News - Berwick Star News - 22nd January 2026

Tractors of all sizes

There were many mighty machines - great and small - at Tooradin Tractor Pull on Saturday 17 January. In a tiny new category, radio-controlled tractors pictured with Robbie Ward and John Lucas ploughed through the earth. More pictures, turn to page 16

(Gary Sissons: 528610)

Trolls target MP

Bruce MP Julian Hill has hit back at online trollers that have targeted his Facebook page with “blatant racism”.

Hill, who is also assistant minister for citizenship, customs and multicultural affairs, was labelled by commenters as a “traitor” and “fake Australian” in response to him attending a Tamil Pongal harvest festival in Dandenong last Sunday.

Some of the post comments read, “In case you haven’t worked it out, Australians don’t celebrate this sunshine,” “What are your plans for Australia Day? Celebrating that also with Australian colours draped around your neck?” and “Do you ever celebrate anything Australian? Muppet.”

They also questioned whether Hill would cel-

ebrate the upcoming Australia Day on 26 January.

In response, Hill stated: “The recent mix of blatant racism and weird ranting about Australia Day on any posts with Australians with non-white skin is pathetic. Australians come in all forms.

“Mutual respect is key to being Australian - many of the idiots trolling social media posts would do well to remember that.”

He later added to Star Journal that “most MPs seem to be experiencing a spike in idiotic racist comments”.

“Examination of these ‘people’ suggests it’s a mix of bots (fake accounts), cookers and One Nation type right wing extremists who are terminally

online, and also some real people who hide behind a second account they use to post horribly racist things.

“For what it’s worth also I celebrate Australia Day and post about it on social media every year.”

Earlier this month, more than 7600 comments were posted on Hill’s post featuring his meeting with South-East imam Ismet Purdic, his wife and Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke.

Hill responded to comments like, “Dress like a Aussie, then I believe it,” and “Change the narrative, it was a road rage incident, they used that to advance. Their victimhood plot.”

“A core part of being Australian is mutual re-

spect - I’d encourage those who are hate posting to try it,” Hill stated.

“Ismet and Sabina fled the Bosnian genocide 30 years ago. They are good Australians and deserve love and respect not idiotic conspiracy theories.”

Pongal Festival organiser Wicki Wickiramasingham said people were “worried” by the Facebook comments.

“Tamils as well as other Australians are very unhappy by these comments. They’re worried because Australia is a beautiful multicultural country, developed by migrants.”

For more on the story, turn to page 2

Federal Minister ‘trolled’

By Sahar Foladi

Online trollers have flooded a Federal Minister’s social media posts with “blatant racism”, targeting posts featuring imam Ismet Purdic and the Pongal Festival in Dandenong.

The Bruce MP and assistant minister for citizenship, customs and multicultural affairs, Julian Hill MP responded defiantly after being called “another fake Australian” under his Facebook post in celebration of the Tamil Pongal festival in Harmony Square on Sunday 18 January.

Ahead of Australia Day on Monday 26 January, some users declared it un-Australian, questioning whether a “hypocritical” Hill celebrated Australia Day and stating that they were “waiting” for an Australia Day post.

In response, Hill stated: “The recent mix of blatant racism and weird ranting about Australia Day on any posts with Australians with non-white skin is pathetic. Australians come in all forms.

“Mutual respect is key to being Australian - many of the idiots trolling social media posts would do well to remember that.”

He later added to Star Journal that “most MPs seem to be experiencing a spike in idiotic racist comments”.

“Examination of these ‘people’ suggests it’s a mix of bots (fake accounts), cookers and One Nation type right wing extremists who are terminally online, and also some real people who hide behind a second account they use to post horribly racist things.

“For what it’s worth also I celebrate Australia Day and post about it on social media every year.”

Some comments read, “In case you haven’t worked it out, Australians don’t celebrate this sunshine,” “What are your plans for Australia Day? Celebrating that also with Australian colours draped around your neck?” and “Do you ever celebrate anything Australian? Muppet.”

The president of the Victorian Tamil Cultural Association (VTCA) Amirthalingam Dhileepan also commented expressing his disappointment at the racist comments.

Wicki Wickiramasingham, the founder and secretary of VTCA, which organised the Pongal Harvest Festival in Dandenong on 18 January, said people were “worried” by the Facebook comments.

“Tamils as well as other Australians are very unhappy by these comments. They’re worried

because Australia is a beautiful multicultural country, developed by migrants.

“Dandenong and the South East is where migrants come and start their lives. Australia is best in the world in welcoming of all nationalities.”

Mr Wickiramasingham said harvest festivals were common to many cultures and nations.

“The festival was not to do with India, Pakistan or any particular country or religion. It is not discriminatory.”

The festival is one of the significant events for the Tamil community, giving thanks to nature, the Sun God, farmers and cattle for a successful harvest.

It brings wider communities and families together through food, music, dance performance and shared traditions.

Mr Wickiramasingham says they have always been supported by the diverse Greater Dandenong community and will continue to bridge social cohesion.

“We strongly believe that cultural festivals like Pongal help build understanding, strengthen social cohesion, and enrich Australia’s multicultural fabric.”

Earlier this month, more than 7600 comments were posted on Hill’s post featuring his meeting with Imam Purdic, his wife and Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke.

Hill shared the couple’s optimism and grace despite the alleged assault on the imam along South Gippsland Highway on 10 January.

Comments on the post forced a mere road rage narrative rather than islamophobic driven incident with comments like, “Dress like a Aussie, then I believe it,” and “Change the narrative, it was a road rage incident, they used that to advance. Their victimhood plot.”

Hill was prompted to pin comments in response.

“A core part of being Australian is mutual respect - I’d encourage those who are hate posting to try it,” he stated.

“The violent incident has been widely acknowledged including by the Police as racial and

religious abuse.

“I spoke with the police, and later sat and listened to Sabina who is a beautiful woman recount the horror of what happened.

“Ismet and Sabina fled the Bosnian genocide 30 years ago. They are good Australians and deserve love and respect not idiotic conspiracy theories.”

Messages of condemnation and words of support for the Imam and his wife have been conveyed by various organisations, MPs, Greater Dandenong Council and mayor Sophie Tan.

Panda Mart faces 130 charges, unsafe products alleged

Cranbourne’s International discount retailer Panda Mart is facing 130 charges for electrical safety offences related to allegedly stocking dozens of dangerous lamp models and other household electrical goods, some that posed a risk of electrocution to consumers, in March 2025.

Energy Safe Victoria has charged the company with breaching the Electricity Safety Act 1998 by offering to supply a variety of in-scope electrical equipment, such as lamps, power boards, adaptors, USB chargers and furniture with built-in power supplies, that did not comply with mandatory electrical safety requirements.

This included many items not marked with the required Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) that indicates a product meets Australian standards.

The regulator also alleges that when the electrical products were for sale, Panda Mart was not registered as a ‘Responsible Supplier’ on the national Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) as required.

Under the EESS, ‘in-scope electrical equip-

ment’ refers to everyday electrical products designed for household and personal use. These products are regulated under a national safety system and are classified into three levels based on potential risk. These ratings are 1 (low), 2 (medium) and 3 (high).

To sell these items in Victoria, businesses must be registered as a Responsible Supplier on the EESS and ensure the products are safe, compliant and carry the RCM. Suppliers must also register any level 2 or 3 in-scope equipment on the database.

Energy Safe investigated after receiving information from a New Zealand regulator related to possible non-compliant electrical products being sold by Panda Mart.

In March 2025, Energy Safe enforcement officers and equipment safety compliance engineers inspected the retailer’s Cranbourne store and Dandenong warehouse.

Officers seized more than 50 models of desk and table lamps with suspected safety hazards,

Cranbourne’s Panda Mart is in turmoil again as it faces 130 charges for electrical safety offences related to allegedly stocking dozens of dangerous lamp models and other household electrical goods, some that posed a risk of electrocution to consumers, in March 2025. (FILE)

including some with inadequate insulation and exposed live parts, which, if touched, could have caused an electric shock.

The Australian Competition and Consumer

Commission (ACCC) facilitated a voluntary recall of the affected lamp products on 27 March 2025.

Energy Safe issued a Prohibition Notice on 18 July 2025 banning Panda Mart from supplying portable lamps in Victoria unless the regulator first confirms the products meet relevant standards.

Any customers who bought a table lamp from Panda Mart should stop using it and return it to the retailer.

In Victoria, it is illegal to supply appliances that do not meet safety standards due to the serious risk of injury to consumers.

At the time of offending, each charge carried a maximum penalty of almost $50,000 under the Electricity Safety Act 1998.

The public can find more information about buying safe appliances or report safety issues via the Energy Safe website.

Panda Mart is due to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on 6 February.

Site marked for housing

By Jensy Callimootoo

After a contentious two year dispute, a housing plan for an 18-hectare site including the historical Clover Cottage on Manuka Road, Berwick has been released.

Casey Council opened up their consultation period to the public for the newly released draft plans and invites the community to provide feedback until 11:59pm on 1 March.

According to the 47-page 2025 draft plan, the project intends to deliver around 150 -160 additional housing lots and a residential population of about 446 persons based on an average household size of 2.88 persons.

It also endeavours to deliver the integration of parklands and recreational facilities as well as continuing to protect popular local attractions, heritage sites such as Clover Cottage and Minard Villa.

The development plan precinct boundary is nestled behind Berwick Secondary College on the corner of Manuka Road and Allen Street, and close to Cardinia Creek Parklands.

It’s been over two years in the making after a 2023 draft plan on the same precinct, which was endorsed by the council, was not supported by the developer, Parklea Development.

Following the 2023 consultation period, which saw a total of 86 submissions, many outlined the importance of bushfire protection setbacks and clarification of drainage options for the precinct — suggestions that have now been included in the new 2025 draft plan.

Many also requested further information about traffic as well as vegetation and fauna management.

For context, back in August 2021, Parklea drafted and submitted their development plans to the council, which later gained endorsement from the administrators at the time.

But in June 2023 developers alleged that the council had made changes to the plans that they did not agree with, lodging an appli-

cation for review with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Parklea submitted an alternative plan called the ‘October Draft’ to VCAT for approval but in November, the council requested approval of their own draft version called the ‘November draft’.

