News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 13th April 2023

Holiday tragedy

By

Cam Lucadou-Wells

and AAP

Tributes are flowing for a Narre Warren father and his son who drowned at a popular swimming spot in Queensland’s far north.

Ventura Bus Lines driver Sisira Gajanayaka, 59, and his son and musical producer Themiya Gajanayaka, 20, were on holiday with more than a dozen other family and work friends.

They got into trouble at a Crystal Cascades waterfall near Cairns just after 5pm on Tuesday 11 April.

The men were found unresponsive in the water and assessed by paramedics but declared dead at the scene.

Sisira got into trouble and his son tried to save him, Seven News reported.

“He threw himself in harm’s way to try and save him and unfortunately they both passed,“ family friend Damien Gamage told the broadcaster at a gathering in Melbourne to mourn the two men.

Reportedly several men in the holiday group desperately tried to rescue the pair, to no avail.

Sisira’s wife Thushri, son Gomiya and daughter Senadi witnessed the tragedy unfold.

Gomiya told ABC that his father was “one of the most selfless, loving, caring people on the planet”.

“He would do anything for anyone in a heartbeat.”

Themiya, along with his brother Gomiya, were musical collaborators and “my best friend”.

“We had so many plans together,”

Gomiya told ABC.

“We wanted to rule the world.”

Ventura managing director Andrew Cornwall said the Dandenong-based firm was “deeply saddened to lose such a lovely member of the Ventura bus driving team”.

“Sisira has worked for Ventura as a professional driver for over eight years and is much loved by all our employee community.

“Our thoughts are with Sisira’s family and his work colleagues from Melbourne that were holidaying with Sisira in Cairns at the time of this tragic incident.”

On Facebook, Chandana Gunasinghe paid tribute to his “loyal charity friend” Sisira.

He recalled Sisira helping to provide an electric wheelchair for a sculptor after visiting Galle, Sri Lanka.

“If there’s any helpless person, tell me, I’ll do whatever I can,” Sisira told Chandan’s colleagues.

The man had lost his legs after falling under a train, and despite the stress of the Covid pandemic, “our guys didn’t forget (him)”, Chandana recalled.

The electric wheelchair was sent from Australia and received in March 2022.

Others expressed the Sri Lankan community’s “shock” and “mourning”.

“It’s yet another stark reminder that life is so precious yet so uncertain and fragile,” Geethika Weerakoon posted on social media.

“Hope the family and friends of Sisira and Themi find comfort and solace in the memories they shared.

“May their souls RIP.”

Themi and Sisira Gajanayaka were holidaying with family and friends in Cairns. Picture: FACEBOOK

Drag cancellation concern

By Eleanor Wilson

A local drag queen has spoken out against the cancellation of a recent beginner drag workshop series which was due to be held at Bunjil Place throughout April and early May.

Brenda Bressed, AKA Bryce Gibson, who grew up in Endeavour Hills and still lives in Casey, believes other steps could have been taken to protect the drag performers from alleged threats made by “alt-right and Christian groups”, without cancelling the event entirely.

The free five-week workshop series, The Art of Drag, was aimed at teaching interested young Casey residents drag skills in hair, makeup, costume and performance.

It was cancelled by the City of Casey two weeks ago “in the interest of community safety” after a series of threatening phone calls, emails and physical intimidation were allegedly made by individuals and groups dissatisfied with the nature of the event.

City of Casey chief executive Glenn Patterson said The Art of Drag was cancelled “after careful consideration, consultation with our community partners including Victoria Police and in the interest of community safety”.

But Mr Gibson, who has been a drag artist for the last four years, called the cancellation “really disappointing”.

“It was going to be a really good thing for young people in Casey, especially to have something completely different and something for them to have an outlet to express themselves and to use their creativity in a very safe and comfortable environment,” he said.

“There are definitely other steps that could’ve been taken to protect the performers and I think more steps should have been taken and protections put into place so that the event still could’ve gone on.”

“Despite the reason for the cancellation, the groups that wanted to shut it down, they’ve

taken this as a win and the drag community has taken a loss.“

He feared that young people who had signed up to attend the event could now be feeling “more vulnerable and alone”.

But Mr Patterson said the axing of the event “in no way legitimises or validates the actions or statements of individuals, activists or protest groups.”

“Casey is committed to promoting opportunities for engagement, advocacy, events, safe spaces, and partnerships that support our LGBTIQA+ community and doing so with a duty of care, especially where young people are involved,” he said.

Connotations that drag artists are predatory or try to influence children into the LGBTIQA+ community “couldn’t be further from the truth” Mr Gibson said.

“It’s the complete opposite,” he said.

“All we are trying to do is create the spaces and the events that we wish we had growing up in the City of Casey.”

The cancellation comes just weeks after tensions flared as pro-transgender rights and anti-transgender rights activists took to the streets of Melbourne’s CBD.

Following the protests, which was attended by a group of neo-nazis who performed a nazi

salute on the steps of Parliament, the Andrews Labor Government announced almost $1 million in funding to support LGBTIQA+ organisations.

The $900,000 package will support eight LGBTIQA+ organisations across Victoria to help respond to additional demand caused by the incident.

The funding is set to go to essential services at initiatives including Transgender Victoria, Queerspace, Rainbow families, Switchboard, Zoe Bell Gender Collective, Thorne Harbour Health/Equinox, Transcend and Mind.

The package will boost counselling and family therapy, referrals and peer support to ensure LGBTIQ+ Victorians, their families and carers can get the support they need, authorities said.

“Trans people routinely endure abuse, violence, and discrimination in the name of free speech, and the past week has caused further trauma for an already vulnerable group. Trans people deserve better, and this funding will help organisations to provide crucial support, safety, and care,” said equality minister Harriet Shing.

Ms Shing also denounced the efforts of the protest groups who contributed to the cancellation of The Art of Drag event.

“Events that are open to young people of all genders and sexualities, provide safety and celebrate diversity send a powerful message to young people that it is OK to be themselves,” she said.

“This message is so important when we know that stigma and discrimination contribute to young LGBTIQ+ people often experiencing poorer mental health than others their age.

“We condemn any efforts to make LGBTIQ+ Victorians and allies feel unsafe for being who they are, including LGBTIQ+ performers and young people.”

Casey based drag queen Brenda Bressed fears young LGBTIQA+ individuals will feel “more vulnerable and alone” following the cancellation. Picture: SUPPLIED

A ‘Bad Friday’ for crime

By Shelby Brooks

Good Friday turned out to be a bad day for crime in Pakenham, after two separate incidents occurred involving allegedly stolen vehicles.

The first saw five teenagers charged by police following an alleged crime spree across multiple suburbs of Melbourne on 7 April.

It’s alleged the group were involved in the theft of two motor vehicles in Kooyong as well as criminal damage of windows and vehicles at a Brighton East property.

It’s alleged the group were also involved in armed robberies across Knox.

The group was arrested in the allegedly stolen Audi in Pakenham just after 3pm

Witnesses reported the Audi screeching to a halt on Thwaites Road, before it was surrounded by three or four unmarked police cars. Officers jumped out and started shouting

for the occupants to exit.

The couple who witnessed the event said the driver’s side door flew open and a balaclava-clad person made a dash down the street towards them.

Worried for their safety, the couple hid in a neighbour’s front yard.

The stolen BMW and its occupants remain outstanding.

A 13-year-old Dandenong boy has been charged with aggravated burglary, two counts of theft of motor vehicle, attempted armed robbery and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

A 14-year-old Catani boy has been charged with dangerous driving while being pursued by police, two counts of theft of motor vehicle and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

A 15-year-old Springvale South boy has

been charged with attempted car-jacking and theft of motor vehicle.

Those three boys have been remanded to face a children’s court at a later date.

A 15-year-old Dandenong boy and 16-yearold Hallam girl have been charged with theft of motor vehicle.

Those two teenagers have been bailed to appear in a children’s court at a later date.

At a similar time, three adults were arrested following a different pursuit through Pakenham on 7 April.

Officers responded to reports a black Audi sedan with no registration plates allegedly driving erratically on Cardinia Road, just after 3.15pm.

Police spotted the vehicle and attempted to incept it, but it’s alleged the car didn’t stop and took off at a fast rate of speed.

With assistance from the Air Wing, police

followed the vehicle through a number of streets in Pakenham.

