Classic cars and their dapper drivers will hit the road later this month, as part of charity event The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive. The worldwide initiative sees automotive enthusiasts from 150 cities across the world take their pre-1980s vintage vehicles for a spin, raising money for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.
Richard Sherman is one of 47 South East locals to undertake the 24 September adventure along the Mornington Peninsula.
A lack of stable, affordable housing is “destroying lives”, says the head of a South East family violence service.
Wellsprings forWomen provides specialised family violence case management in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia council areas.
Chief executive Dalal Smiley says a lack of suitable and affordable housing was contributing to women being reluctant to leave abusive relationships.
“One of our clients is unable to reunite with her children as she is living in a women’s refuge.
“Until she finds suitable housing, she can’t have her children back.
“Not having stable housing is destroying people’s lives, driving others to despair and fostering a generation that has lost all hope of ever owning their own home.”
Another Wellsprings family-violence client, due to not finding any alternative place to live, was compelled to live with the perpetrator.
“Wellsprings is monitoring her situation as she is now at elevated risk of family violence.”
Casey has dwindling affordable rentals and rising mortgage stress. Homelessness has risen by more than 50 per cent since 2016, with Greater Dandenong and Casey ranked the state’s No.1 and No.2.
In a submission to the current State Parliament inquiry into the rental and housing affordability crisis, Wellsprings submitted for increased social, community and public housing for women and children impacted by fam-
ily violence.
It also called for the release of State-owned land and funding for social housing, as well as affordable housing quotas for high-rise developments and inclusionary zones.
“Having a secure home is a basic human rights issue,” Ms Smiley said.
“How did we get here in Australia? A rich and prosperous first world country, yet we are facing a major housing crisis?”
Continued page 7
By Matthew Sims
At age 10, Brentwood Park Primary School student Rashika Banerjee already has a number of singing accolades and achievements to her name.
She is now one of three finalists gearing up to battle it out in the Take the Mic Australia competition, with the grand final set to be held on Sunday 15 October.
Starting at the age of six, Rashika said she quickly fell in love with singing and performing in front of people.
“I thought singing would be a good career for me,” she said.
“Singing makes me feel like I can present how I feel.
“It’s also a really fun hobby.”
Rashika said she loved singing slow pop songs, including songs from Olivia Rodrigo, Celine Dion and Adele.
One of her first public performances was at Bunjil Place with Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’.
She continued her efforts in singing, get-
ting through the audition for MyVoice in 2022, a global singing competition with participants from 27 countries participating.
Rashika secured second place globally and first place in Australia in the silver category.
Rashika was selected by Melbourne Kids Theatre to play the leading character of Anna in Disney’s Frozen Jr.
“I like acting and singing,” she said.
Rashika said she likes to sing across a variety of styles and ranges, including soprano and alto.
“With my voice, my friends say I have very good agility,” she said.
Her father Sid said he was very proud of his daughter’s abilities.
“Her music sense is very strong,” he said.
Her mother Krishna said the family’s Indian roots created a cultural love for music.
Rashika said her goals were to be a singer or an actor.
“I would love to make my own kind of music and star in movies,” she said.
Clyde North drag queen and former Endeavour Hills local Brenda Bressed (she/her) has emerged as a contender to watch on this year’s season of Channel 7’s The Voice.
Airing on Tuesday 22 August, her blind audition wowed the judges, with two judges spinningtheirchairsbasedonhervoicealone.
Bressed said singing on the main stage in front of hundreds of people and four global pop superstars was the biggest performance of her life so far.
“I first applied last year as my drag persona,” she said.
“It was a crazy experience.
“I was quite nervous going on the Voice.”
Belting out Cher’s ’Strong Enough’ dressed in a gold and black pantsuit, Bressed said she enjoyed performing for the crowd and the judges.
“It was so much fun,” she said.
“I was not expecting a chair to turn so quickly.
“It was just the best.”
Bressed said ’Strong Enough’ was one of the first songs she performed and was an easy choice for her audition song.
“It’s one of my favourite songs,” she said.
“It’s such a drag anthem and a gay anthem.
“I wanted something that would get people on their feet and dancing.”
Pop star Rita Ora was the first to turn her chair, with Guy Sebastian being the next to turn.
Bressed said she did not need to think for long about which judge she would pick to be her mentor moving forward into the competition.
“I really wanted Rita,” she said.
“It was a pretty easy choice.
“She’s just a beautiful person and performer.”
Bressed said she was proud to be a role
model for other drag queens and queer people.
“Drag itself is so empowering,” she said.
“It’s like a suit of armour.
“I always say that my drag person is just an extension of me.
“It was important for me to be a representative for queer people.”
Bressed said she was looking forward to competing in the upcoming Callbacks part of the show, where she would compete against other contestants.
