Red wave in Holt
Labor’s Cassandra Fernando has secured a second term as the Member for Holt with a stronger mandate and broader support across the electorate.
With 75 per cent of votes counted, Fernando leads with 45.6 per cent of the primary vote—up from 40.86 per cent in 2022—and is projected to win 64.3 per cent of the vote under the AEC’s twocandidate-preferred (TCP) model, a 7.1 per cent swing in her favour.
She celebrated the win surrounded by her campaign team on the election night, describing it as a victory built on “fairness, equality, and compassion”.
Ms Fernando thanked her campaign members, saying they helped her navigate her pregnancy during the whole campaign.
Speaking of her plan for the following three years, Ms Fernando said she would keep working
hard to make sure that the community gets the infrastructure that they need.
“That’s one of my big priorities: infrastructure,” she said.
Compared to the 2022 election, Labor significantly improved its performance across nearly every polling place in Holt.
Ms Fernando recorded a swing in almost all booths under the TCP model except Hastings
pre-poll and gained ground in typically conservative areas like Pearcedale, where the Liberal vote dropped by 5.6 per cent.
In Botanic Ridge, she reversed a previous loss to win with a strong 8.7 per cent swing. Liberal candidate Annette Samuel conceded with grace, thanking her team and reaffirming her commitment to the community.
Election coverage inside
Labor’s Cassandra Fernando walked into her celebration party with cheers and applause on the election night as she secured her second term as the Holt MP. (Rob Carew: 475287)
Holt goes Fernando’s way
By Violet Li
Labor’s Cassandra Fernando has won her second term as the MP for Holt.
She is appearing on track to harvest a higher share of the primary votes than in her last election in 2022.
At the time of writing, 75 per cent of the votes have been counted, and Fernando has secured about 45.6 per cent of the primary votes, followed by Liberal’s Annette Samuel (25.3 per cent), Greens’ Payal Tiwari (11.2 per cent), One Nation’s Trevor Hammond (8.5 per cent), Family First’s Shane Foreman (5 per cent), and Legalise Cannabis’s Riley Aickin (4.5 per cent).
Fernando is projected to win about 64.2 per cent of the votes under the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)’s two-candidate-preferred model, against Samuel’s 35.8 per cent - doubling her 2022 margin with a swing of 7.1 per cent.
In the previous election, among eight candidates, Fernando gained 40.86 per cent of the primary votes.
Liberal has suffered a 5.6 per cent swing against them for one of the bluest booths in Holt: Pearcedale.
Among the 1517 formal votes, Samuel secured 50.2 per cent of them after preferences, against Fernando’s 49.8 per cent.
In the 2022 Election, the previous Liberal candidate gained 56 per cent of the after-preference votes.
Fernando celebrated the victory with her team on the election night, with the room erupting in cheers and applause.
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards and Bass MP Jordan Crugnale were also present to witness the victory.
Emotions were at their highest among the crowd when the television projected that the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton would lose his own seat.
Fernando addressed the crowd with excitement and tears and thanked her team members.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to stand before you as the re-elected Member for Holt,” she said.
“This is a community where I went to school, where I got my first job, I found my purpose, and standing up for people. Representing this community in our Federal Parliament has been the privilege of my entire life.
“It was a campaign built on fairness, equality, and more importantly, compassion.
“And the fundamental belief that no matter where you come from, what you look like, we all deserve a fair go.”
Talking with Star News, Fernando said she felt surreal, very blessed, and honoured to be able to represent the community for one more term.
She said her amazing team helped her navigate her pregnancy during the whole campaign.
“We were organised. We were staunch in what we wanted to do and to do it in a way that wouldn’t cause me any health issues, and they always made sure that my health came first.”
For Fernando, this election campaign was different from her last one as she was defending everything she had done in the last three years.
Speaking of her plan for the following three years, she said she would keep working hard to make sure that the community gets the infrastructure that they need.
“That’s one of my big priorities: infrastructure,” she said.
“Whether we get mobile reception towers, whether it be better road infrastructure, and also to ease the cost of living for them by making sure that every person in my community can see a GP for free, 20 per cent off HECS debt, saving an average student of $5300, and also three days of free childcare.”
Fernando commended her Liberal opponent, saying they had run a good campaign.
“I wish them the very best,” she said.
Samuel conceded the loss on her Facebook and thanked her family, volunteers, supporters, and voters.
“This election didn’t go the way we hoped. The result is clear, and while it’s a tough pill to swallow, I accept it with humility and grace,” she said.
“But what’s even clearer to me is this: I have
never been prouder to stand alongside the incredible people who believed in this campaign, who believed in me, and who believed that our community deserved to be heard, respected, and better represented...
“Yes, we lost this time. But the love I have for Holt—for our streets, our schools, our small businesses, our incredible diversity—it hasn’t faded. It’s only grown stronger. I will continue to be here, working alongside you, because public service doesn’t begin or end with an election.”
By the numbers
According to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), Labor’s Cassandra Fernando gained a swing in almost all polling places under the two-candidate-preferred (TCP) model except
the Hastings pre-poll centre.
She won most polling places except ones in Devon Meadows, Hastings, Pearcedale, Tooradin, and Warneet.
In the previous 2022 Federal Election, Labor’s performance varied across polling places. Fernando only gained a swing across 13 polling places out of 37 in 2022.
While Labor maintained leads in most polling places, the margins were narrower, and some polling places exhibited stronger support for the Liberal candidate.
This year, Fernando had improved performance in some of the bluest booths across Holt, particularly in the rural and coastal areas.
