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Thursday, 16 March, 2023
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Case thrown out
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Lions’ dreams shattered
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Appeal for mobile stroke unit
Youth’s skills on show Shymma Harris, of Pakenham CFA, loves competitive firefighting. Making new friends is a huge draw card for Shymma to compete year after year. Story page 3
Pakenham CFA’s Shymma Harris. 324066 Picture: ROB CAREW
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were caught by officers. Eight motorists in Cardinia were caught driving while disqualified, as well as seven unlicensed drivers, 14 unregistered vehicles and one impoundment, with police using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to detect the offences. Four drivers were caught disobeying signs and signals, two were nabbed using their mobile phones while driving and six were found
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use and unauthorised driving were the key issues detected by police during the operation. But Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir said the majority of people obeyed the road rules over the long weekend. “Considering it was a long weekend, with high traffic volumes and good weather, we saw the majority of people doing the right thing on our roads,” he said. Continued page 3
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not to be wearing a seatbelt. Police detected almost 7000 traffic offences throughout Victoria during the four-day road policing operation, following a shocking start to the year on Victoria’s roads. There were 74 lives lost in the first 73 days of the year, which is 45 per cent higher than the same time last year and the five-year average – both 51. Speeding, impaired driving, mobile phone
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Almost 100 motorists in Cardinia were apprehended for speeding over the Labour Day long weekend, as Operation Arid ramped up enforcement across the state. Across the Cardinia Police Service Area, speeding was by far the prominent offence for road users, with 97 motorists apprehended throughout the course of the long weekend more than triple the figures for neighbouring Casey. Two drink drivers and five drug drivers
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NEWS
Call for mobile stroke aid A fundraising appeal has started for a key element for a purpose-built stroke ambulance in the South East. Stroke Foundation is seeking to raise $100,000 for a CT brain scanner as part of the vehicle. The State Government committed $12 million in the 2022 State Budget towards the Mobile Stroke Unit, which will be the second in the state. It will be staffed by a neuorologist, nurse, radiographer and two paramedics. The brain scanner would allow for a diagnosis of a stroke and treatment to being in the field rather than waiting vital minutes to arrive at hospital. Launched in 2017, the initial Mobile Stroke Unit has assessed more than 2800 patients. Among them was Chadstone stroke survivor Warren Wheatley, who was found on the floor at home by his son Arron. “I began to bang feebly on the wall of the bathroom. I was on the floor and could just raise my hand,” Mr Wheatley said. Arron suspected a stroke and called for an ambulance straightaway. The Mobile Stroke Unit’s on-board CT scanner found a clot, and he was given clot-busting drugs immediately. “Right there, in front of the house, I was given life-saving treatment. It was incredible.” After the stroke, Mr Wheatley was paralysed on his left side, could not lift a spoon to his mouth, and experienced incontinence but in nine weeks, he was back on his feet. “With the world-class treatment that I received in such a quick timeframe, I was able to recover well. “Four years later, my life is 95 per cent back to what it was. The highlight was that I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding.”
Warren Wheatley, who was treated at home by a Mobile Stroke Unit after suffering a stroke. Stroke Foundation interim chief executive officer Lisa Murphy says the speed of treatment was crucial for Mr Wheatley’s recovery. “When a stroke strikes, it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells a minute so it’s critical to act fast and get emergency treatment as quickly as possible.
“The stroke ambulance does exactly that and, as a result, saves lives and improves outcomes for patients.” Another crucial factor is recognizing stroke symptoms and immediately calling an ambulance. The three most common signs are summed
up by the FAST acronym – Facial droop, Arms unable to be lifted, Speech slurred plus Time being critical, to call an ambulance immediately. Stroke Foundation is calling on the Victorian Government to invest $250,000 per annum for four years to deliver a FAST community education campaign.
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Thursday, 16 March, 2023
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NEWS
Volunteer’s on fire By Shelby Brooks For seven years, a young Pakenham CFA volunteer has been honing her firefighting skills at state-level competitions. Shymma Harris, who recently turned 18, has represented Pakenham CFA for many years at the State Firefighter Championships. Shymma competes in the Seniors B section and has taken medals in the multiple person events at juniors including 2Y and 4Y. She began her competitive fighting journey when she was 11, inspired by her two older brothers Darby and Kirby, and Dad Steve. Darby and Kirby are former state champions and Shymma would watch them compete. “I wanted to beat them - and I did,” she said. Competitive firefighting involves connecting hoses and shooting water at targets. Time and accuracy is taken into account. Shymma trains twice a week to work on timing, execution and accuracy. “It’s all about accuracy. It doesn’t matter if you’re fastest down the track - if you can’t set a hydrant then it’s bye-byes,” she said. What Shymma loves the most about competitive firefighting is meeting new people at the championships. “At every stage I walk up to at least one new team and say hi,” she said. “We all have the same interests. We all want to get out on the trucks.” Shymma is in the final stage of her General Firefighter training and by April she’ll be a fully qualified firefighter. She’s also studying criminology at university and working part-time.
Dangerous driving From page 1 “Disappointingly though, we continue to detect motorists for the type of behaviour that’s been contributing to road trauma this year – that being speed, distraction, and impaired driving.” Statewide, more than a third of offences detected related to speeding, with almost 80 per cent of speeding motorists detected between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit. Mobile phone offences jumped 23 per cent from the last statewide operation in January, with 323 motorists caught using their phone while driving. There were two lives lost on Victorian roads over the long weekend with fatal collisions in Barnawartha North on Saturday and Wangaratta on Monday. There have been 11 lives lost to date in March, historically the highest-risk month on Victorian roads. Asst Comm Weir said it is simply not good enough to ignore the warnings. “Police are constantly engaging with the community to educate first and enforce when the message doesn’t get through and we make no apologies for this. “We are doing everything we can to reduce trauma on our roads. “March is a busy time with footy returning, lots of major events and good weather – so if you’re out and about this month, you can expect us to be out too.” Operation Arid ran from 12.01am on Friday 10 March to 23.59pm on Monday 13 March, 2023.
Shymma loves firefighter championships. 324066 Picture: ROB CAREW
Police suspect Hallam grassfires were ‘deliberately lit’ A series of deliberately-lit grassfires in a bushy reserve off Arcadia Avenue, Hallam is being investigated by Victoria Police. Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit detectives say they are investigating three “suspicious“ fires in two days in Gunns Road Reserve, following reports of large amounts of smoke from a nearby walking track. The first fire was reported about 4pm on Monday 13 March and two further fires occurred about 9am on Tuesday 14 March. “Investigators believe that the fires were deliberately lit,” Victoria Police stated. There was no reported damage to fences or buildings in nearby housing estates. CFA and FRV firefighters from Hallam, Narre Warren, Narre Warren North, Rowville and Hampton Park were called to reported smoke from Gunns Road Reserve about 9.33am on Tuesday 14 March. The fire was swiftly contained to a small patch of native shrubland, with Hampton Park
CFA reporting about 10.30am that it was under control. An FRV spokesperson said officers found “three points that were deliberately lit”. “FRV referred this to Victoria Police.” Emergency Victoria issued an advice message at 10.08am that the fire was not yet under control, but there was no threat to residents living next to the wooded reserve. It advised residents in Dandenong South, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Eumemmerring, Hallam and Narre Warren North to “stay informed and monitor conditions”. “Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.” Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au A grass fire in Gunns Road Reserve, Hallam was swiftly brought under control by firefighters from across the South East. Picture: HAMPTON PARK CFA FACEBOOK
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Thursday, 16 March, 2023
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STAR NEWS 3
THE LOWDOWN Q&A
with Tooradin Dalmore Pony Club vice president Claire Wilson
Tell us a fun fact about yourself! I have a twin brother. I am 10 minutes older. In 1975, they had male as the elder of twins. But I was born first. What do you love the most about horses? Funny, I love their smell, I’m sure only horse people understand this. Oh, and giving them a kiss on the muzzle. What are you most passionate about? My daily yoga practice. Morning is best to clear for the day. And of course my love of horses. What would your last meal be? Roast pumpkin salad covered in roasted cashews and halloumi. White wine and some after dinner chocolates. What was your most memorable moment? Holding my daughter for the first time. What were your favourite subjects in school? Photography, media, art and design subjects. What event, past or present, would you like to witness? Watching Charlotte Dujardin win Gold in the Individual Dressage, London 2012 Olympics. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner? I would like to have dinner with my 16-yearold self. And also invite my Mum when she was 16, my daughter who is 16, and my three sisters all when they were 16. What are you currently listening to/watching or reading? De La Soul Essentials, I have been waiting for the hip-hop artists to have their music released on Apple Music. The music hit streaming on 3 March, 34 years after their 1989 debut album. How would you describe your fashion sense? Melbourne Black. Although I do add colour to match my mood. Have you ever had a pet that has made an impact on your life? My forever horse Dr Watson, dapple grey TB. I
Claire’s love of horses began at a young age. purchased him when I was 16 and he passed when I was 33 years old. He was my go-to in my teenage years, early adulthood and motherhood. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what
Picture: SUPPLIED dish would you cook? Corn fritters with avocado salsa. Where is your dream holiday destination? I dream of a road trip through the middle of Australia for three months with the family.
THREE … ways to eliminate plastics
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Carry a reusable water bottle Around 481.6 billion plastic bottles are used worldwide every year. Switch to a reusable bottle and fill up as you go. If you enjoy filtered water, grab yourself a bottle with a built in filter straw to keep you hydrated and healthy.
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Buy loose produce Avoid plastic in the kitchen by choosing loose produce over produce pre-wrapped in plastic. A study conducted by sustainability charity WRAP debunked the claim that plastic-wrapped produce lasts longer, and showed it often forces us to buy more than we need. Opt instead for loose fruits and veggies. Local farmers markets are great places to grab quality produce without the plastic.
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Reuse your jars Choosing to buy condiments, sauces and oils in jars rather than plastic containers allows you to save on plastic waste, while also giving you handy vessels to use in bulk-food stores, where you can fill your jars with things like dish soap, laundry liquid, shampoo, oils, nuts, beans and more.
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Thursday, 16 March, 2023
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Thursday, 16 March, 2023
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STAR NEWS 5
NEWS
OPINION
Health study
LENSCAPE
Women aged 18 to 65 are invited to participate in a research project which is investigating how physical activity levels for women in the City of Casey can be improved. Federation University and the City of Casey want to hear from women, including women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, who are not active on a regular basis about what is holding you back from being physically active. As a thank you, each participant will receive a $50 gift card, plus vouchers to access various physical activities in the City of Casey. To register your interest and to find out more information, please email project leader, Dr Meghan Casey at m.casey@federation.edu. au
Car flipped A woman was taken to the Alfred after a car flipped in Botanic Ridge around 4am, Sunday 12 March. Ambulance Victoria was called to the scene, where paramedics treated a woman in her 40s. An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed the woman was taken to the Alfred Hospital in a stable condition for observation. The car struck a tree before ending up back on the road upside down. Two CFA units were reported to be present, as well as two Ambulance Victoria vehicles and multiple Victoria Police respondents. It is unclear if there were any other individuals in the vehicle.
Cranbourne Meadows players watching the game at Glover Recreation Reserve, Devon Meadows. 323675
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up
Firearms bust Southern Metro Divisional Response Unit have charged two men in possession of firearms and drugs. Officers observed a Toyota utility travelling along Princes Highway just after midnight Tuesday 7 March. The ute was intercepted shortly after in Gardiner Avenue and the vehicle was searched by police. During the search, police allegedly located three firearms, a taser device, methylamphetamine, heroin, cash and bank cards. The two men, both from Dandenong North, were arrested at the scene. The driver, a 40-year-old man, was charged with multiple offences including possession of a general category handgun, possession of an unregistered longarm, possession of heroine and possession of methylamphetamine, among others. He was bailed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 25 May, 2023. A 31-year-old man was issued with a drug diversion for the offence of possess methylamphetamine.
