Hero ink for Magpie fans
More pictures on page 15 (Rob Carew: 420695)
Settlement anger
By Ethan Benedicto
Local residents have criticised the Environmental Protection Authority’s settlement of $200,000 with the operators of a controversial landfill in Cranbourne.
The EPA announced on Friday 2 August that Stevenson Brothers Industries Landfill Pty Ltd would pay $200,000 for a project to improve the local environment and ensure company directors and key staff undergo further training.
The EPA commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court against SBI and its directors on 4 August 2023, which the EPA then stated that if proven could result in penalties exceeding $1.8 million for SBI and $360,000 for directors per allegation.
Members of the 2000-strong Facebook group called ‘Residents affected by SBI Inert Quarry Cranbourne’ were underwhelmed by the outcome.
A spokesperson from the Facebook group said that after nearly two and a half years “of suffering the environmental crime inflicted upon us, many residents have seen no option but to leave the area”.
“Feeling forced from their homes to get clean
air and alleviating suspected health impacts, therefore we feel the penalty is not proportional,” they said.
They also added that the members of the group and residents were disappointed by the EPA’s settlement of $200,000, where they were previously told that figures of fines to SBI could reach $2,520,000.
“This year the EPA has caught them out twice for not capping the waste at the end of the day,” which is a mandatory licence condition, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said it had been two years of scrutiny.
The EPA has issued improvement notices, while also receiving reports from residents, and the City of Casey issued a Planning Contravention Notice to SBI in 2022.
“Not to mention that Casey Council are still considering allowing SBI further expansion for landfill, [which] leaves us scratching our heads with no end in sight,” they said.
The City of Casey has been contacted for comment but stated that the matter is now in the hands of the EPA.
For background, items in the five claims mentioned in the 4 August 2023 release include the re-
quirements of operating its licence and also their failure to meet the General Environment Duty on their Ballarto Road landfill in Cranbourne.
According to the same release, this was due to the prolonged impacts of odour from the landfill on local and neighbouring residents in Botanic Ridge.
In a letter to residents, EPA South Metropolitan regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema said that odour reports have fallen after the EPA received 127 reports in May 2024; after that reports dropped to 27 in June, and spiked to 38 in July, which included 28 reports during the SBI fire at 4 July.
“Ourofficerscontinuetomonitorodouraround the landfill, visiting several areas of Cranbourne,” Abeywickrema said.
On 25 July the EPA received more information from SBI regarding their dust monitoring, a factor that they are currently assessing.
The SBI has also applied for the development licence applications to install and commission new odour control equipment on the site of the landfill, something that Abeywickrema said the EPA has provided a draft licence for and considering feedback.
“SBI raised several issues we need to resolve before we can issue the amended development
licence.
“Once the licence is issued, SBI will need to satisfy licence conditions before starting trials of the odour control equipment.
“They will need to show the equipment is working as designed and is reducing off-site odour impacts,” Abeywickrema said.
In the EPA media release on 2 August, Abeywickrema said that orders for SBI to carry out a project “for the restoration or enhancement of the environment” in a public place or for the public benefit was an excellent outcome for the local community.
“A substantial amount of money will now go into improving the local environment, which will have a positive impact on our local community,” Abeywickrema said then.
The Facebook residents group’s spokesperson added that the community is feeling “let down” with the action the EPA has taken, and that “nothing will change”.
“You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink, but EPA insisting on training to assist with this issue, regardless of all done to date, you can see where the community are feeling let down.”
Continued page 3
Celebrity Ink tattoo artist Carolina was a model of supreme concentration last Friday during a huge turnout of Collingwood AFL fans. Magpies legend Dane Swan was the drawcard - with Carolina inking Dane’s signature into several fans’ arms.
The supreme concentration of artist Carolina. She is turning a signature of Dane into a tattoo for fan Kim. (420695)
Our waste service is changing for the better.
The Victorian Government is standardising household waste and recycling services across Victoria.
This will result in all kerbside services moving to a four-bin system by 2027 — General rubbish (red lid); Co-mingled recycling (yellow lid); Food and garden waste (lime green lid); and Glass (purple lid).
To better understand your preferences for waste management in Casey, we are seeking your feedback via an online survey.
Partnership opportunities
If you’re seeking new business opportunities, consider a partnership with Bunjil Place, Wilson Botanic Gardens or the Old Cheese Factory.
Bunjil Place is a world-class arts and entertainment facility that promotes the best Australian and international performances, while presenting opportunities for residents to participate in arts, culture and community life close to their home.
Wilson Botanic Gardens and Old Cheese Factory are hosting several major events throughout 2025, including Halloween, Casey Kids Carnival and our annual Pet Expo.
Join us and support a range of programs and events. Expressions of Interest are now open until Friday 23 August 2024.
Preparing for an emergency
Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to be prepared to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
Having an emergency kit packed and stored in an accessible place is an important first step. The kit should contain food, water, medication and other supplies to be able to look after yourself and your family for at least 72 hours.
For more information, please visit the ‘How to prepare for an emergency’ page on our website.
We are also hosting a number of in-person pop-up events across Casey in August and September. Your input will help us provide a user-friendly waste service in the future.
Scan the QR code or visit our Casey Conversations website for more information.
Survey closes at 5:00 pm on Monday 16 September 2024.
Please visit the Bunjil Place website for more information or scan the QR code.
Keep batteries out of your bins
Putting batteries in your bins poses fire risks not only to your property, but to the people who collect your recycling and waste.
If you want to get rid of your batteries, please don’t put these in your kerbside bins. Instead, take the used batteries to your nearest battery drop-off so they can be recycled.
For more information or to find your nearest battery drop-off, search ‘How to get rid of waste and unwanted items’ on our website.
Casey Conversations
Provide feedback on a number of consultations currently open on our community engagement platform, Casey Conversations.
• The future of waste in Casey: we’re seeking your feedback on changes to your waste service.
• Help us to redesign our playgrounds: tell us how you would like your local playground to look in the future.
Head to the Casey Conversations website to find out more or scan the QR code.
Hybycozo Deep Thought in the Bunjil Place Plaza, 2024. Photo credit: LVM.
Reception calls answered
By Ethan Benedicto
The suburb of Clyde North has finally welcomed its first mobile cell tower after years of connectivity struggles.
The new tower, which was installed on Thursday 25 July, marks a significant stepping stone for the local community and is one of the many steps in the Connecting Victoria campaign.
Situated in the corner of Ramlegh Park Reserve, the mobile coverage is more than just a welcome sight, with the suburb and surrounding areas battling a lack of connectivity since residents first began settling around 2017.
Advocating for better infrastructure within growth corridors like Clyde North in the southeast, Michael Galea MP recently addressed the addition at a 31 July legislative assembly meeting where he called on the Minister for Government Services for further development following the installation.
“It should not be up to the state government to step in where the private telco market has failed, but that is what we have done - step in,” he said.
“We are not prepared to allow people in this area to be without mobile reception, so it is great to see this first tower up and running.”
Mr Galea also added that residents in Clyde North have been waiting for telcos to realise the need for these towers, and as part of the Connecting Victoria campaign, it’s “about stepping in where there are those lapses, those failures to provide the services”.
“In an ideal world, the telcos would have already gotten these towers into place years ago, but there’s always space for us to do something as well.
“That’s where [the campaign] comes in, to help fire that investment to get these tower projects up and running, because the more we wait the harder it is on the people in Clyde North,” he said.
For the neighbouring Ramlegh Park Primary, Principal Linda Corcoran said the new tower is a boon not just to residents, but especially to facili-
ties and services such as themselves.
“It’s vital that people are able to communicate with each other and that has been a serious issue for many years in this area,” she said.
Touching on specific benefits towards the school, factors such as “emergency management, which having a tower, we’re hoping would improve that”.
“Staff weren’t able to contact each other, we were reliant on mobile phones for that communication, whereas I know other schools use mobile phones.
“We still have some concerns; I’m with Telstra for example and I have great service now, but oth-
er staff are with Vodafone or Optus and their connection hasn’t improved at all,” Ms Corcoran said.
Elsee, from One Early Education, is of the same mind, adding that staff and parents alike have had multiple, repeated issues of getting in touch with one another; internet cutting off, calls bouncing and more.
“It really benefits us, we’re a community here, the families are all connected with us and we have this platform where we put all of our information,” she said.
More often than not, the previous lack of connection made it difficult for the website to be accessed, where on other occasions parents who were waiting for their children are seldom able to get in contact with others outside of the facility.
“They had to walk outside or go to the road to call someone, so I think this is a big thing for the community,” Elsee said.
“We have educators, and even they have to go outside to make calls, and even for myself whenever I’m working on the computer it would suddenly just stop connecting.
“We need that [connection], it’s a big help,” she said.
Mr Galea is passionate about the needs of
suburbs such as Clyde North, “it’s a booming and growing area and there are a lot of investments going in”.
While big conversations could be had about the possibilities for infrastructure investment in the vicinity, “in this day and age, to not have mobile connectivity in such a populated area as Clyde North really isn’t good enough”.
“There are a lot of growing pains that we’re experiencing, particularly in these pockets of the outer southeast,” he said.
Mr Galea also added that there are a number of other investments happening in not just Clyde North, but surrounding areas as well; which range from co-funding with local councils on local projects such as transport expansion and more.
The new bus routes are another, as well as the addition of a number of schools in the near future.
However, Mr Galea thinks that what is being observed is that “we’re throwing all this investment in and we’re still barely keeping pace”.
“So what’s really important as well is that we continue to grow our suburbs, but we grow with them in a way that’s much more sustainable.
“That comes back to the state-wide approach to planning, which the Planning Minister, Sonya Kilkenny, is currently doing a lot of round tables across the state to reshape the planning framework,” he said.
He also added that while the growth of the outer suburbs is exponential, “too much” of it is being “carried” by them.
“The outer suburbs continue to grow but they need to do so at a much more sustainable pace.
“We need to be looking at having conversations about density in those inner and middle ring suburbs, better planning [on] some regional centres as well.
“That way we are still having that growth in the outer suburbs, but doing so in a way that we’re actually keeping pace with the services and infrastructure that people need as they move in,” he said.
EPA and SBI Landfill settle court case for $200,000
From page 1
The spokesperson pointed out the EPA settled the case for less than 10 per cent of what they could have received.
“We do expect that there will be consultation with the community who have experienced the stench of the SBI operations, with regard to what local environmental or local project receives the $200,000, but we won’t hold our breath on that,” they said.
A Botanic Ridge resident of nine years and chair of Settlers Run Owners Corporation, Norman Ridley, stated in an email to Star News early in July that there has been limited or no impact from the landfill.
He described the odour as “transient”, elaborating further that it is “on and off with significant periods with no odour or no recognised odour”.
Ridley emphasised that the community, following an Owners Survey of roughly 200 participants, noted that there has been minimal impact on their lives when speaking on the odour.
As a representative of the Settlers Run Golf and Country Club, and the SBI Community Consultative Committee since August 2022, he added that “very rarely does anyone express major concerns”.