HOLT (as of 6 May, 5pm)
(75 per cent counted – including ordinary and postal votes)
■2PP: Cassandra Fernando (ALP) 64.18 per cent
(swing 7.07 per cent)
Cassandra Fernando (ALP): 37,155 (45.56 per cent)
■(+4.75 per cent swing)
Annette Samuel (Lib): 20,590 (25.25 per cent)
■(-4.29 per cent swing)
Payal Tiwari (Greens): 9145 (11.21 per cent)
■(+2.66 per cent swing)
Trevor
Holt MP Cassandra Fernando celebrates with supporters on election night. (Rob Carew: 475287)
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards was with Labor’s campaign volunteers. (Rob Carew: 475287)
Young Labor volunteers were in extreme excitement at the celebration party. (Rob Carew: 475287)
Cassandra Fernando entered the room and was hugged by Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards. (Rob Carew: 475287)
Bubbles were sprayed on election night by triumphant supporters of Cassandra Fernando. (Rob Carew: 475287)
Battin rejects poll concerns
By Corey Everitt
With his federal party receiving one of the worst results in its history, state opposition leader Brad Battin has fended off implications to his future campaign, saying voters “know the difference” between state and federal.
After Saturday’s election, the Federal Coalition may only hold enough seats to count on one hand in Victoria, after receiving a devastating result.
The Coalition sought to bank on opposition toward Jacinta Allan to feed support for Peter Dutton, by linking the Premier to Prime Minister Albanese.
After the result that saw many Melbourne seats wiped from the Coalition, Allan was quick to assert the link with the Prime Minister, but now as vindication for leadership in Victoria.
“It demonstrates very clearly that federal and state Labor share the same values,” Allan told reporters on Sunday.
On ABC Melbourne on Monday, Liberal MP for La Trobe Jason Wood said the Allan/Albanese connection did not work.
“Our policy was more double trouble with Albo and Allan, and it just didn’t cut through at all,” he said.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Battin assured the difference between state and federal, and pushed back against significant changes to his direction.
“I went through a process of watching the election from afar, I stayed in contact with the federal counterparts as we went through, there are elements of that we can learn, that we can always learn from,” he said.
“We already knew the issues happening here in Victoria, we know that crime and cost-of-living are two of the biggest things that are impacting people in our state.
“We said that before the election, we say it after and we will continue down that path.”
Closer to home, the results were not ideal, not only for the Victorian Liberals but for Battin himself.
Split between the seats of Bruce and La Trobe, Berwick voting booths returned large swings against both new candidate Zahid Safi and longtime MP Jason Wood.
Voting in Battin’s own backyard returned swings of 10 to as high as 17 percent against the
Liberal Party in some booths.
“People in my electorate, as much as they do across the state, totally know the difference between state and federal issues,” Battin said.
“I assure you, when I was doing the pub test or the club test, speaking to many different people in my community like I always do, they are looking forward to the next state election.”
Much like Allan, Battin kept the federal election campaign at arm’s length and even strayed away from publicly backing the introduction of nuclear power, a key policy in Dutton’s campaign.
Dutton also announced his commitment to pull over $4 billion of federal funding from the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) to fund other projects if he were elected.
Around the same time, Battin called for the state government to cancel the SRL after a damaging report questioned its viability.
Yet, the opposition to the SRL did not return
King of the Hill once again
By Ethan Benedicto
A strong Labor Party win in the federal election spelled the same story for Bruce MP Julian Hill, who retained his seat and continued the streak that began in 2016.
Following a strong, and seemingly non-stop five-week campaign period, Hill said he felt “exhausted and humbled”.
“What we saw in Bruce was the largest swing to any incumbent MP across Australia, and I’ll work as hard as humanly possible each and every day to honour that trust,” he said.
Hill, as of 7 May, secured a decisive two-party preferred victory over Liberal Party candidate Zahid Safi with a margin of 29.38 per cent, true to Hill’s word as one of the largest swings to any incumbent MP.
As part of his campaign, Hill announced a swathe of funding commitments for the electorate, including the City of Casey, such as the Edwin Flack Reserve and Max Pawsey Reserve.
Speaking on priorities, Hill cited national cost-of-living measures, HECS relief, and manufacturing boosts, but also stressed that his role is national, and that he is “running to represent us in the national government”.
“This is a national role, and it’s a serious time for Australia, so my primary responsibility is (to be) the community’s representative in our national parliament to shape national policy that benefits us all.
“Some other politicians seem to spend their time pork barreling on local issues, that’s not my style.
“I do make sure we get our fair share, we’re getting more infrastructure funding, we’re getting more local sporting funding, and that’s important,” he said.
Reflecting broadly on his competition in Bruce, especially Liberal rival Zahid Safi, Hill refused to make a direct comment, citing the ongoing NDIS investigations that were first revealed by
The Age earlier this month.
He said that “the Liberal Party in Victoria, just no longer presents as a credible alternative government”.
Considering that LNP leader Peter Dutton lost his seat of Dickson, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is the first to be elected twice since John Howard, Hill said that the result boiled down to the campaigns.
“The government put forward a coherent, constant, positive agenda for the next term of parliament, one that is focused on making people’s lives better and on setting Australia up for the future,” Hill said.
“You know, with respect to the Liberals, they had three years in opposition to come up with a single credible costed policy.
“But when they got there, the cupboard was bare, they were just like an angry complaints line that was so out of touch with modern Australia, words fail me.”
Soaking in the win, there aren’t plans yet for any downtime, with sights set ahead to making the next term as productive as can be.
“There’s no hubris or arrogance, it is genuinely humbling,” Hill said.
