News - Cranbourne Star News - 18th November 2021

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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MP calls time

Dasher’s magnificent courage

Griffith wins home cup

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SPORT

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Extended IBAC coverage

Raceday festivities The first Saturday edition of the Cranbourne Cup presented a wonderful opportunity for friends and family to catch-up after such a difficult year for so many.

Crowds flocked to the big event which saw local trainers enjoy success.

Head to pages 16 and 17 for some of best photos from the big day.

Roby and Kylie enjoyed a picnic at Saturday’s Cranbourne Cup. 257758 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Perspective lost

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Fomer ALP powerbroker Adem Somyurek admitted at an IBAC inquiry to losing “all perspective” during the reignition of a factional war in the South East.

During a branch-stacking operation in early 2020, Mr Somyurek was paying for members’ fees from groups such as ‘the Somalis’ to join his Moderate Labor faction.

He conceded to the Operation Watts inquiry that he knew the practice was against ALP party rules and unethical.

“And it was in response to hostile action from the (Socialist Left faction) but that’s no excuse.

“I don’t have any evidence of that. They were turning up a lot of people.”

During a covert recording, Mr Somyurek is told by a colleague that signatures on membership forms don’t match signatures in a branch meeting attendance book.

“Do people check much?” Mr Somyurek replied to the colleague.

At the inquiry, IBAC Counsel Assisting, Chris Carr asserted: “You are entirely unperturbed by the idea that signatures have been forged in this process.”

Mr Somyurek told the inquiry that forgery was a “possibility” but there were other possible explanations.

“Do you accept that you felt no compunction at signatures having been forged?” Mr Carr later asked.

“I’m willing to say, yeah, that shouldn’t have been my response,” Mr Somyurek said.

“I should have been more concerned.

“I concede, look, I’ve lost all perspective during that time, yes, absolutely.

“I’m not going to fight on this issue. There’s footage of me in the 60 Minutes program.

“I had lost all perspective and you can condemn me in the strongest possible terms and I should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”

He agreed people would resort to forging signatures due to “pressures” from the “stacking war”.

“But that pressure was felt on me.

“It was massive pressure on me, but not necessarily on those people that would have done it.”

Mr Somyurek said operatives may have not been able to find members and “resorted to doing some, you know, shifty things”.

“All without your knowledge, I assume?” Mr Carr said.

“Yeah. I mean – that’s right,” Mr Somyurek said.

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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NEWS

Office ‘nepotism’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Accused branch-stacking MP Adem Somyurek hired a female staffer in his electorate office as a favour to factional colleague and Greater Dandenong councillor Loi Truong, an IBAC inquiry heard.

The staffer, who was paid for 22 taxpayerfunded casual shifts between April-early September 2019, was hired for no reason but “for Loi”.

It was one of several Somyurek hires described as ’factional patronage’ or ’nepotism’ at the IBAC Operation Watts inquiry, which is examining the misuse of public funds for ALP party-political purposes.

Mr Somyurek agreed that Cr Truong chose his own “friend” to work in the MP’s office.

He agreed Mr Truong was recruiting or “turning up” members to Labor branch meetings.

But he denied the hiring was a “quid pro quo” in exchange for this.

“The Cambodians had an MP. I was an MP. Loi was sort of with Anthony (Byrne, who is federal Holt MP).

“There was a view amongst us all that the Vietnamese were missing out.

“They had been with the Right for a long period of time. So when they wanted employment they should at least get it.”

When asked what work the staffer did, Mr Somyurek said she did what electoral officers do - “answering the phones, emails, people coming in.”

“It could be work coming in from the Vietnamese community as well, which tends to come in word of mouth and through the mobile phones.

“What I knew was that she was meant to be turning up and I got told she was turning up.

“I knew she was coming in, right, because she was a pain to the others.”

IBAC Counsel Assisting, Chris Carr questioned the need given there was “negligible” activity in Mr Somyurek’s electorate office – which was said to have staffing costs of more than $1 million in the past four years.

Mr Carr grilled Mr Somyurek on whether “having people sit idle” was “value for money” to taxpayers, as required under law.

The notion was “subjective”, Mr Somyurek said.

Jim Memeti emerged victorious after a four-way battle for Greater Dandenong mayor in 2019. 200886 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

Somyurek ‘kept away’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Cr Loi Truong, whose “friend” was hired in Adem Somyurek’s office.

MPs also were able to discriminate based on ideology, values, political views, political activism and loyalty, he said.

“What does a Vietnamese-speaking person who provides a service to the Vietnamese community, which are about 25 per cent I think of some areas of my electorate – can you put a value on that?”

There was a “bit of grey area” whether “factional work” was part of his “public duties”.

“I just think you need to accept that by design political jobs are political.”

IBAC asserted some of Mr Somyurek’s staff were employed due to being branch-stacking recruiters or their factional “operational value”.

Mr Somyurek had told the inquiry he’d hired another electorate officer because they were having a “hard time”.

The officer had told IBAC he was paid for seven days while told not to turn up for work.

He later alleged engaged in factional work, IBAC heard.

A former ALP state candidate was hired out of “altruism” because they’d left a well-paying job to unsuccessfully contest a marginal seat.

And a 20-year-old nephew of Mr Somyurek’s former electorate officer Pinar Yesil was paid a $95,000 salary despite having only previously worked in a pet shop.

Ms Yesil, a former Greater Dandenong mayor, had a “close personal relationship” with Mr Somyurek, IBAC was told.

Mr Somyurek’s father was hired as a cleaner - though at much less than “market rates”, Mr Somyurek said.

IBAC tabled charts showing Mr Somyurek and other Moderate Labor-faction MPs hiring each other’s relatives, including Mr Somyurek’s son at federal MP Anthony Byrne’s office.

Mr Somyurek said nepotism was a symptom of a wider cultural issue than “one set of people”.

He also argued that using publicly-funded electorate officers for branch-stacking was “deeply embedded” in ALP culture. It was the culture he was “inducted” into, he said.

“If you’re going to say there are good guys and bad guys in the Labor Party based on this stuff ... there are no good guys in the Labor Party, I can tell you that.”

MP asked ‘Has she spoken to anyone?’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Ahead of a 60 Minutes report ‘The Faceless Man’ on his alleged branch-stacking, MP Adem Somyurek had been anxious to find out about a staffer he’d employed the previous year.

The staffer was a “friend” of Greater Dandenong councillor and ALP factional ally Loi Truong (see main story).

At the time, Mr Somyurek was trying to work out “what have I done wrong”, he told the IBAC Operation Watts inquiry on 11 November.

In a covert phone tap on 14 June 2020, he told then-Cabinet Minister and faction ally Robin Scott: “I just got an anxiety that they had some f***ing loose Vietnamese woman who f***ing I put on for Loi. “I wonder what the f*** she did, like she was f***ing mad.”

He told Mr Scott he hadn’t even met the staff in the context of hiring her.

“What do you even say when you haven’t even met the staff, what do you say to that?”

Mr Somyurek said.

“You’re busy, you’re a minister,” Mr Scott replied.

Adem Somyurek tried to track down what a former female staffer did ahead of a 60 Minutes report airing in June 2020.

Five minutes later, Mr Somyurek rang Cr Truong to confirm that the councillor was still “in contact” and “friends” with her.

“Do you think she’s spoken to anyone? 60 Minutes or anything?”

“No, no, no. No, I don’t think so,” Cr Truong replied, confirming she was a “very good friend”.

“She loyal with us. One hundred per cent….

She’s good, she will do what we need.”

Mr Somyruek asked Cr Truong to find out if the staffer spoke to 60 Minutes and what period she worked for him.

In a phone tap in February 2020, Mr Somyurek said he’d have to “fix up” paying for memberships in Springvale because Cr Truong “fixing it up is indexed to employment”.

Instead, Mr Somyurek paid for the memberships in exchange for work for his son at his factional ally and Holt MP Anthony Byrne’s electorate office.

At the inquiry, IBAC Counsel Assisting, Chris Carr asserted: “What you were saying was that for Loi to pay for memberships is a quid pro quo in return for which you give him a place on your staff; correct?”

Mr Somyurek denied this, saying the female staffer was employed months before the covert recording.

“There’s no way in the world that I will ever enter into an agreement like that with Mr Truong.

“I crossed multiple lines, but it didn’t happen.”

South Eastern Metro MP Adem Somyurek denied directing staffers to assist in the 2020 Greater Dandenong Council elections.

“No. I was Local Government Minister. I did not want to be anywhere near it, I can tell you.

“If anyone’s done anything, that was outside my knowledge.”

In a newly-revealed tapped phone call “believed to be” 30 October 2019 played at IBAC, Mr Somyurek told an associate that “I want to catch up with Loi and then deal with Memeti”.

Holt MP Anthony Byrne had earlier alleged at IBAC that Mr Somyurek lobbied councillors and “did in” Cr Loi Truong in the Greater Dandenong mayoral election on 14 November 2019.

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 told the inquiry.

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 twoand-a-half hours.

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

Mr Byrne agreed there was a “relationship” between Mr Somyurek and Cr Memeti.

Cr Memeti has 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” The mayoral vote in 2019 was unusually a four-way contest between Crs Chea, Memeti, Truong and Maria Sampey.

Last week, Cr Memeti was elected for his fifth term as mayor - notably while Mr Somyurek is no longer an ALP powerbroker but an independent MP.

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with new Star News journalist Marcus Uhe

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

My surname is German and pronounced ‘youwi’.

What are you most passionate about?

Seeing the Essendon Football Club achieve success.

THREE … facts about CFA firefighters

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More than 39,000 of the CFA’s 59,000 volunteers are firefighters.

CFA comprises over 1200 brigades organised into 21 districts, and shares responsibility for fire services with paid Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV), which manages fire prevention and suppression on Victoria’s public lands.

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CFA was established in 1944 to reform rural fire management in Victoria after a succession of devastating bushfires. Major bushfire responses conducted

by CFA include the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires, the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and the recent 2019–20 south-east Australian bushfires.

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CFA volunteers can be young or old. The minimum age to become a volunteer is 16. Volunteers are everyday citizens who come from a variety of backgrounds, interests and careers.

What do you love about journalism?

I really enjoy meeting new people and being trusted to tell their story.

What would your last meal be?

I would have roast chicken with all the trimmings.

What was your most memorable moment?

Renting a campervan in the US and driving through national parks.

What was your favourite subject in school?

I enjoyed global politics and learning about real life events that shaped the world we currently live in.

Star News journalist Marcus Uhe is excited to join the team.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

The Apollo 11 moon landing. Travelling to space is an extreme concept even now. I can’t imagine trying to comprehend it back then.

Cricket World Cup Diary and watching the NBA.

and stir-fried vegies.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

I would describe it as practical and low-fuss, I’m happy to blend in and not stand out.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

I would like to do some camping/hikes in South America.

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

Nikola Jokic, Larry David, Warwick Capper, Martin Luther King, Angela Merkel, Jobe Watson.

Have you had a pet that has made an impact on your life?

I have always had dogs in my life and I love them to bits. I currently have two cavoodles.

What were you like as a kid?

Quiet and well behaved, constantly mucking around with a footy or cricket bat.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I’m currently reading Glenn McGrath’s 2003

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

Slow-cooked Asian lamb shoulder with rice

Do you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert?

Definitely an introvert.

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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NEWS

Faction feud reignited

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Then-opposition leader Daniel Andrews on the 2014 state election hustings. 128287 Picture: GREG WANE

‘Red shirts rort’ claim

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Premier Daniel Andrews has been explosively accused of prior knowledge of the ALP’s $388,000 ‘red shirts’ rort at an IBAC inquiry.

South Eastern Metropolitan MP Adem Somyurek, in evidence on 8 November, said he expressed misgivings to then-Opposition Leader Mr Andrews prior to signing up to the “extraordinary”, “gold-standard rort”.

The “centralised” scheme was designed by upper house MP and former state treasurer John Lenders to use taxpayer-funded electorate officers to campaign for Labor prior to the 2014 state election.

“I went to the Premier (Mr Andrews). I said, ’Do you know what John’s doing?’,” Mr Somyurek said.

“He said, ’Yes.’ “Words to the effect, ’Well, you’re either going to - you know, if you want to win an election or not,’ basically.”

Mr Somyurek nonetheless signed up to the scheme, in which MPs signed pre-filled time sheets to allow their electorate officers to “sit in a campaign office somewhere and campaign all day”.

Mr Andrews has consistently denied knowing about the rort.

A Victoria Police investigation has cleared more than a dozen Labor MPs of wrongdoing.

