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Thursday, 16 March, 2023

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Chamber out of hibernation

Case thrown out

Rivals set for showdown

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SPORT

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Support services feeling the pinch

Housing stress By Emily Chapman Laing Housing stress continues to torment Casey residents, according to new data. Data collected by Digital Finance Analytics (DFA) Principal Martin North reports 76.5 per cent of renters are in rental stress as of February 2023. This shocking number comes as no surprise as rental property prices boom, with two bedroom homes in Clyde going for up to $500 per week, and family four-bedroom homes in Cranbourne reaching up to $900 per week. A Facebook post asking locals about their housing situation exploded with tenants and landlords alike divulging their grievances. “Our real estate has just increased our rent $130 per calendar month,” local resident Sabrina Rogers said. “[I] realised Cranbourne is getting too expensive and we won’t be able to afford to live here much longer.” “The only place you will find less than $380 per week is the streets,” local woman Meryem Rustemi said. “We were paying $400 per week and just moved out, and [the agents] have put [our house] on the market for $550 per week,” Botanic Ridge local Ashleigh Bradshaw said. “Rent in my estate in Clyde North is $550$680 per week, yet the area doesn’t even have any reception at all, the schools are overfilled and the streets are jammed with traffic,” said resident Elizabeth Cook. Rental increases are causing immense grief

for tenants, especially those who have to front the additional costs while issues with their houses are ongoing. “My rent went from $400 per week to $440,” local woman Jodie Cupiid said. “We have no blinds, our ensuite was leaking causing mould and mushrooms to grow in the master bedroom, which caused me to get sick. “We turned the heater on and it sparked a fire and shut down. “We have kept the property clean and tidy and never ask for [the landlord] to fix small things, my hubby does that. “Our toilet is faulty, our taps in the bathroom don’t turn off properly and the faulty heater hasn’t been removed either. “We are working flat out now to buy our own little place.” Ms Cupiid isn’t the only one facing the challenge of getting maintenance issues fixed. The difficulty in getting simple and necessary maintenance around rental properties done seems an incessant issue. “We didn’t ask our landlord to fix a lot of things, we did it ourselves and now rent is going up $100 per fortnight,” said Richard Hawkins. “When we moved into our rental there was a trove of maintenance issues that we were told would be fixed immediately,” a local renter said. “Almost a year later and we are still waiting, even though we have told the agent about it plenty of times. Continued page 2

Lyla and Bella compete in the Grade 5 dressage class. 323574 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Riders show off their skills Tooradin Dalmore Pony Club held its Dressage Day on Sunday 12 March. The event, an annual fundraiser run by

the club, enjoyed beautiful weather and more than 100 riders. Story page 12

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Household budget squeeze By Eleanor Wilson The domino effect of the soaring cost of living continues to plague Casey residents, with local support services the latest to feel the pinch. Executive officer at Community Information and Support Cranbourne (CISC), Leanne Petrides, said the organisation is operating at a deficit to keep up with demand for their services, which includes financial counselling and crisis support. The not-for-profit is currently spending more than double its daily budget on crisis support, which provides struggling community members with food, fuel vouchers, baby goods and chemist prescriptions. “We’re constantly looking at ways we can minimise costs and tighten our belts, but we have to balance that with supporting our vulnerable community members,” she said. “The only way to do that is by operating at a deficit and we can probably do that this financial year as we have had some extra funding come through. “But it’s going to be very difficult moving forward.” Stretched by a combination of the highest inflation in 30 years and a 10th consecutive interest rate hike, Ms Petrides estimates demand for the emergency relief service has increased by over 30 per cent in the last year, and with it, the scope of clients accessing the crisis support service is also broadening. “We all know that cost of living increases are squeezing household budgets and what we’re actually seeing now is not only an increase in the number of people accessing our services… but we’re also seeing an increase in the number of people who are either new to the service or have never accessed services before. “We’re also seeing more people on wages, people who are working, and their wages are not making ends meet so they’re having to access support services to try to fill these gaps. “Most people who access our financial counselling services are also wage earners -

CISC executive officer Leanne Petrides said the not-for-profit’s financial counselling services get busier “every single day”. 179836 some are juggling multiple debts just to try to keep afloat.” The rise of buy now, pay later schemes, which allow customers to pay for items in multiple installments, is also proving to be a catch-22 for families finding it tough. “We’re seeing more and more people who are juggling multiple buy now pay later schemes and even doing things like purchasing vouchers from the supermarket on Afterpay and then utilising them for food just to

try to keep afloat, but unfortunately they are slowly, slowly sinking.” The organisation, which services residents in Cranbourne, Hampton Park, Clyde, Lynbrook and Tooradin, is at a critical juncture, Ms Petrides said, ahead of the Federal Budget in May. She said CISC will desperately need more emergency relief funding to keep up with demand in the next financial year. “I can’t see [the issue] improving in the near

future. I’ve been in this role for 24 years and this is certainly one of the most challenging times I’ve witnessed in terms of demand and juggling of multiple issues. “The increasing complexity of issues that people are coming in with, and Covid exasperated that, with mental health, employment instability and family violence issues; if we’re looking at cost of living pressures, I predict it’s probably going to get worse for a couple of years.”

Residents facing housing stress as rental prices climb repayments and can’t even do anything for themselves like put a door handle back on,” landlord Sarah Eccles said. DFA data reports 35.7 per cent of borrowers in mortgage stress, and 48.2 per cent of households in financial stress. These figures are supported by further data which shows that rental payments make up 34.2 per cent of local renters’ monthly disposable income, while mortgage repayments take a whopping 41.3 per cent. According to the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, households are in housing affordability stress “when the household is paying more than 30 per cent of its in-

of housing-related stress are investors who have paid off their properties, with a housing stress percentage of 24 per cent, less than one third the percentage of renters. While landlords confront the hoards of unhappy tenants, they continue to raise the paradoxical problem: that without landlords, there are no houses for tenants. “If there were no investors buying rental properties there would be no housing,” said Val Aarts. “We’re $1000 out of pocket as landlords since the rate hikes but haven’t increased the rent,” said local landlord Jacky Johnson. “But without landlords where are the renters supposed to live?”

come in housing costs”. “Landlords pay all the agent fees, insurance, rates, etc, not to mention the out of pocket costs for safety checks, repairs and whatever the mortgage is,” Ms Eccles said. Other residents have argued that the risks and costs associated with being a landlord shouldn’t affect the tenants. “I’m a landlord of several properties and I made sure I could afford what I buy,” said Jessica Davis. “I don’t expect my tenants to flip the bill when I can’t afford it. That’s just being a parasite.” Unsurprisingly, members of the community who experience the least amount

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From page 1 “We have fixed what we can, but some things need professionals, which we shouldn’t have to pay for. “We spend half our income on our house, we expect the landlords to keep things working.” Being a homeowner isn’t smooth sailing either, local landlords say. “Mortgages aren’t cheap. Everything is getting ridiculous, everywhere,” said local Olly Leo. “Everything associated with being a landlord has increased,” one landlord said. “Not to mention most tenants want a mega mansion for ¼ of the price of mortgage

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NEWS

Chamber out of hibernation By Emily Chapman Laing March will see the re-emergence of the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce (CCC) – after their Covid “hibernation” period – one which comes with a new face. Newly appointed chamber president Ian Wood will give the keynote speech at the upcoming We Are Stronger Together event on Tuesday 28 March at 7pm. “It’s a new year and [we are ready] to ramp it up and get it going and growing,” Mr Wood said. “The more people that get involved the better.” The long-time local has lived in the area for almost 25 years, which has given him insight into the challenges Cranbourne businesses face. “I see the issues,” he said. “I can testify to the traffic issues, I’m out and about, I talk to a lot of people.” Mr Wood has courageously taken over the presidency from Jeremy Dart, despite running his own business, caring for his family and battling skin cancer. “It’s been a bit daunting,” he admitted. “I’m trying to be patient and do things as I can. “The committee has been great, they’ve been very helpful.” After a lull in the chamber during the pandemic, the group is looking forward to bringing important networks and support services back to local businesses. “We’ve started from scratch again and tried to build [the chamber] back up. “It’s going to be business-focused and membership fees have been set very low. “I’m going to try and get around as many people as I can. “Hopefully with this event, the enthusi-

Surf FM’s Ian Wood is stepping up into the role of Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president. 323215 asm, the revving it up, we’ll see more people involved.” While he only plans to hold the presidency for one year or so, Mr Wood has been rallying local politicians, police and businesses to ensure the chamber’s success in 2023. The CCC is promoting “equal opportunities for businesses”, “meaningful and relevant” support for members and an “achievementfocused” approach as they “embrace the diversity” of the Cranbourne business community. Mr Wood is excited to then see younger members in the chamber step up. “They are the people we want to run the chamber going forward. “Fresh perspective, new ideas. This is what we need.”

With new vice president Judy Davis joining Mr Wood in the reignition of the chamber, 2023 is set to see a more “proactive” commerce scene, centered on “local businesses and local issues”, chiefly the concerns business owners have around crime rates in the area. “The crime is a problem in this area,” Mr Wood said. “Talking to local police and local businesses is big.” With Mr Wood leading the way, and a “passionate” committee in tow, businesses are being encouraged to join the chamber for their only free event of the year. The We Are Stronger Together event, to be held at CCC 2022 Local Business of the Year L’Arte Central Cafe, is a chance for local business owners to gather, network, share ideas

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

and find referral partners. Mr Wood stressed the need for business representatives to gather face-to-face. “We’re planning five events this year, to get people face-to-face,” he said. “Getting people in a big group to talk, exchange ideas, exchange business cards.” The event will host guest speaker CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia Mark Watt, who works to give at-risk young people positive role models and vital social support. Mr Wood says registrations are essential, as 20 spaces for the event have been taken since registrations opened, half of the expected attendance for the event. The CCC is hoping to reach 100 member registrations in 2023.

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Thursday, 16 March, 2023

STAR NEWS 3

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NEWS

Nuisance trees despised By Emily Chapman Laing The residents of Litchfield Way are buried in leaves and sap sucking insects. “We cannot have these trees in our street anymore,” said resident Lynne Bolle. “We’ve all got so much build-up of leaves, it’s an overfill for the garbage.” “Everyone is just so frustrated,” said Cheree, another resident of Litchfield Way. Litchfield Way in Lynbrook has been the site of a six-year-long petition by residents to have infested Wallangarra White Gums removed from their street. The trees are home to an infectious number of insects called psyllids, whose sap draining habits cause the gums to defoliate. The psyllids also produce white, sticky coverings, called lerps, which residents find are clinging to everything in sight. “[They] stick to everything, to the cars, to your shoes,” said Brendan Bolle. “The leaves stick to your feet because they still have the sticky stuff on them.” The lerps drop in masses upon windshields, with locals in an endless cycle of removing them. Residents of the Cranbourne East Hunt Club Estate have found themselves at the brunt of this issue over the summer. “The psyllids have never been present before, this is the first year I’ve seen this,” said Hunt Club resident Kelly. “But the paths were sticky, the roads are sticky and they stick like crazy to the dogs when walking them.” After a small triumph in having a small number of problematic trees removed back when the petition began in 2017, the momentum was cut short when Casey councillors were dismissed. “The agreement was that during [summer] they were going to street sweep regularly and cut the limbs off of the trees that are actually overflowing onto houses,” Cheree said. The dissolution of the council left the residents of Litchfield Way in the wind. “We kind of lost traction when the council disappeared,” said Cheree. Defoliating trees have caused a massive build-up of leaf litter on the local road, as well as blocking drainpipes and gutters. Moreover, residents’ yards are coated in leaves, and it never ends. “Even green new leaves are dropping,” said Mr Bolle. “[The council] admitted they planted the wrong type of gum tree, and it was only our street that has this particular species. “It takes so much time cleaning them up. It’s out of control.” On the other side of town, Hunt Club resident Lynn Marsh is likewise finding herself at odds with the falling leaves. “I arrived home late [Tuesday 28 February] to find the whole street covered literally covered in leaves and branches like a tornado had been through, I’ve never seen it this bad,” she said.

Leaves cover everything in sight. Picture: SUPPLIED

Litchfield Way resident Cheree, front, with neighbours who have been waiting six years to remove Picture: BRENDAN REES infested gum trees. 175854

The leaves have caused drain blockages, leading to flooded roads. Picture: SUPPLIED

“So many residents here work so hard to keep their front gardens looking gorgeous. “I do my best but having a huge gum tree out the front I’m fighting a losing battle which does my head in, but it’s so bad this time I need a bob cat to help clean it all up.” Litchfield Way residents say the council has been lacklustre in their management of the issue, though after being approached for comment by Star News, Litchfield Way was given immediate attention. “They came around and cleaned up the street today (Friday 10 March) because they knew [a journalist] was coming,” said Mr Bolle. “They did a really good job, this is the best they’ve ever done it. “They rang me yesterday (Thursday 9 March) and said they were going to get an arborist and organise a street meeting with the council. “They did a better job than they have ever done,” said Mrs Bolle. Despite this prompt resurfacing of the council’s attention, the residents remain exhausted and fed up. “[Normally] they’ll come out and do it and there will be leaves left everywhere,” said Cheree. “The wind will blow overnight and it’s like they never did it.” “It’s going down the drain, it’s on our lawn, it’s all over everything,” said Mrs Bolle. “Some of the trees are basically empty, they just look terrible, they’re dying. “It’s not like it’s just happened, it’s been happening for months on end,” said Cheree. City of Casey manager city presentation, Mardi Cuthbert said: “The trees usually make a complete recovery after a few months, and removal of the trees is not considered necessary in most cases. “Council has treated and pruned a number of trees, as well as put in place additional street sweeping for streets that have been impacted. “Residents who are concerned about street

Mr Bolle has been back and forth with the council via Snap Send Solve, where he had previously posted photos of the mess caused by the trees. Mr Bolle was sure the photographic evidence would encourage movement on behalf of the council to address the issue, but responses were “hugely disappointing”. On 6 October 2022, more than five years after the problem was first raised, Mr Bolle received the following message from the council. “[The insects] usually dissipate in warmer months. “At this stage we will sit it out and if they are a continuing problem coming into summer then we may have to intervene.” “By that stage the bugs had gone rampant and the trees were just shedding so many leaves,” said Mr Bolle. After further complaints from Mr Bolle, the council responded with the following on 15 February 2023. “It has been an unusually mild summer and after another inspection I have noticed [the insects] are still present. “If they are still present in the coming months then we may have to take further action.” With blocked drains causing flooding and piled-up gutters posing a fire risk, Litchfield Way residents feel abandoned by their local government. “The problem is it’s so expensive to cut them down, [the council] probably haven’t got it in their budget, so they’re poo-poo on that idea,” said Mr Bolle. “We would be happy to contribute,” Cheree added. “We’ve been here for a long time and we’re good citizens,” said Mrs Bolle. “We do all the right things. “There’s a lot of good people in Lynbrook and the council is just really not looking after us. “It’s not right.”

trees in their area are encouraged to contact council so that a suitably qualified officer can assess the location, and determine the most appropriate action to improve tree health and street amenity.” The pain extends beyond the accumulation of leaves and lerps. Residents fear the gums are doing permanent damage to the structure of their street. “The roots are growing underneath the concrete, the footpaths are lifting up,” said Cheree. “We can’t grow grass. “My neighbour next door has no lawn because the trees are sucking the moisture out of it. “He literally has a lawn full of leaves.” “The trees are sucking all of the water out of the gardens and grass,” said Mr Bolle. “It’s hard to keep your lawn alive,” added Mrs Bolle. “We often look after [our next door neighbour], doing her lawns but her whole front lawn is dead and it’s just covered in leaves.” With nowhere to dispose of all of the leaf litter, and quickly filling garden bins, residents have taken to blowing the leaves from their yards back onto the road for the street sweeper. “We shouldn’t have to be continually doing that,” Mrs Bolle said. Locals see a clear solution to their strife – cutting the trees down, or, at a minimum, keeping the trees medicated with systemic insecticide as they have been sporadically in the past. “It’s got to stop one way or another,” Mrs Bolle said. “It’s not like we hate trees. We love trees, obviously, but not trees that are going to be doing [this], especially when it is the fault of the council.” “There is no simple solution apart from getting them removed,” said Cheree. “Medicating them should at least be the bare minimum.”

