Bright daffodils and garments were on show for a Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser at Balla Balla Community Centre on Tuesday. Among the gathering were, pictured from left, event organiser Anna Curran, Pauline Laidlay, Ann John from Cancer Council Victoria and event MC Colin Butler.
For more on the event, turn to page 3 (Stewart Chambers: 555153)
The City of Casey has approved an amended development plan for Berwick’s Manuka Road precinct, paving the way for more than 150 new homes despite overwhelming community opposition.
Councillors, excluding Cr Shane and Cr Dave Perry, voted in favour of the proposal at the May council meeting, even though 121 of the 133 public submissions objected to the project.
Residents and community groups argued the development would erode one of Berwick’s last semi-rural pockets, raising concerns about traffic congestion, environmental impacts, tree loss and increased pressure on local infrastructure.
Critics also expressed frustration that future subdivision plans and permits will no longer be open to public objection following the council’s decision.
The 18-hectare site near Cardinia Creek is set to become a new residential estate expected to accommodate around 446 residents. Plans include detached housing, open spaces, upgraded roads and pedestrian links to nearby parklands.
Councillor Perry and Taylor voted against the motion, on the basis that the proposal failed to adequately reflect community concerns and risked sacrificing Berwick’s character to meet housing targets.
Supporters of the project said the development was necessary to address growing housing demand across Melbourne’s south-east while still protecting heritage sites and significant vegetation.
For more on this story, go to page 5
By Jensy Callimootoo
For Katie Burgess, mum of three in Berwick, consistent rent increases means the prospect of owning a home is nearly unattainable
With consistent rent hikes over the last few years, her family of five has had to make some harsh sacrifices in order to afford a roof over their heads.
Katie first moved into their rental in 2021, with the weekly price sitting at $490.
Five years on, their rent has increased to $745 a week — that’s more than a 50 per cent increase.
Spending nearly $3000 a month on rent has led to the family not having much savings to land on.
“We don’t eat out. We don’t really do any extracurricular activities,” said Katie.
“By the time we sort out the kids and their sports and make sure everyone’s fed and happy it’s just very tight.”
According to the State Government’s quarterly Rental Report for September 2025, only 2.7 per cent (61 properties) of current lettings across homes with one to four bedrooms in Casey are
categorised as affordable.
This is in comparison to pre-Covid when 21.3 per cent of available rental homes (449), were categorised as affordable.
Katie has had to explore other avenues for income and recently opened up a cleaning business to try to stay on top of the costs.
She says that even then, they have no capacity to save after they pay their rent and have had to cancel their car and pet insurance.
“A $35 or $40 an hour job just doesn’t cover it,’ she said.
While the family is open to finding more affordable housing, she says that the market has become difficult to navigate.
“It just doesn’t seem much out there and with the rental market, you rock up for a show and there’s 20 or 30 other families that are trying to get in the door. It’s so competitive,” she said.
Anglicare Victoria’s rental affordability data indicates that finding suitable and affordable rental properties is nearly impossible with new demographics, including working households, facing extreme cost-of-living pressures.
Rising rent prices have also increased the
pressure on public housing and crisis accommodation services and contributed to the current rate of homelessness.
Natasha Janes, a former renter in Berwick, knows all too well about the competitive and rocky rental market — and the sacrifices that come with trying to own a property while renting.
She and her partner were forced to move out of their three-bedroom Berwick rental following a rent hike as their yearly contract was coming to an end. At the time, they shared the home with a roommate.
“They asked for an extra $70 a week, and they said it’s because all the other houses around us had increased in price… we were sort of told if you don’t like it, leave,” said Natasha.
The goal was to save for a home of their own, but with their rent growing to $630 a week, that was simply not possible.
It prompted the pair to ultimately downsize to a small unit in Dandenong that had no heating or air conditioning to save money. But even then, a sustainable deposit meant great sacrifices.
“We were putting away a certain amount, but after we paid rent and we paid for food, we did
nothing else with our life,” she said.
“We had no budget to go out to a movie or anything. We would be able to put away $150 a week, but when your rent increases seventy bucks, you then lose half of your savings.”
Natasha says that reflecting on the things the pair had to give up to afford a home was a “struggle”.
Similarly to Natasha, for mum Katie, the mental load of having to sacrifice social and community life has left an “isolating” impact.
“It just feels isolating. It gets to school holidays and the kids want to go to the movies or you want to do fun activities for them - and it’s $100 a day just to get out and buy some food and enjoy yourself,” she said.
“So, I think there’s the guilt there of being a parent and not being able to do fun things.
“And just having to say no to friends when they say, come do this, come do that.
“It’s sort of knocking back your social life because we just can’t do it.
“Can we pay rent next week or are we going to spend $150 on dinner? It’s choosing between the two.”
By Violet Li
Casey councillors who campaigned on keeping rates low are facing scrutiny after the Casey Council proposed a second consecutive rates rise under the new council.
Two of the councillors cited the need to balance keeping rates low with continuing to deliver essential services and infrastructures; a third councillor refused to comment.
Casey Council is considering a 2.75 per cent rates increase in its 2026-’27 draft budget, ahead of its June meeting.
Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) has contacted Tooradin Ward Cr Jennifer Dizon and Correa Ward Cr Gary Rowe, who pledged during the 2024 election campaign to reduce rates or cut what they described as wasteful spending, asking how those commitments would be reflected in the current budget process.
In a statement to the organisation on 21 May, Cr Dizon said councillors had participated in budget briefings, workshops and discussions over the last six months, during which she had “consistently advocated for careful spending, operational efficiencies, financial restraint and
responsible decision-making to reduce pressure on ratepayers wherever possible”
She noted that Casey had remained within the State Government’s rates cap and had not sought a higher cap variation, as some councils had done.
She also said Council must continue delivering and maintaining essential infrastructure and community services relied upon by residents across Casey, and this was particularly important in the growing communities she represents.
Meanwhile, Cr Rowe did not get back to CRRA. He also declined to comment when contacted by Star News.
CRRA president Anthony Tassone said they appreciated Cr Dizon taking the time to respond to their correspondence, but he did not receive any direct answer to his questions.
“While Cr Dizon spoke generally about financial restraint and operational efficiencies, our original question about how she would advocate for reducing council rates in light of the proposed 2.75 per cent increase was not directly answered,” he said.
“We know residents would appreciate an answer to this question.
“This isn’t about attacking individual council-
lors. It’s about transparency, accountability and helping residents understand how election commitments align with council decision-making.
“Residents are facing significant cost-of-living pressures, and many people are paying close attention to council spending and rate increases.”
When contacted by Star News, Cr Dizon provided a similar response, saying that while she had always emphasised the importance of keeping rates as low as possible, Council was also facing rising costs.
“While I have always been clear about the importance of keeping rates as low as possible, it is also important to acknowledge that Council, like households and businesses, is facing increasing costs, particularly in areas such as construction, materials and service delivery,” she said.
“This creates real pressure on the Council’s ability to deliver the infrastructure and services our growing community needs.”
She said she would not be commenting on her final position ahead of the June Council Meeting.
“I will continue to carefully consider the final budget with a focus on striking the right balance between rates, infrastructure, services and investment,” she said.
Kalora Ward Cr Melinda Ambros, who listed
keeping council rates low among her priorities during the election campaign, disputed the suggestion that she had committed to reducing rates when contacted by Star News.
Cr Ambros said her position had always focused on responsible financial management and value for money rather than a commitment to a particular rate level.
“They do not commit me to any particular rate level, and they do not predetermine how I will vote on any future rate proposal,” she said.
“My approach remains grounded and reflects a commitment to fairness and responsible financial management, not a commitment to any specific outcome or predetermined decision.”
Cr Ambros also pointed to Casey’s broader responsibilities, saying the council delivered more than 100 services and maintained $8.7 billion worth of infrastructure.
She said Casey remained one of the lower rating councils among growth and adjoining areas and argued that context was essential when discussing rate settings.
Last year, Casey Council lifted the rates by 3 per cent, in line with the State cap. Star News reported then that residents were disappointed and described it as a “bad move”
By Jensy Callimootoo
City of Casey is facing questions over transparency and long-term financial risk after not publicly disclosing the value of a major recycling contract that could become more expensive if global fuel prices continue to rise.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, councillors voted in favour of extending and varying a new glass collection and recycling services contract to waste giant Cleanaway Waste Management alongside broader waste service arrangements.
It also unanimously voted to endorse a new Kerbside Waste Collection Policy 2026, which aligns with state-mandated reforms including controversial glass recycling kerbside bins.
Deputy Mayor, Michelle Crowther introduced a motion that would endorse the policy but also advocate to the State Government for the removal of the mandates.
With this, councillors expressed skepticism over these reforms but vocalised support for the council’s attempt to cushion the cost impacts on the community.
“Officers have done their best to protect the community from this but… we sort of have our backs to the wall. So this is about the best that we can do at the moment to try to minimise the harm that’s going to be happening from this,” say Cr Ly-
nette Pereira.
“I think we’ve made the best of a bad situation.”
This was mirrored in Cr Gary Rowe’s comment on the contract renewal.
“This is something that’s been forced on the Victorians by the State Government,” said Cr Rowe.
“They have not demonstrated any ability or wish to change their mind and what the council’s done… is good.”
Councillors, excluding Cr Melinda Ambros, Cr Shane Taylor and Cr Crowther, voted to extend its contract with Cleanaway for two years and include the new glass collection service.
Under Casey’s arrangement, households would receive dedicated glass bins serviced by Cleanaway, with recycled material redirected into new manufacturing streams rather than landfill.
However, the financial mechanics of the contract are now drawing scrutiny with council documents revealing the contract price will not remain fixed.
Instead, payments to Cleanaway will fluctuate quarterly in line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) movements and fuel price adjustments, exposing ratepayers to potentially escalating costs over the remaining life of the agreement.
Compounding concerns is the council’s decision to withhold the actual contract value from public release, citing commercial confidentiality.
Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) has since urged the council to disclose this information.
“Residents understand there are commercial sensitivities, but ‘commercial in confidence’ cannot become a blanket excuse for withholding basic cost information from the community,” said
another
CRRA president, Anthony Tassone.
“No re-tendering process has been undertaken for at least seven years, so residents are rightly asking how Council can demonstrate this represents value for money without any recent benchmarking against alternative providers.”
For residents already grappling with rising living costs, Tassone says the arrangement leaves Casey ratepayers effectively uninformed on the full long-term financial exposure.
“If this decision could increase waste charges for households, residents deserve to know what the alternatives cost and why Council believes this is the best deal,” he said.
CRRA argues that residents cannot properly assess financial risk without understanding the baseline value of the agreement or the scale of possible future increases.
By Violet Li
A new parliamentary petition to restore City Loop and Richmond access for Cranbourne and East Pakenham line commuters has attracted more than 700 signatures.
The petition, launched by Beaconsfield commuter Kylie Robinson and sponsored by Berwick MP Brad Battin, argues that the Metro Tunnel has removed direct access to Richmond, Southern Cross and the other City Loop stations, which increases travel time and creates additional inconvenience for south east commuters who are already travelling long distances from outer suburbs.
Under the Metro Tunnel changes introduced in February, Cranbourne and East Pakenham services were rerouted through the new tunnel and stations, including Town Hall, Anzac, Parkville and Arden, bypassing the City Loop, Richmond, and South Yarra. Transport planners said the changes would create a more reliable and higher-capacity rail network.
But Ms Robinson said many commuters had experienced the opposite.
She said her one-way commute from Beaconsfield to Southern Cross had increased from about one hour and seven minutes to between one hour and 20 minutes and one hour and 30 minutes.
“I feel like obviously for some people, the change has probably been beneficial because maybe they need to get off near Town Hall, or maybe they need to get off near Anzac Station, but when I travel to the city, what I see is people just piling off at either Caulfield or Town Hall and stopping trains. You can’t tell me that people are happy about that…” she said.
“My experience is just that it takes me 13 to 23 minutes longer. I’m stopping at more stations. I have to walk 280 metres (to transit at Town Hall).
“There’s the walk. I’m fully able-bodied, so I can do it, but it’s not the point. What about the people that aren’t? So not only is it a 280-metre walk, but on top of that, you’ve got to go up two
flights of escalators.
“For somebody with a disability, it’s not even direct. It would be overwhelming for them.”
Ms Robinson said that the change is not an advancement in public transport, but a step backwards.
“For anybody in the south eastern suburbs who goes to football, or the cricket, tennis or concerts, we can’t even go to Richmond. You have to swap at Caulfield,” she said.
“All those people who were telling me, don’t swap at Caulfield, swap at Town Hall. Well, to get to Richmond, if you swap at Town Hall, you have to go past Richmond, and then you’ve got to go back.
“It sounds quite…
“And then, why shouldn’t we have direct access to go to these things? They’re on our side of the city even, and we have to swap trains to get to them. It’s just not right.”
After sharing the petition in the local Facebook groups, Ms Robinson received mixed comments.
Some said it would not happen, as the whole reason to build the Tunnel was that the city loop was at capacity.
“If they start adding Pakenham/Cranbourne back into the city loop, you will be taking slots from other lines. You are asking them to backpedal on the promises they’ve made to other metro lines for more frequent services,” one person commented.
“It’s very disheartening to read people saying: ‘What’s the point? Mo change will happen’,” Ms Robinson said.
“Some people told me, surely you’ve got more important things to worry about in your life. I’m like, I do, but this actually means a lot to me. And it’s not for my own benefit.
“I work with people, and they’re all feeling it. And we’re women in our 40s and 50s. We’re tired enough.”
Despite some comments questioning whether changes would ever occur, Ms Robinson said many commuters still supported the campaign.
By Violet Li
Casey Council will roll out what is believed to be Australia’s first fully electric hard waste truck fleet from July.
Council awarded its new hard waste and dumped rubbish collection contract at the May Council Meeting on 26 May, choosing an option that uses EV fleets and a nominated transfer station for materials recovery and disposal.
The officer report, which recommended the EV option, said that the preferred option proposed six electric compactor trucks supported by tray trucks, including electric vehicles for e-waste collection such as fridges, televisions, and computers. Backup vehicles would be Euro 6 diesel trucks.
The EV option was estimated to cost around $3 more per household each year compared with the diesel equivalent.
However, officers argued that rising fuel prices after the Middle East war could shrink or eliminate that difference.
The proposal would reduce emissions while increasing the amount of waste diverted from landfill, officers claimed.
Officers also suggested this would be the first full EV hard waste fleet in Australia.
Cr Kim Ross, who moved the recommendation, said it is a prudent financial decision to approve the EV option.
“But it’s more than that, so choosing EV vehicles is a step forward in the circular economy,” she said.
“It’s consistent with community-supported environmental strategy, and it’s future-proofing for a likely increase and a potential difficulty in resourcing diesel fuel due to ongoing geopolitical stability.”
Cr Anthony Walter, who seconded the motion, said the EV option could remove around 650 tonnes of emissions while also reducing noise from diesel engines.
“That would lead our air quality to increase and also benefit community health, as we want to be more active in our community. That means being outside more,” he said.
Not all councillors supported the EV option.
Cr Shane Taylor questioned whether Casey should become the first council to adopt a fully electric waste fleet.
“Being first means that we’re also first in line for the teething problems,” he said.
She said another approach where some services continued through the City Loop would also be good.
“Even if you only have one an hour that goes through the City Loop, I can then plan my day around that,” she said.
Berwick MP Brad Battin said petitions in Parliament are an opportunity for the community to have a say and have their voice heard.
“On this occasion, it is important that the Government answer why they have taken the Pakenham Line out of the loop, and away from the MCG’s closest station Richmond. This has added time to travel for many people,” he said.
“I have committed to working with our Shadow Minister Matt Guy when we have all the available details to ensure we can secure the best deal possible to save time on travel.”
A Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) spokesperson said: “Because we built the Metro Tunnel, we’ve delivered 1,200 extra weekly services on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines, while creating room for more trains right across Melbourne’s rail network.”
“The Metro Tunnel is the biggest transformation of our rail network in more than 40 years, connecting Victorians to hospitals, universities, and jobs never before accessed by rail.
“To travel to Richmond Station, passengers can interchange between the Metro Tunnel and City Loop through connected stations or by transferring at Caulfield.”
DTP has advised that the City Loop was full, which is why the Metro Tunnel was built to untangle Melbourne’s busiest rail corridors and allow more trains to run more often across the network.
The petition remains open until 31 August before being formally presented to Parliament. Once tabled, the State Government can provide an official response.
To sign, visit: parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/restore-city-loop-and-richmond-access-for-east-pakenham-and-cranbourne-line-commuters/
“These vehicles will work hard, particularly through our hot summer peak periods with heavy loads week after week. If they break down, it’s not just a news headline; it’s rubbish piling up on our streets.
“I’m all for sustainability, I’m all for progress, but progress has to be responsible.”
Cr Michelle Crowther, who also opposed the EV option, argued that the long-term cost difference could become significant over the potential nine-year contract period.
However, City of Casey Manager Sustainability and Waste Michael Jansen later clarified at the meeting that the assessment used consistent assumptions across EV and diesel options and was not intended to predict future diesel or EV costs.
Mayor Stefan Koomen also backed the proposal, saying the EV option offered greater financial certainty amid rising fuel costs.
“I’ve seen councils with waste charges going up $40 attributed per household, $40 attributed purely to diesel costs alone this year,” he said.
“So, we know those increases are there; they’re coming.
“I think this option gives us certainty, stability, and it offsets against future rises. And I think that is a key thing for me.”
The contractor also proposed installing 50-kilowatt batteries alongside existing solar infrastructure to reduce reliance on grid electricity, according to the officer report.
Collections in Casey have risen from about 63,000 in 2018 to around 88,000 in the 2025-26 financial year, with forecasts suggesting they could exceed 110,000 during the next contract term.
The proposed EV fleet is said to increase collection capacity compared to current operations. The contractor estimates a capacity of approximately 2,250 collections per week (with a peak cap of 3,000 collections per week during December–February).
The contract has an initial term of 5 years commencing 1 July 2026, with two 2-year optional contract extensions that may be granted at Council’s discretion.
The EV option was approved in a 9–3 vote, with Cr Shane Taylor, Cr Michelle Crowther and Cr Jennifer Dizon voting against the proposal.
By Jensy Callimootoo
The City of Casey has made a landmark decision on the future of one of Berwick’s last semi-rural pockets, with councillors voting to adopt an amended residential development plan, despite 91 per cent of community submissions objecting to the plan.
Development at Manuka Road for over 150 dwellings is now one step closer to construction following a decision by councillors at its May council meeting to adopt the plan with some amendments that were prompted by community submissions.
Following this adopted motion, the community will no longer be notified or be able to object to specific subdivision layouts or further planning permits.
The proposal will transform 18 hectares of land near Cardinia Creek into a new residential precinct; a move that has reignited long-running tensions between Melbourne’s housing pressures and the preservation of local character.
A community consultation period in early 2026 identified various community concerns.
For many residents, the Manuka Road precinct represents one of the last remaining buffers between suburban Berwick and the Cardinia Creek corridor.
Objectors argue the development risks accelerating the gradual erosion of the area’s semi-rural identity, despite council assurances that heritage and vegetation protections will remain in place.
The plan includes protections for historic landmarks Clover Cottage and Minard Villa, retention of significant vegetation and measures aimed at managing bushfire and drainage risks.
But community groups and nearby residents have repeatedly raised concerns about traffic congestion, tree loss, environmental impacts and what they describe as overdevelopment along the urban growth boundary.
Voting against the motion was Cr Dave Per-
ry and Cr Shane Taylor.
