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Beaconhills celebrates 40 years
Stepping out to prevent suicide
Huge sigh of relief by Lions
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Say goodbye to the potholes
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Kooweerup Secondary College is one of Cardinia Shire’s schools to receive funding from the Victorian Budget 2022-23. Officer Specialist School will receive $3.72 million to deliver upgrade works. “There’s a limited amount of land and we’re getting as much value for money as we can,” Ms Shing said. “They’ve got about 300 students there but they will just continue to grow in the same way every other part of this area is growing. “It’s about making sure we’re taking care of everyone in the community the budget is all about special development education to make sure every single specialist school across the state have now received a rebuild or an upgrade.” Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said she would always advocate for education in her electorate. “I am incredibly pleased we have announced $856,500 for Pakenham Lakeside Primary School for drainage works and Koowe-
erup Secondary receives $498,900 to upgrade their amenities,” she said. A Pakenham road and Emerald tourism attraction are the other winners in the state budget for the Cardinia Shire. An allocation of $7.70 million will be spent to seal Ryan Road in Pakenham to support access to the new Pakenham East station without the need to detour through local streets. An estimated investment of $8.3 million is being allocated to support the operation of the Emerald Tourist Railway, including the implementation of the Puffing Billy Master Plan. However, the state budget did not include an upgrade of Beaconsfield Railway Station, leaving Beaconsfield commuters “out in the cold”, according to Liberal Gembrook MP Brad Battin. Mr Battin said it has been four years since Liberal’s election commitment in 2018, which
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has not been matched by Labor. “If a Labor Member of Parliament actually lived in Casey or Cardinia, they would understand why we need urgent upgrades like the Beaconsfield Railway Station,” he said. Labor Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing was quick to shutdown Mr Battin’s criticism. “There’s $24.6M on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines for accessibility upgrades at 14 stations including Beaconsfield,” she said. “It shows that he can’t read a budget.” “Separately we’re removing Station Street and Brunt Road level crossing at Beaconsfield which will include accessibility upgrades to make it easier for people with disabilities or people with limited mobility to get to where they need to go. Site investigations will kick off in the coming months and construction will be done by 2025.”
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Improving education, tourism and transport are the main focus areas for Cardinia in the Victorian Budget 2022-23, with two new schools on the way as well as an upgrade to Pakenham’s Ryan Road and the Emerald Tourist Railway. Land will be acquired for a new primary school in Pakenham’s north west, part of an investment of $236.7 million for 15 new school sites across the state, while Officer Brunt Road Primary School (interim name) is one of 13 schools being built to open by 2024. When complete, Officer Brunt Road Primary School will welcome 650 students to support the growing South East. Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing said the new primary schools would ensure Pakenham and Officer students have access to a great education close to home. “You can’t get a first-rate education in a second-rate classroom – this new school will be critical for young families in Pakenham who are embarking on their educational journey,” she said. Three existing schools within the shire will also see improvements. Pakenham Lakeside Primary School will undergo a $856,500 upgrade to improve drainage across the eastern end of the school site, including replacing storm water pipes and pits. Ms Shing said the acquired land will need to be the right size and in the right location to meet the needs of the community. “We also need to plan for future growth and enrolment, so getting it right from the start is a big part of what we’ll be doing in the coming months and working alongside the council and the community,” she said. Kooweerup Secondary College will have its student toilets upgraded at a cost of $498,900. The student toilets on the top floor of Block A and adjacent to the gym will be renovated to improve amenity, cleanliness and hygiene.
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Pakenham CWA president Heather Kleesh raising money for the cause. 278561
Cardinia councillor Brett Owen took part.
Pakenham CWA secretary Vicky Birch and Cardinia Shire councillor Carol Ryan begin the walk. 278561
CWA steps out for Carol By Jamie Salter Murdered Pakenham community stalwart Carol Clay has been honoured by her CWA friends at an annual Women Walk the World event. The ladies of the Pakenham CWA branch, along with Cardinia Shire councillors, proudly walked around Lakeside on Friday 29 April in Ms Clay’s memory. Ms Clay was a long time Pakenham CWA member, who served as branch president and state president before she and camping partner Russell Hill went missing in 2020. Sadly, Ms Clay and Mr Hill’s remains were found in Victoria’s high country in February 2022. Pakenham CWA members have participated in the worldwide Associated Country Woman of the World’s (ACWW) international network event for more than 10 years. The walk aims to raise awareness for ACWW projects in developing countries that address climate smart agriculture as well as rural women’s health and education. On the second walk the group held, Ms Clay walked around the lake with a bucket filled with a small quantity of water in recognition of women who have to walk long distances to access fresh water. Current Pakenham CWA branch secretary Vicky Birch said the sub-branch decided to honour the memory of Ms Clay by repeating her actions all those years ago. “It’s one way of us showing just how much she did do in the community and statewide for CWA,“ she said. “We actually attended her memorial recently and there was a number of organisations she was involved with, not just the CWA.
Murdered Pakenham CWA stalwart Carol Clay.
Pakenham CWA and community members taking part in the Women Walk the World event. 278561 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS
“We miss her terribly and this was a way to express our appreciation of what she’s done.“ Cardinia Shire councillors Graeme Moore, Carol Ryan and Brett Owen also took part in the walk on Friday.
“We’ve come to support Carol Clay and what she did for the community which was nothing short of sensational,“ Cr Moore said. He said the walk also helped to raise awareness for the conditions in third world countries.
“We are privileged here and we think it’s a God given right, but overseas they’re subject to carrying buckets of water home, so this is to create awareness and extend our minds out to other countries.“
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Say goodbye to potholes The southern end of Healesville-Kooweerup Road between Ellett and Manks roads will be resurfaced this month. It comes after crews finished resurfacing the north section of Healesville-Kooweerup Road between Livestock Way and Ellett Road in March. To carry out these works, maintain worker safety and minimise traffic delays – sections of Healesville-Kooweerup Road will be closed during the night. The road closure will be between Ballarto and Manks roads on Thursday 5 May and between Princes Freeway and Ballarto Road on Sunday 8 May and Monday 9 May. Works will be completed in sections to minimise disruptions and lower delay times for the local community. Other upcoming works on the HealesvilleKooweerup Road Upgrade include the continued installation of long-term construction barriers between Ellett and Manks roads from late April to mid-May.
At the northern section of the upgrade, crews are starting early works at the Hall Road intersection this month. This will involve relocating the light poles, installing temporary traffic lights, and asphalting and line marking works at the intersection. Works scheduled to take place during the closure of Healesville-Kooweerup Road are designed to minimise prolonged traffic impacts for residents and the wider community. Detours will be in place during these closures and access to local properties and businesses will be maintained at all times. Traffic controllers will be in place to guide local traffic through. Major construction is expected to commence on Healesville-Kooweerup Road by mid-year. Crews have been on-site since mid-2021 locating utility services and site investigations to better understand ground conditions. The Healesville-Kooweerup Road Upgrade is expected to be completed by 2025.
Crews will reseal the southern end of Healesville-Kooweerup Road this month.
Community helps celebrate 40 years of Beaconhills On Saturday 30 April, the Beaconhills College community came together to celebrate 40 years since the opening of the Pakenham campus. The day was a huge success with around 650 past, present and future families attending student-led tours at both Pakenham and Berwick campuses. An archival display showcasing a historical timeline, photographs and memorabilia from the early years of the College was unveiled, and a host of special events included a founders’ lunch, 40th anniversary celebration and thanksgiving church service. Executive principal Stephen McGinley was thrilled with the day’s events. “Open Day this year was with a difference,“ he said. “Being joined by our founding staff, former principals, governors, families and students, we were able to celebrate and pass on our gratitude for the incredible contribution these people have made in establishing a school that we enjoy today. “We owe so much to these special members of our community and it was wonderful to spend time together remembering our proud history.”
Executive principal Stephen McGinley, former headmaster Tony Sheumack, former headmaster Rick Tudor and founding principal Frank Millet. Pictures: SUPPLIED
College archivist and historian John Waterhouse at the archival exhibition with foundation student Michelle Traynor.
Past, present and future families celebrated 40 years of Beaconhills in Pakenham.
