and Shlok, pictured, were among the hoardes of trick-or-treaters out for Halloween celebrations across the South East last Friday 31 October. Families dressed up for a fun night of spooky games, music and sweets at venues such as Lynbrook Community Centre and the Old Cheese Factory.
More photos on pages 16 and 17
(Rob Carew: 513842)
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A trio of teenage men have pleaded not guilty to an alleged murder of a Clyde man at a Lyndhurst shopping centre this year.
Nhial Nhial, 18, of Narre Warren, Lual Gany, 18, of Cranbourne North, and Gatluak Chuol Pach, 18, of Seaford, appeared at a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court committal on Friday 31 October.
The men each pleaded not guilty to murdering
Timothy Leek, 24, on Friday 14 March.
They also pleaded not guilty to an alleged armed robbery of IGA Alchester Village supermarket in Boronia on the same day.
According to charge sheets, the trio were alleged to have been armed with machetes while stealing about $3500 cash and $50,000 of cigarettes during the robbery.
Police have previously stated that Leek was found with serious stab wounds after a group of
males fought in the vicinity of Society Avenue, Lyndhurst about 8.30pm on 14 March.
All other parties had fled the scene when emergency services arrived, police stated.
Leek was taken to hospital where he later died.
At the court hearing, Chuol Pach, Gany and Nhial appeared by video link from separate remand centres.
Their lawyers successfully requested to fasttrack the committal for trial at the Supreme
Court of Victoria.
A fourth co-accused requested the same at an earlier children’s court hearing, the court was told.
It was Chuol Pach and Nhial’s first time in custody, their lawyers told the court. Chuol Pach was said to have an intellectual disability. None of the accused men applied for bail. They were remanded to appear at a directions hearing at the Supreme Court on 14 November.
By Jensy Callimootoo
Jess Mead, a single mother from Casey, was given less than 10 days to pay off her two month old kitten’s $5000 vet bill after what their pet-insurer says was a “miscommunication” about their rejected insurance claim.
With the help of a GoFundMe, donations from numerous organisations including the emergency vet staff have been received to help Mead pay the bill.
Mead says she relies on government assistance payments for her and her 11-year old daughter who has ASD 2, ADHD and Cerebral Palsy and “cannot afford to be paying a bill like that”.
According to Mead, Benji was in critical condition and given only a small chance of survival when they brought him into an emergency pet clinic in Casey with laboured breathing.
As per the hospital summary from the vet, it states that Benji presented to the clinic in a “collapsed and comatose state with pale mucous membranes, respiratory distress and hypothermia.”
During the emergency vet visit, Benji required an extensive list of procedures including being put on an oxygen mask, an IV, as well as needing a blood transfusion from another donor who travelled from Sunshine following Mead’s pleas on social media.
Mead says she was told the procedure would be covered by her full comprehensive pet insurance.
But the insurance company has since said their records indicate the correct information was given to the veterinary staff upon admission.
“There was a miscommunication between the vet and customer,” the spokesperson said.
And that due to the 30-day waiting period condition, Benji’s procedures would not be covered.
In line with the insurance’s policy on waiting periods, any cover obtained has a 30-day waiting period for illnesses beginning on the day of the membership. Meaning Benji is not covered for illnesses until the end of November, despite the insurance’s original approval.
serting that Benji had a pre-existing illness.
But a spokesperson from the insurance company has stated that the claim was rejected “predominantly due to the waiting period”.
Mead says she was notified of the rejected claim and charge only upon discharge due to the waiting period but also to the insurer as-
According to the owner of the rescue organisation, Vanessa, along with Benji’s adoption papers, kitten health book, desexing certificate and numerous vet checks, there was no apparent prior illness.
Mead has been crowdfunding to help pay off the remainder of the vet bill, but her insurer now says they have since reached a financial resolution.
The insurer told her it would pay $800 out of ‘good will’, Mead says. Her vet is offering to cover the remaining balance.
The City of Casey is taking the necessary step of removing some infected pine trees to manage the spread of Giant Pine Scale, a pest that threatens our local pine trees and environment.
From Monday 10 November 2025 for around three weeks, the community will notice pine tree removal works along a section of Princes Highway in Berwick, between the entrance to Wilson Botanic Park and Lyall Road.
Council is committed to restoring the area and will replant suitable trees in this location in May/June 2026, once it’s safe to do so. While the works are taking place, there will be some temporary changes to pedestrian path access and minimal traffic impacts.
We appreciate the community’s understanding as we take action to protect Casey’s urban forest for the future.
Search ‘Giant Pine Scale’ on Council’s website for further details including FAQs and pedestrian/traffic impact details.
By Jensy Callimootoo
The Lost Dog’s Home has released a new update on the Staffy cross puppy, Milly, who remains the last of her litter to be alive, after her two brothers were controversially euthanised for behavioural reasons.
The statement posted on 31 October said Milly is now moving to a private home into a “period of behavioural rehabilitation foster care with an experienced rescue partner.”
According to the statement, the rescue partner has “extensive experience supporting animals with complex behavioural needs.”
“They have skilled foster carers, resources, and a strong commitment to structured rehabilitation programs.”
During this period, the rescue partner will follow a behaviour plan arranged by the LDH’s expert veterinary behaviour specialist who has been “guiding Milly’s care” throughout this time.
In the statement, the shelter said that Milly has shown positive signs but that she also “struggles with serious behavioral challenges”.
Indicating signs of “poor emotional regulation, resulting in issues with arousal, and aggression to manage threats, fear and frustration”.
“Milly is one of three puppies who exhibited varying levels of aggression and anti-social behaviour,” a LDH spokesperson told Star News.
“We cannot stress enough how unusual and rare it is to see this type of behaviour in a litter of puppies.
“While they may have appeared typical on the surface to untrained observers, their underlying abnormal responses to arousal and stress posed a significant risk of escalating into aggression, endangering other animals, children, and the public.
“However, Milly has consistently demonstrated more pro-social tendencies compared to her siblings.”
“Following a veterinary behavioural specialist’s review and recommendation, she has been assessed as suitable for structured rehabilitation, to continue on her medication protocol with regular check-ins with a specialist behavioural team”.
The statement says that the rescue partner is equipped with the skills and experience necessary to provide “dedicated intensive behavioral rehabilitation under expert guidance.”
And that they are aware of Milly’s behavioural needs and backgrounds.
For the time being, in line with the Code of
Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds and due to Milly’s behavioural challenges, the shelter cannot legally rehome Milly or transfer ownership.
The October 31 statement also said that the shelter does not have an exact estimate of how long the process might take.
“This is not a quick process; we will not have an answer on her outcome for weeks, possibly months, as her progress will depend entirely on ongoing behavioural assessments,” said the statement.
Animal Justice MP, Georgie Purcell who criticised the decision by the LDH to euthanise Milly’s brother Murphy back in October, has since said she is hopeful for Milly after the new update.
“We only wish Murphy, his littermate and his mother were afforded the same chance that they so deserved,” Purcell said on an online post.
“If you have had Milly on your mind like us, you can breathe a sigh of relief tonight.”
It was just a few weeks ago when Purcell took the matter to the Upper House, calling for greater transparency, oversight and regulations for all shelters and pounds regarding euthanisation on the basis of behavioral reasons.
Citing Milly and Murphy’s case, she moved to
appoint “an independent oversight mechanism to approve euthanasia for behavioural reasons by open-intake shelters”.
As well as the mandating of “pounds and shelters to offer all animals set to be euthanised for behavioural reasons to authorised pet rehoming organisations, except in instances where an animal has been legally declared dangerous”.
It also called for “open-intake shelters to change to quarterly reporting on animal fate data…ensuring animal data is more transparent and outlines what steps were taken when an animal is euthanised for behavioural reasons.”
The LDH has told Star News that it will welcome “any well thought out and achievable proposals that will improve animal welfare outcomes”.
“We operate under strict laws and codes with respect to our animal welfare activities.
“Some of these proposals will require legislative change informed by extensive sector wide consultation.”
“The Lost Dogs’ Home currently works with forty rescue organisations across Victoria to achieve our pet rehoming and animal welfare objectives and report our figures to Agriculture Victoria quarterly.”
By Sahar Foladi
From feeling disconnected to lending a helping hand to the youth in the South East, Abraham Kuol calls it the “Australian spirit.“
One of four nominees as Victoria’s Young Australian of the Year 2026, the leader from Narre Warren is recognised for supporting young people and those from migrant and refugee backgrounds through sports pathways.
Recognising the important role that sport plays in engaging young people, he co-founded the Black Rhinos, a soccer and basketball club to help mentor at-risk youth together with Afri-Aus Care CEO Selba Gondoza-Luka, where he volunteered as a program manager.
But there’s more to his journey and how it shaped him as a person today.
The middle child out of nine, he was born in Kenya’s refugee camp - a place with no basic security and safety - after his family fled the civil war in South Sudan.
By the time they migrated to Australia, his sense of identity and belonging started to chip away and felt “disconnected.”
At 13, this turned around as he started to play football in organised clubs.
The exposure to community, people, guidance and mentorship people provided him through sports, is what helped him to eventually emotionally connect and belong to the community.
“The club and people I was around really grounded me. Aside from that playing football you get to have shared experience with other people and you build that trust.
“Over time, being more embedded in the community, chatting to different people from different backgrounds, it started to feel I had a
home here in Australia.
“I’m talking about people who had extremely busy lifestyles, but they showed up. They were ordinary Australians from different backgrounds, that provided mentorship and guidance, I really appreciate that,” he said.
