Issuu

CRANBOURNE

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

/Cranbournestarnews

@StarNews_SE

40¢ Inc. GST

Jack Rae bows out after 70 years

Covid-stranded world champ back home

Budding artist wins big - again!

Penny still striving for gold

PAGE 2

PAGE 3

PAGE 5

SPORT

SUBSCRIBE to our DIGITAL EDITION - It's FREE 12438486-SN03-20

Spoons dish up fun By Brendan Rees A Spoonville craze is proving to dish up some fun for kids in Narre Warren during lockdown. The quirky trend which began in England as a way of improving children’s mental health during lockdowns has seen a handmade village of colourful spoons begin sprouting in the front garden of Bk2Basics, a charity that is serving 2000 meals a week to people in need during the Covid-19 crisis. Kelly Warren, who operates Bk2Basics, said the quirky English initiative began about two weeks as a fundraiser after a girl wrote to her asking if the community could start the trend. She said for $5 families could buy a goodies bag containing a wooden spoon, a pack of Sharpie pens and a big bag of lollies. “Over 200 spoons have been given out. Lots of people donated as well to give the spoons out to children,” she said. Ms Warren was hopeful that once stage-four Covid-19 restrictions had eased more spoons would start popping up in the garden. Some popular characters have included Tickle Me Elmo and a member of the American hard rock band, Kiss. Jaxon immerses herself in the Spoonville village in Narre Warren. 215174 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Jail for bar rapist

ACT NOW FOR 2022 ENROLMENT Cranbourne Campus & Clyde North Campus Tours held each month or by individual appointment

Visit our website www.stpeters.vic.edu.au or Contact College Registrar Ms Wendy Height Ph 5990 7777 12436872-SG05-20

ice she had been given by Rahimi. She was later taken to Monash Medical Centre that evening where her clothing was forensically examined. Nearly three weeks after the incident, police arrested Rahimi and raided his venue, but in an interview he denied the rape allegation. However, the court heard DNA testing had established a “very strong support” that his DNA was on the victim’s clothing. In a victim impact statement read to the court, the victim said she did not feel “comfortable in my own shell” and felt “so worthless every time I try to take a glimpse in the mirror”. The court heard Rahimi, a father of two, was brought up in a disciplinary and stable family in Afghanistan. However, he was left traumatised after his family home was bombed by the Taliban.

Pay NOTHING to market your home for SALE or LEASE with our No Result - No Charge No risk method Call us anytime & allow us to show you how

(03) 5996 1200 finning.com.au

148 High Street, Cranbourne 3977

His grandfather was killed in a subsequent hand grenade attack, which also left his mother severely injured. Rahimi, who has no criminal history, arrived in Australia at 19 and married in 2003, and the court heard his family and work life was “exemplary”. In sentencing, Judge Stuart said: “Young girls are entitled to go about their lives, their business, going to lounge areas such as you owned without fear of being raped.” In a retrial direction last year he was acquitted of a second charge of providing ice to the victim, and has been on bail since. When sentencing, Judge Stuart took into consideration his plea of guilt, that he was a “man of potential”, and had “excellent” prospects for rehabilitation.

12426671-SN38-19

A family man who raped a teenager as she visited his Hampton Park bar and lounge has been sentenced to jail for six years and two months. Mohamed Rahimi, 36, pleaded guilty to rape on a retrial during a Victorian County Court sitting on 8 September after being found guilty in an earlier trial. In his sentencing remarks Judge William Stuart said the incident was an act of “despicable behaviour”, adding the hurt he inflicted upon his 16-year-old victim was “still as raw as that first day”. Rahimi was also made a registered sex offender for 15 years. The court heard the victim had attended a bar and lounge venue in Hampton Park with

friends on the afternoon of 3 April, 2015, where she was introduced to Rahimi, the owner of the venue. The court heard he had offered her ice before making a proposition that Star News has deemed too graphic to publish. The court was told the girl then went to the toilet where Rahimi followed and raped her. After the girl exited the toilet, Rahimi handed her a small quantity of ice before she left the venue with friends, the court heard. The court heard the next day the girl told other friends about the incident, who then confronted Rahimi about the allegations which he denied. The girl called police and spoke to investigators of the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team about the incident at Dandenong Police station, and also handed in the

12452906-NG26-20

By Brendan Rees

NEWS

Legend among volunteers There are few people that can claim such a long affiliation with volunteering for the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) than Narre Warren’s own Jack Rae OAM. During this past week, Jack announced his retirement from the RASV Heritage Committee, formally ending his roles on numerous RASV and Royal Melbourne Show Committees, in a volunteering capacity that extends beyond 70 years. He started his farming career at 13 when he left school to assist on the family farm near Dandenong, where he took on roles milking the cows and working with the horses. Jack’s affiliation with the Royal Melbourne Show began when he first attended as a young boy in the late 1930s and would later purchase livestock and machinery from the event that in those times saw animals arrive by train or simply, walked into Ascot Vale. In his late 20s, Jack would come to be one of the founding members of the Victorian Agricultural Society Association (VASA) and later, their third president. It was during this tenure that in 1971, Jack was appointed as a councillor of the RASV. From the outset, VASA had a strong affiliation with the Royal Melbourne Show and in 1956, Jack was heavily involved with the creation of the Show Girl Competition. He remembers fondly the positive impact it had on launching the professional careers of many young women and assisting them to progress in the agricultural sector. Jack was involved in the Share Farmer of the Year Competition and the Commercial Dairy Herd Competition that provided a platform for young dairy farmers to find their feet and succeed financially. Known by those at the RASV as a versatile worker with a willingness to assist and help wherever it was needed. It is in the role of Royal Melbourne Show Ringmaster, trusted only to those with an in-

Jack Rae, second from left, at the Dandenong Stock Market Reunion at the Dandenong show grounds in 2014. 120688 Picture: ROB CAREW

Jack Rae OAM has decided hang up his boots after volunteering for more than 70 years with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

Jack Rae with Berwick Show past president Anne Reynolds documentary filmmaker, Matt Wheeldon in 2015. Matt made a film about the planning and preparation for the Berwick Show. 134739 Picture: GARY SISSONS

credible knowledge of and passion for agricultural competitions that Jack is known to many people, having spent 12 years overseeing the proceedings at the main arena of the Royal Melbourne Show. With the support of Melbourne City Council and a team of people, Jack and Peter would later orchestrate the arrival of the animals to the Victoria Market site and the movement of horses, cattle sheep and wagons through the busy Melbourne CBD.

2020 brings his formal roles with the RASV to a close. In a statement, the RASV said: “We thank Jack for his tremendous service to Victorian agriculture, RASV and the Royal Melbourne Show.” “The RASV and the Royal Melbourne Show have celebrated more than 150 years of success due to the volunteering efforts of people like Jack Rae OAM,” the statement read.

Over the years, this display included mountain cattleman droving Herefords down Swanston Street and for Victoria’s 150-year celebrations, they drove 1,500 sheep all the way to Government House Drive. Jack is most proud that these parades, like the Royal Melbourne Show, place agriculture and rural Victoria in the front of people’s minds. Jack would continue to serve on the RASV Dairy Cattle Committee until 2018 and his retirement from the Heritage Committee in

HELP PAYING OUR ENERGY BILLS COMES IN 4 WAYS We’re all home more and our energy bills are bigger. The good news is help is there if we need it. Help from your energy company - you can’t be

Eligible concession card holders - there are

disconnected if you participate in a payment

discounts and rebates for your energy and water

plan. If you need extra help, ask your energy

bills.

company about government grants. A Best Energy Offer - ask your energy company

The Victorian Default Offer - ask your energy company how this compares to their best offer.

about their ‘best offer’ and they must tell you.

Visit victorianenergysaver.vic.gov.au Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

12458933-NG37-20

2 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Stranded rider back home By Margaret Maccoll A world champion show jumper and his partner whose family is based in Tooradin have expressed relief after finally being granted an exemption to head back to their home in Queensland. After weeks of anxiously waiting for permission Billy Raymont and his partner Tesse Cook were given the go-ahead by the Victorian Chief Health Officer to travel back to their Queensland home with nine of the country’s best showjumping horses. The couple arrived home on Tuesday 8 September after travelling in their self-contained vehicle with a fuel capacity of 6000 litres enabling the trip without the need to stop until they isolate at their home base of Cooran combining the nine horses with 11 on their property. “I thought it was dead in the water,“ Billy said of his attempts to return home,” Billy said. “In the end we just had to do the application. They kept coming back for more information. We were told it wouldn’t happen. Then suddenly they said it was possible.“ Each year Billy travels the east coast of Australia competing and coaching, basing himself in Victoria from the end of September for the summer months during its competition season and returning home to Queensland in April for the winter months and its competition season. But this year they remained in Victoria. They had no purpose to go back to Queensland because Covid-19 restrictions

had halted showjumping competitions and coaching and they had an agreement with people with their own horses who were having a house built to stay at their house and care for all the horses. As fate would have it their house build was delayed with the caretakers moving out on the weekend just prior to the couple’s return. Billy said in addition to the need to care for his horses it had become financially crippling for him paying rent in Victoria, a mortgage at his Cooran property, the expense of the horses and no income from coaching. Returning to Queensland would reduce his expenses and with restrictions lessening in Queensland competitions and coaching were beginning to return.

Billy Raymont in competition

A paw-fect fundraiser By Brendan Rees It’s little surprise that being able to take the cake and eat it has sent Oscar’s tail wagging. RSPCA Victoria is encouraging animal lovers to put their isolation baking skills to the test in October to raise money for furry friends in need. Cupcake Day will officially be held on 26 October however participants can host their own celebration any time that suits them. Ahead of the fundraiser, Star News photographer Stewart Chambers captured Oscar the pooch indulging in the paw-fect treat at RSPCA’S Peninsula shelter in Pearcedale. “No doubt it will look a little different for

Victorians this year, with many of us working or studying from home and spending less time with friends or family than usual,” RSPCA’s Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker said. “But for many of us, this has meant more time in the kitchen, baking up a storm to beat the isolation blues.“ Those who aren’t inclined to bake, but love food may prefer to host an online foodthemed quiz,. Everyone who registers for RSPCA’s Cupcake Day receives online access to all the resources needed to host a virtual baking event. To register, visit www.rspcacupcakeday. com.au.

Pensioner left heartbroken after beloved pet dies By Brendan Rees A Hampton Park pensioner has been left distraught after her beloved cat died, six days after it went missing. Gwyneth Van Dort was inconsolable after her furry friend, who was about 12, was found lifeless among clothes in her garage as her landlord was cleaning up on Friday 4 September. “I’m really devastated. She’s so loving and adorable and affectionate. She’s like my baby,” she said of her tortoiseshell cat. “It is killing me inside. She was so close to me ... I could’ve rescued her.” Ms Van Dort, 76, said she had searched everywhere around her property, including the garage which she shares with her landlord in storing belongings. “I went through the side of the garage, the back, but I didn’t go in the middle section,” she said. “No one was around to open the door for her ... I’m really beside myself. I would’ve been able to rescue her. “She was amongst my clothes. You can’t even reach up where she was; she must’ve been very distressed. “I’m really angry with myself.” Ms Van Dort had taken her cat named Princess to the vet about a week earlier after discovering swelling to her stomach. “She was getting well really quickly. Every four hours I had to give her the nutrients,” she said after Princess fought a recent battle with cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

A photo of Princess before she went missing. intestinal tumour. She said Princess went missing after last seeing her enjoying the sun in her driveway. But when she didn’t return days later, Ms Van Dort began to fear the worst, saying it was completely out of character for her to wander off. When she heard the tragic news, she was heartbroken: “She’s my four-legged special friend. I miss her so much.” To make matters worse Ms Van Dort, a retired nurse, said she was lonely and isolated without Princess. Her belongings have also been stuck in storage for several years, and she is desperate to move out of her share home and find another place. She described Princess as “the most beautiful cat on this earth” and “the only thing that I had”.

