St Paul Apostle South Catholic Primary School co-captain Cruz scored a crucial goal as his school celebrated a Paul Wade Cup three-peat on Monday 4 May.
The sixth annual tournament featured Catholic primary schools across the South East, competing for a coveted trophy named after the ex-Socceroo.
More pictures, turn to page 10
(Stewart Chambers: 548711)
by Jensy Callimootoo
Casey Mayor and chair of Outer Melbourne Councils (OMC), Stefan Koomen has pushed back on the state budget, arguing it falls short of meeting the growing needs of outer councils.
The 2026/27 Victorian State Budget release on Tuesday 5 May outlined some broader investments to health, education, transport and infra-
structure — but OMC argues that it was “underwhelming” with “modest spending”
Nine councils form part of the OMC alliance, including Casey, Cardinia Shire, Hume City, Melton City, Mitchell Shire, Nillumbrik, City of Whittlesea, Wyndham City and Yarra Ranges.
With the axing of the Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF) last financial year, Melbourne’s outer suburbs have underscored their concerns for a lack
of investment in key infrastructure as the population continues to grow.
“In this Budget, the investment response falls short of what is needed, at a time when our communities are experiencing some of the fastest growth pressures in the state,” said Mayor Koomen.
Ahead of the budget release, the OMC called for a replacement of the GSF, addressing illegal
dumping and reforms to the Council Windfall Gains Tax.
It also called for improvements to bus networks, which was a key investment in this budget round involving a $100 million investment in better bus routes, including Casey — this was welcomed by the alliance group.
For more on this story, go to page 3
By Jensy Callimootoo and Cam Lucadou-Wells
Former Casey mayor and twice-VFL premiership player, Geoff Ablett has died following his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) late last year.
Ablett, 71, revealed in February 2026 that he was diagnosed with the degenerative disease just before Christmas, following a long, exhaustive journey to determine the cause of his symptoms.
Tributes flowed on social media for Ablett, who rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s playing for the VFL, including 202 games for Hawthorn.
He later had brief stints with Richmond and St Kilda before retiring from league football.
His famous footballing lineage includes brothers Kevin and Gary Snr, as well as nephews Gary Jnr, Nathan, Luke and Shane and Travis Tuck.
Bob Utber on The Footy Almanac site described Ablett as a “champion player” who, along with Kevin, “lived under the shadow of one of the masters of the game, brother Gary Senior”
“Geoff was one of the key players in the Hawthorn premiership years with his speed on the wing and his prodigious kicking with both aspects of his game leaving his opponents in his wake,” he wrote.
“I have known Geoff since he was a schoolboy champion athlete and an outstanding footballer with Drouin under-age teams in the West Gippsland Football League.
“Geoff, a trained primary physical education teacher, taught my children at the Pakenham Consolidated school and of course, was a hero to all the kids.”
A social-media post paid tribute to Ablett as an “amazing teacher” at Cranbourne North Primary School.
“The last few years have been difficult for you. Rest in peace.”
Following his sporting career, Ablett stepped into the political sphere, serving as a Casey councillor for 12 years and twice as mayor in 2008 and
2013.
In 2020, he and his fellow councillors were dismissed after a Victorian Independent Broadbased Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) launched an investigation into Casey and property developer John Woodman.
Ablett received adverse findings in the IBAC report that he’d allegedly received significant payments and other financial benefits from Mr Woodman while promoting the developer’s interests at Casey.
He was ultimately not charged, while ex-mayor Sam Aziz and Woodman face criminal proceedings.
To the last, Ablett steadfastly maintained his innocence.
In February, he told Star News that the stress surrounding the IBAC probe had taken a toll.
“There are several possibilities (of the contributing factor). Chemicals, stress. The IBAC was a lot,” he said.
“I’m still innocent today…There was no evidence. I wanted to put that I was wrongly accused, and I’m very disappointed.”
Ablett twice ran as a Liberal candidate for the state seat of Cranbourne in 2010 and 2014 without success.
His interests included horse-racing, and being station manager at community station Casey Radio 3SER.
A former radio co-presenter paid tribute on social media: “May he Rest In Peace. Let’s hope we can all get behind such organisations as Wheel 4 MND and let’s defeat ‘The Beast’ that is Motor Neurone Disease!”
By Jensy Callimootoo
The 2026/27 Victorian State Budget was handed down on Tuesday 5 May with a focus on broader cost of living, education, health and transport.
And despite calls from the broader Casey community, the government made no promises to the Clyde Rail Link or key road upgrades such as the duplication of Thompsons Road — with local politicians expressing their frustration.
Rather, the state budget focuses on measures that would alleviate cost of living pressures.
This included the delivery of free public transport for two months from April to the end of May and half price for the rest of the year from June 1. While also investing $758.6 million to reduce vehicle registration by 20 per cent.
According to Narre Warren South MP, Gary Maas, the temporary rego reforms will save the average daily commuter in Narre Warren South more than $1,300, telling Star News that the Budget “delivers support and direct relief where it matters”
Spotlighting the promises for the City of Casey, the budget highlights $26 million to deliver an upgrade in bus services in Casey growth areas and Melton South.
This would include a package of upgraded and extended bus routes to improve coverage and connect passengers in Casey as well as the rollout of Automatic Passenger Counters (APC) across the bus fleet.
APCs are onboard sensors, which are typically mounted above doors that track boarding and alighting passengers. They’re intended to improve operational efficiency, aid in route planning and provide real-time occupancy data.
While exact routes are still unclear, the government has committed to improve coverage and connect passengers in Casey in areas such as Cranbourne East, Botanic Ridge, Clyde, Clyde North Junction Village, Warneet and Tooradin to other key destinations.
Upgrades would also include more night services connecting passengers in Cardinia with Berwick Station.
Previously, local Labor MPs alluded that the Clyde Rail extension was unlikely to be delivered this budget round and that a greater focus would be on upgrading bus routes.
In response to the budget, Greens South Eastern Metropolitan candidate, Matthew Kirwan, criticised the lack of funding and planning, for a “decade overdue” Clyde rail extension.
“With no train extension and few and infrequent bus services the Government has created a recipe for gridlock,” he said.
“It’s darkly comic that many of the cars on the road are driving up to 10 kilometres to get to Berwick or Cranbourne Railway Station - people who
want to use public transport but are denied it.”
Similar delivery gaps were highlighted by the opposition and Berwick MP, Brad Battin who said that Casey residents could only rely on “more delays and broken promises”
On top of transport, in recognising that Casey residents are struggling with rising cost of living, Maas says that the state’s initiative to mitigate school-related costs is an “investment in education”.
This would see $59.4 million to support costof-living programs such as Affordable School Uniforms, School Breakfast Clubs and an expansion of Glasses for Kids.
Funding of $2.3 million will also extend the Bring your Bills model which according to South
East Community Links will support approximately ten events in the next financial year.
“This Budget delivers support and direct relief where it matters, slashing public transport fares and taking 20 per cent off car rego to help every family, alongside the expanded Bring Your Bills day,” Maas said.
A $35 million “uplift” for the recently opened Cranbourne Community Hospital has been highlighted, with Kirwan critiquing the facility as “just a large, shinier version of the current Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre.”
Last week, the government announced it would open up an Urgent Care Centre later this year, in addition to delivering six new dialysis chairs for a cost of $11 million.
The Clyde Road upgrades, which has caused gridlock for many Casey commuters, will see a total estimated investment (TEI) of more than $277 million in Commonwealth funding.
For this financial year, the project would have amounted to $194 million in spending with an estimated expenditure of approximately $60 million in 2026/27.
The upgrade is still on track to be completed in mid 2027.
Other road upgrades will see the resurfacing of Pound Road in Hampton Park.
$250,000 will also be invested to deliver change rooms upgrades at Berwick Springs Recreation Reserve, which Maas describes as “welcomed investments”
By Jensy Callimootoo
Casey’s Mayor has criticised the recent release of the Victorian State budget, arguing that it “falls short” of what councils truly need at this time.
The 2026/27 budget was handed down on Tuesday with a broader focus on cost of living, education, health and transport promises.
The Outer Melbourne Councils (OMC) alliance, a body of nine councils including Casey’s neighbouring Cardinia Council, has slammed the state government for an “underwhelming budget of modest spending”
While it welcomes its investments in upgraded bus services and train lines along with community hospitals, OMC states that the government’s failure to deliver, comes at a time when outer Melbourne communities are calling for greater investments.
It further criticised the government for its failure to allocate new funds to replace the former Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF), which was cut from the 2025/26 state budget.
The GSF worked to respond to the needs of growing communities through a capital funding stream which, for over a decade supported the construction and maintenance of local parks, playgrounds, community centres, skate parks and accessible public toilets.
Casey’s Mayor and OMC Chair, Stefan Koomen said that while councils look forward to working with the state government to deliver essential infrastructure, it has ultimately failed to address the rate of growth in the outer suburbs with this budget.
“Councils stand ready to work with the government on community infrastructure projects, including new pools and much needed library upgrades – facilities that are essential to liveable, connected communities,” Mayor Koomen said.
“But this requires a genuine commitment to significant and ongoing funding that matches
the pace of growth in Outer Melbourne.
“In this Budget, the investment response falls short of what is needed, at a time when our communities are experiencing some of the fastest growth pressures in the state.”
He also underscored the need for investment to upgrade state controlled arterial roads across Outer Melbourne.
On top of the limited council funding, OMC highlights a prospective future in which councils face infrastructure shortages.
