Thursday, 13 August, 2026
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Homeless turned away
Bird flu case in Clyde
SRL bus pitch
Contender rolled by Cranbourne
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SPORT
Ton of gold Cranbourne’s Vince Motta has celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends at the Cranbourne Italian Senior Club. Relatives also travelled from overseas to celebrate. Vince and wife Val have been part of the club since 1997, with Vince known for warmly welcoming new members. A former farmer, Vince spent much of his life working outdoors. Full story page 13
Vince Motta, who turned 100 on 30 July. (Stewart Chambers: 569336)
Just out of control A quiet Cranbourne street was overwhelmed by a large crowd of young people on Friday night after a party at a Powerscout Retreat property spiralled out of control. Police were called about 11pm on 7 August following reports of up to 80 teenagers attending the party and causing damage to the house. Police said the property was extensively dam-
aged, but no arrests were made. Neighbours said the scene was far bigger than the initial police estimate suggested. One resident believed between 300 and 400 people had gathered in and around the property, with about 80 young people on the street at one point. She said the sheer size of the crowd was fright-
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ening, although most of the young people were polite and left neighbouring properties alone. Some even came to her house afterwards to apologise for the disturbance. Another long-term resident said the situation escalated when the property owner arrived. She claimed people struck the owner’s car and
damaged the house, with a couch ending up in the pool. The resident said Powerscout Retreat was normally a very quiet street, and neighbours had never experienced anything similar before. Police investigations are continuing.
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NEWS
Chaos on Cranbourne street By Violet Li A Cranbourne street was flooded with young people after a party at a short-stay property spiralled out of control, leaving the house extensively damaged. Police were called to a property in Powerscout Retreat about 11pm on Friday 7 August following reports of up to 80 teenagers attending a party and causing damage. Multiple police units, including members of the Public Order Response Team (PORT), were deployed to disperse the crowd. Police said the youths were moved on, and officers remained in the area for some time. No arrests were made and investigations are continuing. The house at the address is on sale, and according to neighbours, the house was rented out on Airbnb but since then it has been taken down. Neighbours said the scale of the gathering was far larger than the initial police estimate. One resident estimated there were between 300 and 400 people in and around the property, with about 80 young people on the street at one point. She said the sheer number of people was frightening, although she believed most of the partygoers were polite and did not damage neighbouring properties. “At one point I thought they might jump over the fences, but they didn’t,” she said. She said some young people later came to her home and apologised for the disruption. Another long-term resident said the usually quiet street had never experienced anything like it before, saying the situation escalated when the property owner arrived and attempted to intervene. According to the neighbour, the owner remained in her car while people struck the vehicle, while damage was also caused inside the property. She said a couch ended up in the pool and recalled residents repeatedly calling police as the disturbance unfolded. The resident, who said she and several neigh-
Windows are broken at the Powerscout Retreat address. (Violet Li)
Rubbish everywhere at the Powerscout Retreat address. bours had lived in the street since it was established, said they had not experienced a similar problem before. The other neighbour believed the owner had put herself in a dangerous position by attending the property during the disturbance. She also questioned whether short-stay ac-
Rubbish everywhere at the Powerscout Retreat address.
Windows are broken at the Powerscout Retreat address. (Violet Li)
commodation such as Airbnb should be operating in suburban residential streets. Police said the house was extensively damaged.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage, or has further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.
Paramedics save mum’s life after noticing subtle stroke sign A Cranbourne mother said two Ambulance Victoria paramedics saved her life after one spotted a subtle symptom of a potentially deadly stroke that initially showed none of the usual warning signs. Belinda Timmins, then 48, suffered a haemorrhagic stroke caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm in July 2024 after developing what she initially believed was a migraine. “I was unaware at the time as to what was happening, I just knew I had an intense pain like a lightning bolt had hit the side of my head,” she said. “It was the worst head pain I had ever had.” As the pain worsened, her son called Triple Zero and paramedics Hayley and John arrived within minutes. Ms Timmins did not show typical neurological signs such as slurred speech or facial drooping, and her initial stroke assessment did not raise concerns. However, graduate paramedic Hayley noticed Ms Timmins had unequal pupil sizes as well as a severe headache that persisted despite strong pain relief. “The pupil symptom alone was enough for me to know she needed to be transported to a neurological hospital,” Hayley said. Ms Timmins was rushed under lights and sirens to Monash Medical Centre, where she was handed over to a specialist stroke team. It was Hayley’s first haemorrhagic stroke case as a paramedic. “It’s rewarding knowing we were able to use our skills to ensure Belinda received the emergency care she needed, which ultimately, helped to keep her here with her children,” she said. Ambulance Victoria highlighted Ms Timmins’ experience during National Stroke Week, from 3 to 9 August, as it urged Victorians to recognise symptoms beyond the commonly known F.A.S.T. signs of Face, Arms, Speech and Time. Ambulance Victoria director of stroke services Professor Chris Bladin said non-F.A.S.T. symptoms could include loss of vision, double vision, sudden imbalance or vertigo without a prior history, sudden loss of consciousness and isolated limb weakness. “Belinda’s case highlights the critical role paramedics play in recognising stroke symp-
2 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
Ambulance Victoria Advanced Life Support Paramedic Hayley Egan (right) with stroke patient Belinda Timmins (left). toms, even when they don’t present in typical ways,” he said. Ms Timmins said she remained grateful to her
son and the paramedics for their quick response. “As far as I am concerned, Hayley and John are the reason I am still here today,” she said.
“The brain aneurysm could have taken my life. I am eternally grateful for these wonderful paramedics.”
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NEWS
Thousands turned away By Violet Li More than 7600 people seeking homelessness support in the south east are turned away each year because services are already at capacity, according to a new regional advocacy report. Housing advocates are pushing for a major funding boost across Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong. The South East Homelessness and Housing Alliance (SEHHA) launched its 2026 Advocacy Priorities at a Homelessness Week forum in Dandenong on Thursday 6 August, calling on the State Government to address what it says are critical gaps in the region’s homelessness system. Homelessness increased between 2016 and 2021 by 45 per cent in Casey, 53 per cent in Cardinia and 22 per cent in Greater Dandenong. Greater Dandenong Mayor Cr Sophie Tan said services were struggling to meet growing demand. “Demand is increasing faster than services can keep up. The funding has not even kept pace with the growing need,” she said. “Most importantly, it impacts real people who deserve support, stability and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.” Among its priorities is a purpose-built crisis supported accommodation facility in Casey or Cardinia. About 50 to 60 per cent of the South East’s Housing Establishment Funding is currently spent on emergency hotel accommodation because of the lack of crisis accommodation in the region, according to SEHHA. The alliance argues hotel rooms are an expensive and often unsuitable stopgap, particularly for families, and that a dedicated facility with 24hour support would also reduce pressure on hospitals and police.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Cr Sophie Tan said homelessness support services in the south east were struggling to meet growing demand. (Violet Li) SEHHA is also calling for increased specialist homelessness funding, dedicated assertive outreach services in Casey and Cardinia, and a homelessness service access point in Cardinia. Casey and Cardinia currently have no dedicated assertive outreach equivalent to the Dandenong Zero, a project that brings together the local service system around a ‘By Name List’ of all people sleeping rough, to support them with referrals to services with the objective of ending rough sleeping. Dandenong Zero executive committee member Naomi Paterson told the forum its program had moved 45 people into secure, affordable and sustainable housing since 2022, but 107 active rough sleepers in Dandenong remained on its byname list.
“We know that that is gross under-representation for local homelessness,” she said. “There are people who are sleeping in pubs. There are people who are in squats, who aren’t engaging with local service providers. There are people who are in overcrowded dwellings, unsafe places to live. There are people who are disengaged from support and so they’re flying under the radar. “We need crisis and emergency housing, we need extra outreach workers, we need warmth and compassion and empathy for people who are sleeping rough.” SEHHA is a collaborative partnership between local governments and homelessness and community service providers in Cardinia, Casey, and Greater Dandenong.
Mayor to step down amid Labor candidacy announcement By Jensy Callimootoo Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen will step down from the mayoralty after being announced as the Labor candidate for Narre Warren South at the upcoming November state election. Koomen announced on social media on 7 August that he would transition out of the mayoral role by the end of the week, describing the decision as “one of the greatest honours and privileges of my life”. “While I’m not required to do so, I believe it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “I look forward to sharing my next steps and continuing to stand up for our community.” Koomen will remain a Casey councillor representing the Waratah Ward. His decision comes after months of speculation surrounding his political ambitions, which intensified in May following sitting Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas’ announcement that he would not be re-contesting the seat. When Star News spoke to Koomen about the
rumours in June, he dismissed the speculation but said he would consider an opportunity to participate in the upcoming state election if one arose. Koomen was subsequently announced as Labor’s candidate for the seat, where he will face Liberal candidate Norliah-Syer Peterson. Peterson, a music teacher, made headlines last year following the death of her son from Meningococcal B and her subsequent advocacy for greater access to the vaccine. Koomen became a Casey councillor for Waratah Ward in 2024 and has served two consecutive terms as mayor, having been unanimously elected by his fellow councillors on both occasions. During his time on council, Koomen has been a strong advocate for infrastructure projects across Casey, including road upgrades, public transport improvements and the proposed Clyde Rail Link. One of the central aspects of his 2024 council campaign was his push to save and revitalise the Doveton Pool, an achievement he has continued
Stefan Koomen will stand for Labor’s Narre Warren seat, stepping down as Casey Mayor. to highlight during his time as councillor and mayor. Speaking to Star News in June, Koomen also stressed the importance of having a “local voice” representing Casey in Parliament. Under Casey Council’s current governance rules, there are “requirements and guidance” for councillors who stand as candidates in state or federal elections. Councillors are recommended to take leave and, where relevant, step aside from leadership positions to avoid “actual or perceived conflicts”. The election of a new mayor will take place at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 18 August. The newly elected mayor will serve until Casey Council’s annual mayoral elections in November.