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Community houses crucial By Marcus Uhe You may not have accessed their services personally, or you may know them as community hubs, learning centres or neighbourhood centres. But they all identify as Neighbourhood Houses, assisting in providing crucial advocacy, advisory, support services and connection opportunities across their 400 Victorian locations and 1000 across the country. There’s every chance that somewhere, at some point, you have felt the benefits of a local Neighbourhood House; their lobbying may have accelerated the development of a local road, a law change, or a friend of colleague may have benefited from their advisory services throughout their journey. So during the week of May 9 to 15, take a moment to appreciate their hard work through Neighbourhood House week. The City of Casey has 14 such facilities, including the Balla Balla Community Centre in Cranbourne East. Balla Balla centre manager Maree Cullinan has been at the facility since its inception in 2007 and said no two houses were the same when it comes to their advocacy and tireless work in establishing connections throughout the community. “Each house is unique to the community it services,” Ms Cullinan said. “If there was something that came to them from the community that required advocacy support, we would certainly advocate on their behalf, to whoever necessary. It may be the local member, the council, the State Government. “Where it does require us to support them, with advocacy, we will do that.” Current advocacy projects include contacting local Federal MPs about cost of living pressures ahead of this month’s election. In 2021, the centres in Dandenong were
Maree Cullinan with Lelti and Jillian. 279297
Lauren and Maree (back) with the walking group Grace, Bernadette, Des, Rosemary and Huib from Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Balla Balla. 279297 critical in helping to settle Afghan refugees following the Taliban’s takeover of their country in August including assisting with facilitating English language classes. The theme of this year’s Neighbourhood House Week is Building resilience by bringing people together. On Tuesday 10 May, Balla Balla will host a High Tea to recognise the significance of the week and re-establish social connections. Ms Cullinan believes the ability to bring people together and foster networks throughout local communities are one of the biggest strengths of Neighbourhood houses, particularly coming off a period where a lot of us experienced isolation as a result of the pandemic. Importantly, what constitutes a community for one person will be different for other people, but that shouldn’t diminish their importance. Whether you’re into basketball, video games, cooking, sewing, a neighbourhood
house will endeavour to show that there is a network for you, according to Ms Cullinan. “To really be connected in a community, you need a network. It makes you feel like you belong. “It could be at work, you have a work network, in the community you can have a network with all different things. It could be through a program at a neighborhood house, it could be that you have a coffee or tea with them in a social setting. “It’s about building that network and making people feel that they belong.” The most important step, however, is being prepared to reach-out and explore what programs are on offer. “I think they’ve just got to walk in the door, and sometimes that’s the hardest thing but it’ll be the best door that they walk through,” Ms Cullinun said. “That may be that they return to work, because for whatever reason they have not been
Maree Cullinan (centre) with Saba and Connie at Balla Balla Community Centre. 279297 in work. It may be that they return to study, again, we could be part of the answer to that, because some Neighbourhood Houses have accredited and pre-accredited training, so we can connect them with those houses, depending on what they wanted to do. “The rest will just happen organically, because that’s what we do; we pick people up where they are and go along the journey. “We are open to everyone, it doesn’t matter about gender, age cultural background, any of that stuff.” To learn more about what Neighbourhood houses exist in the City of Casey and what they can do to help you, head to caseyconnectlearn. com.au/ For more on Neighbourhood House Week, head to nhvic.org.au/nhw To book a place at the High Tea at Balla Balla, call the centre on 5990 0900 or go to ballaballa.com.au/event/3084/
Minister hits back at Casey’s cost-shifting claims By Eleanor Wilson Local Government Minister Shaun Leane has hit back at claims the State Government is not pulling its weight when it comes to local government shared funding areas. In a statement to Star News, Mr Leane said Casey Council had received more than $40 million funding from Local Government Victoria (LGV) since 2015 to deliver community centres, kindergartens and sporting facilities among other projects. He said the council received an additional $1.37 million in Covid support from the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions between 2020-2022 and pointed to a recent report by the Victorian Auditor’s General Office which found councils were in sound financial position with low debt levels, despite the impact of Covid-19.
It comes after Casey Council claimed the State Government was lagging in key funding areas such as school crossings and child health immunisation programs. Last month, The Age reported a series of cost-shifting claims by local governments, who said they were being burdened with off-loaded costs from the State Government and could no longer afford to uphold key local services such as libraries and swimming pools. The cost shifting concerns were shared by independent advisory body, Infrastructure Victoria, which urged the State Government to invest in added funding for local councils in key growth areas, including Casey. While City of Casey told Star News it could not determine a discernible upward or downward trend in state funding for shared
projects, it revealed it does face funding challenges across some services. Casey Council said over the last four years it had received an average of 41 per cent funding from the State Government for the provision of school crossing services. “Over the last four years Council has received approximately 41 per cent in 2018-’19, to 38 per cent in 2019-’20, to 45 per cent in 2020-’21, to now 40 per cent in 2021-’22,” Ms Duff said. Ms Duff also named child health services as an area of financial concern, revealing state funding for child immunisation services had not kept pace with the cost of delivering the service to a growing municipality. “Immunisation delivered by Council as part of its child health services costs Council approximately $535,000 (2021-’22) to deliver
84 public infant immunisation sessions, targeted child catch-up programs to newly arrived residents and attending 29 secondary schools,” Ms Duff said. “The State Government currently funds around $150,000 towards the cost of this service.” In 2019, Casey Council wrote to the Minister for Health in an attempt to improve immunisation subsidy payments for local government immunisation programs. In response, Mr Leane’s office said the state provided subsidies to local government for child vaccinations to ensure growth in demand could be supported. It added the City of Casey also recently received an additional $42,000 to help improve vaccination rates among recent international arrivals, including those fleeing Afghanistan.
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Prayers for Hazara fallen By Cam Lucadou-Wells By candlelight, hundreds gathered to remember victims of recent atrocities in Afghanistan. Families in Greater Dandenong and Casey were among the mourners at the vigil in Harmony Square, Dandenong on Sunday 24 April. They grieved for more than 100 – many of them children - killed in recent terrorist attacks at two schools in Kabul on 19 April, followed by further deadly attacks on two mosques. The murders were labelled as part of a continuing genocide of Hazara and Shia Muslim minorities under a “terrorist” Taliban regime. Co-organiser Hayat Rahimi called for the Australian Government to recognise the “Hazara genocide” as many loved ones remain trapped in Afghanistan. “Attacks on our schools, hospitals, mosques and individuals have been constant, targeted and systematic. “Unfortunately, under the previous governments and now under the Taliban rule, we have been discriminated against.” Mr Rahimi called for the Australian Government to speed up processing partner and family visas for evacuees, and to grant permanent residency for Hazara asylum seekers in Australia. Many are languishing for years on temporary protection visas, restricted from work, income and family reunions. “Members of our community are hardworking, many of them have set up their own businesses, and contribute to the social, economic, and culture of the Australian society.” In support were speakers including Afghanistan and refugee advocates, Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti and federal election candidates. Councillors Tim Dark and Rhonda Garad also attended.
Signs of solidarity at the vigil in Harmony Square, Dandenong. Bruce Labor MP Julian Hill condemned the “blatant” targeted attacks on minorities by “extreme, radical elements”. “They have not been condemned by the Taliban – the purported government,” he noted. “These (acts) are not political statements, they are targeted and systemic acts of murder. “It’s even more appalling that it’s been done in the name of religion.” He read an email from a man trapped in Afghanistan, who feared for his and his family’s life.
He had been sponsored for a partner visa to join his fiance in Dandenong. The Australian Government had not responded to his application for a humanitarian visa, Mr Hill said. Bruce Greens candidate Matthew Kirwan said he stood in “solidarity” with the audience. “This murderous attack this week is unfortunately but another sad chapter in the continued genocide of the Hazara people over the last century and a half”. He told of buying a painting from an exhibition of Hazara student artists. “(It is) a reminder of the unjust world we
Co-organiser Hayat Rahimi at the candlelight vigil. live in but also a reminder that Australia has failed you as a good global citizen and is neither speaking up strongly enough against this continual genocide nor welcoming with open arms the Hazara people that seek refuge here.” But it also reminded him of the Hazara community’s “strength, courage and resilience”. In an audio message, Bruce Liberal candidate James Moody criticised the “most cowardly and dastardly attacks” that claimed “the most innocent amongst us – our children”. “Please stay together tonight, please remember the fallen and may God bless you all.”
Comanchero bikie boss charged with 2019 murder By Cam Lucadou-Wells A boss of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang has been arrested and charged with murder over the fatal shooting of Mitat Rasimi in Dandenong in 2019. Homicide Squad detectives arrested Mick Murray, 44, of Lysterfield South, who is the Comanchero national president, at his home shortly after 5am on Thursday 28 April. He appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that morning, and was remanded to appear again in court on 18 August. Police also arrested a 32-year-old Hallam man at his home about 5am. He was released without charge. Nitro Gym in Hallam - which was allegedly linked to Mr Murray - was also raided by police just after 7am. A computer was among the items seized, police said. Mr Murray is the third man charged with Mr Rasimi’s murder. In November 2019, police charged a
A Ford Ranger ute found dumped in Bangholme soon after the shooting. Picture: VICTORIA POLICE 27-year-old Hampton Park man with murder. A 29-year-old Endeavour Hills man was also charged with murder in February 2020. The pair were remanded and remain in custody.
Mr Rasimi, 51, was found dead with gunshot wounds inside his car, which crashed into a pole in Dawn Avenue on 3 March, 2019, police said. An orange Ford Ranger ute, allegedly linked to the shooting, was found at McMahens Road in Bangholme 30 minutes later. Victoria Police’s assistant commissioner Bob Hill said the most recent arrest was “one of the most significant“ by Victoria Police in recent years. He said the police had been making “serious inroads in tackling organised crime“, arresting key figures in “high-level and sophisticated” syndicates. The latest arrests were a direct result of “an incredible amount of work” by investigators from Crime Command, and particularly the Homicide Squad. “Some individuals and criminal groups think they can operate above the law – time and time again they are proven wrong. “They may be able to avoid law enforce-
ment for a period but it is only a matter of time before they face their day of judgement. “We will continue to create a hostile environment for these serious and organised crime groups.” Asst Comm Hill gave a message to those arrested to “think about those misguided loyalties”. “It is time to redeem yourself. Your future might be quite different if you were to come out and assist Victoria Police. “It is not too late.” Police were trying to give justice and some closure to Mr Rasimi’s family, Asst Comm Hill said. “I don’t think we can deliver a grieving family relief. They have lost a loved one and they still mourn.” Any information to the ongoing investigation to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
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Goods stolen Police are seeking a man over $30,000-plus of electronics stolen from a Mulgrave business. The electronics business on Dunlop Road was allegedly targeted twice by the man in a white sedan in two days in late April. Police allege the same man stole more than $30,000 worth of stock and left in the same vehicle about 4.20am on Anzac Day, 25 April. Some of the stolen property was later located on the side of Pound Road, Narre Warren, police say. The man is described as Caucasian, with a medium build and wearing a blue cap, black jacket, dark-coloured trousers, spectacles and face mask. Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
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Police Operation Compass, targeting poor behaviour on our roads and dangerous driving across the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, produced alarming numbers across the South East, including 770 traffic offences in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia. Some of our readers weren’t as suprised as the police. Tony Bunce: I don’t know why police are always “surprised”, “alarmed“, etc when almost every resident knows what is happen-
ing on the streets. Paul Huver: Police only target the poorer areas... never see one person get targeted in North Caulfield or East St Kilda ever. Jason Wood will be at the top of the ballot when La Trobe voters head to the polls in the upcoming Federal Election, securing him the critical donkey vote, in which voters list their preferences in order of the ballot they are presented. Our readers were split on whether this would be an advantage for him.
