News - Berwick Star News - 31st July 2025

New lids inbound

The City of Casey will soon begin swapping bin lids to meet the State Government’s standardised household waste and recycling system, with the city changing more than 250,000 bin lids starting 11 August.

Story page 4

Homeless voice

By Ethan Benedicto

As

Housing

Spanning

and advocates in a unified front, it serves as a dedi-

cated effort to improve housing outcomes in a region where homelessness is rising and resources remain stretched thin.

The launch comes alongside a recent report released by the Council to Homeless Persons, which reveals that one in five women and children fleeing violence are unable to access crisis accommodation.

In many cases, they are turned away after multiple referrals and left with nowhere to go.

Star News speaks to the Casey North Community Information Support Services, where, according to Helen Small, it is a well-known issue but remains hidden in the city.

For the full story, turn to page 5

The City of Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen, with contractor Jessie and Lyn the Bin, marking a step towards the official start of the city’s bin lid swap. (Stewart Chambers: 491853)

Growing areas need trees

By Ethan Benedicto

Residents and workers near St Germain in Clyde North said that more trees in growing areas would be more than a welcome addition, as the suburb has between one and five per cent of urban forest cover.

According to the Greening Casey document prepared by the City of Casey, Clyde North, both retain spots of zero per cent tree canopy coverage and have patches of six to ten per cent coverage, in addition to the mentioned one to five per cent figure.

This means commercial and industrial lands, such as those found in the eastern border suburbs, have low levels of vegetation cover as compared to parklands that retain much higher levels.

One retail staff member at St Germain Central said that “we could definitely use more trees here”.

“I know the area is new, and there are small trees around, but you know, I think trees are always beneficial for people, and of course, it would make the place look better,” they said.

One resident, who lives in close proximity to Bells Road and the shopping centre, said that Clyde North, “doesn’t have enough trees”.

“We need more trees, really, simply because it’ll make the place look better and of course, during the summer time, keep people cool,” they said.

Other residents were of like mind, with many adding that trees being put up along estates is a practice they would like to see upheld, and even boosted for future developments.

Bells Road, which cuts directly beside the shopping precinct, is home to an abundance of saplings that were planted roughly in the same timeframe as the centre was constructed.

While the species was not directly identified, the document stated that 82 per cent of street trees are juvenile or semi-mature.

This means that a significant number of trees have been planted by either the council or the developers in the last 10 to 15 years.

Overall, development is one of the major issues facing the urban forest in Casey, where the report outlined that the majority of subdivision designs do not require the provision for trees on private lots.

The report also added that there is a development driver for lot yield to maximise outcomes for developers, which often comes at the cost of open space, gardens and the environment.

Likewise, land value is valuable and becoming increasingly more so, and the highest value land use is for residential housing; trees on private lots are often seen as a construction constraint rather than an opportunity to site dwellings within the landscape.

Another retail worker in the precinct said that, as someone who recently moved to the suburb from the Mornington Peninsula, they observed a solid balance of industrial areas and homes.

“We definitely need more trees; there are so many new buildings popping up, a lot of new estates, it just feels like we need to balance it out, you know?” they said.

As it stands, the document identified 10,135

vacant street tree sites in Casey, where a tree could be planted immediately, with Clyde North identified to have swathes of 20-26 metre priority roads for tree canopy improvements.

The majority of this coverage is in the north-western suburbs, stretching in the south and south-eastern direction, whittling, until dedicated spots rise in the south, such as Tooradin, Pearcedale, and Blind Bight.

Clyde and Clyde North, however, only have small spots where trees could be planted immediately.

On the other hand, Clyde North, in the majority, on a scale of zero to 13, scored a nine when it came to priority areas in Casey for increased canopy cover.

Clyde’s north-western areas scored the same, but the remainder, due to the lack of residential development and existing farmland, scored between one and five.

This data has been cross-referenced with areas of the city where people are out and about, and therefore are more likely to be more vulnerable to heat and extreme heat events.

One worker, who drives through Berwick Cranbourne Road and Thompsons Road, said that trees alongside roads and major roads would “be an amazing addition”.

“I’m just thinking about those days in the summer when you can see the heat literally rising from the ground.

“Now imagine if you had some shade, it would be nice, you know? And obviously it would be good for the environment,” they said.

Minta Estate in Berwick South, and just north of the border of Clyde North, began with an eight per cent coverage in 2018, and saw growth from existing trees and new plantings.

However, this was significantly outweighed by the subsequent removal of existing trees and heavy pruning, where overall canopy decreased by almost 20 per cent of the original, resulting in a 2022 baseline of 6.5 per cent.

In 2021, the canopy cover was measured at 6.1 per cent, which is a decrease in canopy cover, at a rate of -17.63 per cent, as compared to what was measured in 2018.

The document states that this type of loss is occurring in many estates throughout the city, which significantly impacts Casey’s ability to adapt adequately to climate change, mitigate urban heat impacts and provide liveable neighbourhoods for future communities.

Each year, the council plants approximately 3000 street trees for renewal and infill, 2000 open space trees, and 20,000 tubestock in conservation areas.

This comes with regular tree inspection programs for street and park trees, significant trees and nature reserves, as well as bushlands.

As mentioned in a previous article, the goals for greening Casey include 15 per cent tree canopy cover overall by 2030, 20 per cent cover over roads by 2050, and 30 per cent cover over parkland/open space by 2050.

Overall, focus areas include wide road reserves with low canopy cover (including those owned by VicRoads), activity or retail centres, walking and cycling paths, carparks, streets and roads surrounding schools, public gardens and semi-natural parcels of open space, and streets and open spaces linking areas.

Trees and shrubbery in a median strip in Bells Road, just opposite St Germain Central. (Stewart Chambers: 493006_02)

The sapling trees on the larger nature strip beside Bells Road, a feature residents want more of. (Stewart Chambers: 493006_04)

Funds doubled for shade

By Ethan Benedicto

The City of Casey has doubled its budget for improving the city’s tree canopy coverage to $3.1 million, with the council aiming to reach a 15 per cent canopy coverage by 2030.

The Greening Casey report detailed that as of 2018, only 16.5 per cent of Casey’s land area is covered by shrubs and trees, while only 11.3 per cent of land in the LGA is covered by tree canopy, which means vegetation over three metres.

This is considered to be relatively low compared to the average Melbourne LGA, which records 19.26 per cent tree canopy cover.

Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen, said that the council “has a significant investment in trees in the budget, and it’s a real focus of the new councillor group to try and improve our tree canopy”.

“The planting process will begin immediately; we doubled our investment in tree planting to $3.1 million, so we’ll double the number of trees to increase our canopy.”

Koomen added that through the Greening Casey endeavour, there is a goal to curate a roadmap to achieve six key actions that include: protecting and restoring species habitat and improving connectivity, as well as setting targets and tracking progress.

The other four are scaling up greening in the private realm, collaborating across sectors and regions, building a toolkit of resources to underpin implementation, and funding the protection and enhancement of the urban forest.

Looking deeper, Greening Casey aims to achieve a 15 per cent tree canopy cover target throughout the whole of Casey by 2030.

This will, in turn, contribute to the 21 per cent regional tree canopy cover target by 2030 for the Southern Region of Melbourne as documented in the Environment Strategy 2021.

For Koomen, wanting a bigger abundance of trees is as simple as their beauty; he said that “it’s just nice to be out in green space”.

“If you’re at a playground or even looking at nature strips where we all live and come home to, it’s nice to have some green cover, these shaded areas.

“It’s good for families and it’s good for the environment too,” he said.

Looking at 2018 data from Greening Casey on the tree canopy coverage in the LGA, the only suburbs that fall under the 15 to 40 per cent range in coverage were Endeavour Hills, Lysterfield South, Harkaway, Berwick North, Junction Village, Cranbourne South, and Warneet.

Parts of Cranbourne North, Narre Warren North, Cranbourne East, Botanic Ridge, Lynbrook, Pearcedale and Doveton ranged from the six to 10 per cent coverage, with some spots hitting the 15 to 20 per cent coverage mark.

Clyde and Clyde North stand out the most, including Cranbourne West, Cannons Creek, Tooradin, patches of Narre Warren South, Narre Warren, Cranbourne North and Hampton Park, as well as Berwick South, which held a median coverage of one to five per cent, with some up-

ping the threshold at six to 10 per cent coverage.

In terms of the planting process, Koomen said that the council is using a two-pronged approach, with larger trees that are already established to be handled by contractors and the council’s teams, but will also be combined through community engagement.

“We want to engage the community, the families, so we can learn about the importance and the need of tree canopies for the people,” he said.

“We have a tree planting day later this month [July] and we’re hoping to have a number of other initiatives over the next 12 months to get the community and community groups involved.”

In order to grow the city’s urban forest, the council will support the delivery of the Biodiversity Strategy Implementation Plan by planting indigenous and habitat tree and vegetation species in strategic, biodiverse locations.

Building on the canopy targets, there is a 20 per cent cover over roads goal by 2050, growing from an 11.8 per cent coverage in 2018.

By the same year, Casey aims to reach a 30 per cent coverage over shared walking and cycling paths, growing from 5.3 per cent in 2018.

Casey previously held a community survey and a series of workshops, reporting that an overwhelming message was that the people wanted more trees and shrubs planted in the municipality.

