News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 11th February 2021

PAKENHAM OFFICER

Thursday, 11 February, 2021

autumn 2021

GO TO GROUND What to plant this autumn

HEALTH BOOST Benefits of indoor plants

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Date Saturday 27 February Time 10am-2pm Location Lifestyle Kaduna Park 45 Heytesbury Drive Officer South

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FOCUS ON … HOME & GARDEN

A bold pAiring for 2021 PANTONE has released its 2021 Colours of the Year - yes, you read that correctly, it’s plural!

Rather than choosing just one colour to represent the mood and feel of 2021, Pantone has instead chosen two complementary shades: PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating.

These two independent colours, which highlight how different elements come together to support one another, best express the mood for Pantone Color of the Year 2021, according to the Pantone Color Institute.

“Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is one of strength and positivity. It is a story of colour that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly,“ the organisation said in a statement on its website.

“A message of happiness supported by fortitude, the combination of PANTONE 175104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is aspirational and gives us hope. We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter - this is essential to the human spirit.

“As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity, and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality. PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power.

“PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation. The colours of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weath-

The two shades are complementary. ered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.“ The Institute went on to say that the combination of the two colours “highlights our innate need to be seen, to be visible, to be recognised, to have our voices heard“.

It said the colours are tied to “insight, innovation and intuition, and respect for wisdom, experience, and intelligence“, all of which inspire “regeneration, pressing us

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forward toward new ways of thinking and concepts.“ And in a year like no other, as the world copes with lightning-fast changes, those sentiments are sure to hold true.

Pantone has been selecting a Colour of the year for over 20 years. Typically, the selection influences product development and purchasing across industries like furniture, fashion and design - so expect to see more of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating in the months ahead!

How might you incorporate these colours into your decorating this year?

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FOCUS ON … HOME & GARDEN

a grand entrance KIDS, pets, shopping bags bumping against the wall – a busy hallway can take a battering.

“Whilst it might not be a functional room, your hallway is a hardworking space that deserves decorative attention,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager.

“It’s the first thing guests see and it sets the tone for the rest of your home.”

Is your hallway looking a little worse for wear? A fresh coat of paint and a few decorative tweaks can make all the difference.

Stylist Julia Green gave a classic hallway a new inviting look to show just how easy a refresh is to achieve.

“This hallway had great bones – a high ceiling, decorative mouldings and trims, with a generous width – but it lacked energy. Being a relatively small space, it didn’t take much time, effort or outlay to jazz it up, and livening up the colour was the perfect place to start,” says Green.

“Colour is such an emotional thing. It’s really about identifying those hues you instinctively respond to and having the confidence to use them in your home. And remember – it’s not a lifelong commitment.

If you change your mind, you can simply paint over it.

“A few smart styling touches completed this look. You don’t want clutter in a busy hallway, so I kept my focal points to the walls, floor and console table.

A joyful artwork at the end of the hall adds interest, whilst a geometric-patterned rug creates softness and hides a multitude of sins in a high-traffic spot.

All these elements are in tones of pink and coral, creating a lush, layered effect against the dusty pink walls.

“To create a cohesive feel, look for opportunities where you can replicate shapes and themes. Here, I chose a curvy console table that echoes the arched doorway.

The ribbed base adds texture, whilst a pretty vignette consisting of a lamp, vessels and a trailing plant makes for an easyto-achieve and eyecatching feature on the tabletop,” she says.

Julia’s hallway styling tips Create a focal point: Draw guests into your home with a striking artwork, a gallery wall or a mirror at the end of the hallway.

Choose a durable paint finish: Busy hallways require a tough, washable paint finish – Test it out: Purchase a sample pot or Colour Sticker online and live with the colours for a few days.

Choose the right rug: A robust, flatweave rug in a forgiving colourway is the best choice for a high-traffic area.

Light it right: Add warmth with a layered lighting scheme consisting of overhead lighting and lamps at different heights.

Mirror Magic: Make a narrow hallway feel bigger and brighter with a strategically placed mirror.

White and bright: One of the best ways to visually lift a low ceiling, bounce light into a space or for colour contrast is to have a white ceiling – from the picture rails to beyond.

If these colours inspire you, visit Inspirations Paint Narre Warren at 36/44 Lauderdale Rd, Narre Warren to find everything you need to update your look, including a range of Dulux colours.

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Back wall artwork - ‘Muted Reflection’, Art above console - ‘Happy Days’, Stylist: Julia Green, Artworks By: Doulene Walker Via Greenhouse Interiors Picture: COURTESY DULUX AUSTRALIA COLOUR FORECAST 2021 Photographer: ARMELLE HABIB

veggie ideas

Autumn is the time to plant brassicas like broccoli.

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Think of what you want to eat now - tomatoes are ideal.

Lettuces grow quickly to a size for harvesting.

By Danielle Kutchel THE days are getting a little shorter now, and cooler days are ahead. With that in mind, what should you be planting in the garden this season? We’ve got the tips you need to have a thriving veggie patch well into the season.

1. Think of what’s to come Traditionally, you should plant winter veg over the autumn months of March, April and May. Think classic brassicas like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and the veg-dujour, kale. All of these are simple to grow and don’t take much looking after. Make sure they have around six hours of sunlight during the day - they’ll grow quicker if they get more sun but they do tolerate shade as well. Also try planting beans and peas these will be ready for harvesting in spring for those delicious warmer-weather salads.

They grow quickly, but remember to provide them with a support, like a trellis, to climb up as they stretch their little limbs.

2. Think of what you want to eat now Leafy greens are ideal if you want something you can eat over autumn as they don’t take long to grow from seedlings. Plus, they’re versatile and can be eaten in many ways (spinach and feta pies, rainbow chard with garlic and lemon, an easy salad with lettuce and the last of the summer tomatoes ... ) 3. Think of how to grow them With wetter weather on the way, you won’t need to worry too much about intensive watering programs - but that doesn’t mean you can neglect your garden! Remember to keep up the usual supports so your plants continue to grow strongly. Invest in a liquid fertiliser like Seasol to provide essential nutrients. Ensure your patch is well-prepared by enriching the soil with manure and compost. Fill around plants with mulch to keep moisture in and provide even more beneficial nutrients. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … HOME & GARDEN

Luxe Look to waLLS

By Danielle Kutchel EVERYTHING old is new again, and that includes home DIY projects. The latest one to make a comeback? Wallpapering!

No longer just a daggy pastime, wallpapering is enjoying a resurgence. It adds personality and quirkiness and is a quick way to liven up a space. It’s also a great way to show off your taste and style, as today’s wallpaper comes in hundreds of patterns and colours.

Wallpapering often ends up - wrongly - in the too-hard basket, as homeowners believe it to be too tricky to take on themselves. But armed with a bit of know-how, you can makeover your room with relative ease - and top it off with the pride of knowing you did it yourself!

CHOOSE YOUR PRINT Before you get started, think about the look you are trying to create and have a look for the wallpaper that might make it happen.

Pinterest is always a good place to start, and once you start looking you’ll find that many local homewares and hardware stores stock a good supply of wallpaper. Apart from colour and pattern, many types of wallpaper are embossed, adding texture to your walls too. The material that the paper is made from is also important - in wet areas like kitchens, opt for vinyl - but for hallways and bedrooms, paper or fabric will work just fine.

These days, when it comes to wallpaper the only limit is your imagination. For example, you don’t necessarily have to paper the entire wall - if that’s too much for you, why not try creating a focal point for the room with a framed section of wallpaper?

Go for something bold and bright to draw

the eye, and use it as the feature of that particular space - it’s a guaranteed conversation starter!

GET PAPERING There are plenty of specific tutorials online; however there are a few key things to keep in mind when you get stuck in. Firstly, the wallpaper you choose will provide instructions as to what adhesive to use. It’s important to use the right one so that your wallpaper sticks to the surface correctly.

Measure the space to work out how much you’ll need, but always order an extra two or four rolls - accidents happen! Additionally, it’s vital to start with a smooth wall, so break out the sandpaper and get scrubbing.

And when you get to the end, don’t panic if you see bubbles - there are ways to fix them and get a nice smooth finish without having to tear the whole thing down.

NOT JUST FOR WALLS It might sound strange given the name, but wallpaper isn’t just for walls anymore.

Nowadays, designers are experimenting with papering all kinds of surfaces, like kitchen appliances, to add interest or, conversely, to hide that bland metal cover and help it better blend with the aesthetic of the room. If you’re into restoration, or just trying to bring new life to that tired old desk or chest of drawers, wallpaper just might be the answer. Many a plain wooden furniture item has taken on new purpose after being decorated with strips of colours and patterns. This style of wallpapering often works well with the shabby chic style - but don’t be afraid to branch out and do it your way!

Wallpapering your rooms doesn’t have to be hard as long as you have the essentials right.

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A fresh look is eAsy When it comes to styling, the hardworking parts of our homes often draw the short straw. But if your heart sinks every time you look at the shabby shed at the bottom of your garden or your tatty-looking garage, don’t despair. Transforming these eyesores into stylish, decorative features is easier, cheaper and more rewarding than you might think.

“It’s easy to get excited about sprucing up a living area or bedroom, but the practical parts of our home are no less deserving of attention,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour expert.

“What many people don’t realise is how big an impact they can have on your home’s overall look. The garage, for example, can make up around thirty percent of your home’s façade - if it’s not looking its best, that’s a whole lot of unattractive on display for the world to see.

“Equally, a shed that’s seen better days can really bring down the look of your garden. It’s details like these that friends and family as well as potential buyers really notice.

“Rather than splashing out on expensive replacements, update what you’ve got with colour. A lick of paint will transform unsightly sheds or garages. It’s quicker and easier than you might expect too - just a few hours over a day or two and your dumping grounds will be transformed,” she says.

“Start with a thorough declutter. Clear out the shed or garage of anything you no longer need or use, then organise the rest into proper storage. Prep the surface of your garage door or shed - if it’s damaged or old, this stage will probably take longer than the actual painting.

“When it comes to choosing colour, think about what you’d like to achieve. Do you want your shed or garage to blend into the background or make a statement? Muted greens will add freshness to a tired exterior and they harmonise beautifully with plants and foliage. Tone-on-tone combinations are popular right now; consider soft green for walls, a richer shade for the shed door and white with a hint of green for trims.

Complete the look by painting shelving and planters in a tonal green.“ 6W STAR NEWS

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Image credit: Dulux Australia. Stylist: Bree Leech. Colours: Dulux Weathershield in Gentle Calm Quarter, trim in Dulux Natural White™, door in Dulux Jungle Cloak.

Photographer: DAVID MITCHENER For garage doors, the colour expert said it is important to pay attention to the colours and finishes of surrounding walls.

Matte black, charcoal, navy and stone can work well against red brick, natural stone and timber.

For an exposed area such as the garage or shed, it’s crucial to choose a paint that can withstand the elements. Dulux Weath-

Thursday, 11 February, 2021

ershield is weather-resistant and provides a tough, long-lasting finish. It’s easy to apply, mould, dirt-and stain-resistant, and can be used on anything from bricks, timber and aluminium to ironwork - generally without the need for a primer.

“Show these hardworking areas of your home a little love and you may just find you want to spend more time in

them!” says Ms Lucena-Orr. Unsure where to start? The team at Inspirations Paint Narre Warren can help with specialist advice and colour sourcing.

Visit them at 36/44 Lauderdale Rd, Narre Warren.

GARAGE AND SHED WALL REFRESH DIY STEPS 1. Gather your painting supplies and ensure the surface has been properly prepared (sanded and washed) prior to starting to paint. Follow the label on the Dulux Weathershield can for more information.

2. Once the surface is dry, start by cutting in around the edges and hard to reach areas using Dulux Weathershield.

3. Apply paint to the surface using short, horizontal brush strokes.

4. Smooth over the wet painted section with long brush strokes. Do not reload the brush when you do this, a few strokes should be enough to smooth the surface.

5. Repeat this process for the second coat.

Allow to dry, then give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper and repeat for a second coat 6. If painting bare timber a third coat will need to be applied.

GARAGE AND SHED DOOR REFRESH DIY STEPS 1. Gather your painting supplies and ensure the surface has been properly prepared (sanded and washed) prior to starting to paint. Follow the label on the Dulux Weathershield can for more information.

2. Once the surface is dry, apply Dulux Weathershield to the surface using long brush strokes, starting with the inner panels and working your way out.

3. Smooth over the wet painted section with long brush strokes. Do not reload the brush when you do this, a few strokes should be enough to smooth the surface.

4. Repeat this process for the second coat.

Allow to dry, then give the surface a light sand with 400 grit sandpaper and repeat for a second coat.

5. If painting bare timber a third coat will need to be applied. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … HOME & GARDEN

Pots of Positivity

By Danielle Kutchel

Aloe vera secretes a gel that is good for sunburn relief. for us to breathe - great for those with allergies! Snake plant, also known cheekily as mother-in-law’s tongue, is one that can

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provide relief for those with asthma.

