News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 15th June 2023

Donating health

By Tanya Faulkner

For many people, donating blood is an hour out of their day, while for others, it represents the gift of a lifetime.

However, for one Pakenham business owner, blood donations have helped secure the future for her third child.

With National Blood Donor Week running from Monday 12 June to Sunday 18 June and World Blood Donor Day on Wednesday 14 June, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urging those in the south-east to donate blood and plasma to help those who have medical conditions that require extra help.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urging 8500 people with O and A blood groups to donate as the cold and flu season, combined with ongoing Covid-19 cases, is creating a potential blood donor shortage.

Around 2000 donors a week are cancelling and rescheduling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms, and it is expected to get worse in the coming weeks.

Mother of three and former Officer local Nikki Jurcutz recently delivered her third child and is one of a number of South East residents requiring regular plasma treatments to reduce the risk of her third baby developing Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (NAIT).

Her first two children Nahla and Wolf were both diagnosed with the disease, which affects a baby’s platelet levels when they are born, putting them at risk of intracranial haemorrhage if these platelets get too low.

To try and avoid her third child from being born with the same condition, Mrs Jurcutz received weekly treatment during her most recent pregnancy from 20 weeks onwards called intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

Each treatment is six to eight hours minimum in the hospital, with the IGIV prepared from a pool of antibodies from the plasma of thousands of healthy donors.

Her journey has been so impactful that it has inspired her team at Tiny Hearts Educa-

for children and adults utilising the latest technologies including SureSmile, Invisalign, lingual and clear appliances.

tion, which is based in Pakenham, to all take part in donating blood and plasma.

Mrs Jurcutz said the IVIG kept Bambi’s platelet levels at normal, meaning she did not have to go into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“Initially I was relieved that there was an option available to me that will significantly impact my baby when she is born and I am extremely grateful,” she said.

Mrs Jurcutz has had 16 IVIG treatments during her pregnancy to reduce the risk of her un-

born daughter having low platelets or bleeding and needing to go to special care after birth.

Recent Lifeblood data shows about 110,000 Australians have signed up to give blood or plasma for the first time in the past 12 months.

However, about 75 per cent still haven’t donated.

Lifeblood Australia executive director of donor experience Brett King said leading up to National Blood Donor Week, Victorians in the south-east regions are especially being

encouraged to roll up their sleeves and make a donation.

“We’re thanking all our current donors for their generosity and life-saving donations,” he said. “However, with the demand for blood and blood products growing, we need more people to make blood or plasma donation a regular, life-saving habit.”

Pakenham is leading the way in the southeast with the highest number of donations in the past year, with 2959 donations made from 1561 donors.

Narre Warren has seen 2532 donations in the past year from 1374 donors, and Cranbourne sits at 2395 donations in the past year from 1386 donors, and all of these donations combined have helped save up to 23,600 lives.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood spokesperson Emily Granland said they are grateful for the support from donors across the South East.

“There have been more than 7,800 local donations in the past 12 months, which have helped save up to 23,600 lives,“ she said.

“Every donation can save up to three lives and makes a huge difference to people like Nikki. We encourage people in the local community to follow the lead of our wonderful donors and donate if they can.“

The process itself for donating plasma, called ‘apheresis’ is simple and rewarding for those who participate.

Those who donate are sat in a comfortable chair as a machine draws the blood from your arm.

The machine then separates the blood to collect the plasma, and the red blood cells are returned to the participant’s body.

Locals can show their support for the cause by attending one of the upcoming pop-up blood donor centres in their area.

Cranbourne’s pop-up centre is open from Monday 19 June to Friday 30 June, Pakenham is open from Monday 17 July to Friday 28 July, and Narre Warren North is open from Monday 28 August to Friday 8 September.

Pakenham business owner Nikki Jurcutz received a number of intravenous immunoglobulin treatments with the support of her son Wolf.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Downsize and live it up for

less in Melbourne’s Looking to downsize and enjoy life to the fullest? Lifestyle Communities in Melbourne’s South East is the perfect place for you.

Our modern, low-maintenance homes, starting from just $430k, offer stylish finishes and thoughtful features designed for your comfort. Say goodbye to tedious upkeep and hello to more free time to do the things you love. With access to incredible amenities and a vibrant, close-knit community, it’s time to make the most of every moment. Visit Lifestyle Communities today and start living your bigger life in Melbourne’s South East.

1300

50 55 60

lifestyle communities

Regal rules holiday roads

More than 6,500 offences were detected during a major road safety effort over the King’s Birthday long weekend.

Operation Regal saw police targeting highrisk driving behaviour across the state over four days in an effort to drive down road trauma, following a shocking period that has seen the highest number lives lost recorded on Victorian roads in 16 years.

The number of infringements issued by police over the four-day operation increased 15 per cent on last year, with 40 per cent of all offences detected for speeding.

Automatic numberplate recognition technology helped police detect 407 unauthorised drivers – either for being unlicenced, disqualified or suspended.

Widespread alcohol and drug testing also resulted in 196 drink drivers and 170 drug drivers caught from a total 102,044 tests.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Martin O’Brien is still urging motorists pay attention to the risks.

“This year’s Operation Regal saw an increase in the number of offences detected –this is really disappointing as it indicates that many motorists are continuing to take risks on our roads,“ he said.

“Police will continue to enforce against those who engage in risky driving behaviour, and we make no apologies for this. It only takes one poor decision and a split second to cause a tragedy.”

The total 6,546 offences detected during Operation Regal included:

· 2,652 speeding offences

· 647 unregistered vehicles

· 407 disqualified/suspended and unlicenced drivers

· 354 disobey signs/signals

· 224 mobile phone offences

· 196 drink driving offences from 99,099 preliminary breath tests

· 170 drug driving offences from 2,945 roadside drug tests

· 159 seatbelt offences; and

· 145 vehicle impoundments

There were two lives lost over the weekend, including 28-year-old Rye woman who died in a collision at Toombon on Saturday 10 June, and a 77-year-old Reservoir woman who died following a collision in Reservoir on Monday 12 June.

An 18-year-old Warrnambool man was also lucky to escape injury after his vehicle drove off an embankment at Mount Buller on Friday evening.

These recent collisions have sparked a warning from police for motorists to be extra cautious when travelling on mountain roads and four-wheel drive tracks, particularly during the winter months when road or track conditions can be affected by wet weather and poor visibility.

The weekend’s fatalities bring the total number of lives lost on Victorian roads this year to 143, up 35 per cent on the same time last year (106).

Cardinia Shire wins Victorian Sport Award

Cardinia Shire Council is proud to have won the Bunnings Trade ‘Local Government Initiative of the Year’ award.

The council was nominated for creating LGBTIQ+ connection, inclusion and enabling people to feel safe to participate in sport and active recreation.

Events such as the council’s IDAHOBIT Sport and Movement Festival, Parklife and Rainbow Ready Clubs enabled the LGBTIQ+ community to feel safe and comfortable to express themselves on the sporting field free from stigma and discrimination.

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Councillor Tammy Radford thanked VicSport and the voting committee for this prestigious award.

“To have won this award in such a strong field of finalists is a great honour and something that we are extremely proud of.”

“Inclusion is at the forefront of our minds when we do projects, and to have the community engage with our initiatives means success to us.” Mayor Radford said.

Council would also like to congratulate Officer City Soccer Club, who won the Love the Game ‘Sporting Club of the Year’ award for their commitment to inclusion of historically underrepresented members of the community and social programs such as Go Girls and Girls United.

For more information on sport and recreation in the shire, please visit cardinia.vic. gov.au/sport_and_recreation

Officer City Soccer Club has won the award for Community Sporting Club of the Year.

Picture: SUPPLIED

CONTACT US

Phone: 5945 0666

ADVERTISING

Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise

Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au

Phone 5945 0666

EDITORIAL

Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au

Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Visit networkclassifieds.com.au

Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

Phone 5945 0600

Mr O’Brien said drivers should be cautious as we enter the winter months.

“Over the long weekend, we’ve seen an increase in collisions involving vehicles on mountain roads or four-wheel-drive tracks. Unfortunately, one of these has resulted in a fatality, whilst there were several other near misses police responded to,“ he said.

“The wintery weather can create dangerous conditions on these mountain roads and four-wheel drive tracks, and if you’re unfamiliar with these roads or inexperienced driving them, it can be a recipe for disaster.

“We would advise motorists to monitor the conditions and avoid travelling on these roads if you’re unequipped or it is unsafe to do so –you’re better to play it safe than be sorry.“

Police will remain highly visible on roads across the state as theVictorian school holiday period kicks off at the end of next week.

Operation Regal ran from 12:01am on Friday 9 June and concluded at 23:59pm on Monday 12 June 2023.

Supportive educational hub

A new lease agreement between Cardinia Shire Council and Community College Gippsland is being proposed for 5-7 Main Street Pakenham, also known as My Place.

An assessment panel has determined that Community College Gippsland (CCG) are the preferred applicant to lease the vacant space for 5 years with two further terms of 5 years.

Community College Gippsland will expand their existing services to offering a supportive educational hub as an alternative to mainstream education for young people.

Offering a Community Vocational Education and Training (VET) program will provide hands on learning for students in years 10,11 and 12, providing practical work-related experience, literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build other important life and work skills.

This support provides a pathway to an apprenticeship, traineeship, employment, or further study for young people.

