Spooky fun in Lynbrook
From Edward Scissorhands and Wednesday Addams to unicorns, zombies, kangaroos, and La Catrina–inspired costumes, Lynbrook was bursting with Halloween spirit on Friday 31 October.
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.
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Charges denied
By Cameron 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.
Siya, Yogin, and Gabhira under the lights of Lynbrook. (Rob Carew: 513842)
Insurer backflips on bill
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 donations from numerous organisations, including the emergency vet staff, there’s still thousands left to be paid off.
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.
Mead says she was notified of the rejected claim and charge only upon discharge due to the waiting period but also to the insurer asserting 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”.
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.
Hope for Staffy cross puppy as foster care home found
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 spe-
cialist’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
Man charged over non-fatal Doveton shooting
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.”
Benji during his emergency stay. (SUPPLIED)
Younger Milly at a foster home prior to her stay at a private home. (SUPPLIED)
Key to helping critical care
By Violet Li
A Cranbourne general practitioner (GP) said the Federal Government’s expanded bulk billing incentive would help the clinic keep the critical care amid rising costs.
From 1 November, the scheme has been expanded to support general practices to bulk bill any patient with a Medicare card. Previously, the incentives were only available to children under 16 and concession card holders.
The $7.9 billion overhaul of the bulk-billing system was announced earlier this year as Labor’s election commitment.
GP Dr Mark Overton from Our Medical Cranbourne said the expanded incentive would help the clinic to keep bulk billing for the patients in the area.
The clinic has already offered bulk billing for the consultations ever since it was opened about seven years ago.
“Costs are rising all the time, staff, cleaning, and rental. It makes it harder to be able to bulkbill,” Dr Overton said.
“What we’ve seen locally is that a lot of other clinics in the area have switched away from bulk billing to private billing, and that’s been really hard on patients.
“But the new incentive means that we’ll be able to keep doing the bulk billing.”
Unlike private billing, where patients pay upfront and then claim a rebate from Medicare, bulk billing means the GP bills Medicare directly and patients pay nothing out of pocket.
But in recent years, many clinics have stopped bulk billing because the rebate hasn’t kept up with inflation or clinic expenses such as rent, wages, and utilities.
According to Our Medical, the new incentive increases Medicare rebates for bulk-billed GP consults by around $20, on top of the existing approximately $40.
Dr Overton noted that doctors had seen patients in the area delaying care if they had to pay
extra money to visit them.
“The expansion is really important because GPs are the primary access point for patients into the healthcare system,” he said.
“If patients delay coming to see us, and then their problems get worse, and then they get sicker, and then they end up in the hospital, and it’s just bad for everybody.”
Our Medical CEO Henry Batemen said the bulk billing expansion is the most significant
Labor select former CEO
By Corey Everitt
The Labor Party has selected a local executive who is no stranger to politics, Chris Buckingham, to lead its attempt to retain the most marginal seat in Victoria.
Mr Buckingham was preselected for the seat of Bass this week, where he will attempt to win the seat in the 2026 state election after current MP Jordan Crugnale announced her intention not to recontest.
“Jordan Crugnale has done an incredible amount of work for the people of Bass over the last seven years and will continue to do so over the next 12 months,” Mr Buckingham said.
“The community will reap the benefits for many years to come.”
Many may recognise him from his previous attempt at federal politics, when he ran for the former seat of McMillan in 2016.
Others may know him from his various roles over the years, such as CEO of the former Casey Cardinia Libraries.
“I am determined to retain the seat of Bass and will advocate on behalf of the electorate to ensure our community continues to prosper and grow,” Mr Buckingham said.
“Fairness goes to the very heart of how I work. No one should be held back and no one should be left behind.”
He is currently the CEO of consultancy firm The Fair Co. after spending two years leading the Latrobe Valley Authority, now known as Regional Development Victoria.
Bass is held by only 200 votes after Ms Crugnale won a second term in 2022.
Ms Crugnale has known Mr Buckingham for some time and she welcomed his pre-selection.
“I am so pleased that Chris Buckingham has been endorsed as our Labor candidate for Bass,” Ms Crugnale said.
“I have known Chris for many years now. He is grounded, a great listener, smart and brings an insurmountable amount of energy and drive to work with and for community to bring about positive change for the better.