They freshen the air It’s always nice to come home to a cleansmelling home. Put down the artificial air freshener and get that clean scent naturally with house plants! There are a couple that are particularly good. Rosemary, often grown outside as hedging or an ornamental, can also be grown inside if looked after correctly. Typically this plant needs full sun, so be sure to keep it in a sunny place and acclimatise it to the reduced sunlight.

It smells deliciously inviting and is an excellent addition to many dishes. Similarly, dwarf citrus trees can be used to lightly perfume the air, naturally.

Confused about where to start? Your local nursery can help! Diaco’s Garden Centre in Hampton Park can provide specialist advice and everything you’ll need to love your plants so they can love you back. Visit www. diacosdiscount.com for more information.

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IT’S official: your indoor plant collection is actually good for your health, in a number of ways. Here’s why - and which plants to choose for the biggest benefits!

They make us feel good We all know how good we feel after a wander in the garden. Setting up house plants helps to replicate that feeling indoors. And that good feeling? It’s the reduction in stress that you feel while gazing into the greenery.

Plants can help us feel calmer and more relaxed, so they’re perfect for places like the study while working from home. More technically, studies have shown that plants like palms can regulate the humidity in a room, and this can help you feel more comfortable and productive.

They absorb nasties A NASA-run Clean Air Study discovered that there are a number of plants that can remove toxins from the air, keeping it clean

help in this regard. Snake plant is a striking indoor specimen with long, stiff leaves. It absorbs carbon dioxide while emitting oxygen, like all plants do - but interestingly, it’s one of the few plants that does this at night, making it a good choice for a bedroom plant.

It removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air too. Spider plant, another common and easy-to-grow variety, has the same special talents and looks good amongst many types of decor.

They can heal hurts Take a look through your bathroom cupboard and it’s likely you’ll find bottles of lotions and potions spruiking the properties of aloe vera. There’s good reason for that aloe has been used as a natural remedy for a number of different issues for thousands of years. It’s particularly useful for sunburn; simply snap off a leaf and let the gel that’s inside ooze onto your skin (get the OK from your doctor first). Boiling the leaves and breathing in the steam it emits can also

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New primary school up and running

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Paw-some place

Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and Becky with Duke and Gumnut 228035 “I congratulate Cardinia Shire on delivering a terrific, purpose built off-leash dog park and I look forward to seeing many more just like it opening over the coming months.”

Minister D’Ambrosio said that after a par-

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

ticularly tough year last year, it was wonderful to be investing in creating more natural environments for people and pets to enjoy.

“Since the Covid pandemic, being able to get out into open space, green space and of

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Local dog lovers and pet owners in Pakenham are in for a treat as the first ever fully-fenced, off leash dog park was officially opened in the Cardinia Shire on Tuesday morning, for all furry, four-legged canine friends to enjoy - both big and small.

The Don Jackson Reserve Dog Park, located on Ahern Road, was unveiled at a ceremony on Tuesday 9 February by the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio and Cardinia Shire Council Mayor, Brett Owen, with many esteemed local councillors in attendance.

Mayor Owen said that this new open space was an “exciting addition to the community” as it provided not only a fantastic park for dogs, but people as well.

“Off-leash dog parks have plenty of benefits for dogs - and their owners!” Mayor Owen said.

“They provide the opportunity for dogs to exercise, socialise with other dogs and to practice training techniques.

“This is an area that I know will be a community hub for families and their pets. It will be a community space everyone will enjoy over summer and beyond,” he said.

The new park, which features a wide range of facilities including agility equipment and natural, landscaped environments for dogs to explore, received $275,000 in funding as part of the Victorian Government’s ‘Building Works’ stimulus program.

Minister D’Ambrosio said that she was “absolutely delighted” to be opening the off leash park and that the State Government were committed to opening more parks and green spaces for Victorians to enjoy.

“We promised to build dog parks for families and their pets to enjoy - and that’s exactly what we’re delivering,” Minister D’Ambrosio said.

course with family, friends and pets is a really important part of being able to cope with all of the other difficulties that Covid has presented us with,” she said.

“I can imagine how important this is to the local community to come and gather, to bring their beloved pets of course, but it also gives them the opportunity to meet new people and form new friendships, which is a terrific opportunity for our mental health and wellbeing.”

The Don Jackson Reserve Dog Park was designed and delivered by the Cardinia Shire Council and includes something for everyone, with garden seating, pathways, natural shade, secure fencing, water fountains, rubbish bins, car parking and a secluded “quiet zone” for older, smaller and more anxious dogs to enjoy.

Mayor Owen shared Minister D’Ambrosio’s sentiments and said that he and fellow Councillor Carol Ryan had brought their own dogs along to the park in the weeks prior to opening and they had all had a wonderful time.

“I’ve got a 15 year-old maltese shih tzu, she’s getting a bit old but she had a new lease on life when she explored the park and it was the same with Carol’s dog as well,” Mayor Owen said.

“So I have no doubt that local families and their pets will enjoy visiting this park as much as we did - and will do for many years to come.”

The State Government has committed $154 million towards their ‘Suburban Parks Program’, which will see 6,500 hectares of public space created in the coming years, including parklands, new trails, pocket-parks and offleash parks, like this one at Don Jackson Reserve.

Even more new parks are set to open very soon across metro Melbourne as well as selected regional areas as part of the ‘Suburban Parks Program’, for more information visit environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks 12467549-HL46-20

By Gabriella Payne

NEWS

Primary up and running

By Mitchell Clarke More than 30 students have officially begun their primary school journey at a brand new state-of-the-art school in Officer.Orchard Park Primary School, located within the Timbertop Estate, includes two learning neighbourhoods, an administration building, outdoor play courts, a performing arts and physical education building, an arts, science and food technology building and a sports field.

The school has welcomed a total of 124 students in its opening year, but will eventually cater for nearly 530 students.

Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing visited the school on Monday 8 February, representing Education Minister James Merlino, for the smoking ceremony.

She also met with principal Nathan Jagoe and school leaders to officially cut the ribbon and declare the school open.

“Orchard Park Primary is another example of a brand-new school that’s bright, modern and built for the growth in student numbers that we’ll see in the coming years,” Ms Shing said.

The new school is one of 14 new schools to open in 2021. A new secondary college, Edenbrook, also opened in Pakenham this year.

Minister Merlino said: “We’re building new schools across the state, so every child has a great local school and a best start in life - wherever they live.”

New primary schools will also feature an onsite or neighbouring kindergarten, which the government say, aims to reduce the burden on parents and end the “dreaded double drop off”.

Orchard Park’s the kindergarten has been built on-site, with the capacity to deliver both sessional and integrated kindergarten programs for almost 200 students, aged three- and four-year-olds.

The State Government has committed to opening 100 new schools by 2026. Almost 50 will have been opened between 2019 and 2022.

Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing and principal Nathan Jagoe cut the ribbin with students. 227698

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

NEW COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE To continue to keep our state safe, new restrictions are in place.

Fitted face masks must be worn indoors and on public transport.

Visitor numbers to your home are reduced to 15*.

And please practise COVIDSafe behaviours to keep us safe this summer.

•

Keep 1.5 metres apart from those you don’t live with.

•

Stay home if you feel unwell, and get tested.

•

Keep your hands and surfaces clean.

•

Check listed exposure sites and follow the health advice provided.

Stay up to date on exposure sites and restrictions by visiting CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au *Babies under the age of 12 months are not included in this daily limit number.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

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NEWS

Goal, a crime-free Cardinia sures, like locking doors and keeping valuables out of sight.

“It also includes council planning for our future through crime prevention and community safety policies like crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED),” he explained.

“CPTED is a policy that has potentially huge positive impacts on new facilities and estates where experienced CPTED design consultants can assist in the creation of new public spaces with the intent of making them safer with limited opportunity for crime to take place.”

That concept has been adopted across the world in places like Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the USA, Mr Farrelly said.

“I’m sure all residents of Cardinia Shire would welcome council taking a proactive approach to ‘designing out crime’ from our neighbourhoods, and this policy would definitely assist,” he added.

A report into community safety will be considered by Cardinia Shire Council at their Monday 15 February meeting.

“Council is considering action such as exploring avenues for community safety projects, increasing communication with our community, and enhancing our community education,” Cr Springfield said.

Anyone with information about recent incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

By Mitchell Clarke A spate of recent crimes allegedly committed in and around Pakenham has attracted the attention of authorities and community leaders, who held a round table meeting to discuss ways to make the Cardinia Shire safer.

Cardinia Shire Council, who hosted the ‘Building a Safer Cardinia’ meeting, was joined by a range of agencies and representatives including Labor Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, Victoria Police officers, Neighbourhood Watch Cardinia chair David Farrelly, the South Sudanese Cluster Group and the Cardinia Shire Council Interfaith Network.

Cardinia Shire deputy mayor Jeff Springfield said the meeting was held in response to a growing community concern about criminal behaviour.

“Council cares deeply about community safety and acknowledges a whole of community approach is crucial to building a safer community,” he said.

Neighbourhood Watch chair David Farrelly said he believed the council sat on the “edge of opportunity”.

“With the continued growth of Pakenham and Officer, and the future development of the new Pakenham East suburb, there is an opportunity right now to start to implementing proactive crime prevention and safety policy, and Cardinia Council needs to grasp it tightly

Cardinia Shire councillors meet with community leaders on Zoom in a bid to working towards a safer Cardinia.

Picture: CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL with both hands and ensure the public’s safety is their primary concern when it comes to the design and building of new housing estates, public parks, and public facilities,” he said.

Mr Farrelly said community safety wasn’t

just the responsibility of Victoria Police.

He said it involved members of the community working together to report suspicious behaviour and crime to Triple Zero, but added it was also important to practice protective mea-

Even opportunity: State push for equal council roles

By Mitchell Clarke Cardinia Shire Council has welcomed a State Government push to drive gender equality across local government.

The State Government, on Friday 5 February, launched the Gender Equality Advisory Committee which will draw on the experience of women from across the sector to ensure the local government sector can “harness the benefits of equality” for all Victorians.

The committee will advise Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane and Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams on how to deliver the Labor Government’s target of 50 percent female mayors and councillors by 2025.

It will include representatives from the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, the Australian Services Union, the Municipal Association of Victoria, the Victorian Local Governance Association, Local Government Professionals and Reconciliation Victoria.

“Victoria is leading the way in pursuit of gender equality. I’m looking forward to working with the committee to ensure we meet our goals - because gender equality benefits all of us,” Ms Williams said.

Cardinia Shire mayor Brett Owen said the council welcomed the committee’s formation.

“Gender equality benefits everyone and council is committed to improving the repre-

Just three councillors in Cardinia Shire are female. Cr Stephanie Davies absent from the photo. 220580 sentation of women as elected councillors,” Cr Owen said.

“As a White Ribbon accredited organisation, we know that gender equality is essential to prevent violence against women, and

family violence.

“We are also a signatory to the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter which promotes gender equity, diversity in representation and participation, and women’s

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

active citizenship.”

More than 270 women, just three in Cardinia, were elected to council’s at the 2020 election - representing 43.8 percent of councillors.

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Thursday, 11 February, 2021

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STAR NEWS 3

NEWS

Awarding our top citizens Nominations are now open for one of Cardinia Shire Council’s highest annual honours.

The Stan Henwood Award recognises the outstanding individuals who live in Cardinia Shire and have made significant contributions to their community.

Cardinia Shire Council mayor Brett Owen said the award was held in high esteem.

Nominating someone is the perfect way to recognise them for making a difference in the shire, he said.

“Stan Henwood was a prominent member of the Tynong community who made significant contributions to his township and the

municipality. This annual award keeps Stan’s memory alive and honours other civic-minded people in our community today,” Cr Owen explained.

“Our community has experienced tough times throughout the pandemic and into recovery, which makes it all the more important to acknowledge those individuals who are working selflessly to help others and help make our shire a better place.”

Cr Owen encouraged community members to nominate anyone they believe has made a positive, long-term contribution to Cardinia Shire.

“In 2020, we honoured Pakenham resident Ken Rook who has held a range of positions across many community organisations including the Rotary Club of Pakenham, Toomuc Fire Brigade, Pakenham Scouts, Suffolk Sheep Breeders Association, and Presbyterian Tennis Club,” he explained.

“Our past winners have done so much towards making Cardinia Shire the wonderful place it is today.

“Volunteers are the glue that keep our community together and provide so many vital services. Recognising them through the Stan Henwood award is just one way that we can thank

them for their work.”

This year, nominees are no longer required to have completed more than 10 years of community services. For the first time, the award is instead open to anyone who has made substantial community contributions to Cardinia Shire.

