Thursday, 13 August, 2026
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Bird flu lands in Casey
Homeless turned away
SRL bus pitch
Wickers hold on to hope
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Red, white and festive Menzies Hall in Dandenong was packed with Christmas decorations, candy canes and Santa hats as the community came together to celebrate Christmas in July. Hosted by Casey-based, Australian-Filipino Community Services (AFCS), the event brought more than 300 people together from all across Victoria, including Geelong and Ballarat. The inaugural event took advantage of the cold front and windy day, with a cosy lunch and a spot of dancing to end the event. For more pictures, go to page 14
Many dressed up to celebrate Christmas in July. (Eye Deal Photographer)
Showdown all set The bid for the Narre Warren South seat may be shaping as a more competitive contest at the November’s election following a major shake-up of both major parties’ campaigns. The Labor-held seat will be contested by Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen, following incumbent Labor MP Gary Maas’ decision in June not to seek re-election.
Koomen’s candidacy gives Labor a locally recognised figure with established ties to the Casey community, but his move from local government to state politics also puts a previously Labor seat under renewed scrutiny. Koomen announced his intention to contest the state election last week and has since confirmed he will step down as Casey Mayor on August 18, while remaining a councillor for the Waratah Ward. His local portfolio could prove
valuable in an electorate where local issues are likely to dominate. In 2024, he stood in the local election vowing to advocate for better infrastructure and services for the community. Standing in his way to the state title however, is Liberal candidate, Norliah Syer-Peterson. Peterson is a music teacher and public health advocate, who has positioned herself as a candidate with strong community connections.
She made headlines last year following the death of her son who died from Meningococcal B, along with her subsequent advocacy to make the vaccine more accessible for young people. Since announcing her candidacy in July, Peterson has raised attention to the region’s rising crime rate and lack of road management, including potholes. For more on this story, go to page 3
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‘Vigilante’ jailed over death By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Berwick vigilante who caused a fatal crash while pursuing his stolen motorcycle has been jailed. Varun Reddy, 26, was found guilty by a Victorian County Court jury of dangerous driving causing the death of the motorbike’s rider on Fleetwood Drive, Narre Warren. During the pursuit, his speeding car struck the back of the motorbike and likely ran over the vehicle and rider. The day after reporting his Honda motorbike was stolen, Reddy spotted his motorbike being ridden by a stranger David Lamb about 10am on 7 December 2023. Reddy, who was driving a Toyota Yaris, took pursuit and called triple-zero. The emergency operator warned Reddy to drive safely. “Please don’t put yourself at risk, all right.” Reddy replied: “No, I won’t, yeah.” In front of Reddy were Mr Lamb’s friends in a Honda Jazz, who were also following the motorcycle between Berwick and Narre Warren.
On Fleetwood Drive, Reddy overtook the Jazz by driving on the opposite side of the road and then accelerated towards the motorbike. At the corner of Tamarisk Road, Reddy struck the rear of the bike, throwing Lamb onto the road and near a power pole. In sentencing on 28 July, Judge Robyn Harper said it was likely that Reddy’s car “drove over” the bike and Mr Lamb. Someone in the Jazz told Lamb to get up. But he told them to “f*** off, get out of here”. The Jazz fled the scene. Reddy called triple-zero, telling them that “he stopped suddenly in front of me. It was a bend around the street, and he slowed down suddenly and I couldn’t stop in time.” Despite paramedic treatment, Mr Lamb died at the scene from severe injuries. An officer from Victoria Police’s collision reconstruction unit opined that 4.8 seconds before impact, the Yaris was travelling about 92 kilometres an hour behind the motorbike. At impact, the Yaris’s speed had slowed to between 36 and 72 kilometres an hour. Reddy later told police that the bike braked “heavily”, making it impossible to avoid collid-
ing with him. Judge Harper said the jury’s verdict showed they accepted that Reddy was speeding and too close to Lamb at the time. Reddy showed an “element of vigilantism”, she said. “Having notified authorities there was no need for you to follow Mr Lamb at all, let alone pursue him along Fleetwood Drive at speed and in increasingly close proximity to him. “…It was not your role to give chase and confront the man who took your bike. “It was no doubt an impulsive decision, but so clearly the wrong one in the circumstances, with tragic consequences. Judge Harper noted that Reddy claimed he didn’t want to hurt Mr Lamb, he just wanted him to stop and get his bike back. “Had you not been travelling so fast and so close to him the collision would never have taken place.” In victim impact statements, Mr Lamb was declared as a son, brother, father, uncle, friend that was “deeply loved by so many people”. “Every title he carried represented people who depended on him, laughed with him, ar-
gued with him, celebrated with him and expected to grow old alongside him.” His sister said the day he died was a “horrific day”. “I will never forget it.” Born in India, Reddy settled with his family in Dandenong. Since the fatal crash, he completed an engineering degree in mechatronics and has been working as a graduate engineer. Judge Harper noted Reddy’s remorse, his previously good character, no priors and his declining mental health since the collision. His rehabilitation prospects were “excellent”, with “minimal” chances of appearing in court again, the judge stated. This conviction would make it difficult for him to work as an engineer in the future. His partner stated she may have to sell their house if he was jailed. Reddy was supported by 19 character references, which told of a high achieving, hard working, attentive friend, Judge Harper said. However none of this was sufficient to meet the “exceptional and rare” circumstances required to avoid jail. Reddy was jailed for three years, including an 18-month non-parole period.
Organ donor registrations dropping to dismal lows By Cam Lucadou-Wells Parts of the South East have among the lowest rate of registered organ and tissue donors in the state, according to recent stats. A paltry 17 per cent of the eligible population in Casey have registered to give the ‘gift of life’ – well below Victoria’s average of 23 per cent and a national average of 36 per cent. Greater Dandenong’s registration rate is the state’s lowest at a dismal 10 per cent, with Cardinia at 25 per cent. In 2025, new registrations dropped in Greater Dandenong by 29 per cent, Casey by 17 per cent and Cardinia by 23 per cent. This is despite community surveys showing most Victorians were in favour of organ donation - which can save the lives of up to seven people. And many more people’s lives are changed through eye and tissue donation. DonateLife specialist nursing coordinator Erin East says sadly the lagging registrations create longer delays for critically unwell patients, with some dying without a transplant. In her role, East is often leading difficult, important conversations with bereaved families about whether they will donate the organs of loved-ones. She says it’s a job she’s “incredibly honoured” to perform. To give some meaning to a devastating, terrible event for a family. “We meet them on the worst day of their life “To this day, I am still in awe of how families can consider supporting other people in the community, with a feel for the greater good. “Our role is not to coerce them. We provide them with the information and guide them to what they want to do – and what their loved one would want to do.” Nearly all families (90 per cent) consent to their loved one’s organ donation if they are a registered donor. But if the person is not registered, about 40 per cent say ‘no’. “It’s always an easier decision if the donor is registered. We let them know it’s their loved one’s wishes. “When their loved ones come into the emergency department, all the medical decisions have been made by the hospital for the families. “This decision (on organ donation) is an opportunity for them to advocate for what their loved one would want to do. It’s really empowering for the families.” East says families draw comfort from organ donation over time, receiving updates on how their loved one has helped others live on. “It’s important to talk about the potential benefits, what they were like as a person and what was important to them.“ She says Dandenong’s cultural diversity presents a challenge for communication, despite in-language pamphlets and interpreters available. “It can be tricky meeting the needs of families with diverse backgrounds. It can be hard to meet their needs in those times. “That said, no family is the same even if they
2 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
DonateLife donation specialist nursing coordinator Erin East guides bereaved families through the topic of organ donation. (Gary Sissons: 568451) have the same beliefs or faith.” She thinks the overall drop-off in organ donation registrations may be linked to the Covid pandemic. “People don’t have the same headspace. It’s almost like a fatigue with hospitals. “I feel people used to be more curious about it – but now they get the information and just politely decline.” She’s supportive of people opting in as donors, rather than an opt-out system - because the choice needs to be altruistic, she says. DonateLife Victoria state medical director Dr Rohit D’Costa said nearly all of surveyed Vic-
torians support organ donation, yet less than a quarter are registered as a donor. ‘A recent community survey shows 90 per cent of Victorians support organ donation, but less than one quarter have registered to be a donor.’ “It doesn’t matter how old or healthy you are – you can still register as an organ and tissue donor.” D’Costa urged Victorians to register as an organ and tissue donor, and then tell their families that they’re a donor. “Someone’s life depends on it.” You can check if you’re registered at donatelife.gov.au or through Medicare.
Australian organ and tissue transplant donors - new registrations Greater Dandenong ■ 2024: 449 ■ 2025: 319 (down 29 per cent) ■ Total: 13280 (10 per cent of eligible population) Casey ■ 2024: 1595 ■ 2025: 1322 (down 17 per cent) ■ Total: 46,945 (17 per cent of eligible population) Cardinia ■ 2024: 694 ■ 2025: 536 (down 23 per cent) ■ Total: 22,185 (25 per cent of eligible population)
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Thousands turned away
Urgent lighting repair calls from Berwick business owners By Jensy Callimootoo
By Violet Li More than 7600 people seeking homelessness support in the south east are turned away each year because services are already at capacity, according to a new regional advocacy report. Housing advocates are pushing for a major funding boost across Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong. The South East Homelessness and Housing Alliance (SEHHA) launched its 2026 Advocacy Priorities at a Homelessness Week forum in Dandenong on Thursday 6 August, calling on the State Government to address what it says are critical gaps in the region’s homelessness system. Homelessness increased between 2016 and 2021 by 45 per cent in Casey, 53 per cent in Cardinia and 22 per cent in Greater Dandenong. Greater Dandenong Mayor Cr Sophie Tan said services were struggling to meet growing demand. “Demand is increasing faster than services can keep up. The funding has not even kept pace with the growing need,” she said. “Most importantly, it impacts real people who deserve support, stability and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.” Among its priorities is a purpose-built crisis supported accommodation facility in Casey or Cardinia. About 50 to 60 per cent of the South East’s Housing Establishment Funding is currently spent on emergency hotel accommodation because of the lack of crisis accommodation in the region, according to SEHHA.
Dandenong Zero executive committee member Naomi Paterson told the forum its program had moved 45 people into secure, affordable and sustainable housing since 2022.