To maximise the use of the facility beyond the school year, they also intend to offer adult programs, school holiday programs and shared use by other community organisations.

The proposed use is consistent with the existing use and zoning of the site. It will also assist in meeting the current demand for these services within the community.

An expression of interest to determine the future tenant of 5-7 Main Street Pakenham was open between December 2022 and February 2023.

My Place is currently operated by the council, with multiple users occupying space to provide youth services.

The new Cardinia Youth Hub located at 43 James Street Pakenham is currently under construction.

Existing My Place tenants have signed agreements to relocate to the new Youth Hub, which is currently under construction. Community College Gippsland will then

take up occupancy at the existing ‘My Place’ building.

CCG will continue with their current lease at the nearby 126 Princes Highway Pakenham

premise and operate programs from both sites.

For more information on My Place, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/myplace

School raises more than $20,000 to fight heart disease

The excitement was palpable in the Pakenham Campus Junior School last Wednesday, 7 June, as students took part in the Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart campaign.

The Junior School managed to raise a whopping $20,838 to help fight heart disease, putting them at the top of the leaderboard for the state and fifth in Australia.

The Jump Off Day included a range of fun skipping activities and a visit from the costumed character ‘Happy Heart’.

One of the keen young skippers was Prep student Ayla, who needed six hours of openheart surgery when she was just six days old to repair her heart.

Mum Taryn Bailey said the family was “truly grateful” the College was a supporter of the cause.

“We feel incredibly lucky that with such research we have our gorgeous girl here with us today,” Ms Bailey said.

Prep student Henry was the highest indi-

vidual fundraiser, raising $550.

The Pakenham Campus Junior School joined Jump Rope for Heart back in 2006 and since that time has raised a total of $133,585.

Physical Education teacher Renyce McConnell said older students ‘jumped’ at the chance last week to help the younger children out with skipping activities.

“I think they can remember how excited they were when they participated all those years ago,” Ms McConnell said.

She said the campaign not only raised vital funds for the Heart Foundation, but helped students develop new skills.

“The skipping talents the students walk away with are empowering, as students are not only exercising their own hearts but they are testing their perseverance and resilience by learning new skills,” she said.

“The Beaconhills community has a really heart-warming way of coming together to celebrate wonderful moments like these.”

Physical Education teacher Renyce McConnell and student Jagger with the happy heart.

Picture: SUPPLIED

My Place Youth Centre will be leased to Community College Gippsland.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Torturer jailed for decade

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Cranbourne man who inflicted cruel and prolonged torture sessions against a series of victims has been jailed for up to a decade.

Shayne Smith pleaded guilty at theVictorian County Court to intentionally causing serious injury, false imprisonment, extortion and drug trafficking and firearm offences.

In sentencing, Judge Scott Johns said Smith and several others in his “drug-related criminal milieu” visciously tortured victims to humiliate, extort or deter them from speaking to police.

One of the victims was assaulted at an associate’s house in Cranbourne after being interviewed by police.

He was repeatedly beaten, stripped naked and branded on the chest and buttocks with a heated-up coat hanger bent in the shape of a penis.

Smith joined in the assaults and forced the man to drink a potentially lethal amount of up to 20 mL of GHB and to cut up a beanbag cover to wear as clothing.

He also burnt the victim’s legs with a ‘Trade Flame’ device and pushed an electric drill into his legs, arms and body.

“Eventually(thevictim)wasallowedtoleave. Seriously assaulted. Seriously injured. Humili-

OPINION

ated and degraded,” Judge Johns said. The man later lost consciousness at home and spent 10 days in an induced coma at The Alfred hospital with multiple fractures, cuts, bruises, lung inflamation and a puncture wound.

As part of a separate extortion attempt, Smith texted an associate that “you’re about to see true fear in someone”.

Smith cable-tied a victim to a chair, blindfolded and gagged him before inflicting a “ter-

LENSCAPE

Birds fly over mangroves in the Western Port Bay at sunset in Warneet. Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To my mate Philandted Latham just because she’s awesome.

Thumbs down

For bad maintenance of roads and grass areas.

Thumbs up

To the team of concreters replacing the footpaths and driveways in my street.

Thumbs down

Another long weekend and we still can’t get to the Peninsula unless we change bus at Cranbourne Road for Frankston 792 needs to go to Mornington via local towns linking the towns up.

Thumbs down

Zero phone service in Clyde North. I actually get the new satellite symbol when my homeWiFi is down.

Thumbs down Stop running red lights.

Thumbs up

To the good souls that helped out the man and his dog who needed someone to care.You did and I hope life is looking better for them. Bless you all.

Thumbs up

To community rallying to help others in need.

Thumbs down

To the never ending road works,

rifying episode of torture” in which the victim thought he was going to die.

An associate Krishneil Chand said on the phone “When they make it difficult it is more fun” but sometimes he’d “like it to be easy”.

The victim taken to Monash Medical Centre with head injuries, a drill hole to his chest and a severely broken nose.

At Taylors Lakes, Smith struck another victim unconscious to the head with a MAPP gas bottle as part of an “cruel and extremely violent” group assault.

Smith struck him to the head several times causing severe bleeding, stabbed him to the chest with broken glass and branded him with a red-hot coat hanger.

He also forced the man to drink a dangerous quantity of GHB, and filmed him mopping up his blood with his own clothing.

Chand dragged the man around the room by a dog choker chain attached to the neck.

Judge Johns noted the“severe and enduring” impact and psychological harm to the victims.

Without empathy, Smith enjoyed inflicting pain on others in a self-centred way, the judge said.

It was difficult to reconcile Smith’s good work history and limited criminal record with the “extraordinary breadth” of offending, he

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

After a long fight,Warneet’s jetties are finally being replaced, and the community could not be happier. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Travis Mitchell

That’s great. A shame Ms Crugnale would not even meet with Restore Rup Rail let alone “listen, work with and walk side by side with our community” as she says… our fight is not over though! Stay tuned.

Victoria Police urged motorists to take extra care on the roads over the King’s Birthday long weekend as the number of lives lost surged to a 16-year high.

Leonard Pyle Lawrence

People are always going to die, it’s a fact of life. Over zealous enforcement isn’t going to change that fact. Hidden cameras do nothing to slow down drivers at the point in time that they should. A fine in the mail weeks later doesnt slow a driver down when it matters most, at the actual time of speeding.

A horror dog attack has rattled Casey residents, with Clyde North local Lily Parson Tesmann recently saying goodbye to her fatally attacked pup Andre. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Belinda Burford

Casey Council told me to deal with a dirtbike problem by going out and filming the riders and then follow them home for an address. If had done that, would they also have made excuses not to pursue charges based on unclear footage? I believe that the ’local laws’ team exist

found.

His excessive substance abuse at the time provided the best explanation.

Smith’s disrupted, disadvantaged childhood as well as mental health issues such as complex PTSD and adult ADHD were also noted.

Judge Johns found subsequent signs of“genuine remorse” as well as “some optimism” for his rehabilitation.

Smith was jailed for 10 years and eight months, including 670 days in pre-sentence detention. He will be eligible for parole after serving six years and nine months.

Meanwhile, Chand pleaded guilty to intentionally causing injury, false imprisonment and possessing meth.

Chand was already in custody for a violent extortion and kidnapping of a man from Sandown Park Motel.

With a lengthy criminal history, he “clearly had an appetite” for that sort of violence, Judge Johns noted.

He was jailed for four years, including a twoyear-and-nine-month non-parole period.

The week before, Cranbourne associates Darren Whittaker, 41, and Richard Tuckerman, 23, were jailed for up to five-plus years for their involvement.

road closures and traffic.

Thumbs down

To the road works everywhere one goes, and if most of the workers worked instead of standing around smoking and talking things would finish quicker.

Thumbs down

To the potholes on major roads (and not talking about on roads currently being fixed).

Thumbs down

To the fact that the extra turning lanes onThompson Rd haven’t been activated yet.

Thumbs down

To the right turn from the South Gippy in towards Bunnings and

for a reason.

Berwick MP Brad Battin has flown the flag for building a new airport in Melbourne’s South East. Here’s what our readers think.

Joel Mitchell

Take away the flood Plains and green wedge, that leaves Hastings.

The State Government has rejected a claim from Berwick MP Brad Battin that the Clyde North police station project was cut from the 2023-24 State Budget. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Ray Purchase

Can’t resource the ones they have alreadybloke needs a few hours in the real world.

Federation University reconciliation representatives were involved in a healthy and engaged discussion about the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum on Thursday June 1. Here’s what our readers had to say.

Peter McKill

We don’t need a referendum, it can be enacted by parliament. It would be nice to actually see the final wording. All this hype and no substance. Electors will be voting blind.

Three teenagers have been charged following a carjacking in Cranbourne East on 23 May.

Laura Coomber

They should do adult time little arsehats.

Hungry Jacks. It needs to be closed off. Scene of way too many crashes.

Thumbs down

To Eden Rise for the bakery being shut and it not being replaced.

Thumbs up

To Uber driver Jackson who actually followed drop off instructions and delivered quickly.

Thumbs down

To the idiots that think Cherryhills drive is a race track

Thumbs down

For Linsell Boulevard still being closed at Berwick Cranbourne Road.

