News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 3rd November 2022

Officially open

Simplicity Funerals in Pakenham went all out for their official opening on Thursday 27 October.

Former Channel 10 weather presenter turned celebrant Mike Larkan was in attendance to cut the ribbon.

“It feels wonderful to officially open,” Simplicity Funerals location manager Tim Mits said.

“We’ve been here since July and it’s great to be a part of the community.”

Former Channel 10 weather presenter Mike Larkan was in attendance to cut the ribbon for Simplicity Funerals’ official opening. 305658

Satisfaction’s up

By Hugh Pearson

Survey results show Cardinia Shire residents are increasingly satisfied with the council’s overall performance.

The council recently released its annual report for 2021-22, which showed their over all performance rose from 61 in 2021 to 68 in 2022, according to a survey of residents.

The Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey was completed in person via a doorknock conducted by an independent agency and would be used to identify and bet

WE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE

Orthodontic

ter understand the “needs, wants and expectations of the community”, the report said.

Results of the survey would help the council shape strategic decisions, directions and the delivery of services they provide to residents of Cardinia Shire, the report said.

“While the year presented some challenges, we have seen great achievements and inspired sense of community right across our shire,” Mayor Jeff Springfield said in his Mayor’s Message in the report.

Statistics provided in the report show the shire is a fast growing area, with 1902 birth no-

tices issued in 2021-22.

Pakenham will continue to grow in the coming years as 7200 houses are set to be built, along with approximately 22,000 new people moving into the area.

Meanwhile, 2080 building permits were lodged with the council and 939 planning applications were processed and approved in 2021-22.

Cardinia Shire also welcomed the announcement of $2.5 million from Victoria’s Growing Suburbs Fund during the year, with the money to be used for community infra-

BATTERY

structure projects in the area.

These include $1.3 million for Garfield North Community Centre at Cannibal Creek Reserve, $1 million for Main Street Pakenham Revitalisation and $200,000 for Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail Connection.

The report demonstrated the shire’s commitment to sustainability and keeping the area waste free.

Between 2021-2022, Cardinia Shire collected 22,609 tonnes of garbage, 48.1 per cent of which was diverted from landfills.

Picture: HUGH PEARSON

Strong sense of community

By Shelby Brooks

A leadership change at Pakenham Secondary College in Term 2 has seen the school community flourish in new directions.

New principal Aaron Smith took over from Ray Squires upon the longtime principal’s retirement at the end of Term 1 this year.

Mr Smith said he was proud to become principal of the school, though admitted he had big shoes to fill.

“Ray was here for a long time and did a great job,” Mr Smith said.

“I have a lot of admiration for Ray in terms of the great work and great leadership he was able to afford Pakenham Secondary.”

Since stepping in as principal at the start of Term 2, Mr Smith said he had found a strong sense of school community.

“There’s a really strong sense of community here,” he said.

“There’s a real sense of teamwork which I’m really enjoying.

“The students, parents and staff are really working together to get the best results for our students.”

Mr Smith was principal at Wheelers Hill Secondary College for six years prior to his appointment at Pakenham.

He had also served as assistant principal at Wheelers Hills, Emerald and Lilydale Secondary Colleges as well as having involvement with the sports and recreation program CEDA for a few years.

“I didn’t know too much about the Pakenham school or community at all,” Mr Smith said.

“But I thought what a great opportunity to do something different.

“I thought why not, what a great opportunity to work with a different community and I haven’t looked back.”

Since taking on the leadership of the school, Mr Smith said he was focused on furthering learning and wellbeing outcomes for students.

“As a principal of any school it’s what we’re here to do - we’re here to have a positive impact,” he said.

“Numeracy and literacy remain important areas of focus for us.

“We want to make sure we’re providing great opportunities around the pathway that is important to them - be that academic or applied learning.”

Mr Smith said his teaching philosophy was centred around the students.

“We want to give our students a say in their learning because it’s about them,” he said.

“All of my decision making has the students at the centre.”

In his two terms as principal, Mr Smith said he felt the school had made many gains.

“In my short time here I get the sense that we are a school on the move,” he said.

“We’re getting a number of enquiries from prospective parents and there’s a sense that we’re opening up even more to the community.

“The buildings and grounds we’ve been able to further refurbish, our communications with our community has gone to a whole new level with the website, social media and internal platforms. I think any school needs to get on the front foot and share the positives of what we’re doing.”

Heading into 2023, Mr Smith said he wanted the school to continue to be seen as a school of choice for parents by improving and expanding programs and curriculum.

“We want to further grow our performing arts program, our co-curricular program which includes excursions and camps and our student leadership program and opportunities,” he said.

“We also want to continue to provide high quality teaching instruction. We should never stand still in that space and if there are things that we can do to further improve our practice of how we teach, then that will bring better results for our students.”

Next year, the school is providing more choice for students in Year 9 and 10.

“In the past, the timetable has been reasonably traditional in those year levels,” he said.

“We’ve freed up the timetable and given students more to chose from so that means they have more say in their learning.”

Pakenham Secondary College principal Aaron Smith.

Picture: ROB CAREW

Budget a ‘disappointment’

By Sahar Foladi

Following the 2022-23 Federal Budget, many organisations - such as the Asylum Seeker Re source Centre (ASRC) - have been left disap pointed.

Organisations such as ASRC, which advocates for policy reform for asylum seekers, be lieve the Federal Government has failed to live up to expectations.

The budget targeted a wide variety of issues, including cost of living relief, modern economy and budget repair.

However, the budget did not address Labor’s election promise to end Temporary Pro tection Visas (TPV) or the Safe Haven Enter prise Visas (SHEV) and increase in Australia’s humanitarian intake, advocates said.

Former Hazara refugee from Afghanistan, Sajjad Askary who is a Human Rights advocate and a Juris Doctor student, said: “No doubt, the Albanese Government is a lot better than the Liberals, and we hope that the policy changes will reflect that.

“The Albanese Government has told the community to wait for the formal announce ment, which should come by the end of this calendar year as the new government navi gates through the challenges to reach what, no doubt, will be a significant move.”

Bruce MP Julian Hill said the critical first step is to employ more staff to process visasbacked by $36.1 million in this budget.

“The visa and migration system inherited from the Liberals is a broken mess. We have already announced 500 additional staff for the department to work through the awful backlog of visas from the Liberals.

“Personally, I will be pushing for greater accommodation of Afghans including Haz aras being persecuted, but the first step is not academic arguments about places, it’s getting more staff to be able to process visas.

“The Liberals kept making announcements but never actually delivered and just cut staff and Labor is fixing their mess.”

However, ASRC has called on the Albanese Government to meet its election promise.

“This budget is a tale of two Australians,” ASRC chief executive Kon Karapanagiotidis said.

“One where there is hope of recovery and a better future with billions rightly being spent to help people in need, and another where more than half a billion is being spent to harm people who turned to us for help, safety and protection.”

The TPV leaves those who are qualified for protection in limbo, human rights activists said.

World Hazara Council spokesperson, Sitarah Mohammadi has faith in the Labor Government as she believes people on these visas have no need to be fearful and that the huge backlog and new challenges faced by the government are slowing down the process to meet their needs.

“I know it’s a very difficult time a very uncertain time that the people are in but we just have to remain hopeful and wait until we get that formal announcement from the government,” Ms Mohammadi said.

“The people who have been on TPVs or SHEVs have been waiting for that certainty that the Labor Government promised prior to the election, but we also have to keep in mind that there are a lot of complexity and challenges that this new government is also facing.

“Hopefully, the community will receive some positive news soon.”

Mr Hill said all the commitments will be made.

“It is legally and administratively complex and consultation is occurring with legal and migration experts to get the detail right.

“That timing is not dependent on the budget and I am pushing ministers to finalise and announce the transition as soon as possible.”

Mr Hill said the Labor Government was committed to increase the humanitarian intake to 27,000.

“Labor Government is committed to set up a community sponsorship program modelled on the successful Canadian version, with 5000 places in addition to the refugee intake.”

La Trobe Liberal MP Jason Wood said: “If it can be fast tracked, I think that’s a really good thing, let’s get things moving.”

