News - Cranbourne Star News - 11th December 2025

Celebrate the spirit of the season with our 12-page Christmas in

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All roads lead to Christmas

By Violet Li and Jensy Callimootoo

December is set to

sparkle across the City of Casey!

Before your family celebration begins at home, join the celebration of your second family — the community —with a festive line-up of carols, markets, movie nights, Santa runs, and community feasts bringing thousands together to celebrate the season.

Across the month, one of the early highlights is the Community Neighbourhood BBQ on Friday 12 December at the Cranbourne West Community Hub, a family-friendly evening run by the Cranbourne Scouts and Venturers, complete with a fundraising sausage sizzle and games for kids.

That same night, Tooradin’s much-loved Christmas on the Foreshore will light up Western Port with food trucks, live entertainment and a fireworks finale.

Festivities ramp up over the weekend. On Saturday 13 December, Gethsemane’s Clyde Christmas Carols returns to Hillcrest Christian College oval, hosted by singer and pastor Kerrigan LaBrooy.

With rides, craft stalls, food vendors, giveaways and a “Christmas Miracle” gift for every registered child, the event continues to grow as one of Clyde’s biggest community celebrations.

Not far away, the Lynbrook Christmas Festival and Market brings together an energetic mix of market stalls, rides, stilt walkers, face painting, an animal farm, a full stage program and, of course, Santa.

In Cranbourne North, the Friends of the Tulliallan Elms host their third annual Christmas Under the Elms, a charming evening under heritage-listed trees featuring a free outdoor movie, face painting, hot food stalls, local vendors, per-

formances from Melbourne Youth Chorale and free Santa photos.

Hampton Park joins the celebrations on Friday 19 December with the Casey City Church Carols, offering live performances, food trucks, rides and a fireworks finale at Cairns Road Reserve.

Markets take centre stage on Saturday 20 December, when the Pearcedale Community Market – Christmas Edition fills the historic hall and gardens with live music, produce stalls, handmade gifts, children’s activities and festive food.

Coastal villages mark the season with the Warneet–Blind Bight CFA Santa Run on Sunday 14 December, as Santa travels through town aboard a fire truck to the delight of local families.

There are also two major community celebra-

tions on Sunday 21 December: the Find A Penny Foundation Christmas BBQ in Hampton Park, calling for volunteers to help feed and support families in need, and Turningpoint Lyndhurst’s Free Community Christmas Celebrations at Marriott Waters, featuring carols, games and a sausage sizzle.

Looking for things to do closer to the North side of Casey? Here’s a list:

Wilson Botanic Park is hosting a free and special Elf Scavenger Hunt as part of their 12 Days of Christmas initiative. Those involved can scour the grounds for cheeky Christmas Elves by looking for clues around the park, with a reward at the end.

If you’re looking for ways to give back this Christmas, there are many local organisations and charities that will be hosting soup kitchens, luncheons and gift donations throughout the month.

On Sunday 10 December, CFA Narre Warren will be making their rounds with Santa, who will be stopping at several locations. One of them includes Ray Bastin Reserve, where donations

for non-perishable food items will be accepted, which will be taken to Transit Soup Kitchen.

Bk 2 Basics in Narre Warren will be accepting toys for children until 19 December at their hub. The local charity will be donating three to five gifts to each child who is referred by organisations around Melbourne.

A Giving Machine has also been installed in Fountain Gate, where those who take part can donate to a specific cause and charity in a vending machine-like process. From filling a pantry with food to supplying a backpack full of products for a child.

Bodega on High has collaborated with the Casey Council to bring a one-of-a-kind event to Berwick’s High Street. On Saturday 20 December, locals are invited to take a stroll along the main street, which has been decorated for the first time in years. The event is due to have a visit from Santa, face painters, roving performers and a range of shops and cafes to choose from.

On Christmas Eve, Max Pawsey Reserve will yet again be hosting its magical Christmas carols. The beloved event began in 1975, when generations of families attended in celebration of the season. Throughout the night, there will be rides, food trucks, a Santa visit and a firework show at 9.15pm.

And finally, if you’re on your own this Christmas day, experiencing hardship or just looking for good company, Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support will be hosting a special community Christmas Lunch. Lunch will be served at 12pm at the Transit Food support.

Those who want to donate a lunch can also do so.

For details on each event, please refer to the What’s On section of our paper.

Christmas has arrived in Casey. (Supplied)

Christmas decorations on High Street, Cranbourne. (Stewart Chambers: 523156)

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ADVERTORIAL

A year to remember Message from MP

To everyone in the South-East, My team and I would like to wish you and your loved ones a great festive season.

This time of year, we reflect on what we’re grateful for and how we can support each other. As your local member, I know that many of you are weathering the storm of financial hardship and that this time of year can be hard in other ways.Pleaselookafteryourselvesandcelebratein whatever way feels right. Remember that support is always available. Local support service details can be found on my web page at rachelpayne. com.au/support-services and can be translated into multiple languages on the website.

I will be spending the summer with loved ones – two and four legged! – reading, walking on our beautiful beaches and cooking. Please come and say hi if you see me out and about. And let me know if there’s a special place or business I should visit.

This year, I have been proud to stand up for our community. I will continue working hard to ensure you feel like you have a voice in parliament and elsewhere. Wishing you a wonderful festive season.

Rachel Payne MP, Member for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region

Rachel Payne MP, Member for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region.

2025 has been an incredible year at Melbourne Acrobatic Gymnastics Academy, one filled with growth, resilience and unforgettable moments for our athletes, families and our coaching team.

From our tiniest KinderGYM members taking their first confident steps on the floor, to our senior squad athletes representing MAGA at competitions, this year has been all about progress, connection and believing in what’s possible. We’ve celebrated personal milestones, team achievements, and the kind of quiet wins that mean the most - confidence built, friendships formed and young people discovering what they’re capable of.

Our community continues to grow, and

with it, our vision to provide a safe, supportive and inspiring environment for children of all ages to learn through movement. Gymnastics at MAGA is about so much more than skills and routines, it’s about building strong bodies, resilient minds, and a sense of belonging that supports each child both in and out of the gym.

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited for new programs, new opportunities and the continued growth of our athletes and staff. We are incredibly grateful to our families and community for your trust and support this year.

Here’s to another year of confidence, courage and joy in motion.

Stephanie Fuller - Melbourne Acrobatic Gymnastics Academy. (513881)

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across the City of Casey, with a range of festive decorations to match local residents’ wonderful homes.

Tree Rockin’ Christmas vibes

Hundreds gain Helping Hand

Up to 1000 families in need will be feted with free food, clothing, entertainment at a Helping Hand Day in Dandenong North on Friday 12 December.

We Care Community Services will be spreading Christmas joy as it gives away poultry, fresh produce, pantry items, selfcare hampers, BBQ and family-friendly activities.

The event aims to support local families, encourage community connection, and provide essential resources to those in need.

In the lead-up, volunteers assembled 1000 self-care hampers to give away – after more than 900 people attended last year’s event.

The not-for-profit group was formed in 1997 to help families in hardship, including many asylum seekers and refugees without income.

Among its great deeds are free clothes and food on Thursdays and Fridays - a service that has supported more than 2800 people in the past year.

We Care also provides a weekly playgroup, bringing together disadvantaged families and children who have struggled for connection due to language and cultural barriers.

Its high-school financial support program has also helped more than 12,000 students in the past year.

We Care also stages motivational visits at 15 schools, with positive rappers and topics such as living your best life, supporting friends and mental health.

Helping Hand Day is on Friday 12 December, 4pm-7pm at 307 Gladstone Road, Dandenong; free event.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS ACROSS CASEY

Enjoy the Christmas spirit, light a candle, and sing along to your favourite carols at these locations across the city.

Christmas on the Foreshore

Friday 12 December, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Tooradin Foreshore

There will be a fireworks display.

Narre Warren North Community Carols

Saturday 13 December, 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm

A’Beckett Road Reserve, Narre Warren North

Gethsemane Clyde Carols by Candlelight 2025

Saturday 13 December, 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Hillcrest Christian College, 500 Soldiers Road, Clyde North

Endeavour Hills Community Carols

Saturday 13 December, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Reveal Church, 2-8 Gleneagles Drive,

Endeavour Hills

There will be a fireworks display at 9:15 pm.

Cranbourne Community Christmas Carols Sunday 14 December, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Cranbourne Presbyterian Church, 195 Sladen Street, Cranbourne

Casey Christmas Carols 2025 Friday 19 December, 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Cairns Road Reserve, corner of Cairns Road and Campbell Drive, Hampton Park

There will be a fireworks display at 9:30 pm.

Endeavour Hills Classic Carols 2025 Friday 19 December, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

David Collins Drive Reserve, Endeavour Hills

Carols by Twilight Wednesday 24 December, 7:00 pm to 9:20 pm

Max Pawsey Reserve, Narre Warren.

Carols return to Max Pawsey! Come along and celebrate the 50th anniversary of this event. There will be rides, food trucks, a visit from Santa and a fireworks display at 9.15 pm.

Christmas carol events across the City of Casey are community led and supported by Council. For more local events, visit casey.vic.gov.au

We Care project coordinator Nikki PihamaBishop (left) with volunteers. (520923)

Roscoe gets into the Christmas spirit on a community pantry day last Friday. (Stewart Chambers: 520923)

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Scholarship program on offer

Community Bank Scholarship Program Supports Local Students’ Education.

Students from Narre Warren South, Tooradin & Coastal Villages and Pearcedale will once again benefit from the Community Bank Scholarship Program, which helps cover study costs during their first year of higher education.

Sonia Draxler, Executive Officer of Our Community Company Ltd, a franchisee of Bendigo Bank, said the scholarship program was launched in 2012 with the aim of giving local students the support they need to pursue their academic dreams. An investment in education yields great long-term dividends, and by helping young people access tertiary education, the benefits extend to the students, their families, and the wider community.

The Community Bank Scholarship Program is described as transformative, changing the lives of students and strengthening communities. Our young people are our future, and we believe they deserve the best support possible to help forge their careers and achieve their dreams.

Since its inception, OCC has supported 69 students, contributing a total of $627,000 through the scholarship program. The scholarships are available to eligible students who will begin their studies at University or TAFE in 2025. Successful applicants will receive funding for two years of university study or one year of TAFE education.

Applications are open now until 31 January, 2026. For further information contact Sonia Draxler on 0412 057 791.

Back by overwhelming demand, Melbourne’s most beloved festive tradition is returning to captivate hearts all over again. Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is set to dazzle visitors from 28 November to 24 December 2025 at Caulfield Racecourse, offering an enchanting three-hour walk-through experience that brings every cherished moment of Christmas to life. From the sparkle of the lights to the sound of every HO HO HO, this magical wonderland promises memories that will last long after the tinsel is packed away.

Under The Grand Big Top, families will be immersed in a breathtaking world of decorations, towering trees, shimmering displays and festive cheer at every turn—an experience especially advisable for children aged 10 and under. This year, the much-loved Care Bears arrive in Melbourne with their brand-new Care Bears Wish Land, featuring colourful inflatables, a huge Christmas tree and special meet-and-greets.

Each session includes a spectacular live show

starring the Care Bears, international circus performers, plus Santa and Mrs Claus themselves. Visitors can also enjoy roller skating, Mrs Claus’ cosy Storytelling Village, magical photo zones, Rudolph’s Barnyard, the North Pole Post Office, and the delightfully mischievous Grinch Land for family photos and so much more.

