News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 24th March 2022

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Thursday, 24 March, 2022

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Belated honours presented

Harmony Day unites

5-0 start for United

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Sikhs plant in service

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 16-17

Junior Ambassador of the Parklea Pakenham Show Sheridan Venables (left) with Senior Ambassador Indi Skehan. 271091 Picture: ROB CAREW

Crime concerns The City of Casey recorded the third highest number of criminal offences in 2021 of any Victorian local government area.

The Criminal Statistics Agency released its 2021 data on Thursday 17 March, revealing Casey recorded 19,680 offences, behind only Greater Geelong (20,018) and Melbourne (33,597).

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Casey also recorded the most family incidents with 5174 – 231 fewer than in 2020.

In better news, the number of criminal incidents in the City of Casey was down 17.2 per cent from 2020 to 2021.

The highest number of offences occurred in Cranbourne with 1863, followed by Berwick (1629), Narre Warren (1533), Hampton Park (1022) and Cranbourne North (999).

Houses were the top location for offences with 5833 offences occurring in the household.

Stealing from a motor vehicle was the most common offence, followed by breach family violence order, criminal damage, other theft and common assault.

In Berwick, total offences were down 2475 to 2157 with a decrease in all offence divisions – crimes against the person, property and

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Hampton Park (1868 in 2020 compared to 1453 in 2021), Narre Warren (2627 in 2020, 2123 in 2021), Narre Warren North (352 in 2020, 323 in 2021) and Narre Warren South also recorded decreases in the annual number of crimes.

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And with children eligible for vaccination from January 10, now it’s their turn to feel safe.

The coronavirus vaccine for kids 5 - 11 will keep them protected from serious illness and will get you off to a safe start to the school year.

To find out where and how to book visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

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NEWS

Exceptional service award

By Bassir Qadiri Shugoofa Bakhtary was awarded the Bakhtar Community Organisation’s Woman of the Year Award 2022 on Friday 18 March for her exceptional contribution and dedication in the community.

Bakhtar Community Organisation takes pride in hosting Bakhtar Women of the Year Award Dinner to acknowledge the exceptional contribution of Afghan Women in Australia.

2022 was the fourth year of the award.

This year’s International Women’s Day on 8 March was the since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, installing a repressive regime that discriminates against women and girls.

As we came together to celebrate the courage and bravery of women in Afghanistan, we turned the spotlight on their fight for fundamental rights at these dark times.

The award was presented infront of over 260 guests, with a very worthy award winner and a line-up of fantastic entertainment put togeth-

er by the amazing Bakhtar Team, presented by our talented MCs Benazir Rasoli, Sara Jafari, Mahsa Sulaiman and Pariwash Sarmast.

Guests included Federal Bruce MP Julian Hill, Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti, Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett, Inspector Hafiz Mayar and Mel Webber, Bakhtar Women of the Year 2021 Maryam Zahid Popal, representatives from AMES Australia, Monash Health and Federation University as well as Afghan community poets, writers and social activists.

We also were flattered by talented artist’s Naseer Brothers Band, Rameen Nawa and our well-known guests of honor and Bakhtar Women of the Year 2019, Tahmina Arsalaan.

The program was supported by the City of Casey, Hello World Dandenong, PRD legal team and Mohammad Catering.

On behalf of the Bakhtar Community Organisation, thank you all for your loving support.

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, Belinda Wilson, 2022 Bakhtar Woman of the Year Shugoofa Bakhtari and Chief Executive and Founder of Bakhtar Community Organisation Bassir Qadiri. 273553 Picture: SUPPLIED

Lovett jailed over assaults on partner

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Former AFL footballer Andrew Lovett has been jailed for sustained violent attacks against a woman in Berwick.

Lovett, 39, had pleaded guilty at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to 24 charges, including assaults, intentionally causing injury and persistent breaches of intervention orders spanning nearly two years.

Between February 2020 and June 2021, there were 14 episodes of family violence.

In sentencing on 17 March, magistrate Jason Ong said it was concerning that Lovett’s family violence “escalated in frequency and seriousness”.

“It cannot be tolerated in our society,“ he told the court.

Lovett was found to have inflicted 10 of the assaults after an intervention order in mid2020 – meaning it rendered “no protection” to his victim.

The “controlling” and “violent” behaviour included Lovett attacking his defenceless partner in the shower in March 2021.

He flung her phone in her direction, shattering it against the wall. He then punched her several times to the head, and kicked her stomach while she lay on the floor.

She was rendered unconscious, Mr Ong noted.

On another occasion, Lovett spat in her face and pushed her backwards causing her head

to strike floorboards.

Lovett also bruised his victim’s lip after hurling a shoe at her, slammed her face into a steering wheel while driving, and spat in her face, poured beer on her and kicked her on the ground in her bedroom.

In mid-2021, Lovett struck her several times to the face, choked her with his hands and then let go, causing her head to strike a bath and she blacked out. She armed herself with a knife to escape her house.

From August-December, Lovett repeatedly ignored bail and intervention orders not to contact the victim until he was arrested and remanded.

He resorted to a fake Facebook account and his brother’s phone in his attempts to message and call her.

Mr Ong noted the victim’s impact statement

in which she described living in “constant fear” with Lovett.

Her emotional trauma would outlive the physical injuries and bruises inflicted by him, she told the court.

The relationship appeared to be “toxic”, Mr Ong said. A “lifestyle of drugs and alcohol” led to the assaults, but were no excuse.

Through his lawyer, Lovett apologised “unreservedly” to the victim and expressed shame and remorse. However, in an interview, Lovett made admissions but minimised or denied most of the assaults, Mr Ong noted.

“I didn’t do it all, some of it was the victim,” Lovett had said.

A psychiatrist report outlined Lovett’s gambling and substance abuse including cocaine and alcohol, as well as a personality disorder.

His drug use spiked due to boredom during Covid lockdown.

Lovett played 88 games for Essendon between 2005-2009.

Since his playing career, he’d upskilled and gained work in the construction industry, including gaining a mobile crane licence and working on the Preston level crossing removal project last year.

Lovett was jailed for eight months, including 100 days served in pre-sentence detention.

After his release, he will be placed on a 12-month supervised community corrections order including mental health, drug, alcohol and offender programs.

High local crime numbers concerning From page 1 In nearby Cardinia Shire Council, there was a 17.9 per cent decrease in offences with the most offences occurring in Pakenham (2860) and Officer (665).

The decrease across Casey and Cardinia was consistent with the entire state with 2021 representing the lowest number of criminal offences in a calendar year in Victoria since 2014.

There were 477,999 criminal offences recorded in Victoria in 2021 – a drop of 12.8 per cent from 2020.

Burglaries/break and enters were at their lowest level for a calendar year since 1993, robberies were at their lowest levels since 2014 and there was a year-on-year decline in family

violence for the first time since the pandemic began.

Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations Rick Nugent said it was positive to see the reduction in offences.

“While each victim of crime is one person too many, we are pleased that last year we had the lowest number of victims in Victoria since 2010, with almost 14,500 fewer victims of crime than the year prior,” Mr Nugent said.

“While it is likely that overall crime will increase as the community returns to normality, the early signs are relatively positive.

“To date, we have not seen a rapid return across all crime categories, with police intelligence indicating overall offending still remains below pre-pandemic levels.

“It has also been encouraging that the number of first-time offenders across all crime categories has remained consistent with the previous two years. We are particularly pleased that first time youth offenders decreased 7.6 per cent in the last year, contributing to a reduction of 35.8 per cent over 10 years.

“Every member of Victoria Police is working tirelessly to keep the crime rate as low as possible – whether it’s the police officers deployed to your local shopping strip to stop crime from occurring, the police vehicle patrolling your neighbourhood to keep car thieves at bay, or the detectives investigating, arresting and prosecuting offenders, we are doing everything possible to keep you safe.“ The City of Casey’s population at the 2016 census was 299,301.

Delays lasted about 45 minutes before the issue was rectified. 196128

Train delay hits work commuters Disgruntled commuters were unable to get to work on time due to delays of up to 45 minutes on Tuesday 22 March following V-Line “operational issues“.

It is alleged a V-Line driver was unable to operate the train over the new rail bridge infrastructure, causing the train to stop in the Hallam area.

Four morning Gippsland services were replaced by coaches for part of the journey and some other services experienced minor delays as a result of an operational error.

A spokesperson said V/Line will “complete a full investigation into exactly what led to the operational error“.“ “We thank passengers for their patience while we worked to get them where they needed to go as quickly and safely as possible while travelling on morning Gippsland services which were replaced by coaches for part of the journey or experienced delays,“ they said.

“Customers are encouraged to check V/Line’s website, app, twitter feed or speak to staff for the most up-to-date information on their services.“

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with 2022’s Ms Clyde North Sonia Gupta

Tell us fun fact about yourself?

I am good at copying other people’s expressions, I love observing others people’s expressions and I used to do lots of mimicry in my childhood.

What do you love about what you do?

I love learning and experiencing new things. I love to talk to elderly people so I can get more experience about life and I love to learn new things by taking on challenges.

I used to afraid of heights but I took a skydiving challenge and learnt from skydiving challenge that we should do that thing first in our life which we are scared of most.

This how we can develop the resilience to handle whatever life throws at us.

Who is the best person you’ve worked with?

My friend Naomi Silivelio.

What is your most memorable moment?

When I held my son first time in my arms.

What three guests dead or alive you want to invite.

I would love to invite my dad and mum. It has been five years since I’ve seen them. I just want to hug them, tell them how much I love them.

As my dad and mum are my inspiration and they motivate me a lot throughout my pageant journey so I can get more motivation to achieve my goals.

I want to invite grandfather, unfortunately he is not alive but he was strong and positive towards life. At the age of 90 he was so alive and such a positive person so I want to learn from grandfather how I can be strong and positive whenever I feel demotivated about my dreams.

If you had to compete on Masterchef, which dish would you cook?

As I am not fond of cooking, I have always enjoyed eating more. I would love to cook a very quick and easy dish like rice pudding with saffron and nuts.

THREE … facts about Harmony Week

1

Harmony Week runs from Monday 21 March to Sunday 27 March to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into the community.

2

Australians are encouraged to wear the colour orange during Harmony Week because it traditionally signifies social communication and meaningful conversations.