After numerous debates and exchanges, in March 2024, the tribunal ultimately overturned all versions of the development plans, asserting that no version of the submitted drafts complied with the DPO24 clause that outlines the requirements of development plans in the Casey Planning Scheme.

And while it did not agree to Parklea’s ‘October draft’, VCAT found that this draft was a

better response to the DPO24 clause.

Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen said the development plans were an important step in guiding future development in the area and championed the community feedback period.

“Community input is vital to ensure we can achieve the best possible outcome in this area and I encourage interested residents to view the proposed plan and provide us with feedback during the consultation period,” said the Mayor.

Council officers will also be hosting two community informational sessions at the Berwick Football Club on Tuesday 10 February at 12pm and 4:30pm.

Submissions and feedback regarding the

2025 draft plans can go to, conversations. casey.vic.gov.au/manuka-road-development-plan.

At Summerset Cranbourne North, we know that as life changes, so do your needs. That’s why our unique continuum of care is thoughtfully designed to support you at every stage.

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Think peace of mind, at any stage of life

Iran crisis impacts locals

By Jensy Callimootoo

As Iran’s anti-government regime continues to escalate, much of the Iranian diaspora in Casey have had no or limited access to their family and friends for over two weeks.

According to Australia’s last census, the City of Casey is home to one of Melbourne’s largest iranian population, with approximately 1412 Iranians living in the region.

Iranian-born local, Dana, who does not want to use her real name, has been living in Melbourne since 2003 and says it’s been a “difficult time”.

She says she hasn’t had any contact with her brother, her friends or her husband’s family for more than two weeks since the protest began.

“They don’t have any internet connection,” she said.

“We cannot get in touch with them.

“And almost every day, several times a day I have my phone looking at the news to see what’s happening and it’s a really emotional time for all of us.

“Our hearts are with our families, parents, everyone. But what can we do?

“You know, we live overseas, most of us Persian people. We came out, we live here, but our mind is there.”

It’s been more than a week with no telecommunication coming out of Iran since the government cut off access to much of its internet.

The harsh crackdowns followed protests beginning in late December, sparked by the country’s economy, soaring cost of living and the collapse of the Iranian currency.

With a lack of access to verify information, estimations surrounding death tolls and arrests are inconsistent but death tolls by human rights organisations are expected to be in the thousands.

Another local source told Star News that after no contact during the last few weeks, they were eventually able to get in contact with their family living in Iran for a short period of time due to Starlink access.

But since then, they have not been able to get back in touch with them.

Iranians living in Melbourne are accustomed

to being shut off from the world. They’re also used to protests; in 2022-23, civil unrest was sparked and protests across the nation

made headlines following the death of a woman who died in police custody after she was arrested for violating Iran’s hijab law.

Shahram Akbarzadeh, Professor of Middle East and Central Asian politics at Deakin University, said that the regime in Iran has faced critical movements for decades.

“Every time there’s a movement in the population, it often starts with a practical grievance, like 2022-23’s women freedom movement,” Prof Akbarzadeh said.

“And now the current uprising was triggered by the economic crisis, but these popular uprisings very quickly take up a political tone.

“They know that it’s the regime as a whole that is imposing these really restrictive measures and repressing society so that they are not going to achieve freedom or economic freedom.

“These movements challenge the authority of the Islamic regime and in fact, the chants we’re hearing in the streets attest to that.

“The chants say, ‘end to dictatorship’... so yes, the regime is facing a very critical challenge. But that doesn’t mean the regime is going to fall.”

And while Prof Akbarzadeh is apprehensive about significant changes to the regime, Dana hopes that this time is different.

“When looking at the news, most of them are young and between 20 and 30,” she said.

“This time when you look at the news, people around the world, Persian people, are going out to protest and we feel maybe this time hopefully positive things will come to us.”

Like many Iranians across Casey, watching on from home, with the news as their only looking glass into their country that they once called home, Dana remains hopeful for the future of Iran.

“Young people, you know, always can change the community like here, if you look at young people, they understand better than us.

“They question a lot, young people don’t care. They want freedom. They want a peaceful life.

“I think they deserve it and hopefully, who knows?”

Suspicious grassfires fuel fears for locals

By Jensy Callimootoo

Two grassfires that occurred within a two-week span on Amberly Park Drive in Narre Warren are being treated as suspicious by authorities, prompting concerns among residents that the situation could worsen.

Authorities confirmed that the first fire was reported to be burning in a Parkland off Amberly Park Drive on 29 December 2025 about 4:45pm.

Police have told Star News that investigations are still ongoing and that the circumstances surrounding this fire are yet to be established.

Two weeks later, at about 4:40pm on Sunday 11 January, while a total fire ban was in place across the state, Country Fire Authorities and police responded to another fire off Lake View Drive.

According to police, this fire is believed to have been deliberately set alight.

Cassie, who moved to the area in 2022, recalled the thick smell of smoke on Sunday which she described as “heavy” and told Star News that the recent incidents have made her and her family feel unsafe.

“The whole estate was covered in (smoke),” she said.

“It’s just become a joke now, because it’s just expected in this estate, whereas when we moved here in 2022 it was not like that.

“And since we’ve had kids we don’t really feel safe here.”

Another witness, who was close to the scene, said he was concerned about the possibility of it occurring again in the future, particularly on a day when weather conditions are harsher.

“It was windy on Sunday but not hot, but if there’s 40 degree weather in the future as well as wind there’s a chance it could catch on faster”, the man told Star News.

Jo, another local, echoed the same concerns.

“If it (the fire) gets into a bush and we have another windy as well as anything above 35 degrees or up, especially now we’ve had a couple of really hot days, it can all go up,” she said.

“And that means my house can possibly go up.

“And that’s the thing that worries me, but not only me but… the ones even closer, they’ve got young children. Are we gonna end up where we have young children involved?

“And that’s a trauma that children will have for the rest of their lives.”

Investigations into both fires are still ongoing and police urge anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam to contact 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppers.com.au.

Local’s $740k TattsLotto win

A young Hampton Park man has started his week buoyed by a $740,000 TattsLotto win, declaring he’s ready to pay off his parents’ mortgage and give back to the family.

The Melburnian held one of the nine division one winning entries nationally in TattsLotto draw 4643, drawn Saturday 17 January 2026.

He looks forward to a total prize of $741,935.70.

The blue-collar worker couldn’t help but break down in tears when he learned the news.

“I just went into my account, and it says I’ve won $740,000! Is that right?... I can’t believe it!” he said.

“I’m crying! I didn’t even check my ticket. I am so shocked! I am going to call my fiance straight after this call!

“I also start my new apprenticeship soon. Everything is looking up.

“This means I can pay off my parents’ mortgage, and some of my mortgage too! I don’t think my parents will believe the news either.

His winning 36-game QuickPick entry was purchased via The Lott app, the official home of Australia’s lotteries.

The winning numbers in TattsLotto draw 4643 on 17 January 2026 were 38, 8, 35, 19, 44 and 9, while the supplementary numbers were 23 and 33.

Across Australia, there were nine division one winning entries in TattsLotto draw 4643, three each in Victoria and Western Australia, two in Queensland, and one in New South Wales.

The Lott’s division one winning tally has now reached 247 so far, this financial year, including 98 won by Tatts customers.

How should Victorians celebrate Australia Day this year?

By Andrew Gai

It is 2026, and Australia remains the only Commonwealth country without a national treaty with its Indigenous peoples.

Other settler nations, such as Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, have long-established treaties with their First Nations peoples. Australia’s continued absence of a treaty has historically been justified through the colonial doctrine of terra nullius – the idea that this land belonged to no one. Really? Can we honestly still believe that to be true in 2026?

In Victoria, at least, the answer is no.

I am proud to be a Victorian, beginning 2026 as part of the only state in Australia to have signed a treaty with its First Peoples. This achievement did not occur overnight. It followed nearly a decade of preparation and negotiation, including four years of intensive truth-telling inquiry through the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

One of the Commission’s key recommendations was a formal apology to Victoria’s First Peoples for the profound harms inflicted by the State and colony – both historic and ongoing. That apology was delivered with humility and sincerity on 9 December 2025 by Premier Jacinta Allan. Establishing a treaty with First Peoples is the right thing to do. It is also the respectful thing to do, in the true spirit of reconciliation.

This brings us to a pressing question: how should Victorians participate in Australia Day this year, and in the years ahead?

As members of the Australian Federation, Australia Day proceedings remain national events. Many aspects, such as Australia Day Awards, celebrate community contribution and service and are not inherently tied to the date of 26 January itself. Participation in these events can still be meaningful.

At the same time, we must not ignore what this date represents for many First Nations peoples. January 26 is widely recognised as Invasion Day – a painful reminder of dispossession, violence, and loss. Since its adoption in 1935, and particularly since becoming a national public holiday in 1994, the date has carried deep and enduring harm for First Nations communities.

Treaty is not the end of the journey. In Victoria, the next phase must be about genuine action and education. We must go beyond acknowledging why a treaty and apology were necessary and commit to teaching the true Australian story. There is no complete national story without First Peoples; without colonisation; and without ac-

knowledging its ongoing impacts.

Several years ago, my children asked me a simple but confronting question: “Are there Aboriginal people in Victoria?”

That moment challenged me deeply – as a parent, and as a member of this society. It raised important questions about what we teach our children, and about the role schools and institutions play in shaping the next generation’s understanding of our shared history.

Education does not stop in classrooms. It also requires self-education through respectful engagement with First Nations peoples, e.g. attending community events, visiting gathering places, or participating in guided cultural tours of significant Aboriginal sites, whether in Naarm (Melbourne) or across regional Victoria.

As Victorians, we now stand at a critical moment.

Australia Day cannot be approached as business as usual. Treaty invites us to pause, reflect, and choose how we engage, i.e. with honesty, humility, and responsibility. We can participate in national celebrations while also acknowledging the pain attached to this date and listening to the voices of First Nations peoples. For those in leadership and decision-making roles, reflection must be matched with action. This includes developing and implementing meaningful Reconciliation Action Plans, co-designed with First Peoples and grounded in accountability, not symbolism. This year, let us move beyond defensiveness and division. Let us listen, learn, and walk together. How we respond now will shape the Australia we pass on to our children – one grounded in truth, respect, and justice.

*Andrew Gai is a father, community advocate and family violence prevention practitioner who is passionate about education, reconciliation and safer futures for children and families.