The County Court. Picture: AAP

Coles gets icy for a cause

By Eleanor Wilson

Team members from Cardinia Lakes Coles in Pakenham were united in spite of AFL team rivalries on Monday 12 June, participating in the ice bucket challenge to raise funds for FightMND.

Coles service manager Fiona Dupuy, grocery manager Shane Ranasinghe, fresh produce team member Jeremy Vanderhorst and dairy team member Lachlan Mitchell all braved the cold winter’s day for a worthy cause, while fellow Coles team members took satisfaction in dousing them with several buckets of ice cold water.

Service supervisor Kylie Stewart organised the event in honour of a former coworker who had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

“I saw how debilitating it can be, this disease, and I would like to see them find a cure,” Kylie said.

The cause was also a special one for Fiona, whose auntie was diagnosed with MND seven years ago.

“She can’t talk, she’s bed ridden...I’ve been buying the hats every year [to support the cause], but this is my first time participating like this,” she said.

The funds raised by the challenge added to more than $16,000 raised by in-store donations and MND beanie sales at Coles Cardinia Lakes, thanks to the generosity of shoppers. Enter the freeze zone!

Shane Ranasinghe cops an bucket full of ice.

The Cardinia Lakes team have raised over $550 for FightMND through the challenge.

From left: Coles Cardinia Lakes team members Kylie Stewart, Jeremy Vanderhorst, Fiona Dupuy, Shane Ranasinghe and Lachlan Mitchell.

Pictures: ELEANOR WILSON

Changing children’s lives

By Emily Chapman Laing

With hundreds of children having experienced Joan Esmarie Graham’s compassionate care, it is no wonder she has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia during the King’s Birthday Honours.

Joan was awarded the OAM for her service to children as a foster carer.

“It’s incredible,“ Joan said.

“This is an amazing award for something that I’ve been doing for so long and truly love doing.“

Joan said she has given care to over 500 children between when she began as a carer in her early twenties, to now, celebrating her 81st birthday.

“It was about 300, 10-20 years ago,“ she said.

Joan and her late husband Brian began fostering through the Herald Blair Aboriginal Society (HBAS).

After over a decade of care, the duo moved to OzChild when the HBAS closed down.

“I cannot think of a more worthy recipient of the Order of Australia than Joan Graham,“ said OzChild Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Griffiths.

“I couldn’t be prouder to see her recognised in this way, and the children, young people and families whose lives have been touched by Joan’s kindness will no doubt feel the same way.”

Dr Griffiths said Joan has welcomed hundreds, if not thousands of children and young people into her home, some for one night, others for weeks, months or a few years.

“Committed to keeping siblings together Joan has cared for countless sibling groups during her time as a carer with OzChild and has always worked hard to reunify children with their families whenever possible, because family is everything to Joan.

“Joan and her late husband Brian welcomed every child into their home with open arms and no judgement.“

Over forty years later, Joan’s home has seen countless children and sometimes parents who needed a safe haven.

Some stayed for a short time, while others, such as Jessica, Ryan and Shane, came to live with Joan permanently.

Jessica and Ryan were four and five years

old when they came into Joan’s care and are still part of her family now in their thirties.

Shane was seven years old when he arrived, and now at 45 he wouldn’t change a thing.

“My dad was neglecting me and my mum wasn’t in the picture, I was passed around family members and I ended up in foster care at Joan and Brian’s in Hampton Park,“ Shane said.

“When I was a teenager, I wasn’t the easiest, I had mental health problems and anger rising to the surface from my childhood.

“To me she’s my mum, she was really strict but fair growing up which was what I needed.“

The relationship continued after Shane hit adulthood and was no longer part of the system.

“When I wasn’t in the foster system they still looked after me as one of their own,“ he said.

“Watching them give selflessly to other people was ingrained into me which is why I ended up a Forensic Mental Health Nurse.

“Mum would always say to me you“You can do whatever you put your mind to“ and that encouragement has gotten me to where I am today.

Joan was drawn to fostering from a young age.

As part of the Methodist youth group, Joan would frequent a Melbourne orphanage to

spend time with the children.

She also came from a family with a heavy community focus.

“Growing up Mum and Dad used to take the children from that orphanage and give them a holiday during the year,“ Joan said.

As she welcomed her own four children into the world, they grew up alongside the foster children under Joan’s care.

“I’m 58 now and I don’t remember much of a time without kids,“ Joan’s daughter Leanne said.

“I remember one time my sister Michelle and I went to bed, and the following morning I put my feet out of bed to get up, and there was a mattress with three little girls on it.

“But that was common, and we made way for them.“

Leanne proudly explained how her mum was able to change history by offering care not just to a child, but to their parents as well.

“There was a baby that was likely to be put up for adoption, but mum helped the very young parents learn how to care for the baby,“ Leanne said.

The young mother made the decision to keep her baby after spending the weekend with Joan.

Joan had a penchant for taking on more difficult cases.

“I really enjoy a challenge,“ she said.

“I’m prepared to put the work in that some of these kids need.

“It’s so sad, some of these children have just been to hell and back.“

Despite any past troubles, Joan always cared for her foster children for who they were after they walked into her home.

Joan said she always felt “really chuffed“ seeing how far some of the children came after time under her care.

Living on land, with access for the children to animals, books and entertainment were key elements in Joan’s triumph as a foster mum.

“I always had a bookshelf full of books and a playground outside,“ Joan said.

“And animals are so giving and so relaxing for little kids who have had trauma.“

Joan and Brian faced their fair share of challenges as foster carers, sometimes feeling the all-too-familiar hip pocket pinch.

“It was very tough at times,“ Joan said.

“You’d be amazed what you could do with a pound of minced beef and some veggies.

“But the kids never went without.“

Joan said it was common for her foster children to have come from environments where a full lunchbox for school was a luxury.

“One boy told his mate at school that I must really like him, because I sent food to school with him,“ Joan said.

“Sometimes the kids really can’t express themselves, but the things you do for them makes them feel wowed.

“Every good endingw is a real sense of achievement,“ Joan said.

Joan and Leanne explained the “need is so great“ for foster carers, now more than ever.

“As long as you’ve got patience and time, the rewards are amazing,“ Joan said.

Joan has been a Board Member for the Foster Care Association of Victoria as well as a member of Foster Care Focus Group.

Joan is a 46-year-long member of the Country Women’s Association (CWA), a Lion’s Club and Hampton Park Community House member and a life member at the Dandenong Agricultural Society.

She is a current CWA Group President and Former Branch President, but will step down from her present position in the coming weeks.

Last ditch attempt to save Australia’s largest drive-in

By Sahar Foladi

A council meeting on Monday 5 June saw a petition of 1,980 signatures in a desperate move to list Australia’s largest drive-in theatre, the Lunar Drive-In in Dandenong as a heritage site urging the council to support the cause.

The petition was listed on change.org.au on 12 January this year by Shane Fischer.

“Let’s get our politicians to hear our voice and list Lunar Drive In’s a heritage site that can’t be bulldozed by the next owners and turned into another warehouse.

“Act now before it’s sold and bulldozed and gone for us and generations to come!” Mr Fischer said in his listing.

The City of Greater Dandenong Council has referred the petition to the appropriate Council Business unit for further action.

The petition asked the council to reduce land tax and stop the sale of the land in a desperate move however council has no power over either.

Heritage Victoria spokesperson said they’d received nominations for the drive-in.

“We have received a nomination for the Lunar Drive-In Theatre in Dandenong and a decision will be made in due course.

“An application for an Interim Protection Order has also been received by HeritageVictoria and is currently being assessed.”

Since the council meeting, signatures have increased to more than 2,000.

The current owner and soon to be exowner of the remnant of the past, David Kilderry said assessments are always made

by the Heritage Council.

“The Heritage listing makes no difference. The Drive-In is already sold and will be closed.”

The 5.92ha (14.93 acres) land was sold to a private developer, Pellicano, in December 2022.

The Dandenong Drive-In is the perfect locations for many communities and one of the last out of three in Melbourne.

However, Mr Kilderry said the location of the drive-in makes it not viable with soaring land tax.

“We performed a miracle by making it viable for past 21 years.

“We’re the largest and the best drive-in and still can’t make the money,” he said.

In 2010, Heritage Council Victoria determined not to include one of the few Drive-In theatres remaining, on theVictorian Heritage Register and referred the place to the City of Greater Dandenong for potential inclusion in the local heritage overlay.

The Dromana Drive-In and Coburg DriveIn are included on the Victorian Heritage Register and will be the last two remaining in Melbourne after the closure of the Dandenong theatre.

Mr Kilderry said the Heritage Council rejected the drive-in as a heritage site in its

original building and questioned what is to be heritage listed as some original parts were removed and re-developed with new equipment.

“There’s no original sign, screen projection room, snack bar, all were replaced in the 2000’s.

“Even when original building was here they (Heritage Council) deemed it not worthy of protection,” Mr Kilderry said.

The Dandenong drive-in theatre will be closed after 67 years after it first opened in 1956 as one of the first 10 drive-in theatres built in Australia.

Mr Kilderry said they’ll keep a lot of the equipment’s from the drive-in theatre for a comeback at a future location.

“That’s something difficult because of re-establishment cost but it’s not out of the picture.

“We’ve looked at areas and we can’t make further comments.”

