News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 4th March 2021

PAKENHAM OFFICER

Thursday, 4 March, 2021

Our Education Choices wrap has plenty of options to suit any learner. Open up and take a look!

Pictured: Students at St Patrick’s Primary School, Pakenham.

EDUCATION CHOICES ST PATRICK’S PRIMARY SCHOOL Together as one We pride ourselves on being a Catholic, welcoming school where everyone is valued and respected. Our committed and professional staff provide a safe, caring environment where we aim to engender a love of learning in every student.

Enrolments for 2021 and 2022 are open.

Enrol now 136 Princes Highway, Pakenham | www.stppakenham.catholic.edu.au | (03) 5943 9000 12482308-CG10-21

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Dynamic learning St Clare’s Catholic Primary School continued to grow this year and now has an enrolment of over 520 students. One of the major developments for 2021 is substantial landscape works to incorporate further sport fields and playgrounds. St Clare’s continues to go from strength to strength.

As part of the parish of St Patrick’s in Pakenham, the school is on site with the Early Learning Centre and the Officer campus of St Francis Xavier College. This provides a seamless transition from early childhood to secondary education with state-of-the-art facilities.

Each learning space has been designed by education award-winning architects to provide a rich environment conducive to relevant, meaningful learning. Areas are spacious and well-resourced so as to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Our final stage of classrooms is due to be finished this year and will include a new playground and sports field.

Before your children even come to school, you, as parents, have taught them so much.

They’ve learned to listen, to ask questions, to be filled with wonder, to say thank-you, to wash their hands, to pick up after themselves and to look out for each other.

Our job at St Clare’s is to continue these life lessons and nurture the holistic development of each child. For the St Clare’s family, numeracy and literacy skills are core elements of education; but so is Religious Education - developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass. We encourage active play and healthy bodies; understanding other cultures through learning languages; and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts.

In 2020 we discovered, digital technology is an integral part of the learning experience in our connected world and at St Clare’s we emphasise a student’s capacity for safety, courtesy, critical literacy and independent learning online using the most current mobile learning technologies.

A life-long learning experience at St Claire’s Student achievement is measured not only by academic growth but by each child’s emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. Being part of faith-filled community instils our students with a sense of identity, a feeling of be-

Where brilliance begins

longing and above all, a powerful sense of selfworth.

At St Clare’s our aim is to have each child reach their potential; to be a well-rounded individual - within a supportive and caring

learning environment.

St Clare’s Primary School is offering private school tours. Please phone to book a tour 5940 6777 or email enrolments@stclaresofficer. catholic.edu.au

With some of the state’s highest ATAR scores and outstanding programs catering to each child’s interests and potential, we are committed to helping all students, of all levels, find their brilliance. Come and discover St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Warragul.

Year 7 2022 Information Evening Warragul Campus – Tuesday 9 March 2021 Tours begin 6 pm Presentation 7 pm Registrations essential via our website

To register and find out more visit:

stpaulsags.vic.edu.au 12476284-JW09-21

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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Students discover STEM Students at St Patrick’s Primary School in Pakenham have been uncovering a love for technology, maths and science subjects in their new Discovery Centre. The dedicated space features programmable robots including BeeBots, Dash and Sphero, as well as new laptops and iPads.

The school’s new program allows every student to spend an hour a week in the Discovery Centre learning new skills and expanding on the Victorian maths and science curriculum.

Principal of St Patrick’s, Mr Simon Dell’Oro, said it’s exciting to see the children inspired and eager to return to the Discovery Centre each week for their next lesson.

“In the near future, we plan to further increase the number of devices available for students throughout the school, and to build students’ coding and robotic skills to a level where they can compete in external competitions,” he said.

“Most importantly, however, we aim to keep students involved in problem solving and scientific endeavours in a stimulating environment,” he said.

In Term 1, the focus of the Discovery Centre is on coding, robotics and technological awareness. Term 2 will be a time to hypothesise, predict, investigate, experiment and develop scientific awareness. In Term 3, students will have the opportunity to use the green screen to create short, creative, video skits using iMovie, stop motion and other interactive mediums. Towards the end of the school year, children will be able to use the skills they have learnt to propose a project of their own, design investigative strategies and then report back to the class on their progress.

As well as enhancing the school’s science and maths capabilities, the team at St Patrick’s has also introduced lunchtime clubs for ICT, sport and chess to allow students to pursue extracurricular activities that they enjoy.

Students at St Patrick’s Primary School have been uncovering a love for technology, maths and science subjects in their new Discovery Centre. 228312

Georgie and Sophie. 228312

Performing Arts Masterclass Do they enjoy dance, drama or music?

GRADE 6 PARENT & COMMUNITY INFORMATION NIGHT TUESDAY 16TH MARCH, 2021 6:30 - 7:30PM

Does your child love to perform?

JOIN THE PERFORMING ARTS MASTERCLASS AND ENRICH YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING IN 2022

High Achievers Program YEAR 6 PARENT & COMMUNITY INFORMATION NIGHT

Do they enjoy problem solving and challenges?

TUESDAY 16TH MARCH, 2021 Does your 6:30 - 7:30PM

child excel at school?

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Guguei and Ernest. 228312

JOIN THE HAP AND ENRICH YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING IN 2022

Address 1 Parker Street, Officer. Vic. 3809 Phone 03 5942 4000 Fax 03 5942 4099 Email officer.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au Website www.officersc.vic.edu.au pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Distinct approach at Chairo From Cranbourne and Koo Wee Rup to Garfield and Gembrook, many families are making the choice each year to send their children to Chairo Christian School’s campus on Bald Hill Road between Pakenham and Nar Nar Goon.

Families are embracing the distinct approach to education, partnership and community offered at Chairo Pakenham, and at other Chairo campuses located at Drouin, Leongatha and Traralgon.

Chairo Pakenham provides education within a caring and supportive Christian environment for students from Kindergarten (K3 and K4) to Year 12 (VCE and VCAL).

The Principal, Pete Wells, explained, ‘Our desire is that each student feels welcome and safe as they participate in a friendly, vibrant and uplifting community that values the unique capabilities of every child.

‘It’s our desire to see boys and girls experi-

ence care, challenge, teaching and example that helps forge them into young men and women of great character and integrity.’

A diverse range of key learning areas are covered, encompassing English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health, Physical Education, The Arts, Technology, Languages, Bible and more. Beyond the classroom, Chairo provides a range of enriching experiences, including comprehensive camping and sporting programs that foster participation, skill development, character and resilience.

Music is also a significant component of school life at Chairo, with students learning a wide range of instruments and participating in various bands, ensembles and choirs.

Interested families are invited to book a tour to discover Chairo’s friendly and nurturing environment, learn more about the rigorous academic expectations and experience the authentic Christian community.

Families are making the choice each year to send their children to Chairo Christian School. 230003

Supporting Christian values Waverley Christian College (WCC), Narre Warren South commenced operation in 2012 as a second Campus of Waverley Christian College, Wantirna South.

The Narre Warren South Campus is a Prep to Year 12 College offering Christian education to Primary and Secondary students.

Student enrolments have grown substantially over the past 9 years with over 900 students attending the beautiful site located on the corner of Pound and Narre-Cranbourne Roads, in the City of Casey.

Waverley Christian College supports Chris-

tian families in the education of their children.

The curriculum at the College is taught from a Biblical perspective and Christian values provide the foundation for all aspects of the College program. All staff are committed to the Christian ethos of the College in life and practice.

The College’s Head of Campus, Mark Crnkovic, said the College’s mission was “to provide Christian families with the opportunity to have their children educated from a Christ centred, Biblical perspective and to prepare young people for effective service

within society”. “Our curriculum, facilities, dedicated staff and Christian values help encourage students attending the College to achieve their best. A high level of pastoral care is provided for all students”, Mr Crnkovic said.

“Students are encouraged in the development of their own personal faith, service to the community and respect and compassion for others. Students are continually encouraged to look beyond their own needs and to consider the needs of others.”

Contact the College on 8765 7700 for enrolment enquiries or to book a tour.

Waverley Christian College supports Christian families in the education of their children.

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discoveR

Chairo PakeNHam

Learning That Lasts a Lifetime • • • •

Kinder to Year 12 on one beautiful rural campus Caring Christian community and safe environment Campuses also at Drouin, Leongatha and Traralgon Family tours by appointment on school days, plus also on Friday 26 March (twilight) and Saturday 27 March • Visit chairo.vic.edu.au/tours to book your tour today

585 Bald Hill Road, NaR NaR GooN enrolments@chairo.vic.edu.au • 5942 5632 12484182-DL10-21

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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

A caring school environment Koo Wee Rup Secondary College is acknowledged as an excellent educational facility within a caring school environment. We are committed to providing an inclusive and sustainable learning culture in which all our students develop the skills and personal qualities necessary to participate positively and confidently in a changing global community.

Our ability to tailor programs to meet the individual needs of students in achieving their personal best is underpinned by our pursuit of excellence in education and is reflected by our college values: Respect Responsibility Honesty and Integrity Personal Best Resilience In choosing to be part of the Koo Wee Rup Secondary College community, students are committing to six years of secondary education and to demonstrating behaviours which are conducive to learning and reflect a commitment to the college values. The subjects on offer encourage all students to do their best and are complemented by a diverse range of programs in music, drama, photography, sport

Braille gifts

By Mikayla Van Loon

· · · ·

Koo Wee Rup Secondary College is committed to providing an inclusive and sustainable learning culture. and many other co curricular activities. Pastoral care encompasses all activities and develops strong relationships between staff and students.

“To inspire a passion for lifelong learning and excellence in a community which

provides all students with the opportunity to achieve their personal best” For further information contact Koo Wee Rup Secondary College, Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup, telephone 5997 1444.

Preparing your child for primary school

By Melissa Grant Starting school is a momentous occasion in a child’s life.

It’s a major milestone for children and their parents, and one that’s filled with a mix of emotions.

To help make the transition as smooth as possible, there are many things mums and dads can do to prepare their child.

Emeritus Professor Bob Perry is an education expert in transitions, having developed a guide featuring multiple case studies experienced by parents, teachers and kids during the transition to school.

Prof Perry says while beginning primary school can be a challenge, most children find it enjoyable.“Children of that age want to grow up - they see excitement in growing up and they want school to be different. So we shouldn’t worry that it is different as the kids want it that way,” he explains.

The move from kindergarten to primary school, he says, is all more about a child’s social and emotional development, rather than academic.

