News - Berwick Star News - 13th June 2024

Wildlife champion

Wild Days Wildlife Shelter’s founder, owner, and carer, Kay Taranto, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List for her service to animal welfare.

Kay has fiercely dedicated herself to wildlife rescue, foster care, and conservation for more than two decades.

She has operated the shelter since 2008. She served as a wildlife rescue volunteer in the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009 and the Victorian Bushfires in 2009 and 2010.

She has also been involved in various conservation groups and organisations such as the Conservation and Sustainability Community Reference Group in the City of Casey, the Animal Ethics Committee in Federation University, and the Wildlife Emergency Services Network under the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

“A couple of weeks ago, they sent you an email. I still don’t know who nominated me, but it’s really nice and amazing,” Kay said.

“After so many years of being involved in wildlife rehabilitation, I find there are more and more opportunities to work towards changing the minds of the community in how they impact wildlife. “I am honoured to have been nominated for this award and hope that it will open the doors to being able to reach a wider audience. It is humbling to be among so many other incredible award nominees.”

Star News talked with Kay in late April when the shelter won the 2024 Casey Community Group of the Year. Since then, the Narre Warren’s animal shelter has taken in quite a few new faces: a wide-eyed orphaned baby wallaby, an unhappy Boobook owl, a composed kookaburra - a car-accident survivor, an agitated Mountain Brushtail Possum with fractured cheekbone and jaw, and an almost hairless baby wombat.

Things stay the same. Kay goes on to work two full-time jobs: the graveyard shifts in animal rescue and care, and her daylight legal ca-

reer that helps financially back the former.

“My throwaway is still, I think I said last time, if everyone can put a water dish in their gardens, or plant a few more trees, it would have bigger impacts on the environment and save thousands of animals,” Kay said.

In retrospect, Kay believes the biggest gain she has had along the way is a realisation of the power of knowledge and understanding.

“What I’ve realised is how much you’ve got to get out in the community and let them know what’s going on and try and take steps

to reduce the number of animals that come into care. Since I’ve been doing that, I was actually making a list of where I’ve been and who I’ve spoken to. And I didn’t realise I’d done as many as I have.”

Kay has made significant efforts to engage with the community for conservation over the years. She talked with young children in the schools. She attended network meetings. She had stalls at shows across Casey. She held nature activities for the children. “I am just trying to reach a whole range of people. A lot of people are not aware of the impacts that

what they do has on wildlife. As time goes on, I’ll do more and more of that because I think that will have a bigger impact.” To know more about Wild Days Wildlife Shelter, visit wilddaysws.org

To read the feature the paper had with Kay and the shelter earlier this year, visit cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au/ news/2024-04-27/a-day-in-the-life-of-kaytaranto

More King’s Birthday Honours coverage inside

By Violet Li

Kay about to feed an orphaned baby wallaby. 411797

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Your voice can help shape Casey’s future

You’re invited to share feedback as part of our 2024 Shape Your City campaign.

Share your feedback to help create our next four-year Council Plan and guide Casey’s new incoming Councillors on future decisions.

Your feedback will also be used to inform the review of the Community Vision and the development of the new four-year Council Plan, and other key strategic documents.

Engagement pop-up events will be held throughout June, providing you the opportunity to share feedback in person with Council officers. Scan the QR code or visit our Casey Conversations website for more information.

Survey closes Sunday 7 July 2024.

Let your imagination run wild and travel back in time as Dino Safari transforms Wilson Botanic Park into a prehistoric wonderland. Book online now via the City of Casey website or scan the QR Code.

The City of Casey’s

Arts Festival kicks off this week, with an electrifying line-up to warm your winter.

The program features more than 60 amazing arts, cultural, and entertainment events across the city throughout June and July.

Some highlights include:

MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE

• School of Rock musical presented by Windmill Theatre Company

• Queers of Concert with a local queen of drag

• Casey Live and Local Micro-Festivals

VISUAL ARTS

• Hybycozo Deep Thought installation at Bunjil Place

• Berwick District Woodworkers Club Expo

• People of Pearcedale exhibition DANCE

• Salsa for Seniors

• The South East Area Throwdown

• Kids Dancehall and Breakin’ Workshops

Search ‘Winter Arts Festival’ on our website to view the full program.

Leading the way in vape recycling

Want to dispose of your vapes safely?

Thanks to a partnership with Ecocycle and Envirostream, residents now have the option to safely dispose of vapes at the following locations:

– Hampton Park Transfer Station: 274 Hallam Road, Hampton Park

– Melanie’s Recycle and Community Collection Hub: 13 Pasadena Boulevard, Clyde

– Casey ARC Customer Service: 10 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren

The vapes are then safely transported, disassembled and processed through a specialised recycling system. For more information, please visit our website.

Casey Conversations

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK AND HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY

Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our community engagement platform, Casey Conversations.

• Shape Your City: support the creation of our next four-year Council Plan.

• Climate Action Living Lab: have your say on the development of the Living Lab.

• Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy: tell us your thoughts on our approach to minimising gambling harm and supporting community wellbeing.

• Casey Coastal Framework: have your say on the draft Framework to help inform the next steps on how we adapt to and manage coastal hazards.

Head to the Casey Conversations website to find out more or scan the QR code.

Winter

Congestion sparks concern

By Ethan Benedicto

A rude awakening one Thursday morning made one father realise

at

comes to the peak hours throughout the day.

What could be considered as Berwick’s industrial hub, the little nook is located just across Berwick Station, where numerous businesses, from gyms and butchers to auto service repair shops, have made their home for the last several years.

The growth has been exponential, and while that may be a boon, the situation is a little different for the everyday traffic that wades through the avenue’s streets, ultimately adding to the area’s congestion.

Chris Emmerson, on the morning of 6 June, saw his lane blocked by a truck unloading cars designated for one of the many auto service shops, while on the way to drop his daughter off at Cire Community School.

“There has to be a better solution than trying to block traffic off and creating a dangerous situation that people are driving up gutters and around for [truck drivers] to unload their trucks,” he said.

With years of experience as a truck driver, Mr Emmerson realises that the situation, alongside the environment of Enterprise Avenue, is not any truck drivers’ fault, but rather extends to the overall planning of the industrial area.

“I don’t blame them as drivers; I believe there’s got to be a discussion with council planning on what we can do better.

“It’s not the truck driver’s fault, they have nowhere else to go,” he said.

According to VicRoads, heavy or long vehicles cannot be parked on a road in a built-up area for longer than one hour unless there are parking signs that allow them, or if the driver is picking up or setting down goods.

These designated areas for loading and unloading however, are little to none, and other options are scarce with majority of the

kerbside parking spaces occupied by respective workers of these businesses; as well as the parking areas inside businesses’ property allowing no space for trucks to navigate.

Berwick Mitsubishi’s dealer principal, Daniel Buruma resonates with Mr Emmerson’s sentiments, saying that to watch Enterprise Avenue “grow and grow is challenging”.

Their service branch has been on the corner of Enterprise Ave and Intrepid Street since 2010, with the business seeing its fair share of neighbours and the eventual growth of the area to what it is today.

“You’ve got a number of automotive businesses down there, lots of trade businesses around the side, you’ve got the butchers, two different detailing shops, independent workshops – it’s just a busy strip.

“We’re always accommodating to the point where we’ve outgrown that [area], I’d love to stay there but I have to start [thinking about]

moving down to Pakenham in the long term just because we’re landlocked.

“It’s just a crazy sort of precinct, so I think it’s just working together to be safe and responsible, and I don’t think the council can do it any differently though, we can’t go back in time and plan it again,” Mr Buruma said.

Mr Emmerson is on the same boat and has already sent an enquiry to Casey Council regarding traffic management plans for Enterprise Avenue.

A bigger worry for him though, is the safety of his daughter and the schoolchildren in Cire Community School; a not-for-profit organisation that provides flexible learning opportunities for those experiencing social and economic disadvantages and mental health challenges.

Speaking on his experiences as a truck driver, he said “I know myself, I wouldn’t do it without either having traffic cones out there

because you’ve got to mitigate the situation.

“You’ve got cars coming both ways, is there someone there telling people who can come and who can’t? Because it’s a blind corner.

“Cire is a community school [with] special needs students, you’ve got kids coming in and out of there and you’re dealing with a major traffic problem.

“Realistically, with those big trucks, that kid could walk in front and the truck driver would never see them,” he said.

A proper discussion needs to be had, according to Mr Emmerson, one that involves all parties, such as Cire, the automotive shops, gyms and others, as well as the council to properly navigate all factors involved in the traffic situation for Enterprise Avenue.

However, Mr Buruma is uncertain as to whether a change to traffic management would impact the congestion of the precinct, saying that “businesses need to operate, people need to keep them running”.

“I’d love to click my fingers and suddenly there’s a multi-level car park, and the lanes are a lot wider like down at Pakenham, but I just don’t see that town planning can get through it; they probably didn’t expect Berwick to be as big as it is right?

“They have to find another entry into the school, through Federation University or something like that, which might be a smarter way to do it rather than coming down Enterprise,” he said.

The City of Casey’s manager of city and asset planning, Keri New, said that “council received an inquiry relating to trucks while double parked in Enterprise Avenue that is being investigated”.

“Where appropriate, council may consider changes to on-street parking arrangements [and] prior to any changes made to on-street parking, impacted businesses in the area would be consulted with,” she said.

As of now, Enterprise Avenue remains one of the busier areas in Berwick, with some changes plausible in the future.

Shake-up proposed to add to Bruce electorate

By Violet Li

Harkaway, alongside parts of Cranbourne North, Berwick and Beaconsfield, are proposed to be transferred to Bruce, an electorate redistribution report notes.

The report by the Australian Electoral Commission finds that elector enrolment in the current Division of Bruce is projected to be lower than the minimal number required by the Electoral Act in 2028, while the projected enrolment in the neighbouring Division of Holt and La Trobe will be higher than the maximum number.

It acknowledges that Bruce must gain electors from Holt and La Trobe.

Part of Cranbourne North, which is cur-

rently located within Holt, will be transferred to Bruce with 7,866 electors. The existing boundary along Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Narre Warren Road will be extended further south to Thompsons Road.

