News - Cranbourne Star News - 8th December 2022

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CRANBOURNE PACING CUP

Huge success

By David Nagel

Chris Alford steers Im Corzin Terror to victory in the 2017 DECRON Cranbourne Cup. 165563

Picture: ROB CAREW

The stakes are high

By David Nagel Cranbourne Harness Racing Club (CHRC) is set to glitter in the spotlight on Saturday 17 December when the club’s feature race returns to prestigious Group-1 status for the first time in six years.

The DECRON Cranbourne Pacing Cup (2555m) has received a significant prizemoney boost, with $100,000 on offer for the first time since Gavin Lang piloted Yankee Rockstar to victory in 2016.

The DECRON Cranbourne Pacing Cup is one of two Group-1 features on the night, with the $50,000 Bruce Skeggs Memorial Cranbourne Totters Cup also set to attract a strong field of contenders.

CHRC President David Scott is excited that Group-1 racing is returning to Cranbourne.

“It’s very exciting to have that elevation in status, but the Cranbourne Cup has always held a special place on the calendar and has attracted some great horse over the years,” Scott said.

“Horses like Paleface Adios (1980), Koala King (1981), they were the mecca of the harness racing fraternity back in their day, and in more modern times the cup has continued

Terror To Love grinds down Christen Me in a memorable edition of the Cranbourne Pacing Cup in 2014. 311727 to attract super horses.

“Im Themightyquinn (2010) and Mr Feelgood (2011), they’re two grand-circuit horses that have both won Inter-Dominion’s and share a place on the Cranbourne Cup honour roll.

“In recent memory (2014), Terror To Love beat Christen Me in an outstanding race from two megastars of the sport.

“And the trotters cup will be a cracker too and promises to potentially be the race of the night.

“Aldebaran Zeus and Locksley Lover are two super-promising four-year-olds that didn’t go to the Inter-Dominion and are looking at a four-year-old sires’ campaigns at the end of December.”

Scott said the timing of this year’s race, a week after the Inter-Dominion final, made impossible to predict the class of horse on show.

“This year we’re a week after the InterDominion grand final so we won’t know until closer to the race on how we fare on that front,” Scott explained.

“Whether horses come through the InterDominion and head to Cranbourne, or others that have avoided the Inter-Dominion use our race as a lead into races like the Victoria Sires Stakes for four-year-olds…we’ll wait and see.”

Scott predicted the roof could be raised at the CHRC if Bulletproof Boy could salute in the pacing cup for local trainer Scott Ewen.

“That would be a sensational result,” Scott said.

“Scotty and his partner Kylie are just terrific people and there would be nothing more pleasing than to see them successful in our local cup.

“It would be an enormously popular win.”

Stars to shine in Double Seater Challenge

By David Nagel An exciting night for the whole family is guaranteed when the gates open at Cranbourne on Saturday 17 December for the running of the $100,000 DECRON Cranbourne Pacing Cup and $50,000 Bruce Skeggs Memorial Cranbourne Totters Cup. WHAT’S ON Open air market featuring more than 30 stall holders First 100 General Admission receive a $10 betting voucher Free kids rides and activities Free pony rides Food trucks Pony Trots Celebrity Double Seater Sulky Challenge featuring Campbell Brown and Libby Birch Gates open at 5pm First race 6.24pm COMPETITION WIN THE ULTIMATE RACEDAY EXPERIENCE Entry to the track for you and 10 mates Food truck voucher 10 drink vouchers $100 betting voucher Ride in the Double Sulky Challenge race against former AFL star Campbell Brown and AFLW Premiership hero Libby Birch Competition entry details via the QR code on the front page on the wrap.

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Cranbourne Harness Racing Club (CHRC) thoroughly deserves the focus of the harness racing world when it hosts the $100,000 DECRON Cranbourne Pacing Cup and $50,000 Bruce Skeggs Memorial Cranbourne Totters Cup on Saturday 17 December.

CHRC President David Scott sat comfortably with the fact that the club also belongs in Group-1 company.

“We like to think of ourselves as one of the pre-eminent country harness racing clubs, and over the last decade have invested heavily in an on-course stabling and training facility,” Scott said.

“Our intention has been to increase participation at a local level, because we recognise it’s difficult to be reliant on trainers that have to travel from the other side of town to race at our track.

“We’ve done two things on that front.

“We now predominantly race on Sunday’s, to negate traffic concerns that the trainers might have, and at the same time we’re building a local horse population that provides us with a walk-on, walk-off contribution to our race-day fields.

“It’s on a much smaller scale to the Turf club, but it provides walk-on, walk-off access to both training and racing.”

Scott said the Cranbourne Harness Training Centre had been a huge success on many fronts.

“The trainers that have joined have been successful in the sense that we have trained 360 winners to date, so the centre continues to produce winners, but it also provides an opportunity for trainers to make a start – if they’re beginning their careers,” he said.

“Providing these facilities avoids the need for capital expenditure on their part, to set up on their own, and provides a sustainable model for them to train and stable their horses.

“And it’s not only for young people starting out. “Trainers like Noel Alexander and Jayne Davies – they’ve been leading trainers in the state and trained massive teams but in their twilight years they have sold their property at Clyde and now run a boutique stable from the Cranbourne Training Centre.

“We started out with 45 boxes and we now have 70 boxes on site, we have three work barns, a four-horse wash, two horse-walkers, treadmill, pool…it has all the facilities that trainers need to have the best chance of training a winner. “The trainers are appreciative that they’ve got the opportunity to train, because in most instances, in the absence of this centre, they may not be involved in the game.”

Scott there were associated benefits of being a dual equine occupant at Cranbourne.

“As the equine codes in particular grow out here, things like access to veterinarians, equine therapists, all those sorts of things that come with a big horse population become more readily available than ever,” he explained.

“And we’d like to think those types of things set the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club apart from most other harness racing clubs, in terms of the trainer access to those types of services.

“We’ll look to grow it over time and also continue to invest in the racecourse, with our partners at the racecourse.

“We continually look to be at the top of our game and we’re looking at a project between the turf club and harness racing club that will see the replacement of our raceday horse stalls.

“That’s the beauty of our shared-tenancy at the racecourse, the ability to co-contribute to those types of projects and create first-class outcomes between the clubs.”

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A Double Seater Sulky Challenge featuring AFL star Campbell Brown and AFLW Premiership Picture: ROB CAREW hero Libby Birch will be a highlight on Cup night. 165563

The replacement of the race-day horse stalls is an upcoming venture between the Cranbourne Harness and Turf Clubs. 200923 Picture: GARY SISSONS cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

CRANBOURNE PACING CUP

A Bulletproof performer

By Michael Floyd Cranbourne trainer/driver Scott Ewen is hoping his star pacer Bulletproof Boy can break through for his first Group-1 success when he lines up in the DECRON Cranbourne Pacing Cup on Saturday 17 December.

A winner of 32 races and over $364,000 in prize money, Ewen says Bulletproof Boy is clearly the best horse he’s trained.

He’s twice won at Group-2 level and contested many other feature finals however a win at the sport’s highest level has so far proven elusive.

“He’s one of those that doesn’t win out of turn,” said Ewen.

“But (leading trainer) Andy Gath said it once – he can beat anything with the right run.

“You go out there knowing if you get any luck you’re a hope, even when there’s odds about him he’s still a chance with the right run.”

Bulletproof Boy’s emergence as one of the state’s premier paces was one of the major reasons for Ewen relocating from South Australia to Cranbourne in September 2019.

An approach from Cranbourne president David Scott to take up stalls at the burgeoning Cranbourne Training Centre came at an ideal time for Ewen who was contemplating his future in the sport when the two met at the Mildura Cup. “I may have given up all together back in Adelaide if I didn’t have him,” Ewen explained.

“I’d cut right down and got another job, and he was the only thing that kept me in the game.

“We’d just sold our property when I saw David at the Mildura Cup. ‘Bullet’ was starting to hit his mark and I was starting to travel with him, looking for races to go to.

Scott Ewen and Bulletproof Boy are primed for a red-hot tilt at the Cranbourne Pacing Cup. 311689 Pictures: SUPPLIED “I didn’t want to send him anywhere else, so we made the move and when you have a horse like him to move with it’s a bonus because it can put you on the map.

“It’s definitely opened opportunities – I’ve got some new owners and new horses so it’s

done me well.”

The Cranbourne Harness Racing Club recently announced an increase in prize money for its Pacing Cup – now worth $100,000 – and has been elevated to Group-1 level along with the Trotting Cup which will carry

Bulletproof Boy has been a life-changing horse for trainer/driver Scott Ewen. $50,000 in prize money.

“It’d be great to win a Group-1 for sure, that’s my aim,” Ewen said.

“But to win my hometown Cup would be great as well because I think it’s been a long time since someone from here has won it.”

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Unclear future for Clyde rail

Watch out for snakes on the move

Seagulls turn up the heat

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SPORT

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Reports of pet neglect in Casey

Shark showdown

By Marcus Uhe

Shane McAlister and Tom Kapitany with Rosie the Shark. 190803 satisfied the proposal was consistent with key planning policy and green wedge objectives as it helps to diversify the local economy and tourism opportunities, create employment opportunities for 31 staff members, and that the proposal is consistent with the definition of an Exhibition Centre.

The council had refused the proposal on multiple grounds, including that the proposal seeks ‘retrospective approval’ for an existing

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Under clause 35 of the scheme, Green Wedge’s purposes include to protect, conserve and enhance the cultural heritage significance and the character of rural and scenic non-urban landscapes, and to recognise and protect the amenity of existing rural living areas.

City of Casey submitted that the proposal was not an exhibition centre use, but a continuation of a “retail and storage use” of the review site, that it said was unlawful.

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use, and that it does not aid in facilitating the long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability objectives of the Casey Farm Area.

The council also argued the proposal was not consistent with the objectives of the Green Wedge A zone, and would fail to protect the existing rural living amenity associated with this part of Devon Meadows.

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The owner of Crystal World Exhibition Centre has lashed out at the City of Casey after winning a planning dispute at VCAT on Wednesday 30 November.

Tom Kapitany won the right to construct and display two business identification signs and develop land in Devon Meadows as an exhibition centre, in order to display Rosie the Shark on their premises.

The preserved shark carcass came to notoriety in the late ‘90s after it was suspected of being involved in a missing person’s case off the coast of South Australia.

The permit will allow Crystal World to build a permanent shark exhibition, with Rosie to be nestled among shark sustainability information, shark facts and information, and shark artefacts.

In a statement on the Crystal World Facebook page, the business expressed its disappointment with the matter, despite VCAT granting approval for the permit, with approximately seven or eight staff members at risk of losing their jobs.

“After three years of attempting to negotiate with (the) town planning department of the Casey Council, two VCAT court cases, I’ve spent close to $200,000 in expenses trying to get permits to build an exhibition space for Rosie the Shark,” the post said.

“I will now need to spend over $50,000 in the next two months, to comply (with) some questionable requirements as well as let go some staff as a consequence.

“This is before I even start to build the extension to house Rosie the Shark.

“I should be elated that I won, but I’m not, I’m very angry.”

The City of Casey was contacted for comment but did not respond before deadline.

Crystal World’s gallery showrooms showcase Mr Kapitany and his family’s collection of gems, crystals, minerals and more.

VCAT Member Peter Gaschk said he was

NEWS

Boss facing Supreme Court

By Karen Sweeney, AAP A Dandenong South-based trucking boss charged over the deaths of four Victoria Police officers will still face trial on the Supreme Court despite the manslaughter charges being dropped.

Connect Logistics manager Simiona Tuteru, 51, was due to stand trial in Victoria’s Supreme Court last month charged over the deaths of the officers in the April 2020 Eastern Freeway collision.

It was alleged he permitted drug-affected driver Mohinder Singh, from Cranbourne, to get behind the wheel of the truck, despite claims he was too tired to drive.

Manslaughter charges were dropped ahead of the trial and replaced with four heavy vehicle charges.

A trial on those charges will go ahead in

the Supreme Court, after discussions about whether it should drop back to the County Court.

Prosecutor Matt Fisher was warned by Justice Lex Lasry on Monday about the need to wrap the case up.

“It’s time this matter is brought to a head one way or another,” he said.

Pre-trial hearings are scheduled to begin in mid-February and he urged Mr Fisher to have a final clear version of how the prosecution case has been formulated before then.

“It won’t be a straightforward task. That’s what I said last time and it proved to be insurmountable,” he said.

Tuteru’s barrister David Hallowes SC said there was an application for a permanent stay in the matter.

If that is unsuccessful, there will be further applications about the content of the prosecu-

tion case.

He described the fresh indictment as dramatically different to previous versions and flawed in many ways.

They will argue that the indictment is invalid, or so flawed it will require the prosecutors to once again re-case their argument.

“We’re just not clear at all how the Crown are putting some aspects,” he said.

