News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 20th April 2023

By Shelby Brooks

Pakenham’s only golf club has gone into voluntary administration.

News of Deep Creek Golf Club going bust was confirmed by Cardinia Shire Council on Wednesday 19 April.

Cardinia Shire Council manager active and connected communities Kristen Jackson said the shire was informed of the voluntary administration of the Deep Creek Golf Club and was still developing and working through its options.

This includes engagement with the administrator appointed by the Deep Creek Golf Association.

The state-of-the-art facilities were opened in October 2019, funded by the shire for $9.2 million, with the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund contributing an additional $2.825 million.

Cardinia Shire Council owns the Deep Creek Reserve land, including the golf course and main building.

The council has a lease with the Deep Creek Golf Club for their use and operation of the

Toast

10 years on

Players from the 2013 Pakenham A-Grade netball premiership side have come together to celebrate a decade on.

All but one teammate was able to attend the function as they reflected on the remarkable rise to premiership glory in the then Casey Cardinia Football Netball League, reliving the day with a highlights video and reconnecting over lunch.

More inside on page 9

The 2013 Pakenham netball team. Back row (L-R): Kasey Holland, Toni Dart, Olivia Hunt, Cara Viney, Meaghan Bartrop, Tenielle Palmer, Stacey Deayton. Front row: Michelle Webster (captain) Meaghan Winter Alanna Davey. Absent: Rachel Priestley.

Deep in the red

golf course and associated infrastructure, use of part of the main complex and operation of the main complex, Ms Jackson said.

The original Pakenham Golf Club was constructed in 1980.

In late 2019 the club moved to a new facility located at the southern end of the original course, constructing two new holes, a massive putting green, a short game practice area and a public driving range.

The club changed its name from Pakenham to Deep Creek in 2019 to fit with the new surroundings of Deep Creek Reserve.

The Deep Creek Golf Club offered Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday competitions.

Deep Creek Reserve, including the golf course, is zoned PPRZ (Public Park and Recreation Zone) under the Cardinia Planning Scheme.

Any rezoning would require a planning scheme amendment approved by the Victorian Government.

Deep Creek Golf Club was reached for comment.

Frogs saved and rehomed

Local fauna have been rehomed to Deep Creek amid road works on Healesville-Kooweerup Road.

Works on the Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) upgrade required the drainage of a previously constructed wetland area on Healesville-Kooweerup Road near the Princes Freeway.

As part of the works on the freeway, the area needed to be turned into a sediment drain to protect the footings of the new bridge, so the frogs and eels needed a new home.

Following ecological and environmental requirements, project ecologists safely rehomed nine Striped marsh frogs, 15 common frogs

and 48 Short-finned eels to their new home in the nearby Deep Creek.

With the Striped marsh frog and Shortfinned eel both rare or endangered in other parts of Australia, it means even more that construction projects can safely rehome these animals and ensure their species’ ongoing survival withinVictoria.

When works are undertaken on projects such as the Pakenham Roads Upgrade, any ecological impacts on native plants and animals must follow an environmental management plan. This involves ecologists assessing the area then capturing and relocating any animals accordingly, as well as an arborist en-

suring as many trees and natural vegetation can be retained.

It’s important to minimise environmental impact on these major projects while also building important road infrastructure. This mindset will ensure road projects minimise environmental impact to keep the local florae and faunae thriving for years to come.

The Pakenham Roads Upgrade is an Australian Government initiative being delivered by Major Road ProjectsVictoria.

The project will be delivered in three stages, with upgrades to the Princes Freeway the first to get underway, with works on McGregor Road and Racecourse Road also part of the

LED BY A QUALIFIED TEACHER

The Kinder Tick recognises kinder programs that are led by a qualified teacher.

PLAY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM

It highlights kindergartens and long day care centres that offer play-based programs to help children learn and grow, before they start school.

It

Pakenham Roads Upgrade.

The Pakenham Roads Upgrade is part of a wider investment in improving transport infrastructure in Pakenham including level crossing removals at Racecourse Road, McGregor Road and Main Street, two new train stations in Pakenham and upgrades to Healesville-Kooweerup Road.

Together, these projects will create a more efficient transport network for Pakenham, reducing bottlenecks and improving connectivity and safety for all road users.

The Pakenham Roads Upgrade is an Australian Government initiative being delivered by Major Road ProjectsVictoria.

The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to find a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.

‘We just want her home’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A distressed mother has made an emotional plea for help to find 28-year-old Sarah Weatherstone, who was last seen in Narre Warren three weeks ago.

Judith Weatherstone reported her daughter missing to Cranbourne police on 25 March.

She told a press conference on 18 April that she’s in a “living nightmare”.

“It’s just like she’s vanished.

“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.

“I see this on my TV shows, I don’t want to live it.”

At the time, Sarah was living with her Wantirna parents Judith and Stephen.

Her birthday had just passed by last week.

She is close to family, and was looking forward to going to an upcoming family wedding in Queensland.

Her lack of contact over the past three weeks was out-of-character, Ms Weatherstone said.

“She and I are very close. We would be in contact every single day.

“Even if we had an argument she would still contact me.

“She posted on Facebook one year you’re my Ying to my Yang.”

Since Sarah’s disappearance, there has been no known activity on her social media or bank accounts.

Sarah was with a group of friends at a factory atVesper Drive NarreWarren on Thursday 23 March.

She was last seen walking alone from the factory and along Princes Highway about 4.30pm.

At about that time, Sarah sent her last message to her mother saying she was coming home.

“I didn’t get any more answers from her,” Ms Weatherstone said.

“I was working at the time, I was messaging her ‘do you want me to pick you up from Knox?’ and I got nothing back.

“She could have been at Fountain Gate shopping centre getting a bus to Knox.”

Sarah’s phone was last detected in Hallam Valley Wetlands in the early hours of Friday 24 March.

About 40 Victoria Police members – including the Air Wing, Mounted Unit and a drone specialist - combed the wetlands between 1113 April.

Neither her phone or any“items of interest” have been found there, Detective Senior Constable Adam Reid said.

Police will continue to search the area as

wellascontactingSarah’smanyfriendsandfamilyinNarreWarrenandthewiderMelbournearea.

Sarah’s disappearance wasn’t treated as suspiciousbuttherewereconcernsforherwelfare,Det Sen Const Reid said.

Ms Weatherstone says Sarah has been diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder.

“That has been very hard the last 14-15 years but we’ve supported her through that.

“I don’t think she’s done anything to herself …

“Everything is still at home – her dog, her teddy.Ifshewastotakeoffordisappear...shewould take her teddy.”

Sarah is described as Caucasian appearance, about 170 centimetres with blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a green jumper, yellow singlet, cream trackpants and white sneakers.

“If you see Sarah, please contact somebody like Crime Stoppers.

“Please, we just want her home.

“We want to know where she is and what’s happened to her.”

Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

An ‘undeniable’ case for $40m Cranbourne Hub

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A proposed $40.3 million community services hub in the heart of Cranbourne within four years is set to go out for public comment.

On the back of an “undeniably strong” business case, the Cranbourne Hub would potentially open early 2027.

It has been identified as a “priority major community infrastructure project”, a key part in revitalising Cranboune’s major activity centre.

Built on the council’s car park at 1-3 Lyall Street, it could include council customer service, youth services, a library, community meeting spaces and consulting suites.

However the community “appetite” for

the project was as yet unknown, Casey administrator Cameron Boardman said at a 18 April council meeting.

He also raised concern about the “challenging fiscal and investment environments” despite the facility’s “number of benefits”.

“Whilst the motivation and the acceptance of this (project) is meritorious, the cost is significant.

“There is significant community engagement to be undertaken and until we do, we won’t be making a decision at this stage.”

Administrator Miguel Belmar said the Hub was a “great opportunity” to revitalise Cranbourne as well as to put the car park site to “better use for the enjoyment of the community”.

He was also concerned how the Hub would be funded.

The community consultation this year will include project cost, funding sources, services at the Hub and design.

