News - Berwick Star News - 23rd May 2024

History milestone

The Narre Warren and District Family History Group celebrated 35 years of keeping local history alive on Saturday and members were delighted that foundation member Val Holland was able to join them for the milestone. Unfortunately foundation president Lorraine Taylor, at whose home the first meeting was held in May 1989, could not attend due to injuries from a recent fall.

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Formality at a cost

By Cameron Lucadou-Wells, Ethan Benedicto

Parents are ringing alarm bells over the cost of Year 12 graduation ceremonies, amid a worsening cost-of-living crisis.

A disgruntled parent reached out to Star News regarding their child’s Year 12 expenses, specifically the $160 on valedictory dinner tickets.

The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern over the fact that it would cost a small fortune for a family of five to attend the valedictorian dinner at Nossal High School.

“Families who can’t afford this expensive meal are not allowed to attend only for the event,” they said.

The official Nossal High School valedictory graduation dinner announcement stated that ticket prices included a three-course meal, soft drinks and would cover presentations and entertainment.

To be held at Pullman Melbourne Albert Park in November, the event itself is optional and is not compulsory for graduation.

Ticket limits were set to a maximum of five per family, with all members, including children, required to pay the full amount.

The parent wanted to shine some light on the “lack of care by taxpayer-funded schools”, adding that “this is a big day for all kids and families”.

Nossal school administration has also reached out to parents and families who expressed concern over the pricing, giving them a platform to liaise the amount.

Looking at similar events for seniors this year, Narre Warren South P-12 College’s up-

coming Year 12 formal at Malvern Town Hall will be priced at $120 a head.

The rising cost-of-living is a central concern, and is acknowledged not just by the parent but also by Lyndhurst Secondary College principal Eloise Haynes, who said that a growing number of families were feeling the pressure of rising costs.

“We as a school see this with increasing requests for support for uniform, students and families needing additional support with essentials such as food,” she said.

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Narre Warren and District Family History Group president Jane Rivett-Carnac (left) and vicepresident Fay McCoubrie (right) with foundation member Val Holland at the group’s 35th birthday party on Saturday.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Group making own history

A group of passionate volunteers dedicated to helping keep local history alive celebrated a milestone of its own on Saturday 18 May.

The Narre Warren and District Family History Group marked 35 years since 11 people met with a common interest in family history and formed the group in the home of founding president Lorraine Taylor on 10 May 1989.

Unfortunately, Lorraine, who has the group’s research room named in her honour, couldn’t attend the event, having recently broken her arm in a fall. It was the first milestone event she had missed.

Another key player was also missing, with valued member Lyn McGregor losing her battle with cancer only weeks before the event.

Members were thrilled, however, that another of those original members, Val Holland, was able to attend and she joined life members in cutting a celebratory cake made by Abby of Abby Bites, the grand-daughter of life member Anne Blair.

NarreWarren South MP Gary Maas, Cardinia mayor Jack Kowarzik and Star News Group editor Garry Howe spoke at the birthday party and handed certificates of appreciation to its many volunteers.

Current president Jane Rivett Carnac reflected on the group’s achievements over those 35 years, which include Cemetery Walk events across the region and the publication of 17 books., 15 of those related to walks.

She said that in 2004 a small group, led by Eileen Durdin, set out to create the Casey Cardinia Combined Index so they had a fast way to search a name or place in the district and identify all the books and records within them.

“To date we have over 200,000 entries on our searchable database,” she explained.

Another project was the Casey Cardinia Remembers website, led by Lynne Bradley.

“The idea was to photograph and record the many names on plaques, honour boards and memorials in the district and create a dedicated website,” she said.

“The National Library of Australia has deemed our work on this project to be of im-

portance and the website is regularly archived via Pandora and the National Library so it will be preserved for all time.

“Both of these projects began when Eileen and Lynne worked fulltime and held committee positions and participate in many other ways for the groups benefit. I wonder when they found time to do their own family research.”

The group had held occasional walks in local cemeteries in the early days, but in 2011 at Pakenham cemetery produced its first related book and opened another learning avenue of

research and writing the stories.

A cemetery tours group was formed in 2014 for the 100-year commemoration of the Great War and the first walk, coinciding with History Month each October, was held at Berwick cemetery. This year Emerald will complete the tours.

The Berwick tour revealed the unmarked grave of a forgotten soldier and with the help of the RSL, the Cemetery Trust and the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette, Brigadier General C.H.Foott now has a headstone and recognition of his service.

Volunteers acknowledged included John Abbott and Maureen Abbott, David Allen, Heather Arnold, Val Barnett, Anne Blair, Lynne Bradley, John Byrne, Di Christensen, Moreyn Dimsey, Eileen Durdin, Ian George, Gary Glassborow, Penny Harris-Jennings, Robyn Jones, Helen Kemp, Bev Lambie, Kerryn Maxwell, Fay McCoubrie, Rex McFarlane, Mary McGrath, Lyne McGregor (posthumously), Bob Neal and Mary Neal, Judy Owen and Russell Owen, Jane Rivett-Carnac, Tracey Roberts, Cameron Rocke and Marianne Rocke and Barbara Sharp.

Narre Warren MP Gary Maas takes a selfie of the cake-cutting ceremony with life members and guests Cardinia mayor Jack Kowarzik and Star News Group editor Garry Howe.

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Life members join foundation member Val Holland (centre) cutting the cake, from left, Eileen Durdin, Rex McFarlane, Fay McCoubrie, Val, Lynne Bradley, Anne Blair and Jane Rivett-Carnac.

Cardinia councillor Brett Owen with Eileen Durdin and Kerryn Maxwell.

Enjoying the birthday spread, from left, Marianne Rocke, Lynne Bradley, Darryl McWalters, David Allen and Rex McFarlane.

Event MC and life member Fay McCoubrie.

Monash Health fined $160k following patient’s death

By Tara Cosoleto, AAP

Monash Health has escaped conviction after admitting it failed to ensure one of its most vulnerable patients was not exposed to risk of harm.

Rebecca Victoria Poke died by suicide at Casey Hospital in Berwick in September 2015 after being voluntarily admitted to the hospital’s mental health inpatient unit.

The hospital audited the suicide risk to patients in the unit in April 2015 and flagged a visitor’s bathroom as a potential concern but did not eliminate the risk.

Nurses found Ms Poke unresponsive in that bathroom on 31 August and she died in hospi-

tal two days later.

In sentencing Monash Health to a $160,000 fine, Victorian County Court Judge Gerard Mullaly said while the hospital failed in its duty of care, it did not have glaring disregard for patient safety.

The hospital attended to the general risk of self-harm and made appropriate changes to bathrooms that were more readily accessible to patients, Judge Mullaly said.

The bathroom in question was usually locked and could only be accessed by a supervisor’s key but it was inexplicably open for Ms Poke, the judge said.

He said the circumstances were tragic but the failure on Monash Health’s part was at

the lower end.

The judge also pointed to the health service’s guilty plea and its otherwise good corporate character as it had no prior convictions.

“That is a matter of considerable weight given the history of this large organisation,” Judge Mulally said.

The judge also noted the victim impact statements made by Ms Poke’s family, who remembered her as a much-loved woman who was dearly missed.

Judge Mulally said the $160,000 fine without conviction was not a reflection of Ms Poke’s life.

“Her life was quite simply invaluable to her and her family,” he said.

After the sentence was handed down, WorkSafe executive director Narelle Beer said the tragic incident could have been avoided.

“Ways to control the risk of deaths by suicide in mental health units have been well understood in the healthcare industry for many years,” Dr Beer said.

“WorkSafe will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action when duty holders are not doing everything they can to protect those in their care, including from intentional selfharm.”

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Program focuses on women in school leadership roles

Quarters Primary School welcomed principals from overseas for a reciprocated women’s leadership learning program onWednesday 15 May.

In 2023, Quarters Primary School principal Liz Davey along with 11 other Victorian women principals engaged in the Women in School Leadership (WISL) program organised and funded by the Asian Education Foundation, University of Melbourne, and Education Department.

The program is a professional learning platform for women school leaders from India and Victoria, where they can explore opportunities to lead schools for social change, with a focus on learning and wellbeing.

In October 2023, Victorian principals flew to India and met their Indian counterparts spending two weeks visiting schools in and around Delhi and Bengaluru.

In May this year, the Indian principals visited Quarters Primary School as part of their Victorian immersion visit.

A special assembly was held to welcome

their visitors including a Welcome to Country and special performances by our learners showcasing our multiculturalism.

Richa Sharma Agnihotri from Sanskriti School in New Delhi, Rashmi Malik from Salwan Public School in Gurugram, Aditi Misra from Delhi Public School in Gurgaon, and Swarnima Luthra from ASN Senior Secondary School enjoyed visiting classrooms and chatting with students and families.

A spokesperson of the school said the aim of the WISL program was to strengthen educational and cultural ties with India as Quarters Primary School had up to 50 per cent of families from the Indian diaspora in Cranbourne West.

“The program has provided a wealth of knowledge and experiences to develop a greater understanding of the similarities and differences each school system faces and how we can work together to tackle our challenges,” they said.

“The program has been so worthwhile and successful in sharing knowledge and building relationships.”

Aditi Misra from Delhi Public School in Gurgaon, Jodie Bray from Clyde Creek Primary School, Liz Davey, the principal of Quarters Primary School, and Richa Sharma Agnihotri from Sanskrit School in New Delhi. 405397

Aditi Misra (Delhi Public School, Gurgaon), Jodie Bray (Clyde Creek Primary School), Liz Davey (Quarters Primary School) and Richa Sharma Agnihotri (Sanskrit School, New Delhi) with students that welcomed the guests and performed for them. 405397 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Students are singing the Indian National Anthem for the guests.

Director suspended

By Violet Li

The director of Hampton ParkWomen’s Health Clinic has been suspended, following the death of a woman after surgery in January.

Narre Warren South woman and a mother of two Harjit Kaur died shortly after a pregnancy termination surgery in Hampton Park Women’s Health Clinic on 12 January.

The Department of Health suspended the clinic’s registration as a day procedure centre on 29 February.

On 15 March, the Medical Board of Australia suspended the registration of obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Rudolph Lopes, who performed the abortion surgery on Ms Kaur.

Just recently, the authority suspended the clinic director Dr Michelle Kenney.

The reasons behind the suspensions have not been revealed and a spokesperson of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) said they could not comment about matters relating to individual practitioners beyond information already disclosed on the public record, including the register of practitioners.

Prior to the recent suspension, Dr Kenney had conditions imposed on her registration between November 2022 and December 2023 that only allowed her to practise during daytime hours between Monday and Friday and must not exceed three shifts per week of eight hours duration each shift. She was also only allowed to work under the supervision of another registered medical practitioner during the period.

Dr Kenney told Star News in March that it was due to personal health issues.

At the time, she said the clinic did not commit any medical misconduct and the suspension of the day surgeries had something to do with the paperwork and administrative issues, instead of the death of Ms Kaur.

She also claimed that the suspension of Dr Lopes had nothing to do with Ms Kaur’s death.