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Thursday, 16 March, 2023
For Bunjil Place food festival events every Friday night month of March 5.30 till 9.30 pm - next Friday Europe and the last one African - last week was Australiasian - catering for our diverse cultural groups that make up the city of Casey.
Thumbs down To still trying to reach an agreement for the compulsory acquisition of my house over a year ago!
Thumbs down To investors buying up homes in established areas demanding this and that, not caring they block your entrance in and out or the noise and the mess left on the road - no letter to say sorry for the inconvenience.
Thumbs up To all the hard-working Clean Up Australia Lynbrook volunteers who did a great job cleaning up our parks and waterways.
Thumbs up To our dog who surprised the hell out of us when she jumped into our local swampy lake and turned out to be a really strong swimmer! Covered in muddy swamp water but totally worth it to see her having fun.
Thumbs up To our amazing community who support the EVERY1 community cafe every Thursday at Amstel Club.
Thumbs up
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To all who cleaned up the park and all of the rubbish, thank you.
Finally the lights are working on Glasscocks Road.
To bullies tracking down kids after school. Time for some Gran Torino style intervention.
NEWS
Bill-busting rebate By Eleanor Wilson Community support services are encouraging Casey residents to make the most of the current round of the State Government’s Power Saving Bonus program, with applications closing in less than two weeks’ time. Chief executive at Community Information and Support Cranbourne (CISC), Leanne Petrides, said it is a critical time to cash in on the $250 payment, which will close to applications at midnight on Thursday 23 March. “We want to make sure that every single person who is eligible can actually receive that money in their bank account,” Ms Petrides said. The Power Saving Bonus offers a once-off $250 payment to every household in the state with a recent electricity bill. In order to be eligible for the cash, you must be the account holder for your household electricity bill and visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through a participating community outreach partner. Once an application has been submitted, an email will be received in about 10 days with an update on the payment.
Casey residents have less than two weeks to secure a $250 payment by applying for the State Government’s Power Saving Bonus program. Picture: SUPPLIED For successful applicants, the $250 payment should be transferred to the nominated bank account within 3-15 business days. If you’ve selected to receive a bank cheque, this may take up to 20 business days to arrive. “Now is a really critical time to apply because households can apply for the current round until 23 March and then once the new round opens the following day, they can apply for that around as well,” Ms Petrides said.
“That’s potentially an extra $500 in your bank account, which can make a big difference in easing the stress on household budgets.” The handout will be re-opened to all eligible Victorian households from 24 March, including those that received payments under previous rounds. Since the first round of the $250 Power Saving Bonus launched on 1 July 2022, more than 1.7 million households have received the benefit. But Ms Petrides said about half of households in Casey’s South are yet to claim the funds. “That’s a significant amount of people who could be receiving this financial support, which is why we’re trying to make sure we have this conversation with people.” CISC is currently offering free appointments two days a week for residents who may need assistance in applying for the bonus. “All you need to do is bring your most current electricity bill and within a few weeks you’ll have the money in your account.” To find out more about how to apply for the $250 Power Saving Bonus, contact CISC on 5996 3333. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
‘Unfair’ to proceed again By Cam Lucadou-Wells The boss of a Cranbourne truck-driver who fatally struck down four police officers has been granted a permanent stay from prosecution in the Supreme Court of Victoria. On 3 March, judge Lex Lasry granted the stay after what he termed a “glaring and oppressive misuse of the court process” by prosecutors against the accused Simiona Tuteru. A supervisor at Lyndhurst-based Connect Logistics, Mr Tuteru had been initially facing four manslaughter charges – as well as 72 charges under the Heavy Vehicle National Law – over driver Mohinder Singh’s fatal crash on 22 April 2020. That evening, Singh’s heavy vehicle crashed into two parked police cars and an intercepted Porsche on the side of the Eastern Freeway, killing police officers Lynette Taylor, Glen Humphris, Kevin King, and Joshua Prestney. Two and a half years on, the Director of Public Prosecution dropped the manslaughter charges against Mr Tuteru after Justice Lasry raised questions about its case. “I was informed that no explanation would be provided to the court and that the (DPP) did not feel that one was called for,” Justice Lasry stated. “The indifference to, and lack of respect for, the court that attitude expresses is significant.” The DPP went ahead with new charges under Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) that were “fundamentally altered on several occasions”, Justice Lasry stated. Mr Tuteru’s barrister David Hallowes SC submitted the prosecution was a “constantly evolving, moveable feast”. After three years of “relentless deviations and variations” to his case, his client was still not informed on the “nature and substance of the criminal charges he faces”. Justice Lasry ruled that it was “unfair” to
Simonia Tuteru. proceed with a fourth attempted indictment against Mr Tuteru. He described the prosecution’s pursuit of manslaughter charges for more than a year “when it must have known there was no viable case” as a “glaring and oppressive misuse of the court process”. “In my opinion, the court’s processes have been, at a minimum, used oppressively and unfairly by the Director of Public Prosecutions at various stages of this case.”
Justice Lasry said this outweighed the considerable public interest in proceeding to trial. “At some point, the court must draw a line in order to protect its process from the prospect of ongoing abuse.” He said if not for the DPP’s handling of the case, the charges could have been heard in a magistrates’ court two years ago. Asked if the DPP would appeal, a spokesperson stated after the hearing: “We are considering our position with respect to that mat-
ter, and have no further comment to make at this time.” In 2021, Singh pleaded guilty to culpable driving whilst under the influence of drugs, as well as to trafficking cannabis, methylamphetamine and 1,4-butanediol and possessing diazepam. After he appealed against his initial sentence, Singh was jailed for 18-and-a-half years, with a non-parole period of 14-and-a-half years.
Lysterfield Lake tragedy prompts water safety reminder Water safety is once again being highlighted, following the death of a paddle boarder at Lysterfield Lake earlier this month. A 38-year-old man was found on Sunday 5 March, having drowned in the lake the previous day. Parks Victoria have commented on the incident, noting that additional water safety signage and fencing were added to the lake following a 2015 report from Life Saving Victoria (LSV). “Everyone at Parks Victoria is saddened by this incident and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the man who died,” an LSV spokesperson said. “We have implemented the recommendations of a Life Saving Victoria report from 2015 to improve public safety and information at Lysterfield. “This included the installation of additional water safety signage, fencing and annual summer safety events at the lake.” Despite the recommended additions, water safety incidents continue to manifest. Life Saving Victoria area lifesaving manager Liam O’Callahgan said that while LSV was not involved in the incident, it is a tragic reminder “to be aware of and prepared for the risks associated with inland waterways”. “LSV extends its heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of a man who fatally drowned at Lysterfield Lake on Saturday 4 March,” Mr O’Callaghan said. Water safety recommendations are crucial in avoiding heartbreaking accidents, Mr O’Callaghan said. “This includes assessing potential risks and whether you have the skills to safely recreate in, on or around that body of water, never swimming or recreating alone, wearing a lifejacket and being aware of hazards such as hidden currents, debris, sudden depth changes and slippery or unstable edges.” Inland waterways have accounted for 38 per cent of 42 drownings since 1 July 2022. In recent years, LSV has provided risk assessment services and mitigation recompakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Safety signage was installed at Lysterfield Lake following a 2015 report. mendations for Lysterfield Lake, including signage and education. On 26 January 2023, LSV trialled placing lifeguards at four at-risk inland waterways, including Lysterfield Lake, targeting the higher risk period that coincided with the public holiday. “Drowning prevention is a shared responsibility, rescue is the last line of defence and one LSV would rather not have to use, so it is important to remember your safety is your responsibility,” Mr O’Callaghan said. “You need to be aware of your own skills and assess if they match the waterway you plan on recreating at; never swim alone, wear a lifejacket if boating or fishing, and always keep children under constant, active supervision.” Life Saving Victoria is urging holidaymakers relaxing by the water to never relax on water safety, as alarming statistics show Victorians are 68 per cent more likely to drown on a public holiday than any other day of the year. Sadly, 42 people have drowned in Victorian waters between 1 July 2022 and 7 March 2023, a number LSV does not want to see grow. LSV general manager Paul Shannon re-
minded the public there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones, so your holiday does not end in tragedy. “During the four days from Christmas Day, Victoria experienced its highest drowning period in 18 years, a trend we do not want to see repeated,” Mr Shannon said. “This is why we encourage those heading to the water to swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled location wherever possible, never swim alone, actively supervise children and remember alcohol and water-related activities do not mix.” Mr Shannon also cautioned those swimming or recreating in or near inland waterways of the potential hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface. “This year, 38 per cent of all drownings occurred in inland waterways, compared with 36 per cent around the home or other bodies of water and 26 per cent in coastal waterways,” he said. “Just because inland waterways look calm, does not mean there is no danger. There can be hidden hazards such as currents, snags or other debris, sudden drop offs and unstable edges. “If you’re spending time by a river, lake,
dam, creek or stream and plan on swimming, evaluate your skills and if they match the potential risks, enter feet first and slowly and if boating, paddling or fishing always wear a lifejacket to buy you time to survive if you do end up in the water.” Even if you don’t intend to enter the water, Mr Shannon said it is imperative to be aware and prepared for all possible outcomes. “Accidental entry into water has accounted for 41 per cent of fatal drownings in the past decade, which is why you can never be too careful when walking, or camping or recreating near water,” he said. “Never take your eyes off little ones, we know children are curious, so keep under 5s in arm’s reach and under 10s in your constant and direct eyeline. “It takes just 20 seconds and a few centimetres of water for a child to drown. “Also be aware when walking by water of unstable rocks or slippery edges. Wear gripped shoes, don’t get too close to the edge, and familiarise yourself with and follow local signage. “While anyone can drown, no one should, so please, keep water safety at the front of your mind.” Thursday, 16 March, 2023
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STAR NEWS 7
NEWS
Melah and Ava get their feed ready to give to the ducks.
Jayden feeds a duck at the festival’s petting zoo.
The Cranbourne Lions Club had mouths watering with a free sausage sizzle.
Festival unites community By Eleanor Wilson The Fountain Gate Primary School community had plenty of culture to share at its inaugural community festival on Friday 10 March. A school assembly kicked off the festivities at 2.30pm, with a First Nations welcome song - Gari Gynda Narmi - performed by Year 1 and 2 students, followed by an electrifying Bollywood dance and Dari music performance. Its first community festival, the event saw the school grounds filled with fun activities, from henna tattoo and face painting, to a petting zoo, AFL handball workshop, book expo and a free sausage sizzle provided by the Cranbourne Lions Club. The afternoon was attended by Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson, who celebrated the success of the school’s ‘community hub’ part of the national Community Hubs Australia initiative. The hub, one of five in Casey, supports culturally diverse families, particularly mothers with young children, to connect, share and learn within the school environment. Established at the school in 2020, last year it serviced 89 families through a range of support activities, in collaboration with 13 different community organisations. The Smith Family’s Community Hub support coordinator Jana Hovic, who works closely with community hubs in Casey and Dandenong, said the service is a great tool to connect young families through the school community. “The idea of a hub is to create connections between the women but also between the school and the families,” she said. “So when they’re little, people start in the hub, and they come to the playgroup, they have a bit of an exposure in the early years, then they do a transition program and then when they start school, they come equipped and so do the parents, they really understand the system. “They understand how it works, how the school is run, what to expect and they can then engage with the school and there’s not that barrier where they’re not sure how they can really be part of the school community - which is really important, especially for our newly arrived families.” The school’s community hub provides a scope of services and activities for young ones and their mums, including child-minding services, English classes, a play group and sewing group. Families can also access allied health support from Monash Health, Sing and Grow music therapy and assistance from the Adult Migrant English Program. “It’s a big partnership project between the parents coming to the hub, the hub leaders, the school, the teachers, have them all coming together and all the support agencies do an amazing job,” Ms Hovic said. The hub would not thrive without the hard work of hub leader Naz Ramjaun, Ms Hovic said, who worked hard to realise the community festival. “She works tirelessly to ensure our families have the opportunity to engage with each other and they learn in the process, which is great.” 8 STAR NEWS
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Thursday, 16 March, 2023
Budhara got into the festival spirit at the face painting stand.
