Thursday, 24 September, 2026
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Rail freight on track
Allied health strike
Social housing push
Stingrays create history
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Milestone reached It was quite the party, with longtime friends and peers coming out to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre. Many spent the morning reflecting on how much the group has developed and grown in the last four decades. It was originally founded in 1984 with just 30 members, slowly growing to hundreds of members overtime. The milestone was celebrated with good food, cake and entertainment such as line dancing. Many told stories looking back on former members and presidents. For more pictures, turn to page 18
Line dancing took the show away.
Rules bypass Victoria has unveiled tougher rules for future data centres, but the rules will not apply retrospectively to the proposed $1.1 billion Clyde North data centre. Under the State Government’s Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan released on Tuesday 22 September, new facilities must be at least 150 metres from homes and cannot be built in residential zones or near schools and childcare centres.
However, the requirements will not apply retrospectively to applications already being assessed, including Galileo Group’s proposed data centre at 585 Berwick-Cranbourne Road. The nearest residential area in the north is more than 150 metres from the approximately 53.6-hectare site, across Thompsons Road, according to the developer. However, the group plans to build a strip of future retail and showroom between
Thompsons Road and the two data centre buildings. The proposal has prompted concern from residents about noise, electricity, water use, diesel backup generators, traffic and the project’s proximity to housing and a childcare centre. Cranbourne Greens candidate Annalise Mercer, who is also a concerned community member, said 150 metres is not actually that far when
it comes to an enormous industrial building sitting next to a community. “The issue is not simply how close the building is to someone’s house,” she said. “We are already expecting these facilities to generate constant noise, and the government says that measures will be required to manage that noise. “But what does that actually look like for the people living beside them?” she said.
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Inland freight hub on track By Sahar Foladi Monash Freeway may be relieved of thousands of freight trucks, with works set to begin on a long-awaited South East hub as part of a $58 million Port Rail Shuttle Network. Salta Properties will start construction of its Inland Freight Dandenong South Terminal in 2027, which would link to the Port of Melbourne. Two 700-metre rail tracks will be constructed within the Intermodal Terminal, linking to an additional 800-metre spur track reported to have been completed in 2022 by Star Journal. As part of the Port Rail Shuttle Network, the track will run via the Cranbourne line through Bayliss Road Dandenong South to the port. It is expected to remove 175,000 trucks of cargo off Monash Freeway each year. Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne launched the State Government’s Freight on Track: The Victorian Rail Freight Plan 2026- 2036 on Wednesday 16 September at the Salta site, along with Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams and industry representatives. “This is such a game changer for the south east of Melbourne, it will drive economic development and also to create jobs down here. “I think it’s a lot of determination on Salta’s part and a lot of encouragement from government.
“It reduces congestion, reduces carbon, and is much more effective and gives us a productivity uplift.” Jointly funded with $28 million from state and federal governments in partnership with the private sector, the news comes a decade late, but better late than never. Salta’s managing director, Sam Tarascio says the logistics of working on a project worth hundreds of millions of dollars on 180 hectares of land was the challenging part. He sees no reason for further delay with the automated terminal. “We’re standing on a site here that’s over 180 hectares so there’s the amount of works that you don’t see - drainage in the ground, power in the ground - the roads that you can see, the earth moving. These are massive undertakings. “A lot of the uncertainty revolves around the initial stages of infrastructure, and you can see from the site now just how established it is now. “So, we’re almost there now where we can actually put those tracks in the ground and we’re looking forward to doing that and hopefully getting first trains in the near term. “We know that the south east region of Melbourne is our largest destination for freight. It’s also a big origin of freight as well so we need to ensure we’ve got the scale here to enable the volume as the volume builds.” It’s an exciting turning chapter for Salta. Its
Melissa Horne, Gabrielle Williams, Salta Properties founding director Sam Tarascio Snr and managing director Sam Tarascio.(Natalie Edge) founding director - Tarascio’s father Sam Tarascio Snr - has pushed the vision for 22 years as an answer to road freight and congestion. Deputy Premier Williams says the project “has been a long time coming.” “Since I was first elected in 2014, we fought to have this project delivered to ensure that we could take thousands of trucks off local roads, including off the Monash Freeway. “We also know that we have challenges of rising fuel prices for example, that getting freight onto rail is really important. “So, there was a number of reasons, really, why this project was really critical to liveability in one of our fastest growing areas.”
Addressing Victoria’s road conditions and potholes, she says environmental crises like floods, fires and heavily-loaded cargo trucks add “a lot of strain” on local roads. “That’s all the more reason why we need to modernise the way that we maintain our roads and ensure that it’s meeting the expectation of our community, so that people can get to where they need to go, not only faster, but safer.” By 2050, the Port Rail Shuttle Network is predicted to move 30 per cent of Melbourne containers by rail to terminals in Dandenong South, Altona and Somerton. The Federal Government invested $18.3 million and the Victorian Government $9.7 million in the spur line project. Since 2025, the network has moved containers by rail from Somerton to the Port of Melbourne – taking trucks off the road, cutting emissions and costs for businesses. Regional freight trains transport more than $2 billion worth of freight annually, delivering agricultural products, paper products and mineral sands. The Labor Government says it has invested almost $600 million in Victoria’s regional rail freight network, supporting heavier axle loads, increased speeds, improved reliability, new and extended passing loops and increased capacity on key rail freight routes
New State data centre rules bypass Clyde North proposal By Violet Li New State planning rules will require data centres to be built at least 150 metres from homes, but the new rules will not apply retrospectively to the proposed $1.1 billion Clyde North data centre. The State Government released its Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan on Tuesday 22 September, with new requirements covering the location, electricity, water consumption, community consultation and local benefits. Under the plan, data centres will be prohibited on residentially zoned land, and a 150-metre buffer must separate a residential building from a proposed data centre building. The plan also says data centres are expected to be built away from schools and childcare centres, although it does not specify minimum separation distance from those facilities. In rural zones, they would be prohibited unless located near infrastructure critical to their operation. However, the reforms will not apply retrospectively to planning applications already under assessment. That means the new requirements will not affect the proposal lodged in April for a large data centre campus at 585 Berwick-Cranbourne Road in Clyde North. The proposed development is on an industrial zoned land. The nearest residential area in the north is more than 150 metres from the approximately 53.6-hectare site, across Thompsons Road, according to the developer Galileo Group.
Cranbourne Greens candidate Annalise Mercer at a rally against the proposed Clyde North data centre. (FILE) However, the group plans to build a strip of future retail and showroom between Thompsons Road and the two data centre buildings. The proposal has prompted concern from residents about noise, electricity, water use, diesel backup generators, traffic and the project’s proximity to housing and a childcare centre. The new Action Plan states that requirements should not shift “unpredictably” for projects already underway. For future proposals, developers must also ensure comprehensive community notification. Immediate neighbours must be formally notified, detailed application documentation published online, and prominent signage displayed on the proposed site. Under these settings, the assessment of large data centres will involve two clear opportunities for public consultation, firstly through existing
planning notice requirements and through the EPA’s Development Licence application process. Cranbourne Greens candidate Annalise Mercer, who is also a concerned community member, said 150 metres is not actually that far when it comes to an enormous industrial building sitting next to a community. “The issue is not simply how close the building is to someone’s house. We are already expecting these facilities to generate constant noise, and the government says that measures will be required to manage that noise. But what does that actually look like for the people living beside them?” she said. “Are we going to end up with enormous walls and industrial structures sitting between our homes and the spaces around us? “There is also a bigger question about what these developments will do to the character of our communities. “In Cranbourne and surrounding areas, there are places where you can still see beautiful green spaces, farmland and the Dandenong Ranges in the distance. Even where there are already houses and industrial estates, those views and open spaces contribute to the character of an area.” Ms Mercer also questioned if the new rules are genuinely designed to protect communities, why should communities with applications already underway be excluded from those protections? Under the Action Plan, new data centres will also be expected to offset their operational electricity consumption through investment in new renewable generation and storage, while pay-
Architectural render of the proposed Clyde North data centre: the building from the adjacent road. (Galileo Group) ing for connection costs and network upgrades caused by their projects. Facilities using water-intensive cooling will be expected to use recycled or other non-drinking water. Where that is not immediately available, developers must agree on measures to offset drinking-water consumption and pay the full cost of required infrastructure. A proposed Local Investment Guarantee would also require projects to produce lasting community benefits, potentially including local employment, training, procurement, parks and community facilities. Premier Ben Carroll said data centres must “power themselves, protect homes and pay their way”, while allowing communities to share in their economic benefits. Detailed statewide guidance covering data centre siting, design, scale and built form is expected to be developed with stakeholders in 2027.
