News - Berwick Star News - 3rd December 2020

BERWICK

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

/berwickstarnews

@StarNews_SE

40¢ Inc. GST

BEACONSFIELD

FRESH NEW LOOK

Your new look neighbourhood food store Discover a fresh fruit & veg department, Butcher, Bakery and more at our freshly renovated Woolworths Beaconsfield.

W

selection of Australian and imported cheeses.

Walk past our in-store bakery and explore the delicious range of bread, including crusty loaves, sliced white to wholemeal rolls. Our artisan-style breads are divine and are made with Australian wheat flour.

We have a great, convenient range that is easy to shop. You’ll fall in love with our new deli, with cured meats sliced to order. We’ve got everything you need for a party platter, plus a fantastic

Come and visit our new Butcher Shop, where our expert Butcher can slice your selection of 100% Australian meat while you wait. Check out what’s on offer inside.

You’ll also find a BWS nearby. Whether you’re a fan of beer, wine or spirits, the locally curated range at BWS means you’ll always find something you love. Pop in when you do your next shop at Woolworths.

Just a small taste of what you’ll discover at our fresh new Woolworths Beaconsfield.

12454934-NG49-20

e’re excited to announce our fresh new look store is complete.

You’ll find our same friendly team and a large fresh food department ofering everything from Australian fruit and veg to The Odd Bunch range.

You’ll find us located at 28 Sylvia Rd, Beaconsfield.

CP301121V4BSN1

BEACONSFIELD

FRESH NEW LOOK

Deli Delights For our bread & I pastry Dfop by youf nfw dfli and fnjoy a flicf of thf good liff. nspired by a classic Italian delicatessen, our glass cabinets are brimming with cured meats, salami, salads and antipasti from local and international producers.

All these delicacies are ready to serve but we can slice your meats just the way you like it – thick, thin or shaved. Please ask for a taste if you can’t decide, there’s plenty to try.

fans

One of our deli favourites is the D’Orsogna sliced honey leg ham served of the Bone, made from Australian Jarrah Honey and Australian Pork. The D’Orsogna family has been crafting authentic and flavoursome smallgoods here in Australia for more than 67 years.

From a humble suburban butcher shop, D’Orsogna has been in partnership with Woolworths for more than 60 years and has grown into a well-loved national brand.

Our cheese section is also filled with goodies from small and large local makers, as well as international classics such as aged Italian pecorino, Swiss gruyère and rich, creamy French brie. The olive section is worth exploring too, with plump Sicilians, rich Kalamatas and a wide variety of sliced, marinated and stufed varieties ready to enjoy.

Ouf nfw bakffy offff aftifan-ftylf bffad an fwfft tffatf fof fvffy d of thf wffk.

A

shining star of our fresh new store, the bakery is your one-stop shop for gourmet loaves, perfect pastries and custom-made cakes. It’s pretty easy to find too, just follow that moreish smell of baked bread.

Prosciutto is great in appetisers, served with melon and mozzarella or simply enjoyed on its own.

If you love a good loaf, you won’t be disappointed. We use only the finest ingredients in our in-store range with Australian wheat flour.

Our desserts make any day a celebration. There’s a cake for everyone, whether you have a soft spot for Red Velvet, prefer Orange & Poppy Seed or want to go all out with our Indulgent Chocolate Cake.

We’ll hand pick your groceries with care. Same day Pick up is available if you order before 1pm, or select a time and day to suit you.

12454937-SG49-20

Order online at woolworths.com.au or download the app

Min. spend $30 for Pick up. See website for full T&Cs.

CP301121V4BSN2 2 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

BERWICK

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

40¢ Inc. GST

Mum dead in attack

Bypass trail confusion

Set to share the care?

Casey’s Cup to savour

PAGE 5

PAGE 7

PAGE 14

SPORT

12472542-LN49-20

Enter now at

starcommunity.com.au/competitions

$500

There are FOUR to be WON...

$500

$500

WOOLWORTHS GIFT CARDS

$500

@StarNews_SE

/berwickstarnews

$500

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

‘$1mill benefits’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

EXPERTS IN FAMILY LAW

Sam Aziz denied he’d received $1 million-plus in private benefits as a former Casey councillor.

Lodex, which pitched a digital payment platform to Casey Council.

Tech firm IPsoft allegedly paid him $30,800 soon after it signed a contract with Casey to trial an AI robot, Amelia.

Mr Tovey added there was also about $250,000 cash that Mr Aziz “can’t explain”.

“I don’t know where you got that from,” Mr Aziz said .

IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich said there was a similar repeated “modus operandi” in which Mr Aziz entered into “sham” loans with people who had matters at Casey Council.

“What’s being put to you is that each of

those commercial arrangements is a sham and that they have been used by you in order to conceal corrupt payments.”

Mr Aziz said: “I understand that’s the allegation and I totally reject that absolutely. Absolutely.”

Continued page 11

12425088-FA36-19

Former mayor Sam Aziz failed in “the most profound way” to disclose more than $1 million of alleged “private benefits” he received as a councillor, an IBAC inquiry into alleged Casey councillor corruption has heard.

IBAC’s assisting counsel Michael Tovey told the Operation Sandon hearing on 1 December that Mr Aziz gained the benefits from “taking advantage of your position as a councillor and selling your influence”.

Mr Aziz disputed “all of that”.

“It’s great to be pulling figures out of the air, but all he’s doing is trashing my reputation.

“This will be all over the media tomorrow and I’ll be accused of taking a million dollars of bribes as usual.

“You know, I’d love to know where all that money is if that’s in fact what I had done.”

According to IBAC, the $1 million of benefits included allegedly $660,000 of “benefits” from property developer John Woodman.

There was the $240,000 or “40 per cent interest” returned to Mr Aziz after he provided $600,000 in a suitcase to Mr Woodman.

Mr Woodman also allegedly paid him consultancy fees for Spicer Thoroughbreds ($22,500) and a Smart Cities project ($298,000).

Mr Aziz received about $250,000 from property firm director Andrew Nehme, and about $45,000 from developer Vlad Kostic - an associate of Jim Group’s former CEO Tino Grossi, Mr Tovey said.

Mr Aziz allegedly gained $150,000 from buying discounted shares from tech company

Affordable and Compassionate

03 9562 1855

Pakenham, Narre Warren, Drouin and Yarra Junction

155 Sladen St, Cranbourne

P 5941 5166 12467531-DL45-20

www.manningsfunerals.com.au

12387046-EPJ16-18

Serving Melbourne for over 75 years

12465234-CG49-20

RCA Villages is pleased to announce our tenth village in Victoria.

Located in Cranbourne on the former Amstel Golf Club site, Tree Tops will offer spacious contemporary homes for discerning retirees.

Coming in 2021 To register your interest please call Madelin or Andrea on Freecall 1800 255 500 rcavillagestreetops.com.au OR COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW

Information Request I wish to receive (Please tick): A phone call from a Tree Tops representative.

Join our mailing list for further updates.

Mr,

Mrs,

Ms (Please tick)

First Name ...........................................Surname ..............................................................

Address................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................Postcode ......................

Telephone ............................................Email ....................................................................

Reply to: RCA Villages Unit 1/39-43 Duerdin St. Notting Hill VIC 3168 CRANBOURNE BERWICK DECEMBER, 2020

For more information about our range of retirement communities visit rcavillages.com.au 4 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Mother killed in stabbing attack

IN BRIEF Cop’s assault charge A police sergeant has been charged following an internal investigation.

The male sergeant, from the Southern Metro Region, was charged with two counts of summary assault.

The alleged incident took place in November 2019 while the officer was on duty.

He has been suspended with pay, a Victoria Police statement read.

It’s understood he will be summoned to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court at a later date.

By Mitchell Clarke A mother has died and a 15-year-old boy is in hospital under police guard after an alleged stabbing rampage in Narre Warren South.

Homicide Squad detectives are now piecing together what led to the tragic incident inside a house on Springvalley Way, near the Narre Warren South P-12 College.

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 1pm on Monday 30 November following reports that multiple people had been seriously injured.

Channa Tep, 42, was found inside the house with serious upper body injuries. Her threeyear-old daughter and 70-year-old mother were also injured.

Ms Tep was flown to hospital but she sadly died. Her child and mother remained in hospital with serious injuries.

A 15-year-old boy, who was also injured, was arrested at the scene and remains at Dandenong Hospital under police guard.

It’s understood Ms Tep moved from Cambodia to Australia in search of a better life.

The exact nature of the incident is not yet clear and Homicide Squad detectives are investigating.

It’s understood those involved were from

Drug driver caught at school pickup Cardinia Highway Patrol were monitoring a school zone on Monday afternoon, 30 November, when they spotted a red Holden Ute outside Officer Secondary College.

Police intercepted the ute as it was not displaying number plates.

Officers spoke to a 54-year-old Cranbourne man, who was required to undergo a roadside drug test which returned an allegedly positive result to an illicit substance.

This was not the man’s first rodeo, according to police, who said he will be required to attend court in relation to drug driving.

Dad’s car impounded The house on Springvalley Way where the alleged incident took place. 222886 the same family. Police have also confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.

In October 2020 alone, support organisation Wayss responded to 351 police reports of

family violence in Casey.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic. com.au.

Huge primary funding boost in Budget

By Mitchell Clarke A Narre Warren South primary school will receive a whopping $10 million funding boost as part of the 2020/21 Victorian Budget.

Strathaird Primary School is set to be upgraded with new facilities, including a new eco cubby and toilet block.

The state-of-the-art eco cubby, which is described as a multipurpose facility, will include learning spaces and a kitchen for students, parent program sessions and for whole of school events.

The eco cubby will also feature advanced technology innovations which will lead to lower energy use and reduced waste while enhancing the learning of students and their understanding of innovations in sustainability.

The primary school has been developing their ‘School Sustainability Masterplan’ and the “significant” Budget investment is set to support their commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Budget funding will also allow the school to build a new toilet block for their

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas with Strathaird Primary School principal Julie Kennedy on Zoom.

Year 5 and 6 students and to complete other important works around the school.

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas joined Strathaird Primary School principal

Julie Kennedy on Zoom to discuss the funding announcement.

“It’s absolutely amazing, everyone is so excited. It will make a huge difference to our school,” Ms Kennedy said.

“Our school is very big on sustainability ... this will help us achieve our vision of building an eco cabin ... We’ve got visions of this fantastic centre which will benefit the whole school community.”

Mr Maas said it was an “honour” to represent local schools like Strathaird in Parliament.

“This is such a huge investment for our community. Strathaird Primary School is a fantastic local school and I am so excited to see the development of the eco cubby as we continue to bring sustainable learning to Narre Warren South,” he said.

“Our local schools deliver so much to our community as the bedrock of our future workers, leaders, artists, sports stars, and families.

“They deserve any assistance possible so they can continue to produce remarkable students and community members.”

A hoon learner driver had his dad’s car impounded after he was caught doing 160km/h in an 80km/h zone on Saturday night, 28 November.

The Police Airwing was patrolling known hooning hot spots in Dandenong South when it noticed the Ford Falcon travelling at excessive speed and doing multiple burnouts on Frankston-Dandenong Road around 8:30pm.

Dandenong Highway Patrol members intercepted the vehicle a short time later on Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road.

The 21-year-old Cranbourne North man had to break the bad news to his father that he can have his car back in 30 days at a cost of $1008.

He will be charged on summons with improper use of a motor vehicle, driving in excess of the speed limit, learner driver unaccompanied, failing to display L plates and using an unroadworthy motor vehicle.

A defect notice was also issued.

Bad start to driving Casey Highway Patrol were patrolling Narre Warren as part of Operation Compass when they intercepted a vehicle for a routine licence check around 10:30pm on Sunday 22 November.

The 21-year-old female driver allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.191, despite being required to have zero alcohol in her system as a probationary licence holder.

She then underwent a drug test which also allegedly returned a positive result.

Her vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1005.

She will be required to attend court at a later date, where she can explain her actions to a Magistrate.

We empower young learners to take action, by nurturing their curious young minds.

Find out how our world class programs of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and expert staff in our Junior School and ELC can help your child flourish in our intimate learning spaces and classes.

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

12465118-DL42-20

Empowering curious young minds Non-Selective Entry | Non-Denominational Small Classes | Co-Educational ELC and Junior School Dedicated Senior Girls and Boys Schools

StMargarets.vic.edu.au Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 5

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Vision Australia ambassador Sam Valavanis

What have been some of your biggest achievements either at school or in your personal life?

A few of my biggest achievements have been: holding a presentation at school on International Day for Persons with Disability, in order to honour blindness and low vision, with special guest speakers from Vision Australia and other organisations who also have vision impairments; being named a Junior Ambassador at the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s 25th anniversary Christmas lunch event and hosting my very own virtual trivia fundraiser to raise money for Vision Australia’s LEAP (Learn, Engage, Act, Perform) program.

What’s your lifelong ambition?

I’m still not quite sure at this stage, but I would love to become a well-renowned radio presenter/announcer. I also have passions for music and creative writing, so would love to find success as either a singer or a writer as well (maybe I could even be all three!).

Did you have any childhood heroes?

Audiobook narrator Stig Wemyss, radio presenters Matt Tilley and Fifi Box, Channel 9 weather presenter Livinia Nixon, the character of Fireman Sam (one of my all-time favourite TV shows as a child), and, probably my greatest hero of all, my ophthalmologist Dr John MacKenzie of the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, who saved my life with his good charisma, on- point surgical procedures, and endless patience with me hassling him about when I would receive a bionic eye to be able to see again.

Who are your heroes now?

Singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor, wheelchair basketball and tennis player Dylan Alcott, and paralympic skier and cyclist Jessica Gallagher.

What’s an interesting/fun fact about yourself that even your best friend doesn’t know about you?

Something that not even the majority of my

THREE …

Kris Kringle ideas

1

Chocolate or candy If you’re struggling to choose the perfect gift and don’t want to settle for a gift voucher, a sweet treat is your answer. The best gifts are the ones that you would want to receive yourself, and, honestly, what would you adore more than a box of chocolates?

2

Jewellery Jewellery is something one does not generally buy for one’s self.

There are some things that are just not on most people’s radar, mostly because it is extra, considered a luxury, and come at a significant cost. Jewellery is one of these items. The fact that this is not an every day kind of gift makes it exciting and unique. Perhaps check out Drysdale’s Berwick Village Jewellery this Christmas?

3

Something quirky Lazy Frog Gifts in Pakenham is full of unique, high quality and affordable products - having something different to inspire and delight each customer. They offer outstanding customer service which includes free gift wrapping for all online and instore purchases. The store is also big on supporting products designed and made locally. With the 25 kilometre limit scrapped, road trip anybody?

Get to know Vision Australia ambassador Sam Valavanis. friends know about me is that I still collect and play with toys even as an 18-year-old. I also like to watch children’s cartoons such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Fireman Sam. I collect the toys mainly as a way to get an idea of what the characters and other visual aspects look like in the shows, as I cannot see them myself obviously and am fascinated by how everyone else sees them.

What are some of your hobbies?

I have quite a few hobbies which I love to indulge in, some more than others. These include travelling on public transport like trains and trams, shopping, going into the city to visit tourist attractions, eating at cafes and restaurants, and watching movies and TV. What makes you really happy and why?

I’m really happy whenever I’m on a train or tram, as I love travelling on them and am fascinated by them.

What creeps you out and why?

I am quite creeped out by germs, and have even been diagnosed with OCD. As such, I am often insistent on people washing their hands and keeping clean, although with the help of ongoing medication, it is not as bad as it used to be.

What is your favourite book?

I have a lot of books I love to read/listen to, but probably one of my favourite series of books would be the Treehouse series by Andy Griffiths.

What is one thing you’ve never eaten but would love to try?

I love eating a lot of different foods, and am always open to trying new things. However, I have yet to try certain Australian animals, like crocodile, barramundi and witchetty grubs, and would love to eat them all one day. I have tried kangaroo though, and I’m a big fan!

Respect is choosing not to laugh at jokes that put women down.

Respect women.

Call it out.

respectvictoria.vic.gov.au

6 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

12470011-HL49-20

To learn more

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Bypassed: Trail confusion

By Mitchell Clarke There is confusion as to which authority is responsible for maintaining a popular Berwick path.

The Hallam Bypass trail, which runs parallel to the Monash Freeway between Berwick and Doveton, is often used by pedestrians and walkers alike.

One local, who uses the path at least five times a week, said the site was overgrown and often used as a dumping ground.

He claims he’s been calling on both the Department of Transport (DoT) and City of Casey to tidy up the area for a year and a half.

“It’s in desperate need of a mow, and both have said they’ll follow it up and haven’t,” he said.

When questioned by Star News, both authorities shifted blame on to one another.

The Department of Transport said recent discussions between the organisations had determined that the council was responsible for the area.

But Casey Council’s city presentation manager David Richardson said the path/trail that runs along the freeway bypass from Berwick to Hallam is in fact the responsibility of VicRoads and it is not maintained by council.

The council only maintains a small easement near Yandilla Court, which leads to the freeway path, the council said.

A DoT spokesperson said the site was often inspected by crews, despite them not being the “responsible authority”.

“We carry out regular inspections of the site and in the past twelve months we’ve removed rubbish on seven occasions from the road reserve,” the spokesperson said.

The last record of illegal dumping was in May 2020. According to the Department, the rubbish was removed within two weeks.

Illegal dumping should be reported to the EPA on 1300 372 842.

The site in Berwick, near Yandilla Court. 221180

The trail is in desperate need of a mow, according to one local.

