The Liberal campaign manager in Bruce has been reportedly sacked by the party over a series of abusive social media posts.
Andrew McNabb, a long-time Liberal member from Officer, is running the federal-election campaign for candidate Zahid Safi in a key seat held by Labor on a 5 per cent margin.
The Age reported that posts from an X account under McNabb’s name attacked female anti-Liberal critics, as well as politicians including Bruce Labor MP Julian Hill.
The invective included “leftist b-”, “ugly cow”, “F off you old dinosaur”, “lowlife”, “Get stuffed you over weight GRUB” and “Clearly you need to stick your tampons in your mouth to stop the s... running out”.
The Age reports that the X account of 32 followers has been since switched to private.
Bruce MP Julian Hill said in response: “I encourage the Bruce Liberals to keep speaking for themselves. It’s important that people know what they’re actually like.
“Meanwhile I’ll stay focused on our community.”
Star News sought comment from McNabb, Zahid Safi, La Trobe Liberal MP Jason Wood and the Liberal Party.
A Liberal Party spokesperson reportedly stated to The Age: “The party has been aware of completely unacceptable comments made by a volunteer.
“He is no longer involved in the campaign.
“Those comments do not reflect the party’s values or the standards we expect.”
McNabb was shrouded in similar contro-
versy as a Cardinia Shire council election candidate in 2020.
He denied making controversial posts on his Facebook account, including supporting a ban on Muslim immigration.
His account had been hacked “a number of times”, he told Star News Group’s Pakenham-Berwick Gazette at the time.
“They aren’t my views ... and I agree with you they are just wrong,” he then said.
In 2015, he was suspended from the party after leading a protest at a Berwick fundraiser for then-state upper house Liberal MP Inga Peulich.
As a talkback radio caller earlier that year, he publicly confronted the Liberal then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott, calling him the “world’s worst salesman”.
Bruce candidates weigh in on council’s submission
By Ethan Benedicto
As the election nears, the City of Casey has released its 2025-26 pre-budget commonwealth submission, highlighting its priority projects and initiatives, and earmarked them for importance at both Federal and State levels.
In Bruce, Greens candidate and current City of Greater Dandenong councillor, Rhonda Garad, has expressed an overall support for the document’s priorities, yet identified some shortfalls in other areas, especially housing.
“Primarily, this is great; those infrastructure projects are very much needed, and I’m particularly pleased to see the Clyde Rail extension there.
“But I think it’s narrow and it is lacking in addressing housing; the survey data came out and it has shown that around 70 per cent of people think housing in a real issue there (Casey).
“This completely locks out people with lower incomes, but it also knocks out the children of those that are brought out there,” she said.
The document provided by Casey highlighted that currently, there are more than 410,000 Casey residents, with a population forecast of more than 550,000 by 2041.
From the Salvation Army’s social justice stocktake 2025, they reported that in Casey, housing was the top issue, followed by mental health and financial hardship and inclusion.
The Salvation Army’s statistics stated that 76.2 per cent of people in Casey identified housing affordability and homelessness as an issue in the community, and 34.3 per cent as an issue for themselves.
Bruce and Labor MP Julian Hill said that the key to addressing housing affordability is “building more houses to boost supply”.
Hill has previously hit out against the Liberal’s ‘Super for Housing’ strategy, which he called the “dumbest housing policy ever”.
“We have an ambitious goal of building 1.2 million homes by 2030, including 55,000 social and affordable rentals through the Housing
Australia Future Fund.
“The Federal Government’s crackdown on foreign investors is also underway so more Australians can get into the housing market.
“We’re also making it easier to purchase a home, the Home Guarantee scheme helps first home buyers to secure a property with five per cent deposit and no mortgage insurance,” he said.
Garad’s concerns are on the same page, highlighting the current and future difficulties of younger people and their abilities to purchase a home.
Casey has taken a strong, infrastructure-based focus with their submission, making the Thompsons Road upgrade, Clyde Road corridor upgrade, a Women’s Centre of Excellence and the Clyde Rail Link its four focal points.
The document stated that the priorities highlighted “are integral to support our rapidly growing population and provide the services, infrastructure and community connectivity that our city needs”.
Garad said that a bigger focus on public transport needs to be considered, adding that she would have liked to see greater advocacy for connectivity through said public transportation.
“Even if it’s a state issue, I would like to see a push for funding such as 10-minute buses, for example, that will take the burden off these roads,” she said.
“Traffic at peak-hour time is just horrific, and you’re going to get 500,000 people here, you’re not just going to be able to build enough roads to keep that going.”
Likewise, Hill said that with the projected growth, and considering that Casey is one of the fastest growing councils in the state, “it’s essential that infrastructure funding keeps up wth developments”.
“We’re now giving Victorians our fair share, investing almost $23 billion in Victorian infrastructure over the next ten years.
“In Casey alone, the federal government will
deliver $14.3 million over five years to fix local roads.
“Labor has also secured a new five-year infrastructure funding agreement with the states and cleaned up the pipeline which had $30 billion on cost blowouts and unplanned projects under the Coalition,” he said.
Garad’s vision is for roads and public transportation to be addressed in tandem, “so that it’s not an afterthought”.
“We need that high-level planning done, and all levels of government need to coordinate in that.
“We need to see that done in tandem, but we also need to map how every part of Casey has direct and frequent access to public transport hubs.
“You can’t do public transport in a piecemeal way,” she said.
Other items of focus in the document included early years reforms, reducing mobile blackspots in growing suburbs, a commonwealth home support program, and a new Headspace satellite centre in Cranbourne.
On the topic of mental health, Hill said that Labor is investing $1 billion in “new, free mental health services for all Australians”.
This includes a new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Cranbourne and an upgraded headspace Plus in Dandenong.
Casey’s document highlighted that “services have ballooning waitlists”, with both leading services in Casey, Monah Health and Headspace experiencing extensive waitlists of up to four weeks for an initial assessment or intake.
“Medicare Mental Health Centres are a new service offered by the federal government, providing free and confidential mental health care and support.
“These services will be invaluable as our community continues to grow, and will address current shortfalls in mental health support in your area,” Hill said.
For Garad, the Greens’ key priorities are to fully fund the healthcare system, and this is
done through “getting billionaires to pay a little bit more tax and also by increasing our revenue from natural resources”.
“We want to fully fund it (healthcare) so it’s free to access, so you can take your Medicare card and get dental care, free access to GPs and so on.
“So mental health is a massive priority, and you know, if you can even find a mental health professional, good luck.”
Garad said that the price, alongside the waitlist, are critical factors that impede residents, especially families and the youth, from accessing the care that they need.
“We want to completely change that,” Garad said.
“We will put mental health into Medicare, but we’ll also fund the training of more medical health professionals and seek partnerships with specialist groups like Headspace.”
Beelining to a more economic focus, Hill, who has been a strong supporter of the Future Made in Austalia Bill 2024, said that after the pandemic, it exposed a “dire need to make more things in Australia”.
Having introduced a framework to bolster domestic manufacturing with a focus on sustainable energy sectors, there’s a strong focus on net zero transformation, and economic resilience and security.
“A future made in Australia is about ensuring we can manufacture food, medicine and other essential items we need instead of relying on other nations,” Hill said.
“In regions like Southeast Melbourne, that means more funding for apprenticeships, more infrastructure and more investment in industries and ideas that will ensure our communities thrive.
“Creating more things here means creating more jobs and growing our economy, making Australia wealthier, more secure and more independent.”
The Liberal candidate for Bruce, Zahid Safi, was contacted for comment.
