The final days ofTerm 2 of the 2023 school year are now upon us. And the final day of Term 2 plans to be one full of excitement for all. It will be our traditional Pizza and PJ day. What better than coming to school in you pyjamas and having pizza for lunch. Parents and families are also invited to join us for a “games and reading morning” before the formal learning of the day begins. What more could we ask for on our last day of term.
At St Clare’s we nurture the holistic development of each child. For the St Clare’s family, numeracy and literacy skills are core elements of education; but so is Religious Education - developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass. We encourage active play and healthy bodies; understanding other cultures through learning languages; and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts.
Student achievement is measured not only by academic growth but by each child’s emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. Being part of faith-filled community instils our students with a sense of identity, a feeling of belonging and above all, a powerful sense of self-worth.
At St Clare’s our aim is to have each child reach their potential; to be a well-rounded individual - within a supportive and caring learning environment.
Visit our website stclaresofficer.catholic. edu.au and tour our “virtual tour” to get a real feel for our school. School turs are also available, please contact the school on 5940 6777 to book a time.
If you are looking to enrol for 2024 we ask that you contact us now as we are now preparing to offer placements for next year.
For all enquires or to receive our enrolment documentation please phone 5940 6777 or email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic. edu.au
Fostering genuine relationships in a small school is vital for students and staff at St James Catholic Primary School Nar Nar Goon.
Foundation andYear 6 Buddies gather regularly to engage in a range of activities. Seeing a need forYear 1 and 2 students to continue with this support, Year 5 Buddies were introduced in 2022.
This year, our current Year 5 students have begun the transition process of meeting their 2024 Buddies.
They recently visited the Nar Nar Goon Kinder where the St James children read to the kinder children which was a great opportunity for them to enhance their oral reading skills as well as supporting the younger children to foster a love of reading and encouragement to ask curious questions.
On their return, there was lots of excited chatter. Riley said that “the little kids were really interested in our books and wanted to be involved. Just playing was good fun!”
Indi was excited to meet some of the Foundation students for 2024 and said “we had heaps of fun playing with the blocks and reading to them.”
At St James we endeavour to provide many varied experiences for our children, including community outreach excursions such as this one.
Our curriculum caters for the diverse needs and interests of our children and we listen to their feedback and where we can, make adjustments to learning even more fun!
School tours are available and we invite families to contact us to make a time that fits around busy home lives.
Please call the school office on 5942 5404 or email office@stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au to make an appointment.
Students have begun the transition process of meeting their 2024 Buddies.
More than 5000 students across Victoria can see more clearly thanks to the free Glasses for Kids program.
Education Minister Natalie Hutchins announced the figure in March, with the program helping kids in Prep to Year 3 since 2015.
She said that since the start of Term 1 this year, 758 students at 17 schools had their vision screened and 130 receiving free prescription glasses.
“Giving Victorian children the opportunity to thrive at school goes beyond providing great education programs – this is about ensuring nobody is left behind because of common and very treatable issues like vision impairment.” she said.
“Health and education go hand in hand.”
Children with undiagnosed vision prob-
lems often find it hard to concentrate at school, which can present challenges for learning and development.
Glasses for Kids provides an on-site optometry service to children at their school, addressing vision impairments in children who otherwise might have gone undiagnosed.
By supporting students with undiagnosed vision impairments, Glasses for Kids is helping students achieve their best at school and beyond.
State Schools’ Relief delivers the program, which has so far provided free vision screening to almost 32,400 Prep to Year 3 students from 408 government primary and specialist schools across the state.
The State Government has invested more than $2.4 million to deliver Glasses for Kids.
Creating a school environment that students find exciting and engaging assists in a smooth transition into school life.
This transition can be particularly challenging for Foundation students as school days can seem quite daunting.
This is why our dedicated teachers at St Patrick’s Primary School work closely with the families and our leadership team to create an environment that all students feel welcomed and supported in.
The first term for our Foundation students focuses on this transition, with the first four Wednesdays of the term being a day off. On this day, it allows our students to get a feel for the school week without it becoming overwhelming.
Within this semester we also had a couple fun and engaging incursions, with our local fire department visiting for two sessions where our students had the opportunity to learn about personal safety and even had the chance to use the firetrucks water hose.
Later in the term we also had a lesson on responsible pet ownership where a very sweet dog came to visit and students learned the safe way to interact with animals.
This expanded into having chicken incubators for two weeks where our students saw first-hand the life cycle of chickens and had a teary good-bye as they were taken home.
To finish this semester off, they headed off for their very first school excursion to Myuna Farm.
Our students and staff had a great time exploring the farm and learning about many different animals. From patting sheep to milking cows this was a very hands-on and interactive excursion that all our students enjoyed.
With next semester full of new fun experiences, we are very much looking forward to watching as our Foundation students contin-
State Schools Relief has this year delivered uniforms to more than 21,000 students doing it tough.
The Affordable School Uniforms Program provides uniforms and other essential school items for families that need an extra helping hand and ensures that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can attend school feeling valued and included.
“Wearing a school uniform helps to create an important sense of belonging for children,” Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said.
“With the rising cost of living, we know this program offers some relief for many families right now across the state.”
Families can receive support for individual school uniform items, school shoes, swimwear, stationery items, STEM calculators, textbooks, work boots for vocational students and school bags.
On average the program can save families more than $100 per application.
Since 2015, more than $42 million has been invested in the program to support more than 459,900 students with more than 1.72 million uniforms and other essential school items.
Families affected by short-term crisis and long-term chronic need are encouraged to contact their local school.
Students affected by refugee status, homelessness, family violence, house fire, natural disaster, financial hardship, illness and emergency are among those eligible for support.
Financial support for schools is also provided through the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, which helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate and attend school events and activities.
We pride ourselves on being a Catholic, welcoming school where everyone is valued and respected. Our committed and professional staff provide a safe, caring environment where we aim to engender a love of learning in every student.
“It feels like a community where my child will be nurtured.”
Time and time again, this is what parents and guardians tell me is their main reason for choosing Lakeside College.
As a Christian College in the Lutheran tradition, we couldn’t be happier that families are experiencing exactly what we set out to provide.
Education is all about relationships - between teacher and student, family and staff and school and community.
Lakeside College prioritises these critical relationships as we carry out our service to the local community.
As a smaller Christian school of 574 students (growing to 650 students) from Years Prep to 12, there is a richness of relationships and attention to individuals that set the College apart from others.
It allows us to ensure that students develop intentionally in mind, body and soul. Students are nurtured across the curriculum, inside and outside the classroom, through innovative learning opportunities in core subjects, a vibrant arts program, technologies and sport.
“It feels like a community where my child will be nurtured, cared for and known.”
In a nutshell, Lakeside College seeks to support students to nurture their God-given gifts through a love for learning, which sets them up to go out into the world and make a positive impact.
Our highly qualified and committed staff, know each child deeply through our intentional pastoral care program and relish in the opportunity to teach students across the different areas of the school.
Situated in the beautiful Lakeside precinct, our College boasts excellent facilities on campus including access to the co-located facilities provided through the Cardinia Cultural Centre, the Toomuc Playing Fields and the Cardinia Life gym.
As an open enrolment Christian College, we
welcome all families regardless of their faith tradition into our community.
As Principal, I relish taking families on tours each week on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons and at other times as needed - please take me up on the offer! It is a joy to show families around our gorgeous campus.
Robert Tassoni Principal Lakeside College2 Portobello Rd, Pakenham Phone 5941 7544
www.lakeside.vic.edu.au
A study by Associate Professors Penny Van Bergen and Naomi Sweller of Macquarie University and Professor Linda Graham of QUT shows that students’ memories of good teachers are remarkably consistent, and that strong teacher-student relationships can support positive interactions with future teachers.
The research team conducted a series of interviews with 96 students from grades 3-10. They included students with and without a history of disruptive behaviour in mainstream schools, along with students in special “behaviour schools”.
What united the groups was a belief that their most positive relationships with teachers came when teachers were “kind, caring, helpful, or humorous”.
For students with a history of disruptive behaviour, a kind or caring teacher could
make the difference between engaging with their schoolwork and walking out of class.
All groups also shared the view that teachers who were hostile or unjust were harder to get along with.
Alarmingly, students with a history of disruptive behaviour overwhelmingly remember negative relationships with teachers. For example, one third of students in the behaviour school group couldn’t remember a single positive relationship with a teacher. Conflictual teacher-student relationships were not limited to disruptive students, however.
Forty percent of students with no history of disruptive behaviour also remembered at least one negative relationship.
Many of these students were “model” students: prefects, student reps, and school duxes. Students in all groups highlighted
pre-emptive reprimands, when they were told off before doing something, as being particularly unfair.
The researchers do note that this is only one side of the story, and that teachers may have a different view.
These results are still important though, since they show how consistent students’ perceptions of positive and negative relationships are.
They also indicate the ways that poor teacher-student relationships can exacerbate classroom challenges.
“Using their memories of conflictual interactions, students may develop protective strategies: either shying away from that teacher or reacting with pre-emptive aggression,” the article says.
The study authors recommend that teachers complement other positive teaching be-
haviours, such as responsive instruction and individual guidance, with explicit warmth.
In the classroom, teachers could reflect on positive interactions with their students by sharing positive memories or identifying each other’s positive characteristics.
Similar activities are used in positive psychological interventions to improve student wellbeing.
They also recommend professional learning to help teachers better manage the emotional pressures of classroom teaching.
School counsellors have a role, too, and can help students to reappraise their past relationships with teachers.
This should help ensure that ambiguous teacher actions aren’t misinterpreted, and positive actions aren’t overlooked.
Officer Primary School provides your child with a traditional, inclusive, safe and healthy school environment together with high expectations for student success.
Every teacher knows every student and the principal makes an active effort to be visible and get to know each kid and their backgrounds.
Our staffing culture promotes a natural vibe of care, connectedness, and an engrained notion that students are at the centre of everything that we do. It’s all about the kids.
Our school has recently completed a school review and we have launched some big changes relating to learning, wellbeing, and engagement.
We have recently appointed a new Principal, Mati Azadzoi who brings significant experience working in both a primary and secondary school context.
Officer Primary School’s dedicated leadership team encompasses literacy and numeracy learning specialists, inclusion and wellbeing leaders and student engagement leaders.
We pride ourselves on our exceptional ‘Attitude to School Survey’ results which shows a very strong positive student endorsement across the school and about how students feel at the school in areas of teaching and learning, bullying, wellbeing and connectedness to school.
Overall, we have a very strong student voice body across the school and every student has an opportunity to take upon leadership roles.
We uniquely offer AUSLAN as a language across all year levels.
Our Student Enrichment Program targets high achievers along with students who re-
quire intervention support. Our classroom sizes are large and generally our class numbers are small.
For more information please check our new school website at officerps.vic.edu.au Please also contact the school to arrange a
private tour or seek more information about our unique programs and structures on 5943 2315.
Thinking about a secondary school enrolment for 2024? The Principal of Pakenham Secondary College, Mr Aaron Smith, invites you to consider Pakenham Secondary College for your child next year and beyond.
