News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 10th June 2021

PAKENHAM OFFICER

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Thursday, 10 June, 2021

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Pakenham pool in need of friends

App sting may help solve murders

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Homeless surge during lockdown

Alexa and Chloe of Chloe’s Dumplings wanted to do something to help the community during the lockdown. 240263

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

The goodies the girls helped pick out for the family in need.

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“We went through all the entries and there was one family that stood out to us. Despite being laid off from work and having to support her family with three children, this lady wanted to share her hamper with another family who also has been unable to work due to Covid.

“Her kindness and friendship to share her hamper with another family was what stood out for me.“ After talking to Chloe and Alexa, Lan decided Chloe’s Dumplings would double the hamper value to $100 to allow for both families to benefit.

“The girls and I spent the afternoon at the supermarket picking out foods for the families,“ Lan said.

Chloe and Alexa helped choose food for the hamper, which included their favourite chocolate, popcorn, muesli bars and fruit, as well as some of their famous home made dumplings.

“We love food, we love cooking and love to bring food into people’s lives,” Lan said.

“We saw everyone struggling this time around during lockdown and reached out and offered some support.”

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A small home-based dumpling business in Officer has generously helped a struggling family during the lockdown with a food hamper.

Lan Hughes set up ’Chloe’s Dumplings’ during lockdown last year, as a fun activity and side-hustle with her daughters Chloe and Alexa.

Seeing the business grow since then, Lan and the girls decided they wanted to do their part to help the community during lockdown 4.0.

“We saw neighbours looking defeated and

feeling a bit down and thought there must be so many other people out there in the same boat,” Lan said.

“So we thought we’d reach out to help the community.”

Chloe and Alexa shared a video to the business’s Facebook page, letting everyone know that they would give away a $50 food voucher for someone in need.

“It was not easy to select one family to give this hamper to as everyone was deserving of some help to get them through this week,” Lan said.

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NEWS

Spike in homeless

By Cam Lucadou-Wells and Tyler Lewis

The lost bunny is surely a beloved friend of a local child.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Searching for my home

By Shelby Brooks A lost bunny is searching for its home after being lost in Coles supermarket at Cardinia Lakes.

Local resident Morgan Reitman said she saw the teddy at the service desk Tuesday 8 June waiting for its owner and it “broke my heart“.

“My daughter has one just like this and I know she would be so upset without it,“ Morgan said.

Morgan decided to share a photo of the teddy on local community Facebook groups to try help reunite owner and teddy.

“I am hoping everyone might be able to share the post so this little bun can be reunited with its little person. Fingers crossed,“ Morgan said.

Contact Coles Cardinia Lakes if the lost bunny belongs to you.

Statues stolen Four valuable sculptures have been stolen from Officer.

The distinctive large wooden sculptures are valued at $9,500 and were destined for a new park area in Officer.

Police believe they were stolen from a property in Officer on Tuesday 1 June.

If you have seen these sculptures or have any information relating to them, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au and quote the Incident Number 210183900.

Wooden sculptures stolen from Officer.

The latest lockdown has plunged the south east’s most vulnerable into turmoil, a homelessness agency reports.

Within the shutdown’s first week, Wayss has reported nearly a 300 per cent surge in requests for crisis accommodation.

There were 42 new clients including 16 women and 15 children. In the week prior to lockdown, there were 11.

Wayss chief executive Liz Thomas said the amount of children without a roof was of great concern.

Family violence continued to be a rising factor in homelessness.

In May, nearly 800 family violence reports were referred by police to Wayss.

That’s up 20 per cent compared to a year ago.

It comes on top of a rise in family violence reports to Wayss over the past three years.

According to a Wayss report in May, survivors and perpetrators’ mental health was suffering due to the strain of Covid and lockdown.

Financial strain was being caused by the reduction of JobSeeker, the halting of JobKeeper and the end of the rental moratorium, it stated.

A Wayss spokesperson described the situation as “the culmination of a horrible year that doesn’t have a light at the end of the tunnel right now with the current lockdown”.

Ms Thomas said extra State Government emergency housing funds were required – as occurred during last year’s Covid restrictions.

Now, Victoria’s fourth lockdown seems to be a dagger to the heart of many within the community who are without a roof over their heads or have been forced to access community support for the first time.

Cranbourne Information and Support Services (CISS) has been overwhelmed in the

most recent Victorian lockdown, and executive officer Leanne Petrides reaffirmed that cases of domestic violence and mental illness appear to rise with lockdown.

“While emergency relief is a primary reason people contact us the number of people also contacting us for counselling to support them with stress, depression and anxiety, and family violence has increased,” she said.

“All of these seem to increase during lockdown periods.

“Social isolation is another issue - we had just re-opened our Women’s Friendship Cafe on 26 May and a number of very vulnerable women were so pleased to attend.

“That is now on hold again until we can hold groups in line with restrictions,” Ms Petrides said.

She added that this lockdown is similar to those experienced last year in at least one respect.

“As with the previous lockdowns, this particular lockdown has seen an increase in the number of people accessing our service who have not sought services from a community agency previously,” she said.

“Since 27 May, we have assisted 229 households and 14 per cent have been first-time clients.

“The previous lockdowns saw a massive decrease in the number of people on Jobseeker payments needing assistance because those payment had increased significantly.

“People reported a dramatic reduction in their stress levels as they able to afford housing payments, food, car registration and other bills.

“This time around, however, with payments reduced to $620 per fortnight, many are paying well above 50 per cent of their income in housing payments, and are now struggling with other expenses, including food.

“Seven per cent of people accessing our services in this period received no income at all.

“We have also had 15 people who are homeless accessing our service during this most recent lockdown,” Ms Petrides said.

Going back into harsh lockdown restrictions came at a poor time; CISS had just started to move back into the ‘Covid normal’ way of life.

“We had just been able to fully re-open to face-to-face interviews and service delivery, which is preferred by our volunteers and most of our clients,” Petrides said.

“We have now had to revert to phone and email service for all of the support we offer, with the doors opened only in extreme cases, such as family violence and/or homelessness.

“Some of our older staff team have chosen to stay safe at home, which we fully support, which means that on a few days we are short staffed.

“A personal observation is that people – workers and clients alike – seem to be feeling more stressed and (mentally) lower this time around.”

According to the State Government, more than 450 people were “supported” in hotels at the start of the latest lockdown. Homelessness service providers were reimbursed for accommodation in that time.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne said the Government acted “quickly” at the start of the lockdown to “ensure rough sleepers are safe by offering them accommodation”.

The Government has committed $5.3 billion for its Big Housing Build - more than 12,000 social and affordable homes over then next four years.

In the 2021-’22 budget, it allocated more than $193 million on housing and homelessness support.

Police called to suspicious fire in Narre A house fire in Narre Warren South has been declared suspicious.

CFA was notified at around 9.30pm on Tuesday 8 June o f a house fire at St Ives Drive, Narre Warren South.

Five CFA vehicles attended from Narre Warren, Berwick, and Casey Group.

A smoke warning was issued for the immediate area including Cranbourne North and Narre Warren South.

The scene was declared under control at 10pm.

Police were called for suspicious circumstances.

Smile Squad is on its way The Victorian Government is making it easier for our kids to get the dental care they need.

Find out more at smilesquad.vic.gov.au

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NEWS

Pool looking for friends

By Shelby Brooks Anyone interested in the future of the Pakenham Outdoor Pool is being asked to join a new friends group.

Friends of the Pakenham Outdoor Pool will be a subcommittee of the Cardinia Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA).

CRRA executive Cheryl Billings said a friends group for the pool was “vital” to ensure its survival.

“What would not be good about a friends group?” she said.

“A friends group means you’ve got a good support network that would be able to advocate on behalf of the pool.

“I think it’s vital we get one.”

Cheryl is worried about the pool’s future following the release of the PB Ronald Master Plan which showed no current plans for the pool.

In 2019, works to upgrade the building and pathways at the Pakenham Outdoor Pool were completed, including adding accessible parking, accessible changing spaces and widening and increasing paths of travel

Currently, the Pakenham Outdoor Pool is empty. 239970 throughout the pool.

The Cardinia Shire Council is currently working with Sport and Recreation Victoria on planning additional accessibility access upgrades.

The pool was built in 1956 following the Melbourne Olympic Games and is the only 50 metre outdoor pool in Cardinia Shire.

It was closed for a period of five years in the early 2000s.