Justice Lasry urged Mr Fisher to pay attention to some of the issues raised by Mr Hallowes sooner rather than later.

The case will return to court again on 8 February.

Connect Logistics manager Simiona Tuteru.

Picture: JAMES ROSS, AAP

Narre Warren man charged following plea from widow Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal collision in Berwick on 26 November.

The charges follow an incident in Berwick where a man, who has since been identified as father of three Darrin Pierce, was found injured on the side of the Princes Highway about 12.15am.

It is understood two passengers in a rideshare vehicle noticed the 44-year-old injured in a gutter between Neill and Peel Streets as they were being driven past the area, and raised the alarm. It is believed Mr Pierce suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a car and was taken to hospital

where he later died.

A 31-year-old Narre Warren man has been charged with failure to stop after a collision, failure to render assistance, and registered owner failure to disclose the identity of driver.

He has been bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 9 December. It comes after Mr Pierce’s wife Kati last week issued a plea for the driver responsible to come forward.

“You should have stopped and had a look… this is what humans do,” she told reporters from the family’s Berwick home on Sunday 27 November.

“I just live here not long, not very good

English, don’t know anything, and I have a four-year-old son and two kids here with me.”

Mrs Pierce said she and Mr Pierce were returning home from a local pub shortly before the incident occurred, but she had walked ahead and arrived home before him.

Earlier in the day, the ardent Collingwood supporter had been celebrating at a business luncheon with the Dandenong Cricket Club, where he had met and posed for photos alongside Collingwood star Dane Swan. Following the tragic news, Dandenong Cricket Club took to Facebook to issue a statement about Mr Pierce, who was a long-time sponsor and supporter of the club through his business Berwick Pest Control.

“The Dandenong Cricket Club are saddened by the news of the passing of long-time sponsor and supporter Darrin Pierce from Berwick Pest Control,” the post read.

“An avid Collingwood supporter Darrin was successful in his bid for the Dane Swann Memorabilia and his smile says it all!

“Darrin also enjoyed his Boxing Day Test and enjoying the day with a mate or two by his side,” the post read.

“From all at Dandenong Cricket Club we pass on our deepest sympathy to his wife Kati and three children and will remember Darrin for his wonderful support and friendship. RIP Darrin.”

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Reports of pets neglected

By Marcus Uhe New data from the RSPCA depicts pet owners within the City of Casey in a poor light for the third consecutive year.

The city ranked second for Local Government Areas in Victoria behind Greater Geelong City Council for number of reports made during the 2021-22 financial year, the second year in a row they were among the highest numbers after topping the list in 2019-20.

There were 531 reports made in 2021-22, after 577 and 581 in 2020-21 and 2019-20, respectively.

The ranking was considerably lower per capita, however, ranking 56th of 79 LGAs with 688 reports.

Instances of neglect were the impetus for nearly half of the reports made across the state, meaning community members had made reports based on concerns for animals with a lack of access to food, water, shelter or vet care, according to the RSPCA. Other types of neglect included poor husbandry, lack of appropriate hygiene and insufficient grooming, shearing and farriery for horses.

RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michael Stagg said by raising awareness of the most prevalent types of animal cruelty, the community could work together to do better for Victoria’s animals.

“For many, the perception of animal cruelty relates to deliberate acts such as beating or wounding, and while this does occur, the data consistently shows the most common form of cruelty is neglect,” Mr Stagg said.

“There are many responsible pet ownership resources available, and we encourage anyone who is the owner or person in charge of animals to be aware of their responsibilities to provide care, or alternatively to seek help from their local council, a veterinarian or animal

Data from the RSPCA ranked the City of Casey second for number of reports of animal cruelty among LGAs in Victoria. welfare organisation.”

While Mr Stagg and the RSPCA acknowledged the current cost of living pressures may impact the ability of some to care for their pets, many Victorians adopted pets during the pandemic, including some as first-time pet owners, who may still require information or support to help them understand how to best care for their animals.

“It is important all pet owners understand the specific needs of their pets in terms of food, water, shelter, grooming and exercise.

“If you are the owner or person in charge of an animal, you have legal and moral obligations to that animal.

“RSPCA Victoria is committed to helping people better care for their pets, however, neglect is against the law and is never accept-

able; therefore, we will hold people to account if they do not meet the required standards of care.”

The City of Casey recommends reporting anyone you believe to be intentionally harming an animal to the RSPCA or the police, as council officers are not authorised to investigate animal cruelty matters.

The Lost Dogs’ Home in Cranbourne welcomes animals that have been surrendered on the basis of owners not being able to adequately look after their animals.

Shelter manager Allie Small said there were some important considerations people should undertake before committing to pet ownership.

“The first one is the availability of time, and making sure owners are providing the enrich-

Picture: FILE

ment the animal needs,” Ms Small said.

“Secondly, there’s the breed of animal, and whether the owner can meet the specific needs of the animal.

“Thirdly, I would recommend they do a budget to work out what the animal costs to adopt or purchase, and the ongoing costs of ownership, such as vet care and food, because all of that adds up over time. People need to assess the type of animal fits their budget.

“Some of the biggest issues people are having is that the cost of looking after pet is more than they expected. A lot of people got a dog during Covid-19 that they may not have thought of having before, and choosing a type of dog around what was available, rather than what suited their lifestyle.”

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THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Narre Warren musician Gary Ellis

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I’m a country western singer and musician and have been all my life. I first recorded commercially in 1956.Since then I’ve released 10 albums and performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

What do you love about what you do?

I’ve loved country music since I was eight years old when I used to turn the radio on in the morning and listen to country music. I love the story in the lyrics. In country, it’s just as much a tale of a story as much as the melody of a music.

Who is the best person you’ve worked with and why?

The best relationships I have had are with my fellow artists and horses. Horses are a very frequent message within the lyrics of country music. I prefer listening to Australian country music artists because I like hearing stories about my land.

What would your last meal be?

Steak and fried eggs.

What is your most memorable moment?

The birth of my first child.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

Johnny Cash in concert.

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

Johnny Cash, Sir Donald Bradman and Scott Morrison.

What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?

Nothing at the moment, just watching the

Country music recording artist Gary Ellis. 307318 news on television but I love a good documentary.

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

Steak and fried eggs.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Sri Lanka. I’ve been many times, but I love the people, the climate and philosophy of the people.

THREE … local charities to donate to this Christmas

1

Windermere Child and Family Services The not-for-profit’s Merry Mission Appeal will support children and families from the South East experiencing extreme disadvantage this Christmas by way of food hampers and new toys.

2

Bk 2 Basics Melbourne The food relief organisation is holding a Christmas Gift Drive with the Amstel Group, accepting donations of gifts to spread some Christmas cheer to local families who are doing it tough.

3

Casey North Community Information and Support Service The Narre Warren-based organisation is taking donations of toys and food for its annual Christmas Appeal.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS What was your first job?

Working in the public service, working with the children’s welfare department.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

I don’t have a smartphone.

What’s one question that you have always wanted answered?

The wonder of nature. I’ve never been able to find the answer for that.

Victoria, you know fire.

Our regions have been hit hard with extreme wet weather over the past few months.

But Victorians know how quickly the conditions can change. Increased rainfall causes vegetation to grow, so there’s more fuel on the ground. It’s important Victorians plan and prepare this fire season.

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NEWS

Clyde train troubles

By Marcus Uhe Labor’s victory in the state election casts doubt on the future of an extension to the Cranbourne train line, a fact that Travis Mitchell described as “insanity”.

Mr Mitchell has been the conductor of the Restore ’Rup Rail campaign, which saw a petition tabled to State Parliament thanks to sterling local advocacy on behalf of the expanding community.

At present, residents in Kooweerup need to drive or catch a bus to Pakenham to access metropolitan train services, after the Kooweerup railway station was closed in July 1993.

The Coalition made a $928 million election commitment in October to extend the Cranbourne line to Clyde, with stations to be built at Cranbourne East and Clyde, and the potential to extend to it Kooweerup in the future.

With six road-rail separations eliminating the need for precarious and traffic-inducing level crossings, the service would provide a vital link for the anticipated population of more than 100,000 in Clyde and Clyde North by 2031, according to projections from the City of Casey.

So significant was the proposal that thenopposition leader Matthew Guy made the trip to Cranbourne during the campaign trail for the announcement, in what was the second consecutive campaign in which the Coalition had committed to the project.

The State Government has made considerable improvements on the line in recent years, including a rebuilt station at Merinda Park and the duplication of eight kilometres of track between Cranbourne and Dandenong stations.

Labor did not make a commitment to matching the pledge and re-elected Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards could not confirm there were plans to extend the line.

“I’ll continue to have conversations about

Matthew Guy in Cranbourne in October to announce the Coalition’s plan to extend the Cranbourne Picture: MARCUS UHE line. 302254 what the needs are within the community,” Ms Richards said.

“We have a lot going on. Narre WarrenCranbourne Road is a really substantial project.”

Mr Mitchell said the election result was “very disappointing”.

“I think it means the corridor to Clyde is going to stay as it is for the next four years,” he said.

“For a place with 40,000 people living in it, it’s insanity when you think about the lack of infrastructure available.”

The petition has the support of Liberal candidate for Bass, Aaron Brown, who is hoping to unseat Labor’s Jordan Crugnale.

But Mr Mitchell won’t let the government of the day determine the future of the campaign.

“We’re going to still keep going full tilt because the campaign isn’t over until the first sleeper is laid down to get to Kooweerup.

“We still believe getting to Clyde and Kooweerup is possible. We’ll engage will all levels of government and get this happening as quick as possible. Whether it means launching

another petition next election, we’re weighing up where to go from here but the campaign will keep running.”

The line extension was also a key pillar of the City of Casey’s advocacy campaign ahead of both the federal and state elections this year.

Chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the council looked forward to working with all local state MPs and the elected Victorian Government to deliver on their election commitments, including the upgrade of the intersection at Thompsons Road and BerwickCranbourne Road.

“As we head towards the 2023-24 state and federal budgets, we will continue to advocate for delivery of the projects that were not funded, including the entire Clyde Road Corridor upgrade, Thompsons Road upgrade and extension, Clyde Rail Link, continued improvements to digital and mobile connectivity and local jobs and skills,” Ms Duff said.

“We look forward to working with all our elected MPs from both sides of politics to continue to deliver the infrastructure and services our community needs and deserves.”

Upper race In the state election wash-up, Labor has secured at least two Upper House seats and the Liberals at least one in the South East Metropolitan Region.

With 62 per cent of votes counted, a battle looms between the Liberal Party, Liberal Democrats, the Greens, Legalise Cannabis and other micro parties for the region’s fourth and fifth seats.

Labor won nearly 2.4 quotas, meaning Lee Tarlamis was re-elected as Labor’s lead candidate along with newcomer Michael Galea.

However, Labor’s number three candidate Dr Tien Kieu’s path to re-election was less certain. On the Liberal side, with 1.6 quotas, lead candidate Ann-Marie Hermans has been elected.

According to ABC analyst Antony Green, Rachel Payne from Legalise Cannabis Victoria will probably grab the fourth seat. He predicts that Liberal candidate Manju Hanumantharayappa will narrowly prevail over Liberal Democrats MP David Limbrick for the final seat.

If Dr Kieu and Mr Limbrick fail to be re-elected, none of the class of 2018 would be returned in the South Eastern Metro Region. Labor’s Gavin Jennings quit during the last term, Adem Somyurek departed the ALP to run as a Labour DLP candidate in Northern Metro Region, and Liberal MP Gordon Rich-Phillips retired prior to the 2022 election.

In 2020, Mr Tarlamis was elected to replace the departed Mr Jennings.

Overall, no party will have majority control of the Legislative Council.

Mr Green predicts a mix of 15 Labor MPs, 15 from the Coalition, three Greens, three from Legalise Cannabis, along with single representation from Animal Justice, Shooters Fishers and Farmers, Labour DLP and One Nation.

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OPINION

Wash or toss your vegies

LENSCAPE

The EPA has issued a warning to those eager to consume home-grown vegetables from yards that have fallen victim to flooding in recent months, with produce that has come into contact with floodwaters needing to be thoroughly washed or thrown out.

Professor Mark Taylor, EPA chief environmental scientist, warned all floodwaters were considered to be contaminated and that could transfer to your vegetables.

“Some fruit and vegetables will be salvageable simply by washing them, but if your garden was flooded in the recent heavy rain events experienced around the state, if there’s any doubt, we always advise to be cautious and throw them out,” Prof Taylor said.

Professor Taylor said EPA floodwater testing had shown highly variable rates of contamination by location and date of testing, which just heightened the need for caution.

He has advised to not eat leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale and lettuce, or anything that was already damaged before the floods, such as produce with pierced or split skin.

Raw soft fruits, such as berries, should be avoided, as they cannot be washed thoroughly.

They will be considered safe if they are cooked.

