News - Berwick Star News - 3rd June 2021

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Thursday, 3 June, 2021

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Church defies lockdown

All’s quiet on our streets

Berwick bridging the gap

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SPORT

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Gunned down ‘by mistake’

Demand for ‘jab’ grows

By Danielle Kutchel Demand for vaccines across the City of Casey has risen sharply after Victoria was sent into lockdown again.

At the same time, the State Government announced that those in the 40-49 year old age group would now be able to access Pfizer jabs.

Long lines have been seen at mass vaccination hubs across the state, including this one at the Cranbourne Turf Club.

Meanwhile, GPs across Casey are seeing extraordinary demand for vaccines as they scramble to stretch their limited supplies as far as possible.

For more, turn to page 7

The line for walk-ups at the Cranbourne Turf Club mass vaccination hub. 239142 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Stretched to limit Thousands of households across the City of Casey are experiencing mortgage stress.

Data release by Choice and collected by Digital Finance Analytics in April 2021 has revealed that two postcodes in Casey are in the top 10 for mortgage stress across the country.

Postcode 3805 – covering Fountain Gate, Narre Warren and Narre Warren South – and postcode 3806 – covering Berwick and Hark-

away – came in at fifth and sixth on the national list respectively.

In Victoria, Casey has three of the top ten postcodes in mortgage stress.

In addition to 3805 and 3806, postcode 3977 has made the list – including Cannons Creek, Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, Cranbourne South, Cranbourne West, Devon Meadows, Five Ways, Junction Village, and Skye.

According to the data, 8919 households are in mortgage stress in postcode 3805, followed by 8292 in postcode 3806 and 6139 households in postcode 3977.

Patrick Veyret, banking spokesperson at Choice, said mortgage stress in this case was defined as a measure of a household’s cash flow.

“If the household has greater expenses than income and a mortgage features as part of their budget then they’re classed as being in

mortgage stress,” he said.

“During the Covid pandemic there is increasing strain placed on household finances.

“We’ve seen this with wages stagnating, government support tapering off and underemployment and unemployment still rising.

“We know households out there are doing it tough. Mortgage stress is just one example of the financial hardship that’s occurring.”

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No ‘vibe’ job here: expert

By Danielle Kutchel

Dr Luke Beck, associate professor at Monash University.

“That doesn’t mean the CHO’s powers are unlimited,” he added, citing last year’s case against the Victorian curfew which saw a cafe owner and Liberal party member challenge the curfew in the Supreme Court.

That case was dismissed.

Dr Beck said the key to any case would be to prove that the restrictions were disproportionate and/or illegitimate.

In general though, he said sweeping claims of the invalidity of Victoria’s lockdown were “nonsense”.

“There are questions about whether precise restrictions have gone too far, sure, but the anti-vaxxer/anti-mask brigade people saying the whole thing is invalid, that’s just complete and utter nonsense.

“These sorts of general claims that the state has no power over health and they can’t do lockdowns ever, that’s just utter nonsense.”

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A man bearing a bottle of bourbon and a brick has jumped a counter and cleaned out the serving tray at a fast food outlet in Narre Warren, a Dandenong Magistrates’ Court bail hearing was told.

The 41-year-old Noble Park man allegedly told staff at the Hungry Jack’s store in the late afternoon of 28 April that he was starving and didn’t care if they called police.

According to police, he took the stolen food and ate it in nearby hedges outside.

There he was arrested.

At the time he was on bail on theft, equipped-to-steal and weapons charges arising five days earlier, the court heard on 1 June.

He was allegedly arrested by PSOs at Murrumbeena railway station with five stolen bottles of grog, a knife, axe, pliers and screwdriver.

Other weapons charges included carrying a sling-shot as well as a billiard ball in a sock on 26 January as well as contravening family violence intervention orders in February.

The man was also found with a chainsaw in January – which he wasn’t charged over, police told the court.

Bail was opposed by police, who argued

the man was an unacceptable risk of reoffending.

He was on a 12-month community corrections order and bail at the time of the alleged food thefts.

Defence barrister Richard Davis argued for the man to be released on intensive CISP bail, with housing and mental health treatment.

At the time of offending, the man was “psychotic” due to not sleeping and using methamphetamine. His issues stemmed from being homeless, Mr Davis said.

In that state, he did “arm up” but didn’t use weapons to rob people, Mr Davis said.

The man had been in remand for the past four months and was no longer on drugs.

Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg said the man was fortunate not to have been charged with armed robbery due to carrying the brick.

It was concerning the man “goes armed in society” several times as well as being equipped to steal, he said.

Mr Rozencwajg noted the man had “snubbed” previous opportunities to reform, such as a previous drug treatment order at Drug Court.

The bail hearing was adjourned until 3 June.

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A Monash University associate professor has dismissed claims by anti-lockdown protestors that Victoria’s lockdown is constitutionally invalid.

A frequent claim by protestors is that Victoria’s stay-at-home rules are inconsistent with s109 of the Australian Constitution.

Protestors – including those who held a stand-off against police in Narre Warren on Sunday 30 May – cite a ‘clash’ between the State and Federal legislation, which they say means the Constitution overrides Victoria’s public health laws.

But Dr Luke Beck, associate professor at Monash University’s Faculty of Law, said that’s not the case.

“The Federal Constitution does have a s109 which deals with cases where there’s an inconsistency or a clash between Federal and State laws – but before that section has any operation, there first has to be some clash between Federal and State laws, and there is no clash or inconsistency between Federal and State laws,” he explained.

“We have a State law at the moment that says we’re in lockdown, but there’s no Federal law that says you can’t be in lockdown or must not be in lockdown, so there’s no clash.

“There’s no constitutional issue here at all.”

He said the Victorian Chief Health Officer (CHO) has broad powers under the State’s Public Health and Wellbeing Act to impose restrictions that are “necessary and proportionate to protect public health in a pandemic” which is “perfectly valid” under the Constitution.

‘Psychotic’ diner takes all

To dream big, our kids need the best start in life.

It’s why the Victorian Government is rolling out Three-Year-Old Kinder across the state in 2022.

This means new kindergartens, upgraded facilities and new teaching jobs.

Find out more: vic.gov.au/kinder

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NEWS

Gunned down ‘by mistake’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Two fatal shootings of innocent men in Keysborough and Narre Warren in 2017 are linked to the Comanchero outlaw bikie gang, police say.

Twenty-two-year-old Muhamed Yucel and 26-year-old Zabi Ezedyar were both murdered in cases of mistaken identity by Comancheros members, according to Homicide Squad investigators.

The pair were “two innocent young men who lost their lives due to the callous stupidity, cavalier attitude to violence, and utter incompetence” of Comancheros, Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Tim Day said.

The intended targets were still alive and not so innocent. The actual victims could have been “any one of us”, Inspector Day said.

“What’s more dangerous – an incompetent fool with a gun or a professional who takes his time to research his target, do his homework and execute his plan with precision?

“In this case, it’s the former.

“These were two innocent young men who were doing nothing wrong and had their whole lives ahead of them.

“They didn’t deserve to be gunned down by cowardly, incompetent fools who were too stupid to get their powder dry from the outset.”

Several people within the Comancheros

Zabi Ezedyar was killed as a result of mistaken identity, police say. had been directly and indirectly linked to the murders.

Inspector Day appealed to “people on the fence” to come forward and share what they know.

“You know the line has been crossed on these two murders.”

In a sign of a “rift” within the gang, some “brave individuals” had already provided information to police, Inspector Day said.

On 2 May 2017, Mr Yucel was leaving a ga-

rage via a laneway at the rear of a townhouse in Church Street Keysborough when several shots were fired at the premises about 9.52pm.

The Keysborough man, who had just been playing video games with mates, was struck several times and died at the scene.

His two friends aged 23 and 22 at the time were wounded and taken to hospital.

Police believe all three were shot due to “incompetent” gunmen attending the wrong property.

Three months later on 16 August 2017, Mr Ezedyar was shot whilst visiting family friends at a house in Kurrajong Road, Narre Warren.

As he was being greeted at the front door, Mr Ezedyar was struck by bullets about 7.45pm.

Detectives believe the gunman attended the correct address but shot the wrong person.

A black 4WD Jeep observed at the scene in Keysborough was later found burnt out in Cranbourne.

It carried false number plates that were made at a gymnasium with a photocopying device linked to several persons of interest, police allege.

Two other cars are linked to associates of one of the Keysborough suspects.

The first allegedly travelled to the scene, and a second travelled down the Great Ocean Road to dispose of the gun in Airey’s Inlet.

After a controlled burnoff, the weapon was recovered by police and forensically linked to the killing.

The Narre Warren shooting is believed to be linked to a Toyota Corolla.

Police have ruled out a Toyota Rav4 that was initially identified.

Investigators say both shootings were carried out by members of the Comanchero OMCG. At least one of those Comancheros was responsible for both murders.

“The actions of one individual in particular has brought scrutiny upon the club, and we know that there is angst amongst members of the club because of this,” Inspector Day said.

“Associates of one of the two suspects, who we believe is cowering offshore, have been both willingly and unwillingly involved in this offending.”

Inspector Day said the Comancheros were linked to a third indiscriminate shooting that killed Ikenasio Tuivasa, 33, outside a Ravenhall pool hall in February.

Police were “very, very close” to solving all three murders.

Meanwhile the victims’ families will “never recover fully” but holding the offenders to account would help, he said.

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Covid concerns: Lockdown extended for Melbourne

By Shelby Brooks and Danielle Kutchel Melbourne’s lockdown has been extended by seven days while regional Victoria will get a reprieve from restrictions from 11.59pm Thursday 3 June.

For metropolitan Melbourne, which includes the City of Casey, there will still be only five reasons to leave home: shopping for food and supplies, authorised work and study, care and caregiving, exercise, and getting vaccinated.

However, people will be able to travel further for exercise and shopping, with an expanded 10km radius.

Students in Year 11 and 12 will return to face-to-face learning, including students in other year levels who are doing a Unit 3/4 VCE or VCAL subject, while that class is being taught.

A number of outdoor jobs will be added to the authorised list – things like landscaping, painting, installing solar panels, or letterboxing.

Other restrictions – including mask wearing indoors and outdoors – will stay the same.

Acting Premier James Merlino said he hoped by the end of another seven days, the government would be able to ease restrictions for Melbourne.

“But I need to be upfront that even if all goes well, we won’t be able to have people

from Melbourne travelling to regional Victoria over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend,” he said.

“The risk of exporting the virus is just too high.”

For regional Victorians, if there are still no community transmissions by Thursday 3 June, the relaxation of some restrictions will go ahead.

That includes lifting restrictions on travel and reasons to leave home, upping public gatherings to 10 people and schools back to face-to-face learning.

Masks would still need to be worn inside and visitors to your home would still be banned.

Meanwhile, there are seven exposure sites in Cranbourne and Cranbourne West.

The latest exposure sites include: Connor Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, 132 High Street Cranbourne: a case attended the venue on Sunday 23 May, 10.50am – 11.30am. Anyone who has visited this location during these times should urgently get tested, then isolate until confirmation of a negative result. They should continue to monitor for symptoms and get tested again if symptoms appear.

Gami Rasa Restaurant, 19 Hotham Street, Cranbourne: a case attended the venue on Friday 21 May between 6pm – 7.50pm.

Anyone who has visited this location dur-

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ing these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result. They should continue to monitor for symptoms and get tested again if symptoms appear.