In summary, 95 per cent of respondents supported more trees being planted in Casey, with 78 per cent wanting a lot more trees, and 17 per cent wanting a few more trees.

“Trees play an important role environmentally, in terms of the heat effects; so it really does impact the quality of life, the surrounding environment and also the liveability,” Koomen said.

“Planting these trees, it’s good for residents, it’s good for homeowners, and it’s good for the environment.”

A strong figure of 95 per cent of respondents also wanted the council to invest in more street and park trees, with the community strongly supporting trees that are resilient to climate change.

The community responses felt that the environmental benefits of trees were the most important to them, such as reducing air pollution, providing habitat, storing and capturing carbon and reducing stormwater to keep the city’s rivers and creeks healthy.

“We’re going to look at ways that the community can easily identify spots that maybe could use more trees, whether that’s public areas or nature strips - we want the community to be part of the solution,” Koomen said.

He added that there are different forms of planning, such as regular trees that are more mature - ones that have grown over the last six to 12 months - being planted in areas where they can sustain against harsher weather.

There are also plans to mass-plant seedlings and saplings (which are cheaper), where, since they will be done in abundance, the community will have input on.

7000 trees planted for wildlife habitat in Cranbourne West

By Violet Li

More than 340 enthusiastic volunteers rolled up their sleeves in Cranbourne West on Sunday 27 July for Casey Council’s National Tree Day event.

Representatives from Melbourne Stars attended the event, and volunteers from Gardens for Wildlife were on hand to share information on how to provide habitat in residents’ backyards.

The Council’s Waste Education team were also on-site to discuss good waste management practices to use at home.

Casey Quarters Ward Councillor Carolyn Eaves, who also attended the day, said during the three-hour event, more than 340 volunteers planted 7,000 trees and shrubs.

“We planted a mix of indigenous trees, shrubs and ground cover plants, which will grow to provide habitat for small native birds and bandicoots in the area,” she said.

“It was a great day, that was both educational and fun.

“A big thanks also to the Rotary Club of Berwick and Sikh Volunteers Inc, who provided a tasty lunch for our hard-working volunteers.”

Ms Eaves said creating connections between patches of vegetation is essential for our native wildlife.

“Important corridors, such as powerline easements where our planting took place this year, make it easier for wildlife to navigate through the urban environment,” she said.

“With this newly added vegetation, it will give the local wildlife a safe place to feed, sleep and move through in the future.”

Scouts: 1st Narre Warren North and 1st Casey.

BAPS: Ghanshyam, Anaya and Hetal.

Saro, Lauren, Hannah, Harvinder Singh and Prabakar.

Community group BAPS Pacific Pangvu CHHE joined in the planting.

Community group Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Australia joined in the planting.

A long shot of the tree planting.

Cranbourne FRV Station 92: Sam Nalder, Max McQueen and Tim Harvey. (Gary Sissons: 491224)

BAPS: Vedika, Ramesh, Dipesh, Arika and Darshna.

From left to right, Mayor Stefan Koomen, Cr Carolyn Eaves and Cr Kim Ross, amongst the trees in front of Bunjil Place; an example of the ideal goal of density and growth throughout Casey. (Gary Sissons: 491539)

Flood fix is bringing relief

By Ethan Benedicto

With rainwater run-off headed for the drains and the sandbags removed, Doveton resident Veronica Hill has little to fear in flooding, as flood mitigation works have been completed in Eugenia Street.

The new drainage upgrades include the installation of new pipes and grated pits to capture stormwater flows at the low point, and to safely divert it away from nearby homes that had previously experienced flooding.

In December 2024, Veronica Hill, a former Casey Citizen of the Year award winner, was featured in an episode of A Current Affair, revealing her home at the end of the street, just at the entrance of Hawthorn Road, had been subject to constant flooding every time it rained.

This was due to the lack of a working drainage system, something that Casey council had been aware of since 2021.

In late 2024, Mayor Stefan Koomen addressed the issue, recounting that even before he became mayor, he had met Veronica during his door-to-door campaigns.

It was then that she raised the issue, with Koomen saying that “we want to make sure that those long-term residents still love their community and feel like they’re being supported”.

Speaking on the completed works, Koomen said that seeing a problem fixed is “really good, and I think that’s why we got into the role of councillors”.

“It’s to try and help residents and to make sure that they have basic services like roads, rates and rubbish.

“So being able to see through one of these little fixes is always rewarding,” he said.

He also added that balance, especially when it comes to developing newer areas in Casey, to maintaining more established ones, is incredibly important.

Likewise, such is the role of councillors in these local communities, and the main reason

is “to make sure that everyone has their own voice and is represented”.

“That’s the way we get the decision-making right, and we make sure that we balance the investment in the old and in the new.

CELEBRATING CASEY’S CENTENARIANS

We are planning a special event later in the year to honour our centenarians.

If you, a family member, client or friend has reached the age of 100 or more, we would love to send an invitation to attend this memorable celebration.

To register scan the QR code. Or call 9705 5200 or email PositiveAgeing@casey.vic.gov.au with your contact details

“I think [the completion] shows that things are improving in Casey and that we, the councillors, are available if residents are having issues and something is not being acted on,” he said.

The upgrade is part of the recently adopted $124 million capital works program for 2025/2026 in Casey, which also sees a wide series of investments in renewing and expanding infrastructure throughout the city.

They’re swapping the lids

Casey Council will soon begin swapping bin lids to meet the State Government’s standardised household waste and recycling system.

From Monday 11 August until Friday 12 December, council will be swapping rubbish and recycling bin lids across the City of Casey – red for garbage and yellow for recycling.

In line with the State’s push for uniform kerbside services across all councils by 2027, Casey will be changing more than 250,000 bin lids across the municipality.

The new state-wide colour coding includes red lids for general rubbish, yellow for co-mingled recycling, lime green for food and garden waste, and purple for glass.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said they are working together to update every bin lid in Casey, so they meet the statewide standard.

“From Monday 11 August, our crews will be out and about swapping lids, so keep an eye out when they’re in your neighbourhood,” he said.

“With more than 250,000 bins across our

community, it’s a big job. Thanks so much for your patience and support.

“The good news is the old lids will be recycled and turned into new kerbside bins, made using 30 per cent recycled content.

“A win for Casey and for the environment.”

According to the Council, the budget for the lid changeover is $3.6 million (ex GST), with final costs depending on two key factors, including first pass changeover completion and damage bin replacement.

The higher the percentage of lids being changed over in the first attempt, the better it is financially for Casey, Council noted.

Bin replacement is also a factor, as new bins are significantly more expensive than lid replacements, and this has been factored into the cost. Council is asking residents to leave their rubbish and recycling bins on the nature strip until 5pm on their regular recycling collection day, even if the bins have already been emptied, which is said to help contractors access and change over lids efficiently.

For more information, visit: casey.vic.gov. au/kerbside-bin-changes

Veronica Hill and Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen next to the now-removed sandbags in front of her home in Doveton. (Gary Sissons: 450856_07)

Red lid for general rubbish under the new standard.

Crisis housing gaps

By Ethan Benedicto

A recent report by the Council to Homeless Persons detailed that a lack of housing and resources leaves 20 per cent of victim-survivors without crisis accommodation.

This data comes as the Southeast Homelessness and Housing Alliance looks to officially launch on Thursday, 31 July, a collaborative effort that has a focus across Casey-Cardinia and Greater Dandenong.

The CHP report stated that years of underinvestment in social housing, coupled with the lack of resources in Victoria, are ‘fuelling’ a crisis in emergency accommodation for women and children leaving violence.

Deborah Di Natale, CEO of the CHP, said, “imagine leaving violence with your children, knocking on two different doors, and still sleeping in your car that night”.

A report called Bridging the Gap between Homelessness and Family Violence Services, which was released on 15 July, found that the 20 per cent figure of women and children was being “ping-ponged” between family-violence and homelessness services, only to end up with no crisis bed at all.

Executive manager of the Casey North Community Information and Support Services, Helen Small, said that a similar situation can be observed in Casey.

“Homelessness looks very different in Casey, and it’s because of the lack of crisis accommodation, the lack of available and affordable rentals,”

she said.

“The Southeast Homelessness and Housing Alliance was formed because (homelessness) is different here.

“We just don’t have the services that they have in many of the other suburbs, and neither does country Victoria.”

This argument and data are not necessarily new; Small made the same argument in an interview with Star News in October 2024.

She said then that in 2024, for the Casey North CISS, there was a “huge increase in people coming to our service who are sleeping rough”.

While they were mainly men, she added that the organisation has seen a big increase in women, some of whom were “sleeping rough with their kids”.

“A lot of them are in overcrowded situations like having three families in a three-bedroom home,” she said.

Going back to the recent report by the CHP, key findings include statistics where one in five victim-survivors receives two referrals, but no accommodations, and that overloaded staff and rigid eligibility rules exacerbate the problem.

Di Natale added by saying that “a lack of social housing driven by years of underinvestment is creating a ‘bottleneck’ in crisis accommodation, and for far too many women, that can be a matter of life and death”.

In response to this, the CHP’s key recommendations, which Small said is something that the CISS actively supports, include a state commitment to an annual pipeline of around 8000 social

homes each year, for 10 years.

Furthermore, the CHP wants to boost funding to Specialist Homelessness services and Family Violence services for additional frontline staff, as well as doubling the capacity of family violence refuges in Victoria to reduce the reliance on hotels.

