News - Cranbourne Star News - 26th October 2023

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Pumpkin carving delight

Communities are supporting Pearcedale Medical Centre and calling on the government to rezone the catchment as an area of need. 368433

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Fight for doctors

By Violet Li Pearcedale Medical Centre will cut its operating hours from 1 November after its application to rezone the clinic as part of the Distribution Priority Area (DPA) was rejected.

The clinic will no longer be open on Friday.

Owner Dr Farza Rastegar said the clinic had long-time difficulties in hiring new general practitioners (GP) due to policy restrictions and zoning rules.

She has received a lot of qualified doctors applying from overseas but she is not allowed to take them.

As a ‘metropolitan’ clinic, the centre can only hire overseas trained general practitioners or accredited foreign graduates who have been working in a DPA for at least 10 years before providing services covered by Medicare rebates.

According to the Department of Health, DPAs are identified locations with a shortage

E E R F

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KET R A M

of GP services. They are mainly in regional, rural and remote areas.

Dr Rastegar said her clinic used to sit in a DPA until the Federal Government changed the status before Covid.

“At first it didn’t affect me a lot, but then during three years of Covid, there has been so much pressure on the medical system and two of our doctors left general practices,” she said.

“Because of the DPA, I can’t get new doctors to come in.

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“So we’re stuck with only four of us with more than 3000 patients.”

She has requested an exceptional circumstances review to change the DPA classification of the area around June this year, which was not approved.

The Distribution Working Group (DWG) rejected the request, stating that the CaseySouth catchment has higher than average levels of GP services.

Continued page 12

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Planning rethink in Casey

By Matthew Sims The Casey community is encouraged to provide feedback on a new planning scheme amendment, which involves a review of the planning framework for the Casey region.

Planning Scheme Amendment C284case applies to all land within the City of Casey.

The amendment updates the content and structure of the Casey Planning Scheme to meet State Government legislative requirements and provides users with a much more contemporary scheme which better reflects current land use planning issues across the municipality.

The amendments include new clauses on non-agricultural uses in Green Wedge areas, protection of biodiversity, non-residential uses in residential areas and landfill buffers.

The amendment is informed by planning scheme reviews undertaken by Casey Council

in 2018 and 2022, as well as adopted council strategies.

It involved re-writing existing policies in the scheme to reflect council’s current strategic direction for land use and development.

Furthermore, the amendment updates the background documents which have guided the preparation of the amendment and addresses minor anomalies in the scheme to ensure that it can be readily understood and implemented.

In terms of protecting Green Wedge areas, the new clauses include avoiding creating clusters of non-agricultural uses, unless they are located adjacent to, or on the periphery of, an urban or township area and ensuring the layout, design and operation of non-agricultural use and developments in a manner causes minimal loss of amenity, privacy and convenience to people living in nearby dwellings, having regard to traffic, car parking, ac-

cess, built form and overall site layout.

In terms of planning for non-residential uses in residential areas, the amendments include encouraging non-residential development to be landscaped consistently with the surrounding area, including providing screening between car parking and adjoining properties.

The new landfill buffer clauses include discouraging the establishment of sensitive uses within 500 metres of the Hallam Road landfill in Hampton Park and within 1km of the Taylors Road landfill in Dandenong South.

The amendments also include avoiding the demolition of a heritage place, whole or in part, on the basis of poor structural or aesthetic condition or low heritage integrity whether this is the result of deterioration, neglect or for any other reason; and gaming venues and machines should be located only in suburbs where the electronic gaming machine density is below the state average.

There is no land within the City of Casey which will be rezoned or which is subject to different overlays as a result of the amendment.

With the amendment on public exhibition until midnight on Friday 1 December, dropin sessions will also be held on Wednesday 25 October from 4pm to 7pm at Balla Balla Community Hub (the Lounge), 7-9 Selandra Boulevard, Clyde North; and Thursday 9 November 4pm to 7pm at Bunjil Place Library (Level 2 meeting room 6), Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren.

Alternatively, a hard copy of Planning Scheme Amendment C284case is also available for viewing at Council’s Customer Service Centre at Bunjil Place, Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren or Warren or Cranbourne Customer Service Centre, Shop 156, South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne.

For more information, visit conversations. casey.vic.gov.au/c284case

‘They keep coming back for more’: Passion for pumpkins

By Violet Li Lawyer by day and pumpkin carver master at night, Cranbourne resident Corey Mathrick’s annual show time is approaching.

Every year during Halloween, he puts out all sorts of carved pumpkins in sophisticated designs around the house, fascinating the community and getting everyone excited about the spooky night.

This year, he’s encouraging people to cut their own pumpkins.

“Go to Coles, buy a pumpkin, get a sharpie, look up a design, any design that you want, and have a go at it,” he said.

Corey first started to carve pumpkins in 2013 when he hosted a big Halloween party at his house.

His grandfather used to carve a lot of pumpkins around Halloween and that year he took a stab at the large vegetable and realised it was not that hard.

It was messy taking the top off the pumpkin and ripping the guts out while not breaking the pumpkin, but he considered it unexpectedly fun, even as the most self-claimed uncoordinated man on the face of the earth.

“You got to enjoy the end result, and everyone enjoys looking at them, and just kept me wanting to come back for more, and each year I keep coming back,” he said.

Starting with simple designs and rudimentary pumpkins, Corey gradually journeyed far into complicated creations.

His most complicated works has to be a witch from Snow White.

“She’s sitting there holding the apple, and the fingers are inside the apple on its own, not the worst design I’ve ever had to do,” he said.

“However, as I was carving the final finger,

Funeral Director

...the little things make a difference

Cranbourne resident Corey Mathrick is in the middle of carving pumpkins.

Cranbourne resident Corey Mathrick with his carved pumpkins. it broke, snapped on me, and nearly sent me into a spiral for the night.

“I managed to collect myself, get some toothpicks out, break it down into fractions, and put it back together with the toothpick.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

But that pumpkin did test sanity the most out of all of them.”

Corey has been glad to see more and more Australians throwing themselves into the celebration on Halloween.

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“Every single year, the batches of pumpkins get bigger and the decorations get bigger,” he said.

“I see more trick or treats, and I love it.

“I love knowing that there are people out there who are getting into this, who are seeing that it’s a really fun night and you can you can make it whatever you want.”

According to the research from Australian Retailers Association (ARA) in collaboration with Roy Morgan, more than five million Australians will celebrate Halloween this year, with around $490m spending forecast.

Up to this day, Corey has still been experimenting with new designs and he keeps pushing everyone else to get involved in the festival.

“At the end of the day, Halloween’s about having fun being a bit weird and pushing boundaries,” he said.

“So go out there and do it.”

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Online drug charges Gain cash for cans

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Cranbourne man accused of trafficking LSD and cannabis over the dark web has been granted bail on a $500,000 surety.

Lucas Raymond Bingham, 42, faced a bail hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 19 October after being arrested during simultaneous police raids of homes in the South East the day before.

Bingham is accused of being a dark web vendor with the user-name ‘Utopia’ and linked to 309 parcels of LSD and cannabis seized in the mail by police, according to a police summary tendered at court.

The parcels were allegedly mailed from street post boxes at shopping centres, such as Dingley Village, Fountain Gate, Eden Rise Village, Karingal Hub, The Downs and Thompson Parkway.

Bingham had been selling drugs on at least 13 identified online darknet marketplaces, police claimed.

According to Utopia’s profile page, there were more than 20,000 transactions in the ‘external feedback’ section (with a 94.8 per cent approval score), the summary stated.

Major Drug Squad detectives allegedly seized LSD tablets, cannabis, THC gummies, cannabis resin, THC cookies, cannabis oil, about $5,000 cash and an Isuzu D Max utility from Bingham’s house on 18 October.

In one of the bedrooms, a container of cannabis and 45 heat sealed bags of cannabis as well as numerous postal satchels and envelopes were seized, police stated.

In the lounge room, an envelope addressed to New York, USA contained comic books concealing 3000 tabs of LSD was allegedly found.

The gummies, cookies, resin and other LSD tabs were allegedly seized from a kitchen fridge and a laundry freezer.

Bingham was charged with trafficking a

A 42-year-old Cranbourne man is arrested at a house in Cranbourne. He was charged with allegedly trafficking drugs over the dark web. large commercial quantity of LSD, trafficking a commercial quantity of THC and trafficking cannabis over the past 11 months.

He was also charged with importing LSD, possessing drugs and suspected proceeds of crime.

At the bail hearing, police claimed that Bingham made partial admissions to operating the dark net entity ‘Utopia’ and provided access codes to police.

He also admitted importing large amounts of LSD from overseas and owning all the property seized at the Cranbourne home, the police summary stated.

Police told the court that Bingham had been a tattooist – but hadn’t worked in the trade since the Covid pandemic from March 2023.

In supporting Bingham’s bail application, his mother offered up to $1 million surety – namely her and her husband’s home.

Magistrate Peter Reardon noted that Bingham needed to prove “exceptional circumstances” for bail – a high but not impossible test.

He noted that police didn’t seem to regard Bingham as an unacceptable risk of reoffending or failing to appear in court.

Bingham had also never been in custody and had no relevant priors.

His bail conditions included a $500,000 surety, reporting three times a week to police, surrendering passports, not accessing the dark web and using just one phone.

Major Drug Squad detectives also charged a 39-year-old Narre Warren woman with possessing cannabis, MDMA, LSD and THC and proceeds of crime.

She was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 11 June.

A 67-year-old Cranbourne North man was interviewed and released without charge.

Drink bottles and cans can be turned to cash with the opening of the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme from 1 November.