Steve Niedenko from WAYSS spoke at the event. The alliance argues hotel rooms are an expensive and often unsuitable stopgap, particularly for families, and that a dedicated facility with 24hour support would also reduce pressure on hospitals and police. SEHHA is also calling for increased specialist homelessness funding, dedicated assertive outreach services in Casey and Cardinia, and a homelessness service access point in Cardinia. Casey and Cardinia currently have no dedicated assertive outreach equivalent to the Dandenong Zero, a project that brings together the local service system around a ‘By Name List’ of all people sleeping rough, to support them with referrals to services with the objective of ending rough sleeping. Dandenong Zero executive committee member Naomi Paterson told the forum its program had moved 45 people into secure, affordable and sustainable housing since 2022, but 107 active rough sleepers in Dandenong remained on its byname list. “We know that that is gross under-representation for local homelessness,” she said. “There are people who are sleeping in pubs.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Cr Sophie Tan said homelessness support services in the south east were struggling to meet growing demand. (Violet Li) There are people who are in squats, who aren’t engaging with local service providers. There are people who are in overcrowded dwellings, unsafe places to live. There are people who are disengaged from support and so they’re flying under the radar. “We need crisis and emergency housing, we need extra outreach workers, we need warmth and compassion and empathy for people who are sleeping rough.” SEHHA is a collaborative partnership between local governments and homelessness and community service providers in Cardinia, Casey, and Greater Dandenong.
Stefan Koomen to step down as mayor By Jensy Callimootoo Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen will step down from the mayoralty after being announced as the Labor candidate for Narre Warren South at the upcoming November state election. Koomen announced on social media on 7 August that he would transition out of the mayoral role by the end of the week, describing the decision as “one of the greatest honours and privileges of my life”. “While I’m not required to do so, I believe it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “I look forward to sharing my next steps and continuing to stand up for our community.” Koomen will remain a Casey councillor representing the Waratah Ward. His decision comes after months of speculation surrounding his political ambitions, which intensified in May following sitting Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas’ announcement that he would not be re-contesting the seat. When Star News spoke to Koomen about the rumours in June, he dismissed the speculation but said he would consider an opportunity to
Stefan Koomen will stand for Labor’s Narre Warren seat, stepping down as Casey Mayor. participate in the upcoming state election if one arose. Koomen was subsequently announced as Labor’s candidate for the seat, where he will face Liberal candidate Norliah-Syer Peterson. Peterson, a music teacher, made headlines last year following the death of her son from Meningococcal B and her subsequent advocacy for greater access to the vaccine. Koomen became a Casey councillor for Waratah Ward in 2024 and has served two consecutive terms as mayor, having been unanimously elect-
ed by his fellow councillors on both occasions. During his time on council, Koomen has been a strong advocate for infrastructure projects across Casey, including road upgrades, public transport improvements and the proposed Clyde Rail Link. One of the central aspects of his 2024 council campaign was his push to save and revitalise the Doveton Pool, an achievement he has continued to highlight during his time as councillor and mayor. Speaking to Star News in June, Koomen also stressed the importance of having a “local voice” representing Casey in Parliament. Under Casey Council’s current governance rules, there are “requirements and guidance” for councillors who stand as candidates in state or federal elections. Councillors are recommended to take leave and, where relevant, step aside from leadership positions to avoid “actual or perceived conflicts”. The election of a new mayor will take place at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 18 August. The newly elected mayor will serve until Casey Council’s annual mayoral elections in November.
H5 bird flu detected in Clyde The H5 bird flu has been detected in Clyde. At the time of writing, H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) has been detected in 53 birds from 37 locations in Victoria, including south west Victoria from the South Australian border at Nelson through to east of Warrnambool and Apollo Bay, and south east Melbourne in Clyde. Types of birds currently impacted are crested terns, a single silver gull and a single magpie. The Victorian National Parks Association and Environment Victoria warn that the arrival of bird flu adds another serious pressure to an already vulnerable ecosystem at Western Port Bay facing pressure from development, industry and declining water quality along its shores. They state that bird flu can have devastating impacts on marine mammals, putting animals including Little Penguins and the largest fur seal colony in the world at risk. Species of particular significance to Western Port that are identified in the assessment as being at high, or very high risk from H5 bird flu include Black Swan (very high risk), Cape Barren Goose (very high risk), short-tailed Shearwater (very
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high risk), Australian Little Penguin (very high risk), Australian Fur Seal (very high risk), Australian Fairy Tern (very high risk), Pacific Gull (very high risk), and Bottlenose Dolphin (high risk). “Western Port Bay is too important to be managed in pieces. Bird flu is another warning that we need to be better prepared for the growing threats facing this precious ecosystem — from habitat destruction and declining water quality to disease,” said Shannon Hurley from Victorian National Parks Association. Signs of H5 bird flu in birds are lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles, twisted neck or other unusual posture, inability to stand or fly, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing, swelling around the head, neck and eyes, and cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes. There have so far been no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or livestock in Australia. The first bird confirmed in Victoria was a greater crested tern at Portland on 30 July. Cases of H5 bird flu, also known as H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza, have pre-
The recent H5 bird flu has been detected in Clyde. (Photo by Bernd Dittrich on Unsplash) viously been confirmed in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales. The risk to human health of H5 bird flu remains low. Overseas, this strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and other wildlife. Human cases are rare and the virus does not spread easily between people. If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. Avoid direct contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, or using the following form: forms.bio.vic.gov.au/wildlife-influenza-investigation
A Berwick business owner is urging the council to urgently repair defective lighting in a village laneway after an attempted break-in left her facing a costly and time-consuming aftermath. Felicity, who runs Berwick Optical in Berwick Village, said a man attempted to break into her premises on Sunday night and a second time Monday morning, with CCTV footage showing him looking around the laneway before trying to gain entry. The attempted break-in occurred about 9:30pm on Sunday night. The alleged offender attempted to knock out the window with no luck. He came back about 2:30am with a fire extinguisher and again tried to break the window, this time damaging the glass. While the offender did not successfully enter the business or steal anything, Felicity said the incident has created a significant burden, including dealing with police, insurance, window repairs and potentially replacing locks and doors. “We were fortunate that this attempted break-in wasn’t successful, but it still takes a mental toll on our team and lots of time we’d rather be focusing on our customers.” she said. The incident has also reignited concerns about safety in the walkway, which Felicity said was poorly lit despite being used by pedestrians visiting nearby businesses and restaurants. And according to her, customers had also raised concerns about walking through the laneway at night, with some describing it as unsafe. “Our biggest concern is that our laneway (Loveridge Walk) doesn’t have any lighting,” she said. “The only light is when the traders shop lights are on, which turn off once they’re gone.” Felicity said a strip of lighting in the walkway had been out of operation for years and that she had repeatedly raised the issue with Casey Council twice but says her subsequent requests had not resulted in the problem being fixed. She says the first query was marked as ‘completed’ with no action taken or response given. The second time, council told her the laneway was not council property and instead belonged to the landlord. However, Star News contacted the council regarding the matter, with Manager of Infrastructure and Open Space, Nicole Young saying the lighting in Loveridge Walk is maintained by the council. And that an electrical contractor would be arranged to attend the site, inspect the lights and determine which action is required. For Felicity, the lighting concerns became particularly apparent when she reviewed CCTV footage of the attempted break-in. “You can actually see him looking around to see if anyone could see him,” she said. Felicity believes better lighting could have made the area less attractive to someone attempting to commit a crime. “If there was adequate lighting, the perpetrator wouldn’t have been covered in darkness on his first attempt at 8.30pm, he would have been visible when there were still people walking around the village,” she said. The issue comes amid broader concerns about safety in Berwick Village. Multiple incidents and break-ins have impacted business owners. Including longtime business owner of Harry’s Clothing who previously owned a store in Loveridge Walk. His store was broken into nine times over a one year period, forcing him to move locations. For Felicity, although nothing was stolen, she says the incident has left her facing an “admin nightmare”. “Business is hard enough as it is at the moment,” she said. She hopes the incident will prompt renewed attention to lighting and safety around Berwick Village.
Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 3
NEWS
Rachel Payne, Legalise Cannabis MP.
Avraham Yemini. (YouTube)
Micro parties may be impacted By Jensy Callimootoo and Cameron Lucadou-Wells Micro parties may face a major wipe-out following the scrapping of the Group Voting Ticket (GVT) which passed in parliament following a lengthy debate. The GVT has continued to face criticism for enabling backroom deals and preferential voting arrangements, with Victoria being the only state parliament in Australia that still uses the system. It comes into play when a voter votes ‘above the line’ in the Upper House ballot, which allows the party they have voted for to allocate their preferences according to the registered list. Previously voters were able to just number one at the top of the ballot, now they will have to number at least five boxes. According to the VEC, in the 2022 state election, 90.5 per cent of Upper House formal ballots were completed above the line. But on Tuesday 11 August, following a lengthy debate surrounding the bill, a majority of MPs voted in favour of the abolition with no amendments. Micro-parties typically had the most to gain
from the GVT, which enabled them to exert greater influence over the subsequent election of candidates who received very low primary votes. For example, in 2022 Animal Justice Party’s Georgie Purcell was able to gain a seat despite obtaining only 1.51 percent of first preference votes. South-Eastern MP David Limbrick from the Libertarian Party has also gained from the voting structure in Victoria. In June, a right-wing and online political commentator revealed that he would be using this very system to establish his own minor party which would funnel votes to conservative parties like One Nation. Referencing the GVT in a YouTube video, Avraham (Avi) Yemini said that the current preferential electoral system in Victoria is why Labor has “retained power for so long”, arguing that the tactic was taken “right out of the leftist playbook’. The party registered from a Berwick address and was labelled as the ‘Free Palestine’ party to deliberately mislead progressive voters. Last week, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC), approved the registration of Yemini’s party while refusing another ‘Free Palestine Party’ application by activists due to the similarity in
party names. As a registered political party Yemini’s ‘Free Palestine’ party will now be printed on ballot papers with the party’s endorsed candidates. The intended objective, Yemini said, would work to capitalise on voters from the left and those from migrant backgrounds. “What is the one issue that unites useful idiots from the far left to the fringe right, to certain immigrant cultures that have imported their hate… Free Palestine,” he said in a YouTube video. For progressive MPs like Rachel Payne from the Legalise Cannabis party, while she supports the abolishment of the GVT, she also argues that broader electoral reforms are needed. “If the objective is genuine electoral reform, it should be comprehensive rather than selective,” said Payne. The MP argues that reforms to the existing regional structures are essential to ensure that the changes are “comprehensive and consistent”. “If both elements of the current system are considered flawed, then reform should address both together, rather than implementing only one change that favours almost always those already holding power,” she said.
Without these broader reforms, she argues the abolishment of the GVT will only help to retain Labor seats, bolster the Liberals’ representation and give One Nation a “huge leg up”. “How effective will the 61st Parliament be when you are handing the balance of power to one party?,” she said. “Victorians deserve an electoral system that puts voters, not political parties, at the centre. Real reform means protecting proportional representation and ensuring every vote counts fairly.” She told Star News that a proportional representative model - as adopted in other Australian states - would lead to minor-party MPs such as herself being elected on 5 per cent quotas. Under the present reform, she’d need to rely on preferences to achieve a 17 per cent quota. Payne also questioned why the reform was being introduced at the “eleventh hour” while voters’ civic literacy was low. “They’re not telling the majority of Victorians who vote above the line to change their voting method. The VEC has asked for no additional funding for this election, so how are you going to educate voters on the change?”
