News - Cranbourne Star News - 15th December 2022

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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KIDS E E FR RY & ENT TIES IVI ACT

@ Cranbourne Racecourse

Pony Rides

Face Painting

Dodgem Cars

Animal Farm

Jumping Castle

Kelly Sports & more

THURSDAY 29 DECEMBER 2 RACING CODES / 1 ACTION-PACKED NIGHT 16 RACES ACROSS THE NIGHT FIRST RACE AT 4.30PM

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CRANBOURNE TURF CLUB

Oliver chasing his dream

By David Nagel Luke Oliver is ready to take the step from wellrespected trainer to the elite status of Group-1 winner as he and his team establish a strong stable at the Cranbourne Training Centre.

Oliver, who moved from Caulfield to Cranbourne in 2020 – and now trains on-course – has prepared more than 600 winners since living out his dream of becoming a trainer.

“I just had a love of horses and a love of racing; my grandfather was a bookmaker, so that’s my connection to the sport,” Oliver explained.

“I was studying at Uni, but I really had a passion for horseracing; I got in touch with Racing Victoria, started up with a stable on weekends and away we went from there.”

Oliver was dedicated to his dream from the outset.

“I did TAFE courses as well but I was a pretty keen worker and student of what was going on around me, because it wasn’t just a job for me, it was my dream and passion to be involved,” he said.

“I asked a lot of questions, made sure I worked with the right people, and pretty much committed my life to it to be honest.

“That was almost 25 years ago, and it’s been basically every day of my life since then.”

Oliver initially cut his teeth working for James Riley, a small trainer who was the first Australian to win a race at the Hong Kong International race meeting, training State Taj to success in the 1994 Hong Kong Cup. Oliver rates the late Rick Hore-Lacy and multiple Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Lee Freedman as great mentors as well.

The now 45-year-old built a strong base at Caulfield before training on a farm at Romsey for two years.

He then had contact with Cranbourne CEO Neil Bainbridge and the rest, as they say, is history!

“Caulfield was great, and that’s where I grew up, so there was a lot of sentimental attachment to Caulfield, but in reality, the facilities for the horses at Cranbourne are significantly better,” Oliver said.

“The fact that we have a purposely built training facility, next door to the racecourse, is second to none.

“Caulfield was great, but their main interest was the racing side, but here it’s all about the training.

Luke Oliver is all smiles and enjoying his time at Cranbourne. 312754 Picture: BRETT HOLBURT/RACING PHOTOS

Megamea gave trainer Luke Oliver one of his biggest thrills in racing with her emotional win on Cranbourne Cup Day. 312754 Picture: GEORGE SAL/RACING PHOTOS “All the upgrades they are constantly doing make it horse heaven, and trainer-heaven as well.

“We’ve got a balcony that overlooks the

training track, you just couldn’t get better facilities anywhere.”

Oliver’s Stable Manager, Georgie, is also now his wife after the pair got married in August.

They’ve not only made a lifelong commitment to each other, but a long-term one to Cranbourne.

“We just bought a house in Cranbourne, got married this year, so we’ve made a big commitment to the area, and if I’m going to continue to be a racehorse trainer you wouldn’t want to be anywhere other than Cranbourne.

“They’re not going to close this place down in a hurry.

“Georgie’s a Vet Nurse by trade, so helps with the horse management, but in recent times she’s probably more about looking after the owners and making sure they enjoy their ownership experience with the stable.”

It’s a stable that has recently had a cull, with Oliver keen to inject some high-end talent into the 40 boxes he currently occupies on-course.

The aim…to win at the highest level of the sport.

“I don’t want more horses, but definitely the quality is picking up,” Oliver said.

“And I never really thought about it, for the first however many years I’ve trained, but I’ve trained over 600 winners but never a Group-1 winner, so that’s a box I’d like to tick off.

“If we increase the quality, that will give us a better chance of having Group-1 runners and then winners will come as a consequence.

“That has to be the focus now, to improve the quality and hopefully find that special horse.”

Oliver Sensational Toy as the favourite horse he has trained, but thinks his Cranbourne Cup Day winner Megamea will almost certainly become his best.

The six-year-old mare was previously trained by the popular Udyta Clarke who, quite literally, handed the reins over to Oliver due to illness.

Megamea won the $150,000 Leilani Final at Flemington in early July, before scoring an emotional victory at Cranbourne on cup day.

“The win at Flemington was very special, but the win on Cranbourne Cup Day was next level,” Oliver said.

“I’m proud of the horse and proud to be part of that story.”

Oliver hopes to have some key runners engaged in the Dual Code race-meeting at Cranbourne on Thursday 29 December.

Jamieson brothers are harnessing their full potential

By David Nagel New Zealand siblings Craig and Tony Jamieson have crossed the Tasman and now call Cranbourne home as they excitedly chase their harness racing dreams.

The training partnership moved to Cranbourne in late May this year and has already set about building a strong platform that it expects to translate to future success.

The Jamiesons have 15 horses in work after making the bold decision to uproot their families and make the trip across the ditch.

“It was a tough decision but it’s not just about Tony and I, we have five children between us and they have more opportunities out here as well,” Craig explained.

“It’s not just about our dreams with the horses, it’s about better things for the whole family as well.”

The Jamiesons made the move to Australia after coming to the realisation that a career in harness racing was not so viable at home.

“It’s great for the established guys in New Zealand, but for younger guys like us it’s hard to purchase the properties that the older generation were fortunate enough to purchase… that’s it in a nutshell,” Craig said.

“We had our own businesses back home, I had mine and Tony has always been shoeing horses, but purchasing property in New Zealand was just getting further and further away…and there are no set ups like this (Cranbourne) back home.”

The Jamiesons felt limited at Cambridge 2W STAR NEWS

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Tony and Craig Jamieson are settling in beautifully at Cranbourne after making the move from New Zealand. 312768 Picture: SUPPLIED Raceway in New Zealand, and after a weeklong trip to Cranbourne decide it was time to make the move…with the full support of some key figures at Cranbourne behind them.

“The club flew us over and allowed us to go back home and make our minds up,” Craig said.

“We spent a week over here, so we weren’t going in blind, we knew what we were headed for.

“With Club 21, and other syndicates that the club runs, we’ve been very well supported and that’s huge when you’re making a fresh start.

“It helps kick you off, and I don’t think we’ve done too bad a job to begin with so

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

hopefully it kicks on from here.”

The Jamiesons did have other options, but the warmth of the welcome and co-existence with the booming thoroughbred population at Cranbourne made the decision an easy choice.

“Shepparton is also up and running now, but we liked the fact that we could walk into Cranbourne and be accepted straight away,” Craig said.

“David Scott (CTC President) and the team at Cranbourne have accepted us with open arms.

“Another big part of coming to Cranbourne was the amount of thoroughbred numbers here as well.

“You don’t just walk into stables, but down the track hopefully Tony can get his name out there and get some work shoeing for the growing horse population in Cranbourne.

“He had a lot of contacts back home, and a good reputation, so I’m sure that side of things will develop over time.”

Surprisingly Jamieson explained that prizemoney in New Zealand is comparable to Victoria, but the opportunity to get your hands on it is challenging.

“I think it’s better over there, but the flipside is there’s no escaping the nice ones, where here there’s a race for everyone,” Craig said.

“The prizemoney is good in New Zealand, but it’s so competitive to win them, where here there’s the opportunity to place your horse in the right races.”

The Jamiesons, who have already tasted multiple successes since arriving, are keen to build strong momentum in 2023.

“The ones we brought over from New Zealand had a rough flight, so it took a while to get them going through no fault of ours,” Craig said.

“But we’re really excited by the new year, we’ve got a few nice yearlings and two-yearolds that are looking good for the future.”

Craig and Tony have been humbled by the support of local owners.

“Mike Grills, he didn’t know us from a bar of soap, but threw one our way, and David Scott and his associates have been huge for us as well,” he said.

“Duncan McPherson, Brian Trezise, we only met them when we came over for the week but they’ve all supported us and we’re greatly appreciative of that.

“We’re pretty lucky really.”

Scott said the story of the Jamieson’s rubber-stamped the philosophy of the Cranbourne Harness Training Centre.

“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,” Scott said.

“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.” cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

CRANBOURNE TURF CLUB

Cranbourne Racecourse will spring to life when it hosts the Kid’s Night Out ‘Dual Codes’ event on Thursday 29 December.

200923 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Harness racing will be a big part of the action at the Cranbourne Racecourse. 200923

Double the fun on track

By David Nagel Late singer-songwriter Meatloaf absolutely nailed it with the words “two out of three ain’t bad” with the 2022 Kids Night Out at the Cranbourne Racecourse set to be an amazing experience on Thursday 29 December.

Formerly known as Tricodes, this year’s event will be a ‘Dual Codes’ spectacular, with equine harness and thoroughbred racing stealing the spotlight while the greyhound track currently sits idle waiting for renovation.

The upcoming meeting still promises to be a very unique experience, with 17 races across two racing codes providing high-level entertainment for people of all ages.

And, away from the track, the fun doesn’t

stop there for children and adults alike!

A huge number of 35 market stalls and food trucks will be on hand to keep the adults entertained and tummy’s full, while FREE entry for children under 17 opens the door to a widerange of FREE activities listed below.

Cranbourne Turf Club CEO Neil Bainbridge said the unique event – first staged 20 years ago - was one of the most exciting and highlyanticipated events on the racing calendar.

“There really is no other race meeting in the world like it, with the tracks lit up at the one venue and constant racing action throughout the night - it’s a racing enthusiast’s dream,” he said.

“Cranbourne is one of the few unique venues that hosts the codes and it’s great we’re able

to bring them together for this event each year to showcase what’s great about Cranbourne.

“Racing plays a huge part in the City of Casey, with thousands of participants involved in the codes as trainers, jockeys, drivers, owners, employees and enthusiasts.

“This is a great way to celebrate and showcase our industry participants and their sports and provide an outstanding night out that people of all ages can enjoy.

“There will also be plenty to enjoy trackside on the night, with great hospitality packages on offer, entertainment and children’s rides and activities, so come along and join in the fun.”

Entry to Tricodes is $15 for adults and kids 17 and under are free.

Gates will open at 3.30pm with the first race commencing at 4.30pm, and the last race being decided at 10.37pm.

Adult tickets are available online or at the gate.

DUAL CODES – KID’S NIGHT OUT Here’s a taste of what’s happening on the night: Two Codes – 17 Races Dodgem Cars Pony Rides Chair O Plane Jumping Castle Face Painters Kelly Sports 35 Market Stalls and Food Trucks

· · · · · · · ·

$10 ENTRY $100,000 GR1

SATURDAY

CRANBOURNE

17 PACING CUP

DECEMBER

• FREE Kids Rides & Activities • Market Stalls • Food Trucks • Gates Open at 5pm SCAN TO BOOK DINING

SCAN FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THE ULTIMATE RACE DAY EXPERIENCE! Includes: Tickets for you and 10 mates, 10 Drink vouchers, $100 Betting voucher, Food truck voucher, Entry in the Double Sulky Challenge.

For more information call 5996 1300 or visit www.trotscranbourne.com.au

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 3W

Reserve your spot for a spectacular summer of night racing.

January 6 - 13 - 27

• Live entertainment on the deck • Drink specials • Ladbrokes Lounge open to Ladbrokes members • Free pony rides Book via

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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CRANBOURNE

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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40¢ Inc. GST

Top students crowned

Christmas Cheer

Cranbourne Cup set to Rock

PAGE 7

PAGE 9

8-PAGE LIFTOUT

SPORT

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Crugnale back in Bass

To new beginnings Tuesday 13 December marked the end of an era for the Balla Balla Community Centre, but thankfully, not all is lost.

The centre will relocate to the Selandra Community Hub early next year, taking its name with it, as a new dawn begins.

Members, volunteers and contributors to the centre gathered for morning tea on Tuesday to say goodbye, reflect and look forward to an exciting new future.

Story page 16

Balla Balla Community Centre manager Maree Cullinan with Judy Coomes at their celebratory morning tea on Tuesday 13 December. 308843 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Tip plan rubbished

By Eleanor Wilson The City of Casey has finalised its review of a formidable 1068 submissions to the Draft Hampton Park Hill Development Plan.

At a 13 December council meeting, council administrators noted the Community Engagement Summary Report for the Hampton Park Hill Development Plan, which analysed the council’s community engagement, including public and stakeholder submissions,

concerning the plan.

The development plan sets out a proposal to transform the current Hallam Road Landfill into a mixed open space reserve and waste transfer site, after the State Government identified it as a state-level significant waste and resource recovery site.

The plan underwent a six-week public consultation process in July and September 2022, which garnered 5458 visitors to the Hampton Park Hill Casey Conversations Page and 348

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• JEWELLERY VALUATIONS • RHODIUM PLATING • WATCH REPAIRS • WATCH BATTERIES

won’t change, community health hazards, negative impacts on property values, landfill buffer impacts, inadequate community consultation and environmental hazards and impacts.

Submissions were overwhelmingly generated from residents of Lynbrook, forming 57 per cent of submissions, followed by Hampton Park and Narre Warren with 16 per cent and 10 per cent of submissions, respectively.

Continued page 3

Thinking of

JEWELLERY REPAIRS ALL MAKES & MODELS - COMPLIMENTARY QUOTES

• JEWELLERY REPAIRS • JEWELLERY CLEANING • BESPOKE DESIGNS • REMODELLING

downloads of the draft development plan.

The report noted that 99 per cent of submissions objected to the draft development plan, with the majority, 52 per cent, citing odour hazards and impacts as the issue of concern in their submissions.

Other common concerns regarding the plan included truck and traffic hazards and impacts, which was referenced in 39 per cent of submissions, past advice was the area was to be parkland and lack of trust that the plan

FR E EN E KI AC TR DS TIV Y & ITI ES

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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NEWS

No charges for ex-mayor

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Tip submissions received

Outgoing IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich said there was no prospect of prosecuting exmayor Amanda Stapledon.

Stapledon, who had given evidence in a public IBAC hearing 12 months earlier, was more affected than other witnesses, he said He noted IBAC hearings were a “distressing and challenging” environment for witnesses.

“She gave her evidence stoically.

“She made acknowledgments about wrongdoing on a number of matters. She made the comment that her conduct did not reflect her values.”

The IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry examined alleged corruption involving Casey councillors, state Labor MPs and property developers.

The final report has yet to be released.

‘Predatory’ man jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Cranbourne West father who filmed himself squirting white fluid on unsuspecting girls and young women at a shopping centre has been jailed.

Benjamin Robert Holman, 31, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to the 27 sexual assaults over two years at Springvale Shopping Centre as well as creating, possessing and transmitting child abuse material.

In 2018-‘20, the mechanic videoed himself following his victims and squirting their bottoms and legs with a white substance from a syringe, Judge Patricia Riddell said in sentencing on 14 December.

The films were meant to suggest that Holman ejaculated on the females, who were often targeted for wearing tights or leggings, Judge Riddell said.

Holman, who was diagnosed with a fetish for female leggings, used an online profile ‘legginsluver’.

His “brazen”, “predatory” and “very concerning” acts were done sometimes while the unaware victims were in company with adults.

After the acts, he’d continue following them and filming them from behind into car parks and laneways.

Holman also created more than 300 child abuse images and videos, in which he’d splice or morph non-sexual pictures of children off social media with sexually-explicit images and videos of an adult, including himself.

Holman also left sexual comments on images of girls on a Russian-based image sharing website.

His offending was brought to light in March 2022 after Holman requested child abuse material from an undercover police operative online.

“Do you have any content?” Holman wrote to the operative.

“Cause you deff made me nervous asking me questions and not sending any content lol.”

The abuse material was found on an array cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

of electronic devices seized by police from his family home and a friend’s home.

In his back shed was a disassembled female mannequin with a drilled hole in its groin, along with 32 pairs of leggings and a bra. He and the mannequin featured in some of his home-made videos.

Judge Riddell noted that all but one child weren’t aware of being used in the abuse material, and so didn’t experience harm.

The one exception was a teenage victim identified by police. She stated she was unhappy about an online image of her playing sport being sexualised.

The abuse material was on “the milder end” but “the global picture that emerges is a disturbing one”.

Holman had spent hours in filming, editing and producing the abuse material over years.

It had escalated from the online world to using real victims in the syringe assaults.

