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Full STEAM ahead Sadaf from Casey Tech School came to grips with an agricultural robot at an annual Hampton Park fest celebrating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) last Saturday. The array of science experiments, art projects, virtual reality, robotics and a human-powered vehicle enraptured about 400 young visitors, with many more viewing the demos online. The presenters, including from CSIRO, aimed to engage multicultural communities through creativity and discovery. (Stewart Chambers: 584843)
What’s in a name? With the Victorian election five weeks away, the controversial renaming of Berwick Springs Lake remains a flashpoint for local residents, prompting candidates to outline their positions on the issue. At a community forum hosted by the Save Berwick Springs Lake group on Saturday, October 17,
representatives from major parties and minor parties, alongside an independent candidate, faced questions from residents about the 2024 decision to gazette the waterway as Guru Nanak Lake. While the Labor Government’s decision sought to recognise the Sikh community’s contri-
butions, residents have criticised the lack of consultation before the change. The candidates offered differing approaches to resolving the dispute, ranging from a Liberal promise of genuine community consultation to One Nation’s commitment to restore the former name without consultation.
Labor candidate Stefan Koomen, meanwhile, pledged to bring residents and community groups together, while Libertarian and independent candidate also voiced support for restoring the lake’s former name. For more on this story, go to page 3
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Cafe is targeted — twice Would-be arsonists have mistakenly targeted a Berwick cafe for a second time within days, according to police. Detective Inspector Chris Murray from the Arson and Explosives Squad described the attacks on the Wheeler Street store as “incredibly reckless and dangerous”. They had caused “fear, disruption and significant distress”, he said. “Tens of litres of accelerant were left at the scene, creating the potential for catastrophic consequences not only for the business owners but
also for surrounding properties and members of the public. “This level of violence and disregard for community safety is completely unacceptable.” Unknown offenders arrived at the store in a dark-coloured Mazda 3 with suspected stolen plates about 2.20am on Sunday 18 October. Police say the arsonists smashed a side door, but were disturbed by uniformed officers patrolling nearby. The intruders fled, leaving litres of fuel in jerry cans at the scene.
Six days earlier on 12 October, the front door of the store was smashed just before midnight. Two young males were disturbed by staff who were still inside the cafe after closing for the night. The pair dumped litres of petrol in jerry cans and left in a silver hatchback. Det Insp Murray says it appears that the business and its owners were wrongly targeted. “What is particularly concerning is the offenders being ‘crime-tasked’ to carry out these serious offences on behalf of others, often have little or no understanding of who the intended target actu-
ally is. “The person believed to be the intended victim has no association whatsoever with the cafe. “Innocent people are being placed at risk because criminals are treating serious violence as a contract.” Police are continuing to investigate, with the aim of identifying the arsonists as well as those directing the crimes from behind the scenes, he said. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
NDIS cuts leave Chelsea fighting for independence, dignity By Jensy Callimootoo A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) turned a Berwick woman’s life upside down in 2021. Years later, it’s not just the disease she’s fighting, it’s an National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) system she says has left her physically and emotionally depleted. Since her diagnosis, Chelsea Larkin’s condition has progressed rapidly and she is now living with secondary progressive MS. The mother of three uses a wheelchair, is prone to serious falls and relies on support workers to help her manage everyday tasks safely. For years, Chelsea has worked to prove to the NDIS how dramatically her illness has changed her life. From extensive medical assessments and neurological tests to years of scans and reports, she has provided evidence of her increasing support needs. But after moving into a specialist disability accommodation (SDA) home in Berwick, a funding decision left her without the support she says she needs to remain safe in her own home. Chelsea had been using funding flexibly to pay for everyday assistance, including help with toileting, meals and transfers. But after her plan was reviewed, that funding and care providers was removed on the basis she was no longer eligible. An internal review upheld the decision, prompting Chelsea to take her case to the NDIS’ Administrative Review Tribunal. In the meantime, the consequences have been confronting. Without support workers, Chelsea has fallen repeatedly, sustaining injuries to her head and face, including extensive bruises. In one recent incident, she lost consciousness for more than an hour after falling in her bathroom. An ambulance was called after a colleague came to check on her when she missed a work meeting. Her healthcare team is now considering whether Chelsea needs to wear a full-face helmet at home to protect her from further head and facial injuries when she is alone. The loss of support has also forced Chelsea to make difficult decisions about basic needs. Because she cannot safely manage toileting alone, she has significantly restricted how much fluid she drinks during the day, leaving her de-
Chelsea Larkin says since her NDIS funding has been cut, she’s had to completely reassess her basic needs. (Stewart Chambers: 584097) hydrated and worsening her fatigue. “I felt like they really pulled the wool out from under us,” she said. “We really did lose not just funding, but safety, humanity, independence, just dignity.” For much of the day, Chelsea is alone at home, with even leaving the house becoming increasingly difficult without assistance — further taking a toll on her mental health and emotional wellbeing. A close friend has stepped in to help Chelsea shower and navigate her home during the day, while former support workers have continued to show their care through meals and practical assistance. But Chelsea worries about how long she can rely on the kindness of others.
Despite her circumstances, she continues working part-time as a people and culture manager at disability support organisation Experience Life, where she began her career as a support worker. Not long after, she was diagnosed with the disease. Having worked in the sector before becoming a participant herself, Chelsea says she has seen other people struggle with funding cuts and fears the consequences for those with significant support needs. She believes reform is necessary but worries the current changes are hurting the wrong people. “I think people shake when they hear ‘NDIS
reform’,” she said. “People see it as this is going to hurt, and it’s going to hurt all the wrong people.” As Chelsea waits for her tribunal proceedings to progress, which may take months to a year, she is trying to focus on her family, her dogs and crochet, “small comforts” that help her through increasingly difficult days. For now, Chelsea is left fighting once again for the support she needs to live safely and with dignity. “You get defeated... and it feels like you are just always fighting a monster that you are never gonna win,” she said. “But you have to keep fighting, there’s just no other option.”
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We check out Casey’s spookiest decorations With the spooky season upon us, some Halloween enthusiasts in Casey are pulling out all stops in the lead up to the big day. From life-size Frankenstein’s monster animatronics to spine-chilling handmade decorations, these Halloween creations are frighteningly impressive. Berwick Star News caught up with two of this year’s standout attractions: Lola, Jane Street Berwick Lola has been a keen participant in Halloween festivities for over 10 years, but only started decorating her home five years ago. Now, the holiday is a full time job that keeps the artist’s hands busy and creativity flowing. Lola says she makes 99 per cent of the decorations, some she makes from scratch while others are up-cycling projects from old decorations. Recognising that Halloween decorations haven’t always been accessible in Australia and can now prove to be expensive, Lola says she’s expanded her artistic horizons. Her love for Halloween started when she was young, describing her young self as a “stereotypical spooky kid”. With films like Hocus Pocus and Casper and TV shows like Are you Afraid of the Dark and Goosebumps shaping her fondness for the holiday. Last year, over 300 people visited her home on 31 October, this year, she’s prepared for more. Simon and Mel, Wurundjeri Boulevard Partners Simon and Mel, have carried on the decorating tradition for four years, with each year getting bigger and bigger — so much so, that they began stocking up their lollies stock three months ago. “It’s evolved,” says Mel. “Each year we change our display a little bit and add to it, making it bigger and better each year”. Last year on Halloween, Mel says they gave away well over a “thousand of lollies”. The event garnered so much attention that an ice-cream truck pulled up on the street, adding to the fun. One of the best parts for Mel is seeing everyone dressed up, including accompanying parents on Trick or Treat night.
Lola’s spooky decorations on Jane Street.
Lola’s spooky decorations on Jane Street.
Simon and Mel’s home have pulled all the stops. Like Lola, with the big day falling on a Saturday, the pair are preparing for a bigger spooky bonanza and a bigger turnout.
Lola with her spooky pumpkin-man. (Stewart Chambers: 584927)
Berwick lake naming row heats up before election By Jensy Callimootoo Five weeks out from the election and the naming of a lake in Berwick is still driving some local community upset, with major parties possibly backtracking on earlier decisions. On Saturday 17 October, members of the ‘Save Berwick Springs Lake’ group held a candidate meet up for the community. Among the candidates who attended was One Nation’s Michael Piastrino and Trevor Hammond, Labor’s Stefan Koomen, Liberal sitting MP Ann-Marie Hermans and candidate Norliah Peterson, Libertarian’s David Limbrick with candidate Lydia Denker and Independent Scott Watson. Throughout the afternoon, members of the community had a unique opportunity to approach each candidate and ask questions regarding the upcoming state election in November. One burning question however, has been the name change of the lake in 2024, which ignited local community tension. For context, the name of the body of water in the reserve was gazetted to Guru Nanak Lake in 2024 by the Labor Government. It aims to honour the Sikh community and their volunteer-ship across Australia. It had previously not held a gazetted name but was known to the community as Berwick Springs Lake. But members of the community vocalised their anger at the decision, arguing there was no consultation period with locals about the name change.