“It gave me an insight into the world I hadn’t
had access to, lawyers, doctors, a whole range either informed me of a certain topic or would help guide me based on their personal experience.
“From there it gave me the motivation to dream and work toward any goal I had.”
Having a community, a country which looks
after his best interest and people he can lean on is “what the young version” of Kuol would’ve asked for, he says.
Speaking on the crime statistics, particularly youth crime, he says many young people are lost or misguided and just need extra support from the community but he’s also inspired by other young people creating positive change and pathways.
“Help them connect to a community whether sports clubs, sports organisation, connection to school or job satisfaction,“ is his advice.
“With young people at the moment, we need to encourage them to be brave, curious and bold and to create things for them.
“I feel we can get caught up in the young people stuck in the loop. They definitely need support but we also need to acknowledge the young people doing amazing work out there.”
Kuol now devotes his time to mentoring and guiding other young people as a director at Sandown Lions Football Club and through Black Rhinos while studying for his PhD in Criminology at Deakin University.
His interests include youth violence, risk, and protective factors for offending, and culturally and linguistically diverse young people.
He has helped raise over $3.5 million for programs to support African-Australian families and justice-involved youth.
He is one of the 10 recipients of a Westpac Social Change Fellowship scholarship 2025.
The fellowship provides up to $50,000 funding towards personal development for conferences, coaching, as well as overseas learning trips for professional development.
It also provides leadership coaching and networking with other like-minded people in his chosen sector.
6.00pm-6.45pm: Twilight Tour 7.00pm-8.00pm: Information Evening
A father has condemned the theft of his son’s memorial plaque after it was stolen from a Doveton Skate Park on Frawley Road.
“It is heartbreaking to see this today,” said Debnam’s post.
The plaque site marked a special meeting ground for special celebrations.
It’s been there for 19 years, marking the site
where Harley lost his life in 2006 after a car crash. Debnam and Harley’s friends would meet on his birthday or anniversary and have a drink.
Despite an offer from a Good Samaritan to replace it, Debnam says he is hoping to work with the council who originally initiated the installation, to get it replaced.
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Right at Home is a leader in home care and for information on the Australian Government’s upcoming Support at Home reforms, Rambo is the person to speak to if you have questions about the program which is replacing the Home Care Packages program on 1st November. Questions such as how to get access and funding, co-contribu-
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Over-50surgedtoactfastasOfficerLifestyleEstate nears sell-out.
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Over-50s in Melbourne’s south-east have one last chance to join the thriving Officer Lifestyle Estate, with the community now down to its final homes.
Developed by Lincoln Place, the over 50s neighbourhood has grown into a thriving hub for those seeking an independent lifestyle and social connection. Residents enjoy a range of facilities including a clubhouse, swimming pool, gym, library, bowling green and new pickleball courts. Many also take part in residentled activities, with an active social committee, book clubs and a community bus helping newcomers quickly feel at home.
To make the move easier, Lincoln Place is offering a $5,000 boost towards moving costs for a limited time. With demand surging as the estate enters its final release, this exclusive in-
centive is designed to help new residents settle in with ease. To access the moving money, buyers must place a deposit before 30 November 2025.
Locals are invited to experience the community firsthand at the monthly Open for Inspections on the first Thursday of each month, where visitors can tour the homes, explore the amenities, meet the team, and enjoy complimentary morning tea.
Homes in the community are designed with ease and comfort in mind, featuring practical layouts, and convenient touches like wall ovens. Popular designs such as the Kansas and Colorado, starting from $540,000, combine practicality with style – making downsizing not just sensible, but an exciting opportunity to rightsize into a brand-new home.
· Learn more at lincolnplace.com.au
By Violet Li
Parks Victoria has released the Clyde Regional Park Draft Master Plan and is inviting community feedback.
Bounded by Ballarto Road to the north, the 120-hectare park sits next to planned new housing in Clyde South and a future City of Casey sports precinct.
The draft master plan has scaled back the developments envisioned in the 2023 Strategic Directions Plan.
Several features first canvassed two years ago have been altered or removed following “a comprehensive review process that included project background analysis, site assessments, discussions with key stakeholders, and the progression of design development”.
On the south side, a proposed lake and canoe launch are no longer included.
Park Victoria says it is to ensure the park is “operationally viable and provide a high level of safety”.
A cafe has been replaced with the potential for mobile food and beverage vendors to provide opportunities to support local businesses and support a flexible and sustainably activated visitor area.
Visitor areas have been relocated in response to site investigation results to ensure “appropriate protection of plants, animals, and cultural heritage values”.
The main visitor area has been located centrally in the park, while the secondary areas have been located to the north and south. All visitor areas are accessible off Graham Road to minimise road infrastructure requirements.
Community and learning spaces elements remain, but they have been integrated into the main visitor area. Facilities include a park shelter to support community gatherings and events, along with landscaped areas designed to enable educational and hands-on learning experiences.
A formal events space has been re-cast as a flexible open lawn in the main visitor area, and walking and cycling trails are aligned to protect sensitive areas while connecting to future neighbourhood paths.
According to the draft master plan, the park has different precincts, including visitor areas, the Clyde Creek corridor, the woodlands, and the
open woodlands.
The draft master plan does not propose any change for the Clyde Creek but supports and advocates for its renaturalisation (by others).
The woodlands will be central to the park’s restoration efforts, enhancing the main and secondary visitor areas through extensive replanting and habitat regeneration in the north and east of the park.
The open woodlands, located in the south, are remnants of the park’s previous agricultural use, dominated by non-native grasses.
The draft plan proposes to retain the character of this landscape while introducing clusters of native trees and shrub species, which will provide additional shade for picnicking and other activities.
As for the physical site considerations,
is one of them.
Clyde Regional Park sits on land that was once part of the extensive Cardinia and Koo Wee Rup Swamp system. Over time, this landscape was drained and converted for agriculture and housing, reshaping its natural water patterns.
Today, according to the draft, the park’s very flat terrain and artificial drainage lines continue to influence how water moves across the site.
The area is naturally wet and susceptible to flooding, and future planning and park design will focus on retaining surface water in ways that both support natural ecosystems and manage stormwater effectively.
Ecology also frames the park’s long-term works program.
Surveys cited in the draft identify 72 animal species and 45 plant species, including
‘Winnable’ seat for the Greens, says
By Violet Li
Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan says the Cranbourne corridor will be one of his top priorities if elected to represent the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region at next year’s Victorian State Election, arguing that the suburbs have been “neglected”.
Mr Kirwan, a former City of Greater Dandenong councillor who has contested multiple State and Federal elections for the Greens, said the 2026 election presents a real opportunity to return a Greens voice to the upper house for the south east.
“This seat is winnable for the Greens because we’ve done it before,” he said, referring to Nina Springle’s 2014 victory.
“With the Allan Government’s declining popularity, I see a real chance for the Greens to reclaim the seat.
“If you actually look at the polls, the Labor primary vote is significantly down. The reason why they’re ahead of the Liberal Party on a twoparty preferred basis across the state is because of projected preference flows.”
Mr Kirwan said the suburbs in the SouthEastern Metropolitan Region, from Cheltenham to Frankston and then across to Cranbourne, up to Berwick and then up to Wantirna South, show the neglect by the State Government. He used Cranbourne as an example.
“Cranbourne is just a good example because it’s not a marginal seat. It’s being neglected,” he said.
“A Labor government talks about working families, well, here are the working families. They’re not wealthy. They’re working hard to bring up their families, and they’re being neglected.
threatened fauna such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Grey-headed Flying Fox and Whitethroated Needletail, with potential habitat for Growling Grass Frog and Dwarf Galaxias.
While the landscape has been heavily modified by agriculture and weeds, the park supports two small patches of remnant native vegetation: Swamp Scrub and Spikesedge Wetland, which provide important structures for native animals.
The draft plan states that a staged weed management strategy will be required, prioritising remnant native vegetation and linear habitat corridors currently used by native animals.
To submit your feedback on the draft master plan, visit: engage.vic.gov.au/project/clyde-regional-park/participate
The submission closes on 3 December.
railway station to the town centre, and new “third spaces” — public indoor areas where residents can gather without needing to spend money.
As a Greens candidate, Mr Kirwan has also been motivated by issues like climate change.
“Cranbourne and its surrounding suburbs have some of the lowest tree coverage in Melbourne,” he said.
“It’s lower-income communities who will be most affected by extreme heat.
“Our tree canopy cover is worse in suburbs that have lower incomes. These people are trapped in their homes because they have poor public transport.
“Planting trees now will make a difference in twenty years — but we have to start.”
Mr Kirwan believed the investment he envisioned in the Cranbourne corridor could be funded by shifting priorities away from megaprojects like the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL).
“A project that has no business case. The Federal Government have actually said they don’t want to fund further until there’s a revised business case,” he said.
“They’re trumpeting this new community hospital, but it’s really just a shinier new building for the existing community health service. What Cranbourne needs is a major public hospital.”
He pointed out that within twenty years, the Cranbourne-Clyde corridor is projected to have 350,000 residents — yet locals still have to drive to Frankston, Dandenong or Berwick for hospital care.
Mr Kirwan argued the same neglect extends
“You only have to go to the main street of Cranbourne to see that there’s been no public investment.
to schools and public transport.
“Schools in Clyde and Cranbourne East already have over a thousand students, and they’re overcrowded. The Cranbourne Line extension was promised 10 years ago - still hasn’t been built,” he said.