Moving forward, Abeywickrema said that the EPA is reviewing additional information from SBI as part of the development licence exemption application; specifically for waste and resource recovery activities on-site where the waste is accepted and processed for recycling.
They have also welcomed residents to continue reporting pollution and put through any questions or concerns to the EPA.
The new tower is situated in the corner of Ramlegh Park Reserve, catering to Telstra customers in the area. (Ethan Benedicto: 423632)
Michael Galea MP (right) and Jordan Curgnale MP a day after the tower was installed. (Supplied)
SBI Landfill has settled with the EPA. (Stewart Chambers: 289985)
THE LOWDOWN
Q&A
Tell us about yourself and how you start writing. I’m not great at playing with words, and my vocabulary isn’t extensive. To find inner peace, I use techniques from my book, “The Art of Conscious Balance.” One technique is observing my mind, which often drifts into thoughts about the past or future, causing a lot of mental noise. When I notice this chatter, it helps me create a calm space in my mind. In that peaceful state, words and sentences come to me naturally, expressing exactly what I want to say. Sometimes, when I finish writing a chapter, I’m surprised by what I’ve written—I wonder if I truly wrote it! Practicing the art of conscious balance has greatly improved my writing.
What has been your most memorable moment during your writing career?
Strolling through Lysterfield Lake/park, soaking in nature’s beauty, and discussing my writing plans with my children, Sanjana and Sanjit. What do you love the most about writing?
What I love most about writing is the ability to tap into a state of complete presence. When I’m fully in the moment, the right words and sentences effortlessly flow from my mind onto the paper, almost magically. It’s a deeply satisfying and creative process for me.
What’s your favourite book(s)?
Freedom from the Known – J. Krishna murti
The Power of Now – E. Tolle.
Who’s your favourite author(s)? / Inspiration. J. Krishna murti and E. Tolle.
What books are currently reading?
I am currently writing/ working on my new book. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
As a nature lover, I’d be a honeybee. Not only would I get to flit from flower to flower all day, taste fresh honey, but I’d also play a vital role in pollinating plants and helping the environment thrive!
What were you like as a kid?
I’d like to think I was street-smart, but everyone
with Clyde North meditation-book author Santosh Nambiar
else thought I was clueless.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I’d love to witness the first caveman attempting to cook food with fire. Can you imagine the trial and error involved in that process? Similarly, I stumbled upon ‘The Art of Conscious Balance’ through my own trial and error. It’s still a work in progress.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
Rabindranath Tagore: For some poetic conversations and soulful songs.
Swami Vivekananda: For spiritual insights and motivational talks.
Virat Kohli: To add some sporty charm and maybe discuss cricket over dinner!
Robin Williams: For non-stop laughs.
Gordon Ramsay, not only for his cooking skills but also for some spicy dinner table commentary.
Dr. Jennifer Doudna: Co-inventor of CRISPRCas9 gene editing, to discuss ground-breaking advancements in biotechnology. That would be one electrifying, entertaining, and slightly chaotic dinner party! And, of course, it would be even
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• Established tenant in place paying $1,030 + GST, and outgoings per month on a lease to February 2025, with a 3-year option to renew
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• Prominent corner location
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better with the support and company of my dear wife Sandhya.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
• Mischievous
• Playful
• Dependable
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
On my perfect day off, I’d kickstart the morning with a delightful bowl of bircher muesli with nuts accompanied by fresh, juicy fruit. After breakfast, I’d venture out to explore a scenic park or hiking trail, soaking in the natural beauty. For lunch, I’d gather with friends for a relaxing picnic at either Lysterfield Park or the Wilson Botanical Garden. In the afternoon, I’d settle into a cozy cafe to immerse myself in writing, savoring the creative flow. As evening approaches, I’d unwind with a feel-good movie or indulge in the latest prank show like “Just for Laughs Gags,” accompanied by delicious Indian snacks. Finally, I’d conclude my day by stargazing or simply enjoying the serene moonlit view from the balcony. Where is your happy place?
My happy place is anywhere I can surround myself with the beauty of serene nature—where beautiful lakes shimmer, birds chirp melodiously, and butterflies dance in the air. I can also be at home Whether nestled in a cozy corner at home, lost in a peaceful library, or enjoying a quaint cafe with an extra hot latte, these serene settings bring me solace and joy, immersed in nature’s tranquil embrace.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
If I were to compete on MasterChef, I’d highlight my passion for Indian cuisine by preparing a dish like Biryani with (raw) jackfruit. This aromatic rice dish is traditionally layered with marinated meat such as chicken or lamb, but I’d substitute jackfruit. It features a blend of aromatic spices and caramelized onions, typically served alongside raita (yogurt dip) and a side of curry.
THREE … ways to commemorate
With the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People coming up on 9 August, here are three ways to commemorate the day.
1
Further educating yourself and others by reading books, articles or watching documentaries about Indigenous history, culture and ongoing crises is one way to not only explore the topic but also spread awareness by recommending pieces of media to others.
2
Supporting Indigenous causes and businesses is another way to commemorate the day, where one could donate to Indigenous organisations and/or charities that support their rights, education healthcare and more.
3
Advocating for Indigenous rights is another effective way to observe the day, by signing petitions, writing to local MPs and attending sessions - either online or in person - that speak on and spread awareness of the issues surrounding Australia’s Indigenous people.
Deficit deepens: Report
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Chisholm Institute is one of four Victorian TAFEs recording a worsened underlying deficit in 2023, according to a state auditor-general’s report. The TAFE’s deficit deepened to about $12 million, excluding one-off capital grants from the State Government.
This was up from about a $1 million deficit in 2022. Nine of the 12 Victorian TAFEs reported a net surplus in 2023, with an overall surplus of $72 million - up $29 million from the previous year. However the sector’s net surplus was “underpinned by capital grants received to fund campus redevelopment”, the Victorian Auditor-General Office (VAGO) reported.
“Without these grants, the sector would have had a net ($35 million) deficit from their operations, which has been a consistent trend for the last five years.”
TAFEs including Chisholm were spending at a “markedly increased” rate, and becoming increasingly dependent on fee-for-service revenue rather than government funding, the audit found.
“If the declining net deficit trend continues for these TAFEs, without effective management of expenditure or own-source revenue growth, their long-term financial sustainability is at risk.”
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions accepted all of the report’s recommendations. These included for all TAFEs to “review and critically analyse their current budgeting processes”, and for TAFES work with the department to achieve balanced budgets in the future.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the report showed the “significant work we’ve done to repair the TAFE system”.
It had launched Free TAFE courses and invested more than $4.5 billion into the system “after the former Liberal Government left it as a wreck”, they said.
“We’re carefully considering the detail of the report, however it shows that the TAFE network is in surplus and financial performance across the network has improved.”
Opposition skills and training spokesperson Bridget Vallence said the financial viability of more than half of Victoria’s TAFEs was “under threat” because of “10 years of Labor’s mismanagement”.
“Under Labor, TAFE teachers are walking off the job, thousands of students are failing to complete courses, employers are dissatisfied, and there are widespread skills shortages.
“This independent report by the AuditorGeneral is scathing and further evidence Labor cannot manage TAFE in Victoria.”
A virtual welding room at Chisholm Institute in Dandenong. (Gary Sissons; 334164)
(Stewart Chambers, 418752)
Discover Summerset Cranbourne North’s new Hibiscus homes
Pop along to Summerset Cranbourne North’s Morning Tea & Tour every Thursday in August, enjoy some refreshments, and tour the brand-new range of Hibiscus homes.
These premium single-level villas are a range of ground or upper-level living homes featuring two spacious bedrooms, a bathroom and powder room, internal access garage, open-plan kitchen, living and dining with either a garden or balcony with views over the park, perfect for entertaining friends and family. Plus for the upper-level homes, there is the added bonus of an internal lift to access your home.
Morning Tea & Tour
Every Thursday in August, 10am
Once complete, residents of Summerset Cranbourne North will be able to enjoy a range of resort-style facilities, including an indoor swimming pool and spa, resident bar, café, exercise room, hair and beauty salon, recreational bowling green and resident workshop.#
With two-bedroom Hibiscus homes available with flexible pricing from $669,000,* that next step could be closer than you think.
Love the life you choose.
Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au
Cheering on trip to the US
Berwick Primary School Grade 2 pupil and cheerleading superstar Aria Robinson has received the chance of a lifetime, after being selected to represent Australia in a cheerleading competition in the United States next year.
She has been selected to compete with other students Narre Warren dance school Royal All Star Cheer and Dance in The FINALS, a cheerleading competition set to be held in Orlando, Florida from May 2 to 4 next year.
Aria said she began cheerleading at Royal All Star Cheer and Dance at only six years of age.
She said her favourite thing about cheerleading was that she gets to go up high as she is a flyer or the one performer who is lifted up during a stunt.
Aria’s mother Ashleigh said going to America will be a dream come true for her daughter.
“Aria’s dedication and passion for cheerleading are incredibly inspiring to us as parents,” she said.
“She is constantly training, watching YouTube cheerleading tutorials at home, trying new stunts, repetitively perfecting new skills and diligently doing her morning and afternoon stretches.
“Whether at home or at cheer practice, Aria is always pushing herself to be the very best she can be.”
Aria is currently raising funds towards travel expenses, accommodation and competition fees, with $900 raised out of her $1500 goal at the time of publication.
To support Aria’s goal, visit gofund. me/07e2e8d5
Pies legend swoops in to Bunjil Place
By Violet Li
Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley was the man of the hour at the Rotary Club of Casey’s Charity Long Lunch event on Friday 2 August, with more than 120 participants engaging in the good cause.
The former player and coach spoke about a range of topics from being a father to two boys to achieving a positive work-life balance.
Club president Alan Foster said the event was a success for the club, raising more than $8000, with 50 per cent of the proceeds going towards children’s charity Variety via a local Variety Vic Bash team and the other 50 per cent supporting the ermha365 Community Connections Program, which helps people with mental health and homelessness problems.
“The talk was really eclectic,” he said.
“It was a really interesting and informative talk, he was very open and very real.”
Secretary Jean Harrison said the event was another part of the club’s charity efforts.
“This is just another community event to help to really worthwhile causes,” she said.
“This is just a new idea, and we thought we’d give it a go and hope to do well with it.”
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN
Thumbs up
To no more dirt patch on Hobsons Road.
Thumbs down
To people who speed from Ahern Road through Eagle Drive to the avenue thinking it’s a raceway when it’s not. Maybe speed humps are needed as I almost had a person run up my backside the other day as I backed out of my driveway.
Thumbs up
To the little joys in life that make the world a better, brighter and beautiful place.
Thumbs down
To all the potholes everywhere. I must look like a drunk driver when I try to avoid them.
Thumbs down
To rude drivers.
Thumbs down
To the pot holes on the freeway just after McGregor Road on ramp.
Thumbs down
To the cost of essentials like medications which people are now going without.
Thumbs down
To all the potholes everywhere. I must look like a drunk driver when I try to avoid them.
Thumbs down
To Cardinia Council for the lack of street lighting in Main Street - half the lights don’t work and no lighting at the crossing.
Aria’s family is seeking any support towards the trip.
