News - Cranbourne Star News - 30th July 2026

Data centre blacklash

Community concern is growing over a proposed $1.1 billion data centre in Clyde North, with residents raising questions about noise, water and electricity use, diesel generators and the site’s proximity to homes.

About 20 people attended a community gathering on Saturday 25 July to know more about the planning application and discuss their concerns.

The proposal is Casey’s first data centre application.

Council is assessing the plans, with more than a dozen formal objections lodged.

Full story page 3

A group shot of the gathering on Saturday 25 July. (Stewart Chambers: 567824)

Calls for support

By Jensy Callimootoo

The alleged murder of a Clyde North woman has reignited calls for stronger frontline responses to gendered violence across Victoria, with growing pressure on the State Government to expand a specialist support model that advocates say is already proving effective.

Local MP Rachel Payne is urging the govern-

ment to roll out the Alexis Family Violence Response Model (Alexis- FVRM) to all 29 police family violence units in the state.

The program places specialist family violence practitioners alongside police officers, providing victim-survivors with immediate support, safety planning and referrals during police call-outs.

Despite Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong recording some of Victoria’s highest family

violence rates, the region currently has access to just one Alexis worker.

Advocates argue this leaves many victim-survivors without timely specialist assistance when they need it most.

Payne says expanding the model would be a practical step that could be taken now, while also ensuring services are shaped in partnership with First Nations communities and culturally diverse groups.

With more than 40 women killed in Australia this year, including four women and girls across a four day period, she believes family violence must remain an urgent priority regardless of political changes, warning that every delay risks more lives.

For more on this story, go to page 2

Man charged with murdering partner

By Jensy Callimootoo

A 32-year-old Clyde North man alleged to have beaten his partner to death has been charged with murder and has been remanded in custody following a brief appearance in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27 July.

Jorden Turney was dressed in a blue T-shirt as he appeared before the court on Monday after Homicide Squad detectives charged him with one count of murder following the death of a 29-year-old woman.

The woman is believed to be Brooke Timmins, a mother of two who has been described as a “light to everyone around her” by her family.

The pair are believed to have been in a defacto relationship for the past seven years.

According to police charge sheets, Turney called triple zero about 6.37pm on Sunday 26

July and requested for a ambulance as the victim was unconscious and bleeding.

She was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries but later died.

Police arrested the accused at the scene, transporting him to Narre Warren Police Station, where he allegedly made admissions to assaulting the victim according to the charge sheets.

A GoFundMe has been organised, already raising over $35,000 for her children and unexpected expenses.

“Brooke was a loving mum, daughter, sister, and friend who brought so much love, and light to everyone around her,” the GoFundMe page stated.

“Her passing has left an unimaginable hole in the lives of those who knew and loved her, especially her precious babies, who now face a future without their mum.”

The accused did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody to reappear for a committal mention on 30 November.

The court was told investigators required additional time to complete phone analysis and medical forensic examinations before the matter could proceed.

During the hearing, defence counsel raised concerns about the accused’s welfare while in custody, telling the court he had “a history of psychiatric illness”, while noting that specific diagnoses varied.

The court was also informed there was a history of self-harm and requested for his assessment by a custodial nurse.

The magistrate noted the custody management concerns and directed that the accused be assessed by medical staff while in custody.

The matter will return to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 November.

MP calls to expand family violence response

By Jensy Callimootoo

The recent death of a woman in Clyde North has sparked a renewed push to expand Victoria’s immediate support services during family violence and domestic violence incidents.

Local MP Rachel Payne has made a call to the state government to expand Victoria’s Alexis Family Violence Response Model (Alexis-FVRM) amid the tragic death of Brooke Timmins who died on Sunday night (26 July) after being allegedly beaten to death by her partner.

If successful, the model could bring more specialist family violence workers to local police units.

As reported by Star News previously, currently one Alexis FVRM worker covers Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong; with advocates warning the region is missing out despite recording some of the state’s highest rates of family violence.

The Legalise Cannabis MP said the model, along with active consultation with local First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse communities would be essential.

While Payne recognised that the model may not be a“perfect” solution, she also said that it was better than what the state has now or has

had in the past.

“It would be a mistake in this space to let “perfect” be the enemy of “much better” . We start here, it is not an end point,” she said.

The Alexis model embeds specialist family violence practitioners within police family violence units, allowing victim-survivors to access immediate support, risk assessment and referrals alongside police intervention.

During a domestic violence call out it will pair a specialised support worker with a police unit. In piloted areas, research found that 65 per cent of victim survivors left the program at lower risk and 78 per cent of victim-survivors felt better supported.

After being trialled in three locations, the program has expanded to five police units. Payne said the results demonstrate it should now be available statewide.

“What has been communicated to us by the sector is the importance of having family violence workers from the local community,” she said.

“For many migrant and refugee women, there can be little trust in police or even social workers, so it is critical that any model focuses on placebased solutions rather than assuming one mainstream approach suits every community.”

Café owner’s emotional plea after cousin’s tragic death

By Afraa Kori

A Lang Lang cafe owner has closed his business after his cousin, Brooke Timmins, was allegedly murdered by her partner on Sunday 26 July.

Emergency services found 29-year-old Brooke critically injured in her Clyde home around 6.30pm and was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries where she later died. Attending police arrested 32-year-old Jorden Turney and Homicide Squad detectives charged him with one count of murder. The Clyde North man appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27 July.

Kyle, owner of Morning Ritual, stepped away from the business this week to support his grieving family and will do the same for Brooke’s funeral.

“We closed and lost money so we could be with the family,” Kyle and his wife Kelly said. “It’s more for Brooke’s mum, who is a single mum and is now looking after Brooke’s two boys while grieving her daughter.

“While her incredible family have stepped in to surround these boys with love, nothing can replace the loss they will carry for the rest of their lives.”

Ms Timmins family said Brooke should be remembered as more than “just another headline“ or “just another statistic“.

The Parliamentary Budget Office estimates a statewide expansion would cost about $10 million annually, funding Alexis-FVRM workers in the remaining 24 family violence police units across Victoria.

There are currently 29 units statewide, with only five operating under the model.

Asked whether anticipated leadership changes within the Victorian Labor Party could delay reform, Payne said she hoped family violence would remain above politics.

“Family violence is something that all MPs know is a crisis,” she said.

While acknowledging the Victorian Government had made significant progress in responding to family violence, Payne said the continuing deaths of women highlighted the need for greater urgency.

“If 40 men had been killed this year from, for example, ‘king hits’ , we would be treating it as a much more critical emergency,” she said.

“The worst thing we can do is turn away because it all seems too hard or impossible.

“Alexis is not a perfect solution, but it is something that can be done right now and will achieve much better outcomes.”

This year alone, over 40 women have died in Australia.

“Brooke was a loving mum, daughter, sister, and friend who brought so much love, and light to everyone around her,” the GoFundMe statement reads.

“Her passing has left an unimaginable hole in the lives of those who knew and loved her, especially her precious babies, who now face a future without their mum.”

A GoFundMe launched for Brooke’s children has raised more than $32,000 in less than a day.

Donations can be made via gofund. me/96adac2d5

Data centre concerns aired

By Violet Li

Residents gathered in Clyde North on Saturday 25 July to raise concerns and learn more about proposed $1.1 billion data centre in the area.

Organiser and Hampton Park resident Jill Nambu, who is the Greens candidate for the Narre Warren South in the November State Election but attended as a concerned community member, said about 20 people attended the gathering.

She said others had since expressed interest through a newly established Facebook group, which had grown to almost 400 members since its establishment on Friday 24 July.

The gathering followed growing community interest in a planning application for the

staged development of a data centre at 585 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Clyde North.

The application, lodged in April, is the first data centre planning application received by the City of Casey.

The proposed site covers about 53.6 hectares near the corner of Berwick-Cranbourne and Thompsons roads, with investment in the project estimated at up to $1.1 billion.

Ms Nambu said residents at the gathering raised questions about potential noise, water and electricity use, backup diesel generators and the site’s proximity to homes and community facilities.

“This AI data centre is gonna be right across from people’s houses,” she said.

“There’s literally a childcare centre across

the street.”

But Ms Nambu stressed the group did not yet know how those generic concerns for a data centre would apply to the Clyde North proposal because detailed information about the development had not been publicly available.

“You try to access the information of the planning application, and you can’t see it online. So, we can’t find the details,” she said.

She also said that the proposal could set a precedent for future data centres in Casey.

Council has said the application is exempt from standard public notice requirements and third-party appeal rights under the Urban Growth Zone provisions set by the State planning framework.

Ms Nambu said the gathering aimed to make residents aware of the proposal and encourage those with concerns to contact the council directly.

“The whole point of Saturday was to let people know that there is a data centre planned for this area and that if you are concerned, you can definitely speak up,” she said.

Council is currently assessing the application, has requested further information from the applicant, and is seeking advice from the Environment Protection Authority and water and power authorities.

Councillors are expected to be briefed on the proposal as the assessment progresses. At the time of writing, there are 13 official objections lodged to the Casey Council.

What will happen if a councillor runs for state election?

By Jensy Callimootoo

Casey Council has defended its governance processes after being questioned about safeguards to ensure councillors remain separate from personal state election campaigning.

The question, raised during July’s council meeting, referenced mayor Stefan Koomen’s recent public political activity in the Narre Warren South electorate.

It asked what measures were in place to ensure the mayor or other councillors remained focused on representing all Casey wards and that mayoral status.

And that public platforms and ratepayer-funded resources were not being used to support personal state election ambitions.

In response, the council pointed to its existing governance rules rather than outlining any additional oversight measures.

The response said the current governance rules include “requirements and guidance for councillors who choose to stand as candidates in State or Federal elections.”

Councillors had been briefed by officers in early July on the use of council resources, conflicts of interest, leave arrangements and the recommended separation of council duties and election campaigning.

“Officers recommended that councillors standing for election consider taking leave and, where relevant, stepping aside from leadership roles to avoid actual or perceived conflicts,” the response stated.

However, the council emphasised that compliance ultimately rests with individual elected representatives.

