Thursday, 3 September, 2026
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Teacher tech
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SPORT
Portraits off the page Casey Grammar School was a hive of colourful literary characters, as students and staff dressed up for National Book Week under the 2026 theme, A Symphony of Stories. The day was about reading, storytelling and imagination, with a costume parade including student Lachlan, dressed as gangster Squizzy Taylor from the book Runner, pictured. For more pictures, turn to page 15
(Gary Sissons: 571858)
Purple bin rollout Casey households will begin receiving the controversial new purple-lidded glass recycling bins in September as the Council completes the State Government-mandated four-bin waste system. The 80-litre bins will be delivered to more than 135,000 households between 7 September and 20 November. Collections will begin in November and take place every four weeks, on the same day as every
second food and garden organics collection. Residents can place rinsed food and drink bottles and jars of any colour in the new bins after removing their lids. Drinking glasses, mirrors, window glass, ceramics, light globes and Pyrex products are not accepted. Once a household receives its purple bin, glass bottles and jars must no longer be placed in the
yellow recycling bin. The rollout follows a lengthy debate in Casey. Casey residents have questioned whether a separate glass collection represents value for money. Many argued that expanding the container deposit scheme could offer a more practical alternative.
Earlier this year, councillors rejected a call to allow households to opt out generally, as council officers warned that widespread exemptions could undermine the service and increase costs. Council also revealed that collection contracts had already been secured in 2024, limiting its ability to abandon the rollout. More information on page 3
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NEWS
Professor Therese Keane and Fletch at La Trobe University. (Supplied)
Robot helps teachers A former long-serving Berwick principal has helped develop a robot training program that prepares teachers for difficult conversations with parents. Henry Grossek, who retired last year after 35 years as principal of Berwick Lodge Primary School, contributed real-life scenarios to Fletch, a social robot being trialled by researchers at La Trobe University. The robot assumes the role of a concerned or confrontational parent, allowing pre-service and early-career teachers to practise responding in a safe environment. Mr Grossek said conflict between parents and school staff had become more challenging since the Covid. However, he cautioned against simply labelling people “difficult parents”. “There are difficult parents, but there are also difficult educators,” he said. “One of the things that I was always more interested in was focusing on the issue, not the person. “Once you use language like ‘difficult parents’ or parents say ‘difficult school’, it immediately creates a negative energy. Let’s start with it as a challenging conversation.” Mr Grossek supplied researchers with examples of concerns parents had brought to him and
his teachers during his long career, including situations that could escalate if handled insensitively. He also tested the robot and provided feedback as researchers refined its responses. Project leader Professor Therese Keane said Fletch had been at La Trobe since 2024 and was manufactured in Sweden. She wanted to explore how artificial intelligence could address a real-world problem rather than merely being used for tasks such as assessment. Researchers interviewed 20 experienced principals, assistant principals, coordinators and classroom teachers, producing 176 examples of parent interactions. These were grouped into 10 categories, with three cases from each category developed into detailed scenarios for Fletch. Unlike a conventional scripted role-play, the robot uses AI to adjust its response according to what the teacher says. “If the teacher hasn’t answered the question, has deflected or can’t answer it, the robot just keeps hammering: ‘You haven’t answered my question,’” Professor Keane said. “It’s the difference between knowing what you should do in a difficult conversation and having the opportunity to practise doing it.” She stressed that most parents communicated respectfully with schools, but a small number of highly confrontational interactions could badly
Henry Grossek, who retired last year after 35 years as principal of Berwick Lodge Primary School, helped develop Fletch, a social robot that prepares teachers for difficult conversations with parents. (FILE) unsettle inexperienced teachers. “The goal really isn’t to win an argument with a parent,” she said. “The goal is to keep the relationship intact so that everyone can get back to supporting the child. “The technology isn’t the innovation. The practice is. It’s about creating that safe, repeatable environment where preservice teachers, early career teachers can practice a difficult human interaction. “We’re not using AI to replace the human relationship. We’re using technology to help people become better at human relationships.” Professor Keane said the pilot’s next stage would involve gathering feedback from pre-ser-
vice and early-career teachers to determine whether the program strengthened their confidence and communication skills. However, measuring its wider effect would be difficult because aggression and assaults in schools were frequently under-reported and teacher departures had numerous causes. If the early results were promising, researchers hoped to extend the training to more students and schools and potentially adapt it for other professions. Mr Grossek said Fletch could not fully reproduce the emotional pressure of a real confrontation and should be regarded as one training tool rather than a complete solution. He believed the fundamentals remained listening respectfully, asking parents what outcome they wanted and establishing that both sides wanted the best for the child. Context would also be important as the robot developed, he said, because parents raising the same concern could have vastly different personal, cultural and linguistic backgrounds. “Obviously, people look for the silver bullet, the one thing that’ll solve everything. There is no such thing,” Mr Grossek said. “At the end of the day, you have to go through those with people, not just parents, but everybody you interact with. “And you need to have human support and human practice, but it’s a valuable tool to add.”
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By Violet Li
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NEWS
Call to pay for clean-up By Violet Li Casey Council is calling for the State Government to cover the huge cost of removing graffiti off State-owned assets. Council spent about $780,000 through its Graffiti Management Program in the 2025–26 financial year, with $230,000 (about 30 per cent) spent removing graffiti from state-owned assets. The work covered rail stations, corridors, overpasses and pedestrian underpasses in Berwick, Cranbourne, Hallam, Merinda Park, Narre Warren, Beaconsfield and Lynbrook. Casey’s Open Data platform recorded 7377 graffiti-removal requests during the last financial
year. Casey Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther said the council had repeatedly written to the State Government and offered to remove graffiti from state assets under a cost-recovery arrangement. However, no formal agreement or funding had been provided. “We’ve done the work locally, but it’s time for the State Government to step up and help us keep Casey clean,” Mayor Cr Crowther said. “The City of Casey has long upheld a zero-tolerance stance on graffiti vandalism to maintain a clean and welcoming environment. “Yet, the ongoing presence of graffiti on visible state-owned infrastructure, especially over the
past five years, continues to frustrate both Council and residents.” Mayor Cr Crowther said the Department of Transport and Planning had recently notified council that Metro Trains had removed graffiti from Narre Warren railway station, which she believed is a positive first step. She called for Casey to benefit from the $2.5 million allocated in the 2026–27 State Budget for a graffiti blitz across Melbourne’s rail network. A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson did not respond directly to whether the government would reimburse Casey or enter a cost-sharing agreement. “We regularly undertake works to remove graf-
fiti from infrastructure on our transport network, including across the City of Casey,” the spokesperson said. “Graffiti has no place on our transport infrastructure, and we encourage anyone who witnesses acts of vandalism to report it to Victoria Police. “Metro Trains invests more than $10 million every year to clean up the network, removing 249,648m of graffiti from its infrastructure last financial year.” Graffiti on the state-managed road network is removed by maintenance crews following regular inspections, with offensive graffiti and markings presenting risks to road users given priority.
Industrial action affects Cranbourne line passengers By Violet Li Cranbourne line passengers are expected to take replacement buses as external industrial action by train maintenance workers reduces the number of trains available across the rail network. Buses began replacing trains between Cranbourne and Dandenong from the first service on Tuesday 1 September, with the disruption expected to continue until further notice. Services between Sunbury and Watergardens have also been suspended. Metro Trains has advised that the alterations were necessary because fewer High Capacity Metro Trains were available for passenger services. “We thank passengers for their patience, and we advise passengers to plan their journey ahead of travelling,” a spokesperson said. More than 110 Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) members are participating in protected industrial action at Downer’s Pakenham East Depot, where Melbourne’s High Capacity Metro Trains are maintained. Downer is a provider of integrated infrastructure services. ETU rail organiser John Islip said the action began on 24 July and had since intensified. Workers are undertaking half shifts by starting late or finishing early, with no workers on site between 2am and 9am or between 1.30pm and 6.30pm each day. From Monday 17 August, workers are also expected to strike for 24 hours each week, from 6am Monday until 6am Tuesday. Workers are refusing to answer work-related phone calls, emails or text messages outside working hours. “All protected action is indefinite until a deal is reached,” Mr Islip said. Mr Islip said the workers were seeking wages and conditions comparable with those provided by other passenger rail operators, including Metro Trains Melbourne and V/Line. The unions are also demanding protections to provide greater roster consistency and preserve
More than 110 Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) members are participating in protected industrial action at Downer’s Pakenham East Depot. (Supplied: ETU) employees’ work-life balance. Mr Islip said workers opposed Downer employing lower-skilled, non-trade staff to perform duties currently undertaken by electricians and mechanical fitters. The unions also want the company to continue employing local trade apprentices. “Downer’s current wages and conditions for highly skilled train maintenance workers are among the worst in Victoria’s passenger rail industry,” he said.
“Without these skilled electricians and mechanical fitters, trains do not move. “They perform safety-critical work that keeps passengers safe and services running, recovering failed trains, maintaining essential braking and driver cabin signalling systems, and ensuring trains stop with millimetre precision at Metro Tunnel platform screen doors. “Their expertise underpins the safety, reliability, and performance of Melbourne’s rail network.” A Downer spokesperson confirmed employ-
ees at the Pakenham East Depot were undertaking protected industrial action during negotiations for a new enterprise agreement. “Downer remains committed to the process and continues to engage constructively with bargaining representatives,” the spokesperson said. Metro is working with Downer to understand and reduce the disruption. Passengers have been advised to check Transport Victoria updates and station announcements before travelling.
Casey households to receive new purple glass recycling bin Casey households will begin receiving a new purple-lidded glass recycling bin from September, as the City of Casey moves into the final stages of the State Government’s four-bin waste and recycling reforms. An 80-litre glass-only bin will be delivered to households across Casey between 7 September and 20 November 2026, helping Casey meet Victorian Government requirements to standardise household waste and recycling services across the state. All Victorian councils are required to move to a four-bin system by July 2027, including the introduction of a separate glass recycling service. Food and garden organics (FOGO) bins are also now part of Casey’s standard waste service, with households that do not already have a FOGO bin set to receive one from late November 2026. What you need to know An 80-litre purple-lidded glass recycling bin will be delivered between 7 September and 20 November 2026. Glass bottles and jars of any colour that have contained food or drink can go in the bin. Simply rinse them and remove the lids before placing them in the bin. The glass bin will be collected every four
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weeks starting in November, on the same day as every second FOGO collection. Once your purple bin arrives, start placing accepted glass items in it. Glass will no longer be accepted in the yellow-lidded recycling bin, with collections beginning from November. Drinking glasses, window glass, mirrors, ceramics and light globes cannot go in the purple bin. Households that don’t already have a FOGO bin will receive one from late November 2026, with bin size based on property size. Properties under 400 square metres will receive a 120-litre bin. As the municipality moves into 2027, all Casey households will have four bins as part of their standard waste service: general rubbish with a red lid, recycling with a yellow lid, FOGO with a green lid, and glass recycling with a purple lid. City of Casey Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther said the four-bin system is a Victorian Government requirement that all councils must implement. “While Council has previously raised concerns about aspects of the waste reforms, we also have a responsibility to comply with State legislation and ensure the required services are in place,” Cr Crowther said.
