News - Cranbourne Star News - 7th May 2026

Barry’s 3D printing triumph

Barry Clay, a Cranbourne-based creator born without hands, has built a successful 3D printing business called No Hands 3D.

Using determination and adaptive techniques, his 3D machines produce detailed items like dragons, toys and sensory objects.

What began as a hobby grew into a thriving venture, boosted by social media exposure.

Beginning with one, Barry now manages over 20 printers and handles all aspects of production independently.

His story highlights resilience, creativity and the power of technology to open opportunities, proving that physical limitations do not define talent or entrepreneurial success.

For more on this story, turn to page 13

Barry Clay began 3D printing as a hobby, but not long after, bolstered by social media, No Hands 3D launched as a successful business. (Stewart Chambers: 550523)

Budget pushback

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, turn to page 3

Tributes for Geoff Ablett

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-may-

or 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 ac-

cused, 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!“

Budget ‘falls short’: Mayor

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’sMayorandOMCChair,StefanKoomen 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 invest-

ment, 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.”

‘Promise without a mechanism’, say environmental groups

By Jensy Callimootoo

Key conservation groups have voiced concerns over what they say is the state’s failure to commit to environmental and marine protection as it inches closer to delivering offshore wind farms in Southern Victoria.

The state has announced it will pledge $124.5 million towards the establishment of offshore renewable energy in the Western Port Bay through the 2026/27 State Budget.

This investment will advance the activities for the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal (VRET) with funding going towards the Environment Effects Statement (EES), an assessment that will determine the environmental impact of the project. But, climate and environmental organisations argue that not enough is being done to mitigate the impacts of environmental harm with concerns that the project will seriously damage Australia’s second largest bay and its vital marine life, despite the EES.

Groups such as Environment Victoria (EV), Save Westernport, Western Port Biosphere Foundation and Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), previously called on the government to include dedicated funding for a marine spatial plan ahead of the Victorian budget release, which they say would amount to a cost of $2-3 million, but this was not delivered.

“If the government can commit $124.5 million towards progressing offshore wind energy and preparing for the environmental assessments, then $2-3 million for the Westernport Strategic Framework is peanuts,” said Jane Carnegie, president of Save Westernport.

The Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) would help guide the government, corporations and the community in the development of the project while still protecting the marine environment including wildlife like dolphins, Curlew Sandpipers and penguins.

According to the state website, the MSP can help plan activities in the marine environment, “now and into the future” , as well as support sustainable growth of Victoria’s blue economy and climate change adaptation planning.

Rather, VNPA Nature Campaigner, Shannon

The photo was taken at Stony Point foreshore next to Stony Point Jetty. This area may see a Terminal in the future that serves as a base for the assembly of offshore wind farms in Victoria. (Gary Sissons: 487066)

Hurley says that in the absence of a MSP, government pledges to invest in conservation is a “promise without a mechanism”.

“The community will be engaging closely with the EES process and expect a clear commitment to mitigating impacts on marine habitats and wildlife,” Hurley said.

“But without strategic planning across the whole Bay, we’re still managing impacts project by project rather than protecting Western Port Bay as a system.”

The groups say that already, the bay’s health is under increasing pressure from pollution, population growth and major industrial proposals.

“With pressure growing from industrial proposals and a rapidly expanding catchment, advocates say the need for coordinated planning has never been clearer,” it said, in a joint release.

While it welcomes the measures taken by the state to deliver on renewable energy, the failure to invest in dependable environmental preservation, puts its social license at risk.

For background, the project was stalled back in 2023 after the former Minister for Energy Tanya Pilsberek rejected the proposal for the stateowned Port of Hastings.

This was on the basis that the wetland was constituted under the ‘Ramsar Wetlands Convention’

Across Australia, 67 sites have been listed as Ramsar locations, which under a global 1971 Convention, is a commitment to maintain the ecological character and biodiversity of wetlands.

In June 2025, a modified proposal was put on the table, which would see a 70 per cent reduction in dredging (digging sediments from the sea

floor) as well as reclamation by 35 per cent — this plan was approved by the Federal Government, but with contingencies.

Federal Minister for Environment and Water, Murray Watt said that the proposed Port of Hastings Terminal would be a “controlled action” , which means the modified project would proceed to an EES.

