News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 1st October 2020

PAKENHAM OFFICER

Thursday, 1 October, 2020

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Training a challenge for marathon man

Cardinia’s own lockdown board game

Call for action on highway dumping ground

Accolade for World War II history book

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Farmyard fun in heart of town

By Mitchell Clarke

Norma with her ornamental garden. 216614

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

As Melbourne’s record long isolation appears to slowly show some signs of easing, one Pakenham woman is only just finishing the final touches of her iso project.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with it the beauty of baking the perfect banana bread, bringing out the board games or finally getting stuck into the bedside stack of books.

Throughout both lockdowns, we’ve all been able to dedicate time to do things that we wouldn’t normally.

And that’s certainly been the case for Norma Marshall.

Ms Marshall is in the midst of transforming her Snodgrass Street home into a farmyard filled with baby cows, rabbits, piglets and even the odd sheep.

“I’ve fenced off a bit of my lawn off especially to create this ornamental garden,” she explained, when asked about the quirky initiative.

Crime on the rise

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“Some of these gangs, we know, are responsible for the serious and violent crime that’s been occurring in both metro Melbourne but also in some rural areas over the past year or so,” Deputy Commissioner Nugnet said.

“They are responsible for car thefts, aggravated burglaries, home invasions, robberies, serious assaults and knife crime.

“What we have observed are these gangs starting to move outside of their local areas.”

Deputy Commissioner Nugnet said Victoria Police will now have an integrated and coordinated approach to gangs in every region, in every division and in every police service area across the state.

In relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the data, Deputy Commissioner Nugnet said police did see a trend with fewer people out and reduced offending.

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diverted the attention of the Victoria Police to focus on implementing his curfew for Victoria or to make sure people do not travel more than 5km from home,“ Mr Battin said.

“Crime has had one consistent problem in Casey and Cardinia; it has continued to rise under Labor.”

“It is time to get the government change their policy and get police back to the beat and stop having them worry about a person travelling six kilometres to Bunnings.”

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner for regional operations Rick Nugnet announced the launch of a new operation.

Operation Alliance has already commenced across the state and is aimed at preventing, disrupting and dismantling gangs, particularly street gangs.

Since 1989

Criminal activity continues to increase in the Cardinia Shire, according to latest figures.

For the year ending July 2020, new data released by the Crime Statistics Agency shows the municipality saw 5458 crimes committed in the past 12 months.

The number came as a 13 per cent increase from the 4842 recorded in 2019.

Pakenham recorded the highest number of these incidents, 3269, compared with Officer at just 641.

Neighbouring suburbs Beaconsfield, Emerald and Cockatoo each recorded 270, 173 and 171.

Over in the City of Casey, there were 17,424 criminal incidents, an increase of seven per cent on the year before which saw 16,410.

The hardest hit suburb in Casey was Cranbourne at 2450 incidents, followed by Narre Warren 2155, Berwick 2044 and Hampton Park 1423.

The most common crime committed in Cardinia Shire between July 2019 and June this year, were thefts from motor vehicles. There were a total of 667 thefts from motor vehicles, 483 cases of criminal damage, and 482 of family violence.

The data showed there was a worrying 13 per cent upsurge of family violence incidents within the Cardinia Shire. Last year there were 4842 family violence cases, but this year totalled 5458.

Gembrook MP Brad Battin described the latest crime statistics for Cardinia Shire and City of Casey as “alarming“.

“In the past six months, Daniel Andrews has

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By Jessica Anstice

EVERYTHING WE’RE DOING IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Thank you Victoria.

As hard as this is, every sacrifice we’re making is making a difference. But we can’t stop now, or lose everything we’ve worked for. We will get through this together.

For details go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Thursday, 1 October, 2020

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NEWS

Violence crisis yet to spike Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner regional operations Rick Nugent said the force was concerned that some of the coronavirus restrictions could result in a spike in cases.

“We felt there was a real risk in that regard,” he said.

D/Comm Nugent said there had been an increase in first time victims reporting violence, as well as an increase in incidents involving children and parents - both as victims and perpetrators.

Shadow police minister David Southwick was quick to politicise the statistics. He claimed confusion remained over whether family violence victims could lawfully flee abuse.

“Tragically, Daniel Andrews’ prolonged lockdown has seen increasing levels of domestic violence across the state, yet we see no plan to address this spike and to keep vulnerable members of our community safe,” he said.

WAYSS - an organisation which assists vulnerable women and children experiencing violence and homelessness across Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong - has noticed

By Mitchell Clarke Cardinia Shire’s family violence crisis is on the up, with new data revealing the Covid-19 lockdown is a likely contributor to a spike in numbers.

Figures from the Crime Statistics Agency released on Thursday 24 September - revealed 1527 family violence incidents were recorded across Cardinia in the year to June 2020.

That number increased, when compared with last year’s figures of 1317 local incidents.

According to the figures, 1184 women and 342 men in Cardinia Shire had reportedly experienced violence.

The 25-34 age group was the most affected, followed closely by the 35-44 demographic.

More than 140 people over the age of 55 experienced some form of domestic violence in the Shire, while 105 people under 18 also fell victim.

Statewide, family incidents increased by 6.7 percent from 82,651 to 88,214. The figures also found there was a 9.7 percent increase in breaches of family violence orders.

a significant increase in incidents during the pandemic.

According to figures from WAYSS, the organisation has responded to almost 4200 family violence reports from Victoria Police since March 2020, when the pandemic began to take hold.

The number of new clients accessing support since March has surpassed 1050.

Every month this year - except January - has recorded an increase in the number of cases, when compared with figures from the same time last year.

A whopping 46 percent increase in cases totalling 729 police reports - was recorded in June, as restrictions in Melbourne began to ease.

“We believe that these numbers may be even higher as family violence victims are unable to reach out for help due to the lockdown,” WAYSS CEO Elizabeth Thomas said.

Ms Thomas said she wasn’t surprised with the rise in figures. She said there had also been an increase in victims from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

“The Cardinia area also has a population with no visa status or rights to income support and we know that people in these perilous circumstances are experiencing considerable hardship,” she said.

WAYSS has also noticed an increase in the severity of cases, according to Ms Thomas, who said violence had escalated.

“We have a higher number of cases where there is significant physical violence with a notable increase in stabbings,” she said.

“Our clients continue to present with increasingly complex needs and circumstances due to Covid-19, requiring intensive case management support from WAYSS family violence case managers as our clients require many more additional hours of support.”

The crisis isn’t expected to ease when restrictions do, and the family violence frontline is preparing for a rise in demand.

“We do anticipate, and are preparing for, a further spike in cases once perpetrators are able to go back to work or leave the house and victims have the opportunity to seek help,” Ms Thomas said.

On a road to nowhere: Training a challenge in lockdown

By Jessica Anstice A Pakenham runner has spent lockdown 2.0 training for a 30 kilometre marathon, even though he can only exercise within five kilometres from his home.

Andrew Thorpe and his running pal, LenaJean Charles-Loffel, are getting fit enough to compete in the annual Indigenous Marathon Program (IMP), to be held on 1 November in Alice Springs.

The pair have been running in isolation from one another.

“It’s obviously disappointing in a sense that everyone outside of Victoria is going to get into their hubs where it will feel a little bit more of a get together than what we are receiving down here,” Mr Thorpe said.

“We basically feel isolated down here because we are isolated in that sense. But then even within IMP, we are also isolated as well.

“Where I work and where Lena lives is only about 10 kilometres from each other, but I can’t catch up with her and go for a run.”

Even with the recent easing of restrictions from the State Government in the past week, the enthusiastic pair cannot run further away than a five kilometre radius from their homes.

“In my mind and my outlook, it’s just another challenge that gets put up ahead of me in life,” he said.

“Every time we try and step up in life there is always something trying to drag us back down and I feel like Covid is just that next challenge that I need to step over.”

Fortunately, Mr Thorpe was able to escape metropolitan Melbourne on the weekend to

Pakenham marathon runner Andrew Thorpe. return home to Lakes Entrance to complete his 30 kilometre trial.

He was concerned he would be robbed of finishing the distance within the two hour exercise limit.

It eased his thoughts of not being able to run the 42 kilometre distance come the No-

vember 1 deadline.

Traditionally, the event would take place in New York City, where the famous marathon meanders its way through the city’s five boroughs over the iconic course.

“AFL and NRL is important to the community for everyone’s mental health and they

have kept it going so people have got things to look forward to,” he added.

“So that’s why I am sort of like why can’t we go to the government and say for the aboriginal community, IMP is something that will give them something positive to look forward to.”

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It’s ‘game on’ in Cardinia

By Jessica Anstice After months of hard work, dedication and anticipation, the A Part Together board game is finally complete and ready to play.

Pakenham artist Jenni Ivins spent the whole of lockdown 2.0 focussed on inventing a board game created by the community, for the community.

The result of that hard work - an contributions from people throughout the shire - is celebrated in this week’s edition of the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette.

Before Christmas last year, she drew the concept but said it sat on hold as she was already busy with several other art projects Her other art projects at the time included SECAN’s pop-up art shop, Cardinia Shire’s Carols by the Creek, a Carols Flash Mob in Main Street and preparing for an artist residency at Police Point.

When coronavirus restrictions were imposed in April, her response was to shift her cancelled exhibition and workshops online and to support a community that was “feeling the loss of connection” normally achieved through attending and participating in arts events.

During the lockdown, Cardinia Shire Council made a callout for artists to apply for Covid-19 Arts Response grants.

The grants were to support the community in these challenging times so Ms Ivins developed her concept to meet the current health requirements.

“I had originally planned to connect with local communities through all the schools in the shire, but I only had one reply so I moved my focus to the Cardinia township groups on Facebook. This worked really well in extending my reach,” she recalled.

“I invited all the voices of the shire to be heard and made sure all the areas are represented in the game.”

Reflecting back on the process, Ms Ivins said the project was more than just a game.