Casey households will begin receiving a new purple-lidded glass recycling bin from September. (Supplied) “Our focus is on delivering this service in the most practical and cost-effective way for the Casey community, so we are continuing to advocate alongside other councils for greater flexibility in how the reforms are delivered and the expansion of the Container Deposit Scheme.” To help ease the impact of the four-bin rollout on households, Council has used savings from its waste reserve to freeze the standard waste charge for 2026/27. This means there is no increase to the standard
waste charge from last year. Glass is a valuable material that can be recycled repeatedly. Putting glass in its own bin keeps recycling cleaner, reduces contamination, and improves glass recycling so it can be made into new products. All glass collected from Casey will be processed into new glass bottles and jars or road aggregate. By putting the right items in the right bin, residents can help reduce contamination and improve recycling. Council is providing a range of resources to help residents manage the changes, including: The Bin It Right Casey app, which provides bin night reminders, collection schedules, service updates and information about what goes in each bin. A waste guide delivered with every new glass recycling bin, showing what goes in each bin and the delivery schedule. An online address search tool so residents can check their collection schedule and next bin collection day. For more information about the rollout, visit: casey.vic.gov.au/kerbside-bin-changes - Readers respond, page 6
Thursday, 3 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 3
NEWS
Data centre developer promises website after information concerns By Violet Li
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT. (Eugene Hyland)
Silliness of SPAMALOT! By Violet Li Narre Warren-raised performer Grace Williams is preparing to tap-dance into the wonderfully ridiculous world of Monty Python, bringing an infectious energy and years of training to Drew Anthony’s production of SPAMALOT. The 24-year-old will perform in the female ensemble when the musical opens at the Athenaeum Theatre in September, before touring to Sydney. Grace describes the production as the classic story of King Arthur “if everything went wrong, but somehow it ended up okay”. “It is just spectacular and hilarious and so silly,” she said. Grace began dancing at three, but it was not until the age of 16 that she discovered singing and acting. “As soon as I found out, I was like, ‘This is the life for me,’” she recalled. Growing up in Narre Warren, her routine largely consisted of going from school directly to dance classes before returning home. Grace believes the abundance of dance and performing-arts schools, accessible venues such as Bunjil Place and nearby theatres have helped foster creativity in the region. “It must harbour some kind of creative bubble,” she said. After high school, Grace completed two years of full-time musical theatre training before securing her first paid professional stage experience at Melbourne theatre restaurant Witches in Britches. Her breakthrough came when she was cast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and toured with the production. Grace began the contract as a swing covering seven ensemble members as well as Belle, eventually expanding her responsibilities to cover 14 performers. The role meant she needed to be ready to step into somebody else’s place whenever illness, leave or another absence arose. “I could stand in a new story every night,” she said. “My brain loves being able to mix what track I’m in. It’s not stressful whatsoever. It’s really fun.” The production also took Grace away from home for the first time, beginning in Sydney and later travelling interstate and overseas. “It was learning curve after learning curve,” she said. “I learned so much on that show, not even just professionally, but professionally and personally.” SPAMALOT will give her a different experience. Instead of adopting tracks created by other performers, Grace will remain in the ensemble throughout the tour and help build her own char-
4 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 3 September, 2026
Narre Warren-raised performer Grace Williams is preparing to tap-dance into the wonderfully ridiculous world of Monty Python’s SPAMALOT. (Supplied) acter and relationships during rehearsals. She landed the role after submitting a selftape featuring a song and three scenes, followed by in-person vocal, acting and dance auditions. Just two days later, she learned she had been successful. “Your auditions are a combination of everything you’ve learned up until that point,” she said. “I walked into the audition for this with the skills that I had from not only from my past shows, but also from all the training that I continue to do weekly. “This is a dream show. It is a movie that I’ve watched so many times with my dad. “The audition process was so lovely and welcoming, and everyone was just like be silly. And be professional. Show your beautiful technique. Show your training, but also you have the opportunity to lean into that comedy.” Behind Grace’s seemingly effortless enthusiasm is a relentless schedule of vocal coaching, dance, choreography, teaching, study, and gym work. She is also a marathon runner and completed a marathon recently. Asked when she found time to rest, Grace laughed: “When I sleep.” She acknowledged the uncertainty of working in the creative industries, particularly the gaps between productions and the financial pressure those periods could bring. But she said performers had to trust their preparation rather than wait for certainty. “You don’t know (if it will work). You just
hope,” she said. “You trust in the training that you have, you trust in the creative team, and you try your best. You give it 110 per cent. “This is your job. You’re good at it for a reason. You were hired for a reason. “The creative team saw you in the room and thought, your version of this show is what I want to see on the stage. So you have to trust that they know what they’re doing. You have to trust that you’ve already done the work, and then you just go out there and do it.” Between productions, Grace teaches dance across Melbourne and Geelong, work she hopes to return to after SPAMALOT. “The joy that I feel in creating a dance space that is safe, challenging and welcoming is unmatched,” she said. One of the most important skills Grace has developed is learning through observation, something she discovered while completing her fulltime training during Covid. During a three-hour online acting class, she might receive only 15 minutes of direct tuition, leaving her to spend the remainder watching her classmates’ work. “If you’re not taking that time to dissect the conversation the teacher and somebody else is having, and seeing what parts you may want to attribute to yourself, then you’re wasting two hours and 45 minutes of a class that you’re paying to be in,” she said. Grace now encourages her own dance students to recognise the “absolute power of observation”. “I get to work with some of the most incredible foot performers in Australia. They are so brilliant at what they do. And each one of them comes to this job with a completely different take, with a completely different skill set, with a completely different personal story,” she said. “You can always take something from every single person that you meet in life. “Even if that is just observing them from across the room and watching how they do a four-count in space, there is something you can pick up from that.” Grace said each stage of her career enriched the next. Performing gives her knowledge to take back to her students, and teaching helps her grow before her next audition. As for what comes after SPAMALOT, she is keeping an open mind. “I’ll just say yes to whatever opportunity comes in front of me,” she said. “And I’ll run with it.” Monty Python’s SPAMALOT will play at the Athenaeum Theatre from 16 September until 11 October. To book a ticket for the Melbourne show: ticketmaster.com.au/artist/927819
A website providing comprehensive information about the proposed $1.1 billion Clyde North data centre will soon be launched as the developer responds to community concerns about the project. Galileo Group, who is the applicant for the proposed Clyde North data centre said it was working with the City of Casey in relation to residents’ concerns. “We will shortly be making available a website which will provide comprehensive information in relation to the proposal,” a spokesperson said when contacted by Star News. The proposed development was first brought to public attention in late July despite being lodged to Casey Council in April. So far, little information on the detailed planning applications has been known, and residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the limited information available. The proposed 53.6-hectare site is within the new Croskell Employment Precinct, a planned industrial and commercial area between Thompsons Road, Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road. The site is close to residential areas at both its northern and southern ends. The permit will be decided at a future council meeting, with the date unconfirmed. Casey Council previously stated that the application is not required to undergo formal public notice under the planning rules applying to the land. Council said those requirements were set by the State planning framework rather than by Casey. But it also confirmed it is legally able to voluntarily notify residents about the proposed large-scale development but says doing so would create unnecessary delay and uncertainty. Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association president Anthony Tassone said for a $1.1 billion development of this scale, efficiency should not override transparency and genuine community consultation. “Residents should be able to see the planning application and site plans, understand the proposed operating capacity, electricity and water demand, cooling systems, backup generator arrangements, noise and air emissions assessments, traffic impacts, environmental impacts, and the mitigation measures being proposed,” he said. “The key findings and recommendations from agencies such as the EPA, AusNet and South East Water should also be made publicly available before Councillors are asked to determine the application. “Council may say it will consider any submissions it receives, but it is difficult for residents to make an informed submission when the application itself is not publicly advertised or available for them to properly review. “Residents shouldn’t have to join their own dots to try to get the full picture of a $1.1 billion development.” Mr Tassone said the developer should front the community directly, explain the proposal, answer questions and address concerns while there is still a genuine opportunity for feedback to influence the outcome. A EPA Victoria spokesperson said the planning application for the proposed Clyde North data centre had been referred by City of Casey to EPA Victoria for advice. “As with an application from any industry, EPA will evaluate the proposal against relevant standards and regulations,” they said. “We will provide advice after assessing the individual merits of the proposal.”
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NEWS
Calls for bus and train boost By Cam Lucadou-Wells A public transport advocacy group has made a pre-State election pitch to boost train and bus services, including an overhaul of Sunday timetables. Public Transport Users Association is seeking political parties to commit to more PT upgrades to capitalize on level crossing removals and Metro Tunnel. “Public transport infrastructure is only as good as the services that run on it, and services in Melbourne and around the state are falling behind,” PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen said. “Long wait times for most suburban public transport means it can’t compete with driving. “Especially when there is ongoing cost-of-living pressure on households, it’s vital to ensure that more Victorians have the option of convenient frequent public transport.” Some of the short-term priorities include: - replacing Sunday timetables with a unified weekend timetable, starting with buses. This would mean more routes run on Sundays. - higher weekend frequencies on key bus routes, including to major shopping centres The PTUA wants to also boost metro train services to run at least every 20 minutes on all lines until midnight, seven days a week – with an aim for 10 minute frequencies in the near future. Currently, commuters face waits of up to 40 minutes between trains In the medium term, priorities include: ■ -Upgrades to key interchange train-stations at Caulfield and Richmond. ■ -20 minute frequencies on key cross-suburban bus routes such as 841 Cranbourne Station to Narre Warren North, 850 Dandenong to Glen Waverley station, 881 Melinda Park station to Clyde North and 828 Hampton to Berwick. Longer-scale projects should also include a rail extension to the growth area of Clyde with new stations at Cranbourne East and Casey Fields, according to the PTUA. “Public transport must keep up with population growth”, Mr Bowen said.
PTUA is calling for more bus and train services to capitalise on the Metro Tunnel and level crossing removals. (Gary Sissons: 493201) “This type of investment can help Victorians access education, employment and other opportunities, growing our economy while also providing relief for household budgets and getting more people out of traffic congestion.” Meanwhile, Greater Dandenong Council and
the Eastern Transport Coalition have headed their State Election wishlists with a $400 million rebuild of Dandenong train station. The ETC also calls for a $1 billion extension of Westall Road to Monash Freeway, and $500 million to extend Dandenong Bypass to South
Gippsland Freeway. The council will push for a trial of a bus service into Dandenong South’s industry hub, the extension of Djerring Trail to Dandenong’s CBD and removing the Heatherton Road roundabout in Noble Park.
