WinterFest debut for chorale
Melbourne Youth Chorale held its first-ever WinterFest on 2 July, featuring joyful performances, a mini market, and festive vibes. The event raised nearly $800. A standout moment was the debut of the Poco Choir, delighting families and marking a new seasonal complement to their Harmony Week tradition. Full story page 12
Choir members Theo, Daniel and Claire. (Gary Sissons: 485281)
Crime busters
A team of therapists from Oz Child are empowering parents to help bring teenage offenders in the South East back on the right side of the law. The teens are referred by Youth Justice, some with troubling rap sheets blotted by car thefts, carjackings, robberies or assaults.
Star News spoke with those behind the Multisystemic Therapy program, which is reporting a stunning success rate during interventions of up to 20 weeks.
Crucially, 79 per cent reportedly had no further arrests at the end-point of treatment.
Honed over the past 35 years, MST marries up the ‘many systems’ in a young person’s life – their family home, peers, schools, community groups and workplaces.
Parents are taught practical skills - to communicate and problem-solve issues with their kids, and to set clear goals and boundaries. They’re told that it’s OK to be a parent.
“This program gives the parent back to the parents – it says it’s OK to put boundaries in place,” program manager Claire says.
The process is intensive, evidence-based and costly at about $1.1 million for this team of three therapists and a clinical supervisor to help about 45 families a year.
However, it’s much less expensive than locking teens up in remand.
Youth crime has become a hot topic across
Melbourne including Casey – fuelled by serious offending such as aggravated burglaries, carjackings and dangerous driving in stolen cars. Claire says a balance needs to be struck between punishment and getting to the root cause of offending by supporting a functional home life.
The team say there’s a need for earlier intervention with MST-style programs to catch at-risk youth before they fall into crime.
More on the story, turn to page 6
End of an era for gardeners
By Violet Li
Cranbourne & District Garden Club has closed after 51 years of operation.
Then-president Julie Muley said the shutdown was due to a lack of members.
“We had hardly any members, and most of them are getting too old and weren’t that interested anymore. We tried everything, but no one was interested in joining,” she said.
“So, we had to close it down.”
Ms Muley revealed that there were only 16 members before it was closed permanently.
The club used to meet every second Thursday of the month at Cranbourne Public Hall.
It also organised garden trips and social events to connect local gardening enthusiasts.
The club had its last meeting in June.
“It was just the same as any other meeting. It was a very good meeting. We had a special afternoon tea. We just all got together and enjoyed each other’s company,” she said.
“It’s 51 years. It’s pretty good for a club, isn’t it, when you think about it.
“Everyone was sad about it, but we’ve decided now that, seeing that didn’t work, we’ve made a friendship group. We’re going to go out for lunch once a month so we can get together that way.”
The club celebrated its 50th anniversary two years ago at the Cranbourne Public Hall. Then-research officer Marie Pazitka shared a written account from founding member Eileen Frost, who recalled the club’s beginnings in 1975 when she responded to a newspaper advertisement by a woman from Queensland seeking to start a garden club.
The initial meetings were held at the woman’s house, with their first guest speaker being Barry Blyth from Tempo Two Nursery.
The club faced early challenges but gained momentum after support from a horticultural body, leading to increased membership and activities.
Then-president Ms Muley observed that at-
CITY OF
tracting younger members had been difficult, with most joining post-retirement for social interaction and shared interests in gardening.
Speaking with Star News after the closure, Ms
Muley said all the retirement villages have their own garden clubs, so it took a lot of their members away.
When asked if the club could be reopened in
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the future, she said she couldn’t really answer the question.
“But it would be nice to think that we could start up again,” she said.
Cranbourne & District Garden Club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 at Cranbourne Public Hall. Now the club has closed due to a lack of members. (FILE)
Ex-nurse granted bail over charges
By Violet Li
A former Cranbourne nurse accused of drug trafficking and possessing explosives and detonators has been granted bail by the Victorian Supreme Court.
Zarna Barbar, 26, was successful in her second bail attempt on Friday 4 July, after her initial bail application was rejected at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court just over a week earlier.
She was granted bail due to no prior criminal history, young age, rehab admission, and the likelihood she’d spend longer on remand than any likely sentence, according to the Supreme Court.
The former nurse who turned to escort work was arrested on 28 May, when police were executing a search warrant of her Cranbourne house for a motor vehicle theft, and then found various explosives.
Police allegedly seized 30 kilograms of ammonium nitrate ‘power gel’ along with cords, 80 detonators, zip-lock bags of white powder, bottles of viscous liquid, white tablets and allegedly stolen goods including a Holden Commodore recovered in a nearby street, a Victoria Police lanyard and a machete.
She was then charged with 10 offences, including possessing an explosive substance and trafficking a drug of dependence (namely 1, 4-butanediol).
At the time, Barbar was on summons for charges including trafficking 1870 millilitres of 1,4-butanediol after a police raid at her
quired to demonstrate “exceptional circumstances” to be granted bail. She mainly identified youth, lack of prior convictions, and a commitment to residential drug rehabilitation.
The Supreme Court heard that Barbar had been accepted into a 90-day residential rehabilitation program, which she would enter immediately upon release.
Medical reports confirmed she suffers from a poly-substance use disorder and would benefit from intensive treatment.
Victoria Police opposed the bail, raising concerns about community safety, potential reoffending, and alleged attempts to obstruct justice.
The police report contained an opinion from a member of the Bomb Squad about what might have occurred if some of the material allegedly found during the search had exploded.
“If all the explosives had detonated as intended, the damage would have been significant and potentially have catastrophic consequences,” the report stated.
The police asserted that the applicant was an unacceptable risk of committing further offending, as she had allegedly continued to possess and traffick 1, 4-butanediol.
“Drugs in the community are a significant concern, and the accused has no regard for the high impact offending associated with the drugs she is selling,” the police alleged.
“Police believe that no bail conditions will alleviate the accused’s need to traffick drugs,”
a prison phone call asking her brother to retrieve and possibly interfere with her laptop, which had not yet been seized by police at the time. Police argued this showed an intent to frustrate the investigation.
Judge David Beach ruled that Barbar had established “exceptional circumstances”.
He also pointed to the likelihood that Barbar, if found guilty, would not be sentenced to a prison term exceeding the time already served in remand.
“It is not necessary for me to consider the various arguments about the strength or otherwise of the prosecution case,” he stated.
“What I have already said about the likely sentencing disposition for a person with no prior convictions charged with these offences is sufficient to reach the conclusion that exceptional circumstances justifying a grant of bail have been made out.”
He found that the potential risks raised by Victoria Police could be mitigated with stringent bail conditions, including daily reporting to police, drug abstinence, and curfew.
The Supreme Court’s bail grant marked a departure from the earlier ruling by the Frankston Magistrates’ Court.
In the initial hearing on 23 June, Magistrate Tony Burns denied bail.
He concluded that Barbar’s lack of priors and her rehab bed did not in themselves prove “exceptional circumstances”.
He also found that if the charges were proven, Barbar would likely face a significant jail term.
Up to 200km/h alleged
A 21-year-old Berwick man has been charged after he was allegedly detected travelling at speeds of up to 200km/h while trying to avoid arrest on the night of Thursday, 3 July. He is expected to be charged on summons with a string of traffic offences, after officers patrolling in Mulgrave first observed the motorcycle travelling at fast speeds on Wellington Road around 8:50pm.
The air Wing was called in as the motorcycle reached speeds of 140km/h in an 80km/h zone, before entering the Monash Freeway.
Police continued to follow the motorcycle from the sky as it allegedly reached speeds up to 200km/h while heading south on the Monash Freeway and South Gippsland Highway.
The rider then performed a U-turn, and the motorcycle was ridden northbound before pulling into a service station at the corner of Springvale and Wellington Roads. The rider allegedly stole fuel before speeding off, going back onto the Monash Freeway and making their way into the city. Officers were able to coordinate a response on the ground and arrested the driver after he entered a side lane off Flinders Street.
The motorcycle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $999, with the arrest formed as part of Operation Advance targeting high-risk traffic offenders in
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Port plan sparks row
By Violet Li
A modified proposal for a renewable energy terminal at the Port of Hastings has reignited debate over whether economic growth should come at the expense of the environment.
Nearly 2,700 pages of planning and scientific documents were released recently by the State Government, with just 10 business days for public feedback.
The modified proposal, which includes five months of 24/7 dredging and the construction of a massive terminal on reclaimed seabed at the Port of Hastings, has drawn sharply divided responses from across the community.
Steve Beardon, a former Casey councillor and long-time proponent of industrial development in the south east, believed the terminal is critical to revitalising the region’s economy.
“The environment cannot take precedent over jobs, export dollars, hospitals, airports, much-needed housing and lifestyle needs of the majority,” he said.
“We’re a very large country. We’ve got plenty of environmental areas for people to visit, but this is an industrial area. It’s already industrialised, so let’s take a further look and let’s capitalise upon it.”
Apart from the Terminal, Mr Beardon has long been advocating for a freight rail link from Dandenong South through to the Port of Hastings, and an airport down in the south, which altogether would put Casey South as an industrial hub on the map.
“If the Port of Hastings (Terminal) actually goes ahead, then an airport will get the green light. And then from there on, Casey’s going to be rolling in money,” he said.
“It needs to happen. We need to have the courage to go ahead and build these things. Otherwise, we’re going to go backwards as a country, especially down south.
“Casey has probably one of the largest populations of young people coming through anywhere in Australia, and they need jobs.”
Casey Councillor Lynette Pereira, who spoke in a personal capacity as the founding member of the former Western Port Action Group, offered a different view.
She said that every couple of years, a new development would be proposed down at the Western Port.
“I just feel so sad because I feel like one day, when the community just hasn’t got the will to keep fighting it, the government will just override and do whatever they want to do,” she said.
Ms Pereira said Western Port is a “really precious” bay.
She shared her “strongest possible objection” on her Facebook, claiming that the modified proposal remained “deeply flawed” and “environmentally reckless”.
“The changes made since the 2023 version are superficial, and the overall impacts remain unacceptable,” she stated.
Ms Pereira especially warned that dredging the bay’s muddy, narrow channels would stir up sediments repeatedly, permanently damaging fish nurseries, mangroves, and migratory bird habitats.
“I’m not convinced that this can be done without permanent damage to the bay,” she said.
“They’ve got an alternative. They can do it at Geelong Port. I don’t know why they won’t put it there. I wish they would just leave Western Port alone.“
Ms Pereira listed the advantages of Geelong Port, namely being already industrialised, having deep-water access, fewer ecological sensitivities, and existing community and government support.
“Western Port is a treasure, not a terminal. Once it is dredged, filled and industrialised, it is gone forever,” she said.