ABC’s Q+A panel show is set to gauge the federal election mood in Bruce and other crucial neighbouring seats next year.
Locals are invited to join the live audience at Beaconhills College - Berwick Campus on Monday, 14 April.
Joining host Patricia Karvelas will be Housing and Homelessness Minister and Hotham MP Clare O’Neil and opposition housing and homelessness, NDIS and social services spokesperson Michael Sukkar.
The rest of the panel is yet to be confirmed. Audience arrival time is 6pm for a 7pm ‘as live’ record. Registration for interest is essential.
To join the audience, register at abc.net.
Andrew McNabb, pictured in late 2019, has been sacked as the Liberal campaign manager in Bruce. (Stewart Chambers: 202226)
Licence plate awareness
By Ethan Benedicto
As car thefts and burglaries become rife, Victoria Police, the Neighbourhood Watch, RACV and local CFA members came down to Eden Rise Village, showcasing new safety measures and a push for safer communities.
On Thursday, 3 April, running from 12pm to 3pm, VicPol led a drive-by service that had motorists’ number plate screws swapped out for anti-theft screws, alongside free tyre and battery checks.
Inspector Stuart Richards said that their effort on the day was to “try and reduce the incidents of theft of number plates in the community”.
“What we’ve noticed from the recent statistics that came out is that the City of Casey has the highest prevalence of number plate thefts in the state.
“It’s unfortunate; it’s not a moniker we want, but it’s reality, and they’re usually being stolen from public places,” he said.
Richards added that there a number of shopping complexes in the LGA that have seen these number plate thefts, but also community locations from car parks, sporting clubs, recreational reserves and areas like Eden Rise Village.
“Criminals will still try to steal the number plates, but in doing so, they’ll damage the plate to the point where they can’t reuse them,” Richards said.
“What we’re trying to do is put barriers in place against the easy theft of plates, and while they’re not the perfect solution, they’re better than having nothing.”
The car park adjacent to O’Shea Road didn’t take long to fill, with cars and residents eager to get their plates’ screws changed.
By 12:30, the line had extended further into the car park’s entry, with a steady flow of vehicles coming in and out as it headed to 1pm.
The area was split into two lanes, with the Neighbourhood Watch leading the plate screw switch alongside VicPol, and another lane for RACV check-ups.
Jo Ann Fitzgerald, secretary and treasurer of Neighbourhood Watch Casey, said that the work and partnership between all parties present “is important for Casey”.
“We partner up throughout Casey with different people to show our strength together and how to be safe together.
“Whether it’s how to check a barbecue, how to check a child restraint in the car, even locking your vehicle, and this, all of this is very important.
“This keeps us safe, and it stops theft,” she said.
Amanda, a local resident who was keen to get her plates checked and screws swapped if needed said that there was a “goodness” to see the level of contribution from everyone, and for the opportunity that it provides people.
“Our street’s been hit ridiculously with number plate thefts and also just break-ins for cars,” she said.
“So it’s just like, I don’t know if I have them (screws) or not, so why not make sure? You might as well be safe, right?”
First Constable Ben Chambers sees the collaboration and community event as a “push to alleviate” the amount of thefts and burglaries in the area.
“A really good preventative strategy for that is safe screws, it just makes it a lot harder for, wouldbe criminals to take the plates off cars,” he said.
Earnest Tay, from the local CFA branch, said that aside from the physical work that is being done, everyone’s presence is good for “community engagement”.
“We do a lot of these events, and it’s about getting out and letting people see what we do,” he said.
“And it brings awareness, and in this case, it’s about license plates, which contributes to that safety on the roads.
“Roads are a big part of the community, and safety on them means safety for the people.”
Inside the shopping centre were police officers holding coffee with a cop, engaging residents with their concerns and questions.
Inspector Stuart Richards attended the event, emphasising the importance of action in the community. (Ethan Benedicto: 469996_07)
RACV members helped with the screw installation, as well as checking tyre pressures and battery levels for residents. (Ethan Benedicto: 469996_05)
Jo Ann Fitzgerald sees the day as a great opportunity to show awareness and provide some real physical held for residents. (Ethan Benedicto: 469996_04)
Residents lined up in droves, eager to get their turn and have their license plates checked. (Ethan Benedicto: 469996_3)
Five CFA units alongside Fire Rescue Victoria responded to a house fire on Kerrison Drive in Hampton Park at around 4:03pm on Sunday, 6 April.
Units from Hampton Park and Narre Warren arrived at the scene, where a 15 by 15 garage attached to a house was fully engulfed in flames.
CFA reported that the fire was caused due to unattended cooking. Victoria Police were also at the scene, as well as the relevant power and gas company.
BOB McKINNON
Nature inspires new mural
By Violet Li
Devon Meadows Primary School students created a new mural last week, in a wish to represent the school through arts.
About 90 students spent two days working with artists Brigitte Dawson and Melissa Turner of Melbourne’s Murals to create a mural based on the school’s values.
The green nature-orientated mural has now stayed on a wall against the school’s garden.
“It’s a collaborative process,” teacher Meg Meyer, who is also the organiser of the installation event, said.
“The artists talked to the students and the students spoke about what’s important to our school and how they wanted to represent the school through arts.”
The design was ultimately based on the land the school resides, which is filled with local flora and fauna, and the artists also used inspiration from student voices.
“It used to be a very much swampy area,” Meg said.
“We’ve got a small indigenous group at the school as well. And they have a group. They come together every Friday, and they do a yarn circle.
“And then those students come together, and they sing this song. And the song’s really beautiful, but it includes lots of animals. They go through all of the animals that are native to that space. It’s quite beautiful.
“That was our inspiration for the design of the mural.” Meg said the artists did a good job coordinating with the students about what they thought should be realistic depictions of the mural.
“The students want the mural to look real.
They want to feel like they’re walking into that pathway that goes into bushland, as that’s what the land in Devon Meadows was originally like,” she said.
“It’s quite beautiful because it connects to
their history.”
Students were excited about the whole process,andnowtheywantanotherone,Megshared. If there’s a next one, it would be more indigenous with more traditional symbols, she said.
Focus on mental health awareness for first responders
By Ethan Benedicto
A police officer who was stabbed in a notorious attack outside Endeavour Hills police station a decade ago has spoken out about the enduring trauma.
Matthew Lamberth BM has been named as an ambassador for not-for-profit group Fortem, which supports first responders with post-trauma and mental health issues.
In 2014, he was stabbed five times in the police station car park, back when he was a member of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team.
Then 43 years old, Lamberth, alongside a Victoria Police officer, went to meet Abdul Numan Haider, who had been identified by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation as a person of interest.
They met Haider at the police station’s car park, and when they told him that they were going to search him, he pulled a knife from his jacket pocket and stabbed the Victoria Police officer twice in his arm.
After, he went for Lamberth, stabbing him twice in the face, twice in the shoulder, and once in the centre of his chest.
Before he could stab him again, Lamberth’s colleague shot Haider and killed him.
According to Lamberth, it wasn’t the potentially mortal wounds that pained him the most, it was the impact on his mental fortitude that shook him to his core.
“It was the trauma that came later on that affected me a lot more than the initial incident,” he said.
“It was just a normal day, but then things can always happen to police officers that generally we expect to happen, and you know, action al-
ways beats reaction.
“So you’re sort of on the backfoot.”
While Lamberth, a 28-year police veteran, recovered from his physical injuries, he struggled with significant mental health challenges due to post-traumatic stress disorder and felt unsupported in his return to work.