Domestic and family violence was found to be the single biggest driver of homelessness in Victoria, with the report citing data showing more than half of all women, young people, and children who visited a specialist homelessness service reported they were also experiencing family violence in 2022 to 2023.

“A woman is killed every three weeks in a domestic and family violence-related incident in Victoria,” Di Natale said.

“Women and children are disproportionately affected by homelessness brought on by this kind of threat to their physical and psychological safety.

“We must improve our systems to protect them.”

Throughout Victoria, the CHP reported 102,000 people who sought assistance from homeless services in 2023/2024, which is up four per cent from the previous year.

In this figure, up to 60,000 of them, or 58 per cent, were women; 13,000 of them were working Victorians.

The Southeast Homelessness and Housing Alliance Launch will be held during Homelessness Week and will also feature a panel with a range of speakers.

Jailed for kidnap role

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A 19-year-old has been jailed for his role in a group’s “terrifying” kidnapping and beating of the ‘wrong’ person.

In May 2024, Mahdi Mohammadi and two others in a white van set off from Lynbrook and drove around for two hours “waiting for an opportunity to seize” the victim, according to a prosecution summary at the Victorian County Court.

In Wattle Crescent, Beaconsfield, they forced the man into the back of the van, tied him with duct tape, covered his head with a pillowcase and held him captive in a Doncaster address.

The victim, who was a friend of the intended victim, was “terrorised, assaulted and tormented in a most appalling way”, sentencing judge Scott Johns said on 28 July.

The man was filmed as he was tied to a chair in his underwear, his head shaven and a sawn-off or cut-down gun was placed in his mouth by co-offender Amose Elmarkaz. Judge Johns described the footage as “terrifying”.

The captors were receiving instructions via a Signal chat group. They sent an image of the victim – and realised they had abducted the wrong person. They still carried on with the ordeal. At one point, Mohammadi punched the victim in the face.

The victim had a bullet placed in his mouth in a threatening manner.

Judge Johns noted the victim was “too overwhelmed by the experience” to make a victim impact statement. “I take into account that it was a terrifying, impactful and traumatic experience for him.”

Mohammadi was arrested while fleeing from the van in Cranbourne West – having just released the victim in Mullum Mullum Reserve, Ringwood. Born in Afghanistan, Mohammadi remained traumatised by a violence-marred childhood. After moving to Australia at 11, he attended school in Doveton as well as an English-language school. As a result of his PTSD, he’d ‘self-medicated’ with meth, benzos and cocaine in recent years. Judge Johns accepted Mohammadi’s traumatic background was a significant mitigating factor. He was just 18 at the time of the kidnapping with no prior convictions and “good” rehabilitation prospects.

Mohammadi pleaded guilty to stalking, common-law kidnapping, common-law assault, intentionally causing injury and possessing an unregistered gun. Judge Johns noted that Mohammadi played a lesser role than co-offender Elmarkaz, who was jailed for up to three years and four months. Mohammadi was jailed for two years and four months, and eligible for parole after 17 months. His term included 450 days in pre-sentence detention, meaning he’s eligible for parole in two months.

Helen Small, executive manager at Casey North CISS, said that Casey’s homelessness issue is ‘hidden’ and is something that must be systematically addressed. (Rob Carew: 332999_04)

Supporting new arrivals

By Taylah Xuereb

A group of young people supported by South East Community Links have teamed up for a Bill in the Y Victorian Youth Parliament.

Madina Hakimi, Kris van der Kamp, and Hamid Tawasulli’s Increased Job Opportunities for Newly Arrived People Bill 2025 proposes further educational support and employment opportunities for those who have arrived into Australia within the past year.

The youth Legislative Council passed the Bill with 20 votes.

The Youth Governor, Lily Trethowan will present this successful Bill to the state’s Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman for consideration.

The Bill specifically aims to facilitate job application workshops, accessible English language courses, and financial incentives for businesses who employ newly arrived people.

At its core, this Bill is fighting for newly arrived people to experience a successful integration into Victoria’s local communities.

Member of the SECL team, Hamid Tawasulli opened the debate outlining the intentions of this Bill, promoting its ability to aid newly arrived people and their communities.

“Ensuring newly arrived people are given the skills they need to get employment is extremely important, ensuring that they have ongoing opportunities to proactively engage in the Australian economy,” Tawasulli said.

The SECL team’s gratitude for the experience cannot be mistaken. Their passion comes from their personal experiences as two thirds of the group were once newly arrived people themselves.

“I came [to] Australia four years ago. I was kind of lost, I couldn’t find a job,” stated Tawasulli.

Another member from the team, Kris van der

Kamp saw the opposition’s criticisms as a learning experience, demonstrating the passion and drive behind this team.

“New people looking at your Bill will always give you new ideas and new ways of looking at [the Bill]”, Kamp stated.

Founder of the non-profit organisation, Third Culture, and 2023 Youth Premier of Youth Parliament, Krushnadevsinh (Kano) Ravalji recognises the importance of young people having conversations and learning experiences on diversity and equality.

The Bill mainly fights for further educational and occupational support for newly arrived people, which Ravalji believes will benefit local communities.

“We’re investing this money, all these resources but the return that you get on it is really good. Whether that’s in social economics, whether that’s in crime rates, whether that’s in the future,” Ravalji said.

The Y Victorian Youth Parliament program provides young people the platform to express the concerns they have for their local communi-

ties, whilst acting on the issues they believe deserve attention.

“We saw in the last federal election that young people are now more [politically] active than ever before,” Ravalji stated.

SECL team member, Madina Hakimi shared the same sentiments, which she considers a valuable takeaway from the program.

“You’re important, your voice is important,” Hakimi said.

- Taylah Xuereb is a member of the 2025 Youth Press Gallery

Recently, a post in a local Berwick community forum broke our hearts.

A concerned father of a Year 9 girl asked for help: his daughter, caught in the crossfire of peer pressure and digital culture, was demanding access to Snapchat.

When told no, the tears came.

The tantrums followed.

And like thousands of other parents across Australia, he was left feeling powerless.

This is not an isolated case.

The issue is not just the app.

It is the cultural shift we are witnessing: where “no“ from a parent is no longer a full sentence.

Boundaries are negotiated, not respected.

Where digital validation matters more than real-life conversation.

The Australian Government has introduced tighter regulations to address online safety and social media usage.

New policies propose a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts, and a “Digital Duty of Care“ to hold platforms accountable.

On paper, these initiatives are well-meaning. But here is the problem: we are focusing on legislation without equipping the front-line de-

fenders - parents and educators - with the tools, language, and cultural confidence to hold the line at home.

So, what is the real root cause?

This is not just a tech issue.

It is a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) crisis.

We have a generation of parents who are unsure on how to parent across cultures: the culture of entitlement, digital addiction, peer pressure, and performative popularity.

We are scared to be the “strict ones“.

We are afraid of damaging self-esteem.

But, as many educators will tell you, that fear is breeding a new kind of fragility - where discomfort is mistaken for danger, and guidance is mistaken for control.

Our parents once said no, and it meant no.

But in today’s landscape, where social media is both a lifeline and a liability, we need new tools:

1. Values-Based Parenting

Teach your children why you say no.

Explain values like privacy, digital permanence, emotional safety, and empathy.

If they understand the “why“, they will respect the “no”.

Take them down the rabbit hole, make them confront real stories of where it has led for others.

2. Back-to-Front Policies

Governments are legislating from the topdown, but parents need support from the ground-up.

We need schools and local councils to host digital parenting workshops, provide community-based tech mentors, and invest in CQ education.

3. Cultural Reset in Homes

It is time to reintroduce etiquette. Respect. Gratitude. And responsibility.

We cannot let likes and filters replace morals and manners.

4. Family Tech Agreements

Make media-use a family conversation. Set boundaries together, and stick to them. No Snapchat till 16? Fine. But explain it, model it, and stay consistent.

You are the biggest role model to your child.

5. Empower the Village

No more parenting in isolation.

Create school-based CQ forums, teacher-parent panels, and local community groups where people can share strategies, not just complaints. The truth is, parents are being outmanoeuvred by technology and outnumbered by influence.

It is no wonder we feel like we are failing.

But we are not.

We just need to stop fighting alone.

Snapchat is not the enemy. Nor is the child. But if we do not bridge this gap soon, we will raise a generation of young people more connected to strangers than to their own families.

If we want to restore sanity, safety, and selfworth in our homes, we must start with Cultural Intelligence: the ability to parent not just across generations, but across evolving cultural norms. Let’s raise digitally aware, emotionally intelligent, and morally grounded children.

SECL Youth Parliament team member Kris van der Kamp. (Taylah Xuereb)

Morning tea and tour

You’re invited to Summerset Cranbourne North to enjoy a morning tea and a tour around the village.

Explore the beautiful brand-new homes, thoughtfully designed with ease and comfort in mind.

Enjoy a complimentary cuppa and morning tea and take the opportunity to get to know our team, as well as some of the residents who already call Summerset Cranbourne North home.

Come and envision your life at this vibrant, welcoming village. When you move to a Summerset village, you’re not just moving house - you’re joining a community.

With a range of homes available now, you could be loving the Summerset life sooner than you thought.*

Love the life you choose.