Chief executive officer of the non-profit organisation Western Port Biosphere Mel Barker said it was too early to form a view on the acceptability of the Terminal.
She pointed out that there are definitely some irreversible consequences because of the proposed reclamation.
She acknowledged the project’s potential benefits but stressed the need for further research and proper community engagement.
“We are concerned because for us, these Ramsar Wetlands are really internationally significant habitat for lots of species, so we’d really need to see that more comprehensive science being completed before we could form a defin-
The State Government has submitted a modified proposal for the Port of Hastings Terminal for Federal approval, and the public had 10 business days to provide feedback. The photo was taken at the Western Port. (Gary Sissons: 487066)
itive view on that.”
Ms Barker explained that the documents released by the Port of Hastings included only limited preliminary impact assessments.
“So should Minister Watt (Federal Environment Minister) says, I’m happy for this to go through a regulatory process, the Port of Hastings will then engage on a whole range of more studies and more science to do final impact assessments,” she said.
“It’s those impact assessments that really tell you what the impact of this proposal will be.
“And then that goes back out for community consultation.
“And then that goes to both the State and Commonwealth ministers to determine whether they think the proposed project should proceed to construction.
“We strongly support accelerated transition towards renewables away from fossil fuels, and want to make sure that there’s a science-based process to make sure there are informed decisions before it would be allowed to commence or not.”
The Westernport and Peninsula Protection Council echoed these concerns, saying the region’s ecosystem is “precious and fragile.”
“Westernport and Peninsula Protection
Payne welcomes reform
Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne has welcomed the State Government’s intent to hold churches vicariously liable for child sexual abuse committed by their clergy. It comes after a High Court ruling last November that the Catholic Church was not liable for abuse by a Ballarat priest.
The court found that the priest was not an ‘employee’, and that it was the job of parliament to rectify this.
In May, Payne had unsuccessfully introduced a bill to hold religious and sports institutions to account for child sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy and volunteers. It was debated, but was not put to the vote due to a lack of support, she said.
However, weeks later, State Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny has told ABC that retrospective laws would be introduced by the end of the year.
Payne said she welcomed this news for victim survivors, who were deeply injured because their pain was not acknowledged or recompensed.
“The wait is finally over. Too many people were living in limbo, in anguish and pain,” the South Eastern Metro MP said. “These people are already up against a legal system that has historically made it unnecessarily difficult to recover compensation from organisations for the child abuse they suffered
“The High Court decision put victim survivors in limbo – with many cases indefinitely halted, unless reforms are made.”
She said Australian Lawyers Alliance and the In Good Faith Foundation (IGFF), which supports victim survivors, were calling for action as soon as possible.
“I urge all MPs from every party to support legislation that remove this legal barrier preventing victims of historical child sexual abuse from accessing justice.”
Local vets share in funding
The Lost Dogs’ Home and Meow and Friends Community Vet, with branches operating out of Cranbourne West, were recently awarded a total of $92,684 under the Animal Welfare Grant Program.
Council Inc are against dredging for new infrastructure in Westernport Bay. We agree with the Federal Government that the ecosystem is precious and fragile,” a spokesperson said.
“We have asked for the analysis of different sites for the wind energy terminal. Tasmania is building one in Port Bell, and we believe that cooperation with them, rather than duplication, would save energy and resources.”
The Terminal project, known as the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal, was proposed back in 2023 to “develop and operate a facility to serve as a base for the assembly of offshore wind farms” at the Port of Hastings.
Then-Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek rejected the proposal publicly in January 2024, citing environmental concerns.
The State Government then modified the proposal based on the concerns, mainly reducing the size of reclamation and dredging.
The public is invited to submit their feedback on the 2025 proposal.
To access all the supporting documents and provide your feedback, visit: https://epbcpublicportal.environment.gov.au/open-for-comments/project-decision/?id=17e2d268-8951f011-877a-000d3a6b1fdf
Submissions closed on Wednesday 9 July.
These two vet clinics are among 33 successful applicants for the grant, and part of a total $1.6 million awarded in Round 12 of the program under the Victorian Government. The Lost Dogs’ Home, which also services North Melbourne, was granted $49,960 in funding, while neighbouring Meow and Friends Community Vet was awarded $42,724.
“The Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program is making a real difference in the lives of Victorian companion animals and their owners, helping as many pets as possible into loving families,” Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said.
The overall funding also includes almost $1.4 million to not-for-profit organisations, shelters, and community rescue and rehoming organisations to support the rehoming og companion animals. Furthermore, funding of $460,000 has been granted to not-for-profit and community vet clinics to upgrade or expand their services, as well as facilities, or set up new, low-cost clinics in areas of need.
The largest recipients were the Australian Animal Protection Society in Keysborough, which was granted funding of $100,000. Likewise, Lort Smith Animal Hospital in North Melbourne was also funded the same amount.
Mangroves in the Stony Point - Crib Point area.
Battin slams government
By Ethan Benedicto
This article includes details of alleged child sexual offences that could be distressing to readers.
Berwick MP and opposition leader Brad Battin has been critical of the Victorian Government’s response to the news of a childcare worker who has been charged with more than 70 offences relating to eight victims.
Battin, speaking after the announcement of a review into childcare safety, said “it demands urgent, independent action, not another insider-led process designed to protect the government rather than protect kids”.
This comes as the accused, Joshua Dale Brown, who is 26 years old, was detailed to have an employment history that spans 20 centres; additionally, 1200 children were urged to seek testing for infectious diseases after reports that Brown contaminated food with bodily fluids.
The State Government was quick to act, ordering an urgent review of childcare safety and
announcing plans for a state-run staff register, new fines, and the potential of installing CCTV in all centres.
Currently, the Victorian Department of Health, alongside Victoria Police, is directly contacting families who may have been affected with further information.
Additionally, the official government website on the matter stated that a comprehensive response has been set up to support families who may have been affected, including a dedicated hotline that is staffed by professionals.
Further action saw former South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill and senior bureaucrat Pamela White recently appointed to lead the review in Victoria, as the Federal Government looks to fast-track legislation in the next parliament sitting week to cut funding to childcare centres that fail to meet safety standards.
Battin, however, is adamant that the process could be quicker, and that the appointment for a former premier is “not leadership, it’s damage
control”.
“What exactly are we waiting for? The government has known about these solutions to the crisis for years, and the report may as well be written already,” he said.
He further criticised Weatherill’s appointment, highlighting that Weatherill “presided over South Australia’s worst child protection disaster” and that “his government ignored warnings that led to a crisis”.
Battin referred to Families SA, now called the Department for Child Protection in South Australia, and the former carer Shannon McCoole, who was convicted of sexually abusing multiple children in state care.
“How can Victorians trust Jacinta Allan to protect our kids when they’re recycling the same failed leadership that let children down before?” Battin said.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing, with Premier Jacinta Allan, according to the SBS, saying that “more needs to happen
now” and that “families cannot wait”, relative to the reforms mentioned above.
Allan also announced, during a press conference on 2 July, that all state childcare centres will be put on notice, and that from 26 September, said centres will be required to ban personal mobile devices.
Shadow Minister for Education, Jess Wilson MP, also criticised the state government, citing slow and tedious action that is “needed now”.
“The Victorian community is expecting action, not further delay; by failing to take action on previous recommendations, the [government] has left gaps in the childcare safety system.
“We cannot wait until the end of July, or even mid-August, to implement the reforms we know are needed now,” she said.
For more information on the state government’s response, visit www.vic.gov.au/childcare-centres-investigation#childcare-centres-where-alleged-offender-worked
Rotary Club of Casey welcomes president Jean Harrison
On Saturday 5 July, the Rotary Club of Casey held its annual Changeover Dinner at Beaconhills Golf Club, formally inducting Jean Harrison as its 15th President. The evening was a celebration of the club’s achievements over the past year, with members and guests gathering to mark the occasion.
Dignitaries in attendance included Ann-Marie Hermans MP, Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region; Deputy Mayor Cr Melinda Ambros; Past District Governor of District 9815, Colin Byron and his wife Leanne; and District Governor Elect for District 9815, Emma Clark from the Emerald Rotary Club.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award to Berwick RSL’s Ray Heathcote, recognising his outstanding service to the welfare of RSL members. A veteran with active service, Ray has shown unwavering commitment to supporting fellow veterans and the broader community.
Incoming President Jean Harrison, a longtime Berwick resident and committed Rotarian of 13 years, previously served as President of the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills in 2017–18. She joined the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills shortly after moving to the area, drawn by its strong community reputation and active service ethos.
“I’m honoured to be leading a club that’s not only passionate but genuinely connected to both local and global causes,” Jean said. “I look forward to building on the fantastic work done by Immediate Past President Alan Foster and our dedicated members.”
This year, President Harrison and the club will focus on youth engagement, homelessness, and preventing domestic violence— causes that are increasingly relevant to the Casey region.
Although a relatively young club by Rotary standards, the Rotary Club of Casey is known for its inclusive, informal culture and a membership that reflects a rich diversity of ages and cultural backgrounds.
Regular community events such as the Holland Festival, Charity Long Lunch, Annual Charity Golf Day for Prostate Cancer, and the Pakenham Antique Fair are just some of the initiatives the club supports to raise funds and awareness for important causes.
If you’re curious about Rotary or considering ways to give back to your community, the Rotary Club of Casey warmly invites you to join them for dinner and a chat. Meetings are held every Monday night at 6.30pm at The Hill Restaurant, Parkhill Drive, Berwick.
Jean Harrison and family members.
Judy Berends, Ann-Marie Hermans, Jenny Robson and Mark Hermans.
Emmah Welsh and David Rowlands.
L-R Jenny Robson, Deputy Mayor Melinda Ambros and John.
L-R Jenny Robson and David Rowlands.
L-R Barry Erlenwein and Paul Harris Fellow - Ray Heathcote.
Outgoing President Alan Foster.
Fires we are not putting out
By Dr Jamel Kaur Singh and Dya Singh
As Melbourne woke to news of an arson attack on the East Melbourne Synagogue - one of Australia’s oldest Jewish places of worship - we were reminded just how fragile peace and cohesion can be. It was not just an attack on bricks and stained glass. It was an attack on belonging.
Whether it is Islamophobia, anti-semitism, anti-Black sentiment, or oblivious racism in everyday life, it is clear that Australia is hurting. And beneath the surface, we are dividing, not uniting.
In all this, the question we keep coming back to is: What does it really mean to belong in Australia today?
As a father–daughter duo from a proud Australian but Sikh–Anglo–English–Malaysian–Indian–Pakistani background, we know what it feels like to be “othered” - to be asked, “Where are you really from?” even though we have lived here for decades.
We have also experienced the quiet pride of contributing - through sport, music, cultural work, teaching, mentoring, writing, and building bridges between communities.