She said through the project many con-

Pakenham artist Jenni Ivins spent the whole of lockdown 2.0 focussed on inventing a board game created by the community, for the community. 216592 The A Part Together Game appears in this week’s edition of the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette. versations were sparked about experiences as well as generous community surprises and support.

“There was also much discussion of hidden wonders. Did you know there is a waterfall in Kooweerup? Or that we have fairy houses in Wright’s Forest and also at Garfield?,” she said.

“Stories were told and history was explored, revealing commonalities and differences.”

Ms Ivins said an interesting part of the process was learning which towns are in Cardinia Shire.

“There was a lot of discussion about this,” she said.

“Several towns have only a handful of properties in the shire, but one of my values is in-

clusiveness, so they had to be included too.

“I represented the border towns with crossed tape instead of the ‘please stand here’ spots that represent many of the other towns.”

Since the beginning, more than 5000 community members have shown interest in the A Part Together board game project, with many providing positive feedback.

One resident said generous spirit and community support has been reflected clearly in the game.

“I am glad to have been involved in A Part Together,” the feedback read.

“All the best with the production process. I can’t wait to see the cards.

“You (Ms Ivins) have done really well with this project and I look forward to seeing it soon in the Gazette. A big shoutout to all contributors to the game.”

Ms Ivins thanked all of the participants, in-

cluding those who submitted drawings, those who helped with photo permissions and those who chimed in on the many conversations.

“We have all had a part together to make this project a success,” she added.

“I also thank the Cardinia Shire Council for the grant, and help with the map, Star News Group, for your big contribution and the JobKeeper payment that meant I could afford the months of work involved beyond the grant.

“This has been a wonderful experience.

Now I would like to map the communities of other Victorian municipalities.”

The A Part Together board game appears on pages 32 and 37 of this week’s, the instructions on page 54 and the game cards on pages 55-58.

An additional set of game cards will appear in next week’s Gazette.

So pick up a copy of the Gazette at newsagents, supermarkets and other outlets throughout the district - and start playing!

‘It may save your life’: Victorians urged to get checked State health minister Jenny Mikakos urged Victorians to seek medical care for serious conditions unrelated to coronavirus, after emergency departments recorded significant patient declines last month.

August is typically a busy time of year for emergency departments, and although there was an 80 percent decline in flu hospitalisations compared to the past three years, Ms Mikakos said it was clear people are not seeking medical care for other serious conditions.

“It’s important that we remain vigilant against the coronavirus, but it’s also important that we remain vigilant to all of our health care needs,” Ms Mikakos said.

“Health services are reporting that there

are declining attendances at our emergency departments, and this does suggest that people are putting off seeking urgent and important medical care that could make that critical difference to their lives.”

Emergency departments reported an 18 percent decrease in heart attack patients and a 24 percent decrease in stroke patients compared to the same time last year.

There was also a 30 percent reduction in reports of the five most common cancers prostrate, breast, colorectal, melanoma and lung - and an even greater reduction in reports for head and neck cancer.

Ms Mikakos said this was very concerning because deferred care could lead to longer hospitalisation stays and also death.

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The reduced reportage was particularly worrying for people with undiagnosed early stages of cancer who would be diagnosed at later, more deadly stages if they delayed seeking medical advice.

“If you have any lumps or bumps or symptoms of concern, it is important that you continue to seek that medical care,” Ms Mikakos said.

“It may, in fact, save your life.”

The main issues that could have stopped people from making appointments included concerns about burdening the health care system and also of contracting the coronavirus from a visit to a hospital or doctor.

But Ms Mikakos stressed that hospitals are safe for Victorians to attend as needed and

there was a significant decline in coronavirus infections among health care workers in recent weeks.

Dr Charlotte Hespe, director of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Board, said general practitioners (GPs) around Australia had seen drops in the number of diagnoses this year.

“We’re concerned about the number of potential cancer diagnoses that are being missed, because of the drop in preventive care and skin checks,” she said.

“We’re also very concerned about the rise in complications from diabetes, heart disease, asthma, because people aren’t having their routine checkups and monitoring of how they’re going.”

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Thursday, 1 October, 2020

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OPINION

Rubbish fire

LENSCAPE

By Jessica Anstice A garbage truck went up in flames in Berwick on Tuesday 29 September.

The recycling truck was parked on Melzak Way when its compact section was engulfed in flames.

Six Country Fire Authority (CFA) crews from Berwick, Narre Warren and Beaconsfield brigades were called to the scene about 1pm.

Firefighters managed to get the fire under control by about 2pm and a stop was called at 3pm.

CFA said there was a possible issue with the truck where it was unable to dump its rubbish.

At the time, a smoke warning from VicEmergency was issued to people living in Berwick and Narre Warren.

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On 23 September the Cranbourne Star News Facebook page shared a story about a “courageous” Hampton Park teen who had sadly succumbed to multiple health conditions including cerebral palsy last month.

Here are how our readers reacted online: Robyn Bennett: Condolences to the family of this brave young man. So heartbreaking Selina Caruana: We are so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. Sending all our love and strength On 25 September the Cranbourne Star News Facebook page shared a story about Casey Council resolving to continue a freeze on interest with outstanding rates until the end of the year as well as not to pursue legal action on outstanding rates until March 2021, but Ratepayers Victoria say more relief needs to be offered.

Here are how our readers reacted online: Ben Kerr: This is just another reason why the people should save a fortune and shut the councils. They are just as useless as the Federal Government and the people could do with having more available to deal with this pandemic and far less available for criminal misuse as we have seen regularly in the past!

Bianca Van Ratingen: They don’t help us so when we need it so why are the rates so much.

To Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria.

A) I congratulate you on your hard stand which is very difficult to uphold despite the criticism. I guess like you I too uphold the opinion that even one death is precious.

You have stood firm on the issue.

B) Businesses are hurting the Victorian economy too.

C) Suicides are on the increase.

D) Perhaps a loosening up of the mileage would be something you ought to consider.

My grandsons are longing to come during the holidays which they normally do. Coming to grandpa and nanni’s home is like going to the country.

E) In fact it is so, we are over one hundred kilometres from their home and we love their

company and dearly miss them.

F) Please increase the distance one could travel.

G) Furthermore at this school holiday season many of the country traders have lots of trade and they are missing out.

H) Looking forward to the Christmas when all traders have their highest trade which amounts to over 80 per cent annually.

I) Consideration may be given to the easing of restrictions with the requirement of keeping the mask on. Restricting the gathering to more than 10.J) Small coffee shops are losing business and employment. Loosen up on coffee shops Please Daniel Andrews loosen up the restrictions M. Martyn.

Endeavour Hills

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up To the Cranbourne Scout Group Scouting has continued online for their youth. But after much fundraising and some assistance from Government, renovations after started on the iconic Cranbourne Scout Hall!

Thumbs down To Casey Council for the rates rise during this time

Thumbs up To those trying their best to stay positive during these difficult times

Thumbs down To all the magpies swooping, can’t even enjoy the only time that you can leave the house

Thumbs down To pubs still closed to their communities!

Thumbs down To none of the Labor Party not knowing who was in charge of the hotel quarantine

Thumbs Up Thumbs Down is your chance to have your say. Malicious or defamatory submissions will not be accepted. All submissions must include a full name address and daytime phone number. Contributions over the phone will not be accepted. Contributors will not be identified. The Star News reserves the right to edit submissions. To submit a Thumbs Up Thumbs Down email to dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au fax to 5945 0777 or post to P.O. Box 9 Pakenham 3810.

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NEWS

New community market

By Jessica Anstice A new community market will be coming to Pakenham featuring all things local.

Set to take place at Toomuc Reserve on the third Sunday of every month, the Pakenham Community Market will offer a range of delights.

It will feature things like fresh produce, cheese, smoked meat, hot foot, good coffee, plant and craft stalls, as well as trash and treasure.

Pakenham Football Club president and market organiser Travis Hamilton said he thought the area needed to support more local businesses and this would be a good way to help the community.

“It will benefit the community by giving locals the opportunity to sell their products and for the community to support local business,” he said.

“That is very important considering how hard businesses are doing it lately in the world of Covid.”

The market will be a free event for all to access and enjoy from 8am to 1pm.

A $30 fee is required to set up a stall but spots are unlimited for anyone interested.

For more information, contact Paul Beswick on 0492 205 627 or pakenhamcommunitymarket@gmail.com.

At the time, current coronavirus restrictions and regulations will apply.

Pakenham Football Club life member Greg Marshall, president Travis Hamilton and market coordinator Paul Beswick. 215817

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By Mitchell Clarke

There are growing calls for a “buddy be implemented system” to for people living alone during the Covid-19 pandemic .

Liberal Gembroo called on the State k MP Brad Battin has Government to New Zealand initiative follow which links people a ing by themselve livs.

“Many people live alone, are out of and have no social work connection during Mr Battin said.

Stage 4,” “The governme nt partners to connect, has allowed intimate and it is only fair person can nominate a single their isolation bubble.” a buddy to allow into That idea has been welcomed by an woman who has Officer lived by herself for the past year.

Beth, who didn’t want to use her real name, said the pandemic , strictions, had been in particular Stage 4 rethe most difficult her. time for “Personally, I don’t feel loneliness that ten. I was an only ofchild so I’m used alone, but this has been different,” to being plained. she ex“It’s a different feeling to when your family or friends go away on a time. There’s nothingholidays for months at that separates er than being not legally allowed to us oth- The State Government said it was vital to other.” see each limit physical interaction to slow the spread To make matters In June, calls of the virus. 208185 over 10 kilometre worse, Beth’s parents live July, as Stage were up by 47 percent while in Picture: STEWART s away, so she’s wasn’t the same 3 restrictions were CHAMBERS as physical contact. meet them at a halfway unable to calls again reintroduced, doubled point to exercise.