7-Eleven Cranbourne Amstel, 1/1016s Cranbourne-Frankston Rd, Cranbourne: a case attended the venue on Saturday 22 May between 2.20pm – 2.55pm. Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result. They should continue to monitor for symptoms and get tested again if symptoms appear.

Factorie, Shop SP104 Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, High St Cranbourne: a case attended the venue on Sunday 23 May between 11am – 11.45am. Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result. They should continue to monitor for symptoms and get tested again if symptoms appear.

Oporto Cranbourne Chicken, 1016 Cranbourne-Frankston Rd, Cranbourne: a case attended the venue on Sunday 23 May between 2.50pm – 3.25pm. Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result. They should continue to monitor for

symptoms and get tested again if symptoms appear.

Woolworths Cranbourne West, Cnr Hall and Evans Roads, Cranbourne West: a case attended the venue on Saturday 22 May, between 2.25pm – 3.15pm. Anyone who has visited this location during these times is strongly encouraged to urgently get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result. They should continue to monitor for symptoms and get tested again if symptoms appear.

These are in addition to an exposure site identified last week at LeNails Cranbourne, Shop 101 Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, High Street, Cranbourne. A positive case attended the site on Saturday 22 May between 1.15pm – 2.15pm and anyone who has visited this location during these times must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure.

There is currently only one active case of Covid in the 3977 postcode, which includes Cranbourne and Cranbourne West.

Anyone with symptoms, no matter how slight, is urged to get tested. A drive through testing site is available at Casey Fields with another walk-in site at Akoonah Park in Berwick.

For more details including updated exposure sites and information on testing and vaccinations, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

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NEWS

Sikhs spring into action

By Danielle Kutchel An army of Casey-based volunteers is helping to ensure that no one goes hungry this lockdown.

Sikh Volunteers Australia, based out of Devon Meadows, sprung into action when Victoria’s fourth lockdown was announced.

Since Friday they’ve been preparing healthy vegetarian meals which are delivered for free to those in need.

It’s not the first time they’ve provided this service; you might recognise the volunteers from their work during last year’s lockdowns and horrendous bushfires.

Kamal Singh said he and his fellow volunteers didn’t even think twice this time around.

“This is the time when many are struggling, like the unemployed, international students, single mums and families who can’t afford food right now,” he said.

“When we are giving back to the community, it’s about when they need it the most.”

Around 200 volunteers from across the south-east are involved in the program.

“It’s a big task,” Mr Singh said.

Some of the volunteers man the phones, which usually begin ringing at about 9.30am with people desperate for help.

Another team cooks the food with orders finalised at 12pm, and from around 4pm a third team begins delivering.

Still more volunteers coordinate resources and pick up anything needed from the supermarket.

Around 20 delivery drivers visit seven different councils - Casey, Frankston, Dandenong, Cardinia, Kingston, Mornington and Monash - with the free parcels of lovingly cooked food.

In all, it’s close to 900 meals.

And Mr Singh said they are delivered without judgement.

“We don’t judge who needs and who does not. It’s about giving without judging,” he said.

Volunteers are always needed to help keep the food program going. To volunteer or to order a meal, contact Sikh Volunteers Australia on 0452601734 or 0452401734.

Volunteers Raji Mussavar and Jaswant Singh.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS 239571

Check your chimneys On the first day of winter, Victorian firefighters are urging residents to keep themselves safe by checking and maintaining their fireplaces, chimneys, fireboxes and flues.

As the cold takes hold each year, the Victorian fire services see a large number of chimney fires from both fireplaces and wood heaters.

In 2020, Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to 192 chimney fires, more than half of which (104) occurred during the winter months.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said winter is the perfect time to curl up in front of a warm fire, and with a few small tips Victorians could enjoy the activity safely.

“Chimney fires can quickly turn into house fires so the few minutes spent now could be one of the most important fire safety actions you take this season,” he said.

CO Heffernan urged Victorian households to have chimneys professionally cleaned annually to avoid the build-up of creosote – a highly flammable black tarlike residue – that could clog chimneys.

“Creosote is not only caused by general use, but it can also build up quicker if you are using incorrect fuels, such as green wood or treated timbers, so make sure you only burn dry, clean wood to reduce the risk of fire starting from a fireplace or wood heater,” he said.

“Residents could also use a torch to check for creosote build-up or obstructions, and we urge everyone to always extinguish their fire before going to bed or leaving the house.”

Fire Rescue Commissioner Ken Block said it is also important to ensure gas heaters are being used safely and correctly. He urged Victorians to have their gas heaters inspected and serviced by a qualified technician every two years to avoid a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Chimney and heating tips Have chimneys cleaned annually and gas heaters inspected and serviced every two years.

A secure guard or fireproof screen should always be used to prevent sparks and wood from falling out of the fireplace and causing a fire or burn injury.

Never dry clothes or have flammable items such as curtains close to a heater or open fire – make sure they are positioned at least one metre away and constantly monitored to reduce risk of a fire.

Children and pets must be supervised near all types of heating. Maintain a safe distance between children and heating.

Always extinguish any open flames, and turn off heaters before going to bed or leaving the house.

AGED 50 AND OVER? COVID-19 vaccines continue to roll out to those most at risk.

People aged 50 and over can receive their COVID-19 vaccine at one of the selected vaccination clinics or at participating general practices.

It’s voluntary, free and the best way to protect you and your community.

Our Therapeutic Goods Administration continues to closely monitor the safety of all vaccines in Australia.

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To find out where you can get vaccinated visit australia.gov.au or call 1800 020 080

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Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

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NEWS

Police had blocked off Victor Crescent in Narre Warren. 239185

A second man is arrested. 239185

Police move in on the gathering. 239185

Church breaches lockdown

By Danielle Kutchel

A man is arrested. 239185

Police observe the gathering. 239185 Two people were arrested in short scuffles but the crowd dispersed after a scripture reading, followed closely by police.

It’s believed many of those who attended are not actually part of the church, but instead had come together over a common interest in defying the lockdown.

The church had previously held a service during the February lockdown.

Pr Furlong, who leads Revival Christian Church Narre Warren and has said he believes Covid is a front for the establishment of a ‘New

The Public Order Response teams. 239185 World Order’ - a conspiracy theory that has existed for generations and been soundly dismissed - was fined at the time.

Prior to Sunday’s gathering a man - believed to be Pr Furlong - was arrested for alleged incitement and breaching bail.

A 53-year-old Tyabb man is currently in custody and continues to assist police with their enquiries.

Police confirmed they issued five infringement notices on Sunday for breaching of the Chief Health Officer’s directions.

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A number of other offences were detected while police were at the scene including an unlicensed driver, a driver who returned a positive drug indication test and a person wanted on warrant.

Investigations into further alleged breaches of CHO directions are ongoing.

“Those who choose to blatantly disregard the CHOs directions and put the health and safety of all Victorians in jeopardy can expect to be held accountable and fined,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

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Police have dispersed a crowd of around 50 people who attended a Narre Warren church gathering that breached lockdown guidelines.

Revival Christian Church attempted to hold a service on Sunday 30 May in defiance of the Chief Health Officer’s lockdown rules, after its pastor, Paul Furlong, posted a video to Facebook encouraging the meeting.

Police had closed roads around the church’s Victor Crescent address in the lead up to the service, however attendees instead moved to Max Pawsey Reserve.

Police, including Public Order Response teams, quickly surrounded the gathering.

Attendees yelled abuse at police, calling them “paedophile protectors” and “terrorists”, while adding they were “doing this for you”.

Churchgoers - most of whom did not wear a mask - spent much of the service railing against the lockdown and repeating conspiracy theories about the lockdown being unconstitutional.

Speaking to Star News after the event, attendees again questioned whether the lockdown was constitutional, and made allegations that doctors promoting vaccines as safe are being paid by the World Health Organisation and the mafia.

But they insisted it was a church gathering, not a protest.

“It was people who wanted to pray to God around people. That’s all. It was not a protest.

But the police bombarded,” one woman said.

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OPINION

Hearing help

The recycled road less travelled

By Danielle Kutchel A very good doggo is settling into her new role in Narre Warren.

Sheena the hearing dog has been sponsored by the Lions Club of Narre Warren to live with a local family and assist with their hearing needs.

Hearing dogs are assistance dogs that are specially trained to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to important sounds.

Sheena, a labradoodle, has been trained to let her owner know when the doorbell rings, when the smoke alarm goes off or when the phone rings.

She was trained by Lauren and Darren at the Lions Hearing Dog Centre in South Australia and was officially presented to her new family on Thursday 27 May – after Covid caused a delay of more than six months.

As well as supporting the hearing dog financially, Narre Warren Lions will do follow up checks three times a week for three months to ensure Sheena settles in.

To donate to Lions Hearing Dogs, or to join Lions to help out with this and other important projects, contact Narre Warren Lions Secretary Noelene Birnie on 0408 861 353.

Sheena and her new owner with Lions Noelene and Karen.

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Cash grab we can’t afford Casey Council’s decision to increase rates by 1.5 per cent defies the hardship that is so evident in the community (Berwick Star News, 20 May 2021).

Surely as Lockdown 4.0 bites even harder it is time for the Administrators to reconsider this cash grab from a community that simply cannot afford it.

It is well and good for Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff to cite hardship provisions if ratepayers can’t afford the increase but it ignores the fact this increase could not be justified in the first place.

Acting CEO James Collins is clearly very proud of Council’s capital works and Draft Council Plan 2021-2025 but surely now is not the time to be hitting ratepayers up to fund these extravagant projects.

Would it matter if one or two of the proposed major projects were delayed for a year or two or at least until Covid is eliminated?

If you are not aware rates are charged to owners according to the council’s valuation of your property – the Capital Improved Value (CIV). The cost of waste removal and the Fire Services Levy are then added.

Council’s web site shows an example of a $400,000 property incurring $1041 in rates. But the real trick lies in the fact that council increas-

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Sikh volunteers packing free food in Devon Meadows. 239572 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

es the CIV every year. So here we have Council hitting property owners twice without many of them knowing – the first time on the increased property value and the second with the actual rate increase itself.

Council’s 2020 Annual Report is enlightening: In 2016/17 rates accounted for 65.51 per cent of council revenue – this has blown out to 72.23 per cent in 2020/21 – that’s more than a 10 per cent increase.

In 2019 council employed 706 staff – costing $116 million – this rose to 744 staff in 2020 costing over $124 million – a hidden increase of nearly 7 per cent.

So here is where council weaves a devious narrative to deceive the good people of Casey.

Council is getting fatter at your expense! One is tempted to ask have any of the new staff and $8 million in salaries improved outcomes in regards to road safety and fire prevention?

Throw in the State Government’s recent assault on property owners via its Budget and council should have thought harder about how they should pay for future community projects and its burgeoning payroll.

I, for one, like the idea of small Local Government particularly given the outrageous budget scenario that has been presented out by council!

Lawrie De La Rue, Berwick.

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Swim safety

www.davidwbull.com.au

Australian owned family business since 1979.

Many thanks for the article in last week’s News regarding recycling plastics into roads. I am now semi retired after spending 25 years in plastics, most of that in recycling.

I have followed recent developments in recycling including roads in Adelaide, Macquarie Lake, Craigieburn and the Netherlands. India has built over 26,000 km of roads using recycled polymer. The Victorian railways has a trial of rail sleepers in a siding under way.

The Casey project involves plastic bags and HIPS, both of which are banned from council recycling bins.