Judge Riddell compared the practice to ‘upskirting’, which involved invasions of privacy even when the victims were unaware.

Holman’s diagnosed fetish disorder explained his offending but didn’t reduce his moral culpability, she noted.

Despite a moderate-to-high risk of reoffending, the accused’s prospects of rehabilitation were “good”. It was in the community interest that Holman was fully rehabilitated, the judge said.

Since his arrest, he had committed himself to pyschotherapy, ceased using online porn and donated $650 to Bravehearts child-protective charity.

His lack of criminal history, early guilty plea, genuine letter of apology, insight and remorse were also noted.

Holman was jailed for 12 months, with a further eight months “hanging over his head” on a recognizance release order.

He would then serve a two-and-a-half year community corrections order including sex programs and mental health treatment.

Holman must report as a sex offender for life.

From page 1 Council administrators emphasised that a formalised decision on the status of the development plan would be made at a future council meeting in 2023, however, it used the meeting to move a set of recommendations in response to the review of public submissions.

This included the decision to seek further clarification from the State Government, including Environment Minister Ingrid Stitt and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny, and Recycling Victoria regarding their long-term plans for recycling and waste management in Victoria.

City of Casey administrator Cameron Boardman said a judgement on the Hampton Park HIll Development Plan could not be made without referring to the Victorian Recycling Infrastructure Plan (VRIP) and the Statewide Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastucture Plan (SWRRIP), which outline the future of recycling and waste management in the state.

“It is not a decision, irrespective that the City of Casey is the planning authority in this case, that we can consider unilaterally without taking into consideration what are the statewide priorities of the State Government, what are the legislative obligations of those two critical pieces of legislation that I

have referenced and to ensure we are, as the correct and appropriate planning authority, meeting those obligations,” he said.

“We have the obligation to comply with all of the legislative requirements that the State Government ensures councils must comply with regarding recycling and waste management and this is an example of that obligation.”

Casey administrator Miguel Belmar asserted his “mind is not closed in any way” to a future decision on the development plan.

“I note that we’ve had advice from the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group, we’ve had advice from Sustainability Victoria and also we are continuing to obtain advice and to have communication with the EPA,” he said.

“On each of those points I’m confident and satisfied that the appropriate work is being undertaken to ensure we have the appropriate information... and when the appropriate time comes, I will consider, as my colleagues will consider, all of that information.”

Community objection to the plan remains palpable, with 54 of 55 public questions in Tuesday’s council meeting referencing the development plan and its perceived impacts.

NEW YEAR, NEW SCHOOL? ACT NOW

2024 & 2025 applications now being accepted.

There are also very limited vacancies now available for 2023 enrolments.

STUDENT LED TOURS Are held on Fridays or we can organise a Private Tour time to suit you and your family. Your place to attend can be secured via our website home page.

Book A Tour icon at www.stpeters.vic.edu.au CONTACT Did you know all of your enrolment requirements can be completed online?

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

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Former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon was “never a prospect” of being charged as part of the Operation Sandon IBAC investigation, IBAC’s outgoing commissioner Robert Redlich has said.

Ms Stapledon is believed to have taken her own life shortly after draft copies of the Sandon report were sent to witnesses in January this year.

“It is my understanding that the draft or preliminary views had been given to her lawyers but she hadn’t even yet seen them,” Mr Redlich told an interview with journalist Jon Faine on 8 December.

“Her concern, I suspect, was she was wondering if she might be the subject of a charge.

“Let me say clearly for the record that was never a prospect.”

Mr Redlich said IBAC later examined itself and found that it had not contributed to the “tragic” situation.

“It had an enormous effect on staff at IBAC and, as we’d expect, there were questions asked about whether or not we in any sense contributed to that tragic outcome.

“Even when the conclusion was reached that there was nothing we had done that we thought could have contributed to that situation, there is inevitably grave concern about the fact that that outcome occurred.”

He said “if there was a failing” it was whether IBAC could have told witnesses accused of misconduct that they “should not have any fear of being prosecuted”.

Mr Redlich said it was only in “rare circumstances” that IBAC would recommend prosecution. There was no indication that Ms

Casey council has completed a review of nearly 1100 submissions to the Hampton Park Hill Development Plan.

Picture: CITY OF CASEY

Visit our website www.stpeters.vic.edu.au or Contact College Registrar Ms Wendy Height Ph 5990 7777 Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Narre Warren North Primary school teacher Vanessa Wilson

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I’m a big fan of the iconic ’80s artists, movies and fashion!

What do you love about what you do?

The chances I get to make a difference in the lives of students in a meaningful way every single day. It is simple yet humbling to challenge and engage students to strive towards their goals.

THREE … songs for an Aussie Christmas

1

How to make Gravy by Paul Kelly It’s 21 December and Joe is sitting in the correctional centre, writing home to his family ahead of the big gathering on Christmas Day. Front of mind is who will make the all important gravy.

Thankfully, Joe includes his own recipe, including the secret ingredient - a dollop of tomato sauce for that sweetness and the extra tang.

2

Six White Boomers by Rolf Harris In the Australian leg of his visit across the globe, Santa’s reindeer are replaced with Kangaroos, helping a joey find its mother along the way. Upon reuniting with its mother, the Joey told Santa it was the best Christmas it had ever experienced.

3

Carol of the Birds by WG James and John Wheeler Orana! Orana! Orana to Christmas Day! This is a significant shift away from European Christmas carols depicting scenes and features from cold European winters. Brolgas Woodlarks and Bellbirds take centre stage, depicting a classic Australian outback Christmas scene.

What would your last meal be?

A really great omelette, strong coffee and something chocolate.

What is your most memorable moment?

Welcoming our beautiful little girl Anja into the world.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

1956 Olympics in Melbourne at the MCG. Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

Kate Bush (because my six-year-old would not forgive me if I didn’t), Elvis (because my husband would not forgive me if I didn’t) and Tom Hardy (that one is for me).

Vanessa Wilson recently won the Physical Education Teacher of the Year award. 311576 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?

I’ve just started watching Firefly Lane on Netflix, listening to INXS greatest hits and reading Out of Thin Air – Running wisdom of Ethiopian distance runners.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

Apple Music, Facebook and the last two days, Instagram (I’m just getting around to working this one out).

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

Chicken stir-fry.

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

What magical force always makes one of my

socks disappear in the wash?

What is your dream holiday destination?

Iceland or New York to run the NY Marathon.

What were you like as a kid?

Very active, quiet and shy.

What was your first job?

An AFL boundary umpire.

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NEWS

‘Mixed-use’ precinct plan

By Eleanor Wilson The City of Casey has unveiled preliminary plans to revitalise land surrounding Bunjil Place, with hopes to better connect the civic hub to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, Casey Aquatic Recreation Centre (ARC) and Max Pawsey Reserve.

In a council meeting on Tuesday 13 December, City of Casey administrators unveiled plans to commence community engagement for the Bunjil Place Precinct Masterplan, which included plans to use existing open space and car parking to transform the area into “an exciting and viable high-density mixed-use precinct”.

The masterplan for the project includes potential for multi-rise residential apartments, a mix of private and public uses that help to create a 24-hour activated precinct such as a hotel, hospitality, leisure, and wellbeing facilities, a multi-deck car park and enhanced pedestrian access throughout the precinct.

City of Casey administrator Cameron Boardman said public feedback following Bunjil Place’s exhibition of the 2022 Archibald Prize in September, along with analysis of a report on the revitalisation of the Fountain Gate-Narre Warren Metropolitan Activity Centre, sparked the decision to look at the future of the precinct.

“We were quite impressed and at various stages overwhelmed with the number of visitors we had to this precinct, many of whom, if not the overwhelming majority, were first time visitors who remarked on a number of issues,” he said.

“Some of the themes that we received as feedback was that there would be a desire to stay longer to experience other parts of this precinct and of the general area and also the complete inadequacy that we had in providing food and beverage and hospitality services for that amount of people.”

Aerial view of the Bunjil Place Precinct concept masterplan looking north-east.

Mr Boardman said the focus of the draft concept plan was to bridge the gap between Bunjil Place, Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC) and Fountain Gate Shopping Centre.

The draft concept plan includes the proposed sale and development of 5ha of land which currently encompasses the Bunjil Place car park and surrounding open space.

He stressed the designs were commissioned to “get the conversation started” and were not final designs.

“These are not final plans at all, these are

Picture: MGS ARCHITECTS

literally plans that have come up… to generate discussion among the community about what we could potentially do with this precinct if the community so desires.

“We very much want to get community feedback on what is the best future use of the municipality of Casey.

“This is our civic hub, this is our cultural hub, this is the part that we want to ensure that we are bringing as many people as possible to enjoy to participate in, engage with community activities but we want to give them some degree of economic, cultural, community and investment incentives to stay longer to enjoy

what we have to offer.”

Fellow City of Casey administrator Miguel Belmar said the draft concept plan was a “fantastic opportunity for the community to be engaged in the planning of an area such as Bunjil”.

“It’s important to realise the great opportunities that are viable in the precinct and to ensure the best use of such valuable land in Casey.”

Subject to council approval, community engagement on the Bunjil Place Precinct Draft Concept Plan would commence in early 2023.

LYNDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE At Lyndale Secondary College, we aim to have each student move towards a successful and meaningful future, irrespective of where or what that might be.

Congratulations to our 2021 College Dux, Visothpong Chhoam who received an outstanding ATAR score of 98.15. Some other amazing results achieved by our Class of 21 are: • SUCCESSFULLY qualifying for the VCE: 99.5% of the enrolled students • SUCCESSFULLY qualifying for the Senior VCAL: 100% of the enrolled students • SUCESSFULLY progressing to positive postsecondary school destinations in University, TAFE, Apprenticeships, Employment: 99.5% of all Year 12 students

Building Program This is an exciting time at Lyndale Secondary College as we are in the middle of a building program that will develop the facilities to support our students in their learning.

12559715-JC33-22

NOW ENROLLING FOR YEAR 7, 2023 For more information, we invite you to contact the School Office on 9795 2366.

(03) 9795 2366

www.lyndale.vic.edu.au

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North VIC 3175

CRICOS 00861K Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

Check the Christmas lights: CFA

LENSCAPE

As we put up those beautiful light decorations in the lead up to Christmas and the holiday season, remember to always check the wiring and placement of the lights.

CFA chief officer, Jason Heffeman urged Victorians to take simple precautionary steps to be sure it’s only Santa’s sleigh that visits this Christmas, and not a fire truck.

“Before setting your lights up, make sure the wiring is intact, check there are no missing bulbs or frayed cords and the lights are in good, working order.

“When plugging in your lights, remember not to overload power boards, and make sure electrical cords are not covered by a rug or mat,” he said.

In September, CFA responded to an electrical fire caused by fairy lights at a Ferntree Gully house which caused significant damage to the brick veneer property.

Incident controller and Ferntree Gully firefighter Todd Small said the incident demonstrated the risk associated with damaged festive lights.

“Please don’t leave fairy lights on all the time. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe,” he said.

Electrical fires are among the top causes of house fires each year.

“Tinsel and other festive decorations will be abundant but placing lights too close to these items can present a fire risk.

“Remember to turn your Christmas lights off when leaving the house or before going to bed to ensure they don’t overheat,” Mr Heffeman said.

Morning tea with a Christmas tree at Balla Balla Community Centre in Cranbourne. 312681

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs down To losing a pair of ladies blueframed glasses in a black case on the 828 bus last Thursday afternoon 8 December, between Fountain Gate Shopping Centre and Gunns Road in Hallam. If you see them please hand them in to the bus driver or Ventura Bus’ head office.

Funeral Director

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Pakenham

190 Princes Highway Ph: 5941 4888

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Cranbourne 6 Brunt Street Ph: 5996 6822

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

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2 Porter Place Ph: 5625 2571

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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To Courtney Gardens Primary School for having Christmas songs sung by the students at their concert last night.

Thumbs up To the Balla Balla Community Centre for their dedicated service to the Cranbourne area.

To all the 2022 classes with their amazing VCE results!

Thumbs up

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To Christmas holidays. Not far away now!

Thumbs down To Christmas shopping.

Thumbs down To the inconsistent weather patterns!

Thumbs down To disproportionate office celebrations that disrupt people trying to work.

Thumbs up To Coles quinoa tabbouleh.

NEWS

New ideas aplenty

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Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600

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To roadworks.

Drouin

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

OM:NI men’s discussion groups came together at the Outlook Community Centre last Tuesday, 9 November, to celebrate 15 years of operation in the City of Casey and the Shire of Cardinia.

Thirty-five men attended, representing all six groups in the South-East.

The morning theme was Friendship and Connection, which is the core of what OM:NI is all about.

The morning included a roundtable discussion. Six tables of five men were asked a number of questions, this led to some fun and laughter and valuable feedback.

Guest speaker Geoff Edwards enlarged on the day’s theme with some of his own observations about the positives, and the way the OM:NI organisation could develop going forward.

After the coffee break, followed by Comedy Corner, presented by a guest from the Diamond Creek group, then the more formal part of the morning took place.

Three certificates of appreciation provided

Thirty-five members of OM:NI groups from across the South-East caught up at the Outlook Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Community Centre last week. 310574 by the parent body, Council on the Ageing (COTA Vic) were presented to three dedicated members of OM:NI - John Doutch, Ken Young and Ken Ramplin - each man with 12 to 15 years of service to the organisation. This concluded a very valuable morning.

The group then adjourned to Club Officer for lunch at 1pm and this rounded out a very enjoyable and successful day.

The ON:NI (Older Men: New Ideas) members continue to be ever grateful to Outlook for their continued support. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Crugnale goes back-to-back

By Marcus Uhe Two weeks of unknowns and uncertainty in the Bass electorate has finally eased with Jordan Crugnale winning a second term in parliament.

Labor declared it won the seat on Friday 9 December by 202 votes after preferences were distributed, fighting off the Coalition candidates of Aaron Brown (Liberal) and Brett Tessari (The Nationals).

Ms Crugnale defied expectations to retain her seat, with betting agency Sportsbet heavily favouring Mr Brown at the beginning of November, placing the incumbent at 4-1 odds.

The former Bass Coast Shire councillor received 32.55 per cent of first preference votes, placing her slightly ahead of Mr Brown on 30.15, meaning she needed to hold Mr Brown at arms-length for the duration for the count.

Sixty-five per cent of Greens candidate Callum Bugbird’s preference votes went to Ms Crugnale, the second-to-last candidate to be cast-aside, opening a lead of around 3500 and leaving just Mr Tessari’s preferences standing between her and a second term.

In what was surprising turn of events, nearly one third (2700 of 8661) of Mr Tessari’s second preferences favoured Ms Crugnale, and not the Liberal Party, leaving the crucial 202 vote gap.

An emotional Ms Crugnale took to Facebook to thank her supporters on Friday night.

“To be re-elected for another term is be-

Jordan Crugnale will represent Bass for another four years after Labor claimed the seat on Friday night. 241229 yond amazing, humbling and am streaming with tears of gratitude,” the re-elected Bass MP said.

“It was always going to be close with or without the redistribution and I have never once taken anything for granted.

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale with volunteers Graeme and Steph at Pearcedale Primary School on election day. 310111 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“It’s been a privilege and honour to work for and with our community and together we have achieved so much.

“I will apply that same determination, grit and fight, be that constant (loud) voice at our government table and build on the momentum we have already started and keep at it – we need and deserve a whole heap more.

“To all our volunteers, colleagues, friends, supporters and my office team extraordinaire who have held me and my family these last four years – more tears of gratitude flow here too.”

Liberal candidate Aaron Brown was gracious in defeat, congratulating Ms Crugnale on Facebook on Sunday afternoon and wishing her well for her second term representing Bass.

“I enjoyed the opportunity I had to meet so many wonderful people in Bass over the last nine months of my campaign,” Mr Brown said.

“It was a privilege to be a candidate in the election and to have been selected to represent the Liberal Party.

“I would like to sincerely thank my family and each and every volunteer who supported my campaign. Thank you to every person who voted for me; I appreciate your confidence in me and it is not something I take for granted.

“I wish all a Happy Christmas as well as a happy and safe 2023.”

The retention of Bass, one of the final seats to be declared in the 2022 election, pushes Labor’s count to 56 seats, one more than the previous parliament which had 55.

Pakenham MP Emma Vulin at the Pakenham Uniting Church polling booth. 310110

Voters to benefit from marginal seats Pakenhan, Bass

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Narrow ALP wins in the state seats of Bass and Pakenham have helped deliver an overall “strong mandate” to the State Government, a political expert says.

