News - Cranbourne Star News - 21st July 2022

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Fruits of labour

Paper cranes for peace

Seagulls sow the seed of doubt

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SPORT

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National glory awaits

Consultation collapse

By Marcus Uhe Paul and Vanessa Crutchfield spent $2000 on renovating the nature strip outside their Clyde North home earlier this year, only to be told by the Department of Transport that a bus stop would be installed there.

But central to their worries are the regular deliveries of medical supplies for their oneyear-old son, Caleb, who suffers from a medical condition.

Despite the Crutchfields attempting to consult and voice their concerns with the Department, including engaging local MP Brad Battin, preliminary works have begun on its construction.

The family feel their safety concerns have been “brushed to the side”.

Story page 5

The Crutchfield family outside their Clyde North home, with early works underway on the nature Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS strip. 289800

What a stinker!

By Marcus Uhe The ongoing stench caused by SBI Landfill does not present long-term adverse health affects, and residents can expect the strength of the odour to reduce over the next few weeks.

These were two of the key messages from representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conveyed in an hour-long online information session on 14 July for residents affected by the “rotten eggs” smell ema-

nating from the Ballarto Road site.

In a question-and-answer forum, representatives from SBI, the City of Casey and the EPA fielded written questions submitted by those impacted by the smell, caused by hydrogen sulphite gas mixing with uncovered pooled water at the landfill.

When asked about whether residents should expect any long-term health effects, health scientist Jason Issa said exposure to the

issue can cause a number of immediate issues, including headaches, nausea and coughing.

“There is no indication that this odour has any long-term adverse health effects,” Mr Issa said.

“Our health guidance is always based on scientific evidence available at a given time.

“For this landfill, odours were assessed by odour experts who have been trained to detect and assess odour emissions. I’ll acknowledge

how unpleasant this odour has been but it is important to note that hydrogen sulphite odours can be smelt at a much lower concentration in the air, than that at which a very harmful health effect is likely to occur, which is probably the situation here.”

Mr Issa recommended minimising exposure to the odour by keeping windows and doors shut, and seeing a doctor if you had concerns.

Continued page 8

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NEWS

Connecting in Casey The National Mental Health Commission will bring its Making Connections for Your Mental Health and Wellbeing program (Connections2022) to the City of Casey on Saturday 23 July.

Connections2022 is an outreach program of the Commission that seeks to connect with people where they live, learn and work. Connections2022 will help the Commission deepen its understanding of the current status of our national systems and provide it with critical insights as it develops a National Outcomes Framework.

The Commission wants to hear from everyone, and Connections2022 will provide a platform for all to share. This will include listening to people’s everyday experiences of the mental health and suicide prevention systems and discussing what improvements look and feel like for them. In addition to in-person community meetings, Connections2022 will also include meetings with sector and community leaders and a series of special focus webinars.

The Connections2022 program will connect with all people and include a particular focus on the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure a deeper understanding of their experience of the mental health and suicide prevention systems.

The full program can be found at making-connections.com.au, call toll free: 1800 220 246 or email community@ making-connections.com.au To attend the community event in the City of Casey on 23 July, register at making-connections-cityofcasey.eventbrite. com.au

Andi (centre) with her twin sister Remi (left) and friend Matilda. 289912

Pictures: MARCUS UHE

Andi ready to take off for a lap around Banjo Paterson Lake, where she has been completing her cross-country training. 289912

Racing to nationals

By Marcus Uhe Grade four student at St Francis De Sales primary school in Lynbrook, Andi Mole, has qualified for the Australian Cross Country Championships in August.

Andi overcame nerves to finish fifth in the state championships at Yarra Glen Racecourse on Thursday 14 July, qualifying her for the national finals in Adelaide, and received a hero’s welcome when she arrived back at school.

“I’d been thinking about that (race) for the whole last week and the holidays,” Andi said.

“I was starting, and I was in front, but then some girls had some more energy to catch up.”

A basketballer and footballer in her spare time, the nine-year-old took up distance running as a student at the school.

Her training has included running around Banjo Paterson Lake, across the road from the school, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings before class, with music teacher Kristy Galea following her on a bike, providing encouragement along the way.

Andi said she’s excited for the national championships next month, and keeps her motivations simple.

“Just do your best. Think about, how far you’ve gotten and it doesn’t really matter.”

School principal Christine White said the

entire school was behind Andi in her quest for the national crown.

“We’re all ecstatic,” Ms White said.

“We’re so proud of her and what she’s achieved.

“There was an overwhelming feeling of joy from everyone at what she’s accomplished.

“She’s a very determined girl; she set herself big personal goals and it’s her own determination and perseverance that’s got her where she is.”

The Australian Cross Country Championships will be held at Oakland Racecourse in Adelaide on August 27.

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading roads and freeways in Melbourne’s south to reduce congestion and improve travel times to make your journey safer and easier. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel, creating space in the city loop to run more trains to and from our suburbs.

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

8pm to last train, 21 Jul

Caulfield to Westall

8pm 22 Jul to last train 24 Jul Until 9.30pm 29 Jul

Berwick to Pakenham

1 Aug to 9pm 5 Aug From 9.30pm 29 Jul to 31 Jul 9pm 5 Aug to 8.30pm 7 Aug 8.30pm to last train, 7 Aug

Westall to Cranbourne and Pakenham Caulfield to Cranbourne and Pakenham

7.45pm to last train, 8 to 9 Aug Caulfield to Oakleigh

Until 5 Sep

At Ballarto Road and Cranbourne-Frankston Road intersections

Ernst Wanke Road intersection

8pm 21 Jul to 5am 22 Jul

At Narre Warren North Road

Racecourse Road, Pakenham

31 Jul

At the level crossing

Main Street, Pakenham

31 Jul

At the level crossing

4670

Western Port Highway

12557127-DL29-22

Road disruptions: Closed roads

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

2 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

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NEWS

‘Shocking’ breach

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Former state Labor ministers Adem Somyurek and Marlene Kairouz will not be recommended for criminal charges over roles in “extensive misconduct” including branch-stacking in the state ALP. On 20 July, a joint Victorian Ombudsman and Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) inquiry made “adverse findings” against the MPs for using electorate and ministerial staff for factional work during work hours.

The Operation Watts report found a “catalogue of unethical and inappropriate behaviour” in the pair’s Moderate Left faction – but the evidence of branch-stacking was not limited to one faction in state Labor.

The behaviour included bullying, rampant nepotism, forging signatures and interfering in government grants to favour factionallyaligned community groups.

Under existing parliamentary standards, the factional activities on the public purse could be pursued with “impunity”.

“While we saw evidence of disturbing prac-

tices engaged in by staff, most of whom knew what they were doing was wrong, primary responsibility rests with the MPs for whom they worked and their factional leaders,” IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich said.

Premier Daniel Andrews – who is in the Socialist Left, not Moderate Labor faction - gave evidence to the inquiry, but no adverse findings were made against him.

The report found that other MPs employed Moderate Labor factional operatives, but there was no evidence that the operatives were “extensively engaged in factional business during working hours”.

Moderate Labor’s once-leader Mr Somyurek and his ally Ms Kairouz were found to have breached both MP and Ministerial codes of conduct, but were not recommended for being charged with misconduct in public office.

“While the conduct was considered to be egregious, the difficulties in proof mean prosecution is not recommended,” the report stated.

The report recommended creating new criminal offences for MPs and Ministers that

allow or direct employed officers to undertake party-specific activities during work time.

It also recommended the creation of a Parliamentary Ethics Committee and a Parliamentary Integrity Commissioner, as well as reforms to electorate officers’ employment arrangements and to the process for government grants to community groups.

There was a “compelling and urgent” need for reforming Parliamentary standards to combat “grey corruption”.

That is, holding MPs to account for actions “that fall short of the criminal threshold but nevertheless breach the ethical standards that the community expects them to uphold”.

It follows an Ombudsman 2018 inquiry into the ‘red shirts rort’ – in which $388,000 of public funds were misused for ALP campaign staff at the 2014 state election.

“The response (from Parliament) was tepid and this report shows how little has changed.

“Despite the 2019 amendments after the Red Shirts report, Victoria is now a laggard rather than a leader in parliamentary integrity.”

‘Architect’ declined to respond to draft

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Former Labor MP Adem Somyurek was the “architect” behind his Moderate Labor faction’s branch-stacking campaigns in Melbourne’s south east, north and west in 2017’20, an Operation Watts anti-corruption inquiry found.

The South-Eastern Metropolitan MP, who had been long based in Dandenong, was responsible for the “cynical”, “blatant”, “extraordinary” and “shocking” misuse of public resources for this faction-building agenda.

“Although other factions were undoubtedly engaging in branch stacking, and this practice has been a scourge for the ALP for many years, the blatant misuse of public resources by the ML faction was extraordinary and shocking,” the inquiry report stated.

Factional leaders, in particular Mr Somyurek and factional ally and MP Marlene Kairouz, had “significant influence“ in placing staff in electorate and ministerial offices.

The report found some MPs in the faction felt unable to refuse when told by a factional leader to employ a particular person in the office.

Staff working for MPs in the faction felt under pressure to work at the direction of factional leaders, particularly Mr Somyurek.

“Many witnesses attested to Mr Somyurek’s bullying and abrasive communication style, which they found intimidating and distressing.”

Meanwhile, Mr Somyurek employed elec-

Adem Somyurek declined to respond to the inquiry’s draft report. 201398 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS torate office staff despite the “almost complete absence of any official work for them to do in communicating with or assisting constituents or supporting Mr Somyurek in his parliamentary duties”.

“Nevertheless, he made sure that his office was staffed to capacity and used his electorate office and communications budget to also employ numerous factional members as casual employees.”

When branch-stacking allegations were raised by The Age and 60 Minutes in June 2020, Mr Somyurek departed the front bench and resigned from the Labor Party. According to the report, Mr Somyurek declined to respond to the inquiry’s draft findings.

He argued that the process was undermined by The Age publishing leaks from the confidential draft in April 2022, and that any

published findings against him would also prejudice defamation action against Nine Network, the report stated.

Both Mr Somyurek and Ms Kairouz were found by the inquiry to have breached codes of conduct as Ministers and MPs, but no charges were recommended.

Ms Kairouz strongly supported branchstacking activities, paying “significant amounts” for other people’s memberships, the report stated.

She ensured her ministerial and electorate staff were “used to pursue the faction’s internal party agenda”. Her electorate office was a “hub of factional activity”.

The inquiry made no findings on whether former minister Robin Scott breached ministerial or MP codes of conduct.

It was possible, but there was no evidence, that his employed factional operatives and their relatives engaged in politicalparty activity in work time.

Holt MP Anthony Byrne gave evidence of a long history of paying members fees – up to about $2000 a year –as part of branch stacking since 1999.

He’d also told of employing people in his office because of their factional links, and of his involvement with Mr Somyurek.

No finding was made due to him being a federal MP. “Neither IBAC nor the Ombudsman is able to comment on any possible breaches of Commonwealth laws or standards.”

IBAC recommendations to be implemented The State Government has vowed to implement all 21 recommendations from the Operation Watts inquiry into Labor MPs and staff misconduct. Premier Daniel Andrews announced a Parliamentary Integrity Commissioner with the power to investigate misconduct and recommend sanctions against MPs. The Commissioner could investigate codeof-conduct complaints as well as bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and victimization.

A joint Parliamentary Ethics Committee would also be established.

“Victorians deserve to have confidence in the political parties and public institutions that serve them,” Mr Andrews said.

“This report and the significant reforms it has driven are absolutely critical. That’s why we’re going to implement all of the IBAC’s recommendations – and go beyond them.”

The Government will also ban MPs from employing close family members in electorate offices. The Ministerial Code of Conduct will be amended to ensure Ministers don’t misuse public resources for party-specific purposes,

the Government announced.

It also vowed reforms to electorate officer recruitment and management, and more transparent government grant processes.

On top of the recommendations, the Government will also set admin requirements for all political parties to receive public funding.

This includes party memberships being paid by “traceable means”, with mandatory photo ID checks of new members.

The Government vowed to implement the measures by June 2024.

Exchange probed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Premier Daniel Andrews has told an inquiry he had a “very brief encounter” with former colleague Adem Somyurek but had “no sense” that the ‘red shirts’ scheme was improper, a report has stated.

According to a Operation Watts inquiry report into ALP branch-stacking, Mr Somyurek said he’d “resisted” taking part in the rort that misused electorate office staff for political campaigning in the 2014 state election.

Mr Somyurek was one of 23 MPs found to have taken part in the $388,000 misuse of taxpayer-funded staff.

He had said he’d approached thenOpposition Leader Mr Andrews about the scheme conducted by Labor MP John Lenders.

“I said ‘Do you know what John’s doing?’

“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 Andrews, who was found to have not participated in the scheme, was asked at the inquiry if he used such words.

“I don’t believe so,” he told the inquiry.

“I have a clear recollection, given the brevity of the encounter, and I‘m not that’s not language that I use.

“I think people who know me would not see me speaking in those terms, would not describe me as someone who speaks in those terms.”

Mr Andrews confirmed there was a “very brief encounter” in which he referred Mr Somyurek to Mr Lenders, the report stated.

“He might have gone on to raise concerns with me but I directed him to Mr Lenders,” the Premier told the inquiry.

Mr Andrews said he was aware of the red shirts scheme and that it was “about engaging staff to be involved in campaigning”.

“But this issue of whether I spoke in those terms or essentially justified or was unconcerned with serious issues of probity and integrity that Mr Somyurek raised with me, that is not my recollection of that conversation and nor is that the evidence that he provided to the privileges committee at the time.

“My recollection is that at no point did I have a sense that what was being proposed was not in accordance with the rules or advice from Parliamentary Services.

“My memory of it is that it was - pooling arrangements have been part of parliamentary parties for quite some time, our party and others.

“I expect I viewed it in those terms.”

The Operation Watts report said the conversation between Mr Andrews and Mr Somyurek would be considered in a separate report by the State Ombudsman.

It’s as a result of a referral from the Legislative Council for the Ombudsman to investigate the ‘red shirts scheme’ including Mr Andrews’s role in it.

Opposition Upper House leader David Davis said the inquiry exposed Mr Andrews’s “clear lie” that he’d had no knowledge of the scheme.

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Primary @ Pioneers Park Cafe manager Kerryn Mcdonald

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I love to play softball and I’m a New York Yankees baseball fan, but unfortunately have only ever seen one game at Yankee Stadium.

What are you most passionate about?

Being kind, you never know what someone might be going through.

What would your last meal be?

It would have to be dessert, and if I don’t have to worry about feeling sick afterwards, it would have to be a chocolate dessert.

What was your most memorable moment?

Marrying my husband, which has then created so many more memorable moments including the birth of my boys.

What was your favourite subject in school?

Home Economics - cooking has always been a passion.

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

My sister who we lost 30 years ago, Walt Disney and Pink.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I’ve been digging around in the archives and have landed on Gossip Girl.

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

If I’m not baking a cake or dessert, it would have to be Ricotta and spinach agnolotti with a burnt butter and sage sauce.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Would love to return to the USA for a bit of baseball and Disney, but with the world opening up again there’s so many places on my list.

What were you like as a kid?

Bit of a social “mumma bear”; I had two younger sisters who I adored and loved hanging out with my friends.

Kerryn McDonald is the cafe manager at Primary @ Pioneers Park in Berwick. 290176 What was your first job?

My first fulltime job started was a six-week temporary job working with my future father-inlaw in the marketing department of John Sands greeting cards.I was offered a fulltime role after one week.Never be afraid to work hard.

What’s one question you have never been able to get the answer to?

What was the real reason I was asked to leave my part-time job as a kid at Tuckerbag. Did I actually make a mistake or did I not fit into the “clique”?

THREE … ways to use a supermarket roast chicken

1

Fried rice A crowd favourite. Show me someone who says they don’t like fried rice and I will show you a liar. Strip the chook of all the meat and fold it through rice with your favourite stir-fried vegies and a generous helping of soy sauce. Deliciously moreish.

2

Sandwiches Few sandwich combinations top the humble chicken salad sandwich - maybe only its cousin, the chicken schnitzel.