The Hallam Bypass trail, which runs parallel to the Monash Freeway between Berwick and Doveton, is often used by pedestrians and walkers alike. 221180

The local claims he’s been calling for the area to be tidied up for over a year now.

T X E N R U O Y N PLA

!

P I R T D A O R

A 1975 Princes Highway, Nar Nar Goon VIC 3812 T 03 5942 5895

W highwaycaravancentre.com.au

12470086-SN47-20

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 7

OPINION Planning for Melbourne’s green wedges and agricultural land – community engagement

LENSCAPE

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is seeking feedback on options to reform the planning system to deliver lasting protection of Melbourne’s agricultural land and guide decision making in our green wedges.

To learn more about the proposed options and have your say, visit https://engage.vic.gov.au/gwal

www.delwp.vic.gov.au

12473259-LB49-20

FR1195

Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 5 February 2021.

CHEAPEST FLOORING/DECKING •฀DECKING:฀Merbau,฀Spotted฀ Gum,฀Royal฀Reds,฀Blackbutt,฀ Tallowood฀70x19฀from฀$2.30p/m,฀ 86฀x฀19,฀90x19฀from฀$2.80p/m฀ 130฀x19,฀140x19฀from฀$4.50p/m •฀FlooRBoaRDS:฀Jarrah,฀ Blackbutt,฀Ironbark,฀Brush฀Box,฀ Spotted฀Gum,฀Tallowood฀,฀ Bluegum,฀Turpentine,฀Tasmanian฀ oak฀80x19,฀85x19,฀108x19,฀ 130x19,฀130x14฀from฀$2฀p/m

Berwick Woodworkers toy coordinator Ken Barnes with Cranbourne Information and Support Service Inc executive officer Leanne Petrides.

222669 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

STOCK LIQUIDATION SALE ALL NEW TIMBER 12448753-SN20-20

9708 5055 0411 515 158 11 Windale St, Dandenong Mel Ref: 90 G10

Pakenham Berwick Cranbourne Drouin

5941 4888 9707 5755 5996 6822 5625 2571

www.davidwbull.com.au

Australian owned family business since 1979.

1213066-EPJ04-16

David W Bull Funeral Directors Provide understanding care and personal service.

starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au com.au

Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

8 STAR NEWS

|

12452305-LN26-20

REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

On Thursday 26 November, a story was published across Star News Group’s social media pages about a Clyde father who was jailed on grooming charges.

Here is how our readers reacted online: Julie Wlazly: Nine months is all he gets!

Michelle Cooke: People like that don’t do very well in jail.

Denise Fletcher: Unfortunately the good old judges are in there as well, in their position they get away with it! Barbaric what people get away with.

Tony Rizzo: That is absolutely disgusting to think a grown man would do that.

Fantastic job to VicPol in capturing him and taking him off the streets.

Beccy Campbell: Don’t let the creep back on the streets.

Lori Anne Huysman: I hope they never take him back into the family home. I would fear for the safety of those kids.

Lyn Van: Disappointing that a media article led to a softer sentence.

Manda Park: Hmmm... always say its not true... then why pursue them once the know its an under-age person?

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs Down!

To Casey Council and VicRoads for not warning drivers beforehand about roadworks on Shrives Road Hampton Park. Two lanes of traffic backed up past Hampton Park Seniors Club.

Thumbs Up! To Kelly’s for continuing pick-up meals!

Thumbs Down!

To the roadworks on Clyde Road

Thumbs Up! To no Covid in Victoria.

Thumbs Down!

To customers who expect retail staff to be polite when you can’t even reply when spoken to.

Thumbs Down!

To Casey Council for closing Hampton Park Men’s Shed.

Thumbs Up! To the beautiful young woman at Fountain Gate on Friday morning who gave my dad a $50 Lowes gift card because she saw him shopping there and she never does and the card was due to expire on Christmas Day.

Thumbs Down!

To Australia Post who, even tho Covid is all but over, can’t get a parcel from Sydney delivered on time. Two weeks and counting.

Thumbs Down!

To all the long grass on the side of highway and nature strips ... get mowing council!

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.

Toys needed for region’s lost fur-babies Christmas is just around the corner - and the animal shelters are about to run out of toys.

The Lost Dogs’ Home is looking to the community to act as Santa’s helpers with its Christmas Pet Toy Drive.

The Home’s spokesperson, Suzana Talevski, said it was expected that hundreds of lost and abandoned dogs and cats will spend Christmas at The Lost Dogs’ Home. ‘’We believe that every pet waiting in a shelter for his or her forever home deserves the joy of play,” she said.

“No animal deserves to face Christmas alone. However, each year thousands of animals are brought into the Home during the festive season with nowhere else to go.

“The shelter environment can be stressful for some dogs and cats, and toys help ease that stress by providing enrichment opportunities and activities. ‘’We know that the place for our animals is in a permanent loving home but the reality is we are expecting hundreds of animals to be with us at our North Melbourne and Cranbourne sites over the holiday season and we are determined to make this time as happy for them as we can.’’

A gift of new or pre-loved toys could ensure the homeless pets area given an extra-special Christmas.

Picture: PEXELS A gift of new or pre-loved toys could ensure the homeless pets area given an extra-special festive season while they wait for the greatest

gift of all - a new home.

More information and details on donating: www.dogshome.com/toydrive. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IBAC INQUIRY

Perera copied C219 lines

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Cranbourne MP Jude Perera’s formal submission in favour of a land rezoning was effectively written by developer John Woodman’s planning consultant, IBAC has heard.

At the Operation Sandon inquiry, Mr Perera agreed that his signed submission to Casey Council in 2017 was “predominantly if not wholly a simple replication of Megan Schutz’s points”.

“It really was spectacularly inappropriate, is it not, that what is being put forward as a submission by you was in fact a submission by the representative of the developer,” counsel assisting IBAC Michael Tovey said.

Mr Perera said: “When you look at it that way, yes.”

In July 2017, Ms Schutz emails Mr Perera’s electorate officer Sammy Argiriou to request Mr Perera make a formal submission to Casey Council on Amendment C219.

Mr Argiriou replies: “Will do - email me some lines Ms Schutz (smiling face emoji)”.

Ms Schutz responds with nine dot-point paragraphs - a “complete submission”, Mr Tovey said.

The submission states the purportedly strong community support for rezoning though Mr Perera conceded he knew that the Save Cranbourne West Residents Action Group was linked to developers.

“The developer would have been the main engine room behind that or funded that,” Mr Perera told the hearing.

“But, after that, it has developed into the residents’ concern.”

Around that time, Mr Argiriou was largely running the MP’s electorate office due to Mr Perera being chronically ill.

“He was on top of everything,” including contacts with Ms Schutz, Mr Perera told IBAC. “He kept me informed. Even if I was in hospital, he sent me emails keeping me up to date.”

Mr Tovey noted that Ms Schutz reported several times on interactions between Mr Argiriou and Mr Perera or Mr Wynne in “very fine

detail”.

They included inside information from Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s office on Amendment C219, as well as a private conversation between Mr Wynne and Mr Perera at a visit to Cranbourne West in 2015.

Mr Perera said he’d report back on Mr Wynne’s indication of the timing of the C219 decision.

“So I pass that to Sammy, and if Megan wants to know an update my understanding was Sammy would give that.

“It’s just a matter of when a decision is going to be made or whether it has not been made, nothing beyond that.

“It’s not delicate information.”

IBAC budget ‘cuts’ queried

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A fiery political row erupted over funding for the state’s Independent Broad-based AntiCorruption Commission (IBAC).

Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien told Parliament on 25 November that IBAC’s funding had been slashed by $4.4 million in the 2020-’21 state budget.

“IBAC is currently conducting major investigations into branch-stacking by Labor Party MPs, the dealings of Labor donor John Woodman and your government’s association with the United Firefighters Union.

“Premier, is it a mere coincidence that the year IBAC is investigating the Labor Party is the same year it is having its budget slashed?”

Premier Daniel Andrews said IBAC had received “$49 million and indexation for each of the out years - exactly what IBAC sought”.

The future funding included IBAC keeping its unspent funds from previous years, Mr Andrews said.

“You are wrong,” he told Mr O’Brien.

“I say to you again: you are not much good at writing budgets, and you are no better at reading them.”

Mr Andrews said Mr O’Brien omitted the “members of the Liberal Party who were bribed, it would seem” investigated by IBAC. The commission is investigating Casey councillors, state Labor MPs and developers over alleged corrupt land deals as part of Operation Sandon.

Later, shadow Special Minister of State John Wells doubled down.

“Not only has Daniel Andrews cut IBAC’s funding, now he’s lying about it.”

A State Government spokesperson said

IBAC was receiving an extra $27.1 million - a 20 per cent rise - over four years. it was continuing to ensure IBAC had the resources needed to “investigate corrupt conduct and fulfill its statutory obligations”.

“The additional funding will allow IBAC to expand its important work - and to assist with the agency’s transition to budgetary independence.”

A month before the budget, IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich stated IBAC faced

serious constraints due to its “current, perilous budgetary position”.

Its core funding had been “largely static” since it was founded eight years ago, despite a significantly growing workload.

“IBAC cannot investigate a significant number of complaints of serious misconduct which may warrant our investigation.

“Exposing and preventing corruption cannot be adequately done on a static, inadequate budget.”

EVERYTHING WE’RE DOING IS KEEPING US ON TOP OF THIS VIRUS

Keep our fitted face masks on when indoors, on public transport and when we can’t keep our distance.

Keep catching up outdoors.

Keep washing our hands.

Keep getting tested if we have any symptoms.

Go to CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

12472968-CG49-20

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

IBAC INQUIRY

Richards regrets Woodman meet

Sam Aziz at the Operation Sandon inquiry on 1 December.

Flight at short notice

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards has told an IBAC hearing that she regretted a meeting with developer John Woodman days after he offered $20,000 to her 2018 election campaign.

IBAC surveillance officers reported observing and photographing a meeting between Mr Woodman, his lobbyist Philip Staindl and ALP candidate Ms Richards at the Sofitel Melbourne on 23 October 2018.

According to IBAC officers, the Amendment C219 industrial land supply review and the H3 intersection were discussed.

Mr Woodman had commercial interests in both issues, including a $2 million success fee for C219, IBAC has heard.

Counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey said Ms Richards made noises that were “at least encouraging” of her support during the “quite extensive” 75-minute briefing.

“I remember giving him the sense that it wasn’t my role as a candidate,” Ms Richards told the inquiry.

“So I smiled and must have been more agreeable than I had realised.”

During the campaign, she had become inclined to “smile and nod agreeably at all people as part of the natural way of encouraging people to vote for me”.

In a tapped phone call afterwards, Mr Woodman reports to land-owner Leightons’ consultant Tom Kennessey that Ms Richards was “totally on board”.

“I’m very confident that she’s going to deliver.

“I’m very comfortable that she’s going to go ‘all the way, Jose’ to make that happen.”

He also reported that Ms Richards was “very appreciative” of Mr Woodman’s “generous offer to her” - presumably an offer days earlier of $20,000 to her election campaign.

Later the Woodman camp are talking about an expectation that Ms Richards would be “sitting in front of” Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

After the Sofitel meeting, Mr Woodman authorises $20,000 to be paid - $10,000 to Ms Richards’ campaign, and $5000 each to Ferntree Gully and Ringwood campaigns.

“Surely you would agree in retrospect that the look of all that is very, very bad?” Mr Tovey asked Ms Richards.

“In hindsight I wished I hadn’t attended the meeting,” Ms Richards said.

“I wish I had been clearer in my intention not to make representations on his behalf.

“And in hindsight I accept that I wish I had been clearer in perhaps flattening his expectations of me.”

Ms Richards said she’d agreed to Woodman lobbyist and ALP life member Mr Staindl’s invitation to meet for a “coffee” at the Sofitel - after being put under pressure by his constant phone calls.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Pauline Richards appears at an IBAC Operation Sandon hearing on 30 November.

At the time, she didn’t see the $20,000 as depending on how she responded to Mr Woodman’s pitch.

Ms Richards told IBAC she requested $10,000 go to other seats due to her “discomfort” with the talks. She said she was “part rejecting” the donation.

“I felt I was sending a message that I was not interested in the campaign receiving such a large amount and that I felt I wanted him to understand that it ought go somewhere else.

“That I wanted him to take the pressure off and that I wouldn’t submit.”

A few days before the meeting, Planning Minister Richard Wynne had announced deferring the C219 decision to undertake an industrial land supply review.

She said she twice declined a letter handed to her by Mr Woodman, which he requested to be passed on to Planning Minister Wynne.

She said she told them the letter should be handed to Cranbourne’s retiring MP Jude Perera.

“I twice pushed with my hand away and said, ‘This is not my part of the ship.’”

On the third occasion, she conceded she may have taken the letter but “never submitted it”.

Ms Richards told IBAC she frequently used the phrase “not my part of the ship” to deflect any talk of planning issues.

She had kept in mind a “very forceful and explicit instruction” by someone from Mr Wynne’s office in early 2018 that candidates should stay away from planning issues.

By 2019, the ALP regarded Mr Woodman as “personae non grata” due to corruption allegations involving Casey councillors and him.

Mr Staindl reports after a “cuppa” with Ms Richards in April 2019 that she is “eternally grateful” for Mr Woodman’s election support but can’t raise his matters with Mr Wynne’s office.

“I can’t imagine that I would be saying I’m eternally grateful to John Woodman,” she told the inquiry.

“I may have said to Mr Staindl that I was grateful to him for his support, but I wouldn’t imagine that I would be wishing Mr Woodman any good wishes.”

St Francis Xavier College

Mr Aziz said he didn’t need to tell IBAC of his impending flight to Egypt, booked soon after IBAC officers raided his home on 17 September 2019.

At the time, he told the officers he wasn’t thinking about leaving for Egypt, the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry heard on 1 December 2020.

Within days, Mr Aziz advertised and sold his house in Barak Avenue, Berwick - which he informed IBAC officers at the time, he told the inquiry.

He booked an overseas flight and withdrew $117,000 from his home’s loan account.

He transferred $50,000 to his nephew in Cairo to “support his living expenses”, Mr Aziz told the hearing.

“Following the attendance of IBAC did you sell up and put yourself in a position to go overseas?” counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey asked Mr Aziz.

“Clearly it’s yes. It’s stating the obvious, isn’t it?” Mr Aziz said.

“I needed to get a break because of the amount of stress I was under, and the IBAC visit was actually the straw that broke my back, and I needed to get away.”

On 3 October 2019, Mr Aziz was asked during private evidence at IBAC about why he’d applied for leave of absence from Casey Council until 6 November.

He told IBAC at the time he was attending medical appointments and preparing for an Australian Lebanon Chamber of Commerce gala event.

Mr Aziz conceded he didn’t tell IBAC at the time of his ticket to leave Australia six days later.

“I didn’t need to, Mr Tovey.

“My immediate family were still back in Australia.

“When I found out that the (IBAC public) examinations had started in November, I booked a ticket on 19 November, and I have proof of that, to return but I couldn’t board the aircraft because of my health conditions.”

The Operation Sandon public inquiry has run from 18 November - 6 December 2019, as well as 2-17 March 2020 in Mr Aziz’s absence.

The hearings recommenced on 9 November, and are ongoing.

Limited plac es available at o ur Officer Camp us Year 7 2021

Berwick, Officer, and Beaconsfield

St Francis Xavier College is a comprehensive, co-educational Catholic Secondary College that offers a broad range of curriculum from Years 7 to 12.

We teach students to develop the skills of wellbeing to prepare them to not just be resilient to life’s challenges, but equip them with the necessary skills to flourish.

www.sfx.vic.edu.au

03 9707 3111

info@sfx.vic.edu.au

12472554-SG49-20

10 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

SCWRAG’s president Ray Walker in 2015. 146818

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Signs of SCWRAG’s funds

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Ex-Cranbourne MP Jude Perera revealed he knew at an early stage that Save Cranbourne West Residents Action Group (SCWRAG) was being sponsored by developer John Woodman.

Mr Perera says he still submitted SCWRAG’s purported petitions and documents to Planning Minister Richard Wynne and Casey Council, he told an IBAC hearing on 26 November.

In 2015, Mr Wynne visited industrial land which Mr Woodman and SCWRAG are lobbying to rezone for housing.

The minister made a “casual comment” that the residents group in support for rezoning Cranbourne West land had “erected such big posters”, Mr Perera told IBAC. “I can vaguely remember his making a mockery of that because ... we both hold the view that residents may not fund something like that.”

Mr Perera agreed that the link between SCWRAG and Mr Woodman’s company Watsons and his planning consultant Megan Schutz was known.

“In conversation we both - the minister and myself both understood it was the case.”

IBAC Commissioner Robert Redlich noted that Mr Wynne seemed “alive to the risk that that might have come via the developers”.

Mr Perera said he had no difficulty submitting SCWRAG’s documents after that realisation.

“One thing is the issue and the process is a different thing.

“The process of, you know, hyping up was the role of the developer, but the core issue lies with the local residents about the air pollution.

“As a human being I would not like to live next to an industrial estate.”

In an email by Ms Schutz, she relays details about Mr Wynne’s private conversation with Mr Perera during the visit.

Her source is allegedly Mr Perera’s electorate officer Sammy Argiriou.

“Sammy says that the Minister asked about the signs and said that clearly it had not been the community who paid for them.

“Sammy was unwilling to provide his direct view to me on whether he thought the minister supported the rezoning.

“But then pretty much said that his office would win on this matter ... It is about what the local community wants.”

At the inquiry, Mr Perera said he was unaware of Mr Argiriou’s disclosure. He agreed it was inappropriate.