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The estate is still Berwick Springs, and the wetland and surrounding reserve area has been gazetted as ‘Berwick Springs Reserve’. Here’s what local candidates had to say regarding the calls to reverse the name change: Liberal party: The Victorian Liberal Party has committed to a “full, open and genuine consultation” on the naming of the lake if the Liberals win government in November. According to local MP Ann-Marie Hermans, who has worked alongside members of ‘Save the Berwick Springs Lake’ since its inception, says the consultation will hear “directly from local residents”. “Taking account of the lake’s history and its place in the local community,” a statement from the party outlined. “This cannot be a box-ticking exercise with the outcome already decided. “It must be a genuine opportunity to listen and find a way forward.” Only a year ago, Hermans was left in the lurch by her fellow MPs, when a petition to reverse Labor’s decision was rejected in the Upper House. At the time, only Libertarian David Limbrick and One Nation’s Rickie-Lee Tyrell supported the petition, alongside Hermans. One Nation: In a video posted on social media, Michael Piastrino, the candidate for Berwick, told his followers that if voted in November, the party would work to swiftly revert the naming of the lake. Unlike the Liberal Party, Piastrino said no
consultation would be done. “We’re not taking it to a consultation,” he said on the video. “This is an official statement. I just spoke again, to get clarification, to our leader Warren Pickering. “We will change the name of Berwick Springs. We don’t need a consultation.” Labor: Stefan Koomen, Labor candidate for Narre Warren South, was the only Labor representative who turned up to meet the community at Berwick Springs on Saturday. He says that if elected as MP, he will bring residents and community groups together to find a resolution. The former Casey Mayor, told Star News he has been involved in a lot of conversations “internally with colleagues” regarding the matter “and will continue to do so”. “My views haven’t changed and I am committed to resolving this,” he said. ‘It’s obvious that the community has known the place as Berwick Springs for decades and residents should have been consulted from the start when this came up in 2024 before it was considered by Parliament. “As Mayor, I called it out and pushed for a review. It’s terrific that Berwick Springs Reserve has finally been formally recognised by Geographic Names Victoria. This is something I worked with local residents and the community on during my time as Mayor. Koomen highlighted that the “division and politicisation” of the naming was “not healthy”. “This issue needs local leadership and I have
a track record of doing that,” he said. Citing his work in saving the Doveton Pool and supporting the community to stop the waste transfer station in Hampton Park. “I will adopt the approach I always do of listening and finding a way forward to end the division,” he said. Libertarian: Upper House Libertarian member, David Limbrick says he is “proud” in supporting the return of the name and making it a core local policy commitment. “I have been actively campaigning on it in consultation with local people,” he told Star News. “This is much more than an issues about place names, it’s about returning trust.” Independent: Scott Watson, Independent candidate for Narre Warren South says he supports restoring the lake’s name to ‘Berwick Springs Lake’. Watson argues that while he recognises the significance of honouring the Sikh community, he disagrees with the changing of the name without “meaningful consultation”. He says he fully supports finding a suitable location for the recognition of the Sikh community. “These two objectives should never have been placed in competition,” he said. “Respecting one community should not come at the expense of another.” If elected, Watson says he will work with ministers, local residents, Sikh community members and utilise “parliamentary mechanisms available” to seek a review of the decision.
Thursday, 22 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 3
NEWS
Voters’ concerns on crime growing: Khan By Jensy Callimootoo
(On file)
House fire investigation
Labor Berwick candidate, Rana Khan. Khan acknowledged that police shortages and recruitment remained a major challenge in getting the station opened to the public. Beyond policing, Khan highlighted mobile blackspot and network coverage as another concern heard from residents, specifically in Clyde
North. He says only three of 16 planned mobile towers were in place and has initiated a petition aimed to pressure telecommunications providers to address black spots and provide clearer upgrade timelines.
Police are investigating a “suspicious” fire at a Narre Warren property that occurred on the evening of Sunday 18 October. Emergency services, including four CFA units alongside FRV, responded to the fire at a property on Shine Court just before midnight, locating a vehicle in the carport on fire. CFA told Star News there was also a jet ski involved. According to police, the occupants of the property self-evacuated and were not physically injured. While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, the incident is being treated as suspicious “at this stage”, according to a Victoria Police spokesperson. Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00.
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Crime may be trending down across Victoria, but concerns about safety and police resources remain prominent among residents in Casey, according to Labor’s Berwick candidate, who says he is pushing for more frontline policing. Rana Khan, police officer of 14 years, says after months of door-knocking and attending community events, he identified crime as one of the main issues raised by residents, alongside mobile phone coverage and access to essential services. The Berwick candidate pointed to Labor’s investment in police recruitment, tougher bail laws and community safety funding, arguing that the latest statewide figures showed crime was trending down. However, Khan also acknowledged that a sense of safety and threat of crime remained concerns in Casey. The latest Crime Statistics Agency figures, released in September, showed Victoria’s criminal incident rate had fallen by 4.6 per cent, while motor vehicle theft decreased by 5.2 per cent. But in Casey, figures continue to highlight challenges, recording higher rates of motor vehicle theft and family violence-related assault than the state average. A key issue Khan said he was advocating for was the opening of Clyde North Police Station to the public, including access to general-duty policing. While highway patrol and other police personnel already operate from the station, the candidate concurred that additional frontline officers could increase patrols and improve response times, while easing pressure on neighbouring stations.
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MPs react to Haines attack By Jensy Callimootoo
Federal MP for Bruce, Julian Hill, says Helen Haines “oozes integrity”. ernment is in active conversation about whether more security is needed, including ahead of the state election next month. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has un-
derscored the concerns of the growing threats against high office holders and federal parliament members. In 2025-26, AFP reports of harassment, nui-
sance, offensive and threatening behaviour against federal MPs, high office holders, electorate offices and protected establishments jumped to 1067 from 951 the following period.
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The attack on Federal MP Helen Haines has prompted messages of sympathy from local politicians and renewed concerns about political security. The Independent Federal Member for Indi, was struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta on Monday 19 October, a rural region in Victoria’s North-East. At the time of writing, the mother-of- three remains in a critical condition in hospital following emergency surgery shortly after the incident. Cassandra Fernando, Federal Member for Holt, said she was shocked and saddened by the attack on Haines. “Helen is a person of integrity, warmth and quiet strength, who serves her community with dedication and is held in high regard across the Parliament,” Fernando said. “No one should face violence for serving their community.” Prominent Member for Bruce, Julian Hill also released a statement on his social media, describing Haines as “fiercely intelligent, caring and kind, oozing integrity.” While the motivation of the act has not been outlined, politicians, including the Prime Minister have spoken on the rising political temperature in Australia. Outlining that the current political landscape is leading to an increase in hostility and division. “I’ve spoken about the need to turn the heat down,” Anthony Albanese told ABC on Tuesday 20 October. “About the way in which political discourse has risen in character in some of the personal attacks, and the way discourse is conducted.” The PM told the ABC that his government was consistently assessing safety and security rail guards for Australian politicians. “It’s up to all of us, in politics, in the media, in society, to decide for ourselves, what do we want Australia to be.” Victorian Ben Carroll has also said his gov-
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Thursday, 22 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 5
NEWS
South-East award winners The architect of Bring Your Bills has been recognised at the 2026 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence on Wednesday 14 October. At the awards night at Government House, South East Community Links won the Business-and-Employment category for its work supporting people from migrant, refugee and multicultural backgrounds. Its financial wellbeing, settlement, housing and family violence support services help more than 24,000 people and families in the South East each year. Other South-East based winners included Victorian Afghan Associations’ Network president Zabi Mazoori, who took out the Police Community Exemplary Award for his work in strengthening relationships between Victoria Police and diverse Afghan communities. Malavika Kadwadkar, a community outreach lead from Women’s Health in the South East, won the Prevention of Family Violence Award for more than 20 years as a community engagement leader in multicultural women’s health and preventing family violence. SECL chief executive Peter McNamara said the award was “wonderful recognition” for SECL’s staff, board, volunteers and partners. “(This) recognises the work our team does every day alongside multicultural communities, guided by our vision that every person counts and every system should be fair.” Established in Springvale in 1970, about 70 per cent of SECL staff come from multicultural backgrounds. “Many of our staff have lived experience of migration and settlement, and that understanding helps us build trust and deliver services that genuinely respond to people’s needs,” McNamara said. “We see every day what people can achieve when they have the right support and opportunities.” Among its success stories are Bring Your
South East Community Links’s Jessica Basnayake, Desiree Kisnorbo, Mariam Ritchie, Marcia Hjarkins, Victoria Police chief commissioner Mike Bush and Leanne Ngo at Government House on 14 October. (SECL) Bills days, which generated an estimated $13.5 million in debt and savings support and reached about 13,000 individuals and families. Its SELF Growth program supported 141
refugee and migrant women to develop skills, confidence and income opportunities. Also, SECL’s Settlement Leading Partners Network developed practical resources used
by employment services across Australia. Its Community Connectors program, which supports vulnerable communities at train stations, has been adopted across metropolitan Melbourne.