Nominees must have made a significant contribution to community services in the shire, have not previously received the award and must not have been a Cardinia Shire Councillor within the last four years.

Nominations for the 2021 award close at 5pm on Monday 5 April. More information: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/StanHenwoodAward.

Kaduna Park residents rejoice over love of food

By Mitchell Clarke They say food brings people together and that’s exactly what happened to an Officer residential estate during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Kaduna Park Residents Group secured a Covid-19 community connections grant from Cardinia Shire Council and decided to put together a collection of family favourite recipes for a community cookbook.

The book was published in February and a copy of the creation has been delivered to each household.

Kaduna Park Residents Group president Siggy Rehburg led the project and said the book reflected the multicultural make-up of the area’s community.

“There are so many nationalities living here. Even on our committee we have people from Sri Lanka, India, China and we are from New Zealand,” he said.

“Everybody likes cooking and we’re all doing more of it now we’re staying home.”

Residents were encouraged to include recipes that had special family significance but were also easy to recreate.

The diverse range of recipes included Volau-Vons, English muffin pizzas, Sri Lankan coconut roti, Liverpool stew, a Keto cauliflower bake and even a fire cider immunity booster.

Parklea’s Jarrod Mills, Kaduna Park Residents Group president Siggy Rehburg and Officer Ward councillor Tammy Radford celebrate the book launch.

Picture: CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL

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NEWS

Impounded

By Gabriella Payne

Emergency services were called to Pakenham Road early on Tuesday morning.

Pakenham head-on

By Mitchell Clarke A man has been tragically killed and another man is in hospital after a horrific head-on crash in Pakenham.

Emergency services were called to Pakenham Road, between Galway Rise and Mount Shamrock Road, early on Tuesday morning, 9 February, following reports that two vehicles had crashed.

It’s understood a white Toyota van collided head on with a silver Mitsubishi utility at about 6.30am.

The driver of the Toyota, who is yet to be

formally identified, sadly died at the scene.

He was extricated by members of the Pakenham Road Rescue Unit (Pakenham SES and Nar Nar Goon CFA volunteers), who used hydraulic tools to free the man.

He was worked on by emergency services but despite their best efforts he couldn’t be saved.

The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 45-year-old Noble Park man, was transported to Dandenong hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Nearby residents took to social media to de-

scribe the sound of the smash.

“I heard it. So loud,“ one man said.

“I was in the bathroom (when it occurred) and it sounded super close,“ another woman added.

Cardinia Highway Patrol officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and it remains ongoing. The incident is the second fatality to have occurred in the Pakenham area in the last seven days.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A speeding driver under the influence of drugs will have some explaining to do back at home, after their partner’s car was impounded by police as a result of their reckless ride.

Officers from the Casey Highway Patrol Unit were monitoring the Princes Highway between Pakenham and Berwick in the early hours of Sunday 7 February, when they caught the speeding driver.

The red utility vehicle was allegedly clocked travelling at 141 kilometres per hour in an 80 kilometres per hour zone, at approximately 12.30am.

After the vehicle was apprehended by police, officers discovered that the driver was not only speeding, but was also under the influence of drugs, as determined by a positive test result.

Having borrowed the vehicle from their partner, the driver was left with some explaining to do after the ute was impounded by police for 30 days at a cost of $895.

The culprit will also have to attend the Magistrates’ Court at a later date to explain their behaviour.

The red ute was allegedly detected travelling at a speed of 141kph in an 80 zone.

Picture: SUPPLIED, VIC POLICE

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Thursday, 11 February, 2021

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

Police hunt Narre bandits

LENSCAPE

Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information following a burglary at a Narre Warren fast food outlet.

Investigators have been told two men drove a silver Volvo sedan, bearing false registration plates YLR-443, to the restaurant on Princes Highway about 7am on Friday 15 January.

The pair exited their car and broke into the store through a rear service door.

Once inside they allegedly stole cash before returning to their vehicle and leaving.

One of the offenders is perceived to be Caucasian, 180 centimetres tall with a medium build and short dark hair.

The other offender is perceived to be of African appearance, 160 centimetres tall with a slim build and wearing a BLVK cap.

Investigators have released images of two men that may be able to assist with their inquiries.

Anyone who recognises the men or with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Leg side at Cardinia Recreation Reserve. 227834

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs Down!

Thumbs Down!

Investigators have released images of two men that may be able to assist with their inquiries.

To Casey Council for allowing trucks to park in residential streets on a permanent basis, regardless of the size of the vehicle.

Thumbs Down!

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To the impatient drivers on the road in Cranbourne. You can abuse me all you like but when there is a bus coming in the opposite direction and only 3/4 car length between the last car and the bus I will not turn into the path of the bus no matter how much you beep me or yell at me.

5941 4888 9707 5755 5996 6822 5625 2571

Thumbs Down!

To the lady who yelled out her window “move the car you’re causing traffic” ... whilst two people helped a young boy after he had been hit by a car. For your information, we were helping the child in shock with injuries, as well as the lady and her daughter who hit him and the priority was the people.

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To the Clyde Road roadworks and school traffic which then puts pressure on the suburban streets aground Brentwood Park/Federation Hill estates. The school traffic outside my house is horrendous.

Thumbs Up! To the Star News Group team for terrific stories and great content.

Thumbs Down!

To the state of the Koowee-Pakenham Road. Been dangerous for far too many years.

Thumbs Down!

To the traffic on Cardinia Road every morning at both the T intersection and the other end the round about!

Thumbs Up! To our emergency services.

Thumbs Down!

Thumbs Up!

I’d like to see another 6000 houses built in Clyde with no more new

To the New Beginnings Art Exhibition at Cardinia Cultural Centre.

Awesome. Well worth a look!

roads.

Thumbs Down!

To Dan putting a game of tennis on ahead of the welfare of us Victorians.

Thumbs Up! To the return of playgroups. They may run a little different at the moment but it will be fun to be back.

Thumbs Up! For Dan Andrews and the government’s quick response.

Thumbs Up! To Australia. It is such a gorgeous place to live. So grateful to live where I live.

Thumbs Up! To Ron Milnes becoming the second ever club legend of the Pakenham Upper Toomuc Cricket club with an estimated 1000 games of cricket under his belt. #Yabbies

Thumbs Up! To the worker at Cardinia Club for photobombing our photo and making us laugh. Whoever you are, you made my day!

Thumbs Up Thumbs Down is your chance to have your say. Malicious or defamatory submissions will not be accepted. All submissions must include a full name address and daytime phone number. Contributions over the phone will not be accepted. Contributors will not be identified. The Star News reserves the right to edit submissions.

To submit a Thumbs Up Thumbs Down email to dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au fax to 5945 0777 or post to P.O. Box 9 Pakenham 3810.

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REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Thursday, 11 February, 2021

On Thursday 4 February, a story was shared across the Star News pages about Blind Bight residents who are fed up with the mess caused by five established gum trees in their court. The council has no plans to remove the gums. Here is how our readers reacted online: Dave Saul: First world problems. I can’t believe people’s lives are so dull and pathetic that this is the kind of thing that gets their panties in a bunch.

Vicki Beveridge: If it upsets you clean it up.

Kim Howes: Living in a house full of tree sap is like living in a house full of sticky cordial... it gets through everything, so don’t judge people until you know what it’s like!

Anthony Defina: We are having the same problem.

Eileen Westerway: Everywhere all over my lawn as well. Stupid council!

Ben Kerr: I am about to send a $65,000 bill to council for cleaning up all the detritus over the last 45 years that has fallen from the redgums they were stupid enough to heritage protect?

Kathy Harder: Trees ... what a dilemma.

On Friday 5 February, a story was shared across the Star News pages about new electronic speed signs being installed outside Cardinia Primary School. Here is how our readers reacted online: Tony O’Hara: Great to see that at last. The next step is to upgrade the intersection with Ballarto Road with traffic lights, such a dan-

gerous intersection right next to this school.

Donna Sinfield: Pity it has taken this long for it to happen. Now we need the police there to actually enforce it.

Pam Cartledge: Pity all schools don’t have them, especially the schools on 100km/h roads. At Bayles we haven’t even got the new 60km/h signs which were erected a couple of years ago and despite me emailing VicRoads and asking about them under their safer roads program I never even got a reply and nothing has been done. Guess they’re waiting for someone to be hit before they worry about safety.

Robert Fazzino: Should be standard at every school. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Casey rates notice scam

By Gabriella Payne A devious scam has been circulating throughout the City of Casey in recent weeks, luring vulnerable people into paying their council rates at a discounted fee, when in fact nothing has been paid at all.

Scammers are believed to be contacting ratepayers via phone, imitating an official council service and advising them that they can obtain a discounted rate on their fees.

Once the victim’s money has been transferred into a nominated bank account, the scammers make the payment to the council on behalf of that person, providing receipt evidence as proof.

The victims believe that everything has been paid and that they have obtained a discount on their rates, however the scammers don’t stop there.

Once the payment has gone through, the scammers then recontact the council and lodge a payment dispute, which allows them to obtain a full refund - leaving them profiting with all the money that was paid (the rate minus the ‘discount’), while the victim’s rate remains unpaid.

This means that the scammers get away with the money and it is not until later that the ratepayer discovers that they have been left in the lurch, with their original rate unpaid and undiscounted.

Brendan Browne, a spokesperson for the Casey Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association, said that he was alarmed to hear of this new scam and warned the community to be careful.

“It’s quite a worry, because these scammers are getting more and more sophisticated,” Mr Browne said.

“Unfortunately there’s always a number of people who will be vulnerable and we really need to raise awareness in the community.”

Scammers are contacting ratepayers via phone, offering discounted rates - which is a hoax.

Mr Browne said that while he agreed with the City of Casey Council’s advice that residents should remain wary and vigilant, he also thought it was important that the council were doing their part to protect vulnerable residents and “need to ensure that their own actions aren’t facilitating the scammers”.

“We all need to stay vigilant and check things - but at the same time the City of Casey needs to ensure that they are vigilant and double checking when there are disputes too,” Mr Browne said.

“They need to be refunding money to the right bank account - I’m a bit perplexed by that.”

Mr Browne said that while he understands

Picture: UNSPLASH your rates notice” and to “please pass this message on to your elderly friends or others who might not be on social media”, as it’s feared these people will be most at risk.

Mr Browne agreed with the council’s advice and said that “we need people to get the message out there, either via social media, through families or word-of-mouth so that everyone in our community is aware”.

“The scammers are doing this because they know that a small handful of people will be hoodwinked unfortunately,” Mr Browne said.

If you or anyone you know has been affected by this scam, you are advised to contact the City of Casey Council on 9705 5200 or for more information, visit www.casey.vic.gov.au

“mistakes are made” he thought the council also had a responsibility to ratepayers to make sure that the money was being refunded to the ratepayer - not the scammer.

The City of Casey council said that they “urge people to conduct the appropriate security checks when someone phones claiming to be from the council”, for example by asking them to provide their full name, postal address and to advise you how much is owing on the rates notice.

“You can also ask to return their call, and phone Casey on 9705 5200,” a council statement said.

The council asked people to “only pay your rates via the payment methods provided on

Help create the future of our shire

Imagine Cardinia

We need your feedback on the proposed Community Vision statement and Council Plan priority recommendations.

Almost 1300 community contributions helped the Imagine Cardinia People’s Panel develop a proposed Community Vision and recommendations for Council Plan priorities. These documents, once drafted, will help inform the Budget and Financial Plan.

Feedback opens Wednesday 17 February and closes 5pm Wednesday 3 March.

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Thursday, 11 February, 2021

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STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Art explodes around town

By Mitchell Clarke The most “creative, diverse and exciting” collection of artwork is currently being displayed in Pakenham.

The Cardinia Art Society’s New Beginnings art exhibition, which features an eclectic and interesting mix of 130 artworks, is officially on display at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.

The exhibition features a range of artistic talent, from those well-established to new beginners testing their talents.

Young composer and producer Jacqueline Collyer, who has family ties in Pakenham, composed a musical accompaniment especially for the exhibition.

Ms Collyer’s work is also featured at MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart.

Art Society president Jillian Ronald said after a tough year, she was pleased to see the exhibition finally come together.

The opening weekend was well attended with many people enjoyed the opportunity to experience some art in real time rather than online.

“We have had a long wait for an opportunity to share our creativity caused by the barren and stark landscape of enforced pandemic lockdown,” Ms Ronald said.

She described the exhibition as “diverse and unique with lots to see”.

One of the most eye-catching pieces is a large metal sculpture of a horse in motion by Julie Hayes, which travelled from the Pakenham Racing Club to be included in the display.

Prancing on his newly decorated lawn, the

Sue Jarvis piece ‘Renewal After Fire’. 226907

Carlos Mari’s artwork. 226907 horse enjoys the vista from entrance of the Cultural Centre.