“It’s not quite the same time last year. when compared to the “People with intimate same as seeing someone want to acknowledge just how in person, which difficult it is for partners can travel people’s general gives 20 to 30 kilometre Lakeside Psycholog mental health and s can boost well-bein rise to oxytocin and that in y clinical psycholog wellbeing, particular for those provides emotiona at a time, and I get that, it Michael Tomek g,” he explained ist . l support. I get a said “There really is providing mental health condition already experiencing lot of emo- was tricky, tional support from a need for our but a compassionate exemptions people and my friends and family vulnerable s,” Ms Crugnale it may fall under I can’t see them,” approach was said. but needed.

“Whilst many a medical exempshe said. tion, so I would have found new ways of say to people who “It’d be nice if you “The levels of loneliness gling to speak to are strug- connecting, whether through could nominate their doctor or support video calls with person, even if and isolation in family or friends, it was just to catch that one this crisis are just extraordin and get some of discovering new exception or documen service classes or twice a week. ary. The mental up once health impact hobbies or online, or going Most people are tation. from this pandemic “We can’t risk sticking to concernin guidelines and worsening mental is just so so one who lives nearby, for a walk with somearen’t travelling g,” he said. there health, needs further five kilometres or I totally recognise to be some flexibility than “A lot of these people breaching curfew, peounderstanding and my ple who live on their think this would be any different.” so I don’t their own or have been have always lived on job and have is that police are doing a great connection formats own may not have the been single, on hand, or the social quite compassionate but their Calls to Beyond around this time Blue’s support services and about family networks.” has really been tested,coping this.” creased by 66 percent in- ing an increased in April and 60 percent strain on their mental causLabor Bass MP Jordan Beyond Blue’s in May, compared free Coronavirus health.” vital Crugnale said it Mr Tomek said to the same time to limit physical Mental was Wellbeing Service catching up with in 2019. interaction to slow is available 24/7 over the phone friends spread of the by calling the 1800 512 348. or through video virus. platforms 12418633-LN21 “These are such -19 For immediate help, challenging times contact Lifeline and I 11 14. on 13

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Thursday, 1 October, 2020

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August, 2020

Pictures: MACCLESFIELD FIRE BRIGADE

Firefighters have come to the aid of a pony after it became stuck in a sinkhole in Harkaway last month.

Crews were called to a Hilden Drive property, where they successfully rescued the pony from the sticky situation on 29 August, thanks to the heavy animal rescue equipment of Macclesfield Fire Brigade.

Captain Sharon Merritt said the brigade’s reputation meant they first heard of the troubles of Archie the Pony when they were called directly by a friend of the owner.

“The horse wasn’t in our area so we contacted our Regional Duty Commander and he arranged for us to respond along with the local Berwick fire brigade and assist the vet in rescuing the horse,” she said.

“The owners had been with the horse and said it had just disappeared into a sinkhole.

“It’s been so wet and the ground just gave way so the pony was a very narrow hole under the ground level, so there no way it could get out.”

Fortunately for Archie, there was also someone on site with an excavator which allowed the brigade to rig up a harness and lift the horse to safety without causing injury.

“Our role is really to assist the vet and for our on safety, we wouldn’t do anything unless the animal’s sedated.”

Macclesfield Brigade has been helping with large animal rescues for around 20 years, but Ms Merritt said the demand has increased in recent years.

“We’ve been doing it a lot more since we got the specialised equipment in the last three or four years.”

“It’s mostly horses and cattle that we get called to, but we have been to an alpaca rescue before, and we were also called to a camel res-

Archie was hauled to safety without injury. cue on Mt Buller but were turned back before arriving.”

That experience proved the difference for Archie, with Ms Merritt saying the pony’s doing well after the successful extraction from the surprise mud bath. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

The site is the responsibility of the Department of Transport, because it falls on a VicRoads Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS thoroughfare. 216145

Dump site is set for clean

By Mitchell Clarke A notorious Princes Highway dumping ground has again been targeted, but the relevant authority has vowed to promptly clean up the mess.

The makeshift ‘dumping site’ at the corner of Princes Highway and Army Road - opposite Star News’ headquarters - has evidently become a popular place for people to dump their trash.

Tree branches, grass clippings and even numerous bags of rubbish were recently photographed at the site.

Falling Waters Estate resident John, surname withheld, said the site had become progressively worse over the past few weeks.

“It’s a god damn eyesore now and it’s certainly not a great look for people coming into Pakenham,” he said.

“It’s all open there, so every Tom, Dick and Harry driving past will see the dump. It tends to bother me a bit.”

Despite a sign promoting heavy penalties for rubbish dumpers, John said it hadn’t done an effective job in deterring litterers.

“The dump sign is just ignored. There’s still tree branches and all kinds of mess dumped

It’s understood the road is regularly inspected for hazards and defects. 216145

right in front of it,” John explained.

“I thought ‘what a bloody cheek’. It’s quite pathetic really and it’s not a good thing for our community.”

The site is the responsibility of the Department of Transport, because it falls on a VicRoads thoroughfare.

Cardinia Shire Council have previously told the Gazette that the roadside area was not a licensed transfer or waste site and it is illegal to dump any material at this location.

A Department of Transport spokesperson said the road was regularly inspected for hazards and defects.

It’s understood periodic litter collection and rubbish removal is undertaken, as the Department continues to address the “ongoing challenges“ associated with illegal dumping.

“Workers sighted this rubbish during a routine inspection and they’re working to remove it by the end of the week,” the spokesperson said.

“We encourage the community to report illegal dumping by contacting us via the EPA on 1300 372 842.”

Signage at the site is currently being updated and is expected to be implemented later this year.

A sign promoting heavy penalties for rubbish dumpers didn’t deter litterers. 216145

For any queries contact 0410 422 541

HELLENIC SNACKPACKS Seasoned chicken or lamb gyro, slow cooked & served on a bed of seasoned fries, finished with our homemade garlic sauce. Let Yanni know if you’d like to add chili or bbq sauce.

CHICKEN Reg $25 or large (for 2) $38

LAMB SHOULDER Reg $27 or large (for 2) $40

MIXED Reg $25 or large (for 2) $38

THE VEGETARIAN 6 Delicious falafel served with yanni’s hand cut fried lemon and herb potatoes,greek salad, eggplant dip and pita bread

KITCHEN A selection of Yanni’s fancy meals

YANNI’S MEATBALLS Yanni loves his balls! Beef Meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce served with our famous lemon & herb fried Potatoes and a greek salad $25.

OPEN SOUVLAKI (CHICKEN, LAMB SHOULDER OR MIXED) Slow cooked & seasoned meat served with a side of greek salad, Pita bread, garlic sauce and fries. $25

TRAY OF SEASONED CHICKEN GYRO A tray of our Deliciously cut & Seasoned gyro meat Cooked to perfection.

Reg $18 lrg $30

GREEK SALAD Fresh lettuce, tomato, Cucumber, onions, olives And feta; finished with our Homemade greek dressing $19.

CHICKEN SHASHLIK Marinated grilled chicken Skewers drizzled with tangy Bbq sauce, side salad and Yanni’s hand cut lemon and Herb fried potatoes. $25

TRAY OF SEASONED LAMB SHOULDER GYRO A tray of our deliciously Cut & seasoned lamb Shoulder gyro meat cooked to perfection.

Reg $20 lrg $32

SIDES Yanni highly recommends, the perfect pairings for a Mediteraenean Feast

YANNI’S HAND CUT FRIED POTATOES Lemon & herb, sweet paprika salted or chilli zest salted $12

TIA’S TZATZIKI OR Melitzanosalata dip (Eggplant) Aunties secret recipe $8

FRESH PITA BREAD Only the best $4

YIA YIA’S DOLMADES (6PCS) Rolled grape leaves stuffed with our herb-y rice mix drizzled in olive oil & lemon juice $10

SEASONED CHIPS Mixed herbs seasoned hot chips $12

EXTRAS Tree branches, grass clippings and even numerous bags of rubbish were recently photographed at the site. 216145 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

A nearby resident said the site had become progressively worse over the past few weeks.

Tangy bbq sauce, matinia’s chili sauce or house made garlic sauce

216145

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Thursday, 1 October, 2020

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STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

It’s a paw-ty of five!

By Mitchell Clarke Cardinia Shire residents have finally taken their first steps down the path towards our new Covid normal, as restrictions begin to slowly ease.

Premier Daniel Andrews, on Sunday 27 September, scaled back some of the tough restrictions gripping metropolitan Melbourne, giving locals a taste of what’s to come.

The State’s move to the third and last steps of the roadmap will no longer be defined by set dates. Instead, the public health team will reevaluate restrictions by reaching case number targets.

“The latest modelling shows that our strategy is working. Not only have we been able to drive down cases from the hundreds - we’re well on-track to hit single digits in the next few weeks,” Mr Andrews said.

“That allows us to make some small, but significant changes.”

From 11.59pm on Sunday, Melbourne officially entered the second step towards reopening, which has allowed groups of up to five - from across two households - to meet outdoors.

Personal trainers can meet with two clients and outdoor pools were given the green light to reopen.

Kids are set to go back to the classroom earlier than expected and up to 127,000 Victorians can return to work across various industries.

Childcare centres can reopen, with kinder to open from Term 4 too.

The second step has also meant weddings can take place with up to five people, private inspections can resume for real estate and apprentices and university students can return to onsite learning.

Religious communities will also be able to host gatherings of five people outdoors in the lead up to many important events.

A gathering of seven! Quill, Trixie, Cooper, Stanley, Fish, George and Hugo (front) were thrilled to be out and about in the sunshine. 216724 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS The Premier said the driving down of cases was a “remarkable thing” and an achievement of every single Victorian.

“With grit and with guts and with heart - we are beating this thing,” he said.

“We are driving it down. We are winning.”

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Pakenham Officer Star News Digital Edition Billie, Lily and Ellyse from Patient Paws Officer. 216724

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Hearts to help

A lifesaving Pakenham-based venture, spear-

health care system for the entire community.

According to government figures, 45 per cent of metropolitan emergency department

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By Rowan Forster

health care system for the entire community.

According to government figures, 45 per cent of metropolitan emergency department presentations are non-urgent.

Tiny Hearts has also compiled statistics from participants, illustrating the importance of teaching the critical first aid skills.