Panda Mart faces closure bid Major promotional given green over alleged unsafe products sign light by VCAT Panda Mart’s Cranbourne store could be forced to close until it meets strict product safety requirements, with Consumer Affairs Victoria taking the discount retailer to the Supreme Court. Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has applied for an injunction that would stop Panda Mart’s Cranbourne and Preston stores from trading until the regulator is satisfied they have measures in place to protect consumers. The action follows inspections earlier this year in which CAV alleges officers found incorrectly labelled, dangerous and permanently banned products at the two stores. Items allegedly uncovered included scented candles with decorations that caught fire, lightup keychains with inadequately secured button batteries, and portable pools and flotation devices without mandatory safety warnings. If the Supreme Court grants the injunction, Panda Mart would be required to notify customers of the closures through its website, social media and shopfronts. CAV would also be allowed to remove and destroy unsafe, banned or incorrectly labelled products. Before reopening, employees would have to undertake training and the retailer would be required to establish a formal compliance program approved by CAV director Nicole Rich. Ms Rich said retailers were responsible for ensuring products on their shelves complied with Australian safety laws. “Being cheap isn’t a licence to skimp on safety standards,” she said. The latest court action follows a series of warnings and enforcement measures involving Panda Mart.
4 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
By Jensy Callimootoo
Panda Mart’s Cranbourne store could be forced to close until it meets strict product safety requirements. (FILE) In March 2025, inspectors seized thousands of products from the Cranbourne store that CAV believed did not meet mandatory safety and information standards. CAV then obtained an urgent injunction in December 2025 that closed the Cranbourne and Preston stores for 72 hours while inspectors conducted compliance inspections and removed products. In January this year, Panda Mart Trading Pty Ltd, which operates the Cranbourne store, was hit with 147 criminal charges over allegations it offered unsafe products for sale. Those alleged products included toys with unsecured button batteries, baby strollers and walkers without required warnings, bicycle helmets and permanently banned yo-yo water balls. A further public warning was issued in March after inspectors allegedly found more unsafe products at both stores. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on CAV’s latest application in September.
A major promotional electronic sign has been given the green-light by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), despite being previously rejected by Casey Council. The two-sided display will be built in the carpark of Casey Central Shopping Centre, with an expected display area of 49.296 square metres and a maximum overall height of 7.95 metres. It will displace one existing car parking space and will overhang an access aisle. According to VCAT, Casey Council originally rejected the proposal due to the plan failing to address various policies in Casey’s Planning Scheme, on the grounds of its height and size which may result in visual dominance in the streetscape and failure to complement the character of the area. It also argued that the proposed sky sign may have a negative impact on the amenity of the nearby residential area. The applicant, JY Haben, opposed these concerns however and applied for a review of the council’s decision to VCAT in June. An independent VCAT investigation ruled that the sign will provide “vitality and colour” to the large carpark and therefore, with some modifications, it set aside the council’s decision and granted a permit. Modifications included landscape conditions as well as functionality of the sign. This means it cannot dazzle, contain any flashing lights or distract drivers as a result of its colouring. It also has specific regulations on its night-time
Extract of the application plans showing theproposed south elevation. (Credit: VCAT)
Extract of the application plans showing aperspective view of the proposal, viewed from the north-west. (Credit: VCAT) luminance. It was ruled that there would be no significant residential impacts under these light regulations. The screen will broadcast still as well as moving images, promoting goods, services or events.
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Push to ‘bus’ the rail loop By Jensy Callimootoo and Cam Lucadou-Wells Outer suburban councils have called on the government to introduce high-frequency bus services along the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) corridor well before the first trains run; with a former bus planner saying it might prove useful for Casey commuters. Outer Melbourne Councils (OMC) made up of nine councils including Casey and Cardinia, urged the government to “bus the loop” by introducing frequent services along the proposed SRL corridor well before the rail is laid. The SRL, expected to cost over $30 billion, is an orbital underground rapid transit rail line which will connect major radial train lines from eastern, western and northern Melbourne without going through the CBD. The first stage of the works is currently underway in the Eastern fraction, from Cheltenham to Box Hill. The calls come as Premier Ben Carroll said he wanted a “more integrated approach to Victoria’s transport system”, on ABC Radio. OMC argues the government could introduce frequent “turn-up-and-go” services using much of the existing road network, delivering improvements at a fraction of the cost of major rail projects. For Casey, where suburbs continue to grow, the proposal would mean better connections to major employment, education and activity centres without waiting decades for new rail infrastructure, according to transport analyst, Peter Parker. Parker is also a former Department of Transport bus planner, and says there’s a strong case for the proposal, provided the bus routes were designed around the needs of communities rather than simply copying the eventual SRL alignment. Bus priority measures, including dedicated lanes and traffic-light priority, could improve travel times, but Parker said these measures could become politically controversial. Building dedicated infrastructure such as
(Pic: Creative Commons) busways or adding bus traffic lights would come at a significantly higher cost. Despite those challenges, he said improved buses were essential to making the SRL work. “The SRL by itself is not going to work without easy ways for people to get to the station,” Parker said. He highlights that precursor routes should ideally operate every five to 10 minutes, with
some services potentially running express or stopping only at major destinations. For Casey residents travelling towards the SRL corridor, Parker said direct bus connections could be particularly valuable. He gave the example of a resident near Narre Warren travelling to Deakin University at Burwood, who could eventually use the SRL via Clayton for a faster journey.
In support, Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne said bus infrastructure was a “lot easier” to activate outer-suburban areas, with each bus taking 50 cars off the road. “It makes a lot of sense. We’ve been always supportive of buses, and we’d like them to be free and accessible,” she said. “If we make buses accessible and reliable, people will use them.”
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Think resort-style facilities on your doorstep Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 5
OPINION
What should children learn? Last week the latest NAPLAN results were released. The headlines were predictable. Two-thirds of Australian students met the national benchmark. One-third did not. Immediately the debate began. More funding. More teachers. More tutoring. More testing. Truth be told... I think we’re asking the wrong question. The question isn’t whether our children are learning enough. It’s whether we’re teaching the right things in the first place. For more than a year I’ve been researching what will become my next doctoral thesis. It began with one deceptively simple question: How should a national curriculum determine what every young person must learn? Not what would be nice to learn. Not what interest groups want included. Not what happens to be making headlines this month. But what every Australian child is genuinely entitled to know before they leave school. Australia already has a comprehensive national curriculum. It outlines learning areas, general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities. Yet beneath all of that sits a question we rarely ask openly: Who decided these things matter most? Every few months another worthy idea is added to the conversation. Financial literacy. Cyber safety. Mental health. Artificial intelligence. Entrepreneurship. Respectful relationships. Climate education. Values-based education. Media literacy.
Every one of them has merit. But if we keep adding without ever deciding what is truly essential, eventually schools become responsible for everything - and accountable for all of it. Perhaps that explains why so many teachers tell us they are overwhelmed. This year, through the Belonging in Casey competition, more than 2,000 students across our municipality of Casey answered one simple question: “What does belonging mean to you?” The entries were extraordinary. There were paintings. Poems. Dance performances. Photography. Stories. Year 12 reflections that displayed insight well beyond their years. Teachers told us something that has stayed with me. “When students were given permission to think deeply, they surprised us.” Maybe that’s the point. Young people aren’t simply empty vessels waiting to be filled with content. They are thinkers. Creators. Problem-solvers. Future parents. Future employers. Future voters. Future community leaders. Education should prepare them for all of
those roles. In my previous research, I argued that cultural education should help shape more inclusive schools, workplaces and communities by building understanding, empathy and stronger systems. The more I research, however, the more I find myself asking an even bigger question. What is the actual purpose of school? Is it to produce higher ATAR scores? A workforce? University graduates? Or is it to help young Australians become capable, ethical, resilient human beings who can think critically, communicate respectfully and contribute positively to society? Perhaps the answer is all of the above. But if that’s true, shouldn’t we be far more intentional about how we decide what belongs in the curriculum? Every compulsory subject reflects a value judgement. Every omission does too. When we teach something, we’re quietly saying: “This matters.” When we don’t, we’re making exactly the same statement. That is why curriculum should never simply be a collection of inherited subjects or historical traditions. It should represent a universal learning entitlement. The essential knowledge, skills, values and capabilities every Australian child deserves not because they’re easy to assess, but because they’ll help young people flourish throughout life. This isn’t a criticism of teachers. Far from it. Our teachers work extraordinarily hard within a system that continually asks them to do more. It’s not even a criticism of the curriculum
itself. It’s a call for a national conversation about its purpose. Because if we don’t first agree on what education is for, we’ll never agree on what should be taught. The future of Australia won’t be shaped only by economic policy or election promises. It will be shaped every day inside classrooms. By the questions we encourage young people to ask. By the values we model. By the skills we choose to prioritise. And by whether we have the courage to rethink assumptions we’ve inherited rather than simply adding one more topic to an already crowded curriculum. Truth be told... perhaps the most important lesson we can teach our children isn’t what to think. It’s how to think, how to belong and how to build a better Australia together. P.S. Watch this space! The Belonging in Casey entries have now been received, and the standard has been nothing short of inspiring. From essays and artwork to photography, dance, poetry and performances, our young people have amazed us with their creativity, insight and heart. Choosing the finalists has been incredibly difficult - and let me assure you, Casey has some extraordinarily talented students that we should all be proud of. We’ll be celebrating all of our finalists and winners at the Belonging in Casey Awards Ceremony on Friday 18 September, and everyone is welcome to attend. We’ll share the event details over the coming weeks - we’d love to celebrate our young people with you.