Under a proposed timeline, detailed design would then occur in 2023-’24, followed by 15 months of construction.

The hub could be mainly funded by a loan, as well as rates and the sale of the former Balla Balla Community Centre site.

Due to the“compounding” cost of loan repayments, a council report “strongly recommended” exploring other funding sources such as State grants, partnerships and surplus property sales.

To that end, the council will consider whether to retain or dispose the Casey Administration building site in the Casey Complex in Cranbourne East.

The report warned that deferring the Hub beyond 2027 would result in“significant risk” of cost escalation, community frustration and funding stagnation.

It would also “de-couple” the Hub from other revitalisation activity in Cranbourne and put “unacceptable pressure” on ageing facilities.

“Significantly … there will be lost opportunity to relocate existing Council services and release key sites for future strategic, economic and community benefit.”

Sarah Weatherstone, 28, was last seen walking on Princes Highway Narre Warren about 4.30pm on Thursday 23 March.

Sarah Weatherstone leaving a factory at Vesper Drive, Narre Warren on 23 March.

Sarah Weatherstone walking along Princes Highway after leaving a factory on 23 Marchthe day she disappeared.

Cyclist in hit-run horror

By Sahar Foladi

A 40 year old Dandenong woman has been released from custody after coming forward to police about a hit-run collision in Noble Park that left a cyclist injured.

The woman was interviewed after Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol’s Sergeant Jerome Ithier held a media conference and urged the driver to turn themselves in.

“I’m appealing to the driver to hand yourself in.What you’ve done is deliberate, dangerous and reckless,” Mr Ithier had said.

The woman was released pending further enquiries, police say.

The investigation remains “ongoing”.

The cyclist injured in what was described as a “deliberate” hit-run collision was deemed lucky to survive without a single broken bone.

The 59 year-old Pakenham man was cycling his way to Dandenong railway station to get to work when he was passed by a 2008-2017 white Mitsubishi Lancer on Douglas Street at 6.40am on Thursday 13 April.

Cyclist Robert Clarke and his wife Donna were very emotional when they described the incident on 17 April.

“Just to think that a human being could do that to another human being, I’m just blown away,” Mrs Clarke said.

“I actually don’t know how he doesn’t even have a broken finger, not even a single broken bone.”

The white Mitsubishi Lancer stopped, allowed Mr Clarke to pass on the left hand side, then “deliberately accelerated” and veered to the left, striking Mr Clarke and leaving him injured.

“On that particular morning as I was going into Chandler Road I heard the acceleration behind me. I just continued on because that was my path, doing nothing wrong, I felt,” Mr Clarke said.

As an experienced cyclist, Mr Clarke has been cycling in that area for almost seven years.

“There were dark windows. I heard the acceleration and I just thought here’s another smartass. They’ll just rev, scare me and keep going and the next thing the world is spinning.

“I get a lot of abuse as a cyclist and this one hit.”

Fortunately, the incident was recorded in dashcam footage by a vehicle behind the Lancer.

Mr Clarke survived the incident, grazed and bruised and taken to the hospital for treatment.

“I can’t sit down properly. Both cheeks are patched up. I guess I had something in my backpack. I’ve got some internal injury in the back of my ribcage. I might flinch every now and then,” Mr Clarke said.

Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol Sergeant Jerome Ithier said: “Often collisions like

this depending on where, how you’re struck and how you fall, you could easily lose your life over this.

The bicycle was stuck under the front tyre of the white Lancer and dragged for almost 100 metres.

“I think anyone who partakes in this particular behaviour should not be on our roads.

“This sort of behaviour is dangerous, it’s reckless and it’s fortunate that no one was killed or seriously injured as a result of this.”

Police say the white Lancer didn’t have registration plates.

“If you’re involved in a collision, stop and help the person. It’s certainly not something you should be leaving,” Mr Ithier said.

The car was tracked down and last seen on CCTV on Lightwood Road in Noble Park.

For Mr Clarke, this incident triggered unpleasant memories as he tried to hold back tears.

“This emotion in particular goes back to a ride I did in 2017 in the Indian Pacific Wheel Race where a rider was killed and the whole race was cancelled.”

Mr Clarke urges the driver to hand themselves in.

His other advice is: “Give up driving. Don’t reproduce.”

His passion for cycling has not been deterred as he looks forward to his recovery.

“I’ve cycled for many years down highways, remote country roads, things like Pacific Wheel races.

“You know the dangers are there. You keep to the left, do the right things, have helmets, have lights and you respect heavy vehicles.

“If I wasn’t hurting right now and I had a bike I would still ride.”

The horrifying incident was captured on dashcam footage.

· https://youtu.be/lMxlgxjqmig

Mr and Mrs Clarke were very emotional as they described the incident. 329572

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Mr Clarke was left with graze and bruises after the collision. 329572

Women from the CFA stared down mud, rain and towering heights at a South East Region Women’s Network Challenge Camp.

Forty-five members from fire brigades including Keysborough were put through their paces from Friday 31 March to Sunday 2 April.

The thrills at the Trafalgar East camp included a high wire, leap of faith, sky bridge, giant swing and obstacle courses in mud and water in chilly weather.

There was also a test with the Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument – which revealed the members’ thinking preferences in normal situations and under stress.

The camp also uncovered unconscious bias they face as women in a male dominated industry.

South East Region (SER) Women’s Network

Project lead Olivia Duffey said many gained self-confidence and teamwork skills through the activities.

“The feedback so far has been outstanding, with many walking away with new skills, a new network of people they can lean on, and confidence in their abilities within CFA and their personal lives.

“This was the most challenging camp we have run yet, intricately combining a variety of mental and physical challenges with learning outcomes to assist the development of these future leaders immensely.”

Ms Duffy said the SER Women’s Network supports female volunteers to succeed.

“It is one small step to seeing all of our volunteers excel on the fire ground, in their brigades and in their personal lives.”

CFA members taking part in the ’mud run’.

Keysborough’s Shandelle Ross and Warragul’s Danielle Watkins on a high wire during a CFA Challenge Camp.

LENSCAPE

Cyclone Ilsa sheds in South East

By Eleanor Wilson

Melbourne’s South East was dealt a significant lashing of rain over the weekend, which saw the state hit with over half the April rainfall average in 12 hours.

Hampton Park and Cardinia Reservoir were both knocked with 55 mm of rain, while Berwick recorded 50 mm.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Michael Efron said the impact of tropical cyclone Ilsa, which ravaged through Western Australia last week, contributed significantly to the weekend’s rainfall in Victoria.

Across the state, the rainfall was felt most heavily in the East between Saturday evening and into the early hours of Sunday.

“We did see some impacts on the roads, there was very localised flash flooding in some areas and that was mostly because the gutters and drains couldn’t handle that amount of rainfall,” Mr Efron said.

The highest rainfall in the state was concentrated in the Dandenong Ranges, where Scoresby received 58 mm and Mount Dandenong received 63 mm.

This was almost double the rainfall in Melbourne’s West, where 34 mm fell in Point Cook and 33mm was recorded for Sunbury.

Narre Warren SES unit controller Damian Burns said his unit received 16 calls for assistance across the weekend, including two rescue assists.

“We get approximately 700 jobs a year, which averages to about two a day and a lot of them are clustered in events such as this, but we would have 2 or 3 calls on an average weekend, so it was a busy weekend for us,” he said.

Mr Burns said the downpour tested the integrity of many roofs across the municipality.

“We also received many assistance requests from households scared about flood waters threatening their houses,” he said.

Mr Efron said the state has experienced above average rainfall for April so far.

“We’ve still got two weeks of April to go, so there’s a decent chance we’ll see potentially well above average rainfall, depending on how much rainfall we get in the next couple of weeks. he said.

Thankfully, outlooks show a much more settled week weather wise this week.

“There will still be a few showers around, especially on Wednesday, but the weekend is looking quite settled, so it will be a nice change from what we’ve had just recently.”

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To Eid celebrations this weekend. Eid Mubarak!

Thumbs down

To getting another year older and edging closer to mortality.