Gwen has been left devastated by the loss of her precious Princess. Thursday, 10 September, 2020

STAR NEWS 3

CASEY ANY SYMPTOMS GET TESTED It’s important to get tested for coronavirus at the first sign of any symptom and stay home until you get your result. •

Monash Health - Dandenong Daily: 9.30am - 4.00pm

•

Monash Health - Berwick Daily: 9.30am - 4.00pm

•

4Cyte Pathology - Dandenong Weekdays: 9.00am - 5.00pm Weekends: 10.00am - 2.00pm

•

Monash Health - Casey Fields drive-through testing site Daily: 9.00am - 4.00pm

Bookings are required at some testing locations. Getting tested means you keep yourself, your friends, family, workplace and your community safe. It’s not over yet.

For more details visit vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

12460822-DL37-20

4 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Fleeing fear By Brendan Rees

Nuha with her winning artwork. 215017

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Budding artist wins prize By Brendan Rees Nuha can’t stop smiling after winning a children’s art competition for the second year in a row. The eight-year-old from Cranbourne North was named the Victorian award winner of the poster art competition for National Child Protection Week from 6-12 September. “It was a surprise for me,” Nuha said, who also took out the award last year. This year entrants were asked to draw ‘pictures of things that you think are important for children and young people’. Nuha said she decided to draw a family in front of their home with a rainbow in the background because this is what makes her “feel happy” during the Covid-19 lockdown. “The house and family means to stay home and stay safe,” she said of her piece

which took an hour to complete. “The rainbow means missing the good times before the coronavirus started. “They loved my drawing and they congratulated me. I was so happy to know that they have selected my artwork and it’s my second time winning in a row from Victoria,” the Minaret College Officer student said who won a $50 voucher. Mum Shakara said: “We are proud of Nuha that she has been winning second time in the row. “We are also happy that Nuha’s artwork is supporting the Child Protection Week”. The judges described Nuha’s drawing as a “beautiful colourful artwork”. Nuha’s piece along with other artworks have been used on the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect website and social media where they have proven to be hugely popular.

Family violence victims in Casey are being forced stay in motels longer as support services scramble to find emergency accommodation for their clients. It comes as police reports of family violence have increased between 25 to 30 per cent in Casey during the pandemic. Sarah* (not her real name) was among the lucky few to be placed in emergency accommodation in Casey earlier this year where she still resides after fleeing a violent partner. “It’s been a godsend, it really has,” the mother of three said after seeking support from Windermere, which provides domestic violence and homeless support services in the south east, adding she could finally sleep comfortably without living in fear. Elizabeth Thomas, the chief executive of WAYSS that helps family violence victims in the south east, said reports in violence had increased in “severity” with the Covid-19 lockdown creating a pressure cooker-like environment for perpetrators being confined to their homes. “At present we are using motel rooms for extended periods which, while keeping people safe, isn’t ideal - especially for victims with children,” she said. “Most of our services are covered under government funding. But we simply don’t have enough housing to support our clients - those experiencing family violence and/or homelessness”. Ms Thomas said the number of requests from police for her organisation’s services had also increased. In June, this was up 46.4 per cent compared to last year. Leanne Petrides, the chief executive of the Cranbourne Information and Support Service, said her team was also working hard to

provide food and clothing to domestic violence victims who had been placed in motels, many of whom were women and children. “Prior to Covid-19, we may have seen a couple a week, now it is a daily occurrence,” she said. Casey Council manager of safer communities Caroline Bell said she has been troubled by rising reports of family violence, adding she expected the impacts to be “felt for a very, very long time to come”. “With the largest population in the state we’re seeing lots of our localised services really overstretched,” she said. She said many vulnerable victims were also accessing help for the first time and “don’t know where to go”, which was also contributing to the rising homelessness within the municipality. Ms Bell said council continued to focus on family violence prevention as well as providing grants to community groups responding to Covid-19. She said it was paramount that domestic violence victims reached out for help as they had a right to leave their homes and would not be fined by police for doing so under Covid-19 stage-four restrictions. “Family violence is actually a legitimate reason to be leaving your house. There’s fear from people not being able to leave and being trapped in their circumstances,” she said. Meanwhile, Ms Bell said council was also advocating for the State Government to set up its ‘Orange Door’ service in Casey, which is a free, integrated service hub for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence. For assistance call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or the national domestic violence helpline 1800RESPECT. In case of emergency call 000.

Anthony Byrne MP Federal Member for Holt

Authorised by Anthony Byrne MP, ALP Shop 7. 1060 Thompsons Rd, Cranbourne West VIC 3977

HERE TO HELP Anthony is available to help you and your family with any problems you may be experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic or with Federal Government agencies and departments (such as Medicare, Centrelink, Citizenship, ATO, Higher Education, NBN, NDIS or Aged Care). You can contact Anthony anytime by calling 8790 0556 or emailing anthony@ anthonybyrnemp.com 12454848-SG29-20

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

House fire

LENSCAPE

Two people have been taken to hospital after a house fire in Cranbourne West on Tuesday 8 September. Fire crews were called to a house at Aquatic Drive just after 11.20am, following multiple calls to triple-zero. Fire Rescue Victoria arrived on scene within seven minutes and found a home that was heavily smoke logged, after a fire spread to the roof. Paramedics were also called to the incident just after 11.30am. An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said two occupants of the house including a woman in her 50s was taken to Monash Medical Centre in a stable condition, while a teenager was taken to The Royal Children’s Hospital. Both were in a stable condition. Firefighters worked to bring the fire under control by 11.40am.

SEJ

T 16P_

Real Estate

BUILT TO CAPTURE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

A transformer has turned heads in the Lyndhurst neighbourhood.

The case for a budget

46 PRINCESS STREET WARRAGUL This 4 BR home on a large block will not disappoint! Perfectly planned from front garden, quaint private entrance & veranda through impressive entrance hall with display niches for your treasures & loads of storage throughout!! A very large master suite plus 3 additional bedrooms. Beautiful & light ﬁlled open living with wrap around deck & elevated to take in the distant mountain views. Extra shedding, chook pen, strawberry patch, fruit & ornamental trees. Maintained to perfection in most ideal location! $530,000 - $565,000 Internet ID: 22294171 View property and more details at www.sej.com.au

5622 3800 Cnr Smith & Queen St, Warragul

www.sej.com.au

Pakenham Berwick Cranbourne Drouin

5941 4888 9707 5755 5996 6822 5625 2571

www.davidwbull.com.au

1213066-EPJ04-16

David W Bull Funeral Directors Provide understanding care and personal service. Australian owned family business since 1979.

starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au

For those business owners who already have a budget defined for their business, the idea that you can do without one may seem crazy but I still come across many SMEs where this is the case. Maybe it’s because the thinking is that budgets are only required for bigger businesses or perhaps it’s due to the fact that “numbers aren’t the business owner’s thing”, but irrespective, doing without one means missing out on a key way to properly manage the business and at the same time reduce stress. A couple of years ago, I was working with a client who is extremely capable in her field and also has a couple of expensive hobbies requiring on-going financial support. While she is very competent in her professional work, she readily admitted that she didn’t like the financials side of business and since she was not sure how to interpret the monthly financial reports she received, the regular financial commitment to her hobby was causing a level of personal stress. While the thought of doing anything remotely mathematical might have the same appeal as root canal surgery, in reality defining and maintaining a budget is actually very easy to do, makes decision-making easier and will actually alleviate stress. Why is decision-making easier? Well when you define a budget for the business, you specifically allocate a fixed amount to outgoings and for those that are “investments” (i.e. should give you a return on your expenditure) such as personal development, training and marketing, assuming the budget balances, you can assign an appropriate amount of money. Without any such budget, when the opportunity arises to spend money on these items, how do you know whether you can afford it or not? When a budget in place, the question then becomes: “am I going to get a sufficient return on the cash I have allocated for this?”. According to Confucius: “Study the past if you would define the future”, and so an easy way to create a budget from scratch is to simply get a ‘Profit and Loss’ report for the last financial year (this is a standard report from any financial package and your accountant

com.au

Thumbs Down

6 STAR NEWS

To the neighbours that decided to have a party over the weekend... for the whole weekend. 12452305-LN26-20

Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH will need to produce this for tax purposes) and base your new budget on this. The P&L report will be divided up into Revenue, Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), Gross Profit (Revenue – COGS), (detailed) Expenses and Net Operating Profit (Gross Profit – Expenses) and using the figures from the previous financial year, you can simply determine what you believe you expect to happen in the new financial year, i.e. do you expect more sales or less, can you save money on some of your outgoings and what new expenses might you incur? Three key things to keep in mind here: 1. Be conservative – it’s no good doing a “sunny day scenario” budget, you need to expect that you may not sell as much as you had hoped and/or don’t cut expenses unless you have an idea how to actually do this 2. Factor in wages and super for yourself and 3. Ensure that your budget forecasts a positive Net Operating Profit! If it doesn’t, you will need to look at additional revenue possibilities and/or ways to save on expenses. Once you have figures for the entire year, then an easy way to create a monthly budget is to simply divide each total figure by 12 and allocate this amount per month. It won’t be perfect, but it should be close enough. Having done this, you can then compare what you actually achieve each month (by looking at your monthly P&L statement)with your budgeted amount to see if you are on track or not. There are a number of other things that can be done to monitor and predict financial performance of the business, but having a defined budget is the best place to start. Ian Ash is the Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

SOCIALLY SPEAKING On 4 September the Cranbourne Star News Facebook page shared a story about a Berwick primary school principal saying preps shouldn’t have to repeat their school year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Here are how our readers reacted online: Nadia Teo: If they did a good job at delivering online learning, I 100 per cent agree with him... sadly some schools haven’t put in as much effort as others, so there is a lot of mixed emotions on this topic. Teresa Adams: It depends on the child! Ben Kerr: What’s wrong with allowing larger class sizes next year and allowing those who need it to repeat and getting Dan Andrew’s to provide valid assistance for the teachers to help them cope with larger numbers? Kat Mann: As with anything to do with school there should be no sweeping rule for everyone. Each child and each family is different. Gaye Guest: All students should have the option of another year at the same level as this year! It should be the family choice not the DET choice. On 8 September the Cranbourne Star News Facebook page shared a story about family violence victims escaping abuse at home and staying for extended periods in motels due to a shortage of housing. Here are how our readers reacted online: Sue Woollard: Why don’t they lock up the perpetrators, so the victims can stay in their homes? Hayley Reed: Because the perpetrators aren’t in breach of the chief health officers directives obviously... but if they do leave the house without a mask on, don’t you worry the cops will definitely pounce on them then

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600

214861

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

Thumbs Up To the beautiful spring weather.

Thumbs Up To Dan Andrews for putting people ahead of money.

Thumbs Down

Thumbs Up

To Comrade Dan.

To my dance school South Eastern Allstars who have kept us all dancing through this entire lockdown.

Thumbs Up To Dan Andrews for putting people ahead of money.

Thumbs Down Not telling us where the $53 million not swallowed by pokies actually went?

