News - Cranbourne Star News - 21st May 2026

Century of service

Volunteer stalwarts Margaret Sansom, Diana Heath and Jeanette Pike have brought up a total of 100 years’ service for Meals on Wheels in Casey. The trio - who are also members of the charity Inner Wheel - profess to the joys of volunteering. More on the story, turn to page 2 (Stewart Chambers: 553155)

A proposed $3.5 million church in Cranbourne South has sparked renewed debate over religious developments in Casey’s green wedge, with community groups raising concerns about traffic, biodiversity and urbanisation of the semi-rural area. ANC Planning Consultants, representing Dandenong-based Bethel New Life Christian Fellowship, has lodged an application with Casey Council for a 3515-square-metre place of worship at 600 Cranbourne-Frankston Road.

The proposal includes a two-storey building with a gallery level, accommodating up to 300 patrons on Sundays and up to 400 attendees during six annual special events.

Under Casey’s planning scheme, places of worship are a discretionary use in the Green Wedge Zone and can be considered through a planning permit process.

Theapplicationarguesthesiteissuitablebecause it is not productive agricultural land and is close to residential areas and the Urban Growth Zone.

But community groups have strongly opposed the plan, arguing the development represents an urban-style use in the Green Wedge and could worsen traffic pressures and environmental impacts.

Over the past few years, Casey’s southern green wedge has become a battleground over

places of worship, with residents facing a series of planning applications for temples, churches and associated religious events.

Community groups have repeatedly banded together to challenge proposals through council and VCAT processes, with the tribunal overturning or rejecting two temple applications in the green wedge last year.

Trio’s century of support

By Carmela Mendoza

At 82, Margaret Sansom AM is still serving her community through volunteer work.

Every Monday she delivers to the elderly community in the City of Casey, sending meals to those who are not able to cook their own food.

For 45 years, Margaret has delivered for Meals on Wheels, becoming a steady presence in the lives of many in her community.

Known for her long-standing service and deep involvement at Inner Wheel, her work has earned her numerous awards.

However, it is the quiet consistency of showing up that truly defines her story.

Margaret’s community service originates back to her childhood.

“My parents instigated volunteer work. My mum and dad were fundraising for the Oakleigh swimming pool,” she says.

Since then, Margaret has volunteered for several community groups. From sausage sizzles to local sports clubs, she has been a helping hand for a long time.

“I guess it’s been in my blood [to volunteer],” she says.

Diana Heath, 77, and Jeanette Pike, 74, have also volunteered at Meals on Wheels alongside Margaret, both contributing 40 and 15 years, respectively.

Together, the three of them make up 100 years of community service.

“You really get to know the whole area of the City of Casey,” says Margaret.

“Some of these people don’t even see anybody week to week until their meals are delivered to them,” she says. “We might be the only ones that they see.”

The trio’s volunteer work is through Inner Wheel, an international women’s organisation affiliated with the Rotary Club. Their focus is on community service, charity and women’s empowerment.

Margaret has been a member for many years and was inducted as national president between 1997 to 1998.

Through this organisation, she has volunteered for City of Casey through its meal delivery program for local senior citizens.

Diana has been a part of Inner Wheel for as long as she has volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

“It’s just a way of giving back,” she says.

“I was young when I started and [my grandchildren] have been in the car and seen what I do.

“Helps to show them that they need to do

something within the community.”

Their work involves more than just meal delivery.

With every visit, they check in on the health and well-being of elderly residents, prioritising community connection.

“You get to meet some lovely people,” says Diana.

Inner Wheel Narre Warren is also hosting its event for Biggest Morning Tea at the Officer Public Hall on Saturday (23 May).

The event has sold out, with 80 people expected to attend.

These women volunteer to serve their community, not to receive any special credit.

Through meal delivery, fundraising and more, Margaret, Diana and Jeanette remain supporters for City of Casey and beyond.

“It just gives [us] a lot of joy and satisfaction,” says Margaret.

For details on volunteering, visit casey.vic. gov.au/volunteer-for-ageing

Two teens arrested for alleged

arson attack

Two teens, including a 16-year old from Casey, have been arrested following an alleged attempted arson attack in Melbourne CBD on Friday morning.

Police spotted a white Kia wagon arrive at a licenced venue on Flinders Lane about 4:45am on Friday 15 May.

Officers allege that two males ran from the car with a jerry can in hand and smashed a window to the premises.

They then allegedly poured fuel into the venue.

Police moved in and arrested two boys.

But the driver of the Kia took off from the scene in the vehicle and despite a search of the area, the driver and the kia were not located.

The boy from Casey and a 16 year old boy from the Monash area will be interviewed by investigators with detectives working to determine any possible links to previous incidents.

On April 27, Operation Eclipse com-

menced, to target serious and organised crime syndicates believed to be involved in a series of offending linked to hospitality venues as well as determining the notice for the attacks.

The operation is led by the Gang Crime Squad and Arson and Explosives Squad, in collaboration with local police.

Specialist units involved in Operation Eclipse will focus on the organisers and those “pulling the strings” , according to a media release by Victoria Police.

Investigators are continuing to look at all possible motivations behind the offending including who is involved and why.

“Police remain open to a range of possibilities and we encourage anyone with any information to come forward,” said the release.

“Police continue to have an increased presence in both an overt and a covert capacity throughout these entertainment precincts, including increased patrols of these areas and visits to licensed premises”

Football fans will be able to watch FIFA World Cup matches live on the outdoor screen at Bunjil Place throughout June and July.

The City of Casey announced daily televised matches will be shown at the venue during the tournament, with screenings set to create a public viewing space for fans.

No registration is required. Locals are welcome to bring their own picnic.

Matches will be shown between 7am and 11 pm on Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 10pm on Sundays, except the USA v Australia match on 20 June, to abide by the EPA regulations.

Mayor of the City of Casey Stefan Koomen said

that the FIFA World Cup is one of those events that captures the attention of communities right across the world.

“As someone who has always loved the game, I know how exciting it is to share those big moments with family, friends and fellow fans,” he said.

“We’re proud to welcome the community to Bunjil Place to experience the atmosphere, celebrate together and enjoy world-class football on the big screen.”

A full list of matches is available through: bunjilplace.com.au/news/fifa-world-cup-onbig-screen

Proposal adds to tensions

By Violet Li

A proposed $3.5 million church in Cranbourne South is set to add to the long-running tensions over religious developments in Casey’s green wedge, with residents’ groups already raising concerns about traffic, biodiversity and the gradual urbanisation of the semi-rural area.

AnC Planning Consultants, representing Dandenong-based Bethel New Life Christian Fellowship, submitted a permit application to the Casey Council to build a two-storey, 3515-square-metre church with a gallery level at 600 Cranbourne-Frankston Road, which will accommodate up to 300 patrons on regular Sundays from 9.30am to 1.30pm and up to 400 people during six annual special events.

The Western Port Green Wedge Protection Group (WPGWPG) spokesperson David Cole said that they hold ‘grave’ concerns regarding the impact of a large-scale, urban-style development in the green wedge.

“The intensity of a development of this size brings with it a myriad of high-impact works and activities, from construction through to final use: earthworks, vegetation removal, wildlife displacement, noise and light pollution - all disruptive to residents, harmful to wildlife and stock, and accompanied by a significant increase in vehicle and pedestrian traffic,” he said.

“Our group supports the richness and strength of a multicultural society and recognises the importance of places of worship.

“We call on local councils and all levels of government to work collaboratively with communities to identify appropriate locations for such facilities within the Urban Growth Boundary, where suitable infrastructure, including public transport, already exists and where the majority of patrons live.”

Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) has lodged a formal objection to the proposal.

In a written statement, the organisation stated that the objection is not founded on any opposition to the faith or religious community seeking this approval, but solely to the scale, intensity, and location of the proposed development and its consistency with the planning framework.

“Residents in the Cranbourne South/Pearcedale precinct have chosen to live in a semi-rural area in part because of the expectation of quietude - particularly on weekends,” CRRA president Anthony Tassone wrote.

“A place of worship is a fundamentally urban-serving use…

“Each approval of an urban-intensity institutional use in the Green Wedge, regardless of the individual merits of any one application, incrementally erodes that non-urban break in a manner that is difficult to reverse and contrary to the long-term strategic intent of the framework.”

occupied

sheds and informal storage areas, while much of the rear portion remains undeveloped grassed land.

(Stewart Chambers: 553985)

He also said that for a congregation of 300 to 400 people attending a Sunday service, citing bus stops at a distant arterial intersection does not constitute meaningful or practical public transport access.

“The facility will, in reality, be entirely car-dependent,” he stated.

“The consequences of overflow in this location are significantly more serious than in an urban setting.

“With a single crossover onto a four-lane ar-

terial road and no alternative parking areas in the vicinity, any overflow vehicles would inevitably be directed onto Cranbourne-Frankston Road itself, creating a road safety hazard on a declared arterial route.”

Bethel New Life Christian Fellowship has advised that the application is a permitted use within the zone, subject to a permit.

“The application is currently being advertised, and once the advertising has been completed, the council will assess the application and make a decision on the merits of the proposal,” the Fellowship stated.

Over the past few years, the green wedge community down in Casey South has seen quite a few planning applications for temples and accompanying religious events at their doorsteps. Locals formed several community groups to oppose the applications in front of VCAT, and last year, VCAT rejected two temple applications.

Under the Casey Planning Scheme, a place of worship is a discretionary use in the Green Wedge Zone, meaning it can be considered by the council through a planning permit process.

The application argues the site is suitable because it is not productive agricultural land and is close to residential areas and the Urban Growth Zone.

It further claims the development would

maintain the area’s semi-rural character through extensive setbacks, perimeter landscaping and the retention of existing vegetation to preserve the site’s open landscape outlook.

It proposes 120 car spaces, upgraded road access onto Cranbourne-Frankston Road and limited vegetation removal, with biodiversity assessments stating no threatened species or Southern Brown Bandicoot habitat were identified on site.

During the weekdays, the church will be constrained to administrative and counselling functions from 9am to 4.30pm.

The Saturday operating hours will be from 9am to 11am.

The traffic assessment notes that the site is accessible by bus 791.

For someone accessing the site by train, the site is a 21-minute journey from Cranbourne Station, comprising 7 minutes of walking and a 14-minute bus trip.

The application (PA25-0374) is on public exhibition until 1 June.

To know more details and lodge a submission, visit: casey-web.t1cloud.com/ T1PRDefault/WebApps/eProperty/P1/PublicNotices/PublicNoticeDetails.aspx?r=P1. WEBGUEST&f=%24P1.ESB.PUBNOT. VIW&rf=P1.CSY.PUBNOTAL.ENQ&ApplicationId=PA25-0374

Millions invested but concerns linger amid rise in family violence

By Jensy Callimootoo

Local Casey organisations have called on the government to do more in tackling the rise in violence against women, arguing that the Federal Budget falls short of addressing the serious crisis.

The 2026/27 Federal Budget which was handed down last week (12 May) committed over $700 million to ending gender-based violence.

This includes a $218.3 million for the first-ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family safety plan.

And $182.6 million to go towards closing systematic loopholes that give offenders the opportunity to capitalise off and weaponise the child support system.

A week prior to that, the Victorian State Budget committed $74 million to family violence prevention and response measures, as well as crisis accommodation, specialist care management and continuation of the central information point.

But local organisation, Wellsprings for Women in Dandenong, says that the budgets fall short of creating meaningful change.

Chief Executive for the organisation, Dalal Smiley tells Star News that a greater proportion of the budget should be allocated to primary prevention and requires major policy shifts to effectively address the underlying cause of violence against women.