WIN FAMILY PASSES - JURASSIC CREATURES @ WESTFIELD FOUNTAIN GATE GET READY TO HEAR THE ROAR NARRE WARREN… THE DINOSAURS ARE COMING! Jurassic Creatures, the original, are coming to Westfield Fountain Gate from March 31 until April 23 and they are bringing their friends Buddy and Tiny from the Dinosaur Train! Jurassic Creatures, a realistic animatronics Exhibition like no other, will capture the imagination of children and parents alike with over 30 Dinosaurs and spectacular activities that immerse you in a prehistoric time. For further show details visit - www.jurassiccreatures.com.au Westfield Fountain Gate, Cnr Princes Hwy and Brechin Drive Narre Warren from March 31 to April 23

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Thursday, 16 March, 2023

STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

Health study

LENSCAPE

Women aged 18 to 65 are invited to participate in a research project which is investigating how physical activity levels for women in the City of Casey can be improved. Federation University and the City of Casey want to hear from women, including women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, who are not active on a regular basis about what is holding you back from being physically active. As a thank you, each participant will receive a $50 gift card, plus vouchers to access various physical activities in the City of Casey. To register your interest and to find out more information, please email project leader, Dr Meghan Casey at m.casey@federation.edu. au

Car flipped A woman was taken to the Alfred after a car flipped in Botanic Ridge around 4am, Sunday 12 March. Ambulance Victoria was called to the scene, where paramedics treated a woman in her 40s. An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed the woman was taken to the Alfred Hospital in a stable condition for observation. The car struck a tree before ending up back on the road upside down. Two CFA units were reported to be present, as well as two Ambulance Victoria vehicles and multiple Victoria Police respondents. It is unclear if there were any other individuals in the vehicle.

Cranbourne Meadows players watching the game at Glover Recreation Reserve, Devon Meadows. 323675

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up

Firearms bust Southern Metro Divisional Response Unit have charged two men in possession of firearms and drugs. Officers observed a Toyota utility travelling along Princes Highway just after midnight Tuesday 7 March. The ute was intercepted shortly after in Gardiner Avenue and the vehicle was searched by police. During the search, police allegedly located three firearms, a taser device, methylamphetamine, heroin, cash and bank cards. The two men, both from Dandenong North, were arrested at the scene. The driver, a 40-year-old man, was charged with multiple offences including possession of a general category handgun, possession of an unregistered longarm, possession of heroine and possession of methylamphetamine, among others. He was bailed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 25 May, 2023. A 31-year-old man was issued with a drug diversion for the offence of possess methylamphetamine.

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Thursday, 16 March, 2023

For Bunjil Place food festival events every Friday night month of March 5.30 till 9.30 pm - next Friday Europe and the last one African - last week was Australiasian - catering for our diverse cultural groups that make up the city of Casey.

Thumbs down To still trying to reach an agreement for the compulsory acquisition of my house over a year ago!

Thumbs down To investors buying up homes in established areas demanding this and that, not caring they block your entrance in and out or the noise and the mess left on the road - no letter to say sorry for the inconvenience.

Thumbs up To all the hard-working Clean Up Australia Lynbrook volunteers who did a great job cleaning up our parks and waterways.

Thumbs up To our dog who surprised the hell out of us when she jumped into our local swampy lake and turned out to be a really strong swimmer! Covered in muddy swamp water but totally worth it to see her having fun.

Thumbs up To our amazing community who support the EVERY1 community cafe every Thursday at Amstel Club.

Thumbs up

Thumbs down

To all who cleaned up the park and all of the rubbish, thank you.

Finally the lights are working on Glasscocks Road.

To bullies tracking down kids after school. Time for some Gran Torino style intervention.

NEWS

Bill-busting rebate By Eleanor Wilson Community support services are encouraging Casey residents to make the most of the current round of the State Government’s Power Saving Bonus program, with applications closing in less than two weeks’ time. Chief executive at Community Information and Support Cranbourne (CISC), Leanne Petrides, said it is a critical time to cash in on the $250 payment, which will close to applications at midnight on Thursday 23 March. “We want to make sure that every single person who is eligible can actually receive that money in their bank account,” Ms Petrides said. The Power Saving Bonus offers a once-off $250 payment to every household in the state with a recent electricity bill. In order to be eligible for the cash, you must be the account holder for your household electricity bill and visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through a participating community outreach partner. Once an application has been submitted, an email will be received in about 10 days with an update on the payment.

Casey residents have less than two weeks to secure a $250 payment by applying for the State Government’s Power Saving Bonus program. Picture: SUPPLIED For successful applicants, the $250 payment should be transferred to the nominated bank account within 3-15 business days. If you’ve selected to receive a bank cheque, this may take up to 20 business days to arrive. “Now is a really critical time to apply because households can apply for the current round until 23 March and then once the new round opens the following day, they can apply for that around as well,” Ms Petrides said.

“That’s potentially an extra $500 in your bank account, which can make a big difference in easing the stress on household budgets.” The handout will be re-opened to all eligible Victorian households from 24 March, including those that received payments under previous rounds. Since the first round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus launched on 1 July 2022, more than 1.7 million households have received the benefit. But Ms Petrides said about half of households in Casey’s South are yet to claim the funds. “That’s a significant amount of people who could be receiving this financial support, which is why we’re trying to make sure we have this conversation with people.” CISC is currently offering free appointments two days a week for residents who may need assistance in applying for the bonus. “All you need to do is bring your most current electricity bill and within a few weeks you’ll have the money in your account.” To find out more about how to apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus, contact CISC on 5996 3333. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

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Thursday, 16 March, 2023

STAR NEWS 7

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Tooradin Dalmore Pony Club vice president Claire Wilson

Tell us a fun fact about yourself! I have a twin brother. I am 10 minutes older. In 1975, they had male as the elder of twins. But I was born first. What do you love the most about horses? Funny, I love their smell, I’m sure only horse people understand this. Oh, and giving them a kiss on the muzzle. What are you most passionate about? My daily yoga practice. Morning is best to clear for the day. And of course my love of horses. What would your last meal be? Roast pumpkin salad covered in roasted cashews and halloumi. White wine and some after dinner chocolates. What was your most memorable moment? Holding my daughter for the first time. What were your favourite subjects in school? Photography, media, art and design subjects. What event, past or present, would you like to witness? Watching Charlotte Dujardin win Gold in the Individual Dressage, London 2012 Olympics. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner? I would like to have dinner with my 16-yearold self. And also invite my Mum when she was 16, my daughter who is 16, and my three sisters all when they were 16. What are you currently listening to/watching or reading? De La Soul Essentials, I have been waiting for the hip-hop artists to have their music released on Apple Music. The music hit streaming on 3 March, 34 years after their 1989 debut album. How would you describe your fashion sense? Melbourne Black. Although I do add colour to match my mood. Have you ever had a pet that has made an impact on your life? My forever horse Dr Watson, dapple grey TB. I

Claire’s love of horses began at a young age. purchased him when I was 16 and he passed when I was 33 years old. He was my go-to in my teenage years, early adulthood and motherhood. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what

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THREE … ways to eliminate plastics

Carry a reusable water bottle Around 481.6 billion plastic bottles are used worldwide every year. Switch to a reusable bottle and fill up as you go. If you enjoy filtered water, grab yourself a bottle with a built in filter straw to keep you hydrated and healthy.

Buy loose produce Avoid plastic in the kitchen by choosing loose produce over produce pre-wrapped in plastic. A study conducted by sustainability charity WRAP debunked the claim that plastic-wrapped produce lasts longer, and showed it often forces us to buy more than we need. Opt instead for loose fruits and veggies. Local farmers markets are great places to grab quality produce without the plastic.

Reuse your jars Choosing to buy condiments, sauces and oils in jars rather than plastic containers allows you to save on plastic waste, while also giving you handy vessels to use in bulk-food stores, where you can fill your jars with things like dish soap, laundry liquid, shampoo, oils, nuts, beans and more.

Picture: SUPPLIED. dish would you cook? Corn fritters with avocado salsa. Where is your dream holiday destination? I dream of a road trip through the middle of Australia for three months with the family.

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Rex name shame By Mitchell Clarke Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name. Former Springfield Ward councillor Rex Flannery, who resigned as deputy mayor just days before the State Government sensationally sacked the entire council in February 2020, says the events of the past 12 months are still “eating” him up. He has now officially requested that his name is removed from both a councillor honour board in the customer service centre and a wall plaque in Bunjil Place. “I have never had any involvement into this alleged corruption scandal and therefore I do not wish to have my name associated with past or former councillors who may have brought our City of Casey into disrepute,” he told Star News. “People look at your name and they see that you’re from Casey Council and immediately they put you in that same mould, which couldn’t be further than the truth. “It’s just horrible to have been a councillor in that term. It gives you a sickening feeling in your gut and now I have to live with that.“ Mr Flannery argues his name should never have been placed on the plaque celebrating the $126 million Bunjil development because at the time he didn’t support the project. “I guess I’ve eaten a little bit of humble pie with Bunjil Place. I’ve been able to see the value that place brings to the community but at the time I was against the development and I wasn’t once consulted (about having my name included),” he said. He also claims former ex-ward partner, Sam Aziz, stated to him that he “wished he never had my name added to the plaque”. “That was the only time I agreed with him,” Mr Flannery said. While Mr Flannery hasn’t accused any former councillor of committing wrongdoing, he said anyone found guilty from the IBAC hearing should immediately have their honours stripped. “They need to have their plaques removed

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

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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.

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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‘Unfair’ to proceed New SES unit on the way

By Cam Lucadou-Wells The boss of a Cranbourne truck-driver who fatally struck down four police officers has been granted a permanent stay from prosecution in the Supreme Court of Victoria. On 3 March, judge Lex Lasry granted the stay after what he termed a “glaring and oppressive misuse of the court process” by prosecutors against the accused Simiona Tuteru. A supervisor at Lyndhurst-based Connect Logistics, Mr Tuteru had been initially facing four manslaughter charges – as well as 72 charges under the Heavy Vehicle National Law – over driver Mohinder Singh’s fatal crash on 22 April 2020. That evening, Singh’s heavy vehicle crashed into two parked police cars and an intercepted Porsche on the side of the Eastern Freeway, killing police officers Lynette Taylor, Glen Humphris, Kevin King, and Joshua Prestney. Two and a half years on, the Director of Public Prosecution dropped the manslaughter charges against Mr Tuteru after Justice Lasry raised questions about its case. “I was informed that no explanation would be provided to the court and that the (DPP) did not feel that one was called for,” Justice Lasry stated. “The indifference to, and lack of respect for, the court that attitude expresses is significant.” The DPP went ahead with new charges under Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) that were “fundamentally altered on several occasions”, Justice Lasry stated. Mr Tuteru’s barrister David Hallowes SC submitted the prosecution was a “constantly evolving, moveable feast”. After three years of “relentless deviations and variations” to his case, his client was still not informed on the “nature and substance of the criminal charges he faces”. Justice Lasry ruled that it was “unfair” to

Simonia Tuteru. proceed with a fourth attempted indictment against Mr Tuteru. He described the prosecution’s pursuit of manslaughter charges for more than a year “when it must have known there was no viable case” as a “glaring and oppressive misuse of the court process”. “In my opinion, the court’s processes have been, at a minimum, used oppressively and unfairly by the Director of Public Prosecutions at various stages of this case.” Justice Lasry said this outweighed the considerable public interest in proceeding to trial. “At some point, the court must draw a line in order to protect its process from the prospect of ongoing abuse.”

He said if not for the DPP’s handling of the case, the charges could have been heard in a magistrates’ court two years ago. Asked if the DPP would appeal, a spokesperson stated after the hearing: “We are considering our position with respect to that matter, and have no further comment to make at this time.” In 2021, Singh pleaded guilty to culpable driving whilst under the influence of drugs, as well as to trafficking cannabis, methylamphetamine and 1,4-butanediol and possessing diazepam. After he appealed against his initial sentence, Singh was jailed for 18-and-a-half years, with a non-parole period of 14-and-a-half years.