“We’ve got hundreds of thousands of people moving into this corridor without public transport and with poorly funded schools.”
He said the Greens would push for revitalising central Cranbourne, including better streetscapes, improved bus links from the
“It’s not the mega-projects that make the difference. An extension of a train line with only three stations can make a difference.”
Mr Kirwan said his working-class background in Keysborough and Noble Park helps him understand the challenges facing families pushed further south by rising housing costs. According to his engagement with the community, low-income people can no longer afford to live in Dandenong, so they move to Cranbourne, but the services haven’t followed them.
“If elected, Cranbourne and the surrounding suburbs would be my focus because it’s part of the south-east that’s most in need,” Mr Kirwan said.
By Jensy Callimootoo
Since her arrival from Iran in 2003 with her two children and husband, Mina Bolandhemati has accumulated nearly a handful of degrees.
And on Wednesday afternoon, she added a Master of Social Work from Federation University to her growing list of academic achievements. Although it “wasn’t an easy job”, for the last few years, Mina says she juggled her studies with a teaching position at Chisholm.
Using her lived experiences along with 12 years worth of professional skills as a case worker and community support worker; Mina is now an educator for the Diploma of Community Services.
Before that though, Mina completed an Advanced Diploma in accounting while working as a casual worker at a refugee and asylum seeker centre.
It was then that Mina came across a case that would change her entire career and prospects.
With a Farsi and Persian background, Mina was sometimes the first point of contact for vulnerable communities who lived with the lasting repercussions of leaving one’s homeland.
“I helped a young boy who had suicidal ide-
ation and because he spoke a similar language to me, I realised that maybe I can contribute to my community, ” she said.
From then, Mina went on to complete a Diploma in Community Services and Bachelor of
Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs.
For Mina, her passion for community and instilling a sense of belonging to everyone she comes across, extends to her studies and teach-
ing.
“The main reason that I studied my Master of Social Work was because I wanted to empower other people around me,” she said.
“And show them that it is possible to study and work and develop our skills”.
Even during her recent studies, Mina would encourage her peers to celebrate the small achievements.
“I made a group study with the students, and I said ‘let’s study together. Each assignment we submit, we celebrate our success and go somewhere’,” Mina said.
“And we have a lot of fun together,”
“Sometimes, we bring food in at Fed Uni and share our food together.”
Looking back tenderly, she says the people she met at Federation University have become her “best friends”.
“Some of them call me their Persian mum,” she said laughing.
And now even with so many degrees under her belt along with years of experience serving her community, Mina says she’s not quite ready for a break.
“I still feel I need to contribute more to our community, and I have a lot of energy,” she said.
At a time when misinformation spreads quickly and trust in institutions is under pressure, public interest journalism remains one of the last safeguards of accountability and community cohesion.
Across Victoria it is the local masthead in print and online that turns up to council meetings, scrutinises public decisions, documents community life and ensures local voices are heard.
A landmark Deakin University study has confirmed that the Victorian Government’s weekly advertising commitment to regional and rural mastheads has been a highly successful and internationally regarded policy model, giving publishers the stability to invest in journalism, retain staff and strengthen their civic role.
The research surveyed 85 Victorian Country Press Association mastheads and found that almost four in five publishers say the policy has provided the confidence needed to sustain and grow their newsroom investment, helping ensure communities remain informed and connected.
The report makes clear that government messaging delivered through trusted local outlets remains vital to healthy democratic participation. As the authors explain: “Public notices and essential information should be delivered through reliable local media channels that function as a journal of public record, because this is fundamental to democratic participation”.
Star News Group managing director Paul Thomas said the Victorian Government deserved enormous credit for its leadership in this space.
“Victoria did something no other gov-
ernment had the courage or foresight to do,”
Mr Thomas said. “It recognised that public interest journalism is civic infrastructure and backed it with a stable, practical and world-leading model. Other states are now following Victoria’s lead because the results speak for themselves.
“When a masthead is properly supported,
in print and online, accountability thrives, participation increases and communities remain connected to the decisions that shape their lives.
“The Deakin report shows that Victoria has built a model that strengthens public interest journalism and gives communities confidence that trusted information will continue
to be available.”
The study also highlights a growing policy gap in Melbourne’s fast-growing metropolitan fringe areas, where mastheads play the same role as their regional counterparts but are not currently covered by the commitment.
“Growth corridors such as Berwick, Cranbourne, Wyndham and Brimbank are now the size of major regional cities,” Mr Thomas said.
“These residents depend on their local masthead in print and online for trusted information about planning decisions, council accountability, emergency updates and civic life, yet they fall outside the current policy even though the democratic need is identical.
“Victoria has shown leadership by creating the strongest regional news model in the country.
“The logical next step is extending that certainty to metropolitan fringe communities whose population growth means they now function exactly like regional centres.”
The Deakin report concludes that mandated advertising remains the most stable, efficient and effective way for government to support public interest journalism, far more reliable than short-term grants or piecemeal schemes.
Mr Thomas said ensuring the policy evolved with population growth was the key to safeguarding journalism for the next generation.
“If the aim of the policy is to strengthen democracy and ensure credible public information reaches communities, then it should follow where communities are expanding. Metro-fringe Victorians deserve the same access to trusted mastheads in print and online as rural and regional Victorians.”
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By Garry Howe
Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is said to have been a driving force behind the invention of the tank and two high-ranking British men received official recognition and reward for its invention.
It is now acknowledged that the idea for an allterrain vehicle for the battlefields first belonged to Berwick Grammar student Lancelot Eldin ‘Lance’ De Mole.
If not for bureaucratic bungling, his more efficient model would have been plying the battlefields of France instead of the cumbersome and troubled British model.
The South Australian born Mr De Mole, who completed his schooling in Berwick, came up with the idea out of frustration while travelling over rough terrain in Western Australia in 1911.
The following year he submitted the idea of a chain-rail vehicle that could be easily steered and carry heavy loads over trenches to the British War Office.
In June 1913, he received a reply to say his idea had been rejected. Undeterred, he wrote to the war office again in 1914 and 1916 to inquire what had become of the tank.
The story goes that, due to various bureaucratic blunders, his correspondence was set aside and not given to the appropriate officers.
It must have been galling for Mr De Mole to find himself on the battlefields of France in 1918 on active service and see the inferior British model being used.
Returning to Australia after the war, he submitted a claim to the British Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors but was unsuccessful.
Sir William Tritton and Major W.G. Wilson
were jointly awarded 15,000 pounds and recognised for designing and producing the first tank, encouraged by Mr Churchill.
The Royal Commission did, however, recognise the importance of Mr De Mole’s innovative work.
It noted the unfortunate consequences of his submissions being overlooked and ruled that he had no connection with the development of the tank, but conceded that a far better tank would have been developed than the one that the British eventually used and that it would have been developed at a much earlier date.
He was awarded 965 pounds for expenses and made an honorary corporal. In 1920 he was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE).
A prototype model of his vehicle is among the collection of the Australian War Memorial.
By Ann-Marie Hermans MP
At the stroke of the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of this year, we will stand in silence.
Deliberate silence is not something our modern society is acquainted with. Notifications constantly ping on our phones, cars rev on our roads, and customers chat away in our cafes.
Remembrance Day provides us with an opportunity to stop, reflect, and remember those who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peace operations at home and abroad.
According to the Australian War Memorial, 416,809 Australians served in the First World War with 112,399 being Victorians. Over 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner. In the Second World War, 990,900 Aus-
tralians served, including 205,758 Victorians. Over 39,000 gave their lives and 30,000 were taken prisoner.
In my electorate of the South Eastern Metropolitan Region, over 12,000 Australians were enlisted.
These Australians surrendered their lives to give us a life free from dictatorship and tyranny, and their sacrifice afforded many rights and privileges. Giving up one’s own life is the greatest act of love.
Philosopher George Satanya once noted that ‘those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it’.
Together, we must ensure that future generations never forget the facts and lessons in history.
Parents should read history books to their
Pearcedale
When: 11 November, 9am
Where: Pearcedale Public Hall, Pearcedale
children and governments should prioritise war history and its complex context and issues as a key part of our curriculum.
We must judiciously respect the institutions that our troops served under and died for, including our national flag, our constitutional monarchy, and our parliamentary democracy.
If these institutions are eroded, we will fail our fallen.
So, on this Remembrance Day, I encourage
Cranbourne
When: 11 November, 10:30am
Where: Greg Clydesdale Square, Cranbourne
Berwick
When: 11 November, 9am
Where: Berwick Memorial Statue, Cnr of High St & Clyde Rd, Berwick
Hampton Park
When: 11 November, 10.45am
Where: Arthur Wren Hall, Hampton Park
Dandenong
When: 11 November, 10.50am
Where: Cnr Lonsdale St & Clow St, Dandenong
Pakenham
When: 11 November, 10.45am
Where: Pakenham Library – Cnr. John & Henry Streets, Pakenham
Please note there will be a lunch following the service at the Railway Hotel, 153 Main Street.
By Lee McCarthy
Viking is holding its Spring Sale where a companion can fly free on its 2026, 2027 and 2028 voyages. This special offer is on Viking River voyages and Viking Expedition voyages and the only thing to decide is who to take.
Let’s whet the appetite with some of the magnificent destinations on offer to get the ball rolling.
The special offers are available if booked before 1 December on 2026, 2027 or 2028 sailings those who get in quick can save up to AU$2,400 per couple on some 2025 voyages.
