News - Cranbourne Star News - 14th May 2026

Education Week 2026

Forty-fied day

Hampton Park Secondary College is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of education, growth and community since opening its doors in 1986. This milestone offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on the college’s rich history and the many people who have contributed to its success.

To acknowledge the occasion, the college welcomed back former staff to join current staff and studentsinaspecialcelebration.Theeventincluded a cake-cutting ceremony and a warm morning tea, where guests reconnected while enjoying nostalgic yearbooks and a photo wall showcasing moments from across the years. Celebrations continuedwithguidedcollegetours,givingvisitors the chance to see how the school has grown and evolved.

A highlight of the day was a whole-school “hu-

man 40” photoshoot on the oval, with students and staff coming together to form the number 40, symbolising unity, pride and shared history.

Over the past four decades, the college has continued to innovate to support its students. A key example is the introduction of the Hands on Learning (HoL) program. This program supports the social and emotional wellbeing of Year 7 and 8 students, building skills such as resilience, confidence, teamwork, communication and self-regulation. Importantly, HoL is a wellbeing-focused initiative, not an early trade or vocational pathway. Families are warmly invited to come and see the college in action. To learn more or book a tour, please contact the college, we look forward to welcoming you into our community.

Hampton Park Secondary College, phone 8795 9400. Website: www.hpsc.vic.edu.au

Bringing ECG virtual learning to your doorstep

Introducing ECG Virtual Learning - Bringing Connection, Support, and Education to Your Doorstep.

Young people facing barriers to education will soon have a new pathway to reconnect and succeed, with ECG Secondary College (ECG) introducing ECG Virtual Learning for students in Years 9 -12, launching in 2026.

Designed for students who may find it difficult to access or engage with traditional school settings , or for those who prefer to learn from home , ECG Virtual Learning offers a flexible and supportive approach that meets young people where they are, both in their learning and in their lives.

“School not working? Not before you explore a different way to learn,” said Russel Praetz, Principal at ECG Secondary College.

ECG is known for placing students at the centre of education, delivering alternative pathways that prioritise wellbeing, build confidence, and support students to progress at their own pace. The Virtual Learning model extends this approach beyond the classroom , increasing access for students across Gippsland and wider Victoria.

The program supports young people who experience challenges accessing mainstream education, are unable to regularly attend a physical campus, require greater flexibility in how and when they learn, feel socially disengaged, or would ben-

efit from a more per sonalised learning environment.

Through ECG Virtual Learning, students will engage in structured online learning with qualified teachers, follow individualised learning plans, access ongoing wellbeing support, and remain connected in a safe, inclusive learning community.

“Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed,” Mr Praetz said.

ECG is now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from students, families, and support organisations for the 2026 Term 3 intake. For more information , visit https://ecg. vic.edu.au/virtual -learning/ or contact 03 5622 6000.

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Aflexible,supportive learningoptiondesignedfor youngpeoplewhomayface barrierstotraditional schooling,orwhowantto learnfromhomeinacalm andinclusiveenvironment.

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Students shine in carnivals

Ideal conditions saw athletes shine and records tumble at the 2026 Casey Grammar School House Swimming and Athletics carnivals. In total, 11 swimming and 15 athletics records were broken.

The House Swimming Carnival was held at Noble Park Aquatic Centre, and the House Athletics Carnival at Casey Fields. Conditions were perfect for both events.

The Swimming Carnival had a lively and supportive atmosphere, with races in the pool complemented by novelty events and a House Chant competition led by House Captains.

Billy B (Year 12) was a stand-out, breaking four records – including two of his own – in the

Under-17 boys 50m breastroke, 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle, and the Under-21 boys 50m butterfly.

The Athletics Carnival saw students enthusiastically support their peers in a close competition which also featured a Parents & Friends Committee (PFC) barbecue and student-led fundraising.

Lincoln L (Year 12) set a new Under-21 boys high jump record of 1.75m, breaking a record that had stood since 2013.

Joint Under-21 Girls Age Group Champion Shae C (Year 12) set three new athletics records in the long jump, 400m and 800m in her final year at Casey Grammar.

Zara M broke records in the Under-13 girls javelin, triple jump and 400m.

Several students excelled in the pool and track and field, including Rugved C (Year 7), Harleen S (Year 9), and Lucas B (Year 11), awarded Age Group Champions or Runners Up at both carnivals.

Following the House Carnivals, successful students and teams progress to the Southern Independent Schools (SIS) competition.

Casey Grammar School Principal Fiona Williams says the House program focuses on participation, enjoyment, and personal excellence.

“Congratulations to all the students involved,

particularly those who broke records,” Ms Williams says. “We are proud of their efforts, wherever they finished.

“Participation, regardless of ability, helps students build connections, develop teamwork and leadership skills, discover new interests, and grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.

“Some students also get to challenge themselves at the next level against other schools, which is a significant achievement.”

For more information, please contact Lisa Knoll on 0498 988 383 or l.knoll@caseygrammar. vic.edu.au

Bringing a New Era of Learning

Catholic Education Week 2026

Grounded in gospel values

St Agatha’s Primary School in Cranbourne is a warm, faith-filled Catholic community where children are nurtured to grow academically, spiritually, and socially. Home to approximately 500 students, the school is grounded in Gospel values and the rich traditions of the Catholic faith, shaping children to act with kindness, integrity, and compassion.

A defining strength of St Agatha’s is its dedicated teachers and support staff, who work in genuine partnership with families. This collaborative approach ensures every child is known,

supported, and encouraged to flourish. Together, staff and families create a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose that enriches student learning and wellbeing.

The school offers a comprehensive curriculum guided by the Victorian Curriculum, complemented by specialist programs in Physical Education, Japanese, and CREATE — an innovative blend of the arts, digital and design technologies, ethics, and critical and creative thinking. These programs empower students to become confident, curious, and future-ready learners.

St Agatha’s beautiful grounds, including large ovals, engaging playgrounds, and a junior soccer field, enhance the learning environment. The opening of a modern new building in 2025 has further strengthened the school’s commitment to contemporary and flexible learning spaces.

Tours and enrolments are now open, inviting families to experience the heart and spirit of this exceptional Catholic school. To book a tour or to enquire about an enrolment, please visit the website www.stacbourne.catholic.edu.au or phone the office on 59962724

Small, but heart is large

St Therese’s Primary School in Cranbourne may be one of the area’s smallest schools, but that is exactly what makes it such a special place for children to learn and grow. In this close-knit community, every child’s name is known, leading them to feel valued and supported. The staff live the school’s simple yet powerful vision - do all that you do with love - and families feel that warmth the moment they walk through the gates. This is reflected in a vibrant and inclusive school community where more than 35 nationalities are proudly represented. Families from diverse cultural backgrounds come together to form a rich tapestry of traditions, languages and perspectives. This diversity is not just acknowledged—it is celebrated. It strengthens the school’s commitment to respect, belonging and the belief that every child deserves to thrive. At St Therese’s, every culture has a place, every voice matters and every student is encouraged to shine.

The school’s small size allows teachers to deliver truly personalised learning. Staff use student data thoughtfully to set individual goals, ensuring each child is both supported and challenged. Strong foundations in literacy and numeracy remain central, equipping students with the skills they need for lifelong learning.

Beyond the core curriculum, students enjoy a broad range of specialist subjects, including Visual and Media Arts, Physical Education and Performing Arts — programs that nurture creativity, confidence and wellbeing. The introduction of Auslan as the school’s language other than English further reflects St Therese’s commitment to inclusion and future-focused education.

For families seeking a nurturing environment where children are known, celebrated and inspired, St Therese’s offers a community like no other.

Catholic Education Week 2026

‘Every school a home of peace’

Catholic Education Week in the Diocese of Sale will be celebrated from 15-22 May 2026. Catholic schools will open their doors to the community offering Open Days and activities that showcase the rich learning and teaching taking place in schools every day.

This year’s theme, ‘Every school a home of peace’ , draws inspiration from the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you”, says the Lord, “my own peace I give you” . (John 14.27).

This theme invites school communities to reflect on the vital role that peace, hope and faith play in shaping lives and nurturing flourishing communities.

The theme, ‘Every school a home of peace’ , speaks directly to the mission of Catholic education. Catholic schools strive to be welcoming, inclusive, and supportive communities where students are nurtured to grow academically, spiritually, and socially.

During Catholic Education Week, schools will be sharing the message of peace in meaningful and creative ways. Some schools have created ‘Peace Walls’ featuring student artwork and reflections on what peace means within their school communities. Others are engaging in social justice initiatives and fundraising projects which demonstrate peace in action through service, compassion, and solidarity.

A highlight of the week will be the Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass, celebrated by the Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet, on Wednesday 20 May at Nagle Catholic College, Bairnsdale.

During the celebration, student leaders from the 39 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholic secondary colleges across the Diocese will represent their communities by joining a procession

Catholic Education Week 2026

Contemporary education

Parish

The Parish of St Thomas the Apostle Parish continues to grow as a vibrant and faith-filled community, with its schools playing a central role in nurturing the spiritual and educational life of young people and families. Together, St Thomas The Apostle Primary School and St Josephine Bakhita Primary School provide contemporary Catholic education grounded in strong faith formation, academic excellence and a deep commitment to community.

The parish community now looks forward with great excitement and hope to the opening of its third primary school, St Carlo Acutis Primary School. Named after the young Italian saint, St Carlo Acutis, the new school will draw inspiration from his deep love of the Eucharist and his witness to living faith in everyday life. Carlo’s devotion to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist shaped his life, guiding his compassion, humility and commitment to sharing the Gospel with others.

The opening of St Carlo Acutis Primary School represents an exciting new chapter for the parish as it continues its mission of providing outstanding Catholic education for a growing community of families.

St Thomas

As part of this year’s Catholic Education Week celebrations, St Thomas The Apostle Primary School is proud to highlight its strong commitment to excellence in Catholic education through evidence-informed teaching, high expectations and a deeply supportive learning community.

At St Thomas The Apostle, quality teaching and learning is a critical element in providing an excellent education for our students. Staff work collaboratively to implement evidence-informed pedagogical practices, with a strong focus on explicit teaching to ensure all students develop

deep knowledge, confidence and success across all learning areas. Structured teaching approaches, clear learning intentions, ongoing assessment and responsive feedback support students to achieve strong academic growth while fostering independence and resilience as learners.

Alongside academic excellence, the school places significant emphasis on student wellbeing,

faith formation and belonging. Students are supported to grow spiritually, socially and emotionally through rich Religious Education programs, prayer, liturgical celebrations and opportunities for service and leadership within the community.

Specialist programs in The Arts, Physical Education, Science, Digital Technologies and Design Technologies further enrich learning opportuni-

ties and encourage curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.

Strong partnerships between families, parish and school continue to underpin the success of the community. St Thomas The Apostle Primary School remains committed to providing a contemporary Catholic education that prepares students to flourish both now and into the future.`

Education Week 2026

Changing lives with love

At St Peter’s College, Catholic Education Week is more than a celebration - it is a powerful reminder of the call to live out faith through action. This year our theme, “Let all that you do be done in Love,” is being brought to life in tangible and inspiring ways across the College community.

In the heart of Melbourne, our students are stepping beyond the classroom to encounter and serve others with compassion. Through Rosies Street Outreach, in partnership with Rosies Oblate Mission, around 80 of our Year 12 students - alongside our Year 11 Youth Ministry students - have participated in Outreach Nights across Terms 1 and 2. Offering tea, coffee, biscuits, and conversation, students connect with people experiencing homelessness, learning that sometimes the most powerful gift is simply presence and dignity.

Back on campus, that same spirit of care continues through the Chelsea Project. In collaboration with St Vincent de Paul, our VCE Vocational Major students and Social Justice groups prepare soups, pasta bakes, and biscuits for families facing food insecurity. Encouraging students to recognise that even the simplest acts of kindness can carry profound impact.

Through our dynamic curriculum and Christcentred culture of care and inclusivity, these experiences are shaping a generation of young people who understand that love is not passive, but active.

At St Peter’s College, Catholic Education Week shines a light on students who are not only learning about faith but living it - demonstrating that when all is done in love, lives can truly be transformed.

Introducing your School Principal

At Hampton Park Secondary College, leadership is more than a title — it is a commitment to growth, inclusion, and positive change. As the College celebrates its 40th anniversary, the 2026 Captains — Truc Nguyen, Sudammi Mudalige, Emmanuel Lacomel and Nayab Nawrozi — embody the values that shape the school community.

Truc Nguyen champions respectful relationships, pride, and equality, creating materials to support inclusive events. Sudammi Mudalige strengthens student voice and mentors younger students. Emmanuel Lacomel engages peers through arts, clubs, and school events that foster connection and spirit. Nayab Nawrozi supports student wellbeing through mentoring, peer mediation, and peer-topeer tutoring initiatives. Together, these student leaders reflect a school community where ideas are heard, diversity is celebrated, and potential is nurtured.

Principal Wayne Haworth expressed his pride in the school’s recent achievements, noting that Hampton Park Secondary College has recorded its highest senior school results in the College’s 40-year history.

“Over the past few years, we have implemented a range of structures, processes, and strategies designed to engage, challenge, and enhance learning outcomes. Combined with high expectations, this has resulted in the College achieving its strongest senior results in four decades. This success is a testament to the hard work of our students and the outstanding commitment of our teaching and support staff.”

St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School is proud to introduce our 2026 School Captains and Vice Captains, a group of committed Year 6 students who lead our community with confidence, compassion and pride.

Inspired by our patron Saint Agatha, and guided by our school motto Courage, Faith and Love, our student leaders model positive behaviour and a strong sense of service. They support students across all year levels, assist at assemblies and school events, and work alongside staff to help maintain a welcoming, respectful and safe learning environment.