After the course, 98 per cent of parents said they felt more confident to act effectively in an emergency.

Almost 50 per cent reported that they had used their acquired infant and child first aid knowledge within six months of undertaking the course.

Narre Warren's Shelby Cooke, who performed CPR on her choking two-year-old daughter while paramedics rushed to their home, stressed the importance of first aid training.

She believes that had she not received the course through her workplace, her daughter may have suffocated.

"I still owe everything to having those skills," she said.

"The more people that are equipped with them, the less tragedies we're going to see with children, babies and toddlers.

"It's such a frightening thing to go through - so you need to be prepared."

The free sessions will be held across the region, including at Beaconhills College, in Pakenham.

Topics covered will include choking, fevers, convulsions, burns, drowning, bleeding, caring for an unconscious person, bites and stings and head injuries.

Parents or caregivers interested in undertaking the free training can sign up by heading to: www.tinyheartsfirstaid.com/fundedcourse.

12386173-RC19-18

Hearts to help

A lifesaving Pakenham-based venture, spearheaded by a paramedic and a teacher, has received a federal cash injection to provide free first aid training throughout Melbourne's south-east.

Tiny Hearts - founded by sisters Rachael Waia and Nikki Jurcutz - will arm 1800 local parents and carers with the skillsets required to save their children in the event of an emergency.

In a regional first, 300 parents are also set to be trained bilingually, catering for Chinese and Afghan communities.

Their journey began in a garage, but Tiny Hearts now has a headquarters in Pakenham's Industrial Park - proving that business success is attainable under the most challenging circumstances.

Ms Waia, a former educator and volunteer first responder, was first aid trained when she was just 15 years old.

She is determined to share her vital knowledge with as many parents as possible.

"I've got two kids of my own and I know what it's like when they choke and when they're really sick," she said.

"Because we've got such a good report built with our parents, we get a lot of feedback where they say, hey, you literally saved our babies' lives.

"I love what I do - waking up and making a difference."

Tiny Hearts worked in conjunction with the South East Melbourne Primary Health Network to secure the federal grant.

The organisation also hopes to reduce the number of inappropriate admissions to the emergency department and create a better

1142924-CB27-14

By Rowan Forster

216724

With fishing now allowed, Eadyn was quick to catch and release a rainbow trout at Lakeside.

216724

VISIT

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au/subscribe Six-year-old Sayla, from Pakenham, enjoying the Spoonville surrounds at Lakeside. 216724 10 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 1 October, 2020

Mia with her mum Julie Williams out on a walk.

216724

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EARLY LEARNING AND PRIMARY

Partnership that thrives The children of Cardinia Lakes Early Learning Centre are thriving thanks to the State Government’s Early Childhood Reform, which saw the introduction of School Readiness Funding roll out to kindergartens across Victoria. Cardinia Lakes ELC is now in its second year of receiving the funding and they are seeing huge benefits in the kindergarten children’s outcomes.

One in five Victorian children start school ‘developmentally vulnerable’, according to the 2015 Australian Early Development Census, and the impact of this can be felt across a lifetime. The team at Cardinia Lakes ELC have been working tirelessly to ensure their funding is maximised to build the capacity of the children in their lead up to prep; the teaching team through high quality professional development, and families via access to parent sessions. This set of supports helps children get the best start to prep.

School Readiness Funding is designed to give all Victorian children an equal chance to thrive by allowing kindergartens to access a range of high quality resourcing to improve educational outcomes for children. Cardinia Lakes has been accessing support from allied health through Monash Health. They have been working with an occupational therapist and a psychologist in terms one, two and three, and will be accessing a speech therapist for term four. Alongside Monash Health, they have also been accessing a qualified psychotherapist that specialises in art therapy for children. This will continue throughout term four along with an exercise physiologist.

Art therapy sessions at Cardinia Lakes ELC give children a safe place to express themselves using a variety of art mediums, through pictures, stories, music and movement. The aim is to improve children’s self-esteem, emotional regulation, and language expression. This has

Kinder kids looking after the garden. 216727

Kinder kids are all smiles at Cardinia Lakes ELC. 216727 great benefits for children as they develop socially, emotionally and intellectually.

2021 will see another year of exciting partnerships with allied health as they plan out another great year of play, learning and development as children make their way towards their next big step to primary school.

Tours of Cardinia Lakes ELC are available via appointment only. Please contact the centre on 9066 1144 to arrange a time or head to their website, www.cardinialakeselc.com.au to submit a booking form.

Lalit (staff member, left) with kinder kids. 216727

Cherishing their laughter and play given a chance to grow.

Worthington Place ELC and Kindergarten aims to provide a social and educational program that is multicultural in its sensitivity and approach.

Children with additional needs are supported, and the centre aims to have them acquire the knowledge that they are unique individuals and their special abilities, interests and backgrounds are an important contribution to the community. Children at Worthington will grow in their awareness, understanding and acceptance of others and in their respect for the natural environment.

Worthington Place ELC and Kindergarten believes every child deserves the right to learn, grow and develop through trust, nurturing relationships, diverse play and quality experiences in a warm and caring environment.

The centre’s learning philosophy is built on respect: respect for children at the centre, their families, educators and the wider community.

Learning experiences and environments are underpinned by the practices, principles and outcomes of the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards. Chldren are continuously encouraged to make choices, discover, create, explore and communicate openly while having fun and engaging in our welcoming wellresourced environment, developing their skills through play-based learning.

And because every child learns differently, each activity is tailored according to their needs, to help them reach their full potential.

Worthington Place ELC and Kindergarten looks forward to welcoming you and your family.

3 & 4 year old Kindergarten Programs Purpose built state of the art facilities

5941 5540 2 Worthington Blvd, Pakenham

2021 enrolments for 3 and 4 year old Funded Kindergarten are now open

St Clare’s Catholic Primary School Our Faith leads to Wisdom and Courage

We offer education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Would you like to know more about St Clare’s

Qualified Bachelor trained Kindergarten Teachers and Educators.

Book a Google Meet with our Principal

All main meals and snacks are provided and prepared by our qualified Chef.

Open from 6:30am - 7:00pm

Call 5940 6777

Enrolments now open for 2021!

3 Atlantic Dr, Pakenham 9066 1144 12461761-DL38-20

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Passionate, experienced, and highly qualified Early Childhood Educators

12463343-RC40-20

Worthington Place Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten is a privately owned and operated Early Learning Centre that has been purpose built to provide families with a warm, nurturing and loving environment.

Committed to providing the highest quality of care for your child, Worthington hopes that your child’s experience will feel like an extension of the family home.

The aim of Worthington Place ELC and Kindergarten is to provide a safe home like environment where children feel secure, loved, respected and nurtured.

Working together with families, Worthington provides an environment that promotes quality care and education for your child, a place where they will be accepted for who they are, and a place where laughter and play are cherished and where children’s innate curiosity is captured and

202009157853_1-HL38-20

Thursday, 1 October, 2020

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STAR NEWS 11

FOCUS ON … YOUR HEALTH YOUR IMAGE

New clinic in Officer for family medical care

The clinic offers high quality service and medical care to everyone. 214328 Liz Douglass, McGrath Breast Care Nurse.

Officer Family Doctors is now open in the new medical precinct in the heart of Officer.

214328

for healthcare and concession card holders. The practice also bulk bills consultations for children under the age of 16 and age pensioners.

The heart of Breast to get healthcare it checked.

in Melbourne’s south east

Breast Care Clinic When you’re worried about a breast lump or change, you want quick answers.

Our clinic gives you rapid access to our surgeons and breast care nurse, giving you peace of mind within 5 days.

Please ask your GP for a referral. Call 9769 7227 for an appointment.

Lumps, pain?

Get checked During the Covid-19 pandemic many people have avoided visiting their GP and having their regular check-ups. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is timely to urge anyone experiencing changes to their breasts to get checked.

St John of God Berwick Hospital’s McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Liz Douglass, is passionate about early screening to detect breast cancer as early intervention can improve the outcome for patients.

“The Covid-19 restrictions have meant that many are sitting and waiting until lockdown is over to visit their GP,” explains Liz. “It’s so important that if you find a lump or notice any changes to your breasts that you seek prompt medical attention. Don’t wait for the pandemic to be over.”

Symptoms to look for are lumps, pain, thickening of the skin, redness, inverted nipples, dimples, skin sores and nipple crust or discharge and it’s vital that ladies check regularly to monitor any changes to their breasts.

Screening mammograms aim to find breast cancer early, when treatment is likely to be most successful and these screening services are running, with Covid-safe measures in place, throughout lockdown.

St John of God Berwick Hospital, in partnership with Berwick Integrated Care, offer a rapid access Breast Care Clinic. Once patients have a referral from their GP, they will attend an appointment with a Breast Surgeon and a McGrath Breast Care Nurse for consultation

NEW DOCTORS NOW OPEN Offering all GP services Immunisations, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Mental Health, Chronic Disease Management, Bulk Billing, All children under 16 Aged Pensioner Concession Card Holders 19/445 Princes Hwy, Officer 3809

and testing within a week. This service is available to both public and private patients and is a fast-tracked way to getting reliable results and answers. If required, this expert team will partner with the patient throughout treatment and recovery.

“Early detection helps to provide successful treatment outcomes. Trust your own instincts.

If you feel like something isn’t normal for you or you notice any changes see your GP. Most breast changes are not due to cancer but see your doctor and get any changes checked out,” urges Liz. Unfortunately breast cancer won’t wait.

Pandemic or not, don’t delay in getting a professional opinion. It could save your life.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

For more information, visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au McGrath Breast Care Nurse Liz Douglass can be contacted on 0417 125 968 and elizabeth.douglass@sjog.org.au St John of God Berwick Hospital has a team of breast surgeons. For contact details, please visit www.sjog.org.au/find-a-doctor: Mr Cyril Tsan Mr Chilton Chong Mr Justin James Mr Foong Loh Dr Katrina Read Dr Corinne Ooi For an appointment with the Breast Care Clinic, please ask your GP for a referral or call 9769 7227 for more information.