“The sense of responsibility for the challenges and opportunities in front of both me and the government is something to be taken incredibly seriously.”
results for the federal Coalition. In the eastern suburbs, where SRL East is currently under construction, the Liberal Party lost seats.
“Four elections now – it has been backed time and time again by the Victorian community,” Premier Allan said after the federal election.
Battin rejected this assertion and the Premier’s attempts at vindication.
“If she seriously thinks it’s because of her that they won the election, she would have been out campaigning with them,” he said.
“To say it was a vote for the SRL, when the federal government wouldn’t commit to any further funding, I think is kidding themselves.”
Head of Politics at Monash University, Dr Zareh Ghazarian said both parties are dealing with voters moving away this election and the state parties will have to assess how they can recapture them in 2026.
“There is still volatility in the electorate and
people are open to supporting non-major party candidates,” he said.
“I think it’s demonstrated that people need to do the hard yards when it comes to devising and talking about their policies.
“The Coalition in Victoria, really has to start talking about what sort of policies, what sort of approaches they will take if they were to win government, if they were to attract voters who may be thinking of not voting for Labor.”
One local Labor source said the federal election result should hopefully see a new direction from Battin.
“I woke up this morning, thinking, oh god, we are going to have a year of that negative approach that Liberals tend to take on absolutely everything, we are going to have that until the next state election,” they said.
“I would like to see a different approach from the Liberal Party.”
More than 300 corflutes taken down in City of Casey
By Ethan Benedicto
The City of Casey has confirmed that over 300 corflutes have been removed since the federal election announcement, and that no permits for electoral signage have been issued throughout the entire period.
This confirmation comes as The Age reported on the figure, and as Brian Oates, president of the Casey Resident Ratepayers Association, called their over-abundance a “war of corflutes”.
Oates sent a letter to Star News on behalf of the organisation, where he highlighted the large amount of corflutes, from local homes’ fences, to bollards, lightposts, walls, traffic direction posts and more.
However, the biggest concern he raised was, “have the candidates applied for permits?”
Casey’s CEO, Glenn Patterson, told The Age of the number of signs they had removed, and that photos were taken and infringements to follow where they deemed appropriate.
According to Casey’s manager of connected communities, Callum Pattie, he confirmed that the over 300 figure contained “illegally placed signs”, and that council officers were aware of them.
“Candidates and parties may receive fines of $296 per sign that breaks the law,” Pattie said. “Trucks with political material have also been given notices, and if they don’t comply, the vehicles will be towed away.”
CRRA’s Oates expressed concern with the signs’ proper authorisation, adding that it would be a “timely event and should be at the top of the list when the review of the Local Laws takes place”.
“The CRRA also believes that if the council
have to remove inappropriate campaign material, then the candidate must be made to pay for the costs of the removals, not the ratepayers,” he said.
According to Clause 36(2) of the Casey Community Local Law 2023, a person must not, except if they have a permit, place any electoral signage on any road or council land. This rule also applies to vehicles - such as the mentioned trucks - that are wrapped in election material and also parked in prominent places to advertise a candidate or political party.
Trucks and or vehicles that are driving around are not breaking the law, but if they are instead parked and used as a sign, it is only then that it becomes an offence and is grounds for council officers to take action.
“Officers continue to patrol and remove these signs where it is safe to do so,” Pattie said.
“They have also visited polling stations within the municipality to remove signs, talked to electoral candidates, and worked with the onsite AEC managers. Signs placed on private land with the owner’s permission are not breaking the law.”
Corflutes and signs have been widespread in the electorate, with more than a handful having been defaced in the process. Liberal candidate Zahid Safi recently posted on his Facebook page expressing his disappointment with their vandalism, while incumbent Labor MP Julian Hill’s signs were also subject to the same treatment. On this note, and with a specific focus on the days coming post-election, Oates posed the question of how long the signage would linger throughout the city, and if limitations on their physical size is to be considered.
Opposition leader Brad Battin. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
Bruce MP Julian Hill, while feeling humbled, said that more work is to be done in the coming future. (Supplied)
Nightclub groper spared jail
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Cranbourne man who serially groped 17 women at a nightclub over several nights has been spared jail.
David Maria Anthony Rayan, 35, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to 17 counts of sexual assault and attempting to sexually assault an 18th at Revolver nightclub in Prahran.
On three nights in September and October 2023, Rayan inappropriately touched the strangers’ waists and/or buttocks.
Sentencing judge Peter Rozen noted that some of the acts were particularly brazen, while the victims were dancing or kissing another man.
On the last occasion, a venue manager monitoring Rayan on CCTV ordered security to escort
him from the nightclub.
He ran away from security, escaping up Chapel Street before they could call police, the court was told.
Three victims told the court of the emotional impact such as feeling unsafe, mistrustful and avoiding social gatherings.
One told of moving interstate for family and friends’ support, and being unable to establish a romantic relationship since.
In sentencing on 5 May, Judge Rozen noted Rayan’s type of offending would be normally heard at a magistrates’ court.
The judge inferred the case was uplifted because of the sheer number of victims, brazen nature and the three separate nights of offending.
Rayan initially denied the sexual contact to
Ticket giveaway to mark Casey-Dees milestone
Casey residents are set to score free tickets for Melbourne Football Club’s upcoming AFL showdown with Hawthorn.
The match is part of a special Casey Round marking 15 years into a 30-year partnership between City of Casey and the Dees.
To celebrate, Casey residents are offered up to four free tickets each to support Melbourne at the MCG clash on Saturday 10 May.
Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said the City of Casey Round was a “great moment to pause, reflect and celebrate” on the enduring partnership with Melbourne.