Leadership at St Agatha’s extends beyond captaincy. All Year 6 students are offered leadership opportunities, and student voice is a strong focus across the school through our Student Representative Council (SRC). We also proudly acknowledge our newly commissioned Fire Carriers, who play an important role in promoting Indigenous culture, awareness and respect within our school community.

Our student leaders are also proud ambassadors for St Agatha’s, welcoming visitors and prospective families and sharing what makes our school such a special place to learn and belong. Studentled and principalsupported school tours are a highlight, allowing families to gain insight into school life, learning and community directly from those who know it best.

Families considering enrolling their child are warmly invited to book a tour via our website: www.stacbourne.catholic.edu.au/enrolment

When I was appointed principal, a colleague shared some wise words with me: being chosen to lead a school is a tremendous privilege.Reflecting on my four years at St Therese’s, I can wholeheartedly say that this sentiment rings true.

At the heart of StTherese’s is a simple yet powerful belief - that even the smallest act of love is great in the eyes of Jesus. This philosophy guides everything we do. Our dedicated staff are committed to nurturing young minds, supporting each child’s individual gifts, and fostering a lifelong love of learning in a warm and caring environment.

While StTherese’s may be one of the smallest primary schools in the Cranbourne area, we are proud to say we have a big heart. Our close-knit community allows us to build strong relationships with students and families, ensuring every child feels known, valued and supported.

I warmly invite families and community members to learn more about StTherese’s by contacting the school to arrange a tour. Come and see firsthand the enriching learning environment and exciting opportunities that await your child at StTherese’s Primary School.

St Therese’s

Phone: 03 8795 9400

Eyes on the prize Shifting pressure

Lynbrook resident Mavis Hutchinson, pictured with greatgreat-grandson Grayson, blew out the candles on her 102nd birthday cake on Tuesday 12 May. A packed room of family and friends celebrated the mighty milestone for the mother-of-eight.

More on the story, turn to page 7

Federal tax reforms announced in the 2026 Federal Budget could reshape the housing market in Casey, with local experts warning investors may increasingly compete with first-home buyers in the municipality’s fast-growing new estates.

Under the reforms, negative gearing will be limited to new builds from July 2027, while the 50 per cent Capital Gains Tax discount will be replaced with an inflation-based system. Existing investment properties will be grandfathered.

Cranbourne real estate agent Jo Mooney said the changes could redirect investor demand rather than reduce competition in the market.

She said many first-home buyers in Casey already favour house-and-land packages, meaning investors could now compete directly with them for new builds.

“So, they’re saying that the first home buyers are being pitted against and having to compete with investors now. But all they’re doing is shifting that competition to a different product,” she said.

“A lot of the investors in City of Casey are mums and dads, nurses, trainees, teachers. They are the ones who will probably be more affected and driven towards the new builds for negative gearing, because they’ll rely on that for serviceability.

“But a more sophisticated or experienced investor is going to be setting up a different structure to buy the properties in, and they’ll sidestep it anyway.”

RMIT urban policy professor Jago Dodson said the reforms would likely have modest shortterm effects but could moderate house-price growth over the long term and gradually reduce investor participation.

“I think over the long term it’s likely to be sub-

stantial, but over the short term, it’s probably going to have relatively modest effects,” he said.

“That’s because there’s a bit of balance in the way the policy has been designed in the sense that there will be continuation of negative gearing for properties that are currently owned by investors… But over the long term, I would say a fiveto-10-year period, one might expect that it will certainly moderate the growth in house prices. It will also mean that there are likely to be fewer investors in the housing market overall, and that in turn will likely benefit first home buyers because there will be less competition.”

However, he said, for areas with a high proportion of first-home buyers and competition for high capital growth housing like the City of Casey, the effect of these changes may not be especially extensive.

“The critical question is whether investors who are competing in the market with first home buyers will decide to reduce their participation in the market,” he said.

“The Government is maintaining access to negative gearing for new properties. It could be that there’s still a relatively high proportion of investor activity in the Casey area.

“I think the developers will be very sensitive to what impact these changes have on the prices that purchasers, whether they’re investors or first home buyers or even second or third home buyers, are prepared to pay for new properties.

“And they will likely adjust their prices to ensure that they’re able to sell the properties in the market.”

Professor Dodson didn’t believe that the reforms would sharply reduce rental supply.

More home competition?

By Violet Li

Federal tax reforms could push investors into direct competition with first-home buyers in Casey’s greenfield estates, a local real estate agent says.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced major tax reforms to negative gearing and the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) discount in the Federal Budget on 12 May, as the Government seeks to make housing more affordable for the younger generations.

Under the new rules, negative gearing will be limited to new builds from July 2027. Investors purchasing established homes after the budget night will no longer be able to deduct rental losses against wage income.

As for the CGT discount, the Government will replace the 50 per cent discount with a discount based on inflation and introduce a minimum 30 per cent tax on gains from 1 July 2027.

The CGT reforms will only apply to gains arising after 1 July 2027. Investors in new builds will be able to choose the 50 per cent CGT discount or the new arrangements.

Jo Mooney, director of Mooney & Co Estate Agents in Cranbourne, said the changes may shift investor demand rather than reduce competition in the housing market in the City of Casey.

“Basically, a lot of the younger first home buyers go down the road of house and land packages to avoid stamp duty. And they like shiny new houses. Once this comes into effect, they’re going to be in direct opposition with investors because negative gearing is still going to apply to new builds,” she said.

“So, they’re saying that the first home buyers are being pitted against and having to compete with investors now. But all they’re doing is shifting that competition to a different product.

“A lot of the investors in City of Casey are mums and dads, nurses, trainees, teachers. They are the ones who will probably be more affected and driven towards the new builds for negative gearing, because they’ll rely on that for serviceability.

“But a more sophisticated or experienced investor is going to be setting up a different structure to buy the properties in, and they’ll sidestep it anyway.”

According to a November 2024 report by REA Group’s realestate.com.au, more than half of Victoria’s first-home buyers chose new builds in the previous 12 months.

Another 2024 report by realestate.com.au found Clyde North ranked among the top suburbs attracting both investors and first-home buyers.

Casey remains one of Melbourne’s largest growth corridors, with extensive greenfield developments continuing across suburbs such as Clyde, Clyde North and Cranbourne East.

Ms Mooney said under the tax reform, the rents are going to go up.

“The key problem we’re going to have is that

negative gearing is part of the calculation for serviceability for an investor’s loan… If your serviceability is capped, then it restricts what you can put into the rental pool,” she said.

“Rents go up. It gets harder for first-home buyers to save a deposit…

“The problem under the new modelling is that the new builds are where tenants are going to be. The supply for tenants is going to be in newer areas away from amenities, so their liveability is going to be impacted.

“Because of that. We’re already seeing Clyde, Clyde North has much higher vacancy rates and dropping rental prices because of the supply of properties for rent in those pockets. So that will actually add more rental properties in that location, for instance. That puts pressure on rents to come down. But then it’s not going to map out for investors to provide them.”

Ms Mooney also said she did not believe the reforms addressed the underlying housing supply problem, arguing construction costs and labour shortages remained major barriers.

“I know people who have had to put their builds on hold. They’ve got land, but they’ve had to put their builds on hold because the building costs have gone up 30 per cent,” she said.

Ms Mooney said realistically, she doesn’t see a major change to the market cycle in the short to medium term now, though it’s going to come down to what the details are going to be once it goes through the parliament.

Housing ‘fairness’ in Federal Budget, say Labor MPs

Holt Labor MP Cassandra Fernando says the Federal Budget tackled housing – which was the number one issue raised by young people and families in her electorate.

The reforms on capital gains tax and negative gearing for property investors were about “restoring fairness and helping more Australians achieve the dream of home ownership”

As a result, an extra 75,000 first-home buyers will access the housing market in the next decade, according to the Government.

“This Budget recognises that the housing market should work for people trying to buy a home, not just those building investment portfolios,” Ms Fernando said.

She also highlighted tax relief, including a $250 Working Australians Tax Offset from 2027 and a $1000 instant tax deduction for work expenses.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, such as those in Narre Warren and Dandenong, will be made permanent.

Housing Minister and Hotham MP Clare O’Neil said the housing system “hasn’t been working”

“This Budget is tackling the housing pressures younger Australians face, because the path to home ownership looks very different to what it did for their parents and grandparents.

“Every Australian who works hard should have

Cassandra Fernando says housing is the No.1 issue for young people in Holt. (Rob Carew: 537361)

a fair shot at owning a home.”

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the property-tax reforms would reduce the supply of homes by 35,000 over the decade, whilst increasing rents.

“The Budget confirms that living standards will go backwards again, confirming those with a typical mortgage are $32,000 a year worse off under Labor even after this Budget.

“Victorian families are also feeling the pain of wages not keeping up with Labor’s inflation.”

She said the economy was being “burdened” with $50 billion of “higher taxes”, including $15 billion in personal income taxes.

“The Budget confirms Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers are the owners of the highest taxing government in Australia’s history.”

“The grandfathering for existing properties has made sure that there’s no cliff edge for investors to sell or make rash decisions,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms Mooney expected Casey’s housing prices to continue rising in the long term, regardless of the reforms, given the historical growth.

Jago Dodson, Professor of Urban Policy and Director of the Centre for Urban Research at RMIT, said the reforms were likely to have only gradual effects rather than dramatic short-term market shifts.

“I think over the long term it’s likely to be substantial, but over the short term, it’s probably going to have relatively modest effects,” he said.

“That’s because there’s a bit of balance in the way the policy has been designed in the sense that there will be continuation of negative gearing for properties that are currently owned by investors… But over the long term, I would say a fiveto-10-year period, one might expect that it will certainly moderate the growth in house prices. It will also mean that there are likely to be fewer investors in the housing market overall, and that in turn will likely benefit first home buyers because there will be less competition.”

However, he said, for areas with a high proportion of first-home buyers and competition for high capital growth housing like the City of Casey, the effect of these changes may not be especially extensive.

“The critical question is whether investors

who are competing in the market with first home buyers will decide to reduce their participation in the market,” he said.

“The Government is maintaining access to negative gearing for new properties. It could be that there’s still a relatively high proportion of investor activity in the Casey area.

“I think the developers will be very sensitive to what impact these changes have on the prices that purchasers, whether they’re investors or first home buyers or even second or third home buyers, are prepared to pay for new properties.

“And they will likely adjust their prices to ensure that they’re able to sell the properties in the market.”

Professor Dodson didn’t believe that the reforms would sharply reduce rental supply.

“If an investor sells a rental property and it’s purchased by a first-home owner, that’s one property that’s taken out of the rental market,” he said.

“But if it’s a first-home owner household buying that property, then it takes a renter household out of the rental market and converts them into the home ownership market.

“I would expect it to broadly balance out because for the same number of houses, you’re basically just shifting people between tenure categories from the dwellings from one tenure category to another.”

Wayss chief executive Simon Ruth said the focus on housing and cost-of-living in the Budget would “help ease pressure for some households over time”.

“However, they won’t fully address what we’re seeing on the ground in Melbourne’s South East,” he said.

“Last year alone, more than 25,000 people accessed homelessness services in our region.

“We’re seeing increasing numbers of working families struggling to keep up with rising rents and everyday costs.”

Mr Ruth said “sustained investment” in social and affordable housing was needed to reduce homelessness.

Holt MP Cassandra Fernando said this Budget recognises that the housing market should work for people trying to buy a home, not just those building investment portfolios.

“These reforms are about restoring fairness and helping more Australians achieve the dream of home ownership,” she said.

According to the Labor’s estimation, these changes will assist an additional 75,000 people into their first home, while encouraging more housing construction.

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the Government’s property-tax reforms would reduce the supply of homes by 35,000 over the decade, whilst increasing rents.

“The Budget confirms that living standards will go backwards again, confirming those with a typical mortgage are $32,000 a year worse off under Labor even after this Budget,” she said.

$2b to support new housing developments

The Federal Government will provide $2 billion to help local councils and state utility providers build the infrastructure needed to support new housing developments.

This funding, announced as a part of the 2026 Federal Budget on Tuesday 12 May, will establish a new Local Infrastructure Fund as part of the Housing Support Program, to unlock the enabling infrastructure needed to finish housing projects that otherwise wouldn’t go ahead due to a lack of enabling infrastructure, including roads, water, power and sewerage. It is said to support up to 65,000 homes over 10 years.

This funding will be provided to local governments and state utility providers, with $500 million reserved just for regional Australia.

One condition of the funding is that states and territories commit to further reforms to drive productivity in the housing sector and support further increases to housing supply. This includes speeding up and simplifying approvals, making more land available and ready for new homes, and delivering a simpler National Construction Code.

A Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) spokesperson said they welcome the Federal investment in local infrastructure announced in the budget. With the region growing rapidly, there are concerns current infrastructure delivery is not keeping pace, particularly across transport, roads and community facilities.

“We would like to see these funds invested

in critical transport upgrades, such as Thompsons Road and transformative projects like the trackless tram that can unlock better movement and productivity,” they said.

“Further Federal investment would help the south east reach its full manufacturing potential while also improving daily life for residents through better access to jobs, services and essential infrastructure.”

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said the City of Casey welcomes the Australian Government’s 2026–27 Budget investment in local infrastructure. “As one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities, funding for the pipes, roads and essential services that enable new housing is critical for our community.

“We look forward to seeing the detail of this fund and will be advocating strongly to ensure Casey receives its fair share, so we can deliver the roads, transport and essential infrastructure our growing community needs.

“Population growth in Casey continues to outpace infrastructure delivery. Targeted Federal and State investment is essential to close this gap and ensure our residents are not left waiting for the infrastructure that should come with growth.”

The Australian Local Government Association welcomed the $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund, but the peak body believed that councils needed better Federal support when it came to long-term, untied funding support for local communities.