Six years later, in 2020, he was awarded the Bravery Medal (BM), by Governor General David Hurley for his actions during the critical incident.
Ever since, he has used his experience as a platform for helping others, raising awareness for mental health and the impacts of PTSD, especially for all kinds of first responders.
“It was the support of friends and family that helped me push through, the workplace, sometimes, but they also can’t be very helpful,” Lamberth said.
“You’ve got to sort of take responsibility about getting better yourself, but it was having that support network that helped me, and can help you maintain that.
“Ensuring that you’re getting that quality support around you, whether it’s your partner, your wife, kid, mum, dad, friends or whoever.”
Lamberth has opened up on his experiences, taking on stages such as the United Nations Global Congress for Victims of Terrorism in 2022 and, more recently, at the Frontline Mental
Health Conference and the Leaders in CounterTerrorism Conference.
Fortem chief executive Mick Willing APM, has praised Lamberth’s commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of first responders and their families.
“Our ambassadors play an important role engaging with first responders and the community about the criticality of strong mental health and wellbeing,” he said.
“Matthew’s lived experience of PTSD is a powerful reminder that it is strong to seek support.”
Established in 2019, Fortem provides essential services and programs that promote resilience, recovery and overall well-being.
A mission that resonated with Lamberth, he said that he takes on the role proudly, especially if he is able to be that voice for those looking for a helping hand.
“Speaking for others that don’t feel like they have that voice, to talk about it and help others understand where I’m coming from - it’s all really important,” he said.
“After giving those presentations, I said that one day, if I could make a difference to one person, then what I’ve done has been helpful.”
• Headspace: 1800 650 890
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Shawn with artist Melissa Turner from Melbourne’s Murals. Toby.
Matthew Lamberth BM is the new ambassador for Fortem, giving him greater avenues to reach those in need of mental health support with his lived experience. (Supplied)
Early eviction questions
By Violet Li
Locals have questioned and condemned Casey Council for evicting most tenants from the old administrative building “so early”, after a locally beloved tenant went into voluntary liquidation this week.
In June last year, most tenants of the old Casey Administration Building moved out after receiving eviction notices from the Casey Council.
Only Peninsula Community Legal Centre and Cranbourne Library stayed.
Casey Council claimed the building will be decommissioned as it is at the end of its life and not financially responsible to retain.
A year after the eviction notices were sent out, the building has still been standing there with no clear sign of demolition or other forms of decommissioning. The legal centre and library are still operating under its roof.
When inquired last week, City of Casey Manager City and Asset Planning Keri New said the Casey Administration Building will be retained until Connected Libraries and Peninsula Community Legal Centre can be relocated to the proposed Cranbourne Hub.
“Due to the poor condition of the remaining areas of the building, there will be no further tenancies, and the building will be decommissioned,” she said.
The proposed Cranbourne Hub will not be built until 2029, according to the Council’s plan.
Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association (CRRA) vice president Anthony Tassone said the Council made a hasty decision evicting most tenants so quickly when the future plans of a Cranbourne community hub weren’t yet finalised.
He spoke of the L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Cafe, a beloved Cranbourne charity cafe that was among the evicted tenants and went into voluntary liquidation this week.
Cafe owner Anthony Cheeseman told Star News last year that the Council caught him off guard by giving him a three-month eviction notice.
He scrambled to find a new location in Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre but had to shut down the venue in November, five months after the relocation.
“Our forced shift from our original location and lack of sales means it just isn’t viable,” a Face-
Together, we celebrate
By Violet Li
Local charity Bakhtar Community Organisation partnered with the City of Casey to celebrate the Nowruz Festival in Hallam on Saturday 5 April.
Founder and chief executive Bassir Qadiri said it was more than the celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
“We celebrated Eid and an early celebration of Easter as well,” he said.
“It is just to bring all these celebrations in one event so that we can bring all nationalities together and celebrate common values.
“We had a very diverse performance, dances, and activities so that everybody could enjoy.”
The festival brought together 16 communities, including Pakistan, India, and Turkey, and attracted more than 3000 attendants. Melanie
book post writes.
“We will still be operating our Clayton Cafe and Catering Enterprise, so if you need catering, please contact us.”
The Clayton branch has even since supplied Cranbourne and surrounding areas with catering services.
Fast forward to April this year, the remaining Clayton branch went into voluntary liquidation, meaning the entire L’Arte business was gone.
“I think things would have been very different for them if they weren’t evicted and were allowed to continue in their previous premises until 2029 as other tenants there have been allowed to,” Mr Tassone said.
“No one understands why tenants were evicted so early and no one understands why you can continue to have some tenants there if it was previously thought of as not being suitable to house tenants.
“This is haphazard decision-making by the council that has now jeopardised much-loved small businesses unnecessarily with poor logic and rationale, negatively impacted socially disadvantaged people who may have been employed
by L’Arte or used their services.
“We’re yet to see any accountability for these poorly thought-out decisions on the run.”
Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Ian Wood agreed with Mr Tassone, and he said the Council made a bad decision in evicting some tenants while leaving some tenants there. The chamber used to have its meeting at the old Casey Administration Building. It had to relocate as well last year.
“It doesn’t make sense. Why did the legal service and the library stay when the radio station and the cafe were evicted?”
The voluntary liquidation of the Cafe this week sent Mr Wood into shock as the chamber lost its catering service.
“They can’t do it anymore because it’s in liquidation,” he said.
“We are looking now for another caterer. We’re going to function next Thursday, so we’re scrambling at the moment. It’s creating a problem.
“If the Cafe just stayed in that building, the situation would be very different because the cafe was very popular in that building. There were always people there.”
Kiremitciyan (Stage Name Melanie Khanum).
Market stalls.
Opposition leader and Berwick MP Brad Battin. Hallam FRV was at the event. L-R: Rob Clarke, Sahil, Abobakan, Halima and Alec Draffin.
A crowd enjoying the entertainment at Nowruz Festival. (Gary Sissons: 469893)
Jawed Hussain and Amir Nayimi.
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION
Certainty as school zone information is
The State Government says it is making sure families across the state can find and enrol in a great local school, with 2026 school zoning information released this month.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll on 1 April launched the updated Find My School website. He said it would give families certainty they need as they begin the process of enrolling their child in a great local school, close to home.
“Every Victorian kid deserves access a great local school and a quality education no matter where they live – that’s why we’re building the Education State with the biggest school building program in the country,” Deputy Premier Carroll said.
“We’re opening another 19 schools next year, and we’re making sure families can start planning which great school they’re going to enrol in now with updated school zones for 2026 on the Find My School website.”
The updated website includes school zones for 17 of the new government schools opening in 2026, and adjustments to seven existing school zones.
As enrolment processes begin in early Term 2 2025, the updated 2026 school zones will give families with children starting primary and secondary school next year the most up to date information, the government said.
The Find My School website allows families to find their local government school and other government schools nearby – ensuring they have access to a world-class education.
Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or searching by school name or categories such as primary, secondary, or spe-
for the 2025 school year.
The 2025 school zones are still available and should be used for any further enrolment deci-
cialist school.
More great schools near every family.
Guests lit up by brilliance
Illumina Kingfisher Bay Resort is a light and sound spectacle launched at the Resort on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) in October 2024.
Using the surrounding native environment as an artistic platform, Illumina uses a modern, theatrical show to immerse guests into the brilliance of K’gari by sharing visuals of the island’s incredible ecosystem that’s been recognised on the World Heritage list for more than thirty years.
Illumina is the first permanent light, laser, and projection installation of its kind in Queensland and is now showing nightly at Kingfisher Bay Resort.