“I appreciate the work and the effort that has gone into this proposal and report. But
let’s be honest of what’s in front of us, we have 133 community submissions on the Manuka Road development plan, 121 were objections…” said Cr Taylor.
“These aren’t just objectors, they’re local families that care deeply about their area, they’re simply asking for safe roads and to protect the neighbourhood character that they love and live in.
“I’m not against growth, I’m just for responsible growth.”
Cr Perry echoed these sentiments, referring to community feedback that the language in the plans were “loose and ambiguous”. He also argued that the suburb’s “character” is being sacrificed in order to meet housing targets.
“Future rights for residents to have an input is not possible after this decision,” he said.
“As a community we need to decide what we want Berwick and surroundings to look like in the future.”
Councillors who vocalised their support for the project, including Cr Kim Ross and Cr Scott Dowling, said the development is a necessary response to population growth and housing demand in Melbourne’s south-east.
“We do have housing targets to meet, we have infill targets to meet…” said Cr Ross.
The draft plan covers land bounded by Manuka Road, Allan Street and the Cardinia Creek parklands and would pave the way for predominantly detached housing, new open spaces, upgraded roads and pedestrian connections into surrounding parklands. The development is expected to house roughly 446 residents.
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By Dr Jamel Kaur Singh, Dya Singh and Saffal Singh Dhillon (three family generations)
Over the past few weeks, we found ourselves reviewing a university Masters healthcare module focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient engagement.
The intention behind it was important. Necessary, even.
Closing the gap in health outcomes matters. Cultural safety matters. Historical understanding matters.
But truth be told… by the end of the module, we were left asking a difficult question:
Are we teaching future healthcare professionals how to connect with people - or are we teaching them to become anxious about saying the wrong thing?
Because there is a difference.
And increasingly across Australia, well-intentioned diversity and inclusion training risks creating hesitation, awkwardness and social distance rather than confidence, trust and authentic human connection.
That should concern all of us.
The healthcare module centred around “clinical yarning” - an approach encouraging relational communication, trust building, listening and reducing power imbalances when working with Aboriginal patients.
On paper, this makes complete sense.
In practice, however, many of the examples felt less like cultural education and more like basic communication failures being reframed as uniquely cultural issues.
One case study involved an Aboriginal man presenting to emergency with severe itching, skin picking and suspected food poisoning.
Medical staff repeatedly questioned whether he had used methamphetamine, leading the patient to feel stereotyped and racially profiled.
Now perhaps there is room to reflect on how those questions were asked. Tone matters. Respect matters. Building trust matters.
But truth be told… asking clinical questions based on presenting symptoms is also part of a healthcare professional’s job.
That is not racism. That is assessment. And perhaps this is where nuance is being lost in some of these training approaches.
Because many of the skills being taught - empathy, listening, rapport building, withholding judgement, reducing assumptions, explaining information clearly, creating emotional safety and checking understanding - are foundational communication skills that benefit every patient, every classroom, every workplace and every relationship.
Yet somehow, Australia keeps packaging these capabilities into siloed cultural training modules rather than embedding them universally into how we educate people from the beginning.
Maybe that is part of the problem.
Dad and I both studied Aboriginal administration and management more than 30 years ago.
We have worked alongside First Nations communities for decades.
We have seen extraordinary strength, wisdom and resilience in communities, but we have also watched governments and institutions increasingly drift toward performative approaches that sometimes unintentionally deepen division rather than reduce it.
And this is where the conversation becomes uncomfortable.
In the special edition of her newsletter, this is what our local MP, Belinda Wilson, has got to say: “With cost-of-living pressures being felt by many local families, this Budget focuses on making life easier....”
These are words of wisdom that need the attention and urgent consideration of Casey Council’s administration.
Almost everybody in the world is aware of the financial hardships faced by many families, including Casey residents and ratepayers, due to the US-Iran war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
One wonders why Casey administration should make life even more difficult for ratepayers by its bogus policy, e.g.
(a) Some time ago, Casey Council decided to replace the lids on practically all the bins, even those that were still in a good condition.
The costs?
(b) Recently, a sticker with the street number of every household, has been placed on every single bin, which already had a street number written or painted on it. The costs?
(c) The decision to compel every householder to have an additional bin, i.e. a fourth bin. At what costs?
In the name of Freedom of Information, may we ask Casey Council (1) the total cost of this bin business? (2) Who in Casey Council or the State Government took the initiative in regard to this bogus policy?
(3) The name of the contractor/s?
Finally, why does Casey administration not try to assist the local families by reducing the rates, most particularly for old age pensioners?
Eliezer François JP Endeavour Hills
Because some modern diversity training risks making ordinary Australians feel as though cultural interaction is fragile, procedural and full of hidden traps.
People become fearful of “getting it wrong” instead of learning how to engage naturally, respectfully and confidently.
Even more concerning, some students themselves are privately expressing feelings of anxiety and dread around these interactions altogether - not because they dislike Aboriginal people, but because they are terrified of accidentally offending someone or being labelled culturally unsafe.
That should ring alarm bells. Because that is not cultural intelligence.
That is social anxiety dressed up as policy.
Meanwhile, the broader context matters too.
Australia is already wrestling with rising polarisation, distrust and “us versus them” politics.
Parties like One Nation thrive when everyday Australians begin to feel alienated, blamed or disconnected from conversations around identity and inclusion.
The answer to that cannot be more segregation.
It cannot be endless tokenism.
And it certainly cannot be creating systems where people feel they need a manual simply to speak to one another.
Because cohesion is not built through fear of offence.
It is built through relationships.
This is why we believe the solution lies much earlier.
Imagine if emotional intelligence, respectful communication, cultural understanding and relational capability were embedded from primary school onwards - not as specialised “diversity units,” but as core human skills taught to everyone.
How to listen properly.
How to communicate across difference.
How to explain ideas clearly.
How to build trust.
How to regulate emotions.
How to navigate disagreement respectfully.
These are life skills. Not niche competencies. And perhaps if we taught these capabilities universally, healthcare workers, teachers, police, leaders and everyday Australians would all be better equipped to engage across difference - not only with First Nations peoples, but with everyone.
The irony is that the strongest part of the module was not the cultural theory itself. It was the reminder that people heal better when they feel safe, heard and respected. That is not uniquely Aboriginal wisdom. That is universal human truth.
Truth be told… we will not build a culturally safe Australia by teaching people to fear each other.
We will build it by teaching people how to genuinely relate to one another.
A third man has been charged following an alleged attempted aggravated burglary in Narre Warren North on Monday morning (25 May).
Casey CIU detectives allege three men were seen trying to break into a property on Fontaine Terrace about 2.30am.
Officers responded within three minutes and, with assistance from the Dog Squad, arrested two men nearby.
A third man was arrested after surrendering to an approaching police dog.
A knife, baton, drugs of dependence and backpack were seized at the scene,
police say.
The following day, a 23-year-old Dandenong man and a 45-year-old Narre Warren man were interviewed, charged and remanded.
Their charges included drugs, aggravated burglary and theft offences.
Since then, after attending hospital for a dog bite, a 37-year-old Narre Warren man was charged with drugs, weapons and theft offences.
He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 27 May.
By Jensy Callimootoo
Casey Council and gambling reformers has called on the state and federal government to “go further” in reducing gambling harm following the Commonwealth’s long awaited landmark Inquiry response.
The response, which was tabled on Budget Day (12 May), has ignored the 31 recommendations that were included in a 2023 parliamentary inquiry into the harms of gambling.
Included in the recommendations was a complete ban on broadcast and social media ads as well the appointment of a national online gambling regulator.
Rather, in April, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his government’s reform package would be restricted during live sports broadcasts between 6am to 8:30pm. It would also include opt-out rules for online promotions as well as a ban on putting ads in stadiums and sports jumpers.
“These reforms get the balance right,” Albanese said in April.
As it stands, gambling harm continues to play a major role in the City of Casey, yet Australia has been slow to develop adequate policy responses to reduce harms.
During the 2024/25 financial year across 13 locations in Casey, more than $166 million was lost to Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM), also known as ‘pokie’ machines — this figure does not include losses from other types of gambling such as online sports betting, casinos and lotteries.
The city is classed as metro Melbourne’s seventh most socioeconomically disadvantaged area yet it records $544 pokies losses per adult.
Berwick Springs Hotel recorded the highest pokies revenue ($22,398,231) from its 105 EGMs.
Casey Council’s Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy outlines its role in gambling reforms, highlighting that all forms of gambling and associated harms are a public health issue of significant and growing concern.
EGMs are a centralised focus for the council as they are known for their ability to maximise users’ spending and “time on device”
The Casey Council is also a member of Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR), which spoke out strongly against the government’s response.
Mayor Stefan Koomen said that the council recognises the considerable impacts that arise
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from chronic gambling and argues that higher governments should be doing more to address this.
“While we acknowledge the Federal Government’s recent reforms to protect children from online gambling, they do not fully reflect the scale of gambling harm occurring across Australian communities,” he said.
“We would like to see the Federal Government go further to protect our community and our children from gambling harm.
“We stand alongside the public health experts, academics and the Alliance for Gambling Reform in calling for a comprehensive phaseout of gambling advertising across television, digital platforms, sport sponsorships and social media.
“Without it, gambling companies will continue to reach Australians, particularly children, through alternative marketing channels.
“Through our advocacy campaign, Building a Better Casey, we are calling on both the State and Federal Government to take stronger action to regulate gambling and associated advertising to reduce gambling harm.”
AGR chief executive Martin Thomas said underage kids were being targeted through social media to download gambling apps with more than 600,000 children aged 12-17 betting more than $18 million a year.
“Betting ads are appearing in children’s games, and increasingly popular online games are including gambling-type functions,” he said.
“Our kids are also exposed to a tsunami of gambling ads on television and through the sports broadcasts.”
Professor Dan Lubman from the Monash Addiction Research Centre, echoed these sentiments.
