News - Cranbourne Star News - 28th May 2026

Treadmill tribute

Tooradin Dalmore Junior Football Club turned a junior football round into a fundraiser on Sunday for Very Special Kids, a charity supporting children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Inspired by one of the club’s own families, the Whitnell family, players, supporters and local businesses joined in by keeping treadmills running throughout the day.

The event mirrored Very Special Kids’ upcoming 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge, which begins this Friday.

Full story page 12

Councillors

Call for City Loop access

By Violet Li

A new parliamentary petition to restore City Loop and Richmond access for Cranbourne and East Pakenham line commuters has attracted more than 700 signatures.

The petition, launched by Beaconsfield commuter Kylie Robinson and sponsored by Berwick MP Brad Battin, argues that the Metro Tunnel has removed direct access to Richmond, Southern Cross and the other City Loop stations, which increases travel time and creates additional inconvenience for south east commuters who are already travelling long distances from outer suburbs.

Under the Metro Tunnel changes introduced in February, Cranbourne and East Pakenham services were rerouted through the new tunnel and stations, including Town Hall, Anzac, Parkville and Arden, bypassing the City Loop, Richmond, and South Yarra. Transport planners said the changes would create a more reliable and higher-capacity rail network.

But Ms Robinson said many commuters had experienced the opposite.

She said her one-way commute from Beaconsfield to Southern Cross had increased from about one hour and seven minutes to between one hour and 20 minutes and one hour and 30 minutes.

“I feel like obviously for some people, the change has probably been beneficial because maybe they need to get off near Town Hall, or maybe they need to get off near Anzac Station, but when I travel to the city, what I see is people just piling off at either Caulfield or Town Hall and stopping trains. You can’t tell me that people are happy about that…” she said.

“My experience is just that it takes me 13 to 23 minutes longer. I’m stopping at more stations. I have to walk 280 metres (to transit at Town Hall).

“There’s the walk. I’m fully able-bodied, so I can do it, but it’s not the point. What about the people that aren’t? So not only is it a 280-metre walk, but on top of that, you’ve got to go up two flights of escalators.

“For somebody with a disability, it’s not even direct. It would be overwhelming for them.”

Ms Robinson said that the change is not an advancement in public transport, but a step backwards.

“For anybody in the south eastern suburbs who goes to football, or the cricket, tennis or concerts, we can’t even go to Richmond. You

have to swap at Caulfield,” she said.

“All those people who were telling me, don’t swap at Caulfield, swap at Town Hall. Well, to get to Richmond, if you swap at Town Hall, you have to go past Richmond, and then you’ve got to go back.

“And then, why shouldn’t we have direct access to go to these things? They’re on our side of the city even, and we have to swap trains to get to them. It’s just not right.”

After sharing the petition in the local Facebook groups, Ms Robinson received mixed comments.

Some said it would not happen, as the whole reason to build the Tunnel was that the city loop was at capacity.

“If they start adding Pakenham/Cranbourne back into the city loop, you will be taking slots from other lines. You are asking them to backpedal on the promises they’ve made to other metro lines for more frequent services,” one person commented.

“It’s very disheartening to read people saying: ‘What’s the point? Mo change will happen’,” Ms Robinson said.

“Some people told me, surely you’ve got

more important things to worry about in your life. I’m like, I do, but this actually means a lot to me. And it’s not for my own benefit.

“I work with people, and they’re all feeling it. And we’re women in our 40s and 50s. We’re tired enough.”

Despite some comments questioning whether changes would ever occur, Ms Robinson said many commuters still supported the campaign. She said another approach where some services continued through the City Loop would also be good.

“Even if you only have one an hour that goes through the City Loop, I can then plan my day around that,” she said.

Berwick MP Brad Battin said petitions in Parliament are an opportunity for the community to have a say and have their voice heard.

“On this occasion, it is important that the Government answer why they have taken the Pakenham Line out of the loop, and away from the MCG’s closest station Richmond. This has added time to travel for many people,” he said.

“I have committed to working with our Shadow Minister Matt Guy when we have all the available details to ensure we can secure the best deal possible to save time on travel.”

A Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) spokesperson said: “Because we built the Metro Tunnel, we’ve delivered 1,200 extra weekly services on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines, while creating room for more trains right across Melbourne’s rail network.”

“The Metro Tunnel is the biggest transformation of our rail network in more than 40 years, connecting Victorians to hospitals, universities, and jobs never before accessed by rail.

“To travel to Richmond Station, passengers can interchange between the Metro Tunnel and City Loop through connected stations or by transferring at Caulfield.”

DTP has advised that the City Loop was full, which is why the Metro Tunnel was built to untangle Melbourne’s busiest rail corridors and allow more trains to run more often across the network.

The petition remains open until 31 August before being formally presented to Parliament. Once tabled, the State Government can provide an official response.

To sign, visit: parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/restore-city-loop-and-richmond-access-for-east-pakenham-and-cranbourne-line-commuters/

Casey set to introduce EV waste fleet in Australia-first

By Violet Li

Casey Council will roll out what is believed to be Australia’s first fully electric hard waste truck fleet from July.

Council awarded its new hard waste and dumped rubbish collection contract at the May Council Meeting on 26 May, choosing an option that uses EV fleets and a nominated transfer station for materials recovery and disposal.

The officer report, which recommended the EV option, said that the preferred option proposed six electric compactor trucks supported by tray trucks, including electric vehicles for e-waste collection such as fridges, televisions, and computers. Back-up vehicles would be Euro 6 diesel trucks.

The EV option was estimated to cost around $3 more per household each year compared with the diesel equivalent.

However, officers argued that rising fuel prices after the Middle East war could shrink or eliminate that difference.

The proposal would reduce emissions while increasing the amount of waste diverted from landfill, officers claimed.

Officers also suggested this would be the first full EV hard waste fleet in Australia.

Cr Kim Ross, who moved the recommendation, said it is a prudent financial decision to approve the EV option.

“But it’s more than that, so choosing EV vehicles is a step forward in the circular economy,” she said.

“It’s consistent with community-supported environmental strategy, and it’s future-proofing for a likely increase and a potential difficulty in resourcing diesel fuel due to ongoing geopolitical stability.”

Cr Anthony Walter, who seconded the motion, said the EV option could remove around 650 tonnes of emissions while also reducing noise from diesel engines.

“That would lead our air quality to increase and also benefit community health, as we want to be more active in our community. That means being outside more,” he said.

Not all councillors supported the EV option.

Cr Shane Taylor questioned whether Casey should become the first council to adopt a fully electric waste fleet.

“Being first means that we’re also first in

line for the teething problems,” he said.

“These vehicles will work hard, particularly through our hot summer peak periods with heavy loads week after week. If they break down, it’s not just a news headline; it’s rubbish piling up on our streets.

“I’m all for sustainability, I’m all for progress, but progress has to be responsible.”

Cr Michelle Crowther, who also opposed the EV option, argued that the long-term cost

difference could become significant over the potential nine-year contract period.

However, City of Casey Manager Sustainability and Waste Michael Jansen later clarified at the meeting that the assessment used consistent assumptions across EV and diesel options and was not intended to predict future diesel or EV costs.

Mayor Stefan Koomen also backed the proposal, saying the EV option offered greater financial certainty amid rising fuel costs.

“I’ve seen councils with waste charges going up $40 attributed per household, $40 attributed purely to diesel costs alone this year,” he said.

“So, we know those increases are there; they’re coming.

“I think this option gives us certainty, stability, and it offsets against future rises. And I think that is a key thing for me.”

The contractor also proposed installing 50-kilowatt batteries alongside existing solar infrastructure to reduce reliance on grid electricity, according to the officer report.

Collections in Casey have risen from about 63,000 in 2018 to around 88,000 in the 2025-26 financial year, with forecasts suggesting they could exceed 110,000 during the next contract term.

The proposed EV fleet is said to increase collection capacity compared to current operations. The contractor estimates a capacity of approximately 2,250 collections per week (with a peak cap of 3,000 collections per week during December–February).

The contract has an initial term of 5 years commencing 1 July 2026, with two 2-year optional contract extensions that may be granted at Council’s discretion.

The EV option was approved in a 9–3 vote, with Cr Shane Taylor, Cr Michelle Crowther and Cr Jennifer Dizon voting against the proposal.

Crs pressed on rate pledges

Casey councillors who campaigned on keeping rates low are facing scrutiny after the Casey Council proposed a second consecutive rates rise under the new council.

Two of the councillors cited the need to balance keeping rates low with continuing to deliver essential services and infrastructures; a third councillor refused to comment.

Casey Council is considering a 2.75 per cent rates increase in its 2026-’27 draft budget, ahead of its June meeting.

Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) has contacted Tooradin Ward Cr Jennifer Dizon and Correa Ward Cr Gary Rowe, who pledged during the 2024 election campaign to reduce rates or cut what they described as wasteful spending, asking how those commitments would be reflected in the current budget process.

In a statement to the organisation on 21 May, Cr Dizon said councillors had participated in budget briefings, workshops and discussions over the last six months, during which she had “consistently advocated for careful spending, operational efficiencies, financial restraint and responsible decision-making to reduce pressure on ratepayers wherever possible”

She noted that Casey had remained within the State Government’s rates cap and had not sought a higher cap variation, as some councils had done.

She also said Council must continue delivering and maintaining essential infrastructure and community services relied upon by residents across Casey, and this was particularly important in the growing communities she represents. Meanwhile, Cr Rowe did not get back to CRRA. He also declined to comment when contacted by Star News.

CRRA president Anthony Tassone said they appreciated Cr Dizon taking the time to respond to their correspondence, but he did not receive any direct answer to his questions.

“While Cr Dizon spoke generally about financial restraint and operational efficiencies, our

original question about how she would advocate for reducing council rates in light of the proposed 2.75 per cent increase was not directly answered,” he said.

“We know residents would appreciate an answer to this question.

“This isn’t about attacking individual councillors. It’s about transparency, accountability and helping residents understand how election commitments align with council decision-making.

“Residents are facing significant cost-of-living pressures, and many people are paying close attention to council spending and rate increases.”

When contacted by Star News, Cr Dizon provided a similar response, saying that while she had always emphasised the importance of keeping rates as low as possible, Council was also facing rising costs.