Harkaway, part of Beaconsfield and Berwick, currently sitting in La Trobe, will be redistributed to Bruce with 8,250 electors. The eastern boundary will deviate from Clyde Road, follow Princes Freeway, adjoin the boundary of Casey and Cardinia, and rejoin the existing border with the Division of Casey.

Monash University politics expert Dr Zareh Ghazarian said Holt losing part of Cranbourne North would be a really small change and he would not expect there to be much of a difference in voting patterns.

“I don’t think that’s going to have a massive impact on the margins based on what the MPs hold them by. In other words, I don’t think this changes the political fortunes of the current MP,” he said.

He also believed part of Berwick going into Bruce might impact the margin “slightly” and make the seat a bit more marginal, but certainly “not ultra-marginal”.

“I don’t think it’s going to be so much that it causes any problems for the current MP,” he said.

Bruce MP Julian Hill said the draft boundaries in South East Melbourne showed relatively little change this time, which was welcome.

“Bruce needs to grow slightly, and I’d be delighted to represent more of beautiful Berwick and surrounds, though what ultimately happens is up to the Australian Electoral Commission,” he said.

“Everyone will take time to work through the details and make public submissions to inform the final boundaries.

“One of the great things about Australia’s democratic system is that electorate boundaries are set by the independent Australian Electoral Commission, and I encourage anyone interested to have their say.”

The proposed redistribution report is open for comments until 28 June. Visit aec. gov.au/redistributions/2023/vic/index.html

Chris Emmerson stands at the end of Enterprise Avenue, with all kerbside parking occupied in the background. Picture: ETHAN BENEDICTO

Neon winter wonderland

By Ethan Benedicto

Banjo Park in Clyde North is lighting up during this cold season, looking to embrace the winter solstice with a neon wonderland.

The event is planned to be held on Friday 21 June, and will run from 5pm to 8pm at the centre of Smiths Lane; with live music and entertainment, as well as treats for the first 300 attendees.

However, Carla O’Brien, a Melbournebased artist with a speciality on neon displays, says that this event is going to be unlike anything the park has done before.

“We’ve got a neon winter wonderland, a full winter playground of fun and in celebration of the winter solstice,” Ms O’Brien said.

Trying her best not to spoil the experience, a little sneak peek means that her and her team are “taking up the whole park”.

“There are so many pieces that we’ve got, about 20 installations for people to interact with.

“A community-based event like this is bringing all types of people, young and old, to-

gether to just have a good time and a really fun family experience as well,” she said.

Natalie, a barista at the neighbouring Smiths Social cafe said that events like these are a boon for growing areas and communities such as Smiths Lane.

“It sounds like it’ll be great for the kids and all the young families, and of course, you can go support local artists by going,” she said.

A father, who wished to remain anonymous, said that anything that “brings the community together is always good”.

With a wife and three kids, the family has been in Smiths Lane for just over two years, and in that short amount of time observed the area grow exponentially.

“They did something like this some time ago as well, and it was really good, a lot of people came and you could sort of feel the togetherness if that makes sense.

“My kids liked lights, other kids liked the lights, it brings the people out to mingle and it’s free, what more could you ask for?” he said.

For Ms O’Brien, working towards exhibi-

tions like this is nothing out of the ordinary, with multiple projects displayed throughout Melbourne CBD; her most iconic include the Sleigh My Name festive lettering, the MANIAX entrance signage and neon archways in Perth and Ballarat.

However, its magic never fades, and while it would be Banjo Park’s second year of being lit up in neon, Ms O’Brien “gets incredible joy from my work because people absolutely love it”.

“There are so many moments that people have with the artworks, but first of all, when they drive [there] and they pull up, or they start the walk into where the installation is, they can see it from afar and are just mesmerised.

“[People] are used to seeing neon signs from a distance or up high, this is neon down to where you are on the ground, and it’s taking everyday objects and animals and turning it into neon,” she said.

The novelty in the work, according to Ms O’Brien is that although the concept of neon itself is nothing new, it’s the closeness of her pieces that draw crowds in; being able to blend

into the environment, as well as the person interacting is a key part of her art.

“It’s unexpected, so when people see it for the first time, they have an amazing response to it; so to see everyone’s eyes light up, and the joy that they get from it is amazing.

“The next part of the joy is when you see people taking photos, because works are interactive [and] that’s the whole point of it - it’s interactive light art that people can have an experience with,” Ms O’Brien said.

The pieces themselves are temporary, and being battery-operated allows Ms O’Brien and her team to bring the pieces in the afternoon, have them displayed and then pack them up once the event finishes.

“You know, it’s hard to get people to come out of their house at nighttime where it’s warm but cold outside; but what if you’ve got something like this where it just warms your heart from the inside?” Ms O’Brien said.

While the event is free, bookings are essential and tickets can be accessed through shorturl.at/0VUWf

Amid wave of Covid and the flu, free tests are on offer

Bakhtar Community Organisation is providing the community with free Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) amid another wave of Covid and flu.

Free RATs are available at its Hallam office on weekdays from 10am to 3pm and at its Noble Park warehouse on weekends from 12pm to 3pm.

Founder and chief executive of Bahktar Community Organisation, Bassir Qadiri, said there was a huge demand in the neighbourhood.

“There is this virus going on and as well as people are confused if it is a different virus or if it’s Covid,” he said.

“That’s why RAT is very popular now, and everybody wants to test that to check if it’s Covid when they are sick.”

“We have got a few hundred sitting there, and then we saw the demand in the community, then we thought why not give it for free, especially for those who are eligible at the community rather than pay $10 at Chemist Warehouse.”

The charity organisation is also committed to providing the community with vital Covid information, especially about vaccinations, in collaboration with FECCA.

Its bi-cultural workers offer support in multiple languages.

Banjo Park at Smiths Lane, Clyde North during a previous neon event by Carla O’Brien.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Interactive pieces like this drum set were the focal point of the previous event and are carrying on to the upcoming one, this time doused in a winter theme.

A Women’s Pain Forum was hosted by Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas with the goal of raising awareness for the Victorian Government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain.

Facilitated by Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) chief executive Kit McMahon, the event was held at the Old School House in Hampton Park on Thursday 6 June.

For Mr Maas, he said, “it was a privilege to host this Women’s Pain Forum in the South East, and play a part in bringing more attention to an issue that we should be talking more about”.

He was joined by a special guest, the minister for health Mary-Anne Thomas MP, as well as Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards at the event.

Key stakeholder organisations that have an integral role in running support for the issue also attended, representing a range of backgrounds, professions and experiences.

During the event, Ms McMahon and her team ran a workshop that facilitated a discussion about women’s pain and their experience with the healthcare system.

“The state government is committed to listening and learning from these experiences to inform improved care for women and girls experiencing pain in the future,” Mr Maas said.

WHISE will be making a submission to the government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain, supported by research that was recently conducted by the Victorian Women’s Health Survey which detailed that their pain is real and often overlooked.

The survey found that four in 10 Victorian women suffer from a chronic health condition and one in three have health conditions that affect their ability to work and keep a job; in addition, half the participants were suffering from pain connected to their period

which impacted their health and wellbeing.

“Thank you to the formidable Kit McMahon of Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) for facilitating this important discussion, and to all the representatives from community organisations who shared their stories and experiences.”

For those interested to be part of WHISE’s

Police bust alleged Holden V8 rebirthing racket

A residential address in Narre Warren was allegedly found to be home to a Holden V8 rebirthing racket, after a search warrant was executed on Wednesday 5 June.

Detectives from the Vehicle Crime Squad charged a 30-year-old Newborough man on Thursday 6 June with over 43 offences including handling stolen goods, theft of motor vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle, theft and possessing drug of dependence.

Vehicle Crime Squad detective inspector Julie Macdonald said that “rebirthed vehicles can be a major safety threat to unwitting buyers”.

“Often the rebirthing process is not carried out by a qualified mechanic, meaning that the car could have serious issues which can result in an accident.

“Not to mention the use of stolen vehicles in the commission of other serious crimes and allowing offenders to move around more easily,” she said.

With assistance from the Illicit Firearms Squad and Fugitive Squad, authorities seized three previously stolen Holden Special Vehicles, drugs, and stolen IDs and car parts following an investigation.

A stolen Holden VF SS, methylamphetamine, approximately 20 sets of vehicle keys linked to a burglary, multiple sets of stolen number plates, multiple diagnostic tools valued at over $50,000, and multiple victim IDs believed to have been stolen from inside motor vehicles from the address were found at the home.

The suspect was remanded to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrate’s Court on 3 July.

“The Vehicle Crime Squad will continue to target those contributing to organised motor vehicle crime in Victoria and shit down any illegal activity of this nature,” Ms Macdonald said.

A warrant was previously executed at a Darlimurla address on Wednesday 15 May,

submission, registration is available through surveymonkey.com/r/WomensPainInquiry

To put a submission directly to the Inquiry, visit health.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-womenspain

Submissions to the Inquiry into Women’s Pain close 31 July 2024.

Drivers fined

Dozens of motorists have been hit with a collective 350 fines following two recent road policing operations in the City of Casey.

A specific incident saw a 36-yearold man from Hampton Park being involved in a crash on Hallam South Road in Hampton Park, where he allegedly returned a positive breath test with a reading of 0.275.

The man’s licence was immediately suspended and he was summoned to appear in Dandenong Magistrate’s Court at a later date for drink driving, careless driving and failing to give way.

Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia highway patrol senior sergeant David Hewatt said that “it’s extremely disappointing to see so many people continue to flout the law and put themselves and other road users in serious danger”.

One of these initiatives, called Operation Malleus was conducted from 27 May to 31 May, while Operation Sizzle took place on 4 June.

In total for both operations, almost 1200 preliminary breath tests and 328 preliminary oral fluid tests were conducted, where 343 offences were detected which included drink driving, drug driving and speeding.

The 350 fines included one driver who was allegedly five-and-half times over the legal alcohol limit after crashing his car.