Our excellent reputation in the local community in best supporting our students with their learning and wellbeing continues to grow - we are a school that is ‘on the move’. We continue to make a number of changes in 2023, which will further benefit our students moving forward.
Our new College Motto, ‘We Grow Through Connection’ will best support our College Community in the years to come. Growth and improvement are linked to the positive relationships and connections we have with others. At Pakenham Secondary College, ‘We Grow Through Connection’, valuing the strong sense of community and teamwork that exists between students, families and self. Our new Motto aligns well with our SOAR Values of Social and Personal Responsibility, Opportunities for All, Achieving Personal Best and Respectful Relationships.
At Pakenham Secondary College, we are committed to positive relationships. We understand that student growth is linked to the positive and meaningful connections they have with others. As a College, we are dedicated to further improving the learning and wellbeing outcomes of all of our students by building respectful, positive and productive connections with our College Community.
Pakenham Secondary College strives to provide opportunities in areas important to our College Community - Growth in Learning andWellbeing, Sport, the Performing Arts, Student Leadership and Our Community. With a hardworking and dedicated staff, we are committed to working with our families to provide
as many opportunities as we can for our students in these important areas of the College. Importantly, our students are achieving some great results. In 2022, our VCE Overall Study Score increased significantly and many of our NAPLAN results improved. Many of our student survey results demonstrate that our students are positive about their experiences at
More kids can get active and grubby in school gardens thanks to extra funding.
The State Government announced in March that its annual grant to the Victorian Schools Garden Program would increase from $95,000 a year to $145,000 a year.
“I’ve seen first-hand how school gardens offer great opportunities for primary school students to learn in an outdoor setting, providing a tremendous boost to their health and wellbeing,” Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said.
“Sharing the importance of sustainable living and fostering a love of gardening is vital to ensuring that the next generation takes a hands-on approach to caring for the environment.”
Now in its 46th year, the Victorian Schools Garden Program has provided rewarding outdoor education initiatives to
generations ofVictorians.
The Department of Education and Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria have worked closely together to cultivate the program and grow its student engagement.
The additional funding will deliver school-based activities and on-site learning at 35 participating primary schools – benefiting about 3500 students. The program includes grants to encourage schools to start new gardens or improve existing ones; an awards scheme that recognises and rewards student and school community achievements; and professional development workshops for teachers and volunteers to learn the basics of running a school garden. The program also connects schools with horticulture industry experts to help with large-scale garden projects. Visit vsgp. org.au for more information.
Pakenham Secondary College.
With a rich 50-year history in our region, we are well placed to offer a personalised approach to teaching and learning ensuring that we work with all of our students to tailor individualised pathways that are important to them. We provide outstanding opportunities for our students in the classroom and as part
of our co-curricular program.
I welcome families to the Pakenham Secondary College Community. I very much look forward to showing prospective families around our great school as part of a College Tour - please visit our College Website at pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au or contact our General Office on 5945 1433.
Our Faith leads to Wisdom and Courage.
Our faith leads to wisdom and courage.
This motto is the energising source of all that happens at St Clare’s and is embedded in the ethos of the school, the curriculum we offer and the relationships we develop within our school and wider communities.
If you are reading this as a prospective student, parent, guardian or family, I invite you to visit us at St Clare’s and discover this dynamic learning environment and start the beginning of, what I hope will be, a life-long learning partnership.
Helen Staindl School Principal
Beer will again flow from the taps of the iconic Pakenham Hotel.
The historic pub - colloquially known as Purvies - dates back to the 1870s and had traded constantly under various incarnations until last month, when the current owners decided to pull up stumps. It was destined to be converted to childcare centre or professional or medical suites, much to the chagrin of many locals, until a deal brokered by Barry Plant co-principal Dan O’Loughlin to keep it as a going concern came to fruition this week.
The hotel has been bought by a consortium including members of the Deegan family, well known in the pub game locally, who operate the Central Hotel in Beaconsfield for many years and also have an interest in the Royal Hotel at Kooweerup and, until recently, the Cardinia Park Hotel in Beaconsfield.
“This is a great result for Pakenham,” Mr O’Loughlin said.
“It will come as exciting news for local people who know about the history of this old pub.”
A born and bred local, Mr O’Loughlin said he first frequented the hotel with his parents and then celebrated many occasions there - birthdays, sporting premierships and the like.
“I know I have a lot of great memories there and I didn’t want to see it turned into a childcare centre,” he said.
“I wanted to sell it to someone who could keep it open as a hotel.
“This is a win-win situation for everyone.”
The hotel was established in November 1879 to coincide with the construction of the railway line through the new town.
It first operated as the Gembrook Hotel and by the early part of last century had been renamed The Pakenham Hotel. In more recent times it was reincarnated as The Drave Tavern. It is believed the hotel will carry a new name when it reopens later in the year.
For more details on the sale and community reaction to it, make sure you pick up next week’s Pakenham-Berwick Gazette. Beer will flow at the
A Pakenham local has expressed her frustrations with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in receiving support for her two children.
Mandi Marchant is the co-owner of My Puzzle Place, an inclusive child play centre in Pakenham. She has two children with autism and other intellectual disabilities.
Mandi has spent many years liaising with NDIS for support with the care her children need.
For Mandi and many others who care for children with disabilities, these years have been a seemingly never-ending struggle where support is constantly questioned and essential funding and services are constantly at risk of being cut.
“It’s a battle, a battle with them,” she said.
“They drop it by a lot every single time, my oldest has been on NDIS for five years now and it’s every single time.”
NDIS organises funding and service through plans which commonly have oneyear terms.
Between terms, plans are reviewed by NDIS, where they can redetermine the level of funding and support over a time that can be as short as a year.
“The biggest problem it’s been with me is the inconsistency over time and the amount that they are providing based on the last plan,” Mandi said.
“Last review came back with less than half of the support that they actually need to learn and grow.
“The child has only gone from eight-yearsold to nine-years-old, it’s not a significant enough period to have learnt and grown and changed to then drop their services by half.
“They give you a new plan and say ‘a year later, we’ll give you half’, and you have to go back and do another review.”
For Mandi, each review seems to determine less funding than the last and the process to appeal the review is constant every year.
“Say, in January is your official review, then you put in for a request to review the review and that’s in three months’ time and you might get more back,” she said.
“You might get more back for that one based on what therapists have suggested, but in 12 months’ time you’ll do another review and then it will start all over again.”
The appeal of the review requires a time consuming and costly process for Mandi of providing never-ending documents and therapy sessions to get the NDIS to maintain the funding.
“When you’ve got kids that have psychology, speech and occupational therapy, behavioural support, I’m having to contact all of them for each child for new documents from them which then costs money out of the NDIS plan,” she said.
“I’ve just done a change of circumstance review now to try and get that funding, I know this time next year I’m gonna have the same thing again.
“I’m spending six months of the year fighting NDIS just to get basic needs met.”
Within reviews, there are smaller battles over what NDIS believe is and isn’t essential to support, according to Mandi.
One of the most costly aspects of care is therapy.
For Mandi’s children, up to five different private therapeutic practices are need.
“You’ve got all your therapies, they’re a necessity and NDIS is saying they won’t fund applied behavioural analysis (ABA) therapy,” she explained.
“They supported it last year on my child’s plan, he was doing ABA therapy.”
Despite the therapy already established with NDIS, they ask Mandi to provide a threemonth report for this year’s plan that proves it’s needed.
“They said to me if I can provide those reports then they might be able to fund it, so I have to pay for three months’ worth of this therapy out of my own pocket for them to accept that will help him in the long run and they will fund it - I can’t afford that,” she said.
This is just one example of the many battles Mandi has with the NDIS for her children.
One of Mandi’s children has speech difficulties and must use a communication device.
They currently cannot communicate at home because the specific device they have been using for years and currently at school has not been funded by the NDIS.
Mandi’s two children are seven and nine years old; at home support workers are needed for them to learn day to day activities.
“Helping with daily life, helping learn how to get his own clothes out of the draw, get dressed, brush their own teeth, those type of things, getting them to learn these habits,” she explained.
“And NDIS is like ‘that’s parental responsibility’, that’s their favorite word.
“I tell them this, I’m a single mum, I’ve got two autistic children, one likes to run away and they both have severe meltdowns, if I’m in the community and I have two children having meltdowns and one’s running off, which one do I save? You tell me.
“Because you won’t give me a support worker because it’s under parental responsibility for a minor.
“I understand it with a three-year-old, but they are seven and nine-years-old, it’s not typical for them to run away, to hurt people, to do dangerous behaviors.”
These decisions give the impression to Mandi that NDIS expects her to have no job, no income and to never leave as she cares for her two children all day.
“It’s like an insurance company, they make it really hard to get what you need so hopefully you’ll just cave and give in,” she said.
“It’s so impersonal, the person I speak with at NDIS locally she is quite personable and she understands, she is like‘I can put this in but it’s not my decision at the end of the day’.
“She just gives it to someone upstairs sitting at a desk who’s got no idea about the situation, never met one of these kids in their lives, none of them have.
“All they go by what is written on a piece of paper and then they ‘oh they want this, OK we’ll just halve it because we reckon that is reasonable and responsible’ and that’s it.”
Before the Gazette journalist met with Mandi, she was in a two-hour meeting with NDIS over a current review.
She thinks of the others who have to go through the same struggle, who she sees regu-
larly at her business.
“It’s circumstantial, if you have bite in you and you’ve got people on your side, people willing to help fight with you, I had two people in the meeting with me, the support coordinator and behavioural support practitioner to help fight NDIS,” she said.
“I know what I need to do to get those needs met, but other people, parents are burnt out, they don’t have the capacity to fight like this.
“A lot of other parents just can’t do it, they don’t have the capacity, they don’t have any support, they don’t have the people around them to help, so they just let it go and they struggle every day with this plan that is half of what they need.”
The Gazette reached out to the National Disability Insurance Agency regarding Mandi’s situation.
“The National Disability Insurance Agency’s priority remains ensuring participants and their families receive the disability-related supports they need,” a spokesperson said.
“We will continue to work closely with Mandi to better understand her concerns and circumstances.
“The NDIA is committed to providing a better experience with the National Disability Insurance Scheme, focusing on the six NDIS reform areas as outlined by Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten.
“The Government has also committed to a range of Budget measures to invest in the capability of the NDIA workforce and to improve NDIA processes and systems.
“This will mean the Agency can better understand the needs of participants so they can nurture better relationships, as well as provide more consistent decisions on NDIS supports and plans.”
Workers have hit the tracks over the past week on the Pakenham Line, working around the clock to remove three level crossings at McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road and build new stations at Pakenham and East Pakenham.
Since 7 June, hundreds of workers on site have installed more than three kilometres of temporary track and 5,600 sleepers in Pakenham.
Nine giant concrete segments have been craned into place to form the elevated rail line, as works continue on the new elevated structure and stations.
Buses are currently replacing trains between Berwick and Pakenham until Thursday 22 June as this work takes place.
