The Cardinia Network Deadly Day 2025 was a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, bringing together
students and local leaders across Cardinia.
Held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Thursday 18 September, the event welcomed over 250 primary and secondary students from schools all across the shire, for a day filled with recreational activities lead by Aligned Leisure, Richmond Football Club’s Korin Gamadji Institute and Cardina Shire’s Youth Services.
Ahead of Blue Ribbon Day, Acting Superintendent Scott Dwyer’s thoughts turn to fresh tragedy – the 11 police employees who have died in the past 12 months.
Some succumbed to illness, others include the tragic loss of Detective Leading Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart,whowerekilledinPorepunkahlastmonth.
On Blue Ribbon Day - which coincides with National Police Remembrance Day on 29 September - Dwyer will visit a memorial march and service in Melbourne’s CBD.
He’ll also check-in on friends and collagues from across his 24-year career, and remember the 178 Victoria Police officers who have tragically died serving the community.
Across 24 years of policing, Dwyer has worked as a CIU detective, Highway Patrol, as well as managing Box Hill’s Embona armed robbery taskforce and Eastern Region Crime Squad.
In his acting role, Dwyer oversees crime intelligence policing and community engagement across a vast southern and south-east Melbourne region, including Cardinia Shire, Casey and Greater Dandenong.
Despite the alarming crime rates and footage, Dwyer says the policing environment is different but no more risky.
“We live in a really safe area, when you look at Melbourne and Victoria. The vast majority of the community can walk around and remain safe.”
By Afraa Kori
One would assume a breakthrough moment for subcontractors came in August, when an adjudicator ruled the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) must pay the subbies $4.3 million for completed works at Coburg High, Hallam Secondary and John Fawkner College.
But months on, Aaron Lafranchi, Pakenham plumber and member of Subcontractors for Accountability (SFA), says nothing has changed.
He is owed $210,000 for his work at Coburg High, along with a further $100,000 in retention and unpaid debts across four other government projects.
“The collapse coincided with the birth of my second daughter — what should have been a joyful time turned into months of stress and sleepless nights,” Mr Lafranchi said.
“Covering wages for 12 staff, loans, and materials without reimbursement has forced me into constant financial juggling.”
Metarom Steel’s director Alex Gheorghiu, also took on the Coburg High project thinking it was a financially “safe” decision, but instead it was the first time in eight years he had never been paid for a job.
“I never imagined seeing something like this happen in Australia … and it happened on a government job,” he told Herald Sun.
A legal notice served on 12 September makes the VSBA directly liable under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act (SOPA).
The ruling came after months of lobbying by Subcontractors for Accountability (SFA), a volunteer-led campaign made up of tradies and small business owners across Melbourne, including south east.
Rather than complying with the decision, VSBA is spending taxpayer money on lawyers to dispute the ruling in the Supreme Court, while penalty interest has already topped $45,000 and is climbing at more than $1,000 a day.
“The cruel irony is that we’ve already won, but the government chooses to burn taxpayer money on lawyers and delay rather than pay us,” Mr Lafranchi said.
“This is bigger than construction. If the government can ignore a legal ruling and leave fami-
lies unpaid while wasting taxpayer money, then it’s a failure of integrity at the highest level.
“Children are also missing out on the school facilities they desperately need while our population is growing at a rapid rate.”
Ironically, the legal battle unfolds just as the Victorian Government rolls out new legislation aimed at ensuring subcontractors are paid.
“All workers - including subcontractors - deserve to be paid fairly and promptly,” Housing and Building Minister Harriet Shing said while announcing the new Fairer Payments on Jobsites Bill.
“This legislation is focussed on providing more certainty and confidence to subcontractors, which will in turn boost productivity across the industry.”
Mr Lafranchi warned that the ongoing delays and non-payment could deter subcontractors from taking on future government projects.
“Who will want to keep working on these jobs in the future under those conditions?”
“If this is how subcontractors are treated on taxpayer-funded projects, what chance does anyone in the housing industry have on private jobs especially when they have promised 2.24 million homes by 2051?”
“Every tradesperson in Victoria needs to understand this could happen to them tomorrow without warning, and right now the government won’t even do the right thing when the law is on our side.”
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A hammer-holding carjacker who targeted a lone woman in Dandenong Square car park has been jailed.
Brody Spokes, 22, formerly of Pakenham, followed his victim to her car, and opened the driver’s side door as she started to reverse out of a parking spot about 11am on 10 October 2024.
He yanked her out of the Toyota Corolla, then drove the car rapidly in the wrong direction in a undercover car park filled with vehicles and pedestrians.
At the time, Spokes was bailed on a deferred
sentence for other serious matters.
He was arrested in Dandenong six days later.
Spokes told police he didn’t remember the carjacking because he was on a lot of drugs at the time.
He pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to aggravated carjacking, unlicenced driving and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.
In sentencing on 19 September, Judge Scott Johns noted that Spokes’s heavy drug use and offending had roots in his profound childhood deprivation.
He was diagnosed with complex PTSD, ADHD and low cognitive functioning.
He left school at Grade 4 and was illiterate – which proved a large obstacle in complying with court orders and accessing services, Judge Johns noted.
In his plea hearing, Spokes engaged fully with Koori Court elders, spoke lovingly of his children and was repeatedly remorseful.
Judge Johns noted that during the carjacking, Spokes possessed the hammer but wasn’t using it in a wielding or brandishing manner at the time.
Assessed as a high risk of reoffending, Spokes
Mr Lafranchi said the ruling gave people confidence to come forward, but their hope is being crushed again by the VSBA’s refusal to act and the government’s wall of silence.
“Many in SFA say they feel numb, some talking about leaving the industry all together, some taking second mortgages, some have admitted to suicidal thoughts.
“Many subcontractors are so disillusioned they don’t believe anyone in power will help, no matter how much evidence we show.”
is also still serving a four-and-a-half-year jail term for offences committed in 2022.
That sentence had been deferred to attend residential rehab but Spokes absconded. He was remanded and sentenced in November 2024.
For the Dandenong carjacking, Spokes was jailed for three years and seven months, served concurrently with his other jail term.
He will be eligible for parole in two years and three months.
Spokes was disqualified from driving for three-and-a-half years.
By Afraa Kori
The deaths of young South Sudanese Australians through stabbings, gun violence, or under suspicious circumstances have left grieving families questioning whether existing programs are making a real difference.
