News - Cranbourne Star News - 29th October 2026

Thursday, 29 October, 2026

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Down on data centre

Greyhounds off and racing

Relay for Life

Panthers’ hall-of-famers

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Bargains boost Despite drizzle and the threat of heavier rain, bargain hunters flocked to Warneet and Blind Bight for the CFA’s Mega Garage Sale. Twenty-seven garage sales and four car boot sales kept shoppers busy, while egg and bacon rolls, sausages and coffee fuelled the crowds. The community effort raised $1500, with the money set to help improve facilities at the WarneetBlind Bight fire station. Full photos at page 10

McKinley and Akayla at their stall at Blind Bight Community Centre. (Stewart Chambers: 583191)

Election heats up By Violet Li Cranbourne has long been considered safe Labor territory, but fresh polling and a surge in support for One Nation suggest the seat could be much more competitive at November’s Victorian election. Labor MP Pauline Richards, who holds Cranbourne on a nine per cent margin, has announced four local pledges since mid-October, including $15 million for a Park & Ride facility at

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Casey Fields, $2.7 million to upgrade Cranbourne Station, $950,000 towards revitalising High Street and Central Cranbourne, and $9.4 million for a new three-court gymnasium at Cranbourne East Secondary College. Monash University political expert Dr Zareh Ghazarian said Cranbourne would normally be regarded as “very, very safe” for Labor, but statewide polling showed the political environment had changed significantly.

“What we’ve seen in terms of opinion polls is that Labor has lost a lot of support, and there’s building momentum for the Opposition now,” he said. The latest Newspoll had the Coalition leading statewide on 33 per cent of the primary vote, followed by Labor on 24 per cent and One Nation on 20 per cent. YouGov surveyed 4003 Victorian voters between 16 June and 10 July and used multi-level

regression and post-stratification modelling to project results across all 88 lower-house electorates. At that time, Cranbourne was among those projected One Nation gains. It was estimated that One Nation would win 32 per cent of the Cranbourne primary vote, Labor 25 per cent, the Coalition 17 per cent and the Greens 11 per cent. Full story page 2 and 3

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Stronghold under pressure By Violet Li Cranbourne has long been considered a safe Labor seat, but a string of new election promises and strong polling for One Nation suggest the seat could be far more competitive at the November Victorian Election. Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards announced four election commitments since mid-October, including $15 million for a Park & Ride facility at Casey Fields, $2.7 million to upgrade Cranbourne Station, $950,000 towards revitalising High Street and Central Cranbourne, and $9.4 million for a new three-court gymnasium at Cranbourne East Secondary College. Monash University political expert Dr Zareh Ghazarian said Cranbourne’s nine per cent Labor margin in the 2022 Victorian Election would ordinarily make it a “very, very safe” seat, but the broader political environment had changed. “What we’ve seen in terms of opinion polls is that Labor has lost a lot of support, and there’s building momentum for the Opposition now,” he said. The latest Newspoll, conducted from 15 to 22 October, put the Coalition on 33 per cent of the primary vote, Labor on 24 per cent, One Nation on 20 per cent and the Greens on 14 per cent. The Coalition led Labor 55–45 on two-party preferred. The survey of 1017 voters did not publish a Cranbourne-specific result. “When we look at seats such as those (normally safe Labor seat), even up to 9 per cent, possibly even 10 per cent, the size of the swing that we’re seeing in the poll that was recently published indicates that even things like this may potentially be something that Labor can lose,” Dr Ghazarian said. “So, it (Cranbourne seat) is very much no longer, for this election at least, could be seen to be a safe seat. Rather, it is going to be a very tough seat for Labor to hold. “And the upgrades make sense. The election promises make sense. It is, of course, a growing part of Melbourne, a very young electorate as well in terms of community there. “Infrastructure, schools, transport, these are all going to be important things for the commu-

nity. And these would be classic sorts of policy announcements in this electorate.” The Australian Financial Review reported in July that Cranbourne was among 26 electorates identified by Labor for priority campaigning and additional resources. A separate YouGov survey provides a seat-level estimate. YouGov surveyed 4003 Victorian voters between 16 June and 10 July and used multi-level regression and post-stratification modelling to project results across all 88 lower-house electorates. At that time, Cranbourne was among those projected One Nation gains. It was estimated that One Nation would win 32 per cent of the Cranbourne primary vote, Labor 25 per cent, the Coalition 17 per cent and the Greens 11 per cent. It projected One Nation defeating Labor in the final count with 51.2 per cent. Dr Ghazarian said Cranbourne shared characteristics with nearby Pakenham and other outer metropolitan growth areas being targeted by One Nation. “We see One Nation’s strategy has been very much focused on metropolitan electorates outside of the city centre. There’s a lot of attention on the seat of Pakenham where One Nation’s leader is running. It’s a very marginal seat,” he said. “Cranbourne isn’t too far away from Pakenham. It’s, again, similar in terms of being a part of the growth corridor. “There are some similarities there with Pakenham, which suggests that if One Nation is going to make inroads to the Victorian parliament, these are the seats that it has in its sight.” Cranbourne has been held continuously by Labor since 2002, with Pauline Richards first elected in 2018 and retaining the seat in 2022. ABC election analysis notes minor rightwing parties collectively attracted almost 15 per cent of the vote in 2022 and suggests One Nation could become competitive if it makes inroads among non-Anglo voters. Asked why One Nation appeared to be gaining support in Cranbourne and what Labor would do to win back voters before the election

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards (middle) at a recent Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce event.

Cranbourne Liberal candidate Gino Tripodi with his dog. (Facebook)

Monash University political expert Dr Zareh Ghazarian said Cranbourne’s nine per cent Labor margin in the 2022 Victorian Election would ordinarily make it a “very, very safe” seat, but the broader political environment had changed. (Supplied)

on a Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce event on Thursday 22 October, Ms Richards said she would continue focusing on direct conversations with residents and Labor’s record of investment in the area. She pointed to Labor’s investment in roads, rail, schools and health services, arguing voters would judge the government on what had been delivered locally. “I’m focused on the person in front of me. I try not to get distracted by what people who are sometimes not having our best communities’ interests at heart put forward. Because some of the materials that we see online are dangerous, and they’re hurtful,” she said. “Our children in our schools deserve something different. So, I’ll continue to put forward a

positive and optimistic plan, demonstrate that by the way I conduct myself, the way I speak to people. And I have a great faith in the community that I serve, because I live here. “When people go into the ballot box and make a decision, they make a decision based on what they’ve seen, what they’ve had demonstrated, the experiences they’ve had, and what their aspirations are for the future. “And I can’t see that One Nation and a Liberal Coalition fulfill the aspirations of our community, because it’s a dangerous aspiration to be dividing people, to be othering people, to be mocking people for illnesses. These traits that we’ve seen demonstrated are heartbreaking.” The Liberal and One Nation candidates for Cranbourne were contacted for comment.

Long-awaited Urgent Care Clinic opens in Cranbourne Cranbourne Community Hospital opened its long-awaited Urgent Care Clinic on Tuesday 27 October. Monash Health stated on Facebook that the walk-in clinic would initially operate two days a week, every Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 8pm, excluding public holidays. No appointment or referral will be required. The clinic will treat conditions including sprains, minor burns and cuts, common infections and illnesses, with Monash Health describing the service as care for situations that are urgent but not emergencies.

The community hospital opened in October 2025. The Urgent Care Clinic opening comes almost a year after community concern that the new Cranbourne Community Hospital had opened without the urgent care service residents had expected. The State Government later announced on 1May this year that an Urgent Care Centre would be added to Cranbourne Community Hospital as part of an $87.2 million investment to maintain and expand services across four community hospitals.

It was expected to open in late 2026 and help ease pressure on Casey Hospital’s Emergency Department. Monash Health stated that the Cranbourne clinic would expand its operating capacity in 2027 as specialised staff were recruited. However, it stressed that the hospital has no emergency department and people experiencing a life-threatening emergency should call Triple Zero or attend their nearest emergency department. For non-life-threatening emergencies outside the clinic’s operating hours, residents can also access the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.

Cranbourne Community Hospital will open its long-awaited Urgent Care Clinic on Tuesday 27 October. (FILE)

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Treasurer Colin Brooks used his speech to defend the State’s financial position. (Supplied)

A crowd shot of the participants at the event.

Panel discussion.

Debt, business pressures By Violet Li Victoria’s debt and the cost pressures facing small businesses took centre stage at a Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce forum. Treasurer Colin Brooks and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards were joined by other Labor representatives and candidates, including Berwick candidate Rana Khan, Narre Warren South candidate Stefan Koomen and South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis, for a panel discussion. Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce president Ian Wood said the Labor cohort answered questions, explained themselves, and put their policies on the table at the event. The event was attended by about 35 members on Thursday 22 October. Mr Brooks used his speech to defend the State’s financial position, saying Victoria recorded a $2.4 billion net operating surplus in 2025-26, compared with the $700 million originally budgeted. But Victoria’s debt was challenged during the question session, with one attendee pointing to

debt of about $160 billion and asking how the government planned to bring it under control. Mr Brooks said much of the debt had funded long-term infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and transport projects, while additional borrowing had occurred during the pandemic. “The debt we have is high by Australian standards, but low by international standards,” he said. “What we’re doing about it is reducing our spending where we can, and in particular, on infrastructure. So, our infrastructure spends in the budget papers, general government investment in infrastructure, was peaking at around $24 billion. We’ve dialled that down to around $16 billion a year over the forward estimates. “Still a substantial investment in infrastructure, make sure we’re still doing the things we need, but bringing that infrastructure investment right down.” He said the government intended to maintain operating surpluses and gradually reduce debt but would not set a fixed deadline if doing so risked forcing major cuts to services.

Labor cohort and the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce committee members. Small business pressures were also raised, with people asking what governments could do to lower the cost of doing business for small business owners. “Land tax threshold might not affect you if you don’t own your property, but it might be the transport cost of $30 toll cap, which is available to small eligible small businesses and up to five vehicles,” Mr Brooks said. “What I’m not in a position to do tonight is to say what that next tax measure would be and how

much it will be because politicians often make promises or say they will do things, then you can’t deliver. “We are being upfront with people. When we can deliver that relief, we will.” Ms Richards used her address to highlight a series of investments across Cranbourne during her two terms as the local MP, including the Cranbourne Community Hospital and its new Urgent Care Clinic, duplication of the Cranbourne rail line, level crossing removals at Evans and Camms roads, upgrades to major roads including Narre Warren–Cranbourne Road and Thompsons Road, and upgrades for local schools. She also pointed to the November election commitments to widen Evans Road, build a $15 million park-and-ride facility at Casey Fields, deliver a new three-court gymnasium at Cranbourne East Secondary College and invest $950,000 to revitalise High Street and Central Cranbourne. The forum also addressed questions on community safety, local performing arts funding and delays in support for victims of crime.