Jane Batchelor: It won’t make a difference, he will be last on my ballot along with all the other majors. Lachlan Mackenzie: Greens candidate was an effective local councillor and lives in the seat, but it’s a shame the Labor and Liberal candidates don’t live in La Trobe. David Farrelly: Vote 1 for Jason Wood MP just got easier . Kathy Reynolds: Number eight on my slip. Melanie Koppel: Not on my card.
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Nominations are now open for the Juan Carlos Loyola OAM Award for Longstanding Community Service. The award is presented to a resident of southeast Melbourne who has shown a longterm dedication to the local community through their volunteer work. Longstanding volunteers from a variety of community groups are encouraged to nominate. The winner of the 2022 Juan Carlos Loyola OAM Award for Longstanding Community Service is chosen by a panel of local residents and active community members, including Juan Carlos Loyola. Nominations will close on Monday 6 June 2022. The award is named after Juan Carlos Loyola, who has worked tirelessly for almost 30 years with the All Abilities Soccer Academy, previously known as the Doveton Special Soc-
cer School. The award is presented and sponsored by Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan. “There are many people across this community who give so much back to others through clubs and associations and that should be celebrated,” Mr Donnellan said. “This award was created to help celebrate and thank the community spirit and hard work of long-term volunteers.” Juan Carlos Loyola from the All Abilities Soccer Academy sees the physical and emotional benefits that sports participation can bring for people with an intellectual disability. “All this happens in an inclusive environment of equality, respect and acceptance” Mr Loyola said. Contact Mr Donnellan’s office on 9706 0566 for nomination forms. A presentation for the winner of the 2022 award will take place on Friday 24 June 2022.
Nominations are open for pepole who give back to the community. Picture: SUPPLIED pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Door opens up for victims By Jamie Salter Pakenham locals are celebrating improved access to family violence and child wellbeing support with the expansion of the Southern Melbourne Orange Door Network. Family Violence Prevention Minister Gabrielle Williams officially opened the Pakenham access point for the Southern Melbourne Orange Door Network on Thursday 28 April. She said the branch would ensure more people across the region can access the support they need. “It’s a really good step forward for the southern region having Pakenham now open, it’s been operational since December but we’re just managing to get here now to formally open it,“ she said. “Particularly in a community like Pakenham, it ensures that we’ve got the right spread of service provision across the community and that all corners of the southern region have access to the services they need in an integrated way. Since opening in November 2021, the Southern Melbourne Orange Door Network has helped more than 14,500 people, including more than 6,300 children. “That gives us a sense of the scale of this issue in our local communities but it also tells us more people are reaching out for assistance because it’s more visible and they now know where to go,“ Ms Williams said. “While reporting rates can sound frightening, the positive is that it does mean people are having more confidence in the system to be able to meet their needs and that’s a much better proposition than people suffering in silence.” The Orange Door Network is a free service for adults, children and young people that brings together specialist workers from specialist men’s, Aboriginal and child and family services to provide coordinated support.
Nikky Ball (Anglicare) Giselle Bailey (Wayss) Minister Gabriel Williams, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, state Labor candidate for Pakenham Emma Vulin, Cheryl Casey (Uniting) and Clair Tarelli (Vacca). Front, Jodie Woolcock (Family Safety Victoria) and Shelley Mullens (Orange Door). The network is a partnership between Anglicare, Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative, Uniting VicTas, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Wayss and the Victorian Government. Wayss operational manager Giselle Bailey said a lot of work went into opening the access point throughout the pandemic. “When I started in the family violence sector 12 years ago things were very different, the funding just simply wasn’t there,“ she said. “The Orange Door has made an incredible positive change but unfortunately violence is still happening and around one woman a week is being killed.
“We want to put ourselves out of a job and if we can do that in our lifetime, how amazing would that be?“ Victoria has invested $3.5 billion since the Royal Commission into Family Violence with The Orange Door Network a key recommendation. The Orange Door can be accessed by phone, email or face to face in Pakenham and Dandenong, with a site in Cranbourne to open later this year. The Orange Door in Pakenham is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. For more information, call on 1800 271 170 or visit orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Escaping Reality Selected Paintings of John Krzywokulski Free to the public, this extraordinary visual art experience features selected paintings by local artist John Krzywokulski that span from 1988 to the present day.
Family Violence Prevention Minister Gabrielle Williams says the access point provides improves support for locals.
Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Boulevard Pakenham VIC 3810 Available to see until Sunday 15 May from 10am – 3pm, Tuesdays – Sundays Meet the Artist Day Sunday 15 May 12pm – 2pm, refreshments provided For more information visit www.cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au
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Thursday, 5 May, 2022
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STAR NEWS 7
YOUR COUNCIL UPDATE
Mayor’s message ------
Council Budget 2022-2026
As 2022 is almost reaching its midpoint, I would just like to say how thrilled I am at the achievements we have all managed so far – and I know that we can keep this momentum going!
Cardinia Shire Council’s proposed Budget 2022–2026 is now available for viewing
With the development of our new proposed budget, we are demonstrating that Council is committed to making decisions that best serve our community, and delivering in the areas that you told us are most important to you.
and comment until 5pm on 11 May 2022. Comments on the proposed budget can be
I would also like to take the opportunity to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who has had their say so far to help shape the future of Cardinia Life as we aim to be able to redevelop this major community asset. If you haven’t yet had your say, read on for more information.
submitted to Council: • by post addressed to Cardinia Shire Council’s Chief Finance Officer, Scott Moore, PO Box 7, Pakenham,
I encourage all residents to head online to Council’s website and take a look at the many ways in which you can have your say, get involved, get active and stay connected.
• by email to mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au
Let’s make the most of our wonderful shire!
• on the Creating Cardinia website.
Cr Jeff Springfield Cardinia Shire Mayor
You can also request to view it at Council’s
Victoria, 3810
Customer Service Centre, Siding Avenue, Officer, between the hours of 8.30am and
Cardinia Life needs you
Cardinia Tourism Advisory Committee: Last chance to apply!
Don’t miss your chance to help shape your community - help us to create plans and seek funding for the future of Cardinia Life!
Applications are about to close to become a member of the Cardinia Tourism Advisory Committee.
Council will consider all community
Your feedback is essential to inform the redevelopment planning and help Council seek funding to ensure Cardinia Life continues to support the health and wellbeing of our growing community now, and well into the future.
Find out more and submit your application online before Thursday 5 May, 2022 at 4pm.
the final version at the ordinary Council
5pm, Monday to Friday.
views and then discuss any changes to the proposed budget prior to endorsing Meeting on 20 June 2022.
Successful applications will be required for a term of appointment of two years. www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cta
www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
You can submit your ideas and comments for the redevelopment before 15 May, by: • calling 5943 4495 • completing the online survey • attending a focus group or workshop • visiting us at the final drop-in session: Wednesday 13 April 2022, 1.30-3.30pm, Cardinia Life, 4/6 Olympic Way, Pakenham
Places are limited, to book visit: bit.ly/3Os1xfB
www.creating.cardinia.vic.gov.au/ cardinia-life-redevelopment
What’s On?
Have your say
Check out what events are on in your local community: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/events
Jump online to provide your feedback on a number of current projects: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
Cardinia Business
Roads projects
‘One-stop-shop’ for business support, and a place for our community to support local businesses: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/business
Find out what’s happening with our roads. Visit: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/betterlocalroads
The information on this page was correct at the time of print, but for the most up-to-date information:
Cardinia Shire Council Phone: 1300 787 624
Web: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au
Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au
Translated resources: Cardinia Shire Council: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/translate Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS): 131 450 (ask for 1300 787 624) 12547385-JW18-22
8 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 5 May, 2022
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Big steps in suicide fight By Cam Lucadou-Wells A bereaved Cranbourne father’s 1000-kilometre walk of hope for youth suicide prevention moved many, not least himself. Nyibil Amum, a Dandenong-based mental health worker, dedicated his 23-day trek from Melbourne to Canberra and Sydney in March to his late son Oyiti. It marked a year since 23-year-old Oyiti – a young leader and talented basketballer - took his own life. The trek raised more than $10,000 on Go Fund Me to launch Mr Amum’s Oyiti Foundation for Multicultural Youth as a “voice for the voiceless”. It inspired communities and raised the need to tackle the scourge of youth suicide. Now fully recovered, Mr Amum says the walk had a “huge impact on so many lives – starting with myself”. “The shift in that walk was I came to realise many people need help. “It was just like a healing process. It was a way to reflect on what’s happened, what I can really change and what can I do about it. “I let go, I felt supported, I heard from other points of view and saw I could have an impact on many people’s lives.” Mr Amum was buoyed by the overwhelmingly positive response from locals in country towns in NSW and Victoria. Many confided their own personal losses “to mental health”. They shared tears over lost loved ones. Started new friendships, made Facebook connections, invitations to sit down for a coffee and phone chats. “Nearly everyone is impacted by mental health, either directly themselves or their loved ones,” Mr Amum says. “This is what I’ve come to know – mental health is a journey which we should walk together.”