But still, when fires are lit, literally and metaphorically, it feels like our multicultural story is being tested.
We recently spoke with respected First
Nations elders Uncle Gene Blow and Rachel Shields. One question came up:
“When do we, as non–First Nations people, truly belong?”
Their response: Belonging is not a place. It is a practice. It is about showing up. Listening. Respecting. Contributing.
It is about knowing that this land holds stories older than time - and that all of us now share a duty to care for it, and for each other.
The Root Cause: Fear and Unreadiness
At the heart of these cultural clashes is fear - fear of being replaced, of being misunderstood, of losing identity or tradition.
But also, it is the lack of readiness - we are not equipping people with the skills to respectfully navigate our multicultural society.
While we legislate for anti-discrimination, we
do very little to teach Cultural Intelligence (CQ), the ability to function effectively across cultures with empathy, self-awareness, and humility. Instead, we rely on quick-fix training, polarising headlines, legislation and reactive politics. And when real issues arise - from antisemitism to anti-Muslim rhetoric, from refugee fearmongering to inter-community conflict - we lack the shared language to respond with unity.
Solutions: What We Can Do
If belonging is a practice, then here is where we start:
1. Mandate CQ Training Across Sectors
Especially in schools, councils, law enforcement, and sport. We must go beyond diversity checklists to teach empathy, humility, and real cultural literacy.
2. Invest in Multicultural Mentorship Programs
Help youth from all backgrounds see leadership and belonging as accessible to them. Role models matter.
3. Support Local Cultural Ambassadors Community-led programs with lived experience should be prioritised. We do not need outsiders speaking for us - we need insiders guiding from within.
4. Strengthen Hate Speech Response Units Hate speech is on the rise. Reporting must be easy. Consequences must be clear. Support services must be robust.
5. Build Belonging Through Shared Rituals
Schools and workplaces must create space for shared storytelling, multicultural celebrations, and moments of national unity that honour both ancient and emerging narratives. Because we are either First Nations, or we are a nation of migrants.
This is the Australia we are.
We must stop acting as if multiculturalism is a threat. It’s a strength. It’s our reality. It’s our future.
So when a synagogue is firebombed, when a mosque is targeted, when a student is bullied for wearing a turban, kippah or hijab, when a Welcome to Country is booed, we must respond not just with laws, but with leadership. In homes. In schools. In sports clubs. In politics.
Belonging does not mean everyone agrees. But it does mean everyone matters.
Australia does not need more performative unity.
It needs real conversations. Real courage. Real change.
Let’s stop asking, “Where are you from?” And instead ask, “What are you contributing? What are you teaching? Who are you uplifting?”
Because when all of us feel seen, safe, and valued - that is when we will be the Australia we are meant to be.
Meet the team getting young offenders back on track
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Give the parent back to the parent.
That’s the aim of a team of therapists who help families bring wayward teens back on the right side of the law.
Multisystemic Therapy (MST) therapists from Oz Child work with 13-to-17 year olds across the South East, mostly from Culturally-and-Linguistically-Diverse backgrounds.
The teens are referred by Youth Justice, some with troubling rap sheets blotted by car thefts, carjackings, robberies or assaults.
The MST team boasts a stunning success rate in just 20 weeks of intervention – with 100 per cent of families reporting improved family functioning.
More than 80 per cent report improved behaviour and mental health, and reduced substance issues and time with problem peers.
Crucially, 79 per cent reportedly had no further arrests at the end-point of treatment.
Honed over the past 35 years, Multisystemic Therapy marries up the ‘many systems’ in a young person’s life – their family home, peers, schools, community groups and workplaces.
The process is intensive, evidence-based and costly at about $1.1 million for this team of three therapists and a clinical supervisor to help about 45 families a year.
However, it’s less expensive than locking teens up in remand – which is nearly $6000 a day or $2.1 million a year per prisoner.
With the help of MST, parents who might feel helpless are empowered to take charge.
“When families get caught in the system, parents become fearful in using parental au-
thority and putting in boundaries,” program manager Claire says.
“This program gives the parent back to the parents – it says it’s OK to put boundaries in place.”
MST therapist Dajana says parents are taught practical skills - to communicate and problem-solve issues with their kids, and to set clear goals and boundaries.
She says raising children is different these
days.
“We’re taking away physical discipline but parents are not replacing it with another discipline.
“The question is what’s the alternative way to discipline a young person? We’re helping parents still find ways to be parents.
“So they are supporting their kids in a world that’s changing rapidly with social media and the like.”
Driven by a passion to treat complex behaviours, MST clincial supervisor Gizem says she’s inspired by the instant results.
“It’s the best feeling when you hear a parent say: ‘That’s a great idea’.”
MST therapist Shaza says she honours the critical role of parents in building a children’s world.
They empower families who feel isolation, stigma and shame when their children become a part of the ‘youth crime’ scourge.
“It takes a village to raise a child” is the mantra, she says.
“We connect parents to one another – if we need them home by 10pm, we can cross to other households to support each other and set those boundaries.”
Shaza adds there is no one root cause for offending.
There’s a number of possible drivers, such as intergenerational trauma, disengaging from school, language barriers and peer groups, that need to be tackled.
In the past, parents may feel “helpless” as their children associate with bad influences. Peers might just regularly come over and do drugs, for instance.
But parents are supported to set new rulesthat peers could only visit if their parents were informed. They can check their home for substances.
Teens can be set goals to attend school or work, to quit drugs and offending, to be home at a certain time of night.
They’re given affirming rewards such as dinner nights with family and sleepovers with approved peers.
Youth crime has become a hot topic – perhaps due to the prevalence of serious offending such as aggravated burglaries, carjackings and dangerous driving in stolen cars.
Yet, offending by 10-17 year olds in Casey has fallen in the past year. While at the same time, crime across all ages has risen 19 per cent.
Program manager Claire notes that there’s much talk in politics and media about ‘getting tough’ on youth crime.
But a balance needs to be struck between punishment and getting to the root cause of offending by supporting a functional home life.
One drawback with MST is that young people are referred only after they stray into crime.
The team say there’s a need for earlier intervention with MST-style programs to catch at-risk youth before they fall.
For parents in this predicament, the team offers the following advice: Don’t be afraid to be a parent.
“No one is going to love your child as much as you,” Shaza says.
“Do what you need to do to keep them safe and it will pay off in the long-term.”
OzChild MST clinical supervisor Gizem and therapists Dajana and Shaza support families to get teen offenders in line. (Gary Sissons: 487048)
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions
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. We’re also removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 86 already gone.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions:
Cranbourne and Pakenham lines
First train to 10.30pm, 7 to 8 July
Buses replace trains between Parliament, Caulfield and Westall 10.30pm to last train each night, 7 to 8 July 9 July to 1.30am 12 July
From 1.30am 12 July to 13 July
9pm 18 July to 3am 21 July
Road disruptions: Closed ramps and roads
Buses replace trains between Parliament and Westall
Passengers change at Caulfield station for Frankston Line trains to and from the city
Buses replace trains between Westall, Cranbourne and Berwick
Fowler Road, Dandenong South Until 21 JulyAt the South Gippsland Highway intersection
South Gippsland Highway, Dandenong South Until 21 JulyBetween Princes Highway and Dandenong Bypass
Princes Freeway, Berwick Until mid NovemberCitybound exit ramp to Clyde Road
Bald Hill Road, Pakenham 10 July to early October West of Racecourse/HealesvilleKoo Wee Rup Road
Clyde Road, Berwick 28 July to late NovemberWarragul-bound entry ramp to Princes Freeway
Anzac Station
Cold, currents and courage
By Violet Li
It is choppier than forecasted in the English Channel, and it is colder than usual at this time of the year, but the French coastline finally comes into view – there is hope.
Bethany Forster speeds up.
The reality soon creeps in. She has been staring at a piece of land for too long.
“I’d forgotten about the whole S shape. I forgot we’re kind of going parallel to the coastline in a way,” she later recalls.
“I was like, man, I’m not getting any closer.”
The doomed destiny comes down to one thing: fuelling. The swimmer accidentally bought low-sugar gels, giving her far less energy than planned.
As her speed drops, she misses the tidal window. With no food left on board to fuel another several hours of swimming, her team has no choice.
The pilots, who are closely monitoring Bethany on a support boat nearby, pull the plug. They tell the swimmer to get out of the water. It’s over.
The Lyndhurst local’s first English Channel attempt: 3 kilometres short of the shore. 48.6 kilometres swum, through hundreds of jellyfish, but avoided being stung. 11.5 hours in the ocean. An odyssey that starts at 2am in the dark water.
It was all fine at the time, but the afterthoughts hurt, Bethany admitted.
“I’m tired. I’m cold, and we’ve been going for a long time. I swam through heaps of jellyfish, so at that point, I had been pretty over it for a long time.
“It was afterwards. It wasn’t really a little bit the same day, but it wasn’t really until the next day that I was like, oh, damn.
“I just cried.”
But she’s far from defeated. She already has her second attempt booked for next year.
Second attempt at the English Channel seems to follow a proud legacy, as nearly a century ago, Gertrude Ederle, the first woman ever to swim the English Channel, succeeded not on her first try, but on her second.
Stories of women undertaking long-distance swims have dominated public eyes in recent years, from iconic crossings like the English Channel to record-breaking swims in remote and challenging waters.
This time, the 23-year-old local swimmer is not hesitant to share her story, a story of failing, she would say, but never mind.
“The thing is, failing this time means that it makes for a better story in the long run,” she said. The decision came around about two years ago when the swimmer realised it was actually not worth it to climb Mount Everest.
“I went down a Mount Everest rabbit hole. Maybe I can do that. And then I went, the only reason I would do it is to satisfy curiosity. It’s not worth it. I’m not a mountaineer. That’s stupid,” she said when she thought of how this all started.
“Well, what’s my thing? My thing’s swimming. I’ve been swimming competitively for 15 years.”
What’s equivalent to climbing Mount Everest in the swimming field? That’s a question for Bethany.
She had been hearing about channel swimming for a long time. Of course, she wanted to do it, but initially, she was scared of jellyfish. She got over that and learned to deal with whatever animals were out there.
Two associations organise channel swims. Bethany sent out emails in early April this year to ask for a spot in 2026.
“One got back to me, and he goes, I’ve got no space for 2026, but I have a spot in June 2025, if you would like it, let me know quickly because I’m going to offer it to other people,” she recalled.
“I went, well, I was going to do it, but, like, why not do it earlier?
“For the crew, because it was earlier than I’d planned, the people who were originally going to come with me couldn’t.
“I was lucky that my best friend could come and her boyfriend. My mom’s cousin drove down from Nottingham.”