Your views on One Nation political party Star News held a Facebook poll across Victoria: Is One Nation ready to govern? Here are some of your viewpoints: Alan Hood: Who’s the One Nation candidate for Dandenong? I haven’t seen any Labor people for a long time, have they gone? Jack Hunter: (to Alan Hood) They are all jumping ship because they know the truth about Albo’s dirty deals done behind closed doors with Pratt Holdings. Christine Keys: What are their policies on aged care, children, energy, safety and security, future infrastructure, increasing production, increasing services, education? Heather Louis: (to Christine Keys) Please explain, what’s a policy? Robert Goodlet: One Nation, the red neck party. Chris Jarrett: You’ve got to be kidding. Creighton Divine: More so than the current bunch of socialist, totalitarian, criminal muppets. Daniel Doncovio: I won’t vote for a racist party. Tim Smith:
One Nation Victoria leader Warren Pickering. (AAP Image/Jay Kogler) Is the Labor government ready to govern? Darren Pollard: One Nation all the way. Zabi Berat: They can’t run a fish n chips shop. Kieran Magahy: I saw this exact same click-bait attributed to my local paper on the other side of the state. Alexander Rossi: Ready to govern the public toilets in Frankston. Danni Fanny: One Nation is bad for Australia because their politics rely more on blame than solutions. They present complex problems like housing, cost of living, jobs and social cohesion as though they
are caused mainly by migrants, minorities or “woke” agendas, rather than decades of policy failure, weak planning, tax settings, corporate influence and underinvestment. They often sound reasonable when talking about things like housing, veterans or manufacturing, but the pattern is division first, detail later. Australia needs serious policy, not fear campaigns that pit ordinary people against each other. Billionaire backing also undermines the idea that she is purely fighting for “the little guy.” If major parties deserve scrutiny for donations from unions, corporations and lobby groups, then One Nation deserves the same scrutiny for support from wealthy mining interests. The issue is not one single policy. It is the overall pattern: scapegoating, culture wars, anti-climate politics and performative outrage instead of constructive leadership. Carol Walsh: Absolutely...the quicker we get rid of Labor the better. Ian Henley: Did they pull W Pickering out of the pub the other day? Apart from immigration, what are their policies? Sue Norfolk: Unfortunately not!
Poll result IS ONE NATION READY TO GOVERN? YES – 76 per cent NO – 24 per cent Star News posed the above poll question on its Victorian news websites. It attracted a swarm of voters from our readership areas, as well as across all Australian states, who voted resoundingly in favour of One Nation’s readiness to govern. About 38 per cent of voters were identifiably Victorian - including five per cent from Pakenham/Cardinia. Twenty-two per cent were identifiably from NSW, Queensland or other states and territories, and 40 per cent were from an unidentifiable origin.
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NEWS
Close eye on Casey crime Three police operated mobile CCTV trailers will be rolled out across Casey in aims of enhancing community safety, reducing crime and gaining insight. The City of Casey says it has secured $900,000 Federal Government funding to deploy the trailers, which will be delivered over three years. Victoria Police will determine the locations of the trailers based on crime data and community need. The initiative will also be used to guide future responses and informed decisions about future community safety investments. Outcomes will be independently reviewed by Deakin University and will assess its effectiveness and value for money. The roll out will also be integrated with principles related to Crime Prevention Through Environment Design (CPTED).
Mayor of Casey, Stefan Koomen - who is due to step down from the mayorship on Tuesday 18 August - says the initiative will benefit Casey residents while also providing valuable insights for other councils. “If CCTV is shown to have limited impact, the evaluation will assess safety measures that have been funded as part of the grant, such as improved lighting, bollards and environmental design improvements to ensure future decisions are evidence-based,” he said. Holt MP, Cassandra Fernando said her constituents were “rightly” concerned about rising crime and that she was proud of the funding secured from the government. “I am hopeful that the research generated through this initiative will help inform long-term solutions, ensuring future investments deliver the best outcomes for our community,” she said.
Cr Stefan Koomen and Federal Member for Holt, Cassandra Fernando.
Call for a public vote on legalised cannabis By Cam Lucadou-Wells Legalise Cannabis Party has called for the Victorian public to “have a say” in a plebiscite on cannabis law reform. The party was set to introduce a Bill in the state’s Legislative Council on 12 August for the plebiscite - which would be a direct public vote on legalising cannabis possession and cultivation for personal use. South Eastern Metropolitan MP Rachel Payne said state governments had long resisted “overwhelming” public support for cannabis law reform. “I have been talking to politicians from all parties for four years and it is very rare that a single one
of them says they don’t agree with cannabis law reform. “MPs know what Victorians want, they just lack the courage to do it. So let the people decide.” She cited a community survey that showed 80 per cent of Victorians support an end to cannabis prohibition. Victoria Police’s operation manual recommends that officers issue cautions, rather than arrests, for personal cannabis possession, she said. “Giving people a say will give them active involvement in the democratic process and more faith in government structures.” Plebiscites have been used in Australia and overseas to gauge public support for reforms in marriage equality, divorce and abortion rights and
drug reform, she said. A plebiscite in the ACT paved the way for the territory to decriminalise cannabis in 2020 and all drugs in 2023. Legalise Cannabis has described cannabis prohibition as a “public health, law and order and social justice disaster” that targeted the most vulnerable and wasted police and court time. Payne said cannabis medication had also been a “game-changer” for patients with chronic pain or illnesses such as Parkinson’s Disease. “But many people who benefit can’t afford it. “We’d look for people being able to grow their own plants and use medicinal cannabis - and not be penalised.”
Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne has called for the public to have a say on cannabis law reform. (Gary Sissons: 480136)
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Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 7
NEWS
Bethany Forster in the water. Lyndhurst swimmer Bethany Forster (right) and her mum on the boat before Bethany set off about 3.45am on 22 July. (Supplied)
Channel conquered By Violet Li A year after falling agonisingly short of France, Lyndhurst swimmer Bethany Forster has returned to the English Channel and finished what she started. Bethany completed the crossing on 22 July, swimming 44 kilometres in 10 hours and 26 minutes after setting off about 3.45am. Last year, she was pulled from the water around three kilometres from France after drifting too far with the tide. This time, she never doubted she would make it. “I believed that I would make it. I never doubted it,” she said. “Everyone goes, oh, you must be proud. It’s not that I’m not proud. It’s more just that I don’t get that feeling of purely (proud) because I never
doubted I could do it. “It was just like it didn’t surprise me. It was like, okay. I did it. It’s very anticlimactic. “And now we get on the boat and go back to England, and everybody tells you how great you are. And it’s like, well, that’s nice at least.” Bethany described herself as “satisfied” rather than overwhelmed with pride. A major lesson from last year’s failed attempt was nutrition. Bethany discovered the energy gels she used last year were low in sugar, so this time she brought gels from Australia containing 90 grams of carbohydrates. Her mother also prepared refillable pouches filled with mashed banana, strawberry and Nutella, giving her an easy source of energy during the crossing. The conditions were relatively kind, with an
air temperature of about 22 degrees and water around 20 degrees. The wildlife was less friendly. “There were less jellyfish than last year. They were just meaner than last year,” Bethany said. She was stung five times by jellyfish, including once on the lip and twice on the back of her leg. She also encountered a huge unexplained wave stretching across the Channel. Bethany said she remained relatively relaxed for most of the swim. “I wasn’t really thinking too much about the time or anything. I knew I needed to go out fast to make it easier in the second half,” she recalled. Only towards the end did impatience set in as her mother and friend Ethan, watching from the support boat, urged her to pick up the pace. “I was like, okay, I need to move,” she said. Bethany trains about 14 hours a week and pre-
Bethany Forster in the water. pared with an eight-hour open-water swim in water as cold as 16 degrees. And crossing the Channel has not ended her appetite for endurance swimming. Her next ambition is a roughly 60-kilometre swim from Geelong to Chelsea, which she hopes to attempt early next year. “I’ve got a whole list of swims that I want to tick off at some point,” she said.
Cranbourne health workers rally for better pay By Violet Li Allied health workers staged a lunchtime rally outside Cranbourne Community Hospital on Tuesday 11 August, calling for better pay as colleagues across Melbourne walked off the job in a major industrial action. A small group of workers who were unable to strike because of the nature of their roles gathered outside the new community hospital during their lunch break, holding signs and drawing attention to the ongoing pay dispute. Other allied health workers joined a larger rally at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Parkville, where thousands attended. The location was chosen to allow workers taking part in a 24-hour stoppage, as well as staff from nearby major public hospitals, to participate. The Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association is seeking a 36 per cent wage increase over three years and has rejected a State Government offer that would deliver most roles rises of between 19 and 21 per cent over four years. The union is also seeking provisions to be strengthened to ensure workplaces are sufficiently staffed and resourced, stronger requirements for employers to backfill leave and vacant positions, right to work a 9-day fortnight shift, and seven days of professional development leave. Cranbourne Community Hospital allied health worker Sandra Campbell said staff believed the government’s offer failed to make up for years of wage increases that had not kept pace with living costs. “We only got 2 per cent last time,” she said. “When you factor that in over four years, it’s 8 per cent. And then the cost of living, like CPI, is about 20-something per cent.” Ms Campbell said low pay was also making it harder for the public system to retain experienced allied health professionals. “A lot of us have left. I’m an older health professional. There’s not many of us left,” she said. “Because a lot of the young ones can’t. They have to live. They want to buy a house.
8 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
Allied health workers at the Cranbourne Community Hospital are holding signs and drawing attention to the ongoing pay dispute.
A small group of workers gathered outside the new community hospital during their lunch break. Worker Sandra Campbell at the front. (Stewart Chambers: 570619) “They leave and they might go into a private practice, or they might go to a private hospital or another employer that’s going to give them a lot more money than what we can in the public health system.” She said that ultimately affected patients, who could lose access to more experienced health professionals. The pressure was particularly acute in Melbourne’s rapidly growing south east, she said. Ms Campbell, who works in a child and family team, said demand in the Cranbourne area was already outstripping the service’s capacity. “We have massive waiting lists because we can’t keep up with the numbers of new families that are coming and living in this area,” she said. She said some families could wait six to nine months to receive services. Ms Campbell also pointed to what she saw as a contrast between investment in new health infrastructure and workers. “A lot of money [is] being spent on hospital
buildings,” she said. “There’s not so much being spent on hospital employees.” She said workers would continue holding rallies while negotiations continued. “We’re not going to give up and we’re not going to stop doing these rallies because we want to also let the public know what’s going on,” she said. Allied health professionals include workers such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, social workers and medical imaging professionals who provide diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation services across the health system. The allied health action comes ahead of a separate doctors’ strike on Thursday 13 August. Doctors at several major Melbourne public hospitals will walk off the jobs for 3.5 hours in their own pay and conditions dispute, the first protected industrial action by Victorian public hospital doctors in 20 years.
Allied health workers staged a lunchtime rally outside Cranbourne Community Hospital on Tuesday 11 August.
One of the workers at the mini-rally.
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NEWS
Chaos at out-of-control party By Violet Li A Cranbourne street was flooded with young people after a party at a short-stay property spiralled out of control, leaving the house extensively damaged. Police were called to a property in Powerscout Retreat about 11pm on Friday 7 August following reports of up to 80 teenagers attending a party and causing damage. Multiple police units, including members of the Public Order Response Team (PORT), were deployed to disperse the crowd. Police said the youths were moved on, and officers remained in the area for some time. No arrests were made and investigations are continuing. The house at the address is on sale, and according to neighbours, the house was rented out on Airbnb but since then it has been taken down. Neighbours said the scale of the gathering was far larger than the initial police estimate. One resident estimated there were between 300 and 400 people in and around the property, with about 80 young people on the street at one point. She said the sheer number of people was frightening, although she believed most of the partygoers were polite and did not damage neighbouring properties. “At one point I thought they might jump over the fences, but they didn’t,” she said. She said some young people later came to her home and apologised for the disruption. Another long-term resident said the usually quiet street had never experienced anything like it before, saying the situation escalated when the property owner arrived and attempted to intervene. According to the neighbour, the owner remained in her car while people struck the vehicle, while damage was also caused inside the property. She said a couch ended up in the pool and
Rubbish everywhere at the Powerscout Retreat address.