“While I have always been clear about the importance of keeping rates as low as possible, it is also important to acknowledge that Council, like households and businesses, is facing increasing costs, particularly in areas such as construction, materials and service delivery,” she said.

“This creates real pressure on the Council’s ability to deliver the infrastructure and services

Successful fundraiser

its 15th year and raised thousands with the help of those who attended. It even included a raffle prize.

our growing community needs.”

She said she would not be commenting on her final position ahead of the June Council Meeting.

“I will continue to carefully consider the final budget with a focus on striking the right balance between rates, infrastructure, services and investment,” she said.

Kalora Ward Cr Melinda Ambros, who listed keeping council rates low among her priorities during the election campaign, disputed the suggestion that she had committed to reducing rates when contacted by Star News.

Cr Ambros said her position had always focused on responsible financial management and value for money rather than a commitment to a particular rate level.

“They do not commit me to any particular rate level, and they do not predetermine how I will vote on any future rate proposal,” she said.

“My approach remains grounded and reflects a commitment to fairness and responsible financial management, not a commitment to any specific outcome or predetermined decision.”

Cr Ambros also pointed to Casey’s broader responsibilities, saying the council delivered more than 100 services and maintained $8.7 billion

worth of infrastructure.

She said Casey remained one of the lower rating councils among growth and adjoining areas and argued that context was essential when discussing rate settings.

Last year, Casey Council lifted the rates by 3 per cent, in line with the State cap. Star News reported then that residents were disappointed and described it as a “bad move”

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.

The

event

The event brought together members from the community to raise funds and awareness for the Cancer Council with fundraising activities and Cancer Council speakers attending.

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

Ex-local police officer dies

By Violet Li

A former Cranbourne police officer has died after a fall while trekking the Inca Trail in Peru.

Victoria Police has confirmed the death of Sergeant Matthew Paton, whose body was found on the morning of Friday 22 May (Australian time).

Victoria Police have been in contact with his wife Jane, who was with him on holiday, and the family are flying to Peru from Australia.

Local authorities are investigating the circumstances of the tragedy.

The Australian consulate, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Australian Federal Police are assisting. Victoria Police is also providing support.

Matthew, 52, joined Victoria Police in 2009, initially serving at Cranbourne and Rosebud police stations before becoming an instructor at the Victoria Police Academy in 2017.

His passion for teaching recruits led to a number of other roles, including facilitating training for police responding to mental health events.

He was recently selected for a senior sergeant position and was due to commence in the role next month.

A proud Queenslander, he was a passionate follower of the Maroons and Brisbane Lions.

Matthew loved travelling, exploring historic sites and cultures.

He is survived by his wife and three children, Ainsley, Luke and Meg.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the thoughts of everyone at Victoria Police are with Matt’s family and friends at this time.

“Matt served with distinction for 16 years, most recently as an instructor at the Victoria Police Academy,” he said.

“His colleagues and the entire policing family are devastated at the tragic loss of a wonderful, caring person.

“Matt had the ability to talk to anyone and everyone. The morale and welfare of his friends and workmates were always his priority.

“He will be remembered for his selflessness, amazing sense of humour, extreme kindness and inclusion of all.”

In a statement issued by Victoria Police on behalf of Matthew’s family, the family said they are

shattered by this loss.

“It seems surreal at the moment. Everyone is bereft,” they said.

“Family was the most important thing to Matt.”

They described Matthew as a family-oriented man devoted to his wife of 31 years and their three children, someone who was always willing to help others.

“He was the guy who stopped on the side of the road to help people change tyres,” he said.

They said he had strong morals from a young age and excelled academically before beginning a career in accounting and retail.

Later in life, he pursued new challenges, earning a black belt in karate, studying Spanish and eventually joining Victoria Police because he wanted meaningful work that he could be proud of.

“He really thought that he was doing something worthwhile,” the family said.

“We were incredibly proud of him, the work he was doing, including with recruits at the police academy. He loved being an educator.”

The family recalled that even in the last week, Matthew was posting videos of primary school students marching in Peru and telling his recruits here that they could learn a thing or two in a joking manner.

“He was also doing work with officers who had experienced traumatic incidents. He was well respected everywhere he went. He loved his colleagues and had a great rapport,” the family said.

“He was a funny guy. He was witty, he was clever. He would spin an anecdote better than anyone.”

The family said Matthew had always wanted to travel to Peru.

“Part of him learning Spanish was so he could do this trip,” they said.

“He was always up for an adventure, to learn something and to experience something new.

“We are grateful for the support of Matt’s Victoria Police colleagues, the Police Association Victoria and local authorities in Peru at this difficult time.”

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said the department is providing consular assistance to the family.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” they said.

Widow’s compassion inspires

By Sahar Foladi

A grieving widow has found solace in volunteering at a residential aged-care centre where her husband breathed his last.

Beverley McFarland lost her husband David to multiple sclerosis, an auto-immune disease that he fought for 10 months.

He was at Mercy Place in Lynbrook for his care and needs but that didn’t stop his wife, Bev from visiting him every day, to care for him, spend time and stay right beside him.

“When I pass in front of his room, I always stop and say prayers even when there’s someone else there now. It’s a great thing to do.

“We were going to the church, his buttons were undone, he said, ‘Can you do my buttons for me,’ and never had he asked me to do this in the more than 50 years together.

“I said we need to go to the doctors because this is happening for the first time.

“It happened so fast - 10 months and it was all over. He suffered for 10 months, he couldn’t eat, talk, walk, use his hands.

“I would say if it’s a yes, blink your eyes at me.”

Over time, the 70-year-old became a familiar face at Mercy Place among staff and other residents, forming a connection like a second family.

In her last visit to her husband, Bev promised him that she’d take care of the other residents.

So two months after her husband passed away, she gathered the courage and the strong determination to fulfill her promise.

Originally from India, Bev has lived in New Zealand and Dubai, spending decades working in care after moving to Australia, including at Dandenong Hospital.

But she says this chapter of her life has been the most meaningful yet.

“I think it’s the best thing I did in my life

“It helped me to get through my grief, I know all the residents so well now.

“I felt a relief, happy in a place my husband breathed his last so I feel close to him.

“Not everyone’s the same, many don’t want to come back where their loved ones passed.

“I suppose you have to have a calling to do it and for me, honouring my promise to my husband.”

She dedicates every Thursday to visit her second home, spending time one-on-one with some of the residents who need it, or in groups, playing games, watching TV and being a listening ear to them.

“The ladies all love me, some of them I can share my grief with because they used to see me push him to the lounge room, the garden.

“They became very familiar with me and my husband so I felt quite comfortable to go back.

“They can’t imagine I would come back after what I went through. They look forward to me coming every Thursday - when I don’t come, they ask why.

“I don’t like to miss a Thursday, I keep Thursday just for that and if I have any appointments, I schedule it on another day.”

David’s first year anniversary was on Sunday 24 May, making the week very emotional for Bev and the family.

Mercy Place Lynbrook lifestyle coordinator Elaine Balfour described Bev as easy-going with a soft approach, listening without judging, and allowing residents to open up to her.

She says Bev’s decision to volunteer helped her tremendously as part of her grief, allowing her to return to normalcy when she used to visit the place on a daily basis to visit her late husband.

“Her coming here on a daily basis was part of

the routine, meeting with other people.

“It was the support she received from staff and other residents - it wasn’t just the passing of her husband, it was that she lost the interaction with others.

“She saw what we do, that’s another reason she decided to eventually volunteer here.”

Ms Balfour recommended a list of names of people that would benefit from Bev’s company and time, but that keeps extending.

“I think because she is easy-going, she’s friendly, compassionate, she gives them the opportunity on that one-on-one level. It gives so much more comfort, allows some of our residents to open up a bit.

“I think it’s a blessing to have any volunteers for our residents, myself and the community in general.

A lot of volunteers feel that they want to give back.

“We have two volunteers who have had family members stay and passed here, for someone to come back into that environment, shows you the strength of that person and resilience.

“It’s important for us as staff not to forget the tough times they’ve all been through and show

our support.” In this year’s National Volunteer Week, the theme is “Your Year to Volunteer,” celebrating volunteers of all shapes, backgrounds, and qualities.

Contract raises questions

By Jensy Callimootoo

City of Casey is facing questions over transparency and long-term financial risk after not publicly disclosing the value of a major recycling contract that could become more expensive if global fuel prices continue to rise.

At Tuesday night’s council meeting, councillors voted in favour of extending and varying a new glass collection and recycling services contract to waste giant Cleanaway Waste Management alongside broader waste service arrangements.

It also unanimously voted to endorse a new Kerbside Waste Collection Policy 2026, which aligns with state-mandated reforms including controversial glass recycling kerbside bins.

Deputy Mayor, Michelle Crowther introduced a motion that would endorse the policy but also advocate to the State Government for the removal of the mandates.

With this, councillors expressed skepticism over these reforms but vocalised support for the council’s attempt to cushion the cost impacts on the community.

“Officers have done their best to protect the community from this but… we sort of have our backs to the wall. So this is about the best that we can do at the moment to try to minimise the harm that’s going to be happening from this,” say Cr Lynette Pereira.

“I think we’ve made the best of a bad situation.”

This was mirrored in Cr Gary Rowe’s comment on the contract renewal.

“This is something that’s been forced on the Victorians by the State Government,” said Cr Rowe.

“They have not demonstrated any ability or wish to change their mind and what the council’s done… is good.”

Councillors, excluding Cr Melinda Ambros, Cr Shane Taylor and Cr Crowther, voted to extend its contract with Cleanaway for two years and include the new glass collection service.

Under Casey’s arrangement, households would receive dedicated glass bins serviced by Cleanaway, with recycled material redirected into new manufacturing streams rather than landfill.

However, the financial mechanics of the contract are now drawing scrutiny with council documents revealing the contract price will not remain fixed.

Instead, payments to Cleanaway will fluctu-

ate quarterly in line with Consumer Price Index (CPI) movements and fuel price adjustments, exposing ratepayers to potentially escalating costs over the remaining life of the agreement.

Compounding concerns is the council’s decision to withhold the actual contract value from public release, citing commercial confidentiality.

Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) has since urged the council to disclose this information.

“Residents understand there are commercial sensitivities, but ‘commercial in confidence’ cannot become a blanket excuse for withholding basic cost information from the community,” said CRRA president, Anthony Tassone.