Labor pledges $2.7m Cranbourne Station upgrade By Violet Li Labor has pledged $2.7 million to modernise Cranbourne Train Station if re-elected, less than two weeks after local MP Pauline Richards asked residents for support for an upgrade on her social media. The Carroll Labor Government announced on Friday 23 October that the funding would go towards making the station safer and more accessible, with more room for commuters. However, the announcement did not detail what specific works would be carried out or when they would be completed. Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said the investment was needed as the community continued to grow. “Cranbourne is growing, and our train station needs to keep up. This investment will make a real difference for local commuters,” she said. The election commitment follows a Facebook post from Ms Richards on 11 October titled “Have your say on Cranbourne Train Station”, which linked residents to a Google Form seeking support for an upgrade. At the time, no funding commitment or specific upgrade proposal had been announced. The form, titled “Sign our petition to upgrade Cranbourne Station”, asked for respondents’ contact details and contained one substantive yes-or-no question asking whether they supported upgrading the station to make it safer, more accessible and better suited to the growing community. Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association

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(CRRA) welcomed the focus on improving the station but said residents needed more detail about what changes were actually proposed. CRRA president Anthony Tassone said the reaction to Ms Richards’ post showed many residents wanted the Cranbourne railway line extended to Clyde. “You can improve Cranbourne Station, but that doesn’t bring a train station any closer to the tens of thousands of residents living in Cranbourne East, Clyde North and Clyde,” he said. Ms Richards also announced recently that a re-elected Carroll Labor Government will invest $15.89 million to deliver a Park and Ride facility near Casey Fields. “With so many families moving to Cranbourne East, Clyde North and Clyde, we need to make it easier for locals to get where they need to go,” she said. “This new Park and Ride at Casey Fields will give more people a practical way to leave the car at home and catch public transport.” This pledge has been questioned by Casey councillor Lynette Pereira, who said the growing south east community needs better rail connections. “The Park and Ride, the idea was that people go and park at Casey Fields and then get bus to Cranbourne Station and then get on the train there. It’s a lot of rigmarole just to get around,” she said at the Casey Council October Meeting. “We need that (Clyde) rail.” Cr Pereira also noted that Council had long called for more frequent local buses and advocated for the Clyde rail extension. Greens candidate for Cranbourne Annalise

Mercer also questioned what upgrades were being proposed, and she pointed to several changes she believed were needed at the station. “The station needs better access from Camms Road such as a pedestrian bridge, which should’ve been built when the level crossing removal works took place a few years ago,” she said. “The entrance and exit area cannot accommodate the amount of people trying to move through there whenever a train is deboarding, it’s so tight that I feel like cattle being herded whenever I am leaving the station.” She also argued the broader transport problem could not be separated from the proposed Clyde rail extension. She said extending the line with stations at Cranbourne East, Casey Fields and Clyde would provide more options for residents in the rapidly growing corridor while reducing parking pressure at Cranbourne Station and traffic generated by commuters driving to Cranbourne and Berwick stations. “A train station at Cranbourne East would provide a convenient public transport option to Chisholm TAFE, Casey RACE, the library at Cranbourne East and the Cranbourne Community Hospital (or as we Greens see it the new building for the Cranbourne Community Health Service),” she said. “A station at Casey Fields could help position the precinct as a major sports and events hub for the south eastern suburbs by making it more accessible to people travelling from the city along with reducing congestion that already occurs on event days.”

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards has pledged $2.7 million to modernise Cranbourne Train Station if Labor is re-elected in November. (Facebook)

Thursday, 29 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 3

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370km for mental health By Violet Li A Pearcedale resident has pushed through 370 kilometres in seven days to raise thousands of dollars for Beyond Blue and encourage others to take the first step towards better mental health. The 22-year-old university student Ethan Stewart completed the run from Echuca to Mildura in October, averaging about 52 to 53 kilometres a day and spending around eight hours on the road each day. Ethan said he chose the route because of his connections to the region, having grown up around Mildura and attended high school near Echuca. “I knew the communities would get behind me and help support me,” he said. The challenge formed part of his Just One Step project, which he created to encourage people to get active and have conversations about mental health. His fundraising page described the run as an opportunity to step into the unknown and inspire others to try something outside their comfort zone. “I’m trying to move a positive idea of how important it is to keep the body active and how important physical exercise is, both for the physical health, but also mental health and emotional health as well,” Ethan said. “I figured that if I’m doing the run, it might help influence people to get out and do some exercise but also be able to have some of these challenging conversations and talk about their problems and raise some money for charity all in one. “I figured why not do it through those small community towns and run from two towns that I’m familiar with and just challenge myself to see how far I can go and sort of try and hit a few birds with one stone.” The feat was a significant step up for Ethan, whose previous longest run was 46 kilometres in a day. He was also managing pre-existing knee in-

Pearcedale resident Ethan Stewart had a lot of support along his 370km run from Echuca to Mildura. (Supplied) juries during the challenge, using compression, taping, ice and other recovery methods to keep going. His grandparents followed him for the entire route with food, water and supplies, while friends, family members and residents joined him for sections along the way. Ethan originally set a $5000 fundraising target but said donations had climbed to about $8500 by the time of the interview. He said one of the biggest lessons from the run was the importance of seeking support

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when things became difficult. “I think if anyone’s struggling to go through anything, it’s so important just to keep on reaching out for support and having trust in yourself and those in the community and having a willingness or an understanding of knowing that there are people out there willing to support you,” he said. “It’s incredibly important to maintain the physical exercise. It has a much bigger impact on your life than probably what most people realise.”

The 22-year-old university student Ethan Stewart completed the run from Echuca to Mildura in October, averaging about 52 to 53 kilometres a day and spending around eight hours on the road each day.

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Have your say on future data centres derstanding of this emerging issue. “We want to understand what matters most to our residents, businesses and landowners when it comes to potential future data centre development in Casey, including the opportunities people see and any impacts or concerns they believe should be considered,” she said. “The feedback we receive will help inform Council’s future advocacy and discussions with the Victorian Government and other relevant stakeholders.” Since Council’s September resolution, the State Government has released its Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan, outlining the future direction for data centre development in Victoria. Cr Crowther said hearing directly from the Casey community was particularly important as the

policy landscape continued to develop. “The Victorian Government will develop statewide planning policy for data centres next year, and we want the views of the Casey community to help inform Council’s input and advocacy as that work progresses,” she said. “This consultation gives our community an opportunity to tell us what matters most to them, so we can bring those priorities and concerns to future discussions with the State Government.” The consultation is focused on potential future data centre development in Casey and is not related to any current planning permit application, development proposal or specific site, including the proposed Clyde North data centre at 585 Berwick-Cranbourne Road. This reflects the distinction Council made in

Rain fails to dampen data centre rally By Violet Li Residents braved heavy rain to rally against the proposed Clyde North data centres on Sunday 25 October. Organisers said the cold and wet conditions forced some speakers and supporters to cancel, but dozens still gathered under marquees at Vantage Avenue Reserve to raise concerns about the proposal, with objection forms available for residents to submit to the City of Casey. Greens Narre Warren South candidate Jill Nambu estimated about 40 people attended despite the weather, describing conditions as ‘freezing’. About seven people delivered speeches at the rally. Concerns raised on the day also included electricity and water usage, climate change, noise, the accessibility of planning documents, and a lack of community consultation. Ms Nambu criticised the fact that residents need to visit Bunjil Place to inspect detailed application documents rather than being able to access the full material online. She questioned whether the project would deliver enough jobs for land set aside for employment. The wider Croskell Employment Precinct, where the proposed data centres would stand at, had been promoted as creating about 6000 jobs, while the proposed data centre was expected to provide about 350 permanent jobs despite occupying a significant portion of the land. Ms Nambu said local employment was particularly important in a rapidly growing area like Clyde North. “There are so many homes around there. Who wants to travel to the city? Even Dandenong South is hard to get to because they don’t have a train station over there. That’s another story,” she said. “Driving to Dandenong South is also really tough with all that traffic.” Greens Berwick candidate Roshan De Silva also attended the rally and his speech focused on the potential broader economic and environmental impacts of data centres. “All these data centres are affecting climate change if they don’t do renewable projects to power up them and just use the normal power that we have and it is going to drive up the power prices for everybody,” he said. “We have a net zero by 2050, and Australia will never achieve that target if we don’t get through proper regulation of these ones. “All these data centre builds are using massive amounts of building materials, and that is increasing the price for everybody. That could bankrupt some of the smaller builders because of that.” Local resident Macca McKenzie, who attended the rally, said the strongest message he heard from residents was that many felt they had not been properly consulted or given enough information about the proposal. “The number one feedback that I hear is that people haven’t been consulted,” he said. “They don’t know about this. They haven’t found out about the data centre. So, they’re re-

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its September announcement, which separated the broader consultation and advocacy work from the statutory assessment of individual planning permit applications. Feedback gathered through the engagement will help Council identify community priorities, concerns and expectations and inform issues Council may advocate on as data centre development continues to emerge across Victoria. Community consultation is open from 22 October to 15 November 2026. To provide feedback, visit: conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/data-centres

$20m pledge If re-elected in November, the Labor government has pledged a $20.8 million upgrade to a Narre Warren public school. The investment in Fountain Gate Secondary College will go towards its community stadium and theatre. Labor says that the school deserves “modern” and “fit for purpose facilities”. The upgrade will aim to serve the school and the wider community, according to Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson. "It's about giving local students the best opportunities to learn, perform and thrive, while making our community an even better place to live,” Wilson said.

MELB O URNE

Residents braved heavy rain to rally against the proposed Clyde North data centres on Sunday 25 October. (Supplied)

Banjo Paterson Park (playground end) Lynbrook Saturday December 5, 2026 10AM - 7 PM • Children Activities • Pasifika Food & Merchandise • Arts & Crafts

• Guests Artists • Traditional Dance • Rugby Clinic

Greens South East upper house candidate Matthew Kirwan, Greens Cranbourne candidate Annalise Mercer, Greens Narre Warren South candidate Jill Nambu, and Greens Berwick candidate Roshan De Silva at the rally. ally desperate for information.” Mr McKenzie said some residents questioned whether they would remain in the area if the development proceeded. He also called for the detailed planning documents to be published online and said requiring residents to inspect documents in person disadvantaged working families and people who could not easily travel to Bunjil Place. Mr McKenzie said there would be a statewide rally organised by the Victorian Alliance Against AI Data Centers on 14 November, with participants planning to march from the

State Library to Parliament House. The alliance is calling for a moratorium on AI data centres and stronger requirements for communities to be informed and consulted before developments proceed. The proposed Casey Data Park at 585 Berwick-Cranbourne Road would be developed across a 53.6-hectare site, with two data centre buildings and a maximum IT capacity of 488 megawatts planned to be delivered in stages over about eight years. The planning application will be decided by Casey councillors in a future council meeting.