Aria Robinson is excited to travel to Florida next year to compete in The FINALS competition. (Supplied)
Dane Swan signed Magpies fan Bobby’s arm before he made it permanent with a tattoo. (Rob Carew: 420695)
At 89, Elaine Watson achieved one of her biggest dreams, meeting her hero Nathan Buckley, with Jasmine Poore on the right. (Stewart Chambers: 422644)
Cannabis defence support
By Ethan Benedicto
The State Government passed an in-principle agreement to recast Victoria’s driving laws surrounding medicinal cannabis patients on 31 July, which could provide them with a legal defence while on the road.
Stephen Matulec, a Grevillea Ward candidate in the upcoming Casey Council elections, seconded the decision, saying that the process should not have been so “black and white or just a positive or negative test”.
“If you are a medical cannabis patient and you need the medication, and it’s at a level where it’s not going to impair your driving ability, then you should be able to drive.
“The police should be there to test for impairment, not just the presence of the drug,” he said.
The in-principle agreement is a commitment to developing a proposal surrounding said legal defences for medicinal patients, as long as they are not impaired at the time of testing.
Furthermore, the government also committed to engaging in widespread consultation with a variety of legal and road safety stakeholders, with plans to table a report on the proposal in the Legislative Council by 18 October 2024.
A Penington Institute release supported the agreement, where CEO John Ryan said he was encouraged that the government had shown it was prepared to make common-sense changes in its approach to cannabis regulation.
“This is a major development and a win for medicinal cannabis patients,” he said.
“It is heartening to see the Victorian Government stand up and acknowledge the flaws with
the existing policy.”
Matulec, a staunch supporter of cannabis regulation believes that if one were a consenting adult, they should be able to choose what they want to do with their bodies, “especially if no one else is harmed”.
“If you’re in your own home, consuming cannabis, you’re not harming anyone else and to just punish someone for basically a victimless crime is just not right,” he said.
Echoing Penington Institute CEO John Ryan’s previous comments, Matulec believes that law enforcement resources could be more efficiently managed if a regulated cannabis market were put in place, as well as countering the strong black market viability of the drug’s current status.
Expanding on the possible chemicals mixed with illicitly-obtained cannabis, he added that the current countermeasures have minimal intended effect and there should be more focus on the health system to deal with those addicted.
“Instead of putting these people in the hands of police, the courts, treating them like criminals, we need people with genuine addiction to go to community groups, medical professionals, their families,” he said.
“These are people that can help more than just throwing someone in prison.
“Different drugs have different situations, but making it legal doesn’t necessarily mean people are going to use it more, and that’s the thing, if you can control it you can legalise it because people know the doses.
“It’s healthier for it to be regulated because if you’re taking something from a drug dealer, you don’t know how strong it is, you don’t know what
it is,” he said.
Bringing his topic back to the new in-principle agreement, Matulec added that if someone were a medicinal cannabis patient, they shouldn’t need to choose between taking their medication and pain relief, but with the risk of licence loss or a physically painful drive.
THC – also known as tetrahydrocannabinol –can linger in a person’s system for weeks and can be detected long after any potential impairment was caused.
Just like how alcohol is treated, “there are certain limits where it’s not just, ‘is there alcohol in your system or not’”.
“With cannabis, it could be where you can have the necessary amount for your medical condition as long as it’s not affecting the way you drive.
“There needs to be a clear differential, one should be able to drive, if safely, and take medication and not be pained, they shouldn’t be treated like a criminal,” he said.
Mr Ryan is of the same mind, adding that medicinal cannabis patients who aren’t impaired and are using their medication as directed by their doctor “should be entitled to the same legal protections”.
“[Such as those] afforded to patients taking other prescribed medications; people should not have to decide between their medicine and mobility,” he said.
Victoria was the first state to approve the use of medicinal cannabis in 2016, however, it has remained a criminal offence for drivers to have THC, including from medicinal cannabis, detected in their system.
Commercial trafficker behind bars for up to three years
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Cranbourne North trafficker has been jailed after police seized large amounts of drugs from her home and garage.
Natalie Vrankar, 39, pleaded guilty to commercial trafficking of methamphetamine, trafficking in 1,4-butanediol and possessing cannabis.
She also pled to possessing an explosive substance (fireworks) and proceeds-of-crime charges.
Police raided her home at dawn on 8 November 2022, discovering 131.6 grams of 85 per cent pure meth in deal bags as well as 19 bottles of 1,4-butanediol totalling 9.3 kilos.
They also seized 15 fireworks, $2045 cash, a ‘tick list’ of transactions and an alleged stolen number plate.
On one of her phones, there were texts with a contact ‘Gonzo New’ referring to selling a “q” or 7 grams (quarter-ounce) of ice for $1400, or a “b” or 3.5 grams for $800.
Vrnakar’s “relatively organised setup” included CCTV cameras with about 12 different views outside her home.
In sentencing on 1 August, Judge Carolene Gwynn noted the amount of ice and 1,4-butanediol was well in excess of the trafficking threshold of 50 grams.
The high purity of meth also elevated the gravity of the offence.
Vrankar was said to be a daily ice user. This partly explained her offending, as well a “degree of financial incentive”, Gwynn said.
“For your own needs, you were prepared to be involved in the pernicious trade of drug
trafficking.
“It is a lucrative business with an enormous negative and devastating impact on the community.
“You would have been aware of this from your own experience as a user of illicit substances.”
Vrankar grew up in a “chaotic” household in Keysborough, later working as a medical courier and a pathology nurse with a “bright future ahead”.
Things took a negative turn in 2015 when she moved out to Drouin with her family, left her job and was introduced to drugs by a partner.
Her ensuing criminal history included priors for drug trafficking, transporting unauthorised explosives, and proceeds of crime.
Due to her priors, she struggled to find work
in her former fields.
After being released on bail in early 2023, Vrankar was a primary carer for her mother and had not re-offended.
A psychologist reported she was a low-moderate risk of reoffending, with insight into her mental health and drug issues.
“I accept this insight combined with the extended period in the community in which you remained offence and drug free augurs well for your future,” Judge Gwynn noted.
Vrankar didn’t qualify for a mental impairment exception to a mandatory jail term due to her excessive drug use at the time of offending. She was jailed for up to three years, with a 20-month non-parole period.
Her term includes 87 days of pre-sentence detention.
Healthcare action: Women’s silent pain is going untreated
A more inclusive health-care system is needed for the unique needs of migrant and refugee women, according to a joint report to the State inquiry into Women’s Pain.
Wellsprings for Women – with Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) – based their submission on a forum with 38 migrant and refugee women.
“There is a strong link between physical pain and mental health issues, exacerbated by social isolation and cultural adaptation challenges,” the submission stated.
It reported significant healthcare barriers such as language difficulties, long wait times and their health concerns being dismissed by professionals.
A participant with extreme, chronic pain went regularly to the doctor for 10 years, but her condition remained untreated.
Another said: “Someone I know was very tired all the time and they went to the doctor and the doctor said it is all in their head.”
Others reported getting little help from doctors for issues such as painful menstruation or post-natal back pain.
Family violence was also a significant barrier to seeking healthcare.
Many women described physical “heart ache” and chest pain due to mental distress. But a lot reported keeping their pain private due to social pressures..
“Acknowledging and addressing the unique and compounded needs of migrant and refugee women is essential for creating a more inclusive and effective healthcare system,” Wellsprings chief executive Dalal Smiley said.
“This submission highlights the importance of culturally appropriate and intersectional care.”
Among the recommendations were mandatory training for healthcare providers in culturallyappropriate care, as well as increasing availability of female practitioners.
The report called for access to professional interpreters and multilingual health resources, as well as better communication about health supports and services.
Wait times should be reduced, Medicare coverage increased and mental health should be integrated with physical health services.
WHISE chief executive Kit McMahon urged the Government to take its recommendations seriously.
“We call on (the Government) … to implement the necessary reforms to ensure that all women, regardless of their background, have access to quality healthcare.”
Safer Care Victoria, the Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council, and the Pain Inquiry Subcommittee will lead the inquiry.
A final report to the Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council is expected by December.
Poor mental health worsened with isolation from family and friends, cultural shock and language barriers.
One woman shared that “the first time I just went to the park and cried because I could not speak to anyone.”
Thirty-eight women participated in a forum ahead of Wellsprings for Women and WHISE’s joint submission to a state Women’s Pain inquiry. (Supplied)
Grevillea Ward candidate, Stephen Matulec is in support of the new in-principle agreement, advocating for the overall regulation of the cannabis market. (Ethan Benedicto: 422557)
This is ... bridging the gap
A momentous 2500th laptop has been donated for disadvantaged students as part of the successful This Is IT campaign across the South East.
In less than five years, the milestone has been reached with the hand-over of 120 laptops for students at Noble Park Secondary College, Carwatha P-12 and Oakwood School on Friday 2 August.
This batch of computers was funded by the State Government’s Noble Park Suburban Revitalisation Board.
Since 2020, the not-for-profit program has provided for students at 40 schools in six council areas, including Casey, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia Shire.
A high-school principal described the program as a “game changer” for the students.
“Schools are trying to prepare their students for the future, this is extremely difficult when students do not have access to the tools they require.
“Computers are an absolute necessity, and this initiative is a game changer for the students lucky enough to be the recipient of a laptop.”
One of the recipients said it meant they could stay up to date with studies while off on work placements.
“I will not have to stress about going to the library or staying at school after hours to complete my work.”
In 2020, This Is IT Schools was launched by three Dandenong businesses to furnish local students with new and repurposed laptops.
TIIS sourced top-of-the-line computers at the end of corporate life. They were wiped and repurposed, then awarded as a scholarship to deserving students.
The idea was expanded to supply laptops to disadvantaged students across the South East. And it was called simply This Is IT.
On hand for the 2 August event were the program founders.
They are SELLEN chief executive Andrew Simmons, South East Business Networks’ head Sandra George, Corex Australia CEO Simon Whitely, Hilton Manufacturing managing director Todd Hartley and Future Recycling chief executive Tyrone Landsman.
The first handover of 120 laptops was made at the Greater Dandenong Civic Centre on 7 February 2020.
Donors have since included Casey and Kingston councils, MacPherson and Kelley, Federation University, Ashfords accountancy, Future Recycling, NAB, SELLEN, North Projects, Frasers Property Group, Skill Invest, VACCA, Rigby and Cooke, Casey TECH, Hilton Manufacturing, Lime Result and Take a Swing for Charity.
‘Alleviate pressures’: Pilot sees expanded pharmacist role
By Ethan Benedicto
The state-wide pharmacist prescribing pilot officially launched on 2 August in Victoria, which has highlighted the range of healthcare services made available at community pharmacies.
This digital marketing campaign showcases the range of available services, as well as being the major step forward in enhancing access to primary healthcare for all Victorian residents.
Amberly Park Pharmacy, which is set to begin the campaign in the coming weeks, is eager for its benefits and what it holds for overall local community health in the coming future.
Lead pharmacist Hayden Lee is confident that this a step in the right direction, especially when it comes to balancing the overall load of patients who are seeking some form of medical attention.