“If we were to look specifically at the State Government budget, peak bodies such as VCOSS and Safe and Equal state that the Victorian State Budget’s allocation to primary prevention is structurally inadequate and failing to fund the long-term cultural change required to stop violence before it starts,” she says. Organisations like VCOSS have long spotlighted the issue, demanding that the state government allocate at least 10 per cent of the total family violence budget exclusively to primary prevention rather than 3 per cent.

It comes as recent data from Victoria Police show that in just one week, 161 family violence incidents were reported within the Casey, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia area.

Out of the 161 call outs, 85 were in Casey, 45 in Greater Dandenong and 31 in Cardinia.

One report involved a 36-year old man who allegedly strangled and threatened to kill his former partner with a hammer before attempting to

set part of his home alight.

Another 35 year old man allegedly used a handgun to threaten and rob his former partner and persistently breached a family violence intervention order.

A 28 year old man, allegedly killed his family dog and also persistently breached ongoing family violence intervention order.

Similarly, data from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA), shows that Casey continues to report the highest number of family violence incidents.

In the period of 2024-25, 7919 FV- related offences were reported in the region — a 13.2 per cent increase from the previous year.

In the midst of horrific and serious violence impacting women and children in the City of Casey, Smiley calls on the state and federal government to “significantly strengthen long term investment” in family violence prevention.

Specifically, Wellsprings for Women is calling for dedicated long-term multicultural prevention funding, investment in bicultural and multilingual prevention workforces, stronger support for community-led prevention initiatives and funding certainty beyond short-term grant cycles.

“Family violence prevention in multicultural communities cannot rely on short-term project funding while violence continues to escalate,” said Smiley.

“Governments are acknowledging the seriousness of the crisis, but there remains a significant gap between crisis response funding and sustained investment in prevention within culturally diverse communities.”

Rebate change hits seniors

By Violet Li

Casey seniors fear they would have to fall back on an already stretched public health system under the Federal Government’s proposed overhaul to the private health insurance rebate.

Under the planned changes, age will no longer determine rebate rates, which means Australians over 65 will lose access to higher rates. Instead, rebates will be based only on income, with the Federal Government saying the changes are intended to make the system “more equitable”

Health Minister Mark Butler defended the proposed changes, saying the current system was unfair because households on the same income received different levels of government support based solely on age.

“I understand this won’t be a welcome decision for many, but it’s the right thing to do,” he told ABC News.

Australians aged between 65 and 69 earning under $101,000 as a single or $202,000 as a family will see their rebate reduced from 28 per cent to 24 per cent. Those aged 70 and over in the same income brackets will see their rebate reduced from 32 per cent to 24 per cent.

The Federal Government estimates the change will save about $3 billion over four years. The savings are intended to help fund aged care measures, including more residential aged care subsidies, additional dementia care units, and expansion of the Support at Home program.

However, Cranbourne pensioner Wendy Trezise, 76, said the proposed change could force hundreds of people out of health insurance because they could no longer afford it.

“They’re going to put us all back in the public system, where the public system is so broken already,” she said.

“I just feel like we are being targeted because we are living too long, and we’re costing the government too much money in NDIS, My Aged Care, pensions, and Social Security.

“We struggle to pay our health insurance, but I am severely health and mobility-compromised. I need my private health insurance, but I don’t know whether we’re going to be able to keep paying for it.

“In the public system, I will probably die.”

Wendy’s concerns came amid ongoing pressure on the State’s public hospital system, with about 64,000 people on elective surgery waiting lists, according to the latest quarterly statistics.

Ms Trezise talked about the nearby new Cranbourne Community Hospital, claiming that it should not be called a hospital.

“You cannot have anything done there that requires overnight, and now I believe they’re going to turn it into one of these urgent health clinics. It’s still not open 24 hours a day,” she said.

“You still need to go to Dandenong, Frankston or Casey. And you can wait there for hours.”

Ms Trezise, who lives in a retirement village

with her husband, said they already paid more than $4000 annually for private health insurance.

She believed that the changes would hit pensioners and retirees who did not have large superannuation balances.

“My husband didn’t have super until he was over 40. So, we didn’t have time to get the super that the younger people are going to get,” she said.

“We pay rent…. And by the time we pay for food, bills, I’ve got to try and save money every year for health insurance. That’s very hard.

“We are one of the luckier ones. We do have a bit of super left that we can top up our income. But everybody else I know who has insurance in the village they’re all dropping out.

“And also, you’ve still got out-of-pocket expenses with private health insurance… If you go to an emergency department in a private hospital, it’s nearly $500.”

According to modelling by Private Healthcare Australia (PHA), typical premium increases from April 2027 are expected to range from $155 to $807 a year for individuals aged over 65, and from $311 to $1614 for couples.

The Federal Government’s own impact analysis estimates an average rebate reduction of around $252 per person annually by 2028–29 and predicts around 42,300 fewer insured adults com-

pared with the current system.

Cranbourne resident Helen Bell, 85, said many older Australians were already struggling with rising living costs and limited retirement savings.

“The older we get, the less our income,” she said.

“We’ve just got the pension coming in and very little else. So, the more things go up, the harder it gets for us.”

Ms Bell said she and her husband felt they had little choice but to keep their cover because of ongoing health issues.

“We feel at our age we need to continue our health insurance,” she said.

“My husband has a couple of health problems to be dealt with, and I also have a bit of a heart problem and things like that.”

Local aged care advocate Liz Barton said people are “right to be upset” about the private health insurance rebate reduction for seniors over 65.

She said many retirees had maintained private health insurance for decades despite being on fixed incomes.

“Those of us who are retired and on fixed incomes who have kept up a lifetime of paying private health insurance premiums are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the monthly payments,” she said.

School partnership boosts engagement

A three-year partnership between Cranbourne West’s Barton Primary School and Wellsprings for Women has been credited with improving school engagement among migrant and refugee families.

An evaluation report by an external consultant, released on Friday 15 May, examined the partnership, which began in 2023 with $120,000 over three years from the RE Ross Trust.

The partnership aimed to address the barriers of social and cultural disadvantages and poor access to community-based family education support for migrant refugee families and their children in Cranbourne West.

The agreed activities were a range of education programs delivered at the school’s Community Hub, including English classes, women’s wellbeing groups, supported playgroups, sewing and art classes, settlement casework and a girls’ literacy circle.

The report found the programs were operating at full capacity by late 2025, with physical space emerging as the main limitation.

Survey results from 117 parents showed 92 per cent were aware of the programs and said they helped ease settlement in Australia, while 59 per cent reported improved English skills and 68 per cent said they felt more connected to other parents and the school community.

Half of the surveyed parents had participated in English classes, wellbeing groups or sought help from the Community Hub Leader, and 50 per cent of women surveyed said they felt less socially isolated.

The report also linked the partnership to broader improvements in student engagement and school connectedness.

Barton Primary’s 2025 student attitudes survey recorded an 11 per cent increase in learning confidence and a seven per cent rise in school connectedness year-on-year.

Barton Primary principal Ben Vevers said leaning into the cultural expertise of Wellsprings challenged them to do better as educators.

“Prioritising multicultural support staff over traditional allocations directly improved our classroom engagement and family connections,” he said.

Dalal Smiley, CEO of Wellsprings for Women, said the partnership proves that matching community-led infrastructure with school resources unlocks true educational equity.

“We have given isolated women a powerful voice, tangible employment pathways, and a genuine sense of belonging in Australia,” she said.

“Mothers feel more confident and better equipped in engaging with the school and participating in programs that meet their needs.”

The report noted the school’s English as an Additional Language team had expanded from one part-time staff member to four staff members as the partnership developed.

The evaluation also identified challenges, including delays to the Girls’ Literacy Circle caused by teacher shortages and staff turnover, as well as tensions around expectations between the school and program operators.

With the Ross Trust funding ending in December 2025, the report warned of a funding gap for future coordination and development.

However, some activities are expected to continue through other funding streams.

The Girls’ Literacy Circle has secured Department of Education Respectful Relationships funding for 2026, while Barton Primary will continue funding the Community Hub Leader and multicultural worker through equity funding “for the time being”

The report recommended expanding English programs and proposed more future courses, including childcare, beauty services, and maths and literacy circles for boys.

Ms Barton said the changes risked worsening pressure on public hospitals and aged care services.

“We have an excellent public health system, but wait lists for common surgeries such as knee and hip replacements blow out to 18 months or longer for elders without private health cover,” she said.

She said delayed surgeries could ultimately increase demand for residential aged care and home support services.

PHA warned the Government’s estimate that around 44,000 people may drop their private health insurance understates the broader impact because many older Australians may instead downgrade their cover, increasing the risk they will no longer be adequately insured for procedures they later need.

“We are concerned many older Australians will move to cheaper policies with significant exclusions or restrictions and only discover they are not covered when they need treatment,” PHA chief executive Dr Rachel David said.

“This creates a flow-on effect for public hospitals because patients who lose or downgrade cover do not disappear from the health system - they end up relying more heavily on publicly funded care.”

Barton Primary School and Wellsprings for Women launched an evaluation report for the three-year pilot program between them on Friday 15 May. At the launching ceremony, Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen, the school’s Community Hub leader Shivani Chohan, CEO of Wellsprings for Women Dr Dalal Smiley and Barton Primary School Principal Ben Vevers planted a Melaleuca tree. (Stewart Chambers: 553490)

Liberals are dead wrong

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A former Liberal aspiring candidate and his wife are mortified after the party falsely declared him ‘dead’ in an email to members.

John Ternel said his and his wife Selina’s phones lit up with calls after the erroneous mass-email from the party’s Victorian branch membership department on Tuesday 12 May.

A “distressed old lady” rang Selina, saying sorry that her husband had passed.

“Selina replied: he’s very much alive, he’s sitting next to me,” Ternel says.

It was particularly traumatising since Selina’s brother had suddenly died two weeks ago.

“She was shattered. And she’s angry,” Ternel said of his wife’s reaction.

“She still gets calls from extended family and friends about her brother’s death.

“It’s caused a lot of heartbreak. The timing was poor.”

The offending email was sent hours after Ternel notified the party’s Victorian headquarters of his and his wife’s resignations.

The email stated: “We have been informed that Mr John Ternel has sadly passed away and is no longer a member of the Narre Warren/Endeavour Hills Branch, Narre Warren North SEC, Bruce FEC.

“Our deepest condolences go out to John’s family.”

That night, the party sent a correction notice to members, blaming a “system error” for the incorrect “automated notification”

“Mr Ternel formally notified the Party of his resignation today, and while this was correctly processed as a resignation, a fault within the Portal erroneously recorded his status as deceased,” the notice stated.

“We sincerely apologise for any confusion or distress this error may have caused. Please disregard the earlier notification regarding Mr Ternel’s passing.”

The matter was being “escalated” to “our developers” to ensure there was no repeated error,

the notice stated.

Liberal state vice-president Geoff Gledhill also left a voicemail apology to Ternel.

A member emailed headquarters that night:

“To misquote Twain, the report of John’s death is an exaggeration. “I suggest that this is more than a simple mistake; it just shows the depth of the rot that has set in the administration of our once-fine Party.”

Ternel, who works in IT, suspects that the ‘error’ was “deliberately done” – though he’s adamant the party would not have known of his brother-in-law’s recent passing.

“I’d like to think it was an IT error, I don’t know if it was a threat of some sort.

New bus routes revealed

By Violet Li

Further details have emerged on Casey’s bus network upgrade announced in the 2026 State Budget, with several routes set to be extended deeper into the municipality’s fast-growing suburbs.