The show uses cutting-edge lighting to take the audience on an incredible journey, celebrating the World Heritage-listed values that make the destination a global tourism icon.
It begins with the ‘Return to Sky’ show, an extraordinary journey into the heart of K’gari, exploring the island’s unique landscapes, regeneration, and growth.
The show captivates audiences with ethereal beauty, casting vibrant hues and intricate patterns across the sky, celebrating the movement,texture,andcolourofK’gariasthenarrative of the world’s largest sand island unfolds.
According to light artist Bruce Ramus, Return to Sky fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for K’gari, and leaves guests in awe of the fragile ecosystem.
“This exquisite light portal lets you ‘see the wind’… the light is offered, the island tells the story,” Bruce explained.
Joining a long list of nature-based tours and activities offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, Illumina provides guests with a unique perspective of the island.
After the launch in 2024, Cassie Duncan, SeniorRangeratKingfisherBayResortsaidthe
first impressions of the show were amazing.
“Guests of all ages were blown away by seeingtheisland’snaturalprocessesinawhole newlight.It’sbeenmagicaltowatchthemconnect with K’gari in such an innovative way.”
Kingfisher Bay Resort manager David Hay explained that for more than thir-
ty years “our resort has been the gateway to K’gari”.
“Illumina is a big, bold move by our pioneering eco-resort, one that we believe will deepen our guests’ appreciation for the island’s natural wonders,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to letting Illumina take us into the future.”
As the first nighttime experience of its kind for guests immersed in an island escape at Kingfisher Bay Resort, Illumina will show nightly and can be booked on the Illumina K’gari or Kingfisher Bay Resort websites www.kingfisherbay.com
The Rainbow Beach Best Book Club enjoying their Christmas party at the Illumina Show at Kingfisher Bay. From left, Kim Badcoe, Barb Watkins, Glenda Sambell, Rita Vinten, Ellisa Keen, Heather Stevenson, Rita Marigliani and Janine Fawcett.
A world of wonder.
Enjoying the lights.
The colour of Illumina.
LEE MCCARTHY
Discover and indulge
Enjoy vineyards, gastronomy and culture with a fifteen-day Lyon, Provence and the Rhineland voyage from Amsterdam to Avignon or vice versa.
Journey along the Rhone and the Rhine, through landscapes shaped by centuries of history, viticulture and art.
Taste complex red wines and crisp whites grown on terraced vineyards rooted in the Roman Empire.
Explore Avignon’s grand Palace of the Popes and Cologne’s majestic cathedral, both UNESCO Sites. Explore it’s narrow streets, lined with churches and remarkable medieval buildings and discover ancient Arles which boasts many Gallo-Roman ruins including the ancient amphitheater of Les Arènes still used today for bullfights and plays.
Savour Lyon’s rich culinary traditions and the Rhineland’s hearty flavors and admire the landscapes that inspired van Gogh in The Netherlands and Provence.
Learn about the legendary lavender that graces the fields of Provence each summer and visit a medieval monastery.
Visit Lyon, one of Frances most captivating cities, known for its rich history, superb food scene and vibrant cultural life.
It is often called the gastronomic capital of France with world class restaurants, traditions ‘bouchons’, with must try dishes such as Quenelles, a delicate dumpling made with fresh fish or meat in a creamy sauce or a Lyonnaise Salad, similar to the much-loved Caesar salad or Tablier de sapeur, a fried dish, popular among locals.
Lyon’s old town is one of Europe’s largest Renaissance districts, filled with cobbled streets, medieval buildings and secret passageways.
Some of the must visit sites with stunning architecture and Roman ruins include the Basilia of Notre-Dame de Fourviere which offers breathtaking views over the city and the Ancient Theatre of Fourviere, a Roman amphitheater which still hosts performances today.
Traverse one of France’s most picturesque corners during a train excursion into the wilds of the Doux Valley, an untouched region inaccessible by road,
Sample Beaujolais’s most beloved culinary treasures during visits to a wine château and two working farms.
Enjoy watching as the farmer’s dog hunts for truffles and witness the production of chèvre, or goat cheese, a major export in France.
The serene region of Burgundy is French culture personified, where farmers and vintners are as respected as the harvests they produce. While the region’s rolling hills are known for their superior wines and amazing cuisine, Burgundy’s villages are celebrated for their tranquil beauty and historical heritage.
Basel, host city for this year’s Eurovision song contest, is located where Switzerland, Germany and France meet and reflects a fascinating blend of traditions.
The city straddles the Rhine at the river’s farthest navigable point, and an alluring cluster of old-town buildings huddles along the riverbank.
Around Market Square, guild houses recall Gothic, Renaissance and baroque splendor; the red-sandstone Rathaus, or Town Hall, is the centerpiece.
More than forty museums of art and culture lend modern polish to its history-rich streets, and there is no more refined way to sample it all than over cheese fondue or croissants.
View Strasbourg from the top of its cathedral and explore its historic, culture-rich center.
Sample Alsatian and French flavors and pleasures and meet food merchants, a French sommelier and a local chef.
Sample regional specialties such as fine chocolates, pralines, kougelhopf cake, croissants, freshly made baguettes and pretzels, cheeses, and special regional meats or sausages.
Explore the treasures of Alsace, from its
Renaissance beauty and distinct culture to its crisp, clean white wines.
World-renowned for its viticulture, Alsace is enriched with a dry mild climate, favorable soils and ideal exposure for its vineyard
Enjoy dinner in a former Cistercian monastery whose lush vineyards have produced wines for centuries.
Panoramic Heidelberg is a must see and on this tour guests can join a group of modern-day students from the turreted Heidelberg University and hear their views on attending Germany’s oldest university.
Visit Marksburg Castle, the only medievalera stronghold in the Rhine Valley to have never been destroyed. This mighty castle has watched over the town of Braubach since the 13th century.
Ascend in a gondola to Ehrenbreitstein set high on a hill with magnificent views of Koblenz and the Eifel Hills and enjoy a fun and informative tour with a costumed and colorful actor/ guide who takes on the persona of John Humfrey, a lieutenant colonel in the British Corps of Royal Engineers.
Sail the bucolic waters of the Rhine, deep
into the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt Delta, as classic Dutch landscapes unfurl all around. Flat farmland, charming windmills and svelte poplar trees line the shores, and vast tracts of land stretch in all directions, growing all manner of bounty, from tomatoes to tulips before arriving in magnificent Amsterdam.
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Growth, minus the links
By Violet Li
As the State’s new planning standards for townhouses and low-rise apartments remove the requirements for developments to align with the neighbourhood character, an urban planning expert says it will not fundamentally change the look of the outer suburbs like Casey and Cardinia.
But he says it is disappointing that developments are not required to be built in areas of existing public transport and infrastructure under the new policy.
The State Government rolled out its new Townhouse and Low-Rise Apartment Development Code on 30 March, which is designed to streamline the planning process for mediumdensity housing, particularly townhouses and low-rise apartments, in residential zones.
According to a media release, the new Code will implement new rules, called “deemed to comply” standards, for assessing multi-residential developments of three storeys or less.
If a planning application is “deemed to comply” with these standards, it will benefit from a faster and more certain permit process.
Apart from introducing new standards, the new policy removes the requirement for a neighbourhood character assessment, and requirements around transport access, service availability, and integration with community infrastructure.
Dr Liam Davies, an urban planning researcher from RMIT University, said the removal of a neighbourhood character assessment is not go-
ing to fundamentally change the look of the suburbs in many ways because the shape and the form of the townhouses will be loosely similar to the restrictions on the shapes and the forms of the houses.