Budget help for the New Year is available from Salvos

Letter to the Editor

The start of the new year brings with it an array of opportunities.

For us at the Salvos, it is an opportunity to reflect on the Christmas season that has just passed, and more specifically show our gratitude for the generosity shown by the Australian public for our Christmas Appeal.

Once again, Aussies came together to support their fellow Australians in need.

If it wasn’t for your support, kids would have gone without presents under the tree, families without a special Christmas meal and many

without hope and joy during the festive season. For this, we say thank you.

The new year also gives us all an opportunity to set ourselves up for the year ahead.

That is why our financial counselling service, Moneycare, is encouraging all Australians to take a fresh look at their finances this year.

Our recent research found that 44 per cent of Australians are starting this New Year in debt, 45 per cent say they feel pressure to spend more than they can afford and 24 per cent find it difficult to even create a budget.

We know that people are struggling finan-

cially right now, but there is hope.

The Salvos Moneycare service offers free and confidential financial counselling to thousands of Aussies each year, helping them to get on top of their finances.

They can help you create a budget, support you to get out of debt, sit with you to create realistic money plans, and everything in between.

Regardless of your financial situation, there is no better time than the start of a new year to take a fresh look at your finances and get on top of your financial situation.

So don’t start the new year on the wrong foot. Do a financial check up this new year to avoid stress later in the year. And if you are struggling to cope financially, please reach out to The Salvation Army’s Moneycare service. We are here for you, and there is no shame in reaching out for support.

If you or someone you know needs support from The Salvation Army’s Moneycare, please visit salvationarmy.org.au/moneycare or call 1800 722 363.

Kristen Hartnett, head of Moneycare for The Salvation Army

The back-to-school survival guide for working mums

By Krissy Nicholson

So, you survived Christmas and are limping to the finishing line as school holidays come to a close.

You are expected to be ‘refreshed’ as you return to work, yet even if you did manage to go on a holiday – you haven’t actually stopped.

Let’s face it – you can’t put the pause on being a mum just because you’re away.

Siblings don’t just stop fighting, constant snacks are still required, never-ending entertainment is paramount.

At home, the “mum taxi” is in overdrive and coordinating your kids’ social calendars feels like you’re the EA to Kim Kardashian when she’s juggling brand launches and photo shoots — except your ‘brands’ are soccer games, play dates and sleepovers.

All while fighting away the guilt of ‘too much’ sugar and ‘too much’ screen time and the inner voice saying ‘you are a bad mum, you should be hanging out more with your kids’.

God only knows how you’re managing to meet the deliverables in your paid job!

The physical and mental load for women is through the roof over this time and your ‘to do list’ is as long as the number of times your kids says ‘mum’ in one day.

My question to you is - where do you fit yourself into this never-ending list? Has your new year’s resolution of ‘self-care’ already slipped out of sight?

Last year, I facilitated a women’s wellness gathering at Pakenham library where I introduced the analogy of commas and full stops in mindfulness.

Thinking of our mind as a book, and the importance of incorporating pauses and breaks into our non-stop lives, just as punctuation is essential to make a story meaningful.

Commas represent mindful pauses—short moments to focus attention and restore calm.

It could be as simple as taking a couple of deep breaths, making a cup of tea, stretching between meetings, or taking a moment away from screens for reflection and rapid restoration.

Full stops represent more substantial, intentional pauses.

Whether it’s a meditation practice to start your day, a walk in nature, yoga, art, gardening, or writing in a journal.

Something that truly allows you to step out of “I have to do everything” mode, reset and breathe.

After encouraging the group to create their own wellness toolkits - their list of commas and full stops - I ended the session asking the women to choose a word that would guide them in 2026.

An anchor; a quiet encouragement that will help them be present and mindful.

Motivation, confidence, presence, courage, all popped up. Then one woman stood up and said “selfish”.

“I have always prioritised everyone else in my life,” she said. “It’s time for me to be selfish.”

Driving home I listened to ABC’s Yumi Stynes podcast, Ladies, We Need to Talk.

Turia Pitt was speaking about her new book Selfish.

Turia spoke of “selfless” being a word associated being ‘a good woman’.

Lack of self. Without self. Invisible. And this is meant to be a positive attribute for women!

The conversation reinforced exactly what had been discussed in my women’s group.

In order to practice self-care, a woman needs to be selfish..... in a good way!

As you’re frantically ticking things off that list - buying new uniforms, preparing for school lunches, book orders, piano lessons and basketball signups - do yourself a favour.

Put yourself on that list.

Write down your commas and full stops. What will your word for 2026 be?

Note: Some pressures and stress can lead to overwhelm and burnout.

If you feel you need extra support, please see your GP about a mental health plan.

- Krissy Nicholson is the Manager of Gender Equality at WHISE

Plagued by rubbish

By Violet Li

Rural residents in Clyde North say they are “sick” of years of illegal rubbish dumping on local dirt roads, claiming the problem has escalated to an almost daily occurrence as nearby housing estates expand.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said overthepastfiveyears,thelitterpickanddumped rubbish collection contract had cost Council almost $1.4 million, not including disposal costs.

Clyde North local Amanda Ord said the rubbish dumping in the general area of Pattersons Rd, Pound Rd, and McCormack Rd had been happening “consistently for years”, especially since the new Clyde estates had been built closer to the area.

Pound Road and McCormack Road remain unsealed, as much of the area is still rural. The eastern end of Pattersons Road, near its intersection with Pound Road, is also unsealed, with a new housing estate proposed nearby.

“People just seem to think that it’s perfectly fine for them to come and dump their excess rubbish down our road on our nature strips,” Amanda said.

“There’s been full-blown household items.

“People bring, like, actual household rubbish, like probably about a month and a half ago, somebody obviously threw their rubbish out the car window as I was driving down, and it had all split open on my neighbour’s lawn, like front nature strip, and it was full of baby nappies, like just absolutely disgusting.”

Amanda said the neighbourhood gets hold of the Council every time the dumping happens, by using the Snap Send Solve, but the Council usually comes weeks after, and the rubbish could be sitting there for well over a month.

Neighbours tend to clean up the rubbish on their own, Amanda shared.

“We’ve cleaned up the rubbish before because it’s literally dumped like at the edge of our driveway as we drive out of that driveway,” she said.

“The Council did have cameras up at that intersection for a while, and it did seem to slow down the amount of dumping, but since the estates have been doing roadworks and stuff there, the cameras have been taken down, and now it’s literally daily.

“We drive down our road, and there’s something new, like it’s even builders’ rubbish.”

Amanda recalled that during days exceeding 40 degrees, someone brought a car up there and burned it, which blew her mind.

Earlier in the month, Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos announced financial support of $8.5 million in the Illegal Dumping Clean-up Rebate Program for councils and public land managers.

The program is set to cover 50 per cent of clean-up costs when all avenues to trace the perpetrator and recover costs have been exhausted or are not feasible.

“Too often councils and public land managers are left with a costly mess to clean up from the actions of wrong-doers – this rebate scheme provides support to help cover these costs and keep

BERWICK SELF STORAGE UNITS

our suburbs and towns clean,” Mr Dimopoulos said during the announcement.

A $13 million Illegal Dumping Taskforce is also part of the announcement, led by the EPA with the Conservation Regulator to undertake enforcement activities using expanded intelligence and monitoring to detect and respond to waste crimes in key locations.

It will ramp up surveillance, enforcement and clean-up efforts across Victoria.

Casey Mayor Cr Koomen said Council is aware of recurring illegal dumping of rubbish in that Clyde North area and has received a number of reports from residents via Snap Send Solve.

“Council employs a range of measures at different times to deter illegal dumping, including education, Waste Information Gathering Notices and surveillance cameras,” he said.

“Where identification is found within the dumped rubbish, we have taken enforcement action and issued infringement notices.

“Illegally dumped rubbish is a significant issue for many Victorian Councils, adding to increased costs which in turn impacts our ratepayers by diverting resources from other community needs.

“We welcome the new State Government clean-up rebate announced this week to help

Doveton Pool upgrade is underway

The $4 million redevelopment at Doveton Pool began on Tuesday 13 January, with the next phase of construction endeavouring to deliver modern and accessible facilities.

The special ceremony was joined by Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen, Bruce MP, Julian Hill and Doveton local, Sean Balfour.

The upgrades include the renewal of the existing change facilities, a brand-new entrance foyer, a new kitchen and serving area, a new family change village and additional change room amenities as well as a new first aid room.

Mayor Koomen said he was excited for the next phase of work at the much-loved Doveton pools.

“The upgraded pool building will make visiting our Doveton pool a great experience, especially for families with young children,” said the Mayor.

“Last year we replaced the 50-metre outdoor pool and reduced the depth to make the pool more accessible.

“Now we’re moving on to the next stage of the project which is making the pool building a welcoming and accessible space for the whole community.

“Once the project is completed, it will transform the pool for future generations, giving our community the fantastic local outdoor facility they deserve.”

In September 2025, councillors

Hundred extra weekly trains

By Violet Li

Cranbourne Station will see almost 100 additional weekly train services arriving and departing once the Metro Tunnel opens on 1 February.

As the Cranbourne line stretches from the outer suburbs to the city, the number of additional services varies by station.

Cranbourne Station gains almost 100 extra weekly services, while inner stations such as Caulfield Station receive about 250.

Some services also start or finish at middle suburban stations like Westall Station and Dandenong Station.

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said from first service to last service, passengers on the outer sections of the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, beyond Dandenong, will wait no more than 20 minutes for a train, with peak services every 8 minutes, on average.

“Between the CBD and Dandenong, passengers will experience services every 10 minutes or better, first train to last, with average peak frequencies of one train every 4 minutes,” they said.

“All Cranbourne and Pakenham services will stop again at Malvern Station, providing the choice of catching Metro Tunnel or City Loop trains.

“As is standard across the network, Night Network services will continue to operate once an hour early on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

“With the exception of Night Network operations, the Big Switch (Metro Tunnel full opening) will also see the phase out of Cranbourne - Dandenong shuttle services, unlocking more convenient one-seat journeys for Cranbourne Line passengers beyond Dandenong.”

Spokesperson for the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) Daniel Bowen said the Metro tunnel does bring benefits to passengers, though the biggest difference for Cranbourne/ Pakenham line users will be a few extra trains in peak hours, and a more frequent service after

dark, particularly on weekends.