According to South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Michael Galea, under the proposed changes, Route 795 would directly service Junction Village and Botanic Ridge, running through these suburbs and not just past them as current. It would also see an increase in frequency, going up from five buses a day to an hourly service.

A new Route 896 would connect parts of Cranbourne East with Cranbourne Station, including the Livington and Mayfield Estates, with a minimum weekday frequency of every 40 minutes.

Routes 888 and 897 would both be extended further south into Clyde, with 888 receiving a “massive frequency uplift” from 60 minutes to a new weekday daytime frequency of 20 minutes.

Before any changes are introduced, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is expected to undertake public consultation on the proposed network reforms.

Mr Galea noted that this budget also funds additional nighttime services on Route 928, which runs from Berwick to Pakenham.

“I think it’s also important to note the fierce advocacy of our local Labor MPs, especially Pauline Richards, Jordan Crugnale and Gary Maas, which has led to this exciting announcement,” he said.

“As the south east grows, Labor is growing our bus network with it.

A DTP spokesperson said almost $23 million had been allocated to improve and upgrade Casey’s bus network.

DTP has advised that more than 132,000 residents across the municipality are expected to fall within the catchment area of the new services.

It has also advised that the reforms would target growth suburbs including Botanic Ridge, Blind Bight, Casey Fields, Clyde, Clyde North, Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, Devon Meadows, Junction Village, Tooradin and Warneet.

South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Michael Galea has announced details on the Casey’s bus network upgrade (FILE)

The overhaul would improve service frequencies and operating hours, with better connections planned to destinations including Federation University, train stations and shopping centres.

Further information on specific route improvements will be announced in due course.

The latest investment builds on previous State Budget and Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) funded bus upgrades in Casey, including extensions to Routes 798 and 831 last year.

In the lead-up to the November State Election, Casey Council is advocating for $50 million to investigate and improve bus services across the municipality.

“It shows you’ve got to be careful with this sort of thing. You don’t know what’s happening in people’s personal lives.”

He and Selina are among nine members who have resigned from his former Narre Warren branch at the same time, he says.

Several of them, like him, are considering a defection to One Nation.

Ternel says he’s in talks with One Nation, in hope of being preselected as its candidate.

The Liberals have “lost direction” , he says.

One Nation better represents his former party’s “Menzies” founding values – that “we’re equal, we’re all free and work hard, be rewarded”

Ternel joined the Liberals in 2024, seeking to run as a candidate in Bruce for the 2025 federal election and in Narre Warren North at this year’s state election.

In the first tilt, he was advised to withdraw because he was unlikely to succeed as a “new member”

In the second instance, the party has kept preselection candidacy open for five months, giving him the impression that he wasn’t wanted. Ternel thinks he was on the outer because “I can’t be controlled”

“It was really hard to leave the Liberal Party because it’s like leaving your family. But loyalty wasn’t two-way.”

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

Many benefits of walking football

In December 2018, Rob from Casey suffered a massive stroke that left him catatonic for six weeks.

He lost movement on his left side, experienced significant vision loss and cognitive challenges and was unable to return to work or drive trucks, which at the time was his livelihood.

“For four years I lost confidence in myself because I felt completely useless,” Rob said.

Everything changed in June 2024 when Rob came across a newspaper article about a walking football group in Dandenong South.

Encouraged by the Saturday afternoon sessions, Rob attended with his 14-year-old daughter, Wendy.

The pair immediately loved it.

Walking Football 4 Health’s mission is to foster community connection, social inclusion and participation through a game designed with inclusion at its heart.

Regardless of age, ability or background, the organisation now runs a number of programs across Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs for seniors, women, families and people living with disability.

Since the first joined in June 2024, Rob has

become an active member in Walking Football 4 Health and has now become a session leader.

“Walking football has given me a new lease on life,” Rob said.

“If I don’t play for a while, I start getting twitchy. It’s helped with my brain damage; always looking for the next pass.”

For his daughter, Wendy, the program also became life-changing.

Diagnosed at 13 with a non-ossifying fibroma, a benign tumour condition that weakened both femurs, she had been forced to stop playing basketball.

“I really enjoy the game,” Wendy said.

“I’m learning soccer and the people on the teams are really helpful. I enjoy being part of a team again and being more active without stressing my legs.”

Rob’s wife, Robyn, says the impact on their family has been enormous.

“Since starting Walking Football, Rob’s mental health has improved substantially,” she said.

“He’s gone from feeling isolated to looking forward to the game each week. It’s also given him and Wendy a bonding experience they wouldn’t have otherwise had.”

Budget, housing and the death of the Australian dream?

By Jensy Callimootoo OPINION

The conversation around housing and this year’s Federal Budget has become dangerously simplistic.

Investors versus renters. Boomers versus young people. Landlords versus first-home buyers.

But truth be told… the reality is far more nuanced than that.

Because the real question is not: “How do we punish investors?”

It is: “How do we increase housing participation, affordability and supply while still helping ordinary Australians enter the market responsibly?”

The Albanese Government’s proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax have triggered fierce debate nationwide.

Some economists argue the reforms are overdue corrections to a distorted market.

Others warn they could reduce rental supply, push rents higher and hurt smaller “mum-anddad” investors more than large-scale developers and sophisticated investors who will simply restructure and adapt.

And that is the point.

The people most affected are unlikely to be the wealthy. They will find a way through, they always do.

The people likely to feel the pressure are younger Australians trying to get into the market, working families with one or two investment properties, and PAYG earners trying to build long-term security.

Take one young woman I’m currently helping as a Buyers Agent. Let’s call her “Naomi.” She is 25 years old, works full-time and earns around $70,000 a year.

Under current lending conditions, she can borrow roughly $300,000. That doesn’t buy much anywhere, let alone where she works or lives currently.

So what is her option?

Stay with parents forever? Rent forever? Or rentvest?

Buying an affordable investment property in a growth corridor while continuing to live at

home or rent a small place near where she works may be the only realistic pathway she has into the market.

Yet somehow the conversation has turned into making all investors the villain.

For many younger Australians, rentvesting is not greed. It is survival. It is strategy.

It is one of the last remaining pathways into wealth creation and housing security.

Perhaps governments have missed that nuance entirely.

First home buyers should be able to start and prosper with an investment property.

At the same time, Australia absolutely does have a housing problem. But fundamentally, it is a supply problem.

We have close to a million unoccupied dwellings nationally, according to census discussions, yet conversations around bringing vacant homes back into productive use remain strangely muted.

Why are we not incentivising granny flats, dual-occupancy developments and smaller infill projects?

Why are we not helping everyday Australians create additional rental supply instead of discouraging them from participating altogether?

Good policy should encourage participation, supply and long-term thinking - not simply create headlines.

The irony is that grandfathering existing investors may actually deepen inequality. Those who already hold substantial property wealth continue benefiting under old rules while younger Australians face an entirely different playing field.

So if governments are serious about fairness, perhaps the conversation should not simply be “grandfather forever”

Perhaps it should be a gradual transition over five or 10 years so everyone eventually plays by the same rules.

Because right now, the system risks protecting established wealth while making entry harder for the next generation.

And here is another uncomfortable truth.

Australia’s political debate around migration and housing has become emotionally charged rather than economically honest.

Yes, migration places pressure on infrastructure and housing.

But migrants also build businesses, fill critical workforce shortages, pay taxes and help keep the economy functioning.

Australia needs skilled migrants. Australia also needs healthcare workers, tradespeople, agricultural workers and people willing to contribute to the collective whole.

But contribution is the key word.

Citizenship should mean something. Not just access… but responsibility! There seems to be an expectation from some that Australia should simply provide.

Housing. Benefits. Opportunity. Security.

But the social contract works both ways. Commit to Australia - and Australia will commit to you.

That seems fair.

Work hard. Pay taxes. Participate. Integrate. Belong. Build a life here.

Become part of the broader Australian story rather than remaining permanently disconnected from it.

Truth be told… most migrants already understand this instinctively. They come here for opportunity, safety and stability, and they contribute enormously in return.

What frustrates people is not multiculturalism itself.

It is the perception that governments constantly pander to identity politics and voting blocs instead of reinforcing shared national expectations around contribution, participation and belonging.

At the same time, simplistic slogans and reac-

tionary politics help nobody either.

The idea floated in some circles of “one home built equals one migrant” is economically absurd and socially dangerous.

But pretending there are no legitimate public concerns around infrastructure, affordability and cohesion is equally dishonest.

A mature democracy should be capable of holding both truths at once.

Migration works best when it strengthens the nation collectively - not when politics reduces people into either victims or scapegoats.

Perhaps governments also missed an enormous opportunity with the first-home buyer policy itself.

Why not allow first-home buyer grants to support strategic investment purchases as well as owner-occupied homes?

That could allow younger Australians to buy more affordable properties, improve serviceability and potentially move into those homes later as incomes grow.

Or those that have never been in a position to buy, to buy something small that one day they could retire in!

Instead, many young people are being forced into an impossible choice: buy badly now or never buy at all.

Modern politics rarely rewards long-term thinking.

It rewards quick wins, emotional slogans and election-cycle optics.

Housing has become one of the clearest examples of that.

Maybe the bigger question is not whether negative gearing should exist.

Maybe the bigger question is: what kind of Australia are we trying to build?

One where wealth compounds endlessly for those already inside the system? Or one where younger Australians still believe the dream is achievable?

Because once people lose belief in participation, they stop believing in systems altogether.

Truth be told… housing policy should not just be about economics. It should be about preserving belief in the Australian dream itself.

Two men have been charged after police seized 13 allegedly stolen motorbikes during raids in Dandenong and Doveton.

Casey CIU detectives say three male offenders in a stolen black Mazda 3 drove to a home in Roycroft Court, Endeavour Hills on 20 April.

They allegedly entered a garage and stole a car, trailer, two motocross bikes, speciality bike parts and tools.

Detectives have since executed three consecutive search warrants in Dandenong and Doveton and seized several of the allegedly stolen motorbike parts, tools, and the trailer.

They also seized 13 stolen motorbikes,

drugs, a firearm part and a stolen black Mazda 3, police say.

A 29-year-old Dandenong man was charged with seven counts of theft, four counts of car theft, handling stolen goods and drug possession. He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 27 July.

A 41-year-old Doveton man was charged with seven counts of drug possession and bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 29 July. Investigations are ongoing, police say. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

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Book an appointment with our friendly team, or join us at one of our upcoming events.

Residents weigh in on $1m

By Violet Li

Residents affected by issues linked to the Hallam Road Landfill gathered in Lynbrook on Saturday 9 May to help shape how a court-ordered $1 million restorative justice payment should be spent in their community.

Projects discussed at the forum ranged from community gardens, Indigenous-led cultural spaces and youth engagement initiatives to environmental restoration works, park upgrades and a proposed permanent stage at Banjo Paterson Park.

The community forum, held at Lynbrook Community Centre, was organised by EPA Victoria to support decisions on allocating the $1 million fund, which resulted from enforcement proceedings over the landfill’s long history of compliance issues.

According to the EPA Victoria, nearly 70 people registered for the session, where residents, community groups and government representatives discussed potential projects aimed at restoring public spaces and benefiting communities near the landfill.

The State’s environment watchdog noted that the forum was not a decision-making meeting, stressing the projects discussed were still ideas that could later become formal submissions.

Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) president Scott Watson said the meeting focused on consultation and explaining the application process.

“They’ve invited community members to come along and have a talk about what they see the area looks like after the money is being spent,” he said.

Among the ideas raised was “The Garden” , a community garden proposal put forward by the LRA.

Mr Watson said the LRA was also considering a permanent community stage at Banjo Paterson Park to support local events.