Morning tea and a village tour

Tuesday 5 August, 10am to 12pm

Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au

Frustrations lingering

By Ethan Benedicto

Frustrations around the beloved walking trail’s car park at Narre Warren North’s 1001 Steps remain rife, as residents once more, call for more to be done.

One resident, who, for privacy reasons, remains unnamed, said that they have been observing the car park for the last 12 months to “see if the gates are locked”.

Reading reports of the changes from the City of Casey, as well as on the news, the resident visited the car park on 20 July to see if the gates were closed by 8pm, as per the new council rules.

“Unfortunately, at 8.38pm the gates were still open, with two cars in the car park, one with their headlights on and shining at the house in front of them,” they said.

“Three cars were also parked outside the car park, parallel on the road, and unbelievably, two of them right in front of the City of Casey Parking Restriction Enforced signs.”

They also added that as they were leaving, they saw two more vehicles making their way up the hill, towards the car park.

The car park currently houses two gates, one directly in front of the car park’s entrance, near the steps of the walking trail, and another on the unnamed continuation of Quarry Road, to the top of the hill.

The trail itself is open for 24 hours, but the Bayview Car Park opens at 6.30am and closes at 8pm; the only difference is that during the daylight saving months it instead closes at 9pm.

Grevillea Ward councillor, Dave Perry, has been in regular contact with local residents in the area, additionally noting a series of complaints from other Narre Warren North residents about the behaviour in the car park.

“This is still a work in progress, so we’re putting it through council and we’re taking the residents’ concerns very seriously,” he said.

An additional letter from the City of Casey to local residents on 28 June stated that in addition to the new gate on the car park entrance, council will install new ‘No Stopping’ signs opposite the existing one on Quarry Road, just several metres before the entrance.

Also noted by Star News in previous articles were the solid yellow lines that stretch from the car park down to Quarry Road, something that residents have said does little in terms of mitigation.

Another resident said that speed humps would be a good traffic calming option for Quarry Road, especially at the intersection with Milfull Circuit.

“Last week, there was a time a car sped down from Quarry Road, and there were a few kids playing in the area, and it was some dangerous driving, you know?” the resident said.

One of the new signs on Quarry Road, leading to the Bayview Carpark at 1001 Steps; residents have noted that despite the solid yellow lines, vehicles still park on the side of the road. (Supplied)

Leanne

Evans

When Clyde Grammar welcomed its first Foundation students in 2020, Principal Leanne Evans was there to greet them at the gate. Five years on, her leadership continues to shape the school’s strong sense of purpose, community, and care.

Now offering classes from Foundation to Year 5, Clyde Grammar has steadily added a new year level each year since its opening. Under Leanne’s guidance, the school continues to grow with purpose, expanding its offerings while maintaining a clear focus on respect, perseverance, and community spirit.

“We’ve always had a vision to offer a comprehensive and high-quality education from the early years right through to Year 12,” says Mrs Evans. “We are now making that vision a reality, and we’re thrilled to be preparing for our first Year 7 students in 2027.”

The journey to becoming a Senior School is already well underway. Construction of a new Collaborative Learning Centre has begun, set to include modern classrooms, a sessional music room, a basketball court, an assembly hall, and a purpose-built space for before and after-school care.

As the school grows, so too does the sense of community that Leanne and her team have nurtured in the Junior School. From Harmony Day parades to Book Week celebrations, and even the inaugural Colour Run, Clyde Grammar’s calendar is rich with experiences that bring students, staff and families together.

One of Mrs Evans’ personal highlights each fortnight is sharing her lunch break with the student who has earned the most House points through consistent positive behaviour, respectful interactions, and outstanding efforts in the classroom.

“It’s a simple but powerful tradition,” she says. “These students model the values we encourage every day at Clyde Grammar. Having the chance to sit with them individually, hear about what excites them, and recognise their achievements is something I look forward to.”

Leanne believes that the real heart of the school lies in its relationships – between teachers and students, families and staff, and among the students themselves.

“Clyde Grammar’s mission is to empower each young person to face challenges, believe in themselves and become the best version of themselves,” she says. “That mission lives in every classroom, every playground interaction, and every small act of kindness.”

The road ahead includes many exciting milestones for the school - new facilities, new year levels, and their first Year 6 graduates next year. But for Mrs Evans, the greatest achievement is seeing students grow into confident, respectful and compassionate individuals.

“We are building something truly special here. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this journey –and even more excited for what’s to come.”

In a moment of crisis

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A call to police to help control a juvenile’s outburst at home can often lead to the child being thrust into the family-violence legal system.

To the parents’ shock – and even against their wishes - their child has suddenly been slapped with an intervention order.

Victoria Legal Aid children’s law associate director Elicia Savvas says often the ouburst is triggered by something commonplace as controlling screen time or internet use.

But due to a lack of support services, parents felt they had no choice but to call police in a “moment of crisis”.

“These families said they were seeking de-escalation and support.

“They often didn’t support legal action being taken against their child and said the intervention order didn’t help them get access to support.”

Intervention orders against children and young people are on the rise at home and at school, according to a Victoria Legal Aid report ‘Feeling supported, not stuck’.

In the past six years, 34 per cent more children are seeking VLA legal assistance for intervention orders, the report found.

Staggeringly, a third of its young clients facing intervention orders were 10 to 14 years old.

Victim-survivors of family violence, children living with a disability, neurodiversity or mental health issues or First Nations children were highly represented.

VLA is calling for law reform so young children are no longer slapped with intervention orders.

Savvas says family-violence and personal-safety intervention orders are designed for adults, not kids.

“We question whether these children, most of whom also live with disability or have faced some sort of trauma, can fully understand and follow these orders.”

A father, Luke, told the report that his 15-yearold son was likely to lose control and not abide by an IVO – which would then put his son on the wrong side of the law.

“He’d be thinking about his anger in that moment.

“What am I supposed to do then? I’m supposed to call the police and have him charged with a crime?”

Savvas says the situation was working against families seeking help and being kept safe.

More resources for “sustainable, wrap-around support” were needed to resolve family disputes and repair harm.

Also of concern to the VLA was rising numbers of personal-safety intervention orders at schools.

Often the VLA clients were retaliating to bul-

‘Incredibly

By Sahar Foladi

lying. As a result of the IVOs, their education was seriously disrupted by changing schools or leaving school completely.

The VLA report recommends the state’s education department provides more resources to mediate peer disputes, as well as restorative options outside the justice system.

It also recommends restorative justice options, outside of the justice system.

IVOs don’t go to the root cause of difficult issues at schools, Savvas says.

Elena Campbell, from RMIT University’s Centre for Innovative Justice, led a national study into responses to adolescent violence in the home.

She says young-person IVO numbers have worsened since her 2020 report.

It coincides with declining mental health in young people and rising social media use, as a result of the Covid era.

The biggest factor to young people’s violence in the home was them being exposed to family violence. Early intervention was key, Campbell said.

“We step in and remove the adult perpetrator and think our job is done.

“But we don’t invest in recovery - which should be the start point not the end point.“

Campbell agreed more resources were needed to support schools.

At the moment, schools went to “Defcon 5 as soon as something dramatic happens”.

“No one feels they have the tools or the time so we end up defaulting to an IVO very quickly.”

Teachers needed training in managing conflict, student trauma and the issues behind behaviour dysregulation, Campbell said.

Schools needed better-resourced wellbeing teams, as well as strong ongoing partnerships with outside support agencies.

She says family violence laws need to be reviewed to distinguish between adults and children.

“By taking a zero-tolerance, no-excuses approach to family violence, it’s left us in the ridiculous situation we have with 11 year olds.

“Their developmental age is enough of a limitation but they may have significant trauma or may have an autism diagnosis.

“They can’t possibly understand the order or don’t have a hope of complying.”

rewarding’: A day in the life...

Not all heroes wear capes, some are child protection practitioners helping to save our young children and families at critical times.

Three young people in their 20s take time out of their busy lives to visit Stacey because they remember the work she did for them and their families when the trio were all under the age of 10.

Stacey Villinger has worked in Greater Dandenong as a team manager for the past 16 years with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

“Child protection is not just a job, it’s who I am.

“We work hard to support families and keep them together whenever it is safe and possible to do so.

“As a child protection practitioner, you’re constantly on the move.

“One minute you could be at court, the next sitting with a child doing a visit, the next at a parent’s house helping them with day-to-day tasks, catching up on how their supports are working for them.”

Stacey has worked with parents in circumstances where children had to be removed from their care, but now some of the same parents also drop by her office well after their cases are closed and their family reunified.

These are the highlights of her job every day.

“I believe in and care about the families I work with and help them believe in themselves – it’s incredibly rewarding.

“Building resilience was difficult when I first started in the job, but it comes with time.

“Sometimes it’s hard to accept that you can’t do everything and need to learn to up skill families and children as opposed to doing it all for them.”

One of her core memories is of a young girl who was reunified with her mum after five years in and out of out-of-home care.

Her mother had her quite young and was

MCH consult room at hub

By Violet Li

A new Maternal and Child Health (MCH) consult room is now open at Smiths Lane Community Hub in Clyde North.

The new room has been officially open since Wednesday 23 July.

Property developer Mirvac, whose sales office is based at Smiths Lane Community Hub, offered the 61-square-metre interim room to Casey Council at no cost for 12 months.