Arguing that a failure to deliver critical infrastructure now, may result in more spending in the future as it tries to catch up with a dense population with social costs also rising.
Ahead of the budget release, the OMC called for $50 Million to be allocated to an Outer Suburban Infrastructure Fund, which would fund social infrastructures such as halls, parks, pools, maternal and child health centres and more.
It stated that without this, OMC members face an infrastructure deficit that “will only widen”.
“Without targeted and sustained State investment, the gap between the supply of community services, infrastructure and community demand will continue to widen,” it said.
“Placing significant strain on local governments and diminishing the living standards of
millions of Victorians,”
The OMC also called for reforms to the Windfall Gains Tax (WGT) for councils, this is the tax paid to the state on the rezoning of land by council.
Stating that the WGT stalls the production of residential land and causes gridlock to housing supplies.
It also asked for action against illegal dumping, calling for an ‘Illegal Dumping Taskforce’ with local councils to guide prioritisation and navigating funding lines for rubbish clean up on state-owned roads.
But despite the “underwhelming budget” , Koomen is hopeful that other commitments will be announced in the ensuing months as election strategies roll out.
“We remain hopeful that further commitments will be made by both the government and opposition parties in the lead up to the November state election,” said the Casey mayor. Koomen has stood in as Casey Mayor for the last two terms and despite being a “traditional” Labor supporter, he ran as an independent candidate for councillor.
In criticising the state budget, he stands by his election promises, telling Star News back in 2024, that he would “represent the interests of residents without outside influence.”
By Sahar Foladi
The 2026-27 State Budget handed down on Tuesday 5 May has focused on timely temporary relief for everyday Victorians and families amid the growing fuel prices and inflation.
Twenty per cent off rego, free public transport extended to the end of May and half priced for the rest of the year across all public transports (bus, V-Line, Metro) were the big-ticket items.
But Opposition Leader Jess Wilson warns of the $200 billion state debt that will come to bite back in taxes.
Meanwhile, the discount PTV is expected to save a daily commuter from Dandenong more than $1300, according to Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams.
“Only Labor is investing in Dandenong - better local transport, more community services and support for Victorians who need it most.”
Premier, Jacinta Allan says they can afford these solutions because the budget is in an operating surplus of $727 million in 2025-26 and said to be the first in seven years.
The Budget has promised an investment of almost $100 million in improved and more frequent bus services on bus routes 802 and 804 in Dandenong North, including on Sundays. This builds on an recent seven-day service upgrade to route 800.
It has also funded the $305 million Dandenong Hospital redevelopment, promised at the 2022 state election.
payroll tax and the GP payroll tax.
“The fact that we’re seeing the interest bill next year, paid for Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and all kindergarten funding and little spare cash over at the end just demonstrated that this is a government that is not serious about taking the responsible decision to make sure we get our budget back under control.
“We’ve heard from the likes of the Property Council today about the punishing impact of property taxes under this Labor government. The fact that we are seeing investment go out of this state is something we need to turn around in terms of how we actually repair the budget, and that will be our focus.”
The ESVF tax replaced the Victoria’s Fire Services Property Levy from 1 July last year to fund agencies like the CFA, VICSES and Fire Rescue Victoria.
In Dandenong, council rates bills were estimated to collect a massive $57 million on behalf of the state government’s ESVF tax, a $22 million increase on the $35 million collected under the former FSPL in 2024-25.
The works will initially receive $13.7 million in 2026-27, building to $305 million by the end of 2030. They will increase the capacity of operating theatres, and upgrade the intensive care unit and supporting services.
“We know this provides cost-of-living relief, increased social connection and access to activities and employment.”
South Eastern Metropolitan MP Rachel Payne, says her Legalise Cannabis party has been campaigning on fair, frequent and free bus services since late 2024. She welcomed the bus upgrades, with the hope that free bus travel would remain permanent.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson says Victorians will pay more than a million dollars in interest an hour, as Victoria accumulates the highest debt in the country.
Her party promises to repeal five taxes if elected, including the contentious Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF), the schools’
Urgent care capacities at the newly opened Cranbourne Community Hospital will be getting a spruce up later in the year, says the State Government.
As it slowly begins to unveil its major agenda items ahead of the budget release next week, the government says it will be investing $87.2 million to maintain and expand services at four community hospitals.
On the agenda is the addition of an Urgent Care Centre at the Cranbourne Community Hospital, which opened in October 2025 and operates as a day hospital.
The urgent care facility is due to be opened in late 2026 and aims to alleviate the pressure and demand felt by the nearby Casey emergency department.
As part of the announcement, six dialysis chairs will also open.
This investment will include the opening of Pakenham Community Hospital and the expansion of services at Craigeburn and Mernda.
Premier Jacinta Allan said that her government is “delivering better care for families”
Newly appointed Minister for Health, Harriet Shing echoed this sentiment.
“Labor is opening and expanding services where they’re needed most, in our growing suburbs and regions,” Shing said.
The efficiency of the community hospital in Cranbourne has been long debated, with residents expressing frustrations over its lack of nonlife-threatening urgent care following its delayed opening.
Many were under the impression that the hospital would be delivering non-urgent health care.
Currently, the medical services extend to day surgery, pharmacy services, mental health services, dialysis, rehab services and dental services.
According to the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), the proposed services of the day hospital extends to alcohol and other support services, diagnostic services (including imaging), after-hours urgent care and community-based palliative care services.
A spokesperson said that a timeline for the delivery of the project will be released in the upcoming months, along with the opening hours of the urgent care centre.
Greater Dandenong councillors didn’t partake in the anti-ESVF meetings, as individual councillors from across 30 councils including neighbouring Casey and Cardinia Shire took part in July last year.
If the Liberal party is elected, Ms Wilson says her government will be honest and transparent, committing to a “real-time” expense tracker so “Victorians actually understand how their money is being spent every day”
Casey schools will benefit from a significant Victorian state budget program to build, upgrade and expand government schools.
Through the budget, which will be handed down next Tuesday, the government will be investing $761.8 million in the opening and expansion of government schools across Victoria with a special focus on growing corridors like Casey and Cardinia.
Education Minister, Ben Carroll said that the government will be continuing its investment in public schools.
“Great local public schools make life more affordable for families and give our kids the opportunities they deserve,” he said.
For Casey, this includes:
- The construction and opening of Thompsons East Primary School (interim name), which is expected to service 964 students including 64 specialist inclusion places
- Funding for additional stages at the recently opened Wulerrp Secondary College in Clyde North.
- Support of planning, design and early works for Patterson Road Secondary College (interim name), which aims to open in 2029.
- Fountain Gate Primary School is part of the 24 public schools that will share a $25.4 million budget for “targeted works”
By AAP and Star News
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2026/27 VICTORIAN BUDGET
· Net operating surplus: $1 billion in 2026/27, $2 billionin2029/30
· Netcashdeficit:$7.7billionin2026/27,$8.1billion in2029/30
· Net debt: $175.6 billion in 2026/27, $199.3 billion in2029/30
· No completion date given for Melbourne Airport RailLink
COST-OF-LIVING MEASURES
· $278 million to halve the price of public transport untilJanuary1,2027
· Almost $780 million allocated for registration rebatesforlightvehicles
· $11 million for food security and grants for communityorganisationstodeliverfoodrelief HEALTH SPENDING
· $305 million for Dandenong Hospital upgrade. Completion2031-’32.
· $35 million to uplift Cranbourne Community Hospital,andadditional$11millionfordialysisbeds
EDUCATION SPENDING
· $222 million into the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority to deliver a root and branch review
· $180 million to deliver 27 new and expanded kindergartensandchildcarecentres
· At least $420 million to build four new schools across the city’s outer suburbs, including ThompsonsEastPrimarySchool(interimname)inCasey
· $104 million to acquire land for future schools in high-growthareasincludingCardinia
· $26 million to delivery Rapid Child Safety review onchildcare
· $16 million to continue the Glasses for Kids program
INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT
SPENDING
· More than $1 billion to fix potholes and resurface roads
· $26 million for new and upgraded bus services, includinginCaseygrowthareas
JUSTICE AND CRIME SPENDING
· More than $230 million to increase capacity for corrections,includingyouthjustice
· $117.5 million to deliver a specialised, fast-tracked youthcourtlistintheCountyCourt
· $125 million for more mental health beds at medium-security forensic mental health hospital ThomasEmbling
· $62milliontorecruit200policereservistsforpolice stationcounterduties
· $9.5 million for BlueLight Victoria program to mentorchildrenandyoungpeopleatrisk
· $3.2milliontostampoutanti-Semitismandhate
· Almost $3 million for an independent Sentencing Actreview
DISABILITY SPENDING
· More than $40 million for advocacy, support and liaisonservices
· $20 million to support people in home and aged carewithadisabilityoutsideoftheNDIS
EMERGENCY AND DISASTER FUNDING
· $422 million for recovery after the January 2026 bushfiresandfloods
· $147millionforspecialisedaerialfirefightingfleet
· $100millionfornewCFAtrucksandpumpers
· More than $25 million to build new CFA stations acrossregionalVictoria HOUSING SPENDING:
· $16 million to protect consumers and raise buildingindustrystandards
· Almost $100 million to deliver housing reform in thebuildingindustry ENERGY SPENDING
· $124.5 million to progress activities for a Victorian renewableenergyterminalatthePortofHastings
By Carmela Mendoza
She used to measure her life through quarters,collisions and the sound of the siren of every game. Now her life must balance coaching jobs and tight study schedules. For retired AFLW player Nicole Callinan, stepping away from the limelight did not mean leaving the field behind. It meant a transformation from a professional athlete to a qualified physiotherapist. While she is no longer the one sprinting, she still involves herself in the culture of football.
