More than 50 residents from Hampton Park and surrounding suburbs braved heavy rain on Wednesday 28 May to rally at the Victorian Parliament against the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station.
Wearing “WTS WE SAY NO” shirts and holding banners, the group gathered in support of a petition debate led by local Opposition MP AnnMarie Hermans.
The two petitions, with over 4000 signa-
tures, were tabled earlier this year and gained unanimous support in Parliament during the debate.
Ms Hermans called for the government to uphold the EPA’s recent rejection of Veolia’s licence application and to investigate Casey Council’s planning permit decision, issued before the elected council took office. Concerns were raised over health, safety, and environmental risks, and calls were made for stronger
safeguards, transparent planning processes, and relocation of such facilities to industrial zones.
Crossbench MPs, including Michael Galea, Rachel Payne, Renee Heath and others, condemned the proposal, highlighting its scale— processing half a million tonnes of waste from nine councils—and its proximity to homes, schools, and sporting clubs. Residents and groups such as the Lynbrook Residents Asso-
ciation expressed pride and emotion, feeling their years of advocacy were finally acknowledged.
However, frustration lingered over the absence of any Ministers during the debate. While the government did not oppose the motion, residents stressed that more than symbolic support was needed, urging swift and meaningful government action to protect community health and uphold environmental standards.
More than 50 locals rallied at the State Parliament against the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station on Wednesday 28 May. They were also there to support a petition debate against the proposed facility. (Gary Sissons: 480136)
Temporary freeze on levy
By Violet Li
Victorian farmers will be spared the hike from the new controversial emergency services levy for one year, as the State Government cited the drought concerns.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the extension of a drought package to farmers statewide on the morning of Friday 30 May, which included the temporary pause of the recently passed Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
This means the ESVF variable rate on farmlands will remain the same as it was in the 2024-25 financial year for the duration of the 2025-26 financial year, which will be applied to rate notices for farmlands automatically.
“By capping the rate of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund for primary production properties, we’re ensuring farmers can remain fully focused on their drought response and recovery,” Treasurer Jaclyn Symes said.
The new levy ESVF was passed in mid-May to replace the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) from 1 July this year. Variable rates will be higher to “help support a broader range of emergency services”, including VICSES and Triple Zero Victoria.
The hike will hit the farmers the hardest as the median liability for them will grow by more than 85 per cent from $621 to $1120.
The temporary freeze means the variable rate charged on farmers for every $1000 of a property’s capital improved value will remain at 28.7 cents for the next financial year, but the charge will go up to 71.8 cents from the 2026-27 financial year.
Residential rates will not be paused. The median charge will grow by more than 30 per cent from $191 to $254 from 1 July.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the 12-month pause.
VFF President Brett Hosking said it represents a step in the right direction as Victoria endures crippling drought conditions across the state and allows more time to talk with the government.
“Pausing the ESL increases for 12 months is the right call, but it doesn’t change the underlying problem: this levy is an unfair cost shift onto farmers,” he said.
“We’ll use this extra time to continue making the case that it needs to be scrapped altogether, not simply paused.”
United Firefighters Union (UFU) Secretary Peter Marshall said the announcement is a temporary pause on the collection of this tax for some people, so it is not a full moratorium, and the tax will hit businesses and homeowners hard this year.
“The Government has made clear that the pause for farmers is for this year only,” he said.
“The laws will remain on the books, and the tax will hang over the heads of every Victorian - including farmers, business and homeowners - for every year to come. The tax will simply continue to pay for the continued attacks on firefighters and their safety.
“We need to see this extra tax discarded entirely, and the laws that enable it repealed so it cannot be reintroduced when the government is no longer facing the intense political pressure that recent protests have produced.
“There should be an immediate public inquiry into the tax, its impact on Victorians, and the political machinations behind today’s announcement.”
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy said delaying the emergency services tax is simply delaying what is an unjustified and unfair tax on Victorian producers, whether it’s drought conditions or not.
“The tax should be scrapped entirely,” she said.
The new levy prompted hundreds of firefighters from statewide to protest in Melbourne city on the morning of the state budget delivery day.
Star News reported then that the Casey community opposed the new levy, saying the new levy was a “cash grab” that would deepen the cost-ofliving crisis.
Hundreds of firefighters from statewide protested in Melbourne city on the morning of the state budget delivery day. Cranbourne FRV firefighter and United Firefighters Union (UFU) Victoria delegate Geoff Barker (right) joined the rest of the firefighters. (Supplied)
Smoke alarms save lives
By Violet Li
A Cranbourne father who saved his daughter when a fire broke out in their family home is calling on Victorians to fit smoke alarms in all bedrooms and have a thorough fire plan.
The call comes as the latest figures show that between May 2024 and May 2025, FRV and CFA responded to more than 1,880 residential fires across Victoria, while 18 people died in preventable house fires during 2024.
Most fatal fires and those that cause serious injuries occur in bedrooms and living areas, however, FRV and CFA’s most recent survey of Victorians revealed just 17 per cent of Victorians are protected by smoke alarms in their bedrooms.
On a cold August night last year, Michael Vamplew and his partner Ashlea woke to hear their two-year-old daughter Harlow screaming for help, after a fire took hold in her bedroom when her bed linen was ignited by a charging adapter plugged into a power board.
“It was either the power board or it was the adapter that caught fire. Nothing was actually plugged into the adapter, though,” Michael said.
Michael recalled that once he got around the corner to Harlow’s bedroom, he saw big black smoke rolling at the bottom of the door. The smoke alarms hadn’t triggered at the time because the door was closed.
“As I got to the door, I knew we were in trouble. I just thought if today’s the day that I die, so be it. But I’m not going into that room and leaving without her,” Michael said.
“Today is the day that God makes me go to seek him. I’m okay with that. I was okay with dying. I wasn’t going into that room empty-handed and walking out empty-handed.”
The whole room was engulfed in flames.
“If there was a smoke alarm in the bedroom, it would have picked up the initial smoke before there was such a large fire,” he said.
In line with the family’s home fire escape plan, while Michael got Harlow to safety, Ashlea helped to evacuate the other children and contacted the authorities, with FRV and CFA arriving to tackle the blaze. Harlow was treated for third-degree burns to her feet.
Before the fire, the Vamplews had three interlinked smoke alarms, one outside of each bedroom. Now, they have eight ones installed outside and inside the bedrooms.
When one alarm activates, all will now sound.
Michael said it was an “extremely traumatic” experience for Harlow.
“There were nights when my daughter would sweat profusely and relive that moment,” he said.
“The hardest thing was she’d wake up constantly for the next six months, like, every hour. And it was like she would go from zero to 1000 in fight mode.
“It was like her default mechanism automatically got reset to fight mode, protective mode. Whether it be just throwing a tantrum, she wouldn’t get a buildup as most children do. She’d be snapping at breaking point because she goes through that traumatic stage again.
“I guess for us, it was just learning how to deal with those cues and learning how to deal with them to best support her, also reassuring her that this is we’re in a safe space and just creating a really loving and supportive environment for her to live.”
The Vamplews are now trying their best to raise awareness for home fire safety and preparedness.
“I think there needs to be a discussion of a fire plan in general, and not just a case of you getting out of here, this is our meeting point, I think it should be a case of what your roles are,” Michael said.
“I think that smoke alarm standards and laws need to be changed, obviously, to include installing smoke alarms in bedrooms. They need to be interconnected. If one goes off, they all go off.
“I also believe that not many people are made aware that smoke alarms expire after ten years of service. That label that says that should be in big, bold letters on the front of all packaging when you buy one. I’m a nonsmoker, and I know the effects of cigarette smoking based on branding and imaging because it has to be publicised on the front of cigarettes. Why don’t we have this same sort of branding laws for smoke alarm safety?
“I think there’s a lot of work there that needs to be actioned. But I don’t think the government will take action anytime soon. I’m urging all Victorians not to wait for legislation but to act
on something.”
FRV deputy commissioner, Community Safety, Joshua Fischer hopes the Vamplew family’s lucky escape sends a strong message to all Victorians.
“What happened to the Vamplew family clearly demonstrates why it is so vital to have smoke alarms fitted in every bedroom of your home,” he said.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook hoped residents would feel prompted to reevaluate the placement and condition of their smoke alarms.
“We know fire risk is greatest when you are asleep, because we can lose our sense of smell. Without a working smoke alarm in your bedroom, your family may not wake up in time to safely escape,” he said.
When checking, installing, or replacing your smoke alarms, FRV and CFA advise:
· Only working smoke alarms save lives.
· Smoke alarms should also be installed in every bedroom and living area.
· Smoke alarms must be located between each bedroom area and the rest of the house and on each level.
· Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling at least 30cm from the wall or installed on the wall at least 30cm from the ceiling to avoid dead air space.
· Smoke alarms should be interconnected, so when any alarm is activated, all smoke alarms will sound.
· Fire services recommend the use of smoke alarms powered by a 10-year long-life battery.
· Smoke alarms should be tested monthly by pressing the test button on the alarm and waiting for the test alarm to sound.
· Smoke alarms should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or dusted at least once a year to remove particles that will affect smoke alarm performance.
· Replaceable batteries in a smoke alarm need to be changed yearly.
· Smoke alarms, including those attached to mains power, should be replaced every 10 years
· For more information, go to: vic.gov.au/smokealarms
Cranbourne father Michael Vamplew was with his daughter Harlow and FRV deputy commissioner, Community Safety, Joshua Fischer and Cranbourne Fire Brigade CFA member Zoe Russell. (Supplied)
The fire destroyed Harlow’s bedroom.
Fraudster’s appeal fails
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Cranbourne fraudster jailed over a $1.2 million scam targeting Telstra and several big banks has had his appeal dismissed.
Samir Mustum, 52, was appealing a six-year and five-month jail term imposed by the Victorian County Court in 2023 over dozens of fraud charges involving false ID and documents.
His term included a non-parole period of fourand-a-half years.
On appeal, Mustum proposed the original judge had erred by rejecting evidence he was diagnosed with an intellectual disability – namely a mid-60s IQ.
County Court judge Liz Gaynor had rejected the diagnosis, noting Mustum’s “sophisticated” offending and recruiting of associates to create false documents.
“Indeed, it was noted by (the neuropsychologist) in his report that the results could not really be relied upon because he felt that you were not giving of your best - in other words, malingering, Mr Mustum, and I do not accept the findings.”
On 4 June, the Victorian Court of Appeal refused Mustum leave to appeal on this ground.