Each eligible container that’s returned will earn 10 cents - which is either handy pocket money or a chance to raise funds for charities, schools, sports and community groups.

VicReturn chief executive Jim Round said the scheme is expected to recycle billions of containers a year across the state. Similar schemes in other states had collected three billion bottles a year.

It will operate on top of councils’ kerbside recycling service and greatly improve recycling rates.

Round remembers fondly the former ‘Cash for Cans’ refund deposit scheme, and thinks this new incarnation will be just as popular.

Under the industry-funded scheme, VicReturn charges beverage manufacturers 10 cents per can and bottle, which is passed on to collectors or donation partners.

The big winners will be charities, schools, community and environmental groups, sporting clubs, and educational organisations, which can register as donation partners. Community members pass on their refunds to their nominated donation partner.

In the South East, company Return-It will run the refund points such as depots, reverse vending machines or participating shops.

The locations are expected to be revealed in the coming week.

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IN BRIEF Car thief locked up in a car A 24-year-old Tooradin man was charged with attempted theft of motor vehicle.

He locked himself up in an attempt to steal a BMW in Baxter on Monday 16 October.

The owner of the BMW drove to a petrol station at the corner of Grant Road and Lower Somerville Road for dim-sims around 11pm.

He peeked up at the security camera display and noticed the door of his vehicle being opened on the monitors when he was up to the counter to purchase his snack.

The man sprinted back to the car, startling the alleged offender who quickly locked himself inside the vehicle.

Despite gaining access to the vehicle, the car thief was stopped in his tracks as his efforts to start the car fell flat.

The would-be thief elected to remain in the car and wait for the police to arrive rather than risk challenging the owner or making a run for it.

The responding officers arrested him when they arrived at the scene.

The 24-year-old was bailed to face Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 14 November.

Impounded after a wheelie

Clyde North resident Scarlett Jennings is enjoying another day of her exciting job at L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Café.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Inspiring journey into the workforce

By Violet Li With two casual jobs, volunteer work, and cohosting a radio program about disability, Clyde North resident Scarlett Jennings has been embracing her hectic and vibrant life wholeheartedly.

Diagnosed with an intellectual disability at the age of 10, now 20-year-old Scarlett could not be more proud of what she has achieved in her recent transition from school to working life.

She works two shifts a week under the guidance of qualified chefs at L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Café, Florist and Art Space in Cranbourne, and two shifts a week at nearby Amstel Club where she splits her time between the bistro and its Every1 café which is run by people with a disability.

Aside from paid employment, Scarlett volunteers weekly at her local Salvation Army store and co-hosts Disability Matters, a monthly radio program on online station The Buzzz.

Scarlett showed signs of intellectual disability when she was six, followed by early intervention therapies.

She joined the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2019 that covered the cost of speech and occupational therapies for her and engaged with the provider Umbrella

Support after she left school.

Her mother Vanessa said she was very grateful for what NIDS had done for her daughter.

“Through the NDIS, they’ve supported her placements in work, and through Umbrella Support, they’ve supported her in social activities like dealing with friends and radio experience,” she said.

“Without the NDIS, we don’t think she would have had these opportunities that lead her in employment.

“It’s really been life-changing for her, so we’re big fans of the scheme in the support it gives. We wish the NDIS had been around when Scarlett was younger.”

Scarlett loves the variety of her jobs as she gets to learn something new each week.

“Workplace is really different to school and it’s learning how to be a bit more mature and more punctual on time,” she said.

“The staff is so supportive. They encourage you to step out of your comfort zone.

“It developed my confidence to give things a go and I gained more independence.”

She said her decision to volunteer at the Salvation Army Store was purely out of goodwill to give back to the community.

“I work on the cash register with support from staff. I serve customers and price donations,” she said.

“They’ve been fantastic for giving me an opportunity to develop my skills.”

Umbrella Support founder and worker Cindy Warren co-hosts The Buzzz with Scarlett and she spoke highly of Scarlett for her full drive.

“She gives everything a go, setting goals and working towards them,” she said.

“She has an outgoing personality. When faced with a challenge, she will seek guidance and move forward.

“Scarlett is proof that the NDIS does assist those living with a disability to strive for their goals.”

Vanessa said being part of society as a working person had always been what she wanted for Scarlett and she was glad her daughter was on the right track with the help of the NDIS. “It’s really tricky for people with disabilities to get paid employment,” she said.

“Scarlett has been really valued at the workplace for what she can bring, and she’s a really hard worker.”

Scarlett said her goal was to live independently one day and she was striving hard on her way.

“Get out there and explore options so you never know where those opportunities can lead you,” she said.

Police have impounded a Ducati motorcycle after the rider allegedly performed a mono in front of them in Cranbourne North on Thursday 19 October.

Officers observed the red Ducati stopped at traffic lights at the intersection of South Gippsland Highway and Glasscocks Road about 1.30pm.

When the lights turned green, the rider took off into a wheelie and quickly crashed back down to earth.

The 37-year-old rider from Port Melbourne will be charged on summons for failing to have proper control of a motorcycle.

His Ducati was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1005.

Casey Highway Patrol Sergeant Shaun Tolliday said motorcyclists had been overrepresented in road trauma recently and urged riders to be sensible on the roads.

“This is a costly moment of silly behaviour from this rider, but we know that all too often it is those lapses in judgement or poor decisions that lead to tragedies on our roads,” he said.

Charges following raid A Hallam man has been charged with drug trafficking after a police raid on 19 October.

Illicit Firearms Squad detectives say they seized methylamphetamine, dried cannabis, cannabis plants, cannabis seedlings and a quantity of cash from the home in Albert Road.

A 28-year-old Hallam man was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, trafficking cannabis, cultivating cannabis and possessing proceeds of crime.

He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 4 March. A 33-year-old Cranbourne woman was also arrested at the address. She was interviewed for possessing methylamphetamine and is expected to be charged on summons. The investigation remains ongoing.

Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald, of the Illicit Firearms Squad, said police were dedicated to disrupting drug traffickers who “profit from causing harm within the community by preying on vulnerable people with drug addictions”.

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Questions over weed killer

By Matthew Sims Casey Council have confirmed they are still using glyphosate-based herbicides in non-sensitive areas, despite growing concerns around the health impacts of the chemical on humans.

Casey Council city presentation manager Mardi Cuthbert said council have used a number of weed management strategies across its parks, open spaces, playgrounds and landscaped areas.

“These strategies comprise of both preventative and mechanical methods alongside chemical alternatives,” she said.

“As part of our overall approach, we do not use glyphosate or other chemicals around sensitive sites such as playgrounds, kindergartens, and community centres - these locations are weeded by hand.

“Chemicals used in other locations are stored and applied in accordance with industry regulations and manufacturer instruction.”

Ms Cuthbert said the council would continue to stay aware of industry developments around safe and environmentally-friendly weed management strategies.

“In 2019, Casey participated in a research project with Deakin University and other councils to develop a safe and effective alternative to glyphosate,” she said.

The research project’s findings concluded that while glyphosate was considered to be the most effective weed management strategy, the research only assessed which herbicide was cheapest and most deadly to use on unwanted plants, but did not assess the health effects on bystanders.

The research found glyphosate was the cheapest product, with the cost of a one-litre preparation being AU$0.10, while the other alternative weed management strategies ranged from AU$0.21 per litre (glufosinate) to AU$22.61 per litre (clove oil).

Glyphosate is commonly used to knock down weeds.

In March 2015, the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans”.

However, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) have assesed glyphosate products, and registered products as safe to use when the instructions on the label are followed.

In early 2020, Brimbank Council stopped using glyphosate herbicides in response to community concerns about possible links to some forms of cancer.

Picture: PEXELS/DAPUR MELODI

Joining Port Phillip and Frankston councils, Brimbank Council re-introduced the use of glyphosate herbicides and adopted what it considered as a “sensible approach” to balance the benefits of the substance along with any concerns relating to workplace and public health and safety.

Debates surrounding the use of the substance are heating up while a class action lawsuit takes place in the Federal Court, where more than 800 non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients are alleging a popular herbicide containing glyphosate is linked to their disease.

A US citizen successfully sued the manufacturer of a herbicide containing glyphosate on Friday 20 October, receiving close to $2 million in compensation after he developed cancer from exposure to the herbicide.

Australian Pesticide Reception Network (APRN) founder and environmental scientist Dr David Low said dangerous pesticides could vaporise and drift onto school grounds, sports grounds and the grassy areas in parks and gardens.

“Council should as a matter of urgency institute spray-free buffer zones around all sensitive areas, such as recreational reserves and waterways,” he said.

“Australia’s use of herbicides has more than doubled in the last ten years and is set to double again by 2030 unless action is taken to reduce the amounts used in urban and ecologically sensitive areas.

“It is irresponsible of a municipal council to continue to use these highly hazardous chemicals in urban areas where children and infants are exposed to them.”

The APRN aimed to warn and educate citizens about the dangers posed by Australia’s escalating use of highly hazardous pesticides in urban horticulture and farming.

Glyphosate has been prohibited for household use in France, the Netherlands and Belgium, with total bans in Vietnam and some US cities, and Germany next in line to ban the controversial herbicide by the end of 2023.

Dr Low said it was not necessary for councils to use these chemicals in urban settings.

“Many municipal governments overseas have successfully instituted pesticide-free vegetation management policies,” he said.

“Their citizens are now protected from these chemicals which are known to cause cancers and neurological illnesses such as Parkinson’s Disease.”

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

Baguette.

Croissant.

New lease on life for dogs A South East animal rescue aimed to help flatfaced animals breathe, be active and eat comfortably is calling for local support to help four of its brachycephalic dogs.

