News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 27th July 2023

Boost for kinder

By Eleanor Wilson

Little learners in Pakenham are set to benefit from a new kinder facility, thanks to a shared $20.5 million State Government package into early childhood education.

Early childhood and pre-prep minister Ingrid Stitt visited Kurmboon Family and Child Centre in Officer on Wednesday 26 July to announce a $9 million contribution to the Thewlis Integrated Child and Family Centre (interim name).

Pakenham MP Emma Vulin, Cardinia Shire Council mayor Tammy Radford and Central Ward councillor Collin Ross were also in attendance for the announcement, which coincided with the official launch of the new Kurmboon Family and Child Centre.

Built in partnership with Cardinia Shire Council, the Thewlis centre will include a four-room kindergarten and three consulting rooms, providing space for maternal and child health services, playgroups and parenting programs as well as allied health services and wellbeing programs.

The new centre will be located next to Pakenham North West Primary School (interim name) when it opens in 2025 and will provide up to 132 kindergarten places for three- and four-year-olds – with the aim to help families ditch the double drop-off and make the transition to school easier.

Minister Stitt said Pakenham was chosen as one of three funding locations due to the fast growing nature of the area.

“We do our planning based on where we know the forward demand is going to be for places,” she said.

“This is a huge growth corridor and it is one of the priority areas for the Government to make sure there are enough kinder places over the journey of the whole reform, which is over 10 years, so we’re not only looking at where we need new builds but also where we might need to upgrade existing kinders as well.“

The investment is part of the government’s Building Blocks program, which also announced investments for two other kindergarten projects in growing communities across the state.

A further 231 kindergarten places will be provided from the partnership in the local government areas of Greater Bendigo and Mildura through a combined $11.5 million investment in new and upgraded facilities.

Marong Kindergarten, west of Bendigo, will receive $5.5 million to expand the existing service by up to 99 places by creating three additional kindergarten rooms and space for community services and family engagement.

Mildura Rural City Council will receive $6 million to create 132 places at Red Cliffs Kindergarten by transforming it into an Integrated Children’s Centre with kindergarten rooms, consultation rooms, toy library facilities and multi-use spaces all under one roof.

The Kurmboon Child and Family Centre opened to families late last year and offers a 66 place kindergarten service conveniently located next to Orchard Park Primary School.

Minister Stitt said the State Government was “absolutely serious“ about providing Victorian children with the facilities they need to thrive and looked forward to seeing children at Kurmboon “start their education journey on all the right notes“.

“This is a beautiful building and I know it will also really help teachers and educators to deliver their programs, having the fantastic facilities and the flexibility of the indoor outdoor design and so on“.

Pakenham MP Emma Vulin, Early Childhood and Pre-Prep minister Ingrid Stitt and Cardinia Shire Council mayor Tammy Radford outside Kurmboon Child and Family Centre. 350048

Picture: ELEANOR WILSON

Tuck’s CTE severe, inquiry told

Joy still serving up the smiles

Ranking our riskiest roads

Lions do it for ‘Polly’

Tuck’s CTE severe: Inquiry

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Shane Tuck showed signs of decline from multiple head-knocks early in his storied 173game AFL career, a Coronial inquest has heard.

Tuck, 38, died with severe stage-three chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

His affliction however couldn’t be definitively diagnosed during life, the hearing was told on 19 July.

A CT brain scan in 2009 produced a normal result.

And despite psychiatric treatment, Tuck was tormented by voice hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and depression.

He took his life at his parents’ Berwick home on 20 July 2020.

State Coroner John Cain is investigating the links between Tuck’s head injuries during football and boxing and CTE.

He will look at whether AFL and boxing’s approach to the risk of CTE is “reasonable and proportionate”.

Counsel Assisting the inquiry Gideon Boas told the inquiry on 19 July that the signs of Tuck’s decline were noticed by wife Katherine as early as 2006.

After head knocks in games for Richmond Football Club, he would retire to bed early, suffer headaches and not appear to be himself.

In 2010, he reported residual problems with concussions, dizziness and forgetfulness.

He was treated for depression, anxiety and heart palpitations, as he became disengaged from Katherine and their two children.

He started to believe he was ‘letting God down’ and having trouble sleeping.

After retiring from football in 2013, Tuck quit an apprenticeship and fought four times as a professional boxer.

In his first bout in 2015, he suffered a‘severe knock out’, lost consciousness and was admitted to The Alfred hospital’s emergency department with a brain hematoma.

Soon after he reported suicidal thoughts.

He was cleared to fight again after two‘normal’ MRI scans.

In 2018, he first reported hearing voices telling him not to eat, and he started drinking heavily.

After suicide attempts and auditory hallucinations, he was admitted to psychiatric units, including Casey Hospital in April 2020.

Tuck was prevented from leaving Casey due to hearing voices commanding him to kill himself. He was discharged in May after agreeing to get counselling and take medication.

A month before he died, Monash Health was contacted by Tuck’s mother about him “actively and loudly responding to voices”.

The Continuing Care Team assessed this as “part of the fluctuating course of Shane’s psychotic symptoms”, Mr Boas said.

At the time, Tuck was on a 26-week community treatment order while living with his parents and being treated by the Continuing Care Team.

There were plans for a neurology assessment and MRI brain scan.

Monash Health’s procedures have since been updated to insist that such clinical deteriorations as reported by Tuck’s mother are “escalated” to the consultant and/or team manager.

State Coroner John Cain said he was “sat-

isfied” that he did not require to investigate Monash Health any further.

Mr Boas cited CTE as an “increasing public focus” with high-profile cases such as Tuck and other late footballers Graeme‘Polly’ Farmer, Danny Frawley and Heather Anderson.

Studies suggest that at least 17 per cent of people suffering repetitive concussions or mild brain injuries develop CTE.

“The severity of the disorder appears to correlate with the length of time engaged in the sport and the number of traumatic injuries.”

CTE is associated with not just concussions but repetitive head trauma without symptoms, Mr Boas said.

Most concussions happened in community sport and were not reported.

The Australian Sports Commission estimated at least 100,000 sport related concussions in Australia each year.

By the age of 10, one in five children were concussed. And 25 per cent of those happened in sport.

At the inquest, US neurosurgeon Dr Robert Cantu said that the AFL was doing a “very fine job” in identifying and treating concussion. However, sub-concussive hits also contribute to CTE, he said.

“Hits that don’t cause symptomatic brain injury also can contribute to CTE and do contribute to CTE. And those are the majority of hits that somebody takes over their career.

“The number of contests you play would increase your risk for CTE cumulatively if you played enough years.”

In cross-examination, the AFL’s lawyer Mr Ihle posited that the game’s rule changes for “high contact infringements”, as well as in tribunal guidelines, were minimising head impacts.

Dr Cantu replied: “My interpretation to them was that they were trying to reduce concussion and the focus was not so much reducing the amount of head contact that was occurring.”

Local builder joins the worrying wave of collapses

By Matthew Sims

A South East construction company has become another casualty in the string of largescale builders recently entering liquidation.

Based in Upper Beaconsfield, Kleev Homes went into liquidation earlier this month with debts totalling about $3.3 million.

B&T Advisory director Travis Pullen said he was appointed as the liquidator on Wednesday 5 July by the resolution of the company’s sole shareholder.

“Kleev Homes ceased traded shortly prior to my appointment, with five uncompleted projects across Melbourne,“ he said.

“The focus on my initial investigations is ascertaining what assets may be available for

the benefit of creditors, including outstanding employee entitlements.

“I am yet to complete my investigations regarding the reasons for the company’s failure, but as many will be aware, the residential construction industry has struggled with the pressures of dealing with rising costs and labour shortages, resulting in fixed price contracts becoming unprofitable.“

Mr Pullen said he had begun investigating the circumstances leading to the company’s liquidation ahead of a report due by Thursday 5 October.

“I am required to report further to creditors within three months of my appointment,“ he said.

“This report will provide further informa-

tion regarding my investigations into the failure of the Company, asset realisations, and whether a dividend will be paid to creditors.“

According to Kleev Homes’ now-defunct website, its former director James Kleverlaan has “worked in the building industry for 28 years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience with high end custom designed projects“.

“The team has undertaken approximately 180 projects ranging from bespoke renovations and additions, to units and large custom built residences,“ the website read.

Registered in October 2006, the company has received a number of awards, including Young Master Builder of the Year, MBAV Best Custom Home $800,000–$1,000,000 and HIA South East Victoria Best Custom Home

$500,000–$1,000,000 in 2011.

Mr Kleverlaan also received the award for Young Builder of the Year at the 2011 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Construction Awards.

The most recent liquidation followed on from Hallam-based builder Rawdon Hill winding up on Thursday 25 May and Porter Davis going bust in late March.