Recently, after hearing general public concerns about recycling, I have made contact with local council with an initial two page email.

There has been no reply despite prompts .

There are many successful recycling projects both here and overseas from daily US Plastics News International and the lack of support from local councils is very disappointing.

We need positive stories on successful work in this area because the young are seeing too much bad news these days resulting in therapy for depression.

Graham Johnstone, (by email)

Marathon swimmer Tammy van Wisse is among a group of high-profile Australians lending their support to help increase water safety education for under-fives.

Ms van Wisse has joined other famous Aussies including Dave Hughes (Hughesy), Cathy Freeman, Anna Meares and Mark Minichiello to be part of the Kids Alive Storytime with Famous Friends, which involves the stars reading one of the Kids Alive water safety books covering safety messages for the pool, beach, farm, and home.

Ms van Wisse is no stranger to water, having swam over 65,000kms in her career - including swimming the English Channel twice - and she is the only person to have swum across the treacherous Bass Strait from King Island to Apollo Bay. As a swim school owner in Narre Warren, Ms van Wisse is passionate about giving kids the skills to be safe around water, through swimming lessons and education programs and said the Kids Alive Storytime with Famous Friends initiative helped children absorb water safety messages in a really fun way.

“I believe there is absolutely nothing more important that you can do for your child than give them the skills to be safe around water,” she said.

“Tragically, drowning is still one of the leading causes of accidental death in children under five and I find this absolutely heartbreaking.”

Laurie Lawrence, who founded Kids Alive 21 years ago, said the book reads aligned with aspects of the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 in supporting the availability of education

SOCIALLY SPEAKING On Sunday 30 May, a story was shared to the Berwick Star News and Pakenham Gazette Facebook pages regarding a Narre Warren church which attempted to hold a service during lockdown.

Police attended and arrested multiple people. Here’s how our readers reacted online: Sue Stride: How embarrassing using so called religion to push their agenda.

Janine Jefferys: Irresponsible.

Jennifer Oakes: Close it down, simple.

Sarah Prescott: And again I bet they weren’t fined or anything for breaching Covid laws, what is the point of attending if you are not charging them for the breach, why are we in lockdown if we can do whatever we want.

Steve Monro: Just remember, this is a minority individual group of people, and are not representative of “the church” as a collective.

Rebecca Brook: Good fine them all.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up To the High Street bottle shop attendant who went to the aid of the couple in their 90’s who were robbed. Robber apprehended and incarcerated, ladies bag returned.

Thumbs down To Parks Victoria who have closed the Warneet Jetties down a year ago this week. No further works have gone ahead on having the jetties re opened.

Narre Warren swim school owner and marathon swimmer Tammy van Wisse. to the at-risk zero to four years age group.

“Kids Alive is solely focused on educating families with young ones in this age group and the Storytime with Famous Friends is another way for us to reach more people and make our message as engaging and accessible as possible,” he said.

Ms van Wisse said while there had been significant progress made in educating and engaging the under-five age group, especially with the Kids Alive initiatives like the famous Kids Alive - Do the Five song, there was still much work to be done.

“Until the drowning toll is at zero, we must continue to spread the water safety message to both parents and children.”

Kids Alive Storytime with Famous Friends debut on Kids Alive Facebook @kids.alive. do.the.five on the third Friday of every month and then can be found as replays on Kidsalive. com.au on the Kids Channel.

Thumbs up To the hard-working supermarket and cafe staff, as well as all the health workers and cleaners who are getting on with an important job.

Thumbs up To Damien at Kelly’s being voted AHA Best Chef in Victoria. A win for Cranny!

Thumbs up To L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Cafe, Florist & Art Space. The staff are always friendly and the pies are amazing.

Thumbs down To people not wearing masks,esp in supermarkets,thumbs up to all the vics doing the right thing.

Thumbs up To this beautiful weather that Victoria is getting at the moment. So blessed. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

GPs hit by jab rush

By Danielle Kutchel GPs across Casey are being slammed by demand for Covid-19 vaccines.

Star News has spoken to a number of GPs across the City of Casey to determine the impact of the sudden rise in people seeking vaccinations since the beginning of the circuit breaker lockdown.

Many were just too busy to speak.

Others have said the volume of requests for vaccinations has skyrocketed.

One clinic reported being “overwhelmed” with requests for Pfizer, which is not on offer at GPs at the moment.

Members of the public have become abusive over the phone when they’ve been unable to get their hands on Pfizer.

The influx in requests for vaccines is in some cases impacting the ability to provide quality care to patients with staff busy answering queries.

One clinic noted the difference a few days can make; just a few weeks ago it was cancelling Covid clinics due to a lack of demand, whereas now, it’s running out of stock.

A doctor at The Avenue Family Medical Clinic in Cranbourne North, who did not wish to be named said the clinic was being careful to manage its doses to ensure there was no wastage of those precious vials.

She said the clinic was waiting eagerly for its next delivery of AstraZeneca on 11 June.

“We are planning and booking because we don’t want to throw any vials away like we did before because people booked and didn’t turn up.

“Now, everyone wants it.”

Dr Paul Tescher, clinical director at HealthMint Medical Centre in Cranbourne North, said call volume had “increased by 120 per cent following the government’s announcement”.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Jeroen Weimar gets the jab at Cranbourne Turf Club. 236118 “We have expanded the time set aside each week for vaccines to six hours covering around 150 doses a week,” he said.

While the clinic hasn’t experienced any difficulties in getting enough vaccines, he said staff availability to administer the doses had been a “limiting factor”.

Another clinic also noted a shortage of staff to give out the jabs.

Dr Tescher recommended that people make a booking at HealthMint to reserve their AstraZeneca dose sooner rather than later.

“For people that wish to book with us, we have an online booking system and digital forms to complete prior to the visit in order

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

for things to run smoothly and efficiently,” he said.

Other doctors also encouraged people to book directly with their clinic – and they urged the public to be patient and polite as doctors and staff work through the demand.

For more information on Covid-19 vaccines, visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov. au/about-covid-19-vaccines or contact your GP. Vaccination is one of the five reasons to leave home during the latest circuit-breaker lockdown, with Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton encouraging people to “shop around” for vaccine availability.

Casey homeowners stretched to limit From page 1 The data comes as the City of Casey ponders a rate rise of 1.5 per cent across the municipality in the coming financial year.

The rise is intended to help the City of Casey to spend on the projects outlined in its Draft Capital Works Program 2021/22 as it recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement, City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the council was aware of the mortgage stress data.

She said the decision on the proposed rate increase – which complies with the State Government’s rate cap – was “not easily reached”.

“We acknowledge the financial hardship that many of our residents and ratepayers continue to face,” she said.

“Where possible, council is providing flexibility to affected community members and encourages anyone unable to meet their due date for rates to get in touch with us as soon as possible to make arrangements and discuss

‘No idea’ learner at twice limit

potential relief options.

“Hardship relief includes interest freezes on outstanding rates from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2021, and a decision to not pursue legal action on outstanding rates in 2019/20 and 2020/21.”

The council will consider future hardship relief measures in the coming weeks.

It’s not all bad news for mortgage holders, with Mr Veyret stressing that help is available.

Mr Veyret recommended those struggling to manage their bills contact the National Debt Helpline, which provides a free, independent and confidential financial counselling service.

“Just know you’re not alone, and more importantly, people are out there to help you,” he said.

The National Debt Helpline can be contacted on https://ndh.org.au/ or 1800 007 007.

Other organisations can also provide assistance, including Cranbourne Information and Support Service, and South East Community Links.

A learner driver has told a court that she didn’t realise she was speeding 60 km/h over the limit on Pound Road, Narre Warren South.

The 23-year-old was charged with driving at dangerous speed for hitting 130 km/h in her dad’s car about 10pm on 22 March 2020.

She said she “had no idea” she nearly doubled the 70km/h speed limit when snapped by a mobile speed camera.

“I wasn’t aware. I wasn’t too familiar with how the car worked (or) totally aware of the speed limit,” she told Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 1 June.

The driver later told police her mother was supervising her driving at the time.

She had “no reason” for driving so fast. “No, I was just being silly,” she told police.

The unlit “major road” was in “less than satisfactory” condition and was often filled by traffic, police told the court.

Further, on 23 July, she drove without L plates and without a supervising experienced driver. Her only companion was her 14-year-old sister.

The accused admitted she tried to evade police by turning a corner and pulling into a home’s driveway in Wren Street, Hampton Park, the court heard.

She had “panicked”, she told the court.

She elected to contest the $991 in infringements in court, saying she needed to pick up washing from a laundromat “one minute down the road”.

She was effectively looking after six siblings due to “family problems” at the time, she told the court. She couldn’t pay the fines at the time.

Magistrate Andrew Halse noted she could have killed her sister as well as herself, other motorists and pedestrians.

The speed dangerous offence was punishable by jail, he told her.

With no priors, she was fined $500 and put on a 12-month community corrections order without conviction.

The CCO includes 50 hours of community work and a driver-education program.

She was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Thousands of households across Casey are experiencing mortgage stress.

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Thursday, 3 June, 2021

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STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Voice of Berwick passes

By Neil Lucas

The Rotary Club of Narre Warren charter members (from left) Graham Rose, Bruce Brundrett, Doug Curlewis, Barry Hazelden, Neil Lucas, Col Bowman, Brendan Fitzsimmons and John Seymour at the club’s 40th anniversary celebrations. 152905

John and Beryl Seymour were to be jointly farewelled at the Waverley Golf Clubhouse on 2 June. vices to the community of the City of Berwick 12 December 1994.

John lived an interesting life - enjoying an early life on a farm in Dandenong, travelling to India delivering horses, making his way to enormous success as dealer principal in the motor industry, travelling with his wife Beryl to many places around the world.

As a footballer of great talent, John first played in senior football at the age of 14 years, initially with Mulgrave, where he played in two winning premiership sides.

John tried his luck in the VFL (forerunner to the AFL) and played with the South Melbourne seconds. He missed a place in the South Melbourne seniors - the decision was between

John and a young fellow named Bob Skilton and the selectors chose Skilton.

In the ensuing years John played for Oakleigh in the VFA, and captain/coached at Rosebud and Dromana with some success. He used to tell a football joke about getting the retaliation in before the other bloke hit you. He would have been a tough footballer.

In later years John resumed involvement at the Mulgrave Club where he served as president from 1966-67 and 1971-73.

The club was enduring tough times when John retuned as president, but he instilled new vigour into all aspects of the club and in 1971 Mulgrave won the premiership.

In more recent times John cared for Beryl - to the detriment of his own health probably.

But he would not have had it any other way.

The last year or two have been very difficult, but John has faced up to whatever the challenges have been and has suffered these difficulties in a gutsy non-complaining way.

Beryl Seymour, John’s much-loved wife, passed away during Covid times and so the Memorial Service to be held at the Waverley Golf Clubhouse 82 Bergins Road Rowville at 11.30am for 12noon start on Wednesday 2 June will be for both John and Beryl.

The sympathy of the community goes to John and Beryl’s daughters Annette and Nadine and to their wider family.

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John Seymour, who died on 17 May aged 84, came to the Berwick district when he joined Peter Durkin Ford which began operations at Pakenham in 1973 and then later moved to Berwick.

John became an integral part of the business community through his long involvement with the Berwick Village Chamber of Commerce over a period of more than 25 years, including a number of years as president.

