Career best figures to Dandenong’s emerging seamer Peter Cassidy meant that Northcote were never really in the contest on Saturday at Shepley Oval.
On day two of their clash, the wily medium pacer utilized the conditions perfectly, snaring 6/30 as the Panthers rolled the Dragons for just 159 in pursuit of a daunting first innings total of 315.
And as a result, the Panthers have jumped back up to third spot and broken away from the logger jam of fifth to eighth spot.
The tone was set early when all-rounder James Nanopolous (1/20) snared the dangerous Mark Phelan caught behind, with the Dragons moving to 1/17 and looking shaky against some top notch new ball bowling.
Cassidy struck not long after, prizing out skipper Steven Taylor and Blayde Baker (7) caught behind with his relentless lines, then Darren Pattinson (1/7) sent Max O’Sullivan (3) back to the sheds only a few overs later, and the visitors were suddenly on the ropes at 5/37 after Jack Lalor (22) was trapped LBW off Cassidy.
The Dragons were always a long shot of finding the last 300 runs needed to salvage something out of the day, but Sam Harbinson (31) and Elliot Brandon-Jones (69) dug deep and compiled a slow moving 72 run partnership, as the Panthers continued to hit a spot and make them work hard for their runs.
Left arm tweaker Akshat Buch (2/53); who is continuing to be remarkably consistent bowler for the club; finally broke the resistance, having Harbinson spoon a catch to the trusty hands of skipper Tommy Donnell.
Cassidy went back to work and removed three of the final four wickets, with Buch also snaring another wicket, as the Dragons fell short by a long way.
Adding to another commanding performance from the Panthers, keeper Jacques Augustin is leading the competition for catches, with his three against the Dragons taking him up to a brilliant 28 for the season.
But it’s a terrific performance from the reliable Cassidy; who is beginning to make a name for himself as an accurate, stump to stump bowler, with his six wickets surpassing his previous first XI best last round of 4/32.
As the Panthers enter their finals campaign in just two weeks, Cassidy has taken 29 wickets at 12.9.
The Panthers have one more home and away game to fine tune before finals, facing Geelong at Shepley Oval in a two dayer.
Dandenong’s lower grades had a mixed weekend out in the middle, with a win, a draw and a loss.
In the second XI, Peter Sweeney (5/91) helped the Panthers defend their monster 375 despite a few scares in the first two sessions, while the third XI drew with the Dragons and the fourth XI was unable to run down 159, bowled out for 136.

Career best figures to Dandenong’s emerging seamer Peter Cassidy meant that Northcote were never really in the contest on Saturday at Shepley Oval. On day two of their clash, the wily medium pacer utilized the conditions perfectly, snaring 6/30 as the Panthers rolled the Dragons for just 159 in pursuit of a daunting first innings total of 315. And as a result, the Panthers have jumped back up to third spot and broken away from the logger jam of fifth to eighth spot. The tone was set early when all-rounder James Nanopolous (1/20) snared the dangerous Mark Phelan caught behind, with the Dragons moving to 1/17 and looking shaky against some top notch new ball bowling. Cassidy struck not long after, prizing out skipper Steven Taylor and Blayde Baker (7) caught behind with his relentless lines, then Darren Pattinson (1/7) sent Max O’Sullivan (3) back to the sheds only a few overs later, and the visitors were suddenly on the ropes at 5/37 after Jack Lalor (22) was trapped LBW off Cassidy. The Dragons were always a long shot of finding the last 300 runs needed to salvage something out of the day, but Sam Harbinson (31) and Elliot Brandon-Jones (69) dug deep and compiled a slow moving 72 run partnership, as the Panthers continued to hit a spot and make them work hard for their runs. Left arm tweaker Akshat Buch (2/53); who is continuing to be remarkably consistent bowler for the club; finally broke the resistance, having Harbinson spoon a catch to the trusty hands of skipper Tommy Donnell. Cassidy went back to work and removed three of the final four wickets, with Buch also snaring another wicket, as the Dragons fell short by a long way. Adding to another commanding performance from the Panthers, keeper Jacques Augustin is leading the competition for catches, with his three against the Dragons taking him up to a brilliant 28 for the season. But it’s a terrific performance from the reliable Cassidy; who is beginning to make a name for himself as an accurate, stump to stump bowler, with his six wickets surpassing his previous first XI best last round of 4/32. As the Panthers enter their finals campaign in just two weeks, Cassidy has taken 29 wickets at 12.9. The Panthers have one more home and away game to fine tune before finals, facing Geelong at Shepley Oval in a two dayer. Dandenong’s lower grades had a mixed weekend out in the middle, with a win, a draw and a loss. In the second XI, Peter Sweeney (5/91) helped the Panthers defend their monster 375 despite a few scares in the first two sessions, while the third XI drew with the Dragons and the fourth XI was unable to run down 159, bowled out for 136.