The narrowest point of the channel, if you just go directly across, is 32 kilometres.
When swimmers cross the English Channel, they don’t swim in a straight line from England to France because of strong tidal currents. These currents push swimmers sideways, so the actual path taken looks like a stretched-out “S” on a map. It can end up being over 50 kilometres of swimming.
Bethany put aside a window of three weeks
for the endeavour, at the mercy of weather conditions, but she got lucky. She swam the very first day of her swim window.
Looking back, she would say the most challenging part is the prolonged cold, and it does kinda get boring.
“I’m definitely ready for the channel because I know how to manage the cold. It was colder in the channel than it would even be normally at that time of the year. But because the temperature stayed the same the whole time, you get used to it,” Bethany said.
“Once I got into French waters, for some reason, it got really patchy, so some bits would be warm, some bits would be cold, which made it so much more uncomfortable…
“Frankly, you look down and you can’t see the bottom. It’s too deep. You’ve just got water in front of you. And when you’re right in the middle, you can’t see England and you can’t see France.
“It’s hard to hear from the boat. Conversation is not going to happen…It gets really boring because you’re all on your own in the middle, and
nothing to look at. Sometimes a ship would pass, and that would be fun. Otherwise, it’s like there’s nothing.”
That mental solitude did turn out to be as challenging as the cold.
“In the past, I’ve been really good at zoning out,” Bethany said.
“But this time, I couldn’t switch off.”
She found herself unusually alert the whole way, hyperaware of her body, the cold, the jellyfish, and how long everything was taking.
“It makes it a lot harder when you’re aware of how much it sucks, how much it hurts, and how cold you are,” she said.
So what keeps her coming back to something that she freely admits is, at times, cold, painful, and yes, boring?
“Well, for starters, I’ve got to finish it and tick the box,” Bethany said.
But it runs deeper than just unfinished business.
“It’s a hard thing to explain. When you work for something and you achieve it, that feeling is
so good. It’s almost addictive,” she said.
“It’s satisfying. It’s like that moment of, I did that thing, and just being proud of yourself.
“Competitive swimming and ultra marathon swimming are hard in different ways, but the thing with the channel swimming is I can just keep going until it’s done, and it doesn’t matter how fast I go.”
She cited British open-water legend Ross Edgley, who became the first person to swim all the way around mainland Great Britain in 2018, covering 2860 kilometres in 157 days.
“His thing was naive enough to start, stubborn enough to finish, and that pretty much was me,” she said.
“If I decide I’m doing something, I’m going to do it. No one’s going to stop me. It’s a weird thing, it kind of sucked, but it was kind of fun, and at the end it’s worth it.
“I didn’t get that feeling so much this time around because I didn’t get that moment.
“I’ll go back and do it again, hit land, and I’ll feel good for doing that.”
Bethany Forster at Noble Park Aquatic Centre. (Stewart Chambers: 488268)
Lyndhurst swimmer Bethany Forster is attempting the English Channel. (Supplied)
‘Missed chances’
By Tara Cosoleto, AAP
Police missed opportunities to hold an abusive man to account in the months before he violently bashed his partner and left her for dead, a coroner has found.
Robert Rickerby fatally assaulted Jessica Geddes, 27, on November 6, 2020, after years of physically, emotionally and financially abusing her.
Rickerby punched, kicked or hit Ms Geddes and then left to collect takeaway pizzas while she died in the bedroom of their Endeavour Hills home.
Rickerby ultimately pleaded guilty to Ms Geddes’ manslaughter and in June 2024 was sentenced to 15 years and six months behind bars.
State Coroner John Cain released his findings into Ms Geddes’ death, determining police missed opportunities to stop Rickerby before the fatal attack.
“This is not to say that Jessica’s death was preventable if the Victoria Police response was different,“ Judge Cain said.
“However, I am of the view that there were missed opportunities to intervene.“
He noted a family violence incident in September 2019 where Rickerby allegedly repeatedly hit Ms Geddes in the head with a hammer.
Ms Geddes disclosed to police Rickerby’s role in the attack and his previous assaults against her.
But Rickerby denied the hammer incident during his police interview, instead claiming Ms Geddes’ had a history of hitting herself in the head with objects.
Rickerby was never prosecuted over the assault because it was deemed there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.
There were seven other reports of family violence between October 2019 and May 2020 but police were either unable to make contact with Ms Geddes or she reported being well.
A Victoria Police-led review after her death found officers did not undertake rigorous investigations or use their entry powers to ensure she was safe.
Police members also did not submit family violence reports as required and opportunities to prosecute Rickerby for breaching intervention orders were not pursued, the review found.
Judge Cain said the deficiencies in the police response could not be understated.
“By not investigating Robert’s alleged (intervention order) breaches, there were missed opportunities to hold him to account for his offending,“ the coroner said.
Ms Geddes was a vulnerable woman with a history of mental illness and it appeared police had determined her health issues had affected her credibility, Judge Cain said.
That approach went against police guidance
that mental illness was a known risk factor for family violence, the coroner said.
Victoria Police chose not to respond to the coroner’s comments, instead reiterating its ongoing work to improve its responses to family violence.
Judge Cain said he was satisfied he did not need to make further recommendations on that issue.
But he did recommend Victoria Police and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing provide funding to embed advanced family violence practitioners within dedicated police units to manage repeat cases.
■1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
■Lifeline 13 11 14
Victim’s begging led up to partner homicide
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A State Coroner has called for a decriminalised approach to begging after an Endeavour Hills woman was fatally bashed by her abusive partner.
Jessica Geddes, 27, was beaten to death by Robert Rickerby at their home on 6 November 2020 after years of physical, verbal and financial abuse.
State Coroner John Cain noted numerous reports of Ms Geddes publicly begging for food and money, while her Centrelink payments were diverted to Rickerby’s bank account.
Witnesses reported her saying Rickerby would beat her up if she didn’t get “what Robert was after”.
One reported seeing Ms Geddes marked with bruises to her body.
Ms Geddes would often call her mother to order pizza for her and Rickerby while the partner was heard verbally abusing her in the background.
Victoria Police had 36 reports of Ms Geddes in breach of “public order” – largely complaints of her begging or breaching a ban notice at a 7-Eleven outlet.
Ms Geddes often left the area before police arrived. Otherwise, police would usually advise her not to return, despite receiving reports of suspected family violence and concerns for her welfare.
“It appears that each incident was considered individually, rather than considering the reasons why Jessica was begging, and the underlying issues she was facing,” Judge Cain stated.
“This is not a criticism of Victoria Police as they were compliant with their own policies in relation to begging; rather it is an observation of the way begging is responded to by society.”
Judge Cain recommended the police to develop welfare-oriented approach to begging – which was currently a criminal offence punishable by a fine or jail.
One-third of people charged with begging had experienced family violence, according to a
2018 survey.
“Criminal responses to symptoms of poverty fail to address the root cause and instead criminalises people’s attempt to care for themselves and access shelter, food and water,” the coroner stated.
“Instead of being afraid of getting in trouble from police, Jessica could have received referrals to get assistance with housing, substance use, mental/physical health and family violence.”
Judge Cain also recommended the police develop protocols to inquire to the begging person’s needs and safety, and to offer referrals to welfare services rather than a “law-and-order” approach.
The State Government should also develop a co-responder model for police to partner with community welfare practitioners in response to begging, the coroner stated.
Rickerby pleaded guilty to Ms Geddes’ manslaughter and in June 2024 was sentenced to 15 years and six months’ jail.
Works to disrupt train lines
Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will be disrupted over the next week, as construction and trial operations continue within the Metro Tunnel.
Buses will replace metropolitan trains between Parliament, Caufield and Westall from the first service on Monday 7 July to 1.30am on Saturday 12 July. Cranbourne and Pakenham trains will terminate and originate at Caulfield from 1.30am on Saturday 12 July to the last service on Sunday 13 July.
Passengers should switch to a train on the Frankston Line for travel between the City and Caulfield.
Trial operations will continue from Monday 7 July to Sunday 13 July. This includes operating trains without passengers using the new signalling system and running through a wide range of scenarios involving the five new underground stations, and practising emergency responses to major incidents so staff are fully prepared when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025.
The Metro Tunnel will deliver twin 9km tunnels and five new CBD stations, connections to the City Loop and will enable more trains to run more often across Melbourne.
Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.transport.vic.gov.au. The latest public transport information and network status are available at ptv.vic. gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.
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Police missed opportunities to prevent Robert Rickerby’s deadly attack, a coroner has found. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)
Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will be disrupted over the next week, as construction and trial operations continue within the Metro Tunnel. (Supplied)
Storytelling through clay
By Ethan Benedicto
Renowned director, filmmaker, animator and clayographer, Adam Elliot, is looking to head back home for the Bunjil Place screening of his latest project, Memoir of a Snail.
Scheduled for Sunday, 20 July, Elliot will also be hosting a Q&A session after the movie, and while having been in the limelight of questions for the better part of a decade, he remains eager to hear everyone’s thoughts.
“As a filmmaker, we’re happy for our films to be shown anywhere, and the film has also now been seen by millions of people around the world, but it’s also still being released in other parts of the world like China and Germany,” he said.
“Every audience is different, every screening of the film, the audience reacts differently, and I’m always curious as to how the people respond.
“It seems to be a pretty universal film, and like my other films, I’ve always had the very simple objective of making the audience laugh and cry; and I always say that if you’re not an emotional wreck by the end, then I’ve failed.”
Memoir of a Snail follows the story of Grace Pudel, described as a lonely misfit with an affinity for collecting ornamental snails and a love for books.
While still young, Grace is separated from her fire-breathing twin brother Gilbert, and as a result, falls into a spiral of anxiety and angst.
Despite ongoing hardships, inspiration and hope emerged when she struck up a friendship with an elderly eccentric woman named Pinky.
Reflecting on the writing process, Elliot said that he tends to write ‘back to front’, moving from a series of scattered ideas to a cohesive narrative.
From his perspective, it’s the same as either baking a cake or building a house, where “you have a rough plan in the beginning but as you start the journey, things change”.
“I love improvisation and I love spontaneity; animation by its very nature is a very prescribed
art form, but I try to allow for organic moments, and I certainly have a whole lot of ingredients I try to cram into each film.
“Then it’s a process of distillation and culling, because you can’t have everything you want in there, it has to make sense, and there’s a balance between the dark and the light, the comedy, tragedy, and so I’m always adjusting things,” he said.
Born in Berwick, Elliot’s first short film was titled Uncle, and made in 1996, ran for six minutes.
It won a series of international awards, including an Australian Film Institute Award for Best Australian Animated Short, due to, but not limited by, traditional filming and stop-motion techniques that involved a now obsolete linear editing system called Steenbeck.
