi where he said (Loi) should be given an opportunity to be mayor.

“Then he did him in using the Cambodians.”

The “lie” was made in a meeting at Mr Byrne’s office between him, Cr Truong and Mr Somyurek, Mr Byrne told the Operation Watts inquiry on 11 October.

Mr Somyurek told Cr Truong that he’d do what he could to assist his mayoral election but was limited by his role as Local Government Minister, Mr Byrne said.

However, Mr Somyurek instead “lobbied” Greater Dandenong councillors Youhorn Chea and Sophie Tan – both of “Cambodian background” - to vote for victorious candidate Cr Jim Memeti.

Mr Byrne’s staff members told him that soon after the meeting Mr Somyurek met with Cr Memeti at a McDonald’s outlet “not far from my office” for two-and-a-half hours.

“So that led me to surmise something like that happened.”

Mr Byrne agreed with IBAC Counsel Assisting Chris Carr that there was a “relationship” between Mr Somyurek and Cr Memeti.

He said that with “some exceptions”, Greater Dandenong mayors had been Labor-aligned for years.

Cr Truong believed if he had been given a “clear run” that Crs Chea and Tan would have

Jim Memeti soon after being narrowly voted in as Greater Dandenong mayor in 2019. 20088 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS voted for him, Mr Byrne said.

“He was asking Adem not to intervene (against him).”

IBAC Commissioner Richard Redlich asked Mr Byrne if he’d experienced any other Local Government Ministers seeking to influence mayoral elections.

“No I don’t,” Mr Byrne replied.

Cr Truong believed that Mr Somyurek had “enormous power” over Crs Chea and Tan, Mr Byrne said.

“Cr Chea and Cr Tan I think through the Cambodian Association worked fairly closely with Adem Somyurek.”

The then-Local Government Minister also

had a “close relationship” with former Cambodian-community MP Hong Lim and Mr Lim’s successor Meng Heang Tak. Mr Somyurek had been “fairly instrumental” in ensuring Mr Tak - a former Greater Dandenong mayor - was preselected in Mr Lim’s seat.

Mr Tak also shares the same Moderate Labor faction as Mr Somyurek, Mr Byrne told the inquiry.

Last year, Cr Memeti told Star News he had known Mr Somyurek since 2005, when the mayor was first elected to Greater Dandenong Council.

He had found Mr Somyurek to be “pretty

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business-as-usual” as a Minister, he said.

After the IBAC hearing, Cr Memeti reiterated his comments last year to Star News that Mr Somyurek had no direct influence in Greater Dandenong mayoral elections.

He said “I can’t recall” his alleged meeting with Mr Somyurek at McDonald’s. He’d never stayed at a McDonald’s for two-and-a-half hours, he said.

“I’ve never spoken to Mr Somyurek regarding elections. I’ve never heard of Mr Somyurek influencing the mayoral election - nor any other MPs. “It’s all done with councillors. All the councillors try to lobby their colleagues” Cr Memeti said he had a “relationship” with “all local MPs”.

“You’d catch me having a coffee and a lunch with all the MPs in the area.

“I try to work with the MPs as much as possible to advocate on things in the community.”

The mayoral vote in 2019 was “hotly contested” between Crs Chea, Memeti, Truong and Maria Sampey, Cr Memeti said.

On first count, Cr Chea was eliminated.

In the next round, Crs Sampey and Truong were tied for second. The latter was eliminated when he drew the ‘defeated’ ball from a pink hat.

Only on the third round did a councillor gain a narrow 6-5 majority – Cr Memeti with the backing of Crs Chea, Tan, Angela Long, Zaynoun Melham and Tim Dark.

Cr Sampey was supported by Crs Truong, Peter Brown, Sean O’Reilly and Matthew Kirwan.

Nine of the 11 Greater Dandenong councillors were Labor members, except for Crs Dark (Liberal) and Kirwan (Greens).

Cr Truong, who was admitted to ICU with Covid last week, could not be contacted for comment.

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STAR NEWS 7

IBAC INQUIRY

Branch-stacking claims

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Holt Federal MP Anthony Byrne has admitted to ALP branch-stacking, including holding a ‘kitty’ for membership funds in his own electorate office.

He paid for other people’s ALP memberships and membership renewals since the start of his Parliamentary career in 1999, he told a Operation Watts hearing on October 11.

He also told of employing staff who didn’t turn up to work at the request of South East Metropolitan MP and factional powerbroker Adem Somyurek.

Mr Byrne reluctantly complied out of fear of “retribution”, he said. He broke off the work arrangements after several months, he told the inquiry.

At one stage, Mr Byrne hired Mr Somyurek’s son, the inquiry heard.

Again, this was at Mr Somyurek’s suggestion, with the salary used to pay off the father’s debt, Mr Byrne believed.

Mr Byrne’s electorate staff were also involved in collecting and filling out blank membership ballots for the election of ALP delegates, and worked on other MPs’ election campaigns, he told the inquiry.

He agreed branch-stacking had been “endemic” in the ALP, despite a change in party rules after a critical 1998 report by now-Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus.

More recently, the State Government endorsed all recommendations from a Victorian Ombudsman’s report into the ‘Labor red shirts’ affair.

Mr Byrne said he took steps to “demilitarise” branch stacking in the South East by “reaching out” to rival faction, the Socialist Left, in 2002.

One of the Socialist Left members involved in the “South East Agreement” was an MP, he said.

“I believed … that branch stacking is wrong, branch stacking is corrupt, branch stacking rips the soul out of the Labor Party and the community.

“And we were quite successful.”

Mr Byrne said ALP members in his seat of Holt, as well as Bruce and Isaacs, “dropped

Holt MP Anthony Byrne admitted to being a part of branch-stacking at an IBAC inquiry on 11 October. 253542 substantially” as a result.

However, in texts with his former staffer in late 2019, Mr Byrne described Mr Somyurek as a “vandal” trying to “ramp up branch stacking in the South East”.

At the time he believed Mr Somyurek was seeking to replace sitting Labor rival-faction MPs Gabrielle Williams (Dandenong) and Pauline Richards (Cranbourne) with Moderate Labor members.

The party was being taken over by Mr Somyurek “whose sole objective was power and power alone.”

“It was the alliances that Adem had cobbled together of different sub-factions within the Right and also within the Industrial Left that he believed gave him control or substantial influence over significant sections of the party.”

Mr Byrne was part of an informal South East Alliance, which included Mr Somyurek and state MPs Luke Donnellan and Tim Richardson from the same Right faction ‘Moderate Labor’.

He said Moderate Labor was led by “convenor” Mr Somyurek, as well as Robin Scott and Marlene Kairouz – all who departed State Cabinet after branch-stacking allegations by 60 Minutes and The Age in 2020.

Mr Byrne named Mr Somyurek, Ms Kairouz and state MP Kaushaliya Vaghela as being involved in branch stacking “to my direct knowledge”.

He, Mr Donnellan and Mr Somyurek - both Mr Byrne’s former electorate officers – had paid about $2000 a year on other people’s memberships and renewals.

The practice was against party rules purportedly to prevent branch-stacking – that prospective members pay for their own memberships.

But it was part of a “well-entrenched system” starting from the 1990s, he said.