Saorianna and Shaniah enjoyed the sunny afternoon.
Elsie and Isla got crafty at the art station, in celebration of Harmony Day next week.
Sarina’s favourite animal was the bunny rabbit.
Dari music performer Amanullah Shefa enlivened the festival with a range of tunes. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
FOCUS ON … MEDICALLY SPEAKING
Organ donation on the up
Though 80 per cent of Australians publicly support organ and tissue donation, only 36 per cent are registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register. Picture: ISTOCK Of the approximately 80,000 people that pass away in hospital, only around two per cent die in a way where they can be consid-
ered for organ donation. The resulting number is 1250 potential organ donors, which is currently 600 less than the number of people on
DENTURES
The Heart Foundation backs bean blitz ‘Bean’ thinking about shaking things up in the kitchen? The Heart Foundation is encouraging more Australian’s to cook with lovely legumes in a new initiative, the ‘bean blitz’. A new report by the foundation found that half of Australians lack confidence in the kitchen when cooking with the budget friendly and highly nutritious food group. Heart Foundation senior dietitian, Jemma O’Hanlon, said eating more legumes by adding them to existing meals is an excellent way to eat healthier. “Try to integrate small amounts of whole, nutrient-rich foods such as legumes into your existing meals,” she said. “This will help you to feel fuller longer, helping both your heart and your hip-pocket.” The Heart Foundation said legumes are a
great source of protein and fibre that are important for heart health, they can be incorporated into your diet in a number of yummy ways. “When it comes to including more legumes in your cooking, think outside the box. You can include beans, chickpeas or lentils in almost any recipe, even desserts.” She suggests adding beans to a taco mix for some added protein, pop lentils into an ordinary spaghetti bolognese to bulk it up and almost any legume can be added to a soup to make things interesting. The report also found that one in three people think it’s expensive to eat healthy food, but a 1 kilogram bag of lentils averages at about $4. The Heart Foundation has various ebooks and tasty recipes listed on their website with plenty of legume rich options.
the transplant waiting list. When a person passes away in Australia, their family is always asked for consent to organ donation. While around 90 per cent of families consent if their loved one was a registered donor, a total of 56 per cent of families consented in 2021. This is why it is vital to tell your family that you have registered to be an organ and tissue donor, and that it is your wish to help others once you pass if you can. “Ultimately, the decision to donate your organs and tissue will come down to your family. We know that 90 per cent of families will consent to donation if you are a registered donor,” Dr D’Costa says. “This number is halved if they don’t know you wanted to be an organ and tissue donor, or you haven’t registered. Therefore, it’s really important not only to register, but to also have the conversation with your loved ones. Dr D’Costa also urges Victorians who signed up to be a donor via their driver’s license to double check their registration status. Only in South Australia can you register to be a donor via your driver’s license, though Victoria used to accept these registrations. If you’re unsure whether you’re registered, check online. Though 80 percent of Australians publicly support organ and tissue donation, only 36 percent are registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register. Anyone in Australia aged 16 and over can register to become a donor, regardless of medical history or lifestyle.It takes less than a minute to check your status or join the Australian Organ Donation Register. All you need to do is grab your Medicare card and visitdonatelife.gov.au You can also register through the Medicare Express Plus app or by phoning 1800 777 203.
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Recent statistics released by the Organ and Tissue Authority show that the number of Victorians, that registered as organ and tissue donors in 2021 increased by 87 per cent compared to 2020. Almost 90,000 Victorians registered in 2021, while across Australia there were 349,947 new registrants, up from 186,656 in 2020. Many of these registrations were conducted through Medicare’s Express Plus smartphone app, which most people had downloaded to link their Covid-19 vaccine certificates to their check-in apps. “Victorians are some of the most generous people in the country. We know about 80 percent of Victorians support organ and tissue donation, but only 22 per cent have registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register,” says DonateLife Victoria state medical director, Dr Rohit D’Costa. “In such a challenging year for our state, it’s been heartwarming to see so many Victorians take the time to register as organ and tissue donors - a decision that could one day save many lives.” 2021 saw 1174 Aussies receive an organ transplant thanks to the life saving generosity of 421 deceased donors and their families, with 110 Victorian donors. There are currently around 1850 Australians on the transplant waiting list, while over 13,000 Australians are receiving dialysis and would benefit greatly from a kidney transplant. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) around 170,000 Australians die per year from a total population of 25.7 million. Organ donation can only occur when someone dies in hospital due to the requirement that organs need to be functioning well to be considered for donation.
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STAR NEWS 9
PAKENHAM SHOW
Enter your giant pumpkin Do you have a giant pumpkin growing in your garden? Or perhaps another large vegetable? The Parklea Pakenham Show will play host to the Australian Giant Pumpkin and Vegetable Competition by Atlantic Seeds this weekend. It is free to enter but all entries of pumpkins and other giant vegetables need to be delivered to PB Ronald Reserve - outside the library entrance - on the morning of Saturday 18 March between 7am and 10am. The Australian Giant Pumpkin and Vegetable Society rules govern the entry of a vegetable specimen for competition or showing. They are as follows: 1. The specimen entry was grown by the entrant/grower/competitor in Australasian region. 2. Pumpkin class – is any fruit of any colour of the Cucurbita family weighed in 0.1kg increments for pumpkins over 100kg or 0.01kg increments for pumpkins under 100kg. 3. Other class – is any fruit, vegetable or plant of competitive merit and is properly weighed in 0.001kg increments and/ or measured in either a straight line from end to end or side to side or the its largest transverse circumference in increments of 0.001 metres (1mm), whichever applies. 4. The specimen entry was sound in structure, healthy and undamaged and free of any foreign materials. 5. No entrant/grower/competitor or spectator has influenced the measurer/judge or impeded the proceedings of fair competition. Any enquiries to Paul Latham on 0418 381 407.
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Junior Ambassador of the 2022 Parklea Pakenham Show Sheridan Venables (left) with Senior Ambassador Indi Skehan. 271091
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Get baking Who doesn’t love an apple pie? And, apples for that matter! Well, if you cook an apple pie, Bellevue Orchards will give you a voucher to pick up a 4kg bag of apples. And one lucky person will win $25. It’s all part of the Parklea Pakenham Show’s apple pie competition, sponsored by Garfield Engineering. Simply use handmade pastry and locally-sourced apples, with pastry or lattice (no other fruit) on the top of the pie, and drop it off to the organisers at the PB Ronald Reserve on Friday 17 March between 8am and 10am. Category: AP1 Family Pie, 20-22cm left in pie dish. Any enquiries to pavilion cooridinator Wendy Andrews on 0417 169 183.
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Renee Heath MP “Your voice for Eastern Victoria” I am excited to be attending the Parklea Pakenham District Agriculture and Horticulture Show, which in its 112th year is extremely impressive. Bringing our eastern Victorian communities together, the show plays an important role in supporting our community. You will find me at a stall with my team of dedicated volunteers, stop by, grab show bag, and have a chat! I am thrilled in being able to meet many from my local community. 51 James Street, Pakenham 3810
03 5941 1112
Isabelle tries gumboot throwing at a previous show. 166113 Renee.heath@vic.liberal.org.au Renee Heath MP 12594130-KG11-12
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PAKENHAM SHOW
Family fun with free entry Now in its 112th year, the Parklea Pakenham Agricultural, Horticultural and Multicultural Show is set to be one of the calendar events of the year. The show - which is free to attend - is on Saturday 18 March at the PB Ronald Reserve (Henry and John Streets), Pakenham. The show brings the community together under the one umbrella with our diverse and multicultural communities, as well as the rich farming history of the area, and acknowledging the agricultural and horticultural traditions that have existed in the region since its foundation. There’s something for everyone with exhibitions including all your favourite farm animals, flowers and fresh produce, cooking, art and craft classes and entertainment. You can also show off your skills and win prizes by entering one of the many competitions including the biggest vegetable, scarecrow, photography, Lego building, gumboot and paper plane. Major attractions this year will be the ever popular Reptile Encounters where you will be given the opportunity to get up close to some weird and wonderful Australian reptiles throughout the day. Also a bonus to this year’s show is the popular children’s characters PAW Patrol with a meet and greet - namely Rubble 9.30am-12.30pm; Marshall 10am-1pm; Chase 11am-2pm and Skye noon-3pm. The multicultural stage will be in full swing from 9am with Boubachr African Drummers and children’s workshop, Abli - drummer, Kapa Haka, Bollywood dancers, Chinese Lion Dancers, Bandok Tati Dance Group, Brazilian Dancers, Tamil Group, Dance Legacy Group with Danielle Griscti and Loren Thomas and singer Che. Plus, Cardinia Civic Concert Band, Animals on the Move, Miniature Pygmy goat exhibition, Ray the Blacksmith, facepaint-
Well known Tess Runting, sheep coordinator of the 2023 Parklea Pakenham Show is Rural Ambassador this year.
Meet and Greet the PAW Patrol characters. ers, children’s kitebuilding workshops, Stone Stockman, Water Drops Stilt Walkers, Pakenham’s Floorballing Exhibition, South Eastern Speedskaters, Melbourne Meccano Club, Little Ryders Pony Rides and 2023 Victorian Eastern Regional Series Skate Park Competition. The ever popular iconic Adventure Trail will return thanks to Pakenham Rotary, Sweet Stop, Ray White - Pakenham, Racecourse Road Family Dental, CWA - Kooweerup, Southern Cross Brix, Cardinia Shire, Cardinia Environment
Boubachr African Drummers and children’s workshop will entertain the public on the multicultural stage.
parklea.
Coalition, Bunnings, Officeworks, Cardinia Scouts, Lakeside Residents Group, Pakenham’s Puma Baseball Club and Living Learning Centre just to name a few. Head down to the show for the whole family with a huge free program of activities, displays and competitions. For our dog lovers, the dog competition will return on Sunday, 19 March at the PB Ronald Reserve, Pakenham. Visit pakenhamshow.org.au for details or email pakenhamshow1@bigpond.com
Gumboot throwing contest The Gumboot Throwing Competition is back for another year at the Parklea Pakenham Show. Entry is just $2 and there are four sections: men, ladies, boys (under 16) and girls (under 16). The winner of each section will win $25 and a ribbon donated by Bill Ronald. The competition is held under the rules and regulations of the organising committee of the World Gumboot Throwing Championship. It will be held in the centre area of PB Ronald Reserve at 12.15pm. And, in case you’re wondering, a size 8 boot will be used for the throwing.
Cardinia Civic Concert Band will return on Saturday morning with a musical program in front of the Pakenham Hall/Library.