“The game is scheduled to be a blockbuster,
and I can’t wait to join Casey residents as they enjoy a day at the footy with their loved ones.”
In addition to the free tickets, everyone registered will receive a free 2025 three-game membership to access a further three Melbourne Football Club MCG home games of their choice.
You must be a Casey resident to redeem this offer. The offer is redeemable until 5pm 8 May.
To redeem tickets, go to melbourne2.snapforms.com.au/form/city-of-casey-round-3game-membership
police, even when shown CCTV of the incidents.
He also later claimed he was too drunk to remember what happened – a version dismissed as “illogical” and “unlikely” by Judge Rozen.
His assaults were deliberate, he knew what he was doing, and his moral culpability was “considerable”, the judge said.
Born in India, the separated father had lost his IT job during Covid and used to “drink to get drunk” for a period.
Since the charges, he was socially isolated and had sold his home.
Judge Rozen noted Rayan’s remorse but was concerned about his lack of insight into his offending. This was shown by Rayan’s reluctance to take part in further offender programs.
He had however taken part in men’s behaviour
change programs, as well as continuing to undergo psychological counselling.
Rayan had no other criminal record, had not re-offended while on bail since late 2023 and had “fair” rehabilitation prospects. This offending over six weeks was “out of character”, the judge said.
Judge Rozen stated the purposes of specific deterrence and community protection could be achieved without jail.
A punitive community corrections order was in the interests of the community to support Rayan’s rehabilitation and further reduce his small risk of reoffending, he said.
Rayan was sentenced to a two-year supervised CCO, including 180 hours of unpaid work as well as alcohol and offender programs.
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Christian Petracca with Melbourne Demons AFL fans at the MCG. (Supplied)
Locals wary of VCAT call on waste station
By Violet Li
Residents are alarmed the controversial Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station is in the hands of the state’s planning tribunal.
They cite VCAT’s notorious past decision to approve housing near a former landfill site.
After homes were built, residents of Brookland Greens Estate in Cranbourne were forced to evacuate due to a gas leak from the former landfill.
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria rejected the proposed Hampton Park site’s development licence on 9 April; however, it is revealed that the decision was not made within the prescribed four-month timeframe.
The project’s proponent Veolia has the legal right to lodge an appeal within four weeks after the prescribed deadline with VCAT to seek a decision if no timely decision is made within the statutory timeframe.
The statutory deadline expired on 23 January this year. The following day, the EPA requested additional information from Veolia, asking the company to review submissions by the community and provide a response.
Veolia lodged the appeal in mid-February, and VCAT’s role, from that point, is to act as an independent point of review and will consider submissions made and evidence presented by the parties before making a decision that is legally binding.
As part of the proceedings, VCAT ordered the EPA to make a decision on the development licence application by April 10.
Despite the EPA’s decision against the application, it does not alter the VCAT process. VCAT will make the final determination later this year with hearing dates set for August 11, 12, 14 and 15.
An EPA spokesperson said they would not make any comment as the case is now in front of the state tribunal.
Back in February, after Veolia appealed, an EPA spokesperson told Star News that they required time for both the procurement of information, consultation with the community and the opportunity to properly consider all the factors that could impact on the local community and the environment, given the nature of the Veolia application.
A Veolia spokesperson said the company had always worked closely and transparently with the Casey community, and this would not change.
“We will continue to keep residents informed of the application process as it unfolds,” they said.
“The proposed Hampton Park Transfer Station is central to South East Melbourne’s future waste infrastructure strategy and Victoria’s transition away from landfill towards resource recovery.
“It represents a vital piece of infrastructure for Victoria to achieve the diversion from landfill targets set by successive governments.”
A spokesperson of Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA), which represents the residents of five suburbs surrounding the proposed waste
transfer station, acknowledged the EPA’s request for further information was made one day beyond the statutory deadline, but they said this minor procedural delay should not overshadow the seriousness of the EPA’s final findings that led to the development licence rejection.
“The EPA’s expert assessment concluded that the proposed waste transfer station presents an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment,” they said.
“It is the content and consequence of that decision—not the technicality of timing—that must take precedence.”
However, the spokesperson said the community did have deep concerns about the decision-making power now resting with VCAT.
“This shift risks undermining the EPA’s expert-led refusal and places an undue burden on the community to contest a proposal already deemed unsafe,” they said.
The spokesperson spoke of the 2008 gas leak incident at Brookland Greens Estate in Cranbourne, where VCAT overturned the City of Casey’s decision and approved housing developments within 200 metres of the landfill, despite warnings from the EPA about the risks of building homes near the landfill.
In September 2008, dangerous levels of methane gas were detected in the Estate, prompting the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to advise residents to evacuate due to the risk of explosion. Approximately 200 residents left their homes.
“VCAT must apply the precautionary principle in its deliberations. The EPA’s own guidelines recommend a 500-metre buffer between waste facilities and sensitive land uses such as homes and schools,” the LRA spokesperson said.
“The proposed site sits well within this distance, heightening community concern and reinforcing the need for the Tribunal to prioritise public safety.”
LRA is also urging the Casey Council to adopt “precautionary and strategic leadership” through engaging directly with Veolia and the State Government to identify a more suitable location for the waste transfer station.
In a letter to all councillors, the community organisation requested that the Council write to the EPA and Minister for Environment to urge
that, should VCAT overturn the EPA’s rejection, both agencies make every endeavour to overturn VCAT’s ruling and take a strong public stance in the interest of protecting community health and safety.