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The City of Casey is inviting the community to have its say on potential future data centre development in Casey, with community consultation now open. Council will use this feedback to inform its advocacy to the State Government for changes to the current planning framework, including stronger planning policies and greater community consultation requirements. The consultation follows Council’s September Council Meeting decision to seek community feedback to better understand local views, concerns and expectations about data centre development. City of Casey Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther said the consultation was an important opportunity for the community to help shape Council’s un-

The consultation is focused on potential future data centre development in Casey and is not related to any current planning permit application, including the proposed Clyde North data centre at 585 Berwick-Cranbourne Road. (FILE)

Thursday, 29 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 5

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Where are you, arts? Opinion by Dr Jamel Kaur Singh and Dya Singh When was the last time you went to something completely outside your comfort zone? Something that made you think, feel, laugh, cry or discover a part of the world you knew nothing about? We spend thousands travelling overseas to experience different cultures, yet extraordinary artists, musicians and storytellers from around the world are performing right here in Melbourne’s south-east. Sometimes we’re so busy scrolling through everybody else’s lives that we forget to actually live our own! Weeks ago, more than 250 people came together for our Belonging in Casey Awards Night. Families, children, teachers and community members celebrated the creativity of our young people. Over 2,000 entries shared what belonging means through art, writing, photography, performance and imagination. What struck us wasn’t simply the talent, but how much young people have to say when given the opportunity. They spoke of identity, friendship, family, acceptance, culture and peace. The arts aren’t some optional extra squeezed into the school timetable when we’ve finished the important stuff. The arts ARE important stuff. They teach children to express what words sometimes cannot and recognise the humanity in somebody else’s story. Then came the Melbourne International Jazz Festival showcase at Bunjil Place. Extraordinary musicians, beautiful jazz

and powerful storytelling about love and the painful history of Pacific Islanders brought to Australia’s sugar plantations, historically referred to as Kanakas. Music took us somewhere no history textbook alone could. Then, at the Melbourne Recital Centre, we experienced Unbreakable, presented by SHIR, the Australian Jewish Music Festival. What an evening! Jewish music, identity, pride and resilience, alongside Indian, Iranian and Samoan artists. Different faiths, histories and traditions sharing one stage. Absolutely phenomenal. At a time when the world seems determined to remind us of everything that divides us, here were artists demonstrating what happens when we listen to one another. No political arguments, finger-pointing or blame. Just extraordinary talent and an unbreakable devotion to love and peace. Dad says the arts should comfort the uncomfortable and make the comfortable just uncomfortable enough to think. Sometimes they challenge our assumptions or introduce us to histories we’d rather forget. Other times they make us smile, tap our feet or sit in wonder. Children need that. We all do. How can we expect people to appreciate multicultural Australia if their only exposure to other cultures is a school festival, a restaurant or something on a screen? Take the kids to a concert, gallery, dance performance or cultural celebration.

Let them hear unfamiliar instruments and ask questions. They don’t have to love every performance, but they might discover something that stays with them for life. And here’s the exciting part. Two wonderful opportunities are coming up practically on our doorstep. On Saturday 7 November, Springvale Town Hall hosts Ek Sufiana Shaam, an evening of Sufi Qawwali and folk music bringing South Asian musical traditions together in support of the Aga Khan Foundation’s humanitarian work. You might even catch an MC you all know! Then on Friday 13 November at 7.30pm, my little sister Parvyn performs at Bunjil Place with the internationally acclaimed Australian String Quartet and multi-instrumentalist Josh Bennett. Imagine contemporary Punjabi music, soul, sitar and classical strings meeting on the same stage! Tickets start at just $15 for students. Seriously, we can spend $20 at Macca’s without blinking. What if that same $20 introduced us to an experience we’d remember for years? So please, don’t tell us there’s nothing happening in the burbs!

Bunjil Place, Springvale Town Hall, the Drum Theatre, our libraries, galleries and community venues offer incredible experiences. But here’s the catch: if we don’t use them, we may lose them. Why would performers keep bringing world-class entertainment to our neighbourhoods if we stay home watching Netflix? Subscribe to local arts newsletters, council mailouts and venue updates. Read those emails instead of automatically deleting them. Follow our Facebook page, CQCEI Truth Be Told, where we’re forever sharing events. You might discover that the best thing happening next weekend isn’t an hour away. It’s ten minutes down the road. We also need to rethink what we consider worthwhile spending. We invest in tutoring, sport, technology and endless activities for our children, but how much do we invest in their imagination, curiosity and cultural understanding? A child exposed to different art forms discovers there are many ways to see the world. A family attending a performance creates memories and conversations. A neighbour invited along becomes a friend. Someone attending alone might find inspiration or simply a couple of hours of peace. You don’t need to understand the language, know the history or recognise the instruments. Sometimes not knowing is precisely what makes an experience wonderful. Truth be told... Don’t just scroll through life. Go out and experience it!

2026 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards Council on the Ageing (COTA) recipients. (Supplied)

Compassionate Hands Inc founder Jagdeep Sukhija has been recognised at this year’s Victorian Senior of the Year Awards for his work supporting older people and multicultural families across Casey.

Jagdeep Sukhija at the presentation.

Jagdeep honoured for compassionate service By Violet Li Compassionate Hands Inc founder Jagdeep Sukhija has been recognised at this year’s Victorian Senior of the Year Awards for his work supporting older people and multicultural families across Casey. Mr Sukhija received a Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award at Government House on 20 October, joining 15 other older Victorians recognised for their leadership, generosity, advocacy and service to the community.

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He said the award came as a surprise. “I felt on top of the world,” he said. “I never expected it, but it was really amazing and exciting.” Mr Sukhija founded Compassionate Hands Inc in 2020, at the height of the Covid, after seeing older people struggling with loneliness and isolation. The group began with just seven members and has since grown to more than 175, largely through word of mouth. Mr Sukhija said the group gives members a place to socialise, sing, dance and celebrate

cultural festivals including Baisakhi and Diwali, helping people stay connected to traditions they may miss after moving to Australia. The organisation also runs health and education workshops. Over the past 18 months, Mr Sukhija organised breast cancer screening for 115 women from the organisation and wider community. Two women were diagnosed at an early stage and later received treatment. He has also organised workshops on organ and tissue donation, cervical cancer awareness and other health issues.

Mr Sukhija said the group had recently held a digital workshop on cervical cancer awareness, attended by about 105 members, where members also celebrated his award. Local community centres and Casey Council now regularly recommend the group to seniors looking to get involved in community activities. Mr Sukhija said the group would continue its packed schedule, with a lung cancer awareness workshop planned for 2 November, followed by Diwali celebrations on 10 November and Christmas activities in December.

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OPINION

Australian racing’s major player By Group Editor Garry Howe There used to be four “majors” in Australasian racing – the Melbourne Cup, the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate and the Golden Slipper in Sydney. The disrupters north of the border have added another, The Everest, run on Caulfield Cup Day. It’s the richest race in the Southern Hemisphere and for the past two years has attracted a horse currently considered the best in the world. Incredibly, four of those races have been run and won in 2026 – and all have gone to locals. The Cranbourne-based training combination of Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior started the run when Guest House brought the Slipper home during the autumn carnival. Then the weekend before last the Ciaron Maher-trained Tempted upset the applecart in Sydney by toppling the world’s best horse, the Hong Kong-based Ka Ying Rising, in The Everest. That same day former jumps jockey Gavin Bedggood saddled up his striking grey stayer Kingswood to win the Caulfield Cup. Both Maher and Bedggood train out of the Cranbourne complex. Then last Saturday Pakenham-based trainer Andrea Leek won the Cox Plate with West Australian-owned Cosmic Crusader, sending racing pundits to the record books. Andrea, also a former jumps jockey, became only the third woman to throw a saddle over a Cox Plate winner and the only one to have done that after riding a Grand National Hurdle winner – a feat she achieved in 2004 on Team Heritage, trained by her husband John Leek.

Next Tuesday, locals are again tipped to feature prominently in the race that stops a nation. Ciaron Maher alone looks like having as many as eight runners, including the current favourite Point Of Law. So, there’s every chance this region could lay claim to all five major racing events this year. A few years ago, the Pakenham and Cranbourne clubs combined to form Southside Racing. The view was that a combined club, with metropolitan status, would have a seat at the table with racing’s powerbrokers. The dominance of Southside-based horses in the racing majors this year suggest that move was a masterstroke. The worry when the two clubs merged was that the history of both would be lost in the transition. Thankfully, that hasn’t happened. This year Southside Racing intends to make a big deal of the fact that the 100th Pakenham Cup will be run on Saturday 12 December. That will follow the Cranbourne Cup on Saturday 21 November. Southside chairman Sean Clarkson said the combined club ploughed about $300,000 into the community through its grants program and had an economic impact of around $300 million to the region. There are 25,000 members of the racing centres and venues and 2000 equivalent full-time jobs created by the 1500 horses trained each day out of both training centres. So, racing is a big thing locally – and is set to become even bigger just after 3pm on the first Tuesday in November. - Cranbourne dogs racing resumes, turn to page 12

Pakenham trainer Andrea Leek and jockey William Pike share a laugh after winning the Cox Plate with Cosmic Crusader at Flemington on Saturday (AAP Photos).

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Thursday, 29 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

$950k pledge to Cranbourne central By Violet Li Labor has pledged $950,000 to revitalise High Street and Central Cranbourne if re-elected, backing a project the City of Casey has been pushing as an election priority. Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards announced the commitment at the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce meeting on Thursday 22 October, telling local businesses she had spent years making the case for investment in the town centre. According to a media release, these upgrades will lift amenity for residents and local businesses, creating a more welcoming Cranbourne town centre for locals, visitors and traders. “I want you to know that I’ll fight for you. I’ll fight for you every day. I live here. I know what it means to live in this community,” Ms Richards said at the chamber meeting. “You won’t always get everything that you’ve asked for, and I won’t always get everything I ask for. That’s the reality. “But I’ll continue to have the conversations, to build the relationships, and to make the case. “I made the case for Central Cranbourne. I’ve got to say it’s taken me years. I’ve told the story about High Street for years, but it does take tenacity.” Labor’s announcement does not specify which of those individual projects would be delivered through the $950,000 commitment. The commitment comes as Casey Council

Labor has pledged $9.4 million to upgrade Cranbourne East Secondary College and build a new three-court gymnasium if reelected. (Supplied)

$9.4m on the cards

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams visited Afghan Star on High Street, Cranbourne in 2024. (Facebook) campaigns for November State Election commitments towards the revitalisation of Cranbourne’s town centre and an upgrade of High Street. Council’s own Cranbourne Town Centre Revitalisation proposal seeks funding to create a safer, greener and more accessible centre, with potential works including upgraded footpaths and crossings, street trees, landscaping and improvements to building façades. A separate High Street upgrade proposal being advocated by the Council is more extensive, seek-

ing funding for streetscape and transport improvements in the Cranbourne Major Activity Centre. Council states that potential works could include reducing High Street from six traffic lanes to four to allow for new bus and protected bicycle lanes, a signalised intersection at Lyall Street and High Street, an upgrade of the Lyall Street bus interchange, improvements around Bakewell Street and Greg Clydesdale Square, and additional trees, landscaping and public amenities.

Labor has pledged $9.4 million to upgrade Cranbourne East Secondary College and build a new three-court gymnasium if reelected. The commitment would deliver a new gym designed to provide improved facilities for students, teachers and families. Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said students at the school deserved modern facilities. “Cranbourne East Secondary College students deserve first-rate facilities, which is exactly why a re-elected Labor Government will invest to deliver a brand-new gymnasium,” she said. Education Minister Gabrielle Williams said strong local schools were central to delivering quality education. “Labor knows every great education starts with a great local school,” she said. Labor said the investment would provide the school community with fit-forpurpose facilities for years to come.

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Group 1 Racing meets Palm Springs at Sportsbet Sandown, Saturday 14 November.

