News - Berwick Star News - 3rd July 2025

Change fallout

By Ethan Benedicto

The renaming of Berwick Springs Lake to Guru Nanak Lake has remained a lightning rod for community sentiment, sparking ongoing discussions well beyond the original announcement. While the official change was backed by statelevel decisions and recognition from Geographic Names Victoria, what followed has been a deeper, more layered conversation—one that blends issues of identity, community voice, government process, and digital mapping. Recent fluctuations in the alternative naming of neighbouring facilities on platforms like Google Maps have raised fresh concerns, reigniting debate among residents and local groups about the flow-on effects of the lake’s rebranding.

Google’s practice of naming places follows official government sources, and while it does not automatically rename neighbouring places, its machine-learning models and algorithms might suggest alternative names that are based on textual references.

Central to the issue is a sense of being sidelined—of decisions made without consultation, and of digital representations shifting in ways that many feel don’t reflect the lived reality of the Berwick Springs community.

As this story continues to unfold, questions around transparency, accountability, and community consultation remain at the forefront.

For the full story, turn to page 7

Trio jailed for park attacks

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Three “misguided” vigilantes have been locked up after they lured, filmed and bashed gay men in Berwick parklands.

Mahdi Nowruzi, Abdullah Bloch and Albin Idrizi, all 20, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to the violent attacks which included an armed robbery in September last year.

The trio had used fake profiles on dating apps Grindr and Scruff to meet up with two victims at night.

Bloch was also involved in an attack on a third victim.

In sentencing on 26 June, Simon Moglia said their acts were a “horrific example of group think” and “misguided, mutual peer pressure” in targeting men to make “easy money”.

The group’s repeated, offensive comments particularly about gay men were “absolutely abhorrent” – and aimed to denigrate and humiliate their victims.

On 27 September, a victim was lured on Grindr to meet a purported 22-year-old man in a Berwick park.

Later, one of the group called to falsely claim they were only 15.

In the darkness, a group of males inflicted “substantial humiliation” during a prolonged, videoed attack.

As he fled, he was tackled to the ground, kicked to the face, beaten with a metal pole and put in a choke hold to the point that he lost consciousness.

He was told “f***ing fags should die and go to hell,” and that “you’ve got to stop f***ing around with gay guys” and to delete Grindr, get married and have kids.

Under threats of violence, the victim was told to open his bank app on his phone.

The group stole $8000 from his account in two withdrawals, leaving messages “Happy Birthday” and “Thanks for a special night”.

The victim was told to get on the ground, look into the camera and apologise. He was told not to move until the group left.

He made his way to a police station, where an ambulance was called. He was hospitalised with a fractured eye socket and nose as well as internal bleeding, bruising and swelling.

Five nights earlier, another victim was

filmed as he was gang-bashed.

An assailant tried to choke him with rope, and another told the victim to run or he’d be killed. If he reported it to police, they threatened to release the video on YouTube.

On 1 September, Bloch and three other men surrounded a victim and videoed him being slapped, kicked and put in a choke-hold.

They threatened to post the video online.

When arrested in October, the three co-accused gave no-comment interviews and refused to allow police to access their phones.

At the time, Bloch and Idrizi were already on CCOs for violent offending.

In December, Nowruzi was released on Youth Justice-supervised bail, since complying with appointments, counselling and drug-and-alcohol treatment.

Showing “partial” remorse, Nowruzi said he was motivated by witnessing child-sex abuse.

Sentencing judge Simon Moglia said there was no basis for Nowruzi believing the victims were sex offenders, nor any reason for him to act like he did.

Bloch showed limited insight and a lack of remorse and empathy for his offending – ex-

pressing that the victims deserved what they got.

He was assessed as a high risk of violent reoffending.

Judge Moglia also didn’t accept Bloch’s stated motive - to confront paedophiles and sex offenders – as a reasonable excuse.

Idrizi was said to have suffered unresolved trauma from child abuse in the past, which Judge Moglia accepted contributed to his offending.

A psychologist reported Idrizi no longer expressed hostility to gay men. In the past, he couldn’t distinguish between them and sex offenders.

He also showed some insight and remorse, and showed more prospects for reform than his co-offenders, the judge said.

Bloch was jailed for three years and four months, with a 22-month non-parole period.

Nowrizi was sentenced to two years and seven months in youth detention.

Idrizi was jailed for two years and eight months, with an 18-month non-parole period. Each of them were ordered to pay compensation for the robbery.

Satellite car park postponed for community consultation

The proposed satellite car park at the end of Kramer Drive in Berwick has been temporarily rescinded in the most recent City of Casey agenda, with community consultation to begin in the first quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year.

In Casey’s agenda, under its Capital Works Program 2025/2026, it was stated that the project has been removed due to public submissions, and to also allow for community consultation on the project before it is considered for reintroduction for funding at a later date.

The car park was projected to cost $310,000 according to Casey’s April agenda, a development that was protested by residents who cited congestion, and a “soft foot in the door” to more unwanted amenities in the area as the main reasons.

The car park was initially identified in the 2022 master plan for Wilson Botanic Park and was stated to provide an additional 66 parking spaces on site.

Initial plans for the car park were to alleviate the current stress experienced by the main car park through Princes Highway, as park visitations hit 910,501 patrons in 2024.

Local resident Sophie, who had also spoken out about the car park in previous instances, shared with Star News that during the special council meeting in May, she, alongside neighbours, attended, and that a mutual understanding was reached with the councillors on the topic.

In an email exchange with Casey, the council shared that in the coming weeks, they will be conducting investigative work for the project, as well as a full traffic and parking impact assessment.

According to the 2022 master plan, consultation periods about general park improvements extended from January to April 2020. This included 187 community intercept surveys, online Casey Conversations surveys, meetings with the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park, the Australian Plant Society Committee and the Community Reference Group.

During the May special meeting, Sophie, speaking to the council group, said that she had taken the time to read over the master plan, highlighting that the satellite car park is a “long-term concept” and intended for review “beyond a 20-year horizon”.

“It is, by the plan’s own terms, out of scope, until at least the first scheduled review in 2026.

“There has been no formal variation to that plan, no strategic update, and no transparent justification provided for fast-tracking this project out of its intended timeline,” she said.

Sophie further added that for her, it “clouds community trust in long-term planning”, especially when “out of scope” items are instead prioritised ahead of essential short and medium-term works.

She highlighted neighbouring residents, as well as herself, are “united in our concerns”, and that they take pride in the special community feeling.

“They’ve had surveyors up there, so from my understanding, it’s soon to be time for consultation,” Sophie said.

“And I really appreciated that the mayor, the deputy mayor and councillors were really attentive to us.

“They spent a good half an hour with us, and

This comes alongside environmental and visual impact reviews and detailed operational planning.

our conversations alerted them to the fact that there really was no consultation or anything done around it.”

Sophie added that she was glad to see that the project is now going to be taken to the beginning of the process, such as traffic analyses“the way that all projects should be undertaken with thorough thought and consultation from the residents”.

“We absolutely love Wilson Botanic Park… but with that significance comes responsibility,” she said.

“I just ask that careful, respectful consideration is given to the area in which it resides, especially when it borders long-standing residential streets like Kramer Drive.

“Any development needs to reflect not just the needs of the park, but the people who live around it and have helped shape this neighbourhood into what it is today.”

The green open space behind the homes on Outlook Drive, Berwick, was the initial proposed space for the satellite car park in Wilson Botanic Park, a decision protested by residents. (On File)

By Ethan Benedicto

Loop set to cut time

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The Suburban Rail Loop will cut travel times by up to 30 minutes for South East commuters, according to modelling released by the State Government.

The SRL East Travel Time Estimates report states a Narre Warren student will be able to commute to Deakin University, Burwood in 40 minutes – a saving of 24 minutes by current PT and 21 minutes versus driving.

Sandown Park residents could reach Box Hill in 25 minutes with SRL East – saving 30 minutes by current PT and 16 minutes versus driving.

Springvale residents can travel to Cheltenham in 16 minutes versus 42 minutes on current PT and 26 minutes driving.

Dandenong locals could save 30 minutes travelling to Box Hill (33 minutes) versus current PT and six minutes versus driving.

East Pakenham-Box Hill trips (63 minutes) would also be 30 minutes faster than current PT and 10 minutes faster than driving.

The report compared estimates for current PT and driving trips to SRL commutes at about 8am peak times.

Estimates were calculated using the Public Transport Victoria app for PT trips – taking into account timetable changes due to the Metro Tunnel opening.

Car journeys were estimated using Google Maps under contemporary traffic conditions.

According to the report, car trips would likely be longer in 2035 when SRL East opens, due to population growth and congestion.

The State Government claims the SRL will also reduce congestion by taking 600,000 cars off the road each day.

About 70,000 passengers a day would save time.

It will also help create 70,000 homes around the stations, the Government states.

Travel times into Melbourne’s east will be substantially quicker on the Suburban Rail Loop, according to government-released modelling. (Stewart Chambers: 411491)

Premier Jacinta Allan in launching the report on 29 June said “Victorians want to spend less time stuck in traffic or stuck on the train – and I’m on their side”.

Suburban Rail Loop Minister Harriet Shing said the SRL would also deliver “thousands more homes so young Victorians can live in

ly-released business case.

“How can they come out and tell us we’re going to save ‘x’ amount of minutes on a train in 2035 but still have to be confirmed next year in the budget?

“They’re so dishonest that can’t tell the Victorian community how much they’re going

Ram-raid in Narre Warren

Police are investigating after a ram raid at a business in Narre Warren overnight between Thursday, 26 and Friday, 27 June.

It is understood that unknown offenders used a vehicle to smash the front of the store on Victor Crescent and stole a cash register sometime overnight.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Suspicious school fire

CFA responded to a structure fire about 9.30pm Monday at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar School on Gloucester Ave in Berwick. Crews arrived to find a 40m by 20m structure fire.

CFA had nine units on scene supported by FRV. Fortunately, the fire was able to be contained to the building of origin and did not spread. The incident was declared under con-

Helping hands face hurdles

By Ethan Benedicto

Unfair and unreasonable are the words sung by volunteers at BK2Basics on the City of Casey’s permit requirements, as the charity’s plea to the public for VCAT funding continues to grow.

On a rather warm Friday morning, the line of residents had already extended out to the warehouse’s driveway, just 20 minutes after the doors opened at 10am.

Laurie Messenger recently celebrated his 80th birthday in May and has been volunteering with the charity for several years.

His favourite part? Just being able to lend a helping hand.

“Well, I’m retired now and I enjoy the company and the challenge, we’ve got a lot of stuff that we [volunteers] need to sort out,” he said.

“But this also gives me that good feeling of being able to help others, to just lend a hand and help out.”