Two movies followed to form a trilogy, titled Cousin in 1998 and Brother in 1999, the former earning Elliot his second AFI Award for Best Australian animation and the latter winning the same, but with the added tick for the best Australian Short Screenplay.
Memoir of a Snail is Elliot’s second feature
film, after his first, Mary and Max, in 2009 held its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
His latest piece premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
In true clayography fashion, Memoir of a Snail was shot in the traditional, and time consuming stop-motion animation form, where every single prop, set, and character is a unique handmade tangible object.
A team of artists spent almost a year making the 7000 objects that were needed to tell Grace Pudel’s tale, and with no single frame of CGI, took over 33 weeks to shoot, over 200 sets, and 135,000 photographs to bring it to life.
For him, seeing his piece back home is an ode to his origins, with Elliot saying that while he has lived in all parts of the world, “I’ve come back to this suburb on and off over my life”.
With friends and family in abundance in the City of Casey, he is looking forward to the Q&A session, adding that he “learns a lot from the au-
dience as well”.
“I learn about what they like about the film, what emotions are triggered, and as a writer, particularly, I’m always learning about the audience.
“I’ve done thousands of Q&As over the last 30 years as a filmmaker, and you never stop learning, and it’s something you never perfect.
“These Q&As are just a reminder that I’m still learning, and I think that if you ever feel complacent and when things may start to fall apart, a bit of self-doubt is quite healthy,” he said.
Grace Pudel, as a character, “suffers a lot”, according to Elliot, but it was also a creative direction to make her resilient.
Elliot deliberately made Grace someone who was not heroic, but still someone who is brave, “in a sense that she just endures the suffering”.
“She learns a lot of lessons but ultimately comes out the other end as a whole person; there are times that I feel guilty about all the things I do to her, but you know, as I said before, I really want the audience to be emotionally exhausted by the end of the film,” he said.
The human condition is the biggest focus when it comes to the narrative of Elliot’s films.
He added that the characters are universal, and their archetypes are a deliberate creative decision.
“Grace is an archetypal underdog, you really empathise with her because all of us have gone through bad luck and suffered loss in our lives,” Elliot said.
“So I wanted her experience to be very relatable, and that’s been a really rewarding part for me as a filmmaker - anyone being able to relate to Grace, that’s what I was really hoping.”
The screening will be held at Bunjil Place’s studio, for a duration of the whole event to last two hours and 20 minutes. The gates open at 2:20pm, with the film beginning at 3pm, and the Q&A session scheduled for 4:35pm.
For more information and ticketing, visit www. bunjilplace.com.au/events/memoir-of-a-snail
Grace and Gilbert at Luna Park. (Supplied)
Gilbert and Grace, characters from the film, Memoir of a Snail, reading on a couch. (Supplied)
Adam Elliot is keen for the screening to be held at Bunjil Place, but even more so to hear the audience’s interpretation of his second feature film, Memoir of a Snail. (Barryandkevin at English Wikipedia)
Join and you could win
Connected Libraries is calling all kids and teens to join in July for a chance to win a $200 voucher of their choice, plus receive a free library bag just for signing up.
From Tuesday 1 July to Thursday 31 July, anyone aged 0–17 who becomes a new library member will be automatically entered into the prize draw.
It’s free to join, and you can sign up online at connectedlibraries.org.au/join or by visiting any Connected Libraries location.
“This is a fun way to welcome new young readers into our library community,” said Beth Luppino, chief executive officer of Connected Libraries.
“We know how powerful it can be when a child or teen discovers the joy of reading and learning through the library, so we’re making it easy and exciting to get started.”
The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday 4 August.
In the meantime, all new members can start borrowingbooks,exploringdigitalcollections,and joining in on fantastic school holiday programs.
“We’re proud to offer free membership and a welcoming space for kids and teens across Casey,” Ms Luppino said.
“Join in July is all about opening doors—to stories, creativity, learning, and connection.”
To find out more and view full terms and conditions, visit: connectedlibraries.org.au/competitions
Connected Libraries is calling all kids and teens to join in July for a chance to win a $200 voucher of their choice, plus receive a free library bag just for signing up. (Supplied)
BUSINESS IN FOCUS
Scrap the new property tax
By Ann-Marie Hermans MP
Hundreds of emails sent to my inbox. Thousands of people rallying at the steps of Parliament. Millions of property owners set to be smashed. There are few issues that have galvanised Victorians like the Allan Labor Government’s ‘Emergency Services Volunteers Fund’.
But don’t be deceived, this isn’t a fund. It’s a brand-new property tax.
Even the United Firefighters Union - affiliated with the Labor Party - has demanded that this tax not be imposed in their name. Why? Because they know it’s a sham.
If you own a home, you’ll be slugged with this new charge when your local council sends out your rates notice.
But don’t blame your them – they’ve been forced to collect this tax on the state’s behalf without their consent or consultation, and they won’t see a single cent of it.
The food you buy at the supermarket will go up because farmers will be paying 150 per cent more on than the original fire levy.
Fed Uni part of ‘Yes’ fund
Federation University is among 16 other Victorian universities that will share a grant of $5 million under the Yes To International Students Fund.
Granted by the Victorian Government, the fund backs international education by supporting universities and TAFEs to expand their global footprint.
The Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Danny Pearson, visited William Angliss Institute to make the announcement.
He said that “we are backing international students because they drive jobs and the economy and boost Victoria’s global reputation”.
“As Australia’s education state, we stand against student caps and with our universities and TAFEs,” he said.
The investment will focus on transnational education, offering targeted seed funding to Victorian universities and TAFEs so they can kick-start and grow partnerships to deliver more education overseas.
To be more precise, transnational education is the delivery of Australian courses to international students outside Australia, where a university or TAFE may set up a campus offshore or co-deliver courses with a reputable international institution.
The Minister for Skills and TAFE, Gayle Tierney, said that the “Yes to International Students Fund is about backing out worldclass universities and TAFEs to take Victorian education to the world”.
According to the state government, the partnerships will strengthen the state’s global presence by creating new courses and expanding existing programs, offering student exchange programs and more.
The release also added that making Victoria’s world-class education more accessible to the globe brings huge benefits back to the state.
This includes economic growth, strengthening of Victoria’s institutions’ global reputation, and giving staff and students the mobility and opportunities for research, career development and future collaboration.
The Victorian Government has once more called on the Federal Government to axe the international student caps, adding that a cap on international students is a cap on economic growth.
“This fund will ensure students can benefit from the world-class education Victoria has to offer while supporting innovation and deepening cultural ties,” Minister Tierney said.
The Yes to International Students Fund is funded through the state government’s Economic Growth Statement as a key initiative to support education providers for global opportunities.
The overall 2025/2026 Victorian Budget is also investing $18.6 million to continue backing international education programs and services, supporting the sector to navigate the national and international landscape.
Your local CFA and SES stations won’t be the beneficiaries of this tax as there’s no guarantee that it’ll go towards funding new equipment and vehicles or facilitating training.
Having worked closely with our emergency services, I can tell you first-hand that their organisations are becoming increasingly unsustainable, and frontline crews aren’t given the updated resources that they need to keep us safe.
Adding insult to injury, many of our farmers are also unpaid, emergency services volunteers, and often fund equipment out of their own pocket.
This government is a fiscal arson, burning through cash and borrowing like there’s no tomorrow. If they continue down this path, they’ll only have two choices – cut essential services or tax the living daylights out of you. Right now, they’re doing both, and you’re paying the price.
We must scrap this tax, reinstate the fairer, simpler fire levy, and ensure that our emergency services are funded by existing revenue not some dodgy tax.
If your small business owns a commercial property, that’ll also be hit, meaning less profits to be paid out.
Protesting at the steps of parliament.
Federation University was among 16 other universities in Victoria to be part of the Yes to International Students Fund. (Gary Sissons: 425484)
Wilson goes wild!
By Ethan Benedicto
Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick received an advanced summer surprise, with the safari’s entire pack of animals greeting park-goers over the weekend.
Set to stay until 13 July, Wilson Goes Wild featured life-sized animal installations from large elephants to gorillas taking residence at the Basalt Lake.
The towering sculptures were also accompanied by hands-on craft and activities, such as badge making, and a coffee van on the site that provided refreshments as patrons went from one animal to another.
Also in attendance was the City of Casey’s mayor Stefan Koomen and his family, as well as Akoonah Ward councillor Scott Dowling, all taking in the
of the local safari.
Chorale delivers
Hampton Park-based Melbourne Youth Chorale held its first-ever WinterFest concert on Wednesday 2 July, bringing joyful harmonies and heartfelt performances.
“We had a number of families there. We had a nice vibe. We had decorations up around the place,” the choir’s executive manager Kerry Alexander said.
“It was festive and fun. We had food for sale. We had a little mini market. We raised nearly $800.
“This was the first time we’ve done it. In March, we normally run an international food festival for Harmony Week, which is really nice. People just bring food that relates to their culture. It’s a nice fundraiser, and kids perform.
“We just thought we’d try something like it again.”
Ms Alexander said the best moment that stood out in her mind was when all the little kids, the Poco Choir, performed for the first time.
sights
Ella and Eddie are embracing their inner explorer as an elephant rears above them. (Rob Carew: 488164_11)
Freyja (6yo) wears a mask she made as part of the activities. (Rob Carew: 488164_03)
Families and children explored the amazing animals in the glorious weather. (Rob Carew: 488164_04)
The City of Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen, with his family, were also at the event, as he held his daughter Frankie, and mum, Catriona, held her sibling, Georgie. (Rob Carew: 488164_05)
Festival brings colour
BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Cranbourne South brought vibrant colours and community spirit to Akoonah Park during its Rath Yatra, Festival of Chariots celebration on Saturday 28 June.
Amid a sea of bright decorations and joyful faces, children from local primary schools helped pull beautifully decorated chariots through the park, marking the start of festivities that drew a large number of community members together.
Rath Yatra, originating from Jagannath
Puri, India, is a Hindu festival symbolising devotion, humility, inclusiveness, and the belief that the divine connects with everyone, beyond temple walls and into community hearts.
Participants enjoyed traditional dances, devotional music, and heartfelt prayers.
Local residents praised the event for its welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful planning.
Many community onlookers, including residents from Akoonah Caravan Park, enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere.
“There are so many colours, beautiful music, and wonderful festivities. This kind of event really brings people together like we see today,” one onlooker noted.
Environmental responsibility was another highlight of the festival.
Organisers confirmed that 85 per cent of event waste was successfully recycled or composted, thanks to the use of recyclable cardboard plates for food service, with leftover food also being composted, and clearly marked recycling and general waste stations.
Opposition leader Brad Battin attended the celebration, who emphasised the value of cultural events in building community relationships and mutual understanding.