Currently, the assessment is in its third of six stages and is being prepared before it is ready for a public exhibition.

The project must complete the EES process and obtain both State and Commonwealth approvals before construction can commence. If approved, it would see offshore wind turbines power renewable energy to homes and businesses, producing at least 2 gigawatts of power by 2032, enough to power 1.5 million homes.

Budget winners and losers

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.

Urgent Care Centre coming

Urgent care capacities at the newly opened Cranbourne Community Hospital will be getting a spruce up later in the year, says the State Government.

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 lifesaving 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 res-

Through the 2026/27 state budget, four community hospitals

will be sharing $87.2 million for upgrades and expansions.

idents expressing frustrations over its lack of non-life-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

“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

On Thursday 30 April,

delivery of the project will be released in the upcoming months, along with the opening hours of the urgent care centre.

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”

School boost

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”

Some relief but debt grows

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 Dandenongbetter 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.

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.

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.

“We know this provides cost-of-living relief, increased social connection and access to activities and employment.”

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’ 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.

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”.

OPINION

Loving Australia out loud

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 something 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 Mel-

bourne 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 Australians - 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 facilitates trials to improve mental health

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 social 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 intergenerational 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.

Taxes hit manufacturers

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A 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 longterm 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 see-

ing 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 noor low-interest loans, and affordable and reliable

Education, crime the focus of pre-election state budget

By AAP and Star News

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2026/27 VICTORIAN BUDGET

* Net operating surplus: $1 billion in 2026/27, $2 billion in 2029/30

* Net cash deficit: $7.7 billion in 2026/27, $8.1 billion in 2029/30

* Net debt: $175.6 billion in 2026/27, $199.3 billion in 2029/30

* No completion date given for Melbourne Airport Rail Link

COST-OF-LIVING MEASURES:

* $278 million to halve the price of public transport until January 1, 2027

* Almost $780 million allocated for registration rebates for light vehicles

* $11 million for food security and grants for community organisations to deliver food relief

HEALTH SPENDING:

* $305 million for Dandenong Hospital upgrade. Completion 2031-’32.

* $35 million to uplift Cranbourne Community Hospital, and additional $11 million for dialysis beds

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 kindergartens and childcare centres

* At least $420 million to build four new schools across the city’s outer suburbs, including Thompsons East Primary School (interim name) in Casey

* $104 million to acquire land for future schools in high-growth areas including Cardinia

* $26 million to delivery Rapid Child Safety review on childcare

* $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, including in Casey growth areas JUSTICE AND CRIME SPENDING:

* More than $230 million to increase capacity for corrections, including youth justice

* $117.5 million to deliver a specialised, fasttracked youth court list in the County Court

* $125 million for more mental health beds at medium-security forensic mental health hospital Thomas Embling

* $62 million to recruit 200 police reservists for

police station counter duties

* $9.5 million for BlueLight Victoria program to mentor children and young people at risk

* $3.2 million to stamp out anti-Semitism and hate

* Almost $3 million for an independent Sentencing Act review DISABILITY SPENDING:

* More than $40 million for advocacy, support and liaison services

* $20 million to support people in home and aged care with a disability outside of the NDIS EMERGENCY AND DISASTER FUNDING:

* $422 million for recovery after the January 2026 bushfires and floods

* $147 million for specialised aerial firefighting fleet

* $100 million for new CFA trucks and pumpers

* More than $25 million to build new CFA stations across regional Victoria HOUSING SPENDING:

* $16 million to protect consumers and raise building industry standards

* Almost $100 million to deliver housing reform in the building industry ENERGY SPENDING:

* $124.5 million to progress activities for a Victorian renewable energy terminal at the Port of Hastings

INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS SPENDING:

* Almost $40 million for specific First Nations-led outreach, monitoring and health-led response to public intoxication

* $13.2 million for pilot program The Nest, an Aboriginal-designed and led service for children experiencing emotional and behavioural challenges

* $860,000 for cadetships and scholarships for Aboriginal students

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 net-zero emissions, it was a priority to ensure affordable and reliable energy for industry.

“We know that gas remains vital for many Victorian manufacturers.”