IBAC has alleged that SCWRAG was funded $193,000 by Mr Woodman’s company Watsons and Ms Schutz’s firm Schutz Consulting.

Ms Schutz told IBAC in March 2020 that State Government ministers would have known the connection between SCWRAG and Mr Woodman.

“Community groups can’t pay for huge signs to be erected...

“There was such a huge amount of money that was spent resourcing the community group, the minister must have known that the community group and the developers’ interests were aligned.

“I don’t think that was hidden.”

Ms Schutz helped set up SCWRAG. She was financed to do so by another developer Leighton Properties, which owned the land and would gain a windfall from the rezoning.

Mr Woodman was offered a $2 million success fee.

Ms Schutz told IBAC “we were using the community as a basis for my client’s commercial interests”.

IBAC was told of Ms Schutz helping Mr Walker write a letter to lobby Casey councillors as part of a “political planning strategy”. It was boosted by traffic reports paid for by Watsons.

Developers had also paid for a barrister to give advice to SCWRAG on the legality of a Casey Council motion on Hall Road, as well as about $30,000 for a lawyer to represent the group at a Planning Panels Victoria hearing.

Mr Walker - as well as his wife Valerie - was being allegedly paid monthly retainers.

The IBAC Operation Sandon hearing into alleged corrupt land deals involving developers, councillors and MPs continues.

From page 1 Apart from the “very small” $25,000 loan from Mr Grossi, he had “written contracts” to cover the other arrangements, he said.

Mr Aziz said $600,000 of the Woodman money was “my own money being returned to me”.

The interest from Mr Woodman was part of a “legitimate” mezzanine financial arrangement, he said.

“I totally dispute your calculations. You have made many mistakes in your calculations.”

Mr Redlich told Mr Aziz that the Commission was still giving “due deliberation” on whether the payments were “corrupt”.

“You’ve made clear you don’t accept that they were corrupt. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

“But regardless ... what is clear is that you have in the most profound way failed to meet your integrity obligations as a councillor in terms of your obligations to disclose the private benefits that you were receiving.”

It was difficult to understand Mr Aziz’s “outrage and indignation” about the allegations given Mr Aziz had admitted to failing to disclose private benefits, Mr Redlich said.

Mr Aziz replied that he was “outraged” because his “achievements” at Casey Council “speak for themselves above and beyond any other municipal government not just in Victoria but in the whole of Australia”.

“Sure I failed to declare a conflict of interest on a few occasions.

“But my intention was not malicious nor was it intended to profit from my job.”

HAS YOUR SUPER FUND TAKEN A HIT DURING COVID-19?

12466817-JW43-20

‘Million dollar’ benefits

Property has always proven to be a safer, less volatile investment.

Talk to our experienced staff now to find out why.

03 9702 2595

safe-super.com.au Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

IBAC INQUIRY

‘Fab’ Graley denies ties

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A former Labor MP who supported developer John Woodman’s push to rezone Cranbourne West land told an IBAC inquiry she was not friends with him.

Judith Graley, the former MP for Narre Warren South, says she never felt any pressure from Mr Woodman about his planning matters but acted on behalf of “the community”.

At the time, she was unaware that the active community group Save Cranbourne West Residents Action Group (SCWRAG) was sponsored

by Woodman, she told the inquiry.

In 2018, she approached Planning Minister Richard Wynne or his office staff three times on the rezoning matter - Amendment C219.

Ms Graley recalled directly mentioning the issue to Mr Wynne on their way into the Parliament chamber in March 2018.

Ms Graley was couched as Mr Woodman and his associates’ last hope in swaying the State Government to rezone the land and “our good friend in the SE (South East)”.

“Judith is into this big time,” lobbyist Philip Staindl wrote to Mr Woodman in mid-2018.

In mid 2018, Mr Woodman writes: “Phil, I would say we would need a miracle.

“Only JG can deliver.

“Fingers crossed if JG feels the need to throw in the school site. Please advise to do so.

Thanks.”

Ms Graley told the inquiry it was “a very strange comment to make”.

She denied she was “into it big time”.

In an email, Mr Staindl refers to Ms Graley as “our good friend in the SE (south-east)” who was speaking with a senior staff member from Mr Wynne’s office.

Ms Graley “proceeded to spell out in a manner that ensured there was absolutely no chance of misunderstanding that to do anything other than rezone the land would be politically disastrous and also against the overwhelming view of the local residents,” Mr Staindl writes.

“She went so far as to predict it will be the difference between winning and losing the seat of Cranbourne.”

Ms Graley disagreed with counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey, that she was “enmeshed” with Mr Woodman.

She said Mr Woodman and Mr Staindl tended to “over-blow and overexaggerate things”.

“I certainly don’t see myself in the way that

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Judith Graley in 2016. 161948 ... language may paint me.

“I certainly never, never detoured from the fact that I was acting in good faith and on behalf of the community.”

She said she never thought Mr Staindl or Mr Woodman were seeking to use her in some way.

“I was never that influential.”

In 2015, Ms Graley was in monthly contact with Woodman’s lobbyist Mr Staindl in 2015.

She says they spoke about C219 as well as generally on politics, sport and travel.

Ms Graley said Mr Staindl and she “weren’t friends” nor working hand in hand on C219.

“He kept me informed”.

She didn’t understand she was being “cultivated” as part of Mr Woodman’s “sphere of influence” at the time.

Nor did she regard Mr Woodman as a friend.

She caught up for lunch with Mr Woodman

and Mr Staindl “three times at most” over 12 years. There were occasional catch-ups over cups of tea in cafes.

“The fact was that we really did enjoy catching up with each other because we had common interests and we enjoyed having a laugh and a chat with each other.”

Mr Woodman told the inquiry in 2019 he’d been funding Ms Graley’s political campaigning but denied she lobbied for the rezoning out of a “sense of obligation” to him.

Ms Graley had been a “friend” going back to her time as a Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor, one of the “main instigators” of Mr Woodman’s Martha Cove project, he said.

And she had the “ability to speak directly to the Minister for Planning”.

Ms Graley told the inquiry that she didn’t have contact with Mr Woodman during her six years on Mornington Peninsula council, including a year as mayor.

She just “saw him” “across the table” at council meetings when he was a planningpermit applicant in 2004-’05.

In an email in 2015, Mr Woodman named Ms Graley as part of the “Fab Four”, the inquiry heard.

He wrote to Mr Staindl about the need to conduct a C219 briefing with the ‘Fab Four’ including then-Cranbourne MP Jude Perera, former shadow planning minister Brian Tee and Keysborough MP Martin Pakula.

A year earlier, Ms Graley, Mr Pakula and Mr Perera’s state election campaigns shared a $30,000 donation from a joint fundraiser staged by Mr Woodman at Crown Casino.

“I never spoke to Mr Pakula about this issue,” Ms Graley told IBAC on 25 November.

“If I got $10,000 for that it was probably at the larger end of donations that I ever received.

“But, you know, I didn’t organise that.”

Post-Parliament, Graley says ‘no’ to Woodman job offer

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Former Labor MP Judith Graley says she turned down a community-development job offer from developer John Woodman, an IBAC inquiry has heard.

The offer came in August 2018 during a “general catchup” over a “cup of tea” in Florentino restaurant.

Ms Graley had already announced her political retirement as a Narre Warren South MP. Mr Woodman - flanked by his hired ALP lobbyist Philip Staindl - told her that “you should come and work with me”, she told the Operation Sandon inquiry on 25 November.

“I never said yes to the job,” she told the hearing.

She said she turned down Mr Woodman at a second meeting at Florentino.

The job description was “very vague”, Ms Graley said.

“I can assure you ... I was not going to do government relations or media or political engagement when I left politics.

“He had picked a skill set of mine, which I think is valuable, which is working with communities, working on community consultations and using community development techniques to get to develop action, political action, get things done.”

The inquiry heard a covert phone tap of Mr Woodman and Mr Staindl discussing an “on the ground” role for Ms Graley.

Mr Woodman says: “We will be going forward with her.”

12 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

Judith Graley at the IBAC hearing on 25 November.

They were to raise the matter with her at a lunch at Point Leo Estate restaurant on 2 November - a meeting that Ms Graley said never eventuated.

Ms Graley said she instead lunched with Mr Woodman and his executive assistant in late January 2019.

On 10 March 2020, IBAC heard that Ms Graley’s job with Mr Woodman was scuttled after she was told by ALP senior advisers to stay away from Mr Woodman’s push for Amendment C219.

C219 proposed the rezoning of industrial land for housing in Cranbourne West.

Developer consultant Tom Kenessey told the hearing that a “devastated” Ms Graley apparently told Mr Woodman in early 2019 she was going to take 12 months’ holiday and didn’t want to work with him anymore.

Mr Woodman seemed “disappointed” by the news, Mr Kenessey said.

Counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey, told Mr Staindl as an IBAC witness on 12 November that the job offer “smacks very

much of a bribe”.

“No, it was actually looking at how we could build on her skill set, and the area that was being discussed was community development because she had a strong interest in that role,” Mr Staindl replied.

In the lead-up, Ms Graley had been advocating to the Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s office for the rezoning of Cranbourne West industrial land, the inquiry heard.

At stake was a $200 million residential estate proposal by developer Leightons and ensuing windfall profits. Mr Woodman stood to gain a $2 million ’success fee’.

Ms Graley said she was motivated by the community’s desire, and denied she was “enmeshed” as part of the Woodman “team” or the “champion” of the cause.

According to IBAC’s analysis, Mr Woodman and his entities paid $17,500 in Ms Graley’s electoral campaign fund in 2014-’16.

Cranbourne MPs Jude Perera and his successor Pauline Richards’ campaigns received $57,350 from Woodman between 2014-’19.

In October and November 2018, reports in The Age linked C219 to alleged inappropriate influence involving Mr Woodman, state MPs and Casey councillors.

Soon after, on the eve of a state election, Mr Wynne deferred his decision on the rezoning.

Ms Graley said she had “no idea” that Mr Woodman was cultivating a network of political influence at state and council level.

“I find it distressing ... ” berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

12469896-SG49-20

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

Ordination of Catholic Bishop of Sale next week The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop-elect Greg Bennet as the 10th Catholic Bishop of Sale will take place next Tuesday 8 December, at 11am.

The ceremony will be held at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, within the current Covid-19 restrictions.

Principal consecrator will be the Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli, assisted by co-consecrators the former Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart, and the former Bishop of Sale and now Archbishop of Adelaide Patrick O’Regan.

Diocesan administrator Father Peter Slater said the while diocese would have liked to have invited more guests and had more clergy participate in the ceremony, being CovidSafe is a key priority at this time.

“Plans are in place for what we hope be a safe, special and memorable occasion for Bishop-elect Greg and the people of the Diocese of Sale,” he said.

The livestream will commence at 10.45am with a ‘diocesan welcome’ video followed by the ceremony at 11am on the ‘Catholic Diocese of Sale’ YouTube channel and via the diocesan website cdsale.org.au/ bishop-ordination-bennet “I encourage people to watch the livestream and follow along with the ceremony booklet which be available from the Diocesan website.”

The current CovidSafe per metre density allowance caps the gathering to 70 people within the dimensions of St Mary’s Cathedral.

There will also be limits on the number of clergy and others involved in the cer-

Eric Guthrie from Berwick Woodworkers with Courtney Banks from Windermere. 222669 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS The incoming Bishop of Sale, Greg Bennet, will be ordained on Tuesday 8 December. emony who can be on the sanctuary at any one time.

The ceremony will have a very small choir compared to previous ordinations, with singers being socially distanced.

Bishop-elect Greg Bennet has served as a priest in a variety of senior roles in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, including in the role of Vicar General.

He was appointed by Pope Francis to Sale on 27 June, following the previous Bishop of Sale, Patrick O’Regan’s appointment to the Archdiocese of Adelaide.

Eric and Bill Bradshaw with the wooden toys.

Set to share the care?

Subscribe to the

Berwick Star News Digital Edition

By Mitchell Clarke

FREE BERWICK

Thursday, 20 September, 2018

BERWICK

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

/berwickstarnews

School's $3.9 million pledge

Students go green

How the SEFNL was won

PAGE 3

PAGE 5

SPORT

@StarNews_SE

Thursday, 20 September, 2018

40¢ Inc. GST berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

com.au

Property Lift out

rea

/berwickstarnews

School's $3.9 million pledge

Students go green

How the SEFNL was won

PAGE 3

PAGE 5

SPORT

@StarNews_SE

40¢ Inc. GST

com.au

real estate

Property Lift out

After three premierships in four years, Berwick are enjoying their most successful era.

185297 Picture: ROB CAREW

After three premierships in four years, Berwick are enjoying their most successful era.

185297 Picture: ROB CAREW

Berwick’s belter Berwick's intensity from the opening bounce until the final siren simply can't be matched.

Their premiership victory against Narre Warren on Saturday - giving the club back-toback flags for just the second time in club history - was intense, finals footy laced with the right amount of class.

After a third premiership in four years, the word 'dynasty' is deservingly being bandied around, and for good reason.

The club has a stranglehold over the southeast region - they're relentless, driven by success and are always chasing their next challenge. It's the cornerstone of all successful sporting clubs.

While the weather may have been arctic in their 51-point win over Narre Warren, the Wickers put in a magical performance befitting of a champion team in the midst of a golden era.

From the superstar Travis Tuck, who came to the club with a high expectation that has

now culminated with a best on ground medal in a grand final, to their champion skipper Madi Andrews, dynamic forward Harry Money, gun midfielder Bryce Rutherford and reliable defenders Jo West and Michael Riseley, the Wickers possess remarkable star power.

"We pride ourselves on our relentless approach," Berwick coach Stewart Kemperman said in the aftermath of another premiership win.

And as for Kemperman, he couldn't have a dreamt of a start to his senior coaching career

FACTORY DIRECT BLINDS FOR LESS

16 A Casey Lifestyle Centre 430 - 440 Princes Highway Narre Warren

Affordable and Compassionate

03 9562 1855

12387046-EPJ16-18

Serving Melbourne for over 75 years

155 Sladen St, Cranbourne

- two premierships in two years.

Not only is the former Noble Park champion blessed with an incredible squad, but he's a forward thinker, a modern day coach with an incredible tactical nous.

The foundations are set, and as the club embarks on a new era in AFL Outer East, it seems the Wickers show no signs of slowing down.

Turn to sport for more about a golden day for the Wickers in the final ever grand final of the South East Football Netball League.

12392692-LN28-18

By Nick Creely

30-32 Victor Cres Narre Warren 3805

Call for a Free Mearsure & Quote

Ph: 8794-9111 www.cozyindooroutdoor.com.au

VISIT

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au/subscribe |

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

201902226453-AM10-19

BERWICK

14 STAR NEWS

Brian Crowe from Berwick Woodworkers. 222669

222669

With the festive season fast approaching, the team at Windermere is on the hunt for donations to bring some Christmas cheer to people in need.

For over 10 years, the Merry Mission Appeal has been providing gifts and helping hampers to local families doing it tough.

But in these trying times, the organisation has found that families are increasingly turning to them for assistance to find safety from escalating family violence and trauma situations.

With hundreds of local families out of work and struggling to make ends meet, Windermere CEO Dr Lynette Buoy said the need in the community would be greater than ever before.

“This year, more than ever, more families have faced more challenges, they are in desperate need and experiencing crisis like never before,” Dr Buoy said.

She added the 2020 appeal had been launched at the end of a year that many would rather forget.

“Even without the aftermath of a pandemic, many people in our community find Christmas to be a particularly tough and lonely time of year,” she said.

But it’s hoped the community will get behind the Merry Mission Appeal and spread some festive joy by donating to the organisation.

“These are undoubtedly tough times, but together we can keep the magic of Christmas alive and make this festive season that little bit brighter for families in our community who are doing it particularly tough,” Dr Buoy added.

“We are so grateful to all our supports, and especially thankful to the Toy Workshop and Marco’s IGA for partnering with us to deliver the appeal in a Covid safe manner.”

Courtney loads up the toys. 222669 With the pandemic posing its own challenges, this year’s drive has been digitalised in line with the need for contactless food and gift deliveries.

To donate to Windermere’s 2020 Merry Mission appeal, call 1300 946 337 or visit windermere.org.au/merry-mission-2020. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

12473134-LB49-20

The doorway to affordable luxury is now open Display Homes Open Day, Saturday 5 December

If you’re over 50 you can step into a fabulous life of luxury today. Simply downsize to a brand-new home at Lifestyle Kaduna Park and look forward to a future with 5-star resort facilities at your doorstep in a safe and vibrant gated community.

Display Homes Open Day Saturday 5 December 2020, 10am – 4pm

And with brand-new homes now selling from $360,000 to $535,000* you’ll have all the money you need left over to enjoy true financial freedom!

Come and see our brand-new display homes at Lifestyle Kaduna Park—the latest luxury community in the South East.

Call 1300 50 55 60 to find out more.

45 Heytesbury Drive, Officer South | lifestylekadunapark.com.au

Over 50s Resort Living

*Price correct as at November 2020

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 15

BUSINESS PROFILES

Don’t put up with foot and leg pain any longer.

Help for foot and leg pain 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 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

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

FRESH PITA BREAD Only the best $4

ple including adults children and seniors with a range of common and complex foot, ankle, knee and hip pain and concerns, and is having enormous success with his clinically proven treatment plans for foot, knee and hip injuries and arthritis. With 25 years experience specifically focused on musculoskeletal, sports and regenerative medicine for the lower limbs, Dr Dowie is recommended by GPs, specialists and allied health practitioners. He even advises and trains other health practitioners in these areas.