Local cultural organisation Biik Bundjil proposed an inclusive Boonwurrung-led proposal that would create space for all communities.

River Gum Ward Councillor Lynette Pereira, who attended the meeting and spoke on behalf of herself rather than the council, recalled that residents also raised ideas, including tree plantings around the surrounding area and toilet upgrades at Banjo Paterson Park.

She said she had previously sought funding support for some of the proposals through Council processes.

Cr Pereira noted that the restorative funding came with strict eligibility criteria, including requirements for incorporated entities.

“The EPA will ultimately decide, and whichever way they go, they will likely need Council in-

put,” Cr Pereira said.

“I’m glad the community is finally getting something after all these years of complaints and suffering.”

The event summary report listed a range of other community suggestions, including restoration works at the Bam Bam Swamp Cranbourne Nature Conservation Reserve, youth engagement and mindfulness spaces, upgrades to parks and reserves, and a legacy micro-grants fund for smaller environmental projects over the next five to seven years.

EPA Victoria CEO Joss Crawford attended the session, alongside representatives from the City of Casey, Melbourne Water and Bunurong Land Council.

“It was great to see people take time out of their Saturday afternoon to come together and talk about how they could use this money for a community benefit,” Ms Crawford said.

“Many who attended had been directly affected by the issues caused by Veolia’s landfill.”

EPA regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema said the authority would continue consulting with the community to determine which ideas should be prioritised.

“The rules around how restorative justice funding can be spent are strict, but we will con-

tinue to consult with the community to determine what ideas should be prioritised and get the maximum community benefit from the Veolia payment,” he said.

Mr Watson said they walked away very happy with the process.

“Everything was really positive in the room that I saw. People were active in it,” he said.

“We are happy to hear that the money was used only for projects within the impacted communities.”

In addition to the payment of $1 million into EPA’s restorative justice project account, the company agreed to contribute $75,000 towards EPA’s

legal costs and to undertake certain activities to improve regulatory compliance at the Hallam Road Landfill.

Anyone interested in making a proposal should download the form from the EPA website: epa.vic.gov.au/hallam-road-landfill-restorative-project

Questions can be directed to restorative@epa. vic.gov.au.

Project proposals are due by 5pm, Friday 17 July 2026.

Possibility of Boonwurrung-led cultural precinct being explored

By Violet Li

A proposal discussed at EPA Victoria’s Hallam Road Landfill community forum is exploring the possibility of creating a Boonwurrung-led community and environmental space in Casey.

The concept, developed by cultural organisation Biik Bundjil, focuses on connection to Country, Indigenous revegetation, community healing, cultural learning, and creating spaces that encourage belonging and positive community connection.

Jaeden Williams-Briggs, a Boonwurrung man and founder of Biik Bundjil, said the proposal is still in early development and would require further discussions with environmental experts, council, community organisations, and potential partner organisations before determining what may be suitable for the site.

“We’re still in the early stages of exploring what may be appropriate and achievable for the site over time,” he said.

“The intention is to explore ways Country, culture, environmental restoration, and community connection could positively support the area over time.

“A key part of the vision is creating spaces that encourage people from all cultures and backgrounds to come together through shared connection, learning, and care for Country.”

Mr Williams-Briggs said ideas being explored include Indigenous plant revitalisation, permaculture, and shared community spaces designed around cultural knowledge, cross-cultural connection, and environmental sustainability.

“At its core, the vision is about strengthen-

ing connection, belonging, and relationships with Country and community,” he said.

The proposal is currently being explored as part of broader discussions connected to EPA

Mr Williams-Briggs said conversations with local organisations and stakeholders are

ongoing and that any future direction would depend on environmental suitability, partnerships, community consultation, and longterm feasibility.

Terminal continues path

By Violet Li

The proposed Port of Hastings Terminal is expected to continue under the current federal environmental approval system, despite the Federal Government’s proposed overhaul.

As part of the 2026-27 Budget, the Federal Government pledged $47.6 million over four years to progress bilateral agreements with states and territories that will reduce duplication.

State and territory governments that sign a new bilateral assessment or approval agreement with the Commonwealth Government will be empowered to conduct assessments or approvals on the Commonwealth’s behalf, subject to new National Environmental Standards.

This process would not be dependent on the size of the project.

The proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings was declared a “controlled action” under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) on 28 July 2025 due to likely impacts on Ramsar wetlands, threatened species and communities, and migratory species.

A Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) spokesperson said the project would continue under the existing arrangements between Victoria and the Commonwealth.

“The Port of Hastings Terminal will continue to be assessed under the existing active Bilateral

Agreement between Victoria and the Commonwealth. The assessment is being led by the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP),” they said.

“The current proposal will be assessed and a decision made under the current national environment law regulatory framework.

“The existing bilateral agreements continue to be in place for current projects.”

Under the current system, state governments often undertake much of the environmental

Lynbrook man jailed after ‘heinous’ phone scam

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Lynbrook man has been jailed for a phone-porting scam after purchasing identity-fraud victims’ details from the dark web.

Patrick Michael Hric, 35, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to 12 computer-fraud related offences.

On his arrest in March 2025, he was found with ID details of about 1500 people – including their payslip, bank account, MyGov account, drivers licence and passport details.

During his scam, he illegally accessed bank accounts of eight unsuspecting victims in July 2024.

He also set up a Latitude credit card under another victim’s name, using it to buy $12,790 worth of laptops, a tablet and phone from JB Hi-Fi.

Hric researched for a month on how to use a software program to bypass security measures and transfer phone numbers.

Using cryptocurrency, he bought key-logger files from a dark-web Russian marketplace in 2024.

The files listed log-in and password details of identity-fraud victims.

For each of his victims, he transferred their phone number onto a separate e-sim card from TPG and bypassed multi-factor authentication settings to access bank and email accounts.

He successfully ported 35 phone numbers, and made 73 unsuccessful attempts to port 54 others.

In one case, Hric placed an unauthorised order to sell $23,312 shares in a victim’s Commsec account, which the victim blocked after receiving notification.

Another victim noticed $330 missing from their bank account, before they lost access to the account altogether.

He reported the issue to a bank branch, and watched in real-time as another $1130 of purchases were made at Dan Murphy’s, Uber Eats and BP.

The victim’s bank NAB reimbursed $920 of the stolen funds, and it took weeks to recover his mobile phone service.

Another victim lost $9000 in authorised bank transactions. Another was fleeced $3724 in transactions, which was later recouped from the bank.

Hric also advertised on a Telegram encrypted-chat group, offering ported phone numbers for $250.

“The end game was always financial gain,” Hric told police.

In sentencing on 14 May, judge Anthony

Lewis said Hric’s gains were not exactly known.

Hric claimed that when successful, he took between a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. But he got “nothing out of it” eight out of 10 times.

Judge Lewis said Hric used his technological skills in a “sustained” and “persistent” criminal manner for nine months, going to “extensive lengths” to defraud victims.

Hric’s invasion of privacy was “heinous” , his moral culpability of a “very high order”

Victims told the court of the great inconvenience in rectifying their losses and breached accounts, as well as their feelings of violation.

Hric had been sentenced to a CCO for dishonesty offences in 2022 and 2023. His engagement in the CCO had been “relatively poor” , Judge Lewis said.

A psychologist reported that Hric was unemployed, under financial strain, abusing meth and undergoing a relationship breakdown at the time.

He was diagnosed with major depression, generalised anxiety and stimulant use disorder.

His rehabilitation prospects were “good” , but tied to him overcoming his drug addiction.

Judge Lewis noted Hric made full admissions to police, as well as providing passwords to his phone and computer.

His defence lawyer said Hric’s cooperation was motivated by a desire to help authorities fix up holes in the telco’s security.

Hric was jailed for 26 months, but released on a recognisance release order after 12 months.

During his two-year RRO, he will be supervised by probation officers, subject to mental health treatment and a good-behaviour bond.

After the case, Australian Federal Police’s Detective Superintendent Bernard Geason said the case showed how far scammers would go to try to bypass security settings and access people’s personal data.

“I urge people to be alert to unexpected text messages from your mobile service provider saying ‘you’ have requested your number be ported to a different network provider.

“This could indicate a scammer is trying to port your phone.

“Alternatively, if your mobile phone service is suddenly disconnected, or shows ‘SOS only’ , this could also be a warning sign your number has been transferred to another provider without your authorisation.”

He said victims should contact their mobile phone provider and bank immediately, as well as report the incident to ReportCyber.

assessment work for major projects, while the Commonwealth retains the final approval power if the projects trigger the EPBC Act.

The proposed reforms could allow states to issue approvals on behalf of the Commonwealth, subject to National Environmental Standards.

The DCCEEW also advised that some states, including Victoria, already have bilateral agreements with the Commonwealth, but these can now be updated to encompass the recent reforms to the EPBC Act.

Environment Victoria chief executive officer Jono La Nauze said the proposed overhaul raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest if governments were allowed to approve projects they were also promoting.

“This is already an issue for projects, or specific environmental impacts, that don’t meet the threshold of requiring federal environmental approval in the first place,” he said.

“In this case, the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal has triggered federal oversight because of its potential impact on three specific matters of National Environmental Significance…

“However, there are many other government projects that do have an environmental impact, but those impacts don’t meet the threshold of ‘nationally significant’ . In these cases, the state government is both the proponent and the only approver.”

He said that there may be some exclusions on specific kinds of environmental impact or types of projects that the federal government is prepared to allow the state government to decide on under any devolution that does eventually come into play.

“Or there may be ‘call-in’ provisions where the federal government can decide on a case-bycase basis that they want to be the decision-maker on a particular project,” he said.

“We don’t yet know what they’re proposing to do, but we’ll certainly be scrutinising the proposal closely and calling attention to exactly this kind of conflict of interest.”

Bill help expanding statewide

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A South-East charity’s success-story Bring Your Bills is set to expand statewide, thanks to a State Budget boost of $2.3 million.

The South East Community Links events have achieved great bang-for-buck by bringing customers face-to-face with more than 30 utilities, banks, government services, legal and support agencies.

Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Edbrooke stated that at each event, “families walked away millions in debt sorted and savings found”

“That’s what real help looks like.”

Since 2025, BYB events have helped more than 3000 people and families to save $11 million in debt and bills.

A recent event in Pakenham helped 800 attendees achieve $1.5 million of relief. Similar results occurred at BYBs in Springvale, Dandenong and Hampton Park.

The extra Budget funding will extend BYB from the South East to reach about 5000 Victorians a year.

SECL chief executive Peter McNamara said the program was a “low-cost, high-impact” response that helped people before they spiral into homelessness, legal action or financial crisis.

More than 70 per cent of attendees at Pakenham felt an immediate reduction in financial stress. More than a third were working.

“This isn’t about poor choices, it’s an affordability issue, with the cost of food, fuel and housing rising faster than people can keep up,” McNamara said.

“Seeing people leave with a smile and a sausage in bread is priceless.”

Many hadn’t contacted their provider about their debt beforehand but tried to manage on their own, McNamara said.

“Bring Your Bills changes that. People walk in with a problem and leave with a plan.”

BYB started in a carpark at SECL’s Dandenong office with “a couple of staff members who wanted to make a difference”

“We had people turning up to the office with bills they didn’t understand, debts they couldn’t manage, and nowhere to go,” McNamara said.

“So, we brought services to them. Financial counsellors, banks, ombudsman services, energy and water companies, all in one place.

“It brings human connection back into hardship support through simple, face-to-face conversations.”

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas told Parliament on 13 May that BYB was important for his community.

“Think of a recreational space like a basketball court ... filled with representatives from our major banks, from our major telcos, from our major utilities companies, that are all there with the ability to strike, there and then, money that you may be in deficit for paying.