Mustum also proposed he was denied procedural fairness after the original judge had stated she was thinking of a less severe five-year jail term with a three-year non-parole period.
The Court of Appeal granted leave for appeal on this ground, but ultimately dismissed the appeal.
Over three years, Mustum had pleaded guilty to targeting Telstra, ANZ, Westpac, Citi Group, NAB, Bank of Melbourne and Latitude Financial Services in 67 transactions and pocketing $1.265
Supreme Court of Victoria.
million in goods and credit.
He had used false driver’s licenses, payslips, Medicare cards and bank statements to obtain loans under names of other people who were unaware of the transactions.
Occasionally he used others to visit the bank to verify the false papers.
More than $1.12 million was yet to be recovered at the time of the original sentencing in September 2023.
Mustum was also charged over using his wife to attempt to simultaneously scam a $607,500 home loan from two different lending companies.
In 2023, Judge Gaynor said Mustum - a gambling addict - was an “entrenched and remorseless offender” who had continued to offend from jail and to offend in “ever increasing amounts and at an ever increasing magnitude”.
One Acacia Available
Business awards open
TheCityofCasey’sbusinessawardsfor2025have opened, with Mayor Stefan Koomen encouraging local establishments to put their names forward.
The annual program serves as a celebration of local endeavours, but also passion, resilience and innovation that define the local business landscape in Casey.
“These awards provide the chance to tell your story, celebrate your team and inspire others, while connecting with like-minded local leaders,” Koomen said.
All applicants receive tailored feedback from expert judges that looks to foster growth, refine strategy and unlock new opportunities.
Winners of each category award and the Business of the Year award receive cash prizes and exposure that have the chance to elevate the brand and open new doors. Business can apply in one of the seven new categories, which are listed below.
· Excellence in Community and Customer Support - for businesses that go above and
beyond to serve and support their customers and community.
· Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion - celebrating businesses that champion equity, representation and inclusive practices.
· Excellence in Environmental Sustainability - recognising those leading the way in sustainable business practices.
· ExcellenceinInnovation-forbusinessespushing boundaries and creating new solutions.
· Best Micro Business (1 - 5 people) - honouring the efforts of small teams making a big impact.
· Best New Business (3 years or under) - celebrating fresh ideas and bold beginnings.
· Young Entrepreneur of the Year - shining a light on the next generation of business leaders.
· “We’re so proud of the amazing achievements of our business community, and I encourage every business in Casey to apply - you deserve to be recognised,” Koomen said.
· Applications are now open and close on 6 July; for more information visit businessincasey. com.au/business-awards
Previous winners of the Casey 2024 Business of the Year, KDS Gourmet. (Supplied)
Still no say on charges
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Nearly two years after Victoria’s anti-corruption commission handed down an explosive report on Casey Council, no charges have been laid and the report has temporarily disappeared from the commission’s website.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) released its Operation Sandon report in July 2023 after a five-year investigation of property developers, Casey councillors and state MPs.
The report was damning of several key players – with two councillors accused of accepting more than $1.15 million in payments and in-kind support for promoting a developer and his clients’ interests on council.
Under state law, IBAC is able to refer alleged criminality to the Office of Public Prosecutions, which would decide whether to pursue charges.
“There’s a process for doing that. It hasn’t been done yet,” IBAC acting commissioner Stephen Farrow said in July 2023.
“The advice I have is that will be happening very quickly.”
This week, a IBAC spokesperson said it is “continuing to consult with the Office of Public Prosecutions in respect of what charges (if any) should be filed as a result of Operation Sandon”.
“This process remains ongoing.”
The IBAC spokesperson said: “Through an abundance of caution, reports are temporarily removed from the IBAC website while this process occurs.”
The removal of the Operation Sandon report from the IBAC website was noted by Facebook
page Casey Transparency Advocate last week.
Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said he understood the process “takes time” but Casey’s community needed “closure”.
“It’s a police matter and it’s ongoing. We’re hopeful there’s an outcome for residents and that there’s some closure. We want to move on.”
During Operation Sandon, Casey councillors were sacked en masse in 2020 – plunging the council under the rule of administrators for nearly five years.
Former mayor Amanda Stapledon took her own life in 2022 after receiving a draft of IBAC’s findings.
It was later confirmed by IBAC that she was not at risk of prosecution. She was not named in the report’s ‘adverse findings’ section.
A State Coroner examining her death recommended that IBAC moves to alleviate witness’s uncertainty about being prosecuted as early as possible during investigations.
Among the IBAC Operation Sandon report’s 34 recommendations was to take land planning decisions out of the hands of councillors.
Starting in 2018, the complex investigation spanned 40 days of public hearings as well as seven private examinations.
IBAC acting commissioner Stephen Farrow and deputy commissioner David Wolf release the Operation Sandon report in July 2023. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 350301)
Cranbourne West industrial site hits market
By Violet Li
Lot sales have started for a historically controversial industrial site in Cranbourne West.
The industrial site at 690 Western Port Highway was historically linked to Operation Sandon, a major anti-corruption investigation by Victoria’s Independent Broad-based AntiCorruption Commission (IBAC), before the real estate developer Salta Properties acquired the land in 2021.
Salta is now selling twelve lots in a precinct called Industrial Quarter (iQ), starting from 6,375 sqm in size, with amalgamation possible.
The iQ site is located 450 metres from the Western Port Highway, with links to the South Gippsland Freeway, Princes Highway, and the Monash Freeway. It provides access to freight and logistics corridors.
Last year in September, Star News reported that the proposed industrial development on the site triggered Federal involvement due to its potential to disrupt the habitats of vulnerable and endangered species.
The developer proposed to remove 0.512 hectares of native vegetation and approximately 50 hectares of non-native vegetation for future construction. An environmental assessment
Quarter (iQ) at 690 Western Port Highway. (Supplied)
identified the site as a potential habitat for 15 threatened species, including the swift parrot, southern brown bandicoot, and swamp skink, but no ground-dwelling threatened species were found during field surveys. The developer’s application also argued that the land was of low ecological quality due to past cattle grazing and mostly introduced grasses.
A month later, the Federal department ruled that the proposed removal was “not a controlled action”, which means it does not require formal assessment or approval under the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). The action can proceed without further federal environmental assessment or approval under the EPBC Act.
According to Salta, this sales launch followed its sale last year of a neighbouring site, 635 Hall Road, to global property groups ESR and Frasers Property Industrial, in a joint-venture deal for a record $200 million-plus.
The launch of iQ sales reaffirmed Salta’s “long-term industrial commitment” to the region, which adds to the property group’s ongoing efforts to establish Victoria’s first inland port, to be located at its Nexus Dandenong South Precinct.
“Our acquisition of the 123-hectare Cranbourne site (690 Western Port Highway and 635 Hall Road) in 2021 made sense for us,” Salta managing director Sam Tarascio said.
“We understood that industrial use remains the most appropriate and productive purpose for this land. Combined with our intermodal rail terminal, which will reshape freight efficiency across the Southeast and reinforce the strategic advantage of our precincts for large-scale industrial users, the corridor will be solidified as the mecca for industrial operations and indus-
trial land value.
“iQ is future development ready, and this first release offers the best sites available for businesses seeking flexibility and long-term growth, perfectly suited to businesses in food production, cold storage, manufacturing, and last-mile logistics.
“The site’s access via a signalled intersection offers a major competitive edge for operators prioritising transport efficiency.”
The 123-hectare industrial site was central to IBAC Operation Sandon before Salta purchased the land.
Developer John Woodman lobbied to rezone the site from industrial to residential use to significantly increase its value.
IBAC’s investigation revealed that Woodman paid over $550,000 to two then-City of Casey councillors in exchange for their support of the rezoning efforts. The rezoning proposal was ultimately rejected by then-Planning Minister Richard Wynne in 2020, citing a shortage of industrial land in the area.
Salta acquired the 123-hectare site in 2021 for a $1.2 billion industrial estate, later selling half (635 Hall Road) to ESR and Frasers.
Salta is now selling twelve lots in a precinct called Industrial
Celebrating First Nations
By Violet Li
Casey Council’s National Reconciliation Week event attracted hundreds of residents in the region to celebrate Aboriginal cultures and work towards stronger connections.
The free community event on Thursday 29 May included a smoking ceremony, a flag-raising ceremony, live music, and a variety of hands-on cultural activities.
Jaeden Williams, Yalukit Willam man of the Boonwurrung, addressed the public before the ceremony began. He spoke about the emotional journey of reconciliation, which often involves resistance, sadness, guilt, and shame, but these feelings, if processed with care, can lead to accountability, empathy, pride, connection, and love.
“Reconciliation is not just about policies and protocols. It’s about the right relationship,” he said.
“It’s about what we are willing to see, feel, and do with and for one another. And love, real love, is the highest form of respect we can offer.
“It’s important to remember this journey is not a checklist. It’s not linear. We don’t graduate from guilt and get to pride and stay there forever. You might feel empathy today, resistance tomorrow. You might circle back to shame then return to pride again and that’s okay.
“What matters is that we keep choosing to return to truth, to humility, to relationship, and to love.”
He said this year’s Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next, was a call to action.
“We are the link between what was and what’s possible. We are the generation that can either pass on silence or pass on strength, and our children, the next generation, are watching how we respond,” he said.
“They’re learning from our courage or our avoidance. They’re inheriting our stories and our silence. So let’s make sure we pass on something worth carrying.
“The goal of this journey isn’t perfection, it’s connection. It’s truth. It’s pride grounded in respect. It’s love grounded in justice. It’s a shared sense of belonging, not through sameness but through deep respect for difference.
“Wherever you are on your journey, just starting, stuck in the comfort or deep in the work, know this, you are not alone. This is our shared path.”
CityofCaseyMayorCouncillorStefanKoomen emphasised that Casey has the second-largest indigenous population of any council in Victoria.
“We felt it was important to acknowledge that and invite residents to come and celebrate that,” he said.
“Today is not just about a one-off event. It’s about building really strong relationships with our First Nations people.”
He said the Council is very proud to have the Aboriginal Gathering Place in Doveton.
“It’s a space where indigenous people can come and learn and share their culture. It’s also open to other members of the community. It’s a really nice space,” he said.
Mayor Koomen was also proud that the Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative Limited (DDACL), a key First Nations health and wellbeing organisation in the south east, would have new premises at the Monash Health Integrated Care Centre in Cranbourne. The news was announced two weeks ago after the State Budget was delivered.
Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place artist and elder, Uncle Douglas Smith, attended the event and said it was a good opportunity for everyone to get together here on one occasion to celebrate the same theme.
Volunteering hits the digital age, ready for change
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Volunteerism is
in transition – and needs to be more flexible, inclusive and digital, according to a Volunteering Victoria report.
A staggering 3.3 million Victorians – almost 60 per cent of the population over 15 years old –volunteer on average 18 hours a month.
Collectively, they give more than 732 million hours of their time. Based on minimum wages, that’s at least $18 billion in donated time.
Sharp said there’s a lot of change of the volunteering sector – who volunteers and when and how they volunteer.
According to VV’s latest State of Volunteering report, it is young Victorians aged 15-24 years
that lead the way, with the highest rate of volunteerism (69.4 per cent).
For youths, the most common motivation was a desire to give back.
This is despite barriers like study and work demands, financial pressure, transport limitations and some elders questioning their commitment.
Being most digitally fluent, young people are part of the push for more online volunteering opportunities.
Another high-volunteering cohort were culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities (71 per cent) – despite facing higher costs and barriers.
“There’s a really strong sense that there are people from CALD communities that would never all what they are doing is volunteering,” Sharp says.
“It’s nothing official, it’s just part of their identity and part of belonging.”
Across all ages over 15, the average volunteering rate was 58.9 per cent. This is about 500,000 volunteers short of the national rate (64 per cent).
For Sharp, making it easier to sign up as a volunteer is one focus, with 50 per cent of nonvolunteers at least thinking about chipping in. Another is how organisations can retain them.
“A lot of people are not struggling to find volunteers but are finding it harder to keep them.
“We’ve got to focus on how do we sustain them and give them fresh opportunities.
“People want to know what they’re doing is having a real impact – how is what they’re doing making the world a better place.
“They don’t want to spend the next four years sweeping floors to graduate to washing
teacups and then another four years to work in the office.”
Volunteer groups also need to embrace online recruitment and encourage digital participation.
Processes such as Working With Children Checks should be made as simple as possible, and out-of-pocket expenses should be reimbursed, Sharp said.
Volunteers want more flexible, shorter hours, and they expect to be well resourced – not having to fundraise for the required equipment.
During Covid, volunteers were moving from formal volunteering due to barriers such as social distancing requirements, vaccine mandates and lockdowns.
More were opting for more informal volunteering – such as helping out neighbours with grocery runs or putting their bins out.
Jaeden Williams, Yalukit Willam man of the Boonwurrung, hosted the smoking ceremony.
Police bust syndicate
A 25-year-old Narre Warren South man was among three arrested and interviewed by the Vehicle Crime Squad related to a car rebirthing syndicate.
On Wednesday, 28 May, detectives from the squad, as well as members from the Illicit Firearms Squad, VIPER Taskforce, Echo Taskforce and Gang Crime Squad, executed three warrants in Narre Warren South, Caroline Springs, Meadow Heights, and two factories in Laverton North and Brooklyn.
Police seized a range of allegedly stolen items from across the five addresses, including: a 2020 Nissan Qashqai wagon, allegedly stolen from a Craigieburn business earlier in May, and a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, allegedly stolen from Nissan prior to being registered.
Officers also seized a range of false, cloned, stolen and homemade number plates, false VicRoads transfer papers and false identification documents, log books from rebirthed vehicles, and vehicle parts, a large quantity of cash, drugs believed to be steroids, and electronic equipment such as mobile phones and computers.
Detective Inspector Julie MacDonald, from the Vehicle Crime Squad, said that “vehicle theft can have an enormous impact on people’s lives”.
“Not only the financial losses associated with having your car stolen, but also losing the freedom of movement for things such as employment or family responsibilities.
“Yesterday’s arrests and seizures are a really satisfying result for Vehicle Crime Squad detectives, and the investigation into the activities of this syndicate remains ongoing,” she said.
All seized vehicles will all be forensically assessed, and police are hoping to return them to their rightful owners as soon as possible.
Alongside the Narre Warren South man, a 31-year-old Caroline Springs man and a 24-yearold Meadow Heights man were also arrested and interviewed.
The Narre Warren South man has since been
charged with eight offences, including dealing property suspected of being proceeds of crime, obtaining property by deception, using false documents and using identification information.
Police alleged that the syndicate was selling stolen vehicles with cloned identifiers taken from online advertisements for legitimate vehicles, as well as placing trackers in stolen vehicles and restealing them in order to sell them again.
The Caroline Springs Man has been charged with 39 offences that include handling stolen goods, dealing property suspected of being proceeds of crime, obtaining property by deception, theft of a motor vehicle, theft, using false docu-
ments and using identification information.
As for the Meadow Heights man, he was charged with 15 offences, including handling stolen goods, dealing in property suspected of being proceeds of crime, obtaining property by deception, using a false document, and using identification information.
The three have been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 12 August.
The investigation remains ongoing, but the arrests made were part of a Vehicle Crime Squad investigation that commenced earlier this month, looking into rebirthed vehicles then being sold online via Facebook marketplace, primarily in
Melbourne’s north and northwest suburbs.
During this investigation, a total of 10 allegedly fraudulent sales were identified using 14 vehicles, and 12 of these cars have since been recovered.
“It’s not only about recovering vehicles that have been stolen at great loss to their rightful owners, but also preventing any further thefts,” MacDonald said.
“For those in the market for a new vehicle, particularly if they are looking to buy one privately via online marketplaces, then we urge you to be wary of scams such as this.
“Anything where the deal seems too good to be true and the seller is cagey with providing a lot of identification details or pushing for a quick sale should be ringing alarm bells with people.
Police are urging those looking to purchase a vehicle privately to be wary of scams targeting unsuspecting buyers, including a price that is too good to be true, especially where the vehicle is advertised at a much lower price, and the owner not being present and the vehicle is being sold on behalf of another person.
Other things to look out for include pressure on an urgent sale on the same day, ID checks on the seller where they only produce a picture of the ‘owner’s’ license and no card, meet ups occurring in out of the way places, where one key for the vehicle is provided, and vehicles where the VIN sticker and compliance plates have been tampered with.
“We know that with the cost of living that people are looking to get a great deal, but it’s important that the deal doesn’t result in people losing their hard-earned money,” MacDonald said.
“The Vehicle Crime Squad will continue to target those contributing to organised motor vehicle crime in Victoria and shut down any illegal activity of this nature.
“We’d also invite anyone with information about this kind of illegal activity to please contact Crime Stoppers – it can be done anonymously, and we’ll continue to act on these reports.”
A Narre Warren South man was arrested as part of a vehicle rebirthing syndicate on Wednesday, as multiple police taskforces executed warrants at five addresses throughout Melbourne.
Tunnel trial
The upcoming winter months are set to be filled with local metro tunnel trial operations, as the construction on Clyde Road progresses.
There will be a full day of trial operations on Saturday, 21 June, where new systems and infrastructure will be tested for an extended period of time, impacting operations on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines.
In Casey, crews on the Clyde Road Upgrade in Berwick will close the Princes Freeway citybound exit ramp onto Clyde Road from mid-June to November.
The Clyde Road entry ramp onto the Princes Freeway Warragul-bound will also be closed from July until October.
For the train lines, this means more trains are set to run throughout the day as compared to the usual Saturday timetable, with passengers on the mentioned lines required to interchange at Footscray and Caulfield to complete their journey.
State Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams, said that the Metro Tunnel Project “is gearing up for its first full day of trial operations as it prepares to open to passengers later this year”.
The project is one year ahead of schedule, as crews are scheduled to continue working in the two new CBD stations.
In light of this, from Friday, 29 August to Friday, 5 September, buses will be replacing trains on the Cranbourne, Pakenham, Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines as Suburban Rail Loops crews continue works at Clayton Station to prepare for the tunnelling’s start in 2026.
Information displays on the trains and platforms will reflect future services, so station staff will also be present to assist passengers with understanding how their journey is affected.
The new, high-capacity metro trains have travelled over 140,000 kilometres inside the tunnels, and while these trials continue, disruptions are to be expected throughout the Cranbourne, Pakenham, Sunbury and Gippsland lines.
Two more level crossings will be removed in the north-west, and testing of the locally built X-
Trapolis 2.0 will continue, with buses to replace trains on sections of the Cranbourne, Pakenham, Frankston, Sunbury and Werribee lines.
“A huge amount of work is underway this winter, with the finish line in sight for Metro tunnel and West Gate Tunnel - city-shaping projects that will ease congestion and cut travel times,” Williams said.
Throughout Melbourne, the West Gate tunnels are near completion, and with this comes some outbound lane and ramp closures on the West Gate Freeway.
Outbound travel will also be reduced to three lanes between Williamstown Road and Millers Road, with the Williamstown outbound onramp to be closed, along with the Millers Road exit ramp.
Arrest after crime spree
Crime Investigation units joined forces to arrest a man allegedly involved in a string of crimes across a three-week period in the southeastern suburbs.
It is alleged the man was involved in a series of offending between 2 May and 26 May, including:
· An alleged attempted aggravated burglary in Frankston South on 2 May
· An alleged burglary in Shoreham on 6 May
· An alleged attempted aggravated burglary and theft from motor vehicle on 8 May
· An alleged burglary in Mount Eliza on 8 May
· An alleged attempted aggravated burglary in Mount Eliza on 8 May
· An alleged aggravated burglary and theft of motor vehicle in Langwarrin on 16 May
· An alleged burglary at a shopping centre in Langwarrin on 16 May
· Two alleged thefts from motor vehicles in Frankston on 16 May
· An alleged burglary at a newsagency in Somerville on 17 May
· An alleged burglary and theft of motor vehicle at Carrum Downs on 23 May
· An alleged burglary at a tobacco store in Cranbourne on 24 May
· An alleged burglary at a tobacco store in Langwarrin on 24 May
· An alleged arson in Carrum Downs on 24 May
· An alleged aggravated burglary in Carrum Downs on 25 May
· An alleged aggravated burglary in Cranbourne South on 26 May
· An alleged aggravated burglary in Cranbourne West on 26 May
The offending also includes an attempted carjacking where it was alleged the man was driving a stolen silver Toyota Rav4 and collided with a Honda in Cranbourne West on Sunday 11 May at about 7pm.
The man exited the stolen Toyota and approached the driver of a white Tesla, who stopped to assist the occupants of the collision.