Named Didi, Croissant, Carlos and Baguette, the dogs suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) as a consequence of their shortened noses and skulls.

Squishies Flat Faced Animal Rescue volunteer coordinator Chelsea Watts said caring for siblings Baguette and Croissant before receiving surgery for BOAS had cost more than $17,000 since arriving three months ago, with an additional $12,000 needed for all four of the dogs.

“We are a small but passionate group of volunteers dedicated to saving flat-faced animals who often come to us in horrendous condition and requiring significant medical care,” she said.

“We are 100 per cent volunteer run with many of our volunteers working full-time in addition to the work they do with Squishies.”

The organisation is also raising funds via a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised $1395 towards its $12,000 goal at the time of publication.

Ms Watts said they are encouraging any locals to join the Adventure All Stars cast to raise funds for Squishies.

“We’re looking for participants for cast members for Adventure All Stars that will not only raise much-needed funds for our organ-

isation but will also offer the participants an unforgettable adventure,” she said.

“They will embark on a week-long journey to a secret location, all in the name of a good cause.

“We believe that this TV show will not only be entertaining but will also allow us to fundraise to ensure that we are able to offer the animals in our care all they need to live long, happy and healthy lives in their new homes.”

Casting is now open for season five of Australia’s television travel series Adventure All Stars which is currently available in Australia via 7PLUS, Fetch and Samsung TV. Adventure All Stars features an all-new lineup of authentic cast members in each episode.

Prior to the commencement of filming, cast members will be raising funds for Squishies Flat Faced Animal Rescue and their reward is the trip-of-a-lifetime with Adventure All Stars.

An Australia-wide search is now underway for people aged between 18 and 80 to star in a life-changing six-day adventure to a secret destination for a week of fun and filming.

The most recent season of Adventure All Stars generated close to $1.2 million for Australian charities - making the show one of the biggest contributors to philanthropy of any TV series in the world.

For more information, visit charitytvglobal. com/register-now or gofundme.com/f/helpsquishies-change-our-lives

Croissant.

OPINION

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up

LENSCAPE

To Every 1 Cafe for running a great cafe.

Thumbs down To rubbernecks.

Thumbs up To all the runners and walkers who braved the weather for the Fun Run.

Thumbs down To very few senior rentals anywhere this side of town. All senior rentals are in the inner city or western side of town. Everything else geared for buyers. Is this the government herding all seniors into one area to create a 15-minute city without letting anyone know?

Thumbs down Shuttlecocks at Casey Stadium. 368453 6 STAR NEWS

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To the traffic and road works all over casey. Deplorable and gridlocked - not good enough. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

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Stole $190k from employer

By Cassandra Morgan, AAP A former warehouse worker with “grandiose” ideas to bolster his image fleeced his employer out of almost $190,000 in a bid to put on T20 cricket tournaments in the South East featuring star international players.

Navishta Desilva, 36, dreamt of becoming a professional cricketer and played for Australia at under-15s level before he “hit a ceiling” and joined the workforce, the County Court of Victoria was told.

Having permanently relocated from his home of Sri Lanka to Australia at the age of 20, Desilva tried his hand at a number of jobs, including service station attendee, door-to-door salesman, Harvey Norman sales assistant, Deloitte auditor and part-time DJ. The first of the T20 matches Desilva organised featured West Indies’ veteran batsman Chris Gayle.

He developed a passion for events and went on to work at Live Nation as a hit-and-miss promoter, before he later decided he could

promote cricket events through his own business called Global Talent Entertainment, the court was told.

Prosecutors said the business hosted an international Twilight T20 cricket series at Dandenong, and managed several high-profile cricket players at Endeavour Hills Cricket Club.

Desilva’s lawyer Sam Norton said funding didn’t come through for some events, prompting his client to steal from his then-employer, Omnivision, where he worked as a warehouse assistant.

Endeavour Hills Cricket Club cancelled the second day of a Twilight T20 Carnival in 2022 after its dealings with Global Talent Entertainment went sour when Desilva was charged.

The first of the carnival’s matches went ahead in November 2022 and featured West Indies’ veteran batsman Chris Gayle.

“Having gotten to this position where he’s overcommitted, he feels as though he will let people down and he will lose any position of importance that he may have obtained by the calling off of these tournaments,” Mr Norton

told the court on Friday.

Desilva placed orders on Omnivision’s behalf with a legitimate supplier, CCTV Masters, and sent doctored invoices to his employer with inflated prices and his own bank details on them.

He ultimately stole more than $240,000 from Omnivision but the business netted a total loss of $189,000 after some of their CCTV Masters orders were fulfilled.

Desilva used the stolen money to pay cricket players - including Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan and Lahiru Thirimanne - more than $70,000.

He also transferred some of the money to Global Talent Entertainment and spent stolen funds at Louis Vuitton and Luxury Escapes, the court was told.

The judge ordered Desilva be assessed for a community corrections order ahead of his sentencing.

Judge David Brookes described Desilva’s offending as devious, calculated and quite skilful.

“This type of offending is devious and prolonged. It’s over 16 months and it’s quite … complicated,” he said.

“It seems to stem from immaturity and grandiose ideas.”

Prosecutors said Desilva was trying to establish himself as someone of importance by committing the offence.

He pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception on Friday and has paid Omnivision back the $189,000.

Desilva leaned on his family and friends to pay back the money and was now working two jobs six days a week to pay off his debts, Mr Norton said.

The judge ordered Desilva be assessed for a community corrections order ahead of his sentencing on 30 October.

Mr Norton noted media coverage of the case led to the breakdown of Desilva’s engagement and caused him mental health issues.

Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636

· ·

All fun and games in Casey with free activities for all Casey residents of all ages are encouraged to lace up their runners and stretch out their muscles to take part in Casey Council’s free Spring into Summer physical activity program.

Running until Sunday 17 December, the program includes a range of free activities, such as yoga, pilates, netball, pickleball, basketball, soccer and self-defense classes here are activities hosted by the YMCA, Reclink, Parks Victoria, Risky Kids, Wilson Botanic Park and the Olive Road Sporting Complex.

The activities on offer are chosen from various providers to encourage exercise among those who might not have previously been able to engage in exercise and physical activity often due to financial reasons, lack of opportunity, cultural considerations or lack of self-confidence.

The unstructured activities in the program aim to remove obstacles to physical and mental health development by making it free and welcoming to get out, have fun, and meet new people.

Regular activities include family badminton from 4pm at Casey Stadium each Friday, Outdoor HIIT at Casey ARC Mondays and Thursdays from 9.30am, self-defence classes at the Lynbrook Community Centre on Mondays from 4pm and youth boxing at the Lynbrook Community Centre on Wednesdays from 3.45pm.

For more information, visit casey.vic.gov. au/spring-into-summer

Maggie with her kids Elizabeth and Victoria from Berwick. 366917

Nawrz Ali with coach Atiq Abed. 366917

Elizabeth from Berwick. 366917

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Lynne returning a hit. 366917

Patrick. 366917

Victoria from Berwick. 366917

Highway out of action as intersection works ramp up The Western Port Highway in Skye has closed to traffic while work gets underway to build a new and signalised intersection as part of the Hall Road Upgrade.

Works will take place in two stages.

The Western Port Highway is closed in both directions between Hall Road and Thompsons Road until 7pm Wednesday 8 November.

The intersection of the Western Port Highway and Hall Road will then close in all directions until 6am Wednesday 20 December.

Works are being conducted in two stages to 8 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 26 October, 2023

minimise disruption as much as possible by maintaining traffic movements on Hall Road across the Western Port Highway for a longer period, including during the Melbourne Cup weekend, and ensures the upgraded intersection will open in time for the school holidays.

Drivers are encouraged to allow up to 25 minutes extra when detouring via Thompsons Road, Evans Road, Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Ballarto Road and Frankston-Dandenong Road.

Local access will be maintained for resi-

dents using Hall and McCormicks roads.

Heavy vehicles and through-traffic will take significant detours around the closure of this important freight link, via the South Gippsland Highway, Baxter-Tooradin Road, Peninsula Link, Frankston-Dandenong Road and Thompsons Road.

Hall Road will remain open in both directions across the Western Port Highway during the first stage of works only.

During this time, crews will work to remove the old roundabout, build new lanes and in-

stall traffic signals.

The Hall Road Upgrade is adding lanes in both directions between McCormicks Road and the Western Port Highway, and upgrading intersections at McCormicks Road, Taylors Road, the Western Port Highway, Evans Road and Cranbourne-Frankston Road to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS

Trimmings from the heart

Lilies work well on their own or in an arrangement with other festive colours.

Break out the festive colour Floral arrangements are a perfect way to add some colour to your 2023 Yule time table.

Ensure your house is looking its festive, floral best with these popular blooms: Lilies Lilies and amaryllis are always a popular choice at Christmas in a variety of colours.

Many varieties have a beautiful scent that will perfume your home.

They can be placed in an arrangement with other flowers or in a vase on their own and prefer to be kept away from direct sunlight in a cool environment.

Remember though that lilies are extremely toxic to cats, causing acute renal failure, so think twice before gifting them to your cat-loving friend and keep them out of reach of your own felines.

Poinsettia The poinsettia has come to symbolise Christmas, and with its bright red and green foliage it’s not hard to see why.

They are commonly found in pots, ready to adorn a table or bench in your house.

However, they can be finicky; they don’t like too much water, but take care also to not let them dry out.

If the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off, you may not be watering it correctly.

They’re native to Mexico, so they also prefer warmth and light, and make sure to protect them from wind and draughts to keep them happy for the Christmas season.