Thumbs up

To the great range of school holiday activities in the City of Casey at the moment.

Thumbs up

To the NBA playoffs beginning.

Thumbs up

To more sun forecast for this week.

Thumbs down

To the fact that I live in a community that still thinks it can bully groups of other human beings. I’m absolutely disgusted to read that the workshop series The Art of Drag was cancelled.

Thumbs up

Happy and proud to be part of the City of Casey and Cranbourne, lovely and generous hearts in our community, as Camms Road Fish and Chips reached $500 donations for Very Special Kids Donation this year.

Thumbs down

To too much sour cream in taco bell wraps.

Stadium wins award

The City of Casey can add yet another award winning sports facility to its arsenal, after Casey Stadium was named Indoor Facility of the Year at Cricket Victoria’s 2023 Community Cricket Awards

A City of Casey facility, managed by YMCA Victoria, Casey Stadium has played a major role in the indoor cricket world - hosting several national and international events in 2022, including the Indoor Cricket World Cup, Indoor Cricket Nationals, and the Indoor Cricket Masters.

The Indoor Cricket World Cup saw over 10,000 spectators at the venue and was broadcast to the world via Kayo Sports andYouTube.

The Cranbourne East sport and recreation facility provides a wide range of social and recreational programs for the community and continues to grow in popularity.

The last 12 months saw a 100 per cent increase in adult cricket team participation and a 61 per cent increase in children’s programming participants.

City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said Council is honoured to see Casey Stadium recognised for its state-of-theart facility.

“Casey Stadium continues to provide our growing community with the opportunity to get involved in the sports that they value and enjoy, and we are thrilled to have the venue recognised by Cricket Australia,” said Ms Duff.

In partnership with Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia, Casey Stadium has developed youth cricket clinics for school-aged children and established ‘Come Try’ Cricket sessions for women and girls of all ages.

Held annually, Cricket Victoria’s Community Cricket Awards celebrate contributions which grow the game at all levels through schools and clubs, highlighting exceptional service to key areas of participation.

Tooradin-Dalmore sports stars volunteer their time

By Emily Chapman Laing

Tooradin Dalmore Football Netball Club are volunteering their time to support the community.

Club members are offering their time to hold a working bee in Tooradin on 6 May, 10am-12pm.

The club is taking requests for working bee projects throughout the local community.

“We want to give back to our community, to say thanks for all the ongoing support we receive,“ said Tooradin Dalmore Netball Vice President Bec Kinna.

“We believe this is a great way to teach our junior and senior players that when we wear

our colours we’re not only wearing them for us.

“We want everyone to know we represent our community with respect and care and just like on the court or field we’ve got each others backs.

The club has suggested possible projects including holding a free personal training and sporting session, mowing lawns, walking local pets, weeding gardens and collecting rubbish.

The members also plan to hold a meet and greet in the park.

“We will endeavour to help as many locals as we can and are looking forward to giving back to our community to show our appre-

ciation for all the support our town gives to our club,“ the club wrote in a Facebook post.

“This is an opportunity for us to show we’re more than a football and netball club, the residents of our town are our heart and soul and we’re willing to give them our support as they have for us for so many years,“ Bec said.

For enquiries email becdorling@hotmail. com with your name, email, phone number and description of service required.

The flow-on effects of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa saw the East of the state battered with rain. 284313

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Casey Stadium was recognised in the 2023 Community Cricket Awards for its outstanding sport and recreation contributions to Melbourne’s southeast community.

Picture: CITY OF CASEY

Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick looks spectacular as locals celebrate the Twilight Walk and Neon Lanterns event. 330018 Picture: ROB CAREW

A new future

By Shelby Brooks

Following six years of consultation, Cardinia Shire Council will hand over control of the domestic basketball competition to a group of passionate volunteers.

The Pakenham District Basketball Association (PDBA) is “ready and able” to take over management of the Cardinia Life-based competition from April 2023 - the beginning of the winter season - councillor Jack Kowarzik said.

The PDBA has been working since May 2021 to establish a board with new members, meet a list of criteria and develop plans and policies.

“To their credit they have been proactive and co-operative with council,” Cr Kowarzik said.

“I and other councillors have been advocating for this for some time, but it had to be at

the right time.

“The belief is organised sport should be run by associations who have a passion and experience in their field.”

Cr Kowarzik alluded to “challenges” which held progress back, but said he was pleased to see things had changed.

“Council, through Aligned Leisure, had a responsibility to manage the competition in the best interest of the community,” he said.

Councillor Collin Ross said as the competition moved from the Living Learning Centre to what is now Cardinia Life, management was handed to the shire as the competition grew and expanded.

“Come years down the track, we have more courts and it’s a bigger establishment. It sounds like they have a whole lot more people there who are confident and can actually run the event,” Cr Ross said.

Appeal on train assault

Transit Crime Investigation Unit officers are appealing for information following reports of a sexual assault that occurred onboard a train in the Pakenham area.

Officers have been told a man followed a 16-year-old girl onto a train in Pakenham and sat across from her on the same carriage on 29 January at about 4.20pm.

He moved closer toward the victim, performed a lewd act, exposed himself and sexually assaulted her.

The victim told him to stop and moved carriages, before disembarking a short time later.

Investigators have released CCTV images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation.

The man is perceived to be of Indian Sub-Continental appearance, with a shaved head, a thin build and is approximately 30 years old.

He was last seen wearing a white striped t-shirt, black hooded jumper, dark shorts, maroon knee brace on his right knee and carrying two large duffle bags.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information about the identity of the man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

The Pakenham District Basketball Association will take over management of the competition. 300832

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Fun for all the family

After a few years in the wilderness, The Yakkerboo Festival in Pakenham is back and Mr Yakkerboo himself will be making a special appearance.

Being held over Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April at the PB Ronald Reserve, it will be great fun for young and old. There will be the carnival, pony rides, free entertainment, food trucks, and the famous fireworks.

On Saturday night, the carnival will run from 5pm until 9pm.

Organisers are encouraging attendees to stay until 9pm and look at the sky where there will be a ‘huge surprise’.

Sunday will be a whole day affair with activities starting at 10am and ending at 4pm.

The carnival will continue with market stalls, free entertainment, face painting, fairy floss figures, henna painting, and more.

The SES, CFA and Police will be in attendance.

There will be free water for all with the South East Water truck in attendance.

Locals are encouraged to bring your picnic rug, fill up on your choice of food trucks and enjoy the rides and entertainment.

Unfortunately, there will be no parade for this year’s festival.

You can order a $10 pass for all rides and activities at ticketebo.com.au/yakkerboo-festival-committee-inc/yakkerboo-festival.

You can learn more about the event at the event’s facebook page facebook.com/yakkerboofestival.

You can contact organisers at admin@yakkerboo.org.au

A trip down memory lane

By Marcus Uhe

The triumphant 2013 Pakenham A-Grade netball side celebrated its 10-year premiership anniversary on Saturday afternoon before the current generation’s opening fixture against Narre Warren.

All but one player was able to attend the function as they reflected on the remarkable rise to premiership glory in the then Casey Cardinia Football Netball League, reliving the day with a highlights video and reconnecting over lunch.

A difficult season the year before saw Jessica Cardona and other members of the committee undertake a staunch recruiting drive to bring players back to the club and restore it to the heights where it belonged.

An overtime semi-final win in the September heat saw the Lions pushed to their limits, but they managed to get the better of Beaconsfield and then Berwick the following week, to qualify for a grand final at home against a Narre Warren side brimming with Victorian Netball League talent.

A raucous home crowd at Toomuc Reserve roared with every goal and interception, providing the extra assistance to get the Lions over the line by eight goals and write their name into Pakenham Netball Club folklore.

Premiership captain Michelle Webster said the “incredible” atmosphere of the crowd and the way the entire club rallied behind the netball side were her most vivid memories of the conquest.

“The big thing was that our B-Grade squad, who weren’t in finals any longer, came to those training sessions and so we had someone to have match practice against,” Webster said.