Mr Wood said an upcoming bipartisan parliamentary inquiry committee, which he is part of, would discuss these issues, and the major concern for him and the Shadow Minister is the processing time.

alls

Voltaire Human Rights Award winner Sajjad Askary, Deputy Mayor Eden Foster, Greater Dandenong advocate Zahra Haydarbig and Cr Angela Long at a Greater Dandenong council meeting on 24 October.

Picture: SUPPLIED

LOWDOWN

Q&A with Lost Dogs’ Home Cranbourne Shelter manager, Allie Small

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I have a menagerie of animals at home, includ ing three dogs, two cats, two horses and five fish. It is a side effect of working in an animal shelter.

What do you love about what you do?

Working at The Lost Dogs Home can be both incredibly difficult and rewarding all at the same time. But nothing beats the feeling of helping to match one of our long-term dogs or cats with their forever family.

Who is the best person you’ve worked with and why?

I have worked with some amazing people but I met one of my best friends, Amanda Smith while working at The Lost Dogs Home. She is one of the most resilient people I have ever met, and we are so uncannily similar that peo ple often think we are sisters.

What would your last meal be?

Tacos from Trippy Taco in Fitzroy. It is all vegetarian so the options are limitless, and I will never turn down Sangria with my meal.

What is your most memorable moment?

The day I got my dog for my 21st birthday. I had grown up with Maltese Terriers and had spent my years and high school and univer sity trying to convince my mum to let me get a larger dog. She finally relented and let me get a Border Collie for my 21st birthday. Her name is Dani and she will be turning 14 years old at the end of the year.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

I would love to be able to experience megafauna in real life, I recently went to see the Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. I would highly rec ommend it!

Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

James Cagney, an actor from the ‘30s and ‘40s.

My Grandma used to get his movies from the market on VHS tapes and give them to me. Louis Theroux, I love his interview style and he

would have some amazing stories to tell. My Mum, she always hated being left out of social situations and was the best person at making small talk I have ever met.

What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?

I love to read; I am currently reading Louis Theroux’s Gotta Get Theroux This. I have always been a fan of his documentaries and have many memories of sitting up well past my bedtime to watch Weird Weekends.

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

Cooking is not my forte, I would never get the opportunity to compete because no one is letting me audition.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

I think many people overlook the beauty of Australia and choose to travel overseas. One place I have always wanted to go is Green Island off the coast of Queensland and explore The Great Barrier Reef.

What were you like as a kid?

I was a tom boy, very independent and have always loved animals. I convinced my mum to let me start riding horses at 8 years of age, a hobby that no one in my family had any interest in. I still have horses to this day.

What was your first job?

I worked front of house at my local KFC, which was ironic considering I have been a vegetarian since I was eight years old.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

Spotify, regularly playing the hits of the 90s. Instagram, the only social media platform that I use. Outlook and Messenger, I am always working, even when I am not working.

What’s one question that you have always wanted answered?

What do we need to do to make animals shelters go out of business?

THREE … famous moustaches to emulate

1 Ron Burgundy

Everyone’s favourite newsreader kept it fairly simple but what stood out about this was its neatness and the thickness. It was almost as though it was too perfect to be real. You stay classy, City of Casey.

2 Julius Pringle

The man on the tube of the pringle can, the arc on the his facial salad that gives it depth. The upward inflection at the outer tips makes for an interesting pairing with the horizontal speed lines, however his designer decided against maintaining them once they went out of fashion in 2020.

3 Ram Singh Chauhan

From Rajasthan in Northern India, Ram Singh Chauhan held the Guinness World Record for longest moustache. The bushiness around his jaw makes it incredibly difficult to even identify a jawline, before four metres (two on each side) of growth really steals the show.

Lost Dogs’ Home Cranbourne Shelter manager, Allie Small with her Border Collie,Dani. 306195

Picture: SUPPLIED

Mousellis joins Bass race

The Animal Justice Party has endorsed Elly Mousellis as its candidate for Bass in the November State Election.

Ms Mousellis of Wonthaggi is the first candidate the Animal Justice Party has run in the seat of Bass and joins the five other candidates to challenge incumbent Labor MP Jordan Crugnale.

“I’m honoured to be running in the seat of Bass and shift the conversation towards building a kind and fairer Victoria for animals, people and our planet,” Ms Mousellis said.

“Veticare will not only ease the cost of living for so many struggling families, but also improve the lives of many vulnerable companion animals suffering who do not have access to the care they deserve.

“I think people should vote for me if they’re looking for more kindness in their Parliament - that’s what we offer.”

Ms Mousellis is standing to be a strong voice for the native wildlife and natural environment of the Bass district.

The 25-year-old said she supports an end to sand mining in the Westernport Woodlands and the preservation of the habitat for the animals that rely on it, fully supporting the aims of the Save Westernport Woodlands group.

At the state level, she plans to advocate to end the violence of recreational duck shooting and the use of 1080 poison on introduced species.

As well as being a carer to her bunny Leona, cockatiel Petrie, a gecko and 27 fish, Ms Mousellis works at a local pet supplies store where she works with families to provide the best care for their companion animals, battling misinformation and supporting them to find the right products for their animals.

She is a big supporter of the party’s “veticare” policy that seeks to provide subsidised veterinary care for those that need it, as well as open public vet clinics including specialised wildlife hospitals to ease the cost of living pres-

sures on families as well as relieve pressure on overworked vets and vet nurses.

She is also an advocate for human issues, including the need for a more functional and practical local public transport system and the need to respond to our local domestic violence

crisis, with a focus on the families and their companion animals who are suffering behind closed doors.

M Mousellis is standing to support Austin Cram, who is running for election in the upper house in this region for the Animal Justice

Party. The Animal Justice Party was founded in 2009 in response to the growing number of voters seeking better protections for animals in law.

In 2018 it elected its first MP, Andy Meddick, in Western Victoria.

Elly Mousellis with Upper House candidate Austin Cram at the Animal Justice Party campaign launch.

Picture: SUPPLIED

OPINION

Don’t bin your textiles

The City of Casey is helping to declutter your home this National Recycling Week, 7-13 November, with a range of free events.

Under the theme ‘waste isn’t waste until it is wasted’, Casey will focus on unwanted textiles, which make up a significant portion of landfill and are a major contaminant in the municipality’s recycling processes.

Textiles such as clothes and shoes can’t be recycled as part of your fortnightly kerbside collection, but the council has partnered with recycling initiatives Tread Lightly and Upparrel for a free drop-off event to help Casey residents responsibly dispose of unwanted items.

On Saturday 12 November, residents can bag up used sneakers, clothing and sheets and drop them off at the Lynbrook Community Centre from 9am to 3pm.

Please note, items should be clean and dry – stains are no problem but mouldy or dirty items will not be accepted. Doonas and pillows are also unable to be accepted.

To find out more, check the list of acceptable items or to book your time slot check the Casey website.

Other local events happening during National Recycling Week include:

· Pet Rugs recycling workshop on 10 November.

· Memory Blanket workshop from 8-10 November.

· T-Shirt to tote bags workshop on 9 November.

· Basket weaving workshop on 9 November.

· Op Shop Bus tour on 11 November.

· Fabric Wreaths workshop on 12 November.

For more information or to make a booking for any of the Recycling Week events, please visit the Casey website. There will also be a free recycling fun day at Bunjil Place on Tuesday 8 November from 2pm to 6pm.

LENSCAPE

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To the lady who drove me home from Coles on Richardson Grove last Thursday when I was unwell. A taxi arrived but drove off and this woman who I did not know could see that I was not well. My family are extremely grateful for your generous gesture.

Thumbs down

To the rain wreaking havoc on the T20 World Cup.

Thumbs down

To this eternal winter. Who made Elsa angry?!?!

Thumbs down

To potholes. One broken rim and $300 later...

Thumbs down

To the little swine that was going around stealing things from houses during trick or treat in the Narre South area.

Thumbs down

To City of Casey for going cheap on the Hardys Road intersection upgrade at Clyde Road and leaving 100m stretch of single lane between the two duplicated sections.

Thumbs up

To Kelly’s for selling poppies for the RSL even in the drive-thru.