Cheryl is hoping a friends group would be

Cardinia Residents and Ratepayers Association members, including Dot Murphy, Gloria O’Connor and Cheryl Billings want to have a say in the outdoor pool’s future. 239970 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS able to work with council on any future upgrade plans to the outdoor pool.

“We need to be arguing for the pool and if it’s going to be upgraded, we should look at salting it and should look at covering it so

we get a lot more use out of it and heating it,” Cheryl said.

The issue of the Pakenham Outdoor Pool will be brought to the CRRA Community Forum in July.

Waiting for a connection

By Shelby Brooks A frustrated new Pakenham home owner has shared her plight trying to get her NBN connection up and running, with her eight week wait finally over.

Annette Downie, who moved into her new home 16 April from Geelong, said she was “appalled” at the customer service of the NBN. “We moved in on 16 April. I’ve rang NBN I don’t know how many times since then- the service is just appalling,” she said.

“I can’t believe it takes that long to get a connection up and running.

“If it’s happening to me, it’s happening to other people.”

Annette’s son-in-law lives with her and has had to work from home during this lockdown, relying on a “unreliable” dongle connection instead of the ordered NBN. “He was very frustrated he couldn’t do his work properly,” Annette said.

Annette explained that she had been trying to let the NBN workers know that a trench had to be dug before it could be connected.

“What they didn’t realise was the connection out the front had to be joined up to the pit,” Annette said.

“A technician said it’s not your builder’s fault, it’s not your fault, NBN should have connected it up to the pit.

“We’ve had five appointments for connection, four didn’t show up. They ask you to be at home for a period for five or six hours and they don’t let you know they’re not coming I just think that’s pretty awful and I know we’re in lockdown but before that we weren’t.”

A NBN Co spokesperson said there was an increase in wait times in recent weeks.

“We are working to resolve a number of issues affecting our new workforce scheduling system, which have led to increased wait times over recent weeks for many new connection and service appointments,” they said.

“We apologise to affected customers for any delays they may have experienced when requesting new connection appointments or service repairs and we are working to address these issues as a priority.”

Annette’s NBN connection was set up on Monday 7 June.

Annette Downie had to wait eight weeks for her NBN to be set up. 240001

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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Calls for candidates

By Gabriella Payne

Monique said her family were grateful for all the help they had received from first responders after a shed fire at her family’s property.

Pictures: SUPPLIED, CFA

Hero salute

By Gabriella Payne Our emergency service responders do an amazing job on the front line and are constantly going above and beyond to help those in need - but now it’s time to turn the spotlight back on them, and say thanks for all the sacrifices they make, in order to help the community.

Wednesday 9 June marks ‘Thank A First Responder Day’ - a national day of gratitude, where all Australians are encouraged to say thanks to an emergency service worker in their community, so as “to create a clear and resounding voice of gratitude for those who do so much for us, for so little in return,” the organisation said.

CFA Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan said that this was an important time to recognise all the dedication and selflessness that our emergency responders pour into their work in order to help the community - be it police, paramedics, firefighters or SES volunteers.

“Our volunteers don’t sign up for recognition, but simply saying ‘thank you’ is an easy way to acknowledge their incredible efforts,” Mr Heffernan said.

“We would also like to extend that gratitude to our first responder partners who work tirelessly to support their communities in emergency situations.”

Pakenham SES media officer and volunteer, Shayne Honey said that ‘Thank A First Responder Day’ was a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge all the incredible SES volunteers in our community, but wanted to make a special thank you to their families too.

“It’s not just about emergency responders, but about their families as well,” Mr Honey said.

“You could be having dinner or family time and the pager goes off and you’ll drop everything to go and help a stranger.

We’ve got members on standby at the moment to go to Gippsland with an hour and a half’s notice.

They basically put their life on hold to go and

The Cardinia Shire Council - Westerport Ward by-election is fast approaching and the Victorian Electoral Commission are calling for passionate locals to enter their nominations for candidacy.

Nominations are set to open on Thursday 17 June and will close at 12pm (noon) the following week, on Tuesday 22 June.

The election manager, Amanda Golding said that anyone with a passion for their local community was welcome to enter the running for the position.

“I encourage anyone interested in representing their local community to nominate,” Ms Golding said.

“Prospective candidates should prepare to lodge their nomination in person during the nomination period.”

This by-election comes following the loss of beloved Westernport Ward councillor Ray Brown, who sadly passed away on Friday 16 April 2021.

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Brett Owen described Cr Brown as an “exceptional councillor” and a “strong advocate for his community” earlier this year, at a council meeting held just after his passing.

“In my 16 years of council, I don’t think I have seen a more impactful, more effective councillor that achieved so many results and good things for his community,”

Cr Owen said.

“We are now seeing a really great legacy in what is happening in Kooweerup and the wider Westernport Ward of things to come.”

Although Cr Brown has left some large shoes to fill, the VEC are hoping multiple community members rise to the occasion and throw their hat in the ring for candidacy.

Nomination forms must be lodged in person, along with the $250 nomination fee, with the election manager during business hours (pending the easing of Covid-19 restrictions).

The election office will operate on weekdays from Wednesday 16 June at the Kooweerup Tennis Club located at Cochrane Park, 243 Rossiter Road, Kooweerup until Tuesday 22 June, and late nominations cannot be accepted.

Prospective candidates can call the election manager from Wednesday 16 June on 1300 226 029 to make a nomination appointment.

They can also pre-fill their nomination form online using the VEC’s candidate helper at candidatehelper.vec.vic.gov.au Candidate information kits containing nomination forms and other electoral information will be available on request by contacting the election manager.

For more information about nominating as a candidate, head to vec.vic.gov.au

Our emergency service responders do an amazing job every day, and now it’s time to say thanks.

Picture: SUPPLIED help someone who needs it - and their families have to watch them run out the door. I think that needs to be rewarded in itself,” he said.

Mr Honey thanked all Pakenham’s SES volunteers for giving up their time to help those in need in the local community, and said that each member, whether they had volunteered for one year or 40 years, had their own unique skills to bring to the table.

Monique, a community member who had been touched by the efforts of emergency service responders after a recent fire at her family’s Woori Yallock property, reached out to the CFA to share her family’s gratitude for all the work they do.

“My mum was home alone when she looked out the window and saw smoke up the hill near the shed, so she called 000,” Monique said.

“There were 11 fire trucks as well as an ambulance and SES. I really want to emphasise how appreciative our family is, especially for the four brigades that came out to help, but also made the effort of coming out the following day to check if my parents were ok,” she said.

“My mum felt very relieved that she was no longer alone, and she said the firefighters were so supportive and so nice, and really put her mind at ease.”

If you know a first responder, make sure to reach out, give them a pat on the back and say thank you - it’ll mean a lot.

This by-election follows the passing of beloved Westerport Ward Councillor, Ray Brown, who has left some large shoes to fill.

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NEWS

Relay for Life cancelled The 2021 Casey Relay For Life, which was to be held on Friday 8 October, has been cancelled.

The next event will be held on 5 March 2022.

Cancer Council Victoria community engagement manager Cara Davey said the event couldn’t go ahead on its regular date in March this year due to Covid-19 safety concerns.

“Cancer Council Victoria and the volunteer event organising committee are committed to bringing a safe and enjoyable event experience to the community in March 2022, and do not feel that this is feasible to deliver alongside an event in late 2021,” she said.

“We encourage participants to continue to fundraise for the new date, and look forward to coming together in 2022 to celebrate, remember, and fight back.”

Funds already raised this year, including registration fees, will go towards vital cancer research, prevention and support services for all those who are impacted by cancer.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to fundraising and planning for this event so far. We greatly encourage all teams to bank any fundraising they have so far and continue their amazing efforts as we look ahead to March 2022,” Ms Davey said.

She said Cancer Council would continue to provide services to Casey City residents affected by cancer.

“We know this is a really difficult and uncertain time for people.

“Please be assured that Cancer Council continues to be present in the Casey community, supporting all residents who rely on our services as normal, such as our 13 11 20 service for anyone who needs cancer information and support,” she said.

The Casey Relay For Life has been running since 2003 with its highest fundraising year being 2013 where it raised more than $500,000.