Brothers, Matt and David Kilderry soon to be ex-owners of Australia’s largest Lunar Drive-In Theatre, Dandenong. 209429

Picture: GARY SISSONS

One of the three remnant of the past, enjoyed by generations from the community, is set for closure on 9 July. 307108

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Joan Graham, left, with daughter Leanne, has been awarded an OAM. 340881 Picture: EMILY CHAPMAN LAING

Poor network poses risks

Emily Chapman Laing

Tradies working in Clyde and Clyde North worry the lack of reception could pose a safety threat.

Dub Render owner Sean Flynn said he is constantly concerned about getting hurt and not being able to call for help, especially in new housing estates where there aren’t many people around.

“I’m often on a job site on my own,“ he said.

“I work on ladders and use heavy equipment.

“If I fell, or hurt myself, no one would know because I never have any reception out there.“

Local glazier Scott Terry shares the same safety anxieties.

“It makes it extremely difficult to organise jobs from Clyde North,“ he said.

“We can’t get in contact with clients and

worry if we get injured we can’t contact emergency services.“

The Andrews Government is in the process of building new network towers in Clyde North as part of the $550 million ConnectingVictoria program.

But for locals working in the area, the new towers can’t come fast enough.

“It’s terrible for real estate work,“ Elaine Beecroft said.

“Very difficult to work on our phones and iPads.“

Likewise, Keith Titch Ferguson, a resident of Arbourlea, said calls dropping in and out creates challenges in communicating with his clients.

“All the providers say they are improving reception but it’s never happened,“ he said.

Workers who rely on GPS and mapping apps to find clients are left in the lurch.

I used to deliver Uber Eats to that area and I used to lose data on my phone all the time,“ Gina Ramsay said.

“It’s very hard to navigate via Google maps or other maps.“

Other estates in the Casey area are experiencing similar problems.

Lyndhurst shop owner Peta Turner said she wishes the government would “get the infrastructure right before they build estates and not after“.

“The thing is it’s not just out there,“ she said.

“I’ve got a shop in Lyndhurst and barely get 1-2 bars of reception, making processing eftpos transactions and using my iPad for my POS and website painfully slow and it’s constantly dropping out.

“Lots of the City of Casey areas are like this.“

Holt MP Cassandra Fernando said the Aus-

Love to lead?

You could run an election The Victorian Electoral Commission is seeking highly organised people to train as Election Managers.

tralian Government is committed to “increasing connectivity, bridging the digital divide, improving mobile coverage and protecting communities“.

“The Government’s Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP) was established to target longstanding mobile coverage and reception issues on the peri-urban fringe, in areas like Clyde,“ Ms Fernando said.

“Round 1 of the PUMP is funding a new Vodafone base station at Clyde South that will provide improved coverage to the area.

“As part of the October 2022–23 Budget, the Government has committed funding for two new rounds of the PUMP and I am determined to ensure this new funding will deliver better communication infrastructure for our community.”

The next Victorian Local Government elections will be held in October 2024 and this role requires availability for approximately 15 weeks around this time. For a job description, further information, and to apply, please visit vec.vic.gov.au/jobs

View from Pattersons Rd Clyde North. 329131

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERSTradies fear they wont have access to emergency services when working in Clyde.

Picture: GENERIC

The Lost Dogs’ Disco

Calling all dog lovers! This winter a pack of dogs are moving into the Bunjil Place Plaza to have some fun.

The Lost Dogs’ Disco is a temporary sculpture that celebrates the place of dogs in our lives. Visitors journey through an immersive installation of 16 dogs, some up to 5.5m tall, all in various states of repose – curled-up, standing, even touching noses.

· FREE and family friendly.

· Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Warren from Saturday 24 June - Sunday 16 July, 10am-10pm.

Woodworkers Expo

Presented as part of the City of Casey Winter Arts Festival, the Berwick District Woodworkers will open their doors to the public to showcase the incredible work of members, including furniture, woodturning, carving, pyrography, scroll saw work, rocking horses, toys, and a range of other aspects of woodworking.

The expo will feature work at all skill levels from beginners to national award winners, with live demonstrations of various woodworking techniques throughout the weekend.

There will also be a raffle, activities for children, an opportunity to purchase pieces for sale, and the Farmers Market on the Saturday morning.

You can also watch the second chain saw carving sculpture come to life.

Last year was the Powerful Owl … can you guess what it will be this year?

The Berwick Woodworkers Club welcomes visitors of all ages and interests to attend this free event.

· Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick, Friday 7 July 5pm-8pm, Saturday 8 July 9am-5pm and Sunday 9 July 9am-5pm.

What’s all the buzz about?

Primary school aged kids are encouraged to come and learn all about our important native insect pollinators at this free school holiday event.

Kids will learn how to create their own pollinatorfriendly garden at home.

They will also get to make an insect hotel to take home and put up in their gardens. Please bring along a clean tin can for creating your own insect hotel.

All other materials will be provided.

· Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris St, Lyn-

brook on Wednesday 5 July, 11am-12:30pm.

Spirit Guide Drawing Workshop

Ever wonder what your spirit guides look like?

Would you like to learn how to connect and draw one of your spirit guides?

If yes, then Join Alorah for this in person workshop.

All materials are supplied.

· Tickets available at alorah.au

· Held at a private residence in Narre Warren on Sunday 18 June, 9:30am-1pm.

Family Movie Night

Enjoy some quality family time with other families in the community.

Snack on some popcorn whilst watching Sing 2!

All are welcome.

Botanic By Night

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a night under the stars, surrounded by the natural beauty of Wilson Botanic Park, and let the magic of a laser light show transport you to another world!

The park’s beautiful amphitheatre will host the main show, but you can watch it from anywhere around the lake, providing an unparalleled view of the stunning display. There will also be creative light installations and tasty winter treats that will be available for purchase. Rain or shine, this unique new event will go ahead - and in fact, laser lights bouncing off the rain only adds to the mesmerising spectacle!

· Tickets available online.

· Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick on Friday 23 June, 5pm-8:30pm

· $2.00 per child and $5.50 per family.

· Lynbrook Community Centre, 2 Harris St, Lynbrook on Friday 23 June, 5pm-8pm.

Learn Reiki Level One

Join Aligning Energy in an intimate group setting for an amazing day of learning Traditional Usui Reiki Level One (Shoden).

Reiki is a beautiful Japanese healing modality that allows you to channel life force energy.

· Tickets and information available online.

· Sunday 19 June, 9am-5pm.

Berwick Boutique Craft and Food Market

Spend your Saturday at the historic Old Cheese Factory in Berwick. Step back in time and browse the wonderful and unique crafts and design from

local makers and unwind from the week. Gold coin donation entry, with onsite parking and dogs allowed.

· 34 Homestead Road, Berwick on Saturday 24 June from 9am to 2pm.

Elf the Musical

Elf the Musical is a hilarious, full belly, laugh out loud musical- you will not want to miss. Join in the interactive snowball fight with the elves, come dressed in your favourite Christmas character costume for prizes and giveaways.

· Tickets available online.

· Cranbourne Community Theatre, Brunt Street, Cranbourne on Friday 30 June and Saturday 1 July.

Narre Warren Psychic and Wellbeing Expo

Come and enjoy an inspiring and relaxing day with stall holders offering a range of services and products to indulge your senses. Free workshops throughout the day, too. Purchase tickets at the door: $5 adults, kids aged under-12 free.

· Sunday 23 July 10am to 6pm, Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren. Berwick Farmers Market

The Berwick Farmers Market at The Old Cheese Factory is held every 2nd Saturday monthly. Entry is by voluntary gold coin donation Well behaved dogs on a leash are permitted at the market.

· Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick on Saturday 8 July, 8am-12:30pm. Magpie Ink ft Elliott and De Goey

You’re invited to see Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott and Jordan De Goey.

The Pies are HOT! And none hotter than these two!

Intimate, personal and COMPLETELY uncensored - the only place you’ll get to hear all the true stories on what’s really happening at the MIGHTY PIES! From goals after the siren to headline news: all the celebration, controversy, & predictions for The Pies in 2023!

PLUS! Your once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and have your picture taken with two of Collingwood’s modern day favourite sons!

General Admission $49*.

Meet N Greet, Selfie & Show Package $79*.

Tickets available via Eventbrite.

· Trios Sports Club, 30 Grant Street, Cranbourne on Thursday 22 June, 7pm.

Striving for imperfection in 1981 play, at Bunjil Place

By Matthew Sims

David Williamson’s 1981 play The Perfectionist focuses, ironically enough, on the imperfection of people.

Via her theatre company Cast Productions, director Jacqueline Stewart is set to bring the play into 2023 at upcoming performances at Bunjil Place and the West Gippsland Arts Centre.

The performances will be Stewart’s first foray into directing a long-form play and will also be her return to directing after welcoming her children into the world.

“I generally don’t do things by half,“ she said.

“I’ve basically invested everything in this.

“I’ve got a particular vision for the play.“

Narre Warren actor Benjamin Newall plays Stuart, the eponymous perfectionist, toiling away on his PhD.

His wife Barbara (Rebekah Carton) decides that between raising their children and taking care of the house, they need a housekeeper.

The pair find themselves unexpectedly fielding the interest of a young man, prompting them to look at their own relationship and question their life together.

Ms Stewart said the question of if a woman can ’have it all’ is an ongoing dilemma of modern life.

“It could be put out in any household in Australia,“ she said.

“It’s such a current debate.