“They trained hard, they supported us and we couldn’t have gotten to where we did without that.

“I think once we got through (the semi final), we thought ‘we can actually give this a good shake’.

“To be honest, (the grand final) is a bit of a blur.

“You just go through the motions and try to remember everything that you do at training.

“We had a big crowd during that time, but there was so much support with cousins and brothers and sisters and all those kinds of people.”

Having banded together in a time of need for the club, and with many returning from time away for various reasons, it was confluence of factors that led to them fulfilling their destiny on 21 September 2013.

“It was really special being at home,” Webster said.

“I think I lost 11 senior grand finals personally before I played in that one, so going back to those games that Nicole spoke about where we would get flogged by Beaconsfield continually, it was meant to be.

“We’re a tight group. It goes back to that old cliche of ‘a champion team can beat a team of champions.’”

While it is rare for the group to regather in person, Webster said the group remains connected, as they were during the

successful year itself.

“We have a group chat that we all keep in touch with but it’s really nice to be able to sit back and reflect,“ she said.

“I never realised until Jess (Cardona) spoke today how much it meant to her, and my mum’s here on the life member’s table.

“She won an A-grade premiership when she was 18 for Pakenham, and my grandma’s a life member.

“You don’t actually realise how much it meant to (not only) the squad of 10, but everyone connected as well.

“It’s nice to feel that you actually gave them a bit of joy and something exciting as well.

“As everyone has said all day, we are all really good friends, and the best part of the celebrations is being together.

“You see some of the footage, we had Mad Monday at Purves, we went into the city for

Silly Sunday and you celebrate for three days, relive the game, all that kind of stuff.“

In addition to the premiership reunion, the club’s first ever life member Maureen Magrath was recognised for her 60 years of life membership to the club that’s been such a significant part of her life.

Magrath has served in nearly every role for the club, from playing, coaching, umpiring and preparing team meals for the footballers.

“I lived opposite the courts,” Magrath said.

“My father did the first court where the fire brigade running track is, he came and dug it out and put lime there to make out edges.

“We started off the juniors; my daughter played, I played and my son played footy, so we used to go for the footy and netball. You were a family.”

The recognition was kept a surprise from

Magrath, who was overwhelmed with the effort the club went to for her, having organised a bouquet of flowers and custom decorated cupcakes with her name on them.

While no longer involved in an official capacity, the club will always hold a special place in her heart.

“I think the friendships you make,“ she said.

“We made grand finals, I can’t remember the years but we won it.

“I think it continues on to these people (in the room).

“They don’t know who I am but their grandmothers tell their kids ‘that’s Browny’.

“You recognise that with humility, and people don’t really understand the context of friendship. “

“It’s a friendship that should never die, because sport is the one thing that brings people together.”

Life members of the Pakenham netball club. Back row (L-R): Julie Smethurst,Jean Kelsey,Jessica Cardona,Jenny Burridge,Sarah O’Neil,Kate McCowan,Marg Jones. Front row: Maureen Magrath,Terri Atkins,Willie Blackwood. 329716

The celebrations from the big day! Picture: DONNA OATES Maureen Magrath was recognised for her 60 years of life membership at the netball club. 329716 Picture: MARCUS UHE

JESSICA - LILLY PILLY HOUSE, ROOM LEADER

Jess has worked in the sector for 5 years and has a background in Education Support & Early Childhood Management. Jess values the importance of building positive relationships and supporting children throughout their early year’s education & learning journey.

ARUNA - ACACIA HOUSE, ROOM LEADER

Aruna has worked in the sector for 10 years and has recently joined the FiRST Family, Aruna shares with us “I enjoy educating, nurturing and caring for little hearts & souls, aged between 6 weeks – 6 years”. Aruna is fluent in English & 4 different variations of Indian Language (Kannada, Hindu, Tamil, Telugu).

HIRU - MYRTLE HOUSE, ROOM LEADER

Hiru has worked in the sector for 6 years, Hiru shares with us “I believe each child is an individual and I believe that children learn through play, I strive to provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, create & imagine”.

NICOLE - HIBISCUS HOUSE, ROOM LEADER

Nicole has 21 years’ experience working in the sector.

Nicole has worked for FiRST for 6 years, starting at our Endeavour Hills service and came across to Pakenham to support in opening & growing our beautiful service.

We strive to put our community FiRST!

Here at Pakenham, our beautiful community connections include

Community cupboard – we’re providing our employees, families & wider community with the opportunity to give a second life to their pre-loved clothing, toys, and donated foods/items. “Give what you can, take what you need”.

Pakenham Senior Citizens Centre – we do regular visits to the senior citizens centre across the road, to foster intergenerational relationships between children and the elderly.

Pakenham Community Library – we do regular visits to engage in various story time sessions, including weekly ‘baby & me rhyme time’.

Swimming lessons at our local Splash Swim School.

Bush Kinder at our local botanic gardens. Upcoming participation in the Yakkerboo Pakenham Festival – we will be showcasing our beautiful centre and providing children with free show bags & offering a sustainability activity of planting a seed that they can take home & watch it grow!

Please come down to meet the leadership team, say hello & gather more information about FiRST.

MADISON - 3YR KINDERGARTEN, EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER

Madi is due to complete her Bachelor of Early Childhood & Primary Education this year and has worked for FiRST since the opening of Pakenham.

MEWANDA - 4YR KINDERGARTEN, EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER

Mewanda has worked for FiRST for 7 years, starting at our Endeavour Hills service and coming to Pakenham to support in opening & growing our beautiful service. Mewanda’s little boy has also recently joined the FiRST Family in Lilly Pilly House. Mewanda loves working at FiRST as she shares “it is a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and supported”.

BROOKE - CENTRE DIRECTOR

Brooke has worked in the sector for 25 years, managing teams at many local centres within Pakenham & surrounds, and has a background of various positions within the field. Brooke strives to create an environment where families feel secure & supported, and children feel that they are entering their second home. Brooke values supporting her team and advocating for the Early Childhood Sector to receive the professional recognition it deserves.

LETESHA - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Letesha has now been in the sector for 5 years, starting out as an educator and came on board with FiRST in March 2022 as an Assistant Director. Letesha is currently studying a Diploma of Community Services; in future she wishes to pursue a career as a Child Protection Practitioner.

‘About children being children’ MEET OUR TEAM - Together we have over 80 years’ experience of working in Early childhood!

Lanterns light up Park

By Eleanor Wilson

Berwick’s Wilson Botanic Park was glowing from within on Tuesday night, 18 April, as 400 locals toted handmade neon lanterns for a school holiday night walk extravaganza.

The night walk commenced at the Park’s amphitheatre around 6pm, proceeding to a loop around Basalt Lake and back.

Along the way, families were encouraged to bring along torches to spot various soft toy animals peppered around the park.

Immersive creative arts group The Indirect Object assisted with a neon lantern workshop, while Angie from Koo Wee Kapers provided storytelling, live music and puppetry and the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park had their tongs at the ready with a barbecue.

Star News photographer ROB CAREW had his flash camera on hand to capture the electric atmosphere.

Riley with a Lantern.

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Cordelia holds as many Lanterns as she can. 330018

Riley shared a special night with Mum Alex Jennings. 330018

Madeline finds new ways to carry lanterns. 330018

Ready to walk into the night looking for dinosaurs and animals. 330018

Lantern Wizards helped children make their own lanterns. 330018

Families explored the Basalt Lake to find animals and even the Wilson Botanic Dinosaurs. 330018

Keeping warm and exploring the night. 330018

Madeline inspired by the light of the lanterns.

Foot and knee pain help

Most people suffer foot or knee pain at some point in their lives but as foot and knee pain expert, Dr. Paul Dowie explains, it can be difficult to find effective treatment with long-term results.

Dr. Dowie explains that many foot and leg conditions are misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated, often because only symptoms are treated and the cause and contributing factors of the pain or injury are not being addressed.