At 34, Nicole began her AFLW career later than most draftees. As a midfielder for the Western Bulldogs, she was a versatile and highly skilled athlete. However, as she played through the seasons, a realisation hit her. “I was the second oldest at the time in the league,” she says. Nicole’s age contributed more than just being older than the other girls. It affected her health as well. “My body was starting to take longer to recover,” she says. “It took a lot of mental load.”
In 2020, Nicole played her final game and retired from the league. “I hit a stage of thinking I was ready to retire,” she says. “There was always going to be an end at one stage.” However, stepping away from the game was not a single moment, it was a slow unravelling.
Almost immediately she found herself on the field again, this time on the sidelines. As a coach for St Kilda and Carlton, she prepared other players for professional life. The use of her skills as a mentor softened her departure as an athlete, however it made the topic of change more difficult to ignore. “I never saw change as a bad thing. Change is a good thing, to continue to grow in life,” she says.
Enrolled as a mature age student, Nicole began a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Federation University Berwick this year. This degree is a stepping stone into becoming a physiotherapist after previously working as a massage therapist. “It’s hard work and it’s later on in life but you should never say you’re never too old,” she says.
Now, instead of pushing through the pain and
recovery, Nicole is learning how to prevent it. “Why not utilise what I’ve learned over the years through sport,” she says.
These days, her time splits between textbooks and training drills, lecture notes and team talks. The balance is not always easy but it remains intentional. Nicole’s life now involves two parts that coincide with one another. “I’m lucky to have support around me to do something like this,” she says.
Looking into the future, Nicole’s journey to success involves training to be a qualified physiotherapist. Whether it is through a hospital, rehabilitation or a physio clinic, Nicole wishes to help other athletes with their health. “Success isn’t looking at the end goal, it’s the process,” she says.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
South East manufacturers group says the 2026-’27 State Budget has failed to provide its businesses with “real fiscal relief”
South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) says instead manufacturers continue to be “slammed” by rising land and payroll taxes, increased council rates, Workcover premiums and energy costs in what is Australia’s prime manufacturing region.
“We need government to reduce red-tape, land and payroll taxes and give (Small to Medium Enterprises) some breathing space,” SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said.
“SME’s need real fiscal relief – and respite – not rhetoric. Data centres don’t make anything or employ anyone – only AI bots.
“If government thinks that attracting international investment in data centres makes for long-term jobs and industry growth, it is deluded.
“This is a downgrade to our economy in anyone’s language.”
Greater South East Melbourne Council Alliance (GSEM), which represents eight South East councils including Cardinia Shire, Casey and Greater Dandenong, called for funding for SME manufacturers to uptake new technology, automation and the digital transition.
“They would also like to see an industrial land plan, further training for the sector and a shared forum for manufacturers in the region to collaborate,” Cardinia Shire mayor Brett Owen stated.
“Without targeted investment to help manufacturers modernise, plan for future industrial land and build workforce capability, we risk seeing jobs and investment stall or move elsewhere.”
GSEM welcomed the Budget’s near-$20 million toward supporting electrification of the food manufacturing sector and helping businesses in the gas appliance manufacturing supply chain to diversify.
Currently Melbourne’s South East manufacturers generate $54 billion GRP, employ more than 230,000 people and are one of the largest manufacturing regions in Australia, according to SEMMA.
Ms Walker said the budget was counter to SEMMA’s Manufacturing Blueprint, which aimed to increase productivity and the standard of living.
SEMMA argues for a suite of incentives such as reducing business taxes and introducing no- or low-interest loans, and affordable and reliable energy.
Ms Walker said it was worrying that the Budget stated real gross state product (GSP) was expected to grow 1.75 per cent this financial year, down from 2.5 per cent in last year’s budget. The 2027-’28 outlook was trimmed from 2.5 per cent to 2 per cent.
According to the State Government, more
than 123,000 new businesses have set up in Victoria since June 2020 – a 20 per cent increase, the highest growth rate of any state in the nation.
Business investment rose 2.2 per cent in the December quarter 2025 – above the national average.
Economic growth and jobs minister Steve Dimpoloulos said “Victoria is growing faster than any other state”
“And 300,000 more Victorians are in jobs over the past three years alone, a higher percentage increase than the rest of Australia. That doesn’t happen by accident.
“By targeting priority sectors and the industries of tomorrow like data centres, mRNA manufacturing facilities, and critical minerals, our economy continues to grow.”
The Budget also devotes $12 million for attracting “global talent” to Victoria’s priority industries such as clean energy and critical minerals.
In an address to a SEMMA forum last month, State industry, advanced manufacturing and innovation, and TAFE and skills minister Colin Brooks said “our manufacturing sector … is a cornerstone of our economy”. He said the sector was being reshaped with rapid technological advances and global supply chain shifts, which underlined the importance of SEMMA’s blueprint.
Mr Brooks said ties needed to deepen between industry and education, with the Government investing $459 million in a “connected, world-class training system” to deliver essential skills.
He said the Government aimed to grow the state’s industrial base by reducing the cost of doing business and helping the adoption of new technologies to boost productivity and competitiveness.
An example was backing advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D and pre-fabricated construction for quicker, more affordable homes.
Mr Brooks said during the transition to netzero emissions, it was a priority to ensure affordable and reliable energy for industry.
“We know that gas remains vital for many Victorian manufacturers.”
By Dya Singh and Dr Jamel Kaur Singh
There’s a phrase beginning to enter our public conversation - progressive patriotism.
At first glance it sounds like a contradiction.
Patriotism has too often been handed to flag wavers, culture warriors and those who confuse loving country with fearing change.
Progressives, meanwhile, have often seemed hesitant to speak too loudly about national pride, as if loving Australia risks sounding exclusionary.
But what if we’ve got that wrong?
What if patriotism - done well - is one of the strongest antidotes to division?
Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill, in his recent speech Proudly Embracing Modern Australia, put language around something many of us have felt but not named. He called it progressive patriotism. A shared Australian identity. Pride without exclusion. Belonging without uniformity.
Truth be told - he may be onto something.
Because for too long, conversations about multiculturalism have centred almost entirely on rights.
The right to identity. The right to practise faith. The right to belong. All vital.
But as Hill reminded us, multiculturalism was always rights and obligations.
That matters. Because belonging asks some-
thing of us.
To contribute. To participate. To build trust. To leave old conflicts at the door.
As migrants and children of migrants, we understand this instinctively.
My parents came to Australia carrying memory, struggle and hope.
I was born into a different inheritance.
Sikh. Australian. Both.
No contradiction.
Modern Australia does not ask us to choose between heritage and nation.
It asks us to weave them together.
And perhaps that is why this conversation matters now.
Because democracy itself feels strained.
Trust in institutions is fraying.
Public debate is coarsening.
Fear is too often outperforming facts.
Sound familiar? It should.
Because social cohesion and democracy are not separate conversations.
They rise - or fracture - together.
This is not just theory - it’s already happening.
Which is why I’m involved in an upcoming forum Conversations at the Crossroads: Reclaiming Democracy Together, launching at Melbourne Town Hall on 9 May.
Over 1,500 tickets sold out almost immediately.
That tells us something: Australians are ready to move beyond commentary and engage in the harder work of rebuilding trust, participation and shared civic life.
People are hungry for more than outrage. They want substance. They want dialogue. They want ways to help repair the civic fabric.
As the organisers put it: This is a moment that calls for more than commentary. It calls for citizens to rethink the foundations of common life - and act.
Exactly. Because democracy is not self-sustaining.
Neither is cohesion.
Both require citizens.
This is why progressive patriotism matters.
Not as a slogan. As a practice.
A way of reclaiming love of country from grievance politics and giving it back to ordinary Aus-
tralians - all Australians. Black. Brown. White. New arrivals. Old Australians.
Everyone.
Not nationalism. Shared stewardship. And perhaps we’ve underinvested in what actually builds that.
Shared schools. Shared sport. Shared public spaces. Shared civic rituals.
The places where Australians meet as Australians.
Not as silos. Not as competing identities. But as neighbours.
That is where nations hold.
As Sikhs, sewa teaches us that belonging is expressed through contribution. As Australians, mateship teaches much the same.
Different traditions. Shared ethic.
That is patriotism worth reclaiming.
Hill is right to challenge progressives not to cede patriotism to those who use the flag as a weapon.
Because loving Australia should never belong to one side of politics. Or one kind of Australian. It belongs to all of us.
And maybe saying that out loud - unapologetically - is overdue.
Casey Council has selected five organisations to trial a year long experiment aiming to improve mental health.
As the impacts of loneliness and social isolation continue to rise in the growing municipality of Casey, the council has partnered with five key stakeholders to boost mental health and social connection.
The trial will be proceeding over a 12 month period and will research community-building solutions along to help locals practice mindfulness.
Through its ‘Connecting Community Living Lab’ initiative, it will link Casey residents with key partners and is designed to test new ways of strengthening social connection.
In turn, this will generate local evidence and support councils to better understand what works in strengthening connection and reducing social isolation.
Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen said that the council was going forward to making a positive difference.
“There are many inspiring trials about to begin, and in the coming months we look forward to seeing how these ideas grow and strengthen our community,” he said.
Here’s a list of the five organisations: Wellspring for Women:
An eight-week, co-designed parenting and gender-equality program supporting Afghan mothers in Casey to build confidence, strengthen so-
cial connection and access peer support.