“Chris will work his heart out to deliver the projects, programs and supports already underway and be an active and fierce advocate to ensure community priorities and needs are voiced and delivered so our growing, diverse and wonderful community can live and be well.
“I very much look forward to working with him over the next 12 months.”
update to universal primary healthcare in a decade.
“It is ensuring bulk billing is available to more Australians and sustainable for doctors,” he said.
The Federal Government aims for nine in 10 GP visits to be bulk billed by 2030, tripling the number of fully bulk-billing practices nationwide to 4800.
Bruce MP Julian Hill said: “Doctors and practices are making the shift because they know it is good for patients, and it is good for their bottom line.
“Delivering on this election commitment lifts up our entire nation and ensures no one is held back, and no one is left behind.”
According to a media release, already over 1,000 GP clinics have indicated that they are going to transition to become 100 per cent bulk billing clinics, including many in the south east.
Cranbourne GP Dr Mark Overton said the expanded incentive would help his clinic to keep bulk billing for the patients in the area. (Supplied)
Chris Buckingham will run in the seat of Bass for the Labor Party. (Supplied)
Leading by example
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.
BythetimetheymigratedtoAustralia,hissense 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.
“Fromthereitgavemethemotivationtodream 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
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“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 wealsoneedtoacknowledgetheyoungpeopledoing amazing work out there.”
Kuol now devotes his time to mentoring and guiding other young people as a director at San-
down 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.
Father’s heartbreak relived
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.
Smooth move offer and final homes in Officer
Over-50s urged to act fast as Officer Lifestyle Estate nears sell-out.
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 resident-led 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 incentive 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
Harley Debnam’s stolen plaque. (Supplied)
Abraham Kuol is a 2026 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria finalist due to his mentorship, guidance and positive impact through sport for young people. (Supplied)
120-hectare park plans
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).
ing, 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.
ed Needletail, with potential habitat for Growling Grass Frog and Dwarf Galaxias.
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, hydrology 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 hous-
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 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 threatened fauna such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Grey-headed Flying Fox and White-throat-
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.
Greens candidate Kirwan vows to prioritise Cranbourne
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 two-party preferred basis across the state is because of projected preference flows.”
Mr Kirwan said the suburbs in the South-Eastern 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.
“ALaborgovernmenttalksaboutworkingfamilies, well, here are the working families. They’re
not wealthy. They’re working hard to bring up their families, and they’re being neglected.
“You only have to go to the main street of Cranbourne to see that there’s been no public investment.
“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 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 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 mega-projects 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.
“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.
Artist’s impression of the future Clyde Regional Park. (Parks Victoria)
Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan said what Cranbourne really needs is a public hospital, and that the new Cranbourne Community Hospital is not. (Stewart Chambers: 513882)
Mina’s extraordinary feat
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 ideation 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 teaching.
“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.
Deakin Uni study explores media’s vital role in this age
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 government 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.”
Professor Kristy Hess from Deakin University undertook a study into regional media with colleague Alison McAdam.
Mina Bolandhemati at her Master’s graduation. (Gary Sissons: 513457)More than 200 students graduated alongside Mina.
Care information session
Join us for an informative session at Summerset Cranbourne North, where you’ll gain valuable insights into the care and support options that will soon be available within our village centre, opening in 2026.
During the session, our team will present an overview of Summerset’s unique continuum of care—designed to support residents as their needs change over time. Whether you’re living independently or require a higher level of assistance, our flexible approach ensures you can
Care information session
Saturday 15 November, 10am
RSVP by 12 November
Summerset Cranbourne North
98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au
access the right care when you need it, without having to leave the community you call home.*
You’ll also learn about the different levels of care we offer, from day-to-day support such as cooking and cleaning to more comprehensive services, all delivered with compassion and professionalism by our dedicated staff.
Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be time to ask questions and speak with our team one-on-one.
A time to stop and reflect
By Ann-Marie Hermans MP
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 Australians 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 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.
Lest
Forget
So, on this Remembrance Day, I encourage you to bring your family members to a local ceremony to participate in the moment of silence, watch the flags be lowered, listen to the bugle play and sing the National Anthem with pride as we remember.
Lest We Forget.