With 25 years experience as a musculoskeletal podiatrist and practitioner to some of the world’s best athletes he has provided proven solutions that have helped thousands to alleviate pain, heal injuries and even delay or eradicate the need for surgery. He also provided us with the following insights into common foot and leg complaints and treatments.

· Bad foot posture can continually pull your body out of alignment, placing undue stress on other joints and tissues throughout the body, and contributing to pain, injury and arthritis. Consulting a lower limb, musculoskeletal expert who has an understanding of complex foot and leg biomechanics, is essential in ascertaining the exact nature of your condition and providing appropriate treatment.

· Many foot and knee conditions, e.g. plantar fasciitis symptoms, knee, heel and ankle concerns are incorrectly treated with cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications and arthroscopies.

These may provide some temporary relief but do not fix these conditions and can delay healing and even cause further tissue damage.

The latest medical research supports the following strategies for safe, effective, long-term

outcomes to relieve pain, improve function and mobility, heal injuries and aid arthritis:

1. Load management strategies, to reduce forces/stress placed through the joints and tissues

2. Encouraging joint and tissue repair (often with natural regenerative therapies i.e. Prolotherapy and PRP)

3. Assisting joint and tissue function, range of motion, strengthening and conditioning to

Bean blitz by The Heart Foundation

‘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.

“Ths 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.

and implant consults

assist long-term healing

If you have any foot or leg pain, you can see Dr. Dowie at his Foot and Leg Pain Clinics across Melbourne including Berwick. Call 1300 328 300.

Iftar dinner unifies faiths

By Eleanor Wilson

The Casey Multi-Faith community was a true vision of cultural cohesion over the weekend, marking the final week of Ramadan with an Iftar dinner at Hampton Park Uniting Church.

Held by Casey Multi-faith Network, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association and Hampton Park Uniting Church, the event welcomed about 80 guests from multiple religious sectors for a dinner to break the day’s fast on Saturday 15 April.

Representatives from Victoria Police and other community groups were also in attendance on the night, where a number of speakers educated the crowd about different fasting practices within religion.

Casey Mutli-Faith Network president Kasuni Mendis said it was the first time the group has held an Iftar dinner in a Uniting Church.

“We had a lot of people who had never attended an Iftar before and were really excited to learn and participate in that,” she said.

“I think for us that exemplifies what MultiFaith is about, being able to hold an Iftar in celebration of Ramadan in a uniting church is kind of the epitome of Multifaith understanding for us.”

Ms Mendis was one of four speakers at the event, speaking about the history of fasting in her religion of Buddhism.

The crowd also heard from Hampton Park Uniting Church Reverend Ric Holland, who touched on the tradition of lent, Imam Atif Ahmad Zahid who spoke on fasting during Ramadan, and Casey Multifaith committee member Sarita Kulkarni,, who educated attendees on fasting in Hinduism, with a focus on health benefits.

“Overall, what we learnt is that fasting as a part of religious beliefs is a way we can show our graittude an understanding of what we have and also pay tribute to the practises or events that might have happened in our own religions that led to those beliefs,” Ms Mendis said.

“It’s really great to share those commonalities among different faiths as a way of uniting us.”

Eid Market attracts big crowds in Narre South

By Eleanor Wilson

Narre Warren South’s Oakgrove Community Centre was transformed into a cultural shopping paradise on Friday 14 April, as locals reveled in an annual Eid Exhibition hosted by local business Mannat’s Collection.

Local, female-owned Indian, Pakistani and Afghani businesses selling cultural clothing and jewellery filled the centre, while children played as they lined up patiently for face painting and henna art. The event, which had attendees entertained from the early afternoon late into the evening, allowed locals the chance to shop for clothing and accessories for the upcoming Islamic Eid festival. Mannat’s Collection owner Galsum Foladi said she started the exhibition three years ago to empower multicultural, female small business owners.

“I’ve been running my business for four years, I started with a very small box and now I have a big room filled with jewellery and clothes,” she said.

“I’m really happy to support my family, my children,” she said. Mrs Foladi said setting up Mannat’s Collection four years ago helped her overcome her struggle with anxiety.

“I had very bad anxiety, my daughter said you have to keep yourself busy with something or your anxiety will not get better,” she said.

“Now all my anxiety is gone, I feel fit and more young because I can connect with these women and travelling all around Melbourne The event was held ahead of Eid celebrations this weekend, which will see Muslims across the world mark the end of a month-long fast, Ramadan. This year’s Eid celebrations will take place around 21 and 22 April, when families come together to pray, before sharing a meal and celebrating.

L-R Event host Galsum Foladi, Greater Dandenogn Cr Richard Lim, stall holders Kajal, Money, Maryam, Maqsoudi and Payal.

Ritu from Kara Collections shows off her selection of scarves.

Two-and-a-half year old Aliza receives some henna tattoo art.

Ilias enjoyed having his face painted at the event.

Indian and Pakistani dishes were served as shoppers browsed the stalls.

Money and Aaleen show off their range of cultural dresses.

A number of speakers educated the audience on the fasting practices in their religion.

The Iftar saw 80 individuals from a range of faiths gather at Hampton Park Uniting Church. Pictures:

From bottom left: Hampton Park Uniting Church Reverend Ric Holland, Ahmadiyya Muslim Association East Melbourne Chapter president, Imam Atif Ahmad Zahid, Casey Multi-Faith Network President Kasuni Mendis, Sarita Kulkarni and members of Victoria Police and the Casey Multi-Faith Network Committee.

Untold stories of wartime

Two postgraduate history students have unearthed new findings from within the Australian War Memorial’s collection of wartime diaries and letters.

Anna Wilkinson and Hannah Billington, from Deakin University and the University of Melbourne, will share their research into First World War sailors and Second World War airmen as they complete the memorial’s prestigious Summer Scholars Program.

“The most surprising thing I found is the everyday joys, frustrations and anxieties felt by these boys and men. Something as mundane as waiting for a letter could consume someone’s thoughts for weeks, even months,” Wilkinson said.

“We have plenty of research focusing on ships, engagements and officers but I wanted to look at individual emotions.”

Billington has investigated the experience of members of the Empire AirTraining Scheme during the Second World War and the enduring legacy of their training in Canada.

“There is a gap in existing scholarship. By exploring how their Canadian training impacted RAAF recruits’ transformation from civilians to service personnel, I hope to highlight the significance of training to an individual’s service history,” Billington said.

Both scholars are focusing on the reflections of the young men during these formative experiences and how they conveyed and recorded them.

“It has been hard to whittle down the memorial’s vast collection of writings to focus on a few stories. The diaries and correspondence aren’t those of seasoned veterans, but of young men grappling with foreign countries, climates and cultures. They are all important,” Billington said.

Memorial historians assigned the scholars’ topics, which are distinct from what they are pursuing in their academic careers. Wilkinson said the chance to utilise the memorial’s collections and work with experts was a great advantage.

“I had the chance to interrogate the National Collection, the Research Centre and the Sea Power Centre-Australia. Accessing these records took me to the source of the history I am writing.”

Billington is augmenting the scholarship of the Empire Air Training Scheme already un-

dertaken by the memorial.

“The opportunity to bolster the memorial’s work around this chapter of our military history, by understanding the personal links and wartime bonds between Australia and Canada, is something I am very proud of,” Billington said.

Since 1985, the Summer Scholarship Scheme has given more than 90 young historians practical experience of working in a major historical institution. Each scholar produces a research paper related to their topic, be it an aspect of Australian military history, the me-

morial’s collection, or developing an exhibition.

The summer scholars will present their research at a webinar, available on the memorial’s website at awm.gov.au

A longer written version will appear on the website later in the year.

“Having gained a more nuanced understanding of history as a craft, we can’t wait to share what we have found,” Billington said.

More information on the program, including application dates, can be found at bit. ly/400OmXC

Summer scholars Anna Wilkinson and Hannah Billington in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial. Picture: AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I worked as a contiki tour manager for year travelling around Europe.

What do you love about theatre?

I think the main thing I love about theatre is the way it brings community together. The ability to work together to create something from nothing - to use our collective skills to problem solve, and create unique productions.