Viking voyages offer a different kind of journey. With no kids, no casinos, just award-winning small ships designed for cultural exploration, guests can discover the world in comfort, with immersive itineraries and refined Scandinavian design.
Special offers on Viking Expedition Voyages include Antarctic Explorer from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia for thirteen days.
How about Canada and the Northwest Passage from Nuuk to Toronto, Ontario for twentyseven days including eight tours?
One of the current highly sought after expeditions is the thirteen-day round trip Nuuk, Greenland with eight tours included.
On this fantastic trip guests discover Nuuk’s open-air murals and sculptures. Nuuk is home to one of the world’s largest fjords, the Nuup Kangerlua Fjord, whose waters are brimming with marine life; whale sightings are commonplace in these waters. Visitors to Nuuk come to enjoy nature, hiking along the dramatic coastline or exploring the fjord by boat or kayak. Its rugged landscape is dotted with colourful houses, set amid a beautiful backdrop of the Sermitsiaq mountain.
The city’s architectural highlights are centred around Colonial Harbor, with its plethora of colourful residences.
Hear stories of Greenlandic heritage and indulge in a spread of traditional Greenlandic dishes while enjoying a local storyteller as they share insights about Greenland’s history.
While in Greenland delve into the heritage of the sled dog and gain an appreciation for its role in Greenlandic culture or discover the rich history of the Inuit people who have lived
in the region for thousands of years through their traditional clothing and artistic heritage.
Pond Inlet in Nunavut, Canada is a gateway to Sirmilik National Park, “the place of the glaciers” in the local language. Covering more than 8,400 sq m., the park is a declared migratory bird sanctuary and supports an array of Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, wolves, narwhals and beluga whales.
Another popular expedition is the brand-new Panama Canal and the Americas, a twenty adventure from Santiago to New York City with six fantastic tours.
Enjoy stops at San Salvador, Man of War Bay (Bahamas), Port Antonio (Jamaica), Panama City, Lima, Iquique and Santiago sailing the crystalline
waters of the Caribbean Sea.
This is a truly exceptional cruise and one on many travelers’ bucket list and includes the companion flies free offer on 2026 to 2028 voyages.
Canada is one of Australia’s favourite destinations and this Canadian Discovery expedition will not disappoint. A thirteen-day tour from just $13,195 pp.
Leaving from New York City and sailing the Atlantic Ocean, enjoy the beauty and history of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Quebec while savouring the diversity of the food scenes in Toronto.
For those looking for a river cruise, travelers are spoilt for choice again with the fifteen-day Rhine Getaway; the eleven-day Romantic Dan-
ube; a cruise to France’s Finest for fifteen days or perhaps Christmas on the Rhine and Moselle for twelve days!
Guests can indulge in a Pharaohs and Pyramids twelve-day roundtrip or the Magnificent Mekong for fifteen days or perhaps an eight-day Mississippi Delta Explorer might be more appealing?
Viking have so many exciting cruises heading out in 2026, 2027 and 2028 so whether an Ocean Voyage, a River Voyage or an Expedition Voyage is calling out, Viking has it covered.
Find the perfect cruise now by visiting www. viking.com or by phoning 138 747 Offer expires 1 December 2025. Save up to AU$2,500 per booking.
Bergen to Copenhagen or vice versa
22 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES
17 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: JUL 2027; MAY-AUG 2028
From $21,195pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $26,195pp in Penthouse Veranda
Oslo to Copenhagen or vice versa
15 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES
10 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: JUL 2027; MAY, JUN, AUG 2028
From $14,195pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $17,195pp in Penthouse Veranda
Stockholm to Copenhagen or vice versa
8 DAYS | 6 COUNTRIES
5 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: JUN-AUG 2027; MAY-AUG 2028
From $8,695pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $10,195pp in Penthouse Veranda
7
Full-Board River Cruise
3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing
Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse
Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat
Taste Riverland food and wine
Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour
Hotel Stays
3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast
1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Fully Escorted
Barossa Valley Tours
Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including:
Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement
Fully Escorted Kangaroo Island Tours
2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus
Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Melbourne – get ready, because Santa’s sleigh is making a very special stop this year… and it’s landing right at Caulfield Racecourse.
Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland - 28 November - 24 December 2025 at the Caulfield Racecourse.
Back by overwhelming demand, the magic returns this Christmas with everyone’s favourite Christmas event, Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland. This much-anticipated event is set to captivate the hearts of visitors once again, offering an enchanting three hour experience like no other.
Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is an immersive, walk-through experience where every moment of Christmas has been beautifully brought to life. Every jingle, every bell, and every HO HO HO will create the most wonderful memory, reminding visitors of why the magic of Christmas is still the most prolific of all.
Advisable for children 10 and under. Visitors to this amazing Wonderland will experience:
· Magical Experience: Immerse yourself in everything Christmas under The Grand Big Top. The event is filled with beautiful decorations, lights, trees and so much more.
· Care Bears: The Care Bears are coming to Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland! Walk through the new Care Bears Wish Land - packed with inflatables, a huge decorated Christmas Tree and Care Bears characters ready for a meet and greet.
· Live Show: Each session includes a live show featuring Care Bears, international circus acts, Santa and Mrs Claus.
· Santa Photos: No trip to the Christmas Wonderland is complete without a photo with the big man himself.
(Note - extra fee applies) Make sure to grab your gift on your way out.
· Roller Skating: Swap your shoes for skates and have some rollin’ fun on our roller-skating rink.
· Mrs Claus’ Storytelling Village: Join Mrs Claus and celebrate Christmas with some of your favourite carols and stories.
· Photo Opportunities: Snap a selfie in one of the many magical selfie photo area’s under The Grand Big Top.
· Rudolph’s Barnyard: Say hello and take a selfie with the animatronic reindeer in Rudolph’s Barnyard.
· North Pole Post Office: Write and send off your letter to Santa at the North Pole Post Office. Not sure what to write? Our special letter-writing elves will be there to lend a helping hand.
· Meet The Grinch: The Grinch will be Visting for Family Photos at his Grinch Land (Note: this is a paid Activity).
· Refreshments: Delight your tastebuds with a selection of hot/cold food and drinks.
· Jumping Castles: Get ready to jump into the
Christmas spirit on our three Christmas and candy themed jumping castles.
· Christmas Carnival Games: All the fun of the fair with full themed Christmas Fun Fair every child wins a prize.
(Note: extra fee applies)
· Children’s Rides: Spin your way through the Teacup Ride, ride the horses on a small Carousel and travel around on the Mini Train.
· Roving Characters: Meet Rudolph and Care Bears. They’re all frantically preparing for the busiest time of the year, but never too busy to say hello and stop for a selfie with you.
· The Factory: Ignite your creative spark at The Factory where you can create your own foam gingerbread house decoration.
· Christmas Craft Village: Unleash your creativity at our Christmas Craft Village where you can decorate your own Christmas stocking.
· Care Bears Christmas Village: Design your own Christmas plaster Christmas tree ornament.
This magical interactive walk-through adventure features everything that’s most loved about Christmas to create unforgettable memories and rekindle the joy of Christmas.
So don’t miss the chance to make this Christmas the most magical one yet – Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is ready to jingle all the way back into your hearts.
Event Details:
· Location: Caulfield Racecourse - Station Street, Caulfield (enter via Gate 21)
· Dates: Friday November 28 – Wednesday December 24 (Christmas Eve!)
· Tickets via www.ticketmaster.com.au or phone Melbourne Christmas Wonderland directly on 0400 881 007.
By Violet Li
Renowned Australian author Judy Nunn will visit Bunjil Place Library on the night of Monday 10 November, as part of her nationwide tour for her new novel, Pilbara.
The novel is a sweeping historical epic set against the rugged landscapes and lawless frontier of 19th-century Western Australia.
In Pilbara, Judy transports readers to a time when the region was not yet the mining powerhouse we know today, but a “Wild West” of opportunity and peril.
The story follows Charles, a widower who arrives with his children in the late 1800s to take over his uncle’s cattle and sheep station amid the chaos of early settlement, when pearlers, gold seekers, farmers, and adventurers from across the world converged on the desolate yet promising land.
Judy said she wanted to choose a particularly lawless and violent place for her book, and in Australia, she immediately thought that would be the Pilbara.
“Particularly the town of Cossack, which was the port to the Pilbara in those days, which, within 60 years, actually became a ghost town,” she said.
“There was nothing left of Cossack early on in the 20th century. By about 1910, it was already a ghost town, which is weird when you think about how extraordinarily active it was.
“There were those early settlers, plus there was a discovery of pearling, plus there was a discovery of gold. All of this happened, and people flocked there from all different nationalities.
“There were Malay, Japanese, and Chinese for pearls. There were adventurers there for the gold, as well as the very experienced farmers who came out because the land was very reasonably priced.
“All of these people arrived at the time of Cossack, and you certainly wouldn’t expect it to be a ghost town 60 years later, but it was.”
Judy recalled that she first went to Cossack in 2008 to research for another book, and last year, she revisited the site for Pilbara.
“When I went back this time to research this current book, the amazing thing that happened was that Cossack had sort of resurrected itself.
“It’s run by the Ngarluma people, who are the local indigenous crowd who run this township as a heritage museum,” she recalled.
“There’s the old courthouse, the post office, the bond store, the jail.
“These are real buildings in real stone and exactly the form of architecture.
“So, it was amazing to go back now, researching as it would have been in those first early days, and to see half the town already there, not the whole town of course, but several buildings as museum pieces, it was fascinating.”
Judy said she wanted readers not only to be gripped by the story, but also to “learn something about Australia along the way.”