3

Nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas, or have at least one parent who was.

Ms Clyde North 2022, Sonia Gupta. 271038 What are you currently listening to, watching and reading?

I am watching motivational and inspirational videos on Youtube.

This is how I get motivated and positive.

I’m reading The Power Of Letting Go, by John Purkiss.

What’s your dream destination?

Dubai.

It was our honeymoon destination. I have so many beautiful memories with Dubai.

So I want to go Dubai again with my husband.

What were you like as a kid?

I was shy and bit naughty too. One day I didn’t want to go school because I didn’t prepare for a test and so I hid my school shoes behind the big box in the storeroom.

What was your first job?

As an educator assistant in early childhood learning.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

WhatsApp, Instagram and Yahoo mail What would your last meal be?

Biryani.

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Stirring trouble

By Mitchell Clarke

Stirring trouble

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

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

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

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

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

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

The reaction from her neighbours was similar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Paul’s school captains William Pendergast and Elizabeth Little with the SEISA Shield. 272818

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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St Paul’s swim team wins SEISA swimming carnival Continuing a long tradition, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Swim team has won the 2022 SEISA swimming carnival at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

The St Paul’s Swim team competed against other SEISA member schools Beaconhills Pakenham, Beaconhills Berwick, Newhaven College, and Gippsland Grammar, and included both junior and secondary students from the school’s Warragul and Traralgon campuses.

Individual age group champions from the Warragul Campus on the day were: U14B

Corbin Blake, U14G Chloe Joiner, U16G Mollie Dennis, U17B Josh Dwyer, U17G Molly Cargill, U21B Jordyn Cargill and U21G Abby Warner.

SEISA is a group of independent schools that organise interschool co-curricular events in sport and cultural fields.

The SEISA swimming carnival is an excellent opportunity for kids to bond with their peers, make new friends from other schools, and improve their overall wellbeing while pursuing their swimming potential. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Locals to have their say on Narre Warren station

By Eleanor Wilson

The Casey Rainbow Community has received $1965 in funding.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Grant boost

By Jonty Ralphsmith The Casey Rainbow Community has received $1965 as part of the State Government’s pride events and festivals fund which seeks to celebrate LGBTIQ+ Victorians.

Along with providing opportunities for LGBTIQ+ communities to connect with each other, activities will improve the visibility of these people in their communities and promote understanding of their experiences.

Casey’s money will be spent conducting a social series of five events over five months with an eye on increasing activities for the LGBTIQ+ community in outer south eastern Melbourne.

The Rainbow Community has run smallerscale events such as barbecues in the past to increase its public profile and ensure members feel properly amalgamated in society.

It is however, confident, that the activities from the funding will allow for greater attendance and diversity of interest.

“We want to create things that the community wants to see and we want to have visibility,” said member Ray Adcock.

As well as social engagement, the group has conducted advocacy work and meetings, currently looking at strategies around nurturing trans and gender-diverse people’s pathway to become a doctor and installing gender-inclusive toilets in the area.

Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities Todd Fernando praised the importance of the overall funding.

“This funding recognises just how powerful celebratory events and activities for our communities can be, right across this state of Victoria,” Mr Fernando said.

“These events help remind our diverse rainbow communities they are supported, we belong, and helps us feel seen and represented.”

People can find out more about the Casey Rainbow Community by visiting the Facebook page or emailing caseyrainbowcommunity@ gmail.com

The State Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project is encouraging community engagement, inviting Narre Warren locals to have their say about what is important to them regarding the Webb Street Level Crossing Removal Project and new Narre Warren Station.

Engage Victoria is asking locals to submit feedback on desired improvements for the Narre Warren Station precinct, including their thoughts on the look and feel of the station and details about the way they use the area.

The Webb Street vision, values and early design concept survey is available on the Engage Victoria website, and will be open until 11.59pm on Sunday 27 March.

Engage Victoria is hoping the feedback

will help “deliver a project that reflects what locals love about the Narre Warren area”.

In addition to the online survey, locals can submit hard-copy recommendations within the same time frame, or can engage in one of a number of virtual consultations to give feedback.

To sign up, visit Engage Victoria.

The project is part of a State Government initiative to replace 85 ’dangerous’ level crossings, to improve safety and reducing road congestion.

The removals will create a level crossingfree Pakenham line, with plans for the Webb Street level crossing to be removed by 2025.

It will be replaced with a rail over road design solution, with designs for the anticipated rail bridge released earlier this month.

Designs for the rail bridge that is expected to replace the Webb Street level crossing by 2025.

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

Sikh’s are planting a better future

LENSCAPE

Members of the Officer Sikh Temple Gurudwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar (SGND) planted more than 75 flowers to mark Annual Sikh Environment Day. Young Sevadars planted five new fruit trees along with the flowers to bring a fresh new look to the Gurughar at a community event held on Sunday 20 March.

“More than 50 children of all ages did this seva [selfless service] with the utmost dedication,” a temple spokesperson said.

“Thank you for all your hard work.”

Kangaroos on the golf course at Settlers Run Golf and Country Club during the Rotary Club of Cranbourne’s charity golf day. 272578

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs Up! To all the local schools and community groups celebrating Harmony Week.

Thumbs Up! To the Pakenham Show!

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Sikh Environment Day was held on Sunday 20 Picture: SUPPLIED March. 273507

Funeral Director

...the little things make a difference

Pakenham

To Settlers Run golf course for shooting rabbits yesterday afternoon that just coincidentally meant all the kangaroos in the same area as the shooters fled out onto Pearcedale Road. Eight roos dead within a few hours. As if the detours aren’t bad enough through the area then they think it’s a great idea to drive kangaroos into oncoming traffic. But yeah ,they were only shooting the rabbits.

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To the dog owner that let’s their pooch poop on my lawn quite frequently. Please pick up after your doggies.

To my husband taking 45-60 mins to get home when it should be 1520 because roadworks everywhere makes every road snail paced.

Thumbs Up! To train services recommencing at Pakenham station.

Thumbs Up! To Carlton Football Club.

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Essendon players disappointed.

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To the length of time the Camms Road boom gates are down now there are two tracks.

Assuring personal attention and care at all times for our local community.

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How many roads need to be closed due to roadworks ? South Gippsland one lane both ways. Seriously.

More roadworks have come to the South East with the Western Port Highway closing to through traffic between North Road and Heatherton Road on Wednesday 16 March until early April.

Dean Phillips voiced his frustrations on our Facebook page I wish they would get just one lot of roadworks finished before they start more.

South Gippsland Highway down to one lane each way at Golf Links Road for Glasscocks Rd intersection.

Now closing Western Port Highway where do they think the traffic is going to go?

New data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows the City of Casey was one of the highest ranking Local Government Areas in Victoria for criminal offences in 2021.

Our readers had their say on Facebook Barney Rubble: No surprises there. Look how the population and its demographic have changed in the last 20 years.

Mark Mathews: But they say Casey does not have a crime problem over the last many years, have always said it.

Lynette White: Of course it does, it’s the biggest municipality in Victoria.

John Veldwyk: Well, there’s a surprise, ay.

NEWS

Students encouraged to take the FLIP

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SOCIALLY SPEAKING

Thursday, 24 March, 2022

The Victorian Government is encouraging schools to sign up for a new challenge set to multiply opportunities for students to strengthen and test their financial literacy skills.

The challenge is open to all Victorian primary and secondary students as part of the Mathematical Association of Victoria’s annual Maths Talent Quest, and will see students challenged to flip everyday financial situations and decisions from risky to rewarding.

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said the new Financial Literacy in Practice challenge would bring a real-world focus to financial literacy education in the classroom.

“I’m encouraging every school and student in Bass and surrounding region to get involved in the FLIP challenge, growing their financial literacy skills and learning about the real-life impact of economics in our world,“ Ms Crugnale said.

Students can enter the challenge as individuals, groups or a whole class and select their own investigation topic based on their personal interests.

Topics can relate to financial literacy in ev-

Schools are encouraged to enter the FLIP challenge.

Picture: UNSPLASH eryday life – like buying a pet, planning a holiday, exploring household costs or setting up a small business, or broader, more complex societal issues like the cost of climate change or blockchain technologies, or comparing electric and combustion engine vehicles.

Students will be encouraged to formulate big questions, make and test hypotheses, collect and analyse data, and explain and justify their results.

The investigations will be judged by the Mathematical Association of Victoria, and the top investigations across each category will be entered into the National Maths Talent Quest, which has been running each year since 1982.

All Victorian government schools are required to deliver financial literacy education as part of the Victorian Curriculum, through the Economics and Business and Mathematics learning areas.

Education Minister James Merlino said financial literacy education wasn’t just about money and how to get rich quick. “...it’s about teaching students how to make great economic decisions for life – as well as key life skills like tax, superannuation and the role of the markets and innovation,“ Mr Merlino said.

Schools are encouraged to register students or find out more about the FLIP Challenge by visiting mav.vic.edu.au pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Advertising out of bounds

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.

“Casey Council has changed the rules in the past and they will not amend them to allow Members of Parliament to advertise at sportsgrounds,” Mr Battin told Parliament.

“Now, these are clubs that need money. They need extra support, and every dollar counts.” “...Casey Council has to allow us to put these signs up so we can put some money back into these clubs — money that goes towards mental health programs, money that goes towards getting kids into the parks and money towards supporting young people in sport, because we know the more people are involved in sport, the less time they spend in the youth justice system.”

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale sponsors netball, soccer, football and baseball clubs across her electorate and was surprised by the City of Casey’s decision.

“These types of signs have been in use throughout the suburbs of Melbourne and across Victoria for decades and meet the strict approval requirements of Parliamentary services,” she said.

“I was surprised to receive an email from City of Casey that they were going to remove it, and we have looked at their policy and fail to understand their reasoning.”

Gembrook MP Brad Battin believes the City of Casey should allow political advertising at sporting grounds. 272880 Despite Mr Battin asking for their support, Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas and Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan, both Labor politicians, played down the importance of the issue.

“This decision is a matter for the City of Casey and, to be honest, political signs at ovals has not been high on my agenda,” Mr Maas said.

“Political advertising at sporting grounds might be a good distraction for some, but the main game is getting three tiers of government working together so that the best outcomes are achieved for our community.“ Mr Maas added that he would not be against political advertising.