General practitioner visits, according to Mr Lee, “these days are really quick, rinse and repeat, it’s taken off the GP to actually treat other more serious cases”.
“We see a lot of patients come in, so mainly I think, not just the prescribed or medical certificate side of things, where pharmacies are now allowed to assess,” he said.
Participating pharmacists are authorised to prescribe certain medications and provide treatment for various conditions under a structured prescribing model.
These expanded services include oral contraceptive repeats, treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, shingles treatments, mild plaque psoriasis management and travel and health vaccines.
Keeping
President of the Victorian branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Anthony Tassone said that the pilot improves access to affordable healthcare, ensuring that everyone can receive the necessary care quickly and locally.
“The Victorian pharmacist prescribing pilot is a significant advancement in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare to Victorians,” he said.
“By expanding the role of community pharmacists, we are helping to alleviate pressures on GPs and emergency departments while offering patients timely care closer to home.”
Building on the expanded services, pharmacists are equipped to manage flare-ups of mild plaque psoriasis, as well as offer resupplies of
select oral contraceptive pills.
As it stands, there are over 760 pharmacies across the state that have since taken part in the pilot, with more than 10,000 patient consultations to have already been delivered according to the Guild.
For Amberly Park, training for these newly expanded services is essential, with Mr Lee saying that for treatments to UTI prescriptions, “all of our staff will have to be trained in terms of understanding what’s happening”.
“So when [there is] a referral to the pharmacist to have an antibiotic prescribed, [it] can be done in a smoother way.
“It’s more like what are the symptoms and things like that, that’s the preparation that often times what we are going to do,” he said.
Speaking on the impact this pilot program could have, Mr Lee said that it has the chance to establish a foothold where “community pharmacies aren’t just a retail store”.
“It’s also about professional services and actually taking care of people’s health within that community.
“We’re lucky in Australia where it’s like we’ve got specific areas where you don’t have overcrowded pharmacies so to speak; so that way it allows us to really capitalise in the sense of the community’s trust.
“Here at Amberly Park we mainly handle a lot of patients around this area, so then you know, it creates that community feeling where people actually feel like they’re being looked after,” he said.
Hayden Lee, managing pharmacist of Amberly Park Pharmacy is looking forward to the many benefits the pilot campaign holds. (Supplied)
SELLEN chief executive Andrew Simmons presents a laptop to Noble Park Secondary College’s IT manager Adam van Leeuwen on 2 August. (Stewart Chambers: 422623)
FOCUS ON … DENTAL WEEK
Bright smiles
At the Casey Dental Group in Narre Warren, we take great pride in our commitment to delivering the highest standard of dental care to our patients.
Our team of caring and professional dentists utilises the latest materials and technologies, such as digital x-rays, laser whitening, and ceramic fillings and crowns, to ensure that each patient receives the best possible treatment.
We understand that our patients have busy lives, which is why we offer flexible appointment options, starting from 8am, extending to late evenings and even Saturday mornings. This way, we strive to accommodate everyone’s dental needs, making it convenient for them to prioritise oral health.
One area we particularly excel in is children’s dental care. We love seeing our younger patients and take pride in educating them about oral health and dentistry, making their experience enjoyable and anxiety-free. By bringing your children along to your appointments, we familiarise them with the environment, helping them feel more comfortable during their check-ups. We believe that we are the best children’s dentist in Narre Warren, and we are dedicated to ensuring that your child’s oral health journey starts on the right foot.
We offer a range of children’s services, including early orthodontics, fissure sealants, and regular check-ups. Additionally, eligible children between the ages of 2 and 17 may qualify for government funding of $1052 over two calendar years, making it more accessible for families to prioritise their children’s dental health.
For those seeking orthodontic treatment, we provide Invisalign, a discreet and effective alternative to conventional braces. Achieving a beautifully aligned smile is possible at any age, and our goal is to help you attain optimal dental health for life.
At Casey Dental Group, we believe that financial concerns should not hinder you from receiving quality dental care. We offer a 12-month interest-free payment plan with GE Care Credit to make it easier for our patients to manage the cost of treatment.
To further enhance our patients’ convenience, we have an on-site HICAPS terminal that directly processes insurance claims, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and reimbursement delays.
As a dental practice, we value our patients and the trust they place in us. We strive to provide quality, professional, and compassionate care to each individual. We accept various payment methods, including cash, cheque, eftpos, and credit cards, including AMEX.
When you choose Casey Dental Group, you are choosing a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to ensuring your dental health and delivering excellence in dental care.
Let us help you achieve your best smile and maintain optimal oral health for life. Schedule an appointment with us today!
• 236 Narre Warren - Cranbourne Rd, Narre Warren South VIC 3805
• www.caseydentalgroup.com.au
• Phone: 9705 1755
Kids’ dental issues mostly preventable: Association
Hospitals may not be the obvious place for children to have dental treatment but annually thousands of Australian families are having to do just that.
The unfortunate part is most of these dental conditions could have been prevented.
The latest results from the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) Consumer Survey of 25,000 people reveals a litany of factors contributing to infant and child tooth decay – from excessive sugary drink consumption including fruit juice and soft drinks, to not starting dental visits early enough, not accessing government-funded free dental entitlements and only taking children to the family dentist when there’s a problem.
Data from the ADA’s other data source the Children and Young People Oral Health Tracker 1 shows nearly 11 (10.8) in every 1000 children aged 5-9 are hospitalised for potentially prevent-
able problems due to dental conditions.
For Indigenous children this rises to 14.3 per 1000 children. It also found only 56 per cent of children visit the dentist before age five.
“Often it’s a case of people just not being aware of all the facts and that’s why Dental Health Week (August 5-11) is important - so that the key messages about looking after children’s teeth gets out to thousands of families, and kids have the best start in life when it comes to dental health,” said ADA oral health promoter Dr Mikaela Chinotti.
Dentists recommend the first dental visit when an infant’s first tooth or teeth emerge, typically before or around age one.
“A first dental visit for a tooth ache may create a negative first experience. We don’t want that to be your child’s introduction to the dentist. It’s important to see the dentist even if you think your child’s teeth are healthy,” said Dr Chinotti.
Exceptional results
At South East Orthodontics, we are deeply committed to enhancing your smile through the very best orthodontic care.
Our practice in Berwick is dedicated to providing the highest quality treatments tailored to your specific needs. We use a variety of advanced techniques to personalise your orthodontic experience.
Our highly trained staff, in collaboration with our experienced orthodontists, work diligently to deliver exceptional results. Continuous learning is an integral part of our practice, with a strong emphasis on ongoing education for all team members. By staying updated with the latest developments and techniques in orthodontics, we ensure that you receive the best possible care.
At our practice, we merge cutting-edge technologies with personalised services, catering to patients of all ages. We take pride in creating a warm, caring, and friendly envi-
ronment where excellence is delivered with enthusiasm. We pride ourselves on delivering treatment for you and your family that is thorough, accurate, reliable, and effective orthodontics and have a genuine dedication aimed at improving your smile. We provide consultation, prevention, and treatment for a range of dental health disorders – correcting jaws and aligning teeth with a variety of braces including invisible types and aligners.
We understand the importance of listening to your concerns and desires. By paying close attention to your needs, we develop customised treatment plans that promote long-lasting dental health. Our passion lies in providing you with the highest standard of orthodontic care, utilising the latest technologies and drawing upon years of professional expertise to achieve outstanding outcomes for our patients. Choose South East Orthodontics for a smile transformation journey that is as unique as you are.
The highly trained staff, in collaboration with their experienced orthodontists, work diligently to deliver exceptional results.
The Casey Dental Group team.
Stories surface out of clay
By Violet Li
The City of Casey’s Artist Market was held on Saturday 3 August where they featured and celebrated Generation Clay: Reimagining Asian Heritage.
Beginning at 10am, the day featured the new works of 14 contemporary ceramic artists with Asian backgrounds, as well as other pieces from makers and artists across the state.
For curator Vipoo Srivilasa, his latest exhibition of Generation Clay is a windfall; when he first launched the project he simply envisioned it as an opportunity for young Asian-Australian artists to showcase their unique crafts.
He didn’t foresee what was coming next: the plentiful surfacing of intimate stories attached to personal histories and memories, cultural heritage and family ties to mythological and popular culture narratives.
“There is a lot more mix nowadays, not just one cultural heritage,” he said.
“Some of the artists were actually born here, but they have parents from overseas; their cultural heritage is quite different from the ones who moved here from overseas.”
He spoke on Asahi So, a Sydney ceramics and wire maker who is of Chinese and Japanese heritage; Monica Rani Rudhar, who was born to Indian and Romanian migrant parents; and ceramic artist Theodosius Ng who was born in Singapore but identifies himself as more Chinese.
Artists, for their pieces, took up the challenge of creating under the theme of blue and white, colours symbolising trans culture and blended their cultural stories into the clay.
“Blue and white is a metaphor for all these artists who come from different places and then choose to live in Australia, and this is the mixed culture,” Vipoo said.
“Lots of artists never worked with blue and white before, so there’s a lot of trial and error.
“What I like about this exhibition is to encourage artists to think outside their comfort zone and to do something different.”
According to Casey Council, the exhibition will engage with a wide array of concepts, from personal accounts, cultural heritage and family ties, to mythological and pop culture narratives.
Artist EJ Son’s Egg is an example of expanding the creative boundary while keeping the bone of the cultural story, portrayed through a big, pure white egg with a crack at the top.
“They want to make a statement with the Egg, it’s Korean traditional pottery [and] the way they make it, they draw half of the circle, both sides and then they join it together individually,” Vipoo said.
“It’s more like a man- kind of pottery, to be able to do this in Korea, you have to be a man. But they’re born female, so they want to do this for their father.
“So instead of making a moon jar as traditional, they make an egg, which is using the same technique.
“But in a contemporary twist, the egg has a crack at the top, it means being reborn in Australia with a new identity.”
Looking back, Vipoo said he did not see himself as a curator.
“I don’t see myself as a curator because a proper curator would do a whole lot more jobs,” he said.
“I see myself as an organiser and provider for
“When
“So now I am in a position that I could provide a similar thing to younger generations.”
young artists for the opportunity for them to have a platform to show their work.
I first moved to Australia, I had lots of
opportunities provided by older generations.
Generation Clay: Reimagining Asian Heritage will be on at Bunjil Place until Sunday 24 November.
Curator Vipoo Srivilasa at the exhibition. (Stewart Chambers: 421413)
Susi Fraser from Red Fox Pottery in Berwick. (Rob Carew; 423074)
Nani Puspasari with her work. (Rob Carew: 423074)
Jayanto Tan with his work. (Rob Carew: 423074)
Very enthusiastic crowds visited the art market, which began at 10am and wrapped up around 3pm. (Rob Carew: 423074)
72 Transformations by Casey Chen. (Stewart Chambers: 421413)
Yang Qiu with her work. (Rob Carew: 423074)
Bonnie Hislop from Brisbane came down for this event and her exhibition at Red Gallery in Fitzroy. (Rob Carew: 423074)
FOCUS ON ... EDUCATION Milestone for Preps
On Thursday 25 July, Prep students of Marnebek School celebrated 100 days of Prep.