Little ones can spin on the teacups, ride the mini carousel, hop aboard the train, or leap into the Christmas spirit on themed jumping castles. Creative minds will adore The Factory and the Christmas Craft Villages, where gingerbread foam decorations, stockings, and plaster ornaments come to life.

With roving characters, carnival games, children’srides,refreshmentsandmore,Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is everything you love about Christmas—wrapped into one unforgettable experience.

Don’t miss your chance to step into the magic… Christmas is calling!

Community Bank Scholarship Program supports local students’ education.

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Experience joy of Christmas

Experience the joy of Christmas at Marriott Waters Shopping Centre.

Get ready to celebrate the festive season with an exciting lineup of family-friendly Christmas activities.

Mark your calendars and join us for these magical events:

Sunday 14 December

· Festive Face Painting: 10 am – 1 pm

· Let your little ones shine with bright, festive face-painting designs!

Sunday, 21 December

· Christmas Gingerbread Man Decorating: 10 am

– 1 pm

· Unleash your creativity and personalise a toasty gingerbread man with Ms Claus and her Elf. 6, 13, 14, 20 December

· Free Photo Sessions with Santa: 10 am – 1pm

· Capture the magic of Christmas with Santa and his fun-loving elf helper, ready to sprinkle extra joy, laughter and festive sparkle into every photo.

Bring the whole family and don’t miss these wonderful activities that will make your holiday season extra special.

We can’t wait to see you there!

For more updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Bendigo Bank Marriott Water’s team - Chris Wood, Carolynne Johnson, Ros Geurts and Preety Kaur.

Ingredients

225g self raising flour

175g sugar

3 eggs

175g margarine/butter

Method

1 level teaspoon cinnamon

3 apples (peeled and cored)

Christmas Recipes

Granny’s Apple Cake

1. Beat margarine and sugar together until pale.

2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Stir in sieved flour and cinnamon.

4. Roughly chop2 ½ apples and stir into mixture.

5. Place into greased and base lined 900g/2lb loaf tin.

6. Slice the remaining half apple into thin slices/circles and arrange on top of mixture.

7. Bake in pre-heated oven 190C/375F/Gas 5 for approximately 30 minutes.

8. Allow to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then turn onto a wire tray to cool.

9. Enjoy.

Classic Trifle

Ingredients

2 x 85 g Port Wine Jelly

1 x 400 g sponge or jam roll, sliced fresh strawberries, sliced

1 x 800 g can peach slices in juice, drained and juice reserved

1.4 kg double thick vanilla custard

300 mL thickened cream, whipped ½ cup flaked almonds, toasted

Method

• Prepare the Port Wine Jelly according to pack instructions, pour into a trifle bowl (approx. 3 L capacity) and refrigerate until set.

• Pour the custard over the set jelly, top with peaches followed by the cut cake or jam roll. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved juice over the cake layer.

• Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve; Top with whipped cream, strawberries and a sprinkle of flaked almonds.

Ingredients

200g Toblerone chocolate

400g cream

2 tablespoons honey

Method

• Whip the cream, until soft peaks form

• Melt the toblerone

• Stir in the honey

• Fold into the cream.

Place in fridge for 2-3 hours prior to serving.

Ingredients

2 peaches, diced 2 avocados, diced ½ punnet cherry tomatoes, halved Handful of baby spinach, chopped Fresh basil, chopped 120g feta, crumbled

Method

1. Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the diced peaches, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped baby spinach, and chopped basil.

2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until well combined and slightly emulsified.

3. Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to coat, being careful not to mash the avocado.

4. Add the feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top. Give the salad a final light toss or leave as-is for presentation.

5. Serve: Serve immediately for the freshest flavour, or chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Dressing

Juice of half a lemon

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

1 ½ tbsp olive oil

Salt, to taste

Chocolate Toblerone Dip

(Great with a fruit platter and even better with sweet treats)

Peach and Avocado Salad

Shop and win for Christmas

Thompson Parkway Shopping Centre is the place

to be this Festive Season! Customers have the chance to win a share in $500 of Centre gift voucherstospendthisChristmas.VisittheCentreonSaturday 20 December for your chance to WIN!

We will have a Christmas treat for local children with FREE Christmas Books being handed out from Saturday 20 to Wednesday 24 December by our roving Christmas Characters from 1pm to 3pm.

Enjoy the freshest seafood from T & S Seafoods, Cranbourne Meats has a huge range of halal meat and the Oz Fresh Fruit & Vegetable market offers great fresh produce including a delicious range of cakes and delicious delicacies to impress your guests.

The Centre is also celebrating the opening of Anytime Fitness with a fantastic competition offering three prizes to three lucky winners.

Anytime Fitness is proud to welcome the Cranbourne North community to its brand-new club at Thompson Parkway Shopping Centre. Offering 24/7 access, premium equipment, and a dedicated recovery zone, the new location delivers fitness and convenience right where you shop.

The Cranbourne community are invited to become founding members and take advantage of an exclusive introductory offer, including 8 weeks free, $0 joining fee and special discounted rates!

Don’t miss your chance to start your fitness journey with a club designed to help you achieve real results—anytime. Contact Anytime Fitness at

Anytime Fitness is proud to welcome the Cranbourne North community to its brand-new club at Thompson Parkway Shopping Centre.

thompsonpark@anytimefitness.com.au or phone 0403 977 790. Live local, shop local. Visit www.thompsonparkway.com for more information.

Thompson Parkway Shopping Centre is the place to be this Festive Season!

Festive photo opportunities

Christmas is set to shine a little brighter this year at Shopping on Clyde, with the return of festive Santa photography proudly delivered by Blue Wolf Photography.

Families are invited to step into a joyful Christmas experience where memories are captured, printed, and cherished for years to come.

Running across selected dates in December, Santa will be available from 11am to 2pm, offering families the chance to enjoy a relaxed, walkup photo session with no bookings required.

Children will receive a free small gift, adding a little extra magic to their visit.

Blue Wolf Photography’s professional setup ensures every image feels warm, high-quality, and beautifully seasonal.

A range of affordable photo packages is available, including digital image bundles, custom 8x12 Christmas prints, and value packs designed for gifting to family and friends.

Prices start from just $34, making it accessible for families wanting to capture a special moment without the stress of long queues or high costs.

With a reputation for friendly service and exceptional quality, Blue Wolf Photography continues its commitment to preserving family memories in a fun, child-friendly environment.

This year’s Christmas event promises to be a highlight for Clyde families and a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season.

Merry Christmas to all from St Germain precinct

The St Germain Health & Wellness Precinct - including St Germain Superclinic, Marina Radiology and Anytime Fitness - wishes our community a warm, safe, and joyful Christmas.

Thank you for your continued support throughout this year, and we look forward to helping you stay healthy, happy, and strong in 2026.

Here are a few small messages from the tenants:

· Marina Radiology wishes our community a

safe, joyful festive season and a healthy start to 2026.

· Anytime Fitness wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas! There’s no better way to kick-start 2026 than by joining the AF community.

· St Germain Superclinic wishes our community a warm, safe, and restful Christmas season. We thank you for trusting us with your care throughout the year and look forward to supporting your health and wellbeing in 2026.

Wellness starts right here at St.Germain Central.

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Giving the young fair shot

Labor promised a fairer pathway into home ownership and the Albanese Labor Government is delivering through our 5 per cent First Home Guarantee.

For too long, young Australians have felt locked out of the housing market. They’ve been told to work harder, save more, or simply give up on the dream of owning a home. The truth is, many young people have been doing everything right but still struggling to save a deposit while paying rent and covering everyday costs.

Since coming to government in 2022, housing has been one of our top priorities. In our first term, we introduced a limited version of the 5% deposit scheme, and already 2,041 people in Holt have taken that step into their first home. That’s 2,041 families who no longer feel stuck renting, but instead have the security and pride of a place to call their own.

I recently met with Jana and Mark, a young couple from Narre Warren South, who have just purchased their first home through Labor’s Home Deposit Guarantee. They told me, “This policy has changed our lives. Without it, buying our first home would have taken far longer. Now, instead of watching our rent go up every year, we

are now investing in our own home and creating long-term stability for our children.“

Starting in October, every first home buyer now has access to a 5 per cent deposit, no matter their income or the value of the property.

For families in the City of Casey, this means an $800,000 home can be bought with just a $40,000 deposit, saving years of waiting and avoiding $34,000 in mortgage insurance.

Labor understands that owning a home gives people more than just a roof over their heads, it gives them independence, stability, and the confidence to plan for their future. That’s why we are investing $43 billion through our Homes for Australia Plan to build 1.2 million new homes over the next five years.

Because home ownership isn’t just about bricks and mortar — it’s about building a secure future in the community they love. Labor is committed to bringing that dream back within reach.

Cassandra Fernando MP, Federal Member for Holt

Giving young people a fair shot at owning their first home.

Christmas charities to the fore to spread the kindness

By Sahar Foladi

Christmas is a time for compassion and generosity, with local organisations are prepared to do more than ever.

South East Community Links (SECL) is spreading kindness this festive season by distributing Dignity Bags to support individuals and families in need.

A hundred of these will be given during the normal trading hours of SECL at its Dandenong office at 186 Foster Street donated by Share the Dignity organisation.

“The holiday season can be especially challenging for many people,“ CEO Peter McNamara says.

“Through Dignity Bags, we hope to bring a little relief and remind our community that they are not alone—we care, and we’re here to help.“

These bags contain essential personal care items, offering comfort and dignity to those doing it tough during the Christmas period.

SECL’s initiative is aimed to reflect its commitment to ensuring that everyone in the community feels valued and supported.

Meanwhile, Vinnies South Eastern Soup Van will also be provide Christmas desserts, cakes, treats and toys for children in the weeks before its last operational day on 23 December. It will resume from 5 January 2026.

SOUP VAN ITINERARY

TUESDAYS - Dandenong

· 6.16pm – 7.15pm Dandenong Plaza Corner of

Clow & Lonsdale Streets – opposite Dandenong Market

THURSDAYS – Berwick & Surrounds

· 6:30pm – 7pm Narre Warren IGA Car Park

· 7:15pm – 7:45pm Orient Place, Hampton Park (car park)

SUNDAYS – Berwick & Surrounds

· 6:30pm – 7pm Narre Warren IGA Car Park

· 7:15pm – 7:45pm Orient Place, Hampton Park (car park)

TUESDAYS – Mobile Pantry Van (1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month)

· 11:30am – 11:45am Narre Warren IGA Car Park

· 12:00pm – 12:30pm – Orient Place, Hampton Park (car park)

Volunteers Erin Harper and Jonathan at Vinnies Soup Van, which provides meals across the South East. (Suppied)

South East Community Links chief executive Peter McNamara. (Stewart Chambers: 461805)

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Empowering local women

At Women’s Federation for World Peace Australia, we believe that real and lasting peace begins in the heart of the family and radiates outward. As the national chapter of WFWP International, our mission is to empower and uplift women as peacemakers and leaders — recognising the essential role women play in healing divisions and building unity.

Our programs span a broad spectrum of ini tiatives: from humanitarian aid and community development to leadership training, peacebuild ing, environmental care, and multicultural com munity work. We collaborate across cultures, faiths and abilities to promote social cohesion, support vulnerable communities, and uphold human dignity.

WFWP Australia offers many ways for people to join our mission — whether you have a few hours to volunteer or want to commit more deeply:

True high achiever

After running 160 kilometres of a gruelling ultramarathon in Victoria’s high country, Ejaz Ahmed started to sprint.