Four nights a week the Cranbourne Food Truck is out feeding the needy – whether it’s rain, hail or shine.
For their dedication in helping the community, volunteers from the Cranbourne Regional Uniting Church who run the Food Truck were presented with the Premier’s Volunteer Champions Teamwork Award during a ceremony at Government House on Sunday, 11 February.
The annual awards celebrate volunteers from across the state.
Secretary of the Cranbourne Food truck Chris Marsh said it was honour to receive the award on behalf of the volunteers.
“When you get recognition like this then you know you’re on the right track, you know you’re doing the right thing,” she said.
“It’s a formal pat on the back,” she added.
She said the truck only survived from the good will of the community.
“If we didn’t have the volunteers this truck wouldn’t exist.”
The Food truck provides between 20-25 meals a night for the poor, disadvantage and homeless.
“Even on days when it’s bucketing down rain we go out, we go out on public holidays. Poverty doesn’t take a holiday,” Ms Marsh said.
“It’s not just the volunteers who work on the truck; it’s people who donate food”.
Treasurer Karen Anderson said it was “pretty amazing for our little church to be recognised at Government House.”
“From where it started to where it is today it’s pretty amazing and how many people are involved,” she said.
Treasurer Jacqui Symonds said it was great to be recognised at the ceremony, adding the Food Truck was important in serving the community
“You’re not doing it for any kind of kind of reward or award”.
City of Casey Cr Amanda Stapledon was proud of the volunteers, saying the Food Truck was highly deserving of the award.
“It’s just the most incredible community engagement initiative. It really touches the hearts of people and attracts volunteers, supporters, and the local churches”.
“They have engaged community locally in a really strong and meaningful way,” Cr Stapledon said.
“Any support we can give them is so deserved.”
Premier Daniel Andrews said the awards celebrated the vital roles of volunteers.
“Volunteers are our true heroes – day in, day out, they’re looking after us or someone we know.”
Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos said: “The strength of our society relies on the efforts of our volunteers, and these awards are a great way of saying thanks.”
 

Four nights a week the Cranbourne Food Truck is out feeding the needy – whether it’s rain, hail or shine. For their dedication in helping the community, volunteers from the Cranbourne Regional Uniting Church who run the Food Truck were presented with the Premier’s Volunteer Champions Teamwork Award during a ceremony at Government House on Sunday, 11 February. The annual awards celebrate volunteers from across the state. Secretary of the Cranbourne Food truck Chris Marsh said it was honour to receive the award on behalf of the volunteers. “When you get recognition like this then you know you’re on the right track, you know you’re doing the right thing,” she said. “It’s a formal pat on the back,” she added. She said the truck only survived from the good will of the community. “If we didn’t have the volunteers this truck wouldn’t exist.” The Food truck provides between 20-25 meals a night for the poor, disadvantage and homeless. “Even on days when it’s bucketing down rain we go out, we go out on public holidays. Poverty doesn’t take a holiday,” Ms Marsh said. “It’s not just the volunteers who work on the truck; it’s people who donate food”. Treasurer Karen Anderson said it was “pretty amazing for our little church to be recognised at Government House.” “From where it started to where it is today it’s pretty amazing and how many people are involved,” she said. Treasurer Jacqui Symonds said it was great to be recognised at the ceremony, adding the Food Truck was important in serving the community “You’re not doing it for any kind of kind of reward or award”. City of Casey Cr Amanda Stapledon was proud of the volunteers, saying the Food Truck was highly deserving of the award. “It’s just the most incredible community engagement initiative. It really touches the hearts of people and attracts volunteers, supporters, and the local churches”. “They have engaged community locally in a really strong and meaningful way,” Cr Stapledon said. “Any support we can give them is so deserved.” Premier Daniel Andrews said the awards celebrated the vital roles of volunteers. “Volunteers are our true heroes – day in, day out, they’re looking after us or someone we know.” Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos said: “The strength of our society relies on the efforts of our volunteers, and these awards are a great way of saying thanks.”  