Dr Kenney said she could not comment on the recent suspension on her as there are legal proceedings in place.

According to the public Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) record, Dr Lopes was found to have engaged in professional misconduct on 19 October 2021.

He was reprimanded over lewd remarks to a patient and long-term sexual harassment of a midwife.

VCAT stated that Dr Lopes must be required to work in a supervised environment under specific conditions and the conditions lapsed in December 2023.

Star News is not suggesting Dr Michelle Kenney, Dr Rudolph Lopes, or any other doctor or staff member at the clinic are responsible for the death of Ms Kaur. A coroner’s investigation is underway into the cause.

Suresh Rajan, a spokesperson for the bereaved family of Miss Kaur, said the husband was still struggling terribly.

“One of the reasons why he’s struggling is that the coroner still has not been able to come up with a definitive reason for her death,” he said.

“They promised that it would be done in the middle of April. Then they asked for more time. Now they’ve come back with a toxicology report, but nothing determines the cause of death.

“They will send the toxicology reports to further experts to get more analysis.”

Mr Rajan also said the problem was they could not apply for probate and get access to entitlements with the workplace of Ms Kaur until they secured a death certificate that showed the cause of death.

“I just think we’re at that stage where we just want answers because that gives us closure,” he said.

“We just want to ensure that no one else has to deal with an issue like this ever again.”

The family also believed that another doctor in connection with the clinic had been suspended.

Love conquers all, ask new author David

By Ava Cashmore

An event in August of 1966 changed David E. Allen’s life forever.

His beloved wife, Jean, gave birth to their daughter Linda, but in the process, suffered a brain injury so severe that she lost three quarters of her brain’s functioning.

The doctors told David that Jean would never recover or emerge from a special hospital again.

David refused to believe the doctor, and proceeded to spend every last dollar on speech therapy and treatments for Jean.

They lived in a caravan and he spent every day caring for her, from the day she lost“75 per cent of her brain” at just 23 years old, to the day she passed, at age 71.

For the last 30 years, though he cannot read or write, David has been working on writing down the tragic love story of him and Jean.

Today he has a published book, with the

help of writer Barbara McCarthy, titledWaiting for Sunshine, One Day at a Time.

When David was asked, “Why did you choose to look after Jean the way you did?”, he said: “We weren’t even engaged yet and she

came across the world for me.”

“Of course I stuck by her. As long as you’re together, you can get through anything. We’ve proved that.”

After four years of speech therapy and treatments, as soon as Jean had the capability to say “yes”, David and Jean were married.

“I want this story to inspire people to stay together and you will get through anything.

“If you can lose 75 per cent of your brain and keep going, anyone can.

“It doesn’t matter about a house or a car, as long as you’ve got your partner.”

David currently lives in Hampton Park and visits his daughter, Linda, and her own child, two times a week.

He hopes this book will “inspire people doing it tough”, and serve as a loving memory of Jean Allen.

The book Waiting for Sunshine, One Day at a Time is available on Amazon and for immediate purchase on Kindle.

Concerns around graduations

From page 1

Catering to Years 9-12, Nossal is one of only four academically selective high schools in the state.

According to School Informer and basedon2023VCEresults,Nossalranked 15 out of 170 schools in the state, with a median VCE score of 36 and 27 per cent of their study scores being 40 or above.

Under the recent state budget, the State Government will provide $400 per student to government-school families as part of its recently announced School Saving Bonus.

The funds can be utilised to offset the cost of uniforms and activities. There is means-tested relief from the Government’s Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund.

Despite rising costs of its own, Lyndhurst College kept parent payments “as low as possible”, Ms Haynes said.

Upfront fees differ between government secondary school in Casey, ranging from about $200 - $400 plus extras, such as musical instruments and tuition, camps, formals and graduation dinners - with VCE Outdoor Education fees possibly adding an extra $500.

Narre Warren South P-12 also subsidised its Year 12 end-of-year celebration day and worked closely with providers to negotiate the best prices for venues for formals.

For Ms Haynes, “we are still facilitating all the regular and important events, but also looking at best values for families”.

“We ensure the when we ask families to contribute for excursions etc. that these are all designed with strong educational purpose and value for students,” she said.

HamptonParkWomen’sHealthClinic. 396246

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

JeanandDavid. Picture:SUPPLIED

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Caring for 15 years

By Violet Li

As the country marks NationalVolunteerWeek, Monash Health is celebrating the dedication of one of its long-serving volunteers, Vicky Cooper, who has helped create exceptional experiences for the past 15 years.

The 76-year-old Doveton resident volunteers once a fortnight at Dandenong Hospital and at least once a week at the aged care service Chestnut Gardens.

She used to help more often in the hospital with its library and floral arrangements, and now she focuses on the Chestnut Gardens, where she hosts bingo every week.

She also supports the well-being team on special occasions, including dressing up as Santa for Christmas and cooking on the barbecue on public holidays.

Vicky said the people she met and became friendly with were the reasons she stuck with the volunteering.

“It’s the pleasure you get out of seeing people smile,” she said.

“People are so grateful because they just don’t have time to do all the things with all their workload. It’s sort of boring stuff, but I just sit there and do it, and it’s good, and they’re just so nice and really grateful for it, so that’s why I do it.”

Vicky volunteers alongside 19-year-old Jamie Nhor and 35-year-old Fiona Ly, who are just as passionate about making a positive impact in the community and get great joy from volunteering alongside Vicky.

“I enjoy volunteering at Chestnut Gardens, as I feel that I give back to the community. I have a genuine desire to improve the lives of the people around me and have a positive impact on people, even if it’s a slight one,” Jamie said.

“I particularly admire that not only is a patient’s physical health taken into consideration in aged care, but also their mental health as well. Mental health to me is just as important as one’s physical health.”

Fiona said that she and Vicky were always making each other and the residents laugh, making their volunteering visits together special.

Monash Health volunteer coordinatorVicky Vasilopoulos said she appreciated the work Vicky had contributed to the organisation.

“Vicky attends most of the functions that take place and enjoys dedicating her time to each of her visits. Her commitment over the 15 years has been incredible to both Monash Health sites and I cannot thank her enough,” she said.

Behind bars

By Tara Cosoleto, AAP

A bodybuilder who used six knives to stab his partner to death in a frenzied attack in Kassan Gardens, Endeavour Hills has been thrown behind bars for up to 31 years.

Sven Lindemann, 52, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to the murder of Monique Lezsak at her home on 30 May, 2023, hours after she broke up with him. Ms Lezsak’s daughter, known in court under the pseudonym Lily, heard yelling from a bedroom ensuite and ran to see her mother being attacked by Lindemann.

He stabbed his former partner, strangled her and dragged her through the house. Lily tried to stop Lindemann, kicking him and twice pulling the knife out of his hands, but he kept grabbing more weapons.

He used six knives in total, breaking two of them, as he inflicted the fatal stab wounds to Ms Lezsak’s head, neck and chest. Lily also suffered five wounds during the attack.

InsentencingLindemannonWednesday, Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth said Lindemann had killed his partner in a “violent and frenzied” fashion.

Justice Hollingworth said Lindemann was lucky he didn’t injure Lily more seriously, noting the young girl was incredibly brave. The judge found Lindemann had no genuine remorse for his actions and he continued to blame Ms Lezsak.

She jailed him for 31 years but he will be eligible for parole after 25 years.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

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THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To Art Show Pakenham’s opening night at Pink Hill Hotel.

Thumbs down

To all the potholes and corrugation on Hobson Road, near Ballarto Road. You’d think that when they sealed McGregor Road/Hobson Road they would do all of it and not leave approximately three metres of gravel road. The cost of upkeep on that bit of gravel road would be enormous, it would be cheaper to seal that bit of road.

Thumbs up

To all the exhibitors and ambassadors at the VAS Central and South Gippsland Regional finals hosted by Lang Lang Show on Sunday.

Thumbs down

To branches on side of the road and trees hanging over as well, extremely dangerous for all users on our roads.

Thumbs up

To the students of St Claire’s and Officer Francis Xavier College, who are walking their bikes across the lights and zebra crossing of Cardinia Road and Princess Highway.

Thumbs down

To Influenza A. It’s horrendous. Get your flu shots.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Doveton resident Vicky Cooper has been volunteering with Monash Health for over 15 years. Picture: SUPPLIED

Awareness on sexual exploitation

By Ethan Benedicto

The St Kilda Gatehouse sees a third of the overall number of young people they support hailing from the City of Casey, with similar figures from Greater Dandenong.

With its foundations beginning in 1992, the Gatehouse has since aimed to provide spaces of belonging and connection for women in sex work, and especially those who are young and affected by sexual exploitation.

According to the program manager for the Gatehouse’sYoungWomen’s Program, Rebecca Roberts, “it’s all about empowering them”.

“To make choices for themselves and [be a] role model to them [on] what positive choices can look like and for them to learn how to put some of these things in place, in their own lives,” she said.

The Young Women’s Program (YWP) began in 2015 and was launched as an early intervention model of girls aged 12 to 25, with the aim of providing insight into the sexual exploitation they experienced, or are currently experiencing in order to make an empowering change.

Gatehouse CEO Nickie Gyomber said that while there isn’t an “internationally recognised definition” of sexual exploitation, it’s “when somebody manipulates somebody into engaging in sexual acts for their own gratification [and] not for the enjoyment of the [other] person”.

“St Kilda Gatehouse works in a relational model, and what that means is we actually spend time getting to know people, some organisations take a case management approach, we don’t, we walk alongside, we journey with people,” Ms Gyomber said.

The YWP team consists of Ms Roberts plus three additional people, with one of their initiatives being school-based group work programs where Ms Roberts works closely with child protection services and police, attending meetings with relevant parties to “look at how we can support and disrupt sexual exploitation for the young people in the community”.

“That includes talking with stakeholders in the community, so it might be workers from other organisations who are working with young people who are facing different issues, and so I just talk with them about how they can support that young person better,” Ms Roberts said.

These conversations range from community-based organisations, to child protection workers, residential care workers, schools and so forth, with wellbeing teams in schools in regular contact with the YWP team to make referrals or ask for support.

“Some of them are highly at-risk young people who are struggling to make positive choices in their lives and might not have a lot of support around them to help empower them,” Ms Roberts said.

She added that it’s all about “the ability to say no if they don’t want something, the ability to make choices that are safe for them and

can provide them with the support they need to move on and be in a space where they can have fulfilling lives”.

In March this year, the Gatehouse released their participants’ outcomes report, which detailed that with a survey of 18 women, 100 per cent reported improvement in being safe and secure.

Additionally, 94 per cent said they had improved in feeling valued and belonging, with 80 per cent saying they felt improvement in things such as having safe relationships, mental health, positive sense of identity, life skills, etc.

A major barrier identified by the survey was labelled under personal issues, with 78 per cent of participants suffering from a range of items that include but are not limited to AOD use or dependence, mental health challenges and negative relationships.

“There’s a lot of risk factors that can contribute to being at risk for sexual exploitation [which] can include disengagement from education, not having positive attachments to a significant adult in their life, previous experience of sexual abuse or negative experiences of sex.