What would your last meal be?

Chiang Mai Noodles.

What is your most memorable moment?

Getting to perform at Royal Albert Hall was fairly memorable.

What event past or present would you like to witness?

I wouldn’t mind an invite to the coronation of the King. I feel like that would be a pretty memorable moment in history.

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

Prince, Michael J Fox & Ricky Gervais.

What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?

The Seussical Soundtrack and the works of Dr Seuss - directing the upcoming production of Seussical at Bunjil Place is all consuming.

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

Seafood Chowder.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

North America. Canada and of course New York!

What were you like as a kid?

A handful! I am so grateful my kids are better behaved than I was.

What was your first job?

The first real job I had was working at

with Windmill Theatre Company president Sean van Geyzel

THREE … facts about Eid

1

Eid is celebrated by the muslim community after a month of fasting called Ramadan.

2

The date of Eid each year is determined by the moon cycle, with celebrations occurring at the sight of the new crescent moon. This year, Eid will take place between Friday 21 and Saturday 22 April.

3

McDonald’s part time.

What are the most used apps on your phone?

Duolingo - brushing up on my Japanese and Google Drive.

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

I’ve always wanted to know what the numbers for the next Tattslotto draw are going to be.

Eid festivities last for a few days, in which Muslims will go to prayer, visit their family, eat special food and give children gifts and money.

Windmill Theatre Company president Sean van Geyzel, pictured here as Amos Hart in the company’s production of Chicago.

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

Boutique Craft 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 unwind from the week.

$5 onsite parking, dogs allowed.

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

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 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

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

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 Of-

ficer 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.

Kaleidoscope of Cultures

Come along to Casey Fields Playspace and Village Green in Cranbourne East for a celebration of Casey’s culturally diverse communities. Connect with your local community, while enjoying live performances and free activities such as come and try sport and dance sessions and a kite making and flying session.

There will also be a range of stallholders and food vendors!

· Casey Fields Playspace, 160 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East, Sunday 23 April from 1pm-4pm.

An Evening of Mediumship

Join for an unforgettable evening of spiritual connection and messages from the beyond. Psychic medium Denise Wilkinson, along with her team of psychic mediums, will take the stage to deliver evidential proof of the afterlife through their unique platform work.

Be amazed as they connect with the spirit world and share messages of love and healing with members of the audience.

Whether you are seeking closure, guidance, or simply a sense of wonder, this is an event not to be missed.

Light refreshments will be provided, along with time to mingle and chat with the psychic mediums. Bookings essential. Tickets available via Eventbrite for $39.

· Timbarra Community Centre, Timbarra Way, Berwick on Friday 21 April at 7pm.

Improving decision-making

TAKING CARE IAN ASH OF BUSINESS

It’s estimated that the average adult makes about 35,000 decisions each day!

These necessarily include a raft of routine selections such as what to wear that day, what to eat or which way to go to work but there are some of course some that are more important than others the ramifications of which may affect serious outcomes for a business.

So what if we could improve our decisionmaking?

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

What are the consequences of not making a decision?

Theodore Roosevelt had a view on the latter: ‘In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing and the next best thing is the wrong thing - the worst thing you can do is nothing.’

In his book, How to Be a Better Decision Maker: Tested Techniques to Help You to Get the Results You Want, Alan Barker defines a simple checklist (5C’s) to assist with making those important decisions:

Consider

Sometimes decisions are difficult because we have not adequately defined the issue or objective.

Once this is done, it should be possible to identify a range of possible alternatives.

Thinking about the possible consequences of each and who else may be impacted are both important considerations in narrowing down the selection of the various options.

Consult Chances are someone you know has had to deal with similar problems in the past, knows

someone that has or may be knowledgeable in the issue domain.

If this is the case, why reinvent the wheel?

Consider who can you approach for guidance and/or advice and get other perspectives before coming to a final conclusion.

Commit

‘Procrastination is the thief of time’ so once you have made your decision, then best to define a plan of action. The plan should include checkpoints so that you can verify progress along the way.

As Theodore Roosevelt noted above, ‘the worst thing you can do is nothing’, so if the decision is not right, one of your ‘checkpoints’ should quickly make this clear.

Communicate

In a business context, chances are that your decisions will affect other people so it is important to communicate effectively and as early as possible, especially if you are in a management role.

This is vital if any significant change is likely to arise as a result of your decision.

Check

Use facts and data to verify progress against the checkpoints of your plan.

Are you seeing the results you expected or are other things showing up?

If a bad decision has been made, better to admit and correct early rather than continue on knowing that it’s the wrong approach.

Finally, a simple tool I sometimes use for key decisions is a decision matrix.

This is simply a table that lists the key decision criteria as rows and the various selection options as columns and rates each of the options against the defined criteria.

Using a numerical approach that calculates how each option fares against each criteria and then summing up for each option should provide a guide to assist in the final selection.

Ian Ash is the managing director of OrgMent Business Solutions ombs.com.au

Theodore Roosevelt had wise words on decision making: “The worst thing you can do is nothing.”

Supporting all-abilities

A special Family Fun Day packed with great features is to be held on Sunday 30 April at the Livingstone Reserve in Cranbourne East – the home of the Cranbourne Eagles.

The Cranbourne Eagles house some amazing football players who have intellectual disabilities.

The All-Abilities team offers those living with a disability the space to get involved in local football and grow their sporting skills.

Senior All-Abilities Eagle Mel McGowan said the team has had a massive impact on her mental health.

“Football has helped me with mental health,” she said.

“It’s something to look forward to, something to do.”

Mel said the commitment aspect of engaging with a sports team also helps to keep her going.

“I would feel like I’d let the team down if I didn’t show up,” she said.

“Football, or any sport, is important for socialisation.

“Just getting out and about, making new friends, meeting new people.”

Mel is one of three female players on the Cranbourne Eagles team.

She is the only female on the Senior team, but she said she has no qualms with the experience.

“I’m just one of the boys,” she said.

The Family Fun Day is being supported by The Disability Company, spearheaded by Dylan Maliepaard, who formed the organisation to provide more genuine care for people living with a disability and their families.

“Part of what this day is all about is raising awareness about the All-Abilities Team we have at the Cranbourne Eagles Football Club,” Mr Maliepaard said.

“They are a real inspiration and are just so amazing.

“The Disability Company is proud to support this important event.”

Since 2018, The Disability Company has provided over 140,000 hours of quality care to the South East Melbourne community and beyond.

It is now supporting people with a disability in the East, West and North of Melbourne plus

the Gippsland and Bass Coast community. The Disability Company has become known for supporting people with a disability – especially mental health related, psychosocial, intellectual and dual disabilities.

Mr Maliepaard said the Family Fun Day will focus on breaking down barriers for people who face many challenges on a daily basis.

Pick up your Star News newspaper from these local outlets...

• Pakenham - Foodworks Henry Road

• Pakenham - Pakenham Health Centre Henty Way

• Pakenham - Stellas Cafe and Takeaway Hogan Court

• Pakenham - Homestead Cafe @ The Heritage Livingstone Boulevard (Heritage SC)

• Pakenham - The Heritage Shopping Centre Livingstone Boulevard

“Come down and enjoy the local footy,” Mr Maliepaard said.

“There is free DJ entertainment and a car show and we will have a jumping castle, face painting, henna body art and a sausage sizzle.

“It is going to be a great day.”

The Fun Day will run from 10.30am to 2pm.