Rubbish everywhere at the Powerscout Retreat address.
Windows are broken at the Powerscout Retreat address. (Violet Li)
recalled residents repeatedly calling police as the disturbance unfolded. The resident, who said she and several neighbours had lived in the street since it was established, said they had not experienced a similar problem before.
The other neighbour believed the owner had put herself in a dangerous position by attending the property during the disturbance. She also questioned whether short-stay accommodation such as Airbnb should be operating in suburban residential streets.
Police said the house was extensively damaged. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage, or has further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.
BUSINESS IN FOCUS
BRING YOUR BILLS DAY Free expert help with bills, fines, debt, housing and more. Bring your bills and speak face-to-face with people who can help with:
Bills Bring Your Bills Day brings practical support to Hampton Park.
Bring Your Bills Day brings practical support into play With cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect households across Victoria, many people are unsure where to turn when bills, fines or debt begin to feel overwhelming. Bring Your Bills Day was created to make accessing help easier by bringing trusted organisations together in one place. On Tuesday 25 August, South East Community Links (SECL) will host Bring Your Bills Day at Arthur Wren Hall in Hampton Park, offering free and confidential support from experienced financial counsellors, legal services, utility providers, banks, government agencies and community organisations. Interpreters will also be available to help community members communicate comfortably in their preferred language. Whether you’re concerned about unpaid bills, fines, credit cards, loans, housing or tenancy issues, or simply want to better understand your options, Bring Your Bills Day provides practical
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advice and support tailored to your circumstances. Rather than visiting multiple organisations, attendees can speak with a range of experts in the one location and receive guidance on the issues that matter most to them. Since its launch, Bring Your Bills events have supported more than 3,400 people, addressed over $11 million in community debt, and helped many people access support for the first time. The initiative demonstrates the difference that can be made when services come together to provide practical, accessible support for the community. Bring Your Bills Day will be held on Tuesday 25 August, from 10.30am to 3.00pm, at Arthur Wren Hall, Hampton Park. The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome. To find out more, or to let us know you’re coming, visit byb.org.au.
Mortgages & loans
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Tuesday 25 August 2026 10.30am – 3.00pm Arthur Wren Hall, Hampton Park
Let us know you’re coming Scan the QR code or visit byb.org.au 12891559-CV33-26
Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 9
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
If you are looking for a school where there is a pathway for every child, St Francis Xavier would be delighted to welcome your family.
Building bright futures At St Francis Xavier, we believe every child deserves a pathway to success, confidence, and a bright future. As a Catholic school, we are guided by values of care, respect, and service, creating a welcoming environment where students are supported to grow academically, socially, and personally. We know that every child is unique, with different strengths, interests, and aspirations. That is why we offer a pathway for every child, helping each student to discover their potential and
develop the skills they need to thrive. Through a broad range of learning opportunities, we aim to inspire curiosity, build resilience, and encourage a love of learning. With an extensive range of extracurricular activities and competitions to take part in, we believe that students thrive when they can extend themselves beyond the classroom and pursue unique interests and new skills. Through, sports, performing arts, community and academic clubs, students can grow in confidence as they ex-
plore their interests. Our dedicated staff work in partnership with families to ensure each child feels known, valued, and encouraged along the way. Whether a student needs extra support, opportunities for enrichment, or a place to explore their talents and leadership, St Francis Xavier provides a nurturing environment where they can flourish. At the heart of our community is a strong sense of belonging and purpose. We strive to help
students become compassionate, capable, and confident young people, ready to make a positive difference in the world. Enrolments for Year 7, 2028 and beyond are now underway, and we invite families to discover what makes St Francis Xavier a special place for learning and growth. If you are looking for a school where there is a pathway for every child, we would be delighted to welcome your family.
Head of Campus
Talk & Tour 18 August 2026 9.30am - 11.00 am
Register at www.sfx.vic.edu.au 12816993-FR32-26
Join us for a Talk and Tour with the Deputy Principal – Head of Campus at our Berwick, Officer and Beaconsfield Campuses 10 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
Dental savings for families The state government is saving families time and money with free dental care for kids. Minister Stitt visited Resurrection Primary School to announce that the expansion of Victoria’s Smile Squad free dental program is now underway. Students at low-fee non-government schools now have access to the service. An initial 54 schools across metro and regional Victoria have been invited to participate in the program. A phased roll out to all low-fee non-government schools will follow. Delivered by dedicated mobile teams of oral
NAPLAN results positive
care clinicians, students receive free check-ups and follow-up care. It includes X-rays, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings and root canals. The at-school service also means busy families don’t need to worry about missing work or school for a dental appointment. Since 2019, Smile Squad has visited more than 1,000 public schools, seen more than 175,000 students and delivered more than one million oral health packs. For more information about Smile Squad, visit health.vic.gov.au/smile-squad
Victorian students again topped the nation in NAPLAN results, according to the state government. In 2026, a record number of students achieved their highest proficiency level. Victorian students ranked first or second in 16 of 20 NAPLAN measures. Victoria also has the lowest rate in the nation of students needing additional support. There were steady improvements on previous years, across all year levels with Years 5, 7 and 9 Numeracy result significantly higher. In Year 9 Numeracy, 15.2 per cent of students are now ‘exceeding’ – more than in 2025. In Year 9 Writing, more than a quarter reached the highest level – that’s more
than in 2025. The results prove Labor’s education reforms are working. The Victorian Reading Position is driving success, with all public primary schools now delivering 25 minutes of daily explicit systematic synthetic phonics in Prep to Year 2. And now the state government is backing these results with $44 billion to support learning, wellbeing, workforce, and school upgrades and new buildings. This includes $26.4 million to support excellence in literacy through a new phonics check, and $10.4 million for a numeracy check, allowing teachers to identify Year 1 students who need early support in both mathematics and reading.
Leading Clyde Grammar’s Next Chapter Six years ago, Mrs Leanne Evans welcomed Clyde Grammar’s first Foundation students at the school gate. This year, those students are the inaugural Year 6 cohort, having grown alongside a school shaped by her steady leadership and the staff she proudly credits as its greatest strength. As founding Principal, Mrs Evans has guided Clyde Grammar from a new campus into a thriving learning community, where strong relationships, high expectations and genuine care sit at the centre of each day. “We have exceptional teachers and support staff, and they are the reason students feel individually known, and ready to take on new challenges,” Mrs Evans says. “Our growth has never been just about buildings. It has always been about building a thriving community.” The Clyde Grammar community is soon to celebrate another major milestone with their Collaborative Learning Centre nearing completion. The state-of-the-art facility will provide a fully equipped gymnasium, with two full-sized courts and a large assembly space, along with classrooms to accommodate their first Year 7 cohort in 2027. With enrolment applications now open for Year 7 in 2028, the school is looking well ahead, with construction of additional classrooms expected to commence soon, supporting the next chapter of the school’s growth. Through this change, Mrs Evans remains closely connected to students. Each fortnight, one student drawn at random from the top scoring House is invited to share lunch, a chat and a card game with her. “It is one of my favourite parts of every fortnight,” she says. “I love chatting to our students and hearing what they are passionate about.” For Mrs Evans, her vision is clear: to nurture resilient learners who are ready for life beyond the classroom.
110 Smit Smiths Lane, Clyde North 3978 Reception: 03 8903 4500 Receptio enrolme enrolments@clydegrammar.vic.edu.au 12885841-EA33-26
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Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 11
NEWS
Baker cooks up commitment By Jensy Callimootoo For years, baking was more than a career for Tosan Gregory Jemide from Berwick. It was a creative outlet, a business and, eventually, the place where he found clarity when everything else in his life felt overwhelming. His journey into baking began unexpectedly in childhood, inspired by his mother. “My mother used to bake at home, I helped her a lot,” Tosan said. After losing his mother at 13, baking remained part of Tosan’s life. Years later, when his oldest brother was preparing for his wedding, he challenged him to make his wedding cake. Despite the fact that he had never baked a cake before. “He said to me, if anyone was going to have the slightest chance, it would be you,” Tosan recalled. He baked the cake, initially seeing baking as little more than a hobby for friends and family. But encouragement from others eventually convinced him to pursue it professionally. With no formal training, Tosan moved from Nigeria to the UK, where he gained hands-on experience working in different bakeries before starting his own business. After about five years in the UK, Tosan returned to Nigeria, where his business grew rapidly. He became known for elaborate, bespoke cakes and eventually built a reputation as a leading baker, creating cakes for high-profile clients, including the president. At the height of his career, Tosan says he produced seven or eight wedding cakes a week. But the success came with enormous pressure. Tosan describes himself as an “A-type perfectionist”, with every creation needing to be better than the one before it. As his business expanded into commercial baking and he moved increasingly into the role of CEO, he found himself spending less time on the creative work that had once sustained him. “I think that’s where I burned out,” he said. The burnout was gradual, then devastating. Tosan experienced constant fatigue, poor sleep, isolation and a growing loss of confidence. “I literally was not functional. I would wake up, I would go to work, but I wasn’t functioning.” he said. “Probably I was using maybe 20% of my capacity. I felt useless.” His turning point came one evening in his office, when he looked into a large, gold-framed mirror in front of his desk. “The reflection of the person that I saw completely shattered me,” he said. “I didn’t know who this person was.” Although his business appeared successful from the outside, Tosan said he felt he was “fail-
Describing the act of baking as a “respite”, Tosan has been able to find his love for creating again after extreme burnout. (Supplied)
Tosan Gregory Jemide is a renowned baker, now settled in Berwick. Tosan Gregory Jemide is a renowned baker, now settled in Berwick. ing inside”. Eventually, he made the difficult decision to walk away from the business he had built. “I needed to just get away, I felt if I stayed, I was slowly going to kill myself,” he said. “What did it matter if I built a whole empire and I didn’t survive it?” He moved to Australia in 2022 and spent much of 2023 doing little beyond trying to recover and reset. “I needed to find a way to recalibrate myself and find my balance again,” he said. It was during this period that baking began to take on a new meaning.
Rather than returning to commercial baking, Tosan began exploring how the activity that had once been his profession could help others. That idea became the foundation for ‘Let’s Bake It’, a Cranbourne-based business focused on helping people reconnect with themselves and develop life skills through baking. Led by Tosan, the initiative blends the art of baking with powerful psychosocial tools to support leadership, resilience and emotional wellbeing. “The thing that helped me find myself again,” he said of baking.