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Thursday, 3 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 5
NEWS
‘Man-o-pause’ effect What to Opinion by Dr Jamel Kaur Singh and Dya Singh Dad has prostate cancer. Unfortunately, we now know it has spread to his lymph nodes. Those are words no family particularly wants to hear. There have been scans, specialists, appointments, conversations about treatment and moments when the enormity of what lies ahead suddenly becomes very real. But if you know Dad, you’ll also know there was never much chance of cancer being allowed to suck all the humour out of the room. Last week he started hormone treatment to suppress his testosterone. Which means the Singh household is now preparing for what I have affectionately named... ‘man-o-pause’. Dad is less impressed with the terminology than I am. Apparently the treatment can bring hot flushes, tiredness, emotional changes and perhaps a little irritability. Welcome to our world, Dad. We’ve been waiting decades for this moment. Even his (11-year-old) grandson Khiaan has been quietly warned that his grandfather might occasionally become a little short-tempered. Dad realised something was going on when Khiaan suddenly started staring at him more closely and asking him all sorts of questions. Three generations contemplating testosterone suppression. You couldn’t script our family if you tried. Next week, another stage of treatment begins, and everyone has quietly slipped into their roles. My son Saffal is making sure the bed, CPAP machine and logistics are sorted. Mum is Mum. I’m asking too many questions. The grandchildren are checking in. And Dad is still Dad. Still talking. Still laughing. Still telling stories. Stories about running cross-country from somewhere near the back of the pack with his entire hockey team. Cricket games with the seniors. Music. Travel. Adventures. The extraordinary countries he visited performing with the Dya Singh World Music Group. Some stories we’ve heard before. Actually, many stories we’ve heard before. Several times. Funny thing is, we’re listening a little differently now. Cancer does that. It has an extraordinary ability to make the ordinary suddenly precious. A cup of tea (cha). A ridiculous Dad joke. A story you’ve already heard 15 times. Someone sitting in their usual chair. Dinner together. The sound of your parents talking in the next room. Who’s he on the phone with now? Things that seemed completely unremarkable yesterday can suddenly feel priceless today. We don’t know exactly what the months ahead
will bring. There will be treatment. There will undoubtedly be difficult days. There will be uncertainty, frustration and probably moments when our humour temporarily deserts us. But I refuse to live those days before they arrive. That isn’t denial. It’s hope. I’m beginning to understand that hope isn’t believing nothing bad will happen to us. Hope is knowing difficult things will happen and deciding they don’t get to determine how we live. My parents taught us that long before cancer arrived. Growing up Sikh, my sister and I were taught to earn honestly, stand up for those who need support, accept that not everything in life is within our control, and practise sewa - selfless service without expectation of recognition or reward. Love all. Hate none. Simple words. Much harder to live. Our family has had its share of trials and tribulations, just like every family. But my parents never taught us to build an identity around what happened to us. They taught us to decide what we would do with it. Perhaps that’s why purpose has become so important to me. I want to help create the change I hope to see in the world. I want to see the best in people, even when it’s easier to see the worst. I want communities brought together rather than constantly divided. I want our young people to know they belong. I want people from different cultures, religions, generations and walks of life to be able to disagree without learning to hate one another. Maybe that sounds hopelessly optimistic. Good. I’ll take optimism. Because I refuse to believe humanity’s best days are behind us. I refuse to believe Victoria’s best days are behind us. And I certainly refuse to believe Dad’s best days are behind him. This week gave me another reason for that hope. Final judging has now been completed for our Belonging in Casey competition. More than 2,000 entries came from young
people across Casey. We’ve seen paintings, photographs, writing, ideas, performances and dance. But what moved me most wasn’t simply their talent. It was what our young people told us. They spoke about family. Culture. Friendship. Safety. Identity. Acceptance. Home. Kindness. Belonging. At a time when adults seem particularly accomplished at telling one another everything that’s wrong with the world, thousands of Casey’s young people reminded us of everything worth fighting for in it. Their finalists will be announced and celebrated at the Belonging in Casey Awards Night on 9 October at the Serbian Club. Everyone is welcome. Tickets are available through Eventbrite by searching ‘Belonging in Casey’. Come and see what our future looks like. I think you’ll leave hopeful too. Because perhaps hope isn’t naive after all. Perhaps it’s a choice. A choice to believe people are fundamentally capable of goodness. A choice to keep building when others are tearing down. A choice to serve rather than simply complain. A choice to call someone instead of assuming there will always be tomorrow. Dad’s diagnosis has made me think a lot about that last one. We behave as though time is something stored away in a bank account. I’ll visit Mum next weekend. I’ll call Dad tomorrow. I’ll take that holiday one day. I’ll change careers when things settle down. I’ll volunteer when I’m less busy. I’ll tell them I love them next time. I’ll chase that ridiculous dream when the timing is right. But none of us actually knows how much time is sitting in our account. So, man-o-it’s-time-to-pause…but reflect and figure out what are you waiting for? Who haven’t you called? Where haven’t you gone? What haven’t you said? What dream have you quietly put away because life became too busy, too sensible or too frightening? What could you contribute to your community if you stopped waiting for someone else to go first? Cancer may have changed our plans. It doesn’t get to take away our hope. Truth be told... none of us knows how much time we have left. So, love deeply. Serve generously. Forgive quickly. Chase the dream. Make the phone call. Spend time with your elders. Believe in people. And whatever life throws at you, never stop believing that tomorrow can still be better than today.
Purple rage over glass bins Casey residents swarmed to comment on Star News’s Facebook sites about the controversial purple-lidded glass-recycling bins, which will be rolled-out to homes next month. Here are some of the comments: Terrence Nikolai: I’m gonna buy a red bin lid and swap the purple to red Leah Jc: That’s brilliant for the 3 glass jars we have every week Leah Softley: And let me guess, we have to pay for the extra bin in our rates too? Warren Hilton: Put it inside the yellow lid bin and recycle it! Adam Louttit: I thought Casey decided against it? I hope there is a opt out option for households I don’t need a glass recycling bin Zoe Lambert: How about a bigger rubbish bin? Mary Anne Buttigieg: I will be repurposing the bin with all the garden tools and stacks at the back of my block.. Wayne Lee: If you live in a unit where the F can one keep 4 bins? Cameron Wall: Marvelous. My townhouse courtyard will basically be a sea of bins. Annalise Mercer - Greens Candidate for Cranbourne:
6 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 3 September, 2026
I’m excited for this! I need a better way to store the stuff I take to the recycling centre. I hope the bin will fit in my car. Graham Dicko Dixon: The council never asked any of the ratepayers if they needed it! It was just signed off and forced onto us. Vicki Verschaeren Lee: What glass do they expect you to have? I don’t use anything that comes in glass? ( unless I break one) lol Damien Bekink: It will get emptied once a month. The bit we haven’t been told is how much extra per year Amy Hooper: In regional Vic we’ve had this purple glass bin for a while now, never used it. And now they have taken away our weekly garbage collection for a fortnightly pick up. And yes, our red bins are the small ones everyone has. Ohh and a couple of
months ago we all got a little bucket for putting food scraps in. Dion Villella: So what four different trucks to collect each bin? Peter Young: Well, they’re going to have the Teletubbies. Keith Blumfield: This is our Labor state government doing what it does best Katrina Coulson: What if we don‘t want them? Can we return them? Klaus Illhardt: Don’t need it, we hardly have glass waste. Rather put up central containers to collect glass like its done in Europe. Plus I need a new garage for all these bins. Lindsey Curmi: Apparently, Cardinia has knocked it back so why can’t Casey? Tului Ustunol: Most glass goıng to 10-cent collectıon depot. Why a bın agaın for glass? Rhonda Fuller: So what’s the point of having a purple bin when they say you can’t put broken drinking glasses or broken mirrors? Dale Hulst Invest in recycling infrastructure not more bins! David Todd: Such a fantastic idea. Mine goes out every month. Pasta sauce, Olive oil, Cordial, olives, Spice bottles, Vegemite, Beetroot. It’s always full.
expect this Biodiversity month in Casey
Casey residents are being invited to explore the municipality’s wildlife throughout September as part of Biodiversity Month. The City of Casey has organised a series of activities focusing on threatened species, native plants, pollinators and nocturnal insects. Residents can also participate in the month-long Biodiversity Blitz by photographing plants and animals in their backyards or other parts of Casey and uploading their observations to iNaturalist. Casey Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther said the program offered residents an opportunity to learn more about their local environment. “With so many events happening throughout the month, I encourage everyone to get outdoors and discover the amazing plants and animals that also call Casey home,” she said. The Australian Plant Society plant sale and sustainable gardens talk – 5 September If you’ve been thinking about bringing more indigenous plants to your garden, you’ll find plenty to choose, along with specialist advice, at the plant sale held on Saturday 5 September at Akoonah Park from 9am to 3pm. Stallholders will have plants that suit local conditions, support wildlife, encourage biodiversity, and won’t break the budget. There will also be plant giveaways, flower displays and raffle prizes. If you’re after more inspiration, one of Australia’s top landscape designers, Phillip Johnson will be presenting a talk on Sustainable Gardens using Australian Native Plants in the Function Centre at 10am. Entry to this event is $5 and registration is required. Book at: events.humanitix.com/phillip-johnson-sustainable-gardens-using-australian-native-plants Buzzing with Bees, Beautiful Butterflies & Backyard Biodiversity – free event, 23 September Discover the wonderful world of bees, butterflies and other pollinators at the Old Cheese factory, Berwick on Wednesday 23 September. Explore the gardens with Council’s biodiversity team to search for insects and learn about the important role pollinators play in keeping gardens healthy and thriving. Children will enjoy hands-on activities, build their own insect hotel to take home and receive a pollinator-friendly plant to help create habitat in their own backyard. Suitable for children aged 5-12 years. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian: Bookings are essential via: eventbrite. com/cc/2026-biodiversity-month-activities-4859926 Night Safari – Moths and Spiders – free event, 29 September Come along on a night safari and discover the moths, spiders and other nocturnal insects that call Morning Mist Recreation Reserve home. Run by members of the Entomological Society of Victoria and The Arachnid Academy, you’ll search for invertebrates in bushland areas and then photograph and record the insects you find, all of which contribute to the 2026 Biodiversity Blitz. Suitable for all ages and levels of experience. Children need to be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. The event is free and bookings are essential via: eventbrite.com/cc/2026-biodiversity-month-activities-4859926 Aussie Bird Count The annual Aussie Bird Count is happening later in October, but if you want to find out more about it and get prepared, join the information webinar on 1 Oct: yarraranges-vic.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ PAY64owqRtexfsJ-IzoDAw#/registration
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NEWS
Hoon cameras on track Casey’s new acoustic cameras are a step closer to hitting the streets. South Melbourne company SenSen will deliver the EPA’s two-year acoustic camera trial following an international tender process. The first four cameras will be rolled out across Port Phillip, Casey, Knox and Stonnington councils. More than 3000 noisy vehicle incidents have been reported in Casey over the past five years.