“They are able to say, ‘You’re in arrears in paying these bills; we’re able to strike that today. You can’t afford to pay that bill and you’re able to show us this – these bills are cut off.’

“This investment from the government of $2.3 million will help ensure that it reaches even more people across the state.”

Students giving back

Casey Grammar joins forces with Backpacks 4 VIC Kids to pack essential care packs for children in out-of-home care across Victoria.

When most teenagers were sleeping in or scrolling through their phones on the school holidays, a group of compassionate students from Casey Grammar chose to spend their precious free time doing something far more meaningful, packing backpacks filled with essential items for children in out-of-home care across Victoria.

Working alongside B4VK’s dedicated volunteer team, the young helpers packed My Essentials (ME) Packs, the charity’s core program, which are distributed to babies, children, and youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, domestic violence, family crisis, or other traumatic circumstances.

“Often these children arrive in emergency care with nothing but the clothes on their back. A backpack packed with care and kindness can make an enormous difference to how safe and welcome they feel.” — Sally Beard, Founder & CEO, Backpacks 4 VIC Kids

Backpacks 4 VIC Kids relies entirely on the generosity of the public, schools, and corporate partners. There are many ways to get involved.

For more information about volunteering opportunities for schools and community groups, visit www.backpacks4vickids.org.au.

What teachers had to say

Monique, CGS Teaching Staff, said: “I love seeing the way that our students have the opportunity to give back to other children their own age who are going through challenging times.

“We really appreciate the ongoing partnership with Backpacks 4 Vic Kids. Our students attend each holidays at the end of Terms 1-3 and it is always oversubscribed (even though it is in their

own time). We have students who have returned repeatedly and who find it a very meaningful experience.

“I really appreciate the way that volunteering at Backpacks 4 Vic Kids broadens our students’ sense of community. However, we always have many staff offering to come as well because it is

such a fantastic opportunity to support the wonderful work being done by B4VK.”

Nicole, CGS Teaching Staff, said: “I have attended days at Backpack 4 Kids several times now with Casey Grammar and each time I am profoundly moved with the good work they do. Their systems of packing, sorting and processing items

young people in crisis might need are impressive, with the impact of their contributions visible to students as to the difficult circumstances some people face.

“I find these days immensely valuable and am grateful for the opportunity to assist, even in this very small way.”

Student reflections

“Volunteering there has shown me how much I take for granted, having a safe home, food, school, and people who care about me. Not every child has that. I may never understand why opportunities are so uneven, but I do know that I can help those who have a lesser advantage than me, allowing them to experience what it feels like to be cared for.” - Ekam, Year 10

“While the tasks themselves were simple, it was meaningful to consider that a small item like a torch could provide comfort, safety, and reassurance, ESPECIALLY in unfamiliar environments. It reinforced the principle that even small actions can have a lasting impact.” - Alex, Year 11

“Something that stood out to me at Backpack 4 Vic Kids were the Volunteers, All the Volunteers were very welcoming and helpful even giving us a full tour of the complex, you could tell they were really passionate about the work they were doing, Wayne a long-time volunteer, had some great jokes and career advice in my field that left a lasting impression on me.” - Mantej, Year 11

“Volunteering with Backpack 4 Vic Kids is a highly meaningful experience that goes beyond the tasks completed on the day. It involves contributing time and effort to support children experiencing adversity, instability, and uncertainty. Even simple responsibilities, such as preparing care pack items, collectively help provide comfort, dignity, and reassurance.” - Alex, Year 11

Volunteer at The Bridge

At The Bridge, our purpose is to empower lives and inspire futures by providing holistic support to people with disabilities.

We are always looking for volunteers that are willing to help people living with disabilities to enjoy a range of recreational, sporting, and work activities.

Volunteering is beneficial for personal and professional development where you can learn more about yourself as well as contributing to the development of others.

We will provide induction training, ongoing mentoring and will support you every step of the way on what can be an incredible and exciting new experience for you.

The Bridge offers a variety of activities to support our participants to lead more independent and happy lives:

· Keeping fit: swimming, basketball, sailing and gym

· Socialising: shopping, luncheons and morning/afternoon tea

· New skills: work experience, using public transport, numeracy and literacy, woodwork, plus arts and crafts

Meet Linda, one of our lovely volunteers, who helps out at both our Cranbourne and Beaconsfield day service sites.

Linda started at The Bridge in 2022 and is very well loved by our clients.

Having had a 20-year career working in Specialist Disability Schools, Linda knew The Bridge from some of her students attending services in the past.

After taking some time off, she wanted to stay in the disability sector and give back.

In her words, she thought The Bridge was a great organisation and was very impressed by them, so she contacted us to volunteer and we’re so glad she did!

Linda helps out with various activities offered at the sites such as fishing and golf but is known for her coffee and news mornings where she takes a group of clients to the local shopping centre.

We are very lucky to have Linda and all our other volunteers at The Bridge.

If you would like to see what volunteering options we have currently available, please contact volunteer@thebridgeinc.org.au.

Linda, one of our wonderful volunteers at The Bridge.

Reforms raise concerns

By Jensy Callimootoo

Single mum from Casey, Maya Pinn has been a full time caretaker for her son Lloyd for the last eight years, now she’s worried the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reforms may introduce more rigid red tapes to its assessments — a process that already takes weeks.

Lloyd was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition IQSEC2-related disorder, a neurodevelopment condition requiring around-the-clock care. He has epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, cortical vision impairment and relies on a feeding tube for food and medication.

Maya’s daughter, Elsie, who’s six, has also been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and is currently under the NDIS.

Like many families already navigating the NDIS, the reforms are creating uncertainty and anxiety.

Maya, who became a disability advocate when her son Lloyd was born, already has a lot on her plate.

From running an adaptive clothing business ‘Rarewear’ and continence aid company ‘Middlemates’ to pursuing her PhD, Maya said the proposed changes fail to fully consider the realities faced by families caring for children with profound disabilities.

“He is probably about one [developmentally] and he’s eight,” she said.

“I spoon feed him, carry him in and out of the shower, change his nappies, give him medication through his feeding tube and monitor him overnight because of seizures.

“That level of care never stops.”

The reforms which would involve significant cuts and restructuring to the NDIS were first announced in April, the Federal Budget revealed these reforms will save approximately $37.8 billion over the next four years.

The key aim for the overhauls is to return the scheme to its “original intent”, with Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aging, arguing that it was “growing too fast”

By the end of the decade, the reforms, he outlined, would see 160,000 participants cut from the current scheme — currently there’s over 760,000 participants using its services.

Previously, the government estimated it to grow over 900,000 by 2046.

In doing so, it will also set stricter and clearer eligibility requirements for participants, with Mr Butler stating the scheme would move away from diagnosis and focus on the functional capacity.

This would see a tightening criteria around plan reassessments and strengthen the guidance about what are reasonable and necessary supports. This will involve standardised, evidence-based assessments at the core of accessing the scheme.

Other reform measures will also see the targeting of “fraud” in the NDIS and “dodgy providers” , said Butler when announcing the reforms back in April.

This will see the bolstering of oversight of pro-

viders and payments and the strengthening of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and enforcement capabilities with introduction of regulatory controls to establish safeguards from NDIS exploitation.

All participants are expected to have transitioned to the new framework plan by December 2030.

While Maya supports reforms aimed at improving the sustainability of the scheme, she said many changes were adding more complexity to an already exhausting system.

“Navigating the NDIS is basically a part-time job,” she said.

“The reforms are adding so much complexity without clarifying anything.”

She said reassessments alone can involve months of gathering reports from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dieticians and specialists, alongside lengthy written impact statements detailing every aspect of

daily care.

“It’s reports from every single provider, specialist appointments, quotes for equipment, reassessments and then waiting months for approval,” she said.

“We’re paying thousands of dollars just for reports.”

She described waiting more than a year to secure essential equipment such as wheelchairs, despite Lloyd being unable to stand independently.

“We got approval for a power wheelchair, but months later we still haven’t even had him re-measured for it because he’s grown in the meantime,” she said.

Although the government says the reforms will place greater emphasis on functional capacity rather than diagnosis, she believes families dealing with rare diseases often still struggle to access appropriate support.

She also raised concerns about the government’s new Thriving Kids program, warning children with rare conditions are often diagnosed too late to access early intervention support.

“The average diagnosis for a rare genetic condition can take seven to nine years,” she said.

“If support is only focused on younger children under eight, many families are going to miss out entirely.”

Despite her concerns, she said reforms were necessary, particularly around governance and provider oversight, but argued the government needed to listen more closely to families with lived experience.

“The point of early intervention is to reduce support needs later in life. If you don’t support children early enough, they’ll need more support long-term anyway.” Maya said.

She also fears the ongoing uncertainty around the reforms is making it impossible for families to plan for the future.

“We don’t even know what Lloyd’s future is going to look like, let alone how the NDIS is going to support him,” she said.

“All these constant changes mean families can’t plan anything properly.”

Celebrating volunteers at Palliative Care South East

By Jensy Callimootoo

For many devoted volunteers at Palliative Care South-East, the intention behind giving back resonates deeply, some with personal stories to tell, others with a special inkling to give back.

Between 10 to 16 May, hundreds across the sector were celebrated for National Palliative Care Week, leaving many reflecting on their reason why they volunteer.

One of them is Roy Francis.

Roy began volunteering with Palliative Care South East nearly eight years ago, but has decades of experience before that.

The story behind his volunteer-ship stems from the ongoing love for his wife, who passed away from a terminal illness.

It was years later when a friend suggested that he get involved in palliative volunteering.

First starting at Peter Mac, he later moved to Palliative Care South East, where he’s now involved in home visits.

“Unless one feels the emotions of their clients and can see the world through their eyes, then there’d be little point in volunteering this,” he said.

In his time volunteering, the retiree has observed a burgeoning gender gap in palliative care and services.

One that he hopes will be slowly addressed as the conversations around death become less taboo.

“With my current organisation it’d probably be at least four times or five times the number of women versus men.” Roy said.

“I think it’s reticent about chaps getting assistance. Because when I meet them, men often don’t like to talk about their grief.”

Roy highlights the importance of transparency when speaking to someone living with a terminal illness and their family.

“The best thing you can do is to just sit there and shut up,” he said.

“It’s to create the space for people to open up as though you were not there.

“That’s incredibly important and all these years of volunteering has simply validated that incredibly important idea.”

For Betty Williams and Halina Hili, these sentiments are also echoed.

Betty Williams has volunteered with Palliative Care South East for nearly 35 years. Starting at the very beginning stages with the organisation in Dandenong.

She takes up a special role in the bereavement program, where she often counsels and helps families understand their grief and complex emotions.

“I had two very close friends who both became ill with cancer,” she said.

“And because of that, I then was able to watch the palliative care people come in, the nurses, volunteers and I was able to see what palliative care did.

“They offered support, care, support, encouragement.

“They gave not only to my friends who were ill, but to their families.

“And so when I was asked, had I thought about volunteering, I felt in some way I wanted to give back to palliative care in appreciation for all they’ve done for my friends.”

Halina has been volunteering at the organisation for three years, and while she doesn’t have the length of experience as Betty or Roy, her time

at Palliative Care has been “fulfilling”

Halina works as an ambassador for the organisation. This includes acting as an outreach to community groups and providing more information about what palliative care actually is.

“It’s really interesting that there’s a wide range of opinions of what people actually see and we try to change their adverse thoughts about what palliative care is to something a bit brighter and more realistic,” she said.

Halina too was prompted by a death in the family and saw first hand the impact palliative services can help someone.