The offender allegedly opened the door to the Tesla and dragged the driver out, ripping his shirt and demanding the keys to the vehicle, however, he was unsuccessful and fled the scene.
Four occupants in the Honda were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the remaining three occupants were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The driver of the Tesla was not physically injured.
Detectives executed a search warrant at an address on Dandenong Road East in Frankston, where they located and arrested the 24-year-old Frankston man.
Also seized from the address were two stolen vehicles, one from an alleged aggravated burglary in Officer on 22 May, and the other from South Australia.
The Frankston man is in hospital under police guard and is expected to be interviewed by detectives at a later stage.
Police from Casey, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation units joined forces to arrest a man allegedly involved in a string of crimes across a three-week period in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs. (File)
Train lines, including Cranbourne and Pakenham, will be among those experiencing a full day of trial operations on 21 June, as buses set to replace trains later in the year. (File)
Donuts and a fresh start
Come along to our June village open days and find out why so many love life at Summerset Cranbourne North. Grab a complimentary barista made coffee and a hot jam donut before exploring the beautiful open homes.
When you move into a Summerset village you can enjoy living in a warm, vibrant community with the peace of mind that if your needs change, we offer care and support in the village. Our continuum of care means that if your needs change, our dedicated and professional staff can offer a range of care and living options, subject to availability and entry criteria.
Our village centre, once completed, is set to offer stunning resort-style facilities including a pool, spa, café, recreational bowling green, plus so much more.# Join your neighbours at the resident bar for happy hour or take advantage of one of our village outings – with so much to choose from, you’ll never be bored.
With a range of homes available now, you could be loving the Summerset life sooner than you thought.*
Love the life you choose.
Coffee, donuts, and village tours
Wednesday 11th & Wednesday 25th June 10am to 2pm
Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au
Hampton Park and its surrounding residents travelled far to Parliament on a rainy Wednesday afternoon to support a debate against the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station.
Locals rally at parliament
By Violet Li
More than 50 residents braved the weather and travelled more than 40 kilometres to the Parliament on Wednesday 28 May to attend a petition debate led by local Opposition MP Ann-Marie Hermans.
Wearing “WTS WE SAY NO” shirts and holding a “STOP THE WTS PROTECT HAMPTON PARK” banner, they peacefully rallied against the proposed facility before the debate.
Ms Hermans tabled two petitions with more than 4000 signatures to stop the construction of the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station in parliament back in February.
The petitions were moved on Wednesday night after a debate, gaining unanimous support across the crossbenchers.
Ms Hermans called on the relevant ministers to support the EPA’s refusal if challenged at VCAT, based on health, safety, and environmental risks.
She also called for investigating the legal basis of the planning permit issued by Casey Council, revoking the permit that was approved contrary to EPA findings, conducting a probity audit into Casey Council’s governance, focusing on potential conflicts of interest, and identifying an alternative site in an appropriate industrial area, away from homes and with access to rail infrastructure.
The two petitions were tabled before the EPA rejected the development licence of the proposed waste transfer station in April; however, Veolia appealed the rejection as it was made outside the prescribed legal timeframe. The matter has now been in the hands of VCAT, the state tribunal.
A separate planning permit was approved by Casey Council before the elected councillors last year. This year, the newly elected councillor
group have moved against the proposed facility.
“If VCAT overturns the EPA’s refusal and allows this waste station to go ahead in this area, the government needs to defend the EPA’s decision, because the location is inappropriate and there are genuine health, safety and environmental concerns,” Ms Hermans said when opening the debate on Wednesday night.
“The energy minister publicly opposes a waste-to-energy facility in Wollert, neighbouring her electorate, despite masterminding these plans. Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister opposed one in Lara, the area which he represents in federal Parliament. If this facility was no good
for the people of Wollert or Lara, why is it acceptable for the people in my community?
“While we support recycling and waste into energy, these facilities need to be positioned away from residential areas.
“Sporting clubs, schools and community groups like Lynbrook Primary, the Hampton Park Junior Football Club and the Hazara Shamama Association are concerned about the risk to their community and young people and feel they have been ignored.”
The opening speech was met with loud applause from the public gallery, and the president of the Legislative Council had to remind everyone
that no audience participation was encouraged.
During the debate, Labor MP for South-Eastern Metropolitan Michael Galea said it was “very disappointing” that the planning permit for the proposed waste transfer station was decided before the elected council last year, and he welcomed and supported the EPA’s rejection.
“I sincerely hope that an alternative location can be found,” he said.
Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne highlighted at the debate that Veolia’s proposed waste transfer station would process the rubbish of nine councils, making it the biggest waste transfer station in Victoria, crunching through half a million tonnes of waste each year.
“It is also the only waste transfer station of this scale not planned in an industrial area,” she said.
“I do not think it is okay to dump half a million tonnes of waste into people’s homes. “That is why I have joined the community in their fight to stop this obscene proposal, because it is not okay to treat people like rubbish.”
Liberal MP Renee Heath condemned the “reckless, inequitable and shamefully arrogant way this government has handled the proposed waste transfer station”.
“This is a community that has had more than its fair share. It lives in the shadow of one of the state’s largest landfills. It absorbs the trucks, the odours, the noise and the risk. Now the government wants to add 550,000 tonnes of commercial waste a year to a site just 54 metres from homes,” she said.
“There was no social impact statement, no proper environmental effects statement and no genuine consultation with culturally and linguistically diverse residents, despite this being one of Victoria’s most multicultural and disadvantaged regions.”
Hampton Park and its surrounding residents rallied in front of the Parliament on a rainy Wednesday afternoon to support a debate against the proposed Hampton Park waste transfer station, led by local Opposition MP Ann-Marie Hermans. (Gary Sissons: 480136)
The debate night saw familiar faces in the crowd, including several Casey Councillors and several local candidates who ran for the Federal Election this year.
A spokesperson of Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA), which represents the residents of five suburbs surrounding the proposed waste transfer station and organised the rally, said there was an overwhelming sense of pride and validation across the community.
“Many of us were moved to tears witnessing years of advocacy formally recognised at the highest level,” they said.
“Seeing our concerns echoed in Parliament reaffirmed that our voices matter—this is not just about a development; it’s about protecting the wellbeing of our families and our future.”
The spokesperson hoped that the government would act swiftly and decisively on the actions called for in the petition.
“Now that it has received unanimous support, we are urging the government to take meaningful steps, especially to ensure that community health, environmental safeguards, and transparency are placed above commercial interests,” they said.
“We also call for stronger safeguards to prevent similar proposals from being fast-tracked near residential areas in the future.
“Most importantly, we hope this marks a turning point where community voices are no longer sidelined but genuinely respected and embedded in planning decisions.”
Ms Hermans said it was unfortunate that the government had a backbencher respond and did
not have a single Minister respond at the debate.
“It is quite damning of the government, as the Minister for Planning (in the other place) can fix this rubbish dump and waste transfer situation effective immediately, thereby rendering an appeal to VCAT irrelevant,” she said.
“Interestingly, the Minister didn’t even have the courtesy to attend or listen to the debate in the chamber.”
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny responded to the two petitions in March, claiming that she did not have the ability under the Planning and Environment Act 7987 to overturn or vary a decision once a council has issued a planning permit.
“The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal is the appropriate forum to seek a review of this matter,” she stated.
“Any request for an investigation into the council’s conduct should be directed to the Victorian Ombudsman or the Local Government Inspectorate.”
As for the actions called in the petitions, Ms Hermans said it might put more pressure on the situation and on the government.
“It wasn’t opposed by the government but. Unfortunately, we got little more than a nod of sympathy yesterday,” she said.
When inquired, a Victorian Government spokesperson said: “We would encourage Veolia to continue to engage with the EPA, to identify the most suitable location for its proposed waste transfer station.
“As the matter is before VCAT, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne addressed the crowd before the debate.
More than 50 residents braved the weather and travelled more than 40 kilometres to the Parliament. Gary Sissons: 480136)
Group picture of the rally.
Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne and Vernadette Bilbao Dickson from LRA.
One of the residents was leading the rally.
The crowd.
Vernadette Bilbao Dickson from LRA was addressing the crowd before the debate.
LRA president Scott Watson was addressing the crowd before the debate.
Local Opposition MP Ann-Marie Hermans showed up and addressed the crowd before the debate.
Wearing “WTS WE SAY NO” shirts and holding a “STOP THE WTS PROTECT HAMPTON PARK” banner, they peacefully rallied against the proposed facility before the debate.
100 offences for accused
An alleged would-be car thief has been charged with more than 100 offences after allegedly injuring a police officer in Hallam.
Patrolling police allegedly saw the man allegedly attempting to break into a vehicle in a car park around Hallam railway station about 2.45pm on Monday, 26 May.
The man ran to escape in a stolen grey Mazda Neo parked nearby, according to police.
A male police officer attempted to remove the man from the Mazda, but he allegedly drove off at speed and dragged the officer with him.
The Mazda crashed into two parked vehicles.
A female passenger got out of the Mazda and was arrested at the scene.
The vehicle allegedly continued at speed with the police officer partially inside the car, before it crashed into another five vehicles.
The male driver ran from the scene and was arrested at a nearby industrial estate a short time later, police say.
Officers searched the Mazda and allegedly located mobile phones, stolen registration plates, bank cards and various documents.
The Senior Constable was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A 23-year-old man of no fixed address, who was wanted in relation to several other incidents, has been charged with more than 100 offences including:
· recklessly exposing emergency worker to risk by driving
· intentionally exposing emergency worker to risk by driving conduct endangering life
· dangerous driving
· resisting police
· car theft
· attempted car theft
· seven counts of wilful damage
· criminal damage
· handling stolen goods
· unlicensed driving
He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 28 May.
The 27-year-old woman of no fixed address was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.
Casey Council hosts celebration of innovation
City of Casey will host a celebration of innovative sustainability ideas this Thursday 12 June. Innovate Casey will showcase innovative sustainability ideas for community members and businesses.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers about the sustainable initiatives available to the local community and how local businesses can cut their electricity bills and reduce waste by embracing sustainable practices.
Council’s Climate Action Living Lab partners will also be speaking about how they are tackling climate change and supporting biodiversity, community safety and renewable energy across Casey.
This includes co-designing educational
materials with local schools, cultivating endangered plants, and monitoring bandicoot and koala populations across Casey.
The event will conclude with a keynote presentation from innovation expert Arielle Breit, sharing an uplifting vision of the future: a world where human culture, technology and nature are interconnected and mutually beneficial.