The “multiple hundreds” of membership renewals cost between $30 and $90 each. The funds were kept in a “kitty” in Mr Byrne’s office.

Other aspiring MPs paid into the alliance fund, such as prospective Isaacs candidate Steve Michelsen with $5000.

Party fundraisers organised by Mr Byrne, Mr Donnellan and Mr Somyurek were also a source of “cash” for the ‘kitty’.

Examples were tabled at IBAC of sit-down dinners for up to $100 a head at a Dandenong restaurant for Labor MPs Richard Marles and Tim Richardson.

“Most of the people that would have attended those functions had a pretty good idea that some of the money that was being raised would go to memberships,” Mr Byrne said.

This was against party rules that people should pay for their own memberships, he said.

“People believed, regardless of what the rules said, that they could game the system.”

Mr Byrne conceded that ALP head office was “by and large aware” of the practice.

“Factional heavyweights” had helped him win preselection for Holt as an “underdog candidate” in 1999.

Mr Byrne “rewarded” his electorate officer Mr Somyurek for “factional loyalty” with preselection in 2002.

He didn’t agree that he “trained” Mr Somyurek as a branch-stacker.

“He observed,” Mr Byrne said.

The two had been “close” but progressively fell out. Mr Byrne blocked Mr Somyurek from his phone in September 2019.

He was concerned about reports of Mr Somyurek’s treatment of people, including “berating, ringing all hours of the day and night, pushing people to do things that they didn’t want to do”.

“I had really hoped when Adem had become a Minister in 2018 that he would stop the factional activity.

“The branch stacking wasn’t stopping … it actually started accelerating, and then started coming towards the South East.

“As Adem was getting more and more power, it was almost becoming an existential threat for the Labor Party.”

Byrne quizzed over ‘Wish to destroy’ texts

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Holt MP Anthony Byrne has been quizzed about his alleged texts stating he wanted to ‘destroy’ and ‘kill’ an aspiring Labor MP. At an IBAC hearing into alleged ALP branch-stacking on 12 October, Mr Byrne faced cross-examination from the lawyer of his one-time factional ally and electorate officer Adem Somyurek.

He denied that he, rather than now-state MP Mr Somyurek, “ran the show” controlling people within the Moderate Labor faction.

“You would have had to have been on the dark side of the moon to not know that Adem Somyurek was in charge of just about everything.”

Barrister Remy Van der Wiel read out alleged texts sent by Mr Byrne to Mr Somyurek that “I really do what to kill” aspiring Isaacs’ preselection candidate and ALP staffer Steve Michelson in 2019.

“Wish we could destroy him now,” Mr Byrne texted.

“I also want to humiliate him at the same time as the preselection so that he is unemployable.

“It’s a just punishment for the grief he is causing us.

“I really do want to kill him. This is personal for me now.”

At the hearing, Mr Byrne said Mr Somyurek in previous conversations had “made it clear to me that he saw Steve Michelson as being a problem”.

“I think you would say Mr Somyurek’s feelings, and therefore my feelings, were pretty strong.

“But I think the tone of this was that Adem had said to me that Michelson was a threat, that Michelson wasn’t playing a team game 8 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

Anthony Byrne, right, denied he “ran the show” in the Moderate Labor faction. and that Michelson needed to be dealt with.”

The inquiry heard that Mr Michelson, a former staffer for ex-federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, had been requested to pay $5000.

In earlier evidence, Mr Byrne agreed the payment was a way for Mr Michelson to gain factional support to succeed sitting Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus.

“I think he would have been led to understand that he would have been favourably looked upon,” Mr Byrne said.

The aspiring MP’s money went to “one of my staff members” for the paying of other people’s ALP memberships and renewals, Mr Byrne said.

He denied that he would assist Mr Michelson in preselection on that basis.

“I would assist him with preselection? I would dispute that, Counsel.

“I think that the people by that stage that were determining the preselections is the gentleman sitting next to you, Adem Somyurek.

“I think it’s fair to say, Counsel, that Adem Somyurek wanted to destroy Mr Michelson and he wanted my assistance to do so.” cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

IBAC INQUIRY

Son hired for MP’s ‘debt’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Factional heavyweight and MP Adem Somyurek allegedly requested for his son to be employed at an electorate office, with the MP pocketing his son’s salary, an anti-corruption hearing was told.

Mr Somyurek’s one-time factional ally Anthony Byrne told the IBAC Operation Watts hearing on 11 October that he hired the son on taxpayer-funded wages because “Adem asked me to employ him”.

The son turned up to work, his salary went to Mr Somyurek, he said.

Mr Byrne believed the money was used to pay off a “debt” owed by Mr Somyurek.

“It was put to me that that would be the purpose, but also, as Adem put to me, to help develop his son’s skills and to give him some work experience.”

Mr Byrne said it was “very unlikely” he would have employed the son on his merits, though adding he was “very well liked in my office and he did work”.

Electorate office positions were also used to reward people assisting in factional work, including those who didn’t turn up to work, the Holt MP said.

He claimed Mr Somyurek requested him to hire two staff Burhan Yigit and Hakki Suleyman for months without expecting them to show up at the office.

Mr Yigit was a long-standing ALP member with control of a large number of members and based in Melbourne’s West. He was Mr Somyurek’s “extremely close” friend, Mr Byrne said.

“I was not happy with the request.

“The alternative was to have a lot more requests from different people that I’d sort of get a relatively regular basis about putting people on to my staff that were factional.

“I tried to reduce the number of people that

Adem Somyurek, whose son was allegedly hired at a federal electorate office partly to help a debt Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS owed by the MP, an IBAC hearing was told. 201398 were on my staff that had any direct connections to factions.”

Mr Suleyman’s hiring was part of a “deal” to bring his family over from another ALP faction to Mr Somyurek’s faction Moderate Labor.

He couldn’t work for a state MP because of an “adverse finding” as part of an investigation into Brimbank Council.

“Why did I do it? Because the consequences of not doing it would be that I probably wouldn’t be sitting here before you today as a Member of Parliament.”

He eventually ceased Mr Suleyman’s role.

“I said I can’t do it anymore, I just can’t keep on doing it”.

Mr Byrne said he implicitly understood that refusing the requests would jeopardise his preselection.

“I had assumed that someone like Adem would, as is his wont, get particularly upset and initiate some form of retribution.

“It could be abusing my staff.

“It could be - God knows. It could be arranging for my political execution.”

Under cross-examination, Mr Byrne was questioned about staff appointments Adam Sullivan, Nick McLennan and the son of former Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea.

“These are all people who you specifically asked Somyurek to employ, right?” Mr Somyurek’s lawyer Remy Van der Wiel asked.

“I was trying to minimise as much as possible those people that I guess you’d say were involved in factional activity,” Mr Byrne replied.

“So I may well have, on that basis, asked

Adem to take those people on.”

In earlier evidence, Mr Byrne said his former staffer Mr McLennan was later being directed to do “factional activity” by Mr Somyurek as part of his day-to-day work as ministerial adviser for State Minister and factional ally Marlene Kairouz.

Mr Somyurek appointed Mr McLennan as Ms Kairouz’s ministerial adviser, Mr Byrne said.