The City of Casey’s officers, prior to the council meeting on 12 June, initially recommended that councillors refuse the permit application based on insufficient car parking, traffic and road safety impacts, as well as loading and unloading, noise and waste storage challenges.

However, the officers, alongside the councillor group, acknowledged the importance of the charity in Casey, valuing its “wonderful work” in supporting vulnerable community members.

Despite this, and from Laurie’s perspective, the council’s most recent extension of six months and the overall requirements of the permit are “disgusting”.

“We’ve got a good system going here, and they’re trying to put hurdles in front of everybody all the time.

“I don’t know how they keep going like that, and it’s full on [here]; I get here around 7:30am, and the people come in around 10am, and it’s full on.

“Because of the council’s rules, we’re not allowed certain things, and it makes it harder for us; but we’ve got that hurdle and we got to keep going,” Laurie said.

Fellow volunteer Tracy is in the same boat, with no need to recount the number of people that the charity sees on a daily basis.

She began her journey with the charity when it operated out of a home, and now “we’re back to square one with their restrictions”.

“It makes us feel disheartened because you know, for Craig and Kelly, this is their baby, but all of us put so much hard work and dedication into doing this.

“It really is disheartening because it’s going to affect a whole lot of people in the Casey area,” she said.

In light of the six-month leeway, the charity has recently announced a crowdfunding initiative to help support their application for a VCAT case, something that Kelly has publicly stated she did want to do.

“Kelly does not like asking anyone for help, let alone asking other people for money,” Tracy said.

“We’re here to help the residents of Casey who are struggling, and now, you know, the tables have sort of turned, and we’re going to be struggling to pay for VCAT fees.

“Council has made it near impossible for us

to continue operating the way we have been for the last seven years.”

Posted by the charity on 22 June on Facebook, they stated that after receiving strong legal advice, their only real avenue was for VCAT action, with 28 days to lodge the appeal and total legal costs ranging between $10,000 and $15,000.

Posted on 25 June, the current funds raised sat at $5764, a significant amount just three days after the charity’s official announcement.

Katrina, who also volunteers at the charity, had only been doing so for just over a month,

saying that she had heard of it and thought of nothing else but being able to help.

“I love seeing people being so grateful for the food they get, you know? We’re helping so many of them just to put food on the table,” Katrina said.

As people lined up in the warehouse, she was in charge of evenly handing out frozen goods, such as yoghurts, fruits, and even McDonald’s apple pies.

Reflecting on the council’s permit requirements, the only remark she could think of was

that “it’s ridiculous that anyone would want to stop a charity from helping people out”.

“Like, I mean, looking at the amount of people that come through here just to get food, I don’t know why anyone would want to stop that, and it makes me angry,” she said.

Laurie Messenger, a volunteer at BK2Basics who had been with the charity for several years, said that he loves lending a helping hand, and was a little less of a fan of the council’s permit requirements. (Ethan Benedicto: 487028_01)

Katrina, while only having been with the charity for a month, has felt its impact on the local community. (Ethan Benedicto: 487028_05)

At just 30 minutes past 10am on Friday, the line for the warehouse on Vesper Drive had already grown, with volunteers saying many more are to come. (Ethan Benedicto: 487028_04)

The left side row of the warehouse saw a wall full of greens, from oranges, bananas, to other veggies ripe for the taking. (Ethan Benedicto: 487028_02)

Uber carjacker sentenced

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A carjacker who ordered a cheeseburger and stole an Uber driver’s car in Doveton before dangerously evading a police pursuit has been jailed.

Zoe Voice, then 22, made the Uber order on her phone, then with two male co-offenders preyed upon the delivery-driver in his 2006 Toyota Yaris about 2am on 27 November last year.

As the driver got out of his car, one of the males emerged with an extendable baton – which the driver thought was a knife or sword.

The man demanded the driver’s car key and phone, then he and Voice got in the car and sped off.

The Uber driver – an international student who had worked and saved hard for the car and phone – tried to open the driver-side door.

He was then threatened by another male in the street, holding what appeared to be a knife.

“If you try to argue with me, I’ll f*** you – so go

away,” the male said.

The Yaris stopped several hundred metres away and Voice swapped into the driver’s seat due to her companion being unable to control the car.

Later that morning, police spotted Voice erratically driving the car at excessive speeds through several Cranbourne West streets.

Police used stop-sticks to deflate all four tyres of the Yaris, and pursued with lights and sirens.

However Voice continued driving, until coming to a stop on a median strip in Evans Road.

A bottle of 1,4-butanediol was found in the car, which Voice’s co-offender admitted was his.

In a police interview, Voice’s responses were that she couldn’t remember anything or didn’t know.

Voice pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to carjacking and dangerous driving while pursued by police.

In sentencing on 30 June, Judge Wendy Wilm-

oth said the driving was “extremely dangerous, fast and erratic”.

She noted the victim “lost so much and still suffers emotionally”.

Left out on the street without a car or phone at night, he called out for help. No one came out to assist, so he knocked on a resident’s door to call triple-0.

Since the incident, he felt completely alone and unprotected, Judge Wilmoth said.

The threats with a weapon still played on his mind each day, no longer left his home at night and slept with lights on.

Voice, now 23, had served several short jail stints and breached three community correction orders since first appearing in court in 2021.

Much of her offending occurred while in an abusive, drug-taking relationship with a man –who has been jailed for other offending.

In 2024, she was released on a CCO with little progress. She became depressed after bowel-re-

moval surgery for ulcerative colitis, and relapsed into GHB and ice use.

This was the context for her most recent offending, which she had little recollection of, Judge Wilmoth noted.

Voice had shown little remorse, other than an early guilty plea, the judge said.

Carjacking carries mandatory jail unless in exceptional circumstances.

Voice’s lawyer conceded that no exception applied.

Taking into account Voice’s youthfulness, Judge Wilmoth said her sentence would combine jail with an opportunity for drug-addiction treatment on parole.

Voice was jailed for three years and three months, with an 18-month non-parole period. Her term included 216 days in pre-sentence remand.

Voice was also disqualified from driving for two years.

Winter fire warning for Casey following warm, dry autumn

The City of Casey has issued a fire warning as the middle of the winter season approaches, following an unusually warm and dry autumn.

According to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for winter 2025, the combination of record-breaking temperatures and low rainfall has created conditions that are ripe for fire activity.

The statistics identify heightened risks from the southern coasts of Southern Australia, all the way to Wilsons Promontory in Victoria, with an outlier region in the northwest around Wangaratta.

In this, the City of Casey is well within the ‘red’ margin, likewise with neighbouring LGAs and the entire Mornington Peninsula.

March and April recorded the fourth-high-

est temperatures on record, with rainfall falling well below average across much of Victoria.

While long-running bushfires are not expected, the risk of fires sparked by uncontrolled burn-offs and other human activities remains high. Even though the days are cooler, the landscape remains dry enough to allow fires to start and spread quickly if a burn-off gets out of control, especially when coupled with strong winds. The Casey council has emphasised that those looking to do burn-offs to remain vigilant and that a permit must be acquired before doing so. Safety precautions before doing a burnoff include checking the weather forecast on the day and a couple of days after, with special attention to wind speeds.

Also, removing flammable material from

and around the burn site to reduce the risk of spreading is a must, followed by a sufficient water supply nearby to extinguish a possible outbreak.

To apply for a permit to burn on private property, visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/permit-burn-private-property

For Country Fire Victoria’s declared fire danger period, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period/fire-restriction-dates

The City of Casey has warned residents planning burn-offs to remain vigilant, as the LGA, alongside much of western and parts of southeastern Victoria, are under an increased risk of fire. (On file)

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Representing the country

Berwick College’s Basketball Academy is set to take on an international stage, after being selected to represent Australia at the prestigious NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore this July.

The Berwick-based school is one of just two Australian teams invited to the tournament, a showcase of some of the best emerging talent across Asia.

For the coaches, staff, and players, it’s a moment of recognition and reflection. Director of the Basketball Academy, Shannan Davey, said the invitation was a testament to the effort and consistency the program has built over time.

“This is an incredible reward for our boys and girls programs,” he said.

“It’s a true reflection of their hard work and consistency over the last 12 to 18 months.

“This opportunity validates the time and effort we’ve put into developing our student-athletes, both on and off the court.”

Berwick College’s selection comes off the back of a strong campaign at the 2024 Australian School Championships, where the team’s performance earned national attention.

However, for Davey and his team, the goal has always been more than just results.

“We aim to give our students an experience

not just the school, but the country.

“We’re incredibly honoured to be representing Berwick College, our school community, and Australia at the NBA Rising Stars Invitational,” Leonard said.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity, and our selected team has worked tirelessly over the past 12 to 18 months, showing unwavering commitment and drive to reach this level.

“For them to be recognised with this invitation is a true credit to their hard work, discipline, and development both on and off the court.”

Leonard described the group as one that plays the game “the right way”, adding that the students live by values of “respect, integrity and teamwork”.

“I couldn’t be prouder to lead this group on the international stage.”

Set to take place in Singapore, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational is expected to bring together elite high school programs from across Asia. For Berwick College, it’s a chance to test their mettle, embrace the challenge, and represent their school with pride.

“We can’t wait to get over to Singapore, represent our college with pride, and compete alongside some of the best young basketball talent in the region,” Leonard said.

When global conflict causes turbulence at a local level...

TRUTH BE TOLD

DR. JAMEL KAUR SINGH & DYA SINGH

In our first column we wrote about youth crime and the cracks forming in Australia’s social fabric. We return to those cracks - but this time, they are not being caused by our youth.

They are being caused by us, the adults.

In recent months, we have seen racist banners in Docklands, neo-Nazi marches in Melbourne, places of worship attacked, and increasing community tensions flaring after global conflicts.

Protests around the Israel–Palestine war, now further fuelled by Israel/USA-Iran war, have heightened fear and anger, leading to division.

New laws are being rushed through parliaments.

We are seeing bans on protests symbols in NSW, a hate speech bill in Victoria, and concerningyouth‘adultcrime-adulttime’inQueensland. But are we solving anything?

Are we losing our grip on social cohesion and expecting legislation to solve the problems?

The real danger is not in protests, it is in polarisation.

For example, any sane sensible person would feel the pain for the thousands being killed in Gaza, especially innocent children, but do the

same protestors realise that they are causing isolation for the Jewish community here?

Let us be clear.

This is not about justifying extremist views or excusing hate speech.

This is about exposing the deeper problem, a vacuum of Cultural Intelligence (CQ).

When we remove the ability to talk, understand and learn, all that is left is fear and reaction.

Just with youth crime, these adult actions are not only ‘criminal’, they are cultural symptoms of disconnection, of misunderstanding, and of division masquerading as diversity.

