News – Berwick Star News – 12th March 2026

Combatting loneliness

By Jensy Callimootoo

Berwick local Marion was in for a charming surprise when her home care worker, Liana Krone invited her for an outing on what can be a joyous day for some but a lonesome day for others.

The 86 year old who lives alone was planning to spend Christmas by herself last year, but in a heart-warming gesture from Liana, the pair instead spent the day celebrating with a lunch, complete with a full roast, dessert and gifts.

For Liana, it wasn’t just about the special holiday, but also about combatting the loneliness often felt by older communties.

Liana has known and cared for Marion for over four years and sees her three times a week.

“Knowing that her family lives interstate and overseas, I knew from early on that Marion would be spending Christmas Day by herself,” Liana said.

It falls in line with new research initiations by Federation University that aim to highlight innovative strategies to mitigate loneliness and enhance mental health for those living in aged-care homes.

The University will be partnering with home care provider, Silverchain, to develop evidence-based interventions that aim to be implemented across several aged care facilities.

According to Tanya Davison, Silverchain’s Director of Research Discovery, contributing factors such as limited social activity or social networks, poor perceived health and depressed mood can often be exacerbated among people living in home aged care.

Silverchain’s Director of Research Discovery, Adjunct Professor Tanya Davison, said loneliness is considered an epidemic and a major public health risk.

“This emphasises the need for targeted research and intervention for this vulnerable group,” Adj Prof. Davison said.

These findings are echoed by Liana, who sees firsthand the impact of loneliness, which she describes as “quite common” among older Austra-

lians.

“I have noticed that for many older Australians, the loss of a partner, declining health in-

cluding loss of mobility and independence, and a decrease in connections with other people increases the feeling of loneliness,” she said.

“On a day to day basis, it can be something as basic as not having a conversation with anyone that can increase their feelings of loneliness.

“Often the elderly who have reduced mobility and are living alone no longer have daily structures which can in turn leave voids in their day.

“Instead of filling those voids I have noticed clients just sitting watching television, sleeping or losing interest in the things they once did and enjoyed.”

From her frontline experience, Liana says she sees the spark in a client’s eye when she speaks to them with respect and treats them as a friend.

“Discovering those mutual interests, having respect… showing that you care and are interested in them and actively listen to what they have to say can make them feel valued and appreciated,” she said.

“Trust and a shared vulnerability can be formed with a sense of belonging.

“Knowing how I would have wanted my grandmother to be cared for has helped me immensely in my job itself, and my approach to the care I provide to my clients.

“If I can make my clients happy or even give a smile, then it brings me much happiness and the reason why I love my job.”

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Successful celebrations

The Edelweiss Casey Choir celebrated the Chinese Lantern Festival on Sunday, with an event titled Blossom of Harmony: Lantern Festival Gala.

Many attended the Hallam Community Theatre to highlight the cultural significance of the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival while encouraging multicultural understanding and connection within the City of Casey.

The program featured a variety of choral and cultural performances designed to showcase music and traditions associated with the festival.

In addition to the stage performances, attendees participated in interactive lantern riddles with prizes and took part in a lucky draw, where the grand prize was an air conditioner.

The event was supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, a celebration that was open to families, local residents, and community members of all ages, offering an opportunity to experience culture, music, and community together.

Many attended the Hallam Community Theatre on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese Lantern Festival. (Gary Sissons: 537367)

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Cardinia Jobs and Skills

The 2026 Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase is back this month, to connect job seekers with local employers, training experts and designated job support agencies. Designed to support people at every stage of their employment journey, this event offers a welcoming space to explore pathways, gain practical advice and discover real opportunities close to home.

Held on Wednesday 18 March at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, the event starts at 9.15am with a comprehensive Jobseeker Information Session, led by Workforce Australia – Local Jobs. This session is tailored to help participants understand today’s job market, navigate in demand industries and sharpen their resume and interview skills. Whether actively jobhunting or wondering what might come next, the session provides job seekers with local insights and tips to start using immediately

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Owen said this event plays a vital role in strengthening a skilled and connected local workforce.

“Events like the Jobs and Skills Showcase help our community explore new possibilities and feel more prepared,” he said.

“They’re also a great boost for local businesses, giving them the chance to meet job seekers who are ready to become part of a thriving local workforce. Council is proud to support an event that helps residents take the next step in their careers while strengthening our local workforce.”

The Jobs and Skills Showcase highlights the power of partnership, supported by Workforce Australia – Local Jobs, Federation University, Star News Group and Care Talent. Together, these organisations are helping create clearer pathways into local jobs and training and strengthening Cardinia’s economic future.

From 10am, attendees can step into the main expo, the Jobs and Skills Showcase, featuring more than 60 employers, educators and career specialists from across the region. Exhibitors range from major local employers to emerging industries, apprenticeship providers, training organisations and community services. The expo offers something for young jobseekers, careerchangers, parents returning to work and anyone looking to build new skills

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Safety push amid tragedy

By Jensy Callimootoo

A local MP has sponsored a Parliamentary petition calling for pedestrian safety upgrades on Pound Road in Narre Warren South following the death of a teenage boy in February.

In line with the petition release, South-Eastern Metropolitan MP, Ann-Marie Hermans, appealed to Melissa Horne, the Minister for Roads and Road Safety to “urgently intervene”, according to a media release from 5 March.

The legislative calls come after the tragic death of 16-year-old Chris Rua Antony, who was walking home from school along the unprotected footpath on the busy Pound Road when a vehicle, driven by a 48-year-old woman, struck him from behind.

Chris died seven days later in hospital.

Chris’ father Antony Francis, began the Parliamentary petition on 5 March 2026, garnering the support and official sponsorship of Ms Hermans.

The petition, available to be signed both electronically and on paper, requests that Victoria’s Upper House calls on the government to install adequate safety barriers in the vulnerable sections.

Specifically, the petition seeks to relocate the footpath to be further away from the roadway and to reduce the speed limit of the arterial road to 60km/h, which would replace the current speed limit of 70km/h.

Lastly, the petition requests a comprehensive road assessment review to be conducted and to consider updating the relevant legislation or regulations to require footpaths to be a minimum of a metre from high traffic roads.

“This footpath runs immediately adjacent to high-speed traffic without a protective safety barrier,” the petition states.

“There have been ongoing community concerns regarding pedestrian safety along vulnerable sections of Pound Road, particularly for children travelling to and from school.”

Ms Hermans said that many community members have also felt the impacts of this sombre loss.

“Chris was a bright, kind and hardworking young man with his whole future ahead of him,”

Ms Hermans said.

“He excelled at school, he was deeply committed to his faith, and he wanted to become an

engineer so he could give back to the community.

“His life was cut short in a tragedy that may have been preventable.

“The community is traumatised. Young families walk their pets here. Children cycle to school.

