News - Cranbourne Star News - 12th October 2023

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Students powering up

Choir shines in cultural performance

By Violet Li On a vibrant Saturday afternoon, the Edelweiss Casey Choir transformed the Hallam Community Theatre into a mesmerising hub of cultural exchange and celebration.

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Colour and spectacular settings are presented on stage during the Tale of MidAutumn drama. 364930 Picture: ROB CAREW

Temple showdown

By Violet Li Pearcedale residents have launched a legal fund ahead of a VCAT hearing against a large temple development in the Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge.

Non-profit multilingual Hindu organisation Melbourne Ayyappa Seva Sangam (MASS) is seeking construction approval for a place of worship on the corner of Dandenong-Hastings Road and South Boundary Road West in rural Pearcedale.

The $4.5 million project proposed by MASS will be constructed on ten acres of farmland with several temples, car parks, and facilities to host events to cater for over 1000 visitors.

The 2021 census data from ABS shows 368 people practices Hinduism in the Mornington Peninsula Shire, amounting to 0.2 per cent of the Shire’s population.

Locals and individuals from the broader community have established a Peninsula Green Wedge Protection Group to oppose the proposed development and advocate the protection of Green Wedge land across Victoria since February 2022.

Since the formulation of the Peninsula Green Wedge Protection Group, more than 800 members have joined the group.

There have been 333 formal objections since the submission of the planning application on December 2021.

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Mornington Shire Council failed to make a decision within the required 60 days, and so the application has now been referred to the VCAT to bypass council and gain approval.

Peninsula Green Wedge Protection Group has created a fundraising page on GoFundMe to fund legal representation and key witnesses to support its case at VCAT. Resident Craig Gobbi will represent more than 80 locals at the five-day VCAT hearing.

On behalf of Peninsula Green Wedge Protection Group, he said they were not against any religion and they had nothing but goodwill to the MASS and its members.

“We are happy for them to build a temple,

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but it needs to be not in a Green Wedge, an environmentally sensitive zone,” he said.

“A proposal such as this is incongruent with the surrounding area.

“Not only do residents value the rural landscape and amenity offered by the Green Wedge, but a major development such as this threatens the local flora and fauna, the bio-diversity of the site and has far-reaching ecological impacts.”

Mr Gobbi said the Green Wedge Zones were set up by the State Government 40 years ago, specifically for rural enterprises and conservation.

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All actors and guests take group pictures.

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Actors performing Qibao Show.

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Edelweiss choir delights

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Over 600 moon cakes were crafted as a symbolisation of the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Before the show ran out, Edelweiss Casey Choir extended their appreciation to all attendees for joining them in the celebration of culture, unity, and a sense of belonging.

Dr Hu said the Edelweiss Casey Choir’s MidAutumn Greetings, Endless Homesickness cultural performance is not only a celebration of

Chinese culture but also a testament to the harmony that can be achieved when diverse communities come together.

“It served as a reminder that regardless of our backgrounds,” she said.

“We all share the universal language of music and the warmth of togetherness, thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts of their music director Moli Xu, whose dedication and talent made this successful event possible.”

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ray of cultural theatrics, including a Mongolian dance, Guzheng solo, Beijing opera singing, and Spanish bullfight dance.

The event reached its zenith with a lavish meal and a raffle event offering prizes, including champagne, face masks, eyelashes, shapewear, and a Hisense air conditioner.

Attendees received a taste of Chinese tradition as they were gifted moon cakes handmade by the choir members.

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Picture: ROB CAREW

The celebratory event opened with the drama: Tale of Mid-Autumn. 364930

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Edelweiss Casey Choir has brightened up the Hallam Community Theatre with a cultural performance to celebrate Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese National Day on Saturday 7 October.

Themed Mid-Autumn Greetings, Endless Homesickness, the cultural extravaganza welcomed guests from various backgrounds to mark the unique blend of two big moments for Chinese communities.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is recognised as one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture.

Falling on 29 September this year, it observes traditions of reuniting with the family to worship the moon, savouring moon cakes, and praying for a spouse, beauty, longevity or a good fortune.

Chinese National Day is celebrated annually on 1 October, following the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The event has seen the presence of Song Chong Sheng (who is Consul of the People’s Republic of China in Melbourne) and his wife, Xiao Ying (Consul of the People’s Republic of China in Melbourne), former State MP Luke Donnellan, Victorian Multicultural Ambassador Zhao Jie Bao, Federation of Chinese Association Victoria former president Qian Heng Yu, and Federation of Chinese Association Victoria executive vice president Zheng Chang Zhen.

Chisholm MP Dr Carina Garland sent a message to extend her best wishes for the choir’s successful performance.

The director of the Edelweiss Casey Choir, Dr Emily Hu opened the celebratory performance by expressing her gratitude to the government, sponsors, and the ConsulateGeneral of the People’s Republic of China in Melbourne.

She emphasised the choir’s essence - elegance, wisdom, practicality, and warmth - and their dedication to enriching Victoria’s multiculturalism.

The performance showcased a diverse ar-

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NEWS

Family violence rise Owner onus

By Matthew Sims Victoria Police have urged the community to dispel commonly held beliefs about family violence and understand the realities, with domestic assaults surging significantly.

In the latest crime stats, serious family violence assaults in Casey increased by 8.9 per cent and common family violence assaults increased by about 24 per cent.

In the year to June 2023, there were 342 family violence serious assault offences recorded in Casey, while there were 1229 common assault offences recorded.

On average, a Victoria Police officer responds to one family violence incident every six minutes.

Family violence takes many forms and is not just about physical violence.

It can include coercive and controlling behaviour, threats, intimation, isolation, financial control and psychological and sexual abuse.

There are many myths that are used to downplay the seriousness of family violence such as that it’s a gender, class or culture issue.

Family violence occurs among all types of families, regardless of gender, sexuality, income, profession, culture, ethnicity, religious or socio-economic background.

For instance, there were 307 threatening behaviour offences related to family violence in the year to June 2023, a 8.9 per cent increase on the previous year, while stalking offences related to family violence increased by 8.7 per cent compared to last year.

Some myths have suggested if a person is in danger and has not decided to leave the situation then it is not that bad.

The fact is there were often a number of reasons which make it hard for people to leave and the risk of harm to the victim and their children was much higher after they

Police have established an enhanced investigative approach to family violence with the creation of 31 Family Violence Investigation Units (FVIUs), as well as enforce intervention orders to ensure victim safety and hold perpetrators to account. leave the violent environment.

Family violence also affected children in many different ways, as seeing violent behaviour can have significant impacts on children, including potential consequences for friendships and relationships, as well as participation in social and community life.

Victoria Police has progressively specialised its response to family violence - in recognition of the risk and complexity that these incidents pose - and is calling on the community to understand the seriousness of the crime to help prevent it from occurring.

Police have established an enhanced investigative approach to family violence with the creation of 31 Family Violence Investigation Units (FVIUs), as well as enforce intervention orders to ensure victim safety and hold perpetrators to account.

Police not only provide safety for victims who make a report, they also refer them to support services, so they get the assistance they need.

If you or someone close to you discloses that they are a victim of family violence, please believe them and encourage them to contact

police or a support service.

Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway said police members were responding to an increasing number of family violence criminal incidents each year.

“We’re urging the community to please dispel any commonly held beliefs about family violence and understand the realities, because it’s a crime that doesn’t discriminate and takes many forms,” she said.

“There is no single type of family violence incident. Family violence is also not just about physical violence, but also includes coercive and controlling behaviour, and demeaning comments.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of experiencing family violence, please seek help from police or a support service.”

Support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you. Victoria Police is here to support you.

Casey Council has urged residents to take responsibility for feral and semiowned cats and to stop feeding strays.

Casey Council connected communities manager Callum Pattie said cats were one of the most devastating invasive species in Australia.

“We can all play our part in mitigating the impact of cats – and we must if we are serious about preventing more extinctions of our precious native wildlife such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot, an endangered and protected species in the City of Casey,” he said.

Cats have been responsible for the extinction of many native animals and continue to pose a risk to local wildlife.

Being an endangered and protected species in Casey, stray cats are a threat to the Southern Brown Bandicoot, and being fed increases the chances of overpopulation and impacts the local ecosystem.

Casey Council’s domestic animal management plan and local law outline stated cats must be registered with the council and must always remain on the owner’s property.

“If we genuinely care about our wildlife, we need to make sure that owners comply with the City of Casey Local Law and keep cats confined to their property at all times,” Mr Pattie said.

Cats are also not allowed in Botanic Ridge or Settlers Run, both of which are protected areas for the southern brown bandicoot.

Tips from the council include taking ownership of stray cats, having them desexed, microchipped and registered with the council and to report any nuisance cats.

For more information on how to manage cats, visit casey.vic.gov.au/catscasey

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria director and chief executive David Harland

What do you love the most about your job?

Any organisation’s culture is made by its people; Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is full of people driven by our mission and purpose – my joy comes from enabling them and in sharing their success. I love to see people progress – whether that is formal qualifications or just their own successes.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

I have always loved the elephant, but I love the idea of being able to fly and swim faster…so maybe a flying elephant with dolphin-esque tendencies?

What would your last meal be?

Chicken tikka saag, tarka daal, saag aloo, garlic naan…bring on the Indian feast!

What has been your most memorable moment?

On the work front, welcoming the Queen, four other members of the Royal family, President Biden and the other G7 world leaders (alongside business and cultural leaders like Stella McCartney) to the Eden Project has to be up there. That and securing a change in the UK’s Levelling Up economic policy to support cultural investment – such that we successfully secured £50 million for the people of Morecambe (Lancashire) to build a new Eden there.

What were you like as a kid?

I was quiet – an introverted extrovert – good at school and played a lot of sports and music.

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

John Cleese, Mary Robinson, William Guilfoyle, Laozi, Ian Botham and my wife…she’d kill me if she wasn’t invited!