No stopping purple bins

By Jensy Callimootoo

Casey Council has revealed contracts for the state-mandated kerbside waste reforms have been in place and that it will be transitioning to a four-bin system by 1 July 2027 despite community pushback.

On Friday 8 May, the council released an update on its $5.9 million kerbside waste changes, stating that it has planned for “this change for several years”

“In December 2023, Council formally endorsed the approach to implementing these State-mandated kerbside reforms, including the glass service,” it said in a media update.

“Since then, contracts for bin manufacture and delivery have been entered, and planning is well advanced.”

Despite the commitment to the reforms, the budget draft for the 2026/27 financial year or the Kerbside Waste Policy have not yet been approved by councillors, with both still currently open for the public feedback period.

The new reforms would implement a purple-lid glass bin with a four weekly collection

frequency and the roll out of a compulsory Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bin.

Casey Council also revealed that in accordance with these contractual obligations with waste manufacturers and delivery services, the kerbside reforms cannot “be paused or cancelled without exposing council to financial claims and additional costs.”

“Delaying also increases the risk of non-compliance with State legislation and potential enforcement action,” it said.

As the rollout takes place, ratepayers can expect an increase of 2.6 per cent to their Waste Charge for the next financial year. This encompasses all bin services.

While the cost is expected to be approximately $5.9 million, Casey Council will be offsetting $3 million. Which ultimately reduces the overall charge for ratepayers.

The transition to a four-bin system was first announced in 2022, with the Victorian Government mandating a separate glass recycling service for all households to be established, with councils to facilitate the program by 1 July 2027.

But while councils are legally required to

comply with the state-directives, many have joined in a coalition that opposes the new kerbside reforms — including neighbouring councils, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia Shire.

They join the nearly 40 councils across Victoria that have pushed back on the mandate, many arguing that cost pressures are already impacting many ratepayers and councils alike.

Greater Dandenong councillors are currently reviewing its approval. If it follows suit after Casey Council, implementation of the changes is expected to cost the council $3.6 million.

Cardinia Shire has also resisted the mandate on the basis of costs, delaying the rollout and joining a ‘Let’s be Clear on Glass’ campaign, with 36 other councils.

The campaign calls on the government to extend the timeline for the introduction of the glass-only bin, release the business case for kerbside glass recycling and prioritise the expansion of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) as an alternative.

Pushback from the community has also been longstanding on the reforms.

In September 2024, a community consul-

tation period was facilitated. With many concerned about the financial burden, space constraints and the necessity of a glass-bin.

Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA), previously also called on the council to enable an ‘opt-out’ option. Which would allow some flexibility for residents and households.

The council rejected this, but did not note the existent contractual obligations in place.

President of CRRA, Anthony Tassone, said that residents should have been consulted before the arrangement of the contracts.

“Residents are entitled to ask how contracts could already be committed before Council had finalised its kerbside waste policy and before the draft budget funding these reforms has even been formally adopted,” he said.

“This creates the perception that community consultation was occurring after major implementation decisions had effectively already been made.

“Casey residents still do not have clarity about the long-term ongoing costs of the purple lid bin system and whether these increased waste charges will continue well into the future.”

Caravan boom in Casey amid affordable, flexible travel need

By Jensy Callimootoo

Rising living costs, global uncertainty and growing pressure on household budgets are reshaping the way Victorians travel, placing Casey at the centre of the shift.

Caravan Industry Victoria (CIV) hosted its first show in Cranbourne on Friday 8 May, adding the growing corridor to its list of ‘super-show’ suburbs across the state.

The event welcomed local politicians include Cranbourne’s MP Pauline Richards and Casey councillor Jennifer Dizon.

As the industry warns of mounting structural pressures following the release of the Victorian State Budget, the launch of the inaugural Cranbourne Caravanning & Adventure Leisurefest, is being positioned as both a response to changing consumer behaviour and a signal of the sector’s growing economic importance.

New figures show more than 8,000 recreational vehicles (RVs) are now registered across the City of Casey, with 3,028 based in Cranbourne and Botanic Ridge alone.

Across Casey and the Cardinia Shire 5,620

RVs are registered in key growth postcodes.

CIV’s Chief Executive Daniel Sahlberg said Australians were increasingly turning to caravanning as international travel became more expensive and unpredictable.

“In a climate of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and rising international travel complexity, Australians are increasingly turning to caravanning as a more secure and self-directed way to travel,” he said.

“That is directly driving increased uptake, people want control, certainty and value, and caravanning delivers all three while keeping tourism local.”

The growing popularity of caravanning is being driven not only by lifestyle changes, but also by cost of living pressures that are pushing more families toward domestic travel options that offer flexibility and affordability.

That demand has helped position Cranbourne as a new focal point for the industry.

“This region is leading the state in RV ownership, and that tells a very clear story about demand,” Sahlberg said.

But while consumer demand remains strong, CIV says the industry itself is operating

in increasingly difficult economic conditions.

The organisation says the 2026/27 Victorian Budget contains limited targeted investment for tourism, manufacturing and caravan industry support, despite Victoria producing 93 per cent of Australia’s more than 31,000 caravans and RVs annually.

CIV warned rising land and payroll taxes, weak tourism investment and planning

uncertainty surrounding caravan parks were placing increasing pressure on operators and manufacturers.

“Caravan and camping is a key part of Victoria’s visitor economy and a major contributor to regional communities, yet this budget provides little in the way of targeted support for tourism growth,” Sahlberg said.

“With consumer confidence still subdued and costs continuing to rise, many businesses are operating in a challenging environment.”

The industry body says the Victorian caravan and camping sector contributes $3.5 billion to the state economy and supports more than 12,500 jobs, with much of the manufacturing supply chain based in Victoria.

CIV is continuing to advocate for stronger support measures, including investment in domestic tourism incentives, manufacturing assistance, workforce training, improved caravan standards and road safety initiatives.

Despite concerns over funding and taxation pressures, the association believes caravanning will continue to grow as Australians increasingly prioritise affordable and flexible travel options closer to home.

‘Waste solution is needed’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Melbourne’s South-East could be faced with a “huge problem” if a nine-council plan to divert municipal rubbish to a waste-to-energy incinerator fails, a parliamentary inquiry has heard.

Mick Cummins, chair of South-East Metropolitan Advanced Waste Processing (SEMAWP), warned on 8 May that a recent VCAT decision to reject a waste transfer station at Hampton Park had put the project in limbo.

An alternative site for the WTS must be found in the South East, or the project will cease, he said.

With the region’s last landfill at Hallam Road set to close as soon as mid-2027, this meant a “huge problem”

There will be no further landfills granted in the South East under Government policy, so the 400,000 tonnes of waste from 2 million South East residents will have to find a “home” sometime soon.

“It’s everyone’s problem, who lives, works and generates waste in South East Melbourne.”

Mr Cummins gave the warning before a State Upper House inquiry into Victoria’s adoption of waste-to-energy on 8 May.

Nine councils, including Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia, have signed up to a 25-year ‘minimum-tonnage’ supply agreement with the SEMAWP consortium.

Up to 550,000 tonnes of their waste a year would have been handled at the Hampton Park WTS, then bulk-delivered to an Opal-Veolia waste-to-energy (WTE) incinerator in Maryvale.

The councils were legally entitled to “walk away” if the WTS wasn’t delivered, Mr Cummins said.

He said the project could be delayed up to two years, awaiting the selection and approval of an alternative WTS site.

Meanwhile, negotiations were underway between the parties to see whether it would get sorted or not. And whether councils were committed to staying in the agreement, Mr Cummins said.

Mr Cummins said - “so low we should be able to confidently deliver that waste”

Mr Cummins said the minimum volumes were based on “all the things we know at the moment” such as FOGO, changing bin frequencies, and green waste diversion from red bins.

Mr Cummins said SEMAWP was “technology-agnostic” when it set out to find an advanced waste solution.

It needed to be “commercially viable” and “environmentally responsible”

Out of 32 EOIs received from around the world, SEMAWP found the only viable option was WTE – which released less greenhouse gases than landfill, he said.

On the topic of viability, No Northern Incinerator Wollert’s spokesperson Cath Rouse later told the inquiry that the Maryvale incinerator was approved in 2017 and still hadn’t been built.

Meanwhile, health researcher Marion Cincotta of the Anti-Incinerator Coalition told of the health threat of cancer-causing dioxins created by burning plastics with chlorine.

The incinerators also produced small carbon particles (PM 2.5) which cause diabetes, asthma, miscarriage and cardiovascular disease, she said.

“Landfill is not a great look but these incinerators are much worse.”

The toxic solid waste or ‘ash’ would also require “high-level disposal”. Most likely this would be at the ‘Earthsure’ thermal treatment plant at the toxic waste dump at Taylors Road, Dandenong South.

It’s the only facility in Victoria that can accept waste of such toxicity, according to No Waste Incinerators in Lara & Greater Geelong Incorporated.

The 25-year, minimum-tonnage model was

Mr Cummins urged the state government to get engaged in finding a solution. The Maryvale incinerator - touted to deliver 450 ongoing jobs as the Yallourn coal power station closes in 2028 - won’t be viable without Melbourne’s South East. Mr Cummins defended the secrecy of each council’s contract due to being “commercial-in-confidence” – to the bemusement of some of the inquiry’s MP members.

to give surety to the private operators, otherwise such facilities would not be built, he said.

Greens MP Sarah Mansfield questioned whether it would reduce the incentive to reduce future waste, and Legalise Cannabis MP David Ettershank said such contracts had bankrupted parties in the US.

The tonnage amounts were a “conservative” estimate, while allowing for population growth,

Poorer neighbourhoods ‘carry waste burden’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A residents group that won its fight against a proposed waste transfer station in Hampton Park say multicultural, low-income communities are unfairly carrying the state’s waste burden.

Lynbrook Residents Association member Vernadette Bilbao-Dickson told a waste-to-energy State Parliamentary inquiry on 8 May that community consultation on the WTS came late in the piece.

And when it arrived, the consultation was “deeply disappointing”, a “mere tick-a-box exercise” from Casey Council’s administrators – who ultimately approved a permit for the WTS.

The Veolia WTS was to collect and compress more than 500,000 tonnes of waste a year from nine South East councils for delivery to a WTE incinerator in Maryvale.

The station was proposed next to a soon-toexpire landfill and within 200 metres of homes.

Yet, despite more than 1000 objectors, Casey treated the project as “pre-determined” and bound by “state policy objectives” , Dickson said.

However the project faltered when Environment Protection Authority Victoria – and later VCAT - refused a development licence on human health grounds.

Dickson said the community shouldn’t have had to rely on such “late-stage intervention”. Such projects should be subjected to a comprehensive, independent Environmental Effects Statement before approvals are considered, she said.

“A consistent and critical issue is the lack of genuine, early and transparent community consultation.”

The highly-multicultural and low-socioeconomic neighbourhood had already endured a noisy, dusty and smelly landfill on its doorstep for 25 years, Dickson said.

Similar demographies in Sunbury, Wollert and Dandenong South were targeted for WTE incinerators, she noted.

“Certain suburban communities are disproportionately relied on to carry Melbourne’s long term waste burden,” Dickson said.

In her submission, Sue Lanigan told the inquiry that no incinerators were planned for affluent

areas such as Toorak, Malvern or Berwick despite being “near to major waste-generating populations”.

Laningan, who represented residents near Dandenong South’s ‘offensive-industry’ zone said residents are angry that they again have to “fight for our health”

Shespokeonthenearby450-hectareheavy-industrial estate in Dandenong South, which includes an approved WTE incinerator and the state’s only prescribed-waste landfill – known as a “toxic waste dump”

There is no air monitoring of the estate, she told the inquiry. The nearest EPA air-quality station is two kilometres north, at Dandenong Showgrounds.

The air-testing station tests for six types of ‘toxins’ – but excludes most of the toxins present in burning plastic.

The yet-to-be-built Great Southern Waste Technologies WTE in Dandenong South was ap-

proved by the EPA in 2020.

Lanigan said the plant would consume up to 100,000 tonnes of waste a year, including significant amounts of plastic.

Toxic by-products include particulate matter, heavy metals, furans as well as dioxins, which even in small amounts were harmful to human health, she said. Many of the toxins were not subject to routine measuring or continuous monitoring, she submitted.

Lanigan called for a reduction in single-use plastics, such as in packaging, rather than building a WTE policy that depends on continual streams of waste.

In Victoria, 11 WTE incinerators have been granted a licence to operate. Seven of them are entitled to burn 2.35 million tonnes of waste a year. Her submission stated: “A circular economy reduces waste. Incinerators require it. Both policies cannot succeed at the same time.”

Victoria has granted seven WTE operator licences under a total cap of 2.35 million tonnes a year.

Outside of the cap are licences for a Maryvale incinerator and a Greater Southern Waste Technologies plant in Dandenong South, both of which have not been built.

Last month, a Government spokesperson didn’t comment on Star News’s enquiries on the future of the SEMAWP waste-to-energy project, nor on what contingencies were in place.

Casey pushes trees

Casey Council will aim to plant thousands of trees over the next two years through their climate initiative.

As part of their Greening Casey Plan, the council will be investing in large scale tree planting, which will amount to 25,000 trees in the next two years.

The investment will also account for 185,000 shrubs.

The City of Casey says that the 2026/27 Budget and Annual Action Plan has a special focus on climate action and environmental resilience in an effort to create a more sustainable future in Casey.

Mayor Stefan Koomen said the expanding green spaces and tree canopy across the city aims to create cooler, healthier and more liveable neighbourhoods.

“These investments are about protecting our environment today and making sure Casey remains a great place to live for generations to come,” he said.

Other key climate action highlights in this council budget includes the continued advocacy for Green Streets, which prioritises canopy coverage in new estates as well as promoting education and engagement initiatives in classrooms.

