News – Berwick Star News – 12th February 2026

Celebrating pride

It was a colourful Saturday at the cherished Old Cheese Factory in Berwick, with their annual rainbow picnic successfully kicking off.

More than 120 community members come together to celebrate Casey’s diverse and colourful spirit.

Attendees described the festivities as a “safe and inclusive event”, and a great way to spend the day with family.

Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen and Cr Kim Ross were also in attendance.

For more on this story, go to page 10

The

rian Independent

Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC)’s Operation Sandon had taken a toll, maintaining he was wrongly accused.

While the IBAC report made adverse findings against him, Mr Ablett was not charged, unlike former mayor Sam Aziz and developer John

Saturday’s rainbow celebrations at Old Cheese Factory celebrated “pride, connection and community spirit,” said the mayor. (Supplied)

Woodman, who face criminal proceedings. Mr Ablett served on the Casey Council for about 12 years before the council was sacked in 2020 following the corruption probe.

Expanded ED revealed

With the official plans for the expansion of Casey’s emergency department debuted, the state government is progressing on its $280 million project, with Icon set to lead and deliver the expansions.

The project will allow the already busy emergency department to treat an extra 52,000 emergency patients annually, promising a boost in patient capacity of the ED as well as improving patient flow and reducing wait times.

In line with the new developments, it aims to meet the needs of the growing population of Melbourne’s South-East bringing key medical facilities to locals.

As part of the expansion, several facilities will be added including immediate care cubicles, short stay beds, resuscitation bays, ambulatory care spaces, procedure rooms, consult and interviews rooms, an appointed mental health zone and satellite imaging area.

The massive extension is also being completed at Werribee emergency department, and is expected to create more than 1000 jobs when construction is completed.

A new emergency facility for children is also in the works, with an additional designated zone to be added which will offer a “private, calm and compassionate environment” for

Open Space at Bunjil Place kicks off for first weekend

An Acknowledgement of Country by Uncle Mark Brown

started off the evening, with many showing up with their picnic blankets and lawn chair, grabbing a front row seat to watch aussie performers, Kutcha, Cash and the Last Drinks.

paediatric immediate care.

Casey Hospital is one of five Victorian public hospitals set to provide a specially designed children’s emergency department zone.

Melissa Horne, Minister for Health Infrastructure, said that the plans will deliver critical facilities for those living in Melbourne’s southeast.

“The expanded emergency department will deliver faster access to care, more treatment spaces and a purpose-built children’s emergency zone, ensuring families in Melbourne’s south-east get the emergency care they need, now and into the future,” Ms Horne said.

South-Eastern Metro MP, Michael Galea, also echoed Ms Horne’s comment on the expansion.

“This is a massive expansion of emergency capacity at Casey Hospital – it will reduce wait times, meaning more local families can access the care they need, in modern facilities, faster.”

With a new multi-storey carpark, which opened in September 2025, available to patients and staff, the new expansions will be delivered on the site’s existing public carpark.

Site establishment works are set to begin in the coming months, according to the official website and construction is expected to finish in 2027.

Two men charged

Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have charged two men as part of an ongoing investigation into a non-fatal shooting in Doveton last year.

Emergency services were initially called about 2pm on 30 October following reports of a man with a gunshot wound inside a vehicle on Paperbark Avenue.

A 35-year-old Pakenham man was subsequently located injured sitting in the front passenger seat of a black Mazda sedan.

He was then taken to hospital with serious injuries to his lower body.

It’s believed there was one or two more people in the Mazda with the injured man, however they left before police arrived.

Police will allege the Mazda was seen just after 1.45pm that day on Harmer Road in Hallam, driving erratically with a black Holden.

Witnesses have told police that occupants of the vehicles were involved in an altercation, including threatening each other with firearms.

Detectives are yet to locate the Holden, including its occupants, and are still working to establish its movements before and after the shooting.

A 39-year-old Keysborough man was arrested and charged in Cheltenham on 31 October in relation to the incident.

As part of their investigation detectives executed a search warrant at a business in Pa-

kenham on 22 January and seized a number of items including firearms, ammunition and stolen goods.

On Friday 6 February detectives from the Armed Crime Squad executed further search warrants at properties in Pakenham, Clyde and Knoxfield.

They arrested a 48-year-old Pakenham man. He was charged with 37 offences including trafficking of firearms, possess firearms and possess ammunition.

He was presented to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and bailed to appear on 24 April 2026.

Police also arrested a 36-year-old Clyde man. He has been charged with weapons offences and possess stolen goods and bailed to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 7 May.

Detectives continue to treat the Doveton incident as targeted and that the parties involved are known to each other.

The investigation into the shooting continues.

Anyone with information about the incident and the movements of the vehicles is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

Casey has confirmed that it already waives interest for residents approved for financial hardship deferrals in practice, but its publicly available hardship policy still predates the State rules, which include a wider range of hardship circumstances and means an update is required. (FILE)

No interest on rates

By Violet Li

Ratepayers facing hardship are expected not to be charged interest on deferred rates under new State rules.

Casey has confirmed that it already waives interest for residents approved for financial hardship deferrals in practice, but its publicly available hardship policy still predates the State rules, which include a wider range of hardship circumstances. This means an update is required.

Council stated that an updated policy would be presented to the Council by mid-2026.

The change comes under Ministerial Guidelines released by the State Government in December 2025, which require that ratepayers experiencing hardship and financial hardship must be treated “fairly, compassionately and proportionately”.

One of the new requirements is that councils must stop charging interest when rate payments are formally deferred due to hardship.

The guidelines use a much broader definition of hardship than simply being unable to pay.

Hardship can include sudden job loss, illness, mental health issues, family violence or economic abuse, caring responsibilities, scams or fraud, incarceration, or natural disasters, even if a person is not yet in severe financial distress.

In these situations, councils can defer payments temporarily to give residents breathing space.

Financial hardship is treated as a more serious category, where paying rates would leave someone unable to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, utilities or medical care.

While quarterly instalments remain the standard billing system, councils are encouraged to allow smaller, more frequent payments, such as weekly, fortnightly or monthly options.

If a payment plan follows a hardship deferral, then interest must not be charged.

Councils are legally required to review and update their existing rates hardship policies under the direction of the new Guidelines.

At the moment, Casey Council has a number of measures in place to support the community, such as offering flexible payment options and support for people experiencing hardship.

The flexible payment plan is available for all ratepayers.

According to Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen, in September 2025, Council launched a new payment gateway through Payble, which allows residents to pay their rates with weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments.

“This puts residents in control of their payment schedules and lets people manage payment

Roadworks cause havoc for Casey commuters

By Jensy Callimootoo

Roadworks on a major Clyde North intersection has caused gridlock during peak hours for many Casey commuters, some saying that their typical 10-minute commute has taken them close to an hour.

It comes after scheduled roadworks on Thompsons Road and Berwick-Cranbourne Road intersection began on Monday 12 January, in aims of easing congestion around the region and making commuters journeys “safer and more reliable”, according to the state’s Big Build developments.

Roadworks are taking place to remove the existinglargeroundaboutonThompsonsRoad and Berwick-Cranbourne Road, which will be later replaced with traffic lights, with plans to also add new through and turning lanes.

“Everyroadworkprojectthathastakenplace hasdirectlyimpactedourestate,andthelevelof congestion has become extremely frustrating,” she told Star News.

“No matter what plans you have, you need toallowatleastanextrahourtoleavebecauseit is unpredictable how long it will take just to get out of the estate.

“I am currently pregnant, and it is genuinely concerning to think about the possibility of going into labour at home and facing delays reaching medical care.”

The mother-to-be said that the increase in dangerous drivers on the road coupled with roadworks has heightened her distress.

“Whenyoucombinedangerousdrivingwith constant roadworks, the overall experience becomes so stressful that I often avoid leaving home unless absolutely necessary.”

in the way that works for them,” he said.

Council also confirmed it does not charge interest on the overdue amounts under payment plans, where residents continue making regular repayments, noting this has been standard practice for several years, despite the existing 2021 Rates Hardship Policy saying otherwise.

As for the support for people experiencing hardship, the 2021 policy stipulates that ratepayers can apply for deferral of rates and charges, waiver of interest and legal charges invoiced to date, and waiver of rates and charges.