Here, Prof Perry shares his top tips to help a child prepare for primary school: TALK: Start talking to your children about school. This includes talking about the school itself, what it was like when you went

An invitation to all Grade 5 & 6 Students and Parents to take our virtual tour

to school, what’s changed since you went to school and what it will be like for your child to go to school. Ask your child about what’s concerning them and what are they looking forward to? Like most people, children will bottle things up unless they are specifically asked about them. For example, the child may be particularly worried about the playground -

sometimes playgrounds can be a bit daunting.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS: The key is being honest, even if you didn’t particularly like school. Parents can talk about some of the positive things that did happen when they were at school. Be honest about it, but make sure you know what will happen when they go to school. For example, I know some parents who talk about children lining up before going into classroom - this doesn’t happen at some schools anymore. If child sees that doesn’t happen then the parent loses some credibility with the child. It’s important for parents to talk to the principal or teacher about what happens in that particular school.

Another thing is many children wish they’d known before their first day is that everyone wears a school uniform. We often make a big deal about getting their uniform but forget to tell them everyone will be dressed the same.

TOILETS: Going to public toilets is critical for both boys and girls. School toilets are different to home toilets and preschool toilets. While school toilets have improved a great deal, they aren’t as sparkling clean as the toilet at home or at kindy. And, for the first time, kids will have to make a choice about whether they go to the boys toilets or girls toilets - they need to know about that. For boys it is important they know that there are different ways of going to toilet other than standing over a bowl. These are the practical things.

Starting Prep is both an exciting and daunting experience for most children, let alone for those who have a vision impairment.

To make the process easier, free braille books have been handed out to all Prep students who started school this year with low vision or blindness.

The program is part of Victoria’s Department of Education and Training yearly Prep bag, which provides Prep students with learning activities, sport content and health and wellbeing information.

This year students received five books including The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright and Jim Field and All of the Factors of Why I Love Tractors by Davina Bell and Jenny Lovlie.

Each of these books were supplied by the Statewide Vision Resource Centre (SVRC) in braille for those students with low vision or blindness.

For five-year-old Robert, who started at Murrumbeena Primary School this year, reading books in braille has been an exciting new experience, especially because he is used to audio books.

Robert was one of the first students to receive the braille books in his Prep bag.

The Department of Education and Training interviewed Robert and his mother Janice earlier this month.

Janice said Robert is really enjoying school, particularly physical education, music and Japanese. “[Murrumbeena Primary School] have worked closely with his visiting teacher to ensure he had all of the right books and resources available to him for his orientation sessions, Prep interviews and from day one of class,” Janice said.

SVRC offers resources in all formats for students who have a vision impairment, including electronic text, audio and large print.

Across all Victorian government, Catholic and independent schools, SVRC supports 507 students with low vision or blindness.

To help teachers prepare for a student who may have a vision impairment, SVRC also offers a number of courses to better understand the needs of students.

Braille book supplied to Prep students.

Picture: SUPPLIED DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Koo Wee Rup Secondary College Transition Information Virtual Tour Log on to our website www.kwrsc.vic.edu.au to view our virtual tour and see our Transition Handbook

Due to current COVID 19 advice and restrictions we will not be running our regular open night at the College. Please contact the College for a tour.

CONTACT US

For further information please contact: Todd Slater (Assistant Principal) or Lauren Harvey (Y7 Learning Community Leader)

www.kwrsc.vic.edu.au

KOO WEE RUP SECONDARY COLLEGE

FIND OUT INFORMATION REGARDING

Aims to provide a quality education for all students for all futures.

• Transition

• Friendly, caring environment • Supportive Learning Communities complemented by a strong House system • SEAL (Select Entry Accelerated Learning) for gifted students.

• Cultural and sporting excellence, with extensive Sport, Music and Performing Arts programs • State of the art Year 7 Learning Centre plus Learning Centres for other year levels • Bring your own device program (BYOD)

• Our Learning Communities and facilities • SEAL applications • School bus transport • Inclusive Education program • Extra-curricular programs • Instrumental music program • View messages from the staff and students

Email: koo.wee.rup.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au

Phone: 5997 1444 12484759-JW10-21

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FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Major projects just a start Building works are steaming ahead at Crest Education with both Hillcrest Christian College and Rivercrest Christian College having just completed major projects, with more to come in 2022.

Hillcrest Christian College Primary students are enjoying the College’s new, stateof-the-art Multi-Purpose Centre, completed in December 2020. Complete with kitchen, portable stage and integrated sound system, this modern facility will enable primary-aged students to engage in sport and physical activity in all weather conditions ensuring students stay healthy and active.

“This space will shelter us from the hot sun and protect us in winter from the rain and the cold” says Leanne Dube, Hillcrest Primary Sport Coordinator.

Surrounding the new Multi-Purpose Centre will be a high-quality grass field, which is currently being constructed. Students can look forward to utilizing this later this year.

Even during remote learning in 2020, Hillcrest continued to develop its resources an expand its student offerings. Works completed at Hillcrest in 2020 include: STEAM Precinct Art and Design Gallery STEAM Exploration Centre 3D Printing Space IT Service Desk Film and Media Centre Years 5 and 6 Block Upgrade of ELC playground Returning for the 2021 school year this week, Rivercrest Christian College have welcomed their Year Two students to their brand new, purpose-built Year Two building.

Further build works commence at Rivercrest Christian College’s Middle Years Campus, with plans of a Performing Arts building and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) building already under way.

With the support of the State Government, Jordan Crugnale MP and Minister James Merlino,

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Both Hillcrest Christian College and Rivercrest Christian College having just completed major projects, with more to come in 2022. 230002 this ground-breaking project was made possible through the approval of a $5 million grant.

This construction builds upon the recent expansion of the Rivercrest Middle Years campus, which recently added 4 new classrooms and break out spaces for its Secondary-aged students. This campus aims to serve Years 6 - 12 students by 2025. Recent works at Rivercrest include: New student play courts Upgraded entrances Additional car parking.

“The new building and infrastructure works at both our CREST Colleges is testament to our ongoing commitment to provide excellence in

· · ·

learning and wellbeing within contemporary, engaging spaces; our students continue to be supported to flourish within the impressive surrounds of the 55 hectare CREST precinct”, says Ms Christine Lucas, Head of Colleges.

What was once a small regional school, Hillcrest Christian College has now grown to become an entire Crest Educational precinct which includes Rivercrest Christian College, Ayr Hill Equestrian Centre, Crest Institute, and Environmental Reserve. Hillcrest Christian College celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. “This is a great time to be a student at either one of our great Colleges,” says Crest Executive Principal, Brendan Kelly.

Situated in Clyde North, Rivercrest Christian College and Hillcrest Christian College are holding Open Morning Sessions for prospective parents on Tuesday, 23 February.

More support for Holocaust ed More Victorian schools will get additional support to help teach students about the Holocaust and stamp out antisemitism, thanks to an expanded partnership between the State Government and Gandel Philanthropy.

An additional 110 teaching teams at government secondary schools will undertake a professional learning program run by the Jewish Holocaust Centre before the end of 2022 building on the forty government secondary schools undertaking the program this year, as announced in December 2020.

Equal contributions from the Labor Government and Gandel Philanthropy will provide a total boost of $150,000 for the ten-step program, which involves virtual and face-to-face components, including staff from the Jewish

Holocaust Centre visiting schools to support curriculum review and planning.

The teaching teams will also be able to meet a Melbourne-based Holocaust survivor and hear first-hand their unique experience.

Minister for Education James Merlino said the program would help students to understand how damaging anti-Semitic behaviour can be.

“We are grateful to Gandel Philanthropy for their ongoing partnership in this important work in supporting our schools, so they can play their part in educating our children to value a diverse and inclusive society,” he said.

This expansion builds on last year’s pledge to ensure Holocaust education in every secondary school, as well as new and updated

teaching and learning resources to be developed in partnership with Victorian Jewish community organisations and Gandel Philanthropy. These new resources are now available to schools.

The program uses these resources to help recognise the short and long-term causes and effects of prejudice, discrimination and, ultimately, genocide. It teaches students to become informed and active citizens, protect democracy, and value a diverse and inclusive society.

Chair of Gandel Philanthropy, Mr John Gandel AC, welcomed the announcement of the learning program’s expansion.

“The Holocaust holds many valuable messages for today’s young generations, from

learning what it means when people’s rights are eroded, or completely removed, simply because of their background, to finding out about the acts of humanity, compassion and sacrifice of people who stood up for the victims and the ostracised,” he said.

“Through proper, deep and effective Holocaust education we can ensure that our young people become a force for good in this world.”

The State Government has also increased Courage to Care funding, established a dedicated hotline to report racism for schools, students and parents, and established a new student advisory group to advise on how to address anti-Semitism and look at what more can be done to make sure schools are inclusive communities.

International Baccalaureate World School Inquiry Learning with a Christian World View

• Private Bus Service • Established Facilities • ELC - Year 8 (growing to Year 12)

Rivercrest Christian College

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Ferdinand Drive Clyde North - Enter via Gate 6

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ph 9703 9777

I www.rivercrest.vic.edu.au

More resources are available for schools to teach students about the Holocaust. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … EDUCATION CHOICES

Healthy tummies help healthy minds

By Gabriella Payne The age old saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ has ensured many children stay healthy and strong with a nutritious, balanced diet for years now - and it’s still just as relevant a saying as any.

To help your children thrive in the classroom, it’s important to be feeding them a healthy, nutritious diet filled with all the energy they need to grow and flourish as young students.

But when life gets busy, it can be hard to ensure the food your family’s eating is covering all the necessary bases, so why not use these handy tips to help boost your child’s brain power?

Firstly: start your day the right way. Breakfast is often overlooked and sometimes rushed, but this morning meal is one of the most important of the day.

Fuelling up before school with a healthy balanced breakfast will ensure your child has all the energy they need to play, learn and power on throughout the day.

Whole grain cereals and toast are always a quick, easy option and for the colder months, why not try some porridge?

Fresh fruit smoothies, yoghurt, eggs and beans are all other quick, nutritious ideas… the ideas are limitless.

A healthy lunchbox made up of a mixture of foods will keep your kids happy and eating healthily, and to save on time, try preparing it the night before.

Opt for fresh, unprocessed foods such as pieces of fruit and tubs of yoghurt as sweet treats and avoid processed, sugary foods which provide little to no nutritional value.

A good old fashioned sandwich with wholemeal bread is always a good lunch time staple,

and remind your kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

If you struggle to get your kids to drink water, why not try adding a splash of lemon juice, or getting them a fun, colourful water

Caring focus at Lakeside “It feels like a community where my child will be nurtured, cared for and known” Time and time again, this is what parents and guardians tell me is their main reason for choosing Lakeside College. As a Christian College in the Lutheran tradition, we couldn’t happier that families are experiencing exactly what we set out to provide.

Education is all about relationships - between teacher and student, family and staff and school and community. Lakeside College prioritises these critical relationships as we carry out our service to the local community.