Shamita seizes the moment

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 hyper-aware of women and how women have barriers, through school for example. Like stereotypes or expectations,” she says.

Since she was little, Shamita has seen her-

Shamita Ah Tong-Pereira addresses the Women Deliver international forum in Melbourne. (Michael Amendolia/The Fred Hollows Foundation)

self 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.

Sister’s plea after tragedy

By Jensy Callimootoo

NOTE: 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 ruptured, 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

E-Girl Empowerment celebrates mothers of all kinds

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.”

that the

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

was

open space where many other women felt encouraged to share their own journeys, stories of motherhood, sacrifice, healing, and rediscovering themselves,” said Gertrude.

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.

proved to be a successful event, with a variety of topics discussed.

FOCUS ON … SENIORS

Care you can trust

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

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

Italian delight

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, va-

nilla 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

Our mothers and children deserve safety every day

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.

That’s why Jess Wilson’s commitments to reopen police stations and recruit 3,000 additional police officers are so crucial.

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.

Our plan will also attract more experienced officers from Australia and comparable overseas jurisdictions – including the United Kingdom, 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.

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.

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

A full weekend of activities

Celebrate Mum with a full weekend of special activities at St Germain Central.

MOTHER’S DAY CARD CRAFT

Saturday 9th May, 10am–2pm

Get creative and design a heartfelt card just for Mum at our fun craft station. A perfect way for little ones (and big kids too!) to add a personal, meaningful touch she’ll truly treasure. Free ac-

tivity, no bookings required.

MOTHER’S DAY FLORIST CART

Saturday 9th May, 10am–2pm

Pick up a beautiful bloom for Mum from our florist cart and make her day extra special. Choose from a selection of fresh flowers, perfect for surprising Mum or adding to your celebrations at home. $40 proof of purchase required.

MOTHER’S DAY FAMILY PHOTOS

Sunday 10th May,| 10am–2pm

Capture a special moment together with a professional family photo session. Receive both digital and printed branded keepsakes to treasure for years to come. It’s the perfect way to mark the occasion and create lasting memories. Sign up to our e-newsletter to receive your photos. Bring the whole family along and enjoy a

weekend full of thoughtful touches, fun activities, and memorable moments designed to celebrate all the wonderful mums in our community. At St Germain Central, we’re proud to continue supporting our local community by creating engaging, family-friendly events that bring people together and add a little extra joy to special occasions like this. We look forward to celebrating with you at St Germain Central.

Frontline under pressure

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 spokesperson.

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.

Glorious three-peat for St Paul Apostle South Primary School

No hands, all talent

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 sus-

tainable.

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-catching, 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.

Legacy helps raise $20,000

By Jensy Callimootoo

When Belinda Moresco speaks about her little sister Angela Gee, her voice carries both the weight of grief and the warmth of deep admiration.

Angie was vibrant, social and full of life, “a bit of a party girl,” Belinda recalls.

But in just 116 days, Angie’s life was cut short by a rare and aggressive cancer, leaving her family to navigate an intense and heartbreaking journey.

Diagnosed with endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS), Angie’s condition deteriorated with shocking speed.

What initially appeared benign quickly became life-threatening, with tumours spreading rapidly throughout her body and into her brain.

“It was very, very sudden,” Belinda says.

“She went from being active to incredibly unwell in such a short time.”

Throughout those final months, Angie was never alone.

Her close-knit family, what Belinda fondly calls “our little village” , rallied around her, ensuring constant care and companionship.

Older sister Belinda found herself stepping into a protective role.

“It was like she was my child,” she says.

“I just couldn’t leave her.”

While Angie received treatment in hospital, it was not without challenges.

Staffing limitations meant she was sometimes left unattended despite her fragile state.

For Belinda, this reinforced the importance of advocating strongly for loved ones within the healthcare system.

“You have to be assertive,” she said.

“Otherwise, you just go around in circles.”

What mattered most to Angie, however, was clear: she wanted to spend her final days at home.

Ensuring Angie’s last wish came to fruition required urgency, coordination and support, something the family found through Palliative Care South East in Narre Warren.

Within a day of reaching out, Angie was transported home, where a hospital bed, medical equipment and professional guidance were quickly put in place.