“I’m really excited for the next stage,” she said.
“I’m excited to show a little bit more of myself.”
The Voice airs at 7.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, streaming on 7plus.
For more information, visit brendabressed.com
ClydeNorthdragqueenBrendaBressedis
Hundreds of new homes are set to be developed soon in the east of Pakenham, expanding the soon to be new suburb.
Property developer giant SIG Group revealed on Tuesday 29 August that 28.2 hectares were added to their portfolio in Pakenham East with a planned 530 dwellings to be built in the stretch of land.
SIG Group CEO, Hugh Lu, said the commencement of such a development will go to help ease the housing crisis.
“We are thrilled to add Pakenham East to our portfolio, this move aligns perfectly with our vision of providing innovative solutions to
address the housing shortage in the region and delivering options for buyers who have been longing to invest in the Pakenham corridor.
“We are committed to delivering superior value to our clients and investors and strengthening our presence in this burgeoning market.”
The development will be apart of the expanding east side of Pakenham, as it is within the Pakenham East Precinct Structure Plan which lays out the plan for a new suburb of 23,000 people.
East Station is set to be opened in 2024.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and Ambulance Victoria were called to a reported explosion in Balmoral Way, Pakenham at around 11am on Monday 28 August. Ambulance Victoria called FRV to attend to a reported scene of a person suffering burns following an explosion. Crews on scene found a male in his 20s with burns to his upper body and face with potential airway burns after he poured flammable liquid onto a fire. FRV crews made the scene safe and handed the patient to Ambulance Victoria.
AmbulanceVictoria took the man to Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition. FRV reported that their State Fire investigation had been notified about the incident.
suffered upper body injuries after a reported explosion on
Fire Rescue Victoria responded to a fire scare on Storey Drive, Pakenham on the weekend, after reports of smoke coming from a roof of a vacant house.
At 1pm Saturday 26 August, FRV crews were on-scene within five minutes of the reports of smoke.
Authorities acted quickly to quell any serious fire, as two crews donned breathing apparatus and entered the premise where they conducted an internal attack to knock down the fire in the roof space.
The incident was deemed under control at 1.23pm.
A building surveyor was requested to attend and inspect the scene.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I was born on Kangaroo Island on 8 January, Elvis’ birthday, but a different year!
What do you love the most about your work at the Berwick RSL?
The caring and spirited people, the characters and the close-knit community spirit and lighthearted atmosphere.
What other work have you done in your life so far?
Heaps - butcher boy, bowser attendant, office cleaner, barman, RAAF logistics, which led to global logistics of air and sea cargo for 42 years and my own business.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A labrador.
What would your last meal be?
‘Katsu Curry Don’.
What was your most memorable moment?
Apart from witnessing the births of my children, my retirement party, which was actually held in the Berwick RSL. Colleagues flew in from across the country and well wishes, messages and gifts came in from freight industry connections all around the globe. Quite a humbling experience, I was speechless.
What were you like as a kid?
Shy and reserved, but observant. What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
Woodstock, 1969.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
Robert DeNiro, Michael Caine, Billy Connolly, my dad, mum and eldest brother.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
A good bloke...hopefully.
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
As lovers of Aussie Rules football wait patiently for the end of the 2023 AFL premiership to see if their team will win the Grand Final, September is the perfect opportunity to get together as a business or school community or amongst your family and friends to support Fight Cancer Foundation’s Footy Colours Day. Here are some of the ways to support the fundraising effort in support of kids with cancer.
1
Get involved
From enjoying a sausage sizzle to playing footy games or activities, or simply wearing your colours, there are plenty of ways to take part in Footy Colours Day. Lesson plans and other resources are available at footycoloursday.com. au
2
Sit on a balcony bar with dear friends overlooking a vineyard or ocean.
Where is your happy place?
Behind the wheel of my Triton, cruising through great Australian scenery with good tunes playing and perfect weather above.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
Lamb shanks.
Where is your dream holiday destination?
Next to George Clooney’s mansion on Lake Como in Italy.
3
Unite
Celebrate together with a morning or afternoon footythemed tea, put the footy buffs’ knowledge to the test with trivia or play games to encourage social connection.
Donate
Find a school, workplace, group or team to donate to, or make a contribution to support the event overall! Simply visit footycoloursday.com.au/donateyour-money
Classic cars and their dapper drivers will hit the road later this month, as part of charity event The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive.
The worldwide initiative sees automotive enthusiasts from 150 cities across the world take their pre-1980s vintage vehicles for a spin, raising money for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.
Richard Sherman is one of 47 South East locals to undertake the 24 September adventure along the Mornington Peninsula.
Mr Sherman will tackle the 80km journey in his 1969 BMW 2800CS E9, which he has owned for seven years, fully restoring it in Pakenham.