Group 1 Racing meets Palm Springs at Sportsbet Sandown

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8 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 29 October, 2026

Get ready for a spring afternoon of racing, sunshine and a splash of 1960s Palm Springs glamour as the C.F. Orr Stakes returns to Sportsbet Sandown Racecourse on Saturday 14 November. Combining elite Group 1 racing with vibrant trackside entertainment, the day promises something for everyone. Celebrating Sandown’s rich motorsport heritage, a special display of classic cars will bring two worlds of racing together, while DJs, food trucks and cocktail specials set the scene for a sun-soaked afternoon on the lawn. Families can also enjoy a day out, with face painting and pony rides for the little ones and free entry for kids. With General Admission tickets just $15, it’s the perfect excuse to gather your friends and enjoy a spring day at the races. For those looking to elevate their experience,

The Trackside Social offers the ultimate all-inclusive day out. Located in a prime position on Sandown’s Front Lawn, this premium experience combines unbeatable proximity to the racing action with all-inclusive beverages and a food truck voucher, so you can settle in, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the afternoon with everything taken care of. With The Trackside Social tickets at $175 per person, there’s an experience to suit every kind of racegoer. From thrilling Group 1 racing to Palm Springsinspired entertainment and premium trackside hospitality, it’s a spring Saturday not to be missed. Secure your tickets now at Ticketek. https://premier.ticketek.com.au/ shows/show.aspx?sh=CFORR26&utm_ source=starnews&utm_medium=press&utm_ campaign=cforr26

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NEWS

From policing to politics By Jensy Callimootoo As debate continues over Springvale’s needle and syringe dispensing machine, a former senior police officer and harm reduction advocate turned candidate is calling for evidence-based drug policy shaped by community consultation. Greg Denham, who is standing as an Upper House candidate for the Legalise Cannabis Party in the South-East Metro region, brings more than two decades of experience working with Victoria Police to the campaign. He joined the force in 1980, spending 15 years as an operational officer before working for five years as a drug policy adviser, with further experience in Queensland. His career has since led him towards a health-focused approach to drug-related harm, arguing that prohibition and punitive criminal justice responses have failed to adequately address the issue. Speaking about needle and syringe programs (NSPs), Denham said community concerns should be taken seriously, but should not overshadow the public health benefits of the services. “I think there needs to be discussion, there needs to be consultation, there needs to be engagement,” he said. He believes dispensing machines should be discreet to protect the privacy of people accessing sterile injecting equipment, while health services should work closely with nearby residents, traders and businesses to address concerns. Following his time with the police force, Denham actively advocated for Victoria’s first Medically-Supervised Injecting Room in North Richmond.

The advocate highlights that the room was established in response to a large open-air heroin market that saw people injecting in public, discarded needles and syringes littering the area, and frequent ambulance callouts. But as debate continues over the potential expansion of supervised injecting rooms across Victoria, he said any new services in Greater Dandenong and surrounding areas should be guided by evidence about where overdoses occur and which communities are most at risk. In 2025, a coroner report found that Greater Dandenong was ranked fourth for the highest heroine-related overdoses. Rather than automatically replicating North Richmond’s busy standalone facility, he suggested a supervised injecting service could potentially operate within an existing health facility or hospital. “We need to find out what’s the best option,” he said, pointing to the importance of overdose-reversal medication such as naloxone and the heightened risks faced by people who inject drugs alone. Denham also underscored the importance of public education as essential to counter misinformation and what he describes as “moral panic” around drug policy. “The language, unfortunately, is quite inflammatory, it’s moral panic, it’s polarising, it’s very emotionally driven, and we need to conduct an education programme where people understand more about what’s going on,” he said. With four weeks until the state election, Denham will stand alongside sitting MP Rachel Payne as a running mate. He says he hopes to translate his decades of experience in drug policy and harm reduction

Legalise Cannabis current sitting MP Rachel Payne and candidate Greg Denham. (Facebook) into political change. And that entering politics was a way to challenge a drug policy approach he believes is not

working, arguing that meaningful reform requires both political will and greater community understanding.

Join AFL great Billy Brownless for a fantastic free event at Summerset Cranbourne North. A former Geelong champion and one of football’s most entertaining personalities, Billy is renowned for his quick wit, infectious humour and larger-thanlife presence. In this special event, he’ll share his journey from AFL legend to media star, reflecting on memorable moments both on and off the field. Hear firsthand stories from his illustrious football career, insights into the game he loves, and tales from life since retiring from the AFL in 1997. Following the event, enjoy a complimentary coffee and cake in the village café. This promises to be an entertaining afternoon for football fans and anyone who enjoys a great story. RSVP by 3 November to secure your place.

Hear from AFL legend Billy Brownless Thursday 5 November, 10am Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au

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NEWS

Warneet/ Blight Bight CFA members Sarah Whitmore, Mark Kanieczny, Michele Mircev, Scott Appledore (Emergency Management City of Casey), Ian Shiel (Lions Tooradin), Naomi Pedler and Chris Hayes.

Local Ken Drane had a chook and a rooster on the back of his ute.

McKinley and Akayla at their stall at Blind Bight Community Centre. (Stewart Chambers: 583191)

Kate Campbell from Bella Brewers.

Bargains boost local CFA Bargain hunters turned out in force for the Warneet Blind Bight CFA Mega Garage Sale on Saturday 24 October, helping raise $1500 for the local fire brigade. The event featured 27 garage sales and four car boot sales across Warneet and Blind Bight,

with crowds arriving early despite light drizzle and the threat of heavier rain. Organisers said a number of stallholders reported strong sales throughout the day. CFA volunteers were also kept busy serving food from 8am at the Blind Bight Community

Centre and Warneet Fire Station. Egg and bacon rolls proved particularly popular, while sausages were served for lunch and coffee was available from Bella Brewers and Dream Coffee. The event raised $1500, which will go

towards improving facilities at the Warneet-Blind Bight fire station. Brigade treasurer Patricia Bourchier thanked the community and volunteers who helped make the fundraiser a success.

Check enrolment status By Carmela Mendoza Warneet/ Blight Bight CFA members Hans DeKraker and Patricia Bouchier.

McKinley and Akayla at their stall at Blind Bight Community Centre.

Linda bought a Spiderman outfit at a garage sale.

Major parties pitch transport savings By Violet Li Transport costs have emerged as a major election issue, with Labor promising $30 weekly caps on both tolls and public transport fares, the Coalition offering a longer-running $50 toll cap, and the Greens pledging to make public transport permanently free. Labor announced on Sunday 18 October that, if re-elected, it would cap toll-road spending at $30 a week throughout 2027 for cars, motorbikes and light commercial vehicles using CityLink, EastLink and the West Gate Tunnel. Drivers would continue to pay tolls normally before claiming a quarterly rebate through Service Victoria for eligible spending above $30 a week. The rebate would be capped at $350 a week and $5000 per vehicle across the year, with small businesses able to claim for up to five vehicles. Labor estimates a car travelling the full length of EastLink every weekday could save about $2500 over the year. The one-year policy is expected to cost $191 million. On Monday 19 October, Labor announced a separate $30 weekly public transport fare

10 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 29 October, 2026

cap from 1 January 2027. The cap would run for two years and apply across trains, trams and buses, with concession fares capped at $15 a week. Labor says a full-time commuter currently travelling five days a week would save $27 a week, or more than $1400 a year. The public transport measure is costed at $206 million over two years. The pledge follows Labor’s temporary fare relief measures this year, which included free public transport for two months and half-price fares by the end of the year. The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) welcomes the Labor’s commitment to cap public transport fares at $30 a week, and $15 a week for concession holders. “A fare cap is good policy on many fronts: good for household budgets, road congestion, and the climate,” VCOSS CEO Juanita Pope said. “The lower public transport cap for concession card holders is particularly welcome, because Victorians doing it tough are hit hardest by transport costs. “We want to see whoever forms government build on this, so Victorians on low incomes can afford to travel, wherever they need to go.” However, the organisation warned that af-

fordability would remain an issue after Labor’s two-year commitment ends. It called for future governments to maintain and index concessions, automatically provide concessions to eligible Victorians, extend concession fares to postgraduate students, and improve bus frequency and coverage in underserved areas. The Liberal-Nationals had earlier announced their own toll relief policy in August, promising a $50 weekly cap for two years from 1 July 2027. Their policy would apply to cars and light commercial vehicles, including small-business fleets of up to five vehicles, with motorists similarly claiming quarterly rebates through Service Victoria. The Coalition says more than 100,000 Victorian families and small businesses would benefit. The Victorian Greens have promised to make all public transport permanently free. The party says the policy would save commuters more than $220 a month and cites Parliamentary Budget Office modelling estimating permanent free public transport would cost about $940 million a year. At the time of writing, One Nation Victoria has not announced any relevant policy.

The Victorian Electoral Commission is reminding Victorians to enrol before Tuesday 3 November as the State Election approaches. Enrolment and voting are compulsory for all Victorians who are Australian citizens aged 18 years and over. Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel is calling for voters to check their enrolment status. “If you’ve moved recently or are voting for the first time, check your enrolment is up to date before the electoral roll closes,” he said. “Every vote counts, so it’s important that everyone is ready to play their part at this year’s state election.” First-time voters who will turn 18 years old on or before the election date, 28 November, are told to check if they need to enrol as well. ■ Eligible voters will be able to cast their vote: ■ In person at an early voting centre or election day voting centre ■ By applying for a postal vote, telephone-assisted voting or braille voting ■ At mobile voting sites in community areas, including aged care, hospitals and prisons, and low sensory voting across all 88 districts ■ While travelling overseas and interstate The VEC is mailing an EasyVote guide to Victorian households with key information about the state election, including voting options. Voters can also sign up to the free VoterAlert service at the VEC website to receive election reminders by SMS and email. More information at 131 832 or vec.vic.gov. au

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Thursday, 29 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

Greyhounds back on track By Cam Lucadou-Wells Cranbourne’s upgraded greyhound track is set to re-open for racing after a four year hiatus. The track underwent a $9.5 million safety redesign after being suspended in 2022 due to a spate of racing dogs’ deaths at the venue. Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club is set to host the new track’s first race meeting on Wednesday 25 November, amid renewed criticism from animal welfare advocate Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds. The safety upgrades include a widened track base, an upgraded racing surface, improved lighting and advanced drainage systems. The club will also introduce new animal welfare features, including purpose-built holding and viewing pens and modern wash bays. The track’s redevelopment was jointly funded by the State Government ($4 million), the racing club ($2 million) and Greyhound Racing Victoria ($3.5 million). On 28 October, Racing Minister Anthony Carbines and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards announced the re-opening at the racing club. Racing Minister Anthony Carbines said the upgrade would provide a “safe and state-of-theart venue for trainers, greyhounds and participants”. Greyhound racing generates more than $844 million in economic benefit each year and sustains more than 4800 full-time equivalent jobs, according to the State Government. “The racing industry plays a vital role in the state’s economy, and our investment will back more jobs,” Carbines said. Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said the reopening was a “fantastic result” for Cranbourne’s racing community. Greyhound Racing Victoria chief executive Stuart Laing said the Casey region was home to the largest number of greyhound trainers and second-highest number of active greyhounds in Victoria. “This investment will ensure that greyhound racing at Cranbourne can thrive.” Cranbourne Greyhound Racing Club CEO An-

Racing dog Champ and Racing Minister Anthony Carbines. (Gary Sissons: 586358) drew Fennell thanked the State Government for its significant investment. Greyhound racing has been long criticised by animal welfare groups, who say Victoria has the nation’s deadliest tracks. Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds state director Steve Cook said the State Government should be phasing out greyhound tracks, not building new ones.