“Apart from providing family support when they go to a client’s home and maybe sit with them or take them out for coffee or tell them about biographies.” said Halina.

“It’s literally every single thing you could ever think of, they provide.

“That period is actually about living better, not anything on the negative side.”

On Monday 18 May, Palliative Care South East hosted a special celebration, aimed at recognising the work its volunteers do and the impact of their contribution to the organisation.

Push for cannabis cautions

By Violet Li

The State’s Upper House has backed a motion to call on the government to ensure people caught with small amounts of cannabis are cautioned, rather than arrested.

The motion, brought by Legalise Cannabis Victoria MP Rachel Payne, was agreed to by the Victorian Legislative Council on Wednesday 13 May.

Ms Payne called on the State Government to investigate options for legislative reform to Victoria Police’s cannabis cautioning scheme.

She noted a September 2024 Victoria Police Manual (VPM) update that recommended cautions over arrest for personal possession of small amounts of cannabis (up to 50 grams), and to remove restrictions on the number of cautions. The aim is to divert eligible people away from contact with the formal criminal justice system.

However, Ms Payne pointed to data from the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria to argue that the changes are not well-known and are not working as intended. She said the arrest rates remained high despite the updated guidance. Police arrests accounted for 48.5 per cent (3763) of recorded cannabis possession outcomes in 2025, while cautions were 33.5 per cent (2597).

In 2023, police arrests contributed to 52 per cent of recorded cannabis possession outcomes, while cautions comprised 35 per cent.

“No one should have their life derailed over a joint. Not in 2026. Victoria Police already agreed and quietly moved to a cautioning approach in 2024, but good policy isn’t good enough,” Ms Payne said.

“It is either being ignored or unevenly applied. It’s time to take a fair and common-sense approach and to make cautioning official.”

During the motion debate, she asked for clarity to be provided in legislation.

Ms Payne also cited comments from former senior Victoria Police officer Greg Denham, who helped design Victoria’s original cannabis

cautioning program in 1998.

Mr Denham said the original goal of the cannabis cautioning program was to reduce unnecessary police work and avoid saddling people with criminal records for low-level offences.

“Nobody joins the Victoria police to spend their shift busting someone for a joint. But we were stuck…” he said.

“Legislate cautioning and give officers something solid to stand on.”

Labor MP Michael Galea supported the motion during the debate but said appropriate consultation processes should take place with Victoria Police, the Department of Justice and Community Safety and the Department of Health to ensure there were no adverse, unintended consequences.

Libertarian MP David Limbrick also supported the motion.

“It is the most ridiculous use of police resources that you could think of, yet we continue to do it…” he said.

Liberal MP Renee Heath took a more cautious position during the debate, raising concerns about cannabis reform and its broader social impacts.

“I am open to many more conversations on this, but I will say this: I am far from convinced. I do not see how normalising drug use in any way, shape or form is healthy when cannabis leads to higher rates of psychosis, higher rates of depression, higher rates of disengagement from work or school or whatever,” she said.

Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC) CEO Clare Davies said such support was a crucial step towards a fairer and more consistent approach in Victoria.

“What might be seen as a minor cannabis charge can follow someone for years — affecting their housing, their ability to get work, and their mental health. For young people, and for those already dealing with hardship, that kind of system response can close doors rather than offer support,” she said.

The motion was agreed to without a formal recorded vote.

made to the Responsible Authority in writing to, Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805 or emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au

•include the application number and site address

•include the reasons for the objection, and •state how the objector

WHAT’S ON

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 and Thursday 6 June (due to popular demand), 4.30pm-6.30pm at Myuna Farm, Kidds Road, Doveton; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DLBDC

Cranbourne Seniors Club

Devonshire Tea on Friday 22 May, 1.30pm3.30pm; $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

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 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 Berwick Farmers Market

Farm fresh fruit and veggies, open range ethical eggs, honey, baked goods, artisan breads, vegetable seedlings, ethically raised meats, jams and preserves, dairy, wine, nuts, ready to eat goods. No crafts.

• Saturday 13 June, 8am-12pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick. Details: farmersmarketattheoldcheesefactory.org.au

SWAN Cobbers

Meet and chat with other father figures of children with a rare or undiagnosed genetic condition. In June, you and your children are invited to join us to plant some trees. T

• Sunday 14 June 10am-11.30am at Variety Livvi’s Place Minta, Soho Boulevard, Berwick; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DIXKP Gardening Together

Free gardening fun for dads, grandfathers and their children. Grow vegetables to eat, learn about insects, and have fun in the kids’ play garden. Bring hats, sunscreen and water bottles. All gardening tools and resources provided.

• Saturday 20 June 10am-11.30am at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DIZAQ

The Swinging 60s

The choir Voices of Casey presents songs from the 1960’s. With guest singers from the Vocal Performance School. Elaborate afternoon tea included.

• Saturday 20 June 1pm at Hampton Park Baptist Church, 1 Orient Place, Hampton Park. Details: voicesofcasey@gmail.com

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 BeaconsfieldEmerald Road, Beaconsfield; $65pp. Bookings: trybooking.com/events/1564861/sessions/6350052/sections/3013983/tickets

International Yoga Day

Presented by Saathi Multicultural Association Of Australia. All levels are welcome.

• Sunday 21 June 2pm-3pm at Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris Street, Lynbrook; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DKXUN Brown Women Comedy Workshops

Eight-week stand-up comedy course for women of colour, created and delivered by Australian South Asian Centre (ASAC). Learn joke writing, storytelling, comedic structure, improvisation, stage presence and dealing with nerves. You’ll also get dedicated script coaching, peer feedback sessions. Finishes with a showcase performance in front of a live audience.

• Thursdays 16 July-10 September 6.30pm9.30pm (with up-and-comers’ showcase Saturday 12 September) at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; $200 (for Casey residents). Bookings: tickets. bunjilplace.com.au/11454

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 10am12pm) and Italian study group with tutor Jan (Thursdays 12.30pm-2.30pm). New members over 50 welcome. Our membership fee is $55 per annum and you can join in as many classes as you wish.

• Details: u3acranbourne.org.au

Casual pickleball

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

• Fridays 10am-11.30am and Sundays 10.30am-11.30am 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.

DnD at Orana

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

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

Cranbourne sinks the Colts

By Blair Burns

Cranbourne’s positive start to the 2026 season has continued with the Eagles registering their third win of the Southern Division 1 season with a 29-point win over Port Melbourne, 16.14 (110) to 12.9 (81).

It was the first time this season that the Eagles have kicked triple figures with the usual suspects in Trent Marotta and Marc Holt delivering, but a great spread of eight goalkickers made life hard for the Colts’ defenders.

The win takes Cranbourne to 3-3 this season, equalling their win tally from last year just six rounds into the season.

With the exception of the game against Narre Warren, the new and improved Eagles are right where they deserve to be, in Division 1, and competing well.

They have the pieces of the puzzle to play finals and it is whether or not they can use their blend of youth and experience to win close games in future weeks or hold onto a winning position once they establish it.

Despite falling short last week against Cheltenham, the team took plenty of belief out of the game and it was clear that the side carried that belief and confidence into Saturday’s match.

Coach Angelo Soldatos was pleased with the performance from his side, a win which he said “showed great maturity.”

A win also without the team’s captain and arguably one of the best midfielders in the league, Zak Roscoe, who suffered a minor hamstring injury at training during the week.

“It is a tough place to play with the ground size and shape and they have been pretty good this year, so it was good to get the win,” Soldatos said.

“I have watched their games, their pressure has been really solid and they are one of the best scoring teams in the league, they run really hard and try to hurt you on the outside.”

On the small ground at JL Murphy Reserve, the ball was moving end to end with pace and it was the Colts who adjusted slightly better, kicking three goals to two in the opening term.

Despite trailing 20-16 on the scoreboard, the Eagles had more shots on goal and Marotta was already looking good up forward, kicking 2.1 in the opening quarter.

You may have already heard about 17-year-old Will Nisbet who has been turning heads off half back for Cranbourne … if you haven’t heard of him yet, you have now.

And you will be hearing plenty more of him.

The young gun had the ball on a string in the first quarter, he was intercepting, laying chasedown tackles and using the ball well out of defence to create attacking chains for his team.

“His first quarter was something else … you could quite easily mount an argument that he has been best on ground in three of our six games,” Soldatos said.

“I will be shocked if he had anything under 10 disposals and five intercepts, he is only 17 and doesn’t turn 18 until December.”

At quarter time, the Eagles had a contest on their hands and the message from Soldatos was to control the tempo.

“It is hard on that ground but we spoke a bit about controlling the ball and put a big emphasis on playing that way for the game,” he said.

“I thought we started okay, we gave away two or three free kicks which resulted in goals from memory which didn’t help, but it was as we had expected the game to go.”

There was a shift in momentum in the second quarter and it was the visitors, led by Lewis and Nicholas Russo in the engine room, who began to get on top of the home side.

Cranbourne managed to kick 4.6 for the quarter and kept the Colts to just 1.1, building a nice 19-point lead at half time.

“If we kicked a bit straighter, it could’ve been a really big quarter for us, but we did well to keep them to one goal,” he said.

The third quarter was the test of maturity for the young Eagles … Port Melbourne threw some early punches despite Cranny kicking the first of the term.

The Colts then had the next six scoring shots but managed two goals with wayward kicking proving costly as the Eagles responded with a couple of goals of their own.

The margin was as little as nine points in the third term before Cranbourne finished strong, kicking three late goals to lift the team morale and extend the lead to 33 points at the final break.

“I thought the second quarter really turned the game around, but they rallied hard in the third

quarter and were really coming,” Soldatos said.

“But to kick three goals late in that quarter was really pleasing and showed a bit of maturity in the group.”

An important part of that maturity was Mitch Lewis who returned from concussion and kicked two majors in the premiership quarter.

“He is a really good runner and was great for the group with his maturity, leadership and selfless nature – his third quarter was really good,” Soldatos said.

The momentum continued into the fourth for the Eagles as they kicked the first three to put the margin out to 51 points.

But Port Melbourne responded and closed out the match well with four of the last five goals to make the scoreboard more respectable.

“I wasn’t rapt with those late goals that they kicked, but we were happy to win,” he said.

“We know we have some stuff to work on, particularly late in the game as well.”

The combination of Marotta (four goals) and Holt (three goals) continues to trouble defenders across the league, while Nicholas Darbyshire, Lewis and Nicholas Russo all kicked two goals.

Bentleigh is the big test that lays ahead of Soldatos and his troops … and without Brandon Osborne, Jake Stephens and potentially Roscoe, it would be a huge effort … but these young Eagles believe.

They will first have to get the two most recent encounters with the Demons out of their memory, with heavy defeats of 70 and 94 points last year.

“It is no secret that they put us to the sword twice last year and were really good, but we feel like we have improved a fair bit since then and we are looking forward to the challenge,” Soldatos said.

“They got hammered with injuries in the first few weeks and are starting to get them back, but without those injuries, they are one of the best teams in the comp.”

Daniel dominates for Dales

By Blair Burns

Pearcedale snapped a four-game losing streak in MPFNL Division 2 with the Dales getting back on the winners’ list with a morale-boosting 37-point win over Crib Point, 16.7 (103) to 10.6 (66).

Afteraslowerstarttotheyearthanhewould’ve liked, Luke Daniel was the star of the show and proved to be unstoppable up forward, kicking eight goals in a best-on-ground performance.

Peter Bastinac’s side has had no trouble being in games this season and matching it with sides for patches, but consistency has been lacking.

Against Somerville a couple of weeks back, Pearcedale was in front by 52 points and went on to lose the game by 53 points – a 105-point turnaround.