Cranbourne’s growing population will soon have closer respondents for their emergencies. Construction will start on a new SES unit in Cranbourne, with completion of the building set for the end of the year. “We’re ensuring that VICSES volunteers are equipped with the resources they need to keep our growing Cranbourne population safe,” said Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards. “This new unit will serve our existing volunteers well and attract more people to take on a rewarding experience as a VICSES volunteer.” The City of Casey is currently serviced by the VICSES Narre Warren Unit which responded to 1352 requests for assistance in the past 12 months. The new VICSES Cranbourne Unit will reflect VICSES’ commitment and dedication to the local community and enable an expansion of local services, while supporting the retention and recruitment of new volunteers. The project is being managed by the Community Safety Building Authority within the Department of Justice and Community Safety. The new unit site is located on the corner of Cranbourne-Frankston Road and Ballarto Road, Cranbourne.

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Know heart attack signs New research has found one in five adults in Australia can’t name any heart attack symptoms, and only around half report chest pain as a symptom. While Casey sits below the national average for heart-related hospital admissions and heart disease mortality, it is crucial that locals remain vigilant and knowledgeable. Casey residents rank higher when looking at risk factors, such as insufficient exercise, smoking, high blood pressure and obesity. Over 70 per cent of Casey residents do an insufficient amount of exercise, which increases the likelihood of locals experiencing heart complications. Obesity rates are also slightly higher than the national average of 31.3 per cent with Casey reporting an obesity rate of 34.1 per cent. Casey matches the national average in terms of smoking (15.1 per cent and high blood pressure (22.8 per cent). A Monash University-led project reports that awareness of heart attack symptoms declined significantly in the years following the Heat Foundation’s Warning Signs campaign. Awareness of chest pain as a heart attack symptom fell from 80 per cent in 2010 to 57 per cent in 2020. The proportion of respondents who could not name a single heart symptom increased from four per cent to 20 per cent. Lead author Associate Professor Janet Bray, of the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said the findings were “very alarming” and new approaches were needed to ensure people acted appropriately if symptoms occurred. Associate Professor Bray said time was critical. “Every minute, more heart muscle dies and the chance of complications like cardiac arrest increases,” she said.

Twice as many men experience heart attacks than women. Picture: GENERIC “Every Australian should be able to recognise heart attack symptoms and the need to respond quickly and call Triple Zero for an ambulance.” The findings helped prompt the Heart Matters study, an NHMRC-funded partnership between Monash University, the Heart Foundation, Ambulance Victoria and the Victorian Government Department of Health. The trial is working to improve heart attack awareness in eight high-risk local government areas. Heart Foundation manager clinical evi-

dence, Dr Amanda Buttery, said Heart Matters aimed to improve personal risk awareness, heart symptom awareness and ambulance use in areas with known high heart attack rates and low ambulance use. “It involves community education sessions and reaching groups with known low warning sign awareness and ambulance use,” she said. Associate Professor Bray said some people in Australia were “definitely” at risk of serious illness or death due to their lack of heart attack knowledge. She said awareness was unlikely to have improved in the time since the study finished in 2020, as public health messaging has been focused on COVID. “A heart attack occurs due to a blockage in an artery in the heart, which means blood and oxygen can’t get to part of the heart and that part starts to die,” she said. “We have treatments in hospital that can reopen the blocked artery, and the quicker this can be done the less heart muscle that dies. “This is why we need the public to know heart attack symptoms and to call an ambulance. “Calling an ambulance allows treatment to start immediately and ensures that they can be taken to a hospital that offers the right treatment.” Ambulance Victoria paramedic and acting director of research and evaluation, Dr Ziad Nehme, welcomed the findings of the study. “Our paramedics attend almost 60,000 patients every year with suspected heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain,” said Dr Nehme. “Paramedics are best placed to diagnose and treat heart attacks in the community and are equipped to administer life-saving medications that can open a blocked artery in the heart. “Recognising your symptoms early and

calling Triple Zero (000) can make all the difference to your recovery.” Every year 56,700 Australians have a heart attack or angina, equating to 155 events every day. Twice as many men experience heart attacks as women, and considerably more men die, with 93 per cent more men being admitted to hospital for heart attacks than women. However, Heart Foundation manager clinical evidence Dr Amanda Buttery says that while chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom in both women and men, women are more likely than men to experience non-chest pain symptoms. Dr Buttery says women are more likely to experience heart attack warning signs such as nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, cold sweats and pain or discomfort in the jaw, shoulders, arms or back. These are symptoms that can be mistaken for conditions such as the flu, overexertion, indigestion or just feeling run down rather than a life-threatening heart attack. It is vital Australians are aware of these symptoms and seek appropriate help. Heart attacks cause almost one in 25 deaths. This equates to one person every 81 minutes, or on average 18 people every day. Positively, the prevalence of heart attacks has been decreasing over time. Warning signs of a heart attack are important to recognise. You may experience pain, pressure or tightness in one or more of these areas: chest, arm/s, shoulder/s or back, neck or jaw. You may also feel short of breath, dizzy, sweaty or sick. If you experience these symptoms, tell someone how you feel. If you are feeling worse or not better after 10 minutes, call triple zero (000).

NEW YEAR. NEW SCHOOL? DISCOVER WHAT ST. PETER’S COLLEGE HAS TO OFFER YR 7 2025 IT’S A BIG DECISION Join us for our College Open Discovery Evenings Meet our Principal, Teachers and have a Student-led Tour of our classrooms in action, where your child can join in some learning activities. Have all of your questions about what St. Peter’s College can offer towards your child’s Secondary education answered by our Staff & Students. CLYDE NORTH CAMPUS: Thursday 23rd March CRANBOURNE CAMPUS: Tuesday 21st March 6.45 registration 7.00 pm to 8.00pm each evening All Year Level Vacancies Come to our Discovery Evenings or campus tours which are held on Friday’s at 9.30am. Bookings required at www.stpeters.vic.edu.au BOOK NOW! On-line on our home page icon Book A Tour at www.stpeters.vic.edu.au To register your interest for future Enrolment intakes please use our Enrolment Enquiry Form on our website or contact our College Office staff by phone 5990 7777. All of your Enrolment Application requirements can be completed online.

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STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

Tooradin-Dalmore Pony Club members Chloe, Maddy, Ava, Claire, Chloe and Leilani. 323574

Kyla Clark from Pakenham with Akecheta after a dressage event. 323574 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Kristal from Gembrook with Annabelle. 323574

Summer Camilleri from Drouin West and Mr Nimbis. 323574

Riders show off their skills The horses were out in Tooradin ready to bring their riders to gold. Tooradin Dalmore Pony Club held its Dressage Day on Sunday 12 March, an annual fundraiser run by the club. Entries ranged from eight-year-old children on their first ponies to riders over 60 years old. “The weather was beautiful and all horse were behaving themselves in such a open space in the beautiful surrounds of Tooradin Estate,” said Tooradin Dalmore Pony Club vice president Claire Wilson. “We had over 100 riders which is a very big turnout for a Dressage competition.” One of the riders, 16-year-old Ava Wilson, said she was most impressed by the cooperation needed to run the event. “My favourite thing was the teamwork required by the members of the club to make it happen and run smoothly,” she said. “I loved working with parents, senior riders and junior riders to bring the day together.” With lots of local events on on the same weekend, Claire was excited to see such a great turnout for the competition. The riders were required to take their horse through a set routine inside the dressage arena, being marked on accuracy, technique and ability to communicate with their horses. Winners placed from first to sixth place and included a Champion and Reserve Champion for each section. Ava competed alongside her mare Wynnie. The new partnership worked wonderfully, with the duo placing second and equal first in the two tests they competed in, earning Ava the place of Reserve Champion. “I was feeling very nervous but excited to show everyone my new horse,” she said. “I had a lot of different expectations.

“Whether my horse Wynnie was going to get in the ring or whether she would have a massive spook and jump out the ring. “I think Wynnie and I did awesome and I’m really proud. “I’m really inspired and know exactly what to work on to prepare for the next competition.” This year the event was open to riders from Riding for the Disabled Association Australia (RDAA). “We had two RDAA riders joining us,” Claire said. “One of our riders was blind and had a helper lead her around the dressage arena. “It was an amazing opportunity for our able-bodied riders to watch and feel inspired at the riders achievements.” The two RDA riders used the competition as a warm up for the Special Olympics held in April this year. The club was thrilled at a successful fundraiser, after the pandemic saw a decline in membership and fundraising opportunities. “We cancelled our annual event in 2021, and two events in 2022 were also cancelled due to wet weather and wet grounds. “We applied for a community grant with Bendigo Bank Tooradin and we greatly appreciated their funding to help run the event and help with our fundraising profits to go back into the club. “The event ran incredibly well with an amazing number of club volunteers running instant raffles and sponsorship from many equestrian businesses. Local food and coffee vans were also in attendance with many riders commenting on “how friendly and inclusive” Tooradin Dalmore Pony Club is.

Ava and Wynnie with their ribbon.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Talking youth mental health: Everyone around the table Young people struggling with mental health may soon see a dedicated headspace erected in the Cranbourne region. Mental health affects every aspect of our lives, and early intervention is essential for young people, for whom mental illness can have profound, long-term consequences. The difficulty in accessing mental health support in the electorate of Holt has constantly resurfaced since the beginning of MP Cassandra Fernando’s campaign as the Labor candidate. “As the representative of an incredibly young, diverse and fast-growing federal electorate, I am focused on ensuring every young person in Holt can access the mental health care they need and deserve,” Ms Fernando said. Similarly, The Salvation Army’s recent Social Justice Stocktake observed that 60 per cent of respondents in Holt reported mental 12 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 16 March, 2023

health as their primary issue of concern. Following discussions with community and government stakeholders since the MP’s election in May 2022, Ms Fernando hosted a Holt Mental Health Roundtable with the Assistant Minister for Mental Health, MP Emma McBride. “The evidence gathered from discussions with the City of Casey, the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) and headspace, and from Census 2021, highlight the necessity of improving mental health support in Holt,” said Ms Fernando. The roundtable included representatives from many important stakeholders from the mental health, education and community support sectors, including several local schools, headspace Narre Warren, EACH, Community Information and Support Cranbourne (CISC), Hampton Park Uniting

Church, Multicultural Youth Support Service (MYSS) and the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN). In addition, the roundtable was attended by Pauline Richards and Gary Maas, State MPs for Cranbourne and Narre Warren South, respectively. Minister McBride outlined the Federal Government’s priorities in the mental health space, particularly addressing mental health concerns among people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, as well as reducing drivers of distress. She emphasised the roundtable was only the beginning of the conversation to deliver more mental health support for this region. Cassandra Fernando MP expressed her gratitude for the Minister’s attendance, and spoke to the stakeholders about her ongoing advocacy to Minister McBride for a dedicated headspace in the suburb of Cranbourne.

Holt is the third youngest and among the most diverse electorates in Victoria, with 24.4 per cent of residents aged between 0 and 14 (the second largest cohort in the state) and 44.8 per cent of households speaking a language other than English at home. The region has a high demand for mental health support, especially for those who are young and/or from a CALD background. However, lack of affordable medical services, poor transport connectivity and shortage of allied health services leads to difficulties in accessing them. “Establishing a new headspace centre in the suburb of Cranbourne in my electorate will go a long way in delivering more mental health support by providing an integrated service tailored to address the difficulties young people in Holt face during their adolescence and young adulthood.” cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Rebecca and James Bortolus with their furry friends Fifi, Kenzie and Lilah.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Dogs tested their skills with an agility course.

Pooches enjoy a day out More than 100 locals gathered over the weekend to bond over their love of dogs. Residents from Stockland Edgebrook, Stockland Minta, and Stockland Evergreen came together at Ashtead Street Dog Park to share a fun day with their neighbours and “best friends”. The free event, held on Saturday 4 March, treated people and pooches alike to coffee and pastries, a Smooch-Your-Pooch Booth, a professional dog trainer and more. Pups and their humans were treated to lots of running around, a photo booth, music, dress-ups, an agility course and of course treats and puppuccinos, of both the dog and human variety. Residents delighted in the doggy treat bar and the best dressed doggy competition with Stockland local Rebecca Bortolus praising the event. “Dogs are just as much part of the family as children are these days, and it was great to have an event that included them in the fun,” she said. “We had a great time watching our girls make new doggy friends, eat treats and run the agility course. “Yet another fantastic Stockland event in our community.” Stockland project director Kerry Balci said Stockland’s events and initiatives help people to connect and fast-track that community feel. “Our customers look for communities that are welcoming and inclusive,” she said. “We want to make sure our residents living in every Stockland community are living their best life, which is why we don’t just talk about liveability, we measure it. “It’s how we know our residents love where they live – and how we find ways to keep improving the lifestyle experience in our communities.”

Neighbours gathered to bond over their shared love of dogs.

Millie had a great time in the park.

Stockland pups made some new friends.

Stockland’s canine residents were the stars of the show.

A best dressed dog competition was held, with pups presented in their finest garb.

Blind Bight community divided by empty council lot By Emily Chapman Laing An empty block of land in Blind Bight has caused a lot of discussion online, with the community divided as to what the future function of the site should be. Nearby the Blind Bight Community Centre, at 33 Anchorage Drive, there lies an open, unused space. Residents have many different ideas of how they believe the council-owned lot should be used, and what new community feature would be the most beneficial. A Facebook post asking what the community would like to see happen to the site sparked diverse suggestions. “I’d love to see a community garden created,” said Blind Bight local Shelby Brooks. “I would like to see it planted out with native plants and trees,” said Susan Desveaux. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Garage sales were held around the coastal village to support the Warneet Blind Bight CFA recently. 307914 “I’d love to see a dog park in there,” said Kerrie Coulthard. “I don’t see the point of having a block of land that no one seems to use, may be if it had a rotunda with tables and chairs and a BBQ people could make use of it,” said Andy Dobbyn.

“I would like like to see some sort of entertainment for the kids, for example, skateboard or scooter ramps, bmx track, playground, netball or basketball half courts,” Janet Burgess suggested. “I think everyone would like to see something happen there,” Louise McPherson said. Though it seems not all residents see eye to eye on the issue, as other locals to the area argue for the block to be left as is. One resident questioned the urban need to turn every piece of nature into something with a purpose. “Why does it need to be used?” asked Bev Woodbridge. “It would be great as a community garden, dog park or just a park but I’m not sure why we need to fill every empty space. “There are wildlife that inhabit the area as well.”