Nearly $5 million will be invested in major greening, landscape and ecological projects. With priority areas in Cranbourne Botanic Gardens and the endangered Southern Brown BandicootEcologicalCorridorinBotanicRidge.

It also includes a 7 per cent increase in climate investment to $4.46 million which supports climate planning through the Climate Resilient Casey Plan.

Capital works projects includes $974,000 to reduce emissions, manage flood risks and install batteries at community facilities.

The 2026/27 draft budget is now up for public exhibition with the community invited to review the documents and share their feedback.

This feedback period will close on Thursday 14 May.

To view the document and give feedback, go to conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/budget-2026-27

Local men among arrested

Four men including two from Clyde North have been charged after allegedly accessing and distributing ISIS propaganda online.

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have arrested and charged two men, aged 19 and 29 from Clyde North and two men from Roxburgh Park with possession of violent extremist material (VEM) on 7 May 2026.

Under Section s474.45C, intentionally possessing or controlling VEM via the internet or other telecommunication services has a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

The men appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 7 May, where three men were formally refused bail to re-appear at the same court on 8 May 2026.

The fourth was granted strict conditional bail and is expected to re-appear at the same court on 30 July 2026.

A fifth man, 21, was arrested at a Meadow Heights property and released pending further inquiries.

Investigations are ongoing, with assistance from the Victoria Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT).

On 29 November 2024, ABF officers intercepted a then 20-year old Roxburgh Park man at Melbourne International Airport upon his return flight from Turkey.

Where officers conducted a routine examination of his luggage and mobile phone in which suspicious content was located. The matter was reported to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the phone was later seized for further examination.

As part of ongoing inquiries, on 1 June 2025, ABF officers intercepted a second Roxburgh Park man, now aged 21, at Melbourne International Airport and conducted a routine examination of his luggage ahead of his departure to Turkey.

During an examination of the man’s mobile phone, ABF officers located suspicious content. The phone was subsequently seized by

the AFP for further examination.

It will be alleged forensic analysis of the devices revealed the men had been sending, sharing and receiving suspected VEM, which included images and videos of previous terrorist attacks and other ISIS propaganda.

On Thursday 7 May 2026, as a result of the investigation, the AFP’s National Security Investigations (NSI) team in Victoria in collaboration with the AFP Tactical Response Team and Victoria Police, executed four search warrants at homes in the Melbourne suburbs of Clyde South, Roxburgh Park and Meadow Heights.

During the searches, investigators seized electronic devices and mobile phones, which will undergo forensic examination.

At one of the Roxburgh Park properties, an

Two childcare centres to close

Two G8 Education childcare centres in Cranbourne West and Springvale are among the 40 centres to be closed across Australia.

The Learning Sanctuary in Cranbourne West and Springvale 2 World of Learning have shut their doors as part of a “broader review” of centres under the G8 Education corporation, according to a spokesperson.

The childcare group is one of the largest in Australia, with almost 400 early childhood centres, preschools and kindergarten and 8800 workers.

“The suspension of services forms part of a broader review of our centres to ensure our network can be sustainably operated and continue to deliver safe, high-quality outcomes for children and families,” said a G8 Education spokesperson.

“The decision to suspend services at impacted centres is not taken lightly and reflects a range of operational considerations.”

In the last week, 40 centres across Australia have closed. Victoria and Western Australia were hit the hardest with 12 centres closing in each state.

G8 Education, Chief Executive and Managing Director, Pejman Okhovat, says the group has a responsibility to adapt to a changing operating environment, with the safety, rights and best in-

terests of children as its focus.

“We have a responsibility to operate sustainably and responsibly, in a way that delivers the best possible outcomes for families and supports children to grow, thrive and learn in safe and supportive environments,” Mr Okhovat said in a media statement.

According to a G8 spokesperson, the closures stem from “unprecedented changes and uncertainty” pertaining to a combination of socio-macro economic factors including family demand, lower birth rates and changing operating conditions.

G8 have said that, “where possible” , employees have been redeployed and impacted families have been accommodated to other childcare centres within the childcare group.

But they could not provide a single total number of families or team members that would be redeployed from each of these centres due to the fluctuations of both enrolments and staffing levels.

In 2025, a slew of child abuse allegations rocked G8 and its Victorian centres, with former childcare worker, Joshua Brown being charged for 70 offences against numerous children. Brown also worked at other childcares, not linked to G8.

Park algae warning issued

Berwick’s Wilson Botanic Park has been plagued by blue-green algae in its waterways, with treatment expected to be ongoing in the following weeks.

The park issued a warning on Monday 4 May, asking visitors to not make contact with the water due to possible health effects that may ensue.

According to Casey’s Manager of Sustainability and Waste, Michael Jansen, The “Blue-Green algae blooms” typically occur due to a combination of warm weather, increased sunlight, low water movement and elevated nutrient levels within the water.

“We encourage all visitors to avoid contact with the lake and to keep any pets away from the water while the algae is present, as some algae blooms can be harmful,” he said.

“Signs have been put in place around the lake to help keep the community informed and safe.”

Some bloom species can produce toxins that may affect humans and animals through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion.

Possible side effects may include skin irritation or rashes, mild respiratory effects and symptoms similar to hay-fever or gastroenteritis symptoms.

Pets are particularly at risk if they drink affected water.

The council is currently treating the lake with beneficial bacteria to improve the water quality, which will take approximately three weeks.

Depending on the weather, the lake will be closely monitored during this time, says Mr Jansen.

AFP firearm was unintentionally discharged. No one was injured.

AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson said the NSI Team had moved to disrupt and intercept these individuals to keep the community safe.

“We allege these men were actively engaging in the sharing of this material inspired by ISIS, a terrorist organisation responsible for mass killings, and violent religious persecution,” Commander Hudson said.

“We know that intervening early helps to ensure individuals are disrupted before they reach the most serious levels of offending and prevent any potential for escalation to violence.

“The disruption sends a clear message – the AFP, together with our state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners

are watching, and we will not tolerate any type of hatred in our community.”

ABF Commander Operations Victoria Clinton Sims said this was another example of ABF officers’ integral role protecting Australia’s community.

“This operation demonstrates how intelligence and border capabilities are combined to identify individuals of concern and take coordinated action at the border and beyond,” Commander Sims said.

“Protecting Australia’s border is central to protecting our national security, and we will continue to work with our partners to disrupt terrorism-related activity wherever it emerges.”

If you suspect someone is being radicalised online or in person, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

Planning is underway for an upgrade of the Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Clyde-Five Ways Road and Pattersons Road intersection in Clyde.

The upgrade will replace the existing roundabout with traffic lights to improve safety.

We want to hear your views on safety, traffic flow and what we should consider in our planning. You can have your say online or in person.

In person on Saturday 23 May

Drop in any time between 10am and 3pm

Shopping on Clyde, 280 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Clyde

Online by Sunday 31 May

Scan the QR code or visit engage.vic.gov.au/bciu

Initial planning work will be complete in mid-2027. Construction timelines will be known once planning has progressed further.

bigbuild.vic.gov.au/roads 1800 105 105 (call anytime)

For languages other than English please call 9209 0147

All eyes on democracy...

Saturday 9 May 2026, Melbourne Town Hall was packed.

More than 2,000 people filled the historic building for Conversations at the Crossroads: Reclaiming Democracy Together - a sold-out event bringing together thinkers, academics, activists and everyday concerned Australians asking one urgent question:

What is happening to democracy?

And perhaps more importantly: What do we do next?

The event itself was extraordinary. Powerful speakers. Sharp humour. Deep reflection. Real solutions.

Professor Mark Rose, proud Gunditjmara man and educator, spoke with wisdom and larrikin honesty about history, belonging and the foundations Australia still needs to build. There was no bitterness. No blame. Just clarity.

A reminder that he himself was not legally recognised as a “person” in Australia until after the 1967 referendum.

That should stop us all in our tracks.

Natalie Kyriacou brought warmth, wit and environmental insight - comparing democracy to the natural world.

From the matriarchal wisdom of elephants to the collective decision-making of bees, she reminded us that healthy systems survive through cooperation, not domination.

Professor Gillian Triggs highlighted the uncomfortable reality that Australia remains one of the few modern democracies without a national Human Rights Act - and the dangers that that creates for vulnerable people when rights are left exposed to political cycles.

Professor Wendy Brown brought a powerful global lens to the conversation. She unpacked how economic inequality, hyper-individualism and political distrust are slowly eroding democratic life across the West.

Her message was sobering but important: democracy does not simply collapse overnight - it weakens gradually when societies lose their sense of shared responsibility and collective purpose.

Guiding the evening with calm authority and deep insight was Professor Joe Camilleri, President of Conversations at the Crossroads and moderator for the event.

Alongside his dedicated team, he created a space that felt less like a lecture and more like a genuine civic conversation - thoughtful, respectful and deeply needed in the current climate.

In a world increasingly driven by outrage and division, simply bringing 2,000 people together to listen, reflect and engage respectfully was an achievement in itself.

Which leads us to Professor John Keane, who masterfully explained how democracies weaken - not usually through one dramatic collapse, but slowly, through distrust, disengagement and fear.

And perhaps that was the thread tying the entire event together.

Fear.

Truth be told… Australians are increasingly voting from fear, not vision.

Fear of economic insecurity. Fear of migration. Fear of cultural change. Fear of being left behind.

The federal election result in Farrer, where One Nation gained significant traction, reflects

this broader anxiety. Whether people agree with Pauline Hanson or not is almost beside the point.

The deeper question is: Why are people resonating with grievance politics in the first place?

Because when people feel unsafe - economically, socially or culturally - they retreat into self-preservation. Self-preservation changes democracy.

Voting becomes less about: “What is best for Australia?” And more about: “What protects me?”

Perhaps this is the real crisis facing democracy.

Not Left versus Right. Not conservative versus progressive. But individualism versus collective responsibility.

We have built a society increasingly centred around: Me. My rights. My identity. My gain. My fear.

And somewhere along the way, we stopped asking: What strengthens the whole?

Other than First Nations peoples, we are all migrants or descendants of migrants.

Yet Australia often behaves as though belonging is a competition rather than a shared project. There is an “all or nothing” mentality emerging in public discourse.

If someone speaks about multiculturalism, they are accused of ignoring national identity. If someone speaks about patriotism, they are accused of exclusion. If someone questions systems, they are labelled divisive. But democracy cannot survive inside echo chambers.

Democracy requires nuance. Curiosity. Shared responsibility. And education.

That was perhaps the most confronting realisation from the event:

Democracy is not failing because people are evil. It is failing because we have not educated citizens deeply enough in how to live collectively.

We educate for jobs. For performance. For productivity. For self. But not nearly enough for: Belonging. Civic responsibility. Critical thinking.

Cultural maturity. Shared humanity.

This is why values-based education matters. Programs like Belonging in Casey are small but

Two years’ jail for cannabis, firearm charge

A Longford man has been sentenced to two years and four months in jail for possessing and trafficking cannabis and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.

Osman Bayramovski, 38, who grew up in the Doveton and Dandenong area, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court.

Judge Martine Marich handed down the sentence on Friday 8 May, noting that the man has been the sole carer of his elderly mother since 2022.

Judge Marich also cited a previous imprisonment period in which Bayramovski served two years and four months in jail for dangerous driving that killed a 42-year-old driver in 2009. It was noted that this has caused Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), escalating Bayramoksvi’s drug use.

In August 2023, police officers attended Bayramovski’s Longford property for an unrelated matter.

Police observed a greenhouse structure towards the rear of the property with several pedestal fans and ducted piping.

Upon further inspection, police found a padlocked cool room from which they believed they could smell cannabis.

Police located 99 plants in black pots, with 27 of those plants being cannabis weighing a total of 8.26 kilograms.

Further searches found 61 plastic bags containing dried cannabis weighing a total of 27.73 kilograms, with each bag containing approximately 1 pound of cannabis.

They also found two plastic bags containing dried cannabis weighing a total of 106.4 grams

and a semi-automatic rifle, stored in a bag in the accused’s walk-in-robe.

They also found cartridge ammunition stored in a metal safe, as well as an extendable baton.

At the time of the search warrant, Bayramovski was deemed as ‘prohibited’ from possessing a firearm, as not more than five years had expired since he was subject to a final family-violence intervention order.

Inside the breeding shed, 34 of the 45 plants found were cannabis, weighing a total of 1.42 kilograms. In addition to 176.2 grams of loose cannabis stems, branches and leaves.

Inside a drying room, officers found additional dried cannabis weighing a total of 2.77 kilograms.

One year and four months will need to be served before he is eligible for parole.

important attempts to rebuild social fabric early - teaching young people how to navigate difference, contribute to community and think beyond self-interests.

If we do not intentionally teach democratic values, social media algorithms will teach something else.

Usually: Outrage. Hatred. Divisiveness. Fear-mongering.

There was, however, one missing factor at Saturday’s event - more diversity. More younger voices. More everyday Australians outside academic and policy circles. Because if democracy renewal stays confined to intellectual rooms, it will fail.

This conversation belongs in classrooms, sporting clubs, workplaces and dinner tables. Not just town halls.

Our political system itself also needs reflection. Modern politics has become trapped in short election cycles and constant self-preservation.

How do I get elected? How do I get re-elected? How do I avoid backlash?

Real long-term thinking struggles to survive in two- and four-year cycles dominated by polling and fear.

So, governments react instead of lead. Throwing money at symptoms while deeper fractures grow underneath.

Maybe the shift we need is philosophical. From ROI - Return on Investment to ROHReturn on Humanity.

What if we measured success not only by economic growth, but by: Trust. Belonging. Mental wellbeing. Civic participation. Community resilience.

Because when people feel safe, they share more. They fear less. They become less tribal. More generous. More democratic.

As Dad often says: “A healthy society is one where people still look out for their mates.”