“People should not fear for their lives on a suburban footpath.

“The government cannot ignore this any longer.

“Reports of more than four pedestrians being hit by vehicles since 2022 should have been more than enough reason to organise safety barriers.

“Now one young life has been tragically lost. This tragedy must be the catalyst for immediate action.”

The residential and general community have also been involved in ongoing awareness campaigns regarding the lack of road safety and pedestrian protection.

A Change.org petition, initiated by a concerned resident shortly after Chris’ passing, has accumulated over 5500 signatures.

Chris was laid to rest on 6 March 2026. He is survived by his parents, Antony and Agal and his older sister, Auxilia.

The parliamentary petition will close on 26 March 2026, requiring 10,000 e-signatures to go to a debate.

If you want to sign the petition, visit: parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/ pound-road-pedestrian-safety

ATO interest impact

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A South East community-support agency has welcomed a call for the Australian Taxation Office to relieve the steep interest charged on tax debts.

South East Community Links has supported clients with a staggering total of $3.7 million in ATO-related debt since July 2024.

This includes more than $1.3 million of ATO debt so far in the 2025-’26 financial year.

Currently, tax law requires interest to be applied and to compound daily, even while taxpayers make repayments under approved plans.

“We’re seeing people working two or three jobs who are still falling behind because interest charges grow faster than they can repay,” SECL financial wellbeing head Rachna Madaan Bowman said.

Ms Bowman says the Tax Ombudsman’s call for interest-free payment plans and fairer processes would “make a real difference for people who are genuinely trying to stay on track”

In a review this month, the Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen urged the ATO to offer better relief for indebted taxpayers “trying to do the right thing”

“The ATO’s decision-making isn’t meeting community expectations.

“In particular, it is impacting too harshly on some taxpayers trying to do the right thing in repaying their tax debts.

“Interest can make small debts grow to unaffordable levels very quickly and, for some taxpayers, the interest can become greater than the original debt, making full repayment near impossible.

“We have seen many cases where the interest compounds to levels grossly disproportionate to the principal debt and the taxpayer’s ability to pay,”

Ms Owen recommended that the ATO agreed to up-front, interest-free payment plans for eligible taxpayers.

“The interest does not then accumulate further while taxpayers take reasonable steps to repay their debts; it helps taxpayers get back on track and discharges the tax debt more quickly for

the ATO.”

General interest charges (GIC) of 10.65 per cent are imposed when taxes are not paid on time.

Taxpayers with a debt can request a reduction or refund of interest, formally called a ‘remission,’ by asking the ATO and providing supporting information.

Of the $55 billion in uncontested tax owed to the Commonwealth Government, 18 per cent is made up of interest applied to the debt.

Between 2019 and 2025, the balance of GIC owed increased 185 per cent, outpacing the 94

per cent increase in uncontested tax debt.

The Tax Ombudsman also highlighted the ATO’s inconsistent decision-making on interest charges, vague guidance on rights to review and poor communications.

The ATO has agreed to all the Tax Ombudsman’s recommendations.

Ms Owen welcomed recent changes made by the ATO to address inconsistency in general interest charge (GIC) remission decisions and to improve its guidance to taxpayers and tax practitioners.

Footy test for new routes

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

The Metro Tunnel’s ‘Big Switch’ is set for a test as South East footy fans converge on Marvel Stadium and the MCG for AFL’s opening round.

Extra train services are being provided on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines for seven games in Melbourne between 8-15 March.

But South East commuters face a “particular challenge”, given their trains no longer directly connect to Richmond and Southern Cross stations, says the Public Transport Users Association.

PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen said while there were benefits to the Metro Tunnel, many commuters were still getting used to the new travel patterns and routes, he said.

“The key is for authorities to provide good information, plenty of staff to help, and have plenty of trains running.”

The Department of Transport and Planning advises passengers to change trains at Caulfield or Town Hall, or to walk from Town Hall to the MCG.

To get to Marvel Stadium, passengers should change at State Library or Town Hall to catch a train to Southern Cross.

Bowen warned there are some gaps in the extra services – up to 20 minutes waits for trains from Jolimont to Flinders Street after the MCG match between Melbourne and St Kilda on Sunday 15 March.

Some of the extra trains to Cranbourne/ Pakenham will start at Malvern rather than Town Hall, he said. “We hope Metro and the Government are watching this weekend closely and will continue to improve Melbourne’s public transport services to cut waiting times, add capacity, and ensure people can get around quickly and efficiently.”

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Club honours donor legacy

By Violet Li

A revived community group in Casey has celebrated its official inauguration, honouring the legacy of a local organ donor.

The Smart Club of Melbourne Inc. held its inauguration ceremony on Friday 27 February, marking a new chapter to promote social cohesion and multicultural inclusion.

Secretary Salma Maqbool said the club was originally established in October 2023 by the late Clyde North resident Monica Dhingra, whose vision continues to guide the organisation today.

The club was later reinstated in October 2024 and has grown quickly from just five members to about 55 members.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a number of community leaders and special guests, including Holt MP Cassandra Fernando, who officially opened the event by cutting a ribbon before walking a red carpet reception.

Guests were welcomed with an invocation, music and speeches delivered in both English and Punjabi. The evening also included entertainment, networking and a community dinner.

Salma said the ceremony paid tribute to the club’s founder Ms Dhingra, whose passing in late 2024 inspired the group to continue her work.

Ms Dhingra was remembered as a seven-organ donor.

“We are making her dreams come true in terms of having different CALD groups to be included in our group, so it’s not exclusive to only one nationality,” Salma said.

“We want to embrace social cohesion. Look at other groups in the south east area, collaborate with them, and we also include the First Nations.

“And very important is that we embrace the Australian culture, as in observing Australia Day, going to ANZAC Day, attending other activities…

“Our vision is about oneness and humanity.”

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Viking have announced their new itineraries for the region for 2027 and bookings are now open.

Sailing on board the Viking Mississippi, guests can choose the new fifteen day Bayous, Blues and Bluegrass itinerary, which operates between New Orleans and Louisville, with ports of call along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

A shorter option is the eight day Mississippi and Ohio River Explorer itinerary which offers a journey between Memphis and Louisville.

Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen believes wherever they are in the world, Viking guests are interested in the history, culture and culinary traditions of the destinations they visit.

“The towns and cities along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers are close to home for quite a few of our guests and are fantastic destinations that many have yet to discovering,” he said.

He believes the new itineraries expand the company’s destination-focused offerings on the Mississippi River.

The itineraries explore the rich heritage of the American South, birthplace of some of the country’s most beloved culinary and musical tradition with the 2027 Bayous, Blues and Bluegrass 15 day New Orleans to Louisville cruise.