“Making the selfish decision to get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol can end or drastically change lives in a matter of seconds,” senior sergeant Hewatt said.

Other incidents of note include eight drivers who were detected with illicit substances in their systems, the results of which will undergo further forensic analysis.

with assistance from the illicit firearms Squad and Morwell Divisional Response Unit.

There, two previously stolen Holdens - an SSV Redline utility and a Clubsport - were found, as well as a vehicle fitted with stolen SSV Walkinshaw sedan interiors, front and rear bumpers from stolen vehicles, an engine from a six litre V8 Holden, stolen number plates and a surveillance device sweeper.

The two stolen vehicles had their window VINs replaced, stamped floor VINs cut out and replaced, their electronic control units replaced and engine numbers grounded off.

Police will allege that those involved were rebirthing and selling stolen Holden vehicles, specifically Holden Special Vehicles; the investigation remains ongoing.

“We’d also invited anyone with information about this kind of illegal activity to please contact Crime Stoppers - it can be done anonymously, and we’ll continue to act on these reports,” Ms Macdonald said.

Anyone with information on vehicle rebirthing is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

The event was held at the Old School House in Hampton Park.

Picture: SUPPLIED

A Narre Warren home was allegedly found to be operating a Holden V8 rebirthing racket, after a search warrant was executed on Wednesday 5 June. Picture: ON FILE

Rallying for championship

By Violet Li

Para-equestrian Phoebe Roche is tacking up Smartie in the frigid Melbourne morning. She has trouble getting on the bridle, caused by a fall from 10 feet in the air two years ago that worsened the movement and dexterity in her right hand. Smartie, a 16-year-old Warmblood, is getting grumpy and quietly not cooperating because he knows well that getting his bridle on means working soon.

But Phoebe has her way and pulls everything together. The 28-year-old Tooradin resident is training every other day to compete at the 2024 Virtus Open European Equestrian Championships in the United Kingdom in the coming July. The championship advocates elite sports for athletes with intellectual impairment. Phoebe, a FEI Grade IV Para-rider, is one of the eight riders selected to represent Australia in this dressage competition. England is awaiting, while the competition costs intercept the dream midway. The family is crying out for the support of the community to make a dream come true.

“They (organisers) only told us up till recently. Phoebe got this letter that says she’s been selected to go to compete. And then they said you need $15,000 for her carer and groom,” Phoebe’s mother Shaneen Roche said.

“Phoebe said you’re not excited? And I said, oh, no, but I don’t have $15,000.”

To scrape together the money pool, Shaneen has put her car on the market and she’s organising sausage sizzles and garage sales in the coming weeks. “We can’t even buy the air tickets. It’s about $7,000. We’re $1,000 short at this stage andtheticketskeepongoingup,”Shaneensaid.

“It’s a huge amount of money because I’m a pensioner. Phoebe’s a pensioner. These things aren’t cheap.”

But the mother and the daughter are not easily giving up.They have come a long way before this shot, trading their hometown for Mel-

bourne to access more opportunities in a more “horsey community”. Now it makes more sense for Phoebe to forge ahead.

Born in Queensland, Phoebe was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Spastic Quadriplegia before her first birthday, which affected her movement for the rest of her life. She was later diagnosed with epilepsy and autism.

Horse riding was initially physiotherapy for little Phoebe, but her love for horses guided her into a competition pathway.

“When I was younger, I couldn’t always walk, so it was the freedom of being able to sit on something and go anywhere [that I like most about horse-riding], and then the trust they (horses) put in you,” Phoebe said.

In 2021, Phoebe was recognised as Victorian

Para Equestrian of the Year and a year later, she also finished her certificate in Equine Vet Nursing. Juggling the work with the equestrian was her commitment.

“It was a lot of hard work, a lot of driving, and a lot of commitment,” she said.

“I’d work and then I’d come over here (training arena) and ride or ride and then go over next door and work. I was studying, working two jobs and riding.

“It was a lot of late nights. I became very tired. It did juggle a lot, but I wanted to get it all done. When I set my mind to something, I get things going.”

2022 was tough on Phoebe. A week after her graduation, she fell from the horse and could not ride for almost two years.

“She went flying through the air and landed ahead. She had to learn to basically talk again,” Shaneen recalled.

“She just spent six months sitting on the couch at home not knowing who she was, what she was.

“The medical bills were huge. She’d go to rehab three times a week.

“She hasn’t been able to work since.”

England is no doubt a reboot for Phoebe after everything she went through. She will be the only Victorian representing Australia in the coming championships and she will not let the opportunity slip away.

For her, it’s always a matter of finding a way.

“I don’t have much movement or dexterity in my right hand, but I have the loop reins and two whips,” Phoebe said.

“I don’t have much strength in my legs, so the leg whips are to compensate for my leg weakness. I can’t hold and grip things well, so I hold the loops.

“It’s finding ways. If there’s a will, there’s a way, and never say never. You don’t know until you give it a go.”

When Phoebe was just starting years and years ago and she had a really grumpy horse, a coach told her to just move up to novice dressage instead of doing prelim dressage.

“I thought right, I want to do more than just novice dressage, so that was it,” Phoebe said.

“It’s a wonderful freedom sport if you don’t give up on your dream.

“Don’t let anyone tell you can’t. Many people along the line have told me I can’t do something, but I’m still here proving them wrong.”

To support Phoebe, visit: asf.org.au/projects/phoebe-roche/phoebe-roche-virtus-european-championships

Shaneen and Phoebe are also holding a sausage sizzle on Sunday 23 June from 12pm to 5pm at Tooradin Estate.

Special Games are coming back to the Casey region

Special OlympicsVictoria State Games are set to return to Casey for the second year running.

The Games will host athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism across various sports over two weekends (6-7 July and 20-22 September).

Athletes will compete in athletics, basketball, bocce, football (soccer) golf, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, netball, sailing, swimming, tennis, table tennis and tenpin bowling. As a further incentive, they will be compet-

ing to represent Victoria at the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games.

There will be two opening ceremonies with the first to take place on Saturday July 6 at Casey Stadium.

Athletes from each club will take part in the Victoria Law Enforcement Torch Run alongside Victoria Police’s Chief Commissioner, Shane Patton. Another ceremony will be held on Saturday 21 September to mark the beginning of the summer sports leg.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome

the Special Olympics Victoria State Games back to Casey,” said City of Casey chair of administrators, Noelene Duff.

“The competition is a fantastic avenue to highlight the courage and determination of athletes living with a disability and dedicated to achieving their sporting goals.

“We warmly welcome the new and returning athletes back to Casey this year and are proud to host the games at a range of our accessible sporting facilities.

“I encourage members of our community

to head along to the games and show your support.”

The Special OlympicsVictoria Games were successfully held in Casey in 2023.

“Our athletes always feel welcome and the support from the community and outstanding facilities makes it a wonderful location for our athletes to shine,” Special Olympics Australia regional manager for Victoria/Tasmania, James Hammond said.

Details: specialolympics.com.au/find-asport-near-me/vic

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To the King’s Birthday OAM honour for Rob Porter - a “true humble volunteer of his beautiful community Officer”! This is a medal of a true volunteer. Thank you Rob Porter.

Thumbs down

To the removal of the U-turn on the Princes Highway at May Road in Beaconsfield, effectively removing access to the new BP and food outlets for westbound traffic.

Thumbs down

To Cardinia Council for the amount of rubbish as well as the graffiti and the general run down look of the whole area. It looks more like a ghetto than the township it was even eight years ago. What is being done with the rates we are paying?

Thumbs down

To the closure of Main Street [Pakenham] at the rail crossing again.

Great

drizzle at Tooradin.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Phoebe on Smartie. 412125

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re easing congestion by building better roads and undertaking maintenance works in Melbourne’s south east. We’re also removing dangerous and congested level crossings and building the Metro Tunnel.

What we’re doing

Finishing works to upgrade the intersection of Narre Warren-Cranbourne and BerwickCranbourne roads.

Upgrading the intersection of McGregor and Henry roads.

Upgrading the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road freeway roundabouts to traffic lights.

Finishing asphalting on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road.

Removing the old rail track, building a new roundabout and resurfacing the road at Main Street under the rail bridge in Pakenham.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions

Cranbourne and Pakenham lines 22 to 23 June

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes

Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham

Henry Road, Pakenham

Ballarto Road, Carrum Downs and Skye

Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East

Main Street, Pakenham

At times until late June

Caulfield to Westall

In sections between Greenhills and Manks roads

Until early JulyBetween McGregor Road and Heritage Boulevard

Until mid JulyAt McCormicks Road with detours and lane closures at times between Boggy Creek and Flora Park Way

Until mid 2024 Between Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Lyall Street/ New Holland Drive

7am 12 June to 7am 17 June

McGregor Road, Pakenham 8pm to 5am, 17 to 18 June

Princes Freeway, Pakenham 7pm to 5am, 19 June

7pm to 5am, 19 to 21 June

At rail bridge

Between Southeast and Park boulevards

Gippsland-bound entry ramp at Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road

Gippsland-bound between McGregor and Healesville-Koo Wee Rup roads

AC a nod to Crean’s legacy

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Labor luminary the late Simon Crean has been awarded Australia’s top citation in the Kings’ Birthday Honours List.

Mr Crean, now a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), died suddenly at 74 as part of a trade delegation in Berlin last June.

More than a decade out of federal politics, the former Federal party leader had not been previously awarded with an Order of Australia citation.

His wife Carole said the belatedness of the award symbolised Mr Crean’s humility.

“The first thing (on hearing of Mr Crean’s AC) I was really emotional that he was recognised for his legacy and all of his achievements.

“Obviously I feel very honoured and proud, not that I need that to feel proud about Simon.

“He never sought accolades or recognition for himself. He had better and more important things to do.

“Getting the top honour was something he thoroughly deserves. He would have been chuffed.”

Mr Crean was awarded for his “eminient service to the people and Parliament of Aus-

tralia, to tertiary education, to business and to industrial relations”.

Raised in a political family, Mr Crean rose to Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) president before entering Federal Parliament.

He served as a Cabinet Minister under four Prime Ministers, with diverse portfolios including arts, education, employment, workplace relations, regional development, trade, energy and science.