And last week against Frankston Bombers, they trailed by only three points at half time before getting blown away in the second half to lose by 81 points.

Coach Bastinac was pleased with the effort and hoped it would be a turning point to get the team’s season back on track, now at 2-4.

“We had really good starts the past couple of weeks and haven’t been able to go on with it, so it was good to put together four quarters,” he said.

“It just shows that if their attitude is good over four quarters, then we can compete with everyone in the competition, which we have done but not for long enough.

“I hope Saturday was the turning point … it was a really important win.”

Crib Point at Crib Point has been a tough challenge for a number of seasons, and Bastinac said the final result should fill his players with confidence.

“It was probably the test we needed after the fortnight that we have had,” he said.

“There should be a lot of belief and the boys should be really confident about what we can do as a team – we are definitely capable.”

With his partner in crime Cruiz West sidelined with a concussion, it was Daniel’s turn to stand up and kick a winning score for the Dales, and he did exactly that with his eight goals.

Last year, Daniel booted 40 goals and was crucial to the Dales’ pursuit of a premiership but, prior to Saturday, he had two goals in five games and had been goalless since round one.

“He’s been a little bit disappointed with his form of late, so I was really happy for him to get amongst the goals,” Bastinac said.

“He’s a very skilful and dangerous player inside 50, he was able to get some space on the weekend and kicked truly which was great.”

Pearcedale set the tone in the opening quarter with a 31-6 lead at the first break, before the Magpies responded in the second to cut the margin back to 17 points at half time.

Daniel continued to get to dangerous spots

and was well assisted by the likes of Finn Jakstas and Kaolan Thornton out of the midfield.

The Dales kicked 7.3 to 3.0 in the premiership quarter and put the result beyond doubt as they eventually won by 37 points.

Daniel finished with eight, while the side had seven other players score one goal in the win.

Finn Jakstas is one of the young players to have taken a big step this season, along with some others like Ethan Vagg.

“Finn has been outstanding, the boys voted him into the leadership group as our co-vice-captain and he has been super,” Bastinac said.

“Ethan Vagg has had some discipline problems which he has taken care of and he looks like he is going to blossom for the rest of the year; he had the job on Khan Haretuku last week (and kept him to one goal).”

“Robbie Arnott is starting to hit his straps, Alex Dimic is having a strong year, so too is Trey Robertson and we have also brought Ash Mullen back in from the 19s.”

A challenge against Red Hill awaits as the Dales get ready to host the sixth-placed side at Pearcedale Recreation Reserve.

• MPFNLDIVISION2

Crib Point Goals: Miles Shepherd 4, Joey Wilson 2, Harrison Dekleuver, Joel Sarlo, Archie Shepherd, Peder Whelan. Best: Joel Sarlo, Jett Bauer, Joshua Le Grice, Miles Shepherd, Max Vercoe. Pearcedale Goals: Luke Daniel 8, Declan Albert, Robbie Arnott, Will Dalgleish, Jake Frawley, Lachlan Marshall, Connor Georgakopoulos, Kaolan Thornton. Best: Bailey Gent, Lachlan Marshall, Kaolan Thornton, Trey Robertson, Luke Daniel. MPFNL DIV 2 R6: Bonbeach 9.14 (68) def Karingal 7.10 (52), Somerville 12.19 (91) def Chelsea 11.9 (75), Rye 8.16 (64) def Frankston Bombers 8.10 (58), Seaford 15.13 (103) def Hastings 12.7 (79), Red Hill 23.13 (151) def Tyabb 3.7 (25).

POORPANTHERSPUMPED

It was always going to be tough work for Devon Meadows against undefeated Langwarrin, but the scoreboard got ugly for the visiting Panthers as they were beaten by 99 points, 23.9 (147) to 7.6 (48).

The Roos couldn’t miss in the first quarter and their straight kicking quickly took the game away from Devon Meadows, with Langwarrin register-

ing 8.0 for the first term and keeping the Panthers to just 1.0.

At quarter time, it was already going to be very tough to inspire a comeback victory with the scoreboard reading 48-6 in favour of the Roos.

The Panthers managed to control the second term and score 2.3 to just a singular point, but the floodgates opened up again after the main break.

A six-goal-to-one third quarter in favour of Langwarrin saw the margin blow out to 69 points before a final quarter demolition as the Roos added another nine goals.

Jack Wilson was named as Devon Meadows’ best player in the loss, while Toby Sinnema, Cody Ray, Owen Hillis and Kye Quirk were other strong performers.

The Panthers will host winless Sorrento at Glover Reserve this weekend in what will be a great opportunity to take their season record to 3-4.

MPFNLDIV1R6: Dromana 16.15 (111) def Pines 11.6 (72), Edithvale-Aspendale 17.14 (116) def Mornington 15.10 (100), Rosebud 19.9 (123) def Frankston YCW 5.7 (37), Mt Eliza 14.10 (94) def Sorrento 11.8 (74).

Exciting times as potential grand final preview delivers

By Blair Burns

All eyes were on the huge round-six clash between Narre Warren and Beaconsfield in South East Precinct Netball League (SEPNL) A Grade netball on Saturday, with the Magpies prevailing by three goals in an enthralling contest, 51-48.

The two sides are the benchmark teams of the A Grade competition and the early grand final favourites.

Despite Narre Warren claiming bragging rights in both of the first two meetings, the Eagles have not been far behind with final margins of two and three goals.

A thrilling contest was expected, and it didn’t disappoint as both teams worked hard to get their noses in front of the other.

In the big moments, it was the Magpies who won the ball or converted better on crucial scoring chances through goal shooter Mercy Loelu, who finished with 22 goals; she had great assistance from Jayda McConkey (18 goals).

Another thing that captured the eyes of spectators was the shooting battle at each end, with Loelu and Beaconsfield’s Chloe Maas (32 goals) making their names known as two of most damaging shooters in the league.

The Narre Warren victory sees the side move to 5-0 and sit on top of the ladder while Beacons-

(Rob Carew: 549000)

field occupies second spot at 3-2.

In the other A grade match, Cardinia Tigers fought really hard against Berwick and looked

as offensively dangerous as they have all season, but it wasn’t enough to get the points as the Wickers prevailed 65-30.

Berwick moved the ball with great speed and managed to get their shooting pair Mika Baram and Mackenzie Holland some really good looks in the goal ring.

The shooting duo combined for 51 goals and helped set up the game for the Wickers, who never looked like losing despite some strong competition from the Tigers.

Tatiana Lefau (17 goals) led the way for Cardinia in the attacking third.

Hampton Park had the bye and will resume its season this weekend against Berwick, while Cardinia will battle it out against the ladder-leading Magpies.

• SEPNL–OTHERGRADES

BGRADE: Beaconsfield 49 def Narre Warren 48, Hampton Park 52 def Berwick Springs 39, Berwick – bye.

C GRADE: Narre Warren 37 drew Beaconsfield 37, Hampton Park 38 def Berwick Springs 13, Berwick 43 def Cardinia Tigers 20.

DGRADE: Beaconsfield 28 def Narre Warren 21, Hampton Park 55 def Berwick Springs 7, Berwick 31 def Cardinia Tigers 17.

AGRADEFIXTURER7: Cardinia Tigers v Narre Warren at James Bathe Reserve 3:05pm, Berwick v Hampton Park at Edwin Flack Reserve 3:05pm.

McMaster makes the move

By David Nagel

Star all-rounder Luke McMaster will wear the colours of the Pakenham Cricket Club in 2026/27 after the Lions secured his services with the recruiting coup of the last decade.

Not since Russell Lehman left Pakenham to join Tooradin in 2016/17 has a player of such quality switched clubs from within the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA).

The move of McMaster - from Kooweerup - rivals the move of Lehman, and that of Chris Smith (Pakenham Upper/Toomuc to Pakenham - 2013) and Jess Mathers (Merinda Park to Kooweerup2015) as the biggest in recent memory.

Pakenham will be hoping history repeats, with Smith, Mathers and Lehman having all won multiple premierships at their new clubs.

Just like the aforementioned trio, McMaster will pull on his new colours in the prime of his career, aged 27 when the new season kicks off in early October.

Smith (22), Lehman (25) and Mathers (27) were also entering or at their peak when they switched clubs.

McMaster is widely regarded as one of the three best all-rounders in the CCCA, alongside Cardinia’s Matt Welsh and Tooradin’s Josh Lownds, and claimed the coveted Terry Stephenson Medal in 2024/25; awarded to the best player in the competition.

He is equally as effective either with the new ball in hand; or blasting it to the boundary as an explosive opening bat.

Lions’ captain/coach Jack Anning is understandably thrilled to have McMaster at Toomuc Reserve, after a distinguished junior and senior career that began with four seasons at Denhams Road in the Under 13s.

McMaster spent three years at Dandenong, playing predominantly seconds and thirds, but has otherwise played all his cricket at Kooweerup.

“I can’t remember having this level of excitement for a player joining our club, probably since Dale Tormey (2018),” Anning said.

“Chris Smith was a bit different because we knew him so well through football and social circles and things like that, so we probably underestimated his arrival.

“With Dale, from not being within the competition, we sort of knew his record but we hadn’t seen it in action.

“But with Luke, every time we played Kooweerup, we had to work out how to nullify him with the bat and stop him taking wickets with the new ball; so, to have a player of that quality join us is a massive coup for the club.

“The playing group is excited to have him on board, same with the committee, it’s very exciting for the club.”

Anning said the Lions had no intention of luring McMaster to Toomuc Reserve until recent times.

“We sat down in January and started to map out what next season would look like, and we needed to add experience and quality to what we had, but he certainly wasn’t on our list,” Anning explained.

“We had indication that he may be available for a chat; but we thought it might just be out of courtesy more than anything else.

“But from there we had a meeting and were able to present to him a vision and a path forward of what the longer-term plans are for the club.

“That involves our younger players coming through, but more specifically for him how he can

help our younger players, particularly our bowlers.

“But you’ve still got to get these players through the door and for him to be on board with what we’re trying to do; it makes the signing even more significant and satisfying for the club.”

Anning said the arrival of McMaster would benefit those around him, and not just through his batting and bowling statistics throughout the season.

That list of beneficiaries…well it includes Anning himself.

“I can’t wait to tap into his experience and knowledge, he knows the association and players of the opposition better than anyone and he’s captained at the level previously,” he said.

“It would be crazy for me not to tap into that; given the level of cricket he has played and the quality program at Kooweerup that we get him from.

“From a personal point of view, what he brings can only make me a better coach, a better captain, and more importantly make us a better club.”

There’s a long connection between Pakenham and Kooweerup, with Anning’s dad Phil, the current president at Pakenham, moving to Kooweerup from Pakenham during his playing career.

Jack Anning said he hoped the strong connection between the clubs would continue.

“I was talking to dad the other day and he joked, which is the bigger move, him going to Kooweerup or Luke coming to Pakenham,” Jack said with a chuckle.

“Seriously though, he said he is nowhere near the class of Luke.

“It will be interesting; we’ve always had a great respect for Kooweerup, we played them in five grand finals in a row, and it’s a really healthy rivalry, built over respect during that time and from there the relationship has always been very good.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing against them, but always enjoyed the off-field side of things as well.

“I would like to think that will continue down the same path; because from our side of things we’ve still got a massive amount of respect for Kooweerup and how they go about it.

“No doubt they’ll be a really good side again.

“As far as how other clubs perceive it; hopefully they see it that we’re trying to get better and improve.

“We weren’t happy or satisfied with how last season went, although there was plenty of upside with the young talent we were able to bring through; but at the end of the day, we’re not here to finish mid table.