Council confirmed that if someone has been approved by Council for a financial hardship deferral for a period, then no interest is charged.

This is usually revisited regularly to confirm no change of circumstances.

“Council is also in the process of updating related policies in accordance with the new Ministerial Guidelines; however, residents who are having difficulty paying their rates are encouraged to contact Council as soon as possible to discuss the options that are available to them,” Mayor Cr Koomen said.

Council shared that the updated policy would be presented to Council for approval in mid-2026.

Casey has experienced an increase in the rate of arrears in the last five years.

This has been linked to the Covid period as well as the cost of living.

Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) president Anthony Tassone said the reforms come at a critical time for local households.

“People in our community are hurting financially. Rising living costs, insecure work, illness and unexpected life events are pushing many households to the brink,” he said.

Mr Tassone said stopping interest on deferred payments and pausing enforcement while hardship applications are assessed would help prevent residents from falling into cycles of debt.

“These changes help people stay engaged with the council instead of falling into a spiral of arrears and debt recovery,” he said.

However, Mr Tassone said the success of the reforms now depends on how quickly councils act.

“At this stage, Casey’s publicly available hardship policy predates the new requirements,” he said.

“We’re urging Council to update its policy as a priority and clearly communicate the new protections to ratepayers.”

To apply for a rates payment plan, visit: casey. vic.gov.au/apply-rates-payment-plan

To apply for assistance due to financial hardship, visit: casey.vic.gov.au/rates-financial-hardship

The current phase of construction will see the removal of the large roundabout between the intersection, installation of underground traffic signal infrastructure, the relocation of water and services as well the updating of the drainage system and asphalt on the southboundlanesonbothsidesofThompsonsRoad.

It will also begin work on the shared walking and cycling paths on the south-east and southwest corners of the intersection.

Commuters were warned a month prior that they should expect delays up to 30 minutes through the area, but many have had to wait in traffic for over an hour.

While detours have been included through six roads, including Grices road, Bells Road, Hardys Road, Linsell Boulevard, Greaves Road and Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, locals havesaidit’snotsufficientinmitigatingthetraffic that would normally use Thompsons road.

One local, Amy, says it took her one hour during evening peak hour traffic to get from Splash Berwick to her destination, a commute that would typically take 8 minutes according to Amy.

Similarly, a trip to St John of God Berwick Hospital, that would typically take Clyde’ local Jan, 15-20 mins, took her just over an hour.

Jessica, who lives near the Bloom Estate in ClydeNorthandwhoiscurrentlypregnant,says that she’s concerned of going into labour soon and having to be stuck in traffic.

“My family lives in Cranbourne and Lynbrook, and they have reduced visiting us because the travel time has become so long and inconvenient.”

Jessica says she received a pamphlet in the mailbox, warning of the intersection closure and possible delays, but that it didn’t outline the essential information relevant to the roadworks, including timeframe and phases of the construction. According to the Victoria’s Big Build website, the intersection is scheduled to be reopened on Friday 5am 13 February.

And while the existing large roundabout will be removed, commuters should expect smaller, temporary roundabouts to “help keep traffic flowing while we continue to work behind barriers”.

A Big Build Roads spokesperson told Star News that the recent full intersection closure markedthemostdisruptivestageoftheproject, withfutureworksretainingtrafficflowwithlane closures managed outside peak travel times whereverpossible—theyalsosaidthatthemajor reconstruction of the intersection is on track for completion in mid-2027.

“Keeping traffic moving is a major priority throughout construction and works will be managed to minimise disruption to both road users and the local community,” they said.

It is still unclear when the next phase of road constructions are scheduled following the February reopening of the intersection.

Reliability questioned

By Violet Li

Performance data shows the Cranbourne Line has broadly tracked close to Melbourne’s network-wide averages for reliability in recent years, but commuters say delays, cancellations and peak-hour disruptions are making the service increasingly hard to trust.

Reliability on the Cranbourne Line has been a recurring topic in the community for years, reflected in the long-running Facebook group “Cranbourne line delays, cancellations and frustrations”, but the discussion was reignited after Tuesday 3 February’s afternoon-peak power fault, which left thousands of Cranbourne and East Pakenham passengers stranded on stalled trains for up to two and a half hours without air conditioning in 30-degree heat.

Long-term Cranbourne resident and Cranbourne Line commuter David Nakhla said he quit his job last November after years of frustration with taking the line.

“Just before Covid, I got PTSD trying to catch a train now on the Cranbourne Line because you just don’t know how long it’s ever going to take you now,” he said.

“My workplace was in Preston. With all these bus replacements and stuff like that, my journey time, especially when it was a trespasser, would end up being, say, an hour and a half when it runs smoothly.

“Could go up to two to two and a half hours. The longest has been nearly three and a half hours. Just one way.

“It would turn my journey from an eight-hour day to a minimum of 12 hours with transport. So, then I started trying to use Uber, but it was costing too much.”

Vision-impaired and reliant on public transport, Mr Nakhla had to give up his career because he couldn’t deal with at least four to five hours of travel a day.

“I will guarantee you, when I was working, it (the delay) would at least be three times a week. You’ll be stuck on the train for about 20 minutes,” he said.

“Once a week. Fair enough. But when it happens more than once a week, that’s an issue.”

He shared that the most frequent disruption was trespassing, followed by planned upgrades. He said there should be more Protective Service Officers at trespassing hotspots.

Cranbourne resident and a Greens member Payal Tiwari, who spoke from a commuter point of view, said she recently travelled from Cranbourne to the city on a weekend, and her journey took almost two hours because the connecting trains were not aligned properly.

She missed an hour of her work.

“I was just frustrated, to be honest. Two hours is too much in terms of if you want to get to the city. We’re not far away. I could have easily gone and taken a car and driven in. On the weekend, it takes a maximum of forty-five minutes from my house, 45 minutes,” Ms Tiwari said.

“I have a car, and I’m privileged that way. I can go and park in the city. But why should living in Cranbourne be a privilege if you have a car to come to the city?”

Speaking of the Cranbourne line reliability, she said a lot of the time, it had been delayed.

“It is just a common thing,” she said. Ms Tiwari said she now avoids trains where

possible.

However, not all commuters shared the same experience.

Local Steven Agius, who was caught in the 3 February disruption and took more than four hours to get home to Merinda Park, said it was the first major delay he had experienced in several years. He works from home three days a week.

“I’ve never had anything like this before,” Mr Agius said.

“I used to catch the train on the Lilydale Belgrave Line, and I’ve had more incidents on there than I’ve had on the Cranbourne Line.”

State performance figures show that in the past four years (2022 to 2025), the Cranbourne train has broadly tracked close to Melbourne’s metropolitan averages, with about 98.5 per cent of scheduled services delivered and 94.4 per cent arriving on time. That places Cranbourne roughly in the middle of the pack across Melbourne’s metro network, performing better than some lines, such as Craigieburn and Frankston, on punctuality, but behind higher-performing corridors like Glen Waverley and Sandringham.

Over the same period, around 1.2 per cent of Cranbourne services were cancelled, alongside smaller proportions of short-running, bypassed or skipped services.

While these figures do not rank Cranbourne among Melbourne’s poorest-performing lines statistically, they still translate into more than 2,200 cancelled services and over 1,500 short-run services during the period.

Public Transport Users Association (PTUA)

BERWICK SELF STORAGE UNITS

spokesperson Daniel Bowen said for passengers in the outer suburbs, major disruptions often have a bigger impact.

“Options to use other lines and connecting buses are fewer and take longer,” he said.

Mr Bowen said power issues such as 3 February’s can be particularly tricky - the live cables that came down had to be made safe before passengers could be evacuated.

“The ‘High Capacity Metro Trains’ were accompanied by power and signalling upgrades, but clearly last week’s disruption shows more needs to be done to improve reliability,” he said.

“Ultimately, the State Government and Metro need to identify what went wrong last week and work to prevent similar incidents from happening again…

“Fundamentally, authorities need to ensure that the rail network is more reliable, so passengers have the confidence that they’re not going to get stuck on a train when they’re just trying to get home.”

Public transport researcher and policy advisor Professor Graham Currie said the Cranbourne/ East Pakenham lines are not particularly more vulnerable than other lines. “The biggest delays occur in inner Melbourne; they occur more frequently, affect more passengers and cause longer

However, he noted the corridor also operates on the city’s newest and most advanced rail infrastructure, with modern signalling and high-capacity trains, and should ultimately be among Melbourne’s most reliable lines.