“More deaths and injuries are guaranteed at the Cranbourne track. Victoria has a bad history with new tracks. “The Traralgon track was built for $5.8 million but was closed in 2024 after too many deaths. The replacement track opened this April and already three dogs have died.” He said Victorian greyhound racing “must stand on its own and not bludge off the taxpayer”.

“In a cost of living crisis, the Cranbourne racing club should return the $4m and it should go to local health and education services. “GRV is obviously not financially strong enough to stand on its own. “The industry will probably mention the economic benefits of greyhound racing, but that can be ignored because it comes from consultants paid by the industry.”

Political climate shift: Racial and and safety threats By Jensy Callimootoo Racial slurs, online harassment, keeping doors locked and not revealing public political engagements are all at the centre of discourse following the alleged attack on Federal MP Helen Haines last week. Haines was rammed between two vehicles on Monday 19 October and has since lost both her legs. Local politicians at all levels of government have since vocalised their concerns and fears as the political temperature continues to rise, amplified by online platforms. As a result of the shifting sphere, Berwick MP Brad Battin says that he no longer advertises his location prior to work engagements, and will only publicise it after — a change he initiated himself when he was opposition leader. “It’s sad…. I love it when people can come along and raise issues. And sometimes we get people who don’t agree with me, and that’s great,” he told Star News. “But now, because of security risks, it’s more and more inclined for people to not advertise where they are.” At his Berwick office, Battin has taken immediate safety measures in consideration of his staff. Including locked doors with buzzers to enter the premises, alarm buttons and a consistent safety plan if they are in an unsafe situation. “If someone gets aggressive in the building, I tell my staff now to just create distance,” he said. “It’s things we didn’t have to talk about in the past”. Similarly to Battin, Federal Member for Holt, Cassandra Fernando says she remains “extra cautious” when out in the community and for her staff. The Labor MP herself has faced both a racial and gendered aspect to the rising political climate, from racial slurs, degrading and sexualising language to comments about “going back”

12 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 29 October, 2026

Berwick MP, Brad Battin. Cassandra Fernando, Federal Member for Holt. to her country, despite being raised and educated in Australia. “The attacks on women often have nothing to do with their policies or their work,” she said. “They target our appearance, our gender and our background.” Speaking on contributing factors, Fernando says politicians “have a responsibility to set the tone”, arguing that some political leaders are forgetting this. “We can have robust debates without dehumanising people,” she said, referring to a Liberal MP telling the PM and another minister they should be “shamed and stoned”. Berwick Labor candidate, Rana Khan, an Australian citizen with Pakistani ancestry spoke on the online abuse he faces since he announced his candidacy. Khan says the comments he receives are on

his voice, background and religion, and while he was prepared for it, he says he was “surprised” by the gravity of the harassment. “The abuse I’m getting, this kind of open abuse wasn’t there a couple of years ago,” he said. “It is a new thing in the last couple of years that we have created so much hate against different ethnicities.” Khan says he hasn’t faced any dangerous or direct racial threats in-person while out campaigning, but often notices a shift in energy. Online ideologies Direct access to politicians remains a crucial element to democracy — but can become threatened when harmful political ideologies are fueled by online platforms. Fernando says that algorithms play a big part in rewarding “outrage” and “pushing people

further” into echo chambers. Citing the political landscape in the United States and the UK, Battin says threats to safety and lack of access to MPs can lead to a reduction in political literacy as well as an understanding of what’s true or not. “The best thing you can do is speak to people, find out what they’re thinking,” he said. “For example, the [Akoonah] market, there’s nothing better than being at the market, having a sign that says, ‘What do you think of a train line? What do you think of a road? What do you think of a new school?’ “Those things are really important to get the feedback on. “If you lose that, you lose the connection with the community and the community gets less say. “And I think, look at the countries where communities have less say, I don’t want to head in that direction.”

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Among those leading this year’s Relay were Pakenham siblings Abbie and Thomas Soutter, who cut the ribbon at the start of the event.

Among those leading this year’s Relay were Pakenham siblings Abbie and Thomas Soutter, who cut the ribbon at the start of the event. (Supplied)

The walk began on the evening of Saturday 24 October and continued until midday on Sunday 25 October despite persistent rain.

Hope walks through the rain By Violet Li Hundreds of participants braved wet weather at the 2026 Casey Relay For Life, walking through the night to raise money for Cancer Council and remember those affected by cancer. About 350 people took part in the event at Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, which began on the evening of Saturday 24 October and continued until midday on Sunday 25 October despite persistent rain. Committee member and Endeavour Hills local Morgan Gunning said weather conditions were better than last year, with Saturday relatively mild and no rain overnight, before wetter weather arrived on Sunday. Participants were kept busy with scavenger hunts, fun laps, inflatable archery, line dancing, Zumba, live entertainment and overnight movies. “We make the event big and different every year, but there’s also a lot of staples that we run every year. It’s got an incredible community feeling event, and it’s just very special in lots of different ways,” Ms Gunning said. “Because the slogan is ‘Celebrate, Remember, Fight back’, so we’re both uplifting with fundraising and different things like the market and the activities and entertainment and food vendors, but then we’ve also got a solid hour where it’s just remembering people who’ve passed. “Cancer has touched everybody in some sort of way, whether it’s a friend or your grandmother or your mom, and whether they’ve fought an incredible battle and survived or whether they have passed. “And I think that’s what makes it such a community event that everybody can be involved in some sort of way. And you get one person who’s really, really connected and enthusiastic about it, and they will, like me, rope just about everybody in their in their village involved.” The event had raised about $86,000 at the time of the writing, against a $100,000 target, with fundraising remaining open for several weeks. Among those leading this year’s Relay were Pakenham siblings Abbie and Thomas Soutter, who cut the ribbon at the start of the event. Their family has participated in Relay For Life

for about 17 years after losing family members to cancer. Their family team started with around six members and has grown significantly over the years, with about 20 taking part this year. Abbie, 20, and Thomas, 22, have been involved since they were young children. They stepped into leadership roles this year while their parents, Michael and Jody Soutter, were overseas preparing to take part in the New York Marathon. Michael, who was featured by Star News last year for his running and Relay For Life fundraising, has remained one of the family’s driving forces behind its involvement. Despite this year’s rain, Abbie and Thomas said participants continued walking and supporting each other. “Everyone came together; everyone did their part. And we got through it together as a team,” they said. “The committee does a really beautiful job every year of organizing an event that is about respecting everyone who has been touched by cancer, but they also make it very fun. “And all the teams this year really did a very good job. There were lots on offer, lots of activities, lots of people selling really cool things, and it’s just all such a fun time.” Ms Gunning said watching participants continue in the rain was one of the weekend’s standout moments. “Just credit to the Casey community and all the people that come to Relay For Life who stuck it out. Totally understandable to the ones that went home. I do not blame them. I didn’t bring my kids the second day and things like that,” she said. “But massive, massive credit to the ones that stuck it out and us as a committee trying to decide whether we’re going to close early or keep going in the rain and looking out there and seeing all those participants who just didn’t care. “They just kept walking. They’re like, nope, this is what we’re here for. “Cancer fight is harder than walking in the rain.” If you want to help with cancer research, visit: relayforlife.org.au/event/casey-2026/home

About 350 people took part in the event.

The crowd.

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Among those leading this year’s Relay were Pakenham siblings Abbie and Thomas Soutter, who cut the ribbon at the start of the event.

Hundreds of participants braved wet weather at this year’s Casey Relay For Life.

Thursday, 29 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

21,000 new trees to come City of Casey is set to receive more than 21,000 new trees under a State Government program aimed at cooling Melbourne’s suburbs and increasing tree canopy. The State Government has announced $3 million for 23 projects across two programs: More Trees for Melbourne and Cooler Melbourne Streets. Under the $1.5 million More Trees for Melbourne program, more than 100,000 trees will be planted across 13 projects in suburbs with lower tree cover and greater exposure to heat. Two of those projects will be delivered in the City of Casey. Council’s Canopy, Connectivity and Climate Resilience project will see 6,680 tubestock trees planted across six locations in Cranbourne and Cranbourne West. The listed sites include Central Parkway, Duff Street and Cranbourne-Frankston Road in Cranbourne West, as well as Lesdon Avenue, Cleopatra Drive and Narre Warren Road in Cranbourne. A further 15,120 tubestock trees will be planted as part of the 1001 Steps/Bayview Park Revegetation Project at 1001 Steps Reserve and Bayview Park. Together, the Casey projects account for 21,800 new trees. Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes said the planting would provide more shade, cool neighbourhoods and create additional habitat for native wildlife. “We’ve already planted half a million trees across Melbourne’s west – now another 100,000 are on the way to suburbs that need them the most,” she said. The second $1.5 million program, Cooler Melbourne Streets, will fund 10 greening projects in shopping strips and busy streets across metropolitan Melbourne. Projects have been identified in areas including St Albans, Sunshine West, Brunswick, Richmond, Southbank, Clarinda and Chelsea Heights.

No Casey project is listed under that stream. The 100,000 trees are the first stage of the gov-

ernment’s plan to roll out another 500,000 trees and plants across Melbourne, with the remaining 400,000 to be allocated in future rounds.

Volunteers planted 5,000 trees in Cranbourne West as part of 2026 National Tree Day on Sunday 26 July. (FILE)

BUSINESS PROFILE

World Teachers’ Day: Shine a light on teachers ADVERTORIAL

teach contentious content without the knowledge or consent of parents. Under this incompetent Labor Government, schools haven’t been properly upgraded or given the resources they need, and now a brand-new primary school in Clyde North requires millions to be redesigned, at taxpayers’ expense, after it was built without proper classrooms. Debt has skyrocketed after 12 years under Labor, and students are falling behind - one in four children in Victoria can’t read, according to the latest NAPLAN results. A Jess Wilson-led Liberal Party has a plan to deliver excellence in education that will include rewriting and decluttering the Victorian school curriculum, with a much stronger emphasis on core maths, science and literacy. The Coalition Government’s plan will back

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Teachers make an indelible contribution in countless lives - from helping us realise our gifts and talents, to encouraging us to pursue our goals and careers. Friday 30 October marks World Teachers’ Day – a time to celebrate the amazing work teachers do to inspire, support and empower our children and young people. As a teacher and mother of four children, who are all thriving in their chosen careers, I love this celebration of our teachers, and I have fought very hard to see teachers’ wages rise and their conditions improve to become more flexible and fair. This Carroll-Labor Government has neglected teachers, burdening them with heavy workloads, delaying overdue pay rises and forcing them to

14 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 29 October, 2026

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Construction of two or more dwellings

Clause 32.08-7

Clause 52.02

To create, vary or remove a restriction

Construct two or more dwellings on a lot

The applicant for the permit is:

Clause 52.02

Removal of a restrictive covenant

Archiden Design and Consultancy

The applicant for the permit is:

Archiden Design & Consultancy

The application reference number is:

PA26-0099

City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN

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

Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website or by scanning the QR code.