Christmas wrapping doesn’t have to mean buying the most expensive wrapping paper you can, or the cheapest, and in these days when we are all looking to save money and the environment, wrapping presents creatively might just be the way to go.

Wrapping a kitchen-themed gift - for the cook in family could be as easy as buying a nice new tea towel and ribbon or even an apron. A cook book from their favourite chef wrapped in a tea towel or apron - tied up with ribbon gives you two gifts in one.

A piece of gingham from the craft shop is also an alternative to wrapping paper - particularly for the crafty member of the family who could repurpose it as a tablecloth.

For the music lover in the house, why not try photocopying or buying old sheet music - photocopying allows for the music to be used again and again and to be blown up if needed. This could be the perfect wrapping paper for a CD, music gift card or DVD. Carol music could also be used - trimmed with ribbons or bells.

For the fashion lover, a shirt and brooch from the local op-shop could be repurposed to wrap and decorate a more expensive gift of clothing, fashion books, perfume or make-up.

And with colouring in books all the rage, why use completed pages to wrap smaller item.

Pretty pillow slips and old pieces of left over lace or buttons could also make suitable wrapping paper alternatives as could cheap calico bags - decorated anyway you like and then reused for the shopping after Christmas.

Brown paper is another alternative those with young children could make good old-fashion potato stamps (cutting

Creative wrapping brings a smile. 162427 out a star or a Christmas tree from a potato) and have a day of letting the children stamp their own wrapping paper for teachers or friends. Henna stamps and other more professional stamps can also be picked up from craft stores.

Old maps from a favourite holiday, that are cluttering up drawers would also make unusual wrapping paper, particularly for those members of the family that love to travel.

Decorations for your nicely wrapped presents could be anything from shells and raffia, to bells, buttons, ribbons, pine cones and foliage.

Making store-bought gifts look beautiful and original under the tree doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Poinsettias are an iconic Christmas bloom.

Rosemary It might not be the first plant that comes to mind when you think of Christmas, but this Mediterranean herb is actually perfect for an Australian Christmas.

It’s easy to grow and care for, and fills the air with a mouth-watering perfume.

It can be pruned into a Christmas tree shape if desired, and best of all, pairs deliciously well with the Christmas roast.

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STAR NEWS 9

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with South East Orthodontics Berwick specialist orthodontist Adam Wallace

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

My first career choice was a fashion designer.

What do you love the most about your job?

I love working with people to bring out the best of them and their smiles.

What are some pieces of advice you would give to people to help them take better care of their teeth?

You only get one adult set! Brush them twice a day, floss daily, eat healthy and see your dentist.

What would your last meal be?

Anything Vietnamese!

What was your most memorable moment?

Any moment spent with family and friends.

What were you like as a kid?

Super quiet and shy kid who lived on a farm with all his animals.

What matters the most to you and why?

Equality and everyone being equal.

What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

The fall of the Berlin Wall.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Hard-working, passionate and perfectionist.

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

Chilled day at home on the farm, a cup of tea and pottering around doing things that need doing.

Where is your happy place?

Anywhere in my home area of South Gippsland.

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

A good lasagne (this is looking at you my dear friend and colleague, Associate Professor Matthew Hopcraft from Season 7).

THREE … ways to celebrate Halloween in Casey The spookiest night in this year’s calendar is fast approaching, with Halloween falling on Tuesday 31 October

South East Orthodontics Berwick specialist orthodontist Adam Wallace. 361643 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

1

Old Cheese Factory The Old Cheese Factory in Berwick will become a spooky playground for Halloween where kids can enjoy a range of activities, entertainment, roving characters and music for the whole family. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed up in their spookiest gear from 5pm to 9pm on Tuesday 31 October.

2

Halloween Disco with Casper the Ghost Party the spooky night away at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre’s Halloween Disco and meet the friendly ghost Casper on Friday 27 October from 3pm to 6pm on level 2 near Target.

Don’t forget to take a photo to show your friends you saw a ghost.

3

Get out and trick and treat Jump on your local community’s Facebook pages and ask if any of your neighbours are getting involved and think about your costume.

Spring Festival

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Saturday 18 November

Free entry, 8:30am - 3pm.

Farmers market, live music, kids activities & Pick-Your-Own Fruit & Orchard Tours.

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10 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 26 October, 2023

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

CRANBOURNE SECONDARY COLLEGE

Congratulations

CONGRATULATIONS Cranbourne Class of 2023

Secondary College

Dear Year 12 students of Cranbourne Secondary College,

Class of 2022

Congratulations on the completion of Year 12.

Successfully completing secondary school is a wonderful achievement. In order to reach this point you have shown great resilience, determination and commitment.

Along with all of your teachers at Cranbourne Secondary College I would like to wish you all the very best for your future. I would also like to take the opportunity to remind you that although your formal education may be coming to an end your learning through life continues. The skills you have gained in navigating the demands of senior schooling can now be applied in the next steps of your journey.

I look forward to hearing of your future achievements and would encourage you to share these with your teachers and future students at the College. You are always welcome to return and share these experiences and learnings with our school community.

Thanks for being fantastic representatives of the College.

David Caughey Principal - Cranbourne Secondary College

At Cranbourne Secondary College we are a respectful, responsible, learning community.

Phone: 03 5996 3544 cranbourne.sc@education.vic.gov.au www.cranbournesc.vic.edu.au

12643812-AP43-23

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Thursday, 26 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

Centre fights for doctors From page 1 It also suggested the number of full-time equivalent GPs had increased by 31 per cent over the past four years, exceeding population growth in the Casey-South catchment.

Dr Rastegar has been disappointed with the outcome and said it did not make any sense.

“We have got a tiny unit here, and we are the only clinic in the town,” she said.

“Just because we are in the Casey council area, we are [assessed as] automatically in the metropolitan area.”

She added neighbouring areas, including Frankston and Mornington, had been granted DPA, despite having multiple medical clinics.

Somerville, located within the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, shares the same postcode as Pearcedale and has been classified as DPA. Dr Rastegar said all she wanted was two extra doctors for the clinic to function normally.

“The clinic is fully booked every day. Our patients have to wait three weeks to see us,” she said.

“If they’re sick, by the time they see us they will either feel better or really worse, then they end up in the emergency department in the hospital, adding to the pressure of the hospital, which has been already under pressure.”

On behalf of the four GPs in the clinic, Dr Rastegar said they had been burned out and felt tremendously exhausted.

“I usually don’t work on Friday as my day off, but I’m at work at the moment,” she said.

“Every day I have to go home and do my notes. I have to do the scripts at night.”

She recalled one time when she was away for a 10-day break, she ended up working because she did not want to burden her other colleagues who had already been under pressure.

“I was doing the work at 6am in the morn-

Sarah and her daughter Winter with owner Dr Farza. 368433 ing and 10pm when my kids were sleeping. I didn’t feel it was a holiday,” she said.

“I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with my kids because I had to work.

“I don’t think I can survive another five years of this - or even another six months of this.”

The town has been vocal in safeguarding their local medical centre with many having signed a petition for the state and federal governments to intervene.

Dr Rastegar said the back and forth with the government had been nothing but fruitless.

“They copy-paste their guidelines from the website, so no one is there trying to fix the situation. It’s just telling you this is the policy,” she said.

“No one seems to care. Apparently, we are just a dot on the map.

“I got an email saying there’s no further negotiation [for the DPA status outcome].”

11th-12th November 2023

Holt MP Cassandra Fernando said she was incredibly disappointed to learn that the Department of Health decided against granting DPA status to the Casey-South catchment area, which covered most of the Holt electorate.

“While I understand that the department has established processes to ascertain DPA status, I had hoped that they would make an exception given Pearcedale Medical Centre’s difficult situation,” she said.

“I am currently speaking to several other medical centres in the area to formulate a coordinated plan to advocate for DPA status to the Casey-South region.

“I will continue to raise the healthcare needs of our community in Canberra to make sure no one in Holt is disadvantaged in terms of access to it.”

A General Practitioner Workforce Report 2022 by Deloitte found demand for GP services is projected to increase by 35.4 per cent in

major cities and 25.9 per cent in regional and remote areas by 2032.

Major cities will see the largest shortfall of 11,517 GPs by 2032 in comparison to regional and remote areas where the supply for GP services is forecast to slightly overtake the demand in the same period.

The report stated further consideration is needed regarding increasing the supply of GPs in major cities, particularly at the fringe.

Dr Rastegar said the pressure on the public health system would be disastrous if the government did not tackle the GP shortage properly.

“I have got women who are 29 weeks’ pregnant who haven’t been seen by the hospital. So they are all left to be seen by GPs, and I don’t have any appointments,” she said.

“So there would be lots of pregnant women who will be sent home from the hospital with a measuring tape.

“All these people who can’t be seen at the hospital are going to be hugely impacted because hospitals rely heavily on GPs.” Dr Rastegar has been calling for more support for GPs from the government.

Two decades ago, 55 per cent of the graduates from medical schools wanted to become a GP because of the lifestyle and now the number went down to only 22 per cent, she said.

“We don’t get paid enough for the same amount as other specialists, but we have to go through the same type of exams as any other specialists,” she said.

“Our government’s just putting extra pressure every week by changing something.

“It’s like I’m not dealing with enough issues.

I’m already under pressure, and now they are adding more and more.”

Pearcedale Medical Centre will continue to operate from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Thursday.

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Thursday, 26 October, 2023

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NEWS

Counsellors under pressure

By Sahar Foladi Financial counsellors are at breaking point in Victoria as South East Community Links joins pleas to the State Government to urgently fund more counsellors.

In an open letter to Premier Jacinta Allan, SECL and multiple financial counselling services across the state have reported “unsustainable wait times”, voicing their concerns and need for urgent relief.