Arguing that the government has “largely missed” the opportunity to respond to gambling harm.
“We hear from people every day who contact our services only after gambling harm has devastated their lives,” he said.
“Many are experiencing suicidal distress. These are people who needed support much earlier, but stigma and a lack of accessible services mean too many don’t get the help they need.”
To learn more about Casey’s gambling harm minimisation policy, go to casey.vic.gov.au/ gambling-harm-minimisation
By Jensy Callimootoo
Ambulance response times in Casey were more than one minute faster between January to March 2026 compared to last quarter.
Recent quarterly insights from Ambulance Victoria (AV) shows significant improvements in response times from first responders and turnaround durations in Casey, with an average response time of 14 minutes 45 seconds for life threatening incidents (Code 1).
Paramedics responded to 68.2 per cent of Code 1 emergencies within 15 minutes which is up from 64.21 per cent last quarter.
AV’s statewide target is to reach 85 per cent of Code 1 emergencies within 15 minutes – the previous quarter’s average response time was 15 minutes 21 seconds.
The total number of first responses is down from 5186, with this quarter’s total coming to 4663.
AV Executive Director Regional Operations Michael Georgiou said between January and March 2026, the average response time to the most critical Code 1 cases was 12 seconds faster than the previous three months.
“The quicker response times are thanks to the incredible efforts of our hard-working
crews who are clearing hospital more than five minutes faster than a year ago,” Georgiou said.
“When we leave hospital faster, we can get back out into the community faster – and that means better outcomes for patients facing critical life-threatening emergencies.”
Code 2 response time has also dropped by more than a minute.
Between January and March this year, the average response time was 40 minutes and 5 seconds. Last quarters’ was 41 minutes and 58 seconds.
The total number of first responses for
Code 2 had a slight drop of 118. The total number of first responses amounted to 2179 compared to last year’s 2297.
The statewide average clearing time has dropped from 31.8 minutes between January and March 2025 to 26.4 minutes between January and March 2026.
Harriet Shing, Minister for Health said that the recently released numbers were promising.
“Despite increasing demand, our dedicated workforce continues to provide world-class care to Victorians, when, where, and as they need it,” Shing said.
Berwick College students were given an exciting glimpse into their futures as the school hosted a highly successful Careers Expo for students in Years 9–12.
The event held on Tuesday 19 May brought together a wide range of career and pathway providers, giving students the opportunity to explore future options, ask questions and connect directly with industry professionals and training organisations.
Representatives from universities, TAFEs, emergency services, defence forces and local community organisations all came together to support students as they begin planning life beyond school.
Students were able to speak with providers about university courses, apprenticeships, traineeships, vocational education pathways and careers in areas such as health, education, trades, emergency services and public service.
Popular displays included representatives from Federation University, Victoria Police, the Australian Army and the local Country Fire Authority, with many students eager to learn more
about careers that make a difference in the community.
Staff described the expo as an important opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and start thinking seriously about the many possibilities available to them after school.
The event aimed to ensure every student could see a pathway that matched their interests, strengths and aspirations.
A staff representative says the atmosphere throughout the day was energetic and engaging, with students moving between stalls, collecting information and having meaningful conversations about their future goals.
With many students leaving inspired and excited by opportunities they had not previously considered.
“Berwick College expressed its sincere thanks to all organisations, presenters and community members who generously gave their time to support the event,” said the representative.
“Their willingness to share advice, experiences and opportunities played a significant role in making the expo such a success.”
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By Jensy Callimootoo
Victorian public school teachers and support staff have been offered a long-awaited salary raise after ten months of pay disputes, but a local Casey teacher says “there’s good and bad” to the offer.
Under the in-principle schools agreement, pay for school teachers, assistant principals and principals would increase by between 28.3 per cent and 32.4 per cent over four years.
According to the State Government, an early career teacher would have a pay increase of $12,343 by October 2026, bringing them into line with their counterparts in NSW, with further increases in subsequent years.
A local Casey teacher said the proposed agreement contained “good and bad” elements, arguing the state government’s claims about Victorian teachers becoming the highest paid in Australia depended on whether other states also secured future pay rises.
“After the October increase, some teachers will be higher than NSW provided they stay at their current rate,” the teacher said.
“On my current step, I’ll be getting 28.3 per cent over the life of the agreement. That works out as 23.4 per cent for me over three years, as opposed to the 35 per cent over three years we were asking for.”
In addition to this, pay for early childhood educators will increase by 39.1 per cent on average over four years. And education support staff in schools would receive a minimum pay increase between 29.8 per cent to 29.29 per cent over four years.
The offer follows months of back and forth between the Australian Education Union Victoria Branch (AEU) and the state government — including a 24-hour stop action in March.
The teacher said they were generally satisfied with the pay increase, but remained concerned about the lack of safeguards if inflation rose beyond forecasts.
“I’m happy with the rate except there’s no protection if the CPI rate goes up much more
than is forecast,” he said.
On top of the pay increase the union also demanded a reduction to staff’s excessive workload, something that the Berwick teacher says delivered little change to.
“Class sizes are the same, face-to-face teaching is the same, meetings are the same,” he said.
“We do have a couple more student-free days. For me, the conditions matter more than the money, and nothing has changed there.”
He did note there were also changes to leave and time-in-lieu arrangements, along with greater recognition of cultural leave for Indigenous employees.
This agreement will now go to the wider AEU membership for their consideration and despite reservations, he believes the agreement will likely be accepted by union members.
“I think it will be ratified as it is a better offer than many were expecting,” he said.
And with a state election in the imminent future, it puts pressure on the union to conclude the disputes.
“If we don’t accept it, it probably won’t be done until next year with a new government, which means starting the whole process again.”
By Violet Li
A former Cranbourne police officer has died after a fall while trekking the Inca Trail in Peru.
Victoria Police has confirmed the death of Sergeant Matthew Paton, whose body was found on the morning of Friday 22 May (Australian time).
Victoria Police have been in contact with his wife Jane, who was with him on holiday, and the family are flying to Peru from Australia.
Local authorities are investigating the circumstances of the tragedy.
The Australian consulate, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Australian Federal Police are assisting. Victoria Police is also providing support.
Matthew, 52, joined Victoria Police in 2009, initially serving at Cranbourne and Rosebud police stations before becoming an instructor at the Victoria Police Academy in 2017.
His passion for teaching recruits led to a number of other roles, including facilitating training for police responding to mental health events.
He was recently selected for a senior sergeant position and was due to commence in the role next month.
A proud Queenslander, he was a passionate follower of the Maroons and Brisbane Lions.
Matthew loved travelling, exploring historic sites and cultures.
He is survived by his wife and three children, Ainsley, Luke and Meg.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the thoughts of everyone at Victoria Police are with Matt’s family and friends at this time.
“Matt served with distinction for 16 years, most recently as an instructor at the Victoria Police Academy,” he said.
“His colleagues and the entire policing family are devastated at the tragic loss of a wonderful, caring person.
“He was the guy who stopped on the side of the road to help people change tyres,” he said.
They said he had strong morals from a young age and excelled academically before beginning a career in accounting and retail.
Later in life, he pursued new challenges, earning a black belt in karate, studying Spanish and eventually joining Victoria Police because he wanted meaningful work that he could be proud of.
“He really thought that he was doing something worthwhile,” the family said.
“We were incredibly proud of him, the work he was doing, including with recruits at the police academy. He loved being an educator.”
The family recalled that even in the last week, Matthew was posting videos of primary school students marching in Peru and telling his recruits here that they could learn a thing or two in a joking manner.
“He was also doing work with officers who had experienced traumatic incidents. He was well respected everywhere he went. He loved his colleagues and had a great rapport,” the family said.
“He was a funny guy. He was witty, he was clever. He would spin an anecdote better than anyone.”
The family said Matthew had always wanted to travel to Peru.
“Part of him learning Spanish was so he could do this trip,” they said.
“He was always up for an adventure, to learn something and to experience something new.
“He will be remembered for his selflessness, amazing sense of humour, extreme kindness and inclusion of all.”
In a statement issued by Victoria Police on behalf of Matthew’s family, the family said they are shattered by this loss.
“Matt had the ability to talk to anyone and everyone. The morale and welfare of his friends and workmates were always his priority.
Victoria police in the Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia region tracked how many family violence call outs they received last month.
The results were staggering.
In just seven days, the team responded to 161 call outs and recorded 290 offences. That’s 23 incidents and over 40 family violence offences per day.
In one incident, a man strangled his partner, threatened to kill her with a hammer and then doused the front porch with petrol, trying to set the property on fire.
The tragedy deepens when we realise that family violence is chronically underreported. For every call that the team responded to, there are many other incidents that we will never
know about.
As a local, I have seen women fleeing domestic violence with their families in their cars and young people being forced to leave their homes. Unfortunately, we do not have to look far to see this harsh reality.
Our police are working incredibly hard to respond to every call out and catch perpetrators. Yet with rising family violence, increasing crime, 1,500 police vacancies and 41 closed or reducedhour stations, they are being pushed beyond breaking point.
My priority is that Victorians feel safe at home and in their communities.
For our police to adequately respond to family violence call outs, track down offenders and keep
“It seems surreal at the moment. Everyone is bereft,” they said.
“Family was the most important thing to Matt.”
They described Matthew as a family-oriented man devoted to his wife of 31 years and their three children, someone who was always willing to help others.
“We are grateful for the support of Matt’s Victoria Police colleagues, the Police Association Victoria and local authorities in Peru at this difficult time.”
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said the department is providing consular assistance to the family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” they said.
our community safe, they need more support. That is why the Liberals and Nationals, if elected to government in November, have made it a priority to:
· Deliver 3,000 more police
· Reopen police stations and restore public access, and
· Keep repeat offenders off the streets with tougher bail and sentencing laws.
Safety is a basic human right, and every person deserves a home free from violence.