Social breakdown is not an ethnic problem.

It is a national problem.

A reader recently emailed us after our last column and said: “It’s not about culture, it’s about crime.”

We appreciated the feedback - and respectfully, we believe it is all connected.

Culture is not just curry nights and costumes.

It is how people think, grieve, protest, raise children, express frustration, and how society responds to all of that.

Without that lens, we legislate based on fear, not cultural factors.

It is why we are seeing spikes in Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, racial tension and silence from many leaders who fear saying the wrong thing.

So, what is the Root Cause?

It is not Gaza. It is not religion. It is not protest.

It is our lack of tools to deal with difference.

It is the absence of values-based education in schools.

It is the failure of our systems to invest in CQ.

It is the way we keep funding celebration, but not integration.

We have an ‘us versus them’ mentality rather than understanding that there are systemic problems.

There is a tendency to play the blame game.

Hate is rising. Fear is festering. And any harmony is fragmenting.

Protests against conflicts overseas should reach out to members of the opposite community to jointly protest atrocities.

What a wonderful gesture it would be if Palestinians, Jews and all the wider community here come together to protest as one voice against atrocities in Gaza for example.

Let’s all become part of the solution by reaching out to each other. We are all in this together.

We can enforce laws but we also need to build trust.

We can crack down on hate speech but we need to encourage and conversations.

We can protect public safety and rebuild public unity.

But it requires a cultural reset, not through cancellation, but through connection.

Let’s create Neighbourhood Listening Circles:

· cultural competency panels to advise Parliament and CQ training for media and police.

· parenting forums

· interfaith networks

· respectful speech campaigns.

Let us bring Australia back to its values - not just its slogans.

We don’t have all the answers.

But we do have one clear message.

If we want social cohesion, we must stop blaming culture and start understanding it.

– What do you think? Let us know at dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au

LENSCAPE

that they will remember for the rest of their lives,” Davey said.

Head Coach Gerard Leonard echoed the excitement, noting the significance of representing

Berwick College is set to represent the country this July at the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore. (Supplied)

A local Australian Fur Seal is feeding on the carcass of a Tuna caught in the Western Port area. (Gary Sissons: 487066)

Name concerns arise

By Ethan Benedicto

Concerns around Guru Nanak Lake, formerly Berwick Springs Lake, have sparked once more, as alternative names for neighbouring facilities are featured on Google Maps.

Although there is no direct timeline, the Berwick Springs Football and Netball Club’s name is also listed as Guru Nanak Lake Junior Football Club on Google Maps. The same can be observed with the basketball court on Moondarra Drive, which, on Google Maps, is now called Guru Nanak Lake Basketball Court.

If you were to press on both the names of the club and the court, or zoom into their location on the map, the name changes back to Berwick Springs Lake; the Guru Nanak alternative remains on the left-hand side pop-up. These changes were brief, however, and were observed on Tuesday, 1 June; as of Wednesday, 2 June, no alternative names were present, with all neighbouring facilities retaining the Berwick Springs name.

Google’s practice of naming places follows official government sources, and while it does not automatically rename neighbouring places, its machine-learning models and algorithms might suggest alternative names that are based on textual references. In the case of Guru Nanak Lake, nearby playgrounds, facilities and or clubs that retained the Berwick Springs name might assume the alternative, considering that the main, or anchor name of Berwick Springs has been replaced by Guru Nanak Lake.

Michael Ball, president of the Berwick Springs Community group that formed in early 2025 in light of the lake’s initial name change, said that “again there has been no consultation”.

He acknowledged that there may not be an official move to rename the neighbouring landmarks, but it is nevertheless a sign of community voice negligence.

“This is the position we find ourselves in, and it’s because the State Government failed to follow the naming legislation, their own legislation,” he

said. “But this is the point that was made during the gathering, that there is no consultation whatsoever with the community,” he said.

Looking back, the official State Government statement on the naming - or renaming - of Guru Nanak Lake was because ‘Berwick Springs Lake’ was not a formally gazetted name recognised by Geographic Names Victoria. Other landmarks in the lake’s area also have alternative names, where two icons on the main lake itself both hold Berwick Springs and Guru Nanak.

A little bit up north, it reads as Guru Nanak Lake Reserve, but further south, the fishing pier still reads as Berwick Springs, as with the parkrun.

However, other facilities are under the same status as the club and basketball court, where the tennis court and the southern playground are named Guru Nanak, but retain the Berwick Springs alternative when clicked on. Likewise, these names were observed on Tuesday, 1 June, and were also not present on the following day.

Despite this, however, Ball remains adamant, especially now, that “our local representatives can’t just wipe their hands clear of this issue anymore”.

“Gary Maas is a local member for this commu-

nity, and the community expects him to step up and get this resolved. Ingrid Stitt is the minister, so likewise, the same goes for Sonya Kilkenny for the planning applications.

“They all have a responsibility here and they need to take accountability; but the bigger issue is we have an entire community here and now [the changes] have gone down to the clubs’ [names],” he said.

On Sunday, 23 March 2025, 500 residents gathered outside the lake in a silent protest and gathering against the lack of consultation.

Led by Ball and the wider Berwick Springs Community Group, he highlighted several key points made during the initial November 2024 event, making the additional announcement of a 2000-signature petition for a 30-minute parliamentary debate.

As of July 2025, Ball said that they have garnered roughly 2500 signatures, which is looking to be completed and finalised by Sunday, 6 July.

“We’ll then be launching it online to the broader Victorian community, and they need to know about this,” he said.

“But this is exactly what we’ve been saying, if you don’t have consultation, this is the problem you have.”

Across the Pacific, United States President Donald Trump made it one of his earlier mandates to change the Gulf of Mexico’s name to the Gulf of America earlier in the year.

This was an executive action by the American president, a move that Google complied with.

The company posted on X, formerly Twitter, on 28 January, that it has a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.

When Berwick Springs Lake was officially renamed Guru Nanak Lake by the Victorian Government under Geographic Names Victoria, it was not long before Google followed suit.

This story is developing, and more information will be added once available.

NAIDOC WEEK

Rachel Payne reflects on NAIDOC Week

By Rachel Payne MLC

This NAIDOC Week we celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of First Peoples.

Yoorrook and truth telling have given Victorians a powerful opportunity – to acknowledge the failures of the past and walk with First Peoples towards a better future built on treaty, self-determination and healing.

As a Legalise Cannabis MP, I know how much harm is caused by the continued criminalisation of cannabis. This harm falls hardest on First Peo-

ples who are much more likely to be imprisoned for possession and much less likely to receive a caution. In 2024, despite making up 1 per cent of Victoria’s population, they made up 12 per cent of cannabis possession arrests.

While politicians like me - and even the Premier - can speak openly about having consumed cannabis, First Peoples are being criminalised for it. Contact with the criminal justice system has lifelong consequences. Throwing people in prison for possessing small amounts of cannabis protects no one, it ruins lives and wastes

RACHEL PAYNE MP

Rainbow trout galore

Roughly 35,000 rainbow trout are being released across lakes in Victoria, as families are given a fun and relaxing school holiday activity this coming mid-term break.

In the City of Casey, both the Berwick Springs Estate Lake and the Casey Fields Lake are planned to receive upwards of 750 trout each in the coming holidays.

While the lake in Berwick will be receiving a one-time distribution, its southern partner will see bigger growth in the coming months, with an additional 750 planned for September and another 750 planned for October.

Neighbouring Cardinia Shire will also be receiving the rainbow trout boon, with Lilliput Lane Reserve and Pakenham Lake receiving 100 and 750 fish respectively, delivered twice in July and in September.

Rainbow trout prove to be an ideal catch for beginners since they take a variety of widely available, low-cost baits and can also be caught with lures cast and retrieved from the shore.

To view the full list of Family Fishing Lakes and to see what is being stocked at your local fishing spot, go to https://vfa.vic. gov.au/recreational-fishing/fish-stocking/ holidaystocking

For more information on bag and size limits, permitted equipment and licensing, it can be found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, online at vfa.vic.gov.au/ about/news/vfa.vic.gov.au/fishingguide

The endeavour is backed by the $96 million Go Fishing and Boating plan and recreational licence fees, which see Victoria stock more fish than all other states and territories combined.

taxpayer money. This NAIDOC week, I call on the Victorian Government to decriminalise cannabis so we can end the shameful overrepresentation of First Peoples in our justice system.

Rachel and her staff with Bunurong Elder Uncle Mark Brown for a Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation Cultural Walk and Talk of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands.

Michael Ball, president of the Berwick Springs Community Organisation, has emphasised concern about the alternative names for neighbouring facilities. (Ethan Benedicto: 467539)

FOCUS ON … SENIORS

A new lifestyle that awaits

Lincoln Place has recently launched our new display home at Officer Lifestyle Estate Display Home this June, marking a significant milestone as we approach the final sell-out of the Officer community. With the release of the final stage, this is your last chance to secure an over-50s home in this beautiful and vibrant neighbourhood.

As we conclude this remarkable project, we want to highlight that there will be no more homes released after this, making this an incredibly special opportunity for those looking to join our thriving community. The excitement around

this momentous occasion cannot be overstated— we are nearly sold out!

For those interested in discovering their future home, we invite you to visit our new display home. You can contact Nicki Bishop to book an appointment by phoning her on 0455 245 438 to book a tour at 34 McMullen Rd, Officer VIC 3809. Explore the beautiful surroundings, meet the wonderful neighbours, and envision the lifestyle that awaits you at Lincoln Place’s Officer Lifestyle Community. This is more than just a home; it’s a community filled with opportunities for connection, engagement, and enjoyment.

Envision the lifestyle that awaits you at Lincoln Place\’s Officer Lifestyle Community.

FOCUS ON … SENIORS Come home to peace of mind

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Come home to peace of mind. Every time.

Driver jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A serial drink-driver who crashed head-on into a parked car and critically injured his unrestrained passenger has been jailed for up to six years.

Eric Kanyi elicited a 0.288 blood-alcohol reading soon after crashing his girlfriend’s Kia hatch with three passengers in Forest Hill on 10 February 2024.

At the time, his own car was fitted with an alcohol interlock, and he was subject to a zeroalcohol driving restriction from a previous drinkdriving conviction.

The 32-year-old father-of-two pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to charges including negligently causing serious injury and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

In sentencing on 25 June, Judge Andrew Palmer noted the victim’s sister pleaded with the group of men that he was unfit to drive before the fateful crash.

He nevertheless drove off with them and a backpack of drinks from her Hampton Park home about 8pm.

Later that night, Kanyi sped in a “highly erratic and dangerous fashion” on Monash Freeway near Springvale Road, Judge Palmer said.