Thumbs down

To drivers who don’t drive to conditions. Slow down in the heavy rain.

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

A Clyde man declared he was ready to re tire after winning $53 million inThursday 27 October’s Powerball draw. Our Face book readers were quick to wish him well.

Sue Stride

So happy for him and his family

Mary-Anne Valla

Huge congratulations to him.

Robyn Disher

City of Casey is the lucky one.

Joan Smith

Should have kept the win a secret!!! So many people will be at the door trying to do a major scam!!!

Dogs need a home

With just eight weeks left to Christmas, The Lost Dogs’ Home has left a special message for Santa and his elves, asking for all its ‘long-term resident’ doggos to find a home.

TheThe Lost Dogs’ Home classifies any animal a ‘long-term resident’ that has been with them for more than 30 days.

“While we absolutely adore all of our beautiful furry friends, we are determined that they spend Christmas Day (and beyond) with a loving family having fun unwrapping presents and doing ‘zoomies’ to their heart’s content,’’ said The Lost Dogs’ Home spokesperson Suzana Talevski.

“We currently have about 50 dogs that meet the 30-day criteria that would make beautiful family members.”

The The Lost Dogs’ Home has reduced adoption fees for these animals ongoing to help boost their chances of finding a home.

“We understand the cost of living is having an impact not only on those with pets but

those considering adopting pets too,” Ms Talevski said.

“Although reduced adoption fees do make it easier to obtain a pet in the short term, we urge all those visiting our shelters to make sure they are well equipped to take care of pets for the long term too.”

According to new data from The Lost Dogs’ Home, 183 dogs and puppies (170 dogs and 13 puppies) have been surrendered since the start of August with the cost of living featuring strongly amongst the reasons pet owners were being compelled to give up their pets.

In comparison, 104 dogs and five puppies were surrendered in 2021, and 88 dogs and six puppies in 2020.

“Sadly, we have also seen more and more rabbits and ‘pocket pets’ being dumped on our doorsteps recently,” said Ms Talevski.

“And with kitten season just around the corner, it means our shelters are going feel the squeeze in a pretty big way.”

The Lost Dogs’ Home is reducing their fees for long term residents of the home.

Go you good things! Thing One and Thing Two at Cranbourne West Primary School’s book fair parade. 305720

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

$15 million centre opens

St Peter’s College welcomed a number of special guests for the official opening of their new Performing Arts Centre at their Clyde North Campus on Thursday 27 October.

College principal Chris Black was joined by Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet and Maria Kirkwood, director of Catholic Education and chief executive, Diocese of Sale, to bless the building.

The $15 million‘GEODE CENTRE’ is a stateof-the-art, 450-seat, Performing Arts Centre designed for not only College Performing Arts learning, assemblies and lectures, but also for the wider local community.

Funding was sourced from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) through a loan of $9.5 million, the college contributed $1.5 million in cash reserves and the Victorian Government contributed $4 million in funding support through the Catholic Capital (Victoria) Limited Program.

Ms Kirkwood said the joyful sounds of students singing praise on stage underlined the excitement and pride the school community has in showcasing this wonderful contemporary learning space.

“I am certain in the months and years ahead that this centre will be a place of lively and dynamic learning activity, involving many people sharing ideas and growing together,” Ms Kirkwood said.

“This blessing ceremony provides an opportunity for all of us to gather to give thanks and recognise the contributions of so many people in creating a centre of teaching excellence where young people can thrive.”

Mr Black explained the origins of the name of the building, telling the audience it was inspired by the school’s namesake.

“A Geode is a spherical rock structure which has a durable outer wall with the inner layers revealing the beauty of a cavernous core,” he said.

“In our context the rock is synonymous with our patron St Peter with the full beauty of the central space only to be realised in the performances which will be presented within this space.”

The Performing Arts Centre has been 12 years in the making.

The actual centre and accompanying facilities have been three years in the design phase and two and a half years in the construction, encompassing state-of-the-art sound and lighting.

The backstage and biobox facilities will provide outstanding technical excellence to sup-

port productions and events.

Mr Black said surrounding the theatre, both downstairs and upstairs, are a suite of classroom spaces, change facilities, rehearsal spaces and green rooms, and that it is a centre both campuses can be proud of.

“The stage itself is a wonderful expanse to showcase the talents of our students,” Mr Black said.

“My thanks, in particular, are extended to Mr Phillip Mustey, business manager and Mr Adam Bonnici, our maintenance officer.”

The ‘GEODE CENTRE’ has been designed and built with not only the needs of St Peter’s College Performing Arts learning in mind, but also the needs of the local community.

The facility is available for hire, bringing a much-needed meeting/performance space to the communities of Clyde North, Cranbourne and surrounding suburbs. To make enquiries, please contact the college at officecln@stpeters.vic.edu.au

New state electoral boundaries officially in effect

By Eleanor Wilson

Boundary changes have officially come into effect for electorates across the South East ahead of the state election.

The electoral boundary changes officially changed on Tuesday 1 November following the 2020-21 State redivision - a regular review of district and region boundaries conducted by the Electoral Boundaries Commission (EBC).

The restructure meant several changes for electorates across the City of Casey.

Labor MP Luke Donnellan’s Narre Warren North electorate extended to include 706 voters from Lysterfield South (formerly part of the Rowville district) and 6005 voters from Endeavour Hills.

Meanwhile, Narre Warren South, currently held by ALP’s Gary Maas, surrendered 15,850 voters to the new Berwick District, but will expand to the south, picking up 17,458 constituents from Cranbourne North and Lynbrook.

The Berwick District is running as an electoral seat for the first time since it was removed in 2002.

In addition to Narre Warren South voters, the Berwick seat will also comprise of 10,399 voters from Clyde North and 20,515 voters from the former Gembrook District areas of Beaconsfield and Guys Hill as well as most of Beaconsfield Upper, Berwick and

Harkaway.

The Cranbourne District will be more than 20,000 voters smaller at this election, with its northern boundary moving south to Thompsons Road.

As a result, it will give up most of its Lyndhurst voters (4373 voters) to the Carrum District, plus 17,458 voters from Cranbourne North and Lynbrook, which have gone to the seat of Narre Warren South.

The Bass District, currently held by ALP’s Jordan Crugnale, has shed over 30,000 voters from Pakenham and Clyde to the newly formed Berwick and Pakenham Districts.

It has gained 7590 voters from the Western Port coastal communities of Warneet, Blind Bight and Tooradin from Hastings District and also Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield and Bunyip from Narracan District.

The EBC – an independent statutory body supported by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) – conducted the redivision of electoral boundaries for both houses of Parliament to ensure that each vote in Victorian state elections has an equal value and that each elector is represented equally.

To vote in the 26 November state election, you will need to be correctly enrolled by 8pm on 8 November.

To enrol, check or update your details, head to vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment

Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet, director of Catholic Education and chief executive, Diocese of Sale, Maria Kirkwood, principal Chris Black and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards at the opening of the new Performing Arts Centre.

2023 college captain Jake Bennett with Bishop Greg Bennet.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

All booked out for parade

By Marcus Uhe

Cranbourne West Primary School resembled a real-life library on Friday 28 October as stu dents and staff dressed as their favourite char acters for the annual Book Fair Parade.

All staff members dressed as Where’s Wally, making him easier to find than he is in his books, while school principal Andrew Berg meier dressed asWizardWhitebeard.

Harry Potter remains an ever-popular character despite most of the students not being born when the last film was released, but Par ent & Community Liaison Debbie Dodd said the books remain staunchly popular in the school library.

For the school community, it was a welcome return to pre-covid times, as the event had been cancelled in the last two years due to the pandemic.

“The students were incredibly excited to dress up again, but even more excited to be able to invite their parents,” Ms Dodd said.

“They’re so proud when the parents can come and see what they’re doing.”

The parade coincided with the school’s annual book fair, where students are encour aged to explore books and develop wish lists of books they would like as presents.

Those deemed best dressed (two from each class) were able to choose a book of their choice as their prize.

Our very own Vicki Vale (AKA Star News photographer Stewart Chambers) attended on Friday morning to capture the action.