“Also homelessness, living in residential care, having a learning disability and so on, and in our program, we work with looking at those risk factors and trying to to mitigate them, but then also trying to build up the protective factors for the young people,” Ms Roberts said.

These protective factors include notions such as a positive sense of self and having a positive relationship with a key role model, or for that young person to feel connected with their community, have some form of support or being socially engaged in either school or work.

Whiletheprocesscanbedifficult,patienceis a key factor that plays into the relational model of the program, with Ms Gyomber saying that

“it’s not like a sausage factory where you have this step and then this step, because it’s really about addressing the needs of that individual in that space and time”.

“Theymayremaininvolvedwithusforyears, and that’s really important because if you’ve got a young person who is moving between housing or moving in and out of schooling, they may not have a safe, secure and consistent person in their lives - and for some people, the YWP can be that safe and secure person.”

For Ms Roberts, fostering that personal relationship is important, and that building that positive relationship can simply be through “taking them out into somewhere away from their every day”.

“We’ll take them to a park or to the beach or somewhere they can get away into nature and feel safe and just be able to share, and it’s through time and through that relationshipnothing happens really quickly.

“It’s through being patient and proving to the young person that you can be trusted that has the positive difference, it’s listening to them advocating for them,” Ms Roberts said.

Looking forward, Ms Gyomber would love to see the Gatehouse grow into a state-wide service, saying that “this is a problem that exists across the state, across the country and the world”.

“The City of Casey is not a risk factor, but the young people there, in Greater Dandenong and in some of the eastern areas as well have access to this service,” she said.

While expansion is ideal not just for the Gatehouse, but for those who require its services, they are still limited by funding. As for now, the organisation will continue to connect with partners in philanthropy, their own fundraising campaigns and liaise with parties in need and the DFFH.

“We’re going to continue all of that just to make sure that we can maximise our impact,” Ms Gyomber said.

Disclose donations

By Violet Li

Casey Council has updated its protocols for councillors’ decision-making on planning applications with additional documentation of communication and enhanced declaration of interests.

Two additions have been introduced to implement recommendations from IBAC’s Operation Sandon report, as reported at the council meeting on 22 May.

The first addition will be in relation to the planning matter determined in front of the council. The proponent and all the parties involved, including the applicant, developer, landowner, and consultant, will be required to disclose reportable donations and other financial arrangements with relevant decision-makers.

The other addition will require the council to document alternate recommendations for any planning scheme amendment decisions to ensure transparency in decision-making.

Casey administrator Cameron Boardman said at the meeting that the updated version was a must-read.

“This is the how-to guide. This is the what-to-do guide. This is the expectation guide,” he said.

“This is what anybody who sits in this place needs to understand, needs to adhere to, needs to adapt their professional and personal conduct to and ensure that they understand the principles and the requirements in these documents so that they can perform this role professionally, ethically, integrally, and in the best interest of the community.”

He especially pointed out the significance of clause 4.1 that related to the requests to councillors for advice and information from parties.

Clause 4.1 states that councillors should “refer parties seeking information or advice to the website, customer service or office of council”.

“This is one of the issues that came up in Operation Sandon around unsolicited approaches to councilors from developers around specific proposals and other aspects of council administration, where arguably there was conduct that didn’t meet statutory expectations,” Mr Boardman said.

“I think that if we’re looking at where councillors in the past have probably got themselves into a little bit of confusion around these particularly statutory obligations, what this policy hopefully does is alleviate that confusion by providing clear and absolute clarity around the role and expectations.

“It is something that really does need to be read by any aspirational council candidate and will be an integral part of councilor training moving forward.”

Citizenship preparatory class comes to Casey

By Violet Li

Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) launched its Citizenship Preparation Classes in Casey on Monday 20 May at the Connected Libraries in Bunjil Place.

The program aims to help students understand Australian laws and ways of living in Australia and connect with the Australian culture.

The classes are also tailored to each student’s pace and cover all aspects of the application as well as the testable citizenship content. Students can get a free membership of the library and access all the resources available.

The organisation has run the classes over the last number of years in the Greater Dandenong and has seen a significant increase in demand in Casey.

Chief executive officer Rakesh Sharma recognised the challenges many newly arrived

migrants face in understanding the citizenship application process and the positive impact these classes have.

“It allows new citizens to fully engage in all aspects of life here, from political to personal, strengthening the fabric of our community,” he said.

“Obtaining Australian citizenship is far more than just a legal formality – it’s a pivotal step towards securing one’s future and ensuring long-term stability.

“Citizenship opens doors to employment opportunities, housing, essential rights and protections that safeguard individuals and families.

“It provides a profound sense of belonging toward the nation’s ideals, values, and principles. It signifies a shared bond among citizens and a collective responsibility towards the common good.“

Deputy chairperson Wicki Wickiramasingham said it gave him great pleasure to extend the classes for citizenship preparation.

“I know the difficulties,” he said.

“Many migrants came and approached me. They failed the exam three times, then they can’t sit for the exam. They will have to apply and reapply again, and they need about $500 to pay for the application fees.”

Holt MP Cassandra Fernando attended the launching ceremony and supported the program.

She shared her family’s story of passing the citizenship tests more than a decade ago.

“As a young girl and a boy for my brother, we had to teach my parents about civics,” she said.

“It was very hard for them because the older you get, the more a lot don’t retain.

“I’ll never forget that we got the book, and

we went through the book about 1000 times before we did practice tests.

“We were equipped when we went because at that time it was a lot of money, and we couldn’t afford to go two or three times.”

Students spoke out about their difficulties after the ceremony, which mainly revolved around English learning.

“When I read this book, I know all of them in my language. But I can’t translate. This is the problem,” one student said.

Ms Fernando acknowledged that sometimes the test was complicated to confuse the participants.

“That’s something that we’re looking into as a Labor Government, to try to simplify just a little bit so everyone can understand,” she said To enroll in the class, you can send a request to intake@smrc.org.au, or call the reception of SMRC at 03 9767 1900.

Nickie Gyomber is the current CEO of the St Kilda Gatehouse. Ms Gyomber is keen on expanding the not-for-profit’s reach to a statewide level. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Rebecca Roberts, program manager for the Young Women’s Program, sees her role as a privilege, through being able to provide and support struggling young women.

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Maintaining steady blood pressure is all-important

By Better Health Family Clinic

High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Often referred to as the “silent killer”, hypertension is a silent but potent risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the importance of maintaining steady blood pressure for cardiac patients and explore actionable strategies to achieve optimal blood pressure control.

1. Heart health connection

The heart plays a pivotal role in pumping oxygen-rich blood to every part of the body through a network of arteries. Elevated blood pressure strains arteries, heart, causing complications like stiffness and narrowing, increasing cardiac strain and risk of complications.

* Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Hypertension contributes to the formation of plaque in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the heart.This can lead to angina (chest pain) and increase the risk of heart attacks.

* Heart failure: Over time, the strain of pumping against high blood pressure weak-

ens the heart, and can ultimately lead to heart failure.

2. Risk reduction

Maintaining steady blood pressure is paramount for reducing the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular events. Lowering blood pressure through lifestyle modifications and, when necessary, medication, significantly decreases the likelihood of:

* Heart attacks: High blood pressure damages the arterial walls, making them susceptible to plaque build-up and rupture. This can lead to the formation of blood clots that block blood flow to the heart, resulting in a heart attack.

* Strokes: Hypertension is a leading cause of ischemic strokes, which occur when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can also cause haemorrhagic strokes, where a weakened blood vessel ruptures, leading to bleeding in the brain.

3. Preserving organ function

Steady blood pressure is essential for preserving the function of vital organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys. Consistently elevated blood pressure can damage these organs over time, leading to:

* Heart damage: Chronic hypertension places strain on the heart, compromising its ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to

heart failure.

* Brain damage: High blood pressure damages the delicate blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of cognitive decline, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

* Kidney damage: Hypertension damages the kidneys’ filtering units (nephrons), impairing their function and potentially leading to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

Tips for maintaining steady blood pressure

1. Healthy diet

A heart-healthy diet is a cornerstone of blood pressure management.

Emphasise:

* Fruits and vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fruits and vegetables help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

* Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, and quinoa, provide fibre and nutrients that support heart health and regulate blood pressure.

* Lean proteins: Lean sources of protein, such as poultry, fish, legumes, and tofu, which are high in saturated fat and sodium.

* Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.

2. Regular exercise

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and controlling blood pressure.

Aim for:

* Aerobic exercise: Engage in moderateintensity aerobic activities, such as brisk walk-

ing, cycling, swimming, or dancing, for at least 150 minutes per week.

* Flexibility and balance: Include flexibility and balance exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, to enhance joint mobility, stability, and relaxation.

3. Weight management

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for blood pressure control and overall cardiovascular health. Focus on calorie and portion control, monitor weight and adjust diet for weight loss.

4. Stress reduction

Chronic stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Incorporate mindful meditation and deep breathing exercises into your daily routine

5. Medication adherence

Lifestyle changes might not always suffice for blood pressure control. If prescribed medication, adhere to dosage and attend regular check-ups.

Maintaining steady blood pressure is crucial for heart health. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, including balanced diet, exercise, stress management, and medication adherence, is essential for managing blood pressure in individuals with heart conditions.

For further information regarding blood pressure management, call (03) 9702 9300 or book online at betterhealthfamilyclinic.com. au/contact/online-booking

Maintaining steady blood pressure: Key to cardiovascular health.

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Greenspace reduces risk

Living in areas with shorter distances to greenspace and lower crime rates are associated with having fewer modifiable dementia risk factors, Monash University-led research has found.

Published in Preventive Medicine Reports, the Australian study investigated neighbourhood characteristics associated with dementia risk and cognition.

It found a doubling of distance to greenspace was equal to being about 2.5 years older, in terms of dementia risk factors. Each two-fold increase in crime was approximately equal to a reduction in memory score attributable to a three-year increase in age.

This relationship was particularly evident in those living in areas of lower socioeconomic status (SES).

The greenspace aspect included people across Australia, while the crime aspect only looked at Victoria where that data was readily available. Senior author Associate Professor Matthew Pase, of the Monash University School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, said earlier research had already shown that dementia disproportionately affected the disadvantaged.

“In 2022 we observed that individuals residing in lower SES areas had more dementia risk factors and worse memory performance,” Associate Professor Pase said. “Such findings motivated us to explore the specific neighbourhood characteristics associated with dementia risk and cognition.”

Associate Professor Pase said the new research encompassed some of the strongest modifiable dementia risk factors including high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and physical inactivity.

“Living close to greenspace may encourage or permit people to exercise more (e.g. walk or run) and also socialise (e.g., talk with locals in a park),” he said. “It may also limit environmental stressors such as air pollution and noise.

“In our latest study, proximity to greenspace was more important than the absolute amount of greenspace in an area. In other words, having lots of little parks that are closer to more people might potentially be better than having one big park that is further away.”

Associate Professor Pase said higher crime rates could possibly drive behaviours linked to dementia.