Vegetables with protective shells, husks or skins, such as peas and sweet corn, or were immature at the time of the flooding, should be treated with caution.

Prof Taylor recommends thoroughly washing, peeling and cooking them before consuming.

EPA’s soil testing program continues from flood-affected areas with results helping communities with their clean-up efforts.

If you’re from a flood-affected area and would like more information, dial 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842) and select #8, or go to bit. ly/3ueyXpn

Racking up the balls at the Akoonah Park Men’s Shed. 311574

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up To Crystal World in Devon Meadows, they’ve been put through the wringer in costs and permits for wanting Rosie the Shark to have a better exhibit. You’d think the council would encourage small business/ tourism. They have a fabulous Crystal collection and dinosaur park.

Thumbs up Funeral Director

To the Pink Hill Hotel in Beaconsfield looking schmick.

...the little things make a difference

Thumbs down

Pakenham

Because I have Covid-19.

190 Princes Highway Ph: 5941 4888

Thumbs down To the disorganised road closures in the Devon Meadows Cannons Creek area.

Cranbourne 6 Brunt Street Ph: 5996 6822

12540394-JW11-22

Assuring personal attention and care at all times for our local community.

www.davidwbull.com.au

Thumbs up To the deli staff member at Coles who grabbed 708 grams of chicken on her first attempt when I asked for 700! You couldn’t even take off one wing and get closer to the pin.

Thumbs down To B-double drivers who move into the left hand lane while it’s still occupied by a car.

Thumbs up To meeting MasterChef Emelia Jackson at Bunjil Place Library. She was so lovely!

Thumbs up To the Socceroos for their inspiring run at the World Cup.

Thumbs up For the care my son received after having surgery at Dandy hospital last week. The nurses were fantastic.

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

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Berwick MP Brad Battin will find out on Thursday 8 December if he is the next leader of the Liberal Party, after throwing his hat in the ring for the position as Matthew Guy announced he is stepping down. Here’s what our Facebook readers thought of Mr Battin’s decision.

Ray Purchase: Never confuse ambition and ability.

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By Eleanor Wilson

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SOCIALLY SPEAKING

NEWS

Drouin

2 Porter Place Ph: 5625 2571

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Thursday, 8 December, 2022

For years, the Casey Multifaith Network has existed as a pillar of cohesion and unity for a range of spiritual residents throughout the municipality.

Now, Narre Warren’s Kasuni Mendis is hoping to continue this legacy and perhaps breathe some new life into it, too.

Elected as the organisation’s president at its annual general meeting last Thursday, 24 November, Ms Mendis hopes to use her two-year term as president to build upon the network’s reach and community engagement.

“I’ll be looking to refine our direction, look at what our ideals and purposes are and how to move those forward,” she said.

Ms Mendis, who practises Buddhism and comes from a Sinhalese background, has lived in the City of Casey for her entire life, observing the municipality grow both industrially and culturally.

“One of the reasons I love our area and municipality is because of how diverse and broad it is - it’s so unique.

“But we have had issues in the past with that idea of understanding each other and be-

Kasuni Mendis has stepped up to the position of president of Casey Multifaith Network. 311035 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS ing tolerant of each other so to promote and encourage that harmony in the area is really important to me.”

Described as “a collaborative representa-

tion of various religions and faiths committed to working together toward the promotion of peace”, each year the Casey Multi-Faith Network holds community events and information sessions to promote multiculturalism throughout the community.

Last year, the network held a series of events, including a forum on Peace and Harmony for the UN Day of Peace, an Iftar dinner during Ramadan and a forum on Faith in the LGBTIQ+ community with the Casey Rainbow Network.

Outside of Casey Multifaith, Ms Mendis is also the vice-president of the Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association.

She will step up to the position after four years as the network’s secretary, taking over the role of president from Adam Sadiqzai, who will continue with the network on its general committee.

Stephen Chew will work alongside Ms Mendis as vice-president, while her former position of secretary has been filled by Jaka Han, with Meha Sivarasa as treasurer.

Mr Sadiqzai will be joined on the general committee by Jobi Petty, Hayat Doughan, Jasbit Singh Suropada and Mohammad Rehmat. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Florinel Camara, 33, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to being part of a two-man crime wave that stole more than $35,000 from unsuspecting bank customers across Melbourne in AprilJuly 2020.

Jail for serial ATM skimmer

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By Cam Lucadou-Wells A repeat offender who was involved in ‘skimming’ 166 bank cards at ATMs across Melbourne has been jailed.

Florinel Camara, 33, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to being part of a twoman crime wave that stole more than $35,000 from unsuspecting bank customers across Melbourne in April-July 2020.

Using a skimming device and a pinhole camera at ATMs, the pair stole bank account details and PINs at suburbs such as Springvale, Keysborough, Cranbourne, Chadstone, Clayton, Glen Waverley and Melbourne CBD. They then transferred the data onto blank bank cards and made fraudulent account enquiries and withdrawals, sentencing judge Daniel Holding said on 1 December.

The pair, who were using false IDs and staying in various B&Bs, also made unsuccessful attempts to fraudulently withdraw another $38,000.

Judge Holding noted Camara’s extensive repeat offending, including being previously jailed for obtaining more than $184,000 from ATM skimming in 2014.

He’d also been jailed in 2019 for the same crime while released on parole.

Camara’s latest fraud was not as large in

amount but its “sophistication and persistence” made it serious, Judge Holding found.

“The courts must denounce this type of sophisticated attack upon the proper functioning and security of ATM machines,” Judge Holding said.

“Such machines are in everyday use by the community and it’s important that their proper functioning is not compromised by criminal activity.”

The Romanian-born Camara had not been gainfully employed since arriving in Australia in 2012.

He’d instead spiralled into regular cocaine, alcohol and occasional meth abuse.

The Australian citizen indicated that after his sentence, he’d return to Romania to work in a family business.

Camara’s partner in this crime was jailed for up to 21 months, with a 15-month non-parole period. Camara was no more or less culpable in their conspiracy.

Unlike Camara, the co-conspirator was not previously convicted for ATM skimming and faced possible deportation, Judge Holding said.

He was jailed for up to three years, with a two year and four month non-parole period.

The term includes 807 days in pre-sentence detention.

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Be on alert for snakes La Niña’s grip on the weather cycle has led to the increased visibility of snakes seeking warmer climate and prey, according to Raymond Hoser.

Mr Hoser, aka ‘The Snake Man’, says he has been a snake handler all his life, having fallen in love with the reptile at a young age.

While the end of the calendar year is often the busiest period for him and his staff, the third year of the unseasonable rain has created unique circumstances to snakes’ environment.

“With so much rain for the last three years, there’s frogs everywhere,” Mr Hoser said.

“Where frogs breed, snakes follow. Numbers have been going up year on year for three years.

“Long grass is not the issue - it’s the waterlogged areas.

“Snakes naturally are underground. Most of these hiding places are so wet and snakes like to be dry, so they have to move around to find places to dry. I’ve never seen so much water around in the area.”

The most common breeds in the CaseyCardinia area are copperheads, while in sandy areas such as Cranbourne South around the Botanic Gardens, or the hills of the Harkaway and Beaconsfield, you’re more likely to come across tiger snakes, all of which are dangerously venomous, Mr Hoser said.

Wilson Botanic Gardens in Berwick are a snake hotspot, as is the parkland and lake around Lynbrook station, and the construction area around the end of the Pakenham train line.

“If you see a snake out and about, just leave the snake there and move on,” Mr Hoser said.

“Snakes are not interested in biting, in general. People get bitten because they’re trying to kill them.

“If you stand close to a snake, stand still - like a tree - and it won’t bite you.”

The problem arises when snakes enter a property that puts people or pets at risk.

It’s at that point where Mr Hoser suggests to call a catcher like himself to rescue the slippery visitor, otherwise they can be left to their own devices if there is no threat to safety.

And there’s a trend when it comes to the reasoning for his callouts to private property.

“I can look ahead and say with high degree of confidence that when council mowing takes place that’s when they turn up in gardens and houses nearby,” Mr Hoser said.

“Especially now that weather is warming up, it creates a perverse situation.”

Dogs can be trained to avoid snakes, a service Mr Hoser provides, as many pets will not survive a snake bite.

By law, snake catchers are not allowed to keep them as pets, nor can they be killed, which means they are simply “moved around” and kept within the environment.

Early next year will also be problematic, as the copperheads enter mating season.

If you see a snake on council property within Casey, you can report it to the council, however, you must be prepared to stay and monitor the snake until a catcher arrives.

Cardinia does not offer a snake catching service and recommends contacting a licensed catcher if you see one and are concerned about its presence.

To contact The Snake Man or to learn more about his services, head to his website at snakebusters.com.au

‘The Snake Man’ Raymond Hoser with a tiger snake. 311136

Picture: SUPPLIED

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions Buses replace trains in both directions and no City Loop trains 9pm 2 to 15 January

Flagstaff, Melbourne Central and Parliament stations closed

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

4 to 13 January

Flinders St to Dandenong

8.30pm to last train, 8 and 12 January

Flinders St to Cranbourne and Pakenham

14 to 27 January

Flinders St to Westall 12580923-JW49-22

City Loop

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

8 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

2175

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel. Taking our busiest train lines through a new tunnel under the city to run more trains to and from our suburbs. The City Loop will also be closed for upgrades.

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Downsizing made easy When Ian met Debbie and then came Archer...

Tired of endless gardening and home maintenance, it was time for a change! For Ian and Debbie, downsizing was easy. As empty nesters, their once vibrant home felt oversized and vacant, and after decades of alternated night and shift work, Ian and Debbie were embarking on their retirement years. Resembling newlyweds getting to know each other, their new home needed a more suitable design for their future needs. With their family home on the market, they needed somewhere already built and were smitten with the Archer’s ageless front facade and sun-drenched interiors.

“As soon as we saw the Archer, we knew. It just feels like home. Living here is a no-brainer.” they said.

The light-filled, open-plan living area bursts with space following the wide hallway past the cosy study nook. Great accessibility around the kitchen island bench and premium appliances makes cooking a joy. Interiors flow to the entertaining deck inviting rapturous celebrations, and their Shelties love the backyard too!

Blending practicality with style, the Archer makes every day effortlessly special with features like timber-look low-maintenance flooring, LED lighting, thoughtful accessibility, and quiet bedrooms at the back of the home.

“Larger tiles mean less grouting to clean, and the reverse cycle air-con does the whole home!

The cross breezes are amazing, too”, piped Ian. Ian still tinkers away on his workbench in the single garage alongside their car, whilst Debbie shows off her interior design flair indoors.

“Our home looks like a display home! Debbie’s happy to be the Community’s ‘go-to’ person for design inspiration!” Ian said. Ian and Debbie love living in their brand-new home amongst new friends on the same wavelength.

They spend less energy on pesky domestic chores and plan to experience the Canadian Rockies by train! With family nearby and adventures to come, they’re embracing retirement.

Meridian Interior Archer kitchen and dining area.

12573290-KJ49-22

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 9

30 MAR – 02 APR

E N R U O B N O A T R C Y D A E R U O Y E R A

12581965-HC49-22

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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NEWS

The award-winning gardens at Cranbourne.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Chief Executive Tim Entwistle accepts the award on behalf of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

Gardens’ awards hat trick

By Marcus Uhe Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria has maintained its status as a class-above in the Victorian tourism sector, after winning a major industry award for the third consecutive year last week.

The organisation won the best Major Tourism Attraction award at the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, enshrining them in the VTIC’s Hall of Fame for their continued and consistent success.

Second and third places were awarded to the Melbourne Skydeck and Falls Creek Resort Management, respectively.

“Both gardens offer exceptional experiences that highlight the intersection of art, nature and wellbeing for visitors of all abilities and ages,” the VTIC said in its justification.

“Reinvigorating the program in 2022, new sensitive digital technologies have been developed to enhance the ‘in real life’ gardens and nature experiences.

“After more than two years of heavy restrictions, visitors are now showing a renewed love affair with one of Australia’s most prized tourism attractions.”

Recent upgrades to the Cranbourne facility

The Red Sand Gardens at Cranbourne. include an improved visitor centre and cafe, new signage, walking paths, playgrounds and improved accessibility.

RGBV chief executive Tim Entwistle said the accolade reflected the significance of the gardens to the landscape of Melbourne.

“It’s the prize everyone wants to win,” Mr Entwistle said.

“We know we’re a beautiful place and both are places people like.

“I think what it says is the gardens are more than just pretty parks; they’re a tourist attraction that are always part of Melbourne.

“We sit up alongside museums, art galleries, the MCG. The gardens are places like them.

“To be acknowledged that we attract tourists and bring people in is really exciting.”

The tourism industry was one of the most vulnerable to the circumstances of the pandemic, with lockdowns forcing people to stay indoors and limit their movement as much as possible - not to mention the closure of state and international borders.

Mr Entwistle believes the gardens played a significant role in the recovery of the industry.