“It is the responsibility of each individual

The question was prompted by the Casey mayor Stefan Koomen’s recent activity in Narre Warren South. (On file)

Councillor to determine what steps are appropriate in their circumstances,” they said.

The inquiry comes as speculation continues over the ALP member Cr Koomen’s political future.

Over recent weeks, Cr Koomen has declined to confirm whether he would contest the 2026 Victorian election but said he was keeping his options open, telling Star News he was “not ruling anything in or out.”

Recent public appearances by the Mayor in Narre Warren South alongside Labor figures have fuelled further speculation that he may seek the party’s preselection for the seat.

On 29 July, he said: “It’s been a topic of discussion - if an opportunity arises, it is something I’ll consider”

When asked how any potential candidacy would impact his mayoral and councillor roles, he said: “it’s not something that I’ll speculate on”

“I won’t jump into hypotheticals, I’ll do everything that’s in the best interest of our community.”

The issue of councillors pursuing state candidacy has also been prominent elsewhere in Casey. Last week, Cr Scott Dowling revealed he had withdrawn from discussions about a potential One Nation candidacy for the state election, saying he decided remaining focused on his council responsibilities was the right course of action.

‘New direction’: Carroll

By Corey Everitt

The new Premier of Victoria Ben Carroll will call for a royal commission into the construction sector, after the Labor Party realigned its leadership this week.

Carroll was elected leader of the Labor Party and sworn in as Premier on Tuesday 28 July, hailing a shift to turn around the government’s fortunes going into this November’s state election.

In his first address as Premier, Carroll declared a “new direction” for the state government, saying “I am not Daniel Andrews, I’m not Jacinta Allan.”

He announced that he will support a royal commission into the construction sector amid claims of integrity breaches within the industry, including on government sites.

“In my government, integrity will not be optional,” he said.

“Whether in business, politics or the union movement, there will be no tolerance for those who misuse their positions.”

Head of Politics at Monash University Dr Zareh Ghazarian expected law and order and claims around the presence of organised crime on construction sites to be the targets of a new direction under Premier Carroll.

“Carroll comes in as a relatively fresh leader from the right faction, and it’s going to be up to him to try and turn the party’s fortunes around. So it’s a big, big shift,” he said.

Premier Carroll is the first leader from the right faction of the party since former Premier John Brumby, putting an end to the dominance of the socialist left faction that began under former Premier Daniel Andrews.

Dr Ghazarian said this is a significant shift for

the party under pressure going into the next election, but unity will be an important task for the new leader.

“The challenge is to maintain factional unity, have those who may feel aggrieved by the decision today to make sure that they are contributing in a positive way to the party.”

The party narrowly avoided a contested vote that would have been a weeks-long process.

Though the change admits instability in the party,

Dr Ghazarian said the test for Carroll will be after

the short-term.

“As we know, there is great instability in the Victorian electorate and Australian electorate more broadly.

“There is this sense that voters may be keenly waiting to hear what the new leadership of the party has to offer.

“So the next couple of weeks are going to be critical in setting up the fortunes or otherwise of Labor in this state.”

See separate story on Page 13

Members dissect Jacinta Allan’s legacy

Liberal South Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans said “a new Premier does not mean a new government” , in the wake of Labor’s leadership coup on 28 July.

“It is the same ministers, the same factions, the same union powerbrokers and the same failures,” Hermans said.

“Victorians should choose their Premier, not Labor’s factions and backroom powerbrokers. If they wanted to help Victorians, they should hold a state election now.

“A government that tears itself apart four months before an election has lost the stability, authority and confidence required to govern and if Labor cannot run its own party, it cannot run the state.”

Hermans said that Carroll helped create the Allan Government’s “failures” such as “the debt, the waste, the crime crisis and the corruption engulfing Labor’s Big Build”

“He has been the Education Minister when Victoria has experienced the biggest teacher strike in Australian history, with some of the worst paid teachers and defunded under-developed and resourced schools.”

Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne said Allan’s resignation was no surprise.

“It was clear that she had lost the confidence of the Victorian people, and that they want change.

“While as MPs we should be focused on cost-of-living and other issues, we have all been talking about IBAC and corruption. That’s not sustainable.”

Payne was disappointed that the Government didn’t work with Legalise Cannabis to achieve “common sense” law reform on cannabis.

“The rhetoric of ‘tough-on-crime’ is good for headlines but it does not actually work.

“Keeping cannabis illegal when 80 per cent of Victorians do not agree with it, is failed policy and a waste of police and court time and resources.”

She paid tribute to Allan’s “groundbreaking work” on women’s pain and women’s health.

“Jacinta Allan has worked hard in a very difficult job.

“She has been on the end of some commentary that was unfair and, let’s be frank, sexist. That should never be tolerated.”

Libertarian MP David Limbrick said Allan “started promisingly” as Premier, engaging with the crossbench “much better than (former Premier) Daniel Andrews”

“But ultimately I don’t think she changed the direction of the Government.

“The bail laws led to a massive problem with repeat offending, and left people feeling unsafe.

“Her management of public funds also left much to be desired.

“She was instrumental in the $589 million

Commonwealth Games debacle, but never fronted up to the inquiry I chaired.”

Limbrick described the Government’s machete bins scheme as “emblematic of a lack of care with public money”

“I still haven’t received a good explanation of where all that money went. Hopefully a Royal

MPs gushing, others silent on ex-Premier

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

There’s been a spectrum of reaction - and non-reaction - from Labor MPs in the South East to the fall of Premier Jacinta Allan.

Labor MPs Garry Maas, Belinda Wilson, Pauline Richards, Emma Vulin, Sonya Kilkenny, Tim Richardson, Meng Heang Tak and Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams gushed with photo tributes to Allan on social media.

Their MP colleagues Jordan Crugnale, Eden Foster, Michael Galea, Harriet Shing and Lee Taralamis had not posted tributes, as of the morning of 29 July.

Planning Minister and Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny – a close supporter of Allan – posted on Facebook that she was “so proud to serve alongside Jacinta”.

“Her legacy is one of meaningful change - the metro tunnel, level crossing removals, north east link, major projects and hospitals. And the SRL (Suburban Rail Loop).

“She also carried the burden of significant sexism and misogyny throughout her leadership. But always remained steadfast and determined to deliver for the people of Victoria.

“That resilience will inspire women in public life for years to come.”

During a fractious caucus meeting on 28 July, Kilkenny stepped back from challenging Ben Carroll in a party ballot for leadership and Premier.

South Eastern Metropolitan Labor MP Michael Galea told Star News that Carroll’s eventually unanimous endorsement showed they were a “united team”.

“People have made very clear to me that they weren’t happy with a number of things with the previous leadership and they wanted to see change.

“Truth is we work collegially across the factions and the show of support from across different parts of the party today, and in fact a unanimous endorsement for Ben Carroll to be the leader, shows that we are a united team.”

Galea said he’d become “increasingly convinced” of the need for a Royal Commission into the construction sector on government projects.

“Some of the allegations that we have all seen have been simply dreadful.

“It’s unacceptable to me as a local MP and it’s unacceptable to Victorians and Victorians rightly expect that every dollar of government money that is spent is spent wisely and that’s something that I’m very interested in seeing.”

There has been speculation that the $35 billion Suburban Rail Loop may also be reviewed.

Galea said it was however a “really important project for Victoria as a whole, but in particular the South East”.

Commission can get to the bottom of these kinds of issues.”

He urged Premier Carroll to tackle crime on multiple fronts.

“We need more police in the south east, a review of self-defence laws, and a trial period of legalising pepper spray.”

“Where we are in the South East, we won’t have the Suburban Rail Loop running through our area, of course, but we will actually benefit greatly from that connectivity on our lines.”

“That’s really critical and that’s a project that we are committed to and I look forward to seeing that continue.”

Push for region-wide plan

By Violet Li

A petition calling for a legislated, whole-of-region plan to protect Western Port from urban and industrial expansion has gathered more than 3500 signatures ahead of November’s State Election.

Petition organiser Neil Daly, who is based in Corinella, started the petition about two years ago.

He is calling for the next Victorian Government to establish a Western Port Region Strategic Management Plan, bringing together environmental protection, land-use planning and economic development across the bay’s wider catchment.

Mr Daly said Western Port should not be viewed only as a coastal area.

His proposed “Western Port Country” region would extend from Mount Dandenong along the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range to San Remo, taking in Phillip Island and part of the Mornington Peninsula.

It would cross Casey, Cardinia, Bass Coast and Mornington Peninsula, with the four councils continuing to operate independently but working under a coordinated regional strategy.

“If you just try to protect the coastal area and ignore the further inland, the hinterland and the water catchment, you’re not really looking at it as a whole concept,” Mr Daly said.

He said upstream activities could affect mangroves, waterways and the bay, while development pressures had grown through expanding suburbs, industrialisation and projects associated with the Port of Hastings.

Mr Daly also pointed to past controversies including the proposed AGL gas project and foreshore erosion as examples of why individual projects should not be assessed in isolation.

The petition is based partly on the Westernport Bay Environmental Study led by Professor Maurice Shapiro in 1973-74 and tabled in 1975.

The report found the region’s biological wealth and “country atmosphere” were among

its defining features, and said preserving bushland, forests and broad agricultural land should be a major objective in future planning.

Mr Daly said the warnings remained relevant more than 50 years later.

“Reports come and go and get lost,” he said.

“People forget about them.”

He has written to the major political parties

seeking support for the plan in their 2026 election platforms and has raised the issue with local MPs and the Prime Minister, whose office referred it to the State Government.

Mr Daly said the Victorian Greens had indicated support, while he was awaiting responses from Labor and the Coalition.

“All I can do is keep bringing it to the attention of as many people as I can,” he said.

To sign the petition, visit: change.org/p/ save-western-port-protect-its-environment-and-biodiversity-from-urban-sprawl

He acknowledged online petitions did not always compel governments to act, but said the growing number of signatures demonstrated sustained community interest.

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Don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself at our next open day.

Grab a free coffee before you explore the available homes and stunning village centre. Take the opportunity to meet the team and learn about Summerset’s unique continuum of care, designed to support residents at every stage.