So if you’re sufferring from foot or leg concerns including, injury or arthritis and are wanting to: alleviate pain heal injuries improve function and mobility avoid or prolong surgery improve tissue regeneration for injuries and arthritic joints Dr Dowie’s Foot and Leg Pain Clinic in Berwick may just be your answer.

Appointments can be made by calling 1300 328 300.

· · · · ·

New look for Woolies store

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.

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

Foot and leg pain is extremely common in people of all ages and lifestyles. Children often suffer from growth and development conditions, but when it comes to adults and seniors soft tissue injuries, joint pain and arthritic concerns are particularly common.

However, until fairly recently the only options for treating these were rest, anti-inflammitory medications and cortisone injections, which only mask the symptoms as neither actually help to heal these conditions, or undergoing surgery, which may or may not improve the condition.

The good news is that now these types of conditions are extremely treatable. You just need to have a correct diagnosis, an experienced musculoskeletal professional and the very latest regenerative treatments. Fortunately, we have an expert in all of these, right here in the south-eastern suburbs.

Dr Paul Dowie from Foot and Leg Pain Clinics in Berwick, is one of Australia’s leading foot, ankle and knee pain experts and has been the chosen practitioner for some of the world’s best athletes. He’s assisted thousands of peo-

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

Local shoppers now have access to a fresh, new-look supermarket in the Beaconsfield area, with the completion of the Woolworths Beaconsfield store renewal.

In addition to the convenience of a pick up service at the service desk, from Thursday 3 December customers can experience a new look fruit and vegetable section and organic produce selection, as well as upgraded features throughout the store. Plus you’ll find a range of Gluten Free grocery and chilled products, as well as artisan, stone-baked breads from the new full-production bakery and made to order cakes for any special occasion.There’s also a new continental style deli which has a range of sliced meats, cheeses, antipasto and olives. Customers will also find it easier to get in and out of the store with a new and improved customer service area and more self-serve checkouts, making it a more convenient place to shop. Woolworths Beaconsfield store manager, Andrew White said: “We want to raise the bar in convenient shopping to give our customers time back in their busy lives. We’re pleased to be able to offer a new look supermarket for our customers, providing local shoppers all their grocery and fresh food needs in one convenient location.” For those shoppers who choose to shop online and pick up their orders in-store, Woolworths now has a dedicated Pick Up zone with designated parking bays for store-to-boot convenience.

“To take the stress out of shopping, our new pick up service means you can shop

The full production bakery can make cakes to order for any special occasion. online and have your groceries delivered to your car in our new dedicated parking bays at a time that suits you,” Andrew said. In addition, locals can speak with the in-store meat specialist to help decide on cuts of meats and how to prepare, cook and serve to ensure a fresh and delicious meal. Woolworths also has behind the counter service to help customers select an array of daily fresh fish and marinade options in their new look seafood department. Woolworths Beaconsfield is open 7am to 11pm, seven days a week and is located at 28 Sylvia Road in Beaconsfield.

12457581-SN33-20

16 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Win a $500 gift card We know 2020 has been a year like no other and many families are doing it tough, so the Star News is giving you the chance to be a star and treat your family this Christmas.

Enter the draw for your chance to win a Woolworths gift card to take your loved ones shopping for scrumptious food and delicious treats to enjoy on the big day … on us.

There are four $500 gift cards up for grabs

to help ease the burden this festive season and bring a smile to everyone’s face.

But you have to be in it to win it!

To enter, head to starcommunity.com.au/ competitions and register your details.

But be quick as entries close on Friday 18 December at noon.

And, don’t forget to spread the Christmas cheer by inviting your friends to enter too!

Is social media worth it?

Have you tried using social media to market and promote your business? If so, I wonder what level of success you have had? Between 2002 and 2006 Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn all launched and with this came a buzz of excitement around what platforms like these could do for your business. I also remember reputable marketing experts in the business sector saying categorically that unless you had a presence on social media, your business was doomed. Was this true?

Well there are very many successful businesses around that either have little or no social media presence and still continue to do well, and plenty of companies that have grown directly as a result of their social media promotions.

The fact is that it really is ‘horses for courses’ and there is no single rule for social media that governs whether your business will be a success or not. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn were all created to achieve different ends and tend to attract different membership bases. Let’s have a look at each.

Perhaps surprisingly, first cab off the rank was LinkedIn which was founded in December 2002 primarily as a platform for professional networking. This facilitated companies advertising for new staff as well as enabling its membership to publicise their employment appeal through a summary of their skills, qualifications and experience. Today LinkedIn is still seen as the most professional of the social media platforms and recognising this, Microsoft bought LinkedIn on 13 June 2016, for US$26.2 billion!

Facebook came next in February 2004 when Mark Zuckerberg, along with a number of fellow Harvard University students developed it as a social networking platform. The forerunner to Facebook was Facemash which, now somewhat controversially, was built as a website to allow visitors to compare two female student pictures side by side and provide their opinion on who was more attractive. These days, Facebook tends to be used a lot to simply share visually what people are doing and its business use is often to promote events or special offers. Businesses that appear

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH to be particularly suited to Facebook are small companies or sole traders that have a strong social aspect such as the provision of arts and music services, products and services for children and just about anything that has a ‘fun’ component. It is less used by businesses with a more serious focus.

Twitter was originally conceived as a purely SMS-based communications platform that used a limit of 140 characters to enable members to “tweet” what they were up to. Although the limit as now doubled, it still functions as simple and fast way to let people know what you are up to. These days, apart from individuals, it tends to be used by businesses in the social and retail sector that, like Facebook business users, want to provide swift and ready visibility of special offers and promotions. It is also used by those who want to promote themselves personally such as film stars, musicians and politicians.

So the ‘horses for courses’ rule applies.

You are unlikely to see many accountants promoting their business using Facebook or Twitter generally unless it is around tax return time when this might not be such a bad idea.

Notwithstanding whichever platforms you decide to use, the true value of any of these as a marketing media really comes down to the message you want to send.

You may have a jumpy castle business that ought to be perfect for Facebook or Twitter, but if the message is confused or unclear, chances are that it won’t help anyway. The good news is that none of these platforms is expensive to use so, if you can craft the right message, may be worth giving it a try anyway.

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

Date

Time

Wednesday 2 December

10am - 5pm

Thursday 3 December

10am - 5.30pm

Pet Photography, 6pm - 8pm

Friday 4 December

10am - 5.30pm

Pet Photography, 6pm - 8pm

Saturday 5 December

10am - 5pm

Sunday 6 December

10am - 5pm

Monday 7 December

9am - 5pm

Tuesday 8 December

9am - 5pm

Wednesday 9 December

9am - 5pm

Thursday 10 December

9am - 5.30pm

Pet Photography, 6pm - 8pm

Friday 11 December

9am - 5.30pm

Pet Photography, 6pm - 8pm

Saturday 12 December

9am - 5pm

Sunday 13 December

9am - 5pm

Monday 14 December

9am - 5pm

Tuesday 15 December

9am - 5pm

Wednesday 16 December

9am - 6pm

Thursday 17 December

9am - 8pm

Friday 18 December

9am - 8pm

Saturday 19 December

9am - 5pm

Sunday 20 December

9am - 5pm

Monday 21 December

9am - 6pm

Tuesday 22 December

9am - 6pm

Wednesday 23 December

9am - 6pm

Thursday 24 December

9am - 5pm

caseycentral.com.au | | 12471915-CG49-20

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 17

Be a

...

and treat your family this

It’ll be Smiles all round with your chance to

WIN one of FOUR $500 Woolworths gift cards!

Take your family shopping for all those scrumptious foods and delicious treats for your family to enjoy on the big day... on us!

00 $5 $500

$500

$500

But, you must be in it to win it!

Go to starcommunity.com.au/competitions and register your details NOW! Entries close Noon Friday December 18, 2020

Spread the cheer and invite your friends to enter too!

12471377-MB48-19

18 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

12472060-SN48-20

Extensive Lunch Menu All Day Breakfast Coffee, Cakes, Juices & Smoothies Christmas Gift vouchers available

We all have our Favourite Place to Eat Locally - right!

HOT DOGS PRETZELS MILKSHAKES COFFEE

Star News and leading local • Restaurants • Cafes • Pubs are giving you the chance to win a

OPEN EVERYDAY 7am to 5pm Ph: 8759 5568 6/55 Old Prices Hwy, Beaconsfield

$150 DINING VOUCHER

30 ADAMS LANE, BERWICK ( INSIDE OF NEW YORK BARBERS ) M-F: 9AM-5PM SAT: 8AM-3PM 12471818-LB48-20

at the venue of your choice!

BAR OPEN

Scan the venues listed in our Favourite Place to Eat feature and tell us where you want to dine - on us!

For your 2hr booking call or message us asap!!

Enter online at starcommunity.com.au/competitions

13/84 BEMERSYDE DR, BERWICK PH: 9702 6009

Entries close 5pm Friday 11th December

GIFT VOUCHERS FOR CHRISTMAS NOW AVAILABLE

12471898-HL48-20

Look for the Favourite Place to Eat competition!

RESTAURANT AND BAR

Revival is available for intimate private functions and events, just call Pete for more details.

• PIZZA • CHEESE PLATTER • TAPA’S

OPEN Monday - Thursdays 6am - 2pm, Friday - Saturday 6am- 11:30pm CALL NOW for more details

Follow us on

0424 492 061 0419 663 582

12472103-DL48-20

Brand New Outdoor Alfresco area

DINE IN, DELIVERY AND TAKE AWAY AVAILABLE Christmas Bookings Christmas Catering

DOWNLOAD FREE APP AND PLACE YOUR ORDER OR CALL 8764-5913

NOW OPEN

12471834-SN48-20

BOOK NOW!!

FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE

TRADING HOURS THURS - SUN | 4PM-8PM

Shop 19/215 - 225 Parkhill Dr, Berwick Ph: 8764 5913

25 - 27 High Street, Berwick Facebook.com/lavainberwick Contact us 03 9707 4446 www.lavainberwick.com.au

CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS NOW AVAILABLE COVID RESTRICTIONS APPLY LUNCH: 11:45AM - 2PM DINNER: 5.30PM - 8PM BOTTLE SHOP OPEN: 10AM - 8PM Cardinia Park Hotel would like to thank all our customers for their continued support & invite any new customers to give us a try.

P: 9707 1188 For menu and specials go to www.cardiniaparkhotel.com.au or Cardinia Park Hotel 200 Beaconsfield-Emerald Rd, Beaconsfield 12471840-DL48-20

12471852-DL48-20

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

202011139307_1-DL48-20

LAVA CAFE RESTAURANT

STAR NEWS 19

SUPPORT LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS Nourish your body with this easy-to-make snack.

Jen, Kay, Jim and Michelle. 221811

CACAO HEMP PROTEIN BALLS By the Berwick Bulk Foods team Gluten free and flourless Makes 16 Balls Ingredients

· ¼ cup (25g) hemp seeds (plus extra for topping) · 3 tbsp (21g) cacao powder · 1 cup (110g) dry roasted almonds or walnuts · ¾ cup (130g) Loving Earth 85% dark chocolate

· 1 cup (130g) pitted dates Method 1. Place dates, hemp seeds, cacao powder, and almonds (reserving 16) in food processor.

Blend until well combined.

2. Roll a tablespoon of the mixture into a ball and poke an almond in the middle. Mould mixture into a ball around the nut. Repeat with

remaining mixture.

3. (Optional) Using a double boiler melt the dark chocolate. Once melted roll the balls in the chocolate. Place the balls onto a baking tray sprinkling the hemp seeds on top. Place the balls in the fridge to set.

Recipe from Nourish in 5 By Amy Lee

New Christmas stock arriving daily

Quality gifts to treasure James, Kay and staff members Jen and Michelle of Drysdale’s Berwick Village Jewellery are delighted to be open again and are looking forward to all in the community being able to enjoy healthy and happy get-togethers with families and friends in the Festive Season.

As they are now planning to be retired by the end of January they are currently offering half price on all watches in stock and a 20 percent discount on jewellery purchases.

Also recently arrived and now in stock ready for special Christmas gifts are earrings,

enhancers, chains, and many more sterling silver pieces will arrive next week.

The owners would like to take this opportunity to express their thanks to the wonderful local community that they have been so privileged to be part of over the past almost 37 years, but as you are probably well aware, both are past traditional retirement age.

Jim will still be accessible for personal jewellery work, with details to be advised during early 2021.

VISIT: WWW.HARRYSCLOTHING.COM.AU

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE THE BEST STYLES FOR EACH SEASON SELECTED BY HAND

Specialising in designing, remodelling of Jewellery 20% OFF SALE STILL ON.....

Christmas Gift Vouchers Available OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LATE ON FRI, SAT & SUN

9 Loveridge Walk, BERWICK

12472558-SN49-20

Ph: 9796 2777 This and other watches are currently available for half price.

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS AT GO VITA Gift vouchers also available Go Vita Berwick 10 Blackburne Square BERWICK PH 9707 1148 www.govitaberwick.com

DRYSDALES – the Jewellers Quality jewellery is forever Drysdales Berwick Village Jewellery 2 Blackburne Square Berwick VIC 3806 03 9707 2647 | berjewel@ozemail.com.au

Follow us on instagram and facebook 12473435-NG49-20

20 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

12471744-JW48-20

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

SUPPORT LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Casey’s back to business As retail and hospitality businesses reopen across Victoria, Casey Council is providing ongoing support through the Backing Business in Casey program and is encouraging community members to eat, drink and shop locally.

With funding provided through the State Government’s $58 million Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package, the council is assisting local businesses to create unique outdoor spaces whilst also delivering three pop up dining precincts for residents to enjoy over the summer months.

To be established in High Street and Kempson Walk in Berwick, Webb Street in Narre Warren and High Street in Cranbourne from mid December, the pop-up spaces will provide the community with a vibrant shopping and dining experience.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff is encouraging the community to shop local and support Casey’s hospitality and retail sectors.

“We are committed to working with our businesses to ensure we support the sector’s recovery while also meeting the needs of our community members,” said Ms Duff.

“We encourage residents to shop local this summer and support our local businesses, many of whom are owned by local families.”

Feedback collected via an online survey in September, highlighted that the Casey community overwhelmingly supports the council creating more spaces, including pop-up parks, for hospitality and businesses to expand out-

A pop up dining and shopping space will be created on High Street Berwick. 222794 door dining opportunities.

All precincts will be family friendly spaces with Covid-19 safe measures in place. Visitors are encouraged to follow restrictions and be mindful of some temporary changed traffic conditions, such as reduced car parking and lowered speed limits, which have been implemented to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Hospitality businesses looking to expand their outdoor dining space can still apply for the council’s free Expanded Outdoor Dining permit.

Embracing community this festive season

By Brad Battin, Member for Gembrook The lead up to Christmas always provides an opportunity for reflection and contemplation of what has been and what can be, with the hope that many people will find the moments that have brought happiness to them.

The feeling of hope is of greater significance this year, as we embrace the chance to reignite old friendships and relate to each other as a community again. We can take solace in the beautiful communities we live in and acknowledge the essence of what makes us a community and hold this in the forefront of who we are and why we live where we do.

To build on what makes our community is to continue to support each other by continuing to be kind and lending a helping hand when we see someone in need. As part of this generosity of spirit, I am sharing with you the importance of “Think Local, Support Local”. I am running a competition to support this initiative, where I am asking residents to nominate their favourite local business and go into a draw to win a voucher to the value of at least $50 to spend over Christmas at the store they nominated. Entries will be accepted until Friday 11 December and will be drawn on 12 days throughout December. You can enter the competition by going onto my website; bradbattin.com.au.

I believe as we reflect on 2020, we can allow ourselves to reach out to the year ahead with renewed enthusiasm as we reflect on the year that has been and look towards the

Member for Gembrook, Brad Battin. future for new beginnings. We can thoughtfully consider the future and the joy that can be part of this journey of discovery and hope as we move forward.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, filled with all the moments that bring a smile to your face and happiness to your heart.

We've got Christmas all wrapped up!

12471765-SN48-20

DROUIN & BEACONSFIELD HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE

Drouin

280 Princes Way, Drouin

5625 2955 Beaconsfield

102-112 Old Princes Highway, Beaconsfield

9707 5055 berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

12473180-NG49-20

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 21

NEWS As restrictions continue to ease, locals are being encouraged to shop and dine locally. Star News Group photographer STEWART CHAMBERS was out and about to snap some photos of families enjoying their Covid-normal.

Enjoying Covid-normal Harlow, 6 months, back on the frothies (milk) at Cafe Revival.

Anthony at Lava Cafe enjoys the ambience.

Jordyn (2) with grandma Connie at Pioneers Park.

Kaitlynn from Lava Cafe and Restaurant has the coffee machine ready. 222794

Nikki, Tony, Cheryl and Debra have a family catch up at Lava Cafe.

Casey Council has placed signs around High Street Berwick, encouraging locals to get out and about in Casey. 222794

Regulars at Cafe Revival: Marg, Charlotte the birthday girl, Abbey, Amelia, Garth, Chris and Richard.

Tender process stalled by officer conflict

By Andrew Cantwell An undisclosed conflict by a Casey Council officer has led to a tender being abandoned at this week’s meeting of Casey administrators.

The meeting on Tuesday 1 December heard the conflicted officer sat on the evaluation panel of a tender related to manag-

ing public open space, mostly for local and prominent parks, sports ground surrounds and road reserves.

The meeting agenda noted that 12 firms had placed bids for the work, valued at $7.18 million.