The demands for assistance have skyrocketed amid rising interest rates, unaffordable rentals, soaring energy prices and costly grocery bills.

SECL’s head of financial wellbeing Kay Dilger says these combinations are “placing enormous strain, forcing a breaking point”.

“Financial counsellors are concerned that already stretched household budgets will collapse if there are further rent or mortgage increases and we won’t be there to support people to understand their options and rights when they fall behind.

“There is also concern at the impact that financial strain has on the mental health of people struggling to make ends meet.”

SECL is the largest provider in financial counselling in the municipality. At least two thirds of their clients talk about the cost-ofliving pressures impacting on their ability to continue to pay bills and sustain housing.

“We know that people prioritise the roof over their head above all else. We see people cut back on essentials like clothes, and children missing out on sports or school excursions,” Ms Dilger said.

Waiting times at the free financial counselling service now stretch up to two to three months.

“If I compare it to two years ago, we had about two weeks wait to see a financial counsellor. Now unless you’re losing your home, the bank has repossessed your house or you’re be-

SECL head of financial wellbeing Kay Dilger says financial counselling wait times have ballooned to several months. 258271

The South East Community Links team at Bring Your Bills Day in Dandenong.

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

ing evicted, we have about a 12 week wait to see a financial counsellor,” Ms Dilger said.

“Financial counsellors could face burn out.

“Already long wait times could get longer, leaving people with fewer options when they can be seen,” she said.

The open letter, signed by 36 community organisations launched at Financial Counselling Victoria’s annual conference has urged the Premier to immediately boost workforce numbers for the next three years.

“Our financial counsellors are a resilient bunch and do their best every day for people experiencing financial challenges,” Ms Dilger said.

“It’s not easy for anyone with the lengthy wait times. We need more financial counsellors to respond to the growing financial hardship in our community.

“For this, additional investment from the government who funds our services is needed; now and for the foreseeable future.”

More than 62 per cent of SECL clients accessing emergency relief services report mental health, cost of living, and housing stress.

Between January to June 2023, 74 per cent of clients presenting to financial counsellors indicated the cost of living and mortgage stress as the reason for their financial hardship.

The organisations recently saw the success

of their “Bring Your Bills Day” initiative held for the community where avenues for assistance and information were shared.

As reported previously, 150 people attended the event within five hours.

The number of enquiries to SECL’s services is up by 20 per cent on last financial year.

“We are experiencing an economic crisis, and our service needs to be resourced to respond,” Ms Dilger said.

The National Debt Helpline reports a 29 per cent increase (15,404) in calls during the six months to June 2023 compared to last year.

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STAR NEWS 13

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cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Abuse rises amid conflict

By Sahar Foladi Islamophobia reports have quadrupled in Australia since war has escalated in Gaza according to the Islamophobia Register Australia.

In some incidences, direct references were made to the current Israel-Palestine situation.

Dayla Sabawi, a restaurant owner in Greater Dandenong for three years, has not just her relations but her husband’s family members in Palestine.

“It makes us feel helpless, that we can only watch and pray but can’t really do anything.”

Ms Sabawi was confronted with a firsthand exchange of racist slurs in a city famous for its multiculturalism where its residents speak more than 150 languages.

“I had someone swearing and using foul language against Muslims, saying they should go back home and how Hamas beheaded 20 children.

“I told him that’s not true and I asked someone else, and they said it was on channel 9 and 10,” she said.

“I was shocked. There’s an increase of hatred against Muslims because of fake news like this.”

The alleged atrocity took the media by storm but there are counter-claims that it was an “unverified” rumour.

Ms Sabawi says they don’t feel supported in their own community and environment.

“Despite what we’re going through at the hands of Israel, there are circulation of lies.

“Without any investigation or proof they just share the lies and feed it to the world.”

The register’s executive director, Sharara Attai said violence in the Middle East often lead to increased Islamophobia in Australia.

“We also know that diverse political rhetoric can lead to increased Islamophobia.

“We call on all leaders and senior figures to use careful and considered language that works to advance social cohesion and ensure that they aren’t fanning the flames to

A pro-Palestinian rally converged in Melbourne on Sunday 15 October. racism and division.”

The Register heard reports on threats to mosques and Islamic schools and physical assaults of Muslim women.

Executive Officer for the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA) Helen Heath said the escalation has created “tensions here.”

“We have so many people from all faith living in City of Greater Dandenong and everybody is affected.

“It’s just very sad what ‘s happening overseas, and people here are unsettled.”

She hopes for a peaceful solution to the issue.

Wellsprings for Women organisation in City of Greater Dandenong expressed its concerns over the impacts of the war in Australian communities.

Chief executive director, Dalal Smiley urges

Picture: AHMED BARAKAT

community leaders to lead by example.

“Such tragic events can trigger extremist actions of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and racism.

“We ask all community leaders to lead by example, use language of peace and human rights, and apply a humanitarian lens when discussing this topic.

“Wellsprings for Women is a safe place for women and children and we respect and support women of all faiths and backgrounds.”

The organisations is made up of staff and participants who’ve migrated to Australia escaping war, violence, tyranny and oppression.

Australia’s white and blue colours lit in support of Israel in Australian landmarks has further created division as Ms Sabawi questions the message they’re trying to send.

“I’m not surprised to be honest because the Western leaders have always sided with Israel,

but to light up landmarks white and blue, it was too much they went too far.

“It’s disappointing and when we come to our defence, they frame us as terrorists and the media move to show sympathy for Israel instead.”

President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Nasser Mashni said he felt “disgusted and completely othered.”

“The humanity of the world is diminished to such a degree that we’re not even considered worthy of saving.

“I’ve experienced racism in my life, but this is the first time I felt like I don’t belong.

“We’re devastated because we’re abandoned by the world. We’re dehumanized and degraded to the point where nobody cares about the genocide that’s about to happen.”

The Register also acknowledged the reports of anti-semitism and the “widely reported” anti-semitic chants at a pro Palestine protest in Sydney by a small number of people.

“We note that the organisers of that protest have publicly stated those people were asked to leave the protest and those views weren’t shared by either the organisers or the vast majority of the protesters,” the register said in their statement.

It also mentioned that irrespective of majority of protesters views on the Israel-Hamas situation, anti-semitic views are rejected as demonstrated.

The Jewish faith leader representative on the Greater Dandenong Interfaith Network, Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann says hate speech needed to be called out.

“We must do everything we can to eradicate both islamophobia and anit-Semitism and call it our for what it is - hate speech.

“It’s up to the faith leaders, parents and educators to call it out when they see it in their communities.”

Mr Kaltmann also expressed his “shell shocked” reaction to the events of 7 October.

By students, for students: Culture on show at Bunjil

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Students from across the South East have showcased their cultures in spectacular concerts at Bunjil Place theatre.

The annual 4C’s (Cultivating Creative Cultures with Communities) events teamed 15 high schools performing dance and song from across the world.

Bollywood, Tonga, Cook Islands, Afghanistan, Mauritius, Maori and Samoan cultural performances in full costume ignited the stage.

While in the Bunjil Place library, students’ impressive artworks and creative stories were on display.

Even more impressively, the event was led and organised by the VCE-VM (Vocational Major) students from Lyndhurst Secondary College, and jointly with Cranbourne East Secondary College, Gleneagles Secondary College, Cranbourne Secondary College and Hampton Park Secondary College.

Some taught the dances, others were organising costumes and design, promoting the event, supervising OH&S, fund-raising or supporting new dancers.

4C’s founder and Lyndhurst Secondary College teacher Laitini Matautia-Ulugia started the program 17 years ago.

It’s developed by students for students to tackle anti-social behaviour as well as the media’s stigmatism of young people, she says.

One of the aims is also for first and second-generation migrant students to express and re-connect to their cultural identities, as well as to learn more about their peers.

“We just had students that didn’t really understand other cultures,” Matautia-Ulugia said.

“This is a way they can connect to each other and get along across the common thread of art, dance, cultural carvings and fashion.

“Since then, it’s built bonds across a lot of schools, bringing together students that wouldn’t necessarily hang out with each other.” cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

An Afghanistan dance (Hazari) from Hampton Park Secondary College students.

Lyndhurst Secondary College students perform a Samoan “Taupou” dance.

A New Zealand-inspired singing performance from Cranbourne East Secondary College.

Lyndhurst Secondary College students and 4C’s organisers Hadi, Seyn, Jordan, Kelevi, Luisa, Elizia, Leneta, Tyrus and Sonia with principal Eloise Haynes.

A bright kaleidoscope of student artwork was unveiled at Bunjil Place library.

Students performing song and dance in full costume.

As well as having fun, students are completing VCE-VM personal-development and literacy units in a “real-life work simulation”.

Part of the practical skills are in event management, fundraising, costume design, dance and community engagement.

“For most of them it’s about growing their employability skills – managing time, working in a team and mentoring young students.

“The highlight of the show was watching the schools and the community

come together.”

Also taking part were Lyndale Community Group, Fountain Gate Secondary College, Unschooling in the South East, St Peters College, Hampton Park Secondary College and Narre Warren P-12 College.

From further afield were Officer Secondary College, Westall Secondary College, Carrum Downs Secondary College, The Grange P-12 in Hoppers Crossing and Craigieburn Secondary College.

For the first time, two schools from Melbourne’s North West joined in.

There are plans to further develop 4C’s ‘branch’ to the other side of Melbourne.

Among the packed audiences were local MPs Cassandra Fernando, Gary Maas and Belinda Wilson.

The concert was backed by City of Casey, Bunjil Place, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Le Mana Pasifika, Erdi Foundation, State Library Victoria and Grace Connections.