Please note that if you have any symptons you must isolate at home following the dhhs guidlines until you receive your results and then follow any instructions given.

Book your appointment today

12461374-SG38-20

Now open and located in central Officer in the new medical precinct located at 19/445 Princes Highway, Officer, Officer Family Doctors is a medical practice that has recently opened due to high demand in the local community of Officer and surrounding areas.

The dedicated team of general practitioners, nursing staff and receptionists are committed to providing high quality service and medical care to everyone.

Appointments are always available on the day and the clinic is open seven days.

Facilities include a children’s play area, baby change provision and disabled toilet, disabled access and facilities, and air conditioning to make your visit more comfortable.

The team of doctors can provide a wide range of services including women’s health, men’s health, children’s health, childhood immunisations, travel vaccinations, management of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and minor procedures to name a few.

Officer Family Doctors is a Covid-19 testing site - please call for an appointment on 7001 1400.

If you believe you have symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat please let the friendly staff know and they can arrange for medical staff to examine you in the carpark.

Officer Family Doctors is a private billing practice with discounted fees available

Phone: 7001 1400 • Fax: 7001 1409

For public and private patients.

12 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 1 October, 2020

Email: reception@officerfd.com.au 12461454-CG40-20

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

LIFESTYLE

MARINATED LAMB CUTLETS GREEK STYLE This dish of marinated lamb French cutlets and Greek Style Salad by Raff Barbaro of Barbaro Butchers will have your family coming back for more.

Marinated in a combination of fresh and dried herbs (from that veggie patch we’ve all been cultivating during lockdown) and teamed with a salad of rich Greek fetta, crunchy cucumbers, vine-ripened tomatoes and rocket leaves this is the perfect spring dish.

For this and other recipes head to australianlamb.com.au.

MARINATED LAMB CUTLET AND GREEK-STYLE SALAD Serves: Four Prep Time: 35 Mins Cooking Time: 5mins Ingredients

· 12 Frenched Lamb Cutlets · 1/2 Tsp Dried Chilli Flakes · One Sprig Fresh Thyme Leaves Picked · One Sprig Fresh Rosemary, Leaves Picked And Chopped Tsp Dried Oregano Leaves, Zest From One Lemon, · One Sea Salt And Cracked Black Peper, · 1/4 Cup Olive Oil · Two Tsp Lemon Juice Greek Fetta; Two Lebanese Cucumbers Chopped; · 100g Two Vine Ripened Tomatoes Chopped; Four Cup Rock·

et Leaves 1/2 Cup Tzatziki.

Method 1. Combine chilli flakes, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Arrange lamb cutlets on a large plate or shallow baking dish and sprinkle both sides with the herb mixture. Press the chops with your fingers to work the herbs into the meat. Drizzle cutlets with olive oil, turn to coat, and set in the fridge for approx. 30 mins before cooking.

2. Preheat a heavy-based skillet or barbecue to medium-high. Cook the cutlets for 2 minutes each side for pink, juicy meat, or a little longer if you prefer your cutlets well-done. Transfer to a clean plate to rest, and drizzle with lemon juice.

3. Toss together the feta, cucumbers, tomatoes and rocket and arrange over a platter. Top salad with lamb cutlets and the resting juices.

Serve with tzatzki and lemon wedges.

French Lamb cutlets with a Greek inspired salad gives you European flavours even if we can’t get there.

FIBRE AND TASTE ALL IN ONE WITH ANCIENT GRAIN SALAD Looking for a little extra fibre but still wanting something tasty?

This Mushroom and Ancient grain salad with it’s blend of freekeh, green and yellow lentils, beans and Swiss Brown Mushrooms might be just what you’re looking for.

MUSHROOMS AND ANCIENT GRAIN SALAD Serves: 4-6 as a salad Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Ingredients packet superblend (fibre) - freekeh, green and · 1yellow lentils and beans · 80ml (1/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil punnets Swiss Brown Mushrooms, · 2cleaned, quartered · 2 lemons, zest finely grated, juiced · 1 red onion, halved very finely shaved bunch coriander, finely chopped, · 1including the stems · 80g pine nuts, toasted · 200g feta, optional · Salt and pepper, to season

Method 1. Cook the grain blend according to packet instruction, then drain, set aside and cool.

2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the mushrooms for 5 minutes or until golden and cooked. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and allow to cool.

3. Meanwhile, combine the lemon zest and juice with the onion in a large bowl. Add the remaining oil, cooled grain blend, mushrooms, coriander and pine nuts and toss to combine. Season well with salt and pepper. If using, top with the feta to serve.

CREDIT: Australian Mushrooms www.australianmushrooms.com.au

A new twist on zoodles.

ZOODLE SALAD This Zoodle and Mushroom salad combines all of those fresh flavours of spring in one dish.

With a base of zucchini noodles, fresh cherry tomatoes, button mushrooms and a cup of basil leaves this is spring on a plate.

Ancient grains and mushrooms - fibre and flavour.

COOL CAKE FOR SPRING WEATHER The weather is warming up and it’s time to get out into the backyard or further afield if lockdown allows but it’s not so warm that butter melts off the bread!

So it’s the perfect time to enjoy a cake straight from the fridge.

This tropical papaya refrigerator cake comes all those beautiful summer flavours without needing to be close to fridge to keep the cake from melting down your arm.

TROPICAL PAPAYA REFRIGERATOR CAKE Serves 12 Prep Time: 25 minutes Refrigerator Time: 8 hours Ingredients 250 g cream cheese (one block) 300 ml pure cream 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk 1 tsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp vanilla paste or extract 1 1/2 packets Nice biscuits 300 g papaya, thinly sliced 1 x 440 g can crushed pineapple in juice, drained To garnish Extra sliced papaya 1/4 cup flaked coconut, toasted 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

· · · · · · · · · · ·

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

METHOD 1. With a hand-held mixer beat the cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add cream, beating to incorporate well as you pour, then continue to beat for 1 - 2 minutes until it thickens and holds soft peaks.

2. Add the condensed milk, vanilla and lemon juice to the cream and beat until the mixture begins to re-thicken and the beaters leave trails in the surface. Spoon 1/2 cup of the cream into a separate dish, cover and place in the fridge for toping the cake when it’s ready to serve.

3. Line a 1.5 litre loaf tin with cling-wrap to cover the base and over-hang on all four sides. Spread 1/2 cup of the remaining cream in the bottom of the prepared tin and arrange a layer of biscuits on top, cutting a few into smaller pieces to fill any gaps. Dollop over a quarter of the cream (about 1/2 cup again) and spread to cover the biscuits. Top cream with a third of the papaya slices and a third of the drained pineapple.

4. Repeat with biscuits, cream and fruit for two more layers, then finish with a final layer of biscuits and the remaining cream.

5. Cover the surface of the cake with the overhanging cling-wrap. Press gently to compress and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight - giving the biscuits plenty of time to soften.

6. When ready to serve, peel the cling-wrap off the top of the cake and invert onto a serving platter. Remove all cling-wrap and discard. Spread the top and sides of the cake with the reserved cream. Decorate with the coconut, almonds and extra papaya. Keep cake refrigerated until ready to slice and serve.

ZOODLE AND MUSHROOM SALAD Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Ingredients 80ml (1/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp raw sugar 4 zucchini, trimmed 250g Button Mushrooms, halved 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cups basil leaves 1 tbsp drained capers in brine 1/2 cup Sicilian olives, bruised with a knife, pits removed (optional) Salt and pepper, to season

· · · · · · · · · ·

Enjoy the flavours of the tropics.

TIPS coconut and almonds, spread over a · Totraytoast and bake for 5 - 6 minutes in an oven preheated to 180°C, or toss in a hot pan until just golden.

As long as the cream is thick enough to stay on the biscuits without running quickly off the edges it will do the job perfectly, however if you feel it’s too thin at the end of Step 2 you can refrigerate it for an hour and beat again.

To cut biscuits into smaller pieces use a serrated knife in a sawing motion so they don’t shatter or crumble.

HEALTH INFO Per serve: 1518kJ; Protein 6g; Total Fat 24g; Saturated Fat 14g; Carbohydrate 32g; Sugars 16g; Fibre 2g; Sodium 180mg Source of protein & fibre

· ·

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Whisk 2 tbsp of the oil with the vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl, whisking until the sugar dissolves. Using a spiraliser or julienne peeler, cut the zucchini into noodles and add to the bowl, tossing well to combine. Set aside to soften.

2. Combine the mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and capers on a large oven tray lined with baking paper. Drizzle with the remaining oil, season with salt and pepper and toss well to combine. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes or until the mushrooms are cooked and the tomato skins have burst. Remove from the oven and pour the mixture into the bowl with the zoodles, including any pan juices and toss well to combine. Mix in the olives if using and serve.

CREDIT: Australian Mushrooms www.australianmushrooms.com.au

Thursday, 1 October, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 13

FOCUS ON … SENIORS WEEK

Call in for Covid support The pandemic is hitting some seniors hard.

Through the Older Person’s Covid-19 Support Line, of which National Seniors is a partner, support staff have heard first-hand the increased levels of stress and anxiety.

Since its launch on 22 April, the Older Persons Covid-19 support line has helped to connect older people with information and make Covid safe decisions about their work, transport, and social activities in their communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

By providing a kind and listening ear and offering practical advice, National Seniors Care and Wellbeing Guides have heard the experiences of seniors coping with the pandemic and the uncertainty they feel at this time.

More than other groups, older adults are experiencing heightened anxieties and fears of infection and death from the virus, prolonged isolation and disconnection, and suffering financial insecurity and strain.

To better support older Australians, National Seniors has developed the ‘Building Resilience Protocol.’

This aims to enable the Care and Wellbeing Guides to better support seniors in need by helping them build resilience to better cope and adapt in the face of adversity, trauma, threats and stress.

As Covid-19 measures lift in parts of the country, seeking to build resilience will improve the ability to recover and adapt to the real and perceived challenges and distress associated with the pandemic.