What are you currently reading?

I am reading Robert MacFarlane’s brilliant Underground, as well as Merlin Sheldrake’s Entangled Life.

THREE … ways to stay safe at the beach

1

Swim between the flags Always choose to swim at beaches that have lifeguards on duty and swim between the red and yellow flags. These flags indicate the safest area for swimming, as lifeguards actively monitor this zone for potential hazards such as strong currents and marine life.

2

Supervise children Families visiting the beach should be extra vigilant when it comes to child safety. Never leave children unattended near the water, even if they are wading in shallow areas. Designate a responsible adult to keep a close eye on children, ensuring their safety and providing immediate assistance if needed.

3

Don’t swim alone To enhance your safety, avoid taking unnecessary risks, such as swimming alone. Always swim with a friend or family member.

Having a buddy ensures that someone is there to assist you in case of an emergency.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria director and chief executive David Harland. 362327 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS What three words would your friends use to describe you?

In a hurry.

What would you do on your perfect ’day off’?

I would do like a team game…with a bat and a ball – cricket ideally. Picnics are magnificent…I can remember nearly all the picnics that I ever went to as a kid!

Where is your happy place?

Outside with a picnic and a ball.

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

I’m from the UK and there is a rich tradition of Indian cooking there and I’d struggle to resist something of that genre – and it would have spinach in it!

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Either Costa Rica or Japan – I have been to both. Costa Rica for its incredible diversity and Pura Vida lifestyle; Japan for its difference and culture – unlike anywhere else.

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

Safety survey

By Violet Li

Geoff Higgins and Pearl reunited last week after an eight-day search for her across Narre Warren Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS and Cranbourne. 365604

Pearl only suffered minor injuries. 365604

Best friends again

By Matthew Sims The Narre Warren and broader Casey community has celebrated the end of a eight-day search for seven-year-old ridgeback labrador cross Pearl, which involved hundreds of locals on the lookout and more than 1400 people tracking her whereabouts on Facebook.

Owner Geoff Higgins said he was grateful for the overwhelming support he had received from the Berwick community during and after the search for Pearl.

“It was a tremendous search effort,” he said.

The Frankston South resident had given Pearl to a friend in Clyde North while he and his wife were away, with Pearl making a quick escape out of their garage door without them knowing on Wednesday 27 September.

The community sprang into action, with locals driving around searching for hours on end

searching for Pearl.

Mr Higgins said he was receiving news of sightings every day, but Pearl was scared of people she did not know and was running away.

“By the time I got here, it was 40 minutes later and she had run away,” he said.

“She was very frightened.

“She was running from everybody.”

Shocking news hit the Facebook page in the early hours of Monday 2 October that Pearl had been hit by a car when she was crossing Clyde Road towards Arbourlea Estate, with another spotting shortly after on Rossiter Retreat in Cranbourne North.

On Thursday 5 October, the news everyone had been waiting for arrived, with Pearl found by locals Cheryl and Graham sitting on a front porch at a house on Alisma Boulevard in Cranbourne North.

“She’s been sleeping since Thursday afternoon to this morning,” he said.

“She lost about 10 per cent of her body weight.

“I think she was looking for chicken around the back of Hungry Jack’s.”

Pearl was found with a few cuts and grazes and her paw pads were completely worn down during her ordeal.

Mr Higgins said he was “over the moon” to reunite with Pearl.

“She’s a very loving dog,” he said.

“She is friendly and gentle.

“She hasn’t changed a bit.”

Mr Higgins said he was indebted to everyone who helped, especially Facebook group coordinator Jan. “It was an incredible effort,” he said.

“It’s a lovely place to get lost, isn’t it?”

OPINION

LENSCAPE

Casey is inviting residents to share their feelings and perceptions of safety in the Casey community through the Perceptions of Safety survey.

Initially conducted in 2021, the Perceptions of Safety survey provides the council with an understanding of the community’s views of safety in the municipality.

The 2021 survey found that more than 62 per cent of residents felt safe compared to 13 per cent who felt unsafe, with 25 per cent saying they felt neither safe nor unsafe.

Findings from the survey have assisted the council in identifying the community’s biggest safety concerns.

The top five perceived safety issues were hoons (58 per cent), drug use (39 per cent), poorly lit parks at night (39 per cent), theft from motor vehicles (37 per cent) and things being stolen from homes (36 per cent).

The council implemented several initiatives after the findings.

Casey has provided a free graffiti removal service to keep Casey’s public spaces clean.

Since the 2021 survey, it has resulted in the obliteration of approximately 95,000 square metres of graffiti, equivalent to the total area of about five MCGs. The council has used Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to manage and maintain open spaces and facilities as well as planning and designing new spaces.

CPTEM focuses on good lighting, clear lines of sight, suitable signage as well as cleaning and clearing spaces free of rubbish and graffiti.

CPTEM helps people move easily, feel safe, navigate, and freely participate in activities in space.

It uses evidence of issues and behaviours to prioritise the need for design interventions. Casey has also conducted road safety strategies and other education programs in collaboration with Victoria Police, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), and the Department of Transport.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said the council is now seeking to get an understanding of how perceptions and experiences have changed in the last two years.

“By providing feedback, residents will help council understand the needs of their local area,” she said.

“We want to hear from everyone, including those who do not know anything or know a lot about this topic.

“We want you to tell us how safe you feel in your neighborhood or when you are going out at night, what things you have done to improve safety in and around your home, and if there are any safety issues in your areas.”

She said the survey results will help the council continue to design and prioritize programs to meet the needs of our community.

The survey will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete and is open until Friday 27 October. To complete the survey and for more information, visit conversations. casey.vic.gov.au/exploring-safety.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up To the passionate locals fighting to save the Beaconsfield Reservoir from destruction.

Thumbs down

Narre Warren North wildlife artist Janet Matthews working on one of her pieces. 366116 6 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 12 October, 2023

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

To those who think the Voice is not about the Constitution or detail, it’s about a whole array of issues.

The Labor Government have mishandled the whole Voice affair as they do on many issues. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF Driver, 36, dies

Teen’s new charges

Cardinia Highway Patrol officers are investigating a fatal collision in Dalmore on Monday 9 October.

Investigators have been told a white Mazda 2 and a white Mitsubishi Triton collided at the intersection of Tooradin Station Road and Manks Road about 5pm.

The driver of the Mazda, a 36-year-old man from Cranbourne, died at the scene.

The other driver, a 34-year-old Gembrook man, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

By Cassandra Morgan, AAP Three teenagers accused of violently abducting a schoolboy and leaving him with brain damage were also allegedly involved in the robbery of a 13-year-old girl who was beaten and forced to strip down to her underwear in Cranbourne, police allege.

One of the teens, a 15-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, on Friday learnt he would be released on bail after more than a fortnight waiting for a magistrate’s decision.

The boy was previously dealt 25 charges after he and two others allegedly went on a crime spree in September in a stolen Volkswagen Tiguan, wielding machetes to steal from vulnerable Melbourne students leaving school for the day.

A 14-year-old boy was put into a six-day coma after the trio allegedly violently abducted him on 4 September in Glen Huntly in Melbourne’s southeast as he was walking home.

The vehicle took off as the boy was hanging from a passenger door, dragging him for about 150 metres and then throwing him out of the vehicle, police allege.

On Friday, prosecutors revealed the 15-year-old was also facing five fresh charges, including three relating to the alleged robbery of a 13-year-old girl about three weeks before the Glen Huntly incident.

The teen allegedly lured the girl to a house at Cranbourne before other teens repeatedly beat her, punched her in the head and pulled her by the hair while demanding she give them her belongings.

Police said the teen’s co-accused in the Glen Huntly incident and girlfriend, a 14-yearold, was also involved in the robbery, as was a 14-year-old boy also arrested over the Glen Huntly attack.

Video of the alleged robbery played to a

Young child fatally struck A young child has been killed after being struck by a car in Hallam on Sunday 8 October.

Emergency services were called shortly after the incident in Arrino Crescent about 5pm but the child could not be revived, police say.

The car’s driver stopped at the scene.

Police are investigating. Any information or footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Picture: DAVE HUNT/AAP PHOTOS children’s court on Friday showed the 13-yearold girl covering her face as someone screamed “show your face”, removing her trackpants and being beaten as loud music played.

A police officer cautioned the magistrate against granting the 15-year-old bail after he was allegedly seen on the driveway of the house where the victim left wearing clothes different to those she arrived in.

She was given shorts and a T-shirt and told to leave after her own clothes, shoes and jewellery were stolen, the officer said.

He said the 14-year-old boy attacked in Glen Huntly faced up to another seven weeks in hospital and had a permanent brain injury the extent of which was unknown.

He also might never return to normal schooling and would need to wear hearing aids, the officer said.

The boy’s last memory from the day he was attacked was sitting in maths class.

A text read in court on Friday showed the 14-year-old girl charged over the Glen Huntly incident worried she’d killed the boy after she

said he was stabbed by the 14-year-old. “I have f***ing problems now, I can’t sleep,” she said.

Youth workers were in support of the 15-year-old boy’s supervised release on Friday, and the magistrate granted him bail to live with his sister under strict conditions including that he abide by a curfew and not associate with his co-accused.

The magistrate noted the 15-year-old was a vulnerable young person with an intellectual disability.

However, she also acknowledged the consequences of the alleged crimes for the victims were “significant”.

The court previously heard the 15-year-old was living in a stolen BMW with his mother when police arrested him on 9 September.

Their previous address was searched by police, with windows found smashed, doors off hinges and minimal personal items or furniture found inside.

The 15-year-old boy’s charges relate to offences allegedly committed between 12 August and 9 September this year.

Youth gang blitz Police have arrested 26 people in the latest blitz on alleged youth gangs and organised crime figures across the South East last week.