“People living in an area with a high crime rate might exercise, go out and socialise in public places less as a result,” he said. “More crime could also make it difficult to sleep and spark potentially harmful coping behaviours like smoking.

“Even a perception of crime might cause psychological stress, which we previously found can be associated with dementia risk. Another possibility is that those who are more educated, which protects against

dementia, are able to live in areas with low crime rates, although we adjusted for these factors in our analyses.”

The project was driven by Dr Marina Cavuoto, now a senior research fellow and clinical neuropsychologist at the National Ageing Research Institute in Melbourne, and an adjunct senior research fellow at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health. Researchers calculated the percentage of greenspace in each postcode and the average distance to the nearest one for people living there. On average, people lived about 260 metres from the closest greenspace. Crime data were obtained from the Crime Statistics Agency based on data provided by the ABS.

Dr Cavuoto said governments could help improve the situation.

“Policy interventions by different levels of government could address social determinants of health at the neighbourhood level,” she said. “Collaboration between health and non-health sectors such as environment, infrastructure and housing is required to scale equitable and sustainable health promotion and dementia prevention.

“Programs that seek to improve modifiable dementia risk factors should consider the influence of neighbourhood characteristics. If governments moved to improve access to parkland and safety at a local level it could encourage healthier lifestyles that may reduce dementia risk factors.”

Associate Professor Pase said the results related to population averages and not individual people, so more research was required to understand these relationships more thoroughly.

“Wherever people live, healthy behaviours like managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, correcting any hearing impairment, avoiding smoking, regular physical activity, nurturing mental health, avoiding or treating diabetes, sleeping well, and social activity may all help,” he said.

“Individuals can make a start on those factors that are more easily addressable and within their control. Individuals can also work with family, friends and health professionals to overcome some of the barriers such as exercising in groups to help overcome safety concerns.”

Foot and heel pain help

Foot and heel pain are extremely common yet there is much misinformation about these conditions often leading to misdiagnosis, resulting in incorrect or inappropriate treatment.

We spoke to one of Australia’s most experienced foot, knee and leg pain experts and Musculoskeletal Podiatrists, Dr. Paul Dowie from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics, who provided some insight.

“Foot and leg pain needs to be diagnosed and managed correctly by determining the contributing factors, not by only addressing symptoms. Most foot and leg pain is musculoskeletal in nature so even your local GP, orthotist and general podiatrist may not have the specific training and experience in lower limb musculoskeletal medicine to effectively manage foot and leg pain, injury and degenerative conditions.”

With over 25 years experience in lower limb musculoskeletal medicine, Dr. Dowie explains that ’Plantar Fasciitis’ is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed foot complaints. This can occur when tissue thickening evident on diagnostic scans is misinterpreted as inflammation, leading to incorrectly prescribed treatments such as anti-inflammatories and cortisone injections. In such cases these can result in worsening the condition.

“There are many different types and causes of foot pain but the most common occurs when the plantar fascia (connective tissues running along the bottom of the foot) becomes overloaded, resulting in degeneration of the

If you need advice about any foot, knee or leg pain, contact the Foot and Leg Pain Clinic in Berwick.

tissues and/or irritation of the nerves. These conditions are commonly misdiagnosed as inflammatory conditions when they are NOT inflammatory in nature. Most foot and heel pain is a result of faulty foot function or lower limb biomechanics and environmental factors, and that is what needs to be treated – not inflammation. We need to treat the cause, not the symptom and accurately assess the nature of each condition to achieve long-term healing. Degenerative and inflammatory conditions require very different treatment, so they must not be confused,” Dr. Dowie explains.

If you’d like expert advice about any foot, knee or leg pain, you can book an appointment with Dr. Dowie at his Foot and Leg Pain Clinic in Berwick. Call 1300 328 300.

Diverse support expands

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

LGBTIQA+ asylum seekers and refugees in the South East may be set for more support as part of a funding announcement in Dandenong on Friday 17 May.

Equality Minister Harriet Shing announced recipients from the new funding program LGBTIQA+ Sector Strengthening during a rainbow flag-raising at Harmony Square on Friday 17 May.

It was Greater Dandenong’s fifth year of raising the rainbow flag as part of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Many Coloured Sky (MCS) will use the grant to expand its support for asylum seekers and refugees in outer suburbia and regional Victoria.

Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia were among the front-runners for the expanded service’s three new regions, chief executive Ian Seal said.

Other options were Melbourne’s North, Melbourne’s West, Greater Shepparton and Greater Mildura.

“The core of our work is to have safe, social spaces for members to come together where they can make friends, raise concerns and share their dreams,” Seal said.

“Sadly the majority of our members have become cut off from their own families and broader cultural communities.

“They may not have the means or feel safe to access mainstream LBGTIQA+ services. They’re stuck in a hard place.”

Activities include peer-mentoring sessions and fortnightly drop-in dinners, as well as case-work support.

MCS also liaises with health and housing services which may not fully understand their members’ challenges.

“The kinds of short-term and emergency accommodation are highly gendered.There’s a set of apartments for refugee women, another for refugee men, another for families.

“But many of our members may not be safe or welcome in these highly gendered spaces.

“For new arrivals who are placed with people of the same cultural backgrounds, that means they’re placed with people of the same cultural beliefs that were persecuting them in their own country.”

Seal said Greater Dandenong was possibly “late” to recognise its LGBTIQA+ residents but “certainly not the last”.

“I want to congratulate City of Greater Dandenong for doing this (rainbow flag-raising), for creating a public event and creating publicity around this issue.

“By inviting us to be part of the event today, they’re recognizing that this intersectional community has needs and that queer people from newly-arrived backgrounds need to feel safe and welcome here.”

Queer asylum-seeker ‘Kye’ – not his real name – says the support from MCS was vital.

He originally lived at Mt Hotham then moved to Melbourne to “start over”, meet and

connect with queer people.

However, Kye felt isolated from his Indonesian diaspora in Australia. And doubly isolated from mainstream LGBTIQA+ services due to his cultural background.

The peer support group at MCS instead became his new “family”, he says.

Kye has since joined the group’s advisory committee and taken up a humanitarian scholarship at Monash University.

“Everyone needs family, peers and company. It’s an organization I can go to and be safe.

“Two years later my life is much better. Friends accept me as I am and I never had that in the past.”

The 29-year-old sought asylum after realising during a working holiday in Australia that gay people were safe here.

“I’d never accepted that part of myself. I was conflicted in my beliefs from growing up in a religious boarding house.

“It was the hardest thing throwing away my life in Indonesia and I couldn’t go back. It’s cost me my older life - the people, the places and the culture that I grew up in.

“But otherwise I couldn’t live with the whole of me.

“The people I grew up with – if they found out, they wouldn’t accept it.”

Twelve groups shared $800,000 in grants as part of the new LGBTIQA+ Sector Strengthening program.

“We have always supported LGBTIQA+ communities in Victoria and these new grants are designed to support the growth, vitality and sustainability of the LGBTIQA+ sector for years to come,” Shing said.

“Now more than ever, it’s important we are supporting Victorian LGBTIQA+ groups and organisations to connect and thrive as we continue our work to ensure that in Victoria, equality is not negotiable.”

Greater Dandenong deputy mayor Richard Lim. 407401

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, Greater Dandenong youth development officer Venushi Dewundege, Greater Dandenong deputy mayor Richard Lim, Equality Minister Harriet Shing, Greater Dandenong resident Aminui and Many Coloured Sky chief executive Ian Seal. 407401

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Equality Minister Harriet Shing and Greater Dandenong resident Aminui hoist the rainbow colours on IDAHOBIT Day in Harmony Square, Dandenong. 407401

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

IN BRIEF

Erosion hits home

Oates gets back on campaign trail

By Ethan Benedicto

Former City of Casey mayor and current president of the Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association, Brian Oates is looking to play his hand at this year’s October reelection.

With a drive to make some changes, Mr Oates believes that having the old model of administration, with elected councillors and a mayor, is “a really good step forward”.

“The way I see it there’s an awful lot of stuff that hasn’t been done, I think there’s a lot of things that need to be looked after,” he said.

Casey has been without a mayor and councillors since 2020, when local government minister Adem Somyurek dismissed the council following an IBAC investigation into allegations of developer John Woodman donating money to councillors in order to influence planning decisions.

Bringing council rates down is a key focus in Mr Oates’ overall campaign, with a “look into the structure of council and see why it is that we’re still having to get the highest rate increases every time”.

“There needs to be a lot of work done in aged care, road surfaces, youth violence, domestic violence and so on,” he said.

Casey’s rates arrears peaked in 2023, when in that fiscal year rates were capped at 3.5 per cent, with Noelene Duff PSM commenting in a previous Star News article that the rate was “0.5 per cent below the Essential Services Comission recommendation and less than the rates of inflation [that were] currently being experienced in Victoria”.

Ms Duff also added that the costs were not

only influenced by the increase of consumer price index every year,“but also by the effect of increased construction costs for capital works projects”.

For Mr Oates, it’s all about going “back to the basics of rates, roads and rubbish”.

“When I finished in 2005, I left the place [council] and we were right up at the top of ratepayers’ satisfaction, and we were down the bottom of rate costs but by 2007, it goes up on a 60 degree angle and it’s not stopped,” he said.

According to the Essential Services Commission, the current rate cap for the financial year of 2024-2025 is at 2.75 per cent, a decrease

Bittersweet ‘victory’

By Ethan Benedicto

The decision for the City of Casey to remove multiple pools and slides from Doveton Pool in the Park was bittersweet, following the last few years’ worth of campaigning from local residents.

During the special council meeting on Tuesday 28 May, director of city planning and city infrastructure James Collins gave the final confirmation of the “decommissioning of the program pool, the toddler pool, slides and Gambetta room”.

While this decision is not new and had been a riveting topic in 2022, surrounding the ‘Save Doveton Pool’ campaign, Stefan Koomen, one of the half dozen residents who submitted a question on Tuesday’s meeting, said “we did everything we could”.

“So council you know, committed to maintaining the facade, but not keep them as pools I guess; what they did say was, [since] we ran this campaign, we spoke to the administrators and the officers and they’ve committed to have some water play areas at the park and fun activities for little ones.

“That’s positive; we’re pleased with that,

hailed

our efforts made a difference and if we didn’t run the campaign, the whole thing would have been demolished,” he said.

On 16 August 2022, it was decided that council would endorse the $21.14 million master plan to retain the 50-metre pool.

Mr Collins added during the meeting that “there will be a number of programs offered to ensure the 50-metre pool will provide a service to people of all ages and abilities, including young children and their families”.

“The adopted Doveton Pool and Park master plan seeks to balance demonstrated community need, maximise usage for a range of activities year-round and recognise practical realities of funding such assets for the community,” he said.

The entire campaign and their efforts, is what Stefan considers a “victory”.

“It’s been fantastic to see everyone come together and I just want to thank the whole community for getting behind the campaign.

“But I guess it shows there’s still more work, we’ve got to be vigilant to make sure that they [council] deliver on what they’ve committed.”

from the previous financial year, with rate figures between the financial years of 2016-17 and 2022-23 averaging at 2.0 per cent.