The Men’s Table:
A community-led trial establishing small, facilitated groups where men can meet regularly to share a meal and have open conversations in a
safe, respectful environment.
Monash University’s Urban Planning and Design Team:
A trial focused on reimagining how Casey’s community facilities can better support inter-
generational connection and inclusion. The trial will involve community leaders and Council staff exploring how shared spaces can become more welcoming for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Monash University’s XYX Lab and CrowdLab: A Monash University pilot program exploring how a new community-driven, digital tool could help residents identify safer, more accessible and climate-resilient walking routes across Casey.
University of Melbourne:
An eight-week, nature-based wellbeing trial designed to bring residents together and strengthen social connection, belonging and participation in natural settings.
We choose to start our weekends on Thursdays, sometimes Wednesdays
At Fiddlers Green in the heart of leafy Berwick, it’s easy to find the home and lifestyle that feels just right. Set among picturesque gardens and a warm, welcoming community, the village offers everything you need to make life active and enjoyable.
Catch up with friends, join a class or relax in spaces that feel like your own private retreat: the choice is yours. Whether you’re seeking the independence of a twobedroom unit or the support of our serviced apartments, Fiddlers Green offers living options designed to enhance your retirement.
Scan the QR code to learn more about life at Fiddlers Green and view properties now available at our retirement village.
Fiddlers Green - 57 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick VIC keyton.com.au | 1800 550 550
By Jensy Callimootoo
WARNING: This article contains content related to pregnancy loss and medical trauma.
A Clyde family has been rocked by a rare medical emergency leaving a young mum in a coma and her family grieving their newborn son.
Shahnee Sorensen was nearing her 39th week of pregnancy when tragedy struck on the evening of Friday 24 April, leading to the passing of her baby boy, a brain bleed and an induced coma.
Older sister, April Goudie says the mother of two first felt a sharp pain about 6pm which she thought was the beginning of contractions and labour journey.
“It got to the point where she said, ‘no, I’ve just got niggly little pain, I’m just going to take some Panadol and go to bed,” said April.
A few hours later however, Shahnee laid on her kitchen floor, going in and out of consciousness, urging for an ambulance to be called.
Transported to Frankston Hospital, the medical staff advised the family and Shahnee that her baby boy sadly did not make it.
“We found out that because of Shahnee’s internal bleeding, baby boy wasn’t getting any blood, so he passed away from shock from not receiving what he needed to receive,” said April.
The cause was a Splenic Artery Aneurysm — an extremely rare diagnosis, with an even higher mortality rate.
Within a few hours after the initial sharp pain, Shahnee’s vessel that supplies blood to her spleen had raptured, causing internal bleeding.
Due to the amount of internal blood pooling in her stomach, the young mum was rushed to an emergency surgery, where the surgeons had to revive her on the operating table.
April says the consequences were dire.
“From all of that, we found out that she’d also suffered a stroke and had to be placed into a coma,” said April.
Nearly five days after the emergency, Shahnee awakened, but with limited capacities.
“I spent the night beside her and she was communicating with just squeezing hands,” said April.
“Doctors realised that she had no movement in the left side of her body at all and her scans showed that there was bleeding on her brain.”
April now hopes to raise awareness of Splenic Artery Aneurysm, despite the rarity, she explains that the condition could have been easily prevented if more tests were done.
“The surgeon that coiled the hole in the artery,
this was his first time ever experiencing this and his third time in his career that he’s heard about it, so it’s extremely rare,” she said.
“She had been in the hospital the day before and everything was perfectly fine.
“But they’re not looking for these things, that’s the issue. They’re just looking at the baby and he was perfectly fine so there was no concern for anything else.
“And that’s the issue, there’s not enough awareness around these rare things that could happen or enough education that maybe you should look for these sorts of things.”
“Because if it had been picked up earlier, it would’ve just been a day procedure to remove
that.”
In the midst of catastrophe April is calling on the community for help as Shahnee’s partner Mitch is left to grapple with the grief of his son and caring for their children, who continue to ask for their mum.
A GoFundMe set up by April asks for support during an “unimaginable time”
“Their household relies on Mitch’s income and he now needs significant time away from work to care for his family and navigate whatever recovery journey lies ahead,” it said.
Reflecting on her younger sister’s spirited character, April says that she has been in awe of Shahnee’s strength over the last week.
“We don’t know what recovery looks like,” April said.
“At the moment though, everybody has said she’s absolutely phenomenal.
“Really, she should not even be here right now with everything that her poor little body at such a young age has gone through.
“But she’s a fighter, so I’m sure she’s going to try and push through.
“She’s found strength before, she’ll find it again.”
To donate to Shahnee’s GoFundMe go to, gofund.me/85583b64f
By Jensy Callimootoo
As many prepare to serenade their mothers and caretakers on this upcoming Mother’s Day weekend, one Casey-based organisation had a successful head start.
Nonprofit, E-Girl Empowerment, had an impactful event on Saturday which aimed to champion, celebrate and honour mothers of all kind.
Founder of the organisation, Gertrude Sarvananthan, said that the event did not only celebrate “biological” mothers, but also extended to women who have taken up the role of mothers.
“This also extended to women who may not be biological or ‘natural’ mums, but who mother, nurture, and support others within the community through mentorship, care, leadership, and love,” said Gertrude.
“We celebrated all forms of motherhood and the many ways women show up for others.”
A theme amplified by the event was the importance of ‘finding one’s voice’ , says Gertrude.
The event was MC’d by Rubika De Silva, a key community figure and contributor to E-Girl Empowerment, who Gertrude describes as a pioneer.
“Rubika consistently leads from the front, guiding our community through our fortnightly online empowerment sessions and encouraging women to “dare to dream again”,” said Gertrude.
“Her leadership and ability to connect with women at a deeper level has been instrumental in helping many rediscover their purpose and vision.”
Event speakers extended to Ranjeet Reddy, a former government economics advisor and Joyce Khoo, founder of a law firm and author. It also gave a platform to single mothers, with speakers Caroline Yego and Sandeep Kaur speaking about their experience in having to raise their children following tragic incidents
that took away their partners.
“These powerful stories created a safe and open space where many other women felt encouraged to share their own journeys, stories of motherhood, sacrifice, healing, and rediscovering themselves,” said Gertrude.
proved to be a successful event, with a variety of topics discussed.
In attendance was Casey’s Deputy Mayor, Michelle Crowther, whose presence was described as “a great deal” for the community and highlighted the importance of supporting women’s wellbeing and growth at a local level, said Gertrude.
Finding the right care for a loved one can be overwhelming. That’s where Summerset’s guide to care can help.
Summerset’s six-point guide to aged care is designed to help step individuals and their families through the process of finding and accessing aged care, including
1. How to identify when care may be needed, and how to have that conversation with your loved one.
2. How to get an assessment and what information that provides.
3. The finances of care, including working out your budget and what government subsidies you may be eligible for.
4. Finding the right home and what to look out for.
5. Demystifying admission agreements and the costs of care.
6. The importance of making their new place feel like home.
The full Guide to Care complete with videos and useful links is available at www.summerset. com.au/guide-to-care
at
Residents in
brand-new
North residential aged care home will experience comfort, privacy, and community in the thoughtfully designed care suites, available to move in from 8 April 2026.
Each care suite is a welcoming retreat featuring a stylish private ensuite, a king-single bed, and quality armchair together with built-in storage, double glazing, and split air system for yearround comfort.
Person-centered care is the cornerstone of
Summerset’s approach to care and is lived daily by all staff. Meeting with the Summerset team is valuable to discuss the care plan tailored to your loved one’s needs.
Summerset welcomes you to visit the village as often as you like to familiarise yourself and get to know the community. Make an appointment with the Care Team to discuss your circumstances and the care Summerset could provide.
If you are looking at care options, contact Summerset Cranbourne North on 03 7068 5641 to book a tour.
When living at home is no longer the best option, you need a place with care you can trust.
Our brand-new residential aged care home at Summerset Cranbourne North offers residents exactly that.
Designed around a modern small household model, our four households of 18 care suites provide a warm, homely environment focused on wellbeing.
For those who don’t yet need aged care but could use a little extra help with everyday tasks, our assisted living apartments offer the perfect blend of independence and support.
Care suites and assisted living apartments are available now* Explore your options at our upcoming open days - a relaxed way to experience the village, meet the team and learn more about care at Summerset Cranbourne North.
Care you can trust.
Care and assisted living open days
Throughout May: Fri 8, Sat 9, Fri 15, Sat 16 10am to 2pm
Summerset Cranbourne North 98 Mannavue Boulevard, Cranbourne North 03 7068 5642 | cranbourne.sales@summerset.com.au
By Jensy Callimootoo
Peak bodies representing frontline community services are urging the government to provide stronger support as cost-of-living pressures escalate, driving greater financial insecurity and raising concerns about a potential increase in unemployment.
Chief Executives from Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic), Community Information and Support Victoria (CISVic), and Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHVic) have reported a sharp rise in demand from vulnerable families struggling under mounting economic pressures.
They highlight a significant surge in requests for emergency relief, alongside growing levels of fear and uncertainty within the community.
Alongside discounted public transport fares already in place, the sector is urging two further measures, including more support for frontline workers’ travel costs and expanded fuel vouchers for vulnerable communities.
Spotlighting financial hardships, in April, a Bring Your Bills event held in Pakenham saw a record number of community members seeking support in paying their bills.