“The thing that gave me that place where I could always go and find clarity and stay grounded.” Today, Tosan still bakes at home, but has no desire to return to the pressure of commercial orders and deadlines. “I don’t think I want to be in that place of commercial baking, meeting orders, timelines,” he said. For Tosan, baking has become something different, not a measure of success, but a way of finding balance and potentially helping others do the same.
Gym-goers targeted by car-stealing spree across S-E By Carmela Mendoza Police are reminding gym users to take simple safety measures to prevent theft, with scores of cars stolen from gyms across the South East. Between November 2025 and April this year, police estimate about 250 vehicles were stolen from car parks at fitness facilities. More than half of these thefts were in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia. Local detectives investigated several car thefts after keys were stolen while the owner exercised. Between 9pm and 10.45pm on 31 July, four teenage girls attended a gym in Clyde North with two tailgating a gym member to gain entry. They allegedly stole two sets of keys from the locker area before the group stole a grey Haval Jolion.
A 13-year-old girl was arrested and released with intent to summons. Investigations continue to locate the other girls involved. The vehicle was recovered on 3 August. At around 7pm on 3 August, two youths entered a Noble Park gym by tailgating a member. They stole the keys to a 2001 Mercedes Benz C200 from the change rooms. Police are searching for a Caucasian male with brown curly hair who was wearing black and white Adidas slides, black trousers and a white t-shirt. A female described as African in appearance is also being searched for. She was wearing black leggings, a white hooded jumper and white runners. Police are also appealing for information to find three people involved in the alleged car theft of car keys from a gym in Burwood.
It led to a subsequent theft of a ute on 9 June which was used as a getaway car following a factory fire. Several vehicles in the Carrum Downs factory were destroyed, causing more than a million dollars’ damage. A 15-year-old boy from the Melbourne area was arrested on 3 July and was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle and arson. He remains before the courts. Acting Senior Sergeant Benita Pringle said the stolen vehicles were often associated with further crimes. “They’re more often than not used to aid further criminality, where offenders try to fly under the radar of police to commit serious and violent crimes,” she said. “Most of these car thefts are preventable, and
we’re asking gym-goers to take really simple measures before working out.” These measures include: - Secure car keys and valuables in a locker or keep them with you - Avoid using open storage cubes or unlocked shelves for car keys and valuables - Prevent tailgating at gyms by closing the door behind you and not opening the door for others. - Park in well-lit areas near the entry or in areas where CCTV is “Opportunistic thieves are looking for an easy steal with as little effort as possible,” Acting Sen Serg Pringle said. “Don’t make it easier for them to take your car.” Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Two charged following firearms incidents in South East A man and a woman have been charged following alleged firearms incidents in Hampton Park and Keysborough. Police allege that a black BMW pulled in a shopping centre carpark on Somerville Road in Hampton Park about 12:50pm on Thursday 6 August. The female driver got out of the BMW and entered the shopping centre before being involved in a verbal altercation with an unknown male before returning to the vehicle.
12 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
The male passenger inside the vehicle pointed a firearm at the male victim before the pair fled. The victim was not injured. The pair later attended a Keysborough shopping centre at about 7:20pm. The woman was confronted by a staff member after she allegedly stole items from a supermarket on Chapel Road. It is alleged that the man threatened them with a firearm before the pair fled in the BMW. No shots were fired and there were no phys-
ical injuries. Police later located the vehicle parked outside an Aspendale property at about 1am on 7 August. Detectives allegedly located and seized an imitation firearm, quantities of methylamphetamine and 1-4 Butanediol as well as a flick knife. A 26-year-old man and a 27-year-old man woman were arrested nearby. The man was charged with more than a dozen offences including prohibited person pos-
sess imitation firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon without exemption, threat to inflict serious injury, committing indictable offence whilst on bail and drug offences. He was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 7 December. The woman was charged with prohibited person imitation firearm, driving while disqualified and committing an indictable offence on bail. She was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 13 August.
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Ambulance Victoria Advanced Life Support Paramedic Hayley Egan with stroke patient Belinda Timmins. (Supplied)
Ambulance Victoria Advanced Life Support Paramedic Hayley Egan (right) with stroke patient Belinda Timmins (left).
Cranbourne mum Belinda Timmins in hospital after the haemorrhagic stroke which impacted her vision.
Subtle sign saves mother A Cranbourne mother said two Ambulance Victoria paramedics saved her life after one spotted a subtle symptom of a potentially deadly stroke that initially showed none of the usual warning signs. Belinda Timmins, then 48, suffered a haemorrhagic stroke caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm in July 2024 after developing what she initially believed was a migraine. “I was unaware at the time as to what was happening, I just knew I had an intense pain like a lightning bolt had hit the side of my head,” she said. “It was the worst head pain I had ever had.” As the pain worsened, her son called Triple Zero and paramedics Hayley and John arrived
within minutes. Ms Timmins did not show typical neurological signs such as slurred speech or facial drooping, and her initial stroke assessment did not raise concerns. However, graduate paramedic Hayley noticed Ms Timmins had unequal pupil sizes as well as a severe headache that persisted despite strong pain relief. “The pupil symptom alone was enough for me to know she needed to be transported to a neurological hospital,” Hayley said. Ms Timmins was rushed under lights and sirens to Monash Medical Centre, where she was handed over to a specialist stroke team.
It was Hayley’s first haemorrhagic stroke case as a paramedic. “It’s rewarding knowing we were able to use our skills to ensure Belinda received the emergency care she needed, which ultimately, helped to keep her here with her children,” she said. Ambulance Victoria highlighted Ms Timmins’ experience during National Stroke Week, from 3 to 9 August, as it urged Victorians to recognise symptoms beyond the commonly known F.A.S.T. signs of Face, Arms, Speech and Time. Ambulance Victoria director of stroke services Professor Chris Bladin said non-F.A.S.T. symptoms could include loss of vision, double
vision, sudden imbalance or vertigo without a prior history, sudden loss of consciousness and isolated limb weakness. “Belinda’s case highlights the critical role paramedics play in recognising stroke symptoms, even when they don’t present in typical ways,” he said. Ms Timmins said she remained grateful to her son and the paramedics for their quick response. “As far as I am concerned, Hayley and John are the reason I am still here today,” she said. “The brain aneurysm could have taken my life. I am eternally grateful for these wonderful paramedics.”
Arrest after armed siege in Doveton By Jensy Callimootoo
Vince Motta, who just turned 100. (Stewart Chambers: 569336)
Vince Motta celebrates 100th birthday By Violet Li A familiar face at the Cranbourne Italian Senior Citizens Club has reached a remarkable milestone. Long-time member Vince Motta celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and fellow club members on Monday 3 August. More than 120 people attended the celebration. Vince turned 100 on 30 July. He and his wife Valle, the club’s former long-time president, have been part of the community for almost three decades. The couple joined the club when it began in April 1997. Valle was secretary of the first committee,
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while Vince served as a committee member, helping with everything from setting up tables and chairs to whatever else needed doing. The club itself has grown into a longstanding hub for Cranbourne’s Italian community, bringing seniors together for food, dancing and social activities. At its peak, it had more than 200 members. Almost 30 years after joining, Vince still enjoys coming along, although Valle said bingo and cards were never really his thing. “He just sits around and talks,” she said. “Any new members that come here, he is usually the one that gets up and welcomes them.” Vince spent much of his working life as a farmer, growing potatoes, onions, carrots, peas and asparagus.
He and Valle spent about 55 years on the farm before moving to Cranbourne, which put them closer to their children living around Devon Meadows, Narre Warren and Pakenham. The couple have four daughters, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Family travelled from overseas especially for the centenary, including their youngest daughter and granddaughter from Switzerland, as well as grandson and his partner from London. The family also held a celebration at Settlers Run on Sunday. As for the secret to reaching 100, Valle puts it down to a simple life. She said Vince never smoked, drank only socially and spent decades working hard in the fresh air while mostly eating healthy, homecooked food.
A 47-year-old man has been arrested following a siege in Doveton that prompted a lockdown at Minaret College’s Doveton campus on Thursday afternoon. Police were called to reports of a man armed with an edged weapon on Agonis Street shortly after 3.30pm on August 6. Officers located the man at the rear of a property and attempted to negotiate with him before he was arrested without incident. The man was taken to hospital for assessment and is expected to be interviewed by police at a later date. The incident occurred shortly after students had been dismissed from Minaret College’s Doveton campus, with the school implementing safety measures and entering a period of lockdown while police responded. In a message to parents, the college said police attended quickly and clearance was later given for staff and students to leave the campus. The school thanked staff, students, parents and the wider community for their actions during the incident and said it would debrief with police. “We have a comprehensive safety plan and measures in place to continue to keep students, staff and the community safe,” the college said. Police have not reported any injuries arising from the incident. The circumstances surrounding the man’s behaviour remain under investigation.
Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 13
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Dandenong Mayor, Sophie Tan was also in attendance. (Photo: Eye Deal Photographer)
Despite the cold and windy day, attendees wrapped up in their festive clothes to enjoy the mid-year celebrations. (Photo: Eye Deal Photographer)
Community Christmas in July hosted by AFCS The Australia-Filipino Community Services’ (AFCS) inaugural Christmas in July kicked off on 29 July with more than 300 people from all across Victoria attending. Seniors alongside their carers from Gee-
long and Ballarat gathered at Menzies Hall in Dandenong North on Wednesday 29 July. Many braved the brisk weather to celebrate, reminisce and greet a warm ‘Maligayang Pasko sa Hulyo sa mga Pilipino’.
The program began with an open greeting to celebrate the importance of culture and language. In her speech, Dandenong Mayor, Sophie Tan said that the municipality is a place of di-
The event was the first Community Christmas in July hosted by AFCS. (Photo: Eye Deal Photographer) versity and social participation. According to event organiser, the event ended with everyone on their feet dancing and merry making.