Thursday, 26 October, 2023

|

STAR NEWS 15

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Terms and Conditions apply, for full details please visit imagineholidays.com.au. All prices shown in AUS Dollars. Prices are per person based on two adults sharing a cruise cabin or suite and include flights from Brisbane (regional flights available at a supplement). **Prices and itinerary based on 22 January 2025 departure. ^Offer includes one excursion per guest, per port/day. Additional excursions available at an extra charge. *Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Credit cards charged at 1.5%, if paying by AMEX a charge of 2.5% will be added. ABN number 48614987718. Prices are correct at the time of print and are subject to change. Offer applies to new bookings only. Hero image is intended for illustrative purposes only.

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cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

WHAT’S ON Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club Are you newly retired or new to the area or just wanting to enjoy your freedom or expand your social life?

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social/chat activities with low-key in line dancing if you want to tap your feet and enjoy an afternoon tea.

Day, short and long trips away via coach and flights, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly evening dineouts, weekly table tennis club, walking groups, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings and more.

The club is also hosting a formal Christmas lunch on Tuesday 5 December at Dandenong Club.

Come along and get to know us by visiting us on a Thursday at 2 pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join us on a Wednesday at 10 am for a Coffee at Little Sparrow Fountaingate.

For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.

·

Dandenong Community Cemetery Walk

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

The club recently had a busy Open Day and have welcomed some new friends to its Tai Chi and Art classes.

New members are welcome to come along from 10am to 2.30pm on weekdays for lots of fun and laughter.

·

Garden Club’s 50th anniversary The Cranbourne and District Garden Club meets every second Thursday of the month.

Meetings are held at the Cranbourne Public Hall on the corner of South Gippsland Highway and Clarendon Street. Meetings begin at 1.15pm and afternoon tea is served afterwards.

On Thursday 9 November, the club is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special meeting. Previous members and new members are welcome - come along and join the club for a special afternoon. Contact Julie 0417 718 846 or Jean 9704 6242.

·

Casey Halloween Fright Walk at Wilson Botanic Park on Saturday 28 October is sold out.

Tickets are still available to Halloween at the Old Cheese Factory on Tuesday 31 October.

This event is suitable for children 12 years and under.

To book, visit tickets.bunjilplace.com. au/8929/8930 Tickets are also available to a Halloween Film Party showing ‘Beetlejuice’ at Bunjil Place on Saturday 28 October.

This event is suitable for people aged 15 and over.

To book and for more information, visit bun-

·

ron.f.lowery@gmail.com or visit berwickcprobus.wixsite.com Old Cheese Factory on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am.

jilplace.com.au/events/halloween-film-party

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.

For more details, visit merindapark.com.au or facebook.com/MPLandCC

·

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 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.

Classes in calligraphy, art, chess, sewing, knitting and card making are also running.

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.

·

Seated Movement Sessions (Chair Dancing)

·

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.

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 its 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

·

Craft Classes Do you enjoy craft making?

Join Berwick Activities Group’s Elizabeth to discover the world of papercraft and have a chat with like minded people.

You will be introduced to a range of papercraft techniques through a new project each week.

Casual attendance is welcome.

Timbarra Community Centre 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick $5 per class, all materials supplied.

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

Tuesdays from 10am to noon.

·

·

NEWS

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Cranbourne Star News

Digital Edition

FREE Customers with free falooda at the Agha Juice opening in Cranbourne. 368191

Residents across the South East enjoyed fresh falooda on a sunny day at an Agha Juice grand opening in Cranbourne.

More than 1200 people enjoyed the complimentary drink on its opening on Saturday 7 October from 3pm to 5pm.

Ali Hussaini was one of the masses at the opening saying he was glad he didn’t have to travel long distance to Dandenong or Narre Warren for Agha Juice anymore.

“There’s a lot of times where we want to go out to Agha Juice late evenings but since it’s quite a drive from Cranbourne, we end up not going at all. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

“With this, we can come down any time of the day since it’s so close to us.”

Chief operating officer, Ali Rahimi said the community response was overwhelming.

“The people in the community are happy about our existence here.

“Sixty per cent of the people today have never tried our speciality before, so it was great to watch them experience it for the first time.”

Established in 2016 in Dandenong, Agha Juice expanded in the Western suburbs after demand and now further expansions are underway nationally.

Business manager at Agha Juice, Arif Khalil said they have already received many franchise applications in Victoria which they’ll work on.

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Rex name shame

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“They need to have their plaques removed

Rex name shame

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

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

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

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

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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

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

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

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

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

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STAR NEWS 19

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The Casey City Council has prepared Amendment C284case to the Casey Planning Scheme.

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.

The amendment is required to ensure that the Casey Planning Scheme reflects adopted Council strategies and to make the Planning Scheme consistent with the new structure of planning schemes introduced by Amendment VC148 in 2018.

section of Network Classifieds.

Employment V Professional

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

• City of Casey Team Leader Strategic Planning and Reform Amendment C284case PO Box 1000 Narre Warren VIC 3805 • or by email to: planningscheme@casey.vic.gov.au

NEED 12565959-HC35-22

The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or on its website for any person to inspect free of charge for two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.

If you wish to learn more about the amendment, Council officers are hosting two informational drop-in sessions which are available for the public to attend: • Wednesday 25 October from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Balla Balla Community Centre (Unit 7/9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North VIC 3978)

Jason Pullman Team Leader Strategic Planning and Reform

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• or via the City of Casey website: http://conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/c284case

• Thursday 9 November from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Bunjil Place (2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren VIC 3805).

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Thursday, 26 October, 2023

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SPORT

CCCA contenders emerge

By David Nagel Tooradin, Kooweerup and Pakenham have emerged as the three strong contenders for this season’s Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) Premier Division crown after back-toback one-day victories on the weekend.

Tooradin continued its perfect start to the season on Saturday (6/240) and provided a reality check in the process after a 153-run romp over Devon Meadows (87).

Batting first at Glover Reserve, the Gulls lost a couple of quick ones but soon found their rhythm with the stick in hand.

Mick (52) and Pete Sweeney (53) were once again outstanding for the Seagulls, sharing an 85-run stand that took the game away from the home side.

The Sweeney’s then handed over to Tom Hussey (43) and Russ Lehman (54 not out), with the right-left combination bringing the Panthers to their knees.

Hussey backed up his classy 44 against Pakenham last week with another stylish display, while the knock of Lehman showed just how difficult the Gulls are going to be to defeat for this season’s title.

He became the fourth Gull to score a fifty, with five others likely to join that club by season’s end.

Minus their star batter Lucas Ligt for the weekend, the Panthers were never a chance, with Jakeb McVicar (26) the high-point at the top of the batting list.

Lehman (5-0-8-2) and Kallan Braid-Ball (5-0-20-2) were superb early for the Seagulls, before Tyler Evans (5-1-14-4) ran through the mid-to-lower order with gusto.

The Seagulls (2/98) almost didn’t raise a sweat against Clyde (96) on Sunday, cruising to victory after the Cougars crumbled after electing to bat first at Tooradin.

Pete Sweeney (7-2-10-2) bowled with laserlike precision for the Gulls, claiming the big wickets of Trevor Bauer (0) and Michael Vandort (4) along the way.

The guile of Sweeney was then perfectly balanced by the raw pace of Brad Butler (5-28-2) …who was simply too quick to handle.

The seam-up cutters of Lehman (7-0-31-3) then polished the Cougars off for good.

Lehman hasn’t had his customary big-game

The impeccable line and length of Tooradin’s Russell Lehman saw him take five wickets over the weekend in CCCA Premier cricket. 368094 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS yet (he snagged 8 against Cardinia last year) but already leads the competition with 10 wickets for the season.

His wicket returns of three, two, two and three reflect the consistency of his first four rounds of the season.

The Cougars can thank Kane Avard (28) and Daniel Lever (13 not out) for saving it from total embarrassment.

Butler (27 not out) then top-scored for the Seagulls…who remain percentage clear of Kooweerup at the top of the ladder.

The Gulls head to Cardinia for their first two-dayer of the season, while the Cougars need to make the most of a home game against Devon Meadows.

If you bowl a bad ball to Kooweerup (7/169) opener Chris ‘Wombat’ Bright (74) …you will get punished, as Merinda Park (125) discovered in an otherwise competitive contest against the Demons at Tony Way Reserve.

The hard-hitting opener has had a shaky start to the season, but enhanced his freeflowing reputation with a clinical display with the willow.

Bright faced just 56 balls for his 74 runs on Saturday, with a high-percentage 16 of those deliveries hitting the boundary ropes.

Bright dominated an 84-run opening partnership with Luke McMaster (15), before falling a short-time later himself.

The Demons then wasted their fast-start

with some poor batting through the top-tomiddle order.

From 1/95, the Demons were soon 6/122… losing 5/27, as Mat Campbell (8-1-27-2), Tyson Bertrand (8-1-26-2) and Bevin Corneille (8-135-2) fought their way into the contest.

The Cobras don’t have a menacing attack… but have looked organised in the field when they get it right.

One player who has been getting it right in the early part of the season is Lachie Ramage (38 not out) …who once again dug the Demons out of a hot spot.

Ramage remained unconquered for the season on Saturday night, with his 38 added to earlier unbeaten scores of 11 and 23 in rounds one and two.

His unbeaten 47-run partnership with Suchintha Lakshan (19 not out) ensured the Demons took the momentum into the second half of the contest.

The Cobras were in trouble early, at 2/9, with the pace of Luke McMaster (7-2-24-2) proving too hot for Rumesh Ranasinghe (2) and Adam Fisher (0) to handle.