“I watched finals this year and the cricket was good…but I hated every minute of it; because we weren’t a part of it.”

McMaster joins a plethora of new signings at Toomuc Reserve, with all-rounder Steven Dillon, opening bowler Josh Grogan and opening bat Matt Vaiano already putting pen to paper.

And the Lions have also confirmed the return of two-time Terry Stephenson Medallist Chris Smith, widely regarded as the best bat to have played in the CCCA in the last 15 years.

And there may be more to come for the Lions, with former captain Tormey only this week informing his current club Buckley Ridges that he will not be returning next season.

If Tormey does return to the Lions, the club will boast three of the last four Terry Stephenson winners.

Smith has won three, Tormey two and McMaster one.

Panthers prevail 2-0 after physical battle with United

By David Nagel

The goal-scoring capability of Casey Panthers has once again proved a powerful tool with the home side claiming a 2-0 victory over a gallant Pakenham United in State League 6 on Saturday.

Both teams were coming off big performances in round seven, with Casey winning 5-1 over Brighton and Pakenham taking a 3-1 victory in the local derby over Bunyip.

But any thoughts of a shootout were quickly dispelled with both teams committing to strong defensive structures in a physical first half.

Casey struck the first decisive blow in the 63rd minute with striker Alisina Hussaini continuing his good form of late with the games’ opener.

Pakenham refused to die wondering, making three substitutions with 15 minutes left on the clock in an attempt to tie up the scores.

But Casey continued to push and doubled its advantage in the 86th minute with Ben Rigby rattling the back of the net.

The win sees the Panthers maintain their position in sixth place on the table, but now only one win away from second-placed Whitehorse United.

Pakenham, meanwhile, sits ninth, despite some strong form in recent times.

Casey travels to Frankston Pines in round nine while Pakenham welcomes fifth-place Old Melburnians to IYU Reserve.

Bunyip has proven it can match it with some

and

of the better teams in the competition after a 3-3 draw on a rollercoaster road-trip to Old Melburnians.

The Strikers experienced everything there is to offer; first leading, then surrendering that advantage, before leading again until the dying mo-

ments of the match.

Bunyip shocked the home side into action when Guilherme Ribeiro scored in the 29th minute, a goal which was quickly answered by the hosts just two minutes later.

Robert Hay, who levelled things up for Old

Melburnians, then gave the home side a 2-1 advantage with just 12 minutes remaining in regulation time.

Seemingly destined for defeat, Bunyip then stunned the home crowd with two goals in a minute to take a 3-2 lead.

Connor O’Dea levelled the scores before Luke Agius gave Bunyip a 3-2 advantage with just three minutes left on the clock.

The rollercoaster ride was then complete when Nehal Shetty scored in the 90th minute for Old Melburnians to see both teams walk away with a very hard-earned point.

After two weeks on the road, Bunyip returns home this week to host top-placed Old Ivanhoe.

• STATELEAGUE6

RESULTS R8: Casey Panthers 2 def Pakenham United 0, Old Melburnians 3 drew Bunyip 3, Brighton 1 def by Frankston Pines 2, Knox United 0 def by Old St Kevins 2, Mt Eliza 8 def Mentone 0, Old Ivanhoe 3 def Whitehorse United 1.

LADDER: Old Ivanhoe 21, Whitehorse United 18, Mt Eliza 16, Old St Kevins 16, Old Melburnians 16, Casey Panthers 15, Frankston Pines 10, Brighton 9, Pakenham United 7, Bunyip Strikers 5, Knox United 0, Mentone 0.

FIXTURE R9: Pakenham United v Old Melburnians, Bunyip v Old Ivanhoe, Mentone v Knox United, Old St Kevins v Brighton, Whitehorse United v Mt Eliza, Frankston Pines v Casey Panthers.

Two for two from Cavaliers

By Justin Schwarze

Casey NBL1 South Men were up for the challenge in round seven, picking up a pair of wins against strong opposition.

This is the momentum boost Luke Kendall’s side was looking for after an inconsistent start to 2026.

On Saturday, the Cavaliers went to Nunawading and stunned the top-placed Spectres in a back-and-forth affair.

The first term was an armwrestle, but the hosts managed to get their noses in front by two at quarter time, before a dominant second was controlled by Casey.

Nunawading shot just 25 percent from twopoint range and the Cavaliers operated aggressively on the interior, posting 20 points in the paint to take the quarter by 13 and hold an 11-point buffer at the half.

But the Spectres showed why they were top of the table, holding the visitors to just 13 points in the third and drawing within one at three-quarter time.

A competitive fourth was on the way, and the Cavaliers couldn’t be held down long as they caught fire down the stretch.

Preston Bungei knocked down a pair of triples to set the tone early in the last, before Tanner Krebs took over.

Casey scored on 11 consecutive trips down the floor, led by Krebs’ masterful shot creation and work in the mid range.

Krebs scored 13 points in that period and the offensive execution led to the Cavaliers pulling away and winning 103-95.

Krebs finished with 27 points, five rebounds and five assists on 11/19 shooting, while Bungei stuffed the statsheet and posted 24 points, seven boards, five dimes, three steals and three blocks.

The offence continued to hum on Sunday as Casey completed a rout of Bendigo at home.

The game was effectively over in the first quarter with the Cavaliers firing a barrage, connecting on five threes to overrun the Braves 37-14 at quarter time.

Bendigo slightly trimmed the lead in the second by outsourcing the hosts by eight, but two more dominant periods saw Kendall’s side push

it out to a 109-76 blowout.

An even-scoring spread had six Casey players in double-figures, spearheaded by Krebs and Jesse Ghee with 19 each.

Casey Women split their games, going down to Nunwading 91-85 in their first hitout.

A disastrous first quarter was the undoing for the Cavaliers despite showing elite fight to get back into the contest over the remainder of the contest.

They were outscored 36-17 in the opening quarter, a hole they couldn’t drag themselves out of.

Courageous Storm falls short against the champs

By Blair Burns

While Cardinia Storm Hockey Club didn’t register a win in the seniors over the weekend, there was no shortage of effort with some inspiring performances.

The Storm faced last year’s premiers Mentone Panthers in the Women’s Metro 1 South competition, and they were up for the challenge, but fell short 3-0.

It was a tough and competitive contest, Cardinia’s defensive pressure and ability to create scoring opportunities managed to keep Mentone honest in defence.

The Storm’s midfield worked tirelessly all game with Lilly Kelly, Alana Nancarrow and Teagan Peterson leading the way.

The younger players also continued to grow in their roles with Scarlett Hawkins and Chloe Ludlow performing strongly.

But ultimately, Mentone slowly worked over the inspired Storm side, getting some good looks at goal and converting on three chances throughout the game.

Sarah Dunlop was a brilliant goalkeeper, providing leadership and directing her teammates while producing plenty of goal-saving plays.

In the Men’s Metro 1 South competition, it was an even battle against St Bedes and the teams couldn’t be split at the end of the game with a 0-0 draw.

With no bench, it was a gallant effort from Cardinia, who actually controlled most of the play in the quarter as they locked it in their half.

Gareth Ventom looks to attack for Cardinia Storm. (Stewart Chambers: 428633)

All five starters were in double-digits, led by Dallas Loughridge’s 27 points on 58 percent shooting.

On Sunday, Casey bounced back in a big way by demolishing Bendigo 95-63.

It was a straightforward result for the Cavaliers, winning every quarter, including the first by 14 and fourth by 11, to gradually build an insurmountable margin.

Loughridge was again the top performer with 31 points and six steals on 10/18 shooting, while Samantha Bowman provided a double-double of

15 points and 14 rebounds.

The Women remain in the top four at 8-3, while the Men surged into eighth with a record of 6-5.

Both Casey outfits will make the long trek out to Mount Gambier to face the Pioneers on Saturday in round eight.

A perfect trip across Bass Strait for the Dandenong Rangers Men saw them pick up two convincing wins.

On Friday night, a blistering opening term from Dandenong aided it in holding off the Hobart Chargers 98-94.

Joe Palmer was brilliant, scoring 33 points on 52 percent shooting while hauling in seven rebounds.

Harry Froling provided 23 points and eight boards, while Michael Meadows posted a doubledouble of 17 points and 10 rebounds for Dandenong.

On Saturday, a wire-to-wire performance from the Rangers led them to rolling the Northern Force 116-93.

Palmer led the charge again with 31 points and eight rebounds on 11/18 shooting, with Sam Davidson flourishing with 25 points in a promotion into the starting lineup.

The Rangers now sit sixth with a 7-3 record.

The Dandenong Rangers Women had an opposite weekend, dropping both games after picking up some recent form.

The first was a close loss to the Hobart Chargers, where the hosts overran the Rangers in the fourth to win 100-95.

Imogen Rock was stellar as usual in the loss with 30 points and nine rebounds on 12/16 shooting.

The Northern Force were far too good on Saturday, stringing together a strong effort after quarter time to down the Rangers 98-83.

Skipper Catherine MacGregor poured in 25 points for Dandenong.

The Rangers sunk to 17th with the 0-2 weekend, holding a record of 3-8.

A double-header for both Dandenong outfits awaits in round eight, starting with a home matchup with Knox on Saturday, followed by a trip to Keilor on Sunday.

Shooting practice has the Cannons back on track

By Blair Burns

It was a strong weekend for the Casey Hockey Club as the Cannons won six of their eight senior matches, with a plethora of strong performances.

The Women’s Vic League (WVL1) Reserves side had an impressive 6-0 win against WestVic Hockey, maintaining its spot inside the top four with a 2-2-1 record so far this season.

Emma Harris had a day to remember for the Cannons, scoring three goals in the victory, while Jessica Rowland was busy creating attacking plays with two goals.

Ellie Gallus was the other goalscorer, producing a classy play to find the back of the net.

The WVL1 side also had a big clash against WestVic but the teams couldn’t be split and both had their third draw of the year, the final scoreboard reading 2-2.

Talk about a captain’s performance … look no further than Casey’s Mikaela Davis who scored both goals and led her team by example.

Goalkeeper Tara Lambert managed to save some late attempts from WestVic to ensure the game finished in a draw.

The Cannons had another strong win in the Women’s Pennant D South East competition, defeating MCC with ease 3-0 to move into second spot on the ladder.

Metro 1 South match to give the Cannons a 1-0 win against Glen Eira.

In the men’s matches, Matthew Light gave his MVL1 team a chance at victory against WestVic with two goals, but the Cannons fell short 3-2.

The third quarter was more of an even battle before Cardinia had to survive in the final term, under siege from St Bedes’ best attacking players.

They fired shots again and again but Darren Rowe was like a brick wall for the Storm, saving plenty of attempts as goalkeeper.

St Bedes responded in the second term and while the Storm held them at bay, they were working hard to find the back of the net.

The different scoring avenues were one of the most pleasing things for Casey, as Emily Harris, Sophie Kimm and Clare Robson all scored a goal.

On Sunday, the Cannons were too strong for Greater Dandenong in the Women’s Pennant E South East competition as they won 2-0.

Thanks to goals from Kayleigh Looby and Kelly McLauchlan, Casey was able to control the game and secure another strong victory, while Emily Noney scored the only goal in the Women’s

The MVL1 Reserves won 5-0 by forfeit against WestVic, before the Men’s Metro 2 South side got a percentage-boosting 6-3 win.

The Cannons had five different players find the back of the net with Will Justice the only multiple goalscorer with two.

Tadhg McCurran continued his strong season with a crucial goal, while Matthew Robson, Myouren Shanmugalingam and Harjoban Singh Sidhu produced impressive plays to score.