3

Enchiladas Hola señoras y hombres! Mix the shredded chicken with sour cream and cheese, then wrap in tortillas. Top with a tomatoey sauce and cheese and throw them in the oven for 15 minutes.

Serve with rice, refried beans or gaucamole. Muy Bueno!

NEWS

Food donations welcome

By Eleanor Wilson Thousands of dollars worth of food and goods will be donated to help refugee families in need, thanks to community donations to Casey Cardinia Libraries’ annual food drive.

Throughout the month of June, $2800 worth of non-perishable food and goods were donated to drop-off boxes at various libraries across Casey and Cardinia.

The libraries’ corporation partnered with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Foodbank to provide refugee families in need with the donated goods.

Casey Cardinia Libraries chief executive officer Beth Luppino spoke of the contribution libraries make to fostering community connectedness.

“Public libraries play an important role in the support of vulnerable communities, and sometimes that extends beyond traditional library services,” she said.

“ASRC is able to provide practical help to many people and we are proud to be a collection point for donations. I am continually amazed by the goodwill and care for others demonstrated by our Casey and Cardinia communities.”

In Australia, people with refugee status often have limited income and working rights, making them vulnerable to food insecurity.

ASRC Foodbank currently provides free groceries to around 1000 people, most of whom have no income and no work rights.

Around half of them are children.

Sue, Karen, and Cherylee from South East NILs.

No-interest loans arrive

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Camilla from the Endeavour Hills Library with just some of the donations from the food drive.

Picture: SUPPLIED 4 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

More than 1000 financially-struggling households could be helped by a newly-expanded no-interest loans service in Melbourne’s South East.

South East No Interest Loans (NILs) aims to provide safe and affordable credit for lowincome families and individuals.

Loans of up to $2000 are available for goods such as fridges and washing machines, as well as medical and dental procedures, education expenses, car repairs and registration.

Up to $3000 are offered for rates, rent advances and bonds.

There is no security allowed on the loan, nor any credit checks. Repayments are made in affordable installments over 12 to 18 months.

The service is run by Emerald-based ECHO Youth and Family Services and funded by

Good Shepherd Australia.

It has served the Dandenong Ranges for more than a decade.

It is now branching out to Melbourne’s South East and the Mornington Peninsula, including the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Shire council areas.

ECHO chief executive Nicole Lane said South East NILs aimed to provide more than 100 loans a month.

“In a time when financial hardship is increasing, NILs is more important than ever.

“Our service has expanded as we receive extra funding to support the growth corridors, particularly Cranbourne, Frankston, and Pakenham.

“The funding is for one year, but if we can prove the need, we hope to receive ongoing support.”

Details: echo.org.au/nils or 0427 895 596. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Battle against a bus stop

By Marcus Uhe The lack of consultation over the location of a new bus stop on their recently-renovated nature strip has left the Crutchfield family in Clyde North “devastated”.

As part of the upgraded bus service for Route 898, to run between Cranbourne Station and Clyde North, a new disability compliant bus stop, with a concrete standing area, totem, and tactile surface indicators, will be placed on the nature strip outside their Heather Grove home.

The Crutchfields were informed in a letter from the Department of Transport received on Friday 3 June, after the location had been “thoroughly assessed” by engineers to ensure it met road safety guidelines, including visibility for passengers cars and bus drivers, requisite space for a 30-metre bus zone and not obstructing above or below ground infrastructure.

The following Monday, 6 June, Vanessa Crutchfield rung the Department of Transport to voice her concerns about the location, and requested a phone call with a representative from the department.

Central to her and her husband Paul’s worries are the regular deliveries of medical supplies for their one-year-old son, Caleb, who suffers from a medical condition.

The Crutchfields are concerned that these packages could be stolen by people waiting for their bus service, if left from their front deck in view of commuters.

Rather than receiving a phone call, the Crutchfields received another letter, that “totally ignored” their concerns and simply “reworded” their initial correspondence from a week earlier, Paul Crutchfield said.

Gembrook MP Brad Battin said he spoke to Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll in Parliament about the Crutchfields situation 289800 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Not satisfied, they then spoke to their local MP, Brad Battin.

The Gembrook MP listened to their concerns and spoke to Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll in Parliament, who, according to Minister Battin, assured him they would consult with the family.

Two weeks later, without hearing from a representative from the department, the family found another hand-delivered letter in their letterbox, telling them construction would begin on 14 July.

The Crutchfields carefully selected this block of land in 2017 to build what they hoped to be their “forever home” following months

of travel, research and evaluation, and chose it specifically, in part, due to the wider streets and off-street parking available.

“When we purchased, we did our homework,” Mr Crutchfield said.

“We selected here because of the wider streets and we knew that there was going to be a reserve built on the other side, which would be great for a young family, and the off-street parking.

“Something like this is very hard to find; a lot of estates have narrow streets and if you get cars parked on either side, there’s only room for one car to come through. We thought ‘this is ideal’.”

The Crutchfield children, Ethan (nine years old) and Caleb (one) often play in the front yard and on the street, due to having a small backyard.

Now, the parents say they no longer feel safe allowing the boys to play there, due to the safety risk presented by buses and having commuters loitering outside their property.

The department told the family that a “compelling and proven road safety or accessibility” reason would be “only reason” they consider moving the stop.

Despite raising the close proximity to a roundabout and regular near-misses with dangerous drivers, who the Crutchfields say do not slow down as they go through it, they were still knocked back.

Add to this the noise disturbances from services running early in the morning and into the night, the $2000 spent on their nature strip renovation earlier this year and the privacy issue of the ability to see into their front hall way from the bus stop, the family are crushed.

“It’s devastating,” Mr Crutchfield said.

Sowing the seeds for healthy students

By Marcus Uhe As the rising cost of fresh vegetables sees shoppers feel the pinch, the school community at Cranbourne West Primary School has been managing to avoid some of the demands, thanks to the school’s vegie garden.

In collaboration with the Cranbourne Rotary Club, students and staff work together to plant, grow and harvest their own fresh vegetables, which are then used in meals for the school’s brekky and brunch club, or distributed to parents and families.

Their winter crop saw leeks, cabbages, cauliflowers, parsley, silverbeet, broccoli, celery, baby spinach and different varieties of lettuces all grown and used in casseroles and soups for staff and students to enjoy.

The gardens were initially established years ago but their upkeep and maintenance was another victim of the pandemic.

Lloma Shaw from the Cranbourne Rotary Club said the project was an extension of their prior involvement with the school as volunteers for brekky and brunch club.

“We noticed that the garden was well and truly overgrown,” Ms Shaw said.

“We put a team of Rotarians together at beginning of year to weed it and put in new soil and make it ready for new crops.

“When the kids came back (from summer holidays), we were ready for them to help plant seedlings, including lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, onions. The kids were all involved in learning how to plant seedlings.

“We had a team of about six or seven people getting their hands dirty, it was lovely to see the kids involved too.

“It was wonderful to hear them learning that lettuce and celery doesn’t come from a supermarket.”

The program was led by the club’s youth leader, Tom Schreurs, who was responsible for educating the kids as a fellow greenthumb himself.

Seedlings were donated to the school by Berwick Speedy Seedlings, while Elders in Pakenham contributed bags of fertiliser, Mr Schreurs said.

Entomologist Dr Paul Horne was also called upon to teach the students how to deal with garden pests.

Groups of students across all year levels cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Cranbourne Rotary Club members Tom Schreurs and Andrew Pinxt OAM with Bob the Scarecrow. 290467

Fresh produce grown at the Cranbourne West Primary School vegie garden. 290467

Bob the Scarecrow watches over the gardens. 290467

from prep to grade six are chosen to assist at different stages of the year.

Community Liaison Coordinator at Cranbourne West, Debbie Dodd, said selected students view the program as a “real highlight” of the curriculum.

“If I go into a class and ask for helpers, everyone wants a turn,” Ms Dodd said.

“I can sense their excitement.”

While getting children to eat their vegetables can be a struggle for parents, Ms Dodd said the involvement in the production of their crops has seen the students become open to trying more of the produce.

“It helps accept vegetables. Prep classes would look at the veggies and talk about them, what they see, what they taste.

“We took whatever it was back to classroom and cooked it. They’ve been very open to eating them.

“They tried it and learned new things.

They learnt that fennel tastes like liquorice!”

Having handed over responsibility of managing the garden to the school, the spirit of the Rotarians lives on thanks to Bob the scarecrow, made by Andrew Pinxt OAM and proudly donning a blue Rotary Club t-shirt.

The Rotarians have been fantastic contributors to the school for a number of years, Ms Dodd said.

“They’ve donated money for brunch club to get a fridge and provided donations to the school to buy groceries for families,” she said.

“We spent a fortune. You just want to be able to come home and enjoy your house, and for this is virtually the final straw.

“The department said if you’re concerned about people out the front, you should ring the police, but you’re putting yourself at risk if you ring police. Are they (commuters) going to take it out on you and your property then?

“Your home should be somewhere where you can come home and relax.”

Mr Battin said Minister Carroll has “failed in his duty” after assuring him that the family would be spoken to.

“We can handle sometimes when they push you off a bit, because they’ve got a job to do,” Mr Battin said.

“But I sat directly opposite the Minister, had the discussion with him at the table at Parliament and he specifically said, ‘I will follow this up, and I will ensure these families are consulted with.’

“After that, they get a letter than was handdelivered, that everyone around here got, not just them. There’s been zero communication and zero consultation on something that I think could have been fixed.”

The Department of Transport said the location was chosen as it was the closest spot to the intersection of Heather Grove and Thoroughbred Drive that allows for the safe boarding and disembarking of busses.

The department also said the stop does not encroach private property.

“The Department of Transport carefully select bus stop locations to give the community safe and easy access to bus services and key locations around town,” a government spokesperson said.

Share your hooning concerns The City of Casey will host a hooning conference with the Department of Transport on Wednesday 27 July to hear from community members about their concerns relating to intentional high-risk driving.

South East residents concerned about hooning behaviour are invited to attend the meeting at Bunjil Place from 6pm to 8pm on 27 July, with online access also available.

It is part of the Victorian Government’s Hooning Community Reference Group, which partners with Victoria Police to bring together local community and stakeholder representatives to provide input on the issue and support the development of recommendations for consideration by government.

The Department of Transport will visit four locations across metropolitan Melbourne over the next month to understand intentional high-risk driving, with the aim of providing feedback and recommendations to support its deterrence.

A second phase of engagement will be undertaken later in the year to develop an understanding of the hooning in regional Victoria.

The conference is free and open to community members residing in the south-east region.

To register for the conference, go to transport.vic.gov.au/getting-around/roads/saferroads-in-our-hands

Tyre skid marks on Solid Drive in Pakenham.

Thursday, 21 July, 2022

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

128 caught A speeding driver has been allegedly detected at 242 km/h as part of a traffic police blitz in the South East.

State Highway Patrol South-East with the Air Wing detected 128 speeding drivers, 12 drink drivers and eight drug drivers during Operation Hammerhead from 14-18 July.

The highest detected blood-alcohol reading was 0.133, police said. Twenty-five of the speeding drivers lost their licence on the spot, with 16 vehicles impounded.

Acting Sergeant Harry Lazarou said the operation’s success means it was “likely to have cemented its place permanently on the State Highway Patrol roster”.

“The number of speeding drivers detected continues to present a significant risk to road users each day.

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To the wonderful volunteers at The Food Store at St Luke’s, keeping everybody fed while we are away!

To all the bloody roadworks detours and pot holes.

To the guy who told me I look like NBA star Luka Doncic on the weekend.

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To Casey council closing sports grounds to juniors after one day’s rain, yet seniors teams still training. After two years of lockdowns, the kids deserve better.

To Sam Draper’s incredible goal on Sunday.

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To Commonwealth Bank closing in Hampton Park. Was the best service in the area.

To two beautiful young ladies who came to help us when we got bogged leaving a parking space at Akoonah Park Market... A big thank you.

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To the North Melbourne Football Club.

To getting my fourth Covid vaccination.

To confusion on mask rules in schools.

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Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Saving our species Australians concerned about the dramatic losses of mammals, birds and fish and the alarming replacement of native plants with introduced species can make valuable contributions to solutions by acting locally.

Evidence of dramatic ecosystem change accelerated by climate change and human impact described in the 2021 State of the Environment Report were labelled ‘shocking’ by Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, as she released the report.

The findings included that the rate of mammal loss in Australia was the worst for any continent.

However, the Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation’s chief executive, Mel Barker, said rather than feeling overwhelmed by the scale of problems associated with climate change and biodiversity loss, people could think about how acting locally could enable them to protect the environment and endangered species for future generations.

“Community collaboration is a great enabler,” Ms Barker said.

“Recently we signed an agreement with the award-winning Moonlit Sanctuary at Pearcedale to collaborate on saving species and other environmental initiatives.

“It was based on our very positive participation over the past year in its team’s program

to restore populations of the critically endangered Orange Bellied Parrot, which migrates between south-eastern Victoria and Tasmania.”

Ms Barker said the Biosphere Foundation was also pleased to receive funding in May from Regional Roads Victoria to evaluate the design and effectiveness of road crossings to protect the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot and will work with community partners to deliver the project.

“We also have projects funded and ready to commence to support the restoration of native plants, creating corridors and habitat to optimise the biodiversity necessary to support our plants and animals,” Ms Barker said.

“We would encourage landholders throughout the Biosphere Reserve to consider future plantings of species native to the reserve.

Specialist native nurseries able to advise on selecting and growing these plants abound through the region, including one at Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association in Hastings.”

She said that the Western Port Biosphere Reserve, which includes the entire Mornington Peninsula, was substantially comprised of private holdings, which made the involvement of the whole of community a vital part of any strategy to help mitigate against climate change and biodiversity loss.

Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation’s chief executive, Mel Barker. 290564 Picture: SUPPLIED cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

No more ‘Soldiers’

By Marcus Uhe Part of Soldiers Road in Clyde North will be discontinued following a request from the Victorian School Building Authority to the City of Casey.

The request came in order for the road to be consolidated into the development of the abutting school site, with a primary school to be constructed at the corner of Thompsons Road and Soldiers Road.

A right-angled alternate road to border the school grounds and connect Soldiers Road to Thompsons Road has been proposed.

The Local Government Act 1989 states Council must undertake statutory processes in order to consider a proposal to discontinue the road.

“It (Soldiers Road) is a road that is owned by the state government,” administrator Cameron Boardman said at Tuesday 19 July’s council meeting.

“While council is responsible for road authority and have responsibility for maintaining it as an unsealed road, if the road is discontinued, as per the request from the VSBA, the land will revert to the crown and council will not have any ability to sell the land.

“The alternative proposal is that an access road will be constructed and included, abutting the current road, and that will be within the VSBA site. It will have access to the site and also create, in the future, an access point to the school.

“The recommendation to the council of-

Tai, Gurmehar, Garnie and Ruby with some of the paper cranes. 290409

ficers, the subsequent recommendation that we’ll be adopting tonight, we do believe that this proposal is in the best interests of the community, particularly to ensure the development of the school site in future use of the site accordingly.”

The construction of the alternative access road and the inclusion of the road (as land) within the VSBA site was considered a good community outcome by the council.

The VSBA have committed to fund all costs associated with the project, the council said.

A motion was carried by administrators to begin the statutory process.

The alternative access road is expected to be complete in October 2024.

Picture: ELEANOR WILSON

School students create cranes for peace

By Eleanor Wilson Origami cranes made by students at Hampton Park Primary school will soon find a new home at the Hiroshima Peace Park in Japan.

It is part of curriculum for Year 5 and 6 students at the school, who spent part of Term 2 learning about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945.

Alongside the origami making kids are studying the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, which tells the story of 12-year-old Sadako Sasaki, who died of leukaemia as a result of the atomic bombing.

Mirroring Sadako’s actions in the book, students are making 1000 origami cranes as

a symbol of peace and good fortune.

Japanese language teacher and support teacher Andrea Elliott said the curriculum aims to educate students about how society can learn from its mistakes.

“The reason for Sadako in particular is its a story of an incredibly transformative time in the history of the world, where the first atomic bomb was dropped and it changed people’s perspective on everything - particularly war,” she said.