“The reaction that I get from many people who get in touch about having enjoyed my books is that they will inevitably say that while they were reading a story of characters that really immersed them, they all loved learning something about Australia at the same time,” she said.
In the wake of a series of “truly horrible” recent agg burgs, Victoria Police has anounced it’s monitoring a list of 45 young chronic burglars and “influencers” said to be driving significant crime across Melbourne,
The 45 have connections with almost 2,000 known burglars and car thieves in Victoria, police say.
Twenty-five of them are in custody, while the remaining 20 are under close police watch.
Each of the people is under the age of 25, with 65 per cent under the age of 18.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill noted several “truly horrible incidents” involving homes invaded by armed intruders in recent days, including in Clyde.
“These incidents have rightly disturbed the Victorian community and despite 40plus years in policing, it still shocks me that anyone thinks it’s acceptable to threaten another person with a knife in their own home or smash down their front door in the middle of the night.
“While our intel continues to show that almost 99 per cent of aggravated burglaries have no physical violence, one of these experiences is too many.
“Your home should be your castle and the sad reality for those impacted by these incidents is this will no longer feel like it’s the case.”
Southern Metropolitan Regional Crime Squad detectives are investigating two likely linked incidents in Brighton East and Clyde in the early hours of Monday 27 October.
At 1.30am on Monday 27 October, two masked males armed with a knife forced entry into a Brighton East home, before they were interrupted by a 76-year-old woman who was home.
Demands were made for her car keys, before another person home at the time intervened and the offenders fled in a white Toyota Prado.
Shortly afterwards at 2.50am in Clyde, there was another attempted home invasion where offenders attempted to break in, before being disturbed by occupants of the home and fleeing towards a vehicle.
The offenders, armed with knives, then chased occupants back into the property before fleeing in a white Toyota Prado.
In addition to these incidents, two police officers were also injured while responding to an aggravated burglary in Sandhurst early on Thursday 30 October.
“And they keep on saying, I didn’t know that about our country, or I didn’t know that part of our country, that piece of history.
“They said that added to their enjoyment, and I think that’s what I enjoy in the writing of it.”
Pilbara, Judy added, also carries subtle themes of feminism through major characters, women who navigate strength and self-determi-
“These are not necessarily immigrants. These are people, Americans or English, who happen to be staying here on holiday. It’s also Australians who live in Australia.
nation in a man’s world. A theme that awaits the readers to explore.
Readers can meet Judy Nunn and hear her talk about Pilbara at Bunjil Place Library on Monay 10 November at 7pm.
To book now, visit: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=144814
Judy Nunn is the author of 19 novels, including Black Sheep and Khaki Town. She has now sold over one million books in Australia alone.
A man is facing 18 charges after two police officers were injured and a police vehicle was rammed in Sandhurst on the morning of Thursday 30 October.
Two officers were on patrol when they observed two males allegedly running from a residence on Ethereal Way about 1am.
The pair allegedly got into a white Ford Ranger before police followed the vehicle into Toporoa Court.
The Ford was parked in a driveway, and the police parked behind them.
Both officers exited their vehicle and approached the driver.
The Ford allegedly rammed the police car, causing significant damage to the vehicle.
It is alleged that the passenger from the Ford fled the scene on foot.
The driver of the Ford allegedly sped off, causing one officer to fall to the road and the other to take swift evasive action.
A senior constable from the South Met-
ro Region was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and an acting sergeant, also from the South Metro Region, suffered minor injuries.
Investigators allege the same two males were involved in an aggravated burglary at a premises on Ethereal Way earlier in the night, and the Ford displayed registration plates stolen from a Bentleigh East address earlier in the week.
Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detec-
tives arrested a 20-year-old man on the afternoon of Friday 31 October.
The Frankston North man was charged with 18 offences, including two counts of aggravated intentional exposure of police officer to risk by driving, assault police, recklessly cause injury, assault with weapon, reckless conduct endangering life, theft of motor vehicle and aggravated burglary.
He appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sunday 2 November, where he was remanded in custody to reappear on 6 February.
Investigators are working to determine the identity of a second alleged offender.
Senior Constable Brooke Jeffrey from Frankston Crime Investigation Unit said: “We wish to thank the public for their help and for providing footage in relation to this matter.
“We thank the residents of Sandhurst and members of Ambulance Victoria who came to the assistance of our officers the night of the incident.”
Police say two males in an alleged stolen white Ford Ranger rammed the police vehicle, as the officers on patrol observed two alleged aggravated burglars running from a residence about 1am.
A senior constable from Southern Metro Region was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening-injuries and an acting sergeant from Southern Metro Region, suffered minor injuries.
The police car sustained significant damage to both the front and driver’s side.
No arrests have been made and investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
Victoria Police states it’s made almost 1700 arrests in the past year as part of its nightly Operation Trinity operation targeting burglars and car thieves across Melbourne’s east and south-east.
This month, Operation Trinity units have pulled over more than 3,500 cars, and recovered more than 100 stolen cars.
“From dusk to dawn every night, frontline police and specialist units such as the Public Order Response Team and Dog Squad are swarming Melbourne’s suburbs targeting home burglars and car thieves as part of Operation Trinity while the Air Wing watches from above,” Dep Comm Hill said.
“This has been the most well-resourced policing operation in Victoria over the past two and a half years – highlighting the severity of this offending.
“Outside of Operation Trinity, we are also proactively monitoring and targeting Victoria’s worst burglars.
“We know there are 45 chronic offenders or people who influence others to break into homes that are firmly in our sights.”
Lynbrook was bursting with Halloween spirit on Friday 31 October, as families turned out in spectacular style for the Lynbrook Residents Association’s Halloween celebration.
Despite a last-minute venue change due to weather, the Lynbrook Community Centre came to the rescue, hosting an unforgettable evening of games, music, and plenty of sweet treats.
From Edward Scissorhands and Wednesday Addams to unicorns, zombies, kangaroos, and La Catrina–inspired costumes, the centre was filled with colour, creativity, and community cheer.
There was plenty of excitement in the air as Rebel Fountain Gate threw open its doors last Thursday, marking the grand reopening of its newly refurbished store at Westfield Fountain Gate in Narre Warren.
The celebration comes at a special time for Rebel, as the brand marks 40 years of inspiring Australians to live their passion for sport.
General Manager of Retail for Rebel Sports, Meg Zalewski, said the upgrade is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the shopping experience while strengthening its ties with the local community.
“This event has the buzz – I’ve got goosebumps,” Meg said with a smile as she welcomed customers into the bright, open, and interactive new space. “The community response has been incredible.”
The new-look Fountain Gate store is one of Rebel’s rCX (Retail Customer
Experience) locations — a concept focused on creating a more engaging and hands-on environment for shoppers. With interactive displays, modern layouts, and an expanded range of sportswear and equipment, the store aims to help customers get the most out of their passion for sport.
Rebel’s grand opening on Thursday, 30 October, drew a steady crowd of excited shoppers who praised the refreshed design, describing it as lighter, easier to navigate, and stocked with “the best range yet.”
As part of its ongoing community focus, Rebel has partnered with the Narre Warren Football and Netball Club, a move Meg says reflects the brand’s strong commitment to grassroots sport.
“We’re proud to support local clubs like Narre Warren — they’re the heart of community sport,” she said. “It’s where confidence, teamwork, and a love of being active all begin.”
The refurbishment has also brought new job opportunities to the area, with the store manager confirming 15 new permanent positions have been created, and more seasonal roles expected during the Christmas period. Rebel’s member loyalty program, Rebel Active, has also been rolled out at the Fountain Gate store, rewarding
shoppers with credit toward future purchases.
Meg said the transformation at Fountain Gate isn’t just about a new look — it’s about reconnecting with the local community and ensuring the next generation continues to have access to safe and supportive sporting environments.
“We want this store to be a place where locals feel inspired — whether they’re buying their first pair of footy boots or upgrading their gym gear,” she said. “It’s about celebrating sport at every level.”
The reopening and 40-year milestone highlight Rebel’s continued dedication to supporting Australian communities through sport — from grassroots clubs to everyday athletes.
Rebel Fountain Gate is located at Westfield Fountain Gate, 352 Princes Highway, Narre Warren.
It was a spooky evening at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick last Friday night as more than 3500 people gathered for the annual Halloween celebration.
The historic site was transformed into a mysterious adventure playground, where families enjoyed a range of themed activities.
From thrilling rides and croquet lawn games
to wand and shadow-puppet making.
Those who dressed in their most horrifying costumes and joined the special trick-or-treat trail were not disappointed.
Thanks to Wizz Fizz, there were plenty of sweet treats to go around.
The Elm Way driveway, reminiscent of a mystical forest filled with storybook creatures, was
lined with generous lolly distributors for brave trick-or-treaters.
Adding to the atmosphere were musical performances by Glinda and Elphaba, the two best witches of them all from Wicked.
tumes and enjoying the rides, shows, and games across the evening.”
Also in attendance were Cr Michelle Crowther and Cr Scott Dowling, who came dressed as a blood-sucking vampire.
A new campaign delivers a blunt warning to viewers of child abuse material (CAM) – you stand to lose everything.
The ‘What Are You Watching’ campaign from Crime Stoppers Victoria, in partnership with Victoria Police, confronts offenders with the reality that they are committing a serious crime.
And that they risk destroying lives, including their own.
CSV chief executive Stella Smith said offenders risk being disowned by their friends, family and community for their “deplorable crime”.