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Open day & free antiques appraisals

Thursday 6 August, 10am to 12pm

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Teachers walk out for better education

By Sahar Foladi and Jensy Callimootoo

School staff across Casey and Greater Dandenong are among thousands of Victorian teachers embroiled in a series of strikes and advocacy for better work conditions, pay and education system.

Caitlyn, teacher of nearly 10 years from Kambrya College in Berwick underscored the need for change. Highlighting the gruelling pressures and workload often ensued on teachers who are currently the lowest paid in Australia.

“We need a fair deal that covers the teacher’s condition as well as teachers’ pay,” she said.

Caitlyn also doubled down on the stop-action which many, including Education Minister Ben Carroll, now Premier, has criticised as “disruptive” to student’s education.

But she says the disruptive nature of the strike is now the only way to call for adequate reforms.

“At this point nothing else has worked… they (Labor) have created this crisis so we’re reminding them that we’re willing to do whatever it takes to fix our schools because we care about our schools,” she said.

Many teachers across Victoria have cited extreme burn out and exhaustion under the current work conditions, with many opting to change schools or careers altogether.

But some educators choose to remain in some of the most vulnerable communities, where they are needed the most.

Educators Alex Leemann and Inaz Janif have taught at Dandenong High School for 11 years and 20 years respectively.

Ms Leemann is also the Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian Branch’s councillor representative of the school.

She set out as a temporary casual relief teacher but fell in love with the school and never left.

“There’s a lot of staff who love working at DHS. In terms of conditions, staff are working in excess of 12 unpaid hours a week.

“Somehow despite all this, we call ourselves the education state. We’re fighting for ourselves but we’re doing it because we are passionate about our profession.

“Ultimately, our work conditions are our students’ learning conditions. The stronger the agreement in conditions and pay, the stronger the outcome will be for students.

“It’s a lot easier for us to show up, turn out our whole hearts when we feel supported by the employer – the department.”

In her 20 years as an educator, Ms Janif came across better offers and opportunities to switch schools, but she wanted to serve a bigger purpose where she is needed the most, not just to teach.

For the majority like her, she’s taking action over work conditions and her concerns for the future of the education system and the students.

“I have witnessed my own children’s primary school teachers leave this year, they either left or changed schools in search of better conditions,” she said.

“It says a lot when teachers who are dedicated to young people leave their young classes midyear.

“That’s extremely disruptive to children’s learning when they are only in Grade 1.

“If we don’t fight for both sustainable working conditions and good pay for all education staff, we are going to see this continuous loss and cycle of teachers coming into teaching and then leaving.

“The cost is borne by our children and ultimately therefore society.”

The recent offer from the State Government outlined a 28.3 per cent pay increase for teachers, principals and ESS over a four year period.

Many are instead calling for a three year period.

An increase of 12.75 per cent would begin in October of this year.

While the July offer addresses workload, AEU members argue that it is not enough to adequately alleviate the workload employees currently face.

The current offer cuts meeting hours from 80 hours to 40 hours a year. But real reductions in face-to-face teaching hours and more preparation time to reduce staff burnout is also being sought.

With Education Minister Ben Carroll now taking the top job of Victorian Premier, it leaves the door open for a fresh wave of negotiations rectifying the prolonged matter or a possible third strike.

Readers side with stop-work

DO YOU SUPPORT THE TEACHERS’ STRIKE?

An overwhelming majority of respondents in a Star News readers’ poll backed a 24-hour strike by public-school teachers and educational support staff on Thursday 23 July.

· YES - 79 per cent · NO - 21 per cent

Your views on the strike

Star News had more than 120 comments in response to its Facebook poll on last week’s 24-hour strike by Australian Education Union members, comprising governmentschool teachers and education support workers from across the state.

Here are some of your viewpoints: Kelbel Ned It’s not easy being a parent, (but) being a teacher is harder! They deserve better conditions and more pay!

John Cini

They are obviously earning enough if they can afford to take days off to strike without pay.

Tracey-scott Hamlett

As the father of two teachers, I support their right to a decent wage. This Labor government has to go.

Dean Michaels (to Tracey-scott Hamlett) Teachers vote Labor…always have, always will.

Suzi Qu

Nope. They were given a good offer and refused it. Now they’re just being greedy.

John Vizard:

Can I just make a point here?

Education Support staff, under the current agreement that the ALP and the AEU signed off on in 2022, get paid an income lower than the “lowest income rates” that Albo and the ALP have been bragging about for 4 weeks.

Now low-income workers work hard.

But think about that.

Education Support staff, looking after the most vulnerable and challenged kids in our schools, get paid less than fast food cooks, hospitality and retail assistants. That is the ALP.

Nikki Bowen

Our educators strike to support their students. They strike to support our kids.

James Dixon

It still absolutely baffles me how much money is wasted across major construction projects, while the people educating the next generation are continually told there isn’t enough funding.

Teachers and ES are expected to do more with less—larger class sizes, increasing behavioural and wellbeing demands, endless administration, and fewer supports for students—yet many workers in other publicly funded sectors earn significantly more.

Our priorities need a serious rethink. Investing in education isn’t an expense— it’s an investment in every child’s future.

Two salons hit within an hour

By Violet Li

Two Cranbourne West hair salons were hit within an hour early on Tuesday morning, with an attempted break-in at one business followed by a break-in at the other.

CCTV footage from Home of Hair showed a person arriving at the business about 1.56am on Tuesday 21 July, damaging its front gate and attempting unsuccessfully to enter the salon.

About an hour later, Kasey Lee Blonde Specialist, which is only 5-minute-drive away, was broken into at approximately 2.51am.

A large quantity of hair extensions, shampoos, conditioners, treatments and hair-colouring products, valued at thousands of dollars, was taken from the salon.

Owner Kasey said not everything could be recovered through insurance.

“I’ve got to shut my salon for two days. I’ve got 11 staff I’ve got to pay. Clients have been cancelled, which might not be able to return,” she said.

“One girl drove an hour and turned up on the day and I feel awful for her.

“I feel stupid crying because there’s so much other things worse in the world.

“Businesses are really difficult.”

About 8am on Tuesday, a woman from a neighbouring business called Kasey through Instagram.

The woman told her the salon’s roller door was open and asked whether she could go inside.

“At first, I just didn’t think anything had been done or stolen,” Kasey said.

The woman then FaceTimed her from inside the salon.

“I could see all the extensions gone, and I just was like, ‘Oh my God’,” Kasey said.

“I said, ‘I’ll just be there as soon as I can.’”

Kasey said she was at home with her children at the time and initially did not know the full extent of the damage.

When she arrived at the business, she

found stock missing and rubbish and wet towels scattered through the salon.

CCTV footage from the salon shows the intruders filling buckets with hair-colouring products and moving quickly through the business before leaving.

Home of Hair owner Samantha did not initially realise someone had attempted to enter her business.

Staff arrived later that morning to find the gate open but believed it may have accidentally been left unlocked.

After having trouble locking the damaged gate, Samantha reviewed the salon’s CCTV on Wednesday afternoon and discovered the attempted break-in.

Twice the speed limit alleged

Nunawading Highway Patrol picked up two ‘p’ platers from Clyde North and Pakenham over the weekend driving allegedly outrageous speeds on the Monash in Glen Waverley.

Both drivers were spotted outbound on the Monash Freeway within two hours of one another on Saturday 25 July about 11.20pm and in the early hours of Sunday morning about 12.45am.

In the first incident a Mazda utility was detected travelling 160km/h in the 100km zone.

The 19-year-old driver, who had four passengers on board was seen continually cutting through heavy traffic without indicating.

The Clyde North teen’s vehicle was impounded

for 30 days at a cost of $1120.

He is expected to be charged on summons for exceeding the speed limit, speed and manner dangerous and other traffic related offences.

The second vehicle detected was a Ford Falcon, which left members flabbergasted, after the 19-year-olddriverwasdetectedtravelling200km/h, double the limit.

He was also weaving through traffic and advised members his reason was, ‘for fun’

The Pakenham teen is expected to be charged with exceeding the speed limit and dangerous driving.

TheFordwasalsoimpoundedatacostof$1046.

Alleged drugs haul charges

A man faces serious drug trafficking charges after police seized an alleged multi-million-dollar haul of methylamphetamine and heroin from a home in Keysborough on 22 July.

A search of the property allegedly uncovered drugs,weaponsandotheritems,includingabout2 kilograms of suspected methylamphetamine and heroin with a combined estimated potential street value of more than $2.2 million.

Police also seized $85,000 cash, a handgun, an extendable baton and credit card gun, a large quantity of illicit tobacco and a smelted gold bar

worth $80,000.

A 46-year-old Keysborough man was charged withtraffickingalargecommercialquantityofmethylamphetamine and heroin as well as trafficking cannabis and prescription medication.

He was also charged with possessing a firearm, weapons and proceeds of crime.

A 50-year-old Keysborough man was cautioned for possessing a weapon and cannabis.

Also arrested at the home was a 56-year-old Keysborough man, who has been released pending further enquiries.

Teens charged after stabbing

Police have charged three teenagers following a stabbing near the Alkira Secondary College in Cranbourne North.

It is alleged there was an altercation in a park on Sabel Drive before a boy was stabbed about 3.20pm on Monday 20 July.

The 15-year-old boy was located with serious injuries and taken to hospital.

The group allegedly fled on foot before police arrived.

Detectives executed search warrants this morning and arrested three teenagers.

Two 15-year-old boys and a 17-year-old boy, all from the Casey area, were charged with intentionally cause serious injury with gross violence, affray and other assault and weapons offences.

The trio will face a children’s court on the afternoon of Monday 27 July.

She said the vehicle in the footage appeared to be the same one shown at Kasey Lee Blonde Specialist later that morning.

Samantha contacted police and reached out to Kasey after making the discovery.

“The thing I wanted to do was obviously reach out to her because I didn’t want her to think it was personal,” she said.

“That could have been me.

“I feel horrible for her. I was lucky enough that night, but unfortunately, she wasn’t. It’s heartbreaking.