“The kids have been fantastic at identifying that they don’t want something like that to happen again.

“I think we are lucky enough to be in a generation of children now who are far more

reflective than we ever were and who really can make the change we need.”

Once the origami cranes are completed, they will be connected by fishing line and sent to Hiroshima for display at the Peace Park.

“Our paper cranes will be there, probably with one million others from countries all over the world.

“That idea that we are united as a world, rather than just a country, it’s really powerful,” Ms Elliott said.

“Especially at this school, students are from so many different backgrounds, some of them have had the experience of war and they don’t want to see that again.”

‘Flying’ car thief pleads guilty, sentenced

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 25-year-old car-jacking “thug” who crashed into the back of a tow-truck has been jailed.

Dung Yat, 25, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to charges including drug possession, carjacking, car theft and driving unlicensed.

Yat commandeered a car belonging to a fellow party-goer at a house at Doveton in August 2019.

He intimidated the victim to act as his unpaid “taxi-driver” – in what sentencing judge Richard Maidment on 13 July called an “act of thuggery”.

The driver dropped off Yat’s cousin in Cranbourne and drove Yat to Lynbrook to play pokies – before Yat changed his mind.

Back in Doveton, Yat demanded the keys and stole the vehicle.

He later returned to the party-house, awaking the victim to threaten him not to call police.

“I characterised your criminal record as showing that you acted as a thug over a period cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

of years,” Judge Maidment said.

“The offence of car-jacking is another example of thuggery, of standing over somebody and forcing them to comply with your wishes, then taking possession of their vehicle and then intimidating them with a further threat of violence upon them.”

Soon after, the unlicensed Yat stole a car from a Wheelers Hill home and crashed it into the back of a tow-truck in Narre Warren.

The truck was travelling about 40km/h; the tow-truck driver described Yat’s speed as “flying”.

Yat then fled the scene, leaving behind the newly-damaged stolen car where a container of butanediol was later found.

His criminal history spans seven years, including past convictions for car theft.

He has been in custody since arrested in Oakleigh in October 2019.

He was a young man at “real risk of being institutionalised”, the judge noted.

Born in Egypt to Sudanese parents, Yat arrived in Australia in 2001.

Yat was expelled from school at Year 9 after

falling heavily into ‘ice’, GHB and bad influences.

“No doubt that was continuing during your current offending.”

Sent to an international boarding school in Kenya at 14, he experienced the traumas of an erupting tribal war. He took refuge in mountains and a UN compound.

His traumatic childhood experiences had impacted his mental health, Judge Maidment noted.

This did not lessen his culpability for his offending, but would make jail more burdensome, the judge said.

Yat’s rehabilitation prospects were “seriously guarded”. But on the other hand, he was young and his family attested to his “many good qualities”.

“There’s plenty to be optimistic about, if you put your mind to it,” the judge said.

Yat was jailed for up to three-and-a-half years, with a non-parole period of two years, four months.

His term included 722 days already spent in pre-sentence custody.

Substances a no-go

By Jonty Ralphsmith People in Melbourne’s south east are less tolerant of alcoholism and drug use than the rest of the state, according to a recent survey.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) surveyed 212 residents in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Shire, who were almost always more supportive of measures and legislation being introduced which discouraged or prohibited the consumption of substances.

Participants were asked about their attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco and other illicit substances in a series of questions where they could answer in support, in opposition, or neither.

The south east was the most in-support region for more severe drink-driving penalties and putting a minimum price for different drinks based on alcoholic content.

It was also in favour of increasing alcohol and tobacco tax to pay for education, health and treatment programs, and to generally discourage smokers.

Pill testing was not popular in the south east, with 10 per cent less support than the state average and supervised drug consumption had 41 per cent support – the third lowest in-support region in the state.

The south east also disapproved of cannabis, believing action should be taken against people found in possession of cannabis.

Plus, 31 per cent of respondents in the south east said those found in possession should be either fined or sanctioned in another way such as community service – the state average was 22 per cent.

And 54 per cent of respondents supported increased penalties for the sale or supply of marijuana and cannabis – well above the state average of 45 per cent.

The region was also most in-support for penalties against sellers of cocaine and ecstasy.

The only question which yielded below-average support from the south east compared to the rest of the state was banning alcohol sponsorship of sporting clubs.

Also bucking the trend was that 38 per cent of people that completed survey supported reducing trading hours for pubs and clubs.

Whilst this made the southeast the third most in-support region for the proposal, it is significantly down on the 56 per cent support in 2010.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation National Manager Strategic Programs, Eleanor Costello had a simple explanation for the south east’s intolerance.

“The south east Dandenong region experiences high levels of disadvantage with many community members experiencing disproportionate levels of AODrelated harms,” she said.

“As community members are closely affected and experience the impacts of AOD use first hand, this is likely to impact on attitudes related to alcohol and other drugs use in this community.”

Proposals that the south east was the most in-support region in the state: more severe drinking penalties; minimum price for different drinks based on alcohol content; stricter law enforcement of supplying tobacco to minors.

The foundation works with 158 clubs in Greater Dandenong and Casey through the Good Sports program, and there is six local drug action teams.

Proposals that the south east was the second most in-support region in the state: increase price of alcohol, raise legal drinking age, displaying health warnings on alcohol containers; limit TV alcohol advertising after 9.30pm; ban cigarette additives – to make cigarettes less attractive to young people; increased penalties for sale/supply of illicit drugs; prohibit sale of e-cigarettes to under 18s.

Thursday, 21 July, 2022

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STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Steve, Esther and Sarah Kelly at the beginning of the 24-hour walk at Lakeside in Pakenham.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS 288893

Michael Soutter with Sarah before the run began. 288893

Shannon and Jo from Pakenham Road Runners work on the barbecue. 288893

Sarah and daughter Esther with Julie McKnight, a main organiser of the event. 288893

Emma with her son Charlie came out to support the Kelly Gang. 288893

Walk to beat brain cancer

By Shelby Brooks Friends and family of a Beaconsfield mum battling brain cancer have walked over 1500km in 24 hours to help raise funds for much-needed treatment. Hundreds came out to support Sarah Kelly, her husband Steve and daughter Esther at Pakenham Lakeside over the weekend for ‘24 Hours for the Kelly Gang’.

The fundraiser centred around good friend and avid runner Michael Soutter as he attempted to walk for 24 hours - which he did!

“The weather was rough and Michael had just come off the flu and then Covid-19, but he managed to keep moving the entire 24 hours,” Steve said.

“With help from some dedicated support crew, he ran 85 laps of his own (127.5km) and the collective laps of everyone running and walking throughout the 24 hours was 1001 (just over 1500km).”

Sarah, who is a passionate runner, was blindsided by the diagnosis last year but has found incredible support from family and friends, particularly from the running community.

Pakenham Road Runners founder Michael Soutter, who has run for many years with Sarah, wanted to do something to help the Kelly family.

“Sarah is such a giving and thoughtful person. We thought there was no better way to show her love and support than getting people out and pushing themselves,” Michael said.

At the opening of the event on Saturday, Sarah explained what an inspiration Michael was to her.

“Michael is insane enough to put his hand up to run for 24 hours. We are so incredibly

Steve and Sarah at the start line. 288893

Michael Soutter about to head off. 288893

There were plenty of participants in Saturday’s event at Lakeside. 288893

Olav, Anke and Tillman at the fundraising event on Saturday. 288893

grateful for you Michael - you’re a pillar of inspiration,” she said.

“I think there’s a lot of parallels between what I’m going through to what you’ll face in the next 24 hours.

“The hard yards, the times you have to draw on inner strength and the community. Let’s continue to inspire each other because you’re an inspiration to me.”

Sarah also thanked her family for their support during the journey so far.

“Steve is my rock and my pillar of strength and has been so amazing for our family going through such a tough time. Esther is a joy for us and shining light in what is a really difficult time,” Sarah said.

“Unfortunately, there is no cure so we’re just trying everything we possibly can to fight this.

Fundraising is very important and we’re very grateful for that but I’m also incredibly humbled and honoured to the community around us. I love community and relationships and you

all mean so much to me, even people I don’t know who are here.

“I’m going to keep fighting. Thank you for supporting me through this.”

The Kelly family intends to use the money raised towards getting Sarah into a functional medicine intensive course in Byron Bay that acts as complementary health care alongside her chemotherapy regime.

“We had an amazing turn out on both days for the event; hundreds of people were there to support Sarah and the goals and aims of the event were well and truly met,” Steve said.

“Fundraising money is still trickling in from the silent auction but we can already see we’re going to meet our goal and Sarah will definitely be able to go to the treatment clinic.

“The plan is to get Sarah through the next few rounds of chemotherapy and then go to the clinic in November in between the second last and last chemo round, after which, we’ll begin the treatment and lifestyle plan that the treatment clinic will send us away with.”

Steve said the support the family received from the community was overwhelming.

“The community and support goals were always of equal importance and I could see the amazing impact the huge amounts of love had on Sarah,” Steve said.

“I haven’t seen her that energetic, full of life and glowing since this all began. She was absolutely buzzing.

“We are so blown away and humbled by people’s generosity - from the people who know us well to those we’ve never met and everyone in between! It was the most amazing event and we’re incredibly grateful for every bit of support.”

What a stinker: EPA responds to residents’ concerns From page 1 “When there is no noticeable odour, it’s probably a good idea to try to ventilate your home when you have the chance by reopening the windows and doors and getting some clean air,” he said.

Steve Pugh, from the EPA, said the EPA and SBI are working towards a “key milestone” of late August for the issue to be fixed.

“One of the notices that we’ve issued to SBI required a range of actions to be implemented to address this issue and ultimately prevent offensive odours from being discharged beyond the site,” Mr Pugh said.

“That notice is due for compliance at the end of August - 24 August off the top of my head.”

Mr Pugh said removing the water will help to reduce the odour.

“But really that notice deadline is probably the key date that we’re working towards at the moment, at the end of August.”

The process of removing the water is well underway, with Paul Williamson, co-owner of SBI Lanfill telling the information session that they had been trucking the problematic water 8 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

80 per cent of the water causing the smell that has been plaguing Cranbourne residents has been removed, co-owner of SBI Landfill Paul Williamson said on Thursday 14 July.

289985 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS off-site, which was “80 per cent” completed as of 14 July, with hopes to have it completely removed “by the end of next week”.

Mr Williamson did not shy away from taking responsibility for the odour and apologised for the inconvenience caused.

“We realise that you have been through a really difficult time in the last few weeks,”

Mr Williamson said.

“We acknowledge what has happened, and we apologise for the impacts this has had on your lives, and your families’ lives.

“We’re been working around the clock to address these issues and we won’t stop until it’s completely resolved.”

Initial treatment options, including aerating the stagnant pool of water, as suggested by experts, were unsuccessful, according to Mr Williamson, which was followed by having the water removed off-site.

“During this time, we’ve also been applying an odour suppressant to form a barrier over the water, which the effect had is the evaporation occurs during the day, as the suppressant mixes with the odour and reduces its severity.

“Simon (Williamson, co-owner) and I want to reassure you that we’ve put everything into treating the odour at the source, and we’re also looking at further preventative measures, reviewing our current processes, practices and systems to make sure we have everything in place to prevent this issue happening again.”

Mr Pugh said that SBI’s response to the issue has been “positive” and therefore did not feel the need to escalate their enforcement mechanisms to the point of shutting the site down.

“We simply don’t feel that the situation at hand, as of right now, directs us to take that approach to stop the site from operating,” Mr Pugh said.

“Furthermore, it wouldn’t stop the odour; we would still need to continue to monitor and actually prevent the issue from occurring.

“Nevertheless we continue to review our regulatory approach as this issue evolves and progresses to make sure that we’ve got appropriate, proportionate regulatory measures in place to protect human health and the environment.”

The EPA encourages residents to keep reporting odour when they experience it by calling 1300 372 842 and reporting as much information as they can.

More information on the issue can be found at epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/incidents/sbi-inert-landfill cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Locals lift Vics to glory

By Paul Grech The story of the U18 Vic Boys’ mighty premiership win in the 2022 National Indoor Cricket Championships incorporated key team values, interwoven with remarkable local individual stories of sacrifice and success.

No less than six local indoor cricketers from Cranbourne Kings (Ethan Davies) and Casey Stars (Zac Grech, Thivi Salwathura, Dinal Gamage, Alex Russell and Caleb Candappa) were a key part of Victoria’s ultimate success.

The Victorian captain, Prathan Raje also hails from nearby Berwick Springs.

After multiple winter lockdowns and three long years of no Junior National Indoor Cricket Championships (since 2019) due to Covid-19, Victoria entered all divisions of Indoor Nationals at a distinct disadvantage to other states around Australia, which had had relatively uninterrupted competitions and play in yellow ball cricket.

This was reflected in the absence of all but the U18 Vic side and the Open Women (beaten

by QLD in Grand Final by 20 runs) on the final day of the tournament.

The Vic U18 boys entered finals in third place on the ladder (six wins, four losses), well behind favourites Western Australia (10-0), who comfortably beat Victoria in both their preliminary games.

However, coach Geoff Latham had detailed game plans and used every match to experiment with batting pairs, future bowling and fielding plans for the opposition.

Victoria won their first final against SA by 20 runs, with Salwathura (10 runs and three wickets) best on court with Grech (21 runs and a wicket), sharing in an opening partnership of 31.

Victoria then made the grand final courtesy of a best on court performance by Grech (two wickets), who shared in a dominant opening stand with Salwathura (one wicket) of 46 runs v NSW in the preliminary final.

Victoria won by 30 runs. Cranbourne Kings player Davies chimed in with two wickets and 14 runs and Gamage made 16.

In the Grand Final Grech and Salwathura once again had a strong opening stand of 32.

Salwathura took a key wicket late in WA’s chase and Raje made 18 and took the crucial wicket of the game with the second last ball in a wellcontrolled final over. Wicketkeeper Davies contributed 14, while Russell came into the grand final side and bowled a tight line.

Victoria won a thriller against the previously unbeaten WA by nine runs (112 to 103). Coo-

per Sticht, a 15-year-old player from Croydon Raiders was named player of the Grand Final (12 runs and two wickets) in a true team performance by Victoria.

Amazingly, four players were completely new to indoor cricket in the Vic U18 side; Casey boys Russell and Salwathura, as well as Nic Tindall and Lucas Mullenger.

The talented Russell had spent the previous three years in France with his family, only returning last year. He was bowled and batted extremely well throughout the tournament and was unlucky to take just four wickets, constantly beating the bat with pace and movement.

There were some remarkable individual performances.

Grech was the only U18 player to score more than 200 runs at Nationals. He made 213 at the best average of 21.30 and an explosive strike rate of 155.47 and just 3 times out. He also took nine wickets.

Grech also took the second most wickets in the U22 Men’s tournament in the week before Juniors (13 in total), being Victoria’s top wicket taker in the U22’s; he was only pipped by NSW player Jake Landon (15), who played in an extra final.

Gamage and Salwathura each took 12 wickets (the most for the Victorian U18 side).

Josh Smith and Nicholas Tindall were especially impressive in the field, with Smith taking crucial catches and making outstanding run outs in many games, including the Grand Final.

Tindall marshalled the team from the back net.

Coach Geoff Latham was the team manager in the U15 Vic boys previous Grand Final win at Nationals in 2019 and he in effect went back to back with two boys from that successful U15 side: Grech and Raje.

Latham’s game plans for the finals were carefully considered and the boys invariably executed. The bowlers were well backed up by the fielders and Grech and Salwathura became the dominant opening pair as the tournament moved into finals.

Each player in the Vic U18 squad contributed significantly at various stages throughout the tournament.

It was an amazing performance by all involved, a brilliant exhibition of the sport of indoor cricket and a true endorsement of the game that the final match of 2022 Nationals went down to the wire, with every parent, coach, player and observer literally on the edge of their seats.

Opening batsman Zac Grech and Thivi Salwathura got the Vics off to a flying start all tournament.

Picture: SUPPLIED

290601

Department to monitor mental health course weekly

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The state’s Department of Education and Training has launched a weekly audit of a much-lamented mental health course at Chisholm Institute.