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Family in agony over missing Sally By Ethan Henson The distraught family of an Officer woman missing in the US is pleading for the local police to not give up the investigation. Twenty-six-year-old Sally Contarino has not been seen or heard from since 20 June, four months after she was meant to return home to Melbourne after a solo trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. Not knowing what will come next with the investigation and police, the Contarino family have since started a GoFundMe page. The funds are dedicated to the family’s return to Las Vegas, so they can continue the search themselves in the US. Her family describes Sally as a very intelligent, independent, adventurous young woman who lives her life to the fullest. With Las Vegas being filled with the things Sally loves, such as deserts, cacti, and even some interesting flowers, Sally’s Mother, Lucy Contarino, said it was a spontaneous trip like she always does, but she never expected her daughter to not return home. Disappointed with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police’s (LVMPD) efforts, Miss Contarino called them out for “seemingly giving up”. “They’re just not searching for her anymore. I just feel that they really give us nothing at all,” Miss Contarino said. “They just tell us they’re following leads, that’s all I’ve got. So I feel like they’re not really searching. They make excuses every time I question them about something. “They told us it will never close, but I’m like, I don’t think so. I think it will. They have cold cases, and you’ll get put on a shelf somewhere.” About a day after Sally didn’t return home at Melbourne Airport, her family contacted Moorabbin Police, and the investigation began
quickly. After asking the airport questions about her bags arriving at the airport, INTERPOL soon got involved and contacted the LVMPD, officially opening the investigation in the US. What first started as consistent updates has waned over the weeks, and Miss Contarino said they would update the family every month. Criticising how the investigation is being handled, Miss Contarino said police didn’t search Sally’s bags at the hostel she stayed in until days later, after Sally went missing. Claiming they couldn’t find the pendant her older sister gifted her for Christmas, the Contarino family believed it could’ve been pawned if she was murdered, so they started asking around. That was until, after searching the bags again, the police said they found the pendant after telling the Contarino family they couldn’t. “They went through the suitcase and reassured us that no, the pendant is not in there. ‘We’ve searched thoroughly’,” she said. “Then two weeks later, the police say, ‘Oh no, we found the pendant. It was in the suitcase,’ so I blasted them. I said, how dare you? “You can’t even find a pendant that was actually in a little jewellery pouch. Yet we’re relying on you to find my daughter.” Miss Contarino describes the situation as “torture every single minute of every day”, begging for Sally to return home or a new lead to appear. “Please don’t give up on looking for my daughter. Every missing person is important.” she said as a message to the LVMPD. When contacted by the Pakenham Gazette, LVMPD did not provide an update on the investigation and declined an interview request. Details: https://gofund.me/760c0c8a0
Sally Contarino’s family urges the Las Vegas Police to continue their search for their daughter. (Supplied)
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‘Slap in the face’: Physio By Jensy Callimootoo
The work bans forms part of VAHPA’s lengthy dispute with the government. Including a stop-action in September. 12-month ban on protected industrial action. The MOU was ultimately rejected by the union, with Menkinoska saying the move was “simply unacceptable when this dispute has dragged on for more than a year”. VAHPA is calling for a 36 per cent pay rise over four years, and stronger protections against the burdening workload and conditions. Stitchling raised concerns that ongoing undervaluation and wages failing to keep pace with the rising cost of living are making it increasingly difficult to retain workers across the hospital
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Allied Health workers have ramped up industrial action across Victorian hospitals after wage negotiations with the government stalled ahead of the election. The Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association (VAHPA) have introduced work bans across public hospitals including Casey Hospital. Amy Stichling, a Senior Clinician Physiotherapist at Casey Hospital, says the government’s handling of the matter is a “slap in the face to all” allied health staff. “Whilst our medical, nursing and pharmacy colleagues seem to be taken more seriously by the state government, we are treated like second class health care workers,” she said. Patients may face 24-hour delays on being admitted and discharged, with major bed blocks expected. Staff can also refuse to do discharge assessments and NDIS reports until midday, while radiographers can return incomplete forms rather than fixing them for doctors. Urgent care and emergency patients will be exempt from these work bans. VAHPA’s Branch Secretary, Aneta Menkinoska, said that the union was “left with no option”, but to take further industrial action to “unprecedented levels”. Talks with the government have been ongoing since September 2025. According to Menkinoska, it follows the government’s move to freeze bargaining talks until after the election due to it entering ‘caretaker mode’ on 3 November. This means that major contractual and policy decisions are suspended. On Friday 16 October, the government put forward a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to the union — a non-binding formal agreement instead of an enterprise agreement. The MOU outlined a six per cent initial pay increase and $2000 cash payments in exchange for a five-month delay on bargaining and a
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system. Emphasising the essential role their work plays in supporting patient care, from medical imaging that assists diagnosis to assessing patients’ mobility and providing equipment to ensure nurses can work safely. Over the last 13 months, while they’ve tried to limit protected industrial action to minimise disruption to patient care, Stitchling stresses that the decision to take further action was not made lightly. “Why has this government dragged its feet so
long when it is clear that we have been undervalued for so long?” she told Star News. Since Monday 19 October, she says that multiple levels of work bans have been in place at Casey Hospital, varying on “what union members are comfortable to complete”. While all patients will be seen, with the sickest prioritised to ensure their outcomes are not compromised, delays and frequency of care vary depending on patient needs and limited resources. The action is expected to run indefinitely.
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State’s skills crisis in focus By Cam Lucadou-Wells In the face of a ‘skills crisis’, the State Opposition has promised $115 million in employer rebates to offset apprentice-training costs. The Accelerating Apprenticeships Fund would cover half of the off-the-job training costs for apprenticeships in occupations on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. Opposition leader Jess Wilson said the plan would make it cheaper to hire an apprentice and give more Victorians a pathway into a good job. “Whether it’s a carpenter building a family home, a mechanic keeping us on the road or a chef in a local restaurant Victoria needs more skilled workers.” Victoria is in a “growing skills crisis” with the highest unemployment rate in the nation, the opposition stated. Vocational training commencements had fallen 46 per cent since 2021 – despite growing demand for skilled workers. The opposition argues the state needs about 716,000 new trade workers by 2035, such as chefs, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and bricklayers. Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan said his
Libertarian leader David Limbrick called for easing the tax burden on businesses. party supported increasing apprenticeship numbers. “It’s key to a thriving manufacturing sector in Melbourne’s south-east and also one that grows the skill base to build more affordable homes.” He questioned whether subsidising business was “the most financially prudent and effective way”. “At the moment only around half of apprentices complete their apprenticeships. “One of the reasons is what they experience in
Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan says apprentices need more support ‘from start to finish’. the workplace.” Kirwan cited the work of The Trades Hall Young Workers Centre, which reports a growing number of apprentices’ “horror stories of underpayment, exploitation and unsafe workplaces”. “The Greens see the key way to increasing apprenticeship numbers is assisting those who start apprenticeships to finish.” Family First leader Moira Deeming MP said that reducing training costs was welcome but “af-
fordability must go hand in hand with quality”. She said more support was needed for apprentices to learn alongside “experienced tradies who have the time to teach them properly on the job”. “It is not enough simply to create an apprenticeship position—there must be meaningful supervision, hands-on instruction and the opportunity to develop skills safely and confidently. “We want to support employers to provide that training time, rather than expecting experienced tradespeople to teach apprentices while carrying an unchanged workload.” Libertarian leader David Limbrick said apprentices were important to the South East, but he wanted to see more details on the Coalition proposal “before committing to more debt”. “The best thing we could do in this state for employers is ease the tax burden and cut payroll tax. “Rather than handouts, I would love to see big tax cuts for people employing apprentices. “Big build projects without business cases also cause labour shortages, and it’s time to rein those in.” Labor, One Nation and Legalise Cannabis south-eastern metropolitan candidates were also contacted for comment.
South-East groups welcome Coalition’s $115m ‘Accelerate Apprenticeships’ plan By Cam Lucadou-Wells
South-East joblessness — by the numbers South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance chief executive Honi Walker, right, at SEMMA’s AGM. (Rob Carew/SEMMA) However, 37 per cent of manufacturing workers were in jobs facing shortages, McKeon said. “We need to make sure our training system and workforce can keep pace with the needs of our growing economy.” GSEM will also advocate for stronger workforce pathways between industry, schools, Tafes and universities. South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) welcomed the apprenticeships fund, but stated it was “only part of the solution”. “Manufacturers don’t need handouts and rebates,” SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said. “We need taxes frozen and red tape cut to reduce our costs so we can invest in capital, grow our businesses and hire more people.” Walker said an “entire overhaul” of education and training was needed to create careers such as engineers, expert technicians, welding experts
Greater South East Melbourne chair Simon McKeon. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 579519) and inspectors. “We know our skills gaps – so we need to focus our curriculum on filling those gaps through education, and training funnels and channels all levels of students into those sector gaps. “It’s too late once they’ve graduated. “This reform can help fill the skills gap, save our economy and secure our Sovereign Capability.” Walker also called for the repeal of recent legislation, tabled by Skills Minister and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams. It requires employers hiring apprentices to apply for an annual licence. An Apprenticeships and Traineeships Commissioner was also created – which Walker said was an “unnecessary … level of bureaucracy”.
UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE SOUTH EAST (Greater Dandenong, Casey, Frankston, Kingston and Cardinia) OVERALL (August 2026): 5.8 per cent; (up 0.9 per cent; in 12 months) – Victoria 5.2 per cent;, Australia 4.6 per cent; YOUTH: 13.9 per cent (up 1.7 per cent) – Victoria 12.2 per cent, Australia 10.8 per ent; Unemployed persons: 41,200 (up 20 per cent) Manufacturing’s share of South East jobs: 10 per cent; (May 2026) – down from 10.9 per cent; (May 2025) UNEMPLOYMENT BY COUNCIL AREA - March 2026 (compared to March 2025) Greater Dandenong 7.5 per cent; (-) Casey 5.6 per cent; (up 0.3 per cent) Frankston 5.0 per cent (down 0.4 percent) Kingston 4.8 per cent; (down 0.3 per cent) Cardinia 4.1 per cent; (up 0.1 per cent;) (ABS Labor Force Survey / Jobs and Skills Australia)
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A State Coalition pledge to incentivise the hiring of apprentices has been welcomed to cut skills shortages in the South East. The Liberal-Nationals Coalition promised, if elected to Government, to create a $115 million Accelerating Apprenticeships Fund. It would provide employer rebates for half the off-the-job training costs for apprentices in jobs on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List. The South East region continues to be an unemployment hotspot. The unemployment rate soared to 5.8 per cent (up from 4.9 per cent in the past year). Youth employment was 13.9 per cent – up from 12.2 per cent. The rates are well above national and state averages, according to official Jobs and Skills Australia data. Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM), in its 2026 state election platform, called for incentives to employ apprentices. GSEM chair Simon McKeon said the Coalition policy was an important step to support businesses to “build the skilled workforce Victoria needs”. “Our region is Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse and home to the nation’s largest manufacturing workforce. “But skills shortages are putting increasing pressure on businesses and our ability to maintain that growth.” Manufacturing employment in the South East has grown by more than 9 per cent since 2016 – in contrast to a 0.5 per cent national decline.
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 22 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 9
United against breast cancer Breast Cancer Ribbon The pink ribbon has become the universal symbol of breast cancer, representing hope, raising awareness, and uniting people in support of those affected by the disease. Though simple in design, this small ribbon is a powerful reminder of our commitment to those facing breast cancer and our hope for a brighter future. Knowing your breasts could save your life. Being breast aware is important at every age, but it doesn’t replace regular breast screening. Women aged 50–74 are invited to have a free mammogram every two years, while women aged 40–49 can also access free breast screening through BreastScreen Australia. By knowing your breasts and how they feel, you’ll be able to detect and small or big changes that could save your life. So how can you self check? Using your first few fingers, feeling in a circular motion from your collarbone to below your bra line. Follow a pattern so you know you’ve covered the whole breast. Check if there is any redness, soreness, abnormalities in shape or size, or any dimpling or bulging of the skin. What to look for? a new lump or swelling in the breast a change to the size, shape and skin of your breast a change to the nipple and/or nipple discharge swelling or discomfort in the armpit or around the collarbone persistent, unusual pain in the breast or nipple A rash occurring on the skin of the breast or
· · · · ·
appearing flakey, scaled, or blistered The most important thing is that if you are concerned for any reason, book a consultation
with your GP – even if it is simply for ease of mind. Most breast changes are not caused by cancer, and the signs and symptoms may be
caused by other medical conditions. However, it’s always important to see your doctor so that the changes can be checked.
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10 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 22 October, 2026
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NEWS
State and council deliver two new dog parks in Casey
Federation University, Berwick campus.
Uni booster Berwick’s Federation University will add an estimated $4.76 billion to the area over the next 25 years, an independent analysis has found. The analysis by SED Advisory outlines Federation’s current and long-term contribution, finding that the university supports close to 400 local jobs and generates over $65 million in direct economic benefit across Berwick and the South-East annually. In Berwick alone, a region that has historically had lower access to higher education than other metropolitan areas, the local campus serves as a catchment of around 950,000 people. Across its five campuses in Victoria, close to 5000 Federation University and TAFE students
graduate, with many transferring their learnt skills to the local workforce. In Berwick, this pipeline of skilled graduates is expected to deliver an estimated $3.94 billion over the next 25 years. The university’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley, said the local Berwick campus is creating opportunities for people to access quality education close to home. “As Melbourne’s south-east grows, demand for skilled professionals in areas such as health and education will only increase. “Training people locally will help ensure the region has the workforce it needs for the future.”
Casey dog owners are spoilt for choice, with two new dog parks now open in Berwick and Endeavour Hills. In collaboration with state funding and council investment, over $450,000 was invested in the Berwick park as part of the government’s recent New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program. Council funded $210,300 from its Capital Works Program. The Sweeney Reserve park includes a sandpit, boulders and tree logs as well as a dog waste bin with bag dispenser, shelter, seating and a drinking fountain. Casey Mayor, Michelle Crowther, said the council was committed to delivering high
quality spaces for dogs, while acknowledging the important role they play in providing a safe space for both animals and owners to use. “Anyone who owns a dog knows that they are often the reason we get outside, meet our neighbours and connect with our community,” Crowther said. A dog park has also been added to Essex Park Drive Reserve in Endeavour Hills. Making it home to the first-ever dog park in the suburb. A $480,000 grant through the same state government program has funded a range of features, including a fenced off-leash area, a drinking tap with a dog bowl, seating, shelter from the rain and a waste bag dispenser.
Labor’s Lee Tarlamis, Michael Galea and Belinda Wilson, with Casey councillors Michelle Crowther and Melinda Ambros at Endeavour Hills’ first ever dog park.
FOCUS ON … CHILDREN’S WEEK ADVERTORIAL
Building our future We all know that classrooms aren’t for everyone. Many of us learn by doing, retaining knowledge best when we use our hands. But in Victoria, these types of learners are not supported, and Victoria is facing a skills shortage. The consequence? Our local businesses don’t have enough qualified workers. Since 2021, vocational training commencements have fallen by 46 per cent, even though demand for skilled workers is growing. That’s why the Liberals and Nationals have announced that, if elected in November, we will halve apprenticeship training costs for Victorian businesses. Our Accelerating Apprenticeship Fund will: Give young Victorians a pathway into secure, well-paid jobs Back our businesses to train the workers they need, and Grow our economy We will also establish 10 new Technical Colleges across Victoria. Co-located at existing secondary schools and TAFE Institutes, this will give 5,000 secondary students hands-on vocational education and training. As a former teacher, it is so exciting to see
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· · ·
young people build their own education journey, find what works for them and thrive. I understand better than most that the Government needs to support young people to find these pathways. As a Member of Parliament, I love visiting local schools in my area which provide vocational education opportunities, learning about programs which support at-risk youth to engage in education, and attending graduations and award nights. An event that particularly comes to mind is the 2025 Victorian Apprentice Training Awards. It was such an inspirational night. I remember winners and nominees speaking about how their apprenticeship changed their lives, gave them an opportunity when they may not have had one otherwise, and supported them to grow as people. The Liberals and Nationals’ Accelerating Apprenticeship Fund will support thousands more Victorians to build a rewarding career and thrive. Ann-Marie Hermans MP, Liberal State Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region Authorised by Ann-Marie Hermans MP, Suite 1 / 31 Princes Highway, Dandenong VIC 3175
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 22 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 11
NEWS
Clyde North’s emerging musician Anthony Kale is now enjoying one of the biggest milestones of his career.
Anthony Kale began songwriting at about 13 while attending Footscray Technical School, where he took singing and guitar lessons and eventually became a lead singer and rhythm guitarist in the school band.
Anthony Kale in front of his Let’s Dance Tonight MV. (Stewart Chambers: 582633)
Musician hits new high By Violet Li
get married as well.” When Anthony returned to music, his approach had matured. He works closely with professional producers, refining arrangements and thinking about how each release could reach different listeners. Anthony said ideas often arrive while he is working or driving, and he quickly records melodies into his phone or writes down lyrics before they disappear. His catalogue has now grown to about 10 songs, with releases including Norfolk Dreamer, Miracle, You’re the One and now Let’s Dance Tonight. His recent releases have also begun gaining wider attention. Anthony said Miracle reached number 16 on an Australian streaming chart, while You’re the One reached number 127 on the UK iTunes chart. Let’s Dance Tonight, released on 4 September, has also attracted coverage from two online music publications and radio stations around Australia. Closer to home, Anthony wants to perform more regularly at festivals and community
events across Casey. That ambition has to be balanced with a very different working life. Anthony works night shifts while fitting songwriting, recording and promotion around his family. “It is very challenging,” he said. “You need support from your family, which I’ve got.” His son has even begun helping with TikTok, graphics and other social media promotion. Through each stage of that journey, one piece of encouragement has remained with him. Kale recalled his father hearing one of his early songs played on Fox FM. “I had a demo song on Fox FM, and they played it…. And my dad said that’s my son. He said to make it like that you must have something. He said, continue, you have a nice voice,” he said. “That keeps resonating in my head today. “From then on, things are slowly simmering and I’ve got great support from my fans and from my management team. “I think 2027 will be looking really good now after hitting the charts here and getting all this radio coverage and magazines as well.”