As a smaller Christian school of 470 students (growing to 650 students) from Years Prep to 12, there is a richness of relationships and attention to individuals that set the College apart from others. It allows us to ensure that students develop intentionally in mind, body and soul. Students are nurtured across the curriculum, inside and outside the classroom, through innovative learning opportunities in core subjects, a vibrant Arts program, technologies and sport.

In a nutshell, Lakeside College seeks to support students to nurture their God-given gifts through a love for learning, which sets them up to go out into the world and make a positive impact.

Our highly qualified and committed staff, know each child deeply through our intentional pastoral care program and relish in the opportunity to teach students across the different areas of the school.

Situated in the beautiful Lakeside precinct, our College boasts excellent facilities on campus including access to the co-located facilities provided through the Cardinia Cultural Centre, the Toomuc Playing Fields and the Cardinia Life gym.

As an open enrolment Christian College, we pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

bottle to drink out of?

Dinner ideas are endless, but as long as you’re getting plenty of veggies, some protein and other important nutrients in your diet, your kids will be perfectly placed to make the

most out of their education.

And the last tip? By eating healthily yourself, you’ll be leading by example and be a healthy eating role model for your kids into the future.

Lakeside College

Open Day Saturday 13th March 10.00 am - 2.00 pm

Learn. Care. Achieve.

Tom Brennen, Principal. 230010 welcome all families regardless of their faith tradition into our community.

As Principal, I relish taking families on tours and our upcoming Open Day on Saturday, 13 March is a fantastic opportunity for all families to see our fantastic school first hand.

Tom Brennen, Principal

a: 2 Portobello Rd, Pakenham VIC 3810 p: 5941 7544 e: enrolments@lakeside.vic.edu.au w: www.lakeside.vic.edu.au 12484786-SN10-21

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’s has developed providing a quality schooling experience, developing

St Clare’s and is embedded in the ethos of the school,

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Our faith leads to wisdom and courage.

parent, guardian or family, I invite you to visit us at St Clare’s and discover this dynamic learning environment and start the beginning of, what I hope will be, a life-long learning partnership.

Helen Staindl School Principal

Enrolment Enquiries email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au 8W STAR NEWS

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Dirty on dining

By Gabriella Payne

Outdoor dining spaces are proving quite divisive along Pakenham’s Main Street.

Picture: CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL

The other, less glamorous view of the Main Street outdoor dining area.

Picture: JACK MITCHELL

dining spaces had proved popular over summer and helped to support businesses after a difficult year.

“Outdoor dining certainly brought a buzz to the streets of the shire following a tough year.

It’s great to see the community embrace Cardinia venues and show them some much needed love,” she said.

But the owner and operator of Pakenham Kebabs, Sam Bayraktar told Star News that he and other business owners on Main Street felt that the outdoor seating areas had been “a disaster for us”.

“It’s a total mess,” Mr Bayraktar said.

“We can’t even use the seating, it’s so pointless.

First of all we lost our car parks in front of

the shops - but it’s mainly the dirtiness that’s the problem,” he said.

“We have this big, low-hanging tree outside and all these parrots keep coming along and making a mess.

Yesterday the council came because we complained to them and they said ‘yes, it’s very dirty’, but they told us that we should clean it up.”

Mr Bayraktar said that the area had recently become “a dumping ground” for people to leave rubbish and unwanted junk as well, and that he didn’t have the resources or the time to be cleaning up the “ridiculous” mess outside.

“It’s become more of a dumping ground and an eyesore than something nice,” he said.

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be going anywhere anytime soon, as the Cardinia Shire Council are now calling for expressions of interest for businesses to apply for new, free “parklets” - hoping to see more temporary outdoor seating areas spring up across Cardinia.

Cardinia Mayor Brett Owen said that after a successful summer trial of the parklets, the council were excited to see more outdoor dining areas installed throughout the area.

“We trialled the parklet concept over summer in Pakenham and we’re now on the lookout for new restaurants, cafes and bars across the shire that would love to host a parklet from March onwards,” Cr Owen said.

Councillor Tammy Radford also spoke highly of the concept, stating that the al fresco

“About Children, Being Children”

Pop-up dining spaces sprang up throughout the city last year as Covid safe practices forced restaurants and cafes to turn to the streets for space, and after a successful summer run, the initiative is set to be extended over the coming months - a decision that has left some community members very unhappy.

The pop-up outdoor dining program was originally developed as a way for businesses to adapt to the ever-changing Covid environment and saw temporary platforms and seating areas quite literally “pop up” around Cardinia, with seating taking over car parking spaces in many areas, including in Pakenham’s Main Street.

Whilst many people are enjoying making use of the new al fresco spaces, longtime Pakenham local and active community member Jack Mitchell said that the lack of cleanliness and maintenance of the Main Street spaces was “an absolute disgrace” and needed to be addressed by the council.

“I travel all over the state and I have never seen a main street in as bad a shape as Main Street, Pakenham,” Mr Mitchell said.

“It’s just dreadful, there are cigarette butts everywhere, there’s bird poo all over the place and the street pavements are falling apart.

“Why anybody would want to go to the Main Street now is beyond me,” Mr Mitchell said.

Mr Mitchell has lived in the area since 2004 and said he has raised this issue with the Cardinia Shire Council many times, but to no avail.

“They told me that they’ve got big plans, but it’s just getting worse,” he said.

“Taking away the parking out the front of the shops for some outdoor seating is just unbelievable - most of the seats can’t even be used.”

Mr Mitchell said that the council should be sending “someone down there to clean it up” as the council are “accountable” for ensuring the spaces are worthwhile and usable if they are going to be taking up car parking spots.

However, the pop-up dining spaces won’t

STINGS arten A H , S L L HI erg EAVOUR ildcare and Kind D N E , M h A PAKENH ON SOUTH • C T NKS For all enquiries please AND FRA phone 5922 2040 or email info@fel.vic.edu.au

DIVORCE OPEN FOR BUSINESS! For in office consults.

Online consults still available.

Pakenham, Drouin, Yarra Junction and Narre Warren Offices | P 5941 5166

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NEWS

L-R: Minister Jaala Pulford, Melissa, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, Cardinia Shire mayor Brett Owen and Craig in Pakenham on Thursday 25 February.

Pictures: JORDAN CRUGNALE

Ms Pulford, Ms Crugnale and Mr Owen chat with Michael about the benefits of the program.

All in a solid day’s work

By Gabriella Payne Thousands of Victorians have been able to roll up their sleeves and get back into work as part of the State Government’s ‘Working for Victoria’ program, which has created many much needed jobs and helped pave the way for a strong economic recovery, post Covid.

The $500 million ‘Working for Victoria’ initiative is part of the Victorian Government’s $1.7 billion ‘Economic Survival Package’, which has so far created more than 12,000 jobs across the state, including 3,000 jobs

in regional Victoria.

The program acts as a bridging platform, connecting Victorians who are seeking work with employers who are looking for workers, as well as offering training for job seekers in an online portal.

On Thursday 25 February the Minister for Employment and Small Business, Jaala Pulford visited Pakenham with the Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale and the Mayor of Cardinia Shire, Brett Owen to chat with some participants of the program and see first-hand the benefits that both workers and employers have

reaped from it.

Ms Crugnale said that it was great to meet Melissa and Craig, who are just two of the many people that the program has been able to help get back into the workforce.

Both Ms Crugnale and Mr Owen spoke highly of the scheme and after seeing the great paint work done by Melissa and Craig, even had a go at painting the retaining wall themselves.

Ms Crugnale said that the council had been able to hire people in multiple positions as part of this program and she had been told that “if they didn’t have this program, the council

wouldn’t be able to get a lot of this painting done”, proving to be a win-win for everyone.

Many more projects like this are currently underway, helping improve community facilities whilst simultaneously providing work for thousands across the state.

For more information about the ‘Working for Victoria’ program or to sign up as a worker or employer looking for staff, visit https:// www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/find-work-oremployees-fast-working-victoria?fbclid=IwAR 190EWzrAArZK0mBD42OaIM1jV2AupWD7mvEnZdQRZkl7Fh7X9EmDIqvKk

EVERY TEST HELPS US KEEP CATCHING UP WITH MATES Every test keeps us on top of this virus.

And keeps us doing the things we love.

So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

12481670-SN10-21

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Thursday, 4 March, 2021

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Open doors to cultures

By Mikayla van Loon

Pakenham came in at number five in the MyProtein Australia ‘fittest city’ study.

Picture: MYPROTEIN AUS

We’re fighting fit

By Gabriella Payne Last year’s lockdowns may have seen some people stack on a couple of extra kilos, but a new study has shown that Pakenham locals are still keeping themselves in shape after it was named as “one of the fittest cities in Australia”, according to data collected by MyProtein Australia.

Taking the country’s 50 largest cities, towns and areas into account (by population size), the study ranked Pakenham as the fifth fittest city with “an overall score of 27.4 out of 100” - making it clear that Pakenham residents are passionate about their health and wellbeing.

The results were determined by a number of fitness factors, including the number of gyms, online fitness searches and MyProtein nutrition sales in each area, which were compared against the number of residents.

Pakenham was found to be home to 140 gyms and 68.72 fitness searches per 1,000 people, and despite only accounting for 0.05 per-

cent of MyProtein Australia’s national nutrition sales, the suburb came out on top, beating out capital cities such as Adelaide and Perth.

A spokesperson for MyProtein Australia said that it was impressive to see the amount of health and fitness conscious residents in Pakenham.

“As Pakenham is one of the fastest growing suburbs in the country, it’s no surprise that it has a fit population,” the spokesperson said.

“Pakenham typically attracts younger individuals and families, and these groups are often concerned with their fitness and keeping healthy.

Pakenham ranked highly thanks to its large number of gyms and large number of its population searching for fitness terms, beating larger cities as a result of its comparatively smaller population,” they said.

The study saw Byron Bay, NSW take out the crown as “Australia’s fittest city”, with 7.79 gyms and 347.18 fitness searches per 1,000

people - giving the city an overall fitness score of 70.01 out of 100.

Coming in at second, third and fourth place respectively were Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane - proving that Pakenham is right up there in terms of fitness with some impressive competition.

MyProtein Australia’s spokesperson said that they planned to “revisit this study” in the future to see how each city’s fitness journey evolved, and while there’s always room to grow, the results proved that overall Australia is an active nation.

“When it comes to fitness, there is always room for improvement - but it’s safe to say that Australia is definitely a fit country overall,” the spokesperson said.

“The population of Australia cares about their health and making sure they are in the best shape, whether they’re hitting the gym, using supplements as part of a healthy diet or searching for fitness tips at home.”

Cardinia Shire Council are calling on community members to join the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Advisory Group for 2021.