In place of the now cancelled 2021 Casey Relay For Life, a launch night will be held on 8 October to raise funds for the 2022 event.

m o r F

0 0 , 07 5 $

The popular Casey Relay for Life - as pictured here in 2019 - will not go ahead in 2021. 200871 If you would prefer to Relay in 2021 please call 9514 6356 or email CaseyRFL@cancervic. org.au, and your registration will be trans-

0

ferred to your preferred event.

The closest Relay For Life to the Casey area with a confirmed date is Frankston and Penin-

sula on 18 October 2021.

For more information about Relay For Life, visit relayaustralia.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.

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OPINION

More shots coming to fix shortage

LENSCAPE

By Danielle Kutchel The Federal Government has pledged to provide further Pfizer vaccines to Victoria as the state faces a shortage of Covid-19 vaccines.

As Victoria ramps up the fight against the virus – and with local GPs reporting soaring demand – rumours began to swirl about whether our supply was keeping up, including at Monash Healthrun vaccination hubs in the south east.

Now, the Department of Health (DH) has confirmed there isn’t currently enough to go around.

In a statement on Friday 4 June, a DH spokesperson said Victoria and the Commonwealth were working closely to “balance vaccine logistics and supply”.

“Victoria must maintain a vaccine reserve to prepare for any disruptions to incoming supply and to ensure those who have received their first dose can receive their second one,” the spokesperson said.

“The recent surge in demand is reducing stock reserved for future bookings and second doses.”

Then on Sunday 6 June, the Federal Government announced that Victoria would receive an extra 100,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, delivered over three weeks from Monday 14 June.

Supplies of AstraZeneca to GPs will also be increased, with Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announcing a doubling of doses to GPs over the next two weeks.

It comes as GP clinics across Casey told Star News Group that there had been a massive rise in demand for vaccines since the government expanded eligibility and the circuit breaker lockdown began.

Monash Health was contacted for comment.

Warneet North Jetty. 240069

Eight year lockdown Another lockdown! How hard it is for us to deal with, only allowed out two hours a day, no visits from or to anyone.

Consider the refugees still trapped on PNG (130) and Nauru (110) for eight long years, consider the people medi-vacced here for health

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS care (never received) who have been locked up around the clock in hotel prisons, no crime, no charge, but because they fled their country in fear of persecution.

Consider the family locked up on Christmas Island with two Australian born children.

Even a little taste of what it must feel like for them would never even come close to what

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs down To the children throwing stones at the ducks on the lake at Wilson Botanical Gardens, Berwick. Thumbs down to the parents who looked on and did nothing about it, lying when challenged saying the children were not.

Thumbs down To the absolute flogs who stole the truck from BK 2 Basics Melbourne.

Thumbs up to anyone who can find the cash to buy or lend them another one.

Thumbs down To the government refusing to help small businesses who “don’t earn enough” but happy to tell us we

Thumbs down To O’Shea Rd being widened to 6 lanes!!

Thumbs up To all of the folks on the Berwick and Surrounds page that are willing to help each other when someone reaches out.

More vaccines are on the way to Victoria to alleviate shortage concerns. 236353

Thumbs up To our nurses in the frontline and freezing cold doing covid swabbing with a smile.

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Thumbs down To those going against restrictions or not testing until days/weeks later.

Thumbs down To the thieves that stole the truck from BK 2 Basics Melbourne. An amazing charity supporting our community, and this happens!

SOCIALLY SPEAKING On Saturday 5 June, a story was shared to the Berwick Star News, Cranbourne Star News and Pakenham Gazette Facebook pages regarding a Berwick pizza shop that’s giving out free food to those in need over lockdown. Here’s how our readers responded online: Joe Li: OMG!!!!! How lovely of them!

This will help so many people/families!

Thank you for caring for those that really need this kind gesture right now! May good karma come back at you guys!

Andrew Taylor: Good on you. You could save someone’s life doing this.

Wendy Smith: Good job.

Linda Hall: Faisal you are an amazing person.

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can’t work.

it is really like, being known by a number, not being able to plan a future or have any control over your life.

Let us not forget these people that Australia has locked away. The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.

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More than 10,000 aspiring young drivers who have had their learner’s test postponed due to circuit breaker restrictions have been given priority access to the new Learner Permit Test Online.

These learners were given priority access to sign up and register for the test online, ensuring that they will not have to wait weeks to rebook.

And from Monday 7 June 2021, the new Learner Permit Test Online will open to all learner drivers from across the state.

The new test includes a mix of theory, interactive videos and visual graphics to reinforce road safety messages with mini-quizzes to progressively test learners’ knowledge through a number of learning modules focusing on

road safety education including speed, drink and drug driving, seatbelts, fatigue, distractions and road rules.

To access the test, customers will need to create a myVicRoads personal account and have access to a compatible device.

The entire course and test will take between four and six hours to complete, with prospective learners having 12 months to sit and pass the online test once they’ve registered.

When the online course and assessment has been successfully completed, learner drivers need to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre, once circuit breaker restrictions are lifted, to confirm their identity, have their photo taken and complete an eyesight check.

The Learner Permit Test Online has been

rolled-out in stages across Victoria since April this year, with state-wide access initially not slated until late June.

This move came following the introduction of the Victoria-wide circuit breaker restriction, which has caused more than 10,000 learner permit test appointments to be postponed.

Outside of coronavirus restriction periods, customers can still sit the Learner Permit Test in person at VicRoads Customer Service Centres – and those requiring interpreter services support need to attend the test in-person at a Customer Service Centre.

For more information on how to access the Learner Permit Test Online, visit vicroads.vic. gov.au. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

App murder links

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Two unsolved murders of innocent men in Keysborough and Narre Warren may be unlocked by the massive joint-police sting Operation Ironside.

State and federal police on 7 June thwarted a global criminal network of “drugs, guns, violence and murder” using intelligence from an encrypted app ANoM. The app used by criminals with links to the Mafia, Middle East crime figures and outlaw motorcycle gang had been set up and monitored by the FBI. Police believe the app’s contents will help solve the murders of Muhamed Yucel in Keysborough and Zabi Ezedvar in Narre Warren in 2017.

Both were believed to have been shot by Comancheros as a result of mistaken identity.

During Operation Ironside, eight Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang patch members and a Comanchero sergeant-at-arms were arrested among 46 alleged offenders in Victoria.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill said police would “meticulously” analyse three years of data from the ANoM app to solve at least four Comanchero linked murders.

Another innocent man Ikenasio Tuivasa was shot dead by Comancheros outside a Ravenhall pool hall earlier this year, police say.

Such crimes incited fear in the community.

They were particularly dangerous due to the killers’ lethal mistakes, Asst Comm Hill said.

He implored those involved to “be the first to come forward and present your case because … these people will start tumbling like dominoes when they know we have evidence.”

“Those who believed they were beyond the reach of law enforcement have faced a day of reckoning.”

As of 8 June, the operation arrested 224 people, netted 3.7 tonnes of drugs, 104 firearms –

Mohammed Yucel was murdered by a shooter in Keysborough in 2017.

Zabi Ezedyar was shot dead in Narre Warren as a result of mistaken identity, police say. some military-grade - and spoiled 21 murder plots across the country, according to the Australian Federal Police.

In Victoria, 46 people were arrested during 70 raids in suburbs including Keysborough, Dandenong North, Narre Warren, Cranbourne West and Hampton Park.

More than 500 kilograms of illicit drugs such as cocaine, ice, cannabis, and more than $13 million of cash, property, luxury cars as well as a gold bullion were seized.

About 120 devices were seized for forensic analysis.

They face charges such as drug importation, commercial drug trafficking and manufacturing, money laundering, weapons and proceeds of crime offences.

Australian Federal Police say five murder

plots were also disrupted in the state.

AFP rapidly alerted Victoria Police to one alleged plot, in which two stolen cars with fake plates were found close to their target’s address.

A person who was about to use the cars was arrested, and firearms were seized, Asst Comm Hill said.

The plot was mainly linked to a “turf” dispute between outlaw motorcycle gangs, he said.

AFP Southern Command Assistant Commissioner Bruce Giles said the operation cleaned out a significant portion of the Comancheros and derailed drug importation syndicates.

“Thanks to our teams processing more than 22 million text messages on this platform, we

have prevented significant harm to the community – including credible threats of violence and threats to life.

“Operation Ironside should serve as the strongest warning to criminals yet – we will continue to be relentless in our pursuit to target and disrupt your illicit operations and to bring you to justice.”

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the seized firearms, drugs and “unexplained wealth” were “cornerstones of serious and organised crimes”.