Greater Dandenong police targeted persons of interest on its Operation Alliance watchlist which monitors Victoria’s most serious and violent youth gang offenders.

In a series of raids and Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) checks on 2-5 October, people were arrested for alleged burglaries, car thefts, robberies, affray and firearm related offences.

Inspector Andrew McKee, from Greater Dandenong Tasking and Coordination, said it was part of Operation Alliance’s continued work in disrupting and dismantling youth gangs.

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STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Solar buddies lighting up

By Violet Li Students at St Francis De Sales Primary School, Lynbrook have engaged with a Solar Buddy program to help families in need around the world with energy provision.

The program has been run by the Social Justice Action Team with supervisor Shehani Rukunayake, in collaboration with the charity organisation SolarBuddy.

Students involved in the program are Dante Pizzimento, Jonathan Sequerah, Harrison Reed, Kiara Cabula, and Livinia John.

Dante introduced the program, saying that the team sold melty beads, hot chocolate, and marshmallows to make up the money for the lights.

“We raised over $900 for the last two months,” he said.

“We bought the lights, assembled them, and wrote our letters to the kids that we are giving them to in India, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu so they can study at night because they might not have power.”

Harrison added the team would pack the assembled lights and the supervisor would take them to the organisation where the kits would be sent to different countries.

The team said they had spent a few lessons learning how to assemble the lights and they usually spent around one hour on Monday each week to do the works.

Jonathan said it was pretty easy to assemble the light once you got the hang of it.

Students said they formed this team in a goodwill to help people in need.

Kiara said she wanted to help the people or children who did not have access to the things they needed.

“I wanted to help them and so they can focus on their education,” she said.

The team has completed their action with

The Social Justice Action Team at St Francis De Sales Primary School, Lynbrook are proud that they have assembled 25 lights for families in need Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS around the world. 365077 other actions already in mind.

Livinia said they were changing their actions next semester.

“We are moving on to a new action, which

has something to do with bottles,” she said.

“We’re going to be putting all the bottles in a place and then, you’ll get 10 cent for each bottle.

“With all the money we get, we’re going to send it to charity.”

The team assembled 25 lights under joint efforts.

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Thursday, 12 October, 2023

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FOCUS ON … DISABILITY

Extra organisation support

Kerry with one of choirs.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth. nity Sector Organisations over the coming months.

Last month the government released an issues paper seeking innovative approaches to future community sector grant funding.

The community sector and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to have their say about what they need to support them, including changes to indexation processes and greater transparency.

Submissions are open until 7 November 2023. Further information on the consultation process and to make a submission is available on the Department of Social Services’ Engage website at engage.dss.gov.au/a-strongermore-diverse-and-independent-communitysector

Choir hitting all the notes Does your child love music? Melbourne Youth Chorale provides quality music education to 6-20 year olds of all abilities. MYC has a specific choir for primary-aged children with additional needs, verbal or non-verbal. MYC’s Flying Free Choir is nearing the end of its second year, with parents and children enthusiastic about this amazing and unique program carrying on into the future.

Flying Free is directed by a registered speech pathologist who will soon be joined by a music therapist. This multidisciplinary team

assists children to explore communication and socialisation skills through music and singing.

MYC’s Flying Free Choir performed in public for the first time on 2 September 2023 to an audience of 250 people. This was a huge step for our Flying Free choristers and there were tears in the audience as these beautiful children expressed themselves confidently and enthusiastically.

For more information about MYC’s Flying Free choir, please contact Kerry at manager. myc@gmail.com

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The Federal Government is committed to a strong community sector and has begun the process of rolling out the first increased indexation and supplementation payments to more than 700 Community Sector Organisations.

An additional $315.7 million over four years – including $25 million this financial year – will be paid to organisations providing essential community supports to help with higher costs due to inflation pressures. This is in addition to $257.7 million provided in the 2022-23 October Budget to directly assist with the increased costs of wages due to the Fair Work Commission’s decision regarding the minimum wage.

Funding will support these organisations to continue providing services including for people with disability, carer support services, initiatives to reduce violence against women and children, and other family and community supports.

The services provided by Community Sector Organisations touch the lives of many people around the country – particularly those experiencing poverty, disadvantage and hardship – and it is essential the Government continues to support their work in the community.

The indexation payments from the Social Services portfolio are among the first of $4 billion that the Government has provided over four years from 2023-24, as a result of updating the methodology for calculating indexation factors to better align with changes in economic conditions.

Indexation is applied each financial year to eligible grant programs ensuring financial estimates reflect projected economic conditions.

This additional indexation funding for Community Sector Organisations is on top of the indexation increase which would otherwise have been delivered in the 2023-24 Budget.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the government acknowledges the dedication and tireless work of Australia’s community sector.

“The impact of increasing costs is being felt across the nation,” Minister Rishworth said.

“We want to ensure those organisations supporting the Australian community – particularly those experiencing poverty, disadvantage and hardship – can continue to do so into the future.”

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten said this additional funding will ultimately mean better outcomes for NDIS participants across the nation.

“These organisations are on the front line and touch the lives of so many Australians with disability day in, day out,” Minister Shorten said.

“Addressing existing service delivery challenges will mean that they can do more of the good stuff.”

The government is commencing the rollout of the $25 million in additional indexation funding for 2023-24, as well as more than $65 million in supplementation funding to eligible Community Sector Organisations.

Funding is not application based and will be automatically applied to eligible Commu-

12626436-JB36-23

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 12 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Temple showdown looms From page 1 “It is for your horse, your agriculture, and your grown vegetables,” he said.

“You live the rural lifestyle out here. You got dirt roads. That’s what it’s for.

“It is not for major developments.”

According to Department of Transport and Planning in Victoria, there are 12 designated non-urban areas across 17 municipalities around metropolitan Melbourne known as Green Wedge Zones.

Each Green Wedge Zone has unique features and serves particularly important functions including agriculture uses, forestry and land-based aquaculture, renewable and nonrenewable resources, infrastructure sites, extractive industries, tourism and recreation features, built and natural heritage, and other environmental assets.

Prior to the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) by Amendment VC103 in September 2013, places of worship were prohibited uses in green wedge zones.

The 2013 amendment allows discretionary uses of places of worship that are considered appropriate.

Peninsula Green Wedge Protection Group is concerned the construction and future activities of the temple will destroy the significant environmental values of the proposed site.

The group says the site is a relatively natural bush block designated Green Wedge Zone 2 and is covered by an Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO2), status “Endangered Grassy Woodland”.

“The site includes valuable vegetation providing wildlife habitat and a wildlife corridor that connects surrounding areas, including the nearby Tyabb Bushland Reserve,” the group states.

“Native wildlife seen here includes possums, koalas, snakes, tawny frogmouths and powerful owls.

Resident Craig Gobbi is concerned about the proposed temple development within the Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge Zone in rural Pearcedale. 365405 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS “A body of water at the lower end of the block provides habitat for a range of aquatic birds including ducks, cormorants, herons, and egrets.”

Another concern of the group is the proposed site falls within the Watson Creek catchment.

Runoffs with contaminants and pollutants from the intense site activities will flow from the catchment zone into the Ramsar-listed Westernport Bay and the Yaringa Marine National Park, causing devastating consequences to marine life and migratory birds, the group argues.

“A development of this scale will irreversibly change the nature of our unique and fragile landscape.

“It will override Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme objectives and contradict Green Wedge environment protection policies.

“It will disregard Environmental Significance Overlay directives and compromise Ramsar agreements.”

Mr Gobbi said the temple would be just a nightmare for anyone who lives within two kilometres of this place.

“With the worship activities seven days a week and two 24 hours events per year planned, the community is very concerned about noise levels and the effects that will have on residents’ stock and wildlife,” he said.

“There are two bell towers that are 11 metres high.

“This is a residential rural area. A lot of people have horses and animals. That will just set them off.”

Mr Gobbi said the traffic implication also needs to be taken into account.

“The proposed development is located on the bend of a single lane section of Westernport Highway with a 100km per hour speed limit,” he said.

“Cars will need to turn from here into a small dirt road to access the site.

“It’s just gonna be dangerous, especially with the amount of traffic expected.”

Pearcedale residents are not the only cohorts who show a degree of concern for the large-scale places of worship development in Green Wedge Zones.

A Planning for Melbourne’s Green Wedges and Agricultural Land (PMGWAL) consultation paper in 2020 shows since 2014, 34 applications have been submitted for places of worship on rural land across the Green Wedge Zones.

“A range of faiths and cultures have sought to establish community facilities in relatively remote locations where land is relatively af-

fordable and can accommodate large gatherings without causing nuisance,” the consultation paper states.

Nearly 40 per cent of all permit applications for new places of worship in the Green Wedge Zones have been appealed to VCAT as they are considered to erode green wedge and peri-urban values, character and landscapes, result in loss of productive agriculture land, and create conflict between urban and non-urban uses of land.

The Peninsula Green Wedge Protection Group states that approval of the Pearcedale development will set a dangerous precedent and invite similar proposals for other large, inappropriate buildings and intensive activities within the Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge that destroys the landscape and severely compromise the environment and rural amenity of the area.

“It is vital that this development is rejected,” the group says.

“There is no need for this development to be constructed in a Green Wedge Zone.

“Building usage and parking requirements would be better accommodated in an urban environment where infrastructure such as roads, sewerage, and accessibility via public transport are already in place and where excessive noise and lighting will neither harm wildlife nor disrupt nearby residents and livestock.”

MASS has been contacted for comment by Star News.

The upcoming VCAT hearing will run from 19 to 24 February in 2024.

A compulsory mediation meeting is scheduled on 22 November for all parties to try and negotiate a middle ground.

To support the protection of Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge Zones, visit their GoFundMe page: gofundme.com/f/save-pearcedale-and-our-green-wedge

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Thursday, 12 October, 2023

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No DMF, entry or exit fees Image is artist’s impression only. Subject to change.