Ann-Marie Hermans MP Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region Shadow Assistant Minister for Education ADVERTORIAL
It was a good idea...
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.
Services near you
Remembrance Day is next Tuesday 11 November. Here is a list of local commemorations in the City of Casey and the surrounding area.
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
Pearcedale
· When: 11 November, 9am
· Where: Pearcedale Public Hall, Pearcedale
Dandenong
· When: 11 November, 10.50am
· Where: Cnr Lonsdale St & Clow St, Dandenong
The Royal Commission did, however, recognise the importance of Mr De Mole’s innovative work.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lancelot Eldin De Mole, a Berwick Grammar student who claims to have invented the first tank.
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BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS FUNCTIONS
The magic of Christmas
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.
Judy Nunn in town
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.
“These are not necessarily immigrants. These are people, Americans or English, who happen
Charges
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-
to be staying here on holiday. It’s also Australians who live in Australia.
“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-
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-
On police watchlist
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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. (Supplied)
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‘Angel’ families left behind
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A locally formed Afghan Locally Engaged Employee (LEE) Association is still fighting for their endangered families to join them in Australia.
Its president Nisar worked as an interpreter with American and Australian forces in Afghanistan until he migrated under Australia’s LEE resettlement program in 2014.
He formed Afghan LEE Association (ALA), representing 50 interpreters, contractors, partner organisations and drivers who assisted Australian military and diplomatic missions.
With their deep knowledge of Afghan cultures, languages and localities, the LEE were key liasions for visiting forces.
But because of their work, LEE families remain very much in danger and stranded overseas.
“While our interpreters were protected by (the ADF) with ammunition, our families were without weapons,” Nisar says of the families’ sacrifices.
“At the moment we have families in Pakistan. Police can knock on the door, take everything from you and tell you to go back to Afghanistan.
“You have to bribe them to stay in Pakistan.”
Australia’s LEE resettlement program officially closed in 2023 and later extended to mid-2024, with more than 2500 visas granted to Afghan LEE and their close relatives since 2012.
However, an estimated 1000 LEE and family members remained stranded at the time of closure.
The Federal Government continues to process existing LEE applications in the meantime.
Afghan LEEs and families are still able to apply under an expanded humanitarian and family visa program for 26,500 Afghans through to 2025‘26.
Currently, only immediate family such as a spouse and dependent children under 18 are prioritized for resettlement.
A Government-commissioned review found this concept of family was incompatible in Afghanistan, which includes strong ties to siblings and extended family members.
As Nisar says: “In Afghanistan, if they can’t get the (LEE) they will get their brother or sister.”
The review found that if the program was open to extended family, the resettled LEE could be at the expense of UNHCR refugees.
Naval veteran Peter Erson, who worked closely with LEE interpreters in Afghanistan, regards them as “our guardian angels”.
He has written several letters on behalf of Afghan LEEs, requesting resettlement for their families hiding in Pakistan
So far, he’s had a success with a LEE’s sister and her kids gaining visa-entry and a safe home in Hallam.
But he’s disappointed that after more than a decade, there still remains a large backlog.
“This is not a backlog, this is just people sitting on their a***s.”
His former LEE interpreter Raz, who was awarded an ADF Bronze Commendation Badge for his service, says “we never felt safe for a second” .
“We were waiting – when are we getting killed? When will we get shot, or will they kidnap us, kill our families.”
Meanwhile, Raz’s family members remain stranded in Afghanistan despite applying for entry to Australia.
ADF veteran Bruno Bertucci, the RSL’s welfare advocate, says he’d worked closely with LEE interpreters.
“We are quite upset. We become family over there, our brothers-in-arms. A lot of them and their families made sacrifices.
“If it was up to us, they’d all be here because that’s what was promised.”
RSL dinner warmly reunites LEEs and veterans
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
It was an unlikely reunion after 18 long years.
Raz Mohammad and Peter Erson formed a bond of brotherhood in the Afghanistan war zone in 2007.
Raz was an Afghan Locally Engaged Employee (LEE), putting his and his family’s lives on the line as an interpreter and cultural guide for Australian forces.
He worked side by side with Peter, who was the ADF’s only investigator of non-combatant or civilian deaths.
In a role akin to NCIS, they examined scenes of unimaginable horror and peril.