It also requested that the Council explore options to revoke or cancel the planning permit, given that the EPA had formally determined that the proposal posed an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment.
Casey Council approved a planning permit for the proposed waste transfer station before last year’s council elections. But this year, the newly elected councillor group have moved against the proposed facility. Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen has written letters to Ministers and the EPA, expressing community concerns.
Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen acknowledged the concerns from the community and LRA around Veolia’s appeal to VCAT.
“Council has sought legal advice to provide clear direction on the options available, including pursuing a Section 87 application under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Councillors’ consideration of that advice will inform our next steps,” he said.
“We respect the decision made by the EPA to refuse a development licence, recognising the significant and thorough work that goes into their assessments. The health and safety of our residents are paramount, and we appreciate the EPA’s commitment to these principles.
“The legacy of the Brookland Greens Estate remains a sobering reminder of the critical role that effective buffer zones play in protecting people and place. I am committed to updating the community on our position as soon as I can.”
Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas said he would encourage Veolia to continue to engage with the EPA to identify another location for its proposed waste transfer station.
“As I’ve previously said, the EPA makes its decisions based on the requirements of our environmental protection laws and using the best available science. In this instance, the decision was also made following consideration of more than 700 community submissions on the proposal,” he said.
“It is my understanding that the EPA will represent its decision to refuse the application at VCAT.”
Opposition MP for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region Ann-Marie Hermans Ann-Marie Hermans said local residents were rightly concerned rightly concerned that VCAT would overturn the EPA’s decision.
“The health risks posed by the proposed waste transfer facility, given its extremely close proximity to homes and underground waterways, are serious and cannot be ignored,” she said.
Ms Hermans tabled two petitions in parliament in March this year with nearly 4,500 signatures to relocate the Waste Transfer Station away from Hampton Park.
The petitions are expected to be debated later this month in parliament.
Two Veolia waste-disposal companies have been fined nearly $20,000 over a smelly mess that attracted a swarm of insects to a factory at Dandenong South.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) fined NSW-registered companies Veolia Environmental Services (Australia) Pty Ltd and Veolia Recycling & Recovery Pty Ltd each $9,980 for the dairywaste stench found at a warehouse in Stephen Road in January.
EPA officers found more than 1000 litres in pallets, stored without an EPA permit or licence.
“At the time, the weather was hot, the waste had been stored in the warehouse since October 2024 without any refrigeration,” the EPA stated.
“The odour was strong enough to linger in the officers’ uniforms after they left the inspection.”
EPA stated they also discovered spilled waste on the driveway that started to congeal in the sun.
The dairy waste was classified as a priority waste under the Environment Protection Act 2017, which has requirements for correct storage, handling, transport and disposal, including reasonable steps to prevent escape or contamination.
Veolia Environmental Services (Australia) Pty Ltd was fined for unlawfully depositing more than 1,000 litres of waste at a place that was not licensed to accept it.
Veolia Recycling & Recovery Pty Ltd, was fined for failing to notify EPA of the breach immediately.
The mess was quickly cleaned up, once EPA made contact, according to the EPA.
The operator has a right to have the fines reviewed or heard by a court.
The controversial Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station proposal by Veolia is now before the state’s planning tribunal. (FILE)
Congealed dairy waste found on a driveway at Stephen Road, Dandenong South. (EPA Victoria)
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions:
Cranbourne and Pakenham lines 10 to 11 May 17 to 18 May 24 to 25 May
Road disruptions: Road closed
change at
Progress Street, Dandenong South From 6 MayClosed south of the level crossing
Check before you travel
Anzac Station
Passengers
Caulfield Station for Frankston Line trains to and from the city
Casey remains in SECCCA
By Violet Li
Casey Council says it will remain part of a regional councils’ climate-change alliance, despite the Greater Dandenong Council’s recent pullout.
In April, Greater Dandenong Council decided to end its 12-year membership of South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) from 1 July, citing rising costs and limited benefits and relevance.
A report from the Dandenong Council has shown that the pullout will save $408,249 in SECCCA membership and project fees over the next three years as well as staff time.
SECCCA chief executive Helen Steel told Star News that they were “naturally disappointed”, but the alliance would continue its work.
When inquired, Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen, who is also the new chair of SECCCA, said Casey would continue to be a member as
they strongly believed in its purpose and the benefits of taking action.
“As the new Chair of SECCCA, I am com-
mitted to ensuring that SECCCA demonstrates value to all member councils and their communities, including Casey ratepayers,” he said.
“Opportunities for external funding to support SECCCA’s work programs are more readily available when councils collaborate, and all Councils benefit from the scale and collaboration in pilot projects.”
SECCCA currently comprises eight councils in the South East, with Greater Dandenong joining the alliance in 2013.
Frankston Council, which used to be a member, pulled out last year.
Mayor Cr Koomen said SECCCA had delivered a great range of projects that directly benefited Casey residents.
“Examples include the Energy Saver Program, which supports low-income households in reducing their energy costs, the Financing Flood Resilient Infrastructure Project – identifying flood risks and asset vulnerabilities, and the Green Leases Project, which supports energy reductions in tenanted properties,” he said.
Council leaders share insights with Cranbourne Rotary Club
By Violet Li
Cranbourne Rotary Club had an “informative” night with the City of Casey’s chief executive officer and Mayor.
The Rotary Club invited Casey Chief Executive Officer Glenn Patterson and Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen as guest speakers to their regular Tuesday night meeting on 6 May.
Mr Patterson and Mayor Cr Koomen shared with the members a snapshot of what the Council had been striving for, and answered a number of questions on roads, community infrastructure, and governance.