Ann-Marie Hermans MP Liberal State Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region Shadow Assistant Minister for Community Safety
By Violet Li
A comedy workshop designed to help women of colour find their voice, with past participants progressing to state finals in Australia’s largest open mic comedy competition, is coming to Bunjil Place in July.
The eight-week stand-up comedy course, Brown Women Comedy Workshop, created and delivered by the Australian South Asian Centre (ASAC), will cover joke writing, storytelling, comedic structure, improvisation, stage presence and managing performance nerves.
Participants will also receive one-on-one script coaching, peer feedback opportunities and a chance to perform in front of a live audience in September.
Producer Daizy Maan, who is also the founder of ASAC, said the initiative was created after discovering a lack of representation among performers at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF).
“A few years ago, we did research on this, and we went through every single listing on MICF to find how many women of colour were performing,” she said.
“Specifically, we looked at South Asian artists at the time, and we found out of 650 listings, there were only two local South Asian women performing solo shows.
“Where is this diversity?”
Unlike traditional comedy pathways that often involve performing late at night in bars,
Ms Maan said the workshops were designed as a supportive space where participants could learn comedy as a craft.
“A lot of people think that comedy is something you’re just naturally good at, that you just are good at it or you’re not good at it. And what they don’t realise is that it is something you can learn. It’s a skill,” she said.
“There’s a craft. But unlike dance, theatre and acting, people don’t just expect you to become an actor in your spare time. People don’t say, why don’t you go try acting on the streets, and then you will see if you’re any good. But for comedy, that’s what people say.
“They’re like, oh, why don’t you just go try a bar and you’ll see if you’re any good? So, we wanted to create a supportive, fun environment where women felt safe to practice comedy to learn it, rather than them having to practice at 11pm in a bar.”
The program first ran in 2024 with City of Melbourne support, with about 15 students completing the course.
Past participant Devni Vihara, a lawyer with no prior comedy experience, said she initially joined to challenge herself.
“I was very excited in the first session because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. But I was also nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. That initial nervousness just disappeared in the first ten minutes of the class because everyone was just so welcoming, and everyone was new. Everyone hadn’t done this
before,” she said.
“Being in a room where everyone has a similar shared identity was really nice.
“It was all women of colour. Jokes weren’t about being a woman of colour. It was about all the different things that we each have beyond just being a person of colour.
“The punchlines weren’t about our identity or our heritage. It was about having kids or our sex lives or working or endometriosis, so many different things…I’d be laughing so much for three hours (each session) because it’s so funny.”
Devni recalled that the course culminated in a public stand-up comedy night in front of about 150 to 200 people, where every participant performed for five minutes.
“I was so nervous doing it, but I had felt so supported over the eight weeks. I had already done a little bit of performing in front of my own group,” she said.
“It was such an amazing night, and I think everyone who left that comedy showcase all said that it was excellent comedy. Everyone was laughing.”
Ms Maan said the past program had many success stories with former participants gaining confidence beyond comedy in public speaking, podcasting and their professional lives, while others had continued pursuing stand-up. Some progressed to become state finalists in RAW Comedy, the country’s largest and most celebrated open mic comedy competition.
“It was great to see so many diverse and dif-
ferent applicants. I feel like, South Asian women, Asian women, we have so many funny stories from our upbringing, from our families, relationships that we often don’t tell anyone, but when we’re in friend circles, we share them,” Ms Maan said.
“It’s about how we do the art of turning your experiences into comedy.”
Growing up in an Indian household, Ms Maan said girls were often expected to avoid behaviour considered ‘besharam’ (which means shameless), a standard she believed was rarely applied to boys.
“If you laugh too loud, if you talk too much, if you’re too confident, people just call you ‘besharam’ , and so for us, this process is like a reclamation of shame,” she said.
“We even market our main professional show as Australia’s most ‘besharam’ women.”
This year’s program in the City of Casey will be led by award-winning Chinese Australian comedian Annie Louey, who has appeared on television and will guide participants through joke writing, storytelling and stage performance techniques.
Ms Maan said bringing the program to Casey was particularly important because opportunities of this kind often stayed in the Melbourne CBD.
“It’s so good that Bunjil Place is supporting this eight-week-long program,” she said. To sign up, visit: bunjilplace.com.au/events/ brown-women-comedy-workshops
Visible Mending Workshop
Bring along your ripped or moth-chomped woollen clothing, stretchy clothing, and woven clothing (jeans are ideal). We will also look at things like sashiko, embroidery and weaving mends. Light refreshments provided.
• Friday 29 May, 9.30am 12pm at Good Food Emporium, Unit 15/430-440 Princes Hwy, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: events.humanitix.com/ visible-mending-workshop-29-5
Bake a difference
Help support vital brain cancer research by attending a fundraiser launch for Baking For Brain Cancer initiative. Founded by the Dalton family after Tonie Dalton, co-owner of Phil’s Pies and Pastries, was diagnosed with glioblastoma. All proceeds go directly to Baking for Brain Cancer.
• Saturday, May 30, 7am-6pm at Phil’s Pies and Pastries, 5B, 215-225 Parkhill Plaza, Parkhill Drive, Berwick.
Introduction to Boonwurrung
Explore captivating stories that reveal the rich traditions, language, and spirit of the Boonwurrung people with Jaeden Williams-Briggs, a proud Yalukit Willam man of the Boonwurrung. Suitable for ages 11-plus.
• Saturday 30 May, 10.30am-12pm at Bunjil Place Library, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=225305
Children’s Introduction to Boonwarrung
A fun one-hour children’s session explores Boonwurrung culture through making art and sharing stories with Jaeden Williams-Briggs, a proud Yalukit Willam man of the Boonwurrung. Suitable for ages 4-11.
• Saturday 30 May, 1.30pm-2.30pm at Bunjil Place Library, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=225306
VACCA Community Fundraiser
Reconciliation Week event and community fundraiser for Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency with art by N’Dene Riley, family activities, food and raffle prizes. Hosted by Story House Early Learning Lynbrook.
• Monday 1 June 2.30pm-5.30pm at Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris Street; free entry. Bookings: trybooking.com/DLLMG
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
Morning Melodies with Gavin Chatelier on Friday 5 June, 11am-3pm; $15 lunch included. Plus weekly activities: line dancing (Mondays 10am-12pm), new vogue and old time dance (Tuesdays 1pm-3.30pm), carpet bowls (Weds and Sat 11.30am-2.30pm) and bingo (Thurs 10.30am-2pm)
• Cranbourne Seniors Club, 1 Codrington St, Cranbourne. Details: Marilyn, 0432 107 590 or facebook.com/groups/487808127399953
Biodiversity Day at Myuna Farm
Come and celebrate International Day for Biodiversity. A train ride to wetlands, where you can meet flying foxes and watch them fly out at sunset. Frog calls and water bugs activities.
• Thursday 6 June (due to popular demand), 4.30pm-6.30pm at Myuna Farm, Kidds Road, Doveton; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/ DLBDC
Crafty & Creative
Need a space to meet other crafters? Then pack your craft bag and bring along a project to work on and meet us for a fun social get together. Feel free to drop in anytime from 10.30am-3.30pm. For ages 16-plus.
• Saturday 6 June, 10.30am-3.30pm at Cranbourne Library, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne; free event. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=184571
Movie night with Cranbourne Dads’ Group
Bring your children for a movie, supper and meet other father figures. For all dads, grandfathers, father figures and their children. Suitable for children aged 6 years and under.
• Saturday 6 June, 6.30pm-8.30pm at Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne West; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DJYGF Berwick Farmers Market
Farm fresh fruit and veggies, open range ethical eggs, honey, baked goods, artisan breads, vegetable seedlings, ethically raised meats, jams and preserves, dairy, wine, nuts, ready to eat goods. No crafts.
• Saturday 13 June, 8am-12pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick. Details: farmersmarketattheoldcheesefactory.org.au Mens Fitness Boxing
Prioritise your health and try a beginner boxing class at the Library during Men’s Health Week 2026. Bring a towel and water bottle. Suitable for ages 18-plus, no boxing experience necessary.
• Saturday 13 June, 11.30am-12.30pm at Bunjil Place Library, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=220519
SWAN Cobbers
Meet and chat with other father figures of children with a rare or undiagnosed genetic condition. In June, you and your children are invited to join us to plant some trees. T
• Sunday 14 June 10am-11.30am at Variety Livvi’s Place Minta, Soho Boulevard, Berwick; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DIXKP
Gardening Together
Free gardening fun for dads, grandfathers and their children. Grow vegetables to eat, learn about insects, and have fun in the kids’ play garden. Bring hats, sunscreen and water bottles. All gardening tools and resources provided.
• Saturday 20 June 10am-11.30am at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DIZAQ The Swinging 60s
The choir Voices of Casey presents songs from the 1960’s. With guest singers from the Vocal Performance School. Elaborate afternoon tea included.
• Saturday 20 June 1pm at Hampton Park Baptist Church, 1 Orient Place, Hampton Park. Details: voicesofcasey@gmail.com
Family violence fundraiser
Rotary Club of Casey presents Unlocking Hope—a special fundraising event in support of RizeUp and their vital work empowering families impacted by domestic and family violence. Delicious food, with drinks at bar prices. Live music from guest artist Paul Hogan, lucky door prizes and silent auctions.
Dress code: cocktail.
• Saturday 20 June, 7pm-11pm at Beaconsfield Club, Holm Park Reserve, 100 Beaconsfield-Emerald Road, Beaconsfield; $65pp. Bookings: trybooking.com/events/1564861/sessions/6350052/ sections/3013983/tickets
Coastal Villages Dads Group
Catch-up with other dads, father figures and their kids. Just drop by to let your children play on the playground and have a chat with other local dads.
• Sunday 21 June 9am-11am at Pelican Cafe, 85 South Gippsland Highway, Tooradin; free event. Register at trybooking.com/DINTR
International Yoga Day
Presented by Saathi Multicultural Association Of Australia. All levels are welcome.