A lifestyle community with natural charm Located in Clyde and designed for over 50s, Halcyon Evergreen has no deferred management, entry or exit fees.

Downsize in space while upsizing in living by moving into Halcyon Evergreen, a secure gated community inspired by country living. Enjoy two state-of-the-art community precincts right at your doorstep equipped with facilities such as a gold-class-style cinema, three pickleball courts, a gym, magnesium-infused pool, library, bar, games room and much more.

Image is artist’s impression only. Subject to change.

With prices starting from $535k*, Halcyon Evergreen features 11 new two- and three-bedroom floorplan designs that can suit a variety of lifestyles with options for multipurpose rooms, RV garages, dualfronted lots and private courtyards.

Register to attend our upcoming hard-hat tour on the 20th of October to meet the team and see the development of the community first hand.

Visit our website today or call 1800 050 050 for more details. *Price correct as at June 2023. Subject to change. Price is based on the standard plans and speci ications and standard inclusions under the home purchase agreement. Price does not include additional costs that may be incurred under the home purchase agreement. Applies to selected home only. Subject to availability.

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Scan the QR code to find out more or call us on 1800 050 050

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Thursday, 12 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 11

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Immerse at Lyndale SC Lyndale Secondary College is a renowned educational institution located in Dandenong North, Melbourne. Established in 1961, the college has a rich history of providing quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. The college has a vibrant community of educators and learners who work collaboratively to develop the skills necessary for success in the 21st century.

Earlier this year, as part of a school council initiative, we went to a tender to purchase an Augmented Reality Immersive Technology Laboratory to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. The company is called Lumination, and we are the first and only Victorian government school to have purchased this technology. In fact, only 3 schools in Victoria have made this investment to use this resource (Girton Grammar, St Francis in addition to us). The official opening of our lab will be in mid-November.

Lyndale Secondary College’s SEAL (Select Entry Accelerated Learning) program is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving students who want to excel academically and challenge themselves. The program provides a rigorous and challenging curriculum, designed to stretch and develop students in English, Maths, and STEM subjects. It focuses on building critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and practical learning. Students in the SEAL program receive individualized support and guidance from highly trained and experienced teachers, who foster a love for learning and a positive learning environment. Students develop leadership skills and form strong, lasting friendships with like-minded peers. By joining the SEAL program, students can unlock their potential and gain a valuable education that will prepare them for future success.

We warmly welcome your interest in our college. Book a school tour today on 9795 2366.

Pam Robinson – Principal

Lyndale Secondary College is a renowned educational institution.

At Lyndale Secondary College, we aim to have each student move toward a successful and meaningful future.

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Visit www.lyndale.vic.edu.au Call 9795 2366 for a School Tour Lyndale Secondary College | 14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North VIC 3175 | (03) 9795 2366 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au 12 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 12 October, 2023

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Healthy tummies for kids The age old saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ has ensured many children stay healthy and strong with a nutritious, balanced diet for years now - and it’s still just as relevant a saying as any.

To help your children thrive in the classroom, it’s important to be feeding them a healthy, nutritious diet filled with all the energy they need to grow and flourish as young students.

But when life gets busy, it can be hard to ensure the food your family’s eating is covering all the necessary bases, so why not use these handy tips to help boost your child’s

brain power?

Firstly: start your day the right way. Breakfast is often overlooked and sometimes rushed, but this morning meal is one of the most important of the day.

Fuelling up before school with a healthy balanced breakfast will ensure your child has all the energy they need to play, learn and power on throughout the day.

Whole grain cereals and toast are always a quick, easy option and for the colder months, why not try some porridge?

Fresh fruit smoothies, yoghurt, eggs and

beans are all other quick, nutritious ideas… the ideas are limitless.

A healthy lunchbox made up of a mixture of foods will keep your kids happy and eating healthily, and to save on time, try preparing it the night before.

Opt for fresh, unprocessed foods such as pieces of fruit and tubs of yoghurt as sweet treats and avoid processed, sugary foods which provide little to no nutritional value.

A good old fashioned sandwich with wholemeal bread is always a good lunch time staple, and remind your kids to drink plenty of water

throughout the day.

If you struggle to get your kids to drink water, why not try adding a splash of lemon juice, or getting them a fun, colourful water bottle to drink out of?

Dinner ideas are endless, but as long as you’re getting plenty of veggies, some protein and other important nutrients in your diet, your kids will be perfectly placed to make the most out of their education.

And the last tip? By eating healthily yourself, you’ll be leading by example and be a healthy eating role model for your kids into the future.

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StMargarets.vic.edu.au Thursday, 12 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

Schools top of the class Two Cranbourne schools have reached the finals in the 2023 Victorian Education Excellence Awards.

Education Minister Ben Carroll announced on 5 October the 47 finalists for the 2023 Victorian Education Excellence Awards, which celebrate inspirational teachers, principals, business managers, and education support staff for outstanding dedication and achievement in government education.

Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School has been recognised in the Outstanding School Improvement award category and Cranbourne Secondary College is a finalist in the Outstanding Education Support Team award.

The nomination says with 60 per cent of students speaking a language other than English at home, Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School’s new leadership team prioritised student learning and family engagement in building a more inclusive and multicultural school community.

“The leadership team established the Carlisle Community Group as a platform for families to become more involved in school life,” the award nomination explains.

“With the implementation of a Framework for Improving Student Outcomes 2.0 improvement cycle, teachers and leaders improved their data literacy and led evidence-based school improvement centred on knowing all students and their families well.”

The leadership team introduced Multicultural Education Aides (MEAs) that opened up the lines of communication between home and school by interpreting for non-English speaking families and providing them with an understanding of the education system as well as what is happening in the community and what impact it will likely have on the students.

Assistant principal Michael Sweeney said MEAs help alleviate the anxiety and provide an avenue for the community to ask questions and talk about their concerns.

“I’ve lost count of how many meetings with parents I’ve sat in with one of our MEAs on the topics of camp, academic achievement, excursions, behavioural expectations, assessment results, etc … and afterwards I thought without them I would have been no chance of getting my message across,” he said.

Mr Sweeney said a couple of positive outcomes with the MEAs were increased attendance at school camps and improved preparation for the National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) through communication with the families.

The school also held regular Cultural Connections Days to celebrate the multicultural diversity of the school community.

Mr Sweeney believed investing heavily in building staff culture and establishing a new level of trust and collegiality contributed to the success of the leadership team.

“Rather than engage outside professional development organisations, we’ve valued the staff members that have a wealth of experi-

Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School’s leadership team has been recognised in the Outstanding School Improvement award category.

Pictures: SUPPLIED ence and knowledge in various areas of education and community engagement,” he said.

“We’ve given staff a platform to share their experience and knowledge with each other and this built the profile and confidence of many of our staff, and established internal ‘experts’ for people to go to for advice and help.”

Mr Sweeney said on behalf of the leadership team that they had been very excited to be nominated. “It hasn’t been easy. Although we’ve been nominated this year, it’s validation for several years’ worth of work,” he said.

“We are all extremely proud to be a part of Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School.” Cranbourne Secondary College has also been held in high regard, with its multi-disciplinary Student Wellbeing Team expanding and innovating programs to support a growing cohort of students with additional needs as learners.

College principal David Caughey said the Wellbeing Team is committed to improving the college’s overall social, emotional, and academic performance by maintaining a multidisciplinary approach to addressing student needs and providing a safe and inclusive environment conducive to learning.

Student Wellbeing Team leader Melissa Bannister explained the team supports students in a multi-tiered system of support.

She said students can self-refer to the Wellbeing Team or a year-level engagement coordinator, or a year-level leader can submit a referral through. The Wellbeing Team works in 1:1 counselling with young learners as the tierthree support, group work for tier-two interven-

tions, and a whole school approach as the tierone support. Team practitioners also engage in a lot of evidence-based group work, which Ms Bannister said is very popular at school and makes a great impact. Mr Caughey added underpinning the approach of the Wellbeing Team is a Response to Intervention Model (RTI).

RTI matches students to appropriate interventions based on the severity of their presenting issues and enables the team practitioners to provide differentiated levels of support and therapeutic intervention. The Wellbeing Team has been pleased by the positive changes brought to the students.

Mr Caughey said one of the big changes they had seen was the amount of students that were very comfortable to self-refer now to get support.

“We definitely see enjoyment in some of the programs that we offer,” he said.

He said the team will focus and expand their supports at a whole school level through the implementation of Berry Street Education Model which will complement their current work with School Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) and enable them to focus on some key areas, including trauma informed practices, zones of regulation (ZoR), regulation strategies, learning plans, and brain breaks.

“We are on the hunt at the moment for a speech pathologist and a social worker to complement the team and they would be working as part of a team that has counsellors, psychologists and school nurses,” he said.

Mr Caughey said on behalf of the Wellbeing

Cranbourne Secondary College’s Student Wellbeing Team has helped the school earn a position as a finalist in the Outstanding Education Support Team award category.

Team that it is such a privilege and honour to be shortlisted for the 2023 Victoria Education Excellence Awards in the Outstanding Education Support Team category.

“It is fantastic to be acknowledged for the work we do in recognising and improving student outcomes,” he said.

The Victorian Education Excellence Awards support the continued professional development of staff, with professional learning grants of $20,000 for each individual award and $25,000 for each team award.

One category winner will also receive the esteemed Lindsay Thompson Award for Excellence in Education, which offers a further professional learning grant of $20,000.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday 27 October.

Education excellence recognised across the district The State Government has named a number of local schools and education leaders as finalists in this year’s Victorian Education Excellence Awards.

Announced on Thursday 5 October, the awards would support the continued professional development of staff, with professional learning grants of $20,000 available for each individual award and $25,000 for each team award.