Officer - Chelles Soul Food Princes Highway

• Officer - Officer Post Office Princes Highway

• Officer - Arena Cafe - Arena Shopping Centre Princes Highway

• Officer - Arena Shopping Centre Princes Highway

• Officer - Cardinia Shire Council Office Rix Road

• Officer - Chathlys Kitchen Siding Avenue

• Pakenham -Pakenham Heights Cafe & Milk Bar Ahern Road

• Pakenham - Pakenham Produce & Saddlery Bormar Drive

• Pakenham - Deep Creek Reserve Cafe Cameron Way

• Pakenham - Pakenham Central Marketplace John Street

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

• Pakenham - The Coffee Club John Street (Pakenham Central Marketplace)

• Pakenham - Punjab Street Chaat Corner John Street

• Pakenham - Pakenham Library Cnr John Street & Henry Street

• Pakenham - Gloria Jeans Koo Wee Rup Road

• Pakenham - Frankies Cafe Lakeside Boulevard (Village Lakeside SC)

• Pakenham - Cardinia Cultural Centre Lakeside Boulevard Cnr Waterford Rise

• Pakenham - Pakenham Hills General Store Leigh Drive

• Pakenham - Pakenham Place Shopping Centre Main Street

• Pakenham - NewsXpress - Pakenham Main Street

• Pakenham - Vanille Bistro Main Street

• Pakenham - Bakery 127 Main Street

• Pakenham - Twisted Sista Cafe & Gelateria Main Street

• Pakenham - Kebabs Pakenham Main Street

• Pakenham - The Great Australian Bakehouse Main Street

• Pakenham - Robert Gordon Pottery & Kitchen Mulcahy Road

• Pakenham - Pakenham YMCA Olympic Way

• Pakenham - Spill the Beanz Coffee Shop Princes Highway

• Pakenham - Chipmunks Playland & Cafe Princes Highway

• Pakenham - Mega Discount Party Shop Princes

Mel McGowan, Dylan, Kelvin Walters and Jesse Pendlebury. 327684

Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

ADVERTISE UNTIL SOLD*

•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.

NEAT PLUMBING SERVICE

Lic

Part-Time Telesales Representative Star News Group

Star News Group is an innovative and dynamic media company located in Pakenham, Victoria. As a leading publisher of print and digital news, we are looking for a part-time Telesales Representative to join our team. Overview

The successful candidate will be responsible for increasing revenue by selling our products and services to potential and existing customers via phone call. This is a part-time role with flexible hours.

Key Responsibilities

•Manage a portfolio of existing customers and develop relationships with new customers.

•Conduct outbound telesales calls to promote our products and services.

• Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs.

•Keep accurate and updated records of customer interactions and sales leads.

•Coordinate with the sales and marketing team to align sales strategies and campaigns.

•Telesales or cold-calling experience is preferred but not essential.

•Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Results driven and target-oriented mindset.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Strong attention to detail.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager

Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Print and Online Sales Executive Star News Group

Star News Group seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star News Group is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. 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.

Sales skills/experience:

• Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones

• Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets

• Excellent listening skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Effective time management to meet deadlines

• Ability to operate in a team

• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility

• Effective oral and written communication

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager

Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Historic start for Storm

By David Nagel

History was created at Beaconhills College in Pakenham on Saturday with Cardinia Storm Hockey Club winning its first-ever competition match with a 1-0 victory over Hawthorn.

Full-back Randeep Kaur had the honour and privilege of scoring the Storm’s first goal in its inaugural season in HockeyVictoria’sWomen’s Pennant D Grade.

The match was a very competitive contest with a lot of short corners being taken by both sides.

Strom was able to maximise these opportunities and scored its first goal after an intense short corner took place.

Kaur came up for the corner and netted the Storm its very first official goal as a club.

The Storm’s hard work it has put in during pre-season was finally showing off, making sure it used the advantage of the speed of the ball.

Both teams were very fortunate to have the rain hold off until after the game.

Storm player Teejay Peterson was thrilled with the first up victory.

“We are very grateful for all the supporters that came down to our game and helped us make history today for our club,” Peterson said.

“We were even lucky enough to welcome some of our new Cardinia Storm juniors and the local Mayor came down to watch the women’s match as well.

“It was great we were able to come away from our inaugural match with a 1-0 win.

“We look forward to a competitive season of hockey and to see what Cardinia Storm can do in 2023.”

The 13 players that represented the Storm in its inaugural match were Bridie Dillon, Matilda Dillon, Vanessa Dillon, Jane Gipp, Rebecca Gregory, Alysha Hall, Debbie Jacobs,

Hayley Jacobs, Randeep Kaur, Jordan McDonald, Teagan Peterson, Lauren Walsh and Ruby Wilson.

Cardinia Storm will look to continue its great start to the season when the team travels to the Dandenong Hockey Centre on Sunday for a big game against Knox, starting at 12.30pm.

The Storm’s next home game, at Beaconhills College in Pakenham, will be against Mentone on Sunday 30 April, beginning at 2pm.

The club would love locals to come along and show their support.

Results R1: MCC 1 v Knox 5, Cardinia Storm 1 v Hawthorn 0, St Bede’s 1 v Monash University

0, Waverley 1 v Mentone 1.

Ladder: Knox, St Bede’s, Cardinia Storm 3, Waverley, Mentone 1, Monash University, Hawthorn, MCC 0.

Fixture R2: Hawthorn v St Bede’s, Mentone v MCC, Knox v Cardinia Storm, Monash University v Waverley.

First-up triumph for Lions after epic game against Bloods

By David Nagel

The Pakenham women’s team belted out their team song with real gusto on Saturday after a hard-fought eight-point victory over Olinda Ferny Creek in the Outer East Division One opener at Toomuc Reserve.

While last year’s grand finalists - UpweyTecoma and Healesville - had comfortable opening-round victories, it was the Lions who had to dig deep for a 5.11(41) to 4.9(33) triumph.

Leading by just four points at threequarter-time, and kicking into a stiff breeze, the Lions showed true resilience to repel the thrust of the Bloods…kicking two goals to one in the final term to secure the four points.

The Lions were pumped up early, celebrating the 50th game of captain Chloe Nagel – who became the first player to reach that milestone at the club.

The Lions had seven shots at goal in the first term – but kicked four consecutive points before getting a six-pointer on the board.

Bianca Moody kicked the first goal of the season, with Nagel kicking a goal on the run a short time later.

But the Bloods bounced back hard from their eight-point deficit, kicking two unanswered goals in the second term to take a four-point lead to half time.

Pakenham once again failed to capitalise on multiple opportunities in the third term, before Nagel found space in front of goal to put her team back in front – the Lions by four points at the final change.

Coach Rick Stalker asked his team to find something in the last quarter, to draw on a pre-season that dates back to October, and bolstered his half-back line to make scoring difficult for the Bloods.

The Lions responded in grand style, with a new player to the club – Tianah Vandesteeg – putting her pace to good use to kick two running goals to open the game up in the last quarter.

The Lions led by 14 points late, before a goal on the siren to Olinda narrowed the final margin to eight points.

Nagel and Vandesteeg kicked two each for the winners, who had contributors all over the park.

The Lions midfield, led by Emily Devine, Sarah Ventura, Courtney Stephens, Moody and Nagel, had plenty of the Sherrin, while players like Courtney Karayannis, Tayla Sbisa, Emma Caulfield, Pippa Simon and Steph

Grentell showed real strength over the footy.

Kayla Menere and Tash Wakenshaw held the backline together, while Brianna Menere, Sarah Connelly, Katie Sanders, Chelsea English, Niamh Mooren and Tanya Stafford also played key roles in the victory.

In other games this week, Georgina Jacobs, Victoria Minichilli and Scarlett Potter kicked two goals each in Healesville’s 8.5(53) to 2.3(15) win over competition newcomer Berwick Springs, while reigning champs

Upwey-Tecoma proved far too good for Monbulk.

Bec Thompson kicked four, and Alex Bantock and Emma Caccetta two each, in the impressive 12.12(84) to 0.2(2) victory.

Ladder R1: Upwey Tecoma, Healesville, Pakenham 4, Olinda ferny Creek, Berwick Springs, Monbulk 0.

Fixture R2: Healesville v Pakenham, Monbulk v Berwick Springs, Olinda Ferny Creek v Upwey Tecoma.