The organisation’s spokesperson, Het Patel, said: “BAPS continues to make a meaningful impact in Casey through youth empowerment, cultural enrichment, and humanitarian efforts.
“With open doors to all, it fosters ongoing dialogue and connection across Victoria’s vibrant and diverse community.”
Alison Lester hosts mural workshop at Bunjil Place
Children and families gathered for a special community mural workshop led by acclaimed Australian author and illustrator Alison Lester at Bunjil Place Library on Monday 7 July.
Inspired by her beloved picture book Imagine, the event invited participants aged five and up to explore fantastical landscapes— from deep jungles to icy tundras—through collaborative watercolour painting.
The two-hour drop-in session was part of the Casey Winter Arts Festival and the Connected Libraries School Holiday Program.
Attendees contributed their imaginative artwork to a collective mural, which will be displayed at the Bunjil Place Library for the community to enjoy.
An inspiring celebration of harmony and spirituality in Victoria’s multicultural landscape. (Gary Sissons: 486160)
Opposition leader Brad Battin and Ann-Marie Hermans, Member of the Victorian Legislative Council, with guests with BAPS volunteers.
Melbourne comes together in a beautiful expression of culture, community, and faith.
Alison Lester with Vincy and Anna from Cranbourne.
India-Mae from Endeavour Hills was adding her part to the mural. (Stewart Chambers: 488508)
WHAT’S ON
Casey Winter Arts Festival
Time: 20 June - 20 July
In 2025, we are inviting you to “Cozy up” at the Winter Arts Festival and get to know the talented local artists who make our community shine. Whether it’s exploring exhibitions and demonstrations, enjoying a live show, or participating in hands-on workshops, this festival invites you to experience the rich variety of artistic expressions that make our local arts scene so unique. Theatre companies, artists, crafters, dancers, community groups, venues and libraries are hosting an exciting range of events and activities for people of all ages, so join us and discover the diverse voices shaping our creative landscape.
• To see the programs, visit: casey.vic.gov.au/ winter-arts-festival
Imagine the Magic at Westfield
Bundle up and step into a FROZEN-themed world alongside beloved characters Elsa, Anna and Olaf to enjoy an immersive Sing-A-Long Experience. Featuring iconic FROZEN songs Let it Go, Do You Want To Build a Snowman, and Into the Unknown; fans of all ages can sing their hearts out and become part of the magic.
• Westfield Fountain Gate: Monday 14 July un-
til Friday 18 July from 11am – 2pm daily, 4pm –7pm Friday 18 July, Saturday 19 July & Sunday 20 July 11am – 3pm daily. Located on Level 1, near Sephora
Wilson Goes Wild - Casey Winter Arts Festival
Where: Basalt Lake, Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick
When: Friday 4 July - Sunday 13 July, sessional throughout the day; 9am - 3:30pm, every hour.
Ages: 1-10 years old and their grown-ups
Cost: $12.50 | Family ticket: $45
For a limited time, Basalt Lake will transform into a vibrant mini safari, complete with life-sized elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, lions and tigers popping up along the lakeside.
• At this family-friendly event, kids can unleash their creativity with a range of nature-inspired craft activities and snap memorable photos alongside their favourite wild animals.
Sky of Flowers, an AR interactive experience - Casey Winter Arts Festival
Where: Outdoor Screen, Bunjil Place, Narre War-
Trades & Services
ren When: Friday 4 July - Sunday 20 July; daily from 10am - 12pm, 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm
Cost: Free, no bookings required.
Step into Sky of Flowers, an Augmented Reality experience that drifts all around you, as you float from one field to another.
As the audience moves through the space, plants bloom from the ground, petals swirl in the air, and a breathtaking sky of flowers unfolds above.
• Each interaction shapes the ever-evolving landscape, making every moment unique.
Imagine Live - Casey Winter Arts Festival
Where: Bunjil Place, Narre Warren, Theatre
When: Thursday, 17 July, 10am (AUSLAN and RP) and 12pm.
Ages: 4 - 12 years old and their grown-ups
Cost: $19
Bookings: bunjilplace.com.au
Magical and meaningful, IMAGINE LIVE is a celebration of creativity, friendship and our precious natural world.
With the audience’s help, performers play and sing their way through the pages of Alison Lester’s iconic best-selling book, and quickly discover there is WAY more to these pages than they first thought.
Spot a leopard, dive with a dolphin or dig up a dinosaur as this iconic book springs into life before your eyes.
• Live action and animation combine with digital puppetry in this interactive musical performance for families… Nannas are especially welcome!
Step into a world of wonder at Bunjil Place - Casey Winter Arts Festival
Where: Plaza, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
When: Friday 11 July - Sunday 27 July, 10am10pm daily
Cost: Free
This winter, immerse yourself in the magic of Lost — a breathtaking, larger-than-life art installation that transforms nature into an unforgettable experience.
Created by internationally acclaimed Australian artist Amanda Parer, Lost brings endangered bo-
tanical species from around the globe to stunning life through towering, illuminated sculptures of flowers and foliage.
• These glowing giants, delicately coloured and artfully lit, invite you to wander among them like Alice in her own Wonderland.
South East Music Student Showcase
- Casey Winter Arts Festival
Where: Studio, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
When: Monday 23 June, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Cost: $8
Bookings: bunjilplace.com.au
From Soul to Pop to Rock, each performance will reflect the students’ unique voices and style, offering a glimpse into their musical journeys.
• This exciting event features performances from talented students across Narre Warren South P-12 College, Alkira Secondary College, Monterey Secondary College, Fountain Gate Secondary College, and Cranbourne West Secondary College.
Cranbourne Shire Historical Society
Annual Luncheon
Where: Tooradin and District Sports Club Recreation Reserve, Tooradin
When: Sunday, 20 July, 12pm
Cost: $30 per head, drinks at bar prices
Topic: Balla Balla Homestead; guest speaker: Judy Rand, owner of the homestead.
The Balla Balla Homestead was built by Dr. James Smith Adams and later Alexander Hunter from the mid-1850s to the early 1880s.
Today, Balla Balla is architecturally significant in the City of Casey.
The homestead is located in Cannons Creek and has magnificent views over Quail Island and Westernport Bay.
Ms. Judy Rand is the owner.
• RSVP including any special dietary requirements by 11 July, to either Barry Freeman at pauline.freeman2@bigpond.com or Sue Tobin at sustantobin@bigpond.com
Balla Balla Community Centre
Health & Wellbeing at Balla Balla
Feel good this winter! Join us at Balla Balla Community Centre for Term 3 Health & Wellbeing classes starting in July.
Choose from:
Yoga/Pilates/Zumba/Mindfulness Meditation & Compassion/Music & Guided Imagery Workshop
Move, relax, and recharge – all in your local community! Term 3 enrolments open 30 June online https://ballaballa.com.au/health-wellbeing/ or phone 5990 0900.
Morning Melodies
Are you young at heart, looking for some company, or just want to enjoy a lovely morning out? Join us at Morning Melodies for heartwarming performances filled with the songs you know and love! Enjoy live entertainment, a cuppa, and a freshly baked scone with jam and cream - all while making new friends along the way.
• Book early to secure your spot! You won’t want to miss this uplifting morning of music and connection. Morning Melodies is held on 2nd Tuesday each month and bookings can be made online www.balla.balla.com.au or by phoning 5990 0900
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 a tea or coffee outdoors when the weather is nice.
We also have lots of art and craft groups, calligraphy, scrabble, singing for fun, quilling, resin making, and card making are popular classes.
On Thursday afternoons from 1 - 3pm we have a lively group of table tennis players. New players welcome, no past experience needed, come along and join in the fun.
We run a 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 is held at Clyde Public Hall on Monday mornings, and a gold coin donation covers hire of this venue.
• Check out all our classes at www.u3acranbourne.org.au or phone 0493 991 919 for more information
Swooping Pies in upset win
By Blair Burns
Narre Warren is on a two-game winning streak after its upset victory over East Brighton; winning by 25 points to take some momentum into the Southern League bye.
More important than the four points, was the fact that the Magpies moved another win clear of Cranbourne who sits on the bottom of the ladder staring down the barrel of relegation.
Relegation is a word that has been thrown around Kalora Park this season, however, Steve Kidd and his side are hoping last weekend’s victory can put an end to those discussions.
Narre Warren currently sits in seventh position, six points behind East Brighton (sixth) and Springvale Districts (fifth).
Kidd said despite some missed opportunities, it was a great result for his side which has turned the tides with a few favourable results in recent weeks.
“It was awesome to get the win, especially after what they did to us at their ground last time … we played really well and exactly the way we wanted to,” he said.
“The guys came out with a great attitude, the intensity was up and playing at home was a big advantage for us.”
The Magpies controlled the opening term to have eight scoring shots to two, but they couldn’t put their dominance on the board with inaccurate kicking proving costly.
The woes in front of the big sticks continued into the second term, as Narre Warren managed just 0.5 to the Vampires’ 2.3.
After a dominant half of football, the scoreboard was in favour of the Magpies, but only by six points, with 3.10 hurting their winning chances.
Kidd conceded that the side missed some chances, but said the message to the players remained very positive.
“We were doing a lot of things right … we sort of said to the players that we are generating enough shots and if we keep doing what we were doing, it would go our way, and it did,” he said.
“The boys came out and had a fantastic third quarter, which has actually been an area that we have struggled in throughout the year, so that was fantastic to respond like that.”
Narre Warren more than doubled its score in the third term, piling on five goals to two to put itself in a winning position against a solid East Brighton outfit.
But the Vampires weren’t done yet and after kicking the first four scores of the final term, the resilience of the Magpies was tested once again.
“East Brighton got within 11 points of us at around the 10-minute mark of the last quarter, our guys needed to step up and they did,” Kidd said.
Hamish West was clutch in the fourth quarter, kicking the team’s only two goals to extend the lead
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 REVIEW - ROUND 12
back out to a comfortable margin.
Last week, Jake Richardson was the hero and this week he handed the cape to Will Howe, who kicked three goals and was named Narre Warren’s best.
Tom Toner is also in some fine form since returning from injury a few weeks ago as he produced another impressive game with 24 disposals and two goals – which included a bomb from inside the centre square.
“We missed Tom for that six or seven weeks, he makes such a big difference with the X-factor he brings to the game,” Kidd said.
“Will had a great game and we were so pleased, he stepped up taking contested marks and was really competitive both in the air and on ground level.”
Julian Goerlitz (27 disposals, five tackles) and Pete Gentile (28 disposals, eight marks) were ball-magnets in the midfield.
East Brighton’s ex-AFL talent Thomas Lamb (three goals), Alex Keath (27 disposals, two goals) and Ben Reid (two goals each) did their best to get the Vampires over the line - Kyle Cooper
(34 disposals) was also impressive.