The group’s purpose is to ensure the council’s Cultural Diversity Action Plan is enacted, to discuss challenges and opportunities for residents from culturally diverse backgrounds and to work alongside council on policies and plans.

The advisory group has been designed to respect human rights and to help residents feel welcomed, valued and a part of the decision making process, as well as able to access a range of services.

“Cardinia Shire Council recognises the importance of supporting diversity in our vibrant and growing communities. Our diversity is highly valued and a source of great strength and resilience,” Mayor Brett Owen said.

Councillor Jack Kowarzik, Chairperson of the CALD Advisory Group, said the advisory group and Cardinia council are committed to improving the wellbeing of their community.

“Our shire is playing an important role in the settlement of residents from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, as well as continuing to be an attractive destination for skilled migrants. Our new communities have unique health and social wellbeing needs requiring appropriate responses,” Cr Kowarzik said.

The CALD Advisory Group meets once a month on an available weekday for two hours.

To apply or express your interest, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/CALD or contact the Council’s Social Inclusion Officer: A.Brash@cardinia.vic.gov.au or 1300 787 624.

Applications will close on Wednesday 10 March at 5pm.

Solar power for schools

By Mikayla van Loon Pakenham Springs Primary School is set to receive solar panels in a State government initiative.

As part of the Greener Government School Buildings program, 171 Victorian government schools will have solar power systems installed throughout 2021.

The project will cost $8.8 million with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions within Victorian schools.

“This is a project that will make a big difference for our schools. It will cut emissions while at the same time cutting costs and that is good news for everyone,” Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said.

The program is expected to see 8,200 kW of solar installed, with estimated savings of $2 million per year and carbon emissions reduced by 11,500 tonnes by June 2022.

This initiative is part of the State government’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale discussing benefits of solar with students.

Picture: SUPPLIED

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pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 4 March, 2021

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STAR NEWS 3

NEWS

The opening of the clubhouse. 229475

Kerry, Jeanette, Phyll and Ronni celebrate the opening. 229475

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Travis entertaining residents and guests. 229475

All smiles at opening

By Danielle Kutchel There was a fun vibe in the air at the grand opening of Lifestyle Kaduna Park’s new clubhouse.

Crowds of homeowners - and prospective homeowners - flocked to Lifestyle Kaduna Park on Saturday 27 February to experience the new facility.

It includes state-of-the-art facilities like an indoor heated pool and spa, a fully equipped gym, a beautiful open lounge and kitchen area, a library and private 30-seat cinema for resortstyle living at its best.

The clubhouse will cater to many different activities for homeowners, from Happy Hours to movie nights, according to Lifestyle Communities’ project marketing coordinator Georgie Read.

Outside, the clubhouse features a bowling green, pickleball court and croquet lawn.

A community bus and electric car are there for the service of users.

A dog park will soon be completed, so even our four-legged friends can get in on the fun.

The opening was “absolutely pumping” according to Ms Read, with well over 100 people attending.

“We were really rapt with it,” she said.

“The community spirit was definitely there on Saturday, the energy in the room was electric. It showcased the best of what Lifestyle Kaduna Park has to offer.”

Ms Read said just 75 percent of Lifestyle Kaduna Park has been sold already, with only 44 homes remaining.

She urged prospective buyers to “get in quick” to be part of the “sense of community” that characterises Lifestyle Kaduna Park.

Find out more at https://www.lifestylecommunities.com.au/communities/lifestyle-kaduna-park/

Judy and Roy Rogers enjoy the day. 229475

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 75 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 45 already gone. We’re also easing congestion by building better roads and bridges across our suburbs.

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Pakenham Line

From 8.30pm 5 Mar to 8 Mar

Dandenong to Pakenham

Cranbourne Line

From 8.30pm 11 Mar to 17 Mar

Dandenong to Cranbourne

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes Greens Road, Dandenong South

MTIA5263

Monash Freeway

9am to 3.30pm, 11 to 18 Mar

Lanes closed between South Gippsland Highway and Kitchen Road

7pm 11 Mar to 5am 12 Mar

Lanes closed eastbound between South Gippsland Highway and Kitchen Road

7pm to 5am each night, 12 to 15 Mar

Road closed eastbound between South Gippsland Highway and Kitchen Road

Nights in Mar

Lanes closed between Warrigal Road and EastLink

DRAFT

Keep in mind there are other transport disruptions over autumn.

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

12484002-SG10-21

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Thursday, 4 March, 2021

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Financial education plan

By Gabriella Payne Financial matters can often be daunting and difficult to navigate, but a new interactive workshop run by Living Learning Pakenham aims to change all that, by empowering women with financial literacy and providing training to better understand money and money management skills.

This free pilot program aims to help women in the community “build a better financial future” for themselves and their families and will cover topics such as setting financial goals, calculating interest rates, comparing different credit options, lowering utility bills and understanding financial abuse and how to get help if they need it.

As well as being the first time this program has been run at the centre, Living Learning Inc will trial a new model of teaching, allowing mothers to bring their children with them to class, with a separate space for the kids to play whilst the women learn.

Miriam Cadwallader, the CEO of Living Learning Pakenham Inc said that this program had been made possible through a wellbeing grant the centre received last year from the Cardinia Shire Council and she was excited to see the results.

“This interactive workshop will help pro-

The free program will span for eight weeks and hopes to help women take control of their finances.

Picture: UNSPLASH vide women with practical solutions for financial problems they may be facing, and we’re really looking forward to trialling this new model of participation, where the kids will be included,” Ms Cadwallader said.

“This program will give women the opportunity to be in a room with other women who are in the same situation as them and stops them from being isolated.”

Ms Cadwallader said that through their work with many multicultural groups and mi-

grant communities, Living Learning Inc had noticed “a real need” for these types of services, particularly for migrant women and by allowing children to come along to sessions, they hoped to make the program more accessible for those with young kids.

“We often have people experiencing financial distress come to us for help, and we work with a number of multicultural groups and have found that financial literacy is always an issue,” Ms Cadwallader said.

Holiday weekend: CFA’s safe driving plea

By Mikayla van Loon As the long weekend approaches, CFA are calling on drivers to be extra careful on the roads, with high levels of traffic expected.

Deputy Chief Officer Specialist Services Garry Cook said vehicle collisions on the Labour Day long weekend last year were the most responded to incidents by CFA. “More than 35 people have died on Victorian roads this year. Even one call-out to a crash is one too many, and we don’t want a repeat of last year’s long weekend,” Mr Cook said.

CFA work alongside 21 Road Crash Rescue brigades including VICSES, Fire Rescue Victoria and Victoria Police.

Mr Cook hopes that these services won’t be required over the coming weekend.

As one of the first weekends for families and friends to go away, Mr Cook is urging people to take care.

“It will be fantastic for Victorians to be out and about enjoying their long weekend, but we urge people to use sense and caution on the roads,” he said.

“The devastating impacts of road trauma are felt by the families and communities involved long after emergency service personnel have left the scene,” he said.

“These incidents can also impact our members who attend.”

CFA is wanting to remind people that most incidents are preventable when either speed, fatigue or distractions are removed from the equation.

ed Publish y ursda

Big grants for groups

By Mikayla van Loon

CFA is urging drivers to take care on the roads this long weekend.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Cardinia Shire Council’s grants program for community wellbeing and support and festivals and events are closing on 12 March.

The grants are open to not-for-profit organisations, local groups and residents.

Available grants vary across each category, with up to $5000 for community wellbeing and support grants and up to $10,000 for festival and event grants.

Community wellbeing grants can be for the establishment of a group, organisation or club, volunteering programs or small changes in the form of buying equipment, website redevelopment and Christmas decorations.

For groups and organisations who applied and were successful in receiving grants for an event or festival in the 2020-21 period, another application may not be necessary for the 2021-22 program.

All applicants will be notified in early July 2021.

For more information, visit www. cardinia.vic.gov.au/grants or for further information call the Community Development team on 1300 787 624.

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

12453919-FA28-20

Th

“These women might have come on a partner visa and have no language skills and no understanding of the financial world here in Australia.

So this program will allow them to get an understanding of what their rights are and what they can and can’t do on their visas,” she said.

Ms Cadwallader said that a childcare professional would be on hand to help with the children while the sessions were running and the class would be a safe, welcoming and friendly space for all women, with certificates handed out at the end of the program.

Spanning over eight weeks, the program is set to start on Monday 15 March and will consist of one class per week that runs for two and a half hours, from 10am until 12.30pm.

Ms Cadwallader said that she hoped this program would help many women gain confidence and learn valuable financial literacy skills that they could use to take control of their own financial situations.

“We hope this workshop will help women to understand their financial situations and assist them in setting goals for the future,” she said.

For more information about the program, visit Living Learning Pakenham at 6B Henry Street Pakenham, www.livinglearning.org.au or phone (03) 5941 2389.

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 4 March, 2021

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STAR NEWS 5

OPINION

LENSCAPE Pakenham Berwick Cranbourne Drouin

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Walkathon to raise money for cord blood research at Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. 229785 We are very excited to welcome two Berwick local dentists to our practice.

Dr Cynthia Vinen joins Beaconsfield Dental in February and Dr David Gilbert in March. Cynthia will be available on Tuesday Wednesday and Saturday. David will work Thursday Friday and Saturday.

Beaconsfield Dental 1-3 Cardinia St Berwick 9707 3508

Thumbs down

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You can visit www.beaconsfielddental.com.au to read about Cynthia and David as well as booking your appointment online.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN To the constant everyday traffic backlog & congestion in Clyde on Berwick-Cranbourne road. Thanks to the City of Casey council thinking that single lanes are sufficient to cater for the MASSIVE amount of traffic from all the new homes being built, there are even traffic jams on the weekends.

Thumbs down

CHEAPEST FLOORING/DECKING

To Dandenong RSL for wanting to shut down Cranbourne RSL.

Thumbs up To Casey Vet Hospital in High Street Cranbourne. They were (as usual) so thorough when 2 of the vets checked over our greyhound Evie yesterday.

Reasonable fees too. Highly recommend them!

Thumbs down I know it’s needed but so many roadworks everywhere.

Thumbs up To the new Covid Rules...

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11 Windale St, Dandenong Mel Ref: 90 G10

Women in the State Government, left to right: Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, Minister for Women and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas, and Bass MP Jordan Crugnale.

Crugnale celebrates day

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Thursday, 4 March, 2021

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SOCIALLY SPEAKING On Saturday 27 February, a story was published on the Cranbourne Star News Facebook page regarding new buses set to begin running through Clyde. Here’s how our readers responded online: Peter McKill: Maybe get the roads up to scratch first. The developers should be chipping in at least 80% of the cost. After all they are making the big dollars on squeezing people into poorly designed estates.