“The gardens have never been more important,” he said.

“You can go and be outdoors, and people feel safe and can take families there.

“As an organisation we could keep working in the background on the gardens, but we missed the people. We could sustain the rest but not having people made you realise how important that was.

“When we reopened, we had people in tears

as they came through the gate.”

While the gardens in Melbourne maintain an unassailable advantage with regards to proximity and location to the CBD, the Cranbourne gardens play an important role in their success too.

Mr Entwistle believes their quality makes them stand out on the global stage.

“Both are beautiful. Our two, just in terms of their beauty, how interesting, their design, they stand up around the world.

“Walking through the bushland, we’re so lucky to have the natural bushland as part of these forever.

“There’s so much variety and colour. There’s an Aussie plant for every setting and garden.”

He paid tribute to the wide breadth of people tasked with maintaining the reputation and picturesque scenery across both locations.

“When we had our name called out (at the awards night), I decided we would allow all of us onstage together.

“One of the important things is recognising everyone, not just one person.

“It’s a reflection of staff, volunteers and the Friends group. Every one of them is part of making us a major tourism attraction.”

Neighbour loses VCAT fight over property development

By Eleanor Wilson A neighbour’s fight to stop the development of three, two-storey dwellings in a residential Endeavour Hills street has been thwarted by the state tribunal.

Ranleigh Moldrich, who owns a property south of the proposed site at 10 Haverstock Hill Close, Endeavour Hills, took the development proposal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) after it was initially approved by Casey Council.

Mr Moldrich argued the dwellings would not be in keeping with the area’s character, which comprises mostly single-storey homes.

But VCAT member Mary-Anne Taranto ruled on 21 November that the construction would be “respectful of the existing character cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

and would not cause unreasonable amenity impacts”.

“The proposal will bring about some change to this location. However, I have concluded that on balance, the degree of change that this proposal will bring is of an incremental nature,” member Taranto said.

The site sits on more than 800sqm of land and is currently occupied by a single-storey dwelling, driveway and garage to its south side.

Mr Moldrich argued the dwellings would not be suitable due to the proposed number of dwellings, their two-storey scale, impacts on vegetation and the site’s 1.1 kilometre distance from the Endeavour Hills Major Activity Centre.

The resident also expressed concern about the perceived impact on pedestrian

safety, amenity including noise from cars using the driveway, loss of privacy and loss of views and natural light to the north.

The council and VCAT both refuted these claims.

“I would not refuse this proposal on the basis that it involves a proposal for dwellings that have a two-storey scale in this particular context. There are no planning controls or policy directions that seek to limit development in this location to buildings that are single-storey in scale,” Member Taranto said.

“In relation to noise from cars and people, any such noise is not an unexpected occurrence in an urban residential environment and is not a reason to refuse a permit.

“In relation to loss of views, there is no

legal right to a view.”

Most housing in the surrounding area appears to have originally occurred in the past four or five decades, comprising singlestorey detached brick dwellings, the hearing heard.

“The key issues raised in relation to neighbourhood character by the applicant concerns the inclusion of two-storey dwellings in an area where single-storey development predominates,” member Taranto said.

The triple unit development will continue, with a number of amendments to the planning permit, including changes to the west facing guest-room window to improve acoustic and visual privacy.

Casey Council originally approved the development plans 13 months ago, despite 16 community objections.

Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 11

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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NEWS

Helping with Lions’ vision

By Marcus Uhe Optometrists across the country are asking the people of Cranbourne to donate their preloved glasses to help communities in need.

New research has found that on average, 75 per cent of Australian households have at least one pair of optical glasses or sunglasses lying around at home that they no longer use, which equates to a whopping 36 million pairs of unused optical glasses or sunglasses across the country that could be used by those in need.

Specsavers Cranbourne Park have set a goal of collecting 200,000 pairs of glasses, which, if placed end to end, could stretch from Cranbourne to Mornington.

Local Cranbourne Park Specsavers retail partner, Dominic Boucher said this time of year was a fantastic time to think about donating glasses.

“We see a huge influx of people wanting to use their health insurance benefits to purchase a new pair of glasses,” Mr Boucher said.

“We’d love to see more people donating their old specs in store so they can benefit people in need.”

In partnership with Lions Recycle for Sight, Specsavers is now into their fourth year of the recycling program, which sees quality glasses and sunglasses being delivered to people in need overseas.

In 2018, Lions Recycle for Sight sent 334,860 pairs of refurbished spectacles to 20 destinations worldwide.

More than one billion people worldwide are living with vision impairment because they do not get the care they need for conditions like short and far sightedness, glaucoma, and cataracts, according to the World Health Organisation.

Additional research shows almost of one in five Aussies - the equivalent of 3.5 million Australians - will be purchasing a new pair of optical or sunglasses this year, adding to the older or pre-loved glasses sitting at home which are perfect for donating.

While some discarded specs will collect dust, as many as one in four, or 4.5 million people, are simply just throwing them in the bin.

“We’ve loved being able to directly work with the community in helping them to recycle their older pairs of glasses,” Mr Boucher said.

“It’s such a great feeling – being able to tangibly see the impact that you’re making.”

All pre-loved glasses that are sent to Lions Recycle for Sight from Specsavers are qual-

Cranbourne Park Specsavers retail partner Dominic Boucher and his team collecting unused glasses at their store. 310949 ity tested, cleaned, categorised and boxed according to prescription.

The best of the glasses collected are provided to charity, while the rest of the glasses are recycled.

Lions Recycle for Sight has been operating since 1998.

Chairman of Lions Recycle for Sight Australia Ken Leonard OAM said the program ensures people in need of spectacles can get access to a pair.

“People who have a need but no financial capacity can get a free pair in their homeland suitable for them,” Mr Leonard said.

“Recently, we sent 40,000 pairs of refur-

bished spectacles to Vietnam.

“What we tend to find is 75 per cent of recycled ones can be refurbished and reused. Of the other 25 per cent, [nearly all of them] have metal frames, and we can then, if unsuitable for refurbishment, we can break them down and recycle the frames, reducing impact on landfill.

“It works.”

Mr Leonard recounted some heartwarming stories of the glasses having real-life benefits for recipients.

“We gave them to some women who do knitting and crochets and were struggling to see. Lo and behold they get glasses for the first time and can see what they’re making.

“A young six-year-old wrote to us and said, ‘I needed a new pair of spectacles. Daddy got me new pair and I want to give mine to another child in need.’”

Over the past four years, Specsavers Australia has donated more than 700,000 pairs in partnership with Lions Recycle for Sight and are hoping to collect another 400,000 by the end of 2022 – heading towards a goal of more than one million pairs of glasses donated only five years since the partnership began.

To head in store to donate any of your own pre-loved glasses, visit Specsavers Cranbourne Park at Shop 129, Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, High St, Cranbourne, or visit specsavers.com.au/stores for more information.

Shirt’s an icebreaker when it comes to mental health

By Sahar Foladi Chisholm’s manager of engineering, Matthew Baker has started a mental health initiative across the engineering department.

The initiative, called Mental Health Mondays, is where the engineering team wear TradeMutt shirts at the Dandenong campus of Chisholm.

“It gives us that opportunity, the conversation icebreaker, to have that conversation and also shows that we’re invested in our student wellbeing,” Mr Baker said.

Mr Baker saw a student wearing the TradeMutt shirt and started thinking of ways to be involved.

“We train apprentices in metal trade, so fabrication and welding and within one of our workshops, I saw a student with one of the shirts on and I asked him around what it was, why and how.

“He informed me what they are and we did our own research on it and thought it was a fantastic initiative.

“We looked into ways we could be part of it because a big part of what we do is support apprentices through the two to four years they undertake an apprenticeship. We realised it’s vital to look after their mental wellbeing, not just their education,” Mr Baker said.

From being surprised by the shirts to being supportive of the initiative, it’s been a month since Mr Baker’s discovery. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

The TradeMutt shirts support mental health. Matthew Baker, manager of engineering at Chisholm, was inspired to start an initiative in his workplace inspired by the shirts.

Picture: SUPPLIED “They were really on board once we explained what they were and what they meant and so we had a really good uptake of it. We’ve had about 100 per cent staff involvement that

includes not just teachers but administrators and managers.”

This is A Conversation Starter (TIACS) is a not-for-profit mental health support ser-

vice funded by TradeMutt.

“The TIACS literally does that, people go, ‘hey nice shirt’ and it gives the teachers the opportunity to remind them about mental health and their own wellbeing,” Mr Baker said.

Mr Baker has worked with Chisholm for the past seven years and said he has never seen anything like this in Victoria.

“At the moment the engineering department is trialling it but we’re hoping to roll it out to all of the trade areas within Chisholm, and possibly some of the other departments as well,” Mr Baker said.

He also intends to invest in Chisholmbranded TradeMutt shirts in the future and encourage other departments across Chisholm to get involved.

“I had mine on today and went to a managers meeting and had people asking me, ‘what’s with the shirt?’.”

By supporting TradeMutt, the team at Chisholm is also helping TradeMutt fund the mental health support service TIACS. The not-for-profit provides a text and calls service and access to mental health clinicians for free to those who need it.

So far, more than 2900 tradies have received free mental health support through TIACS. Fifty per cent of TradeMutt profits are donated to charity and more than $600,000 in mental health support has been delivered to tradies.

Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 13

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SPECIALS ON SALE FROM 9TH NOVEMEBR TO 13TH DECEMBER 2022. IN STORE ONLY. AVAILABLE AT PARTICIPATING DISCOUNT DRUG STORES. NOT ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM ALL STORES. FAILURE BY SUPPLIER TO DELIVER OR OTHER UNINTENTIONAL CAUSES MAY RESULT IN SOME ITEMS IN THIS CATALOGUE BEING UNAVAILABLE. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED ACCESSORIES SHOWN ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CORRECT PRINTING ERRORS. VALUE CALCULATIONS ARE BASED ON RECOMMENDED RETAIL VALUE AS PROVIDED BY SUPPLIERS. ALL CATALOGUE PRICES ARE GST INCLUSIVE. PRODUCTS MAY VARY FROM STORE TO STORE AND ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. ^SAVINGS CALCULATED BASED ON THE RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE AS PROVIDED BY THE SUPPLIER AND NOT NECESSARILY PREVIOUS IN STORE PRICE. # SUNSCREEN IS ONLY ONE COMPONENT OF SUN PROTECTION. PROLONGED HIGH RISK SUN EXPOSURE SHOULD BE AVOIDED. FREQUENT USE AND RE-APPLICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH DIRECTIONS IS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE SUN PROTECTION.

*Excluding prescription, pharmacist only and pharmacy only medicines purchases

Hunt Club Discount Drug Store 14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

Hunt Club Village Shopping Centre, R17/1a Linsell Blvd, Cranbourne Phone: (03) 5915 9400 huntclub@discountdrugstores.com.au

OPEN 7 DAYS 12572970-DL49-22

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NEWS

Answer to skills shortage

By Cam Lucadou-Wells An award-winning series of ‘short and sharp’ courses is helping to fill the vast skill shortage gaps in South East manufacturing.

Chisholm Institute was recognised for the initiative with the 2022 Victorian Training and Education – Organisation Award at the Weld Australia’s Excellence Awards on 1 December.

Chisholm engineering manager Matthew Baker said the four-week introductory courses were designed to fill a desperate shortage of welders and computer numerical control (CNC) workers in the South East.

In the Dandenong region alone, despite 20plus per cent youth unemployment, there are 1000 vacancies for entry-level welding jobs.

The federally-funded courses were in close partnership with industry groups South Eastern Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) and Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL).

Both courses were “highly successful” with about 90 per cent of graduates landing a job, Mr Baker said.

During a ‘speed dating’ component, employers selected students for further interviews and placements.

“What we’re looking for is a willingness to learn. Anyone who is open to that lifelong learning process will do well,” Mr Baker said.

“The skills needed can be taught but that willingness and flexibility to undertake different roles and work to achieve their life-long ambition.”

The key to success was the close collaboration between Chisholm and industry, Mr Baker said.

The SEMMA welding course was designed to introduce ‘job-actives’ to basic welding and safety skills, with a view to further training on

the job such as certificates and apprenticeships.

Similarly, the AMTIL course covered the basics of CNC – which uses automated systems to produce parts.

“It’s only beginner level. But it teaches them enough to whet the appetite, with enough safety and prowess to get started.”

Chisholm’s state-funded short courses with the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) were also recognised.

The Ai Group courses were designed to entice an even wider cohort into mechanical engineering, welding and fabrication.

The first year’s intake across the three courses attracted 270 applicants.

Up to 400 could be enrolling in similar Chisholm courses with Ai Group and Jobs Victoria next year.

The Jobs Victoria program, termed the Engineering Project, will recruit, train and place at least 100 jobseekers in fabrication and mechanical engineering.

Over the 12 months, participants earn an income with a minimum 19 hours a week of work while being trained by experts.