The event attracted more than 600 people who brought their bills and debt, with around
$80,000 worth of food and fuel relief distributed.
Closer to home, Casey North Community Information and Support Service (CNCISS), has reported a “significant” difference in demand compared to last year, which was already grappling with an overwhelmed system.
Helen Small, executive manager at CNCISS says that they’re now seeing “three times” the number of clients in comparison to the same period in 2025.
“We’re really constrained by how many people we can see,” Small said.
“So we’re having to turn people away and put some pretty strict limits around how often we can help people because we just don’t have the ability to increase what we’re giving by three times the demand, we don’t have the budget to do that.”
Small says they’ve recently reduced the amount that they give to one person so that “everyone can get something”
“We’ve brought in some pretty strict limits on how often we can give them something, so only every six weeks,” she said.
“And in the interim we give them a list of food relief providers in case.
“Because we don’t want to see anyone going
hungry, so we give them a list of places they can go to get food relief.”
Among the increased demand are new demographics that are also feeling the brunt of financial hardships.
“One of the things that we’re seeing that we haven’t seen before is people with mortgages and people who are working,” said Small,
“Our client group used to be pretty exclusively people on benefits but now it includes people on pensions and people who are working.
“A lot of people who are working in casual employment, they used to be able to afford stuff and now they’re just not getting enough work to do that”.
Concerns of an unstable job market has also prompted Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), to call on the government to introduce targeted financial support by expanding JobSeeker and Youth Allowance capacities.
Urging for reforms to employment services ahead of any risks of a potential economic downturn by the end of 2026.
Like CNCISS, Casey-Cardinia Salvation Army, has reported a sharp increase in vulnerable people seeking assistance over the past month – with limited capacities to sustain this.
“The rising cost of living, particularly fuel prices, is placing significant pressure on many in our community,” said a spokespersaon.
Through the Salvation Army’s assistance phone line for financial support, volunteers have been referring individuals to other local organisations when needed.
“While we are not always able to meet every request directly, we are working hard to ensure people are linked in with the right support,” they said.
“We are particularly concerned about those currently living in their cars.
“When your vehicle is also your home, the impact of fuel costs is even more significant, and keeping that vehicle running becomes a daily challenge.”
Calling on the community, CNCISS has invited the community to donate non-perishable food items to fill their food pantry.
“If people would be able to help us with that, it just takes one thing we don’t have to pay for, which gives us more money to actually buy vouchers,” Small said.
CNCISS is located at Suite 2/30-32 Verdun Dr, Narre Warren.
Give mum a gift from the heart this Mother’s Day, with a homemade treat she’ll remember forever! You may not be able to fly your mum to Italy for Mother’s Day, but you can bake her up a treat that’s the next best thing!
After you’ve treated mum for her special day, serve up these traditional almond-flavoured Amaretti biscuits with a sweet desert or bowl of icecream and show mum just how much you love her ... and she’ll love you for saying ‘ti amo Mamma’ - Italian for ‘I love you Mum’ in your own special way!
Amaretti ingredients:
· 125g ground almonds
· 1 cup sugar
· 2 egg whites
· 1/2 tsp vanilla
· 2 drops almond essence
· 20 blanched almonds
Method:
· Combine ground almonds, sugar, egg whites, vanilla and almond essence in a mixing bowl.
· Beat mixture with electric whisk on medium speed for about three minutes.
· Let mixture rest for five minutes while you prepare baking trays with non-stick baking paper and pre-heat oven to 180C.
· Spoon mixture into a piping bag with a 1cm plain tube.
· Pipe mixture onto the baking paper in a circular motion to form a biscuit.
· Place one blanched almond on top of each biscuit and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until tops are lightly brown.
· Remove from the oven, leave to cool for a few minutes before placing on a wire rack for further cooling.
· Makes 20 biscuits. Recipe courtesy of the Australian Egg Corporation
Mothers have a biologically encoded protective drive.
We nurture our babies, at all stages of life, and sacrificially doing what we can to ensure they don’t fall into harm’s way.
Today too many Victorian mothers are no longer secure in their family’s safety.
In the South East, I constantly receive reports of serious assaults on our streets, theft from our retail stores, and carjackings of our cars.
In Victoria, a crime is committed every 50 seconds. There’s a theft from a retail store every 13 minutes, a serious assault every 28 minutes, and 9 carjackings a week.
City of Casey also has some of the highest domestic violence statistics in the country and many women and children are displaced due to crime and violence.
To add to our insecurities, more than 40 police stations remain closed or operate on reduced hours, and over 1,500 police vacancies remain unfilled.
With a growing population and increasing crime, we need decisive action.
That’s why Jess Wilson’s commitments to reopen police stations and recruit 3,000 additional police officers are so crucial.
Our plan will also attract more experienced officers from Australia and comparable overseas jurisdictions – including the United King-
dom, Ireland, and New Zealand –supported by encouraging relocation allowances of $5,000.
Increasing the physical presence of police officers will help prevent crimes before they happen and will enable swift action when they do occur.
As a mother of four, and your local Upper House Liberal Member, I believe that you shouldn’t have to live in fear when the system falls short. You deserve to live and raise your children in communities that are safe, secure, and supported. Because when mothers feel confident, families are stronger. And when families are stronger, Victoria is stronger and a better place to live.
- Ann-Marie Hermans MP
By Jensy Callimootoo
NDIS overhauls could prompt big changes to crucial terminal-illness services, with a local Casey palliative care organisation calling for greater funding for community services before sweeping reforms takes place.
Narre Warren based Palliative Care South East (PCSE), Chief Executive, Kelly Rogerson says that the NDIS reform announcements have been “really challenging” as the organisation works closely with the disability sector.
“There’s already exceptional pressure on the system,” she said.
“Where will people get these essential support?.”
Rogerson says that already, the waitlist for Palliative Care support is growing, with over 50 people currently waiting to receive care.
It’s been two weeks since the government announced sweeping overhauls to the over decade-long, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in an effort to mitigate spending costs with Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aging arguing that the new policies would make the Scheme more sustainable.
Australians accessing the disability scheme has doubled from four years ago, with costs growing at 10 per cent (previously 22 per cent), said the Minister.
“Right now the NDIS costs too much and it’s growing too fast,” he said.
“We can’t afford for the NDIS to fail.”
The overhauls would “deliver high quality support and services” by stopping fraud within the existing “unregulated market”
By the end of the decade, the reforms would see a cut down of 160,000 participants — under the current scheme, it was estimated to reach 900,000 by 2046.
NDIS provides funding and support for those living with permanent disabilities, but it can also work as a critical service for those nearing the end of their lives.
And while reforms aim to curb costs, key figures in the palliative care industry have raised
Palliative care services in Australia works heavily with the disability sector, with NDIS being a critical point of support for many, says Palliative Care South East CEO. (Shutterstock)
concerns.
NDIS does not directly fund palliative care but it can fund the supports that are related to a participant’s disability that can complement palliative care services.
Such as through helping people live as well as they can by managing pain and symptoms to ensure their quality of life is maintained as illnesses progresses.
Similarly to Rogerson, Palliative Care Australia (PCA), the national peak body, has welcomed the reform’s agenda, but says that it must still deliver coordinated care for people with disabilities who have terminal illnesses.
Concerns about bed-blocks in hospitals have also arisen, with the amount of admissions to the Emergency Department likely to decline, because no ward beds are available, says Palliative Care Australia.
Simon Waring, Interim Chief Executive of PCA, said that amid the reforms, its “essential” people living with terminal illnesses are not overlooked in the process.
“For this group, the key issue is not simply whether they can access the NDIS,” said Waring.
‘It is whether they can get the practical, dayto-day functional support they need, when they need it, regardless of which system provides it.”
The health minister said the scheme would also see a shift of focus from the “diagnosis” of a
participant to an emphasis on their functional capacity dependent on “their support needs rather than a label”
This would see standardised evidence-based assessments of a person’s functional capacity to determine access to the scheme with a strict assessment tool to be up and running by 2028.
ButPCAhasraisedconcernsaboutthissweeping system restructuring, with its National Policy Director, Josh Fear stating that this may create uncertainty for people with life-limiting illnesses.
“People with terminal illness often have complex needs that can change quickly,” he said.
“The NDIS can provide very important support for some people in this group, but it will never meet the needs of everyone.
“That is why reform must also address the longstanding gap in support outside the Scheme – so the NDIS is not the only lifeboat in the ocean.”
As participants are reassessed and cut downs begin, declined or rejected applications would see a sharp shift of responsibility on community services.
A system that Rogerson says, is already oversaturated with long waitlists and lack of funding.
The health executive says that as the government puts more weight on community services to provide support, a funding gap remains and that this should be addressed in the immediate future.
“Funding needs to come first to expand their capacities,” she said,
“Any reductions in services puts pressure on community services to be able to provide that service,” said Kelly.
Parliament will return next week (12 May), in line with the Federal Budget release, where Butler says he will officially introduce reforms to the scheme with more clarity on the agenda.
For background, The NDIS scheme was first introduced by a Labor Government in 2013 and over a decade later, Butler maintains that the scheme for disability support was a “great human rights achievement” , a scheme that has “changed lives and it has changed our country,” he said.
Victims of domestic and family violence in Casey will now have access to new crisis support that provides immediate shelter to vulnerable families.
Four new crisis accommodations have been opened in Casey and will be providing secure housing for women and children escaping dangerous situations.
The delivery of this project forms part of a broader response from the Federal Government due to escalating family violence and cost of living impact.