In the aftermath of suicide bombings and IUD explosions, they searched for fingers in body bags in order to identify victims.
Yet after their work together ended, they had not seen each other for 18 years and had little idea of their whereabouts.
That was until the two spotted each other over a table at Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL this month.
It was at an Afghan veterans and interpreters thank-you dinner organised by the RSL, which followed a successful thank-you lunch for Iraqi interpreters in June.
Both get-togethers are believed to be a first of a kind in Australia. They are co-sponsored with Berwick RSL.
On his way to the reunion, Peter was skeptical about the Australian Government “keeping its word” about resettling LEEs in this country.
“In the back of my mind, I’m asking did the government bring them out. When I was invited to the dinner here, the first thing I wondered was if Raz was going to be there.
“Then across at the end of the table, lo and behold, there he is. Eighteen years later.
“I’m just so glad because he looked after us.”
Raz’s local insights were invaluable on the job. Such as advising the ADF not to trust a local police commander who promised to return a victim’s car to their family.
He showed conspicuous bravery when he ran in the line of fire to protect a motorcyclist who was shot after breaching an ADF checkpoint.
The rider in front of the wounded victim however was shot dead.
“Our soldiers told them to stop, stop. But they probably didn’t listen to the command, and our guys started shooting them.
“The one who was injured said please don’t shoot me. I hugged him and said no one will shoot you, I am here with you.”
He further de-escalated the situation, imploring local police to stop firing at the ADF in retaliation.
“I yelled at them to stop this shooting because this incident happened by mistake, the Australian forces didn’t intentionally shoot him. It happened accidentally.”
Thank-you dinner for Afghan veterans and interpreters on 6 October at Dandenong.
Raz later mediated with the dead rider’s grieving family, to resolve the incident in a “traditional Afghan way”. He was awarded an ADF Bronze Commendation Badge for his actions.
Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL veterans support services manager Vladimir Nagorny said the aim of the thank-you events was to formerly recognise the interpreters’ service.
“These men and women were the eyes, ears, and advisers of the Australian Defence Force during the mission — often putting their own lives, and the safety of their families, at great risk.
“It has taken considerable time and effort to have their service properly recognised within the RSL community.”
Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL veterans support manager Vladimir Nagorny, LEE interpreter Raz, veteran Peter Ensor, Afghan LEEs Sheraz, Aman and Nisar, RSL welfare advocate Bruno Bertucci and LEE Salaiman. (Gary Sissons: 511503)
Peter Ensor and Raz Mohammad reunited in Dandenong after serving together in Afghanistan in 2007. (Gary Sissons: 511503)
(Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL)
HAMPTON PARK SC CLASS OF 2025
Lanah’s Spooky Manor
By Violet Li
Driving along Collison Road in Cranbourne East, everything looks typically quiet: long stretches of paddocks, horses grazing behind fences, and neat semi-rural homes.
But then, suddenly, there comes the unexpected.
At 31 Collison Road, a front yard explodes in orange, black, and bone-white.
Skeletons on the roof, astride bikes, and scattered across the grass stare out from every direction. Ghosts sway gently in the breeze. Pumpkins grin from the garden beds, and tombstones crowd the lawn in a cheerful kind of chaos.
It’s impossible to miss — this is Lanah’s Spooky Manor.
Ever since 2020, each October, Alannah Pollett transforms her property into a spooky wonderland that draws hundreds of stunned visitors.
“I started collecting things during Covid, and every year, I’ve just added more and more and more. It is getting bigger every single year,” she said.
“I literally started with one inflatable pumpkin and one inflatable spider. And it just kept growing and growing, and now I make my own things.”
The Spooky Manor now features around more than 15 skeletons (with the number still growing), an eight-foot-wide spider, witches, clowns, and even a headless horseman.
Lanah recalled when she took four skeletons from Carnegie to Cranbourne via the train line.
“I put two skeletons on the floor, and I had two on my lap. And we just travelled all the way back to Cranbourne,” she said.
“Lucky, though, they are of the normal size.”
Many of the props are imported from the United States, as it’s really hard to come across that many props here in Australia.
This year, Lanah estimated that she spent around $10,000.
Last year, around 600 children came through for trick-or-treating, and this year, Lanah expect-
ed around 1,000 of them.