Resident Megan Evans agreed, saying the lot “needs to be left alone”. “We like it just as it is, vacant, with the wildlife in it.” The lot was donated by the founder of Blind Bight to the community in the ‘80s. Later, the lot was purchased by the council, who intended to subdivide the land and sell it off as residential blocks. The Blind Bight community rallied together to protect it. In 2019, there was uproar about the issue, with former Hastings MP Neale Burgess revealing that the council “didn’t even intend to hold the proceeds of a sale for the Blind Bight community”. The council revoked their choice to subdivide the space. Keri New, manager city and asset planning, has said the council has no current plans for the land and it is not earmarked for any further enhancements. Thursday, 16 March, 2023

STAR NEWS 13

14 STAR NEWS |

2023 TIPPING CHART

Thursday, 16 March, 2023

NAME

ROUND

14 15

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 TOTAL

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First

Second

ROUND 1 MARCH 16–19 Richmond vs. Carlton MCG Geelong Cats vs. Collingwood MCG Nth Melbourne vs West Coast Eagles MRVL Port Adelaide vs. Brisbane Lions AO Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs MCG Gold Coast Suns vs. Sydney Swans MS GWS Giants vs. Adelaide Crows GS Hawthorn vs. Essedon MCG St Kilda vs. Fremantle MRVL

ROUND 2 MARCH 23–26 Carlton vs. Geelong Cats Brisbane Lions vs. Melbourne Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide Adelaide Crows vs. Richmond Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda Fremantle vs. North Melbourne Sydney Swans vs. Hawthorn Essendon vs. Gold Coast Suns West Coast Eagles vs. GWS Giants

MCG G MCG AO MRVL OS SCG MRVL OS

ROUND 3 MARCH 30–APRIL 2 Western Bulldogs vs. Brisbane Lions MRVL Collingwood vs. Richmond MCG Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne UTAS GWS Giants vs. Carlton GS St Kilda vs. Essendon MCG Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide Crows AO Gold Coast Suns vs. Geelong Cats MS Melbourne vs. Sydney Swans MCG Fremantle vs. West Coast Eagles OS

ROUND 4 APRIL 6–10 Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood

North Melbourne vs. Carlton Adelaide Crows vs. Fremantle Richmond vs. Western Bulldogs St Kilda vs. Gold Coast Suns Sydney Swans vs. Port Adelaide Essendon vs. GWS Giants West Coast Eagles vs. Melbourne Geelong Cats vs. Hawthorn

MRVL AO MCG MRVL SCG MRVL OS MCG

West Coast Eagles vs. Carlton Essendon vs. Geelong Cats Richmond vs. Gold Coast Suns Adelaide Crows vs. Collingwood

ROUND 8 MAY 5–7 Carlton vs. Brisbane Lions Richmond vs. West Coast Eagles Geelong Cats vs. Adelaide Crows Gold Coast Suns vs. Melbourne GWS Giants vs. Western Bulldogs Fremantle vs. Hawthorn Port Adelaide vs. Essendon Collingwood vs. Sydney Swans North Melbourne vs. St Kilda

ROUND 5 APRIL 13–16 Adelaide Crows vs. Carlton Fremantle vs. Gold Coast Suns Richmond vs. Sydney Swans Brisbane Lions vs. North Melbourne Essendon vs. Melbourne Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs Geelong Cats vs. West Coast Eagles GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn Collingwood vs. St Kilda

AO NO AO AH AO AO AO NO AO

MRVL MCG GMHBA MS MO OS AO MCG MRVL

ROUND 9 MAY 12–14 Richmond vs. Geelong Cats MCG West Coast Eagles vs. Gold Coast Suns OS Sydney Swans vs. Fremantle SCG North Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide BA Hawthorn vs. Melbourne MCG Brisbane Lions vs. Essendon G Carlton vs. Western Bulldogs MRVL Adelaide Crows vs. St Kilda AO Collingwood vs. GWS Giants MCG

ROUND 6 APRIL 21–25 Fremantle vs. Western Bulldogs OS Port Adelaide vs. West Coast Eagles AO GWS Giants vs. Brisbane Lions MO Geelong Cats vs. Sydney Swans GMHBA Hawthorn vs. Adelaide Crows UTAS Carlton vs. St Kilda MRVL Gold Coast Suns vs. North Melbourne MS Melbourne vs. Richmond MCG Collingwood vs. Essendon MCG

ROUND 10 MAY 19–21 Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne AO North Melbourne vs. Sydney Swans MRVL Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide Crows MARS Fremantle vs. Geelong Cats OS Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast Suns G Essendon vs. Richmond MCG Hawthorn vs. West Coast Eagles UTAS Carlton vs. Collingwood MCG GWS Giants vs. St Kilda GS

ROUND 7 APRIL 28–30 St Kilda vs. Port Adelaide Brisbane Lions vs. Fremantle Sydney Swans vs. GWS Giants Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn Melbourne vs. North Melbourne

OS MCG MRVL AO

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Thursday, 16 March, 2023

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ROUND 11 MAY 26–28 Sydney Swans vs. Carlton SCG St Kilda vs. Hawthorn MRVL Melbourne vs. Fremantle MCG Geelong Cats vs. GWS Giants GMHBA Gold Coast Suns vs. Western Bulldogs TIO West Coast Eagles vs. Essendon OS Richmond vs. Port Adelaide MCG Collingwood vs. North Melbourne MRVL Adelaide Crows vs. Brisbane Lions AO

ROUND 12 JUNE 2–4 Melbourne vs. Carlton MCG Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn AO West Coast Eagles vs. Collingwood OS Western Bulldogs vs. Geelong Cats MRVL Gold Coast Suns vs. Adelaide Crows TIO GWS Giants vs. Richmond GS Essendon vs. North Melbourne MRVL

ROUND 13 JUNE 8–12 Sydney Swans vs. St Kilda SCG Western Bulldogs vs. Port Adelaide MRVL Hawthorn vs. Brisbane Lions MCG Adelaide Crows vs. West Coast Eagles AO Fremantle vs. Richmond OS North Melbourne vs. GWS Giants BA Carlton vs. Essendon MCG Melbourne vs. Collingwood MCG

ROUND 14 JUNE 15–18 Port Adelaide vs. Geelong Cats Brisbane Lions vs. Sydney Swans GWS Giants vs. Fremantle Richmond vs. St Kilda

AO G GS MCG

Carlton vs. Gold Coast Suns MCG Nth Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs MRVL

ROUND 15 JUNE 22–25 Geelong Cats vs. Melbourne GMHBA St Kilda vs. Brisbane Lions MRVL Sydney Swans vs. West Coast Eagles SCG Fremantle vs. Essendon OS Collingwood vs. Adelaide Crows MCG Gold Coast Suns vs. Hawthorn MS

ROUND 16 JUNE 29–JULY 2 Adelaide Crows vs. North Melbourne AO Brisbane Lions vs. Richmond G Essendon vs. Port Adelaide MCG Gold Coast Suns vs. Collingwood MS Hawthorn vs. Carlton MCG Melbourne vs. GWS Giants TP Sydney Swans vs. Geelong Cats SCG West Coast Eagles vs. St Kilda OS Western Bulldogs vs. Fremantle MRVL

ROUND 17 JULY 6–9 Brisbane Lions vs. West Coast Eagles G Essendon vs. Adelaide Crows MRVL Fremantle vs. Carlton OS Geelong Cats vs. North Melbourne GMHBA GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn GS Port Adelaide vs. Gold Coast Suns AO Richmond vs. Sydney Swans MCG St Kilda vs. Melbourne MRVL Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood MRVL

ROUND 18 JULY 13–16 Adelaide Crows vs. GWS Giants Carlton vs. Port Adelaide

AO MRVL

Collingwood vs. Fremantle MCG Geelong Cats vs. Essendon GMHBA Gold Coast Suns vs. St Kilda MS Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions MCG North Melbourne vs. Hawthorn MRVL Sydney Swans vs. Western Bulldogs SCG West Coast Eagles vs. Richmond OS

ROUND 19 JULY 21–23 Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats Carlton vs. West Coast Eagles Essendon vs. Western Bulldogs Fremantle vs. Sydney Swans GWS Giants vs. Gold Coast Suns Melbourne vs. Adelaide Crows Port Adelaide vs. Collingwood Richmond vs. Hawthorn St Kilda vs. North Melbourne

G MRVL MRVL OS MO MCG AO MCG MRVL

ROUND 20 JULY 28–30 Adelaide Crows vs. Port Adelaide AO Collingwood vs. Carlton MCG Essendon vs. Sydney Swans MRVL Geelong Cats vs. Fremantle GMHBA Gold Coast Suns vs. Brisbane Lions MS Hawthorn vs. St Kilda MRVL Richmond vs. Melbourne MCG West Coast Eagles vs. Nth Melbourne OS Western Bulldogs vs. GWS Giants MARS

ROUND 21 AUGUST 4–6 Adelaide Crows vs. Gold Coast Suns AO Essendon vs. West Coast Eagles MRVL Fremantle vs. Brisbane Lions OS Geelong Cats vs. Port Adelaide GMHBA GWS Giants vs. Sydney Swans GS Hawthorn vs. Collingwood MCG

North Melbourne vs. Melbourne St Kilda vs. Carlton Western Bulldogs vs. Richmond

ROUND 22 AUGUST 11–13 Carlton vs. Melbourne Brisbane Lions vs. Adelaide Crows Collingwood vs. Geelong Cats Hawthorn vs. Western Bulldogs North Melbourne vs. Essendon Port Adelaide vs. GWS Giants St Kilda vs. Richmond Sydney Swans vs. Gold Coast Suns West Coast Eagles vs. Fremantle

MCG G MCG UTAS MRVL AO MRVL SCG OS

ROUND 23 AUGUST 18–20 Adelaide Crows vs. Sydney Swans AO Collingwood vs. Brisbane Lions MRVL Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide OS Gold Coast Suns vs. Carlton MS GWS Giants vs. Essendon GS Melbourne vs. Hawthorn MCG Richmond vs. North Melbourne MCG St Kilda vs. Geelong Cats MRVL Wstrn Bulldogs vs. Wst Coast Eagles MRVL

ROUND 24 AUGUST 25–27 Brisbane Lions vs. St Kilda G Carlton vs. GWS Giants MRVL Essendon vs. Collingwood MCG Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs GMHBA Hawthorn vs. Fremantle MCG North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast Suns BA Port Adelaide vs. Richmond AO Sydney Swans vs. Melbourne SCG West Coast Eagles vs. Adelaide Crows OS

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NEWS

Dancing was part of the day. 322678

Everyone enjoyed the dancing. 322678

Taking part in the sing-a-long. 322678

Recognising top volunteers By Tanya Faulkner Trust, talking and touching is what brings women together. That’s according to a recent International Women’s Day award winner from the Women’s Interfaith Network (WIN) Foundation, held at Narre Warren South’s Oakgrove Community Centre on Wednesday 8 March. In its first year celebrating the occasion with a public awards ceremony, WIN presented 23 women from in and around Casey with an award recognising them for their voluntary work in the community. The awards were presented to women who work or reside within the Casey area, from all different walks of life, who dedicate themselves to their volunteer work and stand as an inspiration to the wider community. Recipient Barbara Bendarski said she was shocked to have been nominated for the award, but also felt proud to have been recognised after almost 30 years of volunteer work. For Ms Bendarski, International Women’s Day is about connecting and inspiring other women, and enjoys being able to spend time supporting others in the community. “It’s a day to reflect on how far we have come since we started our journey, and where we are going in future as women,” she said. As an immigrant to Australia from Poland 50 years ago, Ms Bendarski said the best moment for her was being able to introduce her grandchildren to other volunteers and show them the work she does, to inspire their futures. Similar was said by Lynn Burke, who was nominated by fellow MS Plus volunteer Joy Martin for her hard work and dedication to her volunteering in Casey. Ms Martin said it has been a privilege being

Attendees took part in laughing tuition. 322678 a part of an amazing group of volunteers who give up their time so freely to help the elderly Casey community regularly, and are so dedicated to their work. “We have at least six volunteers in Berwick and the surrounding area who check in with the elderly at aged care homes, visiting and making connections with them, and being a support for them,” she said. Ms Martin explained that during Covid, their volunteers were sometimes the only point of contact for some of the elderly they visit, as they may not have had family nearby or weren’t able to receive other visitors. “Our volunteers would do regular phone calls, window visits or Skype calls to make sure they could keep building the connection and friendships already being established,” she said.

For Ms Burke, she felt privileged to have been recognised for the work that she does, as it highlights the importance of the day to day work that women do in the community. “It just shows the impact of the everyday woman’s work and contribution they have in the community, it really makes a difference,” she said. Ms Burke said the volunteers that she works with, and also nominated for awards, come from all walks of life, different ages and backgrounds, with the common goal of supporting the community. Both herself and Ms Martin agreed that women are hardly ever thanked, let alone recognised, for the work they do every day and there should be more recognition and appreciation across the wider community. WIN Foundation event organiser Sounthar-

am said this was the first year they had opened up their International Women’s Day celebrations to other public groups and service providers, and hopes to make it an annual event. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to recognise women inspiring other women through their everyday volunteer work, with so many people wanting to help and support us,” she said. Approximately 80 people attended the event and were treated to live cultural entertainment from women around Casey, and a luncheon to connect and network with the other women. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day was to embrace equity through a global campaign, which Sountharam said was a goal for the WIN Foundation to bring people together as a collective and continue to support the Casey community.

Value proposition defined: Sticking out from the crowd TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH In last week’s article, we discussed the power and value of having a business strategy. In this article I would like to build on this by defining the term value proposition and showing how it relates to strategy. According to Google, a value proposition is a simple statement that clearly communicates the product or service benefit you promise to deliver to your customers. It’s ultimately what makes your product attractive to your ideal customer. So clearly then, a good value proposition is well worth having since it is fundamentally what will drive sales, but it is actually serves a greater purpose as well. In working with businesses, I often ask business owners what specific value do you bring to your clients and how is this different from the competition? It is a loaded question that forces the owner to think hard about why customers should buy from them as opposed to those in a similar space. 16 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 16 March, 2023

It’s important to define what specific value you bring to your clients and how it’s different from the competition. Price might be a possible reason but you have to have pretty deep pockets to use lowest price as the key differentiator (for example Harvey Norman’s The Shop With Confidence Price Guarantee and also Bunnings who recently dropped its lowest prices are just the beginning slogan). In practice, it is far better to differentiate through value. Terms like high quality, great customer service and honesty in our dealings may come to mind and whilst laudable, and quite possibly true, they are not unique differentia-

tors (i.e. anyone can say this and many do!), so there needs to be more. This gets to the heart of why the business exists and what it sees as its primary value to the marketplace. Since the origins of the business often lie in the passion the business owner has for the product or service or the perception of a need or gap in the market, there is much to draw on to define its uniqueness. In practice, the essence of a true value proposition articulates what the company is ultimately trying to achieve and what it sees as its primary purpose. The former is known as the company vision and the latter, the company mission. If these two key components have been well defined for a business, then the combination of these will immediately highlight (or make it very easy to derive) the company’s value proposition. Since the value proposition really stems from the heart of what the business is trying to achieve, creation of this important statement cannot be delegated out to external organisations to create for marketing purposes. However, once defined, it does become an invaluable asset for marketing organisations to utilise in order to promote the business. A well-defined value proposition will definitely help to increase revenue from customers, but it also serves many other purposes as well.