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Members are demanding for better pay, protection against extreme burnout and better career progression.
Over 30 VAHPA union members gave up their lunch break to take part in the rally.
Protest set to heat up By Jensy Callimootoo Allied health workers at Casey Hospital joined colleagues across Victoria in industrial action on Tuesday (22 September), escalating a prolonged dispute over pay and working conditions. More than 30 allied health workers, among them includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers, gathered outside Casey Hospital on Tuesday; many giving up their lunch breaks to call upon the government for a 36 per cent pay rise over four years and stronger protections against burnout. As they stood outside the busy hospital, placards in hands, the public were loud in their support, with consistent honking and hooting from their vehicles. The negotiations with the union started in September 2025, now hitting the 12-month mark, with plans of further stop-action if the unions’ demands aren’t met. In June of 2026, an offer was put on the table for HSU No.3 workers, which covers roughly over 30 professions, but physiotherapist of eight years Matt, described it as “quite insulting”.
“It didn’t come anywhere near the wage increases we were hoping for,” he said. “No changes to workload safety which is going to better help our patients, no answers to career progression to retain experienced staff. With cost of living pressures rising, from interest rates to commute costs, Matt says that the current wage many staff are living off is simply “not good enough”. “We’re all hurting, we’re all going through positive living pressures regardless of where we are in our progression,” he said. It’s important to note that the allied health sector is not covered by one bargaining arrangement. In August, allied health professionals operating under a different agreement (HSU No.4), such as medical scientists, pharmacists, dieticians and psychologists were awarded a 28 per cent pay increase over three years. In addition to changes to their classification and career progression status. Lauren has been a physiotherapist for seven years and has worked at Monash Health for five years in an acute medical ward helping people
learn to walk again. From strokes to falls, her range of expertise and skills are expansive. And like her colleague Matt, Lauren is demanding for better conditions and pay that adequately reflects those skills. “I don’t think they (the government) take us seriously,” she said. “I think they see a lot of value in doctors and nurses and I do too. I think they’re fantastic, but we also help people have a good quality of life and we deserve to be paid for the work we do as well and not be forgotten about.” A crucial element of VAHPA’s conditions is the establishment of a modern career structure. Currently, there are limitations to how much a qualified employee can progress in their career, leaving “nowhere for them to go”. “We’ve got experienced clinicians that are stuck in low-level junior roles because there’s no career progression,” Matt says. “And if we want those senior clinicians to stay and to give the best possible care to our patients we need better pay to attract staff.” For Matt, allied health work often goes “unrecognised” or “undervalued” not just by the
Casey’s mobile tower debate under the spotlight By Jensy Callimootoo Poor mobile phone coverage in Casey’s rapidly growing suburbs has become the subject of renewed political attention, with Berwick MP Brad Battin calling for reform to the way mobile phone towers are planned and approved. Speaking in the Victorian Parliament, Battin sought a formal briefing for the City of Casey and Cardinia councils about mobile infrastructure in areas including Clyde North, Officer and Berwick. Arguing that that planning requirements and delays were contributing to poor mobile coverage. He said residents in parts of the growth corridor were experiencing little or no reception and argued that delays in approving new towers were contributing to the problem. Battin said mobile connectivity should now be treated as a basic necessity, particularly as communities expand faster than infrastructure is delivered. He also called for mobile infrastructure to be considered earlier when new suburbs and precincts are planned. The issue comes as Casey continues to experience rapid residential growth, particularly around Clyde North and Cranbourne East. Casey Mayor Michelle Crowther said the Council recognised the importance of reliable
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mobile services and had heard directly from residents about the impact of poor coverage. “Mobile phone networks and infrastructure should be recognised as an essential service, alongside utilities such as water and energy,” Crowther said. She said the council would continue advocating to both the State and Federal Governments for better mobile coverage across Casey. According to Casey Council, planning for telecommunications infrastructure has historically been limited during the development of new communities. As population density increases, finding suitable locations for additional infrastructure can consequently become more difficult. While planning delays have been blamed for slowing the rollout of mobile infrastructure, Casey’s planning records show the council has approved telecommunications facilities, with the extent to which council processes have contributed to delays in the rollout unclear. Crowther said Casey had previously successfully advocated for stronger planning controls in new precinct structure plans, requiring mobile infrastructure to be considered earlier in the development process. Council has also been working with telecommunications providers, particularly in growth areas such as Clyde and Cranbourne
public, but also by the government — meaning the essential work that they do is often not “taken seriously”. “The reality is allied health just isn’t as well known as other professions are. “We actually comprise well over 30 different professions and over 42,000 staff across Victoria. “These are lots of people that do really hard work behind the scenes to help support the entire breadth of the hospital system, to get people home safe, to get people the help they need to be able to manage at home, look after them while they’re at home and deliver all sorts of care across the continuum.” With the State election a little over two months away, the window for a fair deal is narrowing. With the deadline approaching, the union says it will continue pressuring the government for an adequate response. This includes a 24-hour stop work planned in October and further rallies at different locations in September. “If the government doesn’t give us the offer that we’re asking for they’re going to hear about it,” Matt says.
First of its kind catering truck welcomed
(On file) East, and notifying providers about upcoming developments so they can plan for future infrastructure. However, it says the timing of infrastructure installation ultimately sits outside its control. Casey Council has also previously backed broader advocacy on telecommunications in growth areas. In February 2025, councillors unanimously endorsed a Municipal Association of Victoria submission calling for greater attention to telecommunications infrastructure in growing communities. But with thousands more homes planned across the municipality, the question of where and when mobile infrastructure is provided is likely to remain an important part of the region’s growth and planning conversation.
Narre Warren Fire Brigade will now be able to provide catering support at incidents both locally and further afield following the welcoming of a new food service truck. Funded through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP), the catering truck is an upgrade from the brigade’s previous unit. In the last 25 years, Victoria’s busiest brigade has provided catering support at incidents and training exercises, the new truck will allow them to continue and expand their catering ability. With new additions like a gas range, two burner griddle, an oven, hotplate and gas fryer, fridge and freezer space, a bain marie, contact grill and bun toaster as well as a two-burner salamander and extensive stainless steel bench space. The fresh design represents “an important step forward in volunteer welfare and operational support”, said catering co-ordinator Andrew Bartels. It means volunteers can serve people quicker than before, with the capacity to prepare a large serving of meals in just 12 minutes. “Our aim is to be able to start serving food within 30 minutes of arriving on scene,” Bartels said.
Thursday, 24 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 3
NEWS
Over 22 schools gave astounding performances across four nights at Bunjil Place.
Each performance was student-led and celebrated culture in different ways.
Local students from Cranbourne Secondary College also graced the stage.
Student creativity shines A local and explosive student-led showcase in Casey, celebrating the power of creativity, brought another successful round of performances over the last few weeks. Across four epic nights, 22 schools and
community groups around the South-East graced the Bunjil Place stage, with performers embracing the core values of the organisation — culture, creativity, and the magic of dance and music.
4Cs also celebrated its 20th anniversary of creating safe spaces for young people to feel seen and heard. Since starting, the organisation has grown exponentially to student-led initiatives giving
them platforms that strengthen their identity, voices and leadership in the real world. Looking to the future, next year, 4Cs has plans to expand the already popular showcase to the western suburbs of Victoria too.
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Knife searches no cure By Afraa Kori
Dr Vincent Hurley calls on the government to address the root problem of knife crime. lice would choose whom to scan. He expected the powers would be used most often on young people in nightlife areas and on public transport, and said young people from minority backgrounds could face disproportionate scrutiny. He pointed to the public discussion of the Apex gang and machete violence as an example of how stereotypes about African-Australian young people could shape perceptions long after particular incidents. “It might not be intentional. It could be subconscious,” he said of the potential for bias in police decisions. Labor has pointed to more than 1,400 weapons seized by Queensland police since July 2025 as evidence of what wider scanning powers could achieve. Mr Hurley said seizure figures alone would not establish whether knife violence had fallen. “You’re not going to be able to look at the success or failure of this for another five years,” he said. He said Victoria’s recent machete-bin amnesty would also need time to assess, but questioned how many people carrying weapons would voluntarily surrender them. “Only good people are going to hand them in,” he said, adding that people involved in organised crime were unlikely to use the bins. Jack’s Law is named after 17-year-old Jack Beasley, who was fatally stabbed in Surfers Paradise in 2019. His parents, Brett and Belinda Beasley, have campaigned for stronger measures to prevent knife violence.