“Every extra train helps, in reducing crowding and cutting waiting times,” he said.

An analysis of the new timetable by Star News shows that on weekdays, 78 trains will arrive at Cranbourne Station, up from 71, while 79 services will depart, an increase from 72, adding seven additional arrivals and departures each weekday.

During the morning peak (7am–9am), services travelling towards the city will rise to 12 trains, two more than previously, with more consistent 10-minute intervals, replacing the

previous gaps of 8 to 15 minutes.

In the afternoon peak (4pm–6.30pm), 11 services will run from the city to Cranbourne, one more than before, with 10–20 minute intervals.

Weekend services will increase significantly, especially on Saturday.

For Saturday services, Cranbourne Station will receive about 18 additional train services in total, eight extra arrivals and 10 extra departures compared to the former timetable.

Services run every 20 minutes from 8am until 1am Sunday.

Two services operate at 1am, followed by

hourly services from 2am to 5am. There are two services at 6am and one at 7am.

The changes deliver more late-night Saturday trains and earlier Sunday morning services than previously available.

On Sundays, arrivals increase from 50 to 54 services, and departures from 50 to 55 services, also with a stable 20-minute frequency.

The west train line will also get more frequent services as the Metro Tunnel opens, with over 1000 new weekly services for the Sunbury line.

Mr Bowen said PTUA would hope to see further improvements in the coming months and years for the commuters in the outer suburbs.

“There is a case for more trains across the day, providing a higher frequency service along the lines, further cutting the 20-minute waits at stations beyond Dandenong,” he said.

“The tunnel has added a lot of capacity to the rail system - it makes sense to use it more extensively, and as the southeast continues to develop, more trains more often - and more connecting buses - will help people get around more easily.”

According to a State Government media release, since the Metro Tunnel partially opened on 30 November to 11 January, passengers have taken 13 million free trips across trains, buses and trams as Victorians make the most of the free weekend travel up to and including 1 February.

On average, more than two million trips have been taken each free travel weekend, boosting patronage by more than 23 per cent compared with the same time last year and saving $17 million in fares so far.

As part of the Metro Tunnel’s Summer Start, more than 240 extra services are running along the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury corridor every week, stopping at all five new stations, on top of existing services.

To check the new timetable (from 1 February 2026) for Cranbourne/East Pakenham lines, visit: transport.vic.gov.au/news-and-resources/ projects/metro-tunnel/more-ways-to-move/ cranbourne-pakenham

FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Start year on the right foot

Too often, aches and pains in the lower limbs are brushed aside as “just getting older” or the result of being on your feet too much. But pain is your body’s early warning system, and leaving it unchecked can turn small problems into much bigger ones.

Dr Paul Dowie from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics explains:

“The body works as a connected chain, so identifying the root cause of a problem – not just treating the symptoms – is essential. For example, a sore heel can affect the way you walk. A change in walking can overload the knees. Overloading knee joints can contribute to degeneration or injury, or alter posture. Altering posture can lead to hip or back issues. What starts as a minor niggle in one area can quietly spread. As a result, people often seek treatment for the wrong part of the body.

If you address symptoms without tackling the cause, you’re likely to face a long, frustrating battle with recurring problems. Not to mention time and money spent on ineffective treatments.”

Dr. Dowie is renowned for successful patient outcomes by combining extensive studies in lower limb biomechanics and musculoskeletal medicine with 25 years of experience as a musculoskeletal podiatrist.

His expertise, use of appropriate diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments has helped thousands of patients with conditions such as foot, heel and ankle pain, shin splints, arthritis, sports injuries, and persistent knee or leg discomfort.

“There is nothing normal about limping through the day, avoiding physical activities, needing to see a GP, osteopath or physiotherapist every other week, or relying on painkillers and anti-inflammatories,” Dr Dowie says.

If foot, knee or leg pain has been holding you back, don’t wait for it to worsen, contact

If foot, knee or leg pain has been holding you back, don’t wait for it to worsen. A thorough assessment could be the difference between an-

Dementia grants now open

Dementia Australia has opened its applications for a new round of Community Engagement grants for up to 12 dementia-friendly community initiatives.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said community groups could apply for up to $10,000 for project ideas that supported their local community to become dementia-friendly.

“For this year’s grants we have a special focus on people living with young onset dementia and young carers,” Professor Buchanan said. “There are an estimated 29,000 people in Australia living with young-onset dementia. This figure is expected to increase to an estimated 41,000 people by 2054.

‘‘It is important we take action to ensure people living with dementia, no matter their age, feel included, respected and embraced by their communities.”

Priority will be given to projects:

· that directly support individuals with young onset dementia and/or younger carers

· which meaningfully consult and collaborate with people impacted by dementia in the project design and delivery, bring together collaborative local partnerships and meet the needs of diverse communities

· that work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse, and regional and remote communities.

Applications close on 16 February 2026.

Previously successful grant recipients of Dementia Australia’s Community Engagement Program are not eligible for a 2025/26 grant.

For more information and to apply, visit dementia.org.au/get-involved/dementiafriendly-communities/community-engagement-program-grants

other year of frustration and a year of confident, pain-free movement.

Appointments with Dr Dowie are available at

From solitude to community

By Jensy Callimootoo

Ricci Webster moved to Berwick in 2023 and not long after she began a local community initiative — talk n dawdle.

Emerging from a sense of solitude when she first moved to the area, Ricci made a social media call out, asking those who would like, to join her at Wilson Botanic Park for a walk and a chat.

“Just for my own benefit, as I had recently moved to this home which is near Wilson’s botanical gardens. And I didn’t know many people, so I thought, well, I’ll just put it out there and see if anybody wants to walk their dog with me,” Ricci said. Her call-out at the time, reached just five people at the time.

Since then, the group now amasses more than 30 regulars each week.

Locals come along, many accompanied by their furry best friends, and simply walk through the much-loved park.

For Ricci, the purpose of the group aims to instil a sense of community for those who might feel isolated, ensuring that everyone knows it’s not a marathon, but a calm and relaxed walk.

“I post pictures of the walk and make sure that people realise it’s not a marathon”, Ricci said.

“It really is just a wonder and it appears it appeals to a lot to retired folks and people that are a little isolated.”

The walks typically go for 40 minutes, where the group will end by picking up some coffee at the

“We just wander around and we stop often and take photos and then after the walk we have a coffee and sit around and just get to know each other and chat.”

Since more people have joined, the founder of the group has also established a ‘featured dog of the week’.

“During our coffee break I announce the (dog of the week) and then get a little history of the dog from the owner and take some photos,” Ricci told Star News.

“We also attract quite a few folk who have rescue dogs who come along, generally very timid at first but improve immensely after a few walks.”

Beyond the socialisation of pets, Ricci also remarked on the special bonds that have been initiated through talk n dawdle, fulfilling the group’s purpose of bridging connections within the local community.

“The thing that’s really good about it is the

women I’ve got to know through it have now made friends that perhaps they wouldn’t have had if they had not come along,” she said.

“So they go and have coffee together, and they go to movies. They see each other socially outside of it.

“So that’s what made me really happy.”

For Ricci and for many who attend, talk n dawdle embraces a secure environment where locals can get their steps in without worrying about their safety.

“With all the stuff going on in the world, it’s just lovely that there’s something that’s available to people where you can just be safe, because you’re in a huge number of people and you feel safe, people know each other and it’s just a nice bit of exercise,” she said.

“And people go home thinking, ‘the world’s not such a bad place’.”

Talk n Dawdle takes place at 10am every Wednesday at Wilson Botanic Park.

World Superbike world championship returns to Phillip Island

On February 20 – 22, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) heads down under to the picturesque Phillip Island Circuit to kick off the 2026 season.

Heralding its traditional place on the Championship’s calendar, the Phillip Island Circuit will open the gates to WorldSBK fans for its 35th year, providing ticket-goers with an unforgettable three-days of worldclass production motorbike racing.

Supporting the header categories’ three races, will be the World Supersport, Australian Superbike, Supersport and Supersport 300 grid who respectively will take to the tarmac with riders vying for their first critical points and wins of the season.

The Australian contingent remains strong with home hero Remy Gardner retaining his ride with GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team who will take to the world class grid for his fourth season, along with young gun Oli Bayliss in World Supersport who will race with PTR Triumph Factory Racing for a second season.

Alongside the season regulars, some new faces will take to the WorldSBK championship including Miguel Oliveria - heralding a longtime career within MotoGP – who will make his WorldSBK debut with ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team at Phillip Island.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) looks set to be the competitor to beat in 2026 as the Italian comes off a strong 2025 season after finishing the championship in second place, just 13 points behind three-time World Championship winner Toprak Razgatlioglu who makes his move to MotoGP with Pramac Yamaha for 2026.

Off-track, the thrill of the action continues with entertainment operating near Gardner Straight both within and outside the exhibition building throughout the three-days. Including retail manufacturers, a bar, music, motorbike simu-

Discovering Dunedin

By Kylie Mitchell-Smith TRAVEL WRITER/PODCASTER

www.travellingsenorita.com

Having explored the tourist meccas of the South Island of New Zealand (Queenstown and Christchurch) I thought it was time to venture further afield and head to the more hidden gem that is Dunedin in the Southeastern region of Otago.

Dunedin often likened to a mini-Edinburgh (the Edinburgh of the south), complete with Scottish vibes, the four seasons in one day weather and even it’s own castle. And that was our first stop on our ‘Discover Dunedin’ itinerary - Larnach Castle perched high in the hills above Otago Harbour.

The surrounding Peninsula is a hilly slither of volcanic land, abundant in flora and fauna –a place to see Sea Lions and Penguins and one of the few accessible places where Albatross nest.

Larnach Castle is like stepping back in time and swapping hemispheres. Commissioned in 1871 by local character William Larnach, the castle is a gothic masterpiece with plenty of stories to tell. The property was derelict for quite some time after William’s passing with a New Zealand couple - the Barkers – buying it in 1967 and bringing it back to life.

The library and dining hall host long table dinners showcasing all the South Island has to offer. While the tastefully decorated stable and lodge accommodation offers breathtaking views across the harbour. There’s also a garden cafe and exquisite grounds to wander making the castle a true ode to the past.