Stop-sticks were deployed on Duncan Drive, successfully puncturing all four tyres.

It’s believed that the car continued to drive with flat wheels for a short distance when it finally came to a stop in The Parkway.

A 25-year-old man from Ringwood, a 31-year-old Hampton Park man and a 24-yearold Malvern East woman were arrested at the scene.

They were all taken to hospital after falling ill.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incidents, has dashcam footage or with information that could assist police with their enquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

New relief for those suffering with nose illness

Locals that suffer from a debilitating nasal illness look forward to a potentially new breakthrough treatment.

Vince from Pakenham and Andrew Touplin from Clyde hope the new drug called Nucala will help treat their chronic rhinosinusitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common chronic respiratory disease that affects one in ten Australians.

The disease is associated with increased inflammation and swelling of the lining of the sinuses, and which can cause nasal polyps to form inside the nose.

An estimated 25 to 30 per cent of people living with chronic rhinosinusitis also have nasal polyps, a soft jelly-like tissue that grows in the nasal cavity.

Symptoms of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) include nasal blockage and discharge, congestion, loss of smell and facial pressure, which can have a significant impact on quality of life by affecting mental wellbeing, sleep, and productivity.

People living with CRSwNP experience symptoms that impact their day-to-day life.

Andrew Touplin, a steel worker from Clyde, says the disease has dramatically affected his life.

“I slowly lost my sense of taste and smell over an 8-12 month period,” Andrew said.

“My nose was blocked and runny constantly, the polyps started to put pressure on my sinuses.

“I used to love cooking, I was the chef of the household and now I don’t have the will to do that anymore.”

Vincent Bevilacqua, a Pakenham local, has been suffering chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps for 30 years.

He suffers from the same symptoms as Andrew and many others.

“When I got it, I didn’t even know what it was,” Vincent said.

Not knowing what I got, I had to get the ambulance sometimes because I was having a hard time breathing,

“It was really scary at times.”

Typical treatment is surgery to remove nasal polyps that have formed.

However they tend to reappear quickly, with an estimated 40 per cent of people living with the disease struggling with recurring nasal polyps within one-and-a-half years of surgery.

Andrew has had three separate surgeries to remove nasal polyps, while Vincent has

had four to treat his sinus problem - three of them have been to remove polyps.

“I don’t bother anymore with the surgery, it doesn’t do anything,” Vincent said.

“It comes back within two to three weeks.”

Andrew has had a similar experience.

“I get the surgery as if I am the same as everyone else, as if the surgery is done and that’s that,” he said.

“Within six months the polyps would come back.”

Andrew’s latest surgery was in December 2022.

He says his smell and taste were gone again within two to three weeks and believes

the polyps will be back soon.

Nucala is a new treatment which has recently been subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Clinical trials have shown effectiveness in improving recurring symptoms.

It works by reducing the number of a certain white blood cell that is involved in the formation of nasal polyps, which then reduces the size of them.

Nucala is an additional option for patients who have had previous nasal polyps surgery and continue to experience severe, chronic inflammation and symptoms after treatment.

Andrew is happy to hear of a new potential breakthrough.

“I would be wrapped if it does half the job,” Andrew said.

“I would move heaven and earth to get my taste and smell back, I can live with the running nose and headache.”

Vincent too is hopeful for the treatment.

“I’m so happy that there is something that can help,” Vincent said.

“I also hope that this will get more people knowing about the disease too.”

Professor Richard Harvey, a leading Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgeon and researcher said the subsidisation of Nucala is a big step for combating the disease.

“The treatment journey for patients can be long and complex,” he said.

“The PBS listing of Nucala means affordable access for Australian patients to a monoclonal antibody treatment for the first time.

“This is welcome news as it means patients, who have not had an adequate response to other treatments, have a new option that can improve their quality of life and potentially reduce the number of future surgical procedures for this group of patients.”

Vincent Bevilacqua is a Pakenham local who has suffered with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps for 30 years. Picture: SUPPLIED

Bumper $13k for the kids

By Shelby Brooks

Officer fire fighters have raised a record $13,000 for the annual Good Friday Appeal after a mammoth tin shaking effort.

Brigade members, alongside helpers from Upper Beaconsfield and Beaconsfield CFA, were out and about tin shaking at the inbound and outbound Officer service stations on the Monash Freeway on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 April.

Officer CFA captain Rob McCandless said most people who were stopped for petrol and food at the service station gave notes instead of coins.

“It was a great result,” Rob said.

“It was a massive day for everyone in the brigade, and the supporting brigades, all for the bigger cause for the kids.”

Rob said he was proud of volunteers who spent their public holiday raising money for a great cause.

“It’s hard to put into words. It’s mind-blowing how humble people are and how generous they are with their time.

“Our members contribute enormously all through the year.”

A crew of five members and one of the tankers made it to the convention centre during the day of the appeal.

A total of $13,608.60 was raised for the Royal Children’s Hospital by the Officer CFA.

Snowy, Kayla, Roxy, Tim and Bec represented the brigade in Melbourne, with their very shiny truck.

Officer CFA member Doru, Captain Koala (Brad), Yash and Rob shake tins at the service station. The truck on display in front of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Officer fire fighters pause for a selfie while raising funds for the Good Friday Appeal.

Kayla and Snowy have a great time at the Kids Day Out in Melbourne.

Officer brigade members with Star Wars characters at the Good Friday Appeal.

To learn more about Halcyon Evergreen, visit our website today.

2022

Easter blitz

The Easter long weekend saw 63 offences caught by police in Casey.

Police detected almost 8000 traffic offences during a five-day road policing initiative, Operation Nexus. Casey was responsible for 26 speeding offences, 16 unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles and 4 drink drivers. Casey residents were also hit with impoundments, mobile phone offences, drink driving offences, drug driving offences and disqualified driving offences. “It is extremely disappointing that we’ve detected almost 8000 motorists in a five-day period for a range of traffic offences –this just shows a blatant disregard for road rules and for the safety of all road users,” said Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir. “Considering the start to the year we’ve had, we would hope that more people would heed the warnings and make a conscious effort to drive safely, particularly at Easter.” Operation Nexus saw police highly visible and actively enforcing across the state in an effort to reduce road trauma. It follows a shocking start to the year onVictoria’s roads with 89 lives lost, up 25 per cent on the five-year average. Good Friday accounted for almost a quarter of all detections over the Easter period, with 101 motorists caught drink and drug driving on this day alone.

Morethanathirdofalloffencesdetectedwere for speeding, with almost 80 per cent of motorists detected between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit. Almost a quarter of speeding offences were detected on Easter Monday, the final day of the operation. Mobile phone offences jumped 31 per cent from last year’s Easter road policing operation with 343 motorists caught using their phones while driving. Police also detected and removed 529 unauthorised drivers from roads, including suspended, disqualified and unlicensed drivers.“Time and time again, it isthosebehaviourssuchasspeed,impaireddriving and distraction primarily caused by mobile phone use that are contributing to road trauma, yet we continue to detect thousands of motorists for these offences,” Assistant Commissioner Weir said. “Everyone thinks road trauma won’t happen to them, until it’s too late. Don’t let your complacency be the reason for another death or serious injury on our roads.” There were two lives lost on Victorian roads over the Easter period, with single-vehicle fatal collisions in White Hills on Friday and Wangaratta on Sunday. With five lives lost to date in April, police enforcement will continue across the state throughout the school holiday period and the unofficial Anzac Day long weekend later this month. Operation Nexusranfrom12:01amonThursday6Apriland concluded at 23:59pm on Monday 10 April 2023. “WithEasternowbehindus,we’llturnourattention to the remaining April school holiday period and the upcoming Anzac Day public holiday –you will certainly see police enforcement efforts continuing throughout the month.”