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After stepping away from music for years to focus on family and life outside the industry, Clyde North’s emerging musician Anthony Kale is now enjoying one of the biggest milestones of his career. His latest single, Let’s Dance Tonight, reached number seven on AMRAP’s Electronic/Dance Airplay Chart, the first time one of his songs has landed on an AMRAP chart. “About 16,000 tracks per week go into this into the community radio and mine was chosen, mine came to number seven,” Anthony said. “It’s a song about knowing that the weekends arrive. You want to let your hair down with your friends. Enjoy the weekend now that it’s arrived. “I’m still independent but there’s interest through record companies and I’m working with professional people. “It’s basically development to get some licensing deals through record companies in Europe. That’s next year anyway we’re planning to do that.” For the independent artist, it is the latest step in a musical journey stretching back to his teen-
age years. Anthony began songwriting at about 13 while attending Footscray Technical School, where he took singing and guitar lessons and eventually became a lead singer and rhythm guitarist in the school band. Growing up, he drew inspiration from artists including John Farnham, Phil Collins, KISS and Bon Jovi, developing both his voice and his interest in performing. An audition for The X Factor in 2005 saw him reach the top 45 in Australia, while appearances and interviews on Nova and Fox FM gave him confidence to keep pursuing music. After his father passed away, Anthony stepped away from music and turned to acting, appearing in television productions including Rush and Underbelly. “I’m finding my way back into the music,” he said. “It’s taken a while. I’m slowly getting recognized now. I did have a long break after my dad passed away So maybe if I didn’t have that break, maybe things would have progressed a little bit quicker. “But I guess I needed it to start a family and
12 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 22 October, 2026
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
If re-elected, Labor will deliver a new rugby field to the Narre Warren school. The upgrades will include a new netball court and new lighting.
$600k pledge for reserve upgrades ering up to $620,000 for the upgrades. Currently, the club only has one netball court with demand already “huge” and growing. Koomen says he has worked closely with the club on the new masterplan for Robert
Booth Reserve. “This commitment will allow for an additional netball court and new lighting which is so important for the club’s future,” he said. “It will help the club grow and welcome more local netballers and footballers.”
Narre Warren South P-12 College might be getting a major upgrade to its rugby field and sports program if Labor is re-elected in November. The State Government says it will invest $530,000 in supporting the upgrade as well as the Academy Movement’s youth programs. The program provides support to schools in running in-timetable sport academies that keep students at risk of disengaging academically, to connect through sports, teamwork and personal growth. Narre Warren South Labor candidate, Stefan Koomen says he is “pleased” to be supporting these upgrades.
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Labor will invest over $600,000 to support a new netball and lighting at Robert Booth Reserve in Hampton Park if re-elected in November. Announced at the sporting ground Stefan Koomen, the Narre Warren South candidate said Labor would back Casey Council in deliv-
$530K rugby field upgrade pledge
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 22 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 13
NEWS
Positive ageing embraced Members of the Afghan seniors community enjoyed music, poetry, storytelling and traditional food on Monday as they celebrated the process of ageing positively. Hosted by the Afghan Women’s Organisation Victoria, the inclusive event provided attendees a chance to connect, celebrate culture, build friendships and share experiences. As the sun was shining, guests all got to enjoy cultural displays and light movements activities. The event is supported by The City of Casey’s Ageing Positively initiative, which is running until the end of October. It hopes to highlight the city’s services and activities for older members of the community, and to help them remain connect, healthy and active as they age.
Sophia helping out in the kitchen.
Sayed and friends playing chess.
Games were available during the event, including Chess.
Muzhda, Shakila, Shahnaz, Mursal and Fakhie.
Free family-friendly event to celebrate new renovations at Hallam Community Learning Centre. Face painting, kids activities, food vans, coffee van, live animal show and garden workshop. Saturday 24 October, 10am-2pm at 56 Kays Avenue, Hallam; free event.
Celebrate the brand new Fountain Gate Tennis Club facilities. Social tennis, family activities such as radar gun speed test, target serve practice, games and giveaways. BBQ and special membership offers available. Sunday 25 October 12pm-4pm at cnr Raven Crescent and Princes Highway, Narre Warren; free event.
WHAT’S ON Childrens Week Families with children aged 0 to 6 years are invited to ‘Spring into Play’ in the beautiful grounds of the Old Cheese Factory. Free morning of fun, play, music, physical and interactive activities, and entertainment. Thursday 22 October 9.30am-12.30pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; free event. No bookings required.
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Prize Mania Games
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Narre Warren CFA open day Support your local firefighters. Market stalls, live fire demonstration, chat with emergency services, fire hose races, jumping castle, food and drink, and Captain Koala. Saturday 24 October, 10am-3pm at Narre Warren fire station, 292 Narre Warren-Cranbourne Rd, Narre Warren South; gold coin donation.
Enjoy a delicious finger-food luncheon, along with a variety of fun interactive games, activities, and prizes. Thursday 22 October, 12pm-2pm at Reveal Church, 2-8 Gleneagles Dr, Endeavour Hills; free event. Bookings required: (03) 9700 2314.
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Free Pickleball – Seniors Festival
Casey EV Expo
Free drop-in sessions during October. No bookings required. Equipment supplied. Fridays 10am-11.30am and Sundays 10.30am11.30am at Olive Road sporting complex, Eumemmerring.
Get up close to a wide variety of electric cars, motorbikes and e-bikes, with opportunities to test drive five different electric vehicle models. Experts on hand to answer questions about solar power, home batteries, novated leasing and electric vehicle ownership. Saturday 24 October, 11am-3pm at Bunjil Place, Patrick North East Drive, Narre Warren; free event. No bookings required.
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Warneet-Blind Bight CFA Mega Garage Sale
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Our Big Picture in Small Works exhibition - 100 postcard-sized framed works, alongside a large selection of larger paintings. Available for sale at an affordable price. Runs until Saturday 24 October at Cranbourne Library, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East (open during library hours).
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Casey Relay For Life
Junior Chess Academy
Recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, those going through a cancer experience and their carers, to honour and remember loved ones lost. Raises vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services. Saturday 24 October, 6pm (finishes 25 October, 12pm) at Casey Fields Regional Athletics Centre, 160 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East. Bookings: https://www.relayforlife.org.au/event/ casey-2026
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Harkaway Cemetery Walk Presented by the Narre Warren & District Family History Group. Light morning tea at conclusion of walk. Sunday 25 October 10am at 202 Hessel Road, Harkaway; $10/$5. Bookings: cemetery.tours@ nwfhg.org.au or 0412 084 671
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Lots of garage sales, car boot sales and plenty of bargains. Buy a map of participating garage sale addresses for a gold coin donation from our CFA volunteers on the corner of Warneet and Blind Bight roads. Maps, egg and bacon rolls, sizzling sausages, a coffee van at Blind Bight Community Centre and Warneet fire station. Saturday 24 October, 8am at Blind Bight Community Centre, Anchorage Drive, Blind Bight and Warneet fire station, Rutherford Parade, Warneet. Details: Patricia, 0474 453 260.
Social pickleball and on-court activities, Pickleball Australia demonstrations, free BBQ lunch and refreshments, and informal clubhouse tour. Saturday 24 October, 12pm-4pm at Halcyon Jardin Clubhouse, 215S St Germain Boulevard, Clyde North; free event. Registrations: https:// register.stockland.com.au/register/reg/shcevent-pickleball-australia-x-stockland-halcyonevent-24102026-260922132825108
Blairlogie Open Day
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Grand Reopening Day
Berwick Artists Society Exhibition
Tennis Open Day
Market stalls, BBQ and food trucks, kids activities, entertainment, petting zoo, jumping castle and tour of the Blairlogie facilities. Funds raised go to maintaining vehicles. Blairlogie is a not-for-profit community organisation that provides accommodation, day service and support for people living with a disability. Sunday 25 October, 10am-2pm at 685 North Road, Cranbourne South. Details: 5978 7900.
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Dough & Dumplings Workshop Hands-on workshop for older adults. Prepare and cook a variety of dumplings with vegetarian and chicken (halal and nut-free) filling options, followed by freshly made meal, a cup of tea and friendly conversation. No experience required. Sunday 25 October, 1.30pm-3.30pm at The Whisktakers, 8 Wally Place, Lynbrook; $5. Bookings required: hello@gfgf.au
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Follow Your Waste Tour Bus tour of Valoriza (where the food and garden waste bin contents go), Upparel (who deal with recycling textiles), Stevenson’s Road Closed Landfill (to learn about landfill aftercare management), VEOLIA (to see where your rubbish bin contents go), and head to the Cleanaway Recycling Education Centre for a Recycle Right session, to learn what goes into which bin. Fully catered. For ages 16-plus. Tuesday 27 October, 9am-4.30pm at Bunjil Place, Patrick North East Drive, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings required: https://events.humanitix. com/host/green-living-in-casey
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Pickleball Come & Play Day
Dandenong-Casey Chesscapades for ages 5-17. All skill levels welcome. Held by Dandenong-Casey Chess Club. Sundays 1pm-3pm at 289 Power Road Endeavour Hills. Details: Paul, 0451 215 967.