Simple words. But perhaps that is democracy at its core. Not politics. People. Truth be told… democracy will not be saved by louder politicians, but by better humans.

A bus carrying 10 passengers and a truck were involved in a collision in Clyde North on the morning of Friday 8 May.

Police and emergency services responded to the collision about 8:30 am, where it is believed the bus and truck collided at the corner of Tuckers Road and Heather Grove.

The truck driver, bus driver and the passengers were all uninjured.

One person was assessed on scene, but no emergency treatment or transport was required.

Investigations into the crash remain ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

RSL celebrates mothers

ees

Mavis marks her 102nd birthday with family and friends

By Jensy Callimootoo

As she enters her 102nd year, Mavis Hutchinson has built up a pretty impressive portfolio.

From serving in the army at 18 to instilling core values of parity in her children, daughter Jenny tells Star News that her mum, now living at Lynbrook, has always had a rebellious streak that has helped navigate her life.

The streak was evident in her earlier years, when she had to repeat grade six due to her refusal to wear stockings to school.

She later left high school and worked at a laundromat up until someone challenged her, yet again sparking this rebellious trait.

“Someone said to her, you’re never going to leave home, you’re never going to leave your mother,” said Jenny.

“So she decided she’d show them that she would.”

It was then that Mavis joined the army where she served as an assistant cook for three years at Point Nepean and Queenscliff.

Adamant on forging her path, Mavis found a way to leave home despite the monetary barriers.

“She was going to join the land army, but they wanted her to pay for the uniform,” Jenny said.

“She didn’t have any money. So she joined

the regular army and they gave her the uniform.”

When asking Mavis what she remembers about her time there, she points to a special opportunity to ride a motorbike.

“It’s the only time she’s ever been on a motorbike,” said Jenny.

Three years passed and Mavis settled in North Fitzroy with her aunty and worked as a tailor with Jenny noting that these skills were integral to her years of not needing to buy clothes.

Not long after, she met her husband Charles at her brother’s wedding. And in 1947, the couple tied the knot, moving to Clayton where they would have eight children.

Despite being busy with her children, Jenny recalls her mum engraining a sense of equality among all her children, boys or girls.

“My brothers learnt that they had to pull their weight,” said Jenny.

“Back then boys were put first but in our house we were treated the same. They had to do the dishes. They learnt to cook.

“Mum was the ruler in the house. Some people might think Mum was a bit hard on us, but you need to do what you’re told.”

Mavis celebrated her amazing feat of 102 years old on Tuesday 12 May, with her family and friends embracing her life.

Doveton Pool ‘fully funded’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Doveton Pool in the Park’s $19 million redevelopment is a step closer to full funding after a State Budget allocation of $500,000.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams announced the funding on social media on Budget day.

Casey mayor Stefan Koomen said the State funding would help fully fund the project - a $3 million kids’ outdoor pool and waterslide, and the completion of the renewed 50-metre pool and new parkland as outlined in the council’s 2026-’27 draft budget.

“We won’t require any more additional funding – so we can deliver it in full,” Cr Koomen said.

“This is the best outcome for the people of Doveton.”

Last year, councillors voted to add the kids’ pool, slide and all-year-round playground to the project.

It brought the total cost to $19.1 million, with a $2.9 funding deficit to be filled in 2026-‘27.

Currently, a replacement outdoor 50-metre pool with reduced depth as well as a new changeroom ‘village’ are under construction and expected to open in 2027.

The project includes $7.4 million of federal funding.

In 2021, Casey Council sparked public outroar with plans to demolish the 50-year-old pools and retain only parkland.

A fierce public campaign to ‘Save Doveton Pool’ led to the council’s sharp reversal.

Township Association which was led by Koomen prior to his election. In other State Budget news, $200,000 was allocated for facility upgrades at Reema Reserve, Endeavour Hills.

Shocking incidents headline rise in family-violence: police

A week’s snapshot of 161 police call outs in the South East shows family violence continuing to rise, police say.

Among the alarming incidents was a man who allegedly strangled and threatened to kill his former partner with a hammer before attempting to set part of his home alight.

Another killed a family dog, and another used a gun to threaten and rob his former partner.

Over a seven-day period in April, the Dandenong division attended 85 callouts in Casey, 45 in Greater Dandenong and 31 in Cardinia.

They arrested 95 alleged perpetrators, and charged 58 of them with 290 family violence offences.

More than half of the offences (57 per cent) related to perpetrators breaching family violence intervention orders and 26 per cent related to assaults against victims.

“This shows the unfortunate reality that family violence remains on the rise and it will not be tolerated by police,” Dandenong Family Violence Investigation Unit Senior Sergeant Jason Iles said.

“When we attend these call outs we don’t hes-

itate to arrest and lay charges if we identify any offences.

“Whether it’s perpetrators threatening victims or breaching intervention orders – they will be caught and held to account.”

Six of the perpetrators charged were also recidivist – committing multiple family violence offences against their partners and children over extended periods of time.

These perpetrators are actively monitored and proactively visited by the Dandenong Family Violence Investigation Unit to enforce intervention order conditions.

“These perpetrators committing these crimes are on our radar and we are actively monitoring their movements to keep victims safe,” Sen Sgt Iles said.

“We want our community to know that if you report family violence we will take action and do everything we can to ensure your safety.”

Some of those arrested and charged include:

A 36-year-old man who allegedly strangled and threatened to kill his former partner with a hammer before dousing the front porch of his res-

Council acknowledges passing of Geoff Ablett

Casey Council has acknowledged the passing of former Mayor and councillor, Geoff Ablett, after his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Ablett served as a Casey Councillor for 12 years and mayor in 2008, 2013 and 2017.

Before that, he had a decorated sporting career as a VFL premiership player, including 202 games for Hawthorn and brief stints with Richmond and St Kilda before retiring from league football.

In the acknowledgement, Casey reflected on Ablett’s “strong” advocacy for transport as well as his role in championing investments in local sports in addition to his philanthropic work.

“He led key advocacy efforts to improve Casey’s road network and public transport,” said the release.

“And during his time on Council was involved in many significant milestones for the Casey community including the opening of Bunjil Place, Selandra Community Hub and Casey Stadium.”

“Geoff dedicated much of his life to serving the Casey community and will be remembered by many for his dedication and the work he delivered.”

In 2020, Ablett and his fellow councillors were dismissed after a Victorian Independent Broadbased Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) launched an investigation into Casey and property developer John Woodman.

Mr Ablett received adverse findings in the IBAC report that he’d allegedly received significant payments and other financial benefits from Mr Woodman while promoting the developer’s interests at Casey.

He was ultimately not charged, while ex-mayor Sam Aziz and Woodman face criminal proceedings.

To the last, Mr Ablett steadfastly maintained his innocence.

In February, he told Star News that the stress surrounding the IBAC probe had taken a toll.

“There are several possibilities (of the contrib-

uting factor). Chemicals, stress. The IBAC was a lot,” he said.

“I’m still innocent today…There was no evidence. I wanted to put that I was wrongly accused, and I’m very disappointed.”

Ablett revealed in February this year, that he was diagnosed with MND just before Christmas 2025.

The diagnosis followed months of hospital stays and medical tests with doctors struggling to pinpoint the cause of his rapid physical decline.

At the time, Mr Ablett said he had spent about 12 months in and out of the hospital over the past 15 months.

idence with petrol and attempting to set it alight.

The man was arrested by police, with the victim taken to safety. The man was charged with intentionally causing injury, threats to kill, contravention of an intervention order and attempted criminal damage by fire.

A 35-year-old man who allegedly used a handgun to threaten and rob his former partner and persistently contravened a family violence intervention order. The man was arrested by police, with the victim taken to safety. He’s been charged with 35 offences including armed robbery, persistent contravention of an intervention order, conduct endangering life and ramming of a police vehicle. Police executed a search warrant at the man’s property and seized several handguns and imitation firearms.

A 28-year-old man who allegedly killed his family dog and persistently contravened a family violence intervention order. The man was arrested by police, with his family taken to safety. He’s been charged with persistent contravention of an intervention order, criminal damage and cruelty to animals.

All three men were remanded in custody to face court at a later date.

Police say that many breaches of intervention orders are committed by perpetrators using mobile phones and social media to harass, threaten and control victims remotely.

The use of technology extends harm beyond physical proximity and makes it harder for families to feel safe, police say.

Other offending included harassment, property damage, rape and non-fatal strangulation.

The unit has an equal focus on victim-survivors, with police regularly attending properties to check in with affected family members and children.

Crisis support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps on 1800 015 188. If someone is in immediate danger, always call Triple Zero (000).

If you are concerned about your own behaviour or the behaviour of someone you know, call Men’s Referral Service (No to Violence) on 1300 766 491.

Details: police.vic.gov.au/family-violence

Closer look at State Budget 26-27 investments in Casey

The City of Casey has welcomed the investment from the State Government as part of its 2026/27 Budget, but that more commitments are needed to keep up with the city’s growth.

Upgrades to roads, infrastructure and a boost to sports and health amenities are among the secured provisions.

Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen says that while the investments are a “step forward” which will support practical improvements for the largest municipality in Victoria, he highlights that “there is still more to be done”.

“Casey is one of the fastest growing communities in Victoria, and our residents deserve infrastructure and services that keep pace with that growth,” Mayor Koomen said.

“We need meaningful, long-term investment in roads, community facilities, public transport and local services.

“Council remains committed to working with all levels of government and will continue to strongly advocate for the infrastructure and services our community needs, so families can continue to live, work and thrive close to home.”

As part of its ‘Building a Better Casey’ advocacy campaign ahead of the State Budget and November state election, Casey outlined three main priorities for state-backed funding.

This included funding for better transport and roads, community infrastructure such as libraries and community hubs as well as the restoration of the Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF) which would bolster its capacity to support the community.

It continues to advocate for $50 million to investigate and improve bus services across Casey. As well as the development

of the much-anticipated Clyde Rail Link, which would electrify the rail networks for many in Casey’s southern corridors. Here’s a closer look at key investments and funding breakdowns across Casey:

- Resurfacing of Pound Road in Hampton Park

- $500,000 allocated toward the redevelopment of Doveton Pool in the Park to deliver a kids’ pool, waterslide and playground.

- Funding to repair, rebuild and resurface local roads, including the Monash Freeway and South Gippsland Freeway, helping address potholes and improve safety for road users.

- $200,000 allocated for facility upgrades at Reema Reserve, Endeavour Hills Casey’s growing corridors are also in line for upgrades and expansions of some services as revealed by Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards. This includes:

- $34.63 million to Urgent Care Clinic at Cranbourne Community Hospital along with six new dialysis chairs

- $250,000 to Casey Warriors Club room upgrades

- $50,000 to Junction Village Playground

- New Bus routes for Junction Village, Botanic Ridge, and Livingstone Estate as part of the state’s $100 million bus network upgrades

- Unspecified investment for High Intensity Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) at Marnebek School in Cranbourne East

- Unspecified funding to operationalise a new SES unit in Devon Meadows to be delivered in 2027. This includes new equipment, vehicles, volunteer recruitment, administration and systems.

Banned sex dolls for sale

By Sahar Foladi

Child-like sex dolls were shockingly discovered for sale on multinational retailer Amazon’s website before they were taken down after Star News’ queries.

Almost 3000 emails were sent to Amazon by the grassroots campaigning movement, Collective Shout, which had discovered the sex dolls modelled on female toddlers and designed for male sexual use being offered on the platform.

Child-like sex dolls - and other child abuse material - are considered a Tier 2 Good, and importation into Australia is prohibited without specific permissions. Breaches can lead to a fine of up to $782,500, imprisonment for 10 years or both.

It is an area of focus for Australian Border Force, which stopped close to 50 childlike sex dolls from entering the country.

Amazon says the products in question were in its US stores and removed after it conducted an investigation.

Its spokesperson said the protection of children and adolescents was a priority, and they require all products offered in stores to comply with the applicable regulations.

“We have strict policies and guidelines in the

segment of adult products and we have always strictly prohibited child pornography.

“This includes having express policies prohibiting the sale of sex dolls with child-like appearances, which all third-party sellers on our store must follow.

“We are investing heavily in tools and teams to continuously monitor our store and enforce the respect of our guidelines and policies.

“Third-party sellers who don’t will be subject to action, including removal of their account.”

Collective Shout campaign manager, Caitlin Roper slams Amazon’s response as inconsistent with their actions, saying it has “failed” to show “any actual commitment to child safeguarding”

“If our small team of five women working parttime, if we can find this stuff and new dolls every week, why can’t a billion-dollar company find them? Why can’t they actually fix the problem?”

She says the organisation has been flagging this type of product since 2018 and most recently sent almost 3000 emails in regard to the recent advertised products, but their concerns were dismissed.

“I think it’s either a low priority or that they are making enough money that they would rather continue to make the money,” Ms Roper said.

“It was just sort of a game of whack-a-mole.

Now we’ve gone hard in the last six months, and we’ve found all these different ways that sellers are engaging in deception, giving the dolls breasts to make them look like adult women, passing them off as adult women and then sending children (-sized dolls).

“We’ve also found this time that the sellers are advertising life-size action figures for cosplay and photography and art, but they’re literally the same sex dolls made by the same sex doll companies. Just advertised as being for something else.”

A Victorian government spokesperson urged anyone with information about the importation of child exploitation material including child-like sex dolls, to report it to Border Watch.

“This is sickening and completely unacceptable -- there is absolutely no place for anything that enables the exploitation of children.”

Ms Rogers says the retailing giant is profiting off “exploitation and dehumanisation of women.”

“If you look at the sex dolls and sex doll-related products they sell, it is so degrading and objectifying of women.

“ It’s things like either full body sex dolls in very pornographic poses or even just torsos ... with no head, no legs.”

Various customer reviews on Amazon website, some accompanied by photos, prove the dolls are

toddler-sized.