At the IBAC Operation Watts hearing, Mr Somyurek said an Ombudsman report into the scandal didn’t “smack it down sufficiently”.

Ombudsman Deborah Glass labelled the rorting of MP’s casual office staff as an “artifice” but could have used “stronger language” such as “corruption”, Mr Somyurek said.

“She could have referred it for charges. She didn’t.

“The Ombudsman had the gold standard rort and didn’t actually smack it down sufficiently, we all thought, ’Wow, it is carte blanche.”

Mr Somyurek was subject to “adverse comment” in the March 2018 report.

Within a month of the report, he gave directions to his electorate office staff to do “faccranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Adem Somyurek told an IBAC inquiry of an alleged exchange with then-Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews about the red-shirts rort. tional work”, he admitted at the inquiry.

During their working time, they harvested and filled in members’ ALP national conference ballot papers to benefit Mr Somyurek’s Moderate Labor faction.

Text messages showed that Mr Somyurek was directing this “party-political” work.

“I was sticking to the principles of how I’ve always done things, right?” Mr Somyurek told the inquiry.

“That, you know, it’s acceptable to do some party-political stuff as long as it wasn’t silly.

“It was proportionate, not disproportionate like Red Shirts was.”

Mr Somyurek said all state political parties then deliberately legislated in 2019 to continue “party-political activity” by MP’s electorate officers.

“There was a unity ticket in parliament – MPs protecting themselves.”

“What a terrible indictment, Mr Somyurek,” IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich said.

“Is not the public entitled to look to parliament as the first place to ensure that not only members of parliament but their staff confine their activities to compliance with and discharging their public duties?”

Mr Somyurek said it was “entirely consistent with legislation”.

“However, Commissioner, I do understand your point.

“There’s got to be some limit to it, otherwise … you can employ people to wash your car all day.”

Former ALP powerbroker Adem Somyurek says he and Premier Daniel Andrews initiated a 2002 peace deal to end the party’s branch-stacking war in the south east.

Mr Andrews and Mr Somyurek discussed ending the “toxic” war between their rival factions Left and Right respectively, Mr Somyurek told an IBAC inquiry Operation Watts on 8 November.

The genesis of the accord was that the pair “wanted to go into Parliament and pursue our career”.

It was to stop a repeat of “really bad things” happening in the preselection battle for the safe federal seat of Holt in 1998.

At the time, council and government “largesse” was used to win votes and “key people” over to each side.

“People would have ended up in jail had that culture persisted,” Mr Somyurek said.

He claimed Mr Andrews was “organising” the Left to get control of Holt.

Leading the Right’s effort was confessed branch-stacker Anthony Byrne, who employed Mr Somyurek as an electorate officer at the time.

Mr Byrne, who ultimately won preselection, was “leading the charge … basically invading or raiding the Left branch”, Mr Somyurek said.

Mr Somyurek recalled “raiding” Left branch meetings, such as walking with a “whole bunch of Albanians” to then-Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos’s office.

About 80 “Bosnians” turned up to a Left branch at Noble Park Community Centre.

“The Left followed suit at the Albanian soccer club where they had lined up all their Sri Lankans, about 100 of them lined up, before the Albanians were able to become members.

“Raiding of the branches in particular was very toxic, tempers were frayed, and it got nasty.”

The Left and the Right were divided along ethnic lines, Mr Somyurek said.

According to him, former faction overlord Stephen Conroy adopted “conservative”, “anti-Communist” communities to the Right – Turkish, Bosnian, Albanian, Vietnamese and Cambodian communities.

The Left specialised in “ethnic minorities within nation states who had a grievance“ – the Balkan Muslim, Balkan Christian, Serbs, Greeks, Kurds, Alawite Turks, Sri Lankan Tamils and Burghers.

Mr Andrews and Mr Somyurek’s factional bosses Alan Griffin (Left) and Mr Byrne (Right) “ticked off” on the 2002 peace deal, he said.

Before the accord, there were more than 1000 members in Holt.

It dropped to 200 by 2019.

The south-east had become a “model of interfactional cooperation” with “no branch stacking” for 17 years, Mr Somyurek said.

None of his electorate office staff were “recruiting (members) for me”, though they

Adem Somyurek described initiating a factional ‘peace deal’ with future Premier Daniel Andrews. could “potentially recruit”.

“I don’t have a problem with them doing factional work from my office… But that’s got to have limits.

“I would insist that they turn up for work.”

Mr Somyurek admitted to a scheme where MPs paid for numerous others’ renewed memberships – in breach of party rules.

When Mr Somyurek became an MP, he was asked by Mr Byrne to contribute. He estimated paying $2000 a year but didn’t know what happened to the money.

“That’s Byrne’s operation.

“Even after my factional sort of star rose, Byrne was still in charge of the South East.

He was still the boss.”

He claimed Mr Byrne was going to a “Vietnamese gentlemen” for $7000 for renewals.

“I’m not sure what he promised him, but I’m sure he got it under false pretences.

“I recall him trying to beg, borrow and steal to pay memberships.”

The deal collapsed after the Left “unilaterally” broke it in late 2019, Mr Somyurek said.

He hadn’t been interested in messages of the Left “running amok” until 24 December when learning of about 350 new recruits, he told the inquiry.

In Mr Byrne’s texts in late 2019, which were earlier tabled at IBAC, he 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 rivalfaction 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,” Mr Byrne told IBAC on 11 October.

“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.”

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

More aid for local businesses

LENSCAPE

The Victorian Government is providing financial support to assist businesses in the South East as they emerge from Covid restrictions and recover from the effects of the pandemic.

Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane announced an additional $3.5 million for the extension of the local government Business Concierge Program into next year.

The program has enabled 71 participating councils, including the City of Casey to support businesses in order to operate under Covid safe settings as Victorians transition to a vaccinated economy.

“Councils are working directly with their communities to enable businesses to reopen in a safe way, ensuring our economy can rebound and stay open,” Minister Leane said.

“If you are a sole trader or a bigger business, this concierge service is here to help and will assist people to understand what support is available.

“We know that sometimes it can be difficult to navigate information online. Our dedicated team of business support officers are making a difference so we are extending our funding to continue this support.”

Councils have been able to employ more than 200 Covid Business Support Officers, who visit local businesses and assist them to understand Covid safe practices and other issues that arise due to the pandemic.

The additional support, on top of the $7.1 million allocated through the Covid safe Business Fund earlier this year, will provide up to four officers in each metropolitan and regional city council and up to two officers in each regional council.

No, it’s not Fashions On The Field, but the mounting yard. Jockey Beau Mertens and local hope No Effort sport nice matching leopard skin Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS outfits for the Cranbourne Cup. 257923

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As a result of the storm on Thursday 28 October, a large Melaleuca tree in our court snapped off and crossed half way across the road.

The next morning I sent a photo to the Casey Council via their webform advising of the situation.

As of Tuesday 9 November the tree is still blocking half the road.

One would have thought that a tree blocking a road would have a much higher priority than one coming down on a nature strip, but from travelling around it seems that this not the case.

We have contacted the council by phone today and we just get told that there was a lot of damage and they are busy.

Very true, but priorities should surely be put in place where a road is blocked.

The tree was supposed to be done in 24 hours.

To people using public toilets at Casey Central shops and walking out without washing their hands. Have you never heard of viruses, germs and a certain current pandemic? Couldn’t believe my eyes!

REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

6 STAR NEWS

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The Frog Hollow Reserve behind David Collins Drive has a series of five lakes built by Melbourne Water and is a beautiful place to

Thumbs Up!

Thumbs Down!

com.au

To Kelly’s for turning their deck into a Gelato Emporium for the summer!!

Thumbs Down!

To long grass everywhere in Casey.

Thumbs Down!

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Toxic soap suds flow through Eumemmerring Creek

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It was really brought to a head at around 5am a few mornings ago when a car ran into a tree in front of the court.

Police tried to put traffic onto the other side of Pound Road, but a heap of people thought it was smarter to turn left into our court.

It was total chaos, because with only half the street open, once trucks and cars came in, they couldn’t get out.

Gridlock!

Not impressed Casey!

This would not happen in Berwick.

Glenn Murphy, Hampton Park

Thumbs down to the government for not providing special interest rates for pensioners during the pandemic.

Thumbs Down!

Thumbs Down!

Thumbs Up!

Thumbs down to the weather. It feels like winter again and yet the calendar says it’s two weeks to summer.

Thursday, 18 November, 2021

Thumbs down to people who don’t pick up their dog’s poo.

Thumbs up to cruise ships finally coming back! My kids have waited almost two years for their Christmas present to happen.

walk leisurely.

The walk is about 1.6 km and on warm sunny days, adults, children and the disabled come in wheelchairs to enjoy the ambience.

Sadly, unscrupulous, heartless, industrialists dump some type of chemical into either the storm water system or they dump it into the upper reaches of the Eumemmerring Creek.

The chemical turns into soapy suds and litters the entire water system and no doubt it kills the aquatic life in the lake system but worse, these suds are carried all the way to Patterson’s Lakes and eventually end up in the ocean to pollute and maim or infect the fish of the ocean which we eat from.

This is a serious health hazard and perhaps is a carcinogenic substance.

I have written to the EPA calling for action.

Milroy Martyn, Endeavour Hills

SOCIALLY SPEAKING The Victorian State Government has announced the completion of a second train track between Cranbourne and Dandenong is almost a year ahead of schedule. Here’s what our Facebook readers had to say about it.

Kathy Schoer: Or 20 years behind. Been promised that long.

Mark Carlson: Great news.

Jay McDonald: Shame they couldn’t have added the long promised extra couple of kilometres to the Clyde area while they have the equipment out here. Plenty of new estates popping up around there.

Peter McKill: I’m surprised the work seems to be adhoc at best at the Cranbourne end. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

MP Burgess calls time Neale Burgess MP has announced he will not recontest the seat of Hastings at next year’s state election.

Mr Burgess was first elected the Member for Hastings at the November 2006 election and was re-elected in 2010 and 2014.

He said it was a privilege to have served for 16 years.

“When I was first elected, I thought we would have more time in government and with that, more opportunities to deliver the big-ticket items that every community wants and needs,“ Mr Burgess said.

“While things didn’t turn out that way, I was given the opportunity to do the most satisfying and worthwhile work of my life.

“Literally, thousands of opportunities to help local people and families, overcome the many big and small challenges life sent their way.“ He said it has been an honour to be a Liberal Member of the Victorian Parliament.

“It is the right time for me and it’s the right time for my party,“ Mr Burgess said.

“Matthew Guy and his team have the vision, policy ideas and capacity to offer a competitive and credible alternative at next year’s state election.

“I have great faith and confidence in my friend, Matthew Guy, and in his team and I know they will provide Victorians with a real choice.“ Mr Burgess said he was blessed to have a loving and understanding family and supportive co-workers throughout his time as the Member for Hastings.

Neale Burgess MP will not recontest the Seat of Hastings at next year’s state election.

“One of those co-workers, Barry Fay, deserves special mention,“ he said.

“Barry has been with me from day one and his service to our community has been outstanding.

“Those in office are elected to bring about positive change to the communities they represent, and I am immensely proud of all that has been achieved throughout our community over the past four terms.“ Favourite outcomes during his time in the seat of Hastings include stopping a bitumen plant, urea plant and AGL’s gas plant from being forced on Crib Point.

He said it was now time to pass the baton to someone new, with a fresh perspective.

Emergency packs for vulnerable kids Essential service workers will have 24-hour access to supplies to support children transitioning to foster care and emergency housing, thanks to a new partnership between the CPB project team working on the Monash Freeway Upgrade Stage 2 (MFU2) and Cranbourne charity Backpacks 4 Vic Kids (B4VK).

The charity provides a range of services for children in crisis including My Essential packs - backpacks filled with items such as basic toiletries, clothing, pyjamas, a torch, and comfort items including blankets and soft toys to help them settle into care.

MFU2 has donated three fit for purpose shipping containers to house up to 228 My Essential packs and other essential items for B4VK. The containers will be located in Ferntree Gully Road, Hallam, and Ballarat, providing 24-hour contactless access for social workers, Victoria Police and the Department of Health and Human Services to meet the needs of children placed in care.

CPB project director for MFU2 Jill Boag said the pandemic has lead to increased financial hardship, housing stress and poor mental health.

“B4VK has also seen higher demand for their packs but has faced a number of challenges with storage, contactless hand over of the packs, location and after hours access,” Ms Boag said.

“Our human resources manager Iliana Dimitriadis has been the driving force behind this partnership and in working with our staff, suppliers, workforce and contractors to find a way to provide practical assistance.”