• Sunday 21 June 2pm-3pm at Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris Street, Lynbrook; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DKXUN
Rose Pruning Workshop
Hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the best times and techniques for pruning your roses. Practical tips on tackling pests and diseases. For beginners and green thumbs alike.
• Thursday 25 June 10am-12pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; $5. Bookings: events.humanitix.com/old-cheese-factory-rosepruning-workshop
Neighbourhood BBQ
Come along and bring a neighbour or two to our family friendly evening. Have fun and connect with others in a casual setting. Free sausage sizzle (halal options available) and free kids’ activities.
• Thursday 25 June 4pm-6pm at Autumn Place Community Hub, Autumn Place, Doveton; free event. First-time Dads Catch-up
For all first-time fathers who have a baby under 6 months of age. A great way to ask questions, get some inside tips, and find out that what you are going through is pretty normal.
• Saturday 27 June 9.30am-11am at Orana Community Place, 1 Fresco Place, Clyde North; free event. Bookings: eventbrite.com.au/e/dads-groupcommunity-catch-up-coffee-dads-playground-city-ofcasey-tickets-1986393387093?aff=erellivmlt Brown Women Comedy Workshops
Eight-week stand-up comedy course for women of colour, created and delivered by Australian South Asian Centre (ASAC). Learn joke writing, storytelling, comedic structure, improvisation, stage presence and dealing with nerves. You’ll also get dedicated script coaching, peer feedback sessions. Finishes with a showcase performance in front of a live audience.
• Thursdays 16 July-10 September 6.30pm9.30pm (with up-and-comers’ showcase Saturday 12 September) at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; $200 (for Casey residents). Bookings: tickets.bunjilplace. com.au/11454
By Justin Schwarze
Premiership contenders Rowville handed Berwick a stark reminder on Saturday as the Hawks thumped the Wickers in round seven of the Eastern Premier Division.
Berwick entered the contest full of optimismholding a 3-3 record with the league’s third-best percentage - before Rowville comprehensively outclassed it on its home turf at Seebeck Oval.
Blake Chambers got the hosts off to the perfect start, goaling off a step from a stoppage, before Wickers spearhead Jai Neal nailed a set shot in response.
Braedyn Bowden then kicked an absolute ripper on the run, weaving through traffic before belting it home from long range.
And Berwick looked to be off to the races, booting two of the next three, before Will Verrell converted on the eve of quarter time.
Still, the Wickers had their noses in front 4.2 (26) to 3.1 (19) at the first change.
But Rowville tightened up in the second quarter and got Berwick in a stranglehold, playing pretty much the entire quarter in its front half and completely rattling the visitors.
It started with Lachlan Wynd finding Jonte Duffy with a handball for a snapping goal, followed by Liam Coghlan hitting up Kyle Stainthorpe, who went back and nailed his shot.
Josh Clarke then used some dazzling footwork to sidestep his opponent and put it through, backed up by Jordan Jaworski chipping a nicelyweighted kick to Wynd for a fifth consecutive Hawks major.
And when it rains, it pours.
Stainthorpe slotted a beauty on the run, before the six-goal run was finally snapped at the other end when Bowden kicked truly from the left pocket against the flow.
But it was a short reprieve, with Stainthorpe shortly after kicking back-to-back majors before Duffy bent one home just before halftime.
The one-way traffic saw the Hawks break the game open and lead 11.4 (70) to 5.2 (32) when the siren sounded for halftime.
And the formidable Rowville side showed why it’s a class above in the second half, with Stainthorpe picking up where he left off in the third and reeling in a huge contested grab before booting goal number five.
The Wickers showed admirable fight in the third, with a Neal shot from the pocket a chance
to bring the surging visitors back within 27 points after they had wrestled momentum with back-toback goals.
But the attempt cannoned into the post and the Hawks put the game to bed as Maverick Taylor made no mistakes on a set shot and Chambers snapped around his body to suck the air out of Berwick and hold an insurmountable 43-point lead at the final change.
The Hawks booted six goals to one in the final term to put the icing on the cake, winning by 74 points, 22.10 (142) to 10.8 (68).
Stainthorpe finished with five goals, while Clarke, Duffy and Wynd slotted three each.
Both teams have a big test in round eight, with
Berwick hosting fifth-placed Blackburn and Rowville visiting third-placed Doncaster East.
Noble Park’s pain continued as the Bulls were downed by Blackburn 15.13 (103) to 10.12 (72) at Morton Park.
Noble Park still remains winless and trailed for most of the afternoon as the hosts were the better team for the four quarters, extending their buffer at every break.
Five goals in the second period boosted the Burners to a 23-point three-quarter time advantage before they closed it out by owning territory in the last.
Luke Molinaro led the Bulls up forward with three goals, while Jay Verhagen managed a pair.
• EASTERNPREMIER
RESULTSR7: Rowville 22.10 (142) def Berwick 10.8 (68), Blackburn 15.13 (103) def Noble Park 10.12 (72), Doncaster East 14.5 (89) def by Balwyn 18.10 (118), South Belgrave 9.9 (63) def by East Ringwood 23.16 (154), South Croydon 9.10 (64) def by Vermont 11.11 (77).
LADDER: East Ringwood 28, Rowville 24, Doncaster East 20, Balwyn 18, Blackburn, Vermont 16, Berwick 12, South Belgrave 4, South Croydon 2, Noble Park 0.
FIXTURER8: Berwick (7) v Blackburn (5), Doncaster East (3) v Rowville (2), Noble Park (10) v Balwyn (4), Vermont (6) v East Ringwood (1), South Croydon (9) v South Belgrave (8).
By David Nagel
Beaconsfield is building belief - if not its ladder position - after the Eagles produced one of their best performances of the year in an 18-point loss to ladder-leaders Mitcham at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday.
BuoyedbytworecentvictoriesoverMooroolbark and Bayswater, the Eagles matched motors with the Tigers for large portions of the match before succumbing 11.11(77) to 9.5(59) in Eastern Division 1.
The Eagles looked overawed in the early stages of the contest, with some easy and costly mistakes leading to a 20-point deficit after 17 minutes of play.
The only early highlight for the Eagles was a strong mark taken by key forward Charlie Muley, who out positioned Riley Nicholas before steering one through the big sticks.
Beacy looked in trouble, but a clever kick off the ground from last week’s eight-goal hero Kobe Shipp began a revival of sorts.
Jack Hilton converted after a free kick, received after Flynn Maguire ran too far with the ball, before Mitch Szybkowski finished off one of the home sides best plays of the match.
The Eagles had lifted their intensity, and strong tackles from skipper Jake Bowd, Myles Currie and Szybkowski, led to a set shot for the starting midfielder.
Szybkowski nailed his opportunity, the Eagles trailing by just three points at quarter time.
The teams went goal for goal at the beginning of the second term, before a steady patch from the hosts saw them take the lead.
Currie read the play better than the Tigers defenders, tapping one through from close range, before Shipp kicked his second; playing on quickly after a mark and snapping truly with a right-foot snap.
But Mitcham raised the bar again, with redtime goals to Jack Baldwin and Jai Townsend giving the visitors a 12-point lead at the major interval.
Muley cut the margin back to a straight kick,
with a clever goal from the scoreboard pocket; but the Tigers once again had the answers.
Six-pointers to Townsend and Cameron Olden, after a costly turnover from Finn Devine, gave the Tigers a three-goal buffer as the teams turned for home.
Szybkowski reduced the margin to 12 points, at the 16-minute mark, before Mitcham’s Nathan Barnes book-ended his opening goal of the match with the sealer.
The Eagles played some good footy at times, but costly errors when under pressure gave the Tigers the slight advantage on the scoreboard.
Muley finished with three for the Eagles, and Shipp and Szybkowski two each, while key talls Ben Schultze and Ethan Winterton were again key figures around the ground.
Bowd and Lachie Valentine kept things in check in defence, while Devon Smith and Ali Zijai gave plenty of drive through the midfield.
The Eagles, currently eighth, host ninthplaced Norwood this week in a must-win clash before the league-wide bye on June 6.
•EASTERNDIVISION1
BeaconsfieldGoals: Charlie Muley 3, Kobe Shipp 2, Mitch Szybkowski 2, Myles Currie, Jack Hilton. Best: Ben Schultze, Ethan Winterton, Jake Bowd, Ali Zijai, Devon Smith, Lachlan Valentine.
RESULTSR7: Bayswater 8.8(56) def by Park Orchards 14.21(105), Wantirna South 12.10(82) def Boronia 11.12(78), North Ringwood 15.3(93) def Montrose 14.8(92), Norwood 10.7(67) def by Mooroolbark 16.16(112).
LADDER: Mitcham 24, North Ringwood 24, Wantirna South 24, Park Orchards 20, Boronia 16, Montrose 12, Mooroolbark 12, Beaconsfield 8, Norwood 0, Bayswater 0. FIXTURER8: Beaconsfield (8) v Norwood (9), Montrose
v
By Blair Burns
Gippsland Power will step onto Shepley Oval, Dandenong this Sunday as they take on Tasmania Devils, looking to snap a two-game losing streak in round 11 of the Talent League.
It isn’t all doom and gloom for Kris Pendlebury’s side, which sits seventh on the ladder with a 4-3 record after starting the season 4-1.
And on top of that, the last two losses have been a flip of the coin both times and played at a very high standard against the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Academies.
But there is no doubt that this Sunday’s match is an important one for the Power boys.
They will once again be without some of their stars due to the APS school footy, including Marlon Neocleous, Wil Malady (Caulfield Grammar), Judd Burgiel (Wesley College) and Leo Stephenson (Melbourne Grammar).
Pendlebury said missing some of the regular players has opened doors for some other players in the Gippsland squad.
“We have found a few guys who weren’t in the team at the start of the year who have performed really well,” he said.
Xavier Ladbrook has gone forward in recent weeks since the side has missed Malady, while Henry Allsop has made the move into defence.