Gaye Guest: Pity public bus timetables are not being revised in Dandenong area 40-60 min intervals are too long a duration and then they still run late . The timetables are never revised to make them more beneficial.

Sandy Dutta: How about double lanes first.

John Veldwyk: How about better phone facilities too?

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Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

In the lead up to International Women’s Day, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale has expressed her gratitude for the equality present in State Parliament.

This year’s theme is ‘Women in leadership: achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world’.

Ms Crugnale said she was proud that the State Government is embracing the theme with “actions and outcomes”.

“For the first time ever, our parliament has a cabinet that is 50 per cent women, and their ministries range from Police, Transport Infrastructure, Employment to Agriculture and Attorney General,” she said.

“Our government bench is 48 percent women. We are well on the way to our target of equal representation.

“The 2020 local council elections also

saw Victoria lead the country in terms of women elected - now 44 percent of local councillors are women.”

She said diversity in leadership and gender equity create “a participatory, fairer, safer and more inclusive society.”

Ms Crugnale said the blueprint for gender equality in Victoria is set out in the Safe and Strong: A Victorian Gender Equality Strategy, while the Gender Equality Act 2020 addresses workplace gender equality.

“It says to everyone that girls and women, given the opportunity, can and will lead in any field. Whether it’s at school, on the sporting field, an area of interest, artistically or academically, in the media, in public life.

“The strategies are in place, and there is more work to be done; the today and tomorrows are yours to embrace,” she said.

The State Government will support trials of neighbourhood-scale batteries to maximise the unprecedented uptake in rooftop solar and empower communities to take control of their energy.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced that the $3 million Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (NBI) is open, inviting applications for neighbourhood-scale battery projects from local investors, businesses, community groups and other interested parties.

Neighbourhood-scale batteries can provide a range of benefits to electricity users, networks and Victorian communities. Importantly, they can play a valuable role in supporting residential solar systems by soaking up excess solar output during the day which can then be dispatched in the evening, when it is needed most.

Victoria’s Solar Homes Program has seen record levels of rooftop solar systems installed.

About 20 per cent of Victorian households have solar panels and that is expected to grow to 50 per cent by 2030. Neighbourhood-scale batteries could maximise the power generated by the hundreds of thousands of solar systems across the state.

A consultation paper that seeks feedback from stakeholders about the deployment of neighbourhood batteries will be released alongside the application guidelines via the Engage Victoria website.

Applications for the NBI close on 11 April 2021. Find out more or submit an application at: www.energy.vic.gov.au/new-energy-technologies. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Clyde’s mobile black hole

By Danielle Kutchel

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale meets with Clyde resident John Castillo at the Casey Fields mobile tower.

“The scary part is, if my power goes out and I need to make a phone call to emergency services ... or I need an ambulance for my kids, I can’t do that, I need to physically go and find where I can get reception to make that call.”

He wants the provision of mobile coverage

in the area to be fast-tracked - “because everybody is suffering in this area”.

Complaints of poor service have reached the ears of Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, who has launched a Federal Parliament e-petition aimed at improving the mobile network coverage in Clyde and Clyde North.

12482562-DL10-21

Covid has highlighted our dependence on mobile coverage to function in the world.

But for residents of Clyde, it’s instead highlighted their isolation and frustration with the lack of mobile coverage in the area.

From remote learning to working from home, residents have struggled to get online - and in some cases, it’s been life threatening.

Star News is aware of at least two cases where residents who were unable to make mobile calls have been placed in potentially lifeor-death situations.

In one, a resident was involved in a family violence episode, and enlisted the support of a neighbour. The neighbour had switched off their Wi-Fi for electrical work and was forced to rely on the mobile network.

The call to emergency services dropped out as the neighbour was providing details of the incident.

Fortunately, police were able to attend.

In another incident, a resident who had a heart attack was unable to be contacted on mobile by paramedics.

Fortunately, the resident is alive to tell the tale - but they’re aware that the scenario could have had a very different ending.

Clyde resident John Castillo is also frustrated with the coverage he receives in his new home.

“We’re having to rely on Wi-Fi, but where it becomes an issue is for people who don’t have Wi-Fi, or if you lose power,” he said.

“It should just be the norm that water, gas, telecommunications, whether it’s NBN or mobile networks, should all really be packaged as part of town planning, and it shouldn’t be allowed for people to build and have settlement until those things are really complete because it’s not fair on people wanting to move to the areas and then dealing with what we have now.

Ms Crugnale has written to Federal Communications Minister Paul Fletcher, seeking assistance with the “vital infrastructure”.

“Connectivity is a 21st century expectation and imperative for people’s liveability, livelihoods and social connection,” she wrote.

“My constituents in ... Clyde and Clyde North stand in their driveways because they can’t use their phone inside the house, this is hit and miss too in terms of connectivity.”

In a case detailed in the letter, Ms Crugnale refers to a mother who was unable to call an ambulance for her daughter, and resorted to WhatsApp to contact a friend in a neighbouring suburb to call on their behalf.

Ms Crugnale said she herself had experienced calls dropping out when she is in the area.

The nearest tower is a Vodafone tower in Casey Fields. The tower’s limited coverage barely stretches to Clyde and Clyde North, according to the Aus Phone Towers app.

Ms Crugnale said the tower has made “little to no difference to people even within very close proximity or a broader 10km range”.

The e-petition asks the Federal Government to expedite works to provide reliable phone coverage to the area.

Ms Crugnale called on all those living in the area or with friends and family in the area to sign the e-petition.

She emphasised that signing the e-petition is confidential, and she will not be provided with any of the details of those who sign.

The petition is open until 24 March 2021 and can be signed by following the simple instructions at www.aph.gov.au/petitions. There is a link to ‘sign an e-petition’, and it is listed as number EN 2412.

The e-petition will be presented to the House of Representatives in Canberra and sent to the Communications Minister.

Barefoot bowls and BBQ Thursday March 18, 3-5pm

FREE GIFT for all attendees!

Kick off your shoes and join us for a delicious BBQ and barefoot bowls at Lifestyle Casey Fields! Enjoy a game of bowls, chat with our homeowners and go into the draw to win a $100 VISA card!

BYO bare feet!

2 Cameron St, Cranbourne East 3977 If attending please call Chantelle on 0499 599 098 by 15 March, for catering requirements. lifestylecaseyfields.com.au

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 4 March, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

When life gives lemons

By Danielle Kutchel Residents in need of refreshment this month can quench their thirst whilst chipping in for a good cause by stopping by Lochie’s Lemonade Stand.

Seven-year-old Lochie will be hosting the old-fashioned fundraiser outside his house on Evelyne Street on Saturday 27 March, from 10am til 3pm.

He’ll be fully stocked with cups of his version of homemade lemonade - his favourite drink - for $1, as well as bags of mixed lollies, also for $1, for a sweet treat.

Lochie plans to donate some of the proceeds to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where he is a patient.

Lochie was born with symbrachydactyly, which means he is missing a finger.

He currently sees an occupational therapist at the hospital once a quarter, and the surgeon yearly - and his visits prompted him to think about the other children in need.

“We see people who are so worse off than what we are and it makes us realise how lucky we are,” Lochie’s mum Clare said.

Lochie decided he wanted to help the hospital after watching a YouTube clip of a child holding a lemonade stall fundraiser, and quickly decided he wanted to do the same.

But he’s hoping to kick it up a notch, with a little help from friends and the wider Cranbourne community.

Local businesses have jumped on board to help, donating items to put into a raffle, the entire proceeds of which will go to the hospital.

Nine-year-old Isabel Tarallo has made up a hamper of gifts from her mother’s business, Sealed with a Gift, worth $75, to donate; MarShere Dance Studio has donated $750 worth of vouchers; Forever Grazing and Mini Eats to You have contributed grazing boxes; Paint a Pot will supply a gift; a local personal

Nash, Lochie and Darcey with their mum Clare. trainer has donated two weeks of free fitness classes; Handmade by Helen J has donated two large heatpacks valued at $30; local Tupperware seller Tara has contributed some items; Little Fawn Home-Made Gifts has donated some Easter bows and colour-your-own t-shirts; Grace Cosmetics is contributing a trial pack; Lorraine Lea Linen will contribute a voucher; and Lara’s Gift Packs will donate icy pole holders.

Clare expects more businesses to contribute to the raffle as the day gets closer.

Raffle tickets will be available prior to the day and will be sold up until 2.45pm on the day of the lemonade stand, with the prizes being drawn at 3pm.

COVID-19 Grants helping community More than 30 Relief Provider Support Grants and Community Connection grants are helping local agencies and community groups provide relief services to our most vulnerable community members to strengthen community connections during the COVID-19 pandemic. From food relief to mental health support, many of these programs are still up and running to see our community through 2021.

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La-Dash Handmade Candles is running a bingo-style fundraiser to support Lochie’s cause too, where visitors to the business’ Facebook page can pick a number and be in with a chance to win special prizes, with half of the proceeds going directly to the Royal Children’s.

There will also be children’s entertainment on the day to add to the fun.

Clare and Lochie hope that the proceeds from the fundraiser will help other hospital patients feel better.

“I’m doing this to help sick kids,” Lochie said.

To find out more about the fundraiser, or to donate items to the raffle, visit Loch’s Lemonade Stand on Facebook.

Sign up for COVID-19 recovery updates

Financial hardship

Get the latest updates and learn how we are working towards a strong and united community following the major impacts of the pandemic.

If you’re facing financial hardship and having difficulty making payments against your 2020-21 rates, we’re here to help. Visit our website to complete a financial hardship application form and we’ll be in touch to discuss your options. Alternatively, call our friendly customer service team on 1300 787 624.

www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/recoverycommittee

Have your say – how are you coping?

Tell us about your latest experience of COVID-19 and your thoughts on the future so we can better understand your needs and plan services and support. The survey takes between 5-10 minutes and responses are anonymous. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/COVID19survey

Support and relief

Rates relief

Need help? Get info on local support services: · Local Relief Provider directory · Youth Services directory · Multicultural support

There’s a range of support available from payment plan options to rates rebates for eligible Health Card holders and JobSeekers. Council is also waiving interest on outstanding rates payments until 31 March 2021.

www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

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Thursday, 4 March, 2021

Lochie with a gift for the raffle, made by his friend Isabel Tarallo.

www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Boosting business Follow Cardinia Business on Facebook to stay up to date with all the latest information economic development and support in Cardinia Shire including grants, training and networking opportunities.

Jobs and Skills Expo at Pakenham Library – Tuesday 16 March, 10am - 4pm Visit www.ccl.vic.gov.au/jobexpo and book your place to hear from a range of experts and get employment ready! Speakers include representatives from Business Australia, Holmesglen TAFE, South East Local Learning and Employment Network as well as the Chisholm Skills and Jobs Centre.