“About the size of my toddler … This should not be able to be sold,” one review read.

“I’m not sure how I feel about it looking like a child. A sex toy that’s a kid. It’s so small. If anyone sees this, I could go to jail.”

“It’s only 24 inches tall. That’s toddler size … It’s a baby. It’s pedo.”

The Australian Border Force stopped close to 50 childlike sex dolls from entering Australia between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 after there was a “disturbing rise” in attempts to import objects, which triggered a nationwide crackdown.

A 51-year-old Bulleen man was charged in 2020 for importation of a child-like sex doll after ABF officers intercepted the parcel coming from China at the Melbourne International Mail Gateway Facility.

The item was declared as a mannequin instead.

Research by the Australian Institute of Criminology suggests the use of these dolls “may lead to increased child sex offences from viewing online child exploitation material to contact sexual offending”

“It may also desensitise the user from the potential harm that child sexual assault causes, given that such dolls give no emotional feedback.”

Royal Botanic Gardens debuts new home gardening initiative

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne has launched a new initiative to inspire and educate visitors on basic home gardening tips.

Through its new ‘How to Garden’ program, visitors will have the chance to develop their mastery in biodiversity and native plants.

The recently launched garden, features a selection of new plants, long seating benches, a teaching circle, fire pit and modern educational signage.

The designs were led by Andrew Laidlaw, an architect of over 25 years, who recently received the President’s award for an outstanding contribution to landscape architecture at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Victorian Awards.

Laidlaw says that the concept of the garden aims to underscore biodiversity, culinary and medicinal plants as well as the correct plant placement aimed to attract animals and insects.

This includes the endangered bandicoots, native bees, native birds and other wildlife.

Plants included in the garden extend to the Emu Bush which can be used as an antiseptic, Native Mint, used in tea and Eucalyptus, often used for essential oils.

“They can learn about microclimates and selecting the right plant for the right location, such as planting in shady areas or areas with root-laden soil,” Laidlaw said.

“They can also learn about traditional plant uses including their medicinal and culinary properties and see that these plants can be planted in the ground and spread throughout the garden rather than just grown in raised gardens.

“Visitors are encouraged to touch and smell the plants in the garden for the full experience.”

Information and signs scattered around the garden contain gardening tips.

In addition to this, rooted in consultation with the Bunurong Council Aboriginal Corporation, visitors can also discover traditional plant uses and bush foods.

“Whether you are caring for a courtyard or a larger backyard, this garden will teach you

the benefits of a native Australian garden and how to get the best from it,” Laidlaw said

“The fire pit with surrounding seating for up to 30 students, encourages people to connect with friends and family gathering spaces within their own backyards, just as First Peoples

WHAT’S ON

Follow Your Waste Tour

Hop on the bus and follow your waste from Valoriza to Stevenson’s Road closed landfill, Veolia and Cleanaway Hallam Education Centre. Fully catered. Please note that this tour may include stairs, uneven ground, potentially slippery surfaces and indoor and outdoor venues. For ages 16-plus.

• Thursday 14 May 9am-4.30pm at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: events.humanitix.com/follow-your-waste-tour-1-2026-cityof-casey Coffee for a Cause

During National Palliative Care Week (10–16 May), help fund Palliative Care South East’s services across the region. This can be done by attending 80VC Community Cafe and adding $1 to a coffee purchase,

• 10-16 May, 7am-3.30pm at 80VC Community Cafe, 80 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren. Forest by Polyglot Theatre

A new immersive show for children 4-10 and their families to explore their connection to forests.

• Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne; $15/$15. Bookings essential at rbg.vic.gov.au/cranbourne-gardens/whats-oncranbourne/forest-by-polyglot-theatre/ Gardening Together

For all dads and grandfathers - bring your children and grandchildren (aged 3-6 years) for a morning of digging, planting, playing and getting dirty. Grow vegetables to eat, learn about insects, and have fun in the kids’ play garden. Please bring hats, sunscreen and water bottles. Gardening tools and resources provided.

• Saturday 16 May 10am-11.30am at Old Cheese Factory community gardens, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick. Bookings: trybooking.com/ events/landing/1528450?

FC26 Competition

Join us for a round of FC26 on the PS5 and score yourself some prizes as we celebrate Law Week 2026 at Bunjil Place Library. Connect with the teams from South-East Monash Legal Service and Casey Youth Services and share your views on legal issues that matter to you. Drop-in event, no bookings required. Suitable for ages 14-25.

• Monday 18 May 4pm-6pm at Bunjil Place

library, Narre Warren; free event.

Pancake Night

Clyde North Dad Squad invites dads, grandfathers and father figures to bring your children for free pancakes and fun. Most dietary requirements can be catered.

• Tuesday 19 May 7pm-8pm at Orana Community Place, 1 Fresco Place, Clyde North; free event. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DLFTN

Wear Orange Wednesday

• WOW Day is the national day of recognition to say ‘thank you’ to SES volunteers. Wear orange, post a photo or video to socila media with hashtag #ThankYouSES, host orange-themed morning tea or donate to local SES units. Wednesday 20 May. Donate to Cranbourne SES unitathttps://square.link/u/tt2wsaeN?src=sheet

Biodiversity Day at Myuna Farm

Come and celebrate International Day for Biodiversity. A train ride to wetlands, where you can meet flying foxes and watch them fly out at sunset. Frog calls and water bugs activities.

• Thursday 21 May 4.30pm-6.30pm at Myuna Farm, Kidds Road, Doveton; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DLBDC

Cancer Council morning tea

National Seniors Australia Berwick hosts a social morning tea and fundraiser event for the Cancer Council.

• Wednesday 27 May 10am-12pm at The Old Shop, Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick. Details: Jennifer, 0474 254 287

All In for Reconciliation

2026 National Reconciliation Week event featuring dance performance, storytelling and activities.

• Wednesday 27 May 4pm-6pm at Bunjil Place plaza, Narre Warren; free event.

Visible Mending Workshop

Bring along your ripped or moth-chomped woollen clothing, stretchy clothing, and woven clothing (jeans are ideal). We will also look at things like sashiko, embroidery and weaving mends. Light refreshments provided.

• Friday 29 May, 9.30am - 12pm at Good Food Emporium, Unit 15/430-440 Princes Hwy, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: events.humanitix. com/visible-mending-workshop-29-5

Notices Real Estate

We are a small friendly weight loss group who meet up every Monday eveningforaweighinand a supportive chat over a teaorcoffee.Ifyouwould like to join our group you are most welcome to join onMondayat5pmhavea cuppa and ask any questions you might have. Cranbourne community house 49 Valpark Cranbourne-Room5.

VACCA Community Fundraiser

Reconciliation Week event and community fundraiser for Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency with art by N’Dene Riley, family activities, food and raffle prizes. Hosted by Story House Early Learning Lynbrook.

• Monday 1 June 2.30pm-5.30pm at Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris Street; free entry. Bookings: trybooking.com/DLLMG

Movie night with Cranbourne Dads’ Group

Bring your children for a movie, supper and meet other father figures. For all dads, grandfathers, father figures and their children. Suitable for children aged 6 years and under.

• Saturday 6 June, 6.30pm-8.30pm at Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne West; free event. Bookings: trybooking. com/DJYGF

Family violence fundraiser

Rotary Club of Casey presents Unlocking Hope—a special fundraising event in support of RizeUp and their vital work empowering families impacted by domestic and family violence. Delicious food, with drinks at bar prices. Live music from guest artist Paul Hogan, lucky door prizes and silent auctions. Dress code: cocktail. Saturday 20 June, 7pm-11pm at Beaconsfield Club, Holm Park Reserve, 100 Beaconsfield-Emerald Road, Beaconsfield; $65pp. Bookings: trybooking.com/events/1564861/sessions/6350052/sections/3013983/tickets

Cranbourne Seniors Club

Devonshire Tea on Friday 22 May, 1.30pm-3.30pm; $10pp. Morning Melodies with Gavin Chatelier, first Friday of the month, 11am-3pm; $15 lunch included.

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

Endeavour Hills Men’s Shed Just retired? Learn new skills and meet new people. Improve mental wellbeing. Have fun and enjoy good company.

• Mondays-Saturdays 10am-3pm at Sydney Pargeter Reserve, 289 Power Road, Endeavour Hills. Details: John, 9700 1810.

Games Days Mahjong, whist and darts on second and fourth

Fridays of the month (11am-2pm), line dancing on Thursdays (10am-12pm), carpet bowls on Mondays and Thursdays (1pm-3pm), garden group on Mondays (10am-12pm), cards on Saturdays (1pm), bingo first Wednesday of the month (1pm-2pm) and table tennis on Saturdays (9.30am-12pm). Social days are held every Wednesday 10am-2pm with a live entertainer from 1pm.

• Narre Warren Senior Citizens Club, 192/196 Centre Road, Narre Warren.

Singers wanted

Cranbourne Chorale is recruiting for its non-auditioned adult community choir for mixed voices. Our repertoire is a mix of uplifting songs. Feel free to visit us without obligation, the first four sessions are free of charge.

• Wednesday rehearsals 7.30pm at The Factory, Building 5, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East. Details: Jenny, 0438 358 032. U3A Cranbourne

Three new classes for 2026 - mosaics with talented artist Tony Shannon (Tuesdays 12pm), beginner Italian with tutor Jan (Wednesdays 10am-12pm) 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

Casual pickleball

Just turn up early to secure your place. All equipment supplied.

• Fridays 10am-11.30am and Sundays 10.30am11.30am at Olive Road sporting complex, Eumemmerring. All equipment supplied, $5.40 per session.

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.

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Advertise your car, motorbike, truck, tractor, trailer, caravan, campervan, machinery or even your boat (with trailer), houseboat or

Eagles fall but belief builds

By Blair Burns

Cranbourne did a lot right against the reigningpremier Cheltenham in the Southern Division 1 clash on Saturday at Amstel Reserve, but the spirited Eagles fell short in the final quarter, 12.12(84) to 8.8(56).

It was a gutsy effort from the Eagles who will not have lost any fans after bringing it right up to the Rosellas for three quarters.

While Cranbourne kicked off this season with two consecutive wins, the side has now dropped three in a row, but don’t worry, it is not cause for concern at all.

There is no doubt that the Eagles have had a tough fixture to start the season having played four of the current top five teams, as well as St Paul’s McKinnon, who played in a preliminary final last year.

With the exception of Narre Warren last week, they have been right in the hunt for a win against Springvale Districts (two point loss) where Cranbourne was up 40-12 at quarter time.

And late in the third quarter on Saturday when evergreen veteran Marc Holt slotted his fifth goal of the game, the margin was back to three points and it was game on against the Rosellas.

Cheltenham’s experience came to the party in the fourth term and they did the basics a little bit better than the Eagles, kicking three goals in the final term to win the game by 28 points.

While there is no doubt that some clubs, coaches and groups would be happy with a good fight from a young side, there has been a subtle shift at Cranbourne.

“We spoke about it after the game, there is that part of you that goes, ‘it was a good effort’ , but we can’t be happy with losing - I feel like we are a bit better than that,” senior coach Angelo Soldatos said.

“We don’t want to be happy with just being competitive, we want to win.”

But at the same time, it was also about taking the positives away from it and growing to become better from lessons learned.

“We focussed on a few things during the week and I felt like we ticked a fair few of them off, and if we can play like that, I think we will have some good results throughout the year,” Soldatos said.

“I thought we were decent, they just did the basics better late in the game.

“We missed a handball or a kick, and fumbled under pressure, whereas they have won three flags in a row.”

The defensive line for Cranbourne has been a feature of its game for the past couple of seasons, and the likes of Jake Cowburn and Tom Freyer stood up again.

“Our defenders were under the pump a bit early and then the second quarter was a bit more end to end,” Soldatos said.

“In the second quarter, they kicked three goals from turnovers, which was their whole score, so that was just some fundamental stuff.

“After half time, it was a pretty even contest in terms of inside 50s, contested numbers and clearances.”

The margin was back to nine points at three quarter time and Holt was looking ominous with a bag of five.

After controlling the football and playing the game style they wanted to for three quarters, Soldatos said the side felt the pressure and as a result, went away from what was working.

“We had taken 95 uncontested marks for the game and only 12 in the last quarter, we tried to win it instead of continuing to play the way we had,” he said.

“There is your evidence which is positive, we play the way we want to for the game and it looks okay, then we move away and it wasn’t bad, it just reduced our ability to score and keep hold of the ball.”

With a young side, Soldatos will continue to preach the process instead of the outcome.

“We have been talking about that a lot, process versus outcome,” he said.

“Particularly with a young group, they can play the scoreboard a bit whether we are in front or behind … that can impact how we are playing.”

The ball movement on the weekend was exceptional across the first three quarters and the Eagles managed to open up and challenge the formidable Rosellas.

In the last quarter, Cheltenham kicked three goals to zero and held on to win by 28 points.

Will Nisbet was named Cranbourne’s best

player and the young gun has been turning heads across the first five games of the season.

“He’s a very good player … we all knew he could play but we didn’t see him going quite this well at senior level straight off the bat,” Soldatos said.

“He had 27 disposals, six marks, seven rebound 50s and five intercept possessions.

“Will does vision with me every week and really wants to get better and learn.”

Holt kicked five and led the way, while Jake Cowburn and Tom Freyer were impressive in defence.

Dale Alanis celebrated his 300th senior career game, despite having played just the four at Cranbourne this season - a special celebration for a brilliant career.

Another reliable contributor was Zak Roscoe, the team’s fearless leader, who is in some very good form with another 26 disposals and six marks.

“We sort of said as coaches, that if Zak wasn’t out there against Narre, it could’ve got really ugly,” Soldatos said.

“Holty is just a freak, I don’t think anyone else gets up to play the last couple of weeks but he just loves it.”