Nyibil Amum and wife Akual hold a picture of their late son Oyiti before the walk in March. 270391 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS In Australia, about 3000 people take their own lives a year – about eight a day. And one in five Australians have a mental health condition. “The services are there but the rate is very
high in the CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) community as well as in the Indigenous community.” On 23 April, Red Roo Basketball – one of
Oyiti’s former clubs – and the Oyiti Foundation teamed for a basketball game and get-together with his son’s friends and teammates to celebrate Oyiti’s life. The partnership aims to support young people to achieve their dreams in sport, even on the every day level of transporting them to training and games. “The message to young people is don’t give up,” Mr Amum said. “Life is not easy. You don’t get nothing for nothing, you need to pay a price to do something you want and don’t get defeated by obstacles you face in life. “You need to talk to someone. You need to be part of the community and to be connected.” Part of the point of the walk was to highlight the disconnection between youth from diverse cultural backgrounds and mental health services. The Oyiti Foundation will be a bridge between young people and service providers. Its website is set to be launched within days. Mr Amum’s journey ended with a “beneficial” meeting with David Coleman, who is Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, in Sydney on 1 April. “He was so supportive and very happy for me to take that approach so my voice for my people could be heard. “He was very keen to make time to meet me.” In a video post at their meeting, Mr Coleman said: “Thank you and congratulations on what you’re doing. It’s incredibly important. “(To bring) attention to the importance of suicide prevention and mental health in the community is a great thing to do. “It’s a wonderful thing that you have done.” Details: facebook.com/OFFMCY If you need help, call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.
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Stirring trouble By Mitchell Clarke
Stirring trouble By Mitchell Clarke It was the initiative that dished up smiles during lockdown, but now a decrepit looking Spoonville site in Pakenham is providing any-
It was the initiative that dished up smiles during lockdown, but now a decrepit looking Spoonville site in Pakenham is providing anything but joy. During the one hour exercise limit - which is now a distant memory - Spoonville sites across Cardinia Shire were the most popular place to visit. Despite the fad having died down entirely, the Cardinia Lakes community was understandably upset at news their local site appeared to have been targeted by cruel vandals. Estate resident Laksika noticed the destroyed site during her daily walk on Sunday 24 January. “I think someone has just walked over it or kicked them all over. It’s very sad to see it. We always used to stop there and have a look for new ones,” she wrote on Facebook. The reaction from her neighbours was similar. “Absolutely disgusting. The highlight of our walk is our toddler stopping to look and admire the spoons,” one local woman said. “That’s so disappointing. My kids had spoons in there,” another woman added. Pakenham Hills Ward councillor Jack Kowarzik said the news was “really frustrating”. “Spoonville was created by locals for the enjoyment of local children and to see it vandalised is disappointing,” he said. Cardinia Art Society president Jillian Ronald described Spoonville as an “amazing initiative” during Melbourne’s lengthy lockdown. “It’s given joy and positivity in some very dark times and I just think it’s really disappointing that, when the community put together a project to support each other during a difficult time, that someone would take the trouble to destroy it. They’d be better off going home to create a spoon and putting it with
In happier times - Maci, Willow and Aubrey at a Pakenham Spoonville site. 214450 the rest,” she said. “I’d suggest there’s much better things they could do with their time.” The ‘Spoonville’ trend was born out of Winnersh, England, in an attempt to improve mental health by simply making people happy as they were out and about during daily exercise. The quirky saga soon made its way to Cardinia - after Australia’s first ever site was constructed up the highway in Longwarry. Within weeks, the site had spread to Pakenham, Officer, Garfield, Nar Nar Goon, Emerald and Beaconsfield.
Ms Ronald acknowledged the Spoonville craze had now hit a dead end. “They’re getting a little bit tired, so maybe it’s time for the spoons to come home,” she said. Ms Ronald, who commissioned the two local sites at Lakeside in Pakenham, encouraged community members to collect their spoons from their local sites. She added that in mid-February she’d look to clean up all remaining Spoonville’s and relocate any leftover spoons to an “undisclosed location”.
The once popular Spoonville trend appears to have hit a dead end. Picture: FACEBOOK
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Nyibil Amum meets Assistant Minister David Coleman in Sydney at the end of the 1000-kilometre walk.
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Nyibil Amum with his support team before the walk in March. 270391
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Nyibil Amum with his support team ahead of the walk. 270391 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
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STAR NEWS 9
THE LOWDOWN Q&A
with Islamic Education and Awareness of Casey Association (IEACA) vice-president Raihan Nawawi
Tell us a fun fact about yourself! I am currently the vice-president of IEACA Inc, a Muslim community organisation, a casual broadcaster for 3zzz 92.3FM ethnic community radio (Malay program), and a teacher at an independent faith-based school. What are you most passionate about? Teaching VCE Religion and Society in class. What so interesting about teaching this subject is not about what you know and sharing the knowledge with your students, but what you can learn from them and understanding the challenging questions they ask. Also, I like reading and preparing teaching resource materials that not only will improve my students’ understanding on their faith, but most importantly creating my own journey to understand myself and the world around us. What would your last meal be? Nasi Goreng Kampung or Village Fried rice with anchovies. #asiandelicacy #spicy What was your most memorable moment? Passing my driving test after five failed attempts in 1992. A big relief! Feeling like an adult! Of course this does not happen in Melbourne, it happens somewhere else which I shall not name the country :) What was your favourite subject in school? Mathematics. I was a late bloomer in this subject when I was in primary school but that has changed when I started to join a Maths Magic Club (still can’t remember how and why I joined that club) What event past or present would you like to witness? The 1700s when the first Makassan fishermen from Sulawesi (Indonesia) visited the northern shores of Australia to trade with Indigenous communities. I wonder how that engagement flourished in the past between the Muslims and the Aboriginals.
Which three dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner? Firstly, my late dad, how I wish I can share with him my story, express my appreciation for him and talk about family and life in general. Secondly, Malcom X. I want to ask him more about his transformation as a Sunni Muslim in the last few years of his life. Thirdly, Mohammad Salah from Liverpool FC, like I am amazed by his current performance as one of the best players in the world. What are you currently listening to/watching or reading? I am listening to podcasts from Norman Ali Khan on The Religion of Your Father. Very interesting insight on the story of Prophet Abraham and how we interfaith groups should progress in meaningful dialogue. I intend to watch Ted Lasso on AppleTV. I am reading books on Positive Education and Restorative Practice, as part of my job portfolio in student wellbeing. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? Er, what else .... nasi goreng kampung with crispy anchovies :) Where is your dream holiday destination? To perform hajj pilgrimage in Mecca and spend a great holiday in Medina and Turkey. What were you like as a kid? Quiet, introverted, shy. What was your first job? Working as an admin, assisting examination assessors in calculating exam marks after their marking. What’s one question you have never been able to get the answer to? Can we Muslims resolve the issues of having different dates for beginning of Ramadan and the two Eid dates? Can we come up with a technology where
Br Raihan Nawawi is vice president of local Islamic association IEACA. we can detect the new moon which can confirm the scientific calculation of the Muslim lunar calendar system? Can we?
THREE … Famous mums and daughters
1
Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson This star duo might be one of the most famous motherdaughter combinations in the entertainment world. Hudson has proven to be one of the most diverse actors, even picking up a Golden Globe in 2001 for her role in Almost Famous.
2
Lisa Bonnet and Zoe Kravitz The Cosby Show and High Fidelity actress’s daughter, Zoe Kravitz has made her own name for herself in the recent Batman film, where she played the caped crusader love interest, Catwoman. There isn’t a thing these two can do wrong.
3
Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher Actress and Hollywood icon Debbie Reynolds might be the mum to everyone’s favourite galaxy heroine. Princess Leia herself Carrie Fisher made her name in the Star Wars franchise and has since gone on to break box-office records. Tragically Reynolds and Fisher passed away just one day apart from each other in 2016.
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10 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 5 May, 2022
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
FOCUS ON … MOTHER’S DAY
Treat mum to high tea at Hyatt Place It is only few days away from Mother’s Day! Create a day she will never forget with a High Tea at Archie’s Farm Restaurant & Bar. Served to your table on a three-tiered stand, savour the selection of delicate sweets and savoury treats, complete with sparkling wine, mimosa or Dilmah teas. Each high tea booking
will receive a special gift to take home too!
Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean · Venue: Park · 38 Dalmore Drive, Scoresby VIC 3179 · Date: Sunday, 8th May 2022 · Time: 11.30am to 1.30pm · Price: $85 per adult
· $37.50 per child (3 to 12 years old) Children under 3 years old dine complimentary With only a few places remaining, call +61 4137 1234 or book online at hyattplacemelbournecaribbeanpark.com to secure your place!
High Tea at Hyatt Place. 279222
Leap in store for gifts galore at Lazy Frog The team at Lazy Frog Gifts have been working hard to source and display a beautiful range of gifts for you to choose from this Mother’s Day. “Our range consists of Maine Beach body products, a beautiful vegan range of handbags and wallets, gorgeous poncho’s and gloves, stunning jewellery, Willow Figurines, Palm Beach, Ecoya and Tilley candles and diffusers, and the list goes on and on” owner Sharlene said. “We love this time of the year, it’s a great feeling being able to help everyone especially the kids select there special gifts for those amazing ladies in their lives” Lazy Frog Gifts also have a large range of gifts On-line with the option to select Click
and Collect. Yourself or the kids can easily jump on to choose gifts for Mum, Nan, Grandma, Wife or Nanna. You have the option to have your gifts complimentary gift wrapped and they will be ready and waiting for you to pop in and collect……easy as that. Find us at: www.lazyfroggifts.com.au Lazy Frog is located at 109 Main Street, Pakenham (next to the post office) and is open Monday to Friday 9am till 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. If you have any queries phone (03) 5941 2225 we are here to help. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Sharlene from Lazy Frog Gifts is there to make Mother’s Day easy.