Along the Mississippi River, grand homes preserve the South’s past. Step into Civil War history at Vicksburg and feel the rhythm of the blues in Greenville. Further north, sample smoky barbecue in Tennessee and discover Kentucky’s legacy of craftsmanship, from the powerful Louisville Slugger to smooth bourbon.

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Classic American musical genres with the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and bluegrass arose along these waterways. Discover the legacies of icons such as BB King and Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. In Kentucky, Louisville’s baseball museum preserves the spirit of America’s favourite pastime while its bourbon distilleries honour generations of craftsmanship.

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Learn about Natchez’s French and Acadian heritage and pay respects at the Vicksburg battlefield. Savour delicious Cajun and creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue, as you celebrate musical legends in the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.

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Tenant takes mould dispute to VCAT

A Cranbourne public housing tenant said his two-year-old son cannot live with him because of severe mould contamination in his home, despite the state government spending about $27,000 of taxpayers’ money on repairs.

Local Jai Johnstone-Devere has taken the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) since 2023, for the condition of his property.

He said the mould problem had persisted for more than a decade, but the issue became urgent when he found out he was having a son in 2023.

“We were looking over the house, making sure everything was fit and ready for a baby. And when we started realising that there’s a lot more mould than what we actually thought there was,” Jai said.

Jai said his mother previously lived in the property and had also reported mould issues to the housing authorities.

He claimed the government-commissioned maintenance workers repeatedly painted over mould rather than removing it, and that repairs carried out by contractors failed to address the underlying problem.

“They told me there was no mould there, then they painted over it and said it was fixed,” he said.

“I then cut holes in the walls and found that there was the exact same mould behind the walls. So, they didn’t fix anything. They just hid it.

“They did it with $27,000 worth of repairs.”

According to the latest VCAT order in February this year, the rental provider Homes Victoria was in breach of its duties to maintain the premises in good repair.

The state tribunal ordered the provider to engage an independent mould specialist to inspect the home and determine the source of contamination.

The inspection, carried out in February 2026, confirmed mould contamination inside the property. Environmental testing found “extremely high” airborne mould levels in the laundry and high levels in two bedrooms.

The assessment identified “extreme” contamination inside the laundry wall cavity, where mould concentrations were measured at 350,000 spores per square centimetre.

The report suggests the moisture affecting the laundry and bedrooms likely stems from historic issues with water drainage caused by previously damaged or ineffective guttering.

One of the bedrooms had historic water ingress, the moisture source being the window.

The report recommends removing contaminated plaster walls in the laundry and the kitchen wall that adjoins the laundry, remediate the carpet and window timber ledge in the bedroom that had historic water ingress.

“I told them the roof is damaged. I told them there are other parts around the house that are damaged. They told me that it’s up to me to fix it,” Jai said.

Raoul Wainwright, acting CEO of the Victo-

rian Public Tenants Association, said through their advice line, they assist hundreds of public housing renters with maintenance concerns every year, and 8 per cent of all of those matters are about mould.

“We are deeply concerned about how mould problems in public housing are dealt with,” he said.

“Too often maintenance contractors are not completing tasks appropriately, which leads to more call-outs and more expense for the taxpayer.

“Most importantly, the public housing renter is left with the inconvenience and risk of living in a home that doesn’t meet any reasonable standards.

“That is why we have called on the Government to end the contracting out of maintenance functions and to bring them back in-house. This will improve living standards for public housing renters, it will save money and will ensure that publicly owned homes are properly maintained for the long term.”

Jai said living in the property had affected his health.

He claimed he suffers frequent sinus and chest infections when staying there and says his young son has not been able to move in.

“I have to tell my two-year-old that the house is broken and he can’t come inside,” he said.

Jai believed relocating his family would have been a simpler solution.

“Something needs to change because it’s not fair, and I know I’m not the only person dealing with this. Housing is a global problem, but the way we are dealing with it is not okay,” he said.

“They say that there’s no housing, and there’s

no funding, and there’s no this, and there’s no that, but yet they’ve wasted $27,000 of people’s money to fix a house.

“There’s no need to put me through all of this stress and hassle and phone calls every single day, and they could just move me from the start.”

A Department of Families, Fairness and Housing spokesperson said the Department works to ensure public housing stock is kept in a safe condition.

“Following the completion of significant mould remediation works in 2024, the department has again engaged a certified mould remediator to undertake further works at this property,” they said.

“The department is working with the renter to gain access to the property and complete the required works.”

Jai said he refused to grant access for further works because the department planned to send a cleaning company rather than a specialist mould remediation contractor.

“They want to clean and treat the mould. They don’t want to remove the mould as recommended by the inspection report. They don’t want to restore. They don’t want to investigate more,” he said.

Jai cited previous repair works at the property, which he said took more than six months, left the home uninhabitable while he continued paying rent, and still didn’t fix the mould issues.

“They said that the house is ready for return. I came down and checked it out. I found building materials everywhere, ciggy parts, alcohol cans, all my belongings were used, my speakers were moved, my fridge, everything in the house was completely different,” he said.

Taking charge and cleaning up

By Jensy Callimootoo

As many communities all across the nation participated in this year’s Clean up Australia Day, a special local group took charge to spruce up their own community.

On Thursday 26 February, Narre Warren Girl’s Brigade eagerly put on their bright yellow Clean Up Australia Day gloves – with a recycling bag in hand, they were ready to make a difference.

Led by the pioneer group, typically the oldest of the members, girls from the age of five were able to learn about and reflect on the importance of recycling as well as how each individual can play a part in reducing landfill waste.

Senior members, many in their teens, helped everyone understand the types of litter most commonly discarded and ensured recyclable materials were correctly sorted and allocated into the right bag.

While junior and cadet groups collected all the rubbish and litter they could find in the area.

A spokesperson from the girl’s brigade said that “it was encouraging to see such team work and responsibility displayed throughout the activity”

After all their hard work, the girls got to enjoy a well deserved Zooper Dooper.

With their treat in hand, each participant also received a certificate of participation.

Youngsters take the stage

By Jensy Callimootoo

In the early hours of a Sunday morning, 43 young theatre enthusiasts are preparing for their junior musical show just four short weeks away — some will be taking the stage for the very first time in their lives, while others are saying goodbye to a world they grew up in.

In early April, junior performing arts members from the ages of eight to eighteen will be taking part in a production of Disney’s Newsies.

Directed by Berwick local Victoria Hosburgh, the musical follows a 60 minute performance set in 1899 and is based on the New York City newsboys strike.

With themes of friendship, courage and loyalty at its core, main character Jack Kelly and his peers form a union, leading to a strike when a publisher raises prices.

Director Victoria is a theatre veteran herself, with her career in performing arts beginning in high school and extending to her tertiary studies.

Since 2009, Victoria has been involved in every Players Theatre production — the community musical production company based in Oakleigh East.