“The Clyde area is rapidly emerging as one of Casey’s fastest-growing suburbs. This has resulted in an increased demand for our MCH Service. The area has limited local centres, so this new room, which Mirvac offered to Council at no cost for 12 months, will allow families in the Smiths Lane and surrounding catchment area convenient access to a vital service whilst awaiting the opening of the future Alexander Boulevard Community Hub,” Dillwynia Ward Councillor Anthony Walter said.

“With the highest birth rates in the state — 5,735 babies born in Casey in 2024-25 — rising challenges in meeting infrastructure demands due to rapid population growth, and lack of State Government funding for MCH infrastructure, we are delighted to provide this new service.”

struggling with some mental health and substance issues.

Stacey was able to work closely with the child’s mother and grandmother to establish supports.

Their case is now closed, the mother keeps in touch with Stacey and her daughter is kicking goals at school, and thriving.

The child’s mother is also re-engaging in schooling and is studying to become a drug and alcohol counsellor.

“The best relationships are sometimes built during times of crisis.

“At times the job is hard – it’s stressful, it’s busy and it’s tiring. You will cry and you will laugh but most importantly you will be proud, proud of your colleagues, proud of the children you work with and proud of the parents you engage with.”

The job keeps her on the move but this is what she always wanted.

From the early age of 16 Stacey figured out she was made for this work, connecting her passion to work with families and children with her strong advocacy for others and making positive difference.

“There are amazing professional development opportunities – you can work in intake, investigations response, long-term case management. There’s always an opportunity to learn something new.”

Removal of a child from their parents’ care only occur under the most serious circumstances involving significant harm or imminent risk.

Court orders are based on evidence presented in applications and recommendations before the Children’s Court where it’s tested against the legislation.

Mirvac’s development director for Masterplanned Communities in Victoria, Glen Greening, said they were proud to partner with the Casey Council to provide the interim MCH consult room to give local families access to vital early childhood support close to home.

Mr Greening shared that the construction was about to commence for Alexander Boulevard Community Hub in Clyde North.

“That’d be another Mirvac building. We will have the same function here, so you have a sales office. You’ll have a project office. You’ll have community space, and MCH,” he said.

“They (MCH room) will then relocate to the next Mirvac building for probably two plus years until Council’s permanent purpose-built community facility comes alive.

“So, it’s an ongoing partnership with us.” Smiths Lane Community Hub will also be home to a new Council-run first-time parent group.

The group, which will meet for five weeks from Monday 22 September, provides firsttime parents the opportunity to connect, share experiences and support each other.

To make an appointment at the consult room at Mirvac’s Smiths Lane Community Hub in Clyde North, contact 9705 5590, Monday to Friday during business hours or visit the Maternal and Child Health page on our website to complete the ‘Request to book an appointment’ form.

FormoreinformationaboutCaseyCouncil’s MCH Service, visit https://www.casey. vic.gov.au/maternal-child-health-services

Elisa Savvas says there’s rising numbers of intervention orders against young children. (Victoria Legal Aid)

Elena Campbell says support was needed for families and schools. (Supplied)

Stacey Villinger has spent over 16 years in the child protection field staying dedicated to care for children, families and communties.(Supplied)

Jessica Coenen (Maternal Childcare nurse), Ruby (17 months old) and mother Jessica Loomes were at the new MCH consult room. (Gary Sissons: 491152)

Councillor Anthony Walter addressed the public at the opening ceremony of the new MCH consult room.

Consultation ‘failures’

By Violet Li

As a Victorian Parliament Committee is investigating community consultation practices by the government, a community group has submitted their “serious” concerns on the alleged failures in community consultation surrounding the proposed Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station.

Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) has traced back to the starting point of the proposed Waste Transfer Station: Hampton Park Hill Development Plan.

Star News reported before that Casey Council went against the public will to endorse the new Hampton Park Hill Development Plan at a meeting on Tuesday 18 July 2023, during the administration era.

Serving as a framework guiding land use and development proposals, the endorsed plan paved the way for the continuing operation of the current landfill, future waste and resource recovery activities, public open spaces, and light industrial activities in the designated area.

Casey Council also took the endorsed Development Plan into consideration before they approved the planning permit for the proposed Waste Transfer Station last year.

LRA claimed in its submission that no “meaningful or direct” community consultation occurred during the early stages of the Development Plan planning process, despite that a relevant guidance document (Statewide Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan 2018, SWRRIP) stressed that community consultation must occur from the beginning.

“Engagement was limited to select ‘key stakeholders’, primarily businesses, industry operators, and regulatory bodies. This omission is particularly concerning, given the known and documented history of odour complaints, health concerns, and environmental impacts stemming from activities at the site,” LRA stated.

“The exclusion of local residents from these early phases of planning is not only inappropriate but fundamentally inconsistent with the environmental justice principles outlined in the SWRRIP.

“The community should have been engaged at the outset, as part of an inclusive planning approach.”

LRA said that the community consultation only occurred in August 2022, well after strategic planning and industry discussions had concluded, and they claimed that City of Casey officers downplayed the 1052 written oppositions, suggesting residents misunderstood the proposal.

The LRA’s submission outlines what they

described as six key failures: the lack of early engagement, exclusion of residents from stakeholder lists, delayed consultation, ignored opposition, disregard for environmental justice, and failure to uphold the consultation requirements outlined in SWRRIP.

To prevent issues, the group made a series of recommendations, including mandatory early-stage consultation, transparency in stake-

70km/h over the limit

An 18-year-old male learner rider was arrested on Saturday, 26 July, after being detected at 152km/h in an 80km/h zone.

The rider was observed to be overtaking vehicles dangerously and travelling at excessive speeds along Wellington Road from Belgrave-Hallam Road around 4:50pm on the day.

holder identification, documentation of how community input affects decisions, and independent oversight for high-impact developments.

When inquired, City of Casey Manager Planning and Building Tania Asper said Council followed relevant procedures in the development of the Hampton Park Hill Development Plan.

“Servicing agencies were consulted during

the initial phases of preparing a draft document, a standard practice that is essential for informing the drafting of a development plan,” she said.

“Once a draft document was prepared, Council sought input and feedback from the broader community, landowners, as well as special interest groups.

“Engagement was conducted online and in-person across the engagement period.”

Caught twice in two weeks

A vehicle was caught for the second time in under two weeks, after officers from the Narre Warren Police Station intercepted the grey Nissan Tiida pulling out of a fast-food restaurant at a high speed in Cranbourne North.

tering the same fast-food restaurant car park two weeks prior.

Police are appealing for anyone travelling in the area at the time who has dashcam footage of the rider to contact them.

The rider will be charged with multiple offences, including driving whilst suspended, driving an unregistered vehicle, displaying false plates, speed/manner dangerous, drug possession and reckless conduct. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1225.

Join us for a school tour of ELC, Junior School and Senior Girls and Boys

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Initial checks on the night of Friday, 25 July, discovered that the vehicle was unregistered and the driver had a suspended licence.

The driver was also previously caught with a suspended licence, and was intercepted en-

During the previous incident, police observed the vehicle, which was not fit for the road, where the driver had allegedly lied about having a learner’s permit, and instead produced an international driver’s licence.

The vehicle was towed from the scene and impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1115.

Members of the Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) and other community members rallied in front of the Parliament on a rainy Wednesday afternoon in May to support a debate against the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station, led by local Opposition MP Ann-Marie Hermans. LRA has submitted their “serious” concerns to a Parliamentary Inquiry into community consultation practices on the alleged failures in community consultation surrounding the proposed facility. (Gary Sissons: 480136)

Romantic realisation of dream

A lifelong dream to visit Egypt and the Valley of the Kings is now a reality for Carl Green and wife Judy who will embark on a Pharaohs and Pyramids adventure starting in Cairo in March 2026.

Their twelve-day round trip organised by Tamara Tavasci from Helloworld Travel Gympie, is everything they hoped for including a three-day extension in Cairo to see more of the city before they join their cruise.

They will join the state-of-the-art brand new Viking Thoth specifically built to cruise the Nile after exploring Egypt’s exhilarating capital on 28 March.

The boat designed in the clean, elegant Scandinavian aesthetic Viking is known for, offers the ultimate in comfort with only 82 guests, 48 crew, 236 feet in length and only built in 2025.

“I don’t know why we have never got there as it’s a place I’ve always wanted to see, especially the pyramids and pharaohs, the Sphinx, Giza and the Nile,” Carl said.

“I have wanted to do the Nile since I was a kid, and we felt the easiest way was to go on a cruise.”

“I am actually really excited because we are going to lunch at the same place Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Nile.”

Their itinerary will give the Greens and another couple they are travelling with, the chance to witness the majestic pyramids from a camel, explore the Temple of Karnak’s 136 soaring pillars, visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens, skim the waters of the Nile by traditional felucca, enjoy the fragrances of Aswan’s spice market.

On board is Viking’s Egyptologists who offers guests their expert knowledge on the history of this fascinating country.

According to Viking, it has been said of Egypt’s exhilarating capital, “He who has not seen Cairo has not seen the world.”

The brochure says “Certainly, the heart of the nation beats with an unbridled passion in this city made prosperous over millennia as a stopover for Sahara caravans on trade routes to Byzantium. Amid the stimulating strum, the insistent beauty of everyday life reigns here, with the serene Nile sliding through like an entrancing serpent. Cairo’s very age mesmerizes; its monuments have stood here for more than 5,000 years.”