“It’s very hard right now in business, let alone have something like that happen to you.”

Samantha said the incident was confronting, particularly because staff worked late at the salon several nights each week. Both salons said they would put on more security measures. According to the Victoria Police, no arrests have been made at this stage, and investigators are yet to determine if the two burglaries are linked.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Casey monitoring sports ground safety

By Jensy Callimootoo

The City of Casey says player safety remains its highest priority as councils across Victoria come under pressure to review the use of synthetic cricket pitches following the death of a community footballer in Melbourne’s North.

The tragedy, which occurred during a local football match earlier this month after a player fell onto a concrete cricket wicket, has sparked renewed debate about the safety of hard cricket pitch covers used on multi-purpose sporting grounds.

According to a report from The Age, some Victorian councils have since announced reviews of their facilities.

While Casey has not announced any changes to its sports grounds, the council says it already has inspection and maintenance processes in place to help ensure playing surfaces remain safe.

City of Casey Manager of Infrastructure and Open Space Nicole Young said user safety was central to the council’s management of sporting facilities.

“The safety of users across the City of Casey’s sports grounds is a top priority for Council,”

Young said.

“As part of our ongoing sports ground maintenance program, we regularly inspect and assess sporting pitches across the municipality to ensure they remain safe and fit for use.”

Young said Casey’s synthetic cricket pitch covers were installed and managed in accordance with relevant standards, with the transition between summer and winter sporting seasons carried out in line with manufacturer and supplier guidelines.

“These measures help to support a safe playing environment for all users,” she said.

The council says it will continue reviewing its practices as part of its regular maintenance program.

“Should a formal review of alternative options to synthetic cricket pitch covers be undertaken in the future, Council would work closely with AFL Victoria and relevant peak sporting bodies to consider any proposed changes and ensure the safety and suitability of playing surfaces across the municipality,” Young added.

Copper thieves hit Casey sporting clubs

By Violet Li

Copper thieves are hitting sporting clubs across Casey, leaving volunteers to deal with cancelled training, spoiled canteen stock and lost revenue.

Hallam Hawks Junior Football Club was the latest Casey club affected, with vice-president Raymond Garner saying volunteers arrived about 7am on Sunday 26 July to prepare for games and found switchboard doors open and copper cabling missing.

“We had no power for days,” Mr Garner told Star News on Tuesday 28 July.

“We’ve cancelled training for the seniors in the gyms for the last two days. That’s a shame.

“After our games on Sunday, we went to check our freezers and fridges. Everything was going off. Everything was not salvageable. So, we lost all their food from their fridges and freezers.

“It really set us back.”

He estimated the spoiled stock alone was worth “a couple of grand” , on top of lost canteen revenue.

Mr Garner said the area was dark and had few cameras and believed the theft appeared planned.

“They knew what they were doing,” he said.

Devon Meadows Junior Football Club was also hit earlier this month, with president Mel Alder saying copper was stolen overnight on Wednesday 8 July.

The outage forced training to be cancelled for all 26 junior teams and put about $2000 worth of canteen stock at risk.

A portable freezer saved much of the frozen food, but Ms Alder said the club still lost about $600 to $700 worth of refrigerated stock.

“We were very close to having to cancel all our games on the Sunday,” she said.

“We had 14 games at our grounds, and we almost had to cancel them, but City of Casey was able to get it all sorted on Friday afternoon, so I was thankful with the way they dealt with it.”

The incidents come amid a string of similar thefts from sporting and recreation facilities in Endeavour Hills, Berwick, Beaconsfield, Officer, Pakenham and across Cardinia.

Crime Statistics Agency figures for the year ending March 2026 recorded 261 copper and scrap metal property thefts in Casey and 41 in Cardinia.

Victoria Police has said there is no dedicated copper theft taskforce, with local detectives investigating incidents.

Police said sporting grounds are among a range of locations affected, alongside roads, construction sites, new estates and manufacturing areas.

Police have warned copper theft can cause major disruption and can also leave dangerous live wires exposed.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Casey Manager of Active Communities Ali Neil said the City of Casey is aware of recent incidents affecting the Hallam Hawks Junior Football Club.

“Council officers remained in regular contact with the club, and worked to restore the power supply as quickly as possible,” she said.

“We recognise the disruption and financial impact this can have on clubs, volunteers and members in Casey, and we work closely with impacted clubs and user groups to minimise disruption to activities, including exploring alternative arrangements where required.

“Community groups affected by unexpected events may be able to access support through Council’s Quick Response Grants Program for eligible unforeseen costs, or our Minor Capital Works Investment Program for eligible projects that enhance the safety and security of community facilities.”

‘Sexualised’ cocktail name banned

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A recently-firebombed liquor company has failed to overturn a ban on a “highly sexualised” name for one of its products.

80Proof Australia Pty Ltd had taken issue with a ban against promoting and supplying its ‘Wet P***y’ premixed cocktail, also known as ‘Wet P***y Shot’

On 14 July, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) senior member Anna Dea upheld the original decision by the Victorian Liquor Commission in 2024.

She agreed with the VLC’s finding that the brand name was “directly or indirectly sexual” and contrary to the public interest.

The VLC had also found the name “objectified and sexualized women” , and “exploited the idea of sexual success or normalized attitudes of lubricating women through alcohol to achieve sexual success”

Ms Dea recounted evidence from 80Proof founder and director Jess Conti, who said the name had been a “well-known and frequently requested shot” for at least 15 years in the Australian nightclub scene.

The shots were one of the most popular drinks, especially with women, he said.

80Proof is “careful that our marketing is not overtly sexual or obscene both because our customer audience would not be attracted to it, and because the social media platforms would not allow it” , Mr Conti told VCAT.

“He did not find the name offensive. He said words to the effect that ‘it is just a drink for 18+ people who drink it in clubs’,” Ms Dea stated.

“I asked whether Conti was aware of any drinks with names which referred to male genitalia. He said he could not bring any to mind.”

Mr Conti said he’d received no complaints or negative feedback about the name.

A ban would lead to an estimated loss of up to $600,000 in sales, he submitted. Plus “hundredsofthousandsofdollars”wouldberequired for a rebrand.

However, Ms Dea said the word ‘p***y’ was “in company with strong swear words which are never acceptable in advertising”

Citing research from a Alcohol Berverages Advertising Code report, a “significant majority of the community” regard the name as “unacceptable in general” and as a name of an alcohol product.

“I find that the strength of these research outcomes outweigh 80Proof’s financial interests in selling the product.

“The object of harm minimization is furthered by removing a product which has in its name words that cause offence to a significant majority of the community.”

A 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy have admitted in a childrens court to the firebombing of 80Proof’s factory in Atlantic Drive on 23 April, which caused $3.5 million in damage.

The pair were sentenced and released on Thursday 21 May.

The following day, a third teenager was reportedly released on bail and a fourth remained in youth detention pending further assessment.

80Proof owner Danny Grant stated on social media that more than $1 million of stock and a $2.5 million facility were destroyed in the blaze.

“Overnight, eight people lost their jobs and more than 15 people were financially, emotionally and personally impacted by what happened.

“Many of them had families relying on this business and their livelihoods changed instantly.”

Calls grow for traffic lights

By Violet Li

Locals are renewing calls for traffic lights at a busy Hallam intersection, saying long queues and near misses are being overlooked because many incidents may not appear in official crash data.

A petition tabled in State Parliament by South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans last October called for traffic lights, road widening, pedestrian facilities and an interim traffic measure at Hallam South Road, Centre Road and O’Grady Road.

The petition had more than 400 signatures.

HP Fire manager Hayden Poper said getting out of Centre Road could take up to 10 minutes in heavy traffic.

“It’s probably one of the worst I’ve had to deal with in terms of the amount of traffic coming down Hallam South Road, plus the amount of businesses trying to get out of Centre Road,” he said.

Mr Poper said he had saved CCTV footage of about 10 incidents, including one this year in which a vehicle was struck and rolled one-anda-half times.

He estimated he became aware of at least one crash every three or four weeks, though minor collisions could occur without nearby businesses noticing.

He said danger increased when trucks waiting to turn right into O’Grady Road blocked the lane and other motorists used a left-turn-only lane to

pass, putting them in conflict with vehicles crossing into Centre Road.

Petition organiser Rosalie Crestani, who previously worked in the industrial estate, said the problem had existed for about 20 years and worsened after the Hallam level crossing was removed, eliminating breaks in traffic that once helped motorists leave Centre Road.

The Roads Minister Melissa Horne’s response to last year’s petition said the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) considered safety, congestion, road-user numbers, vulnerable road users, historical crash records, surrounding network impacts and cost when assessing upgrades.

It said there were no current plans to change the intersection.

Ms Hermans described the location as a “time bomb” and said she would continue raising the issue in Parliament.

When contacted, a DTP spokesperson has advised that there had been no recorded crashes or casualties at the intersection in the past five years.

The department also advised that its system relied on incidents attended and reported by Victoria Police.

Speed limits and zones are reviewed on a caseby-case basis in response to community feedback or changes to the road environment.

“We work closely with local council as well as our road safety partners to maintain our road network and identify any necessary improvements,” the spokesperson said.

Travel Inspiration

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Join us for a special presentation by Luxury Escapes and discover inspiring travel opportunities. From overseas adventures and Australian escapes to luxury holidays, budget-friendly getaways, and relaxing day trips, there’s something for everyone. Gain expert insights, explore a range of destinations, and start planning your next memorable

Wednesday 5th August 2:00pm-3:30pm

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Casey Grange Retirement Village 75 Evans Road, Cranbourne West

Light refreshments will be served. Please advise us of any dietary restrictions when you RSVP

To join us, please RSVP by Monday, 3rd August

Andrea Gordon

Advocating for our region

By David Limbrick, MP, Leader Of The Libertarian Party

Having grown up in south east Melbourne, I love this area, and it’s great to be able to make a difference.

Just this term I have led inquiries into TAC, stamp duty and the Commonwealth Games, addressed over-reach by councils on private land, questioned the cost of machete bins, led the debate against the use of gender medicine on kids, addressed the root causes of organised crime, saved an animal sanctuary from closure, and locked up a serial killer for life.