14 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 22 October, 2026
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16 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 22 October, 2026
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Hallam Kalora Park batter Austin Fardell was hard to dismiss, scoring 71 against Berwick on day one. (Gary Sissons: 538668)
Hawks apply heat to Bears By Blair Burns Hallam Kalora Park continued its positive start to the season in the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 competition, posting a strong score of 286 against Berwick on day one. As it stands, the Hawks are well poised to start the season 2-0 if they can bowl well on Saturday and get some crucial wickets, while the Bears are staring down the barrel of 0-2. Coming into this season, Hallam Kalora Park remained one of the hardest teams to beat in onedayers, however, they had a very poor record in the longer format last season. But it appears as though the Hawks have put some time and effort into turning this around with a clear plan to bat time and and accelerate in the later overs. They scored 78 runs in the first half of the day and 208 runs in the second half - changing gears beautifully as the day went on. The Saturday sun was shining down on Arch Brown Reserve and unlike the first week, which
was impacted by rain, the conditions were picture perfect for cricket. Hallam Kalora Park skipper Jordan Hammond won the toss and chose to bat first, opening up with Adam Warfe and Aasrith Reddy Kanuganti. It was slow going, but more importantly for the Hawks, they got through the early overs without loss. Warfe and Kanuganti navigated the new ball well and managed to slowly tick the scoreboard over, setting the team up with wickets in hand. It was Elliot Mathews who got the breakthrough for Berwick in the 27th over, sneaking one past Kanuganti and rattling his pegs, sending him packing for 20 off 78 balls. Warfe continued on and was joined by Austin Fardell, who quickly looked at home in the middle. Hallam Kalora Park had only lost one wicket by the time tea rolled around, with the scoreboard reading 1/78 off 40 overs. Despite an extremely slow run rate, the Hawks
were confident that they could lift and reach a big score and that is what they did nicely. Fardell and Warfe (52) put on 40 runs before the latter was dismissed after a gritty half-century which saw him bat for 46 overs. Jawid Khan strolled to the crease at four and picked up where he left off last week, crunching a leg-side boundary on his third ball. Khan was the aggressor and set the tone, lifting the run rate for Hallam Kalora Park while Fardell played the anchor role perfectly. The powerful batsman was a problem for Berwick and after belting six, four and six in consecutive balls off Tommy Rex, it was finally a case of six and out. Khan had belted 16 runs off the first four balls of the over before he tried to go again and the ball didn’t get up, smashing into the bails and Rex gave him a good old fashioned send-off, happy to see the back of him for 46. The score had been lifted to 3/168 following Khan’s dismissal in the 61st over and all of a sudden, the Hawks were looking at a pretty big total.
Hammond (17) came and went, and the score had passed 200 with the final 10 overs remaining. Fardell compiled a brilliant innings where he perfectly balanced aggression and defence to score what could turn out to be a match-winning 71 off 126 balls, eventually knocked over by Oliver Booth as he attempted to play a ramp shot … the score at 5/230. Imran Laghmani took three wickets last week in his first game for his new club, but this week he showcased his powerful batting, scoring 50 not out off 38 balls to push the final total up to 6/286 off 80 overs. Booth and Mathews took two wickets each and the Bears will need to bat well if they are to chase the runs. Berwick has the batting firepower and is coming off a score of 249 in a one-dayer, with Michael Wallace and Chathura Imbulagoda among the inform batters. If the Bears are to chase the runs, there is also a high likelihood that Jake Hancock will put up a strong score.
J. Smith c R. Stewart b H. Ali ....................................... 32 J. Camilleri not out ......................................................... 16 D. Shehan Senavirathna b I. Jayarathna ......................0 Extras 0WD, 0NB, 4LB, 0B ..............................................4 Total: (74.5 Overs) .......................................................226 Fall of Wickets: 1-11 S. Weir, 2-48 M. Mandora, 3-79 Y. Samarasinghe, 4-112 N. Fonseka, 5-123 D. Nuwan Kulasekara, 6-144 L. Richardson, 7-155 R. Siwes, 8-196 M. Bandara, 9-223 J. Smith, 10-226 D. Shehan Senavirathna. Buckley Ridges Bowling: I. Jayarathna 10.5-3-20-2, R. Jordan 6.4-0-27-2, H. Ali 10-1-28-1, S. Mosavi 9-3-230, Y. Iqbal 21.2-3-64-4, W. Ali 17-0-60-1. Dandenong West leads by 226 runs. • BEACONSFIELD V NARRE SOUTH Toss: Beaconsfield - Bat BEACONSFIELD - 1ST INNINGS A. Fernando c V. Jayasuriya b J. Mendis .................... 14 J. Hynes c D. Perera b T. Arnold ......................................1 T. Clark b O. Ariyadasa .................................................. 72 B. Erasmus c A. Snelling b J. Mendis ......................... 13 A. Walgamage lbw b S. Wijerathne ..............................2 J. Cronin lbw b T. Arnold ................................................ 19 Z. Watson c D. Perera b J. Mendis .................................5 M. Tielen c and b O. Ariyadasa .................................... 11 T. De Silva b O. Ariyadasa ............................................. 31 J. Hayton c V. Jayasuriya b J. Mendis .............................2 M. Drury not out ................................................................0 Extras 1WD, 5NB, 1LB, 4B ........................................... 11
Total: (68.1 Overs) .......................................................181 Narre South Bowling: C. Tout 4-1-6-0, T. Arnold 12-230-2, B. Hopkins 10-4-24-0, T. Abeywickrama 2-1-4-0, J. Mendis 23-3-61-4, S. Wijerathne 10-1-21-1, O. Ariyadasa 7.1-0-30-3. NARRE SOUTH - 1ST INNINGS V. Jayasuriya not out .........................................................5 O. Ariyadasa b A. Walgamage .......................................4 J. Mendis not out ...............................................................0 Extras 0WD, 1NB, 0LB, 0B ..............................................1 Total: (8 Overs) ........................................................... 1/10 Fall of Wickets: 1-7 O. Ariyadasa. Beaconsfield Bowling: T. De Silva 2-0-3-0, M. Tielen 3-1-6-0, A. Walgamage 3-2-1-1. Beaconsfield leads by 171 runs.