Post-politics, he was still working “nonstop” as Monash University deputy chancellor and on a range of boards including Linfox, European Australian Business Council and Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM).

Mr Crean was “very connected with his electorate” as Hotham MP for 23 years as well as with “the South East of Melbourne”.

Carole paid tribute to his “innovation” and “hard work” in his ministries, bilateral international agreements and promoting “the best outcomes for Australia”.

Every ministry he had, there was a significant reform in place – such as industrial relations, agriculture, trade and the Creative Australia policy.

“He always believed in culture as a foundation for what Australia is.

“He set the scene for what our society is and there is also the whole legacy of how he went about things.”

Mr Crean was “the great collaborator” who had no illusions how tough the political world was.

“He would collaborate with everyone who was involved (in an issue) and he didn’t get hung up on the small stuff. He didn’t make en-

emies, he loved his colleagues and his people that worked with him.

“I heard that they said they’d put in 110 per cent because Simon was putting in 120 per cent.”

In 54 years of marriage, there was also his great verve for life, travel, culture, history and knowledge.

“I had an incredible life with him. Forget travelling all over the world, Simon was the most-travelled inside Australia – he went to places no other politician had been to.

“It was pretty fast-paced. On top of that he always wanted his family with him.

“Simon lived for the moment before that phrase was coined. He had a lot of energy and looked for the positive in everything. He was quite an extraordinary person.

“He loved cooking, he loved beautiful things. We wouldn’t pass a church without going inside.

“He was almost bigger than life, which made everything (after his death) so difficult to accept.

“And he loved people. It didn’t have to be ‘important’ people – he just had that joy of living.”

Celebrated Sandy awarded Medal of the Order of Australia

By David Nagel

Sandy Roberts had no idea what the future would hold when the Channel Seven broadcaster prophetically put the final exclamation mark on his brilliant call of Geelong superstar Gary Ablett’s 1989 VFL Goal of the Year.

“Here is the magician at work; he shoots towards goal…what more can you say.”

Almost 35 years later to the day, those magicians are researchers and hematologists; shooting towards a goal of finding out more about blood cancer Myeloma.

A largely unknown disease; awareness around Myeloma became more prominent, and the disease more targeted, after Roberts was diagnosed in May 2022; becoming the public face of the battle roughly a year later.

“What can I say, it’s very humbling, we’re just so thankful that we have the opportunity to make a difference,” Roberts said, humbled again after being awarded a 2024 Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) - General Division - for service to media as a sports commentator.

But his true humility stems from the support he has received – from friends, family and former colleagues – who have rallied to the Myeloma Ambassador’s cause; raising much-needed funds, and awareness, to help ignite change.

The support is not surprising however, given the respect the 74-year-old Lysterfield local has generated in a lifetime in the broadcasting industry, after being raised in a rural setting in South Australia.

“Being awarded an OAM, I have had time to reflect; and it’s a far cry from being on a farm near a little town called Lucindale,” Roberts said.

“One of my main reflections is disappointment that my mum (Nan) has passed on, because when I was young and working out what I wanted to do, she gave me a book called Foreign Correspondent.

“It was about a journalist who covered wars and conflict, and I thought ‘yeah, I wouldn’t mind doing that’.

“I got a job at News Limited in Adelaide as a copy boy, but after a year and a half, Rupert (Murdoch) decided he didn’t want copy boys anymore, so I had to look elsewhere.

“I went to Perth and got a job in radio there, as a journalist, on 6PM, reading news there as well.

“Television had come along; I wanted a crack at that; so after a couple of years overseas I got a job at 3CS Colac.

“I was there for a year, just to gain experience, but I was really keen on television.

“I got a job at BCV8 Bendigo, and from there I went back to Adelaide; did an audition at Channel Seven as a general announcer

Celebrated broadcaster Sandy Roberts has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to media as a sports commentator. 412194

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

and got the job.

“A general announcer did absolutely everything, you did the news, the weather, the midday movie, the sport; and I did that for a few years before someone asked if I was interested in doing football.

“I barracked for Norwood, loved the SANFL (South Australian National Football League), so said ‘yes’ and that’s how footy started for me.”

Roberts developed his craft and work ethic in Adelaide, following sage advice given by an experienced colleague.

“In Adelaide, the guy that I was influenced by was a man by the name of Bob Francis; he was in radio and television and did them both very well,” Roberts explained.

“I asked his advice one day; he told me ‘Whatever you’re asked to do, just do it, and you’ll find out at some stage that a particular path is right for you.’

“He was right, the more overall experience you can get in the television industry, then the better off you will be.”

The career of the affable Roberts took off at the age of 30.

“It was 1980, and Seven in Adelaide was like a cousin to Seven in Melbourne; affiliated, but not like they are now,” he said.

“I was asked to go to Moscow for the Olympic Games, for Seven, I jumped at it, and that was the start. Ron Casey, who was a marvelous man and General Manager of Seven in Melbourne, a great lover of sport, a former chairman of the North Melbourne footy club, he did everything.

“He got the rights, he went to all the senior meetings of the IOC, and he would front the prime-time coverage for Seven from Moscow.

“After a few days, Gary Fenton, the Executive Producer for Sport, noticed that Ron was looking tired, just from the stress of it all.

“He told Ron to concentrate on the executive stuff and not the on-air stuff, and Ron asked ‘well who are you going to get to do that.’

“Gary said, ‘well Sandy Roberts can do it’.

“A couple of days before the end of the Moscow Olympics, Gary and Ron got hold of me and asked if I’d like to move to Melbourne.

“It didn’t take me long to decide that one either.”

Taking over from Ron Casey in Moscow was a forerunner to his time in Melbourne, with Roberts taking the plum job of hosting Channel Seven’s Sunday sporting staple; World of Sport.

The kid from Lucindale was now sharing the screen with famous football faces such as Jack Dyer, Ted Whitten, Ron Barassi, Lou Richards and Bobby Skilton.

“I was like a kid in a lollie shop,” Roberts beamed.

“When I was asked to take over from Ron, he called me up to his office on the first day I was doing it, and he asked me before 10am in the morning, ‘what are you having to drink?

“I said, ‘no, I’m fine thanks Ron,’ but there were others sipping on a scotch, and that sort of summed up World of Sport.

“We had a running sheet, but after 10 minutes of being on air we were 15 minutes late (laughs).That’s how crazy it was. It was a long day, but a great day, being around those great people; you’re living off adrenaline.”

Versatility became a strength for Roberts who added tennis, motor-racing, horse-racing and many other sports to his skill set.

He also covered golf, at a time when a young Greg Norman was starting to emerge from the pack.

“He was an absolute hero,” Roberts enthused. “My first golf coverage for Channel Seven in Adelaide was in 1976, theWest Lakes Classic, and there was this big blonde bombshell playing, and that was his first victory.

“From there, his career surged forward, I came over to Melbourne, Seven picked up the rights to golf, so obviously I worked with him a lot.

“On a personal note, he was also very good to me.

“I had a very sick son, Sam, and one night after practice, before the (Australian) Masters officially began at Huntingdale on Thursday, Greg and I flew down to my farm in theWestern Districts and Sam was down there.

“Greg played a game of snooker with him, chatted to him, and was just marvelous with him, and Sam died several days later.

“Greg put Sam’s name on his hat and wore it during the Masters.”

Roberts retired from broadcasting in 2018; then battle through Covid like all others, before a fall down a flight of stairs at his Lysterfield home would change his and wife Carolyn’s lives forever.

“We live in a two-story house, and before the fall I had only a few weeks prior had

open-heart surgery,” he explained.

“A couple of boys came to help move a couch, from downstairs to upstairs, and I stood behind them.

“The friend in front of me tripped, lost his footing, and fell back on me, and that pushed me down the stairs.

“I passed blood so went to the hospital and had scans, and then the doctor came out and told me what he had found.

“He said, ‘you’ve got broken ribs; also, do you know you’ve got cancer.

“I had no idea; lesions were discovered on my back, on my pelvis, my sacrum; we were shocked, but just had to come to grips with it.

“We had to get organised; find ourself a good hematologist; and find out about Myeloma.

“I knew nothing about it, nothing at all, the nearest thing I knew was Melanoma…but it’s nothing like it.”

Sandy and Carolyn worked through the initial shock, before deciding to make a difference. “It certainly changed our life; and it probably took a year of talking about it, going through some rough patches, before my wife Carolyn and I looked at each other and asked ‘what can we do’.

“Let’s try and make people more aware; let’s publicise it and get it out there. It’s been extremely gratifying that so many people have come forward. We had our first Myeloma Long Lunch earlier this year, at the Glasshouse, in February, a wonderful sellout, 500 people, 200 on the waiting list, and it sold out in 15 days. BT (BrianTaylor) and Bruce (McAvaney) were involved, Jennifer Keyte hosted it, and so many people got behind it.

“People who had Myeloma came from Central Queensland and Perth; they were so happy that somebody was finally talking and telling people, what Myeloma is all about.

“It’s changed our lives; but we’re very keen to do it; and to continue doing it. It’s (money) not only for research, almost more importantly is having the opportunity of paying more staff, particularly in rural areas, for people that have Myeloma in the country.

“The lunch raised over $200,000, we had a separate donation of $220,000, and that’s to go to rural nurses. The research being done by the researches and hematologists will also benefit…it covers a fairly wide range.”

So, what is Sandy’s prognosis moving forward? “It’s good,” he said.

“I was told I was in remission several months ago; and I just have a program that I stick by.

“I have regular blood tests and they’re looked at by the hematologist, and if there are adjustments that need to be made to what I’m taking, we make them and move on.

“He is happy at the moment; so, I am too.”

Former Hotham MP and Labor federal leader Simon Crean has been posthumously awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia.

FOCUS ON … TAX TIME

ATO flags errors to watch

As ‘tax time’ approaches, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced it will be taking a close look at 3 common errors being made by taxpayers: incorrectly claiming workrelated expenses, inflating claims for rental properties, and failing to include all income when lodging.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson said the ATO is focused on supporting taxpayers to get their lodgement right the first time.