Mr McLennan also worked on “factional matters” during his working day as Mr Byrne’s electorate officer. Other members of Mr Byrne’s paid staff did the same, Mr Byrne said.

“If I’d felt that I’d had a choice it wouldn’t have happened,” Mr Byrne said.

Mr Byrne had told the inquiry his electorate staff were also inappropriately tasked to assist other ALP candidate’s election campaigns such as Tim Richardson and in the seat of La Trobe.

His staff were also involved in collecting and filling out blank membership ballots from “stacked” members to elect delegates for the ALP national executive.

This task was done during the staff’s day to day work as well as weekends, and may have occurred at his office, Mr Byrne said.

On occasions, “stacked” members had filled out their own ballots and sent them to head office.

They were then told to sign a letter to head office and say they “made a mistake” and request a fresh ballot paper – which would be then filled out by “factional operatives”.

Mr Byrne believed pro-forma letters and signatures were forged.

According to IBAC, about 40 per cent of ballots were reissued in Holt.

Mr Byrne agreed that ALP’s head office was “willfully blind” to what was going on behind the scenes.

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Vaccine boost for people with disability

By Danielle Kutchel The State Government says it is stepping in to help raise the vaccine rate amongst people living with a disability.

On Thursday 7 October, the State Government announced $5 million in funding to boost vaccination rates among people living with a disability, launching ten dedicated disability vaccination ‘pop-ups’ in areas of concern, and expanding Victoria’s successful disability liaison service.

The government argued that while the Federal Government is responsible for administering vaccines to residential disability workers and residents, the State has “stepped in to play a significant role” in getting people with a disability and their carers vaccinated.

From Friday 8 October, all of Victoria’s state-run vaccination centres will support people with disabilities to get vaccinated at any time without a booking.

Ten dedicated Disability Vaccination Pop-ups will be launched through the month of October, established in Local Government Areas of concern and delivered in conjunction with key organisations.

In addition, Victoria will establish hearing, autism, and other disability partners as vaccine ambassadors to promote uptake and provide case management, using base support from existing partners.

Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) act as vaccination case managers and have helped 6000 people get vaccinated by arranging inhome vaccination, group bookings, advice, or other forms of support.

An additional 16 officers will be added to this cohort in the coming months.

Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan.

For more information on Victorian vaccination centres with enhanced accessibility, or how to access a Disability Liaison Officer, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-people-disability As of 30 September, more than 71 per cent of Victorian NDIS participants aged 16 and over had received their first dose of the Covid vaccine when compared to the national rate of 67 per cent.

Of NDIS participants in Victoria living in disability accommodation, more than 81 per cent had received at least one dose.

Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan, said the government was “here to help” people with a disability to get vaccinated.

“As we approach our vaccination targets, this funding and support will make sure we are supporting vulnerable groups who both have a lower rate of vaccination coverage and have a higher risk of Covid-19,” he said.

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

Final Stage

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.

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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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“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

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By Mitchell Clarke

In addition to the business advisory and coaching work that I do, I also run a recruitment business (OrgMent Talent Solutions omtalent.com.au) to assist SMEs in getting the right staff on board.

I honestly believe that hiring the right staff is the most important decision a business can make, bar none.

If you are a business leader or manager that has managed staff, you will know exactly what I mean since great staff make your life easier and enjoyable and toxic staff can cost a huge amount of time and effort, not to mention possible damage to teamwork and customer relations alike.

Identifying and selecting the right potential candidates for a role is a skill in itself, but once done, it is essential that the interview process is conducted properly so that as much objectivity can be put into an inherently subjective process as possible.

Here are my five top tips for conducting a good interview: Prepare properly.

As with any other successful enterprise, the result is proportional to the level of preparation . This means having a well-defined Job Description for the role which defines the specific responsibility and character attributes. It is then much easier to assess a candidate’s suitability when the resume arrives and hence derive an appropriate set of questions. Allow yourself time in advance to thoroughly review the information provided by the applicant. I have seen interviews where it was clear that the interviewer had not done this which not only renders the time spent at the interview of limited value, it sends a bad message about the manager and the company as well.

Put the candidate at ease.

For most of us, interviews are stressful at the best of times (especially if we really want the job!) so an interviewer that can put the candidate at ease will more quickly start to build a relationship with the candidate who is then more likely to open up honestly about their past experience. A good interview is conver-

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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH sational but at the same time yields valuable insights into the candidate.

Introduce yourself, the role and outline the structure of the interview.

Often overlooked is the need to set up the interview properly itself. I use this to introduce the interviewers and their roles so that the candidate knows who they are talking to.

It is well worth just spending a few minutes on the company and the role since this will give the candidate some time to gather their thoughts and provide a proper context for the interview. It is also good to advise that there will be time for questions at the end if these have not already been covered.

Focus on evidence.

Ask a hypothetical question and you’ll get a hypothetical answer. For this reason, it is much better to ask for specific examples from their previous work experience rather than what a candidate might do. This is known as ‘behavioural’ interviewing vs ‘situational’ interviewing since it draws on actual events and what the candidate actually did with respect to these.

Listen well.

In my younger days I tended to fixate on my next question as opposed to properly listening to the answer the candidate gave to the last one. If you listen properly, the candidate feels validated, you get a better understanding of their skills and capabilities and the next question comes quite naturally (hence a ‘conversational’ interview). Don’t be afraid to take notes as well for later review.

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

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MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

Mental health supported

By Jordan Crugnale Mp, State Member For Bass Mental health impacts all of us.

We have all been challenged with this pandemic and our children, students, parents, carers, educators, support staff have struggled and are tired.Remote learning, community sport stop starting, school camps cancelled, festivals postponed, graduations, all the milestones we celebrate each year, the daily social interactions all put to the side.

We have had to reach deep to keep ourselves together for our children, find new ways to keep them active and connected, lead by example on showing kindness, resilience and so much more – it has not been easy and there is

light now to getting back to the people we care about and the things we love to do.

Our children are most productive when they are happy and well supported and can focus on their learning. In July 2019 we started a program to get a qualified Mental Health professional into every state secondary school in Victoria. We are there now and they are offering counselling and early intervention services and coordinating support for students with complex needs linking them with broader allied and community health services.

This builds on our Anti-Bullying and Mental Health Initiative, the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support program.

We had a pilot program running in primary schools in the western suburbs and have re-

cently expanded this to another 26 schools in Victoria. An absolute priority of mine to see this in all our local primary schools here in Cardinia and Casey.

Our Australia first ever Royal Commission into Mental Health has provided our community and our Andrews Labor government with the plan to build a new mental health system, from the ground up, and with expertise from those with lived experience.

A system that provides everyone including our children with the care they need early on – before they reach the emergency department and before it’s too late.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Jordan Crugnale MP and Pakenham Secondary School principal Ray Squires. 253539

Services added to help all students portant conversations about how we’re feeling.

Mental health awareness month is about listening intently, sharing and speaking out about our struggles and hardships. The struggles that often go unnoticed are actually common to us all.

Building connections with your community and seeking the support of a friend or professional health worker when you need it is such a big part of taking care of ourselves.

We have persevered and we have been resilient, but struggling is something different.