Meanwhile, law firm Gordon Legal is investigating a potential class action on behalf of the online course’s frustrated and distressed students.

As reported last week by Star News, the South-East based TAFE’s Certificate IV in Mental Health online course was suspended for several months after an internal review.

This was in response to a litany of student complaints, such as poor training materials, faulty links and videos, and a lack of available trainers.

The course has been offered as a Free TAFE program to tackle a shortage of mental heath workers across the state.

A DET spokesperson said the Department would attend Chisholm weekly to monitor the delivery of the course “ensuring it meets industry standards”.

“We’re incredibly disappointed this course has clearly fallen below the high standards of our Free TAFE programs.

“We’ll work to make sure no other Chisholm student has this experience and consider an audit of other online mental health courses to ensure they are all providing the cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

quality training Victorian students deserve.”

The Department stated it would meet with student representatives to “get the jobready training they need to make a difference in our mental health system”.

A Chisholm spokesperson stated it welcomed the Department’s “additional support … to ensure students have the best learning experience”.

In March, 200 students’ educations were put on hold while Chisholm upgraded the Certificate IV in Mental Health, Diploma in

Mental Health and Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Chisholm had stated that its review “identified that a number of assessment items were required to be updated and aligned to the requirements of industry”.

The “vast majority” of students remain enrolled online and are continuing their studies without further delays, Chisholm stated.

On resumption on 11 July, student Rachel Scanlon said the course materials didn’t seem to have been updated.

She reported there were still faulty video and web links, and a lack of teachers. And she’s faced with a glut of six assessments to do in her first week back.

Ms Scanlon had hoped to finish her Certificate IV and look for paid work last month. But the end date was now possibly December.

After the stress and anxiety, student Leigh Lambert was switching to another training provider.

Learning was “impossible” due to a lack of teaching support and assessments and poor materials that “didn’t make sense”, Mr Lambert said. His first chaotic modules in 2022 were a “waste of time”, he said.

Chisholm met his complaints with vague answers, he said.

“I questioned my own sanity and what my future held.

“It was not properly preparing people for being trained and ready for the industry.”

Gordon Legal partner Andrew Grech said the potential class action was just in the early, investigative stage but “on the surface, it looks pretty bad”.

It seemed to share a “troubling pattern” with the firm’s class action for 1000-plus aviation students against Box Hill TAFE. In both matters, the institutes seemed to “not have proper governance of courses and not properly monitoring them”, Mr Grech said.

Thursday, 21 July, 2022

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STAR NEWS 9

FOCUS ON … FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

Our family Real Estate Finning & Company Pty. Ltd. was first established in 1952 under the name of “Cranbourne Real Estate and Business Agency“ by the late Mr Jack Finning and Mrs Lorraine Finning and it is now one the most prominent and active Real Estate agencies in the Cranbourne and Casey district.

We have served the Real Estate Property needs of Cranbourne and the surrounding areas for over 70 years now and our entire Company philosophy has and always will be “Client Benefit Based“ to ensure that we always deliver a standard of real estate service which our clients will remember for all of the right reasons. We have been foundation members of the powerful First National Real estate group since its inception - A 40-year celebration this year in 2022.

Hard work, solid training and ethical dealings with clients have enabled Finning First National to win and receive numerous industry awards for both the office and individual Sales people over the years reinforcing that we are on track with our clients needs.

In July 2016, First National Finning achieved another milestone with a change of ownership to three current staff members, Dean Tucker, Rick Lauretta, Jason Brown and Rick’s brother John Lauretta to steer the company on to its next generation of community service and yet maintain its family connection to John and Lorraine Tucker and the founders of the modern day company.

First National Real Estate Finning’s oper-

Go fishing for a new pet

ates on a true no sale - no charge and no lease no charge platform.

This means that you will pay for no Marketing material or have any up front out of pocket costs to successfully and professionally take your property to market.

As a part of our inclusive service we will arrange all of the professional marketing you will need without having to pay for it regardless of whether you sell/lease or not.

Other local agents will charge you extra before your home goes to market for all that we include as standard.

To find out how we do this and can assist you with your sale or rental, please contact us anytime on 5996 1200 or finning@finnnig. com.au or go see us at finning.com.au

Your One Stop Phone Shop

12558281-NG29-22

Mention this ad to receive a $5 discount on a Screen Protector applied to your phone (one discount per person)

Shop 12, 55 Hallam Rd. Hampton Park Shop 23, 75 Lynbrook Blvd Lynbrook facebook.com/GBPBAT | Phone 0466 664 251

Paul (right) and his son Caleb. 193931 business for 12 years, Paul re-established Lots of Fins in order to pour all his profits into his family’s charity, Revive the Kids.

The charity rescues orphans and slaves from around the world. Paul travels to various countries around the world for this purpose.

Visit Lots of Fins at 94-96 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren. The store is open 7 days a week, 10am to 6pm and 9pm on Fridays.

Find out more at lotsoffinsaquarium.com. au, and learn more about Paul’s charity, Revive the Kids at revivethekids.com.au.

Travel is back Joanne and Ray from Tour Local are back doing what they love, and they couldn’t be happier about it.

With a touring crew who is ready to make each journey an enjoyable and memorable one, and a luxury fleet of buses ready to travel far and wide (or near), things are really starting to take off down at Tour Local.

With a range of enticing and exciting winery and brewery tours, a variety of Over 50 Day Tours and Theatre Tour, as well as far reaching Extended Tours traversing all around

Tour Local’s Joanne and Ray have you covered.

Australia, Tour Local really does have something for everyone.

So whether you are looking for just a day out with friends, or a holiday you’ll never forget, Tour Local has you covered.

Contact Tour Local on 5941 8800 or bookings@tourlocal.com.au

Phone repair 12533030-DL04-22

Cases for all Apple & Samsung phones Large range of cables and chargers Repairs done on site Headphone and Speakers Great gift ideas in store

Located at the top of Victor Crescent, Lots of Fins is the biggest Aquarium in Melbourne, recently expanding 40% bigger when acquiring the factory next door. Now Offering a huge 550square metres of showroom and a range of products, from small tanks ideal for families and children, through to bigger aquariums for enthusiasts.

Owner Paul Furlong said the shop offers many breeds of rare fish and underwater plants.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, we have the biggest range of fish in Melbourne - over 300 species. We have a big range of aquatic live plants including lots of rare and unusual species. Plus Lots of Fins have their very own cafe in store for you to enjoy a gourmet menu or just pop in for a delicious coffee, thick shake or Smoothie. “ Paul said.

There are over 20 display tanks for customers to marvel at while they make their decisions.

As a family Paul runs the business with his wife and elder son.

After losing the business in a fire nearly 20 years ago and being out of the aquarium

In an age where the majority of people have smartphones, tablets or other technology, accidents happen and breakages occur.

Smartronic can help prevent these accidents and remedy any damage should it occur. Offering phone, tablet and smart watch cases, screen protectors and screen repairs, the family-run Smartronic is the place to visit if you need to deck your tech out with the latest protective gear.

Also available at Smartronic are USB charging cables and power blocks, portable speakers, headphones and earbuds, portable power banks, TV adapters, car phone holders and Bluetooth hands-free kits, smart watches and accessories, smart TV boxes, wireless chargers and high speed wall and car adapters.

Ellen and Tim from Smartronics are proud of their service and products provided to their customers.

Smartronic has stores located at Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre, 75 Lynbrook Boulevard, Lynbrook and Hampton Park Shopping Centre at 55 Hallam Road, Hampton Park. For more information, phone 0466 664 251.

NOW MELBOURNE’S LARGEST AQUARIUM STORE Imagine your own Aquarium NOW! Come & talk to us about setting up a fish tank today...

(03) 8738 7549 Open 7 days 10am-6pm NOW 9pm Thurs & Fri 10 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

94-96 VICTOR CRES NARRE WARREN

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Aquarium MEGA STORE Over 300 variety of fish.

HUGE range of aquariums

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A piece of NATURE IN YOUR HOME

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5996 1200

STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

Emergency cash injection

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A new paediatric GP respiratory clinic at Monash Children’s Hospital is part of a $162 million package to boost ailing hospitals in Victoria.

The GP-led clinic aims to take pressure off emergency departments by treating children with mild symptoms for flu, Covid, asthma, hay fever and other respiratory conditions.

Other measures include extra specialist nurses and doctors to help at 12 major hospitals, including Monash Medical Centre, Casey and Dandenong.

Based on a model in Leeds, United Kingdom, there will be ‘offload’ nurses to help ambulances offload patients quicker as well as triage doctors.

There will also be discharge coordinators to focus on transition of care from the ward to home or another healthcare centre.

The model aims for quicker treatment and less ambulance ramping at hospitals, while dealing with major staff shortages.

Since 22 June, Victorians with Covid who are in hospital has nearly doubled and Covid patients in ICU has risen 60 per cent, the State Government stated.

At the same time, workforce furlough increased 47 per cent – with more than 10,000 staff absent in the first week of July.

More than 8500 extra workers were in the Victorian health workforce since the start of the pandemic, the government stated.

Casey Hospital will receive extra offload nurses and triage doctors.

Premier Daniel Andrews said healthcare systems worldwide were “under pressure as we battle new variants alongside other respiratory illnesses”.

“These investments are part of our plan to support our healthcare workers and get Victorians the care they need.”

Other measures include doubling ‘virtual’ emergency department consultations – via video at home – to 500 a day.

Since October 2020, more than 28,000 patients had consulted emergency nurses and

doctors in the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department. About 71 per cent of them did not require an ambulance or ED visit.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) welcomed the paediatric GP respiratory clinics at Monash Children’s and the Royal Children’s Hospitals.

RACGP president Karen Price said a hospital emergency department was “far from an ideal place” for children with respiratory symptoms.

“Our EDs are operating under tremendous

pressure with long wait times, and we want to try and limit the spread of respiratory illnesses to other people with health concerns waiting for care.”

RACGP state chair Anita Munoz said GPs were “up against it” delivering Covid vaccines and boosters, Covid medication as well as flu vaccines and helping patients who delayed consultations and screenings during the pandemic.

“Any step that can potentially ease pressure on general practice and the entire health system is welcome,” Dr Munoz said.

“I’m immensely proud of all practice teams who are working so hard in such challenging circumstances.”

Opposition health spokesperson Georgie Crozier said if elected, the Victorian Liberals and Nationals would deliver “real solutions to reduce surgery waiting lists, build five new hospitals, fix Triple Zero, and deliver the health services Victorians deserve”.

“Daniel Andrews has been in charge of Victoria’s health system as Minister or Premier for 11 of the past 15 years – he cannot escape responsibility for this crisis.

“Before Covid, Victoria had the lowest government funding for hospitals in the nation.

“Instead of preparing the health system, Daniel Andrews failed to deliver the promised ICU beds, staff and capacity.

“The people who got us into this mess are not the ones to get us out. Only a change of government will end the health crisis.”

Pipes tradition lives on

By Jamie Salter Jason Finn comes from a large family of bagpipers - all six-foot tall Scotsmen from the Highlands.

His family immigrated to Australia but the Scottish culture remained with Jason’s granddad playing the bagpipes at most family functions.

Jason was the only grandchild who took up the skill, taught well by his granddad.

He now plays the instrument at weddings, funerals and Anzac Day services across Casey and Cardinia.

“It’s a really hard instrument to learn and you’ve got to start when you’re young,” Jason said.

“It’s like walking backwards while juggling; you have to blow, play, march and keep the tune in your head.

“Every Sunday, we would go visit my granddad and would get out the bagpipes.

As kids, we were always naughty and would pull at the tassels on his bagpipes,” he laughed.

In 1992 on Father’s Day, the bagpipes were officially handed over to Jason just three days before his beloved granddad died.

But the tradition lives on with Jason, who played the instrument in the Australian Army Reserve when he joined the school of piping and field ambulance at the age of 17.

Jason spent three years in the Army Reserve before he decided to pursue his studies in nursing.

The bagpipes continued to play a pivotal role in his life when he started busking to pay for university.

“I came straight from country Brisbane to the big smoke and I was living in my car, playing bagpipes in the park,” he said.

“A man came up to me out of the blue and gave me all the money he had in his wallet and said, ‘Go and get a busking permit, you’ll do well.’”

Jason began to do street theatre across Australia, performing at Sydney Opera House among other key tourist sites.

His busking success helped to pay for his university fees, along with airfares to visit his fiance in Perth, after sparks flew at a church youth conference in Geelong.

Jason was playing at funerals, weddings and Anzac Day services and said it was a good opportunity to share his culture.

“My other grandpa was an ex-serviceman 12 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

and he always said Anzac Day was important,” Jason said.

With his church group, Jason encourages young people to attend Anzac Day events to help them develop an understanding of the significance of the day.

“A lot of young people that come along get to feel what it is to be patriotic and learn how important it is to just have a day to remember those who paid a huge price for our freedoms,” he said.

“I’m pretty religious and try to help young people grow up to be better people.”

Since about 2008, Jason has been playing the bagpipes in at the Kooweerup RSL and was instrumental in getting a New Zealand flag flying for Anzac Day services.

The bagpipes have even made an appearance at Jason’s work when he played the instrument for a fellow nurse with Scottish heritage for her birthday.

After finishing his studies, Jason was working in emergency and critical care nursing at Royal Perth Hospital.

He has worked in Victoria and has been a nurse for about 27 years.

He said in his profession, he had to learn to think on his feet.

“I have to make decisions based on a brief assessment and in critical care; usually the patient I’m working on is very sick and needs a lot of extra care and I have to be ready for the unexpected to happen,” he said.

“Being a big guy in emergency, they loved me because sometimes some of the patients get a bit rowdy and they need someone with a stern presence there.”

Jason genuinely cares and always puts his patients first.

“Sometimes they’re having the worst day ever and I’ve always tried to be mindful of my fellow man,” he said.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Jason has worked on the frontline in intensive care.

“It’s been very sad that so many people have passed from Covid-19. I personally lost a colleague to Covid-19 who was a very great nurse.”

He said although night shift makes it difficult to commit to playing the bagpipes socially, he still plans to play until he’s 80 years old.

“I’m starting to get arthritis in my fingers but I hope to keep playing - the bagpipes have been a very big blessing for my life.”

Jason flies the Aussie flag to celebrate his patriotism. 289805

Jason’s bagpipes led him to where he is today. 289805 cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … SENIORS ENJOYING LIFE

‘Daytime Music’ returns

By Elle Cecil Bunjil Place is welcoming shows featuring your favorite classic artists to the venue in July and August with its second Daytime Music Theatre Series.

Adelaide folk sensation The Beggars will take you on a wonderful journey through the music of The Seekers on Friday July 22.

With hits including ‘I’ll Never Find Another You,’ ‘The Carnival Is Over,’ ‘Morningtown Ride’ and of course, ‘Georgie Girl,’ The Beggars will celebrate The Seekers while adding their

own spin on the 1960s classics.

On Friday August 12, an awesome cast led by Chris McKenna will showcase popular Gilbert and Sullivan musicals such as The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and HMS Pinafore, as well as classics from composing duos Lerner and Lowe, and The Gershwin Brothers.

Featuring beautiful singing, stunning costumes and a stellar cast, make sure you don’t miss this show at Bunjil Place.

Guests at either of these shows can treat themselves to a Show and Lunch package,

featuring a delicious two-course meal of main and dessert in the Function Centre, with drinks available for purchase.

To make the Daytime Music Series a regular occurrence in your schedule, consider purchasing a season pass to reserve your place and save money along the way!

This pass will get you into shows later in the year, including ‘Practically Perfect - the Music of Julie Andrews’ in September, ‘Wish Upon A Star - The Disney Songbook’ in November, and ‘Christmas Heart and Music’ in December.

All shows are performed in the Bunjil Place Theatre, commencing at 10.30am, with a complimentary morning tea served at 9.45am in the foyer.

For accessibility bookings or other box office inquiries, email bunjilplace@casey.vic.gov. au or phone 9709 9700 between 9am and 5pm (Monday to Saturday).