Despite millions of dollars allocated to South Sudanese-led organisations under the Department of Justice, community members and youth leaders are increasingly concerned about the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Rumours have circulated about leaders allegedly misusing funds, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency.
Families are seeking clarity on whether funding for youth programs is being properly managed and delivering results for young people.
Over the past three years, the Victorian Government has invested $5 million to establish the South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group, including $1.3 million in grants for local initiatives led by South Sudanese organisations.
East Metro recipients include: Stand Out Youth Empowerment (Dandenong and Clyde), NAS Recovery Centre (Cranbourne), Nextgen Unite (Pakenham), Oyiti Foundation for Multicultural Youth, African Youth Alliance, and the Sudanese Mothers Coalition.
West and South Metro recipients include: Africause, African Youth Initiative, South Sudanese Minds, Multicultural Youth Support Services, Junubi Stars Basketball Club, South Sudanese Christian Welfare Association, and the Australian African Foundation for Retention and Opportunity (AAFRO).
The programs aim to support young people through creative arts, education, mental health support, and alcohol and drug rehabilitation.
In a public statement addressing criticism, Dr Santino Deng, chair of the South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group, defended the east and west community organisations.
“Many of these organisations are doing their best with very limited resources,” Dr Deng stated.
“Having worked with our community for many years, it is disheartening to see reactions fuelled by assumptions rather than facts.”
Dr Deng warned that ongoing accusations and public attacks could “weaken our collective voice”.
“They risk pushing the government away from working with South Sudanese-led organisations and towards external groups who may not fully understand our community,” Dr Deng stated.
“Suggesting that leaders and community organisations are responsible for tragedies is not only inaccurate but also disrespectful to the family of the deceased.
“Misinformation and finger-pointing only deepen the wounds and distract from the real issues we need to address together.”
Dr Deng urged those ‘genuinely concerned’ about funding to reach out to organisations or the government for clarity and called for constructive collaboration.
“At a time when families are grieving and young people are living through deep trauma and fear, our focus should be on support and
healing,” Dr Deng stated.
“Those who believe they can do better are encouraged to step forward, establish their own initiatives, and work with the government in constructive ways.
“This is a democratic country, and no one is holding anyone back. What will truly help our community is unity, collaboration, and focusing on solutions rather than blame.”
Local youth leader Nyibol Makoi said concerns around funding stem from misunderstanding, not misinformation.
“I personally know the leaders of some of these organisations. Some funds (I cannot vouch for all) were directed towards programs for South Sudanese communities,” Ms Makoi said.
“Whether these programs met the priority needs of the community is an entirely different question.
“The way we are handling all of the issues we are currently facing, makes it evident we don’t truly understand the root issues at hand. This is why programs administered do not address our
critical needs.”
Before receiving further funding, Ms Makoi urged leaders to engage directly with everyday South Sudanese-Australians to better understand community needs, and recommended that the community come together to discuss priorities before presenting them to officials.
While community debate focuses on how existing funds are used, the Opposition Leader MP Brad Battin has criticised broader cuts to youth crime prevention funding.
“The Jacinta Allan Labor Government has slashed youth crime prevention grants, awarding just two grants in the past two years despite record-high youth crime,” Mr Battin said.
“Worse still, funding has been cut to programs run by 34 African community groups at a time when those very communities are crying out for support.
“As an ex-cop, I know you can’t just arrest your way out of a crime wave. Prevention and re habilitation are critical.”
The Victorian Government rejected claims its
youth crime prevention funding had been cut or mismanaged.
“We stand with the community in their fight against youth gang crime,” the spokesperson said.
“It’s why the Premier has convened and met with the Government’s South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group — to bring local, community-based solutions.
“Crime prevention is a whole of government response, and this year’s Budget invested $135 million to support young people at risk and keep communities safe.
“We will continue to listen to the community, experts and Victoria Police so that our responses continue to be targeted and effective.”
The Gazette reached out to several recipients, but they declined to comment.
The Cardinia Network Deadly Day 2025 was a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, bringing together students and local leaders across Cardinia.
Held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Thursday 18 September, the event welcomed over 250 primary and secondary students from schools all across the shire, for a day filled with recreational activities lead by Aligned Leisure, Richmond Football Club’s Korin Gamadji Institute and Cardina Shire’s Youth Services. Attendees also took part in an art activity facilitated by First Nations artist, Sam Richards and enjoyed interactive performances from Indigenous Outreach Projects.
school leaders and First Nations students to showcase their strength leadership and cultural heritage within Cardinia Shire.
Within Aboriginal culture, “Deadly Day” is used to represent something excellent and awesome. Deadly Day provides a platform for
By Afraa Kori
The South Sudanese Community Association in Victoria (SSCAV) convened two ‘emergency’ meetings to confront recent tragedies and the underlying historical factors that had led to this point.
The first assembly was held at Melbourne University’s Wyndham Campus on September 20, followed by a second meeting in Springvale on September 21.
Titan Debirian, Secretary of Youth at SSCAV, said real change requires broader participation in community decision-making.
“It’s not enough to have two people at the table,” Debirian said. “We all need to be at that table, rolling up our sleeves and doing what is necessary to get our community to where we want it to be.”
He criticized African community leaders for often excluding young people from decision-making spaces.
“A big cohort that hasn’t been involved, that hasn’t been given a voice, that hasn’t been supported to be at this table is the young people,” Debirian said.
“We’ve been ignored, but that has to stop and the only way that stops is if you guys show up.”
At the same time, Titan held young people accountable.
“No more standing on the sidelines—that
doesn’t work,” he said.
“Let’s be clear: nothing changes unless we change it. Not the government. Not the police. Not community leaders.
“Without you, the conversation is incomplete.
With you, we can start building real, tangible solutions.”
Young people from Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong responded to Titan’s call, turning out in force for the meetings.
“This is about transparency, inclusion, and young people realising the power they already hold,” Debirian said.
“We needed to flood those rooms! Young people have to show up because you know what’s going on, you know what you want for your future. If you’re not at the table we won’t find solutions.
“All the influencers within our community - it’s time to have these conversations, use your platform to share, talk about what you want to do.”
One common feeling in the community is exhaustion over “funerals, pain and disorder”.
“We can’t keep repeating the same responses and expecting different results,” Debirian said.
“It can’t be funeral after funeral and we don’t change things. Why are we always here?