These hi-tech cameras are targeting areas identified as noisy vehicle hotspots using reports from Victoria Police to EPA. The devices are triggered by excessive vehicle noise, capturing images and registration details that EPA officers can use to identify vehicles for further action. Owners identified through the cameras can be issued with a notice requiring them to take their vehicle to an accredited facility for noise
testing. If testing finds the vehicle exceeds legal noise limits, the owner must bring it back into compliance. Those who fail to submit their vehicle for testing or fix an illegally noisy vehicle can face fines of $1,221 for individuals and $6,105 for companies. The trial will expand from four cameras in its first phase to seven cameras, helping EPA target more noisy vehicle hotspots.
Reports of noisy vehicles have surged in recent years, from 5,404 in 2020-21 to more than 9,100 in 2025-26. Almost 5,000 noisy vehicle testing notices and 1,222 noisy vehicle infringement notices were issued in the last financial year. The cameras will complement existing EPA and Victoria Police enforcement, targeting unlawful vehicle noise and road safety offences, and will be on the streets by the end of 2026.
New support packs launched for Casey dads New fathers in Casey will receive free parenting and wellbeing packs under a Victorian-first pilot program. From September, Casey Council will provide a Dad and Baby Pack to all new fathers during their baby’s first Maternal and Child Health home visit. Funded through the Victorian Government’s Dads’ Group Program, the initiative is intended to help fathers and father figures feel more involved and supported during their baby’s first year. Each pack includes practical items, parenting information and details of support services. Fathers will also receive a free health-check voucher and access to a Dad and Baby water-safety session delivered by Aligned Leisure. Casey Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther said some fathers felt overlooked during pregnancy and early parenthood or were uncertain about how to support their baby’s development. “The program is all about helping dads build strong connections with their babies while feeling more confident and supported in their parenting journey,” she said. Casey father Josh was among the first people to receive a pack. “The rocket bath toy was a hit with our baby and our almost three-year-old loves the ball,” he
New fathers in Casey will receive free parenting and wellbeing packs under a Victorian-first pilot program. (Supplied) said. “The information booklet has QR codes to access a lot of resources, and the Dads Matter bag is
a great size and will come in handy for shopping trips.” Fathers seeking more information can speak
with their Maternal and Child Health nurse or contact Casey Council’s Maternal and Child Health team on 9705 5590.
GLASS
WILL SOON HAVE ITS OWN BIN
Patties Factory Outlet
To meet Victoria’s waste reform requirements, Casey households will receive a new purple-lidded glass bin between September and November 2026. Putting glass in its own bin keeps recycling cleaner, reduces contamination, and improves glass recycling so it can be made into new products. What to expect: • An 80-litre glass-only bin will be delivered between 7 September and 20 November 2026.
Carpark Sale! 19TH SEPTEMBER 8AM-1PM
• Glass bottles and jars of any colour that have contained food or drink can go in this bin. Just give them a quick rinse and remove the lid. • Once your purple bin is delivered, glass will no longer be accepted in the yellow-lidded recycling bin. • Glass bins will be collected every four weeks from November 2026 on the same collection cycle as the FOGO bin (green lid).
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Find out more: casey.vic.gov.au/kerbside-bin-changes
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NEWS
Late-night bite delight A sneaky late-night snack has turned into a life-changing discovery for a Berwick man who landed $20,000 a month for the next 20 years in Set for Life. The Berwick man held the only division one winning entry nationally in Set for Life draw 4040, drawn Friday 28 August 2026. Looking forward to a total division one prize of $4.8 million, he will be paid in monthly instalments of $20,000 for the next 20 years. “It’s pretty crazy. I woke up at 1.30am on Saturday hungry, and I went to get myself a snack and a drink before heading back to bed,”
he said. “I don’t know what came across me, but I decided to check my ticket. I looked at it, and I just said, ‘What the f***?’, “I was all teary, and I woke my wife up, and I said to her, ‘Can you check this?’. She said, ‘What the f***!’ “We woke up the next morning questioning the win. We kept saying, ‘Is this real? We didn’t dream this, did we?’,” The newly crowned winner shared that his windfall would allow him to ‘take it easy’ moving forward.
“It makes things easier for us now. We have options,” he said. “I am a simple man. I don’t need caviar. I think we will help family and take it easy, “My wife will most likely want to keep working, but I think I will reduce my hours.” The winning numbers in Set for Life draw 4040 on Friday 28 August 2026 were 9, 17, 1, 20, 23, 2 and 8, while the supplementary numbers were 12 and 21. Across Australia, there was one division one winning entry in Set for Life draw 4040 – the one in Victoria.
Berwick man wins Set for Life draw. (Supplied)
What to expect this Biodiversity month in Casey Casey residents are being invited to explore the municipality’s wildlife throughout September as part of Biodiversity Month. The City of Casey has organised a series of activities focusing on threatened species, native plants, pollinators and nocturnal insects. Residents can also participate in the monthlong Biodiversity Blitz by photographing plants and animals in their backyards or other parts of Casey and uploading their observations to iNaturalist. Casey Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther said the program offered residents an opportunity to learn more about their local environment. “With so many events happening throughout the month, I encourage everyone to get outdoors and discover the amazing plants and animals that also call Casey home,” she said. The Australian Plant Society plant sale and sustainable gardens talk – 5 September If you’ve been thinking about bringing more indigenous plants to your garden, you’ll find plenty to choose, along with specialist advice, at the plant sale held on Saturday 5 September at Akoonah Park from 9am to 3pm.
Stallholders will have plants that suit local conditions, support wildlife, encourage biodiversity, and won’t break the budget. There will also be plant giveaways, flower displays and raffle prizes. If you’re after more inspiration, one of Australia’s top landscape designers, Phillip Johnson will be presenting a talk on Sustainable Gardens using Australian Native Plants in the Function Centre at 10am. Entry to this event is $5 and registration is required. Book at: events.humanitix. com/phillip-johnson-sustainable-gardens-using-australian-native-plants Buzzing with Bees, Beautiful Butterflies & Backyard Biodiversity – free event, 23 September Discover the wonderful world of bees, butterflies and other pollinators at the Old Cheese factory, Berwick on Wednesday 23 September. Explore the gardens with Council’s biodiversity team to search for insects and learn about the important role pollinators play in keeping gardens healthy and thriving. Children will enjoy hands-on activities, build their own insect hotel to take home and receive a pollina-
Bird at Cranbourne Gardens. (Gary Sissons) tor-friendly plant to help create habitat in their own backyard. Suitable for children aged 5-12 years. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian: Bookings are essential via: eventbrite.com/
cc/2026-biodiversity-month-activities-4859926 Night Safari – Moths and Spiders – free event, 29 September Come along on a night safari and discover the moths, spiders and other nocturnal insects that call Morning Mist Recreation Reserve home. Run by members of the Entomological Society of Victoria and The Arachnid Academy, you’ll search for invertebrates in bushland areas and then photograph and record the insects you find, all of which contribute to the 2026 Biodiversity Blitz. Suitable for all ages and levels of experience. Children need to be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. The event is free and bookings are essential via: eventbrite.com/cc/2026-biodiversity-month-activities-4859926 Aussie Bird Count The annual Aussie Bird Count is happening later in October, but if you want to find out more about it and get prepared, join the information webinar on 1 Oct: yarraranges-vic.zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_PAY64owqRtexfsJ-IzoDAw#/registration
sponsored content
Why scammers pretend to be your bank and how the con can work Scammers impersonate brands people already know and trust, and banks are among the mosteffective disguises available to them when trying to catch out people and businesses. “Scammers love to impersonate known brands, known entities,” said Shannon Brown, CommBank’s Fraud and Scams Industry, Intelligence and Disruption Senior Manager. “But they also really like to impersonate banks.” The clearest example is the callback scam, and it starts with a message that doesn’t ask you to click anything. “Customers may receive an SMS or an email asking them to call a number to fix a problem,” Brown said. Ringing a number feels like the cautious thing to do, which is part of why it works. “When the customer calls that number, they actually hear hold music and an automated voiceasking them to select an option to talk with a phone specialist,” Brown said. “It sounds reallylegitimate and really mimics that call centre experience that most of us are familiar with.” “In a lot of these scam calls, we hear scammers say, hey, I know the first six digits of your card,” Brown said. “People take that as a sign of familiarity. They think, obviously you must work for the bank because you know my card number.” Those six digits are not personal information. They can often be a bank identification number,which is standard across a card range, so the same six digits sit on many cards. Brown saysscammers may already know them from publicly sourced information. Brown says they will ask for details such as a client number, a password, multi-factor authen-
8 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 3 September, 2026
tication codes, or a full card number, anything that helps them take over an account orgain unauthorised access. They may even ask you to download remote access software to access your computer. The other version is a direct request for money, and it tends to arrive in the same words. “Often they’ll use language like, make a payment to a safe account, and that’s a really big redflag,” Brown said. Stop. If a call or text claiming to be CommBank seems suspicious, take a breath so you can think clearly before you act. Check. Look for a different way to verify it. If the contact claims to be from CommBank, hang up and reach us through official channels like the CommBank website, CommBank app or thenumber on the back of your card. Reject. Cut off the contact, don’t make a payment and don’t hand over your information. Find out more at CommBank Newsroom
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NEWS
No funding for station By Violet Li A replacement for Devon Meadows’ ageing fire station remains unfunded, as a mechanical failure forced the brigade to temporarily keep its fire truck outside the engine bay. CFA Deputy Chief Officer South East Trevor Owen confirmed there had been a mechanical issue with the engine bay door, which required repairs. “The door has an emergency manual release which allows the brigade to continue turning out to emergencies,” he said. “While CFA waited on parts to arrive to fix the door, the brigade kept the truck outside the engine bay area.” The incident attended by Devon Meadows firefighters during the mechanical failure occurred outside the brigade’s primary response area, with its volunteers responding in a supporting capacity. CFA brigades routinely work together to maintain emergency-response coverage when a brigade or vehicle is temporarily unavailable. Mr Owen said CFA’s priority was protecting the health and safety of its members and ensuring brigades could continue operating safely. However, he confirmed a new station at Devon Meadows was “not currently funded”. The setback comes four years after brigade members publicly called for their cramped and ageing Finsbury Road station to be replaced. The station was built by brigade members in 1946 and comprises two structures joined together. Its rear section, which houses the brigade’s vehicles, was formerly part of the Narre Warren fire station before being transferred to Devon Meadows decades ago. In 2022, volunteers raised concerns about asbestos, limited parking, a lack of space and exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes inside the engine bay. They said volunteers were required to put
A mechanical failure with the station’s roller door happened during a response to an incident. (Google Map) on breathing apparatus and protective equipment beside a running fire truck in the confined space. The site also had little capacity for expansion because it bordered the Devon Meadows Scout Hall and Glover Recreation Reserve. Then-captain Nathan Thorp said at the time the brigade had made numerous unsuccessful funding applications and needed room to grow alongside the community. A five-year plan prepared in 2010 had reportedly identified Devon Meadows as a prior-
ity, but no replacement station eventuated. Mr Owen confirmed asbestos remained present at the station, as it was in many buildings constructed during the same era. “Similar to most buildings from that era, asbestos is present at the station; however, it was last audited a couple of months ago and was reported to be stable,” he said. A Victorian Government spokesperson said the CFA is stronger, better funded and better resourced under Labor with more trucks, modern stations, and the equipment they need to
help keep Victorians safe. “Labor is rolling out a new truck at a rate of every four days to the CFA, and every CFA region is receiving new infrastructure funding in this year’s Budget,” they said. It is advised that the State Government works on advice from the CFA about which stations can be upgrade based on operational needs. Operational decisions, including the allocation, maintenance and servicing of appliances, are made by the CFA.