Arielle will offer practical ideas for how the community can play a vital role in bringing this future to Casey.
Innovate Casey is a free event. Bookings are essential.
Visit: bunjilplace.com.au/events/innovate-casey-2025 to register today.
Botanic Gardens is a close-knit community set on landscaped native gardens and neighbours the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne. Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle and an active social calendar catering to all interests.
With affordable villas available with services offering a more supported lifestyle, and 24/7 emergency call system, enjoy peace of mind in retirement.
City of Casey will host a celebration of innovative sustainability ideas this Thursday 12 June. (Supplied)
The alleged incident happened near Hallam railway station. (Supplied)
Burned by broken system
By Afraa Kori
Upper Beaconsfield business owner Aaron Lafranchi has launched a petition demanding fair payment and better protections for subcontractors working on government-funded projects.
He’s part of a growing grassroots campaign— Subcontractors for Accountability (SFA)—fighting to fix a broken system that has left many unpaid and unsupported after major builder collapses.
The campaign is being driven by SFA—a volunteer-led grassroots movement made up of tradies, small business owners, and subcontracting companies who have worked on public infrastructure projects like schools, community hubs, and childcare centres.
“We’re not a union. We’re not politically aligned. We’re just the ones who do the work, and have the most to lose when the system fails,” Aaron said.
“This isn’t about attacking the building industry — we work with fantastic builders. It’s about accountability and fairness when the system fails.”
SFA said the current system leaves them abandoned when builders collapse—especially on government-funded projects. They’re routinely told to “take it up with the builder or administrator,” even when government bodies still hold project funds or guarantees.
Two major government-funded projects—the Clyde childcare centre and Coburg High School— highlight how broken the current system is for subcontractors.
On the Coburg High School project, Aaron’s company, Flowmotion Plumbing and Roofing, based in Pakenham, is currently owed more than $300,000. Another Pakenham-based business, Metarom Steel, is still waiting on nearly $600,000 in unpaid work.
At the Clyde childcare centre project, Aaron’s team completed all roofing and cladding work to specification and even warned Casey council that the builder was likely to collapse. Despite this, the warning was ignored, the builder folded, and Aaron’s company was shut out of any payment or
follow-up engagement—while other subcontractors were paid in full.
This also happened on countless other jobs where retentions and security funds were claimed, but the contractors who earned them never saw a cent.
“The lack of consistency is what hurts most. Some get paid. Others don’t. It’s left to silence, spin, or luck,” SFA said.
“Many are dealing with financial loss, anxiety, and even losing homes.”
This isn’t just about one company—it’s about dozens of subcontractors across Victoria, many of them small, family-run businesses, who upheld their end of the contract and have been left unpaid with no support and no resolution path.
“We want to make the Australian building industry something we can all be proud of again—a system that rewards the true Australians who show up every day, do the work, and build the foundations of this country,” SFA said.
The campaign is calling for urgent investigations into false statutory declarations, clearer communication and greater transparency from government authorities, and the establishment of a dedicated hardship fund for unpaid subcontractors. At its core, the movement is pushing for a system that properly protects the very people who
physically build public projects.
“This is about raising the standard, restoring accountability, and building an industry that rewards skill, ethics, and hard work—not deception,” SFA said.
For the subcontractors, this campaign is about more than just money and keeping their business alive—it’s about the toll on families, mental health, and livelihoods. Many are being forced to choose between groceries and fuel, dipping into super, or letting long-time staff go.
“When we say people are struggling with mental health and suicidal thoughts, it’s not a campaign line—it’s the truth we hear every single week,” SFA said.
“Doing nothing is not a neutral act. Doing nothing costs lives. Doing something—even something small—can help save them.
“That’s why we’re asking the public to care. To stand with us. To share our stories. Because this fight isn’t just about subcontractors—it’s about what kind of system, and what kind of country we want to build.”
Almost every local MP SFA contacted including those whose electorates include affected projects has failed to respond.
“This kind of silencing sends the message that subcontractors are too inconvenient to acknowl-
Scribe Tribe gears for third volume release
By Ethan Benedicto
The Scribe Tribe group in Balla Balla Community Centre is looking to launch their third compendium of works on Wednesday, 11 June, as the clique gathers to get lost in each other’s words in the coming days.
The third volume, called the Scribe Tribe Volume Three, from the writers of Balla Balla, is a collection of short stories, poems and other forms of writing by local community members, whether they be aspiring poets, storytellers, or just those simply eager to share their creative visions.
On Tuesday, 3 June, just over a week before the official launch, the Tribe gathered in the centre to share their regular theme-based pieces, led and facilitated by renowned author Roderic “Rod” Grigson.
Gathered in one of the many rooms in the centre, the group of five Tribe members, plus Rod, were asked how it made them feel to have a space to share their creative pieces.
“I was asked by the centre’s previous manager to revive a writing group that had been around for maybe seven to eight years before I came to the scene,” Rod said.
“It was sort of dying off, but I’ve been doing this for, also, around seven to eight years, and we’ve got a pretty healthy writing group now.”
The group has 16 members, and roughly the same number of writers who have contributed to the third novel.
While not all members come every time the Tribe gathers, Rod said that “it’s always great to see people coming out of their shells”.
“People who think they’re not good writers who are actually very good, but don’t have the confidence to write something, you see that a lot,” he said.
Program coordinator Lauren McCarthy said that being part of the group, the program, and even just seeing it all unfold “is amazing”.
“I was thrilled when there was a writing group, and I just love being involved, especially when we see so many people from different backgrounds taking part,” she said.
During the session on Tuesday, Tribe mem-
edge, let alone support,” SFA said.
In contrast, the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) has engaged with SFA and is reviewing how they might assist with the Coburg matter.
“While we appreciate their willingness to engage, as of now, no clear outcome or assistance has been confirmed — and that uncertainty is exactly what drives this movement,” SFA said.
In his 2022 and 2025 election victory speech, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared a message of hope such as “lifting people up, backing small businesses, respecting working Australians and not leaving anyone behind.”
“We cheered those words. We believed in them. But for subcontractors, those values have not been honoured,” Aaron said.
“What we’ve seen instead is a system that: leaves subcontractors unpaid for government work. Offers no communication or support. Allows bad actors to profit and walk away while those who did the work lose everything.”
City of Casey’s Chief Financial Officer Melissa Baker said “in its procurement activity, the City of Casey complies with the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002, ensuring its construction contracts align with the Act’s requirements“.
“This includes clearly defined payment terms, fair entitlement to progress payments, and inclusion of dispute resolution mechanisms. Council also follows public procurement principles that promote transparency and accountability, including financial due diligence checks on successful tenderers, to ensure subcontractors are paid promptly and can access adjudication if disputes arise,“ she said.
Premier Jacinta Allan was appproached for a comment.
Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/ fair-payment-and-protection-for-subcontractorson-government-projects?utm_medium=custom_ url&utm_source=share_petition&recruited_by_ id=f214a9e0-ec53-11e6-8be1-45a8c1190260
bers took turns reading out their short story pieces revolving around the theme of science fiction.
From there, as each Tribe member read their pieces out, it became increasingly clear the diversity of interpretation of what sci-fi meant to each writer.
Some wrote about the over-accomplishment of artificial intelligence hampering the creative desires of writers, highlighting technology’s ‘perfection’ sucking away at the ‘flaws’ that give human creation depth.
Rod wrote about personal conflicts, the proliferation of corporate involvement in human lives, and the use of technology such as the web and other similar platforms to inflict harm.
What seems to be a common underlying notion, however, was the correlation of the advancement of technology with the downfall of humanity; from nature, to the very fibres and psyche of what makes human, human.
As each person finished reading their piece, Rod and the others allowed time for reflection, giving comments on what parts they liked and what parts really grabbed their attention.
“For me, this whole thing is great, and I really enjoy bringing people out of their shells and exposing them to the world,” he said.
“In the group, we’ve got some really good, well, very good writers, and every day, you can see them improving.
“You can see that journey through the three
volumes of the Scribe Tribe series, because some of them are the same writers, and when you read their stories, you can really see that growth.”
For now, the Tribe is biding their time, excitement growing as they wait for the official announcement to come.
Rod, on one hand, is always looking for more members, urging those from the local area to join and try their hand at creative writing.
For more information on the Scribe Tribe and other writing workshops at Balla Balla Community Centre, visit caseyconnectlearn. com.au/listing/writing-group-the-scribe-tribe/ or ballaballa.com.au/programs/ for the program guide.
Rod Grigson, during the Tuesday gathering of the Scribe Tribe at Balla Balla Community Centre. (Ethan Benedicto: 482496)
Nature time
Casey Grammar has introduced a new initiative, Nature Navigators, designed to foster curiosity, creativity and wellbeing among its youngest students through immersive, nature-based learning experiences.
Developed by the school’s head of Early Years, Vanessa Hodgkiss, Nature Navigators is a Foundation to Year 2 program that takes students beyond the classroom and into the outdoors.
It responds directly to growing research highlighting the developmental and emotional benefits of time spent in nature, as well as recent national data indicating a rise in childhood anxiety, behavioural challenges and screen dependency.
Ms Hodgkiss said the motivation behind the program was clear.
“Nature Navigators is about giving our students the time, space and encouragement to explore, imagine, and engage meaningfully with the natural world,” she said.
“It’s a return to the kind of childhood experiences that support resilience, wellbeing and social connection through nature-based play.”
Through regular interactions with a range of natural environments, from forests, wetlands, gardens and reserves, students participate in mindful and sensory activities, build shelters and bridges, and engage in nature-inspired storytelling, scientific explorations and creative, unstructured play.
The program also encourages stewardship and appreciation of the environment through activities including connecting with the country, indigenous plant and animal investigations and learning about sustainable practices.
According to the school, Nature Navigators is not a one-off excursion but a consistent, regular, engaging experience where students become familiar with a space and are able to confidently explore, learn and play, building confidence,
independence and enriching their thinking and learning.
Casey Grammar principal Fiona Williams said the school is proud to lead the way in reimagining early years education.
“Our aim is to support the whole child, academically, socially and emotionally,” she said.
“With Nature Navigators, we’re offering young learners the opportunity to grow and thrive in settings that encourage curiosity, play and connection to the world around them.”
The program aligns with Casey Grammar’s broader commitment to student wellbeing and educational excellence and further strengthens their relationship with local, natural facilities in the wider community.
“Education isn’t just about what happens inside the classroom,” Mrs Williams added.