But voters in the marginal seats also hold the power to hold the government to account, says Monash University politics senior lecturer Dr Zareh Ghazarian.

Winning Labor MPs Jordan Crugnale (Bass) and Emma Vulin (Pakenham) would be expected to keep their promises, Dr Ghazarian said.

These included a major upgrade to Pakencranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

ham Secondary College, a dog park in Officer, planning for a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Officer and boat ramps in Lang Lang and Tooradin.

As marginal seats, Bass and Pakenham would “tend to be the focus” of the next election campaign, Dr Ghazarian said.

“Both major parties’ votes went down across the board, which means voters are happy to vote for alternative candidates if they feel the major parties are not representing them effectively.

“There’s volatility in the electorate. Voters can’t be taken for granted.”

The Opposition had been expected to win

both seats but Ms Crugnale claimed Bass by a mere 202 votes, or 0.24 per cent and Ms Vulin by 307 votes or 0.39 per cent.

The results were emblematic of Labor’s triumphant 56-seat victory and Liberals’ struggles across the state, Dr Ghazarian said.

“Going into the election, the expectation was Labor would lose some votes, lose some support.

“The problem for the Coalition was it could not improve its primary vote. It’s losing support even after eight years in Opposition.”

Melbourne’s South East is now a sea of Labor MPs, except for Brad Battin in Berwick

and one or two Liberals in the Upper House.

This was despite the Opposition out-bidding Labor with big-ticket promises in the growth corridor.

“That should be clearly sending a message to the Liberal party that there are things that it’s doing that are not resonating with voters.

“The Liberal party is struggling in all parts of the state.

“It’s not about winning marginal seats, it needs to reconnect with its traditional voters in additional to swinging voters.

“It finds itself in a difficult situation that suggests the trough hasn’t bottomed out.”

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 7

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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OPEN 7 DAYS cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Get behind John: MP

By Marcus Uhe and Callum Godde, AAP Defeated Berwick MP Brad Battin has urged colleagues to get behind new Liberal leader John Pesutto.

Mr Battin’s lost a secret ballot vote by Liberal MPs on Thursday morning for the leadership of the Victorian Liberal Party, following Matthew Guy’s decision to vacate the role after November’s election.

He says the Hawthorn MP has his “100 per cent backing”, and urged his counterparts to do the same.

“I’m a very proud Liberal,” Mr Battin said.

“The only message I send to all of my colleagues: get behind John. Never take the Liberal logo of any of your signs. I don’t care what electorate you’re running in.”

Mr Pesutto narrowly reclaimed the inner east seat after he lost it at the 2018 state election.

He faces a steep challenge after the party secured just 29 per cent of the primary vote at the November poll, its worst result in decades.

Mr Pesutto would not reveal the result of the ballot but said the leadership team was humbled by their election.

“It means a lot to be given this opportunity by our party colleagues,” he told reporters at state parliament.

“These next four years is going to be really challenging for the people of Victoria, and we need a government that is pushed to do its level best.”

Mr Guy has not revealed if he intends to leave parliament after suffering his second consecutive loss to Premier Daniel Andrews, and declined to speak to media.

The member for Bulleen was defeated in the 2018 “Danslide” and resigned his position to serve as a backbencher. He then reclaimed the leadership from Malvern MP Michael O’Brien in 2021.

- With AAP

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Legalise Cannabis Victoria and Liberal Democrats have taken out the final two Upper House seats in the South East Metropolitan Region.

In the final official results, Labor secured two of the region’s five seats. They will be represented by the re-elected Lee Tarlamis and newcomer Michael Galea.

Labor’s number three candidate Dr Tien Kieu failed to be re-elected.

The Liberal Party’s lead candidate Ann-Marie Hermans also won a seat.

Liberal candidate Manju Hanumantharayappa narrowly missed being elected.

Meanwhile, Rachel Payne won Legalise Cannabis Victoria’s first seat in the state, while David Limbrick of the Liberal Democrats was re-elected.

Former Dandenong-based ALP MP Adem Somyurek was elected in the Northern Metropolitan Region for the Democratic Labour Party.

Dela the Dux of St Peter’s Berwick MP Brad Battin was overlooked by Liberal MPs to lead the Victorian Liberal Party. 308354

Richardson reaches out to help others

By Marcus Uhe When Susan Richardson began her aggressive chemotherapy in 2015, no one told her to anticipate the mouth ulcers.

So debilitating was the pain that the Cranbourne North woman purchased a toothbrush was softer bristles, to avoid aggravating the sore when cleaning her teeth.

Nor was she aware of how cold a hospital ward can be as she underwent periods of treatment for her Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, after she was diagnosed in 2015.

It’s why in her care packs you’ll find both a gentle toothbrush and a throw-rug, along with nail polish, a notebook, crossword books and more, to make the experience a little more comfortable.

Ms Richardson prepares the packs for people beginning their chemotherapy treatment before donating them anonymously for recipients embarking on what she described as “an intense rollercoaster”.

“I try to put in there what I used and what would have been helpful when I was going through chemotherapy,” Ms Richardson said.

“They have two travel coffee mugs, because you always have someone take you to chemo and there with you. There’s moisturising cream, because your skin goes dry. And a note book because you forget things and need to write them down.

“When you get on a rollercoaster, once they put the bar on you, you can’t get out and it’s time to go. A cancer diagnosis is like putting the bar down, and it happens so quickly; you’re seeing a surgeon, an oncologist and having checks and appointments.

“From when a doctor gives you the information and there’s a lot of process before starting treatment. The doctors only tell you the basics, not the things like ulcers in the mouth, or how quick you lose the hair, there are lots of things you find out along the way.”

Ms Richardson doesn’t ask for anything in return, and is happy to not be recognised for her generosity. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Labor takes two in South East

Susan Richardson with one of her Cancer Care Packs. 312347 “I started sharing on social media what I was doing and got messages from people saying they knew someone starting chemo.

I dropped them at their door and never saw them again.

“I just hoped they would get through to the other side.”

While the mother of three has now been ‘cured’, the physical and emotional scars remain.

Her beloved long blonde hair, a casualty of the chemotherapy, grew back brown and curly, requiring her to put on a front for those around her including her young family, which became emotionally draining.

Her intense three-week cycle saw her undergo treatment for three days to begin the week and return to hospital by the Sunday, but to recover and receive Neutrophills, as the three days left her feeling week and exhausted, and unable to participate in or complete parental activities.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Returning to the rollercoaster analogy, there’ll be many ups and downs, but it’s all part of the inescapable reality of the process.

“In the notebook I tell people that it’s okay to have a bad day.

“As parents we tend to keep that brave face on and always be making it not so bad for the kids, but you have allow for those bad days.”

As word spreads of her service, Ms Richardson is hoping to turn the initiative into a non-for-profit organisation or an established charity program.

“Someone said to me, ‘I think you do them because it helps you heal and feel better’. I didn’t think at the time until they said it and I think they might have been correct.

“It does make me feel better to give them and it makes me not so much worry about my issues that I have. I like helping people and paying it forward, but there’s also a bit of healing, too.”

Thamadee Dela is the the 2022 College Dux for St Peter’s College after achieving an ATAR of 97.9.

Ms Dela achieved outstanding results in Biology (44), Chemistry (40), English (38), Legal Studies (37) and Mathematical Methods (35), along with a perfect score in Further Maths (50).

Ms Dela has her sights set on an engineering degree at Monash University next year and is interested in chemical engineering in particular.

She put this exceptional result down totwo main factors.

At the start of the year, she set herself a specific goal and this was important to keep herself focused and motivated.

Even though by term four she felt tired and struggled to maintain the earlier levels of commitment, the excellent work that she had put in during terms one to three had set a solid base for her to launch into the exam period.

The second factor that Ms Dela cites as helping her to achieve this result was the feedback from teachers.

She was appreciative of all her teachers but stated clearly, she could not have got the perfect result in Further Maths if it had not been for Ms Selex.

The very specific advice when looking at questions that she had got wrong, the use of a logbook for practice exams and the fact that Ms Selex had made herself so available to Ms Dela made all the difference.

St Peter’s College congratulates Ms Dela and wishes her all the best as she moves into this next exciting part of her journey.

Thamadee Dela was Dux of St Peter’s College for 2022. 312486 Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Proposal to extend zones

By Marcus Uhe Viv Paine from the Lynbrook Residents Association is hoping the EPA’s proposed extended buffer zones will spell the end of the push for a waste transfer station at the Hampton Park tip.

The EPA is proposing extending buffer zones for landfill sites accepting both inert and municipal waste, impacting both Hampton Park and SBI Landfill in Cranbourne.

A buffer is defined by the EPA as “land used to separate or manage incompatible land uses, often industrial uses and sensitive uses, to ensure land use compatibility and avoid land use conflict”.

“For landfills, the buffer is made up of separation distances responding to multiple risks, including landfill gas, odour and dust.

“The landfill buffer will extend to the largest of these separation distances.”

A buffer does not need to stop the use and development of land – instead, it ensures land use and development responds to the risks posed and allows for a transitional area of land between two distinct land uses to lessen the

risk of harm posed by one land use type on another, according to the EPA. Sites accepting municipal or putrescible waste with a tip face greater than 500sqm, such as Hampton Park, are facing an extension of their buffer zone from 500 metres to 1500 metres, after a July 2019 study found the current distance to be “out of date and inadequate to address human health and amenity impacts”.

“The study also found that the 500-metre buffer may not account for routine odour emissions from larger putrescible landfills, even when operating at best practice,” the EPA said.

“The 1500-metre buffer may be varied to a minimum of 1000 metres with an appropriate odour risk assessment that demonstrates an alternative buffer is acceptable.”

Mr Paine said new guidelines support the community’s strong opposition in allowing a huge new waste transfer facility to be built in such a highly populated area.

“Hopefully release of these new EPA Guidelines greatly increasing buffer zones on human health grounds will see the end of the pro-

posed new waste transfer facility at the Hallam Road Tip site,” Mr Paine said.

“Apart from the pollution risk, a tripled buffer zone would see many thousands of Casey property owners impacted by an overlay that could see their values plummet by up to 30 per cent.”

Landfills accepting inert waste currently have a buffer zone of 200 metres, however, the proposed extension will see it increase to 500 metres.

“Recent experience has shown that subsurface hotspots and landfill gas generation in leachate can develop in operating solid inert landfills and generate odour that can be detected up to and beyond 500 metres from the landfill,” the EPA said in its justification for the proposal.

Leachate, contaminated liquid generated by water passing through a landfill or waste disposal site and accumulating contaminates in the process, mixing with landfill gas, has been the source of the “rotten eggs” stench emanating from SBI that has plagued residents in Cranbourne and Botanic Ridge for

much of the year.

Those living within a buffer zone will need to accept advice when proposing future sensitive use or development of land, such as the development of a school, house, medical centre or aged care facility.

Once finalised, it is intended that the guidelines will be referenced in the Victoria Planning Provisions, meaning planning decision makers will be required to consider the guidelines as relevant.

The EPA is seeking feedback on the draft guidelines to understand how they could be improved and ensure they are useable, clear and relevant for those who need to use them.

A webinar will be held on Thursday 15 December, hosted by the EPA, to explain the changes in greater detail.

Feedback can be submitted until Friday 17 February 2023, before the guidelines are finalised in “mid-2023”.

To read the proposals, register for the webinar and participate in the feedback surveys, head to engage.vic.gov.au/separation-distances-and-landfill-buffers

‘That’s real friendship’: Show legend Jack never forgotten

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Eleanor Wilson For more than 70 years, Jack Rae OAM was a legend that spanned not just Dandenong and Berwick shows but the show scene across Australia.

Mr Rae, 94, who died overnight on 8 December, was a good mate sadly missed by many, says Dandenong Show president John Follett.

“He’d be someone you’d never forget for the rest of your life,” Mr Follett said.

“He’s one who’d be able to bring different people together to work for an ultimate aim – for holding shows across Victoria and Australia.

“He was a person you could work with all day. We’d discuss things and resolve any differences. There’d never be any animosity.

“That’s real friendship.”

As the show celebrated 150 years in November, Mr Rae’s involvement spanned more than half of its life span as a president, committee member and steward.

At national show conferences, so many would approach Mr Rae “just to say hello”, Mr Follett said.

He had “exceptional” judgement of animals, and got involved in every section of the show “whether it was horses, sheep, cattle, arts and crafts”.

“He encouraged a lot of young people to be part of the show scene and in the community in general.

“He was known throughout the community. If he didn’t know of the family, they would know of him.”

As a teen, Mr Rae walked droves of cattle to Dandenong Showgrounds from his family’s farm in Narre Warren North, where he lived and looked out across the Dandenong Ranges for most of his life.

He joined the agricultural show society’s committee as an 18-year-old following in the footsteps of his father, George.

And remained there for 70-plus years helping to organise each annual show.

The fourth-generation cattle farmer was a former show president in 1957 and 1985. He is a life member of the Dandenong and Berwick show societies.

At last November’s Dandy Show, he was listed as the deputy chief steward. He sat in at the cattle section and was guest at the show president’s afternoon tea, along with sister Thelma, brother Bert, daughters and nieces.

“In my mind, that was my highlight of the show,” Mr Follett said.

In 2018, the Dandenong Show Society named its heritage cattle sale ring, the Jack Rae OAM Pavilion.

Mr Rae had been instrumental in saving the sale ring, signage and other relics after Dandenong’s stock markets were closed in 1998. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

John Follett and Jack Rae at the cattle saleyards preserved in Jack Rae Pavilion at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong. 197282 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Similarly, a new building at the Akoonah Park showgrounds in Berwick was also bestowed Mr Rae’s name in 2021.

“Jack wasn’t a man to seek glory but the committee convinced him we wanted to name a new building after him that he was heavily involved in establishing,” said Akoonah Park manager Gayle Joyce.

“His commitment to the park was part of his agricultural commitment to seeing the land improve.

“He was always striving to provide better facilities for the [Berwick] Show and that drove the development of the park.”

When Berwick Show moved from Buchanan Park to its present site, Mr Rae was involved in transporting the show’s rotunda.

He was also part of setting up the flourishing Akoonah Park Men’s Shed.

“Without the wisdom of Jack and his leadership within the various committees he has chaired, we’d never have seen the development, nor the financial stability to allow the ongoing maintenance of this beautiful reserve,” Mrs Joyce said.

Mr Rae was also chief marshall of the City of Casey Riding of the Bounds, a tribute to a a centuries-old tradition in sister city Berwick upon Tweed, England, for 25 years.

A celebrated annual custom, the riding

Jack with siblings Thelma and Bert. saw Mr Rae direct up to 200 riders on a route through local streets and along Casey’s border with the Shire of Cardinia, mirroring the British tradition which inspected the border with Scotland.

“He was the only man you’d ever think of to run an event like that because he had the knowledge and the skills and he knew the country. He was the ideal person for a role

like that,” she said.

Mr Rae was the Royal Melbourne Agricultural Show ringmaster from 1984 to 1995 and received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to primary industry.

“He’s a man that played an indelible part in my life, and the mateship that happened along the way,” Mr Follett says.

“His memory will be cherished forever.”

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

Outstanding VCE results Casey Grammar School students are celebrating another year of achievements, after the latest VCE results showcased the effort, determination and resilience of the latest group of graduates.

Over 42 per cent of Casey Grammar School students have been placed in the top 30 per cent of Australia – this is despite being a cohort affected by the challenges of remote learning.

The Dux of Casey Grammar School, Juna Gemmell, achieved an outstanding ATAR of 97.75, having studied psychology, further maths, English, biology and chemistry in 2022.

Ms Gemmell chose not to set an alarm to see her results immediately on Monday morning, but discovered them in the kitchen surrounded by her parents and her brother.

A shopping trip in the city later that day was interrupted by a phone call from her principal, who informed her that she had topped the class.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,” Ms Gemmell said of being crowned Dux. “I wasn’t expecting it all at all and I’m still shocked about it.”

The news called for a celebratory lunch of fried chicken and bone broth soup at her favourite Korean restaurant in the city.

She said she was most proud of her study score for English, having not considered it a strength of hers throughout her earlier years of schooling, and credits her teacher, Ms Kearney, for helping her take the leap.

“I’ve always struggled with English but her advice helped improve grades throughout the year,” she said.