“That’s why I fell in love with ’The Perfectionist’.“

Newall said he and the cast are excited to bring theatre back to the South East after the hiatus brought on during the Covid pandemic.

“COVID hit and took a lot of opportunities away,“ he said.

“We were kind of forgotten.

“I want the audience to be so involved in it.“

Stuart is a difficult character to inhabit at times, according to Newall, but he said it is rewarding to discover his humanity.

“He’s so many shades of grey,“ she said.

“(Williamson’s) written flaws in all

of his characters.

Newall said the cast and Stewart are operating on all cylinders in the rehearsal process after quickly hitting it off.

“We were never going to have any issues,“ he said.

“Jacqui has been very open to very out of the box ideas.“

Stewart said she is enjoying the free-flowing creative process working with her cast to find the characters between the lines.

“That input is invaluable,“ she said.

“There’s discipline but there’s play.“

Newall agreed there will be a spontaneous aspect to each performance.

“No show will be identical,“ he said.

“There’s something fun about that as an actor.

“I’m looking forward to it.“

Newall said it is a very emotionally raw play to perform.

“You’ve got the dialogue and the actors,“ he said.

“It’s a play with nothing to hide behind.“

Bunjil Place is hosting ’The Perfectionist’ at 7.30 pm on Friday 4 August and 1pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 5 August, while the West Gippsland Arts Centre will host performances at 7.30pm on Friday 11 August and 1pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 12 August.

To purchase tickets, visit www.bunjilplace. com.au/events or sales.wgac.com.au

Narre Warren actor Benjamin Newall is excited to bring Stuart to life in an upcoming production of David Williamson’s ‘The Perfectionist’.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Rebekah Carton is playing Barbara opposite Benjamin Newall’s Stuart.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Divide over sick kids

By Emily Chapman Laing

Local parents are at odds over sending children to childcare when they are sick, especially moving into the winter months.

With the cost of living crisis keeping many families on the brink of poverty, many parent’s say taking a day off to stay home with a sick child is a luxury they simply cannot afford.

“Today my son has a slight cough and a runny nose, I believe he is getting sick but I have a job interview so I had no choice but to send him,“ one local mum said.

Other mums have said whether they take time away from work is contingent of the severity of the symptoms.

“If I didn’t send my eight-month-old in every time he had a runny nose or a little cough he would literally never be there and I would have lost my job already,“ Demi-Lee Adams said.

Casey mum Amber Fraser said it is “nearly impossible“ to take time off for “lesser illness symptoms“.

“It is incredibly privileged to address this as selfish when some people rely on that income to make it through the week.

“Unfortunately the reality is that kids share germs constantly, and if you’re not prepared to deal with this - don’t put them in childcare.“

It’s not as simple as keeping the child at home for many parents, according to Charlotte Louise.

“It’s easy to say keep them home but then that also means losing a day of work and it’s usually the mums,“ she said.

“I have a fantastic employer but some don’t and it’s really hard.“

Making the choice between keeping a sick child home and honouring work commitments can be a difficult choice.

“No matter what you do you’re letting someone down,“ a local mum said.

“You’re either letting your work down because you’re being a parent or you’re letting your kid down because you’re trying to keep a roof over your head.“

Some parents also said they don’t have access to support systems they can lean on during these times, being without friends or family members who can mind their sick children for them so they can attend work.

However many parents don’t believe their family should suffer illness because another parent brings their sick child to daycare.

“My daughter is forever getting sick,“ Tay Agnew said.

“She attends daycare five days a week and within the last two weeks she’s been home due to conjunctivitis, flu and gastro.“

Other children have suffered respiratory

syncytial virus, diarrhoea and hand-footmouth disease.

“My daughter has had six viral infections in a period of eight months with the normal colds on top of it,“ Rochelle Ward said.

“I’m exhausted and this could be prevented if parents took care of their sick children instead of sending them to daycare or kinder.“

Single parents feel the brunt of illnesses caught from other children at daycare, as their livelihood and job security is affected.

“My kid is always sick, then I get sick and have to take more time off from work,“ Caitlin Rose said.

“As a single parent it’s hard because it affects my job and income.“

While other parents have said it is wrong to criticise the practice as selfish, Nadia Enua said that’s exactly what it is.

“Parents shouldn’t send sick kids to daycare regardless of what they have on,“ Ms Enua said.

“It’s selfish and not fair on parents who do the right thing.“

Local mum Kelly Warner said more families are sending sick kids in since the Covid restrictions lifted.

“When I’ve mentioned a child’s illness to the parent, it gets blown off as ’It’s not Covid, I tested them’.“

Ex-childcare manager Patricia Spence said the practice is all too common.

“Some parents will collect the child, go to the doctors and get clearance and then being them back to daycare within hours and the

manager can’t do anything about it,“ she said.

“Or they Panadol the child up so they are fine at drop off, and when called to collect [the child] take a few hours.“

However, ex-childcare worker Leanne pointed out it’s not unusual for some illness to be contagious before children even show symptoms.

Alicia Green, also an ex-childcare worker, said “it’s like a rotating door with sicknesses at daycares“.

“It never ends, but it does get easier as they get older.“

In Victoria, kindergartens and other children’s services have a responsibility under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 to exclude unwell children for set periods.

“All early childhood services must have clear policies and procedures in place to help prevent the spread of infectious illnesses or disease,“ a Department of Education spokesperson said.

“These policies should specify when unwell children need to stay home or be picked up from a service to control the risk of infection.

“Services are encouraged to remind families about their approach to infection control before the cold and flu season begins so parents can make arrangements to ensure their children get the necessary care and pressure on families is minimised.”

While the Child Care Subsidy is available to Victorian parents for up to 42 days per financial year when their child is absent from a session of care when they would normally attend, the government does not require childcare services to reimburse families for absences.

There is not yet a one-size-fits-all solution for the problem, but parents have chimed in with ideas of their own.

Many parents noted the stress of paying for childcare on days when their son or daughter is home sick, as centres charge regardless of attendence.

“Maybe if they stopped charging for sick kids to stay home then people wouldn’t bring their sick kids in,“ Spike Dwyer said.

Mum Danii Asher, who suffers from health issues leaving her susceptible to illness, said it would be “good to have some extra assistance for parents“ in navigating the problem.

Others have suggested fining the parents.

“I am a Certificate III cleaner and have cleaned child care centres having to do triple cleans, costing the centres a lot of money,“ Sandra Pascoe said.

“Maybe if centres started fining parents they would stop.“

Ten local child care facilities were contacted for comment but none responded before deadline.

Refugees’ families ‘priced out’ of Australia

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

After long waits for permanent residency, hundreds of refugees are now facing steep, unaffordable fees to reunite with their loved ones.

In February, the Federal Government announced new Resolution of Status (RoS) visas for more than 19,000 refugees on Temporary Protection Visas and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas.

Some had been languishing in limbo in Australia for more than a decade.

Refugee advocateWickiWickiramasingham says RoS visa holders in the South East were initially pleased about the prospect of bringing their families to Australia after a decade of separation.

However, they were unable to afford the $8000-plus visas for their partners and $2750 for each child.

MrWickiramasingham said he had heard of some facing costs of more than $18,000 for a partner and four children, with fees set to rise further from 1 July.

“There’s no exemptions from these fees,” he said.

“How can a single person earn that, especially if they have had no work rights or been unemployed for three years during Covid?”

Human Rights Law Centre managing lawyer Sanmati Verma said the policy was shad-

Hoon reaps disaster aid

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Dandenong man has pleaded guilty to about 50 charges involving a spree of hooning, high-speed police pursuits and scamming Government disaster assistance schemes.

Dylan Desmond Milkins, 23, registered an ABN for a fictitious labour-hire and supply business with false GST credits to receive $24,170 in Covid disaster payments in 2021, Dandenong Magistrates Court heard on 8 June.

He also made a second attempt to extract $24,870 in the same manner.

Milkins also falsely claimed to be living in flood-hit Penrith NSW and Seymour in rural Victoria to gain $1000 in Commonwealth disaster relief and another attempt for $1000.

He told police that he’d come across the “scheme” on social media.

Among his illegal driving spree was a 36-second burnout dangerously near a crowd of spectators in the middle of Belgrave-Hallam Road in Hallam on New Years Eve night, police told the court.

As part of the midnight burnout, his passenger lit a series of fireworks and dropped them from his unregistered Commodore.

The incident was said to have terrified dogs inside a nearby pet resort.

Unbeknown to Milkins, a by-stander also walked up to the car, while it produced voluminous smoke and flicked out its rear end metres from the crowd, police stated.

A police intelligence officer discovered video of the episode posted on Milkins’ social media account. He later told police he believed he was fully in control of his car at the time.

Milkins was also charged over a latenight police pursuit across Narre Warren, Lynbrook, Dandenong, Springvale and Mulgrave, clocking 150 km/h-plus speeds and running a red light in February 2021.

In a second pursuit, the suspended Pplater on bail cut through and overtook traffic at high speed, reaching 160 km/h in the Monash Freeway emergency lane.

A police officer called off the pursuit due to the alleged dangerous driving.

Milkins, with no prior convictions, had spent 78 days in pre-sentence custody – a term that magistrate Jason Ong indicated was “insufficient”.

Defence lawyer Elarya George argued for his release on a community corrections order, including mental health and drug and alcohol treatment as well as road safety education and unpaid work.