Officers had nominated four of those firms to be appointed to undertake separate aspects of the contract, and recommended in

the agenda they be approved by administrators.

Of the eight members of the evaluation panel, six were council officers and staff.

After learning of the conflict, administrators resolved to drop the current tender process, and the contract will be put to tender again next year.

In extraordinary move, court grants mercy Overturned

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A jealous man who tracked and brutally pummeled his estranged wife’s new beau at a country getaway has escaped ‘mandatory’ jail after her impassioned mercy plea to the court.

In a “unique” and “exceptional” case, the County Court of Victoria granted mercy to the Endeavour Hills man to spare hardship to his ex-wife and - in the main - to his three young children on the autism spectrum.

The Star News has chosen not to name the man so as to not identify the children.

The man had tracked the couple with a mobile phone in her car’s boot to a Halls Gap cottage late at night in August 2018.

Armed with a metal pole, he entered the cabin and bashed the male victim with “full force”.

Six or seven “substantial” blows struck the victim’s head and several to the torso, judge David Brookes said during sentencing on 20 November.

The victim managed to hide in vegetation.

He sought help at a neighbouring cottage where he fell unconscious.

In hospital, he received stitches for deep cuts behind his ear, to his forehead and leg.

He later told police that he thought he was going to die during the attack.

At one stage, the attacker stood over him and directly struck him with the pole to the forehead.

The accused man told his former wife not to be afraid.

He then drove at least 260 kilometres to Dandenong police station, where he made fulsome admissions about 2.25am.

According to the defendant, he had known 22 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

about the couple’s “friendship”.

But until his arrival at the cottage that night, he didn’t realise their relationship was romantic.

This spontaneously spurred his violent reaction, he argued.

The man pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary with an intent to assault - an offence punishable with a maximum 25 years’ jail.

He also pleaded guilty to intentionally causing injury and contravening a bail condition.

On 20 November, Judge David Brookes noted that too often perpetrators are men who act with a “possessive violent rage” after a breakup.

These types of “domestic” aggravated burglaries had the potential to escalate to “serious harm” and “real tragedy”.

Judge Brookes noted the defendant had no prior convictions, made great strides to rehabilitate and was generally remorseful.

But it was only “exceptional” hardship to his family that spared him a “normally mandatory” jail term.

It was “paradoxical” that the leniency benefited the mother, who was one of the victims.

Which was why mercy could only be extended in “stringent circumstances,” Judge Brookes said.

A clinical report stated the children were di-

agnosed as ASD Level 2, requiring substantial support for their entire lives.

They depended on routine. Great life changes could cause a “cascading” cognitive and developmental impacts over many years.

In a letter to the court, the man’s former wife argued she couldn’t “fathom the damage” to the children if their father was jailed.

“It would turn their little worlds upsidedown,” she wrote.

As the primary caregiver, she relied on him financially and to help her solely focus on her children’s needs.

He paid the mortgage on the family home as well as for the children’s special schools and uniforms.

Without his support, she and the children would be likely uprooted, seeking a new home, schools and therapists.

With limited help from family, her only respite was provided by the defendant twice a week. It allowed her time to rest, shop, do housework.

She described even a simple trip to buy bread would require pre-communication with the children.

It would often be cancelled due to their anxiety in going to the shops.

The children would “count down the sleeps” for the regular fun activities with their “far more focused“ Dad, she wrote.

“If they were to find out (the defendant) was in jail, it would send them so far backwards.”

The man was placed on a four-year supervised community corrections order. It included 200 hours of unpaid work.

Up to 100 hours of the work component could be used for mental health treatment.

By Andrew Cantwell Casey administrators have reversed the sacked Casey Council’s endorsement of a rezoning proposal at Cranbourne West at the centre of an active IBAC corruption probe.

The rezoning, first raised in 2014, would have led to windfall profits to the landholders, and the IBAC inquiry is looking at the dealings of property developer and planner John Woodman, some former Casey councillors, lobbyists and State officials - with IBAC probing the timing and nature of payments reportedly in excess of $1.2 million.

The C219 rezoning proposal to change industrial land to residential has already been quashed by State Planning Minister Richard Wynne.

At their meeting on Tuesday 1 December, Casey administrators noted two land-use surveys released this year that impacted Casey and the South East growth areas of Melbourne.

In light of the information in the surveys, administrators resolved to reverse two specific motions of the former council, dated 16 December 2014 and 15 May 2018, specifically backing the rezoning being championed by Mr Woodman.

Further, the administrators threw their support behind the retention of ‘employment’ land at Cranbourne West and at Casey Fields South.

Interested parties involved in the 2014 and 2018 council motions will be notified of the new stance. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Cooking up CALD support

By Danielle Kutchel As the child of migrants, Ashvina understands better than most the sorts of struggles that new arrivals to Australia face.

Her parents were lucky enough to have money when they arrived, but others who came with them did not, and subsequently struggled to make it through.

After investigating the subject for a report at university, Ashvina realised that the supports that were in place when her parents arrived hadn’t changed all that much in the intervening years, leading to social isolation, exclusion and food poverty.

Searching for information online about what support was available for migrants - and finding very little - something clicked for Ashvina: “if there were gaps in links online, there had to be a gap in services for all these communities.”

She set about creating COOK4CALD, to provide food to the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community in Casey and Dandenong.

The passion project soon bloomed from an idea formed at the dining table into an organisation of 50 volunteers.

Starting on Sunday December 6, the group will begin cooking meals each Sunday at the Casey Youth Hub on Webb Street, Narre Warren. The summer program will run until February, and Ashvina hopes it will bring some joy to those who may struggle to celebrate the festive season.

All ingredients are sourced from local supermarkets, are drawn from different cultures and are tailored to people’s dietary requirements. The meals have been designed by nutritionists to be as healthy as possible.

CALD communities can fill out a Google

Ashvina, founder of COOK4CALD. Form to provide details or dietary requirements, or they will be able to call the organisation to explain what they need if the form is inaccessible. The meals will then be delivered directly to the family in need.

“We want them to understand they have the community backing them, and that they can ask for help if they need. The whole point of this is to make the community unify in their diversity,” Ashvina explained.

Cook4CALD will cater to all families, no matter how big or small, but will be relying on community donations, at least to start with.

It’s been driven in part by Covid, with the pandemic resulting in many of the community’s most vulnerable - migrants and refugees - among the first to lose their jobs.

“Most people were getting [support] from the government for the hassle Covid brought, but for a lot of international students, migrants and refugees, they weren’t getting anything and that made it that much harder,” Ashvina explained.

Through her own personal connections, she knows that many newcomers struggled in silence, ashamed of asking for assistance.

“The thing about asking for help is it’s a vulnerable thing to go, especially in a foreign land,” she said.

To try and encourage them to reach out, Ashvina has set up social media accounts for COOK4CALD, and has placed fliers about the organisation in high-traffic areas like public libraries and supermarkets.

A crowdfunding page has been set up to gather donations for ingredients and materials for the meals as well as kitchen hire.

Ashvina hopes her organisation can partner with other like-minded community support networks to deliver more assistance to those who need it.

“One meal a week isn’t going to tackle food poverty, but it’s a start,” she said.

“If we can alleviate that in any way, one free meal is a good way to start.”

To donate to Cook4CALD, visit https:// www.mycause.com.au/page/237556/cook4cald To connect with Cook4CALD or to ask for help, find them on Facebook and Instagram, @ COOK4CALD.

Excellent moves: Zooming into award win Need a job?

By Danielle Kutchel

Local stars shone brightly for an audience of global theatre talent last month, taking home an extra special award.

Capping off a year when adaptability and creativity ruled the stage and Zoom productions became the norm, junior performers from Masquerade Talent Studios won a group award for Excellence in Acting at the 2020 OzTheatrics Junior Theatre Festival Australia, which was presented as a hybrid in-person and online event on October 30 and 31 at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle, NSW. The Junior Theatre Festival allows students and teachers representing a diverse number of theatre programs to come together to share their talents, cheer each other on, and be part of an international community of people who care as much about the art form as much as they do.

The event is part of the global Junior Theatre Festivals circuit, conceived by iTheatrics in New York, which take place in the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

The Junior Theatre Festivals are the world’s largest events exclusively dedicated to celebrating young people and student-driven musical theatre.Masquerade’s 23 students, aged from 10 to 18, presented selections from Guys and Dolls JR for leading musical theatre personalities from Australia and the United States, including TONY nominee Eddie Perfect.

Studio director Carmen Powell said the award was a “credit to the kids” for their dedication to organising the Zoom routine.

Students would attend weekly classes to learn their moves, then record their routine and audio at home to be sewn together with their peers for entry to the festival.

Judges complimented students on their accents in particular.

Sisters Maggie and Emily Adcock were excited to be part of the production - Maggie’s third and Emily’s first - and experience the challenge of acting over Zoom.

“It was a whole new bunch of learning opportunities,” Maggie explained, “And it was cool to keep up that tradition of going to the festival even though we couldn’t be there in person, because it’s still just as amazing doing it in a different way.

“It’s difficult when you do a show online beberwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Emily and Maggie Alcock enjoyed the experience of performing online for the festival. cause you don’t have that human interaction and hype that you can feel directly from other people like you can in the studio ... but after

I saw our performance, it was a real feeling of pride and celebration of what we had created,” she said.

Around 90 people have found employment with the City of Casey since September, and a number of jobs remain available, as part of the Victorian Government’s $500 million Working for Victoria program.

City of Casey CEO Glenn Patterson said the council was looking forward to welcoming more people on board before the end of the year.

“We are really pleased to be taking part in Working for Victoria and are looking forward to welcoming our new employees on board to fill these remaining roles. If you’re looking for a job we want to hear from you,” Mr Patterson said.

There are still vacancies for kindergarten support staff, sanitising crews, the open space and parks team, the environment team and the infrastructure team. All positions are six-month fixed term contracts.

Approximately 190 new local roles created were in the State Government scheme, which was established to help people find work during the Covid-19 pandemic, whether they had lost their jobs due to the impacts of the pandemic or had been without work for a period of time.

Working for Victoria has created more than 10,000 jobs since the initiative was launched in April, providing a quick return to work and access to training where required.

The State Government has struck agreements with 59 local councils, including Casey and Cardinia Shire, across Victoria to support more than 4,800 people into jobs.Applications need to be made via the Working for Victoria website. All current jobs are also listed on the website to make searching for them easier.

More information: visit www.casey. vic.gov.au/working-for-victoria.

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 23

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Exciting times for the Crew

atWork works collaboratively with you to ensure your success.

Working for clients atWork Australia service those with an experience of disability, injury or a health condition to find meaningful work.

When you choose atWork Australia as your Disability Employment Services (DES) provider, we start delivering the services you need straight away. We work together to meet your goals with a truly individual approach, putting your needs front and centre. We are your job coach, your advocate and your partner as you find the job that is right for you.

We support you by identifying work oppor-

tunities that reflect your interests and goals, match your abilities and skills, and which help you get what you want out of life. Your appointed job coach will spend quality time with you to develop your resume, your interview techniques and build your confidence. We will be with you each step of the way on your journey.

The atWork Australia employment engagement team have strong employer relationships within the Monash-Peninsula area that provide many opportunities for our clients. Our

employers are supportive, flexible, inclusive and will work collaboratively to ensure your success. Once your employment commences, our support will continue to ensure your transition into work is a smooth process. We will be here for you as you settle into a long term and meaningful position and celebrate your employment milestones with you.

We would love the opportunity to tell you more about the atWork Australia Disability Employment Services journey and would welcome your enquiries. We look forward to working with you soon to assist you in achieving your goals.

‘Outlook provides me with a 1:1 mentor who helps me work through my stuff.’

Demi

The Cassidy Crew are excited to announce the opening of their new location - 52 Main Street Pakenham.

In celebration of International Day of People with Disabilities, The Cassidy Crew are holding an opening event at their Pakenham location. Join them at the new office from 9am on Thursday 3 December for a fun morning of activities, give aways, music, Triple M flags and more!

With the lifting of Covid restrictions, The Cassidy Crew are offering new group programs, support coordination and home care services from their Pakenham office. The new group activities include arts and crafts, coffee and chat, music groups, social and community groups and more.

As a Registered and Accredited Disability Service Provider The Cassidy Crew provides quality, meaningful and flexible supports to people with disabilities, aged care or people just needing assistance. The Cassidy Crew understand that everyone’s disability is unique, and the support we provide is individual to assist your needs and abilities.

For more information on The Cassidy Crew’s services, call 1800 60 10 20, or find them on Facebook.

‘Outlook helps me keep on top of funding and speak to my manager. This part time job is a start.

I plan to become a teacher’s aid.

I want to help kids out.’

Travis

We are here to help.

Our free Disability Employment Services support people living with disability, injury or health condition to find sustainable work, and employers to access great talent and hire a diverse workforce.

Find out more today!

1300 080 856

Your personal goals are just as important as your NDIS goals During the week we celebrate International Day of People with Disability, let Outlook team up with you to find your spark and talk to us about how we can support you to reach your personal goals.

At Outlook, we focus on you. Because your life is unique, we take the time to get to know you and explore all the possibilities that will spark your passion. Our well-established, progressive organisation provides customers with a wide range of options to build their confidence and ability to be active members of their community.

Outlook’s valuable outcomes include connection to community, employment and volunteering, friendships, recreation activities, good health, and wellbeing and life skills.

atworkaustralia.com.au/register VISIT US at our offices in: Cranbourne and Frankston, Pakenham, Narre Warren, Endeavour Hills, Carrum Downs, Frankston North, Seaford, Hastings and Rosebud

12472383-DL49-20

12471941-NG48-20

24 STAR NEWS

Call Gabby today on 0418 145 723 and find your spark!

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Helping kids stay mobile Little Warriors Physio for Kids is a new and growing kids physiotherapy clinic in Beaconsfield.

The clinic provides physiotherapy services to children between the ages of 0-18 years. As the clinic develops they aim to broaden their services to offer intensive physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and group therapy in 2021. Little Warriors has a special interest in animal therapy and intensive therapy.

The clinic is run by physiotherapist Lauren Stent and business manager Jodie Milnes.

Their inspiration is Jodie’s 12 year old daughter, Keira. She has an undiagnosed physical disability and has been completing physiotherapy since she was born. This is how Lauren and Jodie met; Lauren as Keira’s physio at school, now bonded as business partners. This bond birthed their vision and this is why they became Little Warriors together.We all have a dream, to provide our children with access and more opportunities to meet their goals - to inspire, to empower, to persevere - to become Little Warriors.

Little Warriors are movement specialists for babies, infants, children and adolescents.

They have expertise to help children who have a range of conditions that affect their physical development, mobility and their ability to participate in their daily life.

They help children through the use of various methods such as strengthening, exercise, stretching, splinting, intensive therapy, assistive equipment, functional practise, motor learning, play and education.

They treat children of all ages and of all abilities.

They aim to offer quality programs including assessments, maintenance, community access, school visits, home visits, dog therapy, hydrotherapy, and intensive therapy.

They work together with the child’s family/carers and their community to develop individually tailored programs to achieve your child’s goals and dreams.

They aim to make the impossible, possible.

They are the difference.

Little Warriors looks forward to meeting you on your journey. Email info@littlewarriorsphysio.com.au for more or visit 25 Woods Street, Beaconsfield.

Celebrating disabilities with a positive Outlook Outlook celebrates people with disabilities every day.

The work they do is driven by their vision of creating and supporting inclusive communities where people with disability can live, work, play and participate fully in community life. With a strong history and presence of over 50 years, they strive for everyone’s full and equal participation in all aspects of society.

This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post Covid-19 World”, and that is exactly what they have been doing at Outlook.

Gabriella Browne, general manager community services said: “During lockdown, the Disability Services team re-designed our centre based and community based programs and now, more than ever, Outlook has a range of programs and activities to suit all abilities. Of course we’ve kept

the favourite activities Outlook customers have always enjoyed.

“Whether people with disability in our community are looking for further education, employment, social interactions or just plain fun, there’s something for everyone at Outlook.

“We’ve also introduced enhancements to our supported employment services and we have new sustainable long-term work opportunities for school leavers. The new programs have had tremendous uptake and response,” she said.

“We are looking forward to rolling out a range of new and exciting initiatives in 2021 including recreation and leisure activities “, Elaine De Vos, disability services manager at Outlook said.

Outlook invites the community to get in touch and speak to their knowledgeable and friendly team to work out a path that is the perfect fit for a rewarding and inclusive community experience.

GROWING KIDS PHYSIOTHERAPY Disability Employment Service

n

Job Guidance

n

Onsite support & training

n

Personalized service

n

Employer Incentives

n

Workplace Modifications 12471749-JW48-20

n

Providing physiotherapy services to children between the ages of 0-18 years

E: info@littlewarriorsphysio.com.au A: 25 Woods Street, Beaconsfield Ph: 0423 763 535

Tel: 1300 385 738 | Website: www.dvjs.com.au

Little Warriors are movement specialists for babies, infants, children and adolescents.

12472825-DL49-20

Registered NDIS Provider

NDIS Plan Management berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

A fresh approach to disabilities New Location 52 Main Street Pakenham Warragul, Pakenham & Bairnsdale Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

12472079-SN48-20

info@custodia.com.au 1800 002 062 custodia.com.au

12472059-DL48-20

New location – 52 Main Street Pakenham Pakenham – Warragul – Bairnsdale

STAR NEWS 25

NEWS

A decade in Parliament

By Mitchell Clarke One of the most recognised MPs in the region has reached a political milestone.