“I didn’t really have a single study method but used a combination of different things

Olivia Berry received Proxime Accessit.

2022 Dux of Casey Grammar School Juna Gemmell. 312467 and they all contributed to the final score. I get bored pretty easily so I tried to shuffle up what I wanted to do.”

An interest in biology and human anatomy has led her to embark on a physiotherapy course at Monash University next year.

Olivia Berry received Proxime Accessit with an ATAR of 96.25.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Ms Berry plans to study nursing/midwifery at Monash, with hopes to become a health care worker.

Casey Grammar School principal Fiona Williams said the encouraging results acknowledge the determination of the hard-working students and the commitment of their teachers who ensured it was “business as usual”

312467

during the periods of online learning.

“As these students embarked on the most challenging part of their academic journey at school – their VCE years – they faced a series of unprecedented challenges,” Ms Williams said.

“They rose to those challenges with a firm focus on their future.

“We are so proud of the achievements they are celebrating today. I know they will take everything they have learned at Casey Grammar School and use it as a foundation to build a bright future.

“In celebrating today’s VCE results, I would also like to pay tribute to the many dedicated teachers who always go the extra mile to ensure that learning at Casey Grammar School is inspiring and engaging.

“Our teachers themselves are lifelong learners and, every day, they encourage their students to believe in their abilities and to aspire to be the very best they can be.”

Rallying behind Anthony to fight aggressive, rare cancer

By Mikayla Van Loon A promising young gridiron player has had the rug pulled out from under him with a recent and rare cancer diagnosis which has seen his family and friends rally behind him to get him to New York for treatment.

Anthony de Benedictis, a 19-year-old Endeavour Hills resident and Croydon Rangers Gridiron Club player, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in early August after experiencing extensive pain in his arm and shoulder.

Having taken a gap year to train one-onone with a gridiron coach and prepare his body in the gym to hopefully be scouted to an American college, Anthony’s dreams were within his grasp.

In July he went to his mum, Kat Cecho, complaining of what they both thought was a torn muscle but when a lump formed on the left side of his neck and into his shoulder, Kat knew a doctor was needed.

After CT and CAT scans, the results came back with Anthony having a very large tumour going from the top of his shoulder to the base of his armpit - a size of nine centimetres by seven centimetres.

“Until then we had absolutely no idea that there was anything going on because he was healthy,” Kat said.

Doctors initially thought the diagnosis would be Hodgkin’s but after a biopsy it returned as the rare Ewing’s Sarcoma.

“It is a bone cancer but in Anthony’s case, it’s even more rare. He’s got the soft tissue cancer.”

While majority of the time Ewing’s Sarcoma is found in the bones, on a rare occasion the same cell compound forms Ewing’s in the soft tissues around the bones.

Around 2460 people are estimated to have been diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma in Australia in 2022, the only difference being many are known cancers of the soft tissue.

“He was in so much pain and he couldn’t manage the pain at all because nothing was working…He couldn’t sleep, he couldn’t do anything,” Kat said.

“So we ended up going to Peter Mac and stayed there for five days for him to manage the pain and this thing was just growing by the day.”

Eventually undergoing both chemother12 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

Croydon Rangers Gridiron Club player Anthony de Benedictis has been diagnosed with a rare form of Ewing’s Sarcoma and is now seeking treatment in New York.

Picture: CROYDON RANGERS GRIDIRON CLUB apy and radiation because the tumour was growing rapidly, Kat said “it has helped a lot but it didn’t get rid of completely.”

That’s why now the family are looking at options overseas where more research has been done on this type of soft tissue cancer and where experimental treatments are more available.

“There’s not many options now here in Australia. They’ve given us what we can do.

We need to do something else, we need to start looking overseas because they have very strict protocols here that they have to follow,” Kat said.

A friend of the family for over 20 years, Trudy Hymas organised the GoFundMe page aiming to raise $50,000 to help cover some of the costs of getting to New York.

Within 48 hours, half of the funds had been raised after beginning the fundraiser on Tuesday 6 December.

“It’s just mind blowing. He’s an awesome

human being so I think everybody just wants to be behind him and support him,” Kat said.

“It’s just so hard because he’s been so focused and he knew what he wanted to do, he was working towards it, and it’s just all been ripped away.

“I’m not saying his dream is gone and he can’t do it once he gets better but right now we really have to focus on finding something that can help.”

Looking at getting Anthony into an immunotherapy treatment in New York, Kat said one cycle is $100,000, meaning the money raised through the GoFundMe will support travel expenses and part of the overall cost.

“Whatever we have to do, we will do. We just have to make sure we have all our options, everything and anything we can do, we’re gonna try to do for him to get better.”

Still undergoing two more rounds of chemotherapy in Melbourne to see whether it has any further impact on reducing the tu-

mour, Kat said she still needs to be prepared to go overseas.

“I don’t want to just wait for the end of it and see if it’s working or not, I actually have to have something else in place and if we need to leave, then we’ll leave overseas, that’s the plan.

“As soon as we get enough money and get the chance to go, we’ll be going.”

Eternally grateful for all the support from family and friends, as well as the Croydon Rangers for their ongoing support, friendship and monetary donations, Kat said “thank you to absolutely everyone who was involved and has tried to help us get Anthony better.”

“Everybody’s been amazing and it’s very overwhelming because we were not expecting this kind of response from everybody.

We’re extremely grateful.”

The fundraiser can be found at gofundme. com/f/help-anthony-to-kick-this-aggressive-beast cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Customs, cultures, Christmas In past years, Carols by Candlelight at Cranbourne West Primary School was a much anticipated and popular event for school families and staff.

Whilst the popularity has remained, the event has evolved into a more inclusive celebration that greater reflects this now culturally and linguistically diverse community.

The Customs, Cultures and Christmas Concert was the result and this event has been running for many years now with great success.

There was standing room only in the school gymnasium last Wednesday as over 600 students presented a variety of musical items they had rehearsed throughout the term.

Traditional Christmas carols and novelty holiday songs were sung with great enthusiasm by students of all ages, who were then transported wide-eyed by the hauntingly beautiful music, dances and costumes of Afghanistan.

Uplifting Islander dances and Haka were equally appreciated by this gathering who represent 39 different cultures, with several featured in the colourful Fashion Parade earlier in the program.

Other items included Sing a Song of Sixpence, Reindeer Hokey Pokey, Baker Boy’s In Control and the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Pre-concert entertainment was provided by the CWPS Band comprised of student guitarists, percussionists and singers, with the support of Arts staff.

These music loving students have attended rehearsals throughout the year and have become quite proficient and multi-skilled. Their repertoire included Feliz Navidad, Pokare Kare

Samoan students. 312246

Hamish and Zarmeen dressed for the occasion.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Willow’s excited for Christmas! 312246

Traditional Afghan dress. 312246

delighting the 200-strong audience.

Cranbourne West Primary School endeavours to provide a learning environment that is safe, respectful, welcoming and inclusive

to all. Their Customs, Cultures and Christmas Concert demonstrated this in a most meaningful way and was an exciting end to the school year.

312246

Ana, Aussie Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls.

A beautiful presentation of Silent Night made a fitting finale, with all students using Auslan Sign Language with great precision,

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Securing the entitlements of every child in a safe and orderly learning environment through: • Personalised wellbeing and a weekly pastoral care program • Access to VCE, VCAL, VET and other external educational programs • Supportive academic intervention and extension programs • A celebration of diversity and inclusion Navindu Attygalla is Alkira College’s Dux for 2022. 312712

• A value of holistic pursuits in the Arts, Sport and STEM.

Congratulations to the Alkira Secondary College Class of 2022.

We are proud of your efforts this year.

A special mention to our 2022 Dux, Navincranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

du Attygalla with an ATAR of 96.5.

The Alkira community wishes our graduating class the very best in all their future endeavours.

www.alkirasecondarycollege.com.au/ 15 Nurture Avenue, Cranbourne North, Victoria, 3977 Ph: (03) 59913500 • Email: alkira.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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12456417-JW34-20

Congratulations to 2022 class STAR NEWS 13

We’re building big this summer Public transport disruptions

Victoria’s Big Build is building a better road and rail network in December and January while there are fewer people on our trains and less cars on the road.

This includes major works on the Metro Tunnel with crews working around the clock to upgrade tracks at Caufield Station and install new high-tech signalling. We’re also upgrading the City Loop.

We’re also continuing to build the West Gate Tunnel, including new connections into the city and CityLink. Important maintenance is happening on the West Gate Bridge and major road upgrades continue across the south east this summer.

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/summer 12580992-JW50-22

14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Summer disruptions Train disruptions: City Loop closed City Loop

9pm 2 Jan to last train 15 Jan

Parliament, Flagstaff and Melbourne Central stations closed

Tram and train disruptions: Buses/coaches replace trams and trains in both directions Tram routes 3, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72

Until 18 Dec

Arts Centre and Commercial Road

Tram route 58

Until 18 Dec

Flinders Street/Market Street and Fawkner Park

Hurstbridge Line

8.30pm 2 Jan to last train 6 Jan 9 Jan to last train 13 Jan

Parliament to Heidelberg

Alamein Line

8.30pm 2 Jan to last train 15 Jan

Camberwell to Alamein

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

1am 4 to last train 13 Jan 8.30pm to last train, 16 Jan

Flinders Street to Dandenong

14 to 27 Jan

Flinders Street to Westall

8.30pm to last train, 8 and 12 Jan

Flinders Street to Cranbourne and Pakenham

4 to 27 Jan

Flinders Street to Moorabbin

6.30am to 7.30pm, 22 Jan

Flinders Street to Mordialloc

Stony Point Line

4 to 27 Jan

Frankston to Stony Point

Sandringham Line

8.30pm each night, 9 to 11 Jan

Parliament to Sandringham

Sunbury Line

9pm 3 Feb to last train 5 Feb

North Melbourne to Watergardens

8:30pm 8 Feb to last train 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Sunshine

Werribee and Williamston lines

Each night 8 to 10 Feb 11 to 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Newport

Geelong Line

14 to 15 Jan 18 to 26 Feb

Geelong to Waurn Ponds

Gippsland Line

4 to 31 Jan

Southern Cross to Bairnsdale

Bendigo and Echuca lines

At night, 3 Feb

Southern Cross to Bendigo

4 to 5 Feb

Southern Cross to Gisborne

Swan Hill Line

4 to 5 Feb

Southern Cross to Bendigo

Warrnambool Line

18 to 26 Feb

Geelong to Warrnambool

Frankston Line

Freeway disruptions: Changed traffic conditions or closed lanes and ramps West Gate Bridge

9pm 26 Dec to 6am 4 Jan

Four outbound lanes closed

Monash Freeway

Some nights in Jan

Closed between Warrigal Road and EastLink

Princes Freeway

Some nights in Jan

Closed between Princes Highway and Cardinia Road

Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps Dynon Road, West Melbourne

Until 21 Dec

Between Dryburgh Street and Dynon Road inbound exit ramp from CityLink

Greensborough Road, Watsonia

Until 22 Dec

Lanes closed and speeds reduced

Narre Warren North Road and Ernst Wanke Road, Narre Warren North

In Jan

Intersection closed

Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road and Thompsons Road, Cranbourne

Jan to Feb

Intersection closed

Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn

Jan to Feb

Between Hume Highway and Hanson Road

Lancefield Road, Sunbury

Jan to Feb

At Sunbury Road

Hall Road and McCormicks Road, Carrum Downs

From Jan

Intersection closed

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12580993-JW50-22

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

Bob, Chantelle and Danny from the Balla Balla Ukes provided the musical entertainment. 308843

Maree and Connie share a dance. 308843 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Last hurrah before moving

By Marcus Uhe A range of emotions swilled at the Balla Balla Community Centre on Tuesday morning, 13 December, ranging from sadness, to nostalgia, and excitement at what lies ahead.

The centre’s volunteers, staff and contributors were invited to a morning tea that would double as both a Christmas party and a farewell to the facility, ahead of the move to Selandra Community Hub in 2023.

As the crowd grazed on sandwiches, cakes, sweet treats, croissants and many more delectable snacks, centre manager Maree Cullinan led tributes to all that had made the facility the community hub that it has developed into over the years, including former Casey mayors Colin Butler and the late Amanda Stapleton, manager of active communities at Casey, Angie Peresso, and more.

For Ms Cullinan, who has seen the facility from its very beginning back in April 2007 when it was known as the Cranbourne East Community Centre, the move to Clyde will be a significant shift.

“I know this building better than I know my own home,” Ms Cullinan said.

“I know any noise, and if I hear a certain noise, I know that the solar panels are broken on the roof.

“This is my other home. It’s grown around me and I’ve grown around it.

“There is some sadness there because it has been 16 years, but added to that is the excitement of something new. Change can be a really good thing and I’ve never shied away from change because I think that’s what keeps us engaged.”

In recent years the reliance on the facility has come into sharp focus, as the pandemic did it’s best to separate and disrupt communities at every turn.

It’s something Ms Cullinan sees as one of the centre’s main achievements, and it’s been reflected in their membership numbers, swelling at more than 600.

“As a manager, trying to keep a team together but only contacting via Zoom, (the challenge) was, how do you stay innovative, fun and spontaneous over Zoom?

“I would mail them stuff, for example, a block of chocolate called Bear Hugs and a moisturising facemask. The idea was to open the package, to have a hug from the chocolate and then do facemasks on Zoom together to pamper ourselves.

“Watching six people trying to put them on was just crazy and towards the end it became even tougher, but what happened was we came out much stronger than when we went 16 STAR NEWS

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Mena Grigson, Rod Grigson and Veronica. 308843

Dianne, Seda and Grace enjoy the morning tea.

Maree Cullinan (in yellow) with some of Balla Balla’s army of volunteers. 308843 in. We came out very strong as a team.”

It’s a long way from when she would sit in the dormant office back in 2007 awaiting a visitor or for someone to engage with them as they attempted to embed themselves into the community.

Colin Bulter was mayor of the City of Casey when the facility opened and remains involved as a member of the board in the role of treasurer.

Of all the projects he oversaw during his stint on the council, it’s Balla Balla, named after his council ward, that he remains invested in.

He said the centre’s current output has exceeded his expectations.

“You could certainly not (see it becoming what it is today) but back in 2007 there wasn’t the houses around here that there is now,” he said.

“We stuck it here and thought, ‘How’s it going to go? Will it go alright?’

“And it’s grown to magnificent community centre now and Maree’s been part of it the whole way.”

As she scanned the room on Tuesday looking for people to say hello to, Ms Cullinan made a bee-line for Jo Hall, who she considered to be a “founder” of the centre.

Ms Hall was a regular at the centre in multiple capacities, as a volunteer running personal development workshops and a class attendee

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

in more recent years.

“It was good because it gave me a place to run some workshops of my own but also to be a volunteer and give to the community,” she said.

“I wasn’t working at the time so I had the time to come and do that.

“You get to know a lot of people and I’m the kind of person who likes to do things for others. That fuelled something for me.”

Despite the relocation, she is confident the centre’s reputation will follow them into the new year and all that lies ahead.

“This is the best neighbourhood house that I’ve even been to. I have been to couple of others since this has been built but it doesn’t quite have the same kind of vibes, same freshness.

“Maree’s really devoted to the people who come here, not to say that the people who work in the other community houses weren’t but it seemed a little bit more clinical in those places.

“I just love Maree and she’s such a lovely person. She’s put in so many years here.”

Rod Grigson, who runs the Scribe Tribe and creative writing classes at Balla Balla, agreed with Ms Hall.

“I work in a lot of community centres and this is the best organised one,” Mr Grigson said.

“There’s strong community support as you

308843

can see here today, for the Christmas party.

The people who run the place, Maree and her team, are very efficient, so when I come as a teacher, everything is easy for me.”

Towards the end of the morning tea, attendees were handed a survey and asked to respond with what their most significant memories of the Cranbourne facility will be, to be placed into a memories box.

When asked what she’ll remember most about her years there, Ms Cullinan came back to three key themes: Friendship, fun and tough times.

“For me it really is that I’m grateful that I took on this challenge. At the beginning it was very much a challenge to build when there was no community. I’m very blessed and grateful to have been given this opportunity.”

As they embark on a new era, Ms Cullinan said her and her team were full of excitement for the future of Balla Balla.

“There’s lots of young families in that community and it’s very multicultural,” she said.