“I am an advocate for free speech - with common-sense limits around discrimination and the like.

“So if candidates or MPs wish to advertise that way and it benefits the club, then so be it.

It probably is not a bad thing for local democratic processes.

“Of course it has to be applied fairly across all parties. Personally, it does not restrict how I connect to the public and our local clubs.“ Mr Donnellan also stopped short of endorsing Mr Battin’s sentiment but agreed sporting clubs needed backing after the pandemic.

“I don’t think it makes a lot of difference to

political outcomes but it’s about supporting the sporting clubs. That’s what sponsorship’s all about,” he said.

“The most important thing is the sponsorship that goes behind them and if there is a sign attached [to the sponsorship] that’s fine, but at the heart of it, they need the support.”

City of Casey said it was reviewing the issue.

“Council is in the process of reviewing its current advertising and promotional signage on council active recreation reserves policy, however, local laws are in place that detail the requirements for election signage on public land and the requirement to obtain a planning permit,” director community life Steve Coldham said.

“A permit is required for all signs on council land.”

Sporting clubs contacted by the Star News were divided over the issue.

One club spokesperson put it plainly: “the bigger organisations are more able to help.

It would be a significant boost to us if local members could advertise. It helps the kids and that’s what we’re all about.”

However, some were more understanding of the council, highlighting that local members could support them in other ways such as grants and have done so in the past, something Mr Maas also referenced.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Gembrook MP Brad Battin has signs on display at Beaconsfield Footy Club in the Cardinia Shire Council. 272880 “I have always supported player sponsorship and any collateral endorsement or acknowledgement that the club might give to me on the basis of that sponsorship. It just seems a more efficient way for the club to receive the benefit of that money,” Mr Maas said.

Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams has signs at the following grounds as they are not banned in the Greater Dandenong Council: Dandenong Thunder FC, Lyndale United FC, North Dandenong Cricket Club, St Johns Old Collegians FC.

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Thursday, 24 March, 2022

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STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Holt awardees recognised Federal Member for Holt Anthony Byrne MP awarded five belated 2022 Holt Australia Day Awards to deserving recipients for their contribution to the local community.

The winners were recognised last week as they were unable to attend on Australia Day. Kimbarlie O’Reilly was recognised for service in tackling domestic violence and creating the It’s Never OK initiative.

Ms O’Reilly was hospitalised after she was horrifically assaulted by her former partner in January 2019.

Her partner was allowed to play football for Dimboola in 2019 while he was on bail and facing charges for assaulting her.

As a result of the support that he received from his club, Ms O’Reilly launched the It’s never OK initiative, which calls on sporting clubs to take a stand against violence.

She is currently talking to clubs around Victoria including in the City of Casey about committing to the no violence tolerance policy.

She is campaigning for a national policy which will see players banned from playing sport while they are facing charges of violence, and for convicted players to be banned from clubs altogether.

In June 2021 she was invited to Parliament House to meet with members of the federal opposition to discuss her campaign.

Les Rand was recognised for service to the Pearcedale Football Netball Club.

Mr Rand puts his heart and soul into volunteering for the club. He is always around the club helping out and providing a positive spirit for all members. He helps write club grants and helps out with maintenance around the club.

In 2021 Mr Rand was coach of the Dales, which is the Women’s Football Team.

Yaneth Orellana was presented with her award for service to the Spanish-speaking community through Spanish Window Community Services.

Ms Orellana is a welfare worker who works alongside an awesome team of volunteers to deliver welfare services to the Spanish speaking community in the City of Casey.

Spanish Window Community Services (SWCS) was originally known as Ventana Hispana Inc. The organisation was established in 2008, due to the special needs of the local Spanish speaking community.

Ms Orellana’s welfare work supports individuals and families suffering from crisis or in need of assistance to access services.

Ms Orellana helps to provide to support to many clients each year that suffer from family violence, mental health issues, and support & referrals for international students, to legal services, immigration assistance.

Mr Andrew Pinxt’s recognition was for service to the Rotary Club of Cranbourne.

In 2021 Mr Pinxt was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his years of service to Rotary Club of Cranbourne and was a former CFA firefighter.

Mr Pinxt migrated to Australia from Holland as a 20-year-old and has been involved in Rotary for over 46 years where he has been

Holt MP Anthony Byrne with Yaneth Orellana.

273637

Holt MP Anthony Byrne with Andrew Pinxt OAM.

Holt MP Anthony Byrne with Les Rand. 273637

273637

Holt MP Anthony Byrne with Kimbarlie O’Reilly. 273637 president twice, community services committee chair, international committee chair, vocational services chair, student exchange councillor and aid project coordinator. Mr Pinxt has worked on many projects at the Rotary club, including travelling overseas to help those less fortunate.

Dr Kim Son Vu is the vice president of the South East Melbourne Vietnamese Association Council Inc (SEMVAC). The service of SEMVAC Helps has been an outstanding success to the

South Eastern community assisting the disadvantaged Vietnamese refugees and migrants including temporary residents like students.

Last year, Dr Kim Son Vu led efforts to inform the local Vietnamese community about how to get vaccinated and also campaigned for extra vaccines to be sent by the Australian Government to Vietnam.

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cases of clients requesting assistance. These ranged from general inquiries to specific topics of Legal Aid, Centrelink, citizenship, housing, employment, immigration, superannuation and Medicare.

As a local health professional it has been an extremely difficult last two years dealing with Covid-19 but Dr Kim Son Vu has been keen to help in any way to assist people in need.

His key message now to the local Vietnamese Community is get your booster vaccine now.

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NEWS

Diana Nguyen as the SECL Superhero helps deliver a serious message for Covid vaccination.

Vax hero’s big crusade

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Caped comedian and South East Community Links superhero Diana Nguyen is crusading for Covid education in a series of innovative videos.

Ms Nguyen and SECL have created fun, informative videos to promote third-dose vaccines in hesitant communities in the South East and beyond.

The in-language videos are in Dari and English, with Burmese, Dinka, Arabic, Tamil and Hindi languages to come.

Ms Nguyen, who is director, brings her comic miming to the fore while community leaders deliver a serious health message.

“I was up late at night thinking how to bring the humour into it, without making the community leaders feel awkward.

“The message is you need the third vaccine to fight Covid – so maybe that’s where the superhero with the cape comes in.”

SECL chief executive Peter McNamara said the films hit the right balance of humour and information.

“While the videos are light-hearted, having access to this information is absolutely critical.

“We have a very diverse community and we’re obligated to ensure that everyone can equally access important information that could protect their health and wellbeing.”

The humourous style is designed to reduce anxiety and combat the fatigue around Covid information, Mr McNamara said.

“This fatigue is contributing to a lower rate of third vaccines in our local communities.”

As of 16 March, less than 45 per cent of eligible residents 12-years-plus in the Dandenong, Doveton and Hallam postcodes had third doses.

Much of the South East is also below the state average of more than 60 per cent.

Mr McNamara said there was a “huge gap” in culturally-appropriate health education and vaccination services.

“Our experience shows that when information is translated and presented by community leaders, there is more trust and respect.”

The videos are being targeted to more than 50 multicultural and community organisations, as well as councils and state government, social media and mainstream media.

“We’re aiming for these videos to be shared well beyond our physical footprint in the south eastern suburbs to tens of thousands of people in multicultural communities across Victoria, and more broadly Australia.”

The in-language videos are funded by the State Government’s Multicultural Communications Outreach Program.

South East Community Links’ Covid community resources, including in-language videos, is at https://secl.org.au/covid-19-community-resources/ Diana Nguyen is appearing at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Her show Chasing Keanu Reeves is on 1-24 April at Greek Centre for Contemporary Culture, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

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STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Recycled tables are tops Cardinia Reservoir Park’s Crystal Brook Picnic Ground is receiving new picnic tables as part of a Victorian Government program to recycle plastic.

The $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program creates brand new picnic tables made from recycled plastic to save waste going to landfill.

The tables will save 5.67 tonnes of household and industrial plastic waste from going into landfill – helping Victoria reach its target of diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030.

Victorian Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced 17 parks across Melbourne will get new picnic tables made with recycled plastic from Replas.

“The use of recycled plastic in this project is the perfect example of resource recovery that is protecting the environment,“ Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“The Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program is making a big difference to green spaces in our suburbs and is an example of the La-

bor Government’s strong record of support for growing communities across Melbourne.”

The picnic table roll-out will be followed by a range of improvements at the parks, including upgraded picnic shelters and toilets, carpark repairs, upgraded electric barbecues, replacement of playground equipment, improved signage and wider and more accessible pathways and trails.

The first stage of works for the $21 million program has been completed at Braeside and Cardinia Reservoir Parks, which received upgrades to picnic tables and shelters, drinking fountains, BBQs, toilets, signage and road repairs.

Visits to parks in major metropolitan parks across Melbourne grew from 29.5 million visits in 2018 to 2019, to 36 million visits in 2020 to 2021 as more people sought the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors while staying close to home.

For more information about the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program, visit parks.vic. gov.au/projects

Cardinia Reservoir Parks are receiving upgraded park benches. 214890

Arrests follow Pakenham tobacco store arson Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested five more people following a series of alleged incidents at tobacco stores in Pakenham, Deer Park and Patterson Lakes over the last eight months.

Detectives, with members from the Brimbank Divisional Response Unit and North West Metro Crime Squad, executed search warrants at addresses in Craigieburn, Lalor, Bundoora and Wollert on the morning of Tuesday 22 March.

The warrants follow a series of fires that caused more than $10 million in damage to

businesses across metropolitan Melbourne.

The initial incident occurred inside a shopping centre on Main Street, Pakenham in August 2021.

The second occurred on Station Road in Deer Park, also in August, followed by a third at a shopping centre on Thompsons Road, Patterson Lakes in February.

A 20-year-old Lalor man has been charged with two counts each of intentional destruction of property by fire, criminal damage by fire, burglary, committing an indictable of-

fence whilst on bail and one count of contravene certain conduct condition – bail.

A 20-year-old Wollert man has been charged with two counts each of intentional destruction of property by fire, criminal damage by fire, burglary and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.

A 20-year-old Lalor man has been charged with intentional destruction of property by fire, criminal damage by fire, burglary and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.