Wayss received a funding of $5.7 million through the Commonwealth’s Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Inclusion Round, as part of its official National Plan to end gender-based violence.
Partnering with Project Paperbark, the accommodations will provide 12, two bedroom homes in the City of Casey, with immediate and family friendly services for vulnerable families at critical points of their recovery.
The homes are also equipped for pets and located within connective and accessible infrastructures to further safeguard the recovery process.
The homes were officially opened by Julian Hill MP alongside local MPs including Belinda Wilson, Gary Maas and Michael Galea.
Chair of Wayss, Sandy Forbes said that this project was about “safety, dignity and giving families the chance to heal”
“Many women and children escaping violence end up in insecure accommodation, including hotels that are not suitable for children. These homes provide stability and the foundation for Recovery,” Sandy said.
Magnifying the cascading effects of violence in the home is the cost of living and increase in financial instability.
Tanya Corrie, founder and CEO of Juno, a homelessness support service for women escaping violence, says that often women are forced to choose between safety or a roof over their heads when grappling with abusive behaviour in the home.
Tanya says that many victims are choosing
not to leave dangerous circumstances, or even “returning” following escape due to the lack of affordability in Victoria.
“They try to leave and then for a variety of reasons kids can’t stay in the same school or they can’t afford anything so they’ll go back to a violent
According to the Crime Statistics Agency
(CSA), in 2025 there was a reported number of 6519 family violence incidents in Casey — the highest across the state.
The Casey homes are the first of two developments currently underway between wayss and project partners, with a second site due for completion later this year.
Over 400 students closed off their academic chapter on Wednesday, but for two students the milestone is extra special.
Berwick graduates Darcy Paterson and Rachael Jenkins both faced challenges during their studies at Federation University.
Darcy always dreamt of being a secondary teacher and graduated with a major in Health and Physical education.
But struggled with her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes but she says the support from the university helped her graduate.
“Being a teacher is something I have wanted to do ever since I was in Grade 3. And the support I received at Federation has helped me get there,” Darcy said.
“That support allowed me to manage my conditions – and even taught me how to use assistive technologies to my advantage, so I can produce better quality work.
Using her lived experience to navigate her career and mentorship, while studying, Darcy worked as a Learning Support Officer at a local primary school, supporting students with additional needs, including students with type 1 diabetes.
“I especially enjoyed this part of the work, role modelling that despite our autoimmune disease we can still achieve our goals,” she said.
This year, Darcy began her career in education, teaching Year 10 PE and Elite Sports, as well as a Year 11 class at St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield.
Similarly to Darcy, Rachael has always dreamt of becoming a teacher.
And it wasn’t long after completing her studies that her dreams came to fruition — she now teaches Year 8 and 9 Science and Year 10 Psychology at Fountain Gate Secondary College.
“I wanted to become a teacher, so I could mirror the inspiration I got from mine and be that kind of teacher for someone else,” she said.
“I think it’s really important for young people to have an understanding of science and psychology as it allows them to understand how their bodies and minds work, helping them to make positive choices in their everyday lives”.
By Jensy Callimootoo
With nearly 64,000 followers across his social media, in just one year Barry has built a strong and steady platform for his artistic work.
Most remarkably, he achieves all of this without the use of his hands, hence the name of his business ‘No Hands 3D’
Born without hands, the tech-enthusiast uses 3D printers to make sculptures of various themes; from spiked dragons perched on cliffs to fidget toys shaped as a carrot.
Utilising his expanding platform Barry has transformed his hobby into a successful business powered by creativity, persistence, and a sharp understanding of digital audiences.
Using a single 3D printer, the man behind the business quickly found momentum in an unexpected place, TikTok Live.
“I’d just go live and show my prints,” Barry said.
“People would suddenly start buying, and it snowballed especially around Christmas.”
And by January, the volume and consistency of orders made one thing clear, it was no longer a hobby.
He began selling the product in July 2024 following the success online and became an official full time business in January 2025.
Walking away from a stable 9 to 5 job wasn’t easy, says Barry.
“That was a really hard decision,” he told Star News.
“At the start, you wonder, is this just a phase?”
But through a mix of social media engagement, paid advertising, festival stalls, and wholesale partnerships, the business found stability.
Diversifying income streams became key to turning early viral success into something sustainable.
Barry uses licensed designs from other creators and focuses on production.
“I support designers by paying for their work but my strength is in the tech,” he says.
A self-confessed computer enthusiast and former PC builder, Barry was drawn to 3D printing for years but found earlier machines too complex.
“I’d always wanted a 3D printer for a long time but it’s traditionally been a bit hard for someone like me to use.
“You have to buy a printer and then build a printer and then it’s a lot of maintenance but now the printers are a lot more plug and play.”
He now operates 27 printers simultaneously with print times varying from 10 hours to several days, depending on how extensive the product is.
Barry says that the major driver for the business boom lies beyond the products themselves.
“People don’t just buy the item, they buy the
story,” he says.
By appearing in videos and sharing their journey, he’s built a personal connection with his audience.
That story is also embedded in the brand’s identity, with the T-Rex logo not just eye-catch-
ing, it’s personal.
“They’ve got short arms like me,” he chuckles.
“I used to joke about it growing up.”
But only two years on since the business gained popularity, what started as humour and curiosity has become a thriving business.
By Carmela Mendoza
In 2022, young Shamita Ah Tong-Pereira gave a speech to her school, Casey Grammar, about sexism, misogyny and body-shaming.
To this day, there are still young girls who approach her with gratitude because of her powerful words four years prior.
Last Tuesday (28 April), at just 17 years old, Shamita spoke at the Women Deliver conference at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre to reflect on her experience of having a visually impaired father.
Now, she aims to use her voice to empower those who need it most.
Women Deliver is a global advocacy organisation that focuses on gender equality, sexual health and women’s rights.
Its conference in Melbourne was the first time it had been hosted in the Oceanic-Pacific region, with speakers such as Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, former Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern.
Shamita’s father, Brandon Ah Tong, is the head of global policy and advocacy at the Fred Hollows Foundation, which hosted a forum session on eye health awareness. This is where Shamita had the opportunity to be the only student on the panel, speaking to such a large audience.
By his late 20s, Brandon lost his vision due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa.
“He hasn’t seen me since I was two, he is completely blind,” Shamita says.
“Growing up with a blind parent has made me see how he’s interacted with the world differently,” she says.
“I feel like a lot of people aren’t really educated on how to treat people with disabilities.”
Despite his condition, Brandon has achieved a lot of things in his career.
“Seeing his resilience and how he has still ended up being amazing in his career, has made me realise how important [resilience] is,” Shamita says.
“What he is doing, trying to advance eye health and make it more important, has made me realise that I want to do something very similar to that as well,” she says.
Shamita spoke on the various barriers that her father faces and the lack of inclusivity and awareness within local society.
“Seeing these barriers made me hyperaware of women and how women have barriers, through school for example. Like stereotypes or expectations,” she says.
Since she was little, Shamita has seen herself as a young girl who is loud about what she believes in, passionate about equality and confident in herself. “When I made that speech [in year 8], it was a very pivotal moment to me because it showed my passion for [advocacy],” she says.
“As someone who was born like this, I think it’s important that I step up and change those things,” she says.
As a young advocate, Shamita hopes to continue to “encourage, motivate and inspire women to just be unapologetically themselves.”
Her experience at Women Deliver was just the starting point of her endeavours.
“I definitely know that I want to change the systems that were never built for women,” she says, “I want to give women and girls the opportunity to speak, especially for youth.”
Beyond her secondary studies, Shamita aims to attend Monash University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in global studies and eventually become an advocate for women and girls.
“Be together, empower each other and with that, we can change things,” she says.
Introduction to Dog Behaviour
RSPCA Victoria offers a free masterclass in dog behaviour and body language.
• Thursday 7 May 6pm-7pm at Clyde Public Hall, 30 Railway Road, Clyde. Bookings: trybooking. com/events/landing/1551216
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 9 May 8am-12pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick.
Saathi Yoga
Celebrate Neighbourhood House Week with a free preview of the Yoga Saathi program at Lynbrook Community Centre.
• Tuesday 12 May 4pm-5pm at 2 Harris Street, Lynbrook; free event.
Follow Your Waste Tour
Hop on the bus and follow your waste from Valoriza to Stevenson’s Road closed landfill, Veolia and Cleanaway Hallam Education Centre. Fully catered. Please note that this tour may include stairs, uneven ground, potentially slippery surfaces and indoor and outdoor venues. For ages 16-plus.
• Thursday 14 May 9am-4.30pm at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: events.humanitix.com/follow-your-waste-tour-1-2026-cityof-casey
Coffee for a Cause
During National Palliative Care Week (10–16 May), help fund Palliative Care South East’s services across the region. This can be done by attending 80VC Community Cafe and adding $1 to a coffee purchase,
• 10-16 May, 7am-3.30pm at 80VC Community Cafe, 80 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren. Forest by Polyglot Theatre
A new immersive show for children 4-10 and their families to explore their connection to forests.
• Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne; $15/$15. Bookings essential at rbg.vic.gov.au/cranbourne-gardens/whats-on-
cranbourne/forest-by-polyglot-theatre/ Gardening Together
For all dads and grandfathers bring your children and grandchildren (aged 3-6 years) for a morning of digging, planting, playing and getting dirty. Grow vegetables to eat, learn about insects, and have fun in the kids’ play garden. Please bring hats, sunscreen and water bottles. Gardening tools and resources provided.