Teachers and staff dressed as Where’s Wally.

Kennedy and Willow (Cat in the Hat) with Mrs Sexton.

Paddy as Mr Bump.

Ben the Lego construction manager.Staff member

Xavier.Stella

from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with school principal Mr Bergmeier.

MP pushes for re-election

By Sahar Foladi

Liberal Democrat MP David Limbrick held his election launch at the Ukrainian Community Centre in Noble Park in October.

Mr Limbrick is looking to be re-elected as South Eastern Metropolitan MP in the Victo rian Upper House.

The Liberal Democrats claim they are Australia’s only political party based on libertarian philosophy. It has experienced rapid growth during the pandemic and now boasts thou sands of members across Victoria, it asserts.

There were more than 160 faithful people to the party at the event, many of whom picked up corflutes and fliers so they could help out the party during the campaign.

Mr Limbrick told the crowd he is proud to have been a voice for people against “govern ment over-reach” during the pandemic.

Liberal Democrats seem to starkly contrast with other party beliefs. Mr Limbrick be lieves the over-reach during the pandemic has stripped Victorians from their rights, which is why his party has proposed a Bill of Rights ahead of the elections.

“If it wasn’t for the Liberal Democrats there would have been no one speaking up against school and park closures.

“The experts are now telling us we were right. If there had been four Liberal Democrats in the Upper House, the pandemic would have been an entirely different experience for mil lions of Victorians,” Mr Limbrick said.

On its website, the Liberal Democrats strongly suggest that protection of human rights is the “hallmark of a liberal democracy”, and as part of that, they are seeking to intro duce a Constitutional Bill of Rights to strength en and enforce the right of Victorians.

Not only that, Liberal Democrats want to “End the Nanny State”, in other words, give

power to Victorians to make their own life decisions instead of laws designed to save Victorians from their own decisions.

In saying that, it seeks to lift legal restrictions and penalties such as for cannabis possession, vapes and also the increase of speed limits. It hopes this will leave more resources

for serious crimes and “restore agency to adults”.

In his inaugural speech in 2019, Mr Limbrick made it clear what he does not stand for.

“For those of you who feel entitled to other people’s money or who like to meddle in pri-

vate lives, impose taxes, police thoughts and censor others or who could be described as nanny statists, champagne socialists, rentseeking fat cats, moral guardians, human redtape dispensers or any other variety of authoritarian, I have terrible news: the libertarians have arrived.”

‘Amazing project’: Little Beacons welcomed in Berwick

The long-awaited official opening of the Little Beacons Learning Centre at Beaconhills College’s Berwick Campus took place on Tuesday 25 October.

College guests, along with children and staff, celebrated the opening of Little Beacons and its adjoining‘bush kinder’ outdoor classroom, now named ‘Biik ngarnga-ut’ (learn on country) by Boon Wurrung Elder Aunty Fay Muir.

Little Beacons Berwick was built with the help of a $1.6 million State Government grant and began its programs at the start of 2020, but the official opening was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A separate $50,000 State Government granthasalsohelpedcreatethenaturalbush kinder area, used by children in the centre’s Early Explorers Program. It contains wetlands, woodlands, open pasture and Indigenous plants.

The centre is an extraordinary example of a high quality, early learning facility and mirrors Little Beacons’ Pakenham Campus.

Rated as ‘exceeding’ in all seven areas of the National Quality standards, its features include 122 solar panels, water tanks for flushing toilets and garden upkeep, bee-attracting plants, acoustic ceilings, and calm, seamless spaces between indoor and outdoor areas.

The building was blessed by The Rt Revd Dr Paul Barker, Assistant Bishop – Jum bunna Episcopate, Anglican Diocese of Melbourne. Guests enjoyed musical per formances by Little Beacons children, who also shared an Indigenous acknowledge ment in language.

Head of Little Beacons, Vicki Reid, said the quality foundations of the building were reflected in the Little Beacons curriculum, which supported each child’s development and the skills they needed throughout life.

“I am so very grateful for the team who deliver quality education every day,” she said.

LiberalDemocrat,DavidLimbrickathiselectionlaunchatUkrainianCommunityCentreNoblePark.

Picture:SUPPLIED

“We know they are supporting future leaders to grow and be the best people they can be. I would like to thank all involved in

achieving this amazing project.” The centre offers Early Years and outside school hours programs, along with play-

group and allied health services. Planned future services include early intervention and maternal/child health.

Alana,Audrey,SampurnandMikaelwiththecentre’sbushkinder,called‘Biikngarnga-ut’.

Picture:SUPPLIED

Teacher’s top of the class

By Marcus Uhe

Strong leaders, a familial legacy and a desire to innovate has seen Clyde Creek Primary School grade one teacher Amy Davis recognised as one of the best educators in Victoria.

Ms Davis was crowned Outstanding Early Career Primary Teacher at the 2022 Victorian Education Excellence Awards on Friday 21 Oc tober at a ceremony at the Regent Plaza Ball room in Melbourne.

The award recognises effective and innovative teachers in the first five years of their teaching career who have demonstrated ex cellence in teaching practice at a Victorian Government primary school, and have made a significant contribution to improving student achievement, engagement, and wellbeing.

The Professional Learning Team leader of grade one and two at CCPS is the daughter and granddaughter of teachers and knew from an early age that she wanted to follow in their footsteps.

Her quest for improvement and a love of mathematics saw her design and develop a visual-reliant resource to personalise student learning, to identify where individual students most need support and address their specific needs.

“There’s towers of different coloured ‘Lego’

bricks,” Ms Davis said.

“It’s based on building blocks and prioritising students’ needs.

“It’s been my baby - I’ve worked on it for three years.”

Ms Davis has experienced a unique beginning to her teaching career, with 2022 being the first year spent predominantly in the classroom after her first two were dogged by Covid-19 complications.

“I started teaching in 2020 and got a good three months in the classroom teaching prep before lockdown,” Ms Davis said.

“Teaching prep is whole other ball game. They (the students) don’t know what school is about and we taught them four or five times throughout the year as they returned from remote learning.

“It was an interesting time to start teaching but what I learnt was huge. It revolutionised the way we teach. We’ve gone back to basics and we’re keeping it simple for students.”

By teaching students at the beginning of their educational journey, her goal is foster a love of maths.

“In the early years you have to make learning fun. Get the students to investigate the world around them, so they’ve got real world application.

“With maths, all they need is a problem,

a dice and things to count with. They can do almost everything with those: counting, division, measuring and addition.”

She credited the leadership team at Clyde Creek, including principal Jodie Bray and assistant principal Sarah Smith, for accelerating her development and thanked them for the opportunities she has been given to help shape the culture of new school in its first year of operation.

Ms Bray said she was “beyond proud” of Ms Davis.

“She’s an exceptional early career teacher and leader,” she said.

“Her strengths in relationships is a real positive.

“We’ve had great feedback from the parent community about her as a teacher - it’s overwhelmingly positive.”

The Victorian Education Excellence Awards celebrate the state’s most inspirational teachers, principals, business managers and support staff that work to improve schools and help students to achieve their best by developing skills and learning outcomes.

The awards also support the continued professional development of staff, with professional learning grants of $20,000 on offer for each individual award and $25,000 for each team award.

Greens candidate brings diversity to state election race

By Eleanor Wilson

A progressive candidate is hoping to paint NarreWarren North green at the state election at the end of the month.

Proud Wiradjuri and trans woman Lau ra McLean was recently announced as the Greens candidate for Narre Warren Northand she’s hoping to rally the support to cause an upset in the safe Labor seat.

Betting agency Sportsbet currently has the ALP’s Belinda Wilson at odds of $1.02 to take over the electorate from retiring MP Luke Donnellan.But Ms McLean said constituents have the power to “stop the major parties tak ing us for granted”.

“I’ve chosen to stand in this election be cause I believe it’s important for our commu nity to have an alternative to the two major parties,” she said.

A local resident, Ms McLean has a profes sional background in the union movement, which she says has shown her “first hand how local working families in the area are doing it tough”.

“The cost of living crisis has contributed to uncertainty and stress in the community, and it’s time for change,” she said.