A 25-year-old Craigieburn woman has been charged with intentional destruction of property by fire, criminal damage by fire, burglary and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.

All four faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 22 March.

An 18-year-old Bundoora woman has been charged with possessing a prohibited weapon without exemption and has been bailed to appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 30 June.

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IAN ASH enable your actions to become congruent with your thinking and significantly increase your chance of success.

The second example relates to a lady that works in my team.

For many years she was the HR Manager of a large multi-national company and as such, in her role she would receive many requests from different recruitment agents asking her if they could support her in search for new talent.

Being a polite person, my team member advised each one that their services were not required at that time, but one agent in particular said that she understood and asked if she could follow up in a couple of months to see if there was a need then and my team member agreed.

Two months passed and true to her word, the recruitment agent called again but the situation was unchanged and so she again asked if she could follow up in the following quarter and my team member said this would be fine.

This situation continued for roughly 18 months. The recruitment agent made a short call to verify if a need existed and if not, she clearly made a note to follow up again. However, after 18 months had elapsed, the company’s staff requirements did change and more staff were needed.

Who do you think came to mind at this point for the HR Manager? Yes, you guessed it, the polite but persistent recruitment agent and so she followed up directly with her and was able to assist with a number of roles.

It is important to note that I am not advocating being a constant pain here.

The HR Manager knew that she would have need for additional staff at some point and the agent’s regular calls ensured that she was kept front of mind without hassling her.

The power of persistence!

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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

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

Many of these regular business articles are intended to provide some ideas and thoughts around tools and techniques for making your business successful.

However, none of these will be successful unless we adopt the right mindset towards what we are looking to achieve.

In this article, I would like to focus on a couple of key mindset elements, hope and persistence to illustrate how these can provide results.

In the first example, I reference Professor Curt Richter who, in the 1950s conducted a variety of experiments involving rats (some of these would seem somewhat cruel by today’s standards). In one experiment in particular, Professor Richter placed rats into a bucket of water and observed how long they would tread water for before giving up and drown.

Just as he saw them stop swimming and begin to sink, he fished them out of the bucket, dried them off and then allowed them some time to rest and recover.

It turned out the average rat lasted about 15 minutes before they gave up swimming.

After they had recovered, he put them back into the bucket of water and timed how long they stayed afloat this time before again giving up and preparing to drown.

How long do you think the rats lasted the second time? 15 minutes, 30 minutes? An hour perhaps?

No, in fact the second time the rats went into the water, they lasted on average for nearly 60 hours before starting to give up and were rescued again!

So, what was the key difference here? It was not that the rats had become any stronger or now started to enjoy bucket swimming, but instead psychologists believe that this is clear evidence of the power of hope.

They hoped and believed they would be rescued.

This has some parallels with the famous Henry Ford quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right”.

It really demonstrates the power that hope or a positive mindset has on the outcome of a particular task. And it’s much the same in business. Having the right perspective and a hope and belief that things will work out will

Are you holding a

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Hope and persistence

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A lot can be learnt from The Power of Hope: A Rat Experiment by Dr Curt Richter.

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Thursday, 24 March, 2022

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STAR NEWS 11

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NEWS

Teacher publishes Beaconhills teacher Matthew Osborne with his manuscript and publishing contract.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Beaconhills College junior school teacher Matthew Osborne is thrilled to have landed a publishing contract for his first children’s book.

The Junior Fiction chapter book, called The Hendrix Adventures – Adventure in Athens, is the first of a series which follows the life of a family and their dog as they tour the globe.

Mr Osborne said he loved the Harry Potter books when he was young and had always enjoyed reading and writing.

The idea for his first book was inspired by his studies of classical civilisations including Ancient Greece, as well as his own travels to Greece.

It has been a big year of firsts for Mr Osborne, who joined the Beaconhills Pakenham Campus this year in his first teaching job after moving from the UK. “In the space of two weeks I got an interview for this place (Beaconhills College) and

an email from the publishers!” he said.

While the book won’t be published until the end of the year, Mr Osborne will now be busy in his spare time fine-tuning the manuscript and using his artistic skills to sketch out some illustration ideas.

And as the story is pitched at seven to 11 year-olds, he might even decide to read it to his own Year 4 class.

Men’s Shed honour police

By Jamie Salter Cardinia Men’s Shed is donating four rocking horses for the next four years, in remembrance of the four police members who sadly died in the Eastern Freeway accident in 2020.

The Men’s Shed have been busy building the first four rocking horses which will be donated to Victoria Police Legacy, a not-forprofit organisation providing support to police families who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

The four rocking horses are the first of the sixteen that will be donated to the children and grandchildren of deserving police families.

Cardinia Men’s Shed president Geoff Fluck said members felt good knowing they were doing something to help grieving families.

“We were talking about the accident and how shocking it was and that could we do something to recognise that they laid down their lives for us,“ Mr Fluck said.

“We’re a not-for-profit and the community has been good for us, so our thoughts were

‘how about we put something back into the community?’”

Men’s Shed members worked to build the rocking horses in groups, with people working on different sections of the horses on different days.

This year the Men’s Shed have built an elephant, dog, horse and dragon to donate to Legacy.

Cardinia CIU intelligent support officer and police legatee Jo Boulter said the donation was a “lovely gesture”.

“As a legatee I was liaising with the Legacy chief executive officer Lex de Man and I was asked to come out and speak with the Men’s Shed,” she said.

“They’ve also offered to make timber keepsake boxes with the police insignia for the four members who died in the freeway crash.

“The Men’s Shed have done this from their own initiative and I applaud them for it because it will make a big difference to families who have lost a member.

“It makes them realise the service they’ve given is appreciated and that they’ll never be forgotten.”

Cardinia Men’s Shed members Geoff and John display their rocking horses to police legatee Jo Boulter.

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Thursday, 24 March, 2022

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STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

A Holi celebration held at the Officer Tennis Club. 273203

Picture: SUPPLIED

Happy Holi celebrations the festival is held to bring people together by throwing colours on each other to end animosity and begin friendship.

The Indian Association Casey Cardinia hosted a Holi event at the Officer Tennis Club on Friday 18 March with about 100 people in attendance.

By Jamie Salter Holi - known as festival of colours - is celebrated to mark the triumph of good versus evil and is considered one of most popular Hindu festivals.

Apart of religious or mythological aspect,

After years of lockdown, Holi was a joyous event to enjoy the freedom of being together once again.

IACC committee member Sudhir Taneja said the Holi festival was “beyond expectations”.

“They all sang traditional songs and danced (Bhangra) on popular beats of Dhol drum,” Mr Taneja said.

“People were smearing colours on each other to make the matters sweet, everyone relished traditional Indian treat Gujia - a must have at Holi.

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

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Specialised support plans NDIS participant, Joshua, has goals just like many others: he would like to get his license; maintain a job that he enjoys; be independent and live on his own; participate in his community and socialise with friends.

Working full-time, Joshua found it difficult to find the supports he needed on weekends and outside of his working hours.

He approached OC Connections’ Casey Disability Supports Hub and, together with his mum and dad, worked with Hub coordinator Lyndall to establish what supports he needed, and when and where he needed them.

They established a regular support program with an OC Connections disability support worker to support Joshua every Saturday to get out into the community and live his life the way he wants to.

Joshua has been very happy with the support he has received from OC Connections.

“They are good communicators, and I don’t feel nervous when I am out. They are interested in what I want to do and listen to my opinions,” he said.

Our co-achieve model is our way of working with Joshua on all the different areas of his life that are important for happy and healthy living.

Co-achieve helps OC Connections staff learn how to support Joshua to reach his goals.

It means we can help Joshua to learn new skills, do new things, decide what he wants in

OC Connections staff learn how to support Joshua to reach his goals. 272751 life and how to make it happen.

Our Casey Disability Supports Hub is providing access to our supports to people with disability living in the City of Casey.

We are located at the Cranbourne West Community Hub (4A Flicka Blv, Cranbourne West), where you can come and discuss your support needs, or you can call us on 0407 438 781.

You can find out more about our Casey Hub and our support options at occonnections. org/occ-casey-hub pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Officer Tennis Club staff and IACC members are 273203 covered in colour.

“We tried to bring the tradition from our home country here.”

The event ran from about 6pm to 8.30pm with everyone on the dance floor, which was full of pink, yellow, green, blue and purple colours.

Mr Taneja said people were very happy to come out and celebrate after Covid-19 lockdowns.

“People were happy to enjoy the freedom and cherish the moments of being together,” he said.

“The whole idea of organising such event is not only to make future generations aware of existence of such festivals, why and how this is celebrated but to bring communities from different cultural background together.

“The Officer Tennis Club were wonderful to provide us with the space and they participated and enjoyed the event - even coming up with the idea to put the colour powder in a blower to spread it around.”

The IACC committee is looking forward to an upcoming Diwali celebration in October.

People participate in dances and games. 273203

The traditional Dhol drum is played. 273203

Locals enjoy the opportunity to celebrate together.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The Autumn Edition of your favourite family magazine is out now...

Pick up a printed copy of Casey Cardinia Kids Today Magazine from outlets everywhere.

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Or, read the full digital edition as it appears in print now!

Read it now Scan the QR CODE

OR VISIT: caseycardiniakids.com.au/digital-editions pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 24 March, 2022

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STAR NEWS 15

NEWS

Show president Geoff Young with grandson Cody 3 with a huge Ruston Proctor Showman’s Steam Engine exhibited on the day that drove an Australia Fair Grand Concert Organ. Steam Engine from Arthur Godden Son & Daughter Steam Amusements on Tour.

Pictures: ROB CAREW

The Cardinia Civic Concert Band displayed their musical talents in front of the Pakenham Hall/Library on show day.

Crowds roar back to show Local news from Pakenham & Officer...

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To read all the indepth news, sport and information from across the region buy Pakenham Gazette form supermarkets, services stations and outlets. Just $2 and worth every cent!

and sheep entries were slightly down but the poultry was up. “The community feedback was that everyone was excited to see it back.“ Mr Young said there was no rest for the hard working volunteers and various pavilion chief stewards, who will all begin planning for the 2023 show as soon as their well earned rest has had.