Criminologist Dr Vincent Hurley believes Jack’s Law is a band-aid solution. (Supplied)
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A criminologist has backed Labor’s promise to expand police knife searches across Victoria but warned that seizing weapons alone will not address why people carry them. Premier Ben Carroll has pledged to introduce Jack’s Law if Labor wins the November state election. It would allow police to scan people with handheld metal detectors in public places without first declaring a designated search area. Labor says it would provide 1,200 additional detectors and introduce the powers by early 2027. “My priority is community safety – and stop and search powers for knives is the new direction I’m delivering,” Mr Carroll said. The Liberals and Nationals also support Jack’s Law. Opposition police spokesperson Brad Battin accused Labor of adopting a policy it had previously resisted. “Labor resisted Jack’s Law. Now Ben wants to adopt it and call it a new direction,” Mr Battin said. “Our plan has always been for Jack’s law to take knives off the street.” Criminologist and former NSW police detective Vincent Hurley welcomed efforts to remove knives from the streets, but doubted the proposed searches would substantially reduce violence on their own. “Any effort made by any government to get knives off the street has got to be a good thing,” he said. “Taking a knife off the street’s good, but is it going to really solve the problem? No, because it’s a much deeper problem than that.” Mr Hurley called the proposal a “band-aid solution”, saying it would not change the reasons people carried weapons. “All it’s doing is taking a knife off the street. It doesn’t go to intrinsically change the psychological behaviour of someone who carries a knife,” he said. Mr Hurley also raised concerns about how po-
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Thursday, 24 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 5
NEWS
Housing questions Late last week, Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM), an alliance of eight South-East councils including Casey, underscored the dire social housing crisis the state’s currently grappling with. To put in perspective, in Victoria, there are 58,000 to 61,000 active applications waiting for public and community housing, with demand increasing. Community housing services are at the brink with new cases, including a soar in families and children under 14 seeking assistance. GSEM has worked with community housing providers, launching an urgent campaign for $6 billion to invest in housing dwellings over the next decade — but this will be just enough to house 19,000 Victorian families. According to industry experts, the development of social housing is the most direct way to ease cost-of-living pressures and allow families to invest in a better life, but greater State and Federal funding is needed. In a Star News series, we’ve asked our local candidates and MPs how they would advocate for more social housing in their electorate. 1. Do you agree that there needs to be a significant increase in social housing? Is this something you advocate for during your campaign and, if elected, during your term? ■ Stefan Koomen (Labor): Yes. I support increasing the supply of social housing in Casey. I’ve stood up for affordable and secure housing locally while Mayor and I believe our community needs more housing options for people who are struggling to find a safe and affordable place to live. The Victorian Government has made significant investments in social housing, including through the Big Housing Build and the Social Housing Growth Fund, but there is more work to do. If elected, I would advocate for further investment in social housing in our local community. ■ Matthew Kirwan (Greens): While we also need more emergency and transitional housing, governments need to build more social housing, particularly public housing,
Greens South Eastern Metropolitan lead candidate Matthew Kirwan. (Supplied) to end the homelessness crisis. ■ Phillip Pease (Liberal): We need to deliver more housing for all Victorians. Under this Government, we have only seen a net increase in public housing stock of only 36 over the past decade. We are also seeing public housing being left vacant because of poor maintenance. We first need to look at getting our existing stock back online. 2. What do you see as the main obstacle/s to affordable housing supply? ■ Stefan Koomen (Labor): The biggest challenge is making sure we are building enough homes, in the right places, while keeping them affordable for working people and families. I support Labor’s approach to increase housing supply not just in new growth areas, but also in established communities, particularly where people have access to jobs, public transport, schools and other services. We need to continue building in our growth areas, while also creating more housing opportunities in established suburbs. ■ Matthew Kirwan (Greens): The housing market is broken because for too long, houses have been treated as an investment vehicle, not a place to live. We can’t rely on the private market to deliver affordable housing be-
cause developers prioritise margins over affordability. Instead we need Government to once again create public housing in large amounts. We need to stop Labor’s sell-off of public housing and instead double the number of public homes. To help fund that, introduce an ultra-wealth tax for property investors who own more than $5 million in residential investment properties. In the meantime, we need to cap rent rises, crack down on dodgy agents and landlords, and make renting secure and fair. ■ Phillip Pease (Liberal): Being able to deliver more social housing has the same problems as building homes here in Victoria. Already 43 per cent of building a home here in Victoria is made up of Government taxes and regulation. To be able to deliver more housing across Victoria this needs to change. Under Jess Wilson, a Liberal Nationals government will introduce no new taxes and we will exempt first home buyers from Stamp Duty up to $1 million and deliver Land Tax relief. Making it easier for all Victorians to have access to a home.
Community Housing IndustryAssociation Victoria CEO Sarah Toohey and Greater South East Melbourne chair Simon McKeon. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 579519)
South East housing crisis the numbers ■ South East Melbourne recorded the second highest number of homeless clients in Australia in 2023-‘24, with 9,980 people seeking support, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. ■ The region also recorded the second-highest number of people at risk of homelessness and the third-highest number of people experiencing homelessness. ■ At the 2021 Census there were 146,000 Victorian households in need of housing assistance, including people experiencing homelessness, living in overcrowded homes or paying rents they could not afford. ■ Yet Victoria has the lowest proportion of social housing stock in Australia – just 3 per cent.
Stefan Koomen, Labor candidate for Narre Warren South.
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$6b social housing plea By Cam Lucadou-Wells Social and affordable housing has been in chronic shortage – but when are we actually going to “turn the dial”? The challenge was laid down to political parties by Greater South East Melbourne chair Simon McKeon on the eve of November’s state election. McKeon leads GSEM - an alliance of eight South East councils – who along with community housing providers and homelessness services launched an urgent pitch for $6 billion for 19,000 social housing dwellings in the next decade. This will be just enough to house the 19,000 Victorian families with children currently waiting for public or community housing. But it’s just a fraction of the 58,000-plus households in total on the waitlist. “Across our region, councils and communities are grappling with a real and visible increase in homelessness and rough sleeping,” McKeon said on 17 September. “Safe and affordable housing is the foundation for strong and connected communities. “When government invests in housing, the benefits are felt across the entire community. It improves outcomes for vulnerable people, reduces pressure on services and helps ensure our growing region remains liveable for everyone.” It was time to solve the issue, rather than perpetuate it, he said. An extra 80,000 social housing homes over the next decade were needed to meet the expected total need, Community Housing Industry Association Victoria chief executive Sarah Toohey. “But we have to start somewhere,” she says. The campaign is placing a focus on families with children 14 and under, who on average
Community Housing IndustryAssociation Victoria CEO Sarah Toohey and Greater South East Melbourne chair Simon McKeon. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 579519) have moved from private rental to private rental six times. The upheaval displaces children from friends, sports clubs, schools and community connections, Toohey says. Social housing was the most direct way to ease cost-of-living pressures and allow families to invest in a better life. “It’s an investment in our young people and the future of our state,” she said. Rent was the biggest cost for households, with
many on low wages devoting more than 50 per cent of their income to keeping a roof above their heads. Nearly 2500 community housing homes had been built in the past year. But it wasn’t keeping up with the burgeoning waiting list that’s driven by economic factors such as inflation, she says. Launch Housing acting CEO Dr. Andrew Hollows says the service is partnering with the State
Government on two social housing projects due for completion in Dandenong in 2027, delivering “150 brand new homes to Victorians who need them most”. “At Launch Housing we know that ultimately, the solution to homelessness is more social and affordable housing. “When people have access to a safe, affordable, and appropriate home and the support to keep it, they thrive.”