A week is a long time in football and the match between Port Melbourne and Springvale Districts was proof of that statement as the Colts won by 10 points in a shock result.
The Colts lost to seventh-placed Narre Warren last week, while the Demons handed flag favourite Dingley its first loss of the year, by 50 points.
But Port Melbourne was too good and bounced back, leading at every break to win 11.13 (79) to 10.9 (69) as Jordan Mahoney led the way with four goals – Daniel Helmore (four goals) was one of Springy’s best.
In other games, some straight kicking from Dingley helped the side bounce back and defeat Cheltenham by 16 points, as ball-magnet Jackson Peet produced another huge game.
Scanlan Lynch had his kicking boots on for the Dingoes with four majors, while Max Davis kicked three for the Rosellas.
Bentleigh was too strong for Murrumbeena to win by 22 points, but the final score didn’t reflect the evenness of the match. The margin was just one point at three-quarter time, before the
Demons kicked four goals to one in the final quarter to win their sixth game of the year and push into fourth position on the ladder.
Narre Warren Goals: Will Howe 3, Dejan Janjic, Tom Toner, Hamish West 2, Hayden Dwyer. Best: Will Howe, Pete Gentile, Declan Brown, Logan Hiscock, Thomas Russell, Tom Toner. East Brighton Goals: Thomas Lamb 3, Alex Keath, Ben Reid 2. Best: Daniel Taberner, Kyle Cooper, Alex Keath, Josh Bennett, Tom Bracher, Callum Morgan.
Other Results R12: Dingley 16.8(104) def Cheltenham 13.10(88), Bentleigh 14.10(94) def Murrumbeena 10.12(72), Port Melbourne 11.13(79) def Springvale Districts 10.9(69), Cranbourne 7.12(54) def by St Paul’s McKinnon 10.7(67). Ladder: Dingley 44, St Paul’s McKinnon 36, Cheltenham 30, Bentleigh 26, Springvale Districts, East Brighton 24, Narre Warren 18, Port Melbourne 16, Murrumbeena 14, Cranbourne 8.
By Blair Burns
Cranbourne will need to come home with a miraculous final six games and require other results to go its way if it is to avoid the dreaded relegation.
It was always going to be a tough ask against second-placed St Paul’s McKinnon and despite the team’s best efforts, the Eagles fell 13 points short.
They did a lot right and won three of the quarters, but a bad patch and poor skill execution in the second term proved costly.
The Bulldogs scored 40 points in the second quarter as the floodgates opened, much like last time the sides met, and Cranbourne managed just one goal in reply.
The Eagles fought back and despite being without forward Kyle Lanham, they managed to get back within eight points, nine minutes into the final term.
But a goal from St Paul’s McKinnon star Sam Hilton-Joyce late in the quarter sealed the game as the Bulldogs won their ninth match of the season.
“We had a go but we just made too many mistakes with ball in hand; that 10-minute patch in the second quarter where they kicked five or six goals was probably the difference in the end,” coach Angelo Soldatos said.
“They are good St Paul’s, they move the ball well and you can’t give them uncontested marks and let them march the ball up the ground,
which is what we did.”
performances
The loss takes the team’s season record to 2-10 in what has been a baptism of fire for Soldatos in his first senior coaching role.
“We don’t feel like we are that bad, but the ladder is what it is, so we’ve got to find ways to get some wins on the board,” he said.
“We have been super competitive; we just haven’t found ways to win.”
Soldatos is correct in his assessment; six of Cranbourne’s losses in 2025 have come by just 25 points or less, with plenty of missed opportunities.
The next three matches are all must-win games for the Eagles, as they take on Bentleigh (fourth), Murrumbeena (ninth) and Port Melbourne (eighth).
“They are critical for us, we have put ourselves in a position now where there is literally zero wriggle room, we need to win more than we lose in the run home to be safe,” Soldatos said.
Cranbourne welcomed Frankston star Corey Ellison for the clash who enjoyed the weekend off his VFL duties to kick three goals.
Despite strong
from Zak Roscoe (24 disposals, one goal) and Dillan Bass (20 disposals, five marks), Cranbourne fell short at the final siren.
Paul’s McKinnon Goals: Brayden O’Toole, Judd Rowell 3, Thomas Hofert, Matthew Kreymborg, Jack McCartney, Sam Hilton-Joyce. Best: Matthew Kreymborg, Jack McCartney, Will McCartney, Ash Munday, Jack Cackett, Thomas Hofert.
Cranbourne’s Luke Morell chases after a loose ball against St Paul’s McKinnon. (Stewart Chambers: 488310)
Narre Warren’s Thomas Russell had 23 disposals and was named in the best against East Brighton. (Rob Carew: 485548)
Bayley leads Doves charge
By Blair Burns
Despite sitting ninth on the Southern Division 2 ladder Doveton turned the tides against Frankston Dolphins to win by 19 points on Saturday.
The Doves were thumped by 57 points back in round four and, after Frankston kicked two early goals, it felt like dejà vu.
But Doveton produced a huge second quarter with 5.4 to 0.2, taking full advantage of the breeze and ultimately setting up the win.
Coach Matt Stapleton said he was pleased with the way his side managed to halt Frankston Dolphins’ early momentum.
“Where we have improved from last time was not letting them go on with it after they kicked those first two goals,” he said.
“I thought it was one of our most consistent games over four quarters; I spoke to the group about it after the game, our consistency really showed on the scoreboard at the end of the day.”
After trailing 22-6 at quarter time, the Doves flew with the wind in the second term to outscore the visitors 34-2 – a huge output in a low-scoring match.
“I was pretty positive at quarter time to be honest, we knew that it was a strong breeze and spoke about what we wanted to do with footy in hand,” Stapleton said.
Dylan Bayley kicked four goals and was best player on the ground, but it was a positional change which sparked his performance.
“He missed the full season last year due to injury and played a lot of footy down back to start this year, he has been a defender for most of his career,” Stapleton said.
“We thought a change would be good with his pace and footy IQ giving us a different look up forward and he has been good the past couple of weeks, getting good reward.”
Doveton will take on Hampton Park this weekend at Robinson Reserve in a standalone game, which is a catch-up match from round nine.
In other games, East Malvern now has four losses
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE DIVISIONS 2, 3 & 4 REVIEW - ROUND 13
this season, two of those have come against Highett who seemingly has the wood over the Panthers after winning by 47 points.
The Bulldogs put some time into Isaac Morrisby to keep him goalless and were led brilliantly by their captain Sam Jackson who kicked three goals in a best-on-ground performance.
HamptonParkmadelightworkofbottom-placed Endeavour Hills to win by 55 points and with straighter kicking, the scoreboard could’ve looked worse for the Falcons.
Redbacks’ captain Liam Myatt kicked another three goals, while Trent Thomas and Myles Wareham also finished with three majors.
Mordialloc kicked 100 points for just the second time this year as the Bloods defeated Caulfield Bears
Titans brought back down to earth by savage Saints
By Dylan Beaumont
St Kilda City stands alone at the top in Southern Division 3 football after the Saints royally embarrassed Berwick Springs by 76 points on Saturday.
Berwick Springs was held to one goal to three-quarter time, and Ty Ellison to one all game, in the 14.23(107) to 4.7(31) defeat.
Will Hollands slotted three for the Saints and Jordie Gray starred.
Lyndhurst battled with strong intent against Carrum Patterson Lakes but ultimately fell short 7.7(49) to 9.7(61).
Up by 20 points at three-quarter time, Lyndhurst conceded 5.3 while scoring 0.1 themselves in the final quarter to cough up what should have been a certain win.
Dale Donkins and Brad Seamons kicked three goals each for their respective sides, with Lyndhurst missing an opportunity to spread a game clear from the ladder’s end.
Black Rock got the jump on Skye early and continued to attack the scoreboard in a 20.9(129) to 8.8 (56)victory.
Aaron Cloke (six goals), Ned Fallon (five goals) and Ricky Wait (four goals) were not mucking around for Black Rock.
Joel McConville was fantastic for Skye.
South Mornington’s weird ways were on show again, defeating Heatherton 10.12(72) to 4.12(36).
Leading at every change, the Tigers’ influence stemmed from Travis French and Oliver Walsh, with Billy Jackson doing his part for Heatherton.
Down by 36 points at quarter time, Ashwood closed the gap but couldn’t take the lead at any point in time to fall short against Hampton 9.9(63) to 13.11(89).
The Hammers had four players kick two goals and Leo Grenville in his very best form.
James McGivern and Mitch Wilkinson (two goals) were tremendous for Ashwood.
Lyndhurst is grappling with Ashwood at the bottom of the ladder as it stands. (Gary Sissons: 482706)
With a bye week to come, the finals race is flaring up.
There are two games between third down to eighth, leaving a finals position open for anyone willing to take it.
SOUTHERN 3
R13 Results: St Kilda City 14.23(107) def Berwick Springs 4.7(31), Lyndhurst 7.7(49) def by Carrum Patterson Lakes 9.7(61), Heatherton 4.12(36) def by South Mornington 10.12(72), Ashwood 9.9(63) def by Hampton 13.11(89), Skye 8.8(56) def by Black Rock 20.9(129). Ladder: St Kilda City 40, Carrum Patterson Lakes 36, Berwick Springs 32, Hampton 28, Heatherton 28, Black Rock 24, South Mornington 24, Skye 24, Lyndhurst 12, Ashwood 12.
by 31 points, 16.5(101) to 11.4(70).
Five goals from Matthew Debruin led the way for Mordialloc, assisted by Joshua Gibbins who had plenty of the football in the win; Caulfield coach Lynden Dunn (four goals) gave his best effort.
Chelsea Heights was too good for Keysborough thanks to a five-goal haul from Erishmiilan Uthayakumar, as Jordan Peryman (two goals) was named the Demons’ best.
It was an important victory for Chelsea Heights who now sit in third position on the ladder, edging out Mordialloc by just 0.33 per cent.
SOUTHERN DIVISION 2
Frankston Goals: Damien Rayson 3, Caleb Hardisty, Taylor Stratton.
Endeavour Hills Goals: Jarrod Marolla 2, Luca Agresta, James Archer, Lucas Archer, Alex Cann, Dorian White. Best: Nicholas Gay, Ben Swift, Ricky Boccari, Jarrod Marolla, Alex Cann, James Archer.
Hampton Park Goals: Liam Myatt, Trent Thomas, Myles Wareham 3, Bailey Dmonte, Kyle Potter, Deki Sember, Luke Sloan, Leroy Yomo. Best: Jye King, Trent Thomas, Emmanuel Jakwot, Myles Wareham, Makaio Haywood, Dylan Morris.