But obviously there is still much to do.

Part of my job is to be the region’s greatest advocate.

Some of you might remember I created a splash in the media a few years ago by encouraging Disneyland to come to our electorate.

Why not? Whether it’s Disneyland, or a stateof-the-art factory in Dandenong, I truly believe we are capable of anything.

My vision is that the south east should become a place where every business and every family can thrive - even the cartoon characters.

But everybody knows about the challenges. When I speak to locals, I hear enormous frustration. People just trying to make an honest living feel like everything is stacked against them. Taxes make it so hard to get ahead.

Many people feel they are paying for the Big Build and getting no benefit. The train services are still unreliable, and some of the roads have enough potholes to loosen your fillings.

But probably the biggest concern is crime. Just about everybody has been a victim of crime or knows someone who has. People are genuinely worried. The police do their best, but we just

don’t have enough.

I believe the government needs to tackle the root causes of crime, employ more police, and le-

galise pepper spray and castle law. One thing you can do right now to get more police in our region is sign the petition at davidlimbrick.com.au. If we get enough signa-

tures we can trigger a debate in parliament. I believe South East Melbourne is still a great place to raise a family, but we need to work together to keep it that way.

Good news: A family violence response model that works

By Rachel Payne, MP

I’m Rachel Payne MP, a working-class girl, born in Newcastle and the youngest of five children. Over the last three and a half years of politics, I’ve been proud of what I have been able to achieve as a progressive cross-bencher. I’ve advocated for most of what I set out in my inaugural Parliamentary speech. Obviously cannabis is not yet legalised, but it’s a lot more accepted now than it was, particularly in the medical space. But one thing I still want to do more work in is the prevention of family violence. A topic that is close to my heart, with a grandmother who experienced it for most of her married life.

There is so much talk in the community and media about family violence at the moment. While it is great that we are facing this epidemic openly, I understand it can feel a bit overwhelming.

I have been working closely with organisations and individuals in this space, and there is an idea that helps immensely – we just need to see it more widely adopted.

The “Alexis Family Violence Response Model” (Alexis FVRM) has delivered extraordinary results. It is a coordinated police and social services model that embeds a family violence specialist worker within police units. This means there’s a police member to respond to immediate crises, and a family violence specialist to help the victim, assess risk, and connect people to services. Police and support together.

The Alexis Model gives police the support they need, and victim-survivors the help they deserve.

The outcomes:

· 66% of victim-survivors left the program at lower risk

· 85% reduction in recidivism among perpetrators

· 78% of victim-survivors felt supported

· 83% of engagement by victims (despite the well-

known difficulty in doing this)

Very importantly, most victim-survivors who took part in the survey said they felt safer, more supported, and better helped through the coordinated response from police and support services. Work needs to be done to make sure the model meets the needs of CALD and other minority communities, but it is a good start.

The Alexis-FVRM has been piloted across five municipalities in Victoria, and I asked the Parliamentary Budget Office what it would cost to expand it state-wide. Remarkably it would only cost the Victorian Government $10 million per year. It is affordable, and it can be scaled. The time for talk is done and this week, I am calling in Parliament on the Labor Government to expand it statewide.

Rachel Payne, MP

Three-hour rolling strike

Victorian allied health professionals walked off the job for three hours at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton on Thursday 23 July, as their dispute with the Allan Government over pay and workforce conditions continued to escalate across Melbourne.

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, podiatrists, social workers, sonographers and radiographers are among members of the Health Services Union Victoria No. 3 Branch and the Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association (VAHPA) taking industrial action.

Union members held a lunchtime rally outside McCulloch House at Monash Clayton from midday before Frankston workers rallied outside Peninsula University Hospital at 2.15pm.

Teresa Rumph, a radiographer at Monash Medical Centre, says there’s been no new offer from the Government since a 24-hour statewide strike of thousands of allied health workers on June 16.

“We’re going to go and do another lunchtime rally next Friday (31 July). We’re not getting much traction from the Government - I don’t think they’re listening.

“People are feeling a lot of frustration.”

She said workers were undertaking protected industrial actions to impact hospitals’ finances but not patient care, such as by not billing patients for certain procedures,

The offer, which landed most professions a rise of between 19 and 21 per cent, came despite the FWC handing down a decision on allied health this year that closely mirrors the ruling used to deliver a landmark gender equity outcome for Victorian nurses in 2024.

In comparison, allied health workers were being “undervalued” despite being the secondbiggest workforce in hospitals.

They were also the worst paid in Australia, Rumph said, having accepted wage rises in the past that were “less than inflation”

“It’s a bit concerning that the state election is coming - you’d expect Labor to be a fairer government for workers. Will we get a worse offer from a Liberal Government.”

VAHPA executive officer Andrew Hewat said workers at two of Melbourne’s major health services were joining colleagues across Victoria in demanding the government properly value their work.

“Monash and Peninsula health services care for large and rapidly growing communities, and

neither could function without its allied health workforce,” Mr Hewat said.

“These professionals help patients recover from surgery, regain their mobility, communicate, manage chronic illness, safely leave hospital and avoid being admitted again.

“The Fair Work Commission has confirmed their work has been historically undervalued because it has traditionally been performed by women, yet the Allan Government’s offer still falls well short of correcting that injustice.

“The government has had every opportunity to resolve this dispute. Instead, it has left workers with no choice but to continue escalating action across the state.”

Second life for city’s trees

Casey Council says it’s giving trees that are removed for their age or infrastructure pressures a second life by converting them into community assets.

Over the last three years, the council says it has repurposed urban forest timber to support nature play and other projects across the municipality.

Across Casey, the council manages about 340,000 trees with more than 2500 trees removed each year from streets and reserves after reaching the end of their life or because of development and infrastructure pressures.

Arborists identify suitable trees and log sections for repurposing to be used as community assets.

The council says the program has reduced the need to purchase new timber, while also reducing disposal and tree removal landfill costs.

Casey Mayor, Stefan Koomen says the initiative has contributed largely to playground designs including Baden Powell Reserve Playground, Betula Reserve Playground in Doveton and Glover Reserve Playground in Devon Meadows.

“These projects have successfully incorporated reclaimed timber logs into nature play elements, creating unique and engaging play experiences,” he said.

Most recently, the Essex Dog Park Project located in Endeavour Hills made use of the repurposed logs.

Beyond playgrounds, some timber will also be revitalised for fencing, bollards, signage posts and other public infrastructure.

Community lends a green thumb to plant thousands of trees

Chilly weather wasn’t enough to deter the green thumbs across Casey who pitched in to plant 5,000 trees in Cranbourne West as part of this year’s National Tree Day on Sunday 26 July.

This planting adds to the work done in previous years, helping to create important habitat for local wildlife as part of a nature corridor that will eventually link to Brooklyn Greens Reserve.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen thanked all the volunteers and Councillors who came along to lend a hand, along with the 77 local schools and kindergartens who took advantage of Council’s free plant giveaway for their own planting day on Friday 24 July.

“There was great interest from the community, with registrations for the planting day fully subscribed,” he said.

“Events like this is where our community spirit really shines, with Casey residents of all ages digging in to help our local environment thrive.

“It also goes a long way to supporting local biodiversity and Council’s Greening Casey plan, with a goal to plant more than 200,000 trees and shrubs over the next two years to increase tree canopy and create functioning, healthy ecosystems across the municipality.”

Ex-Premier’s legacy feted

By Jensy Callimootoo

A women’s health hub that provides services across Casey and Greater Dandenong has praised outgoing Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan for what it describes as a lasting legacy in advancing women’s health, following her announcement that she will step down from the state’s top job.

Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) said Allan’s leadership had been marked by a strong commitment to improving outcomes for women, particularly through her role in establishing Victoria’s landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain.

Chief executive at WHISE Kit McMahon said the former Premier’s willingness to publicly share her own experience of endometriosis helped drive meaningful change.

“Jacinta Allan did something that changed a system,” McMahon said.

“She brought her own body, her own pain and her own experience into the room, and she refused to let it be dismissed.

“She stood with the women of Victoria, with their health, their work, their families and their lives, and she insisted that women deserve to be listened to, believed and treated with respect.”

Allan, who announced her resignation on Tuesday 28 July morning, reflected on women’s health during her farewell remarks, speaking about her own experience of chronic pain and the importance of ensuring women are believed when seeking medical care.

WHISE worked closely with the Premier during the Pain Inquiry, hosting numerous community forums across Melbourne’s south east including Casey, where women shared their experiences of pain and wellbeing.

McMahon said it was the Premier’s approach at those forums that left a lasting impression.

“What the women in those rooms valued most was not simply that she attended, but how she showed up,” she said.

“She sat with women. She gave her time. She listened deeply, and she met what she heard with

real empathy.

“The women in those forums have not forgotten it, and neither have we.”

The Inquiry into Women’s Pain heard from more than 13,000 women and girls across Victoria, identifying widespread gender bias in pain management and calling for significant improvements to the health system.

WHISE said the inquiry formed part of a broader investment in women’s health that has expanded services and helped place women’s pain at the centre of public policy.

This includes making the green whistle acces-

sible and free for procedures related to birth control. As well as making the pill available without a GP appointment.

“Investment like this doesn’t happen by accident,” McMahon said.

“It happens because someone decides women’s health is not optional.

“The program of support this government has built gives organisations like ours, and the women we work alongside every day, a foundation to keep building on.”

During her resignation speech, Allan who has worked in politics for nearly 30 years, encouraged

more women and girls to consider a future in politics.

“If you’re a woman making your start in politics, let me say this to you,” Allan said.

“Please don’t look at what I’ve experienced this week and think, ‘stuff that I don’t want to be involved’

“Look at the support I’ve experienced over my career and think, ‘I can make a difference here, too’.”

It’s a message that WHISE says was critical for ensuring women’s voices continue to shape public policy.

New accessible activity trail

A new accessible activity trail has been unveiled at Myuna Farm, a space for Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Doveton to expand support for people with disabilities.