‘Fear of the unknown’ - social housing’s stigma By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Community Housing IndustryAssociation Victoria CEO Sarah Toohey. (Cam Lucadou-Wells: 579519)
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Social housing projects often attract local opposition that inevitably falls away, says community housing advocate Sarah Toohey. “It’s more about the fear of the unknown than the reality of what social housing is. “What we see is that there’s often large opposition to the development. But once that development is built, people forget that it is there.” The “old-era” social housing – such as public housing towers and broad-acre estates – weren’t built anymore, says Toohey – who is CEO of Community Housing Industry Association Victoria. “You wouldn’t even know the social housing was in your street.” Community housing – or social housing – offers genuinely affordable accommodation at 30 per cent of the household income. She says there’s a dire shortage of affordable private rentals, with many on the minimum wage spending 50-60 per cent of their incomes on rent, she says. “It’s housing people who are already living in the community. They might be either sleeping on a couch or in their car. We don’t know what’s going on in people’s lives.”
Thursday, 24 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 7
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Shemane in focus By Jensy Callimootoo Recently announced Liberal candidate for Narre Warren North, Shemane Nathanielsz says her focus will be on listening and speaking to local families and small business owners as they grapple with growing financial difficulties. The longtime Casey resident who has lived in the area for more than 35 years told Star News she’s supported the local community for over two decades and has spoken with families doing it tough amid cost of living pressures.
“When I speak with people across our community, it’s clear that they are hurting from rising costs,” she said. “Families tell me that they are paying more for school runs and the daily drive to work. “Small businesses are telling me that they are drowning in more and more red tape.” The registered nurse of more than 25 years has also previously worked as an electorate officer, working alongside Berwick MP Brad Battin. A little over two months from the election,
she says she’ll be concentrating on listening to “as many people” as she can and “earning our community’s trust”. “The frustration felt locally is real. I hear it and see it whenever I’m speaking to families and small businesses,” she said. Nathanielsz will be going against Labor’s Belinda Wilson who has held the seat since 2022 after the retirement of Labor’s Luke Donnellan. The electorate has previously been considered a Labor stronghold since its inception in 2002 with a margin of 10.4 per cent.
Shemane Nathanielsz, Liberal candidate for Narer Warren North. (Facebook)
Mobile CCTV trailers launched
The new mobile CCTV trailers will provide Victoria Police with a new tool to target crime. “People across my electorate have been rightly concerned about crime rates across Melbourne’s South East,” she said. “And community safety remains one of the issues residents raise with me most often.” A third trailer will be added and opera- City of Casey Mayor, Casey Councillors with Cassandra Fernando MP and Anika Dell from Deakin tional within the next month. University. (Stewart Chambers: 578409)
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Two mobile CCTV trailers have officially launched in Casey, marking the $900,000 Commonwealth-backed program to enhance safety. The trailers will be police-operated and mobile, meaning they will be deployed to different locations as crime patterns and community safety priorities change. Casey is the only municipality in Australia initiating the project alongside research by Deakin University, who will be assessing the effectiveness of the trailers over the next three years. This will be based on its capacity to prevent and reduce crime while improving community safety. Federal Member for Holt Cassandra Fernando attended the launch on Friday 18 September, alongside Casey Councillors including Mayor Michelle Crowther and Anika Dell, a representative from Deakin University. Fernando said the launch represented an important step in supporting local police, while ensuring future community safety investments are backed by evidence.
8 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 24 September, 2026
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Summerset Showcase Kick off the Victorian Seniors Festival with a fun and free community event at Summerset Cranbourne North. This fantastic event offers you a chance to connect with like-minded people, try something new, and enjoy a range of engaging activities in a friendly, relaxed environment. Start the day with a free coffee and some delicious food before getting involved in our “come and try” classes. Try your hand at lawn bowls in a low-pressure beginners game led by U3A, where you’ll learn all the basics. Feeling creative? Join local esteemed artist Jessie Ford as she guides you through a watercolour masterclass.
Enjoy live music and soak up the atmosphere - we even have the grandkids covered with a movie and popcorn in the theatre. A special highlight of the event will be a resident showcase, where Summerset residents display meaningful items and mementos from their lives, sharing their stories and offering a unique and heartfelt glimpse into their experiences over the years. No need to RSVP, simply drop by on the day, take part in as much or as little as you like, and enjoy a great day out. Love the life you choose.
Summerset Showcase Thursday 1 October, 10am to 12pm Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au
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Thursday, 24 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 9
BRISBANE LIONS - AFL GR
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10 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 24 September, 2026
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AFL GRAND FINALISTS 2026
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Thursday, 24 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 11
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12 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 24 September, 2026
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NEWS
Berwick fashion parade Ladies from the Friends of Red Cross celebrated their annual Fashion Parade and Luncheon on Wednesday 16 September. Despite the return of a cold front, over 50 attendees gathered at the St Andrews Uniting Church in Berwick for the festivities. Four lovely models displayed fashion pieces by Cliche Fashions —- a fashion brand based in Officer. Following the parade, it was time for raffle prizes which were donated by generous businesses in Berwick. Over $1000 was raised throughout the day for charitable purposes.
More than 50 people attended the annual parade and luncheon. (Supplied)
Helen Hamilton, Melissa Hogg-Marshall and models Rev. Sue Stott-Floyd, Maurine Harris, Suz Stephenson and Jill Leadley. (Gary Sissons: 578430)
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Thursday, 24 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 13
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FREMANTLE DOCKERS - AFL
14 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 24 September, 2026
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GRAND FINALISTS 2026
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Thursday, 24 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 15
FOCUS ON … SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Experience the thrill
for everyone. Located at 381 Back Beach Road, book your Go Kart sessions online at www.phillipislandgokarts.
16 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 24 September, 2026
Roll up, roll up! One of Australia’s longest-running travelling circuses is heading to Westfield Fountain Gate, Narre Warren, bringing the magic, excitement and spectacle of the Big Top to Melbourne’s south-east these September school holidays. After more than five decades entertaining audiences across the country, Circus Royale is back under its famous name with an action-packed live production featuring breathtaking circus acts, daring performers, incredible displays of balance and skill, plenty of laughs and edge-ofyour-seat entertainment for the whole family. And for those who like their circus with an extra dose of adrenaline, prepare for the heartstopping Globe of Death – a spectacular crowd favourite that has to be seen to be believed! Circus Royale has been entertaining Australian families since 1971, and today the magic of live circus remains just as special. From children experiencing their very first circus to parents and grandparents who remember the thrill of visiting Circus Royale when they were young, it’s an experience designed to bring generations together. There’s nothing quite like stepping inside a genuine travelling Big Top, watching the lights come up and seeing incredible performers take to the ring right in front of you. It’s the energy, skill, comedy, thrills and atmosphere of live circus at its best – and an experience the whole family can enjoy together. The Circus Royale Big Top opens at Westfield Fountain Gate on Friday, 18 September, just in time for the Victorian school holidays, with performances continuing until Sunday, 11 October 2026. With shows throughout the holiday period, Circus Royale is the perfect family day or night out and a chance to put down the screens, step inside the Big Top and create some unforgettable memories together.
CIRCUS ROYALE – NARRE WARREN
· Opening: Friday, 18 September 2026 · Season: 18 September – 11 October 2026 Westfield Fountain Gate, Brechin · Location: Drive, Narre Warren Tickets ON SALE NOW! Advance bookings are recommended, particularly for weekend and school holiday performances. Tickets & information: Circus Royale Facebook: Circus Royale on Facebook Instagram: Circus Royale on Instagram
· · ·
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Experience the thrill at Phillip Island Go Karts these holidays. It’s the perfect activity for friends and family. Book online at www. phillipislandgokarts.com.au/
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Looking for an exhilarating activity this school holidays? Look no further than Phillip Island Go Karts. Nestled on the stunning shores of Phillip Island, this adrenaline-pumping attraction is the perfect destination for an action-packed day out with your loved ones. Open seven days a week – plan your visit around your family and friend’s schedule. Whether it’s a weekend adventure or a midweek treat, you can rev up your engines and hit the 750m Go Kart track any day of the week. Jump in a single kart and race your mates, or take advantage of available tandem karts which are perfect for the little ones to experience the thrill of Go-Karting from the passenger seat. The meticulously maintained track and stateof-the-art karts are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Whether you’re a seasoned-pro or a first-time racer, the friendly and professional staff will guide you throughout your experience. Plus, enjoy what the Phillip Island Circuit Visitor Centre has to offer. Check out the History of Motorsport Museum which walks visitors through an incredible collection of motorsport memorabilia and Phillip Island’s racing history. Take a piece of your trip home with you from an exclusive selection of merchandise and stop by the Champions Cafe. Phillip Island Go Karts and Phillip Island Circuit Visitor Centre has something
Top magic is coming
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Greens South East upper house candidate Matthew Kirwan opened the launch event. (Violet Li)
The crowd.