“Apart from beautiful and thought-provoking paintings, there are amazing sculptures and fascinating installations. It is exciting to see that creativity has exploded after lockdown,” Ms Ronald added.

“2020 was a long lean year for the creative industries, it’s great to be celebrating 2021 with a new beginning.”

The exhibition is open from 10am till 3pm everyday except Mondays and will run until 28 February.

Jillian Ronald and Edie Collyer with Kathleen Kendall’s chair.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

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Stirring trouble

By Mitchell Clarke

Stirring trouble

By Mitchell Clarke It was the initiative that dished up smiles during lockdown, but now a decrepit looking Spoonville site in Pakenham is providing any-

It was the initiative that dished up smiles during lockdown, but now a decrepit looking Spoonville site in Pakenham is providing anything but joy.

During the one hour exercise limit - which is now a distant memory - Spoonville sites across Cardinia Shire were the most popular place to visit.

Despite the fad having died down entirely, the Cardinia Lakes community was understandably upset at news their local site appeared to have been targeted by cruel vandals.

Estate resident Laksika noticed the destroyed site during her daily walk on Sunday 24 January.

“I think someone has just walked over it or kicked them all over. It’s very sad to see it. We always used to stop there and have a look for new ones,” she wrote on Facebook.

The reaction from her neighbours was similar.

“Absolutely disgusting. The highlight of our walk is our toddler stopping to look and admire the spoons,” one local woman said.

“That’s so disappointing. My kids had spoons in there,” another woman added.

Pakenham Hills Ward councillor Jack Kowarzik said the news was “really frustrating”.

“Spoonville was created by locals for the enjoyment of local children and to see it vandalised is disappointing,” he said.

Cardinia Art Society president Jillian Ronald described Spoonville as an “amazing initiative” during Melbourne’s lengthy lockdown.

“It’s given joy and positivity in some very dark times and I just think it’s really disappointing that, when the community put together a project to support each other during a difficult time, that someone would take the trouble to destroy it. They’d be better off going home to create a spoon and putting it with

In happier times - Maci, Willow and Aubrey at a Pakenham Spoonville site. 214450 the rest,” she said.

“I’d suggest there’s much better things they could do with their time.”

The ‘Spoonville’ trend was born out of Winnersh, England, in an attempt to improve mental health by simply making people happy as they were out and about during daily exercise.

The quirky saga soon made its way to Cardinia - after Australia’s first ever site was constructed up the highway in Longwarry.

Within weeks, the site had spread to Pakenham, Officer, Garfield, Nar Nar Goon, Emerald and Beaconsfield.

Ms Ronald acknowledged the Spoonville craze had now hit a dead end.

“They’re getting a little bit tired, so maybe it’s time for the spoons to come home,” she said.

Ms Ronald, who commissioned the two local sites at Lakeside in Pakenham, encouraged community members to collect their spoons from their local sites.

She added that in mid-February she’d look to clean up all remaining Spoonville’s and relocate any leftover spoons to an “undisclosed location”.

The once popular Spoonville trend appears to have hit a dead end.

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NEWS

The truth about The Dry

By Duncan Evans Every actor dreams of appearing in a major film or theatre production. With it comes the possibility of fame and a pathway to secure employment. But more than that, to appear in a great film, one that takes a hold of the public’s imagination and enters the cinematic canon to be watched and re-watched for decades to come, is surely the mountain-top for any creative artist dedicated to the craft of film.

James Frecheville, a 29-year-old actor from Melbourne, can claim to have struck magic twice already in his short career with his small but crucial performance in this year’s remarkable Eric Bana-headlined film The Dry, which comes some 10 years after his breakout performance in the now-canonical Australian crime film Animal Kingdom.

Star News was lucky enough to speak at length with Frecheville in a wide-ranging conversation about his latest role in The Dry, why the film has been so well received by the public and critics alike and how he successfully navigates the tough and precarious world of acting.

The Dry The Dry is based on the debut novel by Jane Harper and Frecheville credits the popularity of the book in part for the film’s astonishing success.

“I think it’s a combination of the success of Jane’s book, and it having a sort of pre-established place in people’s heads. But also, last year was pretty terrible, on many fronts. And I think people just are eternally optimistic. I think people are really excited to get out of the house and do something that they were nostalgic about.

Which sounds insane, to say that you’re nostalgic about going to the cinema, but nobody had any of it, for such a long time,” he said.

With critical acclaim and domestic box office receipts breaching $10 million, The Dry is the hit film for the month of January and suggests that there remains in people an entrenched desire to retain the full cinema experience, even in an age characterised by isolated online streaming.

“It’s all about a shared, disruption-free experience,” Frecheville said.

“Being a part of a community, whether you know anybody or not, just in that kind of setting, it’s pretty important.”

Locked in a darkened space before a massive screen, cinema-goers are treated to an entrancing mystery film that unfurls carefully around two shocking events events separated by decades. The film has about it the smack of greatness. Though ostensibly a police procedural, it builds to become a haunting meditation on the power of memory and the majesty of friendship, precisely acted, written and photographed across the desolate beauty of regional Victoria.

“It’s looks great and the film’s great, and it’s as simple as that,” Frecheville says.

Frecheville plays the role of Jamie Sullivan, a gruff young farmer struggling to keep his farm afloat while also looking after his grandmother.

Like the film itself, there is a degree of manipulation involved in how the audience perceives Sullivan, a product of Mr Frecheville’s acting abilities and the careful planning of director Robert Connolly. Sullivan appears to us in a certain light at the beginning of the film, and then our perception of him shifts and changes as the film progresses.

“The trick wasn’t really up to me,” Frecheville said.

“That’s in the coverage, that’s in the editing and the sound, and most of that falls on to Rob. What I tried to focus on was taking as much from the script and from the book as I could to find something to anchor the idea of Jamie Sullivan around. There was a part in the book where it said that he had his fists stuffed under his armpits. And I kind of thought that was interesting, just because, like many people within the film, they’ve all got secrets.

“He just had a pretty high guard. It’s not really a nice place to live. But, you know, he’s not one to complain.”

Initially, Frecheville auditioned for the role of Sergeant Greg Raco, played by Keir O’Donnell.

“I wasn’t right for that part, but my name got thrown into the hat for Jamie Sullivan, and that was it.”

Asked whether he can sense a film’s popakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

James Frecheville as Jamie Sullivan in The Dry tential for greatness from the script alone, he responds by saying that while a script may be redolent of something, it is always difficult to know how a film will turn out given the medium’s tendency to morph and shift across the multiple stages of the creative process.

“You do get a sense. A good script should convey imagery and thought. And then, you’re on set, and things change constantly. It’s just blueprints layered on blueprints until the edit, at which it could even change quite violently again. Sometimes I’ve seen that with films that I’ve done where the tone of what you thought you were being involved in just becomes completely different.”

Breakout Ten years before he would take on the role of Jamie Sullivan, Frecheville auditioned as a high schooler for the seminal role of Joshua Cody in David Michod’s operatic Animal Kingdom. Listed by Quentin Tarantino as one of his favourite films of the decade, it has since become the source material for a popular television show set in Southern California and is regularly listed by critics as one of Australia’s greatest films.

Frecheville’s stunning performance as an impressionable young man thrown suddenly into a dangerous world and then trying, in his limited way, to extricate himself from an escalating hurricane of violence anchors the film and imbues it with a complex moral code. The film isn’t nihilistic, but it’s brutally jaundiced about human nature and the reach of justice in this world.

The Dry, by contrast, offers a somewhat more hopeful view about the possibility of securing justice, despite the shocking acts of violence that open and close the film and the shadow of abuse that permeates the story. A degree of clarity, at least, is granted to the audience by the end of the film, whereas Animal Kingdom leaves us in a more troubled state.

We are as unsure of Frecheville’s Cody at the end of the film as we are at the beginning. His method of closing out the story is as much a recognition of terrible failure as it is an act of brute righteousness.

Australian Cinema Frecheville lists Wake in Fright, Bad Boy Bubby, Chopper, Two Hands, Babe, Happy Feet and Mad Max as some of his favourite Australian films.

“Australia makes great films. I just hope that the frequency of telling Australian stories can kind of speed up the more the borders open up.”

He is optimistic about the future of the Australian film industry.

“People need stories. I’m interested with what sort of emerging technologies can start making different sorts of stories possible. It seems to me that the Australian industry is just absolutely booming. In the sense that a lot of international productions are coming there because they know that people work well and that it’s suitable to make big movies on a sort of world-class level.”

What’s more, alongside Australia’s worldclass human capital and technological sophistication, our relative success in containing the virus also makes us an increasingly attractive destination for film production. This year will see a number of major Hollywood productions

James Frecheville in Black 47

James Frecheville.

Pictures: DANIEL ARCHER

shoot in Australia, including the Liam Neesonhelmed action blockbuster Blacklight.

From LA to the UK Frecheville spoke to us from Wales via Zoom, ‘trapped’ in Britain’s extended lockdown restrictions.

“My partner and I came up here for Christmas and then Boris Johnson put the lockdown issue out, so we’re now sort of up here for series two of lockdown, because we were up here most of last year as well.”

When not in lockdown, Frecheville lives in London, having moved there from Los Angeles for a change in scene.

“I spent a lot of time in Los Angeles and ultimately wanted to try out a different setting. I didn’t really want to spend all of my twenties there. And Europe’s great and I’ve got a lot of friends in London. And I have a very soft spot for Ireland.”

Asked whether he thinks the deep friendships that anchor The Dry are still possible in the age of Zoom, Mr Frecheville replies: “I think it’s too early to say. I think sustaining deep friendships is easy. In a way, not much has changed for the way that I sustain my friendships, because I’ve got friends in all these different places.”

“But I’m just optimistic that things will get better. I can’t really see us holding into a sort of new lockdown paradigm for the next 10 years.

And thinking that a whole new generation of kids never go to school. I’m more optimistic than that. But maybe not, maybe this virus just keeps mutating forever and ever.”

A Natural Optimist Though The Dry and Animal Kingdom are perhaps his most widely-known contributions, Frecheville has appeared in an impressive roster of well-received films in a career that now spans more than 10 years. In 2018, he took on the lead role of Feeney in Black 47, an historical drama set in a famine-ravaged 19th century Ireland and in 2015, he appeared alongside Billy Crudup in the critically acclaimed Stanford Prison Experiment.

In regards to his own creative future, he hopes at some point to pursue writing and directing in addition to acting.

“But when I was writing when I was younger, it wasn’t ready or suitable enough to sort of get it to a point where it was fleshed out and out there,” he said.

“And tonally it’s quite different from my acting work. I’m kind of into a bit surreal, madcap comedy, sort of insane stuff. But yeah I’d totally want to explore that. But it’s just slowly slowly catchy monkey, is my idea the older I

Animal Kingdom get, because I’m still learning. I’m still learning a lot.

“I came into it having done youth theatre.

Animal Kingdom was a baptism by fire. And ever since then I’ve just sort of been a journeyman. I haven’t gone to a school. I didn’t go to university. I’ve sort of gone all in on this trade, and I’m just learning as much as I can. Seems to be working, somewhat.”

The acting trade has a well-established patina of glamour, full of red carpets and flashing cameras. For many though, it’s a tough and precarious way to make a living, and Frecheville knows both sides of the coin; the struggle involved in simply making one’s way in the trade, and also its possibility for grandeur and genuine achievement.

“I’ve been living by the skin of my teeth for years, it feels like. There’s nothing stable about it, but there’s also much victory and revelries as well,” he said.

For other young Australians who love cinema and hope one day to be involved in something permanent, Mr Frecheville has some advice.

“Be bold. Find like-minded people. Team up and make things. No one is going to sort of hand it to you. It’s always a great tip to be active. If you want to be an actor, start finding some friends that want to be actors and write silly movies and make them. And keep it fun, I’d say, because you don’t want a learning experience to be too serious or hard-core. I think consume as much media as you can. If you want to learn how to do things technically, you could watch a film and then watch it right back immediately after you’ve finished watching it the first time and pick it apart. Just be bold and be active, that’s what I’d say.”

The Dry is playing now in cinemas and Animal Kingdom is streaming on Stan.

Thursday, 11 February, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Ron’s officially a legend

By Nick Creely Ron Milnes is a true Yabbie legend in every sense of the word.

And now it’s official.

On Ron’s 75th birthday on Saturday 23 January - surrounded by his family at the club and plenty of past and present players - he was inducted as just the second player in Pakenham Upper Toomuc history to legend status, joining the great Clive Fielder to be awarded the tremendous honour.

That’s not bad going for a self-described “specialist fielder” who is estimated to have potentially close to 1000 games of cricket next to his name.

“It’s a real privilege - the only reason I got it was because I’ve been playing so long,” he said with a chuckle.

“But it’s a real big honour.

“I was looking forward to having a bit of a party up there for my birthday - I didn’t realise what they were up to, but I knew something was kind of afoot.