“No re-tendering process has been under-

Think peace of mind, at any stage of

taken for at least seven years, so residents are rightly asking how Council can demonstrate this represents value for money without any recent benchmarking against alternative providers.”

For residents already grappling with rising living costs, Tassone says the arrangement leaves Casey ratepayers effectively uninformed on the full long-term financial exposure.

“If this decision could increase waste charges for households, residents deserve to know what the alternatives cost and why Council believes this is the best deal,” he said.

CRRA argues that residents cannot properly assess financial risk without understanding the baseline value of the agreement or the scale of possible future increases.

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

Whether you’re living independently or require a higher level of assistance, our flexible approach ensures you can access the right care when you need it, without having to leave the community you call home.

With independent living, assisted living, and residential aged care all available now,* there’s never been a better time to visit Summerset Cranbourne North.

Our winter open days are a great way to get a feel for life in the village. Begin with a guided tour of the homes and facilities, before enjoying some delicious soup in the café.

Winter warmer open days 4 & 18 June, from 10am to 2pm

Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au

Good intentions, but...

skin picking and suspected food poisoning.

Medical staff repeatedly questioned whether he had used methamphetamine, leading the patient to feel stereotyped and racially profiled.

Over the past few weeks, we found ourselves reviewing a university Masters healthcare module focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient engagement.

The intention behind it was important. Necessary, even.

Closing the gap in health outcomes matters. Cultural safety matters. Historical understanding matters.

But truth be told… by the end of the module, we were left asking a difficult question: Are we teaching future healthcare professionals how to connect with people - or are we teaching them to become anxious about saying the wrong thing?

Because there is a difference.

And increasingly across Australia, well-intentioned diversity and inclusion training risks creating hesitation, awkwardness and social distance rather than confidence, trust and authentic human connection.

That should concern all of us.

The healthcare module centred around “clinical yarning” - an approach encouraging relational communication, trust building, listening and reducing power imbalances when working with Aboriginal patients.

On paper, this makes complete sense.

In practice, however, many of the examples felt less like cultural education and more like basic communication failures being reframed as uniquely cultural issues.

One case study involved an Aboriginal man presenting to emergency with severe itching,

Now perhaps there is room to reflect on how those questions were asked. Tone matters. Respect matters. Building trust matters.

But truth be told… asking clinical questions based on presenting symptoms is also part of a healthcare professional’s job.

That is not racism. That is assessment. And perhaps this is where nuance is being lost in some of these training approaches.

Because many of the skills being taught - empathy, listening, rapport building, withholding judgement, reducing assumptions, explaining information clearly, creating emotional safety and checking understanding - are foundational communication skills that benefit every patient, every classroom, every workplace and every relationship.

Yet somehow, Australia keeps packaging these capabilities into siloed cultural training modules rather than embedding them universally into how we educate people from the beginning.

Maybe that is part of the problem.

Dad and I both studied Aboriginal administration and management more than 30 years ago.

We have worked alongside First Nations communities for decades.

We have seen extraordinary strength, wisdom and resilience in communities, but we have also watched governments and institutions increasingly drift toward performative approaches that sometimes unintentionally deepen division rather than reduce it.

And this is where the conversation becomes

uncomfortable.

Because some modern diversity training risks making ordinary Australians feel as though cultural interaction is fragile, procedural and full of hidden traps.

People become fearful of “getting it wrong” instead of learning how to engage naturally, respectfully and confidently.

Even more concerning, some students themselves are privately expressing feelings of anxiety and dread around these interactions altogether - not because they dislike Aboriginal people, but because they are terrified of accidentally offending someone or being labelled culturally unsafe.

That should ring alarm bells. Because that is not cultural intelligence.

That is social anxiety dressed up as policy.

Meanwhile, the broader context matters too.

Australia is already wrestling with rising polarisation, distrust and “us versus them” politics.

Parties like One Nation thrive when everyday Australians begin to feel alienated, blamed or disconnected from conversations around identity and inclusion.

The answer to that cannot be more segregation.

It cannot be endless tokenism.

And it certainly cannot be creating systems where people feel they need a manual simply to speak to one another.

Because cohesion is not built through fear of offence.

It is built through relationships.

This is why we believe the solution lies much earlier.

Imagine if emotional intelligence, respectful communication, cultural understanding and relational capability were embedded from primary school onwards - not as specialised “diversity units,” but as core human skills taught to everyone.

How to listen properly.

How to communicate across difference.

How to explain ideas clearly.

How to build trust.

How to regulate emotions.

How to navigate disagreement respectfully.

These are life skills. Not niche competencies.

And perhaps if we taught these capabilities universally, healthcare workers, teachers, police, leaders and everyday Australians would all be better equipped to engage across difference - not only with First Nations peoples, but with everyone. The irony is that the strongest part of the module was not the cultural theory itself. It was the reminder that people heal better when they feel safe, heard and respected. That is not uniquely Aboriginal wisdom. That is universal human truth.

Truth be told… we will not build a culturally safe Australia by teaching people to fear each other.

We will build it by teaching people how to genuinely relate to one another.

Letter to the editor: Price of extra bins in the City of Casey

In the special edition of her newsletter, this is what our local MP, Belinda Wilson, has got to say: “With cost-of-living pressures being felt by many local families, this Budget focuses on making life easier....”

These are words of wisdom that need the attention and urgent consideration of Casey Council’s administration.

One wonders why Casey administration should make life even more difficult for ratepayers by its bogus policy, e.g.

(a) Some time ago, Casey Council decided to replace the lids on practically all the bins, even those that were still in a good condition.

Almost everybody in the world is aware of the financial hardships faced by many families, including Casey residents and ratepayers, due to the US-Iran war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The costs?

(b) Recently, a sticker with the street number of every household, has been placed on every single bin, which already had a street number written or painted on it. The costs?

(c) The decision to compel every householder to have an additional bin, i.e. a fourth bin. At what costs?

(3) The name of the contractor/s?

Finally, why does Casey administration not try to assist the local families by reducing the rates, most particularly for old age pensioners?

- Eliezer François JP Endeavour Hills

In the name of Freedom of Information, may we ask Casey Council (1) the total cost of this bin business? (2) Who in Casey Council or the State Government took the initiative in regard to this bogus policy?

Pearcedale woman snags impressive $770,000 TattsLotto win

A Pearcedale woman struggled to sleep after she discovered her weekly TattsLotto ticket won her a $770,000 prize.

The resident held one of the eight division one winning entries nationally in TattsLotto draw 4679 on Saturday 23 May 2026. Each division one winning entry pocketed $772,198.90.

Still struggling to wrap her head around the enormity of her win, she couldn’t help but shed a tear.

“When I checked my ticket, I originally thought I had five numbers, and I went ‘You

beauty!’, then I just went ‘Bloody hell!’ because it hit me that I actually had all six,” she said.

“I couldn’t sleep last night because everything was going through my head, and I was just dumbfounded.

“You buy your ticket each week, but you never expect to win! I’ve been playing for years, so it was a huge shock.

“This’ll be the mortgage paid off, and then I can retire. I can’t believe it. My husband’s just as shocked as I am.

Her winning System 7 QuickPick entry was purchased at Pearcedale News & Lotto,

Pearcedale Village Shopping Centre, Shop 14 - Baxter-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale.

Pearcedale News & Lotto owner Raj Joshi said he and the team were thrilled about the winning news.

“The moment you hear your outlet has sold a division one winning ticket is an absolute blur of pure excitement and disbelief,” he said.

“At Pearcedale, this is the second division one winning entry that has been sold. The first one was in 2020. For me personally, this is the fourth consecutive year where a division one winning ticket has been sold at one of my

Five

Five teens have been arrested after two allegedly stolen cars were located in Cranbourne East on the morning of Friday 22 May.

Patrolling police caught sight of a group of teens running from one vehicle, which appeared to have been involved in a collision, to a Mazda on Cortula Road about 2.10am.

One of the teens, a 19-year-old Cranbourne East man, was arrested near the scene.

The remaining teens allegedly took off in the Mazda 3 wagon at a high rate of speed.

The Mazda was seen travelling along the Monash Freeway, at alleged speeds of up to 180km/h.

Police successfully deployed a deflation device on the vehicle before it continued

stores.”

The winning numbers in TattsLotto draw 4679 on 23 May 2026 were 31, 11, 20, 28, 40 and 19, while the supplementary numbers were 39 and 1.

Across Australia, there were eight division one winning entries in TattsLotto draw 4679 –three each in Victoria and Western Australia and one each in Queensland and New South Wales.

The Lott’s division one winning tally has now reached 371 so far this financial year, including 139 won by Tatts customers.

along the Monash Freeway.

The Mazda came to a complete stop on Ferntree Gully Road, where officers moved in and arrested four teens, aged 19,19,18 and 16-years-old.

All five remain in custody and will be interviewed by investigators.

Both vehicles were allegedly stolen during an aggravated burglary at a Stark Circuit address in Cranbourne East about 1.15am.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam or CCTV footage or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Hall development rejected

By Violet Li

A proposal for a community hall in Devon Meadows has been rejected by Casey Council, with planning officers finding the development ‘inappropriate’ for the green wedge and raising concerns over increased traffic and the scale of the application.

Casey Council issued a Notice of Refusal on 12 May for the proposed hall at 1990 South Gippsland Highway by non-profit cultural organisation Yogi Divine Society, listing eight grounds for rejecting the application.

Council stated that the site is outside the preferred location for community uses as set out in the municipality’s Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan, which is the area bounded by Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Pearcedale Road and Browns Road.

Manager Planning and Building Tania Asper said the decision followed consideration of planning policy and public feedback.

The applicant has received 62 formal objections.

“This decision was based on a number of planning considerations, including the potential impact on the surrounding area, traffic safety and the appropriateness of the proposed development within the Western Port Green Wedge,” Ms Asper said.

“In reaching its decision, Council considered the Casey Planning Scheme, relevant policy relating to the Western Port Green Wedge, as well as submissions made by the public.”

The proposed single-storey community hall was for community meetings and informal gatherings, cultural observances and traditional ceremonies, and small-scale cultural presentations and discussions.

The hall was designed to accommodate up to 90 patrons at any given time, and a total of 29 on-site car parking spaces would be provided.

The operating hours would be 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and 11am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday. The vehicle access point

would be from Browns Road.