Rawdon Hill had been promoting its “thriving” business just a day before going into liquidation.

Customers were plunged into turmoil when Porter Davis folded, leaving more than 1500 unfinished homes in Victoria.

Other builders such as Interface Constructions have also since collapsed.

Shane Tuck training with Richmond Football Club in Beaconsfield in 2013. 93128

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Terror of masked intruders

By Corey Everitt

Pakenham residents were awoken in the early hours last week as a masked individual conducted suspicious activity and broke into cars along a residential street.

Around 4am on Wednesday 19 July, multiple incidents were reported on social media and to the police along Wakenshaw Crescent in Pakenham.

Resident Michael Donaldson was awoken at this time to a notification of someone at his doorstep.

His security camera caught footage of a masked individual approaching his front door.

“I was asleep and my wife was downstairs getting a coffee because was having trouble sleeping,” he said.

“As she was coming back upstairs, I was awoken to a notification that someone was out front and I saw the video and it’s this guy that comes up to the door.

“I said to my wife, stay up and I went down stairs and peaked out the window until it seemed sure he wasn’t coming back.”

The footage captures a man in a ski mask with an unknown object in his hand.

“I had no idea what it was, people online said it was a knife, but with camera I can zoom in and get a look at him and it had something on it that was blue, I couldn’t make anything else,” Michael said.

The individual appears to try the handle before promptly walking away.

It was later on in the day when he posted the video to social media and reported the incident to the police that found out other incidents occurred.

“I rang and told the police, and they said someone else was broken into on my street so they wanted the video because it was certainly connected,” Michael said.

“Sounds like it might be a group of guys, two cars that I know of got broken into on my street.

An anonymous participant on the facebook group, Pakenham Crime & Theft, captured a masked individual on Duncan Drive breakingin to their car at around 4am.

The footage also captured a silver sedan that was reported to be used by the individual.

Michael’s family is rattled by the event.

“My wife is scared now, doesn’t think she will sleep tonight, my son says he’ll bash him.

“My kids were kinda scared, my youngest said we should do some wrestling moves, which I had to explain isn’t the best thing to do.”

In response, they installed a new lock and recommended others in the community take vigilance on their property.

“We just have the cheapest lock around, so we went to Bunnings today to get a more expensive one, mainly because my wife wanted to,” Michael said.

“I keep the curtains drawn, don’t like people looking and I keep the front light on during the night because if anyone is around you are better off being able to see whatever is in the yard, rather than just them seeing you and you can’t see them.

“I recommended it, especially with a doorbell camera.”

If you have any information or incident to report you should contact Pakenham Police Station on (03) 5945 2500.

Joy has been serving up the smiles for 25 years

By Eleanor Wilson

When Gembrook’s Joy McLeod applied for a job at McDonald’s, she was looking for a chance to separate her role as a busy wife and mother of two.

That was November 1996, when a Big Mac set you back $2.50 - a third of today’s price. More than 25 years later, the drive-thru crew member continues to deliver service with a smile at the Princes Highway fast food restaurant.

“I wanted to earn additional money, alongside gaining additional personal

achievements, and felt a role at McDonald’s would help me achieve this,“ she said.

The hospitality champion originally applied for a maintenance position at the store in 1997, but the restaurant manager was eager for her to work in a customer facing role.

Joy worked as a customer experience crew member for several years before a personal knee injury saw her transition to a position in the drive-thru, to accommodate for her limited movement.

She said her favourite part of the job was seeing her regular customers who visit her.

“Some recall seeing me in the restaurant when they visited as children, and now they visit drive-thru as adults with children of their own,” she said.

“I enjoy talking to all the customers and meeting new people; I think I have a great relationship with our customers, treating them like friends.“

Pakenham McDonald’s general manager Scott Marshall said Joy was a valuable member of the team.

“She is warm, friendly and always brings a smile to customers’ faces,” Mr Marshall said.

“When Joy is not in, or is on her break, we have customers asking where she is.

“She has developed a relationship with customers over the years, memorising their orders so when they arrive in drive thru, she has already put through their order!”

He said long-standing employees like Joy play an important role in the many changes McDonald’s has experienced throughout its 52 year history in Australia.

“They are a wealth of knowledge for our junior crew members and provide great onthe-job training and coaching,” he said.

Joy has been working at Pakenham McDonalds since November 1996. 347487

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERSPakenham McDonald’s General manager Scott Marshall with Joy McLeod. 347487

A masked individual was captured approaching a resident’s house in the early hours during reported car break-ins. Picture: SUPPLIED

Casey ER under pressure

By Corey Everitt

Local complaints of hours-long wait times, overcrowding and staff stretched thin have surfaced about Casey Hospital’s Emergency Room as local MP Jason Wood starts a petition calling for its planned upgrade to begin.

MrWood, the Federal Member for La Trobe, published an online petition onWednesday 12 June calling on the State Government to begin construction on the new emergency department at Casey Hospital.

The exact plan is for another emergency department dedicated to child patients and their families, but not exclusively as it will expand emergency cubicles at Casey Hospital from 58 to 130 and increase the annual presentations by 52,000.

The funding for this project is shared with a similar project with Werribee Mercy Hospital, a total of $236 million.

A spokesperson for the State Department of Health said in May that construction would begin in 2024 for an estimated completion date of 2026.

The 2023-24 State Budget listed the project, includingWerribee Mercy Hospital, to be completed at an estimated date of early 2027.

Regardless of the exact date, neither is quick enough for Jason Wood nor for some local residents.

Jackie and Steve Marsland are Berwick locals, who have had many experiences with the ER of Casey Hospital due to Jackie’s severe asthma.

They have spent countless hours in the waiting room where they claim it is regularly overcrowded to the point that they “don’t feel comfortable there, they are so overworked”.

“We need an expansion desperately, it’s just not good,” Jackie said. “It’s not the doctors’ fault, it’s not the nurses’ fault; they are just overwhelmed.”

They have many experiences of waiting for hours to be seen, sometimes in the middle of the night, as Jackie labors with breathing from an asthma attack or an allergic reaction.

“There is a sign in the ER which gives the general wait time and I’ve seen it showing up to nine hours,” Steve said.

“One time my son’s appendix burst and I took him to the ER in the middle of the night where there were only two others in the waiting room and we still had to wait for six hours.”

Jackie added: “It’s so out of control, one time we were waiting for hours and there was a mother with a crying baby trying to calm them down in her arms and after a while the poor woman just passed out and collapsed, the baby fell, everyone was beside themselves.”

One time Steve was with Jackie in the ER because she was having trouble swallowing from what she suspected was an allergic reaction.

After a long wait, a nurse looked at her and told her tonsils are very large, Jackie informed the nurse she didn’t have any tonsils, rather that was just how swollen her throat was.

Jason Wood himself has experienced the traffic at Casey’s ER back in 2018.

“When I took my daughter to the Casey Hospital for an allergic reaction years ago, it was the middle of the day on Friday or Saturday and I was shocked to see a line out the door for the ER,” he said.

“From there I contacted the Health Minister Greg Hunt and I said ‘you aren’t going to be-

lieve how packed it is here’.”

This was before the Covid pandemic, Jackie’s own experience goes back before the pandemic too, she even recalls hearing a nurse at Casey Hosipital say in early 2019: ‘God help us if we have a pandemic’.

While the long wait times pack out the ER, overcrowding is a regular occurrence they claim.

“My husband says it’s like a warzone, so many people crammed in the ER,” Jackie said.

“When we had to wait one time, the whole ER was full of people with the flu, when we went home we both got the flu and in my condition that made me sick for weeks.”

In part, this is caused by the new triage practices that Hospitals took on since covid, where patients are assessed at the desk, but for Jackie since coming out of the worst of covid this has added an invasive element to ER.

“They don’t even see you anymore, before covid you go into triage, you tell them what is happening, they take you out of the waiting room to check you, do tests and determine if you need to be seen by a doctor now or later,” Jackie said.

“Since covid you go to ER, which is crowded, and they do all of it through a glass panel right there in the room, where they ask very personal questions in front of everyone.

“I once had to lift my top all the up for them, expose myself in the ER with several men sitting right next to me, it’s awful.”

Jackie and Steve do not blame health work-

ers for the situation, they can only do so much within the capacity they are given out of the unprecedented impact of the covid pandemic.

They want to see the new emergency department begin as soon as possible to mend the situation and relieve the burden on health workers, 2026-2027 is not soon enough.

“They are running out of money for things and are moving slowly, but you can’t put a hold on the health system,” Steve said.

“With the size that Casey is, it’s just not good enough.

“You look into the amount of people expected to move in, it’s, nah, just too late.”