For more information about COVID-19, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

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Ten Tenors tour Bunjil The Ten Tenors are set to grace the stage of Bunjil Place this July, as part of a long-awaited tour of Australia.

The national tour marks the group’s 25th anniversary, and is set to be their biggest show ever.

This 25th anniversary tour is a blessing for fans across Australia - and a much-anticipated return to the stage for the Ten Tenors since returning from their first and “sold out” tour of Brazil in March 2020, which had to be cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-19 across the globe.

Australia’s premier vocal group has announced a 22-city tour that will start in Brisbane on the 1st July and see them travel across the continent until early August.

The Ten Tenors will hit Bunjil Place on Wednesday 14 July for two shows, at 1pm and 7.30pm.

The song list will feature all the favourites including Bohemian Rhapsody, Hallelujah, Perfect, In my Life, Here’s to the Heroes, Pearl Fishers Duet, Funiculì, Funiculà, Largo AL Factotum and, of course, Nessun Dorma, plus their three most requested medleys.

Over their 25 years of performing, the Ten Tenors have: Sold over 2.8 million concert tickets worldwide Sold over 1.2 million albums worldwide Recorded 15 studio albums Scored 7 gold/platinum albums/DVD Headlined over 2500 performance globally Toured and performed in 34 countries (so far) Performed at over 1500 private and corporate events

· · · · · · ·

The Ten Tenors will grace the stage at Bunjil Place this July.

· Helped raise over $11,250,000 for charities over $645,000 for children’s hospital · Raised charities from the sale of their festive album “Our Christmas Wish” in Australia and the USA. The TEN Tenors are itching to reconnect with old fans and new with a show that revisits the full history of the group’s catalogue of 15 albums and over 4000 live performances.

“We haven’t been all together since we said goodbye to each other in Brazil on March 17 2020. We are ecstatic about the idea of doing shows again, especially to celebrate our 25th anniversary,” said performer Jared Newall.

“I cannot wait to get back on the stage with my touring mates, I am so excited I am even looking forward to doing rehearsal. It’s been well over a year and we just want to sing together and see all the happy faces in the audience again,” added tenor Daniel Belle.

Tickets will go on pre-sale on Friday 5th March and general sale from Tuesday 9th March via www.thetentenors.com

Showing up to help

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By Taylah Eastwell When Danielle* saw people struggling and living in fear as Covid-19 lockdowns began last year, she wanted to show up for those who needed it most.

So she established The Kindness Community, a local charity that now makes over 300 meals each week to feed over 100 different people.

“It came about at the start of Covid, I was really aware a lot of people were in a difficult position. There was a large number of people who had been very disadvantaged or were in fear so I wanted to do something where we could cook food,” Danielle said.

“Now it’s just something regular we do to show up for people who haven’t really had people show up for them before,” she said.

The project started when Danielle and a few close friends “cooked a bunch of food and drove around Dandenong asking if people needed any“. They ended up going to an emergency hotel, and from that point on developed a relationship with the hotel and continue to attend every Tuesday to serve nutritious food to those in need.

The project has expanded to three locations across Dandenong and Tecoma, supported by a group of regular volunteers who rotate on an alternate basis each week.

The Tecoma community meal service is run in conjunction with the Food is Free project at the Tecoma Church.

The Kindness Community also operates a weekly meal service on the streets of Dandenong and continues to attend an emergency accomodation each week to serve healthy food to those in need– all in a day’s work each Tuesday.

The team cook the meals in a kitchen in Mt Dandenong donated for use by Belgrave’s Mareesa’s Cafe, and receive generous donations and food items from The Wholefood Merchants in Ferntree Gully and Pelligrino’s Fresh Fruits in Olinda.

The Kindness Community volunteers preparing meals.

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The Kindness Community volunteers.

Danielle said the project has had a “double-edged benefit”.

“A lot of volunteers have said it really did brighten up very dark days. The reason I started this project wasn’t just for the people we were serving that were isolated but also for volunteers who were isolated and helped them build connection in the community as well,” she said.

Danielle requested her surname be witheld

·

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By Danielle Kutchel All ladies are welcome at an upcoming International Women’s Day event that promises to empower and inspire.

Brentwood Park WASEMA Friendship Cafe will host a special gathering for International Women’s Day on Thursday 11 March, and women are encouraged to bring their mothers, daughters, aunts and grandmothers too.

The celebration will not only mark the special day, but will also be the first official day back on site for Brentwood Park WASEMA Friendship Cafe (BPWFC) following the Covid shutdowns.

Facilitator of BPWFC, Zoh Hasib, said the organisation wanted to start the year with a “great welcome”.

“What better way to celebrate than International Women’s Day! Every woman is worth celebrating and every woman deserves celebrating!” she said.

Women on the day will be treated to surprise guest speakers, as well as multicultural singing, dancing, games and henna tattoos.

A raffle will also be held, and refreshments will be provided.

“We want to get to know one another and celebrate one another - you, me and all women,” Ms Hasib said.

BPWFC is a not for profit organisation established to give women a place to connect with others, make friends and feel empowered.

The cafe provides connections and opportunities for visitors, ranging from excursions to just having another person to talk to, as well as assistance with contacting support agencies

Zoh Hasib, left at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, with Jo, right, manager of the Neighbourhood House. when needed. A focus this year, Ms Hasib said, is women’s mental health and encouraging women to not be afraid to reach out.

It’s hoped that the International Women’s Day event will create awareness out there of the cafe and the assistance it can provide.

The event is free to attend, however bookings are essential. It will be held at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House on Thursday 11 March, from 10am-12pm. Participants who are unable to make it in person are able to join the event via Zoom instead.

To book, visit events.humanitix.com/brentwood-park-wasema-friendship-cafe-international-women-s-day-celebrations or visit the BPWFC Facebook page for more information.

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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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MOTORING

A look back at milestones Almost half a century has passed since a 22-year-old rev-head - sporting a mullet and a love for anything with an engine - lobbed into Nar Nar Goon chasing his dream.

A young Bruce Clough had honed his mechanical skills and customer rapport in a thriving ‘backyard’ business, fixing and modifying cars in the driveway of his father’s Werribee home.

He was ready to take the next step and quickly snapped up a towing and mechanical repair business he saw advertised in The Age in late 1974, despite the initial misgivings of his then-girlfriend and later wife Sue, who thought he had taken her to the end of the earth.

Over the next few years, Bruce and Sue grew both the business and a young family, with four boys being welcomed into the fold.

The Cloughs soon added a few used cars to the towing and mechanical repair business and in late 1994 seized an opportunity to add the Mazda dealership.

Sadly, Bruce succumbed to an aggressive form of cancer in July 2013, aged only 61.

Towards the end, he got the boys - Paul, Kane, Ben and Zac - together and told them that he had taken the business where he could and it was up to them to go to the next level.

“Bruce would be very proud of what the boys have done,” Sue told the Gazette.

A timeline marking significant developments in the company’s history hangs proudly in the foyer of their new dealership in Pakenham.

“It’s our story and we are proud of it,” said Paul, who is now dealer principal.

“Bruce always had good vision,” Sue said.

“He could always see where things were heading.”

Bruce and Sue had just arrived back from an overseas trip and were heading back to Nar Nar Goon when they noticed the Mazda dealership in Pakenham had closed up.

Zac, Ben, Sue, Paul and Kane Clough at the family’s Mazda dealership. 163061 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS It had been run for years by the Elliott family and been passed on to the Blanchards, who closed it after a couple of years.

Bruce told Sue he would give Mazda a call and they had secured the dealership within three months.

“Mazda was doing well in the 1970s and ’80s, but lost its way a bit in the ’90s,” Paul explained.

The growth eventually came on the back of the “Zoom-Zoom boom” and Australia now has the highest market share for Mazda in the world and has the highest rate of customer satisfaction.

Mazdas are now the second most popular cars nationally.

It was the growth of both the Mazda brand and the Cardinia Shire region that led to the development of the new dealership.

Paul said Mazda had confidence that the Cloughs had the area well covered, but were mindful of the need for future expansion.

So the boys put the feelers out for a new site and Ray Weinzierl from Car Megamart offered the opportunity of a corner block on Commercial Drive in the new South East Business Park at Pakenham.

The Cloughs bought the land with the intention of sitting on it until the need to expand arose, but were advised that it would be in their best interests to move in as soon as possible.

So Montlaur Project Services and construction firm the APM Group, which built the

events and administration centre at Racing. com Park at Tynong, were engaged and the new state-of-the-art showroom quickly took shape.

Since the relocation, the Cloughs have seen an increase in both new and used sales as well as now having a facility and processes to manage the additional servicing capacity. Pakenham Mazda is now well placed to be able to meet all of the requirements and expectations of customers as the area continues to grow and expand.

Although their surroundings are all shiny and new, links to the past remain.

Sitting in a frame on the top of a filing cabinet in Paul’s office is a VACC Tech School Special Mention certificate, presented to one Bruce Stanley Clough back in 1969.

He is still around in many other ways as well.

Paul says the work ethic and customer service developed by that 22-year-old rev-head in the mid-1970s will continue to be a cornerstone of the business.

“We pride ourselves to look after our customers the best we can. Our purpose-built state of the art facility provided new opportunities to expand our quality service range and has exceeded customer expectations,” Paul explained.

“Our point of difference is our relationship with the local area,” Paul said. “We have local knowledge and a focus on relationships and customer service - qualities that were instilled in us by Dad. “We are happy to be judged on how we treat our customers. Networking and word of mouth has always been a big part of our success - and will continue to be.

“It keeps you on your toes. We don’t want to go to the local footy and find out that we have given someone bad service.

“That’s not what the Cloughs are about.”

! n o i t i t e p m o c g n i n i Outdoor d Support, share, WIN! ✔ Visit a local outdoor dining venue ✔ Take a photo of your experience ✔ Post the photo to Cardinia Business facebook page For competition details and terms and conditions visit our facebook page.

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Communal pantry a winner

By Gabriella Payne The last 12 months have been a difficult time for most people around the world, with Covid-19 causing job losses and uncertainty, but a group of Melbourne locals are working hard to ensure that no one in the community is left to go hungry, with communal pantries or ‘patakas’ popping up at homes all across the city.

The Pataka Movement is a community based initiative that provides free food to those in need and is run “by the people, for the people”.

The idea comes from Maori culture, with the word ‘pataka’ literally translating to ‘pantry’ or ‘storehouse’ and is a concept that allows people to come and go as they please, working on an honesty system of people taking only what they need and donating if they can.

It was approximately five months ago, as Australia grappled with the pandemic, that some members of Melbourne’s New Zealander community decided to get The Pataka Movement up and running and do their bit to help those in need.