Keysborough Goals: Max Corbyn 3, Joseph Bekierz, Jamie Plumridge 2, Ethan Bakes, Matthew Collett, Kyden Vella. Best: Ethan Damato, Dylan Webb, Michael Downie, Max Corbyn, Jamie Plumridge, Matthew Collett.
Chelsea Heights Goals: Erishmiilan Uthayakumar 5, Jordan Peryman 2, Max Cavanagh, Luke Clark, Declan Lee, Jesse Murphy, Nathan Wright. Best: Jordan Peryman, Rob Macpherson, Erishmiilan Uthayakumar, Joel Williams, Jack Alnwick, Sebastian Mooney.
Other Results – R13: Highett 13.7(85) def East Malvern 5.8(38), Mordialloc 16.5(101) def Caulfield Bears 11.4(70).
Ladder: East Malvern, Hampton Park 36, Chelsea Heights, Mordialloc 32, Highett 28, Caulfield Bears 24, Frankston Dolphins, Keysborough, Doveton Doves 20, Endeavour Hills 8. Fixture R9 (catch-up game): Doveton Doves (9) v Hampton Park (2).
Hallam holding premiership keys heading into the bye
By Dylan Beaumont
The one-horse-race grew legs on the weekend in Southern Division 4 football.
Hallam is wasting no time in its goal of being promoted, cleaning up Clayton 16.15(111) to 5.8(38).
Holding Clayton scoreless in the second stanza, Jack Sharlassian’s six-goal contribution nearly outscored Clayton as a whole.
Zach Dalton dominated while his dad and coach Tom looked on and Glenn Tuckwell was listed as Clayton’s best performer.
Narre South’s late sprint to the finish line became more convincing on the weekend with a 22.25(157) to 4.3(27) lashing of Doveton.
Blake Rogers and Joel McKenna were notable for the Saints, with Nicholas Green leading the scoring (four goals).
Moorabbin produced an upset against Dandenong West 12.9(81) to 10.5(65).
The Kangaroos kicked seven goals to five in the second half to give themselves an extra edge late.
Dale Broughton and Dakota De Santis (four
goals) were best for Dandenong West and Shaun Jackson paired with Matthew Johansson (five goals) lighted the fuse for Moorabbin.
SouthYarrawasheldaccountablefor24Lyndale goals, thumped by 95 points 9.10(64) to 24.15(159). The Lions showed upside through Hamish McLeod and Justin Perillo but Ryan Ladd’s eight goals headlined the destruction.
Nathan Phillips also mustered five goals and Brett Tosh was pivotal in the win.
Hallam is four games ahead of second place waltzing into the bye this weekend, while second down to seventh have their own divisions carved out.
SOUTHERN DIVISION 4
R13 Results: Clayton 5.8(38) def by Hallam 16.15(111), Narre South 22.25(157) def Doveton 4.3(27), Moorabbin 12.9(81) def Dandenong West 10.5(65), South Yarra 9.10(64) def by Lyndale 24.15 (159).
Ladder: Hallam 52, Dandenong West 36, Clayton 36, Lyndale 28, South Yarra 20, Narre South 20, Moorabbin 16, Doveton Eagles 0.
The Saints are in season best form with a month left before finals. (Rob Carew: 486763)
Doveton Goals: Dylan Bayley 4, Kyle De Ruyter, Nikolas Hibbert, Matt Parker, Matthew Rogers, Max Sheppard. Best: Dylan Bayley, Ryan Hall, Jake Ingaliso, Matt Stapleton, Max Sheppard, William Kerr.
Ryan Hall will look to bring another strong performance this weekend against Hampton Park. (Gary Sissons: 469873)
Dees costly fadeout
By Jonty Ralphsmith
That will sting for Casey.
The Demons led in a crunch game against Coburg until the 28-minute-mark of the last quarter, when big Lions forward Daniel Johnston kicked his third of the quarter to give his side a two-point lead.
It proved to be the last major of the match which Coburg won 11.8(74) to 9.17(71) with the loss leaving Casey’s finals hopes on a knife’s edge.
The wintry bout was contested between two sides on the cusp of finals, with the winner rewarded by sitting inside the top-10 at the end of the round after banking four crucial premiership points.
Casey now sits two points outside the top 10, with two matches against top-placed Box Hill and a trip to Queensland to face Brisbane on the run home.
In order to have a shot of finals, the Dees will likely need to win two of those games, as well as
taking care of Carlton VFL and Sandringham who have both been competitive this season.
The match will be reflected upon as the one which got away.
The Demons absolutely dominated the first half at Casey Fields, leading all statistical metrics, but kicking 4.11 to keep the Lions in with a sniff.
The third quarter was much more even, but, once again, Coburg made the most of their opportunities, and the last term become something of a shootout.
Paddy Cross kicked an early settler, before it was goal for goal across the next 15 minutes, with a Tom Fullarton major followed by two to Luker Kentfield.
Each of Casey’s four last quarter goals gave the hosts a 10-point lead but Coburg’s spirit was never sapped.
The Lions kicked the last two of the day, and had enough control of the last five minutes to prevent Casey an inside 50 and chance to reclaim the lead.
The loss came despite a herculean performance from Mitch Hardie, combining 26 disposals with four goals, three of which came before halftime in arguably his best game for the club.
Tom Campbell was also brilliant, finishing with 20 disposals and 40 hitouts, while Riley Bonner was a typically trusted distributor from the back half.
Meanwhile, Casey’s women have climbed off the bottom of the VFLW table with an 8.7(55) to 4.5(29) win over Geelong.
Casey kicked two goals in each quarter while keeping Geelong goalless in the opening and last term to emerge comfortable winners.
Delaney Madigan was the star performer, kicking four goals, while VFLW-listed pair Meg MacDonald, Zoe Mitchell and Olivia Morris all helped Casey control the contest.
Tackling machine Shree Fairchild and tall Zahri Burn, relegated to second ruck with the return of Lauren Jatczak, also applied themselves well at the coalface.
Rebels no match for scintillating Stingrays
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Dandenong swept aside GWV Rebels at Shepley Oval on Sunday with a commanding 12.13(85) to 5.2(32) win.
A six-goal first half laid the foundation for the result, with bankable forward Kiara Triep helping Dandenong pull away early in the second quarter with back-to-back goals.
In her first match in Stingrays colours since May, Evelyn Connolly was at her crazy best, slotting 3.3 as a typically dangerous forward.
Marking forwards Alice Cunnington and Molly Reimers both also kicked two goals, while Matilda Argus, Nikhita Harris and Jayde Pudney were also among the best players.
The victory lifts Dandenong to a 7-3 record ahead of a match against Sandringham at Belvedere Reserve on Saturday at 11.30am.
Powerful win for Gippsland
By Jonty Ralphsmith
AFLW Academy player Ella Stoddart led Gippsland to an upset 7.4(46) to 3.8(26) victory over Eastern Ranges on the weekend.
In the program’s first match under the tutelage of head coach Michael Farmer, Gippsland proved too good for one of the strongest regions in the state – albeit the Ranges were missing a handful of players to Vic Metro commitments.
Stoddart had 31 disposals and her strength and bounce through the midfield proved hard to handle for Eastern at La Trobe University,
Bundoora.
She was well aided by tenacious Vic Country midfielder Chelsea Sutton, while Pakenham’s Abby Hobson was the focal point inside 50, taking seven marks and kicking two goals.
Fellow Pakenham player Ash Perkins continuedherconsistentmonth,kickingthematch-winning goal early in the fourth quarter after a promising game, and the athletic Baia Pugh was also influential.
Gippsland will face GWV Rebels on Sunday at Shepley Oval, 11am.
Youngsters on the big stage
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Vic Country squad addition Jasper Russell was one of eight Dandenong Stingrays in action for their third game of the Under-18s National Championships.
The son of long time AFL fitness boss Andrew, Jasper was given an opportunity after consistent form as a run-and-gun rebounding defender for the Stingrays, averaging 22 disposals.
He has benefited from having an unfettered run at Coates League level in 2025, having juggled his Stingrays commitments with footy for Haileybury College last season.
Russell was particularly prominent in the first half, fittingly at Carlton’s home base Ikon Park, where his Dad spent the last six years of his time in the industry, and took a crucial late intercept mark among his 18 disposals.
It was Tairon Ah-Mu, however, that performed the best of the lot kicking 3.2 as a focal point of Vic Country’s forward line, with his second consecutive fast start to a game helping to set up Vic Country’s day.
Bottom-ager Marcus Prasad, part of last year’s under-16s All Australian squad, was also included for his first game and applied good pressure in the forward half.
Fellow bottom-ager Darcy Szerszyn had another reliable, no-frills game as a reliable one-on-one defender.
Callum Smith continued his solid form, having moments of class in the midfield with 15 disposals and five tackles.
Toby Sinnema, Jay-De Varlet and Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves were all part of the wing rotation and each had moments in Vic Country’s upset, 12-point win over the Allies.
For Gippsland, Brodie Atkins and Willem Duursma both strengthened their cases.
Drouin’s Atkins continued to prove why he deserved to be in the squad, attacking the contest hard to finish with 18 disposals, 10 tackles and six clearances as the best midfielder for Vic Country.
Duursma’s intercepting game was a feature early and his flashiness helped set Vic Country up from the back half, with 19 disposals and 424 metres gained.
Adelaide father-son prospect Mitch Stevens was also in action, finishing with eight touches.
Vic Country closes out its championships on 20 July against Vic Metro at RSEA Park, Moorabbin.
Gippsland pair Mia Smith-Clark and Ash Perkins celebrate. (Rob Carew: 402284)
Alice Cunnington kicked two goals on the weekend for Dandenong. (Rob Carew: 430152)
Jasper Russell in action for Vic Country. (Spinkscapes)
Tom Campbell was dominant for the Dees at Casey Fields. (Rob Carew: 466727)
Discover low-maintenance retirement living in Cranbourne
Every Aveo retirement community is a little different. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle in a vibrant and social community or a relaxed community with more support, we’re here to help you find the right fit. 41
The perfect location for nature lovers
Botanic Gardens is a close-knit community set on landscaped native gardens and neighbouring the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne. Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle and an active social calendar catering to all interests.
Modern and low-maintenance villas are now selling, with 24/7 emergency call systems and access to a range of on-site facilities, including a gym, community centre and much more.
Discover comfort and convenience in a relaxed and welcoming community in Cranbourne East. Close to shops, transport and key routes to the Mornington Peninsula and beyond, it’s ideally located for an active lifestyle.
Modern and spacious, 2 and 3 bedroom villas are now selling - with access to facilities on your doorstep, designed to enrich your retirement.
Call 13 28 36 or visit aveo.com.au to book your discovery tour today.
Craig Road, Cranbourne