Jason Wood hopes to push both the State and Federal Governments to get it started now.

“It’s been taking years and it hasn’t even started, I’ve spoken with a lot of the doctors and nurses there and the frustration directly felt,” he said

“Working with Monash Health is great, it’s a problem with the upper level and it’s just got to get started.”

“It was a joint agreement between State and Federal Governments, it was the best way to do it, but they’re just delaying it.”

Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said the Federal Government’s building of clinics would take pressure off hospitals.

“There is no higher priority in health for the Albanese Government than taking pressure off hospitals by rebuilding general practice,“ he said.

“After nine long years of cuts and neglect by the former government, the Albanese Government is making Medicare stronger for all Australians.

“Too many people are having to end up in a hospital emergency department because they can’t get the care they need in the community when and where they need it.

“That’s why the Government is establishing 58 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across the country to take pressure off hospitals, they will be open extended hours, seven days a week and will be fully bulk billed.

“The Australian Government is committed to strengthening Medicare and reducing the pressure on our hospitals so they can provide the quality care our people deserve.“

A spokesperson for the State Government rejected Jason Wood’s petition.

“We won’t be lectured how to deliver healthcare by a man who served under the Abbott Government which delivered the biggest cut to public health in Australia’s history,“they said.

“Jason Wood’s claims that we are delaying the expansion of the Casey Hospital are completely false. Planning is underway and construction is scheduled to begin next year.“

“The Andrews Labor Government is delivering Melbourne’s south-east the healthcare they deserve - this $236 million project for bigger emergency departments at Casey andWerribee Mercy Hospital builds on the $135 million expansion of Casey Hospital which was completed in 2020.“

Regional Assessment Service provider appointed

The State Government has appointed mecwacare to deliver the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) in Casey from Friday 1 September.

In response to Federal Government reforms, Casey Council undertook a detailed review of its Aged and Disability Services before endorsing a decision on 14 December 2021 to transition out of direct delivery of these services, with the exception of meals, community transport and volunteer transport services.

Casey Council’s home and community care services moved to new providers in 2022, one of which was mecwacare, which

took over delivery of in-home services consisting of personal care, domestic assistance, respite care, shopping assistance, social support, home maintenance and modifications to residents living in the northern suburbs of Casey, with the appointment of mecwacare to deliver the RAS the final step in the transition process.

Casey Council administrators chair Noelene Duff PSM said the council is looking forward to working with mecwacare to ensure a smooth transition for Casey residents.

“Council is now focused on delivery of the actions in the Casey Living and Ageing Well Action Plan, which was endorsed in March

and sets out how council will help make Casey a supportive environment where people of all ages can live and age well,“ she said.

“We will continue to deliver meals, community transport and volunteer transport services through our dedicated volunteer workforce.

“Our volunteers have always delivered these services, and they all play a very important role in helping us support the wellbeing and independence of our residents.“

mecwacare chief executive Michele Lewis said they were proud of the positive feedback they have received from Casey residents and their family.

“We are delighted by theVictorian Department of Health’s decision to place their trust in the organisation to deliver the Regional Assessment Service in addition to the vital home care services we already provide to the local community,“ she said.

“mecwacare has a long-standing record of partnering with and supporting older people and people living with disabilities in the Casey community.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to expand on our relationships with, and support for, the Casey community.“

Steve and Jackie Marsland with Member for La Trobe Jason Wood. 347747

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Volunteer on the boundary

By Emily Chapman Laing

Berwick North Tornados Junior Fooball Club

Secretary Amara Sullivan has been named the Melbourne Football Club and South East Juniors Volunteer of the Month.

To thank her for her hard work and commitment, Amara was invited to Casey Round at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday 23 July, where she took part in a once in a lifetime, pre-match experience from the boundary line.

Despite being a Hawks fan, Ms Sullivan was excited to win the VIP pass to the MCG.

“My girlfriend and I were on the boundary line while Melbourne were warming up,“ she said.

“We were down there just watching them, so that was nice.

“They did make me feel really special.“

Ms Sullivan has been with the Berwick North Junior Fooball Club for five years, after her son began playing in the club’s Under 8’s team.

“I joined the committee then, and the secretary at the time had been there for about ten years, her kids had finished playing, so I put my hand up,“ Ms Sullivan said.

Ms Sullivan has been the club Secretary now for three years, and her role is varied.

“I do everything from sorting stuff on the back end with the teams and player, to fundraising and social events as well,“ she said.

“I pretty much do everything.“

Being a small club makes her job a“bit easi-

er“, but Ms Sullivan said it also makes it harder to find volunteers.

“Every Sunday you’re down at the ground setting up and then you’re packing up,“ she said.

“After the footy season finishes you’re always thinking about next year, about coaches and getting players coming in to have enough teams.

“It’s very busy.“

For the past two years, the club has been dealing with a broken scoreboard, and Ms Sullivan has been heading fundraising efforts.

“We do fundraising or ask the council, you know, trying to get money for grants to pay for these things,“ she said.

“But really it’s just all about the kids, that’s why we all do it.“

Ms Sullivan has two children playing for the club, so her priority is keeping the club running so her kids have a place to engage in a sport they find fun.

“Even though our teams don’t win every week, the kids are out there having fun,“ she said.

“All they want to do is kick the footy.

“At our club we pride ourselves on the fact that every kid gets to play, it doesn’t matter on their ability, every kid gets out there.“

Members of the Melbourne Football Club will be joining the Berwick North teams on Thursday followed by the club’s trivia night at the Old Cheese Factory on Saturday 29 July.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down

To the Casey Council for cancelling the courtesy bus for Senior Citizens Club members to get to club meeting days.

Thumbs down

To Berwick Newsagency charging EFT Fee on Debit Card.

Thumbs down

Huge thumbs down to council approving the rezone to HP Hill!

Thumbs up

For starting drainage works in Ackland Park in Narre Warren North. Hopefully it will be usable all year round.

Lotto luck strikes Sth East

Melbourne’s South East ranks as the ‘luckiest’ lotto region in Australia, with the most division-one wins in the past financial year.

According to The Lott and Lotterywest data, the region sold 31 division-one winning tickets in 2022-’23, reaping more than $90 million.

This included a $50 million Oz Lotto winner sold at Hampton Park Lotto.

Springvale South/DingleyVillage (3 winners) and Endeavour Hills (3) were equal top postcodes in the nation.

Southvale Newsagency in Springvale South and Endeavour Lotto & News each sold three division one winning tickets worth more than $10 million collectively.

Victoria finished the financial year retaining the title of the state with the most division one wins: 137 worth more than $409 million in prize money.

The Lott spokesperson Matt Hart said he was keen to see if last financial year’s lottery hotspots continued their good fortune in FY24.

“Some players tell us they deliberately pick outlets that have recently sold a major lottery prize in the hope of continuing the winning streak, while other players choose different outlets, believing lightning won’t strike twice.”

Thumbs down

Still no mobile phone service in Clyde North.

Thumbs down

To drivers who travel at 90kmh in the 100kmh and 80kmh zones on the freeway, blocking other drivers in one section and speeding through others.

Thumbs down

ToVicRoads for not fixing the South Gippsland Highway atTooradin going out of town, down to one lane for three months.

Thumbs down

The rotten tip decision by the council which has no elected members so clearly do not represent the rate payers at all.

Thumbs up

To the Lynbrook community centre they have some really great activities and programs but unfortunately a lot of people don’t know about all the great things they do including a free food pantry and book exchange.

Thumbs down

To the state of the roads.

Thumbs down

To the ignorant drivers that run red lights, don’t indicate, turn right from the left hand lane, register their homes as churches to get tax breaks and drive upmarket cars valued over $100,000 that most CEO’s don’t even drive.

Thumbs down

To all the rude and impatient drivers during this creative time regarding the roadworks. You know its happening, allow extra time and deal with it!

Thumbs down

To people parking in the Disability Parking Spaces without a permit. Having a big car is no excuse.

AmaraSullivanattheMCG.

Picture:MELBOURNEFOOTBALLCLUB

Two Casey roads have featured in the top ten roads with the most submissions as part of RACV’s inaugural My Melbourne Road survey.

After receiving feedback from 5,000 motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users on their safety concerns of Melbourne’s transport network, Clyde Road and BerwickCranbourne Roads placed sixth in the top ten roads with the most number of responses submitted.

Unsafe driving, with heavy congestion inducing risk-taking behaviours and insufficient separation of cyclists, were the primary safety concerns raised for Clyde and Berwick-Cranbourne roads.

“[Where Clyde Road/Berwick-Cranbourne Road meets Thompsons Road)]Needs to be updated to traffic lights,“ a My Melbourne Road respondent said.