Available roles include production welding, machine/process operator and fabrication or mechanical apprenticeships.

Priority applications are encouraged from women aged 45 and over, parents returning to the workforce, youths aged 25 and under, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from multicultural backgrounds and people with disability.

Employers are provided with a Training Wage Subsidy from Jobs Victoria during the mentoring program.

To register your interest, go to chisholm. edu.au/free-tafe-for-priority-courses/jobsvictoria-engineering-project

Matthew Baker (Chisholm), Geoff Crittenden (CEO - Weld Australia), Paul Konig (Chisholm), Avril Switalla (Chisholm) and Sowatt Huynh (Chisholm) with the Weld Australia award.

Robots go head-to-head Students from Casey and across Victoria and NSW gathered at Sydenham’s Copperfield College on Saturday, November 12, for the Victorian State VEX Robotics Championships.

About 50 teams, comprising secondary

and primary pupils, took part in the event.

Students designed and built robots that then competed against each other.

The event aimed to highlight the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills of students.

Berwick students Mitchell and Matthew. 306898

Hillcrest Year 8 students Elijah and Matthew. 306898

The students built robots that then competed against each other.

Harkaway students Caleb and Zahara. 306898

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Pictures: JOE MASTROIANNI

Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

Police target illicit firearms in swoop A Narre Warren man is one of six individuals issued with a Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) on Wednsesday 30 November, as part of an operation to disrupt and deter illicit firearms use across Bendigo and Melbourne’s south and north-west.

The operation targeting Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) members involved police from the Echo and VIPER Taskforces, Gang Crime Squad and Southern Metro Region Crime Team, Casey Crime Investigation Unit, AFP National Anti-Gang Squad and Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit.

Police carried out seven early morning searches on Wednesday 30 November at addresses including Kurting, Strathfieldsaye, North Bendigo, Lockwood, Narre Warren, Lower Plenty, and Drysdale.

Six FPOs were issued to individuals who are known members of the Rebels OMCG including with a further FPO compliance search also being conducted: A 32-year-old Narre Warren man, believed to be a sergeant at arms, was found to be in possession of small amounts of cocaine and cannabis and is expected to be charged on summons.

A 63-year-old Kurting man was found in possession of a large amount of gun powder as well as various amounts of ammunitions such a rifle bullets and shotgun shells. He was charged with possessing explosive sub-

· ·

stance without lawful excuse and possess ammunition without a licence. He will face Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on 20 April, 2023.

A 32-year-old Strathfieldsaye man was found in possession of a prohibited weapon and issued a penalty notice.

A 49-year-old North Bendigo man, believed to be a chapter president, was found in possession of a prohibited weapon and issued a penalty notice.

A 52-year-old Lockwood man – nothing was located in this search.

A 38-year-old Lower Plenty man was found in possession of two firearms magazines and a quantity of ‘magic mushrooms’. Police also located a hydroponic cannabis set up.

He has been charged with cultivating cannabis, possess drug of dependence, fail to surrender firearm related item on service of FPO and possess prohibited weapon.

A 39-year-old Drysdale man - nothing was located in this search.

Echo Taskforce Senior Sergeant Ash Ryan said outlaw motorcycle gangs remain a significant national problem, both in bigger cities and regional towns such as Bendigo.

“FPOs are not issued only based on a person’s criminal history with firearms – they are being issued to those people we know have a significant history of serious violent crime or who are linked to serious and organised crime

· · · ·

·

groups,“ Snr Sgt Ryan said.

“By actively working to reduce the number of illicit firearms in the community, we will reduce the amount of serious crimes those weapons enable.

“Make no mistake – police will continue to do everything within their power to make sure firearms stay out of the wrong hands.”

Firearm Prohibition Orders are a legislative provision that give police specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt and prevent firearm-related crime in Victoria and keep the community safe.

Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children between 14 and 17 years of age.

During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm related item such as ammunition.

The charges relating to FPOs include up to 10 years imprisonment for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm related item.

Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued over 1700 FPOs across the state.

Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to crimestoppersvic.com.au

Our role in advocating for refugee children

By Wida Tausif All children deserve a sanctuary.

Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) states children’s rights are human rights.

Under international law, every child regardless of their place of birth, race, religion, gender or socio-economic status is entitled to human rights.

Currently in Australia, Department of Immigration authorities collaborate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to identify refugees who are in danger or have no future in their initial nation of asylum but cannot return to their country of origin.

Relocating these migrants to a safe nation like Australia is their best chance for survival and security.

Protecting children is a community responsibility.

We either share it or decline it totally.

Depriving vulnerable people of freedom impacts upon everyone, as we are limiting decency and opportunity within our acceptance.

By detaining children of asylum seekers, and classifying them as “illegals”, Australia is stripping them of opportunities to develop positive mental health and by doing so, we are violating children’s and human rights.

These children have hopes and aspirations, however, when there is little hope of being free with in our community, rights are violated, including access to health, education, and play.

As early childhood educators, we are looked to as pillars of our communities and must advocate for the protection of all children.

As Diversity Kids director Meni Tsambouniaris stated, “refugee children and their families are additions to the community and bring strengths, abilities and cultural knowledge”.

They make an important contribution and bring a lot to Australian society.

They have been successful in the arts, sports, media, science and business and volunteering within our communities.

They value the education of their children highly and research has shown that more young refugees’ study than other migrants and people who are born in Australia.

As an Early Childhood Educator, I have engaged with asylum seekers and refugees within the community, which has better informed me of refugee families and the impacts of detention while being detained for a period of time.

16 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

Wida Tausif. 307581 I came to know the traumas these families had faced in the detention.

There are many risk factors for refugee children who are detained, including the harm caused by detention being significantly and identifiably worse for children than adults.

At their ages and stages of development, they are more profoundly affected by being declined basic human rights.

The impact on children’s mental health and

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS wellbeing is significant and these children are exposed to being traumatised by their time in detention, which later in their life can results in a range of negative outcomes.

Therefore, we as educators have an important role of advocating for the rights of the refugee children, so that these children have access to health, education, and social experiences with peers.

- Contributed by Wida Tausif

Five key elements of a team TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH It is extremely hard being a sole proprietor in business these days and certainly if a business is to grow, it is going to require extra staff which implies teamworking.

Teamworking is required not just in business but in many other walks of life as well (e.g. sports, music, fundraising, etc) and so being an effective team is highly desirable, but what’s the difference between a team and a group of people doing something together?

Here are five key elements that sit at the heart of being a successful team 1. Clear objective.

2. Leadership.

3. Trust.

4. Competence.

5. Balanced team composition.

1. Clear objective Every team exists to achieve something and the better that something is defined, the more likely it is the team will succeed. As we have noted in previous articles on goal setting, the goal should be simply stated using the SMART principle (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-specific) and should provide the compelling purpose or reason for the team’s existence. It is a clear goal that guides a team’s actions and activities.

2. Leadership Everyone has a role to play in a team and in many ways the ‘leadership’ role is just one specific instance of these. However, it is this role that can often make the difference between success and failure since a leader’s role is not only to ensure that everyone is clear on the goal and performs accordingly, but the leader also manages how the team collaborates and works together to produce the outcomes.

3. Trust It is difficult to achieve anything with anyone if trust does not exist, and in teams this is essential. The scope and range of functions that need to be undertaken in business imply that no one can effectively do everything and so trusting that each person plays their part is essential. No high-performance team exists without trust and with this comes the comfort and security of knowing that you can rely on others to do what they need to in their respective area while you focus on your own responsibilities.

4. Competence As we know, ‘a chain is only as strong as its weakest link’ and so competence in each of the respective roles being exercised will determine how well the objective is achieved overall. In a good team, mutual support will often ensure that if a particular team member is doing it tough, others will step in to help.

5. Balanced team composition While this statement can apply to the skill sets of the team as well, for me this relates more to the nature of the people involved. We are all wired differently - some may be primarily outcomes or task-focused while others may be more people-oriented. Some people will see the big picture and love to explore ideas whereas others will be great with detail and organisation. A good team involves all sorts and is able to maximise the natural contributions and skills of the different personalities involved.

Ian Ash is the managing director of OrgMent Business Solutions. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Aussies love Christmas Christmas in Australia is special; it’s one of the things that set us apart from the rest of the world.

Whether it be a backyard cricket match, kids splashing in the pool or splendid seafood dishes, Christmas down under is undoubtedly unique.

Aussies love their summer festive season, Christmas is a truly jolly time with loved ones.

You may decide to go camping and have your Christmas dinner with camping deck

chairs and table at your camp site or maybe a seafood hamper on the beach.

Check out these fun ideas for your own Christmas get-togethers with family and friends.

Enjoy a Christmas movie night Gather your loved ones to sip on hot chocolate, roast marshmallows and enjoy movies like Love Actually, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and Home Alone.

Invite family and friends for a festive feast Set the table, hang the fairy lights and invite

your nearest and dearest for a meal. Dishes can be assigned to guests for a potluck-style feast, or roll up your sleeves in the kitchen for a bit of extra fun. A small Kris Kringle or Secret Santa gift exchange is also lots of fun!

Make your own Christmas ornaments Get creative! Make your own decorations using polystyrene balls or ornament dough: 4 cups plain flour 1 cup salt 1 ½ cups water

· · ·

1. Preheat oven to 150 degrees Celsius.

2. Combine ingredients well and knead for ten minutes.

3. Roll out onto lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes, ensuring to leave a small hole at the top to hang your ornament.

4. Bake for 30 minutes and allow to cool.

To decorate your ornaments, try using use paint, glitter, string, ribbons and other craft items.

By the time December rolls around, your tree will have never looked better!

Your One Stop Phone Shop Christmas Gift Vouchers available instore now for that hard to buy for person

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YOU CHOOSE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE! For more than 60 years, Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm has been delighting customers with that most precious of festive traditions: a real, live Christmas tree.

Customers are invited to visit the farm and take a wander amongst the rows of green until they find their perfect tree.

There is a tree for every family, in different heights to fit any house.

Staff will cut the tree and can net it for easy transportation for a small fee.

They’re easy to take care of too; just keep them watered and your tree will last the whole Christmas season.

The winner will receive and real Christmas Tree (up to 7 foot tall with a stand) from our friends at the Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm at 336 Brown Road, Officer.

Your favourite festive ornaments and wrapped Christmas presents look so much better on a real tree...

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 17

NEWS

Men’s Shed to the rescue

By Eleanor Wilson For wildlife rescue organisations Locky’s Legacy and Wild Incident Safe Haven (WISH), caring for Australia’s cherished fauna is a round the clock job.

Now, thanks to the Akoonah Park Men’s Shed (APMS), a series of possum boxes will make their jobs a little easier.

APMS president Maury Hall met with WISH’s Sarah and Sheryle Cooke, as well as Locky’s Legacy owner Lyndel Charmers, to present them with a total of 20 boxes to aid in the rescue and rehoming of wild possums that cross their paths.

The Men’s Shed members constucted a series of both ringtail possum boxes and brushtail possum boxes, which are larger in size, from plywood donated from the Vermont Men’s Shed.

Mr Hall said the wood was originally sourced from excess supplies used for caravan flooring.

The boxes give the possums a safe space to be relocated in, Ms Charmers explained.

“It’s a really important part of our wildlife rehabilitation to be able to release them with somewhere to live, because when they’re coming in from such a small age, they haven’t learned from their mum how to build a drey, or how to survive out there so if you’ve got some form of protection, that means we can safely put them up in a tree and give them a chance,” she said.

Ms Charmers runs Locky’s Legacy from her 18-acre property in Upper Pakenham, where she rescues and rehabilitates wombats, kangaroos, echidnas, galahs and cockatoos to name a few.

Mother-daughter duo Sheryle and Sarah Cooke have operated WISH from Berwick for four years.

“I go out and rescue at all hours of the morning and all hours of the night. Last night

Lyndel Charmers, Akoonah Park Men’s Shed president Maury Hall, Sheryle and Sarah Cook with the possum boxes. 310738 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS we went to rescue a wombat that was stuck in a drain,” Sarah said.

“At the moment I’m caring for five roos… they’re on four-hourly feeds six times a day at the moment.

“We get call-outs from Victoria Police, Wildlife Victoria, fire brigades, members of the police…I’m always getting tagged on Facebook as well.”

Sarah estimates she has rescued and cared

for over 100 possums in the last year.

“We’re really grateful that the Men’s Shed have done this...it’s really good to see that the community is behind what we’re doing,” Sheryle said.

Become a foster carer

12568605-JW37-22

Play a part

Play a part today. Call 1800 013 088 fosteringconnections.com.au 18 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

WHAT’S ON Narre Warren and District Family History Group end of year meeting

Endeavour Hills Community Carols

A night of fun and frivolity, mark this date in your calendar for a night of fun and laughter.

We will be in the admin building conference room, Cranbourne Complex (enter via Casey Radio) 1/65 Berwick - Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne. This meeting won’t be held on Zoom.

