News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 3rd February 2022

PAKENHAM OFFICER

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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Multicultural celebrations

Kids bring book to life

The albatross has landed

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SPORT

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Mates cooking up a storm

New year joy By Shelby Brooks Students, parents and teachers alike were thrilled to return to the classroom from Monday 31 January for a new school year. Hardly a tear was shed as prep students at Pakenham Hills Primary School began their educational journey, principal Dale Hendricks said. “It’s nice to have them back, remote learning was difficult, so this is lovely,” he said. “The kids are happy to be back. What has come out of remote learning is that kids have become more independent, it’s the new norm.” As part of a plan announced on January 23 to keep education settings open, the Victorian Government delivered more than 14 million rapid antigen tests to schools and early childhood education and care services. Rapid antigen testing will be in place for at least the first four weeks of Term 1. Testing twice-weekly at home will be recommended for all primary and secondary school students and staff, and early childhood education and care staff. Mask wearing will continue, with students in Grade 3 and above required to wear masks indoors. More photos page 7

Patience learnt to build some exciting shapes in prep at Pakenham Hills. 266504

Youth hope grows location was ideal for young people as it was close to public transport, local skate parks and shopping areas. “It’s important we plan for the future and in particular for the future of our young people,” she said. “The current youth centre is an absolutely fantastic service but it’s bursting at the seams! We can’t wait to have the new centre available

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for our young people.” Cardinia Shire Council has committed $1.8 million towards this project, in addition to the Victorian Government’s $3 million commitment from the Growing Suburbs Fund and $1.5 million from the Australian Government as part of the Community Health and Hospitals Program. Continued page 3

JASON WOOD MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LA TROBE 03 9768 9164 JasonWood.Updates Authorised by J.Wood, Liberal Party of Australia, 3/16 Langmore Ln, Berwick VIC 3806.

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shower and laundry facility, recording booth, computers with internet access and a roof-top recreation space. Services and programs will support young people to build resilience, re-engage in education, training and work opportunities, improve relationships, and provide timely access to expert specialist services. Henty Ward Councillor Carol Ryan said the

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Cardinia Mayor Jeff Springfield joined Bass MP Jordan Crugnale and La Trobe Federal MP Jason Wood for a sod turning ceremony at the site the new Cardinia Youth Hub in Pakenham on Thursday 27 January. The Hub will offer programs and services for young people aged 12 to 24, with dedicated training/class rooms, counselling rooms, a program/group room, hang out space, a

NEWS

Tributes flow for Amanda By Cam Lucadou-Wells Former Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon will be remembered as a ‘people’s councillor’, loyal mother, sister and daughter and an unflagging community servant. At her funeral service on 2 February, family, friends, former councillor colleagues and faith leaders spoke of a tireless person who always put others first, one who was admired for her voice and work for a wide range of groups and causes, especially for disability and carer issues. Pete – her adult son who has multiple disabilities – led the tributes with a montage of photos to the tune You’ve Got A Friend In Me. To the relief of many, Pete has secured NDIS funding support, thanks to the efforts of Blairlogie chief executive Carolyn Carr in recent days, the service was told. Ms Stapledon’s brother Michael Lord said, as a child, she was a “cheeky little cherub” with “a thick mop of snowy white hair” and a huge smile. From early on at Kallista State School, she gravitated to and focused on less fortunate classmates. It was an innate part of her that stayed with her through life. She’d never complain, strove for excellence and led by example. She shone brightest as a parent where she believed she could effect change against all odds, Mr Lord said. Mr Lord thanked friends and colleagues for their kindness and support in recent days. Former Casey councillors and friends Wayne Smith and Damien Rosario, friends Kerril Burns, Colin Butler and Jan Gilchrist also paid glowing tribute at the Berwick Church of Christ service. Mr Smith described her immaculate presentation. Her entrance into the room was characterised by her brisk walk, her adjusting

Pall bearers at Amanda Stapledon’s funeral service at Berwick Church of Christ on 2 February. Picture: GARY SISSONS “She was no stranger for hard work.” of her jacket and her scarf for every occasion. People gravitated to Ms Stapledon because Many at the service would have been interviewed by Ms Stapledon on her show on Casey of her character and integrity. Radio. “You can’t fake that.” She made many friends, left a lasting legacy Ms Burns said she didn’t know of a person and was a respected colleague. so loyal to friends and such a loving daughter Mr Rosario listed her record in service of and mother. the community, including her co-founding of “Goodbye my friend. Rest in peace and in Casey Kidz Club – an after-school care pro- the knowledge we’ll look after your Dad and Pete.” gram for disabled teenagers. Mr Butler told the gathering that “you are Other achievements were two 75-kilometre Mayor’s Walks for Disability, her Paul Harris her life” and that she would have helped and Fellowship bestowed by Rotary Club of Ber- influenced many of them. wick and Star News’s Person of the Year 2013. The “most selfless woman I ever met” made “No matter the appointment, she was al- her council decisions out of what she believed ways active and committed to doing justice to was best to the community. her council and community responsibilities. Mr Butler said he warned her that, as a

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councillor, she had to be careful of people taking advantage of her trusting nature. “I think we got the answer to that.” The 58-year-old former councillor – who had been rocked by an IBAC inquiry into Casey councillors – was found dead in a car in Stringybark Drive about 12.30pm on Tuesday 18 January. Her death was being treated by police as not suspicious. Friend and former vicar David Powys told mourners of Ms Stapledon’s “profound Christian faith”. There were many questions that could be asked today – such as why and what should be expected from those who conduct corruption inquiries, Mr Powys said. “How should we respond to the decisions taken by Amanda leading up to 18 January? “I expect we’d say your decision was probably ill-advised but I think I would say, and possibly you would say, that it was understandable.” Mr Powys said he wasn’t rushing to judgement on the circumstances of Ms Stapledon’s death. “No one should judge her decision until they have stood in her shoes. And who would want that, given the developments over recent years?” He urged others to follow Ms Stapledon’s example in longing to make the world a “better place”. Merinda Park Learning Centre chief executive Anne Gilchrist, in tribute to her friend, said: “Amanda, you will never know how many people supported you and had your back. “Our friendship was special and nothing will change that. “I just wish I could say that one more time.” For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

The sooner you get in touch after an injury, the better the return to work journey. If you’re recovering from a psychological or physical workplace injury, or if you are an employer supporting an injured worker, make contact as soon as possible. It just takes a few simple words to make a big difference.

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The sooner, the better. worksafe.vic.gov.au/thesoonerthebetter

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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NEWS

Missing boy Police are appealing for the public’s assistance to help locate missing Pakenham teen Nicholas. The 17-year-old was last seen in Pakenham at 8pm on Tuesday, 1 February. Police and family have concerns for Nicholas’ welfare as he has a medical condition and are urging anyone who may know of his whereabouts to come forward. Nicholas is known to frequent the Cardinia and Mordialloc areas, as well as the Melbourne CBD. He is described as being 185cm tall with an athletic build and brown hair with a mullet-style haircut. He was last seen wearing a black jumper with blue shorts and white shoes. Police have released an image of Nicholas and urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the Pakenham Police Station on (03) 5945 2500.

Aaron Bugal with St Louis Pork Ribs and Clint Patzack with brisket. 265615

Picture: ROB CAREW

Cooking up a storm By Shelby Brooks A team of playgroup dads will take their hobby of barbecuing to the international stage next year. Divine Swine BBQ, a competitive team comprised of best mates Clint Patzack, Aaron Bugal, Paul Maddicks, David Morris and Luke Teboekhorst who hail from Berwick, Upper Beaconsfield and Mount Burnett, won their way into the World Championships of barbecuing in Texas slated for March this year. Fortunately, the team will be able to hold off their entry until 2023 when travel restrictions will hopefully be eased. Divine Swine BBQ was established after team captain Clint introduced the others to the art of smoking and barbecuing meats. Clint, who moved from Canada to Australia a few years ago, introduced the cuisine to his

friends who were quickly sold on the taste. “It’s really just snowballed,” Clint said. “I did a big cook up for my friends and partners and I was on the grill. “Everyone was blown away by my American low and slow barbecue style I plated up and since then, the guests that night started dabbling in the scene and are now my teammates.” The team, which is comprised of two Scots, two Aussies and Clint the Canadian, began competing together in 2018 when competitive barbecuing was less popular than it is today. “When I first came to Australia there wasn’t much of a barbecue scene,” Clint said. “When we started it would be super hard to go and find a proper cut of meat. “But now butchers are specialising in it

left, right and centre.” The Divine Swine team actually won Grand Champions in their first competition, and have since received many awards and sponsorships. Aaron said the main goal was to still have fun but they were now in a position where they could mentor other beginner groups. “It’s all about that pay it forward mentality,” Aaron said. “We aren’t shy about handing down our secrets and our recipes.” “When you pump out that first brisket and you plonk it down in front of friends and family and they all lose their minds saying ‘how did you do this? This is magic’, you get that satisfaction of ‘wow I can cook’. “It’s been really cathartic to get outside and cook and just have some fun.”

New Cardinia Youth Hub is building hope From page 1 Ms Crugnale said the project represented the best in our community. “This is what happens when all three levels of government work together to support and service our young people,” Ms Crugnale said. “This youth hub will be a place for our young people to meet, learn, feel safe and to gain educational and employment support. “If our young people have the support and opportunities they deserve, they grow up confident, with a good sense of self, are healthy and active citizens - this enriches us all. This is a social investment and our youth and their families are so worth it.” Mr Wood welcomed the sod turning, saying it was a huge win for the community. “As one of the fastest growing regions in the country, the South East of Melbourne de-

Anyone with information on Nicholas’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Pakenham Police Station. Picture: POLICE EYEWATCH

Bank smash Pakenham Main Street was shut off to traffic for a couple of hours on Tuesday 1 February after a car reversed into the ANZ building. Emergency services were called to the scene around 2pm to find a car smashed through the front window of the bank. Onlookers at the scene described the driver to be an older person who had been backing out of a car space when the accident occurred. A loud bang and tire screeching were also heard by shop keepers along the main street. A police spokesperson said the car has backed into the front of the shop window and no one was injured. FRV firefighters arrived on scene in six minutes to find a car that had reversed into a window of a building, a FRV spokesperson said. Hazmat crews worked to ensure the fuel leak was controlled from the ruptured fuel tank of the car. Ambulance Victoria paramedics assisted one patient at the scene.

Councillors Graeme Moore, Jeff Springfield and Carol Ryan joined Jason Wood and Jordan Picture: SUPPLIED Crugnale for the sod turn. 266722 mands better support services. “The $1.5 million in funding we secured on behalf of the Morrison Government will ensure that young people receive support in re-engaging with education, upskilling and

socialising in a safe environment.” Cardinia Youth Hub will be located on a Council-owned parcel of land on James Street in Pakenham and is anticipated to open in January 2023.

No one was injured in the crash. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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THE LOWDOWN Q&A

THREE … ways to unwind after work

with Charlotte Fletcher, Southern Brown Bandicoot Outreach Officer

Tell us a fun fact about yourself! I play violin in a pirate band. What are you most passionate about? Helping people live more comfortably with the flora and fauna around them. I’m a big bat nerd and have a super soft spot for animals that get a bad rap based on misconceptions – for the record, bats don’t swoop you or get tangled in your hair, we only have one carnivorous bat in Australia and it lives in caves in SA and NT (and it’s pretty adorable). They are nothing to be afraid of! What do you love about what you do? I get to try to make spaces better for everything that lives there. I love meeting people in the community and finding out about their experiences with wildlife, I love trying to solve problems around fences and pest control to get the best outcome for everyone, and I particularly love showing people samples of poo and making them guess what animal it’s from. What is your experience in the industry? I’ve got a Bachelor of Science in Biology and did an honours thesis on the roosting habits of microbats in urban reserves, so I had lots of opportunity to ponder the nuances of how native mammals manage to persist in residential areas. After that I did a Masters in Science Communication where I got to travel regional Australia delivering pop-up science exhibitions and shows in town halls and basketball courts. Worked at a University for a bit trying to convince high school students to study more maths (Oi you! Study maths for as long as you can! It’s not as scary as you think and opens up more opportunities later!) Between all of that and helping my lab mates monitor bandicoot and rat populations around Sydney, I was super ready to do this job at the junction of ecology and communications. Who is the best person you’ve worked with? This is so tricky – I can genuinely say the folks at Cranbourne Gardens are a delight to be

Charlotte Fletcher. 262419 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS around. I did particularly enjoy working with artist Darryl Cordell (and the other artists and puppet makers and our project team that enacted the vision) to bring to life Nibbles, the Big Bandicoot. That’s a work experience I’ll never forget. What would your last meal be? A really good seafood laksa followed by some sago gula melaka. What is your most memorable moment? When my partner proposed last year in a spooky heritage-listed carpark. What event past or present would you like to witness? A really big volcanic eruption, but from a very safe distance. Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner? John McPhee – a creative nonfiction writer who has covered the most diverse set of topics, but thoroughly and immersively. I read his book Oranges (guess what – it’s about oranges) last year and apart from one or two outdated pieces of terminology, you would never have guessed it was published more than 50 years ago. Hedy Lamarr – she accomplished such diverse things, I’d love to listen to her and try to follow how she thought.

My great-great grandmother - She ran a hotel by herself on New Zealand’s wild west coast in the 1940s. I reckon she’d have a few stories to tell. What are you currently listening to, watching or reading? Listening to Wax Quizzical, a podcast where three comedians, two of them in character, complete a newspaper quiz. It gets very, very silly and features lots of local Melbourne talent. Watching The Great. A tongue-in-cheek “mostly untrue” romp with excellent costumes. Reading The Future of Food, by Amanda Little. A really interesting exploration of current promising technologies and how they may (or may not) solve the food security problems we face. How would you describe your fashion sense? Aggressively green. Have you had a pet that has made an impact on your life? Growing up in a dairy-farming town in New Zealand, we had an annual school agricultural day where everyone would raise an animal, train it, and bring it to school to compete. The experience of hand-rearing a few lambs has definitely had an impact – early mornings trudging through the rainy paddocks in pyjamas builds character. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? A seasonal fruit upside-down cake. It decorates itself and tastes marvellous. Where is your dream holiday destination? Everywhere! Top of the list at the moment is Bako National Park in Borneo. They have proboscis monkeys and an excellent selection of bats. What are the three most used apps on your phone? I’m a millennial and I’ve caught the Wordle bug, so at the moment it’s Safari, Messenger and Reddit.

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Go for a walk It’s good to get up and move at any time of the day, but it can also be the perfect way to clear your mind after a long day sitting behind a desk. When you get home from work, try popping on your walking shoes and going for a stroll through your neighbourhood - it’s good for the mind, body and soul!

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Avoid more screen time While it’s tempting to start scrolling through your phone or to flick on the TV after a stressful day in the office, there are plenty of other screen-free activities you could try to unwind. Whether you pick up a good book, run yourself a hot bath, or relax on the back deck with a glass of chilled Sauv Blanc in the sun - try something tech-free next time you clock off.

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Join a club There are plenty of good local clubs that you can be part of in the community - and a bit of socialising is always a great way to put a smile on your dial! Be it sports, games or an obscure hobby group, there really is something for everyone, so check out your local community centre.

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 56 already gone. We’re also building the Metro Tunnel, creating space in the City Loop to run more trains to and from the suburbs. Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Cranbourne and Pakenham lines

4 Feb to 6 Feb

Dandenong to Cranbourne

From 8.30pm 7 Feb to last train 10 Feb

Caulfield to Westall

8.30pm to last train each night, 27 Feb to 3 Mar

Until 7 Feb

Closed between Murray Court and George Street (some local access)

Fairfield Street, Cranbourne

Until 7 Feb

Closed in both directions between Camms Road and Station Street

McGregor Road, Pakenham

9pm to 5am each night, Mon to Thu, until 10 Feb

Closed at the level crossing

Hallam Road, Hallam

9pm to 6am each night, until 12 Feb

Closed at the level crossing

Clyde Road, Berwick

Until 20 Feb

Closed between Enterprise Ave and Mansfield Street

Racecourse Road, Pakenham

9pm to 5am each night, Mon to Sat, 10 to 19 Feb

Closed at the level crossing

MTIA6960

Camms Road, Cranbourne

12528057-AV05-22

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes

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

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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NEWS

AMES asylum-seeker assistance team leader Lesley Eksteen and community guide Barat Ali Batoor. 124893

Pictures: CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS

Barat Ali Batoor. 125650

Focus on hotel refugees By Danielle Kutchel With lived experience as a refugee, Barat Ali Batoor is well-placed to observe the hardships faced by the many refugees and asylum seekers that call Melbourne’s South East their home. Australia’s border policy was recently thrust into the international limelight thanks to the Novak Djokovic visa saga – but while the tennis star is now back home, the refugees he briefly shared a hotel with remain behind thick glass and locked doors. Batoor, who now works as an organiser for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, hopes the focus on their plight will continue and lead to more positive outcomes – and an end to such detention for refugees and asylum seekers. He said the media and politicians had been complicit in the dehumanisation of refugees over the years by deflecting attention from their experience. “They are not Novak Djokovic. They don’t have that profile, but humans suffering don’t need to have a big profile to get attention,” he said. He added the common political narrative of refugees as a threatening presence was utterly false. Across Australia, refugees are some of the nation’s best sports stars, or are working in law, or education, he said. But he added that a human’s worth should not be assessed economically. “That phenomenon of being a burden is a false narration by the government and some media outlets. “I have never been a burden. I have been working since the day I arrived.” As the country teeters on the brink of an

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election campaign, Batoor said he hoped people would recognise the power in their vote. He is advocating for an increase in the humanitarian visas being offered to those fleeing Afghanistan, fleeing daily torture and persecution. He wants to see those refugees already in Australia, languishing on temporary protection visas, granted permanent residency. And he wants the ban on resettlement from Indonesia to finally be lifted. “This is going to be a crucial election for over 30,000 people who are living uncertain lives,” Batoor said. “We have witnessed many refugees who took their own lives because of the uncertainty and the unfair treatment by the government and the harsh policies. “Your votes will matter and you have to choose candidates who are compassionate. Your votes will help save a lot of lives.” Born in Pakistan as a refugee, Batoor moved to Afghanistan in 2005 where he worked as a photojournalist for many major publications. One of his highest profile pieces was a photo essay exposing the prostitution of ‘dancing boys’ by Afghan warlords, published in the Washington Post. But the piece was not well received by authorities within Afghanistan, and Batoor soon began receiving death threats. He and his family shifted back to Pakistan, but things there weren’t much better. As Hazaras, they were targeted for persecution by state-backed militants in the street. That was when Batoor’s family told him to leave and seek asylum elsewhere. He left behind his disabled mother and his sisters who he said would have been too vulnerable to make the difficult journey under the

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guidance of people smugglers. The journey to Australia was terrifying. At one point, Batoor said he and his fellow refugees – close to 100 people, crammed into a boat floating on the open ocean – thought they had reached “the end of life’s journey” when their boat began leaking. He survived and made it to a detention centre in Indonesia – from which he promptly escaped the follow morning. He was among a group of eight men who removed the glass panes in the window that separated them from the outside world, slipping into the dead of night as the guards passed on their rounds. The refugees had no shoes, as these had been taken during a strip search when they were captured. The tall wall surrounding the camp was topped with shards of glass, so they wrapped their arms in bed sheets and used pillows to soften the climb, before leaping to freedom on the other side. From there, Batoor called a media friend and asked him to cover the taxi fare to take the group to Jakarta. True to his photojournalism roots, Batoor documented the whole journey, which was eventually turned into a SBS Dateline documentary called Batoor’s Journey. The photos also won him several prestigious awards, including two Walkleys. He said he experienced a profound sense of relief when he arrived in Australia in 2013. “I knew that this is going to be my home, my permanent home. I would be safe and not discriminated against and I wouldn’t have any safety issues,” he recalled. But it was tempered by sadness for the family still left behind in Pakistan, and his fellow

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refugees in limbo in Indonesia. He still hopes to be able to sponsor his mother and sisters to come to Australia. “It’s still very difficult. We have been apart now for almost 10 years. They are there and I am here. “What can we do?” Batoor said. “My mother was worried about my safety. She didn’t want me to get killed in front of her eyes. They said I had to go.” Refugees are often demonised by politicians and the press with the only help available to them in the form of people smugglers. Batoor said this was his only option for leaving Pakistan. “It is very difficult to get a visa for the neighbouring countries let alone to go somewhere safer, like countries that are signatories to the (United Nations) refugee convention. When they have genuine threats or reasons to leave their homes, it is almost impossible to get to those countries through proper channels. “When the threats came, I didn’t have an option to go and apply for a visa. I had a passport. Even if I had gone through official processes, I wouldn’t have got a visa to come to Australia.” Then, of course, there is Australia’s unforgiving refugee policy, which bans resettlement of refugees from Indonesia. The policy has led to a spate of self-harm and suicide among refugees stuck in limbo, he said. “They said ‘we are stopping the boats and the smuggling business because people’s lives are at risk at sea’. But what Scott Morrison failed to do was propose an alternative for refugees who are there with hope of resettlement,” Batoor explained. “The right of a refugee is to seek safety.”

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Family Friendly

What's on Cardinia Festival Enjoy a month-long celebration with free pop up events and attractions at venues and locations across Cardinia Shire. Visit the What’s On Cardinia website for festival information.

www.whatsoncardinia.com.au pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

New opening hours at Casey Library Opening hours for Casey Cardinia Libraries are going to be a little different over the coming weeks as a result of the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic. From Monday 17 January through to Sunday 27 February, opening hours across all libraries will be altered to protect staff and the wider community. Casey Cardinia Libraries chief executive officer Beth Luppino said she was keen to help the community to reconnect with one another and rediscover the joy of visiting the libraries. “Many industries are struggling to keep their doors open as the pandemic affects workforces across the state,“ she said. “However, I am proud to say that we are still here for you with plenty for loan, quality information services, and library programs that are better than ever. “Some of the big-ticket favourites are now back – Storytime, Tinies Time, after-school clubs and Health and Wellness events for adults. “If you haven’t had a chance yet to reconnect with your local library, now is the perfect time – check out our current opening hours and events on offer here.“ The Cardinia Mobile Library has returned to a normal timetable. New opening hours across the seven Casey Cardinia Libraries can be viewed by visiting cclc.vic.gov.au/library-summer-openinghours/

LENSCAPE

Blake Searle serving cocktails to guests at Bunjil Place Night MODE.

Picture: JAMIE SALTER

SOCIALLY SPEAKING A Narre Warren North mother has been left “heart crushed” after her six month old baby’s cleft palate surgery was cancelled. Here’s what our Facebook readers had to say. Marlene Sutton: Heart breaking and what a stunner. Don’t be disheartened, she’ll be amazing. Ebony Marie: That is a disgrace. It is very important for little ones whom need surgeries

for reasons like a cleft palate to be started as soon as possible. They grow so fast and these issues need to be addressed promptly. This is so so wrong. Thinking of Eleanor and family xo Tammy Kane Radford: My daughter was born with a cleft lip and palate. She is 14 now and urgently needed her lip repair surgery so that she could feed properly and for her health and development. I would have been

so distressed of this had happened at that time. This is not a choice, elective surgery it’s a must have! Cindy Parnes: Having children with high needs has taught me that patience is a learned thing... It may not happen now but it will happen sooner than later. Lindy Dunstan Bright: This little darling should be able to have her surgery instead of a 45yr old womans IVF.

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To ’works’ blocking your access to your home without notice.

To our real heroes, Ash Barty and Rafa Nadal on a first class result, such talent!

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To some cooler days coming.

To sciatic pain.

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To rate increases!

To the Convoy to Canberra.

Thumbs down! To all the storms and power cuts and having a flooded, stinky playroom the day before my daughter’s first ever birthday party.

NEWS

Grants boost for south east communities

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

South East Water’s 2022 Community Grants program is now open, with grants between $500 and $10,000 available to help local groups make important community projects and initiatives possible. Now in its third year, the program has so far granted $134,000 to 34 community groups across its service area. In 2021, the program supported a range of community initiatives from equipment for Mornington Life Saving Club and Baxter Fire Brigade, to education programs at the Australian Marine Mammals Association and environmental activities at Nepean Conservation Group and Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association. Food for Change, a volunteer group that grows produce at The Briars in Mount Martha was one of the successful recipients, receiving $5000. The funds allowed the group to install a

drip irrigation system to help it grow fruit, vegetables and herbs which are then donated to support food relief agencies across the Mornington Peninsula. Food for Change founder Matt Donavon said he was grateful for the grant. “...the irrigation has already helped us to plant fruit trees which will help in our efforts towards providing much needed food relief to the local community,“ he said. South East Water managing director Lara Olsen said the organisation was proud to run its Community Grants program again in 2022. “Food for Change is just one of the community groups in our region who is working hard to support our customers in the community,” Ms Olsen said. “We want to help groups like this continue their great work and it’s even more important now due to the global pandemic. “If your community group or charity is

based in our service area, I encourage you to apply for a grant.” Applications from eligible community or charitable organisations across the South East Water service area are welcome for projects that support the health and liveability of Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay – and areas nearby like beaches, creeks and wetlands including groups impacted by nearby sewer spills. The program is funded by a commitment South East Water made in its Five-year Customer Commitment 2018-23 to support local communities impacted by sewer spills and support the community in the areas of affordability, environment, health and liveability and water security and literacy. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 4 March. Visit southeastwater.com.au/grants to apply and to learn about previous grant recipients. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Pakenham Hills Primary School prep teacher Stephanie Jennison with student Patience. 266504

Sam and Linda with their daughter Sophia on her first day at Berwick Lodge Primary School. 266510

Max had fun playing with new friends on his first day at Pakenham Hills Primary School. 266504

School days, happy days Teachers and parents were just as delighted as students when the doors opened on the start of a new school year on Monday 31 January. After two years of disruption, the promise of Covid-safe settings to keep education settings open was welcomed by all. Star News photographer Stewart Chambers was on hand to capture some of those magic moments on Monday.

Berwick Lodge assistant principal Sandra McCrum with best buddies Baxter and Macey. 266510

Isaiah gets a hug before heading off to class for the first time at Berwick Lodge Primary School. 266510

Pakenham Hills Primary School student Lacey was eager to be in the classroom on Monday. 266504

First day of school for Iyla at Berwick Lodge Primary School. She kisses her mum before heading off into the classroom. 266510

Isaiah, Abir, Jet, Senuth, Tyson and James with their teacher at Berwick Lodge Primary School. 266510

Weston and Ms Jennison. 266504

Pakenham Hills principal Mr Hendrick with Lacey on her first day in prep. 266504

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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pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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STAR NEWS 7

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NEWS

2022 Parklea Pakenham Show committee people and life members of the Pakenham Show. Back row: Pat Jones, Indi Skehan, Joanne Ritchies, Michael Bishop, Ian Thomas, Jillian Ronald, Geoff Young (President), Anita Rovers, Val Vale, David Young (Chairperson for the AGM), Wendy Andrews. Middle row: Paul and Lorene Latham and Graeme Vale. Front row: Sue Leamon, Roger Leamon, George Wall and John Betts. 266608

11 years as president The Pakenham Show committee has re-elected Geoff Young as president for the 11th year. In 2022, the committee will celebrate 111 years of putting on the annual agricultural event, this year to be held Saturday 19 March at the PB Ronald Reserve, Pakenham with the community’s sponsorship. The theme of the 2022 Parklea Pakenham Show is the Roaring 20s. The committee is striving to bring together a strong young and old volunteers with a focus on igniting their community for everyone to enjoy show day, president Geoff Young said. “The Parklea Pakenham Show embraces agricultural, horticultural and multicultural communities under one umbrella offering a free, family fun orientated day,” Mr Young said. “Extending well beyond one community, we seek to involve, unite and welcome all local and surrounding communities; of all ages, races, religions and cultures. “We especially advocate towards a positive mental health outlook; bringing a sense of connection for the individual, the local businesses/farmers and the overall local and surrounding communities.” Mr Young said the committee sought to showcase and promote not only the fantastic agriculture and horticulture communities, but also local and multicultural aspiring musicians and talented performers, all of whom have been negatively affected by the Covid crisis. “With many people feeling disconnected, alone and lonely, we seek to build resilience within the community and look to entertain, engage and ignite the Pakenham and surrounding communities, by fostering and focusing on community connection with a free one-day family fun event,” he said. At the meeting which saw his re-election,

2022 Parklea Pakenham Show President and long standing and life member Roger Leamon. Hoof and Hook Coordinator and Cattle Coordinator over a lifetime of dedication. 266608 Mr Young also acknowledged other long serving members of the committee. “Tonight we also acknowledge our long standing and life members Roger Leamon, Val and Graeme Vale with embroided commemorative woollen blankets in the presence of other special life members and loyal committee people from years gone by,” Mr Young siad. “Now my mentors, I can’t thank you enough over such a difficult time, moving the show from the Pakenham Racecourse to the new venue the PB Ronald Reserve, Pakenham; but back where it originally started. “I invite any individual, group or business to jump on board and celebrate with us.” Email pakenhamshow1@bigpond.com for more information.

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African dancers performed at the event. 265900

Sri Lankan dancers. 265900

Aaliya Tagore from Cranbourne West at the celebration. 265900

Multicultural celebration By Shelby Brooks

Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards participates in a cultural moment. 265900

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An important element of the day was a Welcome to Country given by Uncle Shane Charles, Mr Duggal said. Other significant attendees were AfriAusCare founder Mamma Selba, South Sudanese Australian Academic Society members Andrew Gai and Ankok Lueth, OESS Incorporated members Jasleen Bajaj and Soni Puri, Smiley Sandhu of Ethnic Women in Australia, members, Luckee and Sanjoo Kohli of Aust India Strategy Group and Wahegurupal Singh Mani of You are Not Alone. Raj Kumar, the Consulate General of India in Melbourne, was also in attendance as a special guest.

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In a merger of culture and national pride, leaders from several multicultural communities have come together to commemorate two national holidays. Wednesday 26 January marked Australia Day and India Republic Day, which was jointly celebrated in an event lead by Officer resident and Community Response Australia president Sunny Duggal. India Republic Day recognises the enactment of the Indian constitution in 1950 after achieving independence from Britain in 1947. In India, the day is recognised an address from the Indian President and the traditional Republic Day parade in the capital, New Dehli, paying tribute to the Indian military and Indian culture. The Community Response Australia event, held at Amberlee Receptions in Cranbourne, provided a unique opportunity for cross culture reflection and celebration within the community. Mr Duggal said the event was a success. “It was very powerful for me that so many people attended in these times of Covid,“ he said. “Being that Australia Day is the same day, it was very significant to celebrate both days together with a wide community representation.“

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Your say on campus vision Federation University Australia is inviting the community, government, industry partners, staff, and students to join the conversation about a bold new vision for its Berwick campus. Federation is keen to hear about what the university means to them and how they and the university can grow together. The Campus Vision 2022-2025 launched in January sets out a clear way forward for the university to build a strong and sustainable future across all the regions it serves. Federation University Australia vice-chancellor Duncan Bentley said he was seeking feedback to help inform detailed master-planning for the Berwick campus. “Our Campus Vision presents a model for what a modern university can and should be – a strong, sustainable, and thriving university that will transform lives and enhance communities for generations to come,“ Mr Bentley said. “We want our campuses to be places where members of the community feel welcome to come and enjoy. “Places that will contribute to the character of our regions and improve the quality of life for all who live there.” Federation aims to embrace innovative forms of education delivery to prepare students for jobs of the future through programs and courses that will drive economic growth and jobs. New technologies will be used to connect classrooms, people, and communities in new and productive ways.

Federation University is seeking feedback on its campus vision for Berwick. Place making and engagement specialists, Village Well, have been employed by the university to manage the engagement activities that will help to inform master planning for each of the campuses.

A two-stage engagement strategy has been developed with the community and key stakeholders to inform a shared vision and guiding principles. Those unable to attend the online work-

Picture: CONTRIBUTED shops will be able to contribute their ideas via a survey on the Federation University website. To find out more about the Campus Vision and how to have your say visit federation.edu. au/strategy/delivery-year-1/campus-vision

Supporting multicultural communities through Covid

The Cardinia Shire Council is offering support to multicultural groups and community members via this new program. Picture: UNSPLASH

In an effort to help those struggling with the lasting impacts of the pandemic, the Cardinia Shire Council is offering assistance to locals via their new Covid-19 Multicultural Community Connection Grants Program. The $50,000 program will provide Covid-19 response and recovery support to local multicultural communities including access to one-off payments of up to $5000 for Cardinia Shire-based multicultural community groups, services and not-for-profit organisations. The program will support culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD) to develop appropriate processes and procedures to aid in Covid-19 recovery and to keep

more vulnerable residents safe and connected to the community. Applications opened on Tuesday 1 February and will stay open until all $50,000 of the funds are exhausted. The grants program is made possible with grant funding received from the state government’s Department of Family, Fairness and Housing. For more information about the Covid-19 Multicultural Community Connection Grants Program, visit the council’s website at cardinia.vic.gov.au/covid19multiculturalgrant For help applying, contact the council’s community strengthening team on 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

FOCUS ON … DANCE, MUSIC AND DRAMA

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Join the Cathy-Lea community in 2022

10 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

Cathy-Lea Studios are celebrating 30 years in Casey in 2022 and we want you to join us! Enrolments are now open for all ages and abilities via cathy-lea.com Offering tuition in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary dance, hip hop, lyrical, acrobatics, drama, singing, musical theatre and instrumental music, Cathy-Lea has been a leader in performing arts training in South East Melbourne since 1991. Scores of graduates have pursued careers in performance and thousands have gained confidence, coordination, fitness, friendships and a love of performing arts from their training at Cathy-Lea Studios. Renowned for its high standards, disciplined classes, and friendly, expert staff, Cathy-Lea encourages students of all abilities to shine, training through recognised syllabi and affiliated with professional associations including Cecchetti International Ballet, The Australian Teachers of Dancing, Ausdance VIC

and AMEB. Cathy-Lea is also a provider of VCE and VET Dance. The highly awarded Ready Set Dance and Ready Set Ballet pre-school programs teach confidence, co-ordination and creativity to boys and girls aged two to five. Classes are jam-packed with engaging music, bright props and fun routines! New pre-school acro classes teach basic tumbling and co-ordination skills. The Elite Training Program at Cathy-Lea offers talented and dedicated students extension training, performance opportunities and preparation for performing arts careers. Teachers are professional performing artists, highly qualified coaches and master educators. All abilities fun classes develop confidence, co-ordination, fitness and friendships. New 16+ classes offer young adults with prior dance training the opportunity to dance for fun and fitness.

Cathy-Lea graduates have studied at the Australian Ballet School, the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Brent Street studios in Sydney, Patrick Studios Australia, Melbourne City Ballet Company, The Ministry of Dance, Kelly Aykers Studios and Dance Spectrum, as well as performing professionally in Australia and overseas. Class rates are reasonable with family discounts and special unlimited class passes available. All students have opportunities to perform in concerts and soirees. Exams and competitions are optional. With over 150 classes per week in dance, music and drama on offer, Cathy-Lea is sure to have a class that meets your needs. Please contact Cathy on cathy-lea@cathy-lea.com or 9704 7324 or visit the website cathy-lea.com to book your free trial class.

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

12533270-SN05-22

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

The culmination of the workshop. 266965

Picture: SUPPLIED

Off to the beach. 266965

Kids bring book to life By Marcus Uhe Award winning children’s author Alison Lester spent Saturday 30 January at Blind Bight beach for an immersive drawing workshop with local Bunurong artist Adam Magennis and children. The youngsters combined to make a large artwork that celebrates magic beaches and Indigenous history, inspired by Ms Lester’s picture book A Magic Beach. They also learnt about Country from Mr Magennis, walked to Blind Bight beach together and listened to Ms Lester read A Magic Beach. Mr Magennis shared important local stories of the area, including Tooradin’s origins, and the Aboriginal word too-roo-dun, meaning swamp monster (ie bunyip). He told the children that they were not to swim after dark to avoid the bunyip. The artwork has been hung in Narre Warren’s Bunjil Place Library. On Sunday 31 January the book was brought to life in a theatre production at Bunjil Place, capturing children’s joy and pleasure playing at the beach and the imaginative world that it can become. The theme was fitting, coming at the end of a long summer holiday.

The final product hanging in Bunjil Place Library. 266965

The Magic Beach final artwork coming together. 266965

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Show off in Lang Lang

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The Lang Lang Hot Rod Custom and Classic Car Show ’n’ Shine and Swap Meet is set to be held on Sunday 13 February. Public entry costs $10 per person and children under the age of 16 are free. Gates open at the Lang Lang Showgrounds on Westernport Road at 6am for the Swap Meet and at 7am for the show’n’shine. Current Covid-19 rules at the time of the event will apply. For more information, visit langlangshownshine.com.

12 STAR NEWS

Peter McLeod from Lang Lang with his 1970 XY Ford Falcon (Orange) and his 1971 XY Ford Falcon (Blue) at the last show. |

Thursday, 3 February, 2022

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

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Fire danger period in full force as summer rolls on By Elle Cecil Everyone in Victoria who lives near dense forest, bush, grassland or coast should be aware of the risks and requirements of living in bushfire prone areas. The majority of Victorian councils have enacted their Fire Danger Period for the 20212022 season. This period is declared by the relevant authorities in each municipality to restrict the use of fire in the community and to help prevent fires from starting. Once a Fire Danger Period has been enacted, fire restrictions come into action. Here are some of the things you can do to further your family and your home’s safety during bushfire season. Clear trees and vegetation Reducing the scrub and vegetation around your property and house is one of the most crucial things you can do to maintain a safe environment. Depending on whether you live in a rural or regional area, you may need to acquire a permit to clear trees, branches and scrub from around your home. It is best to check with your local council to determine whether you need a permit to carry out this work.

Burning off Make sure you are burning off prior to the Fire Danger Period, as this practice is often banned during this time. You may be able to burn off on your property with permits from the relevant environmental and council authorities - visit the CFA website for further information. Fortify your home Reduce the amount of areas where embers can lodge or enter your house or other structures. If you have open cavities in your roof, deck, windows, doors or other parts of a structure, embers will more easily get stuck and cause more damage than if your home is sealed and protected. It is also important to make sure your property number is clearly visible to emergency services should you require their help. Have a plan in place If you are planning on staying and defending your home, you must have the appropriate pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Prepare your home and property properly for this fire season. safety and firefighting equipment. Masks, gloves and other protective equipment will help to protect you from burns, while access to water, generators and firefighting equipment will help protect your home and property. If you are planning on leaving, ensure you leave with your family and vital belongings very early to avoid being caught in a fire. Download the VicEmergency smartphone app for notifications about fires, floods and other emergency information and warnings. Local laws and regulations determine when burning off is permitted. Most Victorian councils close their Fire Danger Period on May 1, 2022, however you should visit your local council website to make sure. Visit the CFA or FRV websites for more information at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or www.frv. vic.gov.au.

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Landscaping Similar to the clearing of trees and other vegetation, landscaping for bushfire prevention involves planning, designing, planting and managing the areas around your home and property to help reduce the effects of direct flame contact and radiant heat on your house or other structures on the property. Create a defendable space, remove flammable materials and objects from around the house, break up fuel continuity (keeping plants and vegetation separate) and carefully select, locate and maintain trees. It is also important to consider the planting of vegetation with low flammability.

pakpumps@bigpond.net.au Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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STAR NEWS 13

12533786-SN05-22

14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Abi Kumar hopes to help the budding Officer tennis stars get some much needed club upgrades if elected. Pictures: SUPPLIED

L-R: Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King MP; Labor candidate for La Trobe, Abi Kumar and the Officer Tennis Club President, Michelle Pitcher.

A step closer to upgrades By Gabriella Payne

hard work is starting to pay off,” she said. Ms Pitcher said that since 2018, the club had been campaigning for upgrades and constantly applied for grant after grant, so it was fantastic to think their calls for help had finally been heard. “It’s tiring work. We only have a limited pool of volunteers that work on our committee and we all have jobs and families, but we want the best for our club,” she explained. “This is a booming area, so it’s frustrating that funding hasn’t been put into our club yet, as we have tripled in usage [in recent years], but we need more courts and better facilities,” she said, adding that a number of senior female players had left due to the inadequate facilities. The Officer Tennis Club hope to drastically

improve the female change rooms at the club if the promised funding eventuates, as well as hopefully starting up a wheelchair tennis program and making the facilities accessible for people of all cultures and abilities within the community. “We are so determined to have this happen,” Ms Pitcher said. “Our vision and goal is to have tennis inclusive for everyone and we need help achieving that. “We can’t do it on our own, so that’s why this announcement is so exciting for us, because it feels like someone has listened,” she said. Ms Pitcher said that the club “would love to see a dedicated pledge from the other side of politics as well” to help them achieve their goal.

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After years of tireless campaigning, members of the Officer Tennis Club are hopeful their facilities might finally be in store for some longoverdue upgrades, making the growing club accessible to one and all. On Thursday 27 January, the ALP’s 2022 federal election candidate for the seat of La Trobe, Abhimanyu (Abi) Kumar visited Officer along with Ballarat MP and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King. In an exciting announcement, the pair promised $736,000 in funding for the Officer Tennis Club and Toomuc Reserve Pavilion should Labor win the upcoming election - a welcome bit of good news for the local sporting club.

The club’s president, Michelle Pitcher, said that for the small group of dedicated volunteers who had “worked so hard” for these upgrades, this announcement was music to their ears and they hoped to see the club transformed in the coming years. “We’ve been working really hard for the last four years to upgrade our facilities - we’ve got a goal to make our club available for everybody and be an inclusive space,” Ms Pitcher said. “Accessibility is a big part of that and also getting women and girls into tennis. “We haven’t been able to achieve that goal without funding like this, because we need to overhaul our facilities by getting our club house up to scratch, the courts and change rooms... so this funding announcement is very exciting, because we feel a bit of relief that our

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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STAR NEWS 15

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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WHAT’S ON theatre and Cardinia Cultural Centre Lawn. There will be street food, drunk trucks and many stalls including fashion, homewares and art. The market will again be staged on Sunday 20 March.

Lana De Jager @ Hills Hub Local print maker Lana De Jager will demonstrate how an original piece of art is made: from inking to the final product, using a traditional printing press. Attendees will have an opportunity to speak to Ms De Jager, gaining an insight into the technique. Lana will be upstairs at Hills Hub, Emerald from 10am – noon daily from Tuesday 1 February - Monday 7 February.

Games Club

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The event will take place from 5pm until 8.30pm on Saturday 5 February at 1390-1410 Westernport Highway. It is open to anyone wanting to purchase or sell unwanted horse gear. Entry cost is $2 for shoppers. Bookings are open if you would like to host a stall, email sharon@b-boots.com.au If you wish to book, you are asked to state what size stall you will need; a three metre stall costs $35.

Casey Food and Wine Festival

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Mini Day On The Green @ Lightning Hills Estate Lightning Hill Estate invites you to relax on the lawn and get your Sunday Groove. Local duo untamed ivy will perform from 12.303.30pm, followed by Cover Band, Plush from 3.30-7.30. The event will take place on Sunday 6 February

at 130 Whiteside Road, Officer. Book your ticket via trybooking.com/events/ landing?eid=859458&

Lang Lang Show n Shine and Swap Meet

Cockatoo Country Market

The Hot Rod Custom and Classic Car event will take place on Sunday 13 February from 6am at the Lang Lang Showgrounds. Entry fee is $10.00 per person, children under 16 are free. There will also be stall holders selling household goods, car parts and more. In addition to the show cars, there will be entertainment for the kids.

After being voted Cardinia Shire Council’s 2022 Community Event of the Year, the Cockatoo Country Market is back for its monthly market on Saturday 5 February from 8.30am-1.30pm at Alma Treloar Reserve. There will be hot food, coffee, kids entertainment and local wares including fresh produce, craft, jewellery and much more.

United African Farm Launch The launch of a new community farm at Fowler Road, Cardinia, will be celebrated on Saturday 12 February from 10am-1pm. Cultural dances, harvest, a smoking ceremony and more activities are planned for the day. People can book via https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/united-african-farm-launch-eventtickets-204904483827?aff=ebdssbeac

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Arj Barker – Comes Clean The performance at Bunjil Place Narre Warren will take place on Saturday 12 February at 8pm. Arj Barker is the winner of a 2019 ARIA Award for best comedy release. Get your tickets for the 90-minute performance

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The market will take place on Sunday 20 February from 10am-2pm at the Lakeside Park Amphi-

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Pakenham Arthritis Self Help Group The group is looking for new leaders to run its exercise sessions. Training provided. Contact Anne on 0400 701 093 or Tess on 0427 594 051 Annual general meeting: 10.30am Tuesday 8 March at Deep Creek Golf Club, Pakenham, with lunch to follow. Cost is $15 per person.

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Cuppa and Chat An open social group at Cranbourne West Community Group for anybody wanting to meet new people in the community. This takes place every Wednesday from 10.30-11.30am and bookings are not needed.

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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

ST. BRIGID’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL 25 Bayview Road, Officer Vic. 3809 Telephone: (03) 5943 2447 Email: office@stbofficer.catholic.edu.au St Brigid’s Primary School, Officer is seeking to appoint:

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ADMINISTRATION OFFICER – Finance Commencement date for this position is Monday 21 February 2022 or by negotiation. The position is a fixed term, part-time position at 0.6 FTE (22.8 hours per week). Further information, Position Description and application documentation can be downloaded from https://teachers.on.net/ Enquiries may be directed to the Principal, Mr. Ken Gale via email principal@stbofficer.catholic.edu.au. Applications close Friday 11 February 2022 St Brigid’s Primary School promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Labourer required for a natural gas works company located in Pakenham. Full time Monday - Friday 6.30am - 3.00pm. Will need or be willing to obtain - First Aid CPR and Construction Industry Card - (White card). Ongoing training for suitable applicants and an apprenticeship may be available for potential applicant. Experienced & licensed machinery operator with an excavator & skid steer an advantage, truck licence also an advantage. Family friendly & an equal opportunity employer. Immediate start for the right applicants. Send resume to: recruitment @fullbore.com.au

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The Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club is a welcoming vibrant social club for active senior men and women who live in the City Of Casey and the Shire of Cardinia and surrounding areas. Activities include sequence in line dancing, dine outs, table tennis, coffee mornings, IT discussion groups, Saturday country rambles, walking groups, coach trips, musical theatre and others. They have a strong social calendar and if you are independent, young at heart and feel they might inspire you, make contact with their enquiry officer on 0468 363 616.

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The Melbourne Storm will play their first NRL trial game of the 2022 preseason at Casey Fields. The trial game on Saturday 19 February will be themed United for Tonga to raise funds for communities affected by the volcanic explosion in mid-January. Victorian Thunderbolts SG Ball Squad play St George Dragons in the curtain-raiser at 2pm and the Storm will play thereafter. Tickets can be purchased via ticketmaster. com.au/event/13005C33A5EBF758

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Voices of Casey are a non-auditioned mixed voices community choir and all who enjoy singing are welcome to join. All singers need to be over 18 and double vaccinated. Rehearsals for 2022 are starting on Monday February 7 at Fiddlers Green Retirement Village. Rehearsals will take place each Monday from 7pm-9.30pm including a tea break. Their music director is the reputable Kerry Gerraty. For further information, contact voicesofcasey@gmail.com or telephone the choir manager, Paulien, on 0412 741 195.

The Casey Food and Wine Festival will make a huge return in March 2022, and expressions of interest are now open to be a stallholder. Register your interest at bit.ly/3zulcV7

The Pakenham Psychic and Wellbeing Expo will take place on Picture: SUPPLIED Sunday 27 February. 150049

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·Voices of Casey

The expo will take place on Sunday 27 February from 10am-5pm at Pakenham Library. Pay at the door on the day: $5 for adults and children under 12 enter free. There will be free workshops throughout the day and there will also be readings, healings and crystals and more. If you would like to host a stall, call the Psychic and Wellbeing Expo on 9500 8220.

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Clint Wilson and friends will perform live and acoustic on Sunday 6 February from 1-2.30pm at Caldermeade Farm. Entry to the family friendly event is free.

Pakenham Psychic and Wellbeing Expo:

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Massive Market Night

Clint Wilson @ Caldermeade Farm and Cafe

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People of all ages are being encouraged by Casey City Council to get down to Cranbourne West Community Centre and play different board games. The Games Club takes place every Friday until 2 April from 1-3pm.

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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STAR NEWS 17

SPORT

Matthew Guy with the two weapons that were used to score a rare albatross his driver and eight iron. 266409 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Matthew Guy with good friend Ryan Hammond, who watched Guy’s second shot roll into the hole. 266409

Albatross for a wise Guy By David Nagel For club golfers, birdies are very hard to find, eagles are rare – but the albatross is an almost mythical figure that very few players will ever get to see on their travels. Holing a tee-shot on a par-four – or seeing a second shot disappear into the cup on a parfive are the only two ways to turn that mythical figure into reality. But that rare and exquisite figure made a special guest appearance at Drouin Golf Club on Australia Day when Matthew Guy became just the fourth player in the history of the club to bag the scarcest of golf’s species. The 38-year-old, a school-local and member for 20 years, crunched a cracking drive down the right-hand side of the par-five seventh hole at Drouin on Wednesday. “It’s a long par five that’s got a dam on the right-hand side off the tee, from an elevated tee, with a slight dogleg to the right,” Guy explained. “I hit a nice drive and it got a big bounce out of the right rough, which is pretty dry at the moment, and the range finder told me I only had 149 metres in.” With the pin located back-left – an unusual placement on the hole – the six-handicapper pulled out his eight iron and assessed his options.

“There’s a bunker on the right-hand side, and I do fade the ball a bit, so I wanted to hang it out over the left-hand side and bring it leftto-right back towards the pin,” he said. “I hit it well, it was good looking shot, and landed about four or five foot short of the hole. “It bounced three or four times and I knew it was pretty good, and I thought I would have an easy eagle putt. “I went to put my club back in the bag, on the back of the cart, and my playing partner jumped out from his side and started yelling ‘It’s gone, it’s gone in…it’s an albatross.” That playing partner was none other than Ryan Hammond – Drouin’s best golfer – who plays off the impressive handicap of plus-5. “Hammo and I had a bit of a hug, did some yelling and cheering and probably carried on a bit,” Guy recalled with a chuckle. “We yelled out to the other two in the group (Matthew Long and Kevin Thorpe) and there were some other mates teeing off on the eighth hole who saw it go in. “They saw it go in as well, they came over and we had a mini-celebration on the fairway.” The right-hander, who has never had a hole-in-one, said the highlight of his golfing career made him probably a little too relaxed for the remainder of his round.

back than the original. Guy would sign his card – two for five points in the stableford competition – and finish the day with 33 points. “I didn’t play great apart from that, but it was still good enough to win the drinks off the other boys,” Guy said with a chuckle. “We went in and had a few drinks and had a good talk about it, it was really good, something I won’t forget in a hurry.” Guy started playing golf at the age of 16, just hitting with a few mates, and progressed to playing Pennant for the club. He drifted away for a while to play footy and cricket at Ellinbank, but has been back on the course for a few years now. In his last game of football, he played in Ellinbank’s reserves premiership win over Longwarry in 2018. Guy, who uses Taylormade clubs, said his freak second shot will definitely add some spice to future rounds. “There will definitely be some banter,” he said. “One of the blokes in our group has also had an albatross, not at Drouin, and Hammo has done a lot in his golfing career, but has never got one. “It’s a nice one to have up your sleeve that’s for sure.”

“I was excited for the first minute or two but it took a while to sink in, being in unknown territory it was a strange feeling,” he said. “I was pretty relaxed for the rest of the round, I didn’t really care if I played well or not, it was like…’I’ve had an albatross today, that’s enough.” “Speaking to Ryan after it he said it’s a lot harder than getting a hole in one. “It’s obviously better on the scorecard - being three-under par - but you also have to hit a good drive before you get the chance to do it. “It’s certainly the biggest highlight and thrill I’ve ever had in golf.” Guy’s impeccable eight-iron has seen him join a very exclusive club, becoming just the fourth player in the club’s history to achieve the magnificent feat. “Three others have had one, and out of those, two were on the old first hole, which is no longer in play, and one bloke had it on the 12th,“ he said. “I’m the first to have one on the seventh, so that’s pretty good.” The seventh hole was originally a par four, but was changed to a par five about six years ago. The tee was pushed back and a new green was built, roughly 40 metres further

500 wickets for cult figure By Tyler Lewis

The ever-modest James Quinn has achieved what many wish they could accomplish.. 500 wickets for the one club. Picture: SUPPLIED 18 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

As far as cult figures go, there are few internally valued higher than Officer’s James Quinn. Quinn has been a part of the furniture down at Starling Road in Officer for many years now and in round 8 the club favourite accomplished two extraordinary achievements. ‘Jumbo’ claimed his 500th club wicket and nudged his 1000th club run. Quinn recently spoke to the Star News Group about his milestone day for the Bullants. “I bowled my third over I think it was,” he said. “I was bowling at the toes most of the balls to him. Then I bowled one a bit wider, he tried to play a big shot and got caught,” he said of his 500th wicket. Quinn has now played 343 games for his beloved Officer Cricket Club, and has revealed he loves everything about the club, while also revealing a teammate forced the issue on a batting promotion to help get the 1000th run as well as the 500th wicket. “I just like all the friendships and my teammates,” he said.

“I do a lot to help out and stuff during the week, I just really enjoy it. “On Thursday night, Nick (McLennan) asked me some questions and I showed him my list of my sheet where I have all my scores on. “He goes ‘you’re nearly at 1000 runs as well’, and then he sent a message to the captain to get me up the order. “I normally bat at 11… because I hate batting, but I got told I had to bat at seven because we were nearly out of overs.” As to which one he was more nervous about? Quinn was pretty confident about which milestone was playing on his nerves a bit more on the day. “Probably the batting,” he said. “I can hold a bat, but I was worried I was going to get my 45th duck instead of the runs I needed to get.” Quinn roared passed 500 wickets in Round 8 and has taken a further six wickets since, scooting quickly to 506 scalps. QUINN’S CAREER STATS MATCHES: 343 WICKETS: 506 RUNS: 1004

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SPORT

A hat-trick of hat-tricks By Tyler Lewis and David Nagel Pakenham Upper Toomuc’s Nick Kyval has written himself into West-Gippsland Cricket Association folklore… again! The Yabbies opening bowler claimed his third career hat-trick on Saturday against the top-placed Officer side in the second-tier District Division. The Yabbies were sent in by the Bullants and, after being 2/9, posted 5/166. Kyval then stole the show in the second innings, sending Billy Carlyle, Jack James and Ash Smith back to the sheds in consecutive balls. Kyval didn’t stop there; he went on to claim 5/23 off eight, as the Yabbies had the Bullants 6/13 at one stage. The Bullants mounted a valiant comeback off the bat of Nick McLennan (60) and Aidan Pipicelli (65), but the loss of the early wickets ultimately cost the home side the match, falling four runs short in the final over (166). Kyval trapped Carlyle in front leg-before, snicked off James and amazingly dismissed Smith from a short ball down the leg-side, caught at leg-slip. The Yabbies bowler revealed while it managed to get the job done, it wasn’t exactly his most attractive delivery to date. “I thought we had a decent total, but Officer’s top order is pretty strong,” he said. “I was just happy to get those three wickets than any other personal hat-trick. “Everyone comes in closer, but the ball stuck in my hand and it turned into a half-tracker, it’s possibly the worst ball I have bowled all year. “I think the batter, any other ball he just hits that for four, probably hits me onto the second ground at Officer there, but I think he was a bit hesitant just because it was a hat-trick ball he just punched it,” Kyval said. As many cricketers can only dream of tak-

Nick Kyval is making the difficult look easy, claiming his third career hat-trick against Officer on Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Saturday. 267035 ing a hat-trick, Kyval only has to look back through his memories, and he can do it on three separate occasions. Despite accomplishing a hat-trick of hattricks, Kyval believes Bullants batter Ash Smith ‘made the hat-trick’ for him, with the pressure of the moment being in the bowlers favour. “I actually thought at the top of my mark ‘I am bowling to Ash (Smith), he has a pretty good forward defence, no way I am beating it

first rock, just bowl it, see what happens’,” he said. “I guess he made the hat-trick for me, rather than me doing anything special. “The first two were good rocks, but not the last one, just lucky,” Kyval said. Devon Meadows, meanwhile, coasted to victory over Emerald. Panthers number three Trent Delaney recorded a hat-trick of his own, recording a third

successive half-century with 50 not out in his sides successful run chase. Upper Beaconsfield required just 52.4 overs to bowl out and then chase the total set by Lang Lang. The Maroons torpedoed the Swamp Tigers for just 94, then used just 20.2 overs to reach the target with just two casualties. In the top-flight Premier Division reigning champions Cardinia (5/202) went down to Tooradin (6/205) in a classic Australia Day contest at Tooradin. Bradey Welsh (72 not out) and Alex Nooy (50) batted the Bulls into a strong position but the Seagulls had all the answers in reply. Cal O’Hare (46), Russ Lehman (38) and Aaron Avery (27) set up a thrilling finish but it was left to Dylan Sutton (38) and Josh Lownds (33 not out) to steer the Seagulls home to a great win. In other games, a sparkling half-century from in-form opener Ravi Kodithuwakku (76) wasn’t enough for Carlisle Park (7/164) to cause a major surprise over ladder-leaders Kooweerup (6/167). Luke McMaster (37), Videsh Dassanayake (35) and veteran Matt Davey (25) guided the Demons home from a sticky position. A 117-run partnership between Chris Smith (64) and Jack Anning (50) - and four wickets to Jason Williams (4/20) – was the catalyst for Pakenham’s (5/192) victory over Cranbourne Meadows (109), while Merinda Park (6/198) had to wait until the final ball of the 80th over to bank the points against Clyde (195). Daniel McCalman (80) and Manu Goraya (43) batted the Cobras into a winning position before tea, but the Cougars chased with real authority with Jason Hameeteman (86 not out) leading the way. The Cougars needed four off the last ball to win, but the boundary never eventuated with the Cobras leap-frogging the Cougars into fifth position on the ladder.

Moody winning the mind games with Merchant Prince By David Nagel Peter Moody has seen it all as a trainer but you get the feeling the now Pakenham-based champion is a little frustrated - but enjoying the challenge of getting the best out of his Blue Diamond hopeful Merchant Prince. Merchant Prince is one of five Moody twoyear-olds that have been paid up as third acceptors for this year’s two-year-old classic, with Boogie Dancer, Rampant Lion, She Dances and Waltz On By also paid up for the $1.5million Group-1 to be run at Caulfield on 26 February. A total of 121 horses are third acceptors this year, up from just 79 last year. But it’s Merchant Prince, a colt out of Written Tycoon/Afleet Espirit, who presents the biggest challenge for Moody and his team, who prepared the talented two-year-old for victory in the $35,000 Two-Year-Old Maiden Plate (1200m) at Pakenham on Thursday night. Merchant Prince started second-favourite at Caulfield on debut, a clear sign that the Moody team have a high-opinion of the horse. But trying his best – that’s something Merchant Prince hasn’t quite got his head around just yet. “He’s a colt with very good ability, he’s always shown us very good talent, but we took him to Caulfield the other day and he really disappointed, he just didn’t apply himself at all,” moody said. “Even with the blinkers on tonight I have doubt that he is still applying himself, he thinks it’s a big game. “He hasn’t got his mind on the job at all, in the pre-parade, when you’re saddling him, he’s not concentrating, he’s just got to get his mind wrapped around it. “Let’s hope that’s the case because he does possess good talent, but just no application whatsoever.” Moody is trying every trick, in his very expansive book, to keep Merchant Prince pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Blue Diamond hopeful Rampant Lion (outside) runs second to Daumier in the Colts and Geldings Preview at Caulfield on Australia Picture: BRETT HOLBURT/ Day. 266478 RACING PHOTOS

The Peter Moody-trained Merchant Prince puts his undoubted talent to good use at Pakenham Picture: PAT SCALA/RACING PHOTOS on Thursday night. 266478 switched on, with nose-roll off, blinkers on, the latest adjustment on Thursday night. “I’ve just got to try and keep him switched on, it’s just a big game and he really plays the colt-card heavily, so credit to my staff, they’ve really got to keep their guard up around him,” Moody said. “I think he caused a little bit of an incident behind the barriers tonight, so let’s hope the barrier attendant is okay. “But a win’s a win, and we did pay him up this morning for the Blue Diamond, but he probably ran that more like a seven-furlong, mile type of horse – but we might look back and realise this was a pretty good two-yearold race as well.”

Moody said Merchant Prince had better sort his manners out…or he may pay a heavy price! “We just have to try and out-think him like he’s doing to us,” he said. “I’d suggest he will be doing a fair bit of jumping over a few logs…we’ll be mixing it up for him to try and keep his mind occupied so he wants to be a racehorse. “Otherwise, ultimately, if he doesn’t apply himself, he will learn too many bad habits and that will be the end of his manhood.” Jockey Blaike McDougall said Merchant Prince was in a testing mood before the race. “He’s very bullish, naturally, being a two-

year-old colt, home track, he’s probably got some nerves stacked away there,” McDougall said. “He just kept trying to whip around and he eventually got me. I had hold of him, he took off – but best wishes to the barrier attendant because he hit him flat out.” McDougall said Merchant Prince certainly had the ability to be a high-end talent. “It was a good win, he jumped well, considering he had blinkers first time, and it was always the plan to go forward and just build on him,” he said. “He doesn’t show much of a turn-of-foot at home, but the two in front of me went, we just took a sit. He’s frustrating, because he’s done that not even trying, so it’s frustrating for the owners obviously but it’s nice to get the job done. “We were that confident going into his first-up run (Caulfield), because at trackwork he just does everything right and works with good horses – it’s just nice to see the owners reap the rewards tonight.” Of Moody’s other Blue Diamond contenders, Rampant Lion is showing good potential after running a strong second at Caulfield on Australia Day. Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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STAR NEWS 19

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Thursday, 3 February, 2022

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