Bunjil Place is located at 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren. For more information on these shows and others coming up, visit bunjilplace.com.au

HCP Level 1 & Level 2 only

HCP Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 & Level 4

Tenor Roy Best and international soprano Alison Jones are set to star in the Daytime Music Theatre Series at Bunjil Place.

Picture: SUPPLIED

3/28 Jarrah Drive Braeside 3195 12508952-NG34-21

DAYTIME MUSIC THEATRE July – December 2022

THE BEGGARS SING THE SEEKERS

GILBERT & SULLIVAN AND THE GREAT COMPOSERS

TICKETS

Follow the story of The Seekers Ⱥ´ʼnÒ ʼn; ® ºÖȵ ʼn y ʼnÌ µ ʼn in 1962 to London, where they rode a rollercoaster of hits ®¡´y硵 ʼn¡µʼnÒ ʼnĈĐčďʼn ʼnYhʼn special Farewell The Seekers, âyÒ ʼn èʼn´¡®®¡ºµÌĜʼn

Friday 12 August, 10.30 am

Show only

$22

Show + Lunch

$44

Season Pass: All 5 shows

$90

Season Pass Show + Lunch: All 5 Shows

$198

LÈ Ì µÒ ʼn¡µʼn⺵ È Ö®ʼn yÈ´ºµèʼn èʼn¡µÒ ȵyÒ¡ºµy®®èʼny ®y¡´ ʼn Adelaide folk sensation The yÈÌĜ

2º¡µʼnÖÌʼnyÌʼnâ ʼnÈ á¡Ì¡ÒʼnÒ ʼn´ºÌÒʼn źÅÖ®yÈʼn#¡® ÈÒʼnŲʼnSÖ®®¡áyµʼn´ÖÌ¡ y®Ìĝʼn yÌʼnâ ®®ʼnyÌʼnºÒ Èʼn ®yÌÌ¡ Ìʼn Ⱥ´ʼn ´yµèʼn È yÒʼn º´ÅºÌ¡µ ʼn ÖºÌʼn®¡¬ ʼn 5 ȵ ÈʼnŲʼn5ºâ ʼnyµ ʼnY ʼn# ÈÌ â¡µʼn ÈºÒ ÈÌĜ " yÒÖÈ¡µ ʼn ¡ÒÌʼnyµ ʼn ¡ ®¡ ÒÌʼnº ʼn Pirates, Pinafore and the Mikado Ò ¡ÌʼnÅ È ºÈ´yµ ʼn yÒÖÈ Ìʼn yÖÒ¡ Ö®ʼnÌ¡µ ¡µ ĝʼnÌÒÖµµ¡µ ʼn ºÌÒÖ´ Ìʼnyµ ʼnyµʼnyâ ̺´ ʼn yÌÒʼn ® ʼn èʼnÒ ʼn⺵ È Ö®ʼn È¡Ìʼn ; 3 µµyĜÒ ʼnh¡ Òµy´ʼniyÈʼn ĬĈĐčĉIJĉćĉĉĭĜ

Group Bookings (10+) Show only

$18

Group Bookings (10+) Show + Lunch

$40

Friday 22 July, 10.30 am

Cost per person

TO BOOK Book now at bunjilplace.com.au, ćĊʼnĐĎćĐʼnĐĎććʼnºÈʼnyÒʼnÒ ʼn ºçʼnA Ă Ĝʼn For Accessibility bookings, please y®®ʼnÒ ʼn ºçʼnA Ă ʼnºÈʼn ´y¡®ʼnÖÌʼnyÒʼn Öµ«¡®Å®y ű yÌ èĜá¡ Ĝ ºáĜyÖʼn̺ʼn â ʼn yµʼnyÌÌ¡ÌÒʼnèºÖʼnâ¡Ò ʼnèºÖÈʼn Ì yÒ¡µ ʼny®®º yÒ¡ºµĜʼn ʼnÒ ʼnĂÈÌÒʼnÒºʼn¬µºâʼnâ yÒļÌʼnºµʼn èʼn «º¡µ¡µ ʼnºÖÈʼn ´y¡®ʼn´y¡®¡µ ʼn®¡ÌÒʼnyÒʼn Öµ«¡®Å®y Ĝ º´ĜyÖĩµ âÌ® ÒÒ È ĉʼnLyÒÈ¡ ¬ʼn<ºÈÒ yÌÒʼn È¡á ĝʼnNarre Warren

PRACTICALLY PERFECT – THE MUSIC OF JULIE ANDREWS

WISH UPON A STAR THE DISNEY SONGBOOK

CHRISTMAS HEART AND MUSIC

Friday 16 September, 10.30 am

Friday 18 November, 10.30 am

Friday 9 December, 10.30 am

03 9709 9700

bunjilplace.com.au

12558839-AI29-22

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 21 July, 2022

|

STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

Brian Crowe’s beautiful creations. 288846

Lily (3) on a Rocking Horse restored 20 years ago. 288846

John McMahon and his walnut creation. 288846

Woodwork skills on show

By Len Preece The opening night of Berwick District Woodworker’s Club’s display and expo was cold and as a result was very low in attending numbers – both members and the public.

The expo was opened by Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan, with Gembrook MP Brad Battin in attendance, who both praised the club for their involvement in the community.

The Saturday and the Sunday – both days were well attended by the public.

We had a good number of people from various areas in Victoria ( from Leongatha, Morwell, Warragul and a good number of other Men’s Sheds throughout the state and local).

Many of the public wanting to know about the club, and how they can join.

The chainsaw artist drew plenty of attention on Saturday and Sunday as he carved out an owl on a perch which will be located within the grounds of the Old Cheese Factory.

We had far better weather on the Sunday with marginally more visitors.

I think the visitors were impressed by the quality of the items displayed.

A good number of member’s items were also sold.

Many thanks must go to the Old Cheese Factory staff for their cooperation in the staging of this event.

The club this year will have almost 1000 toys to donate to under privileged children again this year.

A fundraising raffle was held over the weekend, the winners being Joe Svaganovic (Rocking Horse), Dale Smith (Turned Lidded Bowl), Wendy Capper (Platter), Jan Cronin (Jewellery Box), and Graeme Weatherley (Turned Bowl).

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets. *Len Preece is president of Berwick District Woodworkers Club.

Len Preece with a car he made. 288846

Len Preece with a work by Martin Van Diemen, made of wood found in Berwick and pictured left. 288846

Catherine Fiddelaers works on a Rocking Horse. 288846

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Phil Willems with a twin portrait and an essential oils box made of silky oak. 288846

BUSINESS PROFILE

Balcon Group donates $100,000 for affordable houses Local family-owned construction and property development company Balcon Group has raised $100,000 to assist Homes for Homes to create more social and affordable housing in Victoria.

Over 116,000 people in Australia are homeless, and 44,000 of these people are children.

Another 1.5 million Australians face housing stress. Homes for Homes is a non-for-profit organisation that is working to increase the supply of more affordable and social housing.

Land and home sellers donate 0.1% of their property sale price, the donations are pooled and granted to community housing providers to increase the supply of social and affordable housing, helping to house those in need.

Balcon Group, a local family-owned construction and development company, committed to donating the 0.1% the sale price from every house sold in their master-planned community Orana in Clyde North, to Homes for Homes. Orana has 4,500 lots: 872 lots have been sold, of which 410 have already titled, and the figure donated to Homes for Homes has reached an amazing $100,000.

Balcon Group prides itself on being a small 14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

Balcon donates $100,000 to Homes for Homes to help alleviate homelessness business that creates affordable and sustainable communities for residents. Orana is Balcon Group’s second master-planned community, the first being Ambrosia in Cranbourne West. Jason Shaw of Balcon Group says, ‘Balcon is proud of the partnership that has been established with Homes for Homes and delighted that the milestone of $100,000 in direct donations has been achieved. The partnership

is a great example of how like-minded organisations from the private and not-for-profit sector can work together to achieve practical outcomes that help people unable to access safe and secure housing. Housing accessibility and affordability are critical issues in the City of Casey and Balcon is pleased to be able to make a positive contribution through its Orana community in Clyde North.’

Balcon Group is proud to partner with Homes for Homes to alleviate homelessness and supporting residents of Casey and Melbourne. They also support organisations such as Maddie’s Vision, The Florey Institute Motor Neurone Disease Research, Cabrini Hospital and is a foundation partner of the City of Casey Bunjil Place Community Arts fund.

‘Balcon are forward thinkers, and have demonstrated incredible leadership and commitment in supporting Homes for Homes. We are proud to partner with them and thank all the residents of Orana for coming together to solve homelessness; this donation of $100,000 will be used to create housing for those in need of a safe and secure place to live,” said Homes

for Homes CEO Steven Persson.

About Homes for Homes Homes for Homes is an independent, notfor-profit organisation created by Australia’s largest and most successful social enterprise, The Big Issue, to generate funds to tackle Australia’s chronic shortage of more than 600,000 social and affordable homes by raising money through donations from property sales.

Due to a severe lack of funding, the shortage is projected to grow to one million properties by 2036. Homes for Homes raises funds through donors, both individuals and developers, agreeing to register their property, which enables a tax-deductible donation of 0.1% of the property’s sale price (or monthly rent) to be donated to Homes for Homes. These donations are pooled and are granted to community housing providers to increase the supply of social affordable housing across Australia.

For more information, please visit homesforhomes.org.au Homes for Homes is on track to raise more than $1 billion for social and affordable housing over the next 30 years. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

The orthodontic experts Adam Wallace has more than 17 years of experience in the dental profession.

Born and raised near Leongatha, South Gippsland, Adam has since completed both his Dentistry and Orthodontic specialist training at the University of Melbourne where he has continued to lecture, demonstrate and examine since graduating in 2005.

Following graduation of the Bachelor of Dental Science degree as valedictorian with honours, Adam started his Masters researching the effects of bisphosphonate use on treatment of benign bone disease and impaired dental healing.

A passion for academics pursued and he has held several academic roles with Melbourne University, including the Clinical Practice and Specialist Areas in Dentistry (Orthodontics), and Convenor for the Bachelor of Oral Health program.

Since 2010, Adam has continued several roles with Melbourne University and the Australian Dental Council as well as working in a private practice in Heathmont.

Adam is an active member of the Australian Society of Orthodontists and the Australian Dental Association for which he has held several roles.

This is in addition to being a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the World Federation of Orthodontists and a previous member of the British Orthodontic Society. His doctoral thesis was an important clinical study on the treatment outcome between Invisalign and traditional braces which intends to be published soon.

Outside Adam’s passion for his work and his devotion to his patients, his farm in the Strzelecki Ranges keeps him busy.

Adam currently has Angus cattle, sheep,

Foot and leg pain is not normal so get it checked.

Winter foot and leg pain ten mean extended periods in unsupportive footwear like slippers or socks, which can strain foot and leg muscles, joints and tissues resulting in pain and injuries.

Some tips to try and prevent winter foot and leg pain include: Wear supportive shoes even if you’re spending extended periods at home and inside; If you have orthotics wear them around the home, even in your slippers; Keep exercising. It’s amazing the benefits a simple daily, brisk walk can have on muscles, joint and tissues If you have sudden on-set pain, recurring or consistent soreness get it checked by an experienced musculoskeletal podiatrist to help prevent a worsening of the condition.

Remember, regardless of the weather, foot and leg pain is not normal and should not interfere with your daily activities, so get it checked!

You can schedule an appointment with Dr Dowie at Foot and Leg Pain Clinics in Berwick by calling 1300 328 300.

alpacas and two Border Collie-Kelpie mixed dogs.

He also loves spending time with family, the majority who are in Gippsland including his two nephews, who always put a smile on his face.

Adam continues to look forward to providing specialist care for all his patients with a kind, gentle nature and ensuring that they will have a beautiful smile at the end of their treatment.

South East Orthodontics is located at Suite 5, Level 1, 18-24 Clyde Road, Berwick.

Phone 9330 0702 or visit the website at seortho.com.au

WE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE Orthodontic Treatment for children and adults utilising the latest technologies including SureSmile, Invisalign, lingual and clear appliances.

We offer flexible, interest free payment plans to make orthodontics accessible to everyone.

Strict hygiene and physical distancing policies in place

· · ·

12554322-JW25-22

Whether it’s daily soreness or lingering injuries, have you noticed your foot or leg pain feeling worse in winter?

Dr Paul Dowie, one of Australia’s leading musculoskeletal podiatrists from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, gave us some insight into why things can feel worse during the colder months.

1. Cold temperatures can cause the tissues in your joints to contract and pull on the nerve endings, which can contribute to stiffness and joint pain.

2. The cold can contribute to less blood supply to joints and tissues which can restrict movement and exacerbate underlying soft tissue injuries or degeneration, that you might not even be aware of.

3. We’re often less active in winter, so like any muscles in the body, the muscles in the feet and legs can become less conditioned - therefore weaker, less malleable and more prone to stress and injury 4. We usually spend more time at home with winters shorter, colder days which can of-

Adam Wallace, South East Orthodontics.

·

Sore Feet or Legs?

Call

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Suite 5, Level 1/18-24 Clyde Rd, Berwick Phone: (03) 9330 0702 | info@seortho.com.au | www.seortho.com.au

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

ist

diatr to po offer redeem tion *Men consult to at

Cnr Clyde Rd & Moondara Dr, BERWICK

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Mon to Fri 8 am to 9 pm Weekends and Public฀Holidays 9 am to 5pm

127-129฀Somerville฀Rd฀•฀Hampton฀Park฀•฀Ph฀9702฀9300฀•฀www.betterhealthfamilyclinic.com.au

OPEN throughout Covid-19 with optional TELEHEALTH online & phone consults cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

OPEN฀EXTENDED HOURS 201908201599_1-CG35-19

*

•฀Men,฀Womens฀and฀Childrens฀Health.

•฀Respiratory฀problems •฀Physio฀and฀Podiatrist฀available •฀Sleeping฀disorders •฀Patients฀with฀complex฀health฀issues •฀Weight฀Loss฀Programs •฀Everything฀under฀the฀one฀roof,฀good฀doctors,฀great฀services,฀ new฀clean฀facilities฀with฀plenty฀of฀parking฀on฀site.

•฀Refugee฀and฀Assylum฀seekers฀welcome฀at฀our฀practice.

O   

Including Specialist & Allied Health Services Thursday, 21 July, 2022

ALL SERVICES BULK BILLED |

STAR NEWS 15

ENTERTAINMENT

Standout performers from BATS Theatre Company

By Kelly Price On Saturday night, I had the pleasure of seeing BATS Theatre Company’s production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at the Cranbourne Community Theatre.

Upon entering the theatre, you are greeted by one of the most incredible sets that becomes a character of its own, leaving you feeling as if you are truly in the Asylum.

In the first scene, we are introduced to the patients and staff of the hospital.

Here, we meet the fully realised characters experiencing the monotony of their daily lives, until McMurphy bursts through the door.

Michael Fenemore offers a Randle P. McMurphy not to be missed; he oozes charisma and leads the cast in energy and professionalism, supported by Julian Camara as Chief Bromden who shares a sincerity in his

Children’s book author Pamela Larkin with her book Skittles the Puppy Gets Adopted. 290210

Children’s book a hit

By Jamie Salter Berwick local Pamela Larkin is launching her very first children’s book, titled ‘Skittles the Puppy Gets Adopted’.

Released this month, the book follows the true story of a dog who was adopted by a loving family.

Ms Larkin said Skittles was part of her family for 16 years but died about a year ago.

“The story is about being different but still being wanted and loved,” Ms Larkin said.

“I didn’t tell anyone I was writing this book, not even my kids. I waited until it was complete and released and they were so surprised.”

It has taken Pamela three years to get the book published, which includes her original ideas for the illustrations that feature multicultural characters.

“I started with sketches and sent them through to an illustrator and we worked on it

together,” she said.

“I knew in my head what I wanted, even to the hair colour of the characters.”

Ms Larkin has been a fan of poetry since she was a child and knew that she would publish a book one day.

She grew up in the country town of Wangaratta before moving to Melbourne, where she raised two children as a single parent.

Despite struggling financially, Ms Larkin never hesitated to take people in under her roof when they were in need and has spent her life helping others.