PAKENHAM SHOW
FREE ENTRY
Saturday, 18th March PB Ronald Reserve Cnr. John St. & Henry St. Pakenham pakenhamshow1@bigpond.com Show Secretary 0401 271 627
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STAR NEWS 11
12 STAR NEWS |
2023 TIPPING CHART
Thursday, 16 March, 2023
NAME
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Second
ROUND 1 MARCH 16–19 Richmond vs. Carlton MCG Geelong Cats vs. Collingwood MCG Nth Melbourne vs West Coast Eagles MRVL Port Adelaide vs. Brisbane Lions AO Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs MCG Gold Coast Suns vs. Sydney Swans MS GWS Giants vs. Adelaide Crows GS Hawthorn vs. Essedon MCG St Kilda vs. Fremantle MRVL
ROUND 2 MARCH 23–26 Carlton vs. Geelong Cats Brisbane Lions vs. Melbourne Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide Adelaide Crows vs. Richmond Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda Fremantle vs. North Melbourne Sydney Swans vs. Hawthorn Essendon vs. Gold Coast Suns West Coast Eagles vs. GWS Giants
MCG G MCG AO MRVL OS SCG MRVL OS
ROUND 3 MARCH 30–APRIL 2 Western Bulldogs vs. Brisbane Lions MRVL Collingwood vs. Richmond MCG Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne UTAS GWS Giants vs. Carlton GS St Kilda vs. Essendon MCG Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide Crows AO Gold Coast Suns vs. Geelong Cats MS Melbourne vs. Sydney Swans MCG Fremantle vs. West Coast Eagles OS
ROUND 4 APRIL 6–10 Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood
G
North Melbourne vs. Carlton Adelaide Crows vs. Fremantle Richmond vs. Western Bulldogs St Kilda vs. Gold Coast Suns Sydney Swans vs. Port Adelaide Essendon vs. GWS Giants West Coast Eagles vs. Melbourne Geelong Cats vs. Hawthorn
MRVL AO MCG MRVL SCG MRVL OS MCG
ROUND 5 APRIL 13–16 Adelaide Crows vs. Carlton Fremantle vs. Gold Coast Suns Richmond vs. Sydney Swans Brisbane Lions vs. North Melbourne Essendon vs. Melbourne Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs Geelong Cats vs. West Coast Eagles GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn Collingwood vs. St Kilda
AO NO AO AH AO AO AO NO AO
ROUND 6 APRIL 21–25 Fremantle vs. Western Bulldogs OS Port Adelaide vs. West Coast Eagles AO GWS Giants vs. Brisbane Lions MO Geelong Cats vs. Sydney Swans GMHBA Hawthorn vs. Adelaide Crows UTAS Carlton vs. St Kilda MRVL Gold Coast Suns vs. North Melbourne MS Melbourne vs. Richmond MCG Collingwood vs. Essendon MCG
ROUND 7 APRIL 28–30 St Kilda vs. Port Adelaide Brisbane Lions vs. Fremantle Sydney Swans vs. GWS Giants Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn Melbourne vs. North Melbourne
MRVL G SCG MRVL MCG
West Coast Eagles vs. Carlton Essendon vs. Geelong Cats Richmond vs. Gold Coast Suns Adelaide Crows vs. Collingwood
OS MCG MRVL AO
ROUND 8 MAY 5–7 Carlton vs. Brisbane Lions Richmond vs. West Coast Eagles Geelong Cats vs. Adelaide Crows Gold Coast Suns vs. Melbourne GWS Giants vs. Western Bulldogs Fremantle vs. Hawthorn Port Adelaide vs. Essendon Collingwood vs. Sydney Swans North Melbourne vs. St Kilda
MRVL MCG GMHBA MS MO OS AO MCG MRVL
ROUND 9 MAY 12–14 Richmond vs. Geelong Cats MCG West Coast Eagles vs. Gold Coast Suns OS Sydney Swans vs. Fremantle SCG North Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide BA Hawthorn vs. Melbourne MCG Brisbane Lions vs. Essendon G Carlton vs. Western Bulldogs MRVL Adelaide Crows vs. St Kilda AO Collingwood vs. GWS Giants MCG
ROUND 10 MAY 19–21 Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne AO North Melbourne vs. Sydney Swans MRVL Western Bulldogs vs. Adelaide Crows MARS Fremantle vs. Geelong Cats OS Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast Suns G Essendon vs. Richmond MCG Hawthorn vs. West Coast Eagles UTAS Carlton vs. Collingwood MCG GWS Giants vs. St Kilda GS
Third
ROUND 11 MAY 26–28 Sydney Swans vs. Carlton SCG St Kilda vs. Hawthorn MRVL Melbourne vs. Fremantle MCG Geelong Cats vs. GWS Giants GMHBA Gold Coast Suns vs. Western Bulldogs TIO West Coast Eagles vs. Essendon OS Richmond vs. Port Adelaide MCG Collingwood vs. North Melbourne MRVL Adelaide Crows vs. Brisbane Lions AO
ROUND 12 JUNE 2–4 Melbourne vs. Carlton MCG Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn AO West Coast Eagles vs. Collingwood OS Western Bulldogs vs. Geelong Cats MRVL Gold Coast Suns vs. Adelaide Crows TIO GWS Giants vs. Richmond GS Essendon vs. North Melbourne MRVL
ROUND 13 JUNE 8–12 Sydney Swans vs. St Kilda SCG Western Bulldogs vs. Port Adelaide MRVL Hawthorn vs. Brisbane Lions MCG Adelaide Crows vs. West Coast Eagles AO Fremantle vs. Richmond OS North Melbourne vs. GWS Giants BA Carlton vs. Essendon MCG Melbourne vs. Collingwood MCG
ROUND 14 JUNE 15–18 Port Adelaide vs. Geelong Cats Brisbane Lions vs. Sydney Swans GWS Giants vs. Fremantle Richmond vs. St Kilda
AO G GS MCG
Carlton vs. Gold Coast Suns MCG Nth Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs MRVL
ROUND 15 JUNE 22–25 Geelong Cats vs. Melbourne GMHBA St Kilda vs. Brisbane Lions MRVL Sydney Swans vs. West Coast Eagles SCG Fremantle vs. Essendon OS Collingwood vs. Adelaide Crows MCG Gold Coast Suns vs. Hawthorn MS
ROUND 16 JUNE 29–JULY 2 Adelaide Crows vs. North Melbourne AO Brisbane Lions vs. Richmond G Essendon vs. Port Adelaide MCG Gold Coast Suns vs. Collingwood MS Hawthorn vs. Carlton MCG Melbourne vs. GWS Giants TP Sydney Swans vs. Geelong Cats SCG West Coast Eagles vs. St Kilda OS Western Bulldogs vs. Fremantle MRVL
ROUND 17 JULY 6–9 Brisbane Lions vs. West Coast Eagles G Essendon vs. Adelaide Crows MRVL Fremantle vs. Carlton OS Geelong Cats vs. North Melbourne GMHBA GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn GS Port Adelaide vs. Gold Coast Suns AO Richmond vs. Sydney Swans MCG St Kilda vs. Melbourne MRVL Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood MRVL
ROUND 18 JULY 13–16 Adelaide Crows vs. GWS Giants Carlton vs. Port Adelaide
AO MRVL
Collingwood vs. Fremantle MCG Geelong Cats vs. Essendon GMHBA Gold Coast Suns vs. St Kilda MS Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions MCG North Melbourne vs. Hawthorn MRVL Sydney Swans vs. Western Bulldogs SCG West Coast Eagles vs. Richmond OS
ROUND 19 JULY 21–23 Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats Carlton vs. West Coast Eagles Essendon vs. Western Bulldogs Fremantle vs. Sydney Swans GWS Giants vs. Gold Coast Suns Melbourne vs. Adelaide Crows Port Adelaide vs. Collingwood Richmond vs. Hawthorn St Kilda vs. North Melbourne
G MRVL MRVL OS MO MCG AO MCG MRVL
ROUND 20 JULY 28–30 Adelaide Crows vs. Port Adelaide AO Collingwood vs. Carlton MCG Essendon vs. Sydney Swans MRVL Geelong Cats vs. Fremantle GMHBA Gold Coast Suns vs. Brisbane Lions MS Hawthorn vs. St Kilda MRVL Richmond vs. Melbourne MCG West Coast Eagles vs. Nth Melbourne OS Western Bulldogs vs. GWS Giants MARS
ROUND 21 AUGUST 4–6 Adelaide Crows vs. Gold Coast Suns AO Essendon vs. West Coast Eagles MRVL Fremantle vs. Brisbane Lions OS Geelong Cats vs. Port Adelaide GMHBA GWS Giants vs. Sydney Swans GS Hawthorn vs. Collingwood MCG
North Melbourne vs. Melbourne St Kilda vs. Carlton Western Bulldogs vs. Richmond
BA MRVL MRVL
ROUND 22 AUGUST 11–13 Carlton vs. Melbourne Brisbane Lions vs. Adelaide Crows Collingwood vs. Geelong Cats Hawthorn vs. Western Bulldogs North Melbourne vs. Essendon Port Adelaide vs. GWS Giants St Kilda vs. Richmond Sydney Swans vs. Gold Coast Suns West Coast Eagles vs. Fremantle
MCG G MCG UTAS MRVL AO MRVL SCG OS
ROUND 23 AUGUST 18–20 Adelaide Crows vs. Sydney Swans AO Collingwood vs. Brisbane Lions MRVL Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide OS Gold Coast Suns vs. Carlton MS GWS Giants vs. Essendon GS Melbourne vs. Hawthorn MCG Richmond vs. North Melbourne MCG St Kilda vs. Geelong Cats MRVL Wstrn Bulldogs vs. Wst Coast Eagles MRVL
ROUND 24 AUGUST 25–27 Brisbane Lions vs. St Kilda G Carlton vs. GWS Giants MRVL Essendon vs. Collingwood MCG Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs GMHBA Hawthorn vs. Fremantle MCG North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast Suns BA Port Adelaide vs. Richmond AO Sydney Swans vs. Melbourne SCG West Coast Eagles vs. Adelaide Crows OS
Thursday, 16 March, 2023
12591492-AI10-23
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STAR NEWS 13
NEWS
Know heart attack signs New research has found one in five adults in Australia can’t name any heart attack symptoms, and only around half report chest pain as a symptom. While Casey sits below the national average for heart-related hospital admissions and heart disease mortality, it is crucial that locals remain vigilant and knowledgeable. Casey residents rank higher when looking at risk factors, such as insufficient exercise, smoking, high blood pressure and obesity. Over 70 per cent of Casey residents do an insufficient amount of exercise, which increases the likelihood of locals experiencing heart complications. Obesity rates are also slightly higher than the national average of 31.3 per cent with Casey reporting an obesity rate of 34.1 per cent. Casey matches the national average in terms of smoking (15.1 per cent and high blood pressure (22.8 per cent). A Monash University-led project reports that awareness of heart attack symptoms declined significantly in the years following the Heat Foundation’s Warning Signs campaign. Awareness of chest pain as a heart attack symptom fell from 80 per cent in 2010 to 57 per cent in 2020. The proportion of respondents who could not name a single heart symptom increased from four per cent to 20 per cent. Lead author Associate Professor Janet Bray, of the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said the findings were “very alarming” and new approaches were needed to ensure people acted appropriately if symptoms occurred. Associate Professor Bray said time was critical. “Every minute, more heart muscle dies and the chance of complications like cardiac arrest increases,” she said.
Twice as many men experience heart attacks than women. Picture: GENERIC “Every Australian should be able to recognise heart attack symptoms and the need to respond quickly and call Triple Zero for an ambulance.” The findings helped prompt the Heart Matters study, an NHMRC-funded partnership between Monash University, the Heart Foundation, Ambulance Victoria and the Victorian Government Department of Health. The trial is working to improve heart attack awareness in eight high-risk local government areas. Heart Foundation manager clinical evi-
dence, Dr Amanda Buttery, said Heart Matters aimed to improve personal risk awareness, heart symptom awareness and ambulance use in areas with known high heart attack rates and low ambulance use. “It involves community education sessions and reaching groups with known low warning sign awareness and ambulance use,” she said. Associate Professor Bray said some people in Australia were “definitely” at risk of serious illness or death due to their lack of heart attack knowledge. She said awareness was unlikely to have improved in the time since the study finished in 2020, as public health messaging has been focused on COVID. “A heart attack occurs due to a blockage in an artery in the heart, which means blood and oxygen can’t get to part of the heart and that part starts to die,” she said. “We have treatments in hospital that can reopen the blocked artery, and the quicker this can be done the less heart muscle that dies. “This is why we need the public to know heart attack symptoms and to call an ambulance. “Calling an ambulance allows treatment to start immediately and ensures that they can be taken to a hospital that offers the right treatment.” Ambulance Victoria paramedic and acting director of research and evaluation, Dr Ziad Nehme, welcomed the findings of the study. “Our paramedics attend almost 60,000 patients every year with suspected heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain,” said Dr Nehme. “Paramedics are best placed to diagnose and treat heart attacks in the community and are equipped to administer life-saving medications that can open a blocked artery in the heart. “Recognising your symptoms early and
calling Triple Zero (000) can make all the difference to your recovery.” Every year 56,700 Australians have a heart attack or angina, equating to 155 events every day. Twice as many men experience heart attacks as women, and considerably more men die, with 93 per cent more men being admitted to hospital for heart attacks than women. However, Heart Foundation manager clinical evidence Dr Amanda Buttery says that while chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom in both women and men, women are more likely than men to experience non-chest pain symptoms. Dr Buttery says women are more likely to experience heart attack warning signs such as nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, cold sweats and pain or discomfort in the jaw, shoulders, arms or back. These are symptoms that can be mistaken for conditions such as the flu, overexertion, indigestion or just feeling run down rather than a life-threatening heart attack. It is vital Australians are aware of these symptoms and seek appropriate help. Heart attacks cause almost one in 25 deaths. This equates to one person every 81 minutes, or on average 18 people every day. Positively, the prevalence of heart attacks has been decreasing over time. Warning signs of a heart attack are important to recognise. You may experience pain, pressure or tightness in one or more of these areas: chest, arm/s, shoulder/s or back, neck or jaw. You may also feel short of breath, dizzy, sweaty or sick. If you experience these symptoms, tell someone how you feel. If you are feeling worse or not better after 10 minutes, call triple zero (000).