New offer on table for state teachers and education staff By Jensy Callimootoo There’s been a slew of announcements relating to the public education sector in the past week, including a new tabled offer, plans of a third union strike and the appointment of a new Education Minister. On Monday, the state government put forward a new offer to union members consisting of a $2000 lump-sum payment on top of its previous 28 to 32 per cent pay rise. In terms of workload, which has been a key area for reforms for all education staff, there will be a limit on the number of face-to-face teaching hours and one hour reduction to time spent attending meetings. Teachers, learning specialists, assistant principals and education support employees who have reached the top of their pay scale will also be granted a 1 per cent annual lump-sum payment. Victorian teachers and education staff have been asked to vote on the new pay offer, having until August 17. If accepted by the majority, it would forestall a third strike that is scheduled for Wednesday 19 August. On Sunday, Premier Ben Carroll also announced that Victorian schools would be receiv-
ing full funding before November to meet federal Gonski standards. The standards combine funding from the Commonwealth and the state government to effectively provide fully funded public schools. Former Premier Jactina Allan had been previously criticised for delaying the process that reportedly cut $2.4 billion from public schools over a six year period. Adding to the developments, Dandenong MP, Gabrielle Williams has been handed the baton in negotiation talks with the Australian Education Union (AEU). One Berwick teacher who did not want to be named told Star News that he’ll be “disappointed” if no satisfactory resolution is reached before the third strike. “None of us want to lose pay for this, and the fact that we have to do so to get the right agreement is hard,” he said. Currently, Victorian public education staff are the lowest paid in Australia despite being dubbed the Education State. Members are seeking an increase in salary to match interstate rates. Under the current agreement the minimum wage for entry level teachers sits just short of $80,000 rising incrementally to about $118,000.
Public school educators and staff are planning for a third strike in two weeks. In comparison, NSW’s minimum wage starts at $90,000 rising incrementally to about $118,000. While offers have been put on the table in the last few months, the majority of members voted against the agreements as it did not sufficiently address workload. Staff seek to cut back on overtime hours, reduce mandatory after-school meetings as well as reduce paperwork burden. The Berwick secondary teacher says their demands will ultimately work to prevent extreme staff burnout that often leads to a change in ca-
reer even with the most passionate of educators. A fear outlined is the risk of arbitration if a deal is not reached upon. Making the already lengthy process, even longer and dubious. A Dandenong teacher of nearly 20 years, Inaz Janif said she was “disheartened” following the news of a possible third strike. “I feel a bit disheartened that as a longtime public educator, that our fight for all of society, public education and young people, is being lost in all this,” she told Star News. “Victorian schools and teachers continue to be the lowest funded and lowest paid in all of Australia. “We have given our all to our students, through covid lockdowns and conditions, dealt with the consequences, yet when it comes to real action to support schools and staff, it stops. “Teacher and staff conditions are student conditions.” The AEU has organised two strikes, one in March which saw nearly 40,000 public school staff march to parliament for the first time in a decade and another in July. Both strikes caused massive disruptions to schooling including cancellation of scheduled programs.
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WHAT’S ON Fed Uni open day
Berwick and District Folk Club
Live music, food stalls, campus tours and expert course advice on courses such as Business, IT, Speech Pathology, Exercise and Sport Science, Education, Nursing, Midwifery, Psychology, the Melbourne City Football Club Diploma of Business and Sports Management, Science, Arts, Social Work and Criminology. Sunday, 16 August 9.30am-2pm at Federation University, 100 Clyde Road, Berwick. Registrations: federation.edu.au/openday
Bringing together people who love acoustic Music. Featured artist is guitarist Mark Lindsay with support act Peter Szikla and an open stage. Friday 21 August, 7pm (doors open 6.30pm) at Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Rd., Berwick; $15/$10. Details: https://badfolk.org
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Email basics Join us for a beginner-friendly email workshop on how to send emails, attach documents, organise them into folders, and more. Wednesday 19 August, 11am-12pm at Cranbourne Library, Casey Complex, 65 BerwickCranbourne Road, Cranbourne; free event. Bookings: https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=220096
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Twisted Science Fun, laughter, a little bit of learning and plenty of Science. For ages 4-plus. Thursday 20 August 4pm-5pm at Cranbourne Library, Casey Complex, 65 BerwickCranbourne Road, Cranbourne; free event. Bookings: https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=243372
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Breakfast & kick-a-ball Join the Coastal Villages Dads’ Group for a free breakfast and kick-a-ball morning. Catch-up with other dads, father figures and their kids. Have something to eat and then grab a ball to kick around with your child. Friday 21 August 9am-11am at Warneet Recreation Reserve, Rutherford Reserve, Warneet; free event.
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The Travelling Fruit & Vegetable Show (3-5 years) Through music, puppets, storytelling, and sensory exploration, the event introduces children to a variety of fruits and vegetables in a fun and engaging way. Friday 21 August, 11.30am-12.15pm at Balla Balla Community Centre, 7–9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North. Bookings in person or 5990 0900 between 9am-3pm.
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First-time Dads catch up Each month come along to meet and chat with other first-time dads. It can be a great way to ask questions, get some inside tips, and find out that what you are going through is pretty normal. Saturday 22 August, 9.30am-11am at Orana Community Place, 1 Fresco Place, Clyde North; free event. Bookings: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/dads-group-community-catch-upcoffee-dads-playground-city-of-casey-tickets1986393678966?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
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Mens Shed open day Learn about Endeavour Hills Mens Shed with woodworking, music, copper work, free giveaways for kids, face painting. Donations accepted for items on display. Sausage sizzle, soft drinks available. Free tea and coffee. Saturday 22 August, 10am at Endeavour Hills Mens Shed, 289 Power Road, Endeavour Hills. Details: ehms.org.au
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Book Week Maestro Flipper with Carp Productions presents his Symphony of Stories, bringing Book Week books to life with music. For ages 3-12. Saturday 22 August 2pm at Hampton Park Library, 26 Stuart Ave, Hampton Park; free event. Bookings: https://events.connectedlibraries.org. au/event?id=242868
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Bring Your Bills Day Free expert help with bills, fines, debt, housing. Confidential advice, interpreters available. Tuesday 25 August, 10.30am-3pm at Arthur Wren Hall, 18-20 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park; free entry. Register at https://bringyourbills.org.au
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Spotting scams Join this interactive session to learn about common scams and try to spot them with some fun quizzes. For ages 15-plus. Tuesday 25 August 2pm at Bunjil Place Library, Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren;
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free event. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries. org.au/event?id=243672
2026 Forum for Men & Fathers For all men in City of Casey. A night of food, meeting new people, and chatting about men’s wellbeing, strong relationships and fatherhood. Hear from our panellists and share your thoughts. Includes free buffet dinner. Tuesday 25 August, 6.45pm-9pm at Bunjil Place, Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings required: https://www.trybooking.com/DLVMW
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Threatened Species Night Learn about the threatened species in the local area. Catch the train down to the wetlands to visit the threatened Grey-headed flying foxes. Take part in a cake-decorating activity (baking goods provided). Wednesday 2 September, 4.30pm-6.30pm at Myuna Farm, Kidds Road, Doveton; $5. Bookings required: https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1627117
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Man with a Pram Celebrate Father’s Day with your children and family. Come for fun, kids’ activities, playground and a free sausage sizzle (with halal and vegetarian options). Take your family on the Man with a Pram walk with your pram, stroller, scooter, tricycle, kids’ bicycle or by walking. Orgainsed by the Cranbourne Dads’ Group, the VIC Cobbers father figures’ group, the Clyde North Dad Squad, the Coastal Villages Dads’ Group and The Meetup men’s group. Sunday 6 September, 9.30am-11.30am at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; free event. Registration required: https://www. trybooking.com/DKACU
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Adaptation Game Try TAG – a cooperative climate resilience board game created by the City of Casey. Using maps of hypothetical floods, heatwaves and bushfires, players work together to respond to real-world challenges and explore how communities can prepare and protect their homes and neighbours. No gaming experience required. Monday 7 September, 1pm-2pm at Autumn Place Community Hub, Autumn Place, Doveton; free event. Bookings required: (03) 9792 7382
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or autumnplacech@casey.vic.gov.au
3-D Printed Bookends workshop Design your own components for a personalised set of bookends. Best suited for learners with some 3D printing experience. For ages 15-plus. Monday 7 September, 2pm-4.30pm at Endeavour Hills Library, 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard, Endeavour Hills; free event. Details: https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=240219
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Trash & Treasure market Grab a bargain and support your local community. Sausage sizzle on site. Held by Cranbourne Village Community Group. Sunday 13 September 9am-3pm at Cranbourne Community Hall, South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne. Stallholder enquiries: https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61590936682597 or cranbournevillagemarket@gmail.com
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Mooncake Masterclass Celebrate traditional mid-autumn festival with expert chef, Lillie Giang, the Food Affectionist, as she creates delightful pastries with sweet or savoury fillings. For ages 16-plus. Saturday 19 September, 11am-12pm at Endeavour Hills Library, 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard; free event. Details: https://events. connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=228173
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Gathered in Clyde market Clyde’s first community market is coming. 100plus local makers, food trucks and unique finds. Family-friendly fun for everyone. Sunday 27 September, 9am-2pm at Eliston District Park Playground, Clyde; free entry. Details: https://www.facebook.com/gatheredinclyde
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Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 17
SPORT
Seth Macdonald leads Noah Cannon to the footy at Edwin Flack Reserve. (570554)
Will Verrell was one of Rowville’s best in the big win over Berwick. (570554)
Hawks grab double chance By David Nagel Rowville will begin preparations this week for a qualifying final against Doncaster East on August 29 after the Hawks stitched up a double chance in Eastern Premier Division with a convincing 24-point victory over Berwick at Edwin Flack Reserve. The final margin certainly flattered Berwick; who was outplayed for three quarters, trailing by 39 points at the final break, before kicking three consecutive goals in the final term to eventually go down 11.7(73) to 7.7(49). The Wickers, now sixth, play Blackburn (fifth) and Vermont (fourth) in the final two rounds of the season and a win in both games will see Andrew Williams and his team qualify for their first finals series in Eastern Premier. But lose just one of those games and the Wickers season is toast. Rowville, on the other hand, currently sits second, two games and a whopping 35-percent ahead of fourth-placed Vermont. A top-three finish is now guaranteed; with the Hawks hosting third-placed Doncaster East this week in a timely precursor to what lays ahead in finals. Rowville’s forward line looked a lot different on Saturday, with regular twos player Tate Scrivanos slotting into a key position role after Mav Taylor suffered dual breaks to his leg in last week’s thumping loss to ladder-leaders East Ringwood. Scrivanos looked right at home, with his size and strength causing the Wickers’ defensive unit some headaches. Berwick started better than the Hawks on Saturday, with Sam Woodward kicking the opening two goals of the contest. He first crumbed a loose ball after keeping his feet in a heavy marking contest, before nailing a set shot after a strong tackle from Lewis Hill. The Wickers were up and about, but Rowville soon showed its class; kicking 11 of the next 13 goals to take a stranglehold on the match. Scrivanos got things rolling for the Hawks with a strong mark and goal before full-forward Lachlan Wynd kicked back-to-back majors to give the Hawks an eight-point lead at quarter time. Some typically hard running from Matt Davey set up Wynd’s first, before some elite forward pressure from Rowville brought up his second with a clever left foot snap. Rowville then kicked the opening two goals of the second quarter to open up a 21-point lead. Seth Macdonald first took a stylish mark and goaled, before handballing to Mitchell Gamel who ran through 50 to score his first senior goal for the club. Gamel received some head rubs and plenty of pats on the back as he trotted back to his station in the back line. Matt Nelson cut the margin back to 15 points with a quality finish on the run, before back-toback goals to Tom Swainston gave Rowville the extra advantage. Swainston first shook off a tackle from Ben Todd, far too easily, before kicking his second from a set shot. A late second-quarter goal to Jack Lawrence saw Berwick cut the margin back to a gettable 21
18 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
Rowville’s Nik Schoenmakers prepares for contact after taking a strong mark against Berwick. (Gary Sissons: 570554) points at half time. But Rowville kicked the only three goals of the third quarter to put this one to bed. A costly turnover from Kane Hurst saw Rowville skipper Anthony Brolic set up Wynd for his third, before the key forward made it 33 points the difference with a finish around his body. Scrivanos was then paid a free kick for contact below the knees; converting with a clinical set shot to make it 39 points at the final change. Berwick did save some face; and some crucial percentage points, with the opening three goals of the final term, before Nik Schoenmakers finished things off for the visitors. This was a professional performance from the Hawks, who allowed Berwick just seven scoring shots until three-quarter time. Wynd was once again the key target up forward, ending the day with four, while two each to Scrivanos and Swainston more than covered for the loss of Taylor. Will and Cal Verrell continued their solid form for the Hawks, while Gamel’s work off half back and Davey’s courage to run and carry until the final siren were also key components to the victory. This was a free-hit for Berwick, whose circumstances don’t really change with the loss. They still need to win their last two and have their destiny in their own hands. Nelson and Woodward kicked two each for the Wickers, while Tahj De La Rue and last week’s hero Elijah Roewer were prominent performers in defeat.