Skittles the Puppy Gets Adopted is most suitable for children aged two to 12 and is available through Dymocks, Amazon, Booktopia and other outlets.

Ms Larkin already has a plan for the next book, which will follow all the funny antics Skittles gets up to in his new home.

role that narrates the show through various monologues.

Further standout performances are Alan Gordon as Billy Bibbit, who offers a vulnerability that leaves the audience feeling protective of Billy, David Krause as the incredibly intelligent and neurotic Dale Harding, and also Chloe Harbour as Candy Starr this woman gets the role perfectly.

The direction from James McAllister has a very clear vision from the opening to the final bows and through the use of costumes, lighting, and performance, the production offers a fully realised rendition of this classic.

The production closes Sunday 24 July.

If you want a professional level production for a community theatre price, don’t miss this outstanding production.

Tickets available through batstheatre. org.au/one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest

BATS Theatre Company’s One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest is playing at Cranbourne Theatre.

Picture: SUPPLIED

WHAT’S ON

·

Casey Winter Magic Festival Casey Winter Magic Festival is bringing something special to Clydesdale Square in Cranbourne.

With loads of free fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, you’ll be whisked away to a magic winter wonderland.

Free activities include free face painting, magic shows, bling body art, marshmallow snowman making and more.

You can enjoy shopping at local market stalls as well as grab a bite to eat from local Cranbourne shops or the Cranbourne Park food court.

Sunday 31 July 11am - 4pm at Greg Clydesdale Square, Cranbourne.

#CaseyGirlsCan: Yoga in Arbourlea

·

Growing Friends Winter Plant Sale Growing Friends Plant Sales are held in the Australian Garden next to the kiosk, and EFTPOS facilities are available.

Some of the plants available at the Plant Sale will be grasses, rushes, strappy plants, climbers, groundcovers, indigenous plants, small and large bushes and trees.

The Plant Sale will be held on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July 2022 between 10am and 4pm both days.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne.

·

Berwick Boutique Craft and Food Market Spend your Saturday at the historic Old Cheese Factory in Berwick.

This lovely venue offers beautifully manicured gardens, a large children’s playground and barbecue/picnic facilities along with plenty of parking.

Step back in time and browse the wonderful and unique crafts and design from local makers and unwind from the week.

On site parking available at $5 per car.

Saturday 23 July 9am - 2pm at 34 Homestead Road, Berwick.

·

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

Head to Gwendoline Kindergarten in Berwick for yoga in the park on Saturday morning, 23 July. 266184

Bakhtar Community Organisation multi-lingual Online Information Session Bakhtar Community Organisation is delivering an information session with Sunil Monem from Melbourne City Football Club and Milad Juma from PRD LEGAL in Pashto, Dari and English languages to address the following: Covid-19, Health, Sport, and General legal information.

The program will be LIVE from Bakhtar’s Facebook page and Youtube Channel on Thursday 21 July at 6pm.

It will also be aired on Sunday 24 July at 12.30pm from Channel 31.

·

Opportunity to discuss landfill odour in Botanic Ridge and Cranbourne West EPA will be holding six small group online sessions to listen to community feedback and discuss the odour issues in Botanic Ridge and

Yoga in the Park sessions return!

FREE yoga class for every level.

Enhance your mental and physical wellbeing as you are taken through rhythmic sequenced postures, static postures and breathing exercises.

Saturday 23 July 9am - 10am at Gwendoline Kindergarten - 25 Gwendoline Drive, Berwick.

Tickets: trybooking. com/events/landing

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Cranbourne West on Thursday 21 July.

Following a recent online community session attended by more than 200 participants, EPA is hosting the meetings for up to 10 people in order to have more meaningful one-to-one conversations with affected community members and residents.

You can register via Eventbrite - eventbrite. com.au/e/small-group-sbi-landfill-sessions-tickets-385547772767 Session times: 10am - 10.45am. 11am 11.45am. 1pm - 1.45pm. 2pm - 2.45pm.

5.30pm - 6.15pm. 6.30 - 7.15pm.

·

Akoonah Park Christmas in July Night Market Come and enjoy some delicious food and drink and browse a wide range of products.

Many of the outdoor and indoor stalls that you know and love from Akoonah Park’s weekly Sunday market will be present.

Friday 29 July 4pm – 9pm at 2 Cardinia Street, Berwick.

Hooning Community Engagement Session The Victorian Government’s ’Hooning Community Reference Group’ wants to hear from community members that have concerns about hooning behaviour.

The Department of Transport will be running a community meeting in the City of Casey on Wednesday 27 July from 6pm to 8pm which can be attended in person or online.

The meeting is free and open to community members residing in the south-east region.

To register for the conference, head to transport.vic.gov.au/getting-around/roads/saferroads-in-our-hands

·

Plastic Free July workshop day Plastic Free July Sewing Bee: 9am - 4pm. This session is open to anyone. Learn to make some simple items to help your on your journey to reduce single use plastics, and make some extras to share with others. Food and drinks provided.

Bring your own sewing machine to use, or use one of the ones at the centre.

Beeswax wrap workshop: 2.45pm - 4pm.

This session is open to everyone. Join Holly from Holly’s Backyard Bees, as you learn all about keeping bees, beeswax, and make your own beeswax wraps! Holly will also be bringing extra pre-made beeswax blocks that you can buy from her to make your own at home.

Sewing machine care workshop: 9am - 12.30pm.

This session is open only to those that attend a Boomerang Bags group in Casey. Learn how to service and look after your machine. Please bring your sewing machine along. Limited numbers only.

Saturday 30 July, Endeavour Hills Neighbourhood Centre - Lower Level, 10 Raymond McMahon Blvd, Endeavour Hills.

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cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

School masks back The Victorian Education Department has responded to the Health Department’s advice on masks by setting an “expectation” that masks be worn schools until the end of winter.

All students aged eight and above, and all staff will be expected to wear masks in class “through to the end of winter,” except where the removal of a mask is necessary for communication or an activity requiring their removal.

It comes in response to the Health Department’s strong recommendation that masks be worn in indoor settings, as Covid-19 numbers continue to climb.

Victoria recorded 12,201 new cases 25 deaths on Tuesday 19 July, the highest number of new cases recorded in a day since 19 May. Deputy Secretary of Schools and Regional Services David Howes said on Monday 18 July that mask wearing in schools will be a “consistent expectation across all schools in Victoria.”

“Schools are not required or expected to sanction students or staff who do not meet this expectation, but are asked to communicate this expectation to the whole school community and seek their support for this collective effort,” Mr Howes said.

“Wearing masks is a simple step we can all take this winter to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases and ensure our schools are as safe as possible.”

In a letter written to parents and carers of government, catholic and Independent school students across the state, signed by each of the three school sectors, Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) said this action will help to ensure as many students and staff as possible are protected from Covid-19 and other illnesses over winter.

Removing masks is acceptable if considered necessary for “clear communication.”

“The Victorian Department of Health

Students aged eight and above, and staff are being asked to wear masks in classrooms until the end of winter. 269669 strongly recommends that face masks are worn in indoor settings,” the letter said.

“Students won’t be required or expected to wear masks when outdoors, and this expectation won’t stop student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances.

“We also ask that you make sure your child (or children) takes a mask to school (and wears it if they are travelling on public transport) or collects a mask when they arrive at school.

“We are asking for your support in explaining to your child or children the importance of this simple step that will help keep our schools as safe as possible.”

Education minister Natalie Hutchins said the recommendation did not signal a change in policy from the Education Department.

“We’ve done the work to make schools as safe as possible, with an air purifier in every single classroom, more than 99 per cent of

teachers triple-vaccinated and a strong recommendation for masks, we’re making schools as safe as they can be in the midst of a pandemic and a nasty flu season,” Ms Hutchins said.

“We know masks provide good protection against the transmission of Covid-19, so, while they’re not mandated, we’re strongly recommending all staff and students aged eight and over wear them indoors at school.”

Opposition leader Matthew Guy described the recommendation as “mandate on kids by stealth.”

“If you want to have a mask mandate, at least have the courage to go out and say it,” Mr Guy said on Tuesday 19 July.

“The government’s total approach on Covid-19, it’s just total confusion.

“One minute they say there are no mandates and the next minute they are advising kids to wear masks.

“What is it? Just tell us.”

Evaded cops Police are investigating after a stolen Mercedes evaded police in Cranbourne on Monday 18 July.

Cranbourne police attempted to intercept a stolen white Mercedes sedan on Cochrane Street in Cranbourne West about 10.30am.

The driver failed to pull over and evaded police.

The vehicle was seen driving erratically and speeding in Cranbourne before it was dumped in the car park of a shopping centre on Cranbourne Drive just after 11am, police said. The male offender ran from the scene and no arrests have been made.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

‘P’ charged A P-plater has been charged after she was allegedly detected driving at 145km/h in a 40km/h roadworks zone in Berwick on Sunday 17 July.

Roadworkers had to move to safety as the Holden Commodore narrowly missed a road safety barrier on the Princes Freeway at Berwick about 9.50pm, police said.

Cardinia Highway Patrol members intercepted the vehicle, which had four occupants on board. The provisional driver, a 23-year-old Pakenham woman, returned an evidentiary breath test of 0.092.

She was charged with a range of offences including reckless conduct endangering life, dangerous speed and exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol.

She was bailed to face Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 24 November.

FOCUS ON … TAX TIME

$850 million in potentially fraudulent transactions: ATO a false GST refund by creating fake businesses and Australian Business Numbers (ABN) then submitting fake Business Activity Statements (BAS).

The ATO is warning people not to engage in this behaviour, and for participants to come forward and avoid further consequence and potential criminal action.

Law enforcement agencies are also working closely with the ATO to bring criminal action against those who deliberately and willingly partake in fraud schemes.

The ATO’s deputy commissioner and chief of the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce, Will Day, says many people are sharing techniques for fraud on various social media platforms.

“We are working with social media plat-

forms to help remove content promoting this fraud, but if you see something that sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Mr Day says.

“The people who have participated in this fraud are not anonymous - we know who they are and we will be taking action.”

“We are urging anyone involved to face the music and come forward now, rather than face even tougher consequences later including penalties and criminal charges.”

Mr Day acknowledges that legitimate taxpayers may be delayed in receiving their refunds due to the extra steps introduced to the process to deter and prevent fraudulent refunds from being paid out.

He also understands that some people may

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have unknowingly been caught up in fraudulent tax transactions.

“People who have participated in this fraud may have unwittingly followed advice they have read online, claiming to help access a loan from the ATO, or receive other financial government support such as a disaster payment,” says Mr Day. “However, for others, there was nothing accidental or unintentional about setting up a fake business in their own name and seeking an unearned refund.”

“Circumstances where there were deliberate attempts to defraud the ATO or a refusal to organise repayments will lead to tougher actions, including criminal action.”

For more information, visit www.ato.gov.au.

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

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12450929-FA24-20

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning the community not to engage in tax fraud and to be wary of criminals tricking people or stealing their personal information.

The ATO is investigating approximately $850 million in potentially fraudulent transactions to around 40,000 individuals through Operation Protego.

With the average fraudulent amount claimed being $20,000, banks and financial institutions are partnering with the ATO to freeze bank accounts belonging to those suspected of tax fraud.

Intelligence information is being sent from banks to the ATO, which has in turn been identifying suspicious tax refunds.

Many frauds see offenders attempt to gain

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

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NEWS

Older Men: New Ideas

By David Nagel “I got out of bed one morning and didn’t have anything to do.”

The words of John Doutch, followed by hearty laughter, embody the spirit that exists between a group of ageing, older men that share their experience and knowledge at monthly meetings held at the Outlook Community Centre in Pakenham.

‘Ageing’ and ‘older’ may sound offensive to some…but these gentlemen are actually bonded by those two words.

Older Men: New Ideas (OM:NI) is a men’s discussion group developed by the Council of the Ageing (COTA) that provides a safe, confidential and respectful space for men to share their thoughts, experiences and ideas.

Doutch is a long-time member of OM:NI, a group that now meets on the second Wednesday of each month as it looks to rebuild and reunite after Covid.

“I was recently retired, had nothing to do, and in the letterbox was a pamphlet advertising a program about the challenges of ageing, run by an organisation named COTA,” Doutch said.

“I thought why not, I’ll give it a go.

“My involvement all stemmed from there.

“I got involved in OM:NI and within five years we had started up five groups within the South East.”

For Doutch, it didn’t take long for a clear message to sink in about the challenges facing men as they entered the elderly years of their lives.

“I remember one guy speaking at a meeting and the discussion topic was friendships,” Doutch recalled.

“He was always very quiet, but he stood up and said he wanted to talk about friendships.

“We all sat back and listened and he spoke about the fact that he had no friends anymore, but not because of anything that had happened.

“He had no friends because all of them had died.

“It really got me thinking that it’s important to maintain a circle of friends.

“The circle gets smaller and smaller…and it’s great to create a new circle of friends to maintain your sense of balance, sense of community and it’s hugely important to your own self-worth as well.

“I get heaps out of it (OM:NI), I love seeing older men, without beer, without talking politics or religion, just having a good time and sharing our thoughts.”

The OM:NI group at Pakenham is certainly an eclectic group, with retirees ranging from a builder, to defence force worker, manager of a tenpin bowling centre, an educator, sheet metal worker, courier and diesel mechanic… all coming together to forge a strong bond.

Ken McMaster has been involved in the OM:NI group for just over a decade, and now as a facilitator of the meetings gets great satisfaction from his role.

McMaster is also keen to see the OM:NI program bounce back to it’s pre-Covid vi-

OM:NI participants, back from left; Darren Adams, John Garland and Brian Regan. Front row; Barry McClease, John Doutch and Ken McMaster. 287645 Picture: GARY SISSONS brance, so more men over 60 can share the experience as well.

“I get a great feeling of satisfaction by seeing the positive impact OM:NI has on guys and I get a great kick out of new guys coming through the door and being able to share their experiences,” McMaster said.

“I remember my first meeting, I didn’t quite know what to make of it, but I was very quickly made to feel comfortable and welcomed by a very friendly group of guys.

“I left work, retired, filled in 12 months of my time, but then I was a bit lost.

“OM:NI was recommended by a friend and I’ve been a member for 11 years now.”

The devastating impact of Covid saw OM:NI sessions cease, with McMaster and a small group of like-minded people deciding to get things back up and running with a bounceback meeting on May 11 this year.

But due to the lingering impact of Covid – mainly reduced confidence in attending social gatherings - the numbers at OM:NI have certainly dropped away.

McMaster is hoping to see some past and new faces at the next OM:NI meeting on Wednesday 13 July.

“Dealing with Covid is still tough for many people because there’s an anxiety that goes with the aftermath of the lockdown,” McMaster said.

“We need to get past that and get our confidence levels back.

“We just want to get things going again.

“But getting confidence back in people

is the biggest battle we have…across the 26 OM:NI groups in the metropolitan area, contact people are reporting the same things.

“We want to encourage people to come back.

“We’re a lot safer now, knowing what we know and being immunised, than what we were before we knew nothing at all.

“Vaccinations and knowing a lot more about Covid should have a positive impact on everyone.”

A typical OM:NI session involves a friendly welcome as participants arrive, followed by a run-through of announcements from COTA – OM:NI’s parent body – before the discussion moves in an orderly fashion around the room.

Each participant provides their thoughts and ideas, before a coffee break proceeds the final business of the day.

“We have a pre-selected subject that everyone knows about,” McMaster said.

“We all have our say and everyone is given the opportunity to put their thoughts forward.

“One of the great things about OM:NI is that things are confidential and there is a great respect for each other within the group.”

Each member of OM:NI enjoys their experience greatly.

Regular attendee John Garland just simply enjoys the company.

“I really enjoy the variety of people that you meet and learning about the life skills and experience that other people have got,” he said.

“I’m just amazed at what people have done.

“If only industry grabbed hold of guys like

this, they would be so much better off.

“I had retired, was looking to fill my life up, I dawdled along and have enjoyed every moment since.”

For long-time member Brian Regan, building friendships is the top priority.

“OM:NI goes back 15 years and I’ve been here for 14,” Regan said.