Following our tour we check into Distinction - a downtown hotel in the centre of the city before we head out again to admire the colourful murals that adorn the streets. We wander the high street and devour a classic cheese roll at Good Oil Cafe, a locals juice at Buster Greens and a hearty pub meal at Speights Ale House. We are getting the sense that this city is all about bakeries and breweries.

The next day we plan a trip on the Taieri Gorge Train. The train leaves from the Dunedin Railway Station – one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Built in 1906 it’s famed for its renaissance architecture. The train takes

us across Otago’s sweeping countryside, with towering viaducts and the gushing Taieri River below-while the onboard storyteller recounts tales of a gold rush era.

As the sun sets over Otago Harbour, we take a short trip to the surf beaches, stopping at St Clair for Cocktails at Piccolo, Pasta at the Esplanade and Dessert at Sorello-housed in an iconic beachfront location. We stroll along the promenade and admire the locals as they brave the newly opened (heated) saltwater pools.

The next day we jump on our trusty e-bikes and take on the newly opened bike and pedestrian path that follows the harbour to Port Chalmers, a quaint port town. From there we book a water (bike) taxi across the harbour to pretty Portobello, passing Quarantine and Goat Island along the way.

Lunch is served at the local Portobello Pub, fresh Blue Cod and chips washed down with a local Speights ale and Central Otago wine, which really hit the spot. After lunch we cycle up the road to a new farm gate cafe, Augustine, for the tastiest of scones with lashings of berry jam and local cream.

We take in the sights of the University of Otago - billed as a leader in education it ranks in the top 200 Universities in the world. There’s a vibrant student population living on the outskirts which has attracted cafes like Strictly Coffee - a roaster with one of the best brews around.

We take a bespoke tour to the tip of the Otago Peninsula with local guides, Clearwa-

ter Wildlife Tours. Walking through a working farm to the rugged clifftops and pristine beach of Cape Saunders, spotting sealions and yellow-eyed penguins along the way.

A trip to Dunedin isn’t complete without a visit to the Otago Farmers Markets, held each Saturday in the carpark adjacent to the railway station. We taste Dunedin Craft Distillers Gin made from bread scraps and sample a delicious Short Black chocolate from local makers Ocho (Otago Chocolate Company).

Rug up and discover the delights of Dunedin, it’s the ideal stopover to explore the South Island, with direct flights from the East Coast it’s fast becoming the next ‘go to’ New Zealand destination.

EAT-

Larnach Castle dining

Portobello Hotel

Piccolo St Clair

Noble Dunedin

PLAY-

Speight’s brewery tour

Clear Water Wildlife Tours

Tairi Gorge Train

Otago Farmers Market

STAY-

Larnach Lodge

Distinction Hotel

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Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase

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3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray

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Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour

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‘Reef Magic’ Great Barrier Reef cruise, including: Airconditioned catamaran transfers, 4 hours of reef time, marine life touch tank, underwater observatory, and fish feeding presentations

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Recycling boost in region Safety focus

Casey Council has released a national-first road safety guide aimed at reducing child pedestrian injuries around schools.

A Practical Guide to Safer School Precincts was launched at the newly-opened Kala Primary School in Cranbourne North.

It is expected to be rolled out by councils across Australia.

The guide provides strategies and tools to reduce risk in school zones by easing congestion and other safety measures, as well as case-studies of successful initiatives.

According to Department of Transport reaseach,a quarter of all child pedestrian and cyclist injuries in Victoria occur within 300 metres of a school.

More than half happen within 600 metres of a school.

Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said the School Precinct Road Safety Framework and Program Model are the first resources of their kind in Australia and using an evidence-based approach.

“The City of Casey is proud to lead the way in

road safety innovation, sharing the learnings from our successful Safe Around Schools program and real-world experience,” Cr Koomen said.

“This initiative, which we are now sharing nationally, is helping to create safer school precincts which in turn encourages active travel such as walking or cycling, further supporting wellbeing in the community.

“Road safety around schools is everyone’s responsibility and at its heart, this program is about safer streets, healthier children, and stronger communities.”

The model was informed by the council’s Safe Around Schools program, which has been rolled out to more than 100 schools since 2020.

It promotes shared responsibility for road safety among councils, schools, parents, and students.

The guide was supported by a $250,000 grant from the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.

More than 16,000 tonnes of soft and hard-torecycle plastics will be recycled each year at four sites including Pakenham and Dandenong.

The State and Federal governments announced $3.5 million for the four projects through the Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) on Monday 19 January.

They include a soft-plastic infra-red sorting process at APR in Dandenong.

The new process from Norway will improve sorting and recycling capability including for end-of-life soft plastics.

There will also be an upgrade to recycling facilities at Australian Soft Plastics Recycling in Pakenham.

This will improve the recycling of lowdensity polyethylene films such as pallet wrap from supermarket warehouses, including a better quality recycled product.

The RMF will also fund the recycling of bags used to transport seeds, fertilizer, pesticides and stockfeed at Pact Recycling in Cheltenham and an upgrade to recover lowdensity plastics at RE4ORM in Barnawartha to manufacture recycled products.

Combined, the four projects are expected to increase plastics recycling by 16,700 tonnes a year.

“Plastics remain a complex waste challenge,” federal Environment minister Murray Watt said.

“By building recycling capability here in Victoria, we’re making real progress in recovering materials that would otherwise go to landfill.

“The Albanese Government has committed to doubling circularity by 2035. These projects are a strong example of the Recycling Modernisation Fund in action – helping to keep plastic out of landfill and in productive use.”

Victoria’s Environment Minister Steve

Dimpoulos said it was an investment in a “cleaner future”.

“We are working together with a reliable partner in Canberra to deliver what matters in Victoria, keeping our environment clean, diverting waste from landfill and creating new jobs throughout Victoria.”

Isaacs federal MP Mark Dreyfus said the funding was a “great step forward” to help Victoria recycle more hard-to-recycle plastics into new products that would otherwise go to landfill.

The RMF is supporting 27 projects in Victoria, including these four projects, with $79 million in joint funding.

They are expected to add 328,000 tonnes of recycling capacity each year and lead to $226.5 million in investment in recycling infrastructure.

Round six of the RMF has opened, offering $4 million in joint funding to businesses, social enterprises, not-for-profit organisations and local government organisations.

Applications close on 1 July or when funding is fully allocated.

of ELC, Junior School and Senior Girls and Boys

We encourage every student to pursue excellence in all endeavours and aim to ensure every student achieves their best potential so they are ready - not just for the completion of their final exams but for life!

To find out more, book a tour and apply please visit our website or use the QR Code.

Nossal students get on the tools

From the classroom to the construction site next door, two Nossal High School students Krish Dittakavi and Lilly Nguyen made the trip next door to see the Clyde Road Upgrade in Berwick up close.

Getting their first taste of life in engineering and major construction, Dittakavi, from Lyndhurst, and Nyugen, from Noble Park, spent the week as work experience students on the project, learning from a number of Big Build Roads and Seymour Whyte staff members, including engineers, site supervisors, safety representatives and other professionals within the project.

“I’ve really enjoyed my work experience on the Clyde Road Upgrade. The team was incredibly welcoming and generous with their time, which made the experience even more engaging,“ Dittakavi said.

“It’s been a great opportunity to see how a major infrastructure project operates from the perspective of multiple roles, and I’ve learned a lot about how different teams work together on site.“

The pair got hands-on practical experience seeing the Victorian Big Build up close, especially the work-in-progress on the Princes Freeway overpass, with the Clyde Road Upgrade expanding the bridge to 10 lanes to help ease congestion throughout Berwick and across the entire Clyde Road corridor.

Giving opportunities to young graduates, cadets, apprentices and trainees is one of the big benefits of the Victorian Big Build, allowing the future leaders of the construction industry to gain experience through these projects.

The upgrade gives community and career paths in infrastructure, with many apprentices, trainees and cadets employed on the proj-

ect as part of the Victorian Government’s Major Projects Skills Guarantee (MPSG).

The MPSG policy helps create opportu-

Brigade to host car wash fundraiser

As part of their fundraising initiative, Narre Warren Fire Brigade CFA will be holding a carwash fundraiser

The local brigade has asked the community to come by and support by bringing in their cars for a “good clean”.

The perfect storm of bushfires, wind and rain over the last week has resulted in many cars across Casey receiving a good dusting of smoke and dirt, meaning many vehicles are in need of a wash.

“Bring your car down for a good clean while supporting a great cause,” said the brigade’s social media post.

“All funds raised will go towards the construction of a new shed for our new catering truck, helping us better support our members and the community at events and emergencies.

“Every wash makes a difference, we hope to see you there!”.

The brigade will also be hosting a classic sausage sizzle available at the carwash.

The carwash will be held at Narre Warren Fire Station on Saturday 24 January, from 11am to 4pm.

Edrington Park Retirement Living is a thriving community set on prestigious gardens and home to a heritage-listed community centre.

Enjoy easy access to shops and public transport, and sought after facilities, including gym and hair salon as well as an active social calendar.

Don’t miss out on low-maintenance retirement living, enjoying spacious, modern villas with private courtyard gardens and 24/7 emergency call systems.

Bella and Ivy were waiting for the burnouts.

Smoke, dust and engines

The Tooradin Tractor & Pull Show wrapped up its 2026 with roaring engines, flying dirt and a breathtaking air display on the Bass Coast. Despite the windy conditions on Saturday 17 January, elite pullers and vintage tractors thrilled thousands, while families enjoyed food stalls, kids’ activities and truck exhibits throughout the day. Australia’spremieraerobaticpilotPaulBennet wowed the crowd in a high-performance Edge 540-style monoplane with torque rolls, knifeedge spins and forward flips above the grounds.

Open Space festival coming

Open Space will be taking over Bunjil Place this summer, with a packed lineup and events to keep you busy during the summer holidays.

From 7 February to 21 March, your Saturday nights are sorted with live music, cultural performances and open-air cinema.

Aussie performers like Kutcha, Cash and the Last Drinks, Pseudo Echo, Melbourne trio Cookin’ on 3 Burners with Stella Angelico, An-

drew Swift and Wild Gloriosa will all be taking the stage.

Cult classic movie fans will also get the opportunity to watch sci-fi horror film, Tarantula, under the summer stars while enjoying delicious meals from available food trucks.

Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen said that the six week bonanza will be fantastic.

“Bunjil Place truly is the cultural heart of

Teens allegedly armed with machetes arrested

ThreeteensfromCaseyandGreaterDandenong have been arrested following an aggravated homeinvasioninHamptonParkonthemorning of Friday 16 January.