“I was trying to get to the finish line. Some of the family members who had come to Mount Hotham were all cheering me. I felt all their energy, took it in, and then just started sprinting at the very end,” he recalled.

Ahmed had just completed the Great Southern Endurance Run (GSER) 100-mile (162 kilometres) ultramarathon for the very first time, fin-

ishing seventh in the male category and earning respect across the state and the community.

Fof the construction worker who only started running four years ago and now trains after long days on job sites, the ultramarathon was a challenge.

“My idea of doing things is that you have to choose things that are that seem a bit unachievable for you,” he said.

“There are a lot of things that are easy and

achievable. There are some things they really have to work hard for and put a lot of hours in just by themselves. There should be a bit of a challenge in it.

“There has to be a factor of unknown in it, whether you can do it or not, and find out.”

Held in Victoria’s Mount Hotham alpine region, the GSER is regarded as one of Australia’s most demanding trail events. The 100-mile course begins and finishes at The Moth, a windswept starting point perched about 1,600 metres

above sea level, before sending runners through remote single-track, steep ridgelines and long ascents toward peaks like Mount Feathertop. Aid stations are spaced widely, some more than 20 kilometres apart, requiring competitors to manage their own nutrition, hydration and pacing for long stretches.

FOR MORE ON THE STORY, TURN TO PAGE 2

Ejaz Ahmed has scaled a steep challenge, completing a 160-kilometre ultramarathon in the Mt Hotham region. (Stewart Chambers: 522474)

Into the mountains

By Violet Li

At just 26, Hallam runner Ejaz Ahmed completed the Great Southern Endurance Run (GSER) 100mile (162 kilometres) ultramarathon for the very first time, finishing seventh in the male category and earning respect across the state and the community.

At 160 kilometres, he started to sprint.

“I was trying to get to the finish line. Some of the family members who had come to Mount Hotham were all cheering me. I felt all their energy, took it in, and then just started sprinting at the very end,” he recalled.

“Even when I’m doing normal runs in training, I always like to finish strong at the end, no matter how I’m feeling.

“I just started sprinting and finished those last two kilometres at a six-minute pace.

“I think that took me 30 minutes to finish those 5.5 kilometres, which was right under 30 hours.”

He didn’t cry. He didn’t collapse. What was on his mind?

“I’ve read a few of David Goggins’ books. During one of his races, where he was doing a 200-mile, I think, or 250-mile, he had finished the race, and as soon as he crossed the finish line, he did about 10 push-ups,” Ejaz said.

“In my head, I was thinking, I’m gonna cross the finish line. I’m gonna give them 10 push-ups to show them how much more I’ve got in it.

“I could’ve done that, but I just didn’t do that. I was like, no. That would be too much.”

For Ejaz, a construction worker who only started running four years ago and now trains after long days on job sites, the ultramarathon was a challenge.

“My idea of doing things is that you have to choose things that are that seem a bit unachievable for you,” he said.

“There are a lot of things that are easy and achievable. There are some things they really have to work hard for and put a lot of hours in just by themselves. There should be a bit of a challenge in it.

“There has to be a factor of unknown in it, whether you can do it or not, and find out.”

Held in Victoria’s Mount Hotham alpine region, the GSER is regarded as one of Australia’s most demanding trail events. The 100-mile course begins and finishes at The Moth, a windswept starting point perched about 1,600 metres above sea level, before sending runners through remote single-track, steep ridgelines and long ascents toward peaks like Mount Feathertop.

Aid stations are spaced widely, some more than 20 kilometres apart, requiring competitors to manage their own nutrition, hydration and pacing for long stretches.

Ejaz’s path to sign up for GSER gave the impression that it hadn’t followed the usual script. He said he signed up two months before the November competition, and that was also when

he first made up his mind to run.

Before that, his longest distance was 100 kilometres.

“The reason why I chose it was that I had already done a 100 km in March 2024. I didn’t have much fun in it,” Ejaz said.

“Half was good. Around 80 km, I felt like my legs were short and I couldn’t continue running. As much as I tried, I couldn’t muster more than just a walk. I pretty much dragged myself to the finish line.

“I felt good at the end, which was the last km over there. But other than that, I was pretty much relying on my poles.

“But this time around, I knew that I could do it because I had trained a bit better.”

“A bit better” meant “smarter”.

He trained longer and more deliberately, tailoring sessions to the conditions he would face and strengthening his mindset as much as his legs. On weekdays, he runs 10 to 12 kilometres, and on weekends 20 to 30, averaging 50 to 70 kilometres a week.

But for someone with that weekly workload, jumping to a 162-kilometre race was anything but typical. There must be some stories behind.

“I was going to go for redemption for the 100 km race in March 2025, but I was getting married a week before that, so I couldn’t do the race,” Ejaz shared.

“Last time when I did the 100 km, I wasn’t able to walk for two weeks. I really wanted to do it, but my wife wouldn’t let me because she would say, I don’t want you limping on the wedding day.

“So, I couldn’t do that, and I had all that energy built up in me, and I wanted to do something really challenging.

“Maybe I’ll do that in 2026, but before it, let me go and do something that would really be challenging and something scary.”

At 6am on Friday 21 November, in temperatures close to freezing, Ejaz stood at The Moth, the starting point of GSER 100 miles, about 1600 points above the sea level at Mount Hotham, feeling nothing but a strong urge to start.

The course would take him across some of Victoria’s highest and harshest terrain, including brutal descents, endless climbs, and a final ridgeline section that he described as “the worst moment” of the entire 30-hour ordeal.

Ejaz’s brother joined him as a pacer after 26km, guiding him through the night until the 112 km aid station at Alpine Getaway. That was the lowest point of the race.

“I thought I’d reached my limit. I lay there for 10 minutes. I told myself I’m going to sleep there for a few hours, and then I heard people talking around me not to let me sleep,” Ejaz recalled.

“I heard them. I was like, I’m not sleeping. I’m up. Don’t worry. I won’t be sleeping. I just changed my mind at that point.”

He forced himself upright and walked back into the darkness—alone.

What happened next stunned even him.

On the long downhill after Alpine Getaway, his legs came back to life.

“I felt good again. I started jogging downhill and slowly picked people off one by one.” One runner looked at him and said, “You’ve woken up from the dead.”

Later, he began climbing again, towards Mount Feathertop, one of Australia’s highest and steepest peaks.

The climb went on for hours, but Ejaz knew he couldn’t stop.

“I knew that there were going to be hungry forces behind me,” he said.

“They will always want to chase that, get your position. They just have to keep going. I remember there was one point I was thinking, if anybody’s going to catch up to me, they’re going to have to feel the same pain I’m feeling or more.

“You can’t sit down. If you sit down, people are going to catch up. And you’ve gone through all that, and you can’t let that happen.

“I’ll start running, I’ll jog, yell at the mountains, swear at the mountains sometimes. There are a lot of beautiful views, but at that point, I was sick of the views. I don’t want views at the very end. I just want to go downhill again. But there was no downhill. My mind was getting distorted because I had been up for so long.”

When Ejaz reached the final aid station, his brother ran up to meet him. The two hugged and got emotional.

“He just told me to be strong. Don’t show any emotions because it’s just going to bring the morale down,” he said.

Five and a half kilometres remained. Ejaz wanted to finish under 30 hours. That was all that mattered now.

Later, in a hot shower, he just sat there, feeling everything.

“As if I hadn’t felt enough,” he joked.

“It was a feeling to cherish even though it was painful.

“I couldn’t really walk up afterwards. My left knee had swollen up like a balloon, but I just hadn’t noticed at all.”

Eja is already planning his “redemption run” at the Buffalo Stampede 100 km next March and is eyeing another 100-mile event in the Grampians.

But his bigger goal is to inspire others to try running.

“I always encourage them because I find that running really does build character,” Ejaz said.

“It’s nothing like other sports. You’re going out there by yourself on a heat of summer day, or a cold morning or when it’s raining or when you don’t want to do it.

“I think running to the point where you’re feeling pain and pushing your boundaries is just teaching you life lessons.

“Even when those times do come, adversity, you would at least be ready for it to a point where you can sit back and see what it is and then try to solve it from there or try to see what’s the best way you can go about it.”

‘Menacing’ home attack

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A trio of men “moved like a violent little pack” in a “menacing” attack on a young family’s home in Lynbrook, a sentencing judge has said.

Abdullay Hussein, 26, Ruy Ruy, 24, and Rashith Perera, 25, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to common assault, affray and damaging property as well as being armed with criminal intent.

Hussein faced further charges from bashing and spitting blood on a prison officer while in remand.

On the evening of 10 September 2024, Perera knocked at the home’s front door and scuffled with the male victim on the doorstep and the front lawn.

A male occupant ran outside to assist and tried to pull Perera off the victim. Perera eventually ran from the scene.

Soon after, Perera, Hussein and Ruy returned in a vehicle with an unloaded revolver, which they left in the car.

The victim heard another knock on the door, and a voice called outside to “open up”. He replied: “F*** off, I’m calling the cops.”

The group smashed a glass pane at the front door and three other front windows. They demanded money and threatened the victim – who pleaded with them to leave due to children being inside.

In sentencing on 8 December, judge Fiona Dodd said it was obvious to the trio that by their second visit, they were attacking a family home with children inside.

She described the attack as “outrageous”, “cowardly”, “casual” and “menacing”.

“You moved as a violent little pack.”

Judge Dodd inferred the occupants would have been “absolutely terrified” that the trio would enter the property, especially while windows were smashed.

She noted the trio’s early guilty pleas, as well as their varying personal histories.

Sudan-born Hussein had violent attitudes, a psychologist reported.

His criminal history dated back to his teens, including aggravated burglary, assaulting an emergency worker, recklessly endangering serious injury and armed robberies.

Awaiting trial on separate charges of murder and conspiring to kidnap, Hussein faced an “uncertain future”, Judge Todd said.

The judge noted that Hussein claimed his life was put in danger in a “traumatic experience” in 2024, meaning he didn’t feel safe in the community.

He was also diagnosed with depression, anxiety and drug use disorders.

Ruy had been previously guilty of driving and drug offences, with no history of inflicting violence. He’d suffered head injuries in a car accident, as well as PTSD symptoms from witnessing domestic violence as a child.

His rehabilitation prospects were moderate but “certainly not hopeless”, Judge Dodd noted. Still at a young age, he was at risk of being “coarsened” and “corrupted” in custody.

Perera, who grew up in Dandenong, had a promising soccer career until a serious shoulder injury.

Homeless, depressed and abusing an array of drugs, he was drawn to the more criminally “experienced” Ruy and Hussein at the time of the offences.

He was facing outstanding charges of theft and possibly cannabis possession.

Not previously being in custody, Perera was released on a CISP bail program in which he performed “poorly”.

Hussein was jailed for 34 months, with a 23-month non-parole period. He’d already served 448 days in pre-sentence detention.

Ruy was jailed for 12 months – which he had already served during a 446-day remand period.

Pereria was jailed for 89 days – already served – plus a 30-month community correction order. His supervised CCO included 150 hours of unpaid work and treatment, as well as judicial monitoring.

At just 26, Hallam runner Ejaz Ahmed completed the Great Southern Endurance Run (GSER) 100-mile (162 kilometres) ultramarathon for the very first time, finishing seventh in the male category and earning respect across the state and the community. (Stewart Chambers: 522474)

Hub parking cut approved

By Violet Li

Casey councillors have approved a planning permit allowing a significant reduction in parking spaces for the proposed Cranbourne Community Hub.