“A roundabout on such a busy road does not allow traffic to flow.”

Another respondent said the “road surface“ on Clyde Road/Berwick-Cranbourne Road is “badly damaged“.

“Despite several repairs, they can’t get it fixed,“ they said.

“It’s very dangerous.”

The Wellington Road and Dorning Road intersection in Narre Warren East was listed in the top three intersections with reported safety concerns.

The key findings from the survey revealed overly complex intersections were the top safety issue identified.

One-third of respondents called for lower speed zones on roads they use often.

The most vulnerable road users – cyclists and pedestrians – were the most-highly represented in the feedback.

Three of the roads with the most number of responses include Strategic Cycling Corridors, indicating that our Strategic Cycling Corridors

are not safe enough for cyclists.

Many of the solutions identified by respondents are low-cost and easy to implement, including zebra crossings and better-positioned traffic lights.

Moonee Valley’s Mount Alexander Road –where it meets with Keilor Road – received the most responses for safety concerns in both the road and intersection categories.

Participants said that Mount Alexander

Road has several confusing roundabouts, was dangerous for pedestrians attempting to cross the road and had a lack of protected cycling infrastructure.

Dandenong Road running through Windsor, Prahran and Caulfield received the second highest number of responses, followed in third place by Sydney Road in Brunswick and Coburg.

RACV Head of Policy James Williams highlighted the most vulnerable road users – cy-

clists and pedestrians – were the most highly represented in the feedback.

“Of the 5,000 safety concerns raised by participants, intersection safety was the area of greatest concern, followed by unsafe behaviours of other drivers, such as speeding and erratic driving,” MrWilliams said.

“One-third of participants also identified that a lower speed limit on their nominated road would improve safety.”

The My Melbourne Road survey used an interactive online map, inviting participants to have their say about safety concerns on any road or intersection across Melbourne’s 31 local government areas.

Participants were able to provide comments and potential solutions to address their concerns.

“The survey results suggest that unsafe driving was heightened in congested traffic,” MrWilliams said.

“These findings are a reminder that investment in road infrastructure is critical to improving safety and that motorists also need to drive safely and to the traffic conditions.

“Whether it’s driving at a safe speed, keeping a safe distance or not using a portable device while driving, we can all do our part to make our roads safer.”

Notably, four of the roads and intersections with the most number of responses identified by participants had pedestrian or cyclist related safety issues as a primary concern.

“Pedestrian traffic lights where they are most needed, traffic calming infrastructure and protected cycling lanes were commonly identified as potential solutions in the feedback from cyclists and pedestrians,” Mr Williams said.

Other solutions identified included resurfacing potholes, intersection design, improving lighting and ensuring speed limits are fit for purpose.

Intersection at Wellington Road and Dorning Road in Narre Warren East. 348802

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

A new life for bonsais

By Emily Chapman Laing

NarreWarren creative jack-of-all-trades and KB Crystal Design owner Katherine Bennett has taken her artistic skills to a new level with intricately crafted crystal trees.

Step into Katherine’s home creative studio and you will find filtered sunlight, pieces of driftwood, twisted branches, lacquered bonsai trees and most importantly, Katherine’s 16-year-old dog Tammy.

Craft tubs, crystals and art supplies cover the walls, and on the table sit glistening crystal trees in shades of orange, purple, pink and forest green.

Not only are the trees gorgeous, they allow Katherine to re-purpose dead bonsai trees, which she sources from local nurseries.

Some of the bonsai trees Katherine uses are decades old.

“I have some that are 40-50 years old, that died at a bonsai nursery,“ she said.

“So I go in there and I grab the dead tree and pay for the pot.

“They’re 50 years old, they’ve brought them up for 50 years and then all of a sudden they die, so I reboot them.“

Katherine’s biggest masterpiece, which she made for herself, is a large conifer-like tree, which took her an astounding 200 hours to craft.

“I just love art,“ she said.

The trees sit in thrifted or naturally created bowls, some brass, some wood, others ceramic, but all chosen to be harmonious partners of specific crystal trees.

The “ground cover“ comes from volcanic scoria rocks, fossicked from quarries in Mortlake, which Katherine crushes to look like grass or gravel.

More than just aesthetically pleasing, some of Katherine’s crystal trees have become treasures imbued with memories and love.

“I’ve had people use them for memory

KatherineBennettholdsoneofheramethystcrystalbonsaitrees. 348739 Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

of their cat, dog or mum, where I drill a hole through the stump of the tree and I put the ashes in there,“ Katherine said.

“I call it the soul tree.

“It can go with you everywhere.“

Nine years ago, Katherine got a subclavian blood clot which left her out of work, so she decided to spend her time on a new creative endeavour.

“One day I looked at crystal trees and I thought, I reckon I could do better than that,“ Katherine said.

“So I taught myself, and I’ve been doing it ever since.“

Five years later, Katherine started KB Crystal Design.

“I wanted to be good at it before I put any sort of price on them,“ she said.

Teaching herself how to create the labyrinthine crystal trees came down to a lot of “trial and error“.

“I needed the leaves to look real,“ Katherine said.

“If you glue them on, it just doesn’t look real.

“So through trial and error I bunched them up and tied everything in, every bit- every bead is tied in with copper wire.“

Katherine soon began making trees laced with all different kinds of high-quality gemstones, from tourmaline, to onyx, rose quartz and citrine.

“The beads have meaning, the colours have meaning, the crystals have meaning and so the stones I choose are the best of the best,“ Katherine said.

“I don’t buy fake or dyed, I source my crystals from India, and if I even get a hint that it’s dyed I just say no.“

Not only does Katherine create her own trees, she teaches others how to craft their own.

“I teach people how to appreciate Mother Nature,“ she said.

“I love to teach because this is expensive and people can’t always afford to buy something that costs $1000.

“I thought if I teach people, that’s a packet of

cigarettes per session, and they get all of their stones, all the bits and pieces.“

Katherine’s ten week course gives her clients the chance to deep dive into the world of crystal tree making and emerge with their very own handcrafted design.

“They are private lessons and I’m sitting right next to them if they have any questions,“ she said.

Katherine also teaches jewellery making, macrame and felting to pupils “very young to very old“.

“Everyone has an artist inside,“ she said.

Alongside her skills in crafting crystal trees, Katherine also makes copper dog collars, to help dogs suffering from arthritis.

Copper jewellery has been used to reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis, as the skin absorbs tiny particles of copper, helping regrow lost joint cartilage.

KB Copper Collars started at Katherine’s kitchen table having breakfast, where she watched her 16 year old pup Princess struggling with stiff joints, body odour and allergies.

Katherine herself was wearing a copper bracelet for her own arthritis, and figured Princess could benefit from the same solution. After a short stint wearing copper, Katherine noticed a huge improvement in Princess’s coat, agility and odour.

Tammy also dons a shiny copper collar as she greets Katherine’s clients at the door.

“She wears copper for her arthritis and I’ve had 98 per cent success with that,“ she said.

KB Copper Collars are available online and have received many overwhelmingly positive testimonials from relieved dog owners.

KB Crystal Designs can be found on Facebook, where Katherine posts her remarkable creations as well as information for those interested in joining her classes.

Katherine’s artistic dexterity is truly mindboggling, and the world is more beautiful for it.

Searching for stolen car

Police have released an image of a Hyundai Kona similar to a distinctive lime-green vehicle allegedly stolen from a carpark in Narre Warren on Friday 21 July.

Police said a 79-year-old woman was swimming at a leisure centre at Westfield Fountain Gate between 5.30 pm and 7.30pm, during which the offender or offenders entered the changerooms of the swimming complex and made off with the victim’s car keys and phone.

Two Shelties, 5-year-old Lucy and 2-yearold Darcy, were left in the vehicle.

A member of the public located the dogs on the street nearby and looked after them overnight on Friday 21 July until they could be collected by a ranger on Saturday 22 July.

Police contacted The Lost Dog’s Home in Cranbourne West and were advised the pups were there safe and sound.

Investigators are still searching for the stolen car with registration 1OH 3WF.

To report any information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Thewomen’sgroupmeetseveryWednesday. Picture:SUPPLIED

Celebrating two years

Narre Warren women are encouraged to unite to celebrate the second anniversary of the Oakgrove Community Centre’s women’s group.

Running from 10.30am to 1pm on Wednesday 2 August, the event will include a guest speaker, testimonials from participants and fun and interactive programs with refreshments.

Oakgrove Community Centre project co-ordinator Anu Ravindernath said the group has continued to grow each and every month.

“The group was founded with a vision to create a safe and nurturing space where women could come together, share their experience, and support each other in their personal and professional journeys,“ she said.