Greens south east lower house candidates: Hayley Perry (Narre Warren North), Jill Nambu (Narre Warren South), Annalise Mercer (Cranbourne), and Roshan De Silva (Berwick).
The crowd.
Greens launch campaigns By Violet Li The Greens have launched their State Election campaigns for Narre Warren South and Berwick seats, with candidates Jill Nambu and Roshan De Silva putting planning, cost of living and public services at the centre of their election pitches. The pair addressed the participants at Bridgewater Family and Community Centre on Sunday 20 September. The launch had around 60 attendances. Ms Nambu said her involvement in campaigns surrounding the former Cranbourne Golf Course redevelopment, the proposed Hampton Park Waste Transfer Station, and the proposed Clyde North data centre and had encouraged her to contest Narre Warren South. She identified stronger state planning laws as a major priority. She believed that residents needed to be consulted and growing communities must receive adequate infrastructure and services. Healthcare access, public-school funding and cost-of-living pressures would also feature in her campaign. “People are working their butts off. They’re working two jobs, both parents, and they still struggle to pay their mortgage,” Ms Nambu said. In her launch speech, she described herself as an “everyday person” who wanted residents to be “happy, healthy and safe”. Ms Nambu said the Greens’ refusal to accept corporate donations distinguished the party from its major competitors.
Berwick candidate Mr De Silva, a Clyde North resident and a former Labor volunteer, has taught secondary-school physics and mathematics for about 20 years, including 13 years at St Francis Xavier College. Born in Sri Lanka, he migrated to Australia with his family in 2002 and later completed a graduate diploma in education at Monash University. Mr De Silva said climate change had been a longstanding concern, and he also nominated healthcare, education and housing as three services to which everyone should have equal access. “I know the problems that teachers face every day, so I really want to make sure if I’m elected, I do a lot more work for the teachers because they know what the problems are mainly,” he said. “There is underfunding in government schools. A lot of problems in society is because some of those kids have not been able to get a proper education. If they were given a proper education, they would have been much better off, and their families would have been lifted up because of that education.” Mr De Silva also called for more public housing. Mr De Silva will be competing with long-time Berwick Liberal MP Brad Battin. He said his advantage comes mainly from Clyde North, a hugely migrant community. “Migrants are not the problem. It is the corporations that are making it harder for everyday Australians. It’s not the migrants. Migrants are
Greens Narre Warren South candidate Jill Nambu delivered a speech. becoming an easy scapegoat for all the major parties,” he said. He said governments should instead develop evidence-based migration policies and properly plan where new residents would settle. Locally, Mr De Silva has been involved in the campaign seeking greater scrutiny of the proposed $1.1 billion Clyde North data centre. He shared that a parliamentary petition was approaching 2000 petition signatures. Narre Warren North candidate Hayley Perry, who was also present at the launch event, also talked to Star News. She has lived in the electorate for about 13 years, and she identified education, green-wedge protection, climate change and government integrity as her priorities. As the mother of two high-school-aged children, she said local families lacked confidence
in their public secondary-school choices, while teachers were experiencing stress and excessive workloads. Ms Perry also said inappropriate developments were encroaching on the green wedge and argued local representatives should make decisions in the community’s interest rather than that of political donors. Cranbourne candidate Annalise Mercer also came to the event to support other candidates. She said residents in her electorate were particularly concerned about crime, household costs, congestion and poor planning. “Everyone seems to think that they just put a bunch of houses there and didn’t think about anything else,” she said. “A lot of the improvements are a decade too late. And now it’s just causing so many issues. People are over with the traffic. It takes so long to get anywhere from Cranbourne. “There’s cost of living as well. Cranbourne is an area where a lot of people live week to week, and they’re not even able to do that. They’re living a week and two weeks in advance.” Ms Mercer backed the long-proposed Clyde rail extension. “It would be so beneficial for the community to have a train, particularly going to Casey Fields, which they’re trying to position as this sports hub,” she said. “But it’s not that accessible to bring people into our community. It creates so much traffic in that area. Having something like the rail link would make the traffic flow.”
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Thursday, 24 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 17
NEWS
21st Show a big hit Thousands basked in glorious Spring weather as Doveton Show marked 21 years on Sunday 20 September. Set at the scenic Myuna Farm, the budget-friendly show staged by volunteers has all the trappings of Royal Melbourne Show, with rides, farm animals, show bags, food vans, market stalls, face painting and live performances. “Our goal was to deliver a fantastic, affordable day out for the community,” show spokesperson Damien Rosario said. “And to see thousands of people enjoying the show today is incredibly rewarding. “Welcoming more than 7,500 people through the gates is a tremendous result and a wonderful reflection of the community’s sup-
Damien Rosario, left, at the Dr Hotdog stall operated by independent state candidate Scott Watson. port for the Doveton Show.” Rosario said he was proud of the organisers, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, City
of Casey and Myuna Farm for staging “such a special event”. “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved to-
gether.”
Celebrating 42 years By Violet Li
Crowd shot.
Club secretary Jenny Taylor with club president Denis Vanderhyde. (Gary Sissons: 577445)
The club’s life members who have been in the club for 20 plus years: Cyril Gonzalves, Bill Good, Shriley Hemmings, Anne Riswick, Brenda Good, Floss Trapnell, Belinda Wilson, Joy Taylor, Lynne Pretty, Gwen Williams, Nancy Abbott, Ann Campbell, Dale Abbott, Eliza Pik.
The club’s Committee of Management was elected at the AGM in July 2026:Jenny Taylor (secretary,) Lynne Pretty (treasurer,) Noela Binns, Ann Campbell, (purchasing officer) Karen Miller, Judith Reid, Laurence Stevenson, Denis Vanderhyde (president) George Giles, Gloria Vanderhyde (assist secretary) Yolande Paull (vice president), Darryl D’Mello, Peter Taylor.
Ann Campbell, Eliza Pik and Lynne Pretty with Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson and club president Denis Vanderhyde.
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Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre has celebrated its 42nd anniversary, reflecting on decades of friendship, service and change. The club was formed with 30 members in September 1984 and formally became the Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre in August 1985. Its current clubroom was built by the local Council in November 2000. Membership grew to 233 by 2019 but declined sharply during the Covid pandemic. While members could not meet, the committee stayed in regular contact and gatherings resumed whenever restrictions allowed. Club secretary Jenny Taylor said the club had since experienced a revival, gaining more than 63 new members over the past year and bringing total membership to about 163. “There’s a lot of singing and dancing, and I think the club is just being revived,” she said. The anniversary celebration featured line dancing, entertainment and recognition of past presidents, life members and the club’s late founding members. The cake was cut by Anne, the club’s longest-serving current member, who joined 25 years ago. Members qualify for life membership after 20 years, with 18 life members currently in the club. The oldest member, Joy, who will soon turn 101, also joined the celebration.
18 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 24 September, 2026
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Thursday, 24 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 19
WHAT’S ON Spring Orchid Show
Summerset Showcase
Berwick Orchid Club’s annual show features Australian and exotic orchid displays, as well as growing advice, and orchids, growing accessories and light refreshments for sale. Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September, 9am-4pm at 112 High Street, Berwick; $5/$3.
Learn the basics of lawn bowls with U3A, get creative in a watercolour workshop with local artist Jessie Ford, and enjoy live music. Grandkids are welcome too, with a movie and popcorn in the theatre. Thursday 1 October, 10am-12pm at Summerset, 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North; free event.
•
Gathered in Clyde market Clyde’s first community market is coming. 100plus local makers, food trucks and unique finds. Family-friendly fun for everyone. Sunday 27 September, 9am-2pm at Eliston District Park Playground, Clyde; free entry. Details: https://www.facebook.com/gatheredinclyde
•
Kids craft workshops Free ‘Under the Sea’ kids activities - a different activity each day. daily until Friday 2 October, 11am – 2pm at Kmart mall, Endeavour Hills shopping centre, cnr Matthew Flinders Avenue and Heatherton Road, Endeavour Hills; free event. No bookings required.