“It’s just about finding fun and something nice for other people,” Lanah said.
“It’s not about me. It’s about them and seeing their faces and making them feel happy.”
At night, Spooky Manor comes alive with glowing pumpkins, neon lights, and eerie shadows dancing across the property.
Lanah’s French Bulldog also joins the show, dressed up and darting between props.
“It’s a lot of work for one night of the year,” Lanah admitted.
“But luckily, it’s on a Friday this year. So, we’ll have some kids coming in late, not needing to go to bed at seven or eight at night.
“And honestly, if you came back in the dark, it looks completely different. There are lights un-
derneath the big skeleton on the roof. I’ve got a neon sign.”
Lanah has also been grateful for her workplace support and the community spirit around her.
“My neighbours have been really helpful,” she said.
“They’ve been coming over every night, going, what can I do to help?”
And once the skeletons and cobwebs come down, the magic doesn’t stop.
“I do Christmas as well,” Lanah said.
“Last year, I dressed up one of the big skeletons as our Santa Claus.
“Dual purpose.”
Welcome to Lanah’s Spooky Manor! (Violet Li)
Smiling skeleton. Rock time!
Spooktacular in Lynbrook
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.
Devershi, Vani, and Shlok enjoyed an evening of elegance. (Rob Carew: 513842)
Elena won Second Prize for Best Dressed Girl 7-10yo.
The rain held off. Vern from the Lynbrook Residents Association was thankful for the dry weather.
Damien Rosario and Casey Councillor Carolyn Eaves joined by members of the Lynbrook Residents Association. They ran the event and even swept the floors at the end.
Liane captured the mood of Halloween in Lynbrook.
Dad Jake with Leonidas and Braxton.
Sisters Elena and Alicia.
Mum Vern with her Boys, Shae and Jed.
Siya, Yogin, and Gabhira under the lights of Lynbrook.
Leonidas and Alexander.
Crackdown on child-abuse
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
Jail for Uber Eats carjacking
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Anarmed,drugged-upcarjackerwhowasamong 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.
Thevictim–aninternationalstudentwhohad 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.
Laterthatmorning,policespottedVoiceerratically 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’scar,butitwasthe“dumbest”thinghe’ddone.
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,facedamandatorynon-paroleperiodofthree 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.
Theycontributedtoimpulsivity,poordecision 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
Casey’s Spring into Summer initiative
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
Crimestoppers Victoria and Victoria Police campaign targeting offenders viewing and sharing child-abuse material.
WHAT’S ON
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
Trades & Services
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.
Bauer guides Clyde home
By Justin Schwarze
A captain’s innings from Trevor Bauer guided Clyde to victory over Pakenham at Toomuc Reserve in round five of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) Premier Division.
Bauer battled at the crease all afternoon and reached a hard-earned 102 not out from 243 balls.
At stumps chasing 184, the Cougars were 1/4, but the skipper quickly asserted himself and dug deep on day two.
Tristan Walton (4), Clyde’s night watchman, departed in the 12th over and Yashan Gunasinghage (10) couldn’t add much damage.
Then, a massive partnership between Bauer and Shamil Samarasinghe got the innings right back on track.
Bauer raised the bat for his half ton, followed by Samarasinghe.
Victory was well in sight for the visitors when Samarasinghe (57) departed but Clyde was at 4/143.
A couple more wickets fell but Bauer inched closer to the ton, bringing it up as the Cougars neared the target.
It was only fitting he also hit the winning runs, going unbeaten all day to fuel the triumph.
“It summed up the ebbs and flows of an innings,” Bauer said of his performance.
“Extremely proud of the knock but more so proud that we got the win, that’s as rewarding of a result that anyone could want.
“To start really well and then feel like you’ve had the handbrake pulled is a mental challenge.
“The longer you’re out there, the more opportunities you will get to score.
“It was a combination of sticking with it when the ebb hits and making the most of your luck as well.”
The win was a big bounce back for Clyde after the Cougars had dropped their previous two games.
It was a result defined by grit, as Clyde was forced to field with 10 fields for a large chunk of day one due to an injury.
“I think we were confident given we gave ourselves the opportunity to win the game,” Bauer
said of the mindset after day one.
“We were able to bowl Pakenham out through adversity.