Kambrya College principal Keith Perry was named as a finalist in the Colin Simpson Outstanding Secondary Principal award.

According to the nomination, he has promoted a positive learning environment and fostered a culture of collaboration and support among staff members, encouraging collaborative data analysis where teachers can share best practice, discuss student progress and collectively develop ways to improve student outcomes.

“Keith is empowering teachers to utilise data to inform their teaching and implement targeted interventions,” the nomination said.

“Keith’s experience and skills in leadership, relationship-building, planning and 14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 12 October, 2023

Former Narre Warren South MP Judith Couacaud Graley opened the new building with Kambrya College principal Keith Perry and the school’s Student Leadership Team in 2018.

Picture: SUPPLIED organisation, have instilled a sense of collective responsibility at the college that is encouraging greater community participation in school activities and actively supporting staff to excel.”

Brentwood Park Primary School was named as a finalist in the Dr Lawrie Shears

Outstanding Global Teaching and Learning Award, recognising schools which have demonstrated excellence in global learning and engagement at their school and have provided their students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Brentwood Park Primary School principal Jim Bell said with about 35 languages spoken and more than half the students speaking a language other than English, the school was committed to improving global learning and engagement.

“We often say that we are energised by the cultural diversity within our school,” he said.

The school also has a sister school partnership with the Yangzhong Experimental Primary School in Jiangsu, China via the Jiangsu Education Services for International Exchange (JESIE).

The school’s global education initiatives also included an Intercultural Capability Curriculum, a Chinese Language and Culture and Asia-literacy program, a Building Global Citizenship Program, teacher exchanges and local professional partnerships.

Hampton Park Secondary College physical education teacher Ellen Newton was named as a finalist in the Outstanding Physical Education and Activity Teacher award.

According to the nomination, her engagement with students’ learning and wellbeing through their physical education has extending teachers’ understanding and capability across the college.

“Successful in attaining a 2023 Active Schools Grant for the college, Ellen has also built strong connections with organisations and partners to ensure that all students can access the learning and facilities they need to be safe, both at school and in the community,” the nomination said.

“Ensuring her students’ have every opportunity to succeed, Ellen is building scaffolded resources and providing opportunities for her students to take active responsibility in their learning.

“Whether teaching or leading professional development on how to measure and celebrate student wellbeing and learning achievement holistically, Ellen is leading by example.” cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Going green at Vinnies

By Violet Li Vinnies Cranbourne has officially opened the first electronics sections in Victoria, as part of its state-wide Green Sparks program.

The section is housed separately as part of the shop, offering a large variety of electronic items, from cables to headphones, juicers to bar fridges, fans, light project, lamps, pie makers and vacuum cleaners.

Assistant manager Anthony Hanna said after people came in and donated the items, he and three volunteers would test and tag everything to ensure the safety before the re-sale.

He said the store opened last month and it had been very productive.

“We sold 419 pieces in September, raising revenue of $4615, an average of $11 per case,” he said.

“The revenue that we raised and all the money make for the Vinnies stores goes back into the community.”

Mr Hanna said the purpose of this program was and always would be to help the community in a more vulnerable and less fortunate area.

He recalled that the staff found a very high demand for the electronic items in the area, which drove the expansion of the store.

“Every day there’s different people and sometimes they come for radio, sometimes they come for BHS players, CD players, kettle toasters, and sandwich makers.

“So then we’ve expanded the variety in the range and we’ve got monitors and TVs. “We’re looking to upgrade the technology, any of the new technology stuff.”

Launched in June 2022, Green Sparks is a Victoria-wide Vinnies volunteer-run recycling program to give quality electrical goods a second lease on life, reducing landfills and educating and engaging Vinnies’ customers and the general public to manage

Assistant manager Anthony Hanna at Vinnies Cranbourne tests and tags the donated electronic items every day before the environmentally friendly resale as a part of the Green Sparks program. 365508 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS their e-waste better.

According to the UN, Australia is the world’s fifth top producers of e-waste with 511,000 tonnes and 27.1 kilograms of waste per person reported in 2019.

Vinnies Victoria’s executive general manager commercial services Jeff Antcliff said Greens Sparks was introduced after a policy change from the Victorian government, aiming to take eWaste out of landfill.

“We worked closely with the Victorian Government and Sustainability Victoria to receive a grant of just around $250,000,” he said.

“It enabled Vinnies shops across the state to embark on the Green Sparks program.”

Since its inception, Vinnies Green Sparks program has trained over 200 volunteers to be qualified to test and tag an electronic item, making it safe to be sold.

Mr Antcliff said in the past year alone, volunteers had diverted a staggering 120,000 electrical items from landfill, turning them into reusable items.

“That’s thousands of kilos of items saved from e-waste, making us the largest electrical appliance reuse organization in

Australia,” he said.

“I am very proud of that.”

The program has also generated more than $1.5 million in revenue funding for the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria’s programs and support for Victorians experiencing disadvantage across the state.

The Vinnies Green Sparks program has recently been recognised as an ABA100® Winner for Marketing Excellence [MXA] in The Australian Business Awards 2023.

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Thursday, 12 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 15

Vietnam Highlights Tour & Voyage From Singapore to Brisbane 24 NIGHTS | 7 NOVEMBER 2024

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16 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 12 October, 2023

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Thursday, 12 October, 2023

|

STAR NEWS 17

NEWS

Law service leads change

By Sahar Foladi

Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce and Neighborhood Watch Casey hosted a free business networking event and a cybersecurity panel on Monday 9 October.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Safety online

By Violet Li Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce and Neighborhood Watch Casey hosted a free business networking event and a cybersecurity panel on Monday 9 October, aligning with Community Safety Month.

The event helped small and medium business gain insight into the wide issue of what ransomed payouts are used for such as to fund nuclear programs, terrorism, and other foreign activities, how breaches occur and the consequences to a business, and ways to protect and minimise the impact to a business.

President of Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce Ian Wood said the chamber had become increasingly concerned about the rising threat to cybersecurity.

“We want to help local businesses understand and navigate this growing danger,” he said.

“This issue cannot be ignored and so an expert panel was assembled to tackle the problem.”

Cybersecurity expert and managing director of Extreme Networks James Eling attended

the event and presented his expertise.

He said it was not only big businesses that were targeted by the potential risk.

“Our small and medium enterprises are political foreign targets, where business data is held to ransom with a goal to illicit funds from victims towards immoral activities and to destabilise economies,” he said.

Cybersecurity tips were delivered at the event, including checking emails carefully to ensure they are legitimate and not clicking on any suspicious links, practising a zero trust approach and always verifying a request or message before acting, keeping your computer and mobile software up to date, backing up data regularly and keeping it offsite, and considering using a password manager rather than a spreadsheet stored on personal devices.

President of Neighbourhood Watch Casey Damien Rosario said it was not a matter of ‘if’ rather a matter of ‘when’ your business would be affected by malicious players.

“We can help mitigate threats with education,” he said.

A “ground-breaking” grant into climate change legal impacts has been won by South East Monash Legal Service (SMLS).

The Springvale and Narre Warren-based service will explore not just the impact of climate change in daily lives but also how it’ll play out with the everyday legal issues.

Executive director of SMLS, Kristen Wallwork says they’re very excited to be working in the “climate justice” field as an “emerging area.”

“This is a very large nuisance area. We’re very fortunate to have that recognised. The work that’s being done today is looking at disaster management and disaster preparedness (including) floods and fire.

“The idea of this project is to explore how climate change feeds into these community issues.”

This “particularly large grant” of $500,000 over two years may be one of the first.

“There’s lots happening in Victoria it’s certainly the only one we know of that’s specifically looking at daily legal issues,” Ms Wallwork says.

The legal aspect could look into the inadequate heating or cooling facilities in social housing and similarly, a landlord providing insufficient heating. “(Tenants) may be on a social welfare payment or be a low-income earner, so we’ll start to tease out different cases where there’s a cause or link to the climate.” Domestic violence, amongst other crimes, is expected to heighten during extreme climate conditions which can form as part of this research.

“These all sounds like new ideas but they’re real.

“We’ll be targeting very specific cases, collecting data through that legal work and the idea.” The team will be working with lo-

South-East Monash Legal Services’ Kristen Wallwork, Yasin Azra and Sabrina Lim. 363524 Picture: GARY SISSONS cal council’s to connect with communities and better grasp just how exactly extreme climate is affecting everyone.

The work consists of three major components - the first being data capacity.

“The first component is to gather data and information from the community around issues linked to climate justice, and to be able to feed into the community the ability to see their problems through a climate lens,” Ms Wallwork said.

“We’ll be developing principles, ideas and critical points about what we’re looking for in our legal works.”

The second component is to build casework for legal works and action.

“Legal action will ask for an outcome but we need to show that there’s a legal case in the first instance.” The final stage of the initiative is advocacy. The team can empower community campaigns to advocate for changes to provide some relief. SMLS will work with the Greater Dandenong Council, City of Casey and Cardinia as part of this project.

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The amendment proposes to replace the Municipal Strategic Statement at Clause 21 and Local Planning Policies at Clause 22 of the Casey Planning Scheme with a Municipal Planning Strategy at Clause 02. The amendment also introduces new local policies within the Planning Policy Framework at Clauses 11 to 19.

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• After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.

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Thursday, 12 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 19

WHAT’S ON Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre is a not-for-profit community managed centre, with a volunteer Committee of Management that provides strategic direction and oversight.

For more than 30 years, the centre has provided a range of high-quality childcare, community services, educational classes and spaces for hire.

Explore diverse activities and engage with fellow community members at their open day this weekend. Lots of free family fun, sausage sizzle, animal nursery, popcorn, and fairy floss.

Ageing Positively month by the City of Casey with free events every Wednesday in October including morning tea with homemade scones and jam, sausage sizzle in the park, gardening activities.