H5 bird flu detected in Clyde The H5 bird flu has been detected in Clyde. At the time of writing, H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) has been detected in 53 birds from 37 locations in Victoria, including south west Victoria from the South Australian border at Nelson through to east of Warrnambool and Apollo Bay, and south east Melbourne in Clyde. Types of birds currently impacted are crested terns, a single silver gull and a single magpie. The Victorian National Parks Association and Environment Victoria warn that the arrival of bird flu adds another serious pressure to an already vulnerable ecosystem at Western Port Bay facing pressure from development, industry and declining water quality along its shores. They state that bird flu can have devastating impacts on marine mammals, putting animals including Little Penguins and the largest fur seal colony in the world at risk. Species of particular significance to Western Port that are identified in the assessment as being at high, or very high risk from H5 bird flu include Black Swan (very high risk), Cape Barren Goose (very high risk), short-tailed Shearwater (very
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high risk), Australian Little Penguin (very high risk), Australian Fur Seal (very high risk), Australian Fairy Tern (very high risk), Pacific Gull (very high risk), and Bottlenose Dolphin (high risk). “Western Port Bay is too important to be managed in pieces. Bird flu is another warning that we need to be better prepared for the growing threats facing this precious ecosystem — from habitat destruction and declining water quality to disease,” said Shannon Hurley from Victorian National Parks Association. Signs of H5 bird flu in birds are lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles, twisted neck or other unusual posture, inability to stand or fly, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing, swelling around the head, neck and eyes, and cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes. There have so far been no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or livestock in Australia. The first bird confirmed in Victoria was a greater crested tern at Portland on 30 July. Cases of H5 bird flu, also known as H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza, have previously been confirmed in Western Australia,
The recent H5 bird flu has been detected in Clyde. (Photo by Bernd Dittrich on Unsplash) Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales. The risk to human health of H5 bird flu remains low. Overseas, this strain has caused severe disease and high death rates in poultry, wild birds and other wildlife. Human cases are rare and the virus does not spread easily between people. If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. Avoid direct contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline, or using the following form: forms.bio.vic.gov.au/wildlife-influenza-investigation
Panda Mart’s Cranbourne store could be forced to close until it meets strict product safety requirements. (FILE)
Panda Mart faces closure bid Panda Mart’s Cranbourne store could be forced to close until it meets strict product safety requirements, with Consumer Affairs Victoria taking the discount retailer to the Supreme Court. Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has applied for an injunction that would stop Panda Mart’s Cranbourne and Preston stores from trading until the regulator is satisfied they have measures in place to protect consumers. The action follows inspections earlier this year in which CAV alleges officers found incorrectly labelled, dangerous and permanently banned products at the two stores. Items allegedly uncovered included scented candles with decorations that caught fire, lightup keychains with inadequately secured button batteries, and portable pools and flotation devices without mandatory safety warnings. If the Supreme Court grants the injunction, Panda Mart would be required to notify customers of the closures through its website, social media and shopfronts. CAV would also be allowed to remove and destroy unsafe, banned or incorrectly labelled products. Before reopening, employees would have to undertake training and the retailer would be required to establish a formal compliance program approved by CAV director Nicole Rich. Ms Rich said retailers were responsible for ensuring products on their shelves complied with Australian safety laws. “Being cheap isn’t a licence to skimp on safety standards,” she said. The latest court action follows a series of warnings and enforcement measures involving Panda Mart. In March 2025, inspectors seized thousands of products from the Cranbourne store that CAV believed did not meet mandatory safety and information standards. CAV then obtained an urgent injunction in December 2025 that closed the Cranbourne and Preston stores for 72 hours while inspectors conducted compliance inspections and removed products. In January this year, Panda Mart Trading Pty Ltd, which operates the Cranbourne store, was hit with 147 criminal charges over allegations it offered unsafe products for sale. Those alleged products included toys with unsecured button batteries, baby strollers and walkers without required warnings, bicycle helmets and permanently banned yo-yo water balls. A further public warning was issued in March after inspectors allegedly found more unsafe products at both stores. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on CAV’s latest application in September.
Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 3
NEWS
Channel conquered By Violet Li A year after falling agonisingly short of France, Lyndhurst swimmer Bethany Forster has returned to the English Channel and finished what she started. Bethany completed the crossing on 22 July, swimming 44 kilometres in 10 hours and 26 minutes after setting off about 3.45am. Last year, she was pulled from the water around three kilometres from France after drifting too far with the tide. This time, she never doubted she would make it. “I believed that I would make it. I never doubted it,” she said. “Everyone goes, oh, you must be proud. It’s not that I’m not proud. It’s more just that I don’t get that feeling of purely (proud) because I never doubted I could do it. “It was just like it didn’t surprise me. It was like, okay. I did it. It’s very anticlimactic. “And now we get on the boat and go back to England, and everybody tells you how great you are. And it’s like, well, that’s nice at least.” Bethany described herself as “satisfied” rather than overwhelmed with pride. A major lesson from last year’s failed attempt was nutrition. Bethany discovered the energy gels she used last year were low in sugar, so this time she brought gels from Australia containing 90 grams of carbohydrates. Her mother also prepared refillable pouches filled with mashed banana, strawberry and Nutella, giving her an easy source of energy during the crossing. The conditions were relatively kind, with an air temperature of about 22 degrees and water around 20 degrees. The wildlife was less friendly. “There were less jellyfish than last year. They were just meaner than last year,” Bethany said. She was stung five times by jellyfish, including once on the lip and twice on the back of her leg.
Bethany Forster in the water.
Lyndhurst swimmer Bethany Forster (right) and her mum on the boat before Bethany set off about 3.45am on 22 July. (Supplied) She also encountered a huge unexplained wave stretching across the Channel. Bethany said she remained relatively relaxed for most of the swim. “I wasn’t really thinking too much about the time or anything. I knew I needed to go out fast to make it easier in the second half,” she recalled. Only towards the end did impatience set in as her mother and friend Ethan, watching from the support boat, urged her to pick up the pace. “I was like, okay, I need to move,” she said.
Bethany trains about 14 hours a week and prepared with an eight-hour open-water swim in water as cold as 16 degrees. And crossing the Channel has not ended her appetite for endurance swimming. Her next ambition is a roughly 60-kilometre swim from Geelong to Chelsea, which she hopes to attempt early next year. “I’ve got a whole list of swims that I want to tick off at some point,” she said. Bethany Forster in the water.
Extract of the application plans showing aperspective view of the proposal, viewed from the northwest. (Credit: VCAT)
Major promotional sign given the green light
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By Jensy Callimootoo
4 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
A major promotional electronic sign has been given the green-light by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), despite being previously rejected by Casey Council. The two-sided display will be built in the carpark of Casey Central Shopping Centre, with an expected display area of 49.296 square metres and a maximum overall height of 7.95 metres. It will displace one existing car parking space and will overhang an access aisle. According to VCAT, Casey Council originally rejected the proposal due to the plan failing to address various policies in Casey’s Planning Scheme, on the grounds of its height and size which may result in visual dominance in the streetscape and failure to complement the character of the area. It also argued that the proposed sky sign may have a negative impact on the amenity of the nearby residential area. The applicant, JY Haben, opposed these concerns however and applied for a review of the council’s decision to VCAT in June. An independent VCAT investigation ruled that
Extract of the application plans showing theproposed south elevation. (Credit: VCAT) the sign will provide “vitality and colour” to the large carpark and therefore, with some modifications, it set aside the council’s decision and granted a permit. Modifications included landscape conditions as well as functionality of the sign. This means it cannot dazzle, contain any flashing lights or distract drivers as a result of its colouring. It also has specific regulations on its nighttime luminance. It was ruled that there would be no significant residential impacts under these light regulations. The screen will broadcast still as well as moving images, promoting goods, services or events.
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NEWS
Push to ‘bus’ the rail loop By Jensy Callimootoo and Cam Lucadou-Wells Outer suburban councils have called on the government to introduce high-frequency bus services along the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) corridor well before the first trains run; with a former bus planner saying it might prove useful for Casey commuters. Outer Melbourne Councils (OMC) made up of nine councils including Casey and Cardinia, urged the government to “bus the loop” by introducing frequent services along the proposed SRL corridor well before the rail is laid. The SRL, expected to cost over $30 billion, is an orbital underground rapid transit rail line which will connect major radial train lines from eastern, western and northern Melbourne without going through the CBD. The first stage of the works is currently underway in the Eastern fraction, from Cheltenham to Box Hill. The calls come as Premier Ben Carroll said he wanted a “more integrated approach to Victoria’s transport system”, on ABC Radio. OMC argues the government could introduce frequent “turn-up-and-go” services using much of the existing road network, delivering improvements at a fraction of the cost of major rail projects. For Casey, where suburbs continue to grow, the proposal would mean better connections to major employment, education and activity centres without waiting decades for new rail infrastructure, according to transport analyst, Peter Parker. Parker is also a former Department of Transport bus planner, and says there’s a strong case for the proposal, provided the bus routes were designed around the needs of communities rather than simply copying the eventual SRL alignment. Bus priority measures, including dedicated lanes and traffic-light priority, could improve travel times, but Parker said these measures could become politically controversial. Building dedicated infrastructure such as
(Pic: Creative Commons) busways or adding bus traffic lights would come at a significantly higher cost. Despite those challenges, he said improved buses were essential to making the SRL work. “The SRL by itself is not going to work without easy ways for people to get to the station,” Parker said. He highlights that precursor routes should ideally operate every five to 10 minutes, with
some services potentially running express or stopping only at major destinations. For Casey residents travelling towards the SRL corridor, Parker said direct bus connections could be particularly valuable. He gave the example of a resident near Narre Warren travelling to Deakin University at Burwood, who could eventually use the SRL via Clayton for a faster journey.
In support, Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne said bus infrastructure was a “lot easier” to activate outer-suburban areas, with each bus taking 50 cars off the road. “It makes a lot of sense. We’ve been always supportive of buses, and we’d like them to be free and accessible,” she said. “If we make buses accessible and reliable, people will use them.”
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Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 5
OPINION
What should kids learn? Last week the latest NAPLAN results were released. The headlines were predictable. Two-thirds of Australian students met the national benchmark. One-third did not. Immediately the debate began. More funding. More teachers. More tutoring. More testing. Truth be told... I think we’re asking the wrong question. The question isn’t whether our children are learning enough. It’s whether we’re teaching the right things in the first place. For more than a year I’ve been researching what will become my next doctoral thesis. It began with one deceptively simple question: How should a national curriculum determine what every young person must learn? Not what would be nice to learn. Not what interest groups want included. Not what happens to be making headlines this month. But what every Australian child is genuinely entitled to know before they leave school. Australia already has a comprehensive national curriculum. It outlines learning areas, general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities. Yet beneath all of that sits a question we rarely ask openly: Who decided these things matter most? Every few months another worthy idea is added to the conversation. Financial literacy. Cyber safety. Mental health. Artificial intelligence. Entrepreneurship. Respectful relationships. Climate education. Values-based education. Media literacy.
Every one of them has merit. But if we keep adding without ever deciding what is truly essential, eventually schools become responsible for everything - and accountable for all of it. Perhaps that explains why so many teachers tell us they are overwhelmed. This year, through the Belonging in Casey competition, more than 2,000 students across our municipality of Casey answered one simple question: “What does belonging mean to you?” The entries were extraordinary. There were paintings. Poems. Dance performances. Photography. Stories. Year 12 reflections that displayed insight well beyond their years. Teachers told us something that has stayed with me. “When students were given permission to think deeply, they surprised us.” Maybe that’s the point. Young people aren’t simply empty vessels waiting to be filled with content. They are thinkers. Creators. Problem-solvers. Future parents. Future employers. Future voters. Future community leaders. Education should prepare them for all of those roles. In my previous research, I argued that cultural education should help shape more inclusive schools, workplaces and communities by building understanding, empathy and stronger systems. The more I research, however, the more I find myself asking an even bigger question. What is the actual purpose of school? Is it to produce higher ATAR scores? A workforce?
University graduates? Or is it to help young Australians become capable, ethical, resilient human beings who can think critically, communicate respectfully and contribute positively to society? Perhaps the answer is all of the above. But if that’s true, shouldn’t we be far more intentional about how we decide what belongs in the curriculum? Every compulsory subject reflects a value judgement. Every omission does too. When we teach something, we’re quietly saying: “This matters.” When we don’t, we’re making exactly the same statement. That is why curriculum should never simply be a collection of inherited subjects or historical traditions. It should represent a universal learning entitlement. The essential knowledge, skills, values and capabilities every Australian child deserves not because they’re easy to assess, but because they’ll help young people flourish throughout life. This isn’t a criticism of teachers. Far from it. Our teachers work extraordinarily hard within a system that continually asks them to do more. It’s not even a criticism of the curric-
ulum itself. It’s a call for a national conversation about its purpose. Because if we don’t first agree on what education is for, we’ll never agree on what should be taught. The future of Australia won’t be shaped only by economic policy or election promises. It will be shaped every day inside classrooms. By the questions we encourage young people to ask. By the values we model. By the skills we choose to prioritise. And by whether we have the courage to rethink assumptions we’ve inherited rather than simply adding one more topic to an already crowded curriculum. Truth be told... perhaps the most important lesson we can teach our children isn’t what to think. It’s how to think, how to belong and how to build a better Australia together. P.S. Watch this space! The Belonging in Casey entries have now been received, and the standard has been nothing short of inspiring. From essays and artwork to photography, dance, poetry and performances, our young people have amazed us with their creativity, insight and heart. Choosing the finalists has been incredibly difficult - and let me assure you, Casey has some extraordinarily talented students that we should all be proud of. We’ll be celebrating all of our finalists and winners at the Belonging in Casey Awards Ceremony on Friday 18 September, and everyone is welcome to attend. We’ll share the event details over the coming weeks - we’d love to celebrate our young people with you.