Mother’s Day this Sunday
112 Main Street, Pakenham 3810
Ph (03) 5941 7165 www.thechocolateshoppakenham.com.au www.facebook.com/thechocolateshoppakenham
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
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Mother’s Day Gift Bags Hampers, Boxed Chocolates, Speciality Chocolates Plenty of Gifts in store for Mum
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Sunday, May 8th
109 Main Street Pakenham | 5941 2225 www.lazyfroggifts.com.au SHOP INSTORE OR ONLINE Thursday, 5 May, 2022
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STAR NEWS 11
FEDERAL ELECTION Candidates for the Federal seat of La Trobe, in ballot order, who responded to questions before deadline.
La Trobe candidates pitch Jason Wood (Liberal) Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I have lived in the Dandenong Ranges for the last 30 years. Why did you choose to run for the seat of La Trobe? I was in the police force but found it impossible to achieve change. But as an Member of Parliament you can achieve change, so I thought ‘maybe I could do something’. Why did you choose to join your party? As a former police officer, I believed the Liberals were good on matters of community safety and good for small business, but I believed they should have been doing more on matters of climate and wildlife. Since then, I’ve been proud to have secured a cosmetic testing ban on animals, plus a ban on importing rhino horn, lion trophies and elephant ivory. Why are you the best candidate for La Trobe? This is always for the people to judge. I have always been mindful of listening to what the public needs and then fighting for it. I have a clear record Can you tell us about your life outside of work? Family is so important to me. Obviously, it is very busy at the moment, but I always
Michael Schilling (Australian Greens) Where do you live and how long have you lived there? Pakenham since 2007. Why did you choose to run for the seat of La Trobe? Following my term on Cardinia Shire Council, I wanted to continue my contribution towards making our community a better place to live, and I felt the current government had failed to care for all Australians and failed to act on climate change. Why did you choose to join your party? I joined the Greens in 2009, because of the Greens disability, healthcare, and education policies. The Greens have a solid commitment to tackling the climate crisis and the rising cost of living. Why are you the best candidate for La Trobe? Building thriving communities and caring for people is what drives me. As a parent, and former local government councillor, I understand the challenges that our community faces, and the opportunities that lay ahead. I’ve worked towards improving the livability of Cardinia, and I have the experience and the right policies to create a better life for all of us in La Trobe. Can you tell us about your life outside of work? Outside of my full time job, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and hiking. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate? 1. Cost of living (including the housing affordability crisis and insecure work) everything is going up, except people’s wages and it’s really tough for so many people in our electorate to make ends meet. Childcare and education fees are unaffordable, people are working two or three jobs to make ends meet, and too many people are being locked out of the housing market. 2. Climate change - our communities are on the front line of the climate crisis. 12 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 5 May, 2022
find time to take my little one to karate and swimming lessons. There is always time for family, it is so important. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate? 1. Resolving traffic congestion through local projects such as upgrading Clyde road, delivering 36km in additional lanes along the Monash Freeway, completing the Beaconsfield interchange and upgrading Racecourse and McGregor roads. 2. People are doing it very tough at the moment, which is why I am focused on reducing cost of living pressures such as cutting petrol prices, making private health insurance more affordable and reducing energy costs. 3. Making our community safe and liveable with a particular focus on protecting women and children. What are your three most important policies? 1. Everything stems from good economic management. We need a strong economy to fund our essential services, provide tax relief and keep interest rates low 2. Law enforcement and keeping our communities safe through deporting foreign born criminals, supporting our national anti gang squad and providing community organisations with funding for vital security upgrades 3. National security and protecting our borders, through agreements such as AUKUS which ensure stability in the region, while also supporting other policies such as Operation Sovereign Borders.
We’ve had the 2021 storms in the Hills and the 2019 Bunyip fires. Our communities are still in the recovery process. We need to support our communities in the recovery process, and we must commit to taking action on climate change, and getting to net zero by 2035. 3. Dental and Mental Health - Two million Australians delay or don’t go to the dentist because they can’t afford it, and the average waiting list for a public dentist is 24 months. La Trobe is in need of significantly more funding for mental health services, as mental health care is expensive, hard to find, and appointments can take months to get because of long wait lists. What are your three most important policies? Our health, education, and housing policies will tackle the cost of living and provide a better life for all of us. We’ll provide the services everyone needs to live a better life, and we’ll tax billionaires and big corporations to pay for it. Find all our policies: greens.org.au/platform 1. Health: Getting dental and mental health into Medicare. Healthcare is getting more and more expensive, and too many people can’t afford to access dental or mental health care. The Greens will make dental and mental health care part of medicare, and reinvest the private health rebate back into the public system so we can slash wait times and remove out of pocket costs. 2. Education: Free education for life and free childcare. The Greens plan includes free, high quality early childhood education and public schools that meet everyone’s needs. We’ll deliver free Uni and TAFE, and we’ll wipe student debt. Nearly three million people owed an average of $23,685 in study debt in 2020-21 and if we don’t make a big investment in public schools, 99 per cent won’t have the funding they need by 2023. The Greens are committed to investing in education. 3. Housing: Building one million new affordable homes. Homelessness is on the rise, and today people face decade-long waits for access to affordable housing. Building one million new homes will ensure there is a home for all. These homes will be sustainable, accessible and affordable
Hadden Ervin (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation) Rebecca Skinner (Australian Federation Party) Did not respond before deadline.
The electoral map of La Trobe. * Candidates for Holt will feature in next week’s Gazette.
Merryn Mott (United Australia Party) Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I live in Pakenham which is in the heart of the La Trobe electorate. I have lived there for six years and love it! Why did you choose to run for the seat of La Trobe? Owning a business in Pakenham has been a struggle for many.I own a barbershop/ hairsalon with a business partner and After each lockdown I became more frustrated. This gave me the motivation to want to represent and stand up for people in our electorate. Why did you choose to join your party? I love the philosophies of UAP such as freedom and putting Australians first. We can’t share our cup if it is empty. We need to fill Aussies cups and then we can help others. Locking interest rates for homes and paying pensioners $180 extra per fortnight as well as other policies will achieve this. Why are you the best candidate for La Trobe? I’m in the community and privy to having conversations about people’s needs. I am also very hardworking and ready to represent people’s requirements. People would say that I am an honest and genuine person.
Can you tell us about your life outside of work? I love my life. I have the best husband and daughters. I like to go camping, the beach, painting with oil paints, I love the great outdoors and spending time with friends and family. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate? 1. There’s a huge amount of people in La Trobe electorate that still cannot work due to mandates. 2. La Trobe has a critical problem with the cost of housing including mortgage holders and also renters. 3. Health care availability - having access to mental health resources which has been exacerbated by the last two years. What are your three most important policies? 1. Ending mandates to get peoples jobs back. Businesses are still suffering. 2. La Trobe electorate is second listed electorate for mortgage stress. United Australia Party will make the first $30,000 of home mortgage payments each year tax deductable. We will also lock interest rates at three per cent so that Aussies don’t lose their homes. This will put more spending money in circulation which will also help businesses. 3. We will provide $40 billion additional funding for health going directly to hospitals. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
FEDERAL ELECTION Abhimanyu Kumar (Australian Labor Party) Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I live in Melbourne’s South-East with my wife Rajni and our two daughters. I’ve lived here for nearly six years and love our region. Why did you choose to run for the seat of La Trobe? I chose to run for the seat of La Trobe because our community needs real representation. La Trobe is being left behind - and only Labor will make the investments we need in cheaper childcare, fixing aged care, strengthening Medicare, local manufacturing and more to give our region a better future. Our community is experiencing rapid growth and has so much potential - so it’s only right that we have a government that will back us in every step of the way. To do that, we need a Labor government. Why did you choose to join your party? I joined the Labor Party because I believe in Labor values - a fair wage for a fair day’s work, inclusivity, and working together to build an economy that delivers for Australians, not the other way around. Why are you the best candidate for La Trobe? One of my proudest moments was becoming an Australian citizen. And I am committed to giving back to our country. For many years, I’ve successfully run a small construction business. I understand the pressures on small businesses and working families. And the challenges of balancing work and family life. After growing up in India, I lectured in chemical engineering and studied Information Technology. I later worked for IBM, and the Australian government in Canberra. I believe that I am the best candidate for La Trobe because I’ve experienced the Australian dream. And I want to be part of a government that ensures those opportunities stay available to every one of us. Can you tell us about your life outside of work? I spend a lot of time with my wife and two daughters. My family is my everything. I also enjoy playing sport - the Officer Tennis Club were quite surprised that I wasn’t half bad when I visited! Volunteering is another one of my pas-
sions. During Covid, I played a small role, alongside community organisations, in helping to facilitate repatriation flights for Australians stranded overseas because of border closures. It’s so important that we all give back to our community in any way we can, and that’s a principle I’ve always tried to live. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate? Service provision, infrastructure needs and health. What are your three most important policies? 1. Health - Labor built Medicare. And only Labor will strengthen Medicare with a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in La Trobe, as part of our $135 million nationwide commitment. The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will take the pressure off our busy Casey Hospital emergency department by providing an alternative option for families needing urgent care from a doctor or nurse. The clinic will treat sprains and broken bones, cuts, wounds, insect bites, minor ear and eye problems and minor burns. It’ll be open at least 8am to 10pm, seven days a week. Best of all, all treatments will be bulk-billed - so all you’ll need is your Medicare card. 2. Skills and Manufacturing - Labor knows that the only way to build a better future is with a future made in Australia. More Aussie jobs, and more Aussie manufacturing. That’s why Labor will establish a $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund. Partnering with the private sector to support local manufacturing projects and to build more things here - from trains, trams, ferries, clean energy projects and more. And it’s why we’ll fund 400,000 fee-free TAFE places and properly fund public TAFE. So more Australians can access TAFE without worrying about how they’ll afford it. 3. Federal ICAC - Scott Morrison and the Liberals think that voters don’t care about corruption in government. I am immensely proud to be a running with a Labor Party that has committed to establishing a National Anti-Corruption Commission by the end of 2022. The commission will be transparent, independent, and powerful. It’ll have retrospective powers and be able to hold public hearings. Because dodgy politicians should be held to the same standard as every Australian. Only Labor will end the rorts, waste and corruption.