“It’s about creating meaningful experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning and an appreciation for the world students live in.”
New kinder in Devon Meadows
A new kindergarten was opened in Devon Meadows on Tuesday 3 June, giving more local families access to education programs close to home.
The new modular kindergarten, located next to Devon Meadows Primary School, has three kindergarten rooms as well as outdoor learning areas, which were constructed off-site by Grove Group in Pakenham.
It will provide space for up to 99 children at a time and may be able to enrol more local kids by spreading sessions throughout the week.
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale officially opened the kindergarten with the help of some of Victoria’s youngest learners on Tuesday.
I’m proud to see a new kindergarten opening in Devon Meadows, giving 99 more local children the opportunity to learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships close to home,” she said.
“Thanks to free kinder, families will also benefit from savings of up to $2,600 per child, making quality early education more accessible than ever.
“This is a fabulous local kinder onsite with the school, which makes pick up and drop off easier for busy parents and carers.”
Architecture firm Baldasso Cortese has delivered a light-filled, spacious and inspiring design, beautifully fitted out by Modern Teaching Aids (MTA).
The centre operators are Kids First Australia, whose philosophy is underpinned by the guiding principle of “HEART” – Hope, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect and Trust.
In the 2023-24 State Budget, this project shared in $1.3 billion allocated to build around 100 new kindergartens to support Best Start, Best Life Reform.
The Best Start, Best Life initiative is a $14 billion reform by the State Government aimed at enhancing early childhood education across the state.
Launched in 2022, this decade-long program is designed to provide all Victorian children with equitable access to two years of quality kindergarten before they commence primary school.
Casey Grammar student Jasmine was exploring nature. (Supplied)
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale was cutting the ribbon with Addison and Kids First Australia chief executive officer Nicole Artico, Devon Meadows Primary School assistant principal Paul McCarrick, City of Casey team leaders, builders, architects, centre managers and educators. (Supplied)
Heartfelt morning tea
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre hosted Biggest Morning Tea in support of the Cancer Council on Wednesday 29 May. Guests received a beautiful, tiny china teapot on arrival, and wrote messages on heartshaped paper to their loved ones touched by cancer.
According to a spokesperson of the centre, Morning tea was a delicious spread of homemade treats lovingly prepared by the Committee of Management and volunteers.
There was a game of Guess the Number of Lollies in the Jar and a door prize of a beautiful arrangement of flowers, donated by one of Merinda Park’s generous community members.
Guests included City of Casey Councillor Carolyn Eaves and Casey Citizen of the Year 2025 Anthony Hanna, who is the vice president of Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre.
“Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre raised over $320 for the Cancer Council and wishes to thank all who attended and have donated to this really important cause,” the spokesperson said.
Man sentenced to more than three years jail
By Ethan Benedicto
A Narre Warren South man, Bilal Sidani, was sentenced to a total of three-and-a-half years in prison, with a two-year and three-month nonparole period, after a hearing in the County Court on Monday, 2 June.
Sidani was hit with three charges: the persistent contravention of a family violence intervention, arson, and extortion with threat to inflict injury.
Concerning the first charge, Sidani allegedly breached it by attempting to contact numerous protected people multiple times in NovemberDecember 2023 despite an intervention order issued by Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.
An explanation of the order was provided after it was issued on 13 November, but on the same day, Sidani allegedly sent three TikTok messages and one iMessage to one of the protected people.
This pattern would continue until 30 November; throughout this period, 37 attempts to contact a protected person were made, including attempted calls and Sidani allegedly installing a SimTracker application called Phone Tracker to track the protected person.
Between 3 December and 7 December, Sidani attempted to contact the protected person 73
times, via iMessage, calls, sharing his location, TikTok, and Snapchat, according to prosecutors.
On 30 November, Sidani was also charged with arson after destroying a 2010 Ford Falcon utility by fire.
Then on 5 December, he was also charged with extortion with a threat to inflict injury after he made a demand from the victim to pay $7000.
According to a prosecution summary, Sidani also held a previous criminal record and served a term of imprisonment for threatening to damage property, inflict serious injury and kill, and persistently breaching a family violence intervention order.
He was also previously convicted of using a carriage service to harass and contravening a family violence intervention order, intending to cause fear or harm.
Furthermore, his criminal history is filled with breaches of court orders and conduct that is related to the threat or actual damage of property.
This also includes threat or endangerment of injury, and two instances of assault.
Prosecutors stated that “his current offending represents a marked escalation of his prior criminal record”.
Bilal Sidani, a Narre Warren South man, is facing three years and six months in prison after breaching a family violence intervention order, being charged with arson, as well as extortion with the threat to inflict injury. (On File)
Cassandra Thaddaus, the centre manager, was with a couple of paintings that the local kids helped with.
Community members were at the Biggest Morning Tea at Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre. (Gary Sissons: 480873)
Winner of the raffle prize Kawar Hehar was presented the gifts by Reigan Reed.
Anthony Hanna, 2025 Casey Citizen of the Year and vice president of Merinda Park Community Centre, was enjoying the Biggest Morning Tea.
Pharmacies ease GP waits
By Sahar Foladi
Pharmacists will gain wider presciption powers under the expansion of the Community Pharmacist Pilot program, which has stirred discontent in the health sector.
Once a trial in October 2023, the CPP program is set to be a permanent fixture from 1 July, as announced in the 2025-’26 state budget among other health sector investments.
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has warned the State Government against the program’s expansion due to patient safety concerns, despite the reported success of the trial.
RACGP state chair Dr Anita Munoz said that patient care will be compromised and has labelled the move as “not the right solution”, “cheap” and an “easy fix.”
“Patient safety must come first ahead of pharmacy owner profits.
“Patients are better off booking a consult with a regular GP who knows them and their history.
“GPs value the work of pharmacists in communities across Australia…however pharmacists don’t have the training required to properly diag-
WHAT’S ON
Bakhtar Community Organisation
Bakhtar Community Organisation is pleased to introduce Becoming Whole Again, a 6 – 10 week psychoeducational group program designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers in Victoria.
Commencing on Thursday, 13 June at 11AM, the program will take place at Bakhtar Community Organisation, 23–47 Gunns Road, Hallam VIC 3803.
Facilitated by experienced practitioners Kellie King and Matthew Shires, this trauma-informed initiative creates a safe, inclusive space to explore identity, healing, and belonging through storytelling, art, movement, and community connection.
The program is designed to be fully accessible, requiring no reading or writing skills, and includes the use of easy English, visual aids, and interpreters or translated materials where available. Each participant will be guided in creating a personal Living Book, a visual journal reflecting their unique journey.
• For registration, please contact the organisation. M: (03) 9703 2555 Email: info@bakhtar. org.au
Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce
Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Frankston Business Collective, are proud to announce that the Victorian Small Business Commissioner, Lynda McAlary-Smith, is coming to Cranbourne on 19 June 2025!
The presentation will cover the role of the Victorian Small Business Commission in assisting small businesses, including: Helping small businesses know their rights and obligations to resolve disputes; Pre-mediation and low-cost mediation; Guidance for small businesses in areas such as retail leasing rights.
• Date: Thursday 19 June 2025 Doors open 6.30pm
• 7pm Presentation by Lynda McAlary-Smith, Victorian Small Business Commissioner
• VENUE: Merinda Park Learning & Community Centre, Cranbourne North
• FREE for Members, $20 for Non-Members 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 Broadway Legends concert Cranbourne Chorale presents “Broadway Legends” with guest artists Teresa Ingrilli and Stephen Coutts. Afternoon tea is included and served after the performance.
nose medical conditions, and this raises the risk of inappropriate treatment, as well as misdiagnosis.”
She said a GP spends a decade training to diagnose conditions, something that is not “easily taught over a few weeks via an online course.”
Health conditions covered under the pilot program was for shingles, mild plaque psoriasis, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, travel health vaccinations and resupply of select oral contraceptive pills without prescription.
The expansion of the program will add 22 everyday health conditions including asthma, nausea, ear infections, wound management and type 2 diabetes.
Richard Lim OAM, a pharmacist and former deputy mayor of City of Greater Dandenong, was one of the first to join the CPP program.
His staff members speak a total of seven languages providing an accessible service with clear communication, he says.
He rejects claims of potential misdiagnoses by pharmacists and any patient threat as a result.
“A lot of people attend the pharmacy because we can give them medicines without a GP prescription to help ease the pressure from the sys-
• 22 June, 2.30pm at Cranbourne Community Theatre, Brunt Street, Cranbourne. Tickets: cranbournechorale.com.au/events, 0438 358 032 or at the door; $25/$20/under 12 $5.
U3A Casey – Chair Yoga
Seniors are invited to try out this new gentle exercise, stretching and breath control class, provided by U3A Casey. Chair Yoga improves your flexibility, posture and strength.
No equipment is needed – just you and a bottle of water!
After a first try-out, U3A membership to continue with Chair Yoga, or any of the other 75 classes, is $60 (Jan to Dec) or $30 (July to Dec).
A small additional weekly class fee will be required, which will reduce depending on numbers enrolled.
• When: Mondays from 12.00 pm to 1.00 pm
• Where: Hunt Club Family Community Centre, 40 Broad Oak Drive, Cranbourne East.
• Enquiries: Visit our website at www.u3acasey. org.au or phone our office on 0493 280 458 Men’s Shed Junction Village Inc.
The Men’s Shed provides a facility for men’s mental health where men can come and enjoy each other’s company in a non-judgmental environment. Men are able to share ideas and life experiences, plus learn new skills which benefit themselves and the local community.
Our members are proud of their efforts in producing wooden toys to donate to the Salvation Army Toy Fund. However, making wooden toys is not a requirement of membership, and you can make your own projects if you prefer.
Retired men are most welcome to visit the Shed and have a chat/cuppa to check out our fully equipped Shed (lots of “toys” to play with!) and see what we do for the community. They do not need any woodwork experience as Shed members are happy to pass on their experience in an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere.
Shed members can also be seen cooking a sausage at Bunnings, displaying our projects at Botanic Ridge Village, or heading off to visit other sheds around the state (All good fun!)
• We are located at 41 Craig Road, Junction Village and open on Mondays from 9.00 am to 11.30 am and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.00 am to 2.30 pm.
• For more information and a tour of our Shed, contact Garry on 0408 141 734.
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club
Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club meets weekly for a range of different events, including bus trips, community days, games, coffee and chat, bingo, dancing and carpet bowls.
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Weekly activity times - Line Dancing Mon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.