“Over the past two years, this vision has blossomed into a vibrant community that has touched the lives of countless women.“

Ms Ravindernath said the group was also focused on giving back to the community.

“The women’s group has not limited its efforts to its members alone,“ she said.

“We have undertaken several community outreach programs, supporting women in need, advocating for their rights, and providing pathways.“

The women’s group meets every Wednesday from 10am to noon, with a $6 annual fee.

WHAT’S ON

Weekly badminton

Badminton for ladies or retired.

All welcome.

· Mondays 7pm-9pm and Wednesdays 12pm2.30pm at Hallam Badminton Club, Frawley Road Recreation Reserve; $5.

Casey Philharmonic Orchestra: Villains & Superheroes

Casey Philharmonic Orchestra is currently preparing a selection of big screen movie themes from Marvel, DC and more for their upcoming concert, ‘Villains and Superheroes’ this month. In keeping with the orchestra’s approach to making orchestral music relatable and engaging for everyone, audience members are encouraged to join in the fun and come dressed as their favourite hero or villain, with prizes, giveaways and a themed photo zone on offer at the event.

A finalist at this year’s Casey Community Awards, Casey Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) facilitates unique artistic opportunities in Melbourne’s outer south-east, and prides itself on performing orchestral music of the highest calibre for the enjoyment of audiences and musicians alike.

“We’ve undertaken an ambitious program of events in recent years, and have consistently attracted sizeable, enthusiastic audiences”, said Anthony Ware, President of CPO.

“The Bunjil Place performance of our 2022 ‘Star Wars Extravaganza’ tour was a complete sell out at this venue, a remarkable achievement for a community orchestra, so I would certainly recommend you purchase your tickets early for ‘Villains and Superheroes’.”

CPO’s ‘Villains and Superheroes’ will descend upon the Bunjil Place theatre, Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren on Sunday, 30 July with the show commencing at 2.30pm.

· Tickets are available at www.cpo.org.au/ events and the latest event news can be found on CPO’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Children’s Day

Event

Join the Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place at Myuna Farm for an afternoon full of fun.

There will be lots of activities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids to enjoy, including cultural games, face painting, the Casey 360 bus, food and entertainment!

· Myuna Farm, 182 Kidds Road, Doveton on Friday 4 August, 4pm-6:30pm.

Nesian Fest 2.0

Join City of Casey as they support our young local Maori and Pasifika artists in the south east. Hear the stories of these young Polynesian creatives as they express themselves through spoken word, rap, music and dance.

Maui’s snack bar will be in the plaza serving up tasty Polynesian food and drinks all night.

· Bunjil Place Studio, Friday 28 July, 7.00 pm –10.00 pm.

For further details call 9769 1970 or email childrenservices@berwicknc.com.au

· 112 High Street, Berwick, on 29 July, 10am11.30am

Berwick Activities Club

As the club heads into its 31st year it wishes to welcome new members to join in the many activities on offer such as New Vogue Dancing, which will see you moving in no time.

Social Wednesdays where you can join in Carpet Bowls, cards, Scrabble and Table Tennis. Take the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy yourself.

Membership is only 10 dollars with a $5 weekly attendance fee which includes morning tea.

· For more information phone David on 0433566456 or Bruce 0447554475

Conversational English

Improve your confidence in reading, writing, and speaking English in this small friendly class each Tuesday afternoon during school terms.

$5 per term (10 weeks).

· Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Tuesdays, 12:30pm-2:30pm

Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody

Women’s Wellbeing Group 2nd anniversary

On Wednesday 2 August at 10.30am to 1.00 pm, the Women’s Wellbeing Group will gather at Oakgrove Community Centre at 89-101 Oakgrove Drive, Narre Warren South to celebrate two incredible years of friendships and achievements of the women’s group from all walks of life. The Women’s Group was founded with a vision to create a safe and nurturing space where women could come together, share their experience, and support each other in their personal and professional journeys. The event will feature a guest speaker, testimonials form participants, and fun and interactive programs with refreshments served.

Want To Break Free, Another One Bites the Dust and of course Bohemian Rhapsody.

Come and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of supergroup Queen at Bunjil Place Theatre.

· Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren on Friday 28 July, 8pm-10:20pm.

Pilates

Do you want to improve your posture, increase your core strength, increase your energy, improve your flexibility and mobility and decrease stress?

Pilates focuses on increasing core strength and tone of abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks.

Classes held Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday evenings.

$90 per term (10 weeks).

· Hall 2, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Tuesdays 1pm2pm and Wednesdays 7:30pm-8:30pm

Christmas in July

The Christmas in July Night Market is back for 2023!

Head to Akoonah Park on Friday July 28 to enjoy a magical Christmas-themed night market experience.

$85 per term (10 weeks).

· Hall 1, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Thursdays, 5:30pm-6:45pm and 7pm-8:15pm.

Get Your Art On

Balla Balla’s new Children’s Art program will develop your child’s confidence and enhance their creative ability in producing their own unique art work.

Children’s Art will explore colour theory, mixed media, simple printing techniques, watercolour painting and so much more.

Classes held after school on Monday afternoons commencing 24th July.

$96 per term (8 weeks).

· Hall 2, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd,Clyde North on Mondays,4:30pm5:45pm

Computers for the Home & Workplace

A basic computer course for Beginners and Seniors, which will help you understand the basics of using Microsoft Windows, understanding the Cloud, and browsing the internet safely. Learn about sending & receiving emails, creating and using documents and spreadsheets, interacting with social media, downloading photos, and shopping online within a comfortable, nurturing environment with like-minded learners. Commencing 21st July on Fridays for 8 weeks. $25 for the 8 weeks.

· The Lounge, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Fridays, 10am12:30pm

CRANBOURNE U3A

Classes are back in full swing for Term 3 with some exciting new classes about to commence. U3A has a lovely craft called “quilling“ where members make beautiful cards and notelets using rolled paper.

They also have Scrabble, playing cards and Tai Chi groups about to begin.

Tutors available to teach art using various mediums.

A variety of crafts can be enjoyed including knitting, patchwork and sewing, card making, and calligraphy.

Chess, line dancing and table tennis are operating too.

The Open Singing group has been happily running this year and always welcomes new voices.

If you would like to play the Ukelele, the group are playing beautiful music on Monday mornings from 10am.

There is also have an Italian class.

If you would like to tutor a class, contact U3A with details of your talents, new opportunities are welcome.

Berwick

Neighbourhood Centre Play and Grow and Child care Open Day

Come along to find out more about the centre’s 3 year old Play and Grow and Childcare sessions for 2024.

Speak to educators, explore the surroundings and make a booking for your child.

If you are looking for more time beyond the council single 5 hour session for 3 year olds come and join Berwick Neighbourhood Centre in 2024.

CCS funding is available for all sessions.

Without a doubt, Queen is amongst the greatest rock bands of the twentieth century and Freddie Mercury is hailed by many as the most charismatic and flamboyant performer in contemporary rock.

Now, fresh off the heels of the successful Bohemian Rhapsody movie, comes an all new Queen tribute show from well-known Australian Freddie Mercury impersonator Thomas Crane.

Thomas, with his hot band Bohemian Rhapsody, bring back to life the visual excitement, sound and stage energy as witnessed at a Queen concert.

See all your favourite Queen hits like We Will Rock You, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, A Kind of Magic, I

Try some delicious food and drinks, browse a huge range of exciting stalls, listen to some live music, and take in the unique local market atmosphere.

· Akoonah Park, 2 Cardinia Street, Berwick on Friday 28 July, 4pm-9pm.

Beginners Yoga

Balla Balla holds a beginners yoga class that incorporates gentle exercise, breath control and meditation.

The health benefits of regular yoga practice may include lowering blood pressure, improved posture and circulation, and a sense of wellbeing. Classes available on Thursday afternoons and Thursday evenings.

· For more information visit: wwwu3acranbourne.org.au or contact Helen on 0423 623 337.

Zumba

Do you want to burn calories and blast away fat? Do you want to de-stress, improve your co-ordination, boost your heart health and meet others wanting to improve their fitness levels?

Zumba is aimed at all ages and fitness levels. Classes held Tuesday evenings. $80 per term (10 weeks).

· Hall 1, Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North on Tuesdays 6:30pm7:15pm

Path to business success

Nominations are now open for the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 South East Business Awards, held annually to celebrate business excellence in the south east region of Melbourne.

Hurry, as submissions close on 15th August.

The South East Business Awards offer more than just recognition. The program offers entrants a free health check on their business.

The chamber has people to help you with your application if needed.

The small investment of time is about charting a path to success, securing long-term financial stability for your family and team, and establishing a prominent position in the competitive market.

Successful nominees will also gain invaluable exposure at the highly anticipated SE Business Conference, providing a platform for networking and collaboration with other businesses in the region.