When round-one century-maker Corneille (13) departed the scene, it gave Lakshan (8-224-3) the first of three wickets and the Demons the upper hand.

Raveen Kadirahettiarachchi (21), Cambell Bryan (18) and Campbell (25) gave the Cobras some fleeting hope...which was crushed immediate by three consecutive run outs.

On Sunday, it was one of the great shots to finish a game of cricket but Cardinia (2/154) opener Morteza Ali (99 not out) fell agonisingly short of a brilliant century in the Bulls’ eightwicket win over Carlisle Park (8/150).

Ali turned a pleasant Sunday afternoon at Gunton Oval into an exhibition of exciting stroke-play; cracking six boundaries and an equal number of sixes from 95 balls at the crease.

His final swing of the bat, a winning shot over the backward square-leg fence, sent the Bulls from 2/148 to 2/154 to claim victory.

But it also sent his individual score from 93 to 99; denying him the opportunity of reaching three figures.

The Bulls’ run-chase began shakily, with Alex Nooy (2) dismissed cheaply, before Ali and Daniel Salvato (32) changed the momen-

tum with a 95-run second-wicket stand.

Ali was clearly the aggressor, plundering the Vikings attack to all parts, while Salvato was more circumspect in his best innings since returning to the club this year.

Jacobus Hynes (15 not out) then capped off a productive weekend at the wicket, backing up his 57 against Pakenham on Saturday with another stylish knock.

The Bulls second win of the season was set up nicely before tea, with all-rounder Travis Wheller (8-2-25-5) claiming a five-wicket haul; piggybacking off a magnificent century against Merinda Park last week.

The Vikings were going along smoothly at 1/53…until Wheller struck his first blow, sliding through the defences of Ethan Davies (8).

He then skidded one through again, to knock over the castle of Ben Perry (38), before trapping Kasun Balasuriya (0) in front with another quicker ball.

Dave Nutting (11) then presented Wheller with his fourth-consecutive scalp; holing out to cow-corner, before the off-spinner made it five wickets on the trot a short-time later.

Left-hander Habara Perera (0) attempted to play off the back foot, but tickled one through to Bradey Welsh behind the stumps.

Mark Henry (47 not out) was the Viking with the best (or worst) seat in the house, watching his teammates mesmerised at the other end.

Matt Welsh (7-0-28-2) also took multiple wickets for the Bulls…one of the top-four teams to cruise to victory on Sunday.

Results Saturday - Round 3: Devon Meadows 83 def

by Tooradin 6/240, Pakenham 7/172 def Cardinia 8/171, Merinda Park 125 def by Kooweerup 7/169, Clyde 134 def by Carlisle Park 144.

Sunday - Round 4: Devon Meadows 101 def

by Kooweerup 102, Pakenham 1/98 def Merinda Park 95, Tooradin 2/98 def Clyde 96, Cardinia 2/154 def Carlisle Park 8/150.

Ladder: Tooradin 48, Kooweerup 48, Pakenham 36, Cardinia 24, Devon Meadows 12, Merinda Park 12, Carlisle Park 12, Clyde 0.

Fixture - Round 5 (Two-Day): Carlisle Park v Merinda Park, Kooweerup v Pakenham, Clyde v Devon Meadows, Cardinia v Tooradin.

· · · ·

Excitement builds as interleague returns for Southern

By Jonty Ralphsmith The Southern Football Netball League (SFNL) has announced the return of interleague for the 2024 season.

The representative matches will be played on Saturday, May 11 at RSEA Park against Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL)...the opponent of the most recent interleague fixture in 2019.

The league will return one week earlier next year due to the timing of Easter, which allows the marquee match to be held as a standalone fixture on the weekend.

The day will encompass an under-19s clash, followed by women’s and then senior men’s, with netball to run concurrently.

SFNL has always had a strong affinity with interleague, with chief Lee Hartman welcoming the return.

“We haven’t played for a number of years because of Covid-19 but that’s locked in now,” Hartman said.

“We’re keen to get that back.

“We’re a big supporter of interleague and it should be good for the league.

“The clubs have always been keen to put the league on show, it’s just been getting the commitment from the players so we’re keen to put our best foot forward.”

Matt Stapleton, coach of Division 2 club Doveton believes it will enhance local footy as a product in the region in 2024.

“It gives players the opportunity to be a part of something which is really good,” Stacranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Interleague will return for the Southern FNL in 2024. 338707 pleton said.

“They can put themselves up against the best from other leagues.

“There are players across the leagues who are looking to better their football that would benefit from a game.

“It can change people’s futures especially if there’s young people playing in that game, it gives them good exposure.

“It’s all part of being part of a football netball league.

“It’s a good experience over a weekend so

Picture: ROB CAREW it’s really positive for the league.”

Coaches for the teams will be appointed in the new year.

RDFNL is based in outer-western Melbourne, with Diggers Rest the 2023 senior premiers.

Thursday, 26 October, 2023

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STAR NEWS 21

SPORT

Jess Bohn was productive for Dandenong Picture: ROB CAREW on Sunday. 368258

Dhanusha Gamage is applauded off Shepley Oval on Saturday after registering a century on debut.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Bohn leads Dandenong to victory

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Delight for Dhanusha

By Marcus Uhe Making a hundred, batting with a club icon with friends and family in the stands, and hitting the winning runs in a thumping victory over a fancied opponent.

Debuts hardly get more special than that, as Dandenong batter Dhanusha Gamage can attest, following his first foray into the world of the top flight of Premier Cricket on the weekend.

Gamage came to the crease at 1/20 in the eighth over and only left when the job was done, finishing unbeaten on 124 as he clipped a single to the leg side to complete the chase of 257, having shared a 237-run partnership with his captain, Brett Forsyth.

While the significance of the moment didn’t resonate on the day itself, he says the time since the innings came to a close has helped him appreciate the gravity of what he achieved.

“Reflecting back, that’s when it started hitting me that, I did that,” Gamage said on Monday.

“On the day, it didn’t really hit me as much, it just felt like another innings and another game, and it felt really good to get the win.

“It’s been cool, I’m pretty proud of that and even more excited about the team and getting the win and being there at the end, which definitely helps as well.”

Weight of runs in the seconds at Shepley Oval last season saw the 20-year-old force his way into the first XI in just the second game of the season this year.

Andrey Fernando presented him with his blue cap last week, having been informed at

training in the days prior that he had earned a call-up by Forsyth, assistant coach Ross Woodall and new Panthers coach Tom Donnell, who forecasted big things for the 20-year-old during the preseason.

The confidence instilled in him from Donnell and Forysth to play his natural game and follow his instincts helped to navigate his way to triple figures, even surviving a dicey period in the 90s with the milestone in sight.

The innings nearly came to an end on 96 when he came uncomfortably close to chopping-on with an inside edge that just spared the timber behind him, before a drinks break on 98 gave him more time to think about the potential achievement.

But while some players may have struggled with the downtime afforded by the pause, Gamage said it allowed him to reset and refocus after an anxious few minutes.

Forsyth’s tranquillity and the conversations the two shared out in the middle, not only at drinks but during the entire innings, gave him a fascinating insight into what’s required to succeed at the level.

“The main one was how composed he was and how he wasn’t rushed even though our scoring dried up a little,” Gamage said of his observations from 22 yards away.

“His calmness, and when I wasn’t scoring as much, seeing him not panic and stick to his guns, be really calm, definitely helped me when I got into those situations when I got into them, or when I got a bit more stressed or anxious.

“Every ball he’s watching the ball and if anything’s happening off the wicket or if the ball’s

doing anything, he’s communicating with me.

“He was really detailed with his analysis, so those two are probably the biggest things I can take away from him.

“And the amount of focus he has; this is his second consecutive hundred now, and not giving his wicket away is another thing that, is something I’ve done before, given my wicket away too early.”

Gamage hit the ground running this summer thanks to another winter playing in the Northern Territory.

He represented PINT in the Darwin and District Cricket Competition and Southern Storm in the Strike League, playing with and against fellow up-and-coming talents from around the country like Harrish Kannan, Lloyd Pope, Cooper Connolly and Jason Sangha.

Judging by Saturday’s performance, Gamage is already reaping early rewards for the investment in his craft, with higher honours in his sights.

“Playing there for three months definitely helped my game and getting a lot more batting time and practice in hot conditions, definitely helped as well (as last season’s results),” he said.

“I think a lot cricket is understanding what’s important and what’s not, and Darwin definitely helped with that.

“Coming back to preseason at Dandenong, I missed most of preseason but I was able to play and be at the last few weeks of preseason training, and played in the two practice matches we had.

“I’m definitely pushing for as high a level as I can go to so I’m very excited about that.”

Opening batter Jess Bohn took initiative to lead Dandenong to a 12-run win over Ringwood in a rain reduced 27-over game.

The hosts were sent in with weather around Shepley Oval on Sunday, and Bohn started watchfully, not hitting her first boundary until the sixth over.

Once she got her eye in, she backed herself, running hard between the wickets and looking to establish partnerships.

She was the primary run-scorer in all her partnerships as the pitch proved a difficult one to get set on, with Nilakshi Perera her only teammate to pass 11.

Bohn finished with 81 off 98, her second half century of the season defined by smarts and game awareness to get her team to 5/160.

Ringwood got off to a strong start, with a 67-run second wicket partnership giving it momentum.

Acacia Sutton’s dismissal of Samara Dulvin in the 21st over, though, turned that momentum on its head.

Early discipline with the ball through Emma Gallagher and Thivyaa Mahendran ensured Ringwood’s run rate never got completely out of hand.

The Dulvin breakthrough was a dagger blow for Ringwood, which was then unable to establish a partnership late in the innings, no middle-order player able to face enough balls to assert themselves on the contest.