He cut across traffic at high speed, tailgated, dangerously braked in front of another vehicle and had to regain control of the Kia several times.

About 11.20pm, he drove down a no-through residential street in Forest Hill, turned around at the end and sped back down the street.

Kanyi was thought to have braked and veered about a second before the Kia struck a parked sedan head-on with a “loud bang”,

Even still, his estimated speed at impact was 74 km/h – the force crushing the sedan 15 metres onto a footpath.

The victim, a 26-year-old Hallam disability worker, had been in the back seat without a seatbelt.

His head was likely to have struck the car’s

driver-side B pillar, causing severe brain trauma.

He was taken to hospital in an unconscious, critical condition, put in an induced coma and underwent brain surgery.

The family refused when asked if they wanted to switch off his life-support.

The man remains severely impaired – suffering seizures, communicating by eye gaze and a Yes/No card, requiring to be tube-fed and without functional use of arms or legs.

It was hard to imagine worse injuries, other than dying, Judge Palmer stated. And the victim’s condition was unlikely to improve.

To her “enormous” stress, the victim’s sister took primary responsibility for the victim as well as supporting their family overseas. She worked longer hours to cover the cost of his care.

Judge Palmer said the seriousness of the “grossly negligent” Kanyi’s offending demanded a jail term.

Kanyi’s blood-alcohol levels of 0.288 rendered him “incapable of having proper control” of a vehicle, according to a forensic expert.

He had been convicted for drink-driving with high blood-alcohol readings in 2015 and 2016.

But the judge also sought to support “excellent” rehabilitation prospects by setting a shorter non-parole period.

Since Kanyi’s arrest, he’d taken significant steps to reform – including counselling, and courses in men’s behaviour change and substance addiction.

A “deeply remorseful” Kanyi was said to have since completely stopped drinking and drug-taking and been working hard to support his family.

Born in Kenya, the Australian ‘permanentresident’ faces possible deportation.

Kanyi was jailed for six years, eligible for parole in three years.

His driving licence was disqualified for four years, and subject to a two-year alcohol exclusion period after his release.

Appreciation for the peace

The City of Casey hosted a special recognition event on Monday, 23 June, honouring the contributions of 75 Justices of the Peace who serve the local community.

Held at Bunjil Place, the event celebrated the vital role that JPs play in supporting the justice system and providing accessible services to residents.

Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen, thanked the JPs and acknowledged their years of service.

“In the City of Casey, we are fortunate to have a dedicated group of Justices of the Peace who support our growing community through document signing stations and other vital services,” he said.

“Their contributions are not only essential to the justice system, but also to the everyday lives of our residents.”

The event highlighted the JPs dedication and integrity to the community, and touched on the long-standing service of several JPs.

This included James ‘Jim’ McInerney, who

Your Berwick Star News Your News and leading local businesses businesses are giving you the

has served as a JP for over 40 years, where his commitment was recognised as extraordinary and deeply appreciated by the community.

A former JP, Koomen, also shared his personal reflection, noting the meaningful connection formed with residents.

“Saturday morning at the Doveton Library has become a special time for me,” he said.

“It’s a privilege to meet so many wonderful residents and to also hear what matters most to them.”

With a statewide shortage of JPs, Casey is encouraging more residents to consider joining the volunteer role, as document signing stations remain a cornerstone of community service.

These roles offer practical support such as witnessing affidavits, certifying documents, and providing a listening ear.

For more information about accessing Justice of the Peace services in Casey, visit www. Casey.vic.gov.au/find-justice-of-peace

to win a $50 gift

to win a voucher from businesses across the region! voucher from businesses across the

We are publishing this We Shop Local & Win page & in the Berwick Star News for the next four weeks listing local businesses that have four weeks businesses that have something special to offer to offer. You have the chance to win a to $50 gift voucher voucher from each participating business business. That makes for a super prize! That makes for a

From the left - Wayne Smith JP, Deputy Mayor, Cr Melinda Ambros, James (Jim) McInerney JP, Mayor, Cr Stefan Koomen JP and Herbert Rae JP. (Supplied)

Kicking goals for everyone

By Violet Li

Multicultural families gathered at Gunns Road Reserve on 28 June for Casey Community Connect, a registration event hosted by Bakhtar Community Organisation (BCO) in partnership with AFL Victoria.

The family-friendly sessions gave young people from diverse backgrounds a chance to try out footy and sign up for a free 8 to 10-week training program with professional coaches.

“We are introducing the youth in the community around the south east area to football, and at the same time, AFL would like to get engaged in the multicultural community,” founder and chief executive of BCO Bassir Qadiri said.

“We saw an opportunity that we can connect the multicultural community to celebrate something that we have in common, which is Australian sport.”

Mr Qadiri said after careful discussion, they believed that if it were a free session, more people could be engaged in the program.

“We had a lot of registration last week, and we

are expecting more people this Saturday,” he said.

“This is the last chance for the community to come and register for the positions.”

Another registration event will be held from

Upgrade is welcomed

By Ethan Benedicto

A beloved playground in Berwick is getting a significant overhaul, as $700,000 has been pledged by the City of Casey for its upgrades.

Pioneer Park, located just off Lyall Road and Peel Street near Berwick’s High Street, is a common spot for local families and residents alike.

Combined with the attraction that the nearby Primary at Pioneers cafe gets, there’s no question that the area has become a cradle for younger families, especially with little ones who love to move around.

The City of Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen, recently posted on Facebook that the community consultation period for the park is open until 6 July, asking netizens and locals what features they would like to see in the new playground.

For cafe owners Kerryn and Zach, both said that facilities for “all ages, all abilities, that everyone can use would be nice”.

“Sometimes the big hill in the middle can be a bit tough for parents to get up on, and it can get slippery too,” they both said.

“We want something that is accessible for

parents and everyone to come get their little ones on.”

Overall, however, the announcement has been exciting for the owners, with both remarking that the current playground just a few metres away is “very outdated”.

“We get a lot of parents saying that it’s not very safe being this old. Some extra space for all the kids, not just customers from the cafe but everyone here, would be amazing, for people picnicking and whatnot.”

The park itself is a go-to destination for residents in Berwick, with both Kerryn and Zach seeing weekends fill the green open spaces and the playground with children.

“The cafe itself does 600 people on a Sunday, but out there, if it’s sunny?” Kerryn said.

“These are young families, they’ve got their kids running around, so getting them an upgraded play space will be great.”

Berwick Village is going through a series of changes, with community consultation periods for the council’s draft plan on My Berwick Village happening in Pioneer Park on Saturday, 28 June from 12pm to 3pm, as well as Wednesday 9 July in High Street from 12pm to 2pm.

1pm to 2pm on Saturday

will start in two weeks.

Improvement wants for Pioneers Park playground

By Ethan Benedicto

Residents’ preferences on Pioneers Park in Berwick were in full swing, as the City of Casey set up shop in the park to hear the people’s voices.

On Saturday, 28 June, two tents and white boards were propped up just outside the Primary at Pioneers Park cafe in Berwick, with children and parents enjoying the playground’s facilities.

The City of Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen, while unable to make it to the pop-up, said that the community feedback was “positive”.

“Members of the community enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the draft structure plan with council planners.

“An engagement summary report on the engagement’s findings will be available in August 2025,” he said.

Listed on one of the whiteboards were a swathe of post-it notes, and images of what the public would prefer to see following he $700,000 committed by the council on the playground’s upgrades.

An updated swing system and an in-ground trampoline were the favourite, followed closely by an improved slide, and an accommodating building.

On the notes, many residents requested monkey bars, as well as obstacle courses, sand pits, and improved fencing for added safety measures.

One user proposed a specific theme for the park, one that highlights the Old Berwick atmosphere and “connects to the heritage”.

One specific Post-it note had additional stickers of support, calling for a flying fox to be installed in the park.

Previously, cafe owners Kerryn and Zach expressed easier access for all ages and abilities as a

5 July at Gunns Road Reserve in Hallam. The official training session

Opposition MP Ann-Marie Hermans, Casey Cr Lynette Pereira, Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen, and BCO founder Bassir Qadiri were giving footy a try. (Rob Carew: 486158)

Ishika was kicking and catching the ball.

Casey Cr Lynette Pereira, and BCO founder Bassir Qadiri were flanked by the AFL Team, Nick Parker, Dash Baumann, Teagan Davie, Alanah Spyroll, Zac Guilfoyle.

Kerryn (left) and Zach (right), owners of the Primary at Pioneer Park cafe, said that the $700,000 upgrade for the playground was more than a welcome announcement, especially for local young families. (Ethan Benedicto: 487089_01)

must, as well as increased safety measures. The outreach event also served as the first of two consultation sessions for the Draft Berwick Village Major Activity Centre Structure Plan, with the second set for Wednesday, 9 July at High Street.

A new slide and swing system, as well as an in-ground trampoline, were some of the more favoured additions and improvements for the upgraded playground in Pioneers Park. (On File)

Residents and park goers had the chance to place stickers and Post-its on a board to express their preferences or to propose new ideas for the playground’s upgrades. (On FIle)

Sustainable Fiji

KYLIE MITCHELL-SMITH

Pr/ Travel Writer/podcaster

Www.travellingsenorita.com

It’s a short plane ride across the South Pacific for an island getaway on Malolo Island, Fiji.

It’s a place where you are welcomed by the Fijian charm the locals are known for, crystal clear waters and groves of tropical palms - the smell of fresh seafood fills the air.

From Nadi International Airport, take a ‘fast’ 40 minute boat ride to the dreamy Likuliku Lagoon destination, and quickly realise there’s more to this luxe resort than meets the tourists eye- like their conservation program.

Likuliku (meaning calm waters) is an adults only and ultra luxurious island resort, armed with an environmental team specifically engaged to adopt clean and green practises-to preserve the island, the local village and its people.

The resort is located in a pristine, natural landscape and is part responsible for the coral reef rejuvenation, water filtration and solar power for the village and guests, along with preservation of the Islands iguana-an endangered species. Word has it, there was only one Iguana left on Malolo Island, then the Likuliku team developed the breeding program, spotted another and presto the iguana population lives to fight another day.

Likuliku is home to one of Fiji’s first overwater bungalows, spacious and sustainable in design with the pristine environment in mind.

The rooms are styled with local artists wares and delightfully invite the outside in. Relax on the expansive deck, with a sunset cocktail inhand, as swarms of tropical fish and a baby shark swimming on by outside the door –mmmm there’s a song in that.

An active coral rejuvenation scheme has been implemented by the resort’s conservation team, inspired by the success of the Mal-

dives program.

The scheme is partly funded by Mars Confectioner. A chocolate company collaborating with a coral reef? Yep makes sense to me.

Large steel and sand encrusted webs are delicately placed on the ocean floor to entice the coral to rejuvenate and in turn-multiply, similar to garden beds on land.