Free Computer classes through the Be Connected program for senior residents commencing Wednesday 11 October. Four free sessions with help available on-site for the elderly who struggle to get online - Monday 16 October to Friday 20 October. For more details, visit merindapark. com.au or facebook.com/MPLandCC Fun Filled Community Open Day is on Saturday 14 October.

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Cranbourne U3A Cranbourne U3A has commenced Term 4 with lots of fun activities planned.

They are having an open day this Friday 13 October from 10am to 1pm, including lots of fun classes, line dancing demonstrations, performances from the singing group and ukelele and guitar players.

The open day will also feature a speaker coming from the Stroke Prevention Association giving a talk on how to prevent a heart attack from noon.

Cranbourne U3A’s normal classes in calligraphy, art, chess, sewing, knitting and card making will also be available to talk to and show you their excellent work.

Members and tutors will be available to show attendees through the rooms and assist you.

Light refreshments, tea and coffee will be served.

Cranbourne U3A’s rooms are in the admin building of the Cranbourne Library, entering from the Casey Radio entrance.

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Rotary Club of Casey Interact Bingo Night The Rotary Club of Casey have started an Interact Club with Year 10 students at Foundation Learning Centre in Narre Warren.

Music through the decades - guests are encouraged to dress inspired by their favourite music decade. Silent auction, raffle and prizes. All funds raised support Foundation Learning Centre and Doctors Without Borders.

For tickets, visit trybooking.com/events/ landing/1117899 Wednesday 25 October from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Foundation Learning Centre at 1 Malcolm Court in Narre Warren, with tickets available for $30 for six rounds.

Open day on Friday 13 October from 10am to 1pm.

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Combined Probus Club Berwick If you are looking for new and exciting activities and a chance to make new friends, Probus can provide the opportunity to join a social club within your community. The Probus club offers activities such as trips and tours, movies at Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave, theatre events, morning tea and lunches, craft, tenpin bowling, golf, entertaining speakers and much more.

The club meets at the Old Cheese Factory on 34 Homestead Road in Berwick on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am with morning tea, followed by a guest speaker.

At noon, most members adjourn to the Berwick Springs Hotel for lunch.

Vacancies exist and you are welcome to contact the club for an invitation to attend a meeting.

The club is celebrating it’s 30-year anniversary and some celebratory events are planned, including a special Melbourne Cup Day event at the Old Cheese Factory on Tuesday 7 November and the presentation of service awards by Berwick MP Brad Battin at the Christmas meeting on Tuesday 5 December at the Beaconsfield Football Club.

For more information, contact Merilyn Carroll on 0418 536 202 or merimick3@bigpond. com or Ron Lowery on 0439 343 989 or

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Dandenong Community Cemetery Walk The Narre Warren and District Family History Group will present stories of Casey Cardinia’s early settlers and others who followed them to the district, who are remembered in this cemetery. Cost is $10 for adults, with light refreshments included at the end of the 90-minute walk, while a book of the walk will be available for sale on the day. To make a booking, contact cemeterytours@nwfhg.org.au or treasurer@nwfhg.org.au Sunday 29 October from 10am at Dandenong Community Cemetery, Kirkham Road, Dandenong.

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Casey residents with a love for all things spooky are invited to Halloween events at Wilson Botanic Park and the Old Cheese Factory.

Wilson Botanic Park is hosting a Fright Walk event from 6pm to 9pm on Saturday 28 October.

The Old Cheese Factory will be transformed on Halloween night from 5pm to 9pm with a range of activities and entertainment on offer.

Tickets are available for both events at $10

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Would you enjoy exercising from the comfort of your chair? Join the Berwick Activities Group for some seated movement sessions including fun and uplifting songs and different styles and eras of music. An opportunity to get moving and enjoy the company of others.

Timbarra Community Centre, 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick. $8 per session.

Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.

Wednesdays from 10.45am to 11.30am.

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Stalls for home made cakes, home made preserves and jams, good used clothing, toys, books, jewellery, lovely fresh vegetables, plants and craft.

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SPORT

Corneille the classy Cobra

By David Nagel “To do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result is - by definition - insanity.”

Identifying the need for change has paid off instantly for the Merinda Park Cricket Club after the Cobras (5/187) outlasted Premier Division newcomer Devon Meadows (7/183) by five wickets on Saturday.

Led by a brilliant 104 from 111 balls from boom-recruit Bevin Corneille, the Cobras hunted down the Panthers’ competitive score with 14 balls to spare at Tony Way Recreation Reserve.

Corneille was one of seven new faces from the last competitive game for the Cobras…a surprise win over Pakenham in the last round of the 2022/23 season that saved their Premier Division status.

Only skipper Mat Campbell, Daniel McCalman, Tyson Bertrand and keeper/bat Cambell Bryan survived a clean-sweep of the playing stocks this season.

The Panthers, on the other hand, had eight players return to the field from last year’s premiership-winning team in the second-tier District Division.

Coach and leading wicket-taker Chris Cleef was a key omission, with he, Trent Delaney and Ben Hussey being replaced by Jamie Cape, Jakeb McVicar and Ethan Wood.

The stage was set for a thrilling contest, with Devon Meadows testing itself in the top-flight and the Cobras largely a team of unknowns.

It would take 77.4 overs of highly-competitive cricket to find a winner!

New Panthers’ skipper Lucas Ligt called correctly at the toss and batted first, padding up with Will Halton to see off Campbell and Rajan Rana with a new white-cherry in hand.

Halton hit the third ball of the season for three and the Panthers were on their way.

Rana was erratic in his opening over - with maybe a touch of nerves – and those emotions weren’t settled as Ligt took Campbell for seven runs in the third over to have the score at 0/18.

Campbell didn’t muck around, putting his ego aside, dragging himself and bringing Raveen Kadirahettiarachchi into the attack to bowl the fifth over of the match.

His third over went for 12 runs, with the blade of Halton contributing 11 of those.

But just three balls later Halton was out, hitting Rana to McCalman on 22 to leave the score at 1/47 after a pulsating 10-over block.

Steve Robinson joined Ligt, and the pair put on a steady partnership of 60 from 14 overs before Rumesh Ranasinghe (8-0-30-3) claimed the key wicket of Ligt (46) in the 25th over.

The wicket of Ligt was the first of three wickets in 17 balls for Ranasinghe…a spell which changed the course of the match.

McVicar (2) and Robinson (34) were the fol-

New-recruit Bevin Corneille launched the Cobras season in style with a first-up century against Devon Meadows. 365479 low ups to Ligt…with the scoring rate slowing until Lucas Carroll (47) took 16 runs off the 34th over to leave the Panthers at 4/144 with just six overs to bat.

Corneille (8-0-44-2) would take both of his wickets for just three runs in the 40th over to give the Cobras some impetus heading into their run-chase.

Corneille and Ranasinghe (26) started well for the Cobras, landing at 0/43 after 10, and were 0/79 - midway through the 17th over – before Carroll (6-0-35-2) struck the first blow.

Corneille was not out 52, and Harkamal Singh on nine when drinks were taken with 20 overs left to bat.

Singh was gone three balls later, courtesy of Riley Worsteling (8-0-34-1), before Corneille and McCalman (32 not out) steadied the ship; the equation 21 runs to win from five overs, with eight wickets left in the sheds.

Ligt (7-0-35-2) then gave the Panthers some hope, removing the rock-solid Corneille (104) and Kadirahettiarachchi in the space of four deliveries to make it 15 required from 24 balls.

McCalman then took nine off a Carroll over to make it a comfortable six from 18.

McCalman then equalled the scores for the Panthers, before Liam Bertrand (4 not out) finished the contest with 14 balls remaining…the first and only ball he’s faced for the season!

Campbell was delighted with the 12 points,

with Corneille, Ranasinghe and club-stalwart McCalman playing key roles in the victory.

“It’s great for the club because a lot of hard work has gone into changing our fortunes around,” Campbell explained.

“And it’s not just on-field; we had a presentation of First XI caps on Thursday night with 90 people in the room and called on past players to present them.

“I engaged Marty Donaldson, Brett Armitage, Jamie Smith, Doug Marshall and Danny Diwell to present the caps and it just had a nice old-school feel to the place.

“It was great to cap it off with a win.”

Campbell knew exactly what he was getting when Corneille contacted the club via social media and the two sat down for a chat.

“When I played at Mordialloc I played against Bevin when he was at Dingley, he plays his role and bats time, a rock-solid two-day cricketer, but he has the ability and the framework to go to another level.

“He reached out to us, via social media and we sat down for a chat.

“He’s getting towards the back-end of his career, but he’s going to very important for us this season.”

And Campbell was proud of one of his great mates, McCalman who played a key role from his new position at four.

“He’s been offered contracts of huge money

Picture: ROB CAREW

to walk away from Merinda Park, but he’s loyal to the club, as loyal as they come, and he’s not in it for money, he’s in it for Merinda Park,” he said.

“He opened most of his career at Donnelly Reserve, a ground that is hard to score on, so to have that conversation with him that he will not be opening the batting, that he will batting at number four at the new ground, no matter what, that was an interesting conversation to have.

“He’s so well respected across the association; I’ve never heard a bad word spoken about him, and he’s earned that respect in spades.

“His role will be match dependant, and it could change from week to week, but I’m 100 percent confident he can play any role we ask him and will do it well.”

There were also some very positive signs for the Panthers, who proved highly competitive in their first outing in the top flight.

Devon Meadows will stay on the road this week, heading to Carlisle Park, and will be confident of victory after the Vikings top-order showed extreme signs of brittleness against Tooradin. The Panthers would love to get one on the board before a huge double-header at Glover Reserve – on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October – against Tooradin and Kooweerup.

Merinda Park heads to Gunton Oval on Saturday to take on first-round losers Cardinia.

Locals stars loving the build up to the Cranbourne Cup Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) has announced local apprentice jockeys Caitlin Hollowood and Matt Chadwick as its 2023 Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup ambassadors.