Thumbs Down To the selfish idiots who walk around in groups not wearing masks (and I am not talking about people who have a legitimate reason not to wear one). cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

No repeat benefits

Countdown to classes

By Brendan Rees A leading Berwick primary school principal says Preps shouldn’t have to repeat a year of school following months of remote learning as it would have negative impacts. Henry Grossek, who has been principal at Berwick Lodge Primary School for 31 years, said remote learning “shouldn’t be a reason” to repeat children, which may contribute to issues of low self-esteem, as well as emotional or social difficulties. “When we repeat kids: Is the benefit of repeating going to worth having them taken away from their age-group peers in the classroom with whom they already have sort of a bond? The answer is you really need something quite drastic for children to repeat,” he said. His comments come as the principal of Dandenong North Primary School, Kevin McKay, believed many Preps would need to repeat their school year after losing at least half a year of essential development. Mr Grossek said while Mr McKay raised a “worthwhile topic for public discussion”, he did not believe the “majority of people would agree with him”. “I certainly don’t support that approach. Kevin’s an experienced well-respected principal and he’s probably speaking on behalf of his community,” he said. While Mr Grossek acknowledged the pandemic had presented challenges and that some children and parents were coping with remote learning better than others, he did not anticipate more children repeating in 2021. “Our starting point in the classes is to keep children as best as you can with their agegroup peers,” he said. “What we’ve noticed and it seems to be a trend, is it’s the lack of their peer group friends (that) seems to be having a bigger impact.

Berwick Lodge Primary School principal Henry Grossek says he doesn’t support the idea of Preps Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS repeating their school year. 206312 “The other issue that we sometimes forget is that while adults make decisions quite rightly on behalf of children, it is the children in this case who would have to repeat and deal with the potential consequences. In this case it more than likely be negative.” This was a sentiment also echoed by Julie Sonnemann, a school education fellow at the Grattan Institute, who said “research clearly shows that repeating a year has a negative effect on students’ learning given the stigma surrounding it”. She said schools should invest in “catch-up efforts” in term four and early next year, with small group tutoring and targeted literacy and numeracy interventions. “Schools should also modify the curricu-

lum over Prep and Year 1 to help as many students continue to move forward.” A spokesperson for the Education Department said it did not expect an increase in the number of Prep students repeating in 2021. “Our teachers and schools are doing an outstanding job identifying students who may need additional support and put in place targeted learning strategies for those who need it,” the spokesperson said. “The Department is also currently considering new ways to support students who have not made as much learning progress as others during the pandemic and will provide schools with advice about the most effective interventions that will support them catch up.”

Students won’t only need to catch up on schoolwork but also recapture school morale, says Dandenong North Primary School’s principal. Kevin Mackay says the second-wave classroom lockdown and Covid-19’s impact generally has been “devastating” for many children - who will begin to return to school from 28 September. He compares the impact to generations who grew up in the polio pandemic in the 1950s or the Cold War’s threat of nuclear holocaust. It’s been a particular challenge for a school community, in which 90 per cent of students are from non-English backgrounds. Some parents misunderstood lockdown rules, thinking they weren’t allowed to leave the house at all. They forbade their kids from their own backyards for light and exercise, Mr Mackay says. “It’s worse the second time around,” he says of the latest wave. “From what we’re hearing from the kids, they’re struggling because there’s no substitute for teaching in a classroom.” Over a shutdown of 100 days, that equates to 200 lost hours per child. Mr Mackay recently made headlines with his view that some Preppies at the school will need to restart Prep in 2021. They won’t be ‘repeating’ Prep because they never really started it, Mr Mackay says. “The research into the ineffectiveness of repeating grades is based on doing the same thing twice. These kids, though, haven’t done it once.”

Right sized, luxurious homes

from $360,000

Lifestyle Kaduna Park’s display homes are ready and waiting for you to come and tour when restrictions ease. Offering a range of brand-new luxurious 2, 2.5 and 3-bedroom homes at an affordable price, along with 5-star resort facilities to cater for your every need – and then some!

Find the home that’s right for you. Call 1300 50 55 60 to find out more and register to be first to see the homes.

lifestylekadunapark.com.au Price correct as at September 2020

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

12458585-DL37-20

If this time in lockdown is making you re-evaluate your life, we can show you how you can own a new home in a safe and friendly community with enough money left over to live the life you want.

Over 50s Resort Living Thursday, 10 September, 2020

STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Animals are at play Creatures big and small have been enjoying some quiet time at the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens. From spotted pardalotes, one of Australia’s smallest birds, to short-beaked echidnas and plenty of other species, conservation officer Ollie Sherlock has confirmed there’s a buzz of activity behind the scenes. Staff have been delighted to enjoy rare sightings of common wombats, koalas, and southern brown bandicoots tentatively venturing out of their comfort zones, while black ducks and wood ducks have been building nests and incubating eggs. Large flocks of yellow-tailed black cocka-

toos have been spotted tearing apart the timber on some of the older black wattles. They use their powerful beaks to tear apart the timber in search of wood-boring grubs, which are a favoured source of protein during the winter months when seed is less available. “Without visitors around, they have been spotted low to the ground with the opportunity to observe them up nice and close,” Mr Sherlock said. Masked lapwings, a large ground-dwelling bird, have also been observed with cute little chicks in the Australian Garden and Southern Grasslands.

“The birds can get quite stressed when they have young around ... with the site closed they have had a much more relaxed time raising the young this year.” One of the most exciting sightings, Mr Sherlock said, has been a lone male glossy black cockatoo - which is a “real rarity in this area” as it is listed as endangered at a federal level and vulnerable in Victoria. “There is some speculation that this bird may have been displaced from either Kangaroo Island or East Gippsland by the catastrophic fires we had earlier in the year.”

Cranbourne Gardens conservation officer Ollie Sherlock has been keeping a close eye on wildlife during the lockdown.

Spotted pardalotes have been busy digging and lining their underground nests.

Swamp wallabies gather in numbers.

Koaloas venture out in the quiet space.

One of the most exciting sightings has been a lone male glossy black cockatoo.

Large flocks of yellow-tailed black cockatoos have been spotted tearing apart the timber on some of the older black wattles.

Short-beaked echidnas have been observed seeking out ant nests, digging them up with their powerful claws.

Black ducks and wood ducks are currently building nests and incubating eggs.

Masked lapwings have been observed with cute little chicks.

YOUR LOCAL TAKEAWAY AND DELIVERY

GET 10% OFF ON ORDERS OVER $10

OPEN Tuesday to Sunday Authentic Srilankan Malaysian Indian Cuisine

Follow our Facebook for special deals

8 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

13 HOTHAM ST. CRANBOURNE - 3977 CALL US: 0359 051 469

WWW.DOSAGRILL.COM.AU

12461084-CG37-20

10 S Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne

12459258-DL35-20

8900 0050

OPEN FOR CONTACT LESS TAKEAWAY

12461007-SN37-20

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

• Top efficiency at low cost • 3 cylinder engine with 55, 65 or 75 HP available • 1.5 tonne lift capacity • Easy operating controls • Runs smoothly even in confined spaces

SERIES TRACTORS The compact little giants you can rely on

5055E with loader

OPEN STATION STARTING FROM

5M SERIES TRACTORS Top performing, heavy lifting utility tractors

CAB STARTING FROM

39,990

49,990

• PowerTech engine and PowrReverser™ transmission for ultimate control • Increased hitch-lift capacity to handle loads up to 2.5 tonnes

5085M with loader 5095M with loader

OPEN STATION STARTING FROM

81,990

CAB STARTING FROM

97,990

GMAC63217_5SERIESTRACTOR_SNG

Talk to your local Glenmac dealer about which John Deere 5 Series Tractor will get the job done at your place.

14 Rushdale St, Knoxfield (03) 9763 8255 “Glenmac and John Deere… a successful partnership for over 40 years”

459 Maroondah Hwy, Lilydale (03) 9735 0166

85 Bald Hill Rd, Pakenham (03) 5941 5966

www.glenmac.com.au

*Price includes GST, pre-delivery, freight, assembly and dealer charges. Valid until 31/10/2020. Actual specifications, features and loader brands may vary from models shown. 12459507-GR35-20

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Art inspires memories By Danielle Kutchel It’s been a milestone year for Blind Bight stilllife painter Sam Michelle. 2020 marks the year when she has lived half her life here in Australia, and half in New Zealand. It’s that duality that she’s exploring in a new exhibition at Gallerysmith, titled Dual Citizen. Covid restrictions have made her painting a little more difficult this time around as in some cases she’s been unable to source the flowers that are the inspiration for her work. The resourceful artist has put shout outs in the Blind Bight community group asking for help to gather what she needs, and has been rewarded by people’s support. But she says in a way the restrictions have helped her painting, providing her with “ample time” to pursue her creative outlet. “I’ve had more flow with the painting, which means a better exhibition,” Sam explains. “It’s felt like having extra time and no interruptions - the change of routine has been good for that.” The exhibition considers Sam’s heritage she’s originally from New Zealand - and her life here in Australia, depicted through the iconic flora of the two countries. Unable to travel back home during Covid to gather inspiration and materials for the Kiwibased paintings, Sam says she was forced to be adaptable. A Zoom call was set up with family in the Land of the Long White Cloud and she interviewed her granddad about his life. “Some of the stories he told are within the New Zealand paintings,” she says.

“They’re childhood stories that I think New Zealanders could relate to and are really personal and meaningful to me.” The Australian paintings double as a celebration of local flora. Growing up, Sam was surrounded by creativity: her grandparents on both sides were artists in various mediums, from jewellery making to China-doll painting, illustration and sculpting. Her aunties taught her how to sew and embroider, while her mother works with multimedia. Sam herself is largely self-taught and began her artistic career as a hobby before taking the plunge and going full time six years ago. Now, she often finds herself working on multiple projects depending on what’s happening in the world. She worked on some landscape studies after the East Gippsland bushfires, and travelled to Christchurch shortly after the 2019 mosque attack to complete a series that showed the beautiful parts of the city. Sam hopes that Dual Citizen will “spark a memory” for her Kiwi viewers. She’s received feedback from some through Instagram who have told her how her paintings remind them of moments in their life, even things as simple as walking to school as a child. “I want to help ignite memories and pinpoint a time in their history,” Sam says. The exhibition is currently running online at www.gallerysmith.com.au View more of Sam’s work at https://www. instagram.com/sammichellepaintings/?hl=en or https://www.sammichellepaintings.com

‘NZ Cyclamen’ by Sam Michelle. Picture: SUZI APPEL

‘NZ and Australian Natives’ by Sam Michelle. Picture: SUZI APPEL

Sam at work in her studio. Picture: SUZI APPEL

FOCUS ON … TAX TIME

ATO releases five ways to avoid identity crimes

To protect family and friends, the ATO has released five simple ways to avoid identity crimes. a phone. Keep passwords in a safe place and keep virus protection current. Warn them if they share too much on social media Scammers can use information published on social networking sites to steal identities.

If someone is sharing too much personal information online, remind them that they could be putting themselves at risk of targeted attacks. It’s also a good idea to make sure profiles are set to private, and to be cautious about which friend requests to accept.