“When you build a house in Melbourne at the moment, what you do is you buy a block of land from a developer, and then you commission a builder to do it. And what the builders do is they have a series of designs that are basically planning approved. What that means is you don’t need that much of a rigorous planning assessment,” he said.
“That’s where you get a whole heap of houses that all look the same (in the outer suburbs).
“What this code is saying is we treat townhouses like this…So now where you get one house on a block that looks the same. Soon, you will be able to cut that house in two and build two townhouses side by side.”
But when it comes to the deletion of the infrastructure requirements, Dr Davies said we should be building larger numbers of higher-density housing in areas where people have more transport choices to walk, ride a bicycle, or catch public transport.
“They should also be in areas where there’s a lot of destinations that they can go to within a quick walk, like near shopping strips and public transport features,” he said.
“The fact that those elements aren’t part of this plan, I think, is a disappointment.”
The City of Casey has already been experiencing significant public transport challenges due to rapid population growth and infrastructure con-
straints in recent years.
Dr Davies also pointed out that the new dwelling diversity requirement is not suitable enough for families who want a lower-cost home with more bedrooms.
The new code requires the development with more than 10 dwellings to ensure a diversity of housing by providing one dwelling that includes no more and no less than two bedrooms for every 10 dwellings, and one dwelling that includes no more and no less than 3 bedrooms for every 10 dwellings.
“The diversity is very low,” Dr Davies said.
“That means that you could build a row of townhouses that have eight one-bedroom apartments, one two-bedroom, and one three-bedroom, and that would be deemed to be providing diversity.
“That’s not good enough...What we need is a plan that delivers far more three-bedroom dwellings in a variety of different formats because currently, most of the three-bedroom dwellings are stand-alone housing.
“If we’re going to build more townhouses and more flats, we need to make sure that many more of them are three bedrooms. And this code simply doesn’t do that, and it won’t increase the number of townhouses and flats that are suitable for families.”
This means those families in the City of Casey would go to bigger houses instead of apartments because the suitable options are still very limited in the market, Dr Davies said.
The City of Casey has a higher proportion of large households compared to Greater Melbourne.
In 2021, about 45 per cent of households in Casey were couples with children, whereas this figure was 33.1 per cent for Greater Melbourne.
“Sometimes there are intergenerational families that have parents with children and grandparents living there. And a two-bedroom townhouse isn’t going to be good enough for that,” Dr Davies said.
“What we need is larger dwellings. If developers aren’t required to build them, no one’s going to build them
“I think that the target of this policy is closer to the city.
“But even then, without good diversity, it still means that people are forced to live in the area that provides the housing they want because you can’t get family housing at a reasonable price closer to the city.”
City of Casey Manager Planning and Building Tania Asper said Council is working through the changes recently introduced into our Planning Scheme by the Victorian Government.
“We will continue to carefully consider how we share and clearly communicate the new rules for planning to everyone involved in the process, including residents and developers.
“In 2024, Council received more than 500 applications for residential dwellings and less than half of these were required to be advertised to neighbours.”
Female soccer flourishes at Dandy Cup in Endeavour Hills
More than 80 all-female teams from across Victoria took to the pitch in a two-day tournament at Police Paddocks Reserve, Endeavour Hills.
Dandenong City Hajduk Soccer Club hosted 45 clubs and 1000 players in 140 matches as part of the Dandy Cup across the weekend of 5-6 April.
More than 4500 visited the games, football clinics, live entertainment, photo booths, with appearances from Melbourne City W-League players Rebekah Stott, Leticia McKenna and Malena Maeres.
In just its second year, the event is touted the state’s biggest in-season “girls only” tournament.
Dandenong City Hajduk Co-vice-president Dani Muretic said the club had far exceeded its original goals.
“This event will only grow. We could have hosted more teams and we already have clubs enquiring about signing up for 2026.”
Dandenong City Hajduk had similarly grown with 150 female players and 11 teams.
The club was at bursting point – turning away more than 40 girls this season because its facilities couldn’t cope with demand.
Teams are scattered everywhere, across four locations in Casey and Greater Dandenong.
City of Casey deputy mayor Melinda Ambros said the Dandy Cup was “more than just a tournament”.
“It’s a powerful symbol of what’s possible when community, passion, and purpose come together.”
“We must ensure our local facilities grow with our community’s needs.
“No girl or woman should be turned away from the game she loves. That’s why continued investment in grassroots sport is not just important — it’s essential.”
Referee Monica Florez. (469961)
U/16’s players from Dandenong City Hajduk (White) and Berwick Churches (Blue). (469961)
An U/16’s Dandenong City Hajduk passes off the ball. (469961)
An SMWFC Under 12’s player clears the ball versus FC Strathmore Split. (469961)
The Dandy Cup under-16s trophy was up for grabs. (469961)
A SMWFC Under 12’s player with the ball versus FC Strathmore Split. (469961)
The Dandenong City Hajduk grandstand. (469961)
A SMWFC Under 12’s player controls the ball versus FC Strathmore Split. (469961)
New school for new families
By Ethan Benedicto
As the eastern border of Casey in Clyde North continues to grow, so does its needs, with new families moving in and schools growing at evey corner.
For families in the growing estate of Verve, choosing a home near educational facilities, as well as outdoor play opportunities, was a must.
As Clyde Creek North Primary School (interim name) is looking to open its doors to 715 students - 65 spaces for those with special needs - in Term 1 of 2026, couple Nigel and Chenelle are keen to get their journey started.
“Being an immigrant and having been here for over eight years, it’s been a rollercoaster of a ride, with uni and now having our first home here,” Nigel said.
“We have a lot of family here, and for us, having a school in the estate is one of the key criteria why we built here.
“We saw the upcoming school and that the construction’s already started, and it was one of the reasons why we chose here; it’ll be key for the next few years.”
An official sod turning event was held on the sit of the school’s construction, with representatives from national developer of Goldfields and its national communities director, Paul Ciccheiello, alongside other building consultant groups and architects.
The school, when completed, will include an administration and library building, three learning neighbourhoods, a community hub, outdoor hard courts, a car park, and a sports field.
“This fantastic project delivers high-quality education facilities for the families who choose this residential estate,” Cicchiello said.
“The convenience for pick-up and drop-off as well as the added bonus of child safety will make lives as future parents much easier.”
For Cory, her husband and their nine-yearold daughter Ella, having a close-proximity school is essential.
“It’s important to know that you’ve got a school close by, and also, when they’re older, they can walk by themselves,” she said.
South Eastern MP Lee Tarlamis visited the construction site some weeks prior, announcing that the Victorian government is meeting the increasing demands for primary school enrolments in Clyde North.
“This new state-of-the-art school features safe and specialised learning spaces and facilities to make sure students from across our region get the very best education close to home,” Tarlamis said.
According to the deputy premier and the minister for education, Ben Carroll, they’re ensuring that “all students and their families have access to a great education close to home - regardless of where they live”.
To Nigel, who came to Clyde North almost a decade ago, he sees an importance in having institutions and other accompanying infrastructure grow in tandem with new homes and families.
“This is all really important, and when I first moved here, it was hard because for one, there was no signal,” he said.
“Having schools here would mean that the government is going to put in more revenue, then communications (in general) would be better.”
As it stands, a future kindergarten is also planned at the new school, with Danielle Heat-ley appointed as its principal.
School bursts with colour for World Autism Awareness Day
Quarters Primary School in Cranbourne West celebrated World Autism Awareness Day on Wednesday 2 April.