The CTC is about to embark on the biggest and brightest part of its racing calendar, with the $100,000 Pinker Pinker Plate (2025m) to take place this Friday 13 October, under lights, before the build up begins to the $500,000 Listed Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup (1600m) on Saturday 25 November.

Hollowood and Chadwick are residents of Cranbourne and can be found most mornings riding trackwork at the world-renowned Cranbourne Training Centre.

Hollowood, 24, grew up with horses and has long dreamt of becoming a jockey.

She recently rode her first career winner at Cranbourne and is no stranger to Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup Day, having been trackside as Uncle Bryn claimed the 2022 edition for her masters Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young.

“Our stable winning the cup last year was so rewarding…it was such a thrill,” she said. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

“The Cranbourne Cup has an amazing atmosphere and I’ve really enjoyed it every time I’ve gone.”

Chadwick, also 24, only began riding horses five years ago and is now at home riding for the powerful Mick Price/Michael Kent Junior training partnership at Cranbourne.

Price will be aiming for a third Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup victory following his success with Pakal (2013) and Octabello (2018) prior to forming the partnership with Michael Kent Junior.

“I’ve always enjoyed a day at the races,” Chadwick said.

“I was very lucky that before I got into the racing industry that I spent a lot of time going to the races with school mates and it’s probably more so now.

“It’s really nice to be able to put a suit on, dress up a little bit and enjoy a day out.

“It’s our home town cup so it means a bit to us.

“They’ll all be down here on cup day enjoying the day.”

Cranbourne Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Neil Bainbridge said the club was delighted to not only have two highly regarded young members of the local riding ranks representing the club ahead of its biggest day, but to have them represent the racing industry to the local community.

“The racing industry attracts people of all ages and a variety of backgrounds to Cranbourne, with more than 1590 employed in the industry and it contributes more than $207.1million in economic activity to the City of Casey.

“Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup Day is the biggest social event in the City of Casey, a celebration of all that is great about our sport.

“We’re delighted to have Caitlin and Matt represent the club as we prepare to host the biggest race day in the club’s history.”

Limited hospitality packages remain for the Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup; tickets can be purchased online at www.cranbourneturfclub.com.au, or by calling the office on 5996 1300.

Apprentice jockeys Matt Chadwick and Caitlin Hollowood are the 2023 Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup ambassadors. 366480 Picture: LOUIS TRERISE Thursday, 12 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 21

SPORT

Swans win bragging rights

By Marcus Uhe An unbeaten century from Dandenong captain Brett Forysth was not enough for the Dandenong Panthers to open their Premier cricket season with a round one victory, going down by 23 runs to local rivals Casey South Melbourne in a one-day match at Casey Fields on Saturday.

Forsyth could hardly have asked for a better individual start to his batting season with 135 off 147 deliveries, but the Swans’ first innings total of 6-264 proved too much for the Panthers to overcome in a reversal of the result of the corresponding clash between the two last season.

The Panthers could only muster 5-241 in reply, meaning Forsyth scored 56 per cent of his side’s runs with too much left to the veteran opener.

Joshua Slater contributed 57 and Andrey Fernando 27 but they were the only other Panther batters to score in double figures in a disappointing first-round loss.

New Swans captain Luke Shelton won the toss in his first game in charge and elected to bat under grey skies and after a week of substantial rainfall across Melbourne.

With Victorian contracted players in Ashley Chandrasinghe and Ruwantha Kellapotha not selected for the state’s opening Sheffield Shield fixture of the season in Perth, the two stars opened the batting for the Swans to maximise the amount of overs available at the crease.

Sporting a largely new-look bowling attack featuring recruits Noah Hurley, Vishwa Ramkumar and Ollie Jenkins, and debutant James Hayes, the contest was always going to shape as a period of unknowns for the Panthers in the first contest under new coach Tom Donnell.

The Victorian opening batting pair added 83 for the first wicket before Jenkins’ spin made the breakthrough, with Chandrasinghe caught behind by Sam Newell for 35.

His dismissal brought Harrish Kannan to the crease, a man expected to push for a baggy blue Victorian cap this summer, who quickly found his feet.

Striking at better than a run-a-ball, Kannan made 43 off just 40 before his 92-run stand with Kellapotha was broken by Gehan Seneviratne.

New recruit Yash Pednekar didn’t last long, adding just four runs, meaning the Swans had slipped from 1-175 to 3-186 in quick succession.

Unfazed by the drama around him at the

Brett Forsyth’s 135 not out was the highlight for Dandenong in Saturday’s loss. 365478 Picture: ROB CAREW other end, however, was Kellapotha.

On the back of a breakout season for the allrounder in which he broke through for his first appearances at the professional State and Big Bash League levels for Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades, respectively, Kellapotha hit the ground running with 109 off 125 deliveries.

He eventually departed next, at 4-231, before contributions from Michael Wallace (43) and Lachlan Sperling pushed the total to 264 after 50 overs.

Spin-twins Jenkins (1-45 off eight overs) and Ramkumar (1-35 off nine) were the picks of the bowlers, making excellent starts to their lives in Dandenong blue.

Forsyth and Fernando made a patient start to the chase, surviving the first 10 overs without loss but having only reached 32.

Left-armer Jackson Fry beat the edge of the debutant Fernando multiple times in a typically excellent and accurate opening spell from the lake end as the miserly Swans offered limited scoring opportunities.

Shelton, Devlin Webb and Kellapotha shouldered much of the overs during the middle of the innings, Webb’s seam-bowling variations in particular making him tough to score from.

Forsyth and Fernando looked to fight the spin with more expansive strokes, the senior head of the pair hitting Shelton for a pair of boundaries during his second over with a lofted drive and a hard sweep as the two captains went toe-to-toe.

Kellapotha’s introduction saw Forsyth hit him for a boundary through mid-wicket off his first ball, but he soon had Fernando caught by Sperling at first slip for 27.

For as tight as the Swans had bowled, they had produced seldom wicket-taking opportunities, and Sperling’s grasp of a fine edge was a much-needed breakthrough.

Forsyth raised his bat for a half-century in the 21st over but Joshua Slater’s arrival at the crease following Fernando’s removal saw scoring dry-up.

The first-drop struggled to penetrate the in-

field and rotate the strike, resulting in Forsyth not facing as many deliveries as Donnell and the Panthers would have liked.

Slater hit Kellapotha for a pair of boundaries in the 25th over but the Panthers were dealing mostly in boundaries and not much else, despite a lack of pressure in the form of wickettaking deliveries.

Forsyth was making a habit of big strikes against Kellapotha, hitting him for boundaries on the first ball of the over four times to immediately put the pressure back on the legspinner for the remainder of the over.

Webb’s metronomic control, whose 10 overs went for just 29 runs at the other end, forced the batters to play with aggression against the spinners before Fry was returned to the wicket as the Panthers increased their urgency.

Slater began to look more comfortable at the crease the longer he spent in the middle, and with 10 overs remaining the Panthers needed 87 more runs with nine wickets in the sheds.

A quick single from Forysth saw him raise the bat for a classy hundred before Slater’s half-century was achieved the very next delivery.

Needing to up the run rate, Slater tried to innovate against the spin of Sperling, but overbalanced and was bowled around his legs when trying to elevate over square leg.

They made slight inroads, with 14 coming off the 45th over, but the run rate required reached 12 with five overs to come.

Forsyth ramped Nathan Lambden for consecutive boundaries as Shelton returned to a strike bowler late in the innings but he was playing a lone-hand with the willow.

Max Maranic sliced a cut shot to Pednekar at backward point and Matthew Wilson hit-wicket the next ball as the pressure from Lambden and the Swans’ death bowlers tolled, and the innings petered-out.

Lambden (2-40 off eight) was the only multiple wicket-taker for the Swans but was also the most-expensive of the seam bowlers, while Kellapotha added 1-58 to his century in a sensational all-round performance.

The Panthers falling 23 runs short with five wickets remaining will no-doubt raise questions as to their approach to the chase, while the Swans will be pleased to walk-away from the opening match of the season with the points.

Dandenong host Prahran at Shepley Oval next week where Casey travel North to Greenvale for two-day cricket.

Stability the key in important off-season for Panthers

By Jonty Ralphsmith Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League Division 2 club Devon Meadows has positioned itself well to continue its natural upwards trajectory in 2024, following a preliminary final appearance this season.

The club has got to work re-signing almost all of its first choice lineup, prioritising security in the off-season, while recognising the need to add talent on each line to go two better.

The Panthers have welcomed in former Dandenong Stingrays listed Jack Wilson.

Wilson played 13 games across his two seasons in the program, playing primarily as a high forward at Talent League level.

He played his best footy, however, for Hampton Park at senior level of Division 2 of the Southern Football Netball League, running the wings and given spurts in attack and the midfield.

He’ll add energy and polish to the Panthers’ lineup, with coach Ryan Hendy keen to play him in the middle.

Wilson is the nephew of Hendy and is looking to play a better standard of footy.

He is also hopeful of finding his way onto a VFL list.

Hendy’s men have, however, lost hard working 23-year-old Jamie Plumridge to Southern Football Netball League Division 2 club Keysborough.

The club confirmed midway through the 22 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 12 October, 2023

Jack Wilson fought hard for Hampton Park in 2023. He has now found a new home at Devon Meadows. 354792 year that Patrick Ryder had recommitted for 2024.

Ryder has had a successful knee operation

and will be ready to hit the ground running for a full campaign after injuries interrupted him this season.

Picture: ROB CAREW

Devon Meadows has also gained a goal kicker and defender, with their names to be confirmed in coming days. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Sweeney’s Seagulls salute

By David Nagel Tooradin (7/249) has wasted no time retaining its reputation as the highest-scoring team in the CCCA Premier Division after the Seagulls made light work of Carlisle Park (158) as cricket returned to centre-stage on Saturday.