Main Street will be closed at the level crossing from Monday 19 June to Saturday 24 June.
Continue to support local business in Pakenham by shopping local.
For the chance to win some great local prizes, the Level Crossing Removal Project team will host a Spin and Win competition, residents can head down and have a spin.
If you’re a Pakenham Line commuter or planning to catch the train to the footy on the weekend, allow extra time and plan your journey. View the disruptions map to find out if you’re affected.
The project will remove the level crossings atMcGregorRoad,MainStreetandRacecourse Road by building an elevated rail bridge over the roads, with six MCGs worth of community open space created underneath for everyone to enjoy in 2024.
New stations will also open at Pakenham and East Pakenham.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A serial violent offender is back in jail after an “unprovoked” attack on a woman living nextdoor in Doveton.
Bashkim Gashi, a 40-year-old cleaner with a long list of priors, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to intentionally causing injury to her in her home.
He was in a car outside as she returned home to meet another male friend in the early hours of 13 March 2021.
Gashi appeared to get upset when the victim told him not to talk to her friend and to get off her property, judge Amanda Chambers noted.
He spat in her face and threw a drink on her. His violence escalated when she hit him in self defence.
Gashi dragged her by the head with his hands around her neck, walked her into her house and threw her to the ground.
He punched her several times causing her to believe he wanted to kill her, as well as spitting on her again.
The victim pointed to a camera on the kitchen bench, telling him to “Smile you’re on camera.” Gashi struck her forcefully to the face with the camera, causing her face to bleed.
His parting words for the victim were she was a “dead girl walking”.
The woman was treated at Dandenong Hospital, requiring surgery for a lacerated lip. She also suffered a swollen cheek, bruised arm and cut finger.
Eligible residential homes and businesses can now connect to faster internet speeds in Berwick, Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield Upper, Clyde North and Cranbourne North.
On May 27 I went shopping at Cranbourne Park.
I stayed longer than I expected. Because I have trouble with my eyes, I can’t drive in the dark.
I went to my hire car but I couldn’t find it.
I asked an employee if security were still working, I said the car had been stolen.
To make a long story short, a woman suggested the guard drive my car and she would drive behind.
I got home safe and I would like to thank all involved.
A big thank you.W
Peter HeywoodIn sentencing on 20 June, Judge Chambers said the attack left the victim feeling unsafe in her “dream home”, and wracked by anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and less confidence.
It was hard to understand what triggered Gashi’s violence after previously “amicable” relations with the neighbour, the judge said.
Gashi’s “uncontrolled anger” wasn’t fueled by drugs or alcohol.
Raised in Dandenong, Gashi had a strong work history but a long list of convictions for assaults, family violence, rioting, violent threats, breaching court orders and firearm offences.
In 2019, he was jailed and put on a CCO after pulling a gun during a violent conflict against a person protected by an intervention order.
A further ‘combination’ sentence was not appropriate, particularly given his history of breaching court orders. Past jail terms also didn’t deter him from acting violently, the judge noted.
Judge Chambers noted Gashi hadn’t used illicit drugs since his most recent release from jail in March 2022 as well as his early guilty plea and that he’d been stabbed in custody in 2016.
His rehabilitation prospects were however “guarded” - and the “unprovoked” and “serious” attack on the victim in light of his violent history warranted a jail term with a non-parole period.
Gashi was jailed for up to 21 months, with a non-parole period of 13 months. His term included 363 days in pre-sentence detention.
What a delightful experience it was to witness the LetTeine Polynesian Dance performance at Cranbourne on 17 June.
The dancing, costumes, music and atmosphere of the event were all memorable.
My thanks and congratulations to all those involved in this presentation.
It is so heart-warming to see a group of people celebrating their cultural heritage and sharing the festivities in such a welcoming way towards the audience.
The Polynesian nation quietly goes about enjoying the wealth of happiness of its lifestyle, and in so doing, loudly shames those nations which contribute billions of dollars of their wealth to the international arms race.
Susan JanesResidents may be eligible to upgrade their National Broadband Network (NBN) connection to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or full fibre.
When customers order an eligible plan through their preferred phone and internet provider, they can get NBN fibre delivered to their doorstep.
Full fibre is NBN’s fastest and most reliable residential connection on the NBN network. It can deliver wholesale download speeds of close to one gigabyte per second, which can support things like simultaneous streaming of high-definition video, faster downloading and uploading of large files.
To further expand the benefits of fibre connections, the Federal Government has invested $2.4 billion to enable an additional 1.5 million premises to transition from Fibre to the Node (FTTN) to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) by 2025 – over 660,000 of which will be in regional areas.
“The NBN is a key investment in the nation’s future,“ Communications Minister Michelle Rowland MP said.
“Since 2009, the network has kept Australians connected, supported tele-health and remote education, and boosted economic productivity by expanding access to new customers for small businesses.
“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring that Australians get the full benefit of the NBN’s potential by enabling as many NBN lines to access full fibre connections as possible.“
The first tranche of eligible suburbs –
one million premises – were announced by the Government earlier this year.
“The Albanese Government’s investment to expand NBN fibre access is a gamechanger,“ said Holt MP Cassandra Fernando. “This announcement is an opportunity for eligible local families and businesses to enjoy the benefits of a faster, more reliable fibre connection.
“I welcome NBN Co’s commitment to supporting the families and businesses in Holt, and encourage the community to check the NBN website to see whether they are eligible for an upgrade”.
The Albanese Government said they expect around 80 per cent of all regional and remote premises will have access to plans based on wholesale speeds of 100 Mbps or more by late 2025. This was estimated at 33 per cent in March 2022.
It is expected 93 per cent of all Australian homes and businesses will have access to plans based on wholesale speeds of 100 Mbps or more.
As the most reliable residential connection, full fibre provides better support for things like super high-quality streaming, even when more people are online at once.
NBN consumer experience expert Jane McNamara said with more connected devices than ever before, there is increasing demand for faster and reliable internet from homes and businesses.
“The demand for faster and more reliable internet is the highest we’ve ever seen as the way Australians use technology continues to evolve,” she said. “This is being driven by trends such as hybrid work and study arrangements and an increase in online entertainment, such as streaming services and gaming, across multiple devices.“
Thumbs up
To the local homeschooling community. It’s growing each week. They organise so many catch ups, outings and excursions. This week they did a first aid course at the Cranbourne library.
Thumbs up
To people helping those in need.
Thumbs down
To the drivers who do not respect an emergency vehicle with lights and siren going trying to get through a major intersection, by stopping and or moving to the side, to let them keep moving forward safely.
Thumbs up
To the people who go out of their way to help find and return lost dogs. Thank you.
Thumbs down
To the crap drivers who get their licenses out of a cereal box and don’t know basic road rules.
Thumbs up To Nicole and all the others who helped homeless man Scott and his dog Razor find a home off the cold streets.
Thumbs down
To how racist a lot of people are and how open they are about it.
Thumbs down
To the people who dump rubbish, torch cars, kill wildlife and hoon in our street every week. No help from council or pwwolice.
Thumbs down
The cost of groceries and their continuing price rising!
Thumbs up
To groove train cranny shops they’re the best.
Thumbs down
To roadworks. We’re full of half completed jobs, and no end in sight. Wondering when they’ll finish the first before starting the next.
Thumbs down
When booking hard rubbish being told to keep it nice and tidy and its prohibited from people taking things from your hard rubbish on the nature strip (as stated by council) we should be given more than 2 free collections. I took ours out yesterday nature strip bare today.
Thumbs down
For the poor homeless man living back on the street after being charged & sent to court 5/05 for hitting a female. He’s back in his doona sleeping outside the doors at Casey Medical & cnr of Alexander St.
Thumbs up
To the businesses who took cash cos cash is king.
Thumbs down
To all those businesses adding charges for using Eftpos.
Thumbs up
To the removal of dumped rubbish near us and the provision of natives for our growing reserve and wildlife corridor.
Thumbs up
Casey Council for there continued works along Paterson drive (Barn Barn wetlands).
Thumbs down
For the new Harkaway road layer asphalt. Rates payers money down the drain. It’s like driving on a ladder.Very poor job!
Victorians are at risk of developing foodborne illnesses as some local councils, including Casey, are failing to properly inspect food premises.
A recent audit found the cities of Casey, Greater Geelong, Kingston, Manningham and the Hepburn Shire Council are not complying with their legislative responsibilities to enforce food safety and protect public health.
A damning report by the Auditor-General’s office released on Tuesday also shows public health officials are failing to keep track of which councils are meeting food sampling obligations.
Under the Food Act, councils are responsible for the day-to-day regulation of most food premises across the state.
However, the five audited councils did not properly assess food premises from 2018 to 2022 and inspection ratings were inconsistent, the report shows.
Workforce shortages and the COVID-19 pandemic were blamed for their inability to perform all the necessary checks.
By law, council workers are required to reinspect non compliant food premises or those with complaints against them at least three months prior to registration renewal, which they failed to do.
The Department of Health was also kept in the dark and not properly informed due to councils failing to report essential data.
The audit shows public health officials don’t know which councils are meeting their food sampling obligations.
The department, which is required to provide information and guidance to local government environmental health officers, does not analyse statewide results to assess risks to public health.
An estimated 600 million people around the world fall ill after consuming contaminated food every year and about 420,000 of them die.
There are about 4.7 million cases of foodborne illness in Australia each year, which costs the community $2.4 billion.
In 2021, there were 61,870 registered food premises inVictoria.
Police have charged a 13-year-old Doveton teenager with a string of offences following armed robberies in Melbourne’s East earlier this week.
Police have said a group of up to six teenagers entered a fast-food restaurant on Whitehorse Road in Nunawading at about 2.20am onTuesday 13 June, where they allegedly threatened staff with knives, stole cash and damaged the front window, before fleeing the scene in two vehicles.
Police said the teenagers allegedly entered another fast-food restaurant on Burwood Highway in Vermont South and threatened staff with weapons.
One of the vehicles was allegedly stolen during an aggravated burglary at a property on Fermanagh Road in Camberwell on Sunday 11 June.
Police arrested the Doveton teenager, as well as a 15-year-old teen from Springvale South and a 16-year-old Cranbourne teen, on Tuesday 13 June.
Police charged the Doveton teenager with robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of handling stolen goods, two counts of dealing with the proceeds of crime and committing an indictable offence on bail.
Police charged the Springvale South teen with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of handling stolen goods, two counts of dealing with the proceeds of crime, theft of a motor vehicle and committing an indictable offence on bail.
The Auditor-General has made three recommendations to councils and seven to the health department, with the vast majority of these accepted.
They include greater collaboration between councils and the department, implementing performance measures and improving consistency in councils’ compliance ratings of food premises.
Police charged the Cranbourne teen with theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of handling stolen goods, two counts of dealing with the proceeds of crime and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail. Police have remanded the trio in custody to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
By Corey Everitt
Residents can now now enjoy the new renovation to Coles in Heritage Springs Shopping Centre as its official opening was Wednesday 14 June.
Local shoppers may have noticed works being done over the last 12 weeks as a new bak-
ery and deli were constructed, as well as new fridges to the meat section.