Max Davis and Ollie Moran kicked three goals apiece for Cheltenham, while Jacob Edwards won plenty of the ball.

It was a big clash this weekend against the Colts and Soldatos knew the importance of coming away with the four points.

“We go there really excited about the challenge and we just need to win and get back on the winners’ list,” he said.

“It’s an important game in the context of our season, if we win, we probably go back into the five and if we lose, we fall back to the pack a bit.

“They are better than a 0-5 team, they have been right in games and not often a team has a percentage of more than 70 at 0-5.”

The Eagles are hoping to welcome back Mitch Lewis from a concussion and Andrew Green from a bad corky.

Springvale Districts defeated Hampton Park by 40 points, 15.19 (109) to 10.9 (69).

Despite kicking inaccurately early and leading by only 12 points at half time, the Demons controlled much of the play and eventually pulled away.

The undermanned Redbacks fought hard

despite missing Luke Bull and Mitch Cox, but Springvale proved too strong. Erishmiilan Uthayakumar kicked four goals for the Demons, while Mason Hawkins, Jye King and Trent Thomas kicked two each for Hampton Park.

• SOUTHERNDIVISION1

CRANBOURNE

2.2 4.4 8.6 8.8(56)

CHELTENHAM

3.6 6.7 9.9 12.12(84)

CranbourneGoals: Marc Holt 5, Bailey Buntine, Charlie Ellis, Trent Marotta. Best: Will Nisbet, Jarrod Hocking, Tom Freyer, Jake Cowburn, Marc Holt, Zak Roscoe.

CheltenhamGoals: Max Davis, Ollie Moran 3, Tom Davis, Finn Ryan 2, Charlie Brookes, Alec McComb. Best: Jacob Edwards, Alec McComb,

SPRINGVALEDISTRICTS

2.6 6.11

SpringvaleDistrictsGoals: Erishmiilan Uthayakumar 4, George Angelopoulos 3, Cory Hutchinson, Alex Derzekos, Ky Allcock, Liam Giove, Piva Wright. Best: Mason Russell, Cory Hutchinson, Nicholas Beer, Ryan Quirk, George Angelopoulos, Piva Wright.

HamptonParkGoals: Mason Hawkins, Jye King, TrentThomas2,MakaioHaywood,DylanMcKenzie, Dylan Morris, Jayden Weichard. Best: Jayden Weichard, Clayton Taylor, Deakin

Panthers fight not enough

By Blair Burns

A slow start cost Devon Meadows a shot at victory against a strong Dromana side in round five of the MPFNL Division 1 senior football with the Tigers winning by 30 points at Glover Reserve, 18.7(115) to 13.7(85).

After quarter time, the Panthers outscored their formidable opposition 81-78 but a six-goalto-zero opening term was the difference.

Devon Meadows has shown on many different occasions throughout this season that it is up to the level of MPFNL Division 1 and can compete with the best sides, with plenty of positives to take away from the first five games, sitting sixth at 2-3.

Joel Hillis has been his reliable self, recruit Kye Quirk has been dominating in the middle and Nick Battle has been hitting the scoreboard nicely.

The young stars like Jack Wilson, Ky Williams, Levi Churchill and Cody Ray have all taken further steps and played some great games.

The Panthers are up to the level, but have struggled to sustain it across four quarters, which is what you require to beat some of the best teams in the league.

They were unlucky in the first quarter with a couple of shots on goal hitting the post, paired with incredible efficiency and goalkicking at the other end.

Devon Meadows couldn’t find a goal in the opening quarter despite having plenty of forward entries, whereas Dromana could not miss with Clayton Gay kicking one of the best goals you will see from the left pocket.

The Panthers conceded the first two goals out the back from the goal square after quick ball movement from the Tigers, and whenever the home side missed a chance, Dromana took it.

At quarter time, the scoreboard read 37-4 in favour of the visitors and Ryan Hendy’s troops had some work to do to get back in the contest.

It was a hot start to the second quarter from the Panthers and exactly what they needed as they kicked three of the first four goals of the term, thanks to a Fletcher McMillan set shot, a Joel Hillis long bomb and a Nick Battle snap.

Devon

While Alex Canal added another snap goal later in the term, it was Dromana who kicked a late goal to keep the lead at a safe 28 points.

The Tigers flexed their muscles and continued their remarkable accuracy to kick four early goals in the third quarter to leave the scores at 13.3 (81) to 4.5 (29).

The Panthers worked hard from that point on and managed to kick five straight goals … but when it looked like they were back in it, Dromana kicked on.

Devon Meadows outscored the Tigers four goals to three in the final quarter but the margin always remained at about four or five goals, with Dromana eventually winning by 30 points.

Quirk (29 disposals, one goal) was impressive

once again, as was Samuel Sprake (12 disposals, 18 hitouts), who had the tough job against Billy Geurts.

Owen Hillis, Levi Chirico, Jack Wilson and Cody Ray rounded out the best players for the Panthers, while Battle led the scoring with three goals.

BIGWINFORBOMBERS

It was unfortunately another fadeout for Pearcedale, who kicked just 3.0 after quarter time against Frankston Bombers, going down by 81 points at the final siren, 18.16(124) to 7.1(43).

Last week, it was a dramatic turnaround against Somerville as the Dales struggled to stop the opposition once they got momentum, this

week was a similar story.

The Dales made the most of their chances late in the first quarter, with Jake Frawley slotting two late goals to give his side a 25-11 lead at the first break.

Skipper Kaolan Thornton was everywhere in the attacking chains and Luke Daniel was dangerous up forward.

Peter Bastinac’s men had made the most of their opportunities inside forward 50, kicking 4.1, while the Bombers couldn’t find the middle of the big sticks with 1.5.

Frankston got on top of the game well and truly in the second quarter with eight shots on goal to Pearcedale’s one, but inaccuracy was keeping the Dales in the game.

The half time score was 34-31 in favour of the Bombers, but a second-half demolition was to follow.

In one of the most dominant halves of footy you will see, Frankston put on a clinic for the home crowd at Baxter Park, sharpening up their accuracy to kick 14.6 to Pearcedale’s 2.0.

The Bombers are second on the ladder with a 4-1 record, while it has been quite a contrasting start to the year for the Dales who are 10th at 1-4.

Ethan Vagg, Trey Robertson, Connor Georgakopoulos, Finn Jakstas and Frawley were Pearcedale’s best performers, Frawley finishing with three majors.

Luke Jennings and Archie McGuiness rounded out the goalkickers with two each - Tyson Barry, Jaie Bedson and Oscar Lonie kicked four goals each for Frankston.

• MPFNL

DIVISION 1 R5: Dromana 18.7 (115) def Devon Meadows 13.7 (85), Frankston YCW 10.9 (69) def Edithvale-Aspendale 10.8 (68), Langwarrin 15.22 (112) def Mornington 11.10 (76), Rosebud 12.17 (89) def Mt Eliza 8.10 (58), Pines 15.13 (103) def Sorrento 11.9 (75).

DIVISION 2 R5: Frankston Bombers 18.16 (124) def Pearcedale 7.1 (43), Bonbeach 11.9 (75) def Hastings 7.11 (53), Chelsea 22.10 (142) def Red Hill 7.8 (50), Crib Point 18.26 (134) def Tyabb 7.5 (47), Rye 14.10 (94) def Karingal 6.6 (42), Seaford 11.9 (75) def Somerville 9.9 (63).

Mighty Magpies make it 4-0 with strong win over Tigers

By Blair Burns

Narre Warren maintained its undefeated status and its spot on top of the ladder after a strong 47-goal win against Cardinia Tigers in round five of the South East Precinct Netball League (SEPNL).

Credit goes to the Tigers who battled hard and prevented the scoreboard from looking much worse, the final result a 68-21 win to the Magpies.

The Magpies are gelling together nicely and have made it clear to the rest of the league that they are the early benchmark.

Having now played every team once, the only team which has come close to the black and white was Beaconsfield who fell short by just two goals.

Coach Kealeigh Brown said the weekend’s victory against Cardinia was a scrappy contest, but was pleased with the team’s start to the season.

“We’ve started the season surprisingly well and have shown off our fitness and pre-season training in games,” she said.

“For a young team and having only really seven of our selected A graders available until the recent round, the girls have combined well and everyone is dominating their positions.”

Some of the big inclusions to the Narre Warren A grade side were Corrina Emery and Jayda McConkey.

“We’ve recently welcomed Corrina back into the team after the birth of her baby boy in February and she has been a welcome inclusion that brings some maturity and composure down the defensive end,” Brown said.

“And we debuted Jayda McConkey as well, who has come back from a knee injury over the pre-season period.

“We’re now just reshaping combinations with those inclusions, but it’s great to have a majority of the team available now for games.”

Narre Warren shooter Mercy Loelu had an-

other day out, netting 40 goals in the 68-21 win, while sister Grace, who plays with Mornington, was able to play on permit for the Magpies due to fixture flexibility.

Loelu had great assistance from McConkey (16 goals) and Charli Lambert (eight goals).

Now the focus shifts to the match of the round, a top-of-the-table clash between Narre Warren and Beaconsfield this weekend.

“We’re ready to be pushed and excited for the challenge of versing some quality players and a quality team,” Brown said.

In the other match on Saturday, it was Beaconsfield who defeated Hampton Park 53-27 at

Park Reserve. Chloe Maas was brilliant for the Eagles and led all scorers with 28 goals for the game, while her captain Zara Treweek (13 goals) and Suzie Bourchier (12 goals) both had a great impact inside the goal ring.

It was a brilliant 12-0 run to start the match which set up the win for Beaconsfield, putting the Redbacks on the back foot from the first whistle despite another strong showing from Emily Pupuke (20 goals). Berwick had the bye.

• SEPNL-OTHERGRADES

B GRADE: Beaconsfield 46 def Hampton Park 45, Berwick Springs 51 def Berwick 42, Narre Warren - bye.

C GRADE: Hampton Park 36 def Beaconsfield 23, Narre Warren 51 def Cardinia Tigers 16, Berwick 45 def Berwick Springs 31.

D GRADE: Hampton Park 39 def Beaconsfield 27, Berwick 35 def Berwick Springs 6, Narre Warren 47 def Cardinia Tigers 13.

A GRADE FIXTURE R6: Narre Warren v Beaconsfield at Kalora Park 3:05pm, Cardinia Tigers v Berwick at James Bathe 3:05pm, Hampton Park - Bye.

Magpies bank another win

By Blair Burns

Narre Warren’s strong start to the Southern Division 1 season continued on the weekend as the Magpies flew home to beat Murrumbeena by 49 points at Kalora Park, 19.10 (124) to 11.9 (75).

The black and white took their season record to 4-1 and maintained second spot on the ladder behind undefeated Dingley.

The opening quarter was an arm-wrestle and the Lions looked up for the challenge, with key forward Ed Standish kicking three goals inside the first 15 minutes of the match.

But the Magpies responded through young guns Jimmy Dwyer and Julian Goerlitz who converted set shot goals, while Callum Porter kicked a brilliant running goal from 50m.

Apart from the first five minutes, Narre Warren had the game on its terms for the most part and took a narrow 21-18 lead into quarter time.

But as we have seen before this season, the Magpies flicked a switch and found another gear in the second term.

The midfield got on top with clearance after clearance from Kurt Mutimer, Porter, Goerlitz and Joel Zietsman, with the ball coming inside 50 quickly ... far too quickly for the Lions defenders.

Will Howe kicked two goals inside the first couple of minutes in the second quarter before Luca Pascuzzi kicked one off the ground and Zietsman snapped another nice goal on his preferred left.

A three-point lead had suddenly become 27 points within six minutes and the Magpies weren’t about to stop there.

Everyone was getting in on the act with Jett Kearney and Tom Toner also hitting the scoreboard, before Howe added another two late in the term to complete a four-goal quarter for the Magpies’ number eight.

It had been a domination and Narre Warren’s lead been extended out to 45 points at half time, with the Magpies firmly in the driver’s seat.

The clinical quarter set the tone for the rest of the game, and a classy piece of play from Toner at the first bounce of the third quarter, where he ran the ball out of the centre square, got it back, and found Pascuzzi inside 50 was evidence that the Magpies weren’t slowing down.

A six-goal-to-three third term buried the contest, and while Murrumbeena salvaged a positive by outscoring the home side in the final quarter 28-15, the result was never threatened.

Thomas Russell was impressive in defence

and looks like “Zietsman 2.0” with his beautiful left-foot kicking, allowing the skipper to spend more time through the midfield and creep forward to hit the scoreboard with a couple of goals.

The beauty for Steve Kidd is the number of

players in his side that can effectively rotate through the middle of the ground.

The combinations are endless, with Liam McGuinness even spending time in the ruck and allowing Hayden Dwyer to become another target up forward in the absence of Jake Richardson.

On top of that, 10 Magpies kicked goals, showing their ability to impact the scoreboard all over the field.

Pete Gentile and Trent Papworth held up strongly in defence, while Porter starred with 37 disposals, one goal and 10 marks.

Goerlitz was the highest rated player on the ground with 28 disposals, one goal, seven tackles and nine marks, while Gentile (33 disposals) and Mutimer (32 disposals) were prolific ballwinners.

Howe was dominant inside 50 with six goals, 11 marks and 17 disposals.

Eyes now turn to this weekend’s big clash against Bentleigh as the Magpies look to continue their winning form.

• SOUTHERNDIVISION1

Narre Warren Goals: Will Howe 6, Jett Kearney, Tom Toner, Luca Pascuzzi, Joel Zietsman 2, Declan Brown, Travis Callahan, Jimmy Dwyer, Julian Goerlitz, Callum Porter. Best: Not Provided. Murrumbeena Goals: Ed Standish 4, Jude Fountain 2, Edward Adams, Lachlan Browne, Xavier Joyce, Michael McLachlan, Haris Orfanos. Best: Angus Bowd, Michael McLachlan, Ed Standish, Edward Adams, Haris Orfanos, William Hayes. OTHER RESULTS R5: Dingley 13.14 (92) def Bentleigh 12.7 (79), Springvale Districts 15.19 (109) def Hampton Park 10.9 (69), St Paul’s McKinnon 17.18 (120) def Port Melbourne 15.8 (98).