Previous award winners, like iEnergi, described their exhilarating experience, stating, “The process gave us a great check-in on each aspect of our business.”

Their journey to success was not merely about winning an award but also about evaluating and enhancing every facet of their business.

Mark and Andrew from Chilltech shared, “So many connections we hadn’t heard from congratulated us when we shared on LinkedIn

- we were pretty amazed at how many messages we got!”

This achievement not only expanded their network but also solidified their reputation as an employer of choice, attracting exceptional talent.

Seize this opportunity to invest in your business’s future and steer it towards success by participating in the South East Business 2023 Awards.

We eagerly await celebrating your achievements and contributions.

Act now and nominate your business for a chance to be recognised and valued in the South East business community at www.greaterdandenongchamber.com.au/awards.

Imagine the honor of being celebrated as a winner at the exquisite gala dinner in October, an unforgettable night to cherish.

ASM Chilltech, winners of the 2022 Overall Business Award sponsored by NAB.

Picture: SUPPLIED

· RSVP by Monday 31 July via office@oakgrovecc.org.au or call the office between 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday 9704 2781.

St Clare’s ROCKS values

Every school has a motto or mission statement that outlines how each member of the community can benefit from being part of the school community.

St Clare’s Primary School, Officer, has the following school motto: Faith leads to courage, wisdom and compassion

In order to live out this motto, all members of our community are asked to follow our school wide expectations which are respect, optimism, Courage, kind and safe - ROCKS.

Our students follow these in their daily actions at school by doing their job, having a go, making positive choices, seeking help when needed, modelling and practising kindness and keeping themselves and others safe.

At St Clare’s these expectations are modelled and explicitly taught and reinforced in an ongoing way. Our student awards are based on living out ROCKS and we link these expectations to scriptures in the Bible. Our hope is that all members of our community will leave St Clare’s with our school wide expectations and our motto instilled in their minds as they go through life.

We look to nurture the holistic development of each child at our school. 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 selfworth.

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

Visit stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au and take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the school. School tours are also available, 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 accepting enrolments for next year and places are limited. Vacancies currently exist in all year levels for 2024.

For all enquiries or to receive enrolment documentation, phone 5940 6777 or email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au

St Clare’s Primary School, Officer, has the following school motto: Faith leads to courage, wisdom and compassion.

High quality of education

At St James Catholic Primary School we strive to provide high quality education where the dignity, individual strengths and talents of every learner are celebrated and catered for.

We challenge our students academically with an explicit focus on engagement, independence and empowering student voice while nurturing a sense of curiosity and wonder of the world.

We provide a range of diverse learning experiences for our children across all curriculum areas within a safe and inclusive environment. Our specialist classes include Japanese, physical education, art, performing arts, STEM and Digi Tech.

Last week our students celebrated the Japanese Festival of Stars by writing their wishes and attaching them to the wishing tree. Our

children enjoy learning about the culture of Japan and of other countries around the world.

Camps and excursions are highly valued and provide students with opportunities to work as a team and share in a range of experiences. This year we have been fortunate to offer a range of school-based activities including cyber safety awareness, hockey, basketball, athletics, cross country, softball, dance and interschool sports.

We invite you to visit and celebrate our school, experience our welcoming and nurturing community, our commitment to our faith and everything we have to offer your child.

Enrolments for Foundation to Year 6 are currently open. Call 5940 5404 to arrange a personalised tour of our school and amazing before and after school program.

Officer Primary School values student G.R.O.W.T.H

Officer Primary School has recently reviewed its whole school values and the whole school community has contributed to develop new values that are more closely linked with its school context.

To allow the values to be cemented as part of the school culture, the leadership team along with student voice have come up with a creative acronym called G.R.O.W.T.H. representing what the school aims to achieve for every student. The new acronym represents each letter from the new school values. These values are gratitude, respect, outstanding, wellbeing, teamwork and honesty.

Officer Primary offers a traditional, inclusive, safe and healthy school environment

together with high expectations for student success.

The staffing culture promotes a natural vibe of care, connectedness, and an engrained notion that students are at centre of everything that they do. It’s all about the kids!

Officer Primary School’s dedicated leadership team encompasses literacy and numeracy learning specialists, inclusion and wellbeing leaders and student engagement leaders. They pride ourselves on their 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, they have a very strong student voice body across the school and every student has an opportunity to take upon leadership roles. They uniquely offer AUSLAN as a language across all year levels. Their Student Enrichment Program targets high achievers along with students who require intervention support. Classroom sizes are large and generally class numbers are small.

For more information please check the new school website on officerps.vic.edu.au/

Please also contact the school to arrange a private tour or seek more information about their unique programs and structures on 5943 2315.

Officer Primary offers a traditional, inclusive, safe and healthy school environment together with high expectations for student success.

St James Catholic Primary school provides a range of diverse learning experiences for their children across all curriculum areas within a safe and inclusive environment.

Staindl School Principal

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I once got stuck underwater in a submarine in Hawaii. Not for very long, but it felt like forever. I am not sure if this is very fun, but it is certainly interesting!

What do you love the most about your job?

There are so many facets of my job that I love! As a Foundation teacher, I love that I get to be part of a child’s first learning experiences at school. These are such special, precious moments of learning and discovery and the sense of joy and wonder is so wonderful. I feel privileged to be part of it. In my role as a leader, I love supporting students and families across the F–2 area, as well as sharing my knowledge and supporting my colleagues to do the amazing work that they do each day.

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

I think I’d either like to be a deer or a bear. Deers are so graceful and calm even when under pressure and they live in a herd. I’d also like to be a bear and live up in the mountains amongst that beautiful scenery. I love the way mamma bears look after their cubs and they seem very wise, steadfast and loyal. The idea of sleeping for long periods also sounds pretty great too!

What would your last meal be?

So many possibilities, but I think it would have to be my Mum’s lasagne.

What was your most memorable moment?

I have had so many precious, memorable moments in my life, but I think holding my twin daughters for the first time (at the same time) after they were born would have to top the list. A very memorable, incredible, life changing moment.

with Casey Grammar Head of Early Years Vanessa Hodgkiss

What were you like as a kid?

I was a very keen learner, I remember feeling such awe and wonder about the world and wanting to learn about it all! I was gentle, eager to please and had a strong moral compass. I was very shy but also had a real sense of fun and playfulness. If you put any kind of music on, I was the first one up and dancing… it all sounds a bit like me as an adult!

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

I would absolutely love to invite Simon Sinek, Michelle and Barrack Obama, Lin Manuel Miranda and my daughters.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I am currently doing lots of readings as part of my Educational Neuroscience course and rewatching Brooklyn 99. Very diverse choices!

Where is your happy place?

My happy place is definitely my home.

What three words would your friends use to describe you? Dedicated, caring, dependable.

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

I would definitely not be in the realms of MasterChef, however I do make a pretty good spinach and fetta risotto.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Banff, Canada. I have been a few times and would go again in a heartbeat. It is truly the most beautiful place. If I had to choose a place I haven’t been to it would be Macchu Picchu.

THREE … ways to Nationalsupport Tree

Day

Planet Ark’s National Tree Day has helped plant about 26 million trees with the support of about five million volunteers. About 300,000 volunteers will be taking part in this year’s National Tree Day on Sunday 30 July.

1

Volunteer at a local event

Visit treeday.planetark.org to see local planting events in your area. Activities range from planting bush tucker gardens to building habitat for native wildlife, nature play and more. Tree planting supports life on Earth in a number of ways.

2

Donate to The Seedling Bank

The Seedling Bank supports volunteers with their planting efforts by providing financial support where seedlings are needed most. The program launched in 2019 with the goal of supplying native seedlings to schools and community groups around Australia.

3

Get involved at home

If you are unable to attend a local event, ways to support National Tree Day at home include planting your own trees at home, download activity sheets for your children or get out in nature and hug a tree or two!

Vanessarecentlywonanawardforbeingone ofthenation’smostinfluentialeducators.

Picture:SUPPLIED

Keep mental health in sight

By Matthew Sims

At 26 years old, Matt De Gruchy has found strength well beyond his years and broke through the boundaries of his vision impairment.

The blindness and disability advocate will be one of the speakers at the upcoming Healthy Minds mental health forum on Tuesday 15 August from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Lyndale Secondary College at 14 Halton Road in Dandenong North.

Held by the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills, in conjunction with Casey-Cardinia Rotaract, the event is suitable for adults and young people from 12 years and over and is a fundraiser to support Australian Rotary Health’s mental health research.

Mr De Gruchy was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic eye disease caused by fatty material building up on the macula, at the age of nine, reducing his vision by 90 per cent of my vision by the time he had reached his teen years, with his sight currently sitting between four per cent and six per cent.