“That’s exciting because it adds to what we’re already doing. Everyone will benefit.

“It’s right for Balla Balla and right for Selandra. It’s the right thing for the community next year.”

The new Balla Balla Community Centre will open to the public on Monday 16 January before a grand opening on Saturday 25 March. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Make this festive season extra special by shopping locally for all your gifts, foods and entertainment.

Dive into our 8-page Christmas Cheer liftout for plenty of ideas to cater for the entire family this year.

Pictured: Hunter had plenty of Christmas Cheer when he visited the Christmas Tree at Bunjil Place.

12582372-AV51-22

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 17

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Hunter and Hazel check out the Bunjil Place Christmas tree.

All at Bunjil Get out and about with the family this summer and over the festive Christmas break and enjoy a colour-filled program at Bunjil Place.

Visit the giant Christmas tree and enjoy the beautiful decorations.

There is Rosie Deacon’s Spaghetti-StackSnuffle-Shuffle showing in the gallery, awesome shows in the theatre, lawn games and activities in the plaza, family movies on the outdoor screen and delicious ice-cream available at the cafe.

Kids will love playing on the giant ice-cream sculptures during the January school holidays, while parents can simply kick-back and enjoy the warm weather under the colourful beach umbrellas.

FOUNTAIN GATE BINGO

$100,000

12577578-JW46-22

R E V O

N O W Y L K WEE

ph. 9796 7011 www.fountaingatebingo.com.au Located at Westfield Fountain Gate - 5b Brechin Drive Narre Warren (around the corner from Harvey Norman & Officeworks) 18 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

8

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Taking care of your pets

- If you plan to give your pet some meat scraps, make sure these are given in small quantities and are free of any sauces that might upset their stomachs.

- Many Christmas plants, like holly, poinsettia, lillies and mistletoe are highly toxic for pets, so keep them out of reach.

- Ensure your pet has a quiet spot where they can rest, de-stress and wind down, away from noise, visitors and prying children. Don’t allow children to hug and kiss your dog and if the dog licks its lips, shows the whites of its eyes or turns its head away when being patted, intervene immediately. Ensure your pet is always under the charge of a responsible adult - one that you both trust.

Additionally, don’t be tempted to give pets as surprise Christmas gifts. A pet is for life, not just the holidays, and needs to be properly introduced to the home. Talk to your loved one and decided whether they are ready to make that commitment. When they are ready, head to a reputable shelter to adopt a pet that needs a home, and ensure the pet gets desexed, registered and microchipped.

And don’t buy un-desexed pets from markets, newspapers or online marketplaces.

Your One Stop Phone Shop Christmas Gift Vouchers

Proudly servicing the community for 29 years

available instore now for that hard to buy for person

Merry Christmas 177 Lonsdale St, Dandenong Ph: 9792 5188 CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-5pm Sun 9am-5pm

12582176-KJ50-22

from Rob, Family & Team.

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Shop 12, 55 Hallam Rd. Hampton Park Shop 23, 75 Lynbrook Blvd Lynbrook 459 Toorak Rd. Toorak Phone 0466 664 251 facebook.com/GBPBAT 12580077-FC48-22

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.

Magnificent trees 1- 3 m (4 to 10ft)

47 years experience in growing Trees

Stands available You can come and choose your tree from:

336 Browns Rd, OFFICER (Mel Ref 213 C12)

OPEN Weekdays between 2pm-8pm Weekends 8pm-6pm

t Credi Cash, and Card s Eftpo es i facilit

12524913-AV49-21

Christmas is a time for family - and pets are family too, meaning they too deserve special care and attention over the festive season.

It can be a hectic time, with visitors, deliveries, and even time away from home to cope with, along with hotter weather.

Changes in routine can be distressing for some animals, and the extra feet in the house, or banging on the door by the postie, can be distressing.

Disruption caused by family members going on holidays can compound the stress your fur baby feels at this time of year.

The RSPCA has put together a number of tips on how to keep your pet happy, healthy and safe this season.

Tips include: - Keep decorations up high and out of reach of playful pooches and clever kitties who might see your delicate glass baubles or dangling tinsel as toys. Tinsel, string and ribbon might seem like fun, but they can cause obstructions in the intestines if a pet ingests them. Glass baubles can break into dangerous shards if your pet plays with them, so it’s best to keep them out of harm’s way.

- Don’t feed your pets cooked bones.

1300 655 652 www.dandenongchristmastreefarm.com.au Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 19

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Lots Of Fins Aquarium - where you will be amazed.

Prepare to be amazed If you haven’t yet visited this Specialist Aquarium Store, it’s well worth the drive to Lots Of Fins Aquarium.

You will be amazed! The shop is full of amazing aquarium displays that will mesmerise you with some exotic and rare fish, stunning planted displays and freshwater spotted stingray amongst other unique aquatic aquascapes.

There is a brand-new display and sales showroom with a huge range of tanks for sale, small and large.

Over 300 varieties of fish and the biggest range of aquatic plants you have ever seen by far!

Enjoy a meal and drink at Driftwood Cafe the first of its kind in Victoria.

Enjoy a great range of gourmet toasties, focaccias, croissants, a range of quality pies, pasties and rustic sausage rolls, smoothies, thick

shakes and high end coffee whilst relaxing surrounded by majestic underwater fish, seahorses and frog displays!

The owner has nearly 30 years experience in all areas of aquarium keeping to provide expert and helpful, friendly advice along with his son, wife and staff.

Most of the profits rescue lives all around the world, free women from sex trafficking and feed the poor.

Website: revivethekids.com.au Cold water, tropical, saltwater/coral, cichlids, and new vivariums/terrariums…

Open 7 days, 10-6pm. Now late 9pm Thursday and Friday, 96 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren.

You will be amazed.

Well worth the drive.

Constantly voted 5 stars.

These Christmas tarts from Dairy Australia, taste great, look fantastic and are super easy to make.

Picture: SUPPLIED Ingredients 2 sheets shortcrust pastry

Raspberries and cream Christmas tarts For a delicious dessert the day of, look no further than these raspberries and cream Christmas tarts. This tart recipe from Dairy Australia only take about 20 minutes to make, is incredibly easy and only need a few simple ingredients.

Method

a 7cm diameter round cutter, cut 18 · Using rounds from the pastry sheets. Press pastry into a greased patty pan or mini tart tins.

1 square of cream cheese in each · Squash tart case and spoon over a teaspoonful of

·

jam, sprinkle with almonds.

Bake at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until pas-

THE WORLD IS SHAKING... Isn't it time to get right with God? “...Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

(Hebrews 12:26-28 Bible).

Let’s not be an ostrich & stick our heads in the sand & pretend there is nothing wrong! The facts are, there is much wrong, & it starts with our gross ungodliness & arrogance, turning away from acknowledging the truth. “God’s Word”....

Yes it is His word alone that gives freedom, life, blessing, healing, deliverance & peace. It is in the Gospel that we have the knowledge of God’s purpose, way & salvation. For it is the power of God expressed unto us. Christian & non Christian alike, it is time to look closely at what motivates you, what is the strongest desire in your life? What are you spending your time, effort, strength & money & achieving in this life. Is it is to acquire the best & “keep up with the Jones’s”. Is it about gathering wealth & satisfying your own desires, over the hurt & rejection of others, even the ones you love? Is it work, sport, travel, hobbies.... the list goes on. All these are not necessarily bad in themselves, but when they become our prime desire, then we have missed the mark & are speedily heading for disaster. “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world & lose his own soul? (Math 16:26).

What foundation are we laying? What seeds are we sowing? because we will reap what we sow! If we sow ungodliness we will indeed be counted amongst the ungodly in the day of the Lord. If we sow righteousness (endeavour to live in right standing with God, by submitting to His guidance, blessing & love) then we will inherit salvation, blessing & the favour of God in our lives & for eternity. God sends a great shaking that will reveal the purposes & attitudes of our hearts.

We all will be layed bare & stripped naked leaving only what is good, righteous & Holy.

· · 125g cream cheese, cut into 18 cubes, softened

· 3/4 cup raspberry jam · 3/4 cup slivered almonds · Icing sugar, for dusting try and almonds are golden. Cool for at least 15 minutes before dusting with icing sugar and serving warm or at room temperature.

Cooking tip: Tarts are best served the day they are made, but can be kept refrigerated for 2 days.sprinkled over, extra herbs, chili and lemon.

YOUR INVITATION NEW COMMUNITY LOCAL CHURCH “The Revival Christian Church”

Every Sunday 10AM Paul Furlong

When’s the last time YOU went to CHURCH?

Pastor Paul Furlong

YOU ARE INVITED

Awesome music & powerful teaching from God’s Word

“REAR” 94 Victor Cres Narre Warren (Behind Aquarium)

www.therevival.com.au

HUGE NEW AQUARIUM, tanks and cabinets showroom NOW OPEN Imagine your own Aquarium NOW! Come & talk to us about setting up a fish tank today...

(03) 8738 7549 Open 7 days 10am-6pm NOW 9pm Thurs & Fri 20 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Dignity and compassion

Lang Lang District Funeral Service.

Lang Lang District Funeral Services - Our Story We are a dedicated team of compassionate death care professionals.

Our team has over 45 years of combined experience in the funeral industry.

We take care of your deceased loved one from pick up to preparation and to their final resting place. Our service is personalised to respect and take care at every step of the journey.

Celebrate the life of your loved one the way you want. Make it personal at home, a park, the beach or another special place - create a send off to remember.

Our mission Our mission is to provide your loved one with

the respect, love and dignity they deserve following their passing, treating them as if they were our own family member - ensuring remaining family and friends are able to celebrate and remember their loved one free from stress and worry.

Our vision Our vision is to celebrate life as it was, remembering the good times and providing a tailored farewell for your loved ones.

The Lang Lang District Funeral Service team sincerely cares about what you’re going through - that’s why they’re there for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Phone 0418 328 205 or visit lldfs.com.au

Christmas Period Opening Hours 2022

A winning Christmas tree One lucky Star News reader has won a real Christmas tree from the Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm.

Amanda King was notified shortly after the competition closed at noon on Friday 9 December that she had won.

“We go every year to the Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm for our tree, so it was

great to win it this year,” Amanda said after picking up the tree.

“The tree is a beauty and smells delightful!”

There really is nothing like that fresh smell of a real tree.

Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm is at 336 Browns Road, Officer.

Carers, take a break.

You deserve it.

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We are open everyday Friday - 23rd December: 8:00am - 6:30pm Saturday - 24th December: 9:00am - 5:00pm Sunday - 25th December: 9:00am - 12:00pm Monday - 26th December: 9:00am - 1:00pm Tuesday - 27th December: 9:00am - 1:00pm Wednesday - 28th December: 8:00am - 9:00pm Thursday - 29th December: 8:00am - 9:00pm Friday - 30th December: 8:00am - 6:30pm Saturday - 31st December: 9:00am - 5:00pm Sunday - 1st January: 9:00am - 12:00pm Monday - 2nd January: 9:00am - 12:00pm To all our patients, we wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Amanda King, with Aurora, Logan, Mason, Paul and dog Lily at the Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm with their tree.

Consider some short-term respite care at Lynbrook Park for the person you care for, while you take some much needed time to rest and rejuvinate.

As a carer, you can feel assured that while you take sometime for yourself, your loved one will be receiving the best in quality care.

Contact us today on phone: 9799 2233

Book an appointment online - go to www.scmg.com.au

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We offer dignified, quality funeral services undertaken with genuine compassion and sincerity

1300 899 222 Lang Lang District Funeral Service Contact us on 0449 220 652 michelle@lldfs.com www.lldfs.com.au

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 21

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Make your own cookie jar For a Christmas gift that’s full of fun and handmade, this Christmas cookie jar recipe from Dairy Australia is a great present for teachers, neighbours, friends and family. They’re easy enough to make, look fantastic and if you’re making a bundle in one sitting then it’ll keep the kids creative for an afternoon.

Starting off, figure out how many jars you’ll be filling and make sure they fit everything in, a 1 litre jar with lid and seal should do the trick.

You’ll also need gift tags to attach on the side to write on coking instructions and a sweet festive message to go along with it.

Ingredients For gift jar 340g self raising flour, sifted pinch salt 160g brown sugar 65g dried cranberries 75g dried apricots, roughly chopped 80g white chocolate, roughly chopped 80g dark chocolate, roughly chopped For baking 125g butter, melted 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten Method 1. Starting with the flour, evenly layer the flour, salt, sugar, cranberries, apricot, white chocolate and dark chocolate firmly in a 1 litre jar with lid and seal.

2. Using a ribbon, tie on a gift tag with the following directions: Just mix in 125g melted butter and 2 extra-large eggs. Roll into balls and place on lined baking trays 4cm apart.

Flatten slightly and bake at 170°C for 16 to 20 mins. Cool on wire racks.

· · · · · · · · ·

A great gift for Christmas and a family friendly activity for the school holidays.

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Delicious hit This wonderful shortbread recipe from Dairy Australia has the most delightful crunchy texture from the addition of polenta and a zesty twist from added lemon rind.

Ingredients 250g butter, softened 1/2 cup caster sugar 1 1/4 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind 1 1/2 cups plain flour 1 cup rice flour 1/2 cup fine (instant) polenta Silver cachous, to decorate Method Cream butter, sugar and zest with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Turn the beater to low speed and add the combined flours and polenta gradually. Mix until combined. Turn mixture onto a clean surface and knead dough until smooth.

Divide dough in half and using one piece at time, roll between sheets of baking paper to a thickness of about 5mm. Cut into shapes with a 10cm cutter. Re-roll dough as necessary.

Carefully lift shapes onto baking paper lined oven trays. Using a small cutter of the same design, cut out the centre from each shape. Lightly press cachous into shortbread.

Bake at 180°C (160°C fan-forced) for 8-10 minutes, until cooked through and just starting to colour. Cool on trays for 10 minutes, then cool completely on wire racks, before storing in an airtight container.

TIP: If dough becomes slightly warm and difficult to handle, roll out and place in the fridge, still between baking paper, for 10-15 minutes to firm slightly. A palate knife or thin egg lifter makes is easy to lift shapes to oven trays. Try threading ribbon around the shortbread shapes and hang off small branches in a vase, for a gorgeous edible table centre piece.

· · · · · · ·

These delicious zesty cookies make for a great treat or even a decorative ornament with a ribbon tied around.

Free travel over Christmas Public transport will be free for those traveling on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Passengers won’t be required to touch on their myki and will not be charged if they do.

Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said public transport is the best way to get around this festive season.

“Free travel on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day really makes it easier for people to celebrate with family and friends,” he said.

On Christmas Day metropolitan and regional public transport will run to a regular Sunday timetable with Night Network services running through the night. Services will be free from 3am on Sunday, December 25 to 3am on Monday, December 26.

Services on Boxing Day will run to a public holiday timetable.

Those wishing to travel across the city or state to welcome in the new year will be able to travel for free on all metropolitan and regional train, tram and bus services from 6pm on Saturday December 31 until 6am on Sunday, January 1.

Public transport will continue across the metropolitan network all night on New Year’s Eve, ensuring everyone can get back home safely. A normal Saturday public transport timetable will be in place between 6pm and midnight, with additional services after midnight.

Trains will run to a five to 15-minute frequency between midnight and 1.45am, a 30-minute frequency between 1.45am and 2.45am, and every hour from 2.45am. On the tram network, most services will operate all night – running to a five to 15-minute frequency between midnight and 3am, and every 60 minutes from 3am.

Passengers on V/Line services still need to book their Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve travel on reserved services - but will be issued a ticket free of charge.

No ticket is required for regional bus travel.

For information and to plan your journey on Christmas or New Year’s Eve visit ptv. vic.gov.au or the PTV mobile app.

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EMAIL: enquiries@abcacc.com.au 18 BRONSON CIRCUIT CRANBOURNE NORTH VIC 3977 Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 23

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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NEWS

The Narre Warren Newsagency wall looking bright and colourful. 312492

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

The Magnolia on Kempson Walk in Berwick. 312496

Shopping strips with a view Local shopping precincts in the City of Casey have been refreshed with six incredibly bright outdoor murals, new outdoor furniture and bold wayfinding signage.

The suite of works was completed with funding from the Victorian Government’s Outdoor Activation Fund, which encourages a return to in-person shopping by supporting businesses in those precincts to operate outdoors.