Your views on One Nation Star News held a Facebook poll across Victoria: Is One Nation ready to govern? Here are some of your viewpoints: Alan Hood: Who’s the One Nation candidate for Dandenong? I haven’t seen any Labor people for a long time, have they gone? Jack Hunter: (to Alan Hood) They are all jumping ship because they know the truth about Albo’s dirty deals done behind closed doors with Pratt Holdings. Christine Keys: What are their policies on aged care, children, energy, safety and security, future infrastructure, increasing production, increasing services, education? Heather Louis: (to Christine Keys) Please explain, what’s a policy? Robert Goodlet: One Nation, the red neck party. Chris Jarrett: You’ve got to be kidding. Creighton Divine: More so than the current bunch of socialist, totalitarian, criminal muppets. Daniel Doncovio: I won’t vote for a racist party.
Tim Smith: Is the Labor government ready to govern? Darren Pollard: One Nation all the way. Zabi Berat: They can’t run a fish n chips shop. Kieran Magahy: I saw this exact same click-bait attributed to my local paper on the other side of the state. Alexander Rossi: Ready to govern the public toilets in Frankston. Danni Fanny: One Nation is bad for Australia because their politics rely more on blame than solutions. They present complex problems like housing, cost of living, jobs and social cohesion as though they are caused mainly by migrants, minorities or “woke” agendas, rather than decades of policy failure, weak planning, tax settings, corporate influence and underinvestment. They often sound reasonable when talking about things like housing, veterans or manufacturing, but the pattern is division first, detail later. Australia needs serious policy, not fear campaigns that pit ordinary people against each other. Billionaire backing also undermines the idea
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that she is purely fighting for “the little guy.” If major parties deserve scrutiny for donations from unions, corporations and lobby groups, then One Nation deserves the same scrutiny for support from wealthy mining interests. The issue is not one single policy. It is the overall pattern: scapegoating, culture wars, anti-climate politics and performative outrage instead of constructive leadership.
Carol Walsh: Absolutely...the quicker we get rid of Labor the better. Ian Henley: Did they pull W Pickering out of the pub the other day? Apart from immigration, what are their policies? Sue Norfolk: Unfortunately not!
Poll: One Nation ‘ready’ to roll
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One Nation Victoria leader and Pakenham candidate Warren Pickering, with federal leader Pauline Hanson. (AAP Image/Jay Kogler)
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IS ONE NATION READY TO GOVERN? ■ YES – 76 per cent ■ NO – 24 per cent Star News posed the above poll question on its Victorian news websites. It attracted a swarm of voters from our readership areas, as well as across all Australian states, who voted resoundingly in favour of One Nation’s readiness to govern. About 38 per cent of voters were identifiably Victorian - including five per cent from Pakenham/Cardinia. Twenty-two per cent were identifiably from NSW, Queensland or other states and territories, and 40 per cent were from an unidentifiable origin.
The Facebook post.
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NEWS
Workers rally for better pay By Violet Li Allied health workers staged a lunchtime rally outside Cranbourne Community Hospital on Tuesday 11 August, calling for better pay as colleagues across Melbourne walked off the job in a major industrial action. A small group of workers who were unable to strike because of the nature of their roles gathered outside the new community hospital during their lunch break, holding signs and drawing attention to the ongoing pay dispute. Other allied health workers joined a larger rally at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Parkville, where thousands attended. The location was chosen to allow workers taking part in a 24-hour stoppage, as well as staff from nearby major public hospitals, to participate. The Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association is seeking a 36 per cent wage increase over three years and has rejected a State Government offer that would deliver most roles rises of between 19 and 21 per cent over four years. The union is also seeking provisions to be strengthened to ensure workplaces are sufficiently staffed and resourced, stronger requirements for employers to backfill leave and vacant positions, right to work a 9-day fortnight shift, and seven days of professional development leave. Cranbourne Community Hospital allied health worker Sandra Campbell said staff believed the government’s offer failed to make up for years of wage increases that had not kept pace with living costs. “We only got 2 per cent last time,” she said. “When you factor that in over four years, it’s 8 per cent. And then the cost of living, like CPI, is about 20-something per cent.” Ms Campbell said low pay was also making it harder for the public system to retain experienced allied health professionals. “A lot of us have left. I’m an older health professional. There’s not many of us left,” she said. “Because a lot of the young ones can’t. They have to live. They want to buy a house.
Allied health workers at the Cranbourne Community Hospital are holding signs and drawing attention to the ongoing pay dispute.
A small group of workers gathered outside the new community hospital during their lunch break. Worker Sandra Campbell at the front. (Stewart Chambers: 570619) “They leave and they might go into a private practice, or they might go to a private hospital or another employer that’s going to give them a lot more money than what we can in the public health system.” She said that ultimately affected patients, who could lose access to more experienced health professionals. The pressure was particularly acute in Melbourne’s rapidly growing south east, she said. Ms Campbell, who works in a child and family team, said demand in the Cranbourne area was already outstripping the service’s capacity. “We have massive waiting lists because we can’t keep up with the numbers of new families that are coming and living in this area,” she said. She said some families could wait six to nine months to receive services. Ms Campbell also pointed to what she saw as a contrast between investment in new health infrastructure and workers. “A lot of money [is] being spent on hospital
buildings,” she said. “There’s not so much being spent on hospital employees.” She said workers would continue holding rallies while negotiations continued. “We’re not going to give up and we’re not going to stop doing these rallies because we want to also let the public know what’s going on,” she said. Allied health professionals include workers such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, social workers and medical imaging professionals who provide diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation services across the health system. The allied health action comes ahead of a separate doctors’ strike on Thursday 13 August. Doctors at several major Melbourne public hospitals will walk off the jobs for 3.5 hours in their own pay and conditions dispute, the first protected industrial action by Victorian public hospital doctors in 20 years.
One of the workers at the mini-rally.
Allied health workers staged a lunchtime rally outside Cranbourne Community Hospital on Tuesday 11 August.
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Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 7
NEWS
Close eye on Casey crime Three police operated mobile CCTV trailers will be rolled out across Casey in aims of enhancing community safety, reducing crime and gaining insight. The City of Casey says it has secured $900,000 Federal Government funding to deploy the trailers, which will be delivered over three years. Victoria Police will determine the locations of the trailers based on crime data and community need. The initiative will also be used to guide future responses and informed decisions about future community safety investments. Outcomes will be independently reviewed by Deakin University and will assess its effectiveness and value for money. The roll out will also be integrated with principles related to Crime Prevention Through Environment Design (CPTED).
Mayor of Casey, Stefan Koomen - who is due to step down from the mayorship on Tuesday 18 August - says the initiative will benefit Casey residents while also providing valuable insights for other councils. “If CCTV is shown to have limited impact, the evaluation will assess safety measures that have been funded as part of the grant, such as improved lighting, bollards and environmental design improvements to ensure future decisions are evidence-based,” he said. Holt MP, Cassandra Fernando said her constituents were “rightly” concerned about rising crime and that she was proud of the funding secured from the government. “I am hopeful that the research generated through this initiative will help inform long-term solutions, ensuring future investments deliver the best outcomes for our community,” she said.
Cr Stefan Koomen and Federal Member for Holt, Cassandra Fernando.
Call for a public vote on legalised cannabis By Cam Lucadou-Wells Legalise Cannabis Party has called for the Victorian public to “have a say” in a plebiscite on cannabis law reform. The party was set to introduce a Bill in the state’s Legislative Council on 12 August for the plebiscite - which would be a direct public vote on legalising cannabis possession and cultivation for personal use. South Eastern Metropolitan MP Rachel Payne said state governments had long resisted “overwhelming” public support for cannabis law reform. “I have been talking to politicians from all parties for four years and it is very rare that a single
one of them says they don’t agree with cannabis law reform. “MPs know what Victorians want, they just lack the courage to do it. So let the people decide.” She cited a community survey that showed 80 per cent of Victorians support an end to cannabis prohibition. Victoria Police’s operation manual recommends that officers issue cautions, rather than arrests, for personal cannabis possession, she said. “Giving people a say will give them active involvement in the democratic process and more faith in government structures.” Plebiscites have been used in Australia and overseas to gauge public support for reforms in
marriage equality, divorce and abortion rights and drug reform, she said. A plebiscite in the ACT paved the way for the territory to decriminalise cannabis in 2020 and all drugs in 2023. Legalise Cannabis has described cannabis prohibition as a “public health, law and order and social justice disaster” that targeted the most vulnerable and wasted police and court time. Payne said cannabis medication had also been a “game-changer” for patients with chronic pain or illnesses such as Parkinson’s Disease. “But many people who benefit can’t afford it. “We’d look for people being able to grow their own plants and use medicinal cannabis - and not be penalised.”
Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne has called for the public to have a say on cannabis law reform. (Gary Sissons: 480136)
Summerset Cranbourne North is more than a retirement village. Here, life is about doing more of what you love, and our brandnew village centre allows you to do just that. With resort-style facilities including an indoor pool, spa, café, recreational bowling green, and so much more, every day offers new opportunities to relax, connect, and thrive. Whether it’s catching up with friends over coffee, staying active in the gym, or enjoying a friendly game of pool, Summerset Cranbourne North is a place where you can truly feel at home.* Life doesn’t stop when you move into a Summerset village. It just gets better. Book an appointment with our friendly team, or join us at one of our upcoming events, and find out why so many love living at Summerset Cranbourne North. Love the life you choose.
Book an appointment today Open 7 days, 9am to 5pm Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au
*Homes are secured by purchase of the licence to occupy, and are subject to availability and entry criteria. Rental options not available. Care is subject to availability and entry criteria.