“I’ve been lucky through my work that I’ve been able to hear the stories from workers who come from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds.

“I know that the only effective way to be

able to represent people is through listening to people and understanding their struggles.

Easing the cost of living crisis would in volve building more affordable housing and ending out-of-control rent rises, Ms McLean said.

Environmental protection is another key part of her political ideology.

“The pandemic has shown us how much we’re lacking green spaces and parks in our community.

“I strongly believe that protecting our nat ural environment is essential for our commu nity’s mental health as well as the survival of our planet!”

She is hoping she can contribute to the Greens’ efforts to push the next government to tackle climate change by replacing coal and gas with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

Improving public transport to be more accessible and affordable is another of Ms McLean’s aims, if elected to the seat.

“We urgently need to upgrade our public transport system to make it more accessible and affordable, with many parts of the elec torate lacking any public transport at all,” she said.

Ms McLean will contest the seat of Narre Warren North against ALP candidate Belinda Wilson, Liberal candidate Timothy Dragan, Liberal Democrats candidate Stephen Matu lec and Independent Stephen Capon.

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Amy Davis from Clyde Creek Primary School with her trophy after winning Outstanding Early Career Primary Teacher at the 2022 Victorian Education Excellence Awards. 305449

Picture: SUPPLIED

Laura McLean is hoping Narre Warren North residents will get behind the Greens at the state election.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Multi-deck car park

Locals catching public transport in Berwick will benefit from a new transport hub at Ber wick Station, making it easier and more acces sible to catch the train and bus.

A new multi-deck car park opened on Sunday 30 October, delivering 661 car spaces in cluding 16 accessible spaces – increasing the total number of car parks to more than 1400 at Berwick Station.

Upgrades have also been made to bicycle parking, accessibility, security, lighting, and other amenities. The project also included the construction of temporary commuter car parking at Officer Station.

“We are improving local bus services in fast-growing outer suburbs to ensure all Victo rians have access to public transport and can easily connect to train services,” Public Trans

port Minister Ben Carroll said.

Delivery of the new multi-deck car park has been funded by the Australian Government, in partnership with the Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project as part of the removal of the Clyde Road level crossing.

It integrates with a new bus interchange funded by the Victorian Government, with double the number of bus bays to improve accessibility for passengers in line with Victoria’s Bus Plan.

To accommodate the new bus interchange, some local services have been re-routed from Gloucester Avenue to travel via Clyde Road, with connections to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, Narre Warren Station, local schools and other amenities.

“Whether you are driving your car, catching the bus or riding your bike, the new car park and bus interchange at Berwick Station will make it easier for locals to get where they need to go, and give them more choice about how they choose to travel,” said Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas.

More than 37,000 trees, plants and shrubs will be planted by the end of the project, including oak trees to provide shade and wind protection.

In February, a new road underpass at Clyde Road was completed, signalling the completion of the Clyde Road Level Crossing Removal Project.

All 22 dangerous and congested level crossings will be removed on the Pakenham Line by 2025, according to the State Government.

Charges after thefts

A Hampton Park man has been arrested following a slew of thefts in the South East.

It comes as South East police units step up the heat on opportunistic thieves targeting vehicles and property with a dedicated operation. The ongoing operation sees officers across Melbourne’s south-east actively conduct uniform and covert patrols every night of the week, intercepting vehicles, checking people, and gathering intelligence. As part of Operation Bird, there was an arrest in Melbourne’s south-east this week.

At approximately 7am on Monday 24 October, Cheltenham police responded to a call of a suspect loiter in Kubis Crescent, Dingley Village.

When police arrived, a man riding a white bicycle attempted to flee the area.

Officers gave chase and arrested the man a short while later, seizing the bicycle at the time of the man’s arrest.

Police will allege the man broke into six vehicles in Dingley Village between the hours of 11pm on Sunday 23 October and 6am on Monday morning, allegedly stealing number plates, electronic goods, personal items, and a bicycle.

It is alleged the man is also linked to three further theft-related incidents in Carnegie and Ormond, and an aggravated burglary in Ormond last week.

The 30-year-old Hampton Park man was charged with theft from motor vehicle, theft and handling stolen goods. He was remanded to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 27 October.

The car park integrates with a new bus interchange funded by the Victorian Government.

Bank exits Fountain Gate

Fountain Gate’s Bankwest store permanently closed its doors on 24 October, joining over a dozen other branches across the east coast to cash out of in-person services in recent months.

The bank chain said a 64 per cent decline in usage was behind the decision to close all 14 of its east coast branches.

Bankwest executive general manager Jason Chan said Bankwest needed to make a clear choice to invest in areas where customers preferred to engage with Bankwest.

“Customers increasingly expect us to be simpler and easier to bank with via their brokers and our digital and contact centre channels, so it’s critical we meet these expectations,” he said.

“We’re exploring how we continue to get the balance right between supporting those customers who want to use branches while delivering the digital services customers expect of us.

“On the east coast, Bankwest is in a strong position to grow as a homeowner-focused digital bank due to our distinct brand, first class broker services and digital investment plans.”

Bankwest general manager of personal banking Scott Spittles said the bank was contacting customers about the changes and upskilling WA branch colleagues so they could continue to serve customers.

“We’re writing to branch customers to inform them of the changes, support them in using digital services and help customers access alternative physical banking options where needed,” he said.

“Thanks to Bankwest’s partnership with Australia Post, our customers can access more than 3500 Bank@Post locations in communities across Australia for many of their day-today banking needs.”

While Mr Chan said the bank chain would continue to be “a leading retail bank” in its

home state of Western Australia, opening hours are shrinking for branches in regional parts of the state.

Last month the bank announced it would adjust the opening hours of 29 WA regional branches, which will move to two and four days per week.

While Bankwest has attributed the change to a continued shift in customer preferences across WA and nationwide toward digital bank ing options, peak body The Finance Sector Union (FSU) has accused the Commonwealth Bank subsidiary of “abandoning customers and communities” in response to the closures.

“It is yet another case of the CBA putting profits before people,” Finance Sector Union national secretary Julia Angrisano said.

“Banks like the CBA and Bankwest promote the lie that large numbers of customers are migrating to digital banking, when the truth is that the banks are actively pushing customers into digital banking.

“BankWest and the CBA are hardly doing it tough after the group booked a hefty $9.6 billion profit in FY2022.”

It comes after Commonwealth Bank closed its Hampton Park branch in July, causing frustration among the local community who said

it was one of few accessible Commonwealth Bank branches available in the area.

Ms Angrisano said FSU had been concerned about bank branch closures for years.

“This trend has reached crisis proportions and we are calling on the Federal Government to hold an inquiry into the impact of bank branch closures,” she said.

“The FSU believes banking is an essential service and that all Australians, no matter where they live, have the right to access banking services in the manner they choose, in particular by being able to walk into a local branch.”

Bankwest has closed all of its east coast branches.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Sports hub promise

A multi-million-dollar overhaul could be in store for a well frequented sporting reserve in NarreWarren.

If elected at the State election, the Liberals and Nationals will commit $6.4 million for a series of upgrades to Max Pawsey Reserve, Op position leader Matt Guy announced on 1 No vember.

Max Pawsey Reserve lies in the heart of Narre Warren, nearby to Bunjil Place and Westfield Fountain Gate, where more than 250,000 peo ple filter through each week.

The reserve hosts a number of clubs and events which attract tens of thousands of peo ple, including the Fountain Gate Cricket, Junior Football and Tennis clubs, the Narre Warren Bowls and Little Athletics clubs, the local scout group, Auskick, the Dandenong District Cricket Association and also the Carols by Twilight.

The Liberals and Nationals will consult with the community and users of the reserve to best deliver the upgrades, including new dualpurpose pavilion and changeroom facilities to including a community space, a scout hall, storage, public toilets, new cricket practice nets, and a new electronic scoreboard.

Other improvements would include up grades to the main oval and white picket fenc ing, the installation of an awning over terrace spectator seating, a new playground, barbecue area, benches and seating and improved and extra parking including along the Princes High way, Fountain Drive and Magid Drive.