“Between now and October I’ll be out talking to people, asking what concerns they’ve got, asking about what they think about the fact that some of the former councillors might be getting re-elected because nobody knows who they were,” Mr Oates said.

During the 2020 IBAC investigation, Mr Oates had been listed with four other candidates as a target for donations from John Woodman’s ALP lobbyist Phil Staindl.

While Mr Staindl had initially offered a donation to Mr Oates’ campaign fund, the latter party declined saying that he didn’t“want to be in someone’s debt” and that he wasn’t going to “do what they want me to do on council”.

“I’ve had people saying to me that there’s going to be a lot of new people [and] it won’t change the culture because the council have still got a lot of people who’ve been there for a long time, and that [they] need somebody to actually get in there and [they] can trust.

“We’re going to get some things happening in the city; a lot of people said that to me and I thought, I can go in there and assist people who are getting elected for the first time.

“Council moves very, very slowly, it’s still very much the same and I don’t think the culture is as good as it could be,” Mr Oates said.

Having an early start leading to this year’s council elections is the move for Mr Oates, with more outreach planned, sticking to the notion that “people should [know more] about who their councillors are, and what they really are going to do for the community”.

To mitigate the effects of climate change on the coastline, the City of Casey has developed a draft Coastal Framework.

The framework, which the community can now view and provide feedback on, will provide information and guidelines as to how the council will manage and adapt to coastal hazards. This includes coastal erosion, temporary inundation, and sea-level rise.

Situated within Victoria’s Western Port Bay, Casey’s coastline encompasses the communities of Warneet, Cannons Creek, Blind Bight, and Tooradin. The coast is important for the animals and ecosystems that live in this area, particularly the endangered species of shorebirds that reside in native mangroves, seagrass beds and saltmarshes. Not only this, but the coastline is also important for the economic vitality of the Casey community.

Reports have shown an increase in sea levels in Western Port Bay, causing hazards of land erosion and temporary flooding. These hazards continue to negatively impact environmental, economic and social factors of the community. The framework is being funded through the Department of Transport and Planning’s Coastal Planning Grants program.

To have your say, and find more detailed information about the framework, visit casey. vic.gov.au/news/have-your-say-draft-caseycoastal-framework

Alleged stabbing

A 35-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed near the Westfield Fountain Gate bus stop at 5.20pm on Sunday 19 May.

A 34-year-old Croydon man allegedly approached the woman with an edged-weapon near Overland Drive.

Police began a search after arriving, and a man was arrested shortly after in Hallam. He has since been charged with intentionally causing injury, possessing a controlled weapon and theft. The woman was treated by paramedics on the scene, and suffered nonlife threatening injuries. The suspect was set to appear at the Dandenong Magistrate’s Court on Monday 20 May.

-

William Ton, AAP

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OCCUPY AND INVEST

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The site benefits from the following features:

• Established tenant in place paying $1,030 + GST, and outgoings per month on a lease to February 2025, with a 3-year option to renew

• Suitable for immediate owner occupation in the other premises

• Prominent corner location

• Rear shared car park

Address: 275 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup

Floor Area: 118m² | Category: Retail

For more information or an inspection, please contact:

Shannon Hynd | 0499 980 100

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Managing Director

Stefan Koomen was part of the original Save Doveton Pool campaign, and also one of half a dozen residents who filed a question for Casey Council regarding the pool’s status on Tuesday 21 May. Picture: SUPPLIED

Former mayor and current president of the CRRA, Brian Oates, is looking to make a comeback in this year’s October elections. Picture: SUPPLIED

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I used to compete in special Olympics and swam for state.

What do you love the most about your job?

I love seeing the kids improve and enjoy themselves as they are learning and also being around water.

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

I would be a seal because I’m fast in the water and slow on land.

What was your most memorable moment?

Winning medals in swimming comps.

What were you like as a kid?

I was a very easygoing kid - shy, happy. What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

A concert by my favourite artist. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

My family, friends, my partner.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Polite, funny, intelligent.

What would you do on your perfect day off?

I would go to the gym or shop or catch up with friends.

Where is your happy place?

Home such as a place with all my loved ones. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

Some sort of pasta.

Where is your dream holiday destination? Italy or France.

with Nikita Rogers

1

Dino Safari, Wilson Botanic Park

Berwick

Enjoy interactive experiences such as roving dinosaurs, animatronic displays, and fossil-dig sandpits.

2

School of Rock, presented by Windmill Theatre Company

Based on the beloved film, School of Rock tells the story of Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who poses as a substitute teacher and transforms a class of straight-A students into a rock band. With infectious tunes, energetic performances, and a heartwarming narrative, this production is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.

3

Berwick District Woodworkers Club Expo 2024

Once again, the BDWWC will open their doors to the public to showcase the incredible work of members, including furniture, woodturning, carving, pyrography, scroll saw work, rocking horses, toys, and a range of other aspects of woodworking.

100%

Naturally

Helps promote gut health and improved digestion

Nikita Rogers spoke on the Barriers to Work Panel at the recent GSEM Jobs and Skills summit on 3 May, working as a student teacher at Monash as well as a student at Holmesglen Institute. Picture: ETHAN BENEDICTO

Park for a Doveton legend

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Doveton community leaders are calling for the untitled Autumn Place park to be named after a humble, huge-hearted local legend.

For decades, the late Agnes O’Brien was widely admired for embodying the spirit of Doveton.

Many kids called her ‘Nanna’, some ‘Aggie’ and others ‘Saint Agnes’.

The single mother-of-four was credited for putting countless kids on the right path, bringing them off the streets and into her home and sport clubs.

Some say she saved numerous lives.

The idea to re-name Doveton’s central park came from Doveton Boxing Club’s Ryan Wilson – one of many inspired by her to help the young.

Growing up in the 1980s, he remembers her picking up litter and visiting the schools urging the students to play footy.

She ran the region’s first Vic Kick Australian Rules juniors program, volunteering tirelessly at Doveton’s football clubs.

“She was always around and helping people – she was one of those people who didn’t want the recognition but she impacted a lot of people’s lives.”

Wilson regards it as a travesty that Agnes hasn’t yet been recognised. And the Autumn Place park and playground is a “good fit”, being a place where Agnes would often reach out to a distressed kid.

The recognition would also right a historical wrong – in that none of Doveton’s parks and reserves are named after Doveton residents.

And just as starkly, none are named after women.

“Doveton has a strong sense of community – my parents have lived here since the 1950’s but a lot of that community spirit is dying,” Wilson says.

“Her story might help inspire people to help others.”

Without a car, Agnes famously used to walk everywhere. Often when she ventured into Dandenong, she would get a lift home from police.

Such was their respect for her, she’d ride in the front of the divvy van, and one of the officers would hunch in the back.

Her son Stephen says the police respected her good work helping kids and families in the Autumn Place park – right opposite the former police station.

“That park was a special place for her. It’s where she’d take kids. And if she saw troubled souls she’d spend a lot of time with them.

“She saved a lot of lives in that park.”

While on a single mum’s pension, she would often look after up to six other kids while their parents worked.

“It was always busy at home. Obviously times were also very tough. What we had was

not a lot, but there was a lot of emotional support and love,” Stephen says.

“Right up until her passing, some of those kids still called her ‘Nanna’.”

During the footy season, she’d ask her son to pick a friend who was struggling. And she’d take the two of them to a VFL game.

Agnes was a big believer in sport to keep kids out of trouble. Any kids up to no good would be encouraged to play.

At the footy club, she did it all and often gave up her weekends. Team manager, canteen worker,Vic Kick organiser, vice-president.

“Everything that needed to be done, she would say yes.”

Stephen has followed in her footsteps, coaching and mentoring young charges at Cranbourne Football Club.

“She’s my inspiration. I remember when she passed, someone posted on social media that for a lady who had nothing, she gave her all.

“My sister replied she had more than most.

“She might not have had a car and nice house. She just had the biggest heart, just an ability to help others.”

Born in Portafairy just outside Belfast in Ireland, Agnes was one of 11 children. In her teens, she already showed her immense care for people and trained as a nurse.

At 18, she and her sister took a boat out to Australia for a new life.

After an arduous three-month journey, her sister decided to return home as soon as they reached Sydney’s docks.

But Agnes stayed, married, later left her husband with her four kids and settled in a commission house in Doveton in 1976.

“Doveton was an incredibly hard, tough place and mum loved it,” her son says.

“She loved the people as they were who they were, nothing fake, called it as it was, but were loyal, she thrived and took pride in being a battler.”

When the idea of renaming the park was raised, Stephen said it was“mind blowing” and “humbling”.

“It would be a great way to honour her legacy

“Ryan (Wilson) and the boxing club are getting kids off the streets to see a way out and see a future for themselves.

“It means the world to me – the people who came up with the idea are the ones who are continuing her legacy.”

The proposal has been enthusiastically backed by Agnes’s children, a past police officer at Doveton as well as the Doveton Eumemmerring Township Association (DETA) and Bruce MP Julian Hill.

DETA chair Stefan Koomen said it was disappointing that Casey Council hadn’t responded more than a year after Wilson made his submission.

“The main thing is we want to have our local history recognised.

“Women like Agnes need to be recognised or their contributions will be lost.”

It’s crucial to not only celebrate Agnes’s name, but also to depict her story on a plaque, Koomen says.

“The change is definitely warranted. The playground is literally just called Autumn Place Playground.”

Senior Sergeant Andrew O’Brien, not related to Agnes, also wrote a glowing tribute in support of renaming the park after the “true, selfless local hero”.

“No job was too big or small and they were always done with a smile, a kind word and a real hustle which was a unique characteristic of Agnes. From my perspective it is sad she isn’t here to see it as for too long it was just accepted and acknowledged only by those who knew her. It is never too late to acknowledge great people who made a real and important difference.”

The senior police officer grew up playing

football with the Doveton Junior Football Club. There was no more important or harder-working volunteer than Agnes, he said.

“I was one of many young people who without the support of volunteers at the club may have gone either way with our life choices.

“Working or absent fathers were a regular issue and in some cases these clubs were our most important support system, teaching us team values, respect, discipline and where needed genuine emotional support.”

Bruce MP Julian Hill said Agnes dedicated her life to “uplifting the Doveton community”.

“A truly selfless individual, it is only right that Agnes’ legacy is commemorated in the place that meant so much to her.

“I hope the Casey City Council decide to support this proposal and recognise the outstanding impact of the late Agnes O’Brien on our community.

“It would also be one worthy small step to addressing the dearth of public places named after women in our community.”

Casey Council growth and investment acting manager Nick Felstead said the naming proposal must undergo a review to ensure it complies with State Government guidelines as well as the rules of Geographic NamesVictoria (GNV). “The proposal to name the park at 29 Autumn Place, Doveton after Agnes O’Brien, along with letters of recommendation and a letter of consent is currently under review and we will endeavour to provide an outcome for the submitter once finalised.

“To better support gender equity in our commemorative and place names across Casey, Council has implemented a program and endorsed guidelines in accordance with GNV for the naming of new recreation reserves and community facilities.

“This is part of Council’s commitment to increase gender equity in the naming process to recognise the many people who have left their mark on Casey.”