“We were able to band together and perform day one and I think leading into day two we were able to break down some targets.
“I think it’s huge.
“It looks like Tooradin, Kooweerup and Cardy are going to be very strong but fourth position is up for grabs.
“Bouncing back from the two losses against two of the three top sides I feel we were able to assess that.
“I’m proud of the guys for not going to panic stations, we’re still a good cricket side that is learning.
“We were able to take a step forward with the win against Pakenham.
“The takeaway is belief.”
Tooradin remains undefeated after handling business against Kooweerup.
Cal O’Hare (30) and Josh Lownds (37) laid the foundation for Lahiru Jayakody (89) to dominate at Rutter Park.
Wickets in quick succession derailed the middle order for the Seagulls, but Tyler Evans stopped the bleeding.
Evans batted wonderfully, pacing his way to 55 not out off 84 balls, bringing the hosts to victory at 6/261.
Cardinia secured itself the outright result and extra eight ladder points by thrashing Upper Beaconsfield.
The first innings belonged to Matt Welsh, the second belonged to Lachlan Volpe.
The Maroons resumed play on 2/19 and quickly Volpe shredded the batting order.
Dominic Evans (56) and Tyler Astle (24) provided the only resistance as the visitors posted five ducks on their way to being rolled for 98.
Cardinia got to its target in 24 overs, with Matt Welsh (49 not out) and Morteza Ali (21) doing majority of the scoring.
In round five, Kooweerup hosts Cardinia, Devon Meadows welcomes Clyde to town, Tooradin visits Officer and Pakenham travels to face Upper Beaconsfield.
Dandenong record comfortable win
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Vic Premier Cricket club Dandenong is sitting 2-1 after chasing down Kingston-Hawthorn’s 197 on Saturday.
Opener Ryan Hammel guided the chase with a measured 65 opening the batting helping get the Panthers within touching distance of the target.
A collapse of 4/14 left the hosts needing 25 runs with three wickets in hand, with Matthew Wilson taking responsibility to score an unbeaten 25, while Gehan Seneviratne played an important hand, remaining unbeaten with five off 25.
It followed Noah Hurley’s five-wicket haul for Dandenong on Day 1.
Dandenong’s Second XI suffered a rare reverse outright loss.
After Venuk Hemachandra’s century set up the game for Dandenong, which scored 255 in the first innings, Kingston-Hawthorn was bowled out for 117.
Searching for an outright, Dandenong scored a prompt 3/128 declared with Brad Eccles’ run-aball 42 leading the way.
It gave the Panthers 269 to defend as they searched for eight wickets.
But strong contributions from each of Kingston-Hawthorn’s top five got them back into the contest.
Tyler Evans took two quick wickets late in the day to have Kingston-Hawthorn eight down but they still found a way to victory.
In the Third XI, gritty bottom-order resistance from Kingston-Hawthorn staved off a Dandenong win, with the Panthers able to take only eight wickets after setting 397 for victory.
The Fourth XI had a thrilling two-wicket win, chasing down 238 off the back of a Kartikay Sharma century and unbeaten Finley Corrie 52 to finish the run chase.
Dandenong’s women comfortably chased down Plenty Valley’s 140 in their first one-dayer of the season.
Rituja Talekar took 3/20 opening the bowling before Isla Thompson anchored the run chase with a run a ball 78.
Alleged ball tampering
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Vic Premier Cricket Club Casey-South Melbourne has been accused of ball tampering in its First XI match against Melbourne Cricket Club at Casey Fields on Saturday.
The match ball was allegedly scraped across a concrete surface after a boundary was hit early in the day’s play.
The transgression was immediately noticed, with the ball replaced and a five run penalty conceded.
The umpires reported the code of conduct breach, with Cricket Victoria in charge of taking any necessary action against the captain, player/s involved and if appropriate, the team.
The Swans lost by three wickets after its target of 306 was chase down by a Melbourne side spearheaded by state-capped pair Campbell Kellaway (30 not out) and Jon Merlo (81).
Casey South Melbourne was contacted for comment.
Matthew Wilson scored an unbeaten 25 for Dandenong. (Rob Carew: 447913)
Trevor Bauer fought his way to 102 not out in Clyde’s victory. (Stewart Chambers: 514281)
CASEY CARDINIA CRICKET ASSOCIATION ROUND 5 REVIEW
Cricket world in mourning
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.