“Tamara recommended this trip as it basically did everything we wanted it to do,” Carl said

Tamara said she has booked a lot of Viking cruises for people before, and she was confident recommending this particular cruise and

company to Carl and Judy.

She said the feedback from her clients has always been positive with most booking further trips with Viking. She believes it is the

standard of ship and the destinations that bring travelers back for more.

Carl and Judy are no strangers to international travel taking many overseas trips since

their marriage in 1989 but they have only been

on one three-night cruise out of Brisbane before.

Carl said these days travel is so much more enjoyable as he has handed the reigns of their company over to son Jack.

Carl and Judy own Green RV with yards in Forest Glen on the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Toowoomba. Brisbane, Newcastle (Heatherbrae). They started the business in 1997 in Gympie because there was a gap In the market and now have about 125 staff.

“Now that Jack’s taken over, I can relax straight away instead of always trying to get Wi-Fi reception and taking phone calls,” Carl said.

His packing tips are simple too - “get the wife to do it”.

Carl and Judy’s Egyption adventure is called Pharaohs and Pyramids by Viking and is a twelve-day cruise starting at Cairo and stopping at Luxor, Qena, Esna, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, back to Luxor and Cairo.

Find out more about this cruise and other destinations at www.viking.com or phone 138 747.

LEE MCCARTHY

Travellers to Egypt become immersed in the past with a visit to three of the most iconic. landmarks of ancient Egypt.

Enjoy a fascinating time exploring Egypt’s capital city and learning about the region’s vast history.

Explore Cairo with a three day extension prior to joining your cruise.

Gain a deeper understanding of Ancient Egypt’s history at The Grand Egyptian Museum.

Carl and Judy Green are making a dream come true with a twelve-day cruise on the Nile with Viking.

The Viking Pharaohs and Pyramids cruise of Egypt is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Gympie couple Carl and Judy Green.

JOURNEY FURTHER

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ICONS OF THE VIKING AGE

Bergen to Copenhagen

22 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 17 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027

From $21,295pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $26,395pp in Penthouse Veranda

Uncover vibrant Oslo and its fascinating history, viewing iconic sights such as Akershus Fortress and the Royal Palace, and learn about Norway’s rich maritime heritage. Then embark on arguably one of the world’s most scenic train rides, the Bergen Railway, over Europe’s highest mountain plateau.

VIKING HOMELANDS

Bergen to Stockholm or vice versa

15 DAYS | 6 COUNTRIES 11 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: APR-AUG 2026; MAY-AUG 2027

From $13,395pp in Veranda Stateroom

From 15,895pp in Penthouse Veranda

UP TO $2,400 PER COUPLE^

7 night all-inclusive river cruise on board Mekong Navigator

Visiting: Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Opopel Village - Wat Rokakong, Phnom Penh (overnight in port), Long Khánh Island - Mỹ An Hưng A, Sa Đéc - Cái Bè, Mỹ Tho (overnight in port)

1 night full-board luxury cruise on board the Indochine Junk Boat visiting Lan Ha Bay, Hạ Long Bay Hotel Stays

Four-star hotel stays in Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, Hội An, and Hanoi

All hotel stays include breakfast

Escorted Tours

Angkor Archaeological Park

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Ho Chi Minh City tour

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Hội An city tour with Bánh xèo cooking demonstration and tasting

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Overnight flight

Strength, vision and legacy

The City of Casey celebrated NAIDOC Week as its Aboriginal Engagement team joined thousands of community members and allies in the annual NAIDOC Week March through Naarm.

This year’s theme was called The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, as the week paid tribute to the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders.

It also paved the way for spotlighting the emerging leadership of young Indigenous Australians, overall celebrating the strength of culture, the power of community and the importance of passing knowledge across generations.

The march, which was held on 11 July, began at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service in Fitzroy and concluded at Federation Square, where attendees were treated to a lively cultural program.

The event featured more than 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stallholders showcasing art, fashion, jewellery and design.

There were also live performances by Electric Fields, Isaiah Firebrace, Scott Darlow, Canisha, and The Violet Summers.

Looping it back home, on Friday, 18 July, the Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place hosted a NAIDOC Dinner and Awards Night, recognising community members who embodied the spirit of this year’s theme.

Awards were presented in three categories: vision, which celebrated youth who inspire and lead; strength, which honours adults making a positive impact; and legacy, which acknowledged Elders who preserve and share cultural knowledge.

Among those recognised were Makai Havea, Michelle Havea, Uncle Douglas Smith, Aunty Alice Begley, Keith Begley, Aunty Joy Sellars, Aunty Lucille Boothey, John Free, and Beverly Jennings. Each was celebrated for their dedication and contributions to the community.

The overall NAIDOC celebration also extended to the Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place Koorie School Holiday Program, which offered a range of

a visit to the Victoria Police Academy.

The evening celebration on 18 July concluded with music, dancing and connection, reinforcing the importance of community-led celebration and cultural pride.

Get a sneak peek of the lifestyle you could enjoy at our free Open Home event. Explore our community, inspect our display home, discover our social activities, chat with our friendly team and find out if retirement living will suit you.

6 Melville Park Drive, Berwick Saturday, 9 August (10-11am)

activities for young participants, including a creative incursion with Haus of Dizzy, a Melbourne Storm experience and

From left, back, Larissa, Pauline, Jada, Makai, Michelle, Matthias and Anaika. Front: Aunty Lucy, Kalina, Solomone and Annalise. (Supplied)

Uncle Douglas Smith and Natasha Smith, during the City of Casey’s celebrations. (Supplied)

Uncle Joe, Aunty Lucy and Uncle Kevin. (Supplied) Naomi, Joseph, George and Rhyett. (Supplied)

Luxury lifestyle awaits

Lincoln Place has recently launched our new display home at Officer Lifestyle Estate Display Home this June, marking a significant milestone as we approach the final sell-out of the Officer community.

With the release of the final stage, this is your last chance to secure an over-50s home in this beautiful and vibrant neighbourhood.

As we conclude this remarkable project, we want to highlight that there will be no more homes released after this, making this an incredibly special opportunity for those looking to join our thriving community. The excitement around this momentous occasion cannot be overstated— we are nearly sold out!

For those interested in discovering their future home, we invite you to visit our new display home. You can contact Nicki Bishop to book an appointment by phoning her on 0455 245 438 to book a tour at 34 McMullen Rd, Officer VIC 3809.

Explore the beautiful surroundings, meet the wonderful neighbours, and envision the lifestyle that awaits you at Lincoln Place’s Officer Lifestyle Community. This is more than just a home; it’s a community filled with opportunities for connection, engagement, and enjoyment.

Lifestyle that awaits you at Lincoln Place’s Officer Lifestyle Community.

Wellness starts right here

In Clyde North, there’s a place where health and lifestyle come together - and it’s closer than you think. The St.Germain Health & Wellness Precinctismorethanjustacollectionofservices-it’s a growing destination for care, convenience, and community connection. Whether you’re managing your health, recovering from injury, or building a new fitness routine, everything you need is right here in one location.

Forget the long drives and waiting lists. At

Marina Radiology, you’ll find advanced diagnostic services including CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and ultrasounds - all delivered by expert staff in a modern, professional setting. With bulk billing available on eligible services, peace of mind comes without the high price tag. Fast, local, and reliable - just the way health care should be.

Need a trusted local doctor? St.Germain Superclinic is here for your everyday health needs. From general check-ups and immunisations to

chronic disease management and paediatrics, their friendly team of GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals are committed to delivering personalised care for all ages. The clinic also offers bulk billing and same-day appointments, making it easier than ever to prioritise your health.

Looking to stay active? Anytime Fitness is open 24/7, giving you the freedom to train on your own schedule. Whether you’re just getting

started or staying on track, enjoy access to topquality equipment, group fitness classes, and personalised training support.

With essential health services, advanced diagnostics, and round-the-clock fitness, the St.Germain Health & Wellness Precinct is built around your lifestyle.

Because better health starts with better access—and that’s something everyone deserves.

Learn more at stgermaincentral.com.au

Wellness starts right here at St.Germain Central.

New SDA homes in Berwick

A new chapter in inclusive housing has recently opened in Berwick, as SDA Living Australia unveiled its latest development on Coniston Avenue.

Called the Robust Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) villas, they were designed for people with complex support needs.

The national general manager of SDA Living Australia, Toula Maoustakas, said that the open day event captured the spirit of the project.

“These units don’t just meet a need, they set a new benchmark for what accessible living can and should look like in this region,” they said.

The open day allowed NDIS participants, families, local providers and community leaders such as Akoonah Ward councillor Scott Dowling, who

praised the development, to tour the homes.

Facilities featured included open-plan living spaces, accessible designs, and dedicated on-site support rooms.

The homes, built in partnership with Unique Build, are said to reflect a shift away from more isolated and institutional settings toward a more connected, community-focused living.

The new villas are also located just off the Princes Highway, which means proximity to local amenities such as those that can be found in Berwick Village and health services like Casey Hospital.

For more information on SDA housing options in Berwick, visit www.sdalivingaustralia.com.au

Demons celebrate 10 AFLW seasons with young fans

Melbourne Football Club’s AFLW team lit up Grill’d Casey on Tuesday 29 July, as fans turned out in force to celebrate 10 seasons of AFLW.