Traffic issues were flagged in the decision.

Council found the proposal could create potential traffic safety issues on Browns Road relating to vehicle access, exit movements and vehicle queuing. The rejection notice stated the application lacked sufficient information for the Department of Transport to provide an adequate referral response.

Planning officer also found the intensity of the proposed use, including spread and duration of hours, is ‘excessive’ and ‘not in keeping with the expected hours of operations of

non-residential uses in the Green Wedge A’

The built form and landscaping, particularly the large extent of hardstand car parking area, are also concerns for the council, which they believe will result in an ‘unacceptable presentation to site frontages within the Green Wedge A area’

The proposed development had attracted community concern after details of the application emerged earlier this year, with residents raising issues including traffic, green wedge impacts and compatibility with the surrounding area.

The applicant can seek a review of the de-

cision through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and they generally have 60 days from the date the Notice of Refusal was issued to lodge a review application. Yogi Divine Society was contacted for comments. The rejection adds to a series of planning disputes in Casey’s southern green wedge. Since last year, this is the third religious and community-related development proposal to be rejected, following unsuccessful applications by Melbourne Ayyappa Seva Sangam (MASS) in Pearcedale and Shri Ram Janaki Charitable Trust Melbourne in Cranbourne South.

Botanic Gardens is a close-knit community set on landscaped native gardens and neighbours the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne. Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle and an active social calendar catering to all interests.

Choose from spacious villas with 24/7 emergency call systems and enjoy the flexibility to pay for additional services as you need.

Nayo is making a splash

By Sahar Foladi

A young public-school student and swimmer has won a hard-earned right to compete in an upcoming national and international championships.

Year 11 student Nayonika Niranjan represented Cranbourne East Secondary College in the State championship in April.

While she placed seventh in her squad, she achieved a well-deserved personal best time of 34.91 seconds - down from 35.12.

“There’s not a lot of competitive swimmers at my school but there’s the opportunity to participate in school swimming,” Nayo says.

“Swimming is arguably one of the hardest sports, it’s very difficult compared to other sports, and sometimes it feels like we don’t get much recognition or knowledge about that.”

Like the majority of children in schools, she started swimming as a survival skill but it wasn’t long before her parents realised her potential.

Both her parents work hard to keep Nayo in the pool, including her membership at the TigerShark Swimming Club at Casey Race. They help her to enter as many competitions as possible.

“It was a matter of picking which sport to excel at and it happened to be swimming.

“It was never planned, it just happened and I’m so grateful because it changed my life completely. The connections I made, the life lessons are all very valuable.”

Competitively swimming for the past 10 years, Nayo has set herself a rigorous schedule to balance school academics and swimming, training twice a day.

Her day starts at 4.30am, she’s at the pool at 5.30am, back home and then school after 7.30am and back to training later in the evening. She has been keeping this up for more than two years.

This is all while studying Year 12 level psychology and a VET course in sports, along with her Year 11 subjects.

The school’s head of sports, Madeleine Henderson, says the school is proud of her perfor-

mance, highlighting the potential of their students.

“She demonstrates outstanding academic performance, is highly respected by her peers, and consistently shows strong leadership, having held several leadership roles at CESC.

“Her achievement at the state championship reflects her dedication and commitment to excellence.

“Looking ahead, Nayo is determined to continue improving.

“She narrowly missed qualifying for three additional events at regionals this year, and I am confident she will work hard to qualify for more events at state next year.”

She says the school will focus on increasing

Casey Grange Village Cranbourne West

participation especially among female students and to develop programs to “build skills, confidence and engagement in sports”

While Nayo may not have it all planned, she is aiming for the nationals and to potentially perform at the Commonwealth Games before she can take on a pathway in psychology and sport.

Swimming remains one of the school’s significant challenges, with a large number of students either unable to swim or lacking the confidence to participate particularly in front of their peers.

As a result, the school says they have seen traditionally low attendance at their swimming carnivals.

To address this, the school’s Health and Physical Education leader will embed structured

swimming lessons and water safety units in the junior curriculum.

“The aim is to build foundational skills early, while also developing confidence and a sense of comfort in the water,” Ms Henderson says.

“Over time, we hope this targeted approach will not only improve student capability but also lead to increased participation and a more positive experience at our school swimming events.

“Being in a low socioeconomic area also has a big impact. A lot of our students aren’t playing community sport outside of school like we used to see, mainly because it’s becoming too expensive.

“As a result, many students come into Year 7 without the basic skills or experience in team sports, which puts them at a disadvantage early on.”

The school’s increasing enrolment numbers mean a lot of students miss out on representing the school in division-level sport, as more students want to be involved in sports than there are spots available.

It has also struggled with female participation in sport, running free after-school training sessions to allow more opportunity to play sport, improve their skills and feel connected to the school.

In 2023, the school’s enrolment increased from 1965 to 2135 students according to its Strategic Plan 2023-27.

Enjoy a lifestyle where comfort, connection and convenience come together in one of Victoria’s fastest-growing areas.

This is a rare opportunity to become part of the warm and welcoming Casey Grange community, where your beautiful villa is just the beginning. From the clubhouse and pool to the vegetable garden, the shared spaces here invite you to relax, connect with neighbours and enjoy every day your way.

To arrange an inspection, call our local sales specialist, Andy Gordon: 0458 603 047

Fundraiser tops $10,000

By Violet Li

Cranbourne’s Ranfurlie Golf Club has raised more than $10,000 for a cancer care charity on its golf day.

The golf club was turned into a sea of pink on Wednesday 20 May, as players came together for a Pink Tee Ambrose charity golf day in support of the McGrath Foundation.

About 77 people took part in the day.

The $10,000 raised was significantly up from the $2,500 to $3,000 raised at last year’s event.

Golf and Membership Manager Sahil Sahib said the result exceeded expectations.

“What we did was that the club actually covered a $50 entry fee. Obviously, with that $50 entry fee, you’ve got to cover your food component and the competition format for the prizes,” he said.

“But the club decided that we were going to just cover the $50 fee completely. So, there was going to be no fee towards the members, and for the members and visitors who paid the $50, that money would be given to the charity.

“Then, as a result, the club said, look, because we’ve done so well, we’re going to actually double that amount. So, it was $7,700 the club

donated.

“We ran silent auctions on the day as well, and that number ticked over $10,000.”

The event ran from 8.30am until about 2pm and was open to both members and visitors, including women involved in golf clinics run by the club.

Mr Sahib said the cause resonated deeply with many at the club.

“A lot of our members and staff were affected by cancer, and for us to be able to give back was amazing,” he said.

The ‘Pink Tee’ name was inspired by cricket’s Pink Test tradition at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where players and spectators wear pink to raise awareness and support for cancer care.

Founded by former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath following his wife Jane McGrath’s battle with breast cancer, the McGrath Foundation now supports people experiencing all types of cancer through its cancer care nursing services.

Mr Sahib said the club was already looking beyond next year’s fundraiser, with plans to support other causes, including men’s mental health initiatives.

Fundraising still remains open: pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/RanfurlieLadies

Call for gambling reforms

By Jensy Callimootoo

Casey Council and gambling reformers have called on the state and federal government to “go further” in reducing gambling harm following the Commonwealth’s long awaited landmark Inquiry response.

The response, which was tabled on Budget Day (12 May), has ignored the 31 recommendations that were included in a 2023 parliamentary inquiry into the harms of gambling.

Included in the recommendations was a complete ban on broadcast and social media ads as well the appointment of a national online gambling regulator.

Rather, in April, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his government’s reform package would be restricted during live sports broadcasts between 6am to 8:30pm. It would also include opt-out rules for online promotions as well as a ban on putting ads in stadiums and sports jumpers.

“These reforms get the balance right,” Albanese said in April.

As it stands, gambling harm continues to play a major role in the City of Casey, yet Australia has been slow to develop adequate policy responses to reduce harms.

During the 2024/25 financial year across 13 locations in Casey, more than $166 million was lost to Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM), also known as ‘pokie’ machines — this figure does not include losses from other types of gambling such as online sports betting, casinos and lotteries.

The city is classed as metro Melbourne’s seventh most socioeconomically disadvantaged area yet it records $544 pokies losses per adult.

Berwick Springs Hotel had the most amount of lost ($22,398,231), falling in line with the location’s 105 EGMs.

Casey Council’s Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy outlines its role in gambling reforms, highlighting that all forms of gambling and associated harms are a public health issue of signifi-

cant and growing concern.

EGMs are a centralised focus for the council as they are known for their ability to maximise users’ spending and “time on device”

The Casey Council is also a member of Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR), which spoke out strongly against the government’s response.

Mayor Stefan Koomen said that the council

recognises the considerable impacts that arise from chronic gambling and argues that higher governments should be doing more to address this.

“While we acknowledge the Federal Government’s recent reforms to protect children from online gambling, they do not fully reflect the scale of gambling harm occurring across Aus-

tralian communities,” he said.

“We would like to see the Federal Government go further to protect our community and our children from gambling harm.

“We stand alongside the public health experts, academics and the Alliance for Gambling Reform in calling for a comprehensive phaseout of gambling advertising across television, digital platforms, sport sponsorships and social media.

“Without it, gambling companies will continue to reach Australians, particularly children, through alternative marketing channels.

“Through our advocacy campaign, Building a Better Casey, we are calling on both the State and Federal Government to take stronger action to regulate gambling and associated advertising to reduce gambling harm.”

AGR chief executive Martin Thomas said underage kids were being targeted through social media to download gambling apps with more than 600,000 children aged 12-17 betting more than $18 million a year.

“Betting ads are appearing in children’s games, and increasingly popular online games are including gambling-type functions,” he said.

“Our kids are also exposed to a tsunami of gambling ads on television and through the sports broadcasts.”

Professor Dan Lubman from the Monash Addiction Research Centre, echoed these sentiments.

Arguing that the government has “largely missed” the opportunity to respond to gambling harm.

“We hear from people every day who contact our services only after gambling harm has devastated their lives,” he said.

“Many are experiencing suicidal distress. These are people who needed support much earlier, but stigma and a lack of accessible services mean too many don’t get the help they need.”

To learn more about Casey’s gambling harm minimisation policy, go to casey.vic.gov.au/ gambling-harm-minimisation

Club backs special cause

By Violet Li

Tooradin Dalmore Junior Football Club held a fundraising day for Very Special Kids, a charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families, inspired by the experience of one of its own club families.