TIC O N Vis L K it INE ETS lar O A dn R A VA er T IL pa TH AB rk E LE .co GA m TE .au
Victoria’s premier regional agricultural event
3 Days Friday - Sunday 24-26 March 2023 Lardner Park Gippsland Featuring ● Over 650 exhibitors
● Outdoor Living & Gardens
● Farm Machinery & Equipment
● Livestock & Agribusiness
● Telstra Women in Ag Lunch
● Drone demonstrations
● Rodeo on Saturday night
● Loads of Retail Shopping
● Freestyle Kings Motocross
● Health & Wellness
● Cars, Motorbikes, Caravans & Boats
● Food and family zone
● Equestrian Expo
and Animal Nursery
Farm World 2023 Sponsors
For full event information and more, please visit www.lardnerpark.com.au or follow Farm World - Lardner Park on Social media.
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Thursday, 16 March, 2023
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Jail for carjacking and guns By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Narre Warren carjacker with a “plethora” of guns stashed at home and work has been jailed. Jamie David Rundle, 24, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court as being part of a “vicious” and “terrifying” carjacking on the Eastern Freeway in November 2019. In a stolen Nissan SUV, Rundle aggressively overtook a Mercedes and then slowed, causing a collision and forcing the Mercedes off the road. Two unknown men got out of the SUV, one pointing a long-arm at the victim and striking him with the gun butt to the head. One of them drove away with the Mercedes, while Rundle ferried the second carjacker away in the Nissan. The “traumatised” victim was treated in hospital. Three years on, he remains “scarred” and “fearful”, sentencing judge Gregory Lyon noted on 14 March. Prosecutors accepted that Rundle did not know his co-offender was armed or that the victim would be assaulted. But he played “no small role” as the driver. He later tried to sell the Mercedes – with stolen number-plates – for cash and drugs, the judge noted. During Rundle’s arrest at his mother’s home, the Mercedes’ plates and the victim’s phone were found in his bedroom along with a pump-action rifle, Taser, sword, an array of ammunition and some meth. Rundle gave police either no comment or “implausible” explanations for the items, Judge Lyon said. Judge Lyon said the later-discovered stashes of guns and ammo at Rundle’s commercial factory in Hallam in 2022 were even more serious. At the time, Rundle was subject to a firearm prohibition order, a CCO and bail. Judge Lyon said it was “disturbing” that two
of the hidden guns were home-made, including a .38 calibre revolver with a detached loaded chamber and capable of firing. Also seized were a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun, a .303 calibre rifle, gel-ball gun and a partially-constructed home-made firearm as well as 200 rounds of various calibre ammunition. Rundle was also charged with possessing suspected stolen goods and proceeds of crime such as two computers, bankcards, a passport and two fake $50 notes. About 19 grams of meth was also found. Without evidence of trafficking, the drug was deemed for Rundle’s personal use. Rundle told a psychologist that he kept the weapons in self-protection, claiming he was shot in the back as a 19-year-old by a masked assailant. Judge Lyon noted he was given “almost no detail” about this attack, and didn’t know if a police report was even made. Rundle’s parents and character referees made no mention of the attack. The “plethora” of guns and ammunition were more likely “accoutrements” to Rundle’s criminal activity, Judge Lyon stated. Several guns stashed in an office’s roof cavity were clearly not for “immediate protection”. In mitigation, Rundle was still young, had strong family support, a lack of criminal priors and good rehabilitation prospects if he could address his abuse of meth and GHB. He was also diagnosed with major depression, anxiety as well as PTSD stemming from the purported shooting. Rundle was jailed for up to three years and nine months, including 404 days already served in pre-sentence custody. He will be eligible for parole after serving 28 months.
Peter Rabbit
A partially-constructed homemade gun seized from Rundle’s factory.
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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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BUSINESS PROFILE
Top employer for equality We are thrilled to announce that Lifestyle Communities has just been awarded Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation (EOCGE) by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) in our first year of application. The citation highlights the meaningful programs and initiatives that Lifestyle Communities has created and imbedded within the organisation and throughout our communities enabling our team and homeowners to thrive. With over 67% of our team identifying as female, we are proud to be recognised for our commitment in leading the way and accelerating change for gender equality in the property/ construction industry. Simone de la Harpe, Head of People Experience reflected on our journey toward the citation: “Prior to going through the application process, it was clear from my first day that Lifestyle Communities was truly committed to creating a workplace and environment that supports and recognises team members, future team members, homeowners and suppliers. We have led the way in creating development opportunities, career growth, support programs and flexible ways of working that support the needs of our team. The citation is also a wonderful acknowledgement of the commitment to date from our Leadership team, Board and wider team to foster an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that has a positive impact on the lives our homeowners and continues to drive change within our industry and beyond.” Coinciding with Lifestyle Communities 20-year anniversary milestone, this citation further solidifies our focus on gender equality, particularly emphasising the amazing outcomes from our various programs and initiatives: A 50/50 gender split on our Board with 40/40/20 targets across our team. Our design
Lifestyle Communities has been awarded Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation. and construction team is over 60% female which is a great achievement within a male dominated industry. A higher percentage of both full-time and part-time females in both Emerging Leader roles and subsequent Emerging Leader program. Flexible working programs that support all team members across various carer journeys including increased maternity (18 weeks) and paternity leave (8 weeks) options whilst continuing to deliver amazing experiences for homeowners. Tailored training and development programs to support inclusion,
diversity and leadership. Strong results from our citation driven ‘lived experience check in’ with our team. Partnering on a paid research project focusing on Dad’s and partner leave pre-and-post pandemic. A direct quote from our Managing Director, James Kelly, upon receiving the news that we had been successful in our EOCGE application: “24th February marks the 20th anniversary since I started Lifestyle Communities with Dael and Bruce - this just could not have come at a better time! I feel so delighted that we have
been able to create an organisation that is deserved of such recognition. It’s been a lifelong passion of mine, incubated through university, to ensure that any company that I lead can make a difference to gender equality in Australia. This means a lot!” The WGEA framework is the gold standard towards creating meaningful, positive change and Lifestyle Communities is proud to hold ourselves to the highest standards. We will continue to evolve our programs to deliver key gender equality practices that have a positive impact.”
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Developing a diverse force
vided with theoretical and fitness training to make sure they meet the high standards of the recruitment process. The program also seeks to increase the numbers of recruits from under-represented cultural communities. Senior Sergeant Robbie Colcott, who is also officer in charge of the Southern Metro Region Multicultural Liaison unit, said it’s essential for Victoria Police to represent different communities. “Victoria is made up of diverse communities. For the communities to be able to look
Picture: SUPPLIED
at their local police and see their community represented, that comes back to the issue of removing barriers. “Their cultural background shouldn’t be a barrier as long as they share the values that we do here in Victoria Police.” Snr Sgt Colcott said individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds possess skills that can be of value as a police officer. “People from diverse communities are creative and resourceful. I think they bring an understanding and wisdom and we value that. “They have an understanding of how peo-
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Exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and spectators were Changes are being thrilled to be back made to the Casey at P.B Ronald Reserve Foundation, which Cardinia for klea Pakenham Show the 111th Parsolely as the Cardiniawill potentially be known on Saturday. Foundation. Spoiled with sunny The foundation weather, the is making the show was the first to transition to decision a Cardinia-only Covid-19 shutdownsone back since body to strengthen not for in 2020 and profit organisations help 2021. community. in the It was a bumper Director Paul Thomas tainment with plenty day of entersaid the board yet to approve has of high qualthe new direction ity poultry, sheep transform the foundation. that will and exhibits, reminiscent horticulture “Throughout the of the district’s pandemic, like rural roots. Casey Cardinia Foundation ganisations that director Paul Thomas are philanthropic, most or- says the foundation dation has had the founmay be shifting its little focus to carry out fundraising to no opportunities to Cardinia only. 198803 COVERAGE PAGES - we have continued 16-17 grants process so our the out, but we haven’t funds have been going their own organisation. really had monies ing in because The foundation comJunior Ambassador our fundraising was mainly grants process and currently has an annual through events,” of the Parklea Mr Thomas Pakenham Show is Sheridan Venables per cent of its assets. required to give back four “We took the opportunitysaid. (left) with Senior Ambassador Indi to go strategic review If approved by the Skehan. 271091 over the last couple through a board, the foundation Picture: ROB CAREW years. only give out to Cardinia “The review indicated will based organisations. we need to fund organisation properly Beaconhills College Mr Thomas said the to ensure we’re once the changes fundraise to the Class for VCE Dance.student Ruby Thornton-Mackay has able to proved, the foundation are aplevel we need to, been chosen will and ultimate- at a whole be able to operate to perform at Top ly give out significant new level. funds Picture: SUPPLIED “We will have significantto the community. “It will mean we support from the Cardinia can make a difference Cardinia Shire.” to organisations through Cardinia Shire our grants process,” Mr Thomas councillor Jack said. said it was important Kowarzik “There was an By Jonty Ralphsmith to continue to provide Ruby Thornton-Mac the foundation spreading ourselves argument that we were with financial support. too thin and this Casey also recorded training has paid kay’s 13 years of dance outstanding The“By City reinvigorating us in will hone of Casey recorded off, to a smaller territory. the the foundation of the best students being named one who have VCE performing arts students the third we work withofphilanthropist with 5174 – 231 fewer most family incinumber highest can dents Houses criminal offences completed; who undertook “Cardinia than in 2020. the s in the is growing at such Dance inwere VCE Music Investigation, Music Performance, incommunity. 2021 of any we In better news, Victorian 2021. top location for offences “With the a rapid rate so with 5833 offences localcompletion governmentofarea. deception offences, Music Style can concentratethe number occurring in the of criminal this strategic re- cidents view, Ruby has been some significant public order and position, VCE household. offences, it would inThe the City ofon ects thatinreally Criminal and Combe short Stealing selected to perform VET Music Industry, security Casey was sighted to wrap from a motor Statistics can make the Melbourne down 17.2projfoundation.” vehicle was the most at Drama justice procedures Dance, cent from 2020 to a difference up the community.” its released 2021 data on Thursday Agency Recital in per the common 2021. Centre later this fences. and Theatre Studies. - except drug ofmonth offence, 17 March, revealingCasey as part followed by breach family Caseyjoined Ruby said she was of Top Class The highest number recorded violence order, Cardinia the 19,680 foundation Shire Council Hampton of Excellence, criminal Season ceived offences, of will in 2013 offences only is choosing Park (1868grateful damage,VCE have rebehind Greaterto but cial occurred managed in Cranbourne provide in 2020tocompared Geelong honour make an support to the finan- andCurriculum theft 1453 inthe by theother common assault. (20,018) withfoundation performing exit as Victorian 1863, followed and they 2021), Narreof Melbourne (1629), (33,597). ate their focus her skills- to based dance and by first for the Warren (2627 in Berwick and undergo changesreevalu- years, solo which Narre with five theWarren In Berwick, total Assessment Authority as 2020, 2123 she in 2021), (VCAA). goal to grow (1533), within (1022) theHampton part ofNarre offences were down Warren Northchoreographed foundation a pointand her extermination Park where to to 2157 (352 Cranbourne it will be able 2475 last 2020, 323 in 2021) for withseason theinsubject The North a decrease in all to (999). year.and Narre Warren South run on its own. offence 11 concerts divisions – crimes against presents also recorded the person, property by decreases in the annual number Read moreof and oncrimes. page 2 Continued page 3
Crime concerns
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Constable Mella Opiew, one of the first recruits of the program.