Opposition leader Matt Guy said the Liberals and Nationals’ commitment was a significant sign of confidence in community sport for the Casey area.

“This announcement is for the nearly 30,000 people that use these facilities year-round, in cluding more than half of residents living in NarreWarren,” he said.

“The Liberals and Nationals recognise the important role grassroot sports play in bringing

together the community and we will continue to encourage that.”

Member for Gembrook and Liberal candi date for Berwick, Brad Battin, said the improve ments would support the booming area.

“It’s no secret that the Casey area has seen huge population growth in recent years. Our commitment will mean more visitors and play ers, across more teams and clubs, can enjoy these new spaces for years to come.

“It is great to see so many people getting out side onto the grass, being active and looking af

Peter Rabbit

ter their health and wellbeing.That’s something we will always back.”

Liberal candidate for Narre Warren North, Timothy Dragan, looked forward to seeing the sporting precinct develop into a world-class venue.

He said Max Pawsey Reserve would become a sporting hub for the region, with competition standard playing surfaces, adequate parking and community spaces, with food, shopping and entertainment just over the road.

Witnesses sought

Police are seeking witnesses following an assault in Berwick in October.

Investigators have been told a male victim left a licensed venue on High Street between Clyde Road and Gloucester Avenue about 2am on 23 October.

He walked along the shopping strip to an alcove area where he was punched to the head by an unknown female, police said.

The 27-year-old Officer man sustained injuries as a result of the assault.

Police are continuing to collect CCTV footage of the incident and are calling on anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or have CCTV or dash cam vision of a woman in the area around this time, to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

OppositionLeaderMattGuyandLiberalcandidateforNarreWarrenNorthTimothyDragan(centre) visitedthereservetomaketheannouncement

Picture:SUPPLIED

Spotlight on a local CEO

value in relationships. I demonstrate this in a number of my podcasts.

What has been your greatest challenge in the business?

Being able to find what works in the growth of myself and my business and apply it consistently. It has only been in the last five years or so that I have been able to really make this work.

Continuing our focus on successful CEOs, this week I interviewed Robb Evans, who runs Stu dioz Personal Training (studiozpt.com.au), a health and fitness company based in Paken ham.

Robb has worked with hundreds of business leaders and is well respected locally, na tionally and overseas for his knowledge, skills and unrelenting focus on assisting others in their pursuit of health, wellbeing and fitness.

If you feel in need of developing your health and wellbeing, it is well worth getting in touch with Robb.

Why was the business started in the first place?

I started out as a Chartered Accountant but moved into health and fitness as I felt I could make a greater contribution to humanity in this space rather than through numbers.

I worked in this domain for 19 years before I eventually set up my own business which has now been running for 13 years.

What does the business specialise in?

Optimising people’s health. This can include: improving the body physically, enhancing self-image, enhancing health, increasing func tional strength, improving fitness, educating people about sustainable and healthy nutri tion, and enabling greater confidence.

In short, I am looking to optimise health in a sustainable way through simple things that being in control of its success. I have been able create life-sustainable habits.

How did you overcome it?

I have tried doing things differently to see what worked and apply the ‘secret of success’ items above to enable tailored programs and onestop solutions. However, probably the greatest benefit came from engaging a business coach. What advice would you give to a new business owner just starting out?

Engage a Business Coach. Expect to fail (and fast). Build a great team around you and make sure you stay passionate about what you do. Spend time developing relationships and adding value daily. Create raving fan customers by effectively solving their problems.

Who inspires you and why?

My own Business Coach (JT Foxx) along with anyone that has managed to achieve high levels of success ethically in their respective field which may include sports, science, business and other areas.

How do you see business changing over the coming years?

In order to stand out you need to provide a ‘wow’ experience through great customer service. It’s very easy to get lost in the (technical) system side of things.

What are your interests and hobbies?

Taking care of my health, working out, time with my kids, eating properly, myotherapy,

Robb Evans is the CEO of Studioz Personal Training in Pakenham.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Fluffy new arrivals

A clutch of cute and fluffy Cygnus atratus (black swan) cygnets have hatched out of their shells in the Wylies Creek wetlands at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.

Ollie Sherlock, conservation officer at the gardens, said staff were aware of a pair of black swans settling on the dam recently and building a nest deep in the reed beds.

“A previous attempt at nesting by a pair of swans ended unhappily several years ago when a rain event flooded their nest and led them to desert it,” Mr Sherlock said.

“So, we were absolutely thrilled when the cygnets successfully incubated a clutch of eggs

this time around.”

Black Swans are large waterbirds that not only pair for life but also share incubation and cygnet-rearing responsibilities.

Each mating season they produce one brood of cygnets.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is a fantastic spot for bird watching with a range of different habitat types that support a diverse range of bird species.

Given this incredible diversity, dogs are not allowed on the site. Nesting birds can easily be scared from their nest and cygnets are also a vulnerable target.

Also, ducks and other waterbirds only require nutrients from their own natural food source.

Feeding these birds can lead to health problems, dependency on humans for food and a failure to recognise predators.

So, for the safety of the wildlife, please enjoy a picnic or a snack at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne but please do not share it with the fuzzy, fluffy or feathered friends.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne offers a free shuttle bus service from CranbourneTrain Station to the gardens.

New model

In the coming weeks there will be significant changes in the way The Salvation Army’s Emergency Relief Service will operate in Australia.

These changes will enable the Cranbourne Corps to begin working with the Salvos Personal Assistance Line from Monday 14 November.

To access the Salvo PAL line on, and after, 14 November, those needing assistance will need to ring 8873 5288 and speak to an assessor.

The assessor will determine eligibility and direct the caller to where and when they can collect a voucher and access other supports.

There are changes happening at the Cranbourne site so they can begin the new national Doorways model in November.

The current service will be phasing out ‘Bread & Veggies’ Drop In on Friday 28 October, with the Drop In Emergency Relief Food Parcels being phased out on Friday 4 November.

To enable the new model to operate efficiently, the Cranbourne Doorways will be closed for the week from Monday 7 November to Friday 11 November whilst remodelling work happens.

Michael Wright, Core Officer of Salvation Army Cranbourne Corps, and Volunteer Carol Cole.

Picture: MARCUS UHE

Adorable black swan cygnets at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Public Notice - Chief Executive Officer Reappointment

In accordance with section 94(4) of the Local Government Act 1989 (Victoria), notice is hereby given that the Board of Casey- Cardinia Library Corporation (“Library Corporation”) intends, at its next Board meeting to be held on Wednesday, 23 November 2022 commencing at 4.00pm, to pass a resolution which would result in the reappointment of Elspeth Luppino as the Chief Executive Officer of the Library Corporation for a further maximum term of twelve (12) months effective 1 January 2023, without the position being advertised.

For any enquiries, please contact Janine Galvin, General Manager Organisational Development, by email at janine.galvin@cclc.vic.gov.au or by mobile on 0409 230 264.

Father to Jeannette, Neil

Colin

Ray, Dorothy

Sherry

Grandfather to Lincoln and Bec, Clare and Leon, Ryan and Minky, Sarah andGemma,Mitchelland Leillah,SykeandAntonio, Heath, Ben and Pip, Jordan and Colleen, Lia and Kyle, Sky and Shane, Teil and Adam, Paris and Nathan,Josh,Spencerand Cyril.

Great Grandfather to Ruby, Arlo, Isabelle, Angus, Dylan, Elsie, Johnny,Charlotte,Hunter, Pearl, Florence, Ella, Charlie, Keisha, James, Piper, Van, Tex, Esher, Hugh,EnzoandZiggy.

He taught us by example how to have a sense of fun, a love of animals, sportandmusic,theneed toworkhard,andasense of responsibility to community.

WHAT’S

Waterwise Gardening

Water is critical to a garden’s success. As the climate changes, we need to take care with how we capture and use water. Cardinia Shire Council has engaged Sustainable Gardening Australia to hold a free workshop to help you conserve water and maintain a healthy and productive garden. Topics will include how to reduce water usage, water smart technologies, irrigation options and understanding the impor tance of indigenous plants and soil. Registra tions essential via bit.ly/3QEtqSD

· Saturday 5 November 4.30pm at Pakenham Library.