These provide new additions such as a flatbread made in house, a new customer bread slicer, new scoop and weigh section, a new bar for pet treats and a new mochi freezer.
This overhaul provides a modern look and more space for stocking a range a goods.
Store Manager Alen Ramic says the renovation gives the store an needed upgrade for the area.
“The shop was a bit of an older shop, we have more houses going up around the area, it’s just to open up and get more people through,“ he said.
As an older store, there are many staff who
have been serving Pakenham residents for decades, Sue Campbell, Andrew Cleary and Viviann Macaloney will celebrate 33 years with the Coles team this year.
Coles in Heritage Springs is also seeking staff currently, looking to add 15 team members this year.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has warmly welcomed the Federal Government making lifesaving medications for people with opioid dependence more affordable.
From 1 July, all opioid dependence treatment medicines such as methadone and buprenorphine will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
This means these medications are covered by the PBS safety net, making them cheaper for all patients right across Australia.
It comes following the Government announcing a suite of measures in this year’s Budget to boost alcohol and other drug programs and treatment.
RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins welcomed the changes.
“It is great news the government has heeded our calls and made these drugs more affordable,” she said.
“People with opioid dependence need treatment and support, we gain nothing from throwing the book atA them and putting them in the ‘too hard basket’.
“These opioid dependence treatment drugs make such a key difference in turning someone’s life around because they act on the opioid receptors in the brain to eliminate withdrawal symptoms and relieve cravings.
“Ask anyone who has experienced opioid dependence and they will tell you how difficult it is to go ‘cold turkey’. Given these drugs are now on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme they are being mainstreamed and normalised, just like insulin for a person with diabetes.”
Dr Higgins encouraged GPs to be prepared.
“GPs play a vital role in supporting and prescribing opioid dependence treatment for their patients, and I’m sure many will be breathing a sigh of relief with the changes coming into effect on 1 July,” she said.
“I encourage all GPs to take steps such as talking to local pharmacies, preparing the move to PBS scripts, ensuring your patients have scripts to tide them over during the transition period and even just advising your patients that this change is a positive thing that
will save them valuable dollars.”
RACGP Alcohol and Other Drug spokesperson Dr Hester Wilson backed the president’s comments.
“This is a game changer for alcohol and other drug treatment in Australia,” she said.
“People dependent on opioid drugs such as heroin or oxycodone and whose health is at risk every day, will be able to access lifesaving medications at a cost they can afford.
“They will no longer have to pay a private pharmacy dispensing fee of between $5 to $15 a day, but rather just $7.30 or $30 per month.
“As reported recently, a key factor holding back more people from getting the help they
need is cost. Every life matters and people in communities across Australia with opioid dependence need help to get their lives on track.
If we can remove roadblocks, including cost, stopping them from getting treatment – it will save lives.”
Dr Paul Grinzi, a GP with 20 years of addiction medicine experience and author of a recent journal article outlining how GPs can help patients from all walks of life experiencing alcohol and other drug-related issues, also backed the changes.
“This is an historic move,” he said.
“It brings this lifesaving treatment for people of all ages into the mainstream and seeks to change the inequity of patients having to pay
significant fees for treatment.
“We should not be stigmatising people with opioid dependence and demanding that they go without the PBS safety net – that mindset is outdated and will get us nowhere.
“I believe this change has the potential to increase access to care and given a recent report highlighting that there were 1788 druginduced deaths Australia-wide in 2021, it couldn’t come at a more important time.
“People who have a problematic relationship with alcohol and other drugs, including opioids, need help and compassion. Judging them or making the cost of treatment beyond their reach doesn’t achieve anything and, in my view, diminishes us as a nation.”
Paediatric palliative care and its important role within the health sector has been recognised with new funding from the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.
The $1.25 million for Palliative Care Australia’s ‘Shaping the Future of Paediatric Palliative Care’ project builds on a growing awareness that palliative care for infants, children, young people, and their family’s requires a specialised focus.
“This investment by the Health Minister, Mark Butler, is timely because it means we can build on the hard work of the last three
Kerri Sawdon
Dental Prosthetist
years in developing the Paediatric Palliative Care National Action Plan,” says Camilla Rowland, chief executive officer, Palliative Care Australia (PCA).
“The Health Department has just given the final sign off on the Action Plan, so this new funding means we can get to work on some of its insights.
“The action plan is a roadmap for a national approach that provides guidance and direction on key priorities to improve outcomes for infants, children and young people living with a life-limiting condition.
“The strength of the Action Plan is the deep input patients, families, the work force, and other stakeholders have had in developing the final document,” Ms Rowland says.
The action plan was prepared by PCA in partnership with Paediatric Palliative Care Australia and New Zealand, with funding from the Australian Government.
“We are planning to launch the plan very soon and have it easily available to palliative care services and the wider health community,” Ms Rowland says.
“This is a first of its kind for Australia and there is a real momentum behind it.”
WiththeActionPlanapproved,PCAisnow fully scoping what the ‘Shaping the Future of Paediatric Palliative Care’ project looks like.
“To receive this new funding now means we don’t lose any of the knowledge, contacts, or energy of the action plan – we can build on it and grow its impact for the precious people it seeks to serve,” Ms Rowland says.
“Drawing on the voice of lived experience will again be really important to our work.”
High-quality, personalised and patient-focused urological care. Our main consulting rooms are located at the Specialist Centre, adjacent to St. John of God Hospital Berwick.
The surgeons at Melbourne Urology Centre are experts in using the latest technology including robotics and laser, to ensure you have the safest and least invasive treatment approach, with the best possible outcomes.
Our surgeons consult and operate at a number of private hospitals throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. We strive to treat patients as close to home as possible.
We pride ourselves on our approachable and compassionate nature. We understand the need to take the time to explain complex medical conditions in simple terms to ensure that you and your family are properly informed throughout the duration of your patient journey.
Melbourne Urology Centre offers:
· BPH, prostate enlargement treatment
· DaVinci robotic surgery
· Kidney stone treatment
· Cancer surgery
· Mens health procedures
Our team is comprised of Dr Shekib Shahbaz and Dr Tony de Sousa.
Dr Shekib Shahbaz is an Australiantrained urologist who grew up in Melbourne’s South-East. Dr Shahbaz is actively involved in teaching, research and ongoing professional development. His compas-
Always Hear was founded by Gerald Liew and Jacqueline Coyle after working together in a corporate audiology company.We knew audiology could be done in a much more compassionate and personalised way.We pride ourselves on our after care and ongoing support to ensure that no hearing aids get put into the drawer and never used!
Always Hear provides the very best hearing care available with expertise, passion and integrity to break down the barrier of stigma surrounding hearing loss and the audiology industry. We specialise in providing personalised hearing care for the local community.We are independent and unlike large corporate companies, we pride ourselves on maintaining hearing health and providing a unique personable experience for everyone, from the residents at ourhomevisitstotheirlovedonesandtheteam that care for them, along with every person that walks in our doors.
sionate approach and cultural awareness sees him well-liked by patients of all ages and backgrounds. He specialises in kidney stone disease, voiding difficulties, advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
Dr Tony de Sousa is an Australiantrained urologist who is well-liked by his patients for his clear communication, caring approach and attention to detail. His special interests include robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery, kidney stone treatment, treatment of prostate enlargement, PSA evaluation and prostate cancer, bladder cancer management.
Hearing loss significantly affects quality of life and communication with loved ones, and can often lead to frustration, isolation, and negative impact to cognitive health. At Always Hear we provide a comprehensive list of hearing services, including free hearing assessments, wax removal via micro-suction, hearing aid management and hearing solutions, diagnostic and employment assessments, doctor referral assessments, and custom ear plugs/moulds.
Always Hear is accredited by the Australian Government to provide fully subsidised hearing services and devices to eligible pensioners under the Hearing Services Program.
We provide in-home care at retirement and aged care villages surrounding our Scoresby and Officer clinics.We visit regularly to look after all the residents’ hearing health and current hearing aids at no charge as part of our partnership program.
The whole team at Always Hear love what we do, and every client is ourVIP.
We are always here so you can Always Hear!
A Narre Warren pharmacy is supporting women and families raising children in need as the cost of living continues to ramp up.
Casey Central Shopping Centre’s Blooms
The Chemist is offering two funding programs.
Launching in 2019, Women United is providing funding from community donors and customers, allowing them to receive free feminine hygiene and health and wellbeing products, while the No Child Left Behind program supports parents struggling to purchase pharmacy products for their children.
Owner Andrew Leslie said the Women United program has already provided more than $10,000 of support for women, while the No Child Left Behind program has supported more than 50 local parents.
“We feel this is what the community
needs,“ he said.
“It’s about finding what the needs of the community are.“
Mr Leslie said the programs support their wide customer base, covering Afghan refugees and young families.
“This is a diverse community,“ he said.
“Our staff speak over 10 languages.
“Thereisalotofin-needfamiliesandyoung families.“
Growing up in Newcastle near Sydney, Mr Leslie said he used to be a surfer at beaches along the coast, such as Redhead Beach, but said he fell in love with the NarreWarren community since buying the business back in 2017.
“I miss the beach, but I love the people in Melbourne,“ he said.
“I’m never going back.“
Police netted dozens of impaired, speeding and disqualified drivers in the South East during a King’s Birthday long weekend traffic blitz.
As part of Operation Regal, police detected 113 traffic offences in Casey and 105 in Greater Dandenong between Friday 9 June and Sunday 12 June.
Five vehicles were impounded in Casey, while 12 were in impounded in Greater Dandenong.
Most prolific in Casey were speeding offences (69), unregistered vehicles (17), disqualified and unlicensed drivers (9), drink or drug drivers (7),) and seatbelt offences (5).
In Greater Dandenong, there were 36 speeding offences, 20 drink and/or drug drivers, 21 disqualified and unlicensed drivers, 17 unregistered vehicles, nine disobeying traffic signs/signals and seven mobile phone offences.
Operation Regal targeted unsafe driver behaviour believed to be fuelling Victoria’s road toll of 145 as of 13 June.
This is up 37 per cent from the same time last year, and the largest since 2007.
In the lead up, Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Mar-
tin O’Brien said the “amount of trauma on our roads is alarming”.
“We are now at a critical point as to whether we can turn this year around and reduce road trauma – we are doing everything we can, but police cannot do it alone.”
Police identified speeding, impaired driving, seatbelt non-compliance, distraction and disobeying traffic signs and unauthorized driving as contributing factors.
They were a key focus for police during the long weekend operation.
Acting Assistant Commissioner O’Brien said it was “really disappointing“ to see the number of offences detected increase.
“It indicates that many motorists are continuing to take risks on our roads,“ 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.“
It’s the most wonderful time of year when Stringer’s Gorge comes alive.
We all know that waterfalls represent the process of letting go, cleansing, and the ongoing flow of energy and life and they are found everywhere in nature.