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Victoria Police is seeking to broaden its ranks with its Diversity Recruitment Program for the South-East. The recruitment program is a partnership between Victoria Police, Jesuit Social Services and Victoria University, with a new round of applications now open. Applicants will take part in a 15-week course at Victoria University in policing and recruitment pathways to build their skills and capabilities for a higher chance of being recruited. The program specifically targets diverse communities of the South-East in efforts to not just create awareness in those communities but also to guide participants through each stage of the recruitment process. Mella Opiew was one of the first to be recruited through this program. “I recall when I accepted the offer from Victoria Police my siblings were there, all of them were happy. They are more concerned about my safety but they’re happy for me. “I was really happy that day, it was one of my best days.” Eldest of four siblings, Mr Opiew migrated from Sudan with his family in 2004. With English as a second language, he attended Noble Park English Language School to get himself up to speed. Now a constable, he says the program provides a lot of support for those ready to take up the challenges. “I’m really happy just being in Victoria Police. Not one day is the same.” Now a few months into his career, Mr Opiew wants to give back to the community. “I would love to get involved in community engagement to build the trust with the community.” In the 15-week course, participants are pro-
ple from certain community can comfortably communicate.” Diverse members of the public can also help with issues surrounding cultural issues “that others might otherwise struggle with”. Unfortunately, despite all the benefits, barriers still exist like a steel wall for the diverse communities to even consider a career in the police force. “Some challenges (of breaking the barriers) are simple like many haven’t considered a police career as an option. Part of that is they haven’t seen their community represented. “Some are sophisticated in the sense that they come from other countries where the police don’t live up to the value that is expected of us in Victoria Police.” As of late last year, 132 participants had completed the 15-week course, 56 participants had successfully passed the Victoria Police Entrance Exam and 22 participants have been offered places at the academy in police, PSO or PCO roles. A total of 47 cultures were represented by participants. “When people see the selection criteria, they might think the career is not for them. What I would like to say is that we are there to support those people who have the value and drive in overcoming the hurdles,” Mr Colcott said. “We can assist, coach them, they can apply and be successful. It’s not just in the application process, but right through the training academy phase. “I encourage people who are considering career in Vic Police to come to an info session and check the social media pages.” Applications for residents in City of Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia are open until 27 March. The program begins on 2 May with a mixture of online and face-to-face classes at no cost to participants.
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STAR NEWS 17
WHAT’S ON cludes fun parades, carnival rides, food trucks and market stalls. It goes over Saturday and Sunday, starting with a carnival the evening of Saturday, while Sunday will be the main day of fun parades, food and stalls that will take over the park. PB Ronald Reserve, Saturday 29 April from 5pm, Sunday 30 April from 11am.
Edrington Great Art Show Held over two floors in the historic homestead of Lord and Lady Casey, this art show is being touted as “simply the greatest art show in the south east”. Hosted by Provenance Artists Inc, a not-for-profit society of artists based in the City of Casey, this is the 23rd annual show. This is a major art event especially that it is held in the magnificent historical homestead which is normally closed to the public. Besides the art this is a special opportunity for local residents to view and inspect the homestead. Saturday 25 March and Sunday 26 March 10am to 4pm.
·
Lakeside Market The Lakeside Market Pakenham is a street food truck and handmade makers market set by the side of the stunning Lakeside Lake and in front of the Cardinia Cultural Centre. The market features a choice selection of gourmet food and drink, live music and quality local makers stalls including fashion, homewares, art, pet products, natural skincare, baked goods, plants and lots more and is dog friendly. Sunday 19 March 10am to 2pm.
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Holland Festival The Holland Festival is run by the Rotary Club of Casey with the sole purpose of operating a cultural festival for the benefit of the community, including people of Dutch heritage funds for charitable purposes including Rotary community service projects. Saturday 18 March Akoonah Park 10am to 6pm.
·
Much Ado About Nothing
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Growing oyster mushrooms Come learn how to grow your own Oyster mushrooms at home with Daniel from the Hills Community Gardens. Sunday 19 March 10.30am to 1.30pm at Alma Treloar Reserve Cockatoo.
The Pakenham Show is coming up this weekend.
Pakenham Show
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The 2023 Parklea Pakenham and District Agriculture and Horticulture Show will feature rural excellence, marvellous art and craft displays, iconic events and competitions, a stage with multicultural dances, meet and
Harewood Heritage Day Harewood House will be open for tours for the annual Harewood Heritage Day event. Other local historical displays, traditional trades and craft demonstrations, period costumes, vintage cars and live entertainment will also feature on the day. Sunday 2 April from 10am to 3pm, 3300 South Gippsland Highway, Kooweerup (next to the Tooradin Airfield).
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CPAC costume sale Cardinia Performing Arts Company have a huge array of costumes and sets for sale at bargain prices. This includes full and partial costume sets from such shows as Beauty and the Beast, Joseph, Grease, and High School Musical, dance costumes and tutus, set pieces, props and furniture from many shows that could be used in a variety of contexts, wigs, jewellery and fabric bolts and some lighting and special effects machines.
Costumes will be on sale at the Upper Pakenham Hall from 18-25 March. Sets and props are stored in Garfield so we would like people to book a time if you would like to have a look at what’s available. For enquiries or to make a booking for sets/ props call Lee on 0407 090 354.
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Bunyip Agricultural Show A community show once a year which families can attend. Please encourage your friends and family to attend from 9am to 3pm and get behind this local community event. The main show will be run on the Sunday 26
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greet the PAW Patrol characters - Chase, Marshall, Skye and Rubble along with new and returning attractions for people of all ages. Come along and support this free community event, and celebrate our 112th show. Saturday 18 March at PB Ronald Reserve, Pakenham.
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March with some horse events happening on Saturday 25 March due to the ground currently undergoing renovations.
Korumburra Working Horse and Tractor Rally Annual vintage rally featuring tractor pull, Clydesdale horses, blacksmith, woodchop, vintage engines, army tanks, sheep sheering and earth moving display. 18 and 19 March at 5875 South Gippsland Highway Nyora - opposite Lang Lang Golf Club.
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Yakkerboo Festival A family-friendly event held each year that in-
A classic Shakespeare play performed by a local theatre group from all over the hills. This weekend will be its last set of shows for this play. It’s on 17, 18 and 19 March at Gem Community Arts Centre, 19 Kilvington Drv, Emerald.
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Gembrook Market This market is held once a month. You will find local stalls providing crafts, plants, fresh produce, hot food selections and nice coffee. There is a jumping castle, farm animals and many more children’s activities. It is held on the fourth Sunday of every month - this month it is on 26 March from 9am to roughly 2pm. The market is located at the Gembrook Community Centre, 4 Gembrook Road.
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Pub Rock Exhibition The Cardinia Cultural Centre is exhibiting a new collection of photos depicting the lively music scene of ‘70s and ‘80s Australia. Drawn from the National Portrait Gallery’s collection of works by music photographers Tony Mott and Wendy McDougall, the exhibition showcases snaps of live performances and backstage antics of celebrated bands such as AC/DC, Midnight Oil and The Divinyls. The exhibition runs from 10 February to 9 April.
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Value proposition defined TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH In last week’s article, we discussed the power and value of having a business strategy. In this article I would like to build on this by defining the term value proposition and showing how it relates to strategy. According to Google, a value proposition is a simple statement that clearly communicates the product or service benefit you promise to deliver to your customers. It’s ultimately what makes your product attractive to your ideal customer. So clearly then, a good value proposition is well worth having since it is fundamentally what will drive sales, but it is actually serves a greater purpose as well. In working with businesses, I often ask business owners what specific value do you bring to your clients and how is this different from the competition? It is a loaded question that forces the owner to think hard about why customers should buy from them as opposed to those in a similar space. Price might be a possible reason but you have to have pretty deep pockets to use lowest price as the key differentiator (for example Harvey Norman’s The Shop With Confidence Price Guarantee and also Bunnings who recently dropped its lowest prices are just the beginning slogan). In practice, it is far better to differentiate through value. Terms like high quality, great customer service and honesty in our dealings may come to
It’s important to define what specific value you bring to your clients and how it’s different from the competition. mind and whilst laudable, and quite possibly true, they are not unique differentiators (i.e. anyone can say this and many do!), so there needs to be more. This gets to the heart of why the business exists and what it sees as its primary value to the marketplace. Since the origins of the business often lie in the passion the business owner has for the product or service or the perception of a need or gap in the market, there is much to draw on to define its uniqueness.
In practice, the essence of a true value proposition articulates what the company is ultimately trying to achieve and what it sees as its primary purpose. The former is known as the company vision and the latter, the company mission. If these two key components have been well defined for a business, then the combination of these will immediately highlight (or make it very easy to derive) the company’s value proposition. Since the value proposition really stems
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art galIn late June, plans to build a $50 million art - alongside lery - with $500 million worth of in the semia restaurant and function centre approved by rural suburb of Harkaway were the State Government. opposed But local residents, who have long say they the development of Rosemaur Gallery, the decision. are “surprised and saddened” by resThe approved plans for the gallery, cater for a taurant and function centre will with up to maximum of 300 patrons at a time, quarterly large during permitted 580 patrons events. STORY PAGE 3
100 days celebrated
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St Clare’s Primary School Officer Foundation students and teachers of are celebrating reaching 100 days learning in the classroom. as Students enjoyed dressing up 100 year olds, with props of pearls, sushair rollers, walking sticks and penders donned for the special day. a The students celebrated with singshindig that involved dancing, berwicknews.starcommu 100. nity.com.au ing, colouring-in and counting to STORY PAGE 18
Pleas for a school crossing supervisor
has reAn adjustment to policing methods number of sulted in a dramatic drop in the South East, hooning events in Melbourne’s charges laid. and large numbers of arrests and Police From January to July 2021, Victoria events reported 40 to 50 large-scale hooning region, inin industrial areas within the SD3 Areas of corporating the Local Government
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Cardinia. Greater Dandenong, Casey and @StarNews_SE 40¢ Inc. were just GST In the same period in 2022, there
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Still hot proper ty Dogged by Covid PAGE 8
Domain’s June rounding suburbs, according to Quarterly House Price Report. said Ray White Pakenham’s Gavin Staindl in Pakengrowth had declined marginally ham. in Paken“We’re in a very affordable area
12419558-CG23-19
buyers it’s quite appealing.” increase, With interest rates continuing to to borrow as first home buyers won’t be able much as they would have previously.
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dog attacks from occurring “has to start with education”. He said the wave of ‘pandemic pets’ who had not been socialised as puppies was an issue that couldn’t be ignored by owners or council. “I can’t believe there has been no mention
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e Au t o m otiv ★ SPECIALISING IN TOYOTA ★
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The Cardinia Foundation was established in 2004 with the vision of building strong, healthy and diverse communities. In partnership with the Cardinia Shire Council, the Foundation primarily supports local NFP groups in the provision of Grants including older persons, disability, disadvantaged, youth, arts, environment and men’s health across the Cardinia Shire region.