To celebrate the day, students dressed as their favourite hero.
From superheroes to princesses and doctors, the Preps showcased a variety of heroes. There were many events for the day, from the Preps showing off their costumes in a Prep pa-
rade around the playground to the Magic Show performed by Zoom the Magician.
Zoom was incredibly funny, providing lots of giggles from staff and students. She showcased a variety of tricks earning a lot of ooo’s and aaa’s.
Once the Magic Show was over Zoom created balloon animals for the students as a parting gift. It was truly a magical affair, and everyone had a lovely time.
Days of School 100
MARNEBEK SCHOOL
Learning at Marnebek
Marnebek is a dual campus school based in Cranbourne East. Across both campuses, we offer an environment that supports students’ academic, social and personal needs, with Primary, Secondary and Secondary Pathways.
CELEBRATING 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL
We are thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone with our incredible prep students at Marnebek! After 100 days of learning, growth, and exploration, our young scholars have shown remarkable progress and enthusiasm.
A big thank you to our dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and, most importantly, our wonderful prep students for making the first 100 days a resounding success!
Here’s to many more milestones and achievements as we continue this exciting journey of learning and discovery. Head to our website, or book a school tour for more information.
Students - and staff - recently celebrated 100 days of Prep.
The two supers: Superman and Super Mario.
Land is being snapped up
By Ethan Benedicto
Berwick Waters in Clyde North saw a boom in sales around late June, with 44 per cent of lots in Emerald Bend being sold in a single weekend.
These lots went at such a fast pace that an additional 20 lots from the nearby Amethyst Release were brought forward to meet demand.
Home investor Inderjit Kaur Sandhu, who purchased three lots of land at Emerald Bend said that the appeal lies with the area’s amenities.
“People are going crazy to buy lots in Berwick Waters because everyone wants to give their kids a better place.
“Whenever people invest money, invest in a property, they think about the potential,” which Ms Sandhu is confident Berwick Waters has.
Emerald Bend itself is situated near Soldiers Road, east of Berwick Cranbourne Road, and will be accessible through Honour Avenue and soon Thompsons Road via Bells Road.
The area’s vision included amenities such as two ovals, an indoor sports centre, a town centre, a tree walk park, wetlands and the addition of the upcoming Clyde North Secondary School and Clyde North Primary School.
However, Frasers Property Australia’s general manager of development, Sarah Bloom, said that the popularity of the new release wasn’t something unexpected.
“The Terracotta Release was the first land lot release in Berwick Waters in 2024, add to the fact that this is such as well-established community of more than 4000 residents.
“A new state primary and secondary school are set to open for the 2025 school year, and the Treewalk Park is well underway and it’s not surprising buyers were keen,” she said.
Ms Sandhu recalled that when she was in the process of purchasing the first block, she quickly checked all available amenities in the area, and said “within one hour I went for it”.
“Casey Central and Fountain Gate shopping centre are nearby, but that area is actually a ‘city’.
“Everything is nearby, you have everything,” she said.
However, concerns for the neighbouring infrastructure are still rife, with Berwick MP Brad Bat-
tin voicing his concerns on the availability of Bells Road during the Legislative Council assembly on 1 August.
Speaking on families who reside in Orana Estate, Mr Battin said that one family who has to take their children to school “currently cannot go down the very short road which would go straight to the new school down in Clyde North”.
“They have to go out on Pattersons Road, along Clyde Road, back down Thompsons Road, taking about 35 to 40 minutes.
“That is about two hours out of the day for each of those parents picking up and dropping off their students,” he said.
Specifically on Bells Road, Mr Battin referred to it as an “important road”, a “connector road” that the government has “failed to deliver”.
“The reason this is important is because we have got a letter from the Minister for Transport Infrastructure to state that this road is open.
“When you visit the road, you cannot drive on it, you cannot walk on it, you cannot have any traffic lights on it, you cannot build on it and there are no lines on it,” he said.
The Minister for Transport Infrastructure’s office has been contacted for additional information, but they were unable to reply before deadline.
Ms Sandhu acknowledged that infrastructure is a major issue being faced by a majority of suburbs in the southeastern corridor, with mobile connectivity being another.
However, while difficult, she said patience is a needed factor, and that “it hurts, but we need to
think about what happens later on”.
“Right now Soldiers Road is horrible, Bells Road isn’t open yet, so I understand, where are people going to go?
“But when they open, it’s going to be fine, we will wait and definitely it’s going to be okay,” she said.
However, Mr Battin isn’t easily swayed, with his calls and residents’ concerns on congestion still sounding strong with the safety issues on Thompsons Roundabout having been raised “for a long period of time”.
“What is worse is the funding that is in the budget for this is not to actually do this project for about four years.
“The southeast communities deserve better,” he said.
New tech makes underground service location safer
The latest in augmented reality technology is being put to good use on the Clyde Road Upgrade.
Major Road Projects Victoria and its early works construction contractor Downer have begun using the Augmented Reality for RealTime Site Interaction system to help make underground service location safer and more efficient.
Being able to show where underground services are located in real time, this innovative technology uses existing maps and data to create a 3D model of underground services, allowing crews to coordinate their work and see in real time what is under their feet.
“We’re viewing Clyde Road’s intricate gas, sewage and electrical services in a whole new way thanks to the latest augmented reality technology,” Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Marc Peterson said.
“This technology is the next in the line of major improvements to how we dig, minimising service strikes and outages and cutting down construction time in the process.”
With the ability to see the location of services in real-time, crews are reducing the hazard risk of accidental service strikes, which can lead to significant injury.
The safety benefits are also matched with a clear cost and time saving by decreasing unplanned outages during construction, bringing down costs, and improving decision making by having clear visuals of where services are located.
Crews have been putting the technology to good use on the Clyde Road Upgrade as they commence works to safely relocate underground telecommunication services across the Princes Freeway.
There will be lane closures in both directions of the Princes Freeway under Clyde Road from now until Sunday 18 August, from 9pm to 5am each night.
Delays of up to five minutes are expected while lanes are closed on the Princes Freeway. Detours will be in place via the Princes Highway and O’Shea Road while the Princes Freeway outbound entry ramp from Clyde Road is closed.
Access for emergency services and to surrounding hospitals, learning institutions and businesses will be maintained at all times. There will be no impact on public transport services.
The project will also close the Princes Freeway outbound entry ramp from Clyde Road between Tuesday 6 August and Friday 9 August, from 9pm to 5am each night.
The Clyde Road Upgrade will commence major construction later this year.
Inderjit Kaur Sandhu, a home investor who purchased three lots in Emerald Bend is confident in the area’s growth and amenities. (Ethan Benedicto: 424051)
Homes under construction at the edge of Promenade Village in Berwick Waters, the neighbouring estate to Emerald Bend.
A lone home under construction at the edge of Promenade Village, with homes across Thompsons Road visible in the background.
Clyde Road Upgrade is using new augmented reality technology. (Supplied)
The technology helps crews identify underground services.
Tragic plight reflects many
By Sahar Foladi
An emotional vigil was held for Uthayakaran Periyathamby who died after 11 years in limbo as a Tamil asylum seeker.
The 53-year-old Dandenong resident passed away in his sleep on Tuesday 16 July in an alltoo-common premature death among refugees and asylum seekers, according to Tamil Refugee Council founder Aran Mylvaganam.
“For the past nine years he’s been in this stage of limbo. Eventually he lost his life, and the coroner couldn’t find cause of death. He wasn’t that old and no known health issues.
“I have personally organised many funerals for refugees and many of their deaths are in similar circumstance.
“All I can do is speculate and say stress, depression, fear of not knowing, separation from family, everything combined - it takes their life.”
The Tamil Refugee Council had organised for Mr Periyathamby’s funeral costs via a GoFundMe page which garnered just $2400.
He was put to rest on Thursday 25 July as close friends known as “family members” were emotional, upset and angry that their pleas for permanent refuge are falling on deaf ears.
Mr Periyathamby escaped the genocide of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka and arrived in 2012 by boat, leaving behind his wife and children.
He was placed on Manus Island and later released into the community on a bridging visa in 2013.
His claim for a permanent protection visa was rejected via the so-called “flawed” ‘fast-track’ process.
He lived 11 long years in agony since being released in the community, Mr Mylnaganam said.
Eleven years of torture and falling prey to “dodgy employers” as he had no right to work in the community nor have access to Medicare, he said.
“People were very emotional and upset (at the vigil); the Government aren’t doing anything about their situation,” Mr Mylvaganam said.
“They (refugees and asylum seekers) struggle to get permanent jobs, jobs that have no security and are very low paid, and the children who have grown up in Australia are unable to get into universities.
“On one hand the parents are struggling be-
cause of the visa, while kids are being treated as second-class people. It’s a scandal that no one is willing to look in to.”
Unfortunately this is the case for refugees and asylum seekers left behind by the Federal Government’s fast-tracked Resolution of Status visas for refugees announced in February 2023, advocates say.
The Department of Home Affairs has committed to transitioning over 19,000 people holding Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEVs) to a permanent visa by February 2024.
A majority of the eligible TPV/SHEV cohort have now been granted RoS visas.
As at 30 June 2024 there were 18,026 RoS visa holders, and 2,038 RoS visa applications on hand.
A further 1,190 people were waiting on a decision on their initial TPV or SHEV application.
“The Labor party is slightly better than Liberals when it comes to treatment of refugees but they continue a lot of the same policies as the Liberals.
“It’s really not fair. It’s brought to the govern-
ment’s attention and they haven’t done anything about it,” Mr Mylvaganam said.
Those left behind through the fast-track RoS visa road to permanent residence include Iranians (519), Sri Lankans (245), as well as Rohingyas.
There are more than 4500 rejected TPV, SHEV and RoS visa applications at judicial review as of 30 June 2024 according to Refugee Council of Australia.
Bruce MP Julian Hill, recently announced as Assistant Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs said RoS visas are provided to those who applied or are found to be owed protection.
He said conditions imposed on bridging-visa (BV) holders, including work rights, depend on the applicant’s specific circumstances, “to ensure policy intent of migration program is upheld.”
“The Government expects that if a BV holder has work rights and has the capacity to work, they will support themselves. The Government understands that it may be difficult for someone to support themselves while their immigration matter is being resolved if they cannot work and participate in the community.
“Eligible BV holders can apply for the Status Resolution Support Services program if they are experiencing hardship which is impacting their ability to resolve their migration status.”
The Status Resolution Support Service program (SRSS) provides a range of various shortterm needs-based services tailored to individual circumstances. which can include access to healthcare, education for school aged children, accommodation and financial support.
“Attaching conditions to BVs provides the structure for engagement between an applicant and the department and is reflective of a strong system of assessment and review,” Mr Hill said.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that appropriate conditions are utilised.”
Mr Mylvaganam called on the Bruce MP for “meaningful action.”
“We know the Member for Bruce Julian Hill understands the issues, being the assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.
“We want him to come up with meaningful actions after years of empty promises and grant all these refugees permanent visas. It has gone for far too long.”