Shinnee Kapea, a Hampton Park resident, quickly heard about the movement and was inspired to get her own pataka going to help her local community, which is now open daily from 9am - 6pm and run from her own carport.

“I opened up a communal pantry outside my home about five months ago, and since then it’s kind of exploded, it’s been amazing,” Ms Kapea said.

“All the food is being supplied by the community, from a lot of my family and friends, and the amount of donations coming in has just been overwhelming.”

From what started as a simple idea in Ms Kapea’s carport has grown over the last few months, and just last week, Ms Kapea said she was able to help feed “24 families in just under 24 hours” with her hampers of fresh fruits, vegetables and other food items.

Shinnee Kapea has been overwhelmed by the support she’s received for her ‘pataka’ or ‘community pantry’.

“I’m just trying to give back to the people who are struggling,” Ms Kapea said.

Knowing “how it feels to have nothing”, Ms Kapea began her communal pantry in the hopes of supporting locals who were going through tough times, and said the results have been amazing.

“Not everyone is entitled to things when you’ve lost your job or you’re not a permanent resident,” Ms Kapea said.

“This pantry isn’t just for our own people it’s open to anyone. There’s no judgement and

no questions here, all we ask is for people to be genuine,” she said.

Although in the beginning Ms Kapea was filling her pantry with food that she had bought herself, these days she said it is constantly being refilled by the people who visit, and she only needs to check the cupboards and top food up every now and then.

“I put a lot of trust in my community, because I work full time, so I feel lucky that whenever I come home everyone has just taken what they need and nothing has been ran-

Picture: SUPPLIED

sacked,” she said. Ms Kapea thanked the entire community for helping keep this pataka running smoothly and made a special mention to Narre Warren charity, Back 2 Basics, who help supply all sorts of food for the pantry.

If you find yourself able to donate or are ever in need of food, Ms Kapea encouraged everyone to get involved and said she had no intention of closing the pantry any time soon.

“I’m just going to leave my communal pantry open for as long as I can - there’s no need to take it down as long as it’s helping people.”

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pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE

GREAT FAMILY HOME PRESENTING a property that can equip as a five bedroom, three living area home.

Perfect for your growing family.

Welcome to one of Officer’s most popular areas. Opposite parkland the property at 12 Jasmine Grove is walking distance to Cardinia Train Station, shops and both primary and secondary schools.

The appealing property features: Four bedrooms, master with en-suite and walk-in robe; Large study that can be converted into a fifth bedroom; Formal living zone, rumpus room and family room; Dedicated dining room adjacent to a large, modern kitchen; Double car garage with rear roller door access Decked outdoor entertaining area; Decent backyard, complimenting the 400sqm bloc. ●

· · · · · · ·

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 12 Jasmine Grove, OFFICER Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $595,000 - $650,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Gavin Staindl, 0424 227 135, RAY WHITE PAKENHAM, 5940 8355

3

2

BATH

1

PA K E N H A M 27 Maywood Street

BED

CAR

This easily maintained home is close to everything you need. The young home presents fantastically & features 3 bedrooms. There is ducted heating & cooling, internal access from the remote operated garage & sliding glass door with access to the low maintenance backyard.

AUCTION Saturday 27th March at 12.00pm VIEW Saturday 6th March 10.00am - 10.30am

CRAIG SEYMOUR

0459 122 056 KARLI LOTHIAN

0436 122 888

5940 9922 c21.com.au/pakenham

Harcourts Warragul 12485138-DL10-21

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 4 March, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 13

FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE

OPEN DAY AT AVIVA COMMUNITIES – OFFICER OUR Aviva Communities Officer community open day totally exceeded expectations, and the level of interest that we received from prospective homeowners was astounding.

There was quite a buzz all day, wonderful entertainment, delicious food trucks and an opportunity to view our architecturally designed Lodge. We were hearing constantly how unique the Aviva offering is and how impressive our homes designs are, all with beautiful Ilve appliances throughout.

The ethos behind Aviva Communities is to challenge the traditional approach to retirement living and we understand just how important having certainty in day to day living, financial control and more choices is... our pre purchasers and homeowners have lovely piece of mind... and we are pet friendly!

Living at Aviva Communities Officer allows our homeowners all of the above living in a luxury resort style environment. Our brand new Lodge is a total wow and If you haven’t visited our new Lodge you really need to.

There is nothing else like it this category.

We have sites available and if you have interest please contact Andrew our new home specialist on 0455 245 438. ●

Aviva Communities - Officer. 229697

Todd Strathdee Managing Director at Aviva Communities Officer. 229697

Statue man with Jordan at the Aviva Communities open day. 229697

Trev, Di, Prue, Eilma and Kai with Chris the magician enjoying the open day. 229697

Keith, Darryl and Carmel enjoy the open day at Aviva Communities - Officer. 229697

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

Receive up to $15,000* for the new builders scheme.

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

Pakenham

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

• 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 $379,000.

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

First Home Owner Grant $10,000 (to eligible applicants) Prices subject to change 12483587-SN09-21

14 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 4 March, 2021

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE

EXCELLENCE IN HOME BUILDING ON SHOW

BY DANIELLE KUTCHEL THERE was plenty to see and do at the opening of Rawdon Hill’s new display home at Canopy at Amstel.

The event has been hailed as a huge success, with local buyers flocking to the Rawdon 258 on Saturday 27 February to check out the impressive features on offer.

Kids enjoyed free entertainment, and adults appreciated the free coffee in what was a fun and memorable day.

Visitors were highly complimentary of the house’s floorplan and inclusions, praising it as a great family home with a quality feel.

One exciting aspect of the Rawdon 258 is its flexibility, with the home able to offer three or four bedrooms depending on your needs. The home is packed with storage, including his and hers walk-in robes to the master, a walk-in linen closet, open plan family and meals area and a theatre room a must for any modern family.

And now everyone can experience the Rawdon Hill difference for themselves.

The Rawdon Hill sales office at Canopy at Amstel is open 12pm-5pm Friday to Tuesday.

Helpful staff are happy to sit and have a chat to families looking for their dream home, and have the advice to support you through your homebuilding journey.

For more than 40 years, Rawdon Hill has been offering quality as standard in all its homes.

The friendly, invigorated team offers warm, personal and gold-standard customer service, from your first consultation to the moment you turn the key on your new family home.

The family-owned company offers inclusions that no other builder would offer as standard, putting ‘family’ at the heart of everything and reaffirming its commitment to the highest level of customer service.

Open plan living in the Rawdon.

Families across the south east are so happy with Rawdon Hill that they’re now onto their second or third build with the company, in a demonstration of its loyal customer base. Good news travels fast, and that’s why so many new buyers are attracted to Rawdon Hill - thanks to the positive feedback from previous customers.

Rawdon Hill’s wide range of home designs appeals to a broad range of customers; from modern to character homes, there’s something for every family.

Rawdon Hill has display homes at Clyde North in Berwick Waters estate, Officer South in Kaduna Park estate, and Cranbourne in Canopy at Amstel estate. Visit https:// rawdonhill.com.au/display-homes/ to find your nearest Rawdon Hill display home.

Spacious walk-in robes for him and her.

The study nook is perfect for working from home, or for the kids to do their homework.

BED 3 ALFRESCO RUMPUS

robe

W.I.P. BATH KITCHEN MEALS

W.C. f.

WORKSTATION FAMILY WIR BED 2 WIL RUMPUS

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WIR

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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 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

STONE BENCHTOPS + MORE Visit rawdonhill.com.au Email sales@rawdonhill.com.au Thursday, 4 March, 2021

|

12484540-SN10-21

FLOORING

STAR NEWS 15

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16 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 4 March, 2021

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STAR NEWS 17

SPORT

Ian Campbell’s daughter Lisa (centre) and grandkids Mackenzee and Jack were among those who donned special commemorative Bulls playing shirts on Sunday.

Pictures: COURTESY OF RYAN WEBSTER

Ian Campbell (right) was a long-time fixture at the Cardinia Cricket Club. 212059

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A legend’s life celebrated By sports editor Russell Bennett As the sun shone down on the Cardinia Recreation Reserve on the last day of summer on Sunday, Ian ‘Cambo’ Campbell must have been looking down from above with a huge grin from ear to ear.

The Bulls life member loved with all his heart, and was beloved by so many in return.

That love he had for his friends, family, and the entire Cardinia Cricket Club was legendary, and it’s what was spoken about most on Sunday as people came from far and wide to tell stories and reminisce about the great man, who passed away after a long battle with illness at just 61 mid-last year.

Unfortunately, given the circumstances of the Covid-19 restrictions at the time, only a small number of people were able to be there in person at his funeral.

But Sunday was in stark contrast to that.

Generations of the Campbell family - including almost all of his children and grandchildren - joined current and past Cardinia players, life members of the club, and even players and officials from other clubs to share

their memories and stories of Cambo on what was, ultimately, a real day of celebration of his life in the impact he had on the broader community.

The Bulls were joined by members of other cricket clubs throughout the WGCA - such as Clyde, Merinda Park, and Tooradin - in addition to clubs from neighbouring competitions, including the MPCA and DDCA. Cardinia’s former premiership-winning leader Mark Cooper, now leading Carrum in the MPCA, has had a number of particularly successful stints since leaving the Bulls - including multiple flags with famous rival, Kooweerup.

On Sunday, he led the Past Players XI which he organised - to victory over a Cardinia Cricket Club/Campbell XI. He and Bulls favourite son Alex Nooy were instrumental in bringing together players from both sides, and they both spoke after Sunday’s game at the unveiling of a special memorial to Cambo and his impact on the club.

“I think today has summed up Ian Campbell and the person he was,” Nooy explained.

“Family, friends, opponents, team mates all

coming together - that sums up the guy he was.

“He did so much for our club - along with a lot of his close friends and family - so the least we could do is put on a day like today.”

Cambo’s great mate, Dave Webster, also spoke about the significance of the day - on behalf of both his family, and Cardinia’s life members.

“I played a lot of cricket with Cambo - I had a cricket bat that made probably five centuries, and they were all made by Cambo. Every time I went out, I had to give him my bat,” he said.

“To see this - his wonderful family here with us today, and everyone here honouring such a great man - it’s just such a fitting farewell and I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved with this.

“There’s nothing much more to be said, except for let’s just keep honouring the great man, and I would really like to see this (event) back each year.”

Cambo’s son, Ricky - a current Bulls first XI player and life member in his own right - was clearly touched by the occasion.

“It’s just phenomenal to see everyone here,” he said, fighting back tears.

“I want to thank the Cardinia Cricket Club I can express how much we, as a family, thank you for this.