CPB project director Jill Boag, HR manager Iliana Dimitriadis and Backpack 4 VIC Kids chief executive officer Sally Beard.

Picture: SUPPLIED, BACKPACK 4 VIC KIDS To date, MFU2’s staff, workforce and contractors have also raised $20,000 to buy backpacks to fill the containers and will continue their fundraising efforts to keep the containers stocked.

B4VK founder Sally Beard said in Victoria, there were currently more than 12,000 children in out-of-home care at any one time.

“Through Covid-19, children needing out of home care increased by 9.6 per cent, which equates to about 12 children a day,“ Ms Beard said.

“Carers do not always have the means to provide all essential items for every child who may be placed in their care and often the children have only the clothes they are wearing.

“This partnership means that we can assist more children and carers regardless of the time of day and other factors such as Covid-19 restrictions and can make a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community”.

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NEWS

Train signalling upgrade Next-generation high-capacity signalling (HCS) will be installed on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines, which will allow more trains, more often.

Crews will begin installing the new HCS equipment along the lines from mid-December, one of the final pieces of the puzzle to deliver a true ‘turn up and go’ network when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025.

HCS is a new signalling system that enables trains to safely run closer together, meaning they can travel more frequently.

A total of 55 kilometres of signalling will be installed which will allow trains to run every two to three minutes and has been designed

to replace the current system which uses coloured signals to indicate when it is safe for a train to proceed.

Crews will test the signalling equipment at various points along the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines over 11 days to ensure its operating correctly and installed in the right location.

Testing on the lines between Caulfield and Westall stations has already started to examine communication between signalling equipment on the ground and on the train.

Buses will replace trains on some sections of the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Frankston lines from 8.30pm on Tuesday 14 December

until the last service on Thursday 23 December while the signalling and testing works take place.

Coaches will replace evening trains on the Gippsland line on Tuesday 14 December, and all services from 15 to 23 December, between Southern Cross and Pakenham stations.

Further testing along the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will get underway in March next year with the new High-Capacity Metro Trains (HCMTs).

The signalling system will operate 65 of the new high-capacity trains, which will run on the Sunbury to Cranbourne and Pakenham lines via the Metro Tunnel. The additional

testing will ensure the signalling system and the new trains, as well as freight and V/Line trains, can safely run alongside the existing system.

Once complete, the Metro Tunnel project will create room for 121,000 passengers every week on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, and save passengers travelling from Cranbourne or Pakenham up to 15 minutes off a journey to Parkville, or up to 25 minutes off a journey to St Kilda Road.

Further information about the high-tech signalling works on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines can be found online at: bigbuild. vic.gov.au

Councils renew support for Western Port Biosphere The five local councils within the UNESCOdeclared Western Port Biosphere Reserve have renewed their commitment to protecting its environment by supporting the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation with funding for a further four years.

Municipalities signed to the agreement include Cardinia, Casey, Bass Coast, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula.

Biosphere Foundation chief executive officer Mel Barker said the organisation had delivered important projects over its 18-year history and long-term partnerships with local government had been fundamental to its success.

“We have invested considerable time with our local councils to ensure our strategies and opportunities align with the aspirations of the communities they represent,” Ms Barker said.

“There is no doubt in any of our minds that communities are wanting positive action on

Five local councils are renewing support for the Western Port Biosphere Reserve.

Picture: SUPPLIED addressing the major challenges associated with climate change and biodiversity loss.

This includes reducing our greenhouse gas emissions within the next decade, restoring habitat and planning to live more sustainably.

“The purpose of our foundation is to deliver programs that ensure a better and sustainable future by helping people enjoy life in

harmony with the environment.”

She said partnerships with the local councils have been improved to allow exploration for broader collaboration with the Biosphere Foundation in the years ahead.

Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Kerri McCafferty was recently appointed to the Biosphere Foundation board and as chair

of its council liaison committee, on which the five councils have representatives.

“The Bass Coast, Cardinia, Casey, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula shires and cities are some of the most innovative in Victoria and invest in exciting environmental and community development programs in their own right,” Ms McCafferty said.

However, the on-going partnership with the Biosphere Foundation enables us to extend the reach of our sustainable development and environmental restoration and protection work beyond our individual council boundaries.

“Collectively, we can work on projects in Western Port and its marine parks, on our terrestrial parklands and within our communities to ensure that the Biosphere Reserve continues to thrive and contribute to the healthy and enviable lifestyles we enjoy across our region.”

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 47 already gone. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel, creating space in the City Loop to run more trains to and from the suburbs.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

From 1am 20 Nov to 21 Nov

Flinders Street to Cranbourne and Pakenham

9pm to last train each night, 22 to 24 Nov

Flinders Street to Caulfield Westall to Cranbourne and Pakenham

Until 9pm each day, 22 to 24 Nov 25 Nov

Westall to Cranbourne and Pakenham

From 8pm 26 Nov to 28 Nov

Flinders Street or Caulfield to Dandenong

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes At times, until late 2021

Road or lanes closed

South Gippsland Hwy, Dandenong South

At times, until late 2021

Road or lanes closed

Clyde Road, Berwick

Until early 2022

Lane closed southbound between Reserve Street and Enterprise Avenue Lane closed northbound between Sir Gustav Nossal Boulevard and Jane Street

MTIA6574

Princes Highway

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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NEWS

Staff was ‘doing nothing’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An electorate officer for South-Eastern Metro MP Adem Somyurek didn’t even log into his computer while being paid for purportedly working at home for five days in mid-2020, an IBAC inquiry was told.

Dr Hussein Haraco – an alleged branchstacking recruiter in Melbourne’s North - was “certainly” not doing “electorate office work” during the full-day shifts in May and June 2020, Counsel Assisting IBAC, Chris Carr asserted.

“The whole notion of working from home was going to be problematic for quiet offices,” Mr Somyurek responded.

“I can understand they’re probably thinking there’s not much work that’s going to come out of this, but they should have at least logged in.”

On a secret phone tap tabled at the inquiry, Mr Somyurek told his faction colleague and Banyule councillor Rick Garotti on 15 June 2020 that Dr Haraco needed to be “really careful”.

It was shortly after 60 Minutes had aired branch-stacking allegations against Mr Somyurek.

“I know he comes to work all the time. He just needs to log in … because my office is being investigated unfairly,” Mr Somyurek said to Cr Garotti.

At the inquiry, Mr Carr asserted that Mr Somyurek “at least apprehended, if not knew, that there was no way Dr Haraco was actually doing any real work”.

“You certainly didn’t want anyone knowing that there was no real electorate office work being done in your electorate office, did you?”

Mr Somyurek said he “can’t remember what I had in my mind at that point in time”.

He said he was “paranoid at that point where … I thought I didn’t do anything wrong so it was a problem for me.”

Adem Somyurek at the Operation Watts inquiry on 9 November.

He denied Dr Haraco was helping him as a “factional operative”.

“No he was helping himself… They’ve got their own objectives in politics. I don’t own him.”

Dr Haraco, a Somali community leader, was an alleged branch-stacking recruiter for Mr Somyurek’s Moderate Labor faction in Melbourne’s North according to earlier IBAC evidence.

He had been scheduled to appear at the inquiry but was postponed due to a medical certificate.

A staffer’s review of the MP’s quiet office in 2019 reported staff “doing there (sic) ‘own’ thing”, which was “probably factional work”.

Dr Haraco’s duties were described in the review as “does his own work from the office. He answers the phone when required”.

Mr Somyurek told the inquiry that “hasn’t

been sanctioned but it fits with someone being idle doing other things.

“Obviously he’s not paid to be doing other work.”

Mr Carr asserted that some bosses would treat it as a “sackable offence”.

Mr Somyurek said it depended on the nature of Dr Haraco’s work.

“If it was his business I certainly would have spoken to him.

“I would take offence to someone just sitting there not answering telephone calls and doing their own thing.

“Your number one priority has got to be doing electoral work.”

Mr Somyurek said he hadn’t seen the review, which was directly emailed to him by the author.

Dr Haraco received on average less than one email a day as Mr Somyurek’s electorate officer between 2017-’21, according to IBAC data.

“And he doesn’t seem to be replying to them,” Mr Carr asserted.

Mr Somyurek replied: “I would say that’s a commentary on safe Labor seat, Upper House MPs rather than just on Mr Haraco,” He said he was “willing to accept” that his staff did “factional work” in the office.

“But… I just fail to see what they can do factionally on a day in, day out basis.”

In the review, the author Emma Walters described that “constituent enquiries are low” and “no walk ins in the last week”.

“The telephone has rung once in the last three days, and I answered it.”

There were just 18 incoming phone calls between April and June 2020, according to data tabled at IBAC. “I’ve never claimed that it’s a really busy office,” Mr Somyurek told the inquiry.

‘Charity’ job for Somyurek staff assertion at IBAC

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A staff member for MP Adem Somyurek has alleged he didn’t have to do “electorate officer work” during up to seven casual shifts in the office.

“I was told not to go into the office,“ Jacob Cripps allegedly told the IBAC Operation Watts inquiry - an allegation that Mr Somyurek said was “absolutely untrue“.

IBAC Counsel Assisting, Chris Carr asserted: “It was effectively just a charitable thing that he would be given what I’ll characterise as free money by the taxpayer because he was going through a hard time.”

Mr Somyurek, who signed Mr Cripps’ time sheet, replied: “Not true. Not true… Why would I do that?”

Mr Carr said Mr Cripps was immediately afterwards engaged in “factional work on your behalf”.

“I wasn’t that desperate to have him, I can tell you. Like, I’m not going to do that. No way,” Mr Somyurek replied.

“Because that would be the most egregious form of corruption, wouldn’t it, Mr Somyurek?”

“Yes.” According to Mr Cripps’ time sheet, he was ‘working on project’.

The official time sheet stipulated that payments couldn’t be claimed for “party-political activities” – a detail that Mr Somyurek said he had not noticed.

Mr Somyurek said he didn’t know what work Mr Cripps was doing “but I did not tell him not to go to my office.”

“I mean, this guy had been moved on from a federal MP’s office because he switched factions, so … I felt … honour bound to help find him a job.

“But not free money.”

Another Somyurek electoral staffer was allegedly paid for working full-day shifts in two electoral offices on the same day.

According to his timesheet, Salazar cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Adem Somyurek. 201398 Youhorn had purportedly been ‘working on a project’ from 9am-5.06pm on 18 June 2020.

He was working from home due to Covid-19, the timesheet signed by Mr Somyurek stated.

Mr Youhorn was also paid for working on the same day in Clarinda MP Meng Heang Tak’s office for “data processing/office admin”.

Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS Mr Somyurek said Mr Youhorn regularly worked on a particular weekday in his office.

There seemed to be a “logistical problem”, in that Mr Youhorn seemed to be at home “working for two offices”.

“Maybe someone said something to someone in my office that he’s going to be in Heang’s office, so he should be doing another day for my office.

“There might have been a bit of a confu-

sion like that. I can’t see anything sinister in it.”

When asked if Mr Youhorn was doing factional work, he said Mr Youhorn was part of the “Cambodian clique”.

“They’ve got numbers in the party, so let’s put it that way.”

He admitted during lockdown, Mr Youhorn was doing “probably not much” work.

Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Dancing into the new year

By Jamie Salter It’s time to warm up those jazz hands now that Cranbourne’s Reflections Academy of Dance is back open after months of lockdown.

The academy is more than just a dance school to its students - it builds confidence, strength and long-lasting friendships.

Classes include ballet, jazz, tap, adult bar, contemporary and lyrical.

The family business opened about eight years ago with 70 students, and has now grown to about 650 students.

Artistic director Kiandra Harman said although the coronavirus pandemic took a toll on the school, they were ready to bounce back.

“Pre-Covid-19, we had just under 500 students and we closed in 2020 with just 60 students left,“ Ms Harman said.

“We have seven weeks of this year left and we want as many kids to come back as possible.“ Many of the students have felt anxious about getting back into the swing of things, but Ms Harman said staff members were there to help.

“The kids have been resilient and tried really hard to get back to dancing but Grade 6 to Year 8 have had a hard time getting out of the car from social anxiety following lockdowns.“ An end of year concert is usually held at Bunjil Place but students have been busy preparing for a smaller scale concert at Casey Grammar School this year.

Ms Harman said the students were thrilled to return to class and see their friends once again.

Sub junior ballet students warm up at the barre. 257861 “The kids were skipping through the hallway and cheering, the older girls were crying,“ she said.

“Dance friends are different to school friends, there’s a lot less judgement because they wear the same thing and they’re interested in the same thing, so I find this outlet for them is so special.