“Victoria Police sees first-hand the devastation this offending causes our community, so I want to ensure everyone that while criminals continue to find new ways to offend, law enforcement will also be evolving to find new ways to catch them and hold them to account.”

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Thursday, 10 June, 2021

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STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Libraries pressing on This lockdown, the Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCLC) have been fortunate enough to continue its ’click and collect’ and delivery service which was available during 2020. Patrons can request, either online or via a phone call, specific titles or a ’binge bag’ which they can collect from their nearest branch or can be posted out to them.

Star News caught up with Pakenham librarian JADINE MACCUAIG to learn more about why the availability of library services are important during a pandemic.

Working in the library is such a privilege and I am always excited and energised before starting a shift.

My favorite part of working for CCLC is the ability to connect with my community and engage with a variety of individuals, which in a lockdown feels even more special.

It is great we can offer click and collect and delivery of books, especially for those who live further than a 10km radius or experiencing some vulnerability.

The main component of my role is “customer service”, and no day is the same as we adapt to support each member.

In the current restrictions this involves the click and collect service and home deliveries.

Members can request specific titles or a binge bag, and throughout the day we will prepare them.

Binge bags request are especially fun to pack as we search the collection to find items most suited to the individual’s needs and wants.

Most requests will provide some information such as “3-year-old that loves dinosaurs and trucks” or “mystery books like Agatha Christie” or “vegan cookbooks”, but recently I packed one that simply said “suprise me” which allowed me to showcase the range of our collection and hopefully helped the member finds items she didn’t even realize she wanted.

Jadine MacCuaig packing a box of children’s books for click and collect. 239746 Patrons can also click and collect printing which is very useful as it is a service that is very well used when we are open.

The community can also reach us via phone with staff working from home answering all inquiries and happy to simply have a chat.

With many feeling isolated during a lockdown, having someone to call and have a friendly chat with while you arrange some entertainment (a binge bag) for home is really quite important.

Staff working from home have also continued some of the programs, so families at home can still take part in a storytime or two (we also

keep several videos on our YouTube channel which you can enjoy at any time).

Our online resources are available at any time but feel extra handy during a lockdown.

Why not start investigating your family tree with free ‘Ancestry’ and ‘FindMyPast’ access, or get your children help with their homework on Studiosity, or learn a new skill on Linkenin Learning?

During normal operation customer service is still the key component and that will vary greatly, from helping someone print their concert tickets, to recommended their child’s next read to chatting with our knitting club about

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS their current projects.

I am also involved with a program called Tech Time which members can book an hour session and receive technology related assistance.

Being able to empower our members with new skills and confidence is my greatest pleasure.

The week before lockdown I was also fortunate to step in and help run a Lego Club session which was a complete blast.

We had set up ramps and built lego to race down them, with the children, parents and myself really enjoying the high spirited fun.

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pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Stolen truck charity plea

By Danielle Kutchel Heartless thieves have made off with a muchloved Casey charity’s refrigerated truck.

The family behind Bk 2 Basics Melbourne, based in Narre Warren, woke to find their truck missing on the morning of Saturday 5 June.

Founder Kelly Warren said the theft had been devastating for the charity, which is currently flat out feeding over 6000 people a week.

“This has a huge impact,” she said, adding that the refrigerated truck – which was purchased with donated money – allows the charity to pick up dairy goods for donation to struggling families.

Unfortunately the truck wasn’t insured, as all of the money that Bk 2 Basics receives goes into helping the community, Ms Warren said.

“If the money was there, of course it would be insured. But the money just wasn’t there.

Things had to be prioritized.”

She has been heartened by the outpouring of community support and spirit since the theft, with kids dropping off their pocket money to the charity and hundreds of social media shares made in an effort to help locate the stolen truck.

She has pleaded for the thieves to return the vehicle as soon as possible and said no questions will be asked.

“If we get it back that’s the end of it, I don’t really care. Just give the truck back and it’s over and forgotten. Just do the right thing,” she said.

Victoria Police confirmed that Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the theft.

“Investigators have been told the truck was stolen from the carpark of a business on Vesper Drive around 12.20am,” police said in a statement.

“The truck was then used in another theft from a different business in Vesper Drive a short time later.”

Police are on the lookout for two offenders in a dark coloured Mazda.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au The stolen truck is white and has the registration 0KG 906.

Donations to assist the charity to get back on its feet are appreciated and can be made via the details on the Bk 2 Basics Facebook page.

The team at Mama Boys Pizza is ready to help. 239924

By Danielle Kutchel A Berwick pizza shop is once again reaching out to help feed the community in these troubled times.

Mama Boys Pizza on Bemersyde Drive in Berwick is giving free pizza to those in need, following a similar successful endeavour in 2020.

Business partners Ishrath, Fawaz and Faizal decided to support the community during the latest circuit breaker lockdown by providing free hot dinners where needed.

Ishrath said their first free pizza venture had touched their hearts.

He said other customers had also gotten involved, leaving their extra change to donate to the next pizza or simply by sharing the shop’s social media posts to promote the idea.

“So many people are affected with their work, they are struggling, so we are happy to provide a meal for them,” he explained.

“Most people live paycheck to paycheck.

And if the paycheck doesn’t go in the bank, the first thing that worries them is how to feed their family.”

Fawaz said there was a “simple reason” why the team had decided to help out again.

He recalled a day when a mother had pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

been so overwhelmed by their kindness that she broke down and cried.

“That was enough,” he said.

“That was beautiful. It’s amazing how many people are affected [by the pandemic] and it’s amazing when you help people how much they appreciate it.”

Faizal said he and his fellow partners were all passionate about helping those who needed it.

“We’re happy to help out, we’ll keep doing this for however long,” he said.

“We hope other people in the business world will take our example on board and do little things for people in need.”

He said it was “priceless” to see the look on people’s faces when they realised their dinner would be free.

Requests for help are kept confidential to avoid any embarrassment, but all three encouraged anyone whose work had been impacted by the circuit breaker lockdown to reach out through the Facebook page to chat about what they need.

“We won’t be able to change the world for everyone but if we can help one person or two, then we are satisfied,” Ishrath said.

Find out more or contact the team at https://www.facebook.com/mamaboyspizza.com.au/

12499197-SG24-21

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Thursday, 10 June, 2021

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STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Early action is key

By Denis Green, Convenor of South Eastern Prostate Cancer Support Group

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Craig Brown survived prostate cancer and is calling for other men to be vigilant this Men’s Health Week. 240072 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS physiotherapy before and after surgery to recover continence quickly and get back to normal life routines.

His latest test shows no cancer remaining.

Here is what Craig says about his experience.

“My first thought when the cancer was diagnosed was ‘that’s it, it’s all over for me now.’

It really did hit me hard like a sledgehammer (being only 50 years old) and I was in shock,” Craig said.

“The doctor at Monash Health at the time of discussing my results, said not to panic as it was a low-risk cancer. I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry as my emotions were very up and

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Stirring trouble

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.

Picture: FACEBOOK

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down after my diagnosis.

“Once the initial shock wore off, I did move forward and it was during this two-year period of ongoing monitoring that I started doing some research regarding Prostate Cancer help and support throughout the community - and come across the SEPCSG (South Eastern Prostate Cancer Support Group) run by Denis Green. I felt like I needed some help and support outside the home environment and this could be a good option.

“Denis and the guys were warm and welcoming, and I knew I had made the right decision to come to the group and discuss all things Prostate Cancer related. Meetings continued every month (on Zoom during the 2020 Covid Lockdown in Victoria) and I was able to get good information and learn from the experience of other men regarding treatment options and side-effects.

“The biggest thing I can take away from all of this and having such large impact in my life (even at an earlier age) is early intervention. As scary as the diagnosis may be, there is a very high percentage of a good outcome, if found early. There is a lot of help when diagnosed, during surveillance and even when treatment options are offered. For me, as I sought help and advice very early in my diagnosis (due to very early testing), I was very fortunate!

“From here I look forward to a prosperous and happy future for myself and my family.”

Australian Guidelines recommend men with family history of prostate cancer (father, brother) start PSA testing at age 40-45 and men with no family history start testing at 50. Ask your GP to organise it for you.

Denis Green at South Eastern Prostate Cancer Support Group can be contacted on 0459609619 or via email at southeasternpcsg@ gmail.com for further information and monthly meeting details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bail was opposed by police, who argued he was an unacceptable risk of reoffending.