Star News has previously reported on those waiting for permanent protection and who describe Australia as an “open prison”, such as a Dandenong-based Tamil couple that fled civil war in Sri Lanka after being shot and escaping death.
There’s also Nige who fled by boat in 2009 who only sees his Sri-Lankan-based 17-year-old son and wife via video calls, or Roger whose application was rejected and an appeal has been pending since 2016.
Or Lenny who left behind his girlfriend and parents more than a decade ago. His parents have since passed away and his partner could no longer wait and married another man.
“This is not about Tamils, there are Iranians, Rohingyas, Iraqi, Afghan people who have fled various conflicts and come to this country as refugees,” Mr Mylvaganam said.
“Uthaysakaran represent the plight of every refugee’s not just Tamil refugees.”
The group had held a 24/7 encampment outside the former Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil’s office. Since the recent cabinet reshuffle, they’ve shifted to the newly-announced Minister Tony Burke’s office.
Changes are coming to kerbside bins in the City of Casey
Casey is inviting residents to have their say on how the community can better manage waste.
Community feedback will help the Council to better understand your preference for waste management in Casey.
The Victorian Government is standardising household waste and recycling services across the state, which will see council’s kerbside services move to a four-bin system by 2027: General rubbish (red lid), Co-mingled recycling (yellow lid), Food and garden waste (lime green lid), and Glass (purple lid).
To meet the Victorian Government requirements, council will work towards transitioning residents to colour-coded bin lids, introduce a glass bin, and continue to roll out a food and
garden waste bin to every Casey household.
City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM encourages all residents and businesses who use the council’s waste services to share their feedback via an online survey.
“Your input will help council to maximise resource recovery and provide a user-friendly waste service in the future,” Ms Duff said.
The survey is now open on Casey Conversations until 5pm on Monday 16 September and residents who complete the survey can go in the draw to win a $100 gift voucher.
Several pop-up events will also be hosted across the community providing residents with an opportunity to provide feedback in person.
For more information and to complete the
online survey, visit Casey Conversations at conversations.casey.vic.gov.au
Pop-up event
· Casey ARC
· 4pm to 7pm, Thursday 8 August
Frog Hollow Reserve, Endeavour Hills — Parkrun
· 7.30am to 10am, Saturday 10 August
Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre
· 10am to 3pm, Wednesday 14 August
Pearcedale Market
· 8am to 12pm, Saturday 17 August
Shopping on Clyde, 280 BerwickCranbourne Road, Clyde
· 10am to 3pm, Wednesday 21 August
Akoonah Park Market
· 8am to 12pm, Sunday 25 August
Casey Central Shopping Centre
· 10am to 3pm, Wednesday 28 August
Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre
· 10am to 3pm, Thursday 5 September
Community Recycling Day at Manna Gum
Family and Community Centre
· 10am to 3pm, Saturday 7 September
Casey Stadium
· 4pm to 7pm, Thursday 12 September
Casey Pet Expo
· 10am to 4pm, Saturday 14 September
Doveton Show
· 9am-5pm, Sunday 22 September
A refugee protests for permanent protection in a 24/7 vigil outside former Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil’s office. (Supplied)
Supporters at a recent 24/7 protest vigil for asylum seekers and refugees.
Members of the encampment in front of the Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil’s electorate office on Friday 26 July.
Signature inked
Tattoo and Magpies fans alike flocked to Celebrity
Trades & Services
Collision under investigation
Police are investigating a serious collision in Hampton Park which occurred around 6.55am on 1 August, where a vehicle collided with a truck.
The male driver of the vehicle was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries; no one else was harmed.
Two other vehicles were damaged during the collision, and the exact circumstances are still to be determined.
Authorities have urged those who have witnessed the incident or have dashcam/CCTV footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www. crimestoppers.com.au
Multiple charges
A Cranbourne South teen in an alleged stolen ute has been charged after an extended follow by police through the South East early on Wednesday 31 July.
The 18-year-old was driving a Toyota Hilux allegedly stolen from Botanic Ridge in Cranbourne South that night.
With assistance from the Air Wing, police say they followed the vehicle from Dandenong through multiple suburbs to Brighton.
It is alleged the driver dumped the Hilux before he was arrested on Seymour Grove.
The man was charged with car theft, reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, dangerous driving whilst being pursued by police, dealing in proceeds of crime, going equipped to steal and other traffic-related offences.
He was bailed to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 2 December.
School boost
The Diocese of Sale community has celebrated the State Government’s recent announcement of $30 million of capital funding to support construction projects at Catholic schools across the diocese. Several Catholic school building projects estimated to commence in 2025 would each receive $6 million in funding towards new stages of construction, including St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School, Clyde North: Stage 2 and a new Catholic Primary School (Cardinia Creek South), Clyde: Stage 1.
The man of the hour - Dane Swan.
Celebrity Ink Fountain Gate artists Cris and Manny (front), artist Tove, receptionist Katey, owner Blake, artist Carolina and manager Dawn.
Artist Carolina makes Kim’s Dane signature into a tattoo.
Justine meets Dane while getting a tattoo.
Dane signs the arm of life-long Magpies fan Bobby, with the signature then made into a tattoo.
Connecting generations
Friendships and life experiences are being shared in a heart-warming project that brings together Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar and residents of a local retirement village.
Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar and a group of elderly ladies from Botanic Ridge Retirement Living have made Mother’s Day cards together, played games to build mathematical skills, enjoyed a wildlife incursion and even handled a python and talked about what going to school was like many years ago.
Along the way, they have also swapped life stories, laughed, and built some touching and lasting friendships.
Inspired by the TV series, Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, the idea to bring together the young students and the group of elderly women was initiated by Clyde Grammar teacher Deanne Bourke.
“After watching Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds I was inspired by the bonds that developed between the children and older people,” Deanne said.
Botanic Ridge Retirement Living manager Wade Farnsworth threw his support behind the idea and a group of residents in their 60s, 70s and 80s volunteered to meet with the Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar.
Theresidentsandstudentsnowmeetthroughout each term.
WHAT’S ON
Women’s Health Week
Blind Bight Community Centre and Women’s Health in the South East are presenting a conversation about women’s health for Women’s Health Week from 11am to 1pm on Friday 6 September.
A free friendly forum where local women can share experiences, learn from each other and discuss the health topics that matter most to them.
· For more information or to book visit www. blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au or phone 5998 7014.
New Vogue dancing
Berwick Activities Club is offering another eightweek course on New Vogue dancing, commencing on Friday 6 September from 7pm to 8pm in the Timbarra Community Centre.
Dancing is a great way to make new friends and at the completion of the course you may join the weekly dance held on Thursday evenings. Booking is essential as numbers are limited.
· For more information, contact Bruce on 0447 554 475.
Trivia night
The Berwick Activities Club is hosting a trivia night on Saturday 7 September, with tables of six available.
· To book a table or a seat, phone David on 0433 566 456.
Blind Bight Community Centre
Craft gift making for adults from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Tuesdays.
Join in the craft gift making class and bring along your own craft to complete.
A variety of techniques and skills are shared including mosaics, macrame, sewing and painting at $3 per class.
Playgroup from 10.30am to noon on Wednesdays.
The program provides fun play activities and craft for children at $5 per family.
Free knit and crochet from noon to 2pm on Wednesdays.
Line dancing from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesdays. All ages, and abilities welcome at $10 per class.
· For more information and for bookings, visit www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club
Are you new newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom as a senior or expand your social life?
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities and friendship.
The club hosts weekly social activities with dance to low-key in-line dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, chat time, then enjoy scrumptious afternoon teas!
Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dining trips,
“On the very first visit from the residents, I walked around the room watching the children engaging so eagerly with the ladies. One of the ladies stopped me and said, ‘I just love this’, and it made the whole process so worthwhile,” Deanne recalled.
“To see everyone – young and old – getting to know one another warmed my heart.
“The idea is that the children and the older people learn from each other and enjoy each oth-
er’s company. I cannot tell you how excited the children have been when they find out the ladies are visiting.
“They’ve learned to show respect to older people, and their innocence and the questions the students ask the ladies always make us smile!”
As well as arts and crafts and games, the elderly visitors and the children have celebrated Book Week and a disco together.
a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.
Come along on Thursdays from 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join the club for a coffee and a chat with a friendly bunch on a Wednesday at 10am at Little Sparrow Cafe at Fountain Gate.
· For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
Cranbourne U3A
Visit the new club rooms at 20-22 Bowen Street between 10am to 3pm each weekday.
For more information, visit www.u3acranbourne. org.au
Cranbourne Senior Citizens
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Weekly line dancing on Mondays from 10am to noon, New Vogue and Old Time Dancing from 1pm to 3.30pm on Tuesdays, Carpet Bowls on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11.30am to 2.30pm and bingo from 11am to 2pm on Thursdays.
· For all enquiries or bookings, contact Marilyn on 0432 107 590.
Balla Balla Community Centre
Health & Wellbeing classes held at Balla Balla Community Centre include pilates on Tuesday afternoons or Wednesday evenings, Zumba - Tuesday evenings and Yoga Thursday late afternoons or evenings. Enhance your fitness levels before Spring arrives.
· For more information, visit ballaballa.com.au
Combined Probus Club of Narre Warren
The club welcomes men and women to join for fun and interesting activities.
The club hosts bowling, armchair travel, book clubs, walk and talk, happy snappers and cards.
· For enquries, contact Heather at hsims14@ gmail.com
The residents joined the children’s wildlife incursion, too, and were equally excited to see crocodiles, snakes, kookaburras and sugar gliders.
The residents have also helped students with their classwork as they have been studying ‘how things change over time’.
The two generations compared their own school memories and experiences in the classroom and how much school lunches have changed through the decades.
“I think this experience has changed the children’s perception of older people and it’s been lovely to see how easily the children talk to the ladies. They have no qualms at all about asking them questions or even asking for a hug,” Deanne said.
“I think the ladies have also enjoyed seeing how much the children actually enjoy their company.”
Clyde Grammar principal Leanne Evans said the idea to bridge the generation gap had been hugely successful and rewarding for everyone involved.
“The days when the ladies from Botanic Ridge Retirement Living visit their friends in Year 1 are very special days at Clyde Grammar,” she said.
“Everyone looks forward to catching up with each other and sharing their news and stories, and the memories that are being made will last a lifetime for our students.”
Cranbourne and District Garden Club
The club is turning 51 this year and still meets at the Cranbourne Public Hall from 1.15pm on the second Thursday of the month.
The club enjoys day trips and lunches, afternoon teas and friendship.
· For more information, contact Julie on 5995 1420 or Jean on 9704 6242.
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club has started a Scrabble Club recently and it runs every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.
It will be both competitive and social on a oneto-one basis.
Come along to learn how to play or improve your game.
Word lists and more will be available to increase your skills.
· Contact David on 0433 566 456.
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
Meetings finish at noon when many of our members assemble for lunch at one of the local cafes.
The club meets at the Old Cheese Factory at 9.45am on the second Tuesday of each month.
BADFolk Club
Berwick and District Folk Club meets on the third Friday of each month.