Young supporters had the chance to meet stars like Tyla Hanks, score signed fixture posters, enjoy giveaways and snap up exclusive membership.

In a fun twist, players swapped the footy field for the kitchen, serving up burgers Demon-style to the delight of the crowd.

WHAT’S ON

Grand Opening of WellCare GG Cafe

Date: Monday, 4 August 2025

• Time: 10:00 AM

• Location: Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre –Food Court (next to Subway), 125 High St, Cranbourne VIC 3977

• Event Highlights:

• Free Coffee from 10 AM – 11 AM

• $10 Specials: Any Toastie or Burger + Medium Coffee

• Free Raffles & Giveaways

• Launch of “Save a Cuppa” – a kindness-pay-itforward coffee program for the community Banksia Festival

Join the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and the

Cranbourne Friends for an exciting series of lectures, workshops, art and craft exhibition, book and plant sales, guided walks, to celebrate the Banksia.

• Saturday 16 August to Sunday 24 August at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. Berwick Bridge Club

Enjoy playing cards? Are you looking for some exercise for your brain that is both fun and challenging? Berwick Bridge Club is looking for new members. There are two free beginner’s courses.

One starting Friday morning 5 September from 10am to 12pm and the second one on Monday night starting 8 September from 7 to 9pm.

Both courses run for 10 weeks. Lessons are held at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, 21A

Bemersyde Drive, Berwick. No partner is required.

• To reserve your place, please phone Maree on 9702 2348.

Scrabble in Berwick

• Fridays 9.30am-12.00pm at Berwick Neighbourhood Centre, 112 High Street, Berwick. Details: David, 0433 566 456.

U3A Casey – Activities for Seniors

Are you a senior, aged over 50, who is semi or fully retired?

Are you looking to keep your body and mind in top shape?

Then … U3A Casey is for you!

With over 580 members and 75 different classes,

U3A Casey offers you a wide range of activities including Arts & Crafts, Music, Book Clubs, Social Clubs, Low-Impact Sports, Fitness, Cooking … and many more.

You can attend up to three classes for free, to see if you like the classes before registering to join with U3A Casey.

Membership from January to December is $60.00 or from July to December is $30.00, which allows you to choose to join any of our classes (subject to available vacancies).

• For more information on classes, or to join using the online enrolment form: Visit our website – www.u3acasey.org.au

• Phone our office – 0493 280 458

• Email us - caseyu3a@gmail.com

Dhurba and Durja with Melbourne AFLW players Tyla Hanks, Ryleigh Wotherspoon, Maggie Mahony, Maeve Chaplin, Grace Beasley and Eden Zanker. (Stewart Chambers: 491847)

Grill’d Casey manager Vundy with Tyla Hanks.

Halle with Grace Beasley and Maeve Chaplin.

Tyla Hanks and Eden Zanker.

SDA Living Australia national general manager Toula Maoustakas, with Cr Scott Dowling at the open day event. (Supplied)

The land affected by the application is located at:

87 James Cook Drive ENDEAVOUR HILLS VIC 3802 Lot 411 LP 112050

The application is for a permit to: Development of 2 dwellings and removal of covenant

Planning Scheme Clause No. Matter for which a permit is required

32.08-7 Construct two or more dwellings on a lot

52.02 Before a person proceeds under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988 to create, vary or remove an easement or restriction or vary or remove a condition in the nature of an easement in a Crown grant

The applicant for the permit is: ABS Design & Construction

The application reference number is: PA24-0724

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority.

City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN

Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website or by scanning the QR code.

https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/viewplanning-applications

You may also call (03 9705 5200) to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority, Casey City Council. This can be done in office hours and is free of charge.

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.

An objection must:

•be made to the Responsible Authority in writing to, Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805 or emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au

•include the application number and site address •include the reasons for the objection, and •state how the objector would be affected.

The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 14 August 2025

If you object, the Responsible Authority will advise you of its decision.

Beacy teen a shooting star

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Beaconsfield junior Harper McCullough starred for Vic Metro at the Under-16 National Development Carnival which wrapped up in Queensland two weeks ago.

McCullough averaged 19 disposals, five clearances and eight tackles and is a strong chance to be named in the under-16s All Australian side, released later this week.

His power and pressure in the midfield helped Vic Metro to win the title with an undefeated run.

The Oakleigh-aligned talent starred in wet conditions in Vic Metro’s first game, which was played against Vic Country at Werribee, before the subsequent two games were played last week on Gold Coast.

“I feel like that game really increased my confidence in a way because it gave me a taste of what it would be like,” McCullough said.

“I thought I did really well in the game, so it gave me confidence I was in the right state of mind to know I was up for it and could match it with the best.”

The five days in Queensland are the teenagers’ first major exposure to the talent pathway, ahead of a busy two years of representative footy, pressing their draft case in front of AFL clubs.

“It’s a one of a kind experience,” the youngster said.

“It’s a big footy trip you get to go on with your mates as well as you’re still trying to play good footy and having heaps of fun along the way with good coaches and getting fed well.

“I created new friends and it definitely made me

grow up quicker and enticed me to create elite habits early.

“When I get older, it gets more serious so I want to have those habits down pat now, so when I get into the more professional environment, hopefully at the higher level, it gets more professional and I want to be taking in elite habits straight away.”

In Queensland, Vic Metro defeated Western Australia by three points and South Australia by 55 points, with McCullough standing up at several key

junctures of games.

Often star play-makers at junior level have a ‘see ball, get ball’ mentality but with McCullough focusing on his on-field leadership throughout the week, his pressure provided important balance in the engine room.

“I thought my performance was really consistent - I stayed in the moment and locked in at the right times and I just tried to display my brand of footy,” McCullough said.

“It’s my first time playing in front of all 18 clubs so I wanted bring my strengths which I thought I did well, and showcase bringing my teammates into the game

“I definitely drive myself with my pressure - off the back of that we get more scoring opportunities so I want to create turnovers

“Early in games, I was looking to set the tone with a big tackle or even just picking a teammate off the ground and teammates can see that and it gives them the mindset to go hard and belief that we’ll win today.”

McCullough is a student of Caulfield Grammar alongside Vic Metro U18s MVP Ollie Greeves, who is set to be selected in the first round of this year’s AFL Draft, and spoke of the positive influence of the teenager on his journey.

“’Greeva’ is like a big brother to me - I feel like I can just ask him anything,” McCullough said.

“He definitely teaches me the ways to stay in the moment and be yourself.

“When you’re playing a high level game, he’s taught me to play to my strengths and show what I can bring and he’s always there to support me.”

In between his representative commitments, McCullough has played two games for Beaconsfield this year, and has 89 career games at junior level for the Eagles to his name.

McCullough is one of six Beaconsfield players in the talent pathway, alongside Vic Country under18s player Jay-De Varlet, his Dandenong teammates Dylan Vogrig, Jordan Waters and Riley Hilliard and Gippsland bottom-ager Jack Hilton.

Berwick grabs fourth win in skipper’s milestone outing

By Jonty Ralphsmith

‘Play like Tommy B’.

That was the mantra which got Berwick over the line against Vermont on Saturday in talismanic co-captain Tom Brennan’s 227th game – breaking the club’s games record.

The 11.7(73) to 8.6(54) result was set up by a four goal first quarter against the wind which gave the hosts an 18-point quarter-time lead at Edwin Flack Reserve.

The visitors chipped away at the lead, levelling it by three-quarter-time, before Berwick used the wind advantage in the last quarter to break away.

Dangerous forward Jai Neal kicked his third bag of five this season, while Ashton Williamson and Sam Frangalas led the way in the midfield. As for Brennan?

The milestone was marred, somewhat, by the co-captain being yellow carded for a sling tackle late in the third quarter, but he was at his dependable best and, as he has done on 226 previous occasions, contributed to an important win.

If Berwick wasn’t already safe from relega-

tion, Saturday’s win almost completely safeguards the club, the Wickers now three games and percentage clear of bottom-placed Mit-

cham with four rounds remaining.

“It was a really complete effort,” coach Andrew Williams said.

“We started the game really well and then we dipped off a little bit and finished the game strongly.

“Jai Neal was massive up forward, James McLean finished with three and through the midfield Ashton Williamson found heaps of the footy and Caleb down back was rebounding everything.

“It was one of those games where everyone chimed in and played their role well.”

Berwick will be searching for back-to-back wins for the first time this season against fourthplaced Rowville on Saturday.

EASTERN PREMIER

Results R14: Noble Park 6.7(43) v East Ringwood 9.18(72), South Croydon 14.11(95) v Balwyn 9.9(63), Blackburn 11.19(85) v Rowville 7.15(57), Berwick 11.7(73) v Vermont 8.6(54), Mitcham 11.8(74) v Doncaster East 13.8(86) Ladder: East Ringwood 48, Blackburn 48, Balwyn 40, Rowville 28, Noble Park 28, Doncaster 24, South Croydon 24, Vermont 20, Berwick 16, Mitcham 4

Fixture R15: East Ringwood v Blackburn, Balwyn v Doncaster East, Noble Park v Vermont, Rowville v Berwick, South Croydon v Mitcham

Important start for Eagles as race towards finals begins

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Beaconsfield is back on the winner’s list.