Gembrook MP Brad Battin officially celebrated his 10th anniversary in government on Friday 27 November, and the long-standing politician has no plans to step away just yet.

The Liberal MP was first elected to Parliament in 2010, knocking off former Labor MP Tammy Lobato. He won again in 2014 and 2018, but said the most recent election was the most difficult, after he only just beat Labor candidate Michael Galea.

“It’s been an absolute privilege,” Mr Battin told the Gazette, reflecting on the past decade.

“I came in with the vision that I would do a term and go to the next election and see what happened. I never got ahead of myself. To win once was great, to win twice was fantastic and to win again in such a tight race was special.

“I guess this (anniversary) is an opportunity to sit back and reflect on some of the great things that have happened in our community - big and small.”

Among the highlights for Mr Battin - the Officer Specialist School and Officer Secondary College builds, the rebuild at Emerald Primary School, and more recently, works beginning on the new Emerald SES station and the new health and wellbeing centre at Berwick College.

A former police officer, he originally joined politics to be afforded the chance to make some changes, particularly around youth crime.

“I still haven’t achieved everything I wanted to but I’ve got a genuine opportunity to make those changes,” he said.

“I would love to see some changes in youth justice where we have a focus on the prevention model, working with young people as they enter the justice system.”

With two years to go in this term, Mr Battin has ruled out the possibility of being directly involved in a leadership spill.

“I definitely will not be putting my hand up for opposition leader during this term,” he said.

“I think leadership chooses you as much as you choose it. Never say never, but it’s certainly not in my discussions at the moment.”

But he has confirmed he’ll run in the next election, and will be hoping it’ll be a fourth time lucky.

“If the party choose me again and the community want me, I’ll absolutely stay. The best thing about this job for me is helping someone with something small. It’s not a public thing, not a front page, but when you know you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. That’s the ultimate for me,” he said.

When asked if he thought the Liberal party’s “politicisation” of the pandemic could affect his chances of being re-elected, Mr Battin said he believed the next election would be fought and won based on the state’s recovery, rather than Covid itself.

“I think it’ll all come down to where we are

Brad Battin with the Gazette front page 10 years ago.

Brad with his wife Jo and their two daughters Chloe and Mikaela. as a state in two years time,“ he explained.

But he hope the rapport he’s built with the community will lead him to another victory.

Brad Battin has been in Parliament for 10 years. 157590

“Thank you to the community for putting their trust in me over the years. I hope I’ve repaid the trust,“ he said.

“I want to continue in this role until I feel I have no more to give or until the community decide to take a different path.“

WIN

26 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

12472563-NG49-20

New Look for Beaconsfield store. ..

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … YOUR HEALTH YOUR IMAGE

The number of Australians diagnosed with a blood cancer has jumped 38% in the past decade alone. Today, more than 17,300 people are expected to be diagnosed with the disease this year and sadly, more than 5600 Australians will lose their life, an increase of 27%.

Projections show that while 110,000 Australians are living with blood cancer today, that number will more than double to 275,000 by 2035. Blood cancer is also expected to claim the lives of 186,000 Australians in this time.

The Leukaemia Foundation’s Acting CEO Alex Struthers said that, sadly, survival could also depend on where you live. Last year’s first-of-its-kind State of the Nation: Blood Cancer in Australia report revealed a 13 per cent gap in survival rates between patients in regional and metropolitan areas (5%), and between states and territories (8%).

“The State of the Nation report showed us that regional blood cancer patients aren’t receiving the crucial diagnostics and specialist care they need, when they need it and are more likely to face barriers in getting this care,” she said.

“Over half of all blood cancer patients living in regional and remote areas are more likely to wait over a month to see a haematologist after presenting to a GP, and a third are unsure about their treatment plan. One in four of these patients also don’t know where to go if they have more questions about their blood cancer.

“By breaking down these barriers and removing variations in access to best practice treatment and care, Australia could minimise mortality and potentially save up to 22,000 lives by 2035.

“Ending the postcode lottery faced by regional patients and turning the tables on blood cancer in this country is a priority for the Leukaemia Foundation.”

The Leukaemia Foundation’s release of the State of the Nation report last year led to Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt establishing the Blood Cancer Taskforce – a unique collaboration of some of the nation’s top blood cancer experts and leaders to transform care and support and break down the barriers to a cure for all Australians living with blood cancer.

The Taskforce is now preparing to launch the National Strategic Action Plan for Blood Cancer – with a bold vision of zero lives lost to the disease by 2035, due for release soon.

“Australia has strong foundations in regards to access to new therapies and universal access to a national health care system, but with a significant increase in blood cancer incidence - even during a global health pandemic - a clear, evidence-based plan is now required to tackle the human and financial toll of blood cancer in our country,” Ms Struthers said.

Access for dignity

By Andrew Leslie, Blooms The Chemist Casey Central Every month there are millions of people worldwide who, because of economic circumstances, are living with “period poverty”.

Australians are not immune and also suffer the same challenge of period poverty, which includes a lack of access to menstrual products, menstrual hygiene education, or waste management.

In Australia alone, there are currently over 3.24 million people living below the poverty line, over half of whom are women and girls.

These Australians may also be experiencing period poverty and have trouble accessing the products and information they require.

Last week, Scotland announced that it would be the first country to make menstrual products free for all. This also includes offering menstrual products in the bathrooms of schools and universities for free.

At Blooms The Chemist Casey Central, we were inspired to emulate Scotland’s brave move and have launched a new initiative to help vulnerable people in our community struggling with period poverty.

We are calling on members of our community and our loyal customers to donate money in-store to assist in the purchase of menstrual products and Blooms The Chemist Casey Central will match each donation dollar for dollar.

Vulnerable people will be able to come into our store and use this account to receive free menstrual products to meet their needs.

With the global pandemic impacting all of our lives, I believe that it is more important than ever that communities join together to support each other, especially some of our most vulnerable members.

During lockdown we set up a similar ac-

Andrew Leslie from Blooms The Chemist Casey Central.

We hope that this menstrual product initiative will also be supported by all members of our community and have the same life-changing impact.

For more information on our initiative, please ask one of our friendly staff in-store or check out our Facebook page.

count to help new parents struggling to provide food for their babies. Members of the community could donate in-store and we provided tins of baby formula to parents in need.

We are extremely happy that this program has been a success in our community and benefited the lives of many young families.

59A Heatherton Rd, Endeavour Hills, 3802

03 8772 2053 CASEY CENTRAL

Your smile is our Top Priority

ASK US FREE HOW Local Delivery Service available *Terms and 7 days a week conditions apply *

Easy and Affordable payment plans through

Blooms The Chemist Casey Central Shop 132-134 Casey Central Shopping Centre, 400 Narre Warren Cranbourne Road Narre Warren South VIC 3805

P 9704 8166 E casey@blooms.net.au

12463438-DV40-20

Targetted

bloomsthechemist.com.au

General Dentistry Root Canal & Gum Treatment

WE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE Orthodontic Treatment for children and adults utilising the latest technologies including SureSmile, Invisalign, lingual and clear appliances.

Strict hygiene and physical distancing policies in place

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm 2/31 Clyde Road Berwick 3806 9330 0702 | info@seortho.com.au www.seortho.com.au 12470502-JW47-20

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

“HAPPY GAS” is now available to reduce your fear and anxiety

Implants Whitening Crowns & Bridges Wisdom Teeth Removal

12468216-JW45-20

We offer flexible, interest free payment plans to make orthodontics accessible to everyone.

Braces and Invisalign Early treatment for kids to avoid braces.

www.smilesfirst.com.au Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 27

NEWS

Hospital funds in budget

By Mitchell Clarke The long-awaited Pakenham Community Hospital is a step closer to being delivered, after the project received a funding boost in the Victorian 2020-21 budget.

More than $66 million has been set aside to purchase the land of 10 community hospitals, including Pakenham, and continue the planning and design of each location.

While an official local site is yet to be decided on, the Gazette understands two sites have been identified and are being considered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

One potential site could see the existing health hub on Henty Way expanded to include the new facility. The old Woolworths site on Main Street, Pakenham has also been flagged.

According to a Cardinia Shire Council document obtained by the Gazette in late September, DHHS had indicated a strong interest in the latter site, labelling it a “highly attractive” option.

But there’s been no official word from the State Government, who maintain that a site is yet to be landed on, but “quite a number of options” had been actively assessment in the last 18 months.

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said the recent funding to acquire the land made the project suddenly feel “very real”.

“This is a big one step closer moment and I can’t wait to bring our amazing committee made up of local people together again so we can all talk about the project, planning and continue to workshop design ideas as well,” she said.

“They are such an active group and bring a wealth of knowledge and experiences from all walks of life - this is a community hospital and it needs to provide services that are needed by the community now and into the future.”

Community hospitals are small public hos-

pitals that have extended opening hours and can provide a range of ‘everyday’ health services for people who are not critically unwell.

Services may include after-hours urgent care for minor injuries and illnesses, day procedures such as minor surgical procedures, chemotherapy and dialysis, and communitybased care including mental health, paediatrics, dental, family health and chronic disease management.

“The Pakenham Community Hospital will be such a valuable and accessible health, wellbeing and support service for the entire community across every age group in Cardinia Shire,” Ms Crugnale said.

“We want people to be well, to stay well and to have care close to where they live. That’s why we committed to building 10 across the state.”

The community hospitals will also provide some relief to Casey Hospital and St John of

God Hospital in Berwick.

A new community hospital will also be built in Cranbourne and an existing service in Phillip Island will be expanded.

The Pakenham site will be managed by Monash Health, who said the development would be “important“ for the area.

Construction of the Pakenham Community Hospital will commence in 2022 and be completed in 2024.

¹ĤĈůĈ żō Ŭħýĺ ƁŬ á ŬůħŅżĈă ýōŬƱ ōĝ ƱōƁů @ ,, Ĉůƫħýĺ :[HY 5L^Z

12457376-DL33-20

@ ,, ,¸, ¿ G£ & ¿

Pakenham Community Hospital committee members during a Zoom meeting on Monday night, 30 November.

28 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE

WHEN ‘ONLY’ THE BEST WILL DO

BY DANIELLE KUTCHEL

Esmail Namdar is honest and ethical in his dealings.

to sell close to 30 properties remotely, including house and land packages and established properties.

Within the company, he was awarded top salesperson of the year for the 2019-20 financial year. He’s also been recognised by clients, earning 37 five-star reviews from previous customers in a testament to his ability to achieve high results.

In fact, Esmail has been able to achieve results two to six percent above vendors’ expected ranges, often in less than 30 days.

His current average turnaround is 22 days, compared to an area average of 37 days.

FOR honesty and excellent results in your next property sale, contact Esmail Namdar from Only Estate Agents.

Esmail has been working with Only Estate Agents for over 12 months and is their residential sales specialist for Narre Warren South. He has over 15 years’ sales experience and a background in business ownership as a former owner of a Fountain Gate cafe. He has been working in the area for over 10 years.

Despite the restrictions on real estate during the Covid lockdown, Esmail was able

He has specialised knowledge of established properties in different communities. Esmail is heavily involved with the Afghan community, for interstate and overseas owner-occupied buyers. He is able to speak a number of different languages so he can communicate with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Esmail is known for being honest and ethical in his transactions and is always available seven days for his clients.

Contact Esmail on esmail@onlyestateagents.com.au or call 0498 577 554. ●

RELAXED COUNTRY LIVING THIS home is perfect for those looking for a quiet area surrounded by similar sized properties and only a few minutes to Drouin town centre and freeway. Just over 1 acre this property has a tranquil park-like ambience that offers privacy and peace of mind.

The Porter Davis home offers approx.

32 squares under roof line, four bedrooms - large master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, separate formal lounge, open plan kitchen/dining area, family bathroom, undercover alfresco area and oversized double garage.

But wait, there’s still more - gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling, ducted vacuuming, 7m x 16m colorbond shed with concrete and power (half of the shed is set up as a home office with reverse cycle air-conditioner), 5kw solar system, concrete driveway plus low maintenance gardens.

This is an ideal family property for lifestyle living, call today. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 42 Bunjil Drive, DROUIN Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 7 garage Price: $970,000 - $1,050,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Dale Atkin, 0402 717 891, RAY WHITE, DROUIN, 5625 1033

SEJ

T 16P_

Real Estate

AU CT IO N

The SITe To be SeeN!

53A & 53b Alfred STreeT WArrAGUl 2 TITLES = 1518m2 zoned Industrial 1 with exceptional frontage & high traffic exposure assured! As entering or leaving Warragul CBD, located between the Railway, old & new industrial area of town & the Freeway this land is at the heart of it all! Where new industrial/commercial preference has been shown & is rapidly establishing this position is not one that can be replicated. 2 freehold titles. Factory in place on 53A. Internet Id: 21297594 AUCTIoN: friday 18th december 4PM TerMS: 10% deposit - Settlement 30/60/90 days View property and more details at www.sej.com.au

5622 3800 Cnr Smith & Queen St, Warragul

www.sej.com.au

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

12472080-SN49-20

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 29

121 Henry Street, Pakenham Description: MODERN HOME WITH GREAT LOCATION!!

Price: $400,000 - $440,000 3

2

1

86 Livingstone Boulevard, Pakenham

Price: $650,000 - $700,000

Description: Stunning Rawdon Hill Home

3

2

2

Residing perfectly in the popular Ascot Estate this 2 years young home is ideal for an investors, first home buyers and downsizers as its located minutes’ walk to Pakenham station, Bus stop, Pakenham town central, Parks, Childcare Centre, New Retail Centre, Service station and Racecourse road and short drive to M1 freeway, Princes highway, St Patrick’s Primary school and Beacon hills college.

Currently tenanted with great tenants for $320 per week making it perfect for investors.

Great potential for a family, excellent value. You will be impressed with the quiet and low maintenance. This classy, elegant and well-built home is in a great location and friendly neighborhood. Located in Heritage Springs Pakenham, opposite beautiful park land. Within close proximity to Heritage Springs shopping Centre and Heritage Springs Primary school and local high schools. Bus stop just across the road. Within a short drive you will reach M1 freeway and Princes Highway. Many parks within walking distance. You can live an active lifestyle close to nature.

Agent: Kashmira Prasad 0405 364 434

Agent: Emily Bryans 0421 384 610

39 Pommel Street, Pakenham Description: NEST OR INVEST

Price: $480,000 - $520,000 4

2

2

2 Libby Court, Hampton Park

Price: $490,000 - $540,000

Description: Don’t let this one slip away.....

4

2

Situated in a family friendly pocket of Pakenham, this spacious home is ideal for a first home buyer or an astute investor.

Comprising of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living areas and a double garage this home provides an opportunity you cannot afford to miss. Conveniently located close to all amenities, easy access to Koo Wee Rup freeway entrance, short drive to Pakenham train station and Pakenham main shopping Centre. Property is currently tenanted with reliable tenant for $1,587 per calendar month.

First home buyers or investors need to look no further than this ideal property situated in a convenient pocket of Hampton Park, this fantastic family home is the perfect opportunity for the prudent investor or family to get into a newish home without breaking the bank. Only moments from local shops, a short walk to Park Primary / secondary schools, freeway access, and Hallam train station, this will be the perfect platform to expand your horizons and grow your net worth.

Agent: Gayan Kandangomuwe 0433 516 932

Agent: Najeeb Olomi 0425 761 116

11 Cardiff Circuit, Carrum Downs Description: Brand New Townhouse in a Great Location

Price: $580,000 3

2

2

Are you looking to break into the property market for the first time? Looking for the ideal investment or to downsize?

These brand new properties are conveniently located in a quiet street, just a short walk to Carrum Downs Shopping Centre, Bus stop, Local parks, St Joachim’s Primary School and with quick and easy access to several freeways, some of the best beaches on the Peninsula and Kananook and Seaford stations.

Agent: Gayan Kandangomuwe 0433 516 932

53 Plymouth Boulevard, Clyde North

2

Price: $599,000

Description: CLYDEVALE ESTATE House & Land Package - $599,000 FHB’s Price

4

2

2

Perfectly positioned opposite to the big park just 10 minutes from Berwick, 45 minutes from the CBD and a leisurely hour drive from Philip Island - at Clydevale you will have the best of all worlds. Residents will live within walking distance of the new shopping centers and a new Town Centre and close to plenty of established amenities, including a host of excellent schools and tertiary education options and Casey Fields sporting facilities, all a short drive away or easily accessible by rail and bus services.

Agent: Esmail Namdar 0498 577 554

5 Addison Close, Officer Description: Brand New Unit in Officer Premier Location

Price: $550,000 - $560,000 4

2

Are you looking to break into the property market for the first time? Looking for the ideal investment or to downsize?

This brand new unit conveniently located in sought after estate in Officer , short distance to primary and secondary schools, shopping centers, short drive to Officer Train station , M1 Freeway access just minutes away and walking to main roads makes the daily commute much more enjoyable. If you’re a first home buyer, you may be eligible for the $10,000 FHOG and stamp duty savings Don’t miss out the opportunity.

Agent: Gayan Kandangomuwe 0433 516 932

2

24 Melodie Drive, Officer

Price: $510,000 - $530,000

Description: 3 2 2 House & Land Package. Located in the heart of Officer surrounded by local amenities With its modern features and quality fixtures and fittings this home has everything you could ever want. Perfectly located close proximity to park lands, walking tracks, picnic areas, reputable schools, transport and shopping Centers.

Short drive to M1 Freeway access, Princes Highway and Officer Train Station. If you’re a first home buyer, you may be eligible for the $10,000 FHOG and stamp duty savings. Also $25,000 Home Builder Grant available for qualified buyers.