During his term as president, John initiated the Berwick Fun Day, which was conducted in the spring each year with stalls in the centre median, bands, and kids’ activities.

The Fun Day importantly provided a boost to the commercial activities in the Village.

For many years John wrote and produced the chamber’s Village Voice, a magazine incorporating the “goings on” in the Village and he also wrote a column for the Berwick-Pakenham Gazette.

John was very active in community affairs throughout his time working in Berwick and served the community in a variety of roles. He was a keen member and long-time president of the Fountain Gate Ratepayers’ Association and a keen participant in local issues.

In 1976 John became a charter member of the newly formed Rotary Club of Narre Warren and later held the position of president.

During fellow Rotarian Harry Oakes’ year as District Governor, John chaired the organising committee for the District Rotary Conference at Phillip Island which involved hundreds of Rotarians and their partners spending a long weekend on the island.

John continued his Rotary involvement editing the Rotary District News magazine which was distributed throughout our district and across the whole of Gippsland.

He was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship for his significant contribution to Rotary.

In 1992 John was appointed by the Minister for Tertiary Education as a Council Member of the Casey Institute of TAFE (now Chisholm TAFE) centred in Dandenong.

His keen participation at the Board resulted in his appointment as chairman of council and his leadership and positive influence at Casey was of enormous value in the continuing development of that Institute, which under its new name - Chisholm, is these days a leading TAFE provider in Australia.

The establishment of a university campus in Berwick in the mid-1990s was the culmination of a considerable amount of input from a range of people who were keen to have this development in Berwick.

John was a key member of the campaign committee and represented it supporting Berwick’s bid at a Government Panel Hearing.

John’s contribution to his community was outstanding. In 1994 the council of the City of Berwick awarded John a great honour which it reserved for very few citizens - this was the presentation of a plaque incorporating the Coat of Arms of the City and inscribed as follows - John D Seymour JP. In recognition of ser-

8 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 3 June, 2021

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NEWS

Calls for greater support

By Danielle Kutchel, Shelby Brooks, and Tyler Lewis Deciding to start a new business venture in 2021 seemed like a safe undertaking, yet only 10 days after Shoheli Sunjida took over House of Burgers in Berwick, the state was plunged into another lockdown.

Ms Sunjida and her husband only began trading from Tuesday 18 May but had several big bookings for the weekend that had to be cancelled with a day’s notice on Thursday 27 May following the seven-day lockdown announcement.

She described it as just bad luck and a learning experience, deciding to keep the business open for takeaway.

“We felt we had to keep it open for takeaway for the employees to get some work,” she said.

“In the food industry, if we’re not selling we can’t employ staff.”

Over the weekend of May 29 and 30, Ms Sunjida estimated business was down 60 per cent.

Karen, owner and manager of Cafe Cibo in Cranbourne provided an insight on the lockdown for small businesses and how now – sadly – business owners are adjusting to lockdowns as if they’re the norm.

“We have adjusted to it,” she said.

“Since the last lockdown we started a free delivery app for the area we live in.

“It was automatic that we go into lockdown; it is a bit disappointing, you’re on your tippy toes all the time.

“Once you get a bit of gossip, as a business owner I kind of set myself that it’s going to be happening,” Karen said.

On Sunday 30 May, the State Government announced a $250.7 million Circuit Breaker Business Support Package which is expected to help to 90,000 Victorian businesses that have been affected by the new restrictions.

The package was to include $190 million in $2500 grants for businesses, $40.7 million in $3500 grants for liquor licence and food certificate holders and $20 million for event operators.

On Wednesday 2 June with the announcement that lockdown would be extended for metropolitan Melbourne by another seven days, the Victorian Government offered further support.

“Building on the $250.7 million support package announced last Sunday, a new allocation of up to $209.3 million will flow to small and medium-sized businesses, taking the total support package to $460 million,” a statement released by the government read.

“Business Costs Assistance Program grants of $2500 for eligible businesses directly affected by the industry restrictions, including restaurants and cafes, event suppliers, accommodation providers and non-essential retailers, will be doubled to $5000 for eligible businesses in metropolitan Melbourne.

“Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund grants of $3500 for businesses holding an eligible liquor licence and food certificate will be doubled to $7000 for eligible businesses in metropolitan Melbourne.”

Shoheli outside House of Burgers in Berwick. 239342 Applications for the grants are scheduled to open on Thursday 3 June and will be open until 11.59pm on Thursday 24 June. Businesses will only need to fill in one application.

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas encouraged businesses that needed support to contact Business Victoria on 13 22 15 regarding their application.

“With the many businesses who received payments last time, the process will be faster this time as contact and other needed details are known,” he explained.

“There is also support available through a $450 test isolation payment, relief packages, food packages, extreme hardship support program, and utility relief grants. People can contact the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.”

Similarly, Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said the package would provide “essential support” for local businesses, which she described as “the heart and soul of this community”.

“Their resilience has been extraordinary during this most difficult year,” she said.

But Dale Munckton, president of the Narre Warren Business Group, said local businesses were feeling the pressure of the state’s fourth lockdown even with the announced financial assistance.

“This lockdown again puts extreme pressure on the local business community, many who are just starting to get back on their feet from last year,” he said.

“With this extended lockdown it is critical that businesses see additional support from the Federal Government urgently on top of the financial support already announced by the State Government.”

Speaking before the announcement of the second package, Callen O’Brien, treasurer of Berwick Business Group (BBG) said there was

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

uncertainty around eligibility for the State Government’s relief programs While he said any support was useful, he added that many businesses don’t know enough about the packages yet.

“There’s one for licenced venues…and there’s one for other businesses but there’s actually no definition around it at the moment and there’s more information to come,” he said.

He said many hospitality businesses around Berwick had not opened for takeaway this time because it wouldn’t yield them enough to pay the bills.

“It was OK previously when JobKeeper was available because they essentially didn’t have to pay wages because that was being reimbursed, but now that JobKeeper is finished they’ve got to meet their rent, make the cost of paying for food and drinks and pay for wages.

“Click and collect is OK for some businesses but it doesn’t come close to paying the bills for most small businesses because people are worried about being out and about so people don’t want to do click and collect,” he said.

Added to that was the uncertainty over when the latest lockdown would end.

Mr O’Brien said many businesses would struggle to make it through this time.

“It’s an unknown for everybody at the moment, especially for those businesses that are having to find money for wages.

“It adds to the burden that most of our businesses have had over last 12-18 months, it continues on and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.

“If we can get people vaccinated that will be the first big step in getting a lot of headway through this.”

Liberal Gembrook MP Brad Battin labelled

the first package a “sugar hit”.

“The government’s communication around this is all designed around getting as much media attention for themselves as the good guys and as least as possible at the fact they’re not genuinely assisting, and … they’re targeting it to industries they support or will get the best media attention,” he said.

“We know places like gyms around this area are going to struggle during this lockdown and so many businesses went through everything, including their own personal savings to survive last year, and the government has turned around and said ‘sorry we’re closing you down but not offering support’.

“We 100 per cent support that there needs to be health action but keeping most of the state open like NSW has done and other states around country is the best form of welfare you can have where businesses can stay open, operate and keep employment up.”

He hit back at suggestions the Federal Government should step up and provide JobKeeper again to affected businesses.

“As governments do these circuit breaker lockdowns for short periods of time, local State Governments are responsible for the outcomes,” he said.

But Mr Maas hit back at this assertion.

“The Federal Government are responsible for waged workers – no matter how Mr. Battin tries to spin it,” he said.

“Public health should come first and all workers, especially those in insecure employment need to live.

“The Federal Government’s failings in their responsibilities for quarantine, aged care and the vaccination roll out has contributed to the situation Victoria now finds itself in. I don’t know why this Federal Government seems to enjoy punishing the most vulnerable Victorians while not getting on with their job.

“It’s incumbent on all of us to get vaccinated. I’ve had my first vaccination and if you are eligible please get vaccinated. If you have Covid symptoms – no matter how minor, please get tested and isolate immediately. ” Prior to the lockdown extension Jason Wood, Federal La Trobe MP, said there would be no further Federal support coming for Victorian businesses.

“It’s rewarding bad behaviours if every time there’s a lockdown the Federal Government gets called on by the State Government to put more funding in to support it.

“In saying that, I feel terrible for businesses especially who have to again go through another, I’d say unnecessary lockdown,” he added.

Mr Wood said the Federal Government had provided $45.2 billion to Victoria throughout the Covid pandemic, including $28 billion for JobKeeper to over 310,000 businesses.

Meanwhile, business owners are imploring the community to shop local to keep them open.

“People have got to get behind them as much as they can afford,” Karen said.

“We’re just normal people, we’re just trying to make a living.”

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Thursday, 3 June, 2021

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STAR NEWS 9

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Felicity McGuire-Bell, customer experience officer at Cranbourne Library

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I am possibly the world’s worst frisbee thrower!

What are you most passionate about?

Equality and opportunity for all.

What does your role at the library involve?

My role is about helping people. It could be finding information, accessing the digital library or assisting with the English Conversation Club. Every day is different. It also involves lots of book recommendations and lovely chats with borrowers!

Why should people visit their local library?

Why wouldn’t you visit? Welcoming spaces, awesome programs, extensive collections, friendly staff and the best part, it’s free!

What is your favourite book and why?

‘Thirty Thousand Bottles of Wine and a Pig Called Helga’ by Todd Alexander. This is an absolute laugh out loud story about a couple from Sydney who decide to do a “Maggie Beer” and move to a property in the Hunter Valley.

With no farming or agricultural experience, what could possibly go wrong?

Who is your favourite author and why?

One of my favourites is Garry Disher because he is brilliant at writing uniquely Australian thrillers.

What would your last meal be?

My mum’s lasagne.

What was your most memorable moment?

Visiting my dad’s home in Ireland.

What was your favourite subject in school?

English Literature.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

The dismantling of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Felicity McGuire-Bell, customer experience officer at Cranbourne Library.

THREE … ways to support small businesses during lockdown

1

Many local businesses are offering click and collect or home delivery throughout the lockdown. Hop on to their website and see what you can buy to help them out over the lockdown. If you had planned a spending spree in person, give it a go online instead.

2

Keep your shopping local as much as possible - rather than ordering an item from overseas, see if the same or a similar product is available within Australia - or even better, within Casey - and buy it from here instead.

3

Never underestimate the power of sharing. If your favourite local business makes a post on social media, give it a like and a share - you might not need their products right now, but another person might see your share and make a purchase, and it could be that purchase that gets the business through.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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Rex name shame

By Mitchell Clarke Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name.

Former Springfield Ward councillor Rex Flannery, who resigned as deputy mayor just days before the State Government sensationally sacked the entire council in February 2020, says the events of the past 12 months are still “eating” him up.

He has now officially requested that his name is removed from both a councillor honour board in the customer service centre and a wall plaque in Bunjil Place.

“I have never had any involvement into this alleged corruption scandal and therefore I do not wish to have my name associated with past or former councillors who may have brought our City of Casey into disrepute,” he told Star News.

“People look at your name and they see that you’re from Casey Council and immediately they put you in that same mould, which couldn’t be further than the truth.

“It’s just horrible to have been a councillor in that term. It gives you a sickening feeling in your gut and now I have to live with that.“ Mr Flannery argues his name should never have been placed on the plaque celebrating the $126 million Bunjil development because at the time he didn’t support the project.

“I guess I’ve eaten a little bit of humble pie with Bunjil Place. I’ve been able to see the value that place brings to the community but at the time I was against the development and I wasn’t once consulted (about having my name included),” he said.

