Thursday, 26 June, 2025
Phone: (03) 5945 0666 Trades & Classifieds: 1300 666 808
starcommunity.com.au FREE
Crime hits 8-year high
Digging deep for libraries
Stranded in Iran
Cranny too good for Narre
PAGE 3
PAGE 4
PAGE 8
SPORT
A journey on a mat More than 100 people gathered for Casey’s International Day of Yoga in the early morning of Saturday 21 June, hosted by the community organisation Saath Multicultural Association of Australia (Saathi MAA). Led by founder and Casey Woman of the Year Chanchal Kumavat, the free event blended mindfulness, movement, and messages of unity. Highlights included a ceremonial lamp lighting and an energising session by instructor Komal Ghai. Casey Mayor Councillor Stefan Koomen, who lit the ceremonial lamp to open the day, hailed it as the “biggest and most impactful yoga session in Casey to date”. Councillors Kim Ross and Carolyn Eaves also joined residents on the mat. “The atmosphere was filled with joy, gratitude, and a shared commitment to health and harmony,” Ms Kumavat said. “The event served not only as a wellness initiative but as a shining example of what passionate leadership and community collaboration can achieve. It brought together people of all backgrounds under one roof, promoting peace, mindfulness, and healthy living.” Full story page 8
City of Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen and Chanchal Kumawat at the yoga day. (Stewart Chambers: 482727)
Rates rise derided Casey Council has drawn criticism from residents after officially adopting a 3 per cent general rates increase for the next financial year, in line with the State Government’s cap. The rise, passed unanimously at the June Council Meeting with minimal discussion, has disappointed many locals already feeling cost-of-living pressures. “Our rates will be rising by 3 per cent in accordance with the cap. We haven’t had to go beyond
that,” Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said at the meeting. “We know that people are doing it tough, and the additional costs (emergency levy and waste levy) that have been talked about today are burdens on our community and something that we’ve stood against, but ultimately, they’ve been legislated.” Cranbourne resident Brianna described it as a “bad move”, saying the Council missed a chance to rebuild trust following years of administrative
Thinking of
Selling?
instability. Narre Warren’s Imesh G. labelled the increase “unfair”, arguing that the Council should prioritise cutting wasteful spending rather than raising rates. He pointed to inefficient maintenance practices and questioned the high salary of the chief executive officer. Small business owner Mark Mathews warned that the hike would further strain struggling
households and urged people to proactively manage their finances. The Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) also expressed frustration, saying the Council ignored calls for a rates freeze despite clear signs of financial stress in the community. CRRA vice president Anthony Tassone called it a missed opportunity for councillors to show leadership. Story page 4
With Finning's NO SALE – NO CHARGE & SMART SALE platform YOU can't lose.
Visit our website
Here's your sign!
Call us any time (24hrs) and find out more NOW!
finning.com.au
T 5996 1200 enquire@finning.com.au 12728051-MC02-25