“It never even crossed my mind, actually.”

He said it was made extra special by having family around him to celebrate his birthday and see him inducted as a legend.

“It was pretty good - the only thing was that my daughter wasn’t there; she lives in Queensland so there was one missing,” he said.

It takes tremendous energy and dedication to play cricket for so long, and to always do it with a smile and laid back attitude.

But Ron hasn’t resorted to the ice baths too often as he juggles a mountain of cricket each week.

“I have had one or two (ice baths), but I just pace myself,” he said.

“You don’t have to kill yourself doing it; you put in and do your bit.

“You just look after yourself, and take your time.”

It’s some sort of resume to behold over many decades, not just at Yabbieland, but all around the traps.

“I was 13 or 14 when I started playing,” he explained.

“The old man used to captain a few of the teams - and when some of the guys used to have to go home to milk, I would run onto the field and chase a few balls for them.”

From humble beginnings, his passion for the game took off.

Ron joined the Toomuc Cricket Club in the Berwick/Pakenham association in the mid1960s, before heading up Albury and spending several seasons at the City Colts. He eventually returned home where he played for Maryknoll, and eventually Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll in the 1970s.

It was then - in the mid to late 1980s - that he joined the Pakenham Upper Toomuc Cricket Club.

“Ben, my son, wanted to play cricket, and he had a couple of mates wanting to play at Pakky Upper, so we thought ‘oh well, instead of me driving to Nar Nar Goon, it’d be easier to just drive up to Pakky Upper’,” he said.

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“I ended up coaching them all, and there were some great young cricketers out there at that stage.”

And he’s been there ever since, filling crucial on-field roles, but also becoming a valuable mentor off the field.

Ron was a member of the club’s committee of management for over 10 years, including roles as junior coordinator, junior team coach, Milo Cricket coach and coordinator, and has been heavily involved in junior cricket and development at the Yabbies for decades.

The ‘Ron Milnes Shield’ is also played between the Yabbies and the Marygoons in the highest grade both clubs play each other, another tremendous recognition of the contribution and impact he has made for both clubs.

He said that one of the things that has kept him going - rocking up each and every week to play and coach - was the youngsters that have come through the club.

It’s something he’s incredibly passionate about.

“I know many young blokes that came through the juniors and come through and played seniors, I’ve coached them along, and talked them into making big scores, or bowling a little bit better,” he said.

“You just spend a bit of time with them, it’s great - you see them improving, and they might spend 12 months with you, and then they’re gone up the grades.

“When I was captain I always made sure I brought some kids onto bowl or bat high to give themselves a bit of confidence.

“It’s good to see them do that.”

Picture: FACEBOOK

So what kind of cricketer does Ron describe himself as?

“I was a good fieldsman, actually, anywhere it didn’t matter,” he said.

“With the bat, I was average, nothing special, and with the ball I bowl ... .slow spin.

“For me, it was mainly just about bowling a line and length - I always tell the boys, just bowl at off-stump, don’t bowl fast, it’s a waste of time.

“Once you’ve done that, you can then get quicker.”

But as modest as he is, Ron achieved a great deal on-field for the Yabbies, and prior to joining the club he also did some marvellous things.

He has two hundreds next to his name - one in a 229-run record partnership with Michael Short in C Grade in 1987/88 against Cranbourne Meadows where he belted 109, and the other 105 in an E Grade clash in 1991/92.

Ron described them as two memorable days of cricket, and ones to treasure in a game where a lot can go wrong, and quickly.

“The hundred when I batted with Michael Short for the record of 229, we played that down at the Cranbourne Secondary College,” he said.

“Shorty made a good hundred, and I got 109 - it was one of the better days of cricket that I played that’s for sure.

“It can be a bugger of a game.”

But he was always a consistent force with the bat, averaging 37.66 in 1987/88, 44.2 in 1989/90, 39 in 1993/94 and 38.6 in 2000/01.

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Ron was inducted as a Pakenham Upper Toomuc club legend recently.

With the ball, Ron snared a hat-trick in 1990/91, and averaged the impressive 13.03 with the ball in a C grade season in 1993/94.

“I do remember the hat-trick, they’re big things,” he said.

“It was fairly big at the time, and of course I got rubbished by the boys at the cricket club for it, as you do.”

And to top that all off, Ron was the Yabbies’ club champion in 1991/92.

But premierships are what you truly play cricket for, and for the Yabbies, Ron was lucky enough to snare three, while also getting the chance to play in a flag with his Dad in his teenage years.

“The first one I played was with Dad, he was captain of Nar Nar Goon, and I was around 16, and ten years later I was vice-captain of the one at Nar Nar Goon,” he said.

“They hadn’t won a premiership at Nar Nar Goon for as long as the older blokes could remember, so it was big.

“And when I came to Pakky Upper, I captained C Grade and a D Grade one I think.

“In the C Grade one, we played Cardinia, and there was one run in it in the end. It was amazing.”

Ron has seen it all on-field and off-field, and said that the game has changed so much over the decades.

“The rubbish that goes on a bit now probably doesn’t go back to those earlier days back then it was probably a more gentleman’s game,” he said.

“You did have blokes have their arguments, and carry on, people cheating and that sort of thing, but otherwise it was really good to play.”

Ron’s also actively involved these days in Veterans Cricket alongside his Saturday’s with the Yabbies, playing for the Casey over 60s from 2008 to 2010, the Iona over 60s from 2010 and now the Kooweerup over 60s.

“They started a team down at Berwick area around 12 years ago, Rob Wilson and that started a team, so it was out of the blue,” he said.

“So I thought I’d have a go at it, and finished up playing with Col Jones, who played at Lang Lang, he was a good cricketer in his day.

“Col and I are around the same age, and we played in junior footy and cricket against one another, more junior footy then cricket, and I’ve known him for yonks. I ran into him down there playing, and there was other fellas I’d seen or heard about and we started there.”

Now an official legend of the Pakenham Upper Toomuc Cricket Club, Ron may be retiring in the coming weeks to focus on his health, and if so, it’s been one tremendous journey filled built off passion and a genuine love for the game.

“Each year it does get a bit harder,” he said.

“I’ve got chemo coming up next month, so I don’t know how that will impact me, so I probably won’t be playing Saturday cricket.

“It’ll just depend on how things work out, if I can keep my fitness up a bit, I’ll be able to manage it a bit. But I’ll miss it badly.

“I might have one or two left in me.”

10 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 11 February, 2021

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

THE LOWDOWN Q&A What was the best day of your life?

The best day of my life was my wedding day.

We were married at St Agatha’s Church in Cranbourne and had the reception at the Golf Club.

It was a beautiful day when I walked down the aisle with the love of my life!

What was your most memorable moment?

Why? I have had four most memorable moments.

They were the births of my four sons.

What would your last meal be?

My last meal would have to be authentic Italian lasagna.

What do you love about the school community?

I love that this community is inclusive of one another and supportive of the school, especially over the last year with all the disruptions caused by Covid-19.

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

I’d like to see in the future how the world solves the problems around climate change.

Favourite book?

I have many favourite books, but the one I remember reading and loving as a child was the Magic Faraway Tree.

Which six guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis, Jacinda Ardern, Jesus, David Attenborough, Saint Therese of Lisiuex.

with St Therese’s principal Michelle Bruitzman

THREE … ways to avoid separation anxiety in pets

1

Gradually spend less time with your pet while home. While you’re working, separate yourself from your pet so they understand being on their own is okay.

2

Feed your pet in another room or outside so they realise they can enjoy things without you being by their side.

3 Get to know principal Michelle Bruitzman. 227344

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

Falling off my bike.

What are your hobbies?

When I am not working I like to paint, sketch, read and walk on the beach.

What is your favourite thing about your job as a principal?

I would have to say the students. Each and every child that attends St Therese’s is unique.

They make me smile and look forward to going to work each and every day!

Leave music playing or the TV on for noise. Choose a music for pets playlist and play this when you are at home as well as when you are away. Your fur babies are smart! If you play the playlist when you are away, they will soon associate the sound with stress. ‘Canine Lullabies’ and ‘Through a Pet’s Ear’ are two to try.

FOCUS ON … JOIN YOUR LOCAL CLUB

Why go to KinderGym? High quality early childhood programs give children the best start in life, providing important opportunities to learn and develop. Did you know that around 90 per cent of brain development occurs in the first five years of life?

KinderGym is Gymnastics Australia’s fundamental movement program for children aged 0 - 5 years old and their families. KinderGym classes give children the opportunity to reach their potential, practice skills and actively solve problems.

“Our KinderGym classes offer a fantastic opportunity to develop many lifelong skills including listening, self-management, sharing, motor sequence planning, coordination, how to take calculated risks, plus all of the additional strength and coordination that assists children with their physical development” said owner of Reach Gymnastics Pakenham, Rebecca Tilley.

“Fun is also an important aspect to these classes, as children learn about their world and their abilities through play! We use our imaginations and have lots of fun in KinderGym,

Group of gymnasts - Macy McKenzie, Ava Ellett, Billie Kelly and Amanda Bonner (coach). 227895 completing all sorts of activities which foster the development of physical, social and cognitive skills as well as building self-confidence!

Our themed activities change every two weeks to allow children enough time to engage and consolidate their learning at each station without it becoming too boring and repetitive.’

Contact Reach Gymnastics Pakenham at info@reachgymnastics.com 5943 0368 or at www.reachgymnastics.com to book a free KinderGym trial class.

They’re on a hip-hop high

By Jenan Taylor Popping, locking and breaking are just some of the hip hop dance moves keeping scores of students enthralled, whether they’re performing them, or just cheering from the sidelines.

Hip hop is a kaleidoscope of acrobatic and jazz steps that promotes cardiovascular and muscle strength, agility and fast reflexes, and it has taken off in dance schools across Australia over the past decade.

The style hails from the streets of New York and San Francisco where it emerged in the 1970s as a less troublesome way to settle differences between rivals.

Music video clips featuring dancers performing alongside rap artists from Eminem to Salt N Pepa, added an extra level of cool and helped make hip hop accessible to anyone from just about any background.

The genre’s laid-back aspect is also what makes it so appealing, with comfortable clothes and runners being just about all a stupakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

dent needs to be prepped for class.

Freya Stills-Blott chose hip hop because it always looked like it would be fun and because she preferred it over more fluid styles of dance.

“Then I discovered I was good at it,” she says, and soon became hooked.

Now the 14-year-old has a swag of medals and trophies from her performances at local and state hip hop competitions.

Like many other students, Freya loves the creative side. “I like that I can take out all my emotions in my dancing and show off my personality,” she says, but of course, there are also the social thrills. “I like entertaining the audience. Hip hop dance leaves the audience on a high.”

While hip hop can seem amazingly complicated, it really is just a variety of steps joined together, and for new students, it all begins by understanding some of the basics.

So if cruisy creativity is your style, have some fun and give hip hop a go.

Gymnast on trampoline - Macy McKenzie.

227895

Gymnast on wooden ladder - Nakita Runge Rawady. 227895

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Garfield Football Netball Club is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Reserves Coach for the season 2021 and beyond.

This position is a playing or non-playing role. The Reserves Coach reports directly to the senior football coach and football department.

Please submit your applications to haydenjstanton@icloud.com.

Enquiries to Hayden – 0403 663 170

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Thursday, 11 February, 2021

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STAR NEWS 11

Stay connected locally!

Read the Gazette.

Eight puppies were found abandoned on the side of the road in Hampton Park.

Picture: EYEWATCH CASEY POLICE

Pups dumped

By Gabriella Payne Eight abandoned puppies have had a ‘ruff’ start to life, after being left unwanted on the side of the road in Hampton Park over the weekend.

Rescuers discovered the litter of pups at approximately 5.30pm on Sunday 31 January in a gravel car park next to Kilberry Valley Primary School on the corner of Kilberry Boulevard and Warana Drive.

The furry bunch are estimated to be around 10 - 12 weeks old and appear to be a boxer mixed breed.

After finding the dogs were not microchipped, they were taken to a local rescue centre where the team are working hard to help find them some new forever homes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact first constable Rachael May at the Dandenong Police Station on 9767 7444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

BUSINESS PROFILE

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In our hospita ls, medica stations, aged care homes l clinics, testing frontline workers and risked their on the streets, others. health to care for The unstinti ng nurses, cleaners, counsel doctors, surgeon s, They all laugh and the myriad lors, specialists, receptio at suggestions ‘heroes’.

Gazette’s People of health care workers nists that they are are the of the Year for “You don’t expect 2020.