Visitors are welcome, the night will commence at 7.30pm, Wednesday 14 December.

Endeavour Hills Community Carols is the perfect opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the festive season.

There will be a preshow entertainment from 5pm, including food, market stalls, and pony rides with the main carols starting at 8pm and finishing off with spectacular fireworks show from 9.15pm that will light up the sky.

Free entry and an alcohol-free event.

Saturday 10 December from 5pm at Reveal Church, 2-8 Gleneagles Drive, Endeavour Hills.

·

Multicultural Senior Citizens Groups Are you a senior citizen from a Greek, Italian or Hungarian background? Would you like to meet, socialise and talk with other seniors from your background? Would you like to make new friends?

At the John Pandazopoulos Public Hall at 76 Power Road, Doveton, the Berwick and District Greek Club meets on Mondays from 10am. To find out more, call John on 0413 411 220.

The Italian Corona Seniors Club meets at the same address on Tuesdays from 10am. For more information, call Francesca on 0411 295 792.

The Hungarian Seniors Seniors Group meets at the same address, on Wednesdays from 10am.

To find out more, call Julius on 9544 9094.

These Seniors Groups and others at the hall will have been meeting in harmony together for the last 25 years next year.

·

Grow Mental Wellbeing GROW offers a unique mental wellbeing program to those suffering from stress, anxiety, depression and other emotional difficulties.

Cranbourne Group meets at the Balla Balla Community Centre. Gold coin donation appreciated.

For further information please contact GROW Community Centre on 1800 558 268. Website: grow.org.au Thursdays 10.30am – 12.30pm at 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne, excluding school holidays.

·

Melbourne Stars Family Day 2022 City of Casey and Melbourne Stars have partnered for another year to bring you the eighth Melbourne Stars Family Day at Casey Fields Oval five.

The Melbourne Stars Family Day is your chance

to see the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis training ahead of their blockbuster match-up with the Perth Scorchers five days later.

Saturday 18 December 10am - 2pm at Casey Fields.

·

nesses that will have a stall on the day.

Please note all money that is raised towards our raffle will be donated to The Royal Children’s Hospital to help all of the many children who are in need this Christmas and everyday.

Sunday 18 December from 11am - 4pm at 10 Chauncy Way, Lynbrook.

Lynbrook Festive Fun Family Day

·

A+D Party and Event Creations and Aroma Desire Creations are proud to present Our Lynbrook Festive Fun Day. A great day not to be missed! As guess who will be attending; Santa Claus! Plus much more from fun face painting, Market stalls, Hot Food , Desserts, Ice Cream Van, Raffles and lots of prizes.

Come down to say hello, have some festive fun, get any last minute Christmas gifts and most of all to support all of the amazing small busi-

Come along to our free end of year Neighbourhood Barbecue celebration at Cranbourne West Community Hub and enjoy a chance to catch up with neighbours and make new connections and friends!

With a special appearance from Santa and his elf, join us for a free sausage sizzle and meet some other locals. This free family friendly event

End of Year Christmas Neighbourhood Barbecue

will include some outdoor games, a toddler play area and a craft activity for children.

Kindly supported by the Lions Club of Cranbourne. Providing locals a casual setting in which to chat, socialise and strengthen our community.

Friday 16 December 5.30pm - 8pm at the Cranbourne West Community Hub. 4 Flicka Boulevard, Cranbourne West.

·

Warneet-Blind Bight Fire Brigade CFA Santa Run Santa is coming to visit everyone in Blind Bight from 8.30am, then will be coming to visit Warneet after lunch.

Listen out for the sirens and watch out for the flashing lights and bring your best smiles to have a photo with Santa.

Sunday 11 December from 8.30am.

·

Child of the Year - Narre Warren Baby Show We are coming back to Narre Warren for what will be an incredible event to be a part of. We are excited to announce we now have a new exciting addition to our events that you will absolutely love. Adults get ready to dance, have fun and make new friendships!

We will be searching for our newest King & Queen high title winners and have dozens of trophies, ribbons and prizes to give away.

Come along and have some fun while supporting Kids With Cancer Foundation Australia.

Bookings: babyshowtime.com.au/event/narrewarren-baby-show-child-of-the-year Friday 16 December 11am - 2pm at Toymate Fountain Gate. 23 Brechin Drive, Narre Warren.

·

Coptic Carols by Candlelight Is visiting Egypt is on your bucket list? Come and enjoy Carols by Candlelight with an Egyptian taste presented in the Coptic church located in Hallam.

Santa has confirmed his attendance with gifts for all the attending kids.

Excellent Egyptian food and dessert and a nativity photo booth.

Smoke, drug, alcohol and pet-free event.

Saturday 17 December 6.30pm - 9.30pm at 41-59 Saffron Dr, Hallam.

·

CPM - SEM - SEO Algorithms Bounce Rates Digital Jargon - Some things you don’t need to understand.

You just need to know it works.

Leave the technical stuff to the professionals - US! Get your FREE business digital health check Contact your advertising representative advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Ph: 03 5945 0666

facebook.com/CranbourneStarNews cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au 12578878-MS47-22

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 19

BUSINESS PROFILE

Easy, convenient shopping Located in the heart of the much-loved suburb, Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre has everything you need!

Anchored by Coles, it offers a strong fresh food selection including Lynbrook Fruit Plaza, Gold Sun Bakery and the new Gippsland Fresh Meats opening soon.

Visit Joy Grocer to stock up on ingredients to create all your favourite Southeast Asian dishes, partnered with accompanying alcoholic beverages from Liquorland.

The village also offers a wide range of personal services including Foiled Again Salon, Healthy Glow Beauty Clinic, Avy Nails, Big Bang Barbers and LY Relaxation Massage.

Pick up your scripts at Chemist Discount Centre after an appointment at Lynbrook Medical Centre or book an eye test and choose stylish new frames from Lynbrook Optical.

Jetts Gym sports state-of-the-art equipment and classes to help you reach your fitness goals.

Offering a diverse range of quality food on offer, you’re bound to find an option you love to dine in or takeaway, from Rasa Yong’s Chinese/Malaysian, Lynbrook Pizza & Pasta, The Grind, Little Island Bakery, Flakey Jake’s Fish and Chips, Firestone Charcoal Chicken, Lynbrook Kebabs, Toro Sushi, Panjabi Rasoi Indian or the newly opened Patty Smiths Burgers.

Take advantage of the convenience of onsite business and tax consultants Rick & Mon, or talk to Aussie Home loans about financing options.

Free Choice and Budget Home & Gifts have your gifting requirements covered! As well as offering mobile phone and tablet repair services, Smartronic carries a huge range of mobile phone cases, charging solutions and phone accessories. Brooks Laundromat, Lynbrook Lotto & News and Australia Post outlets and round out all the services you could possibly need in one friendly Centre.

Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre is situated at 75 Lynbrook Blvd, Lynbrook.

Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre has everything you need.

12580180-JW49-22

Lynbrook Village provides easy, convenient and great shopping.

20 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Slow down and observe art

By Eleanor Wilson In a busy, increasingly digital world, it is rare to get the chance to slow down and breathe.

But award-winning choreographer Liesel Zink hopes her new experimental public performance Us And All Of This will do just that.

Launching early next year at three premier arts centres across Victoria, including Narre Warren’s Bunjil Place, the project will incorporate 100 local individuals for a large-scale, sculptural dance work centring reflection, meditation and pause.

Ms Zink said the project provides an opportunity to “move at a beautifully slow pace at a time when the world seems to be speeding up”.

“There have been so many really challenging world events that have happened recently and it brought me to question how we can cope with a really challenging and complex world we live in at the moment,” Ms Zink said.

“This project for me sticks with that, the realisation that we’re better if we do it together and I think this work looks at togetherness at a time when we’ve felt really isolated.”

Commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the Betty Amsden Participation program, Us And All Of This will feature at the Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt on 11 March, Bunjil Place on 25 and 26 March and the Geelong Arts Centre on 2 April.

Ms Zink said the concept of the project started a few years ago with her interest in bringing contemporary dance to public spaces.

“I wanted to play with the beauty of us as a collective and us as individuals,” she said.

“I’m trying to work with these 100 bodies to create a big beautiful slow moving sculpture that sees individuals move beyond the individual and work as a whole group.”

Ms Zink, along with dramaturg Martyn Coutts and composer Lawrence English, are

Public dance work Us And All Of This will feature at Bunjil Place in March. currently looking for 100 participants for each venue, varying in age, ethnicity, gender and body type, to make up the large-scale project.

The only prerequisite for participants is that they must be at least 15.

“The participants just need to be open and dance curious, they don’t need to have any experience in dance, everyone is invited to come along and take part in this project.”

Once the participants are chosen, they will attend a series of workshops on the project and will also be guided by Ms Zink during the

Picture: IAN LAIDLAW

45-minute performance.

“For the participants, I hope these rehearsals are a space of rejuvenation and joy and a chance to get back in their bodies,” Ms Zink said.

“We’ve been on 2D screens for a long time, so I hope they can just appreciate being able to stretch and move their bodies in amongst others and enjoy that process, and hopefully take some of the ethos of the work home with them into their everyday lives and maybe share those experiences with others.”

The public is also encouraged to attend one of the three locations to witness the 100 participants weave throughout the space.

Zink is well known for her large-scale public space performances, most significantly ‘The Stance’ which was performed on over 80 dancers in 10 cities worldwide.

‘The Stance’ won the 2017 Australian Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Independent Dance.

To sign up to be a participant in the Bunjil Place project, head to bit.ly/3UrrlKO

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Rex name shame

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“They need to have their plaques removed

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

Final Stage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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STAR NEWS 21

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STAR NEWS 23

NEWS

A unique tattoo exhibition is being held at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre to celebrate tattoo as an art form.

Pictures: HILTON STONE

Photographer Bronwyn Watson, right, at the exhibition opening.

Art of the tattoo uncovered

By Sahar Foladi

Greater Dandenong Mayor Eden Foster launched the exhibition.

The exhibition was put together with tattooed models Elyce Morison and Shane Von Dort, who were photographed by Bronwyn Watson and Tommy Kuo. Ms Watson picked up photography in 2014 when she was in university and as a tattooed person herself, she says she’s been obsessed with it since she was a teenager.

“I grew up listening to punk music, playing video games and I have tattoos myself, so it was cool to see what other people had on their

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skins,” Ms Watson said.

“I just feel like tattoos don’t make up your personality, but it’s sort of an addition to your personality.”

At this modern age, designs are carefully selected to symbolise the unique narratives of individuals to provide a living documentation.

Ms Morison said: “I’ve always loved art, and different forms of it. If it wasn’t for the cost (and pain), I’d be covered.

“I often get asked ‘won’t you regret them

12423634-SN31-19

A unique tattoo exhibition is being held at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre to celebrate tattoo as an art form.

What was known to be taboo is now a mainstream presence which signals a cultural shift towards acceptance.

Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster was at the opening of the exhibition on 29 November.

“There was a time when tattoos were hidden, and now tattoo artists and tattoo parlours are found in every suburb,” Cr Foster said.

“They are thriving businesses, and those adorned with tattoos wear them with pride.

“This exhibition celebrates the artistry of tattoos, and highlights the art form’s acceptance in mainstream society.”

The exhibition highlights the fluidity of creative practice as an art form and showcases the people of the community, their tattoos and the local artists through photography.

when you’re older?’. My response, there are a lot of other things I can regret, but this won’t be one of them.”

Meanwhile, Ms Watson said she was very happy and satisfied with the results of the exhibition.

“I was really happy with how it all came together. I really like how my style and Tommy’s style are so different - you’ve got a contrast of different styles.”

The unique art form, presented through new ways, was nerve-wrecking for Ms Watson and achieving that was the highlight for her.

“We do get a bit nervous when you’re portraying someone and making it work with their likeness, you want to make sure that you do a good job and they like the finished product.

“My highlight was seeing my models’ reaction to themselves and their finished artwork, they really liked how they were portrayed.”

Inked is at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner of Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong until Friday 27 January.

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SPORT

The Don strikes 28-ball ton

By Jonty Ralphsmith It was a weekend of storylines in the DDCA Turf 2 competition headlined by a century off 28 balls and a first-up wins to Doveton, while Cranbourne bounced back to the winner’s list.

Needing 235 for victory against Keysborough, Lyndale’s Himesh Galhenage Don came it at three when the score already sat at 75 after just eight overs.

It gave him the perfect platform to go BANG. After his first ball was a dot, Galhenage Don sent the next ball to the rope and faced just one more dot ball for his innings.

Five of his first 10 balls cleared the rope, which had him at 37 at that stage of his innings.

He brought up his 50 five balls later, and finished his innings with 12 sixes and five fours in a destructive half hour of cricket at Barry Powell Reserve.

He took 71 of his runs off Yohan Arumadura, who went at an economy of 25.33 in his three overs, smashed for four consecutive sixes at one point, after himself hitting a sublime century to go with five wickets last week.