Seven things that help your business and cost nothing

Most things in business cost money, but there are some things that you can do which differentiate you and your business from the rest and which cost absolutely nothing. Below are just seven that will give a great return and create a positive impression of your business: Avoid ghosting

In recent times the word “ghosting” seems to have become a common part of our vernacular, but I don’t recall hearing this at all even just a few years ago. The term is used to describe a situation in which someone who used to be friendly or connected with you suddenly cuts off all communication without explanation. This may be a symptom of people being ‘too busy’ or uncomfortable with responding back, but whatever the reason it is fundamentally disrespectful and creates ambiguity in the relationship. If you have an issue, say so or if you simply can’t respond in a timely manner, at least provide an indication when you can. Being responsive

Similar to the item above, it’s good to respond back quickly, even if it’s just to indicate that

you can’t provide a full response until later. This is especially important in customer service situations as a delayed response leaves the customer uncertain as to whether their communication has been received. Swift responses to enquiries or tender requests will leave an impression that you are action-oriented and may lead to earlier consideration by the receiver ahead of the competition.

Arrive on time

This is important not just for customer visits but also internal meetings. Keeping people waiting sends a message that your time is more important than theirs and actually costs a business money, e.g. 6 people left waiting for ten minutes for a meeting to start

equates to one hour lost time.

Positive attitude

We know that there will always be problems in business, but how you deal with these speaks volumes about you and your resilience. It is often the case that problems can lead to greater insights (even though it may not seem like it at the time) so viewing issues as potential learning opportunities may make things easier all round and earn you the respect of others.

Great work ethic

People have different views about what this looks like but fundamentally it comes down to taking personal responsibility and ownership so that things get seen through to completion. It means doing the hard yards to ensure that commitments are met and work is completed to a sufficiently high standard. Pressure situations will typically differentiate those with a great work ethic from those that are lacking here and committed people are always highly valued by the company.

Showing respect

Should be a no-brainer these days as everyone deserves to be treated with respect, even if they appear to be doing the wrong thing. Being respectful is validating as it sends a message to the other person that you value them for who they are and improves listening. In business, people do business with those they know, like and trust and respect lies at the heart of these.

Being coachable

This one might seem a bit odd, but as a Business Advisor, I believe that the most successful businesses are lead by managers that are “coachable”.Why? Because coachable people are open-minded to new possibilities and tend to be curious about ways to improve rather than being stuck in their old ways. Doing so opens up the possibility to do things differently since if‘you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you have got’.

Front from left, Stefan Koomen and daughter Frankie, Frank and Jackie Horvath (Agnes’ daughter), Lisa and Steve O’Brien (Agnes’ son) and Ryan Wilson; at back includes Mia Wilson, Didi Wilson, Justin Le, John Turner and Clint Wilson in the currently unnamed park in Autumn Place, Doveton.

Agnes O’Brien is remembered fondly as a big-hearted volunteer who helped kids find the right path.

WHAT’S ON

Country Women’s Association, Berwick Branch

Country Women’s Association, Berwick Branch warmly invites you to attend an event next month with guest speaker Ms Toni Arfaras from StrokeSafe Foundation, which works to prevent, treat, and beat strokes. Over 450,000 Australians are living with strokes and a stroke occurs every 19 minutes!

Members $2, Non Members $5. Tea/ coffee and supper will be served.

RSVP by Friday 31 May for catering – Kate Azzopardi, president, 0435 863 054.

· Monday 3 June, 2024, Berwick Community Centre, Timbarra Way, Berwick, 7pm CWA Berwick Branch, Wine and Cheese event

Cost - $25 per head or $40 for a couple.

A wide variety of paired cheeses will be available. Fundraising for Children’s Disability Services supporting local children and their families. Booking: trybooking.com/CRPJB

· Friday 14 June, 7pm – 9pm, Berwick Neighbourhood Centre, TImbarra Hall, Timbarra Way, Berwick.

Canteen: A rock and roll night for charity

Come and join us on Saturday 1 June for a night of live music. Band ROUTE 66 playing 50s, 60s, 70s R & R, country rock, and a bit of blues for charity Canteen Kids with cancer.

Location: Scout Hall 24 Mons Parade Noble Park (opposite Noble Park Station car park and ample parking). Doors open 7pm, live music from 7.30pm to 11pm. Only $20 for an evening of great entertainment, dancing and fun. BYO drinks and nibbles. Free tea and coffee. Maybe a dance competition and raffle. Book a table now with family & friends.

Entry $20, pay at door (cash only please). To make booking just call Rob on 0431 511 203 or email robin_wood@optusnet.com.au

Come and support a worthy cause, and have an evening of great entertainment. All proceeds going to Canteen. Not to be missed!!

· Saturday 1 June

Berwick Springs VIEW Club

Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick

Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.

The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.

The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker.

Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.

The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.

· For more information, contact Shirley on 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com

Probus Club of Casey Combined

We are hoping to attract new members to our Probus Club of Casey Combined. We are hoping there are retirees out there who would be interested in joining our Club. Meetings finish at noon when many of our members assemble for lunch at one of our local cafes. After morning tea we have an interesting guest speaker. Our Club was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Berwick to provide the opportunity to meet and mingle with other retirees. Open to singles.

· We meet at the Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick at 9.45am on the second Tuesday of each month.

Blind Bight Community Centre Programs

The Magic Of Your Birthdate Numerology (three dates): 23, 30 May and 6 June, 7pm – 9pm. Raising awareness of your super powers. Receive tools to support the challenges all through the gift of the day you were born. Self - Romantic

– Family with Anita BeJoyful $20 per class Bookings 0419 150 483 or 5998 7014

Line Dancing: 1pm – 2pm, Every Wednesday. Come line dancing and do some boot scooting. No experience required. All ages and abilities are welcome. $10 per class. For bookings, ring Blind Bight Community Centre on 5998 7014. Intro to Cake Decorating: 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Learn all the tricks to creating a beautiful cake. Skills will cover fondant work, simple modelling and lots more. BYO Cake. Two dates – 20 and

27 May, $25 per class. For bookings ring Blind Bight Community Centre on 5998 7014.

· 42 Anchorage Drive, Blind Bight, 5998 7014, blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au

Women’s group Berwick Neighbourhood Centre

Bring your own craft, bring your latest read or just bring yourself. Pop in for a chat. See what is happening at the centre. Have a cuppa and relax for a moment or two.

Commencing Monday from 12.30-2pm. Community room. Timbarra Community Centre, 20-26 Parkhill Drive off Timbarra Way in Berwick.

· For more details call 9704 1863 or email admin@berwicknc.com.au

BADFolk Club

Berwick and District Folkclub have been meeting at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick for the past 21 years! We meet on the third Friday of each month. This month we welcome back Maria Forde - she is a classic folk singer and has written some great songs like ’Will You Dance with Me’ which is often played at weddings. We also welcome spot acts - anyone who can play an instrument, sing, share a poem etc. Please note our earlier running times: Doors now open 6:30 and the music runs 7-10pm. Our kitchen sells snack food and a variety of drinks - tea/ coffee/wine/beer/soft drinks. Entry: $15. Website: badfolkclub.org Contact: Edward: 0418 535 264.

· Meet on the third Friday of each month.

Biggest Morning Tea

The Woodlands Park Retirement Village in Berwick is again raising money for its Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event, which will contribute to raffles, door prizes and auction prizes available on the day and towards cancer research.

Resident Colleen Astbury has organised three events towards the initiative, raising a total of $22,486 towards the Cancer Council.

· For more information or to donate, visit biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/ColleenAstbury or contact Colleen on 0422 849 619.

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.

Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre

If you are over 55 years old, newly retired, or new to the Casey area and looking for something to do, come and join us.

Narre Warren Seniors is a friendly Club and we can offer you many activities. Our main Club day is on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 3pm. On the first Wednesday of the month we enjoy socialising with our members and, on the next three (3) Wednesdays we have live entertainment wherein you can do some line-dancing if you wish and enjoy an afternoon cup of tea.

There are also weekly activities on other days of the week, which include the Garden Group Club, Indoor Carpet Bowls, Line Dancing, Table Tennis, friendly Card games, and a Gentle Exercise class.

· We are located at 192-196 Centre Road near the Narre Warren Station. Phone us at 9704 0015 or 0426 736 467 or email us at: narrewarrenseniors@gmail.com for more information

Mental Health Peer Support

Program Cranbourne Group - Free

The program is based on a 12-step program of personal growth, mutual help, and support. Participants share challenges and solutions in a supportive and structured peer-to-peer format within a confidential, caring, and sharing community.

· The meetings are weekly and go for about two hours. 10.30am to 12.30pm Thursday, excluding school holidays, 7/9 Selandra Boulevard (Balla Balla Community Centre), Clyde North. For any enquires contact Grow Victoria on 9528 2977/1800 558 268.

BERWICK TIP-STARS

Hurst gets spotted on radar

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Berwick defender Kane Hurst is capturing attention after a strong month of footy in the talent pathway system.

Hurst trialled for Vic Country against the Young Guns and played an effective shutdown role and has since carried that form into the Coates League for Dandenong.

Across the last fortnight, he has been matched up on Allies pair Lenny Douglas (Tasmania) and Fergus McFadyen (Brisbane Academy) and won both battles.

“He’s competitive and he’s done the job on some really good players – in the second half (against Brisbane) he shut down McFadyen who had four in the first (half) and Kane was still effective offensively,” Stingrays coach Nick Cox said.

“His last two weeks have been excellent against strong opposition, particularly with the way balls are coming in and last week (against Tassie) he was probably one of our better players on the ground with his aerial, positioning and ability to run and carry and make sound decisions.”

Another endearing aspect to his game has been his intercepting, with his ability to read the cues of the kicker and back himself overhead and at ground level catching eyes.

The form has come after a tough matchup against Gippsland’s Asher Eastham in round two when he was beaten aerially multiple times as the Power forward took six marks and kicked 3.1.

“We were a bit disappointed with the way he played and after that we had a chat about a few things and he’s reacted really nicely to

feedback on how to get better,” Cox said.

“I think he has been sensational since.”

“His positioning needed to be better and

Magpies win but Lions steal spotlight with five on the trot

By Marcus Uhe

The red-hot form of Pakenham’s Outer East Football Netball A Grade netball team continued on Saturday in the form of a fifth-consecutive victory.

A strong first half saw Pakenham open up a nine-goal lead over Olinda Ferny Creek that grew at the final two breaks, to 12 at threequarter-time and 16 at the final siren, to record a 56-40 win.

Mid-courters Lara Goodman Hancock, Jordyn Adams and Millicent Utber controlled the middle third and provided shooting duo Charlotte Hudolin and Kelly Cousins with ample opportunities on goal.

The Lions sit third on the A-Grade ladder, rubbing shoulders with competition heavyweights in Wandin, Narre Warren and Mt Evelyn in the elite bracket of teams.

By this time last season a clear gap had opened between the premiership contenders and the remainder of the field, with Pakenham on the outside looking in.