• For all enquiries or bookings contact Marilyn mobile 0432 107 590.
• Find us on facebook https://www.facebook. com/groups/487808127399953
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre
• Sewing Classes – Thursdays during school
tem, but for more serious conditions we will send them to the GP.
“The GPs don’t understand the benefit they receive from the pharmacist.
“As an allied profession we need to work together for the benefit of our community.
“If there’s anything we can’t prescribe we always refer them to the GP. Mostly we do refer them to the GP and then they receive the prescription.”
The CPP program potentially saved patients from waiting for days before they could see a GP.
Senior lecturer at the RMIT University Dr Julie Stevens acknowledges the independent evaluation of the program after its first 12 months of service delivery.
She says the report suggested the pilot was able to improve access to care with 93 per cent of respondents receiving care within 24 hours independent of its location.
However, she also says all prescribers regardless of their discipline must be “adequately trained in both diagnosis and treatment of conditions.”
“Pharmacists participating in the service must successfully complete specified training for each of the specific clinical streams listed within the
terms- 9:30-11:30am - Learn the basics of sewing and make bags and simple garments. Sew for charity. - $5 per session.
• Conversational English Classes – Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am during school terms - Come along to practice and improve your English skills in a relaxed environment comfortable, casual classes with a friendly, patient tutor$5 per class.
• Intermediate Computers for Work - Thursdays during school terms 1-4pm - Build on your current computer skills and learn workplace apps such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook email – Contact us for fee information.
• Thee Coffee Table - Welcoming women’s community group - Every Friday - 11am-2pm - Free
• Career & Employment Counselling for Job Seekers – alternate Wednesdays starting 7th May 9:00 am – 1:00 pm - Career counsellors from Chisholm Skills and Jobs Centre are available to work with you on writing your resume, support you to apply for jobs or help you identify your next steps in looking for work. Fortnightly by appointment – Free
• New Day Care Hours - NOW OPEN - 9am until 3pm. We have spots available in our nurturing and fun Day Care, which prioritises the wellbeing and growth of every child. Children from 2 months to 5 years can now attend from 9am until 3pm up to 5 days a week.
• Call 03 5996 9056 or email mpcs@merindapark.com.au for more information or to register your child.
• Volunteers are welcome to come and help maintain our community garden
All the above are held at Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre, 141 - 147 Endeavour Drive, Cranbourne North 3977
For more information and bookings, call - 5996 9056
U3A Cranbourne
20 - 22 Bowen Street, Cranbourne
We are a social group for people aged 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.
New members would be very welcome to join us.
We also have lots of art and craft groups, calligraphy, scrabble, quilling, resin making, and card making are popular classes.
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 run at another local public hall, and a gold coin donation covers the hire of the hall for this popular group. No experience needed, Steve walks us through each dance and is very helpful.
• Check out all our classes at www.u3acranbourne.org.au or phone 0493 991 919 for more information
Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre
If you are over 55 years, newly retired or new to the City of Casey and looking forward for something
program before providing services.
“Additionally, pharmacists used evidencebased clinical guidelines in the delivery of the services.
“Adequate training puts patient safety as the priority, and pharmacists understand the limitations of their scope of practice and when to refer on to a GP or other medical professional.
“While we all agree that patient safety is of paramount importance, access to timely, quality care is important too.”
The independent report on the pilot also reported no serious patient safety concerns.
Previously, 39 per cent of patients waited for 24 hours or more for a medical appointment for urgent care needs according to the Australian Bureau of Statistic.
In the 12 months of the pilot, 87 per cent of respondents who received care said they would’ve used a GP service if the pilot was not available.
There’s no out-of-pocket cost for patients to visit a community pharmacy for a consultation for the expanded healthcare services.
The Pharmacy Guild of Victoria welcomed the news as “a win for every Victorian.”
to do, come and join us. The Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre is a friendly seniors Club and we can offer you many activities. Our main Club Day is on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 3:00pm. On the first Wednesday of the month we enjoy socialising with our many members and, on the next three (3) Wednesdays we have live entertainment wherein you can do some dancing or line dancing and if you wish, with an afternoon cup of tea and biscuits. We also hold weekly activities on other days during the week which include the Garden Group, Indoor Carpet Bowls, Table Tennis, Line Dancing, Gentle Exercises and friendly Card Games.
• We are located at 192-196 Centre Road near the Narre Warren Station. Phone us on 9783 7112 or on Mobile 0426 736 467 or you can email us at: narrewarrenseniors@gmail.com for more information
Blind Bight Community Centre Craft gift making for adults from 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Tuesdays.
Join in the craft gift making class and bring along your own craft to complete.
A variety of techniques and skills are shared including mosaics, macrame, sewing and painting at $3 per class.
Playgroup from 10.30am to noon on Wednesdays. The program provides fun play activities and craft for children at $5 per family.
Free knit and crochet from noon to 2pm on Wednesdays.
Line dancing from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesdays. All ages, and abilities welcome at $10 per class.
• For more information and for bookings, visit www.blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club
Are you new newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom as a senior or expand your social life?
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities and friendship.
The club hosts weekly social activities with dance to low-key in-line dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, a chat, and then afternoon tea. Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dine-outs, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.
Anyone interested can visit on Thursdays at 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive or join the club for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday from 10am at the new François cafe in front of Myer in Fountain Gate.
• For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
movement sessions from 10.45am to 11.30am on Wednesdays including fun and uplifting songs and different styles and eras of music.
Timbarra Community Centre at $8 per session.
• For more information, contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.
Eagles on the board in ‘25
By Blair Burns
Cranbourne secured its first win of the 2025 season in the Southern Division 1 competition after defeating Port Melbourne by eight points.
It has been a difficult start to the year for the Eagles who had lost six consecutive matches prior to last weekend, but the monkey is now off the back.
It was a must-win game for Cranbourne against a Colts side which has also struggled this season with a similar 1-6 record.
While it is only a small step for the Eagles, it is a step in the right direction and was a crucial opportunity to release some pressure ahead of a tough match-up against undefeated Dingley this weekend.
Coach Angelo Soldatos said he was “relieved” to get the first win on the board, and hoped to build momentum from here.
“The players have been doing a lot of work, training hard and doing heaps of vision, so I am really happy for them to get a bit of reward,” he said.
“I don’t think we have been that bad (this season), we just haven’t got over the line.
“We have been in good positions in some games, but we have made some really bad mistakes which have cost us.”
The Eagles started the match well as second-gamer Romeo Bellinvia kicked a nice snap goal, his first in senior football, as his teammates swarmed him in celebration.
But then it was the ‘Chan Hargreaves show’ as the Footscray VFL player turned it on in the next couple of minutes, producing three shots on goal, two contested marks, one broken tackle and one running bounce.
The big man kicked 2.1 in just a few minutes and quickly put the scoreboard in favour of his side 20-6, making the most of his VFL bye.
But Nicholas Darbyshire provided the quick reply at the other end to steady his side, as the key forward was influential in the opening term.
From here, the game tightened up and scoring dried up as both sides locked horns in every contest, desperately working for every loose ball.
There was lead change after lead change, until Cranbourne finally got a bit of breathing space with a 16-point lead in the final term thanks to Darbyshire slotting his fourth major of the day.
But Hargreaves was not done yet as the big man roved the ball off the pack at a boundary throw-in, burnt off Jake Cowburn and snapped home his third goal of the day.
Port Melbourne continued to press; firing shots on goal late in the game, but the Eagles held
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 REVIEW - ROUND 7
on and sung the song for the first time this season.
“It was a pretty tight game and we sort of knew what they were going to be like, they are a really good contested ball team and we knew we had to match it with them and get them on the outside,”
Soldatos said.
“It’sstatingtheobviousbutweneededSaturday for the confidence of the group … we are looking forward to having a crack at Dingley this weekend.”
Bailey Buntine and Glenn Osborne were welcome inclusions for the match, as was Lewis Robbins.
“Buntine and Osborne are both guns and are underrated in the competition, but to have their experience was important, they understand the game really well,” Soldatos said.
“We really missed them last week, especially with their ball use, as they both use it very well.
“It was also really good to have Lewis Robbins back in the side, I reckon that was his best game for the club.”
Captain Zak Roscoe and deputy vice-captain Nicholas Darbyshire were also instrumental in
the victory.
“It was probably Zak’s best game for the year and his contest stuff was super important … Darby is getting better every week and is a tough match-up because he is really athletic but is also 197cm,” Soldatos said.
Soldatos said the most pleasing thing was the way the club stuck together on a challenging day, dealing with the passing of a footy club member.
“It is one of those things that is much bigger than footy, pre-game we didn’t even talk about footy, it puts life into perspective,” he said.
“We just said to the players to be good teammates and stick together, it is going to be hard and there were some guys in the room really affected by it … so it was good to get a win and put a smile on some faces.”
SOUTHERNDIVISION1 CRANBOURNE
CranbourneGoals: Nicholas Darbyshire 4, Jake Hill, Zak Roscoe 2, Romeo Bellinvia, Ryan Jones, Kyle Lanham.
Best: Zak Roscoe, Bailey Buntine, Jake Hill, Lewis Robbins, Glenn Osborne, Ryan Jones. PortMelbourneGoals: Mitch Clarke, Chan Hargreaves 3, Luke McComb 2, Nick Heuston. Best: Jess Mildenhall, Chan Hargreaves, Rory Lehmann, Michael Hibberd, Justin Taylor, Mitch Clarke.
LADDER: Dingley 28, St Paul’s McKinnon 20, Bentleigh 18, East Brighton, Springvale Districts, Cheltenham 16, Narre Warren 10, Murrumbeena 8, Port Melbourne, Cranbourne 4.
FIXTURE–Rd8: Cranbourne (10) v Dingley (1), Port Melbourne (9) v East Brighton (4), Springvale Districts (5) v Narre Warren (7), St Paul’s McKinnon (2) v Bentleigh (3), Murrumbeena (8) v Cheltenham (6).
Mighty Magpies and Bentleigh Demons left in deadlock
By Blair Burns
A goal from Narre Warren forward Jett Kearney in the dying stages of the Southern Division 1 contest evened up the scores in a thrilling draw against Bentleigh.
The Demons had repeat entries inside 50 in the final seconds of the game but the siren sounded before Joshua Mackie could release a shot on goal.
Coming into the game, the Magpies hadn’t won since Round 3, whereas Bentleigh hadn’t lost since the same round, and both of those statements still ring true as the teams halved the points.