By contacting the team, they can help to: Reduce immediate psychological distress Empower individual and adaptive coping Support connections to social support and resources Improve access to accurate information

Callers to the Support Line can be more sure than ever of having a receptive, kind, professional and supportive person on the

other end of the phone to help them along the path of resilience to a more positive post Covid future.

If any older Australians, their families, friends and carers need support please call 1800 171 86 12458589-SN40-20

· · · ·

Over 50s Resort Living

A roadmap out of lockdown that’ll give you more freedom than ever before Like to make up for lost time and really live it up when we finally come out of lockdown? Well if you’re over 50, we can show you a roadmap that’ll enable you to own a beautiful new home, enjoy a fabulous 5-star lifestyle, and free up all the money you need to enjoy life like never before!

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To find out more, call 1300 50 55 60 today or visit lifestylekadunapark.com.au *From price correct as at September 2020

14 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 1 October, 2020

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … SENIORS WEEK

Downsize for convenience Are you looking to downsize?

Officer is the perfect place to come home to, when it’s time for home to be a little more manageable.

The close-knit suburb is being developed with community in mind, with services and amenities ready to meet every need.New estate Essence is right in the heart of Officer, close to major transport links including the Monash Freeway and Princes Highway for easy access to the city and Gippsland.

Small, affordable blocks make the choice to downsize easy, as do the services on offer.

Essense is in walking distance to public transport (trains and buses), shops, cafes and restaurants and will be within walking distance of the planned Officer Town Centre.

There are parks and playgrounds close by perfect for a day out with the grandkids.

Medical facilities are also near, with a choice of medical clinics within Officer and Casey and St John of God Hospitals just 10 minutes away.

To help you stay active and healthy, Cardinia Life is just a short drive down the highway and offers a number of seniors’ swimming, fitness and health programs.

Take advantage of the $25K HomeBuilder Grant and make your downsizing decision.

KR Peters Officer will be by your side every step of the journey. For more information on your options in Essence in Officer, contact 1300 377 362 or email sales@essenceofficer. com.au Find KR Peters on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Downsize to a comfortable, convenient home.

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pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 1 October, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

Digger history honour

By Jessica Anstice With help from the broader community, a local historian has spent hours upon hours combing through records to collate information on those who served in World War II to ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.

Patrick Ferry’s book, called Blood, Toil Tears and Sweat: Remembering the Pakenham District’s WW2 diggers 1939-1945, has been shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Community History Awards.

For the centenary of World War I in 2018, the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society member produced a book with profiles of all of the WW1 diggers listed on Pakenham’s WWI memorials.

With this year being the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, Mr Ferry decided it would be appropriate to honour Pakenham diggers in a similar way.

Mr Ferry said he felt “very honoured” when he was notified his project had been shortlisted in the history awards.

“In history circles, these are very prestigious awards and very competitive,” he said.

“Every year, many good books are entered and don’t make the grade.

“Writing a book is a bit like becoming a dad - you are always proud of your child, but it feels extra special when someone else tells you they think your child is great too.”

More than 220 pages long, the book contains profiles of nearly 200 local men and women who served during World War II listed on the Pakenham and District War Memorial, Pakenham South War Memorial, Roll of Honour and Pakenham Upper Roll of Honour.

Almost all of the profiles are accompanied by a photograph of the veteran.

The book contains a lot of information about the Pakenham district’s broader contribution to the war effort - including what it was like for women and children on the home front and the preparations made in case of a Japanese invasion.

It also includes details around the role farmers played in keeping up essential food and raw material productions, how the community honoured the returning diggers at war’s end and the dedication of war memorials to honour them.

“Whilst I did the research and the writing for the book, to write a book like this, you need a lot of help from many people - and the project should really be seen as a real community effort,” Mr Ferry said.

“Several friends and long term residents of Pakenham - including Wally Nye, Marlene Knaap, Ian Thomas, Diane Dunn, Ron Carroll and Neville Smith - helped me to identify many of the diggers’ on the memorials and to make contact with their relatives.

“The families of the Diggers themselves were so generous in looking through their family records to provide me with photographs, memorabilia and information to include in the book - without them, the book would not have been as detailed or richly illustrated as it is.”

During the 18 months of piecing together the book, more than 200 people and organisations contributed photos, information and

ed Publish y ursda

other assistance to the project.

Mr Ferry said a lot of archival legwork was involved in bringing the book together.

“Trying to identify the military service records for each Digger involved a lot of searching using the WW2 nominal roll, followed by three trips to the National Archives of Australia to view and copy the records,” he recalled.

“My son Joe came on one of these trips to help me copy the files, which really made a difference.

“Then a lot of detective work to trace the families and relatives of the diggers, to obtain photographs and other information to build up the profiles and add interesting stories to the book.”

Mr Ferry said he used the Ancestry website to make contact with quite a few relatives of the Diggers who now live all over Australia, including in Western Australia, Queensland, the Hunter Valley and Tasmania.

“For information about Pakenham during World War II, I trawled through every edition of the Pakenham Gazette, from 1939 to 1945, then some,” he added.

“The Gazette is literally the ‘bible’ for starting to put together any history of the Pakenham District.”

The book was jointly published by the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society and the Pakenham Returned and Services League (RSL).

Reflecting on the book’s purpose, Mr Ferry said he wanted to ensure that the Pakenham community never forgets who the brave men and women were and what they did to preserve the community’s freedom and way of life.

He said putting faces to their names and telling some of their personal stories is a really important way of keeping their memory alive.

“When I was writing the WW1 book, I realised that the earlier generation had passed from living memory into history,” he explained.

“When the War Memorial was first dedicated in the 1920s, everyone in town would have known those honoured personally - they had been their children, relatives, mates, neighbours, colleagues, workers.

“But 100 years later, we were not able to even identify who some of the World War I Diggers on the memorial were. I didn’t want that to happen for the World War II Diggers.”

In the end, there were only two names on the memorials that Mr Ferry and those assisting him could not identify.

The names were Dwyer, J and Ellett, M.J. In order to print the book, Mr Ferry was provided funding from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Saluting their Service grant, as

Patrick Ferry with Wally Nye, who was one of the close collaborators on the project. well as a community grant from the Pakenham Racing Club and the Webster Family Trust.

The Victorian Premier’s History Award winner is set to be announced online in October as part of History Month.

“Whether the book wins an award of not, being shortlisted is a wonderful acknowledgement of the ‘labour of love’ that goes into a project like this,” Mr Ferry said.

“It also recognises how important community history projects like this are - the project has brought so many people together; and brought back so many memories for people.”

Mr Ferry said people have written to him saying how much they have enjoyed reading the book.

“Some people have written to me saying they

simply couldn’t put the book down,” he said.

“Someone wrote and said it was the first book they had read cover to cover since they finished school.

“Others said it brought a lot of tears of joy to their eyes to see people they knew so well honoured this way.”

The first edition of the book - 300 copies - were given to the people and organisations that contributed information or assistance to the project, including public libraries and the Australian War Memorial.

A second print run is being planned for November.

To purchase a copy, contact the Historical Society via email bphs1961@gmail.com.

Grab a FREE printed copy of your Pakenham Officer Star News!

12453919-FA28-20

Th

The Gazette is literally the bible for starting to put together any history of the Pakenham District. ”

16 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 1 October, 2020

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON …

REAL ESTATE

Strzelecki Realty www.strzeleckirealty.com.au

A PLEASANT LIFESTYLE

50 Explorers Road, Yinnar South

JUST 50 minutes drive South East of the Melbourne CBD, Mt Pleasant embraces abundant green spaces, modern amenities and gorgeous homes in the heart of Pakenham.

Titled land currently available. Plus, with the $25k Home Builders Grant (eligibility criteria applies), there has never been a better time to secure your dream home site at Mt Pleasant.

Don’t let stage 4 restrictions stop you from achieving your home ownership dreams.

Picturesque rolling hills, beautiful vistas and a rich history make Mt Pleasant the perfect location to build your new home.

One hundred acres of prime land with views over the heart of Pakenham is being transformed into more than 500 home lots.

With land sizes ranging from approximately 300 square metres to over 1650 square metres, there’s room for everyone to build their dream home.

Mt Pleasant was founded in 1843 by an adventurous Englishman named Thomas Minton who snapped up a lease on 1045 acres of prime land. Inspired by the region’s rolling hills and picturesque outlook, he christened his holdings ‘Mt Pleasant’.

Thomas Minton’s acreage is now set to begin a brand-new chapter as the home of a contemporary community in Pakenham’s heart. This is your chance to own a piece of history while living in a state-of-the-art development.

Home under 2 years old, butlers pantry, separate barn shed.

$729,000 4 br, study, 2 bath, approx.. 5 acres

Corner Upper Middle Creek Rd & Middle Creek Road, Yinnar South $320,000 approx. 11 acres Zoned Rural Residential Build your home here STCA

47 Withams Road, Yinnar $780,000 4 br, 2 bath, approx.. 5 acres Enjoy all the advantages of a cosmopolitan suburb but with the extra benefit of vast, open skies and fresh air.

If it’s a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle you’re after, you’ll love being a part of the Mt Pleasant and Pakenham community.

Virtual appointments now available for Mt Pleasant.

To register interest or find out more phone 1300 577 383 or go to www. mpestate.com.au ●

Loads of shedding and room for horses

8 Flores Street, Trafalgar $750,000 4 br, 2 bath, 3 living Top quality build in quiet township Additional double garage at rear

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Pakenham

• Carpet to remaining areas from builders range • Stainless steel sink and flick mixer to kitchen • Chrome mixer tops from builders range • Mirrors with polished edge to bathroom • Exhaust fans to bathrooms • Roller door to garage

• Flush panel internal doors • Internal door handles • 50mm Scotia cornice throughout • White glo tub to laundry • Weathertough acrylic to all exterior • Sewer power, drainage, gas and water connections as per plans • Outdoor water taps

Whether you’re looking to downsize and keep the caravan or boat, a first home buyer looking to enter the market or savvy investor, this development has a little something for everyone. Located in an established part of Pakenham, opposite parklands and open space, the fresh air and neighbourhood vibes will have you feeling at home in no time! With close access to all the amenities such as shopping, schools, restaurants and more throughout Pakenham and surrounding towns, you’ll have everything you need.