Doors open at 6.30pm, with the music running from 7pm to 10pm with entry $15.
· For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264.
Craft classes
Join Berwick Activities Group’s Elizabeth to discover the world of papercraft and have a chat with like-minded people.
Tuesdays from 10am to noon at Timbarra Community Centre at $5 per class, all materials supplied.
· Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.
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 the main club day on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 3pm at 192-196 Centre Road in Narre Warren.
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.
· For more information, phone 9704 0015 or 0426 736 467 or email narrewarrenseniors@ gmail.com
Mental health peer support program
The free program is based on a 12-step program of personal growth, mutual help, and support.
Participants share challenges and solutions in a supportive and structured peer-to-peer format within a confidential, caring, and sharing community. 10.30am to 12.30pm on Thursdays, excluding school holidays at Balla Balla Community Centre in Clyde North.
· For enquiries, contact Grow Victoria on 9528 2977 or 1 800 558 268.
Chair dancing
Would you enjoy exercising from the comfort of your chair?
Join the Berwick Activities Group for some seated movement sessions from 10.45am to 11.30am on Wednesdays including fun and uplifting songs and different styles and eras of music. Timbarra Community Centre at $8 per session.
· For more information, contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.
DnD at Orana
Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is an inclusive tabletop, fantasy, role playing game.
Participants work together with other players to go on adventures in the DnD world.
You can act, explore, instigate, solve problems, and tell stories as you bring their chosen character to life within the game world.
Second Saturday of each month, 1pm to 9pm, Orana Community Place, 16/18 Playwright St, Clyde North.
· For enquiries and to book a spot at the table, reach out to Jonathan Whelan at thestoryweaver.dnd@gmail.com
Weekly badminton
All welcome for badminton from 7pm to 9pm on Mondays and from noon to 2.30pm on Wednesdays 12pm-2.30pm at Hallam Badminton Club at Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.
The Cranbourne and District Garden Club is welcoming new members to join. (File)
Mahtab (left) and Joan (right). (Supplied)
Bell brings class to 2025 Casey Demons
Casey Demons Netball is thrilled to announce its coaching team for the 2025 Victorian Netball League (VNL) season; headlined by some familiar and esteemed faces in the netball community.
Erin Bell, an ex-Australian Diamond and foundation Casey Demons athlete, will be stepping up to lead the Championship side.
Bell’s extensive experience and leadership skills make her an exciting addition to the coaching team. Her transition from player to coach is anticipated to bring fresh insights and strategies to the Demons.
Bell will be joined by Meagan Dell, an elite coach who returns to the Championship side for 2025. Dell’s expertise and dedication have been pivotal in the team’s development, and her continued involvement promises to strengthen the squad further.
Steve Murray will be returning in 2025, bringing his wealth of experience to support both VNL teams as the Head Coach.
Murray’s dual role will see him contribute to the Championship side and the 23-Under team, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive coaching approach across the board.
Leading the 23-Under side is Michelle Mashado, who has been steadily building her coaching resume through her work along the Casey Netball pathway.
Mashado’s commitment to developing young talent will be instrumental in nurturing the next generation of athletes.
After an interrupted 2024 season, Casey Demons are looking to reset and aim for a more successful year in 2025.
The team is eager to build on their foundations and achieve new heights in the upcoming season.
This announcement marks an exciting new chapter for the Casey Demons, filled with promise and potential for the 2025 season.
With such a talented and experienced coaching team at the helm, the future looks bright for the club and its athletes.
athletes can register through the following link:
Stingrays’ stellar form continues
By Jonty Ralphsmith
St Kilda father-son prospect Elwood Peckett has continued his strong form in Dandenong’s 15.11.101 to 6.8.44 thumping of Murray at Wangaratta on Saturday.
Playing as a midfielder-forward, Peckett finished with 25 disposals, five goals and eight tackles, showing some flair following a hard-working performance in the wet last weekend.
The Stingrays opened up an early buffer and were never seriously threatened by the Bushrangers, with plenty of players showing their weapons.
After a season-best game last week, Harry Doughton was again clean and tenacious in a 16 disposal performance in the midfield, lined up on explosive draft prospect Joe Berry in the first half.
It’s fitting that those two have performed in a fortnight where Dandenong has staked its claims to go deep in finals.
After losing its first two games of the season, the Stingrays have won nine of their last 11.
The only losses have been: in Tasmania against a well-drilled Devils outfit hard to beat at home, and to premiership favourites Sandringham by eight points – a game they had opportunities to win.
The Rays entered the season with cocaptains Harvey Langford and Cooper Hynes as known commodities, alongside key-position player Noah Mraz, who has been sidelined with injury.
While the leaders have excelled, it’s been the form of Peckett, Doughton, defenders Charlie Orchard and Kane Hurst, and ruck Jordan Doherty, alongside the emergence of Sam Toner and bottom-agers Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves, Archie Le Clerc and Toby Sinnema which have given the team a backbone and spread the load.
at caseydemons@caseynetball.
For more information, please contact the Casey
DDCA mourning a true cricket gentleman
By Marcus Uhe
The Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) community is in mourning following the passing of Hall of Fame member and Life Member, Alan Wookey.
A beloved figure in DDCA circles, Wookey passed away on Saturday 27 July, aged 96.
Wookey was a premiership player at Dandenong West Cricket Club before embarking on a long and distinguished career as an umpire, commencing after his playing stint at the Bulls and lasting more 400 games, including 25 1st Grade grand finals.
He earned Life Membership to the Dandenong District Cricket Association Umpires Association during the 1970/71 season, and DDCA Life Membership in 1980.
At different stages, he held the position of treasurer, umpires advisor and delegate to the DDCA. His legacy is enshrined the crowning of the Alan Wookey Medal, awarded to the Turf 1 player each year who receives the most umpires votes for the season.
Wookey took great pride in presenting the medal to the winner each season at the annual presentation day and 2023/24 winner, Springvale South’s Jordan Wyatt, was honoured to have the man himself present it to him upon his triumph last season.
“It’s a prestigious award, so to win it and have it presented by him, it’s really special,” Wyatt said at the time.
“It’s awesome, it was so cool to see him get up and say a few words and to hand the medal over, it’s really cool.”
Since his passing, tributes have flooded on social media, with those that knew him sharing heart-warming stories of his influence.
Dandenong West cricket Club president Peter Lindsay described Wookey as a “lovely man”.
“I remember him umpiring an Under 16 interleague game at Buckley Ridges,” Lindsay said.
“I was bowling, hit a bloke on the pads and we didn’t think too much of it.
“As I was walking back past Alan he said to me ‘if you had have appealed, I reckon I would have given that out’.
“He was the most respected umpire that’s ever been in my time in the DDCA and a lovely lovely man.
“Every year he would come down to Dande-
nong West and watch a game, or say g’day, or be involved.”
DDCA committee member and former Springvale South champion Craig Slocombe said he was “enormous” for the association.
“He was a gentleman, that’s the main thing,” he said.
“Sport’s changing now and everyone’s got a ‘win at all costs’ attitude, but when Alan umpired he did it for the love of the game.
“He’s a true gentleman that had a true love of the game and had time for everybody.”
Doherty is averaging 19 disposals and 11 hitouts, Hibbins-Hargreaves regularly stands up in big moments, Orchard and Hurst are hard to beat, while Le Clerc’s marking and Sinnema’s tank have rounded the Stingrays outfit nicely.
The Rays will regain disciplined hard nut Charlie Rowe and key forward/ruck Tairon Ah-Mu from school footy for their next game, against Calder on Saturday 17 August at Shepley Oval.
Dandenong’s girls comfortably outclassed Murray 7.6 48 to 1.5 11 on Saturday at Wangaratta.
After a tight first quarter, Dandenong’s talent shone through in the second quarter as they broke away from their hard working opponents.
Highly-regarded clean bottom-aged forward Nalu Brothwell had the most productive game of her Coates League career with four goals, including two in the second term, to go with nine tackles.
Debutante Josie Brent kicked two, while Elli Symonds continued her excellent form showing her power and polish with 14 disposals
Charlie Orchard has been a sturdy member of the Dandenong defence and key piece of their form rise. (Gary Sissons: 417599)
Alan Wookey (left) presenting the Alan Wookey Medal to Cranbourne all-rounder Matt Chasemore in 2016. (File: 151397)
Athletes are invited to trial for the 2025 VNL and Pathway teams. Trials will take place at the Olive Road Sporting Complex over two weeks in late August.
Interested
Casey Demons Trials Registration.
Demons
Erin Bell is returning to Casey Demons to coach the VNL Championship side in 2025. (Supplied)
Footscray feast on Demons
By Marcus Uhe
A final quarter avalanche of goals against the Casey Demons ensured the novelty of a rare Friday night VFL contest against Footscray was nowhere to be seen after the final siren.
A precursor to the two sides facing off at senior level on Friday night, the Bulldogs bookended the game with strong first and final quarters to runaway 56-point winners at the Whitten Oval, 19.10 124 to 10.8 68.
11 shots to just two in the opening term in the Bulldogs’ favour was a taste of things to come for the Demons, immediately under siege from a side pushing to lock away a top-two finish come season’s end.
Save for a Ben Brown contested mark and goal deep in attack, it was one-way traffic for the Bulldogs, who piled on five of the opening six goals to lead by 29 points at the first break.
Casey offered considerably more resistance in the second term, but failed to make any gains on the rampant Bulldogs priming for September.
Goals to Kynan Brown, Matthew Jefferson and Shane McAdam in a five-minute span late in the quarter was a bright patch, and could have shone even more if not for a McAdam miss late in the term that would have cut the margin to 15.
The new Demon has been a constant threat in the forward half for the Demons when selected in 2024 since crossing from Adelaide, but missed shots in recent fixtures - most notably a fortnight ago against Frankston - at crucial times has proved detrimental for his side’s chances to take the challenge to the opposition.
The miss would be one of the last opportunities on goal for the next half hour, as the Bulldogs flexed their muscle with the first four goals of the quarter to stretch the margin to 45 points after 20 minutes of play.
AFL-listed talents Arthur Jones, Harvey Gallagher and Riley Sanders all contributed to the pileon, but like in the previous quarter, the Demons
drew on resilience reserves to claw their way back from the depths.
Majors to McAdam, Jefferson and Luker Kentfield in another five-minute flurry of activity in time-on left the door ajar for a miracle of sorts in the final term, but the task would prove too much for the Demons to overcome.
Allaying any doubts for the Footscray fans, the home side slammed on seven of the final nine goals of the evening, including the last four, to put the finishing touches on a 12th win for 2024, and
Jesse’s Craven the big-time
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Tooradin youngster Jesse Craven made his VFL debut on Saturday following strong form for the Seagulls and Gippsland in the Coates Talent League.
The emerging utility was part of the Casey lineup during the club’s heavy loss to premiership frontrunners Footscray on Friday.
Playing as both an inside and outside midfielder in his 10 Coates League games in 2024, the 19-year-old has averaged 19 disposals and five tackles.
It’s the 176cm player’s third year at the Power, returning this season as an overaged player and discussed around the club as a professional and selfless player.