Along with supporting an education centre, solar power and a water filtration plant in the neighbouring village of Yaro, the resort-is leading the way in sustainable tourism from the sea up. The active coral nurseries and thriving iguana sanctuary, add to the beauty of the vast dry forest that covers the Island.

Before heading back to the mainland after our stay we take a short boat trip to visit the village of Yaro and immerse in the culture, meeting the friendly community and admiring their local handicrafts along the way. We support local and buy beaded jewellery gifts and a set of coconut cups, ideal for our kava ceremony that evening.

Checking out of Likuliku Lagoon Resort, the committed team encourage guests (in a gentle, Fijian way) to pledge support for their growing iguana population or you can buy a coral web to add to the sea garden floor, we opt for the latter.

As the sun sets on Malolo Island, we reflect on time spent snorkelling straight off our bure

deck, Fijian fire feasts by the beach and popup picnics on secluded islands- a knowing that the Likuliku team are taking responsibility for preserving the region into the future.

EAT

FIJIANA RESTUARANT

SALUWAKI RESTAURANT

SOLIS RESTUARANT DENARUA ISLAND

PLAY

MOCIU PRIVATE ISLAND PICNIC

TATADRA SPA

STAY

SOFITEL FIJI RESORT

LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT

Warriors.

A view to the restaurant from the hammock.

Overwater Bure view from lounge.

Artisan breakfast breads.

The fresh seafood.

Meet the endangered Iguanas.

Overwater from overhead.

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Business goes up in flames

By Ava Cashmore

Police and fire authorities have called in arson investigators after a school uniform business in Hallam was completely destroyed by a suspicious fire early Thursday morning, 26 June.

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) reported that crews arrived at the blaze on the corner of Princes Highway and Wedgewood Road at 12.18am,wheretheyfoundthe400-square-metre building already engulfed in flames.

Seventy-five firefighters from FRV and CFA,

supported by 15 appliances, battled for more than three hours to control the fire.

Victoria Police have confirmed the fire is being treated as suspicious. An arson chemist attended the site later in the day to investigate.

According to an ABC Radio report, the fire is the third to hit businesses in the Hallam area in recent months.

In June, Nitro Gym was destroyed in an arson attack, and another business, just three doors down from Beleza, was gutted in a separate incident.

A nearby business owner told ABC they are struggling to cope with soaring insurance premiums, which have increased from $75,000 to $500,000.

The business owners fear the prospect of being the next property to go up in flames.

A grandmother, Fay Lewas, who had arrived just before 9am to collect uniforms for her grandchildren, was left stunned by the destruction.

“I came to pick up three sets of uniforms for my grandchildren,” she said.

Construction welcome, but deadline a surprise

By Ethan Benedicto

Barriers and illuminated signs have popped up along Berwick-Cranbourne Road, as construction preparation around the Thompsons Road roundabout in Clyde North begins.

This development comes as the construction contract was recently awarded to the family-owned and operated Whelans Group Investments.

For the City of Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen, he and the other councillors are keen to see it all unfold.

“Casey has strongly advocated for the upgrade of the Thompsons Road and Berwick Cranbourne Road intersection for many years,” he said.

“As councillors, we regularly receive feedback from residents about improving this intersection and we are thrilled that works will commence in the coming months.

“Once completed, it will go some way towards easing traffic congestion and improving safety in the area.”

Throughout the mid-weeks of June, residents close to the roundabout have observed portables and construction vehicles moving in and out of the open space along Thompsons Road.

More recently, bollards, signs, and new speed limits have been erected, as nearby local businesses remain eager, yet disappointed with the timeframe.

Sandy Bhullar, creative designer of Art Design Gallery, who also spoke to Star News earlier in the year when the $41.75 million announcement for the construction, said that it was great to see it all happening.

“If it’s going to take traffic out of the problem, we really don’t mind that; we’re definitely looking forward to it,” Sandy said.

The projected timeframe for completion of the new intersection was coined for mid-2027, with construction to begin later this year.

Once learning of this, Sandy was shocked, adding that “this is exactly what I was worried about”.

“I was thinking this would be finished by Christmas or something like that, because this area is going to be busy for business.

“I’m a bit shocked by that number, 2027, that’s what, two-something years away.

“I just don’t think a developed country such as

Australia should take that long to get something like this done,” she said.

With her shopfront facing Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Sandy has a good view of the vehicles that come and go through the roundabout, and with her schedule, she sees the amount of traffic that accumulates during peak hours.

In the same stretch of businesses, Craig, owner of Absolute Fitness and Performance, said that he wished the intersection had “been done before this [area] was fully developed.”

While Craig is not directly affected by the traf-

fic daily due to his early mornings, he couldn’t help but compare construction timelines in Victoria to other nations, such as Japan, citing the sinkhole that opened in a road in Fukuoka in 2016, where crews were able to fill it, repave and reopen it just after six days.

“I mean here, it would take six months, and I do understand that we have safety issues and we need to follow those rules and regulations, and we do it a whole lot better than other countries,” he said.

“But then again, you look at the Big Build, the West Gate Tunnel project, something that’s been blown out time and time again.

“Why is the taxpayer paying for that? I think there should be allowance for a little bit of leeway, but not twice the amount.”

Victoria’s road infrastructure projects are often characterised by extended timelines, largely due to strict Occupational Health and Safety standards, multi-agency planning requirements, and staged construction processes.

These are all designed to minimise disruption to road users, and while they do ensure long-term durability and worker safety, they also result in longer wait times.

“We don’t know where we’re going to get our uniforms from now.”

After the fire was under control, FRV worked with council to make sure the remains of the building were safe.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Greg Christison, said, at the time, “we have concerns around structural integrity at the moment, hence we’ve got that exclusion zone around the factory”. Any information or footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com. au

Trip of a lifetime

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Two firefighters on a ladder platform shrouded in huge plumes of smoke. (Gary Sissons: 486745)

15 fire appliances and 75 firefighters were at the scene. (Gary Sissons: 486745)

Fire crews at the scene. (Gary Sissons: 486745)

Sandy Bhullar the creative designer of Art Design Gallery, said that she is still keen for the intersection to come around, although the timeline leaves much to be desired. (On File)

Vehicles swerve in and out of the roundabout as bollards and new speed limits are erected on the road leading to it. (Ethan Benedicto: 487067_03)

A Viking Longship passes the Gymir Bridge Towers in Cologne.

Commemoration and advocacy

By Ethan Benedicto

Ramgleh Community Centre was brimming with love, support and advocacy as the Andres Pancha Anchor Community commemorated a father’s passing anniversary.

Held on Sunday, 29 June from 12pm to 3pm, the event saw friends and family of the Pancha family come together in honour of Andres’ death, but also to hear from local voices of support during APAC’s Walk the Talk Wellbeing Conference.

May it be for child and family therapy, alcohol and drug addiction support, victims’ support, to overall personal wellbeing, there were a total of 14 guest speakers that circled the open room, all eager to share their knowledge and stories.

Roughly 60 people gathered in the centre, as conversations about support, physical and mental health, and community camaraderie filled the room.

Divine Pancha, founder of APAC and wife of Andres, said that “it’s just beautiful to see here, the beauty nd power of kindness”.

“To see that you know, kindness does exist, and it is happening right through our own eyes.

“When you see everyone coming together, you see that it would not have been very impossible if it were not for the generosity and willingness of the young people that set this up - this is their work,” she said.

Jack Massey, the community inclusion manager at Abacus Learning Centre, was one of the 14 guest speakers during the event.

He spoke about the organisation, one he belonged to for over 12 years, and their work on disability services.

He elaborated on their specialty in providing early intervention support for new divergent children and their families, and when asked what his favourite part about it was, he said it was the “little things”.

“Every day I get to see a child learn a new skill for the first time, or make a friend for the first time, or an educator have success in a scenario that used to be challenging for the class, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

For Natasha Macallister, who works as a disability inclusion primary coordinator for Brentwood Park Primary School, she is on the same page and is all about providing support for children with additional needs.

“It’s all about getting to see the kids and seeing where they’re at, and I think it’s quite special to be able to talk to families, to read assessments and to meet with allied peers,” she said.

(Ethan

there is still glee in “being able to find a way to help out more”.

Tackling cases of addiction to easy-to-access substances such as alcohol and rugs, Laurito said that it was far too common to see those who have reached the lowest point of their lives.

“These people have lost their jobs, their families, or they’re on the brink of losing these relationships,” she said.

The biggest thing for her was being able to engage with people about the dangers of alcohol, and its “slippery slope” is integral to one’s physical and mental health.

“People can drink and have fun, that’s fine, but it’s a slippery slope when people start to use it to avoid life, to numb depression, for example,” she said.

Connecting father figures

By Violet Li

A newly established program in the City of Casey has brought father figures of children with rare or undiagnosed conditions together for connection, support, and inclusive fun.

SWAN Cobbers program held its second event on Sunday 22 June, with around 20 attendees.

SWAN refers to Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) Australia, an organisation that supports families who have a child with an undiagnosed or rare genetic condition.

According to Maya Pinn, the administrative officer of SWAN and the organiser of the SWAN Cobbers program, this new initiative does not just include dads. Instead, it grew out of the existing SWAN program to include all father figures who have kids with undiagnosed or rare gene conditions, like dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and other father figures.

One of the highlights of the day was a cookie-baking activity, using assistive technology, including iClick switches and adapted mixers, so children with mobility challenges could press a button and bake independently.

Jessica Laurito, who is the addiction and alcohol nurse unit manager at St John of God Langmore Centre, was more than welcome to share her experience on working with those battling addiction, and what it means for the everyday community.

With over 17 years in the field, she said

When speaking to the different families, parents and sometimes youths that came to her table, Macallister said that she was able to look through the lens of either a child, the classroom teacher, or the parent.

At around 1pm, a light lunch was provided, with more guests arriving; by 2:30pm, there was a short yet powerful performance by Divine’s daughter, who sang to the crowd, serving as the official commemoration of her father.

The event finished at 3pm sharp, with the wider Pancha family readying themselves to travel to Frankston to lay a wreath at the pier, in honour of Andres and his love for fishing.

Stegbar thief avoids jail after $165k scam

By Violet Li

A former subcontractor who stole over $165,000 worth of building materials from window supplier Stegbar has avoided jail time.

He received a two-year community correction order with 150 hours of unpaid work and a $1,500 fine.

Haris Hevesevic of Doveton, 33, pleaded guilty in the County Court of Victoria to three charges, including theft, knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime, and attempted theft.

The 33-year-old is a skilled cabinet maker with no formal qualifications.