It is not a weakness and while taking the first step to reach out and ask for help is difficult, support is available.

The State Government is implementing

every single recommendation made by the Royal Commission, investing $3.8 billion into building our mental healthcare system to deliver more community-based care, more services for adults and older Australians, more mental health beds, and more suicide support services. There’s also support for younger Victorians with mental health practitioners in single government secondary and specialist school in Victoria.

We are hopefully reaching a point of a more normal lifestyle as the vaccinated economy safely opens up. However, looking after your mental health is always important, not just during a pandemic, but at any time.

There’s no wrong time to ask for help – your mental health matters.

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Gary Maas MP, pictured pre-Covid with Hampton Park Secondary College principal Wayne Haworth and students, welcomed the announcement of mental health practitioners in all schools.

October marks Mental Health Month - it is an understatement to say that the last 18 months have been difficult.

Many of us may feel overwhelmed at the moment and it’s OK to feel this way. But if you’re finding it hard to keep on top of your mental health, it’s important to know that support is available.

If you’re struggling there are many excellent organisations in our community and beyond who can support you. Headspace, Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Kids Helpline are just a few. There is also no ‘one size fits all’ model for these services so don’t let that stop you from reaching out to try another.

We all often need to slow down, take stock and reach out to our loved ones to start im-

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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STAR NEWS 11

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Stress during exams

By Elle Cecil As VCE students would be well aware, exams are a time of stress, uncertainty and hard work.

It is important to balance this stress with relief, uncertainty with predictability and hard work with relaxation. Studies show that small, regular breaks between study sessions can improve mood and productivity. As you approach your exam period, remember that it is not maintainable to be constantly anxious. You should have time to destress and think about something other than exams and study for a while.

Here are some ways to combat feelings of stress during exam time: Positive self-talk: using negative language with yourself is neither beneficial nor deserved. Make an effort to recognise how much work you’re putting in and allow yourself to see how well you’re doing. You have worked hard to get this far, and a few weeks of study and exams won’t undo all of it. Try to think of five things that you’re proud of yourself for doing either in or outside of your school life and reiterate that you’re capable of what you want to achieve.

Visualise yourself doing well in your exams and receiving positive news when results are released.

Use some tangible grounding tools: have a cup of tea, play with your pet or scribble in an adult colouring book. It’s okay to forget about exams for a while. In fact, it’s beneficial

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It’s important for VCE students to properly manage their stress during exams.

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to spend some time after you study to allow the information to consolidate in your brain, so pick up a book or make yourself a snack and keep your mind occupied for a moment.

Move your body: get the blood flowing!

Whether you put on your favorite dance playlist and boogie around your room for a

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Picture: ISTOCK

while, do some yoga or go for a stroll with a friend, getting active will refresh not only your body but your mind as well. It will also assist in creating and releasing endorphins to improve your mood and relieve feelings of stress.

It’s likely that you’ve heard it plenty of times,

but VCE exams are not the be-all and end-all of life. Despite the outcome you receive on ATAR day, there are always a variety of ways for you to get into your desired career. Life will go on after high school and it is there to be lived, so make sure you make the most of it. Best of luck to all VCE students!

Introducing your

John Baston

St Peter’s College Cranbourne and Clyde North Campuses www.stpeters.vic.edu.au 5990 7777 12 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 14 October, 2021

Wayne Haworth

To all families who are considering enrolling their children at Keysborough College I say that I believe you are making an excellent choice!

We aim to provide the very best for every student. From their first day, our students enjoy a supportive and secure learning environment. We provide a positive student learning experience for all students through the creation of a personalised learning environment, via shared effective learning and a culture of high expectation and high achievement across the College. We cater to individual students’ learning styles and the rate at which they learn to improve their results in the classroom.

The wellbeing of each student is fostered through a teaching and learning culture founded on positive relationships that encourages and supports students to take responsibility for their own learning. We provide transition programs and pathways for students as they move through the College and beyond. This occurs through the development of authentic learning pathways that respond to the varying values, needs and interests of our students, and building a significant social and academic working relationship with the College’s associated Primary Schools.

The benchmark in planning the future direction of our College is to ensure the best possible outcomes for all students, and to provide students, parents, staff and the wider community with the opportunity to be involved in creating our future. At Keysborough College we truly live our values in all aspects of school life: Respect, Excellence and Diversity. I look forward to you visiting our school.

Keysborough College Acasia Campus 28 Isaac Road, Keyborough

Bankasia Campus 8-20 Janine Road, Springvale South

Phone 9798 1877

Phone 9546 4144

www.keysboroughsc.vic.edu.au

One size does not fit all and neither should education. Every student is unique and individual in their interests, passions and learning needs. Here at Hampton Park Secondary College we are committed to embedding an education model that is studentcentred and focused on personalised learning pathways.

Our world is rapidly changing, so we must better prepare students.

At HPSC, we believe that ‘education should be done with students, rather than to students’.

When students are passionately engaged in their education, at their point of need, learning deepens and outcomes improve. Students at Hampton Park Secondary College are offered three programs – Explore (Year 7), Enhance (Years 8-10) and Excel (Year 11- 12) in a vertical learning approach whereby students are grouped according to their passions and learning needs rather than simply by age.

We recognise that all students are unique and different with individual interests, and as such we want to provide students with the opportunity to individualise their educational program. We do this by giving control back to students and allowing them to select their classes from over 100 new electives, such as Animation, Medicine and Disease, Planet Earth, Robotics and Snack Attack, Fantastic Beasts, and much more.

12361258-CG33-17

“Developing the skills today to thrive in tomorrow’s world” Welcome to St. Peter’s College. We are a proudly Catholic community with a focus on Christ at the centre of our learning. We have a strong focus on the development of the whole person, academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. “As a Catholic community, we aspire to lead in faith, guide with love and inspire through learning.” Our learning environment provides students with the opportunity to become the best version of themselves. 21st Century learners will require a skill-set of critical thinking, effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively & creativity. We strive to provide opportunities for our students to engage and excel in all of these areas.

Our desire is for students to run excitedly through our gates at Year 7 and walk out completing Year 12, with confidence, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of positivity about their future lives. When selecting a Secondary College parents must feel confident that the school can provide a stimulating learning environment across all six years. This is what you get at St Peter’s College.

Guided Campus Tour are held on Friday mornings.

Contact our Registrar Mrs Wendy Height.

Come join us.

12495218-HC22-21

Chris Black

12481026-CG06-21

School Principals

Our innovative, tailor-made approach to learning assists students so that no student is held back, and no one is left behind. Learning is an organic process and by creating optimal conditions for learning, students thrive.

To learn more about our individually tailored student programmes, or to book a tour, you can make direct enquiries to Wayne Haworth, Principal, via hampton.park.sc@education.vic.gov.au or by calling 03 8795 9400.

Hampton Park Secondary College 58-96 Fordholm Rd, HAMPTON PARK VIC 3976 Phone (03) 8795 9400 hampton.park.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au | hpsc.vic.edu.au cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

New year, new school?

Staggered class return

Discover St Peter’s with a virtual tour. 253501 your child, you need to feel confident in not only what that school can deliver in Year 7, but how the school can provide a stimulating learning environment across the six years. Our desire is for students to run excitedly through St Peter’s College gates to commence their secondary schooling, and walk out at the end of Year 12, with confidence, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of positivity about their future lives,” Mr Black said.