The junior football home round against Koo Wee Rup on Sunday 24 May brought together players, parents and supporters in a community effort expected to raise between $2,000 and $3,000 for the charity.

Club president Shaun Tongue said the event

BUSINESS PROFILE

was inspired by the Whitnell family within the club, who had experienced first-hand the support provided by Very Special Kids.

“To actually have a day dedicated to it was unbelievable and really, really good for the community and the club,” he said.

The fundraising day combined football with activities designed to mirror Very Special Kids’ annual 24-hour treadmill challenge, one of the charity’s major fundraising events.

Throughout the day, junior players rotated through time slots to keep treadmills running from the first match until the last, while local businesses

Violence on our doorstep

Victoria police in the Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia region tracked how many family violence call outs they received last month.

The results were staggering.

In just seven days, the team responded to 161 call outs and recorded 290 offences. That’s 23 incidents and over 40 family violence offences per day.

In one incident, a man strangled his partner, threatened to kill her with a hammer and then doused the front porch with petrol, trying to set the property on fire.

The tragedy deepens when we realise that family violence is chronically underreported. For every call that the team responded to, there are many other incidents that we will never

know about.

As a local, I have seen women fleeing domestic violence with their families in their cars and young people being forced to leave their homes. Unfortunately, we do not have to look far to see this harsh reality.

Our police are working incredibly hard to respond to every call out and catch perpetrators. Yet with rising family violence, increasing crime, 1,500 police vacancies and 41 closed or reducedhour stations, they are being pushed beyond breaking point.

My priority is that Victorians feel safe at home and in their communities.

For our police to adequately respond to family violence call outs, track down offenders and keep

donated raffle prizes and the CFA joined in with fire trucks and a jumping castle.

For Cranbourne South resident Damien Whitnell, whose son Jett lived with a rare genetic disorder and severe epilepsy, the event carried a much deeper meaning.

Mr Whitnell said Very Special Kids had supported his family for more than a decade through respite care, therapies and counselling.

“Very Special Kids has been a long-time supporter of ours,” he said.

Jett passed away at the Very Special Kids

hospice last year.

Mr Whitnell, who coaches Tooradin’s under14s while his two other sons also play at the club, said the support from the football community had helped his family through difficult times.

“We’ve got a lot of close friends that we class as family in Tooradin,” he said.

“They’re a very tight-knit community. We’ve had lots of support.”

Very Special Kids will have its own 24-hour treadmill Treadmill Challenge from Friday 29 May to Saturday 30 May.

our community safe, they need more support. That is why the Liberals and Nationals, if elected to government in November, have made it a priority to:

· Deliver 3,000 more police

· Reopen police stations and restore public access, and

· Keep repeat offenders off the streets with tougher bail and sentencing laws.

Safety is a basic human right, and every person deserves a home free from violence.

Ann-Marie Hermans MP

Liberal State Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region

Shadow Assistant Minister for Community Safety

Comedy course in Casey

By Violet Li

A comedy workshop designed to help women of colour find their voice, with past participants progressing to state finals in Australia’s largest open mic comedy competition, is coming to Bunjil Place in July.

The eight-week stand-up comedy course, Brown Women Comedy Workshop, created and delivered by the Australian South Asian Centre (ASAC), will cover joke writing, storytelling, comedic structure, improvisation, stage presence and managing performance nerves.

Participants will also receive one-on-one script coaching, peer feedback opportunities and a chance to perform in front of a live audience in September.

Producer Daizy Maan, who is also the founder of ASAC, said the initiative was created after discovering a lack of representation among performers at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF).

“A few years ago, we did research on this, and we went through every single listing on MICF to find how many women of colour were performing,” she said.

“Specifically, we looked at South Asian artists at the time, and we found out of 650 listings, there were only two local South Asian women performing solo shows.

“Where is this diversity?”

Unlike traditional comedy pathways that often involve performing late at night in bars, Ms

Maan said the workshops were designed as a supportive space where participants could learn comedy as a craft.

“A lot of people think that comedy is something you’re just naturally good at, that you just are good at it or you’re not good at it. And what they don’t realise is that it is something you can learn. It’s a skill,” she said.

“There’s a craft. But unlike dance, theatre and acting, people don’t just expect you to become an actor in your spare time. People don’t say, why don’t you go try acting on the streets, and then you will see if you’re any good. But for comedy, that’s what people say.

“They’re like, oh, why don’t you just go try a bar and you’ll see if you’re any good? So, we wanted to create a supportive, fun environment where women felt safe to practice comedy to learn it, rather than them having to practice at 11pm in a bar.”

The program first ran in 2024 with City of Melbourne support, with about 15 students completing the course.

Past participant Devni Vihara, a lawyer with no prior comedy experience, said she initially joined to challenge herself.

“I was very excited in the first session because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. But I was also nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. That initial nervousness just disappeared in the first ten minutes of the class because everyone was just so welcoming, and everyone was new. Everyone hadn’t done this

before,” she said.

“Being in a room where everyone has a similar shared identity was really nice.

“It was all women of colour. Jokes weren’t about being a woman of colour. It was about all the different things that we each have beyond just being a person of colour.

“The punchlines weren’t about our identity or our heritage. It was about having kids or our sex lives or working or endometriosis, so many different things…I’d be laughing so much for three hours (each session) because it’s so funny.”

Devni recalled that the course culminated in a public stand-up comedy night in front of about 150 to 200 people, where every participant performed for five minutes.

“I was so nervous doing it, but I had felt so supported over the eight weeks. I had already done a little bit of performing in front of my own group,” she said.

“It was such an amazing night, and I think everyone who left that comedy showcase all said that it was excellent comedy. Everyone was laughing.”

Ms Maan said the past program had many success stories with former participants gaining confidence beyond comedy in public speaking, podcasting and their professional lives, while others had continued pursuing stand-up. Some progressed to become state finalists in RAW Comedy, the country’s largest and most celebrated open mic comedy competition.

“It was great to see so many diverse and dif-

ferent applicants. I feel like, South Asian women, Asian women, we have so many funny stories from our upbringing, from our families, relationships that we often don’t tell anyone, but when we’re in friend circles, we share them,” Ms Maan said.

“It’s about how we do the art of turning your experiences into comedy.”

Growing up in an Indian household, Ms Maan said girls were often expected to avoid behaviour considered ‘besharam’ (which means shameless), a standard she believed was rarely applied to boys.

“If you laugh too loud, if you talk too much, if you’re too confident, people just call you ‘besharam’ , and so for us, this process is like a reclamation of shame,” she said.

“We even market our main professional show as Australia’s most ‘besharam’ women.”

This year’s program in the City of Casey will be led by award-winning Chinese Australian comedian Annie Louey, who has appeared on television and will guide participants through joke writing, storytelling and stage performance techniques.

Ms Maan said bringing the program to Casey was particularly important because opportunities of this kind often stayed in the Melbourne CBD.

“It’s so good that Bunjil Place is supporting this eight-week-long program,” she said. To sign up, visit: bunjilplace.com.au/events/ brown-women-comedy-workshops

WHAT’S ON

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

Bake a difference

Help support vital brain cancer research by attending a fundraiser launch for Baking For Brain Cancer initiative. Founded by the Dalton family after Tonie Dalton, co-owner of Phil’s Pies and Pastries, was diagnosed with glioblastoma. All proceeds go directly to Baking for Brain Cancer.

• Saturday, May 30, 7am-6pm at Phil’s Pies and Pastries, 5B, 215-225 Parkhill Plaza, Parkhill Drive, Berwick.

Introduction to Boonwurrung

Explore captivating stories that reveal the rich traditions, language, and spirit of the Boonwurrung people with Jaeden Williams-Briggs, a proud Yalukit Willam man of the Boonwurrung. Suitable for ages 11-plus.

• Saturday 30 May, 10.30am-12pm at Bunjil Place Library, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=225305

Children’s Introduction to Boonwarrung

A fun one-hour children’s session explores Boonwurrung culture through making art and sharing stories with Jaeden Williams-Briggs, a proud Yalukit Willam man of the Boonwurrung. Suitable for ages 4-11.

• Saturday 30 May, 1.30pm-2.30pm at Bunjil Place Library, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=225306

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

Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club

Morning Melodies with Gavin Chatelier on Friday 5 June, 11am-3pm; $15 lunch included. Plus weekly activities: line dancing (Mondays 10am-12pm), new vogue and old time dance (Tuesdays 1pm3.30pm), carpet bowls (Weds and Sat 11.30am2.30pm) and bingo (Thurs 10.30am-2pm)

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

Biodiversity Day at Myuna Farm

Come and celebrate International Day for Biodi-

NEWS

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

Crafty & Creative

Need a space to meet other crafters? Then pack your craft bag and bring along a project to work on and meet us for a fun social get together. Feel free to drop in anytime from 10.30am-3.30pm. For ages 16-plus.

• Saturday 6 June, 10.30am-3.30pm at Cranbourne Library, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne; free event. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=184571

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

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

Prioritise your health and try a beginner boxing class at the Library during Men’s Health Week 2026. Bring a towel and water bottle. Suitable for ages 18-plus, no boxing experience necessary.

• Saturday 13 June, 11.30am-12.30pm at Bunjil Place Library, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org. au/event?id=220519 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.

• 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 Beaconsfield-EmeraldRoad,Beaconsfield;$65pp.Bookings:trybooking.com/events/1564861/sessions/6350052/ sections/3013983/tickets

Coastal Villages Dads Group

Catch-up with other dads, father figures and their kids. Just drop by to let your children play on the playground and have a chat with other local dads.

• Sunday 21 June 9am-11am at Pelican Cafe, 85 South Gippsland Highway, Tooradin; free event. Register at trybooking.com/DINTR

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

Rose Pruning Workshop

Hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the best times and techniques for pruning your roses. Practical tips on tackling pests and diseases. For beginners and green thumbs alike.

• Thursday 25 June 10am-12pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; $5. Bookings: events.humanitix.com/old-cheese-factory-rosepruning-workshop

Neighbourhood BBQ

Come along and bring a neighbour or two to our family friendly evening. Have fun and connect with others in a casual setting. Free sausage sizzle (halal options available) and free kids’ activities.