“I saw an ad in the paper for a men’s discussion group and that’s how it started for me.

“I had retired at 57 and was looking for something new…I really enjoy it and the number one thing for me is friendship, we help each other.

“If I want help, I get help, if others want help, they get help, that’s what we do here.”

Darren Adams and Barry McClease also spoke of the satisfaction they get from being involved in such a tight knit and respectful group of men.

And it’s not just Pakenham where men from around our region are getting together to bring some knowledge and laughter to each other’s lives, with several OM:NI groups available to men in the district.

Ken McMaster (0419 574 865) is the contact for day or night sessions at Pakenham, while for Beaconsfield its John (0402 206 689), Berwick; Jim (0408 335 130), Cranbourne East; Hope (5996 3257) and Narre Warren; John (0431 844 833).

People interested in OM:NI can also obtain more details by calling COTA on 1300 13 50 90 or via email at askcota@cotavic.org.au or by visiting the COTA website.

Acclaimed award-winning entertainer Tom Burlinson stars in a brand-new show -‘Swing That Music’, accompanied by his Great Big Band at The Athenaeum Theatre, Collins Street Melbourne on the 12 August for the first time in Melbourne.

And your local Star has FIVE double passes to the show to giveaway to our readers!

Many favourite swing classics have been selected for ‘Swing That Music’ including On a Clear Day, Teach Me Tonight, You Are the Sunshine of my Life, Pennies from Heaven, Mr Bojangles, On the Street Where You Live, And I Love Her, A Lot of Livin’ to Do and of course, Swing That Music.

These songs, featured in Swing That Music, include Academy Award winners, Broadway classics, Jazz standards and modern Pop treasures. Tom’s Great Big Band will include some of the finest musicians in the country, providing all the power, excitement and atmosphere of this time-honoured musical style.

ENTER NOW

SCAN QR CODE TO ENTER

ENTRIES CLOSE Noon Friday 5 August Or visit: starcommunity.com.au/competitions

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

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STAR NEWS 19

NEWS

Q&A with chief executive Having a strong desire to keep these articles interesting, I have decided that it would be a good idea to interview successful local chief executives from time to time to find out a bit about their story.

For the first of such articles, I interviewed Richy Weinzierl - who runs Australian Precision Technologies Pty Ltd based in Berwick and whom I have known for almost six years.

In case you were not already aware, APT won the ‘Innovation’ category in the 2021 Casey Business Awards and was also awarded the ‘Overall Business of the Year’ for 2021 as well, so a true success story indeed!

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Q: Why was the business started in the first place?

Richy: Around 30 years ago, a family friend sold manufacturing machines and so I bought one for $450. I used it to produce hinge pins for ovens. I still have customers today that bought from me back then.

Q: How did you overcome it?

Richy: I have been open to input from others and willing to listen to recommendations which I then talked through with Niki my wife.

Q: What does the business specialise in?

Richy: Defence components for the Australian Defence Force.

Q: What are you most proud of?

Richy: I have a world-class, state-of-the-art facility and built a reputation for high-quality manufactured products. APT was a finalist in the ‘Australian Defence Industry Awards’, has been inducted into the Victorian Manufacturers’ ‘Hall of Fame’. We also received the Thales ‘Award for Excellence’.

Q: What is the secret for success?

Richy: My wife – we have a great partnership!

I also attribute my success to having received great business coaching over the past five to six years as well as support from CDIC (Centre for Defence Industry Capability).

IAN ASH Q: What has been your greatest challenge in the business?

Richy: Understanding how to get the best out of people. Staff are our greatest asset and a focus on company culture has been necessary.

Q: What advice would you give to a new business owner just starting out?

Richy: Engage a Business Coach. This ensured that I set up the correct structure and business foundations and enabled me to develop a clear plan for the business. I also recommend that they undertake the Australian Directors course. Hire great people and where possible employ more women – they are less resistant to change.

Q: Who inspires you and why?

Richy: Peter Drljaca. He has built his company from small beginnings into a global business that supplies companies such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin worldwide.

Q: How do you see business changing over the coming years?

Richy: The biggest challenge will be staff retention. Businesses will also need to become

Richy Weinzierl is the chief executive of Australian Precision Technologies Pty Ltd based in Berwick.

Picture: SUPPLIED more efficient as costs continue to rise and this implies increased systemisation and tooling.

Up-to-date tools and technology and the effective use of these will be needed to improve and maximise efficiency.

Q: What are your interests and hobbies?

Richy: I love to watch my son play football and spending time with my family, including the dog. I used to surf and would love to take this up again.

Ian Ash is the managing director for OrgMent Business Solutions.

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

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NEWS

Give nappies

By Eleanor Wilson Australian not-for-profit The Nappy Collective is encouraging Casey parents and locals to drop off new or leftover disposable nappies, with the ambitious goal to provide one million fresh nappies to families experiencing hardship.

The organisation’s annual Nappy Collective campaign is running from Monday 11 July until Sunday 31 July, with 230 collection points across Australia accepting donations of fresh nappies, including multiple drop-off points in the City of Casey.

Several businesses in the South East, including Berwick Pharmacy, ANZ Bank Branch Fountain Gate, Salts of the Earth Narre Warren South, and Pharmasave Eden Rise, are participating in the annual campaign, before the nappies will be collected and redistributed to families experiencing nappy stress.

The Nappy Collective chief executive officer Sarah Witty said some 280,000 Australian children each year don’t have their nappy changed as often as they need to, which can lead to skin irritation, urinary infections and emotional distress.

“A lack of access to clean nappies may be due to issues of financial hardship, homelessness or escaping domestic violence, or those impacted by natural disasters, such as the recent flooding we have seen in New South Wales and Queensland,” she said.

Berwick Pharmacy is one collection point which has participated in the nappy collection drive every year it has run, according to pharmacy retail manager Jaki Crow.

“For us, I believe there’s quite a high percentage of families in crisis in the Casey area, so as a community pharmacy, we really like to support smaller causes where we can,” Mrs Crow said.

“From a personal point of view I’m quite passionate about it. I’m a grandmother to two

Berwick Pharmacy retail manager Jaki Crow and Michelle with the nappy colleciton box. 289892 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS little ones, so I know what it’s like when they’re stuck in a dirty nappy for long periods and end up with horrible nappy rash.”

She said the local community has been very supportive of the collection drive in previous years and hopes this year’s drive will be similar.

“There have been times where we’ve had to fill three or four cars with the nappies to take them back to The Collective…we’ve never had a time where we haven’t had heaps of donations, which is really great.”

“I’m hoping this year we can collect heaps to make up for the two years we missed out on [due to Covid].

“I hope the community gets behind it and supports the cause, every little bit helps.”

Locals can visit their nearest drop-off point to donate newly purchased disposable nappies, disposable swim nappies, nappy pants and leftover, opened packets of disposable nappies that are no longer needed (such as when a child outgrows their nappy size).

For the full list of collection points, visit thenappycollective.com/nappy-collection-points

Marketing wisdom shared

By Jonty Ralphsmith Digital marketing expert Sam McEwin was invited to a business breakfast at Sandown Greyhounds on Thursday 14 July.

Founder and director of BizWisdom, which provides digital marketers with skills and strategies, Mr McEwin spoke about how small businesses could give themselves a point of difference.

McEwin spoke about different, lesstapped forms of advertising, emphasising the importance of digital advertisements and using social and traditional media as a promotional tool.

He did, however, say digital marketing could complement – rather than replace – traditional advertising.

“There are segments over the world that don’t watch as much TV or spend time watching subscriptions or other media that is digital, so what we are experiencing is not the death of traditional media,” he said.

“Some of the tradional media is growing

but we are seeing fragmentation and that’s really challenging for big brands; instead of putting advertising dollars into one channel, there are several.

“For small business, that’s even more challenging because we have limited resources and we can’t put it in to all channels; we have to make a decision about where we will put it in today so we can try and get some return so we can increase the marketing budget and invest in something more.”

He also informed patrons of the significance of striking a 60-40 balance between brand endorsement with direct-response advertising to optimise short and long-term returns.

The sit-down breakfast was hosted by the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce and provided small businesses in the area with an opportunity to network.

People have until Saturday 13 August to enter for an award at the chamber function held later in the year.

Sam McEwin with councillor Richard Lim.

Picture: JONTY RALPHSMITH

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Rex name shame

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“They need to have their plaques removed

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

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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Rediscovering his passion

By Tyler Lewis Brandon White left the AFL system with a sour taste in his mouth and distant from his once deep love of football.

After St Kilda selected White with pick 40 in the 2015 National Draft, the Dandenong Stingrays product managed just 11 senior games across his four years at AFL level.

In his final year at Moorabbin, White played just one senior match – a round 13 win over Gold Coast – but was an unswerving performer at VFL level, taking out the Neil Bencraft best and fairest award after an imperious season with Sandringham.

When the undesirable conversation came at the end of 2019, White proceeded to turn down a plethora of loaded VFL offers to instead return to local football, in an attempt to rekindle his love for the game.

“I probably left the game a bit twisted, a bit frustrated, and I just thought I had a bit more to give,” White said openly and honestly.

“Obviously the Saints didn’t think so at the time, but I gave everything to VFL that year and won equal best and fairest with Brede Seccull.

“I felt a bit hard done by, but I guess that’s footy, that’s how cut throat it is.

“It was on the table (VFL); Sandy offered for me to go around again and so did a few other clubs – Frankston, Casey, Footscray, a few other clubs, but at the time I had just fallen out of love with the game.”

White opted to re-join the local club in which he was drafted from – south eastern powerhouse Beaconsfield.

And although he has since moved on from Beaconsfield – shifting to Mornington Peninsula club Devon Meadows – White is content that his love of the game has returned.

“It definitely has… I came back to Beaconsfield, to where I pretty much grew up, I won a flag there when I was 17,” he said.

That local premiership as a wiry teenager still sits fondly with White, as he carried the learnings into the AFL system and beyond into his local football.

“Well first of all it was one of the best days of my life,” he explained.

“It feels like a while ago now, it helped with the experience of the bigger bodies and the pace of the game.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time down at

Brandon White fought hard to build his AFL career with St Kilda. 290616

Picture: AAP IMAGES

White was just 17 when he played in a senior premiership with Beaconsfield. 290616

I probably left the game a bit twisted, a bit frustrated, and I just thought I had a bit more to give… but at the time I had just fallen out of love with the game.”

- Brandon White on the end of his AFL career Beaconsfield and I have still got some good relationships there.

“I don’t think Devon Meadows has played finals for 20 odd years...I don’t want to jinx ourselves yet, we still have a job to do with another four or five weeks to go.

“The old cliche of ‘week by week’ is the way we’re doing it down there… but it’s nice to bring that experience, not only myself, but Nick Battle and Ryan Hendy, and a few other boys that have had that finals experience.

“They’re not used to winning, so we’re trying to change that culture.”

The 25-year-old pulled on the Sandringham Zebras jumper on 51 occasions, to go with his 11 senior appearances – but was far from a known goal kicker.

However, since moving to the Panthers, White has had his magnet slide from a dashing defender, to a regular one-out-key-forward.

“I have spent a bit of time down there (this year),” he said.

“I rest there when I play midfield and sometimes I just start down there, I played a lot of my juniors as a forward, but not so much my senior footy.

“I think my best footy is at half-back, but I have been on all three lines at Devon – forward, mid and back.”

White’s Devon Meadows is currently poised for a top-two finish to the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League season with five games remaining in the season.

Ladder-leading Cranbourne brought down by Dingoes

By Jonty Ralphsmith A victory over top-placed Cranbourne puts Dingley in a powerful position heading into the last month of the home and away season.

The Dingoes started the game with what coach Danny Ades described as a 10-goal gust and, after conceding the first goal, they virtually held the lead for the rest of the contest.

That goal was the only goal kicked against the wind for the entire four quarters of footy.

The 13-point win was a scrap to watch, as wind wreaked havoc on the skill-level of the contest, but Ades said it was an important win for the club.

“The win gives us confidence in those high pressure moments so I think it is important that we establish ourselves as a finals team and a win today helps that cause,” Ades said.

“We expect to play finals and once we get there, we back our systems and have trust we will get it done in the pressure moments again.”

Although Ades emphasised that his side would not be taking the next month lightly, they play the bottom-three teams in division one in the four matches to round out the home and away season.

Win those and fifth spot should be sewn up, and they will have momentum heading into finals.

On the weekend, Nathan Freeman’s class shone through from the first bounce, as he got five touches, two tackles and two goals early in the contest. The ex-AFL player would have finished with about 30 touches and cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Nathan Freeman’s experience was important in iclement conditions for Dingley. 289933 Picture: ROB CAREW contributed to a slight midfield win for the visitors.

The Eagles, however, looked ominous at different times, particularly when they moved the ball quickly to give their esteemed forward line a look at some one-on-ones.

Returning from injury, Casey-listed George Grey was one who got several clearances and looked to take territory.

Casey’s VFL bye allowed Mitch White and Corey Ellison to also play, bolstering the Eagles’ forward line, yet the team finished with only six goals.

Ades was pleased with that result, as he said defence was a focus given the conditions.

“Fall into a trap with a windy day of capitalising on two quarters, we like to look at it from our defence – generally the team that

defends the wind the best goes a long way to getting the result so we were fortunate enough that was the case.”

Although it was not a day suited to big marking forwards such as Marc Holt, the coaching staff gave Alex Windhager best-onground for keeping Holt to just one goal.

“He’s improving every week, we’ve given him some pretty big assignments in the last six weeks since he has come back from injury - we have had trust in him to play on the key forwards and there is quite a few in this league, so it is important he gets the job done and I thought he won his position really well.”

Leading by 23-points at three-quarter time, he implored his side to bring effort and intensity to defend their lead against the wind, and they ran it out, conceding three goals in the final quarter.

Rory Goldsmith’s pressure and hunt was rewarded with three goals and Lochie Benton, who has played VFL and NAB League footy this year, was also among the better players as a clean half-forward/winger.

Meanwhile, Springvale’s win over Bentleigh keeps its pulse for finals action alive.

The Demons sit a game and percentage behind Dingley so would be reliant on results to fall their way and to record some upsets.

But on Saturday they overcame a slow start, reversing a 17-point quarter-time deficit to get up by 35 points after a six-goal-tozero final quarter.

St Kilda City was also made to work, but eventually got on top of Mordialloc, winning

by 14 points.

After trailing by 16-points at halftime, the Saints came out firing in the third team, kicking 6.7 and keeping the home side scoreless.

Aaron Edwards finished with four goals.

Cheltenham’s 128-point annihilation of East Malvern puts them back in top-position.

Given Cranbourne’s loss, the Rosellas now sit a game and percentage clear in top-spot, but Cranbourne will be able to draw level when the sides clash this weekend.

In the weekend’s other match, five goals to Mitchell Clarke was not enough to lift Port Melbourne to victory over St Pauls McKinnon.

Like Springvale and St Kilda, St Pauls McKinnon also trailed at halftime, before an eight-goal-to-four second half got them over the line by nine points.

RESULTS Mordialloc 8.12 60 def by St Kilda City 10.14 74, Bentleigh 8.6 54 def by Springvale Districts 13.11 89, East Malvern 2.4 16 def by 21.18 144, Cranbourne Eagles 6.9 45 def by Dingley 8.10 58, St Pauls McKinnon 11.13 79 def Port Melbourne 11.2 68.

LADDER Cheltenham 48, Cranbourne 44, St Pauls McKinnon 40, St Kilda City 40, Dingley 32, Springvale 28, Port Melbourne 20, Mordialloc, Bentleigh 8, East Malvern 0.

FIXTURE Port Melbourne v East Malvern, Cranbourne v Cheltenham, Dingley v Mordialloc, Springvale v St Pauls McKinnon, St Kilda City v Bentleigh.

Thursday, 21 July, 2022

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STAR NEWS 25

SPORT

Sowing the seed of doubt

By David Nagel Tooradin-Dalmore banked something far more important than four premiership points with its commanding 32-point victory over Inverloch-Kongwak at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

The Seagulls not only extended their undefeated winning streak to 14, but deposited serious doubt into the mind of one of their biggest challengers for this year’s crown.