Mr Ong said he needed to be convinced that a CCO was appropriate given the “lengthy and serious offending”.

He noted the police pursuits and a burnout occurred when Milkins shouldn’t have been driving, as well as the pair of fraudulent schemes against the Commonwealth.

Milkins will appear for pleas and sentencing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 16 June.

owed by the“spectre of deterrence” since a former Labor Government abolished free family reunion visas for refugees in 2012.

The move was deliberately designed to deter asylum seekers arriving by boat, Ms Verma said.

As a result, impoverished refugees are required to pay “astronomical” and “exorbitant” fees under the general family visa pathway.

Ms Verma said processing waits could also be up to 10 years under the “discriminatory” wait lists.

Partner visas from the USA were usually completed within a year, while it might take a decade for families fleeing Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, she said.

A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said as permanent residents, RoS visa holders were eligible to sponsor family members under the “family visa stream”.

“The Government is focused on providing those who engage Australia’s protection obligations a chance to continue their lives in Australia with certainty and security.”

The Government revoked a ministerial direction that put ‘unauthorised maritime arrivals’ at the “lowest processing priority” for family visas.

The family visa stream is subject to capping and queuing arrangements for “some categories”.

Wicki Wickiramasingham, second right, with Tamil asylum seekers Sathees, Nige, Lenny, Dinesh and Roger. 333981 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

Struggling families say a day away from work with a sick child can be the difference between being able to put food on the table or not.

Picture: GENERIC

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I have always had a soft spot for dogs. When I was a kid, I found two stray dogs, I had seen them on and off, wondering my street for two weeks, they were malnourished and appeared unkempt with matted fur. They came up to me a few times and then walked with me to an abandoned back yard, they stayed there for two days, feeding them my own dog’s dog food, until my mum caught me and helped me contact the pound to help find their home, poor babies were dumped. I was too young to understand and just wanted to make sure they had food and shelter. My heart was in the right

place, I was seven! I like to rescue animals and have had a few foster dogs in my time. From time to time I volunteer for Mini’s Bulldog Rescue Group and they are amazing rescue with rehoming hundreds of Bulldogs, from French Bulldogs, to British Bulldogs and the big softy, American Bulldogs, they help so many unwanted pooches.

What do you love the most about your job?

I love working with students, encouraging them to be the best version of themselves and help them with the journey through school.

My previous role I was involved in was Disability Inclusion support and loved working with a variety of students, helping them to push their limits and meet their potential.

My role as the Cultural Diversity Coordinator is new and I get to meet a lot of different people in the community, I am a very social person and enjoy making connections. I am privileged in working towards fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. I can create initiatives, programs and help build policies that celebrate and embrace individual from varied backgrounds. Engaging with diverse cultures exposes new perspectives, traditions, and ideas. Each day brings the opportunity to expand my knowledge, challenge my assumptions and broaden understanding. The opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives and contribute to building a more inclusive society, which can be incredibly fulfilling.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

If I were an animal, I would be a meerkat! Meerkats are known for their social qualities and are the most social animals in the world. Meerkats are compassionate and graceful while showing kindness, a meerkat would give their lives to their friends or family. My nature of helping anyone I come across resonates well with the nature of a meerkat.

What would your last meal be?

My last meal would be Chinese, a large bucket of honey chicken with special fried rice, yum! What was your most memorable moment?

My most memorable moment is becoming a mother, I was young, but my heart was full, only 20 when I welcomed my beautiful daughter. Then finding out I was going to be a mum to a rainbow baby after a miscarriage, thinking my odds were against me, having my son 5 years later was so indescribable. As I witnessed their first breaths and held them in my arms for the very first time, an overwhelming wave of love flowed over me. It was as if time stood still, and the world faded away. I was mesmerised by the sheer perfection of these tiny beings that my husband and I eagerly waited for. Those moments are cherished forever. What were you like as a kid?

I was strong and independent go-getter. I was very compassionate towards others, especially the underdog. I was adventurous and would head out early in the morning on my bike and hang out at the local stream, then would make sure I had to be home before the streetlights came on. A child of the 90’s is so different to a child of today!

What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

I would go back to my wedding and take one last look at my loved ones that have since passed, they are so dearly missed. To others who are no longer in my life, I am thankful that that time flows and life takes its course, certain people may naturally fade from our lives and surprisingly this can be quite liberating. While we once shared wonderful moments, circumstances change and so do we. The departure of those people brings a sense of relief as I embraced freedom to explore a new path fresh experience. A weight was lifted to allow focus on personal growth and surround myself with people who align more closely with me. People come and go all the time, but the

ones that are true value you keep around and keep them close to your heart. Just like that saying, “friends are like stars, they come and go but the ones that stay are the ones that glow”. Marrying my husband was one of the best days of my life. My deepest admiration and gratitude for the incredible person that my husband is. From the begging he was my life anchor, providing unwavering love, support and companionship that fills my heart with love and joy.

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

At my dinner table I would have James Dean, Nostradamus, my mum, Ed Sheeran, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II. Now the last 2 would be a very interesting conversation to be a part of!

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I am currently watching Justified, The Clearing and The Ranch. A good old Drama, with a mix of true crime, whilst throwing in a good laugh! Keeping it mixed up!

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Empathetic, compassionate and strong. Apparently I bounce back quickly, I worry about them more than myself and would give them my last dollar or clothing off my back.

Where is your happy place?

Anywhere my family is, I would be lost without my children and husband!We are adventurous and love to travel together.

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

I would be stuck as I can’t cook! So, I would make a charcuterie board and pour some wine! Where is your dream holiday destination?

America, I was lucky to go there as a child with a school trip, would love to experience this place as an adult! Take my kids to the places I went at their age and see how different it is.

with Hampton Park Secondary College Cultural Diversity Coordinator Sally Curruthers

Sally likes to rescue animals and has had a few foster dogs in her time. Picture: SUPPLIED

Berwick College fix plea

By Matthew Sims

Berwick MP Brad Battin has asked for the State Government to visit Berwick College and consider providing extra funding amid a number of issues with maintenance.

He said the school has had the same portable classrooms since he attended the school in the mid-to-late 1980s.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday 18 May, Mr Battin said there were a number of issues students had raised to him.

“Some of the things that these students have listed are desks that are damaged, graffitied and full of chewing gum,“ he said.

“The power points in a couple of classrooms are faulty and do not work.

“The toilets at Berwick College are broken –the seats and doors have fallen off.“

Mr Battin said a number of the classrooms at the school were portable buildings and were “visibly crumbling“.

“The air conditioners at the school are old and do not work,“ he said.

“If they do work, students cannot even feel the cold and occasionally hot air blows in, again impacting their learning.

“These students want the minister to come out, have a look through and see and experience what is happening at the school to ensure that when the government is considering the budget money comes to Berwick College so we can get it up to the standard these students deserve so they can have the ultimate learning experience.“

Year 10 student Madeline De Jager said the school’s condition has been “constantly deteriorating“ over the past few years and beyond.

“It is time for something to be done,“ she said.

“The chairs are breaking, tables have holes carved into them and the table legs are breaking.

“Some projectors and the classroom’s powerpoints don’t turn on at all.“

FellowYear 10 student Sanj Sra said she and Madeline were calling for the State Government to provide more funding to support the 1800 students.

“As students who have been attending Berwick College, we have noticed that the state of this school is slowly decreasing from its previous high standard when it was officially built in 1977,“ she said.

“If the school does not get funding soon, I am afraid that the students will not have a fulfilling and up-to-standard educational experi-

ence in their high school years, setting them up to fail in the future.“

Berwick College has received $235,000 for maintenance funding in 2023.

In 2017, the school received $450,000 to repair storm-damaged buildings and retaining walls. A Department of Education spokesperson said the department was aware of some of the issues raised by Mr Battin and were working with the school to resolve them as soon as possible.

“Berwick College has received almost $1.5 million for capital works since 2017, including $1.3 million for a health and wellbeing hub

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

• Officer - High Horse Cafe Cotswold Crescent

• Officer - 7-11 Service Station Officer Princes Highway

• Officer - Officer Bakehouse Princes Highway

• 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 - Foodworks Henry Road

• Pakenham - Pakenham Health Centre Henty Way

• Pakenham - Stellas Cafe and Takeaway Hogan Court

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

• Pakenham - The Heritage Shopping Centre Livingstone Boulevard

• 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

supporting the school and Casey community,“ the spokesperson said.

“The college has also received $685,000 in planned maintenance funding over this time.

“All schools receive funding for general maintenance through the Student Resource Package, with additional funding provided via the Planned Maintenance Program for highpriority works.“

Principal Kerri Bolch said she would accept any support from the State Government.

“We would welcome any funding that would improve the students’ learning experience,“ she said.

Berwick MP Brad Battin with Year 10 students Sanj Sra and Madeline De Jager at the school’s portable classrooms. 339221 Picture: ROB CAREW

Taking skills to next level

From changing a tyre to cooking a nutritious meal, a group of South East young people received a crash course into some of life’s most useful skills.

Youth group Casey-Cardinia Rotaract hosted its Level Up Expo (LUX) event on Saturday 10 June at the Balla Balla Community Centre in Clyde North.

President Liam Hines said about 25 young people attended the event.

“Everyone absolutely loved it,” he said. “As a community group, it focused on training and development.”