They also faced possible jail, entry on the sex offenders register and lifelong restrictions on their freedom and employment.
“(Offenders’) actions will not be forgotten. The shame associated with this crime will destroy you.”
Detective Superintendent Tim McKinney from Victoria Police’s cybercrime division said child abuse material was becoming more prevalent across society.
CAM-related sexual offences against children has nearly doubled in Victoria in the past two years – rising from 1366 to 2626 in the two years ending June 2025.
Distributing child abuse material offences have more than doubled to 309 offences in the past year.
“There is no set idea of what an offender looks like,” Det Supt McKinney said.
“It can be anyone – a young person in their teens, someone who is married with a family,
people in relationships.”
He said investigators were working tirelessly with partners across Australia and the world to hold offenders to account and prevent the abuse of children.
“Every online action is traceable, and the message could not be clearer – if you engage
in these horrific activities, you will be caught.”
The campaign urges people at-risk of offending to seek help before their behaviour escalates.
Services such as Stop it Now! Australia provide free, anonymous support for those with harmful sexual thoughts or behaviours
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
An armed, drugged-up carjacker who was among a group that preyed on an Uber Eats driver delivering a cheeseburger in Doveton has been jailed.
Bailey Foehn, 22, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to aggravated carjacking, possessing 1,4-butanediol, driving while suspended and possessing a prohibited weapon.
His drug-fueled co-offender Zoe Voice, then 22, made the Uber order for a Maccas burger on her phone just before 2am on 27 November last year.
It was part of an unsophisticated plan to lure and rob the victim in the street and under the cover of darkness, sentencing judge Wendy Wilmoth said on 31 October.
The driver was alone when an armed and masked Foehn – in company with three othersdemanded the driver’s phone and keys.
The victim complied, thinking Foehn held a knife, which was later found to be an extendable baton.
Foehn then sped off in the delivery-driver’s Toyota Yaris, with Voice in the passenger seat.
The victim – an international student who had worked and saved hard for the car and phone –had tried to open the driver-side door.
He was threatened by another male in the group, holding what appeared to be a knife or sword.
“If you try to argue with me, I’ll f*** you – so go away,” the male said.
The Yaris stopped several hundred metres away. Voice swapped into the driver’s seat due to Foehn being unable to control the car.
Later that morning, police spotted Voice erratically driving the car at excessive speeds through several Cranbourne West streets.
Police used stop-sticks to deflate all four tyres of the Yaris, and pursued with lights and sirens.
However Voice continued driving on deteriorating tyres, until coming to a stop on a median strip in Evans Road.
A bottle of 1,4-butanediol was found in the car, which Foehn admitted was his.
In a police interview, Foehn stated he “didn’t intend to harm the bloke”.
He didn’t know why he drove off with the victim’s car, but it was the “dumbest” thing he’d done.
Judge Wilmoth regarded Foehn’s offending as a “serious example of a serious offence”.
At the time, he was on ‘ice’, GHB and cannabis and said to be trying to impress Voice and his peers with his offending.
On the other hand, the victim “lost so much and still suffers emotionally”, Judge Wilmoth noted.
Left out on the street without a car or phone at night, he called out for help. No one came out to assist, so he knocked on a resident’s door to call
triple-0.
Since the incident, he had felt completely alone and unprotected, Judge Wilmoth said.
The threats with a weapon still played on his mind each day, no longer left his home at night and slept with lights on.
He did not recover his stolen phone, which he is still paying off.
Voice, 23, had been sentenced on 30 June by Judge Wilmoth to three years and three months’ jail, with an 18 month non-parole period, for carjacking and dangerous driving while pursued by police. Foehn, being guilty of aggravated carjacking, faced a mandatory non-parole period of three years. However, Judge Wilmoth accepted there were special circumstances due to Foehn’s mental impairment, and waived the mandatory term.
His impairment included a complex mix of ADHD, paranoia and depressive disorders –which a psychologist stated were significant factors in his offending.
They contributed to impulsivity, poor decision making and a heightened need for peer approval.
His childhood deprivation, youthfulness and difficulties coping in adult remand were also noted. Foehn was jailed for three-and-a-half years, including a two year non-parole period.
He was ordered to compensate the victim $1074.
towards children, including those already accessing child abuse material online.
To report someone accessing or sharing child abuse material, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Details: crimestoppersvic.com.au/whatare-you-watching
This November, as the weather warms up and the flowers bloom, the City of Casey is bringing an array of spring and summer activities right to our doorsteps.
Casey’s Spring into Summer program is a free initiative that aims to get the community moving and help them get outdoors after a rough and cold winter.
The activities are intended to be enjoyed by all ages, no matter their interest or physical abilities.
Ranging from pickleball, mum and baby yoga, silent disco at the stunning Wilson Botanic Park or a parkrun — there’s something for everyone.
Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen, says that the November program is a great way to kickstart a healthier lifestyle over the summer.
“It’s about having fun while moving your body, no matter your fitness level,” he said.
“Spring into Summer makes it easy and affordable for Casey residents to get active, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors.”
The first activity will begin on 1 November and lasts until 29 November.
For more information, go to casey.vic.gov.au/ spring-into-summer
Warneet-Blind Bight CFA Mega
Community Garage Sale
Lots of garage sales and plenty of bargains. Buy a map of participating garage sale addresses from CFA volunteers for the cost of a gold coin donation. Maps will be available from 8am at the corner of Warneet and Blind Bight Roads, Blind Bight Community Centre and the Warneet Fire Station on Rutherford Parade.
Head down to the Blind Bight Community Centre on Anchorage Drive and the Warneet Fire Station for sizzling sausages, egg and bacon rolls and a coffee.
• For enquiries contact Patricia. Mobile 0474 453 260. Saturday 15 November. 8am onwards
Outdoor bootcamp
Work through different stations and exercises in this outdoor bootcamp to improve your strength and fitness, all while having fun. Suitable for all fitness levels.
• Weekly, Fridays from 7-28 November 10am11am at Banjo Park, Grazing Way, Clyde North. Register at trybooking.com/events/landing/1475166
Casey Carers Cuppa
Meet other carers and talk to our carer peer support team who all have lived experience. Ask us about what services and supports are available. Presented by Different Journeys, specialists in the neurodivergent space.
• Fridays 7 and 21 November and 5 December 10am-12pm at Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick; free event. No bookings necessary. Details: 0490 774 068
Bargain bazaar
Lots of bargains and treasures. Clothing, cakes, toys, books, plants, craft, sausage sizzle, tea and coffee. Fundraising for Casey Choir.
• Saturday 8 November 10am-2pm at Arthur Wren Hall, Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park.
Casey African Food and Music Festival
African food stalls, music, dance, and storytelling. Live performances such as Mbira, drumming, dance, and musical showcases with DJs on rotation. Arts, crafts, fashion and kids’ interactive activities.
• Sunday 9 November 12pm-5pm at Old Cheese
Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; free event.
Wiser driver program
New for all seniors over the age of 55. Refresher on road rules and road safety issues. Improve your confidence, independence and road safety skills.
• Mondays 10 November-1 December (participants must attend all four sessions) at Timbarra Community Centre, Parkhill Drive, Berwick. Booking essential: trybooking.com/DFOUT
Meditation workshop
Guided mindfulness and music-based sessions promoting rest, healing, and insight. Bring a mat, cushion, blanket, and comfy clothes.
• starts Monday 10 November for three fortnightly sessions at Balla Balla Community Centre. Bookings: balla.balla.com.au or 5990 0900
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day services are being held across Casey to commemorate those who have bravely served our country.
• Tuesday 11 November, 11am at Arthur Wren Hall, 16-20 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park (10.45am start); Pearcedale Public Hall, 45 Pearcedale Road, Pearcedale (9am start); Berwick cenotaph, cnr High Street and Clyde Road (9am start) and Cranbourne Cenotaph, Greg Clydesdale Square, High Street, Cranbourne (10.30am start).
Morning Melodies
Our featured entertainers will sing the songs you know and love. Share a morning of music, a cuppa, scones with jam and cream and make new friends along the way,
• second Tuesday of month (next 11 November)
10.30am-11.45am at Balla Balla Community Centre, 7–9 Selandra Boulevard, Clyde North; $7. Bookings: 5990 0904
Pollinator Night
Learn about and take a close-up look at our pollinators, big and small. Includes a Myuna Farm train ride to the grey-headed flying fox wetland colony, planting a seed and making an insect hotel. Optional dress code - dress up as a pollinator such as a bee, bird, butterfly, bat, possum and lorikeet.
• Thursday 13 November 4.30pm-6.30pm at Myuna Farm, Kidds Road Doveton; free event. Register: trybooking.com/DGQCU
Silent Disco in the Park
Break out your best dance moves and Spring into
Summer at our silent disco at Wilson Botanic Park.
Three music channels to choose from. Presented by City of Casey.
• Saturday 15 November 10am-2pm at Wilson Botanic Park Berwick; free event. Register at trybooking. com/DFTGH
Gardens for wildlife.
Enjoy a guided walk through the Australian Garden to learn all about the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot. Learn how to transform your own garden into an oasis for wildlife including native bees, butterflies, birds. Includes a complimentary wildlife gardening booklet.
• Saturday 15 November 11am-12.30pm at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne (meet at the visitor centre); $15/$12/$8 and $40 family (2 adults & 2 children)
Christmas cardmaking
Workshop with Elizabeth from Passion for Papercraft. Experiment with techniques such as stamping, die cutting, paper punching.