Tribute for young cricketer Ben Austin at Warragul.
Tribute for young cricketer Ben Austin at Drouin, with similar scenes occurring at matches around the state.
A minute silence for Ben Austin in a Casey Cardinia Cricket Association match at Pakenham.
Garfield-Tynong Cricket Club paid their respects.
Cricketer Ben Austin died after he was injured during a net session. (Supplied)
Tribute for young cricketer Ben Austin at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club on Thursday. (Stewart Chambers: 514281)
Let’s Talk Sport
WITH DAVE NAGEL, JONTY RALPHSMITH, JUSTIN SCHWARZE AND BLAIR BURNS
Cricket care and wellbeing
JONTY: A sombre week in the cricketing world after what happened at the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club nets last Tuesday in circumstances that everyone in the cricketing fraternity can relate to. I think the great familiarity of the circumstances that caused Ben Austin to die playing the game he loved shook the cricket fraternity. Justin, I’ll start with you, your emotions and reactions when the news surfaced.
JUSTIN: There’s no word other than tragic. A young man loses his life doing something he loves. It’s scarily familiar, especially in Australian perspective after Phillip Hughes’ death a decade ago. Firstly, thoughts to everyone that was involved. There’s a family, there’s a cricket club, there’s also someone at the other end who has thrown that cricket ball. There’s so much entangled in this and the support has been immense but I think we need to wrap our arms around the surrounding people involved in this tragedy. It’s an emotional time for the sport and unfortunately it’s an eye-opener again.
JONTY: It’s had a ripple effect in the community. I was out with a couple of mates on Sunday who had our cricket club caps on and people came and spoke to us about cricket safety so it has certainly opened a conversation. But you mentioned the Phillip Hughes heartbreak. As tragic as it was and not to minimise what happened, community cricketers felt removed from it to a degree because of the extra speed and difficulty of cricket at that level. By this happening at a participatory level, it means those conversations now can’t be ignored. It hits much closer to home.
BLAIR: It was terrible. It makes me feel sick sitting here thinking about it. It was a terrible tragedy and everyone involved need thoughts and best wishes extended. I think it’s something that affects everyone who plays cricket. Lots of people play local cricket and the fact it has happened at that level impacts people in a different way. We take the field every week, you go to training and it’s not even a consideration or possibility so when something like that does happen to someone so young, it’s obviously a terrible time but hopefully they can get through it by uniting together.
JONTY: That’s a good segue to what I wanted to bring up next: unity. One thing that was really apparent with ben Austin was how involved in his cricket and footy clubs he was. He was that prototypical junior that lived for Saturday and loved his sport. The role of local sporting clubs as a whole is something that comes into conversation at a time like this as well. There are clubs coming together to support each other but Ben seemed to be one who used the platform and reach of local cricket to grow and meet people within and outside of cricket
JUSTIN: Sports clubs goes a lot deeper than the players. Community sport is a unifier that brings everyone together and that’s talking about umpires, supporters, sponsors. These are local towns that get around all of these things. There is so much that goes into sport. It’s an escape for some people from work but it’s also a hub for connectedness. Community sport is one of the most important things that we have and for a guy like Ben who is a sport fanatic to have touched so many lives shows there is so many different ways impact sport. It’s good to see all the rallying around thisclubs that aren’t even local to Ben are supporting the people around Ben which shows community sport is bigger than the game.
JONTY: IPL clubs and the Barmy Army were paying tribute to him. We have these concocted or built up rivalries that disappear when something like this happens.
BLAIR: Local sport plays a major role for everyone. I grew up in Hamilton in south west Victoria and you see the impact of local footy or cricket clubs on people’s belonging. It gives people another home. The world revolves around local sport in a large capacity. You only get past something this tragic when everyone bands together. The outpouring of support from all levels has no doubt been overwhelming in a positive way. The reach this has had and amount of people impacted shows how big the sport community is.
JONTY: The mental wellbeing side of sport is something that can be overlooked. The significant role it plays for kids to learn lessons of life in a relatively low stakes environment surrounded by, generally, good people can’t be understated and Ben was one of so many who would have felt that.