He also claims former ex-ward partner, Sam Aziz, stated to him that he “wished he never had my name added to the plaque”.

“That was the only time I agreed with him,” Mr Flannery said.

While Mr Flannery hasn’t accused any former councillor of committing wrongdoing, he said anyone found guilty from the IBAC hearing should immediately have their honours stripped.

“They need to have their plaques removed

Rex name shame

EXPERTS IN FAMILY LAW

Rex Flannery, pictured in late 2015, wants his name stripped from council. 148005 from anywhere within the City of Casey ... whether it’s a plaque in the botanical gardens or in Bunjil Place, I want them removed so they have absolutely no recognition anymore,” he said.

“They’ve disgraced themselves and they’ve disgraced the council. They’ve taken something away from me that I totally enjoyed. I loved serving the Casey community. I just want some clarity as to what way it’s going to go.”

Since his resignation, Mr Flannery has been working in an operating theatre at a local hospital. He said he has every intention to run for council again in 2024.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

“I want to get back into serving the community again. I want to run again and I want to get my name back on the honour board for the right reasons. At the moment it’s a dishonour board,” he said.

Star News understands Mr Flannery has put forward his request to be heard by the administrators at the next council meeting, slated for Tuesday 2 February.“It’s up to them now but a year later, this is still eating at me. I need closure and this is one way that I can get it,“ he said.

“I played no part in any downturn or sacking of the council and I feel it’s my duty to say that I don’t want to be a part of or in any way

Bunjil Place. associated with the 2016-20 term.”

Casey’s governance manager Rhys Matulis said: “Given the IBAC investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment on that matter. Council has received and will consider Mr Flannery’s request in due course.”

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Almost one year since alleged corruption was exposed within the City of Casey, a former councillor is still fighting to clear his name.

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By Mitchell Clarke

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STAR NEWS 11

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Clyde locals are invited to have their say on a new park.

Have a say A new park funded by the Victorian Government is on the way for Clyde, and locals can now have their say on what it will look like.

The new Clyde Regional Park is one of three new suburban parks and two upgrades delivering 1000 hectares of green space for Melbourne’s western and south-eastern suburbs.

The parks are part of the Victorian Government’s $154 million Suburban Parks Program, which will create more than 6500 hectares of new and upgraded, accessible green space across Melbourne’s fastest-growing areas.

Clyde Regional Park will help improve health and wellbeing for people in Clyde; connect the community, and be a valuable place for socialising, fun and exercise. It will protect native plants and animals, important local conservation areas and creeks, create jobs and increase climate change resilience.

Once complete, these scenic and environmentally important areas will offer people a range of recreational activities such as walking and cycling tracks, tourism and education opportunities.

The Clyde community can share their ideas and feedback from 14 May to 27 June 2021 on what they want to see in the park. These ideas will help set priorities and plans for what the parks will offer the community and how they will be developed in the coming years.

“This is a fantastic project for Clyde, and I’m delighted everyone can have a say about what they want the new park to look like,” Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said.

“The park will be a huge boost for health and wellbeing in our community and indeed across Melbourne. We’re protecting our environment, native animals and plants, and creating a great new place for all of us to enjoy, relax and unwind.”

For more information and to provide input, please go to https://engage.vic.gov.au/parks For further information on the project, please contact engage@parks.vic.gov.au or go to the Suburban Parks Program website at environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks/ creating-new-parkland-across-victoria/largesuburban-parks.

The captain of the ship One of the first things I look for when working with a new client is their organisational chart and specifically which roles are responsible for what within the business.

Very often this doesn’t exist and if it does, it is not always clear who reports to whom and who is responsible for what. However, clarity here is essential since if changes are to be made in the business, it is clearly important to know who is responsible for owning and managing these and unless the business is a sole proprietor, the CEO cannot own them all. So creating a well-defined organisational structure defining the relationship between the roles is key and for each role there should be a documented ‘Position Description’ to clearly articulate the responsibilities of the role. Interestingly the one role for which I have yet to find a Position Description created by any business is that of the CEO or Managing Director themselves.

Perhaps this may be one of the reasons that this role is very often the busiest within a company!

From my perspective, the role of the CEO is to ensure that the company operates as a successful and profitable enterprise through a productive, professional and healthy corporate culture and that each business function is working correctly. In other words, the CEO gets the required results by making sure that all the various business elements are kept in balance with one another. In many ways, the role of the CEO can be compared with that of a captain of a large ship, so here are some analogies to highlight the similarities: Before a ship departs on its voyage, the Captain needs to know the destination, required time of arrival and the planned route using navigational charts. In the same way, the CEO needs to determine what the business is to achieve over what timeframe and have a defined strategy or business plan to get there. Data from the navigation instruments is used to make corrections for tides and winds to keep things on track and equally data on business performance (sales, costs, customer satisfaction etc) should be used to adjust

·

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH actions taken within the company.

captain requires a qualified crew on · The board able to discharge their respective duties and similarly the CEO needs a leadership team with well-defined responsibilities for their specific areas. No matter how good the Captain may be at managing the ship’s engines, charting the course or engaging the passengers, the Captain’s role is primarily to oversee these by getting data showing that all these are in order rather than doing the work themselves. If he or she is spending the bulk of their time too focused on one specific area, then the potential to miss other key information increases. Likewise, it may be very tempting for a CEO that is very good at sales or account management for example to get drawn into the details here and overlook internal problems elsewhere in the business, hence the need to ensure ‘that all the various business elements are kept in balance with one another.

A happy crew that works effectively together and communicates well is essential to an enjoyable and successful trip and a clear example of how the journey is as important as the destination. This is analogous to the ‘productive, professional and healthy corporate culture’ mentioned above without which it is much harder to achieve sustainable business results.

There are many more analogies that can be made here, but the key point to take away is that the Captain or the CEO can’t be doing everything! How would the ship’s crew feel about a Captain that is never on the bridge and stressed to the max? Good luck with charting your course.

Ian Ash is the Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au

·

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Libaries are closed during Covid lockdown.

Chill out with a great read

By Danielle Kutchel Lockdown downtime is the perfect time to curl up with a good book – and fortunately, Casey Cardinia Libraries’ locations are still able to cater to everyone’s literary needs.

While the libraries are not open to the public during stage four lockdown rules, click and collect is available between 9am and 5pm.

Library return chutes are closed for the duration of the lockdown, but there’s no need to worry: overdue fees will not be charged.

Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for the libraries’ winter events program.

A series of free author talks and events with Australian and international writers will keep the family entertained over the coldest months of the year.

First up is ‘In Conversation with Katherine Firkin’, to be held at the Bunjil Place library on Tuesday 15 June.

If Covid restrictions mean in-person events aren’t allowed, the event will instead run online on the same day.

Guests will be able to hear the Melbourne

author speak about her writing and her latest novel, ‘The Girl Remains’.

Janine Kimberley, adult program coordinator at Casey Cardinia Libraries, said events like this were “unmissable”.

“Authors are like rock stars to readers, and to get a chance to hear the story behind their story, as well as being able to ask them questions and get a personalised signed book makes events like these unmissable,” she said.

“Readers will also have the opportunity to win a copy of these author’s books including Martha Hall Kelly who is coming to us from Connecticut, USA on 16th June.

“The nights are longer, darker, and colder, and many of us spend the winter months inside trying to keep warm and turning to indoor forms of entertainment - and to discover a new author in the process is an added bonus!”

To book for each author event, visit https:// www.cclc.vic.gov.au/authorevents/ All enquiries, including around lockdown changes to library functions, should be directed to Casey Cardinia Libraries on 1800 577 548.

Court hears man ‘juiced’ and asleep in stolen car

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A drug-impaired Pakenham man has been found asleep behind the wheel of a stolen car laden with stolen goods in a railway station car park, Dandenong Magistrates’ Court has heard.

The unlicensed Christopher James Dike, 30, had admitted to taking ‘juice’ otherwise known as 1,4-butanediol before driving six kilometres from Cheltenham and pulling over to sleep at Bentleigh station on 16 January.

Earlier that day, the Mazda CX9 station wagon had been stolen about 4.30am from a Pakenham home.

The vehicle side-swiped another car in a ‘hit-and-run’ in Narre Warren South five hours later.

Dike told police he was likely to have been a passenger in the Mazda during the crash.

He would have been too sleepy and berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

drug-affected to drive, he told police.

From the station wagon, police seized property from burglaries and thefts from cars in Narre Warren and Officer.

The stolen goods included a Boston Red Sox baseball cap, two Australian passports, three Indian passports, phone, camera, iPad, boxes of costume jewellery, fuel card, garage remote and wallet.

He was also charged with using the car owner’s bank card to buy $30 of fast food in Berwick South that day.

At a court hearing on 1 June, Dike pleaded guilty to contravening bail and his community corrections order, as well as drug, car theft and handling stolen goods charges.

He had been remanded in custody since 16 January, the court heard.

Dike was further remanded for sentencing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 19 July.

Thursday, 3 June, 2021

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STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

One of the Project 28 houses.

Picture: WOLFDENE

Blairlogie forges ahead

By Danielle Kutchel A local disability service provider is among 12 businesses to have been named a finalist in this year’s Casey Business Awards.

Blairlogie Living and Learning Inc was named as a finalist last month at a breakfast celebration for business award entrants.

The organisation is one of three finalists in the Business Leadership category.

Based in Cranbourne South, Blairlogie has been supporting people with a disability since 1987, providing a range of supports including housing, supported holidays, holiday programs, group activities, one-to-one supports and in-home support.

Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Carr said housing is a particular gap for people with disabilities, which Blairlogie is striving to fill.

The organisation has partnered with developer Wolfdene on Project 28, which has the ambitious aim of providing 28 homes for 28 people with disability by 2028.

Four of these homes have been opened so far, Ms Carr said.

“They’ve changed the lives of the four young men who are living there.

“It’s enabled them to stay close to family

and friends and the community they know.”

As with all businesses, Covid has had an impact on Blairlogie.

Early in the pandemic in 2020 the organisation made the decision to remain open with modified services to meet government restrictions.

“We also first and foremost recognised that by just shutting our doors and not being able to deliver those vital and critical services to our clients and families that we were potentially putting people at risk,” she said.

“We managed to remain open all of last year, delivering vital services to people. Obviously it was different to what they looked like in 2019, but we allowed people to receive supports that were just critical for their mental health and wellbeing and that of their families, allowing them to continue to work or have a well-needed break from their 24/7 caring role.”

During the current circuit-breaker lockdown, Blairlogie is continuing to provide limited but essential services.

There have been other big challenges too including dealing with the “exceptional growth” that Ms Carr said Blairlogie has experienced.

“We support close to 300 people, we have a

workforce of 180 employees. We’ve gone from a business that has a revenue of $1.8 million a year in 2012 to $13 million in 2021. It’s been considerable,” she said.

Government red tape also causes frustrations, Ms Carr said, along with the administrative burden involved in implementing the NDIS. “But I think the work we’re doing and the goals we’ve achieved and the difference and impact we make not only on the lives of people with disabilities but on our community, far outweigh any of the challenges that are thrown our way,” she said.

“I think we’re lucky to have an organisation that doesn’t shy away from challenge, we accept it as part of doing business. I think if you want to make an impact you’ve got to embrace challenge.

“What keeps Blairlogie going and doing what we do everyday is the joy we see on people’s faces when something that they thought couldn’t be achieved, or they didn’t dare dream that they could have, happens for them.