SPORT
ham,” Mr Staindl said. closer to “You can travel into Berwick or as much but the city and you’re paying twice four-bedroom here in Pakenham, you can get for around houses under 10 years of age of first home $600,000 to $650,000, so for a lot
S
12496498-DL22-21
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er to Melbourne’s CBD. unit price The annual pace of house and and surgrowth is easing across Melbourne
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from the heart of what the business is trying to achieve, creation of this important statement cannot be delegated out to external organisations to create for marketing purposes. However, once defined, it does become an invaluable asset for marketing organisations to utilise in order to promote the business. A well-defined value proposition will definitely help to increase revenue from customers, but it also serves many other purposes as well. According to Wikipedia, “In marketing, a company’s value proposition is the full mix of benefits or economic value which it promises to deliver to the current and future customers who will buy their products and/or services”. This statement is essential to any form of marketing communication. Especially now with the current labour shortage, businesses are finding that to appeal to younger members of the workforce, the business itself needs to define a compelling reason for employees to be attracted to it in the first place and want to stay in it for the long term. Millennials especially want to work for a business that knows where it is going and is doing good in the world, i.e. creating real value. A well-defined value proposition is also therefore an indispensable aid to acquiring the right staff to enable the company’s value to be realised. So, in summary, define your vision (what success ultimately looks like for the business), articulate your mission (your differentiated purpose in the world) and this will enable you to create a value proposition that will distinguish you from the competition, attract and retain better staff and enable greater business success. Ian Ash is the managing director of OrgMent Business Solutions.
“We all know people who bought dogs during Covid who couldn’t be socialised due to restrictions, yet our council properly does noth-
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
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Two dogs were seized by Casey
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underwent a six-hour operation
40¢ Inc. GST
education for dog owners. 240150
for injuries he
City of Casey manager of safer communi10 PAGE ties Daniel Osborne said the matter remains
12496498-DL22-21
PAGE 2
dog rushes occur
if they SPORT find themselves not contained to their property, which can lead to instances of dog attacks. “Keeping your dogs securely confined to your property, and ensuring they are always under effective control when out, are key measures to keep your pets and the community
He said pet registration fees help council provide a number of services, including reuniting lost pets with owners, investigating dog attacks, puppy farms, and prosecuting of-
in schools on safety around animals. But Mr Cini said he remained sceptical about council’s investment in education for dog owners. “A lot of people are misinformed about the reasons their dog might have social issues,” he said. “We have to have proper education programs...why not give [owners] a quick online test or a copy of the legal requirement of owning a dog when they register their pets?” In 2020/21, there was a total of 237 reported dog attacks in the City of Casey, 151 of the attacks on dogs and 51 attacks on humans.
GP Run cancelled Mr Osborne added that registrations
fees
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Cranbourne High Street shopping precinct in Gippsland before proceeding down the South Highway for the big race. PatterCity of Casey chief executive Glenn a number of son said the council attributed was not made factors to their decision, which lightly. the signifi“Council has taken into account the disruption cant costs of running the event, aware of the to local traffic and we are also of Cranfrustration experienced by a number disbourne businesses, who face considerable seeing ruption due to the road closure, without said. an increase in patronage,” Mr Patterson dandenong.starcommun budget and ity.com.au “We will be retaining this event another comare investigating options for area that ofmunity event in the Cranbourne benefits to fers greater enjoyment and more to be anresidents and ratepayers, with details 199533 The last Cranbourne GP Run in 2019. nounced at a future date.” 60 per The City of Casey said approximately and they’ll be spendwas required will be at Phillip Island, cent of the $93,000 event budget ing their money down there instead.” Gippsland of the PAGE 2 South to manage the closure that4Casey would have PAGE He said he hoped Highway for the event. too late, allowing the Motorcycle a “re-think” before it’s John Eacott from the Victorian two-year absence. “extremely event to proceed after a VictoCouncil (VMC) said the council was decision. “It’s not just locals and people within disappointed” with the City of Casey’s thing. Peoconstantly ria who attend - it’s a nation-wideSouth Wales, “The VMC had years of working ple come from Queensland, New said. get-towith the City of Casey,” Mr Eacott South Australia. The GP is an annual 12496498-DL22-21
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on the fivethe same period in 2021, and seven year average. Speaking on those events, Superintendent John Road Policing Operations & Investigation as a “worryFitzpatrick described the increase of the vulnering trend” and issued a reminder abilities of motorcycle riders. some of the “These figures are alarming and coming is that AUTOBARN anecdotal evidence that we see to sitting out of Covid-19, people aren’t used NARRE WARREN and they’re Cnr Narre Warren in traffic for long periods of time Nth & maybe alchoosing a mode of transport that Lauderdale Rds Tuesday, 9 August, 2022 Fitzpatrick lows them to (avoid) that,” Supt said on Saturday 23 July. motoron people more many “We’re seeing bikes than we’ve seen ever before. a bike, it’s “Driving a motorcar and riding a shared responsibility about understanding what’s around where you are on the road and sensible about you. We ask people to please be they ride mothe way they drive and the way torbikes.” of President of the Cranbourne Chamber to decision Commerce Jeremy Dart said the given the cancel the event was “short-sighted”, to take traders local for opportunity missed /DandenongJournal @StarJournal_SE of the increased patronage. advantage 40¢ Inc. GST feedback While the Chamber has received aligning with from some retailers in the region to the Casey’s hypothesis that the disruption was problematic, riders and roads and their businesses options ness of the relationship between he was disappointed that alternative vehicles. approved. to see how had not been to the “We need to encourage people “It does bring significant numbers a valid form of transport. two-wheelers arePAGE the specific precinct,” Mr Dart said. 9 road-user region and SPORT would “We’re the most vulnerable “To allow a different model to exist with pathThere are plenty of group. Pedestrians are protected bike lanes. be a much better option. High Street) that ways and crossings; cyclist have back (of the traffic but facilities out the festival still. We’re out there in the middle of would allow them to still have a it would we are such a solution (to road congestion).” “Had there been some foresight, focus in re The issue has come into sharp
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WINTER “It’s a big deal. They really love it,” she says. 2022 “Everyone needs to be acknowledged at least one day a year.” Her husband and principal Kevin says it goes to how much the school’s team cares. Next term, the couple will face their own special day – their last day at the school that they have served for such an extraordinary time. Mr and Ms Mackay have been there for 39 years and 36 years, respectively. All up, their teaching careers have spanned 60 years and 45 years. On 4 October, they will mark their retirement with a massive ‘general assembly’ at Dandenong High School hall. Kevin and Jenny Mackay have served Mr Mackay OAM said it would Dandenong North Primary School be the first as principal and assistant principal assembly since the Covid pandemic’s for nearly four decades. 292591 start. “It’s been an enormous part, where Picture: GARY SISSONS I get to food parcels or writing to government teach all the kids for half an hour. agen- follow each other to Dandenong We’ve missed cies on their behalf. North Pri- the best teachers I’ve that, so it will be good to have a met. mary School. last one. “And that kids know that you like “As the school became more complex “It’s going to be hard to avoid tears.” them. You Alarm bells rang for the newly-appointed over have staff here that care about many years, Jenny’s experience has them – they’ll principal Mr Mackay In their time, the school has built helped adwhen an envi- ask the kids to ‘tell me more’. They go that extra pointed to join the school. his wife was ap- dress the complexities. able reputation to bringing out the mile. best in from more than 50 diverse backgrounds. kids “From the synergies of effort you Mr Mackay worried about how get more “I think all the Dandenong schools to handle bang for your buck do a ter- the potential conflicts Its cutting-edge programs have than just two people. We’re of interest and staff dis- more been docu- rific job at that.” like two-and-a-half.” mented in award-winning films. harmony. While deputy principal at Clayton Meanwhile, Ms Mackay Primary What makes the school special “We made it work,” he said. “And School in the 1980’s, Mr Mackay thank God cipal as an “incredibly describes the prinmet a first- she was appointed “warmth”, Ms Mackay says. The school is its creative and lateral here. ensures year teacher Jenny. thinker” who will always look for the families get what they need a better way “My job is to get the best teachers – whether it’s They of course later married, and I possibly of doing things. were to can to work with the children. Jenny is one of Continued page 10
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Mr Cini, who started his dog training ness after noticing the need for specialisedbusiservices for his dog Sasha, said he had personally offered to provide free training for dog owners to prevent dog attacks in the municipality, but
@StarNews_SE /Cranbournestarnews “Most people see a wagging tail munity.com.au and they Power Pooches’ Jake Cini and Sasha, cranbournenews.starcom think of a happy dog, but that who are advocating for increased
Exciting Gracious able to walk down the street sustained in the attack. when dogs are not contained were also used for education programs Successful Eagles to their property,” he said. on reOlympian and not have a fear of dogs rushing us or ownThe school girl and her parents Grigson sponsible pet ownership, including are underroad shows “Dogs that have not been adequately crackdown stood to be mentally shaken by add pace so- and events, the Maternal and Child the attack, but inspires Tooradin backcialised with It comes after a series of dog attacks gives Health other animals are also more likely Centre’s in the are grateful their dog and daughter We Are Family program and education on hoons are alive. to demonstrate aggression students
12562641-JW32-22
“They provide no education whatsoever, yet they have thousands of dollars in pet reg-
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Morteza magic sinks Lions By David Nagel Pakenham’s dream of a first CCCA Premier Division flag since 2018/19 has been broken harshly by Cardinia after the Bulls dished out a semi-final thrashing of the Lions at Toomuc Reserve. The old aphorism that “practice makes perfect” proved correct for Cardinia (9/371) opener Morteza Ali (134) after his blazing century guided the Bulls to their third-consecutive grand final. Ali - who had made just 208 runs at an average of 17 this season – put ladder-leaders Pakenham (179) to the sword with one of the great semi-final hundreds in the competitions long and celebrated history. He crunched 18 fours and three sixes during his epic knock that took place after the Lions won the toss and sent the visiting Bulls in to bat. Ali was 84 not out when opening partner Alex Nooy (10) lost his wicket in the 23rd over on Saturday, with their opening partnership of 97 putting the Lions on the back foot Ali, who remarkably was out with the score at 3/155, passed the baton to his skipper Jake Prosser (63) who continued the mighty onslaught. “We knew it was going to happen from Morteza at some point,” Prosser said after the Bulls 192-run victory. “He faces that many balls; he says “practice, practice, practice, then sleep”…so he’s someone that loves his cricket. “It was probably one of the best knocks I’ve ever seen, a few of us said that, and he just lives and breathes his cricket. “You can’t get the bat out of his hands, and on Sunday, when I threw him the ball, we couldn’t get that out of his hands as well.” Prosser cracked seven boundaries in his innings before departing the scene after a 62-run partnership with Leigh Paterson (50). Paterson and Lachlan Volpe (62 not out) then drove the final nail in the coffin, putting on 51 runs in just seven overs. Volpe finished the Bulls’ innings in style, hitting Jason Williams (3/98) for four with the second last ball of the day before pulling the last ball over square leg for six! James Close (3/28) took bowling honours for the Lions, who were never in the hunt on Sunday despite a fighting 74 from Rob Elston and a hard-hitting 40 from Nick Sadler. Prosser (3/18) and Volpe (3/55) backed up their half-centuries from day one with impressive three-wicket hauls. “We know we’ve been capable of doing that,
Seething Seagulls. Kallan Braid-Ball, Cal O’Hare and Josh Lownds can’t believe a caught behind decision was turned down.