The offending, described as a “protracted” scheme between November 2021 and March 2023, involved 35 separate thefts arranged with then-Stegbar factory manager Robert Avery, who was employed at Stegbar for 32 years until his employment was terminated in May 2023 after the thefts were discovered.

In a separate trial, Avery was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order with 75 hours of unpaid work.

Hevesevic, who ran his own carpentry business while working part-time for Stegbar, used his access to the company’s Rowville factory to collect additional cabinetry and wardrobe com-

ponents outside his official job manifests.

In exchange, he paid Avery in cash.

The thefts were discovered during an internal investigation performed by Stegbar.

As part of that investigation, a Stegbar operations manager attended a Doveton address where Hevesevic used to live, and they located a quantity of Stegbar products, and subsequently informed the police.

Police later seized a large cache of stolen items from two Doveton addresses linked to Hevesevic.

The value of the seized goods exceeded $8,000, while a further $14,000 in attempted thefts was documented through phone messages with the manager.

Hevesevic was sentenced on Wednesday 25 June.

“Though not technically an employee, you were in a trusted position as a subcontractor... You took advantage of that trust,” Judge Claire Quin said at the sentencing.

“The breach of trust by those who engage in dishonest conduct causes significant angst and financial loss for businesses, whether small or large.

“Those who are motivated to take advantage of their trusted position need to be aware that if

their activities are discovered that they will be punished.”

The court revealed that Hevesevic regarded the period of his thefts as “one of the darkest times in his life mentally, emotionally, and financially”, as his father died before the offending commenced.

Hevesevic was born in Bosnia, where his family still resides. He came to Australia alone when he was 19.

After his father passed away in 2021, he took on the responsibility of providing funds for his mother and autistic brother in Bosnia.

He and a separated partner have a young child.

It was also revealed that Hevesevic didn’t have any relevant prior criminal history.

“I was informed that just prior to this period of offending, you were experiencing significant issues in your life associated with the breakdown of your marriage and financial pressures, as well as the death of your father,” Judge Quin said.

“You were grieving your father from afar, working incredibly long hours whilst carrying the burden of financial responsibility alone, leaving yourself exhausted and overwhelmed.

“You are experiencing additional stresses as a consequence of your relationship breakdown.”

Ms Pinn said SWAN families often feel excluded from typical parenting spaces, so the new program aims to create a space for father figures to connect with others who truly ‘get it’.

“The dads get to speak to other dads, especially our leadership team, who have more experience, other than older kids. Or my dad, for example, has quite a complex grandchild, so he knows how to adapt different activities,” she said.

“But also talking about things like NDIS and funding and getting along with dads who know how hard it is to just be able to get out and do things with your kids.

“The dads can have a good chat about any problems that are going on or anything they want help with.

“Sometimes it’s just nice to get out of the house and see that someone else is in the same situation as you are. Life is hard, but you make the most of it.”

The event also fostered connections between children and siblings, allowing them to interact with others who share similar experiences.

Ms Pinn emphasised that about 35 per cent of swan children pass away before they turn five.

“Building that connection with the whole family, not just mom, including all father figures, especially during early childhood development, is so important that families build villages and they have connections to other people to feel less lonely,” she said.

The program is supported by the City of Casey’s Dads Matter program. The kick-off event was held in late March this year.

Moving forward, SWAN Cobbers plans to host four to six events a year.

The speakers (back row) and the attendees all gathered at the end of the event, with big smiles and even bigger conversations about walking the talk. (Ethan Benedicto: 487538_10)

Divine Pancha (middle) with her daughter in arms, and the wider Pancha family gathered once most of the guests and speakers left to commemorate the event with Andres’ altar.

Benedicto: 487538_11)

Brad Oates, Skye Trewin and Lloyd Pinn were making cookies.

WHAT’S ON

Casey Winter Arts Festival

Time: 20 June - 20 July

In 2025, we are inviting you to “Cozy up” at the Winter Arts Festival and get to know the talented local artists who make our community shine. Whether it’s exploring exhibitions and demonstrations, enjoying a live show, or participating in hands-on workshops, this festival invites you to experience the rich variety of artistic expressions that make our local arts scene so unique.

Theatre companies, artists, crafters, dancers, community groups, venues and libraries are hosting an exciting range of events and activities for people of all ages, so join us and discover the diverse voices shaping our creative landscape.

• To see the programs, visit: casey.vic.gov.au/ winter-arts-festival

Wilson Goes Wild - Casey Winter Arts Festival

Where: Basalt Lake, Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick

When: Friday 4 July - Sunday 13 July, sessional throughout the day; 9am - 3:30pm, every hour.

Ages: 1-10 years old and their grown-ups

Cost: $12.50 | Family ticket: $45

For a limited time, Basalt Lake will transform into a vibrant mini safari, complete with life-sized elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, lions and tigers popping up along the lakeside.

At this family-friendly event, kids can unleash their creativity with a range of nature-inspired craft activities and snap memorable photos alongside their favourite wild animals.

Sky of Flowers, an AR interactive experience - Casey Winter Arts Festival

Where: Outdoor Screen, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren

When: Friday 4 July - Sunday 20 July; daily from 10am - 12pm, 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm

Cost: Free, no bookings required.

Step into Sky of Flowers, an Augmented Reality experience that drifts all around you, as you float from one field to another.

As the audience moves through the space, plants bloom from the ground, petals swirl in the air, and a breathtaking sky of flowers unfolds above.

Each interaction shapes the ever-evolving landscape, making every moment unique.

Paper Flowers with the Country Women’s Association (CWA) - Casey Winter Arts Festival

Where: Bunjil Place, Narre Warren, Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri meeting room, Level 1

When: Wednesday, 9 July, 10:30am.

Ages: 8 - 12 yers old and their grown-ups.

Cost: $15 per child

Bookings: bunjilplace.com.au

The youngest artists in our community are invited to work alongside members of the Beaconsfield branch of the CWA. Be guided through clever cutting techniques using colourful crepe paper to create your very own posy of paper flowers.

Imagine Live - Casey Winter Arts

Festival

Where: Bunjil Place, Narre Warren, Theatre

When: Thursday, 17 July, 10am (AUSLAN and RP) and 12pm.

Ages: 4 - 12 years old and their grown-ups

Cost: $19

Bookings: bunjilplace.com.au

Magical and meaningful, IMAGINE LIVE is a celebration of creativity, friendship and our precious natural world.

With the audience’s help, performers play and sing their way through the pages of Alison Lester’s iconic best-selling book, and quickly discover there is WAY more to these pages than they first thought.

Spot a leopard, dive with a dolphin or dig up a dinosaur as this iconic book springs into life before your eyes.

Live action and animation combine with digital puppetry in this interactive musical performance for families… Nannas are especially welcome!

Step into a world of wonder at Bunjil Place - Casey Winter Arts Festival

Where: Plaza, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren

When: Friday 11 July - Sunday 27 July, 10am10pm daily

Cost: Free

This winter, immerse yourself in the magic of Lost — a breathtaking, larger-than-life art installation that transforms nature into an unforgettable experience.

Created by internationally acclaimed Australian

artist Amanda Parer, Lost brings endangered botanical species from around the globe to stunning life through towering, illuminated sculptures of flowers and foliage.

These glowing giants, delicately coloured and artfully lit, invite you to wander among them like Alice in her own Wonderland.

South East Music Student Showcase

- Casey Winter Arts Festival

Where: Studio, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren

When: Monday 23 June, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Cost: $8

Bookings: bunjilplace.com.au

From Soul to Pop to Rock, each performance will reflect the students’ unique voices and style, offering a glimpse into their musical journeys.

This exciting event features performances from talented students across Narre Warren South P-12 College, Alkira Secondary College, Monterey Secondary College, Fountain Gate Secondary College, and Cranbourne West Secondary College. Cranbourne Shire Historical Society

Annual Luncheon

Where: Tooradin and District Sports Club Recreation Reserve, Tooradin

When: Sunday, 20 July, 12pm

Cost: $30 per head, drinks at bar prices

Topic: Balla Balla Homestead; guest speaker: Judy Rand, owner of the homestead.

The Balla Balla Homestead was built by Dr. James Smith Adams and later Alexander Hunter from the mid-1850s to the early 1880s.

Today, Balla Balla is architecturally significant in the City of Casey.

The homestead is located in Cannons Creek and has magnificent views over Quail Island and Westernport Bay.

Ms. Judy Rand is the owner.

• RSVP including any special dietary requirements by 11 July, to either Barry Freeman at pauline.freeman2@bigpond.com or Sue Tobin at sustantobin@bigpond.com

Bakhtar Community Organisation

Bakhtar Community Organisation, in partnership with AFL Victoria, presents Casey Community Connect, a free program designed to introduce young people from our multicultural communities to Australian Rules Football.

Join us for our launch events on Saturday 28 June and Saturday 5 July at Gunns Road Reserve, Hallam. Enjoy a fun, family-friendly environment where young participants can come and try the game.

Those who attend will have the chance to access 8–10 free training sessions with professional AFL Victoria coaches. Don’t miss out!

Balla Balla Community Centre

Morning Melodies

Are you young at heart, looking for some company, or just want to enjoy a lovely morning out? Join us at Morning Melodies for heartwarming performances filled with the songs you know and love! Enjoy live entertainment, a cuppa, and a freshly baked scone with jam and cream - all while making new friends along the way.

• Book early to secure your spot! You won’t want to miss this uplifting morning of music and connection. Morning Melodies is held on 2nd Tuesday each month and bookings can be made online www.balla.balla.com.au or by phoning 5990 0900

U3A Cranbourne

20 - 22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne

We are a social group for people over 50 with many interesting and creative activities. We have recently started a garden group as we have lovely gardens where we can plant vegetables, herbs and flowers and enjoy a tea or coffee outdoors when the weather is nice.

We also have lots of art and craft groups, calligraphy, scrabble, singing for fun, quilling, resin making, and card making are popular classes.

On Thursday afternoons from 1 - 3pm we have a lively group of table tennis players. New players welcome, no past experience needed, come along and join in the fun.

We run a beginner ukulele and guitar group. Ray leads the ukulele group, and Maurie assists our beginner guitar group on Monday mornings. We are a not-for-profit group, assisted by Casey Council to run our programs. Our membership fee of $50 per year entitles you to join as many classes as you wish. Line dancing is held at Clyde Public Hall on Monday mornings, and a gold coin donation covers hire of this venue.

• Check out all our classes at www.u3acranbourne.org.au or phone 0493 991 919 for more information

Wickers winners by a point

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Harry Canning you star!

With just over a minute remaining in the match and Berwick leading by a point at Edwin Flack Reserve, Doncaster East got a deep forward entry to a three-on-three contest at the top of the goal square.

Two of the three were former AFL-listed key forwards, Jos Schache and Tim O’Brien, and anything less than a Wickers mark and the visitors would likely have at least been able to rush a behind.