“My dance friends were in my wedding and

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

they work here as well.“ Instead of attending competitive and divisive dance competitions, the school takes its students on a trip to Disney World in the United States.

“We had 100 people go in July 2019 and they go on a big tour, perform and do workshops with the cast of Disney World,“ Ms Harman said.

Artistic administrator Kiandra Harman, instructor Chloe Barker and student Violet are happy to be back.

“It’s crazy six months later we were shut down but we’re planning to go next Christmas.“ Students have the option to move through the school right up to VCE dance and then undertake a teaching qualification.

Reflections Academy of Dance is open six days a week and located at Unit 2/200 Sladen St, Cranbourne.

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS FUNCTIONS

Dress it up real fancy FANCY dress or costume parties are a worldwide tradition.

This year revellers may decide to host or attend a themed party which requires them to dress up.

Here are some fun costume tips for the next festive fancy affair.

Some people might choose a specific theme or period in time, such as colonial, pirate, regency and cowboy.

Anyone who is invited to a fancy dress Christmas function should ask the host if there is a specific theme for dress. Christmas costume parties can incorporate any choice of costume.

You can dress as Santa’s helper, a reindeer, Christmas tree or pixie.

Santa is the obvious choice, but you can opt for anything else seasonal, for example a Grinch or a gift, a Barbie Doll or racing car driver, providing the costume is available or easy to make.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER Indulge in a festive feast of fresh seafood, traditional Christmas favourites and Urban Citizen's signature dishes

6PM - 9PM $89.00 per adult $39.00 per child (5 - 12 years of age) Free for Children under 4 years of age HOW TO BOOK Email h2068-SB3@accor.com or call 03 8561 2317 to book.

Bookings are essential.

Full pre-payment by cheque or credit card is required at the time of booking.

All bookings are non-refundable.

No other discounts apply including Accor Plus.

Have Christmas this year the Thai way, come join us at Marriott Waters Thai for your Christmas celebration.

12522894-SN47-21

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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All guests attending must be fully vaccinated and will be required to show proof of vaccination upon arrival.

Marriott Waters Shopping Centre (03) 8743 0149

Parties might be themed on the 1920s era of the gangster, where guests dress as Al Capone, Dutch Shultz and Jack Diamond.

A moll is the girlfriend or wife of a mobster.

Guests attending parties that centre around the 1920s can use other accessories like tommy guns, spats and fedora hats.

Always choose safe and comfortable costumes for kids.

Being the end of the school year there are many fancy dress events coming up for children, including the school assemblies or end of year Christmas show. There are lovely ways to dress small children for a Christmas theme, as lambs or fairies, angels or their favourite fairytale character.

For more generic themes they might choose to be dressed as sunflowers, bumblebees and butterflies.

Be sure to pay close attention to comfort and safety. Always check that the outfit is free of any loose buttons, broken zippers or any other faulty accessories that may be hazardous to the child’s safety.

Fancy dress for couples and groups can play with the theme.

No matter what the theme, guests arriving as couples or in groups may consider dressing to a similar theme.

Famous couples is a popular theme to dress for like Bonnie and Clyde, Mary and Joseph or Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. At a futuristic themed party with the wife and kids why not dress up as The Jetsons.

Collaborating with friends can make the experience more fun and costumes more interesting. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Kush wins arts award The City of Casey has recognised the contribution that local resident Kuichiang (Kush) Tut Kuiy has made to the arts in Casey by naming her as the recipient of the 2021 Lindsay King Arts Award last week.

Established in 2007, this annual arts award was named in memory of Cranbourne resident Lindsay King whose vigorous commitment to the arts and passion for local history, tourism and culture made a positive impact on the Casey community.

Ms Tut Kuiy is a multi-disciplinary artist

and multi-faceted creative producer who has produced several multi-artwork events in the south-east, including the Bunjil Place creative development project, Bridging Differences and Blaxcellence, a regular event that centres on Afro-Diaspora and the First Nations’ creative practice.

She is also a founding member of the Way Over There Collective, a group of artist, producers and programmers in Melbourne’s South East, and, in conjunction with Nostalgic Events, holds the annual Rise of South Sudan

concert at Bunjil Place.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff congratulated Ms Tut Kuiy on winning the prestigious award and acknowledged the challenges faced by the broader arts community as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We know the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on local artists and the broader creative sector and we applaud the local arts community who have continued to create and find innovative ways to share their

work during this challenging time,” Ms Duff said.

“Ms Tut Kuiy is a passionate, creative producer and coordinator of events in Melbourne’s south-east who has worked hard to build and empower her local community and is a deserving winner of Casey’s most prestigious arts award.

“As our community spaces once again reopen, I’m sure we are all eager to see what our vibrant arts community will continue to deliver into the future.”

Provenance Artists workshops return

By Jamie Salter Provenance Artists Inc is back up and running following Covid-19 lockdowns, with members preparing for the 22nd annual Great Art Show.

Regular painting for pleasure art workshops have returned and adults can take advantage of two free beginner classes sponsored by the City of Casey Arts Development Fund.

These workshops are run by leading artist Deborah Polman every Friday from 10am to 2pm.

Provenance Artists administrator Calvin Bell said committee members were excited to return to face-to-face workshops following continuous lockdowns.

“We recently had a committee meeting with our 10 members and they are all so excited because we couldn’t get together at all due to coronavirus restrictions,” Mr Bell said.

“Two of our committee members are also updating our Facebook page which is fantas-

tic. We kind of let it go during lockdown.“ Mr Bell said there were seven workshops available to novice artists.

“It’s been exciting to get these people who have done nothing and suddenly they’re doing these fantastic paintings,” he said.

At the committee meeting, Provenance Artists members presented Gembrook MP Brad Battin with a large, original painting of blue irises by artist Zaide Belini.

“He has just been fantastic over the years, so we gave it to him as a thank you,“ Mr Bell said.

This year, Provenance Artists participated in the Men on Men art show at The Laird Hotel in Abbostford.

“The Pride Foundation has suggested Provenance Artists present workshops for gay men, to unleash their talents and create paintings for the Men on Men art show at the Laird next year,” Mr Bell said.

The workshops will be held every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm at the studio at 2 Merrowland Ave Cranbourne North.

The 22nd Great Art Show is also on the group’s agenda, which all started from Mr Bell’s backyard.

“It’s now the biggest art show in the South East area,” he said.

“Last year we had 700 to 800 paintings, with entries from NSW and New Zealand.

“It’s amazing to get such top artists coming down from major Australian cities and to promote emerging artists.“ The Great Art Show will be held at Nossal High School Berwick on Sunday 10 April, 2022.

Those who are interested in Provenance Artists workshops should phone administrator Calvin Bell on 0402 210 253

A painting presented to Brad Battin MP on Tuesday 9 November.

Picture: SUPPLIED, PROVENANCE ARTISTS INC

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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

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.

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

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

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

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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

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

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

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

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

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STAR NEWS 11

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Lord Casey presents George Wheatley with his late father Kevin’s Victoria Cross medal.

A funeral service for Kevin Wheatley and Butch Swanton in Vietnam.

‘Magnificient courage’ Michael Madden’s voice wavers when he recounts Kevin ‘Dasher’ Wheatley VC’s final act of supreme sacrifice and courage.

“It’s really hard to speak about what happened to him,“ the Berwick author says.

“The devastation that it wrought on the family, it’s devastating what happened to them.”

Mr Madden’s ground-breaking book Dasher: The Kevin Wheatley VC Story tells the heroic act in detail.

According to Wheatley’s Victoria Cross citation, on 13 November 1965 Warrant Officer ‘Butch’ Swanton was wounded in the chest by gunfire from Viet Cong soldiers.

As his platoon came under heavy fire and scattered, Wheatley refused to abandon the dying Swanton.

“He discarded his radio to enable him to half drag, half carry Warrant Officer Swanton, under heavy machine gun and automatic rifle fire, out of the open rice paddies into the com-

parative safety of a wooded area, some 200 metres away,” the citation stated.

Wheatley was again urged to leave his comrade. Instead he pulled pins from two grenades as he “calmly awaited the Viet Cong”.

The bodies of both Wheatley and Swanton were found the next morning, dead from gunshot wounds.

“Warrant Officer Wheatley displayed magnificent courage in the face of an overwhelming Viet Cong force which was later estimated

at more than a company,” the citation stated.

“He had the clear choice of abandoning a wounded comrade and saving himself by escaping through the dense timber or of staying with Warrant Officer Swanton and thereby facing certain death.

“He deliberately chose the latter course.

“His acts of heroism, determination and unflinching loyalty in the face of the enemy will always stand as examples of the true meaning of valour.”

St Peter’s remembers Staff and students at St Peter’s College Cranbourne and Clyde North gathered on the morning of Thursday 11 November to remember and pray for all those who have died while serving in the armed forces.

Students observed a minute’s silence in their tutor groups at the beginning of the day to adhere to social distancing requirements, and then again at 11am.

Catholic identity and Mission deputy principal Fiona McKenna said Remembrance Day was not a day that celebrated war or violence.

“It is a sombre day in which we remember the true cost of conflict – the loss of lives – the potential and the futures of the men and women who died as they served their country,” Ms McKenna said.

“We honoured our fallen personnel with a minute of silence and asked for God’s bless-

ing and consolation on them, and their loved ones.

“We gave thanks for their generosity and sacrifice.

“Lest we forget those who fought, suffered, and died so that we may have the freedom and peace we enjoy today.”

A library display of books has also available to students to pick up and get more information about Australia’s military history.

Marketing manager April Hampson said Remembrance Day was not just about the minute silence.

“I don’t think we ever should forget - we need to remember those who fought and those who continue to put their lives on hold to protect our liberty and way of life,” she said.

“The students of today honour that and as time goes on, we should remember them even more.”

St Peter’s College 2021 Remembrance Day service.

12 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

A Remembrance Day display set up in the school’s library.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Warrant Officer Kevin Wheatley on patrol in South Vietnam.

Kevin Wheatley with his mate Herbert the duck.

VC hero’s story revealed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The story of Victoria Cross recipient Kevin ‘Dasher’ Wheatley is finally being told.

Berwick author Michael Madden is the first to catch the lightning of this courageous larrikin and Vietnam War fighter in Dasher: The Kevin Wheatley VC Story.

He says Wheatley was one of Australia’s finest soldiers, meticulous in every way, but also the much-adored life of the party while off-duty.

“Dasher was a hard-as-nails, old-fashioned Digger who more resembled a soldier at Gallipoli or the Western Front than the modern soldier.

“He played hard, fought hard. When he stepped across into the red zone, he switched into the perfect soldier.”

In 1965, Dasher died in a supreme act of sacrifice in the Vietnam War, staying with a wounded mate Ron ‘Butch’ Swanton while isolated, outnumbered and under fire.

When the Australian Government refused to pay for his body to return from Vietnam, there was national uproar.

“It was the biggest story at the time.”

TV host Don Lane campaigned to fly Dasher home. Outraged US Marines dug into their pockets and even offered to use a US aircraft carrier to ferry him back – an offer refused by the Australian Government.

Eventually a group of Aussie businessmen funded a private flight for Dasher’s remains.

A year later, the Government belatedly changed its policy in bringing fallen overseas soldiers back to these shores.

His Victoria Cross citation – the first in a conflict not involving British forces - also sparked controversy. It caused Queen Elizabeth II to make a rare intervention.

“The citation had made it look like he’d dropped his weapon which an Australian soldier wouldn’t do,” Mr Madden said.

“And that he then killed himself with grenades – but he was shot (by Viet Cong soldiers) at point blank range. “(Her Majesty) changed the citation. She didn’t like the way it was written.”

There were other heroic actions that were unawarded, such as saving a terrified fouryear-old girl who ran screaming into enemy machine-gun fire.

Wheatley braved the bullets, wrapped her behind his body, delivered her back to her mother and resumed battle, Mr Madden said.

In another of those “strange dualities”, the hardened soldier would kill enemy snipers without hesitation but was often mobbed by kids. He told them to call him ‘Ned Kelly’.

At each village, he’d bring gifts of candies, chocolates and soap to children.

The treats were found in his pockets when he died.

“He is a very confusing character. If you made up a character like Dasher for a fiction book or movie, people would dismiss it as farfetched. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

“The thing is, he did bend the mind. It all happened.”

At first, Mr Madden didn’t feel equal to the task of chronicling Dasher. A few historians and writers had started but not completed their attempts.

“People can’t believe there hasn’t been a book about Dasher. He’s such a famous name, such a remarkable story – an enormous figure in the military.