8 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
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Think resort-style facilities on your doorstep
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NEWS
New teacher offer on table By Jensy Callimootoo There’s been a slew of announcements relating to the public education sector in the past week, including a new tabled offer, plans of a third union strike and the appointment of a new Education Minister. On Monday, the state government put forward a new offer to union members consisting of a $2000 lump-sum payment on top of its previous 28 to 32 per cent pay rise. In terms of workload, which has been a key area for reforms for all education staff, there will be a limit on the number of face-to-face teaching hours and one hour reduction to time spent attending meetings. Teachers, learning specialists, assistant principals and education support employees who have reached the top of their pay scale will also be granted a 1 per cent annual lump-sum payment. Victorian teachers and education staff have been asked to vote on the new pay offer, having until August 17. If accepted by the majority, it would forestall a third strike that is scheduled for Wednesday 19 August. On Sunday, Premier Ben Carroll also announced that Victorian schools would be receiving full funding before November to meet federal Gonski standards. The standards combine funding from the Commonwealth and the state government to effectively provide fully funded public schools. Former Premier Jactina Allan had been previously criticised for delaying the process that reportedly cut $2.4 billion from public schools over a six year period. Adding to the developments, Dandenong MP, Gabrielle Williams has been handed the baton in negotiation talks with the Australian Education Union (AEU). One Berwick teacher who did not want to be named told Star News that he’ll be “disappointed” if no satisfactory resolution is reached before
Public school educators and staff are planning for a third strike in two weeks. the third strike. “None of us want to lose pay for this, and the fact that we have to do so to get the right agreement is hard,” he said. Currently, Victorian public education staff are the lowest paid in Australia despite being dubbed the Education State. Members are seeking an increase in salary to match interstate rates. Under the current agreement the minimum wage for entry level teachers sits just short of $80,000 rising incrementally to about $118,000. In comparison, NSW’s minimum wage starts at $90,000 rising incrementally to about $118,000. While offers have been put on the table in the last few months, the majority of members voted against the agreements as it did not sufficiently address workload.
Staff seek to cut back on overtime hours, reduce mandatory after-school meetings as well as reduce paperwork burden. The Berwick secondary teacher says their demands will ultimately work to prevent extreme staff burnout that often leads to a change in career even with the most passionate of educators. A fear outlined is the risk of arbitration if a deal is not reached upon. Making the already lengthy process, even longer and dubious. A Dandenong teacher of nearly 20 years, Inaz Janif said she was “disheartened” following the news of a possible third strike. “I feel a bit disheartened that as a longtime public educator, that our fight for all of society, public education and young people, is being lost
in all this,” she told Star News. “Victorian schools and teachers continue to be the lowest funded and lowest paid in all of Australia. “We have given our all to our students, through covid lockdowns and conditions, dealt with the consequences, yet when it comes to real action to support schools and staff, it stops. “Teacher and staff conditions are student conditions.” The AEU has organised two strikes, one in March which saw nearly 40,000 public school staff march to parliament for the first time in a decade and another in July. Both strikes caused massive disruptions to schooling including cancellation of scheduled programs.
BUSINESS IN FOCUS
BRING YOUR BILLS DAY
Bring Your Bills Day brings practical support into play With cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect households across Victoria, many people are unsure where to turn when bills, fines or debt begin to feel overwhelming. Bring Your Bills Day was created to make accessing help easier by bringing trusted organisations together in one place. On Tuesday 25 August, South East Community Links (SECL) will host Bring Your Bills Day at Arthur Wren Hall in Hampton Park, offering free and confidential support from experienced financial counsellors, legal services, utility providers, banks, government agencies and community organisations. Interpreters will also be available to help community members communicate comfortably in their preferred language. Whether you’re concerned about unpaid bills, fines, credit cards, loans, housing or tenancy issues, or simply want to better understand your options, Bring Your Bills Day provides practical
advice and support tailored to your circumstances. Rather than visiting multiple organisations, attendees can speak with a range of experts in the one location and receive guidance on the issues that matter most to them. Since its launch, Bring Your Bills events have supported more than 3,400 people, addressed over $11 million in community debt, and helped many people access support for the first time. The initiative demonstrates the difference that can be made when services come together to provide practical, accessible support for the community. Bring Your Bills Day will be held on Tuesday 25 August, from 10.30am to 3.00pm, at Arthur Wren Hall, Hampton Park. The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome. To find out more, or to let us know you’re coming, visit byb.org.au.
Free expert help with bills, fines, debt, housing and more. Bring your bills and speak face-to-face with people who can help with:
Bills
Mortgages & loans
Utilities
Tenancy
Fines
Concessions
FREE | CONFIDENTIAL | INTERPRETERS AVAILABLE
Tuesday 25 August 2026 10.30am – 3.00pm Arthur Wren Hall, Hampton Park
Let us know you’re coming Scan the QR code or visit byb.org.au Bring Your Bills Day brings practical support to Hampton Park.
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Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 9
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
Students thrive and grow St Peters College continues to set a remarkable standard for educational facilities in our local community, with its campuses in Cranbourne and Clyde North offering students an environment that truly supports both learning and personal growth. From modern classrooms equipped with the latest technology to expansive sporting grounds that encourage active lifestyles, the College has clearly invested in creating spaces where students can thrive. What stands out most is the balance between academic and extracurricular opportunities. Science labs, performing arts centres, and dedicated STEM spaces provide students with hands-on experiences that extend far beyond traditional learning. At the same time, well-maintained ovals, courts, and fitness facilities ensure physical education remains a priority. Equally impressive are the welcoming communal areas that foster a strong sense of belonging. These thoughtfully designed spaces allow students to collaborate, socialise, and build lasting connections. In a rapidly growing region like ours, having access to such high-quality educational infrastructure is something the entire community can be proud of. St Peter’s College is not just keeping pace with growth - it is helping shape the future by giving young people the tools and spaces they need to succeed.
St Peters College where students thrive and grow.
Boost for teaching adults A new scholarship program has been launched in an attempt to improve language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills among adults. The $4.5 million Adult Community Education (ACE) Scholarships Program is aimed at boosting the adult and community education workforce by helping more Victorians train as teachers to support adults with foundation skills. The joint state and federal government funded scholarships range from $500 to $20,000 and can be used for course fees and other expenses such as books, internet access and living expenses. Foundation skills, including language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills are essential for work and participating in the community. However, one in three Victorians have a low level of literacy that makes it difficult for them to find and keep work. The scholarships will enable teachers to un-
dertake specialist training on how to teach these essential skills to adults at institutions such as Victoria University, Park Orchards Community House & Learning Centre, Chisholm Institute, Charles Sturt University. “Foundation skills are essential to help people in their workplace, to help those looking for work, and to build confidence and skills out and about in the community,” federal Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles said in launching the program on 20 April. “That’s why we’re delivering this funding to ensure more teachers can reach more students, where they need it,” Mr Giles said. “We proudly back adult education so Victorians can get the skills they need for the secure job they want,” Victorian Skills and TAFE Minister Colin Brooks added. For more information and to apply, visit: vic. gov.au/ace-scholarships-program.
School Tours See our College in action
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10 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
Dental savings for families The state government is saving families time and money with free dental care for kids. Minister Stitt visited Resurrection Primary School to announce that the expansion of Victoria’s Smile Squad free dental program is now underway. Students at low-fee non-government schools now have access to the service. An initial 54 schools across metro and regional Victoria have been invited to participate in the program. A phased roll out to all low-fee non-government schools will follow. Delivered by dedicated mobile teams of oral
NAPLAN results positive
care clinicians, students receive free check-ups and follow-up care. It includes X-rays, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings and root canals. The at-school service also means busy families don’t need to worry about missing work or school for a dental appointment. Since 2019, Smile Squad has visited more than 1,000 public schools, seen more than 175,000 students and delivered more than one million oral health packs. For more information about Smile Squad, visit health.vic.gov.au/smile-squad
Victorian students again topped the nation in NAPLAN results, according to the state government. In 2026, a record number of students achieved their highest proficiency level. Victorian students ranked first or second in 16 of 20 NAPLAN measures. Victoria also has the lowest rate in the nation of students needing additional support. There were steady improvements on previous years, across all year levels with Years 5, 7 and 9 Numeracy result significantly higher. In Year 9 Numeracy, 15.2 per cent of students are now ‘exceeding’ – more than in 2025. In Year 9 Writing, more than a quarter reached the highest level – that’s more
than in 2025. The results prove Labor’s education reforms are working. The Victorian Reading Position is driving success, with all public primary schools now delivering 25 minutes of daily explicit systematic synthetic phonics in Prep to Year 2. And now the state government is backing these results with $44 billion to support learning, wellbeing, workforce, and school upgrades and new buildings. This includes $26.4 million to support excellence in literacy through a new phonics check, and $10.4 million for a numeracy check, allowing teachers to identify Year 1 students who need early support in both mathematics and reading.
Welcoming a More Connected Community )_;m |_; m-ঞom-Ѵ l;7b- | um;7 |_;bu - ;mঞom |o -v; u-ll-u "1_ooѴĽv m; lo0bѴ; 7; b1; roѴb1 ķ |_; 1-r| u;7 |_; hbm7 o= = | u;Ŋ=o1 v;7 1_-m]; uv bom- )bѴѴb-lv _-v 0;;m Ѵ;-7bm] vbm1; 0;1olbm] ubm1br-Ѵ bm ƑƏƑƏĺ uv )bѴѴb-lv _-v ] b7;7 |_; v1_ooѴ |_uo ]_ - r;ubo7 o= bm|;mঞom-Ѵ |u-mv=oul-ঞomķ b|_ - 1Ѵ;-u =o1 v om v| 7;m| ;ѴѴ0;bm]ĺ )b|_ - v|-|;Ŋo=Ŋ|_;Ŋ-u| ;-umbm] ;m|u; 1olrѴ;|;7 m7;u _;u Ѵ;-7;uv_brķ -Ѵom] b|_ |_; blrѴ;l;m|-ঞom o= |_; ;uu "|u;;| 7 1-ঞom o7;Ѵ -m7 |_; -| u; - b]-|ouv ruo]u-lķ uv )bѴѴb-lv 1omঞm ;v |o ruboubঞv; v| 7;m|v =;;Ѵbm] v rrou|;7 -m7 u;-7 |o Ѵ;-umĺ $_; v1_ooѴĽv lo0bѴ; 7; b1; roѴb1 bv -mo|_;u r-u| o= |_-| bvbomĺ "bm1; |_; v|-u| o= ƑƏƑѵķ v| 7;m|v =uol o m7-ঞom |o +;-u ƐƏ _- ; mo| 0;;m r;ulb ;7 |o 0ubm] vl-u| r_om;vķ vl-u| -|1_;vķ C|m;vv |u-1h;uv ou bu;Ѵ;vv 1omm;1|;7 ;-u0 7v |o v1_ooѴĺ +;-u ƐƐ -m7 +;-u ƐƑ v| 7;m|v l- 0ubm] 7; b1;vķ 0 | |_; l v| 0; v b|1_;7 o@ -m7 v|ou;7 bm Ѵo1h;uvĺ ľ$_bv bv mo| -0o | u;f;1ঞm] |;1_moѴo] ĺ | bv -0o | ]b bm] v| 7;m|v |_; vr-1; |o 0; = ѴѴ ru;v;m| b|_ |_;bu Ѵ;-umbm]ķ |_;bu |;-1_;uv -m7 ;-1_ o|_;uķĿ uv )bѴѴb-lv v- vĺ $_; rovbঞ ; blr-1| bv -Ѵu;-7 0;bm] v;;m -1uovv |_; 1-lr vĺ $;-1_;uv -u; u;rouঞm] v|uom];u =o1 v bm 1Ѵ-vvuoolvķ _bѴ; 0u;-h ঞl;v -u; -]-bm CѴѴ;7 b|_ ]-l;vķ u;-7bm]ķ 1om ;uv-ঞomķ -m7 |_; Ѵb ;Ѵ mobv; o= v| 7;m|v 1omm;1ঞm] =-1;Ŋ|oŊ=-1;ĺ uv )bѴѴb-lv bv ]u-|;= Ѵ |o v|-@ -m7 =-lbѴb;v =ou |_;bu v rrou| o= |_; m; roѴb1 ķ u;1o]mbvbm] |_-| l;-mbm]= Ѵ 1_-m]; 1-mmo| _-rr;m bm bvoѴ-ঞomĺ ľ)_bѴ; |_; ;-uѴ u;v Ѵ|v -u; ;u ;m1o u-]bm]ķ ; 0;Ѵb; ; |_; ]u;-|;v| blr-1| bѴѴ 1omঞm ; |o m=oѴ7 o ;u ঞl;ķĿ v_; v- vĺ ľ lrou|-m|Ѵ ķ |_; 0;m;C|v -Ѵvo ; |;m7 |o o u o m];u v| 7;m|vķ _o bѴѴ ]uo r b|_ |_bv roѴb1 -v - m-| u-Ѵ r-u| o= v1_ooѴ Ѵb=;ĺĿ m - ouѴ7 o= 1omv|-m| 7b]b|-Ѵ 7bv|u-1ঞomķ uv )bѴѴb-lvĽ Ѵ;-7;uv_br bv _;Ѵrbm] -v; u-ll-u "1_ooѴ v| 7;m|v u;1Ѵ-bl |_; ঞl; -m7 vr-1; |o 0; ru;v;m| -m7 u;-7 |o Ѵ;-umĺ
Bright minds, kind hearts.