“For years I would hide my blindness from others, pretending I could see more than I actually could to try and ’fit in’,“ he said.

“I was scared of being ’different’ and being picked on, I was scared of bullies and saw depictions of people with a disability in main stream media, movies & marketing as a source of entertainment.“

Mr De Gruchy said his mental health issues began at an early age.

“The stereotyping of those with disabilities is a hard stigma to break and as a young person growing up, you are easily subject to developing a low self esteem,“ he said.

“Throughout high school I struggled with mental health, anxiety and depression went hand in hand.

“It’s a rabbit hole that can be challenging to

know you’re in at the time and to work on getting out of it.“

Mr De Gruchy said he has come to accept his blindness.

“It seems silly in hindsight, but I somehow thought that if I strained my eyes really hard, maybe just maybe I’ll be able to see again, but that wasn’t reality and I did put myself through a lot of guilt and shame for having something

‘wrong’ with me that was never my choice in the first place,“ he said.

“It took a few months, if not a year, but finally I had accepted my disability.

“I was no longer afraid of what others might do or say, and I finally felt like I was moving forward.“

Mr De Gruchy said battling mental illness was similar to maintaining good hygiene as it

required daily actions.

“I always say nowadays that I’m content, I feel content within my challenges and that’s a great place for me to be, and I’m very aware that good mental health is temporary,“ he said.

“It’s important we leave space for people to share with no judgement and to just ’listen’, not just wait for them to stop speaking so we can start to talk again.

“We still don’t talk about it enough and from lived experience I know first-hand how isolating it can be.“

Mr De Gruchy said he has enjoyed sharing his story of overcoming his disability.

“For me I am at my best when I’m active,“ he said.

“I enjoy exercising and I’m also lucky enough that my job is my passion in life.

“I love sharing my story so that other people out there, blind, disabled or not, we all go through adversity and with a bit of courage & kindness, we can achieve great things.“

If you need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800.

For more information on Mr De Gruchy’s story, visit mattdegruchyvision.com

Blindness and disability advocate Matthew De Gruchy has overcome his mental health battles via sharing his story with others.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Mr De Gruchy hopes his story can increase awareness of those with visual impairments and other disabilities.

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

We'relookingforindividuals withcarpentry,fitting,concretingorhandymanexperienceto joinourWarringtonfirefire testinglaboratoryinDandenong South.Aspartofourteam, you'llconstructvarioustest specimensandassistinthe testingprocess.Thishandson roleoffersdiverseandinnovativework,welcomingtrade backgroundsofallkinds.Enjoy ourcomprehensivebenefits packageincluding5weeksof annualleave!

0452515192

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

INBOUND/OUTBOUND TELEPHONE SALES

Network Classifieds is offering a motivated and talented individual the opportunity to join our Telephone Advertising Sales Team.

This position involves advertising sales across print, digital and social, servicing the needs of local businesses, working closely with clients to achieve and exceed customer expectations, maintaining and developing an extensive client base whilst seeking out new business opportunities.

Administration requirements which include bookings, copy and layout are an important aspect of the job as are internal and external communication and teamwork.

If you have:

1. A background of demonstrated achievement in a sales related environment;

2. A desire to work closely with clients in achieving their objectives;

3. A fundamental belief in the value of advertising;

4. A sound understanding of business principles;

5. An empathy for customer service and a desire to provide solutions;

6. High level of communication and negotiating skills, both oral and written;

7. Knowledge and needs of the market and the ability to develop new opportunities;

8. Great telephone skills.

Then we want to meet you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warriors ready for battle

By Jonty Ralphsmith

The Pakenham community is encouraged to get down and get loud on Saturday night, with the Warriors taking on Warrnambool at Cardinia Life in an elimination final at 7pm.

The men are coming off a 19-point win against Coburg, described as their most complete performance for five weeks, and have beaten Warrnambool in their two meetings this season.

“I promise the boys are absolutely going to bring it this week,” coach Rob Roberts said ahead of what is expected to be a sellout crowd.

“If people want to see a good game of basketball, this week is the week to do it.”

Pakenham’s season has been built around the dominance of Josh Dow, Joe Davis and Ned Weideman.

Weideman showed his form on the weekend by standing up when the game was there to be won, while Davis and Berkec are among the premier big men in the competition.

Others such as Brenton Charles and Michael Johns have come in and played important roles.

Both teams have a 13-7 record this season.

The opposition players to watch are playercoach Alex Gynes, Jamal Pollydore, who is second for points per game in the league and Oliver Bidmade, second for rebounds per game.

There is a watch on whether Gynes will play after being unsighted since injuring himself in the round 15 game between the two clubs.

Bidmade used his height well that day, with 19 points and 17 rebounds, while Pollydore is averaging 27 points this season.

He averages 20 points against the Warriors and his two-point shooting percentage is more

than 10 per cent below his overall average.

“We play a lockdown role on him,” Roberts said.

“We try to keep him off the arc and get him to put it on the floor. He’s a player we’ll respect and won’t let get off the chain.

“In the last half of the season, we’ve been fairly beat up and the bodies are fairly sore, but

Funds, awareness for MND

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Pakenham United Football Club has raised $1800 for MND Victoria at a fundraising event on Sunday.

Hosting the event at IYU Recreation Reserve, the club’s coaches all went into the icy waters of the dunk tank, while a raffle also helped raise funds.

The fundraiser came about after the family member of a person associated with the club was diagnosed with the disease earlier in 2023. She was able to spend several hours at the fundraiser on an emotional day for that family, who were grateful for the support of the club.

Many senior players got down and plenty of community members also got behind the cause.

Unfortunately, Pakenham’s seniors went

down 8-0 on Saturday, playing with 10 men from the 33rd minute after a red card to Thom Lino.

Hampton Park, meanwhile, scored both of its goals in the first 30 minutes against Bunyip District in a 2-0 victory at Heatherbrae Recreation Reserve.

Results: Aspendale d Barton (forfeit), Hampton Park 2 v Bunyip District 0, Mentone 3 v Mount Eliza 0, Pakenham 0 v Mount Martha 8, Seaford 0 v Rosebud 1.

Ladder: Hampton Park 47, Mentone 33, Aspendale 31, Seaford 28, Rosebud 28, Bunyip District 26, Mount Martha 25, Casey 23, Mount Eliza 13, Pakenham 9, Barton 1.

Fixture: Pakenham v Mentone (Friday 8.30pm at IYU Recreation Reserve), Mount Martha v Seaford, Barton v Bunyip District, Rosebud v Aspendale, Mount Eliza v Casey Panthers.

for us, it’s about our movement.

“We think we’ve got the fitness and pace to outrun these guys over the course of 40 minutes.

“And our physicality – ‘Berko’ is physical at 6’10 and has started in the last few weeks so that’s pretty handy.

“When we actually get our game together,

we’re fairly unstoppable on both ends; 84 points is about what we need to score to beat these top teams and we need to keep them to 65-70.”

The youth women are also in finals action, on the road in a do-or-die game against Wyndham.

Meanwhile, the youth men’s season has come to a close after Maccabi defeated Whittlesea on the weekend.

The Warriors defeated Albury Wodonga on Saturday which had them in a finals spot on Saturday night, before Maccabi displaced them in an overtime win the following day.

Coach Braden Venning is proud of his team’s grit.

Having won just one of their first nine games, partially due to an administrative error leading to five games being taken off them, Venning’s men won nine straight just to be in calculations.

“We were up against it, but locked in and had a heap of guys step up against the odds, buying in to everything I was teaching,” Venning said.

“I think we could’ve got to finals and shaken things up. It was really cool to see us beat the top teams.”

Venning, who coached the squad to a 2-0 grand final loss in 2022, said he believes the team has progressed beyond the point they were at last year.

Cooper Lanting is in the mix for the league All Star five and Dylan Jenkinson, league-leader for assists, for golden hands.

Venning touted Lanting, skipper and ‘oncourt coach’ Jenkinson, Matt Stevens, 6’8” Pereira, and Kaleb Beveridge to push for senior minutes next season, alongside Johns who is already getting game time.

335967

Storm nets point for draw

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cardinia Storm had a hard fought 0-0 draw with Monash University at Clayton on Sunday.

Each side had periods of ascendancy and shots on target, but both defences were staunch in holding out the attacks and absorbing the pressure.

Ruby Wilson was an important part of that defence, while Matilda Dillon got back and helped out and was also able to connect with the likes of Rebecca Gregory going the other way.

It was a game Cardinia could not afford to lose, with sixth-placed Monash university sitting just two points behind them on the ladder coming into the match.