Mayor Cr Koomen shared that the new councillor group would focus on good governance and transparency, reconnecting with the
community and residents, making Casey as a destination, jobs close to home, empowering community groups, volunteers, and sporting clubs, and improving local services and renewing community assets.
He also shared a list of the recent Labor Government’s Federal election commitments for Casey, including $10.6 million for the Women’s Centre of Excellence at Casey Fields, and a new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Cranbourne.
“We had a lot of attention in the election campaign in our community, and we did a mountain of work advocating to both sides of government to get kind of match commitments,” he said.
“What we’ve ended up with is a fantastic selection of projects that really do meet our priori-
ties as a council that we’ve been advocating for.”
Club president Lee Moyle said the reception was very positive, as the two guests gave very “professional” answers.
“It was very informative... gave us a really good overview on the function of what councils do and the fact that there’s a separation between the council officers and workers and the councils,” he said.
“I think that the questions were good. Some of our members are asking very relevant questions.
“And there was a good description on how the maintenance happens and the difference between what’s the responsibility of the council and the responsibility of state governments, and other issues.”
Casey Council joined other councils and groups at the launch of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) blueprint in 2023. (Supplied)
Cranbourne Rotary Club president Lee Moyle was with Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen. (Violet Li)
Push to cap land tax rises
By Philip Salama-West
The South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) has called upon the Victorian Government to put a cap on land tax increases for the next five years.
SEMMA has labeled its alternative a “Measure Twice, Cut Once” approach, which would cap land tax increases and tie land tax rates to the usage and economic output of land, rather than sheer size and value.
Its president Peter Angelico argues this would leave Victorian manufacturing more robust and capable of competing on a global scale.
“We need to cap land tax for manufacturers now. Governments need to economically back manufacturers through smart policy if they truly support sovereign capability and growth,” Mr Angelico said.
The Victorian Government introduced a COVID Debt Repayment Plan in 2023-’24, which increased land tax rates on total taxable value (site value) of landholdings.
These changes are legislated to apply until at least 2033, in an effort to repay public debt accumulated during the heights of the Covid-19 outbreak.
SEMMA, however, says that due to a widespread increase in land valuations, the COVID Debt Repayment Plan has caused manufacturers’ tax bills to double or even triple.
SEMMA cited prohibitive tax costs on local manufacturing businesses which they claim are restricting growth and sending manufacturers into financial stress.
Previously, the organisation has labelled the rises in land tax rates ‘gouging’ and an ‘unjustified cash grab’, in an ongoing dispute with the Victorian Government.
Following a meeting last year with Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas, SEMMA chief executive officer Honi Walker said the organisation’s concerns were ‘basically ignored’.
The Victorian Government maintains its land tax policy shifts the tax burden away from small landowners.
“The value of land used to calculate land tax typically increases over time, and due to high demand for industrial land many owners have seen the value of their properties rise.
“Victoria’s land tax system is progressive and ensures that smaller property investors pay proportionally less than those with larger landholdings.”
The spokesperson said “manufacturing insolvencies are not unique to Victoria”.
“The insolvency rate in New South Wales was almost identical to Victoria’s.
“Over the two years to the end of 2024, employment in Victoria’s manufacturing industry grew over 10 per cent - from 256,000 to 283,000.
“According to the ABS, Victoria saw a net increase of 142 businesses in 2023-’24 at a time when 73 per cent of closures by manufacturing businesses did not employ people.”
The Government stated it had cut or abolished taxes 65 times - including concessions and exemptions on stamp duty for first home buyers and abolishing the upfront cost of stamp duty on commercial and industrial buildings, the spokesperson said.
HELP SHAPE A NEW CASEY COMMUNITY LOCAL LAW
CASEY LAW
We are reviewing of our local law. Share your feedback until Sunday 1 June.
We know everyone has different ideas about what is needed to protect our everyday way of life, making sure that you feel proud to live and work in Casey.
Your feedback will help us review the Casey Community Local Law 2023 and ensure it helps protect and enhance our community.
local ideas is protect our everyday way of life, making sure that you feel proud Casey. will us Law and helps protect our
Here is how you can share your feedback:
• Online: complete our online survey on our Casey Conversations website.
• Online: Casey Conversations website
•Attend a pop-up near you: For a full list of dates and locations see our Casey Conversations website.
• Other ways you can share your feedback:
•Attend a pop-up near you: a full locations Casey Conversations website. Law Group, caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au - Working Group in the subject.
•Post: addressed to the Community Local Law Working Group, PO Box 1000, Narre Warren, 3805.
• Email: caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au - Community Local Law Working Group in the subject. Feedback is open until Sunday 1 June 2025.
Feedback is open until Sunday 1 June 2025.
surveyand wingointothedrawto Vouchers1of5Westfield to the
Why does Council have a Local Law?
Why does Council have a Local Law?
•Keeping neighbourhoods safe and tidy: It sets rules around rubbish, overgrown grass, and things like shipping containers or sheds being used in ways that make an area look unsightly or unsafe.
neighbourhoods and It sets rules around rubbish, overgrown grass, and things like shipping containers or sheds being make area unsightly
•Protecting shared spaces: It ensures nature strips, parks, and footpaths stay clear, safe, and accessible for people walking, using wheelchairs, or pushing prams.
•Protecting shared spaces: It ensures nature strips, parks, footpaths stay clear, safe, and accessible for people walking, wheelchairs, pushing
•Respecting neighbours: The law helps avoid noisy or disruptive activities - like constant motorbike use in backyards or heavy trucks in quiet streets - by setting fair limits.
•Respecting neighbours: law helps or disruptive activities - like constant motorbike use in backyards or heavy trucks in - fair limits.