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An objection must: • be made to the Responsible Authority in writing to, Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805 or emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au • include the application number and site address • include the reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

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

16 November 2026

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Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website or by scanning the QR code.

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

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

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

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

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

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Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority. An objection must: • be made to the Responsible Authority in writing to, Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805 or emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au • include the application number and site address • include the reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected. The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

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A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme

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VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local office)

Development of Three Dwellings and Removal of Covenant

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Support your local tradesman for ALL your concreting needs!

We accept payment by:

42 Nettle Drive HALLAM VIC 3803 Lot 59 LP 215161

Matter for which a permit is required

Phone Andrew on 0408 585 508 andrewcravenconcreting@gmail.com

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The application is for a permit to:

Development of a Second Dwelling and Variation of Restriction

• Units • Garages • Driveways • Pergolas Plain/Coloured • Slate Impression • Faux Brick • Exposed Aggregate

18 November 2026

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The land affected by the application is located at:

Planning Scheme Clause No.

The application reference number is:

Andrew Craven Concreting

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NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

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Thursday, 29 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 15

WHAT’S ON Local students and older community members join up for a creative and meaningful community art project. All art materials provided. Thursday 29 October, 11am-1pm at Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne West; free event. RSVP required at https:// www.trybooking.com/DOMBB Details: cwch@ casey.vic.gov.au or 9705 5889.

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Yoga for Seniors at the Library

Halloween BBQ - Cranbourne Dads’ Group For all dads, grandfathers, father figures and their children. Fancy dress and free sausage sizzle (including Halal and vegetarian options). Friday 30 October, 6.30pm-8pm at Casey Fields Playspace and Village Green, 160 BerwickCranbourne Road, Cranbourne East; free event. Bookings required: https://www.trybooking.com/ DKADA

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Diwali Mela by Asha Global Foundation

Low impact movements designed to promote strength, mobility and balance. For patrons over 50. Bring a towel and water bottle. You may bring your own yoga mat, however, a limited supply of yoga mats will be provided. Thursday 29 October 11am-12pm at Hampton Park Library, 26 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park; free event. Bookings required at https://events. connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=231857

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Vibrant celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Colourful cultural performances, traditional Indian music and dance, festive entertainment, delicious Indian food, market stalls and activities for the whole family. No booking required. Saturday 31 October, 10am-5.30pm at Balla Balla Community Centre, 7-9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North; free event.

Visible Mending workshop

Kirkwood Night Market

Mending woollen clothing, stretchy clothing, and woven clothing (jeans are ideal). As well as sashiko, embroidery and weaving mends. Bring along your moth-chomped or ripped items, and use visible mending techniques to give your damaged items new life. Light refreshments provided. Friday 30 October, 9.30am-12pm at Good Food Emporium, 430-440 Princes Highway, Narre Warren; free event.

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Board Games across the Ages Learn how to play Mahjong, Chess, Carrom, Rummy and more. Friday 30 October 10am-12pm at Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne West; free event. Details: cwch@casey.vic.gov.au or 9705 5889. Bookings required: https://www. trybooking.com/DOMBQ

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Halloween Haunted House Haunted house maze, snacks and drinks, music and games. For ages 12-18. Grab your friends, dress up in your best Halloween costume and get ready for a night of scares, laughs and Halloween fun. Friday 30 October 6pm at Casey Youth Hub, 52 Webb Street, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DQMNG

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Cranbourne SES Halloween Family fun night of costumes, treats, face painting, dancing, an ice cream truck and a special visit from Paddy the Platypus. Saturday 31 October, 5pm-7pm. Enter via 7 Muirfield Close, Cranbourne; free event.

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Diya and Diamonds Stylish, vibrant and family-friendly Diwali experience bringing together boutique shopping, fashion, jewellery, lifestyle and festive entertainment in one place. Sunday 1 November, 12pm-8pm at Fountain Gate Hotel, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: https://www.eventb r i te . c o m . a u / e / d i y a s - d i a m o n d s - t i c ke t s 1998166218950?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Dads’ Little Builders For all dads, grandfathers, father figures and their children! Cut, saw and join cardboard pieces to build something awesome. Make memories together and strengthen your bond. All tools and

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16 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 29 October, 2026

Casey Choir fundraiser - cakes, plants, toys, books, trash/treasure, craft, sausage sizzle, tea and coffee. Everything super cheap! Saturday 7 November, 9.30am-3pm at Arthur Wren Hall, 16-20 Stuart Ave, Hampton Park.

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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 adapt. No gaming experience required. Monday 9 November, 1pm-3pm at Autumn Place Community Hub, Doveton; free event. Bookings required: 9792 7382 or autumnplacech@ casey.vic.gov.au

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Zumba in the Park Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance workout suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Weekly on Tuesdays 10 November-24 November, 5.45pm-6.45pm at Wilson Botanic Park Berwick, 668 Princes Hwy, Berwick; free event. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CZZRC

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Community Cooking Class and Lunch A vibrant Vietnamese and Thai-themed community lunch in partnership with One Harmony. Live cooking demos, hands-on activities. Wednesday 11 November, 11.30am-1pm at Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris Street, Lynbrook; $5. Bookings required at https://www.trybooking.com/DPNPV

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Follow Your Recycling Tour Hop on the bus and travel to Cleanaway’s materials recovery facility in Laverton and (hopefully) Cleanaway’s Recycling Education Centre in Hallam, before returning to Bunjil Place. For people over 16 only. Fully catered. Thursday 12 November, 9am-4.30pm at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings required at https://events.humanitix.com/follow-

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Plant a seed and make an insect hotel to create habitat for pollinators. Have a close-up look at some of our smallest pollinators at work in the Farm’s gardens. Catch the Myuna train to the pollinating Grey-headed Flying Foxes’ colony. Dress code: closed toe shoes with the option to dress as a pollinator (bee, butterfly, bat, etc) Thursday 12 November, 4.30pm-6.30pm at Myuna Farm, Kidds Road, Doveton; $5. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DQUHH

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Cranbourne Chorale Presents a concert, Pleasant Sunday Afternoon, followed by scrumptious afternoon tea. Sunday November 15, 2.30pm at the Uniting Church, 41 Lesdon Ave., Cranbourne; $30/$25. Bookings: 0457 575 535 or tix available at the door.

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Melbourne Pasifika Festival Childrens activities, Pasifika food and merch, arts, crafts, guest artists, traditional dance and rugby clinic. Saturday 5 December, 10am-7pm at Banjo Paterson Park (playground end), Lynbrook.

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U3A Casey Live, laugh, learn - we have 800 members and 100 interest groups run by volunteers. There is definitely an activity for everyone and we are always looking for more suggestions. Yearly membership for seniors (55-years-plus) $75, commencing late January 2017. Details: www.u3acasey.org.au

•Junior Chess Academy

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.

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Men’s morning discussions Discussion group for older men. An opportunity to connect with other men. All welcome. third Friday or last Thursday of the month, 9am -12pm at Timbarra Community Centre, 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Berwick. Details: John, 0431 844 833.

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resources provided. Fortnightly on Fridays from 6 November, 6.30pm-8pm at Dharrang Balit Community Centre, 51 Sovereign Ave, Clyde North; free event. Bookings required at https://www.trybooking. com/DORKH

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PROFESSIONAL

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

PRINT & DIGITAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE Join one of Victoria’s leading independent community media organisations. Star News Group is seeking an enthusiastic, results-driven and customer-focused Print & Digital Sales Representative to join our dynamic sales team. With a proud history of delivering trusted local news across print, digital, newsletters and social media platforms, Star News Group connects businesses with highly engaged audiences throughout Melbourne’s south-east and regional Victoria. About the Role : This is an exciting opportunity to manage an established client portfolio while actively developing new business opportunities across our diverse media platforms. The successful applicant will work with local businesses to create effective advertising campaigns incorporating: • Newspaper advertising • Digital display advertising • Sponsored online content • Email marketing campaigns • Digital Newsletter Key Responsibilities : • Maintain and grow an existing client base. • Identify and secure new business opportunities. • Develop tailored advertising and marketing solutions for clients. • Prepare proposals, presentations and campaign recommendations. • Work collaboratively with editorial, design and digital teams to deliver outstanding client outcomes. About You: You will possess: • Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills. • Strong organisational and time management abilities. • A positive attitude and a passion for helping local businesses succeed. • A current driver’s license and reliable vehicle. What We Offer : • An established territory with existing clients. • Competitive salary package including base salary and commission. • Supportive team environment. • The opportunity to work with a respected and trusted community media brand. • If you are passionate about sales, enjoy working within your local community and thrive in a fast-paced media environment, we’d love to hear from you.

12890553-JR32-26

Tree of Tales art project

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

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SPORT

Leek upstages big names By Shayne Hope, AAP Pakenham trainer Andrea Leek felt like an “imposter“ after upstaging some of racing’s biggest names when Cosmic Crusader won a historic edition of the $6 million Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington. Western Australian visitor Cosmic Crusader stormed home on Saturday with popular jockey Willie Pike on board, winning the nation’s weightfor-age championship for prominent ownerbreeder Bob Peters. Master trainer Chris Waller was narrowly denied what would have been a record-equalling seventh Cox Plate victory, with Birdman second by three-quarters of a length and pre-race favourite Aeliana third. Joseph Pride-trained Ceolwulf was fourth. Leek became the third female trainer to win the Cox Plate, three weeks after her first Group 1 triumph, while the legendary Gai Waterhouse’s pursuit of the elusive major title continues after one-time favourite Sir Delius was overhauled in the straight. “I feel like I’m an imposter,“ Leek said. “To step in and have a horse like this in the early stages of my career, I’m very lucky. I couldn’t be happier.“ Cosmic Crusader’s fighting victory drew parallels with fellow WA horse Northerly’s back-to-back Cox Plate triumphs in 2001-02. The six-year-old gelding has enjoyed a dazzling Melbourne campaign with four wins in seven starts, including Group 1 victories in the Turnbull Stakes and Cox Plate. “A miracle. He’s just an iron horse,“ Leek said. “What a champion. What a ride by Willie Pike. Thanks to the Peters for giving him to me and trusting in me.“ Leek’s win came against the backdrop of her husband John Leek’s disqualification for attempting to stomach-tube a horse on race day last year. “It’s been terrible for him ... but no one’s prouder and happier for me than what he is,“ Leek said. Pike, known as “The Wizard“, has dominated WA racing for years but had not previously won a spring major in Melbourne. He is the first WA-based jockey to win the Cox Plate. “I don’t ever dream of winning these races because I always thought it was too far to reach,“ Pike said. “I left last week a little disappointed, but he’s backed up. “He’s come off their backs and I knew he was