The murals were designed and painted by a number of different artists and each of them draw inspiration from the suburb in which they are located: Ritchies IGA Wall At 4/14 Webb Street, Narre Warren.

The Sacred Kingfisher represents Australia and its turquoise blue backing offers a striking contrast to the yellows and greens found in the assortment of Australian flowers. The foreground pops with splashes of the City of Casey’s brand colours of pink, green and blue.

And finally, a graphic stroke flows through the design, inspired by a scribbled ’n’ and ‘w’ of Narre Warren, to tie the artwork together.

Artist - Melbourne’s Murals.

Narre Warren Newsagency Wall On the corner of 34 Webb Street and Malcolm Court, Narre Warren.

The artwork celebrates Narre Warren’s natural environment with a particular focus on

A Kingfisher and native flora outside the IGA at Narre Warren. 312492 endemic florals found within the suburb - the Oleria Asterotricha and the Diuris Punctata – which are native to the Gippsland Plains. Both of these plants are rare, but species can be

found within 5km of the mural.

Artist - George Rose.

1 Autumn Place, Doveton This mural was inspired by Doveton’s

namesake fauna; the flattering dove wings welcome everyone to the shopping precinct, while the use of colour connects the flow of shapes which are representative of Doveton’s cultural diversity.

Artist - Martinich and Carran.

1 Linden Place, Doveton The thematic connection with the Indigenous mural and gathering place is the native flora and fauna. The native trees along the nature strip look like a 3D image of the mural. It is also aligned with the colours and abstract lines of the mural at 11 Linden place.

Artist - Robert Scholten Creative Services.

11 Linden Place, Doveton This wayfinding mural pays homage to the surrounding landmarks – Linden Place, Aboriginal Gathering Place and Myuna Farm. The chosen image of Doves represents Doveton’s namesake coupled with butterflies, which symbolise rebirth and positive change.

Artist - Robert Scholten Creative Services.

Kempson Walk, Berwick The mural has a full, bright, and striking flora scheme to celebrate Berwick’s historical development and meaningful natural character. As the hero element, the classic magnolia captures the cultural symbolism of nobility and dignity of Berwick.

Artist - Melbourne’s Murals.

Carols grace Dandenong Crowds flocked to a magnificent Dandenong Park for the return of Greater Dandenong Carols.

Hundreds enjoyed the festive repertoire of Greater Dandenong Band and live singers and choirs on the park’s revamped Stan Prior Stage.

There were also roving performers, food trucks, a Christmas market and a visit from Santa Claus.

Community and school choirs joined performers on stage for classic Christmas carols and traditional festive-season songs.

City of Greater Dandenong Band. 310859 cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster with Santa and Frosty the Snowman. 310859

The conductor of the City of Greater Dandenong Band. 310859

The Stan Prior Stage lit up in a magical scene in Dandenong Park. 310859 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Geraldine Quinn in spectacular song. 310859

Dandenong Primary School Choir. 310859

Sasha and Sarah dancing to the carols.

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 25

NEWS

Berwick driver spared jail

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Berwick electrical apprentice has been spared jail after his “miscalculated” failure to give way killed another driver.

Jasper Milon, 22, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to dangerous driving causing death – a mandatory jail offence unless there are “substantial and compelling circumstances”.

The P-plate driver had failed to give way as he tried to turn right in his father’s Hilux ute with a bullbar at an intersection near Carrum railway station about 7pm on 10 November 2020.

He drove in the path of 75-year-old Heather Tucker’s oncoming Mazda 121 about halfway through the intersection.

She died of “extensive and life-threatening” injuries at The Alfred hospital two days later, sentencing judge Gabriele Cannon said on 8 December.

An uninjured Milon submitted that he had miscalculated how close Ms Tucker’s car was, and was focused on the view ahead turning right.

“Essentially you failed to give way to her car when you ought to have done so.”

Police estimated Milon’s ute was travelling at least 19 km/h when he struck Ms Tucker’s car, who was travelling below the 60km/h speed limit.

The flat-level road was assessed as in “excellent” condition with extended visibility in all directions.

Judge Cannon noted the prosecution had effectively conceded there were “substantial and compelling” circumstances – including the low force of impact and Ms Tucker’s preexisting ill health.

The crash was not so severe to activate Ms Tucker’s vehicle’s airbags or to damage the driver’s side interior.

Jasper Milon, 22, was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Ms Tucker’s pre-existing health problems may have played a significant role in her death. They included severe asthma and endstage heart disease.

She was on anti-coagulant medication at the time, which heightened her risk of death.

“The fact of the matter is that you did see Mrs Tucker’s car before you started your right turn, and you were in a car which had the potential to readily inflict damage to another vehicle which was not nearly as sturdy,” Judge Cannon said.

“However, as I have said, the impact ap-

peared to be relatively gentle to my observation, although it obviously was sufficient to cause multiple injuries to a victim whose state of health prior to the collision was most precarious.”

The “miscalculation” led to a “tragic outcome for all involved”, including an “immense” impact on Ms Tucker’s husband, daughter and granddaughters.

Ms Tucker was regarded as the “backbone” of the family, and had rarely spent time apart from her grieving husband, Judge Cannon said.

Milon had no prior convictions, penned a “genuinely sorry” letter of apology to the Tucker family and had “exemplary” character references, the judge noted.

“I am satisfied that there are substantial and compelling circumstances which are exceptional and rare in your case which justify a non-custodial disposition.”

She imposed a two-year supervised community corrections order with 150 hours of unpaid work.

Milon was disqualified from driving for 18 months.

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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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148 High Street, Cranbourne 3977

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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NEWS

They want your blood Bakhtar Community Organisation gave away 30 second-hand refurbished bikes to new arrivals in Noble Park North on 11 December.

Gifts ride on a ‘brainwave’

By Sahar Foladi

Cranbourne is hosting a pop-up blood donation centre in December. 246730 Donors who donate between before 30 December can request a ‘Gift of Life’ gift tag to either ‘gift’ their donation to someone this Christmas or to encourage others to roll up their sleeves.

Gift of Life gift cards can also be downloaded online.

“We’re urging Australians to book a donation this festive season and make a huge difference to someone who needs it. Blood donation is one of the greatest gifts you can ever give, not just at Christmas time but all-year round,” Ms Giles said.

The Cranbourne Pop Up is located at Hall 1, Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Boulevard. Please visit lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre/vic/cranbourne-pop-up-donorcentre for more information and availability.

Bakhtar Community Organisation handed out 30 refurbished bikes for new arrivals from Afghanistan and Ukraine at an event in Noble Park North.

The organisation had received the bikes from their charity partner Brainwave Bikes, which retails second-hand bikes in Melbourne.

Bakhtar Community chief executive Bassir Qadiri said he was incredibly proud of their partners who played a major role in helping the organisation provide better services to those in need.

“We are targeting the newly arrived refugees as most of them do not have driver license and have difficulties in transportation, so this is a perfect opportunity to encourage them to use bikes.

“Through this initiative we aim to promote health and well-being and the culture of using bikes as a transport for short distance which has a huge impact on environment.

“As a not for profit, all proceeds go towards donating bicycles to families in need as well as supporting the charity Brainwave Australia.

The Bakhtar organisation has committed great service for the community of newcomers and provided support for more than 2200 Afghan and Ukrainian refugees.

It looks after refugees from educating them to connecting them to the right services available to them and providing them employment opportunities.

They’ve placed over 100 jobseekers into employment since January 2022.

Not only that, the organisation’s case manager has consulted over 500 families and individuals from the new arrivals and connected them to settlement services.

One of the major highlights of the organisation is they recently opened a second distribution centre in Hallam.

“It will also be used for regular women focus group, workshops, cultural awareness activities and art classes,” Mr Qadiri said.

12580180-JW49-22

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is encouraging Australians to give the gift of life this Christmas by rolling up their sleeves and donating blood.

At least 200 donors are needed to give the gift of life this season in Cranbourne.

With blood needed somewhere in Australia every 18 seconds, Lifeblood spokesperson Elle Giles said giving blood is a perfect gift idea.

“Donating blood doesn’t cost anything, but for a patient it is life changing,” Ms Giles said.

“For some, it could mean spending another Christmas with family and friends. For others, it will be the key to a fuller life.

“With one in three Aussies needing blood or blood products in their lifetime, our message this Christmas is to give a gift you know is on the top of someone’s wish list.”

The Cranbourne Pop Up particularly needs 200 donors, with most donors needed between 26 and 30 December.

The need for blood never stops.

There will be people in hospital over the Christmas and New Year period who will be relying on donated blood for serious accidents, surgery, complicated childbirths and plasma treatment.

“With many donors planning to travel over Christmas and the summer holiday period, we are urging people to donate so we can ensure that patients in hospital who need blood every day will receive the blood and blood products they need,” Ms Giles said.

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 27

NEWS

How to easily create KPIs TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH Something that seems none too common these days is the creation of staff objectives or key performance indicators (KPIs). This is a pity since these are a great way to align manager and staff member expectations on individual goals and to be specific on what constitutes a successful outcome.

So, why aren’t they done?

There are probably a few reasons for this: managers don’t see the need, managers don’t feel sufficiently well trained or equipped to adequately define and review these, things have worked OK in the past without them, this is only done by large corporations or perhaps the process is lengthy and cumbersome and of little value.

In practice, there are extremely few business-related activities that belong only with ‘large corporations’.

Instead, it is usually a question of scale, i.e., to what extent the activity is undertaken rather than should it be done at all, so if you agree with this, then the very last item effectively becomes the major stumbling block.

This article shows how to create these simply and easily, and once done, it is very easy to do the same thing thereafter.

There are two important precursors that must be known: 1. What is the business trying to achieve over the defined interval of time?

2. What are the organisational roles and responsibilities?

There is precious little point in setting indi-

There is precious little point in setting individual staff member objectives if the business has not defined objectives of its own, says Ian Ash. vidual staff member objectives if the business has not defined objectives of its own.

In fact, this can be a recipe for disaster as each individual manager may then set objectives which could well compromise or conflict with other manager’s objectives.

As we have noted in previous articles, the

better specified the business objectives, the more likely they are to be achieved and the same is true for individual KPIs as well.

It is essential that the organisational roles and responsibilities are well defined, ideally with each role (not person) having its own position description.

An important thing to bear in mind with position descriptions is that they should be very clear and specific about what the role is actually responsible for, not just what it does.

When you write a position description in this way, it then becomes independent of the tool, system or process that is used and focuses more on the specific outcomes that need to be achieved.

This has the big advantage that the position description does not need to be rewritten every time the tool, system or process changes.

When you think about a particular role, you will usually find that there are between three and six major functions associated with it and so it is a good idea to separate these in the position description and then simply bullet list the accountabilities associated with each.

For example, a key function of a sales manager is to document the sales strategy and planning for the business and so a key accountability is to ‘write the sales plan’.

Once the business goals have been defined and the position description is agreed with the staff member, then it is a relatively simple task to go through each of the business goals and determine which of these apply to person concerned.

One or more key performance indicators can then be produced for each of the relevant business goals. So, using the sales manager again as an example, if the business goal were to achieve annual review of $5 million, then two obvious KPIs would be: 1. Document a sales plan that shows how the company’s annual revenue target of $5m will be achieved by dd/mm/yy.

2. Achieve the company’s annual review of $5 million by 30/6/23.

The must be reviewed and agreed in advance otherwise the process won’t work.

Ian Ash is the managing director of OrgMent Business Solutions.

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WHAT’S ON Multicultural Senior Citizens Groups

dren are Blessed with a Special Gift.

No need for a portable chair or a picnic rug.

Watch us Live from the comfort of your own home or your Backyard Barbie, wherever in the world you may be.

Top-notch Indie Artists rally together to fill your hearts with Christmas Cheer. They represent the entire country Australia; including Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Adelaide & Perth; as well as the Rest of the World, including the Arizona Desert, Ohio, Texas and Nashville in the USA and also Ireland & Sri Lanka.

Gethsemane TV: gethsemane.com.au/gethsemane-tv Channel 31: ctvplus.org.au/content/melbourne-live Saturday 17 December 7.30pm – 9.30pm.

Coptic Carols by Candlelight

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.

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.

· · ·Child of the Year - Narre Warren

· · ·

· ·

Baby Show

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.

·

sire Creations are proud to present Our Lynbrook Festive Fun Day. And 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.

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.

·

LDTR Trail Maintenance Day We need you to join us on the trails.

Come help us get the trails open sooner so we can ride them.

Help us, to help you!

Meeting point: Parks Victoria Depot, Reservoir Road.

Saturday 17 December 8am to 3pm at Lysterfield Park.

· ·

Lynbrook Festive Fun Family Day

End of Year Christmas Neighbourhood Barbecue

A+D Party and Event Creations and Aroma De-

Come along to our free end of year Neighbour-

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/ narre-warren-baby-show-child-of-the-year Friday 16 December 11am - 2pm at Toymate Fountain Gate. 23 Brechin Drive, Narre Warren.

hood Barbecue celebration at Cranbourne West Community Hub. 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 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.

· ·

Clyde Carols By Candlelight

·

·

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and it’s time to shine some light into an otherwise dark world with Gethsemane’s 2022 Clyde Carols By Candlelight television spectacular, hosted by Kerrigan La-Brooy.

Be captivated by 30 appearances including spectacular performances by Cream of the Crop Entertainment, from Australia and Across the World. This Event will incorporate our Annual Gethsemane ‘Christmas Miracle’ where Chil-

Akoonah Park Wednesday Christmas Market The Wednesday pre-Christmas market will be returning again this year!

Come and grab some delicious food and drinks and enjoy some Christmas shopping with friends and family in a great local market atmosphere.

More information on stall categories to come.

Wednesday 21 December 9:00am - 3:00pm at Akoonah Park. 2 Cardinia St, Berwick.

Cranbourne Community Christmas Carols Join us for a night of festive fun for the whole family with live music, sausage sizzle, petting zoo, jumping castle & air toys, and a Christmas play!

Sunday 18 December at 6pm at the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church. Corner Russell and Childers Street, Cranbourne.

·

Become a foster carer

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 29

LOCAL NEWS EVERY WEEK

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

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STAR NEWS 31

NEWS

World champion and ‘Change Our Game’ ambassador Lauren Foote. 309489

Dynamic action in the Sovereigns v Westside Wreckers game. 309489

Wreckers player Jukebox hits a flat tune. 309489

Rollers promoting respect Despite playing under the theme of ‘Respect’, there were no beg-your-pardons at a recent roller derby match at Springers Leisure Centre.

There were inspiring speeches followed by plenty of bruising action as The Sovereigns from Kingston City Rollers took on the Footscray-based Westside Wreckers at the ‘Roll for Respect’ event on 3 December.

The proudly open-gender Rollers donned orange in support of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Guest speakers were Kingston mayor Hadi Saab, ‘Change Our Game’ ambassador and 2017 world champion roller-derby player Lauren Foote and Rollers player Raff.

‘Change Our Game’ is driving for more equality for women and marginalized genders in sport, Foote said.

“Initiatives like Roll for Support amplifies it’s normal to treat everybody with respect.

“I see a lot of people come to roller derby and find their inner power. Where they can be unapologetically aggressive, where they can be strong, can be tough.

“Feeling strong on the track helped me feel strong in my everyday life as well.”

Employment

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Positions Vacant

SUPPORTED JOBS and sponsored internships in:

• Positively impact the local community • Exciting time of strategic growth

Medical Receptionist - Part Time Hallam Medical Group is currently seeking a part time Medical Receptionist to work 2-3 days per week, mainly PM shifts. You will need to be flexible and required to fill in sometimes at short notice. Previous medical reception experience preferred but not essential.

If you feel you have the necessary skills and enjoy working as part of a busy but friendly & supportive team, we’d love to hear from you. Please email your CV to Practice Manager - c.johansson@hallamgp.com.au

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Key responsibilities: • Schedule appointments by phone & in person using Pracsoft computer software • Patient billing • Demonstrate an understanding of Medicare item billing • Ability to work as an effective team member

The Cardinia Foundation was established in 2004 with the vision of building strong, healthy and diverse communities. In partnership with the Cardinia Shire Council, the Foundation primarily supports local NFP groups in the provision of Grants including older persons, disability, disadvantaged, youth, arts, environment and men’s health across the Cardinia Shire region.

Executive Officer

Reporting to the Chair, the Fundraising Manager is a highly influential role and will be the face of the organisation. The appointee will create comprehensive campaigns and build brand awareness across the community.