•
Age Pension and Your Choices seminar Have your questions answered on Age Pension and Your Choices & Accommodation Options. Presented by Services Australia. Followed by a fully catered afternoon tea. Tuesday 29 September 1pm-2.45pm at Balla Balla Community Centre, 7-9 Selandra Bvd, Clyde North; free event. Bookings required at https://nhs.clevero.co/balla-balla-cc/view/ course/303981256
•
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-mothsand-spiders-tickets-1996424901623?aff=odcle oeventsincollection
•
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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
•
U3A Cranbourne Open Day Meet tutors, group leaders and members, view all of our beautiful work and learn about the fun activities that we enjoy on and off the premises. Refreshments provided. Friday 2 October, 10am-1.30pm at Cranbourne U3A, 20-22 Bowen Street Cranbourne; free event. No bookings required. Details: admin@u3acranbourne.org.au or 0493 991 919.
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Connection, Movement & Wellbeing Enjoy gentle seated movement with a physiotherapist, practical everyday tips from an occupational therapist, an informal Health & Wellbeing Hub offering non-clinical information and advice, and the opportunity to meet new people over complimentary morning tea and light refreshments. For ages 55 and over. Friday 2 October, 10am-2pm at Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Blvd, Cranbourne West; free event. Bookings essential: info@caringheartsinhomehelp.com.au or 5993 5999.
•
Free Pickleball - Seniors Festival Free drop-in sessions during October. No bookings required. Equipment supplied. Fridays 10am-11.30am and Sundays 10.30am-11.30am at Olive Road sporting complex, Eumemmerring.
•
Zine-making workshop for teens Create your own zine (pronounced zeen) - a small self-published book or mini magazine that can be
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Tamil Musical and Dance Concert Tamil music and dance items staged by professional artists. Morning tea and special Tamil traditional lunch served. Saturday 3 October, 10.30am-1.30pm at Berwick Senior Citizens Centre, 112 High Street, Berwick; $10. Bookings required by 1 October: info@ caseytamilmanram.org.au or 0491 149 113.
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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 required: https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=244068
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Harmony Sessions Join MUAH for a gathering for multicultural seniors. Gentle wellness activities such as line dancing and Tai Chi, along with cultural music, karaoke, and live entertainment. Culturally-appropriate lunch provided. Sunday 4 October 10am-3pm at Autumn Place Community Hub, Doveton; free event. Bookings required: 0450 003 025
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Afternoon Melodies Live entertainment and afternoon tea. Sunday 4 October 1.30pm-3.30pm at Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club, 1 Codrington Street, Cranbourne; free event. Bookings
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SEWA Festival Day Join other Sri Lankan elders at a Sri Lankan Elders Welfare Association (SEWA) social community day. Open to anyone. Join us for entertainment, refreshments and the chance to meet new people. Monday 5 October, 10am-2pm at John Pandazopoulos Hall, 78 Power Road, Doveton; free event. Bookings required at sewa.78pwr@gmail. com or 0401 287 475.
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Introduction to Bridge Join Berwick Bridge Club for a free introductory session! Bridge is a fun, social card game that keeps your mind sharp and memory active. Monday 5 October, 1pm-3pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House & Community Centre, 21A Bemersyde Drive, Berwick; free event. Bookings: info@berwickbridgeclub.au
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Yoga, Wellbeing and Community Enjoy gentle chair yoga, mindfulness and relaxation sessions, meaningful social connection opportunities, and a delicious community meal. For ages 55 and over. Monday 5 October, 5pm-8pm at Cranbourne Public Hall, cnr Clarendon and High streets, Cranbourne; free event. Bookings required at radhikafoundationaustralia@gmail.com
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In conversation with Monica McInerney One of Australia’s most cherished and widely read authors, Monica McInerney will chat about her writing life and her new novel, When Sullivan Met Lola, a delightful new chapter in the stories surrounding the unforgettable Lola Quinlan. Tuesday 6 October, 7pm-8.30pm at Bunjil Place Library, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=232095
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Ageing Well Big Day Out Launch event for the Ageing Positively Festival. Interactive activities, hands-on experiences, live demonstrations and opportunities to connect with local groups and services. Live music and performances showcasing local talent. Wednesday 7 October, 10am-2pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; free event. Registrations required at https://www.trybooking.com/DMZUQ
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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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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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20 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 24 September, 2026
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History made by Stingrays
Dandenong Stingrays made history on Saturday, winning the first-ever Talent League Girls flag. (AFL Photos)
By Blair Burns Dandenong Stingrays made history in the Talent League Girls competition, capping off an undefeated season with the club’s first-ever premiership as the side ran away to defeat Oakleigh Chargers 9.3 (57) to 3.9 (27) at Whitten Oval on Saturday. A clinical second quarter saw the Stingrays pile on four goals to none, ultimately setting up the game heading into half time as they kicked eight unanswered goals to run away and win by 30 points. Coach Nathan Boyd was ecstatic following the final siren, proud of his girls for capping off a strong year in style. “It sort of has and hasn’t sunk in - the part that has sunk in is the special group, but the finality of the day and creating history hasn’t quite yet,” he said. “I have a lot of pride in the group and the fact that we were able to execute again... they just kept rising to the challenge because we had plenty thrown at us. “You put 46 of the best talented kids in Victoria out there on the big stage and there were so many moments which says girls footy and the way the pathways are growing is exceptional.” The Dandenong girls became immortal as they did what no other group has done since the league formed in 2016, beating an Oakleigh side which has won three recent premierships. After meeting in a preliminary final in the past three years, they finally met in the big one. It was a case of third time’s a charm for the Stingrays, who came into the clash having lost their previous two grand finals, hoping to claim a maiden premiership. “I’m just incredibly proud of the girls and the fact that they kept fronting up and got it done - it is pretty special for the program,” Boyd said. “The way we wanted to play this season is very fundamental-based and executing in key moments - we believe our fundamentals will get us through. “If we’re clean and reliable with the easy parts of the game and those things set us up, we will find ways to win games of footy.” Under the scorching sun at Whitten Oval, a huge crowd packed the venue with plenty of signs in support of the Stingrays girls. With All-Australian ruck Sophie White giving her midfielders first use and Molly Reimers starting brilliantly in the engine room, it was Dandenong who got the ball forward first. Four minutes into the match and the Stingrays gave their fans a reason to cheer. Reimers got a clearance from a stoppage on the wing and kicked forward in search of goalkicking bottom-ager Annie Clish, who handballed to another bottom-age star in Lily Brittain.
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Zoe Zach poses with her two medals after the victory. Brittain ran to the 50-metre mark and kicked long to Amelia Hamod, but the ball had other ideas as it bounced past the players and rolled through the big sticks for the first major of the day. Just minutes later, spectators were treated to their first glimpse at the match-up between Oakleigh number one prospect Bailee Martin and reliable Dandenong defender Gabrielle Mehrmann. Mehrmann did the job on Martin in the preliminary final last year and kept her to one goal once again with the assistance of the entire defensive unit, who selflessly came across and helped in the air at times. Martin’s first and only goal came at the nineminute mark after she received a holding free kick on the edge of the square and kicked a classy checkside. Oakleigh snagged another as they went endto-end and scored, taking an early 13-6 lead. At quarter time, the Stingrays trailed by five points despite dominating territory with 12 inside-50s to four. “Our game wasn’t in bad shape at all,” Boyd said. “There were just some gaps in our connection and efficiency when we went forward, so it was about getting back to those things that we know we are really good at.” Reimers played a huge part in the midfield dominance, gathering eight disposals and four tackles in the first quarter alone. Oakleigh came out in the second term and made the most of the breeze, getting some good forward entries and locking it inside 50. Lively forward Scarlett Bown had three shots on goal inside three minutes but all of them missed. Like good sides do, Dandenong Stingrays made them pay for missed chances as they got the game back on their terms.