Needing 60 off the last 38 following Dulvin’s wicket, Ringwood never seriously threatened after the loss of set batters.

Forsyth and a first-gamer steer Panthers across the line

By Marcus Uhe Centuries to both Brett Forysth and Dhanusha Gamage saw Dandenong thrash a highly fancied Prahran outfit by nine wickets at Shepley Oval on Saturday.

Coming together at 1/20, upon the dismissal of Andrey Fernando, Forsyth and Gamage added 237 for the second wicket in 77 overs to grind their way to a maiden win under new coach Tom Donnell.

Forsyth finished unbeaten on 113 off 257 deliveries, his second unbeaten hundred of the season following 135 against Casey South Melbourne in round one, while Gamage, earmarked for a big year by Donnell in the preseason, made it a first XI debut to remember with 124, featuring two sixes and 11 fours.

Forsyth’s 50 came in the 38th over with a textbook drive through the covers off finger spinner James Boyce.

The Panthers’ run rate hovered at a steady two per over for three quarters of the innings before lifting to 2.5 as the target became within reach.

Once Gamage reached his half-century in the 56th, he begun to free arms with a flurry of boundaries.

The 59th over begun with a powerful pullshot off Alex Turner for six towards Pultney 22 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 26 October, 2023

Brett Forsyth made it two hundreds from his two starts for Dandenong so far this summer. 317884 Picture: ROB CAREW Street before bisecting two fielders on the off side with a sumptuous cover drive for four on the next delivery.

Off the final ball, he aimed to repeat the dose of the first, but didn’t quite clear the boundary rope, awarded four rather than six.

A sweep down to his teammates watching in the pavilion saw Forsyth reach the milestone with 47 runs still required.

Gamage nearly chopped-on for 96, much to the disbelief of a pair of close fielders in his eyeline, and had to mentally withstand a drinks break on 98 before his big moment came in the 80th over with a swivelled pull shot down to the square-leg boundary.

After falling just shy of the Swans in round one, there’s plenty to be optimistic about at Pantherland already in the 2023 season.

At Greenvale, Casey South Melbourne made light work of the Kangaroos’ 105, eclipsing the target three wickets down.

Newcomer Yash Pednekar hit five sixes and three fours to top score with 60 off 65 balls and steer the chase from the top of the order.

The Swans declared at 7/163 after 32 overs to try their hand at an outright win, but the hosts offered far more resistance in their second effort with the bat, reaching 6/218 after 69 overs.

Veteran seamer Jackson Fry and captain Luke Shelton each took two wickets in the Kangaroos’ second innings.

The Swans head to Camberwell next week to take on the Magpies while Dandenong head to Parkdale to face Kingston Hawthorn in twoday fixtures. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Pansilu Deshan played an excellent counterattacking knock. 368098

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Sachith Jayasingha got three wickets on debut for Doveton North. 368097

Low-order leading the way

By Jonty Ralphsmith Once the fiery opening spells were finished and the novelty of two-day cricket’s return to the Dandenong District Cricket Association on Saturday had worn off, there was a period of rhythm in Turf 2 and 3.

The clear theme from teams batting first was panic early - and stabilise with the lowerorder.

The expectation was that many would fail to bat their full 80 overs in the early season two-day fixtures as teams grappled with the return to the longer format.

What materialised was synonymous with long-format cricket as batting sides were able to wrench control back for periods after losing early wickets.

Wickets flattened out and it allowed teams with batting depth to shine.

Parkfield turned a score of 5/40 into 8/158 after its 80 against Heinz Southern Districts.

Narre Warren lost 4/2 but the Magpies score of 7/113 reached 255 against Dandenong West.

Cranbourne’s 4/90 became 8/309.

In Turf 3, Silverton recovered from 7/68 to put 183 on the board against Lynbrook.

Fountain Gate sat at 7/90 before reaching 175 against Doveton North.

Cobras seamer Triyan De Silva delivered a vicious spell at Parkfield Reserve, claiming five early wickets – all his scalps dismissing top six batters.

Travis D’Souza and captain Stephen Canon put up a strong defence, absorbing spin at both ends, with Hansika Kodikara’s unbeaten 38 also playing a key role in helping Parkfield bat its overs.

Only 42 overs were bowled the following day, with the Cobras forced to settle for a draw after losing consistent wickets, the hosts attack lead by Nick Jeffrey’s 5/14.

Mackenzie Gardner again missed out, run out on nine.

Nuwan Kulasekara helped put the Bulls in the driver’s seat at Greaves Reserve with four early wickets, but Pansilu Deshan and Sahan Jayawardana absorbed the onslaught.

Then, they attacked.

They batted with a plan, picking gaps and running hard.

Both players passed 50, Jayawardana bringing up his milestone via a six over midwicket, indicative of the fearless partnership.

The Magpies weren’t given the opportunity to defend their score, with no cricket played the following day.

For Cranbourne, Harsaroup Singh and Sajana De Silva capitalised on the true wicket late in the day, Singh reaching three figures and hitting it crisply, while De Silva made 87.

Characteristic of the flat Frederick Wachter wicket, Pirates tweaker Lankesh Samaraweera opened the bowling and he was the best throughout the day.

In Turf 3, Fountain Gate’s Ray Pal and Jasdeep Singh saw off more than 100 balls to ensure their team faced 75 overs, scoring 31 and 38 respectively which proved crucial runs as the pitch flattened out.

Bowling with discipline all day, Gayan De Silva was eventually able to get the final three wickets to finish with the fine figures of 6/75 off 23.

He bowled well in tandem with Hallam Kalora Park recruit Sachith Jayasinghe, who finished with three wickets, including one with his first ball for the club.

There were 41 overs bowled on Sunday, as Doveton North looked to push for victory.

Ravin Dissanayake and Amardeep Hothi each made quick inroads on the target but the strong intent brought the downfall of wickets, with Doveton North ultimately settling for a draw.

There were nine new players in the Doveton North lineup and the club showed it could match it at Turf 3 level, having been promoted ahead of 2022-23.

Meanwhile, Berwick Springs had a momentous win against Coomoora, Lynbrook got past Silverton in a classic, led by all-rounder Jattinder Singh and Doveton was too good for Hampton Park.

In Turf 2, Lyndale made light work of Keysborough, Rajika Fernando tying down an end and finishing with 4/16 off 17 overs as the Knights were bowled out for 65, which the Dales reached by stumps on day one.

Cranbourne up for challenge as exciting season begins CRANBOURNE BOWLS Following a magnificent 2022/2023 Pennant season the Cranbourne Bowling Club weekend teams are back and looking forward to a better 2023/2024 year.

Our Cranbourne 1 team, after winning their Division 2 Section Final against Narre Warren, has been promoted to Division 1 and look forward to this challenge.

Our Cranbourne 2 team had a challenging season, but fought their way to the Division 3 Section Final, but just fell short of winning it. As a result of finishing section runners-up, they along with Dandenong Club - who won the final - are both promoted to Division 2 Our Cranbourne 4 team took on Berwick in the Division 7 section final and only fell short by 12 shots.

Both teams have been promoted to Division 6.

Cranbourne 3 team just missed out on finals and will be endeavouring to rectify that situation this season.

The club’s past Chairperson Tony Collins and current Chairperson Chris Deal were absolutely thrilled with the efforts of all teams and look forward to the club having an even better 2023/2024.

Selectors, coaches, players have worked hard over the past three years and the results were a great outcome for all the hard work everyone has put in.

Midweek Pennant Our Cranbourne 3 team carried the club to cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Cranbourne 1; Weekend Pennant winners of Division 2 Section 8 and promotion to Division 1 Picture: SUPPLIED for 2023-2024. 321404 a section elimination final and though going down to Monbulk, this team did a great job throughout the year.

They’ll tackle the new season in Division 4 and they’ll do us proud.

Our three other teams consist of Cranbourne 1; who will play in Division 2, Cranbourne 2; who will play in Division 3, and due to dwindling numbers, we’ve had to

convert our Cranbourne 4 team to a Division 6 Section 4 (6-A-Side) team.

The Midweek Chairperson, along with the selection committee, look forward to our teams having a good season with finals being our aim.

The Club is always looking for new players, so if you have an interest in playing lawn bowls, pop down to the club at 5 Grant Street, Cranbourne and have a chat with players and

officials and maybe arrange to meet a coach.

You’d be more than welcome.

Results Weekend Pennant - Round 1 Cranbourne 1 team travelled to Cheltenham to play its first game in Division 1.

They played admirably, but went down three rinks to one.

Cranbourne 1 (76; 2 points) lost to Cheltenham 1 (95; 16 points).

Cranbourne 2 took on Dandenong Club 3 at home and again went down 19 shots, losing three rinks to one.

Cranbourne 2 (75; 2 points) lost to Dandenong Club 3 (94; 16 points).

Cranbourne 3 travelled to Ferntree Gully to take on their number 2 team and playing on a very fast synthetic our team was given quite a lesson. All rinks suffered loses and Ferntree Gully 2 had a day out.

Cranbourne 3 (45; 0 points) lost to Ferntree Gully 2 (132; 18 points).

Cranbourne 4 took on Berwick 6 at home and came away with a hard-fought win.

Cranbourne 4 (92; 16 points) defeated Berwick 6 (56; 2 points).

Cranbourne 5 never got to play, as their opponents Keysborough 4 had to forfeit and give Cranbourne 5 a walkover (18 points and 15 shots awarded).

Midweek Pennant Round starts Tuesday 24 October, 2023.

-Derek MaguireThursday, 26 October, 2023

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Thursday, 26 October, 2023

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