PAKENHAM OFFIC

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2022

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Pathways for girls

School camps are back

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Shift in focus Changes are being made to the Casey Foundation, which Cardinia solely as the Cardiniawill potentially be known Foundation.

The foundation is making the to transition to decision a Cardinia-only body to strengthen not for profit organisations help community. in the Director Paul Thomas said the board yet to approve has the new direction transform the foundation. that will “Throughout the pandemic, like Casey Cardinia Foundation ganisations that director Paul Thomas are philanthropic, most or- says the foundation dation has had the founmay be shifting its little focus to carry out fundraising to no opportunities to Cardinia only. 198803 - we have continued grants process so our the out, but we haven’t funds have been going their own organisation. really had monies ing in because The foundation comour fundraising was mainly grants process and currently has an annual through events,” Mr Thomas is per cent of its assets. required to give back four “We took the opportunitysaid. to go strategic review If approved by the over the last couple through a board, the foundation years. only give out to Cardinia “The review indicated will based organisations. we need to fund organisation properly Beaconhills College Mr Thomas said the to ensure we’re once the changes fundraise to the Class for VCE Dance.student Ruby Thornton-Mackay has able to proved, the foundation are aplevel we need to, been chosen to perform will and ultimate- at a whole be able to operate ly give out significant at Top new level. funds Picture: SUPPLIED “We will have significantto the community.

“It will mean we support from the Cardinia can make a difference Cardinia Shire.” to organisations through Cardinia Shire our grants process,” Mr Thomas councillor Jack said. said it was important Kowarzik “There Ruby Thornton-Mac the foundation with to continue to provide spreading was an argument that we were financial support. ourselves too thin training has paid kay’s 13 years of dance outstanding and this will hone “By reinvigorating us in to a smaller off, the foundation territory. of the best students being named one who have VCE performing arts students work with philanthropist we can completed; who undertook “Cardinia is growing s in the community.

Dance in 2021.

VCE Music Investigation, Music Performance, at such a rapid rate “With the completion we can concentrate so Music Style and of this strategic on view, it would be Ruby some position, Comhas significant re- ects that really been selected to VCE VET Music short sighted to can make a difference projIndustry, Dance, perform at Drama the Melbourne wrap up the community.” foundation.” and Theatre Studies.

Recital Centre in the later this month as part Casey joined the Ruby said she was of Top Cardinia Shire Council grateful to have of Excellence, managedClass VCE Season ceived is choosing to make foundation in 2013 but cial will reprovide the honour of performing support to the foundation finanby the Victorian an exit as they Curriculum and ate their focus her skillsfor the first five Assessment Authority based dance solo which she and undergo changesreevalu- years, with the goal (VCAA). to grow as part of her exterminationchoreographed within a point where it will be able the foundation to for the subject The season presents last year. to run on its own.

11 concerts by Read more on page 2

Dancer takes centre stage

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come out of with Covid-19, it was a fantastic crowd.“ A huge line up of local and cultural performances keep onlookers entertained after they checked out the stalls, exhibits and activities.

“Covid-19 didn’t alter the number or enthusiasm of entries,“ Mr Young said.

“Stallholder numbers were up, the pavilion

12497982-JW24-21

Over a hundred years on and the Parklea Pakenham Show is still the calendar agricultural event of the district.

The 111th annual show was held at PB Ronald Reserve on Saturday 19 March, with the theme of the Roaring 20s, and what a roaring success it was.

Pakenham and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show committee president Geoff Young said he couldn’t be happier with how the day turned out.

“The diversity and multiculturalism at our show made it a roaring success,“ he said.

“The whole town supported the event and under the circumstances that we’ve just

12496498-DL22-21

By Shelby Brooks

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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Thursday, 24 March, 2022

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

PAKENHAM SHOW

Chinese Dragon with crowd.

Picture: KAYE HOWELLS

Leanne Venables Perpetual Trophy Winner with Elm Wooden Jewellery box donated by Pat Jones, Show President Geoff Young and Junior Show Ambassador Sheridan Venables.

Picture: KAYE HOWELLS

Marilyn Mowat winner of the Herb Thomas Award for best in show with Steward Kim Dalziel and Superintendant Wendy Andrews.

Picture: KAYE HOWELLS

Maddy (left) and Lily from First National Neilson Partners - Pakenham sponsored the Sheep event.

A bumper day at the show Welcoming back spectators and entrants for the first time since Covid-19, the 111th Parklea Pakenham Show was a roaring success by all counts. Held at P.B Ronald Reserve on Saturday 19 March the show was packed full of stallholders, agricultural and horticultural entries, multicultural entertainment and free kids activities.

Lilly, aged five, with python Ramsey.

The “Shorn Ewe Over 2“ event during judging.

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Show day winners from the pavilion and poultry shed PAVILION Exhibit Pavilion results Best exhibit fruit; Bree Ure. Garden products; Carole Malcolm.

Collection of vegetables; Megan McAlpine.

Cut flowers; Susan Corr.

Flower arrangements; Bree Ure. Pot; Carole Summerfield.

Best cooking exhibit; Kaye Howells.

Vas fruit cake; Kaye Howells.

Vas junior boiled fruit cake; Rhys Grace.

Vas carrot cake; Pam Chalmers.

Vas carrot and date muffins; Rhys Grace.

Apple pie; Robert Mackie.

Lemon meringue pie; Leanne Venables.

Best decorated cake; Tracey Bright.

Best exhibit home products; Tracey Bright.

Best photography; Grace Terpstra.

Best school art exhibit; St James Catholic School.

Vas knitting; Kaye Howells.

Vas sewing; Wendy Andrews.

Vas embroidery; Marilyn Mowat.

Vas cross stitch; Debbie Mordney.

Best needlework; Megan McAlpine.

Best craftwork; Jill Neil.

Best jewellery; Catriona Starpins.

Best beadwork; Wendy Andrews.

Best woodwork; Ian Venables.

Best aged care facility; Millhaven.

Best aged care exhibitor; Cynthia.

One person’s work; Kaye Howells.

Family exhibit; Kaye Howells.

CWA first Pakenham branch, CWA second Kooweerup branch, CWA third Casey Dinner branch.

Best art; Glenn Hambleton.

A day at the show outfit; Wendy Andrews.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

“Miss Emma” from “Dance Legacy” in Pakenham and Officer leads the Children in a huge music and dance performance.

Picture: ROB CAREWS

· A day at the show hat; Leanne Venables. · Lego 6 and under; James Brotto. · Lego 7 to 9; Rhys Kotzur. · Lego 10 to 12; Christin van der Watt.

Carney award best children’s exhibit; · Mary Jasmine Winnington. cooking; Rhys Grace, Oc cooking; Tessa · Ob Hendren, Od cooking; James Brotto, Oa

· · · · · · ·

craft; Heath Grave, Ob craft; Jessica Barwick, Oc craft; Jasmine Winnington, Oa art; Heath Grave, Ob art; Ashlee Rogers, Oc art; Jasmine Winnington, Oa arrangments; Heath Grave, Ob arrangments; Ashlee Rogers, Oc arrangments; Raymone Grave.

Best photography exhibit; Grace Terpstra.

Best postcard; Donna Edsall.

VAS junior photo; Rhys Grace.

VAS senior photo; Dean Howells.

Best junior exhibitor; Raymond Grave.

Best novice exhibitor; Donna Edsall.

Best small prints; Kaye Howells.

African Drummers performed for onlookers.

· Best large prints; Grace Terpstra. · Best black and white prints; Kaye Howells. · Best mobile phone exhibitor; Kaye Howells. · Best drone photo; Heath Grave. in show Herb Thomas Award; Marilyn · Best Mowat. · Perpetual trophy winner; Leanne Venables.

POULTRY Bird in Show Indian Runner · Champion Drake; Kevin Collins.

Champion Bird in Show Junior Wa· Reserve terfowl; Campbell Allman.

Standard Light Breed Ancona hen; · Best Alex Borrowdale.

Standard Light Breed Pit Game · Reserve hen; Alex Borrowdale.

Standard Heavy Breed Australorp · Best cock; Kevin Collins.

Standard Heavy Breed Orpington · Reserve Buff hen; Mandy O’Brien.

Hard feather Bantam OEG Wheaten · Best hen; Lynne MacKay. Hard feather Bantam OEG Wheat· Reserve en hen; Lynne MacKay.

Stella 3 with Dad Chris meeting goats from “Barn Buddies“ Mobile Animal Farm.

Soft feather Bantam Australorp cock; · Best Kevin Collins.

Soft feather Bantam Leghorn hen; · Reserve Graeme Coats.

Waterfowl Indian Runner Drake; Kevin · Best Collins.

Waterfowl Indian Runner Drake; · Reserve Kevin Collins.

Goose/Gander Pilgrim Goose; Alex · Best Borrowdale.

Goose/Gander Pilgrim Goose; Alex · Reserve Borrowdale.

Junior Waterfowl Pekin Drake; · Champion Campbell Allman.

Champion Junior Wyandotte Ban· Reserve tam Hen; Esme Brown.

Thursday, 24 March, 2022

|

STAR NEWS 17

NEWS

Beaconhills gets wacky

Year 1 students from the Beaconhills College Berwick Campus Nellie, back left, Ansh, Zara, Pictures: SUPPLIED Truly, front left, Owen and Kate. 273444

United on Harmony Day Beaconhills College marked National Harmony Day (held on Monday 21 March) by students and staff wearing a touch of orange, to show their support of a multicultural and inclusive Australia.

Pakenham campus senior school students also had a visit last week from awardwinning Australian writer, editor and lawyer Alice Pung.

Ms Pung has written numerous books including Growing up Asian in Australia, Unpolished Gem and Her Father’s Daughter, along with many articles for the New York Times and The Age. This year on Australia Day, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to literature.

Ms Pung shared her family’s inspiring story, and how she was born to Chinese parents from Cambodia who had fled a refugee camp and the killing fields of the Khmer Rouge.

After seeking asylum in Australia in 1980, Ms Pung grew up in Braybrook, where at times she experienced racism at school.

“On this Harmony Day, let’s think about the silent assumptions we make with judgements of people,” Ms Pung said.

The wacky world of The Addams Family is set to hit the stage at Beaconhills College Pakenham Campus next month.

After postponement last year due to Covid-19, 50 students from Years 5 to 12 are thrilled to finally be able to present audiences with the long-awaited show.