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First Home Owner Grant $10,000 (to eligible applicants) Prices subject to change 12452900-LB26-20

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 1 October, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 17

FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY IN LUXURY THIS beautiful home is not even two years old and situated on approximately 5 acres in Yinnar South.

A custom build with quality finishes and 6 stars energy rating the home has appealing features including: Large master bedroom with ceiling fan, split system, walk-in robe and stylish ensuite with separate toilet.

The home also has three remaining bedrooms all with built in robes and ceiling fans, separate study, formal lounge at front of the home, open plan kitchen/dining and lounge area, impressive kitchen with 1100mm SMEG oven, dishwasher, island bench, quality fittings and an extra large butlers pantry.

SEJ

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Real Estate

BUILT TO CAPTURE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

The main lounge has glorious views of surrounding bushland, wood heater and split system.

The main bathroom has a lovely deep bath to relax in, shower and vanity, separate toilet. The laundry has never ending storage with a walk in linen press plus built in cupboards.

Many additional extras come in the completed package including double glazed windows, heat shifters throughout for wood heater, remote controls for lights in the bedrooms, double garage under main roof, 6 x 11m concrete pad for outdoor entertaining, alarm and security cameras, 2 x 25,000L water tanks plus CFA tank, 2 x 250L hot water services.

But wait ... there is more!

Barn style colorrbond shed with concrete floor, power, lights and two internal offices.

A paddock for your pony or a few head of sheep, dam and plenty of native bush.

Enjoy the country life with modern living and a short drive to Yinnar and Churchill townships. ●

46 PRINCESS STREET WARRAGUL This 4 BR home on a large block will not disappoint!

Perfectly planned from front garden, quaint private entrance & veranda through impressive entrance hall with display niches for your treasures & loads of storage throughout!! A very large master suite plus 3 additional bedrooms. Beautiful & light filled open living with wrap around deck & elevated to take in the distant mountain views. Extra shedding, chook  pen, strawberry patch, fruit & ornamental trees.

Maintained to perfection in most ideal location! $530,000 - $565,000 Internet ID:  22294171 View property and more details at www.sej.com.au

HOME ESSENTIALS

 Address: 50 Explorers Road, YINNAR SOUTH Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 garage Price: $729,000 Inspect: By appointment 5622 3800 Cnr Smith & Queen  St, Warragul www.sej.com.au Contact: Tanya Megaw, STRZELECKI REALTY, 5633 2858   —  Take advantage of the $20,000* first home

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Inclusions • Carpet to remaining • Flush panel • Vinyl wrap kitchen areas from builders internal doors with stone benchtops range • Internal door handles • Stainless steel electric • Stainless steel sink • 50mm Scotia cornice oven and flick mixer throughout • Stainless steel gas hot to kitchenTOWN • White glo tub plates • Chrome mixer tops to laundry • Stainless steel range from builders range • Weathertough acrylic hood • Mirrors with polished to all exterior • Ducted heating edge to bathroom • Sewer power, • Ceramic floor and wall • Exhaust fans to drainage, gas and tiles as per floor plans bathrooms water connections as *Subject to developers final approval, statutory regulations & builders preferred sitting. from subject to change without notice.

• Roller *Pricing & inclusions Pictures door for illustration purposes only. per plans builders range to garage • Outdoor water taps 18 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 1 October, 2020

FOR SALE - 18 Stunning Units Nestled amongst the open space of Bellbird Park, Drouin.

First home buyers grant of $20,000 available to eligible purchasers. BUY NOW AND SAVE THOUSANDS ON STAMP DUTY!

For more information, contact: Dale Atkin: 0402 717 891

Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase a unit in a great part of Drouin, surrounded by open space and parklands. With 2 & 3 bedroom and single & double garage options, these quility built units feature open plan kitchen/meals/living area, and high quality finishes throughout.

96 Lampard Road is located just 1.5kms from Drouin’s main shopping precinct, schools, train station and recreation facilities. Take a leisurely bike ride along the ‘Two Towns Trail’ from Drouin to Warragul, enjoy the town’s restaurants and cafe’s, take the kids to the local skate park, or make the most of the array of sporting facilities offered in Drouin including golf course and basketball stadium.

12462104-DL38-20 12451848-NG25-20 12452901-SG27-20

2 Bedroom - $329,950 - $339,950 3 Bedroom - $379,950 - $399,950 2 Bedroom plus study $349,950 - 359,950

* Images are for illustration purposes only.

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Thursday, 1 October, 2020

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STAR NEWS 19

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THE LOWDOWN Q&A

With Bassir Qadiri, chairperson of the Bakhtar Cultural Association and Casey Citizen of the Year 2020

With the challenges this year, how have you engaged Afghan communities through the Bakhtar Cultural Association?

Since the beginning of this pandemic, beside passing on the DHHS information to the community through phone calls and recorded video on social media and providing relief support to the community, we have organised a variety of activities to engage the community, especially those community members who were more vulnerable to Covid-19, lockdowns and isolation. We organised the following activities: Established online library for the community to have access to books and reading material in their languages Published the first edition of “Bakhtar Magazine” in three languages and post it to the community - just to keep them updated and engaging them through readings Organised three creative writing workshop through Zoom where community members from the Afghan community were sharing their poetry and writings Organised four community engagement programs, not only to engage everyone but also provided crucial information in relation to Mental Health Poetry competing and discussion Just last week, we organised three Covid-19 awareness sessions in both Afghanistan’s official languages (Dari and Pashto). The program was published live from our facebook page and we got over 8000 views.

THREE … to keep your mind clean through lockdown...

1

Focus on the positives.

Come up with a list of things that you can do with the extra time now that you’re not stuck in traffic and socialising. Is there an exercise regime or diet? An online course, a vegie patch that you’ve been meaning to do? Now would be a great time to start.

2

Regulate your intake of Covid-19 related news.

It’s only natural to be curious about these unprecedented times, but you should ask yourself, how much information is too much?

An overload of Covid-19 related information can have a damaging effect on your mental health.

It’s important to stay updated, but maintain a healthy balance.

3

Focus on the future.

Think of all the things you can do post-pandemic. The things that you used to take for granted - spending time with friends and family, weekend road trips, brunch on a Sunday morning.

Keep in mind, this is not forever.

· · ·

· ·

Have you taken up any new home projects or hobbies during the lockdown?

Yes, one of the most welcomed hobbies was our poetry session. (Slam Poetry competition) What’s your favourite movie?

The Next Three Days.

What is something about you that people might not know?

I specialised in literature and linguistics and I speak seven languages - Dari, persian, Pashto, English, French, Hindi, Urdu and the dialect of Hazaragi which makes it almost eight languages. I also play music and sing.

What was your most memorable moment?

Becoming Casey Citizen of the Year.

If you were PM for a day, what would you do?

Oh there are a lot to say but the most important one would be that I would get harder on crime penalties and since we have a great healthcare system, I would provide even more fundings so that the waiting list patients wouldn’t lose their life waiting for surgeries or treatments.

What is your dream holiday destination?

USA. Has the pandemic interrupted any big events you had planned for this year?

Yes, it has. Our harmony and integration event which was supposed to be held in June and cultural event such as EID. At school I.... Not relevant.

What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?

There are a number of projects we are currently working on for next year. The major ones would be “Bakhtar Women of the Year 2021 Award Night” , “Afghan New Year Celebration” , “Poetry and Music Events”.

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STAR NEWS 21

SPORT

This course is hot to trot

By Lance Jenkinson It is the calm before the storm for Pakenham Racing Club.

With just one race meeting between now and November, the turf at the Sportsbet Pakenham track is getting the tender loving care it needs before a glut of racing at the Tynong facility in late spring and into summer.

While activity is largely limited to training during this period, Pakenham Racing Club general manager of racing and commercial Wade Calderwood said it was an important time to get everything spot on for a big Spring racing season.

“We’ve come out of winter and our track takes a lot of punishment, so it’s great for the track team to be able to let the grass repair itself as they prepare the transition back to turf racing,” he said.

“We’ll have one meeting in October and then three meetings in November, and the Cup in early December.

“It’s a real critical time for the track maintenance team to get it back to a good standard for us to be racing on it again in that period.”

It is still a hive of activity at Pakenham, despite the 16 October night racing meeting between the only visible action until the Pakenham Oaks on 5 November.

Upwards of 300 horses are trained at Pakenham six days a week, so it is still quite a large operation.

And it’s growing, too.

“We’re still getting more and more trainer interest in coming down,” Calderwood said.

“Our staff are having to grow with the venue as it grows.

“The place is just getting busier.

“There’s still certainly a lot of room there for growth.”

Just because there is no racing, it does not mean there is a relaxation of Covid-19 protocols.

In fact, there is almost a doubling down with each stable implementing its own battle

Pakenham Racing Club CEO Blair Odgers and general manager of commercial and racing Wade Calderwood at the newly-renamed Sportsbet Pakenham racecourse in Tynong. plan against the pandemic.

“Every trainer has a Covid plan for their stable,” Calderwood said.

“It’s critical because we can’t afford to have a Covid outbreak at the track for either racing or training, or any of the individual stables.

“We’re very vigilant with that.”

The question on everyone’s lips is: when will crowds be able to return to Pakenham?

The jewel in the crown, the Sportsbet Pakenham Cup on 5 December, would be the club’s most popular race meeting of Spring, but nagging Covid numbers make it hard for Calderwood to predict.

He said it would ultimately be determined by “the Premier’s road map” out of lockdown restrictions.

“That’s our signature day,” he said.

“People will say ‘can we go to the Cup?’, but we’re not in a position to offer public ticketing for our 2020 Sportsbet Pakenham Cup race day.

“At this stage we can’t sell because there’s no clarity.