• Saturday 16 May 10am-11.30am at Old Cheese Factory community gardens, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick. Bookings: trybooking.com/ events/landing/1528450?
FC26 Competition
Join us for a round of FC26 on the PS5 and score yourself some prizes as we celebrate Law Week 2026 at Bunjil Place Library. Connect with the teams from South-East Monash Legal Service and Casey Youth Services and share your views on legal issues that matter to you. Drop-in event, no bookings required. Suitable for ages 14-25.
• Monday 18 May 4pm-6pm at Bunjil Place library, Narre Warren; free event.
Pancake Night
Clyde North Dad Squad invites dads, grandfathers and father figures to bring your children for free pancakes and fun. Most dietary requirements can be catered.
• Tuesday 19 May 7pm-8pm at Orana Community Place, 1 Fresco Place, Clyde North; free event. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DLFTN
Biodiversity Day at Myuna Farm
Come and celebrate International Day for Biodiversity. A train ride to wetlands, where you can meet flying foxes and watch them fly out at sunset. Frog calls and water bugs activities.
• Thursday 21 May 4.30pm-6.30pm at Myuna Farm, Kidds Road, Doveton; free event. Bookings: trybooking.com/DLBDC
Cancer Council morning tea
National Seniors Australia Berwick hosts a social morning tea and fundraiser event for the Cancer Council.
• Wednesday 27 May 10am-12pm at The Old Shop, Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick. Details: Jennifer, 0474 254 287
All In for Reconciliation
2026 National Reconciliation Week event featuring dance performance, storytelling and activities.
• Wednesday 27 May 4pm-6pm at Bunjil Place plaza, Narre Warren; free event. Visible Mending Workshop
Bring along your ripped or moth-chomped woollen clothing, stretchy clothing, and woven clothing (jeans are ideal). We will also look at things like sashiko, embroidery and weaving mends. Light refreshments provided.
• Friday 29 May, 9.30am 12pm at Good Food Emporium, Unit 15/430-440 Princes Hwy, Narre Warren; free event. Bookings: events.humanitix. com/visible-mending-workshop-29-5 VACCA Community Fundraiser
Reconciliation Week event and community fundraiser for Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency with art by N’Dene Riley, family activities, food and raffle prizes. Hosted by Story House Early Learning Lynbrook.
• Monday 1 June 2.30pm-5.30pm at Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris Street; free entry. Bookings: trybooking.com/DLLMG
Family violence fundraiser
Rotary Club of Casey presents Unlocking Hope—a special fundraising event in support of RizeUp and their vital work empowering families impacted by domestic and family violence. Delicious food, with drinks at bar prices. Live music from guest artist Paul Hogan, lucky door prizes and silent auctions. Dress code: cocktail.
• Saturday 20 June, 7pm-11pm at Beaconsfield Club, Holm Park Reserve, 100 Beaconsfield-EmeraldRoad,Beaconsfield;$65pp.Bookings:trybooking.com/events/1564861/sessions/6350052/ sections/3013983/tickets
Cranbourne Seniors Club
Devonshire Tea on Friday 22 May, 1.30pm3.30pm; $10pp. Morning Melodies with Gavin Chatelier, first Friday of the month, 11am-3pm; $15 lunch included.
1 Codrington St, Cranbourne. Details: Marilyn, 0432 107 590 or facebook.com/ groups/487808127399953
Endeavour Hills Men’s Shed
Just retired? Learn new skills and meet new people. Improve mental wellbeing. Have fun and enjoy
good company.
• Mondays-Saturdays 10am-3pm at Sydney Pargeter Reserve, 289 Power Road, Endeavour Hills. Details: John, 9700 1810.
Games Days
Mahjong, whist and darts on second and fourth Fridays of the month (11am-2pm), line dancing on Thursdays (10am-12pm), carpet bowls on Mondays and Thursdays (1pm-3pm), garden group on Mondays (10am-12pm), cards on Saturdays (1pm), bingo first Wednesday of the month (1pm2pm) and table tennis on Saturdays (9.30am12pm). Social days are held every Wednesday 10am-2pm with a live entertainer from 1pm.
• Narre Warren Senior Citizens Club, 192/196 Centre Road, Narre Warren.
Singers wanted
Cranbourne Chorale is recruiting for its non-auditioned adult community choir for mixed voices. Our repertoire is a mix of uplifting songs. Feel free to visit us without obligation, the first four sessions are free of charge.
• Wednesday rehearsals 7.30pm at The Factory, Building 5, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East. Details: Jenny, 0438 358 032.
U3A Cranbourne
• Three new classes for 2026 mosaics with talented artist Tony Shannon (Tuesdays 12pm), beginner Italian with tutor Jan (Wednesdays 10am-12pm) and Italian study group with tutor Jan (Thursdays 12.30pm-2.30pm). New members over 50 welcome. Our membership fee is $55 per annum and you can join in as many classes as you wish.
• Details: u3acranbourne.org.au
Casual pickleball
Just turn up early to secure your place. All equipment supplied.
• Fridays 10am-11.30am and Sundays 10.30am-11.30am at Olive Road sporting complex, Eumemmerring. All equipment supplied, $5.40 per session.
Weekly badminton
Adults welcome (Mondays 7pm-9pm) and ladies and retired (Wednesdays 12pm-2.30pm).
• Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.
By Justin Schwarze
The learnings of the last two weeks proved that Berwick is a team building towards success as the Wickers rolled to one of its most impressive wins in recent memory by thrashing South Croydon on the road in round four of the Eastern Premier Division.
And in the process, Berwick ticked off two achievements.
“Across the board we just had a bit of a point to prove, we’d never beaten South Croydon there,” Wickers senior coach Andrew Williams noted.
“We were well beaten there last year at a similar time.”
It’s also the first time Berwick has scored 100 or more points since July 15, 2023.
The Bulldogs got the first of the game via a Thomas Sheridan set shot from a free kick, before Jackson Brown got the visitors off the mark with a strong contested grab and goal.
The Wickers then intercepted at half back from the following centre bounce, resulting in Tom Nelson threading the needle to a leading Jai Neal.
The star forward made no mistakes and Berwick had put two on the board in a matter of minutes.
Sheridan then grabbed his second, snapping perfectly on the left, followed by James Wilsen making it back-to-back South Croydon majors as he capitalised from a free in the forward 50.
Lewis Hill attacked the footy brilliantly, picking off an errant Bulldog handball, before flicking it over to Neal in space.
Neal faked the handball back and the seas parted, allowing him to take a couple more steps and drill his kick home from right on 50.
Berwick then stole the lead heading into the first break when Blake Westra cut off a South Croydon kick in, before immediately spearing a kick to Ashton Williamson.
Williamson guided his shot home late in the term and the Wickers took a slender 4.2 (26) to 3.3 (21) into the first huddle.
After Sam Gebert slotted the first goal of the second term for the hosts, it was all Berwick from that point as the visitors piled on seven consecutive goals, and eight of the next nine.
Brown nailed his second, followed by all three of the Nelson boys kicking truly, sandwiched in between a Cadyn Lane major.
At halftime, Berwick suddenly jumped out to a 12.6 (78) to 5.3 (33) advantage.
But the onslaught rolled over into the second half, as a barrage of Wickers goals powered them to the result.
Williamson got his second with a textbook pack rove and run-in goal, followed by Raiden Bergman hitting the scoreboard and Matt Nelson slotting number two.
Neal finished with four after a pair in the
fourth, while Williamson fired home his third in the final term as well.
Hill was everywhere, while the efforts of Luke Nelson, debutant Kye De Jong, Brown and Bezahmen Todd were pivotal.
Berwick had piled it on, running out to a massive 22.16 (148) to 8.6 (54) triumph.
“I’m really rapt with the way we shared the ball through the middle of the ground and we were able to test them out across the whole ground,” Williams said.
“We worked really hard on limiting what South Croydon wanted to do with the ball but also giving ourselves the chance to turn the ball over and stretch the ground and give ourselves chances to get inside 50 and score.
“I think it was a really good sign moving forward that we can kick a decent score.
“Our defence is quite often very strong and that starts from our frontline of forwards making sure they’re not transitioning the ball easily from our forward half.
“Our backs positioned themselves really well and competed.
“With a win like that, you’re going to have a lot of solid contributors and our backs played really
well together.
“The four-quarter effort was impressive.
“I felt like we were really even all day and our effort and the care for one another was really evident.”
The Wickers saw 11 players on the goalkickers list, led by Neal’s haul of four.
But even more encouraging was the fact that seven of those players booted two or more, including multiple contributors from the midfield.
“It’s really important that we have a good spread,” Williams said.
“Jai’s massive for us up forward, he always presents himself well and gives us plenty to kick to but we like to move the ball different ways and give our mids a chance to get forward and hit the scoreboard as well.”
After two losses to premiership contenders Doncaster East and Balwyn in the two weeks prior, Berwick reassessed where it was at, and the evaluation was overwhelmingly positive.
“Against Doncaster East I thought we probably went away from what we wanted to do defensively and the way we positioned ourselves on the ground,” Williams admitted.
“We gave them too much access to move the ball and kick it into dangerous players.
“We got to work on some of that stuff and I felt like while we lost the game against Balwyn, for a lot of the game we were playing like the better team.
“We had more inside 50s and more scoring shots but weren’t able to put that on the board.
“We gained a lot of confidence that we’re doing a lot right and the players are still learning how we want to play and we’re adjusting each week which is really good with a young group.”