Director Amara Jensen described the show as a “campy, fun-loving musical” featuring a cast of unique characters well-known from cartoons, television and movies.

The Addams Family is the first major Beaconhills performing arts production for the year and features a live band and ‘spooktacular’ sets and costumes.

Ms Jensen said the group of talented young performers, musicians and technicians had worked determinedly over the past months to prepare the show.

“I never tire of working with students onstage and seeing their confidence and skill grow amidst all the laughter, excitement, and the pure joy of the performing arts,” Ms Jensen said.

The Addams Family opens on Thursday 28 April, with two more performances on Friday 29 April and Saturday 30 April.

To get your tickets, visit trybooking.com/ BXZGE

Year 11 Beaconhills student Ava Cashmore as Morticia Addams, with Year 12 student Indra Liyanaarachchi as Gomez Addams. 272821

Apply now for festival grant Applications are now open for Cardinia Shire Council’s 2022-23 festival and event grant program.

The council contributes annually to help community groups and networks support the development of healthy, active and socially connected communities.

Festival and events grants are available to not-for-profit, community-run festival and event organisers, as well as RSL clubs. Grants are made to contribute to the cost of running

local events which reflect local identity and interests.

Types of events supported through this program include community festivals and events, art festivals and events, cultural festivals and events, as well as agricultural shows and major events.

Applications for both grant programs close 5pm Thursday 31 March.

To apply, visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/feg

Author Alice Pung spoke to the students about harmony.

Harmony Day celebrates cultural diversity and aims to foster inclusiveness, respect and the idea that people of all different backgrounds can make a valuable contribution to our society.

Picture: RACHELLE MECHIELSEN

Community spirit key drives volunteers in flood relief

By Jonty Ralphsmith A Narre Warren SES volunteer has been inspired by the community spirit in flood affected communities after being deployed to towns in northern New South Wales.

Erin Crockett was deployed as a community engagement facilitator which involved door-knocking to collect data and information about how the townsfolk were going and the level of damage sustained to the towns – these details were then passed on to authorities.

The SES offered support in many towns and were the first services that many locals saw after the flood hit and Ms Crockett said the response was positive.

Ms Crockett was one of six who were assisting from the Narre Warren Unit from Tuesday 8 March until Saturday 12 March.

It was her first deployment to an emergency after having been part of the SES’ operational work in Casey for about 18 months.

“It was hard to see but at the same time, the resilience within these communities and the 18 STAR NEWS

|

Thursday, 24 March, 2022

SES volunteers were often the first officials that flood victims saw after the emergency hit. way they banded together was very memorable,” Ms Crockett said.

“They had already started their recovery process automatically, they knew who was residing on which streets and where the more vulnerable people in the community needed

additional support, already setting up mini recovery centres and information points where we could come in.”

Ms Crockett was taken back by the height of the floodwater - often up to two storeys - and was moved by the selflessness of those affected.

In one town she said there was just one working washing machine left and that resident was doing repeated loads for the whole community – those sorts of actions were commonplace throughout the region.

“It was inspiring,” she said.

“We don’t want to go in there and go undo the community bonding they have already put together.

“Our role was to work and enhance what they’ve already achieved in the recovery process within their community – they know their own community best.

“As an SES member we want to strengthen that to enhance the community spirit as much as possible through the recovery process because they’re going through such a tough time – we’re talking about stuff that nobody should have to go through.”

“The community spirit stayed, and if anything it strengthened given they were able to work together in that community and I’ll always take that away with me.” pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Vanishing act reappears

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Escaping the grips of the Covid-19 pandemic has been a battle even for home-grown magician Cosentino.

In the past two years, lockdowns and restrictions have regularly scuttled his planned tour Deception.

Last July’s eagerly-awaited show at Bunjil Place sadly vanished from the schedule.

But just like an act of conjury, the show will reappear this month – just down the road from the Hallam-based entertainer’s “office and laboratory”.

Deception features in Cosentino’s renowned magic, illusions, vanishing acts, levitations, teleportation and audience volunteers.

Nothing beats a live audience’s astonished gasps at each feat of wonder, he says, including the death-defying finale in which he escapes a manacled straitjacket beneath a looming giant axe that’s timed to strike.

“The show is visually stimulating, with all the bells and whistles.

“It’s like a blockbuster movie – fast-paced with romance, drama and humour.”

Cosentino’s tour has featured a few great escapes.

As Victoria locked down, he postponed fully-booked shows for the first time in his career.

And within 24 hours’ notice, the crew’s trucks were hurtling across the WA border just before it closed. This was followed by a gruelling stint of hotel quarantine.

It was an escape akin to stepping on hot coals and jumping through fiery hoops, Cosentino said.

“If anyone could escape, it was me,” he said.

Show-starved during Covid, audiences in WA and Queensland had a huge appetite for live entertainment.

“There’s nothing like a live show.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cosentino’s Deception tour is set to resume at Bunjil Place on 30 March. 273125 denong North, Cosentino was a shy 12-yearold who couldn’t read when introduced to a Houdini magic book from the Narre Warren library.

He was entranced by the pictures of old vaudevillian magicians and posters.

What was revealed to him was not just mag-

“If you see me seemingly read your wife’s mind, or cut your child in half – the magic is far more powerful than when you see it on TV. “The audience gasps are a beautiful feeling.

“My aim is to catch you off guard and experience that sense of wonder.”

Growing up in Endeavour Hills and Dan-

ic, but the trick of reading.

He hopes to next escape overseas, to resume his successful tours of South East Asia.

He last performed in Singapore in 2017.

Deception is at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren on Thursday 31 March. Details, bunjilplace. com.au/cosentino-deception-tour

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Surprise a friend and have the Berwick Pakenham Gazette delivered to their home each week.

can personal story Sharing your Pakexperience but be a daunting ther Wade and mo es Mil s am’ enh n that leap to help e to Simone have take and acceptanc bring awareness dren. transgender chil hopes by writing he said es Mil re he can bring mo down his story, com to the wider understanding der and identity. gen munity about st audience of mo “I feel like the just people who are newspapers are maybe not teene, chilling at hom somey could learn agers, and the said. thing new,” he ing by hop also is Mum Simone be erience, she will to e sharing her exp fort or guidanc com r offe to able same position. the in s ent other par help others,” Sim “I just want to one said. ple to know peo t wan I “And or special or unique there’s nothing nor us. We’re just a ut different about re just going abo mal family. We’ to.” our life as need are our People Miles and Simone k. in Profile this wee ir story, You can read the and 11 on pages 10 in their words

ad support a bro ted to better , In a move tou service groups community and the range of local will re-establish ncil Cou e .

Cardinia Shir tion nda Fou ia Cardin philanthropic withdraws City of Casey It comes as the Cardinia Foundation afCasey mas said the from the joint Tho l Pau ctor Dire new direction ter nine years. to approve the . board has yet m the foundation e that will transfor t that we wer men argu an “There was this will hone and thin too es spreading ourselvterritory,” he said. us in to a smaller rapid rate so wing at such a “Cardinia is gro on some significant projtrate ce in the eren we can concen diff a e can mak ects that really community.”

STORY PAGE 13

CCTV spies arcade fire

to help idenng to the public Police are appeali ed to August’s arson attack link tify offenders in Pakenham. ade Arc rt Cou on the Centre d of three inhas been release ing fires to CCTV footage sett nown offenders s. cidents of unk th East suburb Sou the in es tobacco stor of a woman erated image d.

A computer gen ase rele n e also bee and a vehicle hav es in Paks at tobacco stor The series of fire Patterson Lakes caused k and inesses. bus to enham, Deer Par age dam lion in more than $4 mil STORY PAGE 5

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12497981-NG23-21

ir letterbox.” note left in the the issue ts read it in a also brought up r to the residen dents e advised prio Ms Burnett-Wake which the resi the media wer rs, s . offe ner on said eow t some hom uisitions,” she of compensati buy a comtha to acq m life ent the is the of liam w ty has told Par uiring proper would not allo rknocking ocwere acq y her doo of the told the toll cess n s al e whe “The pro lateted that way. Thi and the emotion were not hom notified via a parable home should be trea

By Shelby Brooks the news. changing and sory curred and were instead happening. hbours found n cannot keep ing after hearing E3 cess of compul neig atio feel ir PAG pro the sult RY the le con STO whi rm of , beir homes s the lack Calls to refo n heard in the night phone call read about the the newspaper homes has bee not “They must not the “outra- out via the front page of acquisition of and they must ent, inspired by d in the media uire acq Victorian Parliam of several Pakenham East next morning. ing y is that g g about their stor geous” handlin r.

“What is shockin yea properties last nett-Wake MP Cathrine Bur Eastern Victoria

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STAR NEWS 19

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Thursday, 24 March, 2022

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WHAT’S ON Ross Noble – On The Go Ross is always on the go and will be smashing ideas together in the pursuit of fun, When it happens you can be there. The date has been rescheduled to Friday 25 March from 8pm.

Location: Bunjil Place. Get tickets via the following link: tickets.bunjilplace.com. au/6363/6364

Mexican theme Bunjil Place will be hosting a Mexican themed night on Friday 25 March from 5.30-9.30. There will be food trucks, performances, workshops and films including a Mexican wrestling presentation , taco eating competition, piñata making classes and stalls.

Free entry. For full details, click the following link: bunjilplace.com.au/global-flavour-feast-mexico

·

Tooradin Craft Bazaar The bazaar will take place at Tooradin Public Hall, Station Road, Tooradin. Admission is free and on offer will be patchwork quilts, crafts, homewares, gifts and more.

Date: Saturday 26 March from 9am-3pm.

For more information contact Dale Bell: dalebell1948@gmail.com

·

Old Gippstown Twilight Market Everyone is invited to join the fun on Saturday 26 March from 4-9pm.

It is a non-profit heritage park dedicated to preserving and displaying historically significant buildings and artefacts from around Gippsland.

The market raises funds for preservation work.

There will be over 50 stalls.

Location: 211 Lloyd Street, Moe. Entry is via a gold coin donation. For further information, call 5127 3082 or email events@ gippslandheritagepark.com.au

Head to Bunjil on Friday 25 March to get your Mexican fix.