Galhenage Don’s century was chanceless as he targeted the boundaries in front of the wicket, with the knock coming off the back of a vital 77 in Lyndale’s chase against Cranbourne the previous week.

The big hitting saw Lyndale to the mammoth total within 21 overs.

“He comes in hard and and that’s what he does,“ said club secretary Rodney Keyaerts, who was watching the match.

“He has the uncanny ability to lift the ball up and get it over the fence - he punches it and it just goes.

“We had to go given Keysy’s score and after the openers got us off to a good start, he came in and just went - the poor bowlers copped the wrath of a batter in form.

“Our captain Ben Montgomery didn’t talk to him before his knock because he knows whatever he says will go in one ear and out the other so there was no specific instruction to go that hard, that’s just what he does.“ While the day will be remembered for the quickfire ton, the result is a negative one for Keysborough, seeing them fall to 1-2 for the season, the ability to post such an imposing total reinforces they are a dangerous team.

Star playmaker Christo Otto is yet to really fire a shot this season, but his men continue to find ways to put runs on the board, this week off the blade of Hennadige Fernando, whose

Mark Cooper has been dominant opening the batting at Beaconsfield. 311012 Picture: ROB CAREW 76 off 39 batting at seven rescued his team.

The Doveton win means that all turf two clubs have tasted victory after three or four games for each club, a nod to the evenness of the respective competitions.

Playing in its first season back in turf two, Doveton was all over Parkfield, which beat powerhouse Cranbourne two weeks ago and pushed Heinz Southern Districts last week.

After fielding a weakened side for various reasons across the first couple of weeks, Nathan Wilson’s men flexed their muscle in bowling Parkfield out for just 84.

Trent Rolfs claimed the wicket of Dishan Malalasekera who is coming off two 50s to start the year, and the first of Ryan Hendy’s five wickets was returning Parkfield star Matthew Goodier.

From there, it was all Doveton, proving it could compete in turf two, having Parkfield 9/38, and invoking a collapse of 6/2, before a 46-run 10th wicket partnership made the

scoreline more respectable.

Hendy had a hand in nine wickets, taking four catches to go with his poles, before precautionarily going off for the last few overs of the game.

“He’s one of the best players to have played in the DDCA,“ said skipper Nathan Wilson.

“He might be 40-years-old but once he gets his tail up and gets into his rhythm and lands it in the spot, I have played alongside him for 1520 years and he was back to his absolute best on the weekend.“ Ricky Johnson and the returning Simon Mackie, playing in his first game of the season, saw Doveton to victory inside 12 overs.

“We wanted to be really positive in getting those runs so that was really good and by getting that win, the whole vibe’s changed already now, that win was really important, it could be a real game-changer for us and hopefully we can keep it going,“ Wilson added.

“I just asked our boys to turn our season

around - we fielded really well and our energy was up which was a massive turnaround from the first couple of games when we didn’t have that luck in the field.“ “We knew if we could get their openers early, we could put pressure on the middle order but to get so many wickets so quickly; being out there, I was scratching my head thinking ’is this real’.

“It was fun and we haven’t had a lot of fun in the first two results.“ At Beaconsfield, openers Mark Cooper and Tyler Clark put on more than 50 runs together for the third consecutive week.

Between them, the pair has scored 313 runs this season at a collective average of 52, their partnerships netting an average of 97 runs.

It has helped catapult Beaconsfield to an undefeated beginning of the season.

While neither Cooper (37 off 57) nor Clark (22 off 75) was able to kick on with their start, they gave Beaconsfield something to bowl at, and bowled HSD out for 133, giving them an 11-run win.

HSD openers Brent Patterson and Ethan French also gave their team a solid launching pad, but each was deceived by Ashan Madushanka.

Callan Tout also continued on his solid form, picking up two wickets including that of Triyan De Silva, before Cooper, a leggie, claimed three tail-end wickets to seal the result.

Order was restored for Cranbourne in a dangerous match against Narre Warren, with the Sweeney boys leading them to victory.

The win was a crucial stabiliser in the context of the club’s season after a final-ball rainaffected heartbreaker against Parkfield was followed by a surprise loss to Lyndale.

All 10 Narre Warren wickets fell to spin after each of their top three made valuable contributions, led by a valuable 49 to Zach Allan.

Peter Sweeney claimed seven wickets in a masterfully tight display of left arm orthodox bowling.

He conceded 35 runs off his 11.3 overs and once he and fellow slow bowler Harsaroup Singh (3/46 off 12) were brought on, they essentially ran through the Narre Warren order.

Set 163 for victory, Mick Sweeney, batting at five, led the chase with an unbeaten 68 which included 11 boundaries.

He partnered with Matt Collett (34 not out) who appears to have adjusted seamlessly to his role lower in the order, the pair putting on an 87-run partnership to finish the match with 62 balls remaining.

Local benefits of NAB League are clear for all to see

By Jonty Ralphsmith It’s a cold and wet Thursday night at Doveton Doves’ base in 2019 The conditions are motivation-sapping, players could quite easily be going through the motions after a long day’s work, but within the squad are Connor Macdonald, Deakyn Smith and Kobi George.

All three were at the time involved at the Dandenong Stingrays, always pushing to find the extra one per cent with their footy.

The trio are in the upper echelon of players in attendance that night, along with skipper and ex-Sandy Dragon Matt Stapleton, and it is them setting the standard.

“We’re at training twice a week, let’s make the most of every minute,” they say silently through their actions, dragging the bar of expectation up.

As much as being a talent pathway program, the NAB League also serves as a vehicle which assists grassroots footy.

Players who have been exposed to NAB League programs not only bring talent back, but also work rate and intensity to make the local scene stronger.

“There’s very few who don’t go back and contribute to the local scene,” said Gippsland Power talent chief Scott McDougal. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Connor Macdonald lays a tackle during his time at Doveton. 196444 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS “People think it is all about the AFL – it is a talent pathway designed to give kids the opportunity to live that dream, but so many kids have been great VFL players or gone in-

terstate off the back of their footy.

“It’s that ability to get them to understand that the important thing is process, and you’ll find your own level, so we’re just as proud of kids who go back to local clubs.

“We’re here to make individuals be the best they can be: they have to have those traits, we don’t create them, we just help them identify them and move forward with them.”

Given NAB League programs have an individual development focus, while local clubs are far more slanted towards team success, players’ skillsets can improve from interacting with players in the talent pathways.

It can inspire juniors to be aspirational in their sporting endeavours, and build culture among the older brigade.

Enjoying a beer after training is always that much more wholesome when you’ve put in the hard yards out on the track.

“If that calibre of player comes to your club, he’s driven and motivated, he’s doing it with the pursuit of reaching the AFL,” said Martin Stillman, who has been involved in NAB League club Calder Cannons’ and was this year in Doveton Doves’ footy department.

“He won’t just be jogging through, he’ll be demanding higher standards and pushing

others - if you’ve got players doing that, it’s an injection of enthusiasm and excitement.”

Their footy intellect and leadership can also lead to more targeted sessions which engenders streamlined improvement.

Generationally, having a volume of people that understand the ins and outs of talent development serves the region well.

“We’re a door named opportunity: some kids knock it in and kick it in, other kids sit around the front and come in occasionally and get a little bit of that opportunity, it’s about what they want to take out of it and from us is the respect they earn from us when they’re here working hard and being good citizens,” McDougal said.

It means that the next crop are guided and nurtured to reach their capacity before they reach the NAB League, and that honest conversations can be had between local and NAB League clubs about players ready to transition.

NAB League programs are the zenith of junior football.

Reaching one puts a player in the top fraction of a percentage of their age group.

For some, it is the first chapter of elite level football.

For many more, it’s the start of a journey they’ll bring back to the local scene, fulfilling for both club and player.

Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 25

SPORT

Seagulls defence on track

By David Nagel Reigning-champion Tooradin (0/105) is on the verge of putting itself in prime position to defend its CCCA Premier Division crown after a dominant display against perennial finalist Kooweerup (199) at Denhams Road on Saturday.

If the Gulls, as expected, do knock off the 95 runs required for victory, they will strengthen their hold on second place on the ladder by opening up a two-game buffer over the Demons in third place.

With gun-opener Luke McMaster preparing for his engagement party, the Demons sent Ayden Mills (0) into bat with that dangerous weapon in Chris Bright (70).

Mills fell early…as did Gamini Kumara (6) who has struggled to have an impact after a solid start to the season.

From 2/28, Bright and Mitch Davey (43) produced a 73-run partnership that saw the Demons trickle into triple figures for the loss of just two wickets.

Davey then fell, the first of a five-wicket haul to Josh Lownds (5/48 off 16.3), and the Demons slip-sided from there.

Paul Bright (17) then joined his brother for a 33-run stand, the third best of the innings, before the wickets of Jess Mathers (1) and Chris Bright put the Seagulls in the box seat.

Mathers, and Bright in particular, can score quickly and the Gulls would never have felt entirely comfortable until those two were back in the sheds.

Giles (23 not out) and number-11 John Bright (22) – who scored 144 in D Grade last week – put on 34 for the last wicket to give the Demons some hope…with 29 overs left to bowl.

Lownds was the star performer for the Gulls, bagging five scalps, while Russ Lehman (2/52) and Brad Butler (2/44 off 6.3) grabbed two each.

Tooradin then marched to the conclusion of play in grand style, being 0/105 when stumps were drawn.

Lownds (57 not out) capped off a great day with a stylish unbeaten half-century, while skipper Cal O’Hare will resume this week on 29 not out.

Lehman retired hurt on 16.

An under-exposed mid-to-lower order has failed to fire for Pakenham (126) who was rolled cheaply by Cardinia (1/17) at Gunton Oval.

Heading in, the Lions had lost just 18 wickets for the season; a staggering 21 less than the next best team in that regard in Tooradin.

That statistical advantage has played a huge

Josh Lownds was at the peak of his powers, taking five wickets and making a half century for Tooradin against Kooweerup. 311013

Pakenham’s Tommy Tyrrell goes on the charge against the Bulls. 311014 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS part in the Lions being well clear at the top of the ladder, but it’s hardly the ideal preparation for those enjoying the view from the sidelines.

Jack Anning (4), Rob Elston (1), Dale Tormey (21) and Jason Williams (37) have carried the can this season, but others were required to pull their weight on the weekend for the first time.

And not surprisingly they failed.

Stephen Insall (29) crafted a nice stay through the middle order, and Tommy Tyrrell (14) occupied the crease for 50 balls, but the Lions were in trouble when the big four were un-padded with just 71 runs on the board.

The Bulls who have now had three terrific weeks in succession.

They made 270 against Kooweerup, and then held the Demons to 9/227, and this day-one performance against the Lions has set them up perfectly for back-to-back wins against quality opposition.

The Bulls appear to be back!

Dean Henwood (11-6-3-9) got the ball rolling with a super-spell of right-arm mediumfast bowling.

Henwood had Anning caught by Nathan Volpe, before trapping Elston in front, leaving Lions running for the sheds at 2/9.

Tormey and Williams re-built the innings somewhat, but when Travis Wheller (142-3-34) had Tormey caught, once again by Volpe, the Bulls had claimed the most crucial

of breakthroughs.

Wheller then snuck one through the defences of Williams, rapping him on the pads, before Sean Gramc (0) was in and out in a hurry courtesy of Bulls’ skipper Jake Prosser (16-8-1-22).

Insall and Tyrrell tried their best to rally, putting on 35 for the seventh-wicket, before the tail faded fast.

Morteza Ali (7-3-2-5) took the wickets of Insall and Tyrrell in the post-tea session.

But the gloss on Ali’s day was soon dulled, with the Bulls’ recruit being the only victim of the home sides’ eight-over visit to the crease.

Ali (6) tickled Tyrrell (1/14) through to Elston to give the Lions some hope heading into day two.

A dashing century from Shalika Karunanayake (126) has propelled Carlisle Park (263) into a commanding position in its bottom-of-thetable clash with Clyde.

Karunanayake, who had scored just 79 runs in six previous Premier Division innings with a top score of 22, played a magnificent knock in just over two-and-a-half hours at the crease.

Batting at four, he shared a phenomenal 162-run partnership with opener Mahie Bodahandi (59) that launched the Vikings to their biggest score of the season.

Karunanayake came to the crease with the Vikings in all sorts of trouble at 2/14, after

the Cougars well-performing bowlers in Nick Miles (18-6-3-39) and Max Adams (12-1-2-31) had made early inroads.

Miles crashed into the stumps of Ethan Davies (0) before Adams did it all with the caughtand-bowled dismissal of last week’s hero Ben Perry (7).

But Karunanayake and Bodahandi wasted little time in taking the game away from the Cougars, with Karunanayake the aggressor and Bodahandi taking a more cautious approach to his innings.