It’s a sentiment that Tooradin Dalmore senior coach Jordan Kelly echoes, having played Craven across multiple lines in his six games for the West Gippsland Football Football Netball League club in 2024.
“We’ve thrown him around a lot but he’ll do
whatever you ask and he just delivers,” Kelly said.
“He’s completely ready-made, I reckon he’s as good a young player as you’ll find in the competition.
“He comes in and is one of our top-liners - it’s not a shock he’s playing VFL.”
Kelly singled out Craven’s game against sixthplaced Warragul Industrials on ANZAC Day as a game that showed he belonged at senior footy, where he went close to winning the medal as a gamebreaking halfback
In his six games for the Gulls this season, Craven has been named in the best four times.
While he managed jut four disposals playing limited minutes as the 23rd man for Casey, Kelly is confident he has traits transferable to the state league.
“I think he’ll take that step - his skill level and IQ is 100 per cent there and he’s super clean,” Kelly said.
“I have no doubt he’ll have a long VFL career which is pretty cool for the club.”
move into second ahead of the remainder of the round.
Fresh from a bye the week prior compared to Casey fronting up after a six-day break from last weekend’s heartbreaking loss to GWS in wet conditions in Cranbourne, the Demons took a hammering around the ball, losing the possession count by 145 and clearances by 16.
Despite fielding more AFL-listed talent than their opponents, the Demons had no answers for multiple All-Australian Jackson Macrae (43
disposals) and emerging star Ryley Sanders (39 disposals and three goals), while former Demon Oskar Baker was not far beyond on 31 touches and two goals.
Bailey Laurie offered another strong showing as he always does for Casey, notching 29 touches and 10 tackles, and Jefferson’s second four-goal haul takes him to 29 goals for the year.
The Demons will put their feet up this week before heading to the Gold Coast to finish their season on Saturday 17 August against the Suns.
Draft combine for locals
Seven locals have received invites to the AFL Draft Combine to be held in Melbourne from Friday 4 October until Sunday 6 October.
Gippsland duo Xavier Lindsay and Alixzander Tauru and Dandenong’s Cooper Hynes, Harvey Langford and Noah Mraz were invited to the National Combine, alongside Jasper Alger, who represents Oakleigh as he boards at Caulfield Grammar, but is a Warragul local.
Ricky Mentha and Asher Eastham were both invited to the State Combine.
Lindsay, Langford and Hynes have all had exceptional seasons in the Talent Pathway system, while Tauru’s stocks are rising quickly given his intercepting and courage.
Alger is a small forward with an excellent leap who had a productive national championships for Vic Country, while Mraz missed the AFL Academy games and under-18s carni-
val through injury but is viewed as one of the best key-position players.
Mentha is a member of the AFL Academy and has appealing x-factor, while Eastham is an excellent marking forward who wasn’t part of the Vic Country lineup but has been consistent for the Power.
Club interviews will be held at the MCG across Friday and Saturday before players take part in physical testing at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) on Sunday.
Testing will again include the vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20-metre sprint, agility test and 2km time trial.
Selection to attend the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft Combine was based on nominations provided by AFL clubs, with a total of 65 players selected.
Jesse Craven in action for Tooradin. (Stewart Chambers: 412137)
Asher Eastham’s selection is off the back of strong form for Gippsland. (Stewart Chambers: 339169)
Matthew Jefferson’s four goals were a highlight for Casey Demons fans in Friday’s loss to Footscray. (Rob Carew: 421604)
SPORT
Eagles out of control
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cranbourne has lost control of its destiny and blown a golden opportunity to move into the top five, with a second half fadeout denying them victory against East Brighton, going down 17.6 108 to 13.6 84.
The result puts them two games and 11 percentage points outside the top five, with matches against Bentleigh, Chelsea Heights and Springvale Districts to come.
Positively for Cranbourne, East Brighton and Port Melbourne, also jostling for the last finals spots, have tougher runs home, but they’ve handicapped themselves by relying on everything to go right, including other results.
The Eagles kicked six of the last seven goals before halftime to open up a 21-point lead at the half, with Zak Roscoe and Tyson Barry each kicking multiples before halftime, while Ryan Jones was also important on offence.
But the story of the day was what happened after halftime, with Cranbourne conceding nine goals in a third quarter they could come to rue come season’s end.
The first two goals were conceded via holds in marking contests for a defence missing leader Brandon Osborne to injury – something coach Steve O’Brien refused to use as an excuse.
The third was via a 50-metre penalty, and from there the Vampires clicked into gear and were hard to stop.
They skipped out to a 16-point lead at the 20-minute-mark of the quarter before Roscoe stabilised, but those forward entries proved too fleeting in the second half.
“It’s happened to us a couple of times this year where we’ve been undisciplined with free kicks and haven’t been able to arrest control of the game which is unlike us and it’s a bit disappointing that has happened to us a couple of times in big games,” O’Brien said.
“It’s never been us but it’s something we need
to identify and address moving forward.
“He was nice and dangerous inside 50 which was good to see.
“The first quarter was a bit of a shootout and then we were able to gain the ascendancy and get things on our terms in the second quarter which was pleasing.
“It was just frustrating that in the third quarter they were a bit harder at the pill than us and that turned the game.
“They started winning the clearances and that was the end of it.
“We made a few changes at three quarter time but the result says they didn’t work even though they showed some promising signs.”
Meanwhile, in Division 2, Doveton had its second consecutive 100-point win, 20.16 136 to 4.9 33, this time over St Kilda City.
The scoreboard blew out in the fourth quarter, with Matthew Rogers, Matt Clarke, Brodie Howie, Max Sheppard, Hayden Waters and Ash Brown all finishing with multiples.
After a rugged first half, Endeavour Hills broke
Devon Meadows bounces back to very best form
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Joel Hillis and Nick Battle have run rings around Tyabb’s midfield in Devon Meadows’ strong return to the winners’ list on Saturday, defeating the Yabbies 16.16 112 to 7.6 48.
After an early shootout, Devon Meadows flexed its muscle, kicking 13 goals to three after the first break to make a statement and all but lock up third spot on the ladder.
After a quieter match against Edi-Asp by his standards, Hillis exploded with 38 disposals, six clearances and a goal, while Battle complemented him perfectly with 36 disposals.
Highlighting the Panthers’ spread and ascendancy in the clinches, 10 of the top 13 contested ball winners were from the visitors at Bunguyan Reserve.
Brendan Hermann looked polished and hungry on his return from injury, while Ryan Koo’s pressure allowed that trio to thrive.
In his third match back from injury, Patrick Ryder looks to be building into form nicely, taking a game-high 12 marks, including eight contested, and kicking three goals in a confidence-booster inside 50.
Liam Drew and Daniel Hellyer led the defence with seven intercept possessions each, brilliant one-on-one.
The results of the weekend set up Devon Meadows’ last match of the home and away season against Pearcedale perfectly.
Should other results fall as expected, the Panthers have the opportunity to knock their fierce rivals out of finals.
Given the stakes, Pearcedale will come out with a hard-edge, providing the Panthers with a perfect tune-up on the eve of finals.
The Dales defeated Crib Point by 40 points on Saturday, led by Ryan Bastinac and Archie McGuiness.
Skye’s fight, getting up 14.14 98 to 7.8 50, with Alex Cann, Sam Delosa and John Rafferty leading the way.
Hampton Park, meanwhile, was upstaged by a Highett side bolstered by the inclusion of Richmond VFL gun Tom McCarthy.
The Redbacks recovered well from a 21-point quarter-time deficit, to take the lead at the half, but conceded four goals in the last quarter to go down 11.13 79 to 10.9 69.
In just his second senior game of the season, Kyle Brooks kicked two important goals, while Tanner Stanton, Jackson Dalton and Aaron Holden were all influential.
The result almost certainly positions the Spiders to face Caulfield in the elimination final, with East Malvern now a game and percentage clear in third spot with two rounds left of the regular season.
Doveton faces East Malvern on Saturday, Endeavour Hills will give itself a chance against the top-placed Murrumbeena side they pushed for three quarters earlier in the season and Hampton Park will hope to respond against Keysborough.
Casey bank crucial win
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey’s 2-1 win over Brunswick has effectively locked in finals for 2024 in the Vic League 1 women’s competition.
Sam Wagg scored a double in a powerful performance at Berwick Secondary College.
The Cannons are now two games clear of seventh and eighth on the table with four rounds to go in the season.
Casey has each of the bottom-three placed sides in the next three rounds before facing top-placed Toorak East Malvern which will be an excellent litmus test ahead of a cutthroat finals series.
Meanwhile, Tristan Chaffey scored a double in the men’s 2-0 victory over Melbourne High School Old Boys which keeps the Cannons in third spot, equal with fourth placed Baydside and just a point behind second-placed Craigieburn.
Grand final time for Veterans
By David Nagel
Loyal supporter bases will be out in force on Sunday when Nar Nar Goon takes on Devon Meadows in the inaugural West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC) Veteran’s grand final at Bass Recreation Reserve.
The Goon progressed to the big dance via a 23-point semi-final victory over Phillip Island, while the Panthers were equally impressive in a 42-point thumping of Tooradin-Dalmore.
Nar Nar Goon has been the team of the season, winning all six games during the home-andaway rounds by a combined margin of 437 points.
Its lowest winning margin was 55 points against Neerim South in the final round of the season, while a 121-point thumping of Warragul Industrials in round three gave everyone in the competition a true indication of who the genuine front-runners might be.
The Goon has had plenty of dangerous players in its forward line, with Shannon Stocco, Lucas Thomas, Jared Goldsack, Michael Whyte and Troy Farrell kicking 34 goals between them.
The Panthers are more reliant on one or two stars, with Ben Mayers leading the league for
goals with 18, while Bob Mackay has slotted seven.
But next best on the Devon Meadows list is Greg McLeish with just three.
Former Doveton star, and now Devon Meadows senior coach, Ryan Hendy, could be the wildcard for the Panthers, while Andy Oldmeadow will reacquaint himself with some of his former senior premiership teammates at the Goon from 2010.
Nar Nar Goon will start a short-priced favourite in the big dance, having defeated the Panthers by 57 in their only hit-out against each other in round two.
The Goon has stars in every part of the ground, with Ricky Clark, Nathan Brown, Daniel Galante and Goldsack being big-game performers over the years.
The Panthers will be brave; but it’s the Goon to hoist the WGFNC Veteran’s premiership cup after a 27-point victory.
WGFNC VETERAN’S GRAND FINAL
• Sunday 11 August, 2pm
• Bass Recreational Reserve
• Nar Nar Goon v Devon Meadows
Sam Wagg is a regular upfront for the Cannons. (Gary Sissons: 347266)
Patrick Ryder returned to form on Saturday. (Stewart Chambers: 421603)
Former Pakenham and Gembrook-Cockatoo star Nathan Brown will be a key player when he lines up for Nar Nar Goon in the WGFNC Veterans Grand Final against Devon Meadows on Sunday. (Kyle Pipicelli: 423457)
Tyson Barry was a shining light on a frustrating day for Cranbourne. (Rob Carew: 420282)
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