• Thursday 25 June 4pm-6pm at Autumn Place Community Hub, Autumn Place, Doveton; free event.

First-time Dads Catch-up

For all first-time fathers who have a baby under 6 months of age. A great way to ask questions, get some inside tips, and find out that what you are going through is pretty normal.

• Saturday 27 June 9.30am-11am at Orana Community Place, 1 Fresco Place, Clyde North; free event. Bookings: eventbrite.com. au/e/dads-group-community-catch-up-coffee-dads-playground-city-of-casey-tickets1986393387093?aff=erellivmlt

Fire sparks heater warning

A recent house fire in Cannons Creek has prompted Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and CFA to remind Victorians to keep flammable items away from heaters and fireplaces as temperatures drop.

Firefighters responded to a fire at a property on Bluff Road on Sunday 3 May this year, after a decorative wax candle was left on top of a woodfired heater.

The heat from the appliance caused the candle to melt before it ignited and began producing smoke.

The homeowner initially attempted to extinguish the fire by placing a wet towel over the top, but the towel also caught alight, creating a significant amount of smoke throughout the living area.

All occupants safely evacuated the home and called Triple Zero (000).

Five fire trucks attended the incident at 7.41pm, with the scene deemed safe at 8.02pm. Serious injuries were avoided, though one occupant was treated for smoke inhalation by Ambulance Victoria.

Combined data from FRV and CFA shows firefighters responded to more than 175 incidents attributed to failing or malfunctioning heating systems across Victoria in the 2024-25 Financial Year.

Fire services are also reminding residents that items placed too close to heaters can quickly ig-

nite or create dangerous smoke inside the home.

Home heating systems can include fixed electrical or gas-powered appliances, portable electrical, gas or kerosene heaters, as well as open fires and wood heaters.

FRV Deputy Commissioner Community Safety and Operational Training Joshua Fischer said the winter months were the peak time for heater fires.

“While we are not yet in winter, many of us are feeling the recent drop in temperatures and are already looking to keep our homes warm. However, residents should know that we are also

about to enter the peak period for fires started by heaters,” he said.

“We want Victorians to be aware that making a check on the condition of their heaters and heating systems before they use them could make a potentially life-saving difference to them and their family.

“Heaters should be regularly cleaned and checked by a certified technician. If you’re drying clothes, you need to ensure that there’s at least a one metre distance from the heating source.”

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said it was vital to never place items that might catch fire on or near heating appliances.

“It’s critical that heaters and fireplaces are kept well clear of anything that can burn, including candles, clothing, furniture and other household items,” he said.

“During the colder months, it’s easy to get into the habit of turning on heaters or heating systems and forgetting about them, but it’s actually critical that portable heaters are never left unattended and turned off before leaving home or going to sleep.

“Equally important is ensuring that children are always supervised around sources of heating and kept at a safe distance.

“The house fire at Cannons Creek is a timely reminder that heaters, fireplaces and other heat

sources need to be kept clear of anything that can burn. Thankfully, in this instance, serious injuries were avoided, but the fire safety risks are very real.

“Victorians are urged to keep their heating devices well-maintained and remember that interconnected smoke alarms with 10-year long-life batteries located in all bedrooms and living areas of the home can save lives.”

When it comes to home heating, FRV and CFA recommend:

· Drying clothes and other items must be kept at least one metre away from all home heating devices.

· Children must be supervised near all types of heating. Maintain a safe distance between children and heating.

· Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended; turn off heating devices and extinguish open fires before leaving home or going to sleep.

· Residents should have their gas heaters inspected and serviced every two years to ensure the safety of loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.

· Ensure home heating, including flues and chimneys, are regularly cleaned and serviced by a certified technician.

· Always use a fire screen in front of an open fire.

· Check that embers are cold before disposal.

Magpies bring the intensity

By Blair Burns

Springvale Districts brought the heat against Narre Warren but the Magpies let their footy do the talking in Southern Division 1 as they ran over the top of the Demons by 42 points at Springvale Reserve, 11.18 (84) to 5.12 (42).

The Magpies controlled proceedings for most of the day and took their season record to 5-2 as they hold down third spot on the ladder.

Former AFL player Josh Bruce lined up in the forward line for the home side and produced a nice snap goal at one point, but was nullified by Narre Warren captain Joel Zietsman.

Zietsman has been spending a fair bit of time through the midfield in recent weeks but was moved to defence to take on the challenge, and he did brilliantly as he kept the 163-gamer to four disposals (lowest on the ground).

It was a strong four-quarter effort from the Magpies, who were disappointed with last week’s loss against Bentleigh.

“We were sub-par last week against Bentleigh for a bit over a quarter which we were disappointed about … we wanted to play four quarters,” coach Steve Kidd said.

“We got beaten down there (at Springvale Reserve) pretty badly last year, so it was good to come away with a win.

“We knew Springy would go hard, but we just had to match that intensity and keep it up for longer than them and fortunately we were able to do that.”

The Magpies got off to a nice start to lead 32-14 at quarter time, before the home side responded and closed the margin back to 13 points by half time.

A momentum-shifting goal in the first quarter came off the back of a free kick against Piva Wright in the ruck contest, before he gave away a 50m penalty which saw Hayden Dwyer line up and kick a big goal.

During the second quarter, Springvale Districts transitioned the ball well and managed to get back in the contest as they kept Narre Warren to one goal and kicked two of their own.

Jackson Sketcher returned from a heel injury and created plays off half-back, taking on kicks through the corridor to finish the game with 43 disposals.

There was no shortage of big hits and Narre Warren’s Callum Porter didn’t hesitate, putting his head over the footy all day.

It was clear from early in the match that the Springy players and George Angelopoulos in particular, were going to try and make life hard for the former VFL star.

But the physicality didn’t worry him and despite a high hit late in the first half, Porter came out and won the first clearance of the third quarter … he finished with 28 disposals, seven marks and five tackles.

The half-time margin was sitting at 13 points

and it was still anybody’s game, and you could sense the first goal of the third term would be huge.

“I was pretty happy with what we were doing, we were probably just turning the ball over a bit and our entries weren’t great, so they got us on the rebound a little bit,” Kidd said.

“But the message was just to lower our eyes, hit our targets and locate quick as they were coming through the middle a fair bit.”

It was Jesse Davies who bobbed up early in the third with a great mark before he went back and slotted a crucial goal.

With one quarter to play, the game was under control at 63-39 and a one-sided fourth term in favour of the Magpies saw them cruise home to win 84-42.

The score could’ve been worse if the visitors were accurate in the fourth as they kicked 2.9.

Julian Goerlitz continued his brilliant year while Dwyer also impressed, as did Jesse Davies who was swapping with Dwyer in the ruck/forward.

“I thought Jesse played his best game of the year, we used him at centre half-forward with Richo (Jake Richardson) out and the ruck, he was really good in both parts of the ground,” Kidd said.

Luca Pascuzzi was busy all day and finished with two goals for the Magpies, kicking truly after the siren to finish the day on a positive note.

There were unfortunately some injuries to come out of the game for Narre Warren with Kurt Mutimer injuring his calf, while Will Howe spent the end of the game on the bench with hamstring tightness.

The hamstring has unfortunately been a common injury at Kalora Park with Mitch Tonna, Ethan Kennedy and Richardson all watching on

Saturday – Tonna and Kennedy will likely be back this weekend while Mutimer and Richardson will be looking at a return after the bye. Narre Warren shifts its focus to the reigning premier Cheltenham who won both encounters last year.

· SOUTHERN DIVISION 1

Springvale Districts Goals: Josh Bruce, Alex Derzekos, Dylan Quirk, Matt Wetering, Piva Wright. Best: Piva Wright, Jackson Sketcher, Ricky Johnson, Zane Merdanovic, Mason Russell, Matt Wetering.

Narre Warren Goals: Hayden Dwyer, Luca Pascuzzi, Riley Siwes 2, Jesse Davies, Aaron Firrito, Julian Goerlitz, Will Howe, Tom Toner. Best: Callum Porter, Joel Zietsman, Hayden Dwyer, Dylan Mutimer, Jesse Davies, Trent Papworth.

Demons prevail in shootout between Racunica and Marotta

By Blair Burns

It was almost a huge scalp for Cranbourne on Saturday as the Eagles took it right up to Bentleigh at Amstel Reserve, but they fell five points short in a thriller, 11.9 (75) to 10.10 (70).

Cranbourne had some chances to close the gap and even pinch the game late but it was to no avail as Bentleigh held on in a nail-biter.

When Trent Marotta kicked his fifth goal of the game in the last quarter, the margin was back to five points and there was still eight minutes remaining.

Bentleigh had a rushed behind soon after which meant that a draw was looking like the best case scenario for Cranbourne.

Inside two minutes left and the Demons bombed the ball out of defence, only as far as Dillan Bass as he gathered the ball and kicked off a couple of steps from 50m out … it looked good.

Players threw their arms up in celebration before the ball was punched through for a rushed behind by a Demons defender, five points now, and the door was open for a win.

With about 60 seconds remaining, youngster Charlie Ellis got a holding free kick and was right on his distance but sprayed the set shot out

on the full.

Bentleigh controlled the ball in the dying seconds and had it on the wing when the siren sounded.

Cranbourne coach Angelo Soldatos said it was “disappointing” to not come away with the win, but felt it was a step in the right direction against a quality team.

“The boys were pretty flat after the game to be honest,” he said.

“It’s disappointing given Bentleigh are a really good side and we rate them very highly … we have done that a couple of times this year now.

“We have put ourselves in positions to win the game and then haven’t quite got it done.”

It was a really good start from Cranbourne as they raced out to an early lead and went into quarter time in front 33-13, shocking the visitors.

It was the Demons’ turn to respond in the second quarter and the Demons kicked into gear, getting their game up and running.

They put speed on the ball, isolated their forwards and had some really good looks to pile on seven goals to two and take the lead by 13 points at half time.

The third quarter was an arm-wrestle but the Demons managed to extend the margin out to 20 points before Cranbourne kept them goalless in the fourth to come home strong.

“We’ve shown again that the way we are playing, and it’s not even our best, stacks up against some of the best sides,” Soldatos said.

“The weekend was a step in the right direction.”

If you exclude the second quarter where Bentleigh got a big run-on, the other three quarters were impressive from the Eagles - Bentleigh kicked just two goals after half time.