He was on a community corrections order (CCO) and bail at the time of the alleged food thefts.

Defence barrister Richard Davis argued for Andrews’s release on intensive CISP bail, with housing and mental health treatment.

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

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

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

On 3 June, magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg noted the man had failed to complete a previous drug treatment order (DTO) at Drug Court in 2017.

The proposed CISP bail program was “nowhere near as intensive” as a DTO, Mr Rozencwaig said.

On his latest CCO, Andrews’ “abysmal” performance included illicit drug use and further alleged offending.

Mr Rozencwaig ruled Andrews was an unacceptable risk of reoffending, so bail was refused.

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It’s Men’s Health Week and prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst men in Australia.

In Melbourne’s outer south-eastern suburbs, approximately 460 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and there are almost 6,000 men living with this cancer (out of a total of 229,000 in the country as a whole).

Knowing that his Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 60, Craig Brown of Cranbourne East, took advice from his GP and started having an annual test at the age of 44.

It’s a simple blood test known as “PSA” and it can show whether you might need some further investigation for potential prostate problems.

Six years later, in 2018, as a result of slow but steady increase in the PSA readings which had been upped to every six months by his urologist three years earlier, Craig had an MRI and biopsy which showed low grade cancer in one area of his prostate gland.

This was monitored for a further two years until, in 2020, after a follow-up MRI and biopsy, Craig was advised to have treatment.

Various treatments are available for prostate cancer, depending on the severity and extent of the diagnosis.

Different treatments can also have different potential side-effects that need to be considered in making decisions.

After discussing his options carefully with the urology team at Monash Health and then getting further advice from specialists at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Craig decided to have surgery to remove the prostate gland.

This was done successfully at Peter MacCallum in January 2021.

Now five months since his surgery, Craig has made a great recovery, making good use of

‘Psychotic’ diner: court

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

What a pawesome cause

By Danielle Kutchel We all know dogs are man’s best friend, but for one young Beaconsfield girl a dog will be more than that: it will totally transform her life.

Four-year-old Abigail and her family are raising money for a therapy dog to assist her in her everyday life with things like sleeping and eating.

Abigail was diagnosed at the age of nine months with a very rare chromosome deletion called AUTS2, which caused difficulties feeding, delayed fine and gross motor development and vision challenges.

Now aged four, Abigail is actively engaged with intervention therapists and is surrounded by a supportive community.

Her mum Sarah says she still has some difficulties with regulating her emotions, eating and getting to sleep.

But they believe a specially-trained and certified therapy dog could help with that.

Sarah said seeing Abigail with a dog is “remarkable”.

“She’s magnetised to them,” she explained.

“It’s astounding how assertive and in control of herself she is and how confident she is when she has a dog around.”

Already, Abigail engages in animal assisted therapy with a psychologist.

A therapy dog at home would be trained to help her settle and fall asleep at night, and would sit with her at meal-times to ensure she remains focused on eating and gets the right calorie intake for her needs.

The dog would also keep her safe by engaging her in play at an appropriate sensory level.

The total cost to purchase, raise and train a therapy dog is approximately $25,000 which is well out of the family’s reach.

“Whilst we are so very fortunate to have the NDIS support for Abigail’s therapy services, it

Sarah said Abigail is “magnetised” to dogs. is outside their scope to fund a therapy dog,” Sarah said.

The family has set up a MyCause fundraiser to raise $10,000 towards a therapy dog from Victorian not for profit Dogs for Kids – and they’ve been blown away by the response from strangers.

“It’s the most generous gift and it is life

Picture: SUPPLIED changing for our whole family and I just want to say thank you,” Sarah said.

“Especially in Covid times, a lot of people are doing it tough.”

They’re now on the waiting list with Dogs for Kids and while there is no timeline as to when they’ll receive the dog, Sarah is confident this is the right decision for Abigail.

“Seeing her with and around dogs and her passion for them and how they change her for the better … I think she’s someone that needs a dog around her forever, as the best thing for her.

“I think it’ll make a huge difference.”

Donate to Abigail’s cause at www.mycause. com.au/abigailsnewfriend and follow her story on Facebook at A Therapy Dog for Abigail.

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Thursday, 10 June, 2021

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STAR NEWS 11

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Thursday, 10 June, 2021

NEWS

Remarkably, Aaron has been able to still have a game or two of pickleball during his treatment.

Passion for pickleball

By Shelby Brooks For most people, being diagnosed with cancer in your 20s would be life shattering.

But Pearcedale’s Aaron Blitz seems to be able to shrug it off with a smile as a mere speedbump in his life journey.

At the beginning of the year, the 24-yearold was just about to begin his last semester at Monash University completing a Masters of Teaching when a lingering cough brought him to the doctor.

“I didn’t have any other symptoms, like a runny nose or anything else so it wasn’t a sickness or Covid,” Aaron said.

His doctor ordered a CT scan.

Thinking nothing of it, Aaron was called back into the doctor’s office after a day of school placement and told they had found a mass in his chest that was impacting his windpipe and they suspected it was Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“I just had a random little cough and you’d think that a 24-year-old would be healthy but the CT scan revealed this massive lump around my lungs and heart,” he said.

“It felt pretty surreal. It took a few days to kick in because you just don’t think it will happen to you.

“But I was lucky because it was stage two and I was told there was an 80 per cent the chemo would knock it out and I wouldn’t have to deal with it again.”

A week later, Aaron started chemotherapy at Frankston Hospital.

“You go under the knife for the biopsy and then you start chemo and then it starts kicking in that yes, you’re a cancer patient,” he said.

“It’s like being an old man doing chemo at 24. You have your good days and your bad days and all you can do is enjoy your good days and get out and do things.”

To gain some control over the situation, Aaron had a head shaving party when his hair began to fall out, another testament to his unique outlook of his situation.

He wanted to continue to enjoy his life with his partner, friends and family during what could only be described as a nightmare for

anyone, young or old.

“Luckily I have a positive mindset and I have friends and family around me that are always there and I have my pickleball,” he said.

Aaron’s the secretary of Pickleball Victoria and has continued to play at his local club, South East Melbourne Pickleball, based at the Pearcedale Tennis Club during his treatment.

Pickleball is a fast growing sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis and is played with a paddle.

He said it’s one of the main things that has kept him focussed on recovery.

“That’s the only thing I’ve been able to hold on to. It’s the only thing I’ve been able to do because I haven’t been able to study or coach tennis,” he said.

“I’m still playing pickleball but just not doing tournaments because I just don’t have the energy.”

Last month, Aaron spearheaded a ‘Pickleball for Lymphoma’ fundraiser, raising $4,741 for Lymphoma Australia.

“I thought, I love my pickleball, why not run a big fundraiser?” he said.

“Lymphoma Australia has helped me and they help a lot of people.”

Held Saturday 22 May, the event was a huge success.

And now to the good news.

After two months of chemotherapy, the mass in Aaron’s chest had gone and he is technically in remission but still completing the six month course of treatment to ensure the cancer stays away.

“This is just a speedbump in the process.

You’re 24 and you’re trying to start your career and everything,” Aaron said.

“At the end of the day I’m being positive about it all because it could be worse. There are people in worse situations than me.”

Aaron hopes that other young people can learn from his experience and take their health seriously.

“You’ve got to get checked even if you’re healthy,” Aaron said.

You can donate to Lymphoma Australia by heading to lymphoma.org.au. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Aaron with his partner Eloise.

Aaron Blitz was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the beginning of 2021.

Aaron gathered with friends to say goodbye to his hair when it began to fall out.

Aaron is halfway through his chemotherapy treatment at Frankston Hospital.

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Aaron Blitz was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the beginning of 2021.

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Thursday, 10 June, 2021

|

STAR NEWS 13

THE LOWDOWN

What has been the best day of your life so far?

Joining the scout movement and meeting the most amazing, caring and loving partner.

What would your last meal be?

Roast chicken with all the vegetables and all the Caramilk chocolate I can get.

What do you love about being involved with the scouts?

I love being able to help others as a leader helping with their self-development and confidence and also learning new skills I never thought I needed in life and making great new friendships.

Why should other people join Scouts?

I believe that people should join Scouts because Scouts gives you the opportunities to grow as person and helps with every aspect of self-development. There are so many great things about Scouts from making new friendships to joining a committee to going to camp.

The opportunities at Scouts are endless.