Under her belt, are much loved musicals, including Madagascar junior, Aladdin jr, Wizard of Oz jr and Frozen.

“I’ve always loved musicals,” Victoria said.

“My mum took me to musicals when I was a little kid and we would do that together.

“I started doing drama in high school and loved it and I ended up doing a degree in drama at Deakin and went down that path.”

Nearly two decades later, she’s directed and produced countless junior productions, gained the title of 2025 Aussie Broadway Junior Ambassador, and is the secretary at Player’s Theatre.

Her work also spans to teaching — with nearly 20 years of experience in teaching drama and performing arts to both primary and secondary year levels.

Based on the 1992 Disney Film, the Berwick director says that Newsies jr is her favorite to see come together.

“Newsies is my passion,” she said.

With Newsies as an already established and successful musical, Victoria first encountered the junior version in 2018 at the Junior Theatre Festival in Newcastle during a pilot production,

“They workshop the different junior shows to see what works, what doesn’t, things like, is the dance break too long? Is it too short? Do the harmonies work? Does the joke fall right?...they performed it and I watched and I went, ‘this is amazing’,” she said.

“I love the grit behind the story.

“It’s got a mix of everything. It’s got drama, it’s got comedy, it’s got beautiful themes of friendship and being brave and standing up for what you believe in.”

Casey based students, Kaleb, Grace and Tyler all started with Players when they were in primary school and now, Newsies jr, will be their last production with the theatre company.

Kaleb was the first to join the theatre company, taking part in Victoria’s second-year junior production of Mulan.

Later, he also convinced his peers from school, Grace and Tyler, to join the company.

Grace is now taking up an acting degree at the Victoria College Of the Arts.

With the new wave of kids starting off at Players, the three are preparing to say goodbye to the environment that helped raise them, prompting Kaleb to reminisce on his early years.

“For me, it sort of brings back flashbacks to when we were around that age,” Kaleb said.

The nostalgia was echoed by Grace.

“It’s really cool seeing where we were, and knowing we used to look up at the 18-yearolds so much, and being like, ‘oh, wait, that’s us now’.”

“It’s like the Player’s legacy lives on,” Kaleb interjects.

The three told Star News that through Players, they were able to build the confidence to perform on stage, from singing, dancing and acting but also in helping their work ethic and teamwork.

But at the time of starting off, none of them thought performing would become more than a hobby.

“It was more just like, yeah, ‘I’ll give it a go’.” Kaleb said.

“You know, I was into the school musicals and then Victoria was encouraging me to get into Players because she could see something I couldn’t.

“And I think it’s the same with all of us.

“She could see something that we couldn’t see.

“So it was just trying to get that encouragement to explore around a bit and venture out and try new things.”

“It’s a big blessing to have someone who believes in you before you do,” Grace added.

For many young performing arts enthusiasts, Players provides a welcoming space and an environment where those who aren’t often accepted in the outside world, can feel connected with like-minded peers all with one goal in mind — to perform.

“I’ve had one of our kids who is autistic who had told me this is the one place she feels like she can unmask, can just be herself because she feels accepted by everyone and that’s a really important thing especially at Play Theatre Company,” Victoria said.

“And that’s really important because we want it to be fun and we want it to be a safe place.”

“There’s acceptance here because we’re human and just because we happen to be a little bit more right-brained doesn’t make the love or the passion for what we do any less important.”

Victoria likens junior performers to extracurricular sports activities, such as footy practice or dance lessons, and says that there needs to be a greater acceptance of nontraditional “outlets of hobbies”

“Musical theatre specifically is a very niche area.”

“Kids who love musicals can be very rare in their own schools and a lot of schools do musicals and they do get that outlet.

“But there’s also schools that don’t and there’s also schools where it’s seen as not cool.

“We have kids auditioning for our shows who get into them and see that they have found their people and we’ve had these conversations with parents after they see the show and they’ve seen what it’s done for their kid and their confidence has grown.

“And that they’ve found where they belong.”

Newsies Jr will be showing at the Christine Strachan Theatre from 4 April to 12 April. Tickets are available at trybooking.com/ events/landing/1431128

Acclaimed authors are visiting Bunjil Place Library this year

Book lovers will have the chance to meet some of Australia’s most acclaimed writers when two author events come to Bunjil Place Library in the coming weeks.

Connected Libraries has announced a pair of free events featuring bestselling crime writers Candice Fox and J.P. Pomare, as well as contemporary fiction authors Olivia Tolich and Bridie Blake: ■Love at First Page: In Conversation with Olivia Tolich & Bridie Blake

■Bunjil Place Library, Saturday 21 March at 2pm

Celebrate stories of love, connection and the messy, meaningful moments that bring characters (and readers) together. Olivia Tolich and Bridie Blake, both talented voices in contemporary fiction, will talk about the inspiration behind their novels, the craft of writing emotional stories, and what it means to touch a reader’s heart through fiction.

■A Night of Crime with Candice Fox & J.P. Pomare

■Bunjil Place Library, Wednesday 22 April at 7pm Dive into the darker side of storytelling with two masters of modern crime fiction. Candice Fox and J.P. Pomare will explore what draws readers to thrilling plots, memorable characters and the psychology of fear, plus insights into their writing processes and latest works. This event is perfect for fans of gripping page-turners and anyone interested in how suspenseful narratives are crafted.

Connected Libraries Adult Programs Manager Courtney Rushton said the events were designed to appeal to a wide range of readers.

“We’re delighted to bring these two very different but equally engaging author events to our community,” she said.

“From edge-of-your-seat crime to heartfelt stories about love and relationships, these events reflect the diverse tastes of our readers.

“They’re a great way for the community to celebrate books, meet authors and spark new conversations about storytelling.”

To book your free tickets to these events, visit: connectedlibraries.org.au

WHAT’S ON

Emergent 2025: Graduate Short Film & Animation

Short film, doco and animation night that showcases talented young filmmakers in the region.

• Thursday 12 March 7.30pm at Bunjil Place outdoor plaza screen; free event.

Berwick Farmers Market

No craft market with 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 14 March 8am-12pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick.

Car Boot Sale

Stall holders wanted. Earn money while having a quick cleanout of your trash-and-treasure, or come and grab a bargain. All outdoor Sites available: 3x3 - $20, car only $10, 6x3m - $30

• Saturday 14 March 8am-2pm at Akoonah Park, Berwick; entry free. Bookings form: berwickshow. org.au or 0407 866 049.

Horse Gear Market

Clear the tack room and fill your wallet, or grab a bargain. Stall holders wanted. All outdoor Sites 6x3m - $30 and 6x6m including car and float $35

• Saturday 14 March 8am-2pm at Akoonah Park, Berwick; entry free. Bookings form: berwickshow. org.au

Tree Walk Park open day

Family-friendly multicultural community event bringing together residents, local businesses and civic leaders to strengthen neighbourhood connections, celebrate diversity and promote community wellbeing.