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Thursday, 3 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 9
NEWS
Off the rails: Tax scrap By Callum Godde, AAP A secret tax on public transport users will be scrapped but an apologetic premier has refused to divulge when he learned about it. A report by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office into Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop on Wednesday revealed a previously undisclosed levy was placed on all public transport fares in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. The charge was introduced as an annual one per cent increase in fares, on top of yearly inflation rises, from the start of 2025. It was not acknowledged by the state Labor government or Transport Victoria in their public communications about fare increases in 2025 and 2026. Premier Ben Carroll, who was public transport minister in 2021 when the charge was approved, on Thursday vowed to abolish the levy. “Victorians do deserve an apology,” he told reporters. “There was no transparency on the creation and implementation of this charge and now as premier taking the state in the new direction, I give Victorians that apology.” The premier conceded the secret tax eroded trust in his government and all governments, and has requested an audit to check if there are any other similar undisclosed charges. Mr Carroll, who replaced Jacinta Allan as premier in late July, said he was “not part of the creation” of the levy after repeatedly refusing to “relitigate the past”. “It was created in 2021. I was not part of the BFC (Budget and Finance Committee) process,” he said. Now-Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams was public transport minister when fare price increases for 2025 were announced in December 2024. She said she was aware of the charge at the time but was unaware of any “proactive decision” to keep it “hidden from public view”. “This is clearly something that has not met
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll. (Picture: Jay Kogler/ AAP) the pub test,” Ms Williams said. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson supported the government’s move to ditch the tax but said its undisclosed introduction was a fundamental breach of trust. “Ben Carroll isn’t sorry. He’s sorry that he got caught,” she said. The auditor-general said the government had planned to allocate 60 per cent of revenue collected through the levy, estimated at $4.8 billion in net present value terms to 2062, to help fund Suburban Rail Loop East. The loop is a planned 90km orbital line stretching from Cheltenham in Melbourne’s southeast to Werribee in the outer-west via the airport at Tullamarine.
The 26km eastern section from Cheltenham to Box Hill is slated to cost up to $34.5 billion, with a target delivery of 2035. Ms Williams claimed the government ultimately decided collected revenue would go to a fund for public transport services rather than paying for infrastructure projects such as SRL. Total revenue collected from the charge between January 2025 and the end of February 2026 was $6.2 million. Public transport fares in Victoria have since been made free for certain commuters and halfprice for all others in 2026. The state government has not explained how it would make up the long-term budget shortfall created by dumping the charge, which was
forecast to raise about $8 billion over 37 years. It came as Mr Carroll continues to swing changes behind the scenes, with Department of Transport and Planning secretary Jeroen Weimar the latest senior bureaucrat to exit. Mr Weimar was best known for leading Victoria’s operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic and steered the authority tasked with delivering the 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria before the event was cancelled. He will be succeeded by the department’s deputy secretary of transport services Fiona Adamson, who will start in the role on Friday. Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Jeremi Moule has already been replaced by former treasury head Chris Barrett.
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FOCUS ON … SENIORS
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ers become part of a community of like-minded people who share similar interests, values and life stages. That connection naturally contributes to a greater feeling of security and wellbeing. For many, moving to Lifestyle Communities is about simplifying life and creating more time for the things they enjoy most. Less time spent maintaining a large property means more time for travel, hobbies, social activities and making the most of every day. As more Australians rethink what they want from retirement and beyond, many are discovering that the true value of community living ex-
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Thursday, 3 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 11
FOCUS ON ... FATHER’S DAY
Shower your dad with love FATHER’S Day is a wonderful opportunity to express your love and appreciation for your dad. Here are some heartfelt ideas to make his day memorable: Personalised Gift: Create a personalised gift such as a custom mug, photo album, or engraved keychain. It shows that you’ve put thought into making something unique for him. Outdoor Adventure: Plan an outdoor activity he enjoys, like a picnic, hiking, fishing, or a game of golf. Spend quality time together doing something he loves. Handwritten Letter: Write a heartfelt letter expressing your feelings and gratitude. Share special memories, lessons learned, and how he has impacted your life. Tech Help: Offer to help him with any techrelated tasks, whether it’s setting up a new gadget or assisting with social media. This can be a meaningful way to show your appreciation. DIY Workshop: If he enjoys building or fixing things, organise a DIY workshop where you work on a project together. It’s a bonding experience that can create lasting memories. Movie Marathon: Choose a lineup of his favorite movies or TV shows, and spend the day watching together with popcorn and snacks. Gardening: If he loves gardening, spend the day planting flowers or tending to the garden together. It’s a serene way to bond and create a beautiful space. Memory Book: Compile a scrapbook filled with pictures, mementos, and notes that remind him of special moments you’ve shared.
· · · · · · · ·
· Support His Hobby: Invest in something related to his hobby, whether it’s a new set of golf clubs, art supplies, or a cooking class.
Remember, the key is to tailor your gesture to his personality and interests. The most important thing is to let him know how much you love and
appreciate him. Whether it’s a grand gesture or a simple heartfelt conversation, your love will surely shine through.
The day to celebrate Dad Father’s Day was first celebrated in Australia in the 1930s, inspired by similar celebrations that had begun in the United States in 1910.
The Australian Father’s Day Council, with The Shepherd Centre (TSC) involved from 1998 to 2021.
Records show Australians began recognising Father’s Day in the early 1930s but the Commonwealth did not officially designate the first Sunday in September as Father’s Day until 1964.
In 2022 the award organisation was handed to The Fathering Project.
Although the origins of Father’s Day in Australia have been influenced by international traditions, celebrations reflect our outdoor lifestyle and take advantage of warmer spring weather. The day also acknowledges the contribution of dads on the national stage, with the annual Father of the Year awards. The first award was inaugurated in 1957 by
Notable Fathers of the Year have included Prime Minister Robert Menzies, singer David Campbell and his dad, Jimmy Barnes, comedian and television presenter Hamish Blake, Australia Muslim Doctors against Violence founder Jamal Rifi and basketballer Andrew Gaze. Australia’s first Father of the Year was businessman and philanthropist Sir Edward Hallstrom. This year’s winner will be announced on 4 September.
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Migrant skills ignored By Cam Lucadou-Wells Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre chief executive Jim Mullan has urged employers to recruit in a way that reflects South East Melbourne’s diversity. Having a job was the most significant building block that Australia offers new arrivals, he told an SMRC inclusive employment forum on 27 August. But many faced barriers that prevented them finding work that matches their experience. In Greater Dandenong, 27 per cent of employed overseas-born residents with tertiary qualifications were working in jobs that were less skilled or unrelated to their level of study. A case in point was forum panelist Dr Naseer Stanikzai, who struggled to access food, housing, education and employment after arriving in Australia with his family in 2021. He worked as a humanitarian worker with international organisations in Afghanistan and completed a Masters education in community health education in the US. But he was rejected from work in his trained field in Australia due to a lack of “local experience”. “That really hurt me,” he said. Instead, job-agency case managers would send him job “opportunities” in plumbing and electrical work. “I always hear that Australia needs health professionals so that kept me motivated.” Struggling on meagre wages as a doctor, he worked as a humanitarian aide with the United Nations – which paid ten times more - to support his family of four kids. During that time, he saw suicide bombers explode in front of him. Targeted killings by gunmen on motorbikes had become widepread in Kabul. Dr Stanikzai was in fear of being the next target, particularly
while walking to work at the Australian embassy. As the country collapsed under Taliban rule, he and his family fled for Australia. In Australia, he finally scored a job in community health at the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing – describing the office and the support as like “going from hell to paradise”. As the inaugural chair of the DFFH Multicultural Staff Network, colleagues would tell him of discrimination. One said that their ideas would be ignored in meetings, but others would bring up the same ideas and be valued. Dr Naseer joined SMRC’s Professional Connect Group to meet like-minded overseas-trained doctors and health care workers and support each other in finding a job. He was pained by the plight of an accomplished gynaecological surgeon from Afghanistan who had vainly applied for work in Australia for several years. Many from his homeland face impracticalities of obtaining police checks or supervisor references for applicants fleeing the Taliban regime. He told the forum to take into account that new-arrival recruits will initially lack confidence, fear the new environment and fear being judged. On the flip side, having in-demand language skills should be regarded highly. “We know how to do things, but we do it differently. Accept the difference. “We’re here whether you like it or not. If you rely on Centrelink, that’s not a good thing.” The forum featured speakers from WIRE, SisterWorks, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, South East Water and SMRC. SMRC employment program worker Sophorn Ung implored employers to focus more on skills, knowledge and experience – rather than where applicants come from. Rather than asking them for their Australian work experience, ask what they can contribute,
Jade Blakkarly (WIRE), Marybeth Yarosh (Swinburne University), Craig Halloran (DFFH) and Naseer Stanikzai. (Dali Saula)
Naseer Stanikzai. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 575220) she said. WIRE chief executive Jade Blakkarly said workplaces needed to see diversity as an asset, not a deficit.
Jade Blakkarly (WIRE). (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 575220) “Diverse workplaces are better in a thousand ways, whether from a productivity point of view or a staffing point of view.”
AI bias against workplace diversity By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Attendees were able to hear from young people on support services available to them such as training, mentoring and community connections.