DDCA Turf 1 Scoreboard Round 2 (Two Day - Day 1) Saturday October 17, 2026 • BERWICK V HALLAM KALORA PARK Toss: Hallam Kalora Park - Bat HALLAM KALORA PARK - 1ST INNINGS A. Warfe st B. Herkess b L. Brown............................... 52 A. Reddy Kanuganti b E. Mathews .............................. 20 A. Fardell b O. Booth ...................................................... 71 J. Khan b T. Rex ............................................................... 46 J. Hammond b E. Mathews ........................................... 17 I. Laghmani not out ....................................................... 50 B. Hillard lbw b O. Booth............................................... 21 L. Scott not out ..................................................................2 Extras 7WD, 0NB, 3LB, 4B ........................................... 14 Total: (80 Overs) ...................................................... 6/286 Fall of Wickets: 1-49 A. Reddy Kanuganti, 2-89 A. Warfe, 3-168 J. Khan, 4-206 J. Hammond, 5-230 A. Fardell, 6-274 B. Hillard. Berwick Bowling: T. Rex 12-3-59-1, C. Bevan 11-428-0, O. Booth 11-1-52-2, V. Liyanage 17-4-47-0, E. Mathews 20-3-59-2, L. Brown 9-2-32-1. Hallam Kalora Park leads by 286 runs. • COOMOORA V SPRINGVALE SOUTH Toss: Coomoora - Bat COOMOORA - 1ST INNINGS N. Suppree c C. Forsyth b D. Opanayaka ................... 64 J. Cronje c C. Diston b H. Snowden ............................. 32 J. Munday c J. Wyatt b H. Snowden ............................ 37 K. Alang c R. Quirk b J. Wyatt .........................................2
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J. Robertson c B. Baxter b J. Wyatt ................................4 L. Hard b B. Baxter ......................................................... 43 R. Pankhania c C. Diston b J. Straker ........................ 14 C. Eaton not out ................................................................9 D. Bandulasena c C. Diston b D. Opanayaka ..............4 D. Gemmell-Smith run out (C. Diston) ..........................0 S. Masroor lbw b D. Opanayaka .....................................2 Extras 0WD, 1NB, 6LB, 1B ..............................................8 Total: (78 Overs) ...........................................................219 Fall of Wickets: 1-48 J. Cronje, 2-110 J. Munday, 3-116 K. Alang, 4-120 J. Robertson, 5-153 N. Suppree, 6-190 R. Pankhania, 7-208 L. Hard, 8-217 D. Bandulasena, 9-217 D. Gemmell-Smith, 10-219 S. Masroor. Springvale South Bowling: D. Opanayaka 15-5-353, H. Snowden 13-1-64-2, B. Baxter 17-5-41-1, M. Jameson 10-1-35-0, J. Straker 20-12-26-1, J. Wyatt 3-1-11-2. Coomoora leads by 219 runs. • DANDENONG WEST V BUCKLEY RIDGES Toss: Dandenong West - Bat DANDENONG WEST - 1ST INNINGS S. Weir c R. Stewart b R. Jordan ....................................0 M. Mandora c A. Taniwal b I. Jayarathna .................. 21 Y. Samarasinghe c R. Stewart b R. Jordan ............... 43 N. Fonseka c A. Taniwal b Y. Iqbal .............................. 25 R. Siwes c I. Jayarathna b Y. Iqbal .............................. 38 D. Nuwan Kulasekara c ? b W. Ali .................................5 L. Richardson c R. Stewart b Y. Iqbal ......................... 13 M. Bandara c S. Mosavi b Y. Iqbal .............................. 29
TURF 1 TOP PERFORMERS BATTING Tyler Clark Beaconsfield .............................72 Austin Fardell Hallam Kalora Park ...............................71 Nick Suppree Coomoora .................................64 Adam Warfe Hallam Kalora Park ...............................52 Imran Laghmani Hallam Kalora Park ............................50* BOWLING Jeevan Mendis Narre South..........................4/61 Yousaf Iqbal BuckleyRidges .....................4/64 Oshadha Ariyadasa Narre South..........................3/30 Dasun Opanayaka Springvale South .................3/35 Jordan Wyatt Springvale South ................2/11
Thursday, 22 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 17
SPORT
Cranbourne-trainer Gavin Bedggood and winning jockey John Allen celebrate the victory of Kingswood in the 2026 Caulfield Cup. (Pat Scala/Racing Photos: 585558)
John Allen drives Kingswood to the biggest victory of his career at Caulfield on Saturday. (585558)
No touching the Kingswood By David Nagel Cranbourne-trainer Gavin Bedggood has etched his name into the history of Australian racing after his six-year-old Kingswood produced a commanding victory in Saturday’s $6.5million Caulfield Cup (2400m). Kingswood overcame the second widest alley - barrier 17 - to surge clear in the straight, and then hold off a late challenge from Saint George to make it an all-grey quinella in the 150th running of the most famous mile-and-a-half race in the land. Kingswood scored by a half-length on the line, with Saint George holding the same margin over international raider Enfjaar back in third place. Bedggood’s first thoughts after Kingwood’s second Group 1 win since Boxing Day last year turned immediately to his staff; that has played a huge role in his rise to prominence over the last few years. “I’m just rapt for my team at home,” Bedggood said post-race. “They all turn up every day and they work really hard…I’m a hard task master. “I’m anal and like things done a particular way. “They put up with me and I don’t get the results that I’m getting without good people be-
hind me.” Kingswood ran a distant fourth in the Ballarat Cup in early December last year, before Bedggood plotted a path to New Zealand to take part in three consecutive Group 1s in December, February and March. The son of Roaring Lion/All At Sea scored immediate success across the ditch, winning the $450,000 Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie, before finishing close up in the Herbie Dyke and Bonecrusher Stakes before returning home to Cranbourne. “New Zealand was great; we went over there with a target to win a Group 1 because there were limited opportunities for him at that time of year and he had a limited spring,” Bedggood explained. “I felt a bit sorry for the horse because everyone said he went to New Zealand and knocked off a second-tier of horse, but I didn’t think that was the case. “I thought he might have been an Australian Cup horse in the autumn, or something like that, and he’ll come back and be that horse. “We hit every target this preparation when we sat down and made a plan; to win the grand final is fantastic.” Bedggood said there was a really strong bond between those most heavily involved in
the victory. “Jasmine, who’s strapping him today, she’s my stepdaughter; she rides him in his slow work,” he said. “We haven’t had to do anything with him all week; it’s just been about managing him. “I’m rapt with my owners for backing me, because everybody wanted to sort of question me at the mile and a half. “My partner, Karen, she’s my right hand. “I yell and scream at her all morning, (but she) turns up every day. “Great work riders, great ground staff, great farrier, great vet, you know, it’s a big team effort.” Bedggood said he felt sick in the stomach when Kingswood drew barrier 17, but knew his horse was in fine fettle. He was also confident that winning jockey John Allen would make the most of his chances; even from further back that initially planned. “I was gutted when I saw it and thought we had to go back,” he said. “You speak to people that you need to speak to and I had a chat to Johnny (Allen) yesterday and said, you’re riding it, you’ve drawn 17. “I’ve ridden in races and it’s easy to sit on the sidelines and say I want you to do this, I want you to do that, but it’s not an easy task from where he drew.
“I pretty much left it in his hands. “We were pretty much posted three-wide all the way and everyone wanted to question the horse’s credentials at a mile-and-a-half. “We couldn’t condemn him on his run here, it was on a heavy nine and you had to put a line through it…it’s great to be vindicated.” Allen said he decided to be patient, and wait for his opportunity to pounce. “(It was) a bit of a messy race, we were three wide early but he was in a nice rhythm, didn’t want to light him up and push forward,” Allen said. “When a bit of a wave came around him at the 1200, I was happy to leave that go and tack them into the race. “I knew he’d show a good turn of foot if he travelled well into the home straight and he cantered up to them and put them away. “Great performance, unbelievable effort by Gavin, he had the horse spot on for today. “He’s been going super this prep, he was super first up and then competing against the best the last couple of starts…dropped in weight today.” Kingswood has now won seven of 24 starts and amassed $4.4milion in prizemoney.
Social Smash set to open new doors for women in cricket The Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) is looking to take female participation to a new level with an exciting initiative designed to bring women and girls together through the great game of cricket. The CCCA Women’s Social Smash is a fun, fast-paced and inclusive competition that aims to remove traditional barriers to participation and provide a welcoming introduction to cricket for women and girls aged 14 and over. Whether a complete beginner, a former player considering a return to the game, or simply someone looking for a new social activity, the Women’s Social Smash promises something for everyone. And the best part? You don’t need any previous cricket experience to get involved! The innovative four-week competition will feature six-a-side teams playing shortened matches of approximately 45 to 60 minutes, with a softball or tennis ball used to make the game more accessible and enjoyable. Matches will be played on the outfield, with boundaries of approximately 30 metres, creating an exciting environment where participants can develop their skills, enjoy some friendly competition and, most importantly, have fun. The competition will operate under a hubbased format, with four different CCCA clubs hosting sessions across the four weeks. Multiple games will take place simultane-
18 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 22 October, 2026
The Casey Cardinia Cricket Association is looking to expand its footprint in female cricket via a fun new Social Smash. (Supplied: 542746) ously, allowing teams to enjoy plenty of cricket, while creating a festival-like atmosphere at each venue. Music, barbecues and a family-friendly environment will be encouraged, ensuring the Women’s Social Smash becomes as much about building friendships and community connections as playing cricket.
The opening round will feature a festival-style launch, with the competition culminating in a final session and celebration night. While the immediate focus is on enjoyment and participation, the CCCA also has a bigger picture in mind. The association hopes the initiative will encourage more women and girls to become in-
volved with their local cricket clubs, creating opportunities for ongoing participation, training and ultimately the establishment of more women’s teams throughout the region. Local clubs will play an important role in bringing the concept to life, encouraging existing members to invite their partners, daughters, sisters, mothers and friends to get involved. Workplaces, schools and community organisations will also be encouraged to form teams, while participants from other sporting backgrounds, including netball, football and basketball, are welcome to join the action. The flexible format means participants can enjoy the excitement of cricket without the time commitments traditionally associated with the sport. For some, the Women’s Social Smash could be the beginning of a lifelong involvement in cricket. For others, it might simply be an opportunity to share a laugh, meet new people and enjoy a few hours of fun with friends. Either way, the CCCA is determined to create an environment where everyone feels welcome. With planning underway and host clubs and dates still to be finalised, the message to women and girls across the Casey Cardinia region is simple. Get your friends together, form a team and prepare to have a smash!