Four consecutive goals to finish the second quarter flattened the Chargers, with Dandenong’s pressure lifting and the likes of Reimers, Zoe Zach and Marlee Black laying some big tackles. Scarlett Marsh had a big moment with a run-down tackle before kicking the ball deep inside 50 and finding Hannah Griffiths, who pulled down a spectacular pack mark over three defenders. Clish was the next player to hit the scoreboard with her first for the day with a classy front and centre, burning off her opponents to kick the goal and put the Rays in front 21-16. After winning a holding-the-ball free kick just a couple of minutes later, Reimers was awarded a 50-metre penalty and she put through another as Dandenong began to well and truly get on top. Seconds later and the Stingrays had four in a row with a brilliant weighted handball from Shae Anderson releasing Marsh, who ran to 30 metres and went bang. Dandenong held a 33-16 lead at half time and much of the damage was done. Boyd referenced the opportunity to create history at the main break and the special bond that this victory could create among the 23 players, who will never all play again in the same team. The Dandenong girls came out of half time and, despite holding a lead, didn’t leave anything to chance as they tackled in numbers to force turnovers. Zoe Zach got the first of the second half with her craft and goal sense helping her extend the lead to 23 points. Oakleigh had its chances with four behinds, before Anderson delivered a dagger late in the third quarter. She desperately tackled her Oakleigh opponent who dragged the ball in and won a free
kick five metres from goal, kicking truly and putting the Stingrays up 45-20. The fourth quarter began and it was party time for Dandenong as a right-foot snap handed Clish her second goal of the day and sealed the grand final victory. “Halfway through that last quarter they made some adjustments to personnel and we felt like we were in a really good spot,” Boyd said. “It was nice to be able to sit back for the last 10 minutes and really soak it in, particularly with the players as some of the top-agers came off for their last rotations.” Anderson also showed her forward craft and pressure as she capitalised on an opportunistic goal a minute later... the Rays were premiers. The siren sounded and history had been made — 16 wins, one draw and one premiership cup. Zach was named best on ground with a strong performance as she gathered 21 disposals, one goal and seven tackles. The midfielder has taken huge strides in her game this season and averaged 20 disposals per game, along with five tackles across the year. Reimers was also brilliant and would’ve been a worthy recipient with 20 disposals, one goal, 11 tackles and five inside-50s. Bottom-ager Clish finished the Talent League season with 25 goals to sit second in the league only behind Martin. The best part about the premiership was the even contribution from all players who stood up at times during the year. Who could forget Marsh’s dominant preliminary final a couple of weeks ago against Eastern Ranges where she had 21 disposals and three goals, while Amelia Hamod was a nice tall target throughout the season. The premiership team was made up of Sophie White, Molly Reimers, Scarlett Marsh, Gabrielle Mehrmann, Georgia Goss, Hannah Griffiths, Evi Irving, Lily Brittain, Zoe Zach, Marlee Black, Annie Clish, Indiana Busuttil, Olive Henry, Grace Patten, Shiloh Little, Eden Rowe, Jasmine Whitten, Ella Bologa, Molly Gilligan, Bailea Shipp, Ebony Stevenson, Amelia Hamod and Shae Anderson. TALENT LEAGUE GIRLS GRAND FINAL OAKLEIGH 2.1 2.4 2.8 3.9 (27) DANDENONG 1.2 5.3 7.3 9.3 (57) Oakleigh Goals: Abigail D’Intini 2, Bailee Martin. Best: Scarlett Bown, Sofia Barnaby, Isabella Mazzei, Ruby Kaye, Abigail D’Intini, Emily McKinley. Dandenong Goals: Annie Clish, Shae Anderson 2, Molly Reimers, Scarlett Marsh, Hannah Griffiths, Lily Brittain, Zoe Zach. Best: Zoe Zach, Molly Reimers, Scarlett Marsh, Annie Clish, Gabrielle Mehrmann, Eden Rowe.
Thursday, 24 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 21
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Magpies strive for five By Blair Burns Narre Warren has capped off a stellar debut season in the South East Precinct Netball League (SEPNL) A grade competition with a premiership after defeating Beaconsfield in a thriller on Saturday, 40-38. Coach Kealeigh Brown and her young side claimed the Magpies’ fifth A grade flag as they held off the Eagles in a close match, which was a wonderful showcase of SEPNL netball. It was a comprehensive season for the Magpies who lost just one game for the year, which came against Beaconsfield back in round 11. Under the guidance of Brown at the helm and captain Chelsea Tonna, the black and white made it to the promised land and held the cup aloft on Saturday at Edwin Flack Reserve. Premiership coach Kealeigh Brown said that the emotions were hard to contain following the thrilling finish, with the game coming down to the final 60 seconds. “The emotions were everywhere,” she said. “Finals for me always make me so emotional, because you spend the better parts of the year training, preparing and working towards that one goal, and it all comes down to the final 60 minutes. “As a coach, I was super stressed on the sidelines and felt such a lack of control when the
game got intense, but at the same time, I was filled with so much pride in my girls for staying composed in dire moments of the game. It wasn’t until Corrina Emery got a defensive rebound with about 45 seconds to go that Brown let it sink in, Narre Warren was going to win the 2026 premiership. “For myself, the girls and the club, this premiership goes down in the club’s history now – the NWFNC’s fifth A grade premiership, and by far our youngest A grade team ever,” she said. “The premiership itself is a true reflection on the time, effort and love for the club that each girl has, and I know some of our roots players, such as Addi (Cripps) and Charli (Lambert) have only ever dreamed of playing A grade for Narre, let along winning an A grade premiership.” The game itself was the sixth time that the two best teams have clashed on the court in a bid for bragging rights, and this one was the most important of them all. Narre Warren came in as the favourites but to its credit, Beaconsfield was up for the challenge. “Each outing against Beacy had been a full four-quarter game, so we knew we had our work cut out for us heading into the game,” Brown said.
“Beacy are such a mature and gelled team, and we knew they wouldn’t budge when it came to contested ball and capitalising on our turnovers, so it meant that every touch mattered. “To their credit, Beacy started with a line-up that we hadn’t come up against all season and it did throw us off and forced us to adapt to the changes…thankfully my girls were able to take the challenge head-on.” Sophie Stinear (23 goals) and Suzie Bourchier (13 goals) fought hard as the Eagles narrowly fell short. Beaconsfield’s Lisa Clarke was recognised for her strong finals campaign with the best finals player medal. Reflecting on the season as a whole, Brown said it was more than she could’ve hoped for, almost going through the season undefeated. “As a first time A grade coach, having the team I had was such a blessing,” she said. “Every training and every game my players came in willing and ready to learn, and the support from my other senior coaches Kim (Tonna), Barb (Dight) and Michelle (Ettia) made me feel so valued and appreciated.” Grace Ioleu was an important inclusion and earned the best on court medal after a strong performance in goal attack and goal shooter. “Gracie girl got best on court for us and what a blessing it was to have her train and play with us in our finals series,” Brown said. “She played just over three full quarters in the heat and her strength to the rip the ball in and stay solid against a formidable Beacy defence was truly remarkable to watch.” After scoring plenty of goals last year for
Narre Warren, Ioleu made the move across to Mornington alongside former coach Michelle Mashado, and she was also involved in the Casey Demons VNL program. It was a special day for Grace and her young sister Mercy, as they celebrated the A grade premiership together and combined nicely together. The premiership team was made up of Addison Cripps, Chelsea Tonna, Corrina Emery, Mercy Ioleu, Grace Ioleu, Julia Kaitani, Charli Lambert, Dorothy Maepu, Jayda McConkey, Lily McDonald and Suria Viane. “As a club, this season has marked new era of players and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of that,” Brown said. Narre Warren also won the B grade match against Beaconsfield, but by a more comfortable margin of 22 goals, 53-31. Captain Jasleen Garcha led from the front in attack to score 36 goals, while Jennifer-Rose Tariu Joseph contributed 17 of her own. Charlotte Preyer was best on court, while Michayla Allen was the best finals player. SEPNL – GRAND FINAL RESULTS A GRADE: Narre Warren 40 def Beaconsfield 38. BOC: Grace Ioleu (NW), Finals MVP: Lisa Clarke (BEAC). B GRADE: Narre Warren 53 def Beaconsfield 31. BOC: Charlotte Preyer (NW). Finals MVP: Michayla Allen (NW). C GRADE: Hampton Park 34 def Narre Warren 19. BOC: Brittney Gilland (HP). Finals MVP: Mia O’Neill (HP). D GRADE: Beaconsfield 24 def Hampton Park 20. BOC & Finals MVP: Abuk Akol (BEAC).