With the U18 Championships fast approaching, it is expected that many of the Power players will earn a call-up.
This weekend is the perfect opportunity to find some form before a couple of weeks off and register a much-needed victory over the Devils.
The Gippsland Power girls haven’t found this season as rewarding so far, struggling to piece together wins at 1-5.
So the clash against the Devils is a big opportunity to find some form and taste victory for the first time since round two against Bendigo Pioneers.
Power has lost five straight matches, but two were nail-biters and they could’ve easily beaten Dandenong and GWV Rebels.
Captain Lily Milner will be one to watch as she continues to lead her team from the front, while Grace Dillow has also been in some fine form.
The girls will kick off at 10:45am before the boys start at 1pm.
By Blair Burns
Dandenong Stingrays are yet to lose a game in the Talent League girls competition with a 4-0 record, along with a draw.
The Rays will host Eastern Ranges at Kinetic Stadium for a twilight match starting 4:30pm at Kinetic Stadium on Saturday, with the boys to play afterwards under lights at 6:40pm.
It will be a special occasion and both teams will be desperate to get the four points and take their claim as one of the best sides in the league.
The Ranges are no easy beats and currently sit sixth on the ladder after a solid 3-2 start to the year.
Dandenong has played in a couple of close games but has found a way to get over the line on every occasion apart from the draw last week against the Giants.
They are one of the best scoring teams in the league and will test out Eastern Ranges’ defence.
Annie Clish has been the star up forward and has kicked 12 goals so far this year, regularly presenting well as a key target inside 50.
She will look to get some good looks and with the likes of Zoe Zach dominating in the midfield, the Stingrays will look to win the territory battle early.
BOYS
The boys’ match will kick off at 6.40pm at Kinetic Stadium and the Stingrays will be excited to welcome back highly-rated rebounding defender Darcy Szerszyn for his first game of the year.
Szerszyn is a potential first round prospect come November and was part of the AFL Academy, but unable to play due to a shoulder
injury which has kept him sidelined all season. There is no shortage of stars in the Dandenong squad and they will be looking to bring their best and maintain their spot inside the top four.
Will Antrobus has been in good touch, winning plenty of ball in defence for the side while the likes of Jackson Phillips and Gus Kennedy have continued to impress.
Despite missing a few players through school footy and injury, Nick Cox’s side has lost two of its last three games and will be looking to make a statement come Saturday night.
By Blair Burns
Hampton Park got one back on Berwick on Saturday as the Redbacks defeated the Wickers in a good contest, 59-51 in the South East Precinct Netball League A grade action.
It was the Wickers who prevailed by just one goal earlier in the season but a masterclass from Emily Pupuke in the goal ring helped Hampton Park to its second win of the season.
The round seven result also saw the Redbacks snap a two-game losing streak to get back on the winners’ list.
Pupuke has been a standout performer for Hampton Park all season, but she took her game to another level as she scored 51 goals in the winher best return of the season as she took her tally to 181 goals across the first five matches.
It was a big win for the Redbacks, while Berwick will be looking to bounce back after the league bye this weekend.
In the other A grade match, as expected, it was Narre Warren who produced a big victory against the winless Cardinia Tigers, winning 78-29.
The Tigers gave their best effort but they were no match for the formidable Magpies as Mercy Loelu had another big day in attack.
She found the bottom of the net on 47 occasions, while Jayda McConkey (17 goals) and Charli Lambert (14 goals) provided great support.
It was always going to be a tough ask for the Tigers despite playing on their home court at James Bathe.
For Cardinia, Tatiana Lefau (22 goals) and Tara Walker (seven goals) worked hard and made the most of their chances.
Narre Warren A grade coach Kealeigh Brown and captain Chelsea Tonna have been instrumental this season, showing great leadership.
Coming to a new competition meant that the Magpies lost almost every single player from their dominant season in Southern last year.
But under the leadership of Brown and Tonna, the club and team is in great hands and the strong results have filtered down across the other netball grades.
Beaconsfield had the bye on Saturday and now all teams will not take the court again until 13 June with two consecutive byes to come.
By Justin Schwarze
A Tanner Krebs masterclass headlined a Casey surge as the Cavaliers picked up yet another win in round eight of the NBL1 South.
Casey made the long trip across the border to face Mount Gambier on Saturday, and the Cavaliers made the long trip back with a commanding 109-85 victory.
The second half was where Luke Kendall’s side separated itself, outscoring the Pioneers by 27 after trailing by three at halftime.
And it was due to Krebs’ offensive barrage as he exploded for 44 points and eight rebounds on 17/24 shooting overall and a remarkable 8/11 from downtown.
Jesse Ghee was inserted into the starting lineup due to an illness to Patrick Ryan and he flourished, posting 34 points and five boards on 12/22 shooting.
“Tanner’s shot the ball really well the last couple of weeks but we’ve made a conservative effort as a team to make sure he gets more touches,” Kendall said.
“He’s not a selfish player by any means and just reads what the defence gives him.
“It’s not a crazy new offence, it’s just the players understanding what and where we need to go within the offence to put ourselves in the best position to score.
“The addition of Jesse has provided that scoring punch off the bench and given us a little bit more depth.”
The Cavaliers climbed up to ninth with a 7-5 record after starting 0-3.
But Kendall put the turnaround down to something simple.
“I think it’s just having some time with the guys,” he said.
“It was a slow start for the first three games just trying to put everyone in the right spots and put our defensive system in place.
“There’s been an adjustment period for the start of the season but I feel like we’ve figured out how to play with each other a little bit better and we understand everyone’s strengths.
“Going down to Tassie and getting two wins was huge for us.
“To back it up against Nunawading, a top team on their home court, was huge.
“The guys are starting to figure out how to play with each other and it’s been good, fun basketball.
“I think the confidence is coming in from everyone being on the same page about our defensive structures and rotations and then everyone being on the same page offensively.
“When you get a couple of wins, you get rewarded and continue to progress in those areas.
“We’ve still got a lot of improvement to go and I think that’s an exciting thing within the team and they can feel that and they know it.”
The Casey Women also secured a crucial win over Mount Gambier, edging out the Pioneers 8481.
After trailing for most of the first half, a solid third saw the Cavaliers outscore the hosts 22-11 and swing into the lead.
Mount Gambier closed hard but couldn’t get over the line in the last as Casey held on with timely buckets.
Dallas Loughridge continued her stellar season with 24 points and five rebounds, while Samantha Bowman was everywhere with 25 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and three blocks on efficient 12/16 shooting.
Sharne Robati also provided a double-double, finishing with 14 points and 12 boards.
Casey remains in fourth with an impressive record of 9-3.
In round nine, both Casey outfits return home and will host Melbourne.
An up-and-down weekend for the Dandenong Rangers Men saw them split their two fixtures. The weekend began on a massive highlight as Dandenong comfortably downed fourth-placed Knox at home 102-87.
Harry Froling produced a massive statline of 34 points, nine rebounds and four assists on 14/25 shooting.
But on Sunday, the offence faltered and never got going outside of Froling and the Rangers fell 94-79 away at Keilor.
Froling was the standout in defeat, posting 34 points, six boards, five dimes and two steals.
Dandenong still sits fifth with an 8-5 record. The Women also posted a mixed bag of results, losing on Saturday night to Knox 91-73 at home.
Marena Whittle was a top performer in defeat, finishing with 19 points and seven rebounds while Imogen Rock added 14 points.
A bounce-back on Sunday saw the Rangers edge out Keilor 95-90 in a close contest.
Whittle starred again, notching 31 points, eight rebounds and four steals on 10/15 shooting.
Rock scored 17 points while Manuela Puoch secured a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards.
Haley Peters went ballistic off the bench, popping for 26 points and eight rebounds on 4/5 three-point shooting and 11/16 shooting overall.
The Rangers are still in the bottom three at 17th with a record of 4-9.
It’s another double-header for Dandenong in round nine, with both outfits set to play Nunawading away on Saturday and Geelong at home on Sunday.
By Justin Schwarze
Casey bounced back in a big way by knocking off reigning premiers Footscray in round nine of the VFL.
At Casey Fields on Sunday, the Demons were clinical in the first term, booting eight goals to two in a barrage, establishing a 37-point advantage at quarter time.
It started with Luker Kentfield slotting the first two of the match, before Andy MonizWakefield and Kalani White made it four in a row for the hosts.
The Bulldogs got two of the next three, but Casey rolled again to manage three more before the first change.
The second was high-scoring but relatively even, but the Demons still outscored Footscray six goals to five - despite the Bulldogs having 13 scoring shots and kicking 5.8 - to hold an 87-52 lead at halftime.
Both teams posted exactly 3.3 in the third, so Casey still led by 35 points at the final change.
But the visitors stormed home, booting four consecutive goals to get within nine points at the nine-minute mark of the last.
However, the Demons showed true grit and Kentfield kicked back-to-back goals to give them some breathing room, followed by Louis Hodder putting the icing on the cake.
His first was a run-in goal after some good work from Jesse Craven before finishing brilliantly after selling some foot candy and sidestepping his opponent.
Hodder’s goals were the sealers, helping Casey record the 21.10 (136) to 14.17 (101) victory.
Despite comfortably losing the clearance count 52-40 and the hitouts 51-18, Casey coach Rhett McLennan put in a gameplan to use the ball by foot and set up well behind the contest
and around the ground.
The Demons took 38 more marks and registered 41 more kicks as the strategy worked out.
“The planning and execution from the boys was really good,” McLennan said.
“In our strategy we probably anticipated that they were going to be better at hitouts and clearances than us so it was about how we set up to retrieve the footy away from that first possession and chain it out away from them, which we were able to do.
“But we had a really conscious effort and strategy this week to make sure we’re getting the ball into dangerous spots inside 50.
“We did that a little bit better on Sunday so
it was good we were able to convert from more dangerous spots and with a greater probability of kicking those goals instead of more points.