Join us on a spectacular journey through the gorge and witness the amazing power of the waterfalls running at full strength as they regenerate the gorge and bring out the wildlife in this beautiful environment. And, they are not always where you expect as on some days you will also see them coming out of seemingly nowhere on the rock face. Nothing is quite as amazing as the sights, sounds and smell of the bush during winter!
For a more unique experience, bring the family and join us on our Night Trains. They
commence their journey at Walhalla Station at 6pm and 8pm every Saturday night during August.
Travel through the gorge, over the iconic trestle bridges as the bush is lit up to highlight this amazing environment and the creatures that live within. Upon arrival at Thomson Station, enjoy a hot chocolate around the fire before returning toWalhalla.
Passengers are reminded to dress warmly and bring your beanies although rugs and hot water bottles will be available for use on the evening trains.
Upon arrival back in Walhalla, why not enjoy the warmth and cosiness of The Goods Shed Cafe while you enjoy a meal/snack and a drink.
With the snow season officially opened, RACV is urging Victorians to prioritise safety on the roads as driving conditions can become more dangerous during winter.
Over the coming months, weather conditions are more likely to change frequently resulting in wet, icy and foggy roads, making it harder to see, stop and navigate.
RACV General Manager Automotive Services Jackie Pedersen said it was imperative that motorists took a safety-first mindset to work together to reverse the tragic trend of lives lost onVictorian roads in 2023.
As at 8 June, Victoria’s road toll now sits at 140 lives lost on the year to date – up 35.9 per cent from last year. This is the highest number at this stage of the year since 2018.
“Even one life lost on our roads is too many – it’s why we need to take our responsibility to drive safely seriously,” Ms Pedersen said.
“Victorians will know all too well that weather conditions – and driving conditions – can change quickly, so it’s vital to plan ahead wherever possible.”
RACV has posted six tips for safe driving in winter conditions:
1.Slow down - travel just a little slower, even on roads you know well.
2.Keep an eye on the weather - Be aware of changed conditions and heed any weather warnings particularly when travelling in areas where extreme weather is more common.
3.Maintain a safe breaking distance - it takes much longer to stop in the wet, so extend
the distance between you and the car in front to at least four seconds.
4.Take care of your vehicle - ensure your car’s safety equipment, windscreen wipers, batteries, lights, and brakes are working correctly.
5.Check your tyres - Tyres must have plenty of tread depth (no less than 1.5 millimetres)
and no damage.
6.When in doubt, pull over – it is never worth the risk to drive in conditions you’re even the slightest bit unsure of.
“Motorists also need to keep pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycles at the forefront of their minds - they are much more difficult to see in low visibility conditions,” Ms Pedersen
said.
RACV has published tips for safe driving in snowy and icy conditions, with remembering specialised snow chains topping the list.
“Snow chains are a must-have when heading to the snow and you should make sure you test-fit them before you leave,” Ms Pedersen said.
Space Play enables children and adults alike to experience a joyful sense of interstellar wonderment at Cardinia Cultural Centre in June and July.
Wave your hands and a cloud of asteroids surrounds you. Fly down to the moons of Jupiter and pass by the rings of Saturn.
Team up with friends, run around the space and move the planets and the stars.
Space Play emerged from an ongoing collaboration between Box of Birds and the artists and technicians from the University of Technology Sydney.
Box of Birds is a collective of artists working together to launch the virtual world off the screen and into the play spaces around us.
The idea started with Box of Birds director David Clarkson about 2011.
“My nephew is a gaming designer and I was seeing the crossovers between the theatre and gaming,” he said.
He reached out to the University of Technology in Sydney and made contact with Dr Andrew Johnston, co-director of the Creativity and Cognition Studios.
They started “a long and productive relationship exploring these crossovers between gaming technology and theatre experiences”.
“We were a little bit ahead of the curve.”
David said the idea was “to get kids off the computer screen and playing in the world around us with the same technology and maybe theatricalise it a little”.
Space Play will run at Cardinia Cultural Centre from Saturday 24 June to Sunday 30 July.
“It’s about a half-hour experience. Some kids last 15 minutes and some want to stay for three hours and just play for endless hours,” David said.
He said it was best suited for children aged 3 to 13.
“Sometimes some older kids are too cool for it,” he laughed.
“But adults play with it as well.
“When we did it in Adelaide, everyone was up waving their arms, throwing asteroids.”
Visit www.cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au for more information.
Looking for an exhilarating family activity to beat the winter blues? Look no further than Phillip Island Go Karts. Nestled on the stunning shores of Phillip Island, this adrenaline-pumping attraction is the perfect destination for an action-packed day out with your loved ones.
One of the greatest advantages of Phillip Island Go Karts is that it’s open seven days a week, ensuring you can plan your visit around your family’s schedule. Whether it’s a weekend adventure or a midweek treat, you can rev up your engines and hit the track any day of the week. Say goodbye to boredom and hello to heart-pounding excitement.
The best part? This thrilling experience is not hindered by Mother Nature. Come rain or shine, Phillip Island Go Karts is open and ready for action in all weather conditions. Don’t let a little drizzle dampen your spirits. Grab your raincoats and prepare to race in the rain, adding an extra element of thrill to your karting experience. It’s an opportunity to make unforgettable memories together as a family, regardless of the weather forecast.
Safety is a top priority at Phillip Island Go Karts, so you can rest assured that your loved ones are in good hands. The meticulously maintained track and state-of-theart karts are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for drivers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time racer, the friendly and professional staff will guide you every step of the way.
Phillip Island Go Karts offers much more than just an adrenaline rush. It promotes friendly competition, encourages teamwork, and strengthens family bonds. This is an experience that will create lasting memories and stories to share for years to come.
So, this winter school holidays, grab your family and head to Phillip Island Go Karts. With its availability all week long and its readiness to operate in any weather, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable adventure that will leave you buzzing with excitement. Start your engines and get ready to race your way into an extraordinary family experience.
Experience the thrill at Phillip Island Go Karts!
Bring the kids to Pakenham Central Marketplace for some free school holiday fun. All events are free to attend.
Week 1 –Interactive Magic Show: Join Felix the Magician for a fun and very funny interactive Magic Show that kids will love.
Monday, 26 June
· Sessions at 11am and 1pm
· Located near Ozmosis
· No bookings required
Week 2 –Little Foodies Workshops: Little Foodies can create (and eat) their very own delicious masterpieces.
Tuesday, 4 July
· Donut Decorating Workshop
· 10am til 2pm
· Located near Ozmosis · No bookings required
Wednesday, 5 July
· Sushi Making Workshop with Tokyo Sushi Kitchen · 10am – 2pm
· Located near Ozmosis
Limited spaces, bookings required via centre website, www.pakenhamcentralmarketplace.com.au
Pakenham Central Marketplace will be abuzz with fun and free activities for the kids during the school holidays.
By Matthew Sims
Casey Council has put the future of a revitalised Bunjil Place Precinct into motion by endorsing the Bunjil Place Precinct Concept Master Plan.
At its meeting on Tuesday 20 June, the council approved the concept master plan for the project, which includes potential multirise residential apartments, a hotel, hospitality and leisure spaces, wellbeing facilities, a multi-deck car park and enhanced pedestrian access within the precinct.
According to the council, the online survey received a total of 139 responses with community feedback indicating “significant support“ for entertainment and dining uses within the precinct, along with broad support for education, healthcare, youth services and retail uses.
In their submission to the consultation process, the Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association expressed overall support for the proposal.
However, they also raised concerns about access to the precinct, ensuring future traffic, parking and public transport improvements are considered, while also expressing a preference for high-density residential development to be located closer to the Narre Warren train station rather than within the precinct
The council noted the feedback regarding parking availability has been noted and the draft Plan included provisions for any existing carparks to be replaced and consolidated along with new parking for future uses where required.
During public question time, Anne and Gayle Savige expressed their concern with the
“inappropriate survey methodology“ and noted their concerns with the availability of car parking and loss of trees and height of future buildings.
During the meeting, administrator Miguel Belmar said the concept master plan would guide the next steps over the coming decade in line with the aspirations of the community and the council’s planning scheme.
“The feedback generally aligned with the draft concept master plan, with concerns noted around car parking, accessibility, open space and over-development of the precinct,“ he said.
“We will have to replace any car parking that is lost.“
Mr Belmar said another highlight of the master plan was its inclusivity through quality disability access.
“We look forward to seeing it deliver exciting opportunities for the community,“ he said.
“It’s exciting to see what is an underutilised piece of land being envisioned as a major activity centre which will respond to the needs of the community.“
Administrator Cameron Boardman said the plan outlined plans to make the precinct a “driver for significant economic development“ for the community.
“It is not fit for purpose,“ he said.
“They would love to have other facilities which would allow them to stay longer in the precinct.“
“It is an exciting piece of work.“
To view the plan, visit conversations.casey. vic.gov.au/bunjil-place-precinct.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A South East serial hoon who scammed Government disaster aid schemes and treated roads as his “personal playground” has been jailed.
Dylan Desmond Milkins, 23, pleaded guilty to about 50 charges across two years including high-speed police pursuits, Federal aid scams, petrol drive-offs and a New Years Eve burnout in front of spectators on Belgrave-Hallam Road.
Milkins 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.
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 di
He told police that he’d come across the “scheme” on social media.
Defence lawyer Elarya George told the court that a regretful Milkins was unemployed due to Covid lockdowns and financially struggling at the time.
He’d repaid more than $9000 owed to the Commonwealth.
Among his illegal driving spree was a 36-second burnout dangerously near 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 vid-
dia account. He later told police he believed he was fully in control of his car at the time.
Milkins was also charged over a late-night 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 P-plater 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.
In April, he was arrested after breaching bail conditions banning him from driving.
On that occasion, he drove on the wrong side of the road and onto a footpath to evade police in Berwick.
In sentencing on 16 June, Dandenong magistrate Jason Ong noted Milkins had no prior convictions but a “poor” driv-
gard for road rules” and treated the roads as his “personal playground”. The disqualified driver put lives at risk with his high-speed driving despite being banned from driving under bail conditions, Mr Ong noted.
The magistrate noted Milkins was still young with “guarded” rehabilitation prospects. Jail was a last resort but Milkins had reached that juncture, the judge found.
At the forefront of sentencing was to send a message to other would-be offenders, Mr Ong said. Milkins was jailed for five months, including 86 days in pre-sentence remand.
It will be followed by two concurrent community corrections orders, including supervision, safe driving programs and treatment for mental health and drug issues. He was also fined $1000 and ordered to repay the remaining $15,450 owed to the Commonwealth.
Milkins was further disqualified from driv-
At Melbourne Youth Chorale we believe that everyone deserves the gift of music.
MYC’s unique Flying Free Choir capitalises on the emotional and wellbeing benefits of music and singing while exploring communication and socialisation skills.
Choristers learn through games, songs and other interactive activities.
The choir is open to children aged 6-12 who are both verbal and non-verbal and no music or singing background is required.
The Flying Free Choir enables children to learn music skills at their own pace, thoroughly and without overwhelm, as well as work towards specific learning goals in other areas.
Nicole, a parent of a Flying Free chorister, says: “Singing isn’t just a tune…it’s about the friendships, learning new skills, and most importantly, being yourself.”