Grace Ioleu was best on court with a strong performance in the attacking goal ring. (Supplied)
Beaconsfield’s Lisa Clarke was named as the best finals player. (Supplied)
Best and fairest award caps off the ideal season By Blair Burns Away from the court, Narre Warren young gun Mercy Ioleu was crowned as the SEPNL A grade league best and fairest, polling 23 votes. The young star scored 719 goals across the course of the season and provided a strong target inside the goal ring all year, also capitalising on her chances and shooting effectively. After moving into the top division this year from B grade, Ioleu quickly found her feet and has been the most damaging shooter in the entire competition. Her consistent output across the course of the season meant that she was a worthy winner of the medal, also helping her team to a premiership on Saturday. Runner-up went to Hampton Park goal keeper Hannah Tiaiti, who polled 14 votes and was a consistent performer for the Redbacks, restricting opposition teams with her relentless defensive pressure. Hampton Park’s Maki Abrahama and Narre Warren’s Jasleen Garcha tied in the B grade vote count on 19 votes, while Tahnee Ziesler came second with 17 votes. Along with her finals MVP, Hampton Park
22 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 24 September, 2026
star Mia O’Neill took out the C grade best and fairest with 25 votes, with Maddison Parker (Beaconsfield) and Sienna Wilson (Hampton Park) also capping off strong seasons in second position with 23 votes. In the D grade competition, it was Hampton Park’s Alisha Samperi who took out the top award with 20 votes, with Beaconsfield’s Piper Harrowfield just one vote behind on 19. The SEPNL A grade team of the year was also announced and it was Hampton Park who had three players selected, which were Emily Pupuke (goal attack), Hannah Tiaiti (goal keeper) and Melissa Webster (interchange). Berwick also had three players make the team, with Emily Tatt (wing attack), Mahayla McRae (wing defence) and Holly Moulday (interchange). Narre Warren had both Mercy Ioleu (goal shooter) and skipper Chelsea Tonna (centre), with Kealeigh Brown also earning her spot as coach of the side. Beaconsfield pair Sophie Stinear (goal defence) and Chloe Maas (interchange) was also recognised for their strong seasons, helping the Eagles to a grand final berth.
Narre Warren shooter Mercy Ioelu capped off a brilliant season with the A Grade best and fairest. (Rob Carew: 549000)
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Import steals the spotlight By David Nagel Cranbourne trainer Ciaron Maher has high hopes for his international import Zahrann after the talented four-year-old won his first race in Australia in Saturday’s $200,000 Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield. A tilt at the Caulfield Cup is now a distinct possibility after Zahrann showed a terrific turn of foot in the straight to down stablemate Saint George by a length on the line. “I think that qualifies them both today so fantastic,” Maher said post-race. “I think George is already in, he just needed to qualify; so can’t thank Ozzie (Kheir) and the whole team enough. “They’ve had to be patient with Saint George and Zahrann, just a very, very good horse. “Ozzie was very up-beat when he was able to purchase him. “I actually spent some time with Johnny Murtaugh, who was his former trainer, when I was on holidays this year. “He gave me a pretty good rundown of him. “They’re always better their second preparation and he’s going to get into the cup on a beautiful weight. “We learnt a bit about him too (first prep), I think we rode him quiet his first start and then his second start we put him into the race, he didn’t really enjoy that and so Saint George is a stable favourite, the girls down at Fingal do a super job and he’ll take his place as well.” Jockey Ethan Brown was equally excited in the manner of the victory. “He gets you excited, that’s for sure, Brown said. “It’s what you get out of bed for in the morning. “I would like to thank the owners for keeping me on. “Ozzie (Kheir) rang me before he got here and said he had a good one and said I had to get on to Ciaron to have to ride it. “He was primed today and had a lovely run
Zahrann made a huge impression on Cranbourne-trainer Ciaron Maher with his effortless win in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. (Pat Scala/Racing Photos: 580406) in transit. “I had to trust the horse as I knew he had the turn of foot and he proved that today.
“They pay a lot of money for these horses and they are pure quality, on and off the track. “He’s just coming into his own in Australia
now.” Maher claimed training honours at Caulfield on Saturday with a winning treble.
Cricket just around the corner in Dandenong and District By Blair Burns Berwick will come into this year’s Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 competition with its eyes set on going back-toback after breaking through last season during a remarkable finals series. The Bears had to do it the hard way after finishing third and beating all of the big teams on the way to premiership glory, starting with Hallam Kalora Park, then they thumped Buckley Ridges and pushed on to defeat Springvale South in the decider. Captain Michael Wallace returned to the club a couple of seasons ago after a successful Victorian Premier Cricket career with Casey South Melbourne, which spanned more than a decade. The skipper is locked in and a number of the Bears have had plenty of other key re-signings including Damien Fleming Medal winner Jake Hancock, who belted a composed 79 not out in the grand final to see the Bears home against Springvale Districts. Jarryd Wills, Vinuda Liyanage, Chad Imbulagoda, Lachlan Brown and Elliot Matthews are among the other players who have been retained and will be chasing back-to-back flags with Berwick. Hailing from England, the club has welcomed Tommy Rex, who is a fast-bowling allrounder with county experience back home. The bowling stocks were also boosted after the Bears signed fast bowler Andrew Jones from McKinnon Cricket Club - the 29-year-old has premier experience and will be a key asset to the bowling unit. Berwick’s win over Buckley Ridges ended its dreams of completing the premiership threepeat, and now without Dale Tormey, who has made the move to Pakenham Cricket Club, the Bucks have been forced to bring in some new talent. The Bucks have gone hard at the recruitment side of things, determined to bounce back and return to the top of the food chain in the 2026/27 season. Roshene Silva will be captain of the Turf 1
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Berwick premiership captain Michael Wallace will be hoping to lead his side to back-to-back flags in the DDCA this season. (Gary Sissons: 542062) side, and some of the international recruits include fast bowler Ray Jordan, who has played for West Indies at a U19 level, right-handed toporder batter Utkarsh Srivastava from the USA and wicketkeeper-batsmen Tevyn Walcott from Barbados. Springvale South will be looking to go one better under the guidance of captain Cam Forsyth, and having retained stars like Jordy Wyatt and Dasun Opanayaka, who have both won Wookey Medals in the past, the Bloods are in a good spot to challenge again. Opening batter Ryan Quirk was impressive
last year, scoring one century and a couple of scores north of 80 - the destructive batter will form a key part of the Bloods’ top order once again. Hallam Kalora Park had a bit of an up-anddown season in 2025/26 and will be hoping they can find some more consistency and push beyond the first week of finals this year. However, following last season, opening batter Leigh Booth made the decision to hang up the spikes. Over at Beaconsfield, the exciting signing of playing coach Brad Erasmus on a multi-year
deal has the vibes high, with Andrey Fernando set to take the reins as captain once again. Having locked in last year’s strong performers including Ashan Walgamage (371 runs), Jack Steel and Mitch Tielen, as well as welcoming some exciting new signings, the Tigers are chasing a spot in the finals this season. Riley Siwes will lead Dandenong West as captain and the Bulls will be excited about what the season could hold. The club’s two leading run scorers have put pen to paper, with Shaun Weir (464 runs) and Mohit Mandora (404 runs) recommitting. Weir scored two centuries last year, along with an 87 and 59 against Buckley Ridges, showing he could do it against one of the best bowling attacks in the league, also a threat in both the T20, one-day and two-day formats. Mandora didn’t reach triple figures but his consistency was a feature for the Bulls, scoring 28 plus in eight out of his 11 innings, with five half centuries. Young fast bowler George Compton signed at the club from England and will lead the charge with the new ball, Yashan Samarasinghe is another recruit who has played at a first-class level in Sri Lanka. Narre South may have only won two games last season, but they have arguably two of the biggest recruits ahead of the 2026/27 DDCA Turf 1 season. Damith Perera is one of the best and most damaging batters in the league and he has found a new home at the Lions after playing with Hallam Kalora Park for the past two seasons. Last year, the left-handed batter belted 104 not out off just 74 balls against his new side and there is no doubt that the Narre South bowlers will be happy to have him in their rooms instead this year. Opening bowler Joel Zietsman is the other big-name recruit who returns to the Lions after a year away with Dandenong West. Parkmore Pirates were relegated at the conclusion of last season, with Coomoora set to come up into Turf 1 after its premiership success in 2025/26.
Thursday, 24 September, 2026 | STAR NEWS 23
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