ƒ ; oѴѴ-m7 ub ;ķ u-m0o um; -v| (b1|oub- ƒƖƕƕ ŐƏƒő ƔƖƖƐ ƏѶƏƏ bm=oŠ1-v; ]u-ll-uĺ b1ĺ;7 ĺ-
12885840-VP33-26
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Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 11
FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES
Celebrating student success Our College has many opportunities for our students. We have, in 2026, again achieved some fantastic results for NAPLAN. We are proud to celebrate the fantastic NAPLAN achievements of our students. This data shows that our fantastic teaching and support staff are making significant improvements with our students in Year 7 to 9. Our matched cohort data indicates that we have the following amount of students achieving High or Medium Growth in NAPLAN.
· Reading- 81% · Writing- 75% · Spelling- 73% · Numeracy- 71% · Grammar and Punctuation- 76% In reading, writing and grammar and punctuation we are ahead of similar schools (schools with a similar Socio-Economic Status) and our Network (schools in our local area). On Friday 14th August 2026 our College is hosting the annual VEX Robotics Tournament
where students will have the opportunity to compete against students from other schools in a Robotics competition. Our fantastic students and staff have been preparing for an extensive period and have utilised the skills they have gained in our Robotics electives throughout 2026. This is just another fantastic opportunity we provide at our College. Our Soccer Academy students in 2025 participated in the National Futsal Championships in Queensland and have again won through in the
State Finals to participate at the National competition in November 2026! Three squads of students will be attending along with our College staff. We wish them all the best! Our Academies program provides fantastic opportunities to develop their skills in both rugby and soccer alongside their academic studies. Visit our website and book a tour to see all of the fantastic opportunities at Hampton Park Secondary College. Our College can always be contacted on 8795 9400.
Book a tour to see all of the fantastic opportunities at Hampton Park Secondary College.
Hampton Park SECONDARY COLLEGE Respect | Learning | Working Together
Stronger Learners. A Brighter Tomorrow. Students Achieving High or Medium Growth Our matched cohort data* shows the percentage of our students achieving High or Medium Growth in NAPLAN
Our Students
Are Growing!
READING
WRITING
SPELLING
NUMERACY
GRAMMAR & PUNCTUATION
High or Medium Growth
High or Medium Growth
High or Medium Growth
High or Medium Growth
High or Medium Growth
NAPLAN 2026 RESULTS We are proud to celebrate the fantastic NAPLAN achievements of our students. This data shows that our dedicated teaching ˔ˡ˗ ˦˨ˣˣˢ˥˧ ˦˧˔˙˙ ˔˥˘ ˠ˔˞˜ˡ˚ ˦˜˚ˡ˜Ѓ˖˔ˡ˧ improvements with our students in Year 7 to 9.
In Reading, Writing and Grammar & Punctuation We are AHEAD of Similar Schools and our Network.
We have work to do in Spelling and Numeracy. However, our results are incredibly strong already. We always look for the further improvements we can make.
Better Learning. Stronger Futures. 12891443-AD33-26
*Matched cohort data is the students who sat NAPLAN in Year 7 and Year 9 at Hampton Park Secondary College. The same students who have been with us for two years.
12 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING
STRONG SUPPORT
EVERY STUDENT, EVERY OPPORTUNITY cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Terri Vertone (treasurer), Vince and Val Motta and Maria Merino (president).
Josie Wilson with her godfather Vince Motta.
Family members of Vince Motta.
Valle Motta and Vince Motta.
Vince Motta, who just turned 100. (Stewart Chambers: 569336)
Friends of Vince Motta.
Vince celebrates 100 years By Violet Li A familiar face at the Cranbourne Italian Senior Citizens Club has reached a remarkable milestone. Long-time member Vince Motta celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and fellow club members on Monday 3 August. More than 120 people attended the celebration. Vince turned 100 on 30 July. He and his wife Valle, the club’s former long-time president, have been part of the community for almost three decades. The couple joined the club when it began in April 1997.
Valle was secretary of the first committee, while Vince served as a committee member, helping with everything from setting up tables and chairs to whatever else needed doing. The club itself has grown into a longstanding hub for Cranbourne’s Italian community, bringing seniors together for food, dancing and social activities. At its peak, it had more than 200 members. Almost 30 years after joining, Vince still enjoys coming along, although Valle said bingo and cards were never really his thing. “He just sits around and talks,” she said. “Any new members that come here, he is usually the one that gets up and welcomes them.” Vince spent much of his working life as a
Friends of Vince Motta. farmer, growing potatoes, onions, carrots, peas and asparagus. He and Valle spent about 55 years on the
farm before moving to Cranbourne, which put them closer to their children living around Devon Meadows, Narre Warren and Pakenham. The couple have four daughters, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Family travelled from overseas especially for the centenary, including their youngest daughter and granddaughter from Switzerland, as well as grandson and his partner from London. The family also held a celebration at Settlers Run on Sunday. As for the secret to reaching 100, Valle puts it down to a simple life. She said Vince never smoked, drank only socially and spent decades working hard in the fresh air while mostly eating healthy, homecooked food.
Micro parties may be impacted by voting system changes By Jensy Callimootoo and Cameron Lucadou-Wells Micro parties may face a major wipe-out following the scrapping of the Group Voting Ticket (GVT) which passed in parliament following a lengthy debate. The GVT has continued to face criticism for enabling backroom deals and preferential voting arrangements, with Victoria being the only state parliament in Australia that still uses the system. It comes into play when a voter votes ‘above the line’ in the Upper House ballot, which allows the party they have voted for to allocate their preferences according to the registered list. Previously voters were able to just number one at the top of the ballot, now they will have to number at least five boxes. According to the VEC, in the 2022 state election, 90.5 per cent of Upper House formal ballots were completed above the line. But on Tuesday 11 August, following a lengthy debate surrounding the bill, a majority of MPs voted in favour of the abolition with no amendments. Micro-parties typically had the most to gain from the GVT, which enabled them to exert
greater influence over the subsequent election of candidates who received very low primary votes. For example, in 2022 Animal Justice Party’s Georgie Purcell was able to gain a seat despite obtaining only 1.51 percent of first preference votes. South-Eastern MP David Limbrick from the Libertarian Party has also gained from the voting structure in Victoria. In June, a right-wing and online political commentator revealed that he would be using this very system to establish his own minor party which would funnel votes to conservative parties like One Nation. Referencing the GVT in a YouTube video, Avraham (Avi) Yemini said that the current preferential electoral system in Victoria is why Labor has “retained power for so long”, arguing that the tactic was taken “right out of the leftist playbook’. The party registered from a Berwick address and was labelled as the ‘Free Palestine’ party to deliberately mislead progressive voters. Last week, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC), approved the registration of Yemini’s party while refusing another ‘Free Palestine Party’ application by activists due to the similar-
ity in party names. As a registered political party Yemini’s ‘Free Palestine’ party will now be printed on ballot papers with the party’s endorsed candidates. The intended objective, Yemini said, would work to capitalise on voters from the left and those from migrant backgrounds. “What is the one issue that unites useful idiots from the far left to the fringe right, to certain immigrant cultures that have imported their hate… Free Palestine,” he said in a YouTube video. For progressive MPs like Rachel Payne from the Legalise Cannabis party, while she supports the abolishment of the GVT, she also argues that broader electoral reforms are needed. “If the objective is genuine electoral reform, it should be comprehensive rather than selective,” said Payne. The MP argues that reforms to the existing regional structures are essential to ensure that the changes are “comprehensive and consistent”. “If both elements of the current system are considered flawed, then reform should address both together, rather than implementing only one change that favours almost always those al-
ready holding power,” she said. Without these broader reforms, she argues the abolishment of the GVT will only help to retain Labor seats, bolster the Liberals’ representation and give One Nation a “huge leg up”. “How effective will the 61st Parliament be when you are handing the balance of power to one party?,” she said. “Victorians deserve an electoral system that puts voters, not political parties, at the centre. Real reform means protecting proportional representation and ensuring every vote counts fairly.” She told Star News that a proportional representative model - as adopted in other Australian states - would lead to minor-party MPs such as herself being elected on 5 per cent quotas. Under the present reform, she’d need to rely on preferences to achieve a 17 per cent quota. Payne also questioned why the reform was being introduced at the “eleventh hour” while voters’ civic literacy was low. “They’re not telling the majority of Victorians who vote above the line to change their voting method. The VEC has asked for no additional funding for this election, so how are you going to educate voters on the change?”
Man arrested after armed siege near Minaret College in Doveton By Jensy Callimootoo A 47-year-old man has been arrested following a siege in Doveton that prompted a lockdown at Minaret College’s Doveton campus on Thursday afternoon. Police were called to reports of a man armed with an edged weapon on Agonis Street shortly after 3.30pm on August 6.
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Officers located the man at the rear of a property and attempted to negotiate with him before he was arrested without incident. The man was taken to hospital for assessment and is expected to be interviewed by police at a later date. The incident occurred shortly after students had been dismissed from Minaret College’s Doveton campus, with the school im-
plementing safety measures and entering a period of lockdown while police responded. In a message to parents, the college said police attended quickly and clearance was later given for staff and students to leave the campus. The school thanked staff, students, parents and the wider community for their actions during the incident and said it would debrief
with police. “We have a comprehensive safety plan and measures in place to continue to keep students, staff and the community safe,” the college said. Police have not reported any injuries arising from the incident. The circumstances surrounding the man’s behaviour remain under investigation.
Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 13
WHAT’S ON Fed Uni open day Live music, food stalls, campus tours and expert course advice on courses such as Business, IT, Speech Pathology, Exercise and Sport Science, Education, Nursing, Midwifery, Psychology, the Melbourne City Football Club Diploma of Business and Sports Management, Science, Arts, Social Work and Criminology. Sunday, 16 August 9.30am-2pm at Federation University, 100 Clyde Road, Berwick. Registrations: federation.edu.au/openday
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Email basics Join us for a beginner-friendly email workshop on how to send emails, attach documents, organise them into folders, and more. Wednesday 19 August, 11am-12pm at Cranbourne Library, Casey Complex, 65 BerwickCranbourne Road, Cranbourne; free event. Bookings: https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=220096
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Twisted Science Fun, laughter, a little bit of learning and plenty of Science. For ages 4-plus. Thursday 20 August 4pm-5pm at Cranbourne Library, Casey Complex, 65 BerwickCranbourne Road, Cranbourne; free event. Bookings: https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=243372
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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.