Casey councillor and Narre Warren South ALP candidate Stefan Koomen, pictured right, with Social Engine CEO Mark Watt in the centre.(Supplied)
A collective approach with Collective Impact, Social Engine and Big Brothers BIg Sisters of Australia.
Social Engine gets youth on track By Sahar Foladi A morning tea was held to support some of the region’s most vulnerable youth into jobs through social procurement. Collective Impact, with social enterprises Social Engine and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia, brought together community organisations, businesses and delegates from Monash and Casey councils to get behind the drive. Social Engine strives to support young people into work experience and paid employment through their hospitality sector, corporate catering and logistics and warehousing. CEO, Mark Watt, says the event on Wednesday 26 August in Dandenong South successfully showcased the crucial works that they do.
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“A lot of people wanted to get involved in support of social enterprise by buying their products, which, in turn, gives the young people more work to do. Such as in the warehouse, to pick and pack. “We also want to let people know how much they’re helping young people and refugees with the vocational experience through work experience jobs.” The event was another opportunity to hear about the challenges young people face in gaining employment and the practical programs available to them to mentor, train, strenghten community connections and employment. Attendees also heard from youth exiting Parkville College, a specialist Victorian Government School for students who have been detained in custody or are transitioning from these
settings. The College caters for some of the most vulnerable students in the state, tailoring education to students to maximise their success. Social enterprises like the Social Engine support these youth once they’re out through work experience, to build on their skill set and confidence prior to employment. Recently, Social Engine has expanded to a food van venture at the Australian Grand Prix. At least 70 young people including those of refugee background were either employed or secured into work experience in the last financial year. Collective Impact also extends financial support to Social Engine and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia.
Automatic AI recruitment was skewing away from diverse workplaces, an inclusive workplace forum heard. South East Water diversity, equity and inclusion lead Cate Darcy told the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre forum on 27 August that there was “too much risk” to use AI in recruitment. AI was becoming a daily fact of life and easing administrative burden, with recruiters now asking candidates how they are using AI, Darcy said. But Darcy cautioned that AI was based off historical data and therefore relying on bias. There needed to be human oversight in every aspect. “There’s too much risk that we’ll miss the opportunity of hiring a wonderful candidate by being over-reliant on AI”. Confirming that experience, SisterWorks head of programs Mamiko Nakada told of 20 clients (or ‘Sisters’) being all rejected at the automatic AI interview stage – “which never happens”. On enquiry, the employer conceded to SisterWorks that the tool seemed to exclude their “cohort”. The Sisters were successful after being offered face-to-face interviews. Outside of recruitment, Nakada said the Sisters were being trained to use AI tools, which were being incorporated into their programs. “We can’t avoid it. The world is going in that direction.” Department of Families, Fairness and Housing employment programs team leader Craig Halloran said the department didn’t use AI at all because of the privacy risks. The department couldn’t risk sensitive information about families getting out into the public domain. WIRE chief executive Jade Blakkarly said AI skewed towards “historical candidates” and wasn’t used in HR and recruitment. “We see intersectional experience as an attribute. We look actively for it and we know AI can’t do it.” AI use and digital literacy were however important skills for its workers in other parts of the organisation, Blakkarly said.
Thursday, 3 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 13
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More candidates ready Lifelong Narre Warren North resident Sebastian Crutchfield will contest the Labor-held Narre Warren North seat for One Nation. (One Nation)
Bass local, beef farmer and mental health social worker Nikole Schellekens will contest the ultramarginal Bass seat for One Nation. (LinkedIn)
He supports restoring law and order, easing pressure on families, backing small businesses, protecting individual freedoms and putting everyday Australians first. He will compete against sitting Labor MP Belinda Wilson and Greens candidate Hayley Perry. A Liberal candidate had not been publicly confirmed at the time of publication. For the Bass seat, local beef farmer Ms Schellekens has more than 20 years’ experience in social work and mental health and holds a Master’s degree, with research focused on the mental health of Australian farmers. She is the founder of AgMind Australia, which delivers practical, peer-led mental health
support to farming communities in sheds, paddocks and community halls. A local news story in January this year identified her as the secretary of the Victorian Farmers Federation’s Bass Coast branch. The One Nation’s candidate profile says Mr Schellekens is standing for One Nation because she believes Parliament need representatives with real-world experience who listen, remain accountable and speak up for their community. Her focus is on easing cost-of-living pressures and delivering roads, health, housing, and infrastructure that keep pace with growth while protecting Bass’s farmland and rural character. Ms Schellekens previously contested Bass
Coast Shire Council’s Western Port Ward in 2024. During that campaign, she talked to Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser and described herself as a small-business owner, mother of two and farmer living on a multi-generational beef property. Her community involvement has included serving for three years as president of San Remo Preschool, co-founding Bass Playgroup, fundraising for the CFA, working with local business associations and fostering dogs for a rescue organisation. At the 2024 Council Election, Ms Schellekens said she did not belong to a political party and believed local government should concentrate on community needs rather than party politics. She is now standing under One Nation’s banner at state level. Her opponents in Bass include Labor’s Chris Buckingham, Liberal candidate Rochelle Halstead, Greens candidate Sophie Thorn and Victorian Socialists candidate Chris Jobe. Bass Labor MP Jordan Crugnale is retiring after retaining the electorate by just 202 votes in 2022. One Nation has now announced candidates across Dandenong (Glenda Wright), Berwick (Michael Piastrino), Narre Warren North(Mr Crutchfield), Narre Warren South (Trevor Hammond), Pakenham (Warren Pickering) and Bass (Ms Schellekens).
Bec - 2026 Parklea Pakenham Horse Show Coordinator and Past President Geoff Young.
Mia Atkins with Border Show Black Diamond (affectionately Raven) from Pakenham Upper.
Congratulations Eva Parsons, with horse Treelea Park Casino Royale - Interschool Rider 1st as well as Champion Open Rider Under 18 years .. magnificent result.
Thankyou Sophie Pelops with your beautiful companion Cantik Park Silohette.
By Violet Li One Nation has announced candidates for Narre Warren North and Bass. Lifelong Narre Warren North resident Sebastian Crutchfield will contest the Labor-held seat, while farmer and mental health social worker Nikole Schellekens has been selected for the ultra-marginal seat of Bass. Mr Crutchfield, 26, is the managing director of family-owned road construction business Allmark Linemarking Services and is expecting his first child. His local connection dates to his childhood. In 2013, Berwick Star News photographed Mr Crutchfield and his brother Jake helping unload Christmas trees for a Friends of Ermera fundraiser at Gleneagles Secondary College. According to the One Nation’s candidate profile, Mr Crutchfield’s family business has supported local clubs and contributed to the area for decades, which shaped his belief that strong communities are built through hard work, personal responsibility and people willing to contribute. The profile also says Mr Crutchfield regarded his age as a strength. He is standing as the One Nation candidate for Narre Warren North because he refuses to accept declining community safety, unaffordable living costs and poor government accountability as the new normal.
A spectacular success The 2026 Parklea Pakenham Horse Show was an overwhelming success on Sunday, 30 August, attracting huge entries and showcasing an impressive calibre of local and interstate equestrian talent, from much-loved ponies through to magnificent thoroughbreds. Held once again at Ayr Hill Equestrian Centre, Clyde North the event drew an exceptional turnout of riders, families and supporters, with the rings buzzing throughout the day. With an enormous field of competitors ranging from seasoned show regulars to young riders proudly stepping into the ring for their very first show. The impressive entries created a wonderful atmosphere of excitement and friendly competition, with riders demonstrating skill, dedication and plenty of good sportsmanship across the day. Parklea Pakenham Horse Show coordina-
tor Bec Phillips extended a heartfelt thank you to everyone who entered, attended, volunteered and supported the event. “We had a great turnout of riders for all classes, from junior to senior, it was great to see you on the day. Our volunteers, stewards and judges, without you all, we would not be able to put on such a fabulous day for our competitors. The canteen staff who fed everyone on the day, thank you. Our sponsors, without you, a day like this would not be possible, we thank you for continuing your support for our show,“ she said. Special thankyou to our sponsors First National Real Estate - Neilson Partners, White Horse Equestrian, Alessandra Solivan - Labor Candidate for Pakenham, I’m Rick James Bricks, Bling It On Pony, Ray white, Officer Gavin Staindl, Maytime Park and Suburban Lodge Show & Training Stables
“A Team Volunteers” 2026 Parklea Pakenham Horse Show at Ayr Hill Equestrian Centre - Ian, Bec, Meaghan, Zoe, Jaylan and Lynda.
Congratulations Judi Aspinall on your win for Supreme Native Breed with Dayle Clarke and horse Woodview Remembrance.
14 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 3 September, 2026
Darcy Watkins - Westlake Merry Man Evandale Tasmania - Champion Primary Interschool Rider Scotch Oakburn College .. first time entries.
Kayla and Ivah with Jukebox Park Trick or Treat.
Jordan Barnard with EBL Empower (Annie) from Essendon.
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Book week with Violet Li 1 What genres do you enjoy reading most, and why? Fiction, because all those subtle emotions, feelings, and thoughts that you cannot easily tell people in your life are in the fictions. I find comfort there knowing I am not the only one who shares that untold experience. 2 What book are you currently reading, what drew you to it, and what lessons or insights have you taken from it? I just finished the 670-page ‘The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny’ by India-American novelist Kiran Desai during the weekend. It was shortlisted by the Booker Prize 2025. The novel, set largely from the 1990s to just after 9/11, follows two upper-middle-class Indian students who go to the United States: Sunny, who eventually works a fairly mundane journalism job in New York, and Sonia, a creative-writing graduate who returns to India after struggling in America. Their families once try to arrange a match between them, it fails, and yet the two eventually find their way to each other, separate, and come together again. The central condition both characters share is loneliness. Their alienation comes from family, romance, race, migration and their country’s history. They have left one place hoping to find something better, only to discover that the supposedly better place has its own exclusions and humiliations. Going home does not solve the problem either because they have changed too much to fully belong there either. I was immediately drawn to the story because I started here in Melbourne as an international student, and I also found my own loneliness along the way. It was a relief to see my story being represented on the paper. And just like them, I am getting better along the way, trying to find power in the loneliness. Although the story is set about thirty years ago, I found the experience of young international students surprisingly contemporary. Our anxieties about belonging, identity and isolation have
Violet with The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. (Stewart Chambers: 573488) barely changed. That is probably why I connected with Sonia and Sunny so strongly. In a strange way, reading about their loneliness made me feel less lonely myself. What makes the novel powerful is that Desai
does not stop at diagnosing the problem. She patiently shows Sonia and Sunny trying to reclaim themselves: recovering their identities, learning how to tell their own stories again and finding strength in solitude, exile, nature and, some-
times, love. The novel at its core is about immigration in America. We are living in a time of constantly debating whether immigration should be allowed here in Australia. The conversation rarely goes beyond questions of numbers and policies. When immigrants suffer mentally, they are told to go back to their countries and stop complaining. Maybe it is time to start to talk about the more profound and human aspects of immigration. 3 What is your favourite book of all time, and why does it stand out to you? The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler. Human beings just form connection at weird times. 4 Has a book or author ever changed your perspective or had a lasting impact on you? I read The Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk during my honeymoon to Georgia and Turkey earlier this year. I never read a love that could be this passionate, destructive, yet ignorant. He loved her so deeply, yet he never saw her. What a marvellous concept. 5 Where and when is your favourite place and time to read? My house and airplane. Nighttime is my favourite time to read, but sometimes I find it hard to fall asleep after active thinking from reading. 6 What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being a reader? You get cured by reading, but you need to cure yourself again by eventually disassociating with the stories. 7 What books would you recommend to others in the community, and why? The Bee Stings by Paul Murray and Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. Family is an inescapable concept, especially the dysfunctional ones. 8 As we celebrate Book Week, what does reading mean to you? Reading makes me stop thinking about myself and my reality. Yet when I am back, I find myself better at thinking about myself and my reality.