The decision passed 11-1 at the 9 December Casey Council Meeting, marking the first time the newly elected council had formally “called in” a proactive planning application due to its “regional significance”.

According to the officer’s report, the proposed three-storey Hub at the existing council carpark at 1-3 Lyall Street does not require a planning permit, but a reduction of the proposed carpark numbers needs a permit.

Casey Planning Scheme mandates 45 parking spaces to be provided, and the permit proposes 19 spaces, with about a 57 per cent reduction, resulting in a shortfall of 26 spaces.

Presenting the report at the meeting, City of Casey Manager Planning & Building Tania Asper said multiple technical assessments, including a Transport Impact Assessment, a Traffic Engineering Assessment, and an external independent peer review, concluded that although the shortfall would impact surrounding streets, the parking overflow could be absorbed within the precinct.

“The site is close to shops, services, schools, and public transport, making it easy for visitors to walk or use public transport,” she said.

The traffic reports also identified at least 242 off-street parking spaces within 400 metres of the site.

In addition to the proposed 19 car parking spaces, about 30 bike parking spaces are proposed.

Cr Gary Rowe, who moved the permit motion, spoke passionately about the long-awaited investment at the meeting. He even got emotional halfway through.

“Cranbourne has been without a lot of assets being built… There’s been a lack of something special,” he said.

“The building is going to be iconic in the area, and it’s something that Cranbourne has never ever had.”

He agreed with the officer’s report that the overflow parking could be absorbed within the broader precinct.

He referred to a motion he raised in May this year to request an investigation report into how to support accessibility in proximity to the proposed Hub.

“If this permit is approved tonight, officers will already be committed to investigating the pedestrians’ connectivity, parking, and any other amenity upgrades that will support the accessibility in the proximity of the Cranbourne Hub,” he said.

Cr Anthony Walter, who seconded the motion, said that building additional underground or structured parking would increase the project cost by upwards of 25 per cent, putting unnecessary pressure on ratepayers.

Cr Jennifer Dizon said rejecting the permit would create “a significant delay” and escalate costs.

“That’s unfortunately the reality we’re work-

ing with,” she said.

The lone opposing vote came from Deputy Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther, who emphasised community feedback indicating most residents intend to drive to the Hub.

“We are seeking to reduce this minimum recommended parking number by 57 per cent—not five or ten per cent, but 57 per cent,” she said.

“During the day at the Cranbourne Library, I see many mums with prams, disability groups and many older residents, groups very unlikely to be riding a bike to the Hub, unlikely to be using a public bus or be able to walk the 400 metres from the suggested alternative car parks.

“I do fear that the accessibility to this building is going to limit the success of this project.

“If this motion is moved today and the project proceeds, we need to work to improve accessibility for our community.”

Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) also raised concerns ahead of the meeting, warning that cutting on-site parking from 45 to 19 spaces risks undermining community access to both the Hub and nearby essential services.

CRRA president Anthony Tassone said the parking cut directly affects other essential services in the precinct, particularly the cluster of medical and allied health practices on High Street that sit immediately behind the Hub site.

“These clinics support many clients who are older, unwell or vulnerable and rely on being able to park close by,” he said.

“Their patients already depend on the limited rear car parking.

“The Hub development has already reduced some of that parking, and further cuts down to 19 spaces will make access even harder.

“Council needs to consider the broader health precinct and the real people who use these services every day.”

One clinic told Star News that the carparking at the moment had already been difficult, and people always complained about the carparking.

They believed that if the Council took the 1-3 Lyall Street carparking away, it would be more stressful for more patients unless they changed the 15-minute parking along the High Street.

Another clinic said the parking arrangement now was “fantastic” with no problem at all.

But the staff said it would be a “huge problem” if the 1-3 Lyall Street carparking was taken away.

Cranbourne Community Hub is proposed to bring together a new three-storey library, youth services, customer service, community spaces and offices in the heart of Lyall Street. It will accommodate up to 86 patrons at a time with up to 58 staff members.

The proposed 19 car parking spaces include 10 secured after-hours car spaces, seven shared car spaces, and two all-ability parking spaces.

Council has advised that the 10 secured after-hours car parks will be open to the public during business hours and will be available for the community to use.

After business hours, the secure car park will be available for staff only to use when they are working late or after the Hub closes.

Cranbourne West Secondary College among top improvers

By Violet Li

Cranbourne West Secondary College students have recorded exceptional growth in this year’s National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), placing the school among the strongest improvers in Victoria.

The school celebrated its results on Facebook after being named one of the top four Melbourne secondary schools for NAPLAN progress in the Herald Sun, and one of 41 standout Victorian schools in The Age. It is the only school in the Cranbourne area to appear on both lists.

NAPLAN data shows the school’s Year 7–9 cohort lifted its average numeracy score from 523 in 2023 to 590 in 2025, an improvement of about 13 per cent in just two years. Around 79 per cent of students recorded above-average progress when compared with students who had the same starting score and similar background.

Writing achievement also strengthened, with the cohort improving from 530 to 590, an 11 per cent rise that Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) categorises as “above” similar-background students.

Principal Rob Duncan said the school’s long-standing focus on academic growth, rather than raw results, had been central to its approach.

“We really want kids to grow. This result is our greatest measure of success because we can’t control what the kids are like when they come in at Year 7, but what we can control is what we do with them when they’re here,” he said.

“We get students of all different abilities to come to the school, as most schools do. Our main role is to actually try to grow them as much as we can in the time that we have with them.”

The principal said they were very excited and very proud of the effort that their students and staff had put in.

“We’ve worked hard to try to improve students across all the domains,” he said.

“I think students are very pleased. It’s a good acknowledgment of the effort that’s been put in by the students and also by their teachers, and their parents.

“It’s very much a team effort to try to get results like that, and to be in the top four secondary schools for growth is a real achievement.”

Mr Duncan especially wanted to point out the numeracy result.

“Our numeracy result stands out above most of the others. There’s a lot of work over a number of years that’s gone into producing that,” he said.

The school mandates five hours of mathematics or numeracy per week — above the Department requirement — and targets additional support to students who arrive in Year 7 a little behind.

“We have a program that’s a small group program with probably up to six students per class who do really intensive numeracy, and they’re the ones who generally actually make the greatest growth,” Mr Duncan said.

Writing growth has also been a major focus, particularly in persuasive and creative writing.

“One of the things we really try to do with our students is to develop writing stamina, so that they can actually write for periods of time because, obviously, that’s really important when you get to the senior years of school, where you actually have to write a number of essays in three hours and your final exams and those types of things,” Mr Duncan said.

The school also achieved a 99 per cent NAPLAN participation rate this year, above the national average of 95 per cent.

“We have basically every student who can sit the test,” Mr Duncan said.

“That’s critically important because we have students who come from primary schools where they’ve never sat NAPLAN before. Maybe the parents didn’t want them to, or maybe the kids felt anxious about it.”

He said familiarising students with formal assessments was an important life skill.

“Later in life, they’re all going to want to get their driver’s licence or do other things that require testing. So, they might as well practise being tested as much as they can,” he said. “Our aim is to provide a supportive, non-threatening environment, but also an understanding that if you attend this school, it’s expected that you’ll participate.”

Mr Duncan said the school would continue to look for ways to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes across all year levels.

“We would love to have them all higher, but it really depends on what students are like when they enter Year 7,” he said.

“If we can keep growing students as best we can, we’ll continue to see great results when they reach Year 11 and 12.”

Cranbourne West Secondary College opened in 2021 and now has more than 1600 students.

“We have a very committed teaching team, a strong culture around learning, good routines and lots of rigour in how we teach,” Mr Duncan said.

“And we have terrific kids who have bought into that culture of wanting to learn.”

Artistic impression of the proposed Cranbourne Hub. (Supplied)

Cranbourne West Secondary College students who achieved great improvement in this year’s NAPLAN: (back row) Schajleen, Avani, Iris, Oscar, Izacky, Fletcher, Anthony (Head of Year 9) and Emilia. Front row: Cooper, Savannah, Charlie, Taylor, Carolina and Campbell. (Stewart Chambers: 522393)

‘Housemate from hell’

By Emily Woods, AAP

It started with an evicted housemate in Clyde North hurling eggs at a garage door, but ended with fire being set to a home with two children and a grandmother inside.

The woman dubbed “the housemate from hell” by her victims has faced court where footage of her three-month long tirade was aired.

Tsai-Wei Hung, 33, on Monday pleaded guilty at Melbourne’s County Court to more than a dozen charges including extortion, four counts of arson and two of conduct endangering persons.

She yelled “go to hell” as she set fire to her landlord’s front door in June 2024 while 11 people including young children and a grandmother were sleeping inside, the court was told.

Landlord Lin Zhang had asked friends to come over for protection that night, along with his tenants, as Hung had been targeting them since she was evicted months earlier.

Police had to be called when Hung was evicted from Mr Zhang’s Clyde North property on March 10.

However, less than two hours later Hung returned to retrieve more belongings and police

Pearcedale

were called a second time, which caused her to become “angry and aggressive”, prosecutor David Gray said.

She got into her car and drove to the back garage, where she threw eggs at the roller door.

Hung then accelerated towards her former housemate Chung-Ting Tuan and Mr Zhang “at fast speed”, stopping sharply about one metre away from them, Mr Gray said.

She drove into the garage roller door, damaging it and three vehicles parked inside, fleeing before police arrived.

Hung returned the next day to further damage the vehicles inside the garage and went to Pakenham Police Station that afternoon where she claimed “she just wanted to scare them”.

On June 10 Hung returned to the Clyde North rental and set the front door on fire and then set two cars alight.

A former housemate who claimed to have had a friendly relationship with Hung, sent her a message the next day as she “felt there needed to be better communication about what Hung wanted”, Mr Gray said.

Hung responded by demanding $30,000 from Mr Zhang by that evening and if she did not re-

ceive the money she said “I cannot ensure I wouldn’t do something again”.

“Please tell him that he and his family have to be careful or they will have the same experience as me, or even lose more than that,” Hung said in the text.

Mr Zhang arranged for his tenants to stay with him in Berwick that evening and invited friends over for an added level of protection, as his children and their grandmother were sleeping inside.

About 4.45am Hung poured accelerant outside the front entrance of his home and used matches to set it alight, with Mr Zhang hearing

company hit with $10,000 fine

A Pearcedale company was hit with a $10,000 fine and the cost of the cleanup after dumping 37,000 litres of drilling sludge near the Ovens River in August.

EPA Victoria officers tracked down the offenders after receiving reports of a truck dumping sludge near Wangaratta, when they spotted the suspect vehicle on the road and watched while it dumped a load at a site on Oxley Flats Road.

They fined Ausconnect Underground Services Pty Ltd $10,176 for dumping industrial waste at a premises that was not licensed or

equipped to accept it, in contravention of the Environment Protection Act 2017.

EPA Northeast Regional Manager Ben Kneebone said the fine was a warning to industry.

“This kind of pollution can be common in regional areas where there are large-scale projects underway,” he said.

“It might not be the action of the major company running the project, but they still run the risk of being held responsible for their contractors trying to cut corners with industrial waste.

“In this case, the drilling sludge represented the risk of unknown contaminants affecting the

soil and nearby waterways, which is why it should have gone to an appropriately licensed facility.”

EPA directed the company to clean up the dumped sludge and take it to a lawful place for disposal. The company has complied.

Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the operator has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at: epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution

her say “go to hell” before starting the fire.

The fire was put out easily, but Hung’s victims told the court on Monday how they continue to live with trauma from her offending.

“I was absolutely terrified,” a child said, in a statement read by Mr Gray.

“Ever since Hung came into our lives everything has become really intense. I keep worrying that I’ll be burnt to death.”

Mr Zhang said he lived in “constant fear” between March and June of 2024.

“This experience has permanently damaged my sense of safety,” he said, in a statement read to court.

“Even in my own home I don’t feel safe.”

Defence lawyer Courtney Hart said Hung was assaulted on March 10 by other tenants and had “allowed it to fester in her mind” leading her to commit the offences.

Hung, who remains in custody, will return to the court in January

Outside court, Mr Zhang said Hung was “the housemate from hell” but her behaviour was even worse than that.

“It’s been a disaster and a nightmare for us,” he said.

Victorian County Court.

A Pearcedale company was hit with a $10,000 fine by EPA Victoria, and the cost of the cleanup after dumping 37,000 litres of drilling sludge near the Ovens River in August. (FILE)

Casey adopts Local Law

By Violet Li

Casey councillors have unanimously adopted the Casey Community Local Law 2025, introducing significant changes to how vehicle repairs, unregistered vehicle storage, and shipping containers at private properties are regulated across the municipality.

These issues received wide controversy earlier this year, which prompted a review.

The final version of the new law, adopted at the Casey Council December Meeting, will come into effect on 2 March 2026.

The updated law replaces the contentious 2023 version, following a city-wide review involving over 1,000 survey responses, 74 formal submissions on the draft, workshops, 12 pop-up sessions and over 400 door knocks.

The office report said the final law “reflects extensive community input”, aiming to “balance individual freedoms with community wellbeing, safety, and amenity”.

The shipping container clause has received one of the biggest overhauls since the draft version.

At the December Council Meeting, Cr Melinda Ambros said that the reflection of having zero submissions back for the previous 2023 version of the Local Law was a step that they don’t want to see repeated in the future.

“We have just demonstrated how significant it is to show our voices are needed and heard, and the officers went to heavy work and provided a beautiful Local Community Law of 2025,” she said.

“The adoption of the Local Law 2025 is not just a regulatory update. It’s a commitment to listening, engaging, and acting in the best interest of Casey community.”

Cr Shane Taylor said many of the most difficult issues in the Local Law had been changed, clarified, or, in some cases, wound back.

“The community made it clear what went too

far and what felt fair. What we have done now has been built with the community at every step,” he said.

“Not everyone will agree with every clause, but the final Local Law 2025 document reflects local expectations about property rights, amenity, and common-sense enforcement.

“As a councillor, this is the type of community process we should encourage.”

Deputy Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther highlighted the outcomes for the shipping containers, recreational vehicles, and the removal of permits for vehicle repairs.

“This is the biggest issue our councillor group has faced so far, and it shows me the process does work,” she said.

“Maybe not as quickly as the community would like, especially for those who are calling for councillors to fix this problem in January, but it has shown me that the process of consultation, drafting, and reviewing can produce a great out-

come in the end.”

City of Casey Manager Communications and Corporate Governance Chloe Casey pointed out that the requirement for a local law permit for shipping containers on private land had been replaced with an amenity-based standard, ensuring containers do not detract from the character or comfort of the immediate area.

“An owner or occupier of private land must not cause or allow a shipping container on that private land to be used or kept in a manner so as to be detrimental to the amenity of the immediate area in which it is located,” the new law stipulates.

A new explanatory note now directs residents to state legislation, not local permits.

It states that under the Building Act 1993, a container used for storage is deemed a building, requiring a building permit. A planning permit may be required if a container is used for commercial storage on residential land.

“Although the clause applies to all private

land, its emphasis on ‘detrimental to amenity’ provides flexibility for rural and semi-rural properties, where containers are less likely to affect neighbouring residents due to greater separation and differing land use,” the officer report states.

“By tying enforcement to amenity considerations and referencing existing planning and building permit requirements, the clause promotes fair and consistent decision-making.

“This streamlined approach aligns with broader legislative frameworks and meets community expectations for clarity and equitable regulation.”

In the final law, a widely criticised clause that regulates vehicle repair and unregistered vehicles on private properties has been removed.

Matters relating to excess unregistered vehicles on private land will be judged on whether they are “unsightly”.

The unsightly land clause states that “an owner or occupier of private land must not allow that private land to become unsightly”, and “to be used in a manner so as to be detrimental to the amenity of the immediate area in which it is located”.

The new law includes definitions of what is considered unsightly or detrimental to amenity, such as more than two unregistered, broken or dismantled vehicles.

The officer report also addressed the potential concerns for increased noise, pollution, and visual clutter, particularly in residential areas, raised during the draft public exhibition.

It states that the final law focuses on amenity impacts, with clearer definitions of “amenity” and “unsightly” introduced to guide residents and authorised officers.

“Relevant provisions remain allowing for Council to intervene where vehicle-related activities cause impacts to amenity (e.g. noise, visual impacts) which balances residents’ rights with the need to protect neighbourhood standards,” the report states.

Casey councillors unanimously adopted the Casey Community Local Law 2025 at the December Council Meeting. (File)

What it means to be Aussie

This week we had the joy of attending my nephew’s (Dad’s grandson’s) end-of-year school production at Carwatha College.

The theme?

Aladdin and Jasmine travel exploring the dance cultures of the world.

Each class performed a cultural dance from a different region - exploring traditions, music, movement, and expression.

From South America to India, Latin grooves to African beats, Chinese ribbons to Pacific Island flow - the production was vibrant, colourful, and joyous. But more than anything - it was meaningful.

Some may ask: Is this just tokenism?

Another multicultural “costume parade” with little substance?

It is a fair question.

Inatimewhenschoolsareincreasinglypressured to“tickboxes,”itiseasytodismissculturalshowcases as fluff.

But Carwatha College did not just tick boxes. They opened windows - into the world, into cultures, into community.

By embedding dance, storytelling and music, they showed that cultural celebration is not just an event. It is a value.

Alensthroughwhichourchildrenlearnempathy,

curiosity, and identity.

Why does this matter?

We live in a globalised world. Borders are enforced yet soft. We live in a global village with all its diversities. Migration is reality.

And culture is not just heritage - it is a lived, breathing part of every classroom in this country.

If our children can learn Math and English, surely they can also learn respect, openness, and cultural understanding.

This is Cultural Intelligence (CQ) in action. And when done well, it helps students grow into not just great learners - but great Australians.

We often say we are proud to be Australian. But what exactly does that mean?

It cannot just be sausage rolls, summer cricket and Sunday BBQs (although we love those too).

Being Australian must mean something deeper. Something we all share - no matter our background, surname, or skin colour.

Let us define it, clearly and confidently. Here are values I believe should sit at the heart of Australian identity:

· Respect for each other’s stories and struggles

· Fairness in opportunity and treatment

· Kindness in how we show up for our neighbours

· Courage to speak up and stand up

· Mateship-notjustloyaltytofriends,buttocountry

· Responsibility - owning our actions and their impact

· Inclusivity-notjustwelcomingothers,butwalking beside them

These values are not imported.

They are not religious. They are not tied to one race, postcode, or income level.

They are Australian.

And if we do not articulate and teach them - who will?

I hope Carwatha’s production was more than a performance. I hope it was followed by classroom conversations.

Questions like:

· Why do we wear certain colours or symbols?

· What do these songs mean to the cultures they come from?

· How do people around the world celebrate, mourn, learn, grow?

· And-whatdowecelebratehere?Whatareourvalues?

This is how we take culture from tokenism to transformation.From costumes to consciousness. From “multicultural” to meaningful education. Carwatha College, we salute you. For creating a space where children can see the world - but still feel proud of the home they live in.

Where culture is not used to divide, but to connect. Where diversity is not feared, but embraced.

Where being Australian means being proud of who you are, and curious about who others are.

Australia is evolving. Our children are watching.

If we want them to grow into proud, compassionate citizens - we must model what that looks like.

It starts with schools like Carwatha. With teachers who care, communities who participate, and students who dance with joy across a world stageknowing they belong.

Not just in their culture.

Not just in their class.

But in their country.

Because this is what being Australian looks like.

I, as an elder member of Cranbourne, should like to express a concern regarding the youth in our community.

It has been said that even if one can afford to buy a house, there is no way it can be maintained unless both are employed.

There is also the concern about birth rates

falling.

Just how are they supposed to cope with all this, on top of rising prices?

How, in fact, are young people supposed to meet in the first place?

I have lived in Cranbourne for over thirty years and I have yet to see a B&S (Bachelor &

Ball) being organised, speed dating or even a dance. We are told that young people these days go on the internet. Those who have tried social media, quickly become disillusioned and just give up.

I have a nephew who said that B S functions held at the Rod Laver Arena were lots of fun, so

why can we not organise ‘fun’ for young people in Casey?

If we don’t, we will soon have a population resembling Sweden which has a reputation for its lonely citizenry.

Police presence boost at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre

Over the next three months, Victoria Police will bolster patrols and Protective Services Officers at four metropolitan shopping centres, including Westfield Fountain Gate.

It comes after numerous reported incidents including increased levels of retail theft and fights associated with weapons. The operation has been guided by police intelligence, crime data and calls for assistance.

In deterring weapon violence, deployed officers will carry regular designated search operations and will be equipped with non-invasive handheld wands that scan for possible weapons in public areas.

Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill, said that the operation is responding to numerous levels of crime ahead of the busy holiday period, including retail theft, aggressive behaviours toward re-

tailers and public gang related knife fights.

“(Police and PSOs) will be agile and flexible, depending on the latest intelligence surrounding calls for assistance, crime rates and centre patronage,” said the commissioner in a media release. “The operation will include overt patrols to prevent crime, engagement with retailers, and non-invasive wand or pat down searches to remove weapons from the wrong hands.”

While the operation will also begin at Northland, Highpoint and Eastland police have said the locations of the operation may change in accordance with ongoing intelligence over the three months. According to the police statement, all shifts related to Operation Pulse will be voluntary duties taken by officers on planned rest days.

The operation will last for 90 days and is due to end on 28 February 2026.

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Killer, 53, loses appeal

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An obsessively jealous bodybuilder who violently stabbed to death his ex-partner in front of her children and her mother in Endeavour Hills has lost his bid for appeal.

Sven Lindemann, 53, pleaded guilty to murdering 39-year-old Monique Anita Lezsak, as well as recklessly causing injury to Ms Lezsak’s daughter in 2023.

He had used six knives in total, breaking two of them, in the “frenzied”, “brutal and protracted” attack to Ms Lezsak’s head, neck and chest. Her 10-year-old daughter, who tried to desperately defend her mum, also suffered five knife wounds to her hands and arm.

Last year, Lindemann was jailed by the Victorian Supreme Court for 31 years with a 25year non-parole period.

On 8 December, the Victorian Court of Appeal refused his leave to appeal.

Justices Kristen Walker, Rowena Kerr and Peter Kidd rejected Lindemann’s claim that his jail term and non-parole period was “manifestly excessive”.

“This was a very serious example of murder.

Ms Lezsak died in her own home at the hands of an enraged and jealous partner, from whom she was attempting to separate.

“The applicant’s attack on Ms Lezsak was brutal and protracted…

“While the judge made favourable findings

about the applicant’s prospects of rehabilitation, this remained grave and unprovoked offending in which the applicant took the life of his intimate partner, physically harmed her child, and forever changed the lives of her family and others close to her.”