Cache Taxation Services

TAX RETURNS * Individual & Business Returns

Public Accountants/ Taxation Consultants

Phone: (03) 9769 3380 www.rjsanderson.com.au 10 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

4 High Street, Cranbourne

* Electronic Lodgement * 14 Day Refunds

ABC ACCOUNTANTS

* Rental Property Returns

HELPING SMALL BUSINESS GROW & SUCCEED

* Business Set Up and Advice

Call today to make an appointment

EMAIL: enquiries@abcacc.com.au

PH: 5996 0997

18 BRONSON CIRCUIT

www.abcacc.com.au

CRANBOURNE NORTH VIC 3977

12450929-FA24-20

12459597-SN36-20

* Most Individual Tax Returns are completed on the day of your visit

Individual Tax Returns Property Investors Companies & Trusts Self Managed Super Funds Tax Returns Online

Be suspicious of requests for personal information If family and friends have received a request for their personal information; tell them to treat the request with caution. Scammers can be believable and will sometimes quote personal information to sound authentic, so if someone is asking for personal information, consider the possibility that it may be a scam. To check if a call, email, SMS is from the ATO call them on 1800 008 540 to confirm. Know legitimate ways to make payments Scammers may use threatening tactics to trick their victims into paying false debts in pre-paid gift cards or by sending money to non-ATO bank accounts. To check that a payment method is legitimate, visit ato.gov.au/ howtopay

•฀ All฀types฀of฀tax฀ returns •฀ Basic฀individual฀ returns฀from฀$110 •฀ Experienced฀ Qualified฀Staff •฀ GST/BAS฀returns •฀ Rental฀Properties •฀ Quick฀Refunds •฀ Electronic฀Lodgement •฀ Fees฀to฀be฀deducted฀ from฀Refund

•฀ Small฀Business฀ Specialists •฀ Back฀Year฀Returns •฀ Discounts฀for฀ Couples, Students and Pensioners •฀ 34฀Years’฀ Experience in Cranbourne •฀ Evening฀ Appointments฀ •฀ EFTPOS฀Facility

12356176-LB27-17

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning taxpayers to be on high alert for tax-related scams. To protect family and friends, the ATO has released five simple ways to avoid identity crimes. Know what to protect Personal information that could be used by scammers to impersonate someone can include their full name, date of birth, current address, bank account numbers, credit card details, tax file number, drivers licence or passport details, and any passwords. Remind them to keep their personal information safe and secure If personal information is stolen it can be very difficult to get back. It’s best to store things like a tax file number or birth certificate somewhere safe and secure - don’t carry it around in a wallet or handbag or saved on

Call 5996 4277 cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Affordable house push Radio blast from the past Local seniors are all set to be able to tune into Golden Days Radio FM as part of the reimagined 2020 Victorian Seniors Festival. The local community radio station will host the festival’s ‘Radio Reimagined’ program, which will feature an array of plays, features and songs from the comfort and safety of home. Golden Days Radio 95.7FM will play the soundtrack to this year’s festival every Monday from 11am throughout September and October. The radio programs include music and entertainment features from nostalgia to contemporary artists, as well as a collection of radio plays, spoken word, poetry and prose. Due to the ongoing effects of the Co-

vid-19 pandemic, the annual celebration - now in its 38th year - has been forced to return in a digital format. In a bid to combat the loneliness and isolation of seniors throughout the pandemic, all older Victorians are encouraged to take part in the festival, which promotes positive ageing, health, security and community participation. Upcoming events include ‘Celebrate Seniors’ on 14 September, ‘Remembering the Wireless’ on 21 September and ‘Seniors Sing-a-Long’ on 28 September. The six-month virtual party will end with a month-long broadcast of online events and activities in October, where seniors will be treated to music, stand-up comedy, Bollywood dancing, puppetry and more. For more information, visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au.

Open 7 days LATE

Open for emergency dental treatment.

12458652-JW34-20

5998 9096 Shop 11 Selandra Rise Shopping Centre Selandra Boulevard, Clyde North, VIC 3978 www.selandradental.com.au info@selandradental.com.au

SHOP ONLINE

Come & Visit us & be AMAZED...

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ YES WE ARE OPEN IN LOCKDOWN FOR YOU www.lotsoﬃnsaquarium.com.au

Our Hallam warehouse is open for click and collect Contactless Delivery also available 12458410-MB34-20

By Mitchell Clarke

ings by 2041. In addition to affordable housing, it is estimated that by 2041, some 4,800 emergency accommodation places will be required,” she said. This is a result of rapidly growing population, housing prices, expenses and rents increasing faster than wages, stagnating social housing supply, and insufficient investment into affordable housing over many years. Ms Duff added council was committed to partnering with other levels of government and community service groups to advocate for the community and to help address the shortage in Casey, as well as the issue of homelessness. “While the extent of council’s power is limited within this space, we are committed to understanding the needs of our community and working with partner organisations, to assist with the provision of affordable housing in Casey through a range of measures,” she said. The draft affordable housing strategy, which was funded through the Social Housing Investment Planning grant, will be exhibited on council’s online engagement portal, Casey Conversations. The draft strategy will go on public exhibition for six weeks from Monday 14 September.

96 VICTOR CRES NARRE WARREN

12457541-NG33-20

A blast from the past, the Lux Radio Theatre cast are sure to provide a flashback or two.

Casey Council will partner with other levels of government and community groups to address the city’s shortfall of affordable housing which is estimated to climb to 10,000 dwellings by 2041. It comes as council will exhibit its fouryear draft affordable housing strategy to the public that articulates council’s vision of all residents having access to secure, appropriate, and affordable housing, with the public invited to provide feedback. Casey Council chair of administrators Noelene Duff said by residents having their say on the strategy they could inform an “important strategic council document that will help determine the future of your fellow residents”. In 2019, council undertook extensive consultation with residents and industry stakeholders, to get their ideas and feedback, which would help shape the current draft strategy that was endorsed at a council’s 1 September meeting. Ms Duff said in Casey, research into the current and forecast need for affordable housing had demonstrated an existing shortfall of more than 5500 affordable housing dwellings. “Without changes to the existing shortfall, this forecast can increase to a shortage of more than 10,000 affordable housing dwell-

P: 9708 6336 www.cozyfurniture.com.au

BUSINESS AS USUAL @ CRANBOURNE NQR Shop 8/79-85 High Street, Cranbourne

big brands. cheap

Our trading hours have altered slightly due to Covid Restrictions, but our store is still trading and shelves stocked with Big Brands at great NQR low prices. Save up to 80% off rrp on groceries, dairy, frozen, health & beauty and household. Visit our website for store details and join our mailing list to get your local NQR exclusive specials.

www.nqr.com.au 12459717-JW36-20

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

Men’s Shed goes virtual Its new home may not quite be open but Endeavour Hills Mens Shed is keeping men in “virtual” conversation. In weekly online meetings, the Mens Shed brings together ‘blokes’ to chat about DIY projects, hobbies and what’s going on in their lives. It’s part of the Mens Shed’s “ramped-up” response to the social and economic damage from Covid-19, president Trevor Ratcliffe said. “While we have been in lockdown our members have been meeting on-line and the need to extend what we have enjoyed to others in increasing numbers. “So, for blokes who want to meet new people, share some stories, talk about the things which interest you and escape from the isolation we are waiting for you.” The Mens Shed’s long-awaited new home in Sydney Pargeter Reserve is nearing completion. When open, the shed would teach basic DIY skills for people “displaced” due being out of work, Mr Ratcliffe says. “The aim is to provide a practical ‘appreciation’ of DIY skills so that more of us can tackle our own home maintenance or acquire basic knowledge and skills which might attract employment. “Rather than leading to a certificate this is about building resilience in ourselves, improving our circumstances and strengthening our community in difficult times.” Mr Ratcliffe said initially there would be woodwork and metalwork streams. Further courses may include electronics/ computers, mechanics and vegetable growing, household budgeting as well as health and wellbeing activities and community projects. Suitably qualified volunteers are being sought to oversee the sessions. “What we are planning to do may not be consistent with community perceptions about what a Men’s Shed is or should look like,” Mr Ratcliffe said.

Endeavour Hills Mens Shed invites all men to join its online meetings.

Endeavour Hills Mens Shed members in a pre-Covid meeting. “But our vision has never been about perceptions. “Our vision has always been about men’s

The new site in Syd Pargeter Reserve.

health and building community capacity, wherever that leads, and now, that is more important than ever.”

To join in the online chats or find out more about the new building, contact the group’s secretary Paul Morris on 0418 313 395.

Give life. Give blood in Cranbourne. 21 September to 2 October

Cranbourne Pop-up Blood Donor Centre 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd Cranbourne East

give blood 12461335-DL37-20

12 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Jailed for grooming 14yo By Mitchell Clarke A 39-year-old man who used a popular messaging service to send sexually explicit content to what he believed was a 14-year-old girl has been jailed. Damien Gristci was sentenced in the County Court on Wednesday 2 September, after pleading guilty to two charges of using a carriage service to groom and transmit indecent communication to a person believed to be under 16 years old. Mr Gristci used the messenger app Kik to communicate with an undercover police operative from the Joint Anti Child Exploitation Taskforce, purporting to be a 14-year-old girl. The court heard Mr Gristci initiated communication with the undercover operator (UCO) on 20 August 2019 where he openly confessed to being a 38-year-old man from Berwick. The UCO said she was a 14-year-old girl from Melbourne to which Mr Gristci replied “cute” and “no that’s cool”, when asked if he cared that she was younger.

He said he was turned on by “young hot bodies”, when asked why he wanted to talk to a 14-year-old girl. According to the prosecution summary, Mr Gristci engaged in a sexually explicit conversation from the outset, which ceased on 27 September 2019. The court heard the offender regularly encouraged the UCO to send selfies of herself, warning to not get caught because her mother would “kill you for talking to a dirty old man like me”. He introduced pet names like ‘kitten’, ‘princess’ and ‘little one’ and asked the UCO what she would like to try with him sexually, before referencing a threesome with his girlfriend. The prosecution said after a period of no contact, Mr Gristci reinitiated communication with the same UCO through a new Kik account between 18 October and 5 November. It added Mr Gristci requested images of the UCO in her bikini and sent pornographic material including seven lewd images and a video of himself.

Vulgar messages sent by the offender were read out in court but are too graphic to report. Police executed a search warrant at Mr Gristci’s house on 7 November and interviewed him at the Cranbourne police station, where he admitted communicating with the UCO in a sexual nature. He told police he would be “angry” if someone spoke to his 12-year-old daughter in the same way. In sentencing, Judge Anne Hassan said Mr Gristci had an intent to “sexually interact with a child”. She said the discussions made it clear he was hoping to meet with and have sexual activity with a young girl. “It is clear that you were highly sexually excited by your interactions with a person you thought was a 14-year-old girl,” she said. “Online activity is a prevalent form of social interaction, particularly for young people, however the cyber world can unfortunately also be a dangerous place for children and young people.

“It is a place where they may be easily preyed upon by adults, such as you, who seek to manipulate them and exploit them for their own sexual gratification.” Judge Hassan said the gravity of Mr Gristci’s “persistent and predatory” offending wasn’t lessened due to the fact there had been no actual victim or presumed harm done to a child. The offender wrote to the court stating: “I’m ashamed and embarrassed by what happened and I can assure you this will never happen again”. The court heard Mr Gristci had no prior convictions, showed genuine remorse, engaged in counselling and had the support of his partner and family. Judge Hassan said he had excellent prospects of rehabilitation and sentenced him to 20 months imprisonment. He will only be required to serve six months jail before being released on a recognisance of $3500 to be of good behaviour for 15 months under a number of conditions.

Caught on cam stealing garden lights By Brendan Rees

He said the value of the lights was of little concern, but hoped by sharing his story he could warn others to be vigilant. “If they come and plan their way to get the lights they can even plan for a bigger thing,” he said, adding he couldn’t believe the culprits would risk a fine for breaking curfew conditions to steal lights worth about $20. “It’s really concerning and feel bad to see where this world is headed to,” he said. He described the man as caucasion in ap-

A car is seen on footage speeding off. pearance, about 30 to 40 years old, 175cm tall, medium build, and wearing shorts and a shirt. The resident said he intended to report the incidents to police. 12460757-SN37-20

A man dressed as a tradie has been twice caught on camera allegedly stealing solar lights from the front path of a home in Cranbourne East. The first incident occurred in June when a brazen thief was seen walking past the house before taking a pathway light, which the resident said he initially dismissed as someone behaving stupidly and intoxicated. The second incident unfolded on 11 Au-

gust when the thieves allegedly pulled up in a white ute after curfew at 9pm before one got out and took off with a solar light. The resident, who did not wish to be identified, said his closed-circuit television then caught the culprits speeding off in the car as if they whole act was planned. He said he had noticed the lights missing about a week later as he reversed his car out of his driveway and discovered the theft on his cameras.