12 months on and the Lions are right in the mix, as they continue to gel and adapt to Matthew Cooke’s tactics and approach on the court.

A tough test awaits next week against Mt Evelyn that will offer a true assessment of their premiership credentials.

Another side forcing its way into the premiership conversation is Emerald, just half a game behind Mt Evelyn in fifth place after a 4-2 start to life in Premier Division.

The champions of Division One in 2023 have only lost to Pakenham and Narre Warren in the first six weeks and recorded another win over a Premier Division mainstay in Upwey Tecoma thanks to a strong third quarter.

Tied on 28 at half time, Emerald outscored the Tigers 15-11 in the third quarter and kept its opponents at arms length for the remainder of the contest for a 54-51 win.

Emerald was the better side coming out of the break with eight of the first 10 goals to quickly establish a six-goal buffer, all through Goal Attack Kaylah Loulanting.

side is flying on the back of fivestraight wins 402294

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

ROC was far too strong for Gembrook Cockatoo, winning its third game of the season in a 54-31 result at Officer Recreation Reserve.

ROC blew the visitors out of the water in the contest’s early stages, scoring seven consecutive goals midway through the period to take an 11-6 lead.

The home side then scored seven of the final 11 to close the quarter to finish the term double Gembrook Cockatoo’s score, 18-9.

The Brookers kept pace in the second but was outscored 28-13 after the long break, with ROC prevailing 54-31.

The Brookers now find themselves in the midst of a four-game losing streak after an impressive opening fortnight.

Narre Warren continues on its merry way, still undefeated in 2024 thanks to an 18-goal win over Monbulk and 39 goals from Erin Bell, while Mt Evelyn outscored Woori Yallock 18-8 in the second quarter on its way to a 50-42 win at home.

Berwick Springs’ struggles continue, this week the victims of a 73-goal loss to last season’s runner up, Wandin.

Wandin scored 21 goals in three quarters and 22 in the remainder, while the best the Titans could manage was five.

TheTitans have the chance to break the losing streak on Saturday when they host Olinda Ferny Creek.

him with ease.

“He’s starting to gain some real momentum.

“He has a good balance of pace and his aerial and groundwork stuff are the things that set him apart from a lot of other defenders: he’s sound at both.”

That skillset gives him the ability to play on different types of opponents, able to match smaller players with his pace and strong enough to halve aerial contests when giving up size.

The next step for Hurst is to add offensive flair and continue to develop his kicking, but he has shown clear improvement from 2023 when he played six games as a bottom-ager.

Hurst had a strong preseason, which included extra boxing sessions with Stingrays development coach Craig Lineham, unlocking his best footy.

“He’s a bit sounder in the contest now and he’s confident at the level and knows he can play at the level and now he needs to take the next step and be a standout most weeks with what he’s doing,” Cox added.

Projecting as a third tall defender at senior footy, he’ll hope to be named in the Vic Country squad which is set to be named prior to the Rays’ next game against GWV on Saturday 1 June.

Stingrays co-captains Harvey Langford and Cooper Hynes are locks for the squad, alongside injured Narre North tall Noah Mraz.

clearly has been since then – he’s cutting off angles better and being stronger in contests and not allowing forwards to get in front of

Charlie Orchard is another Stingray to piece together a strong fortnight of form in the backline, defending strongly and improving his offensive output, while 19-year-old North VFLlisted Ben Hopkins has been solid ahead of the midseason draft next Wednesday 29 May.

Fighting form has Casey Cannons trending upwards

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Casey’s women have concluded a brutal block of three games in seven days with two wins and a loss.

After accounting for Knox 3-1 last Saturday, the Cannons went down 2-0 to Melbourne University on Tuesday and followed that up with a 1-0 victory over LaTrobe University.

Despite the result, coach Andrew Harris was most satisfied with the hockey the women played in the 2-0 loss to Melbourne University.

Casey’s ability to match it with a team which was last season in Vic Premier League reinforced to the club that the style of hockey they’re playing can match it with the best.

It was an even tussle with Melbourne University’s ability to capitalise on their opportunities influential in the result.

“The team from Premier League play at a higher pace and are used to playing against fitter and more skilful sides,” Harris explained.

“We adapted well and our pressure was at the highest level we’ve seen all season – we didn’t give away uncontested possession.”

Saturday’s game against 11th-placed La Trobe shaped as one Casey needed to bank and they were able to do so but faded as the game went on.

The Cannons got the only goal of the day via a short corner late in the first quarter after dominating proceedings early, before it evened up and the backline was forced to defend a series of late circle entries from the visitors.

The coach praised the team’s positional flexibility on Saturday and highlighted the efforts of goalkeeper Sarah Sutton-McLellan and midfielders Sam Wagg and Leandra McLauchlan.

Casey currently sit seventh, two points

behind sixth-placed Monash University ahead of an enormous test against the undefeated Toorak East Malvern.

Meanwhile, the men had a 5-1 win over Melbourne High School Old Boys, with Tristan Chaffey and captain Craig Moore scoring two each and Vishal Vishal also finding the back of the net.

The Cannons currently sit second on the table, but just two points separates them from seventh-placed Knox in a tight season.

Pakenham’s A Grade netball captain Caitlin Cooke’s

Casey had to defend staunchly late in the game.

Jess Rowland was Casey’s goalscorer on Saturday. 408035 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Berwick boy Kane Hurst has played himself into Vic Country contention. 408771 Picture: ROB LAWSON/AFL PHOTOS

SPORT

Wickers learn tough lesson

By Marcus Uhe

Berwick has the unwanted exclusive status as the only remaining winless side in the Eastern Football Netball League’s premier division following a 68-point loss to East Ringwood on Saturday.

Runs of goals in both the first and third quarters proved disastrous for the Wickers in the loss, going down 6.9 45 to 17.11 113 at East Ringwood Reserve.

Two goals to Jasper Sully saw Berwick keep pace in the early stages of the contest before conceding five goals in 15 minutes to end the first quarter 31 points behind.

The Wickers then matched the home side for much of the second term, not allowing a goal until the 13th minute, and pegging one back through an excellent solo effort from debutant Majok Puok.

Puok gathered a ground ball at the 50 metre arc and navigated a pair of East Ringwood defenders before steadying and kicking truly on the run, to the delight of him teammates who came from all corners to congratulate him.

It was just a 38-point lead at the long break, before a flood of five goals in 11 minutes put the visitors further on the back foot in the third term.

Key defender Jordan Roberts had his hands full with towering forward Josh Fox, who kicked three consecutively in the third term, with two more coming from stoppage break downs in the forward half.

The margin grew from 38 to 68 in a flash, as the Wickers learned a tough lesson in the process about staying focus for four quarters.

Elijah Roewer’s goal kicking from continued with a major to close the third quarter to make it a hat-trick of weeks with a goal, before a pair of goals each in the final term kept the home side in check.

26 total minutes of poor football in the opening and third term was all it took for the margin to balloon, despite nearly 100 min-

EASTERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE PREMIER REVIEW - ROUND 6

utes of hard, contested football against a side expected to contend for a premiership in Premier Division.

Jesse Cirulis led the way in the ruck with Caleb Van Oostveen and Noah Cannon among the Wickers’ best, while Sam Frangalas earned a call up to Richmond’s VFL side, forcing Clint Evans to further test the depth at his disposal.

Berwick next welcomes 2023 runner-up Vermont to Edwin Flack Reserve on Saturday.

East Ringwood, meanwhile, move into second with a healthy percentage to boot.

Elsewhere in Premier Division, Norwood shocked Noble Park to open its account for the year with a two-point win in Bulls skipper Kyle Martin’s long-awaited return to the football field.

Norwood led for the almost the duration of the contest as Noble Park struggled to find avenues to goal outside of Bailey Lambert, who

kicked eight of the Bulls’ 10. Noble Park briefly took the lead through former Berwick Springs forward Tom Nelson in the final term but Norwood managed to reclaim the lead before time expired to shock the competition.

Rowville returned to winning ways with a 23-point over Blackburn while Balwyn remains undefeated, having downed Doncaster East by 96 points.

‘Slick’ Eagles prove they’re far too sharp for Doncaster

By David Nagel

A slick looking Beaconsfield outfit has chalked up its fifth success of the Eastern Division One season with a commanding 10-goal win over Doncaster at Schramms Reserve on Saturday.

The Eagles set up a mouth-watering home clash with reigning-premier Mitcham this week after a 14.8(92) to 4.8(32) victory.

Coach Mick Fogarty was once again forced to make changes at the selection table with Mitch Szybkowski, Kobe Shipp, Ryan Williamson and Ben Fogarty making way for Josh Mounter,Trent Stokoe, Ethan Harris and Taelor Reyment; playing his first senior game for the season.

Beaconsfield fell behind early when former Inverloch-Kongwak forward Tristan Van Driel marked and goaled to kick the opening goal of the match.

But it soon became clear where the four points would be heading, with the Eagles dominating in most positions on the ground.

The Eagles answered the home side’s early goal when Charlie Muley found Jake Bowd at the nine-minute mark, before three goals in five minutes opened up a 15-point lead at the first break.

Winger Lachie Modica latched onto some crumbs to kick an open goal from close range, before a Tylah Stokoe clearance found Bowd on the lead for his second.

When Charlie Muley then marked and goaled; the Eagles were on their way to a handy advantage at quarter time.

Muley was proving too big and strong for an undersized Doncaster defence, while midfielders Stokoe, Devon Smith, Ethan Harris and Damien Johnston were all their creative best.

Hayden Brough kicked a ripper from the boundary to open the second term, but the Eagles then struggled to take full advantage of dominant time in their forward half.

Bowd kicked his third after a mark at the top of the goalsquare, before James Munks

answered to make it a four-goal game at half time.

Beaconsfield then took control in the third quarter with its best footy for the match.

The teams went goal-for-goal early; but four goals in 11 minutes ended the penny section.

The Eagles looked focused on creating turnovers and then moving the ball quickly, hurting the home side with its slick decisions by hand.

Bowd kicked his fourth for the afternoon after slick hands from Johnston found Mackay Bateson, who hit Bowd lace out with clinical precision.

Muley then converted a set shot to make it 37 points - 17-minutes into the third – before a quick handball from NathanWright released Stokoe to bury one from 40.

When Wright then sealed the deal after some great play from Johnston and Myles Currie…the Eagles were home and hosed.

The visitors then kicked three goals to one in the final term to put the exclamation mark on a fine performance.

The Eagles were simply too good all over the park.

The starting back six of Brandon White, Trent Stokoe, Declan Curran, Connor Mouat, Lachie Valentine and Sam Merrick kept the

home side to a paltry four goals, while Mitch Summers and Reyment competed well in the ruck.

Johnston was clearly the best midfielder on the ground, kicking a last-quarter goal to cap off a stellar performance for the Eagles, while Bowd finished with four, and Muley three up front.

This was a mature win for the Eagles; who were clearly a class above their opposition. This week’s test against Mitcham is vitally important in the context of the season, with a win to the second-placed Eagles seeing them jump two games clear of the Tigers; who currently sit fifth.