Michael Abelman (Liberal Democrats) Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I have live in South Gippsland since July last year. Why did you choose to run for the seat of La Trobe? In my previous role I have worked with local GP clinics and pharmacies facilitating a drug dependence program, I have assisted a broad spectrum of the community in an area few like to think about or talk about. Why did you choose to join your party? The Rudd Gillard Rudd Abbot Turnbull ScoMo fiasco squashed any idea that the two big parties know or care about their constituents. LDP is all about smaller government and more freedom of personal choice.
Helen Jeges (Animal Justice Party) Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I live on beautiful Gunaikurnai land in the temperate rainforest of the Tarra Valley in Gippsland. Our family relocated around five years ago, leaving the southeast suburbs of Melbourne to make a tree-change in Regional Victoria. Why did you choose to run for the seat of La Trobe? La Trobe has a special significance for me, as my father, a veterinarian, grew up on a farm in Garfield. I believe that the voters of La Trobe do not support animal cruelty and want politicians who will work towards a better world for animals, people, and the planet we share. Why did you choose to join your party? In 2011, I saw the Four Corners documentary ‘A Bloody Business’, which exposed the indefensible cruelty inflicted on Australian cattle exported to the slaughterhouses of Indonesia. It highlighted to me the absence of political representation for animals in our parliamentary systems.
Why are you the best candidate for La Trobe? I am the only candidate that advocates recall elections, no tax under $40,000, voluntary super, decentralised education and an end to media censorship agreements Can you tell us about your life outside of work? I have been a registered pharmacist for 40 years. I am a long time supporter of drug policy reform and currently studying and creating a sustainable living space at my home. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate? Cost of living, education and media censorship. What are your three most important policies? No tax under $40,000, funding students instead of schools, allowing free speech and more personal freedom speech and more personal freedom.
Why are you the best candidate for La Trobe? By voting #1 for the Animal Justice Party on your ballot paper, followed by the major party of your choice, you send a powerful message that animal cruelty will no longer be tolerated. Can you tell us about your life outside of work? Outside my work at Latrobe Regional Hospital, as a Doctor of Paediatric Neuropsychology, I help run our family business, a dog-friendly holiday park. I’m also involved in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, our local Primary School Council and Gippsland Dance Eisteddfods. What do you believe are the three biggest issues facing the electorate? La Trobe is a rapidly expanding growth corridor. As such, current issues facing the electorate relate to inadequate infrastructure, an under-resourced public health system and overcrowded schools. What are your three most important policies? The Animal Justice Party will: end live animal export, phase out factory farming by 2027, and advocate for nationally consistent laws that ban the practice of puppy and kitten farming.
Punters back Albo... and locally the money’s on Wood If money is anything to go by then Anthony Albanese is set to become Australia’s next Prime Minister, but in the south east the odds with maintaining the status quo. In the past week, money for Labor has surpassed that of investments for the Coalition and as such TAB has been forced to adjust their prices in the Election 2022 market. Labor has gone from $1.80 into $1.40 while the Coalition has blown to $2.90 (out from $2). “The market continues to be very dynamic. The Coalition firmed all the way in to $1.90 around Easter (ALP $1.85) but since then we’ve seen a dramatic shift towards Labor,” TAB’s Gerard Daffy said. “This time last week, punters could have secured $1.80 about Labor but now we have them as clear $1.50 favourites. “The Coalition is now out to $2.90 and that’s coincided with polling showing a continued predicted gap between the two sides on the two-party preferred vote.” Locally, the Coalition and ALP were locked at $1.90 each in the marginal seat of La Trobe - an even money bet - when the campaign was launched, but incumbent Jason Wood has firmed considerably in the market and it is now $1.70 for every $1 invested compared to Labor at $2.10. In the neighbouring seats of Monash and Holt, Liberal Russell Broadbent ($1.11) and Labor’s Cassandra Fernando ($1.01) are hot favourites. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
There has been a flood of betting money for Anthony Albanese and Labor. TAB has started to see some larger bets coming through as the campaign unfolds which is a trend that is expected to continue and accelerate in the coming weeks. “We already had one customer splash out $50,000 @ $2 on the Coalition a few weeks back but we also took another $20,000 @ $1.55 for Labor in the past 48 hours,” Daffy said. There have been moves for the Coalition in the Melbourne seat of Higgins ($1.50 into $1.36) and a push towards independent Allegra Spender ($2.05 into $1.75) in the NSW seat of Wentworth with Liberal Dave Sharma drifting from $1.68 to $2. Meanwhile, there was heightened betting interest towards the Independents in Treasure Josh Frydenburg’s seat of Kooyong off the back of unfavourable inflation news earlier this week.
Jason Wood is now a firm favourite to retain La Trobe. Thursday, 5 May, 2022
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Deep issue with some veins Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) What is deep vein thrombosis? - DVT is blood clots in the deep veins of the leg. Deep vein thrombosis, or “DVT” for short, can be dangerous. If a blood clot forms inside a blood vessel, it can clog the vessel and keep blood from getting where it needs to go. When that happens to one of the veins deep within the leg, blood can back up and cause swelling and pain. Another problem with blood clots in veins is that they can travel to other parts of the body and clog blood vessels there. Blood clots that form in the legs, for example, can end up blocking blood vessels in the lungs. This can make it hard to breathe and sometimes, when they are large, can lead to death. When blood clots travel to the lungs surgeons call it “pulmonary embolism” or “PE.” What are the symptoms of dvt? Swelling Pain Warmth and redness in the involved leg Sometimes clots form in the veins that are closer to the surface of the skin, called the su-
· · ·
perficial veins. Those blood clots cause a different set of symptoms. Blood clots in the veins near the surface of the skin are more painful and cause redness or infection. These clots sometimes also cause the veins to harden and bulge into ridges that look like cords. This is most common with the veins below the knee. If you think you have a blood clot in your leg, call your doctor right away. Blood clots in the veins near the surface of the skin are less dangerous. But blood clots in the deep veins of the leg are more serious. What are the symptoms of blood clots in the lungs? Blood clots in the lungs can cause: Panting, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing Sharp, knife-like chest pain when you breathe in or strain Coughing or coughing up blood A rapid heartbeat If you get any of these symptoms, especially if they happen over a short period of time call Triple-Zero immediately. Bond Radiology, 2 Stephenson Street, Pakenham, phone 7037 3102.
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Applications are now open for the Cardinia Community Leadership Program 2022.
Community leadership Applications are now open for the 2022 Cardinia Community Leadership Program. The free program provides up to 22 participants with an opportunity to grow their leadership skills and networks, and learn from a host of guest speakers, local leaders, and program alumni. Cardinia Shire mayor Jeff Springfield said the program covers topics to help participants in building their capacity as leaders within their local neighbourhoods. “I encourage all aspiring and emerging leaders within Cardinia Shire to apply for this incredible learning opportunity,” Cr Springfield said. The course runs from July to November and has been designed to prepare par-
Blood clotting differs from varicose veins, and is considered a serious condition.
ticipants for success in their community leadership roles. Participants will learn how to effectively contribute to decision-making processes, think creatively and logically about addressing community challenges, and how to strengthen relationships through valuing and respecting diversity and inclusion. Places in the 2022 program are limited to 22 participants and to be eligible, applicants must be a Cardinia Shire Council resident, 18 years or over, already involved in the local community in some way and able to attend all program sessions. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 3 June. For more information and to apply, visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/leadershipprogram
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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
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ENTERTAINMENT
World-first flavoured fog By Eleanor Wilson A world-first flavoured fog is set to tantalise the tongues of Bunjil Place visitors, when an Australian first multi-sensory installation makes it way to the Casey Winter Arts Festival. Casey locals can experience a ‘food lover’s paradise’, when world famous sensory design leaders Bompas & Parr present immersive attraction ‘Casey Cornucopia’ this June. The edible and interactive installation will place visitors amongst a series of large fruit sculptures surrounded by a cloud of Bompas & Parr’s world-first flavoured fog, with three different flavours celebrated each day.
The exhibition also provides an opportunity to showcase Casey’s rich foodways, with educational workshops, garden tours, a local food hub and an exclusive dining program, perfect for the winter school holidays. “Bompas & Parr are thrilled to present Casey Cornucopia - championing the region’s vibrant indigenous produce through a collision of meteorology & pomology,” said director of Bompas and Parr, Sam Bompas. Based in London, Bompas & Parr first came to prominence through their jelly-making expertise and have expanded to offer food and drink design, brand consultancy and immersive experiences across a number of industries.
Some of the group’s previous immersive experiences include London’s ‘flavour rainbow’ and ‘vomit vault’ and New York’s ‘AI Banquet’, which combines technological innovation, theatrical techniques and contemporary british design to immerse attendees in a ‘dream dinner party of iconic British figures’. Casey Cornucopia is being held over 24 days, with visitors invited to the official launch on Friday 24 June where there will be local produce, drink and live performances to enjoy.