It is alleged that three males armed with machetes broke into a Pound Road property at about 3.30am.

The teens allegedly threatened a 75-year-old man home at the time and assaulted him.

It is alleged that the trio stole the man’s car and fled the home.

The victim suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

A woman at home at the time was not physically injured.

Police quickly patrolled the area and surrounding suburbs, locating the car a short time later near Arena Parade in Officer.

Pakenham police officers moved in and arrested a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old, both from Casey, and a 15-year-old from Greater Dandenong.

The trio will be interviewed by Operation Trinity members.

Operation Trinity is solely dedicated to preventing and responding to burglaries and car

thefts – running from dusk to dawn across Melbourne each night.

This operation sees uniform police supported by a range of specialist units, including the Dog Squad, Public Order Response and Air Wing.

Operation Trinity has led to the arrest of 627 burglarsandcarthieves,acombined1,550times in the past year.

That equates to more than four burglars and car thieves arrested every single day.

While arrests remain high, the primary aim of Operation Trinity is to prevent people from having their homes broken into in the first place.

To achieve this, Trinity units conduct a range ofdisruptionactivities,includingsaturatingsuburbs based on intelligence, intercepting thousands of vehicles each month, and nightly patrolsaroundthehomesofVictoria’smostprolific burglars and youth gang members.

These offenders are largely opportunistic by nature – seeking easy access points through unlocked doors and windows.

As such, police implore the community to take simple steps such as locking all doors and windows in your home and car.

Assault on Clyde North man

Police are investigating an assault in Clyde North on 15 January.

Officers were called to reports of a 42-yearold man who had been assaulted in Brumich Way at about 5.30am.

The Clyde North man was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Despite a thorough search of the area, an offender was not located.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established; however, the incident is not being treated as a random attack.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

our community, and it’s going to be fantastic to see it come alive with a free event of this scale and ambition,” said the mayor.

“Open Space will bring people together from across Casey and the wider Melbourne community to celebrate our incredible diversity through music, culture and connection.

“With such a rich mix of performers each week, there really will be something for every-

one to enjoy.”

Those who attend are welcomed to bring along a picnic rug to enjoy the space at Bunjil Place while immersing themselves in the available entertainment.

For more information on itinerary, schedules and performers, go to bunjilplace.com. au.

Hunt for our most wanted

Crime Stoppers Victoria has announced a blitz on Casey’s eight most wanted people.

Collectively, they are wanted on 60 arrest warrants for offences including car theft, burglary, drugs and skipping bail.

Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith appealed for those who know any of the

AGE: 49 years

HEIGHT: 178 cm

BUILD: Solid

EYES: Hazel

HAIR: Brown

COMPLEXION: Fair

Stuart Confoy is wanted by police for contravening a community corrections order, burglary, and car theft.

Seven warrants have been issued for his arrest.

Confoy is known to frequent the Clyde area.

AGE: 34 years

HEIGHT: 185 cm

BUILD: Thin

EYES: Blue

HAIR: Brown

COMPLEXION: Fair

Daniel Kerkvliet is wanted by police for careless driving and driving whilst disqualified.

Seven warrants have been issued for his arrest.

Kerkvliet is known to frequent the Hampton Park area.

wanted persons to contact Crime Stoppers.

“If you have any information about any of these Wanted Persons, even the smallest piece of information can help lead to a conviction.

“Everyone has a part to play in keeping their community safe and this is a way that the people living in the Casey area can help.

Dan FAN

AGE: 52 years

HEIGHT: 165 cm

BUILD: Medium

EYES: Brown

HAIR: Black

COMPLEXION: Olive

Dan Fan is wanted by police for failing to answer bail and theft.

Ten warrants have been issued for her arrest.

Fan is known to frequent the Cranbourne area.

Jack LI

AGE: 29 years

HEIGHT: 170 cm

BUILD: Solid

EYES: Brown

HAIR: Brown COMPLEXION: Fair

JackLiiswantedbypoliceforrecklessconduct endangering serious injury, criminal damage, andpossessingmethylamphetamine.

Six warrants have been issued for his arrest.

Li is known to frequent the Narre Warren area.

“Your information, even if you are not 100 per cent sure, could be the missing piece of the puzzle that helps investigators solve a crime.”

Ms Smith said people can report information to Crime Stoppers confidentially.

“We understand that people may feel anxious when coming forward with information.

AGE: 31 years

HEIGHT: 175 cm

BUILD: Medium

EYES: Brown

HAIR: Black

COMPLEXION: Fair

Brodie Ide is wanted by police for failing to answer bail, contravening a community order, and theft.

Eight warrants have been issued for his arrest.

Ide is known to frequent the Narre Warren area.

AGE: 29 years

HEIGHT: 175 cm

BUILD: Thin

EYES: Blue

HAIR: Blonde

COMPLEXION: Fair

KeannaMorrisoniswantedbypoliceforcontraveningacommunitycorrectionsorder,car theft and possessing methylamphetamine.

Seven warrants have been issued for her arrest.

Morrison is known to frequent the Narre Warren area.

“We want to remind the community that Crime Stoppers is a confidential crime reporting service that does not require you to provide your personal details.”

Any information to Crime Stoppers at crimestoppersvic.com.au or 1800 333 000. The wanted persons are:

AGE: 48 years

HEIGHT: 175 cm

BUILD: Medium

EYES: Blue

HAIR: Brown

COMPLEXION: Olive

Mark Johnson is wanted by police for car theft, theft, and driving whilst disqualified.

Seven warrants have been issued for his arrest.

Johnson is known to frequent the Hallam area.

AGE: 24 years

HEIGHT: 190 cm

BUILD: Thin

EYES: Brown

HAIR: Black

COMPLEXION: Dark

Amanniwal Nyieker is wanted by police for trafficking cocaine, car theft, and unlicensed driving.

Eight warrants have been issued for his arrest.

Nyieker is known to frequent the Cranbourne North area.

Celebrating a good harvest

Basking in sunshine, about 200 celebrated a Pongal harvest festival in Harmony Square, Dandenong on Sunday 18 January.

Victorian Tamil Cultural Association staged the 32nd annual event, featuring drumming, dancing and a ceremonial rice pot. It was the first time it was held in Harmony Square.

VTCA secretary and founder Wicki Wickiramasingham said the festival was an important celebration of successful food harvests, which depend on favourable sun and rains.

Similar harvest festivals were traditionally held in a range of nations and cultures.

Among the VIPs were Bruce MP and Multicultural Affairs Assistant Minister Julian Hill, Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Talarmis and Greater Dandenong mayor Sophie Tan.

$200k court-ordered project to boost bandicoot habitat

A $200,000 Victorian Supreme Court penalty stemming from environmental offences at Cranbourne’s SBI landfill will be redirected into a major conservation project aimed at boosting habitat for the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot.

The funding, ordered by the Supreme Court following enforcement action by EPA Victoria in mid-2024, will support the planting of more than 30,000 indigenous shrubs and groundcover at Brookland Greens Bushland Reserve, creating critical shelter and food sources for the threatened native species.

Mass planting will begin in mid-2026, with surveys of bandicoot numbers and vegetation conditions to follow in 2027.

The Court ordered SBI Landfill Pty Ltd to fund the works after EPA charged the company over persistent odour issues from its Ballarto Road landfill, which affected surrounding residential areas.

Rather than imposing a traditional fine, the court directed the money into a restorative environmental project designed to deliver longterm ecological benefits to the local community

and wildlife.

The project responds to habitat loss pressures in the south east and will enhance biodiversity in an area known to support Southern

Bandicoots. EPA South Metropolitan regional manager Viranga

said it’s great to see a court penalty go back into the community that

was impacted.

“By planting more vegetation, it not only helps support the bandicoot population, but it will also give several environmental and human health benefits. Better groundcover and shrubs will improve soil and water quality, help with dust control and create a diverse open space for Cranbourne residents,” he said.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said the project would bring the community together to protect a threatened species.

“We’ll be encouraging residents to report bandicoot sightings, plant suitable species in their gardens, and adopt responsible pet ownership,” he said.

“Educational signage, volunteer planting days, Bandicoot bungalow building, and a guided walk through Brookland Greens Bushland Reserve will all help raise awareness and support for this important work.

“This is a great outcome, turning a penalty for an environmental offence into a project that benefits both the environment and the community.”

Nature Play Cranbourne

Free nature inspired activities for a range of age groups.

• Thursday 22 January, 10am - 2pm at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne CaseyGirlsCan Tennis at Hampton Park

Free, coached beginner tennis sessions for Casey women, no prior skills or knowledge of tennis required. Follows the Cardio Tennis format. Part of City of Casey’s Summer of Tennis.

• weekly from Thursday 22 January-12 February, 6pm-7pm at Hampton Park Tennis Club, 101 Somerville Road (Robert Booth Reserve); free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DHXWA

Scrabble in Berwick

Berwick Neighbourhood Centre is holding a morning of Scrabble for anyone to join.

• Friday 23 January 9.30am-11.45am at Berwick Neighbourhood Centre, 112 High St, Berwick. Details: David, 0433 566 456 Dads and Kids Tennis

Casey dads, grandads or father figures and their kids are invited to join us for free, coached tennis sessions. No prior skills or knowledge of tennis required. All equipment included but if you have your own racquet, please bring it with you. Spaces are limited to one adult and one child per booking.

• Tuesdays until 10 February, 6pm-7pm at Hampton Park Tennis Club, 101 Somerville Road (Robert Booth Reserve); free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DIBPB

Lakeside Paddle Boats

Paddle Boats and Aqua Bikes daily. Ages 3-12 must ride with an adult (16-plus).

• Daily until 31 January 10am-4pm; $30 for 15 minutes, $50 for 30 minutes (per paddleboat 1-2 capacity) at Wilson Botanic Park lake, Berwick. Bookings recommended: trybooking.com/ DHFGU

Twilight tucker & tunes

Live music from kids entertainers to relaxed acoustic, with a variety of food trucks and the cafe. Rabbit nursery, tractor rides, temporary tattoos, paddock feed trail, playground.