“Crime …street culture is not specific to the South Sudanese community, but our young people keep falling to it.”
Chair of SSCAV, Andrew Ohide said the meeting focused on developing a strategy to restore safety.
“Our kids don’t feel safe anywhere. Some don’t want to go out at all, they don’t want to go to school, they don’t want to go to shops, to the
“We’re proud to support community events like Deadly Day that broadens our understanding and respect for creating safe and inclusive spaces.”
The event was proudly supported by Cardinia Shire Council in partnership with Department of Education, Aligned Leisure and Korin Gamadji Institute.
Cardinia Shire Council Mayor, Cr Jack Kowarzik said, “The Deadly Day celebration is a testament to the power of community and the importance of cultural acknowledgment. It’s a day where we come together in a social environment to learn and honour the traditions and contributions of our First Nations people.”
park,” Ohide said.
“This problem is happening in the west, in the east, everywhere. We want to work with all councils, different communities, parents, police and other government bodies.”
Community advocate and panel speaker Deng Ajak Chiengkou described these gatherings as “lifelines”.
“In the face of challenges and the deaths of many young South Sudanese, the youth are standing up with remarkable strength,” Chiengkou said.
“They call for forgiveness, for healing, and for resilience in the midst of loss, worsening mental health, and youth violence.
“They are holding conversations many adults avoid, and in doing so, they are teaching us courage.”
On the other hand, Chiengkou urged parents not to “remain absent”.
“They must be in these rooms, not only at funerals but at dialogues. A father who hears his son speak of depression learns more than gossip ever will.
“Healing cannot be left to the youth alone. Dialogue between parents and children is essential. Without it, misunderstanding grows and the distance between generations widens.”
By Ethan Benedicto
A Cranbourne North service station has failed in its attempt to be compensated for lost trade during major roadworks, after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) found its case had no legal foundation.
APCO Service Stations Pty Ltd, which operates at 315 Narre Warren Road, lodged an application in December 2024 seeking compensation of $413,202 for reduced sales during upgrades at the Hall Road and Thompsons Road intersection.
The works, part of the Suburban Road Upgrades project, began in early 2024 and involved lane closures and traffic diversions around the site.
The company argued that restricted access to its site between January and February 2024 caused a drop in both fuel and retail sales.
Initially, APCO sought compensation under both the Road Management Act 2004 (RM Act) and the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009 (MTPF Act).
By February 2025, it abandoned its Road
Management Act claim and pursued the matter solely under section 191A of the MTPF Act.
That section entitles landholders to compensation if access to their property is denied as a direct result of the project authority exercising powers to temporarily deviate a road or divert traffic onto a “temporary roadway” or “temporarily deviated road”.
APCO claimed that the contraflow traffic arrangement near its service station amounted to a diversion onto a temporary roadway, triggering the compensation pathway.
It said the effect of the works was to deny customers proper access, resulting in a significant loss of profit.
The Department of Transport and Planning, acting as project authority, rejected this position.
It argued that all detours used existing arterial roads within the network, and that no new or temporary roadway was created.
It also noted that no Government Gazette notice, which the Act requires if a road is temporarily deviated or a temporary roadway established, had been issued.
The Tribunal agreed with the Department’s
By Afraa Kori
Cardinia Shire Council has unanimously backed a motion to address growing traffic and road safety concerns in Officer, following strong community calls for action amid rapid population growth and ongoing development.
All councillors unanimously backed a motion to address growing traffic and road safety concerns in Officer, following strong community calls for action amid rapid population growth and ongoing development.
Moved by Cr Samantha Jane Potter at the September 15 meeting, the motion requests a detailed report on traffic planning in the area.
The report will cover assessments of future arterial roads, traffic counts, advocacy work already undertaken, and opportunities to progress infrastructure delivery with the State Government.
The initiative will involve several council departments, including Major Projects, Infrastructure Services, and Community Infrastructure Delivery.
The motion responds directly to concerns raised by residents, reflecting the realities of daily life in Office.
Daily congestion worsens as trains, commuters, shoppers, and school children navigate Siding Avenue and Bridge Road during peak hours with Station Street closed.
Additional pressure on local roads is coming from ongoing developments in Western Port Ward and new housing and employment projects along Officer South Road.
There is further complexity in managing local roads due to the closure of Station Street, ongoing issues on Starling and Browns roads, and redirected truck traffic.
Population growth continues to affect traffic, with new houses being built to accommodate three to four families moving into the area each day. Cr Potter warned these changes have created “layers of connected concerns and there’s more coming”.
“It’s very imperative that the infrastructure and environment team who look after our council roads and all the other teams aforementioned are primed, ready to take action when the opportunity arises.”
Cr Brett Owen said the council had understood community concerns from the start and had opposed the Station Street closure, but was unable to stop it.
“Council was disappointed when the Government decided to close Station Street to remove the level crossing,” he said.
“Our strategic documents, Officer Precinct Structure Plan, highlights the crossing should not be closed until the Government constructs the new arterial road from Baby Road, Princess Highway intersection to Officer South Road.”
interpretation, with Senior Member Justine Jacono and Member Sarah Porritt saying the works did not involve a temporary roadway or temporarily deviated road, and therefore the legal trigger for compensation was never engaged.
“There was not a temporary deviation of any roadway or road,” the members wrote.
“The temporary diversion of traffic onto an existing road that is part of the declared arterial road network does not fall within the scope of subsection 186D(1)(c) because there was no diversion of traffic ‘onto a temporary roadway’.”
The Tribunal also dismissed APCO’s suggestion that simply lodging and processing a claim under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act was enough to enliven its jurisdiction.
It stressed that VCAT can only determine a claim if an enabling provision in other legislation first grants a right to compensation.
“There must be a proper basis for any application to the Tribunal, which requires … identification of an enabling enactment,” the decision stated.
VCAT ultimately concluded the claim was “misconceived and doomed to fail” and dis-
missed it summarily under section 75 of the VCAT Act.
That provision allows the Tribunal to strike out matters that are bound to fail without the need for a full hearing.
Because the statutory preconditions were not met, the Tribunal did not consider questions of actual financial loss, adequacy of alternative access, or the scale of APCO’s claimed damages.
The decision highlights the narrow scope of compensation available to businesses affected by major road projects.
Unless authorities formally exercise powers to create a temporary roadway or deviated road, traders inconvenienced by construction works may struggle to pursue compensation through the Tribunal.