Those on the front line also to be in a pandem you do it because and ambula included police ic, but nce personn it’s your job, trained to do, workers, who el what had to endure and supermarket to help,” Karenand you know that you’reyou’re buying and long hours, says. there a frustrat panic “It was an experie Home learning ed public, nce. Hopefu have to do spect for teacher gave a lot of us a lly I don’t it again, but new re- Janet and Karen, nurse s - and a chance come into nursing I’m glad I did ever our kids. it. You to bond with Berwick Hospital. 224455 unit managers who worked for Like the soldiers a reason.” on the Covid Staff were on frontline at St in those two high alert in they were on Dandenong John of God precinct - at world wars, the and Warragu front St John of God Berwick’s hospital line Picture: STEWAR with their colleagu of this battle, l hospitals. at Casey Hospita Thanky and over the T CHAMBERS services along es in health road tearoom ou cards now line l - as were share well beyond and emerge . the walls of those working at what was ncy those four walls. the at of God the Covid ward We Reporter Danielle salute Berwick Hospita at extraordinary them for their service l - a sentime St John John of God nurses Kutchel caught up during time as the nt we all lister with St Karen Gazette’s People an and Sally Webster Ward and Janet McAl- the Year for 2020. of from Casey Turn to pages Hospital. the Covid battle. 2-3 for an insider’ s look at

2020

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Those keen have been to get tested identified for Covid-19 vised to contact are ad- sites in recent days, as Covid-19 exposure where possible testing sites prior to The DHHS with visitors also advises arrival get tested or monito urged to visited , for an update that anyone r for sympto on wait times. ing on the The advice any of the followin who has ms depend site. Anyone on the DHHS g locations as visitors report who has visited - the date and time website comes following location during indicate at testing sites wait times of several indicated must s during the date and the immediately and quarant d must get tested hours across Victoria time a negative get tested ine until you quarantine result: . receive Pakenham’s for 14 days from immediately and testing site Metro Trains the exposur Reserve on at IYU Recreat Holy Family Pakenham line e.

Henry Road Parish December from on Thursday Monday to is currently ion Power Road, Doveton Doveton Catholic 31 Sunday, 9am-4p , 100 open ber train from Westall9pm-9.30pm - case caught on Saturday site may close from 4pm-6p m. Howeve 26 DecemStation to Flinders r, earlier due m.

Family Parish extreme weathe to high demandthe St Holy IKEA Doveton Catholic r conditions. or Princes Springvale - Cafe and 26 December ,on Saturday Restaurant, at 6.30pm.

A number of Highway, Springv 917 places across Metro Trains the south east December from 5.30pm ale on Wednesday 30 Pakenh uary from 4.30am- am line on Friday -6.30pm - case at cafe.

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12 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 11 February, 2021

Sum of IT services

By Danielle Kutchel For anything and everything IT related, Synergy IT Services is the place to contact.

Owner Andrew Devienne has over 15 years’ experience in the industry backed up by multiple certifications and degrees, and can solve both residential and business IT needs.

Residential services include antivirus and malware clean-up, Windows upgrades and hardware upgrades.

For businesses, Synergy IT Services offers Microsoft 365 and Google Cloud setup and management, backups, networking, servers, DNS and domain management, and internet and VOIP telephony.

Synergy is a local small business that takes care of its customers. Synergy offers a high attention to detail and management from start to end. Staff take the time to understand each customer’s issue, present suitable options and deliver the right solution.

The company has experience with a wide range of vendors and technology solutions and local Australian hardware stock.

Importantly, Synergy is easy to contact when you need it, and can extend support out to regional Victoria.

According to Andrew, many customers come to Synergy after being dissatisfied with their current IT support - and they’re so happy with Synergy that they keep coming back.

Synergy appreciates all its customers and understands they have businesses and lives to get on with - and that no one can afford to be interrupted by IT outages. Synergy can take care of your IT work so you can get on with running your business without any stress or worry.

Synergy IT Services is located in Pakenham and can be contacted on contact@synergyitservices.com.au, or 9113 4616.

Synergy IT Services is open 8am-5pm with hours extended for emergencies. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

The elderly man needed to be freed from his vehicle.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Same road, different day An elderly man needed to be freed from his vehicle after becoming trapped following a collision on the Princes Freeway.

Emergency services were called to A’Beckett Road intersection in Bunyip just before 5pm on Sunday 7 February following reports of a two-car collision.

The Pakenham Road Rescue Unit, which is made up of volunteers from the Nar Nar pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Goon CFA and Pakenham SES, used rescue tools to remove the front door of the vehicle.

The male driver, believed to be in his 70s or 80s, was able to be walked to an ambulance stretcher for further treatment.

He was transported to Dandenong hospital in a stable condition with upper body injuries, an Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman confirmed.

EGGS ON TOAST CHOICE OF FRIED/POACHED/SCRAMBLED EGGS SERVED ON SOURDOUGH $14

OPEN OMELETTE W/CHERRY TOMATOES, SPINACH, MUSHROOM & SOURDOUGH $19

VISTA MUESLI WITH MILK, NATURAL YOGHURT & MIXED BERRY COMPOTE $16

SMASHED AVO ON SOURDOUGH W/2 POACHED EGGS TOPPED W/CRUMBLED FETA & DRIZZLED W/OLIVE OIL $21

HAM & CHEESE TOASTIE $10

HAM, CHEESE & TOMATO TOASTIE $11

CHEESE & TOMATO TOASTIE $10

LAMB, TOMATO RELISH, SPINACH & CHEESE TOASTIE $12

EGG, BACON & TOMATO RELISH TOASTIE $12

HOMEMADE SCONES (SWEET OR SAVOURY) W/HOMEMADE JAM AND CREAM $51 | $9 FOR 2

Extras BACON $4 | MUSHROOMS $4 HASH BROWN $3 | SAUTÉED SPINACH $3 GRILLED TOMATO $3

Hot & Cold Drinks

BUTTER CHICKEN CURRY (GF) W/ RICE AND FLAT BREAD $24

VEGAN BURGER (V) VEGAN PATTIE W/ LETTUCE CARROT, CUCUMBER, TOMATO ONION AND BEETROOT RELISH. $22

HOKKIEN NOODLES STIR FRY (VG) TOSSED IN MIXED VEGGIES, SOY & CHILLI; FINISHED W/ FRIED SHALLOTS $20 - ADD CHICKEN $4

SLOW COOKED PULLED LAMB GREEK SALAD LETTUCED ONION, TOMATO, CUCUMBER, OLIVES & FETA, FINISHED W/ OLIVE OIL & LEMON JUICE DRESSING $24 - WITHOUT LAMB $19 (VG, GF)

CHICKEN SCALLOPINI (GF) CHICKEN BREAST SAUTEED IN A WHITE WINED BACON & MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE, SERVED W/ STEAMED VEGETABLES $26

HAWAIIAN CHICKEN PARMA W/ HAM, NAPOLI, PINEAPPLE, CHEESE, CHIPS & SALAD $25

AMIGO’S CHICKEN PARMA

Smoothies - $9

W/ SALSA, GUAC, JALAPENO’S, CHEESE, CHIPS & SALAD $25

BEGREEN

CAJUN CHICKEN SCHNITZEL BURGER

SPINACH | BANANA | KIWI | CUCUMBER | OJ

W/ LETTUCE, SWISS CHEESE, CARAMELISED ONION, CHIPOTLE MAYONNAISE & SIDE CHIPS $22

TROPICAL BLITZ MANGO | PINEAPPLE | OJ

STRAWBERRY SMASH STRAWBERRY | BANANA | OJ

Milk Shakes - $7 CHOC | STRAWBERRY | VANILLA | BANANA CARAMEL | BLUE HEAVEN MAKE IT A THICK SHAKE ADD $2

Soft Drinks & Juice - $4.5 PEPSI | LEMONADE | SUNKIST | SOLO | PEPSI MAX - (BOTTLED)

VANNI’S OPEN SOUVLAKI YOUR CHOICE OF LAMB, CHICKEN OR MIXED MEAT W/ PITA BREAD, GREEK SALAD, GARLIC SAUCE & HERBED CHIPS $25

NICKO’S LEMON & HERB CALAMARI (GF) SERVED W/ GREEK SALAD, CHIPS AND GARLIC SAUCE $24

MOUSSAKA GREEK STYLE LASAGNA W/ LAMB BOLOGNESE LAYERS OF EGGPLANT & POTATO FINISHED WITH BECHAMEL CHEESE SAUCE SERVED W/ GREEK SALAD $23

MINERAL WATER - ORANGE MANGO | LEMON LIME | LEMON LIME BITTERS | PLAIN KOMBUCHA $5 - PEACH | STRAWBERRY | APPLE APPLE | ORANGE

Tea - $4.5

Entrée GARLIC PIZZA (V) $10

MARGHERITA PIZZA (V)

ENGLISH BREAKFAST | CHAMOMILE | MINT | LEMON EARL GREY | GREEN

$12

Coffee by

W/ LEMON WEDGE $10

ST.ALi Single Origin Organic - Wide Awake Cup $4 - Mug $5

LATTE | CAPPUCCINO | FLAT WHITE LONG BLACK | LONG/SHORT MACCHIATO SPICED/VANILLA CHAI | ADD $ ICED COFFEE $7 ICED CHOCOLATE $7 HOT CHOCOLATE | ADD $.50

Extras - $1 HONEY | VANILLA | CARAMEL | HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE | EXTRA SHOT

Milks CALDERMEADE FARMS - FULL CREAM | SKINNY MILKLAB ALMOND+$1 | SOY+$1 | LACTOSE-FREE+$1

Main Kitchen

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W/ HAM, NAPOLI, CHEESE, FRIES & SIDE SALAD $25

CHICKEN SCHNITZEL W/ GRAVY, CHIPS, SIDE SALAD & FRIED EGG $24

FISH N CHIPS W/ FRESH LEMON,TARTAR & SIDE SALAD $23

VISTA BURGER & CHIPS W/ BACON, CHEESE, TOMATO, LETTUCE, EGG & SAUCE $20

PENNE CARBONARA SAUTEED ONION BACON & GARLIC IN A CREAMY WHITE WINE SAUCE FINISHED WITH EGG YOLK AND PARMESAN CHEESE $22

YIA YIA’S DOLMADES (6) (GF, V)

GRILLED SAGANAKI W/ OLIVE OIL, HERBS AND LEMON WEDGE (V) $13

CHICKEN SATAY SKEWERS W/ STEAMED RICE AND SATAY SAUCE (GF) $13

TRIO OF DIPS W/ WARM PITA BREAD (V) $14

MINI SPRING ROLLS SERVED W/ SWEET CHILLI DIPPING SAUCE (6) (V) $10

Kid’s Menu NUGGETS & CHIPPIES $14

FISH N’ CHIPPIES $14

MINI OPEN SOUVLAKI W/CHIPS $14

PENNE NAPOLI $14

Desserts WILDBERRY CHEESECAKE (GF) NEW YORK CHEESECAKE - $14 DEATH BY CHOCOLATE CAKE COOKIES & CREAM CAKE LEMON MERINGUE CAKE FLOURLESS ORANGE CAKE (GF) ICE CREAM SUNDAE W/ CHOCOLATE TOPPING & SWEET CANDY BAKLAVA & PISTACHIO ICE CREAM

40 Lakeside Boulevard Pakenham (Cardinia Cultural Centre) Bookings/inquiries : 59450015

12476144-SG51-20

sequently lost. Soon after, the company itself went into liquidation.

The above example illustrates the point that it is not just about having the cash available, it is also about understanding what money will be coming in and what money will be going out over the coming months. This is what is meant by managing ‘cash-flow’ and in general is not done anywhere as often as it should be by many businesses. There are some significant differences between a cash-flow forecast and a budget since the former is all about what cash will be available whereas the latter is about what profit will be made over the period. Another key element that distinguishes the two is that the cash-flow includes tax so GST will need to be included in forecast revenue and expenses as well as expected BAS and IAS payments and any other tax obligations. I have seen more than one company come unstuck by failing to make provision for these payments especially when the Profit & Loss statement shows a healthy profit. Cash-flow forecasts should always be reconciled with bank statements since they represent the real cash position of the business at the time and may highlight expenses that otherwise may get missed.

There are many ways to generate a cashflow forecast but for most businesses, keeping the process simple by using a tool like Excel will suffice. The important thing is to get into the habit of doing this on a regular basis so that there are no unpleasant surprises.

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

KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY

IAN ASH

Available 9am - 3pm

FOLLOW US @THEVISTACAFE - LEAVE A REVIEW - LOCAL FAVOURITE - FOLLOW US @THEVISTACAFE

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Light Meals

KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY

You may have heard the phrase: “Turnover is Vanity. Profit is Sanity. Cash is Reality”.

In business this is so true.

Obviously it is good to see a business’ annual income increase or sustain at high levels, but more important than the total revenue is the profit being made on those sales. For example, would you rather run a business with an annual turnover of $10M and a net profit of $100K or a business with annual sales of $1M and a net profit of $100K? With a return on sales of just 1%, the first business is likely having to work harder to earn that profit and with such a low return, runs the risk of making a loss in other years, whereas a return of 10% as in the second case provides for greater investment into the business and greater flexibility in operation being a little less constrained financially. Hence the reason that ‘profit is sanity’.