SEMMA president Peter Angelico.
world to her. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Breakfast in Bed
Start her day with a tray full of her favourite breakfast items. Freshly baked croissants or pastries, a bowl of mixed berries, and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice make for a light but indulgent option. If she prefers something heartier, homemade pancakes topped with whipped cream and strawberries, or a classic eggs Benedict, would be a real treat. Don’t forget a good cup of coffee or a pot of her favorite tea to complete the experience.
Elegant Brunch
If a late morning meal suits your plans, an elegant brunch can be a wonderful way to celebrate. Think smoked salmon bagels with cream cheese and dill, a colorful frittata loaded with vegetables, or a fluffy quiche Lorraine. Fresh fruit salads, yogurt parfaits with granola, and freshly baked muffins can add variety and color to the table. A Mimosa or Bellini (or a non-alcoholic sparkling juice) makes a festive touch that feels extra special.
Afternoon Tea
Spoil your mum with a homemade afternoon tea. Arrange a selection of delicate finger sandwiches — such as cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and dill, or egg mayonnaise. Serve alongside scones with clotted cream and jam, mini cakes, macarons, and dainty pastries. Brewing a pot of high-quality tea (Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or
her favorite blend) and presenting everything on a pretty tiered stand will make it feel just like a luxury hotel experience at home.
Homemade Dinner
For a truly memorable evening, prepare a homemade dinner featuring her favorite dishes. Start with a light appetizer like a fresh Caprese salad or a creamy mushroom soup. For the main course, dishes like roast chicken with garlic and herbs, pan-seared salmon with lemon butter sauce, or a
rich vegetarian lasagna can be showstoppers. Pair the meal with a good wine if she enjoys it. Finish with a decadent dessert such as a chocolate lava cake, lemon tart, or a classic pavlova topped with fresh fruits.
Sweet Treats and Extras
Don’t forget the power of homemade sweet treats. Baking a batch of her favorite cookies, a moist carrot cake, or a luscious cheesecake can be the icing on the cake (literally). You could also
create a small box of homemade truffles or chocolate-dipped strawberries as a gift. No matter what you cook or bake, the key is to tailor the meal to what your mum loves most. Add thoughtful touches like a handwritten menu, a vase of fresh flowers, or a heartfelt card to make the meal even more special. When it comes to spoiling Mum, it’s the love, time, and effort that truly count — and nothing says “I love you“ like a meal made with care.
Goon in a class of its own
By David Nagel
The Goon is getting better!
It’s a scary prospect for teams in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition but reigning premier Nar Nar Goon appears to have increased the gap between itself and the remainder of the competition.
There’s simply no other way to assess it after the Goon ran rampant against the team that most expect to be its main challenger this year, Tooradin-Dalmore, winning eased down at the post; 21.11(137) to 15.9(99).
The final score really does flatter the Seagulls, who trailed by 67 points at three-quarter time before kicking 7.4 to 2.5 in the final term.
Seagulls’ coach Jordan Kelly can spin that final term anyway he wants to his players, but the simple fact is; the Goon was on a different planet when the game was at its hottest and the four points were up for grabs.
Some of the Goon’s ball movement, in the first half in particular, was breathtaking, and the Seagulls were unable to do anything about it.
The reigning premiers got off to the perfect start, with Trent Armour and Jake Smith running rampant through the midfield and Taylor Whitford doing as he liked in the forward line.
Whitford kicked the opening two goals of the match, the first from a crisp lead and the second after some clever work from a forward-30 stoppage.
Dermott Yawney, Jake Smith and Jed Smith then nailed set shots and the Goon was five goals ahead after 14 minutes of play.
The Seagulls back six were second to the footy, but that was totally understandable given the lack of pressure being applied through the centre of the ground.
The Goon transitioned the football beautifully, fully testing the Seagulls overall team defence like it hadn’t been tested this year.
The Seagulls heads dropped even further after Yawney took a spectacular mark in the goalsquare and snapped one through to make it 6.3 to 0.2 at the 22-minute mark.
A relentless tackle by Kyle O’Sullivan on Liam Adams, just a minute later, epitomised the difference in intensity between the two sides.
The Gulls looked shellshocked and totally devoid of answers.
Lewis Hill then ran from one end of the Spencer Street ground to the other; giving the Seagulls their first six-pointer to cut the margin to 34 points, before Jack Flannery capped off some great work with a deliberate set shot at goal.
A 28-point margin between the sides seemed an appropriate summation of the contest after the first quarter of play.
Whitford then wrangled an early free kick in the second term, and kicked truly, before Jacob Keysers nailed another set shot to make it 40 points the difference…five minutes into the term.
The Goon was just scoring far too easily inside forward 50, with the Seagulls offering little resistance to the Goon’s elite ball movement.
Harry Brain then found himself loose - 20 metres out from goal - after some great pressure caused a costly Seagulls turnover.
Now 46 points down, gun recruit Shane Savage dribbled one through to bring it back to 40… eight minutes into the second.
But the shootout aspect of the game suited the Goon to a tee, with Yawney drilling a long set shot after a great pass from half back Ryan Bromley.
The Goon now had 10.6 on the board; just 10 minutes into the second.
That was soon 11.6 after 11 minutes after Nate Pipicelli drilled a long goal after being the recipient of a 50-metre penalty.
The Goon was cutting through the Seagulls team defence like a hot knife through butter.
Skipper Trent Armour then rubbed further salt into an already gaping wound, kicking another
from 40 metres out after taking a diving mark.
The Goon had six second-quarter goals on the board after 13 minutes of play.