“These are the areas that people are most likely to get wrong, and while these mistakes are often genuine, sometimes they are deliberate. Take the time to get your return right.”

Work-related expenses

In 2023 more than eight million people claimed a work-related deduction, and around half of those claimed a deduction related to working from home.

Last year, the ATO revised the fixed rate method of calculating a working from home deduction to broaden what is included, increase the rate, and adjust the records you need to keep.

These changes are now in full effect this financial year, meaning you must have comprehensive records to substantiate your claims as you would for any other deduction.

To use this method, you need records that show the actual number of hours you worked from home (like a calendar, diary or spreadsheet), and the additional running costs you incurred to claim a deduction (like a copy of your electricity or internet bill).

“Deductions for working from home expenses can be calculated using the actual cost or the fixed rate method, and keeping good records gives you the flexibility to use the method that works for you, and claim the expenses you are entitled to.

“Copying and pasting your working from home claim from last year may be tempting, but this will likely mean we will be contacting you for a ‘please explain’. Your deductions will be disallowed if you’re not eligible or you don’t keep the right records,” Mr Thomson said.

Remember, there are three golden rules for claiming a deduction for any work-related expense:

* You must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed,

* The expense must directly relate to earning your income, and

* You must have a record (usually a receipt) to prove it.

Rental properties

Rental properties continue to remain in the ATO’s sights. Their data shows 9 out of 10 rental property owners are getting their income tax returns wrong.

“We often see landlords making mistakes when it comes to repairs and maintenance deductions on rental properties, so we’re keeping a close eye on this.

“This year, we’re particularly focused on claims that may have been inflated to offset increases in rental income to get a greater tax benefit,” Mr Thomson said.

Performing general repairs and maintenance on your rental property can be claimed as an immediate deduction. However, expenses which are capital in nature (like initial repairs on a newly purchased property and any improvements during the time you hold the property) are not deductible as repairs or maintenance.

“You can claim an immediate deduction for general repairs like replacing damaged carpet or a broken window. But if you rip out an old kitchen and put in a new and improved one, this is a capital improvement and is only deductible over time as capital works.

“We encourage rental property owners to carefully review their records before lodging their return and take care to ensure they are claiming deductions correctly,” Mr Thomson said.

As reporting rental income and deductions can be complex, many individual rental owners choose to use a registered tax agent to help them prepare their income tax returns.

“Ensuring you provide full and complete records to your registered tax agent allows them to prepare your tax return correctly, so you claim everything you’re entitled

to and nothing that you’re not,” Mr Thomson said.

Get it right – wait to lodge

The ATO is also warning against rushing to lodge your tax return on 1 July.

If you have received income from multiple sources, you need to wait until this is pre-filled in your tax return before lodging.

“We see lots of mistakes in July where people have forgotten to include interest from banks, dividend income, payments from other government agencies and private health insurers,” said Mr Thomson.

For most people, this information will be automatically pre-filled in their tax return by the end of July. This will make the tax return process smoother, save you time, and help you get your tax return right.

“By lodging in early July, you are doubling your chances of having your tax return flagged as incorrect by the ATO.

“We know some prefer to tick their tax return off the to-do list early and not have to think about it for another 12 months, but the best way to ensure you get it right is to wait for just a few weeks to lodge.

“Youcancheckifyouremployerhasmarked your income statement as ‘tax ready’ as well as if your pre-fill is available in myTax before you

lodge. That way, an amendment doesn’t need to be made later, which could result in unnecessary delays,” Mr Thomson said.

ATO flags three key focus areas for this tax time.

A life of giving to others

By Ethan Benedicto

Being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia is no trivial matter, but it was never something Margaret Heslin had thought of, much less aimed for.

Heralded for her service to the communities in the City of Casey and in Berwick, Margaret’s life from very early on revolved around giving back and helping others.

However, when she first received her award, she initially thought it was junk mail, and it was only after that her husband, Dennis Heslin, asked her ‘do you realise what you’re receiving?’ that it dawned on her.

When it came together, she said “I was just over the moon”.

“I was honoured, I really felt like one of the privileged ones to get this award because there’s a lot of other people [that] should have this you know,” she said.

Margaret’s involvement in the Rotary Club of Casey saw her as its president in 2016. A former treasurer and contributor to the Holland Festival on multiple occasions, she was also the president of the Inner Wheel Club of Berwick from 2012-2013.

With strong praise for the goals of Rotary, Margaret said “you know, if you’re a member of a Rotary club, you can go anywhere in the world and there’s always going to be someone there to welcome you”.

One of the more memorable initiatives that she endeavoured on for Berwick and Casey was putting together an all-abilities ball that had an emphasis on inclusion for those with disabilities and higher needs.

“Now this was for young adults that couldn’t do anything like this, they couldn’t dress up, and I was part of the organisers.

“I got so much out of seeing these young people and their parents thinking how wonderful it was that people thought to go and do

Margaret Heslin was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to the communities in the City of Casey and Berwick. Picture: SUPPLIED

all this for them,” she said.

The demand for the ball was immense, with Margaret recalling that “we had to have two because there were that many of them”.

“We had dance practice and lessons every week, we had someone come in and teach these young people these routines.

“One particular man, he was in a wheelchair and it was lovely you know, to see this young fella dancing around the floor in his wheelchair.

“These were children from within the City of Casey, so they came from all different parts of the municipality and it was wonderful,” Margaret said.

Margaret was born 76 years ago in the small satellite town of East Kilbride, just 15 miles east of Glasgow, Scotland; it was 61 years ago

that she and her family decided to migrate to Australia.

Eventually, she met and married Dennis Heslin and they spent most of their married life in Warragul.

It was there that Dennis got involved with the Rotary Club ofWarragul, and since the pair were never far apart, it wasn’t long until Margaret was spending time there herself.

“When we moved to Warragul, Dennis joined the Rotary and of course, I sort of went along with him, and for projects that he was involved with, I helped out where I could.

“That’s when he became president of the Rotary Club ofWarragul, [and] when I decided, well, we should have an Inner Wheel Club,” Margaret said.

While she initially got involved through her husband, it was with those first few steps that her love for helping others brewed, a factor of that being their role with Cord Blood research.

Margaret has contributed overseas through Rotary International which she has been a member of since 1988.

It was her time in Indonesia between 19941995, and her contribution towards establishing maternity clinics, when she recounted that “we helped build these clinics and it was saving all these lives, the babies that couldn’t be saved because they didn’t have proper facilities”.

Having gone through multiple positions of leadership, which includes being the chair of InnerWheel District A62 between 2005-2006, it was the mentality of you never know until you try that pushed her through.

Margaret recalled that she just “felt I can do this” when it came to certain roles, such as being the treasurer for the Rotary Club of Casey.

“So you know, I sort of said - because my husband’s got a law degree - I don’t need a law degree.

“I can do this without that, you know, and I

felt quite proud of myself that I was able to do it, and I [also] learned a lot out of it,” Margaret said.

A key part of Margaret’s experience involved friendship, and finding out that wherever she went it involved either the Rotary or the Inner Wheel Club.

Speaking to those who are looking to contribute towards their own community, she said “you get a lot of friendship out of it”.

“You make a lot of friends, and it is rewarding; you know you get involved with different things and you don’t need to be experienced in a lot of these, you just go along.

“People will help you, assist you, and you make lots of lovely friends; it’s a terrific way of getting out and giving back to the community, [and it’s] either to get into Inner Wheel or Rotary,” Margaret said.

Margaret and Dennis resided in Berwick for 10 years and have since retired to Yarrawonga six years ago where Margaret became a charter member of the Rotary Club of Central Murray Sunrise.

“During my service with the Inner Wheel and Rotary, I have been privileged to have been involved in the Cord Blood project and our work in the provision of maternity clinics in Indonesia and so many others.

“Over the past decades, we have been exposed to so many fine community volunteers; at a personal level it is an honour to be the recipient of this award, but it is also a recognition of the work undertaken by Inner Wheel and rotary members throughout the country - these service organisations are the backbone of community life,” Margaret said.

Margaret and Dennis have three children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; the couple are still currently active members of the Rotary Club of Central Murray Sunrise, with meetings held every second Wednesday of the month.

Taking the plunge for MND

By Ethan Benedicto

Over 1000 attendees braved the cold on the night of Thursday 6 June to attend Beaconsfield Junior Football Club’s Big Freeze event at Holm Park Reserve, raising over $31,000 with more expected in the coming weeks.

Representatives from the Junior Club, the Beaconsfield Netball Club, the Senior Club and the Super Rules all took part in plunging into the chilling challenge, donned in costumes such as a Ken doll, Toy Story characters, varied superheroes, the Pink Panther and more.

President of the junior football club, KymMaree Ingram expressed her gratitude for the community’s support, saying that “the way the community comes together for this event is truly inspiring”.

“Each and every year, we are so very grateful for the fundraising efforts of the community, the generosity of local businesses and the volunteers who dedicate hours to making this happen,” she said.

The night’s guest of honour was Ben Daniher, the son of Neale Daniher, of which the latter has been battling motor neurone disease (MND) since 2013.

Providing an update on his father’s journey, Ben Daniher spoke on the ongoing efforts of FightMND to raise $3 million by the King’s Birthday on 10 June, where he expressed his gratitude and thanked the local community for their support.

Ms Ingram also extended thanks to the events’ sponsors such as Berwick Toyota, saying “we would like to thank First National Real Estate, Snap Fitness and Middle Ground Cafe,

along with our major sponsors District 14, DooGood, Polyflor and Beaconsfield Mitre 10 for their ongoing support”.

Fan favourite AFL stars Changkuoth ‘CJ’ Jiath from Hawthorn and Charlie Curnow from Carlton also returned, as well as Australian champion netballer Bianca Chatfield – all three rousing the crowd and signing autographs throughout the night.

Berwick MP Brad Battin also attended the event, donning a Mr Incredible costume before taking the icy plunge.

Mr Battin said that congratulations were in order for the junior football club “in their efforts to raise so much money and awareness to the FightMND campaign [and] to have Ben Daniher, son of Neale at the event made it a very special evening”.