“Everybody you speak to has a Dasher Wheatley story.

“But it’s the hardest thing I’ve done.”

Adding to the complexity was Covid lockdown denying him the chance to interview face-to-face.

And that many witnesses had died, and several veterans’ tales were verifiably incorrect.

One swore he’d got on the booze with Dasher in Tokyo in 1968 – three years after Dasher died in battle.

Then there were various versions of true incidents such as Dasher biting the head off a frog.

“You post something on Facebook and hundreds of people jump up and throw facts at you.

“It’s one of the most complex stories in Australian history. I wanted to do it properly with Dasher’s family behind it.”

Mr Madden was the first to interview Dasher’s widow, Edna. He also had rare access to a lot of surviving mates as well as a book by US Marine Jim Lowe whose life was saved by another stunning act of Dasher gallantry in Vietnam.

Lowe later named his own son Dasher in tribute to his late friend.

That life-saving act also led to Dasher being awarded the US’s third-highest military honour, the Silver Star.

His family is yet to receive the medal due to in part Australian military obstruction, Mr Madden says.

Several attempted hand-overs have been cancelled due to Covid restrictions in the past two years.

After 56 long years, his family is set to finally the Silver Star at the Australian War Memorial on 26 November.

Mr Madden is one of very few non-family members invited to the ceremony.

He says the Dasher story is “the book Australia needs at the moment” – especially while the nation seems so fraught and divided.

“It’s a chance to get perspective.

“Everyone needs to calm down, relax and remember our history. Think about what Dasher did that day for his mate and keep going.

“Remember Australians are pretty bloody good people. We’ll be all right.”

Dasher: The Kevin Wheatley VC Story by Michael Madden features a foreword by Keith Payne VC. It is available in bookshops and online.

Michael Madden with his ground-breaking book Dasher: The Kevin Wheatley VC Story. 256158 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A South Vietnamese general pins gallantry medals on Kevin Wheatley’s coffin.

A rare complete family photo of Kevin and Edna Wheatley and their children.

Kevin Wheatley and US Marine Jim Lowe in Vietnam.

Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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STAR NEWS 13

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Teaching crafty children Teaching a little one to use scissors seems to inspire fear in a lot of parents, however, a good sturdy pair of scissors with safety blades means that even a toddler can handle a pair of scissors and an adult’s blood pressure can remain stable!

“There seems to be a lot of concern about when is the ‘best’ time to introduce scissor skills to a child’s crafty repertoire,” says leading craft expert, Shannon Wong-Nizic, from OhCreativeDay. Here are Shannon’s top tips for parents looking to teach their young child how to cut safely and effectively: Open-shut them - The first skill to learn is opening and closing the scissors. This is when a spring-assisted pair of scissors is a good choice. Around the age of two, a child will often open the scissors with both hands.

At this stage of development, they aren’t ready to begin cutting paper. Cutting playdough is a great way to encourage strengthening hands and growing accustomed to the open/close nature of using scissors.

Thumbs up - From the start, it’s important to remind children of the ‘thumbs up’ position while holding scissors. The thumb is placed in the smaller hole and the fingernail must face the ceiling. Draw a smiley face on a child’s thumbnail when they are first learning to hold scissors, making sure that the smile is facing the ceiling at all times when cutting.

Snip snip - Once opening and closing the scissors has been mastered, kids can move onto practising snipping paper. They are not moving the paper forward as they cut, simply snipping.

Cut and hold - Around the age of three, children can begin moving scissors forward along paper to cut. After this skill is acquired, children begin also using their non-

·

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Mum, teacher and craft expert Shannon Wong-Nizic shares her tips for teaching kids scissor skills.

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dominant hand to hold the paper and move it to allow cutting with the dominant hand.

Children at this stage can begin to cut along straight lines, with varying accuracy.

Around the bend - From straight lines, children then move to curved lines. From lines, they then move onto basic shapes. By about the age of five, children can begin to cut

·

more complex shapes with increased accuracy.

The right tools for the job - When it comes to scissor skills, having a top-quality pair of scissors is a must. Shannon learnt the hard way with her firstborn when she attempted to introduce scissors with her, using cheap scissors that caused much toddler angst.

Picture: SUPPLIED There is nothing worse than a frustrated toddler bearing scissors! Shannon WongNizic is a teacher, mum of three and avid crafter. An enthusiastic fan of pom poms, PVA and paint, she runs popular blog and online parenting resource dedicated to all things creative, ohcreativeday.com and has over 30,000 followers on Instagram.

International Baccalaureate World School Inquiry Learning with a Christian World View

• Private Bus Service • Established Facilities • ELC - Year 8 (growing to Year 12)

Rivercrest Christian College

I

Ferdinand Drive Clyde North - Enter via Gate 6

I

ph 9703 9777

I www.rivercrest.vic.edu.au

KOO WEE RUP SECONDARY COLLEGE TOURS We invite Grade 5 & 6 Students and Parents to take our virtual tour which can be found on our website, or alternatively please contact the College to book an on-site tour. For further information, please contact Mr Todd Slater (Assistant Principal) or Ms Lauren Harvey (Year 7 Learning Community Leader.)

Our school aims to provide a quality education for all students:

Learn more information about:

• Friendly, caring environment • Supportive Learning Communities complemented by a strong House system.

• SEAL (Select Entry Accelerated Learning) Program for gifted students.

• Extensive Sports, Music, Creative and Performing Arts programs • State of the Art Year Level Learning Centres.

• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program.

• Transition from Grade 6 to Year 7.

• Our Learning Communities and facilities.

• SEAL Program application process.

• School Bus Transport.

• Inclusive Education Program.

• Extra-curricular programs provided by the school, including the instrumental Music Program.

• Hear from our students about their school experiences.

TO BOOK AN ON-SITE TOUR: (TOURS HELD MON & THURS AT 10.15AM) 14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

koo.wee.rup.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au

12523104-CG47-21

www.kwrsc.vic.edu.au

5997 1444

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

New Year, new school?

Do you need to secure an enrolment for your child in 2022?

St Peter’s College principal Chris Black invites parents to consider St Peter’s College, either in Cranbourne or Clyde North. Whether it’s Year 7 or all year levels through to Year 12, talk to them about your child’s schooling needs for 2022.

Contact college registrar Wendy Height on 5990 7777 or email registrar@stpeters.vic.edu. au Mr Black said the College focussed on developing the skills today so students will thrive in tomorrow’s world.

“The 21st century learner will need a skill-

set of critical thinking, effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively and creatively. St Peter’s College strives to provide opportunities for our students to engage and excel in all of these areas,” he said.

Big decision “When selecting a secondary school for 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.

Individual learning pathways St Peter’s College offers VCAL, VET and VCE study pathways, allowing each student to tailor their learning for their own career aspirations.

Mr Black continues, “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.”

Campus tours St Peter’s College conducts regular student-led campus tours, onsite when they can, otherwise via virtual tours as a good place for parents to

start their research. Book online at stpeters.vic. edu.au/enrolments ”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.

“A tour is an incredibly 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,” Mr Black said.

Why you should choose Montessori education The Montessori approach to education can be found in every corner of the world and is used in over 20,000 schools.

At Karingal Primary School the Montessori educational Stream began in 2004 in response to a growing number of passionate parents’ desire to have their children experience this world-renowned educational system.

Over the years, the Montessori Stream at Karingal Primary School has grown from one to four classrooms and students come from Frankston and the surrounding suburbs. This unique program allows students to progress at their own pace and rhythm and is based on a deep understanding of child development.

Indeed, many of the insights and observations around human development made by

Dr Montessori have been supported by scientific research over the past 30 years.

Dr Montessori’s approach to education inspires a lifelong love of learning and you may not realise this, but many famous musicians, athletes and tech giants, like Jeff Bezos and Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, attended Montessori schools.

But what is Montessori?

It is a child-centred method of education where students work with hands-on materials, enabling each child to independently discover new concepts and develop critical thinking skills. Classrooms have multi-aged groups, so students can learn collaboratively within a prepared environment. Learning is self-directed, encouraging students to gain a sense of independence, creativity and confi-

dence in their abilities as learners.

If you are interested in knowing more about the Montessori approach at Karingal Primary School and how it could support you and your child, contact us by phone (03) 9788 4800/ (03) 9789 0514 or email at Karingal. ps@education.vic.gov.au We would love to talk to you about your child and his/her future.

Montessori approach at Karingal Primary School.

NEW YEAR, NEW SCHOOL? ACT NOW

HANDS ON LEARNING WITH BEAUTIFUL MONTESSORI MATERIALS

Act Now! 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.

AUTHENTIC LEARNING AND TEACHING

INDIVIDUALISED PROGRAM

MONTESSORI PROGRAM AT KARINGAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

PREPARED MONTESSORI ENVIRONMENTS

Foundation – Year 6

ENROLMENTS OPEN NOW FOR 2022 “The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence”

A PLACE WHERE YOUR CHILD IS SEEN & HEARD

Maria Montessori 12505201-JW34-21

Address: Karingal Primary School

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

15 Mallum Avenue, Frankston, Vic 3199

Enquiries Welcome Phone: 9788-4800

Web Address www.karingalps.vic.edu.au

See the children working on Instagram @ montessori_karingal_primary 12522671-AV47-21

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

Crowds return for Cup

By David Nagel The Cranbourne Turf Club became the focus of Victorian racing on Saturday with the club hosting its first-ever standalone Cranbourne Cup. This year’s Cup was the richest in history at $500,000 attracting a high-class field of gallopers to race over the 1600-metre journey.

A crowd of 4000 people cheered loudly as local trainer Robbie Griffiths secured his first home-town cup in a career spanning more than 30 years.

News photographer STEWART CHAMBERS was on hand to capture all the exciting action.

Punters were treated to a rendition of the National Anthem on Saturday. 257758

Megan, Cassie, Steph and Taya from Berwick. 257758

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Nathan, Will, Aaron, Kobe and Jacob. 257758

John, Gabrielle, Natasha, Ryan and Ellie from Botanic Ridge. 257758

Bethany, Rhylee, Kelly and Taylah from Cranbourne. 257758

Grace, Jake, Kelly and Timothy from Cranbourne. 257758

Jasmine Bainbridge and Madellin Goring. 257758

Friends took the opportunity to catch up at the races. 257758

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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NEWS

Leanne, Tracey, Alana, Taylah, Deb, Rachel, Bridie, Kayla, Troy and Tameka from Casey Thunder Women’s Football Club. 257758

(Back) Deb and Georgie with Ruth and Glenda. 257758

Punters watching keenly from the balcony. 257758

Owners of King Magnus are up and about cheering their horse home to win the 2021 Cranbourne Cup. 257758

Young Harley McNaughton cheering home a horse in the Apache Cat Classic. 257758

A young spectator listening keenly to some words of advice. 257758

Aimee and Lisa from Pakenham. 257758

Umbrellas were required at times but the weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of racegoers. 257758 cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Punters sought the best vantage points to cheer the field home. 257758

Matt Bullock, Nathan Heath and Clayton Gay. 257758

Cheering on the horses from the grandstand. 257758 Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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STAR NEWS 17

NEWS

Donations deliver defibs

By Jamie Salter Victoria’s volunteer firefighters will be even better protected while training and responding to emergencies thanks to generous community donations that will enable a defibrillator to be installed on every CFA brigade and group vehicle.

Donations to the CFA and Brigades Donations Fund and the CFA Public Fund means $2.543 million will be allocated to purchase more than 1130 defibrillators.

By mid-2022, every CFA brigade and group vehicle will have a dedicated defibrillator onboard.

Narre Warren CFA captain Travis Carter said the brigade’s firetrucks have had defibrillators for the past five years.

“It’s important that all brigades have these defibrillators out on the fire ground because if someone does have a cardiac arrest, we’re in a position where we can do something rather than wait for an ambulance,” Mr Carter said.

“You have a better chance at saving lives and it’s not just for our members. It can be used on the public.”

He said the funding would help support rural brigades that are unable to purchase the defibrillators themselves.

“It’s all about protecting our members and it has become part of our first aid training.”

CFA and Brigades Donations Fund chair Graeme Jilbert said all funds were allocated to benefit volunteers and the community, and in line with suggestions and requests from members.

“People donating to CFA want the money to be spent where they make a difference to our

CFA is allocating $2.543 million to purchase more than 1130 defibrillators. hard-working volunteers and our communities,” he said.

“We are so grateful and humbled by the community’s support which means our members are now further protected as a result of

these additional defibrillators.”

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the life-saving equipment would improve the safety of both firefighters and community members.