According to Wikipedia, “In marketing, a company’s value proposition is the full mix of benefits or economic value which it promises to deliver to the current and future customers who will buy their products and/or services”. This statement is essential to any form of marketing communication. Especially now with the current labour shortage, businesses are finding that to appeal to younger members of the workforce, the business itself needs to define a compelling reason for employees to be attracted to it in the first place and want to stay in it for the long term. Millennials especially want to work for a business that knows where it is going and is doing good in the world, i.e. creating real value. A well-defined value proposition is also therefore an indispensable aid to acquiring the right staff to enable the company’s value to be realised. So, in summary, define your vision (what success ultimately looks like for the business), articulate your mission (your differentiated purpose in the world) and this will enable you to create a value proposition that will distinguish you from the competition, attract and retain better staff and enable greater business success. Ian Ash is the managing director of OrgMent Business Solutions. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Enjoy music, comedy and family fun at Dandenong’s iconic Drum Theatre.

Catch Jimeoin.

Join the beat of the Drum of the song and dance men, of years gone by through the artistry of Luke Alleva. All Encore tickets include complimentary morning tea and a parking voucher. If it’s laugh’s you’re after, then the Drum is the place to be this April. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Neighbourhood Sessions return with a handpicked line-up of festival favourites and some of the country’s best new talent ahead of their performances at the 2023 Comedy Festival. Australia’s fa-

vourite Irishman Jimeoin will bring his show The Craic to the stage, and the always hilarious Stephen K Amos will perform his hit show Before & Laughter. Circus, magic and puppetry will entertain the whole family in the April school holidays with quality family performances Bunkasaurus and The Quizzical Mr Jeff. Our Beat and Makers Market returns for 2023 to showcase the best of the south-east

in a street celebration in Crump Lane, Dandenong. Join the block party and meet local talents including Mr Congo, Sizwe Manaka, Shen N.Body, Srirachi, Zito and many more. If you have a talent to share, then sign up and perform in front of a welcoming audience. Discover more in the recently launched Season One Program which covers shows up to July 2023. Visit drum.greaterdandenong. vic.gov.au to see a full list of shows and to book your seat today.

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Have a top-notch theatre experience in your own backyard this Autumn. Enjoy music, comedy and family fun at Dandenong’s iconic Drum Theatre. World-renowned musicians The Shuffle Club will make you want to dance when they bring their playful blend of jazz, swing, blues and boogie-infused tunes to the stage. Don’t miss our Encore program show The Dancin’ Man featuring the class and elegance

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 16 March, 2023

STAR NEWS 17

WHAT’S ON Make the most of your retirement! Tutors are available to teach art using various mediums. A variety of crafts including knitting, patchwork and sewing, card making, and calligraphy. Chess, line dancing, Italian language, table tennis and cycling groups welcome you. Would you like to play the ukulele, or just singalong for fun? Cranbourne U3A can help. Our rooms are in the Cranbourne Library building, through the Casey Radio entrance. Expand your social life and get active for a healthy third age in your retirement. For more information, visit u3acranbourne. org.au or call Helen 0423 623 337.

Berwick Boutique Craft and Food Market Step back in time and browse the wonderful and unique crafts and design from local makers and unwind from the week. Spend your Saturday at the historic Old Cheese Factory in Berwick, which offers beautifully manicured gardens, a large children’s playground and barbecue/picnic facilities along with plenty of parking. 34 Homestead Road, Berwick on Saturday 25 March, 9am-2pm.

Youth Resilience Workshops

Build resilient and confident children with this local workshop. Fergus Watts, CEO of The Reach Foundation will be visiting Botanic Ridge Village to provide a free keynote session for the community, providing parents the tips and insight to navigate the teenage years alongside their children. The Reach Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation directly helping young people across Australia build the skills and confidence to navigate the future. Botanic Ridge Village Town Square 10 Hummingbird Drive, Botanic Ridge on Wednesday 29 March, 6pm – 7pm.

Lynbrook Easter Evening Market Soak up the atmosphere at the Festival of Colours.

Festival of Colours Get colourful with the Lynbrook Residents’ Association in Lynbrook’s Festival of Colours. Start the day in plain white clothing and finish swept up in a rainbow of colour. Food stalls will be on site including Indian cuisine, Twisty Potatoes, Robbie’s Diner, icecream, popcorn and a coffee van too. This year LRA has added a giant slide!

Ball Balla Open Day Celebrate Balla Balla Community Centre’s Open Day at the new location! There will be a lot of fun activities for adults and children, including free food, live music, reptile encounters, face painting, Butterfly stilt walkers, community art project, free kids rides and more. This is a great opportunity to get to know your centre with free come and try activities. 7 – 9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Saturday 25 March 12pm–3pm.

Annual Twilight Car Boot Sale The Warneet-Blind Bight Fire Brigade is hosting their annual car boot sale. There will be a food and coffee van, live music, raffles, kids activities, a CFA Mobile Engagement Unit and more. Warneet Reserve, Gilgandra Street, Warneet on Saturday 25 March 3pm-7pm.

Roller Disco at Sk8house Back by popular demand - it’s the crowd favourite Retro Roller Disco Night at Sk8house! There will be fun games and awesome prizes for best dressed too, so dig out your best retro inspired outfit and get ready to have a “wheelie” great night! Join Sk8house for all of the biggest and best music from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. 3/2 Amayla Crescent, Carrum Downs on Saturday 25 March 6pm-10pm.

Global Flavour Feast Bunjil Place will be hosting a month of delicious food nights with Global Flavour Feast. Explore the rich cultural diversity Melbourne and the south-east has to offer. Tantalise your taste buds with delicious bites, whilst enjoying cultural performances and demonstrations from around the globe. Free entry with food and drinks at vendor prices. Program: Friday 17 March - Europe; Friday 24 March - Africa. 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren starting Friday 3 March from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

catered for. Hosted by a qualified yoga teacher from Happy Melon Studios. The class will be followed by a two-course breakfast at Stella’s Kitchen, Lysterfield. Tickets are $60 per person including the onehour yoga class by a professional yoga instructor. Yoga mats will be provided if you do not have one. 18 Horswood Road, Lysterfield on Saturday 25 March, 8am-9am.

Sapphire Spirituality Full Moon Women’s Circle

Picture: SUPPLIED

Bollywood dance group ‘The Bollydazzlers’ performing a dance extravaganza and workshop at 5pm and our great DJ Shalend playing tunes for the whole event. Come celebrate this fun annual event with your family, friends and neighbours. Bags of colour $3 each. Banjo Paterson Park, Lynbrook, on Saturday 18 March, 3pm to 7pm.

There will be face painting, roving singing sailors, rides and inflatables, music and dance performers, stilt walkers, circus performers, gymnastics activation, AFL activation, a petting zoo, and much more! There will also be displays by Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) and the City of Casey Waste Team and Road Safety Team. While free, this event is ticketed and bookings are essential. Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick, on Saturday 18 March 12pm-5pm.

Neighbour Day

Dive into your ancient feminine wisdom with a group of wonderful women this full moon. With activities, games, snacks and self expression all wrapped up in a safe and welcoming environment, this circle is sure to delight all women who are craving a stronger sense of community. This is an opportunity to share and connect and revel in the ancient practice of the circle. Tickets are $33 and are available via the Sapphire Spirituality Facebook page and Eventbrite. Timbarra Community Hall, Timbarra Way Berwick on Friday 17 March 5.30pm to 7pm.

Neighbour Day is a day to celebrate community, and encourage people to connect with those who live in the neighborhood. Neighbours are important and these social connections help to prevent loneliness and isolation. Ball Balla Community Centre is hosting a lunch where local neighbours can get to know one another and forge important social connections while enjoying some tasty food at the same time. 7 – 9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Monday 27 March 11am-1pm.

Every 1 Cafe

The Holland Festival

Join the Amstel Club in their new Every 1 initiative. For a gold coin donation, members of the community can enjoy a coffee, tea, milkshake or smoothie. You might even be lucky and receive a cookie or cake. Show your support for Amstel’s Umbrella Support participants, who are expanding their vocational opportunities as they learn the ins and outs of cafe service. 1000 Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Cranbourne, running every Thursday afternoon 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Yoga in the Orchard

Casey Kids Carnival

Spend a delightful morning doing yoga in the orchard, on the grass in front of The Orchard at Montague. All levels are welcome, and different abilities are

Grab the family and come down to the Casey Kids Carnival for a day of fun and excitement. This free event is one of the City of Casey’s most celebrated and attended events.

Enjoy Dutch culture and raise funds to support a local charitable organisation at the same time! The Holland Festival is run by the Rotary Club of Casey with the sole purpose of operating a cultural festival for the benefit of the community, including people of Dutch heritage and to raise funds for community service projects. The festival is managed completely by volunteers. We can taste the kibbeling, stroopwafers and ollie bollen already… and remember every cent of profit on the day goes to charity through the Rotary Club of Casey. Tickets are $10-$20 and are available via hollandfestival.org.au Akoonah Park, 2 Cardinia Street, Berwick, on Saturday 18 March 10am-6pm.

Cranbourne U3A

With thousands of guests each year, this is a must-attend event! Featuring market stalls, great food, specialty retailers, free kids activities, live music, the Easter Bunny and more. There will be a range of different market stalls so that you can find the perfect gifts, decorations, outdoor items, homewares and treats. The market stalls will feature hand-made, locally sourced, unique products. The Lynbrook Easter Market will be an evening for the whole family to enjoy. Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre, 75 Lynbrook Boulevard, Lynbrook on Friday 31 March, from 3pm-8pm.

Mabon Autumn Equinox Join the Witches of South East Melbourne this Autumn Equinox, to celebrate the pagan holiday of Mabon. In Australia, Mabon falls close to the end of Daylight Savings time, and makes us very aware that winter is on its way. It is at Mabon that the Cauldrons are first lit again, the last of the summer fruits are eaten in thanks, and summer ribbons and garlands are put away in preparation for the colder months. This open gender, child-friendly event will include family friendly activities, an earth energy raising circle and a release and gratitude ritual. Bring a plate to share for feasting. 109 Brundrett Rd, Narre Warren North on Sunday 19 March, 5.30pm-7.30pm.

Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre If you are over 55 years old, live in Casey and looking for something to do, come and join us. We are a friendly club. Our club day is on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 3pm. On the second and fourth Wednesdays we have live entertainment. There are also weekly activities on other days of the week which include the garden group club, indoor carpet bowls, line dancing, gentle exercise sessions, table tennis and friendly card games. We are located at 192-196 Centre Road near the Narre Warren Station. Phone us on 9704 0015 or 0426 736 467 or email us at narwarsen@bigpond.com for more information.

Berwick Neighbourhood Centre Annual General Meeting The Berwick Neighbourhood Centre would like to invite all interested community members to attend our AGM on Thursday 30 March at 10am in the Timbarra Community Hall. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP by Monday 27 March for catering purposes. Any further details can be provided by contacting admin@berwicknc.com.au or ring 9704 1863. We look forward to seeing you there.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Applications are now open: Discover St Peter’s College Discover what St. Peter’s College can deliver for your child’s - or children’s - secondary education. 2022 was once again a difficult year for a whole host of reasons, and when you add onto everything else the need to decide on a Secondary School for your child, this decision could have easily been put aside for a better time. I would now like to personally invite you onto Campus for one of our Discovery Evenings. ACT NOW! YEAR 7 2024 AND 2025 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN The 21st Century learner will need a skill-set of: critical thinking, effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively and creativity. St. Peter’s College strives to provide opportunities for our students to engage 18 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 16 March, 2023

Discover what St. Peter’s College can deliver for your child’s - or children’s - secondary education. and excel in all of these areas. YES IT’S A BIG DECISION When selecting a secondary school for your child, you need to feel confident in not only

what that school can deliver in Year 7, but how the school can provide a stimulating learning environment across the six years. It’s a big decision. Our desire is for students to run excitedly through St. Peter’s College gates to commence their secondary schooling as a Year 7 student, and walk out at the end of Year 12, with confidence, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of positivity about their future lives. We are a proudly Catholic community with a focus on Christ at the centre of our learning. Servicing both the Clyde North and Cranbourne residents, we are committed to continuous improvement and have a strong focus on the development of the whole person, academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

Our Discovery Evenings deliver opportunities for parents and students to meet and talk with our current staff & students and to join in some classroom activities. The dates for these are Tuesday 21 March at our Cranbourne Campus and Thursday 23 March at our Clyde North Campus. Both will commence at 7pm with registration open from 6.45pm.It takes a village to raise a child. It is a well-used statement. I invite you to attend our Discovery Evenings where you will witness how this statement comes alive at St. Peter’s College as together we strive to develop the skills today to thrive in tomorrow’s world.I look forward to meeting you at one of our evenings. Book online at stpeters.vic.edu.au or phone our Registrar Wendy Height 5990 7777. - Chris Black, Principal cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Matt’s mighty makeover A Hallam man has ceremoniously cut ties with his long locks, giving them the chop to raise awareness for Myositis. Matt Catterson made the brave commitment at the Mulgrave Country Club on Tuesday 28 February, supported by friends and family. The inspiration for the brave act was his cousin Rachel Simmons, who was diagnosed with Polymyositis in 2019. Myositis is a group of rare conditions where the body’s immune system turns against itself and destroys healthy muscle tissue instead of building new muscle tissue. It’s estimated about five in 100,000 Australians suffer from the group of Myositis conditions. For Rachel, her condition means she struggles with daily symptoms like debilitating muscle weakness, severe bone, joint and muscle pain, muscle twitches, tremors and cramps, chest pain and palpitations, migraines, neuropathy, swollen glands, cardiopulmonary complications, dizziness, difficulty breathing, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing/ eating/drinking), difficulty talking, arthritis/ degeneration, brain fog, whole system inflammation, vascular complications, insomnia due to pain and medications and significant fatigue and exhaustion. Rachel now relies on Australian blood donations for immunoglobulin therapy every few weeks in hospital for the rest of her life. Emergency hospital visits still happen as well and she regularly uses disability aids such as a wheelchair, walking sticks, shower chairs and neck braces.