Subscribe to the

Cranbourne Star News Digital Edition

FREE

Acute Hearing is still open for all your essential hearing needs

CRANBOURNE

‘Trains every 10 minutes’

Scott’s a top dad

Cavs close in on title double

PAGE 3

PAGE 8

SPORT

@StarNews_SE

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

com.au

Bridget O'Toole has tried to block out the painful memory the day her husband was tragically killed by two stab wounds to the upper chest. "I've got to be kinder to myself because you torture yourself thinking could've done more," says Mrs O'Toole. "Survivor guilt isn't good." It was 5pm on 12 July 2013 when a man wielding a 20-centimetre carving knife entered Bridget and Dermot O'Toole's jewellery store in Hastings. "I thought it was a customer coming in and I just got up to serve him," she said.

Scott’s a top dad

Cavs close in on title double

PAGE 3

PAGE 8

SPORT

@StarNews_SE

40¢ Inc. GST

real estate

com.au

Property Lift out

She’s our hero By Brendan Rees Bridget O'Toole has tried to block out the painful memory the day her husband was tragically killed by two stab wounds to the upper chest. "I've got to be kinder to myself because you torture yourself thinking could've done more," says Mrs O'Toole. "Survivor guilt isn't good." It was 5pm on 12 July 2013 when a man wielding a 20-centimetre carving knife entered Bridget and Dermot O'Toole's jewellery store in Hastings. "I thought it was a customer coming in and I just got up to serve him," she said. However Mrs O'Toole, of Lyndhurst, was attacked by the armed assailant who pushed her into a glass cabinet and stabbed her several times. "He was screaming like a lunatic," she recalled. During the attack Mr O'Toole, who suffered from Parkinson's Disease, came out from the workshop to defend his wife and began wrestling with the assailant. "We were just trying to fight him off ... Dermot was desperately trying to save me." "Dermot fell over, he tripped over and he turned on him and stabbed him to death," she said. Mrs O'Toole attempted to pull the offender away from her husband and in doing so she was

/Cranbournestarnews

‘Trains every 10 minutes’

rea

Property Lift out

She’s our hero By Brendan Rees

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

40¢ Inc. GST

further assaulted. The assailant then ran out of the shop. Mr O'Toole, 64, was fatally wounded and tragically died at the scene. Mrs O'Toole was taken to hospital where she had to undergo plastic surgery for the extensive serious stab and slash wounds and the glass shards that were embedded in her back. For her actions, Mrs O'Toole was awarded the 2018 Gold Clarke Medal during a presentation at the Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday 23 August. "It was a beautiful day," says Mrs O'Toole. "I was totally humbled and to be deemed worthy of such a prestigious award I couldn't believe it." The medal is an award of The Royal Humane Society of Australasia and is the Society's highest award for the most outstanding case of bravery. Mr O'Toole was posthumously awarded the Star of Courage in 2017 - Australia's highest bravery accolades which recognises "acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril". The robber, Gavin Perry, 27, was high after taking ice and on parole at the time of the murder. He was jailed for 27 years in 2014 for the crime. Mrs O'Toole remembers her husband of 41 years as a wonderful man who was a funny, kind and loyal man."I had the best husband and we had a great life together," she said. "Life has just been horrible since."

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp presents the 2018 Gold Clarke Medal to Bridget O’Toole. 184550 Picture: FIONA BASILE

Bridget O’Toole with her 2018 Gold Clarke Medal.

FACTORY DIRECT BLINDS FOR LESS

Picture: FIONA BASILE

CRANBOURNE

Brand new two & 5991 5000 30-32 Victor Cres Narre Warren 3805 12341892-DC10-17

Stage 12 now Selling!

Call for a Free Mearsure & Quote

FRANCHISEE OF THE YEAR WINNER 2018

24/7 Emergency Assist, Visiting Specialist Suite & Hairdresser.

201902225824-AM10-19

/Cranbournestarnews

12392692-LN28-18

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

•฀Device฀repairs฀and฀hearing฀aid฀battery฀supplies •฀Support฀all฀patients฀with฀hearing฀needs •฀Phone฀consultations฀or฀email฀conversations

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

Acute Hearing is a family owned and operated independent audiology clinic which has been providing the local community with personalised hearing test services and hearing loss solutions for over 20 years. We have developed a reputation for reducing the effects of hearing loss and improving the overall wellbeing of our patients. Our outstanding care and attention to your needs ensures you are treated with respect, courtesy and understanding of your individual requirements. With us, you come first.

(03) 9870 2899

VISIT

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au/subscribe

Email: hearing@acutehearing.com.au www.acutehearing.com.au

Thompson Road Clinic 2A Woodbine Rd, CRANBOURNE

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au 24/7 Emergency Assist, Visiting Specialist Suite & Hairdresser.

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

Series two stars unveiled By Tania Phillips The Masked Singer’s Wizard Isaiah Firebrace has starred in the opening episode of the new series of Art Centre Melbourne’s Big Night In With John Foreman. The new series is part of the centre’s digital program Together With You and goes up online each Wednesday from 7pm. Debuting earlier this year, and hosted by musical maestro John Foreman, the series is then available to re-watch online through the Arts Centre. The first two episodes of the series, which started on Wednesday (9 September) featured Firebrace, The X Factor 2016 and Eurovision contestant along with crooner and winner of The Voice 2013 Harrison Craig; and opera singer and ABC Classic broadcaster Greta Bradman. Firebrace treated audiences to two songs including ‘What Happened To Us’ and his latest single ‘Know Me Better’ in episode one while Craig will tear at the heart strings with ‘Unchained Melody’ and Bradman will spellbind audiences with her rendition of ‘Last Rose of Summer’ in the second episode to go up on-line on 16 September. Regular guest Gretel Killeen will return for all six episodes as social commentator and guests from Victoria Together’s The Standup Sessions and Celebrity Sandwich will drop by including comedian Denise Scott and the king of Italian cooking Guy Grossi. The six new episodes of the show, which premiered earlier this year, will see John Foreman and the Aussie Pops Orchestra join the artists and musicians live in their own homes to make music, which has been integral to the joyful experience Big Night In offers to online audiences. “I am super excited to be a part of Big Night In! I’ve had such a great time working with John Foreman and the Aussie Pops Orchestra and it’s so great that we can all come together

John Foreman.

Greta Bradman. for this incredible initiative.” Firebrace said. “It’s been super hard to be away from family and friends whilst in lockdown but doing things like this and making incredible music have kept lots of us going during this time.” The two Encore Episodes recently broadcast via Together With You and the upcoming second season of Big Night In were made possible through funding from the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC), as part of Victoria Together.

By Maeve Bannister

CHEESECAKE BITES By Tania Phillips

Avocado-yoghurt cheesecake bites with muesli crust Prep time 20 mins (plus setting) Makes about 20 bites 2 Hass avocados, halved, stones removed, flesh scooped out and coarsely chopped ¼ cup lime juice 500 gm Greek-style natural yoghurt 1/3 cup honey, plus extra to drizzle 3½ gelatine leaves (titanium strength), softened in cold water for 5 minutes Diced Hass avocado, optional, to serve

· · · · · · Muesli crust · 300 gm granola muesli · 100 gm melted coconut oil

Created by Australian Avocados 14 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

The government is using Victoria Together to keep people connected to art, learning and entertainment while they can’t experience it live. The DPC is not a content producer and as such is providing funding to organisations that can produce interesting content and programming that talks to a diversity of audiences and experiences. Arts Centre Melbourne announced it had postponed welcoming visitors back to its venues in accordance with the most recent Victo-

rian Government guidelines on COVID-19. The ghost lights will stay on a little longer as Arts Centre Melbourne focuses on finding new ways to engage with audiences, including the digital online hub - Together With You. For more information including; bookings for free and ticketed events, Arts Centre Melbourne’s health and safety policies, as well as additional digital content and experiences visit artscentremelbourne.com.au

New life in art of everyday

Avocado and Yoghurt aren’t your usual go-to ingredients for cheesecake but they work in this healthier take on the classic.

These cheesecake bites are given the smoothest texture from the Hass avocado, while a muesli crust is a lighter alternative to the traditional biscuit crumb. Guilt-free dessert? Yes please.

Isiah Firebrace.

Method 1. Lightly oil a 20cm cake tin, then line with baking paper, allowing the paper to overhang the sides by a few centimetres (this will make it easier to lift the cheesecake from the tin). 2. To make the muesli crust, pulse ingredients and a pinch of salt in a food processor until crumbs form and mixture just comes together. Press evenly into prepared tin and place in freezer for 15 minutes to set. 3. Heat honey gently in a saucepan over medium heat until honey melts. Squeeze excess water from gelatine, add to honey and stir until gelatine melts. Add yoghurt and whisk until smooth and combined. Remove from the heat. 4. Process Hass avocado and lime juice in a food processor until smooth. Whisk into yoghurt mixture to combine, pour over prepared muesli crust and refrigerate overnight to set. 5. Use the paper to lift the cheesecake from the tin, cut into bites and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve topped with a little extra diced Hass avocado, drizzled with honey.

As the pandemic keeps us social distancing and in lockdown restrictions, diary-keeping is having a resurgence as people grapple with this uncertain time. Academics from RMIT university say that journaling continues to be a popular way to process the events happening around the world and can help people cope with troubling situations. Dr Peta Murray, an RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s post-doctoral research fellow, says that with everyone experiencing different consequences of Covid-19 depending on their personal circumstances, diary entries help to paint a picture of how the world copes with a crisis. “Keeping a diary has extra value in a time like this because it allows people to pay attention to the little joys and small beauties of this day as opposed to yesterday or tomorrow,” she says. “There is great value in having a receptacle into which you can share or pour difficult feelings, uncomfortable feelings, distress even, because it can alleviate some of the emotional and psychological pressure that we’re living under at the moment.” Some of the most famous diarists in western literature were not award winning or famous authors at the time of writing their own diaries, proving that all anyone needs to start journaling are their own experiences. “You don’t have to be an accomplished writer, you just have to be somebody who wants to keep an eye on the world, somebody who is interested in how your own inner life tracks against the world and sees where the discordances are,” Dr Murray says. Dr Murray is a founding member of The Symphony of Awkward, a collaborative research collective, along with RMIT university academics Dr Kim Munro and Dr Stayci Taylor. The collective studies the diarological sciences, a term they coined to explore the many manifestations of diary-keeping. Social media is a modern version of journaling, as people use it to document their lives

publicly rather than in the traditional way of keeping a private journal. “People don’t actually realise that they are journaling with social media by inscribing themselves in time and space,” Dr Murray says. “That becomes more evident when there’s something that’s repeated or rhythmical, those are the ingredients that distinguish diarising from just sharing or sometimes over-sharing your life with other people.” It’s not only individuals who are seeking to document this remarkable period of our lives. The State Libraries of Victoria and New South Wales are encouraging people to share little memories and glimpses of their daily life that are then collated as a communal diary. In August, Australia Post teamed up with the National Archives to create the “Dear Australia” campaign, which encouraged people to write a letter about their experiences this year. The letters will be preserved at the National Archive where future generations can learn about everything worth remembering from 2020. “There is a great value in cultivating an eye for the extraordinary in the ordinary and I think there’s also great value in hearing many different ordinary life views,” Dr Murray says. “I think we tend to privilege certain voices in our society and this kind of endeavour can expand our sense of who we are as a nation, as a community, as a family, and I’m really interested in the polyphony of voices that these practices cultivate, not just the individual record of a life lived.” Dr Murray, Dr Munro and Dr Taylor will host an online lunchtime forum called What Can the Diary Offer (in Troubled Times) on Thursday, 24 September. The collective will be joined by three panellists who have some unusual diaristic practices and will explore the value of diary-keeping in uncertain times. The event is free, but make sure to register at eventbrite.com.au/e/what-can-the-diaryoffer-in-troubled-times-tickets-117480823305 to secure a place. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services J.L. Hutt Electrical

ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

Jason 1300 644 698

ŕ¸€

12450636-SG23-20

Â‡ 3ODQV DQG SHUPLWV DUUDQJHG Â‡ %DWKURRP PDNHRYHUV ZLQGRZV DQG GRRU UHSODFHPHQWV Â‡ ,QWHUQDO ZDOOV UHPRYHG SODVWHULQJ DQG EULFNOD\LQJ

504483

12393415-RA30-18

DBU 6442

Phone Harry 0412 107 629, 9796 9988 HBL CONSTRUCTIONS PTY. LTD. Reg. Builder CDB-U52728 & DBU 6442

yes we can SERVICING CRANBOURNE AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

9999-8193 w w w . S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

Building

Lic No. REC 30504

ŕ¸€

Commercial & Domestic

C698645-JM13-9

Established 1989

All Types of Domestic & Commercial Work ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

Phone Des: 0419 541 719 A.H. 9705 2463

ŕ¸€

â˜…

Lic 47089

MIKE 0415 0415 524 280

Discounts apply

Contact Trevor: 0403

644 780

V Concrete Products & Services

FOUNTAIN GATE PLUMBING

Lic 24754 â€˘ New Houses â€˘ Factories â€˘ Blockages/Machine and Camera â€˘ Same Day Hot Water Services â€˘ Domestic and Commercial Maintenance â€˘ 3.5 Ton & 12 Ton Excavator â€˘ Bobcat and Tipper

Unbeatable Prices on:

Andrew Craven Concreting www.andrewcravenconcreting.com.au t 6OJU 4JUFT t (BSBHFT t %SJWFXBZT t 1FSHPMBT t 1MBJO $PMPVSFE t 4MBUF *NQSFTTJPO t 'BVY #SJDL t &YQPTFE "HHSFHBUF

Support your local tradesman for ALL your concreting needs!

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

l Specia on Pricesers Sleep

A H FENCING & TIMBER PTY LTD

C1085227-JO32-13

Phone Andrew on

0408 585 508, 5998 1127

ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€Hot Water Specialists ŕ¸€Blocked Drains ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€

LEIGH HUNTER REMOVALS AND STORAGE â€˘ Local, Country & Interstate â€˘ Antiques & Pianos a speciality â€˘ Cartons & Porta-robes for hire or sale â€˘ Full packing available

Ring Jim for a free quote 0417 054 198 12390512-ACM24-18

A & F CONCRETING â€˘ SPECIALISING IN ALL TYPES OF CONCRETING/ CONCRETE PATTERN, SLABS â€˘ FOUNDATIONS ETC. â€˘ ALL DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL

g All Pricinnt Up-Fro

Emergency Plumbing Hot Water Blocked Drains Taps and Toilets Water Leaks And more... yes we can

Pensioner Discounts

1/9/20 12455182-NG30-20

12450623-SN23-20

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

PIC: 38148 REC: 17042 AU: 06212

5998 7796 FAIRBAIRNS HEATING & COOLING www.fairbairns.com.au Est. 1982

Find your Local Professionals in our

Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds.

SERVICING CRANBOURNE AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

9998-2905 www.ServiceToday.com.au

Need cash?

Sell it local

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

Call Lucas 0419 259 266 Jack 0400 895 945 V Window Cleaning

0430 511 223 sewindowcleaning.com.au

Window, Pressure, Gutter & Roof Cleaning High Reach ŕ¸€Screens ŕ¸€Solar Panels ŕ¸€Spouting

V Electricians

Gas Ducted Changeovers Split Systems Ducted Refrig

CALL OUT FEE $0

Removals/pruning Hedging/shaping Line clearing/Palm work Tight access stump grinding Fully Insured/Qualified

FRIENDLY SERVICE!

Hot winter specials

(Terms & Conditions Apply)

ANTENNAS

Call Us Today...

V Heating

Pre-winter Gas Ducted Specials extended till

Lic. No. 43679

V Television/Video/Audio

For our FAST

9707 5700, 9768 9153

Lic No. REC 30504

Call 0408 227 276

L&C Tree Services

Cranbourne Plumbers

PHONE FOR OBLIGATION FREE QUOTATION

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL FREE QUOTE ANY TIME RING 9700 4378 C63804-BG25-8

0417 382 700

No Job Too Small

C62885-BG24-8

Footings, garages, v crossings, drives, paths & patios. In plain, colour, slate or stencil. Also drainage, saw cutting, 3T excavator, bobcat & tip trucks. NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

FREE QUOTES

9796 8621 0418 367 017 NEAT PLUMBING SERVICE Lic. Number 27186

V Furniture Removals

MEB & SON CONCRETING

Reliable, Local Plumber For All Your Plumbing Needs.

Toilet, Tap, Burst Pipe Repairs Blocked Drains Machine Cleared Gas Installations RooďŹ ng And Spouting

30% OFF THIS WEEK 0409 888 228

Lic No. 116785

SUPPLY ONLY TRADE & DIRECT TO PUBLIC ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€

DIGITAL ANTENNAS POINTS & BOOSTERS INSTALLED TODAY

V Fencing & Gates

ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

AAA AERIAL

ŕ¸€â˜…

General Notices

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€

Hot Water Expert

www.mrlockandkeys.com.au

C695870-JM11-9

ON TIME, EVERY TIME

ŕ¸€

24 Hour Emergency Service

ŕ¸€

section of Network Classifieds.

ŕ¸€

10% Discount with Mention of Ad - Pensioner Discount

1172347-DJ07-15

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

12355821-ACM25-17

V Plumbing

1167287-PB50-14

ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

CAMERON HEATH PLUMBING

12450635-NG23-20

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ 12459315-NG36-20

ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€

Call Now 0417 128 536

Call Chris: 0416 079 689 - 5940 7264

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

MR LOCK & KEYS

V Carpenters

Fully Licenced Builder/Carpenter

ŕ¸€

FOR ALL YOUR LOCK AND KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMESTIC MESTIC -- COMMERCIAL DO ALL SUBURBS

Extensions - Renovations - Bathroom Refurbs & Shopfitting

ŕ¸€

10% discount on hot water service installations if you mention this ad.

We NEVER

L&L ELECTRICS

& Maintenance service

ŕ¸€

V Locksmiths

Lighting Power Points Phone & Data Hot Water And more...

C1076360-JL7-13

Let us take the worry out of extending your home with over 30 yearsâ€™experience

ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ESTABLISHED 30 YEARS ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ STANDARD RATES ON WEEKENDS ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ŕ¸€ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ gjlawplumbing.com.au 7 DAYS 0419 136 181 - 0419 136 151

Lic No. 116785 / AU 51273

Call Us Today For our FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

g All Pricin t Up-Fron

ŕ¸€

AFFORDABLE PLUMBING

Cranbourne Electricians

AFFORDABLE HOME EXTENSIONS

Hampton Park

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

SEWER BLOCKAGES â€“ MACHINE CLEANEDŕ¸€

ŕ¸€

12436083-FA50-19

V Builders & Building Services

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€

C1033281-KK23-12

AU06014

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€

12354089-PB23-17

ŕ¸€

NIK Refigeration Service P/L

ŕ¸€

12450404-AM23-20

ŕ¸€

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

1198421-ACM37-15

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

1216637-LB06-16

Pensioner Discount Eftpos Available

24 HOUR SERVICE ŕ¸€

12453960-SG28-20

Fully Qualified and Licensed

ŕ¸€

1 HOUR EMERGENCY PLUMBING

12456366-NG31-20

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

V Plumbing

ŕ¸€ ŕ¸€

We NEVER

Lic No. 116785

V Windows

WINDOWS 1 Window Replacement Service Timber or Aluminium Windows Free Measure and quote

Member HIA and MBA

9703 1530

www.windows1.net.au

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

1238899-CG33-16

DOMESTIC FRIDGES/WASHERS & COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION

V Heating and Hot Water

1158529-PB42-14

V Electricians 12438941-CG04-20

V Appliance Repairs

ŕ¸€

www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Place your ad in print and online

STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

Tech giants must talk Recent threats and disingenuous claims by global tech giants Google and Facebook provide a stark and compelling reminder of why government intervention is necessary to force these two global behemoths to the table to negotiate with news media businesses; the subject of their current posturing, Country Press Australia president, Bruce Ellen said. Mr Ellen said the negotiating framework outlined in the ACCC’s Mandatory Code exposure draft proposes, like any sensible commercial business arrangement where parties have equal bargaining power, appropriate recognition and recompense is exchanged for the costs incurred by one party in producing a product, then used by another for commercial benefit. “But of course, the power imbalance between two of the most powerful businesses ever seen, and news media businesses, particularly small independent publishers, is immense,” he said. “The core of this matter is that the signifi-

cant cost of producing independent and objective news and journalism by news media businesses vital to our democracy, is being used by the global tech giants to drive increased audiences and engagement, and build trust in their platforms, providing them with both a direct and indirect commercial benefit. “This is primarily in the form of paid advertising on the tech giants’ various platforms that is leveraged by the size and engagement of their audience, all contributed to by the content taken from news media businesses. “The fact that this commercial benefit to the tech giants, has been at the expense of advertising revenue that previously supported the provision of public interest journalism in news media businesses, massively compounds the challenges facing our democracy in sustaining independent and objective reporting, analysis and investigation. “ Mr Ellen said this concern was particularly acute for regional, rural and small publishers, where the economies of scale available to large

corporate media conglomerates do not exist. He said the recent closures of regional newspapers and local broadcasting newsrooms highlighted the challenges. “Regional and rural communities should not be excluded from this vital part of our democracy, that holds those in power to account, and sheds a light on injustices in those local communities,” he said. “Until the Australian Government leads the world in December 2017, by directing the ACCC to investigate competition in the media and advertising services market, escalating concerns about the future of public interest journalism, were largely being ignored by those outside the industry.” Country Press Australia applauds the Federal Government and ACCC for their determination to bring the global tech giants to the table to address a serious matter that should be of vital concern to all Australians, Mr Ellen said.

CPA president Bruce Ellen.

Night a backyard bonus: Get the sleeping bags ready It’s time to camp out in the stars while travelling no further than your backyard as Casey Council gets set to hold its first ever digital Casey Camp Out. Council is encouraging households to get together and set up camp in their backyard or lounge room and join other residents online for laughs, music, creativity and competitions when the free event takes place on Friday 18 September. There will be plenty of activities on offer and many prizes up for grabs during the three-hour session.

Test your knowledge in the trivia quiz, keep the kids busy with a scavenger hunt, and show off your talent in the camp sing-along. See who can create the most creative and original facemask, chill out to some entertaining storytelling and upload pictures of your sweet camp set-up. The event will run from 6pm to 9pm. To register your household, please email communitystrengthening@casey.vic.gov.au and be sure to RSVP via City of Casey’s Facebook event page.

A free camping event will be held online.

General Notices V

Public Notices and Event

For Sale

BASE AND MATTRESS Queen size, very clean, good quality. $100. Can arrange delivery if necessary. Phone 0412 282 087.