Reporting to the Chair and working closely with the Fundraising Manager, the Executive Officer will provide administrative and financial stewardship, risk and governance advice, and secretariat service to the Board.

The aim is to generate revenue and a significant corpus through liaising with key stakeholders and leveraging strategic partnerships to produce sustainable contributions for the community.

Responsibilities include policy and procedure compliance,IT and database systems,general administration regular reporting and advising on Foundation outcomes and revenue generating activities.

If you are interested either of these exciting roles, please contact Peter Dakin on 0408 330 046 for a confidential discussion, visit our website www.dakinpartners.com.au/job board for the full job advert and to apply.

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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Sell it local Motoring

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The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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• Animal handling • Petting Zoo • Micro-business • Aquarium maintenance $25 p/h equiv.

Please note these are supported jobs and internships offered to young Victorians with neurodiverse barriers.

Neurodiverse and intellectual disability applicants encouraged to apply at: www.neurodiversity.org.au/careers Or phone (03) 5261 4172 Neurodiversity Victoria

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Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Kingston mayor Hadi Saab and deputy mayor Chris Hill with some of the roller-derby skaters. 309489

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Boats & Marine

QUICK CAT II (Dolphin) wooden 16' catamaran with registered galvanised trailer for best offer to $2,395. Boat is ready to sail and fair condition, including the rigging. Trailer is 15 years old. Has 13" wheels with 4 ply radial tyres. Not been in water.

Private seller, lost strength due to covid19, and nearly 80. Contact David Bucknell on 0407 046 877. Pickup from Narre Warren South.

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SPORT

South Eastern supremacy

By David Nagel Victorian racing’s power shift to the South East suburbs of Melbourne continued at Sandown Park Hillside on Saturday with seven of the nine winners being trained at Cranbourne or Pakenham.

Cranbourne’s Melbourne Cup winning team of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace landed a double with Detonator Jack and Right You Are, while Cranbourne stalwart Robbie Griffiths was on track to see exciting two-yearold filly Serasana make an impressive racetrack debut.

The beautifully bred daughter of Snitzel/ Twilight Royale – who cost $400,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sales - could hardly have been more impressive.

Serasana sat just off a hot speed before jockey Dean Yendall opened her up and she galloped away in the straight for a three-length victory over the 1000-metre trip.

Griffiths and his training partner Matt de Kock – who is currently in his homeland of South Africa getting married - will now freshen the filly before returning to Sandown for the rich Blue Diamond series early in the new year.

“She delivered today,” Griffiths said postrace.

“She’s a quality filly, she kicked off her career the right way.

“One thing Dean (Yendall) and I said before the race was the best part about her will be the conclusion of the race, she’s very strong at the completion of anything she’s done in her education.”

Serasana is bred in the purple, by winningmachine Snitzel out of a mare that won the Group 2 VRC Sires Stakes as a two-year-old.

Griffiths agreed that the $400,000 purchase now looked a bargain buy with bigger targets on the horizon.

“She’s (Serasana) got a lot of substance behind her, both in genetics and on talent, there’s a lot ahead of her,” he said.

“Possibly the (Blue Diamond) Preludes, we’ll see how she comes through, we won’t jump ahead of ourselves in planning, but it will be something pretty big.”

Pakenham trainers also had a big day at the office with gun-trainer Peter Moody scoring a winning double, with Life Lessons and

Exciting two-year-old filly Serasana races clear to win impressively on debut at Sandown Hillside on Saturday. 312180 Picture: MORGAN HANCOCK/RACING PHOTOS Sigh, while Phillip Stokes prepared Savannah Cloud to win race eight on the nine-race program.

But it was the win of eight-year-old gelding Never Again that held most prominence, continuing the rise of up-and-coming Pakenham trainer Reece Goodwin.

The former picnic-jockey, the son of wellrespected trainer Barry Goodwin, only secured his ticket in the early stages of this year.

Goodwin has mainly purchased tried horses to this point in time, but looks set for a very bright future in the sport.

Goodwin learnt his craft from spending

time at some prominent overseas stables before working with his dad for two years.

The weekend provided a great guide to Goodwin’s future prospects, with Never Again becoming his first metropolitan winner and becoming the second-leg of a weekend double after Sarnia scored at Cranbourne on Friday night.

Never Again was formerly trained by Clinton McDonald, and showed enough class to win the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes at Flemington in January 2021.

Racing returns to Sandown lakeside this Wednesday 14 December.

Right You Are gives Cranbourne trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace a winning double at Sandown. 312180 Picture: BRETT HOLBURT/RACING PHOTOS

Star pacer rocking and rolling to the Cranbourne Cup The good thing about a December Inter Dominion final is that it’s just the start of the feature racing splurge.

And we don’t have to wait long for our next “fix”.

Saturday night’s $100,000 Group 1 Cranbourne Cup will be a pearler.

Time will tell how many horses back-up from the Inter Dominion pacing final, but waiting for them will be arguably Victoria’s best pacer Rock N Roll Doo. Trainer-driver Mick Stanley confirmed his star would launch the biggest five months of his career at Cranbourne.

“He had a couple of weeks off after NZ and he’s raring to go again,” he said.

“We’re going to Cranbourne instead of the Vicbred series – we had to choose because the Cup clashes with the heats.

“We also like the idea of getting a string of staying races into him before the Hunter Cup, so he’ll go Cranbourne, Bendigo and then Ballarat before the Hunter Cup.” Beyond that, Stanley said the Miracle Mile and Cambridge’s “The Race” were Rock N Roll Doo’s major targets.

“Those slot races (WA and Cambridge) are on the same day,” he said.

“He wouldn’t really handle Gloucester Park and it’s easier to get to Auckland and then down to Cambridge, anyway.”

In other exciting news, dual NZ Cup winner Copy That is also headed back our way. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Rock N Rock Doo is settle to tackle the Group-1 Cranbourne Cup on Saturday night. 312694 Picture: SUPPLIED His managing owner Merv Butterworth confirmed the Ballarat and Hunter Cup were targets.

“He was terrific winning last Friday (at

Alexandra Park) and has another couple of races in NZ before we bring him across for Ballarat and the Hunter Cup,” he said.

“He won’t go to the Miracle.

“It’ll be back home to get ready for The Race after the Hunter Cup.” One horse we won’t see in those early Victorian features is Captain Ravishing.

He’s favourite in some Hunter Cup markets, but won’t run.

Connections have made it clear his next major target is the Chariots Of Fire with a likely pathway being through the Group 1 4YO Bonanza at Melton on February 4.

Captain Ravishing also won’t be going to either slot race – the Nullarbor at Gloucester Park or The Race at Cambridge – both on April 14.

Travel challenges and the clash of dates with The Race make it unlikely we will see many eastern states horses chase the inaugural Nullarbor.

So, that makes local star Magnificent Storm the top seed.

He showed another weapon with explosive gate speed to lead and easily win the Group 1 Village Kid Sprint at Gloucester Park last Friday night.

He is a clear pre-post favourite for the $300,000 Fremantle Cup (January 13) and $450,000 WA Pacing Cup (January 27).

Should he dominate through those races, it will be interesting if connections take their first interstate trip for a tilt at the Miracle Mile.

That’s probably unlikely, given he could stay home and prepare for the Nullarbor.

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 33

SPORT

Tigers on top of their game

By Jonty Ralphsmith A 99-run victory over Keysborough ensconces Beaconsfield in the upper echelon of the DDCA Turf 2 competition after a strong start to the season.

A 102-ball 96 to number-three Ashan Madushanka proves there is much more to the batting order than just a sturdy opening partnership.

Three consecutive 50-plus run opening stands between captain-coach Mark Cooper and anchor Tyler Clark had limited the opportunity of Beaconsfield’s middle order.

But after an injection of ‘Bazbal;’ from the opening pair early at Rowley Allan Reserve, when everything was punished to the boundary, Christo Otto got one to cut back off a length, dismissing Cooper.

With an affirmative defence and textbook cover drive which he executed on repeat throughout his innings, Madushanka set the pace of the innings, going through the gears as necessary.

His dismissal was as unfortunate as his knock was impactful, the left-hander run-out when he set off for the sort of single he and Clark took throughout their 157-run partnership, but one which Jesse Busacca did not want to take so early in his innings.

After hitting it to point, he set off, got halfway up the pitch and was turned back with no hope of regaining his ground.

A collective groan of frustration and disappointment came as the squad expected to cheer a century for their quiet teammate, but it was quickly replaced with warm applause and appreciation as the Beacy boys knew he had set up the match.

Madushanka and Clark both raced to 20 off just about a run a ball, Clark punishing the bowlers by leaning back on some back foot flushes and Madushanka opening up the offside in front of the wicket.

A change of bowlers brought about increased pressure, the scoring rate stalling as the first two overs offie Hennadige Fernando bowled were maidens, with Abhinay Motupalli complementing him up the other end.

But the left-hand, right-hand combination had laid the foundations on a flat deck and launched after drinks, scoring 18 runs in the first two overs after the break.

Singles in consecutive balls saw both players pass 50, but it was mostly Clark playing second fiddle, picking singles and hitting gaps, while Madushanka played with more confidence.

Madushanka got particularly ambitious just before his dismissal, hitting two leg-side sixes off spinners who bowled too straight.

Keysborough’s frustration and fatigue was palpable when ‘keeper Daniel McConville missed a stumping opportunity when Clark

Jake Cutting took two top-order wickets for Beaconsfield on Saturday. 311886 was on 68, though it only cost them four more runs.

At times during the big partnership, a score of 230-plus seemed inevitable, but their backto-back dismissals gave Keysborough a chance to pull it back, until a late flurry from Mitchell Tielen propelled them to 239.

Keysborough never looked likely in pursuit, losing three wickets to opening bowlers Callan Tout and Jake Cutting, before Madushanka’s left arm offies picked up three wickets.

“He was really impressive,” captain Cooper said of Madushanka.

“He went about his business but just did it longer than what he has done earlier in the season.

“I thought he really controlled the innings well and helped us get the score we needed.

“He’s a hard trainer so it is good to see him get rewarded.”

Meanwhile, at Casey Fields, Cranbourne suffered its third loss in four weeks, this time

Picture: ROB CAREW

against a rebounding Doveton.

It means Cranbourne, so long the pace-setters of the Turf Two competition, sit mid-pack, just outside the four almost halfway through the season.

It puts some question marks around where Cranbourne sit in the Turf Two competition, after so long being the pacesetters of the home and away season in the competition.

They’ve added the fearless Harsaroup Singh to ease the pressure off the Sweeney brothers and the recruitment of Jakeb Thomas and Jayden Scotland has strengthened their fast bowling stocks.

The view is that they are still the barometer of the competition, and captain Mick Sweeney said the club is still confident despite some underwhelming results.

“We haven’t been far away, there’s no need to panic, it’s a long season and we play all these teams again, we’re not far away from (having) one loss and being towards the top - I think

(this week) is the first time we got outplayed,” Sweeney said.

The skipper highlighted the need for greater output from the medium pacers after strong outings from spinners in recent weeks, including a seven-wicket haul to Peter Sweeney.

“It’s a really tight season, you just go about trying to improve yourself and focusing on the process and the ladder will take care of itself,” he said.

“We know where we need to improve and a good performance against Beaconsfield would just be the tonic for it.”

Cranbourne lost 8/38 after the loss of its third wicket, Ryan Hendy, who has shouldered much of the bowling load for Doveton in recent weeks, rewarded with 4/27 off 12 overs of his off-spin.

“I’ve played cricket with him for the best part of 15 years and he gets better and better,” said captain Nathan Wilson.

“He knows his game inside-out and on a wicket that gave the spinner a bit of help, he excels - for a 40-year-old, he goes alright!”

Wilson claimed three wickets while Kenny Smart got the Sweeney boys in consecutive deliveries to incite the collapse.

Peter Sweeney top-scored with an hourlong 33 in Cranbourne’s first innings effort of 115 before Kaine Bundy cautiously guided the visitors to a five-wicket victory with 20 off 109.

The result is an important one for Wilson’s men who started the season missing plenty of soldiers, but have proclaimed they will be a stronger side after Christmas and just need to bank some early points to contend for finals.

Beating Cranbourne, a week after inflicting the same fate on Parkfield, adds substance to the internal belief.

“The turnaround’s been massive,” Wilson added.

“The first two games it was a little bit to do with personnel but we have some pieces back and the confidence is really high now.”

Parkfield limped to 122 against Narre Warren, which the visitors chased down easily, for the loss of just one wicket and with 13 overs to go.

While Narre Warren keep pace with the rest of the competition, it puts Parkfield firmly at the bottom of the table, with its clash against seventh-placed Keysborough this week perhaps one which will prove telling when it comes to relegation.

In the other turf two game, Lyndale’s top five shared around the runs, all passing 25 as it made 9/228.

Himesh Galhenage Don again looked on early after scoring a century last week against Keysborough, hitting three over the fence before being dismissed for 32 off 17.

Surien Silva then made easy work of HSD, claiming six scalps off his 9.5 overs to help consign the visitors to a 74-run defeat.

Casey-South Melbourne well represented in Vic squad

By Jonty Ralphsmith Casey South Melbourne is well-represented in both Under-19 Victorian squads to play at the National Championships in South Australia from 14-22 December.

Batter Harrish Kannan will represent Vic Metro, while tweaker Liam O’Connor and right-arm quick Devlin Webb are in the Vic Country squad.

Kannan has produced two half-centuries under immense pressure in the firsts for Will Carr’s men this season, showing an ability to consolidate, build an innings, and use his firepower towards the end of the innings.

The youngster has been a staple of the middle order so far this season, averaging 45.6 from five knocks, with 86 off 136 against Ringwood and 98 off 152 against Melbourne University both being rescue missions when early wickets had fallen.

Kannan’s left-arm chinaman bowling is also worth watching.

“He’s matured so much and has gone from strength to strength as a person and player,” teammate Jackson Fry said.

“He’d play seven days a week if he could.”

34 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

Harrish Kannan has a knack of scoring runs when the team needs them most. 309946 Picture: STAR NEWS Webb has worked his way into the First XI for Casey-South Melbourne off the back of some improvement at the lower levels.

He has three wickets from each of his previous two First XI games, demonstrating his skill-level is up to standard, and he got an important 30 off 39 last weekend against

Fitzroy-Doncaster, batting at 10.

O’Connor, meanwhile, has been so far unable to break into the Casey-South Melbourne First XI, given Ruwantha Kellapotha picks himself.

He has however played two Vic Super Slam matches for his club, going at an econ-

omy rate of 6.5 in the six overs he’s bowled across both T20s.

The young leggie is quick and controlled through the air with a nasty wrong’un.

He so far has seven wickets from his four second XI matches this season, going at an economy rate of 4.2, highlighted by a spell of 4/37 against Melbourne University.

“He’s a really good kid who works really hard,” Fry said.

“He trains ‘til it’s almost dark at 8-9pm while we’re all in having a beer.

“I can see him playing 100 if not more first XI games, he’s got a very bright future.”

Fry has also worked with developing left arm quick Harry Hoekstra.

A product of South Gippsland, he has been honing his craft at Casey-South Melbourne and was named in the 14-player Vic Country Under-17 squad to compete in the National Championships from 16-23 January in Hobart.

Meanwhile, Dandenong bowler Josh Sawrey was named in the Under-19 Vic Country squad and the club is unrepresented in the Under-17 National Championships. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Fry, Manders chalk up tons

By Jonty Ralphsmith It was the fitting celebration.

In his 100th match for Casey-South Melbourne, Jackson Fry got two top-order wickets in a similar manner to so many others throughout his career: with steady and smart bowling after a sustained build-up of pressure.

The left-arm quick’s two scalps came after Nathan Lambden got the wicket of Camberwell Magpies’ opener Chris Thewlis first ball, which was symbolic of the visitors’ dominance.

A bowler who has long been loyal to his Premier Cricket side, Fry is highly valued internally, close friend and teammate Luke Manders setting up the celebrations with a swashbuckling 150 not out.

“In recent times, he has grown into a spearhead for us, a leader of our bowling unit, he’s very reliable,” said Manders.

“He’s not overly quick but if he’s not getting wickets, he’s bowling in partnerships with someone who is.

“He’s a bit of a ‘Mr Fix It’ who you can fall back on if batters are getting away - he’s passionate, hard-working and he’ll bowl all day for you.”