• Saturday 15 November, Sunday 23 November & Saturday 29 November 10am-2.30pm at Timbarra Community Centre, 26 Parkhill Drive, Berwick; $35/$30 includes materials and a festive morning tea. Bookings essential: 9704 1863 or admin@berwicknc.com.au
Christmas Sweets with Chef Jodie
Create festive treats to share or gift. Week 1: Strawberry and Almond Tart. Week 2: Profiterole Wreath. Contains dairy, nuts, eggs, gluten and sugar. BYO apron & container.
• Wednesday 19 and 26 November 7pm-9pm at Balla Balla Community Centre. Bookings: balla.balla. com.au or 5990 0900.
Textile, E-Waste and Soft Plastics Drop-Off
In celebration of National Recycling Week, City of Casey residents can recycle old clothes not suitable for the op shop, unwanted electronics, and soft plastics for free at this special drop-off event. Items must be clean, dry, and sorted into textiles, e-waste, and soft plastics. Household quantities only.
• Saturday 22 November 9am-2pm at Casey Works Centre, 30 Vesper Drive, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings essential at casey.vic.gov.au/events/textile-e-waste-soft-plastics-drop-off-event Indoor Pickleball
Casual, indoor pickleball sessions. All equipment provided during this coach-free session.
• Mondays 7pm-8pm and Wednesdays 10am11am at Olive Road Sporting Complex, 2 Frawley Road, Eumemmerring; free cost, or Sundays 12.30pm-2.30pm at Vickerman Building, Casey Stadium, Cranbourne; $6.20 for two hours. Bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/1343237 (Olive Road) or 5996 6052 (Casey Stadium). 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
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 U3A Casey.
Membership from January to December is $60, or from July to December is $30, which allows you to choose to join any of our classes (subject to available vacancies).
• Details: u3acasey.org.au, 0493 280 458 or caseyu3a@gmail.com
U3A Cranbourne
Social group for people over 50 with many interesting and creative activities. Gardens group, art and craft groups, calligraphy, scrabble, singing for fun, quilling, resin making, and card making, beginner ukuele and guitar, line dancing. Our membership fee of $50 per year entitles you to join as many classes as you wish.
• Details: www.u3acranbourne.org.au or 0493 991 919
Men’s Shed Junction Village Inc.
Retired men are most welcome to visit the Shed and have a chat/cuppa to check out our fully equipped Shed (lots of “toys” to play with!) and see what we do for the community. They do not need any woodwork experience as Shed members are happy to pass on their experience in an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere.
• Mondays 9am-11.30am and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-2.30pm at 41 Craig Road, Junction Village. Details: Garry, 0408 141 734.
By Blair Burns
Beaconsfield has won two games in a row and is looking forward to a couple of big challenges in the coming weeks as the Tigers strive to make finals this season.
Under new captain Andrey Fernando, the team will be chasing a third consecutive win this weekend against Berwick, who are firming as one of the premiership favourites.
Beaconsfield won by 98 runs in round 3 after making a strong score of 280 in the first innings against Dandenong West.
Despite losing Jack Steel and Jake Cronin for four runs each and starting 2/13, skipper Fernando (36) made himself comfortable at the crease alongside the leading run-scorer in Turf 1 Ashan Walgamage (60).
Last week, Walgamage made 136 not out and this week, it was time for another batter to deliver and that was English import Sam Read.
The young man sent a message to the league as he belted 104 off 81 balls, cleanly striking the ball cleanly as he hit seven sixes – more than half of his runs were from boundaries.
He took Bulls captain Riley Siwes for 20 runs off the 33rd over to push the team above 200 and draw closer to the century.
Fernando said it was one of the most impressive knocks he had seen in recent times.
“Since my premier days, I have never seen such a structured innings, being able to toy with the Dandy West bowlers a bit,” he said.
“He is just a class act and a great all-round cricketer … I think batting number five is his spot, he just looked in control from ball one – he is a great addition to the team.”
The final total was 280, which they defended easily as they bowled out Dandenong West for 182.
“Having a bit of a total allowed us to try a few things at the start and see what we could do, we were pretty fortunate to get a few early ones,” Fernando said.
“They have a strong side and have a lot of ex-
perience compared to us, so overall it was a pretty good outing.”
Dandenong West was led by Dinesh Kulasekara (45) in the run chase, while Nipunaka Fonseka (33) and Don Pulukkuttiarachchi (30) contributed well.
Mitchell Tielen (3/31), Jake Cutting (2/35) and Walgamage (2/37) were the multiple wicket-takers for the Tigers.
Beaconsfield is now shifting its focus to two big upcoming matches against Berwick and Springvale South.
“It will be a really good challenge for us and show where we are positioned for the season,” Fernando said.
“I back our young side in to be competitive and win one of them or both really – the sky is the limit.”
By Blair Burns
Berwick ticked yet another box last weekend as it added Springvale South to its list of victims, beating the Bloods by four wickets in round 3 of the DDCA Turf 1 competition.
After winning the toss, Bears skipper Michael Wallace decided to bowl first and see if the pitch at Alex Nelson Reserve had any demons in it after some rain late in the week.
Mitch Forsyth started well and quickly settled into his innings, not looking to worried by the opening duo of James Trodd and Tom Davis.
Springvale South pushed the score to 30 before the first wicket of the day fell, Ryan Quirk gone for eight as Toby Wills snuck one through the gate.
Jordy Wyatt strolled to the crease, hit two early boundaries to add eight runs before Wills took another, trapping him in front of the stumps LBW, also for eight.
The Forsyth duo solidified as skipper Cam joined Mitch at the crease, putting on 32 runs before Mitch (29) was dismissed by Jarrod Goodes.
But from here, the Bloods dug deep as Fosryth (29) and Chathuranga De Silva (36) added 52 runs before the pair were dismissed in quick succession.
But not to worry for the Springy faithful as Blade Baxter (31) and Dasun Opanayaka (53) brought the side home beautifully to reach a total of 229 after the 45 overs. – Wills taking 3/40.
Now for the chase, it wasn’t going to be easy but Lachlan Brown and Jarryd Wills (both 29) made it look that way for a period of time, opening the chase with a 52-run stand.
They were both given out LBW, leaving Hancock (69) and Wallace (22) to push on, and they did it well.
Baxter (3/32) bowled both of them in the space of a few overs and this left Trodd to pick up the pieces, which he did perfectly as he scored 33 not out off just 20 balls and guided the
Bears home with nine balls to spare.
In other games, Hallam Kalora Park got its first win of the season in convincing fashion as it defeated Narre South by 108 runs.
Batting first, the Hawks lost Jawid Khan (five) and Jagveer Hayer (12) early.
But Jordan Hammond (34) and Damith Perera (27) stabilised and began to get the scoreboard ticking, before some late Hillard brilliance pushed Hallam Kalora Park to a competitive total.
Benjamin (39 not out) and Ryan Hillard (50 not out) put on a 104-run partnership to guide the Hawks to 194 after 45 overs, giving them something to bowl at.
Khan (2/25) and Lee Brown (2/14) were brilliant with the ball as they ripped through the Lions’ batting order and bowled them out for 86 after just 28.5 overs.
Oshadha Ariyadasa (22) and Yevinn Weeraratna (21) were the only players to produce any resistance as their team fell well short of the runs.
Buckley Ridges made it three from three, as it easily chased down the target of 173 set by Parkmore Pirates last weekend.
The Pirates won the toss and batted first, with Jack Farrington’s half century the highlight of the innings, while Koby Brann (28), Lochana Premarathna and Avisha Wilwalaarachchi (both 20) also made starts.
It was a solid bowling performance from the Bucks as Triyan De Silva (3/36) and Harry Snowden (2/35) led the way.
Despite skipper Jayson Hobbs falling early in the run chase for nine when Parkmore skipper Niranjen Kumar got him LBW, the Bucks continued on.
Dale Tormey (59 off 31 balls), Ben Wright (40 not out) and Ayush Patel (45) helped Buckley Ridges chase the runs in the 30th over to win by six wickets – Bradley Van Twest took two wickets for the Pirates.
It was a big weekend for Springvale South and Dandenong West as the teams both played two matches, one on Saturday and their round 4 clash on Sunday against each other.
The Bloods won the toss and elected to bat on hot and windy day at Greaves Reserve, dominating from the outset.
Ryan Quirk and Mitch Forsyth opened the batting brilliantly to put on an opening partnership of 171 runs.
It looked as though both of them could reach their centuries as they cruised towards the 30over mark, both going at almost a-run-a-ball when a Quirk-y dismissal struck.
Just 13 runs short of his century, Quirk’s partner Forsyth slapped the ball back towards bowler Joel Zietsman, deflecting off his hand and onto the stumps, catching Quirk short of his ground … run out at the non-strikers end on 87.
Maybe Forsyth was still thinking about potentially costing his teammate a ton when he was hit on the pads the following ball and given out LBW.
For 28 overs, Springy hadn’t looked like losing a wicket and now they had two blokes out in the middle who were both yet to face a ball. However, Jordan Wyatt (32) and Blade Baxter (48 not out) saw the Bloods to a huge total of 309 after the allotted 45 overs.
It was a gallant effort from Dandenong West in the run chase as they made 227, with big contributions from Anthony Brannan (61), Dinesh Nuwan Kulasekara (46), Liam Richardson (33 not out) and Don Pulukkuttiarachchi (32), but it was never enough.
Straker led the way for the Bloods taking 3/49, while Baxter, Opanayaka and Nicholas Boland took two wickets each.