But even more important than profitability is cash. According to “Score”, 82% of small businesses fail due to cash-flow (https://www. score.org/blog/1-reason-small-businessesfail-and-how-avoid-it) and so you may well be wondering why would a profitable business fail due to lack of cash? The reason is that being profitable and having cash in the bank are not necessarily correlated primarily due to timing.

Let me illustrate by means of a true-life example.

An Australian SME had managed to secure a significant deal with a company in China which I believe was worth in the region of $2M. Typically companies don’t get paid for their goods until the product is received and accepted by the customer which means much of the cost of the raw materials and the labour has to be borne by the supplier up until then.

After having covered the costs of the development and raw materials, this particular company found it then had to raise $600K in freight costs. Unfortunately it was unable to do this by the shipment date, so the product did not get shipped when required and the deal was sub-

KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY

Really, cash is reality

KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY

FOLLOW US @THEVISTACAFE - LEAVE A REVIEW - LOCAL FAVOURITE - FOLLOW US @THEVISTACAFE

Thursday, 11 February, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 13

FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE

ESCAPE TO PEACE AND QUIET ESCAPE to peace and quiet in a picturesque garden setting and all within a short distance to the town centre, West Gippsland Hospital, railway station and M1 freeway.

These properties are a rare find, so don’t procrastinate... call for your personal inspection today.

The 4 bedroom brick veneer residence has been designed to capture light and views of the well established gardens. A magnificent Liquidamber takes pride of place at the front of the home and offers shade and privacy.

The floor plan includes a welcoming front entrance, which leads to a formal lounge with brick feature wall, open fire

SEJ

T 16P_

Real Estate

The GreaT escape

80 Thompson road drouin souTh Impressive property set upon 28 acres of rich, productive soil. Serene country living close to town & fwy access. 11 fully fenced paddocks, water supply & a central laneway to all. 3 dams, stockyards, water tank & pump. 2 additional water tanks to the home. Original “country cottage” style home features wraparound veranda, 3 BR with BIR’s and 2 bathrooms. Kitchen offers elec cooking, dishwasher & large bench space. Multipurpose shedding. Flat & fertile land, established trees & gardens. Beautiful lifestyle property. $1,000,000 to $1,100,000 internet id: 22729996 View property and more details at www.sej.com.au

5622 3800 cnr smith & Queen st, Warragul

www.sej.com.au

and a step away is the formal dining room.. both appealing areas to relax and dine with friends and family.

The timber kitchen has ample storage with bench space/breakfast bar, electric cooking and dishwasher, plus tiled floor coverings flowing to meals/living area. The tiled hallway leads to all bedrooms, with built-in robes, and the 4th bedroom currently used as a study. Spacious main bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite.

The main bathroom has blackwood vanity, shower and seperate toilet. Practical laundry with access to backyard. Double garage with shelving and remote. Heating includes reverse cycle air-conditioning in kitchen/ meals and living area, 2 gas heaters, open fire and solar panels for cost effective heating. The property is connected to town water, natural gas and septic tank, plus two sheds, one with power.

This home set on 5000m2 block offers a unique opportunity to purchase a family home in a highly sought after location, and the chance to enhance at your leisure.

Call for further details and your personal inspection. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 6 Pine Grove, WARRAGUL Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $850,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sally Jones, 0417 037 079, SEJ REAL ESTATE, 5622 3800

BED 3 ALFRESCO RUMPUS

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W.I.P. BATH KITCHEN MEALS

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WORKSTATION FAMILY WIR BED 2 WIL RUMPUS

L'DRY brm. linen

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RAWDON 258

RAWDON 258 31 Snead Boulevard, Cranbourne (Canopy at Amstel Estate) Please visit our website for opening hours

COOLING

BLINDS

DOWNLIGHTS

Call 1800 314 737 14 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 11 February, 2021

STONE BENCHTOPS + MORE Visit rawdonhill.com.au Email sales@rawdonhill.com.au

12481351-SG07-21

HEATING

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE

MARK MY WORDS: THIS IS THE ONE! “WHEN you think of Timbertop you think of: class, sophistication, comfortable living and community.”

At the frontier of Officer’s premier estate is an exquisitely designed freestanding home that overlooks the cafe, wetlands and oozes jaw-dropping charisma.

Close to primary schools, public transport and shops the location in the family-friendly estate is highly sought-after.

Featuring: The master bedroom and en-suite overlooking parkland; Remaining bedrooms with built-in robes; Open plan living/dining room that is exposed to a glowing northern sun; Large kitchen complete with expansive 40mm stone bench tops, 900ml stainless steel appliances and plenty of storage; Seperate formal living room located at the front end of the home; A private courtyard seperate to your main outdoor entertaining space.

The features don’t stop there: A large north-facing courtyard; Additional powder room; Split system heating and cooling in all the bedrooms and major rooms; Study nook; High ceilings; Double car garage with internal access; Landscaped front yard; Private rear access perfect for washing the car outside of the property. ●

· · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 3 Timbertop Boulevard, OFFICER Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $590,000 - $640,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Gavin Staindl, 0424 227 134 and Rachael Dalton, 0451 117 577, RAY WHITE, PAKENHAM

Take advantage of the $10,000* first home owners grant and even better….

Receive up to $25,000* for the new builders scheme.

Now is the time to buy! *eligibility criteria must be met

Inclusions • Vinyl wrap kitchen with stone benchtops • Stainless steel electric oven • Stainless steel gas hot plates • Stainless steel range hood • Ducted heating • Ceramic floor and wall tiles as per floor plans from builders range

Pakenham

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

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

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

With easy access to the M1.

2 bedroom townhouses $369,000–399,000.

3 bedroom townhouses $409,000–$449,000.

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

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 11 February, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 15

networkclassifieds.com.au

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NEED A LOCAL PLUMBER & HOT WATER REPAIRER?

Applications open 1 January 2021 and will close 28 February 2021.

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For full program information including application forms, please visit www.pakenhamracing.com. au/community/community-grants Alternatively visit the Cardinia Club or Club Officer where information is available on our Community Noticeboards.

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Wednesday, 3 April, 2019

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

Print and Online Sales Executive

Berwick-Pakenham

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

Silver lining for Hillview anniversary

Call to arms for Blaze Aid effort

Gumbuya joins push for new airport

Cardinia Mens Shed members Geoff Fluck, CFA's Lisa Hicks, Vin and Nichols,Roy Orman Ken Hordern John Buckley with Levi Mountney, giving the truck a spin. 191696

Truck to reel in more fireys

By Kyra Gillespie have been Members of Cardinia Men’s Shed truck for hard at work, building a small fire the CFA. at CFA The bright little truck will be used around open days and recruitment drives the Cardinia catchment. the CFA’s Lisa The craftsmen met with th at PakenHicks for an official handover on Thursham’s Living and Learning Centre day 28 March. it will “They did such a wonderful job; to athelp with volunteering, something we are dotract the families and kids when ampaigns “ Ms Hicks said. ing recruitment campaigns,“ of $300 “We were able to secure a grant project. for the Men’s Shed to complete the in myThursday, 4 April, 2019 “I went down there with a vision to fit had it mind and they made it happen; enough in the back of the Ranger, be light the kids. for two people to carry and safe for and “It has working lights, a little ladder a fire hose. It’s amazing.“ CFA’s The grant was secured through the South East Volunteer Sustainability Team, Region.

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lucky; had “It was very frightening, I was very commuDue to the immediate threat to the ahead I would’ve been hit. to give chase, pursu- I been going straight nity, police were authorisedMassive car he had “I looked behind and saw bits of ing the offenders into Cranbourne. the hit flying in the air, and I was thinking ‘God, I police, evade to clash kick In a further attempt to wrong side of High haven’t been killed and hope no one behind me speedsters crossed onto the things com.au real estate off headsplitting is killed.“ Street, disobeying red lights and Highway.

20 to 30 cars would on traffic on the South Gippsland SPORT with three Robin believes around Lift out the reckless driving.

The car was involved in a collision byProperty the Cardinia have been impacted vehicles, after which members of people just “There must have been so many males and one Highway Patrol apprehended two probably 20foot. affected by the accident; there were female, who attempted to flee on 30 cars at the intersection.

A rifle was found in the stolen Ford. the interthe “He must’ve been in the middle of Robin Dzedins of Lynbrook, witnessed traffic. He the in gap a section because there was dramatic pursuit. going to“I was on South Gippy Highway was swerving like a maniac. at Settlement Continued on page 12 wards Cranbourne, turning left Hotel in Camms Road,“ she said. ✃ By ✃Brendan Rees ✃ L E T E

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Cops’ wild chase hit flying in the air and I was thinking 'God, I haven't been killed and hope no one behind me is killed.'"

Ms Dzedins said: "It was very frightening, I was very lucky."

"I could see bits of car flying up into the air, like I think mirrors or I don't know; door handles, something like that," she added.

"There must have been so people just affected literally by the accident."

It came as police were led on a two-hour wild pursuit which began about 12.30pm after a four-wheel-drive was allegedly stolen from Cranbourne.

The vehicle was later set alight, police say, before the speedsters fled in a station wagon and later hijacked a ute in Hampton Park.

The ute crashed where police say the driver was seen getting out carrying a rifle, which was used to carjack a Ford ute in Carrum Downs.

Witnesses say they saw the vehicle driv driving i on the wrong side of the South Gippsland Highway in Cranbourne.

Cardinia Highway Patrol arrested two men and a woman who attempted to flee on foot after their ute crashed into a truck on the South Gippsland Highway.

The driver, a 26-year-old male from Cheltenham, tested positive to methamphetamine and had his licence disqualified disqualified. He was charged with aggravated carjacking;

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Both men were remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 2 April.

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Robin Dzedins of Lynbrook said she was turning left into Camms Road from South Gippsland Highway about 2.30pm when she saw a car "swerving like a maniac."

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SPORT

An Ultimate triumph By sports editor Russell Bennett A near $200 winner more than lived up to his name with a jaw-dropping victory at Sportsbet Pakenham last Thursday.

But the story of Ultimate Shock is somehow even more remarkable than that.

Simone Walker’s 10-year-old gelding returned a $185 top tote, a whopping $648 Betfair SP dividend, and $251 with Sportsbet with his incredible victory in the last at the Pakenham Racing Club home track.

The former Anthony Cummings runner and son of Falkirk started his new journey under Walker in March 2019 after a layoff of more than three years.

“He had a fetlock injury, so we addressed that and then everything was going fine and I took him to the Yarra Valley for my very first race start and he played up in the parade ring and was scratched before he got on the track,” Walker told the Gazette in the wake of last Thursday’s stunning win.

“Since then we’ve had some trouble with his manners.

“He’s a bit quirky - you can’t push him around, you have to work with him.

“There’s no dirt in him, as far as him kicking or biting or anything, but he’s got this thing where ‘If you push me, I won’t do it’.

“These types of horses aren’t machines, which is obvious, and they’ve all got their personalities and that’s just part of his.”

And reflecting on last Thursday’s stunning result, Walker was quick to acknowledge she didn’t even have a cent on him for the win.

“I don’t usually bet anyway, but we just thought it was a pretty hard field for him so if he finished midfield we’d be pretty happy,” she said. “(Jockey) Jade Darose rode him last time and she’s got the knack of him now. She rides a lot like our track rider, who’s actually sorted him out for us. She’s clicked with him, and works with him.

“Coming around the home turn I thought we were ok but if we finished midfield I would have been pretty happy, but halfway down the straight my partner started yelling and that set me off and I started as well.

“I didn’t even realise he was going to pay that much - I didn’t look at the prices before the jump.”

Jade Darose stormed home for a win for the ages aboard the fittingly-named Ultimate Shock last Thursday night.

Picture: COURTESY OF RACING PHOTOS Walker’s history with Ultimate Shock has already proven to be particularly special.

“He won my first race - at Moe (at $41),” she said with a smile.

“He’s thrown a few races away just with his manners, basically.

“He’s had a couple of starts where he’s come out of gates and thrown his head to the ground like he was going to have a good old buck, so he’s had to go back to the trials in front of the stewards. He’s been put in the naughty corner a couple of times - he’s a bugger.”

And the latest chapter in Ultimate Shock’s

story is one Walker can still hardly believe.

“It’s been unbelievable,” she said.

“I had people text me who had a dollar each way, and one lady said she got the trifecta. It’s amazing the amount of people who had something on him.

“I had three runners (on Thursday) - one we thought would go alright and finished terribly, and the other one I think is only just ready to clock in now!

“I thought there’s no way these people were going to back the next one - it’s quite bizarre.