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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.
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Tuesday 25 August, 10.30am-3pm at Arthur Wren Hall, 18-20 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park; free entry. Register at https://bringyourbills.org.au
Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; free event. Registration required: https://www.trybooking.com/DKACU
Spotting scams
Adaptation Game
Bringing together people who love acoustic Music. Featured artist is guitarist Mark Lindsay with support act Peter Szikla and an open stage. Friday 21 August, 7pm (doors open 6.30pm) at Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Rd., Berwick; $15/$10. Details: https://badfolk.org
Join this interactive session to learn about common scams and try to spot them with some fun quizzes. For ages 15-plus. Tuesday 25 August 2pm at Bunjil Place Library, Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=243672
First-time Dads catch up
2026 Forum for Men & Fathers
Try TAG – a cooperative climate resilience board game created by the City of Casey. Using maps of hypothetical floods, heatwaves and bushfires, players work together to respond to real-world challenges and explore how communities can prepare and protect their homes and neighbours. No gaming experience required. Monday 7 September, 1pm-2pm at Autumn Place Community Hub, Autumn Place, Doveton; free event. Bookings required: (03) 9792 7382 or autumnplacech@casey.vic.gov.au
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.
Berwick and District Folk Club
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Each month come along to meet and chat with other first-time dads. It can be a great way to ask questions, get some inside tips, and find out that what you are going through is pretty normal. Saturday 22 August, 9.30am-11am at Orana Community Place, 1 Fresco Place, Clyde North; free event. Bookings: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/dads-group-community-catch-upcoffee-dads-playground-city-of-casey-tickets1986393678966?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
For all men in City of Casey. A night of food, meeting new people, and chatting about men’s wellbeing, strong relationships and fatherhood. Hear from our panellists and share your thoughts. Includes free buffet dinner. Tuesday 25 August, 6.45pm-9pm at Bunjil Place, Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings required: https://www.trybooking.com/DLVMW
Mens Shed open day
Learn about the threatened species in the local area. Catch the train down to the wetlands to visit the threatened Grey-headed flying foxes. Take part in a cake-decorating activity (baking goods provided). Wednesday 2 September, 4.30pm-6.30pm at Myuna Farm, Kidds Road, Doveton; $5. Bookings required: https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1627117
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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
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Book Week Maestro Flipper with Carp Productions presents his Symphony of Stories, bringing Book Week books to life with music. For ages 3-12. Saturday 22 August 2pm at Hampton Park Library, 26 Stuart Ave, Hampton Park; free event. Bookings: https://events.connectedlibraries.org. au/event?id=242868
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Bring Your Bills Day Free expert help with bills, fines, debt, housing. Confidential advice, interpreters available.
BUSINESS PROFILE
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Threatened Species Night
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Man with a Pram Celebrate Father’s Day with your children and family. Come for fun, kids’ activities, playground and a free sausage sizzle (with halal and vegetarian options). Take your family on the Man with a Pram walk with your pram, stroller, scooter, tricycle, kids’ bicycle or by walking. Orgainsed by the Cranbourne Dads’ Group, the VIC Cobbers father figures’ group, the Clyde North Dad Squad, the Coastal Villages Dads’ Group and The Meetup men’s group. Sunday 6 September, 9.30am-11.30am at
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3-D Printed Bookends workshop Design your own components for a personalised set of bookends. Best suited for learners with some 3D printing experience. For ages 15-plus. Monday 7 September, 2pm-4.30pm at Endeavour Hills Library, 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard, Endeavour Hills; free event. Details: https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=240219
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Trash & Treasure market Grab a bargain and support your local community. Sausage sizzle on site. Held by Cranbourne Village Community Group. Sunday 13 September 9am-3pm at Cranbourne Community Hall, South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne. Stallholder enquiries: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590936682597 or cranbournevillagemarket@gmail.com
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Mooncake Masterclass Celebrate traditional mid-autumn festival with expert chef, Lillie Giang, the Food Affectionist, as she creates delightful pastries with sweet or savoury fillings. For ages 16-plus. Saturday 19 September, 11am-12pm at Endeavour Hills Library, 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard; free event. Details: https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=228173
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ADVERTORIAL
Nominate community gem It’s that time of the year again to nominate that extraordinary someone living amongst us who has shown their true community colours and made hearts sing. For the seventh year running, Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale has put the call out to everyone across the Bass District to celebrate a community member who has gone above and beyond to help others. “Whether it is an act of kindness small or big, a caring, thoughtful gesture seen in your school, work, street, club or town, exceptional service at the shops, servo, cafe or on the local bus - we want to hear about it so we can thank them too.” In the previous years, hundreds of nominations streamed in from Pearcedale to Clyde, Kooweerup to Lang Lang, across the Waterline, Phillip Island, and through to Inverloch all recounting remarkable people doing remarkable
things from volunteering at sporting clubs, op shops, rescuing and caring for cats and dogs, cooking at a local Men’s Shed, fundraising, knitting for charities and donating toys to families in needing that extra bit of support and love. “Our community is full of incredible people who step up, lend a hand and give their time and energy to make where we live even stronger and more connected. They do this quietly because they have their community at heart,” Ms Crugnale said. “This is your chance to nominate that exquisite Community Gem, who embodies the true essence of community spirit, that inspires us and whose energy and positivity is contagious too.” There are no rules, no age barriers, no categories, it’s just open to everyone living or working in the Bass electorate. Everyone nominated will receive a letter of
appreciation, with five outstanding Gems being gifted a hamper packed with high-quality local produce, handcrafted goods, and vouchers for nature-based experiences. Supporting local businesses, producers, and organisations that make our region so special. The stories of these inspiring individuals will also feature on social pages as part of a Sunday series titled ‘Community Gems as nominated by you’. Nominations are now open closing Friday 28 August 2026. How to Nominate: Submit a few paragraphs about your nominee and how they make our communities stronger, kinder and more connected. Add your contact details, and the contact details of your nominee via email, letter, phone call or in person at Jordan Crugnale’s office.
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Jordan Crugnale MP with 2025 Community Gem Keith Taylor with nominee Brian Harlow from Koo Wee Rup Men’s Shed.
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14 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
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Thursday, 13 August, 2026 | STAR NEWS 15
SPORT
Eagles swoop on contender By Blair Burns
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more players to welcome back into the senior side in future weeks including gun midfielder and assistant coach Mitch Lewis. “The players are definitely not getting ahead of themselves, they know we’ve got a job to do for another two weeks,” Soldatos said. “If we’re good enough, we will make finals. If we’re not, we don’t deserve it – that’s pretty much where we’re at.” On Saturday, Cranbourne strolled into the rooms at half time trailing by 10 points and despite getting plenty of looks in the first quarter with the breeze, the Eagles didn’t make the most of their entries. But it was the third quarter where the visitors flicked the switch, creating out of defence
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he said. “When it is under a goal, it could go either way but I felt like we deserved to win it … they probably felt the same way, so either side was going to be pretty happy walking away with a win. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but there are two games to go now and it is in our hands, so we are reasonably happy with how it’s going. “We’re here now (in fifth) and we’d be really disappointed if we didn’t make it, so hopefully we can do enough to get there.” Despite Cranbourne’s strong form and big scalps this season, there is no sense of complacency creeping into the group … Soldatos knows that this is not yet the finished product. There is still more improvement to be had and
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Cranbourne’s Nicholas Russo has played a big role in the the Eagles’ resurgence. (Rob Carew: 569038)
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The job is not yet done for Cranbourne but an upset victory over Bentleigh in Southern Division 1 has the Eagles in fifth position and looking to maintain its spot and play finals in a couple of weeks’ time. While things got a little bit close for comfort for the Eagles, who went goalless in the fourth quarter as the Demons closed in with four majors, but the challengers did enough to secure a one-point victory and win 11.15 (81) to 12.8 (80). A late goal from Bentleigh got the margin back to two points and the Demons managed to win the next clearance in the dying seconds. Sandringham VFL player Darby Heelis roved the tap and launched the ball out of the centre circle, it went inside 50 and got over the back of the pack with a high bounce, but it rolled through on the wrong side of the goal post for a behind. Will Nisbet kicked out from full back and found a relieving mark from Stephens, who held the ball until he was called to play on, with the siren sounding as he kicked it long down the line. Coach Angelo Soldatos and his side have been giant killers this year, having beaten every team above them on the ladder including Dingley, Narre Warren, Cheltenham and now Bentleigh – and all of these victories have been away from home. Cranbourne has squeezed its way into the top five and now the challenge is to stay there. If the side wins its next two matches against Dingley and Hampton Park, finals are secured. If it wins only one of these games, then it needs Murrumbeena and St Paul’s McKinnon (both half a win behind) to lose at least one of their final two matches. Destiny is in the Eagles’ hands. Soldatos was really proud of the group following a fifth consecutive win, against one of the best sides in the competition. “It was not good for the heart that one, but I rate Bentleigh very highly, so it was a great win,”
through Will Nisbet and Andrew Green and winning the ball on the inside. The Eagles kicked six goals to two, turning a deficit of close to 20 points into a 22-point lead at three-quarter time. Cranbourne will take on Dingley once again this week and Soldatos is under no illusions that it will be another tough game. But the Eagles have belief – they are one of just two teams to have beaten the Dingoes this year and they know that their best footy stacks up against anyone. “As a coach, you are trying to sell a message to the players that what we want to do works, so the win against Dingley was a really good reinforcement that it does work,” Soldatos said. “They are clearly the best team in the comp, so we need to get the game on our terms quickly, we will give ourselves a good chance.” Cranbourne captain Roscoe has now kicked eight goals in the past two weeks after a threegoal, 26-disposal performance. Green (26 disposals, six marks) and Nisbet (23 disposals, one goal) were brilliant in defence, while Stephens continues to do a power of work in the ruck. For Bentleigh, Willis Reidy was brilliant with 20 disposals and three goals, while Brayden Kirk and Castan Racunica also kicked three majors. SOUTHERN DIVISION 1 BENTLEIGH 3.2 6.5 8.6 12.8(80) CRANBOURNE 2.5 4.7 11.10 11.15(81) Bentleigh Goals: Brayden Kirk, Castan Racunica, Willis Reidy 3, Ben Cavarra, Darby Heelis, Jack Lade. Best: Alex Lvovsky, Brayden Kirk, Caleb Sheahan, Bailey Fitzsimon, Darby Heelis, Ross Barlas. Cranbourne Goals: Zak Roscoe 3, Marc Holt, Trent Marotta 2, Nicholas Darbyshire, Jake Hill, Will Nisbet, Nicholas Russo. Best: Jake Stephens, Zak Roscoe, Andrew Green, Will Nisbet, Bailey Buntine, Tom Freyer.