Initial 5% deposit. Expected title release March 2021 Agent: Gayan Kandangomuwe 0433 516 932

www.onlyestateagents.com.au | P: (03) 8786 8889 | 13/3 Webb Street, Narre Warren 3805, VIC

ONLY one thing left to do...

12473449-NG49-20

30 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Place your ad in print and online

V Deadline

V Trades Business Profile

V Concrete Products & Services

Andrew Craven Concreting www.andrewcravenconcreting.com.au

Placing your classiďŹ ed advert is so easy...

0408 585 508, 5998 1127 Support your local tradesman for ALL your concreting needs!

TRADES & SERVICES

A & F CONCRETING • SPECIALISING IN ALL TYPES OF CONCRETING/ CONCRETE PATTERN, SLABS • FOUNDATIONS ETC. • ALL DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

V Air Conditioning

“Fairbairns loves using local advertising to grow local business�

-Leigh

mer this sum Be coonler Discounts Pensio

y ning Get read onditio mer!! • Air C s for Sum ler & Split System Coo e • Split iv ials at Evapor Service Spec rative • Evapo System bsite for details g See we Coolin

12390512-ACM24-18

V Electricians

Berwick Electricians

410 970ir2bair4ns.com.au

w w w.f

a

See website for details REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212

Service Sales All Brands Finance Available Senior Discounts

g All Pricin t Up-Fron SERVICING BERWICK AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

9998 3725

We NEVER

w w w. S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

Lic No. AU 51273

Close

section of Network Classifieds.

Established 1989

DOMESTIC FRIDGES/WASHERS & COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION Fully Qualified and Licensed

NIK Refigeration Service P/L

AU06014

1216637-LB06-16

Pensioner Discount Eftpos Available

฀

Mobile: 0426 501 445 Email: dyl.wright@live.com.au @wrightchoicecarpentry

฀

Reg. Builder CDB-U52728 & DBU 6442

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

Contact Trevor: 0403

644 780

section of Network Classifieds.

฀

★

฀

ŕ¸€â˜…

Call Chris: 0416 079 689 - 5940 7264

J.L. Hutt Electrical

฀

฀ ฀ ON TIME, EVERY TIME

Close

All Types of Domestic & Commercial Work ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

V Carpet Cleaning

฀

24 HOUR SERVICE ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

Jason 1300 644 698

Lic No. REC 30504

CASEY CARPET CLEANING

Trades & Services

Lic No. REC 30504

฀ ฀ ฀

Discounts apply

504483

HBL CONSTRUCTIONS PTY. LTD.

฀

Dylan Wright

฀ ฀

Let us take the worry out of extending your home with over 30 years’experience DBU 6442

We NEVER

L&L ELECTRICS

Fully Licenced Builder/Carpenter

AFFORDABLE HOME EXTENSIONS Phone Harry 0412 107 629, 9796 9988

V Appliance Repairs

฀

Extensions - Renovations - Bathroom Refurbs & Shopfitting

Commercial & Domestic

9999-8193 w w w . S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

Decks - Pergolas - Carports - Gates - Extensions Renovations - Building Maintenance Any Carpentry Needs

& Maintenance service

‡ 3ODQV DQG SHUPLWV DUUDQJHG ‡ %DWKURRP PDNHRYHUV ZLQGRZV DQG GRRU UHSODFHPHQWV ‡ ,QWHUQDO ZDOOV UHPRYHG SODVWHULQJ DQG EULFNOD\LQJ

Employment

฀ ฀ ฀

Building

Phone Des: 0419 541 719 A.H. 9705 2463

yes we can

฀

WRIGHT CHOICE CARPENTRY 12447901-SG18-20

12470137-CG46-20

FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE!

Hampton Park

V Carpenters

12459315-NG36-20

Call Us Today... For our

yes we can SERVICING BERWICK AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

24/7 Flood Water Damage Restoration ✔ Steam and dry cleaning ✔ Tile cleaning ✔ Upholstery cleaning ✔ Leather cleaning We bring our own electricity Truck Mounted Machine

15 years experience Fully qualified and insured

0401 234 672 or 9799 7229 www.professionalcarpetclean.com.au

12468782-FA45-20

Berwick Air Conditioning

V Builders & Building Services

12393415-RA30-18

www.fairbairns.com.au

Lighting Power Points Phone & Data Hot Water And more...

12462544-SN39-20

C698645-JM13-9

12461749-NG39-20

Call 1300 666 808 9702 4410

Call Us Today For our FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

g All Pricin t Up-Fron 12450632-LB23-20

2 REC 1704 8 PIC 3814 2 AU 0621

Ring Jim for a free quote 0417 054 198

NG39-20

Pensioner Discounts • Air Conditioning Get ready • Split Systems for Summer!! • Evaporative Evaporative Cooler & Split Cooling System Service Specials

MEB & SON CONCRETING Footings, garages, v crossings, drives, paths & patios.

In plain, colour, slate or stencil. Also drainage, saw cutting, 3T excavator, bobcat & tip trucks.

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

12461749-

Be cool this summer

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL FREE QUOTE ANY TIME RING 9700 4378 C63804-BG25-8

12450623-SN23-20

12435765-SN02-20

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

1198421-ACM37-15

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofďŹ ce)

12438941-CG04-20

We accept payment by:

Deadline for all classiďŹ cations is 11am Wednesday

Phone Andrew on

Grow your business with

(include your name, address and phone number)

C1085227-JO32-13

t 6OJU 4JUFT t (BSBHFT t %SJWFXBZT t 1FSHPMBT t 1MBJO $PMPVSFE t 4MBUF *NQSFTTJPO t 'BVY #SJDL t &YQPTFE "HHSFHBUF

Online: networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiďŹ eds.com.au

Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 31

Trades & Services

Place your ad in print and online www.networkclassifieds.com.au

฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀

A H FENCING & TIMBER PTY LTD ฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀

Free quotes, by the hour, the day or by the job

Call Paul 0432 044 875

฀

฀฀

SAME DAY SERVICE HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

12367795-LB41-17

SAXON FENCING Palings, Pickets, Colorbond Fences & Gates Prompt and Reliable Service

Commercial/Domestic Decking/pergola/driveways ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Interior/ext High quality Free quote

Fully Insured

12469374-CG46-20

V Windows

WINDOWS 1

฀

ECONOMY TILING

www.proudpainting.com.au

All Bathroom Renovations • Bathrooms • Toilets • Kitchens • Decks • Water proofing • Walls and Floors

V Plumbing

C1101420-JO46-13

Pruning Removal Stump Grinding

V Tiling

M: 0 4 3 0 3 5 3 0 8 0 Ben

Phone 0419 775 259 or 8751 4016

Oakfern Tree Care P/L

Phone Geoff 0418 340 825

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

0409 888 228

12450404-AM23-20

V Furniture Removals

LEIGH HUNTER REMOVALS

Window Replacement Service Timber or Aluminium Windows Free Measure and quote

Member HIA and MBA www.windows1.net.au

Free Quotes

9703 1530

Call 0432 550 066 or 8707 5522

Find your Local Specialist in our V Tree Lopping/Surgery

Professional Services

L&C Tree Services

C62885-BG24-8

AND STORAGE • Local, Country & Interstate • Antiques & Pianos a speciality • Cartons & Porta-robes for hire or sale • Full packing available

12449547-FA21-20

ANTENNA MAN

• Domestic • Commercial • Interior • Exterior • Driveways

UÊ/ÀiiÊ- >« }Ê UÊ i`} } UÊ-ÌÕ «Ê,i Û> UÊ Õ ÞÊ+Õ> wi`Ê « Þi` UÊ Õ ÞÊ ÃÕÀi`ÊUÊ ÀiiÊ+Õ Ìià GIPPSLAND UÊ ««Ã > `Ê V> Êv À UÊ/ÀiiÊ,i Û> ÊUÊ/ÀiiÊ*ÀÕ } ÊÊÊ ÛiÀÊÓÇÊÞi>ÀÃ

Contact us 1300 301 678 ÜÜÜ°ÌÀii >Ã °V °>Õ

• Fully qualified • Over 30 years experience

l Specia on Pricesers Sleep

฀ ฀ ฀

Contactless Quotes & Services Available!

V Television/Video/Audio

C1072232-JJ4-13

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Pensioner discounts available

Removals/pruning Hedging/shaping Line clearing/Palm work Tight access stump grinding Fully Insured/Qualified

PHONE FOR OBLIGATION FREE QUOTATION

12354089-PB23-17

฀

฀

฀

10 year Guarantee.

Call now for a FREE quote: 0405 817 173

12473880-DL49-20

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

đŏ ((ŏ(! 'ŏ.!, %./ŏđŏ ++"ŏ /$%*#ŏđŏ ++"ŏ %*0%*# đŏ (!4%ġ,+%*0%*#ŏđŏ % #!ŏ0%(!ŏ.!ġ ! %*# đŏ ((!5ŏ $ *#%*#ŏđŏ 100!.ŏ (! *%*#ŏ".+)ŏĸāĂĀ đŏ ((ŏ05,!/ŏ+"ŏ.++ü*#ŏ * ŏ .,!*0.5

MIKE 0415 524 280 0415 www.mrlockandkeys.com.au

1167287-PB50-14

฀

Roof Restoration Specialists

PAULS PAINTING & SON

Unbeatable Prices on: ฀

DOMESTIC MESTIC -- COMMERCIAL DO ALL SUBURBS

V Painters/Decorators

SUPPLY ONLY TRADE & DIRECT TO PUBLIC ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

FOR

One call, We do it all!

1238899-CG33-16

V Fencing & Gates

MR LOCK & KEYS FOR ALL YOUR LOCK AND KEY REQUIREMENTS

C1076360-JL7-13

Qualified & Licensed For prompt & reliable service.

No job too small.

Lights, Power Points, NBN, Phone, & TV Points. CCTV. Rec 23156.

Call for a free quote Mark 0401 523 330

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

C316291-KK18-5

A GRADE ELECTRICIAN

V Roofing 12447720-LB18-20

V Locksmiths

12362669-EPJ34-17

V Electricians

section of Network Classifieds.

Call Lucas 0419 259 266 Jack 0400 895 945

9707 5700, 9768 9153 Lic No. 116785

Grass Slashing

Bobcat Available

Call Kevin 0419 525 110

0417 382 700

No Job Too Small

For our FAST

The land affected by the application is located at:

1144857-KC29-14

FRIENDLY SERVICE! Emergency Plumbing Hot Water Blocked Drains Taps and Toilets Water Leaks And more... yes we can

V Guttering

Call Jeff on

0411 314 104 12447103-SN16-20

V Handy Persons

HANDYMAN & HOME MAINTENANCE Ź Carpentry Ź Painting Ź Plaster Repairs Ź Gutter Cleaning Ź Pressure Cleaning Ź Flat Packs Assembled Ź Police Check Ź Free Quotes

Close

www.ServiceToday.com.au

Lic No. 116785

1 HOUR EMERGENCY PLUMBING ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀

SEWER BLOCKAGES – MACHINE CLEANED฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ESTABLISHED 30 YEARS ฀ ฀ STANDARD RATES ON WEEKENDS ฀ ฀ ฀฀฀ ฀ ฀ gjlawplumbing.com.au 7 DAYS 0419 136 181 - 0419 136 151

AFFORDABLE PLUMBING ฀ Lic 47089

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

Call Now 0417 128 536

V Locksmiths

12355821-ACM25-17

DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL AUTOMOTIVE Call DOUG AMOS Receive 10% off when you present this voucher

|

Over 20 Years’ Experience 12355550-ACM25-17

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

Use and Development of a Place of Assembly (Place of Worship), Display of Advertising Signage, and a Variation of Restriction under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988

The applicant for the permit is:

Philip Harvey & Associates

The application reference number is:

Open 7 days

PlnA00089/20 - (Nick Felstead)

This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Documents can also be viewed on Council’s website: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/viewplanning-applications

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.

An objection must: • be made to the Responsible Authority in writing to, Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805 or emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au • include the application number and site address • include the reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected.

9796 8621 0418 367 017

V Tuition KEYBOARD/PIANO lessons in your home, all ages and styles, exp teacher. 0408 382 955.

• CLEAR SPACE IN YOUR VALUABLE STORAGE AREA.

CALL JIM: 0408 580 414 V Massage Therapists

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer non-sexual services.

Employment V Positions Vacant

KITCHEN HAND

17 December 2020

12472906-DL49-20

FREE CLEAN FILL, Wanted clean fill site, south eastern area. Dams, gullies, paddocks, filled and levelled, no charge.

Phone: 0418 356 583.

DAVEY FIREFIGHTING Pump $120 ono. Phone 0428 548 272.

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

• DO YOU HAVE UNWANTED, USED GOLF BALLS?

NARRE WARREN

V Public Notices and Event

V For Sale

GOLFERS

City of Casey Bunjil Place 2 Patrick Northeast Drive

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before:

48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

V Wanted

If you object, the Responsible Authority will advise you of its decision.

FOUNTAIN GATE PLUMBING Lic 24754

• New Houses • Factories • Blockages/Machine and Camera • Same Day Hot Water Services • Domestic and Commercial Maintenance • 3.5 Ton & 12 Ton Excavator • Bobcat and Tipper

17 Morialta Road CRANBOURNE WEST VIC 3977 Lot 19 PS 647308M

The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

฀

10% discount on hot water service installations if you mention this ad.

Brad 0416 190 014

32 STAR NEWS

We NEVER

1158529-PB42-14

Pressure Cleaning/Solar & Window Cleaning Satisfaction Guaranteed from $165

9998-2905

C695870-JM11-9

Exterior Window Cleaning

12447771-LB18-20

30% off

POWERFUL VACUUM LEAVES NOTHING BEHIND

The application is for a permit to:

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the Responsible Authority.

SERVICING BERWICK AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

GUTTER CLEANING

$100/ 30mins

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

Call Us Today...

g All Pricinnt Up-Fro

Rainbow Dolls

Public Notice

Berwick Plumbers

V Pets & Services

12423634-SN31-19

Weed Spraying Rubbish Removal

12450634-NG23-20

Lawn Mowing/Edging Ride-on Mowing

12442957-NG09-20

Lawns from $25 – Free Quotes

1172347-DJ07-15

KEV’S MOWING

V Adult Services

V Public Notices and Event

฀Hot Water Specialists ฀Blocked Drains ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

12473988-JW49-20

V Garden Services

General Classifieds

General Notices

NEAT PLUMBING SERVICE Lic. Number 27186

section of Network Classifieds.

1235322622-PB22-17

Real Estate

Four Figs. We are a busy breakfast/lunch cafe in Beaconsfield looking for experienced staff to help with all aspects of kitchen operations. You will be required to perform preparation, cooking and cleaning duties. We trade 7 days from 7am-3pm and rosters will include 2 or 3 shifts a week, including weekend work. Please call 0431 309 611.

Buy & Sell in our

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE! networkclassifieds.com.au

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

He’s going out a winner

By Lance Jenkinson Hard Style Rico will retire to stud after climbing greyhound racing’s Mount Everest.

Pearcedale-based trainer Luckie Karabitsakos confirmed that his superstar local dog will go out on a high after racing into immortality with 2020 TAB Melbourne Cup glory at Sandown Greyhound Racing Club last Friday night.

“It was probably the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make,” Karabitsakos said.

“The biggest race and the biggest achievement is the Melbourne Cup, and once you conquer the Melbourne Cup, it’s like climbing Everest, you’ve done it, there’s nothing left to prove.

“Now it’s off to relaxing and let everyone else enjoy some Hard Style Rico puppies.”

Hard Style Rico produced one of the great Melbourne Cup runs.

The brindle dog, known as ‘Bruiser’ in the kennel, broke the track record over 515 metres, winning by five-and-a-half lengths in a time of 28.91 seconds.

It was Hard Style Rico’s start - his first sectional of 4.99 was the best of his career - that set up a dominant display.

“He just showed his power,” Karabitsakos said.

“He put the foot down.

“It was a bit like going to Calder Park and looking at the drag racing over 400 metres.

“The race is won off the line, reaction time, bang, gone.”

Starting in Box 5, Hard Style Rico was able to slice through the middle of the field like a hot knife through butter.

That box can often encounter argy bargy from all angles, but Hard Style Rico was so confident and assured that he left all others in his wake and led most of the way.

“They call that the squeeze box,” Karabitsakos said.

“I think he used the box to his advantage, came out and did everything right from start to finish.

“As soon as those lids came up mate, he was off and gone.

“You have to do that from Box 5, otherwise you’re going to find it very hard.”

Hard Style Rico not only won the star-studded race, he won it running away.

All that trailed him when he crossed the finish line was daylight.

It was a jaw-dropping performance that will be spoken about for a long time.

“The line up in this Melbourne Cup, a lot of people were saying it’s the best they’ve ever seen,” Karabitsakos said.

“There’s probably six dogs in that line up that are potential stud dogs and he’s made a

Pearcedale trainer Luckie Karabitsakos celebrates with Melbourne Cup winner Hard Style Rico. mess of all of them.”

Karabitsakos and his connections knew from a long way out that Hard Style Rico was a special greyhound.

There was only ever going to be one destination for Bruiser - the event they call the world’s greatest greyhound race.

“I bred the dog, I whelped him, I pre-trained him, broke him in, I’ve done it all with him,” Karabitsakos said.

“During his pre-training stages at 16 months old, I looked at my mates and said to them ‘Jesus Christ boys, we’ve got ourselves a Melbourne Cup dog here’.