Anzac times

Cranbourne

Organised by: Cranbourne/Dandenong

RSL

Location: Greg Clydesdale Square, High Street

Time: Dawn service – 6:00 am, March – 10:30 am Morning service – 11:00 am, Pearcedale

Organised by: Pearcedale Public Hall

Team

Location: Pearcedale Public Hall, 45

Pearcedale Road

Time: Dawn service – 6:00 am

Berwick (Dawn Service)

Organised by: Berwick RSL

Location: Cranbourne West Community Hub, 4 Flicka Blvd, CranbourneWest

Time: 6:00 am

Berwick (Morning Service)

Organised by: Berwick RSL

Location: Berwick Cenotaph, High Street

Time: March – 10:30 am, Morning service

– 11:00 am, Hampton Park

Organised by: Hampton Park Progress

Association

Location: Arthur Wren Hall, 16-20 Stuart Ave

Time: Dawn service – 6:00 am, NarreWar-

ren

Location: Bunjil Place. 2 Patrick NE Dr, NarreWarren

Time: 6:00 am

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To package thieves. So frustrating and such a low act. #getajob

Thumbs up

To an amazing local Mark Ruberto who every week cleans up rubbish at his local park. Setting a great example for others to follow.

Thumbs down

To all the dogs who haven’t trained their owners to pick up their poops when they go for walks in the common walking tracks, reserves and parks that other families also enjoy.

Thumbs up

To all the kids and families reading and enjoying the books from our little street library.

Thumbs up

To the children hospital appeal, another great effort.

Thumbs up

Thumbs up to the students at St Francis de Sales Primary. The students at St Francis de Sales have fundraised morethan$13,000towardsanewplayarea.They got to slime the school principal and 10 teachers after smashing their $10,000 goal!

Thumbs up

To our horse Just Believe. Overnight he was one of 16 horses worldwide to be invited to contest the Elitloppet in Sweden. In the 71 year history of the race he is only the 3rd Australian horse to be invited.

Thumbs down

To VicRoads for dealing with (very) basic maintenance on the Hallam Bypass Trail in Narre Warren. I’ve even got the local MP involved and still no action after four whole months and counting.

Thumbs down

The lack of care taken with parks made for the children is astounding. No working BBQS. No good play equipment, no bins or water taps etc.

Thumbs down

To fat cats that line their pockets whilst the cost of living forces families into homeless. If only the big bosses had to live like real people with real challenges.

Thumbs down

To all of the people not giving up!

It’s a tough time and I commend you all for your commitment and support. It is and you are what makes our community strong.

Thumbs up

To City of Casey for their quick response on removing graffiti. use prices for first home buyers.

Thumbs down

To organisations not following policies and procedures, risking and compromising the safety and well-being of their stakeholders and future developments not being completed.

Thumbs down

To the roadworks. We drive a different route to get away from them and then they start working on that road too.

Thumbs down

To people who don’t slow down for birds on the road.

Thumbs down

To all the drivers that make a U turn out the front of Coles in Lynbrook.

Thumbs down

To the people who break bottles on the paths of Ray Perry park and needs to be cleaned before anyone can enjoy a visit.

Thumbs up

To Pauline Richards MP for putting on the Tea and Hot Cross buns for the community around Ray Perry Park. A great event.

Thumbs down

To organisations not following policies and procedures, risking and compromising the safety and well-being of their stakeholders and future developments not being completed.

Thumbs down

So many pot holes still developing, crap reception still after being promised all the new towers... Why are we paying companies our crazy priced plans each month when can’t make a call, send/receive a text or make calls out?!!!!

Campfire bonding

City of Casey is throwing a campfire family event designed to build the bonds between fathers and their children.

The event will be held at the Casey Youth Hub in NarreWarren onTuesday 2 May, 6:30pm - 8:30pm.

The outdoor event promises to be a night of entertainment, games, drumming, marshmallow toasting, and even a free sausage sizzle with vegetarian and halal options available.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to bond with your children and others in the community while enjoying some delicious food and fun ac-

tivities,“ the council wrote.

Casey’s Dads Matter programs designed to help dads and father figures develop social networks, connect with their children through fun activities, and recognise the vital role they play in their family structure.

Events like this one highlight the importance of fathers in a child’s life.

The Dads Matter programs are open to dads, stepdads, grandfathers, or any other man who plays a significant role in a child’s life.

The support network follows a flexible format that allows dads to come and go according

to their schedule, so they don’t have to worry about missing out on any of the fun.

The campfire family event will be held outdoors.

The council is encouraging attendees to dress appropriately.

“Come prepared for a night of fun under the stars,“ they wrote.

“Make some memories, meet other father figures, and show your children the importance of spending time together as a family.“

A hopping mouse hides between two logs as part of the Australian Wildlife Display at Berwick Easter Fair. Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

From strength to strength

St Clare’s Catholic Primary School continues to grow and now has an enrolment of over 520 students. One of the major developments of 2021 is the substantial landscape works to incorporate further sport fields and playgrounds. St Clare’s continues to go from strength to strength.

As part of the parish of St Patrick’s in Pakenham, the school is on site with the Early Learning Centre and the Officer campus of St Francis Xavier College. This provides a seamless transition from early childhood to secondary education with state-of-the-art facilities.

Each learning space has been designed by education award-winning architects to provide a rich environment conducive to relevant, meaningful learning. Areas are spacious and well-resourced so as to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

Before your children even come to school, you, as parents, have taught them so much. They’ve learned to listen, to ask questions, to be filled with wonder, to say thank-you, to wash their hands, to pick up after themselves and to look out for each other.

Our job at St Clare’s is to continue these life lessons and nurture the holistic development of each child. For the St Clare’s family, numeracy and literacy skills are core elements of education; but so is Religious Education – developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass. We encourage active play and healthy bodies; understanding other cultures through learning languages; and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts.

Due to the impact on COVID-19 on schooling in 2020 and 2021, we discovered digital technology is an integral part of the learning experience in our connected world and at St

Clare’s we emphasise a student’s capacity for safety, courtesy, critical literacy and independent learning online using the most current mobile learning technologies.

Student achievement is measured not only by academic growth but by each child’s emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. Being part of faith-filled community instils our stu-

dents with a sense of identity, a feeling of belonging and above all, a powerful sense of selfworth.

At St Clare’s our aim is to have each child reach their potential; to be a well-rounded individual - within a supportive and caring learning environment.

Visit our website www.stclaresofficer.cath-

olic.edu.au and tour our “virtual tour” to get a real feel for our school. School Tours are also available, please contact the school on 5940 6777 to book a time.

For all enquires or to receive our enrolment documentation please phone 5940 6777 or email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic. edu.au

At St Clare’s their aim is to have each child reach their potential; to be a well-rounded individual - within a supportive and caring learning environment.

Housing costs pressurise

By Sahar Foladi

Support services are seeing an alarming increase in number of people needing financial counselling for mortgage stress.

South East Community Links (SECL) chief executive Peter McNamara says people were falling off a “mortgage cliff” with 165 per cent more people reporting housing costs as the reason for seeking material aid in the past year.

SECL serves the biggest mortgage belt in Australia which also includes City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Cardinia Shire, Mr McNamara said.

Almost 90 per cent of its clients present with mortgage stress or cost of living pressures while half on its financial counselling wait list have mortgages.

“While some argue that Australians have savings sitting in offset accounts, our clients on low incomes are often unprepared for an increase in mortgage payments, leading to financial difficulties and the risk of defaulting on their mortgage,” Mr McNamara said.

SECL worked closely with banks to negotiate on behalf of their clients but in reality, no one was expecting to see 10 interest rate increases in a row and more likely to come, he said.

Enquiries in its financial counselling service are up by 20 per cent since last year, where wait times would’ve been around four weeks. Today, that has risen to three months.

According to SECL financial counselling cases are more complex now with 25 per cent of cases involving family violence victim-survivors.

One in three female clients have experienced financial abuse at the hands of their partner, Mr McNamara said.

The Dandenong-based Cornerstone agency provides a wide range of community services such as emergency relief and community

meals to the homeless and anyone who struggles to make ends meet.

Its chief executive Naomi Paterson says “people who haven’t struggled to pay their mortgage in the past suddenly are (struggling) - or they’re struggling to pay their rent“.

“Because of that it’s a struggle to put meals in their kid’s lunch boxes.

“We have different parcels that we would give to a rough sleeper who doesn’t have cooking facilities compared to someone from mi-

grant or asylum seeker family who would use a lot of whole food.

“We get a lot of rough sleepers.They’ll come to us for a hot meal, a cup of coffee and a chat, shower to get their laundry done but also they come to us with significant long-term struggles, challenges and very complex needs.”

The housing crisis is also making it difficult for organisations like WAYSS to provide longterm rental accommodation for families.