“We are a proudly Catholic community with a focus on Christ at the centre of our learning with a strong focus on the development of the whole person, academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

“St. Peter’s College conducts regular student-led campus tours, onsite when we can, otherwise our virtual tours are a good place to start your research.

Book online at stpeters.vic.edu.au/enrolments Limited vacancies exist for enrolments in 2022 and 2023, and the school is accepting Year 7 2024 and 2025 enrolments.

NEW YEAR, NEW SCHOOL? ACT NOW Act Now!

the children will see through the bumpy return program with as little confusion as possible.

That would be a great outcome as we enter the final stretch of the 2021 school year.

By the way, we are still taking enrolments from both within and beyond our neighbourhood zone.

HENRY GROSSEK Principal, Berwick Lodge Primary School

2024 & 2025 applications now being accepted. There are some limited vacancies now available for 2022 & 2023 student enrolments STUDENT LED TOURS Are held on Fridays. Your place to attend can be secured via our website home page.

Book A Tour icon at www.stpeters.vic.edu.au CONTACT Did you know all of your enrolment requirements can be completed online? Contact our Registrar Mrs Wendy Height through our website Enrolment Enquiries Form or visit our website Enrolments pages that are tailored to guide you through the process of Researching and Applying for enrolment. www.stpeters.vic.edu.au “Developing the skills today to thrive in tomorrow’s world” Our desire is for students to run excitedly through St. Peter’s College gates to commence their Secondary schooling, and walk out at the end of Year 12 with confidence, a sense of purpose, and feeling positive about their lives.

12505201-JW34-21

One challenge passes and another one pops up.

The past 2 years have seen a virtual never-ending series of challenges come and go, though some have hung around like a bad smell for what seems to have been an eternity. Week 3 of term 4 this year promises much - some of which is most welcome, yet like so much in life, it comes with a sting. There’s no such thing as a free lunch, so the saying goes.

The staggered return to school for children commences on Monday 18 October - certainly a welcome watershed moment for us all. That said, it ushers in a short, yet tough transition back to full time schooling for children, parents and school staff.

On any given day between Monday 18 October and Thursday 4 November, the following scenario will be facing us all in our primary schools. Some children in some grades will be onsite in their regular classes. Other children, in other grades - those deemed vulnerable or have parents classed as essential workers will be at school also in composite classes whilst the remainder will be at home undertaking remote learning lessons.

This will pose a logistical challenge for schools in cobbling together attendance timetables. It will be no easier for parents, particularly those with more than one child at school, juggling a shuttle service back and forth from school and supervising remote learning simultaneously at home.

With goodwill, patience and excellent communication between parents and school staff,

St Peter’s College is still accepting second round offer applications for Year 7 2023.

Campus tours We are looking forward to time when we can welcome prospective parents and students onto our campuses, but in the meantime, we invite you to join one of our virtual campus tours online.

Open campus tours are essentially, just as the name suggests, times when schools open their doors, when teachers get to showcase their classrooms, and when students act as guides. It goes without saying that in-person, onsite campus tours cn deliver the best overall picture, but virtual tours can not only deliver insight into the building and facilities, but they can also give the best opportunity to meet and discuss your individual child’s needs with members of the school teaching leadership, as well as hearing directly from our students about their experiences within the school.

A tour is a valuable resource as it gives you and your child an idea as to what their potential second home looks and feels like.

They also provide information beyond what is available in school documentation and on websites. Campus tours are opportunities for parents to ask specifics about educational opportunities, extracurricular programs, pastoral care and community spirit.

St Peter’s College principal Chris Black said, “The 21st century learner will need a skill-set of critical thinking, effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively and creativily. St Peter’s College strives to provide opportunities for our students to engage and excel in all of these areas”.

Big decisions “When selecting a secondary school for

registrar@hillcrest.vic.edu.au

03 9702 2144

www.hillcrest.vic.edu.au

Visit our website www.stpeters.vic.edu.au or Contact College Registrar Ms Wendy Height Ph 5990 7777

12479614-AV27-21

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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STAR NEWS 13

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The peop le receiving of Cranbourne are hospital identificat care close a step closer to ion of a bourne Com preferred to home, with the site for the munity Hosp CranParliamen tary Secre ital.

McGhie, tary for was joine Health, line Richa d by Cran Steve Tuesday rds and Bass MP bourne MP Pau9 Jordan Crug of land at February to anno nale on bourne 65 Berwick-Cranb unce that a parce East, had ourn l ferred site. been selec e Road, Cran ted as the The prefe preCasey Com rred site is withi n the so-ca Commun plex and takes ity Centre. in the Balla lled Now that Balla the prefe sen, the City of Case rred site has process been choy will enga to “disp ge in ose” hospital of the land the formal can be so that According built. the to the that the Balla Balla City of Casey, this displaced Commun within ten ity Centre means years. will be Conversat ions with about its the comm future are unity centr submission ongoing, e s on the open. sale of the and community site will soon be Ms Richa rds said Complex the land had been criteria”. chosen beca in the Casey use it “fits She said the Cranbour getting a community ne was “fortunat the grow e” to be hospital ing comm in the centr unity.

A comm e of Margie Raman, unity cons Pauline Richa Leaver of lobbied ultative the Vic Healt for rds committee members the hospital for h Building MP, Judy Davis, Liz has Authority Barton, Steve ect woul said they were pleasseveral years and safe, weatherp celebrate d soon McGh roof entry ed that the the choo Ms Barto points for sing of the ie MP, Jordan Crugn Committe begin. projn said the elder site. 22790 ale MP, David bourne e mem she has new hosp ly. ing change 7 watched Ballantyne existing ital woul ber Judy Davi over 50 Cran- will s said the country town hosp d give peop of Monash “This is to a majo years from a be managed ital services in Health and le metropoli small r growth the regio town anym going to help. We’re hope. tan need Deanne

by Monash corridor n, and s and not a Health.

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Centre andat the Cranbour provided by e and ultan tal ne Integ will take major hosp With a back t on the comm fellow com- serviwill provide integ ne Commun rated pressure ittee, agree itals - enab rated comm ity Hospi- critic ground ces, spec hopes to d. in build ialist al care ling them off nearby unity healt be of the hosp able to have inpu ing design, she care, mental healt appointments, to focus h gency care and acute healt on diagnostic paed h services, and more h issues, pose” - fromital to ensure that t over the desig dental serviiatric procedures. emercomplex n after-hou pathology and it is “fit things like surgeries ces, linen, to rs urgen for purimaging, stora It’s expe the size and dialysis, cted of lifts and ge for infectious bilitation services.t care, day surge ry and reha- later this year, that construct the provi It will servi ion sion of with the 2024. ce the grow Cranbour hospital will begin th to open ne and Cranbour Clyde whilscorridor around in ne Commun t compleme 10 new nt- state community hosp ity Hospital is one governme itals nt, at a cost being built by of The site of the the Cranb new of $66 milli ourne East. community hosp on. ital in 227907 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

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STAR NEWS 15

Trades & Services

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1. The proposed upgrade to the existing facility involves: • Installation of Three (3) new Vodafone and Six (6) Optus 5G panel (Nine in total) antennas not more than 2.8m in length to be located on the proposed new headframe; 5HSODFHPHQW DQG UHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI WKH H[LVWLQJ Three (3) Vodafone panel antennas on proposed new headframe; 5HSODFHPHQW DQG UHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI WKH H[LVWLQJ Three (3) Optus panel antennas on proposed new headframe; 5HFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI H[LVWLQJ DQG LQVWDOODWLRQ RI QHZ ancillary equipment, including steel works, RRUs, GPS antennas, cabling and other items associated with safety and operation of the facility; and 5HFRQÀJXUDWLRQ DQG LQVWDOODWLRQ RI HTXLSPHQW ZLWKLQ the existing equipment shelter.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact: Abhishek Gampala from Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0466 898 356 or at communityrelations. vha@groups.nokia.com COB Thursday 28 October 2021.

Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3977031

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The land affected by the application is located at:

12 Water Reed Court NARRE WARREN NORTH VIC 3804 Lot 54 PS 705947E

The application is for a permit to:

Variation of Restrictive Covenant AN757259Y

The applicant for the permit is:

M Sirianni-Duffy

The application reference number is:

PA21-0187 - (Danielle Glenister)

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority.

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Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website:

Work with an established hospitality business, positions available in both the Pakenham and Narre Warren areas. We would love it if you were experienced but we are also happy to train new comers to the dynamic hospitality industry.

FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM

https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/view-planningapplications Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.

An objection must: • be made to the Responsible Authority in writing to, Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805 • or emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au • include the application number and site address • include the reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected.

• Casual Wait Staff • Supervisor Full Time/Part Time

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KITCHEN TEAM

Email Resumes to – admin@khanshs.com

28 October 2021

STELLAS KITCHEN VISTA CAFE

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notice is hereby given that Council will note the Annual Report 2020/21, Tuesday 19th October 2021.

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Cranbourne has been informed to look for a new home. 241982

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Eagles to nest in Southern

By Nick Creely Cranbourne will officially depart the Outer East Football Netball League next season, with the league opting to formally clear the Eagles out of the competition in a huge development in local football.

In a letter to clubs seen by the Gazette on Thursday, the Outer East has written to Cranbourne, informing the club that the position of the Commission is that they cannot continue to have disruptions, and that the league is no longer an option for them in 2022, informing them that they will clear them to the Southern Football Netball League.

The decision, according to the Outer East, relates to the desire to create more stability for its clubs and the competition’s future beyond 2022.

The Southern league has been informed

of this decision, who have already accepted Doveton into the competition next season.

The Doves are entering Division 2 of Southern.

This comes after the Eagles’ long and extensive application process with the MPNFL, and after informing the league that they intend on meeting with Southern, but essentially the Outer East has taken the decision out of Cranbourne’s hands.

The Eagles had initially intended to apply to join the MPNFL once again, but withdrew the application before it went to a vote.

There will now be 23 senior football clubs in 2022, while the Outer East continues to work with both Berwick and Beaconsfield’s netball clubs regarding next year and beyond.

Outer East plans to provide some clarity in coming weeks to clubs, but remain adamant the decision was made to settle the league into the future and are confident in what the com-

petitions look like from a competitive balance perspective.

However, it has been confirmed that Outer East is planning on retaining three divisions next season, though two will be supported if that is the view of clubs. Concerns surrounding the gap between sides in divisions is being considered.

From a fixturing perspective, 10, nine and seven-team divisions are the most equitable, according to the letter.

Outer East has sent clubs a competition survey for the structure of next season, with the results and official position to be released in coming weeks.

Cranbourne president Shane Baker said the club met on Thursday night, and said there was overwhelming support for the move to Southern.

“They reserve the right to do it as much as

we deserve the right to do our due diligence, so it is what it is now,” he said.

“We’ve made it clear that our future lies elsewhere, and that’s what we’re focused on now - we’ll make sure we do what’s right for the club.”

The club sent the application off on Friday and the league met on Monday, where it should be a seamless approval. The Eagles are hoping to enter Division 1 in 2022.

Baker said there was no bad blood with the Outer East, and wants to move forward for what’s best for the Cranbourne Football Club.

“It’s always been about getting the best fit - we’ve spoken to some leagues because if we don’t do the full research then we never know what’s out there,” he said.

“It’s nothing against Outer East, they’ve been great to deal with, and wish them well.

We just need to find an area that suits us.”

Beaconsfield find a competitive new home in Eastern

By Nick Creely It’s official: the Beaconsfield Football Club has joined the Eastern Football Netball League for season 2022, with the Eagles’ transfer across from the Outer East Football Netball League confirmed on Thursday.

After a strong majority vote at the league’s recent SGM, which saw the Eagles voted in by clubs with 87 per cent in favour of the move, AFL Victoria ticked off the massive transfer last week with the Eagles to becoming Eastern’s 47th senior club.

After a strong 2021 season, which saw the Eagles go through undefeated and clinch the minor premiership under master coach Mick Fogarty, the club will compete in Division One in 2022, making it a 10-team competition.

The Eagles have become the second club from Outer East after their great rivals, Berwick last season, to cross over to the Eastern Football Netball League as football across the region continues to seeing sweeping changes.

It has been confirmed that the Eagles will field senior women’s, senior men’s, reserves and under 19s, with the netball club to remain in Outer East, however the two clubs are working closely to ensure they maintain a strong and thriving relationship moving forward. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Beaconsfield has officially joined the Eastern Football League. 242705 The Eagles have won 10 flags in their history, with the last coming in 2014 and are regarded as one of the most powerful destination clubs anywhere in the south-east with its facilities at Holm Park seen as a massive

Picture: ROB CAREW

drawcard for talented male and female footballers.

Beaconsfield president Troy Robinson issued a statement last Wednesday explaining that the move for his club to the Eastern

league was based on a range of factors.

“Over recent months the Beaconsfield Football Club has reviewed our strategic position within the current football competition of AFLOE,” Robinson said.

“Our review included the number of times we have moved leagues, the level of competition and the competition balance between the Under 19s through to the seniors.

“We have reviewed the best possible solution to ensure we can commit to this obligation whilst ensuring our club becomes stronger, more resilient to the adapting changes and the ability to set pathways for the players to pursue.

“We now look forward to a long and healthy competition (in the Eastern Football Netball League).”

Robinson said there was still work to be done to ensure the Netball Club continues to work diligently and maintain a relationship with the Football Club into the future. “(We) would also like to ensure that the long-term survival of the Beaconsfield Netball Club remains strong and competitive and supported by the Football Club as a result of these changes,” Robinson said.

“A delegation from both the football club and netball club are working closely to ensure this is a high priority.”

Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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STAR NEWS 17

SPORT

Rivals face growing divide

By David Nagel I have a confession to make.

While thoroughly enjoying and totally immersed in a first season of covering the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC)…at this stage it’s impossible for this new found love to surpass the memories of the glory days of the Casey Cardinia/South East Football Netball League.