“The residents of Cranbourne-Pakenham have every right and reason to complain about disruptions like this (3 February’s),” he said.

“However, they have been provided with Australia’s most advanced, newest and yes, the most reliable rail infrastructure Melbourne has yet seen.

“The rest of Melbourne has a long way to go before it can catch up with the quality rail services provided to Cranbourne and Pakenham Line residents.”

Speaking of 3 February’s disruption, Professor Currie said large timetable changes often brought short-term instability as drivers, signalling systems and operating patterns adjusted.

“No one yet knows the full details of the cause of the overhead wire/train pantograph entanglement in this case. My guess is it’s a symptom of running an entirely new system and network for the first time,” he said.

“We had the summer ‘Soft Start’ to try and isolate these kinds of failure, and I am aware that many were found and addressed.

“However, nothing can simulate the enor

Geoff Ablett’s MND battle

By Violet Li

Ex two-time Casey Mayor and VFL footballer Geoff Ablett has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), prompting his family to launch a fundraising campaign to help bring him home from the hospital.

The diagnosis came just before Christmas after months of hospital stays and medical tests, during which doctors struggled to determine the cause of his rapid physical decline.

Mr Ablett said he had spent about 12 months in and out of the hospital over the past 15 months, after initially seeking treatment for hip and back issues.

Symptoms first became clear more than eight months ago while undergoing rehabilitation following a hip replacement, when he failed to regain strength and began losing function in his left leg, according to him.

“It took about 13 or 14 months to diagnose,” he said.

Mr Ablett explained that the condition initially mimicked arthritis and other common ailments before specialised nerve testing confirmed MND.

He also said that the stress surrounding his involvement in the IBAC Operation Sandon investigation had taken a toll.

“There are several possibilities (of the contributing factor). Chemicals, stress. The IBAC was a lot,” he said.

“I’m still innocent today…There was no evidence. I wanted to put that I was wrongly accused, and I’m very disappointed.”

Mr Ablett served as a City of Casey councillor for approximately 12 years, from 2008 until the then-council cohort was sacked by the State Government in early 2020 due to a anti-corruption investigation.

The investigation by the Victorian Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission

(IBAC) later found that he allegedly received significant payments and other financial benefits from property developer John Woodman while promoting the developer’s interests at the council.

Though Mr Ablett received adverse findings in the IBAC report, he was not charged, while ex-mayor Sam Aziz and Woodman face criminal proceedings.

Mr Ablett is now wheelchair-bound and requires round-the-clock care, including assistance with breathing, mobility and daily tasks such as bathing and dressing.

“Receiving this diagnosis has been devastating for our family,” Janice Ablett, Mr Ablett’s sister,

said in the fundraising statement.

“MND does not discriminate and progressively takes away the body’s ability to function. Impacting mobility, speech, and independence.

“Watching someone you love face this illness is heartbreaking, especially a man, my brother, who has always been fit and active and proactive at taking on life.”

According to the fundraising page, the family’s priority is to return Mr Ablett to his own home, where he can be surrounded by loved ones, but urgent modifications are needed before that can happen.

The home is said to require accessibility upgrades, including ramps, bathroom alterations

and specialised medical equipment, along with ongoing support from nurses and carers.

While Ablett has been assessed as eligible for aged-care funding, his family say delays in accessing government support have left them facing high out-of-pocket costs at a critical time. His sister, Janice, said the family is hoping community support will help bridge the gap and allow Ablett to leave the hospital sooner.

“Any donation, no matter how small, would be deeply appreciated. All proceeds will go directly towards supporting Geoff and our family through this incredibly challenging and constantly changing journey,” she said in the statement.

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive and incurable neurological condition that gradually robs people of their ability to move, speak and breathe.

Mr Ablett was a prominent Australian rules footballer who played 229 games in the Victorian Football League during the 1970s and 1980s, predominantly on the wing for Hawthorn, where he was part of two premiership teams in 1976 and 1978.

He later had brief playing stints with Richmond and St Kilda before retiring from league football.

Mr Ablett was known for his pace and endurance, winning the AFL Grand Final Sprint multiple times during his playing career, and was part of the famous Ablett football family that includes Hall of Fame great Gary Ablett Sr.

After his football career, Mr Ablett served as a councillor and mayor of the City of Casey and ran as a Liberal Party candidate in state elections.

At the time of writing, the fundraising window remains open, with donations close to $14,000 raised.

To help, visit: gofundme.com/f/geoff-ablettdiagnosed-with-mnd-family-want-to-take-himhome

Calls for more foster parents as crisis widens

By Jensy Callimootoo

Lynn, a Casey local, stumbled on a television commercial about foster care at 65 years old.

Piquing her interest, the Tongan-born mother of five, decided to do some more online research.

Six years on, she has since taken care of five children through the foster care system.

Like Lynn, in 2025, more than 500 foster carer households provided shelter to some of Victoria’s most vulnerable, from long-term stays to shortterm care arrangements.

But with nearly 1300 children and young people in foster care every night, organisations from Melbourne’s south-east like Anglicare, are calling for more foster carers to help with an already inundated and strained system.

In Victoria, the number of children and young people needing out-of-home care is rising rapidly due to factors such as family violence, trauma, and abuse, but as the demand increases, sufficient access to foster carers are not being met.

Anglicare Victoria’s deputy CEO, Sue Sealey, stated that children and young people “urgently need safe, nurturing homes.”

“Whether you’re a passionate teacher who’s

an expert in working with children, a healthcare professional who knows how to help kids in times of stress, or a parent or guardian who’s raised a family, attending a foster care information session could be the start of a wonderful journey,”

We encourage every student to pursue excellence in all endeavours and aim to ensure every student achieves their best potential so they are ready - not just for the completion of their final exams but for life!

To find out more, book a tour and apply please visit our website or use the QR Code.

Sue.

While there is growing awareness and increasing support for foster care by many Victorians, the number of new foster carers continues to decline with many people uncertain in taking up the role

due to perceived challenges.

In supporting foster carers however, Anglicare Victoria aims to provide specialist training to those who sign up and who are just beginning their journey into foster care.

Casey foster carer Lynn, now 71, often recalls the unfamiliarity and challenges that many children in the foster care system feel when welcomed into a new home.

“When they come to me, I don’t know them, I don’t know their background,” said Lynn.

“It is a challenge, I have to find out as I go.

“They were so shy when they first came to me, that’s how they start.

“Then I’ll start talking to them, I go in the room and I say something funny and they end up laughing. I feel happier because I know they feel confident, they trust in me.”

“I can see the smile on their face, they never feel left out. They know we love them and to be honest, we do love them and want them to be part of our family,” she said.

Anglicare will be facilitating a free online event on 19 February, those who are interested or curious about foster care can go to, www.anglicarevic.org.au

Preserving aquatic fauna

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park in Pearcedale officially unveiled its new purpose-built Aquatic Fauna Conservation Facility on Tuesday 10 February.

Featuring precise environmental controls and fully adaptable tank systems, the new facility has been designed to support longterm husbandry, research, and conservation breeding programs.

The first residents, Eastern Dwarf Galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla), are a small endemic freshwater species found in parts of Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

Once more widespread, its populations have become fragmented due to wetland drainage, habitat loss, climate pressures, and competition from introduced species.

The species is currently listed as Endangered in Victoria.

Over time, the facility will expand to house additional threatened aquatic species.

Michael Johnson, owner and director of Moonlit Sanctuary, said: “When we opened Moonlit Sanctuary 25 years ago, our goal was always to create meaningful change for Australia’s wildlife.

“This new facility allows us to extend that commitment into the freshwater space, where species like the Eastern Dwarf Galaxias urgently need our help. It’s incredibly rewarding to see this work come to life.”

The construction of this facility was funded by the State Government with a Nature Fund grant through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Moonlit Sanctuary extended thanks to Chris Lamin (Middle Creek Farm) and Greg Martin (Aquariums by Design) for their expertise and hands-on collaboration throughout the project. The two worked closely with Ectotherm coordinator Jamieson Brodie, and their guid-

New mobile signal mapping tool

The City of Casey has debuted a new interactive mobile signal mapping tool which endeavours to give residents detailed insights surrounding mobile connectivity around their region.