“This day is dedicated to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting inclusion,” a spokesperson of the school said.
“Through various learning activities and discussions during our SEL session, we aim to spread knowledge and raise awareness about autism and its diverse characteristics.”
As this year’s theme is colour, the school turned into a sea of colour on the day.
“A big thank you to our families, students and staff for coming together to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day,” the spokesperson said.
“A very special mention to our wonderful Education Support Team who looked incredible and went above and beyond every single day to support our students.”
Chenelle and Nigel have recently married and are looking forward to their upcoming home and school. (Ethan Benedicto: 471022_01)
Lee Tarlamis MP (middle left) and Michael Galea MP (middle right) were at the construction site of the new school, celebrating its progress. (Supplied)
Cory (right) and her daughter Ella are looking forward to calling the area home, with the new school opening opportunities for the family’s educational pathways. (Ethan Benedicto: 471022_02)
Senumi and Gabbi. (Gary Sissons: 469490)
Robots and tech help care
By Ethan Benedicto
Casey Aged Care in Narre Warren introduced its new Memory Care Wing expansion on Tuesday, as well as Abi, a new robot companion, and a swathe of other technologies to cater to patients living with dementia.
This celebration came hand-in-hand with commemorating 10 years of management, as well as showcasing virtual reality headsets and a sensory wizard for active play and participation from residents.
Medical Aged Care Group CEO Cameron McPherson said that he felt “incredibly humbled”.
“This gives people hope. We haven’t found a cure for dementia, but it’s something that we’re working on.
“We talked about Abi today, and we’ve got the VR systems as well as the sensory wizard, they’re a range of tools and vehicles; they’re not a means to an end; we use technology as a vehicle for care,” he said.
Andromeda Robotics were also attending the event, with founder and CEO Grace Brown and two others from the team, all more than eager to showcase Abi’s capabilities to the elderly crowd.
Abi is around three feet tall, is coloured dark pink and yellow, and has a rather snazzy person-
ality with just the right amount of flair. Mitch, one of Adromeda’s representatives and the team behind Abi, said that Abi is an
aged-care companion robot “designed to combat three types of isolation”.
“So that’s physical isolation, where people
can’t leave their rooms, social isolation and linguistic isolation.
“There may be a situation where maybe in a home, no one else speaks that language, and Abi can speak more than 30 languages fluently,” Mitch said.
However, there is capacity for up to 90 languages; as it stands, Abi was conversational, and she engaged audiences in rather swift but understandable exchanges and asked one aged care worker about her favourite past-time activity.
Speaking on the humanoid companion’s capabilities, an Andreomeda spokesperson said that “Abi is getting better all the time, and I think it’s really valuable for people to understand the benefits of it”.
“And, Abi’s never finished; the idea has existed for a couple of years, and new iterations of Abi are just going to keep coming out.”
Before the technological showcase, patrons were guided to the new wing, where McPherson and Bruce MP Julian Hill spoke to the crowd on the importance of aged care and the ever-growing technological advancements and their support of the industry.
Both Hill and McPherson cut the red ribbon, announcing the official opening of the wing that finished construction in the last two weeks.
Nowruz fills Dandenong Park with foods and music
Heather and Maria cut the cake to celebrate the centre’s 10 years of management. (470884)
Nicoletta, a resident, watched with a big smile on her face as Abi made her way around the room. (470884)
Thankam with Abi, who is interacting with resident Anna. (470884)
Thankam from Andromeda Robotics with Abi, the humanoid companion. (Stewart Chambers: 470884)
A massive crowd enjoyed live music, dance, food and market stalls to celebrate celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in Dandenong Park.
The Victorian Afghan Associations Network hosted the successful festival on Sunday 6 April.
Among the many entertainers included a choir from Payam Dari School.
Majabin Haidari from Doveton at her stall Abe Sakin. (Gary Sissons: 470142)
Atina from Payam Dari School about to perform on stage holding an Australian Flag. (470142)
Diba Jalal on the stage. (470142)
Diba Jalal, Dr Adeeb Nawim and Shabnam Safa.(470142)
A huge crowd in Dandenong Park. (470142)Deewa from Doveton on one of the rides at the event. (470142)
Dandenong Cranbourne RSL
Anzac Day
On behalf of Dandenong Cranbourne RSL, we would like to invite you and others from Star News to attend this year’s ANZAC Day Service in Cranbourne to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans. We are expecting a great turnout this year with over 20 local schools confirming participation along with City of Casey council members, Cassandra Fernando and Pauline Richards and many other local community groups.
ANZAC Day is a time for our community to come together in remembrance and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Your involvement on the day would be a meaningful way to show support for our veterans, their families, and the wider community.
Event Details:
• Date: Friday, 25 April 2025
• Location: Greg Clydesdale Cenotaph - Cranbourne
• Dawn Service Start Time: arrive at 5:45am for 6:00am start
• March Start Time: arrive at 10:30am for 10:45am
• Service Start Time: 11:00am
Men’s Shed Junction Village Inc.
The Men’s Shed provides a facility for men’s mental health where men can come and enjoy each other’s company in a non-judgemental environment. Men are able to share ideas and life experienc-es plus learn new skills which benefit themselves and the local community.
Our members are proud of their efforts in producing wooden toys to donate to the Salvation Army Toy Fund. However, making wooden toys is not a requirement of membership and you can make your own projects, if you prefer.
Retired men are most welcome to visit the Shed and have a chat/cuppa to check-out our fully equipped Shed (lots of “toys” to play with!) and see what we do for the community.They do not need any woodwork experience as Shed members are happy to pass on their experience in an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere.
Shed members can also be seen cooking a sausage at Bunnings, displaying our projects at Botanic Ridge Village, or heading off to visit other sheds around the state (All good fun!)
Trades & Services
• We are located at 41 Craig Road, Junction Village and open on Mondays from 9.00 am to 11.30 am and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.00 am to 2.30 pm.
• For more information and a tour of our Shed, contact Garry on 0408 141 734.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club meets weekly for a range of different events, including bus trips, community days, games, coffee and chat, bingo, dancing and carpet bowls.
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
• Weeklyactivitytimes-LineDancingMon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
• For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
• Find us on facebook https://www.facebook. com/groups/487808127399953
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre
Fridays from March 7th - 10-12:30 - Hazaragi Computer Classes - Learn basic digital skills in Hazaragi from a native-speaking computer skills teacher - Free during term 1
Thursdays during school terms 1-4pm - Intermediate Computers for Work - Build on your current computer skills and learn workplace apps such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook email.
Every Monday - 9.30-11am - during school termsCome and sew tote bags - For sewists who want to meet new friends and practice their sewing skills making tote bags - we supply the sewing machines and fabric - Free
Every Friday - 11am-2pm - Thee Coffee Table - Welcoming women’s community group - Free
Volunteers are welcome to come and help to maintain our community garden
Fridays 9.30am-11.30am during school termsConversational English Classes at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre - Come along to practice and improve your English skills in a relaxed environment comfortable, casual classes with a friendly, patient tutor - $5 per class.
• Call 03 5996 9056 to enrol in Conversational English or come along to Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre during class times. The Cranbourne
Park Community Hub is conveniently located in Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, in the space behind Target, next to Pacific Smiles Dental and opposite Centre Management, and the nearest entrance is next to Australia Post.
U3A Cranbourne
20 - 22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne
We are a social group for people over 50 with many interesting and creative activities. We have recently started a garden group as we have lovely gardens where we can plant vegetables, herbs and flowers and enjoy tea or coffee outdoors when the weather is nice. New members would be very welcome to join us.