For APCO, the outcome ends a year-long attempt to recover losses it says were caused by the upgrade; and for other businesses along the Narre Warren–Cranbourne Road corridor, the ruling may serve as a reminder of the limits of state law when it comes to recouping the costs of disruption.
got an inside look into a busy news organisation during a visit to Star News Group’s Pakenham office on Thursday 18 September.
The Probians, as they’re affectionally known, learnt about the history of the company, its family values, growth, and emphasis on producing fair and balanced news articles.
The group heard from production editors Matthew Male and Andrew Cantwell, and managing director Paul Thomas, with Mr Thomas the fourth-generation to lead the news business, following in the footsteps of his father Ian, grandfa-
Herb and great grandfather Albert.
The Probians also shared their own ties to the company and its people, through knowing the Thomas family or even working for a newspaper.
Members had plenty of ink on their hands after looking through Star News Group’s many newspapers, from South Australia to the Northern Territory and over to Queensland, New South Wales and down to Victoria.
They were also able to take home a few extra copies of The Probian, which is published by Star News Group and distributed to Probus clubs across Victoria.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Ahead of Blue Ribbon Day, Acting Superintendent Scott Dwyer’s thoughts turn to fresh tragedy – the 11 police employees who have died in the past 12 months.
Some succumbed to illness, others include the tragic loss of Detective Leading Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, who were killed in Porepunkah last month.
AsthemanhuntforsuspectDesiFreemancontinues, the shootings are yet another “reality check” of the ever-present dangers of duty.
“When you think on tragedy, police are there to do a service and to keep the community safe – that’s what really drives us,” Dwyer says.
“Unfortunately those risks are ever paramount in what we do.
“Butthedesiretohelpandtosecureabettercommunity in which we live is a driving motivation for us.”
On Blue Ribbon Day - which coincides with National Police Remembrance Day on 29 September - Dwyer will visit a memorial march and service in Melbourne’s CBD.
He’ll also check-in on friends and collagues from across his 24-year career, and remember the 178 Victoria Police officers who have tragically died serving the community.
Front of mind will be Constables Steven Tynan and Damian Eyre, and Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller – killed in cold blood in 1988. Dwyer was formerly working at Prahan police station, which observes an annual memorial for the four fallen officers.
“They - and Neal (Thompson) and Vadim (De Waart) - will be part of what I will reflect upon (on 29 September).”
As police officers “take stock”, it means a lot to see the community pay respects on the day, Dwyer says.
“It’sareminderthattheworkwedoisofvalue.It’s a chance for us to reflect on the influence we have on the community.
“It’s a really good leveller. And it reminds you why you joined in the first place.”
In Porepunkah’s aftershock, police were comforted by the warm embrace of the wider community.
Dwyer noted the massive floral tributes at Dandenong police station – which is 350 kilometres from the Porepunkah region.
“That really demonstrates what the community thinks. “Every time there’s been a tragedy, the amount of support you get from the Victorian community is just amazing.”
Across 24 years of policing, Dwyer has worked as a CIU detective, Highway Patrol, as well as managing Box Hill’s Embona armed robbery taskforce and Eastern Region Crime Squad.
In his acting role, Dwyer oversees crime intelligence policing and community engagement across a vast southern and south-east Melbourne region, including Cardinia Shire, Casey and Greater Dandenong. Despite the alarming crime rates and footage, Dwyer says the policing environment is different but no more risky.
“We live in a really safe area, when you look at Melbourne and Victoria. The vast majority of the community can walk around and remain safe.”
He says what has changed is the depiction of violence and the crime rate on mainstream media.
“With the interaction of social media and Facebook groups, the public have more ways in which to
No knives were found during Victoria Police’s weapons search operation in Dandenong on Thursday 18 September.
Acting Senior Sergeant Rob Guy, of the police’s Transit Safety Division, said the clean sheet was a “positive” after 118 people were searched in the eight-hour Operation Omni in the CBD and railway station precinct.
“These operations are all about deterrence,” he said.
“When no weapons are located – we see it as a positive.
“Prevention is key. We hope it’s a sign that people are getting the message: carrying weapons won’t be tolerated and you will be caught.”
Nine people were arrested, including those wanted on warrants and possessing drugs.
This included a 40-year-old woman who was wanted on 10 outstanding warrants.
Officers also detected a driver allegedly riding a modified quadbike.
The man was issued with two penalty notices for using an unregistered motor vehicle and using a vehicle not complying with the standards of registration.
He also had his bike impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1120.
comment and report on it.
“Media outlets have an ability to attract vision, which is such a popular thing to view... Often the vision when you see it is quite confronting.”
There has been a rise in “displayed weapons”, he says. Such as the frequently-seen footage of young people armed with knives.
But that also might entail an element of perception. Aspartofitsdrivetogetweaponsoffthestreets, Victoria Police searched 118 people in Dandenong’s CBD and railway station last month.
In eight hours, officers uncovered no knives or other weapons.
“That should give the community a degree of comfort,” Dwyer says.
“Unfortunately the perception of weapons and the reality of weapons can sometimes be a bit different. “I can understand from a community point of view when they see the posts and the vision, there’s a concern that it’s prevalent and it’s everywhere.
“But what we find is that’s not the case.”
■ National Police Remembrance Day will be marked by a march and service on St Kilda Road, Melbourne on Monday September 29, from 10am.
■ An end-of-day service will be held at the police memorial at Springvale Botanical Cemetry, cnr Fifth & Sixth roads on Monday 29 September, 4pm.
On World News Day (28 September) we are reminded of a truth that cannot be ignored and this is that facts matter.
In an era where misinformation and mistruths are constantly amplified on social media, and where even the President of the United States routinely distorts reality, the role of trusted, independent journalism is more critical than ever.
Local media in Australia is a necessity. We are the eyes and ears of our communities, telling the stories that matter most, celebrating our achievements, challenging injustice, and documenting the everyday triumphs and struggles that define us.
Just as importantly, we act as a watchdog. We hold governments, corporations, and institutions accountable. We ask the questions that others would prefer to avoid. We shine light into dark corners.
When misinformation and half-truths circulate unchecked, the consequences are profound. Communities lose trust. Division deepens. People act on falsehoods rather than facts. At such times, local newspapers and news sites play a stabilising role, cutting through the noise and confusion with careful reporting, rigorous standards, and a commitment to truth and balanced reporting.