Casey Grammar celebrates a symphony of stories Colourful literary characters filled Casey Grammar School as students and staff celebrated Book Week under the 2026 theme, A Symphony of Stories. The school’s activities included author visits, incursions, a book fair, competitions and reading sessions, while library classes explored books shortlisted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia. Students and staff ended the week by dressing as characters including Willy Wonka, Alice in Wonderland and figures from fairy tales and sporting biographies. “Children of all ages can learn so much from a well told story,” head of the Joan Reid Learning Centre Diana Thompson said. “We have used this year’s theme to talk about how a symphony takes different things to bring together to make a better whole. “The annual dress up is something in which the whole school participates, and is always a bright and vibrant way to end the week. “We have opportunities for students to share their costumes with each other and talk about books, reading and all the magic this can bring, but seeing the smile when you recognise their character and they can tell you all about the book is always the highlight.” Acting principal Dr Robert Jacob said Book Week provided an opportunity to demonstrate that reading extended beyond classroom learning. “Reading is the gateway to critical thinking and problem-solving and can reduce stress and improve mental health,” he said. He said many families put a huge amount of effort into their costumes to make them as realistic as possible, while others use simpler means to represent a character, the most important thing is to get involved. “Book Week inspires students and staff to pick up a book they might not otherwise have chosen and carry that curiosity well beyond the week itself,” he said. “Reading opens doors to new perspectives and possibilities. If we can help students see books not simply as part of their learning, but as something that can enrich their lives, that is always worth celebrating.”
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Bananas in Pyjamas Milania and Mikaela. (Stewart Chambers: 571858)
Adele, Allegra, McKenzie, Annie and Ally as Winnie-the-Pooh characters.
Sienna, Ruby, Marcia and Grace.
Abi as Paddington Bear.
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WHAT’S ON Cranbourne Seniors Club Dance New Vogue and Old Time Dance with Eileen. Lunch included. Friday 4 September 11am-3.30pm at Cranbourne Seniors Club, 1 Codrington St Cranbourne; $15. Details/bookings: Marilyn, 0466 623 210.
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Australian Plant Society Indigenous plants for your garden, with specialist advice. Landscape designer Phillip Johnson will talk on sustainable gardens using Australian native plants. Also plant giveaways, flower displays, raffle. Saturday 5 September 9am-3pm at Akoonah Park, Berwick. Phillip Johnson talk at the function centre, 10am; $5. Bookings required: https://events. humanitix.com/phillip-johnson-sustainable-gardens-using-australian-native-plants
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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 Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; free event. Registration required: https://www.trybooking.com/DKACU
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Adaptation Game 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
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Berwick Farmers Market A no craft market – only farm fresh fruit and veggies, open range ethical eggs, honey, baked goods, artisan breads, vegetable seedlings, ethically raised meats, jams and preserves, dairy, wine, nuts, ready to eat goods. Saturday 12 September, 8am-12pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; gold coin entry.
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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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AFL fun day For all dads, grandfathers, father figures and their children (under 7 years of age). Join the Clyde North Dad Squad for a morning of AFL footy fun. Kick a ball, score a goal with your child, and meet other local father figures. Sunday 20 September, 10am-12pm at Orana Park Playground, 1 Fresco Pl, Clyde North; free event. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/ DLFXM
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Spring into Art Primary school children can explore different art techniques, experiment with a variety of materials and let their creativity shine. All materials provided. Tuesday 22 September, 10am-11am at Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris St, Lynbrook; $10. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DNNFS
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Plant and Paint Kids paint their own pot, plant a seedling, and take it home in this fun, hands-on workshop. Suitable for primary school ages, with parents and siblings welcome. Thursday 24 September, 11am-12pm at Autumn Place Community Hub, Autumn Place, Doveton; free event. Bookings required: https:// www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1597309 Details: 9792 7382 or autumnplacech@casey.vic. gov.au
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Gathered in Clyde market Clyde’s first community market is coming. 100-plus
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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
Fun activities, face painting, stalls and food, entertainment and community celebration. Saturday 19 September, 10.30am-1.30pm at Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre, 141-147 Endeavour Drive, Cranbourne North; free entry.
local makers, food trucks and unique finds. Familyfriendly fun for everyone. Sunday 27 September, 9am-2pm at Eliston District Park Playground, Clyde; free entry. Details: https://www.facebook.com/gatheredinclyde
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Night Safari – Moths and Spiders Come along on a night safari and discover the moths, spiders and other nocturnal insects in bushland. Photograph and record the insects you find for the 2026 Biodiversity Blitz. For all ages and experience. Children need to be supervised by parent/ guardian at all times. Run by Entomological Society of Victoria and The Arachnid Academy. Tuesday 29 September, 7pm-10pm at Morning Mist Recreation Reserve, 45 Langley Road, Cranbourne South; free entry. Bookings required at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/night-safari-moths-andspiders-tickets-1996424901623?aff=odcleoeven tsincollection
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Little Chefs Learn easy, tasty recipes, explore new flavours and make delicious dishes to take home. Suitable for primary-school ages. Parents and siblings welcome to join. Thursday 1 October 11am-12pm at Autumn Place Community Hub, Autumn Place, Doveton; free event. Bookings required: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1597313
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Zine-making workshop for teens Create your own zine (pronounced zeen) - a small self-published book or mini magazine that can be about poetry, art, music, books, gaming, fashion, your favourite fandom, latest obsession or anything in between. For ages 13-17. All materials provided. Friday 2 October 2pm at Hampton Park Library, 26 Stuart Ave, Hampton Park; free event. Bookings: https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/ event?id=242369
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In conversation with Michael Robotham Michael Robotham will chat about his 20th published novel, Tell Me Something True, set in a small Australian town (his first Australian-set novel). Saturday 3 October, 2pm-3pm at Bunjil Place Library, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=244068
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Join one of Victoria’s leading independent community media organisations. Star News Group is seeking an enthusiastic, results-driven and customer-focused Print & Digital Sales Representative to join our dynamic sales team. With a proud history of delivering trusted local news across print, digital, newsletters and social media platforms, Star News Group connects businesses with highly engaged audiences throughout Melbourne’s south-east and regional Victoria. About the Role : This is an exciting opportunity to manage an established client portfolio while actively developing new business opportunities across our diverse media platforms. The successful applicant will work with local businesses to create effective advertising campaigns incorporating: • Newspaper advertising • Digital display advertising • Sponsored online content • Email marketing campaigns • Digital Newsletter Key Responsibilities : • Maintain and grow an existing client base. • Identify and secure new business opportunities. • Develop tailored advertising and marketing solutions for clients. • Prepare proposals, presentations and campaign recommendations. • Work collaboratively with editorial, design and digital teams to deliver outstanding client outcomes. About You: You will possess: • Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills. • Strong organisational and time management abilities. • A positive attitude and a passion for helping local businesses succeed. • A current driver’s license and reliable vehicle. What We Offer : • An established territory with existing clients. • Competitive salary package including base salary and commission. • Supportive team environment. • The opportunity to work with a respected and trusted community media brand. • If you are passionate about sales, enjoy working within your local community and thrive in a fast-paced media environment, we’d love to hear from you. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
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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
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Thursday, 3 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 17
SPORT
Magpies cop harsh lesson By Blair Burns A stark contrast in goalkicking accuracy made the loss look worse for Narre Warren than it perhaps should’ve as Bentleigh produced an emphatic victory over the Magpies in the Southern Division 1 qualifying final on Saturday, winning 20.5 (125) to 9.13 (67). Narre Warren may have finished second on the ladder and only lost six matches in the regular season, but it is yet to find the recipe to beat Bentleigh, losing to the Demons for a third straight time. Bentleigh was kicking goals from everywhere on Saturday as the sun beamed down at RSEA Park, confidence was sky-high and a seven-goalto-two opening term set the tone. The Demons were seemingly unable to miss and rode a huge wave of confidence as the game went on. Bad kicking is bad football, but for Narre Warren, the concerns potentially go a bit deeper than that. Yes, they were still missing Julian Goerlitz (finger), Ben Giobbi (back), Jimmy Dwyer (shoulder) and Callum Porter (away), but the Demons tore them apart, particularly in the third term as the scoreboard began to get ugly. Bentleigh is a quality side and with a plethora of talent from higher-level football including former AFL players like Sam Durdin, Kayne Turner and Ben Cavarra, they are hard to beat. But Narre Warren would be disappointed with how easy the game got away on Saturday. The Demons looked hungrier, fitter, stronger and cleaner as they handed the Magpies their heaviest defeat of the year by some margin. In fact, the past two weeks have been Narre Warren’s two heaviest defeats of the season after their first five losses were all narrow defeats by 51 points combined. “At the end of the day, Bentleigh were a bit too good for us, their ball movement was exceptional and we just weren’t able to slow them down,” Narre Warren coach Steve Kidd said. “There wasn’t enough pressure up the ground and it meant that they were able to score pretty quickly and easily. “That is something we need to look at if we get another go at them in finals, they were just too good in the contest.” After kicking the first two goals of the day, Narre Warren was put on the back foot as Bentleigh went on a huge run to kick seven straight goals and head into quarter time with a healthy 43-15 lead. While sometimes you have to nod your head and say “too good”, the Magpies needed to lift the intensity around the ball and not allow the Demons to exit defensive 50 as easily as they were. Kidd encouraged his troops to lift and that’s exactly what they did in the second term, outscoring their opposition three goals to one and getting back in the contest. “We just wanted to concentrate on grinding it out a little bit, creating some repeat stoppages and slowing them down as much as we could,” he said. “Our ball security in the first quarter was a bit off at times and we were kind of bees to the honeypot, so when they were able to get it out, they were out and gone.” After a couple of missed opportunities for Bentleigh, the Magpies went forward through Hayden Dwyer who found first-gamer Braydon Deville about 55-60 metres out on the lead. Deville fired off a handball to another youngster in Brice L’etang who was running past and lowered the eyes to hit Will Howe on a lead - the big fella went back and kicked truly. A few minutes later and Narre had another through Hamish West after Jake Richardson applied a strong tackle and forced a turnover. It was a matter of minutes before the Magpies swooped again, benefiting from a silky inside 50 from Thomas Russell, which found Howe despite his opponent being all over him. Howe slotted his second of the day and the margin got back to just 10 points, before Brayden Kirk got one back for the Demons to head into half time up 51-35. The vibes were up in the Narre Warren camp and the Magpies were right back in the contest. Pressure and the contested work had been better, as had the ball movement linking up with some nice chains out of defence. This term was going to most likely decide the game, Bentleigh threw the punches in the first,
18 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 3 September, 2026
Ethan Kennedy gets a clearance on Saturday against Bentleigh. (Gary Sissons: 574924)
Narre Warren youngster Luca Pascuzzi takes a mark on the lead. (574924) Narre Warren responded in the second and it was almost back to an even playing field. Inside the first 60 seconds of the third term, Bentleigh marched the ball forward with ease and hit the scoreboard through Kirk, setting the tone for the rest of the term. From here, the Demons kicked another six goals for the quarter and kept the Magpies goalless with the margin out to 56 points at the final break. It meant that Bentleigh had kicked a remarkable 7.1 in both the first and third quarters as they took every chance and made Narre Warren pay for its mistakes. Ethan Kennedy was doing everything he could, copping a big hit and recovering a few minutes later to deliver a morale-boosting chasedown tackle on Cavarra. But he needed a few guys to come along with him and lift the intensity. “We were really pleased with Kenno’s game, he had the job on Cavarra when he was in the middle of the ground, and I thought he did a pretty good job there,” Kidd said.