“We’re going to monitor the restrictions closely in conjunction with Country Racing and Racing Victoria.”

DDCA locks in a start date as clubs continue to build

By Nick Creely The Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) is set to kick off on Saturday 5 December, with the DDCA confirming the dates to clubs as it looks to get a season underway.

It was initially touted that the DDCA would aim for the start date of Saturday 5 December last week, and while it has informed clubs of its plans, have left the door ajar for a 21 November start at the earliest if Melbourne’s Covid case numbers remain low and trigger potential lifting of restrictions coming forward.

Cricket Victoria only recently released its suggestions for the 2020/21 season to clubs and associations, advising to consider a start-date of 14 November for metro Melbourne if restrictions are further eased on the 26th October deadline, allowing enough time to familiarise itself with Covid protocols, a shortened pre-season, a potential practice match and preparation of facilities.

However, with Premier Daniel Andrews announcing that metropolitan Melbourne could move ahead of the 26 October deadline and into the next step in mid-October, it could mean that the DDCA can push for an earlier start.

At a DDCA presidents meeting last Thursday evening, the clubs have agreed to aim for a 5 December start, allowing enough time for a shortened pre-season with training expected at this stage to be cleared for 26 October at the latest, but have agreed that if it can start earlier that they will.

It is, however, a season like no other, and like every association in Victoria, there are a number of changes for the DDCA in 2020/21.

There will be 14 one-dayers played this season, with seven matches to be played with white balls and the other seven with red balls, 22 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 1 October, 2020

with matches to be 45 overs per team for Turf 1 and 2 with a 12.30pm start. Other Turf grades will be 40 overs per side and begin at 1pm. All finals will be played in the one-day format.

Synthetic grades will be 36 overs per side and begin at 1pm with 11 matches for the season, with the one-day competition to be amalgamated into the senior synthetic grading.

The DDCA junior season has also been confirmed for a 28 November start, but can start on 21 November at the earliest, and will feature a mixture of one day and two day games, with junior finals to be two-day matches.

The DDCA’s highly-regarded Twenty20 competition, which is usually played midweek, will not proceed this season.

DDCA vice-president Steven Richards said it was exciting to get the dates locked in, and said clubs and the association have quiet optimism that they could start slightly earlier than the December date after doing a lot of background work with the executive to come up with a plan.

“Especially given the numbers, having single figures for the first time in a long time, we’re optimistic to get a late-November, early December start, and given the recent trends, we’re quietly confident we’re able to start as early as possible,” he said.

“We had a number of scenarios planned out, and we ironed those out as we went along - we wanted to play minimal Sundays, and that December was, I suppose, the last date that we could play to avoid that.”

Richards said it was terrific to have more clarity and confidence that cricket in the DDCA will proceed this season - something he believes is vital for the community in the summer and for clubs to start planning for

The DDCA is targeting a 5 December start, but have left the door ajar for an earlier start. 205865 Picture: ROB CAREW the season, as well as iron out Covid-safe plans which are integral part of how community sport can proceed.

“We’ve had a lot of feedback in the last three or four weeks, and I think clubs just want to a start date, so now that they’ve got that start date, they can start doing registrations, and getting the numbers together to work out what sides they can have this season,” he said.

“We’re decided that we now have a date, and hopefully the 21st is going to happen we want to get out and play as soon as possible, and individuals need to get out of the house.”

Richards confirmed that the DDCA Executive will meet this week to look at the fixtures and how to face the challenges clubs may face in complying with some strict protocols to start training and playing.

“We’re giving the chance for clubs to reaffiliate,” he said.

“We’re going to have a separate Covid meeting this week, but obviously there’s a lot of stuff that clubs will need to do to be compliant with all the Covid stuff.

“We’ve given the clubs the opportunity to look at whether they can meet those guidelines that have been put in place when they play outside of their venue.” pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

The Eagles look to 2021

By Nick Creely

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Beaconsfield coach Mick Fogarty is excited about the return of local footy in 2021. 156866

QUIZ NUMBER 1733 1.

2.

3.

around, Fogarty said that while his list is shaping nicely, the youth that has been steadily developing, and flourishing for a number of years could be ready to take the next step in the senior side in 2021.

“The club is blessed to have that group, and have that footy program put in place, before I got there obviously” he said.

“My young fella’s gone through the juniors right through, so I do know what this program is about.

“And the talent is absolutely enormous, it’s going to hold the club in good stead heading into the future.

“Those kids, we played a couple of them in the practice match which is good for them.

“I’m a big believer in giving kids an opportunity, I’ve done that everywhere I’ve been, and I’m looking forward to transitioning them at the appropriate time.”

4.

WHICH Australian golfer won the British Open title for three consecutive years in the 1950s?

WHICH West Indian cricketer’s autobiography was entitled ‘Pace like Fire’?

5.

IN which sport is American superstar Larry Bird a legendary figure?

6.

7.

WHICH Australian is the only cricketer to twice score more than 400 runs in a first class innings?

WHICH cyclist wears the yellow jacket in the famous Tour de France race?

8.

WHO won American football’s Super Bowl in 2014-15?

9.

WHAT is the final event in the Olympic decathlon?

10. WHICH Australian tennis player was just 15 years old when she partnered Tony Roche in the Wimbledon mixed doubles in 1982?

11. WHAT is a single game of snooker known as?

12. WHICH great stayer is the only horse to win the Sydney, Melbourne and Caulfield Cups in the same year?

13. WHICH swimmer, selected for the 1982 Commonwealth Games when only 12 years old, was Australia’s youngest international competitor?

14. WHO did Adam Scott beat in a playoff to clinch the 2013 US Masters?

15. WHERE did the Australian cricket team embark on an historic tour in 1985?

16. WHAT is the term for a golf score one shot under par?

17. WHICH Australian won the 1983 US Women’s Open golf title?

12463163-SN40-20

Star midfielder Nick Battle has crossed over to Beaconsfield. 171613 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

WHICH renowned British soccer player shocked the game when he took his own life in 2011?

WHICH two American tennis playing brothers met in the final of a tournament in 1991?

18. WHAT sport is played by the Queensland Firebirds?

19. WHO was the last Sydney Swan to win the Coleman Medal?

20. WHO won the English premier league soccer title in 2019-20?

ANSWERS: 1. Gary Speed 2. John and Patrick McEnroe 3. Peter Thomson 4. Wes Hall 5. Basketball 6. Bill Ponsford 7. The leader 8. New England 9. The 1500 metres 10. Jenny Byrne 11. A frame 12. Galilee 13. DimityDouglas 14. Ángel Cabrera 15. The United Arab Emirates 16. A birdie 17.Jan Stephenson 18. Netball 19. Lance Franklin 20. Liverpool

It’s no secret that community sport, and all of the benefits it brings along with it, is going to be a vital part of the way Victoria moves forward out of Covid-19.

And the 2021 local football season is going to be one of the most important in recent memory as clubs and leagues once again prepare to take to the field and put 2020 behind them.

The significance of this is not lost on Beaconsfield coach Mick Fogarty, who after signing at his new club in 2020, is once again preparing to shape his list for the AFL Outer East Premier Division ahead of what he describes as an ‘enormous’ year of local football.

“Next year is an enormous year for local football, in regards to sponsorship, player movement and salary caps, but I could probably talk about that all day” he said.

“It’ll be really interesting how it pans out and how the clubs attack the season.

“It’s all pretty exciting.”

Fogarty, one of the most recognisable coaches in community football after his success with Noble Park as coach in the powerful Eastern Football League, as well as back-toback flags with ROC (now Officer) in the mid ‘90s, said he was delighted to tackle 2021 with the exact same coaching group the club signed for 2020.

Ryan Hendy, Glen Robinson, Craig Mulcock, Rod Walker and Darren Hamilton are all locked away at Holm Park in what is a highly impressive coaching group, and one sure to bring stability to a group well and truly building strongly for a tilt at a flag.

“We’re thrilled to have signed all of our coaches from 2020 - it gives the club real stability in that way I reckon,” he said.

“We just got through a pre-season, got to know the players, and get a feel for the club, and bang, we had to stop.

“And now we’re sort of starting again, we’re probably ahead of what we were last year for obvious reasons, but we’ve got great knowledge of the group and where the list is at.”

One of the Eagles’ coaches, champion Doveton footballer Ryan Hendy, not only brings a wealth of football knowledge to the table, but he has also lured a star to the club midfielder Nick Battle.

Battle, another absolute jet from the Doves and the south-east who has VFL experience, will call Holm Park home in 2021 after putting pen to paper after initially signing with Narre Warren last season.

It’s a signing almost certain to give the Eagles an extra layer of class and matchwinning capability, adding to a list already glittered with plenty of experience, and just the right amount of youth.

“He’s got a really, really strong relationship with Ryan Hendy, and we were really close to landing him before he did sign at Narre Warren,” Fogarty said.

“For that relationship he’s got, to be able to get him over to our footy club is enormous, he’s class - we’re thankful that Ryan was able to get him over the line.”

Aside from the boom signing of Battle, the Eagles have also recruited James McNamara, welcomed back Jamie Plumridge and have signed Jake Stuart from Narre Warren.

And crucially, Fogarty said the core group, including ex-St Kilda player Brandon White who signed at the club in 2020, is all locked away for season 2021 in what he believes is an extremely exciting list.

“Our list and our core group have signed when I got to the footy club, we had a few that went to Nar Nar Goon and so forth so there was a bit of movement,” he said.

“But our core group, our leaders have signed and we’re thrilled with that and thank them.

“I’m just thankful these guys have stuck fat with the footy club over the years - the footy club and all local clubs are rewarded by it, so it’s a great opportunity that all coaches and players can give back to their footy club.”

Fogarty also confirmed that ex-Gold Coast Sun Jack Hutchins will also still be a Beaconsfield-listed player if he remains in the VFL at the Casey Demons.

With the Eagles boasting one of the most impressive junior football programs anywhere

Thursday, 1 October, 2020

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STAR NEWS 23

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24 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 1 October, 2020

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au