“His jump-outs are good - it’s not a lack of

talent thing. It’s just that when he goes to the races, I’m thinking ‘what are we going to get here today?’

Speaking to Racing.com straight after the race, Darose admitted her shock at his run.

Incredibly on Thursday night, one Ladbrokes punter even claimed a $20,000 multi with Ultimate Shock’s win the key ingredient.

What makes it even more remarkable is that it was just a $10, three-leg bet.

It’s fair to say Ultimate Shock’s fourth career win - by just half a length - from his 24th start is one that won’t be forgotten any time soon.

Plenty of south eastern hoops talent to showcase

By Lance Jenkinson The depth of young talent in the Casey, Dandenong and Pakenham regions has been revealed with the unveiling of the Basketball Victoria’s State Development Program lists.

A jaw-dropping number of rising stars from the three associations impressed in tryouts and earned their places in the elite state program.

Basketball Victoria basketball operations manager Grant Wallace said the tryouts showcased athletes who were dedicated to the sport, committed to get better at their craft and will fit in nicely in an elite training environment.

“It’s always wonderful to see the talent at these tryouts and picture the heights many of these athletes may reach,” Wallace said.

“The SDP is all about developing their skills and improving their basketball knowledge in a challenging and enjoyable environment.”

There was a “considerable depth of talent” on the girls side, according to Wallace.

Jenni Screen, a girls high performance head coach, understands the importance of the high performance pathway, having made it all the way to the top to play with the Australian Opals.

“Every opportunity to work on your game, mentally and physically, is a gift and I am very much looking forward to working with these athletes throughout the year,” Screen said.

Zoe Carr, girls high performance head coach, said the selection of players in elite 18 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 11 February, 2021

Casey Cavaliers young gun Brian Venegesayi displays his strong shooting form. programs is a credit to the grassroots system and family support network.

“We have some outstanding athletes and I was incredibly impressed with the level of fitness and skill that everyone at trials displayed,” Carr said.

“It is a credit to the athletes, their parents and their home associations for preparing them.

“I can’t wait for the program to begin in February.”

Casey’s Katelyn Field, Tatum Bolton, Leah Cornell, Emilija Dakic, Victoria Meredith, Sa-

mantha Miller-Randle, Manaree Te Paki and Kodah Burgess, Dandenong’s Kailey Neave, Tayla Galucho, Manuela Pouch and Dakota Kirikiri and Pakenham’s Isabella de Jong have made the cut for the under-16 girls.

Casey’s Emma Gony and Dandenong’s Jessica-Belle Catheray-Harvey, Georgia Taylor, Paige Galuncho, Milly Kumbara, Georgia Sewell, Meg Robertson, Grace Montgomery and Sophie Palmer will be part of the under-18 girls program.

The talent is just as impressive on the boys side.

Nathan Cooper-Brown, boys high performance head coach, was impressed with the high standard of workouts at trials, particularly after the players spent most of 2020 under lockdown conditions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“To think these athletes had so long away from the court and to see what they were putting out at tryouts shows strong prospect for the shape of the State Development Program,” Cooper-Brown said.

Ash Arnott, another boys high performance coach, could sense a competitiveness among the players that will stand the program in good stead this year.

“The competitive nature of our boys at tryouts was impressive to see and highlights the strong foundations of basketball our athletes already possess,” Arnott said.

“Now in the State Development Program, these skills will be built upon and these athletes will be shaped as individuals both on and off the court.”

Casey’s Sebastien Rault, Tryman Byrne, Callun McDonald and Cedric Rault, Dandenong’s Tullan Chimyong, Sebastien Khan, Henry Sewell, Ryan Baker, Luke Fennell, Noah Mraz and Landon Purcell and Pakenham’s Jake Meagher have made under-16 boys squad.

Casey’s Archer McMenamin, Brian Venegesayi and Joshua Parkinson, Dandenong’s Mitchell Simmons and Daniel Mazur and Pakenham’s Kaleb Beveridge will be part of the under-18 boys program. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Jax is king of Cranbourne

By Gerard Guthrie Jax Bale delivered on the enormous potential he showed early in his career when claiming his first Group victory in Saturday night’s $71,250 Group 2 Backmans Greyhound Supplies Cranbourne Cup Final (520 metres) to close out the 2020/21 Gippsland Festival of Racing.

The Andrea Dailly-trained Jax Bale made an immediate impression when starting his career just on a year ago, running second to champion Simon Told Helen in the Group 1 HarrisonDawson and contesting the Warrnambool Cup Final in his first 13 starts.

But a feature victory had eluded him until he ventured to Cranbourne.

Jax Bale made his Cranbourne debut in the Cup heats and won in 30.02 seconds, the ‘slowest’ of the four run-offs.

Drawn in Box 7 in the final, Jax Bale started $5.20 in a very even affair, and he delivered his trainer her fourth Cranbourne Cup, with the Anakie trainer winning previously with Pastrana Bale (2005), Pororoca (2006) and Mossimo Bale (2018).

In a race devoid of enormous early speed, Jax Bale came out running to lead rails runner Lot Of Chatter and proceeded to open up an insurmountable lead.

Boasting middle distance form, Jax Bale was never going to be caught, winning in a flying 29.68 seconds and claiming a $50,000 first prize.

“He got a clear run early, which is what you need in these big races,” said Andrea Dailly’s husband Tom. “He got to the front and while there was a little bit of trouble behind him he still ran time.

He ran a real good race.

“He has been a consistent dog. He’s been racing around the city tracks most of his life, which is quite hard, but he goes to the country every now and again and it was good to see him win a race like this.”

Six of the eight finalists were trained in the Cranbourne region, including the minor placegetters Equalizer (beaten less than two lengths) and Squiggle Keeping, both trained at Pearcedale by Jason Thompson.

Jax Bale took out the Cranbourne Cup in a sizzling time of 29.68 seconds.

Remarkably, Thompson has won a country cup at all 11 provincial tracks throughout Victoria except the Cranbourne Cup, which is his local race club.

Dailly confirmed that Jax Bale will now head to the heats of the Group 1 Australian Cup at The Meadows on 20 February.

Dream Wizard, trained at nearby Devon Meadows by Sean Lithgow, threatened Jax Bale for best of night honours with a runaway 29.71 seconds success in the Ram Locksmiths Cup Night Match Race (520 metres) over Run Baba Run. The first feature event of the night was the GRV Vic Bred Maiden Final (520 metres) where Mario Briganti’s near-record heat winner Freda Rocks stifled betting at $1.20.

Picture: COURTESY OF CLINT ANDERSON

But veteran Pakenham South breeder/ trainer Geoff Scott-Smith landed a homebred quinella, with $37.40 outsider Dundee Flame holding on to defeat litter sister Dundee Ember ($18) in 30.65 seconds, with the siblings being daughters of Scott-Smith’s three-time Group 1 winner Dundee Osprey.

Morning Peninsula-based Briganti bounced back from the disappointment of Freda Rocks’ defeat to take out the Casey Steel Victoria Cup (699 metres) with Pilbara ($5.10) scoring in 41.45 seconds, while the Van Echteld (311 metres) went to Jeff Galea’s Major Minter ($7.20) in 17.59 seconds.

The Cranbourne Cup was the third and final leg of greyhound racing’s 2020-21 Gippsland Festival of Racing following the Group 1 Sale Cup (650 metres) - won in eye-catching fash-

ion by Houdini Boy on Boxing Day; and last month’s Group 2 Warragul Cup (460 metres) won in brilliant fashion by Aeroplane Eric.

2021 CRANBOURNE CUP 1st: Jax Bale (Andrea Dailly, Anakie) 2nd: Equalizer (Jason Thompson, Pearcedale) 3rd: Squiggle Keeping (Jason Thompson, Pearcedale) 2020-21 GIPPSLAND FESTIVAL OF RACING WINNERS Sale Cup: Houdini Boy (Kelvyn Greenough, Pearcedale) Warragul Cup: Aeroplane Eric (Glenn Rounds, Devon Meadows) Cranbourne Cup: Jax Bale (Andrea Dailly, Anakie)

· · · · · ·

Heatherbrae to turn pink for a truly special cause

By Nick Creely Heatherbrae Recreation Reserve in Officer is set to turn pink this Sunday for breast cancer, with the West Gippsland Cricket Association to host its Pink Stumps Festival.

In an aim to raise funds and awareness for the McGrath Foundation, there will be a festival of female cricket and family-friendly activities, which will kick start at 9.15am.

At 9.30am, there will be a super sixes competition, which will feature teams of six and made up of mum’s and daughters. All innings will be six overs and all clubs are invited to participate and submit a team.

At 11.30am, there will be a Pink Stumps skills session, at 1pm the senior women’s match between Officer and Tootgarook will kick off, with an Under 18 girls match between Silverton and Narre South also scheduled.

There will also be a raffle on the day, with major prizes such as a Shanikas Pakenham voucher, a McGrath Foundation polo shirt, a Glenn McGrath autographed bat and ball, and a Berwick Montuna Golf voucher.

Well-known local sporting figure Jayne Porter knows all too well through personal experience the impacts of breast cancer, and will welcome the crowd at 9.15am with details of her journey and the importance of donating to the McGrath Foundation.

She told the Star News that she was honoured to be asked to participate at her home club, where she has been involved for four generations.

“We first had a Pink Stumps Day around 2014, so we’ve been involved in the fundraising part for a few years now,” she said.

“But I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself in 2019, so I’ve got that personal conpakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

The WGCA will host its Pink Stumps Festival on Sunday. 190247 nection to Pink Stumps as well.

“So when I was approached about speaking or contributing on Sunday, I didn’t hesitate, and I’m happy to do whatever.

“We’re really happy with how our girls cricket program has progressed as a club, and also as a league - I think it’s such a great opportunity to showcase our women’s cricket on Sunday, and to combine that with something as fantastic as Pink Stumps Day.” Porter spoke glowingly of the work being done by the McGrath Foundation, and urged people to dig deep, wear something pink and contribute in any way they can.

“A lot of people have heard of the McGrath

Picture: ROB CAREW

Foundation, but are not exactly sure what they do, but know they raise money for breast cancer,” she said.

“The actual purpose is to provide funds for breast cancer nurses all around Australia, and I think when Jane McGrath was first diagnosed with breast cancer, there may have only been a handful of nurses in existence, and now there’s hundreds.

“So they’re aiming to provide every person that’s been diagnosed with breast cancer, male or female, with their own breast cancer nurse, whether its metropolitan or country.

“Certainly in the last few years, they’ve increased the breast cancer nurses - my breast

cancer nurse’s name was Liz, and she’s situated at St John of God in Berwick, and from a patient perspective, these ladies are like your lifeline, really.

“They are what holds everything together, they’re such an important part of your support system, and a go between with all the medical professionals that you have to deal with when you’re going through breast cancer.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the Foundation and providing that support for everybody.”

For Porter, she’s taking it one day at a time across her breast cancer journey.

“I’m going good, I’m 18 months down the track now, and finished active treatment almost 12 months ago,” she said.

“I’m back at work, and back into normal life - a lot of what people don’t realise about breast cancer is that even after you’ve had active treatment, there’s always something moving on, there’s lots of breast cancer prevention drugs which you need to be on for five to ten years, and some for life.

“Even though you’ve finished your active cancer fighting treatment, there’s ongoing management - I’m in that phase at the moment, and getting to the five-year mark is usually the gold standard for remission of breast cancer.

“I’m 18 months in, and have three and a half years to go until I reach that milestone.”

In addition to the festival of cricket, there is ample food and drinks that can be purchased on the day.To donate online, head to pinkstumpsday.com.au/fundraisers/WGCAgirls For more information, contact Rob Hansen on 0412 080 592.

Thursday, 11 February, 2021

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STAR NEWS 19

Retire within Established homes now available Villa 65

$385K $300K 2

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From time to time selected villas become available for sale to new residents of RCA Villages. These are not brand-new units and, on occasion, have additions and/or improvements included.

Freecall 1800 112 955

Prices valid at publication date.

Villa 112

36–40 Racecourse Rd Pakenham cardiniawaters.com.au

LAST TWO REMAINING

$280K

PR IC TO S ED EL L D ON ’ T M OUT! ISS

I wish to receive (Please tick): A phone call from an RCA Villages representative.

Cardinia Waters Village Brochure.

Main Street Village Pakenham Brochure.

20 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 11 February, 2021

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SALES OFFICE OPEN Monday–Friday 10am–4pm, or by appointment

Freecall 1800 770 222 Information Request

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12479198-SN07-21

Apartments

11 Main Street Pakenham mainstvillage.com.au

Mr, Mrs, Ms (Please tick) First Name.......................................................... Surname .....................................................

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

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

REPLY TO: RCA Villages Unit 1/39-43 Duerdin Street Notting Hill Victoria 3168 PAKENHAM NEWS. FEB, 2021

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au