Lindemann argued his term far exceeded other sentences for intimate-partner murders, even for those with a non-guilty plea and went to trial.

But such a submission was “too simplistic”, the judges ruled.

The judges also dismissed Lindemann’s claim that the original judge erred in their approach to applying his previous good character and to the burdens he’d face in jail due to his

concerns for family.

This year, State Coroner John Cain – in examining Ms Lezsak’s murder - recommended a public campaign to better inform people of the risks of controlling, coercive ex-partners. He also recommended that Victoria funds a support service specifically for the “invisible” children bereaved by domestic homicide.

Currently, families were accessing specialist services interstate because they had no other option.

This month, the Government pledged to create a new crime for coercive controlling behaviour against partners – soon after voting against a similar bill introduced by the State Opposition.

Calls to abolish begging laws by South-Eastern Metro MP

By Jensy Callimootoo

Rachel Payne, a South Metropolitan MP, introduced a bill to the Upper House last week that would decriminalise the act of begging.

Currently in Victoria, begging is a criminal offence that can carry 12 months of prison time and associated fines — an offence that has been abolished elsewhere in Australia, including NSW, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.

Speaking to Parliament on 3 December, the Legalise Cannabis MP spoke about Jessica Geddes, who was forced by her abusive partner to beg.

The same partner fatally bashed Mrs Geddes in November 2020.

According to Payne, Geddes’ situation of domestic violence was known to Victoria Police during May 2019 to 2020.

As 36 reports were made during this time due to the breaching of public order from begging, but rather than providing support to Geddes, she was further punished by Victoria’ s laws.

Similarly to the coroner who investigated Mrs Geddes’ case, Payne is calling for greater reforms that ensure begging is no longer legally punishable.

“Jessica died needlessly,” said Payne in a media statement.

“If her begging was seen for what it was, a poor and abused young woman trying to survive, she could have been linked in with support services.”

Payne also said that begging was a last resort of poverty and homelessness.

“As the cost-of-living crisis escalates and our health system remains woefully underfunded, more people will be forced to beg,” she said.

“Out of sight, in prisons and/or “not in my back yard/cbd”, doesn’t mean the suffering ends.

“Being poor is not an individual crime, it is a social and systems failure.”

Council to Homeless Persons (CHP) have also championed this call, urging the government to support this private member bill.

CHP’s CEO, Deborah Di Natale, said that homelessness and poverty should not be consid-

ered as criminal offences.

“We don’t want to live in a society that criminalises vulnerable people pushed to the edge,” said the CEO.

“We need to address the root causes , a dire shortage of social housing and homelessness services stretched to their limits.“

Rather, Di Natale called for greater social and welfare support and investment in housing as

well as preventative measures to homelessness.

“When someone is forced to beg for survival, the last thing they need is criminal charges, fines they can’t pay, or unnecessary interactions with the justice system.

“I think most Victorians would be shocked we’re lagging behind when it comes to treating people experiencing homelessness with basic dignity.

“Victorian MPs from across the political divide should unite to support this bill and send a clear signal that tackling homelessness needs a compassionate, evidence-based approach.”

Over the last few years, many have advocated for abolishment of the outdated laws, including a 2021 parliamentary inquiry.

Following pressure from the Legalise Cannabis Party, Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny, has also taken up the suggestion, requesting advice from Department of Justice and Community Safety

The motion has been adjourned and will be debated in the following weeks.

Rachel Payne.

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Festive fashion parade

By Violet Li

Smart Club of Melbourne Inc. hosted its first-ever seniors’ fashion parade in the Cranbourne.

Only two months old, the club has quickly established itself as a vibrant social hub. Secretary Salma Maqbool, who adopted the idea, said the parade was designed to empower seniors and show that style, joy and self-expression have no age limit.

Members took to the catwalk in bright outfits, festive accessories and big smiles.

“This fashion parade is to promote positive aging, and to empower the seniors that they can still enjoy certain things that the youngsters are enjoying and to promote this perception of the idea,” Salma said.

“This is an idea for the other communities so that they can also start doing that to show that, look, the seniors can enjoy, which is still happening in certain clubs. They are doing the tap dancing for the seniors and other things.”

Smart Club of Melbourne Inc. wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Culture, colour and crowds at Melbourne Pasifika Festival

By Violet Li

A bit of rain during the opening ceremony couldn’t dampen the spirit of the Melbourne Pasifika Festival on Saturday 6 December, with an estimated 4500 people streaming into the Banjo Paterson Park throughout the day.

Hosted by the Women’s Federation for World Peace, Australia (WFWP), since its launch in 2018, the Melbourne Pasifika Festival has grown into one of the region’s most vibrant cultural showcases.

WFWP Australia president Anne Bellavance said crowds “just kept pouring in with their umbrellas, chairs and everything they needed to have a good time.”

After the early downpour, the weather settled into a mix of cloudy moments and sunny patches, enough for the festival’s trademark en-

ergy to flourish.

Music rolled across the grounds and dances continued well into the evening, with performances finishing around 6.30pm.

This year’s program featured many dance and music groups, including those of Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Niue.

More than 35 stalls formed a bustling marketplace of island food, handmade goods and cultural merchandise. M?ori artists also attended, showcasing artwork and traditional greenstone pieces.

Families enjoyed jumping castles, flying toys, a boomerang school and a rugby clinic, while community organisations such as Ready2Work, Key Assets and the Centre for Population Genomics connected with Pasifika families throughout the day.

Neil Hays (retired chair of Rugby Victoria), Anne Bellavance (National President, WFWP Australia, who hosted the MPF), Casey Councillor Lynette Pereira, and Chanchal Kumavat (City of Casey Woman of the Year 2025 & Founder/Director of Saathi Multicultural Association of Australia) at the opening ceremony. (Gary Sissons: 521901)

Anthony Makaea (president of Niue Community Council of Victoria & MC for the MPF).

The crowd thrived despite the rain.

Rev. Daniel Meadows (FFWPU).The guests were asked to take a drink.

Allan Melatua (Vice-President, Solomon Islands Victoria Association – SIVA).

The Kava drinking ceremony.

Christmas cheer and confident struts filled the room on Sunday 7 December as the

Fashion Parade. (Gary Sissons: 519040)

Smart Club of Melbourne Inc. hosted the Fashion Parade. (519040)

The perfect location for nature lovers

Botanic

Public Notice

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

Clause 52.02 Variation to a Restrictive Covenant

The applicant for the permit is: ANC Planning Consultants

The application reference number is: PA25-0648

City

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

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

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

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

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

•include the application number and site address

•include the reasons for the objection, and •state how the objector would be affected.

The land affected by the application is located at: 14 Chateau Avenue NARRE WARREN VIC 3805 Lot 321 LP 92935

The application is for a permit to: Development of Dwelling at Rear of Existing Dwelling and Removal of a Restriction

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

Clause 32.08-7 Construct a dwelling if there is at least one dwelling existing on the lot Clause 52.02 Removal of a Restrictive Covenant A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme

The applicant for the permit is: Archiden Design & Consultancy

The application reference number is: PA25-0354

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

City of Casey Bunjil Place

2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website or by scanning the QR code.

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

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

Responsible Authority.

An objection must:

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

•include the application number and site address

•include the reasons for the objection, and •state how the objector would be affected.

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

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 8 January 2026

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

WHAT’S ON

Santa photos

Santa and his cheerful elf are stopping by the park. Bring your camera to snap your own special photos.

• Thursday, 11 December 9.30am-11am and 12pm-1pm at Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick; free event.

Paint and Pop

Christmas creative painting activity, followed by a juice box and snack to go. Art materials provided. Suitable for primary-school ages. Bring your own smock or apron. Parent/guardian supervision required.

• Friday 12 December, 9am or 10.30am (60 min sessions) at Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick; $10pp. Bookings essential: events.humanitix.com/paintand-pop-small-canvas-67ktevbl

Community Neighbourhood BBQ

Fundraising sausage sizzle provided by Cranbourne Scouts and Venturers. Evening for the whole family, with games for the kids.

• Friday 12 December 5.30pm-8pm at Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne West; free entry. Bookings essential: trybooking.com/events/landing/1410092?

Christmas on the Foreshore

Carols event. Bring a picnic blanket and some camp chairs. Food trucks, entertainment, and fireworks.

• Friday 12 December 6pm-10pm at Tooradin foreshore; entry by gold coin donation.

Christmas High Tea

Bringing women together to reflect, connect, and end the year with encouragement and joy. Part of the E-Girl Empowerment initiative.

• Saturday, 13 December 2pm-6pm (formalities at 3pm) at Little Croft Family & Community Centre, 151 The Strand, Narre Warren South; $25pp (includes High Tea, refreshments and activities). Bookings: gerttashivachi.wixsite.com/e-girl-empowerment-i

Clyde Christmas Carols Singer, Songwriter and Pastor, Kerrigan La-Brooy, is back again hosting Gethsemane’s Clyde Christmas Carols. Festive cheer, carnival atmosphere, prizes galore, gifts and giveaways. Live performances, food vendors, craft stalls, Santa Claus, childrens rides and amusements, raffle, Christ-

Trades & Services

mas Miracle with gifts for every registered child.

• Saturday 13 December 4.30pm-8.30pm at Hillcrest Christian College oval, 500 Soldiers Road, Clyde North; free event. Details: 0404 875 647 or kerriganlabrooy@bigpond.com

Endeavour Hills Community Carols

Free event for the whole family. Local schools and music groups including gospel music group, Urban Praise. Food trucks, carnival games, children activities and fireworks.

• Saturday 13 December 5.30pm-9.30pm at Reveal Church, 2-8 Gleneagles Drive, Endeavour Hills; free event.

Music in the Park

Local choirs fill the park with festive cheer. BYO picnic and drinks, a small selection of food for purchase.

• Saturday 13 December 6pm-9pm at Wilson Botanic Park Berwick; $5 donation pp (children under 2 free)

Narre Warren North Carols

Family-friendly traditional carols. Relaxed picnic atmosphere without vendors or fireworks. Free sausage sizzle, tea and coffee. No dogs or other pets, except service animals.

• Saturday 13 December 6.30pm-10.30pm at A’Beckett Road Reserve, Narre Warren North; $10 family of four or $5pp.

Melbourne Stars family day

Meet your favourite Melbourne Stars players, take photos and collect autographs. Activities for all ages sporting challenges, interactive workshops, games as well as roving entertainment, live music and food trucks.

• Sunday 14 December 10am–2pm at Casey Fields Oval 5, 160 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne; free event.

Santa Run

Narre Warren Fire Brigade will be conveying Santa to parks and venues across Casey. Also will collect donations of non-perishable food for charity Transit Soup Kitchen (eg pasta, Milo, coffee, tea bags, biscuits, soft drink, flour, canned food, nuts, long-life milk). Bring along items to help a family in need.

• Sunday 14 December 5.30pm at Ray Bastin Reserve, 6pm Wood Road Reserve, 6.30pm Berwick Springs playground, 6.50pm Berwick Springs

Football Club, 7.20pm Casey Central Park.

Casey City Church Carols

Live performances, community carols, visit from Santa, food trucks, rides and fireworks finale.

Bring a chair and pack a picnic.

• Friday, 19 December from 6.30pm at Cairns Road Reserve, Campbell Drive, Hampton Park; free event.