The application is for a permit to:

Variation of Restrictive Covenant T204981X (to insert wording Unless With Consent of the Relevant Authority)

The applicant for the permit is:

Lakeside Building Consultants

The application reference number is:

PlnA00511/20 - (Paula McMahon)

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

Notice is hereby given, that pursuant to section 119 of the Local Government Act 1989, the Casey City Council, at its meeting on 18 August 2020, resolved to amend the Local Law No. 1 (2016) – Meeting Procedures and Use of the Common Seal. The purpose and general purport of the proposed Local Law is to revoke the Local Law No. 1 (2016) – Meeting Procedures and Use of the Common Seal. The proposal was made due to the transition to the new Local Government Act 2020, which requires Councils to create Governance Rules. These Governance Rules replace the Local Law No. 1 (2016) – Meeting Procedures and Use of the Common Seal. Casey City Council endorsed the Governance Rules on 18 August 2020. The proposal to revoke the Local Law is being made under section 111 of the Act and will operate throughout the municipal district of Casey City Council. A Community Impact Statement has been prepared to inform the community about the proposed Local Law amendment, to assist any public member who may wish to make a submission to the Council. A copy of the proposed Local Law and Community Impact Statement are available for viewing on the Council’s website (www.casey.vic.gov.au). Any person may make a written submission on the proposal under section 223 of the Act, and submissions must be received by Thursday, 8 October 2020. Submissions made under section 223 of the Act are not conﬁdential and: ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ and suburb) into the agenda and minutes of any Council or Committee meeting at which the matter is considered; ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ relevant Council or Committee agenda and minutes; ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ accordance with the provisions of the Act. All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act. Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, Casey City Council, PO Box 1000, Narre Warren, Victoria 3805.

3 Bellbird Place LYSTERFIELD SOUTH VIC 3156 Lot 3 PS 331895

City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive NARRE WARREN This can be done during ofﬁce hours and is free of charge. Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/viewplanning-applications

12461243-SG37-20

The land affected by the application is located at:

Revocation of Meeting Procedures and Use of the Common Seal Local Law 2020.

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

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its ofﬁce for any person to inspect during ofﬁce hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application. The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

FREE CLEAN FILL, Wanted clean fill site, south eastern area. Dams, gullies, paddocks, filled and levelled, no charge. Phone: 0418 356 583.

1 October 2020

If you object, the Responsible Authority will advise you of its decision.

12461246-SN37-20

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

16 STAR NEWS

Public Notices and Event

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

Professional Services

Massage Therapists

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer non-sexual services.

Pets & Services

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

12423634-SN31-19

Public Notice

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT ORMOND ROAD (SALLY RUN) HAMPTON PARK VIC 3976 Optus plans to upgrade the telecommunication facility on an existing high voltage tower at the address above: 1. The proposed work includes the installation of three (3) new radio remote units (RRUs); three (3) new Mast Head Ampliﬁers (MHAs); three (3) new combiners; associated new cabling (internal and external); and removal or relocation of existing equipment; works within new (ODU); and any other associated works necessary for the operation of the facility. 2. Optus regard the proposed installations as Low Impact in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above. 3. Further information can be obtained from Mel Tuangthong, 0414 166 870, melt@cpsglobal.com, and at www.rfnsa.com.au, RFNSA reference number 3976006. 4. Written submissions should be sent to: Level 9 – 256 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000 by 5.00pm on Thursday 24 September 2020.

Advertise with us and get better results

12460658-NG37-20

Announcements V

Deaths

Place Your Dedication Online

SIMPSON Steve Tooradin Cricket Club is deeply saddened by the sudden passing away of Steve. Steve had many roles at our club including Junior Co-ordinator, coach, committee member, WGCA interleague coach and ¿QDQFLDO VXSSRUWHU Steve’s commitment to the Tooradin Cricket Club KDV EHHQ VLJQL¿FDQW He will be sadly missed. Our sympathy to Nicki and family.

CALL:

฀

Employment V

12461256-CG37-20

Public Notice

Anytime, Anyplace dedications.networkclassifieds.com.au

Situations Wanted

Langwarrin Community Aged Care will be opening in November and are looking for the following: REGISTERED NURSES ENROLLED NURSES PERSONAL CARERS Applicants must have a relevant qualiﬁcations, empathy and passion for our elderly and a strong work ethic To apply, please send your resume with the title of the role you wish to apply for in the email to careers@signaturecare.com.au

12460324-SG37-20

General Classifieds

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Penny is still striving By Nick Creely Despite all of her momentous achievements in the world of race-walking, champion local athlete Penny Hall still has so many more records to break and gold medals to have draped around her neck. With 86 medals next to her name across a glittering career, including a whopping 50 gold which has seen her travel all around the globe to compete, including to the USA, Europe and many more destinations around the world, the next challenge is always around the corner. Penny turned 80 on Sunday in what was a memorable birthday celebration, albeit in much different circumstances, with her incredible life and achievements something her family is tremendously proud of. Incredibly, Penny still trains seven days a week, and frighteningly, there’s absolutely no stopping her when racing, and sport in general finally gets going again. It’s almost a guarantee that Penny will pick up exactly where she left off. “It’s given her a bit of an incentive now, she now moves on to a new age group, 80 to 85, and if she stays relatively injury-free she’ll be breaking more age-group records,” Penny’s proud husband Mike said. Penny’s story is quite remarkable and inspirational, and her resilience and passion for everything she does is something to marvel at. Penny and Mike migrated to Australia in 1966 with three kids at the time, and when she arrived in Australia she joined the Dandenong Hockey Club for five years, and as Mike describes eventually started running “out of the blue”. She was a more than a pack a day smoker and for many years suffered from chronic asthma and endured bouts of pneumonia. But exercise was the answer. She gave up smoking in 1983, and forged a new path one that would make her eventually go on to achieve so many remarkable feats and take her to so many places around the globe. In 1985, Penny competed in the Melbourne Marathon, and then eventually she decided to take up race-walking, and did race-walking masters for 25 years, and in that time in world,

Penny on her 80th birthday on Sunday. nationals and state championships she accumulated her array of medals and records. She also knuckled down and had tremendous results at the World Games in Melbourne in 1987, and became a world champion that very same year. Proving age, and anything defied her, Penny also became the oldest competitor in the 2004 National Penny Farthing Championships held in Tasmania - a race with the penny farthing, the first machine to be called a bicycle. One thing is certain, despite everything Penny has achieved, there will be plenty more records and medals just around the corner.

Penny has accumulated a vast array of medals and records all over the world. Pictures: SUPPLIED

The Titans look to put the year 2020 behind them By Nick Creely While there remains overwhelming disappointment about what could have been in the first season of senior football for Berwick Springs in the AFL Outer East, for coach Rodney Benstead, the only way to move is forward. Season 2020 was meant to be the inaugural season for the region’s newest senior club in Division 1 of the Outer East competition, but instead as all clubs and sports have endured this year, things just haven’t fallen into place as communities long for a return to suburban and country grounds. Benstead, a renowned coach, was appointed as senior coach for the inaugural season and had begun to build an exciting list of footballers, and said that while it’s been a difficult time for community sport, the Titans just simply can’t wait to put the year behind them and finally kick off life as a senior club. “You can connect through technology, but it really isn’t the same - so to be honest, it’s been really difficult,” he told the Star News. “We were so excited about our first year, we got one practice match in, and we did manage to restart training again. “We actually had good numbers on the track and the players are super keen. “But on the flipside we’ll have a new facility next year, so there’s plenty of positives - we got thrown around a little bit in pre-season, and at this level you do need a home base, and a ground to train at, so we’re very excited for that.” Benstead said that the club expected to retain the majority of its inaugural senior football list as they once again prepare for Divicranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Rodney Benstead and his coaching staff are busy preparing for the 2021 season. 204749 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS sion 1, but wanted to continue bolstering its stocks while also firmly keeping its eyes fixed on developing youth. “I’m one of those people that will always go out again and be really aggressive, and there’s going to be a salary cap that’ll be reduced and that, so it’ll make recruiting hard,” he said. “But we want to get young talent in, so we need to provide a coaching program that is elite. “I’m trying to get all of our coaching staff together and develop ideas in the style we want to play, and just make it a really good

place to be. “I’m positive about that - we have some players we’re speaking to at the moment, but we’ve lost one of our key players, Cam Carmody, he went back to Western Australia for family reasons, but we’ve kept most of the players which is great. “We’re all excited about next year.” In 2019, the Titans entered an Under 18 side in the Outer East Premier DIvision, performing admirably to bank six wins and further developing kids that are expected to push hard for senior selection in the opening round of the 2021 season.

On the club’s booming junior football program, Benstead said from early indications there is expected to be a steady influx of juniors playing football in 2021. “We want to introduce young talent, and we’re focusing on developing our juniors so we’ll get more through the door next year which is exciting,” he said. “From the information I’ve got, kids are more excited than ever to get out there. There will be challenges for pre-season, conditioning, missing a year, but I think everyone’s in the same boat. “We know there will be challenges, but the kids are missing footy, they just want to get back into it.” The anticipation of Division 1 football, which will see the club venture to different grounds whether in the Valley or south-east, is building by the day, but not just on-field, and Benstead said that they are eager to once again connect with the football community. “I can only go on the feedback, these clubs make you all feel really welcome, and you can get great grounds, facilities and it’s all a bit of old school footy,” he said. “You go into the rooms after the game and they put on a ripper spread, that’s what football is about, community and connecting, so we can’t wait to play in the Outer East competition. “To get to go to some different places to play footy is exciting for the club. We can’t wait to put our best foot forward. “Sport is a place to go, a place to catch-up, and that’s what we want to be, a community hub that develops local talent and works with the local community.”

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

STAR NEWS 17

SPORT

This star Flyer signs on Another piece of the puzzle is in place for the Southside Flyers. Leilani Mitchell, the winner of the inaugural Flyers MVP trophy, has confirmed she will be part of their campaign for the 2020/21 WNBL season, adding to the excitement for Flyers fans for the upcoming season. Selected in the WNBL All-Star team after a terrific season with the Flyers, where she led the league’s best offence with her superb playmaking at point guard. Mitchell averaged 15.7 points and 5.2 assists while also shooting 42 per cent from beyond the arc. Currently playing for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA, which is being played in a bubble in Florida (and leading the team in assists), Mitchell said she was looking forward to returning to the Flyers team for the 2020-21 season. “I’m beyond excited to continue playing for the Southside Flyers. I was honored to be a part of the Flyers inaugural season and can’t wait to get back with the girls and continue our quest for the championship,” she said. “I know that we will all return hungry and willing to work hard, build on our team chemistry, and have fun! It’s a wonderful organization that truly cares for the players. It goes beyond basketball. The management, coaches, teammates, and fans make the Southside Flyers the best organization to be a part of.” Flyers coach Cheryl Chambers said that she is thrilled that Mitchell will be back with the Flyers for the upcoming season. “It’s awesome Lei is back for the Flyers. She makes other players better, her IQ is off the charts, she’s a professional and along with that, she is a great person,” she said. “Lei has an uncanny knack of finding a score under pressure, she can shoot the 3, she can get to the basket and she can also find an open teammate when she needs to. It is fair

to say I’m ecstatic she’s back playing for our team.” Mitchell has had a wonderful career that has included a successful college career in the USA and 11 seasons in the WNBA, as well as impressive stints in France and Croatia. In her final year at College, at the University of Utah, she was named the Conference Player of the Year and was then selected 25th overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft. Adding to her list of achievements was being inducted into the University of Utah Hall of Fame, an honour she is very proud of. Her WNBA career started with New York Liberty in (2010-2014), Phoenix Mercury (2014-15 and 2017-19) and Washington Mystics (2016), where she has returned for the current season. A two-time WNBA Most Improved Player (2019, 2010), Mitchell is the only player in WNBA and NBA history to ever win the award in more than one season. Born in the USA, she grew up in Washington State in the Pacific North West of the United States and her first season in Australia was in the 2013/14 WNBL season with the Dandenong Rangers. As well as last season with the Flyers, her WNBL career includes seasons with Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra. Mitchell has been a regular member of the Australian national team, the ‘Opals’, since 2014, when the team won a bronze medal in the 2014 World Championships, and she was a member of the 2016 Olympic team in Brazil. Unfortunately, injury kept her out of the Opals team for the 2018 FIBA World Cup. Earlier this year she was selected in the 2020 Opals squad in the lead up to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Leilani Mitchell is back and raring to go for the Southside Flyers.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Player points cap is set By Nick Creely Key outcomes have been achieved in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League (MPNFL), with AFL South East confirming the base Total Player Points (TPP) cap for the 2021 season will be 42 points. MPNFL club presidents met on 2 September to discuss and resolve their position on the TPP for 2021, following a recommendation from the AFL South East advisory board that a TPP cap of 45 points should be set across both divisions of the competition. With the maximum TPP cap allowable by AFL Victoria set at 47 points, MPNFL clubs worked to a base cap of 40 points in 2019/20. After club feedback to the recommendation, half of the clubs agreed to raise the TPP base cap to 45 points, with others wishing to keep it at 40. However a majority position has been reached to implement a base TPP cap of 42 points from next season. “It was very pleasing to see the group work together in such a constructive fash-

QUIZ NUMBER 1730 1.