At Today and Star, we believe that journalism is not just a business, it is a vital piece of public infrastructure, a cornerstone of our democracy, and a shared responsibility.
Every story we publish carries the weight of trust our readers place in us, and every headline we write reaffirms our promise to serve the public interest above all else.
Without strong, independent local media, communities risk losing not only their voice but also their connection to one another. The threads that bind us fray when truth is undermined.
That is why, on World News Day, we join with newsrooms across the globe to say clearly: Choose truth, choose facts, choose balance and choose journalism.
Paul Thomas, Managing Director, Star News Group/Today
Group.
Control of Weapons Act.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) is Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse that can drive future economic growth, according to a new report by Deloitte Access Economics.
But “urgent investment” is needed to lead an “economic renaissance”, says GSEM regional alliance’s chair Simon McKeon in response to the report.
The report GSEM: Australia’s Manufacturing Powerhouse was launched in Dandenong on 23 September with GSEM, South East Melbourne Manufacturing Alliance (SEMMA), councils and industry representatives, as well as Federal Industry and Science Minister Tim Ayres and local federal MPs.
Minister Ayres took questions from the floor from industry leaders such as from Ego Pharmaceuticals and Catten Industries on topics such as high energy and other costs, as well as being handed a copy of SEMMA’s Australian Manufacturing Blueprint.
SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said the blueprint was “not afraid to set targets - like 10 per cent GDP for manufacturing in five years”.
“If our blueprint is implemented it can be achieved.
“Dandenong and the Greater South East of Melbourne has been at the centre of manufacturing in this state for a very long time – and SEMMA will continue to advocate for manufacturers to ensure this region remains front and centre of all things manufacturing in this state.
“We wear this tag with pride – SEMMA represents Australia’s manufacturing powerhouse.”
The Deloittes report found that the GSEM region supports more manufacturing jobs and businesses per capita than other manufacturing centres.
Per capita, the region had overtaken Western Sydney as the nation’s “leading industrial engine room”.
“GSEM [is] the largest and most important manufacturing hub in Victoria and Australia,” the report stated.
“[It is] distinguished by its scale, advanced manufacturing capabilities, skilled workforce, and proximity to key transport corridors.”
However, the report calls for action on constraints such as limited land availability, skills challenges and freight infrastructure.
It identified available industrial land at Officer South and Port of Hastings but little in “key Inner East and South East regions”.
The limited capacity of Monash Freeway, Princes Highway and Eastlink connections, as well as a lack of direct rail freight links, were also noted.
Major transport projects were required such as the Thompsons Road upgrade, Dandenong South Intermodal Terminal and the proposed South East Airport.
The report also warned of a low share of young workers in the sector, and skills gaps for advanced manufacturing roles.
“If local training and national migration and skills policy do not keep pace, firms may struggle to scale advanced production lines in the region.”
In response, McKeon called for urgent investment in infrastructure, skills and innovation.
“South East Melbourne is uniquely placed to lead Australia’s economic renaissance, with advanced manufacturing at the core.
“If Australia wants to fix its productivity crisis and continue to power economic growth, it will be the workers and businesses across Melbourne’s south-east leading the charge.”
The GSEM region comprises eight local government areas including Greater Dandenong, Monash, Casey and Cardinia.
It is home to 3801 manufacturing businesses, employing more than 75,000 – or 27 per cent of Victoria’s manufacturing workforce.
Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti says the numbers show that the GSEM region was a “big player in the Australian market”, including being home to 1.5 million residents and 500,000 total jobs.
“We’re bigger than Tasmania or Adelaide - we could be a state. It’s time for the South East to lead Australia now.”
Manufacturing jobs in the GSEM region were projected to have grown 9.3 per cent between 2016 and 2025, defying a shrinkage across Australia (-0.5 per cent) and in western Sydney (-4.7 per cent).
The region benefits from high-tech industries such as advanced materials, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and transport equipment, as well as “world-class industrial clusters” in Clayton and Dandenong.
Greater Dandenong accounts for a third of GSEM’s manufacturing output, including a large transport-equipment sector such as Jayco, Nissan Casting Australia and Alstom.
GSEM was well placed near key transport corridors connecting to Port of Melbourne and Melbourne Airport for international markets, the report found.
By Justin Schwarze
Why not us?
Those were the words written on Officer’s under18s banner as they ran out for the Outer East Premier Division grand final on Saturday; but now they are the words that define a season of defying the impossible.
The Kangaroos upset the formidable and undefeated Mount Evelyn on the biggest stage, who hadn’t lost a game since early August last year.
But Officer was more than up to the task, leading for most of the day at Don Road Sporting Complex and defending brilliantly against a highoctane Rovers attack.
The contest was low-scoring, but that’s exactly what Officer wanted as it took a 3.5(23) to 2.5(17) lead into the main break.
Mount Evelyn grabbed the first two majors of the third, momentarily hitting the front before the Kangaroos showed immense grit, throwing the next punch by responding with two goals of their own to hold an eight point buffer at the last change.
The Rovers struck early in the last to bring it back to two points, but Hayden Scott showed composure with an answer at the other end.
However, Officer was far from out of danger as Mount Evelyn showed why it finished on top of the ladder.
The Rovers displayed pure desperation, managing the last three scores including a goal with 30 seconds to go to draw within a point, but the young Kangaroos were sent into pure jubilation when the siren went.
The final scoreline read 6.8(48) to 6.7(47).
“It’s a lot of shock and disbelief that what you internally hoped came to fruition,” coach Paul Osborne said of defeating the unbeaten Rovers.
“The pressure in the box in the last five minutes was insane, absolutely insane.
“It was just an overwhelming sense of fulfillment.
“You encapsulate the end of a game but that is a couple of minutes’ snapshot of a whole season’s worth of work.
“You don’t take that in at the time, but it’s the complete dot-point to the season.
“The guys just stood firm, I’d say the mental toughness to be able to continue to push through was just phenomenal.
“It was enormous, that can’t be understated.
“There’s a really strong group of young men as well as a strong group coming through next year that are going to continue to make this football club strong.”
The ‘why not us’ slogan was created by the leadership group and symbolism became a massive part of the successful finals series.
The Kangaroos also noted Mount Riddell, the peak that overlooks Healesville’s oval, as their mountain to climb.