THREE … local agencies to contact if you need help

1

Cranbourne Information and Support Service located on Sladen Street in Cranbourne, CISS offers a range of services including information, crisis support, financial counselling, a no interest loan scheme, referrals to other sources of information or help and more.

Some eligibility requirements may apply. Find out more at https:// www.cranbourneiss.org.au/

2

InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence InTouch is continuing to provide information and support to migrant and refugee women experiencing family violence over the lockdown. They offer free, confidential and culturally respectful support. Find out more at https://intouch.org.au/

3

Wayss Wayss provides support to those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or experiencing family violence, including youth support, outreach for women, support for those in social housing and housing support for families in rooming houses, plus much more. Find out more at https://www.wayss.org.au/

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

I would have loved to have witnessed equal rights for LGBTIQA+ people in Australia.

What is your secret talent or party trick?

I make the best lemon meringue pie you’ve ever had.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?

My biggest inspiration would be grandma.

If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would you do?

I would work on making more schools add LGBTIQA+ awareness to the school curriculum, so students can gain the knowledge

Kaine St Paul. about all LGBTIQA+ people.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

My running is the most embarrassing thing ever.

What would be the top three songs on your desert island playlist?

Take me Home Country Road - John Denver You Can’t Stop the Beat - Hairspray A Little Less Conversation - Elvis Presley

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Dir ty on dining

By Gabriella Payne

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

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

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

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

“It’s just dreadful, everywhere, there’s there are cigarette butts bird and the street pavementspoo all over the place Outdoor dining spaces are falling apart. are proving quite “Why anybody divisive along Pakenham’s would want to Main Street now go to the Main Street. is beyond me,” Mr Mitchell said.

Picture: CARDINIA The other, less glamorous SHIRE COUNCIL view of the Main Street outdoor dining Mr Mitchell has be going anywhere lived in the area area. anytime soon, as since 2004 dinia Shire and said he has the Carraised Picture: JACK MITCHELL dinia Shire Council this issue with the Car- sions of Council are now calling for expres- dining spaces had proved popular interest for businesses mer and helped over many times, but avail. to support businesses sum- the shops - but it’s to no new, free “parklets” to apply mainly the dirtiness after a the problem,” - hoping to see more for difficult year. that’s “They told me porary outdoor he said. temthat they’ve got seating areas spring “Outdoor dining but it’s just getting big plans, Cardinia.

“We have this big, certainly brought up across the worse,” he said. low-hanging tree a buzz to and streets of the shire outside all these parrots following a tough “Taking away the Cardinia Mayor keep coming along year.

It’s great to see parking out the Brett Owen said making a mess. of the shops for and the community front a successful summer that after Cardinia some embrace venues and show trial of the parklets, unbelievable - most outdoor seating is just council Yesterday the council them some much the needed love,” were excited of the seats can’t came because she said. used.” complained to even be ing areas installed to see more outdoor dinwe them and they But the owner and throughout the area. said ‘yes, it’s very dirty’, but Mr Mitchell said “We trialled the they told us that Kebabs, Sam Bayraktar operator of Pakenham clean that the council parklet concept we should sending “someone should be mer in it up.” told over Star News that he sum- and other business Pakenham and we’re down there to clean as the council are owners on Main now on the look- that it up” out for new Mr Bayraktar said Street felt “accountable” for the restaurants, cafes that the area had the spaces are worthwhile ensuring the shire ly become “a dumping recentand bars across saster outdoor seating areas had been that would love to “a difor us”. ground” for people and usable if they are going to be taking leave rubbish and host a parklet from to March onwards,” Cr Owen unwanted junk as up car parking spots.

“It’s a total mess,” said. that he didn’t have well, and Mr Bayraktar said.

However, the pop-up Councillor Tammy the resources or “We can’t even use dining spaces won’t to be cleaning up the time the seating, it’s so highly of the concept, Radford also spoke less. the “ridiculous” point- side. mess outstating that the al fresco First of all we lost “It’s become more our car parks in of a dumping ground front of and an eyesore than something nice,” he said.

“About Children, Being Children”

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By Gabriella Payne

ens of t and sprawling gard The iconic restauran age seem set to become Cott of former Berwick’s Clover , as 18.4 hectares age, Cott a thing of the past er ding that of Clov farming land, inclu residential purposes. for has been rezoned , Richard Wynne ning Plan for The Minister C231 to oved Amendment MP recently appr Scheme, which will allow the Casey Planning een 42-80 Manuka Road, betw ential parts of the land resid transformed into Berwick to be

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Old timers talk abou means that the t the tough old days The Amendment rich local pride…”If you were with , which has a very “farming old enough to be amount of land on you were old enou changed from a gh to get a clip.” Well the ground, history, has been urhood residential zone” thoug spare ht for today’s youn gsters, including Nar a zone” to a “neighbo of other updates, includGoon Nar 17-year-old Nate Pipic ber elli, who face chall along with a num on the site. in their first year of enges heritage overlay senior football – with ing changes to the Thurs- that old-timers could Covid put into effect on never have imagined. -19 This decision was it was published in the 238288 n whe Pictu , re: 2021 STEWART CHAMBERS day 20 May and comes after tte Gaze ent l hearings Victoria Governm and planning pane years of debate , the over the land. s for good in 2016 s, Having shut its door for year nt site has sat vaca now see old Clover Cottage nt decision will rece this s seem its story. but it over a new page in the historic site turn g restaun the fine-dinin Back in 2016, whe to close its doors, the ready rant was getting John ChipClover Cottage, eight-acre existing owner of . 239886 Gazette that the to an residential dwellings perfield told the CHAMBERS , to make way for erty had been sold prop Picture: STEWART Road from farming land uka Man has been rezoned . pany com nt built on Manuka Road g investme , when they were surrounding land of rumours goin 1840 and lot ge a year Cotta the been to er e’s “There have a few ing back ldn’t allow Clov der of Melbourn nsive gardens and Gilpin, the foun current zoning wou perfield itself for Oliver home to some exte around, but the ge Chip was ery.

Mr cotta groc d,” the but subdivide first cash and carry seen a . historic features, r has the land to be re. ields othe futu land perf the near Chip t that in the sland by the There’s no doub it seems said in 2016. who moved to Gipp ness was designed and built itted he ge over its lifetime, and Mr Chipperfield, Chipperfield adm building the cotta ng the busi of changes over At the time, Mr While they were to the City of with his wife Engelina after closi property had perfelds oper- lot down now! an application ned two years, the Chip on Berwick’s there’s no slowing tte that the had submitted planning scheme ner- the span of the land be rezo y in 2016, told the Gaze oved shop part a that in of , appr g out they t estin ister n restauran to the ock whe The Min the Case Casey requ ts are available been merely a padd had bought the land from ated their t and it wasn’t until 1979 that Clothe then CEO of ndment documen Depart- something that were conBurr, Main Stree for business at its ame and can be viewed online at the r, said that they ship with Trevor in 1974. officially opened PlanTuckfield’s estate Council, Mike Tyle three other neighbouring public Land, Water and the ver Cottage site. tea merchant Fred e of Environment, ss the road and t sidering, alongsid Road acro men uka farm na Man exte was e “There ng was all site. has an even mor properties. ick and Dandeno taken aldat- ning web The block of land tions may have land between Berw perfield said at the time. d entrance gates gran the now Those considera with but Chip ion, history, dairy farms,” Mr to come to fruit , the site sive oved, lomost five years le arrived in 1974 ent has been appr e point When the coup that the amendm at som to see a change Nick’s

By David Nagel cals can expect Kongwak, Kilcundain for Maintaining the integ Bass and Warragul rity of the West Gipp trials, were scheduled Indu Football Netball sland to play one-off cont s- end of the season, with the a Competition (WG battle on gran both ests d week final played in early Octo ends.

FNC) will to be be para from mount when ber.

Another six clubs on the compositio league executives decide This could , Dalyston, Garfi n of fixtures as we eld, be transition see a vast majority of grounds from the Covid-loc emerge Kooweerup, Nar Nar Goon, Phill PAG E 24 ed to kdow crick ip n.

Islan et Tooradin-Dalmore use from mid-Sepd and tember e & Lens es were denied the Like allFram and then a grad comm unity football leagu + chance of rema ual transitioning es in Vic- one-off contests on one weekend toria, no play of nd Pair Seco or the other. perioining grounds through the football been F R E Ehas possible in the WGF If the current fixtu finals d on cons NC ecuti re nt. ve was Saturdays of May not reconfigured, treatme RISEKorumburra-Bena June 5.

AFL Outer Y 29 andEDEN would The extension cks, diagnosis and NHAMof CASE Riding the lockdownOPTICAL finish the season havin be the only club to District Foot East (AFLOE) and the Ellinbank Skin cancer che 11.59pm PAKE g played every othe ball League (EDF on Thursday, OPTO TOYOTA METRIST 03 8786until 8088 team 1003 9705 L) June r strictly with CAL tres.com.au 2058 , has also SPECIALISING INMa pacted theOPTI im- 8088 in the competition.

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BERWICK: P 976 2-21o and country clubs unity and to Cardinia Road 12496688-DL2 25-35 Narre Warren in the WGFNC and make sure every team AFLOE made mod means the almost 0 5006 | 26/4 plays each othe ificat certain cancellati NARRE WARREN OFFICER: P 594 on of this meaning a rescheduled season is almo r once, toria Guidelines in Marc ions to the AFL Vicweekend’s round PAG of competition on h table st this year, and has E 34 inevi- worked .

June 12. with its mem The WGFNC now has almost no choic Other factors to be to consequent ‘2021 ber clubs in its approach to abandon its curre e but uled cons Covid-Specific Com nt season would inclu idered in a resched- tion Interruption petithe remaining roun fixture and reconfigure By-Laws’. de a fair and reaso able balance betw ds of the competitio nAFLOE Commerc een home and away ensure integrity. n to for ial and Operation game each club, allowing s ManLooking the opportunity to s ager Cameron Hutchison said With seven roun tract revenue. the league was at- focussed on ds played, the impa the safet losing rounds eight ct of back with and nine is huge Home and away matc participation seco y of its community first, comes to maintaini when it nd, with the resul hes in the WGFNC currently scheduled ng the equality and are ts comp of the etition not the top Jim Allen ness of the competitio to finish relatively fair- on priority. early n.

Sunday, 15 Augu Hutchison confirme st, providing an In an 18-round seaso d that AFLOE will optional consider eight-week solution n, every club in not period before the WGFNC will play the nal shut-off grand fi- rounds the rescheduling of any affected seven opposition PAGE 35 date on Sunday, 10 of competition as clubs twice subje (14 games), with Octo ber, a result of the cura date rent lockd the ct to relevant appr own. ovals. be one-off contests remaining four games to AFL between the respe “We discu clubs. ctive work Victoria and Cricket Victoria have been of the year, ssed various options at the start ing closely toget her through 2020 Unfortunately for produce a Winter -21 to our seaso regarding a Covid interruption to the WGFNC, roun to n, Sum Panthers and we came to and nine were the ds eight sition the conclusion al Framework, whic mer Seasons Tran- that the best epice approach for our contests to take place ntre for these one-off networks, h assis specific situaon the , with 11 of the 12 including local gove ts respective tion would be to impacted over the aban clubs ities, with rnment authorlast fortnight. planning guideline

by Covid-19,” Hutc don any rounds affected s. prowl hison said.

Five clubs, Buny The transitional fram ip, Cora Lynn, Inver “Our competitio ework loch- door for affected rounds to could open the ferent in structure, ns are wide varying and difpakenham.starco be played at the and not one solut mmunity.com.au ion would fit all, so we’re comf PAGE 38 ortable with that position.”

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STAR NEWS 15

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STAR NEWS 17

SPORT

Ford’s a south-east gem

By Nick Creely For many years, Ryan Ford has been a strong, vocal figure representing his community and local clubs with poise.

He describes himself as just a “cog in the wheel” – but he’s been one important cog for the south-east region as a dedicated volunteer.

A Warragul boy originally, the well-known local figure’s love for local football and community sport is boundless – his infectious energy is noticeable when he’s around the traps and his fierce loyalty for his region and the clubs he represents is admirable.

His love for the game traces back to his late father, Roy – a life member of the Longwarry Football Club and West Gippsland Football League – who was also a dedicated volunteer of the game.

“Growing up in Warragul, Dad was on the executive of the club for a long time – he was enormously dedicated to the Longwarry Football Club, and was the first life member ever awarded in 1959,” he said.

“He did a lot for the West Gippsland Football League, and also received in 1991 which is a rare honour, the VCFL Recognition Medal for services to football.

“There’s still a sign up in the Longwarry rooms that I’m immensely proud of – it was one of dad’s sayings and it’s been there since the 80s.

It says, “SHOW ME THE TRUTH - Roy Ford”.

After playing junior footy around Warragul and senior football, Ryan moved to Berwick when he was 24 but retired from the game due to repeated shoulder reconstructions, and then after a stint as a runner for Longwarry, was lost to the game until Narre Warren came calling in 2010.

“After I finished, the travel got too much, so I didn’t do anything in footy until 2010 when Matt Shinners and Steve Kidd, my first cousin, got me down to the club,” he said.

“Steve asked me to come down to help, he was a star defender at the club, and then a couple years I helped in the box and then joined the committee.”

Ryan was then elected to the AFL South East Commission in December 2016 as the South East Football Netball League (SEFNL) representative, replacing Kahl Heinze, who held the role for the 2016 season, before taking over as the chair of the competition for 2017 and 2018.

During that time, Ryan was a force of strength for the league and region, giving the clubs a voice and combining that with an unbridled passion with the game.

Ryan Ford has been a strong figure for local clubs for many years. 152296 “I’m pretty humbled – if people can find a vehicle in life that allows them to serve the community in some way, whether through charities or some other way, that’s great,” he said.

“I was able to bring a lifetime of local sport into the business arm of the sporting community, and I guess apply some passion and skill into that.

“It’s an honourable position to be elected to that role and have people have faith in you to execute.

“There’s challenges along the way – I find local sport more passionate than business.

You’re dealing with people who give up their time equally to serve clubs, and in some cases literally spilt blood on the field for their club.

“To have that link with them is important, and it brings out a passion stronger than in the business world.”

Ryan was also a driving factor in the merger between the SEFNL and AFL Yarra Ranges, which now forms the current league in AFL Outer East, where he is still on the commission.

He said that the process of being part of bringing together the two football and netball

leagues was a rewarding experience.

“Realising the need for divisional football, we started talks with AFL Yarra Ranges – we went through that process which was different,” he said.

“Aaron (Bailey), Tony (Mitchell) and myself spoke to clubs and presented options, it wasn’t as forceful as what the MPNFL talks were, and here we are.

“I recruited Lauren Bourke to the SEFNL board to get a gender balance, I wanted our clubs who put in an enormous amount of work in the netball arm to not throw that away.

That was a key ingredient to make Yarra Ranges a good option – they were ranked side by side with us in interleague, and played them in 2018. On paper it was a good indicator of a strong future.”

Ryan said that to volunteer his time over many years was something he doesn’t take for granted – he’s honoured to be involved with clubs, football leagues and the local community.

“I’m happy to be a cog in the wheel,” he said.

Picture: ROB CAREW “The game would not survive without volunteers.

“Let alone thrive and be nurtured into a prosperous future, it simply wouldn’t happen.”

He also wanted to acknowledge the vast amount of people who he was worked closely with over the journey.

“I would like to mention Tony Mitchell (commission chair) and Aaron Bailey (Region General Manager) – to work with them, and the rest of commission and staff is something that keeps you going,” he said.

“We want to support and grow community sport, so they’re really inspiring guys. I just do what I do.

“I look at someone like Tony Mitchell – he’s a dedicated person, and I’m in awe of what he does to commit to his role.

“Aaron does more than his pay packet, he’s an amazing person and his commitment to the role goes beyond a job for him, it’s a hobby.

“For people like Tony, myself, the rest of the commission, club presidents – they’re all volunteers and it’s an incredibly key element of the success of local sport.”

Cricket Victoria unveils its new junior pathway model

By Nick Creely Cricket Victoria (CV) has unveiled its new player pathway model, which is aimed at providing emerging male and female cricketers across the state more opportunities to showcase their talent.

CV released its document last week detailing the pathway forward for developing future Australian and First-Class players, which is also ensuring cricketers are building lifelong connection with the game.

With junior pathway cricket severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic last season, the updated model has been well received around cricketing circles.

Cricket Victoria’s high performance manager Dean Russ said that the new model was aimed to developing more national and firstclass players.

“The formation of this player pathway model has involved wide stakeholder consultation, extensive planning and has been backed by world leading talent development research,” he said.

“The pathway celebrates the great work our associations and Premier Cricket are doing and looks to nurture players, regardless of where they live, as they progress through the various phases.

“We want to produce national and First18 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 10 June, 2021

CV is hoping to develop the next wave of male and female cricketers through its new junior pathway model. 224496 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Class cricketers and we don’t shy away from that. But we also want to produce well rounded senior cricketers who can give back to their clubs and help bring through the next generation of cricketers.”

CV’s cricketer’s pathway will transition through three different phases in their journey: ‘Be Exposed’, ‘Be Challenged’, and ‘Be Prepared’.

For emerging male cricketers, their first

foray into representative cricket in the ‘Be Exposed’ phase will occur at under 14 and under 15 level through the Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union’s (VMCU) Russell Allan Shield, the VSDCA’s JG Craig Shield and the Victorian Country Week for regional players.

At under 16 level, male players will advanced to the Youth Premier League in the ‘Be Challenged’ phase, with the program to be overseen by CV’s coaching and talent specialists, with the potential for further opportunities in the under 17 Emerging Players Program.

The male phase will end with ‘Be Prepared’, which will see the official return of the Dowling Shield with under 17 players linking with a Premier Club. This is closely aligned with the under 19 Emerging Players Program.

Female cricketers will follow a similar pathway to that of the males, with opportunities opening up at under 14 level through the VMCU’s Julie Savage Shield and Junior Country Week.

The Youth Premier League will be open to under 15 players and will closely align with the under 16 Female Emerging Players program. The final step will see an under 18 Premier Competition with players to link with Premier clubs.

More information can be found at cricketvictoria.com.au pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Locals loving the big stage

By Nick Creely With no VFL or NAB League football being played in Metropolitan Melbourne, there are still plenty of local stars shining on the AFL stage. Some are right at the start of their AFL careers, while others are firmly in the frame to play in a premiership at the end of the year.

Here’s how some of our local stars fared over the weekend: Cody Weightman (Beaconsfield/Western Bulldogs) The excitable Beaconsfield junior is quickly becoming a fan favourite. His energy around the contest and goal sense is elite, and he is now starting to really establish himself at the level. On Sunday, Weightman was classy, kicking two goals and laying four tackles in a wellrounded performance against the Dockers.

As the Bulldogs potentially push towards its first flag since 2016, you get the feeling that Weightman will play a big part as the small helping compliment the likes of Aaron Naughton, Tim English and Josh Bruce. He’s just one of many stars that have come out of the footy factory that is Beaconsfield.

Oscar Clavarino (Berwick/St Kilda) The young key defender from Berwick has worked hard to get his shot at AFL level, and with the injury ravaged St Kilda side has battled hard in his first two games at the elite level.

With the dangerous Sydney forward line providing plenty of nervous moments, the youngster was valiant, with four one percenters and a few composed moments down back, and will certainly be better for the run. With the Saints seemingly out of finals contention and with a long injury list, Clavarino should get more chances throughout the season and continue developing his intercept marking

and one-on-one defending Jake Aarts (Beaconsfield/Richmond) Tenacious, feisty and improving every week, the hard-working Aarts would almost be one of the first picked in Damien Hardwick’s team now after missing out on a premiership last season. While Aarts hasn’t hit the scoreboard in the last two rounds, he has 15 goals for the season, but more importantly has registered 10 tackles in that period and been a constant barometer in the forward half.

The most impressive part of his game that’s been noticeable this season is his composure with the football when he comes up to the wing to provide a contest, proving hard to tackle and hitting his targets by foot.

James Harmes (Devon Meadows/Melbourne) The vitally important, hard-running midfielder from Devon Meadows is playing some excellent footy for the premiership favourites, racking up 23 disposals in a monster win under the Friday night lights against Brisbane.

Harmes’ ability to win the contested ball is crucial for the Dees, allowing the likes of Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Christan Salem to enjoy plenty of space to showcase their wares.

Tom Papley (Bunyip/Sydney) The star small forward played a key role for the Swans in Sydney on Saturday, kicking a crucial goal late in the third quarter with St Kilda holding all of the momentum. He finished with one goals from 15 disposals, and has snagged a goal in each match this season to take his tally to 21 for the season.

The Bunyip favourite son has been a revelation since being drafted in the 2016 rookie draft, and will be a big chance to once again play AFL finals football in 2021 with the Swans sitting three games inside the top-eight.

Richmond forward Jake Aarts.

Picture: COURTESY OF AFL PHOTOS

It’s more than 50 years old but Pickleball is on the rise

By David Nagel A sport named after a family pet more than 50 years ago is now catching on in Victoria with Pickleball enjoying an exploding popularity around the world.

Pickleball combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis and is played on a court the same size as a double’s badminton court - measuring 20 by 44 feet.

In the centre the net is two inches lower than a tennis net, with players using a paddle and a combination of touch, tactics and skill to manoeuvre a plastic ball full of holes to all parts of the court.

Pickleball Victoria Secretary, and state champion, Aaron Blitz said the unique nature of the sport was seeing it boom in popularity.

Millions are playing pickleball in the US, with the Pearcedale Tennis Club the home of the sport in Victoria.

Blitz said people of all ages can enjoy the unique challenge of the sport.

“The great thing about pickleball is that two 60-year-olds can compete with two 20-year-olds,” Blitz said.

“There’s some power involved but it’s mainly a game of skill, touch and tactics. We have people playing that have played highend sport in the past, but also some really enthusiastic players that have never picked up a bat or racquet in their life.

“It’s great fun and far less demanding on the body than playing tennis - me and many others are falling in love with the sport.

“I’m 24, and there is a player who is 82… anybody can play.”

The origins of pickleball date back to 1965 when congressman Joel Pritchard and businessman Bill Bell returned to Pritchard’s home, near Seattle, after a game of golf.

The pair found their families sitting around doing nothing, so grabbed some table-tennis bats, a perforated plastic ball and began improvising on the families disused badminton court.

Barney McCallum was soon introduced to the game and the three men created rules, relying heavily on badminton.

They always kept in mind the original purpose, which was to provide a game that the pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Victorian champion Aaron Blitz has fallen in love with pickleball. 239913 whole family could play together.

According to McCallum, the game was officially named after the Pritchard’s’ dog Pickles who would chase the ball and run away with it.

Blitz said the dimensions of the court made pickleball an attractive option to mainstream sports.

“At Pearcedale we can fit six pickleball courts on our court, and places like retirement villages are building pickleball courts to maximise participation,” Blitz said.

“The sport has been hugely popular in places like the US, Canada and Asia, but has really taken off in Australia over the last five or 10 years.

“It’s huge in Queensland, where they have 1200 members, and also in New South Wales.

It’s a great game for retirees in those states, but we’re ramping things up in Victoria.”

More than 28,000 fans attended the 2019 USA Pickleball National Championships and participation reached 3.3 million that year.

Pickleball is in the process of building a structure and fixture – in Victoria and Austra-

lia - that will keep everyone from beginners to experts, challenged and engaged in the sport.

Approximately 30 players – of all levels take to the Pearcedale courts each Wednesday for a social hit, while elite level tournaments are open to those looking to take their game to the next level.

Blitz finished runner-up, in both singles and doubles, in the national championships held in Brisbane in 2019.

“Technically I’m the Australian champion because the guy who beat me was an American who owns his own pickleball company back home,” Blitz said with a laugh.

“And Matt (Monty) and I lost to the American guy and his son, so we’re the unofficial doubles champions as well.”

The schedule is rapidly building in pickleball, with Pearcedale already hosting two Victorian Opens, with Ballarat hosting a state selection tournament, and a Battle of the Border was pencilled in for the upcoming Queen’s Birthday long-weekend.

Teams of 10 men and 10 women from

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Pickleball can be enjoyed by all members of the community. 239913 both states were set to meet in Wangaratta before the recent Covid-outbreak brought a halt to proceedings.

There are also plans for an inter-club competition in the not-too-distant future with clubs from Ballarat, Hampton, Maroondah, Wangaratta and Warrnambool also experiencing some impressive growth.

Those looking for more information on the sport can contact Aaron Blitz via email at hello@pickleballvictoria.org or go to the South East Melbourne Pickleball Facebook page.

Thursday, 10 June, 2021

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