• Saturday 14 March 10.30am at Berwick Waters Tree Walk Park, Crosswater Boulevard, Clyde North; free event.

Open Space: Cookin’ On 3 Burners with Stella Angelico

Trailblazers from the worlds of funk, hip hop, soul and future sounds come together for a music event like no other. Melbourne’s funk power trio Cookin’ On 3 Burners, with GRID Series Release Party feat. M4RTHA, Kiid Koda, ACP & Jordz.

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

space-cookin%E2%80%99-on-3burners-stella-angelico

SWAN Cobbers BBQ

Meet and chat with other dads, granddads and father figures of children with a rare or undiagnosed genetic condition. Delicious, fresh-cooked pizza lunch.

• Sunday 15 March 11am-1pm at Cranbourne Scout Hall, South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne; free event. Bookings required: trybooking. com/DIXIT

Autumn/ Winter Gardening Workshop

Learn about what produce grows best in Autumn and Winter. Learn how to prepare soil, choose the right crops, fertilising, pests and diseases, companion planting and plenty of practical tips

• Tuesday 17 March 10am-12pm at Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick; $5. Bookings: events.humanitix.com/autumn-winter-vegetablegardening

Harmony Day cooking

Celebrate diversity through the joy of food. An interactive cooking activity.

• Tuesday 17 March 11am-1pm at Autumn Place Community Hub, Doveton; free event. Bookings essential on 9792 7382.

Family history group

Narre Warren & District Family History Group hosts guest speaker and professional genealogist Alan Fleming. Learn how to search millions of records in FamilySearch much more quickly by using full text search.

• Wednesday 18 March 7.30 pm at 110 High Street Berwick (behind the Guides building); $5. Visitors always welcome. Details: Jane 0412 084 671 or president@nwfhg.org.au

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.

Dads Matter Family Campfire Night

A free, fun night for dads, grandfathers, their

Furniture Spray Painters

children and family. Games, entertainment, drumming, marshmallow toasting, a free sausage sizzle (halal) and veggie burgers.

• Thursday 19 March, 6.30pm-8.30pm at Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Boulevard; free event. Registrations: trybooking.com/DJDNI

Creative Wellness Fair

A free creative wellness event celebrating arts, culture, and mindful living. Tai Chi, Yoga and Zentangle and more family fun activities as we explore how ancient wisdom enriches modern life — nurturing harmony in body, mind, and community. All ages welcome. Presented by We at One Harmony Organisation.

• Saturday 21 March 10am-4pm at Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Boulevard, Cranbourne West; free entry. Details: facebook.com/ creativewellnessfair

Bakhtar Casey Nawroz Festival

A celebration of culture, diversity and unity. Presented by Bakhtar Cultural Organisation.

• Saturday 21 March 1pm at 23-47 Gunns Road, Hallam.

Love at First Page

Celebrate stories of love, connection and the messy, meaningful moments that bring characters (and readers) together. Contemporary fiction authors Olivia Tolich and Bridie Blake talk about the inspiration behind their novels, the craft of writing emotional stories, and what it means to touch a reader’s heart through fiction.

• Saturday 21 March 2pm at Bunjil Place Library, Narre Warren.

Open Space: Wild Gloriosa and Hari Sivanesan

Award-winning Tamil-Australian artist Wild Gloriosa brings her captivating blend of neo-soul, R&B, and jazz, along with veena virtuoso Hari Sivanesan, Studio J Dance and Kerfew Collective DJ’s. Sneak preview of gallery exhibition The Offbeat Sari.

• Saturday 21 March 6pm-9pm at Bunjil Place plaza, Narre Warren; free event. Details: bunjilplace.com.au/events/open-space-wild-gloriosaand-hari-sivanesan

All Holden Car Show

Classic Kingswoods and Monaros to newer Holdens, HSVs, Brock/HDT specials and Walkin-

shaw performance builds — this is the ultimate celebration of Holden pride. Holden displays across every era, trophies and prizes, live music, BBQ, food trucks, kid activities, car product stalls, charity raffles. Presented by Rotary Club of Dandenong and Endeavour Hills.

• Sunday 22 March 9am-2pm (bump-in entrant cars from 7am) at Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong. Details: rotaryclubofgreaterdandenong.org/stories/2026-dandenong-allholden-car-show

Curator talk

Talk by Priya Khanchandani, a London-based writer and curator of The Offbeat Sari - an exhibition of more than 50 contemporary saris.

• Sunday 22 March 2pm-3.30pm at Bunjil Centre function room, Narre Warren. Free event. Bookings: tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/11116 U3A Cranbourne

Three new classes for 2026 - mosaics with talented artist Tony Shannon (Tuesdays 12pm), beginner Italian with tutor Jan (Wednesdays 10am12pm) 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 Free Pickleball

All equipment supplied.

• Mondays 5.30pm-6.30pm and Wednesdays 10am-11am at Olive Road sporting complex, Eumemmerring; free event. Bookings via trybooking.com

Casual pickleball

Just turn up early to secure your place. All equipment supplied.

• Fridays 10am-11.30am and Sundays 9am10am 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.

Bloods book spot in big one

By Blair Burns

Springvale South has flexed its muscles and done it again.

The Bloods made it 3-0 against Buckley Ridges this season and booked a spot in the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) Turf 1 grand final with an 87-run victory.

Captain Cam Forsyth said the group was excited to have a ticket to the grand final and praised his team’s bowling efforts on Sunday.

“It is a great achievement in itself to play in the biggest game of the year, so the boys were really happy after the game, there was plenty of celebrations,” he said.

“All of our bowlers played their roles, bowled tight and bowled to a plan – it was a complete team performance with the ball.

“I think we bowled the right bowlers to the right batters and the right times, and it really worked well for us on Sunday.”

Springvale South won the toss and chose to bat first at Dandenong Park Oval on Saturday, with formidable opening duo Mitch Forsyth and Ryan Quirk getting the innings started nicely.

The pair added 90 runs for the first wicket before Forsyth (35) was caught by wicketkeeper Troy Aust, edging as he tried to take Ishan Jayarathna down the ground.

Skipper Cam Forsyth stood up against the Bucks last time, and he did so again, building another strong partnership to put the Bloods in a great position.

Springy was 1/168 at tea and in a brilliant position to launch and score a huge total.

“We were well ahead of the game at that point and it was really good; Mitch and Ryan did a great job at the top and I was happy to be able to contribute too,” Forsyth said.

Quirk (91) was the next wicket to fall when Harry Snowden snuck one through him to rattle the pegs in the 45th over, the score at 2/185 – but the damage had been done by the classy opener.

Jordan Wyatt walked out to join his skipper, he marked centre and faced up, only to meet the same fate as Quirk.