That final week became a profoundly meaningful time for the family, says Belinda.

Surrounded by music, photos and loved ones, Angie was able to pass away in a space that reflected who she was.

“We knew she was safe, we knew she was comfortable, and we knew it was exactly how she wanted to go,” Belinda says.

The experience left a lasting impression — not only emotionally, but in revealing how critical accessible palliative care is for families.

Determined to give back, Belinda organised a fundraiser on the first anniversary of Angie’s passing.

Inspired by her sister’s personality, it was far from a traditional memorial.

“I thought she’d hate a quiet morning tea,” Belinda said.

Instead, the event became a lively celebration, complete with music, drinks, and personal touches that reflected Angie’s spirit.

From a signature cocktail named in her honour to grazing tables reminiscent of her famous cheese platters, every detail was intentional.

What began as a modest goal to raise $10,000 quickly exceeded expectations, with the community rallying in overwhelming support.

The funds are now helping to train palliative care nurses and improve resources for families facing similar circumstances.

For Belinda, the impact of Angie’s life continues to ripple outward.

“It feels like she’s still guiding us,” she says.

“Even though she’s gone, so much goodness comes from it.”

In reflecting on her sister’s life, Belinda says that through her final days, Angie brought people together in the same way she always had.

And through Belinda’s efforts, her legacy is ensuring that others can face the end of life with

Call for more support for community services amid reforms

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 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

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)

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, day-today 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.

But PCA has raised concerns about this sweeping 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.

New crisis accommodation

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 be-

haviour 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 partner,” said Tanya.

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.

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-

Trades & Services

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.

Eagles no match for Narre

By Blair Burns

It was sweet redemption for Narre Warren as they travelled to Amstel Reserve and made light work of its rival Cranbourne in enemy territory, sending a warning shot to the rest of the Southern Division 1 competition.

The Magpies were clinical in their victory as they ran away to win by 74 points, 22.11 (143) to 11.3 (69) as Tom Toner lit it up for the visitors with a spectacular five-goal haul.

There was a great turnout at Amstel as Cranbourne celebrated its Past Players Day with its 2016 senior and reserves teams celebrating a 10year reunion.

But the senior footballers had little to celebrate as they were outclassed by a stronger team.

Last time the sides met in 2025, Narre Warren left Amstel Reserve with a sour feeling in its mouth, the bitter taste of disappointment.

But as Steve Kidd and his side ventured back there on Saturday, they were determined to write a different story, one that included four points.

Despite Cranbourne’s very positive start to the season, the Magpies grounded the Eagles and it was their nine-goal second quarter which did a lot of the damage.

There were many positives and storylines out of the day – effective new roles for Toner up forward and captain Joel Zietsman through the midfield, Luca Pascuzzi’s bag of four goals, Callum Porter and Aaron Firrito with their first goals for the club, as well as a best on ground performance from young star Julian Goerlitz.

“It gives us a bit of belief in the fact that we are doing a lot of things right,” coach Steve Kidd said.

“Things are starting to come together a bit and the players are getting a little bit of confidence in the way we are playing … we are developing our game how we want to play.

“A few guys found a bit of form on the weekend as well, so there were lots of positives to take out of it.”

Kidd said some slight changes helped to give the forwards a better opportunity to score, also complementing the speed of Toner inside 50.

“With our ball movement stuff, we just wanted to get the ball to our forwards a little bit quicker and we did that with every opportunity,” he said.

“We thought Tommy looked pretty dangerous against Dingley when he was up there, so we thought if we could get the right match-up and get him a bit of space, he could do some damage.

“He’s got that ability to play forward and makes defenders nervous, he can turn them inside out and is pretty good on the lead as well – it was a bit of a different role for him.”

The crowd had plenty to say to the forward livewire, but he delivered more often than not with 5.2 on the day.

The opening quarter was a bit of an arm-wrestle with both teams having four shots at the big sticks, Narre Warren 3.1 (19) and Cranbourne 2.2 (14).

“They had the advantage of the breeze in the first quarter and I thought we played it really well,” Kidd said.

“We played skinny side, we didn’t want to take too many risks in terms of coming through the middle and we were able to move the ball forward.”

The second quarter was where the formidable Magpies essentially called ‘game’ as they piled on nine goals to three.

Jett Kearney kicked a nice snap goal out of a forward 50 stoppage to get the first of the quarter, followed by a Will Howe set shot.

This was in amongst two goals from Marc Holt at the other end, who was working hard to keep things respectable for the Eagles.

But the energy lifter and perhaps the most special two minute period of the day was when both Callum Porter and Aaron Firrito kicked their first goals in the black and white back-to-back –both left foot snaps around the body.

Teammates flocked to each of them, and you could sense that it gave the Narre Warren players a real lift.

“We had a fair bit of midfield and centre bounce dominance so once we got field position, we seemed to be able to score pretty much with ease in that second quarter,” Kidd said.

Tackle numbers and pressure is something that Kidd and Narre Warren had identified which wasn’t where it needed to be across the first four rounds, so it was also a big focus for the side.

By half time, the margin was out to 34 points

and Narre Warren were firmly in the driver’s seat.

In a late blow to both teams, Pete Gentile kicked the ball in front of Jake Richardson and Brandon Osborne who were both pursuing it at full speed.

Richardson gathered and was shoved in the back by Osborne as he tried to handball it, with both players suffering hamstring injuries in the same play.

The wind had dropped off a bit and the Magpie dominance continued as they ran it out of the midfield through Goerlitz, Porter and Kurt Mutimer.

To their credit, Cranbourne continued to work hard with Trent Marotta kicking the first goal of the third term, before Holt added a third to his tally.

When Zak Roscoe earned a high free kick and slotted a set shot, the margin had stagnated a little bit at 39 points, but three late goals to the black and white made the three-quarter time score 11151.

Pascuzzi, playing his second-ever senior game and his first in a number of seasons, had a great day out with four goals.

Dandenong Stingrays forward/midfielder Mitch Toner was named to play for the Magpies, but got a late call-up to play for the Young Guns in the Vic Country Trials … and after banging down the door in the twos, Pascuzzi earned his spot.

He kicked a set shot goal to open proceedings in the fourth quarter before adding his fourth with a nice running kick a matter of minutes later.

“He was the U19s captain last year and had been in really good form in the reserves,” Kidd said.

“We were really pleased with his defensive efforts and he brings great leg speed to the side.”

Goerlitz was the best player on the ground and it’s his ability to be clean with the ball and his incredible tank that sets him apart from other midfielders in the league.

“He is the fittest player in the team and he just runs all day – he seems to be growing every week,” Kidd said.

“He’s getting some good assistance from Kurt and Cal in there and they are all working hard to give him some blocks and opportunities to run.

“When he gets on the burst, he is very hard to stop … he has had a great start to the season and we hope he continues to build.”

Hayden Dwyer was one casualty from the game, he limped off in the third quarter and while he came back on later, he was not right and will be a question mark for this week.

After a great first half, Jake Richardson sustained a hamstring injury and will likely miss a few weeks, other injured players who are looking to return in coming weeks are Riley Siwes (calf), Ethan Kennedy (hamstring) and Jesse Davies (groin).

Tom Miller is also progressing nicely with his broken ankle and despite initial fears that he would be out for the year, he is eyeing a potential comeback later in the season.

Warren will host an in-form Murrumbeena this Saturday at Kalora Park as they look to take their season tally to 3-1 and maintain their spot in the top two.

Cavaliers in crushing form

By Justin Schwarze

A fifth win on the trot for the Casey Cavaliers Women saw them climb into second on the ladder after putting together a strong performance to dominate Eltham in round five of the NBL1 South.

The ‘Fantastic Five’ that is the Cavaliers starting lineup once again produced efficient offence and did a lot of the heavy lifting on the scoring front.

The first half was competitive, with Casey narrowly leading 41-37 at home at halftime.

But the Cavaliers caught fire from deep in the third, including Nyaduoth Lok who knocked down three triples and Chelsea D’Angelo who nailed two, to take the term 30-19 and hold a 7156 advantage heading to the fourth.

A professional fourth kept the Wildcats away, blowing the margin out to as big as 21 before settling for the 96-77 win.

Dallas Loughridge literally couldn’t miss as she shot 8/8 from the field overall, 5/5 from three and 4/4 from the stripe on her way to 25 points and five assists.

Lok’s outside shooting was a massive factor in the win as she finished with six made triples, posting 26 points and six rebounds.

Sharne Robati and Samantha Bowman both recorded double-doubles, with Robati notching 11 points, 14 boards and five assists and Bowman recording 15 points, 17 rebounds and five dimes.

D’Angelo struggled with her shot but made allaround impact with 17 points, five assists and five steals.

The men faltered in the second quarter and never recovered, falling into a hole early.

Casey only scored 11 points in the second and Eltham capitalised with 21 of its own, leading 4339 at the half.

And despite the game remaining close, the Wildcats resisted any Cavaliers run and kept the lead the entire second half to secure the 88-82 victory.

Ibrahima Diallo provided his usual doubledouble effort, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Tanner Krebs posted 19 points, eight boards and four steals in defeat.

Casey has a double-header fixture in round six, starting by rolling out the welcome mat for Sandringham on Saturday before facing Waverley on Sunday.

The women’s clash between the Cavaliers and Sabres will be one to watch, with Sandringham in first at 7-1 and Casey hot on its heels in second at 6-1.

An up-and-down weekend for Dandenong Men saw the Rangers pick up their second con-

secutive loss before rebounding to get back on the winner’s list.

On Saturday night, Dandenong was stunned 102-91 by Ringwood at home as the Hawks completely controlled the game.

The Rangers were outscored 30-23 in the first, 25-21 in the second and 24-16 in the third to find themselves in a 19-point hole entering the fourth.

Despite a strong effort in the final term, the hosts were still downed by double-digits.

Jonathan Lawton did the damage for Ringwood, scoring 30 points on 50 percent shooting, holding off 25 points and eight rebounds for Dandenong’s Joe Palmer.

Skipper Ryan Rapp was productive in the loss,

providing 16 points, six rebounds and four assists.

The following day, the Rangers rallied in the fourth quarter to overrun Waverley 98-85 on the road.

The game was a back-and-forth affair despite the Falcons leading for most of it, and they seemed to be in control when Mawot Mag pulled up and scored to hold a six-point lead early in the fourth.

But from that point, the visitors flipped a switch and got rolling, going on a 34-15 run to close out the game and turn it on its head.

Harrison Froling was back at his best, posting 23 points and seven rebounds on 50 percent shooting, while Palmer had another strong showing of 22 points and seven boards going 7/13 from the field.

Dandenong is now in sixth with a 5-3 record.

A reasonably positive weekend for the Dandenong Women saw the side secure its second victory of the season, dominating Ringwood 93-60.

The Rangers won every quarter, including two by double-digits to roll to the wire-to-wire result.

Imogen Rock was stellar, notching 25 points and 12 rebounds, but the standout was Adrianna Smith as she fell one assist shy of a triple-double. Smith finished with 29 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists to fuel the massive triumph.

Dandenong couldn’t replicate its success on Sunday as it fell to Waverley 73-61.

In a close contest, the Rangers couldn’t get going offensively in the last, scoring just 12 points to seal their fate.

Dandenong shot just 33 percent from the field as a team for the game and turned it over 16 times, a costly combination that cost it back-toback wins for the first time this season.

The Rangers sit 16th after going 2-6 through their first eight games.

In round six, both Dandenong outfits will host Kilsyth.

Pearcedale left stunned after bizarre 105-point turnaround

By Blair Burns

Spectators at Pearcedale Recreation Reserve were left astounded at a 105-point turnaround as Somerville came back from a 50-point margin to win by 53 points against the Dales, 21.14 (140) to 13.9 (87) in MPFNL Division 2.

The Eagles were down 51-6 at quarter time and not only did they work their way back into the contest, but by midway through the third term, they had hit the front for the second time of the day – the first was 30 seconds after the game began.

From the first bounce, it was clear that this was going to be a high-scoring affair as Somerville kicked the first of the game, a banana from Lachlan Williams inside 30 seconds.

Less than a minute later, Mitch Davis marked in the goal square for Pearcedale and tied the scores up, before Lachlan Marshall added a second for the Dales and the scoreboard read 12-6 after just 180 seconds of eventful play.

The Dales weren’t about to stop there and put Somerville to the sword for the rest of the first term, kicking eight straight goals to take a remarkable 51-6 lead into the first break.

Peter Bastinac’s men had been clinical; Kaolan Thornton and Huw Jones were leading the way in the midfield and the forwards were making the most of the forward entries.

Somerville, a team which many consider to be the best in it, needed to respond but when Luke Jennings kicked the first goal after the break, the Dales had nine in a row and the score read 58-6.

It was time for the Eagles to fight back and that they did, led by Williams (six goals) who was dangerous.

An impressive response from Somerville had them right back in the game as they strolled into the rooms for the half-time break, down 65-53.

The Dales had been challenged, how would they respond, could they break their run of losses and register a morale-boosting victory?

Long story short, they couldn’t.

Somerville surged in the third quarter and cocaptain Mason De Wit had his group inspired.

A sickening head clash at the beginning of

the third quarter between Somerville’s Lachlan Sharp and Pearcedale’s Cruiz West left onlookers stunned.

Sharp flew in a marking contest and as he fell forward after landing, he hit heads with West and both players were laying on the ground, neither one of them moving.

When Sharp finally got to his feet, the crowd gasped as they saw the amount of blood that was oozing out of his forehead, while West was slowly helped from the field at the same time with the entire left side of his face also covered in blood.

Play resumed and 14 minutes into the third quarter, the scores were all tied up at 73-73, the Eagles had delivered a remarkable turnaround, but they pushed on to win by 53 points at the final

siren.

Somerville took a 21-point lead into the final break before keeping Pearcedale goalless in the fourth and running away to a big win, their third in a row.

It was disappointment for the Dales who had 11 scoring shots in the first quarter, and managed only a further 11 for the rest of the match; stopping as the Eagles made their move.

Davis finished with four goals for the home side, while Finn Jakstas was named best afield –Max Kleverkamp was Somerville’s best in a confidence-boosting win for the Eagles.

Pearcedale will travel to Baxter Park this Saturday to battle it out against Frankston Bombers.

PANTHERSPUNISHEDBYBUDS

A brilliant six-goal haul from Devon Meadows star and co-captain Joel Hillis was not enough to save the Panthers from a heavy 88-point defeat at the hands of Rosebud, 21.15 (141) to 8.5 (53) in MPFNL Division 1.

Hillis kicked the Panthers’ only goal across the first three quarters, before he got a few more opportunities in the fourth, scoring another five majors to finish with six of his team’s eight goals to be the star Panther on the day.

The Buds booted six goals in the first term and the score was 30-0 before Hillis got Devon Meadows on the board.

Despite dominating and holding a 44-6 lead at the first break, Rosebud wouldn’t have been happy with kicking 6.8 and looked to clean up its goalkicking for the rest of the game.

The Buds kicked four goals to none in the second quarter and then eight unanswered goals in the third to take the margin out to 109 points, the scoreboard reading 119-10 still with one quarter to play.

Largely thanks to Hillis, the Panthers managed to kick seven goals in the final term and take their total score from 10 to 53 to finish the match on a positive note.

Without Arnold Kirby, Devon Meadows lost the hit-out count 71-12 and were beaten in the middle of the ground.

Kye Quirk (23 disposals, five tackles), Nick Battle (21 disposals, one goal) and Ky Williams (21 disposals) were the major ball-winners for the Panthers, while Hillis (16 disposals, six goals) was brilliant.

Things don’t get any easier for the Ryan Hendy-led side, who will host Dromana at Glover Reserve this weekend.

• MPFNLRESULTS

DIVISION 1: Dromana 13.18 (96) def Sorrento 12.7 (79), Edithvale-Aspendale 17.17 (119) def Pines 11.11 (77), Frankston YCW 15.11 (101) def Mornington 13.10 (88), Langwarrin 10.12 (72) def Mt Eliza 7.8 (50).

DIVISION 2: Rye 15.9 (99) def Bonbeach 11.7 (73), Chelsea 24.19 (163) def Tyabb 5.10 (40), Crib Point 10.10 (70) def Hastings 6.7 (43), Frankston Bombers 19.22 (136) def Karingal 6.2 (38).