Christmas Carols by Twilight 50th anniversary with rides, food trucks, a visit from Santa and a fireworks display at 9:15 pm.

• Wednesday 24 December 7pm-9.20pm at Max Pawsey Reserve, Narre Warren; free event.

Lakeside Paddle Boats

Paddle Boats and Aqua Bikes daily. Ages 3-12 must ride with an adult (16-plus).

• Daily until 31 January 10am-4pm; $30 for 15 minutes, $50 for 30 minutes (per paddleboat 1-2 capacity) at Wilson Botanic Park lake, Berwick. Bookings recommended: trybooking.com/DHFGU

Elf Scavenger Hunt

Get clues to track down elves in their secret spots, and claim a sweet reward a lollypop. For all ages.

• daily until 13 December, 10am-3pm at Wilson Botanic Park visitor centre, Berwick; free event.

U3A Cranbourne

Non-profit group for over-50s with lots of craft, activities and social groups such as garden club, line danding, ukelele and guitar group and singing. New members are always welcome.

• 20-22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne. Details: u3acranbourne.org.au or 0493 991 919.

Indoor Social Pickleball

Casual,indoorsocialpickleballsessions.Allequipment provided during this coach-free session.

• Mondays 5.30pm-6.30pm and Wednesdays 10am-11am 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). Try booking in for Olive Road (Monday and Wednesday sessions). 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.

• Details: u3acasey.org.au, 0493 280 458 or caseyu3a@gmail.com

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. Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club

We meet weekly for a range of different events, including bus trips, community days, games, coffee and chat, bingo, dancing and carpet bowls. Weekly activity times Line Dancing Mon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.

• 1 Codrington St, Cranbourne. Details: Marilyn, 0432 107 590 or facebook.com/ groups/487808127399953

Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre

A friendly seniors Club offering many activities, including dancing, garden group, indoor carpet bowls, table tennis, gentle exercises and friendly card games.

• main club day on Wednesdays, 9.30am-3pm at 192-196 Centre Road near the Narre Warren Station. Details: 9783 7112, 0426 736 467, or narrewarrenseniors@gmail.com

Blind Bight Community Centre

Craft gift making for adults, Tuesdays 12.30pm to 2.30pm; $3 per class. Playgroup, Wednesdays 10.30am-noon; $5 per family. Knit and crochet, Wednesdays 12pm-2pm. Line dancing, Wednesdays 1pm-2pm; $10 per class.

• 42 Anchorage Dr, Blind Bight. Bookings: blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au

Valiant Eagles falling short

By Blair Burns

Parkfield maintained its spot on the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 2 ladder after surviving a scare against bottom-placed Cranbourne to win by 11 runs.

The Blues came into the clash with a clean 4-0 season record, while the Eagles had a tough start to the year, winning just one of their first four matches.

The Eagles won the toss and decided to bowl first, a decision which almost immediately paid off for captain Dean McDonell as Tim Fathers bowled Ryan Williamson for just 9.

Sam Beadsworth joined fellow Parkfield opener and his captain Dishan Malalasekera at the crease with the scoreboard reading 1/11, and the pair began to build a partnership.

After a 59-run stand, Beadsworth (22) was dismissed and Malalasekera continued on, soon bringing up his third half century of the season to guide the side to 130 off the reduced 26 overs.

Cranbourne’s Harsaroup Singh (2/25) and Saad Bin Tariq (2/27) were impressive with the ball and helped restrict what could’ve been a much bigger score without their crucial wickets.

In reply, there was only one man who stood tall for the Eagles in the run chase, and that was Singh as Cranbourne’s top order collapsed.

Cameron Kelly and Raja Ahmed made ducks, while McDonell (2) and Prasaanth Krishnamoorthy (5) didn’t get much further before they were sent back to the sheds.

Singh scored a brilliant half century before he was undone for 57, sparking further dismissals –Travis D’Souza, Nigel Van der Wert and Roshane Cooray took two wickets each as they kept Parkfield in the box seat with the ball.

Cranbourne was bowled out for 119, just 11 runs short of what would’ve been a tremendous upset victory.

HSD moved to a 3-2 record after a hard-fought win against North Dandenong in a game where the rain didn’t affect or reduce the number of overs.

On the way to a first-innings score of 138, there were four Cobras batters who made an impact, with Brent Patterson (37), Liam O’Connor (26), Anuda Akmeemana (25) and Luke Grady (24) all making valuable contributions.

Dinuka Perera was on fire with the new ball, troubling the batters to take 4/25 off eight overs.

HSD won by 34 runs in the end after a con-

DANDENONG DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION TURF 2 REVIEW - ROUND 6 (ONE DAY)

vincing bowling performance, bowling North Dandenong out for only 99.

Sakuntha Liyanage (4/26) was taking wickets for fun, while Brett Hookey (3/11) and Ryan Patterson (2/19) were also bowling a treat.

Half centuries to Lyndale pair Faraz Rahman and Himesh Galhenage Don (both 53), as well as

a quickfire 26 from Satnam Singh, helped the side make 210 in the first innings, which was enough to defeat Silverton.

With 17 runs needed for victory and 14 balls left in the innings, the pressure was on the Bakers to chase the runs.

Despite losing what seemed to be too many

Narre

J. Hayer run out: L. Richardson 8 J. Khan c: M. Perera b: M. Bandara ............................56 D. Perera not out .........................................................104 J. Hammond c: D. N. Kulasekara b: R. Siwes 6 A. Fardell not out ...........................................................17

10Wd, 3NB, 1LB ................................................14 Total: (29 Overs) ......................................................3/205 Fall of Wickets: 1-19 J. Hayer, 2-125 J. Khan, 3-138 J. Hammond. Dandenong West Bowling: D. N. Kulasekara 6-0-31-0, P. Atkinson 4-0-29-0, B. Sheean 4-0-25-0, J. Zietsman 5-0-38-0, M. Bandara 6-0-43-1, R. Siwes 4-0-38-1. DANDENONG WEST

S. Weir c: D. Perera b: J. Khan .....................................10 M. Mandora lbw: J. Hayer .............................................34

M. Perera c: D. Perera b: S. Ranawaka 4 M. Bandara b: J. Khan ...................................................48

N. Fonseka c: D. Perera b: J. Khan .............................25

D. N. Kulasekara not out ..............................................49

L. Richardson c: J. Khan b: J. Hammond 4 R. Siwes not out 0

Extras

b: J. Dowling .............10 C. Lewis not out ..............................................................12 B. Van Twest b: D. Opanayaka

D. Sasantha not out

Extras 15Wd, 3NB, 4B ..................................................22 Total: (38 Overs) 9/116

Fall of Wickets: 1-11 K. Gwynne, 2-35 H. Singh, 3-51

J. Gwynne, 4-56 J. Farrington, 5-56 A. Saxena, 6-66 N. Kumar, 7-93 L. Premarathna, 8-94 S. R. Jayaprakash, 9-98 B. Van Twest.

Springvale South Bowling: D. Opanayaka 7-1-23-2, N. Boland 7-4-17-1, J. Dowling 8-1-43-3, B. Baxter 8-221-1, J. Straker 8-3-8-2. SPRINGVALE SOUTH

R. Quirk lbw: D. Sasantha ............................................46 M. Forsyth c: S. Jayaprakash b: H. Singh ..................17

J. Wyatt not out ..............................................................36

C. Forsyth not out 4

Extras 10Wd, 1NB, 3LB ................................................14

Total: (24.2 Overs) ..................................................2/117

Fall of Wickets: 1-60 M. Forsyth, 2-109 R. Quirk. Hallam Kalora Park Bowling: B. Van Twest 3-0-27-0, C. Lewis 6-0-27-0, H. Singh 4-0-23-1, N. Kumar 6-3-

wickets early, Rajeev Dhankar (31) and Harkanwal Singh (35 not out) did everything they could, but the team was bowled out for 194, with about two overs to go.

Warren was set to host Coomoora, however the poor conditions got the better of the ground and therefore the game was not played.

Cranbourne’s Harsaroup Singh did everything he could to get his team over the line, scoring 57 and taking two wickets. (Rob Carew: 462193)

DDCA

Cream rises for Cranbourne

CRANBOURNE BOWLS

It was a spirited week of performances from Cranbourne with the club’s top-two teams winning their pennant matches on Saturday while the week was filled with strong efforts right throughout the teams.

A cool day prevailed on Saturday, with the odd shower or two, but not enough inclement weather to cause a delay or abandonment to the games.

Cranbourne 1 Div 1 took the trip down to Beaumaris to take on their number one team on the synthetic green.

Both teams went into battle and at these levels there is never a lot between the two teams with each club winning two rinks each.

The best rink was that of Skip Chris Hunt, third Lyn Quigg, second Peter Elgar and lead Billy Gilchrist who played some inspired bowls winning their rink (29-10) +19 shots.

Next best rink was skipped by Gavin Wright, third Gerry Schryver, second Kirsty Tootell and lead Steve Bentley winning their rink by seven shots; 24-17.

The two losing rinks went down by five and six shots respectively.

· Cranbourne 1 Div 1 (86) def Beaumaris 1 (72) +14 shots and 14 points.

Cranbourne 2 Div 2 playing on the front grass green took on a very capable Clayton 3.

The Cranbourne 2 team were a focused lot and eventually over powered Clayton, winning all rinks and taking maximum points.

Best rink was skipped by Neil Drummond, third Allen Skurrie, second Bill Bradbury and lead Frank Verco who had a great game winning by 13 shots.

Skip Neil Drummond wanted everyone to know that even though Frank Verco wasn’t feeling 100 percent and he’s due to have a pacemaker fitted very shortly, he wasn’t prepared to weaken the team by pulling out and just gutsed it out and helped his rink and team have a well-earned win.

Thank you for your efforts Frank.

Next best rink was skipped by Hans Worsteling, third Chris Stevenson, second Roberto Bernardo and lead Barry Graham who defeated their opponents by 9 shots; 24-15.

Nick Arnold’s team and Phil Nielsen’s rinks also won by six shots and three shots respectively.

Congratulations guys, a great team effort produced a great team win.

· Cranbourne 2 Div 2 (89) def Clayton 3 (58) +31 shots and 18 points.

Cranbourne 3 Div 4 took on Mulgrave Country Club 4 at Cranbourne on the front synthetic.

Being part of the team playing, you could tell all rinks were in the game for most of the day, but the experience and quality of the Mulgrave team stood out in the end.

Best rink was skipped by Brian Turton and his Angels; third Jo Alsop, second Jacqui Warner and lead Jeanne Tomlin who won the game 21-14. Next was the team of Skip Derek Maguire, third Scott De Piazza, second Kate Sharpe and lead Bob Pyne who were down by two shots until giv-

ing away a four on the last end.

They eventually went down by six shots; 17-23.

The teams skipped by Chris Sharpe and Dermot McConville went down by 16 and 10 shots respectively.

· Cranbourne 3 Div 4 (67) def by Mulgrave 4 (92) -25 shots and 2 points.

Cranbourne 4 Div 5 travelled to Mulgrave Country Club to take on the fourth team.

Playing on the synthetic green, the best rink for Cranbourne was skipped by Monica Peers, third Liz Hughes, second Rod Challis and lead Denise Meulman who won by six shots, 27-21.

Next best was the team skipped by Helen Blake, third Marijan Bobetic, second Helen Winter and lead Davina Bobetic who got up by the one shot, 19-18.

The teams skipped by Neil Fotheringham and Bob Bellamy lost their matches by 15 shots and 10 shots respectively.