Wyatt was gone for a golden duck and big Snowden was off and celebrating, suddenly on a hat-trick.

Dasun Opanayaka, the most recent player to win the Wookey Medal, joined Forsyth at the crease and looked set for another big score after crunching a couple of fours through the covers.

But Snowden delivered again to carrying his team back into the contest, as he pitched the ball up and Opanayaka played around it, bowled for 11 - the Bloods had lost 3/12.

Springvale South’s Ryan Quirk was at his damaging best against Buckley Ridges, scoring 91. (Gary Sissons: 538666)

But never fear, Blade Baxter is here.

The gritty all-rounder got set at the crease and showed how valuable he is to the side, spending some time in the middle.

Forsyth went for a well-made 60, but from there, wickets continued to tumble around Baxter.

Ranel Seneviratne (duck), Nick Boland (2) and Josh Dowling (4) all faltered, with the exception of Christopher Diston (25), before Baxter (46) was the final wicket to fall.

Springvale South was all out for 294 and thanks to Snowden’s incredible spell of 6/58 off 18.3 overs, Buckley Ridges had managed to take 9/109 and restrict the Bloods after a hot start.

“It would’ve been good to get a few more runs but we scraped together 300 thanks to Blade, which was a really competitive total in a final,” Forsyth said.

“I thought we were maybe slightly ahead of the game but still had a bit of work to do.”

On Sunday, after scores of 0 and 16 against Springy this year, star opening batter Dale Tormey was determined to go big for the Bucks.

The reigning premiers had the momentum on their side.

“Snowden bowled three of our best batters in the space of a few overs and turned the game from their perspective, so that was pretty special to watch from the other end even though it wasn’t what we wanted,” Forsyth said.

“We reflected overnight and were a little disappointed we didn’t get more runs, but knew we had the depth with the ball.”

Despite the side scoring seven runs off the first over, Opanayaka struck Ayush Patel (2) on the pads and trapped him LBW again, in what was a replay of the dismissal just a few weeks ago.

Berwick advances: Where there’s

By Blair Burns

Berwick breezed past Hallam Kalora Park and knocked out last year’s grand finalists with a seven-wicket win in the DDCA Turf 1 elimination final.

The Hawks were just a couple of wickets away from breaking the Bucks in the decider at Arch Brown Reserve last season, but now they will be forced to watch on for the remainder of the finals.

Berwick restricted the Hawks to just 192 before chasing the total on Sunday inside 50 overs.

The Bears won the toss and sent the visitors in first, but Hallam Kalora Park’s openers responded well.

Ben Hillard (30) and Jagveer Hayer (31) put on 53 runs for the first wicket and looked comfortable.

That is until Toby Wills, not for the first time this season, turned the game on its head with the ball.

The fast bowler got the first wicket of the day with a short ball in his third over, getting Hillard caught.

Then he produced a memorable next over, snicking off Jawid Khan (duck) on the second ball of the 16th over … the Hawks had now lost 2/5 and that was about to get even worse.

Three balls later, Wills released a delivery which crashed into the leg of new batter Damith Perera and rolled onto the stumps - Perera also gone for a third-ball duck.

Wills continued to challenge the batters and

while Vinuda Liyanage got the crucial wicket of Hayer LBW, Wills soon had a fourth when he got Leigh Booth (22) shortly after tea – the score at 5/115.

Jordan Hammond has led by example all season with bat and ball for Hallam Kalora Park.

And the captain was once again the player who stood up and anchored the innings, desperate to keep his team in the hunt.

He found a contributor in Austin Fardell (30) and the pair combined for a 57-run partnership, Hammond eventually dismissed LBW by Elliot Mathews for 49.

At 9/192 after 73 overs, the Hawks declared in hope of getting a few late wickets on day one - Wills ending the innings with 4/31 off 12 overs.

But at stumps, the Bears had put themselves in a great winning position at 0/28 off seven overs, with Lachlan Brown (18 not out) and Jarryd Wills (10 not out) occupying the crease.

On Sunday, Hammond got a much-needed breakthrough when Brown (24) popped the ball up to Booth at cover to leave the score at 1/39.

A 61-run partnership followed as Wills (43) and Jake Hancock (35) set up the game to get the score to 3/120, requiring just 73 runs to win.

Skipper Michael Wallace (53 not out) came in and continued his fine form alongside Chathura Imbulagoda (40 not out) to see the Bears home to an easy victory.

Berwick will head into this week’s preliminary final fresh and full of confidence as it attempts to bring down the Bucks.

Troy Aust was the incoming batter and he took a very patient approach, while Tormey began finding the boundary rope at the other end.

The match-up between Tormey and Opanayaka was a good one for Springvale South once again, and it was a short ball caught on the fence by Boland which spelt the end for Tormey, gone for 24.

Then it was time for Baxter to get involved, he took the next two wickets, removing Aust and captain Jayson Hobbs (both 9) before the 25-over mark, the Bucks were in trouble at 4/69.

Roshane Silva came out and batted beautifully and made it look like a different game to the rest of his teammates, pushing to 90 not out before he was left stranded.

Silva watched seven partners fall at the other end, with only Triyan De Silva (22) and Ashen Hettinayaka (13) managing to reach double figures.

Silva must’ve been sitting in the rooms after the loss wondering what more he can do against the Bloods, with recent scores of 151 and 90* not enough to get the win on both occasions.

The Bucks were bowled out for 207 in 66.1 overs and now find themselves in a preliminary final against Berwick.

Jarryd Straker spun a web to claim 3/32 off 15 overs and take his season wicket tally to 37.

“He goes under the radar a bit because he has done it for so long in the DDCA, his ability to get big wickets and perform nearly every single game has been unbelievable,” Forsyth said.

Josh Dowling and Boland took one each, while Opanayaka and Baxter claimed two poles.

a Wills, there’s a way

No late leaks from Lakers

By Blair Burns

It was a disappointing end to the season for Keysborough in the DDCA Turf 3 competition after the Knights were bowled all out for just 58 against Lynbrook to lose by five wickets in the semi-final.

The Lakers won the toss and chose to bowl first on a Marriott Waters Reserve pitch that was offering plenty for the bowlers.

The match started with 13 consecutive dot balls and with the runs ticking over ever so slowly, Lynbrook opening bowler Jacob Stephens began to zero in on the pegs.

But it was fellow opener Ismatulla Shariffie who got the first wicket of the game in the eighth over and this started a collapse.

Stephens began the ninth over with a seed that knocked over Dante Happawana, before getting both Anirudh Motupalli and Shanaka Perumpuli for ducks in the same over – the Knights were 4/14.

Things only got worse for Keysborough, who dug in and batted time, but couldn’t score.

James Kellett came on and took two quick wickets before Stephens came back on and finished off the innings with 5/24 off 14.5 overs.