“People with disabilities have the right to be living a full life like anyone else,” she said.

Winners of the Casey Business Awards will be named at a gala event in late June.

Carolyn Carr of Blairlogie Living and Learning Inc at the finalists’ breakfast. 236511 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Powering ahead: Opportunities in a ‘shutdown’ world

By Danielle Kutchel The Covid pandemic has given rise to a number of buzz words – chief among them, resilience.

This is especially relevant to businesses as they’ve forged a path through some of the most unexpected trading scenarios in living memory.

For Greg Plant, founder and director of Powerplant Project Services in Hallam, resilience has become the name of the game.

It’s a quality that’s been incorporated into the company’s daily practices since the pandemic hit.

And it’s the name of the category they’ve been named as a finalist in for the 2021 Casey Business Awards.

Mr Plant said he and the team were “quietly confident” of their ability to get the judges’ attention this year.

The company is a previous winner in the busines awards, having picked up two gongs in 2017.

But in the wake of Covid, they upped their game.

Mr Plant said Powerplant regularly measures its performance against industry standards and was therefore able to see that it was performing well against these.

When Covid hit, the company looked to its 14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 3 June, 2021

Greg Plant and Jean Gaied from Powerplant Project Services. 236511 Picture: GARY SISSONS values – people, performance and pride – to see it through.

“We adopted a survive to thrive process,” Mr Plant said.

“Where there was pain, we shared it and that helped us all keep going.”

Pulling together as a team, staff regularly checked in with each other even over Microsoft Teams.

The social side of things was stepped up with daily quizzes and end-of-week drinks as well as a Friday ‘good news’ session.

A resilience expert was brought in to help pass on a number of strategies that staff could use in their personal and professional lives.

At the beginning of the series of workshops, the expert took a diagnostic of the team to see how they measured on the resilience scale.

By the end of the series, their resilience had markedly improved.

Mr Plant also encouraged his employees to reach out to others if they were having a “down day”.

He led by example, checking in with staff over the phone in a practice that has continued into 2021. Management at Powerplant is mindful of the ‘Covid hangover’ that many are still experiencing, so the focus on resilience, community and connection within the workplace is now an ongoing one.

And it seems it has all paid off: since the lifting of restrictions last year, the business has thrived.

Mr Plant said the awards had helped change the business for the better, as it has

provided an opportunity for he and other members of the team to think about their skills gaps and how to improve both personally and as a collective.

“They got me on the front foot of what I should do to make this business the best it could be,” he explained.

“The awards helped change us for the better.

He said the team quickly realised they could leverage their capabilities to build a better industry, thanks to the insights provided by the awards process.

Mr Plant now encourages other local businesses to enter the Casey Business Awards to see how they too can improve.

“We’ve got a lot to thank the awards program for, for helping us to improve the way we roll and the things that we do.”

He congratulated management at Powerplant on forming a strategy and achieving its goals, and the team for finding “ways to perform under pretty challenging circumstances”.

“We’ve got a lot to be proud of… we did survive the pandemic and we are thriving now even to the point where we’re recruiting now with opportunities in this area for more jobs,” he said.

The winners of the Casey Business Awards will be announced at a gala event in late June. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

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berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 June, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

Signs of the times in Cranbourne. 239143

Ruby Inspired Hair and Beauty in Narre Warren, closed for lockdown. 239143

With Victoria plunged into lockdown for the fourth time, the usually bustling streets around Casey have gone quiet once again. Our photographer STEWART CHAMBERS went for a lonely walk around our shopping strips.

All quiet on Casey streets

High Street Berwick was unusually quiet. 239143

Signs of life at food businesses in Webb Street, allowed to trade as an essential service. 239143

High Street Berwick’s once bustling outdoor dining has again come to a halt in lockdown number four. 239143

Empty footpaths in usually busy shopping strips. 239143

No issues getting a carpark! 239143

Quiet in Cranbourne. 239143

16 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 3 June, 2021

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … YOUR HEALTH YOUR IMAGE

Prepping kids for flu time

By Andrew Leslie, Pharmacist Blooms The Chemist Casey Central Silver linings are present in the strangest of places, and seeing the deadly influenza season all but eliminated in 2020 brings a wry smile to my somewhat 2020 fatigued face.

Laboratory-confirmed influenza infections dropped to just over 20,000 nationwide last year, down from 300,000 in 2019. Although restrictions Victorians weathered were painful, it certainly put a significant dent in this communicable disease.

We now have the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out underway. This has the potential to ease up restrictions and allow life to evolve into a new normal. This new normal will have us socialising with our friends and families, going on adventures, attending events and generally interacting with more individuals.

So, what does this mean for this flu season and what can we do to prepare?

Whilst the flu is not considered as fatal as Covid-19, presently (with more data still needed) it is considered more contagious. This means if we are moving about in our beautiful community more, the virus has a greater chance to spread. It will make a comeback.

Whilst 2021 flu season (April to October) is not expected to be a nasty one, we can prepare.

A healthy immune system starts with healthy habits. As we march into winter, ensure you and your family are looking after your heath. Many elements effect our immune system, but the healthy basics will point you down the right path. Make sure you get enough sleep, reduce your stress levels and, if you have fussy eaters, support their diets with a good quality multi-vitamin, or if you have really fussy-eaters consider a meal replacement supplement. Talk to your health professional

The friendly and caring team at Blooms The Chemist Casey Central. about whether taking vitamins and minerals such as zinc, vitamin C, echinacea and probiotics in preparation may be appropriate.

Get your family vaccinated. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether vaccination is appropriate for you. Timing is also important here, and for some populations the

number of vaccinations also changes. Children, pregnant women and the elderly are most at risk of the flu.

Lastly, influenza and Covid-19 spread in very similar ways, so keep doing what you have been doing. Wear a face-mask when out in public and in crowded places, cough or

sneeze into your elbow, social distance and isolate if feeling unwell and keep washing your hands.

If this has evoked any questions, pop into Blooms Casey Central where anyone of our friendly pharmacists will be more than happy to assist.

Take some steps to better foot health Charlotte Bodell, podiatrist and member of the Australian Podiatry Association of Australia, noted that over the last few months patients had come to her with increased lower limb pain due to a change in footwear behaviour.

Charlotte says people need to be aware of the importance of wearing suitable footwear and understand the short- and long-term implications of neglecting your foot health.

“It’s important that patients are conscious to seek advice from their podiatrist not only when they are in pain and to look at their health holistically by considering visiting a podiatrist as regularly you would a dentist or optometrist,” Charlotte says.

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Thursday, 3 June, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 17

NEWS

The show was a disasterous success.

Pictures: WAYNE SMITH

24 hours to curtain a madcap joyride

By Danielle Kutchel Putting on a musical theatre show in just 24 hours – from casting to performance – sounds crazy, right?

Well, it is – but that’s no reason not to give it a go, according to Windmill Theatre Company president Sean van Geyzel.

The Hallam-based theatre group did exactly that: from Friday 21 May to Saturday 22 May, the company organised a performance of Rock of Ages non-stop from start to finish.

The idea behind it was to Covid-proof the theatre, Mr van Geyzel said.

The pandemic has presented an unacceptable risk that has forced the theatre company to postpone one production three times now.

But out of the ashes of these disappointments, director Danny Ginsberg suggested something novel: putting on a musical in 24 hours, allowing the group to circumvent the worry of rehearsing and waiting for a show for four months.

Mr van Geyzel said a theatre group in Brisbane does something similar, with their whole production team in on the idea so they can plan ahead of time.

Down at Windmill though, just one person – Mr van Geyzel himself – knew what the show would be, and he managed to keep it a secret for three months until show day itself when all was revealed to the cast and crew.

A big part of the show’s success, Mr van Geyzel said, was putting together a largerthan-usual production crew to get some preparation done beforehand – despite them not knowing what the musical would be and what props and costumes would be needed.

“People thought we were crazy, no one believed the prop team didn’t know,” he laughed.

The company also auditioned ahead of time – but in an unusual twist, those auditioning didn’t know what parts they were trying out for.

Then on Friday 21 May at 8pm, all was revealed and the cast and crew got down to work.

The cast was informed at around 10pm that night and quickly began learning their songs and scripts.

Choreography was thought up and taught on the fly.

Designs for sets and costumes were quickly decided on, as people’s ingenuity and resourcefulness blended together.

Across 24 hours the team ran on pure adrenaline with only minimal caffeine.

At 7.58 on Saturday 22 May, just two minutes before deadline, the cast walked off the stage after their final rough run.

Not long after that, the audience entered the auditorium and the show began.

“The show itself was in one sense a disaster,” Mr van Geyzel said.

“It’s physically and mentally impossible for 47 people to learn a 2.5 hour musical and execute it in 24 hours.

“That was one of the other nice things about it; you’ve got a lot of really talented performers.

In this case they had to embrace the fact that not only was it going to not be perfect, it was guaranteed to be completely wrong.

“It was freeing to a certain extent to not have that pressure.”

There was a ‘helper’ in the form of a teleprompter at the front of the stage which helped keep things on track when lines were

Even the props team didn’t know what they were in for.

18 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 3 June, 2021

forgotten.

In a way, Mr van Geyzel said, it became part of the show and the audience embraced the safety net.

They also loved the show.

“Right from the very first song the crowd was on their feet.

“We had three standing ovations which is something I’ve never experienced in my time performing,” he added.

“Danny afterwards summed it up so perfectly; it was a real triumph in overcoming the doubt in oneself, the team the process, an experience less about theatre and more about community.

“From my point of view of sitting at the top of one of bigger comm theatre companies in Melbourne, it warms my heart.

“It was really nice for this experience to have been something where the whole community spirit was brought to the forefront.

“This was purely getting everyone who loves theatre all together and creating something out of nothing in no time.”

So would they do it again?

Mr van Geyzel said it’s not off the table.

“It’s like if you ask a woman who is giving birth ‘would you have another baby’, the answer in that moment would probably be not right now - but as time goes on you forget about the trials and tribulations of it all and look at it with rose-coloured glasses!” he said.

“Never say never, we’re not going to do it again in a hurry but certainly it’s something we’d consider down the track.

“It was like the musical theatre event of running a marathon.”

Choreography was learned on the fly.

A scene from the musical.

Perhaps some truth to this particular prop...

Knuckling down to learn the show. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

HOME FOCUS

79 ACRES AT TYNONG NORTH RARELY does a property of this calibre come onto the market, in such a great location at 235 Brew Road, Tynong North and set on 79 acres..

It was purchased by the family about 40 years ago and it is with great reluctance that it is now being offered for sale and this creates a unique opportunity for you.

The land is a gently undulating property along the Cannibal Creek flats. There has been extensive land care tree planting along the creek and gentle valleys. The land is all pastured and subdivided into about 14 paddocks with a long drive/laneway to a

comfortable 4 bedroom brick veneer home, a derelict building, two new sheds and some old machinery sheds.

The property is a couple of kms north of the highway and nestles in behind Gumbuya World and just a quick 19 km drive to Pakenham. Within 2 kms of the M7, MT Cannibal park and close to the hiking trails of the Bunyip State Park.

This property is to be auctioned on the property at 2pm, 5 June (this Saturday).