“Being able to have this day and honour dad means the world to our family.”

He also thanked Nooy and Cooper for their work in making the day a reality.

“I just want you all to enjoy the day, have some beers, laugh together, and tell stories funny, sad, or whatever. As a family, we’d love to hear them all.”

For his part, Cooper added: “Obviously Covid has been a really difficult time for everyone in their own particular way, and unfortunately Cambo did pass away during that time and all most of us could do was stream the funeral and not really go through the grieving period and celebrate the life that was Cambo’s.

“At least this is a way to be able to come together and celebrate someone who was really special to the club, and the area as well. He gave a lot to WGCA rep cricket, Beaconsfield, and most competitions around would have known Cambo or had some connection with him and really treasured that.”

These young Stingrays seriously impress on the road

By Nick Creely What a superb performance from the Dandenong Stingrays in the NAB League Girls competition.

Backing up their gritty win in their opening match last week, the Stingrays took to the road on Sunday down to Ballarat, and were electric in a barnstorming victory against the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.

The most impressive element of the eventual 60-point win wasn’t just the mere scoreboard, but the manner in which they withheld a first half challenge before pulling away and completely dominating the contest in the third and fourth quarters.

Nick Cox’s group - riding sky-high on confidence - were challenged by the Rebels to hold a two-point quarter time lead with both sides kicking one goal, but a three-goal to one second term allowed the Stingrays to create a buffer of 12 points at half-time.

But it wasn’t insurmountable for the Rebels if they got a roll on.

However, the clinical nature of the Rays took over, with the group completely blanketing the home side with a destructive unanswered eight-goal second half.

The Rays booted four in the third and four in the last to run away with an eventual dominant victory, but it was a hard-fought clash 18 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 4 March, 2021

with both sides showcasing some exciting talent.

Ashleigh Richards (three goals) and Jemma Radford (three) really cashed in for the Rays to be a menace up forward, while Mackenzie Eardley (two goals) was once again everywhere to be the dominant player on the ground.

Charley Ryan was also in the best once more to continue her excellent start to the NAB League season, while the likes of Brooke Smith, star Emily Shepherd and Zoe Hill all stood out in a big day for the side.

Even more impressively, Cox’s side held the hosts scoreless in the second half to flex its muscles and prove its an early pace setter this NAB League season.

On Sunday’s victory, Cox said that while the scoreboard was heavily weighted towards his side, it was a terrific game of football showcasing many talented young female footballers.

“I think we were probably a bit flattered by the scoreboard to be honest,” he said.

“They were a lot better than what the scoreboard said - it was a great game of NAB League footy.

“It was pleasing that we got away in a good contest and ended up getting a good win.”

Cox praised his side for shutting away the

game after half-time, putting to fruition a few areas that were spoken about after their first game last weekend.

“That was an all-round defensive effort the defence did a great job when it went in their fifty, but up the ground the pressure was great,” he said.

“I think from both teams, it was a hardfought contested game, but our defensive stuff was something that we needed to work on from last week.

“They answered the call, which was pleasing.”

Cox said that results aside, the coaching group has seen tremendous improvement across the board, and praised the young group for its thirst for hard work.

Just on Sunday, the Rays featured 13 underage NAB League players.

“I think that the natural progression of the girls getting better and developing in both games and the start of pre-season to where they are now is giving us a lot of satisfaction,” he said.

“The pleasing thing from us is that the girls are getting better - the stuff that they’re doing away from footy, they’re learning better habits, and seeing that progression is the most pleasing.”

With all of the challenges presented by

Covid, Cox said he was proud of the entire club for remaining motivated during 2020.

“The boys are in the same boat, both squads have had to go and rely on themselves to stay motivated for this year,” he said.

“The pleasing thing is, they’ve done the right things, the extras when they’re not with us, so its nice to see it sprout in the first couple of games from the girls.”

After four completed rounds, the Rays sit atop the NAB League girls table.

The Rays will now tackle the Oakleigh Chargers in a Friday night game under lights at the Bluescope Recreation Reserve.

It’s a massive challenge for both teams, with the Rays and Chargers both undefeated and looking to continue their respective winning runs.

“There’s no qualms, the Chargers have a really good girls’ program, and they’ll always be there at the pointy end,” he said.

“Our girls have moved on quickly - we’re under no illusions it’ll be a tough game.

“We’re a fairly young group, so we’re excited to go up against one of the frontrunners - each week is a new challenge, and learning the competition and seeing what’s there, it’s another thing the girls are enjoying.

“We know it’ll be a big ask, and hopefully we can prepare and get them ready.” pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Tyla’s star is on the rise

By Nick Creely Tyla Hanks is a rising star who commands a lot of attention on the footy field.

The Beaconsfield Football Club and Gippsland Power product is making a significant impact for Melbourne in this year’s 2021 AFLW season, with the third-year midfielder taking her game to a whole new level.

The 20-year-old has immense poise with the footy in her hand and, since being recruited with the sixth overall pick in the 2018 AFLW draft, has steadily built her game to become one of the most impressive young talents in the competition.

This season alone, the Demons midfielder has impressive numbers inked next to her name - averaging 20 touches per game alongside almost seven tackles each match.

Hanks finally received her first NAB Rising Star Award nomination earlier this season, with a sparkling 19-disposal effort against Richmond at Casey Fields in Round 2, starring through the midfield in the 28-point win.

While humbled to have received recognition for her rapid improvement with the Rising Star nomination, Hanks said she’s been focusing on playing her role and ensuring she’s remaining consistent for the Dees.

“You don’t play for those types of recognition, but it is something that’s always been in the back of my mind a little bit,” she said.

“I was more focused on it in my first year, but coming into my third I’ve just wanted to play my role for the team and contribute each.

“It’s definitely somewhat of a proud moment for me to tick that over, so I’m lucky to have received the nomination.”

Hanks is just yet another of a long line of Beaconsfield juniors to have made a significant impact at AFLW level, with names such as Ellie Blackburn, Georgia Gee, and another recent Rising Star nominee in Tyanna Smith just an example of the impeccable women’s program at Holm Park.

And Hanks’ nomination will ensure that Beaconsfield can continue bringing through some future female football stars, with the club receiving a NAB Club Recognition Award comprising of financial and practical recourses.

“There’s been a lot of girls that have come through that Beacy program,” Hanks glowingly said of her junior football club.

“You see Ellie Blackburn, Georgia Gee, (and) Tyanna Smith, so there’s a long list there that are doing some great things.

“With the girls’ program, they started with girls like Ellie, and when players were looking for a team to go to, its enticed a lot of players to join the club because of its success rate.

“Once you’re there at the club, the investment from guys like Troy Robinson and all of the coaching staff has been great.”

Hanks explained that her rapid improvement this season has come down to a stern focus on improving not only her fitness but

Ex-Beaconsfield junior Tyla Hanks is rising rapidly in the AFLW. her mindset, and said that Covid has allowed all AFLW players to continually develop their game in all facets, while also provide footballstarved fans - particularly in Victoria - with plenty of excitement as the quality of the game has continued to go to another level this season.

“As much as Covid was a bad time for a lot of people, I think everyone’s interest in sport has spiked again, and AFLW has been lucky to come back at a really good time for everyone,” she said.

“Being out there has been absolute awesome, but I think Covid has given time for the players to spend time on their skills, because all you could really do was go out and exercise for an hour and it gave a lot of girl’s opportunities to improve.

“Its definitely increased the skill level of the game for sure, and the girls are all desperate to improve.

“More so, from a personal point of view, I had a lot more time, I was doing online uni (a degree in Exercise Science and Secondary Teaching) and wasn’t working so I had a lot of time to improve my fitness, which is always helpful, but I’ve spent time investing in things like sport psyche, the mental side of things and

Picture: COURTESY OF DYLAN BURNS/AFL PHOTOS

to believe in myself and my abilities.

“I’ve had a lot of time to work on myself as a person and as a footballer.”

The Demons take on St Kilda on Saturday night at Casey Fields, looking to move to a 4-2 record after slumping to seventh position after a disappointing loss to ladder-leaders Collingwood on the weekend. Despite the loss, Hanks was once again a shining light, racking up 22 disposals and six tackles.

Hanks said that each and every week there are twists and turns in the competition, and said that the focus of the group was too not look too far ahead and play consistent footy.

“Even in the other games, there’s no easy wins this year, each team can come out on top on any given day, and upsets keep happening,” she said.

“We talk about that, we have to stay focused.

“That’s a testament to the competitiveness and quality of the competition this year.

“It’s unpredictable and with the fixture you’ve just got to roll through one week at a time.”

The Demons’ clash with the Saints will begin at 7.10pm in what looms as an absolutely vital match for Hanks’ side.

Tyla Hanks back in her Gippsland Power days.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

166487

Their goal-kicking accuracy is seriously paying off The Melbourne Football Club’s goalkicking efforts this AFL Women’s season are starting to pay off, with community clubs already benefitting from the ‘Goals for Good’ campaign.

The Demons, which launched the initiative in January, ventured out to the Cranbourne Eagles Junior Football Club on Wednesday, 24 February, presenting an equipment pack to club representatives.

The pack includes footballs, training bibs and ball carriers, and is courtesy of Melbourne’s Major Partner Zurich Insurance and their community mental health program ’Tackle Your Feelings’.

The Goals for Good initiative will see close to $20,000 worth of equipment donated to junior clubs nationwide, thanks to the two supporters.

After nominating Cranbourne as her club, Demons defender Sinead Goldrick had the opportunity to meet some of the south east’s junior stars part of Cranbourne’s AFLW teams.

Eagles president Colin Moore welcomed pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Melbourne’s visit, saying the equipment will go a long way in supporting the junior program of the football club.

“Here at Cranbourne, we’ve got four girls’ junior teams and that gives us a good pathway for our seniors moving forward,” he said.

“Initiatives like Goals for Good and providing sporting equipment to clubs gives us a chance to give our girls the best chance at the junior grassroots level.”

Coaches at Cranbourne have also participated in Tackle Your Feelings’ mental health training, which Moore said continues to play an important role.

“The Tackle Your Feelings program has been really beneficial to our club,” he said.

“It actually gives our players and coaches a bit of guidance in relation to mental health, and where to turn when things get tough.”

The program was funded by the Z Zurich Foundation and Zurich Australia, and was delivered to over 300 community AFL clubs in 2020, providing coaches and participants with extensive support.

From left: Bella Kent (under-12s), Sinead Goldrick (Melbourne AFLW), Isabella Rutowicz (under14s), Colin Moore (Cranbourne Junior Football Club president) and Annalise Rutowicz (underPicture: GARY SISSONS 12s) at JP Cam Reserve last week. 229250 Thursday, 4 March, 2021

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STAR NEWS 19

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