The Magpies didn’t get the win they came for, but given the late control that the Demons had on thecontest,thesirensoundedataprettygoodtime.
Coach Steven Kidd said the side was determined to bounce back against Bentleigh after last week’s 23-point shock loss against Murrumbeena,. Despite starting the game well and controlling the opening quarter, the Magpies missed some very gettable shots early which ultimately cost them in the end.
“We wanted to bring a bit more of an effort after the Murrumbeena game, we were pretty disappointed with the way we went down there,” Kidd said.
“This week, we probably had an opportunity to put a few goals between us and them … but it made us work hard, because in past weeks we have got a four or five goal buffer and let it slip.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t get the job done in the end but we made steps forward and hopefully we are starting to build towards better
form as the season goes on.”
The contest was even all day and the stage was set for a thrilling finish with Narre Warren leading by six points as the final quarter began.
Kearney kicked the Magpies’ only two goals in the final quarter, to finish with four for the match and take his season tally to 13.
“I thought it was an excellent game from Jett, I spoke to him before the game about lifting his
pressure and tackling, and he did that perfectly,” Kidd said.
“He has been really good for us this year since coming back from Berwick Springs and has shown he is more than capable, kicking goals in every game this year.”
Inclosegames,youlooktoyourleaderstopave the way and set the tone for the team, and what a couple of great examples Narre Warren has.
Joel Zietsman had a game-high 34 disposals, as well as seven marks while Trent Papworth had 17 disposals and seven marks.
“The two captains were probably our best two players all day really, Zietsman was cleaning up across half back and Trent was like a rock at full back, those two had fantastic games,” Kidd said.
The Magpies coach said the past month of football had been a “learning curve” for his side which is still chasing consistency across four quarters.
“We know that if we drop off just a little bit and give sides any sort of sniff, they will pile on goals against us,” he said.
“So, it’s about bringing the effort and consistency for four quarters and that’s what we are trying to do, be hard at the ball, stick to what works for us and do it for longer.”
Narre Warren’s open netball side lost its second consecutive match in the top division of Southern Netball, as it went down to Cheltenham by nine goals.
The Magpies will look to bounce back this Saturday but it will take their best effort when they take on Edithvale Aspendale who sits second on the ladder with a 7-1 season record.
NARREWARREN
Jett Kearney 4, Julian Goerlitz 2, Dejan Janjic, Riley Siwes, Hamish West. Best: Trent Papworth, Joel Zietsman, Jett Kearney, Julian Goerlitz, Jacob Mutimer, Thomas Russell. BentleighGoals: Matthew Colak, Jack Hastings, Castan Racunica 2, Lachlan Lawrence.
Narre Warren’s Jesse Davies takes a contested mark against Bentleigh. (Gary Sissons: 481260)
Romeo Bellinvia kicks his first goal in senior football. (Rob Carew: 481277)
Jake Hill was one of Cranbourne’s best performers in the victory. (481277)
Nicholas Darbyshire takes a big pack mark. (481277)
Cavaliers push the tempo
By Justin Schwarze
Two things were rising on Saturday night; the Casey Cavaliers and the tempo at which they played at.
Casey battled fiercely to grind out a hardearned 80-90 result away at Keilor.
In a game that had multiple swings, the Cavaliers fought uphill all day to climb back into the contest, rallying in the second half to overrun the Thunder.
The hosts controlled the majority of the game, extending their advantage to as many as 12 midway through the third.
Casey got firing to close out the third frame, entering the fourth on a 9-0 run that trimmed the deficit to just one.
In the final term, a beautifully executed pickand-roll saw Nate Roberts barrel down the lane off the feed from Preston Bungei.
Roberts drew the help defender and laid it off to Hunter Marks, who finished through contact to put the Cavaliers in front for the first time in the game, a lead they never relinquished.
“We came out of halftime with a way better pace in what we wanted to do offensively,” Casey head coach Luke Kendall said.
“It’s a credit to the guys, they’re still learning to play with each other.
“Defensively, I felt we managed them (Keilor) a lot better and our intensity was the right way, our coverages were way better.
“We felt a lot more comfortable going into the fourth and we ended up getting over the top of them.
“It was a strong finish from the guys and I was pleasantly happy after the game.”
The Cavaliers were behind by double-digits for a large chunk of the matchup after starting slowly.
But there was one key switch that Kendall
decided to flip to turn the game on its head.
“It was about getting into halfcourt sets quicker, we wanted to open up the game and go a little bit earlier in the shot clock,” he said of his halftime message.
“We were able to pick up the pace and only had two turnovers in the second half, so that was a big difference in the turnaround in the game.
“It was a well-rounded scoring affair and everyone got touches and opportunities so now the way moving forward is to speed up that style of play so we can have more possessions and get out and run.
“As long as we take care of the ball, I’m happy to play at that sort of pace and use that sort of athleticism and size.”
Team skipper Bungei finished with 17 points, while Trendon Hankerson was cooking offensively, knocking down 6/12 shots from the floor to post 21 points.
Roberts brought his usual talented interior effort as he recorded a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds.
Casey’s win moved its record to 8-4 on the season, good enough for third in the NBL1 South table.
The squad still has a game in hand in round 9 as Sandringham visits Casey Stadium on Friday night.
For Kendall, the aim is to continue to push and not get complacent.
“We’re now being that team that was hunting teams, now we’re the hunted,” he said of being third placed.
“Everyone seems to be raising their game against us, which is good, it’s what we want.
“We often need to touch back onto where we were and remember those things that we have done and changed this season to continue this success.
Cannons fired up for Saints
By Blair Burns
It was a mixed weekend for Casey Cannons Hockey Club as the club secured three wins out of seven matches against some tough opposition.
The Men’s Vic League (MVL2) side was one of the highlights as the side won 9-2 against Bayside Powerhouse Saints.
Tristan Chaffey is the most damaging scorer in the league with 20 goals so far this season - 12 more than anyone else in the league - and he put on a clinic last weekend, netting an incredible six goals.
Bryan Young also contributed at the offensive end of the field with two goals, while Joshua Watson also added one.
The MVL2 side has been a shining light at the club this season and has supporters excited about what they could possibly achieve.
The team has been consistent and sits on top of the ladder and is yet to register a loss, with the minor blemish being a draw.
Casey’s win ratio is 92 per cent and it is ranked the best team in the competition in both attack and defence.
The league has a bye this weekend, before the Cannons resume their season against St Bede’s in Round 9.
Casey’s MVL2 Reserves were impressive and showcased its resilience to defeat Bayside Powerhouse Saints in a 3-1 contest.
The Cannons’ goals came from Adam Shilliday, Jordan Oellermann and Tadhg McCurran as the trio produced strong performances.
The third senior win from the weekend was
“I’m still happy with how things are progressing as we go longer and longer into the season, it’s been good.
“We still want to keep playing that team style
and continue to build and that’s part of the grind of this middle part of the season.
“It’s about building on our mindset and going in and staying hungry for the rest of the season.”
in the Women’s Pennant E South East, where the Cannons had a dominant victory over Knox 6-0.
There were plenty of strong contributors for Casey, but Matilda Chaffey led the way with two goals in a consistent performance.
Other goal scorers on the day were Jane Gipp, Emily Noney and captain Fiona Young who led from the front.
The win gives the side a bit of breathing room on the ladder as it has cemented fourth position in a strong first half of the season.
The Cannons will be looking forward to the clash against Camberwell when they return from the league bye, as they aim to upset the top side in the Women’s Pennant.
In the Women’s Vic League (WVL1) competition, Casey Cannons travelled to Greensborough and were no match for their opposition, falling short 3-0.
It was always going to be a tough ask against a team which sits second on the ladder, but the fourth-placed Cannons gave it their all.
A formidable Greensborough side made it two from two for the club on the day as they made light work of Casey’s WVL1 Reserves side, to win 6-1.
Jessica Rowland produced the sole highlight on the day for the Cannons hitting the back of the net with a classy play. The Women’s Metro 1 side was no match for Mentone as the team went scoreless, falling to a 4-0 defeat.
In the men’s hockey, the Men’s Metro 2 South side went down against Mentone 2-0, while the Men’s Pennant D South East team had a bye.
12 locals in Vic Country squad
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Six Dandenong Stingrays and six Gippsland Power players were named in the Vic Country squad for its first game of the boys under-18s National Championships.
AFL Academy member and Dandenong co-captain Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves leads the way and will be looking to have a big carnival, having missed a month early in the season with a shoulder injury.
Hibbins-Hargreaves is one of just three Vic Country members who was also part of the squad last year, kicking 23 goals in 16 Stingrays games in his bottom-aged season.
Fellow ‘Rays co-captain Max Lee, an energetic halfback, was also named in the squad, alongside Melbourne Next Generation Academy prospect and Devon Meadows junior Toby Sinnema, midfielder Callum Smith, key forward Tairon Ah-Mu and bottom-ager Darcy Szerszyn.
Sinnema is a speedy winger, Smith looks set to feature prominently in a midfield with less depth than usual, Ah-Mu has put together strong footy for Haileybury College in recent weeks and Szerszyn has shown potential in defence.
Gippsland’s squad members was headlined
by likely top-five pick and AFL Academy member Willem Duursma.
Adelaide father-son prospect Mitch Stevens, utility Jobe Scapin, bottom-ager Wil Malady and mid-forward Zach O’Keefe all remained in the squad after being part of the summer training hub, with faith shown in the latter despite an injury-interrupted beginning to 2025.
Tom Matthews is the only Power player to come from outside the summer hub into the squad for the first game, with the front and centre forward rewarded for strong form at Coates League level, before a four goal Vic Country trial game. It comes despite battling a knee injury all season, which has sidelined the Moe junior in recent weeks.
Bottom-aged Stingrays Gus Kennedy and Marcus Prasad and Power duo Marlon Neocleous and Cody Templeton were all named as part of the train-on squad.
Vic Country, led by Gippsland coach Rhett McLennan, kicks off its campaign against Western Australia at Mineral Resources Park on Saturday 7 June at 12pm. The carnival kicked off on the weekend, with South Australia defeating the Allies by seven points.
Trendon Hankerson was Casey’s main source of scoring, dropping 21 points in the win over Keilor.
(In2Action Photography: 474989)
David Noney has been a consistent contributor for the Cannons this season. (Rob Carew: 469891)
Midfielder Callum Smith looks set to play a big part for Vic Country. (Gary Sissons: 481255).