JUSTIN: Question without notice - we walked into the office this morning and a colleague said that it was a sad time for the cricket world but from an outsider’s perspective who doesn’t play cricket - for two people who play the sport, what is it like being participants of the sport and dealing with something like this.
JONTY: It’s interesting you ask that because on Sunday I had a net session with three or four people and every time we go down, we get the whanger out. Now we ask ‘do we do that now’? Our club has just introduced a ban on sidearm mechanisms for the junior cricket club in light of the incident. What this event has noticeably done is start a conversation about cricket safety.
BLAIR: These sort of things I get shaken by. I remember being young when Phil Hughes passed away. I was very young and only just starting to play cricket but it did affect me for quite a while and it affects everyone differently. Last week I had some mates going for a net session on Friday and I decided not to go. And it wasn’t necessarily a worry about what could happen but it felt almost disrespectful because Ben had no decision and his life was cut short. Even further on that, it does start the safety discussion. In the days following, I was online looking for stem guards I could get for my helmet and I asked my brother if I could use his helmet because he does have that guard. Before this, we should have this already, but it does magnify those concerns about equipment and safety.
JONTY: What I think a lot of non-cricketers don’t realise is that they are not mandated at a com-
munity level; only recommended. It’s a piece of equipment that can be bought separately, it doesn’t come with all helmets. If you have to go out of your way to buy it, you might not be inclined to do so because you think ‘it’s not going to happen to me at a local level’. If someone asked me what percentage of people wear the stem guard, I would say 10 per cent.
BLAIR: I’d probably agree and probably moreso the firsts and seconds
JUSTIN: And this happened at training, it wasn’t even in a game. That’s another conversation that is started. If you’re batting, you should be wearing the full equipment at all times.
BLAIR: It should be made easier to get these neck guards. I don’t know the bridges to get that done but you would think that then much more people would be wearing them. Like Jonty said, with the climate as it is at the moment when you’re buying one, if you’re not playing professional cricket, it’s probably not one of your main thoughts. The other thing is it shines a light on how dangerous the sidearms can be. I think from my own perspective, there has been times where people who haven’t used it much pick it up and you don’t think of it as a concern but you probably have to be introducing training within clubs about how to use them safely.
JONTY: Absolutely because a lot of people would be able to relate that the inexperienced user is very likely to give you a full toss. I don’t know why that is, but when it comes out, it tends to be early if you’ve had limited practice with them. The other thing is cricket net safety as a whole is probably brought into attention. We have something on our nets about net safety and etiquette. A lot of it is obvious but things like making sure you have your eyes on the ball at all times because that can be a hazard. There is also plenty of room at the back of a lot of nets for people to have a conversation, maybe that sort of thing should be done
from the safety of the other side of the nets now. BLAIR: For me, it feels unfair that nothing has happened to me in the nets. All clubs should probably understand the dangers of the net. People are often just chatting to each other about the week and someone has smashed one back and has everyone ducking for cover.
JONTY: Absolutely. I think we should touch on some of the tributes as well. Tooradin was one of the very first clubs not directly involved with Ben to post a tribute and obviously so many have followed. And our heart goes out to a couple of local clubs we cover with which he has had involvement with. Lyndale Cricket Club where he won a junior premiership a couple of years ago, and the Noble Park Football Club, where Ben’s Dad Jace is a former reserves coach. But I’m pretty certain that every club in the Casey Cardinia, Dandenong District and Warragul District wore black arm bands, had a minute silence, or put their bats out on Saturday, and in most cases, multiple of the above.
JUSTIN: Yes, the cricket community is definitely a special one in the sense that the support has been immense. To see community group posts with people having their bats out and photos of helmets and bats out at the Warragul District games shows that this hits everyone hard. So many people love the sport at a community level and are there with their mates at the end of the day. It’s touching to see the community come together on a day where it would have been completely understandable if you didn’t want to play or be involved in the sport.
BLAIR: I just wanted to add, my thoughts go out to the Mulgrave Cricket Club as well in the Eastern Cricket Association where I play. He was involved in so many clubs and that speaks to the person he was and how many people he touched with his life. It’s really good to see the outpouring of support and people rallying around.
Ben Austin will be remembered as a cricketer who played the game in the correct spirit. (Stewart Chambers: 514260)