Wayss homelessness and housing general

manager Shari McPhail recently told Star News that “the capacity for us to assist is diminishing“.

“We’re using government funds for crisis accommodation more than for getting people in affordable, long-term housing.”

In 2021 Census data, City of Casey’s levels of homelessness rose 44 per cent in five yearsdouble the state average. Children in homelessness rose 115 per cent.

There were 1852 residents experiencing homelessness in the council area.

“Despite the State Government’s Big Housing Build, which has been a terrific investment in social and affordable housing, we’re decades behind in social housing per capita,” Ms McPhail said.

Federal Housing and Homelessness Minister Julie Collins has renewed $67.5 million funding to cover wage costs for homelessness services, in the wake of alarming homelessness data.

“Too many Australians were experiencing homelessness on Census night (in 2021),” Ms Collins said.

The funding will continue up until the Government begins its National Housing and Homelessness Plan in 2024-‘25.

Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Deborah Di Natale said it ensured $23 million for 200 homelessness support staff inVictoria to continue their “invaluable work”.

“That’s absolutely crucial funding at a time when official Census data shows homelessness in Victoria rose 24 per cent over the past five years.

“More than 30,600 people are homeless in Victoria - it’s never been more important to have strong support services in place,” Ms Di Natale said.

The Government has introduced a Bill to establish the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund.

It aims to deliver 30,00 social and affordable homes across Australia in its first five years.

Crisis support agenies buckling under the strain

By Sahar Foladi and Cam Lucadou-Wells

A spike in the number of people in need of emergency relief has placed organisations under extreme pressure to meet the needs.

More and more organisations are struggling to keep up with lack of funds and donations as a staggering number of people come through their doors.

At South East Community Links (SECL), the number of people in need of emergency relief has doubled across Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong while funding has decreased by 10 per cent.

SECL assisted 11,000 community members last year who couldn’t make ends meet and needed support to put food on the table.

However, due to high demands and lack of funding, it’s anticipated that by April more than 1,000 families will be turned away, chief executive Peter McNamara said.

In addition to the struggle of meeting those needs, SECL has also seen a 50 per cent decline in volunteering since the pandemic. This is making it harder more than ever to carry on their operations.

With the influx of refugees after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in Afghanistan, SECL’s Afghan clients has tripled over the past two years.

The number of clients identifying as First Nations has also doubled over the past year.

Bakhtar Community Organisation chief executive Bassir Qadiri says the charity was struggling to keep up with rising calls for help.

Many households had lost work and income during Covid combined with the influx of refugees arriving with little from crisis-hit Afghanistan and Ukraine, Mr Qadiri said.

“Previously, we were supporting only four to five families per week, but now the num-

ber has surged to over 25 families.”

According to Naomi Paterson, CEO of Dandenong-based Cornerstone, families who’ve never been in the situation of needing assistance are now also in need.

“We have lots of local families coming to us for support and we see the real effects of the cost of living increase.”

As more and more families continue to sink deep, donations and funding have dropped.

“During Covid times there was a lot of funding that was put in emergency relief. Lots of people were able and willing to donate which was wonderful,“ Ms Paterson said.

“That sort of increase in material aid support has dropped off quite significantly but the need has grown.

“For us we find that we can get grants or funding for programs but in terms of funding

our day-to-day costs of assisting people who are in crisis, that’s a real struggle.“

Cornerstone provides community meals for the homeless and anyone who struggles to make ends meet.

During Covid lockdowns, Cornerstone provided 4000 parcels a year - up from two to three food parcels a week.

In 2022, demand has risen further to more than 5,000 emergency relief parcels and more than 14,000 hot meals.

Ms Paterson expects the need will continue to grow.

“You need a solution for people who are in crisis immediately.You need to look at why they are in crisis and why do they need that support as well as providing that instant support.

“At the moment we’re struggling with both. Really you need to be working on long term and immediate needs.”

Cornerstone cross-cultural worker Janik Joshua, Ron Martens and Cornerstone chief executive Naomi Paterson serve up a community lunch. 326634

Cornerstone’s Juwita (also known as JJ), centre, with community members. 326634

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

South East Community Links staff Desiree Kisnorbo, Mark Singh, Jessica Soccio, Peter McNamara, Zoe Canaider and Karen Vergara. 325518 Picture: ROB CAREW

FOCUS ON … EASTER HOLIDAY GUIDE

Great day out for the kids

The Warragul Greyhounds Family Fun Day will take place on Thursday, 13 April 2023 from 11.30am to 2.30pm. It promises to be a great day out for the whole family, with plenty of activities to enjoy. These include a free child meal, face painting, a 9D cinema, a giant slide, a mini animal farm, and a photo booth.

TheWarragul Greyhound Racing Club is situated at the Logan Park Showgrounds, South Road Warragul. Warragul is approximately 100 kilometres east of Melbourne and is located in the Baw Baw Shire Council.

The first meetings to formulate the Warragul Greyhound Racing Club took place in 1949. Since then Warragul has thrived into a first class provincial track.

Warragul’s racing distances are 400m, 460m and 680m.

For more information, you can contact the club on 5623 1867 or visit their website at www. warragul.grv.org.au.

Enjoy your day out!

Our top five: What to see and do in Warburton district

1. Redwood forest

Discover the stunning Californian Redwoods, a few kilometres outside Warburton. There are over 1476 trees ranging from 20 metres to the tallest being 55 metres. They are in good condition and as they are planted in a grid are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

You can find this fascinating area by driving through Warburton, following the Warburton Highway until it becomes Woods Point Road. After about 7 km, look for Cement Creek Road on the left. This is unsealed and a little rough in places, but 0.7 km along you will find a small parking area on the right along a fenceline and small gate barrier.Walk through the barrier and there you are! Some great photo opportunities.

2. La La Falls

A short distance from the heart of Warburton, are the beautiful La La Falls at 25 Irruka Rd. From town follow the signs from Park Rd along Old Warburton Road, to the start of the track at a small, sign posted car park.

Take your time as you walk through lush rainforest protected by a stunning canopy. Look out for snow daisy bush, musk daisy bush, blanket-leaf, bootlace bush, silver wattle and hazel pomaderris, mountain grey gum, mountain ash and manna gum.

At a leisurely pace the 1.6km walk up to the falls should take around 20 minutes.

3. Bike or hike

Hire a bike, or BYO, and discover the stunning network of trails from Millgrove through to East Warburton. Stroll along the magnificent Yarra River, feed the ducks, criss-cross the town’s landmark bridges.

Rug up and warm your hands and your

heart with steaming hot fish and chips down by the river.

Call in at theWaterWheelTourist Information Centre for maps and local knowledge of the many walks and trails around the district.

4. Boinga Bob’s House

Perched high above the town on Highfield Road, Boinga Bob’s extraordinary house has become a must-see for visitors to Warburton.

Bob is passionate about art and people and his love and knowledge of different cul-

tures is showcased in this unique feature of Warburton.View the house from Highfield or from the trail behind the WaterWheel. The walk along Highfield Road offers great view over the town taking you back to two of the town’s iconic examples of brutalist architecture, the old Sanitarium Weet-Bix factory and Signs Publishing.

5. Water park

Autumn can still offer up days warm enough for water play. Warburton Water World is a fun playspace and recreation area for people of all ages.

There is also a fabulous picnic and barbecue area, brand new toilet facilities and amazing water features, including a drenching bucket. The water play park is located at 20 Woods Point Road, Warburton, next to the Warburton Caravan Park.

If driving from Melbourne/Lilydale, the park is on your right after the turnoff to Mount Donna Buang (heading towards East Warburton).

Warburton Water World is free to all visitors. Be mindful that car parking is limited and the park may be busy on warm days.

Make Walhalla Goldfields

Railway your next day out

Spend an unforgettable day with the family at Walhalla Goldfields Railway.

Relax and take in the breathtaking views as the train winds its way through the spectacular Stringers Gorge on what is considered one of the country’s most picturesque rail journeys.

Departing the historic Walhalla Station on your one-hour journey you will travel through the station yards with the sheer, stunning cliff face on one side and the winding Stringers Creek on the other side.

Winding through the gorge past Happy Creek Station on your way towards Thomson Station you cross seven bridges which in themselves are a marvel of engineering before reaching the spectacular Thomson River bridge.