Officer CFA Open Day

We welcome our local community to join us for some food and fun at our fire brigade’s open day. We’ll have a jumping castle, kids activities, firefighter dress ups and more to keep every one entertained. Come down and have a chat to your local firefighters and neighbours. Sat urday 5 November, 11am to 4pm at 19 Station Street, Officer.

Cockatoo Country Market

Add a splash of colour to your life with a huge selection of locally made products! Wear your most colourful carnival hat or fascinator for a chance to win a prize.

· Saturday 5 November 8.30am to 1.30p at 77 Pakenham Road.

Make and Mingle’s annual Craft Fair

Make and Mingle’s Craft Fair started in 1999 for ladies to sell the craft items they had made during the year. Free entry and plenty of offstreet parking.

There will be complimentary tea and coffee available all day.

There will be something for everyone to pur chase. Some of the items for sale will in clude wooden toys, handmade greeting cards for all occasions, quilts, cushions, beautiful teddy bears, jewellery, knitted toys, crocheted rugs, scrap booking supplies, baby clothes

and much more.

It will be a great opportunity for you to get your Christmas shopping done in one place. For further information, contact the church on 9707 0777 or email makeandmingle@bea consfieldbaptist.com.au

· Saturday 5 November 9am to 2pm at Bea consfield Baptist Church, corner Old Princes Highway and Desmond Court.

Meet the Candidates

Come to our forum to meet the candidates for the seat of Pakenham, hear their reasons for standing and ask them questions about the is sues that are of concern to you. The four candidates, in alphabetical order, are Brett Owen (Independent), David Farrelly (Liber al), Emma Vulin (Labor) and Michelle Maibaum (Greens). You will need to advise organisers

of your attendance. If you are a community group and wish to ask a question at this forum, please register your group and your questions prior to the forum. Please note, this is not to censure any questions; it is to ensure your group gets to put their question to the forum. Candidates will be given an opportunity to ad dress the gathering for five to 10 minutes and then answer questions from the floor. Organ isers will engage a moderator who can keep everyone on track. Registration is essential. Bookings to Living and Learning, phone 5941 2389.

· Thursday 3 November, Living and Learning Centre Pakenham, 7pm to 8.30pm.

Spring Night Market at Akoonah Park

We are very excited to announce that we will be hosting a spring night market!

Come and enjoy a spring night with some de licious food and drinks and browse our huge range of amazing stalls.

Categories will include clothing, home decor, art, cosmetics, gifts, pet supplies, collectors items, books, and much more.

We look forward to a great night!

· Friday November 4 from 4pm – 9pm at Akoo nah Park, 2 Cardinia Street, Berwick.

Tooradin Calisthenics Club’s 10th annual concert

Come and witness a wonderful display of this year’s talented members, aged 3 to 40, all in one location.

A fantastic showcase of the strength, beauty, grace, energy and fun that our performers have been training very hard to master in 2022. Canteen and raffle available on the day!

Tickets are available online!

Child under 3 (no seat) - free. Child $10. Con cession/Senior $15. Adult $20

· Saturday 5 November 12pm - 4pm at the Cranbourne Community Theatre, Brunt Street, Cranbourne.

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Lillian has eyes on LPGA

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Pakenham’s Lillian Bu is riding the emotion of being the best eight-year-old golfer in the country.

The Haileybury College student is a product of Mark Shaw’s advanced ‘My Golf’ program run out of Deep Creek Golf Club and she won the US kids Australian Open event in Rock hampton last month.

Competing against 110 people from as far as India and China, in late September, she blitzed the field, getting par on the first day of competition.

She backed that up with three over on day two, only because she had the victory sewn up by the final hole of the nine-hole course when she lost concentration with her short game and putting as she lapped up the experience.

Lillian believes it is the best golf she has ever played and loved it.

“I like golf because we get to go to different places and countries and there are lots of medals and trophies and you get to meet new people and make friends,” she said.

“But the bad thing I don’t like is that there are lots of flies!”

Having just played golf since last November, getting into it because she saw her father, William, playing, she immediately excelled.

She is among six people in Shaw’s advanced program, and he has about 40 children aged up to 15-years-old he coaches in all.

“I started teaching her 18 months ago, she came to a junior program and I said ‘you don’t belong here’,” Shaw recalled.

“She’s is naturally gifted, the way she swings the club, she listens really well, applies the drills we do and works hard.

“We have been working on her short game, putting, pitching, chipping, nothing more than 50 metres from the green. Her longer game is well controlled so if we get the short game down pat early, the rest will come.”

Lillian needs to play only one more round before she has a handicap and it won’t be long before that handicap rockets past most casual golfers at Deep Creek.

“Mark was the one who encouraged her to start competitions from March,” said William, who expressed concern she may not have been ready.

In her first tournament at Keysborough in March, she finished last but remained resilient, and within a month, she had her first victory, at Keilor.

Lillian has since been an omnipresence on the US kids Australian tour, and has the Australian Challenge at Moonah Links in December to look forward to, before more interstate travel next year.

Her quick success has made Lillian aspirational and she is a regular at her local driving

range in Berwick and Beaconhills golf course.

“My first thing to do is golf and second thing is school,” she said.

“I really want to improve and be a pro and be in the top three in the world championship LPGA.”

Others future talent from the program that Shaw is bullish on include Jensen Cavanagh, a leading under-8 golfer, and 11-year-old Ciara Davies.

Building a rock-solid culture

By Tyler Lewis

Lachlan Balzary’s tenure as Officer Football Club president will begin with the task of building relationships.

Not only will he continue to progress the relationship with the ever-growing junior footy club and ROC Netball Club’s, but develop a relationship with the competitions new addition – Hallam Football Club.

“I have tried my best to assemble a diverse committee featuring some new faces, some returning life members and past players,” Balzary said of his new committee.

“Hopefully we can assimilate the past, the present and the future moving forward.

“We really want to build the relationship with our junior club and other stakeholders, the community groups that use the facilities.

“As far as football goes (on field), hopefully our recruiting and new coaching staff take the reins there, hopefully we’re more focused on – and I am big on this – providing a good family environment for all people to be a part of.”

Within his role, Balzary will continue the emerging connection between the football and netball club, while also addressing whether they would re-connect names.

“Yep, definitely,” he said sternly on the focus of the relationship.

“I will preface that by saying Nick (former president Nick McLennan) started it by hosting a joint presentation night for the season just gone, and that night was a huge success.

“I will be working very closely with the

ROC netball president moving forward, having joint functions and whatnot.

“Probably not at this point (linking name back to ROC), we changed our name to Officer to identify with the area, we’re definitely looking at a few things in terms of a broader strategic plan to tie ourselves back to our history, that being ROC.

“We’ve got ROC still on our jumper, underneath our numbers, so we still pay homage to our previous amalgamation as Rythdale Officer Cardinia.”

As a result of some competition movement and the Roos being relegated last season, Officer will not play the likes of Pakenham, Beaconsfield, Berwick, Narre Warren or Cranbourne in season 2023.

But Balzary – in conjunction with Hallam – is working towards a stand-alone marquee match between two local sides within the Division One flight of Outer East.

“We as a club are really excited to welcome the Hallam Hawks into the competition,” he said.

“We obviously understand building a new club is exciting and having a local derby, I suppose, is an exciting thing for us having unfortunately being relegated and missing Pakenham and a few things like that.

“Having that local derby with Hallam is going to be critical, we’re hopeful of making it a marquee this season.”

Officer has added an abundance of recruits, headlined by former Rowville key-forward Mark Seedsman, and will have a meet the coach day this weekend.

of

era for Lachlan Balzary and Officer.

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Lilian Bu has a smooth swing which has held her in good stead. 304528

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Mark Shaw with Lillian.

Putting is a strength of Lilian’s.

SPORT

Moody wishes...Nolen wins

By David Nagel

Pakenham trainer Peter Moody and jockey Luke Nolen are going to have plenty to reflect on when they finally pull up stumps on their magnificent careers.

They’ll be many stories to tell over a few beers for the knockabout pair.