The score was now 12.6 to 3.2; 58 points the difference.
Flannery then kicked the next two goals to make it 46 points at the 22-minute mark of the second.
But no-one can go with the Goon at this rate, and Brain took a strong mark on the lead, and goaled, to make it 51 points, before Hill and Andrew Dean kicked late six-pointers to cut the deficit to 38 points at half time.
The Goon then locked away the four points with a 6.1 to 1.2 third term, before tucking the whip under the shoulder and cruising through to the finish line.
Yawney and Whitford were the stars up forward for Nar Nar Goon, with four goals apiece, while Brain chipped in with three and Armour, Tex Marsham and Jed Smith two each.
Matt Gentile and Jake Smith were lively smalls for the Goon, both accumulating possessions while also applying pressure.
Paddy Cross was the leading possession win-
ner on the ground with 15 kicks and 12 handballs, while Armour, Ryan Bromley and first-game recruit Nick Hillard were others to stuff the stat sheet.
As for the Seagulls; well now they know just how far the bunny is in front…and they’ve got some serious chasing to do.
They got some practice on the weekend, with the Goon winning overall possessions by 115, with half-back Adam Oxley (24 touches) the only player in the top 10.
The Seagulls midfield was beaten badly and appeared no match for Armour, Cross, Aiden Pipicelli and co.
The good news for the Gulls; its only early in the season and you don’t win premierships in May!
They also scored 99 points against the best team in the comp.
Dean and Flannery jagged three each for the Gulls, who had Logan Downe, Jesse Craven, Hill and Flannery produce their better moments.
The Goon head to Garfield this week, while the Seagulls host Inverloch-Kongwak in a crucial match for both clubs.
Seagulls found wanting as West Gippsland netball heats up
By David Nagel
Nar Nar Goon and Garfield remain the only two undefeated teams in West Gippsland A Grade netball after the Goon and Stars continued their hot form on the weekend.
The Goon - last year’s defeated preliminary finalist - made it four straight wins with a fantastic performance against Tooradin-Dalmore, while the Stars now have two wins, a draw and a bye from their first month of the season after a hard-fought victory over Kooweerup.
In a mouth-watering contest; Garfield and Nar Nar Goon meet in the round five match of the day at Beswick Street this Saturday.
The Goon appears to be a genuine premiership threat this season after a consistent four-quarter performance against Tooradin-Dalmore led to a 60-44 success.
The Goon won all four periods of the match, leading 17-12 at the first break before extending that margin to 32-23 at half time.
The home side then kept the pressure on in the third, scoring 12-9, before finishing off their work with a 16-12 finish to the contest.
Nar Nar Goon’s early-season form has been built on some great play from its bookends at either end of the court.
Taylah Boatwood (GK) and Morgan Harris (GD) have been terrorising goalers this season with their high-pressure defending, while Kyra Esler (GS) and Darcy Utber (GA) continue to form a fluid combination in the scoring circle.
And the Goon has wonderful depth through the midcourt, with Alex Fenton, Chantelle Dale, Emilee Dunn, Karly Meinecke and Olivia Ham-
ilton getting the better of the Seagulls on the weekend.
Tooradin-Dalmore has now won two and lost two and host Inverloch-Kongwak this week in a real test of both club’s credentials.
Ash Bowden, Kelly Haynes and Summah Boyd defended well for the Seagulls, while Sara Howie, Stacey Sawyer and Zoe Coventry were influential figures through the midcourt.
Garfield has pulled off a stunning second-half comeback to steamroll Kooweerup with an impressive 51-46 victory at Denhams Road.
Kooweerup started well, with Jayda McConkey, Kayla Interlandi and Lily Mewett sharing the goal-scoring duties and leading the Demons to a 27-21 lead at half time.
Garfield appeared a little off the pace, particularly in the second term when the Demons outscored them 15-10; but returned fire in grand style after half time.
The Stars were brilliant in the third quarter, squaring things away at 38-all after a 17-11 stanza. The lively Chloe Bluhm led the midcourt resurgence for the Stars, while Hannah Finnemore (GS) was outstanding in the circle…scoring 13 goals for the quarter.
With momentum now on its side, Garfield turned up the defensive pressure in the final term; scoring 13-8 to race away with the four points.
Nat Sloan (GK) played a great game in the second half after coming in off the bench, while Steph Warburton (GD) was the rock in defence for four quarters.
Holly Cheyne, Jemima Sheedy, Rebecca Van
Rossen and Tanita Bow were other valuable contributors on the day.
And Cora Lynn sits in fourth place on the ladder after a comfortable 40-35 triumph over Dalyston.
The Cobras, bouncing back after last week’s loss to Inverloch-Kongwak, shot out to a 12-5 lead at quarter time with Danielle Cameron (GD) and Annabel Sheppard (GK) making scoring almost impossible for the home side.
The Cobras grew their lead from seven to
eight by half time, then rattled the cage of the Magpies with a 12-7 third quarter.
Leading by 13 at the final break, the Cobras took the foot off the clutch; allowing the Magpies to score 14-6 in the final term to make the scoreboard look respectable.
The remaining two games in round four were played on Easter Saturday, with Phillip Island downing Warragul Industrials (67-32) and Inverloch-Kongwak getting the better of Kilcunda-Bass (57-49).
Nar Nar Goon spearhead Dermott Yawney surges towards four goals for the day against Tooradin-Dalmore. (Stewart Chambers: 475423)
Olivia Hamilton was dynamite through the midcourt for Nar Nar Goon against Tooradin-Dalmore. (Stewart Chambers: 475423)