While every team is missing players to in-

jury, Cranbourne was without captain and former Ellis Medal winner Zak Roscoe (hamstring) and 2025 best and fairest Jake Cowburn (foot), among others.

Glenn Osborne held the defence together in a brilliant performance, while Marotta was on fire with five majors, with support from his dynamic duo Marc Holt (two goals).

Bentleigh spearhead Castan Racunica finished with six majors on the day, assisted by Callum Dooley (three goals).

Another huge test will greet the Eagles this weekend as they take on undefeated Dingley away from home.

· SOUTHERN DIVISION 1

Goals: Trent

Bentleigh Goals: Castan Racunica 6, Callum Dooley 3, Jack Hastings, Jackson Morrissey. Best: Castan

Pudding in birthday plans

By David Nagel

Champion jockey Craig Williams had set plans for Saturday…both for his book of rides at Sandown Hillside and also for his 49th birthday.

Those plans included leading aboard the Richard and Chantelle Jolly-trained Pudding, in race four on the card, a $150,000 Benchmark-100 Handicap (1800m).

Williams hoped to take the seven-year-old gelding to the front and use his superior fitness levels, built up over the Adelaide Carnival; to make it win number 11 from the horses 49 career starts.

But Jackson Radley, riding the Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained Bankers Choice, had similar ideas, deciding to dictate the race from pole position.

It made Williams revert to Plan B; sitting in Radley’s slipstream before trying to hunt him down in the straight.

Both jockeys rode the race beautifully, with Williams taking until the shadows of the Sandown post to reel in Radley for the first of a riding double.

Williams was full of praise, for not only Pudding, but for the trainers and support staff that had applied the polish to the horse.

“I can only do it with Pudding’s competitiveness, will to win, and obviously in the care of him is Richard and Chantelle (Jolly), and Kim that runs the stable here (in Melbourne), so they do a great job, great horse people,” Williams said postrace.

“We had a plan; I spoke to Richard about what we could do.

“It’s quite amazing; he’s now had two runs at Sandown, on the Hillside, at the 1800, for two wins now.”

Williams was also impressed with the tactics of the Hayes team and Radley, who also had a fit horse that could test the opposition from the front over the 1800-metre journey.

“I thought the Hayes’s and Jackson Radley used really good brains in regards to what was going to be our advantageous position to be in, with fit horses, compared to a few of our opposition,” Williams explained.

“He really made me work for it; we’re flexible, and riding for the Jolly’s they give you that flexibility.”

Williams is widely regarded as one of the best jockeys of his generation, having won the big four in Australian racing, the Melbourne Cup (Vow and Declare), Cox Plate (Fields of Omagh, Pinker Pinker), Golden Slipper (Miss Finland) and Caulfield Cup (Southern Speed, Dunaden) while also riding Giga Kick and Bella Nipotina to glory in

The Everest.

But while his next birthday will be a milestone occasion, the born-and-bred Cranbourne jockey is showing no signs of slowing down.

“It’s only a number and I never look at it as anything else,” he said.

“I’ve never been more passionate, more driv-

en, more grateful for the job that I do, I love doing what I’m doing and I’m probably half way through my career (smiles)…there’s a lot more to come.

“I’m on an aeroplane tonight and flying to Hong Kong; I’ve got competition there tomorrow (Sunday), five rides, looking forward to it.”

Williams completed his double in race six at Sandown, piloting the Ciaron Maher-trained Siriusly Hot to a three-quarter-length victory to secure riding honours on the day.

Maher was best of the training ranks, after Duchess Zou - ridden by apprentice Jabez Johnstone - scored in the last race on the card to complete a winning double.

Ayden’s Warrior wins maiden Group 1 with Team Thompson

By David Nagel

The interstate partnership between Pearcedale’s Jason Thompson and New South Wales trainer Jodie Lord continues to flourish after Ayden’s Warrior took out the prestigious Group 1 Sandown Cup on Friday night.

The four-year-old dog claimed his first Group 1 at career-start 69 for Team Thompson and came after five previous attempts in elitelevel finals.

The Thompson-Lord combination had two finalists in the $220,000 final, with Power Squeeze considered a strong contender over the 715-metre journey.

But it was Ayden’s Warrior who did everything right on the night; jumping well from box five before taking control of the race with a lap left to run.

Ayden’s Warrior won by over three lengths on the line, with Magpie Hector finishing second for trainer Jack Smith and Electrify rounding out the minor placings.

“He is absolutely well named, he’s been a warrior his whole career; he’s been in these Group 1’s for the last 12 months at least,” said happy handler Luke Thompson post-race.

“He just hasn’t had the luck and tonight he jumped well, put himself up there, just got underneath Without A Trace at the right time; that was just a well-deserved Group 1.

“He thoroughly deserved that; my head was with Power Squeeze, but my heart was with him

and I’m just super proud for him.”

Thompson said the training partnership with Lord was humming along beautifully and was mutually beneficial for both camps.

“All the credit has to go to them,” Thompson explained.

“We had six dogs in the Group 1s and five of them were on their (Lord’s) behalf.

“We’re just incredibly lucky to be able to team up with them and have that partnership.

“To be able to send dogs up their way and they send dogs back to us; I’m super proud for them and it’s an unbelievable effort by the team.”

Thompson said Ayden’s Warrior and Power Squeeze would now head north in their quest for future riches.

“More than likely, these two will probably go to Queensland for the bigger races up there,” he said.

“He’s over four years old now and racing as good as ever.

“It’s just so pleasing for him to get a Group 1; he probably hasn’t got much time left, but to have that on his CV…I’m just rapt for him.”

Earlier in the evening, Thompson and Lord combined for another Group 1 success when Secret Bandit stormed over the top of kennelmate Distinction to win the Sapphire Crown (515m).

“It’s been an incredible night,” a beaming Thompson said.

Panthers feast on Sharks

By Blair Burns

A week is a long time in football.

Last week, Devon Meadows was defeated by 99 points against Langwarrin away from home, but this week the club basks in the success of its biggest ever win in MPFNL Division 1 football.

The Panthers demolished winless Sorrento at Glover Reserve to run away and win by more than 10 goals at the final siren, 18.19 (127) to 9.9 (63).

It was an important game for Devon Meadows as the side snapped a three-game losing streak and got back on the winners’ list after a tough draw in recent weeks.

The seventh-placed Panthers will be chasing wins in coming weeks against Pines (ninth) on Saturday, Frankston YCW (third), Mt Eliza (fifth) and Edithvale-Aspendale (sixth).

With a 3-4 record, there is no doubt that last year’s Division 2 premiers have shocked some sides and will be looking to continue their form.

From start to finish, it was a Devon Meadows type of game as the home side won the ball at the contest, controlled the play and easily won the territory battle.

An even spread of goalkickers and great performances from every player on the field would’ve delighted co-coaches Ryan Hendy and Dean Kent – there were no passengers for the Panthers.

The Sharks actually kicked the first goal of the game with some early end-to-end play, both teams switching the ball and trying to go through the corridor where possible.

Shortly after, the Panthers responded through Brady Dixon who kicked two goals in as many minutes with the first coming from a nice hanger over the top of the pack.

Dixon is an exciting forward who is no stranger to flying above packs to take big marks.

He has now played four senior games and kicked two goals in three of those, while also making his debut for Dandenong Stingrays.

Kent returned from a groin injury which had kept him sidelined since round one, and he didn’t miss a beat.

He racked up plenty of the ball in the first quarter and used his beautiful left foot to slice open Sorrento through the middle of the ground.

Once Dixon slotted his couple of goals, the floodgates opened a bit and Devon Meadows continued to get the ball forward without too much trouble.

Both Patrick Sinnema and Jarrod Marshall converted on set shot goals in the first quarter, while Jack Wilson kicked a wobbler which found its way through the big sticks without getting touched.

The Sharks had some looks but the Panthers’ defence was impenetrable as the likes of Liam Drew, Levi Churchill and Kent held up extremely well and not only intercepted, but sent it back the other way with speed.

At quarter time, the scoreboard read 34-7 in favour of the home side and they maintained their good start to push on with a strong four-quarter performance.

Sorrento kicked the opening goal of the second term inside a minute, but the Panthers responded nicely and extended their lead to 43 points by half time.

Arnold Kirby was the highest rated player on the ground in his first game back since round three with the big fella finishing the game with 26 disposals, nine marks, 32 hitouts and 158 ranking points.

Nathan Drew, donning the ever-reliable longsleeve, was brilliant in defence with 32 disposals and 14 marks, while Kent had 26 disposals and 14 marks.

The most consistent midfielder this season, arguably across the entire league, has been Kye Quirk and he did it again … 34 disposals and two goals.

While the reliable stars like Nick Battle and Joel Hillis did what they normally do, it is the growth and development of many young players which has a lot of people excited down at Glover Reserve.

Jack Wilson and Ky Williams led the way up forward with three goals each.

Aaron Breman starred for the Sharks but needed some teammates to come along with him as he finished with a game-high seven goals from 15 disposals.

BIG BIRKS

Things get even better for Devon Meadows after they signed VFL-listed key forward Hugo Birks

this week.

A Drouin connection lured the 192cm forward to the Panthers, and he will pull on the guernsey this weekend against Pines.

He played alongside Jarrod Marshall and Kye Quirk in 2023 and kicked 44 goals from 14 games, earning a spot in the Gippsland Football League Team of the Year

He played seven games of VFL for GWS Giants last year and kicked nine goals before a back injury saw him require surgery.

Birks is looking to get some games under his belt before GWS likely calls upon his services later in the season.

• MPFNL DIVISION 1

DEVON MEADOWS 5.4 10.10 14.13 18.19(127)

SORRENTO 1.1 4.3 6.5 9.9(63)

Devon Meadows Goals: Ky Williams, Jack Wilson 3, Brady Dixon, Jarrod Marshall, Kye Quirk, Patrick Sinnema 2, Nick Battle, Jayden Gourley, Daniel Hellyer, Fletcher McMillan. Best: Dean Kent, Joel Hillis, Kye Quirk, Arnold Kirby, Nick Battle. Sorrento Goals: Aaron Breman 7, Shannon Gladman, Nicholas Jamieson. Best: Aaron Breman, Shannon Gladman, Chad Harris, David Purser, Dylan Atkins.