After several starts in the first few games of the season, Manders carried his bat and his 22 boundaries including six maximums off 162 balls.

“He batted beautifully,” Fry said of Manders.

“He was a bit slow to start on a pitch that was pretty tricky, a bit two-paced.

“He played with soft hands and once he got going, he went from 100 to 150 in (22) balls so he ramped it up which was a pleasure to watch.”

Following some ill-fortune with his dismissals in recent weeks for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield, Ash Chandrasinghe returned to his Premier Cricket Club with the four-day state competition taking a hiatus.

He opened up with Manders but was unable to cash in, dismissed for 10 off 11 balls.

Spinner Ruwantha Kellapotha was promoted to number three and proved his batting credentials at Vic Premier Cricket level, playing second-fiddle to Manders in a 192-run partnership.

Kellapotha finished with 85, his late dismissal bringing Lachlan Sperling to the crease

Jackson Fry has been a key part of Casey-South Melbourne in recent years. 259762 who capitalised on a fatigued bowling attack, smashing 25 off 11 balls.

He and Manders took the 47th over for 25 runs, with at least one boundary scored in each of the last seven overs, a period Casey South Melbourne scored at better than two runs a ball.

The mammoth total set up the Casey South Melbourne bowlers well to supercharge the result.

Kellapotha picked up 3/27 while young quick Devlin Webb, who is new to the Premier Cricket firsts scene for Casey South Melbourne, got a confidence-boosting three wickets.

Manders added that Fry brings great energy to the group.

“I could talk about ‘Jacko’ all day, he’s a great friend, he does some funny stuff and he doesn’t mean to do it,” he said.

Picture: STAR NEWS

“On the weekend he was running in to bowl and took his vest off and realised he was still wearing his warm-up shirt!”

Manders is among four close mates who Fry has helped bring to Casey-South Melbourne, a list which also includes Luke Shelton, Michael De Iacovo and Callum Dodson.

Fry said his consistency has grown during his seven years at the club and he values getting the most out of himself, adding that he still has a few years left in his legs to help Casey-South Melbourne break its premiership drought.

“A lot of people have told me along the way that I’ve been unlucky because I might have beaten the bat, but it is good, anytime you can contribute to a side when you’re winning is a great thrill,” he said.

“That half an hour after the game when you can sit down and reflect and know you’ve

helped the win is the best part about it.”

Meanwhile, Dandenong’s sorry season continues, falling by seven wickets to Carlton at home to remain winless and planted firmly at the bottom of the table.

Stalwart Brett Forsyth was dismissed cheaply, but 50s to Sahun Perera, Ben Allison and Gehan Seneviratne gave the hosts something to work with at Shepley Oval.

However, none were able to kick on, all dismissed soon after passing the milestone.

Dandenong, defending 210, then found wickets hard to come by, with each Carlton partnership exceeding 35, all coming at a decent run-rate as the visitors controlled the run-chase, reaching the total with 29 balls to spare.

Allison was the pick of the bowlers with 1/23 off 10.

Make that eight straight for a high-flying Cranbourne CRANBOURNE BOWLS Cranbourne played away against Burden Park on a first-class bowling green surface and had to fight hard to overcome some very strong opponents to keep its unbeaten record intact.

Five Cranbourne sides recorded wins over the weekend which was a great result for the club with just one last game to be played this week before the break.

WEEKEND PENNANT - ROUND 5 Side 1 Division 2 Sec 8 What an exciting game this was with very little between the sides all day.

Team Captain Jay Tootell pleaded with his Cranbourne team mates to find something special at the tea break.

“We need to build our character and find our resilience and let the opposition know they are playing against a team that never lies down without a fight,” Tootell said.

And that is exactly what they did with three rinks not giving an inch and losing by small margins while Lyn Quigg and his team tore the opposition apart and won by 18 shots giving Cranbourne victory overall by 11 shots.

As mentioned, the big winner of the day was the team of Garry Hunt, Peter ‘The Anchor-man’ Elgar, Doug Boggie and skip Lyn Quigg who won by 18 shots.

Cranbourne 78 (12 points) defeated Burden Park 67 (6 points) Side 2 Division 3 Sec 8 An outstanding win at home against Carrum taking full points and making a charge up the ladder.

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cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Cranbourne 84 (14 points) defeated Noble Park 42 (2 points) Side 6 Division 8 Sec 6 (12 a side) Full points against Parkdale/ Clayton rounded off a great day for Cranbourne.

The big winner of the day was skip Mick Feeley, John Anstiss, Bruce Canavan and Olive Stanley who won by seven shots.

Cranbourne 64 (16 points) defeated Parkdale/Clayton 47 (0 points) MID-WEEK PENNANT The day started out as usual with people withdrawing due to illness and we were working the phones to find replacements for them. Under grey and cloudy skies, and even a light shower of rain, we ventured out for roll up.

The sun eventually broke through, the weather warmed and with three (3) Cranbourne teams playing at home on the front greens the atmosphere was high as the combatants started their games.

Side 1 Division 2 Sec 6 Cranbourne 1 played Royal Melbourne Golf 1 on the synthetic green with the team of Harry Van Soest, Gerry Dudink, Garry Hunt and Vic Butera claiming a nine-shot victory.

The team of Lois Brock, Chris Stevenson, Allen Skurrie and Gwen Scott also had a nineshot victory.

Overall Cranbourne 1 took the win by getting up two rinks to one.

Cranbourne 1 (64) defeated Royal Melbourne Golf 1 (58) Plus 6 shots and 14 points.

Cranbourne 2 took on their beachside op-

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Side 1 captain Jay Tootell lays down the law to his Cranbourne team. 312181 Picture: SUPPLIED Skip Brian Gay and his team of Bob Pyne, John Stanley and Fred Scicluna were amazing winning by a massive 24 shots.

Cranbourne 96 (18 points) defeated Carrum 49 (0 points) Side 3 Division 4 Sec 8 Cranbourne had a great battle with Mulgrave CC but came up short by 16 shots.

The team of skip Harry Van Soest, Denis Tomlin, Maree Taylor and Scott De Piazza won by 10 shots which was a great effort.

Cranbourne 66 (2 points) lost to Mulgrave CC 82 (16 points) Side 4 Division 7 Sec 8 Cranbourne (18 points) defeated Burden Park 3 by Walkover (0 points) Side 5 Division 8 Sec 7 (12 a side) A huge win by 42 shots was a great result for this side The standout win was by skip Cheryl Wright and her team of Andrew Brock, Kristi Hickson and Lesley Deal who won by 23 shots.

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ponents Carrum 1 on the front green.

The game was tight and all three rinks had a battle on their hands, but eventually Cranbourne steadied enough to win on all three rinks.

The teams skipped by Chris Deal, Cheryl Wright and John Kent finished up winning by eight shots, seven shots and six shots respectively for a total of plus 21 shots and 16 pennant points.

Cranbourne 2 (68) defeated Carrum 1 (47) Cranbourne 3 played at home as well and took on Mulgrave CC 6 and won the day with all three rinks up.

Best rink was skipped by Jay Tootell, with Yvonne Van Der Wees, John Stanley and Brian Caddell who won by 20 shots.

Cranbourne 3 (77) defeated Mulgrave CC 6 (49) Plus 28 shots and 16 points Cranbourne 4 travelled to Dandy Club and try hard as they did, they were outclassed by their opponents.

Still there are many new bowlers in this team in their first season of not just pennant, but playing bowls altogether.

Give them a few years, and they will become very good players.

Cranbourne 4 (38) were defeated by Dandy Club 4 (95) Minus 57 shots and zero points.

Congratulations to one and all and we just keep trying to do the best we can.

Go Cranny.

-Garry Hunt and Derek Maguire-

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Thursday, 15 December, 2022

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STAR NEWS 35

SPORT

Top two flex their muscle

By David Nagel Pakenham and Tooradin continue to set a hot pace at the top of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) Premier Division ladder with both delivering in emphatic style on the weekend.

The undefeated Lions reduced Cardinia’s brittle batting line-up to rubble, while the Gulls rode a magnificent all-round performance from Josh Lownds to a thumping victory over Kooweerup.

PAKENHAM 126 V CARDINIA 105 Mesmerising performances from skipper Dale Tormey (18.2-7-4-30) and Jason Williams (3114-4-46) have propelled undefeated Pakenham (126) to a magnificent victory over Cardinia (105) at Gunton Oval.

The Lions under-performed on day one, but drew on the belief of an undefeated season to gun down the Bulls on their home deck.

Williams bowled unchanged from one end, while Tormey took over after an eight-over stint from Tommy Tyrrell (12-6-2-27) to lead his team to a memorable triumph.

“It’s right up there, you’d put that up there with the Tooradin win from earlier in the season,” Tormey explained.

“I said that to the boys after the game; that these are the type of wins that you can fall back on later, when things get tough and tense come finals time.

“Winning is contagious and if you win the tight ones you don’t tend to panic as much when those situations arise again.

“It’s a good habit to get into, that’s for sure.”

Off-spinner Williams opened the bowling and contained the Bulls brilliantly, bowling 14 maidens in a high-class display of slow bowling.

Tormey threw him the new rock for good reason.

“He (Williams) was super, obviously he opened the week before because we thought he was good match up with Alex (Nooy), spinning the ball away from the left-hander,” Tormey said.

“But basically we just took a leaf out of their book, they didn’t bowl amazing wicket balls, but they didn’t bowl badly, and that was the key for us.

“It’s a small ground at Cardy; if you bowl bad balls you get punished.”

Nooy (31) top-scored for the Bulls, while skipper Jake Prosser (11) and Nathan Volpe (18) threatened to stop the Lions in their tracks with a 24-run stand for the sixth wicket.

At 5/92, chasing 126, the Bulls were in the box seat, but the Lions refused to buckle.

“We were all very calm, the young boys were up and about, and we believed if we got on a roll, got a couple of quick ones, that we’d put them on the back-foot, given they’ve had a few low scores recently,” Tormey said.

“Boof (Williams) gets through his overs quickly, I have a short run up as well, so we tick through the overs and that can apply pressure as well.

“Dot ball pressure in all forms of the game is what we’re looking for.”

Williams claimed four vital scalps, with Nooy, Prosser, Bradey Welsh (9) and Leigh Paterson (3) among his victims.

The Lions head to bottom-of-the-ladder Clyde this week, while the Bulls host an also spluttering Kooweerup.

KOOWEERUP 199 V TOORADIN 5/302(DEC) Josh Lownds is emerging as a key weapon in the title defence of Tooradin (5/302dec) after the gifted all-rounder completed a career-best performance against Kooweerup (199) at Denhams Road on Saturday.

Lownds, who took 5/48 and finished 57 not out on day one, completed his inauguration with an even century (100) that built the platform for first-innings points.

Brad Butler (73) earned the title of ‘Best Supporting Act in a Thrashing’, while Tyler Evans (29 not out) and super-impressed skipper Cal O’Hare (49) were well-performing extras.

“He (Lownds) is a very good cricketer and always had the potential to be one of the best players in the league, and this year we’re seeing what he can do,” O’Hare said.

“He’s in a really good place off field and that’s helping his cricket a lot.

“It’s great to see him finally reach his full 36 STAR NEWS

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Build him a statue! Jason Williams bowled unchanged from one end to lead Pakenham to an incredible victory over Cardinia. 311879 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS potential…it’s great for the team and great for him as well.”

The Seagulls seem to be cruising at the moment, with depth in all departments, but O’Hare can see one or two things derailing the opportunity of back-to-back glory.

“Two things, we’ve got to get our bodies right – we’ve got too many injuries at the moment – and we need to start holding our catches,” he said.

“We’ve put down four or five chances in the last three or four games, and that’s going to cost us big time if we put down the wrong players.

“Drop (Dale) Tormey or (Chris) Smith in a final and they’re going to make you pay.

“We’re definitely not playing at our best, and that’s exciting that we’ve still got room to improve.”

But, overall, the Gulls’ imposing leader is highly impressed with his chargers.

“Our strength has been having a lot of contributors the whole way down the list,” he said.

“Blokes like Brad Butler, he’s an exciting cricketer and is still improving every game, BJ (Ben Parrott), has been fantastic, and young Tyler Evans is making a significant contribution as well.”

The Gulls head to Officer this week, while the Demons will look to bounce back from two consecutive losses when they head to archrivals Cardinia.

Rob Maskiell (2/11) and Gamini Kumara (2/44) were the best of the Demons bowling attack…that welcomes back trump-card Luke McMaster this weekend.

OFFICER 9/210 V MERINDA PARK 208 Officer (9/210) and Merinda Park (208) have done it again.

After the Bullants survived a last-ball thriller against the Cobras on Sunday 16 October, this time they prevailed again with a one-wicket win in their first run-chase for the season.

A hard-hitting half century from Jas Gill (68 off 53 balls) and an overdue return to form for Nick McLennan (60) set the Bullies on the path to victory.

The Cobras fought back through stirring efforts from Sas Perera (3/62), Andy Martin (2/16) and Josh Phillips (2/35), but late heroics from Leigh Boyle (12) and Nick Whitelaw (11 not out) got the Bullants across the line.

Keeper Whitelaw, who whipped off the bails

Thursday, 15 December, 2022

to secure the first victory back in October, was at it again, playing a ramp shot for two to give the Bullants their third win of the season.

“I don’t know what it is between us and them, they’ve both been very close, but I think we almost shot ourselves in the foot on the weekend,” said Officer skipper Ash Smith.

“We were going along well and then gave away a few wickets to make it tight, and that’s something we’ve done consistently over the years.

“We can’t seem to win one convincingly.

“Our attitude is always to maintain wickets and not lose wickets in clumps, but we’ve got a couple of guys that bat pretty much the same way each week.

“Jas Gill hit his third ball almost into the tennis courts at Officer, that’s how he bats, and he got us off to a flyer, but then we lost wickets and made it interesting.”

McLennan, with uninspiring scores of 0, 3, 5 and 0 in his previous four knocks, would then anchor the innings.

“He was copping a bit of stick, and when he got to seven he turned around and said, ‘that’s my highest score for the season, what’s that say about you blokes’,” Smith said with a laugh.

“He was good fun on the weekend and played a crucial role.”

Smith and the Bullants have now set the bar high.

“We’ve got a lot of room for improvement, and we’re really hunting that fourth spot now, and we’re pretty confident we can get there,” he said.

CLYDE (199) V CARLISLE PARK (263) A growing confidence is developing at Carlisle Park (263) after a five-wicket haul to Senal De Silva (17-3-5-36) launched the Vikings to a 64-run victory over Clyde (199) at Ramlegh Reserve.

Not even a fighting century – that included 13 fours and one six - from reigning Team of the Year member Jason Hameeteman (106) could deny the Vikings from banking their second-consecutive victory…their only two wins for the season.

“We obviously got off to a pretty slow start, but we’ve got a few new recruits and everyone is starting to come together well,” said skipper Teddy Fonseka.

“We’ve had some really good performances; Shalika (Karunanayake) got his ton last week and Senal (De Silva) took five wickets in the

Noah Parraga and Nick Whitelaw celebrate Officer’s thrilling win over Merinda Park. 311881 same game, so it’s building nicely.

“They’re really good cricketers, and were always going to come to the fore, it was just a matter of time before they showed their class.”

Remarkably, if the Vikings can beat Merinda Park this week, they could head to the break in fourth position after languishing in last place prior to round six.

“That was always the goal for us, to play finals, and we knew we would slowly build into the season and play our best cricket over time,” Fonseka said.

“It’s been good to get the last couple of wins and hopefully be in the four by Christmas.

“There’s still some very good teams around, Tooradin for example, but it looks like the middle spot is available and hopefully we can sneak in there.”

Fonseka has been thrilled with the performance of a long-list of recruits that have transformed the Vikings playing list.

“Mahie (Bodahandi) got 50 and batted well with Shalika last week; Ben (Perry) is a classy player, and all the other recruits have chimed in nicely at times,” he said.

“Ravi (Kodithuwakku) was a very big loss, but the guys we brought into the team have made up that difference, and then some.

“The club did extremely well to attract talent, especially finishing bottom last year, to attract that talent has been an amazing effort from the club.”

De Silva was the clear standout for the Vikings, with Bodahandi (2/48) also chiming in, while Kane Avard (27) provided most support to Hameeteman in the ill-fated run-chase. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au