By Blair Burns
After 12 months away from the game, highly regarded coach Steve O’Brien will begin a new era at Hampton Park, signing on as the director of coaching.
O’Brien has more than five years of VFL experience and a brilliant local CV which included stints at Rowville, Devon Meadows, St Kilda City and Highett.
Most recently he coached at Cranbourne for seven years, guiding the Eagles to premiership glory in 2022.
The new director of coaching said he was happy to sign on at the Redbacks and couldn’t wait to get stuck into working alongside senior playing coach Luke Bull.
“It’s a new challenge for me in my footy journey, I’m looking forward to getting back involved in footy again,” O’Brien said.
“What excites me is working with and developing young coaches, that is where I see my football now at this stage of my career.
“With a lot of years of experience, hopefully I can pass that on to them and help them be the best coaches they can be.”
O’Brien actually coached a young Bull at Casey VFL and said that is one of the connections which helped him land at Robert Booth Reserve.
With many clubs chasing his services and offering him coaching roles since his departure from Cranbourne in 2024, there were plenty of things for O’Brien to think about.
These included whether he wanted to get back involved in footy at all, and if so, in what capacity.
“We caught up, discussed a few things, and I suppose for me it was about deciding whether I wanted to get back into football,” he said.
“I realised I didn’t have the drive (to coach)
anymore, I’ve probably burned that candle, but I still wanted to be involved in footy.
“The role that the club offered was exactly what I was after, and it all panned out from there. We think it should be a good combination, alongside all of the assistant coaches.”
O’Brien hoped to help Hampton Park continue its upwards trajectory as the club ventures into Southern Division 1.
“The club is in a really good spot and that is because they have done a heap of work both on and off-field, it wasn’t that long ago that they were down in Div 3,” he said.
“One of the things that we all agreed upon was we don’t want to go to Div 1 and make up the numbers, we want to have a real impact.
“We think that with some natural improvement and a couple of recruits, we can go up there and be competitive from day dot.”
Garfield’s three sides repeated their performance of last week by winning two matches of three.
On Tuesday 28/10, the Division 4 Midweek side went to play Traralgon RSL, on a very wet grass green, and did well to win one rink, losing overall by 41 shots to 63.
The team skipped by Gwen Fabris, and consisting of Lexi Taylor, Trevor Peters and Bob Lamport, started well and were up by 2 shots at the halfway point, but in what turned out to be a relatively low scoring game, the home team slid past them at the end to inflict a 12 shots to 17 loss.
Alan White’s team, consisting of Cheryl Breteler, Gerry Wakefield and Gordon Moxey were 8 shots behind after 5 ends, with nothing to show for it. While they recovered those shots by the end of the game, their opposition had swept them away with a 9 shots to 29 loss.
The team of Graeme Burton, Geoff Pumphrey, John O’Shea and skip Malcolm Newham fought out a tight tussle in the first half, to be square, 12 shots all, after 13 ends. But then the Garfielders skipped away in the second half to win be 20 shots to 17.
The side remains in second place on the ladder, still trailing only Traralgon RSL.
On Saturday 1/11, the Division 2 Saturday side hosted the side from Neerim Districts at the Garfield Arena. Coming away with 3 rinks up saw them win by74 shots to 65.
The team of Graeme Burton, Bob Lamport, Jasmine Fowler and skip Les Pumphrey, played a very tight match until half time – with scores tied 4 times – after which the Garfielders hit their stride and ran away to win by 21 shots to 13.
Geoff Pumphrey, Gordon Moxey John O’Shea and skip Joe Lenders were well in front early, being
10 shots up at half time; but then a nap ensued and they woke up just in time to win by 17 shots to 14.
The team consisting of Lexi Taylor, Gerry Fuller, Cheryl Breteler and skip Alan White took a while to get themselves going, and were down by 6 shots to 14 at halfway point. Then they moved up a gear and stormed home to barely miss out by 17 shots to 20.
Stephen Whyte, skipping the team consisting of Ron Saunders, Henry Breteler and Gary Helmore, lost 4 shots on the first end, got them back by the sixth end and lost them again to be 4 shots down at the turn of the card. Not to be held back, however, the Garfielders raced home to win by the slightest margin, 19 shots to 18.
A good performance all round to maintain their second place on the ladder.
Meanwhile, the Division 5 Saturday side played away against Warragul, winning 2 rinks and the day by a very close overall score of 59 shots to 57.
The team of Jan Moxey, Len Preece, Steve Hyam and skip, Gwen Fabris, struggled all day against a very strong opposition team, losing by 15 shots to 28.
The team skipped by Brian Fox and consisting of Keith Cooke, Gerry Wakefield and Brad Fowler, also started slowly, being down by 8 shots to 1 after 6 ends; then the teams swapped roles, with the Garfielders winning easily by 25 shots to 11.
Rick Sillett skipped the team of Frank Prins, David Piggin and Malcolm Newham. They had a similar game as the Fox team, chasing early, then grinding back to end the day with a win by the smallest of margins, 19 shots to 18.
This good result sees the side move up to 3rd position on the ladder.
By Justin Schwarze
After the most successful season in club history, Hallam is entering a new era with Anthony Bernardo set to take over the reins as senior coach.
Bernardo, a well-respected midfielder and player among the region, is being elevated from his position as assistant coach after the departure of premiership coach Tom Dalton.
The Hawks will be in a new landscape and endure a new challenge after earning promotion to Southern Division 3.
“It gives me massive confidence for the group to believe in what I’m trying to do down there,” Bernardo said.
“It’s an honour to be down there, it (this year) was probably one of my most enjoyable seasons.
“For them to ask me to take it on next year, it’s a lot of pressure but I’m happy to take it on.
“We’re keen to go for next year already.”
Bernardo has a decorated playing experience playing as a midfielder with stints at Seville, Officer, Dalyston, South Belgrave, Buln Buln and Chirnside Park.
Bernardo won a league medal at Officer and has been selected in multiple team of the year sides over his extensive playing career.
He arrived at Hallam in 2025 as an assistant coach and helped the club win its first ever premiership.
He did a lot of work with the midfield in a playing coach role and helped unlock the dominant Hawks run through the middle.
He hopes to continue a high-octane style of footy next season.
“It’s going to be exciting next year, we’re going to be playing a pretty quick brand of footy,” he said.
“A lot of inside, switching lanes type game style.
“Setting up around the ball is massive for us, we back our midfield in to win the footy and get it going forward.
“We’re so young at the moment, so the roof is the ceiling.
“This next division will be a challenge but we are capable of going all the way.
“We want consistency from week to week.
“The ultimate goal for us this season is to sustain as a group and stick together and play finals.”
Alongside Bernardo, Matthew Dean is back as a lead assistant for 2026.
Hallam enters the new division red hot after not losing a game in 2025 en route to the premiership.
Alongside Bernardo, skipper Joel Danilo is also back with the captaincy in 2026.
Star small forward and goalsneak Liam Reid has also put pen to paper to return.
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Every cricket club has a Ben Austin.
The affable and talented youngster that uses the platform provided by community cricket to learn, experience and grow in a sporting and nonsporting setting.
A grin from ear to ear, an infectious personality and with a story to tell about the fun of last Saturday.
Austin had plenty of stories to tell already about this season, having played six games at various levels.
Victorian cricket was numbed by the 17-yearold’s death last week in a freak accident at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club nets.
Pakenham is within 50 kilometres of the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club where the incident unfolded last Tuesday in front of several witnesses.
Undoubtedly, some within the Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong communities will know or know of Austin.
Many more will weep.
The events that formed the backdrop of the tragedy occur at hundreds of different cricket clubs daily.
The familiarity of those circumstances makes the anguish more vivid.
Such an event provides a painful reminder of the impermanence of the seemingly permanent.
In winter, he was a star footballer.
He was interwoven into the fabric of Australia’s sporting culture.
Photos circling of Austin in recent days for older people evoke memories of their joyous sporting upbringing, with that relatable storyline tugging at the heartstrings.
‘It could have been me.’
The author of this story got to his cricket club last Tuesday set for a hauntingly similar evening to Austin.
A light net session involving throw downs and a sidearm mechanism while watching his local team play a t20 match.
The Australian men’s T20I team paid tribute to Austin at the MCG on Friday night with black arm bands and a minute silence, and organisations from as far as India and England felt his loss.
Several cricket clubs and individuals put their bats out to remember Austin.
Many clubs around the region posted their own tributes.
Casey Cardinia Cricket Association club Tooradin was one of the first across the state to pay their respects.
“Nothing like this should ever happen in sport and we are deeply saddened to hear of this news,” the statement read in part.
Dandenong District Cricket Association Club Lyndale, based in Noble Park, also posted a tribute, with Ben having represented the club in Under-14s.
“A talented cricketer with a promising career, his life ended doing what he loved,” the statement read in part.
Sympathies must also be extended to the Noble Park Football Club, with Ben’s father Jace a former reserves coach.
The shared grief highlighted the unity of sporting organisations. There is a constant tussle for on-field and financial results which can overshadow that the beating heart of local sporting organisations is its people.
Community sport brings people together. Cricket will go on without Austin, as he would want.
At the end of last season, Austin won the Ferntree Gully League perpetual trophy for juniors who show the correct attitude and dedication to playing the game in the right spirit in their representation of the association.
The material showing of respect that took place in some way at all level of cricket on Saturday was beautiful, touching and proved the power of sport.
But all who have felt Austin’s death should honour him by taking a leaf from his book and living their life with similar values. Rest in Peace, Ben Austin.
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