Fogarty and his team then have a stretch of four games, against teams that currently sit outside the top five…where they can certainly set up their season.

DONCASTER

Doncaster Goals: Isaac Barassi, Max Dooley, James Munks, Tristan Van Driel. Best: Pat Jacobson, Sam Goodwin, Ben Munks, Max Dooley, Luke Kenna, Ryan Smith. Beaconsfield Goals: Jake Bowd 4, Charlie Muley 3, Hayden Brough 2, Damien Johnston, Lachlan Modica, Joshua Mounter, Tylah Stokoe, Nathan Wright. Best: Brandon White, Damien Johnston, Trent Stokoe, Jake Bowd, Ethan Harris.

Other Games: Mitcham 20.16(136) def North Ringwood 7.9(51), Mooroolbark 8.10(58) def Montrose 5.8(38), Park Orchards 14.9(93) def Bayswater 11.8(74), Wantirna South 4.8(32) def by South Belgrave 12.11(83).

Ladder R7: Park Orchards 28, Beaconsfield, South Belgrave 20, Montrose, Mitcham 16, Bayswater, Mooroolbark 12, North Ringwood, Doncaster 8,Wantirna South 0. Fixture R8: Beaconsfield (2) v Mitcham (5), Montrose

v North Ringwood

Park Orchards

v Doncaster

South Belgrave (3) v Bayswater (6), Wantirna South (10) v Mooroolbark (7).

(4)

(8),

(1)

(9),

Tylah Stokoe capped off a solid game for Beaconsfield with a great third-quarter goal. 406516

Picture: ROB CAREW

Jasper Sully kicked two goals for Berwick in Saturday’s loss to East Ringwood. 406517

Picture: ROB CAREW

Shipp-shape Kobe

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Beaconsfield’s Kobe Shipp and Berwick’s Sam Frangalas and both made their VFL debuts on the weekend.

Both players were in AFL draft conversations across their time with the Dandenong Stingrays which concluded in 2023, with Frangalas called up amidst Richmond’s injury crisis.

Shipp, the son of former Casey player Andrew, made his debut for the Demons, collecting nine disposals in the seven-point loss.

An intercept marking small defender who was invited to the state combine, Shipp recently was part of the Colgate Young Gun series, a showpiece event forVictorian and Tasmanianbased midseason draft prospects.

He is averaging 22 disposals and five rebound 50s in his four games for Beaconsfield, stamping his authority in round 1 when he took six intercept marks.

“I’m rapt he got an opportunity for Casey,” said Beaconsfield coach Mick Fogarty.

“He anticipates really well across halfback, he wins his one-on-ones, usually through his

13 WEST: Beacy 22 v Berwick 15

What a difference three weeks can make! We reversed our scoreline and have come away with a confident first win of our season. We got away to a great first and second quarters to lead 12-6 at half time. Our rotations and combinations were on point and we quickly adapted when our defender got injured. The teamwork this week was next level with great timing to lead after strong defensive turnovers saw the baby safely delivered to our goalers.

We had many intercepts from our attackers also. Our new C pass options provided great variety. Overall this week we were unstoppable and hungry for the win. We hung on in the second half despite a more physical defence game from Berwick.

A big thank-you for our assistant coach, Olivia, who does our rotations on the court and is always giving great advice to all players. There was a heap of happy dancing and air punches from Kez as all our training is being implemented on gameday and we are improving every week.

Match Awards: Shanikas - Indie Szymanski, Twisted SistaVaianna Lauaki, Taco Bills - Chloe Pinwell.

13 EAST: Beacy 18 v Berwick 15

What an amazing game for the 13 East team this week. Before the game we had a chat about coming out strong in the first quarter and that is exactly what we did. Right from the start every single player was switched on ready to give it a roaring crack. Today was a day filled with positives. Our defence end worked so tirelessly getting so much ball every time. Our mid court brought the ball down the court with great control and had even better control feeding the goalers. Our goalers stayed strong and consistent, doing exactly what was asked of them. By far it was one of our best team games and we can’t wait to

ability to out-position his forward, he’s really strong in the air.

“We encourage him to go for his marks and his shown really good offence from halfback, makes good decisions, uses the ball well and he’s got good speed out of the contest.

“He’s a ripper for us at our level to the extent that he’s too good to be playing at our level.

“He’s improving out of sight.”

Fogarty also highlighted his ability to translate his ability to the other end of the field, Shipp having three scoring shots in the one quarter he has been swung forward, against Montrose.

“He won groundball, outworked his opponent and had shots on goal – it adds to him being a complete player at our level,” the coach said.

The teenager’s attitude to work hard after being overlooked in the national draft last year has also captured attention.

“He just said ‘you know what, there’s worse things that happen in life, I’ll put my head down and try and get there the long way’,” Fogarty added.

“Kobe is really mature in that way.”

It was a baptism of fire for Frangalas on debut for Richmond, with the Tigers going down by 110 points to Sandringham Zebras, the local lad netting six disposals and four tackles.

Berwick coach Clint Evans praised the teenager’s fortnight of form which preceded his VFL callup.

He followed up 11 disposals and four clearances with 23 disposals including a team-high nine clearances for Berwick as mid-forward.

“He’s got the build for senior footy, he’s just learning about how to use his body,” said Berwick coach Clint Evans.

“He was getting caught a little bit early, trying to do too much but in the last two weeks, his body has been sound and he’s moving across the ground a lot better.”

“He doesn’t mind taking on the tackler and he’s pretty quick over the first five or 10 (metres) and one-on-one, he doesn’t get beaten.”

Elsewhere, Williamstown had a five-point win with Springvale Districts’ Riley CollierDawkins setting the tone early and Narre’s Jack Toner continuing his strong form; while at Frankston, lively Beaconsfield forward Matt Johnson kicked 3.2.

Eagles wilt to Donvale

By David Nagel

Beaconsfield is still searching for its first win in Eastern Division One women’s football after the Eagles were outplayed by Donvale at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday.

The Eagles matched the Vales in the first quarter, with Jess Matin kicking a six-pointer, but then fell off the pace on their way to a 7.10(52) to 1.2(8) defeat.

Donvale had dual targets up forward, with Grace Hartman and Monica Latino kicking two goals each as the visitors kicked two goals to none in each of the remaining three quarters.

Former league best and fairest winner Lauren Hojnacki was once again hugely effective for the Eagles, with Sammy Wilko also continuing her solid run of form.

Maddison Blackburn, Cassie Martin, Emily MacRae and Hannah Gregory were other Eagles to shine against the second-placed team in the competition.

The Eagles return to Holm Park Reserve this Saturday for a winnable game against fifth-placed Knox, who suffered a 33-point defeat at the hands of Park Orchards.

Beaconsfield lost to Knox by 34 points at Knox in round two with Lauree Metclafe and Bianca Mirigliani hitting the scoreboard.

Players like Hojnacki, Blackburn, Courtney Robinson and Kira Emery will be keen to turn things around on their home deck this weekend.

· Results R5: Beaconsfield 1.2(8) def by Donvale 7.10(52), East Ringwood 7.13(55) def North Ringwood 7.9(51), Knox 2.2(14) def by Park Orchards 6.11(47).

· Ladder: Park Orchards, Donvale 16, North Ringwood, East Ringwood 12, Knox 4, Beaconsfield 0.

· Fixture R6: (Saturday 10.40am) Beaconsfield (6) v Knox (5), Donvale (2) v East Ringwood (4), North Ringwood (3) v Park Orchards (1).

see what next week brings.

Match Awards: Shanikas: Lucia Pryor, Twisted Sista: Abill Akol, Taco Bill: Giselle Quinn.

15 WEST: Beacy 19 v Berwick 36 Coming up against Berwick this week we came out guns blazing in the first quarter, with emphasis on our defensive pressure and voice down the court. We were up by one at quarter time due to our incredible teamwork, strong defensive wall and accurate goaling. Unfortunately, we were unable to sustain this for the next three quarters. The first quarter is a great indication of what we can achieve; once we do that for all four quarters… look out! The girls should be proud of their efforts, each week we improve substantially. Exciting things to come!

Match Awards: Shanikas – Zarleah Peiris, Twisted Sista – Abuk Akol, Taco Bill – Jasmine Yong.

15 EAST: Beacy 19 v Berwick 25 This week the girls came out firing against a very strong Berwick side. We knew that we had to work hard this week after our last performance against Berwick. We came out in the first quarter strong and really keeping with Berwick. We had some strong passages of play end to end and were able to create lots of turnover. We struggled today on the wet court to chase after some crucial loose ball, and gave away some easy turnovers. Well done this week girls. Match Awards: Shanika’s - Zoe Vrakatselis, Taco Bills - Holley Pernar, Twisted Sista - Mackenzie Carswell. 17 WEST: Beacy 27 v Berwick 13

What a blinder. The girls turned it on today for our first Battle of the Creek for the year. Today’s game was that ‘click’ moment, where everything we have been working on the past few weeks and months at training fell into place. It was a brilliant team game; the girls worked hard, had fun and got the W. What more could you ask for?! The hunger for the ball, accountability and

talk on and off the court made us very proud coaches.

Match Awards: Shanikas - Elli Wilson, Twisted Sista - Summer Hamilton, Taco Bill - Bella Evans.

D GRADE: Beacy 31 v Berwick Springs 23 Berwick Springs came out hard in the first half and really pushed us. Our defence end held strong and we were able to go into the half-time break with a small lead. We reset at half time and came out with what I believe was our strongest quarter for the season so far. The relentless pressure on the court then became too much for Berwick Springs and the scoreboard showed in the end with a strong win.

Match Awards: Shanika’s - Charli Mitchell, Twisted SistaKiara St Mart, Taco Bill - Kylie Hamilton.

C GRADE: Beacy 26 v Berwick Springs 44 A tough day at the office for C Grade this week and, to continue with the cliches, it wasn’t our day and the better team won. It was a very physical game from the start with Berwick Springs surprising us with their strength and tenacity. They have made huge improvements since our first meeting and we weren’t able to score as heavily and apply the defensive pressure we usually do. We struggled to find consistency and just couldn’t put enough good patches of play together to come out victors. Despite the loss the girls remained committed to supporting each other and as always showed great sportsmanship and respect. Plenty of areas to improve on before we meet them again.

Match Awards: Shanikas (Best on court) - Kayce Castle, Taco Bill - Teagan Phillips, Twisted Sista - Katelyn Singleton.

B GRADE: Beacy 54 v Berwick A 40

Another challenging week for our B Graders coming up against the Berwick A Grade side. The last time we meet was round one with Berwick taking the win by 16. We have shown over the past few weeks that we can match up with A grade sides, we just need to play out our quarters and not tire in the last few

minutes. I have used the word “Belief” quite a lot over the past few weeks and continue to implement this into all the players, believing we have the ability and the skills to match them is the start to making a winning combination. We came out strong and put on some great netball, with our midcourt connecting well with our goalers and defender’s communications helping

Beaconsfield’s Cassie Martin attempts to shake off her Donvale opponent on Saturday. 408032 Picture: ROB CAREW

Kobe Shipp on debut for Casey. 408033

Picture: ROB CAREW