Pakenham captain Chloe Nagel, right, celebrates one of her two goals in her 50th game with teammate Tash Wakenshaw. 328963 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS Claire Hyett was named best player for Olinda Ferny Creek against Pakenham on Saturday. 328963

Star midfielder Courtney Stephens drives the Lions forward against Olinda Ferny Creek. 328963

Life has begun brilliantly for Cardinia Storm Hockey Club with a 1-0 victory over Hawthorn in the Storm’s inaugural competition match. 330225

Picture: SUPPLIED

Lions tamed by Magpies

By Marcus Uhe

A halftime adjustment to their playing style helped Narre Warren make a perfect start to their Outer East premiership defence on Saturday against Pakenham at Toomuc Reserve.

Wayward kicking for goal and poor ball use made for a tight and scrappy first half, before the champs flicked the switch in the second to pull away to a 53-point victory, 12.15 87 to 5.4 34.

Coach Shane Dwyer said change in approach at the half made the difference in the contest.

“I think it was just about hitting targets and taking the right option,” Dwyer said.

“We sort of felt we were kicking to 50-50s a lot when there were obvious easier kicks on.

“We made a point to take the easier kicks and then hit that first one, and then it may open up for us to continue on hitting between centre-half forward and centre-half back.

“Once you get the ball forward of centre, the forwards can get to work a bit, and you don’t have to just bomb it on their heads.”

Both sides displayed that early season rust so customary to a round one performance, with turnovers aplenty between the arcs.

Pakenham kicked the opening two goals of the contest; first from livewire forward Matthew Debruin and then Josh Hagger with a neat finish from a tight angle.

The home side made life tough for the reigning premiers, flooding their backline with extra numbers and swarming the contest whenever the ball hit the deck in their defensive 50, led by Jordan Stewart and Bailey Stiles.

Two goals late in the quarter to the Magpies gave them a slight advantage at quartertime, but Pakenham didn’t look overawed at all by the occasion.

Their manic pressure in the defensive half

of the ground continued into the second term as Narre found it difficult to convert their opportunities in front of goal.

They did make life hard on themselves, however, with Jake Richardson and Will Howe blowing a certain goal after the new captain was unable to connect with Howe closing-in on an open goal.

Debruin added a second, this time a tight snap in the wrong pocket for his right foot after dropping a mark on the lead, and Koby Grass kicked one on the run as they took advantage of a slight breeze towards the cricket club end of the ground.

While entering the sheds with a slender

No Bell...but Narre chimes in with big win over Pakenham

By Marcus Uhe

Life as a non-playing coach for Narre Warren’s Erin Bell got off to the perfect start on Saturday with a 26-goal victory over Pakenham in the opening game of the Outer East’s Premier Division A Grade netball competition.

Bell’s absence from the line-up did not hinder last year’s runner-up’s ability to hit the scoreboard, as the Magpies’ Victorian Netball League pairing of Clare Vearing and Jemma Osborne combined to shoot 60 goals in the A-Grade fixture at Toomuc Reserve, which the Magpies won 68-42.

Chelsea Tonna scored the other eight goals for Narre Warren, while Leilani Pokia (19) and Rose Laidlaw (23) combined to shoot all of the Lions’ score.

The Magpies moved the ball faster than their opponents and used their length to intercept passes while Pakenham were on the attack.

Missing a handful of their best players, including co-captain, Caitlin Cooke and vicecaptain Eliza Molino, Pakenham put up a valiant fight but were outmatched by their taller and more experienced opponents.

Cooke was missing due to injury, while Molino was unavailable due to captaining Victoria’s under 17 team at the 2023 National Netball Championships in Darwin.

Emma Jones, the other captain of the Lions, injured her finger in the opening minutes of the contest, but courageously played through the pain after receiving medical treatment.

The injury is expected to sideline the centre/wing attack for eight weeks.

At Thompson Reserve, a huge final quarter from Upwey Tecoma saw them pull away late from Gembrook Cockatoo.

With the two sides only separated by three goals at the final break, the Tigers scored 17 goals to six in the final quarter to run way with the victory.

Pakenham and Narre Warren have next week off before returning to the court on Sat-

Pakenham

urday 29 April, as the remainder of the A-Grade contests are played next weekend.

PakenhamwillhostBeaconsfieldatToomuc Reserve, while the Magpies will fly north to tackle Wandin away.

NETBALL SCOREBOARD

A Grade: Pakenham 42 v Narre Warren 68

Upwey Tecoma 46 v Gembrook Cockatoo 32

B Grade: Pakenham 31 v Narre Warren 62

Upwey Tecoma 48 v Gembrook Cockatoo 37

C Grade: Pakenham 31 v Narre Warren 36

Upwey Tecoma 37 v Gembrook Cockatoo 17

D Grade: Pakenham 13 v Narre Warren 31

Upwey Tecoma 20 v Gembrook Cockatoo 32

seven-point lead at the long break, 14 scoring shots to the Magpies and seven to Pakenham was an early indication of things to come, with a sense that the dam wall was threatening to burst.

It was the third term in which the Magpies really flexed their muscle, kicking five and holding their opponent scoreless as the ball took up residence in their half of the ground.

There were emotional scenes for the visitors when Brad Scalzo converted from distance.

After missing last year with a knee reconstruction as he was mobbed by his teammates for the traditional ruffling of the hair,

and it seemed to provide the spark the Magpies needed.

Tom Miller and Harrison Brain were among those who came into the game more while Tom Toner and Mitch Tonna began to cause havoc in the forward 50.

The connection between Richardson and Howe up forward was looking back to its best, and produced an animated address from Pakenham coach Ash Green at three-quartertime that could be heard from the balcony at Toomuc Reserve.

Conceding just one goal and kicking another three in the last quarter, it made for an 8.5 to 1.1 second half in favour of the visitors.

Just Social distancing themselves from the pack

By Marcus Uhe

Just Social has maintained its lead at the top of the South West Gippsland Dart League with a comprehensive performance against Bullseyes.

The 13-2 victory saw their percentage climb to 275, ensuring a significant percentage and points lead ahead of Warriors in second.

It made for a poor round for the Bullseyes, whose loss was compounded by 26ers’ 6-5 defeat of Rebels.

The 26ers’ result increases the margin between themselves in sixth and Bullseyes in seventh to 12 points, making the prospects of climbing the ladder even more difficult.

Despite the loss, Simon from the Rebels can hold his head high, throwing his first 180 of the season.

Likewise, Rob from Fore threw 105 for the highest peg of the week, but it came in a heavy loss to Warriors, who prevailed 14-1.

Gembrook gave it their all in a tight tussle with Paky One that defied their standings on the table, but couldn’t get the choc-

olates in a 9-6 loss.

Snipers, meanwhile, took care of business against the Mud Rats 10-5.

The Hoodies put their feet up, having been fixtured the bye.

Warriors and PakyOne remain snapping at the heels of Just Social in top spot.

Next week’s fixtures make for an intriguing suite of match-ups involving teams close to one-another on the table.

Snipers in fourth battle third-placed PakyOne, Bullseyes battle 26ers to close the gap between sixth and seventh, and Gembrook (eighth) tackle Mud Rats (ninth).

R12 Results: Warriors 14 v Fore 1, Snipers 10 v Mud Rats 5, PakyOne 9 v Gembrook 6, Just Social 13 v Bullseyes 2, 26ers 10 v Rebels 5.

R12 Ladder: Just Social 40, Warriors 36, PakyOne 36, Snipers 32, Rebels 28, 26ers 28, Bullseyes 16, Gembrook 12, Mud Rats 8, Fore 4, The Hoodies 0.

R13 Fixture: Snipers (4) v Paky One (3), Gembrook (8) v Mud Rats (9), Rebels (5) v Warriors (2), Hoodies (11) v Just Social (1), Bullseyes (7) v 26ers (6), Fore - Bye.

and Narre Warren players battle for a loose ball on Saturday. 328965

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Koby Grass kicked a goal for Pakenham in the second quarter 328965

Picture: GARY SISSONS

From schools to aged care, with an array of shops and the brand-new Pakenham East train station at your doorstep, Ridgelea has everything you could want in a sustainable and self-contained community. For more information call 1300 925 349 or visit ridgeleaestate.com.au