We also have lots of arts and crafts groups, calligraphy, quilling, resin making and card making are popular classes.
We run the beginner ukulele and guitar group, Ray leads the ukulele group and Maurie assists our beginner guitar group on Monday mornings.
We are a not-for-profit group, assisted by Casey Council to run our programs. Our membership fee of $50 per year entitles you to join as many classes as you wish.
Line dancing and ballroom dancing are run at another site, a gold coin donation covers the hire of the hall for these groups.
• Check out all our classes at www.u3acranbourne.org.au or phone 0493 991 919 for more information
AWCC Tai Chi
Join us for a free trial class in Wudang Martial Arts, featuring Adult Tai Chi or Teen Kung Fu. Limited spots available—first come, first served! Trial classes will be held on Sunday, April 6th, 2025, from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Teen Kung Fu) and 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (Adult Tai Chi) at Timbarra Community Centre, 26 Parkhill Drive, Berwick. To register your interest, please call 0467-597-080 or email ad@awcc.com.au.
Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre
If you are over 55 years, newly retired or new to the City of Casey and looking forward for something to do, come and join us. The Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre is a friendly seniors Club and we can offer you many activities. Our main Club Day is on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 3:00pm. On the first Wednesday of the month we enjoy socialising with our many members and, on the next three (3)
Wednesdays we have live entertainment wherein you can do some dancing or line dancing and if you wish, with an afternoon cup of tea and biscuits. We also hold weekly activities on other days during the week which include the Garden Group, Indoor Carpet Bowls, Table Tennis, Line Dancing, Gentle Exercises and friendly Card Games.
• We are located at 192-196 Centre Road near the Narre Warren Station. Phone us on 9783 7112 or on Mobile 0426 736 467 or you can email us at: narrewarrenseniors@gmail.com for more information
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.
TAnyone interested can visit on Thursdays at 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive or join the club for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday from 10am at the new François cafe in front of Myer in Fountain Gate.
• For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
Magpies soar in Southern
By Blair Burns
Footy was back and so was the rivalry which we all know and love, as Narre Warren hosted Cranbourne for a Saturday night special under lights with the Magpies making a statement winning the clash 12.13 (85) to 9.6 (60) with plenty of promising signs.
Hundreds of spectators filled Kalora Park for the big occasion as Narre Warren unveiled its 2024 premiership flag from the Outer East Football Netball League, before both sides met on field to battle it out.
Since their first ever clash at Racecourse Oval back in 1955, the two powerhouse clubs have now played 128 games without a draw, including 14 finals and three grand finals.
There is not a lot splitting them with Cranbourne leading the head-to-head tally by only two victories (65-63) while they have won seven finals each, but Narre Warren have got the edge in the grand finals 2-1.
The siren sounded and the game was underway as the ball rocketed from one end of the oval to the other with some electric ball movement, but the Magpies quickly gained control of the contest.
It was clear that Narre Warren was a class above in the first term as the side executed its plans, transitioned the ball efficiently, and set up well behind the play to put the Eagles on the back foot.
Hamish West was slippery in the forward line and got off the leash to kick his first for the day and the margin was 17 points at the first break, which could’ve been worse for Cranbourne if the Magpies had kicked straighter than 3.6.
Narre Warren coach Steven Kidd was happy with the intent of the side and the way his players embraced the challenge.
“I was really pleased with how we started the game, our clearance work was really good and we put pressure on them … that created a few turnovers in the first quarter but it would’ve been nice to put a bit more scoreboard pressure on them,” he said.
“To Cranbourne’s credit, they fought for the rest of the game and kept coming, we just couldn’t get clear of them.
“We found out that it’s not going to be easy to pull away from anyone in this competition, if we have any lapses with our defence, we will let sides back into it.”
At quarter time, Cranbourne coach Angelo Soldatos urged his players to be more composed with the ball, encouraging them to be brave and use the corridor, and that’s what they did.
Halfway through the second term and it was starting to come together for the Eagles, they had lifted their intensity and had closed the lead to just two kicks as the main break approached but it wasn’t before Narre Warren forward Will Howe plunged a couple of late daggers into the Cranbourne hearts.
Howe took an uncontested mark in the goal square in the final minute and slotted his first of the game.
Seven seconds later and he had the ball in his hand again lining up 20 metres out directly in front.
Teammate Tom Toner was slung to the ground and a 50 metre penalty took him to the goal line, kicking after the siren to extend the half time lead to 24 points.
But he wasn’t done yet as another contested mark and a sweet set shot from beyond the arc at the beginning of the third quarter handed the star his third in as many minutes, and all of a sudden a 12 point lead had ballooned out to 30.
“Those couple of goals to Will were huge, I thought he had a really good game and clunked some big marks which were important going into half time,” Kidd said.
Cranbourne refused to give up and had enough entries, but the lack of a big forward target like Jake Richardson and Howe at the other end was hurting their winning chances.
The Eagles managed to stay within striking distance throughout the third quarter and after Eagles’ veteran Ryan Jones kicked the first of the last term and had another shot straight after, they were threatening a comeback but Narre Warren did enough to win by 25 points at the final siren and start their season on a high.
There was one major injury from the game as Dan Toner hurt his knee when he was stepped by a Cranbourne player on the wing in front of concerned spectators, Kidd said scans will determine
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 REVIEW - ROUND 1
the severity but had his fingers crossed.
“We’re hoping it’s not the worst case scenario but it’s either going to be an 8-12 week injury or the worst possible … he will have scans today,” he said.
Kidd wasn’t satisfied with the final quarter where the Magpies were outscored (20-14) and wanted to see a stronger finish against East Brighton this weekend.
“We would’ve liked to have seen a little bit more in that last quarter, we will be better for the run and hopefully finish next week’s game off a bit stronger,” he said.
“They’ve got some AFL experience in that side and we’re expecting a really tough game.”
Howe, West and Jett Kearney kicked three goals each for the Magpies with Josh West, Peter Gentile, Kurt Mutimer and Trent Papworth some of the best players.
Cranbourne’s Ryan Jones and Mitchell Tharle kicked two each in the loss, while Matt Alister,
Tom Freyer, Callum Pola and Shaun Keenan all performed well.
In other games, Dingley proved that they are the early premiership favourites after destroying Cheltenham by 61 points in a grand final rematch as Caleb Lewis booted six goals for the Dingoes.
Both sides were expected to be among the top teams as the Rosellas challenge for a three-peat, but to be held goalless for the first half of round one was a far from ideal start to their premiership defence.
Dingley, on the other hand, look the real deal; if they can do that to a team which only lost one game last year and won back-to-back flags, what can they do to the rest of the competition?
St Pauls McKinnon got the better of Bentleigh in a two-point thriller at Bentleigh Recreation Reserve to win 14.10 (94) to 13.14 (92).
The Bulldogs trailed at every break before hitting the lead in the last quarter and securing a hard fought comeback victory to start their sea-
son in a big way, with an even contribution of scorers at the offensive end.
Port Melbourne opened their season account with a crucial victory over Springvale Districts as some exceptional accuracy helped them to a nine point win finishing with 14.6.
Despite a final quarter resurgence from Springvale Districts where they outscored the Colts (28-9), Port Melbourne limped to the line and secured the four points with five goals from Mitch Clarke making a huge difference.
Despite Murrumbeena’s recruits performing well in their new colours, the team’s inaccuracy in front of the big sticks ultimately cost them, while East Brighton was the opposite and couldn’t miss, kicking 17.8 to win by 53 points.