The Flying Free Choir is on Wednesdays 4.30pm-5.15pm at Hampton Park Secondary College.
There are no set fees - Melbourne Youth Chorale operates on a ‘donate what you can afford’ basis. In some circumstances NDIS funding can be allocated to the Flying Free choir.
For more information, contact Kerry at manager.myc@gmail.com
Melbourne Equine Assisted Counselling believes in the power of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to bring about positive change and healing in individuals, couples, and groups of all ages. Located in Cranbourne South, they proudly offer their services to clients on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), ensuring that everyone has access to the support they need.
Founder and owner, Stephanie Milburn, is a highly qualified Trauma Counsellor and certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist.
With over 12 years of experience and training in mental health and disability support, as well as more than 22 years of horse experience, Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the practice.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapist, phone
Mission Australia: Empowering Individuals with Disabilities for a Life of Independence and Inclusion.
For over a century, Mission Australia has been at the forefront of providing support to individualsinneedacrossAustralia.AsaDisability Employment Service (DES) provider, they have been instrumental in assisting those with disabilities, injuries, or health issues on their journey towards independence through employment and training services.
Australia firmly believes in the potential of every individual.
They leverage their extensive network of employer and community relationships to secure suitable and sustainable employment opportunities for their clients. By placing them in stimulating work environments, Mission Australia creates avenues for personal growth and professional development.
However, Mission Australia’s dedication extends beyond job placement.
0434 437 637. Email: equineassistedcounselling@hotmail.com
web: www.melbourneequineassistedcounselling.com.au
Mission Australia’s commitment to their not-for-profit mission, driven by compassion and respect, is evident in their personcentred and strengths-based approach.
Recognising that a person’s circumstances should not define their future, Mission
They understand that sustainable change requires ongoing support. For at least 12 months, they continue to offer comprehensive assistance, ensuring that each client’s life-changing goals are achieved.
Grow 2 Be is a disability support day service with a difference.
Participants at the Pakenham-based service are offered a range of hands-on activities like art lessons and woodwork classes as well as outings on any given day.
They also have a chance to volunteer at a bunny refuge, a native-wildlife shelter and equine therapy, and offered courses such as Certificates II in animal care, CPR and first aid.
“We offer days out, where we encourage our participants to choose and research places they want to go,” director Heidi Faber said.
“We are different in that we cater every part of our day program to what our participants want to do, and what their specific interests are.
“They are in control of what happens, and we are teaching them life skills in the process.”
Since opening in 2021, Grow 2 Be has grown by positive word of mouth. Among the highlights are some participants gaining employment after work placements
organised by Grow 2 Be.
“We love seeing our participants having the opportunity to live their best lives and achieve their goals,” Ms Faber says.
“We want to support them to have fun while learning and enriching their lives.
“Seeing our participants so excited and thriving drive us to continue our work. The smiles on their faces and the positive feedback from participants and their parents alike want us to continue our work.”
The main goal for Grow 2 Be is to set up participants for a “bright and independent future”.
“This speaks to the heart of everything we do.”
Grow 2 Be is open 9am-3pm at 50 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham. Details: heidi@grow2be.com. au
South Eastern Play & Creative Therapies provides specialised therapeutic services that are neurodiversity affirming, trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate. Play and expressive art therapies can be particularly beneficial for children with learning.
We offer a range of services:
· Play therapy
· Art therapy
· Family play therapy
· Parenting support
· Therapeutic group programs
Q & A with an Art Therapist:
What is Art Therapy?
When it comes to helping children heal from emotional and psychological issues, art therapy
is often overlooked. It’s a powerful tool that can help children express themselves in a healthy, creative way. A range of different art mediums can be used such as painting, drawing, sculpting, collage and sand tray use with figurines. Art therapy can provide a therapeutic outlet for those who may find it difficult to express themselves through traditional verbal therapy.
What happens in an Art Therapy session?
In an Art Therapy session, the child is given a safe, non judgemental and supportive space which allows for self-expression to understand your emotions, behaviours and patterns. Your Art Therapist will work beside you, inviting you to create and express with art to encourage curiosity.
How can art therapy support a child with
learning disabilities?
Art therapy can help children develop a positive self-image and increase their self-esteem. Engaging in creative activities can lower cortisol levels, which is the hormone associated with stress so the art therapy process can help to reduce stress and anxiety in children. Through creating art and talking about their creations, children can develop and improve their communication skills. Do I need to be good at art to engage in Art Therapy?
There is no need to be‘good’ at art, as ArtTherapy is about your own personal expression and exploration through art modalities, there is no right or wrong! Additionally, everyone has the capacity to enjoy Art Therapy.
Sunrise2Sunrise is a Registered NDIS provider that does things differently. We take pride in offering professional services traditionally only provided in larger corporate Disability Support organisations, but take a personalised approach. We tailor our services to each and every participant and all our services are in accordance with the Disability Act 2006, NDIS Act 2013 and Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities act 2006. At Sunrise2Sunrise we’re about relationships - people always come first.
The Sunrise2Sunrise staff - or as we call them, our Life Changers - are selected for their experience in the Disability Support Industry. Our team are NDIS Rockstars, and support people’s lifestyles to help them find their strengths and abilities in a variety of settings to suit our participants needs. Whether it be through 1:1 community participation, in house supports or SIL/SDA accommodation. We strive for our participants at Sunrise2Sunrise to live their best life.
Sunrise2Sunrise is proud to be able to support participants who want to live independently. Participants who have SIL funding in their plan can access the SIL service.
The planning for SIL support uses a person-centred approach to help participants reach their goals while facilitating their culture, lifestyle and circumstances. The support is delivered respectfully in a participant’s home by Sunrise2Sunrise to advance skills for independent living.
Wazka Support Services: A Family founded, Support Services Provider supporting Victorian people living with a Disability or Mental Illness. We pride ourselves on providing the best support possible.
After being in the field for over 10 years I had hit a professional brick wall, I have held positions in large organizations for the duration of my career always striving to provide the best possible support to people living with a disability and/or mental health illness. I continuously represented these organisations attempting to fill a void I honestly never found the skill to do. Not because I didn’t love what I was doing but because I was always faced with the disappointment of having to fit in the box of the old framework. When I heard about NDIS and the great things it was doing for people individually, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the nationwide change it will create. Wazka Support Services is my platform for developing a group of people that hold the same values and same morals I hold when providing support to individuals. It has been a life-changing experience being part of this change. I provide my staff with the means to provide quality support to others. Wazka, is not an organization offering employment, it is a home to a family of people providing change, change to vulnerable people who need support to live an ordinary life. We want people living with a disability or a mental illness to strive to be the best possible “them” they can be.
When asked what supports we provide
Does your child need support to reach key developmental milestones or have additional needs?
“The earlier your child receives the right intervention or therapy to address their needs the better the outcomes,” says Sean Coleman, NDIS Manager atWindermere Child & Family Services.
“If your child is under 12 years of age and has a developmental delay or disability, they may be eligible to access Early Intervention and Therapy services under the NDIS,” says Sean.
we challenge the individual with the question of “What supports do you need?”, this is how we are different. There is no box to fit in, we adapt to your needs, this is the change that NDIS is supporting and so are we.
We run skill-building & social group activities, person-centered supports, and respite developed around your individual needs. It’s your life, your choice, and you are in control.
We are currently supporting individuals in Bass Coast, Cardinia, Casey, South Gippsland, Latrobe and expanding quickly to other parts ofVictoria, we have group facilities in the Korumburra/Leongatha areas and are excited to announce the opening of our New Facility in Pakenham at 9 Complex Close, Pakenham. Telephone 5655 2748 or 5662 0767 and info@wazka.com.au
When families access early intervention NDIS services from not for profit Windermere, they are assigned a keyworker as the one, easy point of contact to access support services. “A keyworker will draw from Windermere’s team of combined expertise and resources to provide you with the services and advice that you need,” says Sean.
While a keyworker can help with the range of supports, managing your NDIS funds can also be very complex and time consuming. An NDIS Plan Manager, also known as a Financial Intermediary, can take the stress out of managing the financial aspects of an NDIS plan.
Windermere’s Plan Management services provide a dedicated Plan Manager as the main point of contact who can listen to your needs and understand your specific goals.
“If you think having an NDIS plan manager would help you, all you have to do is to request for Plan Management services to be included in your NDIS plan during your planning meeting with the National Disability Insurance Agency,” says Sean.
Windermere is registered with the NDIA and provides a range of services such as early childhood education, homelessness support, NDIS supports and a range of early childhood early intervention services.
To find out more contact Windermere on 1300 946 337 or visit windermere.org.au
Opening next month at Slattery Place in Pakenham, The Bridge is opening its newest multipurpose site. Over 750m2, this site is offering day services (group community and centre-based activities based on the interests of participants), as well as School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) and transition to employment services.
This easily accessible site is ideally located close to recreational areas, shops, and potential employers:
· 150m from Pakenham train station
· 200m from the nearest bus
· Access to integrated services under one roof
Different types of services can be accessed at the same time to support independence through:
· Learning new life skills
· Being active in local community
· Employment readiness
· Employment opportunities
At The Bridge, our vision is to have a connected society where people of all abilities achieve their full potential. We aim to transform the lives of our participants through a wide range of services that support people with disability through connections in the home, community, and employment.
The Bridge is your local NDIS provider in Cardinia. When you choose The Bridge Inc, you begin a journey based on your interests and identified NDIS goals.
Call our friendly team on 1800 274 343 or email enquiries@thebridgeinc.org.au to start your journey today.
The Bridge is bringing NDIS disability services to Pakenham.
Tell us two fun facts about yourself!
I have sung for charity events in the past. The most recent event I’ve performed in was for the Tongue and Groove Virtual Open Mic event, which was aimed at helping raise funds for the Sahara Micro Relief Fund through the Rotaract Club of Nepal. The fund helps aid hospital expenses to people with financial hardships. I am also quite adventurous. I’ve crossed a few things off my bucket list such as paragliding, skydiving, and ultralight. I believe we do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves, and there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
What are you most passionate about?
I am really passionate about helping the community. I am the current president of the Casey-Cardinia Rotaract Club and am excited to organize future events that inspire, empower and help the community. I am also a strong advocate for mental health.
What do you love about what you do?
I like spreading kindness, positivity, and uplifting people to reach their full potential. I highly recommend the younger generation (18-plus) to join the Casey-Cardinia Rotaract club to help, learn, enjoy, and make new friends.
If you were a spirit animal, what animal would you be?
My spirit animal would be a phoenix. It symbolizes hope, rebirth, and transformation. When push comes to shove, they always rise from the ashes.
What would your last meal be?
Homemade food made with love by my mum. Mainly spicy fried rice with macadamia nuts, tomato chutney and sweets.
What was your most memorable moment?
I am really passionate about helping the community.Itgavemeimmensepleasuretoreceive recognition for all my work to help people in need. I have two memories that I consider to
a “little ray of sunshine“. I used to be bubbly and full of positive energy. I loved singing and dancing I used to organise small talent shows during family gatherings. What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I would like to witness the first time man walked on the moon (Apollo 11).