“Our members are volunteers who give up

their time to help keep their communities safe and I’m so pleased that with the support of the community’s generous donations, CFA is able to do its part in keeping them as safe as possible.“

Incident Response Service clearing congestion Drivers on busy arterial roads will now have easier and more reliable journeys thanks to the Victorian Government expanding the Incident Response Service (IRS).

Following the addition of 12 new officers and six new special purpose vans, the IRS will now patrol an expanded area of metropolitan freeways and arterial roads, clearing incidents more quickly, and keeping Victorians moving.

These officers have been deployed in key hotspots in the south-eastern, eastern and western suburbs of Melbourne, where newly installed technology is helping dedicated engineers identify congestion and incidents.

The new special purpose vans have specialist fit-outs including a rear-mounted electronic message board, fuel for emergency top-ups, traffic management equipment and shunt bars to nudge breakdowns off the road.

Victorian Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll said the expansion would make sure Melbourne’s busiest roads were also our safest and most reliable.

“Our Incident Response Service is there to lend a hand when you need them most. With

specialist training and equipment, they’re able to clear disruptions quickly and get you moving again,“ Mr Carroll said.

Since their introduction, the average number of incidents responded to by the IRS on arterial roads in the west, east and southeast has increased dramatically, from 20 incidents per month to 55 incidents per month (per officer).

With restrictions easing and people returning to work and social activities across the city, road patronage has returned to 92 per cent of pre-Covid levels.

As restrictions eased late last year, traffic volumes returned to higher than pre-Covid levels on some arterial roads, so this new team is key to identifying and clearing incidents and keeping traffic flowing across metropolitan suburbs.

The bolstered IRS is part of the Victorian Government’s $340 million Smarter Roads package that includes more than 700 new CCTV cameras, 42 new permanent electronic message signs, 75 new dynamic pedestrian crossings, and the largest review of traffic lights in Melbourne’s history.

The Incident Response Service is being expanded to protect Melbourne drivers. 249789 18 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

A new report shows 24 per cent of retirees want to go on an adventurous holiday.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Retirees seek thrills Retirees are planning to move past the pandemic by improving their health and booking adrenaline-filled activities and adventurous holidays in the next two years, according to a new survey.

The survey shows half of retirees from south east Melbourne, including retirees from the City of Casey, are taking steps to improve their health since the pandemic started, by eating healthier (35 per cent) and focusing on fitness (28 per cent).

The Retirement Living Lifestyle Report was commissioned by Lendlease to gain insights into the lifestyle aspirations of Australian retirees aged 55 and over, with 4380 people surveyed nationally.

With 75 retirement living villages across the country and more than 17,000 residents calling Lendlease villages home, the data is being used to ensure the villages continue to support residents to fulfil their lifestyle desires during retirement.

Nineteen per cent of retirees stated feeling more outgoing, 15 per cent are having more fun and 12 per cent feel more adventurous.

In the next two years, thrill-seeking local retirees are interested in going on an adventurous holiday (24 per cent), try hot air ballooning (six per cent) and go sky diving (three per cent).

Romance could be on the cards for five per cent of local retirees who state they are interested in finding a new love in the next two years.

Travelling the world is the top bucket list item, with more than half (53 per cent) saying they would spend their savings on holidays in the next two years.

Lendlease Retirement Living managing director Nathan Cockerill said it was great to see Australian retirees keeping their health and wellbeing in check.

“It’s fantastic to know Australian retirees are looking forward to making the most of life by chasing their sense of adventure and ticking off their bucket lists once conditions permit,“ Mr Cockerill said.

“There are a handful of retirees more daring than me – I don’t plan on hot air ballooning or sky diving any time soon, but maybe that will change when I reach retirement.” cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Eat healthy

By The Team At Better Health Family Clinic

SunSmart is specifically targeting men in its new sun safety campaign.

The dietitians at Better Health Family Clinic are expert in explaining complex health and food issues in ways that are simple and easy to understand. We guide you towards making healthier food choices by helping you to formulate realistic nutritional goals whether it be to lose weight, reduce blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, feel healthier or just to help you build a healthy relationship with food. We will achieve this by providing you with strategies and motivation to address your health concerns including bowel concerns, diabetes, heart disease, weight management, food allergies, as well as general lifestyle and healthy eating advice.

What are the makings of a healthy diet for your child?

Proteins boost energy, builds muscles and supports children’s bodies to grow and repair injuries. Approximately 10-20% of calories are said to come from proteins, which they can acquire from meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, soy products, seafood, unsalted nuts and seeds. Protein sources your child might enjoy consuming are cheese, peanut butter and fortified foods, like cereals.

Children are encouraged to eat fruits -be it fresh, canned, frozen, dried, cut up, or pureed.

If they enjoy drinking fruit juice or canned fruits, ensure that it is a hundred percent pure fruit juice without added sugars. Preparing juice at home might be an interesting activity to engage children. You can also include dried fruits in their lunch boxes, where one-quarter cup of dried fruit is equivalent to one cup of fruit. Try to incorporate fruits into their breakfast and snacks.

Like fruits, vegetables can be consumed in several forms- fresh, canned, frozen or dried.

Picture: ISTOCK

SunSmart targets men in new sun safety campaign As Victoria enters the summer months and COVID restrictions ease, SunSmart is reminding Victorians to use sun protection as they enjoy their new-found freedoms.

Launched on November 9, the campaign specifically targets men after a national Cancer Council study showed they are neglecting certain body parts when it comes to sun protection.

The campaign’s tagline, ‘when you cover things, they last longer: same goes for you,’ urges men to cover themselves just as much as they protect their loved ones and belongings. The ad depicts a dad covering up his barbeque from the sun before his son points out he should be protecting himself too.

Results from the 2019 Summer Sun Protection Survey (Life in Australia™), found males who were sunburnt on summer weekends were more likely than females to report having been burnt on the following specific body parts: Nose (43 percent compared to females at 24 percent) Ears (28 percent compared to females at 7 percent) Legs (26 percent compared to females at 13 percent) Back of the knees (12 percent compared to females at 1 percent) Despite 79 percent of men surveyed agreeing that if they regularly protect themselves from the sun then they can avoid skin cancer, less than half agreed that sun protection was part of their daily routine (49 percent).

· · · ·

When it comes to the five recommended forms of sun protection, it was found that when outdoors on summer weekends, less than a third of men slipped on protective clothing, slopped on sunscreen, slapped on a wide-brimmed hat, or sought out shade.

However, around half of men surveyed reported they slid on a pair of sunglasses when heading outside.

Compared to women, it was found that men were worse at protecting themselves with three out of the five: sunscreen and sunglasses use, as well as seeking out shade.

Craig Sinclair, Head of Prevention Division at Cancer Council Victoria, said the new campaign served as an important reminder for men not to be complacent when it comes to protecting their skin.

“As a dad, my first instincts are to protect my family, so I understand how easy it is to forget to show myself the same level of protection,” he said.

Head of SunSmart, Heather Walker, urged all Victorians to remember sun protection when venturing out and about this summer.

“71 percent of men know melanoma kills more men than women, so it’s alarming to see them not heeding our advice to cover up and protect themselves,” she says.

“Check your sunscreen expiry date, invest in a new broad-brimmed hat for the summer, and download the SunSmart app for daily access to the UV levels and sun protection times in your area.”

Sun protection is recommended when UV levels are 3 or higher. For more information visit www.sunsmart.com.au

Distribute the type of vegetable you want your child to enjoy throughput the week instead of sticking to a certain type for the entirety of the week. Types of vegetables include dark green (spinach, broccoli, radish greens, kale, turnip greens), red and orange (pumpkin, sweet potatoes, red peppers, carrots) beans and peas, starchy (beets, carrots, parsnips, yams) etc.

If they seem to seem lean towards a type, let them enjoy that! Always try to ensure that a side of vegetables is served during most meals.

Food produced from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, or another cereal grain is grain foods. Best grain foods to opt for are whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, or brown or wild rice. Breakfast options with bread are endless –serve them with natural fruit jams, peanut butter, or as French toasts and sandwiches.

Dairy provides an abundance of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D. In addition, they are a decent source of carbohydrates, protein, and sometimes fat. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese are overflowing with calcium. Calcium and vitamin D are vital for every stage of life. Calcium strengthens bones and vitamin D assists calcium absorption.

An important issue to keep in mind is to limit your child’s calories from: Processed sugars – found in processed food such as candy, energy drinks, bottled juice etc.

Saturated and trans-fats – fats from junk food/fast food.

They can be replaced with vegetables, nut oils, avocados, seafood and home cooked meals.

To consult our expert dietitians, call 9702 9300, or book online at https://betterhealthfamilyclinic.com.au/contact/online-booking

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12522411-AV47-21

ONE LOCATION FOR YOUR HEALTHCARE NEEDS Online Bookings Available through www.betterhealthfamilyclinic.com.au or Healthengine.com.au - select Hampton park

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU OPEN฀EXTENDED HOURS Mon to Fri 8 am to 9 pm Weekends and Public฀Holidays 9 am to 5pm

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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.

“This is with an The services provi ulation,” ore - we’ve got a huge bonu requirements. such a growlittle hick nity she said. ded at the expansion goes,” she s as far as ing popof Liz Barto those curre new site will Mon said of the the comm ash Heal be ntly The new munity consn, a retired nurs th u- Care Cranbour hospital.

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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Clyde Coles Express Service Station Corner Grices Road and Cranbourne-Berwick Road Clyde Clyde Village Store 18 Railway Road (Cnr of Oroya Grove) Clyde North Selandra Rise Retirement Village 5 Harmony Chase Clyde North Selandra Community Hub 7-9 Selandra Boulevard Clyde North Selandra Rise Shopping Centre Selandra Boulevard & Linsell Boulevard Clyde North Lifestyle Berwick Waters 10 Skylark Boulevard Cranbourne Cranbourne Library 65 Berwick Cranbourne Road Cranbourne Cranbourne Basketball and Sports Centre 65 Berwick - Cranbourne Road Cranbourne Life Be In It 65 Berwick - Cranbourne Road Cranbourne Coles Express 1120 Cnr Sladen Street & Cemetery Roads Cranbourne Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club 1 Codrington Street Cranbourne BP Service Station 1025-1045 Frankston Cranbourne Road CRANBOURNE

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Cranbourne Cranbourne Bowls Club 5 Grant Street Cranbourne Cranbourne Newsagency 105 High Street Cranbourne Coles Cranbourne High Street (Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre) Cranbourne United Service Station 183/187 Sladen Street Cranbourne Cranbourne RSL 1475 South Gippsland Highway Cranbourne City of Casey Shop 156 South Gippsland Highway (Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre) Cranbourne Coles Springhill Springhill Drive (Springhill Shopping Centre) Cranbourne Cranbourne Community House 49-51 Valepark Crescent Cranbourne East Balla Ball Community Centre 65 BerwickCranbourne Road Cranbourne East Shopping On Clyde 280 Berwick-Cranbourne Road Cranbourne East Blue Hills Rise 200-240 BerwickCranbourne Road Cranbourne East Hunt Club Shopping Centre 1 Linsell Boulevard Cranbourne North The Avenue Shopping Centre Cnr William Thwaites Boulevard & Thompsons Road

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Cranbourne North Merinda Park Learning & Community Centre 141-147 Endeavour drive Cranbourne North Apco Cranbourne North 315 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road Cranbourne North BP North Cranbourne 399 Narre Warren Cranbourne Road Cranbourne North Woolworths Cranbourne North South Gippsland Hwy & Thompsons Road Cranbourne North Thompson Parkway Newsagency South Gippsland Hwy & Thompsons Road Cranbourne North IGA Supermarket - Eve Estate Shop 1/2-10 William Thwaites Boulevard Cranbourne West Apco Service Station 810 DandenongHastings Road Cranbourne West Coles Cranbourne West Duff Street (Sandhurst Centre) Cranbourne West Green Plaza News and Lotto Duff Street (Sandhurst Centre) Cranbourne West IGA Clarinda Park 85 Everlasting Boulevard Cranbourne West BP Service Station 910 Thompsons Road Hampton Park Shopping Centre 55 Hallam Road Hampton Park Lynbrook Lynbrook Community Centre 2 Lynbrook Boulevard & Harris Street

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Lynbrook Lynbrook Newsagency 75 Lynbrook Boulevard (Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre) Lyndhurst Liberty 210 Dandenong Hastings Road Lyndhurst Caltex 945 Thompsons Road & Lyndhurst Boulevard Lyndhurst Marriot Waters Shopping Centre Thompsons Road & Marriott Boulevard Lyndhurst Subway Restaurant Shop 10-18 Thompsons Road & Marriott Boulevard (Marriot Waters Shopping Centre) Lyndhurst Woolworths Supermarket Thompsons Road & Marriott Boulevard (Marriot Waters Shopping Centre) Narre Warren South Ritchies Amberly Park 245 Ormond Road (Amberly Park Shopping Centre) Narre Warren South Coles 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road (Casey Central Shopping Centre) Narre Warren South Casey News and Lotto Shop 156, 400 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Road (Casey Central Shopping Centre) Skye BP Service Station Western Port Highway & Hall Road

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FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE

AVOID THE PRICE RISE GOVERNMENT money and low interest rates are fuelling a global construction boom, according to the findings of the 12th International Construction Market Survey from Turner & Townsend, but it is not all positive (Kelly, 2021).