Jackson Brown turns on the afterburners for Berwick. (570554) Jesse Cirulis fought things out in the ruck, while Miller Bergman and Sam Frangalas will also take some good form into this week’s mustwin contest at Blackburn. • EASTERN PREMIER RESULTS R16: Noble Park 5.10(40) def by Blackburn 11.11(77), Balwyn 10.13(73) def by Doncaster East 14.7(91), Berwick 7.7(49) def by Rowville 11.7(73), East Ringwood 14.19(103) def South Belgrave 11.10(76), Vermont 11.20(86) def South
Croydon 11.1(67). LADDER: East Ringwood 60, Rowville 48, Doncaster East 48, Vermont 40, Blackburn 36/ Berwick 32, Balwyn 30, South Croydon 18, South Belgrave 4, Noble Park 4. FIXTURE R17 (Saturday 15 August): Blackburn (5) v Berwick (6), Rowville (2) v Doncaster East (3), Balwyn (7) v Noble Park (10), South Belgrave (9) v South Croydon (8), East Ringwood (1) v Vermont (4).
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SPORT
Reign of King Kyle begins By David Nagel Noble Park is still fully immersed in its battle to avoid relegation from Eastern Premier Division but the Bulls have received a rare piece of good news in 2026 with club-legend Kyle Martin being announced as the next senior coach at Moodemere Street. The nine-time best and fairest winner last pulled on a Bulls jumper in 2024, before a season at Springvale Districts rounded out his glittering playing career. Martin returned to Noble Park this season, but purely as a non-playing assistant to his 2022 premiership coach Steve Hughes. The Collingwood VFL best and fairest winner, now 35, who played six AFL games, has been appointed for the next two years after Hughes recently told the club he would be stepping down from the role. Noble Park announced Martin’s appointment via a statement on its social media platform on Thursday 6 August. “The Noble Park Football Club is proud to announce that club legend Kyle Martin is our senior coach for 2027 through to ’28,’’ the club said. “Having grown up through our football club, Kyle knows exactly what this football club stands for. “His vision, leadership and commitment to our future made him the standout choice to lead the Bulls.’’ Martin will likely be taking over a club freshly relegated to Eastern Division 1 after the Bulls went down to Blackburn by 37 points on Saturday. The Bulls had a brief flurry in the second term,
but were otherwise outplayed as the Burners leaped over Berwick into fifth place with a commanding 11.11(77) to 5.10(40) victory. Blackburn kicked the only three goals of the opening term and appeared set for an easy day at the office after extending their lead to 28 points; early in the second quarter. But the Marson brothers, Ben and Jordan, had other ideas and combined for three consecutive goals to bring the hometown Bulls back into the picture. The Bulls showed some really promising signs with some end-to-end footy allowing Ben Marson to open the major scoring for the home side. Jordan then got on the end of another attractive piece of flowing football, before Ben nailed a set shot to make it just 10 points the difference at the major interval. But Blackburn also had a lot to play for and steadied in the second half, kicking 7.4 to 2.7 to walk away with a very precious four points. Ben Marson was the only multiple goalkicker for the Bulls, with two, while Daniel Knapper, Ariek Lual, Nick Eynaud and Lachie McDonnell were among their better performers. Toby Wooller was the standout for Blackburn with five goals. The Bulls now hit the road for their final two matches, against Balwyn (seventh) and South Croydon (eighth). The Bulls, currently last, are level on points with South Belgrave, but trail the Saints by 4.79 percent. South Belgrave did themselves a favour on the weekend; limiting the damage against ladderleaders East Ringwood, losing by just 27 points at East Ringwood.
Club legend Kyle Martin has been appointed coach of Noble Park for the next two years. (Rob Carew: 277789)
Eagles display character in dying moments of the season By David Nagel Beaconsfield is only four quarters away from hanging up the boots in 2026 but the Eagles showed dogged determination to down Norwood by six points at Mullum Mullum Reserve on Saturday. On the surface there appeared little on the line for both clubs, but a real arm-wrestle ensued in the Eastern Division 1 clash; Beaconsfield kicking four unanswered goals during the final term to claim a hard-fought 12.8(80) to 11.8(74) victory. Mid-sized forward Kobe Shipp entered the clash with a two-goal cushion on the league goalkicking list and took just minutes to make multiple additions to his tally. Norwood defender Riley McNicol stood Shipp for the day, and surrendered one early when Shipp proved too strong in a marking contest. Shipp then proved too good for McNicol at ground level as well, dribbling one through after some great play from skipper Jake Bowd and key forward Charlie Muley in the build-up. The Eagles had the first two on the board, both from the boot of Shipp, before Ali Kara found Corey Brown on the lead to make it a three-goal ball-game. But Norwood came bouncing back hard, kicking the final four goals of the opening term to take a nine-point lead to quarter time. Patrick Ward then narrowed the margin early in the second quarter before Norwood responded again. Kara then kicked a nice goal from long range after being allowed far too much latitude in the front half, before Shipp kicked his third after once again out-bodying McNicol. The Eagles had regained the lead, but only briefly, with Jackson Winter giving the home side a one-point advantage at the major interval. Shipp then began the second half pretty much the same as the first, kicking the Eagles only two goals of the third quarter. Both goals came from marks; the first a strong contested grab in the goalsquare before he judged an incoming floater from Kade De La Rue better than his Norwood opponent. Shipp had five on the board, 15 minutes into the third, and the Eagles had a five-point lead. A late goal to Logan Austin gave Norwood a two-point advantage at the final change.
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Hayden Brown once again provided some spark through the engine room for the Eagles. (Rob Carew: 546227)
Patrick Ward kicked an important goal for Beaconsfield in a hard-fought win over Norwood on Saturday. (Gary Sissons: 566172) Class act Jesse Palmer then kicked the icebreaker for Norwood at the beginning of the final quarter, before Beaconsfield dug deep to finally take a grip on the match. Corey Brown and Billy Gerrard-Kett both became busy in the front half, with Shipp also playing a major role although not quite hitting the scoreboard. Shipp helped Gerrard-Kett kick the first in the four-goal run, firing off quick hands, before Brown finished calmly after taking the advantage after a Shipp free kick in a marking contest. The Eagles’ five-point lead then very quickly blew out to 17, with Shipp and Brown setting up Gerrard-Kett for another before midfielder Devon Smith produced a classy finish after the Eagles had moved the ball forward from centre bounce. Beaconsfield had almost stitched it up, but a goal to Zach Dawson at the 22-minute mark of the final term cut the margin back to 11 points. Austin then marked and goaled to make it six points the difference with only seconds left on the clock.
Norwood had time to snatch a draw, but composure with the ball in hand from Ali Zijai, De La Rue and Sam Merrick…with the last three kicks of the match; saw the Eagles hold on for their sixth win of the season. Shipp was once again brilliant for Beaconsfield with five goals, taking his tally to 51 for the year and just one goal behind North Ringwood’s Ben Livingstone with one game remaining in the season. Livingstone took the lead with an eight-goal haul against Mooroolbark on Saturday. Corey Brown and Gerrard-Kett landed two blows each for the Eagles, while Hayden Brown joined Muley, Smith and Kara on the best players list. The Eagles play their last game for the season on their home deck at Holm Park Reserve this Saturday, hosting Montrose; who can’t move from fifth place on the ladder. The Eagles will more than likely rise from eighth to seventh on the ladder if they can secure victory.
A seven-win season would be more than acceptable for Beaconsfield, who lost both quantity and quality from its top-end talent pool at the end of last season. • EASTERN DIVISION 1 NORWOOD 4.3 6.4 8.6 11.8 (74) BEACONSFIELD 3.0 6.3 8.4 12.8 (80) Norwood Goals: Logan Austin 2, Jackson Winter 2, Noah Brimmer, Zach Dawson, Hayden Kemp, Riley McNicol, Jesse Palmer, Hayden Paterson, Anthony Volta. Best: Jackson Winter, Ned Renfree, Logan Austin, Jesse Palmer, Anthony Volta, Marcus Boyce. Beaconsfield Goals: Kobe Shipp 5, Corey Brown 2, Billy Gerrard-Kett 2, Ali Kara, Devon Smith, Patrick Ward. Best: Corey Brown, Charlie Muley, Hayden Brown, Devon Smith, Billy Gerrard-Kett, Ali Kara. RESULTS R17: Bayswater 5.7(37) def by Wantirna South 13.16(94), Boronia 10.10(70) def by Park Orchards 12.10(82), Mitcham 19.15(129) def Montrose 8.13(61), North Ringwood 15.8(98) def Mooroolbark 9.18(72), Norwood 11.8(74) def by Beaconsfield 12.8(80). LADDER: Mitcham 56, North Ringwood 56, Park Orchards 52, Wantirna South 46, Montrose 40/ Boronia 32, Mooroolbark 26, Beaconsfield 24, Norwood 8, Bayswater 0. FIXTURE - R18 (Saturday, 15 August): Beaconsfield (8) v Montrose (5), Bayswater (10)v Norwood (9), Boronia (6) v North Ringwood (2), Park Orchards (3) v Mooroolbark (7), Wantirna South (4) v Mitcham (1).
Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 19
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20 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
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