“He was able to get a bit of his own ball as well and he showed his leg speed and talent, it just shows at 20 odd years of age, he is going to be a star for us in the future.” At three-quarter time, spectators were expecting a bit of a spray from Kidd after his side had been outscored 43-3. “They outran us, they outworked us, we have to work a little bit harder both ways,” he said in the huddle. “You’re better than that boys, the youngest bloke on the team is fighting his arse off out there - just look at him if you want any inspiration. “We need to fight this game out and get a bit of respectability.” The last quarter was a bit of an arm-wrestle as both sides went back and forth and almost halved the term. The final margin was 58 points as Bentleigh had five different players kick three goals in an even spread up forward. Kennedy and Tom Miller were Narre Warren’s standout performers in the loss, while the likes of Hayden Dwyer, Mitch Tonna and Jake Richardson
also impressed. Veteran Kurt Mutimer injured his hamstring early in the second half and took no further part in the game, while Giobbi was a late out on Friday with back soreness - he was replaced by debutant Braydon Deville, who did his role well. In the elimination final on Sunday, it was Cheltenham who advanced as the Rosellas defeated St Paul’s McKinnon by 25 points, 12.15 (87) to 9.8 (62). • SOUTHERN DIVISION 1 NARRE WARREN 2.3 5.5 5.8 9.13 (67) BENTLEIGH 7.1 8.3 15.4 20.5 (125) Narre Warren Goals: Will Howe 2, Jesse Davies, Hayden Dwyer, Jett Kearney, Ethan Kennedy, Luca Pascuzzi, Mitch Tonna, Hamish West. Best: Ethan Kennedy, Tom Miller, Aaron Firrito, Jake Richardson, Mitch Tonna, Joel Zietsman. Bentleigh Goals: Callum Dooley, Thomas Dowsing, Sam Durdin, Brayden Kirk, Castan Racunica 3, Ben Cavarra 2, Jacob Curry, Joshua Mackie, Kayne Turner. Best: Brayden Kirk, Thomas Dowsing, Alex Lvovsky, Ben Cavarra, Christopher Giampaolo, Mitchell Smart.
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SPORT
Kingswood clicks into gear By David Nagel Cranbourne-trainer Gavin Bedggood received a huge thrill on Saturday when two of the favourite horses in his stable quinelled the $200,000 Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield. Bedggood’s ageing 10-year-old star Just Folk dictated the race from barrier two, and looked the winner until the shadows of the post; before stablemate Kingswood launched a sustained run down the middle of the track. Kingswood, first up after a Group 1-winning trip to New Zealand from December to March, proved too strong on the line; winning by almost a length to make it six wins from 21 career starts. While jockey Blake Shinn had the luxury of gate two aboard Just Folk, and rode the race accordingly, winning hoop John Allen had the unenviable task of navigating the journey from barrier 16. Allen found a lovely position in the run, threewide but with cover; both in front of him and from horses that were forced to sit four and five wide during the race. Just Folk kicked at the top of the straight, but Allen extricated himself beautifully at the 300 with Bedggood’s stablemate in his sights. A Group-1 winner over 2000 metres, the seven-year-old grey stallion dug deep to surge clear inside the final 100 metres of the trip. “It was a great win, and a great ride; from barrier 16 he had him three back, so well played by John (Allen),” Bedggood said post-race. Bedggood said Kingswood had enjoyed a nice break once returning from New Zealand, and that a steady build-up had him cherry ripe for a solid first-up performance. “We danced every dance; we raced through the Melbourne spring and we raced through the summer months (New Zealand),” Bedggood explained. “He was able to have a really good break after the autumn. “He’s been in work for probably four months, so I knew fitness wasn’t a question here today. “I just wanted to see a fair, even track; he doesn’t want really soft ground.”
Kingswood gobbles up stablemate Just Folk to win the $200,000 Listed Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. (Pat Scala/Racing Photos: 575223) Bedggood confirmed lofty ambitions for his striking grey horse. “The plan has always been to try and get to a Caulfield Cup fourth up,” he said. “He will probably be weighted out of the Naturalism now, so he will probably go to the Underwood in three weeks and see where we line up.” While Bedggood was thrilled with the win of Kingswood; he had a fleeting moment of regret that Just Folk had been the horse to be run down. He also confirmed that a trip across the ‘ditch’ may also be on the cards. “I am a bit bummed,” Bedggood confessed.
“I thought the winner could win, but he’s 10 years old (Just Folk) that horse and hadn’t won for a while. “He’s been a great horse for us and probably just needed a bit more rain during the week. “Blake gave him a great ride, but off that run we might go to New Zealand for a Group 1 in three weeks’ time.” Allen said Kingswood gave him a great feel on the weekend and looked set for a profitable spring. “He’s come back in great order, Gavin and his team were confident he’d run a big race,” Allen said. “He’s performed well in the past, he’s shown he’s definitely capable of winning a race like this,
it worked out well. “We had a tricky draw but ended up getting a nice run through them and he did the rest. “Gavin said he had a very smooth preparation with him this time; he’s had a few hiccups in the past so hopefully he can be winning nicer races in the future.” Fellow Cranbourne trainer Ciaron Maher took bragging rights on the day with a winning treble; landing the top prize with Saint George (Race 3) and Custom (Race 5) before rounding out the program with a dominant three-length win for Fancify.
Panthers claw up after sensing opportunity to pounce By David Nagel Casey Panthers have leap-frogged Old St Kevins into second place on the State League 6 Men’s South-East table after a convincing 3-1 away victory on Saturday. The Panthers are now one point clear in second place, with an upcoming home-game against bottom-placed Mentone - winless and pointless this season - providing a perfect opportunity to finish off the year in style. The race for second place is tight, with Casey, Whitehorse, Old St Kevins and Mt Eliza all still capable of finishing one-rung below runaway title holders Old Ivanhoe. The Panthers struck early on the weekend, with Liam Jones providing the visitors with the perfect start after just eight minutes of play. But Old St Kevins wasted no time in hitting back, with David McKessy finding the back of the net just 10 minutes after Jones had shown the way home. Nematullah Ahmadi then gave Casey a 2-1 lead at the break, before Lucas Whiteside nailed the winner in the 78th minute to take the Panthers’ record to 13 wins, four draws and four losses with one round left to play. Pakenham, meanwhile, also made the perfect start in its Friday-night home clash with Frankston Pines…before going down 2-1 when the final whistle was blown. Last week’s hero Lado Suliman was once again the fire-starter for Pakenham, landing an early strike with just four minutes ticked off the clock. Pines struck back after 15 minutes, with Kenan Akalan levelling the scores after getting the better of United’s defence. Scores didn’t stay locked at 1-1 for too long in the second half, with Pines going ahead by a goal after a lovely finish from Onur Goksu just six minutes after the break. Pakenham had its chances to equalise, but Pines proved too strong on the night; currently
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Lucas Whiteside sent Casey Panthers rocketing into second place on the table after a second-half winner against Old St Kevins on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 567655)
Liam Jones put Casey ahead with an early goal against Old St Kevins. (567655)
sitting eighth…just one place ahead of United who now sits eight points adrift in ninth. And Bunyip Strikers finished off a mixed weekend for local teams with a dour 0-0 draw with fifth-placed Mt Eliza at Bunyip. Bunyip coach Paul Cooper made several changes in the second half to try to ignite a spark, but both teams were forced to settle for a scoreless draw. Despite the modest scoreline, the point was important for the Strikers; who now sit level on points with Pakenham (18) with one game re-
by Old Ivanhoe 6-2, Whitehorse United def Knox United 9-1. LADDER: Old Ivanhoe 57, Casey Panthers 43, Whitehorse United 42, Old St Kevins 41, Mt Eliza 41, Brighton 32, Old Melburnians 29, Frankston Pines 26, Pakenham United 18, Bunyip Strikers 18, Knox United 9, Mentone 0. FIXTURE R22 (Final): Old Ivanhoe v Pakenham United, Whitehorse United v Brighton, Casey Panthers v Mentone, Frankston Pines v Old St Kevins, Knox United v Bunyip, Mt Eliza v Old Melburnians.
maining in the season. Bragging rights are up for grabs, with Pakenham paying a visit to top-team Old Ivanhoe in round 22, while Bunyip also hits the road to take on second-last Knox United. Pakenham currently sits above Bunyip via goal-difference alone. STATE LEAGUE 6 MENS SOUTH-EAST RESULTS R21: Pakenham United def by Frankston Pines 2-1, Bunyip drew Mt Eliza 0-0, Old St Kevins def by Casey Panthers 3-1, Mentone def by Brighton 3-0, Old Melburnians def
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Thursday, 3 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 19
Thursday the 17th September 2026, 11am to 3pm
Cranbourne Bowling Club 5 Grant Street, Cranbourne VIC hqjgoldexchange.com.au 12883619-AD36-26
20 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 3 September, 2026
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