Other skills and presenters on show included creature visitors fromWildlife Sidekicks, the Victorian Electoral Commission, finance and budgeting and tertiary education.

Star News photographer Rob Carew attended the event to capture all of the action and scaly and feathery visitors.

Superstar Crocodile ‘Gizmo’ impressed the Rotaract team during the event. 340191 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Current Casey-Cardinia Rotaract president Liam Hines enjoyed helping young locals learn new skills. 340191

Barn Owl ‘Reya’ with Dyllan from Wildlife Sidekicks. 340191

Victorian Electoral Commission democracy ambassador Binita Hada Maskey speaks to an interested participant during the event. 340191

$20.6m for Clyde college

Clyde Secondary College will receive $20.6 million for their Stage 2 build after an announcement visit from Education Minister Natalie Hutchins along with local MPs, Jordan Crugnale and Pauline Richards.

“We are thrilled to receive confirmation of our Stage 2 funding which will give us new classrooms and a Visual Arts Centre,” said Principal Kondilo Prades.

“Our students are particularly excited that this funding also includes a sports oval and additional hardcourts and we can’t wait until our new facilities are ready for use.”

The 2023-24 Budget funding allows for a sports oval, a Visual Arts Centre, new classrooms, and more basketball courts.

Clyde Secondary College opened in 2022, grows a year level each year.

By 2026 it will have students in every year level and be able to cater for 1,300 students, including 100 places for students with disabilities.

“Along with Principal Kondilo Prades, an in-depth school tour was conducted by the school captains, highlighting what they love about their school, how they learn from each distinct area and how they are inspired by the layout and facilities,” said Jordan Crugnale MP.

“This growing school community has fostered a caring, inclusive, creative and supportive environment and I am thrilled that we can deliver Stage 2.

“Thank you to all the teachers and support team who put their hearts into nurturing and inspiring the students.

As part of a more than $2 billion investment, the Andrews Labor Government made a commitment to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026, with 84 new schools opening or funded since 2019.

In the past nine years, the Labor Govern-

ment has invested $14.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1940 school upgrades, creating around 21,200 jobs in con-

struction and associated industries.

“Building the Education State isn’t just about constructing new schools – we’re mak-

ing sure every Victorian student has access to the best facilities at school, no matter where they live,” Ms Hutchins said.

Jordan Crugnale MP with students, Kondilo Prades, Education Minister Ms Natalie Hutchins MP and Pauline Richards MP. Picture: SUPPLIED

ECONOMY TILING

Part-Time Telesales Representative

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.

OWNER DRIVERS

General Classifieds

• 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

Are you experienced in sales and enjoy dealing with customers over the phone?

TELEPHONE SALES Inbound/Outbound

We are looking for new team members to join our team. Do you like talking to people over the phone, building rapport and great relationships?

If you are a motivated and reliable individual who loves a challenge and enjoys a fast-paced, deadline-driven team environment we want to hear from you.

Work close to home with free onsite parking at our office in Pakenham. Your day will be kept busy servicing existing clients and making cold outbound calls to gain new business.

Experience in advertising sales is an advantage, but not essential.

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

To apply send your resume with covering letter to: Classified Advertising Manager sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

Moylan the milestone man

By Marcus Uhe

Michael Moylan’s glittering football CV at Officer Football Club reads better than most; premierships in 1995, 1996 and 2002 (as cocaptain), a club best and fairest in 2000, five years as the club’s senior captain and inducted as a life member in 2007.

On Saturday, Officer will celebrate the contributions of one of its favourite sons when he dons the blue and white for the 350th time, the first in the club’s storied history to do so.

It’s a long time coming for the champion midfielder, having plied his trade in blue and white for over 30 years from making his senior debut at 16 under Peter Bastinac, with representative stints at Traralgon in theVFL and two years at Gippsland Power interspersed.

His arrival at Rythdale Officer Cardinia (ROC) coincided with a golden run for the club, with the club’s first premierships in 1995 and 1996 under Mick Fogarty and consistent finals appearances throughout the nineties.

He’s seen plenty throughout his journey in football, from the days when you had to keep an eye out for reckless incidents behind the play to the current emphasis on running and fitness, and the evolution of the word ‘spread’.

From Fogarty and Bastinac, to Greg and Ben Tivendale, Steve Purcell and Paul Corrigan, his time at the club intersects many storied names to have graced Starling Road.

But while many things changed over the years, one thing remained a constant; his love for the game, and his club.

“The footy club is a part of my life that has enabled me to make lifelong relationships and shape how you live your life,” Moylan said ahead of his major milestone.

“Football clubs are more like a family.

“A place to meet like-minded people from across the community and different backgrounds, it is enjoyable to meet so many people.”

A star of the region, many made the pitch to Moylan to move clubs.

But nothing could break his loyalty.

“I had some big offers over the years, but as a local person and having played all my life here, why would I ever drive past the local club to play somewhere else?” he said.

“The Officer Football Club has always been an inclusive family-friendly place; I don’t know what I missed out on but loved staying in Officer and at Officer.”

He attributes his longevity to a strict regimen of exercise and restraint, and has no plans

to hang up the boots anytime soon, with a significant family milestone in his sights.

“I always found people retiring strange; players want to go out on top and are too often worried about how they are remembered,” he said.

“When you retire it means you stop doing what you love.

“I play because I love it and I am still getting enjoyment out of playing every game.

“My advice to all would be, don’t be in a hurry to hang them up, as you’re a long time retired.

“I still look at myself as being a part of the team.

“Age is irrelevant to football, if you have the desire, put in the work, and keep your perfor-

mance for the team to a level.

“My son Ethan is in Under 15s at Officer Kangaroos, so to be able to potentially play with him would be pretty special.”

Club president Lachlan Balzary described Moylan as an “amazing” contributor to the club over his more than 30 years of involvement.

“His ability to continue to contribute to our football program is unbelievable, his knowledge of the game and how he educates the next generation of players is outstanding it is like having another coach on the field during games,” Balzary said.

“Mick has always been an amazing servant of the club and is a sounding board for the new committee.

“I have many conversations with Mick about football and committee having been at Officer during our successful times and some hard times.

“Thanks Mick, you are a humble person and your contribution to the club on and off the field is profound.

“Enjoy your 350th.”

Moylan’s 350th game will kick-off at 12.10pm against Emerald in a top-of-the-table clash in Division One’s reserves competition. The club is hoping that as many of his former teammates, coaches, friends, family and anyone else who has crossed paths with Moylan during his football career can find some time in their schedule to make the trip to Starling Road to cheer Moylan on.

Soccer club’s score for social awareness and inclusion

By Marcus Uhe

Officer City Soccer Club may have only been

on the local sporting scene for a handful of years, but their impact on the community is already gaining state-wide recognition.

At last week’s Victorian Sport Awards, the club was acknowledged for its commitment to support growth, inclusion and participation in the community with the Community Sporting Club of the Year award for 2022, becoming the first football club in the award’s 10 year history to take-out the honour.

The award recognises the outstanding contribution made in 2022 by a community sporting club and/or association who has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting participation in sport and active recreation, with a strong focus on inclusion and the removal of barriers due to cultural background, gender, identity and other denominations.

Through the running of a number of social entry-level programs such as Go Girls and Girls United, female children are offered the opportunity to learn and participate in the sport at a casual level before making the commitment to playing in a proper season.

Those initiatives, along with Football Victoria’s CALD United program, saw Officer City experience an increase in female membership of 36 per cent, and even break new ground for the club.

“We put our hand up for the CALD pro-

gram and it was for the CALD-only girls in our community,” Radmila Dyson, the club’s Equity and Inclusion Officer, said.

“That sort of led to, all the girls that joined that program and the Go Girls program, have progressed into teams, which is not our end game, it wasn’t about competition, it was always about everyone being able to have a go at playing the sport.

“But literally all the girls within a month of doing these casual programs, have all said to

their parents ‘we want to be in a team.’

“So our club going from no girls teams, to this year having three girls teams, is a reflection on these programs that we’ve run.

“I think, what a game-changer for us was, having the programs for girls only.

“There was a lot of parents that were bringing their sons down and not having their daughters involved, but once we started the girls only programs, that’s when we started seeing a mass influx within the club of membership.”

Another of their successful programs was ‘Casual Kicks,’ which President, Cheree Appledore, said “came out of the blue”.

“What we were finding was that, we might be halfway through a competition season, but we’ve got parents reaching out saying that our child is really interested in sport, in soccer, and really wants to try it.

“We (the committee) thought, a lot of clubs will go ‘sorry, we’re full,’ so as a committee we had a conversation to say, ‘what can we do with these players that just want to go out and play?’, so we created Casual Kicks program.

“It helps kids get involved in the sport and then if they do want to progress to the competition, they know what’s involved for later.”

With a committee featuring more females than males and the club itself sporting a number of female coaches, Officer City has the goal of being the “football club of choice”

within the Cardinia Shire and surrounding communities.

If bestowments continue to accrue and innovation keeps pace, there’s no reason why they cannot achieve that lofty ambition.

“Like someone said to us the other night, we’re breaking the glass ceiling in our area,” Dyson said.

“Not just for our sport, obviously football wasn’t prominent in our area, but also females in our sport, which is amazing, a great outcome.

“Like I said, we don’t aim for things, they’ve just naturally progressed.”