“Big names always bring a crowd, and we can’t thank AFL stars Charlie Curnow, Changkouth (CJ) Jiath and everyone’s favourite former Diamond, now commentator, Bianca Chatfield,” he said.

The event also had a variety of food trucks in attendance, a sausage sizzle and donuts, ensuring that there was something for everyone.

Other sponsors for the event included Race Day Medical, AHiring, Beaconsfield Dominos, Beaconsfield Fire Brigade, Construction Training Group in Rowville and Better Rental Pakenham which provided generators for the event.

For Mr Battin, “every cent raised makes a difference”.

“To see our communities come together on a cold night to support this amazing event is the very reason I love being involved in sports clubs like Beacy,” he said.

Some notable faces attended the big night, including Charlie Curnow, Bianca Chatfield, Ben Daniher, MPs Emma Vulin and Brad Battin, and Changkuoth ‘CJ’ Jiath.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Ben Daniher (right), son of Neale Daniher was also present at the event to speak on his father’s battle of MND and stood alongside Bianca Chatfield.

From left to right: Berwick Toyota general manager Howard Bould, Changkuoth Jiath, Bianca Chatfield and Charlie Curnow.

Sliders were draped in all types of costumes for the night, before taking the big plunge into the icy water.

Some of the more extravagant costumes of the night saw Brad Battin MP go as Mr Incredible before tackling the slide.

Under 15 boys dressed as a Jamaican bobsleigh team, from left to right: Jackson Oldham, Kade Rooke & Oliver Wilson.

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us about yourself and your jobs.

I work as an Office Manager at a Software and Electrical Automation Company in Hallam.

What do you love the most about your jobs?

I love the fact that this business treats all their employees like family, and they too are a major sponsor of this day and have been very supportive of this fundraiser for a number of years now. What has been your most memorable moment during your jobs?

I loved working in London for two years when I was younger on a working holiday visa, and also working at a couple of start-up recruitment companies and helping to build them into profitable businesses.

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

Probably a cat – I like to curl up on the couch and sleep!

What were you like as a kid?

A bit of a tomboy – loved going to the footy and the farm with my Dad!

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

This is easy – my sister and my Dad– who have both passed away, then my Mum, my niece and nephew, and my brother in law – so we could all have one more family dinner together! What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Loud, generous, loving.

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

Sit by the pool in the sunshine, with friends, relaxing!

Where is your happy place? Gold Coast.

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

Lasagne – not sure why as I am not a great cook, but everyone seems to love my lasagne!

Where is your dream holiday destination? NewYork – can’t wait to get there one day!

with Berwick Biggest Morning Tea organiser Kirsty Ring

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THREE … bowel cancer facts

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness month in Australia. Bowel Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness for bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer.

1

In Australia, bowel cancer is estimated to be the second most diagnosed type of cancer for both men and women and the third most common cause of death from cancer. It was estimated that over 15,000 Australians would be diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020.

2

Anyone can acquire it, but people over the age of 50 are at higher risk. That is why through its National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, the Australian Government urges everyone aged 50 to 74 to undergo a free test which can be done at home.

3

The ribbon for bowel cancer (known as colorectal cancer there) is blue. In Australia, a green ribbon with a red apple on it – an abstract representation of the human bowel, is sometimes used.

BATS to celebrate 35 years

Melbourne’s BATS Theatre Company presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame as their featured 35th Anniversary musical.

Since opening its doors 35 years ago as the Berwick Amateur Theatre Society in 1989, BATS Theatre Company has produced over 70 junior musicals, plays and musicals and has been nominated for a number of Lyrebirds awards, receiving an impressive number.

Over 70 productions later, BATS Theatre Company, one of Greater Casey area’s oldest non-profit community theatre associations is producing one of their biggest productions yet with a cast of over 40 performers.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame director/ choreographer Bridie Clark is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this award-winning musical to life, bringing her experiences and knowledge straight from the stages of Broadway where she has spent most of the past decade.

She has joined forces with Kent Ross, the Resident Conductor of the Casey Philharmonic Orchestra who is no stranger to musical theatre having conducted close to 35 different shows and will lead the orchestra as they play some of the memorable show songs includ-

ing “Out there”, “Hellfire” and “Bells of Notre Dame”.

With Jarod Rhine-Davis portraying Quasimodo, Tim Blencowe portraying Frollo and Rebekah Bennetts as Esmeralda, BATS promise audiences will experience the full range of human emotions with Hunchback of Notre Dame. From its inspiring ensemble numbers to its realistic depiction of aggression and fear, BATS promises a production which will tell the story of love, faith and facing prejudice.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

· Music: Alan Menken. Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz. Book: Peter Parnell.

· At the Tony Schumack Theatre in Berwick from 5 July to 7 July 2024 for five shows only.

· A special Star Newspaper readers discount code can be obtained for Saturday 6 July Matinee starting at 1.30pm which has a 45 mins Q and A session with it or Sunday 7 July night performance starting at 7.30pm via trybooking.com/COQDX

· Established in 1989, BATS Theatre Company is a not-for-profit organisation.

Matt Pines, Mia Knudson, Jess Masalski, Felix de Lemon, Stephanie Nguyen, Alicce Cooper and Rebekah Bennetts. Picture: TIM BLENCOWE

Berwick local Kirsty Ring has been hosting Biggest Morning Tea for years to honour her father and sister. This year, she raised a stunning number of $33,500. Behind her is a photo of her sister Jodie. 332566

Picture: ROB CAREW

JOIN ECG CAMPUSPRINCIPAL

Purpose&community:playakey roleinfosteringathriving educationalenvironment

Public Notice

PROPOSED ROAD DISCONTINUANCE

PUBLIC NOTICE INVITING

SUBMISSIONS UNDER SECTION 223

Casey City Council (Council) acting under Clause 3 of Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act) proposes to discontinue part of the road known as Soldiers Road, Clyde North being the land shown hatched on the plan below (Road) and upon discontinuance the land revert to the Crown.

Areyoureadytomakearealimpact? CommunityCollegeGippsland(CCG), anot-for-profitorganisation dedicatedtotransforminglives througheducation,isseekingthree dynamicCampusPrincipalsforour ECGSecondaryCollegecampusesin, Leongatha,PakenhamandWarragul.

PassionforEducation:Drive excellenceandensureeducation isaccessibletoall

LeadershipSkills:Strong organisationalabilitiesanda commitmenttocreatingan inclusive,safecampus

VITRegistration:Amust-haveto joinourteam

InclusiveLeadership:Collaborate withadedicatedteam,students, families,andsupportnetworks

Careergrowth:Enjoyprofessional developmentandnot-for-profit salarypackaging

Applicationdeadlines: Leongatha–1July Pakenham–8July Warragul–15July

JoinusatECGandhelpshapethe futureofeducationinyourcommunity.

www.ecg.vic.edu.au/jobs

Any person may make a submission on the proposal. Any person wishing to make a submission must do so in writing by 11 July 2024. All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act Submissions should be addressed to: Head of Property Services Casey City Council PO Box 1000 NARRE WARREN VIC 3805

Any person requesting to be heard in support of his or her submission is entitled to be heard before Council (or its committee established by Council for this purpose) or represented by a person acting on their behalf and will be notified of the time and date of the hearing.

Following consideration of submissions, Council may resolve not to discontinue the Road or to discontinue the Road.

Further information regarding the proposal can be obtained via property@casey.vic.gov.au

General Notices Trades & Services

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WHAT’S ON

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

Narre Warren & District Family History Group

This month’s meeting will be held from 2pm on Saturday 15 June at the conference room at Cranbourne Library.

Use your general knowledge and luck to solve Clyde history puzzles.

Lunch at noon, catered by L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Cafe.

· For more information, contact secretary Eileen Durdin on secretary@nwfhg.org.au or 0439 720 557.

Berwick Activities Club

New members are welcome to join in the many activities on offer such as New Vogue Dancing or Social Wednesdays where you can join in carpet bowls, cards, Scrabble and table tennis. Take the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy yourself.

Membership is only $10 with a $5 weekly attendance fee which includes morning tea.

· For more information phone David on 0433566456 or Bruce 0447554475, or visit berwick-club.com

Woodworking Display and Expo

The Berwick District Woodworkers Club is hosting its annual open weekend and expo in July at the clubrooms at the Old Cheese Factory at 34 Homestead Road in Berwick.

The free event will include demonstrations of wood turning, band sawing, scroll sawing, Dremel toy making, routing, pyrography and wood carving.

Various members produced by members on display with a selection of items for sale.

· For more information, contact John McMahon on 0437 096 840 or bdwwcsec@outlook.com

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.

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. 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: nar-

rewarrenseniors@gmail.com for more information

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club

Are you newly retired or new to the area or just wanting to enjoy your freedom or expand your social life?

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social/ chat activities with low-key in line dancing if you want to tap your feet and enjoy an afternoon tea. Day, short and long trips away via coach and flights, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly evening dineouts, weekly table tennis club, walking groups, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, and more.

· Come along and get to know us by visiting us on a Thursday at 2pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join us on a Wednesday at 10am for a Coffee at Little Sparrow Fountain Gate. For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.

Cranbourne U3A

Make the most of your retirement! Tutors available to teach art using various mediums. A variety of crafts including knitting, patchwork and sewing, beginners card making, and calligraphy. Chess, resin making, Italian and table tennis groups welcome you. Would you like to play the Ukelele, or just singalong for fun? We can help. If you would like to tutor a class, contact us with details of your talents, we welcome new opportunities.

Our rooms are in the Cranbourne Library building, enter through the Casey Radio entrance.

· Expand your social life and get active for a healthy third age in your retirement. For more information visit: www.u3acranbourne.org. au, or call the office on 5995 0311 for more information.

Weekly badminton

Badminton for ladies or retired.

All welcome.

· Mondays 7pm-9pm and Wednesdays 12pm2.30pm at Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.

BERWICK

TIP-STARS

SPORT Casey close in for the kill

By Marcus Uhe

A trademark galloping set shot from veteran and AFL premiership-winning forward, Ben Brown.