They rode a magic-carpet ride with superstar mare Black Caviar, between 2009 and 2013, with trainer, jockey and undefeated world-champion sprinter creating a storyline that is already the stuff of legends.

Who will ever forget Nolen dropping his hands in the shadows of the post at Royal Ascot in June 2012, in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, with Black Caviar scraping in by a whisker in the twenty-second of her 25-win career.

Fast-forward just over 10 years and Moody and Nolen created another special memory on Saturday, when I Wish I Win scored a narrow victory in the $10million XXXX Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill.

The Golden Eagle, run at set weights for four-year-olds, carries a rich first prize of $5.25million.

Not even the mighty Black Caviar can claim that type of return from one race!

Nolen rode a beautiful race on I Wish I Win, hitting the front in the straight before holding off Hugh Bowman and the fast-finishing Fan girl.

The Savabeel/Make A Wish gelding won by a short-half-head on the line, with the David Vandyke-trained Gypsy Goddess finishing close behind in third place.

Moody, who spent years away from racing, and Nolen, who has had to overcome many injuries to stay relevant in the sport, were de lighted to be back on racing’s biggest stage.

They embraced as Moody led Nolen and I Wish I Win back to a buzzing winner’s enclo sure, with Nolen wearing the white, green and royal blue Waikato Stud logo.

I Wish I Win had bounced back after finishing fifth, as a $2.20 favourite, in the Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield three weeks earlier.

“It’s a great thrill and congratulations to the team at (owners) Waikato Stud,” Moody said post-race.

“We had faith in this horse, people felt he was disappointing in the Toorak, but the track just didn’t suit him that day.

“Luke gave him a gun run today, presented him at the right time and got the job done, God bless him.

“This is the second biggest turf race in the world, isn’t it, so we’ll take it.”

Moody said it had been a hell of a journey with I Wish I Win, with the gelding having now won three of his four starts since joining the

Moody stable in the middle stages of this year.

“It’s tremendous, it’s been a great thrill, a great ride, and Mark and Pippa and the team back at Waikato, congratulations team, it’s tremendous, and thanks for inviting me to be a part of this horse,” Moody said.

Moody had three runners in the race, with Chain of Lightning fading to run 14th, ridden by star-jockey Jamie Kah, while Tom Sherry piloted Lightsaber to be one spot further back in the field.

Chain of Lightning ($5) was the most wellfancied of the Moody runners, but Nolen had other ideas.

“We left it too Luke ultimately (to choose), but I think they were both (Nolen and Kah) pretty happy with where they landed,” Moody said.

Nolen was chuffed after the race, explaining it was nice for the southern raiders to finally get one back on their northern rivals.

“Bloody oath, you’ve been raiding ours a bit at the moment so we thought we’d get a bit back,” he told presenter Emma Freedman post-race.

“I’m really, really pleased, it’s really rewarding and more special I get to share it with Moods.

“He was a great loss to the sport so it’s great to have him back, he’s long been a big part of my career and I’d like to thank Deane Lester as well.

“Between Chain of Lightning and this bloke, I was really lost with which one to go with, he gave me some very good tutelage and I’m very thankful for it.

“He’s very good at what he does Deane, he’s done my form for metro meetings at home and every now and then I ring him to pick his brain and he’s very forthcoming and very matter of fact with his opinion.

“I must thank Deane a great deal.”

The winning jockey said I Wish I Win had shown his true colours after bouncing back strongly from the Toorak.

“We thought he was a real chance in the Toorak, but he didn’t get track conditions to suit, but today we blended into the race really quickly and it took me by surprise.

“He floated around and let the second horse into the race a bit, but he was really good, he’s a nice horse that we’re going to have a lot of fun with.”

Nolen was keen to enjoy the biggest pay cheque of his career.

“I always say it’s not how you win them, it’s how you celebrate them, and I’m going to be nice and bloody pissed after this one,” he said laughing.

IWish IWin has now won five and placed in 11 of his 13 starts.

Research proves to be a major problem for Pakenham

PAKENHAM VETERAN’S – OVER 60 Pakenham and District Veterans were due to play Research Eltham Collegians (REC) on the main Pakenham Cricket Ground, but after over 100mls of rain fell, the ground was unplayable, forcing a move to the excellent surface of the football ground.

The sun was shining and it was an outstanding day for the over-60 brigade to play cricket.

Pakenham was forced to make six changes to the team that played Richmond a fortnight ago.

Into the team came Peter Francis and Carl Muscat from Phillip Island, Mark Baulch from Yarraville, John Costello from Ballan and two local players Phillip Brooks from Pakenham Upper and Les Jones from Pakenham.

Bob Phillips from Pakenham won the toss and decided to bat first.

On the last ball of the first over Carl Muscat was caught by Mick Cahill off the bowling of Steve Horn, without scoring.

The total had reached 17 in the ninth over when the other opening batsman, Bob Phillips 2 (18) was caught by Phil Thompson off the bowling of Geoff Crisp.

Peter Francis 16 (27) retired before Pakenham lost its third wicket in the 13th over with the score on 38 when John Costello 4 (13) was caught by Marino Bovo off the bowling of Colin Holly.

The score had reached 64 at the 20 over drinks break.

David Leach 13 (25) and Phil Brooks 10 (23) had both retired and Michael Barrow 12 (12) was caught by Steve Horn off the bowling of Mick Cahill.

The fifth wicket fell on 99 when Alan Reitman 4 (11) was caught off the bowling of Mick Connop.

Mark Baulch 14 (25) and Les Jones 16

(25) both retired before Pakenham lost three wickets for three runs, in three overs, in the quest for quick runs.

John Moore 9 (10) and Jim Gregory 6 (25) were both bowled by Steve Horn and Peter Francis, who returned after retiring, failed to add any runs off the three balls he faced before he was caught off the bowling of Colin Holley.

After 40 overs Pakenham was 8 for 139 with the not out batsmen David Leach 20 (32) and Phil Brooks 18 (27).

All REC bowlers bowled well and the fielding was excellent and that is why this score did not appear to be enough on a ground with a quick outfield.

REC Bowling: Steve Horn 7-3/18, Geoff Crisp 4-1/3, Colin Holly 8-2/32, Mick Cahill 6-1/11, Mick Connop 6-1/28, Phil Thompson 2-0/3, Dave Cordy 3-0/5, Carl Caridi 5-0/30.

REC lost its first wicket in the fourth over when David Leach took a great catch off Jim Gregory’s bowling to dismiss Phil Thompson 1 (14).

Carl Caridi wasted no time in scoring 40 runs off 27 balls before retiring.

Dave Cordy 25 (30) and Mick Connop 18 (30) both retired before REC lost their second wicket in the 20th over with the score on 102, when Steve Horn was LBW to Bob Phillips bowling for an eighth ball duck.

REC now had eight wickets in hand and 20 overs left to score 38 runs to win.

In the next 10 overs bowled by David Leach and John Costello REC only scored 25 runs for the loss of Nick Allinson 16 (25), who was bowled by David Leach.

By the 35th over Marino Bovo 16(30) and Ron Collins 7 (26) had retired and the score had reached 136 when Peter Francis took a fine out-field catch off the bowling of Mark Baulch to dismiss Colin Holley 7 (14).

Dave Cordy returned to join Mick Cahill to take REC’s total to 140 for 4 in the 36th over.

Cordy 18 (39) and Cahill 3 (4) were both not out.

All Pakenham bowlers stuck to their task well and never gave up and were only beaten in the fourth last over.

Pakenham Bowling: Jim Gregory 5-1/19, David Leach 7-1/10, Mark Baulch 3-1/5, Bob Phillips 1-1/1, Phil Brooks 3-0/23, John Costello 7-0/25, Peter Francis 2-0/15, Carl Muscat 3-0/10, Michael Barrow 2-0/10, Les Jones 3-0/19

This game may have been one of the very few games of Veterans Cricket played this weekend, because of the weather.

Even though defeated by a better team on the day it was a great game of cricket.

Next Sunday Pakenham plays the Gippsland Goanna’s in Sale.

It is expected there will be a number of changes to the team

-John Moore-

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Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

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