• EASTERNPREMIER
RESULTS R4: Balwyn 10.7(67) def by Vermont 16.16(112), South Croydon 8.6(54) def by Berwick 22.16(148), East Ringwood 14.15(99) def Blackburn 13.8(86), Doncaster East 15.10(100) def Noble Park 9.10(64).
LADDER: East Ringwood 16, Rowville 16, Doncaster East 16, Berwick 8, Blackburn 8, Balwyn 8, Vermont 4, South Belgrave 4, Noble Park 0, South Croydon 0.
FIXTURE R5: Rowville (2) v Blackburn (5), Noble Park (9) v Vermont (7), South Croydon (10) v Doncaster East (3), Berwick (4) v East Ringwood (1), South
By David Nagel
A tough start to the Eastern Division 1 season has continued to materialise for Beaconsfield after the Eagles once again fell short against a top-five contender on Saturday.
The Eagles now have a 0-4 record after a 14.11(95) to 9.7(61) defeat at the hands of Park Orchards; mainly orchestrated by a dominant period by the Sharks either side of half time.
The Sharks kicked six unanswered goals, from midway through the second term to early in the third, quickly translating a hard-fought five-point lead into a match-winning 41-point advantage.
Beaconsfield kicked six goals to five from that point forward in the match, but the scoreboard damage had been done.
It’s still to early to fully assess where the Eagles sit in the Eastern Division 1 pecking order.
Their four losses have come against teams that currently sit inside the top five, with four of their next five games coming against teams that sit outside the cut line.
Scott Kerr and his team have showed long periods of competitiveness this season, but lapses akin to Saturday’s have proved costly.
The Eagles went blow for blow with the
Beaconsfield key forward Charlie Muley completes a juggling mark that led to a late third-quarter goal against Park Orchards on Saturday. (Gary Sissons: 550644)
Sharks in the opening term, with two goals to Jesse Morton and another to Myles Currie keeping the highly-rated visitors on their toes.
Morton kick-started things with a classic ‘front and centre’ crumbing goal, while Currie capitalised after creating a mountain of space,
deep inside 50.
The Sharks began to impose themselves on the contest in the second term, and after a flurry of missed opportunities started to impact the scoreboard leading to the major interval.
Goals to James Parsons, Jaye Witnish, Alex Macrokanis and Liam Webb gave the visitors a 29-point lead as the players headed to the sheds.
Parsons and Kane Keppel then kicked the opening two of the third quarter; the destination of the four premiership points almost done and dusted.
The Eagles did cut the margin to 28 points at the final break and an early last-quarter goal to Morton - who found marking space at the back of a pack - reduced the deficit even further; to 22 points, two minutes into the last.
But Park Orchards then kicked the next three; icing the game as a contest.
Small forward Morton was lively up forward with four goals, while two third-quarter majors to Charlie Muley gave the Eagles a flicker of hope in the final term.
Ethan Winterton, Hayden Brown and skipper Jake Bowd joined Morton on the best players’ list for Beacy, while Sam Merrick and defender Connor Mouat were consistent performers across the full four quarters of footy.
The Eagles now have a chance to revive their season; but need to do it fast.
Upcoming away visits to Mooroolbark (6th) and Bayswater (10th) provide winnable opportunities before a home clash against ladderleaders Mitcham.
Games against Norwood (9th) and Montrose (7th) then take Kerr and his Eagles to the halfway point of the season.
• EASTERNDIVISION1
RESULTS R4: Beaconsfield 9.7(61) def by Park Orchards 14.11(95), Bayswater 5.5(35) def by Mooroolbark 16.9(105), Mitcham 15.13(103) def North Ringwood 9.16(70), Norwood 9.18(72) def by Boronia 21.12(138), Wantirna South 13.15(93) def Montrose 9.11(65).
LADDER: Mitcham 16, Wantirna South 16, North Ringwood 12, Park Orchards 12, Boronia 12, Mooroolbark 8, Montrose 4, Beaconsfield 0, Norwood 0, Baywater 0.
FIXTURE R5: Mooroolbark (6) v Beaconsfield (8), Boronia (5) v Bayswater (10), Montrose (7) v Norwood (9), Park Orchards (4) v Mitcham (1), Wantirna South (2) v North Ringwood (3).
By David Nagel
If the last lap of the 2026 Australian Little Athletics Championships is anything to go by, Beaconsfield youngster Oliver Crowl has all the hallmarks of a future star of the track!
The 11-year-old Beaconsfield Primary School student found himself in a ding-dong battle with Darcy Dennis from New South Wales; the winner to be crowned national champion of the Under-12 Boys 1500m Race Walk.
Dennis led as the bell rang, with Crowl in hot pursuit, with their nearest competitor almost 30 seconds behind.
Crowl briefly headed the New South Welshmen, who then regained the lead, before Crowl made his move at the top of the home straight.
With his stride lengthening with every bound, Crowl breasted the tape first in a time of 6:42.45… breaking his PB by 20 seconds and winning by the small margin of 1.08 seconds.
In the stands in Brisbane were his dad Donny and mum Leearna, who couldn’t contain her excitement.
“Only mum cried,” Leearna said, while praising her son Ollie.
“The two of them went head-to-head for the whole race, it was incredible to watch; he got his PB by 20 seconds and broke the meet record as well.
“It was pretty exciting, nerves were definitely there and we were shaking for a long time after the race…it was pretty surreal
“We’re beaming with pride, he was incredible, his stamina, his determination and discipline he has for an 11-year-old kid is unbelievable.
“He gets up every day, he trains, even when he’s tired, exhausted, he still gets out there and has a go.
“His discipline and mental toughness for someone so young really amazes me.”
Oliver is a product of the Berwick Little Athletics Club and gets specialised coaching from renowned race-walking coach Fran Attard, who has previously guided young athletes to the Olympics from her training base in Knox.
She has fine-tuned Oliie’s action into a fine art; winning the Victorian State title in the Under11s last year.
But Oliver was too young to compete at nationals; instead having to go again and perform at the Under-12 age group this year.
He again won the State title, booking himself a
Race Walk at the National Championships in Brisbane. (551343)
ticket to Brisbane.
The Crowl’s headed to the Gold Coast for 10 days prior to the event; allowing Ollie the time to acclimatise to the heat.
Attard coached from afar, putting a strict training program in place that Ollie followed to the letter.
Oliver, who started Little Athletics at the age of six, is now a national champion, adding that title to the State Record he currently holds in Victoria.
“It was really good and winning the gold medal was the best part of the trip,” Oliver said.
“It was great fun; I got to meet new friends and I’m really proud of what happened.
“I can’t represent Australia yet, I’m too young, but I want to make the Olympics.”
Oliver, who currently plays under-12 football for Beaconsfield, idolises Isaac Beacroft, an Australian race walker; the world under-20 record holder in the 10,000 metres race walk.
“I like his style,” Oliver said, who confessed he did feel a touch of nerves before the starters’ gun was fired.
“I just like the competition; it was fun doing that walk.”
Mum Leearna said the reason for Oliver’s introduction to athletics was quite simple.
“We just thought it was a good basis for all sports, and it sets you up for all different kinds of activities,” she said.
“Having that natural athletic ability is really important in all sports.
“His grandfather (David) was a champion runner when he was younger so I think maybe Ollie is following in his footsteps and gets his ability from him.”
By Blair Burns
Berwick and Hampton Park played out a thriller at Robert Booth Reserve on Saturday with the Wickers winning their second game of the year by one goal, 49-48.
It was an entertaining match where the lead went back and forth, but it was ultimately Berwick who got the job done, holding its nerve to register a crucial win.
Captain Emily Tatt has been one of the team’s best performers in the opening four rounds and has led her team from the front.
Mika Baram was also on fire in the goal ring, shooting 27 for the game and helping the Wickers make the most of any attacking plays.
Berwick’s defenders had their work cut out for them as they attempted to nullify Emily Pupuke, who is the second-leading scorer in the A grade competition with 110 goals in three matches.
Pupuke was almost impossible to defend and shot well to score 42 of her team’s 48 goals, giving them a chance at stealing the victory.
In the other A grade match, it was Beaconsfield who won big as the team cruised to a 63goal win against a battling Cardinia Tigers team, 70-7.
At Holm Park, the Eagles didn’t put a foot wrong as they completed outplayed the Tigers from the opening whistle.
It was one-way traffic and Cardinia went scoreless in the first quarter with Beaconsfield holding an unassailable 19-0 lead at the first break.
But Cardinia Tigers came into the second
quarter with a greater level of intensity and scored the first three goals of the term.
But as the game progressed, it was clear the Beaconsfield was a class above as they consistently forced turnovers and put the pressure on their opposition.
The scoring duties were shared around with five players netting at least three goals for the Eagles.
Chloe Maas (23 goals), Suzie Bourchier (22
goals) and Beacy captain Zara Treweek (16 goals) all spent at least two quarters in attack and showed that the team has plenty of different avenues to goal.
Things will not get any easier for Cardinia Tigers when they take on the only undefeated team in A grade this weekend...Narre Warren, fresh off a bye.
Mercy Loelu has already scored 140 goals in three matches with games of 29 v Hampton
Park, 42 v Beaconsfield and 69 v Berwick, is she an outside chance to reach the ton this weekend?
While Beaconsfield will look to bring all of its momentum into a big clash against Hampton Park.
A GRADE FIXTURE: Narre Warren v Cardinia Tigers at Kalora Park 1:50pm, Beaconsfield v Hampton Park at Holm Park Reserve 3:05pm. Bye: Berwick.