Setting the scene. Kooweerup star Chris Bright hits a straight boundary in the second over on Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Sunday. 323710 but we haven’t been able to put it altogether like that for a long time,” Prosser said. “I was just really, really impressed with how everyone went about it.” TOORADIN (105) V KOOWEERUP (6/106) Ten seconds short of an hour! That’s the passage of time it took for Kooweerup (6/106) to book a remarkable twelfth grand final appearance in 15 years with a fourwicket victory over Tooradin (105) on Sunday. Resuming on 4/28, with Michael Giles (3), Gamini Kumara (0), Cody Miller (0) and Mitch Davey (6) all back in the sheds, the Demons rode a quick-fire 37 from the dangerous Chris Bright to this year’s big dance. Tooradin opened day-two with Dylan Sutton (2/17 off 7) bowling from the tennis courts end and Kallan Braid-Ball (2/32) from the social club side of the ground. Bright was impressive, whacking the second ball of the second over straight over Aaron Avery’s head at mid-on for four. He then kept busy, and after three overs on day two the Demons were scoring freely and looking good at 4/41. Then came the biggest moment of the second day’s play.
Facing Braid-Ball, Bright edged an attempted late-cut straight into the waiting gloves of up-to-the-stump Tooradin keeper Ben Parrott…but the appeal was turned down by umpire Peter Madden. At 4/47, and with just 58 runs now to play with, Tooradin skipper Cal O’Hare was forced to take a risk and bring Brad Butler (2/43 off 10) into the attack…the quickest bowler in the CCCA. Bright relished the rise in pace, playing a magnificent cut-shot for four, then a late-cut off the very next ball to take 10 runs from the over. After an entertaining first 15 minutes the Demons were 4/57, having added 29 runs in the opening five overs of play. Butler almost had his man in his next over, but an edge from Bright flew straight between Parrott and O’Hare at first slip. Bright then pumped Braid-Ball over midwicket for four, leaving the Demons 4/72 – after 28 minutes and eight overs – and seemingly headed for certain victory. But Butler had other ideas, with O’Hare taking a sharp chance off Adam McMaster with the last ball of the ninth over, before Bright
The Pakyone team, from left, Shane, Damo, Noel, Sheryll, Paul and Keith, had a 10-5 victory over Fore. 321895 Picture: SUPPLIED
welcomed Bailey Lownds (0/9) into the attack by launching him on to the roof of the visitors’ change-rooms. Bright looked set for a match-winning halfcentury, but played across the line of a Butler thunderbolt in the 11th over of the day to see the score at 6/79 – still requiring 27 runs for victory. Luke McMaster (30 not out), who returned on day two after retiring hurt with severe cramps on day-one, then took to Butler in the 13th over of the day to basically assure victory. McMaster edged one over slips for four, before some great running from his partner Steve Dillon (6 not out) turned a certain two into three. 50 minutes gone, nine off the over, 6/91… just 15 required for victory. Just six minutes later, Luke McMaster played the shot of the day, smacking Butler over mid-off with a cracking lofted drive. He then levelled the scores with a delicate late-cut off Braid-Ball, before at 1.59pm…10 seconds short of two o’clock, he called Dillon through for the winning single after an inside edge to backward square leg. On Saturday it was Jess Mathers (4/39 off 23), Luke McMaster (3/46 off 27) and Adam McMaster (2/15) that bowled the Demons into a winning position. “It was one of those nerve-racking games that we seem to play in a fair bit, but I think the best side won overall, we performed very well on day one,” said Kooweerup skipper Giles. “To bowl them out for 100, after losing the toss and being asked to field, we’ll take that every day of the week. “Our batting was a bit shaky yesterday afternoon, but ultimately we got the job done.” Kooweerup will now host Cardinia in the CCCA Premier Division grand final commencing at 1pm this Saturday.
Anthony Lawler from the Warriors threw his first 180 for the season in round seven of the South West Gippsland Dart League. 321895
King conquers highest peg-out and Lawler throws 180 By David Nagel A magnificent season-high 142 peg-out from Terry King was the major individual highlight in round seven of the South West Gippsland Dart League. King’s incredible finish overshadowed the previous best peg-out of 108 from Sheryll from PakyOne, and led his Just Social team to a thumping 13-2 victory over the 26ers. 22 STAR NEWS
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The other individual highlight of the night came when Anthony Lawler from Warriors became just the sixth player of the season to throw a coveted 180-maximum. The Warriors were in terrific touch against The Hoodies, with the 15-0 whitewash giving a true indication of the gap that exists between the top and bottom teams on the ladder. The Warriors sit one game clear on the
ladder with four teams – Snipers, Just Social, PakyOne and 26ers – forming the chasing pack. Snipers proved too good for Rebels in an 11-4 victory, while PakyOne retained its place in the top four with a 10-5 win over Fore. The remaining match proved to be the tightest game of the round, with Bullseyes leaping over Mud Rats into eighth place on the ladder courtesy of a 9-6 triumph.
Gembrook had the bye. The game of the round in round eight will see Warriors (first) take on PakyOne (fourth). Dean Gibbs from Snipers has the most tons for the season with 44, with Anthony from Warriors next best with 29. LADDER - ROUND 7: Warriors 24, Snipers 20, Just Social 20, PakyOne 20, 26ers 20, Rebels 12, Gembrook 12, Bullseyes 8, Mud Rats 4, Fore 0, The Hoodies 0. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
SPORT
Last-man standing affair By David Nagel The showpiece game of the CCCA Premier Division season is unquestionably set to be a last-man-standing affair. Kooweerup, with club-legend and skipper Michael Giles likely playing his last game, host arch-rival Cardinia, with its menacing and successful captain Jake Prosser to wear the Bulls logo for one final time before heading back ‘home’ to Langwarrin It has all the makings of a tense, grand final classic! Giles, a four-time premiership player – two of those as captain – returned to Denhams Road this season after a lengthy absence. Leading the Demons to grand final glory once again…well it would be what dreams are made of. “It would mean everything…it’ll probably be my last game…I’m actually getting a bit emotional just thinking about it,” Giles said, just minutes after the Demons semi-final win over Tooradin. “Personally, it would mean everything. “I’ve never made my captaincy about me, it’s always about the team. “What I’ve done or achieved in the past doesn’t matter, but I told the players before this game to make it about me…because I wanted to play one more weekend. “It will be an emotional weekend, whichever way it goes.” Giles is confident his Demons are cherryripe for a big performance this week. “One-hundred percent, it’s quite a young group with a few older blokes in there, and it’s not like it was the first time I coached the club,” he said. “The whole side has changed, but we’ve worked hard to have everything geared around these two weekends, and it’s been that way ever since I’ve coached. “We didn’t finish on top when we won the two premierships against Cardinia (2014/15), they were the best side all year, but it’s just a matter of being good enough to make finals and then being at your best when you get there. “It’s got the same sort of feeling this time around. “We’ve got guys that play differently all the way down the list; there’s younger guys, experi-
Kooweerup star Jess Mathers is our tip to win a fourth Lex Duff Medal and lead the Demons to Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS premiership glory. 323353 enced guys, mature players, immature players (chuckles), we’re all different but we’re all good at cricket. “I’m more there for my leadership, not so much my cricket skills anymore, but hopefully I can do something next weekend.” Giles is super-confident in his own ability to handle pressure and make clear decisions on the big stage. It’s an ability he thought could improve the Demons this season. “I’m proven in big games, I know I can do it under pressure situations, and there were probably a few decisions made in the finals last year that I wouldn’t have made,” he said honestly. “That gave me the urge to come back and help the guys more than anything. “Wombat (Chris Bright) is a champion player, a great person, and one of my best mates, so
it’s certainly no knock on him. “It was one-day cricket, he’s keeping, the best bat, there was a lot on his plate. “I’ve done it before, know what it takes to win in the two-day format, and hopefully that holds us in good stead in the grand final.” Like him or loath him…there’s no doubt that Prosser is a winner, and taking home two premierships in his three years at the club would leave a legacy to last a lifetime. “Later in my career I’ll look back and be proud of those things, but as for this year, regardless of winning or losing this week, it’s been a difficult season for us, and to make it to another grand final and have the opportunity to win it again…that does make me proud,” he said. “The message is just to enjoy it...because it’s the last time this particular group will be together.
“Just to enjoy the week, don’t overdo anything, we’ve done all the work and don’t put too much pressure on ourselves.” Pressure is something Prosser has felt released after he announced his pending departure to his group during the mid-season break. “I’m just looking forward to it,” he said. “I think since I announced to the group just after Christmas that I was heading back home (Langwarrin), it was a weight of my shoulders and I’ve enjoyed the second half of the season a lot more than the first. “I’ve been a bit more laid-back at times, tried to relax and enjoy my cricket, and we’ll just try to do the same thing this Saturday and Sunday.” Prosser believes one critical element will give his team the edge. “Our commitment to each other, our togetherness, that type of thing, we know that on ability we can do it, we’ve done it before, and we’ll just try to win the big moments in big games like we’ve done in finals in the past. “We respect them; their history over the last 10 or 15 years is incredible. “They’ve been at the top most years and we know we’ve got a massive challenge ahead of us.” THE HISTORY These two met five times in 12 years in grand finals between 2009 and 2021 with the ledger standing slightly in the Demons favour at 3-2. Cardinia won the most recent premiership decider in 2021, with off-spinning all-rounder Travis Wheller claiming the Lex Duff Medal. THE BATTLES There are many key battles this week, the Demons quicks against the Bulls’ top-order is probably the most important, but the matchup between Kooweerup star Gamini Kumara and Cardinia leg-spinner Lachlan Volpe is the most mouth-watering of all. Kumara has the temperament and technique to wear down the Bulls’ most dangerous weapon…and the winner of their battle will go a long way to deciding the destination of the premiership cup. THE TIP It’s a real toss of the coin, but we’ll go for the Demons star quality to prevail. It’s Jess Mathers to win an incredible fourth Lex Duff Medal and lead the Demons to premiership glory.
Cockatoo Bowls Club breaks 20-year grand final drought By Tyler Wright A season that begun in adversity has ended in glory for the Cockatoo & District Bowls Club, ending a 20-year premiership drought by claiming the grand final in section six of division seven in the Melbourne Metropolitan Saturday pennant season against Lilydale. Cockatoo & District Bowls Club president Marin Cattanach said there was “quite a few tears” after the win at Glen Waverley. “Everyone was just ecstatic. Absolutely estatic. We were hugging and kissing everyone,” Cattanach said. Decimated after Covid with only 10 registered players at the start of the season, and with 16 players required to field a Saturday weekend pennant team, the Cockatoo Bowls Club was approached by the Monbulk Bowls Club with a proposal to field a combined team for the Melbourne Metro Saturday Pennant season. After a shaky start, players were able to get into a rhythm and come back strong despite a two-shot semi final loss to Lilydale 4; the “biggest low” of the season for the club. “We’ve had three or four first year bowlers bowling with us,” Cattanach said. “At the start of the season we weren’t doing too good until we mixed the teams up, and found out where we were going and then we just went ahead in leaps and bounds.” Teaming up against Yarra Glen, the Cockatoo and Monbulk players had to fight to get into the section grand final; and did so by securing a 102 shots to 60 victory. Against Lilydale 4, Cockatoo and Monbulk pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Cockatoo and District Bowls Club had its first grand final win in over 20 years on Sunday 5 March. prevailed to win the section Grand Final; 101 shots to 65. But that was not the end to the determined club’s success, with players moving into the divisional finals; playing off against Melbourne Metropolitan teams in a knockout format. On Sunday 26 February, the club fronted up at Bundoora RSL Bowls Club to compete against Sunbury 5, defeating them 77 shots to 55.
The semi finals were held at Burden Park Bowls club in Springvale on Saturday 4 March, where Cockatoo played Port Melbourne 3, resulting in a 101 shots to 59 win by the Hills side. The grand final saw a tough match against Berwick 6 at Glen Waverley bowls club Sunday 5 March, with Cockatoo and Monbulk triumphant winning 84 shots to 73. “During this season we have created and
Picture: SUPPLIED gelled into team, met, socialised and competed against some fantastic people and thoroughly enjoyed our journey to Division 7 champions,” Cockatoo & District Bowls Club secretary Kevin Murray said. “We must thank Monbulk Bowls Club for making this all possible, their continued support and looking forward to next season now and see what bigger and better things we can achieve. Thursday, 16 March, 2023
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