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Panthers suffer shark bite By Blair Burns Devon Meadows dropped another game which could prove costly after Sorrento landed a big hit on the Panthers’ finals chances, winning 16.15 (111) to 15.10 (100) at David McFarlane Reserve on Saturday. The Panthers had a strong first half and made the most of their opportunities inside 50 with captain Joel Hillis causing all sorts of problems for the defenders on his way to a game-high six goals. At quarter time, the visitors had the lead by four points thanks to some Hillis magic and by the main break, the lead was out to nine points after the Panthers kicked an effective 10.3 (63). But the second half saw the Sharks get on top as they lifted in front of their home crowd and closed the gap slightly to trail by five points at three-quarter time. Sorrento ran over the Panthers in the fourth term with repeat entries to score five goals to three and win its fourth game of the season in a classic shootout. Hillis couldn’t have done much more for Devon Meadows, continuing his brilliant season with six goals to take his season tally to 28. Kye Quirk (27 disposals, eight tackles) worked hard in the loss, as did Arnold Kirby who finished a complete game with 25 disposals, one goal and 51 hitouts – Ky Williams also had a great game. Shannon Gladman was the pick of the bunch for Sorrento with 30 disposals, one goal and seven tackles to get his team over the line. The Panthers will be ruing a few close games that have escaped their grasp late in the season, going down against Rosebud (three points), Mornington (one point) and Sorrento (11 points). The Panthers are now sitting seventh on the MPFNL Division 1 ladder on 32 points, the same points as sixth-placed Frankston YCW and fifthplaced Edithvale-Aspendale. However, Devon Meadows’ percentage is about 10 points lower than both of the sides who
Devon Meadows co-captain Joel Hillis did all he could with six goals. (Stewart Chambers: 555204) are competing for that fifth spot. Finals will be an uphill battle for the Panthers who are set to face third-placed Mt Eliza this weekend and fourth-placed Dromana in the final home and away game. They need to win at least one of these to have a
chance and quite possibly both of them depending on other results. Rosebud and Langwarrin are the clear top two but there is still room for third and fourth to move in the final two rounds, with Mt Eliza and Dromana just one win ahead of the next three teams.
With two rounds left, there are endless possibilities for five teams who are fighting for three finals spots. RUN HOME TO FINALS 3rd – Mt Eliza (36pts – 115.38%) – Devon Meadows (7) and Edithvale-Aspendale (5). 4th – Dromana (36pts – 113.69%) – Frankston YCW (6) and Devon Meadows (7). 5th - Edithvale-Aspendale (32pts – 103.26%) – Rosebud (1) and Mt Eliza (3). 6th - Frankston YCW (32pts – 98.29%) – Dromana (4) and Sorrento (9). 7th – Devon Meadows (32pts – 88.52%) – Mt Eliza (3) and Dromana (4). • MPFNL DIVISION 1 SORRENTO 3.4 8.6 11.9 16.15(111) DEVON MEADOWS 4.2 10.3 12.8 15.10(100) Sorrento Goals: Kyle Halligan 3, Aaron Breman, James Brigden, Tom Cameron, James Hallahan, Zak Keene 2, Marcus Gardner, Shannon Gladman, Tyrren Head. Best: Tom Cameron, Shannon Gladman, Chad Harris, Bailey Holt, James Brigden. Devon Meadows Goals: Joel Hillis 6, Thomas Morley 3, Jayden Gourley 2, Arnold Kirby, Ryan Koo, Ky Williams, Jack Wilson. Best: Joel Hillis, Ky Williams, Kye Quirk, Thomas Morley, Liam Drew. OTHER RESULTS R16: Dromana 13.15 (93) def Pines 11.9 (75), Edithvale-Aspendale 19.14 (128) def Mornington 10.14 (74), Mt Eliza 11.19 (85) def Frankston YCW 7.14 (56), Langwarrin 12.11 (83) def Rosebud 9.19 (64). LADDER: Rosebud 56, Langwarrin 52, Mt Eliza, Dromana 36, Edithvale-Aspendale, Frankston YCW, Devon Meadows 32, Mornington 20, Sorrento 16, Pines 8. FIXTURE R17: Devon Meadows (7) v Mt Eliza (3), Dromana (4) v Frankston YCW (6), Rosebud (1) v Edithvale-Aspendale (5), Pines (10) v Langwarrin (2), Sorrento (9) v Mornington (8).
Frawley leads Dales to victory but big Bombers waiting By Blair Burns Pearcedale’s 2026 season all comes down to this Saturday when the Dales host Frankston Bombers at Pearcedale Recreation Reserve for the last home-and-away match...and there is plenty on the line. Win and you’re in, or in Pearcedale’s case, a draw will also do the job. After a 1-4 start to the year, Peter Bastinac and his side turned things around to win 10 games in a row and surge back into finals contention. After beating Tyabb comfortably on the weekend, the Dales pushed themselves into fifth position on the ladder, but the Bombers are just a win behind and have a much greater percentage. It was a heavy 81-point loss to Pearcedale when the sides met back in round five, which ultimately sparked some form from the Dales. So based on that performance, you would have to assume that Frankston will head into this one as favourites. Finals destiny is in the hands of Bastinac and his Pearcedale team, and they get the opportunity to play such a big game in front of their home crowd. After a 46-point loss against Chelsea last week, the Dales bounced back on Saturday and made light work of the Yabbies. The match was a real arm-wrestle for the first half and Tyabb brought the pressure at Bunguyan Reserve, restricting Pearcedale from scoring and keeping scores low. At half time, the Dales led just 27-20 and the game was in the balance - a shot at finals on the line for the visitors. The Yabbies kicked the first goal of the third term and the margin was back to a point, before Pearcedale kicked three straight to close out the quarter with a more comfortable 22-point lead. Tyabb once again kicked the first goal of the fourth quarter, but the Dales found some form and piled on five unanswered goals to win by 47
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Pearcedale’s Bailey Gent kicked a goal in the win over Tyabb. (Stewart Chambers: 563424) points at the final siren. Jake Frawley made his return to the side in style, booting four goals and leading his side up
forward, while Luke Daniel (three goals) continued his solid form. Riley Bradshaw was best on ground for the
Dales, jumping at the ball and intercepting, while the likes of Ethan Vagg and Archie McGuiness also impressed in the win. Thomas Hose battled hard for the Yabbies and was their only multiple goalkicker with two. When Pearcedale runs out on its home deck on Saturday, everything is on the line and fans will be treated to a fierce battle between two strong teams. Both Frankston and Pearcedale finished first and second respectively last season, and were both beaten by Devon Meadows, the Dales by 26 points in a preliminary final and the Bombers by just five points in the big dance. There will be elation and heartbreak this weekend, and the Dales will hope they are on the right end of the result. • MPFNL DIVISION 2 TYABB 2.1 3.2 4.2 5.3 (33) PEARCEDALE 1.3 4.3 7.6 12.8 (80) Tyabb Goals: Thomas Hose 2, Aaron Bennell, Zachary Haig, Patrick Hose. Best: Corey Buchan, Aaron Bennell, Bradley Williams, Jon Watson, Jack Garbutt. Pearcedale Goals: Jake Frawley 4, Luke Daniel 3, Mitch Davis, Bailey Gent, Kye Harris, Finn Jakstas, Kaolan Thornton. Best: Riley Bradshaw, Ethan Vagg, Archie McGuiness, Buster Williams, Jake Frawley. OTHER RESULTS R17: Red Hill 9.5 (59) def Bonbeach 7.12 (54), Chelsea 16.10 (106) def Crib Point 9.9 (63), Frankston Bombers 20.13 (133) def Hastings 6.8 (44), Seaford 15.18 (108) def Karingal 10.6 (66), Somerville 15.17 (107) def Rye 5.16 (46). LADDER: Chelsea 60, Somerville 52, Seaford, Red Hill, Pearcedale 48, Frankston Bombers 44, Rye 36, Bonbeach 28, Crib Point 20, Hastings 16, Karingal 8, Tyabb 0. FIXTURE R18: Bonbeach (8) v Seaford (3), Somerville (2) v Chelsea (1), Rye (7) v Crib Point (9), Pearcedale (5) v Frankston Bombers (6), Hastings (10) v Tyabb (12), Red Hill (4) v Karingal (11).
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Rays and Power fill boots By Blair Burns Both Gippsland Power and Dandenong Stingrays filled their boots and boosted their percentage against two of the bottom teams in the Talent League Boys competition. Dandenong Stingrays are arguably the best team in the competition and despite a loss against first-placed Northern Knights last week, the Stingrays bounced back in style to defeat Bendigo Pioneers 22.13 (145) to 8.11 (59). The 86-point margin was much greater than the last time the two sides met back in round eight, with the Rays winning that encounter by just 28 points. But since then, the Nick Cox-led team has welcomed back some key players including electric small forward Marcus Prasad and Louis Salopek, as well as Darcy Szerszyn and Gus Kennedy, who didn’t play last time. The first quarter saw a hot start for both teams with Angus Hoyne slotting two early majors for the Pioneers, while Dandenong had five individual goal scorers. Dandenong took a 33-26 lead, but the second term is where the home side really broke the game open as they controlled play at Shepley Oval. Prasad, Clancy Stuart and Dylan Linden all kicked two goals each in a dominant quarter which saw the Stingrays pile on six goals to just one, setting up a 37-point buffer at the main break. Bendigo had plenty of play in the third term and had some chances to cut down the margin, but a return of 1.7 in front of the big sticks had the side deflated and frustrated. Adding salt to the wounds was the fact that Dandenong came out and kicked 8.8 in the final quarter to win big and cap off a dominant performance. There were too many impressive Stingrays to list, but Ben Carroll (33 disposals, one goal) and Clancy Stuart (22 disposals, four goals) were out-
Dandenong Stingrays forward Dylan Linden dives for a loose ball on Saturday as his Bendigo opponents close in. (Gary Sissons: 570551) standing in the engine room. Ruckman Jack Vaughan played his best game of the year with 18 disposals, six tackles and 39 hitouts. 16-year-old Archer McCarthy was among Dandenong’s best performers with 20 disposals and one goal, while Wil Antrobus (21 disposals, one goal) was also damaging - Linden finished with four goals. The Rays now travel to North Hobart Oval to take on Tasmania, with a double-header set for the girls and boys on Sunday from 9am. POWER SWITCHED ON It was another powerful performance from Gippsland in round 21 of the Talent League Boys competition, smashing Murray Bushrangers by 122 points, 24.13 (157) to 4.11 (35).
Co-captain Cody Templeton kicked four goals in the victory, with key forward Augustus Finsterer also slotting four to continue his impressive season up forward. It was a genuine bloodbath at Bundoora as Gippsland Power kicked 8.4 (52) to 0.1 (1) in the opening quarter at Tony Sheehan Oval to bury the Bushrangers. And what made the opening term even more pleasing for coach Kris Pendlebury was the fact that it was eight different players who had hit the scoreboard. The Power kicked eight goals in both the first and third quarters, capitalising with the wind, and managed to kick four in each quarter against the breeze. It was a complete performance from a side
which hopes to contend for a flag this year, with more stars to return to the line-up soon. The margin was already 110 points by threequarter time and despite a couple of goals from Murray Bushrangers, the final result was a onesided thrashing. Hawthorn NGA prospect Keenan Boi had a day out with 29 disposals and three goals, along with a game-high 10 inside-50s. Bottom-age star Oscar Henwood was brilliant through the midfield with 37 disposals and a goal, with the young gun among the best players in next year’s draft crop. Jimmy Little (24 disposals, two goals) and Alex Ingham (28 disposals, five marks) were also some of the standout performers for the Power, who had 12 goalkickers on the day. Gippsland will host Oakleigh Chargers at Morwell this Saturday, with the girls set to resume their season at 11am, and the boys match to follow at 1pm. SNELL MAKES VFL DEBUT The Power were without co-captain Clancy Snell, who earned a VFL debut for Collingwood. The 197cm key defender took two big contested marks for the Pies, finishing the game with nine disposals, five marks and four intercepts. Collingwood went down by just one point against Essendon. CAULFIELD DUO DOMINATING Caulfield Grammar pair Marlon Neocleous and Wil Malady have inspired their team to a grand final berth in the APS school footy competition, set for this Saturday against Brighton Grammar. The dynamic duo hails from Gippsland and are both among the Power’s top prospects at this year’s draft, having previously represented Vic Country at the U18 Champs and been part of the AFL Academy. Neocleous had 32 disposals, five goals, 13 score involvements and 12 clearances in a big win against Geelong Grammar recently.