Trainer Andrea Leek, jockey William Pike, Mitch Leek and the strapper celebrate after winning Saturday’s Cox Plate at Flemington (AAP Photos) a chance. “I rode better, I was calmer through the first half to the top of the straight and he was strong through the line. “Thanks so much to the whole team. Look how many runs he’s had. He’s just so good.“ The 150th Cox Plate was moved to Flemington from its traditional home at Moonee Valley this year while the venue undergoes a major redevelopment. Pike, who screamed his mount’s name as broadcast cameras approached him post-race, admitted he lost a battle in his own mind when he celebrated the famous victory. “The moment gets the better of you and you stand up and you salute and you carry on, and it’s amazing,“ Pike said. “It’s amazing. Big crowd, iconic day. It’s most likely the only ever Cox Plate to be run here so it’s nice that we could etch our names in there.“ An emotional Peters declared it the most sig-

nificant triumph of his time in racing. “This is the biggest win. It’s the best race in Australia ... I don’t get speechless very often,“ Peters said. “I always looked at it as the best race in Australia and I think it’s a privilege to have a runner in it. “It’s great to do it with William (Pike) as well because we’ve been together since he was about 16 (years old) and I feel really good that he’s achieved something that he wanted to as well.“ Also on Saturday, leading trainer Ciaron Maher bolstered his Melbourne Cup hand when Juja Kibo claimed a ballot exemption by winning the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m). The Cranbourne-based Maher trained the first three across the line, with Kings Valley second and Mr Monaco third. All three are now headed back to Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, along with Maher’s Geelong Cup winner Point Of Law. “It couldn’t have worked out any better,“ Maher

Winners are grinners. Trainer Andrea Leek and jockey William Pike share a laugh after the big win of Cosmic Crusader told Seven. “Juja needed to win, Kings Valley needed to get up the order and Monaco was already in. “I can’t thank the team enough. Super job, great rides and bring on the Cup.“

Big night at Glover as Panther legends are immortalised Devon Meadows Cricket Club launched its Hall of Fame on Saturday night, recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions of some of the most significant figures in the Panthers’ history. The inaugural induction features 26 players who have represented the club with distinction across the club’s 57-year history, making significant contributions to its on-field success. At the time of their inductions, the 26 players had combined to play 5961 games, scored 106,066 runs, taken 5127 wickets, and played in 72 premierships, highlighting their combined achievements on the field. The Hall of Fame launch coincided with the 50th anniversary of the club’s only top-grade premiership, the 1976/77 A Grade title. The Golden Jubilee reunion provided a fitting occasion to reflect on the club’s history, bringing together past and present members to celebrate the people and moments that have helped define the Panthers. Since its formation in 1969, more than 1000 players have played senior cricket for the Devon Meadows Cricket Club - 312 of whom have featured in the first XI - and the Club has won 30 premierships. The inaugural class marks the beginning of what the club hopes will become a lasting tradition, recognising the achievements of past players and ensuring their contributions remain part of the Devon Meadows story for genera-

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Panther Hall of Fame inductees Andrew Churchus, Lincoln Hepburn, Jason Brzezowski, Peter Zauner, Ian Hopper, Darren O’Brien, Peter O’Brien and Mick Floyd are all smiles at Devon Meadows’ Golden Jubilee night. (Field of View Photography) tions to come. INAUGURAL INDUCTEES (Along with 1st XI Cap Number) Don McIvor (1) Keith Thomas (2) Daryl Bruce Hunt (9) Mark Edward Vivian (15) Stephen Noel Vivian (17) Denis Robert Cole (25) Cliff Carson (29) Peter O’Hare (32)

· · · · · · · · ·

· Stephen Carson (40) · Greg Needham (54) · Andrew John Churchus (130) · Lincoln John Hepburn (138) · Peter Matthew O’Brien (139) · Darren John O’Brien (141) · Peter Zauner (180) · Ian Hopper (181) · Michael Stephen Floyd (195) · Jason John Brzezowski (209)

Bill Loudon is now an immortalised name at the Devon Meadows Cricket Club.

· Mark Hosking (210) · Antony Graeme Scott (211) · William Robert Loudon (222) · Lucas Carroll (223) · Arthur Edward Churchill (231) · Kyle Edwin Salerno (236) · Nathan R Worsteling (251) · Allan Charles Tibballs See Pages 48 and 49 for full descriptions on every inductee

Thursday, 29 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 17

SPORT

Midweek action is here CRANBOURNE BOWLS CLUB Weekend Pennant Results saw the four Cranbourne Teams struggle against some good quality bowling of their opponents today. Simply outplayed in the end, so we’re going to need to be a bit tougher, step up and commit to the cause and do Cranbourne Bowls Club proud. The day started a little overcast following some overnight rain and the warm temperatures we’ve been enjoying over the past week disappeared. Our Cranbourne number one team, travelled down the road to the Pantherdome to take on the Narre Warren 1 Div 2 team. Our best performing rink was Skipped by Ron Lyfield, better known as “two dogs”, 3rd Neil Drummond, 2nd Judith Arms and Lead Ian Wallace who were in a great game with no quarter given against Sticks Allard, 3rd Colin Groom, 2nd Chris Fox and David Inifer, Leading and after 21 ends Narre Warren 1 (22) defeated Cranbourne 1 (21). This was followed by Chris Stevenson’s rink who went down by (25-15) -10 shots. Our other two teams suffered heavy defeats. Overall: Narre Warren 1 (118) to Cranbourne 1 (57) - 61 shots and 0 points. Cranbourne 2 Div 2 playing at home, took on Pakenham 2 on the back grass green. Our best rink was Skipped by Bill Bradbury, 3rd Roger Roscoe, 2nd Fritz Helle and Lead Sue Buchan tried very hard but were overrun and went down (20 - 15) - 5 shots. Our next best was Skipped by Steve Hickson, 3rd John Stanley, 2nd. John Anstiss and Lead Chris Sharpe tried hard but went down by 14 shots and zero points. Our other two rinks obviously suffered some heavy defeats, losing their rinks by 18 and 20 shots respectively. Overall: Cranbourne 2 Div 2 (46) were defeated by Pakenham, 1 (103) - 57 shots and 0 points, Cranbourne 3 Div 4 travelled to take on Berwick 4 on their front grass green. Our best performing rink was Skipped by Derek Maguire, 3rd Yvonne Van Der Wees, 2nd Bruce Harper and Lead Graeme Vosen. After leading for most of the day, it came down to the last bowl on the last end, but Derek managed to find a hole between the shot bowl and the jack. Valiant effort to go down by one shot. The team Skipped by Brian Turton, Bob Bellamy, Cheryl Wright and Peter Margiannis fought all the way with little luck and only went down by 5 shots (19-14). The team of Skip Simon Mallia, Harry Van Soest, John Kent and Bob Gye were also lacking that little luck, going down to Berwick team by 5 shots (21-16). Our final rink of Scott DePiazza, Steve Bakker, David McMaster and Mark Blythman also could have had a little more luck, but went down by 6 shots (20-14) -6 shots. Overall Cranbourne 3 Div 4 (58) were defeated by Berwick 4, 1 (75) -17 shots and 0 points. Finally, our most successful team of the day was Cranbourne 4 (12-A-Side) who were handed a FORFEIT by Mordialloc 3, were awarded 16 points +12 shots. A tough day, but we’ll learn from it and get better. MIDWEEK Opening round of midweek pennant was a reasonably good day for Cranbourne Bowls Club. The sun shone, as did all of the teams today. Both Cranbourne 1 Div 2 travelled to Glen Waverley to take on their number 1 team on grass, and two out of three rinks went Cranbourne’s way. Best rink was Skipped by Stephan Bentley, 3rd Steve Hickson, 2nd Judy Arms and Lead Ian Wallace. Winning their game and finishing runner up behind Steve Bentley’s team was the team Skipped by Bill Sherriff, 3rd Phil Nielsen, 2nd Chris Sharpe, and Lead Frank Verco was our second winning rink, beating their opponents (2421). Last but not least was the team of Skip Phil Brady, 3rd Chris Stevenson, 2nd Karen Hickson and Lead Vic Butera had a little off day for them and went down by (18-24) -6 shots and zero points. Overall: Cranbourne 1 Div 2 (64) defeated Glen Waverley 1 (55) +9 shots and 14 points. Cranbourne 2 Div 3 took on Pakenham 2 on the back grass green.

18 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 29 October, 2026

Cranbourne’s Bill Bradbury was in fine form on the green. (Gary Sissons: 525932)

The local bowlers managed to make the most of the sunny weather. (587026)

Enjoying the yarns and the bowling is Pakenham’s Rod Bayliss and Norm Box. (587026)

There was plenty of friendly rivalries in the game between Cranbourne and Pakenham. (Supplied: 587026) It started a little slow, a bit like myself, but as the day moved on, it became a lot better to roll and by the end of the day, everybody quite enjoyed it. Best rink was Skipped by Brian Turton, 3rd Derek Maguire, 2nd John Kent and Lead Theresa Von Oppeln, played some good bowls and put pressure on her opposite Lead and then everyone else did something when necessary and we ended up winning our rink. (19-13) + 6 shots and 4 points. Our team Skipped by John Stanley, 3rd Dermot McConville, 2nd Barb Gobel and Lead Sue Buchan also had a good tussle with their opponents, but went down by 2 shots and zero points. Our third team, Skipped by Scott DePiazza, 3rd Louis Magri, 2nd Graeme Vosen, Lead John Anstiss won (19-15). Overall: Cranbourne 2 Div 3 (57) defeated Pakenham 2 (49) + 8 shots and 14 points. Cranbourne 3 (Div 6) hosted Carrum 2 (Div 6)

on the back green, utilizing rinks 20, 21 & 22 on the back grass green. Best rink was Skipped by Dennis Tomlin, 3rd Lois Brock, 2nd Cheryl Wright and Lead Allison Devine who won their rink by + 8 shots and 2 points. Next best rink was Skipped by Fritz Helle, 3rd Peter Margiannis, 2nd Claudio Miotto, with Lead Denise Meulman who also had a close game, but got the chocolates winning their rink (23-20) + 3 shots and 2 points. Overall: Cranbourne 3 Div 6 defeated Carrum 2 Div 6 (23 - 20) + 3 shots and 2 points. Our Cranbourne 4 team (6-A-side) travelled down the Nepean Highway and stopped off at Chelsea Bowling Club. The current new people that recently joined our club with two new bowlers in the lead positions. The team Skipped by Mark Blythman, 2nd

Ron Lyfield battled hard for Cranbourne on Saturday. (Gary Sissons: 530052) Sandra Farlie and Lead Peter Hunter who have not played on a fast synthetic before and did a great job, winning the rink 17-14. Our other 6-A-Side team was Skipped by Bruce Harper, 2nd Steve Bakker and Lead Joan Vosen excelled themselves to win by 8 shots (23-15) and for a little while this morning Steve Bakker had a little trouble trying to get his car to find Chelsea Bowling Club, but eventually he made it safe and sound. Overall: Cranbourne 4 (6-A-Side) defeated Chelsea 2 (17-14). Overall: Cranbourne 4 (40) defeated Chelsea 2 (29) +11 shots and 14 points. On behalf of the Midweek Selectors, the Board and Club Members we offer every team today our sincerest congratulations on a job well done. Be very proud of what you all did today and we can only get better. - Derek Maguire

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SPORT

Wickets aplenty in Turf 2 By Blair Burns The inclement weather meant that only one DDCA Turf 2 match was able to get underway on Saturday as HSD held on for a narrow first-innings victory against Cranbourne, winning by 19 runs. At the conclusion of last week’s action, the game hung in the balance with HSD bowled out for 115 and Cranbourne well poised in the run chase at 5/76 at the end of day one. Liam O’Connor (31) top-scored for the Cobras, while Ahmed took 5/28 off 15 overs. Trailing by only 39 runs, the Eagles backed themselves to chase down the target, but at the same time, HSD knew a few wickets could change the game. Resuming its innings at 5/76, Cranbourne faced some early trouble as some tight bowling from the Cobras put them immediately on the back foot. Eagles captain Cameron Kelly (24) dug in, as did Ketan Bakshi (20) putting their side in a decent position. But it was Liam O’Connor who was the star of the show once again. After making 31 with the bat in the first innings, the HSD skipper came on and took five wickets to bowl Cranbourne out for 96 and secure victory, finishing with impressive figures of 5/14 off 10.3 overs. This meant that on day two, the Cobras took 5/20 to restrict Cranbourne to 96 and get the points. O’Connor set up the clinical bowling performance and ensured that his side took its season record to 2-0, backing up his four-wicket haul from round one. The Cobras went back in to bat and finished the day at 6/69 as O’Connor (33 not out) capped off a remarkable match, with 64 of his team’s 184 runs and half of their wickets.