After two months of grit and grind which has yielded just one win, the game against injury-hit Mooroolbark was a must-win - and the Eagles got up 16.14(110) to 4.3(27).

In his first game back from a sustained concussion layoff, co-captain Damien Johnston dominated through the midfield, giving Beaconsfield the class it has lacked in recent times.

“After quarter time, he won crucial centre clearances and didn’t look like he had missed five games,” coach Mick Fogarty said.

“’Damo’ was exceptional and his ability to win contests and spread and use it well made him a welcome addition in our engine room.

“The boys bounced back well after a poor performance which we acknowledged against Montrose.

“We had a real purpose to win the contest and let the scoreboard look after itself, which it did, which is great.”

Charlie Muley’s second game back netted him five goals; back to his best in the air and Jake Bowd and Hayden Brough kicked three each.

“He’s a tall target for us and he was clunking them on the weekend and his goal kicking was fantastic,” Fogarty said of Muley.

“To get his contest and ability to bring the ball to ground was massively important for us.”

Young defender Ethan Winterton was given the role of competing in the ruck for an Eagles side whose tall stocks are depleted, and did a fine job.

Beaconsfield faces Norwood this Saturday, before Bayswater and Park Orchards and is aware it controls its destiny only if it wins all three games.

EASTERN DIVISION 1

Results R15: Norwood 7.5(47) v Montrose 20.17(137), Beaconsfield 16.14(110) v Mooroolbark 4.3(27), Park Orchards 14.17(101) v North Ringwood 11.8(74), Boronia 7.11(53) v South Belgrave 12.9(81).

Ladder: South Belgrave 48, Park Orchards 48, Boronia 32, Beaconsfield 28, North Ringwood 28, Montrose 28, Mooroolbark 16, Bayswater 12, Norwood 0. FixtureR16: South Belgrave v Bayswater, Park Orchards v Boronia, Montrose v Mooroolbark, Beaconsfield v Norwood

Charlie Muley has been important in the last fortnight for Beaconsfield. (Rob Carew: 492200).

EASTERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 REVIEW - ROUND 15

Jai Neal’s career-best season continued with five goals on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 492199)

Harper McCullough following Vic Metro’s first game. (Craig Dooley/AFL Photos).

Cannons zone in on target

By Blair Burns

Casey Cannons Hockey Club continues to march towards the pointy end of the season after recording another huge victory in the Men’s Vic League (MVL2) competition.

The Cannons blitzed Melbourne High School Old Boys 6-2 as Tristan Chaffey led the way with three goals.

Milestone man Bryan Young also managed to find the back of the net in his 200th game, much to the delight of the fans.

While captain Craig Moore and Matthew Light also contributed at the attacking end.

Casey has 13 wins and a draw this season, sitting 10 points above second place as they look ready for a big finals campaign later in the season.

It was a closer match in the MVL2 Reserves competition as neither side could be split by the time the final whistle sounded, ending in a 2-2 draw. Sean Dack and Matt Guastella were once again focal points in the Cannons’ attacking half, scoring one goal each.

The remainder of the men’s matches were closely fought with the Men’s Pennant D South East team also playing out a 2-2 draw, but against Camberwell.

Myouren Shanmugalingam and Jesse Jelavic were the goal scorers for the Cannons in the clash, which was held at Berwick.

The Metro 2 South team was the only men’s team to fall short on the weekend and it wasn’t without a fight against the Greater Dandenong Warriors.

Casey fell short 1-0 against the formidable outfit, but it was a brilliant effort and one they should be immensely proud of.

The teams are practically at different ends of the ladder, and the Cannons gave the secondplaced Warriors a real scare.

The WVL1 had a thrilling 1-0 win against Melbourne University, with Charlotte Smith scoring the only goal of the game to win it for her team.

The reserves match produced a draw, with both sides failing to register a score due to the strong defensive units of Melbourne Uni and Casey Can-

In the women’s competition, there was just one goal scored across both of the Women’s Vic League (WVL1) and the reserves matches.

Pakenham Eels had no answer to the elite pressure of Eastern Raptors on Saturday. (Gary Sissons: 479947)

Slippery slope gets steep

By David Nagel

Pakenham Eels will need a minor miracle to play finals in the NRL Victoria Men’s Second Grade competition after a crushing loss to Eastern Raptors on Saturday.

The Eels slid down the ladder rapidly as a result of the 34-14 defeat; dropping from fourth to seventh on the table with just three rounds remaining in the season.

The Eels came into this contest with some ring-rust, having had two of their previous three matches postponed due to referee shortages across metropolitan Melbourne; but they did begin well.

David Jonassen-Hammond crossed the try-line in just the third minute of play, with Damascus Lota providing a clinical conversion to give the Eels a 6-0 early advantage.

But the Raptors soon clicked into gear, scoring three tries in quick succession to take control of the contest.

Samuel Daveta, Sione Otukolo and Ratu Lomani all crossed with purpose for the home side, opening up a match-winning lead.

Troy Pulupaki and Jharmez Royale scored second-half tries for the Eels, but answering four-pointers from Daveta, Patrick Muamua and Ifereimi Qasevakatini gave the Raptors a comfortable victory.

Pakenham’s remaining three games are all

tough, with a home game against third-placed North West Wolves followed by away trips to Truganina and Melton Broncos.

Doveton Steelers were the best of the South East teams this week, winning 18-16 in a tight finish against Truganina, while Casey Warriors went down 46-20 in a high-scoring game against North West Wolves.

Deeken Barber crossed the line twice for Casey, and Faafouina Taleo and Chad Bristow once each, but eight tries from a hungry Wolves pack saw the home side get the chocolates.

NRL VICTORIA MEN’S SECOND GRADE

Results R13: Sunshine Cowboys 0 def by Werribee Bears 44, North West Wolves 46 def Casey Warriors 20, Truganina Rabbitohs 16 def by Doveton Steelers 18, Altona Roosters 34 def Melton Broncos 18, Eastern Raptors 34 def Pakenham Eels 14.

Ladder: Melton Broncos 19, Eastern Raptors 18, North West Wolves 17, Werribee Bears 13, Altona Roosters 12, Doveton Steelers 12, Pakenham Eels 11, Casey Warriors 11, Truganina Rabbitohs 7, Sunshine Cowboys -2.

Fixture R14: Sunshine Cowboys (10) v Altona Roosters (5), Truganina Rabbitohs (9) v Casey Warriors (5), Pakenham Eels (7) v North West Wolves (3), Werribee Bears (4) v Doveton Steelers (6), Melton Broncos (1) v Eastern Raptors (2).

nons. The Cannons’ Pennant E South East team recorded a brilliant statement victory, defeating fellow top side MCC 4-0.

MCC is sitting second on the ladder, but on the same points as Casey in third so it was expected to be a tight contest. But captain Fiona Young got her side fired up for the occasion as they came out and controlled the match. Syahindah Mohammad

Shah

The Women’s Metro 1 South side capped off a strong weekend for Casey Hockey Club, holding off the winless Collegians-X 1-0. Kelly McLauchlan was influential with every possession she had, and she scored the only goal of the match to help the Cannons secure victory.

Healthy weekend for Storm

By Blair Burns

Cardinia Storm celebrated men’s mental health week and the club put in some strong performances across their three matches, winning two of them.

The Women’s Metro 1 South side kicked the weekend off with a big victory, smashing Southern United 4-0. The Storm were too strong for the visitors as the side slotted four goals for the day to register an easy win.

The backline was strong, led by Courtney Gibbons, Jen Bowtell and Sarah Dunlop. Cardinia was efficient in attack with four individual goal scorers which included captains Teagan Peterson and Alana Nancarrow (player of the match), as well as Jennifer Fallu and Bowtell. The younger girls in the team linked up all day and continued to take big strides with their development.

In a commanding performance, Cardinia Storm’s Men’s Metro 1 South team made light work of Waverley Hockey Club, winning 6-1 and cementing its spot in finals. The match was a momentum builder for the upcoming post-season, with Cardinia setting the tone with great cohesion and attacking flair.

Storm duo Taylor Rae (three goals) and Scott Burnett (two goals) were outstanding in the victory, scoring five of the team’s six goals. All goals were scored from general play as they effectively linked up and found the back of the net. MidfielderJeanBlignautplayedapivotalroleinthe victory, finding ample space and time, which culminated in him scoring the final goal of the match. Storm full-back Adam Welcome was awarded the Men’s Mental Health Medal for his outstanding defensive efforts and leadership on the field. It was a strong performance for Cardinia Storm and the side sits second on the ladder, a result of its strong form thus far.

The Storm did their best in the Men’s Metro 2 South competition, taking on the top side Glen Eira and falling just one goal short, 3-2. The fight and effort displayed by the team would’ve made the entire club proud, as they battled until the very end.

Goals were scored by Barnett and Ben Albrecht, while it was also great to see Nick Dzierbicki back on the field using his pace in attack. The three sides will shift their focus to Round 15, as they hope to maintain their form as finals near closer.

Cardinia Storm co-captain Alana Nancarrow was the player of the match on the weekend. (Stewart Chambers: 486753)

was on fire, scoring two goals, while Young and Hilary Doulton also found the back of the net.

Cannons’ Elliot Stephens was a key contributor in the men’s win last weekend. (Rob Carew: 488314)

BERWICK

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