On Monday 27 July, City of Casey mayor Stefan Koomen and Cr Lynette Pereira were joined by RDA Victoria CEO James Lantry, RDA Victoria volunteers and participants, and members of the Endeavour Hills Men’s Shed to celebrate the opening of the new purpose-built trail.

The new Myuna Farm activity trail has been designed to help people living with disabilities experience the confidence and joy that comes from programs involving horse interaction and care.

It accommodates a horse and two side-walkers, and features a variety of interactive elements, including obstacles that encourage riders to navigate over, under, around and through structures.

“Today we celebrate not only the opening of a new Activity Trail, but also the values that underpin this important project within Casey, including accessibility, connection, participation and community spirit,” Cr Koomen said.

“The new trail will enable RDA to deliver safer, expanded and more inclusive programs for people living with disabilities, providing opportunities for physical activity, social connection, personal growth and increased independence.

“Most importantly, it creates an environment where everyone is welcomed, valued and supported.”

With support from Harrison Construction Management, Myuna Farm staff designed, constructed and landscaped the trail, while Endeavour Hills Men’s Shed volunteers also constructed many activity elements along the trail.

“The contribution of the Men’s Shed demonstrates the power of community partnerships and volunteering,” Cr Koomen said.

“It is wonderful to see local people using their skills, expertise and craftsmanship used to create something that will benefit the community for many years to come.

WHAT’S ON

Healthy Cooking

This 4 week course is designed for those interested in learning about healthy eating on a budget in a fun and engaging way.

• Thursdays 10am-12.30pm, starting 30 July

at Balla Balla Community Centre, 7–9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North. Bookings/enrolments: in person, phone 5990 0900 between 9am-3pm or online at ballaballa.com.au/programs

Morning Melodies

With Andrew Portelli (7 August). Also other activities that are available weekly include Monday line dancing, Tuesday dance with Eileen Hams, Wednesday indoor bowls, Thursday bingo, Saturday indoor bowls.

• Friday 7 August 11am-3.30pm (Morning Melodies) at Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club, 1 Codrington St Cranbourne; $15 including lunch. Details/bookings: Marilyn, 0466 623 210. Berwick Half-Marathon

The Berwick Half features a flat 5.25-kilometre circuit with distances for the entire family - a half-

“Together, these partnerships have helped create a truly interactive trail that is functional, accessible and welcoming, encouraging people

marathon run/walk, 10-kilometre run/walk, fun 5-kilometre run/walk, kids mile (1.6 km, 7-13 year olds), junior jog (400m, under 7s).

• Sunday 9 August, 7am-12pm at Berwick Springs Park, 46 Berwick Springs Promenade, Narre Warren South; $30-$85. Bookings: berwickhalf.com.au

Cranbourne Dads’ Group: Plant a Tree

Join the Cranbourne Dads’ Group for a fun morning. Plant trees and native plants with your children. Enjoy a morning outdoors, create memories with your children and help nature.

• Sunday 9 August 10am-11.30am at Scarborough Avenue Reserve, 40 Scarborough Avenue, Cranbourne West; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DKACP

Still Life Drawing Workshop

Capture the way light falls on that beautiful bowl of fruit, a vase of flowers or your favourite tea cup. Learn (or brush up on) the basic tools of drawing in an inclusive and supportive environment with visual artist Jan Prislin-Planinc. For all skill levels

of all ages to be active, explore their local environment and connect with others.”

Delivered in partnership with the

and all paper and drawing materials supplied.

• Wednesday 12 August, 10.30am at Cranbourne West Library Lounge, 4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne; free. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=219225

VR Travel

Explore the world without the hassle of travelling.

Using VR headsets, you can stroll the streets of Colombo, take in the sights of Beijing, and explore the vibrant landmarks of Delhi or visit any other city you wish to experience. For ages 15-plus.

• Thursday13August10am-10.20am,10.30am10.50am and 11am-11.20am at Endeavour Hills Library, 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard, Endeavour Hills; free event. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=215935

Breakfast & kick-a-ball

Join the Coastal Villages Dads’ Group for a free breakfast and kick-a-ball morning. Catch-up with other dads, father figures and their kids. Have something to eat and then grab a ball to kick around with your child.

• Friday 21 August 9am-11am at Warneet Recreation Reserve, Rutherford Reserve, Warneet; free event.

The Travelling Fruit & Vegetable Show (3-5 years)

Through music, puppets, storytelling, and sensory exploration, the event introduces children to a variety of fruits and vegetables in a fun and engaging way.

• Friday 21 August, 11.30am-12.15pm at Balla Balla Community Centre, 7–9 Selandra Blvd, Clyde North. Bookings in person or 5990 0900 between 9am-3pm.

Mens Shed open day

Learn about Endeavour Hills Mens Shed with woodworking, music, copper work, free giveaways for kids, face painting. Donations accepted for items on display. Sausage sizzle, soft drinks available. Free tea and coffee.

• Saturday 22 August, 10am at Endeavour Hills Mens Shed, 289 Power Road, Endeavour Hills. Details: ehms.org.au

Masterclass from a legend

By Blair Burns

It was a special day down at Amstel Reserve as Cranbourne made it three wins in a row to celebrate Marc Holt’s 300th game in style, with the big fella booting 13 goals to lead the Eagles to a huge win over Port Melbourne, 24.13 (157) to 7.5 (47).

A huge crowd turned out to watch Holt in his milestone match and he did not disappoint, putting on a game for the ages.

On such a big occasion and with some strong momentum coming into the game, the focus for Cranbourne was always going to be to start well and bring the pressure early.

And the first term couldn’t have been more one-sided with the midfield dominating, led by Jake Stephens in the ruck as well as Shaun Keenan and Zak Roscoe in the midfield.

Just three minutes into the game, Holt drew a high free kick to go back and slot his first of the day, as the crowd erupted.

As the first quarter unfolded, it became clear to spectators that they were being treated to one of the great individual performances as Holt kicked 6.1 in the first term.

Whenever the ball came inside 50, it had his name on it.

A nine-goal opening term had Cranbourne leading 58-0 and the game was all but over as the Eagles continued that blistering form into the second.

The half time margin was 76 and Holt already had eight to his name.

While Cranbourne still had most of the play in the third quarter, a few shots on goal went wayward and saw the team only kick 2.6, before the Colts dug deep to get five consolation goals in the fourth term.

Holt finished with 13 majors, winding back the clock in the number seven, while Trent Marotta kicked three.

After passing his famous number seven down to now Frankston VFL star Corey Ellison a few years ago, it was returned to Holt for his big game.

After starting the year in 77 and then moving to 65, the number seven just felt right on the back of the greatest Eagle to ever do it.

Eagles coach Angelo Soldatos said it was a special day for the club, and was glad his side delivered.

“Holty is a freak and has had a really special career, but look at what he means to the footy club,” he said.

“He’s a gun footballer and he’s an even better bloke, so I am very happy for him and glad the boys turned up the way they did.”

The start of the game was a heavy focus for the home side and to pile on nine goals was a pleasing result.

“Port (Melbourne) have got some real challenges at the moment and it’s a tough position for them to be in,” Soldatos said.

“We wanted to start well and take a bit of heat out of the game, which we did.

“The pressure around the ball was really good and our ability to get forward of the contest was really impressive.”

Up by 10 goals at quarter time, the opportunity was there to try and target Holt most times the ball went inside 50.

“We haven’t really been in that position during my time at the club where you are winning a game reasonably comfortably, and with the occasion, we tried to get him the ball a bit,” Soldatos said.

“It was a really great opportunity for so many of our younger boys to play in front of such a big crowd … I’ve never seen someone draw a crowd like he does; I couldn’t even fit in the rooms postgame until after the song.

“Marc doesn’t like all the attention and in the pre-game, all he was saying is that we have to win, so it was good to do that.”

Stephens only played about half of the game due to a soft tissue complaint, but Soldatos said they took a cautious approach and was hopeful that he would be right to play this weekend.

Andrew Green was one of the Eagles’ best, winning plenty of the ball and creating off halfback, while Brock Van Loon did well in a run-with role on Jess Mildenhall.

Cranbourne currently sits seventh on the ladder with a 7-7 record and is just two points off fifth-placed Murrumbeena.

It is a huge four games in the run home for the Eagles with Springvale Districts this weekend at home, before challenges against Bentle Holt is on

Panthers claim a big scalp

By Blair Burns

Playing finals looks a bit closer for Devon Meadows after the Panthers shocked Langwarrin at Glover Reserve on Saturday to win by 26 points, 13.9 (87) to 9.7 (61) in round 14 of MPFNL Division 1.

It was a remarkable 125-point turnaround from the last time the sides met back in round six where the Kangaroos won by 99 points; but this was a different ball game.

No Hugo Birks, Toby Sinnema or Arnold Kirby … no worries.

The Panthers brought the pressure and intensity from the opening siren and managed to put the second-placed Kangaroos on the back foot. After two heartbreaking losses in recent weeks, it was the perfect way for Ryan Hendy’s side to come out and make a statement.

The win signalled two things for the Panthers; they have learned from the two previous losses, and they are hungry to play finals in their first year up in Division 1.

Had they won the matches against Rosebud and Mornington, they would now be third on the ladder, but as it stands, they remain sixth, still firmly in the finals frame.

Hendy said belief is high within the group, adding that his side has matured as the season has progressed.

“It was a great win, probably the best of our year so far and gives us a chance to play finals footy,” he said.

“We went to work on them, watched a fair bit of their vision and realised there were games they had played on smaller grounds and had really been challenged when the other side had brought the pressure.

“That was our focus this week and it happened to work for us.”

The lead went back and forth across the first half of the match with Devon Meadows leading by two points at quarter time and seven points at the half, before the Panthers kicked away late in the third term.

Two late goals gave the home side a 21-point buffer at three-quarter time, they were in the box seat but we had seen this all before.

“We really wanted to work on our last-quarter performance because for the last two weeks, we’ve been in games and haven’t been able to close them out,” Hendy said.

“We put a lot of focus into that and worked hard at training during the week, so it was pleasing the boys could get the job done this week.”