Cannons push past Uni with Dominant day for Dandy injuries proving no obstacle as Vella extends his lead By Blair Burns
It was a strong weekend for Casey Cannons’ top team in the Men’s Vic League (MVL1) competition as they fired to defeat Melbourne Uni 5-2. Despite facing multiple injuries, the Cannons pushed on and stayed resilient to get the victory. Not only did the side adapt and utilise players in different roles, they caused a big upset against a team which is challenging for finals. Joshua Watson and Craig Moore were on fire in the attacking half for Casey as the pair scored two goals each, with Tristan Chaffey getting one to round out the scorers. Melbourne Uni came into the clash with 10 wins, while the Cannons had just five. The MVL1 reserves were no match for Melbourne Uni as they were beaten comprehensively 10-3. It was an improved performance from the last time the sides met where the Cannons failed to register a goal. Melbourne Uni is one of the hot premiership contenders, so coming away with a win was always going to require something special. Despite falling short easily, Xavier Davis had a game to remember for Casey Cannons as he found the back of the net on two occasions in a brilliant individual performance. Tadhg McCurran was at his reliable best, rounding out the scoring with one goal. The Men’s Metro 2 South side played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Monash Uni, with Will Justice and Lochlan Gillespie the goal scorers. In the women’s action, Casey Cannons had a dominant win against Melbourne Uni in the WVL1 competition, prevailing 3-0. In front of a home crowd at Berwick, the Cannons delivered and were brilliantly led by captain Mikaela Davis, who scored a classy goal. Mikayla McDonald and Jessica Rowland were the other Casey players to find the back of the net in the victory. Both sides couldn’t be split in the WVL1 reserves match with the final scoreboard reading
18 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 13 August, 2026
It was Dandenong domination in the Greater Melbourne Pigeon Federation race from Mittyack on Friday with flyers from the same club taking out the race trifecta. Alf Vella extended his lead at the top of the overall points table after taking out first place. Vella’s pigeon flew the 385-kilometre journey in three hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds at a velocity of 1699.77 to take out the top prize. The Haidar Brothers claimed second place with a flight velocity of 1696.94, while Nev Arathoon took third place on the dais with a velocity of 1690.38. Winners from each club included S & H Collins (Morning Mist), Bean and Blackett (Peninsula), D Gray (Pakenham), A and M Vella (Dandenong), F De Fue (Springvale) and Schreiber and Gibson (Croydon). Vella narrowly extended his lead over the Haidar Brothers on the overall points table from seven to eight points. Cardinia Storm’s Alana Nancarrow and Casey’s Ayla Ferguson battle for the ball on the weekend. (Stewart Chambers: 570546) 1-1, also against Melbourne Uni. Skye McDonald scored the Cannons’ only goal and while the side worked hard to produce a game-winner, time ran out. Casey continued its dominance in the Pennant E South East competition with a 6-0 victory against Croydon Ranges. A brilliant team performance saw Matilda Chaffey, Kerrie Lamble, Kayleigh Looby, Emily Noney, Shannon Salter and Charlotte Wheeler all score on goal on the day. The third-placed Cannons made a statement with the win against Croydon, who currently occupy fourth spot on the ladder. Casey went down 4-1 in the Pennant D South East match-up against Waverley, and lost 2-0 against Cardinia Storm in the Women’s Metro 1 South clash.
MITTYACK 3 - AUGUST 7 FLYER DISTANCE FLY TIME Vella M & A 385,791 3:46:58 Haidar Brothers 393,634 3:51:58 Arathoon Nev. 391,436 3:51:34 De Feu F 392,034 3:51:59 Bean & Blackett 407,954 4:02:02 Collins S & H 408,858 4:02:45 D & A Fitzgerald 405,903 4:01:03 Team Buckeye 409,274 4:03:07 Gazzola Racing 408,896 4:03:01 Kloprogge D 383,792 3:48:12 OVERALL POINTS FLYER CLUB Vella M & A Dandenong Haidar Brothers Dandenong Collins S & H Morning Mist Arathoon Nev. Dandenong Cameron S & G Peninsula D & A Fitzgerald Dandenong
VELOCITY 1699.77 1696.94 1690.38 1689.92 1685.53 1684.28 1683.90 1683.45 1682.58 1681.72 POINTS 134 126 112 104 104 90
Alf Vella holds the winning bird after this week’s race from Mittyack. (Supplied: 570855) Churchill R Ketteringham Family Wetering D. Stanley J.
Dandenong Dandenong Dandenong Morning Mist
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Burra scores over hot Pies By David Nagel Endeavour Hills and Keysborough will now enjoy a week off in preparation for their respective grand finals in the Southern Football Netball League after a huge day of women’s second semi-final action at Doveton on Sunday. In Division 2, a four-goal haul to skipper Melissa Hewitt helped Keysborough to a 5.8(38) to 4.3(27) victory over Narre Warren. Hewitt kicked the Burra’s only two goals of the first quarter, the second from a fortunate bounce, with Courtney Siwes answering for the Magpies to make it a four-point ball game at quarter time. Hewitt and Lindsay Tucker then kicked the opening two goals of the second term and the Burra had claimed a 16-point advantage. But Narre didn’t finish on top of the ladder by chance, with a strong tackle and set shot from Kiara Harvey being followed by a wonderful set shot from Siwes; the gap back to six points at half time. Neither team could split the big sticks in the third, setting up a thrilling final quarter. A clever handball from Alysha Turfboer to Krystal Williams then gave the Magpies the first goal of the last stanza; Keysborough’s lead cut to just two pints with 10 minutes gone off the clock. It was fitting that Hewitt had the last significant say of the match, picking up a loose ground ball in the Keysborough forward line and kicking the final goal of the match. Hewitt was outstanding for the Burra with four goals, while Siwes kicked two for the Magpies. Narre Warren now takes on Mordialloc in the preliminary final after the Bloods smashed Chelsea Heights by 55 points in the first semi-final. Lauren Haringsma, Rielly O’Loughlin and Alice Roberts all kicked two goals each for Mordy, while Aaliyah Graham, Alex Stranger, Vanessa Kovarik, Elena Wall and Brooklyn Towler were strong performers in the victory. Endeavour Hills marched into the Division 1 decider after a comprehensive 4.9(33) to 1.4(10) victory over Bentleigh. The Falcons started the game brilliantly with dangerous forward Sienna Alievski nailing a set shot from the scoreboard pocket at Doveton, before skipper Alesha White snagged a right-foot snap to make it 13-0 at quarter time. But Bentleigh tightened things up in the second term, keeping the Falcons goalless, while a major to Sophie James saw the margin cut to just seven points as the players headed to the sheds for half time. The Demons were up and about and Endeavour Hills needed a response and it came in the form of vice-captain Alyssa Weston and the mobile Alievski. Weston was proving dangerous at centre half forward, and found Alievski loose inside forward 50 after taking a nice mark on the lead. Alievski ran into an open goal, making it 14
Keysborough’s Molly Schreenan avoids the clutches of Narre Warren’s Hayley Woolfe during the Division 2 second semi-final at Doveton. (Gary Sissons: 570849) points the difference at the four-minute mark of the third term. A strong tackle from Weston then resulted in a deep entry for the Falcons, with Alievski reading the fall of the ball best to kick her third. The scoreboard read 29-8 in favour of the Falcons after 15 minutes of the third. Both teams went goalless in the final term, with Endeavour Hills doing everything right defensively to book its place in the big dance. Alievski was brilliant with her three goals,
while Stacey Christiansen, Jordyn Thomas, Nicola Weston and Tabatha Jones were also prime movers in the victory. Bentleigh will now back up against Murrumbeena in this week’s preliminary final after the Lions won the first semi-final against Casey Thunder by 14 points. The Thunder led narrowly at the first two breaks before a goal to Murrumbeena saw the Lions take a two-point lead to the final change. A 2.1 to no score final term saw the Lions prog-
ress to week two and the bring the Thunder’s season to an end. Mia Fortune kicked two goals for the winners. • SOUTHERN 1 Endeavour Hills 4.9(33) def Bentleigh 1.4(10), Murrumbeena 5.5(35) def Casey Thunder 2.9(21) PRELIMINARY FINAL: Bentleigh v Murrumbeena • SOUTHERN 2 Narre Warren 4.3(27) def by Keysborough 5.8(38), Mordialloc 9.4(58) def Chelsea Heights 0.3(3) PRELIMINARY FINAL: Narre Warren v Mordialloc
Shooting masterclass as cool Magpies take the points By Blair Burns Narre Warren resumed its season with a strong win over an in-form Hampton Park side in the South East Precinct Netball League (SEPNL) A grade competition, with the Magpies winning 62-49. Spectators were treated to a brilliant showcase as two of the best teams went head-tohead, and two of the best players also made a big mark on the game. Narre Warren goal shooter Mercy Ioleu has been the most dominant shooter in the league this season and has contributed significantly to the Magpies’ first-place ladder position with 566 goals. But at the other end was the second-highest scorer in A grade, with Emily Pupuke making the most of her scoring opportunities for Hampton Park. Ioleu got the last laugh as she scored 53 goals to lead the visitors to victory at Robert Booth Reserve, while Pupuke fought hard with 41 to her name. Narre Warren has strength all across the court and will not stop short of going all the way this season. Led by captain Chelsea Tonna and coach Kealeigh Brown, the side is primed for finals with just three rounds remaining.
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Narre Warren’s Lily McDonald looks up the court for a teammate. (Rob Carew: 549000) In the other A grade match, Berwick defeated the winless Cardinia Tigers 53-40, but there were plenty of positives for the Tigers. It was the highest score that Cardinia has put
up for the entire season, managing to score 40 goals on Saturday as it really put the Wickers under pressure on their home court. It was the efforts from four different players
inside the goal circle which helped the Tigers almost cause a huge upset. Tatiana Lefau (13 goals), Dorothea George (10 goals), Alicia McKean (nine goals) and Tara Walker (eight goals) all had glimpses for the visitors. But credit has to go to Berwick, who stood firm and delivered the ball nicely to Mackenzie Holland, as the shooter converted 42 goals in the team’s fourth win of the year. Berwick Springs and Beaconsfield had the bye. • SEPNL – OTHER RESULTS B GRADE: Narre Warren 53 def Hampton Park 27, Beaconsfield 69 def Berwick Springs 42. Berwick and Beaconsfield had the bye. C GRADE: Hampton Park 39 def Narre Warren 20, Berwick 38 def Cardinia Tigers 23, Beaconsfield 52 def Berwick Springs 23. D GRADE: Hampton Park 34 def Narre Warren 26, Berwick 49 def Cardinia Tigers 12, Beaconsfield 47 def Berwick Springs 8. A GRADE FIXTURE R18: Cardinia Tigers v Hampton Park at James Bathe (1:50pm), Beaconsfield v Berwick at Holm Park Reserve (3:05pm). LADDER: Narre Warren 48, Beaconsfield 36, Hampton Park 24, Berwick 16, Berwick Springs, Cardinia Tigers 0.
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