 “It feels like another day.”
But Thursday 22 February was anything but for Kusum Pethiyagoda.
She celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at Viewhills Manor in Endeavour Hills.
The centenarian followed her four sons to Australia from Sri Lanka in 1989.
Ms Pethiyagoda lived in a flat in Dandenong before moving into Viewhills about 10 years ago.
“She doesn’t worry about anything and doesn’t take anything too seriously,” son Ranjan said.
“It’s nice to celebrate.
“You don’t celebrate 100th birthdays very often.
“It’s something special.
“She’s always been a very generous person but she’s lived a very quiet life.”
Her family described her as loving, giving, caring and “always trying to feed someone”.

 “It feels like another day.” But Thursday 22 February was anything but for Kusum Pethiyagoda. She celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at Viewhills Manor in Endeavour Hills. The centenarian followed her four sons to Australia from Sri Lanka in 1989. Ms Pethiyagoda lived in a flat in Dandenong before moving into Viewhills about 10 years ago. “She doesn’t worry about anything and doesn’t take anything too seriously,” son Ranjan said. “It’s nice to celebrate. “You don’t celebrate 100th birthdays very often. “It’s something special. “She’s always been a very generous person but she’s lived a very quiet life.” Her family described her as loving, giving, caring and “always trying to feed someone”.

A customer inside a Hampton Park tattoo parlour is believed to the victim of a targeted shooting involving two armed men wearing balaclavas on 22 February.
The victim, a 35 year old man, was rushed to The Alfred hospital after being shot multiple times to various parts of his body in front of five other staff and customers about 1.20pm, Inspector Mick Daly of Victoria Police said.
He is in a serious, stable condition, Insp Daly said.
Shortly before the shooting, the two armed men got out of a silver sedan and entered the Nitro Ink premises at the Fordholm Street shopping centre.
A torched silver sedan found in Robjant Street that afternoon was viewed as a “potential getaway vehicle”, Insp Daly said.
Inspector Daly said it was particularly “alarming” that “stray bullets” flew into a neighbouring premises at the busy shopping precinct. No other people were injured, he said.
“It’s very alarming given the time of the day, (that there were) other shops there and other people present.”
He confirmed the anti-outlaw bike gang Echo Taskforce was co-investigating the incident. But police had an “open mind” as to the motive.
Police were still investigating the type of firearm used in the shooting.
A row of eight shops were cordoned off as part of the crime scene, with a number of staff and customers lingering within the police tape for several hours.
Visibly upset Nitro Ink staff consoled each other in front of the shops. They declined to comment.
A man who was at the nearby Heroes cafe said he did not hear the gunshots. He was taken aback by the rapid response of paramedics and swarms of police cars.
Noting the discovery of a possible incinerated getaway car nearby, he said: “This was a proper hit”.
“Everyone is friendly. We all know each other here, but in saying that, there was a shooting a couple of months ago at (Hampton Park Tavern).”
A neighbour across the road from the shops didn’t hear the firing of shots but just “police cars flying by”.
“Strange things happen in Hampton Park.”
Insp Daly urged members of the public who saw suspicious people before and after the shooting or could elaborate on the motive to contact Crime Stoppers.
Any information to 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

A customer inside a Hampton Park tattoo parlour is believed to the victim of a targeted shooting involving two armed men wearing balaclavas on 22 February. The victim, a 35 year old man, was rushed to The Alfred hospital after being shot multiple times to various parts of his body in front of five other staff and customers about 1.20pm, Inspector Mick Daly of Victoria Police said. He is in a serious, stable condition, Insp Daly said. Shortly before the shooting, the two armed men got out of a silver sedan and entered the Nitro Ink premises at the Fordholm Street shopping centre. A torched silver sedan found in Robjant Street that afternoon was viewed as a “potential getaway vehicle”, Insp Daly said. Inspector Daly said it was particularly “alarming” that “stray bullets” flew into a neighbouring premises at the busy shopping precinct. No other people were injured, he said. “It’s very alarming given the time of the day, (that there were) other shops there and other people present.” He confirmed the anti-outlaw bike gang Echo Taskforce was co-investigating the incident. But police had an “open mind” as to the motive. Police were still investigating the type of firearm used in the shooting. A row of eight shops were cordoned off as part of the crime scene, with a number of staff and customers lingering within the police tape for several hours. Visibly upset Nitro Ink staff consoled each other in front of the shops. They declined to comment. A man who was at the nearby Heroes cafe said he did not hear the gunshots. He was taken aback by the rapid response of paramedics and swarms of police cars. Noting the discovery of a possible incinerated getaway car nearby, he said: “This was a proper hit”. “Everyone is friendly. We all know each other here, but in saying that, there was a shooting a couple of months ago at (Hampton Park Tavern).” A neighbour across the road from the shops didn’t hear the firing of shots but just “police cars flying by”. “Strange things happen in Hampton Park.” Insp Daly urged members of the public who saw suspicious people before and after the shooting or could elaborate on the motive to contact Crime Stoppers. Any information to 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