DDCA

DANDENONG DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION

TURF 2 REVIEW - ROUND 2 (DAY 2)

HSD skipper Liam O’Connor was outstanding with bat and ball as he led his side to victory against the Eagles. (584989) HSD sits second on the ladder behind North Dandenong. TRIPLE TREAT FOR AHMED Despite the loss, Cranbourne’s Raja Ahmed produced a spectacular individual performance, taking 8/52 for the match, including a hat-trick on Saturday. Ahmed put the Eagles on his back last week and after going for a few runs in round one against Silverton, he stuck to his guns and delivered. Taking the new ball, Ahmed was consistently troubling the batters with his medium pacers and ended up with 5/28 in the first innings, including seven maidens. But it was the second innings where Ahmed achieved something that all bowlers dream of ... a

hat-trick. At 2/41, HSD was cruising along before Ahmed came back on for a second spell and struck in his eighth over. Three balls later and the Cobras were 5/41 as Ahmed and his Cranbourne teammates celebrated a hat-trick. The first wicket was Charlie Sharland (3) as Ahmed snuck one past him and rattled his pegs, Anuda Akmeemana was next to go as he was trapped LBW on his first ball. Jude Owen came out to face the hat-trick ball and also fell victim as Ahmed once again hit the stumps, bowling him for a first-ball duck. The hat-trick gave the Eagles something to smile about as Ahmed finished with 3/21 off 15 overs.

Cranbourne now prepares for a big clash against Parkmore in a one-day match this Saturday. OTHER GAMES The three other matches in Turf 2 didn’t see any play go ahead on Saturday due to the rain. North Dandenong had already beaten last year’s grand finalist Parkfield on day one of their encounter. The Maroons bowled the Bandits out for just 97, before going in and passing the total with ease, with 2/144 on the board at stumps and a cruisy first-innings win. A comprehensive team bowling performance from North Dandenong was the difference, with coach Adeel Hussain (3/31) and Sushant Gupta (3/22) starting well, with great support from Khair Muhammad (2/32) and Syed Mehmood (2/8). Mehmood was brilliant with the bat, belting 69 on day one, while Sayed Rihan (49 not out) got the team to an impressive score. Narre Warren was lucky to get a draw against Springvale South after being bowled out for 140 last week. The Bloods were already at 3/113 after day one and only trailed 27 runs, so the rain was the last thing they needed. The match between Silverton (215) and Parkmore (2/36) also ended in a draw with no play on Saturday. Sandeep Singh (82) was a standout performer for the Bakers, top-scoring on day one. ROUND 3 FIXTURE Parkfield v Springvale South @ Parkfield Reserve, Narre Warren v North Dandenong @ Sweeney Reserve, Parkmore v Cranbourne @ Frederick Wachter Reserve, HSD v Silverton @ K.M Reedy Recreation Reserve.

DDCA Turf 1 Scoreboard Round 2 (Two Day - DAY 2) Saturday October 24, 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. BERWICK - 1ST INNINGS L. Brown c I. Laghmani b J. Hammond ...................... 12 J. Wills run out (J. Khan) ................................................ 34 J. Hancock c C. Connolly b J. Hammond .................... 52 M. Wallace c L. Scott b I. Laghmani ........................... 11 C. Imbulagoda lbw b J. Hammond .............................. 33 V. Liyanage not out ......................................................... 81 B. Herkess c C. Connolly b J. Hammond .................... 14 E. Mathews run out (L. Brown, J. Khan) .........................2 T. Rex lbw b J. Hammond .................................................1 O. Booth c I. Laghmani b J. Khan....................................3 C. Bevan not out.............................................................. 22 Extras 0WD, 0NB, 2LB, 0B...............................................2 Total: (76 Overs)....................................................... 9/266 Fall of Wickets: 1-24 L. Brown, 2-58 J. Wills, 3-77 M. Wallace, 4-128 J. Hancock, 5-161 C. Imbulagoda, 6-203 B. Herkess, 7-211 E. Mathews, 8-211 T. Rex, 9-220 O. Booth. Hallam Kalora Park Bowling: J. Hammond 22.1-2-665, L. Scott 15.5-1-47-0, L. Brown 16-2-60-0, J. Khan 11.1-1-32-1, I. Laghmani 9-0-43-1, S. Ranawaka 1.5-0-16-0. Match drawn. • 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 J. Robertson c B. Baxter b J. Wyatt.................................4

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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. SPRINGVALE SOUTH - 1ST INNINGS M. Forsyth b J. Robertson .................................................7 R. Quirk c J. Munday b J. Robertson............................ 11 C. Forsyth b D. Bandulasena ........................................ 38 D. Opanayaka not out .................................................... 74 J. Wyatt run out (C. Eaton, K. Alang) ........................... 25 B. Baxter not out ............................................................. 49 Extras 8WD, 2NB, 5LB, 2B............................................ 17 Total: (62.1 Overs) ................................................... 4/221 Fall of Wickets: 1-16 M. Forsyth, 2-25 R. Quirk, 3-96 C. Forsyth, 4-133 J. Wyatt. Coomoora Bowling: J. Robertson 18-1-70-2, K. Alang 25-8-50-0, D. Bandulasena 13-0-57-1, S. Masroor 4.1-0-26-0, D. Gemmell-Smith 1-1-0-0, C. Eaton 1-011-0. Springvale South won by six wickets. • 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 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. • BUCKLEY RIDGES - 1ST INNINGS A. Taniwal b J. Camilleri....................................................1 C. Gray run out (N. Fonseka, D. Kulasekara) ................0 Y. Iqbal c J. Smith b M. Bandara .................................. 35 R. Stewart b L. Richardson ........................................... 34 T. Walcott c M. Bandara b R. Siwes............................. 21 R. Silva not out ................................................................ 44 I. Jayarathna b J. Camilleri ...............................................5 H. Ali b J. Camilleri .............................................................0 S. Mosavi lbw b D. Kulasekara ........................................3 R. Jordan not out................................................................1 W. Ali did not bat Extras 4WD, 0NB, 2LB, 0B...............................................6 Total: (60 Overs)....................................................... 8/150 Fall of Wickets: 1-1 A. Taniwal, 2-2 C. Gray, 3-68 R. Stewart, 4-76 Y. Iqbal, 5-114 T. Walcott, 6-123 I. Jayarathna, 7-123 H. Ali, 8-133 S. Mosavi. Dandenong West Bowling: D. Nuwan Kulasekara 13-2-31-1, J. Camilleri 13-1-36-3, L. Richardson 12-518-1, D. Shehan Senavirathna 5-1-21-0, M. Bandara 11-1-27-1, R. Siwes 5-0-10-1, S. Weir 1-0-5-0. Match drawn. • 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 (resumed at 1/10) V. Jayasuriya lbw b T. De Silva .........................................6 O. Ariyadasa b A. Walgamage ........................................4 J. Mendis lbw b T. De Silva ...............................................1 D. Perera lbw b T. De Silva ...............................................0

J. Mendis c J. Cronin b T. De Silva ...................................9 A. Snelling b T. De Silva ................................................. 11 T. Arnold lbw b A. Walgamage ..................................... 21 T. Abeywickrama c M. Tielen b A. Walgamage ............5 C. Tout b M. Tielen .............................................................1 S. Wijerathne run out (A. Walgamage, M. Tielen) .......0 B. Hopkins not out .............................................................0 Extras 0WD, 4NB, 1LB, 8B............................................ 13 Total: (30.1 Overs) .......................................................... 71 Fall of Wickets: 1-7 O. Ariyadasa, 2-13 V. Jayasuriya, 3-13 D. Perera, 4-14 J. Mendis, 5-32 J. Mendis, 6-41 A. Snelling, 7-59 T. Abeywickrama, 8-68 C. Tout, 9-70 S. Wijerathne, 10-71 T. Arnold. Beaconsfield Bowling: T. De Silva 9-2-16-5, M. Tielen 7-2-10-1, A. Walgamage 10.1-4-21-3, M. Drury 4-115-0. NARRE SOUTH - 2ND INNINGS V. Jayasuriya lbw b T. De Silva .........................................0 O. Ariyadasa st J. Cronin b A. Walgamage....................4 J. Mendis run out (A. Walgamage) .................................0 D. Perera c J. Hynes b A. Walgamage......................... 16 J. Mendis c T. Clark b A. Walgamage .......................... 20 A. Snelling lbw b A. Walgamage.....................................0 T. Arnold c T. De Silva b A. Walgamage...................... 21 T. Abeywickrama c M. Tielen b A. Walgamage ............0 C. Tout b A. Walgamage ...................................................0 S. Wijerathne c B. Erasmus b M. Tielen ........................5 B. Hopkins not out .............................................................0 Extras 0WD, 0NB, 3LB, 9B............................................ 12 Total: (28.1 Overs) .......................................................... 78 Fall of Wickets: 1-0 V. Jayasuriya, 2-6 O. Ariyadasa, 3-8 J. Mendis, 4-44 D. Perera, 5-44 A. Snelling, 6-59 J. Mendis, 7-59 T. Abeywickrama, 8-61 C. Tout, 9-78 T. Arnold, 10-78 S. Wijerathne. Beaconsfield Bowling: T. De Silva 4-1-5-1, A. Walgamage 14-2-42-7, J. Hayton 4-2-5-0, M. Tielen 6.1-2-14-1. Beaconsfield won by an innings and 32 runs.

TURF 1 TOP PERFORMERS (ROUND 2) BATTING Vinuda Liyanage Dasun Opanayaka Tyler Clark Austin Fardell Nick Suppree BOWLING Ashan Walgamage Trishane De Silva Jordan Hammond Jeevan Mendis Yousaf Iqbal

Berwick ......................................81 Springvale South ......................74 Beaconsfield .............................72 Hallam Kalora Park..................71 Coomoora .................................64 Beaconsfield ........................7/42 Beaconsfield ........................5/16 Hallam Kalora Park.............5/66 Narre South..........................4/61 Buckley Ridges ....................4/64

Thursday, 29 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 19

12905998-KA44-26

20 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 29 October, 2026

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