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Let’s Talk Sport WITH DAVE NAGEL, JUSTIN SCHWARZE AND BLAIR BURNS
Big calls, Brown and Bucks BLAIR: Welcome back to another week of Let’s Talk Sport and what a beautiful weekend of weather we had. Dave was out trying his hand at the annual darts and snooker tournament in Morwell, we had the Caulfield Cup on Saturday and plenty of local cricket action, as well as Australian cricket as far as the eye can see. There is plenty to chat about, so let’s get stuck into it with our best action. BEST ACTION BLAIR: I think in terms of local best action, it has to go to Hallam Kalora Park youngster Austin Fardell, who is a top-order batter. After scoring a few half centuries last year for the Hawks, he has earned a promotion to number three and rewarded his captain Jordan Hammond for making that decision. Fardell made 20 runs last week, but it was his patient and classy knock of 71 off 126 balls on Saturday which helped Hallam Kalora Park post a strong score of 286 against Berwick on day one. Fardell was out at the crease for 44 overs, coming in at 1/49 and departing at 5/230. He is going to be a really important player for the Hawks this season, especially without Damith Perera or Leigh Booth. His ability to bat time and consistently deliver scores will hold the side in good stead, especially throughout the two-day matches this season. Another special mention for my best action goes to Australia fast bowler Scott Boland for his two consecutive wickets on Sunday night against South Africa. Boland earned his call-up for the second test and took no time to have an instant impact like usual. His first delivery to Aiden Markram was a peach. It seamed off the wicket and Markram pushed too hard as it came into him, sneaking between bat and pad to smash into middle stump and send it cartwheeling out of the ground … so good. Almost the same way I got out last week fellas, except I can’t say I was facing a delivery at 135kmph, although mine swung way more (boys laugh). And then an edge behind to get another one with the next ball. Scotty will be pretty handy at Springvale South when he pulls the pin on his international career. JUSTIN: Could you imagine that? How many wickets would he take in the DDCA? BLAIR: More than I could even dream about I reckon. DAVE: Scott Boland and Brett Forsyth at Springy South; that’s been mentioned of it more than once in this office over the last couple of years. There’s a family connection there boys…so you never know! BLAIR: Was there any best action from your boys at Morwell Dave? DAVE: No mate; my team was bloody hopeless as usual. We are all getting old and can’t see as well as we used to and when you start sending down the froffies at 8.30am in the morning you haven’t got much hope of potting a ball have you? And those snooker tables are big. But it’s always a fun weekend; great to catch up with people I won’t see for another 12 months and indulge in a bit of fun. Best action was on the big screen for me boys; with Cranbourne trainer Gavin Bedggood winning the Caulfield Cup with a horse called Kingswood, and the best sprinter in the world, Ka Ying Rising, got beat in the Everest at Randwick by a local horse called Tempted. (Dave yawns… boys laugh). JUSTIN: You’re struggling aren’t you? DAVE: Just tired boys; just need a good night’s sleep that’s all. JUSTIN: My best action comes from Casey South Melbourne’s Evan Allaway. Allaway has found a spot for himself in the first XI this season after honing his craft for a number of years down the grades. He took his maiden five-fa in the first XI on Saturday, and one ball had Northcote’s Will Blair completely bamboozled. It was clear Allaway was bowling with confidence as coming into his matchup with Blair he had already made two players nick off and depart. He steamed in and delivered a beauty, and Blair had no idea what he wanted to do. He hesitated, before having a halfthought of having a crack at it, but ultimately decided to leave. Well, the ball clipped the middle stump and sent the bails flying. Masterful bowling.
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If Justin is right...Casey South Melbourne won’t get to see too much of its left-arm quick Harry Hoekstra this season after an impressive start to his state career. (Gary Sissons: 540530) BLAIR: Gee whiz, you had me worried for a moment there Juzzy. I thought you’d somehow obtained footage of my poor dismissal last week (boys laugh). DAVE: Don’t worry mate, you’ve gone from zero to one over the last two weeks. I’ve worked it out and if you keep doubling your score from now until round 10 you’ll be making 256 and be a superstar of your competition. BLAIR: Geez...I’d take that. DAVE: You have to stay positive mate...that’s all I’m saying! WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SO FAR? BLAIR: We are a couple of weeks into the cricket season and I want to hear your early calls, not necessarily big calls, but what are some things you have learned about your competition, players and teams inside the first couple of weeks? Kick us off Dave. DAVE: Boys, what I have noticed is some ageing warriors who just keep on making runs despite their age. Juzzy, you know the name Ben Parrott at Tooradin, but I know his dad Simon, we played together at Heatherhill back in the day; and he made another ton for the Seagulls on Saturday in District Division. I haven’t seen him hit a cricket ball for a long time, but he was one of the strongest and biggest hitters of a cricket ball I have ever seen. His arm muscles are bigger than my legs boys, and when he hits a cricket ball it stays hit. Simon made 121 on the weekend, with 60 of those in boundaries. And another legend of local cricket, Chris ‘Tubsy’ O’Hara, got amongst the runs in C Grade for Kooweerup. If I was picking a team of the best players I’ve seen in the WGCA/CCCA over the last 20 years; Tubsy would be picked as an opener and face the first ball. There’s an old saying about picking someone to bat for your life; well Tubsy would be that man for me. JUSTIN: Just rock solid is he? DAVE: Exactly mate; one of those blokes who looks like he hasn’t played a shot but has accumulated 30 runs in a dozen overs. He’s still got a great technique and is very much risk free. He made 75 off 70 balls on Saturday; coming off a nice mid-thirties last week as well. BLAIR: I have learned inside two weeks that Hallam Kalora Park is a different side to last season and I can just sense how hungry the Hawks are to get back to the final day of the season. They finished fourth last season, but were never really a huge shot at the premiership despite having one of the league’s best batters in Damith Perera. They lost their leading run-scorer and leading
wicket-taker but have still started the season well. They beat Dandenong West by seven wickets in round one and have now posted 286 against Berwick, improving from their performance against the Bears in the corresponding round last season where they were beaten outright. Tyler Clark will have a huge say as to whether Beaconsfield can play finals this season having made 96 not out and 72 to start the season. And finally, Ishan Jayarathna is every chance to win another Wookey Medal … I think he is my early tip after taking 3fa and making 111 in round one. What are some of your findings Juzzy? JUSTIN: Firstly, Pakenham seems to be exactly what everyone thought they would be. Their batting has been excellent so far this season, with Dom Paynter in particular on fire. Dale Tormey didn’t fire on Saturday but Matt Vaiano, Luke McMaster and Paynter all scored significant runs. They’ll bowl this week, but given the fact McMaster took five wickets last week and Josh Grogan bowled brilliant areas partnered with an attacking mindset as they have a huge score to play with, it could get scary. I’ve learned Clyde is susceptible to batting collapses after back-to-back disappointing results. The openers set a good foundation on the weekend as the first wicket fell after 71 runs, but the Cougars were bundled out for 128 eventually. A lack of confidence in the middle and lower order is clear and teams have hunted it so far. It’s something they’ll have to fix. BUYING STOCKS BLAIR: Everyone who reads the Gazette knows that in footy season, I load up on buying Tom Toner stocks, but in the cricket season, I am forced to look outside the box. I want to know what player or team are you buying stocks in at the moment, and how confident are you that they will pay dividends Juzzy? JUSTIN: I’m firstly going to buy stocks in Casey South Melbourne young talent Lenny Wilton, who has started his VPC career very well. He debuted in the finals series last summer and made 35 on debut against the eventual premier St Kilda. He followed that with 49 in the following week’s final, before starting this season off with 48 last week against St Kilda again. I like the way he plays, he hits it with confidence and should be a name to watch for the Swans for years to come. I’ve been big on him for a while, but the price of Harry Hoekstra’s stocks would be ridiculously expensive. But I’m going to buy more from the 20-year-old Leongatha boy. The tall left-armer bowls absolute rockets and has been simply su-
perb since earning a Victorian rookie contract. He snagged a six-wicket haul in his first match after being the Vics’ highest scorer with 45 at the crease. He absolutely tore through Tasmania in the Shield this week, so I don’t think Casey South Melbourne will expect to see much or any of him this season. He’s seriously talented and imposing at just 20, so keep an eye on this young fella. Speaking of expensive stocks, I genuinely don’t think anyone could afford to invest in Pakenham this season, they’ve lived up to every bit of the hype so far. DAVE: How has Hoekstra bobbed up so quickly? JUSTIN: He was marvellous for the Swans last season and Casey South Melbourne went deep into finals. After a slow start to the year with the ball, he caught fire late in the season and his form never tapered. His last eight games saw him take three, two, two, five, seven, three, zero and two wickets. DAVE: I’d be happy to buy some stocks in a couple of all-rounders from Catani, Cameron Brown and Riley McDonald. Riley is the son of a Catani legend, and his old man ‘Snags’ would have been pretty happy with the young fellas match-winning 48 not out in round two. Riley backed that up with 3/31 on the weekend, while Brown took 2/30 on Saturday and made 80 after the dinner break. The Cats are 2-0 boys; they’re flying…and Brown and McDonald are leading the way. BLAIR: I am going to buy stock in the terry towelling hat and white zinc. That is how I roll and both form a key part of my game day attire, so I would love to see some local cricketers bring it back at a higher level than mine. Nah in all seriousness fellas, I think I will be buying stock in Springvale South spinner Jarryd Straker. He is just so reliable and I love the way he goes about it, bowling plenty of overs and really tying up an end. He took 37 wickets last season and bowled almost 200 overs. He has already taken 3/49 off 29 overs inside the first two weeks. Might also spend plenty of money on Buckley Ridges, I think they are still so hard to beat and with their new recruits beginning to fire, they will be chasing another premiership in the 2026/27 season. JUSTIN: Is Harry Snowden the difference maker? BLAIR: He very well could be, swapping out the Bucks’ polo for the Bloods. Big Harry looked good on the weekend for his first game of the summer, taking two poles for his new team. I wonder how the boys from Buckley Ridges will react when they face off for the first time. Cheers boys, we’ll face off again next week.
Thursday, 22 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 19
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