The new public facing tool works as an interactive 4G and 5G mobile signal map for the City of Casey, giving residents a look at where reception may be strong, patchy or weak.

Stefan Koomen, Mayor of Casey, said that the recent developments and rollout of the interactive tool follows council’s endeavours to ensure information is more accessible for Casey locals.

“These enhancements are part of our ongoing efforts to make information accessible and easy to understand,” he said.

“By providing practical, visual insights, we are empowering residents to explore, learn, and make informed decisions.”

For years, many locals have raised their concerns regarding low signal voids in some regions around Casey and the impact of lack of connectivity.

Specifically in the region’s growth fringes such as Clyde and Clyde North — a region that is rapidly increasing in dwellings and population.

According to the Casey mapping tool, poor signal areas in the growing region still remain, indicating the mobile reception is somewhat ir-

(On file)

regular across the region.

Coverage quality from major carriers such as Telstra, Optus and Vodafone are also exhibited as inconsistent, with pockets such as Clyde and Clyde North, where 4G and 5G coverage is reduced and where speeds and service quality can vary significantly.

Those who would like to explore the new signal map can go to, data.casey.vic.gov.au/page/ cellular-mapping/

ance was crucial in designing the sophisticated systems that now support these delicate freshwater fish, according to the Sanctuary.

Bandicoot corridor rezoned after legal advice

By Violet Li

A proposed conservation zone for a private Cranbourne land was removed on legal advice from the State Government and replaced with a conservation overlay, with the Casey Council claiming that both approaches would achieve the same protection outcome.

But the future rezoning could be possible when the land is transferred to the Council.

The change, noted by the City of Casey Transparency Advocate, occurred during the Planning Scheme Amendment C300case, where Casey Council is proposing to rezone 40-46 Cyril Beechey Lane in Cranbourne for residential use.

Council initially endorsed split zoning of the site at its March 2024 meeting, after landowner Browns Property Group proposed retaining a 30-metre-wide vegetated biodiversity corridor along the eastern boundary to extend the adjoining Grandeur Court Reserve and provide habitat and a north–south dispersal corridor for the Southern Brown Bandicoot.

The corridor part was proposed to be a public conservation zone.

Environmental reports commissioned by the landowner confirm the Southern Brown Bandicoot has been detected on the site, a species listed as endangered under Federal environmental law, with the proposed development at one point referred to the Commonwealth Environment Minister due to the likelihood of significant environmental impact.

However, City of Casey Manager of Growth and Investment Michael Ford said in July 2025, the Department of Transport and Planning authorised the exhibition of the amendment, subject to the whole of the 40-46 Cyril Beechey Lane property being rezoned to the General Residential Zone.

“Council was not provided with an explanation for this required change,” he said.

Now, a Development Plan Overlay (DPO) has been proposed for the retention of the 30-metre-wide habitat corridor.

“The proposed overlay will achieve the

same conservation outcome as the previous proposed zone,” Mr Ford said.

A Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) informed that the Ministerial Direction - The Form and Content of Planning Schemes specifies that land may only be included in a public land zone if the land is Crown land or is owned, vested in or controlled by a Minister, government department, public authority or a municipal council.

This is to ensure the integrity of the zoning system and that permit requirements are appropriate to the land.

In the future, if part of the land is no longer in private ownership, it could be considered for inclusion in a public land zone.

A DTP spokesperson said that the State Government is working together with the City of Casey to unlock land for more housing.

“Any future proposal would be considered on its merits and subject to a planning process,” they said.

A Browns Property Group spokesperson said it fully supports future rezoning of the corridor to Public Conservation and Resource Zone once the land is transferred into Council ownership.

“Notably, the DPO requires Brown Property Group to vest the biodiversity corridor in Council’s ownership following the rezoning of the site,” they said.

“Once the land is transferred, Council can instigate the rezoning of the corridor to the Public Conservation and Resource Zone.

“This will be a procedural amendment, which Brown Property Group fully supports.”

Planning Scheme Amendment C300case is still in process. At the moment, Council is reviewing public submissions on the draft Amendment. A final decision on whether to adopt the Amendment will be made by Council at its April 2026 meeting.

To know more about the Amendment, visit: conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/ c300case

EPA, Veolia at odds

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The state’s pollution watchdog says it remains opposed to a new toxic-waste cell at a controversial hazardous-waste landfill at Taylors Road, Lyndhurst.

In July, Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) rejected tip operator Veolia’s application to build Cell 21, out of concerns that it would exceed overall licenced levels of toxic waste at the site.

“We are concerned construction of the cell would cause Veolia to breach its operating licence, which states that reportable priority waste must not make up more than 35 per cent of all waste deposited at the facility,” an EPA spokesperson said.

“Discussions with the company about licensing issues are ongoing.

“EPA will not consider further applications for cell construction until these are resolved.”

Opponents, including Greater Dandenong Council, have called for the landfill’s closure due to public health concerns for nearby residents and workers.

These calls intensified after a series of EPA orders and a fine over breaches at Lyndhurst in 2023 and 2024, including issues with leachate (wastewater), dust and landfill gas.

Cell 21 would extend the lifetime of Victoria’s only landfill that is licenced for Category B hazardous waste, according to opponents.

In a statement to Star Journal, Veolia stated it would take about six years to fill Cell 21, but this depended on market demand.

“Taylors Road Resource Recovery Precinct is a vital part of Victoria’s waste management system,” a Veolia spokesperson said.

“It provides the only disposal option for reportable priority waste, such as contaminated packaging, non recoverable packaging, and non-treatable contaminated soils in the state.

“The construction of Cell 21 ensures these materials can be disposed of until other alternatives can be found.”

The cell’s double composite-liner design exceeds the EPA best practice environmental management standard, Veolia stated.

At a community reference group meeting last year, Veolia stated it does not have a “sunset clause” for Lyndhurst landfill.

“The State Government has concerns about the site closing”, a Veolia representative told the meeting.

“Veolia is in discussions with the government regarding the need to build the final cell,

Cell 21, because the state needs it for the reportable priority waste,” the minutes recorded.

A previous Labor State Government had vowed to close the landfill by 2020, but it now leaves the timeline to Veolia and the EPA.

“The Victorian Recycling Infrastructure Plan sets out the direction for our state’s residual waste infrastructure including constraints for processing higher risk hazardous waste,” a government spokesperson said.

“The plan also highlights the importance of

existing facilities operating in accordance with their strict permissions and licenses to protect the community.”

Greater Dandenong city futures executive director Sanjay Manivasagasivam said the council was committed to seeing the landfill closed “as soon as possible”. He said if a new application for Cell 21 was made to the EPA, the council would review it and “potentially provide a response at that time”.

We know that moving into care can be a challenging time. At Summerset Cranbourne North, we aim to make sure you have the right home for your needs and situation, that you have the right level of care available now and in case you need it in the future, and that the village you choose is one where you can make the most of the Summerset life.

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Pursuit ends in jail

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Frankston serial car thief has been jailed for up to 26 months after a perilous, two-hour police pursuit across the South East.

Corey Johnston, 22 at the time, fled in a stolen Commodore with false plates from police road units and Air Wing across Frankston, Carrum Downs, Keysborough, Dandenong, Beaconsfield and Fountain Gate late on 5 February 2025.

The protracted pursuit “reads like a movie script”, with “appalling” driving that put police officers and other road users at risk, Victorian County Court judge Kevin Doyle stated.

Though he kept largely within the speed limit, Johnston ran two red lights in Keysborough, at another stage veering on the wrong side of the road to avoid roadworks.

When he went through one of the red lights at high speed, he would have had “no idea” of oncoming traffic – with potentially fatal consequences, Judge Doyle noted.

His only motivation for ignoring police was to avoid apprehension and responsibility for his imitation gun and stolen car, the judge found.

It was “hard to think of any innocent purpose” for holding such a weapon, Judge Doyle noted.

Johnston called his girlfriend, who was with police at the time. He told her that the “Air Wing is on me”, “the jacks are behind me”, and described police spotlighting him.

He could outrun the police but he only had half-a-tank of petrol, he told her.