Upon arrival at Thomson Station passengers disembark and have the opportunity to peruse the station and surroundings before re-boarding for your return journey.

For train buffs we also offer a Ride in the Cab Experience; for a small extra fee. Get up front and experience a different perspective from the vantage point of the locomotive cab. See the amazing track work and bridges and chat to our knowledgeable crew along the way!

Upon your return to Walhalla enjoy

Fun for kids

lunch in our Goods Shed Cafe, wander through town, take a tour of the gold mine and enjoy the history of this previously bustling gold mining town.

Make Walhalla Goldfields Railway your next day out!

Trains depart Walhalla daily during school holidays.

Bookings can be made at: www.walhallarail.com.au

For more information phone: 03 5165 6280.

Get your copy of “The Railway Waiting Room Map” and go into the draw and win.

Dig deep for dinosaur fun

Jurassic Creatures is an exciting event for dinosaur lovers of all ages.

With interactive activities like fossil digging and dinosaur passport hunts, as well as exhibits like a giant world bug display and 3D dinosaur jig-saw making, there’s plenty to see and do.

The event also offers the opportunity to meet Buddy and Tiny from the Dinosaur Train, as well as other activities for the whole family.

All of these activities are included in the ticket price, and for those who want to take home a souvenir, there is also a souvenir store available.

Additionally, there is a Dinosaur Photo area and carnival games available at an extra cost.

Jurassic Creatures is located at Westfield Fountain Gate in Narre Warren, and is open until April 23 for the Easter and school holidays.

To learn more about this event, visit www. jurassiccreatures.com.au.

Lidiya and Aaron check out the Jurassic Creatures which is appearing at Westfield Fountain Gate from 31 March to 23 April.

London checks out the jurassic wonderland which includes an interactive fossil digging area, dinosaur jumping castles and a fossil exhibit.

Waters canopy walk park

The Berwick Waters community in Clyde North is set to revel in the high life, with concept plans approved for a new centrepiece park featuring a tree-top canopy walk.

Located on the corner of Moorside Crescent and Crosswater Boulevard, Tree Walk Park is geared to include a nature-based inclusive playground, fitness equipment, a half basketball and quarter netball court as well as four square courts, a grassy area for kicking a ball or tossing a frisbee, and a fenced dog park, for fur friends large and small.

Barbecues, precast concrete seating nooks, shelters, timber platform benches and public toilets will make Tree Walk Park the perfect place for family parties and picnics.

With the concept plan approved, the next step is for the construction plans to be signed off. Works are likely to begin in the final months of this year for completion in the third quarter of next year.

Tree Walk Park was designed by UDIAwinning landscape architects and urban planners Tract who aimed to celebrate and take advantageoftheplentifulmaturetreesalready occupying the site.

As well as retaining existing mature trees, development of the park will include extensive planting of native trees and shrubs to fill out the parkland, including flowering, spotted and lemon-scented gums and banksias, coastal rosemary and white correa.

Sarah Bloom, General Manager Development Victoria Frasers Property Australia said Tree Walk Park will be a much-loved community asset for residents of Berwick Waters.

“The design of this space is so thoughtful and inclusive it’s sure to become a one of Berwick Waters’ most cherished assets,” she said.

Peter Rabbit

“Wecan’twaitforthecommunitytoenjoyit.”

Tree Walk Park is part of the 50ha of open space planned for Berwick Waters, along with

9km of walking paths and bike trails. Tree Walk Park will join Grand Prix Park in the College Green sector of Berwick Waters —

with its kids racing track, mini trampolines, zipline and play tower — as a place for family fun and fresh air.

An artist’s impression of Tree Walk Park in the Berwick Waters community in Clyde North.

Picture: SUPPLIED

No Porter Davis takeover

By Tara Cosoleto AAP and Eleanor Wilson

Collapsed building giant Porter Davis remains without a prospective buyer, after liquidators

Grant Thornton partners confirmed it has not identified a suitable company to take over the business.

Australia’s 12th largest home builder went into voluntary administration on Friday 31 March, leaving 1700 homes in Victoria and Queensland hanging in the balance.

Grant Thornton partners was then appointed liquidator for the 14 company group, engaging with dozens of parties over the last two weeks to identify a buyer to take over the group.

That process failed, it announced in a statement on Monday 10 April.

“While there is genuine interest in parts of the Porter Davis Group, the liquidators have not identified any parties that are willing and capable of taking over all builds for Porter Davis customers as part of a single sale transaction,” a group spokesperson said.

“We are continuing to discuss solutions for parts of the Porter Davis group and are aiming to be in a position to finalise those discussions within the next week.

“We also hope to provide further clarity to customers regarding the next steps in completing their build - which for many customers is likely to involve engaging with a new builder of their choice.”

It is understood The CEO of Melbourne real estate investor MIG & Sons, Amit Miglani, was one potential buyer, offering to buy out the company outright.

But a Grant Thornton spokesperson said it doubted the credibility of Mr Miglani’s offer.

“While we have no reason to doubt Mr Miglani’s intention, we do not believe this is a credible offer to acquire the Porter Davis Group,” the spokesperson said.

“Mr Migliani has not undertaken any due diligence and is unable to complete a transaction in an expedited time frame which is a key requirement of the Liquidators.

“We remain in active discussions with a short list of parties in order to find solutions for some Porter Davis customers, and to otherwise provide clarity to the remaining customers in relation to the status of their build, and

options for them to engage with new builders to complete their homes.”

The completion of 1500 Victorian Porter Davis builds and a further 200 in Queensland came to a grinding halt at news of the collapse late last month.

Last week, it was reported that more than 250 unfinished Porter Davis homes will be completed while liquidators will introduce re-

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• Pakenham -Pakenham Heights Cafe & Milk Bar Ahern Road

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• Pakenham - Pakenham Central Marketplace John Street

• Pakenham - Four Seasons Cafe John Street (Pakenham Central Marketplace)

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• Pakenham - Pakenham Library Cnr John Street & Henry Street

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placement builders to other affected customers.

Grant Thornton have been working with staff, certifiers and home owners to find solutions for properties close to completion.

The liquidators have identified more than 250 homes that are expected to qualify for occupation certificates and are capable of being completed given how close they were to being finished.

Porter Davis staff will contact those customers to advise them of the next steps.

Grant Thornton will introduce others to replacement builders in the coming week so they can discuss how their build will be finished.

More than 20 builders have offered to help complete homes for Porter Davis customers.

The liquidators advise customers to still seek their own legal advice to ensure they don’t compromise their insurance entitlements.

“We appreciate this is a stressful time for all Porter Davis stakeholders,“a Grant Thorntonspokeswoman told AAP.

“We thank you for your continued patience while we work to find alternative options and possible solutions for customers.“

The Victorian government is also investigating whether Porter Davis illegally left customersuninsured after taking their deposits.

Builders in Victoria have to buy domestic building insurance policies on behalf of homeowners before they take deposits or any money for projects of more than $16,000.

The requirement falls under the Domestic Building Insurance Ministerial Order.

“We are looking at that actively,“ Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday.

“I just want to remind everybody in this industry, the law applies to everyone. It’s not a matter of choosing to lodge those insurance premiums.“

Despite interest from several buyers, Porter Davis liquidators Grant Thornton partners claim they have not found a suitable company to take over the 14 group construction giant. Picture: UNSPLASH

Stephen K Amos

Stephen K Amos returns to Australia due to overwhelming popular demand.

Fresh from treading the boards in London’s West End, Stephen is back doing what he does best: stand-up comedy.

Join Stephen as he muses over the extraordinary events the world has faced over the last couple of years.

How did you get through it all? Stephen’s solution… find the funny.

When the world gives Stephen lemons, he simply adds gin, tonic, ice and a healthy dose of laughter.

So grab a drink, come down and enjoy an hour of solid jokes and guaranteed belly laughs. Tickets available via the Cardinia Cultural Centre website.

· Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren on Friday 21 April at 7:30pm.

Timbarra Over 50’s Social Club

The Timbarra Over 50’s Social Club will be celebrating its 30 year anniversary this July and new members are always welcome. We meet in the Timbarra Community Hall which is part of the Berwick Neighbourhood Centre. Our activities include Indoor Carpet Bowls, Scrabble, Table Tennis and cards (500).