Consider the fact that the club is yet to establish a home base and currently operates at Lakeside Recreation Reserve, the only way appears to be up.

“The club is growing, we don’t want to make the focus about the facilities and we will be capped at some stage as to how big we can grow, but we won’t turn anybody away,” Appledore said.

“These programs give people the opportunity to play, and the more people that play, obviously, it’s great for the sport, it’s great for their personal health and development, and socialisation.

“We will continue to run these programs and hopefully continue to run these programs, so that people do get the opportunity to come out and play and enjoy the sport like we do.”

(L-R) Radmila Dyson (Equity and Inclusion Officer) Cheree Appledore (President) and Tegan Wood (Secretary) from Officer City Football Club accepting their 2022 Community Sporting Club of the Year award at the Victorian Sport Awards on Wednesday 7 June 2023. 340842 Picture: SUPPLIED

Get around Michael Moylan who plays his 350th game for Officer this weekend. 340875

Picture: SUPPLIED Moylan celebrates a goal. 80335

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A fresh-faced Moylan back in 1993. 340875

Cricket getting set

By David Nagel

The Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) is getting on the front foot with its member clubs to ensure a smooth transition through to the 2023/24 season.

The CCCA held its Annual General Meeting at the Merinda Park Cricket Club on Monday 29 May where long-time president Rob Hansen was reappointed to the role.

Ben Knowles, from the Clyde Cricket Club, will step into the role of vice-president, while Shane Dalton will remain as secretary and Aaron Straughair as treasurer.

Hansen explained that stability in the CCCA Board of Management would help with the communication and planning process over the coming weeks and months.

“The Board of Management has a really strong working relationship and we’re all committed to bringing our strategic plan to life,” Hansen said.

“Last season was a huge one for the association, rebranding from the West Gippsland Cricket Association to the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association.

“We’ve changed the brand, and that’s fine, but we’re committed now to making sure it’s not just a name change.

“We have an obligation to make sure we grow cricket throughout the Casey Cardinia region, and we do so in consultation with our cricket clubs.

“These are exciting times and there are many exciting things on the horizon.”

One of the main challenges confronting the CCCA, and other competitions around the country, is putting a fixture in place for the upcoming season that will accommodate an earlier finish…with Easter 2024 falling on the last weekend of March.

The CCCA Senior Cricket Committee, led by Pakenham player Jack Anning, has put together several options being put forward to clubs.

One option is for the top levels of cricket in the CCCA – Premier, District and A Grade – to play one or two Sunday matches during the season to ensure the traditional 14-round format, of seven one-day and seven two-day fixtures, remains in place.

Hansen said there are many factors that need to be considered when putting together the upcoming season schedule.

“Sunday cricket is popular around our region, which means access to grounds could be an issue, but we’re working closely with the clubs to make sure we get this sorted out quickly,” Hansen said.

“Once we have the feedback from clubs, we’ll have a planning meeting before the end of June and our affiliation meeting has been brought forward so we can get the fixtures organised earlier than usual.

“It’s important that we give clubs the time to plan for the upcoming season ahead.”

Hansen explained that growing Female Participation in the sport was one of the CCCA’s top priorities, with the association recently receiving a grant to help in that area.

The CCCA is hopeful that the creation a standalone women’s competition, driven by a handful of clubs, will not be that far away either.

One of the success stories of the recently completed 2022/2023 season was the implementation of a two-tier structure of the CCCA’s T20 competition…the Kookaburra Cup.

The success of the restructure has seen the format taken through to this season, while the CCCA is also looking at no longer linking club’s Premier Division clubs with their A Grade teams.

In essence, all eight Premier Division clubs were forced to have their second XI teams play in the CCCA’s third-tier A Grade competition last season, but the depth of club’s vary greatly, meaning the A Grade competititon became imbalanced.

The CCCA will work with clubs to come up with the most competitive solution for all clubs moving forward.

The CCCA has also appointed Pakenham president Phil Anning as Country Week Manager, with the popular Anning set to oversee the selection and management of the senior Country Week team that will represent the association in February next year.

“We’ve had an invitation from Casey SouthMelbourne to play our Country Week home games at Casey Fields, which will remove the necessity of providing expensive accommodation for the players and support staff in Melbourne,” Hansen said.

Cricket Victoria is also changing its management platform during the off-season, with My Cricket being replaced with the PlayHQ system.

Hansen encouraged clubs to attend a PlayHQ information and training night at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve on Thursday 22 June.

Can Pakenham Lions square the ledger?

By Marcus Uhe

Toomuc Reserve will play host to an intriguing clash between speed and strength, as Pakenham host Gembrook Cockatoo in Outer East Premier Division.

A win for Pakenham will bring it even closer to an even win-loss ledger, while Gembrook Cockatoo will consider themselves entrenched in the contenders spot for a lower seed in the finals equation.

Should Pakenham get the job done at home, it will frank an excellent patch of form of three wins from four outings, with the only loss coming to Wandin.

The Brookers, however, will want to make amends for a shock loss to cellar-dwellers Olinda Ferny Creek.

The trio of key forwards in green may force Ash Green and his coaching staff to have Jordan Stewart play more accountable in defence and not roam as a spare or further afield.

If Pakenham can get the ball on the outside and use their speed through Koby Grass and Bailey Stiles, the bigger bodies of the Brookers will struggle to keep pace.

At Narre Warren, the Magpies will play host to Upwey Tecoma in a high-stakes contest between second and third on the ladder.

In conjunction with the return of Will Howe, who has 17 goals in his last three since injuring his hamstring, the Magpies are back to their high-scoring best in recent weeks, averaging 150 in their last three outings.

TheTigers, by contrast, have lost their last three matches, including a heart-stopper to Pakenham.

Despite this, they sit third on the table

Warriors just won’t go away

By Marcus Uhe

A nail-biting win to Warriors over Paky

One saw them move to outright second on the table in the SouthWest Gippsland Dart League.

Tied on 52 points coming into the clash, along with Snipers who had the bye, Warriors defeated Paky One 8-7, despite Noel throwing 171 from three darts as the week’s highest score.

The win moves Warriors to 56 points in a significant victory in the context of the competition at large, with just three rounds remaining, but Snipers are lurking on 52 points with one game in hand.

With only the top four qualifying for finals action in four weeks’ time, the jostling for seedings between Warriors, Snipers and Paky One - to avoid a dreaded first-round match up with Just Social - will become all the more important.

Wins to 26ers and Rebels keep them in the hunt for a top-four position, if only mathematically in the case of Rebels, who require a number of results to fall their way for them to sneak into fourth or third spot.

26ers, by contrast, are just one game back of both third and fourth, but their percentage (the lowest among the top six sides) will be a significant stumbling block if they are to close the gap on points.

Dale from 26ers stole the show in their hard-fought win 9-6 win over Fore, throwing a 501 in just 16 darts.

At the top of the ladder, Just Social’s dominant form continues, this week thrashing Gembrook 14-1 in a one-sided contest.

At the other end, Mud Rats thrashed Hoodies 13-2.

Results R19: Just Social 14 v Gembrook 1, 26ers 9 v Fore 6, Warriors 8 v Paky One 7, Mud Rats 13 v Hoodies 2, Rebels 8 v Bullseyes 7.

Ladder: Just Social 60,Warriors 56, Snipers 52, Paky One 52, 26ers 48, Rebels 40, Gembrook 24, Bullseyes 20, Mud Rats 16, Fore 12, Hoodies 0.

Fixture R20: Gembrook (7) v Rebels (6), Paky One (4) v Hoodies (11), Just Social (1) v Fore (10), Mud Rats (9) v Warriors (2), Snipers (3) v Bullseyes (8). 26ers (5) – Bye.

with a superior percentage to the sides surrounding them also on three wins.

Olinda Ferny Creek will like their chances of a second win when they host Monbulk, as will Woori Yallock in their trip to Mt Evelyn.

DIVISION ONE

At Starling Road, Emerald will be keen to extend their undefeated streak and spoil a special afternoon for the home side in the process.

A big turnout is expected to celebrate the career of Officer club legend Mick Moylan, who celebrates his 350th game in blue and white.

Thatwon’tbeofmuchinteresttothehighflying Bombers, whose focus will be solely be on the four points and maintaining their two-game buffer at the top of Division One.

Emerald will be hoping that last week’s

slow start against Belgrave was simply a case of rust coming off a bye, having conceded five goals in the opening term and struggling to break free from the Magpies’ grip until late in the contest.

In stark contrast, Officer will be steaming after succumbing to Healesville, having made the early running.

Emerald’s nearest competitors for top spot, in Berwick Springs and Healesville, both have winnable contests against Hallam and Seville, respectively.

OUTER EAST TIPS

Premier Division: Pakenham v GEMBROOK COCKATOO, NARRE WARREN v Upwey Tecoma, OLINDA FERNY CREEK v Monbulk, Mt Evelyn v WOORI YALLOCK. Division One: Hallam v BERWICK SPRINGS, Officer v EMERALD, HEALESVILLE v Seville.

Shane from Paky One and Jazz from Warriors get up close and personal ahead of their South West Gippsland Darts League grudge match. 321895

The Casey Cardinia Cricket Association is building nicely towards the 2023/24 season. 323355

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Picture: DAVE NAGEL

Pakenham coach Ash Green will lead his Lions into battle against Gembrook Cockatoo on Saturday. 335968

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS