BERWICK
Thursday, 24 March, 2022
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Robotics takes centre stage page
New roof bowls club over page
Wickers let it slip
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SPORT
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Paul’s big ride for charity
Show is back on track Exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and spectators were thrilled to be back at P.B Ronald Reserve for the 111th Parklea Pakenham Show on Saturday. Spoiled with sunny weather, the show was the first one back since Covid-19 shutdowns in 2020 and 2021. It was a bumper day of entertainment with plenty of high quality poultry, sheep and horticulture exhibits, reminiscent of the district’s rural roots. Coverage pages 20-21 Junior Ambassador of the Parklea Pakenham Show Sheridan Venables (left) with Senior Ambassador Indi Skehan. 271091 Picture:ROB CAREW
MPs ads offside By Jonty Ralphsmith Gembrook MP Brad Battin has threatened to take the City of Casey to VCAT after being denied political advertising at council-owned sporting grounds. Political advertising signage is not permitted on council active recreation reserves in the local government area despite being allowed in the nearby Cardinia Shire Council and Greater Dandenong Council.
Mr Battin believes signs of a political nature should be allowed to be displayed at sporting grounds as they provide clubs with crucial funds, among other benefits. “We just want to put back into the community – stop preventing us from doing it, you’re not preventing anyone else,” Mr Battin said. “All sides of politics are affected – not even Clive Palmer’s got enough money to put a sign up at one of these clubs because you can’t do it.”
Mr Battin has signs at grounds in the Cardinia Shire Council such as the Beaconsfield Football Club where there is no such rule in place. He also highlighted that the signs inform locals about how to get in touch with their local member and allow political communication. He wants the issue dealt with promptly. “I went to [the] council and said that we’ve got an opportunity to overturn this – it’s a logical decision, let’s not end up in VCAT,” he said.
“I’d prefer us to resolve it right now rather than waiting it through the election year because we’ll challenge [the decision]. “We’ll send it to VCAT and it will cost ratepayers, and blocking MPs from putting signs up is against that freedom of speech and giving the opportunity for people to have their say.” Mr Battin raised the issue in Parliament on 10 March and asked for support from his neighbouring electorates. Continued page 5
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