· Cranbourne 4 Div 5 (79) def by Mulgrave (97) -18 shots and 4 points.

MIDWEEK PENNANT

It was a cool start to the morning with a lot of

overhead cloud that eventually by mid-afternoon turned sunny.

However, most players had a jumper or jacket on to keep warm and it stayed on most of the day.

Cranbourne 1 Div 1 travelled over to Mulgrave Country Club to take on their number one team on the main road grass green.

I understand that our players had chances in the game, but failed to take advantage.

Our best rink of the day was skipped by Phil Nielsen, third Chris Stevenson, second Chris Sharpe and lead Frank Verco.

Try as hard as they could, they just couldn’t bridge the gap and eventually went down by 10 shots, 13-23.

The teams skipped by Nick Arnold and Steve Bentley also suffered losses going down by 15 and 16 shots respectively.

· Cranbourne 1 Div 1 (36) def by Mulgrave 1 (77) -41 shots and 0 points.

Cranbourne 2 Div 3 hosted Mulgrave Country Club 4 at Cranbourne on the front synthetic and there wasn’t a lot between the teams after 10 ends.

Following a short break, the Mulgrave side began to assert its authority and while Cranbourne worked hard to close the gap, they eventually went down by nine shots overall but scored two pennant points.

Best rink for Cranbourne was skipped by Lois Brock, third Yvonne Van Der Wees, second Davina Bobetic and lead Jeanne Tomlin who won their game 23-17.

Great effort ladies and very well done. The rinks skipped by Harry Van Soest and Derek Maguire went down to their opponents by 7 and 8 shots respectively.

We need to mention that all rinks put in a great effort and we look forward to the return bout against Mulgrave later in the season.

· Cranbourne 2 Div 3 (53) def by Mulgrave 4 (62) -9 shots and 2 points.

Finally, Cranbourne 3 travelled to take on Noble Park 2 at their home ground.

Playing on nice grass greens, all rinks did very well, especially our winning rink skipped by Steve Bakker, third Rod Challis, second Bob Gye and lead Theresa Von Oppeln who won 21-15 for a sixshot win and two pennant points; great job team.

The team skipped by Bob Bellamy, third Monica Peers, second Allison Devine and lead Suzanne Buchan had a great tussle, but eventually fell short by one shot, 19-20.

This was another great effort team.

Last, but not least, is the team who battled hard, but eventually went down by 16 shots.

These were Skip Louis Magri, third Helen Blake, second Peter Margiannis and lead Gil Newton.

· Cranbourne 3 Div 5 (50) def by Noble Park 2 (61) -11 shots and 2 points.

The midweek selectors would sincerely like to thank everyone who assisted us by playing pennant bowls this week.

Cranbourne had a total of around 16 people unavailable and we’d like to thank everyone who was contacted early and helped us get through the day.

Again, our thanks go to Noble Park Bowls Club for their assistance.

Many thanks, one and all.

-Derek Maguire

Magnificent Melbourne Stars set sights on south east

Cricket fans across the south-east are gearing up for a major pre-season highlight with the Melbourne Stars Family Day returning to Casey Fields on Sunday, 14 December.

The free community event, which runs from 10am to 2pm, is expected to draw strong crowds once again, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment, player access and family-friendly activities.

Attendees will have the chance to meet the Melbourne Stars playing squad, with signing and selfie sessions scheduled throughout the day.

Interactive cricket activations, roaming entertainers and a diverse selection of food trucks will add to the festival-like atmosphere, making the event a popular outing for families and young cricket enthusiasts.

Tooradin Ward Councillor Jennifer Dizon said the day has become a much-loved fixture on the local calendar.

“The Melbourne Stars Family Day is a crowd favourite amongst the community,” Cr Dizon said.

“We’re pleased to help deliver a fantastic

event that offers fun for the whole family and provides a great opportunity for kids to discover their interest in cricket or test out their skills in the nets.”

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said Council was proud to support the continued growth of cricket in the region.

“Council is proud to continue its partnership with the Melbourne Stars as they grow their fan base and community initiatives in the southeast of Melbourne and inspire the next generation of cricket stars,” he said.

Melbourne Stars General Manager Max Abbott said the event is one of the club’s most anticipated events on the calendar.

“The Melbourne Stars Family Day is a highlight of the summer, bringing our players and fans together for what has become an annual tradition,” Abbott said.

The event is free and bookings are not required.

Fans who pre-register will enter the draw to win a team-signed Stars playing shirt.

To pre-register, visit: strs.co/FamDay25.

Tooradin Ward Councillor Jennifer Dizon is looking forward to the Melbourne Stars Family Day at Casey Fields this Sunday. (Supplied: 522975)

Brian’s Angels; lead Jeanne Tomlin, second Jacqui Warner and third Jo Alsop with skip Brian Turton after a winning effort against Mulgrave. (Jacqui Warner: 522973)

Cranbourne 4 team member Liz Hughes is clearly enjoying her day out at the bowls.

Rays quartet in Draft mix

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Up to four Dandenong Stingrays could be selected at next Monday’s AFLW Draft which is set to take place at Marvel Stadium.

Vic Country quartet Mizuki Brothwell, Nalu Brothwell, Charlotte Gilmore and Matilda Argus are all on the radars of AFLW clubs following strong seasons in the talent pathway.

The Brothwell twin sisters have grown enormously since coming into the Stingrays program ahead of the 2024 season.

The pair immediately caught the eye of former Dandenong coach Josh Moore with their athleticism and scope and have grown significantly under both Moore and 2025 coach Nathan Boyd’s tutelage.

Mizuki is an intercept defender who was part of the AFLW Academy, while Nalu is a strong marking half forward, with both viewed as firstround prospects.

“Mizuki added depth of understanding in terms of footy IQ,” current Stingrays coach Nathan Boyd enthused.

“She’s really confident as a defender.

“Her decision making and kicking and ability to pick up a ground ball quickly, and dispose of it well, stood out as weapons as the season progressed and her and Nalu are unflappable characters.

“Nalu’s is the ultimate journey in a pathways program, coming in as a real outsider to now being one of the most recognisable names in the draft.

“The thing that stands out to me is that she’s so cool and composed with everything.

“She’s not overawed by any occasion.

“Her ability to read the footy and run and carry and the growth in some of her technical stuff like ground-ball and kicking, is an exclamation point on doing what we do.

“She’s relatively raw still so moving to the next level, she’ll learn more about forward craft and system which will allow her to showcase her aerial strength and athleticism more.”

Gilmore has progressed significantly throughout the 2025 season, underlined by the winger initially missing Vic Country’s squad, before performing at the right time of year for Dandenong to get added late.

The game she played for the Stingrays against Murray, in a non-traditional inside midfield role, provided her with a launchpad for the second half of the year where she played her best footy.

Boyd sees parallels between Gilmore’s discipline and diligent application to role, and first year Western Bulldogs winger Sarah Poustie, who played 10 AFLW games in 2025.

“It’s pretty cool to see someone who didn’t

have a consistent lead in put herself on the map,” Boyd said.

“She is a classic example of someone growing through the programs which is exciting.

“She showed inside mid composure against Murray and that was important because it showed her that she saw she could do it.

“She’s as good a specialist wing player as I’ve seen.

“I think it was all about confidence with her.

“She’s always been a great kick and competitive but stringing it together after the game against Murray, when she took a centre stage role,

was huge.”

Argus has played most of her footy as a rebounding defender, where her incisive kicking sets the game up, but showed promising versatility in 2025.

She averaged 19 disposals and six tackles at Talent League level this year and is viewed as a possible later pickup.

“She’s proven she’s a good rebounding halfback for a long time,” Boyd noted.

“We were keen to see how she’d go as a midfielder and I think going forward, her athletic qualities lend to her being a midfielder.

“Transitioning into AFLW, she’s probably more an outside/halfback flank at this stage.

“She covers the ground at an elite level, she’s competitive and kicks it well.

“We’ve seen only eight weeks of development as a midfielder and she’s pretty driven so she’ll leave no stone unturned.”

The Stingrays reached the 2025 Talent League grand final, going down to Eastern Ranges.

Three girls were drafted from the Dandenong last year - Elli Symonds, Zoe Besanko and Kayla Dalgleish - and it is viewed as one of the strongest female talent pathway programs in the state.

Gippsland Power trio firmly in AFLW Draft contention

By Jonty Ralphsmith

AFLW Academy player Ella Stoddart is among three Gippsland Power players in contention for the AFLW Draft, to be held on Monday night at Marvel Stadium.

A rebounding defender who played 50 games for the talent pathway program across four seasons, Stoddart has long been one of the region’s most highly touted prospects.

A naturally talented player who sets the game up from the back half by winning one-onones and using the footy well, Stoddart’s effervescent personality is another trait she’ll offer an AFLW club.

“She’s the glue and energy around the program,” said Nathan Boyd, who coached Stoddart from 2023 until midway through this year.

“She might be the one who drove the standards from an energy perspective which kept her invested and having a lot of fun.”

Stoddart averaged 18 disposals at Talent League level in 2025 and has represented Vic Country in each of the past two U18s National Championships, positioning her to likely have her name read out.

“She’s just a terrific person who lives and breathes footy and in the full time AFLW environment would absolutely thrive,” Gippsland Power coach Michael Farmer said.

“My time with Ella has been awesome and she wants to continually get better, is open to

direct feedback and I think given the opportunity has the ability to impact straight away at an AFLW club.

“She can hit a target on the run from 45 and will make the right decision nine times out of 10.

“To me she looks like a natural footballer and will only get better in that AFLW level.”

Chelsea Sutton and Abby Hobson are also in AFLW Draft contention.

Sutton won Gippsland’s best and fairest and shone at the AFLW Draft Combine.

The disciplined forward/midfielder played 49 games for Gippsland, improving meteorically in recent years, representing Vic Country in 2025 where her trademark tenacity came to the fore.

“Chelsea has so much raw athleticism that we’re only starting to see,” Farmer said.

“Her ability to change direction and still maintain her power and speed was really strong and allowed her to move out of traffic almost effortlessly at times.

“I can see her starting anywhere next year.

“The skills she has are transferable across all lines but I think she has the hallmarks of a really

exciting midfielder.”

Sutton has had a handy mentor, Sydney Swans AFLW defender Ash Van Loon, whom she has leant on throughout 2025.

“(Ash) has given me advice and insight into her draft year process and how she dealt with all the pressure so getting her advice has been very good,” Sutton told this masthead in September.

“(The pressure) was very confronting at first but once I found ways to have balance, it was easier and I’ve tried to soak in the experiences I’ve had.”

Sutton’s range of the draft is viewed as being 25-35.

Pakenham’s Hobson is also right in calculations after a season where she kicked 20 goals in 13 games for Gippsland and was named in the best players six times.

A marking and goal kicking masterclass in her last game of the year for Gippsland synopsised what she would offer an AFLW club.

“Abby really showcased her bag of weapons especially around her contested marking in that game,” Farmer said.

“I think that third quarter showed us that she has the ability to put a game on her shoulders and take charge.

“She has really impressed with her professionalism and willingness to continue to improve her game and her running ability has come on really well.”

Warragul Industrials’ Chelsea Sutton is a fine AFLW Draft prospect. (Stewart Chambers: 506831)

Ella Stoddart drives the ball forward for Gippsland. (Rob Carew: 496411).

Nalu Brothwell is one of four Dandenong Stingrays right in the AFLW Draft mix. (Riley Lockett/AFL Photos)