He’d decided to throw his gun out under a bridge, he said. That imitation gun was later found by police near an overpass at Lathams Road and Eastlink in Carrum Downs.

“I don’t know what to do,” he said.

On a second call, Johnston said he was trying to think of an underground carpark where he could escape in another vehicle – and came up with Frankston Hospital and Karringal shopping centre.

Eventually he was arrested about 1am in Fountain Gate shopping centre, hiding in the back seat of another car.

At the time he was suspended from driving, and subject to a firearm prohibition order.

Johnston pled guilty to charges including dangerous driving while pursued by police, car theft and possessing an imitation gun as a prohibited person.

He also pled to offences relating to two other Holdens stolen from Sandhurst Golf Club and from Patterson Lakes.

In sentencing on 5 February, Judge Doyle

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noted the now-23-year-old’s lengthy priors including car thefts, a police pursuit, weapons, disqualified driving and multiple community correction order breaches.

After many court orders to help his rehabilitation, this time he was assessed by Corrections Victoria as unsuitable for another CCO.

There was little evidence of remorse, despite

A psychologist recommended multidisciplinary intervention. She found Johnston was at risk of a cycle of recidivism and institutionalisation.

Judge Doyle noted Johnston’s youthfulness. But given Johnston’s history, jail including a non-parole period was the only option, the judge said.

Back and bigger than ever for 2026, our Jobs an Skills showcase is the one stop shop for local job seekers

Come along and connect with local employers, learn about current vacancies and discover future employment pathways

When: Wednesday 18 March

Time: 9:15am – 12:30pm

Where: Cardinia Cultural Centre

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Register to attend today at www trybooking.com/DHVXN

Learn & grow with Scope’s Social Connections Day Programs.

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While you learn, you’ll also be making new friends and having fun. Our programs are shaped for you, with activities like surfing, art, bushwalking, and even road trips. Whether it’s volunteering, cheering at the footy, or just enjoying lunch at a café, you choose your adventure.

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Colourful weekend

It was a colourful weekend for more than 100 community members who attended the council’s annual rainbow picnic.

Held at Berwick’s Old Cheese Factory on Saturday 7 February, over 120 people joined Casey’s Mayor and his family to dance, laugh and celebrate the yearly event in the summer gardens.

“The City of Casey is proud to host events like the Casey Rainbow Picnic, which celebrate the pride, connection and community spirit that make our city so special,” said Mayor Stefan Koomen.

“My family and I were thrilled to be able to join in the celebrations among so many wonderful community members.”

Councillor Kim Ross of the Casuarina ward also attended and joined in the day’s festivities.

Locals who attended the events were also ecstatic of the outcome and meaning behind the festivities.

One local, Danni, championed the inclusivity behind the event.

“A safe and inclusive event where everyone’s true colours could shine,” said Danni. Katherine echoed this sentiment and is looking forward to next year’s celebration.

“It was a lovely day, so wonderful to see families coming together to celebrate. Can’t wait to do it again next year,” they said.

Crushing for 60 years

Queensland’s Granite Belt comes alive this month for the long-running Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival - a celebration of food, wine and community.

The event, starting on Friday 27 February and running through to Sunday 8 March, marks its 60th anniversary this year, making it one of Queensland’s longest-running and most successful festivals.

For 60 years, the festival has celebrated what makes Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt so special – cool-climate wines, apples at their peak, passionate growers and producers, and a community that knows how to welcome visitors and put on a proper celebration.

The biennial event is a celebration of the Granite Belt region’s produce and booming wine industry, which attracts an average of 70,000 people, making it arguably Australia’s leading harvest festival.

The Diamond Jubilee honours that history while inviting people to experience it firsthand.

The main festival weekend brings the energy to the streets of Stanthorpe, with the town buzzing from morning to night.

The Queensland Country Bank three-day Food and Wine Fiesta fills the park with Granite Belt flavours, 18 local wineries, breweries and meaderies, local producers and live music, while the streets host the much-loved Grand Parade, a vibrant street carnival, bustling markets, and the challenge of the Ergon Energy Mt Marlay Run.

As the sun sets, the weekend is capped off with crowd-favourite fireworks, lighting up the Stanthorpe sky.

Across the full 10 days, festival-goers can also enjoy live music, Open Gardens brought to by Braeside Homestead, cooking demonstrations, creative experiences like Bubbles and Brushes, orchard and farm tours, and hands-on harvest moments.

The festival has something for everyone, including things you might not expect – like the

Australian National Busking Championships.

Buskers will be dotted along the street on Saturday 28 Feburary with “Busking Tokens” available to drop in a favourite performers bucket and judges wandering the main street.

This all culminates in the Winners Concert at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre for announcement of the Grand Open Champion and all the other winners and a chance to enjoy more fabulous entertainment.

Then there’s the iconic Balancing Heart

Grape Crush. This event is already nearly sold out, with only limited places remaining for those keen to take part in one of the festival’s most memorable experiences.

The foot stomping, grape crushing fun is an iconic highlight of the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Festival with the community grape crush on Friday 6 March and Celebrity Crush just after the main parade in the main street near the Stanthorpe Post Office on Saturday 7 March just after the big Grand Parade.

Sponsors are Balancing Heart Vineyard –votedBestSmallCellarDoorbyGourmetTraveller Wine – just one of the many Vineyards worth a visit while in the area for the festival.

The 60th anniversary is a significant milestone for both the festival and the region, according to the event’s president, Russell Wantling.

“This festival has been shaped by generations of volunteers, growers and community members, and reaching 60 years is something we’re incredibly proud of,” he said.

“The Diamond Jubilee is about celebrating our history, our harvest and the people who continue to make this festival what it is.”

With accommodation filling quickly and ticketed events close to capacity, visitors are encouraged to plan now.

Many experiences have limited availability and will sell out. Tickets, program details and the full festival calendar are available at www.appleandgrape.org.

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Empowering young minds

More than just childcare, Aspire is a community built on connection. Our educators take the time to truly know each child, creating classrooms filled with warmth, joy and a sense of belonging. Families can feel confident knowing their children are safe, supported and thriving each day at our early education centres.

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We’re proud to offer a strong network of Aspire centres, with 11 locations across Cranbourne, Clyde and Pakenham. With limited vacancies available at Aspire Cranbourne West, Aspire Cranbourne North, Aspire Cranbourne East, Aspire Berwick Waters, Aspire Smiths Lane, Aspire Riverfield and Clydevale, families can secure their place now. With so many convenient locations, finding the right

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pain of goodbye and the importance of honouring them with dignity and love. At Celestials Pet Cremations, we provide private and communal pet cremation services with warmth, dignity, and care. We understand that pets are family, and we are here to support you through one of life’s most difficult moments.

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1. Optus and Vodafone are proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station at 154-158 Hallam North Road, Narre Warren North VIC 3804.

2. The proposed upgrade will consist of:

• Replacement of three (3) existing shared Optus/ Vodafone panel antennas with three (3) new shared Optus/Vodafone panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

• Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including GPS antennas, Mast

• Head Amplifier (MHAs), mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment;

• Internal works within the existing equipment shelter.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.

Please direct comments to Vanessa Wan at 0447 240 015 or via email at Optus.submissions@servicestream.com.au or via post at Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Thursday 27 February 2026. For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visits www.rfnsa.com.au/3804002.

New childcare hub open

Cranbourne North’s growing families now have a new education option, with Kool Kidz Childcare officially opening its doors this week as a purpose-built education hub aiming to lift standards across the childcare sector.

The new centre, located at Cnr Thompsons Rd & Rapallo Way, was formally opened on Monday 2 February.

The centre is led by director May Yang, an award-winning educator with more than 15 years’ experience as a head teacher and acting deputy principal at one of New South Wales’ leading public schools.

Her leadership has been recognised at the highest level, including guiding her school to achieve an “Excelling” rating across all 14 elements of the NSW School Excellence Framework in 2024, alongside a Secretary’s Award for outstanding literacy improvement and innovative bilingual and arts-based programs.

WHAT’S ON

CaseyGirlsCan Tennis at Hampton Park Free, coached beginner tennis sessions for Casey women, no prior skills or knowledge of tennis required. Follows the Cardio Tennis format. Part of City of Casey’s Summer of Tennis.

• Thursday 12 February, 6pm-7pm at Hampton Park Tennis Club, 101 Somerville Road (Robert Booth Reserve); free event. Bookings: trybooking. com/DHXWA

Coastal Villages dads group: Footy Day

For all dads, grandfathers, father figures and their children. Bring your children and have a kick with them, learning footy skills with a coach. The Coastal Villages Dads’ Group is led by local fathers for local fathers.

• Saturday 14 February 9am-11am at Warneet Recreation Reserve; free event.

Berwick Farmers Market

Ms Yang’s approach focuses on strong educational foundations, emotional wellbeing and consistency, elements she says are critical to long-term learning outcomes.

Beyond education, Kool Kidz Childcare Cranbourne North has been designed as a community hub.

The single-storey centre has been designed to create calm, welcoming learning environments, with light-filled indoor spaces opening out to a wrap-aroundoutdooryardshadedbymaturetrees.

The playground encourages exploration and hands-on learning, featuring elements such as a large sandpit, cubby house, pretend-play shopfront, music wall, sensory path, bike track, slides and a vegetable garden where children can learn through experience.

Positioned directly opposite Springhill Shopping Centre, the service offers convenience for families, with supermarkets, cafes and essential

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. Produce only, no crafts.

• 2nd Saturday of month (next 14 February) 8am12pm at Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick.

Valentines Day in the Park

Grab your picnic rug and join us for an evening filled with live music from Berwick and District Folk Club (BadFolk), sausage sizzle, dessert truck or BYO picnic.

• Saturday 14 February 5pm-9 pm at Lakeside Lawn, Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick; free event

Horror classic

High-octane ukulele ensemble The Uke Death Squad with a special outdoor screening of cult classic 1955

General Classifieds Employment

services only a short walk away, making daily drop-offs and pick-ups easier for busy parents.

According to Ms Yang and co-director Harris Liao, the centre also aims to tackle one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: staff burnout and high turnover.

“By creating a workplace that teachers genuinely enjoy returning to, we believe high standards will naturally attract high-quality educators,” Ms Yang said.

The purpose-built facility also features a comprehensive solar panel system capable of supporting daily operational energy needs, modelling environmental responsibility for children from an early age.

Already active in the community, the team has been invited by two major local shopping centres to run free play stations for families.

To know more, visit: koolkidzchildcare.com. au/cranbourne-north/

sci-fi horror film Tarantula! Part of the six-week outdoor event series Open Space at Bunjil Place.

• Saturday 14 February 6pm-9pm at Bunjil Place plaza, Narre Warren; free event. Details: bunjilplace.com.au/events/open-space-tarantula

CaseyGirlsCan Tennis at Doveton

Free, coached beginner tennis sessions for Casey women, no prior skills or knowledge of tennis required. Follows the Cardio Tennis format. Part of City of Casey’s Summer of Tennis. ll equipment included but if you have your own racquet, please bring it with you.

• Mondays 16 and 23 February 10am-11am at Doveton Tennis Club, Oak Avenue (Robinson Reserve). Bookings: trybooking.com/DIFFV Patsy & Dave Trailblazing country music from Melbourne duo Patsy

Toop and David Baird, support act Little Miss Country. Presented by Berwick and District Folk Club (BADFolk).

• Friday 20 February, doors open 6.30pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; $15 (cash at the door).

Gardening Together

For kids, dads and granddads. A morning of digging, planting, playing and getting dirty. Grow vegetables to eat, learn about insects, and have fun in the kids’ play garden. BYO hats, sunscreen and water bottles. Gardening tools and resources provided.

• Saturday 21 February 10am-11.30am at Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick; free activity. Bookings: trybooking.com/events/ landing/1525942

Tormey’s classic Turf 1 ton

By Blair Burns

It was a huge weekend of action in the DDCA, with two-day matches played across Saturday and Sunday, with several matches producing outright results and big individual performances.

Dandenong Park Oval hosted the Turf 1 clash between the formidable Buckley Ridges and Narre South, with a staggering 726 runs scored across the match.

The win means that the Bucks remain on top of the ladder and head into two huge regular season matches against Springvale South and Hallam Kalora Park with great form.

Buckley Ridges captain Jayson Hobbs applauded the performances from his batters, helping the side to a huge score.

“It was a good result for us, that is what we try and pride ourselves on, big partnerships and keep opposition teams guessing,” he said.

“We want to build towards the end and accelerate.

“We know we’ve got good firepower throughout the whole lineup and if we are able to get those big partnerships, it allows us to strike at the end, which we did again.”

The Bucks dominated from the outset, posting 427 on day one thanks to centuries from Dale Tormey (157) and Ben Wright (106).

Tormey, who had already recorded scores of 91 and 89 earlier in the season, finally broke through for triple figures in emphatic fashion, blasting 24 fours and three sixes.

“Dale has been threatening to do something like that, and the thing is, I think he still has more in him,” Hobbs said.

“He has building towards that hundred, and a big hundred.

“He gave one chance early, but other than that, he played shots all over the ground and looked in control.”

The left handed opening batter now has 612 runs across the Turf 1 matches, and a mammoth 905 runs across all matches, at a strike rate of 167.59.

Tormey’s innings included three consecutive fours off Tom Arnold to move from 92 to 104 in just three deliveries and raise the bat.

He put on key partnerships of 159 with Ayush Patel (68) and 136 with Wright, while Ishan Jayarathna added a composed 69 not out off only 56 balls.

Deeshan Umagiliyage battled hard for Narre South, taking three wickets but was unfortunately the third ton of the day, conceding 106 runs from his 21 overs.

Narre South’s reply began disastrously when opener Kyle Hardy edged the third ball of the innings to the keeper, leaving the Lions 1/4.

“We got one early and we had one go down

early, we could’ve had them 2/0 and then we just had to fight hard,” Hobbs said.

“We were always in control of the game, but it would’ve been nice to finish them off probably 50-80 runs before we did.”

Jawed Hussaini (63) and captain Jeevan Mendis (91) showed great resilience to steady the innings, but Harry Snowden removed both as wickets continued to fall.

Despite gritty efforts from Umagiliyage (32) and Liam Sheehan (32 not out), Narre South was bowled out for 299.

Hussain Ali (3/32) and Snowden (3/52) led the way as Buckley Ridges moved to 10–1 for the season.

Ashen Hettinayaka was unable to play due to

commitments with Frankston in Victorian Premier Cricket Under-18s; therefore Adharsh Kannan made his debut and took his first wicket at the level.

Hallam Kalora Park locked in fourth spot with an outright win over Parkmore, driven by a ninewicket match from fast bowler Will Whyte.

Parkmore collapsed for 102, with Whyte (3/31), Leigh Booth (2/1), Lee Brown (2/18) and Jawid Khan (2/29) sharing the wickets.

Half centuries from Benjamin Hillard (55), Damith Perera (68) and Austin Fardell (51) lifted the Hawks to 4/185 before a declaration at 6/242 on day two.

Parkmore threatened briefly through Ankit Saxena (31) and Harmanpreet Singh (57), but Whyte returned to rip through the tail with 6/43

as the Pirates were bowled out for 121.

There was plenty happening at Beaconsfield Recreation Reserve, where 26 wickets fell across the weekend in a dramatic match between Beaconsfield and Berwick.

The Tigers were skittled for just 49 after winning the toss and batting first, with James Trodd (4/12), Jarrod Goodes (3/9) and Toby Wills (2/5) proving unplayable.

Berwick responded strongly to reach 4/162 on day one before declaring at 8/180, setting up an outright chance.

Beaconsfield again struggled, slumping to 8/97, before Mitch Tielen (8 not out off 78 balls) and Mitchell Kidd (5 not out off 68 balls) showed great resolve to deny the outright, with Berwick winning on first innings.

Wonderful Wyatt century leads Bloodbath win over Bulls

By Blair Burns

Springvale South completed an outright win over Dandenong West in the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 competition over the weekend; set up by disciplined bowling and a spectacular century from Jordan Wyatt.

The Bloods are very comfortable in second position on the ladder with a brilliant 10-2 season record and are ready for finals.

Last year’s preliminary final exit won’t be on their mind much, but you can guarantee that it is part of the motivation and drive for the side to go a couple better this season.