Matt said it wasn’t until he embarked on a family trip to Queensland, where he stayed with Rachel, that he realised the impact Myositis can have on the body. “At times I wasn’t even aware because she did such a good job at masking the pain and the misery,” he recalled. “The next day she was bedridden and I couldn’t understand but think like the flip of a switch, how different today was for her.” After growing his hair to the longest length it had ever been, Matt decided he could do his part in supporting the cause, supporting three great causes by raising awareness through having a fundraising event where his hair is cut, with the proceeds and his hair to the Cancer Council of Victoria. Local hairdresser Simone Riley, along with her associate Tony, prepared Matt’s hair and assisted a number of successful bidders to cut the ponytail before giving him a final haircut. Matt and his supporters managed to raise over $3000 through the event. Donations to Matt’s mighty makeover are still being accepted. Head to myositis.org.au/ matts-mighty-makeover-for-myositis-donations-page Myositis Association Australia is seeking to raise awareness that will lead to support and research into treatment and possibly some form of cure. People do not have to have the disease to be a member and the association is grateful for any donation, it said. Membership to the Myositis Association Australia is just $15 a year. For more information, visit myositis.org.au

Matt Catterson prepares to have his long hair chopped off to raise money for Myositis. Picture: SUPPLIED

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Foot, heel or arch pain? misinterpreted as inflammation. In such cases anti-inflammatory treatments and cortisone are often incorrectly prescribed, which can result in worsening this condition. “Most foot, heel and arch pain occurs when the plantar fascia (connective tissues running along the bottom of the foot) becomes overloaded, resulting in degeneration of the tissues and/or irritation of the nerves. These conditions are not inflammatory in nature, so should not be treated as such and this is where misdiagnosis often initiates. Most foot, heel and arch pain is a result of faulty foot function or lower limb biomechanics and environmental factors, and that is what needs to be treated - not inflammation. Degenerative and inflammatory conditions require very different treatment, so they must be diagnosed and treated correctly to achieve long-term healing,” Dr. Dowie explains. If you’d like expert advice about any foot, knee or leg pain, you can book an appointment with Dr. Dowie at his Foot and Leg Pain Clinic in Berwick. Call 1300 328 300.

‘Feel fuller longer’: Heart Foundation backs bean bliz ‘Bean’ thinking about shaking things up in the kitchen? The Heart Foundation is encouraging more Australian’s to cook with lovely legumes in a new initiative, the ‘bean blitz.’ A new report by the foundation found that half of Australians lack confidence in the kitchen when cooking with the budget friendly and highly nutritious food group. Heart Foundation senior dietitian, Jemma O’Hanlon, said eating more legumes by adding them to existing meals is an excellent way to eat healthier. “Try to integrate small amounts of whole, nutrient-rich foods such as legumes into your existing meals. This will help you to feel fuller longer, helping both your heart and your hippocket.” cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

The Heart Foundation said legumes are a great source of protein and fibre that are important for heart health, they can be incorporated into your diet in a number of yummy ways. “When it comes to including more legumes in your cooking, think outside the box. You can include beans, chickpeas or lentils in almost any recipe, even desserts.” She suggests adding beans to a taco mix for some added protein, pop lentils into an ordinary spaghetti bolognese to bulk it up and almost any legume can be added to a soup to make things interesting. The report also found that one in three people think it’s expensive to eat healthy food, but a 1 kilogram bag of lentils averages at about $4. The Heart Foundation has various ebooks and tasty recipes listed on their website with plenty of legume rich options.

If you’d like expert advice about any foot, knee or leg pain, you can book an appointment with the Foot and Leg Pain Clinic.

Sore Feet or Legs? Call *

WE CAN HELP! CALL 1300 328 300 ﬀ O $50 ist diatr to po offer redeem n o ti *Men consult to at

Cnr Clyde Rd & Moondara Dr, BERWICK

12447879-SN19-20

Foot, heel and arch pain are extremely common yet there is much misinformation about these conditions often leading to misdiagnosis, resulting in incorrect or inappropriate treatment. We spoke to one of Australia’s most experienced foot, knee and leg pain experts and Musculoskeletal Podiatrists, Dr. Paul Dowie from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, who provided some insight. “All foot and leg pain needs to be diagnosed and managed correctly by determining the contributing factors, not by simply addressing the symptoms. Even your local GP, orthotist or general podiatrist may not be the best practitioner to diagnose and treat foot and leg pain and injury, as their scope of practice tends to be more generalized and not specific to lower limb musculoskeletal medicine.” With over 25 years experience, Dr. Dowie explains that ‘Plantar Fasciitis’ is one of the most common misdiagnosed foot complaints. One common reason for misdiagnosis is when tissue thickening evident on diagnostic scans is

OPEN throughout Covid-19 with optional TELEHEALTH online & phone consults Thursday, 16 March, 2023

STAR NEWS 19

BUSINESS PROFILE

Top employer for equality We are thrilled to announce that Lifestyle Communities has just been awarded Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation (EOCGE) by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) in our first year of application. The citation highlights the meaningful programs and initiatives that Lifestyle Communities has created and imbedded within the organisation and throughout our communities enabling our team and homeowners to thrive. With over 67% of our team identifying as female, we are proud to be recognised for our commitment in leading the way and accelerating change for gender equality in the property/ construction industry. Simone de la Harpe, Head of People Experience reflected on our journey toward the citation: “Prior to going through the application process, it was clear from my first day that Lifestyle Communities was truly committed to creating a workplace and environment that supports and recognises team members, future team members, homeowners and suppliers. We have led the way in creating development opportunities, career growth, support programs and flexible ways of working that support the needs of our team. The citation is also a wonderful acknowledgement of the commitment to date from our Leadership team, Board and wider team to foster an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that has a positive impact on the lives our homeowners and continues to drive change within our industry and beyond.” Coinciding with Lifestyle Communities 20-year anniversary milestone, this citation further solidifies our focus on gender equality, particularly emphasising the amazing outcomes from our various programs and initiatives: A 50/50 gender split on our Board with 40/40/20 targets across our team. Our design

Lifestyle Communities has been awarded Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation. and construction team is over 60% female which is a great achievement within a male dominated industry. A higher percentage of both full-time and part-time females in both Emerging Leader roles and subsequent Emerging Leader program. Flexible working programs that support all team members across various carer journeys including increased maternity (18 weeks) and paternity leave (8 weeks) options whilst continuing to deliver amazing experiences for homeowners. Tailored training and development programs to support inclusion,

diversity and leadership. Strong results from our citation driven ‘lived experience check in’ with our team. Partnering on a paid research project focusing on Dad’s and partner leave pre-and-post pandemic. A direct quote from our Managing Director, James Kelly, upon receiving the news that we had been successful in our EOCGE application: “24th February marks the 20th anniversary since I started Lifestyle Communities with Dael and Bruce - this just could not have come at a better time! I feel so delighted that we have

been able to create an organisation that is deserved of such recognition. It’s been a lifelong passion of mine, incubated through university, to ensure that any company that I lead can make a difference to gender equality in Australia. This means a lot!” The WGEA framework is the gold standard towards creating meaningful, positive change and Lifestyle Communities is proud to hold ourselves to the highest standards. We will continue to evolve our programs to deliver key gender equality practices that have a positive impact.”

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Botanic Ridge Coles Botanic Ridge Village - 10 Hummingbird Drive Cannons Creek Five Ways General Store 2040 South Gippsland Hwy Clyde Coles Express Service Station Corner Grices Road and Cranbourne-Berwick Road Clyde Clyde Village Store 18 Railway Road (Cnr of Oroya Grove) Clyde North Selandra Rise Retirement Village 5 Harmony Chase Clyde North Selandra Community Hub 7-9 Selandra Boulevard Clyde North Selandra Rise Shopping Centre Selandra Boulevard & Linsell Boulevard Clyde North Lifestyle Berwick Waters 10 Skylark Boulevard Cranbourne Cranbourne Library 65 Berwick Cranbourne Road Cranbourne Cranbourne Basketball and Sports Centre 65 Berwick - Cranbourne Road Cranbourne Life Be In It 65 Berwick - Cranbourne Road Cranbourne Coles Express 1120 Cnr Sladen Street & Cemetery Roads Cranbourne Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club 1 Codrington Street CRANBOURNE

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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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ESCORTS R US Public Notice of Amended Local Law No.1 - Meeting Procedures and Use of the Common Seal Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation (CCLC) conﬁrms amendment of Local Law No.1, following the withdrawal of Cardinia Shire Council from CCLC on 30 November 2022. CCLC Board met at a Special Board Meeting held on Tuesday 7 February 2023, a resolution for amending the Local Law No.1 was agreed on.

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Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

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$50m gallery approved art galIn late June, plans to build a $50 million art - alongside lery - with $500 million worth of in the semia restaurant and function centre approved by rural suburb of Harkaway were the State Government. opposed But local residents, who have long say they the development of Rosemaur Gallery, the decision. are “surprised and saddened” by resThe approved plans for the gallery, cater for a taurant and function centre will with up to maximum of 300 patrons at a time, quarterly 580 patrons permitted during large events. STORY PAGE 3

City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN This can be done during ofﬁce hours and is free of charge. Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website:

100 days celebrated

Crackdown on hoons in South East

BERWICK

Pleas for a school crossing 291782 Avery and Brooklyn colouring-in. supervisor

has reAn adjustment to policing methods number of sulted in a dramatic drop in the South East, hooning events in Melbourne’s charges laid. and large numbers of arrests and Police From January to July 2021, Victoria events reported 40 to 50 large-scale hooning region, inin industrial areas within the SD3 Areas of corporating the Local Government

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Community rallies around bookshop

Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia. @StarNews_SE 40¢ Inc. were just GST In the same period in 2022, there

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two reported events.

Kucks legacy lives on

STORY PAGE 7

Still hot proper ty Dogged by Covid PAGE 8

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Casey. Frame & Lenses Jake Cini, who owns dog training + business Pair Power F R E E Second Pooches, said preventing

contactless pick-up and remote services.

dog attacks from occurring “has to start with education”. He said the wave of ‘pandemic pets’ who had not been socialised as puppies was an issue that couldn’t be ignored by owners or council. “I can’t believe there has been no mention

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ham,” Mr Staindl said. closer to “You can travel into Berwick or as much but the city and you’re paying twice here in Pakenham, you can get four-bedroom for around houses under 10 years of age of first home $600,000 to $650,000, so for a lot

12496498-DL22-21

PAGE 5

Domain’s June rounding suburbs, according to Quarterly House Price Report. said Ray White Pakenham’s Gavin Staindl in Pakengrowth had declined marginally ham. in Paken“We’re in a very affordable area

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area Pakenham is proving to be an appealing prices remain for first home buyers as house suburbs closrelatively low when compared to er to Melbourne’s CBD. unit price The annual pace of house and and surgrowth is easing across Melbourne

from

Counterbalance

Thursday, 4 August, 2022

St Clare’s Primary School Officer Foundation students and teachers of are celebrating reaching 100 days learning in the classroom. as Students enjoyed dressing up 100 year olds, with props of pearls, sushair rollers, walking sticks and penders donned for the special day. a The students celebrated with singshindig that involved dancing, berwicknews.starcommu 100. nity.com.au ing, colouring-in and counting to STORY PAGE 18

“We all know people who bought dogs during Covid who couldn’t be socialised due to restrictions, yet our council properly does noth-

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

HC Tipper Driver HC Truck and dog driver for transport of quarry products in the south east suburbs. Call Dave 0413 999 894

“They provide no education whatsoever, yet they have thousands of dollars in pet reg-

is not the case at

“I want to be able

Two dogs were seized by Casey

Council7ofPAGE

PAGE 2

underwent a six-hour operation

40¢ Inc. GST

education for dog owners. 240150

dog rushes occur

if they find themSPORT selves not contained to their property, which can lead to instances of dog attacks.

“Keeping your dogs securely confined to your property, and ensuring they are always under effective control when out, are key measures to keep your pets and the community

12496498-DL22-21

https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/viewplanning-applications

for injuries he

City of Casey manager of safer communi10 PAGE ties Daniel Osborne said the matter remains

He said pet registration fees help council provide a number of services, including reuniting lost pets with owners, investigating dog attacks, puppy farms, and prosecuting of-

in schools on safety around animals. But Mr Cini said he remained sceptical about council’s investment in education for dog owners. “A lot of people are misinformed about the reasons their dog might have social issues,” he said. “We have to have proper education programs...why not give [owners] a quick online test or a copy of the legal requirement of owning a dog when they register their pets?” In 2020/21, there was a total of 237 reported dog attacks in the City of Casey, 151 of the attacks on dogs and 51 attacks on humans.

GP Run cancelled Mr Osborne added that registrations

fees

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Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.

9705 8800

30 March 2023

Fresh faces at Lyndale Secondary

Hazaras reclaim their identity

Rangers search for answers

The end of an era

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Husband and wife, principal and assistant principal.

WINTER 2022

“It’s a big deal. They really love it,” she says. “Everyone needs to be acknowledged at least one day a year.”