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
I would invite these inspiring women who made a difference in this world: Diana, Princess of Wales, Ada Lovelace, Queen Elizabeth II, Marie Curie, Michelle Obama and Malala Yousafzai. I would talk to them about their passions and ask them for their words of wisdom for the younger generations.
What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?
Currently I’m reading ’The Happiness Project’ by Gretchen Rubin. This book consists of inspiring ideas and tons of ways we can take a look at life and improve the little things. What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Caring, loyal and ambitious. Where is your happy place?
Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice runs fromWednesday 28 June to Saturday 1 July. Here are some facts on its history and significance of the Islamic observance for Muslim communities.
1
Eid-al Adha is the second of two Eid holidays for Muslim communities and represents the most sacred time of the year for Muslims as it marks the Hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty which should be carried out by all able Muslims at least once during their lifetime. Millions of Muslims travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia every year for Hajj.
2
be the most important to me. One was being chosen for the Cardinia Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year 2022 and the other was for winning the postgraduate industry experience expo, where I created a project ’Information Technology for social good’ to encourage young children to play physical activities/games for their physical and mental well-being during the pandemic. This project was very memorable and close to my heart.
What were you like as a kid?
I used to be an extrovert and would speak my mind. My parents used to describe me as
I like listening to music. I have Spotify playlists called ’Morning Moves’ and ’Hits Different’. They take me to my happy place and I get into a better mood.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
I would make traditional Newari food that is called Momo. It’s very addictive, I would highly recommend it.
Where is your dream holiday destination?
I don’t have a dream holiday destination as such but I would love to travel around the world one day. To visit different places, understand various cultures and traditions, and make memories along the way.
3
Eid Al-Adha is a festival with an atmosphere of peace, giving, respect, receiving, caring and sharing. It is a special time for families and friends to get together and share the love. During Eid Al-Adha, Muslims will be united in prayer at mosques and other venues. People will also share feasts and gifts, and many Muslims like to give to the poor and needy.
The word “Eid“ translates to feast or holiday in Arabic. The most common way to wish someone well during Eid al-Adha is to say “Eid Mubarak“, which quite literally translates to “blessed Eid“ in Arabic.
Narre Warren local Stephen Matulec is rallying the community to pressure Casey council to amend their meeting times.
The monthly meetings are currently held onTuesdays at 4pm, and Mr Matulec has started both a paper and e-petition to present to the council administrators in favour of changing this to 7pm.
“A lot of people are upset because they want to attend meetings but can’t because of the start time,“ Mr Matuelc said.
“Being a ratepayer I’d like to attend, but unfortunately I have to work at that time,“ local Cheryse Schembri said.
Casey Locals Wayne Delaney and Tony Jones said being “public servants“, the administrators should be providing council meetings with the highest availability to their constituents.
“It should be 7:30 pm so all can attend, they work for us not themselves,“ Mr Jones said.
“They work and are paid by us,“ Mr Delaney said.
Sotiria Stratis said 4pm is a “ridiculous time“ for the council meetings.
Casey local Elizabeth Kirkwood said the council plan their meetings to suit their “work days, time [and] staff availability“.
“Unfortunately regardless of what time or day it is there will always be someone who isn’t happy cause it doesn’t fit into their schedule,“ she said.
Emma Materne said she doesn’t see any benefit or difference to changing the time.
“You need to pre-submit your questions before the meeting anyway and in my disappointing experience, the entire question I put forward was reworded and summarised in a way that it was turned it into something totally different and pointless,“ she said.
“Which ironically proved my point- [the ad-
ministrators] aren’t accountable for anything.
“And 4pm just shows the community they aren’t inclusive of all- parents would not be able to attend for one, and if you were able to finish work earlier, you would still likely be stuck in endless traffic trying to get back into the area at that time anyway.“
Tania Sacco said she feels like Casey residents are the “losers“, being robbed of their “representation“ and “support“.
“Three administrators are being paid more than all the councillors put together,“ she said.
“They halved the meetings, and changed the time to one that worked within their work-
ing hours, rather than staying at a time where the general public could attend.
“Surely once a fortnight, time in lieu and a little common sense could have prevailed.“
Local resident Paul Mathew offered a solution, suggesting the council “change the day and time frequently, so to give the rate payers the opportunity to plan around it, so they can attend if they wish“.
South East Metropolitan MP David Limbrick, under whom Mr Matulec works, raised the issue of the council meeting time in a State Parliament meeting on 4 May.
City of Casey Head of Governance, Integrity
and Legal Support, Michelle Tipton says the council’s governance rules prevent the administrators from changing the meeting time until 2024.
However, Mr Matulec explained “The Local Government Act 2020 allows for Councils to adopt its own local governance rules“.
“Currently under Casey’s local governance rules, the meeting time cannot be reviewed until December,“ he said.
“But The Local Government Act 2020 60(3) says ’A Council may amend its governance rules.’.“
Mr Matulec said the council has the power the amend these governance rules at any time.
“Since the administrators have the power to change the rules, we want them to amend them as soon as possible to consider a better meeting time,“ he said.
While Mr Matulec is a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, he said the petition was something he decided to pursue for the community independently.
“I believe this petition should be above politics, because if people are being excluded, then we can’t even discuss politics or express our opinions,“ he said.
“Every other council in the area have their meetings at 7pm, so I don’t know why Casey can’t do the same.
“Is it because they want to knock-off at five o’clock or because they don’t want public attendance to criticise them?“
Cardinia Shire Council, City of Monash, City of Greater Dandenong, City of Frankston, City of Kingston and City of Knox each hold their monthly council meetings at 7pm.
Mr Matulec is hoping to be out and about in Casey gathering signatures for the petition.
“Check my socials for updates,“ he said.
The link to the e-petition can be found at https://chng.it/ZTqRLdLD
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 Playland & Cafe Princes Highway
• Pakenham - Mega Discount Party Shop Princes Highway
• Pakenham - Wild Bean Cafe (BP Service Station) Princes Highway
• Pakenham - Mercure Hotel Racecourse Road
• Pakenham - Racecourse Road Milk Bar Racecourse Road
• Pakenham - Cardinia Club Racecourse Road
• Pakenham - Lollipops Playland & Cafe Southeast Blvd
• Pakenham - The Cornerstone Station Street
• Pakenham - Village Way Cafe Lakeside Square Shopping Centre
• Pakenham - Lakeside Square Shopping Centre Village Way
• Pakenham - Urban Hype Cafe Cardinia Lakes SC
• Pakenham - Cardinia Lakes
V Public Notices and Event
Notice of change of name
I hereby wish to advise of change of name for my daughter's name from Purvi to Purvi Chaudhary. In all legal documents that carry my daughters name to be changed as requested. In regards Seema Devi (Purvi's biological mother).
Star News Group seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star News Group is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Sales skills/experience:
• Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones
• Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets
• Excellent listening skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Effective time management to meet deadlines
• Ability to operate in a team
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility
• Effective oral and written communication
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to:
Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
Star News Group is an innovative and dynamic media company located in Pakenham, Victoria. As a leading publisher of print and digital news, we are looking for a part-time Telesales Representative to join our team.
Overview
The successful candidate will be responsible for increasing revenue by selling our products and services to potential and existing customers via phone call. This is a part-time role with flexible hours.
Key Responsibilities
• Manage a portfolio of existing customers and develop relationships with new customers.
• Conduct outbound telesales calls to promote our products and services.
• Achieve and exceed sales targets and KPIs.
• Keep accurate and updated records of customer interactions and sales leads.
• Coordinate with the sales and marketing team to align sales strategies and campaigns.
• Telesales or cold-calling experience is preferred but not essential.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Results driven and target-oriented mindset.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to:
Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au
V Professional
to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.
The cobalt skies lied on Saturday afternoon.
You stepped out of your car expecting the kiss of welcome winter sunshine, but the swaying goalposts should have been the giveaway.
Instead you were thrust into the bitter chill of extreme wind blowing any hopes of a fair contest away like it was a strewn nomadic autumn leaf.
15.7 degrees Celsius didn’t stand a chance in the face of a wind chill factor of 7.5 degrees.
It was tough conditions to watch football in, and simply a minefield to attempt to navigate with a Sherrin, almost magnetically attracted to the scoreboard pocket of the ground.
When the ball spilled to James Harrison at half-forward midway through the last term, the vice-captain used all the trials and tribulations from earlier in the contest to think his way through the situation ahead of him.
With defenders closing and kicking with the conditions to negotiate, he lobbed the ball high in the air and allowed the wind to direct the ball through its intended destination to give a pushy and plucky Pakenham side belief.
From that point on, the charging Lions never looked back, kicking the final three of the contest to secure a character-building third win in four outings, that was as good a display of their growth and maturity as the win against Monbulk in similar fashion one round prior.
It took five minutes for either side to hit the scoreboard, and despite kicking against the elements, it was Pakenham who struck first through Jayden Silva.
Pakenham’s short, sharp and measured ball use going into the wind proved effective early in the contest, and remarkably they appeared to own the territory battle for much of the first term.
A costly 20 seconds to close the quarter, in which they conceded a goal at a stoppage to Brayden Baguley and then Jay Verhagen to a free-kick in the aftermath, undid much of their good work early in the term to find themselves down by two goals at the first break.
Two Pakenham misses to open the term was a marker of its intent early in the quarter as it looked to maximise the use of the elements.
The wind seemed to stir some animosity between the two sides, local neighbours but seemingly aloof from one-another in football contests, and Michael Firrito and Jordan Stewart took the opportunity to educate each other on the histories of their respective clubs.
The ball bounced between arcs and hovered on the far wing as those in the grandstand were forced to squint like they’d never squinted before, as free kicks and fifty metre penalties began to accrue for the home side out of frustration.
When it found its way to the near wing, a costly missed inboard kick from the Brookers fell into the hands of the dangerous Tahj De La Rue, who combined with Matthew Vaiano and Stewart to make the visitors pay.
A rare forward foray from the Brookers saw them take the ball the length of the ground and benefit from chaos on the goal-line for their fourth of the contest.
Miles Wareham’s shot from 30 metres fell short and into the switched-on hands of Verhagen, who from hard against the point post found James Moran on a better angle.
When his shot fell foul of the wind, it was Reece Pepi’s turn to be in the right spot, and was awarded with a free kick for a hold inside the goal square, where distance was not an issue.
Firrito avoided the wind chill by getting the kilometres into his legs and staying on the move, forced to play a Mr Fix-it role and finding himself behind the ball quite often as a result.
Channelling his role from the 2009 International Rules series, his flung leg prevented a goal to Vaiano late in the term, attempting an opportunistic kick off the ground from close range.
Kicking a wind-affected 1.5 in the second term, the lament was evident on Pakenham faces as they departed at the half, having not maximised the natural advantage.
Gembrook Cockatoo, on the other hand, for all their poor forward 50 entries, had kicked 4.1 to hold-sway by seven points.