But it was Berwick teenager Canning who took the big grab which had shades of Leo Barry about it.

That play was the epilogue to an inspired comeback victory for Berwick, which won 9.7 61 to 9.6 60.

Trailing by 21 points early in the last quarter having kicked just three goals to three quarter time, Berwick kicked six of the last eight goals to snatch an unlikely victory.

The last three of those majors were off the boot of deep forward Jai Neal, who kicked five for the match as he got on top of his direct opponent and caused panic in one-on-one contests.

Neal gave Berwick the lead for the first time at the 14-minute-mark, winning a crucial one-onone in the goal square against his direct opponent and snapping truly around his body, set up by ruck Dan Pinter.

Missing talismanic tall Jesse Cirilus to an ankle injury, it was up to 20-year-old Pinter to shoulder the ruck duties and he did a damn fine job.

Pinter’s day was highlighted by a spectacular volley out of a ruck contest in Berwick’s goal square which brought the Berwick deficit to three points at the 12-minute-mark of the last quarter.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the victory, though, was that after hitting the front, Berwick conceded the next two goals in quick succession – and still found a way to come again and win it.

Neal won a free kick in a marking contest and converted as the clock ticked into stoppage time in the last quarter, before pouncing on loose East Doncaster defending with a soccer goal soon thereafter.

Following that play, it was over to the backline to hold out a sustained late thrust from Doncaster East.

With league-leading goal kicker Schache looming large alongside O’Brien there was a mountain of tension for Berwick supporters, but the young Wickers defence was up for the challenge.

Andrew Williams’ troops forced Doncaster East wide and clogged dangerous space and won important contests.

“I think we got ourselves in a position where the game was manageable and we could give ourselves a chance to win and I think the idea of honourable losses wasn’t in our makeup on Saturday so we showed what we had,” coach Andrew Williams said.

“Our guys responded well and got good footy going inside 50 and Jai Neal did the rest.”

Young midfielder Sam Frangalas flung the ball

in the air in jubilation as the final siren echoed around Edwin Flack Reserve, signalling Berwick’s second win of the season.

It followed a gritty first three quarters for the Wickers where they staunchly kept Doncaster East at arm’s length despite struggling to sustain rhythm in their game.

“We’ve been really competitive in every game this year bar the South Croydon game and in winnable positions at three quarter time so that gives us great confidence that our best footy is good enough,” Williams noted.

“The joy to win games against real quality shows us we’re a side on the up and there’s plenty of growth which is starting to show.”

NEALINFORM

Neal’s three last quarter goals on Saturday made

it 12 goals across the last three games as he has seen a significant uptick in his form after an injury-interrupted journey prior to 2025.

Berwick’s most damaging forward is yet to miss a game this season, showing glimpses with 11 goals across his first seven games of the season before getting his just reward with his recent inspired performances.

“He’s stringing together consistent footy for us,” Williams said.

“He can play tall or small, is really athletic and kicks the ball really well and he took his chances on the weekend when it mattered which was huge for us and is huge for his confidence.”

His 23 goals makes Neal clearly Berwick’s leading goal kicker – their next best is Pinter with 10 – and the fourth leading goal kicker in the competition.

NEGATINGFORMERAFLDUO

Josh Schache and Tim O’Brien are arguably the most lethal and proven one-two forward combination in the Eastern Football League Premier Division.

Both have kicked goals in every game this season and given their strength and experience at a higher level, combatting them was always going to be a challenge.

Schache, despite causing headaches at times, was reasonably well contained, kicking three goals, while teenager Kane Hurst did a sterling job to keep O’Brien to the sole goal.

They stood up for large periods across the first three quarters and then held out unbelievably in a high-octane finish.

South Croydon

Ladder: East Ringwood 36, Blackburn 32, Balwyn 28, Rowville 24, Vermont 20, Noble Park 20, Doncaster East 16, South Croydon 12, Berwick 8, Mitcham 4

Fixture: Blackburn v South Croydon, Doncaster East v Vermont, Mitcham v East Ringwood, Berwick v Noble Park, Rowville v Balwyn

High-flying Harry rediscovers his confidence in the air

By Jonty Ralphsmith

It was Harry Canning’s Leo Barry moment.

With less than a minute on the clock and the ball sent deep into Doncaster East’s forward 50, six players went up for the footy, and the Berwick teenager came down with it.

It saved the game for the Wickers, giving them a one-point win, significant in the context of a season where they have been perennially competitive but, until Saturday, had just one win to show for it.

That the young defender took the mark against former AFL-listed tall forwards Josh Schache and Tim O’Brien, who have a combined 191 games of experience at the top level makes it all the more remarkable.

Kids dream of kicking a goal after the siren to win a match for their team, but this was a clutch moment of equal magnitude.

“I think everyone around the ground knew exactly where that kick was going: as long and as far as it could and I was lucky just to get a nice run and jump at it and a nice sit and it landed in my lap which was nice,” Canning said.

“I didn’t really want that ball to come to ground, I wasn’t really thinking too much in the moment and whatever happens, happens but fortunately it went my way and we were able to get it back outside the 50.”

Canning has always had the capacity to fly for big pack marks, which propelled him into Gippsland Power’s squad across 2023 and 2024 after having represented Vic Country under-16s in 2022.

The esteem with which the Power viewed him was evident by the assignments he was given, locking down now AFL-listed trio Jonty Faull, Jobe Shanahan and Jack Whitlock despite giving up significant size to each opponent.

But despite regularly proving a tough matchup, Canning missed multiple games in May last year with a concussion, which impeded his biggest strength: fearlessly launching in marking contests.

Shifting that mindset, while simultaneously adapting to the step of playing senior footy each week, has been a gradual process for Canning, who is a Box Hill VFL train-on player aspiring to make a state league list.

“It’s a part of my game I’ve been struggling with, that confidence flying for marks,” Canning admitted.

“But going to work, training it and having the

faith that I still have that ability and it won’t hurt me too much and continuing to block out that noise inside my head is building my confidence.

“The more I fly; I might not mark them, I might not even touch the ball but just getting the reps in of competing in the air and going for it is important.

“It wasn’t really something I identified until early this year when I started to notice I was pulling out of marks but I sort of had to go back to my roots and knowing that the aerial ability is one of my strengths.

“Talking to people at Box Hill including the psychologist, (I’ve found) that confidence again.

“Every game I’m flying for more and more and starting to bring a few down.

Saturday’s mark was emblematic of a return to his best.

Despite winning just two of 10 games to date, Berwick sits fifth for points conceded in the 10team competition, highlighting the discipline and reliability of the young backline, of which Canning has been a significant part.

“It was enormous for us and great for Harry’s confidence - he’s been building and playing good footy in the last few weeks,” Berwick coach Andrew Williams said.

“I’m really proud of the way he’s going about his footy.

“It was a big moment in the game and there was relief in the coaches’ box when he took the grab.

“He’s super talented and athletic and comes with a really good attitude.”

Glad to make such an explicit contribution to Berwick’s victory, Canning is hoping the moment and significant hard work which preceded it can provide him with a launchpad to get himself onto a state league list.

As a Box Hill train-on player, Canning does one session per week with the VFL squad and is in a position to be elevated onto the Hawks’ VFL main or development list if a long term injury sidelines a currently listed player.

His time at the club has given him an insight into the standard of the next level.

“I reckon I had the best pre-season of my life in terms of running and strength and how I feel,” Canning said.

“My body is feeling great, I’m feeling great in games. I feel like I’ve gotten cleaner and sharpened up my kicking a bit so the skill work has been great.”

Harry Canning during his time at Gippsland Power last year. (Rob Carew: 402640)

EASTERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE PREMIER REVIEW - ROUND 10

Berwick held on for a one-point victory. (Rob Carew: 479942)

Magpies prevail in thriller

By Blair Burns

Narre Warren escaped with a thrilling two-point victory against Port Melbourne Colts under lights at Kalora Park on Saturday night.

It was well and truly the ‘Richo show’ as Jake Richardson booted five goals on his return, but it was his two goal-saving marks in the dying stages which helped the Magpies secure a much-needed victory.

There was elation and heartbreak as the final siren sounded, with the scoreboard reading 9.9(63) to 8.13(61) in favour of the home side.

It was the first time the Magpies have sung the song since the last time they played the Colts back in round three, a long time between drinks.

While they have faced a significant injury list throughout this period, coach Steve Kidd said his team had “forgotten how to win”.

Narre Warren has been in almost every game, with the exception of round eight against Springvale Districts where it was pumped by 63 points.

Without that match, Narre Warren’s average losing margin across the five losses since round three has been less than 20 points, showing their competitiveness.

After an extra session during the week and with a stinging loss against bottom-placed Cranbourne spurring them on, the Magpies came out with real intent.

Richardson slotted three goals in the opening quarter and got his team off to a flyer in front of a big home crowd, as Narre Warren took a 17-point lead into the first break.

However, the Colts gained control in the second quarter and got the margin back to just two points at half time.

The second half was a grind, as both sides went goal-for-goal, the margin staying within eight points the entire time.

And despite some late scares, the Magpies held on to what could be a season-defining victory, as they look to avoid relegation and push themselves out of the bottom four.

Kidd said it was an overwhelming feeling of “relief” after the victory which puts the side into seventh spot on the ladder.

“It was awesome to get over the line, the boys really wanted it and dug deep, so it was a great feeling after the game,” he said.

“It gives us a lot of confidence going forward, we weren’t sure how to win a game of footy, that had gone … now we know that we can.”

Relegation is a word that has been thrown around this season in both the Narre Warren and Cranbourne camps, and while the Magpies’ work is far from done, the win takes some pressure off.

“We have never sort of had to think about that ‘r’ word, but it is something we have had to think about this year and I suppose every other club in the bottom four is also thinking about that.” Kidd said.

“The win relieves the pressure for a week … we have a couple of home games now and if we could manage to win one or both of those, hopefully we can put that relegation thing to bed.”

Kidd said the first quarter was a blueprint for the way the side wanted to play, and urged his side

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE

DIVISION 1 REVIEW - ROUND 11

to get back to that after they were outplayed in the second term.

“We slipped into some bad habits in the second with the way we moved the ball, we ended up going long down the line and got a bit lazy with our defence,” he said.

“We sort of knew it was going to be an arm-wrestle (after half time) and we were going to have to fight it out, I told the players it wasn’t going to be easy.”

At the three-quarter time huddle, Kidd delivered a stirring message to the players, looking to his leaders to set the tone in the final term.

“It’s season-defining right now isn’t it? You’ve got 30 minutes to put your heads over the ball,” he said.

“We’ve got to stick by each other right now… one more quarter, what are we going to do? Are we going to step up?”