For inspections and further details please contact Tom Gibson 0438 574 472 at Alex Scott & Staff. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 235 Brew Road, TYNONG NORTH Description: 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 6 garage Inspect: By appointment Auction: This Saturday, 5 June, 2pm Contact: Tom Gibson, 0438 574 472, ALEX SCOTT & STAFF, BERWICK

189 Belgrave-Hallam Road BELGRAVE SOUTH

Auction 19th June 2021 @ 11.00am onsite

235 Brew Road Tynong North Garfield Station & Town Centre

1

Tynong Station

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• Approx 17 acres with views to the bay • Bitumen Road frontage • Great location with town conveniences just minutes away Inspect • Terms: 10% deposit on signing.

By private appointment Contact Settlement 30/60/90 days Rob Coldebella 0403 349 501 • An exciting opportunity awaits.

Tom Gibson 0438 574 472

TYNONG NORTH AUCTION 32 HA RURAL LIVING, CLOSE TO MELBOURNE Alex Scott and Staff are proud to present this outstanding property, of about 79.24 acres, plus creek reserve, in a convenient location, just north of the Highway and Gumbuya World.

You will love the gently undulating pastures, the central laneway, which services about 14 paddocks, it’s tree plantations and its plentiful water supply from dams, tanks and long frontage to Cannibal Creek. It is a truly picturesque property with views of Mt Cannibal and the Bunyip State Forest, where walking and riding trails abound.

Centrally located is a comfortable 1980’s 4 Br brick veneer home and verandah in good condition, garden with an orchard and chicken shed plus an abundance of shedding.

Some new, and a derelict building with heaps of character.

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235 Brew Road has been in the family since the 1980’s and it will be offered for sale by auction on the 5th of June at 2pm, unless sold prior.

For further details and inspection please contact Tom Gibson on 0438 574 472.

Warragul 12 Smith Street – 5623 4744 12498137-NG23-21

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 June, 2021

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STAR NEWS 19

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NEWS

Helping Scouts with pride A Narre Warren scout leader has taken a lead role in planning the Scouts Victoria contingent in the annual Midsumma Pride March.

Kaine St Paul helped plan Scouts’ involvement in the annual march in St Kilda on Sunday 23 May - the sixth time youth from Scouts Victoria have marched to celebrate diversity and the inclusive environments local Scout groups create for young people.

In previous years, Scouts Victoria has been able to invite all LGBTIQA+ members, their allies, friends and family to the march however this year, 15 members represented the whole organisation’s membership with 20-year-old Kaine as part of the planning team.

In 2019 over 200 people came with the Scout contingent and in 2020, over 300 – so the 2021 team knew that it was their duty to represent all those people as well as the wider 22,000 members of Scouting in Victoria.

The Scouts’ contingent included members from Geelong, Caroline Springs, Ballarat, Pakenham, Essendon, Eltham, Doncaster, Trafalgar, Mordialloc and Sandringham representing the state-wide scope of Scouting.

The youngest member of the team was a Cub Scout aged 10 while three adult volunteers supported the group.

(David) Wombat Lyons, state commissioner – diversity and inclusion at Scouts Victoria, said the work and participation by the team and volunteers like Kaine reinforced that Scouting is a movement that welcomes all people.

“Scouting is for all young people - regardless of gender, faith, language, location, or sexual orientation,” Mr Lyons said.

“For young people Scouts is a safe and more supportive environment, a place where they can be themselves while having fun and adventure with peers.

“We are proud to be out celebrating diver-

sity and sharing a message that Scouting is an inclusive, welcoming and contemporary organisation.

“Scouting is a diverse and adventurous program - from rock climbing to theatre sports and [the march] reinforced that it’s a program for all.”

As well as the 15 Scout members who were marching on the day, members of all ages signed up to a “marching @ home” event and shared messages of pride and support to the LGBTIQA+ community during the march with their local Scouting networks.

Kaine said that being part of the Pride March meant young people could express their true selves and be allies to the LGBTIQA+ community.

“It’s great to think we have support from all ages,” he said.

“As a gay man myself Pride March for myself is so important because you get express you true self without any judgement from anyone which is so great for all LGBTIQA+ humans.

Kaine, who has been in Scouts for about a year, is a Scout Leader for the 5th Sandringham regiment and helps out with the advantage Scouts section for 11-16-year-olds with a disability.

He said Scouts is “overwhelmingly” inclusive and “diverse in every way”.

“I’m honoured to be a part of such a fabulous movement. I have never felt I could be more myself in any place than Scouts and you make fantastic friendships with so many wonderful people in Scouts.”

Kaine St Paul.

Picture: SCOUTS VICTORIA

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STAR NEWS 23

SPORT

He wears a different jumper now, but in Cody Wightman’s last game for Beaconsfield, the exciting prospect won best afield in a Picture: ROB CAREW premiership. 185292

Ex-Beaconsfield junior Tyla Hanks took out the Rising Star award in the AFLW in the most recent season, she certainly is a star. 229635 Picture: COURTESY OF DYLAN BURNS/AFL PHOTOS

Star Eagles dare to dream

By Tyler Lewis Beaconsfield Junior Football Club has been boosted by yet another star on the rise, with Cody Weightman being the Round 10 AFL Rising Star nominee.

Weightman is the third nomination in recent times out of the Eagles, with Melbourne AFLW star Tyla Hanks winning the award earlier in the year and Tyanna Smith also being a nominee.

Beaconsfield JFC president Paul Matson couldn’t be prouder of how his club has progressed to now being one of the recognised football factories.

“The club takes pride in it (having so many juniors nominated), and I think it is a reflection on the coaches and everyone that surrounds and supports the club,” he said.

“To get three in one year is just fantastic.

“The club gets a small financial boost which is welcomed, we put that back into the kids, buying more training gear, apparel, and it as-

Tyanna Smith jumps for joy after having the last kick of the game to put Beacy in front and win the grand final 184500 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS sists in running the club – every little bit helps.”

The girls – Tyanna and Tyla – are kicking goals, figuratively and literally.

A true reflection on the system of women’s football down at Holm Park.

While he could take all the credit, Matson

believes the girls program has a lot to do with the structures set in place by the senior football president.

“I think a lot of credit for the girls program has to go to Troy (Robinson) the senior club president,” Matson said.

“He has instigated the girls fully for the last six or seven years, it is credit to him for the girls.

“Did we think they were going to be this successful? No, but it is a credit to who they are.

“To see girls this much in football is a good thing, it has been dominated by men for such a long time.

“Now the girls are starting to play a part in it and I think it’s good to see.

“It’s good for the community and good for football” he said.

While many clubs would be set and complacent on the three players they have got to Rising Star status in the AFL, Beaconsfield be-

lieve it is the benchmark now, hoping they can get all kids to believe they achieve what Cody, Tyanna and Tyla have accomplished themselves.

“I think we have set ourselves the benchmark now,” he said.

“A lot of emphasis will go to getting the right coaching staff for the right programs, if you can give them the right tools and the right time to do the job – it will continue to rise the way it is.

“We have a good structure behind us and the club is really focused on our women’s football as well as our men’s football.

“I think from where we are, we will grow further with it,” Matson said.

Beaconsfield currently has a number of other previous junior footballers thriving at higher levels, most predominantly Jimmy Munro – 2019 Casey Demons best and fairest winner – and Pat Gerdan, current ruckman in the Dandenong Stringrays program.

The lockdown lowdown

By David Nagel Local football and netball leagues are taking varying approaches to dealing with the impact of the seven-day circuit-breaker lockdown that caused a cancellation of community sport on the weekend.

AFL Outer East (AFLOE) – the home of clubs such as Beaconsfield, Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Officer and Pakenham – has stuck strictly with AFL Victoria Covid Framework Guidelines – abandoning all matches from the weekend – while the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC) is exploring all options as it looks at the possibility of rescheduling affected matches later in the year.

AFLOE made modifications to the AFL Victoria Guidelines in March this year, and has worked with its member clubs in its approach to its consequent ‘2021 Covid-Specific Competition Interruption By-Laws’.

AFLOE Commercial and Operations Manager Cameron Hutchison said the league was focussed on the safety of its community first, participation second, with the results of the competition not the top priority.

Hutchison confirmed that AFLOE will not consider the rescheduling of any affected rounds of competition as a result of this seven-day lockdown.

“We discussed various options at the start of the year, regarding a Covid interruption to 24 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 3 June, 2021

our season, and we came to the conclusion that the best approach for our specific situation would be to abandon any rounds affected by Covid-19,” Hutchison said.

“Our competitions are wide varying and different in structure, and not one solution would fit all, so we’re comfortable with that position.”

AFLOE has reverted from traditional match points (four points for a win and two for a draw) to match ratio’s in premier and division one – seniors, reserves and under 19s, and also in division one women’s.

WGFNC League Operations Manager Brandon Milburn insists the health and safety of the community remains the top priority for the league, as it consults with clubs about the impact of lockdown on the competition.

The WGFNC currently has the option of rescheduling round eight on Saturday, 3 July, in the gap between round 12 on Saturday, 26 June, and round 13 on Saturday, 10 July.

Home and away matches in the WGFNC are currently scheduled to finish relatively early on Sunday, 15 August, providing an optional eight-week solution period before the grand final shut-off date on Sunday, 10 October, a date subject to relevant approvals.

AFL Victoria and Cricket Victoria have been working closely together through 202021 to produce a Winter to Summer Seasons Transitional Framework, which assists re-

Local leagues have dedicated much resource in planning for Covid interruptions to their regular Picture: ROB CAREW seasons. 234452 spective networks, including local government authorities, with planning guidelines.

The transitional framework could open the door for affected rounds to be played at the end of the season, with the grand final to be played in early October.

This could see a vast majority of grounds be transitioned to cricket use from midSeptember and then a gradual transitioning of remaining grounds through the football finals period “Making sure our communities are safe is definitely the number-one priority right now, and we’ll be having discussions with clubs, and internally, on a frequent basis this week

to discuss possible outcomes,” Milburn said.

“The potential rescheduling of one round is an entirely different proposition to rescheduling two rounds or more.

“We need to also consider the impact on the fairness and integrity of the competition.

“We’re keeping all options open at the moment and will await advice from the relevant authorities, and assess club feedback, before any decisions will be made.

“We understand the difficulties that 2020 presented, for our participants, administrators and volunteers, and we need to factor in the impact on all of those important parts of our communities as well. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Bridge club makes a bid

By David Nagel When it comes to auctions - bids, calls and contracts are more commonly associated with the real estate market - but the Berwick Bridge Club has been using those exact terms for years.

Bridge is a game played with four players, who get dealt 13 cards each, and play in pairs, first bidding and calling for a contract, that once won by the bidding pair, needs to be achieved to win points.

That’s the very simple and brief description (from a journalist with little idea) of a game that never fails to challenge even the most experienced of players.

Berwick Bridge Club President Rob Osborne, a member of the club for the last 11 years, said it is the consistent but unique challenge that keeps him coming back for more.

“It’s the challenge of the game that appeals to me so much,” Osborne said.

“I’ve been playing for 10 years and I’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to the tactics and understanding of the game.

“Every single hand is different, there’s always a new challenge, and that happens several times during our three-hour sessions.”

Berwick Bridge Club is fully operational again after a nine-month shutdown in 2020.

The club has roughly 90 members, a decline from before the Covid-pandemic as some members have chosen not to return.

The club caters for a range of abilities, from beginners to very experienced players, and since re-opening in January has maintained Covid-safe conditions under protocols developed by the committee.