The building industry is under increasing pressure as demand is outstripping supply.

Price rises are inevitable and it has put builders in a difficult position. Whilst many are struggling to navigate ongoing challenges brought up by the pandemic, like shortages, restrictions and delays, Rawdon Hill Homes is offering contracts to customers to sign up and build now, if they have land.

Building boom In June 2020 the government announced the commencement of the HomeBuilder grant to protect trade occupations in response to the downturn caused by the pandemic. State governments followed suit with other building incentives and this did, indeed, increase economic activity in the industry. However, the sheer multitude of people capitalising on these grants has put pressure on construction. To make matters more difficult, the current climate has exacerbated this situation further. Regular and extended lockdowns have encouraged many city dwellers to make a tree change and move out to regional Victoria. Consequently, many people building new homes are favouring house and land packages, and putting more pressure on the industry.

Shortages and delays In addition to this, the worldwide pandemic has brought up a number of other issues which have delayed families’ dreams of a new home. Government initiatives were created to counter losses during the pandemic but now increasing demand means builds have been delayed for from six to 18 months due to waits on administration and council approvals, shortage of materials and labour, and restrictions on the amount people allowed on build sites. There has been difficulty in sourcing particular materials for construction, timber in particular. With little to no timber being imported at the moment, it means that the local prices have skyrocketed. Similarly, waffle pods (which are used as void fillers in concrete slabs) are in short supply because, while manufactured in Australia, they are sourced in their raw form from overseas.

With regard to labour shortages on labour, both closed state and international borders have made it difficult for businesses to find workers. In ordinary times, overseas workers have been able to fill the gap.

Stress on builders The stress on builders is evident due to the aforementioned factors. Businesses are in danger of overcommitting themselves which could mean builds are delayed for longer.

There is also uncertainty of what prices will be when builds are completed. Given the current market, prices may continue to rise over the course of delayed builds. Are builders or the customers expected to cover

Avoid the price rise - we can build your dream home now.

the costs of these price rises? The ability of builders to absorb these costs will largely depend on the size of the company; smaller builders may struggle. Obviously, contracts will vary for each buyer with their builder, and they would have to specify if there could be price increases. Customers may have to abandon builds if they cannot afford to pay for extra costs.

The Rawdon Hill difference Even with the industry under pressure, Rawdon Hill Homes remains diligent that customer service and quality construction are paramount. As a family-owned company with 46 years of experience, they are known for their trustworthiness and transparency.

Rawdon Hill has continued to provide affordable, luxury homes, building 150 homes across a year. As a long running business in the industry, they have an established supply chain and are in a strong position to have greater control on price.

Rawdon Hill Homes general manager Peter Grant says customers who already have land and sign up with the low deposit now will save and only pay what is outlined in the contract. “Our focus, as always, is to help people build their dream home with price transparency and limit uncertainty.”

Sign up now to benefit This is an amazing opportunity for people looking to build a home at this difficult time.

Customers who put down a minimal deposit before 20 December 2021 can be assured of getting the keys to their home for the price quoted. Rawdon Hill Homes is looking to have 25 signed new home build contracts.

Depending on the state of the industry in the coming months, this could mean saving

as much as 30 per cent on the price of your home.

Avoid the price rise Get the house you want, where you want, and how you want. Avoid the price rise with Rawdon Homes and save thousands. If you have land, Rawdon Hill Homes is ready to build for you now. Not only will you have peace of mind regarding your finances, you can rest assured that as always, you will be in good hands with the Rawdon Hill team.

More than ever, their personalised service of

keeping you up to date with your build from start to finish, makes them the ideal builder for your journey to creating your dream home.

Don’t miss out on this chance to secure your new home at an affordable price.

Contact Rawdon Hill Homes today to make an appointment or visit one of their five display homes.

T&Cs apply Call 1800 314 737 Visit: rawdonhill.com.au/avoidtherise/ ●

· · ·

T 8P_

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

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Notice of the preparation of an amendment Amendment C275case The Casey City Council has prepared Amendment C275case to the Casey Planning Scheme.

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

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Public Notice

The land affected by the amendment is land in the Cranbourne Major Activity Centre generally bounded by the existing Activity Centre Zone.

The amendment proposes revisions to the planning framework for the Cranbourne Major Activity Centre.

You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at:

“Fairbairns loves using local advertising to grow local business” -Leigh

• the City of Casey website at https://www. casey.vic.gov.au/current-planning-schemeamendments.; or • during office hours, at the office of the planning authority, Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren or the City of Casey Customer Service Centre, Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, Shop 156 South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne. Given changes to public health restrictions may affect the provision of in-person services or the operating hours of the City of Casey, please call Council on 9705 5200 before attending a customer service centre.

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Any person who may be affected by the amendment may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.

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Join us to hear how we’re listening to our community, consumers and partners to embed a new approach to public health.

The online meeting is open to the public and is free to attend.

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ANTENNA MAN

Name and contact details of submitters are required for council to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend council meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions.

The closing date for submissions is 17 December 2021. A submission must be sent to the City of Casey, by email to cityplanning@casey.vic.gov.au or post to PO Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805.

The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or on its website for any person to inspect free of charge for two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.

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STAR NEWS 23

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Festival for Casey Fields

By Nick Creely

Trainers Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock celebrate the win of King Magnus in the $500,000 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS TAB Cranbourne Cup (1600m). 257758

Special win for Griffiths

By David Nagel Heavy rains – that almost called a halt to the cup meeting at his home track – turned into a perfect storm for Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths after the popular local claimed his first home-town cup success with King Magnus on Saturday.

The $500,000 Listed TAB Cranbourne Cup (1600m), the first Saturday edition of the race, and the richest cup ever, turned into a celebration for Griffiths, who now trains in partnership with Mathew de Kock.

Griffiths has been a familiar face at Cranbourne for 30 years, when a young jockey decided to dip his toes into the training ranks after rising weight became a burden on his riding career.

Griffiths trained his first winner in 1992 – Go Raami – and won his first Group-1 in 2016 when The Quarterback won the Newmarket Handicap.

But you get the feeling that Saturday’s win ranks right alongside that Group-1 in terms of importance.

“This is big, this is very special because to win your hometown cup, especially this year, the inaugural running of the TAB Cranbourne Cup, in our first year as a partnership, it’s very, very special,” Griffiths said post-race.

“Neil Bainbridge (Cranbourne Turf Club CEO) and the team have done a fantastic job so it’s very special.”

King Magnus, a six-year-old gelding out of Magnus/Influential Miss, was having just his

second start in heavy going, running last of 13 the only time he had stepped out on heavy ground at Sandown in June this year.

But King Magnus has been a model of consistency since then, finishing top two in six of his eight starts since that poor effort at Sandown, that came after putting on a buckjumping display.

Jockey Lachlan King settled King Magnus midfield, but made a sweeping run around the home turn to emerge as a leading contender.

King Magnus dug deep in the home straight, surging with 100-metres to run to hold off the late efforts of race-favourite Our Playboy, with So Si Bon back in third.

Griffiths said King Magnus will now have a well-deserved break before possibly being targeted at a huge prize in the autumn.

“He’s going to have a break now, we spoke to Greg Carpenter (Handicapper) the other day about nominating him for the All-Star Mile,” Griffiths said.

“Whether he’s good enough I’m not sure, but he’ll have a lot of backing, people will follow him, that’s for sure.”

Saturday’s meeting was almost abandoned before the first race, with three leading riders inspecting the track after unseasonal heavy rains had the track teetering on a heavy-10 rating.

But the rains, that had caused so much damage later in the week, finally eased to allow the program, which carried a record $1.6million in prizemoney, to proceed.

Wild weather has final say

By Nick Creely Wet weather had the final say on the opening round of cricket across Victoria on Saturday, with all of the Gazette’s local competitions unable to get a start.

Rain and wind wreaked havoc on the state across Friday and Saturday, forcing the associations across Victoria to deem grounds unplayable.

The West Gippsland Cricket Association cancelled the opening round of fixtures, with all games declared a draw and points shared accordingly, while the Dandenong District Cricket Association made an early call to cancel weekend play on Thursday, however have pushed back the start of the season to this Saturday to ensure no games have cricket have been lost.

The Victorian Premier Cricket competition cancelled its Men’s and Women’s opening rounds which were fixtured for Saturday and Sunday, with both days abandoned and points shared.

In other competitions, the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association made the call to cancel the weekend’s play, but will use its cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Wild weather lashed the state across the weekend. 225589 spare day for first XI only, Sunday 6 February, to play the Round 1 fixtures. All other grades have shared points.

The Warragul District Cricket Association made the decision to abandon its Division 1 fixtures, however Division’s 2 to 6 have been moved to 8 January, while the Victorian Sub District Cricket Association have moved its Round 1 matches to its reserve day, Sunday 5 December.

A festival of Twenty20 cricket is set to light up the local area, with the Aussie Cricket League set to launch at Casey Fields in December.

The new and exciting tournament is penned in for Monday 20 December until Friday 24 December, with four communitybased Melbourne sides, the Australia XI, Pakistan XI, India XI and Sri Lankan XI set to take part.

Aussie Cricket League organiser Harry Sandhu said it was the perfect opportunity for the Melbourne community to get a glimpse of some of Australia’s top community cricketers representing their country with pride.

“We’re trying to create a platform for our local stars, there’s so much talent in the community,” he said.

“We hope that this can help even get them to a higher level if they can play well.”

Sandhu said that there will be plenty of family-friendly entertainment across the week, with free entry.

“We’re expecting about 2,000 to 3,000 people a day, we’ll have food vans, entertainment, a live DJ, commentary, highlights on the big screen,” he said.

“We would love the community support, so come along and have plenty of fun.”

There will be a live telecast at Punjab TV Australia, YouTube and Social Media platforms, with Peter Lazer and Larry Ponting locked in as commentators.

Sandhu said there was plenty of excitement around the inaugural Twenty20 league, and hopes it can form the building blocks for expansion into the future.

He also added that there was an astonishing 400 applicants for the India XI squad, eventually narrowing it down to 18.

“We’re hopeful of expanding next year, we’re talking to someone in England about bringing over a County side, we’re talking to someone in New Zealand, and we hope to get a community Afghanistan team,” he said.

Here are the full squads: AUSTRALIA Matt Chasemore (C) Callum Chasemore Jayde Herrick Blade Baxter Leigh Booth Will Whyte Jordan Hammond Matthew Cox Mick Sweeney Josh Dowling Brendan Drew Chris Thewlis Isaiah Jassal Cam Price (Coach)

· · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

PAKISTAN Yasir Hameed* Kamran Akmal* Akbar Shah Bilal Qureshi Mohammed Ismail Abdul Haseeb Usman Afzal Babar Nadeem Haseeb Qureshi Mohsin Abbas Aman Khan Sohail Sadiq Junain Kari Asad Hasan Ali Qamar Awan Yousuf Mohammad Yousuf* (Brand ambassador) Shafqat Nawaz (Team Manager)

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

SRI LANKA Aaron Fernando Kavinda Pulukkutiarachi

· ·

Matthew Chasemore will captain the Australia XI side. 229172 Picture: GARY SISSONS

· Nilochana Perera · Ruwantha Kellepotha · Vimesh Wickeramasinghe · Vinu Mohotti · Ruwinda Sharmen · Sanitha Demel · Rajitha Ranaweera · Dasun Randika · Hemantha Jayasundara · Yashan Samarasinghe · Yosham Kumara · Darshana Mahawattha · Praveen Dilanka · Gayan Deliva · Yohan Maddage (Reserve) · Kalhan Sineth (Reserve) · Zakir Fazal (Team Manager) · Bathiya Perera (Head Coach) INDIA Abhilash Sharma Abhishek Jain Anurag Dhaliwal Ashish Hansolia Ashish Matthews Bipanpreet Singh Danish Harman Singh Pavitar Shergill Prabhjot Singh Rachit Sharma Satnam Grewal Somil Patel Sushant Gupta Vishalbir Thind Vishesh Bansil Prince Singh (Reserve) Tej Gandi (Reserve) Amandeep Sandhu (Team Manager) Sawami Krishan Kali (Coach)

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

FIXTURES Monday 20 December, 5pm – India XI v Sri Lanka XI Tuesday 21 December, 5pm – Australia XI v Pakistan XI Wednesday 22 December, 1pm – Sri Lanka XI v Pakistan XI Wednesday 22 December, 5pm – India XI v Australia XI Thursday 23 December, 1pm – Australia XI v Sri Lanka XI Thursday 23 December, 5pm – India XI v Pakistan XI Friday 24 December, 5pm – Grand Final

· · · · · · ·

For more information, head to aussiecricketleague.com.au or visit them on Facebook or Twitter.