With three goals to two in the final term, the Panthers cruised home to make their season record a neat 7-7, with upcoming games against Pines and Sorrento, who are both bottom two on the ladder.

It was a very even team performance from the Panthers, with eight players collecting 20 disposals or more and 10 individual goalkickers.

“The boys seem to share the goals around most weeks and even just the even contribution around the ground,” Hendy said.

“Nearly every single player on the ground had an impact.”

In the absence of Hugo Birks up forward, Fletcher McMillan provided a good target to kick two goals and pinch-hit in the ruck,

Levi Churchill has also been a really good replacement for Arnold Kirby when he can’t make it back from the NT due to work commitments.

“Jack Wilson, Nick Battle, Joel Hillis and Kye Quirk are all in a real purple patch at the moment,” Hendy said.

“So, when your leaders are leading from the front, its sets a real example for the rest of the boys which is half the reason why we’ve been going so well.

“Our good players are stepping up in big games.”

• MPFNLDIVISION1

DEVONMEADOWS 3.2 7.4 11.7 13.10(88)

LANGWARRIN 3.0 6.3 8.4 9.7(61)

Devon Meadows Goals: Fletcher McMillan, Thomas Morley, Patrick Sinnema 2, Nick Battle,

Alex Canal, Brady Dixon, Kye Quirk, Cody Ray, Ky Williams, Jack Wilson. Best: Joel Hillis, Kye Quirk, Ryan Koo, Levi Churchill, Jack Wilson. Langwarrin Goals: Matthew Johnson 4, Jack Orchard 2, Matthew Peynenborg, Riley Staggard, Harry Tully. Best: Nicholas Hammill, Harry Marks, Benjamin Charles, Jack Orchard, Charlie Orchard.

Other Results R14: Dromana 16.14 (110) def Edithvale-Aspendale 11.6 (72), Rosebud 13.13 (91) def Frankston YCW 10.6 (66), Sorrento 10.14 (74) def Mt Eliza 10.8 (68), Pines 11.13 (79) def Mornington 6.8 (44).

Ladder: Rosebud 52. Langwarrin 44, Dromana, Frankston YCW 32, Mt Eliza, Devon Meadows 28, Edithvale-Aspendale 24, Mornington 20, Sorrento 12, Pines 8.

Fixture R15: Devon Meadows v Pines, Mt Eliza v Dromana, Edithvale-Aspendale v Sorrento, Langwarrin v Frankston YCW, Mornington v Rosebud. DALESDANCEALLTHEWAYTO10

Pearcedale took care of business for another week as the side made it 10 wins in a row with a comfortable 55-point victory over Rye, 16.16 (112) to 8.9 (57).

After almost two months out of the game with

an ankle injury, Cruiz West made his return for the Dales and kicked a game-high four goals as he quickly shook off any rust.

It was an even first quarter at Pearcedale Recreation Reserve before the home side began to get on top in the second quarter to head into the halftime break with a 51-27 lead.

But it was the premiership quarter where Peter Bastinac’s side flicked the switch, kicking seven goals to one as they buried the Demons to continue their spectacular winning streak.

Lachlan Marshall and Huw Jones were brilliant in the win, while Taj Campbell-Farrell (four goals) gave his all for Rye.

The real test for Pearcedale will be this week as they take on Chelsea, who has won six in a row since its last loss against the Dales in round nine.

Pearcedale Goals: Cruiz West 4, Luke Daniel, Jake Frawley, Kye Harris, Luke Jennings 2, Kian Benwell, Mitch Davis, Bryce Dinger, Connor Georgakopoulos. Best: Lachlan Marshall, Huw Jones, Robbie Arnott, Luke Settineri, Bryce Dinger. Rye Goals: Taj Campbell-Farrell 4, Ed Greene 2, Harrison Doughton, Nick Fraser. Best: McLeod Jamieson, Harrison Doughton, Taj CampbellFarrell, Lachlan Croad, Peter Hampton. Other Results R15: Bonbeach 16.19 (115) def Karingal 2.6 (18), Chelsea 22.13 (145) def Tyabb 7.7 (49), Red Hill 18.19 (127) def Crib Point 6.8 (44), Frankston Bombers 11.14 (80) def Somerville 8.11 (59), Seaford 16.12 (108) def Hastings 3.6 (24).

Ladder: Chelsea 52, Red Hill, Somerville, Pearcedale 44, Seaford 40, Frankston Bombers 36, Rye 32, Bonbeach 24, Crib Point 20, Hastings 16, Karingal 8, Tyabb 0. Fixture R16: Crib Point v Bonbeach, Chelsea v Pearcedale, Frankston Bombers v Red Hill, Rye v Hastings, Karingal v Somerville, Seaford v Tyabb.

Redbacks resilient but Magpies fly home for 11th win

By Blair Burns

Narre Warren was too strong for Hampton Park in round 15 of the South East Precinct Netball League (SEPNL) A Grade competition with the Magpies winning their 11th match this season, 49-43.

The Magpies have dropped just one game for the year and have been a force to be reckoned with as they continue to bank wins and dominate offensively.

Despite sitting in third place, the Redbacks produced one of their most impressive performances and got as close to the flag favourites as they have all year.

Led by Emily Pupuke’s 29 goals, Hampton Park worked hard inside the attacking third and gave the Magpies a real scare to get within six goals.

But Narre Warren responded to the challenge and found a way to win once again.

Narre Warren is a classy team and is currently two wins clear on top of the ladder as the pointy end of the season fast approaches.

The goal now for coach Kealeigh Brown and her side is to continue adding strings to its bow, working on different combinations in attack and finding ways to win when things aren’t al-

ways going perfectly. This will prepare them nicely and give them a strong foundation when they approach finals

and chase a premiership.

Mercy Ioleu was at her best once again as she continues her dominant season in goal shooter

for Narre Warren, scoring 38 goals in the victory.

The young star has now taken her season tally to 513 goals and sits more than 150 goals in front of the next scorer which is Pupuke (351 goals).

In the other match, Beaconsfield cruised to a comfortable victory against Berwick Springs to win 62-26 and maintain its spot in second position on the A Grade ladder.

Eagles captain Zara Treweek set the tone for her side inside the goal circle, scoring 32 goals for the match, while Micaela Strong (14 goals) and Isabeau Hart (11 goals) worked hard for Berwick Springs in the loss.

Berwick and Cardinia Tigers had a bye.

• SEPNL–OTHERRESULTS

B GRADE: Narre Warren 52 def Hampton Park 42, Berwick 38 def Cardinia Tigers 35.

C GRADE: Hampton Park 37 def Narre Warren 23, Cardinia Tigers 29 def Berwick 28, Beaconsfield 49 def Berwick Springs 28.

D GRADE: Hampton Park 45 def Narre Warren 21, Berwick 29 def Cardinia Tigers 9, Beaconsfield 46 def Berwick Springs 9.

A Grade Fixture R16: Hampton Park v Beaconsfield at Robert Booth Reserve (3:20pm).

Sandy surge buries Cavs

By Justin Schwarze

A fourth-quarter collapse saw Casey falter down the stretch and be eliminated by Sandringham in a heartbreaking finish to the NBL1 South elimination final.

The Cavaliers snuck into the finals in ninth place, travelling to the Southern Basketball Stadium to face the eighth-placed reigning premiers.

And they got to work early, operating efficiently offensively in the first quarter to build a promising foundation.

The visitors applied significant pressure on the rim to set the tone, scoring 16 points in the paint before Jesse Ghee knocked down a pair triples late in the term to put Casey up 29-21 after one.

Ghee was now the hot hand, going around a ball screen and pulling up into an elbow jumper that dropped.

On the next possession, he snaked around another screen and felt contact from behind from C.J. Asuncion-Byrd, choosing to rise up from downtown.

He drew the foul but kept his concentration and drilled the three, resulting in a four-point play.

With just over three minutes remaining in the first half, Ibrahima Diallo muscled his way to the cup for two and the Cavaliers had built up a game-high 16-point lead.

But the hosts weren’t going away without a fight, finishing the term on a 14-2 run to get right back in it, trailing by just four at halftime, 52-48.

Casey went back to the interior, scoring 20 points in the paint in the third, doing everything it could to keep the scoreboard ticking as Sandringham got hot.

Kyle Adnam and Malith Machar both connected on a pair of triples each in the quarter for the Sabres, while Diallo went 5/6 in the key for 10 third-quarter points.

Adnam raced to the rim and layed it in at the buzzer to make it a one-point Cavaliers lead

entering the fourth, 82-81.

A 7-0 Sandringham run in the early moments of the fourth saw the Sabres swing into the lead, and Casey struggled to score on the other end.

The visitors threw five turnovers in the final period while shooting 4/21 from the field as a team, scoring just nine points for the quarter in a complete capitulation.

The hosts added 19 points themselves as Kyle Bowen stuck the dagger in by sinking a pair of late free throws, with Sandringham going on to win 99-91 and advancing to the next round.

Casey captain Preston Bungei gave his all in defeat with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Ghee finished with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists on 50 percent shooting.

Diallo posted a double-double of 18 points and 12 boards on 9/17 shooting.

Machar was the difference-maker for the victors, erupting for 34 points and four rebounds on efficient 12/18 shooting.

Adnam also scored 30 while dishing out seven dimes.

Sandringham advances to the qualifying finals, where it will play one-seed Melbourne at MSAC on Saturday night for a chance to reach the preliminary final.

While it was a crushing loss for Luke Kendall’s men, it’s still been a history-making season as the Casey Men played finals for the first time in the NBL1 in the club’s history.

Casey will now switch its attention to the Cavaliers Women, who will face Waverley on the road in this week’s qualifying final.

The Cavaliers finished sixth in the home-andaway season, taking on the third-placed Falcons for a spot in the prelim.

Jesse Ghee’s 20 points wasn’t enough for Casey as the Cavaliers were eliminated by Sandringham. (In2Action Photography)

Classy Cats prove too good for Demons at Casey Fields

By Justin Schwarze

The class of top-placed Geelong was too much for Casey on Saturday as the Cats clawed out a convincing win in round 18 of the VFL.