East Brighton would’ve been pleased with its new signings as Tom Bracher (Richmond VFL) and Ben Reid (former Collingwood AFL) combined for eight goals, with a further four players kicking multiple majors.
Narre Warren coach Steven Kidd addresses his troops. (469859)A huge crowd was in attendance for the big rivalry as the Magpies’ 2024 premiership flag hangs on the right. (469859)
Kurt Mutimer was one of Narre Warren’s best in the 25 point win over Cranbourne. (Rob Carew: 469859)
Cannons begin with a bang
By Blair Burns
It was a huge weekend for the Casey Cannons Hockey Club as it won five of a total eight matches across the men’s and women’s competitions with an impressive 24 goals scored for, and just six against.
Men’s coach Steve Noney said it was a great start to the season but said the teams wouldn’t be getting too far ahead of themselves as they look towards round two.
“It was a pretty solid weekend, with the results we can definitely see growth within the club, and we have players who want to be there, there’s a nice family feel, and we are really trying to achieve something,” he said.
“We’ve got four men’s teams which is the first time in the club’s history that we’ve got that many, we have moved them up a grade too.”
The Cannons were too strong for Frankston in the Men’s Vic League (MVL) 2 competition as they took home a big win 4-0.
Tristan Chaffey was going to be a handful for his opponents from the outset at the star netted two goals and gave his side a great lead.
Craig Moore’s leadership was strong as the captain led his side to a huge round one victory with Joshua Watson and Bryan Young also getting in on the action.
Casey is now sitting second on the ladder as the team prepares to travel to Wantirna Reserve next week to battle against Knox who will be looking to bounce back this week.
While the MVL 2 Reserves also wanted in on the action as they smashed Frankston 7-0 in a huge round one victory which has them sitting on top of the ladder going into next week’s clash.
Captain Blake Edwards would’ve been very impressed with the way his side performed as the Cannons quickly gained control of the match and didn’t look back.
Harry Coster was the only multiple goal scorer as he found the back of the net twice throughout the game.
“The ones had a good win 4-0, we had a plan and we stuck to it, we are hoping to continue developing and hopefully have another solid season,” Noney said.
“There was a lot of different goal scorers which
was great, and we really set it up from the defence and let guys run through and score goals.
“The threes had a good 4-2 win over Monash and have a few young players coming through with good mentors, we are using that as a bit of a development team.”
The fours fell short against Frankston in the Men’s Metro South 2 competition narrowly losing 0-1 by the time the whistle sounded.
“That was a very good and competitive game and I think the goal was scored in the fourth quarter, we are looking forward to the next challenge and not getting ahead of ourselves,” Noney said.
The Casey Cannons women also had a solid
Cavaliers lock down Warriors
By Justin Schwarze
In a local rival clash, the Casey Cavaliers Youth League Women got the bragging rights over Pakenham at Cardinia Life on Saturday.
The Cavaliers entered the contest through an up and down season, but bought in defensively to hold the hosts to just 25 percent shooting from the field and 23 turnovers.
“It wasn’t the prettiest of games, we worked really hard to win by 23, just a bit of inconsistency,” Casey coach Michael Davies said.
“Overall, when we lock in and play great D, we’re really good and we keep teams in the 50s in their scoring.
“That’s something that I want to try and pride our team on, which is our defence, our hustle and our work ethic.”
The Cavaliers led by 15 at the main break and didn’t allow the Warriors back within reach of the game, finshing at 74-51.
Kendra Rivet and Katelyn Field both scored 16 each, leading the visitors on the offensive end.
“Katelyn and Kendra shot extremely well from three against Pakenham, between them they made eight threes so that was a big part of pushing that game out,” Davies said.
“Kendra’s stepped into a great role this season, getting more minutes and she’s rewarding us for that, she’s taken a good step forward.
“Katelyn has been an energy gauge for us, she always comes with a bit of hype to push us.”
Following the win, Casey headed home to prepare for its game against Bulleen the next day, which resulted in a narrow one-point loss.
The Cavaliers shot poorly from three, with just 7/27 shooting from deep and they turned the ball over 22 times.
“It was a little bit disappointing for the standards we want to try and set ourselves,” Davies said of the loss.
“Bulleen just worked harder than us and executed better.
Kyra Webb had 12 points and 15 rebounds against Pakenham. (Supplied: 469337)
w“It would’ve been nice to think that would could have been 4-3 or even 5-2 but we let one or two games slip, but we’re going to do the hard work at the backend of the season and keep trying to build so we’ll see where we end up.
“There have been lots of individual highlights of giving opportunities to girls coming out of juniors or step up from last year so I think that’s the big positive for this season and you can see the growth and development.”
start to the season with two of the four sides winning their round one clashes.
The Women’s Vic League (WVL) 1 side fell short to Mornington 1-0 but there wasn’t much in the result as they also had their chances to score an equaliser.
While the Reserves got redemption for the previous result as they smashed Mornington 5-0 in what was a preview of what the team can produce this season.
Skye McDonald and Jenna McLauchlan starred in the victory scoring two goals each and causing their defenders all sorts of problems, while Ebony Williamson scored one.
Darcy
and
a chance for victory as they both
gave the
their elite offensive play to score one goal
Finally, the Metro 1 South side made it another win for the Cannons to round out a huge start to the season as they won a narrow encounter against Frankston 1-0. Foot also played in this game and her single was the difference, and was the only goal scored in this even contest.
Dees suffer first VFL defeat
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Casey was outlasted by Geelong 16.13 109 to 14.9 93 in a shootout at GMHBA Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The Demons led at every break before conceding five goals in the last quarter in their third tight game of a season which has so far yielded 1-1-1.
Making his Dees debut against his former side, Mitch Hardie added important experience in the midfield, finishing with 26 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.
Also playing his first game in the new colours was Melbourne SSP signing and former Eagle Jai Culley, who initially signed with Casey before finding his way onto the AFL list.
Coming off a month on the sidelines with a foot injury, Culley finished with 12 disposals and four clearances as he looks to build his case for AFL selection.
Tom Fullarton also performed well, spearheading the forward line as he hammered home 5.2 and took eight marks in a 19-disposal effort.
Casey fought hard in the midfield and got the lead to beyond three kicks on several occasions through the middle of the match, but they were never able to shake the plucky Cats who were better in some big moments late.
Other strong performers included disciplined AFL-listed midfielder Kynan Brown, the experienced Riley Bonner and Aidan Johnson, who kicked 2.2 after getting an early debut in his first year on an AFL list.
Highly-regarded Nar Nar Goon local Paddy Cross finished with 17 disposals and showed promise as he looks to build continuity following a wretched run with injuries in recent years.
Regular season VFL will be absent this weekend as a representative Victorian side is sent to Gather Round, with Mitch Hardie, Deakyn Smith and Riley Bonner all in the extended squad, and mentor Taylor Whitford on the coaching panel. The Demons will return to Casey Fields against GWS on Saturday 18 April at 11.05am, with the Dees’ VFLW season to kick off later that day against Collingwood.
The Pennant E South East side fell short in a thriller against Toorak East Malvern 3-2 but will definitely take some positives out of the close encounter.
Hetherington
Aleisha Foot
Cannons
showed
each.
Tristan Chaffey controls the ball in the 4-0 win against Frankston on Saturday. Chaffey scored two goals in the victory. (Rob Carew: 469891)
Tom Fullarton kicked five goals for Casey in round three. (Stewart Chambers: 466727).