London-based design duo Bompas & Parr.
WHAT’S ON enham Hall 12pm to 4pm. Contact entryforms@yakkerboo.org.au more information.
Officer WWII honour roll On Saturday 14 May at 2pm at the Officer Public Hall 16 Tivendale Road Officer, the Officer Community and Public Hall Committee will be unveiling the WWII Honour Board to hang proudly alongside our WWI veterans. We kindly invite all descendants of WWII service men and women who enlisted at Officer and all interested community members to attend. An afternoon tea will be served. Please RSVP to Andrew McNabb 0487435862 or Carol Porter 0408411736 so we can arrange catering.
Saturday 14 May will be a day of Workshops and Workshop Concerts as well as an afternoon Gala Concert starring some fabulous artists. Sunday 15 May will be a chance for up-and-coming artists as well as community and school Ukulele Groups to step up onto the stage and share their music to an appreciative audience. 4-10 Heroes Ave, Emerald more information at ukulelefestival.com.au
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Pakenham Arthritis Self-Help Group PASH will be holding their 30th anniversary celebrations at Deep Creek Golf Club, Pakenham on Wednesday 18 May at 12pm. All current members, past members, family and friends are welcome to attend. The cost for the dinner is $25 pp.
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Further enquiries, please contact Lynette on 0407 106 720. Bookings are essential.
Skateboarding lessons Shredability has free skate lessons coming up at Gembrook Skatepark, as a part of the Learn to Shred Victoria Program, thanks to Cardinia Coun-
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cil. A great way to learn to start skateboarding! Saturday 14 May 10am to 11am book at shredability.com.au
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Craft market The committee of the Yakkerboo Festival is holding a craft market on Sunday 22 May at the Pak-
Join us for a night of paranormal pleasures as we investigate the old Nar Nar Goon light horse museum and Artillery on Saturday 11 June. Supper Provided For bookings visit australianpsychicbarber. com.au and click the booking tab.
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STAR NEWS 17
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Mr Fix It loves the journey By David Nagel Pakenham Warriors captain Jake Spruhan played his 300th game on Sunday in a grand basketball career that has spanned half of his 32 years on the planet. Spruhan was a spritely 16-year-old – with an impressive junior record - when Sherbrooke coach Frank Woodhouse selected him to train with the Suns’ division-one senior squad. It enhanced a passion and love for the sport of basketball that still burns strong today. “We lived in Belgrave and dad (Mick) played on Wednesday nights at the Upwey High School, that’s how I initially gravitated to the sport,” Spruhan recalled, ahead of Sunday’s milestone match. “I was just shooting around - watching dad and his mates – and getting better each week, and played my first rep game at the age of eight. “Dad coached me for a while, and then other coaches also saw some talent in me which led to Frank Woodhouse selecting me in the men’s side. “I played as a rookie with some amazing players and fell in love with the competitiveness of the sport. “It was also nice to be recognised as someone who might be able to take their game further.” Spruhan played all his juniors at Sherbrooke, including the elite Vic Championships level, and had great success in the early stages of his career. A division-one title with the Suns in 2006 was quickly followed by a Youth League championship in 2008. It was then off to Warrnambool for University studies, and a stint with the local Seahawks. “That was an awesome experience, they (Warrnambool) were a fantastic club to play for and its only distance that stopped me playing there in the end…and amazing club and so supportive,” the now Pakenham resident said. “We made the grand final, riding the coattails of (current Brisbane Bullet) Nathan Sobey, who got called back to college when we were playing the grand final…which we lost without him.” Spruhan, who currently teaches VCE Biology and STEM at Officer Secondary College, then returned to Sherbrooke for two years before playing for the Blackburn Vikings. Under Paul Langford he took his game to another level and played in the Championship division at the club. But serious injuries, such as broken ribs and ankle and knee ailments, saw him struggle with his body and make the difficult decision to give the game away. That’s when Pakenham came calling, with Spruhan joining his good friends Josh Dow and Elias Kafrouni on the Warriors playing roster. “I decided I was too young to retire, the body was okay, and I don’t regret the decision
Pakenham captain Jake Spruhan is hoping to lead the Warriors to a title shot this year. 277790 Picture: ROB CAREW to join the Warriors whatsoever,” Spruhan explained. “But after Covid, I was out of shape and getting older and decided to retire again.” Spruhan was talked out of his decision by current Warriors coach Rob Roberts. Ahead of this season he was also diagnosed with Celiac disease…an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. “Once I got diagnosed and got my diet right, my body has come good,” Spruhan said, before describing himself as a player. “I was heavily focussed on scoring when I was younger, but I’m a utility now who can play point-guard if needed or guard the big guys. “I’m probably Mr Fix It at the Warriors. “Put me anywhere on the court and I’ll do a job for you and I pride myself on my defensive efforts and defensive energy.” The Warriors currently sit second on the ladder, ironically behind Sherbrooke, and the skipper believes his team has all the right in-
gredients to go all the way this season. From Canadian-import Joe Davis, right through to 14-year-old sensation Jake Meagher, the Warriors are a very tight unit. “Teams we’ve had before have been strong, and really talented, but what sets this team apart is the mateship on and off the court,” Spruhan said. “Rob has done a great job of getting guys like Joe to come into the club and play a significant role in building a culture. “Although he (Davis) has a big role on the court, he has an even bigger role off it. “If a team is talented, but has no culture, it’s not going to win, and this year the culture is fantastic. “Everyone wants to be there; everyone wants to get better. “Young guys like Jake (Meagher), we can help him get better, and Youth League players like Dylan (Jenkinson), MJ (Michael Johns), Josh Norton and Jack (Jackson Grey) are all coming through and want to play for the men’s team. “We’re strong, we’re connected, and I’ll be disappointed if we’re not in the grand final series this year, and disappointed if we’re not winning it.” Spruhan said his time in Pakenham has been enjoyable, combining his school-teaching role with his basketball leadership as well. “It’s a bit surreal to be honest,” he said. “Teaching around Pakenham for a few years, and having an influence on their lives is fantastic. “Basketball is not just a sport, it’s a social life, teaches life skills, so to teach them outside of the classroom as well is amazing. “I taught Jake (Meagher) in grade six and now we’re teammates on the basketball court. “He’s going places, to higher levels, and it’s an honour to be part of his development. “The whole club is heading in the right direction. “We’re doing the right things. “We’ve got a great community, great coaches and great people…that’s a winning recipe as far as I’m concerned.” Spruhan was excited by the prospect of playing 300 games, but his longevity had provided him with much more than a magical milestone. “A lot of people have been congratulating me, but it’s just a number to me really,” he said. “I’m proud to have played basketball for so long, but I don’t see the number of games as being the important thing. “It’s the guys I’ve played with, the coaches that have coached me, it’s the friends I’ve got from my junior days that I still have today… those are the things that are really important to me. “When I sit back and reflect, some of the best times in my life have been with guys from the basketball court.
“I’m lucky that I’ve stayed healthy enough to do it, but it’s about the journey, not the destination.” Spruhan and his wife Olivia are currently building a house in Drouin, with distance, and plans to start a family, likely to bring his playing days to an end in the near future. “I’ve told her this season is it, but the body is feeling good so we’ll have a bit of a chat about that when tryouts come around,” he said with a chuckle. Spruhan said, upon reflection, that he has been incredibly lucky to have some great people around him throughout this career. “My family has been incredibly supportive, dad especially, he was the one who got me into basketball and saw that I had some ability,” he said. “He still thinks I am the best player he has ever seen. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without him, he doesn’t hear that enough, but in his heart, he knows he has been the biggest influence on my career. “And anyone who has been involved in teams that I’ve played in over the years. “I’ve played with so many guys that have rekindled my love for basketball. “I’ve nearly given it away a few times but then someone comes along that makes me love it again. “And I have to mention Luke Shelley, a good friend of mine who I had my highest scoring game of 50 points on. “He still denies that he defended me that day but I’ve got the box score to prove it. “And I’ve had so many good coaches throughout my career that I’d like to acknowledge as well. “Frank Woodhouse, my first Big V coach. “Jason Manton, who wasn’t just a coach to me, he was a mentor, he was a friend, he helped me with so many other things other than basketball, life skills, and built my confidence up. “Tim Gainey at Warrnambool, he was a wonderful coach. The Sobey family, who basically ran the club down there, Bobby Cunningham was a massive influence down there as well. “Paul Langford, at Blackburn, who stuck with me and saw what I brought to the team, he saw the intangibles and really helped me get back to my best. “He challenged me the most throughout my career and helped me get where I am today. “Brad Bridgewater, for initially getting me to Pakenham and for dealing so well with Covid and what he did for the team through those times. “And to Rob Roberts for convincing me I was too young to retire…he’s another person who believed in me as well. “I could name a thousand guys, and I’ve probably missed many, but they’re the ones that spring immediately to mind.”
Young Roos take a stand as umpire numbers dwindle By Tyler Lewis The Officer Kangaroos Junior Football Club (OKJFC) is leading the way in bringing umpires back to footy. The umpire shortage is evident to every player, coach, parent or fan this year. And while it’s something most are aware of...Officer is pioneering the way to fixing the scarcity of umpires. The Roos have led the way for umpire engagement and just last week welcomed the umpires to speak to its players about the benefits of becoming an umpire. Officer president Shayne Honey believes his club has always had umpires in mind and is encouraging his players to grab a whistle and officiate. “We have always had a bit of a focus on umpires,” he said. “We think it is great for kids that play, to 18 STAR NEWS
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The young Roos are pioneering a return of umpire engagement. umpire as well, because they get a different perspective of the game. “It can make people better footballers and it just also builds that player-umpire respect; we have had umpires train on the same ground as us for a couple of years as a way to
get people more involved. “This is the first time we have invited them down to speak to players and be more proactive with it as well, and that is mainly due to the lack of umpires across the whole of Victoria.” Every year Officer sends out social media posts encouraging its players to look into umpiring and have confronted and banished patrons from its club who have abused umpires. Honey and his committee have made a stand on the abuse towards umpires and explaining how an umpire making a mistake is no different to a player or coach. “Without umpires, the game either can’t go ahead or we need to ask volunteers to umpire which is always difficult,” he said. “If we can get people to umpire, they can get a bit fitter, earn some money, (and) then the game of football can continue.
“What we say to people at our club – coaches, players and parents – we don’t stand for any umpire abuse. “Every player on the ground makes mistakes, everyone will give them a pat on the back and go ‘it’s okay, next time’, coaches make mistakes and generally people won’t know about it. “But when its umpires, people seem to think they aren’t allowed to make mistakes, well umpires are allowed to make mistakes – we are all human, they’re human. “People that want to umpire need to understand that Officer is making a stand to our parents and spectators that umpires are welcomed...and people that want to abuse them are not welcome.” After Officer’s umpire engagement session last week, AFL South East has already had three expressions of interest submitted for new umpires. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT
Lions in one-point thriller By Tyler Lewis And breathe. The Pakenham Football Club took a collective breath at the end of Saturday’s match at Olinda Recreation Reserve as the Lions and Bloods played out a classic. One could be mistaken for presuming there was a 10-goal wind, with 23 of the 25 goals kicked at the far end of the ground, but it was simply just a game that ebbed and flowed for four-quarters of football. The Lions conceded the first major of the match, before firing off seven straight goals to head into the first interval with a handy buffer. While having seven unanswered goals on the board to quarter time, Pakenham coach Ash Green said his message was about staying in the moment and expecting the opposition to come. “It was a little bit of an unknown (going in) because we hadn’t played Olinda Ferny Creek at Olinda Ferny Creek,” Green said. “We knew at some stage that they would come back, we have had a couple of good starts now, obviously Narre (Warren) and Officer, it’s more about our consistency again. “We knew they were going to come back at some stage and they did.” And come Olinda Ferny Creek did, piling on six goals of its own in the second term, including a late goal from Nick Keegan. The goal from Keegan brought the Bloods back within a kick at the main break – and ultimately – sparked one of the great rev ups from Green. “I was looking for a reaction from the guys,” he said. “I don’t want them to be comfortable, think their spots are comfortable and just cruise through footy, and that happens when you’ve got a young list. “I just get grumpy every now and again and tell the boys a few home truths and the boys certainly reacted in the third quarter. “I probably should’ve given them one at three quarter time as well to get them ready for the last.” The Lions responded in the third, booting five unanswered goals to have a crucial lead into the final break. When Olinda Ferny Creek stormed home with a wet sail in the final term, the likes of Jordan Stewart and his brigade of young defenders stood tall. And though Pakenham eventually held on for a nail-biting 13.12 (90) to 12.17 (89) victory, it is the second successive game in which the Lions have been in the position of crawling over the line, rather than leaping over it. “Jordy (Stewart) was under the weather, he
Picture: ROB CAREW
That’s eight majors in two weeks for Jake Richardson. 278757 had the flu, he was umming and ahing about playing and lucky he did,” Green said. “Joel Sarlo, that was his best game kicking four; and some of the younger guys down back were terrific, Jaiden Camenzuli, Marlyn Staunton, Oscar Miles and look, these are guys that have bright futures at the footy club but have only played a handful of games. “You could look at it two ways, you would like to finish strong as a side and that’s two weeks in a row that we haven’t. “Then again we have held on and won, it is good to win and that is probably the key thing early in the season, but again we have a lot of work to do to improve. “These sides will be confident next time so we have to improve, and that starts this week against Mt Evelyn.” In other matches across the Premier Division; a Jake Richardson led Narre Warren outfit secured a 16.9 (105) to 6.10 (46) win over the improved Wandin side. Richardson slotted four in his sides big win, as the well-documented goal-kicking practice is coming to the fore for Shane Dwyer’s Maggies. Monbulk registered its first win of the 2022 AFL Outer East season, with a 13.16 (94) to 12.8 (80) triumph over Mt Evelyn. The Hawks were slow out of the blocks due to some wayward kicking, but were able to recollect on the road. Hayden Finlay booted four for the Hawks, as Taylor Joyce remained on the sidelines once again with a back injury. Quiet achievers Woori Yallock notched an-
other win, this week over Upwey Tecoma. It took late into the second stanza for the Tigers to kick into gear, but they cantered home from there, 13.13 (91) to 10.11 (71). Officer had the bye and faces a big test over the next fortnight with Woori Yallock ahead of Wandin on the road. In Division 1, Seville continues to send a message, week-in, week-out. On Saturday the Blues belted GembrookCockatoo, off the back of nine majors from goal-kicking machine, Nathan O’Keefe. The Blues were dead-eyes in front of goal throughout the first three quarters, at one stage having 15.5 to its name on the scoreboard. Myles Wareham slotted four of his sides’ eight in the 21.10 (136) to 8.13 (61) defeat. Berwick Springs has slumped to a 0-3 ledger, despite playing good footy and at times being better than each of its oppositions. The Titans fell to a classy Emerald outfit away from home on Saturday, 12.12 (84) to 4.18 (42). Rodney Benstead’s men are yet to kick more goals than behinds in each of its three games and have kicked 5.13 and 4.18 so far this season. Benstead touched on the difficult start to the year in the win-loss column, but feels a win isn’t far away if they can fix its failures at the final hurdle. “We feel like we are matching it with teams, we just feel it’s that last kick inside 50, or the turnover,” he said. “It’s just not at the level that is required at
the moment, but I feel we are close to turning it around and I feel like the effort and energy is building into a good game this week. “You have to capitalise on your opportunity, you kick a point down one end and then they (the opposition) go and kick a goal at the other. “We are a pretty young team and it hurts your confidence, but the boys have been pretty resilient, I just think we need the confidence of a win – that is what we are searching for now. “We’re building this game up this week for ‘this is our time, it’s our home ground’, if we can have a win we feel it’ll turn a corner.” While Berwick Springs are 0-3, it’s astonishingly just one win outside of finals contention. That hasn’t escaped the mind of Benstead, who is looking forward to matching up with some of his early season opponents down the track. “This year is a marathon, you play each team three times,” he said. “My job and the clubs job is to make them better each week, we haven’t dropped our bundles, there was phases in the games where we have had opportunities – that’s my message. “Can we improve every week, this is a long season, we know we have depth, a lot of clubs struggle with depth, we know we have it, I think that pressure of selection will keep us in good stead. “I feel like we are close to turning it around and I am looking forward to playing these clubs on the flip side.” In the final match of the round, a wasteful Yarra Glen still managed to collect the four points over Belgrave, 9.20 (74) to 8.10 (58).
Undefeated Magpies pounce on the bustling Bulldogs By Lachlan Mitchell Netball was back in a big way on Saturday afternoon as Narre Warren continued its unbeaten start to the Outer East Premier Division season with a 24-goal win over Wandin at Kalora Park. The Magpies scoring options, Erin Bell and Chelsea Tonna, were at their best...scoring 34 and 25 goals respectively. The home-side skipped away to a 12-goal quarter-time lead and kept the Bulldogs at bay. Magpies goal-keeper Taylah Jencke kept Wandin well-and-truly contained, restricting them to just 35 goals for the afternoon. Beaconsfield and ROC played out a blitzing thriller at Holm Park Reserve. The Kangaroos were coming into the clash looking to remain undefeated and hold their spot in the top three. After an even battle in the first quarter, the Eagles fell to a three-goal deficit at half time. A seven to four goal third term saw ROC hold a six-goal lead going into the final term. Beaconsfield fought back into the contest, thanks mainly to Zara Treweek who finished with 12 goals. Treweek and Regan Brokenshire combined to put on a nine-goal quarter to tie the game. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Gabrielle Dwyer helping Narre Warren remain undefeated against Wandin. 278757 Picture: ROB CAREW The deadlock couldn’t be broken with a 23 a-piece score line the final score. The Roo’s Keeley Burgmann and Sidney Kneebone combined for 18 goals. Pakenham continue its slow start to the season suffering a 15-goal loss at the hands of Olinda Ferny Creek.
Olinda’s Hayley Howard drove the dagger deep into the heart of the Lions, scoring an impressive 38 goals. Meanwhile, Mt Evelyn had a seven-goal win over Monbulk. A destructive 17-goal performance by Georgia Marsh set up the win.
Woori Yallock is still yet to register its first win of the season, suffering a 16-goal loss against Upwey Tecoma. Upwey’s Rachel Grawich and Jessica Black combining to bury the Tigers. Division One Berwick Springs had a day to forget receiving an almighty body blow at the hands of Emerald at Chandler Reserve. The Bombers left the Titans armour-less as they piled on the goals and never looked back. Kaylah and Suria Loulanting putting on a double act scoring 33-goals each to sink the Titans. Emerald ran out 46-point victors in the 70-24 goal win. Berwick made its statement clear, as it inflicted maximum impact on Healesville at Don Road Sporting Complex. A dominate four-quarter performance saw the Wicker’s almost smash through the roof in the 99-12 win. Emily Pupuke and Emma Clarke silencing the opposition fans. Clarke putting on a bat-raising performance of 58 goals to assure everyone of her class. Belgrave had a six-goal win over Yarra Glen, while Seville continued its unbeaten streak trouncing Gembrook by 26 goals. Thursday, 5 May, 2022
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