Captain Cam Forsyth was pleased with yet another team performance, with a plethora of contributors with bat and ball, now shifting his focus to the blockbuster this weekend against Buckley Ridges.

“I’m definitely very pleased, it was great to get the points and the boys played really well –hopefully it sets us up well heading into March,” he said.

“The Bucks are top of the tree for a reason and it’s always a great contest against them.

“It will be good to test ourselves out and I’m sure it’ll be a cracking game.” Springy possesses the best opening duo with Mitch Forsyth and Ryan Quirk, who have combined for 820 runs this season.

If you are lucky enough to get them cheaply, then you will face the reliable skipper, or Wyatt will start putting cars in danger.

Get them both, and then one of the allrounders Dasun Opanayaka (ave 75.4), Chathuranga De Silva (ave 33.13) or Blade Baxter (ave 35.8) will deliver – even the bowlers can hold the stick well.

The Bloods won the toss and decided to bowl and captain Cam Forsyth would’ve been delighted when Josh Dowling got the key wicket of in-form batter Shaun Weir (4) in the first over of the game.

Despite this, Mohit Mandora batted beautifully for a gritty half century at the top of the order, with support from Jackson Collard at number 10, who scored 45 not out off 31 balls to get

the Bulls to 174.

Opanayaka continued his brilliant season for Springy, taking 5/64 off 19 overs, while Jarryd Straker added a couple to his tally.

The Bloods went into bat and also lost an early wicket, as Ryan Quirk was trapped in front by Jayden Camilleri and gone for 1.

Mitch Forsyth (38) spent some time at the crease alongside Wyatt, who began to take the bowlers to all parts of the ground.

Wyatt was 43 not out by the end of Saturday and the Bloods were in a good spot at 3/98, but he was just getting started.

His scoring rate continued to soar, and he continued to clear the rope, belting 131 off just 97 rocks for one of the most entertaining centuries in the 2025/26 DDCA season.

“He’s the most destructive player in the competition in my view,” Forsyth said.

“He can take a game away from the opposition in 30 minutes … it’s been building for him, he’s been performing well without a big score so I’m very pleased for him.”

Thanks to other contributions from Opanayaka (39) and Chathuranga De Silva (41), Springvale South declared at 7/324.

Mandora played a lone hand once again for Dandenong West, scoring 65 at the top of the order before watching his side get bowled out for 130 and an outright loss by 20 runs.

Back-to-back 50s for Booth

By Blair Burns

Hallam Kalora Park batter Leigh Booth recently returned from Adelaide where he represented Victoria at the Over-40 National Masters Cricket Championships.

It was a successful campaign for Booth, who scored the third-most runs for his team during the four-game campaign, with 114 runs at 28.5.

This included back-to-back half centuries at the top of the order, with 51 against Tasmania Green and 50 against Queensland.

Booth has been a member of the Victorian side since the competition started up a few years ago and said it was great to be part of the champs for another year.

“It was a good experience, I have played against a fair few of the guys who represent Vic both in local cricket and in the Over 40s competition that I play on Sundays,” he said.

“Over the last few years, they’ve had some tryouts for Vic selection and I knew a few guys who were trying out, they said come along and have a go.

“I had never represented Victoria before, so to pull that gear on is a bit of a weird feeling to be honest.”

It is fair to say cricket is a big part of Booth’s life, plying his trade for Hallam Kalora Park on Saturdays and representing Dingley in an Eastern Cricket Association Over-40s competition on Sundays.

On top of this, he has been a regular player at state level in the Cricket Victoria Veterans pathways, scoring runs in whatever team he plays in.

Booth is a premiership player with the Hawks in the DDCA and is well and truly familiar with the pressure that Turf 1 cricket brings, and said the O40s cricket was always a great balance of compe-

DDCA Turf 1 Scoreboard DDCA

Round 12 (Two Day)

Saturday/Sunday 7-8 February, 2026

•BUCKLEY RIDGES V NARRE SOUTH

Toss: Buckley Ridges – Bat

BUCKLEY RIDGES – 1st Innings

D. Tormey c D. Tubb b H. Barndon...........................157

A. Patel lbw D. Umagiliyage.........................................68

B. Wright b D. Umagiliyage.......................................106

I. Jayarathna not out .....................................................69

M. Davies c b D. Umagiliyage 5

T. De Silva lbw T. Arnold 0

R. Silva not out 5

Extras (3WD, 8NB, 2LB, 4B)........................................17

Total: (80 Overs) ......................................................5/427

Fall of Wickets: 1-159 A. Patel, 2-295 D. Tormey, 3-396 B. Wright, 4-416 M. Davies, 5-417 T. De Silva. Narre South Bowling: D. Umagiliyage 21-0-106-3, T. Arnold 11-0-64-1, H. Barndon 15-1-82-1, L. Sheehan

4-0-35-0, B. Mendis 16-0-61-0, J. Hussaini 11-0-51-0, K. Hardy 2-0-22-0.

NARRE SOUTH – 1st Innings

K. Hardy c b I. Jayarathna 4

V. Jayasuriya c b H. Ali...................................................18

c b H. Snowden..........................................63

J. Hussaini

B. Mendis c b H. Snowden ...........................................91

A. Snelling c b I. Jayarathna.........................................25

O. Ariyadasa c b H. Snowden 2

D. Tubb c b H. Ali 4

T. Arnold b H. Ali 1

D. Umagiliyage c b A. Kannan.....................................32

L. Sheehan not out........................................................32

H. Barndon c b A. Patel.................................................17

Extras (3NB, 3LB, 4B) ...................................................10

Total: (68.5 Overs).......................................................299

Fall of Wickets: 1-4 K. Hardy, 2-32 V. Jayasuriya, 3-144 A. Snelling, 4-162 O. Ariyadasa, 5-193 J. Hussaini, 6-204 D. Tubb, 7-208 T. Arnold, 8-220 B. Mendis, 9-276 D. Umagiliyage, 10-299 H. Barndon. Buckley Ridges Bowling: I. Jayarathna 13-2-55-2, H. Ali 10-3-32-3, H. Snowden 18-4-52-3, A. Kannan 111-61-1, M. Davies 5-2-21-0, D. Tormey 3-0-16-0, T. De Silva 8-1-49-0, A. Patel 0.5-0-6-1. Buckley Ridges won by 128 runs.

•HALLAM KALORA PARK V PARKMORE

Toss: Parkmore – Bat

PARKMORE – 1st Innings

J. Gwynne b W. Whyte 1 K. Gwynne c D. Perera b J. Khan 0 A. Saxena b J. Hammond.............................................12

L. Premarathna c J. Hammond b W. Whyte.............23 N. Kumar b L. Brown.....................................................17 H. Singh b J. Khan..........................................................17

J. Abooj c S. Ranawaka b L. Brown 7 C. Lewis st D. Perera b L. Booth..................................13

A. Wilwalaarachchi c A. Fardell b W. Whyte 7

S. Pratap c D. Perera b L. Booth 0

R. Paul not out 0

Extras (1NB, 2LB, 2B) 5

Total: (40.1 Overs).......................................................102

Fall of Wickets: 1-1 J. Gwynne, 2-1 K. Gwynne, 3-30 L. Premarathna, 4-45 A. Saxena, 5-71 N. Kumar, 6-73 H. Singh, 7-93 J. Abooj, 8-96 C. Lewis, 9-102 S. Pratap, 10-102 A. Wilwalaarachchi. Hallam Kalora Park Bowling: J. Khan 11-4-29-2, W. Whyte 9.1-2-31-3, J. Hammond 6-2-13-1, S. Ran-

awaka 3-1-6-0, L. Brown 9-5-18-2, L. Booth 2-1-1-2.

HALLAM KALORA PARK – 1st Innings

B. Hillard c J. Gwynne b C. Lewis ................................55

J. Hayer c J. Abooj b A. Saxena....................................15

J. Khan c J. Abooj b H. Singh........................................18 D. Perera c C. Lewis b A. Wilwalaarachchi ..............68

J. Hammond c S. Pratap b C. Lewis 4

A. Fardell run out ...........................................................51

R. Hillard not out............................................................24

L. Brown not out 0

Extras (2WD, 3NB, 2B) 7

Total: (46.3 Overs)................................................6/242d

Fall of Wickets: 1-44 J. Hayer, 2-69 J. Khan, 3-107 B. Hillard, 4-126 J. Hammond, 5-198 D. Perera, 6-242

A. Fardell.

Parkmore Bowling: A. Saxena 12-3-50-1, A. Wilwalaarachchi 8.3-0-48-1, H. Singh 5-1-30-1, C. Lewis

7-0-46-2, S. Pratap 7-0-44-0, R. Paul 5-0-19-0, L.