The Knights had managed to bat 39.5 overs but only had 58 runs to show for it, largely thanks

to Jonathan Mohamed (27 not out).

In reply, Lynbrook also started shaky losing two early wickets to be 2/4, then 3/23 and 4/36 at the 22-over mark.

But Adithya Naron (34 off 118 balls) showed incredible resilience, while Harjinder Sohal (39 not out) came in and sped things up, with Naron scoring the winning runs in the 30th over, before batting until tea and calling the game at 5/95.

In the other semi-final, it was Springvale South who was too strong for Buckley Ridges, advancing to the grand final to meet Lynbrook.

The Bloods batted first and it was the contributions from three players who guided the team to a strong score of 242.

Andrew Staude (73 not out) made it look easy at Alex Nelson Reserve, while Matthew Jameson (42) and Adam Read (34) also impressed.

Adharsh Kannan did a power of work with the ball, bowling 32 overs to finish with incredible figures of 4/70 (8 maidens), while Shahwali Mosavi (3/41) also took a few poles.

In reply, Bucks’ opener Josh Holden was the only batter to get going, scoring six boundaries on his way to 45, but Jameson (3/35) and Mohammad Mudasir Soliman Khail (3/23) delivered with the ball, bowling Buckley Ridges out for just 127.

Eagles thrive in local derby asking what’s next for Noble?

By David Nagel

Noble Park (173) has a lot of work to do in a very small space of time if it wants to challenge for this year’s Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association (VSDCA) premiership after being pushed aside easily by near-neighbour Endeavour Hills (226) on Saturday.

The last round of the season was set up to be a real confidence-booster for Noble, who was already locked in for finals and playing against an Eagles’ outfit that had won just three games for the season.

But things did not pan out as expected, from the moment Eagles’ skipper Tyrell Panditharatne elected to bat first on his home deck.

The Eagles batted aggressively early, with Ashwanth Nagendran (27 off 16 balls) and Zac Perryman (46 off 44) not allowing the Noble Park bowlers to settle.

Adish Bhavsar (32 off 44) and Assadollah Vala (23 off 31) then took a more traditional approach through the middle overs, with Noble Park ace Sahan Perera (3/33) pulling things back for the visitors.

The Eagles lost momentum at a crucial stage of their innings, falling to 7/168, but had two more bullets to fire.

Jasmeet Singh (36 off 47) and Bineth Bandara (16 off 34) took the innings deep, sharing a 50-run partnership for the eighth wicket that would prove vital in the final washup.

Pawan Edirisinghe (4/19) took four of the last six wickets to fall to be the pick of the Noble Park bowlers.

Noble then struggled early in its reply with Eagles’ opener Ishan Kahatapitigama (5/48) making several key breakthroughs.

He took the scalps of Archie Stefan (14) and Janaka Liyanabadalge (0) in quick succession, then nailed the crucial wicket of Perera (10) to make it 3/40 after nine overs.

Edirisinghe (25) and Mahesh Kumara (63) then attempted a rescue mission for Noble, but

a five-wicket haul to Kahatapitigama and two each to Jasmeet Singh (2/24) and Vala (2/25) ensured the Eagles would finish a poor season in style.

Kumara will take some good form into this week’s elimination final against Werribee, cracking five boundaries and two sixes in his 73 balls at the crease.

Noble, last year’s runners up, will really need to turn things around having won just two of its last six games.

Noble finish the season in sixth, having led the competition after nine rounds.

The win over Noble saw Endeavour Hills leap over Box Hill into fourteenth place in the 16-team competition.

VSDCA R15 (Day 1): Endeavour Hills 226 def Noble Park 173, Box Hill 56 def by Croydon 5/263, Donvale 9/157 def by Balwyn 6/158, Mt Waverley 9/231 def Bayswater 7/228, Altona 157 def by Spotswood 9/161, Hoppers Crossing 9/193 def Williamstown 7/149, Werribee 3/130

Cannons set to launch into season 2026

By Blair Burns

Hockey is nearing its return date and it is all systems go at Casey Cannons with the club set to host its season launch this Saturday.

Not only is it a great opportunity for all current and past players to get down and watch some of the teams during their practice matches, but also a good opportunity for new members to sign up.

It is a big season ahead for the Cannons, with the men’s team set for a promotion into the Vic League 1 competition after a strong season which saw them finish as minor premiers, before narrowly going down to Werribee in the grand final.

The club is also introducing an open-age Monday night team, another women’s team and a few more junior sides.

Casey Hockey Club president Seann Rowland encouraged locals to get down to the season launch on Saturday between 11am-3pm.

“We have a lot of stuff organised for the day which is good, we are hoping to get all of the current members down there and hopefully some new faces as well,” he said.

“We have practice matches arranged against other clubs for our Men’s and Women’s Vic League 1 teams – we have registrations open, uniform shop open, a coffee van and jumping castle for the kids.”

Rowland said the objective for the upcoming season was to continue growing the club.

“We are just getting as many people involved as we can and giving them teams to participate in week in, week out,” he said.

“The juniors had a great season across the board last year, we made four grand finals and managed to win three premierships, which was a really good effort.

“The aim is to continue to grow, develop the players and the club, and keep it moving in the right direction.”

def

Ladder

Fixture – Finals Week

Second chance for Swans

By Justin Schwarze

An enthralling two days of action at Mervyn Hughes Oval saw the qualifying final matchup of Casey South Melbourne and St Kilda come down to the wire in Victorian Premier Cricket.

The Swans had jumped into fourth after Cricket Victoria acknowledged a mistake in its ladder, and thus Casey South Melbourne was awarded with a double chance, but it meant a matchup with the minor premiers awaited.

Saturday began on the right note for the Swans, as they won the toss and decided to send the Saints to the crease.

And the table-leaders immediately felt the finals heat, losing three wickets in the first four overs, all of which were ducks, to be 3/1.

It started when Nathan Lambden struck James Seymour (0) on the pads directly in front, and the loud appeal was met with the finger being raised in the third over with St Kilda still yet to score.

Five balls later, Harry Hoekstra steamed in from the other end and delivered a jaffa, squaring up and tickling the outside edge of a defending Brandon Faber (0) through to keeper Devin Pollock.

And another five balls after that, Hoekstra nipped a pearler back in from over the wicket and bamboozled Jack Cunnington (0), who completely missed the ball and was hit on the back pad.

Hoekstra didn’t even turn around and appeal, running off in celebration as the umpire signalled out.

Desperate to wrestle back momentum, Harry Dixon started to hit quick alongside new man at the crease, skipper Ed Newman, and the pair looked to slowly dig their side out of the hole.

But Dixon (30) soon became Hoekstra’s third scalp, when he stuck the bat out and outside edged one to Jackson Isakka in the slips cordon.