After Geelong nailed the first goal of the afternoon at Casey Fields, the Demons responded through Jake Melksham and Luker Kentfield, but the rest of the quarter was all Cats.

The visitors piled on five unanswered majors to end the first holding a 6.4 (40) to 2.2 (14) advantage at quarter time.

Casey attempted to make inroads in the second, highlighted by Kentfield booting back-toback goals to open the term.

The hosts slotted four goals in the period to trim it back to 15 points at halftime, but Geelong flexed its muscles on the other side of the break.

Louis Hodder buried the first goal of the

third and the Demons were within striking distance, but the Cats fired home five of the next six majors, pushing out to a 13.11 (89) to 8.7 (55) lead at the final change.

The third-quarter surge was impressive from the Cats, with Jack Martin kicking his third, before follow up goals to Jamieson Ballantyne, Ben Pennisi and George Stevens were finally answered by Jarrod Gatt for the Demons.

Martin then kicked his fourth and final goal of the match, at the 27-minute mark of the third, to provide the Cats with their 34-point cushion at three-quarter time.

The visitors ensured there were no final twists, kicking four goals to one in the final term to run out 17.14 (116) to 9.9 (63) winners.

Max Heath was impressive in defeat, posting 20 disposals, seven tackles, 32 hitouts and six clearances.

Miller Bergman led the stat sheet for the Demons with 24 disposals, which included 17 kicks and seven gifts by hand, while Gatt (22 touches) and Christian Salem (20) were other solid Demons performers on the day.

Kentfield led the charge up forward with three majors for the vanquished, while Toby Sinnema, Jesse Craven and Kalani White joined Salem, Melksham, Hodder and Gatt as goalkickers for the home side.

The loss all but eliminates Casey from finals contention as the Demons sit 10 points behind the final wildcard position with just two games remaining.

Casey will look to rebound next week as it travels north to face bottom-placed Gold Coast at People First Stadium on Sunday.

Geelong, meanwhile, will start a shortpriced favourite when it welcomes a struggling

Collingwood to GMHBA Stadium for a Friday afternooon contest at 4.10pm.

VFLW FALLS TO CATS

Casey suffered its ninth-straight defeat on Saturday as Geelong ran rampant at Casey Fields in round 11 of the VFLW.

The Demons were in the contest at halftime, trailing 4.3 (27) to 2.1 (13), but three goals to none in favour of the Cats ensured they took the four points.

Tylah Burn put together a strong performance of 22 disposals, nine tackles and 10 clearances for the Demons while Hastings product Zoe Mitchell collected 24 touches, with 14 kicks and 10 handballs.

Casey is back at home in round 12, hosting fourth-placed Carlton, while the Cats roll out the welcome for Collingwood, at Deakin University, at 12.05 on Saturday.

Bottom-agers lead the way

By Blair Burns

Dandenong Stingrays are up to second on the ladder in the Talent League Girls competition and with only three games left are heading into finals with some serious momentum.

It has been a dominant season from the Rays, who have won 10 of their 11 matches with the only minor blemish coming against GWS Giants Academy in a drawn result.

After a week off, Dandenong returned home to Shepley Oval and despite Western Jets putting up a fight, the home side was far too strong, winning 6.9 (45) to 3.4 (22).

You only had to look at the number of Dandenong girls who were selected in the Vic Country squad for the Under-18 National Championships to realise how talented this list is.

Under coach Nathan Boyd, the Stingrays have put together an impressive season and have now won six games in a row.

It was an even contest in the opening quarter as both sides failed to register a goal inside the first 15 minutes with Western Jets leading 2-1.

But as the ball was kicked inside 50, bottomage ruck Shiloh Little provided a strong marking target but the ball spilled over the back.

Using her great athleticism, she beat her opponent to the ball and picked it up, before slotting the first goal of the game to give Dandenong an early lead.

It was the only major in the first quarter as the

low-scoring match proved to be a territory battle.

In the second term, Western Jets came with a quick reply before Hannah Griffiths and Little scored goals to give their side a 23-14 lead at the main break.

The talented young players that Dandenong possesses will also have coaches very optimistic

about what next season could look, with a trio of bottom-agers hitting the scoreboard in a big way on the weekend.

Little’s Vic Country experience has clearly helped her development, as the young ruck played three of the four matches at the recent championships.

Annie Clish is another exciting bottom-ager and is a natural goalkicker - she was everywhere in the third quarter getting in dangerous spots to kick a goal and extend the lead.

Clish has kicked 15 goals this season and has proven to be one of the most dangerous forwards in the Talent League, sitting second on the goalkicking leaderboard.

Amelia Hamod has also come on in leaps and bounds this year after earning her debut earlier in the season.

The left-footer offers great height at 187cm and is incredibly versatile, playing wherever she is needed, and predominantly as a tall target up forward.

Hamod slotted two goals in the final quarter to help the Stingrays run away and win by 23 points.

Other strong performers for Dandenong were Evi Irving (27 disposals, seven tackles), Scarlett Marsh (25 disposals, five tackles) and Zoe Zach (21 disposals, seven tackles).

Dandenong Stingrays will face Northern Knights on Sunday at Shepley Oval, with the match to kick off at 1.30pm following the boys match, which starts at 11am.

Gippsland Power had a bye in both the boys and girls’ competitions, and will resume its season when it hosts Sandringham Dragons at Morwell Recreation Reserve on Saturday, with the girls game to start at 11am.

Outer East and EFNL announce proposed joint venture

By Justin Schwarze

Talks of a proposed merger between Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) and the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) are gaining momentum after the leagues went public with the proposal on Thursday night.

The merger, which would come into effect in 2028, was explained by the chairs of both leagues in a series of videos.

“We’re always looking to get stronger, we want to be better, we want to be a strong league for our clubs, we want to provide opportunity for our clubs to find the level where they can thrive,” EFNL Chair Paul Barlow said.

“This is about sustainability.

“This is a great way forward, we’ve been sharing information for the last 12 months.

“This gives us an opportunity to give clubs choice, choice of where they want to play, how they want to play, it enables us to offer more

Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) and the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) have released a public statement about merging.

flexibility.

“This isn’t about retrofitting Outer East into the EFNL, we don’t know what that’s going to look like but this is about offering clubs choice, both from an EFNL club perspective and an Outer East club perspective.”

Netball was a discussion topic in the release, with the EFNL not currently offering same-day Saturday netball like Outer East.

“For us, it’s all (same-day netball) we have, we don’t have any other non-netball games, they’re always together,” Outer East chair Mark Sargent said.

“We bring that strength to the party and there may be some clubs in the EFNL that want that to be part of their clubs.”

But for now, clubs will be encouraged to explore their options surrounding netball.

“Would we love to have that at the same ground as our football on a Saturday? Yes,” Barlow said.

“Unfortunately the infrastructure’s not there from a metropolitan perspective and it’s probably stretched too far to think that it will be there.

“So this is again about offering choice, this isn’t about trying to get netball on a Saturday,

this isn’t about taking netball away from a Saturday for the Outer East clubs, this is about offering the clubs the choice on what’s better for them.

“The structure is the structure, that’s not going to change.”

The media release explained the two leagues have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore merging the competitions into a “single, unified league spanning football and netball across Melbourne’s eastern region.”

While the process has been in discussion for over 12 months, talks are still in the exploratory phase and terms are not yet officially agreed upon.

“It does bring two proud competitions together,” Sargent said.

“Our clubs are the heart of their communities, and they deserve a competition built to last.”

SEPNL welcomes club conversations as merger beckons

By Blair Burns

As Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) and the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) prepare to merge, questions remain over the future of netball.

With Eastern’s inability to host football and netball on the same day due to a lack of infrastructure, clubs involved in the merger will be encouraged to explore their options regarding netball.

The South East Precinct Netball League (SEPNL) is one of the largest independent home and away community leagues in Melbourne’s South-East, and is home to more than 600 players through juniors and seniors.

In just three seasons of existence, the league has grown from four founding clubs to six with the recent inclusion of Narre Warren and Cardinia Tigers.

After moving from Outer East to Southern, the Magpies lost some of the connection between footy and netball due to playing on different days, and SEPNL has been a good fit for them this season.

“One of our biggest strengths is our flexibility and willingness to work collaboratively with our clubs,” SEPNL president Lani Mannays said.

“Every club has input, and when challenges arise, we focus on finding practical solutions rather than taking a one-size fits all approach.

“Where possible, we align netball with football to create a genuine community game-day that

brings clubs together.”

Mannays added that the strength and sustainability of the league were the main areas of focus in the future.

“We’re not driven by becoming the biggest league, we’re driven by becoming one of the strongest,” she said.

“Any expansion needs to strengthen the league, not simply increase its size.

“We’re committed to welcoming clubs that are

the right fit and want to contribute positively to the long-term success of the league.”

Mannays said the league was open to any clubs wanting to ask questions or find if SEPNL could be a good fit for both parties.

“Rather than making a pitch, we’d simply encourage clubs to have conversations, ask questions and explore what best aligns with their longterm vision,” she said.

“If a club within Melbourne’s south east would

like to learn more about SEPNL, our door is always open.

“Our role isn’t to persuade clubs to leave another competition, it’s simply to provide an option for clubs.”

Vice-president Melinda Wilson said there had been clubs reaching out to explore their options.

“We’ve certainly had interest from a number of clubs over the past 12 months, which is encouraging and reflects the positive reputation the league is building,” she said.

“While there has been interest from clubs, our approach hasn’t changed.

“We remain focused on supporting clubs within Melbourne’s south east and continuing to build a league that reflects the needs of our local communities.”

SEPNL is currently an independent league but welcomes the opportunity to become affiliated with Netball Victoria in the future.

“In terms of representative netball, we already have a number of VNL players competing in SEPNL, and participating in our league doesn’t compromise their VNL commitments or eligibility,” Wilson said.

“While we don’t currently have a formal VNL pathway attached to the league, we don’t see that as a barrier - there are already excellent pathways available throughout our region.

“A number of SEPNL players (were) recognised through the Talent Identification (TID) program at this year’s Association Championships.”