“The ‘why not us’ was our finals thing,” Osborne said.
“The banner was a really strong symbol but the other one was Mount Riddell overlooking Healesville’s oval.
“We used that as ‘well this is our mountain today, we need to get to the top’.
“They were our constants.
“It all comes back to the leaders, that was the mantra they wanted to run with and it was a really good mantra.”
HONEY’S SWEET PERFORMANCE
Emerging talent Jackson Honey was awarded the best-on-ground medal for his display in the ruck.
The young gun played most of his games in the seniors this year before coming down to the under-18s for the finals series.
“His finals campaign was just enormous,” Os-
borne said of Honey.
“I use the word monster because of his want for a contest and his ability to run across the ground as a ruckman or mobile midfielder; it
changes up any team he plays in.”
“Even our captain Jordy Gwin, his leadership in that team particularly through the middle of the year was something to behold.”
By David Nagel
Drouin President Luke Gilbert says the decision by AFL Gippsland to deny the Hawks a move to the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC) in 2026 will not define it as a football club.
AFL Gippsland announced last week its decision to uphold the appeal regarding the Drouin Football Club’s proposed transfer, confirming the club will remain in the Gippsland League for the 2026 season.
It follows a lengthy process, with Drouin
members voting for a move to the WGFNC and WGFNC member clubs voting to accept the club’s transfer for next year.
Three clubs, Drouin - and Outer East clubs Officer and Pakenham - sought transfers to the WGFNC in 2026, but only Drouin was voted in by WGFNC clubs.
“It’s disappointing, but we have no choice but to accept the umpire’s decision,” Gilbert told the Gazette.
“A lot of hard work has been put in by a lot of people, who are all disappointed by the outcome but, at the end of the day, we can’t let this
define us as a footy club.
“But the overwhelming feeling right now is one of disappointment.”
AFL Gippsland posted the following on its website:
The decision was guided by a commitment to the long-term sustainability and stability of community football and netball across the region.
The AFL Gippsland Region Council concluded that upholding the appeal was in the best interest of the entire regional ecosystem,
outweighing the benefits of a single club’s transfer.
The council determined that while Drouin’s concerns around its men’s football teams’ competitiveness were valid, approving the transfer would not solve a problem but rather shift it, potentially creating new instability within the Gippsland League and the broader regional ecosystem.
The Gippsland League will remain a 10-team competition in 2026, while the WGFNC clubs currently number 11.
By David Nagel
It’s fair to say that the season of Nar Nar Goon’s boom-recruit Bailey Rice ended a lot better than it began.
In his first game of Australian Rules football since 2019, Rice suffered a major hamstring injury in the first quarter of the season opener against Phillip Island.
It kept him on the sidelines from April 5 to June 7 and taught him a valuable lesson after a highly interrupted pre-season.
Rice ended the year on a high, combining 24 possessions with three goals to win the best on ground medal in the Goon’s 23-point premiership win over Tooradin-Dalmore.
The build up to getting to Spencer Street… well, it’s been quite the journey.
Rice was a star for Endeavour Hills in the South East Juniors before making his way to Shepley Oval and the Dandenong Stingrays.
He was then selected by St Kilda as a fatherson recruit, being picked up by the Saints with pick 49 in the 2015 AFL National Draft, following in the footsteps of his father Dean.
Rice played 11 games for the Saints but spent more of his time playing for Sandringham in the VFL.
In 2021 he switched to American football as a punter, playing several seasons for Charlotte 49ers at college level.
He returned to Australia earlier this year; joining close friends Ryan Bromley, Kyle O’Sullivan and Nick Hillard at the Goon.
“It wasn’t the best pre-season for me, because I came back from the States a bit late, and it wasn’t a great start spending 10 weeks out with a hammy,” Rice explained.
“I just had to be patient, sit things out, and get myself right for the latter half of the year which was really important.
“It was mostly my fault, I just wanted to get out there and play, but I should have given myself a
couple of weeks to get some fitness in the legs and make sure I was right to go.
“I just rushed things a bit and paid a heavy price.”
Rice said he enjoyed his time in the States.
“I went to college in North Carolina, at Charlotte, and it got as far as college level and was a great experience,” he said.
“It wasn’t quite NFL, but was still a great experience and I built some long-lasting friendships
over there and got a girlfriend there as well.
“It was good for me personally and overall a great thing to do.”
Rice kicked Nar Nar Goon’s opening goal on Saturday, and also their last, and played a key role either side of those bookends.
He kicked the last goal of the third quarter, opening up an 18-point lead at three-quarter time that provided the impetus for premiership glory.
“It’s a great moment, obviously I was in the
states for four years doing punting and now I’ve come back to play some footy with some good mates, which always helps, and it’s a great feeling to win a premiership no matter where it’s at and what level it’s at,” he said.
“It was always going to be a tough game, they’re a good team Tooradin, but we knew if we could keep it close, we could run away with it in the end.
“Now it’s the fun part…celebrating a premiership with your mates.”
to send particulars of such claims to the trustee, care of the undermentioned solicitors, by 31 October 2025, after which date the trustee may convey or distribute the estate, having regard only to the claims of which the trustee then has notice. Probate was granted in Victoria on 14 January 2025.
By David Nagel
The pressure release valve is working overtime at Nar Nar Goon after the champion team of 2025 capitalised on an undefeated season with a grand final triumph over Tooradin-Dalmore.
The Goon broke open a tough and contested game with a 3.2 to 0.2 premiership quarter; then staved off a late-resurgence from the Seagulls to score a memorable 9.11(65) to 6.8(44) success.
Nar Nar Goon now joins the Phillip Island team of 2018-19 as the only back-to-back winners in WGFNC history; and become the first team to complete a season as premiers and champions.
Both teams received a huge boost prior to the first bounce, with exciting half-back JJ Peni returning to the side for the Goon, while dangerous mid-forward Lewis Hill overcame an ankle injury from the second semi-final match-up between these two sides to take his place for Tooradin.
Nerves were evident early, with exciting talent Jesse Craven missing a simple shot on the run after eight minutes of play.
Craven quickly made amends, finding Andrew Dean at centre-half-forward, who then popped the ball over to an unattended Jack Flannery in the goalsquare.
The Seagulls had the first on the board, but were quickly reeled in after Bailey Rice strolled into an open goal after some end-to-end footy from the Goon.