With boom recruits Mick (52 off 46) and Peter Sweeney (55 off 42) joining forces with former-captain Cal O’Hare (64 off 69), the Seagulls top-order looked well organised, fearsome and strong as the premiership favourites laid down an early marker.

After Mick Sweeney won the toss, O’Hare and a scratchy Josh Lownds (23 off 45) put on 53 for the first wicket to settle the first-round nerves.

The new skipper then joined the former, putting on a 93-run second-wicket stand to take control of the contest.

Pete Sweeney and the explosive Brad Butler (22 off 22) then capped off a lucrative first visit to the crease for the Gulls.

Kasun Balasuriya (8-1-34-3) and skipper Ben Perry (8-0-55-2) battled hard for the Vikings…who soon had no answer as the smorgasbord of options available to Sweeney became apparent.

Butler (7-1-40-3) made the initial breakthroughs, claiming wickets with the eighth and 11th balls of his opening spell to leave Dave Nutting (5) and Ethan de Vries (4) both reeling.

Star-seamer Russ Lehman (8-0-33-3) then claimed the next three wickets to fall…the contest effectively over with the Vikings languishing at 5/43 after 14.

Balasuriya (48) capped off a fine all-round performance, and added respectively to the scoreboard, with a 76-run partnership with Mark Henry (35).

Butler once again made the key breakthrough, having Henry caught by Lehman, to trigger a rapid close to proceedings.

The frugal Kallan Braid-Ball (8-3-11-2) joined the party late to join Butler and Lehman on the multiple-wicket-takers list.

Skipper Mick Sweeney was impressed with the 91-run triumph.

“It was nice to get off to a good start, and we enjoyed the win, but probably the biggest takeaway was just working through situations when things aren’t going your way,” Sweeney explained.

“You don’t see it well every game; you don’t time it nicely every time you bat; and we used Josh Lownds as an example of that on the weekend.

“He was involved in a 50-run opening partnership, but by his own admission didn’t hit them as well as he would have liked.

“But being 0/50, batting first, in the first game of the season, puts everyone’s mind at ease and it set the day up for us.”

The Sweeney’s don’t come with a reputation of bludgeoning the cricket ball, but strike-rates well beyond 100 are more of a reflection of a high-cricketing IQ. It’s a strength that skipper Sweeney will be happy to seep through the club.

“My message to the whole club has been to bat with thought and purpose,” he explained.

“Think about what you’re doing; think

Pakenham opener Tommy Tyrrell sends one down to Clyde’s Mahie Bodahandi. 365480 Picture: ROB CAREW

It’s the end of the road for Kooweerup star Gamini Kumara…clean bowled by mesmerising Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Cardinia spinner Morteza Ali. 365477 about what the opposition are doing because there are 11 blokes trying to get you out and make it hard for you.

“You do need thought, and then to purposely go out and try and execute your ideas.

“That’s manipulating fields and bowlers, understanding who’s got how many left, and who suits what batter…the most suitable match-ups.

“Taking the thought process of batters to another level is important, because it’s a difficult game at times but thinking about what you’re doing makes it a hell of a lot easier.”

Sweeney said spending time in the middle with O’Hare was a joy.

“We gave Cal O’Hare man of the match and it was great batting with him, he was terrific,” Sweeney explained.

“He hits the ball so hard, and to talk through things with him out in the middle, it felt like we had control for a lot of the time.

“We play in a traffic-light system; when it’s green…it’s our time to go; when it’s yellow… let’s work for momentum; when it’s red…we need to dig in, but with him hitting the ball so hard, we got into the green area and had it our way.

“He took down the mediums, I took more of the spinners, and it felt like we worked well together.”

Sweeney said having so many options with the ball, with Butler, Lehman and Braid-Ball leading the way early, would take some getting used too.

“I’m definitely adjusting to it, because you throw in Pete (Sweeney), Josh (Lownds), Tyler Evans and Liam Simpson in there and all of a sudden there’s a lot of bowlers for not many overs,” he said.

“It’s important we set specific roles for each bowler, so they feel valued and know they have a role to play in winning a game of cricket for us.

“I relied a lot on Pete in the DDCA, being spin-heavy wickets, so it will take time to adjust.

“But taking 10 wickets in 40 overs in the first game of the season is a real positive for us…we couldn’t be more happy.”

Sweeney has now set his sights on a roundtwo match-up with perennial finalist Pakenham.

“I was nervous before the Carlisle Park game, the most nervous I’ve been in years, but when you’ve got a club like Pakenham in round two you start to plan, chat about it, and look forward to it,” he said.

“We’re definitely looking forward to this week to get a gauge on where we are as a team and what we need to improve on.

“We know Rob Elston from a long time ago at Dandenong, Dale (Tormey) and Pete have played against each other as well, so we know a little about them…but it’s been a long time between drinks.

“We’re really looking forward to the contest.”

Pakenham (8/153) was made to work a lot harder than the Seagulls on Saturday, holding off the brave run-chase of Clyde (8/149) with not much left in the tank.

The Lions just chipped away before tea, with a 42-run stand between their toptwo scorers - Dale Tormey (41) and Dom Paynter (26) – the biggest contribution to their total.

Brett Reid (7-1-26-3) did the bulk of the damage for the Cougars, while off-spinner Dan Lever (8-0-19-2) proved hard to manipulate through the middle overs.

The Lions made the perfect start with the ball, with the dangerous Trevor Bauer (2) back in the sheds early, with Tommy Tyrrell (8-3-112) making the early breakthrough.

Reid (24) was rock-solid through the mid-

dle, with Ben Buller (36) sharing partnerships with Kane Avard (12) and Dev Brijesh (23 not out) to bring the Cougars to the precipice of victory.

But the Lions held their nerve, with James Close (7-0-33-2) important with wickets of Reid and Avard and the experience of Jason Williams and Paynter combining for a crucial late run-out.

While the Lions head to Tooradin, the Cougars face an equally tough assignment with a visit to Kooweerup.

It was hardly convincing with the bat, but Kooweerup (6/80) made enough inroads with the ball before tea to score a four-wicket win over Cardinia (79).

The Bulls were at sixes-and-sevens early, with Luke McMaster (6-1-16-1) trapping Travis Welsh (4) in front, before his brother Adam (70-28-2) claimed the key scalp of the dangerous Morteza Ali (5).

The Bulls just couldn’t gain any momentum, with Rob Maskiell (8-1-14-3) and Joel Anderson (6-1-15-2) following on from the opening spell of the brothers to make scoring difficult.

Matt Bright bowled four overs for four maidens, while Suchintha Lakshan (3-1-5-2) was another to hot the right spots.

A ninth-wicket stand of 23, between Caleb Boswell (15) and skipper Dean Henwood (7) was the largest partnership of the innings.

The Demons made a steady start in reply, with Steve Dillon (20), Chris Bright (17) and Luke McMaster (15) all getting starts…with the score stuttering to 2/61.

Josh Browne (5-0-23-2) had done the initial damage, but it wasn’t until Ali found his length that this one came to life.

The big-ripping spinner claimed Gamini Kumara (8), McMaster (0) - of the Adam variety – and had Dillon caught by Henwood to have the hosts treading water at 5-62.

When Ali then bowled Mitch Davey (1) a short-time later, the demons were 6/64 and in danger of a major capitulation.

But Lachie Ramage (11 not out) has made a welcome to the Demons this season, and his steady left-hand technique piloted the Dees to a first-up win.

Ali (8-3-14-4) was brilliant for the Bulls, who host Merinda Park on Saturday.

Round 2 - Saturday 14 October: One-Day KOOWEERUP v Clyde Cardinia v MERINDA PARK Carlisle Park v DEVON MEADOWS TOORADIN v Pakenham

Casey Cannons recognise biggest stars of the season

By Jonty Ralphsmith Casey Cannons Hockey Club held its presentation night on Saturday, celebrating a successful transition for the women’s program and year of development for the men.

Both firsts programs played the higher standard of Vic League 1 hockey in 2023 following premierships and promotion last season, with the best individuals from the year crowned.

Star play-maker Emma Harris won the women’s best and fairest, followed by the unheralded Aleisha Daly, with the well-drilled team-first Leandra McLaughlin taking home the coaches award.

The consistent and seasoned Cam Ritchie won the men’s top gong ahead of his skipper Matthew Light, with the coaches award going to young riser Charlie Coster. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Below is a full list of award winners Men’s Vic League 1 Best and Fairest: Cameron Ritchie Runners Up Best and Fairest: Matthew Light Coaches Award: Charlie Coster Men’s Vic League 1 Reserve Best and Fairest: Blake Edwards Runners Up Best and Fairest: Craig Moore Coaches Award: Ross Shilliday Men’s Metro 2 South Best and Fairest: Pete Turner Runners Up Best and Fairest: Dan Thorp Most Consistent: Luke Huntingford Women’s Vic League 1 Best and Fairest: Emma Harris Runners Up Best and Fairest: Aleisha Daly Coaches Award: Leandra McLauchlan

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

Women’s Vic League 1 Reserve Best and Fairest: Aleisha Foot Runners Up Best and Fairest: Claire Guastella Most Consistent: Lizzy Maciulaitis Women’s Metro 1 SE Best and Fairest: Emily Harris Runners Up Best and Fairest: Gemma King Most Improved Award: Sarah Chaffey Masters 45+DE Best and Fairest: Steve Ray Runners Up Best and Fairest: Andrew Lean Under 16 Mixed District SE: Most Consistent: Aleisha Foot Most improved: Emily Harris Coaches Award: Alfie Ray Most Determined: Amin Kamarudzaman Senior Best Club Person: Janine Foot Junior Best Club Person: Aleisha Foot

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

From left; Emma Harris, Aleisha Daly and Leandra McLaughlin accept their 2023 awards.

Thursday, 12 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 23

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