When Wareham kicked the opening goal of the second half to push the lead to 13, with scoring at such a premium, it felt like 23.
But an off-the-ball free-kick to Samuel Kors, when the men in green were exiting their back 50, cost them dearly, as the midfielder took full-advantage of the poor discipline.
WithgoalsattheHighwayendoftheground as rare and hens teeth, the slip-up from the visiting defenders was costly, and amplified by the forwards not maximising their chances at the other end.
Long wayward shots were extremely ineffective for Gembrook Cockatoo, who appeared to abandon their forward system and simply hope its goal-kicking prowess would make sense of the situation when opportunities presented.
With just one goal in the third period, the
door remained ajar for a Pakenham comeback, a side that had done just that against Monbulk the week before.
An opportunity it took with both hands.
Harrison’s physics calculations broke a goal-scoring drought of at least half an hour for both sides as tension grew and grew in the fading sunlight.
Pakenham’s forward pressure was flustering even Gembrook Cockatoo’s senior heads, in Dean Smith and Firrito, who both made costly mistakes deep in defence leading to shots on goal.
Sealing the result was forward-come-defender Tom Gamble, who returned to his native habitat to kick two goals out of the ruck, having played on the dangerous Wareham for much of the day at the other end.
Ash Green was delighted with what his side produced, having won consecutive games for the first time in 2023.
“We had a really good win against Monbulk two weeks ago and it was really important that we played well again today, just for the learning experience,” Pakenham’s coach said.
“Conditions weren’t as good as we would like it, so it just turned into a real arm-wrestle.
“Hopeful they learned a bit out of that today and we can take it into our following game against Olinda Ferny Creek.
“It gives guys a bit of confidence too, with the young group that we’ve got.”
A rocky start to the season is beginning to bear fruit, having weathered a storm of injuries to key players in Stephen Moray, and both Debruins in Matt and Cam, while facing the two grand finalists in the first two weeks.
Green attributes the chemistry and time spent together on the track to the mid-season revival.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who haven’t played
Cardinia Storm has extended its undefeated streak to five games with a 1-0 win over Knox on Saturday afternoon.
Bridie Dillon scored the only goal of the match to propel her team to victory.
The recent run of hot form, which has included four wins and a draw, has taken the club from a battler in the first third of the season to premiership fancy.
The current results seem a truer reflection of the group’s talent, with the early re-
sults attributable to the challenges of being at a new club together.
The Storm sits a point behind ladderleaders St Bede’s, but needs to keep winning given just two points separate first and fourth on the ladder.
While there was belief from some that there was the ability to compete at a higher level, the club took the conservative route to play inWomen’s Pennant D East aware of the off-pitch challenges that come with a club in its infancy.
Next up is a trip to Mentone which shapes as a genuine six-point clash.
Results: Cardinia Storm 1 v Knox 0,Waverley 1 v Monash University 0, MCC 1 v Mentone 6, St Bede’s 6 v Hawthorn 2.
Ladder: St Bede’s 18, Mentone 17, Cardinia Storm 17, Waverley 16, Knox 12, Monash University 12, Hawthorn 4, MCC Hockey Section 4.
Fixture: Waverley v MCC Hockey Section, Knox v St Bede’s, Mentone v Cardinia Storm, Monash v Hawthorn.
a lot of footy together, and I think that’s the most important thing: more time together,“ he repeated.
“That’s training, game day and away from the footy club.
“It’s more about utilising that time we have with them, and we don’t have a lot of time with them, but doing the most we can with them.
“Having ‘Jock’ Holland involved, having Tom O’Loughlin involved, Dean Tyrell, those guys have got a lot of experience and can help these guys.
“They prepare well, and credit where credit’s due, they’re playing good footy.
“We have patches where we play well and some where we don’t play well, and it’s about bridging the two.
“And that’s our challenge as a coach to the players.”
For Gembrook Cockatoo, its up-and-down season continues as consistency alludes them in Premier Division.
Only Narre Warren and Upwey Tecoma have beaten them by more than the 19 points that Pakenham won by, but close losses to Pakenham and Olinda Ferny Creek, and narrow wins over Upwey Tecoma, Monbulk and Woori Yallock, make it hard to assess their season to date.
PAKENHAM 1.1 2.6 3.7 7.12 (54)
GEMBROOK COCKATOO 3.1 4.1 5.5 5.5 (35)
Pakenham Goals: Tom Gamble 2, James Harrison, Samuel Kors, Joel Sarlo, Jayden Silva, Jordan Stewart. Best: Jake Barclay,Tahj De La Rue, Jordan Stewart, James Harrison, Jayden Silva, Tom Gamble.
Gembrook Cockatoo Goals: Konner Allcott, Brayden Baguley, Reece Pepi, Jay Verhagen, MylesWareham. Best: Michael Firrito, Brayden Weller, Konner Allcott, Aaron Firrito, Callum Bourne, Joshua Tilly.
A win over Gembrook Cockatoo at home on Saturday has taken Pakenham’s A Grade netball purple-patch to three wins in its last four contests.
A steely defensive performance, in which the Lions conceded their lowest score for the campaign, was the catalyst for the 41-24 victory at home, with both sides forced to deal with a strong wind that made life tricky for goalers at either ends of the court.
The Brookers moved the ball quickly from the centre pass in the first quarter in an attempt to catch Eliza Molino and the Pakenham defence out of position.
The Lions for their part, were more patient and precise with their ball movement, and their restraint was ultimately rewarded as the quarter played-out.
Gembrook Cockatoo went scoreless in the final five minutes of the opening quarter as Molino’s height forced errant passes from the midcourters, with many sailing over the base line and out of bounds as the home side led by three at the first break.
As the wind intensified in the second, no side was able to hit the scoreboard until Katie Alford cut Pakenham’s lead to two after four minutes of play.
The difficulties in scoring would typify the afternoon for the team in green, as it has their entire season, being the lowest in the division for goals scored.
From a steady approach in the first quarter, the Lions roared to life with slick movement from one end of the court to the other, taking advantage of the number of turnovers their opponents were committing with ball in hand.
Leilani Pokia’s goal on the half time siren pushed the lead to double figures at the long break, giving the Brookers a big task in
the second half.
A positional switch saw Pokia taken off and Molino thrust into the role of goal shooter after half time, where she adapted instantly, scoring two goals in the first minute of play.
She formed an instant connection with Bella Templeton at Goal Attack, who played her first A Grade match for the season, and maximised the scoreboard pressure on
With finals only two weeks away, the mix of the top four in the South West Gippsland Darts League is all-but assured, with the remaining two rounds to dictate the placings.
Five of the top six sides (26ers had a bye) faced the bottom five, making for a slew of lopsided results in round 20.
Afforded the opportunity to bank some critical percentage, Just Social,Warriors and Paky One all took considerable advantage.
In a contest between first and second last, Just Social thrashed Fore 14-1, taking their percentage over the 300 mark and maintaining their stranglehold on top spot.
Warriors hold on to second with a 12-3 victory over Mud Rats, while Paky One went one-better against Hoodies in a 13-2 triumph.
Paky One andWarriors are doing all they can to ensure their fate is not in anyone else’s hands, as the two sides set to have their second scheduled bye in the remaining two weeks.
The ramifications are significant for
Paky One, who could be forced to rely on percentage to hold on to fourth, should they lose next week and 26ers win their remaining two.
Warriors, meanwhile, could slip to as low as fourth if they those their remaining two and both Snipers and Paky One win, but hold the strongest percentage of the three.
Snipers’ and Rebels’ 10-5 victories over Bullseyes and Gembrook, respectively, were the closest results of round 20.
Dean from Snipers stole the show with not one, but two 180s in a stunning performance.
Results R20: Snipers 10 v Bullseyes 5, Rebels 10 v Gembrook 5, Paky One 13 v Hoodies 2, Warriors 12 v Mud Rats 3, Just Social 14 v Fore 1.
Ladder: Just Social 64, Warriors 60, Snipers 56, Paky One 56, 26ers 48, Rebels 44, Gembrook 24, Bullseyes 20, Mud Rats 16, Fore 12, The Hoodies 0.
Fixture R21: Bullseyes (8) v Gembrook (7), Paky One (4) v 26ers (5), Just Social (1) v Snipers (3), Rebels (6) v Mud Rats (9), Fore (10) v Hoodies (11).Warriors - Bye.
their struggling opponents.
Late in the third quarter the margin grew to 18 points before a pair of Gembrook Cockatoo goals cut it down to a more respectable 16 at the last break.
With Gembrook Cockatoo unable to make significant headway into the margin, Pakenham held their opponents at arms-length for the remainder of the contest.
Pokia returned to the action in the last quarter and helped increase the margin to 20 goals late in the piece, before the visitors scored the final three of the match.
Briar Brown played an excellent game at wing defence, while talented youngster Evie Drake provided a spark off the bench. For the Brookers, Jordan Reynolds led the attack with 11 goals.
They didn’t quite get the chocolates in their NRL Victoria Second Grade Men’s clash - but the Pakenham Eels can finally hold their heads high after a battle with ladder-leading Casey Warriors this season.
The Eels, smashed 50-4 in the season opener against the Warriors, and walloped 62-6 at Casey Fields in round six, showed far more resilience in a 26-10 loss at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
In a typically passionate affair between the two clubs, the Warriors started in fine fashion before the Eels raised the intensity in the middle stages of the match.
Both teams had players sent off, with Atueta Daulava being despatched for the Eels in the 22nd minute of play, before the Warriors lost Jeremy Broughton just 17 minutes later.
The Eels, coming off back-to-back wins against Eastern and Waverley, capitalised on Broughton’s dismissal, with Damascus Lota scoring a short time later – after 40 minutes –with Dominko Tuau judging the strong breeze well to send through the conversion.
And when Siale Kautai crossed just three minutes after Lota, the Eels had a real sniff of victory.
But fine margins can make the difference between the good times and the bad.
The Eels had opened up the Warriors defence once again, and looked set for a gamelevelling try, before a forward-pass call from the line judge brought the ball back into the Warriors possession.
This gave momentum back to Casey, against the run of play, with the visitors scoring quickly from the restart.
The Warriors capitalised even further with two more tries kicking the margin out to 16 at the final siren.
TheWarriors head to third-placedWaverley this week, while the Eels will look to bounce back strongly with another home match against Sunshine Cowboys at Comely Banks
Rec Reserve at 2.20pm this Saturday.
It was a tough day for the Eels, with the under 18 and under 16 teams both suffering defeat at the hands of Truganina.
The 18s were no match for the Rabbitohs, losing 44-6, while the 16s were far more competitive in a 26-6 defeat.
Results R9: Pakenham Eels 10 v CaseyWarriors 26,TruganinaRabbitohs8vSunshineCowboys 24, Eastern Raptors 6 vWaverley Panthers 42.
Ladder: Casey 16, Sunshine 12, Waverley 10, Eastern 8, Pakenham 8, Truganina -2.
Fixture R10: Pakenham v Sunshine (Comely Banks Recreation Reserve, 2.20pm), Waverley v Casey, Truganina v Eastern.