Her husband and principal Kevin says it goes to how much the school’s team cares. Next term, the couple will face their own special day – their last day at the school that they have served for such an extraordinary time. Mr and Ms Mackay have been there for 39 years and 36 years, respectively. All up, their teaching careers have spanned 60 years and 45 years. On 4 October, they will mark their retirement with a massive ‘general assembly’ at Dandenong High School hall. Kevin and Jenny Mackay have served Mr Mackay OAM said it would Dandenong North Primary School be the first as principal and assistant principal assembly since the Covid pandemic’s for nearly four decades. 292591 start. “It’s been an enormous part, where Picture: GARY SISSONS I get to food parcels or writing to government teach all the kids for half an hour. agen- follow each other to Dandenong We’ve missed cies on their behalf. North Pri- the best teachers I’ve that, so it will be good to have a met. mary School. last one. “And that kids know that you like “As the school became more complex “It’s going to be hard to avoid tears.” them. You Alarm bells rang for over have staff here that care about them – they’ll principal Mr Mackay the newly-appointed many years, Jenny’s experience has helped In their time, the school has built adwhen an envi- ask the kids to ‘tell me more’. They go that extra pointed to join the school. his wife was ap- dress the complexities. able reputation to bringing out the mile. best in from more than 50 diverse backgrounds. kids “From the synergies of effort you Mr Mackay worried about how get more “I think all the Dandenong schools to handle bang for your buck do a ter- the potential conflicts Its cutting-edge programs have than just two people. We’re of interest and staff dis- more been docu- rific job at that.” like two-and-a-half.” mented in award-winning films. harmony. While deputy principal at Clayton Meanwhile, Ms Mackay Primary What makes the school special “We made it work,” he said. “And School in the 1980’s, Mr Mackay thank God cipal as an “incredibly describes the prinmet a first- she was appointed “warmth”, Ms Mackay says. The school is its creative and lateral here. ensures year teacher Jenny. thinker” the families get what they need who will always look for a better “My job is to get the best teachers – whether it’s way They of course later married, and I possibly of doing things. were to can to work with the children. Jenny is one of Continued page 10

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on the fivethe same period in 2021, and seven year average. Speaking on those events, Superintendent John Road Policing Operations & Investigation as a “worryFitzpatrick described the increase of the vulnering trend” and issued a reminder abilities of motorcycle riders. some of the “These figures are alarming and coming is that AUTOBARN anecdotal evidence that we see to sitting out of Covid-19, people aren’t used NARRE WARREN and they’re Cnr Narre Warren in traffic for long periods of time Cranbourne Nth & in precinct maybe alHigh Street shopping choosing a mode of transport that Lauderdale Rds Gippsland Tuesday, 9 August, 2022 Fitzpatrick before proceeding down the South lows them to (avoid) that,” Supt Highway for the big race. said on Saturday 23 July. Pattermore people on motorCity of Casey chief executive Glenn many seeing “We’re a number of son said the council attributed bikes than we’ve seen ever before. was not made a bike, it’s factors to their decision, which “Driving a motorcar and riding lightly. a shared responsibility about understanding the signifiwhat’s around “Council has taken into account where you are on the road and the disruption about cant costs of running the event, you. We ask people to please be sensible moaware of the they ride to local traffic and we are also the way they drive and the way of Cranfrustration experienced by a number torbikes.” disof bourne businesses, who face considerable President of the Cranbourne Chamber to seeing decision ruption due to the road closure, without Commerce Jeremy Dart said the said. given the an increase in patronage,” Mr Patterson cancel the event was “short-sighted”, dandenong.starcommun budget and to take ity.com.au “We will be retaining this event missed opportunity for local traders /DandenongJournal com@StarJournal_SE of the increased patronage. are investigating options for another advantage 40¢ Inc. GST area that offeedback munity event in the Cranbourne While the Chamber has received benefits to aligning with fers greater enjoyment and more from some retailers in the region to be anto the residents and ratepayers, with details 199533 Casey’s hypothesis that the disruption The last Cranbourne GP Run in 2019. problematic, nounced at a future date.” roads and their businesses was 60 per options relationship between riders and The City of Casey said approximately and they’ll be spend- ness of the he was disappointed that alternative was required will be at Phillip Island, vehicles. approved. cent of the $93,000 event budget money down there instead.” to see how had not been to the of the PAGE “We need to encourage people 2 South Gippsland ing their to manage the closure “It does bring significant numbers that4Casey would have PAGE He said he hoped a valid form of transport. arePAGE Highway for the event. the specific precinct,” Mr Dart said. too late, allowing the two-wheelers 9 road-user region and Motorcycle a “re-think” before it’s SPORT would “We’re the most vulnerable absence. John Eacott from the Victorian “To allow a different model to exist with pathevent to proceed after a two-year “extremely protected was of are council plenty the are Pedestrians said There group. VictoCouncil (VMC) better option. decision. “It’s not just locals and people within cyclist have bike lanes. be a much the back (of High Street) that disappointed” with the City of Casey’s thing. Peo- ways and crossings; facilities out constantly ria who attend - it’s a nation-wideSouth Wales, We’re out there in the middle of the traffic but festival still. “The VMC had years of working would allow them to still have a road congestion).” ple come from Queensland, New said. get-to- we are such a solution (to been some foresight, it would with the City of Casey,” Mr Eacott there “Had re in focus South Australia. The GP is an annual The issue has come into sharp

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@StarNews_SE /Cranbournestarnews “Most people see a wagging tail munity.com.au and they Power Pooches’ Jake Cini and Sasha, cranbournenews.starcom think of a happy dog, but that who are advocating for increased

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Magnificence of Morteza By David Nagel The old aphorism that “practice makes perfect” has proved correct for Cardinia (9/371) opener Morteza Ali (134) after his blazing century guided the Bulls to their third-consecutive CCCA Premier Division grand final. Ali - who had made just 208 runs at an average of 17 this season – put ladder-leaders Pakenham (179) to the sword with one of the great semi-final hundreds in the competitions long and celebrated history. He crunched 18 fours and three sixes during his epic knock that took place after the Lions won the toss and sent the visiting Bulls in to bat. Ali was 84 not out when opening partner Alex Nooy (10) lost his wicket in the 23rd over on Saturday, with their opening partnership of 97 putting the Lions on the back foot Ali, who remarkably was out with the score at 3/155, passed the baton to his skipper Jake Prosser (63) who continued the mighty onslaught. “We knew it was going to happen from Morteza at some point,” Prosser said after the Bulls 192-run victory. “He faces that many balls; he says “practice, practice, practice, then sleep”…so he’s someone that loves his cricket. “It was probably one of the best knocks I’ve ever seen, a few of us said that, and he just lives and breathes his cricket. “You can’t get the bat out of his hands, and on Sunday, when I threw him the ball, we couldn’t get that out of his hands as well.” Prosser cracked seven boundaries in his innings before departing the scene after a 62-run partnership with Leigh Paterson (50). Paterson and Lachlan Volpe (62 not out) then drove the final nail in the coffin, putting on 51 runs in just seven overs. Volpe finished the Bulls’ innings in style, hitting Jason Williams (3/98) for four with the second last ball of the day before pulling the last ball over square leg for six! James Close (3/28) took bowling honours for the Lions, who were never in the hunt on Sunday despite a fighting 74 from Rob Elston and a hard-hitting 40 from Nick Sadler. Prosser (3/18) and Volpe (3/55) backed up their half-centuries from day one with impressive three-wicket hauls. “We know we’ve been capable of doing that, but we haven’t been able to put it altogether like that for a long time,” Prosser said. “I was just really, really impressed with how everyone went about it.” TOORADIN (105) V KOOWEERUP (6/106) Ten seconds short of an hour! That’s the passage of time it took for Kooweerup (6/106) to book a remarkable twelfth grand final appearance in 15 years with a fourwicket victory over Tooradin (105) on Sunday. The Demons will now host arch-rivals Cardinia after a tense day-two run-chase.

Seething Seagulls. Kallan Braid-Ball, Cal O’Hare and Josh Lownds can’t believe a caught behind decision was turned down.

Setting the scene. Kooweerup star Chris Bright hits a straight boundary in the second over on Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Sunday. 323710 Resuming on 4/28, with Michael Giles (3), Gamini Kumara (0), Cody Miller (0) and Mitch Davey (6) all back in the sheds, the Demons rode a quick-fire 37 from the dangerous Chris Bright to this year’s big dance. Tooradin opened day-two with Dylan Sutton (2/17 off 7) bowling from the tennis courts end and Kallan Braid-Ball (2/32) from the social club side of the ground. Adam McMaster (6), not out with Bright overnight, was beaten with the third ball of the day and a classic contest looked on the cards. But Bright was taking no prisoners, whacking the second ball of the second over straight over Aaron Avery’s head at mid-on for four. He then kept busy, and after three overs on day two the Demons were scoring freely and looking good at 4/41. Then came the biggest moment of the second day’s play. Facing Braid-Ball, Bright edged an attempted late-cut straight into the waiting gloves of

up-to-the-stump Tooradin keeper Ben Parrott…but the appeal was turned down by umpire Peter Madden. The Seagulls were ropable, and their mood was not helped by the fact that six runs came from the over. At 4/47, and with just 58 runs now to play with, Tooradin skipper Cal O’Hare was forced to take a risk and bring Brad Butler (2/43 off 10) into the attack…the quickest bowler in the CCCA. Bright relished the rise in pace, playing a magnificent cut-shot for four, then a late-cut off the very next ball to take 10 runs from the over. After an entertaining first 15 minutes the Demons were 4/57, having added 29 runs in the opening five overs of play. Butler almost had his man in his next over, but an edge from Bright flew straight between Parrott and first-slip O’Hare, with both players looking at each other aghast.

Bright then pumped Braid-Ball over midwicket for four, leaving the Demons 4/72 – after 28 minutes and eight overs – and seemingly headed for certain victory. But Butler had other ideas, with O’Hare taking a sharp chance off McMaster with the last ball of the ninth over, before Bright welcomed Bailey Lownds (0/9) into the attack by launching him on to the roof of the visitors’ changerooms. The ball made a thud, and had a huge impact…in more ways than one. Bright looked set for a match-winning halfcentury, but played across the line of a Butler thunderbolt in the 11th over of the day to see the score at 6/79 – still requiring 27 runs for victory. Luke McMaster (30 not out), who returned on day two after retiring hurt with severe cramps on day-one, then took to Butler in the 13th over of the day to basically assure victory. McMaster edged one over slips for four, before some great running from his partner Steve Dillon (6 not out) turned a certain two into three. 50 minutes gone, nine off the over, 6/91… just 15 required for victory. Just six minutes later, McMaster played the shot of the day, smacking Butler over mid-off with a cracking lofted drive. He then levelled the scores with a delicate late-cut off Braid-Ball, before at 1.59pm…10 seconds short of two o’clock, he called Dillon through for the winning single after an inside edge to backward square leg. On Saturday it was Jess Mathers (4/39 off 23), Luke McMaster (3/46 off 27) and Adam McMaster (2/15) that bowled the Demons into a winning position. “It was one of those nerve-racking games that we seem to play in a fair bit, but I think the best side won overall, we performed very well on day one,” said Kooweerup skipper Giles. “To bowl them out for 100, after losing the toss and being asked to field, we’ll take that every day of the week. “Our batting was a bit shaky yesterday afternoon, but ultimately we got the job done.”

Cranbourne star Barry takes next step with the Demons By Jonty Ralphsmith Cranbourne young gun Tyson Barry got his opportunity at the next level on Friday night. The livewire forward lined up for Casey in a practice match against Coburg after having done a Dees VFL preseason. The teenager kicked 37 goals for the Southern League Division One premiers in 2022, his first season at senior level, a year which included three bags or four and four bags of three. He was overlooked by Talent League club Dandenong Stingrays but has impressed all and sundry at Livingston Reserve, having come through the Eagles’ juniors. “I stumbled across ‘Tys’ in preseason last year,” Cranbourne coach Steve O’Brien revealed. “He was a kid who attended every session last preseason and kept fronting up no matter how hard the training was and just showed something. “He was very small but just had a footy brain. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

“Whenever we went into any sort of match sim, he knew what to do at the right time. “He might get thrown around a little bit and rag-dolled but (we gave) him a go in a practice match. “He just kept growing and to come out in his first season of senior footy and kick (so many) goals was just outstanding, so it was a no-brainer that I foiled him onto Casey for a crack there and he’s loving it.” The youngster is still diminutive despite putting on muscle since last season’s grand final, which he uses to provide fleet-of-foot and opportunism at ground level. An ambitious player who wants to fulfil his potential, doing so requires him to put on strength which has been the focus of preseason. “As he progresses I think he’ll play further up the ground,” O’Brien said. “He’s a very good kick of the ball, reads the play really well, and we gave him a taste of it last year playing on a wing, so I could see him being an outside mid and forward player because he’s pretty creative with ball in hand.”

Tyson Barry has had a run at Casey. 298233

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Thursday, 16 March, 2023

STAR NEWS 25

SPORT

Girls get ready for action Star News journalist Jonty Ralphsmith takes a look at the Dandenong Stingrays and Gippsland Power girls squads ahead of the opening round of the Coates Talent League this weekend. DANDENONG STINGRAYS Highly-rated coach Josh Moore has been an assistant to Nick Cox since 2019 and gets the opportunity to lead his own team in 2023 with the separation of the girls and boys programs. Moore has experience as Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy coach, was Rye’s senior coach for five years in the MPNFL and Frankston Dolphins academy coach and more. He takes over a team that was within a kick of the premiership last year but hasn’t looked in the rear-view mirror too much as he seeks a balance between stressing individual development and team success. “We’re fairly quick and fit so we want the girls to take the game on and run, take risks and showcase their talent,” he said. “The girls have never had such a long preseason so we’ve broken it down into different blocks: technique of fundamentals, conditioning, game-sense, structure and how to set up offensively and defensively. “We want them to have confidence taking a risk.” STRUCTURE: 2023 will be the first full-length season for the girls, bringing them in line with the boys program. It is part of an AFL commitment to boosting resources available to girls pathway programs in Victoria to support the progression and growth of girls footy. STINGRAYS FIXTURE Round 1 v Sydney Swans Academy Saturday 18 March, Kilsyth Rec Reserve Round 2 v Geelong Falcons Saturday 25 March, Deakin University Round 3 v Eastern Ranges Sunday 2 April, Kilsyth Rec Reserve Round 4 v Gippsland Power Friday 7 April, Morwell Football Ground Round 5 v Oakleigh Chargers Friday 14 April, Shepley Oval Round 8 v Eastern Ranges Sunday 28 May, Kinetic Stadium, Frankston Round 9 v Bendigo Pioneers Saturday 3 June, Shepley Oval Round 11 v GWV Rebels Saturday 24 June, Mars Stadium Round 13 v Sandringham Dragons Saturday 8 July, Kinetic Stadium, Frankston Round 14 v Bendigo Pioneers Saturday 15 July, Shepley Oval Round 15 v Northern Knights Saturday 22 July, Preston City Oval Round 16 v Tasmania Devils Venue to be confirmed Round 17 v Geelong Falcons Saturday 2 September, Shepley Oval Players to watch: TARA QUINN: A medium defender and natural footballer, the Vic Country-listed prospect from Balnarring is a good user and decisionmaker but will be looking to bounce back from

Senior Coach, playing or non-playing.