OTHER RESULTS R7: Edithvale-Aspendale 16.17 (113) def Dromana 13.10 (88), Frankston YCW 8.10 (58) def Mt Eliza 7.12 (54), Langwarrin 15.3 (93) def Rosebud 11.12 (78), Mornington 24.14 (158) def Pines 10.14 (74).

LADDER: Langwarrin 28, Rosebud, Frankston YCW 24, Dromana, Mt Eliza 16, Edithvale-Aspendale, Devon Meadows 12, Mornington, Pines 4, Sorrento 0.

TWO IN A ROW FOR THE DALES

A captain’s performance from Kaolan Thornton led the way for Pearcedale as it made it two wins in a row with a 19-point upset victory over Red Hill, 10.9 (69) to 7.8 (50).

The Dales led all day but were never able to blow away the Hillmen as they stayed within striking distance across the four quarters.

It was a slow start to the game for both teams with plenty of stoppages and neither team able to capitalise on their fast ball movement.

The first goal of the game didn’t come until almost 10 minutes into the first term when Jake Frawley converted on a nice set shot – his first of three goals on the day.

It was a good battle between the two sides but Pearcedale was ultimately hungrier in the contest, they tackled hard and were cleaner with the ball.

After a low-scoring first quarter, it was the Dales who led Red Hill 14-1 before the Hillmen

got on top in the second term to close the margin slightly to sit at 11 points at half time.

The third quarter was where the Dales got on top, Thornton and Will Dalgleish were winning plenty of the ball with their bright boots making them hard to miss.

Peter Bastinac’s troops had repeat entries inside 50 and some good looks resulted in goals to Mitch Davis, Frawley and even a brilliant set shot from Declan Albert who was tucked up on the boundary about 50m out.

The Albert brilliance put the Dales’ lead out to 30 points approaching three-quarter time.

While Red Hill pushed hard in the fourth quarter and outscored the home side, they had too much ground to make up as Pearcedale won its third game of the year.

Thornton was outstanding with 24 disposals and 19 tackles, while Will Dalgleish (20 disposals, 11 tackles) and Finn Jakstas (22 disposals, eight marks, eight tackles) also contributed well.

Frawley led all goalscorers on the day with three majors with Pearcedale star Cruiz West kept goalless despite getting involved with 12 disposals.

MPFNL DIVISION 2 R8: Bonbeach 17.19 (121) to Tyabb 7.9 (51), Chelsea 23.6 (144) to Frankston Bombers 13.15 (93), Seaford 19.12 (126) def Crib Point 8.13 (61), Rye 12.13 (85) def Hastings 8.9 (57), Somerville 14.15 (99) def Karingal 11.6 (72).

LADDER:

Cavs building confidence

By Justin Schwarze

A Tanner Krebs masterclass headlined a Casey surge as the Cavaliers picked up yet another win in round eight of the NBL1 South.

Casey made the long trip across the border to face Mount Gambier on Saturday, and the Cavaliers made the long trip back with a commanding 109-85 victory.

The second half was where Luke Kendall’s side separated itself, outscoring the Pioneers by 27 after trailing by three at halftime.

And it was due to Krebs’ offensive barrage as he exploded for 44 points and eight rebounds on 17/24 shooting overall and a remarkable 8/11 from downtown.

Jesse Ghee was inserted into the starting lineup due to an illness to Patrick Ryan and he flourished, posting 34 points and five boards on 12/22 shooting.

“Tanner’s shot the ball really well the last couple of weeks but we’ve made a conservative effort as a team to make sure he gets more touches,” Kendall said.

“He’s not a selfish player by any means and just reads what the defence gives him.

“It’s not a crazy new offence, it’s just the players understanding what and where we need to go within the offence to put ourselves in the best position to score.

“The addition of Jesse has provided that scoring punch off the bench and given us a little bit more depth.”

The Cavaliers climbed up to ninth with a 7-5 record after starting 0-3.

But Kendall put the turnaround down to something simple.

“I think it’s just having some time with the guys,” he said.

“It was a slow start for the first three games just trying to put everyone in the right spots and put our defensive system in place.

“There’s been an adjustment period for the start of the season but I feel like we’ve figured out how to play with each other a little bit better and we understand everyone’s strengths.

“Going down to Tassie and getting two wins was huge for us.

“To back it up against Nunawading, a top team on their home court, was huge.

“The guys are starting to figure out how to play with each other and it’s been good, fun basketball.

“I think the confidence is coming in from everyone being on the same page about our defensive structures and rotations and then everyone being on the same page offensively.

“When you get a couple of wins, you get rewarded and continue to progress in those areas.

“We’ve still got a lot of improvement to go and I think that’s an exciting thing within the team and they can feel that and they know it.”

The Casey Women also secured a crucial win over Mount Gambier, edging out the Pioneers 8481.

After trailing for most of the first half, a solid third saw the Cavaliers outscore the hosts 22-11 and swing into the lead.

Mount Gambier closed hard but couldn’t get over the line in the last as Casey held on with timely buckets.

Dallas Loughridge continued her stellar season with 24 points and five rebounds, while Samantha Bowman was everywhere with 25 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and three blocks on efficient 12/16 shooting.

Sharne Robati also provided a double-double, finishing with 14 points and 12 boards.

Casey remains in fourth with an impressive record of 9-3.

In round nine, both Casey outfits return home and will host Melbourne.

An up-and-down weekend for the Dandenong Rangers Men saw them split their two fixtures. The weekend began on a massive highlight as Dandenong comfortably downed fourth-placed Knox at home 102-87.

Harry Froling produced a massive statline of 34 points, nine rebounds and four assists on 14/25 shooting.

But on Sunday, the offence faltered and never got going outside of Froling and the Rangers fell 94-79 away at Keilor.

Froling was the standout in defeat, posting 34 points, six boards, five dimes and two steals.

Dandenong still sits fifth with an 8-5 record.

The Women also posted a mixed bag of results, losing on Saturday night to Knox 91-73 at home.

Marena Whittle was a top performer in defeat, finishing with 19 points and seven rebounds while Imogen Rock added 14 points.

A bounce-back on Sunday saw the Rangers edge out Keilor 95-90 in a close contest.

Whittle starred again, notching 31 points, eight rebounds and four steals on 10/15 shooting.

Rock scored 17 points while Manuela Puoch secured a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards.

Haley Peters went ballistic off the bench, popping for 26 points and eight rebounds on 4/5 three-point shooting and 11/16 shooting overall.

The Rangers are still in the bottom three at 17th with a record of 4-9.

It’s another double-header for Dandenong in round nine, with both outfits set to play Nunawading away on Saturday and Geelong at home on Sunday.

Casey puts together impressive showing against Dogs

By Justin Schwarze

Casey bounced back in a big way by knocking off reigning premiers Footscray in round nine of the VFL.

At Casey Fields on Sunday, the Demons were clinical in the first term, booting eight goals to two in a barrage, establishing a 37-point advantage at quarter time.

It started with Luker Kentfield slotting the first two of the match, before Andy MonizWakefield and Kalani White made it four in a row for the hosts.

The Bulldogs got two of the next three, but Casey rolled again to manage three more before the first change.

The second was high-scoring but relatively even, but the Demons still outscored Footscray six goals to five - despite the Bulldogs having 13 scoring shots and kicking 5.8 - to hold an 87-52 lead at halftime.

Both teams posted exactly 3.3 in the third, so Casey still led by 35 points at the final change.

But the visitors stormed home, booting four consecutive goals to get within nine points at the nine-minute mark of the last.

However, the Demons showed true grit and Kentfield kicked back-to-back goals to give them some breathing room, followed by Louis Hodder putting the icing on the cake.

His first was a run-in goal after some good work from Jesse Craven before finishing brilliantly after selling some foot candy and sidestepping his opponent.

Hodder’s goals were the sealers, helping Casey record the 21.10 (136) to 14.17 (101) victory.

Despite comfortably losing the clearance count 52-40 and the hitouts 51-18, Casey coach Rhett McLennan put in a gameplan to use the ball by foot and set up well behind the contest

and around the ground.

The Demons took 38 more marks and registered 41 more kicks as the strategy worked out.

“The planning and execution from the boys was really good,” McLennan said.

“In our strategy we probably anticipated that they were going to be better at hitouts and clearances than us so it was about how we set up to retrieve the footy away from that first possession and chain it out away from them, which we were able to do.

“But we had a really conscious effort and strategy this week to make sure we’re getting the ball into dangerous spots inside 50.

“We did that a little bit better on Sunday so

it was good we were able to convert from more dangerous spots and with a greater probability of kicking those goals instead of more points.

“When we look at it, we’ve got a bit of a formula of what our game looks like when it’s played at its best.

“I think that’s a satisfaction thing and a validation piece for our boys to understand that when they do play their best footy and they’re all on the same page, that it’s going to be competitive against anyone.

“We take a lot of confidence out of Sunday.

“Sunday was a good reward for the amount of effort we’ve put in for the last three weeks of actually trying to find that little bit extra or that little bit more chemistry to make us hum a little

bit better.”

Moniz-Wakefield was instrumental in the victory, posting numbers of 32 disposals, 10 marks, seven tackles, five clearances and three goals.

After being called up for an AFL game, McLennan realised a positional switch could unlock his impact.

“We played him as a defender for the majority of the year in the VFL, but he got his opportunity in the AFL with a late out as a small forward,” McLennan explained.

“He showed that he plays that role really well so throwing him forward for a majority of the game this week showed just how dangerous of a small forward he is with his want to defend and add defensive pressure and being able to get the ball on the way out was really telling.

“To be able to give him some runs through the midfield and some looks at centre bounces and add that venom that he’s got in there helped our team throughout the game.”

Casey faces a big test in round 10 as it hosts second-placed GWS.

VFLW CASEY LOSE TO BULLDOGS

A difficult first half from Casey saw Footscray take down the Demons at Casey Fields in round two of the VFLW.

The hosts managed just one goal in the first half and struggled using the footy and pushing forward.

Despite winning the clearance battle 36-28, Casey was comprehensively outclassed in inside 50s and territory.

The Bulldogs rode this to win 6.5 (41) to 3.0 (18).

Tylah Burn was the Demons’ best with 17 disposals and 10 tackles, while Alice Robinson booted two of Casey’s three goals.

Casey has a bye in round three.