All activities occur in a very friendly atmosphere and nothing is taken too seriously. We also hold an Old Time/New Vogue dance every Thursday night with the first half hour devoted to tuition. Throughout the year we provide subsidised Day Trips and Luncheons for regular attendees. In the near future our club will be looking at a name change to better attract a wider age range of interested adults.

For further details phone: Bruce 0447 554 475 or David 0433 566 456

Berwick Boutique Craft and Food Market

Spend your Saturday at the historic Old Cheese Factory in Berwick.

This lovely venue offers beautifully manicured gardens, a large children’s playground and barbecue/picnic facilities along with plenty of parking. Step back in time and browse the wonderful and unique crafts and design from local makers and

Cirque Mother Africa

Celebrating 15 years and direct from a sellout broadway season, Cirque Mother Africa is returning to Australia in 2023 with an all new show featuring the amazing hand to hand balancing act as seen on Australia’s Got Talent performed by the Ramadhani Brothers. The heartbeat of Africa pulsates throughout this jaw-dropping show as the musicians and artists transport audience members to the breath-taking continent of Africa. This 90-minute entertainment extravaganza com-

unwind from the week.

$5 onsite parking, dogs allowed.

· 34 Homestead Road, Berwick on Saturday 22 April from 9am-2pm.

Bumble Bee Baby and Children’s

Markets

Bumble Bee Baby and Children’s Markets are excited to announce their upcoming market at Berwick Fields Primary School.

With up to 65 stall holders you are sure to snap up some bargains on new, handmade and preloved baby and children’s goods for all ages! And of course they will have a coffee van on hand for all your caffeine needs!

At only $2 entry for adults (children under 12

bines the very best talent from nine African countries including Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania to provide the wonder, suspense and joy that is Cirque Mother Africa.Seen by more than 2 MILLION people worldwide, Cirque Mother Africa is guaranteed to captivate audiences young and old. Combining the best of contortion, acrobatics, traditional dance, live music, pan spinning, hand balancing and so much more. Tickets available via the Bunjil Place website.

· Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive Narre Warren,Saturday 29 April at 7.30pm.

free) and plenty of free parking it is the perfect Sunday morning outing.

Bring the whole family and be sure to share the event with your friends and extended family. The buzzier the better!

· 35 Gwendoline Drive, Berwick on Sunday 30 April from 9am-12pm.

Seniors and Active Retirees in Casey and Cardinia Areas. Are you newly retired, new to the area or just wanting to enjoy your freedom or expand your social life?

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social /chat activities with low key in-line dancing if you want

to tap your feet and great afternoon teas, day / short and long trips away via (coach/ flights) , weekly morning coffee club , monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly evening dineouts, weekly table tennis club, walking groups, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, and more ! We welcome all you gentlemen out there with time on your hands!

Ladies, come along, this is your time to meet like minded people and make those new friends. Come along and get to know us by visiting us on a Thursday at 2 pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join us on a Wednesday at 10am for a coffee at Little Sparrow Fountain Gate. Or for more information contact Enquiry Officer Gloria 0468363616

Brentwood Park Community Centre

Open Day

Brentwood Park Community Centre is once again welcoming everyone for an open day. The day will include Children’s activities, market stalls, workshops and food vans.

· 21A Bemersyde Drive, Berwick on Saturday 29 April from 10am-2pm.

Anzac Day Dawn Service

The Anzac Day Dawn Service will be held at Officer Recreation Reserve.

Tea, Coffee, Bacon and Egg Rolls are available afterwards.

· 20 Starling Road, Officer on Tuesday 25 April at 5:45am.

Frog Census

City of Casey is hosting a frog-tastic event at Banjo Paterson Park.

Join the team to carry out some very important monitoring to record which frog species are calling the wetlands home.

Learn all about these frogs, how to identify them from their calls and how you can help protect their habitat.

Bring along a torch and your smart device and learn about the Melbourne Water Frog Census app.

The event is free.

Spots can be reserved via Eventbrite.

· Banjo Paterson Park, Paterson Drive, Lynbrook, on Thursday 20 April 5pm-6.30pm.

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

What do you love about being a CFA volunteer?

There is so much to like about being part of the CFA. More than anything I love the opportunity to work alongside and learn from amazing people throughout CFA. Some of my favourite times have been on courses or on StrikeTeams, learning and meeting like-minded people. I have always enjoyed helping people, so being able to assist the community at their time of need is something I am passionate about. The opportunities available to CFA Volunteers are endless, I am truly proud to be a CFAVolunteer Firefighter.

What would your last meal be?

A Chicken Parma.

What is your most memorable moment?

I am truly blessed that I have multiple memorable moments in my life. The birth of both of my children is by far the most momentous life changing moment, meeting my wonderful husband, being the recipient of The Firefighter of the year Award for our Brigade for the years 2020 & 2021 which mean the world to me, and the opportunities and experiences that I have been able to provide for my family travelling and laughing together making memories. What event past or present would you like to witness?

The moon landing in 1969. Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?

Robin Williams, Betty White and Jim Carrey - It would be a side-splitting evening! What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?

Listening to Dermott Kennedy; Watching Ted Lasso; reading Mans Search for Meaning. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?

A Greek dish called, Pastitso.

with Narre Warren CFA volunteer Anastasia Barker

THREE … ways to celebrate World Creativity and Innovation week

1 2 3

Where is your dream holiday destination? Anywhere with my family.

What were you like as a kid? Determined. Independent. Energetic. Inquisitive.

What was your first job?

An apprentice hairdresser.

What are the three most used apps on your phone?

Instagram, Facebook and BART What’s one question that you have always wanted answered? Can you cry under water?

Play a game with your kids that involves picking up rubbish in a local green space.

Creating a scavenger hunt that is fun and stimulating for children and adults but which also requires them to find specific recyclable or rubbish items (while wearing gloves!) is a great way to combine fun with eco-friendly innovation.

Hold a community meeting to discuss ways to decrease food insecurity, gender inequality or education disparities.

One way to create change is to be the catalyst. Hosting a community forum allows a meeting of the minds where locals can come up with creative solutions to serious problems.

Spend the day engaging in healthy practices.

Gather some friends, family and neighbours to join you for a day of good health and well-being to celebrate Goal #3 of the Sustainable Development plan. Participate in physical movement, such as walking in nature, doing yoga or playing games in the park.

Anastasia Barker (centre) is a volunteer firefighter and recruitment officer / member wellbeing officer with the Narre Warren CFA. Picture: SUPPLIED

•All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication.

•After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.

• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.

Charges over crash

A 26-year-old Beaconsfield man died following a car crash on Sunday 9 April.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following the fatal single vehicle crash in Wangaratta.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Greta Road and Clarkes Lane following reports a car had rolled, coming to rest in a paddock, about 7.15pm.

Sadly, one of the three male passengers, a 26-year-old Beaconsfield man, died at the scene.

Workwear being retooled sustainably

Used work clothes normally cast into landfill will be recycled as part of the Pound RoadWest Upgrade project.

In a first for Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV), project workers are being encouraged to hand in their discarded workwear and personal protective equipment for repurposing by Victorian company UPPAREL.

So far, nearly 500 items of work clothing and PPE have been handed in - about 80 kilograms being diverted from landfill and preventing the creation of 280 kg of carbon dioxide.

“We’re excited to team up with UPPAREL on an initiative where every member of the project team can play their part to reduce waste in the construction industry, while supporting local business,” MRPV program director Marc Peterson said.

All of the recoverable materials are being

reused or recycled

Work clothing and PPE in good condition will be offered to UPPAREL’s charity and notfor-profit partners for reuse.

Clothing not fit for wear will be recycled via a non-chemical process to convert the textiles into sustainable materials.

These can be repurposed into new commercial products replacing non-sustainable materials such as polystyrene, fibreglass and cellulose.

The fibre can be used in construction materials such as wall and ceiling insulation, furniture filling, flooring underlay, acoustic panels, suspended ceiling tiles and office partition walls.

It can also be used in cushion filling, pet beds and protective packaging for products such as crockery and glassware.

Recycled PPE such as hardhats, safety glasses and boots are being repurposed into gym flooring, outdoor playground flooring and rubber mats.

UPPAREL chief executive Michael Elias said “we believe making a positive environmental impact is key to a sustainable future”.