Inverloch will be justifiably proud of keeping the Seagulls to their lowest score of the season, but the Sea Eagles did so at the expense of their own attacking flare moving forward.

Blustery conditions certainly made scoring difficult, but the Sea Eagles looked bereft of ideas as they succumbed, 10.10.70 to 5.8.38, to this year’s premiership favourites.

It was also Inverloch’s lowest score for the season, easily eclipsing the 52 points it scored against the Seagulls in a 37-point round-seven defeat.

A strong breeze swept across the ground on the weekend, blowing from the outer wing to the netball-court forward pocket.

Tooradin had the better of the first 15 minutes of play, and if not for some great defensive work from the likes of Hayden Lindsay, who had the job on Stewie Scanlon, and Tom Hams, the home side could have been in some serious early trouble.

The Seagulls set up expertly behind the football, with Brad Lenders, Jordy Kelly, Luke McKenna, Adam Galea, Lewis Hill and Adam Oxley making forward thrusts a rare commodity for the home side.

Brady Egan was the only Seagull to find his range in the first quarter, first judging the wind perfectly from a set shot after three minutes of play, and then dribbling one through on his left foot at the 18-minute mark of the term.

Egan’s second goal came after Oscar Toussaint had put the Sea Eagles first score on the board, a point, with crisp play from the resultant kick-in ending in Egan’s hands.

Inverloch hit back when Toby Mahoney kicked his 200th goal for the club at the 26-minute mark of the first quarter, cutting the Seagulls margin back to nine points at quarter time.

The second quarter began with Tooradin showing a real ferocity with its tackling, with Liam Adams denying Oscar Toussaint an early shot at goal.

The pace and evasive skills of Jimmy Trezise caused the Sea Eagles some headaches on the Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS weekend. 289931 Inverloch did look more at home in the second term, although neither side could get its running game going due to the blustery conditions and the strong amount of pressure being applied.

Egan continued to have a presence in the second quarter, using quick hands to set up Blake Grewar for a great running goal at the eight-minute mark, and then marking from the next centre clearance.

Mahoney then answered four minutes later, after a loose Galea tackle set up an easy shot from the top of the goal square.

The resilient Sea Eagles had cut the margin back to a more than manageable eight points, but the visitors had the final significant say of the first half.

A broken tackle on James Trezise saw the Seagulls earn a numerical advantage in their front half, with Brent Macaffer found loose, directly in front, 30 metres out.

A late miss from Trezise saw the Seagulls take a 15-point – 4.7 to 2.4 – advantage to the major interval.

Hill was showing terrific dash and great skill for the Seagulls across half back, while Oxley’s marking and reading of the play was a key repellent for the home side to overcome.

Todd Mackie and Lewis Rankin were superb in the second quarter for the Sea Eagles in defence, although Trezise’s left foot saw him wrong foot the Sea Eagles defenders for that last shot at goal before half time.

The Seagulls appeared to be by far the better team…but we still had a game on our hands as

the players returned from the major interval.

Would Inverloch release the shackles, and try to take the game on, or would it be content to make the second half a scrappy affair like the first?

It took just seconds to find out the answer.

Mackie, who played a terrific game in defence, took an uncontested mark just seconds into the third quarter…at pure centre-halfback.

With options aplenty, he chose to drive the ball to the dead side of the ground where 80-percent of the play had taken place in the first half.

It wasn’t the attacking option…and the Seagulls pounced!

Within four minutes, the four points were heading back down the highway after Scanlon expertly allowed for the left to right breeze, Trezise once again dummied onto his left foot, before Macaffer set the spinnaker with the breeze at his back to launch one from outside 50.

The Seagulls had bagged three goals in a telling five minutes of play to open the second half.

The score was 49-16 and the game was effectively over!

Egan didn’t find the scoreboard in the third term, but had some tremendous passages of play across half forward.

Mitch Hewitson provided the one highlight for the home side in the third term, with a right-foot snap at the 21-minute mark that sparked Inverloch into action.

The Sea Eagles had their best seven minutes of the contest, moving the ball on quickly and challenging the Seagulls defence.

The Gulls led by 28 points at the final break.

Any hope of a home-team revival was quickly snuffed out when Liam Adams kicked the Gulls out to a 34-point lead after 20 seconds of play.

The Eagles answered nicely, through goals to Taite Cumming and Tristan Van Driel, but Scanlon then marked in the goal square to kick the sealer at the 14-minute mark of the final term.

The Gulls were 28 points up, at the 16-minute mark, when the youthful enthusiasm of Hill went to new levels.

With the game over, the Gulls young defender went on the hunt, gunning down Joe Soumilas with a brilliant running tackle that reeked of determination.

Piva Wright put the final stamp on proceedings, kicking a late goal out of the ruck to give the Gulls a five-goal victory.

Egan, Scanlon and Macaffer shared the load for the Seagulls, kicking two each, while the aerial strength of Julian Suarez, the brute force of Wright, and the running capacity of Trezise, Hill and Johnny Duff, caused the home side some headaches throughout the course of the afternoon.

Inverloch never looked like winning, but somehow found a way to stay in the contest… and that was its biggest positive.

They weren’t blown away, and the genius of Ben Soumilas will no doubt be dissecting each moment and coming up with a plan to nullify…no challenge…the Gulls the next time they meet in finals.

Mahoney finished with two for the Eagles, while the efforts of Rankin, Mackie, Hams and Thomas Wyatt were admirable.

INVERLOCH-KONGWAK TOORADIN-DALMORE

1.1 2.4

2.4 4.7

3.5 7.9

5.8 (38) 10.10 (70)

Inverloch-Kongwak Goals: Toby Mahoney 2, Mitch Hewitson, Taite Cumming, Tristan Van Driel. Best: Lewis Rankin, Marcus Toussaint, Joe Soumilas, Oscar Toussaint, Corey Casey, Thomas Wyatt.

Tooradin-Dalmore Goals: Brady Egan 2, Brent Macaffer 2, Stewart Scanlon 2, Liam Adams, Blake Grewar, James Trezise, Piva Wright. Best: Julian Suarez, Piva Wright, Liam Adams, Brent Macaffer, Blake Grewar, Adam Oxley.

Sea Eagles surge past the Seagulls into pole position

By David Nagel One scintillating quarter of sparkling netball is all it took for Inverloch-Kongwak to overtake Tooradin-Dalmore as ‘premiership favourites’ on Saturday.

It’s a title that Tooradin has held since day one of its journey in the WGFNC, which began with a premiership in 2019.

Even all the way through those dastardly Covid-years of 2020 and ’21, the Seagulls were widely regarded as the best team going around.

But things changed at a blustery Inverloch Recreation Reserve on Saturday, with the home side producing a staggering start to what was expected to be a very close contest.

At 17-6 at quarter time…this one was effectively over!

The Sea Eagles burst out of the blocks with Tayla Robb (GA) scoring 11 first-quarter goals and Kelly Boyd (GS) six, but it’s what was happening in the other two-thirds of the court that was most impressive.

Rahni Mann (WD), Lanni Pryor (WA) and Kelsey Buxton (C) were outstanding through the midcourt, while Tayla Smith (GK) and Renee Pilkington (GD) refused to concede an easy goal in defence.

The Seagulls scored just six in the opening term, with Alex Maher (GS) and Kayla Bratic (GA) unable to break the shackles.

The Sea Eagles then inflicted further damage on the reigning champs, scoring 11-7 in the second term to lead 28-13 at half time… before cruising home to a 48-31 victory.

Inverloch coach Jarrad Walker was un26 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 21 July, 2022

Tooradin defender Ebony Dolan is caught in a Sea Eagle sandwich between Kelly Boyd and Ella Sadler on Saturday. 289931 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS derstandably thrilled with his team’s performance, particularly the fast start.

“We just spoke about what we wanted our netball to look like, and spoke about how this game in particular was a real statement around what our team culture is, what our club culture is, and what we want to put out to the league,” Walker said.

“They just really responded to that, they clicked into gear early and took off from there.”

Walker has been working hard in recent times to improve an already lethal defence, with Smith and Pilkington two of the best defenders in the league.

“They are experienced and they know exactly what they’re doing, but over the last few weeks I’ve worked with them on what I’d like to see against the likes of Tooradin and Bunyip and those types of teams,” he said.

“For them to put out a performance like that, to keep them to single digits in all four quarters, was testament to the work done with those girls and the effort they have put in.

“We’ve worked really hard on what we want it to look like, and what we want to restrict, so it was pleasing to see it play out the way it did on the weekend.

“The girls are all learning new things, they’re being challenged, and I think they’re enjoying that environment.”

Despite the ease of the victory, Walker knows Tooradin will hit back hard.

“I do expect them to bounce back, they’ve got a great coach (Kelly Haynes) who has worked at VNL level for a long time and really knows her netball, so she’ll be picking apart the game and working on ways to improve,” he said.

“We’ve trained for other options, so the next few weeks for us is now about running different scenarios around what could happen in finals.

“There’s still Covid hanging around, so things could change quite quickly and we need to make sure we’ve got all bases covered.”

Inverloch has the bye this week, while Tooradin faces a tough home game against Bunyip.

Nar Nar Goon produced one of its best performances of the season on Saturday, walking away from a dangerous trip to Phillip Island with a 58-40 victory.

The Goon defeated the Bulldogs by just

one goal at Spencer Street in round eight, but upped the ante on the weekend with a superimpressive win.

The Goon was back to its free-flowing best, with 58 goals its third-highest score for the season.

The Goon hosts the Dusties this week; while Phillip Island will start underdogs against Dalyston - who had a 65-45 win over Warragul Industrials.

The fourth-placed Magpies just keep winning of late and are applying real pressure on Tooradin and Bunyip in the battle for second place.

In other games, Garfield is enjoying backto-back wins for the first time this season after the Stars proved too strong for Kooweerup, winning 55-32.

It’s great reward for Garfield, who has had a better season than what its 4-12 record might suggest.

The Stars will look for a third-consecutive win against Cora Lynn this week, while Kooweerup hosts Korumburra.

And Bunyip has taken its record to 11-3 with a 48-21 triumph over Korumburra-Bena.

The Bulldogs are an explosive team to watch and will be keen to replicate their incredible 69-35 victory over Tooradin when the two teams collide at Tooradin this Saturday.

The winner will likely earn the double chance in finals, while the loser will have to win the flag the hard way.

Cora Lynn had the bye. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

WGCA mourns Wally

By David Nagel The West Gippsland Cricket Association (WGCA) is mourning the loss of one of its key administrators of the last 25 years after the passing of life member Jeff Wallace.

Wallace was secretary of the WGCA from 1996 to 2006 and earned an enviable reputation for being a great communicator who helped build a solid platform for the association moving forward.

Wallace was respected in cricketing circles around the state, with his highest individual recognition coming when he was awarded the coveted Bob Merriman Medal for his overall contribution to the game.

In 2000, alongside fellow contributors to the WGCA in Rob Hansen, Bob Taylor and George Glasscock, Wallace was awarded the Australian Sports Medal.

Hansen, the current president of the WGCA, said Wallace formed a great partnership with Taylor, the then WGCA Chairman.

“Jeff was a wonderful communicator who formed a great relationship with Bob Taylor and they became a formidable administrative duo servicing local cricket,” Hansen said.

“Jeff made a valuable contribution to not only the WGCA, but to Victorian cricket as well through his role at the Victorian Country Cricket League (VCCL).

“Each year the WGCA presents the Jeff Wallace Award to the best administered junior and seniors clubs, and that’s certainly a fitting tribute to his contribution to the game.

“The WGCA send its deepest condolences to Jeff’s wife Helen and the family.”

Originally from Swanpool, near Benalla, Wallace was an outstanding player, captaincoach and administrator who played with the Combined Schools Cricket Club in the Wangaratta District Cricket Association (WDCA).

He was made a Life Member of the Wangaratta District Cricket Association in 1970.

Wallace then moved to the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne when he took up post as Principal of the Berwick Primary School.

He captained St Andrews Cricket Club in the Warragul and District Cricket Association in the early 70’s, before captaining Dandenong Cricket Club from 1975 to ‘78.

Wallace umpired in the WGCA from 1973 to 1997 and was president of the WGCA Umpires Association from 1995 to ’97.

He was awarded life membership of the WGCA in 2005.

It was a difficult weekend for the Cavs.

290516 Picture: SUPPLIED

Cavaliers in weekend to forget

The WGCA is mourning the loss of life member Jeff Wallace. 290315

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Panthers pushing Kangaroos to the limit

By Tyler Lewis MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO Despite falling short of victory, Devon Meadows will take a lot out of its top of the table clash with Langwarrin.

The Panthers surged ahead in the third term to head into the final change with an eight-point lead over the unblemished Roos, but fell short in an entertaining final stanza.

Langwarrin kicked four majors to two in the fourth, to come away 10.9 (69) to 9.6 (60) victors.

Brandon White kicked three of the visitors nine, while Ty Kirkwood and Justin Kiss booted two.

The win for the Roos propels them a whopping five wins clear of the Panthers, who now hold onto second position by percentage.

Three sides – Devon Meadows, Chelsea and Karingal – sit on nine wins, with just four rounds remaining.

The Panthers have the easier draw of the three sides; with the bottom two outfits in that aforementioned remaining four.

Of those bottom two sides is Crib Point, which recorded its first win of the season with an after-the- siren win over Pearcedale.

Maggies left-footer Jett Bauer slotted the kick after the horn to deliver the 10.5 (65) to 9.9 (63) win.

The agony of losing after the siren has been felt twice by the Panthers this year, who suffered a similar script just four rounds cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Justin Kiss fires for goal. 289932 ago against Chelsea.

The loss has now pushed Pearcedale out of the top five.

In other results: Chelsea 10.13 (73) defeated Tyabb 6.9 (45); Karingal (10.10 (70) defeated Hastings 3.4 (22); Somerville 8.7 (55) lost to Mornington 14.14 (98) and Rye 13.15 (93) defeated Seaford 11.17 (83).

Picture: ROB CAREW LADDER: Langwarrin 56, Devon Meadows 36, Chelsea 36, Karingal 36, Somerville 32, Pearcedale 32, Rye 28, Mornington 28, Hastings 16, Crib Point 4, Tyabb 4.

FIXTURE: Hastings v Chelsea, Tyabb v Crib Point, Devon Meadows v Somerville, Karingal v Rye, Langwarrin v Seaford, Pearcedale v Mornington.

It was a weekend to forget for the Casey Cavaliers.

In a bumper weekend of NBL1 South - with a double-header for both the Men’s and Women’s sides – the Cavs suffered defeat in each of the four fixtures.

In the first of the two losses for the women, the Cavs side fell just short of Ringwood 74-77.

The Cavs were within striking distance – courtesy of a Rachel Bell layup – with 39 seconds on the clock.

But a Digna Strautmane dagger from three pushed the lead out to five with just 17 seconds remaining, allowing the Hawks to foul, regain possession and drain the clock.

Sarah Boothe (23 points and 17 rebounds) was yet again excellent, but it was Louise Brown that stuffed the stat sheet, putting up just 11 points, but bringing down a stupendous 25 rebounds.

A huge 17 of her boards came at the defensive end in the tight loss.

In the following match-up – against Bendigo – it was a vastly different score line.

The Cavs were blown out of the water by the Braves, 69 to 100.

It was just a two-point margin at the end of the first period, but with poor second and fourth quarters, the deficit ballooned out.

Disappointingly, the Braves managed to add a further seven points with just five seconds remaining in the dying stages of the match.

The Men’s Cavs side had a similar weekend.

A poor first period ultimately cost the Cavs on Saturday night against Ringwood, as the home unit collectively won the final three quarters in the 80 to 89 loss.

William Hickey was impressive for the Cavs, recording 33 points and six rebounds, while shooting 40 per cent from beyond the arc.

It was another narrow defeat the following day for the Cavs, this time at the hands of the Bendigo Braves at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo.

Matthew Donlan led the way with 15 points from 11 attempts.

It’s another double-header weekend for Casey this week, with two road games against Sandringham and Waverly over the course of Saturday and Sunday.

Thursday, 21 July, 2022

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STAR NEWS 27

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