Picture: SUPPLIED

tice each Monday during School terms at Fiddlers Green Retirement Village, 57 Gloucester Ave, Berwick from 7– 9.30pm. For further information contact Paulien on 0412 741 195.

Lively Lyrebirds Dr. Alex Maisey will be provide information about where lyrebirds can be found in Cardinia Shire, the impacts of introduced species and natural disasters on their populations and generally more about this charismatic bird! Alex will also touch on his career journey to date and there will be time for questions at the end.

This talk will be at Deep Creek Reserve on Tuesday 29 March and has been organised by the Cardinia Environmental Coalition. It is free to attend. Click the following link for tickets: eventbrite.com.au/e/cec-conversations-livelylyrebirds-tickets-290092252737

·

Voices of Casey The Voices of Casey will hold a concert on Saturday 14 May. It’s not too late to become a member of this group of singers. We are a soprano, alto, tenor and bass (SATB) choir and sing stunning songs and have a lot of fun in the process.

Why not come and see for yourself? We prac-

·

Games Club 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.

·

Line Dancing The Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club encourages you to come along for a fun morning of line dancing from 9.30am – noon each Monday at the Senior Citizens Hall – 1 Codrington St, Cranbourne. Call 0432 107 590 for more information.

New Vogue and Old Time Dance The dancing mornings run by the Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club take place from 1-3pm each Tuesday and from 7.30-11pm on the fourth Friday of every month. It takes place at the Senior

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Redgum Firewood Quality Gippsland Redgum: $450m3, Stringy Bark: $350m3, Mixed: $400m3 Delivered. 0403 124 605 V

PROPOSAL TO LEASE Council land Seeking input on the proposal to lease 5-7 Main Street Pakenham

For more information and to provide feedback please visit www.cardinia.vic.gov. au/haveyoursay, or contact Youth Services on 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Massage Therapists

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

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Bingo The Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club host Bingo from 11am-2pm every Thursday at the Cranbourne Senior Citizens Hall. Call 0432 107 590 for more information.

Green Living Festival Come along to this FREE event and learn all about sustainable living in Casey! With over 20 stallholders and entertainment-focused on environmentally friendly products and services, kick start your green living journey. Attendees will have the opportunity to test drive a Hyundai electric car and get up close with reptiles and there will also be a native plant giveaway, kitchen caddy giveaway, advice on making your home energy-efficient and more.

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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

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The event will feature local historic displays, traditional trades and craft demonstrations, food stalls, vocalists, dancers, landcare, vintage cars and machinery and more. Entry costs $10 for adults, $5 for concession and $25 for a family of two adults and two children. People are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite local historic character.

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Come along to Berwick Fields Primary School on Sunday 3 April to browse through up to 65 stalls of baby and children’s items. Everything from clothing, books, toys and nursery items will be on offer, with a coffee van for the big kids.

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Each Saturday and Wednesday from 12.45-3pm, the Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club host carpet bowls at the Senior Citizens Hall in Cranbourne.

Call 0432 107 590 for more information.

Location: Bunjil Place, Narre Warren. Time: Saturday 2 April from 10am-3pm.

Employment

12542183-HC12-22

Cardinia Shire Council is currently considering a proposal to lease 5-7 Main Street Pakenham to Anchor for the purposes of constructing an Education and Employment Youth Foyer facility with 20 onsite accommodation units.

As part of a funding submission to Homes Victoria and Department Families Fairness Housing, Council is considering a 20-year lease with an option for an additional 10 years, at a value reduced from market in lieu of the significant community benefit and Anchor’s not-for-profit status. Council is seeking feedback on this proposal which will be considered before a decision is made at the June 20 Council meeting. Submissions will close April 25 2022.

Carpet Bowls:

Please contact Brenda on 0435 923 662

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Thursday, 24 March, 2022

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STAR NEWS 21

SPORT

Warriors showcase talent

By David Nagel The Pakenham Warriors are off to a fast start in the Big V Division Two Men’s competition after an 80-74 victory on the road at Craigieburn.

The Warriors were outplayed in the opening stanza, trailing 22-18, but adjusted well under coach Rob Roberts to take a 42-40 lead at half time.

The Warriors slightly had the better of a tough and tense third stanza before finishing strongly with a 19-16 final term.

There were two main scoring options for the Warriors, with Joe Davis putting an early stamp on the season, scoring 30 points, while Josh Dow began his campaign in solid fashion with a double-double – with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Dow hit the boards impressively at the defensive end of the court, dragging in nine rebounds to deny the Eagles dangerous offensive weapons, led by Wol Ngong and Cal Jazmin.

The Warriors starting five of Davis, Dow, Josh Norton, Trent Lee and Nathan Dodgson combined well, while important minutes off the bench from Elias Kafrouni and Jake Spruhan played a role in the final wash up.

Spruhan grabbed seven boards, including five defensive rebounds, to give great support to Dow. Kafrouni had two looks at the net…and swished both.

After their impressive victory, the Warriors head west again this Sunday to take on Altona,

the early pace-setters after clean-sweeping a double-header against Wallan (67-61) and Melton (94-76) on the weekend.

After round one, the Warriors men’s side sits sixth on the table.

The Warriors women’s team has been promoted to the powerful Championship Women’s competition and the challenges that exist will be plainly obvious to the team after a 79-55 loss to McKinnon.

The Warriors came out humming, leading 19-18 at the quarter time but fell away quickly in the second term.

McKinnon lifted its defensive rating, holding the Warriors to just 10 points in the second stanza while piling on 22 points of its own.

The Warriors battled hard from that point forward, but were always behind the eightball.

On a tough night at the office, a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double from Deanna Jolliffe was the individual highlight for Pakenham, while 11 points from limited court time for Christine Stiglich was a positive sign moving forward.

The Warriors have a double-header this weekend, travelling to Sunbury on Saturday night before backing up with their first homecourt appearance against Hume.

Sunday tip-off at Cardinia Life takes place at 1pm.

The Warriors Youth League One Women’s team has started its season in devastating form with a 103-30 thrashing of Sherbrooke.

The Warriors were totally dominant, particularly in the second and fourth terms, scoring a combined 57 to 8 across those two periods of play.

In a great team effort, every player on the Warriors roster scored points, with Alahna Arnason (19 points, 18 rebounds) and Cate Zemunik (17 points, 10 rebounds) returning double-doubles in a great start to their seasons.

Hannah Wilder was also impressive with five assists.

And Pakenham’s Youth League Two men’s team completed a competitive weekend for the Warriors with an 87-65 win over Western Port.

The Warriors trailed by two at half-time, 39-37, before unleashing a devastating second half performance.

With Jackson Grey (23 points, 8 rebounds) and Jarred Small (14 points) in great form, the Warriors scored 50-26 after the half-time interval to race away with the contest.

FIXTURE CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN Sunbury v Pakenham – Saturday 6pm Pakenham v Hume – (Cardinia Life) Sunday 1pm DIVISION TWO MEN Altona v Pakenham – Sunday 1pm YOUTH LEAGUE ONE WOMEN Frankston v Pakenham – Saturday 5.30pm YOUTH LEAGUE TWO MEN Wallan v Pakenham – Sunday 3pm

· · · · ·

Tarryn Wilkin scored 10 points for the Warriors in an opening round loss to McKinnon. 236624 Picture: ROB CAREW

Sash Saric bags hat-trick as Pakenham United runs riot

By David Nagel Pakenham United sits loudly and proudly at the top of the Men’s State League 5 South ladder after a season-opening 5-0 thumping of Rosebud at IYU Reserve in Pakenham.

A scintillating hat-trick from former NPL player Sash Saric highlighted United’s dominant display, which showed signs of igniting in the first half before properly exploding after half time.

Saric put his first in the back of the net after 27 minutes, giving the home side a tenuous, but positive, 1-0 lead at the break.

Rosebud tightened things up at the start of the second half, not conceding a second goal until the 65th minute, but then all hell broke loose.

Saric secured his double with a glorious strike, then a minute later repeated the dose to put this hat-trick on the board and give United a 3-0 lead.

Saric was substituted with 16 minutes left to play but it didn’t stop Pakenham from continuing its rampage.

Patrick Flomo struck in the 79th minute before former junior Nickhil Kumar finished off the job with his first senior goal with five minutes left of regulation time.

Simon Johnstone-Robertson was a star for Pakenham on the weekend, while exciting 15-year-old prospect Mohamed Kargbo really impressed after coming on late for Saric.

And while the scoreline looked impressive, it could have been a lot tighter if not for the outstanding effort of goal-keeper Harry Wightman, who made several key saves.

United president Chris Gomez said it was exciting to see some new players at the club really delivering under new manager Liam McCafferty.

“We have quite a few new players, some good quality players who are buying in to what Liam wants to do and there’s a really good buzz around the club at the moment,” Gomez said.

“We’ve had a great pre-season, and hopefully an undisturbed season this year which is good, and people are just happy to back on the pitch, playing football again, and people are putting their hand up to volunteer.”

Gomez said the size of the win, and style of football, had everyone at the club excited.

22 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 24 March, 2022

Youngster Nickhil Kumar is swarmed by teammates after scoring his first-ever senior goal for Pakenham United. 273235 “The feeling around the place was absolutely amazing,” he said.

“We put on some food a few soft drinks for the players after the game and the place was just buzzing.

“We had some friendly games here on Sunday and the players were still buzzing and talking about how good the atmosphere was and how well they played.

“We’re building a strong culture, both through our juniors and seniors, and there’s a great feeling around the place right now.”

Gomez also extends an open invitation to the community of Pakenham to come down and support their local club.

“We’re a friendly club who welcomes anyone to come down and enjoy our hospitality,” Gomez said.

“We have a canteen and bar, so it’s a great

afternoon in a very friendly environment.”

Pakenham returns to IYU Reserve this Saturday to take on White Star Dandenong, who suffered an entertaining 2-3 loss to Mentone on Saturday.

The game kicks off at 3pm.

MEN’S STATE LEAGUE 5 SOUTH RESULTS – ROUND 1 White Star Dandenong 2 v Mentone 3, Barton United 1 v Hampton Park 0, Bunyip 5 v Endeavour Hills 1, South East United 0 v Mt Martha 0, Pakenham United 5 v Rosebud 0, Casey Panthers 0 v Aspendale 2.