“Local partnerships such as this not only make a measurable impact but continue to raise awareness around the global issue.”

The initiative is a partnership between MRPV, its construction partner Seymour Whyte and the Braeside-based UPPAREL.

Seymour Whyte regional general manager Courtney Hoops said “adopting a circular economy approach to workwear is ‘smart business’ that’s good for the planet and promotes a social-responsibility-centred partnership”.

A 16-year-old Wangaratta boy sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital where he remains in a critical condition, police said on Monday 10 April.

“A 24-year-old Beaconsfield sustained serious injuries and was also airlifted to hospital where he remains in a stable condition,” police said.

“The male driver of the car, a 23-yearold Wangaratta man was taken to a local hospital under police guard with nonlife-threatening injuries.

“He has been charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death and negligent driving causing serious injury and he was also issued with a notice of immediate driving ban.”

He was remanded to appear in Benalla Magistrates’ Court.

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disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Pound Road West Upgrade work crews are donating used PPE and workwear for recycling.

SPORT Legends to lead new era

By Marcus Uhe

Club: Pakenham

2022: 8-8 (6th). Did not qualify for finals in Outer East Football Netball League Premier Division.

Head coach: Ash Green.

Captain: Jordan Stewart.

Coaching Panel: Darren Hillard, Michael Holland, Dean Tyrell.

Ins: Blake Cuttriss (Stratford), Daniel Peart (Officer), Brady Graham (Kilcunda Bass).

Outs: Brenton Wells (Keysborough), Kane Tyrrell (Crib Point), Eli Tyrrell (Crib Point), Liam Tyrrell (Crib Point).

10 to Watch: Jordan Stewart, Lochlan Menzel, Bailey Stiles, Tom Gamble, Taj Delarue, Jaiden Camenzuli, Cody Grass, Joshua Haggar, Joel Sarlo, Jake Thompson.

Home ground: Toomuc Reserve.

If you’re coming up against Pakenham this year, be prepared to run.

Reflections on their shortcomings last year led the Lions to investing in their fitness department ahead of the 2023 campaign, tapping into the knowledge of strength and conditioning coach Wayne Debruin.

Senior coach Ash Green can already see the benefits, and will look to utilise the reserves in their legs, along with the wide expanses of Toomuc Reserve, to his side’s advantage.

“It’s probably been the hardest preseason that the guys have done with Wayne (Debruin),” Green said.

“That was probably the feedback from the guys from last year, so it’s probably the fittest I’ve had these guys since I’ve been here.

“It’s been a challenging preseason with the running element but we don’t apologise for that.”

2022 was a rollercoaster for the Lions, winning four on the trot early in the season before

immediately dropping their next four, and struggling for consistency in the second half of the year as they battled injuries.

Despite finishing on the same number of points as Monbulk, they missed finals action, having succumbed to the teams in the immediate surrounds on the ladder too many times.

In the combined four contests against Monbulk, who finished fifth, and Olinda Ferny Creek, in fourth, they won once and lost the other three.

Similarly, they struggled to impact the sides above them on the table, with only wins against Woori Yallock and Olinda, but won all six against Upwey Tecoma, Mt Evelyn and Officer, who made-up the bottom rungs of the table.

In opening the year with Narre Warren and WooriYallock, they’ll have an immediate sense of where they sit in relation to the rest of Premier Division.

“We’ve had a healthy rivalry with Narre over the years with the SEFNL,” Green said.

“They’re going to be the yardstick again so it’ll be good to see where we’re at.

“It’s about consistency; we had a lot of injuries last year and that’s not an excuse, it’s about making sure we have our best 25 available every week.

“Some of these kids have now got that extra year under their belt, so we expect a little bit more from these guys, and we’ve played a few guys in different positions now too in the last couple of weeks so it’ll be good to see how they go.

“We’ll have some different changes for round one against Narre that they won’t be prepared for.”

Assisting Green in his aspirations to add some new silverware to the Toomuc Reserve trophy cabinet are club icons and premiership players Darren Hillard and Michael “Jock” Holland, who have returned to the Lions this season as assistant coaches.

Green feels their experience and knowledge of not only football, but the club, will serve as an inspiration for those looking to elevate their names into the same air.

“The exciting thing from our perspective is, they’re both champions of the Pakenham

Footy Club in their own right,” Green said.

“What they bring is different aspects.

“I’ve been here five or six years now and they (the players) probably get sick of hearing my voice.

“They’ve come in with fresh ideas and more granular, in the sense of concentrating on specific areas for the midfielders and forwards.

“I definitely feel that’s going to fast track a few of these younger guys, with an extra set of eyes and ears on them.”

Fixture:

Round 1: Saturday 15 April v Narre Warren (Home)

Round 2: Saturday 29 April v Woori Yallock (Home)

Round 3: Saturday 6 May v Bye

Round 4: Saturday 13 May v Mt Evelyn (Away)

Round 5: Saturday 20 May v Upwey Tecoma (Home)

Round 6: Saturday 27 May v Wandin (Home)

Round 7: Saturday 3 June v Monbulk (Away)

Round 8: Saturday 17 June v Gembrook Cockatoo (Home)

Round 9: Saturday 24 June v Olinda (Home)

Round 10: Saturday 1 July v Narre Warren (Home)

Round 11: Saturday 8 July v Woori Yallock (Away)

Round 12: Saturday 15 July v Bye

Round 13: Saturday 22 July v Mt Evelyn (Home)

Round 14: Saturday 29 July v Upwey Tecoma (Away)

Round 15: Saturday 5 August vWandin (Home)

Round 16: Saturday 12 August v Gembrook Cockatoo (Away)

Round 17: Saturday 19 August v Monbulk (Home)

Round 18: Saturday 26 Olinda (Away)

Rebounding Roos keen to bounce back to the top flight

By Marcus Uhe

Club: Officer

2022: 1-15 (9th). Relegated from Outer East Football Netball League Premier Division

Coach: Danny Charles

Captains: Ben O’Loughlin, Brent Moloney.

Coaching panel: Travis Murphy, Craig McGrath, Scott McGeagh, Trent Canute.

Ins: Troy Tharle (Injury), Mark Seedman (Rowville), Daniel Edwards, Antonio Qauch (Berwick).

Outs: Joshua Pettenuzzo (Hampton Park), Brody Hopkins (Narre Warren), Daniel Peart (Pakenham), Sam Ferrari (Billabong).

10 to watch: Dan Ellett, Anthony Bernardo, Ben O’Loughlin, Brent Moloney, Mitch Mibus, Antonio Quach, Brodie Snooks, Angus Clavarino, Kyle Gains, Sam Hoghton.

Home ground: Officer Recreation Reserve. Having been relegated from the Outer East Premier Division on the back of a sorry 2022 season, Officer enter Division One in 2023 with a point to prove.

Already they’re viewed as one of the teams to watch, having been extremely active in the recruiting space, and embarking on a new era under storied local football figure, Danny Charles.

A premiership winning coach at Doveton in 2019, Charles knows what success looks like from the coaches box, and will be flanked by names and faces he trusts from his time at previous clubs and organisations.

A year out of the game was enough to rekindle the coaching flame, as the club looks to capture its first senior premiership since 2002.

Troy Tharle returns to the field after taking some time away from playing to deal with injury issues, and along with co-captains Ben O’Loughlin and Brent Moloney, his experience will be critical in a squad brimming with young talent.

Of particular excitement for Charles is the form of half-forward Antonio Quach, a mem-

ber of their young brigade who caught the eye of the new coach as a junior footballer.

AndBrodieSnooks,a17-year-oldwhonarrowly missed our on selection at Gippsland Power as a bottom-ager, has looked accomplished in the cut and thrust of senior football in their preseason hitouts against Keysborough, Mount Evelyn and Kooweerup.

Charles is expecting a fast and entertaining game-style in 2023 that will capture the eyes of the football public, and in Emerald, Berwick Springs and Seville in their first three matches, they’ll have a very strong indication of where they sit, early in the piece.

It’s not the ideal start to the year for a side that’s incorporating so many new pieces and still seeking that continuity with one-another, and could see them chasing their tails for the remainder of the season.

But with just seven teams in the Division, each match-up will carry extra significance.