LADDER: Dingley 20, Narre Warren, Cheltenham 16, Springvale Districts 12, Murrumbeena 10, Bentleigh, Cranbourne 8, St Paul’s McKinnon 6, Hampton Park 4, Port Melbourne 0.

FIXTURE R6: Bentleigh v Narre Warren, Port Melbourne v Cranbourne, Cheltenham v Springvale Districts, Hampton Park v St Paul’s McKinnon, Murrumbeena v Dingley.

Cold Doves look to bounce back against Keysborough

By Blair Burns

Doveton started the Southern Division 2 season with back-to-back wins and there was a great sense of optimism in the air for Matt Stapleton and his side.

But things have gone south since that round two victory against Caulfield Bears, with three successive 10-goal-plus defeats at the hands of East Malvern, Mordialloc and most recently Chelsea Heights, going down 19.10 (124) to 9.5 (59).

The Doves brought good pressure and intensity in the first half on Saturday and at the main break, they were right in the contest, trailing the Demons 52-38.

But that is where the competitiveness went out of the game as Chelsea Heights put Doveton to the sword in the premiership quarter.

The Demons booted seven goals to one and by three-quarter time, the scoreboard had got ugly, reading 98-45.

The Doves had no answers for Nicholas Lee (five goals) and Nathan Wright (four goals) who did as they pleased up forward.

While Luke Smith (three goals) and Tomas Long (two goals) were also brilliant, setting up many scores and finding the middle of the big sticks themselves.

The second half was all one-way traffic and it was in favour of the home side at Beazley Reserve, the Doves’ losing streak growing to three.

Nikolas Hibbert was one of the few positives to take out of the game as he booted three goals and was named in Doveton’s best for the third consecutive week.

Unfortunately for the Doves, this season is beginning to look a lot like the last where they narrowly avoided relegation with five wins for the year.

Doveton had two wins after round three in 2025, but they didn’t get to sing the song until

round eight with a string of losses proving costly.

With a number of players already missing through injury, a lengthy suspension to an important player was not what the doctor ordered.

After kicking three goals in a match-winning performance against Caulfield the week prior, Doveton’s Matthew Jameson was suspended for striking an opponent against East Malvern.

After getting caught holding the ball in front of the Panthers’ bench, and giving away a 50m penalty for kicking the ball away, Jameson was running to the bench when approached by East Malvern’s deputy vice-captain Finn McEvoy.

It looked as though McEvoy was planning to

give him a nudge on his way to the bench, before Jameson suddenly raised his arm and threw an elbow at his opponent’s face, followed by uproar from the crowd.

Jameson was sent to the Southern League tribunal and was found guilty of intentionally or carelessly striking another person, which resulted in a 12-week suspension.

The test for the Doves this weekend is Keysborough and both teams desperately need to get back on the winners’ list.

Jake Basa has had a brilliant start to the year for Doveton and will be a key player this weekend, as will captain Max Sheppard, who has

been leading from the front despite the tough losses.

In other games, Keysborough missed some early chances to build a lead against Hampton and paid the price, eventually getting run over by 41 points, 10.11 (71) to 4.6 (30).

The Burra had kicked 1.5 up to half time while the Hammers made the most of their chances in the second and third quarters, kicking 8.7 across the middle of the game.

Keysborough won the final quarter, but the damage from Madden Griffin and Daniel Jones (three goals each) was already done.

• SOUTHERNDIVISION2

CHELSEAHEIGHTS

Chelsea Heights Goals: Nicholas Lee 5, Nathan Wright 4, Luke Smith 3, Tomas Long, Thomas Mackie 2, Matthew Burkitt, Luke Clark, David Cowell. Best: Nicholas Lee, Nathan Wright, Luke Smith, Tomas Long, David Cowell, Jordan Peryman.

Doveton Goals: Nikolas Hibbert 3, Jake Basa, Jake Calvert, Lachlan Chisholm, Ryan Hall, Max Sheppard, Matthew Vorbach. Best: Nikolas Hibbert, Daniel Zajac, Max Sheppard, Jake Basa, Ryan Dalton, Josh Moerenhout.

OTHER RESULTS R5: Mordialloc 15.16 (106) def Frankston Dolphins 6.8 (44), East Malvern 17.13 (115) def East Brighton 5.8 (38), Highett 19.16 (130) def Caulfield Bears 7.7 (49).

LADDER: Highett, Mordialloc 20, East Malvern 16, Frankston Dolphins 12, Hampton, Chelsea Heights, Doveton 8, Caulfield Bears, Keysborough 4, East Brighton 0.

FIXTURE R6: East Malvern v Highett, Caulfield Bears v Hampton, Frankston Dolphins v Chelsea Heights, Keysborough v Doveton, Mordialloc v East Brighton.

Mixed weekend for Casey

By Justin Schwarze

A mixed round six for Casey saw both outfits go 1-1 in the double-header fixture in the NBL1 South.

Two disastrous quarters from the Cavaliers Women led to Joseph Turner’s side being handed its second loss of the season in a 85-63 loss to Sandringham on Saturday.

Casey scored just 10 points in the first term and nine in the third, sinking any hope of a comeback as the Sabres built on their lead at Casey Stadium.

In fact, the visitors led for all but 13 seconds of the contest, which was the first 13 seconds when the score was 0-0.

The Cavaliers shot just 40 percent from the floor and turned the ball over 16 times in the defeat.

Dallas Loughridge was a shining light with 16 points and three assists on 5/10 shooting, but Sandringham skipper Kiara Wischer couldn’t be stopped with 22 points, 11 rebounds and five dimes.

Casey bounced back on Sunday to string together a four-quarter showing to knock off Waverley 80-65 on the road.

After the Falcons led by one at quarter time, the Cavaliers won every remaining quarter to hit the front and never look back.

It was a win once again sparked by the ‘Fantastic Five’ starters for coach Turner, as his starters were all in double-figures and scored 76 of Casey’s 80 points.

Loughridge was inefficient at 6/18 but she still posted 24 points, seven boards and four assists.

Sara Bowman owned the glass, hauling in 17 rebounds to notch a double-double with 10 points.

Sharne Robati scored 18 points on 60 percent shooting. The Cavs are still in the top four, sitting fourth with a 7-2 record.

Ibrahima Diallo’s game-saving block in the dying seconds helped the Men survive a massive scare against Sandringham on Saturday.

Casey held a seven-point buffer at halftime before pushing it out to 16 at three-quarter time to have a firm grasp on the contest.

But the Sabres stormed back furiously, tying it at 87 with two minutes to go when Malith Machar used great body positioning to bump Preston

Bungei off the spot and nail a mid-range jumper.

After a pair of Yuot Gai free throws put the hosts back in front, Kaylan Kitto drove down the lane and layed it in to tie the game.

Jesse Ghee took the lead for Casey with 27

seconds to go by absorbing contact and finishing strong at the rim and the visitors took a timeout.

And after some misses, Kyle Bowen cut down the lane and went up to tie it and was denied as Diallo swatted his shot away to secure victory for

the Cavaliers 93-92. But on Sunday, Casey struggled mightily offensively and fell to Waverley 89-84.

Despite outscoring the Falcons by nine in the second half, the Cavaliers couldn’t recover from a 14-point halftime deficit. Casey is now 13th with four wins and five losses.

Both Cavaliers outfits have a double-header in round seven as they visit Nunawading on Saturday before playing Bendigo at Casey Stadium on Sunday. A hot patch of form has seen the Dandenong Rangers Women surge up the ladder by picking up its third win in five games.

The Rangers made light work of Kilsyth, showing the Cobras no mercy in a 97-51 rout at Dandenong Basketball Stadium on Saturday night.

The Rangers Kilsyth to just 11 points in both the third and fourth quarters, even leading by 50 points at one stage, before settling for the victory.

Adrianna Smith was the key for Dandenong as she scored 30 points on 11/17 shooting while providing eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Holly Griffiths added 14 points and seven boards, while Marena Whittle made the most of some extended minutes as she finished with 12 points and four rebounds off the bench.

The men have fallen into a rough patch, dropping their third loss out of their last four games in a 96-81 defeat to Kilsyth.

The Cobras narrowly won the second 24-20 to lead by 14 at the main intermission.

The result became a wire-to-wire win for Kilsyth as the Rangers never led at any point of the contest. Dillon Stith flirted with a triple-double for the visitors, posting 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals.

Harry Froling was the best for Dandenong as he recorded 18 points and nine boards on 40 percent shooting. The Rangers have dropped to eighth on the ladder with a record of 5-4.

Both Dandenong outfits will pack their bags and head across Bass Strait to face the two Tasmanian teams in round seven.

It starts on Friday night against the Hobart Chargers, before facing the Northern Force on Saturday.

Fortunate fortnight required as battle for top four looms

By David Nagel

Only two weeks remain in the Summer Season of the South West Gippsland Dart League (SWGDL) and the competition for top-four positions is really starting to heat up.

At the conclusion of the season, the top four teams will play for the SWGDL premiership, while teams five through eight will play a secondary finals series for the Don Brown Memorial Trophy.

Cheers is one team that will finish top four and the ladder leaders flexed their muscles with a 14-1 win over Generals.

Star performer Liam Edwards produced a solid night at the oche with six tons, while Shane Barnett also had the eye in with three.

Predators also look set to secure a top-four finish and showed their class with a 12-3 win over Bullseyes.

Nathan Button gave the treble-20 a hammering with four tons for Predators while Steve Powell will also be important when the finals series comes around.

The battle for top-four really gets interesting from positions three to five and third-placed Snipers maintained their edge by percentage with a 12-3 win over Dart Devils.

Chris Richardson was the star for Snipers on the night, joining her teammate Dean Gibbs on three 180s for the season while also landing a very impressive eight tons.

Doug Amos had a fantastic evening for Dart Devils, throwing a magnificent 130 pegout and a three-dart maximum as well.

To round out a great performance, Amos also landed five tons.

Fourth-placed Just Social has kept the pressure applied to Snipers with a 9-6 victory over Gembrook.

Tony Bundy and Terry King had the hot hands for Socials, while Nugget delivered some nice darts for Gembrook.

And fifth-placed Mud Rats have kept their top-four chances alive with a 12-3 win over AAA Dartz.

Mud Rats are just a very consistent teams across the board, landing blows with rock-solid visits to the oche rather than super-big numbers.

The Mud Rats have a tough fortnight ahead, facing fourth-placed Just Social and second-placed Predators in the last two rounds of the season.

In the remaining games this week, Brendan Simmonds had a night out for Any Excuse, despite going down 9-6 to Dart Vaders. Simmonds landed two 180s on the night and

also put together eight triple-figure scores, being the leading performer across all teams in round 11.

And finally, Fight Club has moved to seventh after an 11-4 win over Dart Attack.

In other round-12 highlights, Warwick Drayton and Tim Williams threw 180s for their respective sides.

• SWGDL SUMMARY – ROUND 11

RESULTS

Cheers def Generals 14-1, Dart Vaders def Any Excuse 9-6, Snipers def Dart Devils 12-3, Fight Club def Dart Attack 11-4, Predators def Bulls-

eyes 12-3, Mud Rats def AAA Dartz 12-3, Just Social def Gembrook 9-6.

LADDER

Cheers 40, Predators 40, Snipers 36, Just Social 36, Mud Rats 36, Dart Vaders 24, Fight Club 16, Gembrook 16, Dart Attack 16, Any Excuse 12, AAA Dartz 12, Generals 12, Bullseyes 8, Dart Devils 4.

FIXTURE R12

Dart Vaders v Snipers, Dart Devils v Cheers, Any Excuse v Dart Attack, Generals v Bullseyes, AAA Dartz v Fight Club, Gembrook v Predators, Mud Rats v Just Social.

MOST TONS

Dean Gibbs (Snipers) 78, Liam Edwards (Cheers) 60, Brendan S (Any Excuse) 53, Chris Richardson (Snipers) 49, Terry King (Just Social) 44, Shane B (Cheers) 38, Tony Bundy (Just Social) 36, 4X4 (Just Social) 34, Ted Jordan (AAA) 33, Nathan B (Predators) 32, Bill Richardson (Snipers) 31, Doug Amos (Dart Devils) 30. 180s

Dean Gibbs (Snipers) 3, Chris Richardson (Snipers) 3, Brendan Simmonds (Any Excuse) 2, Bill Richardson (Snipers) 2, Jamie W (Cheers) 2, 4X4 (Just Social) 2, David S (Dart Vaders), Hank (Cheers), Michael Tuck (Mud Rats), Jordan Gray, Fred Dewart, Nathan Button, Steve Powell, Ryan Russell, Charlie Kruger, Patto, Chris Shannon, Tony Bundy (Just Social), Scott Dale (Mud Rats), Liam Edwards (Cheers), Chris Burke, Warwick Drayton, Tim Williams, Doug Amos (Dart Devils).

BEST TEAM PEG OUTS

Charlie (Dart Vaders) 160, Chris Richardson (Snipers) 152, Steve P (Predators) 131, Doug Amos (Dart Devils) 130, Liam (Cheers) 116, Tye (Any Excuse) 112, Brad (Fight Club) 111, Jack M (Mud Rats) 104, Jai M (Dart Attack) 103, 4X4 (Just Social) 98, Ted Jordan (AAA) 96, Stephen B (Bullseyes) 91, Craig Brook (Gembrook) 76, Mateo/Hachi (Generals) 74.