FIXTURE – ROUND 2 Barton United v Mt Martha, Pakenham v White Star Dandenong, Hampton Park v Casey Panthers, Mentone v Bunyip, Endeavour Hills v Aspendale, Rosebud v South East United.

Pictures: ROB CAREW

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Pakenham United striker Sash Saric started the season with a bang, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Rosebud. 273235 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Bullants dream big

By David Nagel Officer will look to break back into the top flight of West Gippsland cricket for the first time in a decade when the Bullants take on Upper Beaconsfield in the District Division decider at Officer on Saturday.

The Bullants haven’t been seen in the elite Premier Division since 2011/12, when a winless season saw them relegated back to District Division. The Bullants took a while to rebuild from that savage blow, but have been knocking on the door in recent years and are now primed to take the next step.

Officer has been so consistent in recent seasons, losing a grand final in 2015, semi-finals in 2017 and ’19 and were knocked out at the preliminary final stage by Devon Meadows last year.

Throw in a Covid-impacted 2020 final series - where the Bullants won their semi-final against Carlisle Park…but were then beaten

by Upper Beaconsfield without a ball being bowled in the big dance…due to a lower ladder position – and you can imagine the hunger that exists within the club to finally make the climb.

The Bullants finished on top with a 10 win three loss and one draw record, and progressed straight through to the big dance after a heart-stopping major semi-final win over Devon Meadows.

Jonty Bennie, Cooper Pursell and Leigh Boyle contained the Panthers to a modest 9/87…but the Bullants crawled their way to victory with just one-wicket in hand.

This week’s grand final opponent, Upper Beaconsfield, finished fourth on the ladder and has progressed to the biggest day of the season after strong wins over Pakenham Upper/Toomuc and Devon Meadows.

The Bullants have been super-consistent with both bat and ball this season, with Ash Smith (330), Jack James (275), Nick McLennan (267), Brett Monagle (214) and Aiden Pipicelli (174) scoring over 150 runs, while Bennie (26 wickets), Pursell (23), Boyle (16), Pipicelli (13) and Smith (12) have been the mainstays with the ball.

But the Bullants will need to be at the top of

Jonty Bennie has taken 26 wickets for the season and looms as a key player for Officer in Saturday’s WGCA District Division grand final against Upper Beaconsfield. 271935 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS their game – because the Maroons have some dangerous weapons of their own.

Will Haines (418) and Taylor Joyce (411) have cracked the 400-run barrier, while Daniel Brennan (253), Corey Joyce (243) and Tom Taylor (179) have all played key roles at certain stages of the season.

And the Maroons…well they have Scott Pitcher!

Pitcher, or ‘Scooter’ to his mates, has been one of the best leg-spinners to play in the

WGCA over the last two decades.

Pitcher has taken 23 wickets for the season and looms as a key obstacle for the Bullants to overcome if they are to lift this season’s flag.

Brennan (15 wickets), Jayden Joyce (13), Andy McDonald (13) and Haines (10) are others to keep an eye out for on the weekend.

But the Bullants will be too strong…they’ll progress to the elite level of the WGCA for the first time in a decade with a three-wicket or 30run win.

BDTA stars take one more step to glory Beaconsfield Blue and Harkaway will hit the court this Saturday morning hoping to claim the much-coveted Osborne Shield after big semi-final wins on the weekend.

All grand finals will be played in the Berwick District Tennis Association (BDTA) this week, and out Star News cameras will be on hand to capture all the action.

We wish all players the best of luck as they chase grand final glory.

SATURDAY Osborne Shield Beaconsfield Blue 3 6:38 v Narre Warren 0 0:19, Beaconsfield Green 1 3:29 v Harkaway 2 4:34.

Rubbers 1 Berwick Blue 3 6:47 v Berwick White 0 2:37, Harkaway 2 4:33 v Narre Warren 0 1:24.

Rubbers 2 Cranbourne 3 6:41v Berwick 0 1:24, Drouin 1 4:41 v Bunyip 2 5:46.

Rubbers 3 Harkaway 2 4:34 v Berwick 1 3:30, Officer 0 2:33 v Pakenham 3 6:46.

Rubbers 4 Officer 3 6:36 v Pakenham 0 0:12, Cranbourne 1 3:31 v Beaconsfield Red 2 4:39.

Rubbers 5 Pakenham 3 6:36 v Bunyip Red 0 0:10, Officer 2 4:26 v Beaconsfield 1 2:24.

Section 1 Narre Warren North 8:48 v Berwick 0:16, Sandhurst 7:47 v Harkaway 1:27.

Section 2 Beaconhills (Pak) 7:45 v Narre Warren, Berwick Blue 5:42 v Berwick White 3:37.

Section 3 Cranbourne Blue 7:44 v Narre Warren 1:21, Narre Warren North 4:41 v Pakenham 3:33.

Section 4 Narre Warren 4:37 v Pakenham 4:33, Upper

· · · · · ·

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

The race for a place in the South West Gippsland Darts League finals series is really heating up after fourth-placed Rebels lowered its colours to competition front-runners Just Social.

The Rebels went down 10-5 to Socials and now find themselves just one game clear of a growing chasing pack.

The big improver was Middels, who won 10-5 over Gembrook to join the Brookers and Warriors in the group that now sits just one game outside the four.

The Warriors…well luck just continues to allude them.

For the fourth time in just six games the Warriors lost 7-8, this time to the Snipers.

With an ounce of luck, they could be sitting in one of the top-two places on the ladder.

In the final game this week Paky One continued its solid form, winning 10-5 over the Mud Rats to consolidate third place on the ladder.

There were some great darts played in round six, with Dean (Snipers) and Thom (Rebels) both throwing 180’s, and Aaron from the Snipers pegging out with a 101 finish.

Most tons on the night were thrown

by Aaron (7), Dean (5), Troy (Just Social) and Thom (4).

LADDER R6 W L F A % PTS Just Social 6 0 63 27 233.33 24 Snipers 5 1 52 38 136.84 20 Paky One 4 2 56 34 164.71 16 Rebels 3 3 45 45 100.00 12 Warriors 2 4 48 42 114.29 8 Gembrook 2 4 34 56 60.71 8 Middels 2 4 28 62 45.16 8 Mud Rats 0 6 34 56 60.71 0 Round 6 Results Paky One 10 def Mud Rats 5, Snipers 8 def Warriors 7, Middels 10 def Gembrook 5, Just Social 10 def Rebels 5.

Next Two Rounds Round 7 – Tuesday, 22 March, 7.30pm Mud Rats v Just Social (Cardinia Club), Middels v Warriors (Middels Restaurant - Drouin), Snipers v Gembrook (Cardinia Club), Rebels v Paky One (Railway Hotel – Warragul).

Round 8 – Tuesday, 29 March, 7.30pm Just Social v Paky One (Kooweerup Hotel), Gembrook v Warriors (Cardinia Club), Middels v Snipers (Middels Restaurant – Drouin), Mud Rats v Rebels (Cardinia Club).

Season Bests Most Tons 38 – Dean (Snipers), 30 – Aaron (Snipers), 27 – Thom (Rebels), 27 – Troy (Just Social), 24 – Terry (Just Social), 22 – Noel (Paky One).

180’s Troy, Liam, Shane, Aaron, Ant (2), Thom (x2), Dean.

100+ Peg Outs 158 – Pez (Just Social), 151 – Thom (Rebels), 121 – Ant (Warriors), 117 – Shane (Paky One), 117 – Glenn (Middels), 101 – Nugget (Gembrook), Aaron (101).

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By David Nagel

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Rebels yell

The stage is set for a huge grand final weekend in the Berwick District Tennis Association (BDTA) Picture: ROB CAREW after some great games were fought out in the semi-finals. 258775 Beaconsfield 3:23 v Beaconhills (Pak) 5:37.

Section 5 Cranbourne 7:46 v Clyde 1:22, Narre Warren North 6:40 v Berwick White 2:27.

Section 6 Narre Warren South 4:28 v Cranbourne 4:33, Berwick White 4:39 v Beaconsfield 4:40.

Section 7 Cranbourne 7:46 v Narre Warren 1:23, Clyde 5:43 v Narre Warren North 3:29.

Section 8 Officer 5:39 v Upper Beaconsfield 3:33, Lang Lang 5:40 v Fountain Gate 3:28.

SUNDAY Section 9 Narre Warren 8:49 v Beaconhills (Pak) 0:19, Beaconsfield 5:39 v Berwick 3:32.

Section 10 Berwick 6:41 v Officer 2:25, Tooradin 5:39 v Pakenham 3:35.

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Section 11 Berwick Blue 8:49 v Pakenham 0:8, Cranbourne 5:37 v Berwick White 3:30.

Section 12 Officer Blue v Officer White (Not played yet), Cranbourne 3:34 v Berwick 5:41.

Section 13 Narre Warren 6:46 - 2:25 Berwick White 2:25, Sandhurst 3:33 - 5:41 Berwick Blue 5:41 Section 14-Doubles Clyde 5:33 v Narre Warren South 1:15, Narre Warren 4:30 v Berwick 2:19.

Section 15-Doubles Upper Beaconsfield 6:36 v Berwick 0:14, Narre Warren 3:28 v Gloucester 3:23.

Section 16-Doubles (4 team section) Preliminary Final Tooradin 4:32 v Narre Warren South 2:24, Officer defeated Sandhurst (Results not available).`

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Dean from the Snipers and Thom from the Rebels both threw 180’s in round six of the South West Gippsland Darts Picture: SUPPLIED League. 273182 Thursday, 24 March, 2022

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STAR NEWS 23

ST BRIGID’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL A school where your child is known

ENROLMENTS OPEN SOON FOR 2023 Come along to collect your enrolment pack Schools Tours Are Back COME AND VISIT OUR:

Tuesday 5th April 2022 Friday 29th April 2022 9:15-10:45am Bookings are not necessary.

Brand new buildings Amazing modern facilities Great open spaces School garden with chickens Quality sporting facilities Great playgrounds We look forward to welcoming you

For more information: Phone: (03) 5943 2447 Web: www.stbofficer.catholic.edu.au Email: office@stbofficer.catholic.edu.au 24 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 24 March, 2022

12542149-SN12-22

OPEN DAYS

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