Premarathna 2-0-3-0.

PARKMORE – 2nd Innings

J. Abooj c J. Hammond b W. Whyte 1

J. Gwynne c S. Ranawaka b J. Khan............................. 4

A. Saxena c L. Brown b J. Hammond.........................31

L. Premarathna c B. Hillard b W. Whyte....................10

N. Kumar c D. Perera b J. Khan 0

K. Gwynne b L. Brown 4

H. Singh c J. Hammond b W. Whyte ..........................57

C. Lewis c A. Fardell b W. Whyte 2

A. Wilwalaarachchi b W. Whyte 0

S. Pratap c D. Perera b W. Whyte 0

R. Paul not out.................................................................. 4

Extras (6NB, 1LB, 1B) 8

Total: (39.3 Overs).......................................................121

Fall of Wickets: 1-5 J. Gwynne, 2-7 J. Abooj, 3-22 L. Premarathna, 4-23 N. Kumar, 5-41 K. Gwynne, 6-69

A. Saxena, 7-81 C. Lewis, 8-81 A. Wilwalaarachchi, 9-84 S. Pratap, 10-121 H. Singh.

Hallam Kalora Park Bowling: J. Khan 7-1-17-2, W. Whyte 12.3-3-43-6, S. Ranawaka 5-3-7-0, L. Brown 7-1-24-1, J. Hammond 8-1-28-1. Hallam Kalora Park won by an innings and 19 runs.

•BEACONSFIELD v BERWICK

Toss: Beaconsfield – Bat

BEACONSFIELD – 1st Innings

A. Fernando b J. Trodd 2

J. Steel c J. Cleland b J. Goodes 1

A. Walgamage c J. Cleland b J. Goodes 1

S. Read b J. Goodes......................................................... 0

J. Cronin c J. Cleland b J. Trodd 1 S. Malik b T. Wills...........................................................16

A. Taniwal c T. Wills b V. Liyanage 3

M. Tielen not out 7

A. Nice b T. Wills 0

M. Kidd b J. Trodd 5

J. Cutting c J. Cleland b J. Trodd 0 Extras (3NB, 5LB, 5B) ...................................................13

Total: (34.4 Overs)..........................................................49

Fall of Wickets: 1-6 A. Fernando, 2-7 A. Walgamage, 3-10 S. Read, 4-11 J. Cronin, 5-11 J. Steel, 6-30 A. Taniwal, 7-37 S. Malik, 8-37 A. Nice, 9-49 M. Kidd, 10-49 J. Cutting. Berwick Bowling: J. Trodd 9.4-2-12-4, J. Goodes

8-4-9-3, V. Liyanage 8-3-13-1, T. Wills 6-2-5-2, J. Wills 3-3-0-0.

tition and social banter.

“It is a great experience and you get to meet a heap of new guys who you know have been very good cricketers,” he said.

“You become mates with them and get to share some stories along the way.

“For me, the Over-40s is more about the social

BERWICK – 1st Innings

L. Brown b A. Walgamage ...........................................28 J. Wills lbw A. Walgamage...........................................12

J. Hancock not out.........................................................44

M. Wallace c J. Steel b S. Read...................................34 C. Imbulagoda c & b M. Tielen....................................17

V. Liyanage c A. Fernando b S. Read .........................23

J. Cleland c A. Fernando b J. Cutting 3

T. Wills c A. Fernando b M. Kidd.................................... 0

J. Trodd b J. Cutting........................................................10

E. Mathews not out 0 Extras (1LB, 8B) 9

Total: (49 Overs) ...................................................8/180d

Fall of Wickets: 1-39 L. Brown, 2-44 J. Wills, 3-87 M. Wallace, 4-128 C. Imbulagoda, 5-158 V. Liyanage, 6-162 J. Cleland, 7-165 T. Wills, 8-176 J. Trodd. Beaconsfield Bowling: J. Cutting 10-2-36-2, A. Nice 3-1-18-0, A. Walgamage 9-2-29-2, M. Tielen 8-1-41-1, S. Read 10-4-21-2, M. Kidd 9-1-26-1. BEACONSFIELD – 2nd Innings

A. Fernando c J. Hancock b J. Trodd 2

J. Cronin c J. Wills b E. Mathews .................................24

S. Malik b E. Mathews...................................................12

A. Walgamage c J. Cleland b J. Trodd ........................26

S. Read c & b L. Brown 2

A. Taniwal st J. Cleland b J. Goodes 7 J. Steel c J. Cleland b J. Goodes ..................................15

M. Tielen not out 8

A. Nice lbw J. Goodes 0

M. Kidd not out 5 Extras (5NB, 1B) 6 Total: (76 Overs) ......................................................8/107 Fall of Wickets: 1-4 A. Fernando, 2-36 S. Malik, 3-45 J. Cronin, 4-48 S. Read, 5-74 A. Walgamage, 6-94 J. Steel, 7-97 A. Taniwal, 8-97 A. Nice.

Berwick Bowling: J. Trodd 13-5-24-2, J. Goodes 14-615-3, T. Wills 8-2-24-0, L. Brown 10-5-8-1, E. Mathews 12-6-17-2, V. Liyanage 10-5-11-0, J. Wills 7-2-6-0, C. Imbulagoda 1-0-1-0, M. Wallace 1-0-0-0. Berwick won by 2 wickets.

•SPRINGVALE SOUTH V DANDENONG WEST

Toss: Springvale South – Bowl DANDENONG WEST – 1st Innings

S. Weir c B. Baxter b J. Dowling 4 M. Mandora b D. Opanayaka.......................................56

M. Perera c D. Opanayaka b B. Baxter ......................24

N. Power c C. Diston b J. Straker 6 M. Bandara c C. Diston b D. Opanayaka 2 R. Siwes b D. Opanayaka 0 J. Zietsman c C. Diston b D. Opanayaka 0 A. Brannan c C. Diston b J. Straker 4 L. Richardson c J. Dowling b D. Opanayaka 9

J. Collard not out............................................................45

J. Camilleri c C. Diston b N. Boland ............................20

Extras (4NB) 4

Total: (51.3 Overs).......................................................174

Fall of Wickets: 1-4 S. Weir, 2-67 M. Perera, 3-75 N. Power, 4-78 M. Bandara, 5-80 R. Siwes, 6-84 J. Zietsman, 7-89 A. Brannan, 8-99 M. Mandora, 9-108 L. Richardson, 10-174 J. Camilleri. Springvale South Bowling: J. Dowling 6-0-35-1, N. Boland 8.3-0-37-1, B. Baxter 7-4-7-1, D. Opanayaka 19-1-64-5, J. Straker 10-1-22-2, C. De Silva 1-0-9-0. SPRINGVALE SOUTH – 1st Innings M. Forsyth c S. Weir b M. Bandara .............................38

side of it, and getting around guys who may be struggling too, I think it is a good concept for the older guys to get into.”

Booth added that he had even reunited with some old cricketing mates at the state level, which had been special.

“There are guys in the Vic side that I have played cricket with since the rep stuff back in juniors, we might’ve gone our separate ways to play cricket over the years, but then we are back actually playing on the same team,” he said.

Victoria went 2-1 in the round-robin matches, before winning its final against Queensland to finish as the third ranked team at the competition.

After a couple of slim outings to start the tournament, Booth began to connect with the willow in hand, scoring back-to-back half centuries to finish the tournament in style.

“I didn’t do too much on the first couple of days, you aren’t used to playing these sorts of tournaments and if you aren’t doing great at the start, it can be a bit daunting,” he said.

“But it was good to get a few runs in the end and help the team out.”

On top of his recent campaign with the Victoria, Booth’s Dingley O40s team has also booked a spot in the grand final against Hawthorn Boroondara on February 22.

The Dingoes are 6-0 throughout the season so far, and will be looking to make that one more win later this month.

Innings

Siwes 6-0-30-3.

(BuckleyRidges) 69*