AslicktransitionfromthebackhalftoShane McAdam on his lonesome in goal square.

The explosive Oliver Sestan breaking free at a stoppage and saluting on the run.

The skipper, Mitch White, breaking free from a centre clearance and nailing an attempt from outside 50.

A 31-point lead at half time grew to 55 by the 11 minute mark of the third quarter, as the Casey Demons put their feet on Collingwood’s throat in Sunday’s VFL contest at Casey Fields.

It was seven minutes of electric football from the Demons, and a reminder of what they can offer when firing on all cylinders.

Taylor Whitford and his coaching panel, however, will be hoping it can be the catalyst for something more, and kick-start the Demons as they enter the back half of their VFL campaign.

Casey went on to win the contest 18.14 122 to 11.4 70 against the Magpies, notching a first victory of the year at home, and breaking free from the shackles of defeat after three consecutive losses.

The Demons were the stronger side at both ends of the ground, with a spread of 12 individual goal kickers and keeping the Magpies to one of the lowest scores the Demons had conceded in 2024.

Celebrating the history of the Springvale Football Club with throwback navy blue guernseys, it wasn’t just the jumper that made the Demons look a different side to what had taken the park in recent weeks.

Grey gloomy skies circled above Cranbourne as the Demons jumped to an early lead, courtesy of a trio of small forwards.

Kai Windsor, Koltyn Tholstrup and McAdam each converted opportunities in the opening term, but inaccuracy from their teammates saw chances go begging and a lead of just 15 points at the first break.

But the second term saw the home side locate its kicking boots and begin to convert inside 50 ascendency into scores.

It began with a Harvey Neocleous set shot

after some slick work at ground level from Brown to find his teammate in space, and the Demons slammed on four more to open a 31-point lead at the long break.

A chain of six handballs from halfback and a daring dash on centre wing from Windsor saw Casey work the ball from back 50 into an open goal for debutant and mid-season draftee Luker Kentfield, in what was a highlight of the afternoon, as was yet another high leap from McAdam, showing his bag of tricks after crossing from Adelaide in the AFL offseason.

Four consecutive Demons goals gave them a 36-point cushion after 20 minutes, before Collingwood hit back with two of the term’s final three goals to stem the bleeding.

But just as quickly as the blood clotted, the cut was flowing freely early in the second half

as Casey kicked into gear.

The aforementioned burst killed the prospect of a tight contest in the second half, with a shell-shocked Collingwood outfit unable to recover from the onslaught.

A shootout ensured there was plenty of action in the final term, but importantly for the Demons, the lead never dipped below 39 points, eschewing any danger of a late collapse.

Lapses deep in defence no-doubt frustrated the coaching panel as the Magpies pegged back some crucial percentage points, but six goals to five in Casey’s favour in the final term ensured the Demons could not be questioned of a four-quarter effort.

Kentfield grabbed a second to make it a

debut to remember, and Edward King capped his first game at the level with six points of his own, as the Demons broke through the 100-point barrier for the first time in 2024.

A major advantage in the inside 50 count (67-38) and clearances (52-31) reflected the Demons’ dominance, while winning the tackle count no doubt put smiles on faces in the coach’s box.

Tholstrup and White both finished with 29 touches and a goal each and combined for 18 clearances, with Sestan not far behind, with 22 touches, two goals and eight clearances, as he pushes his case for an AFL debut.

The Demons will put their feet up next week courtesy of a mid-season bye, before returning to Casey Fields on Sunday 23 June to face North Melbourne.

No stopping Magpies as egg-wiping ceremony begins

By Marcus Uhe

With no Outer East Football Netball in the region over the weekend, it’s time to look back at what has transpired for NarreWarren so far in Premier Division this year.

NARRE WARREN

· Ladder position: 1st

· Win-loss record: 8-0

· Leading goalkicker: Will Howe (35)

· Individuals impressing: Sam Toner, Tom Toner, Kurt Mutimer, Hayden Dwyer, Joel Zietsman.

· Points per game: 118.6 (1st)

· Points against per game: 45.3 (1st)

· Big games to come: R10 vWooriYallock (H), R12 v Pakenham (A), R15 v Wandin (A).

· Predicted finish: 1st

Hand the doubters a towel, because there’s plenty of egg that needs washing off faces.

And I’ll admit, I was one of them.

An off-season in which shaped as concerning given the significant outs – ruck, Lachlan Benson a pair of Shane Smith medallists in Jake Richardson and Tom Miller, Cameron Miller, Ryan Patterson - has been anything but a concern for Narre Warren, which has rebounded from adversity in the only way it knows how; by winning.

A percentage head and shoulders above the field, the best offence and the best defence in the competition, one of only two sides to get the better of the defending premiers through the first eight rounds, and the unearthing of a new star in Sam Toner, sees Steven Kidd passing with flying colours in his

first mid-season report card at the helm. Fresh off winning the league best and fairest in the Under 19s competition last year, Toner has kicked multiple goals in all games bar one, with four against Wandin in the grand final replay in round three.

It’s hard to think of what more could be asked of Kidd’s side, brushing aside any lingering doubts from 2023 to put the competition back on notice.

Peter Gentile has filled the breach leftTom Miller in the middle, Hayden Dwyer is playing more significant key position roles while the back six remains a force, as new leaders

Joel Zietsman and Trent Papworth steer the ship.

The lightning speed with which they move the ball is a contrast to previous seasons and has defences scrambling for cover in open play – often when it’s too late.

The warning signs were there when they picked their way through Pakenham’s defences with ease under lights at home in round one, alleviating concerns in front of a bumper crowd on past players day at Kalora Park.

When Riley Siwes, Tom Toner, Daniel Toner, Hamish West and Sam Toner find the ball

in open space forward of centre, their ability to chop teams to pieces has been wicked and precise, like hot knives through butter on the way to monstrous scores.

Only once have they failed to put 100 points on the board, and they were the only side to break the 100-point barrier against Wandin in the opening eight weeks.

They took a slim lead into the half time break with the game in the balance, but pulled away with 12 goals to seven in the second half, including six goals in each quarter, to exact a modicum of revenge.

While if you take the low scoring affair against Monbulk out of the equation – a bizarre 67 – 35 outlier – the average points per game returns to 126.

There doesn’t appear to be many boxes left to tick on their way to righting the wrong that was the 2023 grand final.

An accumulating injury list is a concern, with Papworth, Gentile and Brad Scalzo all spending time on the sidelines already, to go with players in the reserves, as Kidd has been forced to test his depth, no better displayed in round seven when three Under 19s played their firsts senior contest in black and white stripes.

They only face Woori Yallock once in the second half of the season, in round 10, but do have a trip into the Hills to face Wandin. Narre Warren supporters who may have booked holidays in September this season are strongly urged to explore refunds and rain-checks in the terms and conditions, because they’re going to be there once again when the whips are cracking.

Hayden Dwyer is reaching new heights at Narre Warren. 410442 Picture: ROB CAREW

Oliver Sestan was a key contributor for the Casey Demons in Sunday’s win over Collingwood. 408033 Picture: ROB CAREW

Cam takes charge

By Marcus Uhe

Cameron Forysth’s elevation to captain of Springvale South’s First XI etches the family’s name further into the history books at Alex Nelson Reserve.

Very few families have been as intertwined with a single sporting club in recent generations as much the Forsyths’ with the Bloods, with Cameron’s brothers Ryan, Mitch, and Brett all having donned the red and white, following in the footsteps of father, Paul, in an association between club and family that dates back more than 30 years.

Brett, Cameron and Mitch each have First XI premiership medals as mementos of their successes at the Bloods, while Ryan also was an accomplished First XI player.

Harold Road is a venue within walking distance from the family home where the quartet of brothers grew up, and came to leave indelible footprints at the facility’s cricket nets, with Cameron and Mitch sharing the 2022/23 Turf 1 flag as teammates.

“It’s (the club) always been a very special place for our family,” Cameron said.

“The club has always been very supportive of myself, Brett and Mitch going off and playing Premier Cricket at Dandenong, with the expectation and knowledge that we’d return and give back to the club at the back end of our playing days.

“It’s the least that we can do after the club supported us so much through our junior careers and the start of our senior careers.”

Cameron said being asked to assume the leadership capacity was“quite a special thing,” replacing talismanic opening batter Ryan Quirk after two seasons at the helm that culminated in consecutive grand final appearances.

“Making grand finals in the past three years is quite a testament to ‘Hilly’s (Paul Hill) job as captain and coach and the job that Ryan (Quirk) did over the last couple of seasons,” he said. “They should be quite proud of the position that they’ve put the club in.

“I feel quite blessed to be taking over the leadership role, given where the club’s at, at the moment.”

Leadership is not a capacity unfamiliar to Cameron, having steered a number of sides in junior cricket and at various representative levels, as well as sporadically at the Panthers.

But the Bloods’ predicament heading into the summer of 2024/25 is somewhat alien, needing to rebound from a grand final day that ended in contrasting fashion to the previous two - without premiership medallions hanging around their necks - against long-time rivals Buckley Ridges.

Cameron was unavailable for selection on grand final day due to injury, but played an integral role in his side’s return to the decider in the second half of the season, and knows the squad inside and out, quickly becoming an integral member since returning from Dandenong.

A home-and-away campaign that saw the Bloods finish in top spot, with just two losses,

and be declared the second-best side for the season, suggests there’s slim room for improvement, and marginal requirement for significant change.

Personnel-wise, the squad will remain largely intact, and Cameron is not eager to mess with a largely-successful formula, but the new captain said he will draw on the triumphs of previous seasons in an effort to add to the trophy cabinet at Alex Nelson Reserve, and amplify the already steeped legacy of the current squad.

“The team plays hard but has a lot of fun and I won’t be trying to change anything from that perspective.

“There’s a few things that I’m excited to share with the group in terms of how I think we should play our cricket, and to see if we can all buy-in to that and get everyone pulling in that direction.

“I think the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons where the Bloods won the premiership in Turf 1, there was much more even contributions across the team.