Kidd said Richardson was “head and shoulders” the best player on the ground and lauded his leadership, work rate and size.

Young gun Ethan Kennedy also produced a big moment in the final quarter, taking a bounce and running inside 50 to kick a goal, extending the margin to seven points.

In other games, Dingley’s undefeated run has finally come to an end after Springvale Districts got the better of the Dingoes in a big way, winning by 50 points.

Kyle Martin and Jackson Sketcher ran rampant for the Demons as they made light work of the

benchmark team of the competition, leading their side to a big win.

Kyle Hendy and Matt Tyquin kicked three goals each in the victory, while Cody Cochrane and Tom Morecroft kicked two each in the loss.

Cheltenham has won three in a row after it thumped an inaccurate Bentleigh side by 87 points at Jack Barker Oval.

The Demons have won just one of their past five matches and kicking 2.14 for the game didn’t help them as Rosellas pair Sean Lai and Luke Garnaut (four goals each) impressed.

Despite a brave effort from Cranbourne, East Brighton won its sixth game of the season, holding off the resilient Eagles by 20 points.

Cranbourne started well with a 29-point lead at quarter time, but the Vampires responded to record an important win, led by Thomas Lamb (five goals) and Tom Bracher (four goals) – Eagles’ Zak Roscoe also kicked four.

Not many would’ve given Murrumbeena a chance against the second-placed St Paul’s McKinnon, but the Lions prevailed by 34 points in a big upset thanks to seven goals from Ed Standish.

Murrumbeena kicked 14 second-half goals to eight as it stormed home to victory, as Dareo Rogers and Steven Tolongs (both four goals) contributed well, while Brayden O’Toole kicked four in the loss.

SOUTHERN DIVISION 1

NARRE WARREN 4.2 5.4

Warren Goals: Jake Richardson 5, Tom Toner 2, Ethan Kennedy, Kurt Mutimer. Best: Jake Richardson, Joel Zietsman, Hamish West, Declan Brown, Tom Toner, Ethan Kennedy. Port Melbourne Best: Amani Karauria-Lunt, Rikki Newton, Rory Lehmann, Aris Moustakas, Robbie McComb, Tom Smith. EAST

East Brighton Goals: Thomas Lamb 5, Tom Bracher 4, William Brydon Waldren, Kyle Cooper, Alex Keath, Jacob Sandman.

Best: Jacob Thompson, Thomas Lamb, Benjamin Dessent, Luke Grima, Kyle Cooper, Tom Bracher. Cranbourne Goals: Zak Roscoe 4, Jake Hill, Ryan Jones 2, Andrew Green, Brock Van Loon. Best: Ryan Jones, Jake Hill, Zak Roscoe, Glenn Osborne, Dillan Bass, Jake Cowburn.

Other Results – R11: Cheltenham 17.11(113) def Bentleigh 2.14(26), Springvale Districts 16.10(106) def Dingley 8.8(56), Murrumbeena 18.10(118) def St Paul’s McKinnon 13.6(84).

Ladder: Dingley 40, St Paul’s McKinnon 32, Cheltenham 30, Springvale Districts, East Brighton 24, Bentleigh 22, Narre Warren, Murrumbeena 14, Port Melbourne 12, Cranbourne 8. Fixture – R12: Dingley (1) v Cheltenham (3), Bentleigh (6) v Murrumbeena (8), Port Melbourne (9) v Springvale Districts (4), Cranbourne (10) v St Paul’s McKinnon (2), Narre Warren (7) v East Brighton (5).

Richardson’s return makes all the difference for Narre

By Blair Burns

There is no doubt that Narre Warren has desperately missed Jake Richardson’s services in the recent narrow losses against St Paul’s McKinnon (15 points) and Cranbourne (19 points).

And a performance like he produced on Saturday would’ve perhaps found his team an extra couple of wins if he hadn’t have been sidelined with a broken hand.

‘Richo’ as he is known around the club, produced a game for the ages with five goals, some crucial minutes in the ruck, and some game-saving marks in defence – he did it all.

The 30-year-old relived the final moments of the game where he drifted back to help out the defenders.

“Hayden (Dwyer) was off the ground so I went into the ruck, then I saw him come back on and I knew there was not long left,” Richardson said.

“It was just living down their end, so I sort of

took it upon myself to go behind the ball in case they did get a couple of quick kicks in.

“(I planned) to spoil, or if I was in a good position, mark the ball, which fortunately I was able to grab a couple late and Zieta (Joel Zietsman) took a crucial one as well.”

Richardson, who has kicked 24 goals in nine games this season, said it was good to be back on the winners’ list and back on the field.

“It was a good performance by the boys and it was really good to be back out there,” he said.

“It was the first couple of games I’ve missed since playing senior footy really, so it was a new experience for me.

“Last week against Cranbourne was one of the more frustrating ones watching on, it felt like we were breaking down a little bit across the forward line.”

Richardson hoped the win would give the side some belief and confidence as they approach a string of challenges against East Brighton, Cheltenham and Dingley.

Jake Richardson was huge in his return from injury, kicking five goals. (Rob Carew: 486766)

Narre

Narre Warren co-captain Trent Papworth searches for an option in the win over Port Melbourne. (Rob Carew: 486766)

Blazing 60-year celebration

By David Nagel

It’s been 60 years since the Rythdale-Cardinia Basketball Netball Club was the talk of the South West Gippsland League after winning premierships in A, B and C Grade.

It was a feat never before accomplished since the league came to life in 1954 and a memorable moment for the club.

The A Grade team defeated Lyndhurst-Hampton Park 28-24; B Grade overcame Keysborough 32-30 in a nail-biter, while C Grade also got the better of Lyndhurst-Hampton Park with a 26-23 triumph.

To cap off a huge year for Rythdale, it also won the league award for Best Conducted Club.

The club held its 70th anniversary celebrations last year, and will continue to acknowledge its proud heritage with an event at the Cardinia Recreation Reserve, on Ballarto Road, on Sunday 20 July.

Past-player Fay McCoubrie is one of the organisers of the event, which was born from the 70-year celebrations last year.

“Last year I was a guest speaker at their 70year celebration and I asked if I could bring a guest with me who was the first secretary of the league,” McCoubrie said.

“I had played with her at Rythdale-Cardinia; her name was Dot Kellock, the A Grade premiership captain from 1965.

“She came with me and during the afternoon she told me she had a present for me…an original Blazer of the Rythdale-Cardinia club.

“This blazer is precious as it is probably over 70 years old.”

McCoubrie pondered what to do with the blazer and with the help of the Cardinia Recreation Reserve organised for a display cabinet to be present, to display the blazer in its full glory.

With the netball club folding in the late 80s, and minutes books lost, McCoubrie has been busy trying to reconstruct some of the history of the club.

As well as the blazer, McCoubrie is putting together a booklet that can be purchased on the day, while photos from the 1965 season will also be on display.

The opening of the display cabinet will be feature of the day.

with us on that day as they also won the first premiership in the league.”

EVENT DETAILS

McCoubrie and her organising team are sending out an open invitation to anybody affiliated with the club in any way, to come along to the Open Day on Sunday 20 July.

“I was going to put it on a USB, but, when a few of them that have been helping me looked blankly at me when I suggested this, I realised they did not know what I was talking about so hence it had to be in booklet form,” McCoubrie said with a chuckle.

“Over time we have lost contact with a lot of the players, but it would be great if people affiliated with the club could come along, have some afternoon tea and reminisce with former players about those days,” McCoubrie said.

“I hope to have two players from that 1954 year

71-goal performance leads Pies to victory

By Blair Burns

Narre Warren young gun Grace Loelu is putting together an impressive season in the Southern Division netball as the goal shooter continues to terrorise every opponent she plays on.

Loelu scored an incredible 71 goals in the win against Port Melbourne on Saturday as the Magpies made light work of the Colts to win 84-38.

Coming into the clash, Port Melbourne was fifth on the ladder with a solid season record of 5-6 and a loss to the tune of 46 goals was rather unexpected.

Narre Warren won by just 12 goals the last time they played the Colts, but this time was much different as the home side put up its biggest score of the year.

The game was over at quarter time with the scoreboard reading 24-6 thanks to some brilliant ball movement from the back court.

Coach Michelle Mashado would’ve been pleased with the consistency her team showed, as they continued to extend the lead throughout the game, never taking the foot off the pedal.

The 18-goal margin was extended to 25 goals by half time, 39 at three quarter time and finished at 46 goals, the team’s second win of this margin in three games.

Loelu was a problem for the defenders and has now scored 436 goals this season, but her output is a testament to the midcourters and defenders who have been impressive every week.

Narre Warren, which is now 10-2, will look to continue its form and boost its percentage even further when it takes on Murrumbeena this Saturday at Kalora Park Reserve.

The netballers will take the court at the familiar venue for the next two matches, playing before the footballers in what is a big couple of weeks for the club.

Sunday 20 July, 1.30pm. Cardinia Recreation Reserve, Ballarto Road, Cardinia.

Those keen to get more details can contact Faye McCoubrie via email, at mccoubrie@bigpond. com or via phone on 0407 323 395.

Junior club has 50-year anniversary

Narre Warren Junior Football Club (NWJFC) has crammed a lot into its 50-year history and the Magpies are keen to celebrate their anniversary in style with a huge event put down for Saturday August 2.

Narre Warren JFC has been a very successful club, with many junior Magpies making their way to AFL level.

Among those are Brendan Fevola, Adam McPhee, Matthew Boyd, Chris Newman, Ryan Bastinac, Tom Scully, Trent Croad, Kara Antonio (nee Donnellan), Mark Stevens and Steven Salopek with the NWJFC working behind the scenes to attract some of that AFL experience to the event.

The club is also reaching out to past members to make contact with the club, with the club’s data base not 100-percent accurate when it comes to helping organising invitations to the event.

The NWJFC will also announce its Team of the Decade on the night.

Contact the club for more details.

EVENT DETAILS

Narre Warren Junior Football Club - 50th

Saturday 2 August, 6.30pm

Kalora Park Clubrooms, Fox Road, Narre

and white cocktail at-

B Grade premiers, from left; Maureen Duncan (captain), Jewel Beazley, Marlene Smith, Joan Farrell, Marlene Ellett, Helen Beazley and Jan Beard.

C Grade premiers, from left; Jill Beard (captain), Rhonda Duncan, Anne Webster, Joy Osborne, Margaret Mills, Trixie Kroes, Trixie Hobson and Helen Banks.

Rythdale-Cardinia 1965 A Grade premiers, from left; Jill Butcher, Lyn Banks, Chris Taylor, Lorraine Smith, Joy Beard, Fay Osborne and Dot Kellock (captain). (Supplied)

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