Full forward Dermott Yawney was outstanding in the passage of play; but a short time later produced a contender for the worst set-shot of his career.
The wind was howling to the outer side at Garfield and almost caused Yawney to miss his foot completely.
But just like Craven, Yawney soon made amends; drilling a lovely set shot for goal to give the favourites their first clear lead for the day.
Daniel Ahern and Panos Papas then provided a bright spot for the Gulls, but when Jed Smith converted right on the quarter-time siren - after a stunning pass from Trent Armour - the Goon took a three-point lead to the first change.
Apart from one passage of play, where the Goon chained magnificently out of stoppage, the Seagulls had set up superbly and defended the danger with intent.
“Half forwards, don’t sag off their half backs… chaining out is a danger and we need to stay on
our toes,” Tooradin coach Jordan Kelly told his players at the quarter-time break.
The second quarter was a grand final armwrestle at its best with Matt Gentile kicking a classy small-forwards goal , front and centre, before Andrew Dean answered for the Seagulls… unwrapping a gift after Goon defender Luke Bettio clearly threw the ball out of stoppage.
Score were locked away at 29-all at the major interval.
Goon coach Matt Shorey gave his team a spray at half-time, and his team responded in style.
Yawney slotted his second for the afternoon after a one-on-one win from Aidan Pipicelli, before Kyle O’Sullivan produced a great running goal after some build up play from Nate Pipicelli, Armour, Clancy Pope and Yawney.
Things were looking dangerous for the Gulls, and when Rice converted a second chance shot
at goal, after a push in the back from Brad Lenders, the Goon was 19 points ahead and looking dangerous.
The Seagulls had the chance to cut the margin right on the three-quarter-time siren, but a set shot from Andrew Dean missed the mark by a mile.
Shorey challenged his players at the final break but the Gulls were up for the fight.
Hill cut the margin to 14 points after marking a tumbler from Connor O’Riordan, and when Adam Oxley nailed a set shot – at the 19-minute mark – the Seagulls were only eight points adrift and two kicks away from an upset.
But a huge clearance from ruck Nate Pipicelli propelled the ball forward for the Goon, eventually ending in the arms of Cooper Pursell, who finished a right-foot snap with style.
It felt like the end for the Gulls, a matter con-
firmed when Rice completed his best-on-ground performance with a clinical finish from the boundary.
It was fitting that Jake Blackwood, who along with his brother Sam had missed last year’s success through injury, had the ball in his hands when the final siren sounded.
Tooradin was so brave and should be so proud of its grand final performance…but the Goon had once again shown its class and proved itself the best team in the competition.
Rice was huge for the winners, his three goals the difference in the end, while for the secondyear running, half-back Ryan Bromley had more possessions (28) than any player on the ground on grand final day.
The Goon had to overcome some obstacles, with skipper Armour and Aidan Pipicelli both gaining injuries throughout the day.
“I thought we might get done over in the last quarter, with a couple on the bench that weren’t quite right, but Trent Armour, words can’t explain what type of player he is,” Shorey said post-match.
“He just straps his knee and says; ‘I’m going back on’ and then goes on a gets a kick straight away.
“Aidan Pipicelli, he went down early, and what he did in the forward line, one on one, I think he was close to winning the medal.
“Then Bailey Rice, he’s been struggling with fitness and form…but he’s just won us a grand final.
“I could go on about every player; they’re an incredible group of young men.”
Jehi Esler, Matt Buntine and Craven were best for the beaten Seagulls.
Nar Nar Goon president Glenn Cross said the club as a whole could now take a collective breath.
“It’s just pure relief right now; even though we went through undefeated, you’re never super confident of pulling it off and Tooradin really took it up to us, there wasn’t much in it at half time,” Cross said.
“Still at three-quarter time they were a chance, and even in the last quarter it got back to eight points and things got pretty tight.
“Just relief, really happy for the group and for the club, a great bunch of boys; well led by Matt, Trent, the committee, the whole club together has achieved something special together.”
The pressure valve is released.
Pipicelli,KyleO’Sullivan.
Tooradin-DalmoreGoals:DanielAhern,AndrewDean,Jack Flannery,LewisHill,AdamOxley,PanosPapas.Best:JehiEsler, MatthewBuntine,JesseCraven,PivaWright,CharlieShinners, KristopherSabbatucci. Medal:BaileyRice(NarNarGoon). RESERVES
TOORADIN-DALMORE
Tooradin-DalmoreGoals:AnthonyMirauta3,NicholasLang2,
LauchlanGregson,LiamHill,JakeO’Donnell,AndrewProctor, BenSellings.Best:JakeO’Donnell,LukeMcKenna,Adam Galea,NicholasLang,RayLengyel,AnthonyMirauta.Coach: NickPouki.Captain:JackDenereaz. NarNarGoonGoals:NicholasBransgrove2.Best:MaxMcGreal,ThomasNicholls,ZacSmith,JaiHamilton,JackGribbin, LachlanGraham. Medal:RayLengyel(Tooradin-Dalmore) UNDER18 INVERLOCH-KONGWAK
PHILLIPISLAND1.2
Inverloch-KongwakGoals:RileyHarris.Best:ArchieTerlich, PatrickDwyer,JackAeschlimann,FroleyAnderson,Augustus Finsterer,MitchellWard. PhillipIslandGoals:YianniCaffieri4,FinnO’Brien2,Oliver Duggan.Best:JeremyKelly,YianniCaffieri,FinnO’Brien,Bailey Hennessy,CharlesO’Garey,NoahForrestMabilia.Co-Coaches:
HaydenBruceandJackTaylor. Medal:JeremyKelly(PhillipIsland) UNDER16 WARRAGULINDUSTRIALS 1.7
INVERLOCH-KONGWAK
WarragulIndustrialsGoals:OllieIreland3,KyBannister2, CooperBelsham,MathewCornwall,StewardOling.Best: MathewCornwall(Medal),KyBannister,StewardOling,Cooper Belsham,JohnHuggins,JackMorgan.Coach:GeorgeMorgan. Inverloch-KongwakGoals:TyDebono2,MaxTonkin.Best: ZavierBertacco,TyDebono,JamesMartin,CooperNewman, JacobBrown,ArchRayner. Medal:MathewCornwall(WarragulIndustrials)
By David Nagel
Setting standards for his teammates is what leadership is all about for Nar Nar Goon’s now dual premiership captain Trent Armour.