• Friday 30 January 5pm-9pm at Myuna Farm, 182 Kidds Road, Doveton; $6pp or $20 per

group of 4 people (Babies under 12 months are free). Bookings: trybooking.com/DGVGL

U3A Cranbourne

Three new classes for 2026 - mosaics with talented artist Tony Shannon (Tuesdays 12pm), beginner Italian with tutor Jan (Wednesdays 10am12pm) and Italian study group with tutor Jan (Thursdays 12.30pm-2.30pm). New members over 50 welcome. Our membership fee is $55 per annum and you can join in as many classes as you wish.

• Details: u3acranbourne.org.au

CaseyGirlsCan Tennis at Doveton Free, coached beginner tennis sessions for Casey women, no prior skills or knowledge of tennis required. Follows the Cardio Tennis format. Part of City of Casey’s Summer of Tennis. ll equipment included but if you have your own racquet, please bring it with you.

• Mondays 2 February - 23 February 10am11am at Doveton Tennis Club, Oak Avenue (Robinson Reserve). Bookings: trybooking.com/DIFFV Rock in the outdoors

Two powerhouses of Australian rock Kutcha and Cash Savage & The Last Drinks in a unique collaboration. Supported by Canisha. Part of a free six-week outdoor event Open Space.

• Saturday 7 February 6pm at Bunjil Place; free event. Details: bunjilplace.com.au

Spiders of Paradise

Maria Fernanda Cardoso: Spiders of Paradise exhibition highlights the natural beauty and wonder of the Australian Maratus spider.

• until 22 February at Bunjil Place; free event. Weekly badminton

Adults welcome (Mondays 7pm-9pm) and ladies and retired (Wednesdays 12pm-2.30pm).

• Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.

Meditation and positive thinking

Learn how to make your mind your best friend through open-eyed meditation. Led by Bhavani Padmanabhan, these free sessions are open to all. Presented by Bakhtar Community Organisation and The Brahma Kumaris Organisation.

• Saturdays 2pm at 23-47 Gunns Road, Hallam. Registrations: 9703 2555 or 0403 551 596.

DnD at Orana

Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is an inclusive tabletop, fantasy, role-playing game.

• Second Saturday of each month, 1pm-9pm at Orana Community Place, 16/18 Playwright St, Clyde North. Details: Jonathan Whelan, thestoryweaver.dnd@gmail.com

Chair dancing

Would you enjoy exercising from the comfort of your chair? Includes fun and uplifting songs and different styles and eras of music

• Wednesdays 10.45am-11.30am on Wednesdays at Timbarra Community Centre; $8 per session. Details: admin@berwicknc.com.au or 9704 1863.

Craft classes

Join Berwick Activities Group’s Elizabeth to discover the world of papercraft and have a chat with like-minded people.

• Tuesdays 10am-noon at Timbarra Community Centre; $5 per class, all materials supplied. Details: admin@berwicknc.com.au or 9704 1863.

BADFolk Club

Berwick and District Folk Club meets on the third Friday of each month.

• Doors open at 6.30pm, with the music running from 7pm to 10pm with entry $15. Details: badfolkclub.org or Edward, 0418 535 264.

Berwick Springs VIEW Club

Affiliated with The Smith Family, the not-for-profit organisation raises funds for 10 Learning for Life students to assist with education expenses. Monthly lunches with a guest speaker, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.

• First Monday of each month, 11.15am at Berwick Springs Hotel function room. Details: Shirley, 0438 191 759 or berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com

Combined Probus Club of Narre Warren

The club welcomes men and women for bowling, armchair travel, book clubs, walk and talk, happy snappers and cards.

• Details: Heather, hsims14@gmail.com

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club

Weekly social activities with dancing, trips away via coach, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly

Saturday country pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dine-outs, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.

• Thursdays 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive or Wednesdays 10am for coffee and chats at the new François cafe in front of Myer in Fountain Gate. Details: Gloria, 0468 363 616.

Men’s Shed Junction Village Inc.

Retired men are most welcome to visit the Shed and have a chat/cuppa to check out our fully equipped Shed (lots of “toys” to play with!) and see what we do for the community. They do not need any woodwork experience as Shed members are happy to pass on their experience in an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere.

• Mondays 9am-11.30am and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-2.30pm at 41 Craig Road, Junction Village. Details: Garry, 0408 141 734. Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club

We meet weekly for a range of different events, including bus trips, community days, games, coffee and chat, bingo, dancing and carpet bowls. Weekly activity times – Line Dancing Mon.10am12pm, New Vogue and Old Time Dance Tue. 1pm3:30pm, Carpet Bowls Wed. & Sat. 11:30am2:30pm, Bingo Thur. 11am-2pm.

• 1 Codrington St, Cranbourne. Details: Marilyn, 0432 107 590 or facebook.com/ groups/487808127399953

Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre

A friendly seniors Club offering many activities, including dancing, garden group, indoor carpet bowls, table tennis, gentle exercises and friendly card games.

• main club day on Wednesdays, 9.30am-3pm at 192-196 Centre Road near the Narre Warren Station. Details: 9783 7112, 0426 736 467, or narrewarrenseniors@gmail.com

Blind Bight Community Centre

Craft gift making for adults, Tuesdays 12.30pm to 2.30pm; $3 per class. Playgroup, Wednesdays 10.30am-noon; $5 per family. Knit and crochet, Wednesdays 12pm-2pm. Line dancing, Wednesdays 1pm-2pm; $10 per class.

• 42 Anchorage Dr, Blind Bight. Bookings: blindbightcommunitycentre.com.au

Public Notice

Creek Regional Parklands (north and east), located north-east of the existing residential area of Berwick.

NAME CHANGE

The purpose of the draft Development Plan is to provide a framework for the future development of the Manuka Road Precinct, to accommodate around 150-160 residential lots, provision of new open spaces and

Sunday 1 March 2025

Detail on how to provide feedback is available on:

•the Casey Conversations webpage: https://conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/manuka-roaddevelopment-plan; and •at the Casey Council offices at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren during opening hours.

Council officers will also host community informational sessions at the Berwick Football Club, 79-97 Manuka Road Berwick, on Tuesday 10 February from 12:00pm to 3:00pm and 4:30pm to 7:30pm. Please drop in any time during these sessions to learn more about the Development Plan.

For further information, please contact Rex Zhang or Selina Finne-Larsen of this office by email PlanningScheme@casey.vic.gov.au or on 9705 5200.

Change of name I have changed my name from Sangeeta Pal to Simran Pal Khokhar and henceforth will be known as Simran Pal Khokhar for all purposes.

ESCORTS R US Ladies Welcome. Mention this ad for $10 discount New Ladies from 5pm www.escortsrus.com.au 9775 3210 swa224c 12577486-AV46-22

My name is Aiden Chakrabarty (they/them), born in 1996 in Delhi, India, I came to Australia in 2018 and after completing my masters, I started to transition according to my gender identity. My name at birth was Anumita Chakrabarty and I was assigned female at birth. However, I have now taken the next steps to align with my gender identity that is non-binary. ADVERTISERS,

& SERVICES

Journalist

The Warragul and Drouin Gazette is an award winning and highly respected regional media business. It’s paid weekly newspaper has a 127-year history and is the heartbeat of the Baw Baw Shire and West Gippsland community. The Gazette is seeking a part-time journalist four days a week based in Warragul. A full-time position would be available for the right applicant.

Candidates should have a passion for regional journalism and be able to work well in a small newsroom. InDesign/layout experience is an advantage but not essential. A driver’s licence is essential.

Applications to the editor – Yvette Brand via email to editorial@warragulgazette.com.au

Applications should include a cover letter Applications close Wednesday, January 28.

Hawks nest inside the four

By Blair Burns

Hallam Kalora Park made it five wins in a row against Berwick on the weekend in round 10 of Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 action, winning by six wickets.

The Hawks shook off their heavy early season loss against the Bears in round two, Berwick winning outright.

By round five, the Hawks had won only one match and lost outright on two occasions, but they have turned their season around and not put a foot wrong since.

It was not only redemption for Jordan Hammond and his Hallam Kalora Park teammates, but it was another big statement to the rest of the competition.

The Hawks won the toss and sent the Bears into bat on their home deck, starting well with some early wickets.

After seven overs, Berwick was in trouble at 3/13 having lost both openers to the bowling of Jawid Khan, with both deliveries popping off the deck, grabbing the edge and heading straight to the fielders in the slip cordon.

Jake Hancock (1) was knocked over by William Whyte as he shouldered arms and the bails went flying.

It was up to skipper Michael Wallace to come in and try and stabilise things alongside Jarryd Wills, with the pair adding 32 runs before Wills picked out Jagveer Hayer at mid-on, giving Lee Brown his first wicket of the day.

The Bears were 2/45 at one stage, and then found themselves bowled out for 102 as Shaveen Ranawaka (3/29) and Khan (3/21) took control. With a low total to chase, the plan was simple for Hallam Kalora Park.

After dotting up Khan, Jarrod Goodes got the breakthrough as Khan picked out Oliver Booth who took a good catch … the scoreboard reading 1/6.

Hayer (30) and Perera (45) came together to put on 82 runs and put the Hawks in a winning position.

Berwick spinner Elliot Mathews picked up 2/21 off six overs, dismissing Perera and then Austin Fardell (6).

But Ryan Hillard (8 not out) soon swept Vinuda Liyanage for four to win the game by six wickets in just the 23rd over.

In other games, Buckley Ridges remains on top of the ladder after thumping Dandenong West by 147 runs.

The Bucks won the toss and batted first, opening up with the in-form Dale Tormey, who belted 91 off 44 balls against the Bulls earlier in the week in a T20 match – he also made 91 the previous weekend against Beaconsfield.

Tormey and Ayush Patel put on 51 runs for the opening partnership before Tormey (24) was sent back to the sheds.

That didn’t worry the Bucks as Patel (49), Ben Wright (40) and Ishan Jayarathna (48) all contributed for a total of 216 – Joel Zietsman and Malinga Bandara taking two wickets each.

In reply, Dandenong West was bowled out for

69 off 29 overs in a disappointing display.

Zietsman (20 not out) top-scored, while both Bradley Sheehan and the extras were next best with eight.

Jayarathna (2/8) and Michael Davies (2/10) took some early wickets, before Triyan De Silva ripped through the rest of the batters to take 4/17 off five overs.

Springvale South bounced back from last week’s loss against Hallam Kalora Park with a convincing eight-wicket victory over Narre South.