As a Pakenham resident I clearly remember being in awe of my local heroes, like our leader and coach Michael ‘Jock’ Holland, Luke Walker, Daniel Fry, Cory Lenders, Nathan Brown, Dan and Tommy O’Loughlin, and the toughas-nails Trent ‘Yardy’ Fairclough, as they went head-to-head with the powerhouse teams of the day in Beaconsfield, Doveton and Narre Warren.

There were great battles…and apologies to Jock for giving ill-considered and alcohol-fuelled coaching advice over a cold beer late on a winter-Saturday afternoon!

Back then, my mates Bill Connolly, Dave Power and I loved nothing better that meeting on a Saturday afternoon – home or away – sinking a few tins and watching our beloved Lions play.

Then having the absolute privilege of covering this league - when first beginning at the Pakenham Gazette in 2011 – and watching the battles between Cranbourne and Narre Warren, the Battles of the Creek between Beaconsfield and Berwick, and the hard-hitting contests at Robinson Reserve in Doveton was a great experience…one not to be forgotten.

The premiership reunion days were particularly special, watching the players and coaches of days gone by – from opposition clubs reminisce about their battles. The Cranbourne – Doveton days were great!

Through both experiences, as a spectator and particularly as a journo, it was great to learn about the great rivalries of the old South West Gippsland Football League (SWGFL), where Beaconsfield, Berwick, Cranbourne, Doveton and Narre Warren were the heart and soul of the competition since the mid to late 1950’s.

With all this in mind it’s incredibly sad and very difficult to get your head around the fact that none of these five great rivals will play football against each other in 2022.

It’s absolutely staggering to think that we’ve got to the point where these five iconic clubs will not be walking through each other’s gate next season.

None of them!

Apart from a few short eras in their history, these clubs have been connected at the hip bone for the best part of 70 years!

Doveton didn’t join the SWGFL until 1959, and had a brief dalliance with the Federal League from 1972 to 1976, but has always been a regular foe.

It’s sad that epic battles between great rivals Cranbourne and Narre Warren are now a thing of the Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS past. 106294 Berwick was a founding SWGFL club in 1954 and only went missing with a five-year stint in the VFA from 1983 to 1987.

Beaconsfield, who was also there when the whips first started cracking in 1954, spent nine years in the West Gippsland Football League (WGFL) from 1993 to 2001, but reconnected in 2002.

And Cranbourne and Narre Warren have only spent five seasons apart in that 68-year journey since 1954, when they spent time in different divisions of the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League (MPNFL) from 1996 to 2000.

The history these clubs have with each other is incredible.

In a historical sense – this most recent demise has been rapid since 12 clubs came together to form the Casey Cardinia Football League (CCFL) in 2005.

Those teams were Beaconsfield, Berwick, Cranbourne, Devon Meadows, Dingley, Doveton, Hampton Park, Keysborough, Narre Warren, Pakenham, ROC (now Officer) and Tooradin-Dalmore.

Dingley was first to go, lasting just two seasons, heading to the Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) in 2007, with Devon Meadows playing seven seasons in the CCFL before joining the MPNFL in 2012.

That left 10.

Keysborough joined Southern in 2015, with Hampton Park doing likewise for the beginning of the 2018 season.

Just eight teams remained at the conclu-

sion of 2018 with a clear division between the powerhouse clubs – Beaconsfield, Berwick, Cranbourne and Narre Warren – and the remainder led by Doveton, Officer, Pakenham and Tooradin-Dalmore.

Tooradin-Dalmore found a new home – a perfect fit – in the WGFNC in 2019, with the remaining seven clubs moving to AFL Outer East.

Beaconsfield, Berwick, Cranbourne and Narre Warren were locked in to Premier Division, with Doveton, Officer and Pakenham earning their stripes in the secondary-tier Division One competition.

But the demise since the move to AFL Outer East has been even more rapid.

Berwick got the ball moving by transferring to the Eastern Football League (EFL) Premier Division in August 2020, competing for the first time in 2021 in that competition.

Just last week, Doveton was accepted into Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) Division Two, while just a few days later – Thursday, 7 October - both Beaconsfield and the EFL confirmed that the Eagles will play in Division One of that competition next year.

And now Cranbourne has made the decision, endorsed by AFL Outer East, to make the switch to the SFNL competition – likely division one - for the 2022 season.

Of those seven great clubs – that all held hands and joined AFL Outer East in 2019 – only Narre Warren, Officer and Pakenham remain.

All clubs, except Officer and Pakenham, have been like a cat on a hot-tin roof in re-

cent times, all assessing their options when it comes to a suitable league to house their football clubs in.

It’s incredible to think that as late as August 10 this year, that MPNFL clubs were asked to fill in a survey to assess the viability of accepting Beaconsfield, Cranbourne, Doveton and Narre Warren into their competition.

At that point in time – just two months ago – those four clubs had all officially expressed interest in joining the MPNFL in 2022.

Now, just a short time later, three of those four clubs have a different home.

But more importantly – if things go as expected and Cranbourne is admitted into division one of Southern for 2022 – none of these clubs will play against each other next year.

Beaconsfield (EFL Div 1), Berwick (EFL Premier), Cranbourne (SFNL Div 1), Doveton (SFNL Div 2) and Narre Warren (AFLOE Premier) will all have different homes.

Cranbourne’s likely new home – SFNL Division One – last year housed (in ladder order) Dingley, Cheltenham, St Kilda City, Port Melbourne Colts, East Malvern, St Paul’s McKinnon, Bentleigh, Mordialloc, Oakleigh District and Highett.

Oakleigh District has since moved to the EFL, but Cranbourne will now play against clubs that it has little or no history with.

This is not an exercise in pin-pointing clubs or leagues for allowing this to happen, but surely something has gone horribly wrong when those five great clubs, with incredible history, are all playing in different competitions or divisions next year.

How do we fix it?

It would take a collaborative and open approach from all leagues in the region, and clubs, to draw a line in the sand, allow a blank canvas, and move forward from there.

This is an impossible task, and Cranbourne’s recent aspiration of joining the MPNFL – which appears the ideal fit for the club - gives a clear indication of the difficulties involved.

The MPNFL has 22 clubs, with a change to competition structure requiring 75 per cent of those clubs to agree before any change can take place. Even a clear majority vote of 16 to 6 (72 per cent) would not be enough to see Cranbourne included in the MPNFL for next year.

The clubs have the power there…not the MPNFL! And that’s just one hurdle of many that would hinder any type of common-sense approach to fixing a problem that now sees five great clubs – with incredible history - all waving to each from a distance for the 2022 season.

And to Cranbourne…I love you as a club… but good luck finding a suitable opponent when you host one of your many premiership reunions over the next few years!

Eurell honours Pinker with winning treble

By David Nagel His champion mare Pinker Pinker gave him one of his biggest thrills in racing and trainer Greg Eurell used the night named in her honour to prepare a winning-treble at his home track at Cranbourne on Friday night.

Pinker Pinker – out of Reset/Miss Marion – took out the 2011 WS Cox Plate after a magnificent ride by Cranbourne born-and-bred jockey Craig Williams.

Williams settled well back in the field, but weaved an incredible passage – never losing momentum from the 600-metre mark – to run down New Zealand Derby winner Jimmy Choux in the shadows of the post.