WHO scored the most runs in cricket’s 2015 World Cup?

TO which famous Australian athlete did Czech Emil Zatopek give one of his gold medals?

WHICH golfer has won the most major world titles?

WHAT was the host country for the 2006 World Cup soccer finals?

WHICH two famous pacers hailed from the NSW country town of Temora?

WHAT is the traditional venue for the United States Open tennis titles?

WHICH country boasts hurling as its national sport?

WHICH well known international yacht race is held in British waters?

WHO took the most wickets in the Ashes cricket series in 2017-18?

10. IN which sport did Malcolm Milne become Australia’s first international champion? 11. WHERE was Phar Lap placed in his only race in America? 12. WHICH two English soccer clubs play annually in the Merseyside local derby? 13. WHAT question is asked as a tennis racquet is spun to decide who serves before a match?

ion, acknowledging the position of others and ultimately coming to a considered final position, to be reviewed ahead of 2022,” said MPNFL football operations manager Haydn Parsons. The final position was based upon club concerns surrounding a restriction on junior development if the cap was too high, while also taking into consideration clubs who felt detrimentally impacted by the higher points caps in neighbouring leagues, particularly towards the northern end of the MPNFL. MPNFL clubs also expressed a strong motivation to implement a ‘season of service’ reduction to the player-point grading of players who remained registered at their clubs during the Covid-19 crisis. “It was quite evident that there was a strong will to reward those players who had put in the hard yards during the pre-season and remained loyal to their clubs, but ultimately - through no fault of their own missed out on a season of football,” Parsons said.

14. WHICH British import won the 1986 Sydney Cup? 15. WHO is the only Australian golfer to win the British Amateur title? 16. WHICH male swimmer collected the most medals by an Australian at a single Olympics prior to Ian Thorpe? 17. WHICH sport uses the terms ‘glass back’, ‘foot fault’ and ‘boast’?

19. AFTER how many games in a tennis set is a tie break introduced? 20. WHAT sport is played by the Sydney Kings?

ANSWERS: 1. Martin Guptill 2. Ron Clarke 3. Jack Nicklaus 4. Germany 5. Paleface Adios and Just Too Good 6. Flushing Meadow 7. Ireland 8. The Admiral’s Cup 9. Pat Cummins 10. Snow skiing 11. First 12. Liverpool and Everton 13. ‘Rough or Smooth’ 14. Marooned 15. Doug Bachli 16. Mike Wenden 17. Squash 18. Rick McCosker 19. Twelve 20. Basketball 18 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

12460088-SN37-20

18. WHICH NSW and former Test batsman faced the first ball for the breakaway World Series Cricket?

MPNFL clubs have agreed to a TPP cap of 42 points for 2021. 195322 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Clubs set to go it alone? By sports editor Russell Bennett A number of West Gippsland’s footy and netball clubs aren’t bluffing when it comes to exploring their own collective path forwards from 2021 onwards. And they may yet choose to go it alone - out from under the Morwell-based Gippsland Regional Administration Centre. The Star News understands that, on 15 June through Consumer Affairs Victoria, the business name ‘West Gippsland Football Netball Competition Incorporated’ was registered on their behalf, with three current WGFNC club presidents nominated as executive officers. That raises the fascinating prospect that the West Gippsland entity wasn’t already registered since its first season in 2017. To this point, it’s unclear as to how or why. But, it’s an intriguing development that shows a number of the WGFNC’s clubs really are taking their destinies into their own hands. Nar Nar Goon’s Mick Keane is one of three club presidents connected to the newly-registered name as executive officers, and a constitution has already been legally prepared and lodged to Consumer Affairs. The affiliation agreements of some local leagues and competitions are due to expire at the end of October this year, and the new development raises the question of which body legally controls the WGFNC. The deadline for club transfer applications is on 31 October, and the Star News under-

Three current WGFNC club presidents are listed as directors for West Gippsland Football Netball Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Competition Incorporated. 198697 stands that the WGFNC clubs have been issued three options moving forward: continue with the status quo for 2021 and beyond; continue in the current structure but have some administration fees offset by a player levy; or incorporate as part of a new entity. That entity could then seek affiliation with AFL Gippsland. The clubs and WGFNC are currently regarded as affiliates under the AFL Vic Coun-

try Handbook, but the waters seem muddied by the fact that the WGFNC - itself - is newly registered with three current club presidents as directors. The AFL Gippsland commission was effectively ousted in May 2019, and the AFL’s general counsel and its general manager of AFL game development Andrew Dillon is on the interim commission. In the AFL Gippsland 2019 Annual Report,

the directors of Gippsland Australian Football Commission Limited (AFL Gippsland) were listed as Steven Reaper, Jennifer Loughnan, and Dillon. The Star News understands Reaper is no longer in that role, while Rob Auld and Sam Graham were appointed as directors earlier this year and AFL Victoria’s current head of South Eastern Victoria, Richard Black, is the secretary. In speaking with the Star News, Keane was scathing on AFL Gippsland’s handling of the competition. “This is an organisation that’s trying to tell us we’re better off staying with them - where there’s no real administration, guidance, and no understanding of the clubs’ positions,” he said. “They’re trying to keep us with them without any real structure.” Keane said it’s imperative the clubs control their own futures now, before - he feels - it’s too late. “If we apply in 12 months’ time to get out, they can knock it back, and then it’ll go to appeal to AFL Victoria and that’ll get knocked back too, and then you can’t apply again for two years. “We could still be dealing with this three years from now.” AFL House was forwarded a series of questions on this story but did not comment prior to deadline.

They’re calling on an extension to their VNL licence By Lance Jenkinson The Casey Demons are calling on Netball Victoria to consider an extension to their Victorian Netball League licence. After losing a full VNL season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Demons are calling on the governing body to tack on a year to their five-year licence. In their inaugural season last year, the Demons shook up the competition by reaching the grand final, which they lost to the Geelong Cougars following an impressive finals run that saw them eliminate the North East Blaze and City West Falcons. Demons coach Robynn Pym said it was a “bummer” for her team to not be able to take to the court in 2020 to see if they could go one step better. She is hoping the ‘lost year’ will be added

to the end of the Demons’ five-year term. “We have a five-year licence, so we hope that Netball Victoria see the light there and realise we didn’t have one of those years,” Pym said. “It’s been the longest pre-season that we’ve ever had, but it’s a season that never was, so we’re hoping they do add a year to our franchise. “We’re really looking to grow the community involvement and we’ve been really happy with our supporters, members and sponsors, who have continued with us.” Casey Demons players have formed an online support network during the pandemic lockdown. They are checking in on one another through online Zoom calls. “They’ve connected with each other quite regularly,” Pym said.

“They’re all Casey Demons athletes and they’re all being supported as such.” The pandemic has forced a unique coachto-squad relationship between Pym and the Casey Demons players. With no training sessions allowed, Pym has taken advantage of online technology to run group instruction sessions, keep updated with individuals who are training in isolation, discuss tactics, and run video analysis. While the lost season is frustrating, the Demons’ use of technology will help them going forward. “If anything, for a new franchise like ours, it’s given us other ways of communicating with the players,” Pym said. “It’s not just all about on-court now. “It’s given coaches a new way of communicating.

“It’s tested the character of athletes being able to train in isolation.” When the Casey Demons will return to the court, though, is anyone’s guess. The Demons can only announce their pre-season and trial dates once the VNL season start date is revealed. “With lockdown, there hasn’t been much information,” Pym said. “We’re hoping that by the end of September we’ll know more about re-contracting players for the following year, also when we can start back doing a pre-season and starting trials. “Once the Vixens have finished their [Super Netball] campaign up in Queensland, I can see Netball Victoria come back in and spend some time on what our season is going to look like next year.”

Lloyd is leading the way By Lance Jenkinson Stepping into the head coaching role of the Vic Metro under-18 women’s state basketball team will be seamless for Lloyd Klaman. The Dandenong Rangers NBL1 women’s coach has spent the past three years as the team’s assistant. Klaman was delighted to be announced as the coach for the 2021 program and is looking forward to working with some of the elite upand-coming talent in the state. “It’s a really good honour,” Klaman said. “I’ve been an assistant for three years and working with some good coaches. “I just enjoy getting to work with the best kids in the state.” Klaman takes over the role in a time of uncertainty with the Covid-19 pandemic causing havoc for Victorian sporting organisations. With the metro region under lockdowns in recent months, Klaman has been unable to scout players ahead of state trials. “Usually you’d be looking at the kids playing VJBL right now,” he said. The benefit of Klaman’s appointment is that he already knows most of the players in the system. A large chunk of the Vic Metro team will come from the bottom age under-18s and under-16s from last year. Having not had contact with the players for cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

over six months, Klaman reckons he might be in for a shock next time he sees them. “I’m expecting kids to be a lot taller than last time I saw them,” he said with a laugh. “Usually you go away for Christmas and you come back in February and you think ‘gee, they’ve grown’. “Imagine what they’re going to look like after six months!” Klaman’s one certainty upon return is that the Vic Metro players will be ready for whatever comes their way. When it comes to underage sports people, basketballers in this state are as battle hardened as they come. “I think these kids will bounce back,” Klaman said. “They’re kind of seasoned campaigners. “By the time they get to under-18 top age, most of these kids have played 800 to 1000 games.” Despite the pandemic, Klaman is still fielding phone calls from US college scouts interested in Victorian talent. It is one of the reasons he loves the job so much, getting to play a part in building up the next generation of basketball stars and following their progress. “Australia is a hotbed for female basketball,” he said. “Even the ones I coached four years ago,

Lloyd Klaman relishes the chance to work with Vic Metro’s elite talent again in 2021. Picture: COURTESY OF BASKETBALL VICTORIA you keep in contact with the girls and follow their careers. “A lot of them are going to play WNBL when they come back or represent Australia.” Klaman believes the biggest challenge confronting the Vic Metro players will be balancing their schedules. He is aware of the need for the players to ease into training and games. “Once these kids come back, it’s not only nationals, they’ll have their club commitments and their schools are going to want them to

train with them,” Klaman said. “As much as I want to get them back to training and go crazy, we’re really going to have to manage their bodies because all of a sudden a lot of kids are going to go from zero to 100 overnight. “We’re going to have to walk slowly when we start this thing.” Other Dandenong links to the Vic Metro under-18 program include Katrina Barry, team manager of the girls team, and Brent Andrews, the development coach of the boys.

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

STAR NEWS 19

Audi Vorsprung durch Technik

Part SUV. Part coupé. All class. Carve your own path with the all-new Audi Q3 Sportback. The rugged stance and versatility of an SUV with expressive design and sleek coupé-inspired curves. The all-new Audi Q3 Sportback sets a clear direction: forward.

Contact Audi Barry Bourke. 755 Princes Highway, Berwick | Tel. 9707 2222 | audibarrybourke.com.au Overseas model shown. 35 TFSI Launch Edition depicted. LMCT7522

12460715-SN37-20

20 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 10 September, 2020

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au