A lack of footpaths and public transport has left Pakenham’s Bald Hill Road inaccessible to people with a disability, a local father argues.
John Copeland, who himself is wheelchair bound, highlighted the challenges posed by people with a disability at Cardinia Shire Council’s 19 February meeting, telling councillors that despite its goal to become an inclusive community, areas such as Bald Hill Road were quite the opposite.
Mr Copeland said the lack of footpaths left people with a disability and parents with prams unable to access the industrial estate’s family entertainment and employment services.
Not everyone had a second car, he said.
“It has been impossible to walk to any of the children play centres in Pakenham as there is no connecting footpath for approximately 200 metres along Bald Hill Road between the Racecourse Road roundabout and the factory complex at 100 Bald Hill Road,” Mr Copeland said.
Demonstrating an understanding that developers were required to construct footpaths as part of building plans, Mr Copeland questioned what the council’s requirements were for existing developments.
“The area’s already developed. Does that mean we’re never going to get the footpaths connected?” Mr Copeland said.
“If so where does that leave people who can’t drive, who can’t walk? There’s no bus service up Bald Hill Road. Does that then make the whole inclusion thing a real joke?”
Cardinia Shire Council general manager of assets and services Michael Ellis said trying to get adequate pedestrian links not only in the centre of town but on the outskirts was “always somewhat of a challenge”.
“And I guess it is more challenging due to the nature of development of Bald Hill Road as it is industrial development,” Mr Ellis said.
“We have on our rating system a priority of about eight or nine for a link through there- so that’s quite high in terms of connectivity and understanding the need for a footpath.
“The issue is there are a number of establishments already in place. We can target where new developments occur but it’s those missing links in between.”
The general manager said council tried to address through a special charge scheme, but that proved challenging.
“Once again it’s trying to get those linkages through,” Mr Ellis said.
He acknowledged Mr Copeland’s situation highlighted “a need for us to advocate for better public transport links”.
 

A lack of footpaths and public transport has left Pakenham’s Bald Hill Road inaccessible to people with a disability, a local father argues. John Copeland, who himself is wheelchair bound, highlighted the challenges posed by people with a disability at Cardinia Shire Council’s 19 February meeting, telling councillors that despite its goal to become an inclusive community, areas such as Bald Hill Road were quite the opposite. Mr Copeland said the lack of footpaths left people with a disability and parents with prams unable to access the industrial estate’s family entertainment and employment services. Not everyone had a second car, he said. “It has been impossible to walk to any of the children play centres in Pakenham as there is no connecting footpath for approximately 200 metres along Bald Hill Road between the Racecourse Road roundabout and the factory complex at 100 Bald Hill Road,” Mr Copeland said. Demonstrating an understanding that developers were required to construct footpaths as part of building plans, Mr Copeland questioned what the council’s requirements were for existing developments. “The area’s already developed. Does that mean we’re never going to get the footpaths connected?” Mr Copeland said. “If so where does that leave people who can’t drive, who can’t walk? There’s no bus service up Bald Hill Road. Does that then make the whole inclusion thing a real joke?” Cardinia Shire Council general manager of assets and services Michael Ellis said trying to get adequate pedestrian links not only in the centre of town but on the outskirts was “always somewhat of a challenge”. “And I guess it is more challenging due to the nature of development of Bald Hill Road as it is industrial development,” Mr Ellis said. “We have on our rating system a priority of about eight or nine for a link through there- so that’s quite high in terms of connectivity and understanding the need for a footpath. “The issue is there are a number of establishments already in place. We can target where new developments occur but it’s those missing links in between.” The general manager said council tried to address through a special charge scheme, but that proved challenging. “Once again it’s trying to get those linkages through,” Mr Ellis said. He acknowledged Mr Copeland’s situation highlighted “a need for us to advocate for better public transport links”.