The Rays have one of the strongest squads this season. 323730 a practice match against Eastern when she had five kicked on her. RUBY MURDOCH: Less exposed than some of her teammates at Talent League level, she has caught the eye with her skill-set having been named in the Vic Country hub and backed it up with a strong preseason. JEMMA RAMSDALE: Berwick’s Ramsdale will skipper the Rays in 2023. An excellent season as a high defender in 2022 gives her a strong base to work off. MIKAYLA WILLIAMSON: A natural athlete and excellent runner, Williamson is the sort of player perfectly suited to modern AFLW football. Turns 18 next August, yet already has 16 Talent League games of experience under her belt across two seasons, showing she can do damage on the outside and will burn teams with her endurance. The Pines prospect is part of the AFLW academy and Vic Country hub. BIANCA LYNE: Lyne is known for her vertical leap which has seen her play a lot of ruck through her NAB League career to date averaging 16.5 hitouts in her six NAB League games last year, but it is not believed that she will play there if she makes it to the top level. Thus, the Dandenong coaching staff are keen to tap into her skill-set and competitive edge and trial her in other areas of the ground. Is another who has exposed form across two NAB League seasons already. Ran an impressive yo-yo test in the Talent League preseason testing day last week and is part of the Vic Country hub. MEG ROBERSTON: A genuine inside midfielder who was part of the Vic Country hub, the Berwick prospect can push forward and hit the scoreboard and will be given the chance in the Rays engine room this season. Averaged 12 possessions and three tackles last season. Has a basketball background which helps her read the play, make sound decisions and get out of tight situations. One of the better performed players in match-simulation recently, and also showed her clearing ability in a practice match against Eastern last week. The most likely currently outside Vic Country to push in. ZARA CLAVARINO: The Berwick girl is the

brother of former St Kilda-listed Oscar. She’s new to the system and has a high ceiling with plenty of development left. She plays taller than her size with long reach and a reasonable kick. ZOE BESENKO: Besenko will assume the primary ruck mantle in 2023. A powerful athlete from Southern club Frankston Dolphins, she’ll also look to develop her forward craft in 2023. JEMMA REYNOLDS: A small forward who can pinch through the midfield, the Langwarrin prospect’s pace and skill-set will be looked upon favourably by those that matter most. SOPHIE BUTTERWORTH: A natural footballer that oozes talent, Butterworth has a knack of hitting the scoreboard, kicking nine goals in her six 2022 NAB League games. The growth area that could elevate her to the next level in 2023 will be showing her ability to work up the ground and impact there and pushing back inside 50. Was part of the Vic Country hub for the Rays and will roam their forward half in 2023. GIPPSLAND POWER Coach Nathan Boyd is a new arrival to the Power. He comes from Williamstown’s VFLW program giving him the skills to develop female footballers. FIRST MATCH: Round 2, Sunday March 26, v GWS Giants Academy at Highgate Rec Reserve. FIRST HOME MATCH: Round 4, Friday 7 April v Dandenong Stingrays at Morwell. SQUAD SUMMARY: Competitive in and around the contest is the way Nathan Boyd hopes Gippsland plays its footy. The Power had a camp last weekend where the players learned more about playing like a Gippslander...which those within the club hope will galvanise the group. Not only do the Power have the challenge of coming together as a full squad once a week - given the geographic region that is covered - but they also have only nine clubs to choose from. Process over result underlines the club’s philosophy. FROM THE GAZETTE REGION LILY JACK: (Devon Meadows): A small defender or forward who’s competitive in the contest

Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Jemma Ramsdale will lead the Rays in 2023. and thrives on physicality. Knows where the goals are. LUKA BUTTERS: (Warragul Industrials): A taller defender who might be seen in the ruck. Happy to go fist-first and makes good contact. CHARLOTTE WALLER: (Warragul Industrials): An athletic lockdown defender whose growth will be to drive out of contest when she wins her own footy. INDIANNA MAKAI: (Warragul Industrials): A 19-year-old who is splitting her time with Casey’s VFLW program. A hunting half-forward who can create chaos at stoppage. SOPHIE SIMPSON: (Berwick): A strong winger who gets into dangerous positions both offensively and defensively. Also capable as a pressure forward. LILY LEIGHTON: (Warragul Industrials): Her Talent League pre-season testing showed she was above average for all her tests against her position for drafted players. A hybrid forward and defender who will likely first get the opportunity to show her preseason commitment in defensive 50.

Luminous Ligt recommits to Panthers

Lang Lang Cricket Club Coaching Expression of Interest 2023-2024 Season.

By Marcus Uhe

Association: Casey Cardinia Cricket Association. LLCC seeks a coach to continue the positive culture and cricket program Remuneration is negotiable based on skills, qualifications, and experience. For more information on the position or to apply, please send your application to Joe Giacco (President) joe@giacco.com.au or Current Senior Coach rajind_ermhamscc@yahoo.com

Grand final week could not have begun any better for Devon Meadows’ CCCA District side, with superstar all-rounder Lucas Ligt announcing that he will return to the club for the 2023/24 season. Ligt joined the club from Cranbourne ahead of the 2019/20 season, scoring 1340 runs at 34.4 in his first thee campaigns at Glover Reserve. However the elegant left hander broke out in 2022/23, blasting 906 runs at 100.67 from 12 innings in the District Division so far, a total that includes five centuries and two half centuries. He also proved adept with ball in hand, taking 20 wickets at 14.75. The announcement follows confirmation that Chris Cleef will again coach the club in 2023/24, meaning two of the Casey Cardinia

Lucas Ligt will ply his trade for Devon Meadows Cricket Club once again next season. 315384 Picture: GARY SISSONS Cricket Association’s premier all-rounders will continue to call Glover Reserve home. Ligt said it was not a difficult choice to make. “It was always an easy decision to stay,” he said.

“Being surrounded by great people and mates, a hard working committee and so many exciting young players. “That’s what it’s all about.” Club President Mick Floyd was thrilled to have the all-rounder recommit for another season. “After his truly historic season, we’re delighted that Lucas has committed to remain a Panther for the 2023/24 season,” Floyd said. “Lucas has proven himself to be one of the competition’s premier all-rounders, but his contribution to club extends beyond the statistics. “He is a fantastic role model for our young and emerging players, meticulous in his preparation and a model member off the field. “Strong clubs are built around good people, and Lucas is as big a star off the field as he is on it.”

12594148-HC11-23

26 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 16 March, 2023

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Last-man standing affair By David Nagel The showpiece game of the CCCA Premier Division season is unquestionably set to be a last-man-standing affair. Kooweerup, with club-legend and skipper Michael Giles likely playing his last game, host arch-rival Cardinia, with its menacing and successful captain Jake Prosser to wear the Bulls logo for one final time before heading back ‘home’ to Langwarrin It has all the makings of a tense, grand final classic! Giles, a four-time premiership player – two of those as captain – returned to Denhams Road this season after a lengthy absence. Leading the Demons to grand final glory once again…well it would be what dreams are made of. “It would mean everything…it’ll probably be my last game…I’m actually getting a bit emotional just thinking about it,” Giles said, just minutes after the Demons semi-final win over Tooradin. “Personally, it would mean everything. “I’ve never made my captaincy about me, it’s always about the team. “What I’ve done or achieved in the past doesn’t matter, but I told the players before this game to make it about me…because I wanted to play one more weekend. “It will be an emotional weekend, whichever way it goes.” Giles is confident his Demons are cherryripe for a big performance this week. “One-hundred percent, it’s quite a young group with a few older blokes in there, and it’s not like it was the first time I coached the club,” he said. “The whole side has changed, but we’ve worked hard to have everything geared around these two weekends, and it’s been that way ever since I’ve coached. “We didn’t finish on top when we won the two premierships against Cardinia (2014/15), they were the best side all year, but it’s just a matter of being good enough to make finals and then being at your best when you get there. “It’s got the same sort of feeling this time around. “We’ve got guys that play differently all the way down the list; there’s younger guys, experienced guys, mature players, immature players (chuckles), we’re all different but we’re all good at cricket.

Kooweerup star Jess Mathers is our tip to win a fourth Lex Duff Medal and lead the Demons to premiership glory. 323353 “I’m more there for my leadership, not so much my cricket skills anymore, but hopefully I can do something next weekend.” Giles is super-confident in his own ability to handle pressure and make clear decisions on the big stage. It’s an ability he thought could improve the Demons this season. “I’m proven in big games, I know I can do it under pressure situations, and there were probably a few decisions made in the finals last year that I wouldn’t have made,” he said honestly. “That gave me the urge to come back and help the guys more than anything. “Wombat (Chris Bright) is a champion player, a great person, and one of my best mates, so it’s certainly no knock on him. “It was one-day cricket, he’s keeping, the best bat, there was a lot on his plate. “I’ve done it before, know what it takes to win in the two-day format, and hopefully that holds us in good stead in the grand final.” Like him or loath him…there’s no doubt that Prosser is a winner, and taking home two premierships in his three years at the club would leave a legacy to last a lifetime. “Later in my career I’ll look back and be proud of those things, but as for this year, re-

gardless of winning or losing this week, it’s been a difficult season for us, and to make it to another grand final and have the opportunity to win it again…that does make me proud,” he said. “The message is just to enjoy it...because it’s the last time this particular group will be together. “Just to enjoy the week, don’t overdo anything, we’ve done all the work and don’t put too much pressure on ourselves.” Pressure is something Prosser has felt released after he announced his pending departure to his group during the mid-season break. “I’m just looking forward to it,” he said. “I think since I announced to the group just after Christmas that I was heading back home (Langwarrin), it was a weight of my shoulders and I’ve enjoyed the second half of the season a lot more than the first. “I’ve been a bit more laid-back at times, tried to relax and enjoy my cricket, and we’ll just try to do the same thing this Saturday and Sunday.” Prosser believes one critical element will give his team the edge. “Our commitment to each other, our togetherness, that type of thing, we know that on ability we can do it, we’ve done it before, and we’ll just try to win the big moments in big

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

games like we’ve done in finals in the past. “We respect them; their history over the last 10 or 15 years is incredible. “They’ve been at the top most years and we know we’ve got a massive challenge ahead of us.” THE HISTORY These two met five times in 12 years in grand finals between 2009 and 2021 with the ledger standing slightly in the Demons favour at 3-2. Cardinia won the most recent premiership decider in 2021, with off-spinning all-rounder Travis Wheller claiming the Lex Duff Medal. THE BATTLES There are many key battles this week, the Demons quicks against the Bulls’ top-order is probably the most important, but the matchup between Kooweerup star Gamini Kumara and Cardinia leg-spinner Lachlan Volpe is the most mouth-watering of all. Kumara has the temperament and technique to wear down the Bulls’ most dangerous weapon…and the winner of their battle will go a long way to deciding the destination of the premiership cup. THE TIP It’s a real toss of the coin, but we’ll go for the Demons star quality to prevail. It’s Jess Mathers to win an incredible fourth Lex Duff Medal and lead the Demons to premiership glory.

Eagles bridesmaids again as class of Cooper prevails By Jonty Ralphsmith The DDCA Turf 2 premiership continues to prove elusive for Cranbourne after the Eagles were outclassed by a brilliant all-round performance by Beaconsfield at Parkfield Reserve on Saturday. The Eagles, a perennial finalist in recent years, had no answer to an imperious allround display from Beaconsfield captain Mark Cooper – who first top-scored with 60 to lead the Tigers to a competitive score of 7/187 from their 45 overs. Cooper then proved equally as devastating with the ball, taking 5/37 from 9.5 overs to help roll the Eagles for an even 100. Jesse Busacca (39 not out), Riley Clark (32) and Tyler Clark (27) were all valuable contributors for the Tigers, while Mitch Tielen (3/16) and Ashan Madushanka (2/17) proved important allies for Cooper after the tea break. Beaconsfield will now play in the elite Turf 1 competition in 2023/24, while Cranbourne will need to lick its wounds and hope its day of glory will soon come. CRANBOURNE TALKING POINTS COLLETT PROMOTION? Cranbourne never seemed in the contest after the loss of the third wicket, Harsaroup Singh, but one thing that may be reflected on is holding Matt Collett back until number seven. By the time he got to the crease, the runrate required was almost seven. Had he come in at six, he could have comcranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Could Matt Collett have been promoted up the order for the Eagles? 323333 Picture: GARY SISSONS bined with Pete Sweeney, the required runrate still manageable at about five. Given the need for an injection of aggression, Collett’s promotion, while still requiring a season-high individual score, would have given the Eagles an outside chance. Arriving in the 28th over, he crashed the second ball he faced for a crisp boundary, just the second the Eagles managed after over four.

He finished with 20 off 23 including three of Cranbourne’s seven boundaries before holing-out as the run-rate was out of control. The Tigers were allowed to dictate the tempo of the game until it was irreparable. HUMILITY IN DEFEAT Talk about bad luck. Coming to the crease early after the dismissal of Dean McDonell, Mick Sweeney was strong in defence facing his first delivery.

The Eagles’ rebound in 2022-23 has been built off the back of the skipper’s post-Christmas surge as he’s scored two centuries and a half-century, and he top-scored last week with 39 against Heinz Southern Districts. But on Saturday he was out second-ball with one that hit his pad before brushing leg stump. From there, it was always going to be an up-hill summit for Cranbourne. The squad, led by Sweeney, however, remained in good spirits on the sidelines, aware it had been outplayed by a better outfit on the day. HARSAROUP SINGH’S SELECTION Singh’s fitness was the question mark all week for Cranbourne, the attacking opener and tweaker having ensconced himself as a key part of the line-up. After missing the past two weeks with a finger injury sustained against Doveton, he was brought back in and played an important role with the ball. His four overs cost just 13 runs just as Beaconsfield was starting to look to get more proactive. With the bat, he put spinner Mitch Tielen on the back foot early, punishing two short balls to the boundary before succumbing to the scoreboard pinch on 19. All-rounder Pardeep Boyal, who played an important role in the semi and has been inand-out of the side for various reasons this season, was the unlucky man to miss. Thursday, 16 March, 2023

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