Widely regarded as Nar Nar Goon’s all-time greatest player, the tough-as-nails midfielder has led his team magnificently in a golden era for the club.
And while all eyes are on Armour between 2 to 5pm on a Saturday, setting standards off-field is just as important to his role.
“Early to training, extras on the weekend, recoveries on Sunday’s leading into finals, you ask a lot of the blokes to give up their time, and myself and the leadership group have to drive those standards,” Armour explained.
“Everyone pushes hard together; and days like this make those extra sacrifices worthwhile.
“It is very humbling and it’s an honour to lead these guys into battle, they’re an amazing group and I’m just lucky enough to be their captain at the end of the day.
“It’s not just me; we’ve got a strong leadership group that make a big difference as well; a lot of young level-headed players who make good decisions and that helps me out a lot.
“The help of those blokes makes my job easy at the end of the day.”
Armour believes it’s an overall spread of talent that has propelled the Goon to its back-to-back premiership success.
And he would certainly never buy into a “No Armour…No Nar Nar Goon” theory.
“It’s pretty surreal, we’ve got the right bunch of players, all accountable, and everyone’s happy to play their role…when you’ve got that you’ve got a pretty good football team,” he said.
“It’s pretty simple really, we’ve got a lot of good players and we don’t rely on any one player to get it done…that’s the main thing about this group.”
A change of coach in the off-season had the potential to cause ripples, but Armour was superimpressed by new-coach Matt Shorey from the outset.
“He was pretty good, very organised from the day he started, and he knew what he was up against, taking over a premiership side…he’d never been in that spot either,” Armour said.
“He was excited, we were excited to have him on board and he was fully in from the get-go.
“As long as you’ve got that buy in…he’s delivered every week for us and we can’t complain about him at all.”
Armour said there was no shortage of motivation this year, after last season sending out retiring pair Brent Hughes and Troy McDermott out on a high.
Players such as Jacob Keysers, and Jake and Sam Blackwood, missed last year through injury or selection, and the Goon leader said it was special to have them all on board this time around.
“It’s driven us heaps, Huss (Hughes) and T-
Mac (McDermott) obviously finished up last year and it was great to do it for them, but this time it’s been great to have the blokes that missed out last year get a premiership,” he said.
“Jake, Sam, Keysers, they worked their arses off to get fit and it does all come down to hard work and preparation.
“They did that; and to put a medal around their necks is just as special as it was to do it for Huss and T-Mac last year.”
A quietly-spoken person, Armour said he would sit back and enjoy the thrill of winning
rather than letting his emotions spill over like last year.
“To go back-to-back is pretty crazy, and I was pretty emotional last year, but this year I know to take it in a bit more, especially to see those blokes who haven’t done it before,” he said.
“To sit back and watch their emotions makes it pretty surreal and I’m so proud and thankful that we could do it for them.
“There’s still emotion there, no doubt, but it’s more enjoyment this time around than anything else.”
By David Nagel
Two of the biggest cheers at the medal dais on Saturday were reserved for a pair of Nar Nar Goon stalwarts who missed out on last year’s first premiership win since 2010.
Brothers Jake and Sam Blackwood both moved to the Goon in 2018, immediately endearing themselves to the Nar Nar Goon faithful and becoming key cogs in defence.
But injury got the better of the pair last season, with Jake playing nine games and his older brother Sam just three.
However, the tide turned for 27-year-old Jake and 30-year-old Sam this year with both players playing 18 of the 20 wins that led to the title of premiers and champions.
“It’s unreal to be honest, Sam and I were both on the sidelines last year and it’s a totally different feeling this year; so proud of the boys that we could get the job done,” Jake said, before explaining his mixed emotions from last year.
“It does suck, I’d be lying if said it didn’t suck, but at the same time you’re stoked for the boys; being 14 years since the previous one.
“Then you’ve got guys like Trent Armour, sending Huss (Brent Hughes) and T-Mac (Troy McDermott) out with a flag, it did suck but so good to do it for those guys.
“This year is a weight off the shoulders; I can’t wait to enjoy this one with the boys over the next couple of days.”
Jake earned WGFNC Team of the Year selection in his first year at the club in 2018, but has had a hindered run since; with four of the next six seasons cut short by Covid or injury.
Being fully fit has reinvigorated his love for the game.
“The team of the year thing was early days,
but then there’s been injuries, syndesmosis, broken ribs, torn ligaments and a broken ankle, so it’s been a bad run for the last four or five years,” he said.
“Throw Covid in as well and I haven’t played a lot of footy.
“This is my first full pre-season for a long time, and it was good to get back on the track and look after the body and play a full year.”
The premiership full back said it was privilege to share the premiership dais with older brother on the weekend.
“We take the mickey out of each other during the week, but it’s great to play in a premiership with him,” Jake said.
“During the week we do ice baths and recovery together and I do remember him in his Pakenham days, he was a really good player but just had no luck with injuries.
“To see him playing as well as he is; it’s great to see.”
Sam, or Squiz to his Goon teammates, also reflected on the mixed feelings of last year.
“We’re back at the scene of the crime aren’t we, where Jake and I missed out; we were rapt for the guys, it wasn’t their fault we couldn’t play, but it was a bitter pill to swallow,” Sam confessed.
“If I said otherwise, I’d be lying, it was a tough watch, but the guys wrapped their arms around us and told us they’d get one for us this year.
“I had a few little doubts in the off-season, the body wasn’t feeling so good…but 12 months is a long time in footy and it’s great to be standing here holding up the cup with your mates and have a medal around your neck”
Sam said Nar Nar Goon was a special club to be a part of.
“Everyone has just been unbelievable, love this place and love the players, but we had a big game to play this week and I was trying my best not to make it all about Jake and I,” he said.
“The support from everyone is just unbelievable; if anyone wants to know what Nar Nar Goon is all about, come to the club tonight and you’ll see the feeling that’s there for each other.”
Sam has made a quick transition through his career, from talented youngster to the eldest player of the premiership side in what he considers an instant.
“They call me fossil here; I’m the only 30-year-old on the team, and these guys think 30 is old, just like I used to think that way,” he said.
“But I’m feeling good; better than I have for a long time.
“It’s unbelievable winning one with Jake, because we’re not just brothers, we’re best mates so it’s very special to share this with him.
“I have had my fair share of injuries; but it definitely builds resilience.”
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