It moved St Kilda to 4/38 in the 14th over.

But the Saints then showed why they finished five points clear on top of the table.

Newman and number six Thomas Russ repelled Casey South Melbourne’s pressure, navigating the tough period to form a 76-run partnership.

Ashvin Adihetty then provided the much-neededbreakthrough,sendingNewman(43)onhisway when the captain inside edged one onto his pads and it went straight up, caught by a diving Pollock.

However, it was few and far between for the Swans, as Russ and Adam Crosthwaite provided more hurting by forming another 70-run stand.

Russ (72) was then dismissed by Finlay Gordon in the 71st over when he mistimed one and was

caught by debutant Lenny Wilton in the deep.

But once again, St Kilda’s class was upstanding and the Saints brushed it off to pile on more runs.

By the time Adihetty got the wicket of Crosthwaite (78), St Kilda was well on top in the contest at 7/262.

And the trend continued.

The next man up mentality for the Saints rolled through their entire batting order, with Matthew Hennig (67 not out) and Luke Destito (54) combining for 92 runs and both raising the bat.

When Destito was run out, St Kilda’s innings concluded at 8/354.

The chase on Sunday was defined by one clear headline, the bravery of skipper Ash Chandrasinghe.

Gordon (9), Isakka (5), Yash Pednekar (3) and Chris Benedek (11) all fell relatively early in the innings to be 4/75.

Chandrasinghe remained, patiently and ex-

pertly guiding his team through the innings.

Wilton (35) showed plenty on debut with a 50-run partnership alongside his skipper, but was later undone by a Thomas Paddington delivery.

Pollock stepped to the crease and showed intent, hanging around with Chandrasinghe for 25 overs while the pair stacked up over 100 runs.

Casey South Melbourne got to 229 before Pollock (58) was knocked over by Seymour.

Chandrasinghe inched closer to a well-earned ton and brought it up with a single to the off side, marking his fourth century of the season, while Muhammad Irfan looked to support him.

Belief was building as the Swans managed yet another near 50-run stand, moving to 7/278 when Irfan (36) was caught and bowled by Russ.

Hoekstra (24) provided pivotal runs towards the bottom and Casey South Melbourne passed the 300 mark.

After Hoekstra was dismissed, 8/321 became

9/329 when Hennig castled Lambden (4) with an absolute thunderbolt.

Chandrasinghe (124 from 205) was the last wicket to fall two overs later, bringing his brave and brilliant knock and the Swans’ innings to an end, all out for 332, 22 runs short.

The skipper had spent 186.3 overs on the field across the weekend, a monumental captain’s effort that nearly willed his side to a famous victory.

Casey South Melbourne will regroup and head back to Casey Fields this weekend for a semi-final clash with fifth-placed Carlton.

VIC PREMIER SUMMARY

Results Finals Week 1: St Kilda (8/354) def Casey South Melbourne (332), Melbourne (3/315) def Footscray (9/311d), Carlton (8/361) def Richmond (125), Northcote (265) def by Prahran (7/268).

Fixture Semi-Finals: Casey South Melbourne (4) v Carlton (5) at Casey Fields, Footscray (3) v Prahran (7) at Mervyn Hughes Oval.

Title up for grabs as Coomoora and Parkfield go through

By Blair Burns

The two best teams from the 2025/26 DDCA Turf 2 season will be playing off in the grand final this weekend after both Parkfield and Coomoora secured victories in the semi-finals.

The Roos sent a message to the rest of the competition as they obliterated fourth-placed Narre Warren, belting 257 before bowling the Magpies out for just 60.

Coomoora won the toss and batted first, but things were ominous early at 3/34 having lost Nick Suppree (1 off 31 balls), Lance Baptist (19 off 73 balls) and Jarrod Munday (2 off 18 balls), with John Mentiplay taking two of those.

Even worse was the fact that the Roos had batted for 25 overs to reach 34.

Enter Krishan Alang.

He didn’t win this year’s Gartside Medal by landslide via accident, and showed exactly why he is the best player in the league.

Alang, who was coming off lower scores of 24 and 8 and made a duck against Narre Warren earlier in the season, came in at 2/14 and had to absorb the pressure, which he did beautifully.

He took the sting out of the game and put the challenge back on the Parkfield bowlers, beginning to find his rhythm.

Alang and Joel Robertson took the wind out of the Magpies’ sails, putting on a clutch 172-run partnershipbeforeRobertson(73)wasdismissed by Ashan Fernando.

Alang went on to score his third century of the season and finish the 80 overs on 122 not out, getting Coomoora to 4/257.

Sunday was short and sweet for the Roos, who came out with great intent and started perfectly as Sam Wetering snicked off Rashmitha Perera (duck) with the fourth ball of the day.

Robertson then took a scalp when he castled skipper Ted Kahandawala for 7.

Then it was back to Wetering, who dismissed Shivang Kotnala (1), before Roberston also claimed his second of the day as he trapped Amila Ratnaike (duck) in front of the stumps, leaving Narre Warren in a world of hurt at 4/14.

Hope had faded and it was time for Jackson Noske to get in on the action, taking 3/4 off five overs to tear through the Magpies’ middle order.

Ben Swift (37) scored five of the team’s six boundaries as the side was bowled out for 60 and embarrassed by the Roos, who won by 197 runs.

The other match was much more closely fought, with Parkfield and HSD going head-tohead for the second time in two weeks.

The Cobras were determined to get back to the big dance after falling short against Parkmore Pirates last season, while the Bandits were hoping to continue their strong season.

It was HSD who won the previous encounter in the final regular season match, defeating the Bandits by 30 runs, could they do it again?

HSD won the toss and batted first at Parkfield Reserve, but it was all Madusha Croos early as the Bandits’ star bowler took four of the first six wickets to leave the Cobras at 6/30.

Anuda Akmeemana, who has put together a very strong season for the Cobras, had a lot resting on his shoulders once more … and he delivered.

The wicketkeeper scored 63 off 118 rocks and single-handedly gave his team something to bowl at, helping them bat 44.5 overs and reach 129.

Croos got the key wicket of Akmeemana to finish with 5/32 off 10.5 overs, while Nigel van der Wert took 2/33.

Four wickets fell before Parkfield could pass HSD’s total, but it was the composure of Sam Beadsworth which held the run chase together.

After batting at three for most of the season, he moved into the opening position the week prior against HSD and delivered with 42.

He performed again to score 62 off 172 deliveries to make sure that the Bandits would book a spot in the grand final this weekend, despite being dismissed just three runs shy of victory.

Parkfield won in the 61st over, but continued to bat the day out to finish at 7/178.

HSD’s Liam O’Connor has only bowled a few times this season, but his spinners impressed as he took 5/29 off 18 overs.

The grand final is now set for this weekend between the original top two sides, Coomoora and Parkfield.