The club plays four times a week at the Brentwood Park Community Centre, 21(a) Be-

From left, Melissa Nouza, Mark Saunders, Val Harmon and Joyce Garton enjoy their game of Bridge. 238333 mersyde Drive, Berwick. The three-hour sessions start on Monday at 7pm, and at 1pm for day sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and the most popular session on Friday.

The club also has beginner lessons and assisted play on Friday mornings to help less experienced members develop their skills.

And beginning on Friday, 18 June – at the Bunjil Place Library in Narre Warren – the club will conduct a 10-week beginners’ program that will run from 10am to 12noon every Friday.

The course is already proving popular, but places are still available.

“People who do want to learn will need patience and perseverance,” Osborne said.

“It’s a game that doesn’t come quickly to most, but becomes enjoyable and more satisfying as the understanding of the person grows. We are a very welcoming club that is happy to take on new members and welcome visiting pairs to our sessions.”

The committee and directors ensure that playing conditions and rules of conduct and etiquette are maintained, thus creating a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere at the club.

For all enquiries, contact Rob on 0422 277 274 or robosborne@optusnet.com.au

Berwick Bridge Club President Rob Osborne simply loves the unique challenge of the game. 238333 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Brothers in arms take out jiu jitsu gold at state title

By Gabriella Payne A passion for jiu jitsu clearly runs in the family at the Stivi household, and all their hard work and dedication has been recognised at the 2021 Victorian Jiu Jitsu Championships, with brothers Dominik and Lean each taking out the gold medal in their respective age groups.

Following in the footsteps of their mother and father, who also train in brazilian jiu jitsu, both Dominik, age 12 and Lean, age 11 are both highly skilled in this martial art, and they said it was exciting to each be awarded the title of state champion - the second time in a row for Lean.

“It was very exciting, because I haven’t won in ages,” Dominik said.

Lean nodded in agreement, and said that all their friends at school thought it was “pretty cool” that they had taken out the top prize at the state competition.

Held on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, the 2021 Victorian Jiu Jitsu Championships had been “a lot of fun” according to the boys, and their mother, Dragana Stivi, said that she and her husband were very proud of them.

“I always get more nervous than they do!”

Ms Stivi said.

“It was very exciting, because Dominik

Changes are coming, stay tuned!

12493967-CG19-21

Dominik and Lean Stivi with their gold medals. 238271 was like the underdog.

My other son [Lean] has more confidence, so he goes in saying ‘I’m going to win’, whereas Dominik, he needs to believe in himself more.

So for him to win this, it means a lot to him,” she said.

Dominik has been training in brazilian

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

jiu jitsu since he was four years old and Lean since he was six - and now their little sister Klara has also taken up the sport, making it a whole family affair.

The boys’ coach and the owner of Pakenham’s SD Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Silvano ‘Sam’ Souza Chaves, said that it was amazing to see the Stivi brothers’ hard work paying off.

“I’m very proud of the achievements of these two young kids - they’ve been training here since they were very young,” Mr Souza Chaves said.

“It’s very encouraging for the other local kids as well, because our aim is to show these kids that everything is possible if you believe in yourself and work hard for it.

It’s such a remarkable achievement and I’m very happy to be doing this job with this young generation,” he said.

Ms Stivi said that jiu jitsu was a fantastic sport based on ground fighting where you learnt a lot of key self defence skills, and it was a great way for her family to bond and “keep the kids out of trouble”.

“We all train at the same gym so we all go together and my husband works a lot as well, so that’s a chance for us to be together,” she said.

Lean said he loved jiu jitsu because “it’s competitive and entertaining”, while Dominik said it was a lot of fun and “you make heaps of friends”.

Mr Souza Chaves encouraged people to come down to SD Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, no matter their age or experience, and give it a go.

“It’s really good for the whole body and the mind, and we all encourage each other here,” he said.

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Thursday, 3 June, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 25

SPORT

Bergman on the run

By Tyler Lewis “Dad always used to say to me: work rate and voice.”

It’s a simple mantra, but it’s one that’s holding Miller Bergman in good stead.

The beaming runner is striding into discussions by those who matter through his elite decision making with Sherrin in hand and his perpetual coverage of the ground.

The Dandenong Stingray was born and raised on his local footy ground in Berwick; it’s where he learned the fundamentals that currently drive him to succeed.

“Dad was a big footy head, I always followed what he did,” he said.

“We always had a run around on the oval where I’ve always grown up in Berwick. “(I) played all my junior footy at Berwick where we were quite successful, that’s where I developed my passion for footy and (passion) to win.

“We won five premierships out of the six, I was lucky enough to be a part of that team.

“It wasn’t just one or two standouts, everyone just contributed equally,” Bergman said.

While catching onlookers attention in the early stages of the season, Bergman believes the recent recess break in the NAB League has helped him develop two sides of his game.

“When they had the recess break from NAB League, I was fortunate enough to go and train with a VFL squad,” he said.

“I developed a few more skills, being able to train with Casey, I was able to stay up to speed.

“Then with local, with bigger bodies, it got more physical, playing for Berwick – in those two games I was able to play – it showed how physical it can get.

“The physicality side prepared me a bit (too) I think,” Bergman said.

In the Rays second game of the year, Bergman didn’t stop running, covering an elite dis-

Casey Basketball Association has scored back-to-back BV Junior Program of the Picture: SUPPLIED Year wins. 236616

Cavalier approach recognised Miller Bergman in his running game against GWV Rebels this year. 239192 tance for the NAB League.

“Yeah 13.5km during the game,” he said.

“During games I just try and run as much as possible and be loud, then try and use it when I’ve got it.

“During the Covid lockdown (in 2020) I was running maybe three to four times a week.

“5km, 10km, then sometimes a short 1km run to just tick the legs over every now and then.

“Now that training is back, I run once or twice a week.

“I am preparing for the harder stages if I am able and lucky enough to get there.

“I have gone and watched North Melbourne train, I am a mad North Melbourne supporter,

Picture: AFL MEDIA

I have seen how hard they work at training, I have tried to get that into my own scenario.

“Keep fit and work hard, it is never going to get easier the higher you go,” Bergman said.

Now, while is running is a major asset to his game, Bergman is working on physically preparing himself for a higher level of football.

A preparation that comes with a deep commitment.

“One of my main factors now is to put on size,” he said.

“I went to the Stingrays and got a nutritionist and I have got a PT (personal trainer).

“That is my big aim, to put on size.

“Preparing to put on size for bigger bodies if I am lucky enough to get there.”

Reconciliation a word that takes action

By Rebekah Bogos First nation’s peoples and cultures were to be recognised and celebrated when Casey Demons planned its inaugural Indigenous Round in the Victorian Netball League.

The Casey home game on Sunday coincided with National Reconciliation Week, which this year focuses on the theme ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’.

Sadly, the grand plans did not come to fruition as the club was once again faced with the challenge of lockdown. Casey Demons are hopeful of hosting this event later in the season.

For now, the club is grateful to share Ash’s story and her commitment to providing netball opportunities for all.

Ashlee’s family are members of the Wambaia tribe, originally from the Northern Territory.

Her mum Judith was adopted at the age of two after her mum passed away. Judi now lives in Albury after she moved on from Manangatang, near Swan Hill.

She raised Ashlee and her siblings Else and Catherine. Ashlee is well supported by her Mum, siblings and half-sister, Chanie, who shares her love of sport but on the roller derby field instead of the netball court.

They are all incredibly proud of what Ashlee has achieved in a short time. Her passion for netball has grown over the past five years, especially after joining Casey Demons in 2020.

Ashlee is studying a duel diploma of Sports Development and Leadership Management at the Richmond Institute of Sport and Leadership.

Her goal is to mentor indigenous kids in the top end or Western Australia.

Ash is determined to ‘show people you can start from anywhere’. Her goal is to show her talent as a proud, indigenous person and to give other indigenous athletes the confidence to play.

“There is so much untapped talent and I hope I can give hope to young athletes to see the opportunities that are available in the netball pathway,” Ash said.

26 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 June, 2021

Casey Demons under-19 squad member Ashlee Hyde, pictured with mum Judith, is proud of her Picture: SUPPLIED indigenous heritage. 239493 And it’s not just on the court where Ashlee is learning.

“Sport is an outlet, I can let go of the day and feel comfortable and supported by the girls that I play with,” she said.

“I have been surrounded by coaches and athletes who are encouraging me to be my best. Playing VNL ignited my interest in the sports field and has led to my further studies” Casey Demons are proud to support Ashlee, on and off the court.

It takes a village to get a club up and running, with lifts to training and games, running clinics, providing uniforms and creating a supportive atmosphere.

Casey Demons and Casey Netball, who Ash is completing her placement with, are committed to providing netball opportunities for all.

The club looks forward to learning from Ash and her community and unearthing future ‘deadly’ netball talent.

By David Nagel The development of basketballers in the south-east corridor of Melbourne is in very good hands after the Casey Basketball Association (CBA) was announced the winner of the 2020 Basketball Victoria Junior Program of the Year.

The quality of the Casey program cannot be questioned, with 2020 the second year in a row the local program has been announced the winner of one of Basketball Victoria’s highest honours.

Casey won the award for the number of exceptional programs, tournaments and campaigns it spearheaded across 2020.

The association worked hard to create the South East Junior Basketball Tournament in conjunction with a number of other south-east associations.

Casey also created an online community, with all members welcome to join in and participate in workouts, training sessions and other Zoom-related activities. The association followed this up with the Junior Cavalier online program to provide online fitness, strength and conditioning sessions with its partners.

Casey met the challenge of the pandemic head on, with the Cavaliers getting proactive with their response and beginning to think outside the square.

At the core of the Cavaliers approach was making the most of the technology available and then having input from key stakeholders to ensure its potential was maximised.

What it delivered was an ability to keep players actively engaged in the Cavaliers’ program without having to leave their homes.

Casey Basketball had a prepared statement ready upon receiving the award.

“Casey Basketball Association is very proud to once again be awarded the junior program of the year,” the statement read.

“In a year full of uncertainty, our staff, coaches and volunteers worked together to achieve excellent results in an online format.

“This was not a situation that any association was expecting to be in and it was important for Casey Basketball to maintain a high level of communication and engagement with all of its members.

“The association commends the efforts of all involved in basketball across the state for sustaining a high-level work ethic and making the return to on-court basketball in 2020 seamless.”

Casey Basketball’s status as a genuine powerhouse of the sport when it comes to rising stars in the south-east was solidified earlier this year, with record numbers of athletes selected for Basketball Victoria’s prestigious State Development Program (SDP).

All up, 21 Cavaliers players were chosen across the SDP age groups after impressing in the recent tryouts. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

12497622-DL23-21

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(*includes an extra point for last week’s Brisbane vs Gold Coast Suns match)

caseycentral.com.au | Strict hygiene and physical distancing policies in place

Ph: 9796 2777 9 Loveridge Walk, BERWICK berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

12490517-NG15-21

Dining

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LATE ON FRI, SAT & SUN

Now open!

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm +90 specialty stores Suite 5, Level 1/18-24 Clyde Rd, Berwick Phone: (03) 9330 0702 | info@seortho.com.au www.seortho.com.au 400 Narre Warren-Cranbourne Rd, Narre Warren South

Please email your contact details or Resume to: secretary@beaconsfieldfc.com Phone enquires can be directed to the President – Troy Robinson on 0410 466 988 Thursday, 3 June, 2021

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STAR NEWS 27

12494319-DL20-21

28 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 3 June, 2021

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au