“If you look at the players’ stats in those years and even at individual games, I think there were a lot more guys contributing to victories each and every week.

“Last year we were probably too reliant on our best players; we had two or three guys who had outstanding seasons but then there were quite a few other players who were probably a little bit down on what they would expect from their seasons, myself included.

“One thing that I’m going to look to achieve is to try to get a bit more even output across the team and really focus on players playing their individual roles to the best of their abilities.

“While we want to celebrate the best performers in the team, my view is that if someone plays well in the position that they’re in with limited opportunities, that should be celebrated just as much as the top order batter who gets a better chance to make more runs, or the bowler who bowls more overs and gets more wickets.

“We haven’t got together as a group and talked about last year or the season ahead yet, but I’d be very surprised if last year hasn’t stung the boys a bit.

“I expect the group is very hungry to right the grand final result from last season and go one-better this season.”

2022/23 premiership player Matthew Wetering is being touted as a ‘new’ recruit, having battled injury for much of last season and not featuring at senior level, while premiership-winning allrounder Yoshan Kumara has departed the club.

Quirk meanwhile, will remain at Springvale South but without the leadership tag.

Forsyth is confident he can return to his prolific form from the 2022/2023 season, where he was one of the competition’s highest run scorers and placed second in the Wookey Medal vote count.

Langford leads local footy talent

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dandenong Stingrays co-captains Harvey Langford and Cooper Hynes representedVic Country on Sunday, alongside Gippsland’s Xavier Lindsay and Willem Duursma.

Vic Country opened its national championships campaign at Ikon Park against South Australia, winning a tight battle 13.9 87 to 11.13 78.

Langford, who has somewhat flown under the radar in the midst of Hynes’ recent form for Dandenong, finished with 25 disposals and a team-high six clearances to finish as one of the better performers.

He spent plenty of time in the midfield, with his second quarter the best, showing his calmness, ability to link up and cover the ground.

Hynes worked into the contest nicely to finish with a tidy 19 touches playing predominantly up forward.

Lindsay also grew as the game went on, playing on the wing and bringing his trademark efficiency and overlap run in a 19-disposal effort.

Duursma finished with 16 disposals showing some nice signs with ball in hand in defence.

Others locals in the squad who did not take part included Riak Andrew, Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves and the injured Noah Mraz.

Exciting times as Sharni rubs shoulders with the best

By David Nagel

Casey Demons captain Sharni Lambden was back rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in Australian netball on Monday after receiving a call up for the MelbourneVixens.

Lambden replaced injured defender Kate Eddy for the King’s Birthday clash with the Melbourne Mavericks at John Cain Arena.

A strong and agile athlete known for her ability to swing from the midcourt into circle defence, Lambden was a Melbourne Vixens squad member from 2021-23 and made her Suncorp Super Netball debut with the Vixens in Round 7, 2022.

Her speed and versatility have been evident through her previous appearances at national level, including as captain of the Victorian Fury for their Australian Netball Championships campaign last year and in the Fury squad currently competing in the SN Reserves competition.

Vixens General Manager High Performance and Pathways, Megan Simpson, was excited to have Lambden on board.

“As a Victorian pathway athlete Sharni has previously been part of the Vixens environment, and will bring great versatility to our team while Kate continues her rehab process,” Simpson said.

“Sharni is an exciting athlete with plenty of experience as part of our group, we’re pleased to be able to call on her and we know she’ll take the opportunity with both hands.”

After an even first quarter, the Vixens controlled the contest against the Mavericks; leading by five at half time before building that to 12 goals by the final break.

The Vixens capped off a good day at the office by winning the final quarter 19-12; and walking away with a 77-58 victory.

TheVixens currently sit top of the table with an 8-1 record after nine rounds of Suncorp Super Netball.

The Vixens squad included: Kate Moloney (C), Emily Mannix

Kiera Austin, Ruby Barkmeyer, Rudi

and Jo Weston.

Harvey Langford pressed his draft case on Sunday. 412520

Picture: ROB LAWSON/AFL PHOTOS

(VC),

Ellis, Sophie Garbin, Lily Graham, Sharni Lambden, Hannah Mundy

Casey Demons captain Sharni Lambden was called up to the Melbourne Vixens team for the big game against Melbourne Mavericks on Monday. 413127 Picture: JAMES ROSS/AAP IMAGES

Cameron Forsyth will captain Springvale South in the DDCA next season. 391023 Picture: ROB CAREW

Cannons go bang in vitally important win

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Casey had a crucial 4-3 win overWestVic at Essendon last Wednesday, keeping it within two points of the finals bound top six.

The Cannons continued their fast-starting trend by getting on the board first in the opening quarter via a penalty stroke which Sam Wagg converted.

West Vic responded promptly but teenager Aleisha Foot scored a goal late in the first quarter to ensure the visitors’ ascendancy was reflected on the scoreboard at quarter time.

West Vic scored the next two, taking the lead midway through the last quarter, before the Cannons rallied to score two late ones to emerge with the three points.

The last two goals came in the concluding seven minutes of play; via a Wagg short corner

goal and Emma Harris giving them the lead with three minutes to go in her 100th game.

“The girls fought hard and turned it around,” said coach Andrew Harris.

“We either could have conceded or really gone the other way and stepped up and it was the latter which was another show of resilience and another good example of our fitness.

“It was huge for confidence after having some narrow defeats.

“It was good to put four goals in - we’ve been attacking a lot (in recent weeks) but not scoring a lot so to convert was important and hopefully improve the confidence of the strikers.”

The coach heaped praise on milestone lady Harris, who coaches a junior team and has implemented a buddy system at the club to

help ease the transition into senior hockey for young talent.

He also gave a shoutout to junior Chantele Galado who immersed herself in the senior lineup “doing everything on the night other than playing.”

The Cannons finished third last season, with this season’s results effectively mirroring that of last season’s.

Casey is currently seventh, sitting behind the two incumbent Vic League 1 teams and four teams which were demoted from Premier League as a result of the competition recalibration.

“We’ve had narrow losses which from a results point of view has been disappointing but from a game plan aspect, I think we’ve done quite well,” Harris said.

Toner taken down in troubling scenes

By Marcus Uhe

JackToner’s trip to Queensland withWilliamstown ended in distressing circumstances after he was the victim of a heavy collision in the Seagulls’ clash with Southport on Saturday morning.

In an effort to lay a front-on tackle, Toner’s head collided with Shark Will Sexton’s shoulder while he gathering a ground ball at speed.

The NarreWarren product was concussed and began to spasm and convulse while lying on his back on the field, as players from both sides quickly signalled for medical personnel in what rapidly became a concerning situation.

The game was paused before the quartertime siren sounded, as Toner was helped from the field by medical personnel.

A spokesperson from the club said Toner had suffered no structural damage from the incident.

Cranbourne’s Corey Ellison finished with 14 disposals and goal in the Seagulls’ loss.

Beaconsfield’s Mitch Szybkowski continues to hold his own at VFL level for Casey, with 15 disposals and five clearances in his eighth match in red and blue colours, while fellow former Dandenong Stingray Harry DeMattia had 23 touches and a goal in the same contest for Collingwood.

Besanko, Jatczak fly local flag

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Dandenong Stingrays key-position player Zoe Besanko represented the AFLW Academy in its match against the under21s All Stars on Sunday at RSEA Park, Moorabbin.

The exciting tall finished with 10 disposals, four tackles and six hitouts rucking against the more seasoned Lauren Jatczak, who represents Casey in the VFLW competition.

Jatczak finished with 11 disposals and 15 hitouts in a strong performance in the Academy’s 7.11 53 to 2.6 18 victory.

The 181cm Casey prospect has had a strong start to the season for the Dees, averaging 15 hitouts and 11 disposals.

The All-Stars team was made up of prospects aged 21-and-under nominated by AFLW clubs and seen as the most draftable players.

Gippsland also had a representative, Jas Sowden, who was productive in the midfield in the first half and finished with 16 disposals and a team-high nine tackles.

Dandenong ruck Elli Symonds is also in the Academy but did not play due to injury.

Talent shines

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Teenaged Pakenham forward Abby Hobson led the charge of local girls in action for Vic Country in its trial game against Vic Metro at Kinetic Stadium, Frankston.

Hobson kicked a goal from 40 and was an aerial presence all day for Vic Country, setting up goals and showing her poise when the ball hit the deck.

There were 48 players in action for Vic Country across two games against Vic Metro, with those matches set to assist with selection of of the final squads that will compete at the national championships, which begin on 29 June.

Hobson was one of seven Gippslanders in action, alongside Zahri Burn, Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Zali Gallagher, Ella Stoddart, Maya Crestani and Lilly Leighton.

Highly regarded bottom-aged player Ella Stoddart was another standout as a hard-tackling gamebreaking halfback.

Meanwhile, Dandenong Stingrays were the most represented Vic Country region with 12 in action including Officer’s Kayla Dalgleish. Others included: rising mid Kate Terri, halfback Makhaela Bluhm, aerobic beasts Nikita Harris and Tahlia Sanger, bottom-aged gun Matilda Argus, the speedy Jemaya Bressan, eyecatching twins Mizuki and Nalu Brothwell, crafty forward Evelyn Connolly and the clean Jemma Reynolds.

Reynolds was a standout in the first half of her game with her polish and decision-making in the middle, while Sanger won plenty of the footy and showed her marking and pressure.

Officer’s Kayla Dalgleish pushed her Vic Country case on Saturday. 412467

Picture: JONATHAN DIMAAGGIO/AFL PHOTOS

Cora Lynn midfielder Luke Ryan had a VFL debut to remember at Sandringham, as he and the Zebras fought back from 25 points down midway through the final term to force a draw against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday.

Beaconsfield’s Matthew Johnson kicked two in Frankston’s loss to Werribee, and the consistent Callum Porter continues to accumulate the footy for Box Hill, with another 21-disposal game, his seventh this season with 20 or more touches.

Jack Toner suffered a concussion in Saturday’s VFL contest against Southport. 402309

Picture: LJUBICA VRANKOVIC

The Cannons got a win in Emma Harris’ 100th game. 357899

Picture: SUPPLIED

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