“When we look at it, we’ve got a bit of a formula of what our game looks like when it’s played at its best.
“I think that’s a satisfaction thing and a validation piece for our boys to understand that when they do play their best footy and they’re all on the same page, that it’s going to be competitive against anyone.
“We take a lot of confidence out of Sunday.
“Sunday was a good reward for the amount of effort we’ve put in for the last three weeks of actually trying to find that little bit extra or that little bit more chemistry to make us hum a little
bit better.”
Moniz-Wakefield was instrumental in the victory, posting numbers of 32 disposals, 10 marks, seven tackles, five clearances and three goals.
After being called up for an AFL game, McLennan realised a positional switch could unlock his impact.
“We played him as a defender for the majority of the year in the VFL, but he got his opportunity in the AFL with a late out as a small forward,” McLennan explained.
“He showed that he plays that role really well so throwing him forward for a majority of the game this week showed just how dangerous of a small forward he is with his want to defend and add defensive pressure and being able to get the ball on the way out was really telling.
“To be able to give him some runs through the midfield and some looks at centre bounces and add that venom that he’s got in there helped our team throughout the game.”
Casey faces a big test in round 10 as it hosts second-placed GWS.
VFLW CASEY LOSE TO BULLDOGS
A difficult first half from Casey saw Footscray take down the Demons at Casey Fields in round two of the VFLW.
The hosts managed just one goal in the first half and struggled using the footy and pushing forward.
Despite winning the clearance battle 36-28, Casey was comprehensively outclassed in inside 50s and territory.
The Bulldogs rode this to win 6.5 (41) to 3.0 (18).
Tylah Burn was the Demons’ best with 17 disposals and 10 tackles, while Alice Robinson booted two of Casey’s three goals.
Casey has a bye in round three.
By David Nagel
Predators, Cheers, Snipers and Just Social will battle it out for the biggest prize in the South West Gippsland Dart League over the next three weeks after an intriguing last round of the season.
The Summer Season Premiership race looks as open as it has ever been, with third-placed Snipers proving that point with a 9-6 win over Cheers.
It was the Snipers two big guns that helped knock Cheers from the top of the ladder with Chris Richardson showing her class with nine tons for the evening, while Dean Gibbs landed six triple-figure scores to take his total to an incredible 89 for the season.
Liam Edwards and Shane Barnett were terrific for Cheers, throwing six and five tons respectively, with Edwards also producing a brilliant pegout of 120.
Predators finished the season on top after an impressive 11-4 win over Mud Rats.
Steve Powell was in ominous form for Predators, striking six tons, while Jack Mazurek kept things hopeful for the Rats.
The Mud Rats, who began the final round in fourth position, now drop to fifth place on the ladder.
The Rats will start favourites for the Don Brown Memorial Shield; a finals series for teams that finish from fifth to eighth on the ladder.
In other games this week, Just Social grabbed hold of fourth place with a 9-6 win over Fight Club, while Dart Devils jumped from the bottom of the ladder with a 13-2 success over Bullseyes.
Doug Amos was brilliant for the Devils in the big win.
Dart Vaders finished sixth after a 10-5 win over Dart Attack, while Gembrook also qualified for the Don Brown Memorial Shield with a 10-5 victory over Generals.
And AAA Dartz was almost the biggest winner of all, jumping from 11th to eighth place after a 9-6 win over Any Excuse.
Ted Jordan threw multiple tons for AAA, who now take on Gembrook in the first round of finals in the Don Brown Shield.
• SWGDLSUMMARY–ROUND13
RESULTS
Snipers def Cheers 9-6, AAA Dartz def Any Excuse
By Blair Burns
A team performance helped Casey Cannons to a 6-2 win against Monash University in the Men’s Vic League (MVL1) competition.
In previous seasons, the Cannons have heavily relied on the likes of Tristan Chaffey in the attacking half, but they are most dangerous when they have different avenues to goal.
Casey had six individual goalscorers in the victory as they cruised to a comfortable win over Monash.
It was a comprehensive win for the Cannons who have struggled at times this season in the top level of competition.
Players to score in the win were Tristan Chaffey, Harry Coster, Craig Moore, Adam Shilliday, Elliot Stephens and Joshua Watson.
The Cannons will be looking to make it two in a row when they take on Craigieburn this Saturday.
The MVL1 Reserves were no match for Monash as they went down 4-1, with Xavier Davis producing one of the few highlights on the day.
The Men’s Metro 2 South side also fell short against the same quality opposition, with the final scoreboard reading 4-2.
Clinton Fisk and Prateek Patange were dan-
gerous around goals and each made the most of their opportunities with one each.
In the women’s matches, the WVL1 Reserves were the biggest winners of the weekend as they made light work of Monash to win 5-1.
It was a brilliant performance from Casey as they gelled together and put the pressure on the visitors from the outset.
Jessica Rowland starred with four goals, while Emma Harris scored the other.
Bayside Powerhouse didn’t live up to their name in the Women’s Pennant D South East competition as the Cannons fired to win 3-0.
Ellis Gallus, Jane Gipp and Emily Harris were the best performers in attack for Casey.
The Women’s Pennant E South East side won by forfeit 5-0 against Croydon while the Women’s Metro 1 South lost 2-1 against Southern UnitedKayleigh Looby continued her goalscoring form.
The WVL1 Cannons were no match for Monash as they fell short 5-2.
It was a more even match than those scores reflect, but the Monash defence held up well for the entire game.
Samantha Dobrich was brilliant and scored a classy goal, while Mikayla McDonald also had some big plays.
9-6, Dart Vaders def Dart Attack 10-5, Dart Devils def Bullseyes 13-2, Gembrook def Generals 10-5, Just Social def Fight Club 9-6, Predators def Mud Rats 11-4.
LADDER(FINAL)
Predators 48, Cheers 44, Snipers 44, Just Social 40, Mud Rats 40, Dart Vaders 28, Gembrook 20, AAA Dartz 20, Fight Club 16, Dart Attack 16, Any Excuse 16, Generals 16, Dart Devils 8, Bullseyes 8.
FIXTURE–SEMI-FINALS
PREMIERSHIP FINALS: Predators (1) v Cheers (2). Snipers (3) v Just Social (4).
DON BROWN MEMORIAL FINALS: Mud Rats (5)
v Dart Vaders (6). Gembrook (7) v AAA Dartz (8).
• SEASONHIGHLIGHTS
MOSTTONS
Dean Gibbs (Snipers) 89, Liam Edwards (Cheers) 74, Brendan S (Any Excuse) 65, Chris Richardson (Snipers) 64, Shane Barnett (Cheers) 49, Terry King (Just Social) 47, 4X4 (Just Social) 43, Steve Powell (Predators) 42, Jack M (Mud Rats) 40, Ant (Cheers) 38, Bill Richardson (Snipers) 38, Nathan Button (Predators) 37, Doug Amos (Dart Devils) 37, Tony Bundy (Just Social) 37, Ted Jordan (AAA) 36.
180s
Chris Richardson (Snipers) 6, Dean Gibbs (Snipers) 3, Brendan Simmonds (Any Excuse) 2, Bill Richardson (Snipers) 2, Jamie W (Cheers) 2, 4X4 (Just Social) 2, David S (Dart Vaders), Hank (Cheers), Michael Tuck (Mud Rats), Jordan Gray, Fred Dewart, Nathan Button, Steve Powell, Ryan Russell, Charlie Kruger, Patto, Chris Shannon, Tony Bundy (Just Social), Scott Dale (Mud Rats), Liam Edwards (Cheers), Chris Burke, Warwick Drayton, Tim Williams, Doug Amos (Dart Devils), Hoss (Dart Devils), Shane Barnett (Cheers), Nugget, Nicole Owen.
BESTTEAMPEGOUTS
Charlie (Dart Vaders) 160, Chris Richardson (Snipers) 152, Steve P (Predators) 131, Doug Amos (Dart Devils) 130, Liam (Cheers) 120, Tye (Any Excuse) 112, Brad (Fight Club) 111, Jack M (Mud Rats) 104, Wombat (Gembrook) 104, Jai M (Dart Attack) 103, 4X4 (Just Social) 98, Ted Jordan (AAA) 96, Stephen B (Bullseyes) 91, Mateo/Hachi (Generals) 74.
By Blair Burns
Cardinia Storm is back after a successful weekend which saw both the men’s and women’s teams register strong wins and jump into the top four.
The Women’s Metro 1 South competition led the way in round seven with a thrilling 6-5 victory against Glen Eira in what was a tight tussle.
From the first whistle, the Storm girls were up and about in front of a home crowd.
It was Alana Nancarrow who turned it on early in the contest as she went to another level and scored the first two goals of the game in quick succession.
Despite Nancarrow almost scoring a third goal in the second quarter, the next big play belonged to Annabelle Fallu.
She found herself in some space on the baseline and found the back of the net to put Cardinia up 3-0.
Glen Eira managed to get its first goal before the main break and then continued to work back into the game in the second half.
Scarlett Hawkins and Lilly Kelly each scored goals to keep the Storm in front as the
game approached a big finish.
When Glen Eira scored the equaliser late in the fourth to take the game to 5-5, a draw looked likely.
But the hero of the day once again stood up with Fallu scoring a short-corner goal to bring up her hat-trick and secure a brilliant 6-5 win.
Cardinia faced Southern United at home in the Men’s Metro 1 South competition and with a full-strength forward line, the Storm were fired up and ready to go.
The home side opened the scoring as Gareth Ventom opened proceedings with a sliding goal - a scoring chance created by young guns Sammy Albrecht and William Gregory up the field.
Southern tied the score at 1-1 and were pushing hard, but the defensive work from Adam Welcome and Daniel Albrecht managed to keep them at bay.
Enter Gary Singh to score two goals and give the Storm a healthy lead as the game drew to a close.
Unfortunately, Ventom was injured and the game was called early with the score sitting at 3-1 in favour of Cardinia.