Karunanayake went better than a run a ball, crashing 19 balls to the boundary, and three over the ropes, in a 118-ball vigil of epic proportions.

Karunanayake made 126 of the 162-run partnership with Bodahandi, who had the best front-row seat in the house.

Bodahandi and his former Kooweerup teammate Videsh Dassanayake (23) then piloted the Vikings beyond 200 before Aaron Straughair (20) cashed in late.

Miles and Adams stuck to their guns for the Cougars, while spinner Daniel Lever (3/76) and speedster Nera Wanniarachchi (2/42) also claimed multiple wickets.

And Officer (0/10) and Merinda Park (208) engaged in an absorbing battle at Starling Road on Saturday.

Only one run separated the teams the last time they met…and we could be heading in the same direction this time.

Cambell Bryan (59), Sas Perera (32), Liam Bertrand (29) and Dan McCalman (28) were best for the Cobras, while Leigh Boyle (4/46), Noah Parraga (2/36) and brave-heart Cooper Pursell 2/77 off 25.2) gave their all for the Bullants.

A dreary day for Dandy while Ringwood passes the test

By Tyler Lewis Dandenong is fighting an uphill battle in order to claim its first win ahead of the Christmas break.

The Panthers tasted defeat for the sixth consecutive time on Saturday, falling to a strong Ringwood outfit at Russell Lucas Oval.

By posting just 5/178, Dandenong needed to claim 10 wickets and do so in an orderly fashion if it was to overcome the Rams.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, neither occurred, leaving the visitors with a disappointing eight-wicket loss.

The Rams passed the total with over 20 overs to spare.

In a positive for the Panthers, promising young bat Max Marinic reached 64 while batting at number four.

Adam Amin – who originated out of the Dandenong District Cricket Association – was the stone in the Panthers’ shoe, crunching an almost run-a-ball 63 in the second dig.

Dandy has both of last summer’s grand finalists – Carlton and Casey South Melbourne – to round out the calendar year.

Casey South Melbourne, meanwhile, fell short yet again in another tight contest.

The Swans posted 9/209 from its allotted 50 overs, but it could’ve been far less if it 26 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

Nathan Lambden plays a pull stroke. 307623 Picture: GARY SISSONS

VIC Premier Cricket Ladder Sahan Perera works one to the leg side. 308814

Picture: ROB CAREW

wasn’t for 60 from Lachie Sperling.

Sperling’s 44-ball stay came at a desperate time for his side, which was 5/80 when he walked to the crease.

The all-rounder blazed six balls to the Schramms Reserve fence and three over it, as he put the Fitzroy Doncaster bowlers to the sword.

A 50-run opening stand got the Lions off to a solid start, before a 73-run secondwicket stand all but steadied the platform for

an erupting finish.

The Swans were on the cusp of stealing victory from the clutches of defeat, before Lions’ batters Liam Barthorpe (100 not out) and Nick Fletcher (16 not out) finished with a flurry.

The pair hit three fours and a six in the 49th over to storm home to victory.

The loss is the third tight loss of the season for the Swans who now sit outside the eight.

TEAM Northcote Carlton St Kilda Melbourne Ringwood Richmond Essendon Melbourne University Footscray Camberwell Magpies Casey-South Melbourne Prahran Frankston Peninsula Fitzroy Doncaster Kingston Hawthorn Geelong Greenvale Kangaroos Dandenong

W 6 5 5 5 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 4 4 4 5 6

PTS 36 30 30 29 25 20 19 19 18 17 15 14 14 13 12 9 7 2

% 2.0951 1.3904 1.1937 1.8404 1.8188 1.362 1.1135 0.9607 0.9965 0.8622 0.8742 0.8963 0.8117 0.9035 0.5837 0.5837 0.6815 0.4792

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Seven straight for Cranny CRANBOURNE BOWLS Cranbourne has now reached the half way mark of the season and remains undefeated.

Coach Lyn Quigg and his team were impressive again winning by 19 shots and setting up a great win against Upwey-Tecoma to make it seven straight wins for the year.

The top three sides all recorded magnificent wins on Saturday in pennant bowls which was another great week for the club.

The Cranbourne Bowling Club, like many other bowling clubs, had challenges this week in getting enough players to fill teams.

Sickness and unavailability presented selectors with a number of challenges this week.

However the selectors kept at it, with impassioned pleas to our emergencies and even calling on the help of some clubs who might have spare players.

We would like to thank Mulgrave CC in providing us with a spare of theirs to fill a whole in our Cranbourne 4 team.

We also thank our emergencies for helping us put together the minimum number of nine players required to constitute a team.

In the end Cranbourne had four teams win and two defeated.

This was a great effort by the players and we thank them.

WEEKEND PENNANT - ROUND 7 Side 1 Division 2 Sec 8 Cranbourne 1 travelled up to Upwey-Tecoma to take on their number one team and did not disappoint, winning their seventh straight game with three rinks up to one rink down.

The starring team of the day was led by Skip Lyn Quigg, with Doug Boggie, Peter Elgar and Danny Meyer, who had control of their match all day to record a great win by 19 shots (28-9).

Cranbourne 1 (83) defeated Upwey-Tecoma 1 (61) 22 shots up and 16 points.

Side 2 Division 3 Sec 8 Cranbourne 2 played at home against Noble Park 1. Winning by three rinks to one the Cranbourne team was up and about with the best rink of the day being skipped by Nick Arnold, with Barry Thomas, Kirsty Tootell and Chris Deal winning their match by 24 shots.

Cranbourne 2 (96) to Noble Park 1 (60) 36 shots up and a valuable 16 points.

Side 3 Division 4 Sec 8 Cranbourne 3 travelled to Noble Park and had a very good day, winning three rinks and drawing the fourth.

This team had some good games with the outstanding rink being Skipped by John Kent, with Yvonne Van Der Wees, Bob Bellamy and

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Skip George Ljepojevic prepares to send one down for Cranbourne. 305952 Roger Townley who won by 23 shots.

The team skipped by Bill Sherriff won by 17 shots and Ron Gascoigne’s team won by 13 shots. Harry Van Soest team had to settle for a draw and split the points.

Cranbourne 3 (109) defeated Noble Park 2 (56) 53 shots up and 17 valuable points.

Side 4 Division 7 Sec 8 Cranbourne 4 hosted Berwick 6 but struggled all day to go down by three rinks to one.

The team Skipped by George Ljepojevic, with Scott De Piazza, Brian Legg and Neil Fotheringham eventually held off their opponents to win by two shots.

Cranbourne 4 (61) were defeated by Berwick 6 (91) 30 shots down and two points.

Side 5 Division 8 Sec 7 (12 a side) Cranbourne 5 travelled to Mulgrave CC 6 and despite Mulgrave lending us a player for the game - which we thank them very much for - we were very competitive in two rinks going down by a combined six shots. Unfortunately one rink ran into a mini cyclone losing to their opponents by 20 shots.

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Picture: SUPPLIED

Cranbourne 5 (46) defeated by Mulgrave CC6 (72) 26 shots down and 0 points.

Side 6 Division 8 Sec 6 (12 a side) Cranbourne 6 hosted Cheltenham 6 on the front synthetic and even though both teams struggled to fill full sides, but had the minimum number of nine each, our courageous players battled hard. Cranbourne winning the game by two rinks to one and the team Skipped

by Tristan Vorbach, Steve Muhi and Davina Bobetic recorded a great win by 18 shots.

Cranbourne 6 (60) defeated Cheltenham 6 (40) 20 shots up and 14 points.

MID-WEEK PENNANT Side 1 Division 2 Sec 6 Coatesville came to Cranbourne and had the better of the day.

Winning two rinks to one, Coatesville 1 defeated Cranbourne 1 by an overall 12 shots.

Best rink for Cranbourne was the team of Vic Butera, Karen Hickson, Gerry Dudink and Harry Van Soest who won by 12 shots.

Cranbourne 1 (48) - 2 points were defeated

by Coatesville 1 (60) Cranbourne 2 travelled to the Dandenong

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Club to play their number one team under the roof.

Playing against quality and high-ranking players the three Cranbourne teams gave their all and only just fell short on collecting the chocolates.

The team of Cheryl Wright, Rob Scott, Brian Legg and Tommy De Pradines played some great bowls to win their game by six shots and collect two points.

The team of Chris Deal, Bill Sherriff, Derek Maguire and Dennis Tomlin played extremely well with having bowls in the head all day.

Playing the final end, and with one opposition bowl to come, Cranbourne was holding two shots.

The Dandy Club skip let his final bowl go with a metre on shot, taking out the shot bowl and taking the game by two shots.

The Cranbourne lads held shot on 13 ends as the skips changed over, with the Dandy Club skip winning six of these ends to end the brave Cranbourne challenge.

This game was played in good spirit and everyone played well and supported each other.

The team of John Kent, Scott De Piazza, Phil Nielsen and Brian Turton got off to a slow start and were 17-0 down after six ends, before slowly fighting back.

The gap was too big to bridge and the lads went down by 13 shots.

Cranbourne 2 (50) were defeated by Dandy Club 1 (59) Cranbourne 3 hosted its neighbours from Berwick and got up winning two rinks to one. Both John Gardner and Peter Colthup’s teams had good wins, while George Ljepojevic team went down by four shots. A great effort from everyone.

Cranbourne 3 (64) defeated Berwick 4 (54).

Cranbourne 4 travelled to Edithvale for their game, but came across tough and experienced opponents. The teams of Mick Feeley and John Stanley went down by a total of seven shots, while our third team skipped by Steve Bakker struggled all day and eventually went down by 16 shots.

Cranbourne 4 (46) defeated by Edithvale 3 (69) Next week will be another day and we’ll be out having another go.

Thank you to our emergencies for helping us out again and no doubt we will continue to need you as we still battle with illness, injury and unavailability Go Cranny.

Garry Hunt and Derek Maguire

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Cleef claims five as Panthers ride roughshod over Yabs

By Tyler Lewis Devon Meadows has already claimed firstinnings points in its CCCA District Division clash against Pakenham Upper Toomuc courtesy of a magical spell of bowling from club coach Chris Cleef.

The Yabbies were floating along nicely at 1/65 before Cleef made his mark.

A score of 1/65 quickly turned into 10/105 through Cleef’s 5/15 from 16.2 overs, a spell that included eight maidens.

James Stevenage (44) was the only Yabby bat able to go beyond 16, as the Panthers closed the innings in the 52nd over.

The Panthers have excelled into a commanding position after just 25 overs with the bat, not only already passing the home side, but also gaining a lead of 28 runs (3/133).

Kyle Salermo is not out on 75 from just 78 balls, while Cleef again chimed in with 31 from 38.

Upper Beaconsfield, meanwhile, posted its third successive monstrous total.

The Maroons piled 326 on Lang Lang, with no less than seven batters reaching double figures.

A thumping 83 from number eight Scott Pitcher was the highlight of the innings, as was 68 from skipper Will Haines.

Pitcher, a Maroons legend, was playing his first District game for the season after cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Emerald’s Clinton Marsh gets low against the Marygoons. 311009 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS retiring at the end of last season to coach his son Archie. The score is the second time in three matches in which the Maroons have posted a score in excess of 300.

Emerald joined Upper Beaconsfield with

a massive total, sending the NNG/Maryknoll fielders to all parts of James Bathe Reserve.

Amith Eranda (61) and Michael Nell (81) were the two bats to reach half-centuries, while skipper Owen Thorne fell short with 40.

Despite posting an enormous score, the Bombers lost 3/10 to close out the innings in search for a more commanding total.

A stellar 3/49 from Nick Mueller wasn’t enough for the Marygoons, who have a big challenge ahead of them next week.

The match between Cranbourne Meadows and Gembrook was a right-royal debacle.

Gembrook was under the impression the Rebels had forfeited in the days leading up to the match, however the Cranbourne Meadows outfit turned up to play on Saturday with no opposition in sight.

The CCCA heirachy, understandably furious, is investigating the breakdown in communication between the two clubs.

CCCA District Scores: Round 7 - Day One: Gembrook def Cranbourne Meadows (Forfeit). Upper Beaconsfield 326 (S Pitcher 83, W Haines 68, C McDonald 44, T Joyce 31, L Harrison 27) v Lang Lang. Pakenham Upper Toomuc 105 (J Stevenage 44, CF Cleef 5/15, L Carroll 2/16, R Worsteling 2/19) v Devon Meadows 3/133 (K Salerno 75*, CF Cleef 31, B McLeod 2/61).

NNG/Maryknoll v Emerald 271 (M Nell 81, A Eranda 61, O Thorne 40, N Mueller 3/49, W Taylor 2/33, GW Interlandi 2/51).

CCCA District Ladder: Devon Meadows 66, Upper Beaconsfield 66, NNG/Maryknoll 62, Lang Lang 42, Cranbourne Meadows 42, Emerald 30, PUT 30, Gembrook 18.

Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 27

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Thursday, 8 December, 2022

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