The Lions batted first and hoped to start well, before Nick Boland put an end to those hopes with a devastating spell.

It didn’t take long to welcome back Ryan Quirk to the side as Boland caught the edge of Oshad-

ha Ariyadasa (4) and Quirk took a one-handed blinder at second slip … one of the catches of the summer.

Boland picked up a couple more wickets and Narre South was in trouble at 3/21.

Vineth Jayasuriya (42) and Adam Snelling (74) produced brilliant performances with the bat and single-handedly got their side to 172.

Boland finished with 5/26 off 6.3 overs, while Jarryd Straker picked up two.

In the run chase, Narre South removed both Quirk (11) and Mitch Forsyth (20) to leave the score at 2/58, but those were the last wickets they would take for the day.

Cameron Forsyth (71 not out) and Dasun Opanayaka (49 not out) carried the Bloods home

to a comfortable win, both making their best scores of the season to chase the runs with 4.4 overs to spare.

Beaconsfield won its fourth game of the year, defeating the winless Parkmore Pirates by nine wickets.

The Pirates batted first and were bowled out for 54 as Mitch Tielen dominated with the ball to claim 5/16 off eight overs.

Parkmore attempted to dig in and managed to bat 30 overs for its score of 54, with Jordan Gwynne (18) top scoring.

In reply, the Tigers lost Jayden Cramer for a duck, before Jack Steel (41 not out) and Abaseen Taniwal (11 not out) saw the side home in just the 12th over.

Turbo Tormey blasts 91 to lead brilliant Bucks to victory

By Blair Burns

The DDCA T20 semi-finals are set with two big clashes set for next month with Narre South to host Berwick and Hallam Kalora Park to host Buckley Ridges.

There were three Turf 2 clubs who made it through to the first round of finals in North Dandenong, Coomoora and Narre Warren, but all three were beaten.

Narre South advanced with a high-scoring win against Narre Warren, posting its biggest score of the competition so far with 208, chasing down the Magpies’ score of 206 with five balls to spare for a five-wicket win.

Lions star Jeevan Mendis scored 66 with six maximums, while Oshadha Ariyadasa (64 not out) saw the side to victory with five of his own –Ted Kahandawala fighting hard with three wickets for Narre Warren.

Hallam Kalora Park defeated Coomoora by 48 runs as Shanogeeth Shanmuganathan went big with 85 runs, while Jawid Khan (45) and Austin Fardell (34) pushed the score to 206.

The Roos were always going to struggle despite the best efforts of in-form Krishan Alang

who took two wickets and made 51 – adding 157 not out to his season tally on Saturday.

Buckley Ridges made light work of Dandenong West, chasing the target of 170 in just 13.1 overs as Dale Tormey went berserk at Dandenong Park Oval with 91 off 44 balls (10 sixes).

Mahela Udawatte will meet his old Hawks teammates in the semi-final, and will come in with good form after belting 50 off 25 balls.

Shaun Weir was by far the Bulls’ best in the loss, scoring 59 not out with the bat before taking two wickets, the prized Tormey and then Udawatte with a brilliant one-handed return catch.

It wasn’t easy for Berwick, but the Bears got the job done against North Dandenong, chasing down the Maroon’s 124 with three wickets in hand.

Rohien Sangwan (38 not out) was the best of the North Dandenong batters as Bears’ Jarryd Wills took 3/17.

Skipper Michael Wallace led the side to victory with a crucial 40, while the lower order managed to hold its nerve and score the winning runs with nine balls remaining.

Zestful Zauner reaches 400

By David Nagel

If Play HQ was around when the 1980’s came about…a bloke with the playing statistics of Peter Zauner may have blown up its database by now.

The much-loved Zauner - a dual senior premiership captain/coach at Devon Meadowsjoined a small but illustrious group of Panthers on Saturday, joining his great mates Lincoln Hepburn and Darren O’Brien in the 400-game club.

As he has done so many times over his career, Zauner had an impact in the E Grade clash against Merinda Park on the weekend, taking the first two wickets of the match as the Panthers rolled the Cobras by nine wickets.

Hepburn - Zauner’s current captain and winning teammate from those aforementioned premierships almost three decades ago - would have been most impressed with his output.

Zauner’s record at Devon Meadows is remarkable.

He is the club’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 791 scalps and sits fourth all time on the runscoring list with 5561 at an average of a tick over 21.

He has made three hundreds, with a highest score of 108, and has taken three seven-wicket hauls, the best of those an incredible 8/31.

Add five premierships, two of those as captain/coach, and that database at Play HQ would be getting twitchy.

But the most remarkable thing about all this… Zauner racked up these stats after joining the Panthers in his thirties.

“I didn’t play any junior cricket and basically started when I got my licence at 18,” Zauner said in the build up to game 400.

“I played with Brandon Park, in the Oakleigh District comp, which doesn’t exist anymore.

“I was there for about 10 years, then went to Cranbourne for two seasons, then left and played three years at Mt Waverley Catholics, and then went back to Cranbourne for another year.

“I was playing indoor cricket at Cranbourne and Silvio Marinelli recruited me to Devon Meadows as captain/coach and that’s the end of the story.

“I’ve been there for over 30 years now.”

Zauner has built his reputation as an accurate and economical bowler, who loved nothing better than outsmarting a batter in his prime.

But early in his career, others thought the batting crease was his domain.

“I walked straight into the firsts when I started, but they thought I was a batter when I first went down to train, it must have been because everyone was bowling half-volleys to me in the nets that night,” he said with a chuckle.

“They quickly worked out that my batting

wasn’t quite as good as my bowling.

“I started at four and ended up at 11.”

Zauner always had the urge to coach, so jumped at the opportunity once presented.

“I was always entertained by the thought of coaching and when Silvio put that offer to me, I couldn’t resist,” he said.

“I had aspirations to coach and the job at Devon Meadows scratched that itch.

“We had a lot of success, but it didn’t happen overnight.

“We were knocking on the door of finals for the first couple of years, then lost a flag to Pakenham, and then after that we had a bit of success.”

Zauner coached the Panthers to two First XI B Grade flags, the first in 1997/98 with a five-wicket win over Beaconsfield at Pakenham.

It was a drought-breaking win for the club, a top-flight flag after 12 years, with Darren O’Brien, Peter Astle, Ross Helle, Craig Hunter, Paul Fulton,

Randall Johnston, Andrew Churchus, Ian Hopper and Luke Marrow joining Zauner and Hepburn in celebration. Zauner was once again at the helm when the Panthers backed it up four years later, scoring an 82-run win over Merinda Park at Beaconsfield.

Peter O’Brien, another teammate of Zauner in his 400th game on Saturday, was a member of that winning team.

“They’re nearly all the same players that I play with today,” Zauner said with a chuckle.

“We’re a geriatric side these days.

“I remember the first one being a relief and the second one was great; we didn’t lose a game… premiers and champions.

“The premierships, the people, meeting new people, and mainly what keeps me going; I’m still playing with the same blokes that I started out with.

“It’s an enjoyable place to play and a very good

bunch of people.

“I had never heard of Devon Meadows until I met Silvio at indoor cricket.

“He was treasurer, he put out the lure, I jumped on board; and thankfully I did.”

Zauner said he no plans on putting away his well-oiled bowling action just yet.

“What’s the old saying…you’re a long time retired,” he said.

“I don’t know how long I’ll keep going, but I’ll keep going as long as the body allows me.

“It used to take until Monday or Tuesday to pull up; now it’s basically the whole week getting ready for the next.”

And Zauner knew exactly who to blame for making such a big deal of game 400.

“I wanted it low key, but Lincoln (Hepburn) is the statistician; so you can’t get away with anything.”

Exciting times as the big guns hit Pakenham for Classic

By David Nagel

The overall strength of competition is what excites Tournament Director Chris Millidonis most as the Pakenham Regional Tennis Centre prepares to host the third edition of the Ace Classic over the Australia Day weekend.

After two years at Bunyip Tennis Club, the Ace Classic has moved to the 18-court facility on Webster Way, allowing for an increase in the singles draw from 32 to 64 players.

Prizemoney has also been lifted, with the tournament extended to a four-day event; running from Friday to Monday, with an 8.30am start time.

After months of preparation, alongside joint organisers Andrew Nicholls and Vanessa Kent, Millidonis can’t wait for the action to begin.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the highquality hitting; that’s what excites me most,” Millidonis said with enthusiasm running through his voice.

“Sometimes when you run a tournament there might be a gap between the higher-end players and the bottom, but this one is going to be a really even contest.

“That’s based on past competitions that these players have played, or their UTR (Universal Tennis Ranking); it feels like 80 to 90-percent of the matches are going to be really tight and a great spectacle for the people that come down.”

As part of the growth, the 2026 Ace Clas-

517109)

sic is set to include a consolation tournament, enabling players eliminated early in the tournament to gain further match practice.

Millidonis sees this as a key feature of this year’s event.

“For some of these guys, getting an opportunity to play someone that is considerably better than them is an opportunity for them to grow,” he said.

“Providing them with a consolation draw is what some of these players are looking for.

“They don’t want to get knocked out and that’s it; they now have the opportunity to work on their game the next day.

“It’s not in the main draw but to them it doesn’t matter, they’re still getting quality hits and making connections as well.”

The long-term goal of the tournament is to

attract top 200 players eliminated in the first week of the Australian Open, with that bold ambition highlighting the significant work being done behind the scenes to make the Ace Classic the best possible product.

“Moving it to Pakenham gives it the most potential to grow in future years,” Millidonis said.

“It’s big for the Pakenham Tennis Community.

“Being more central and closer to the Australian Open when there are a lot of people in Melbourne provides some really good opportunities.

“The facility at Pakenham is world class; the players have changerooms, great facilities, the ability to chill out if they need to.

“We want the players to feel welcomed and are treated well so they are likely to return.”

Singles matches will now be played over three full sets, with doubles matches also over three, but with the third set a tie-breaker.

Some great viewing areas are available, while a canteen, barbecue and cold beverages are also on offer for spectators.

Last year, number-three seed Stefan Storch caused somewhat of a surprise by defeating topseed Corey Gaal 6-3, 6-4 in the final.

Storch was a thoroughly-deserving winner after defeating number-two seed Zach AdamGedge in a thrilling morning semi-final showdown; coming from behind to win 2-6, 7-5, 7-6.