Thursday, 18 November, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 25

SPORT

City ready for defence of its title

By Nick Creely

Doveton will line up in Division 2 next season. 236627

Southern structure

By Nick Creely The Southern Football Netball League has officially advised clubs of the divisional structure for season 2022 as local clubs and leagues steadily prepare for a hopefully uninterrupted pre-season.

Competition newcomers Doveton have long been touted as entering the Division 2 ranks in 2022.

The Southern league has now confirmed that the Doves – who have crossed over from Outer East Football Netball League’s Premier Division – will be in the second division in their first season.

The Doves will have a couple of familiar rivalry matches in 2022, with former Casey Cardinia and South East Football Netball League compatriots - Hampton Park and Keysborough - also in Division 2.

Other clubs in Division 2 in 2022 will be Caulfield Bears, Chelsea Heights, East Brighton, Hampton, Heatherton, Highett and Skye.

Also joining Southern from Outer East’s Premier Division, Cranbourne will officially enter the top-flight of the league, Division 1 in 2022.

The south-east powerhouse who were en-

trenched in the battle for the senior football premiership this season before Covid hit and forced the cancellation of the 2021 season, will face a plethora of new clubs next season as the club seeks more stability moving forward, with Bentleigh, Cheltenham, Dingley, East Malvern, Mordialloc, Port Melbourne Colts, Springvale Districts, St Kilda City and St Pauls McKinnon.

Springvale Districts is the other newcomer to Division 1 after a dominant Division 2 season in 2021 which saw the club go through undefeated.

“We are pleased to announce that we will be competing in the SFNL 1st Division. This is huge news for our club which allows us to compete against the best teams in the competition,” the Eagles said in a statement.

“We are looking forward to what will be a fantastic competition to be a part; a competition that will be our home for many years to come.”

The league is scheduled to commence on Saturday 2 April with the season ending grand final set for Saturday 17 September.

Cranbourne is ready to test itself in Southern’s Picture: GARY SISSONS top-flight. 241982

Reigning A-League Mens champions Melbourne City are ready to roll ahead of Friday night’s season opener against Brisbane Roar.

The Casey Fields A-League franchise will be hoping it can pick up where it left off after last season’s 3-1 grand final win against Sydney FC despite limited preparation and some unavailability of some key starts.

“It’s been a long pre-season, and what the players look forward to is playing games, and unfortunately we haven’t been able to play that many,” City coach Patrick Kisnorbo said last week at the new facilities at Casey Fields in Cranbourne.

“It’s exciting for football in Melbourne.”

City tuned up for the season opener with an 0-3 win against South Melbourne last Friday night in the 2021 FFA Cup, despite not having its all-Socceroo front three of Jamie Maclaren, Matthew Leckie and Andrew Nabbout available for selection.

Kisnorbo’s classy unit were typically stoic in their defensive efforts throughout the evening, and managed to create a host of early chances.

It wasn’t until the 23rd minute that South Melbourne’s resistance was broken, with Connor Metcalfe making the most of a Nathaniel Atkinson cross at the edge of the six-yard box.

City went into the break with a 0-1 lead, but saved its best and most destructive football for the second half, with Scotty Galloway stealing the show with a brace.

Galloway’s first goal came through in the 66th minute, with a beauty of a strike streaming past the keeper.

He then backed up his effort with another strike near the post to give City its third goal and to cap off a largely impressive team performance which also saw the team take a good look at some of their youngsters.

The win sees City through to the Round of 16, but has provided ample preparation for the A-League Mens season opener, which kicks off at AAMI Park from 7.45pm on Friday night.

Doves sign new recruits as pieces of the puzzle lock in

By Nick Creely Doveton’s preparations for life in the Southern Football Netball League continue to gather steam, with the Doves locking in some key recruits.

It’s been a busy period of recruiting for the Doves, who are busy bolstering its list under new coach Michael Cardamone.

The Doves have landed a big name in ruckman Dylan Chapman, who has crossed over from Officer in a huge signing for not only the club, but the league.

Chapman has won two club best and fairests with the Kangaroos, was the league runner up in the best and fairest for the Outer East Division 1 in 2021, and has been a four-time Team of the Year representative.

He’s widely regarded as one of the most dominant footballers in the region and will undoubtedly make his presence known in his new surroundings.

Also joining Chapman at the Doves is fellow Officer duo Ash Brown and Jake Ingaliso, with the pair expected to add a touch of class.

Brown is a classy half-forward who has played representative football, while Ingaliso is a two-time Team of the Year representative in 2019 and 2021, where he has established himself as one of the most attacking key de26 STAR NEWS

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fenders in the competition.

The Doves have also announced key signings in forward Trav Woodfield, who has spent time with Officer and more recently Cora Lynn to great success, Jarrod Thompson who has crossed over from Scoresby, and midfielder Charlie O’Neill who originally signed with the club in 2020 before the pandemic forced him to move to Cairns.

The club also previously announced that Michael Cardamone – who has kicked 626 goals from 284 senior matches – is signed on as playing-coach – as well as announcing the return of defender Josh Viney, the signing of Oakleigh Districts midfielder Harry Seymour, and are also hoping for one of its prized recruits from 2020, Austin Deneys to get on the field The Doves have also started the process of retention of its 2022 senior list, with the club announcing a raft of re-signings such as premiership skipper Matt Stapleton, Tyson Bellinger, Jake Basa, James Gascard, Luca Daidone, Harley Primrose and Matt Jameson.

Star ruckman Dylan Chapman has joined Doveton in a major boost for the Doves. 243410 Picture: ROB CAREW

Thursday, 18 November, 2021

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

New boss of AFL Victoria The AFL has announced the appointment of Ben Kavenagh to the role of Head of AFL Victoria.

Kavenagh has a distinguished background in sports administration in Australia and internationally, including extensive football experience in a career spanning 25 years.

He joins from National Basketball League club Adelaide 36ers/Lightning where he was CEO since 2018.

Prior to that he held senior executive roles in sport including Region Manager, Americas with the International Cricket Council (2012-17) and CEO of SANFL club South Adelaide (2005-12).

Kavenagh’s experience also includes stints as a director of the Ballarat Football League and Werribee Football Club. He replaces Brad Scott, who recently moved into the General Manger Football role at the AFL. AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, Rob Auld, said: “I wish to congratulate Ben on his appointment and welcome him to the AFL. We are pleased to secure someone of Ben’s experience at such a critical time for community football across Victoria.

“With the game having endured two seasons significantly impacted by Covid-19, this is an incredibly important role as we increase our investment in participation programs and

community football to ensure the game rebounds and thrives.

“Ben will play a key leadership role in steering AFL Victoria to re-engage kids and families, support volunteers and umpires, expand facilities and work with league, commercial and government stakeholders.

“He has exhibited a deep connection and understanding of football, having been associated with the game from a young age, and I look forward to working with him.”

Kavenagh said he is excited about what lies ahead for football in Victoria: “This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the growth of the game in the biggest and most established football market in the country.

“Football is hugely important to so many Victorians and the success of the game at all levels is driven by strong grassroots and community football foundations. I am looking forward to working with the AFL Victoria team and all our stakeholders across the community football network to ensure the game not only rebounds strongly in 2022 but grows and thrives well into the future.”

Kavenagh will relocate from Adelaide to Melbourne with his family and commence in the role later this month.

Ben Kavenagh is the new boss of AFL Victoria. 258230

Picture: SUPPLIED

Captain Jay Tootell encourages his team at Narre Warren. 257984

Picture: AFL VICTORIA

Noel Hardy sharing a moment with team mates at Narre Warren.

Cranbourne smiling to be back but start a little rusty CRANBOURNE BOWLS At last bowls is back and a new season is up and running for Cranbourne Bowling Club.

That is the good news - the bad news is that Cranbourne started with three losses and one win in round one.

Club President Tony Collins, although not pleased with some of the team results was just happy to see club members back at the club enjoying bowls and joining in the club activities and having a laugh after a long time in home isolation.

Side 1 - Division 2 Section 5 Captain Jay Tootell addressed the players at the start of the game asking them for a big ef-

fort playing at the fantastic new indoor bowls stadium at Narre Warren.

The green was running very well and the home team handled the faster green conditions much better than Cranbourne enabling them to take advantage of an early break that Cranbourne could not drag back.

Cranbourne ended the day with two rinks up and two rinks down and a final deficit of 25 shots.

Experienced skip Neil Drummond handled the conditions very well winning by six shots with support from his team mates, Nick Arnold, Jim Williams and Joe Byrne.

Scores: Cranbourne 66 (4 points) lost to Narre Warren 91 (14 points)

·

•฀Side฀2฀Division฀2฀Section฀6 Cranbourne had the pleasure of playing in winter-like conditions at home against Clayton and in a thrilling encounter came up short by four shots.

The rink of the day went to Skip Chris Griffiths and his crew of Fritz Helle, Matt Stevens and Dany Meyers who had an outstanding day winning by a massive 24 shots.

Scores: Cranbourne 74 (3 points) lost to Clayton 78 (15 points) Side 3 Division 3 Section 6 Hampton Park had the better of Cranbourne despite a tough fighting effort from Skip Lois Brock and her crew of Derek Maguire, Andrew Brock and Bob Pyne who won by two shots.

·

· Scores:

Cranbourne 62 (2points) lost to Hampton Park 85 (16 points) Side฀4฀Division฀6B฀Section฀6฀(12-a-side) At last some joy for Cranbourne with a big win against Mordialloc by 30 shots.

Skip Rob Sorensen had a great day winning by 13 shots thanks to the good form of his team: - Scott De Piazza, Neil Fotheringham and Sandra Mueller.

Scores: Cranbourne 72 (16 points) defeated Mordialloc 42 (0 points) Mid-week bowls starts Tuesday with one team entered in Division 2, two teams competing in Division 3 and one team competing in Division 4.

·

World’s fastest greyhound is now a dedicated Panther!

The Devon Meadows Cricket Club has announced its number-one ticket holder for season 2021/22 – the world’s fastest greyhound, Aston Rupee.

Trained just metres from the club’s home ground at Glover Reserve, Aston Rupee is the Sandown Park track record holder and has won the Group-1 Topgun and winner-takes-all Shootout at his last two starts.

He is favourite for this week’s Melbourne Cup series, and if successful in the world’s greatest greyhound race, he will become just the second greyhound after Hall Of Famer Bombastic Shiraz to claim the ‘Triple Crown’.

“We’re proud to be associated with such an outstanding greyhound,” said Devon Meadows Cricket Club president Mick Floyd.

“He’s a genuine star – one of greyhound racing’s most brilliant athletes. We’re excited to get behind ‘Jimbo’ for the Melbourne Cup and beyond.”

Aston Rupee’s trainer Glenn Rounds and cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

owner Ray Borda knew they had something special on their hands when Aston Rupee broke the Warragul track record before making his racing debut last December, but it’s his popularity off the track that has surprised the duo.

“The ride he’s taken Ray and I on has been amazing,” said Rounds.

“It’s important that we as trainers and owners do what we can to bring new people into our sport and show the public what fantastic animals greyhounds are.

“We’re looking forward to the Devon Meadows Cricket Club’s support as we aim for the biggest races on the greyhound racing calendar.”

At just 31 months of age, Aston Rupee has won 18 of 31 starts – including four at group level – and over $370,000 in prize money.

The heats of the $762,500 Melbourne Cup will be run at Sandown Park on Friday 19 November with the final to be run on Friday 26 November.

Aston Rupee with Devon Meadows Cricket Club President Mick Floyd and coach Lucas Ligt. 258099 Picture: SUPPLIED Thursday, 18 November, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 27

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Thursday, 18 November, 2021

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au