“From that day on, I said the main race I want to go for is the Melbourne Cup. “It’s just a dream when you start saying all that because you’ve got the dog, but you’ve still got to win the race.

“He’s done it now, he won his heat in fine style off the pink, which is hard to do and he’s come off the yellow and just made a mess of a quality field.”

No matter how much work he put into Hard Style Rico’s preparation and how much belief he had in his star dog, Karabitsakos was in shock when his dream of winning a Melbourne Cup became a reality.

He was overcome with emotion as he em-

Pictures: COURTESY OF SANDOWN GREYHOUNDS

Hard Style Rico crosses the line in emphatic style. braced his brother Anthony, a Group 1 winning trainer, after scooping the $435,000 first place prize.

“I’m only coming back down to earth now,” Karabitsakos said.

“He’s just made me proud, he’s made the whole family proud, he’s a superstar.

“Winning a Melbourne Cup changes your life.”

One of Karabitsakos’s best mates, Mario Briganti, was also a Group 1 winner on the night.

Briganti’s dog Manila Knight took out the Bold Trease in a thriller over 750 metres.

“To have best mates win two Group 1s on the same night is something else,” Karabitsakos said.

Corrigan joins Casey Demons in a huge boost for ‘21

By Nick Creely The Casey Demons have moved to appoint their new senior coach for 2021, with the highly-regarded Mark Corrigan putting pen to paper at Casey Fields as clubs begin rapidly preparing for the return of football.

After spending six seasons at the Essendon Football Club in a range of roles, including player development, Corrigan had originally signed on as Essendon’s VFL senior coach, before the Covid-19 pandemic saw the cancellation of the VFL season.

Corrigan has also spent time at the Geelong Cats in an opposition analysis coaching position, as well as development coach and the club’s VFL midfield coach.

On-field, Corrigan is a former premiership player with the South Barwon Swans in the Geelong footy league, and has played VFL football with Geelong, where he claimed the club’s best and fairest in 2013.

It’s a strong signing from the club - who will be part of the VFL’s merger with the NEAFL in what is going to be an exciting competition across the eastern seaboard of Australia - as it looks to make an impact in berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

the revamped league.

Head of AFL football operations, Daniel McPherson, told Melbourne Media that it was delighted to welcome a quality figure into the club, and believes he will make a significant impact on the playing list moving forward.

“Mark’s experience and understanding of how aligned clubs operate, and his strong emphasis on individual player development and skill fundamentals, is something that stood out during the interview process,“ he said.

“From all my conversations with Mark, it is clear he will add a new and exciting dynamic to our VFL and wider Melbourne Football Club program.”

Corrigan is a qualified teacher with a degree in sports science, and will replace former Demons coach, Sam Radford, who has elected to return to teaching in 2021 in a fulltime capacity.

Corrigan will inherit a list which finished in ninth position in the 2019 VFL season, finishing just two points behind the Box Hill Hawks in eight spot with nine wins and nine losses at the end of the season.

Mark Corrigan has signed on as the new Casey Demons coach.

Picture: COURTESY OF MELBOURNE FC Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 33

SPORT

Doveton product Mitch Cotter is bound for the SANFL. 222913

Picture: ROB CAREW

A young star’s big move

By Nick Creely It’s easy to forget that Mitch Cotter is still only 21.

He’s already achieved so much in his football career to date - a graduate of the Dandenong Stingrays, which culminated in a top three placing in the 2017 best and fairest, VFL experience, a senior club best and fairest and premiership at his beloved Doveton, as well as the 2018 South East Football Netball League (SEFNL) MVP in his first year of senior football.

It’s a fair resume to date for a young man already incredibly respected in the region.

But the hungry inside midfielder is still looking to stay in the hunt and improve his game further, and will take his talents to South Australia in 2021, with the bright young southeast star signing up for Norwood in the SANFL under new coach Jade Rawlings.

Cotter will head to South Australia to begin his new journey, alongside his partner Kasey at the start of next year, and told the Star News of his excitement at his latest challenge, as well as the motivation to make the move interstate.

“I was speaking a bit to Gary Buckenara about it, and he honestly couldn’t speak highly enough about going over there and having a crack at playing there, and then speaking to Jade Rawlings I became really keen to get over there,” he said of the impending move.

“I’m absolutely thrilled, I can’t wait for the opportunity - I’ve heard such great things about the club, and the league.”

Cotter said that the SANFL and Norwood gave him the best possible chance of advancing further in his football career, and after a taste of VFL football, simply wants more chances at state-league level.

“I felt in the VFL it was always a bit stagnant for me - when you’re not playing in the ones, you just kind of go back to local and play,” he said.

“And the comp over there (the SANFL), if you’re not playing ones you can play in the twos, and you’re always under the club’s nose.

“It’s probably giving me my last best chance to play my best footy to be honest.”

The opportunity to play under Jade Rawlings, who has coaching experience with Melbourne, Richmond, Brisbane and North Melbourne, is also one not lost on Cotter.

“I can’t wait, I’ve heard such great things about him,” he said.

“I’ve got a couple of mates who have played under him at Casey, and they rate him so highly as a coach.

“And just from speaking to him about the move, I’m just so excited to play under him.”

Well-regarded as an inside-beast with a strong appetite for the contest and an elite tackler, Cotter said he’s looking forward to

bringing his strengths over to the Redlegs, but hopes to continue building on other areas of his game.

“It’ll be hard to get away from it to be honest (the inside midfielder role) - it’s how I’ve always played my footy, it’s me, and it’ll probably always be me,” he said.

“But I want to adapt the other parts of the game, and improve in other areas, but that’s my strength, and I’ll be taking that over with me.

“I really want to go over there and not be a bystander, I want to play my best footy, but really test myself, and be a big part of the club.”

Cotter said that despite not getting to take to the field in 2020, it’s giving him the opportunity to build more strength ahead of hopefully a strong season at state-league level for the Redlegs.

“I feel like over this break, there’s been a lot of training by myself obviously with Covid, and I’ve felt that I’m coming into that age now where my body is really strengthening,” he said.

“I always felt like in my younger years, you can get pushed around a bit by bigger bodies, but I feel like I’m getting stronger now and I’m ready.”

Incredibly, the last game of football Cotter played was way back on 22 September, 2019 at the Woori Yallock Football Ground, where

he played a starring role in helping Doveton to a senior football premiership against Pakenham, just a year after the Doves went winless in the final season of the SEFNL. While the day brings back some incredible memories from a personal point of view, Cotter said it was a reminder of just how much importance football has in his life after all competitions were cancelled and not one game was played in 2020 due to Covid-19.

With Cotter originally set to join Port Melbourne in the VFL in 2020, it’s been a long wait to get back on the field.

“It’s one of the best days of my life winning that grand final with Doveton - I was just so happy we got it done,” he said.

“I’ll always cherish that day.

“But it’s definitely been one of the hardest years of my life, really - you don’t really have that outlet of footy, you’re just stuck inside all day.

“You can’t even really train one-on-one, talk to your mates at training, and kind of get that adrenaline going, so it’s been a really tough year.

“And after that grand final with Doveton, I was keen to get set for the next year, and have a red-hot crack at it, and obviously it’ll be a long wait for 2021.

“But I’m excited to get over there and have a go.”

Don’t look now, but these Flyers are starting to soar...

By Lance Jenkinson The Southside Flyers are starting to hit their stride in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

The inconsistency of the opening fortnight in the Queensland hub has been ironed out, with the Flyers producing a near flawless week on the court.

Three consecutive wins - all in excess of 20 points - all but secured the Flyers a spot in the finals.

Southside needed a strong response after lowering their colours to the University of Canberra Capitals in the grand final re-match last Monday.

The Flyers took their frustrations out on the Perth Lynx, pummelling the second-last team in the standings 102-62 at the Cairns Pop-Up Arena last Wednesday night.

A dominant first half from the Flyers al34 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

lowed the coaching to spread the minutes around with the starting five generally only playing around 20 minutes and the bench playing significant roles in the 40-point win.

Superstar centre Liz Cambage does not require too long on court to do some serious damage, as evidenced by her 23 points and eight rebounds in just 22 minutes.

Leilani Mitchell also went at better than a point per minute for her 20 points.

Southside carried the momentum of that result into Saturday’s 94-70 win over Townsville Fire.

The Flyers got their work done early, opening up an 11-point lead after the first period and never letting up.

Cambage was at her typically dominant best, putting up 26 points on 75 per cent shooting to go with nine rebounds and three assists.

Guard Rebecca Cole was the Flyers’ ignition

switch with 19 points and eight assists.

Southside capped off a fine week’s work with a 110-79 hammering of Adelaide Lightning on Sunday.

Unlike the previous two games, the Flyers were challenged early and had to respond, coming back from a quarter-time deficit with three dominant quarters to run out easy victors.

Cambage capped an MVP-like week on the court with 25 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

Forward Sara Blicavs did a bit of everything with 21 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while captain Jenna O’Hea added 15 points and six assists.

Southside will head to Townsville for the final two rounds of the regular season.

The next fortnight will see the Flyers play four games, including meetings with two of

WNBL Results Wednesday: Southside Flyers 102 v Perth Lynx 62 Saturday: Southside Flyers 94 v Townsville Fire 70 Sunday: Southside Flyers 110 v Adelaide Lightning 79 Upcoming 6 Dec, 2.05pm: Southside Flyers v Melbourne Boomers (Townsville) 11 Dec, 5.05pm: Sydney University Flames v Southside Flyers (Townsville)

· · · · ·

the competition’s big guns, Melbourne Boomers and University of Canberra Capitals.

The Flyers first game back at Townsville Stadium was against the Adelaide Lightning last night (Wednesday) at 6.05pm. berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Gippsland festival begins Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) launched its 2020/21 ‘Gippsland Festival of Racing’ on Sunday.

The festival will incorporate more than half a million dollars in prize money across six spectacular nights of greyhound racing throughout December, January and February.

Set to attract the most talented greyhounds from all around Australia, the ‘Gippsland Festival of Racing’ kicks off with heats of the Sale Cup on 20 December, with the final to be run on Boxing Day. From there the festival moves to the Warragul Cup series in January, before concluding with the Cranbourne Cup in early February.

Sunday’s launch was broadcast live on greyhound racing’s free-to-air television series, ‘Thrill of the Chase’ on 7TWO, drawing attention from tens of thousands of sports fans across Australia.

GRV Chair Peita Duncan said the ‘Gippsland Festival of Racing’ is the second leg of a series of festivals being run across the state from November to May. “We kicked off with the Metro Festival of Racing, which ran throughout November

Former champion Gippsland greyhound Sennachie with - from left - trainer Steve White, Steve Clark (Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club), Peita Duncan (Greyhound Racing Victoria chair), Tony Mitchell (Warragul GRC) and Rob Popplestone (Sale GRC). and concluded with the TAB Melbourne Cup, which was won in track record time by Hard Style Rico, who is trained by Luckie Karabit-

sakos in Pearcedale, right on the cusp of Gippsland,” she said.

“The Gippsland Festival will flow into a

second Metro Festival in late February, highlighted by the Australian Cup, and we’ll then host our first ever ‘Western Festival of Racing’ which will run throughout March, April and May. “Right now it’s all about Gippsland, however, and we look forward to seeing the very best greyhounds take on local superstars such as Catch The Thief, trained in Briagolong by Matt Clark, and exciting youngster Dr. Tucker, trained in Darriman by Bill McMahon. Both of those greyhounds have made their presence felt on the group racing circuit in 2020.”

Traralgon won’t be a part of the 2020/21 ‘Gippsland Festival of Racing’ as it is currently undergoing a redevelopment.

Greyhound racing has long been a pivotal economic pillar for Gippsland, generating more than $40 million annually for the region.

The sport boasts more than 1000 participants across the region (breeders, owners, and trainers), and employs more than 350 people and has almost 200 volunteers throughout Gippsland.

Up and rollin’

Craig Barnett is projected to start in the season-opener for Berwick City, but coach Shaun Surtees might have other ideas.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Cougars set to brave Malvern first-up

By Lance Jenkinson Berwick City is under no illusions about the danger that newly-promoted Malvern Braves will present in the Victorian Summer Baseball League Division 1 season opener.

The Cougars will make the trip to Wadsworth Field on Sunday expecting to face a Phil Dale-coached Braves team brimming with Melbourne Aces-aligned players.

The Braves snapped a 15-year premiership drought last summer, thanks to a strong recruiting campaign that landed a number of ABL players.

Cougars coach Shaun Surtees is not sure if the Aces stars will be available for Braves selection, but he is preparing his team as if they will all be playing.

And, he wants the Braves to be at full strength, so his Cougars can test themselves against the best.

“We want to win, but we don’t want to play against their seconds, we want to play against the best squad that they have,” Surtees said.

“It will be good to see those guys in action and see how they compete in Division 1 this year.

“We’re right up for the challenge and we’re looking forward to it.

“It’s exciting.”

Berwick City built up a head of steam in the back end of last season.

While the Cougars just missed out on the finals, it left them to ponder what might have been had they won a couple of the close games they lost.

The unfinished business seemed to drive berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au

the Cougars during lockdown, as they have largely avoided the players getting ‘Covid body’ - code for players falling out of playing shape during the lockdown.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of coaches throughout the league and they kind of use the term ‘the Covid body’, a few of their guys have got the Covid body, which is absolutely fair enough through a nine month period of playing no sport,” Surtees said.

“But our squad has come back in pretty good nick and it’s showing how well we’re training at the moment.

“The boys are swinging with some pretty good pop and moving around well.

“We got exceptional buy-in in the second half of last season.

“I was really pleased with how we finished the season and maybe that’s been a little bit of a motivator for some of the guys.”

The other factor for Berwick City’s readiness could be maturity.

The Cougars have a squad that is ready to compete for finals spots and one that knows you need to be ready on opening day to avoid playing catch up.

“Some of these guys are coming into their prime years of baseball, like 25 to 30, so they are taking it reasonably seriously and have looked after themselves in the off-season,” Surtees said.

“They want to win and they’ve been doing the right things over the last nine months to get themselves ready for now.”

The run-in to Christmas will be crucial for all teams, but particularly Berwick City, a side trying to break into the finals this season.

With the VSBL shortened to 16 games this summer due to the pandemic, there is no opportunity for clubs to hit the snooze button on their season if they want to play finals.

Surtees has set a lofty target for the December games.

“We’ve got to be ambitious and I think every team has to be,” he said.

“We really want to push to be able to try and take three of the first four games.

“That gives you a really good base to build from for the second half after Christmas.”

Surtees has never been more excited for an opening day.

He waited with anticipation for Baseball Victoria to reveal the fixtures once Covid restrictions eased.

It will mean more to Surtees and every player and coach who turns out this weekend than just another game of baseball.

“As a coach and as a player, this is the most excited I’ve been for a fixture to be released, that’s for sure,” he said.

“Generally it’s just a formality, but this time around it’s the mark of things moving forward and getting back to what we love doing, so it’s great.

“We’re raring to go.”

Surtees could not hide his excitement about the return of Berwick City baseball, but he did leave something to the imagination, the starting pitcher for Sunday’s game.

While club MVP Craig Barnett is projected to get the nod, Surtees did not rule out young gun Matthew West, who is part of the Melbourne Aces academy, from throwing the first pitch.

CRANBOURNE BOWLS It was a big first round win for Cranbourne, playing away against Mentone to get the season off to a spectacular start.

Skips Ray Travica and Lyn Quigg addressed the players at the start of the game, asking them for a big effort before leading by example with Travica winning by a 19-shot margin and Quigg winning by an 18-shot margin to secure victory against Mentone by a total of 19 shots at the end of the day.

However, the second side - playing at home - went down by 14 shots, while the third side won a thriller by two shots and the fourth side won a tight game by five shots in what turned out to be a good day for Cranbourne in the opening round of bowls.

Side 1, Division 2, Section 9 The Mentone green was in great condition, which Cranbourne seemed to enjoy.

Skip Ray Travica and his crew of Barry Thomas, Graeme Wood and Lynne Wood took advantage of the local conditions and were huge winners after getting off to a slow start but came home very strong winning by 19 shots.

Coach Lyn Quigg was happy with the 16 points but he was still looking for some further improvements from his bowlers if Cranbourne was going to be a genuine threat to compete for the major prize at the end of the year.

Next week Cranbourne plays Hampton at home.

Cranbourne 94 (16 points) defeated Mentone 71 (2 points).

Side 2, Division 2, Section 10 It was a case of no home ground advantage as Cranbourne lost to Berwick by 14 shots.

The rink of the day went to skip Chris Griffiths and his crew of Jim Williams, John Stanley and Joe Byrne who had an outstanding day winning by a massive 24 shots.

Cranbourne 74 (4 points) lost to Berwick 88 (14 points).

Side 3, Division 4, Section 6 While the second side lost to Berwick at home, the third side - playing away against Berwick got up in a thriller, winning by two shots overall.

Skip George Ljepojevic and his crew of John Lundie, Rob Scott and Helen Witherden won by six shots.

Cranbourne 76 (13 points) defeated Berwick 74 (13 points).

Side 4, Division 6, Section 6 A fighting finish against opposition Upwey/ Tecoma recorded a five-shot win on the day.

Skip John Gardner had a great day, winning by nine shots thanks to the good form of his team - Cheryl Wright, Scott De Piazza and Brian Turton.

Cranbourne 70 (16 points) defeated Upwey/ Tecoma 65 (2 points).

Side 5, 12-a-side This was a walkover win against Burden Park.

Cranbourne (16 points) defeated Burden Park (0 points).

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

|

STAR NEWS 35

12473007-SG49-20

36 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au