It was one of the great big-race rides in the history of Australian racing.

While often remembered as a Cox Plate winner alone, Pinker Pinker was a high-quality mare who showed early signs of her talent by running Group 1 placings in the AJC Oaks and Epsom Handicap.

But it was in 2011 where she realised her true potential, winning the Cox Plate, Angus Armanasco Stakes, Let’s Elope Stakes and Schweppervescence Trophy to her earn the 18 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

Craig Williams drives Pinker Pinker to victory in the 2011 Cox Plate. 253793 Picture: RACING VICTORIA

Greg Eurell with Pinker Pinker just days after her incredible win in the 2011 Cox Plate.

72504 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

title as one the best mares in the country.

three consecutive races at Cranbourne on Friday night, with Balsamic Vinegar, Hezafox and Eugene’s Forest winning races four, five and six on the card.

Friday night’s feature, the $100,000 Pinker Pinker Plate (2060m) was taken out by the Mitchell Freedman-trained Mahashakti.

But tragically in April 2012, when she was being prepared for the Queen of the Turf Stakes, Pinker Pinker suffered an anaphylactic shock following an injection from veterinary staff and died.

Pinker Pinker holds a special place in the Eurell stable, sitting alongside his gun sprinter/miler Apache Cat, – who claimed five consecutive group one’s in an incredible racing career – as the favourite horses he has trained.

Eurell completed his winning treble in

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SPORT

Outer East gig to Howorth

By Nick Creely The Outer East Football Netball League has announced the appointment of AFL umpire, John Howorth, to the role of Head of Umpiring for 2022.

Howorth, who has umpired 42 AFL games, will be employed in a part-time capacity alongside operations coordinator Sebastian Mueller-Schmuki to help develop and grow umpiring within the region, focusing specifically on coaching and fast tracking the development of all umpires, including fitness and match day techniques.

Howorth said the opportunity to work with the Outer East was exciting.

“I see this as a great opportunity to work with a highly motivated and dedicated group with outstanding group culture and aspire towards having a positive impact on the Yarra Ranges Umpires Association and the Outer East competitions over a number of years,” he said.

“My passion for umpiring the game also extends to the coaching side of things, with a specific focus towards motivating, mentoring and developing young umpires, and I cannot wait to get started.”

Howorth has extensive experience umpiring at a community sport level, with previous experience with the Bendigo Umpires Association and Northern Territory Football League holding him in good stead. He is also one of eight people in the world currently undertaking a degree in Masters in Sports Officiating.

After beginning his umpiring career in Bendigo in 2006, where he remained until 2013, Howorth moved to the VFL and umpired the TAC Cup (now NAB League) grand final in 2016, as well as both the VFL and AFLW grand finals in 2018. He then made his AFL debut in a game between St Kilda and Adelaide in round 6 of

The Outer East has made a key appointment in its umpiring department. 238292 the 2019 season.

Outer East region general manager Aaron Bailey said the league was thrilled to welcome Howorth, and believes with his extensive experience he will provide a great benefit for football in the region.

“A key focus for us coming out of Covid has been to invest and focus on umpiring, to both grow the number of participants who see um-

piring as a pathway in our game, but to continue to improve and develop the match day standards and performance of our group,” he said.

“This is a significant appointment for our league, that will benefit all competitions.”

Peter Dixon, president of the Yarra Ranges Umpires Association, believes this is the most significant appointment for umpires in the region for many years.

Picture: ROB CAREW “John is an exceptional individual with great passion and experience, and I am personally looking forward to working with him and his coaching panel to help them deliver positive outcomes to umpiring in our region,” Dixon said.

“Our team across all age groups and all disciplines will benefit greatly with John at the helm.”

Dilshan has Eagles ready to soar in Subbies Set in stone

By Nick Creely

Off the back of a disappointing 2020/21 Subbies season, there is renewed optimism down at Syd Pargeter Reserve for Endeavour Hills.

It’s an exciting time for a club that has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years.

The Eagles will be looking to bounce back from their last-placed finish last season, and will have former Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan at their disposal as captain.

The 44-year-old, who was originally signed up to line up with Mulgrave in the two clubs’ joint venture, played 87 Test matches, 330 ODIs and 80 Twenty20s for his country, scoring over 15,000 international runs.

But he has been released from Mulgrave after the club recently announced that its muchpublicised international signings this season wouldn’t go ahead due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Covid-19.

Dilsha is known as one of the most innovative ODI batters of all time, and scored 39 international centuries across his glittering career, which also included a stint as Sri Lankan captain in all formats after the 2011 World Cup. He is an out-and-out Sri Lankan legend.

But now living in Melbourne, he will skipper the Eagles in local cricket this season in one of the biggest signings in club history.

Dilshan did play some cricket in Melbourne last season, featuring seven times for Premier Cricket outfit Casey-South Melbourne, scoring a half-century and taking 11 wickets, while he also played as Mulgrave’s marquee player in the Twenty20s.

In announcing Dilshan’s signing, Endeavour Hills could barely contain its excitement.

“The prospect of having a player of the status of Dilshan at the Endeavour Hills Cricket Club is an exciting one for the members of the club,” the club said. “(Dilshan will) no doubt add his significant presence to the growing number of quality cricketers making the sub district competition their home.”

In further exciting news, the Eagles will also have the services of current Sri Lankan vicecaptain Lahiru Thirimanne, who is also based out of Melbourne, for a handful of games prior to Christmas. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

By Nick Creely

Tillakaratne Dilshan sends one down in Premier Cricket last season. 225296 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS The 32-year-old top-order batter - who has 42 Tests and 127 ODIs with seven international centuries - will further bolster the Eagles’ batting line-up in his brief appearance.

While there is still plenty of potential changes to the start date of the local cricket season, at this stage the Subbies season is hoping to start in early to mid November.

While the West Gippsland Cricket Association (WGCA) was hoping for an early 6 November start to its season, with a mixture of one-day and two-day cricket, the association has locked in a season start date subject to State Government restrictions.

In line with recommendations released recently from Cricket Victoria, the WGCA has announced its season will begin on Saturday 13 November, with the season to once again be played in a oneday format.

The WGCA’s newly announced season start - which is a week later than the association had originally planned - means clubs should get the opportunity to get in almost three weeks of preseason training before the season kicks off, subject to the predicted 26 October release of Metropolitan Melbourne from lockdown.

While the 6 November start date was originally the WGCA’s preferred start date, discussions and feedback from the clubs have prompted for the change, which will comprise of 14 one-day matches of 40 overs per side with oneday rules.

The top-three grades will play with a white ball and coloured clothing, while the remaining grades will play with a red ball and white clothing unless an agreement is reached between both teams and both clubs wear coloured clothing.

The WGCA plans on playing the first six rounds prior to Christmas, with the association to return on Saturday 8 January from the break. Finals will begin on Saturday 5 March with the grand final on Saturday 19 March. Saturday 26 March has been locked in as the grand final reserve day.

It is unclear at this stage whether only the fully vaccinated can participate in cricket this season, with Cricket Victoria in communication with the State Government.The WGCA is expected to release its season fixture imminently.

Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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STAR NEWS 19

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Thursday, 14 October, 2021

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