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Meeting in name of respect By Jensy Callimootoo Hundreds of students and staff gathered at Bunjil Place for a special event, titled ‘August for Echoes of Country: Footsteps to Respect’. The day didn’t only champion diversity and education against racism but it also helped students across 23 different schools
in Casey build resilience, perseverance and self-determination among Koorie students. Students had the chance to take park in dance activities, a smoking ceremony and various other fun tasks. FOR MORE PICTURES OF THE EXCURSION, TURN TO PAGE 10
Uncle Steve Ulula Parker. (Stewart Chambers: 570940)
Leaders take helm the mayoralty and restructure her work so she could fully commit to the role. With only a short period remaining in the current mayoral term, she said her main focus would be advocating for Casey ahead of the November state election. Cr Crowther identified the Clyde Rail Link and Thompsons Road extension as Council’s key
infrastructure priorities, saying residents, particularly in growth areas, were frustrated by the amount of time they spent travelling by car. She said she would also continue progressing Council initiatives covering food security, community safety and family violence. Cr Koomen stepped down as Mayor to focus on his campaign as Labor’s candidate for Narre
Warren South at the 2026 November State Election. In a farewell Facebook post, he highlighted efforts to rebuild trust and integrity at Council, saying Casey was on track to become debt-free next year while continuing record capital investment. FULL STORY PAGE 4
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Casey Council has a new leadership team, with Cr Michelle Crowther elected Mayor and Cr Anthony Walter appointed Deputy Mayor following former Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen’s resignation. Cr Crowther, who previously served as Deputy Mayor, said her experience advocating for Casey over the past year had encouraged her to pursue