It was their ability to synchronise and connect going forward which provides op-

timism that the Storm will be able to play strong hockey in the last five weeks of the home-and-away season in a charge to finals.

The club’s juniors also had their first games on the weekend.

In front of much support from senior players, the under-10s and under-12s both lost 2-0, to Greater Dandenong Warriors and KBH Brumbies respectively.

Results: Knox 3 v Mentone 0, Hawthorn 0 v Waverley 1, St Bede’s 9 v MCC Hockey Section 0, Monash University 0 v Cardinia Storm 0.

Ladder: Mentone 23, Waverley 25, St Bede’s 24, Knox 21, Cardinia 21, Monash University 19, Hawthorn 7, MCC Hockey Section 4

Fixture: Cardinia v St Bede’s, Waverley v Knox, MCC Hockey Section v Hawthorn, Mentone v Monash University

RubyWilsonwasanimportantpartoftheStormdefence.

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

MattBerkecshootswiththebackdropofthesamebigcrowdtheclubhopestohavedown supportingonSaturday. 333511 Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

’Polly’ pride of Pakenham

By Marcus Uhe

Pakenham skipper Jake Barclay struggled for words when he addressed his side post game in front of fans, family members and the Pakenham Fire Brigade.

Ditto, Ash Green.

Both wiped away tears as the emotional context of Pakenham’s 22-point win over Mt Evelyn took hold, like the grip on a loving hug between mates in Saturday’s setting winter sun.

Not only did the win keep Pakenham firmly in the hunt for a place in the finals, but the overall occasion carried plenty of weight.

On Green’s coach’s whiteboard in, appropriately, red writing, were two words; Neil Poulton.

Poulton was a trainer at Pakenham for three seasons before taking the role as head trainer in 2019, until he suffered a fatal heart attack in July of that season.

No community sporting club can function without the dedicated service of an army of beloved and tireless volunteers, and Neil, a career firefighter and member of the Pakenham Fire Brigade when he passed, was held in as high regard as can be at Pakenham, as not only the trainer but comedian, and above all, a mate to many.

With the round 13 clash falling closest to the anniversary of his sudden and shocking passing on 24 July 2019, the Pakenham Football Club chose to honour the memory of Neil and show its support for his family, including Neil’s son Euan, the club’s resident photographer and reserves footballer.

Red socks were worn by the seniors, reserves and women’s sides, along with fans and supporters in the outer, with money from the purchases, along with donations tins from the bars and canteen, going towards the Heart Foundation.

Euan was given the honour of revving the senior side up before the first bounce, and presenting the medals named after his late father to the players judged best-afield in the seniors, women’s and reserves fixtures.

Post game, the Poulton family were woven arm-in-arm as the seniors belted out the team song in front of the Pakenham Fire Brigade and between two fire trucks stationed next to the Ian ‘Cracker’ Jackson grandstand at Toomuc Reserve.

“I know he’d probably hate it, because he never liked it being about him, but at the end of the day, everyone at this footy club loved him, all of these firey’s loved him as a person and it’s a great way to honour him,” Euan said of his hero, after presenting Barclay with his Neil Poulton medal.

“When he passed, it hit all the boys pretty hard, because he was the head trainer here.

“It’s unreal, the amount that everyone got around it.

“Even the supporters, one of the guys came down to training and bought two pairs of socks and put $50 towards it as well, just because he wanted to support the cause.

“That’s the kind of person he was, and what I try to live up to.

“It’s a pretty big shadow, but hopefully I can get there one day.

“It’s a really great feeling to know that one man’s impact can make that much of a difference.”

Euan’s message clearly impacted the senior side early, which kicked the first two of the contest to set the tone for the afternoon.

Barclay was playing like a man making up for lost time, having missed the last contest against Woori Yallock through the concussion protocol.

He wrapped-up an unsuspecting Rover opponent from behind and found Jayden Silva for Pakenham’s first, before the giver became the receiver, inexplicably finding space inside forward 50 and converting.

The home side stretched the ground at every opportunity, conscious of the significant disparity between each side’s home venue, playing a high-possession game through the vast wings and flanks.

The Rovers kicked the next two to finish the term, and the first three of the second, as Pakenham soon found the going tough.

Barclay brilliance in the middle of the ground found Koby Grass in space at centre-

half-forward, but the dashing midfielder was unable to convert the golden opportunity.

They payed the price immediately as the Rovers took the ball the length of the field from the resulting kick-out, to the delight of Matthew Gibbons out the back.

Pakenham’s possession-based method was now proving laborious, a stark juxtaposition to Mt Evelyn’s direct approach to goal which was reaping rewards on the scoreboard.

Josh Haggar snapped the five-goal run for the visitors but it was quickly answered as the Rovers hit the sheds with a 16-point lead, and one hand on fourth spot for another week.

With five-and-a-half weeks left in the home-and-away season, every minute and every quarter assumes extra importance.

Jordan Stewart started the third quarter in the middle, Tom Gamble in the ruck and D’Angelo Taito at full-forward as Green spun the magnets in search of the magic formula.

The pressure appeared to penetrate the psyche of the home side, who missed its first four shots on goal after the main break, unable to make the most of their strength around the contest.

Haggar, Stewart and Ryan Martini were among the culprits as the misses began to pileup, and tension heightened.

Speed on the ball from Tahj De La Rue and James Harrison led to a much-needed breakthrough from Jake Thompson as momentum began to turn.

An off-the-ball free kick to Blake Cuttriss at the top of the goal-square saw the ruck put his side in front, at the scoreboard end of the ground...the place to be for any semblance of action.

Barclay then made something from nothing at a stoppage to slot a second, Stewart took a contested mark in the goal-square off a De La Rue intercept mark, and suddenly it was a four-goal run to the home side.

When Harrison showed his skill with an audacious check-side snap from the pocket to make it five on the bounce, the Lions were rolling like the metaphoric tumbleweeds in their opponent’s forward 50.

A scoreless quarter from the Rovers meant Pakenham took a 22-point lead into the last break, with Green imploring his side to keep playing for the win, rather than play safe.

A contested mark to the returning Bailey Stiles saw him slot Pakenham’s sixth in a row, the 29-point margin the largest of the afternoon to date.

Gibbons kicked his side’s first goal for the half at the 11 minute mark but it was nothing more than a blip in the Pakenham run.

Pakenham worked its way from defensive 50 to the front half of the ground through combining with hands before the heroes of the afternoon in Barclay and Stewart combined for a quick reply.

Majors were traded between the two as the finals minutes ticked away, the scoreboard reflecting a mature, proud performance from the home side playing for more than just a win.

“It means a lot to everyone,” Green said after the win.

“I was with (Neil) the night before (he passed-away) in the rooms, having a chat with him about towels of all things, and then got the call the following day.

It was a turning point for the club in the sense of, it could have gone either way.

“As I said to the guys, I’m just proud of the fact that we look after people when we’re down.”

After a bye and a 52-point loss to Woori Yallock that Green described as “disappointing”, Green said the side’s ability to respond, against a side that had beaten them earlier in the year and in great recent form, was important.

“There were certain situations where we had to slow the ball down, retain possession

and chip the ball around, and look for that free player the best we could,“ Green said.

“It wasn’t a perfect game, but we’ve put ourselves in a position where we had 22 scoring shots, where we’ve been lucky at times to get 10.

“It gives you confidence, it keeps the guys engaged with the potential there as well, that if we keep playing well, we keep winning games, we’ll hopefully be playing in seven week’s time.”

Along with Barclay and Stiles, Stephen Morey made a welcome return to sure-up the back half as the injury tide turns at Toomuc, leaving them in good shape for the run home.

“At the start of the year there was talk that we were going to be on the bottom of the ladder and lucky to win a game,“ the coach said.

“We knew that we didn’t recruit a lot of players, we didn’t need many players, but we lost players along the way, and that happens.

“But with our best players available we’ll certainly be more than competitive.

“Will we win every game? Probably not. But it certainly makes us more than competitive.

“It keeps everyone engaged and interested.”

The Poulton family with winners of the Neil Poulton Medals. (L-R) Allan Poulton, Angus Poulton, Daniel Peart, Euan Poulton, Chloe Nagel, Jake Barclay, Anita Poulton and Ellyn Poulton. 349304 Picture: EUAN POULTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Pakenham skipper Jake Barclay dispossesses Mt Evelyn’s Nick Hoskin at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday. 348938 Picture: GARY SISSONS

August

August 11th - Face Painting Fun

August 18th - Storytime, Music & Singing with Fairy Sparkles

August 25th - Balloon Twisting

September 1st - Fabulous Face Painting

September 8th - Storytime, Music & Singing with Sunshine Sue

September 15th - Balloon Twisting Galore