Charles said being tagged as one of the

teams to beat hasn’t come as a surprise, but as preseason finally comes to a close, they’re main focus remains on controlling their own destiny.

“It’s probably to be expected, coming down from Premier, but it’s a totally different team to what we had last year,” Charles said.

“Our biggest challenge is probably going to be getting used to one-another on the field.”

Officer is another side that will endure a particularly disjointed fixture, with three byes on its calendar.

Fixture:

Round 1: Saturday 15 April v Emerald (Away)

Round 2: Saturday 22 April v Berwick Springs (Home)

Round 3: Saturday 29 April v Seville (Away)

Round 4: Saturday 6 May v Bye

Round 5: Saturday 13 May v Hallam (Home)

Round 6: Saturday 27 May v Belgrave (Home)

Round 7: Saturday 3 June v Healesville (Away)

Round 8: Saturday 17 June v Emerald (Home)

Round 9: Saturday 24 June v Bye

Round 10: Saturday 1 July v Seville (Home)

Round 11: Saturday 8 July v Berwick Springs (Away)

Round 12: Saturday 15 July v Hallam (Away)

Round 13: Saturday 22 July v Emerald (Home)

Round 14: Saturday 29 July v Healesville (Home)

Round 15: Saturday 5 August v Belgrave (Away)

Round 16: Saturday 12 August v Bye

Round 17: Saturday 19 August v Seville (Away)

Round 18: Saturday 26 August v Berwick Springs (Home)

Anthony Bernardo will be one of Officer’s prime-movers once again. 286026

Picture: ROB CAREW Dan Charles is the main tasked with taking Officer back to Premier Division. 295328

Koby Grass’ run will be important for the Lions this year. 293976 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Dean, Keith throw 180s

By David Nagel

The South West Gippsland Dart League is set for a thrilling second half of the season after another high-quality night of darts in round 11.

The individual highlights came from Dean from Bullseyes – who threw his second 180 for the season – and Keith from Mud Rats, who threw his first.

There have now been 15 180’s thrown in the first half of the 2023 season, a significant increase on seasons gone by.

The highest peg-out for the first half of the season remains with Terry from Just Social –with 142 – the best of seven 100-plus checkouts this year.

Dean from Snipers has a huge lead in the most tons thrown for 2023, sitting on 65, with Ant and Terry next best with 46.

Other notable totals in the race for most tons are Shane from PakyOne on 41, Tim from Rebels and Jamie from Just Social on 37, and Thom from Rebels on 36.

Round 11 was a relatively one-sided event, with teams in a tightly-bunched top-half of the ladder getting the better of their lower-ranked opponents.

Magpies show resilience

By Marcus Uhe

Narre Warren’s netball side is implementing the lessons learnt from last year’s heartbreaking grand final loss to Olinda Ferny Creek, according to coach Erin Bell.

The former Australian representative, who has stepped away from playing this season, said her side struggled to adjust to the torrid weather conditions presented in the decider, and has used that as motivation ahead of their round one Outer East Football Netball League Premier Division A Grade clash with Pakenham.

“It’s about building our toolkit and making sure that when we are put under pressure, or a team throws something at us, or the weather throws something at us, that we want to be prepared for that and we’ve got strategies, and we know that we can work our way through anything that we’re thrown this season,” Bell said.

“We know what we’re good at, we know we can be fast and play well in the dry.

“It’s about being able to slow it down, mix it up, and be able to adjust to conditions.

“That’s probably our main thing this season.”

Replacing Bell in the goalers circle is

Peninsula Waves Goal Shooter Clare Vearing, who’s combination with Chelsea Tonna and Gemma Osborne has Bell excited. As does the prospects of unheralded defender Taylah Jencke.

“She can kind of go under the radar a little bit but she’s played really well in our practice matches,” Bell said.

“We’re going to try to challenge her a little bit more with her versatility and play a few different positions, so it will be good to see how she goes.”

Despite not playing finals last season, Bell is expecting Pakenham to offer stiff competition in the season opener.

“We had a practice match against them that we did win, but I don’t think they were at full strength, so round one will be interesting.”

“I’m looking forward to playing Berwick now as well.

“They’ve come up to Premier Division now and they were always pretty strong in their division.

“I think all in all we’ll have a good mix of really competitive games that will hopefully make for a good season.”

Saturday’s A Grade clash begins at 3pm at Toomuc Reserve.

Snipers remain in top-four contention after an 11-4 victory over Gembrook, whileWarriors had the most impressive win of round 11 with a 12-3 triumph over 26ers.

Only one game separated the two teams heading in, but Warriors now sit second – two games clear of the 26ers in sixth place.

In other games, Rebels smashed The Hoodies, 15-0, while Bullseyes claimed their secondconsecutive victory with a 10-5 win over Fore.

And top-of-the-ladder Just Social showed their class with a 13-2 success over Mud Rats.

The big game of round 12 sees sixth-placed 26ers trying to draw level with fourth-placed Rebels on seven wins for the season.

R11 Results: Snipers 11 v Gembrook 4, Warriors 12 v 26ers 3, Rebels 15 v The Hoodies 0, Bullseyes 10 v Fore 5, Just Social 13 v Mud Rats

2, PakyOne – Bye.

R11 Ladder; Just Social 36, Warriors 32, PakyOne 32, Rebels 28, Snipers 28, 26ers 24, Bullseyes 16, Gembrook 12, Mud Rats 8, Fore 4, The Hoodies 0.

R12 Fixture: PakyOne (3) v Gembrook (8), Mud Rats (9) v Snipers (5), Warriors (2) v Fore (10), 26ers (6) v Rebels (4), Just Social (1) v Bullseyes (7), The Hoodies – Bye.

Long-time rivals get set to kickstart Outer East season

By Marcus Uhe

The days are getting shorter and colder.

Beanies and puffer jackets are re-emerging from wardrobes after a long-hot summer.

Boots are clean, jumpers are fresh, grass is cut, lines are marked, posts are in.

Saturday afternoon commitments are being wiped from the schedule.

There’s excitement in the air.

Footy’s back, and don’t we love it!

With all AFL footy on in Adelaide this weekend, here’s a great way to spend you Saturday afternoon.

OUTER EAST PREMIER:

Pakenham v Narre Warren

You know it’s a big contest when it gets separate billing from the rest of the round’s fixtures.

Long-time rivals dating back to previous eras and competitions, the two will face-off at Pakenham’s Toomuc Reserve, as the Magpies look to begin their premiership defence on the right footing.

Should the Lions get the chocolates, it will be their first win over the black and white army since round two, 2015 - just shy of eight years to the day.

On that occasion it was Dean Blake, Jake Barclay and Anthony Young among Pakenham’s best, with Jake Smith and Daniel Fry kicking four goals each.

For Pakenham, they’ll be out to make amends for missing out on September action in 2022.

The wide-open expanses of Toomuc won’t

offer quite the hurdles for the Magpies that they would for other Outer East clubs based in the Yarra Valley or the Hills, with Kalora Park boasting similar dimensions to the Lions’ den.

But that won’t stop the Lions from using their trademark leg speed and spread from the contest, as they look to make a statement with the eyes of the Premier Division fairly and squarely on them.

“They’ve been quick and they take it on,” Narre Warren coach Shane Dwyer said of previous Pakenham sides.

“They’re young, they were very young last year and it seemed like they played on every time they could.

“We’ve just got to stop that and hope we can turn it over and go back.

“That’s the way they played and have for a few years now.”

The Magpies got the better of Pakenham twice last year - once by six goals in a night fixture at Kalora Park, also in round one, and the other an 88-point thumping at Toomuc Reserve, as they began to take hold of the competition.

Expect any hint of a premiership hangover to be pounced on by Ash Green’s men – you can only imagine the reverberations a win over the holders of the championship belt would bring.

“I don’t mind playing the better sides early, just to see where we’re at,” Green said.

“They’re going to be the yardstick again so it’ll be good to see where we’re at.”

The action begins at 2.10pm.

Pakenham will look to break a seven-year drought when the Lions host Narre Warren on Saturday.

275020

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Narre Warren netball club are determined to avoid scenes like these after last year’s grand final defeat. 299108 Picture: ROB CAREW

Jackie and Nat played a big part in the Rebels 15-0 victory over The Hoodies in round 11 of the SWGDL. 321895 Picture: SUPPLIED