He said he hopes his participation in the drive will help raise awareness and funds for a cause close to his heart.
“Men’s health is important and many of us don’t take it seriously until sadly, it’s too late,” he said.
“With men’s chances of developing prostate cancer later in life increasing, and one man dying every minute by suicide, we must do all we can to prevent more men from suffering.
“I am looking forward to the 80km drive with fellow enthusiasts around the Mornington Peninsula, comforted by the fact that we are raising vital funds to support Movember and that I will not be too far from home, should the silver car have a senior moment!”
This year’s event will see over 2700 drivers from 61 countries around the world get behind the wheel for the fundraiser, so far raising over $150,000.
Founder and director of The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Drive Mark Hawwa said the initiative was founded over a decade ago out of a love for driving classic cars.
“It’s an event that looks to encourage all pre-1980 car enthusiasts to take their cars
out of the garage and drive them for men’s health,” Mr Hawwa said.
“It’s an opportunity for us to use the vehicles we love and care for so incredibly, as a force for good for causes that so desperately need attention.”
Mr Hawwa encouraged fellow car lovers to join the drive, or donate to the worthy cause.
“We need more drivers around the world who want to make a difference to join in and drive.
“So get behind the wheel of your classic car, and either register for a drive or host one yourself. Do your part by joining us on September 24th and drive dapper for men’s health.”
To donate or register for a drive, head to gentlemansdrive.com
Three years ago, Pakenham student James Nimaya had never set foot in a dance studio.
But next month, he will be centre stage at one of Melbourne’s premier performance venues - John Cain Arena - as a principal dancer in the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.
The 15-year-old is one of 23 principal dancers to bring the arena to life on 9 September for a creative extravaganza - featuring circus artists, puppeteers, musicians, singers, dancers and skaters.
A proud tradition in government schools, the Spectacular offers students the opportunity to get hands-on training and mentoring both on stage as singers, dancers and performers and behind the scenes in audio, lighting, video production, stage management, costume, and hair and make-up.
It was 2020 that the Pakenham Secondary College student first became acquainted with the world of dance - downloading an online dance class app called Steezy Studio “out of boredom” during lockdown.
“I would dance almost every day, as soon as online learning would finish at 3pm I would go into my backyard and keep doing classes until the lights went out,” he said.
“Even though it was artificial and I was dancing by myself, I still felt like I had a joint passion and what I was feeling was what millions of other people around the world felt when they danced.”
He said it was the answer he was looking for.
“I always knew since early primary school that i wanted to do something where i could be creative and it kept changing from wanting to be a comedian to an actor, to a musician or an artist.
“When I found dance it felt much more fulfilling… it felt so right for me to do it.“
Last year, the self-taught dancer participated in the State School’s Spectacular’s mass dance troop - his first time performing on stage.
“I enjoyed it so much, because I started off dancing with just myself in my backyard and then suddenly I was dancing with thousands of other people.
“After the last show, everyone is on the stage and you finish your last move and the crowd starts cheering… from that moment I knew I wanted to be on the stage.“
The young talent has spent every Sunday since March travelling to the CBD for rehearsals, alongside a host of students from schools across the state.
South East talent from Officer Secondary College, Orchard Park Primary School, Pakenham Springs Primary School, Emerald Primary School, Officer Primary School, Pakenham
Consolidated School, Pakenham Hills Primary School and Pakenham Secondary College are some of 2000 performers and behind-thescenes aficionados involved in this year’s show.
This year’s show incorporates the theme ‘Happy Travels’ - following an intrepid group of hapless tourists as they traverse the globe in a cavalcade of circus mayhem.
Carefully curated through suggestions from the cast, the songs and music in this year’s show include amongst a wide selection, Katy Perry’s Firework, Age of Reason by John Farnham, Sitting on Top of the World by Delta Goodrem, Calum Scott’s Around the World, Waiting on theWorld to Change by John Mayer and Olivia Newton-John’s classic hit Xanadu.
James is particularly looking forward to performing Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation’ for audiences.
“It’s very ’90s hip hop, which is amazing.
The concept is that we’re all fighting as one to bring music to the world.
“Its a hard hitting number that i think will resonate with a lot of people.
Pakenham Secondary College principal Aaron Smith said James’ involvement in the Spectacular was a fantastic achievement.
“Given James’ involvement in such a high quality Performing Arts Event, he is setting such a wonderful example to others, such is the level of dedication and enthusiasm he has demonstrated throughout his involvement in this year’s State School Spectacular,“ Mr Smith said.
“We are just so thrilled for James and we wish him well in his principal dancer rolewell done James!“
The Spectacular will be performed twice on 9 September and broadcast at a later date, with tickets on sale now at premier.ticketek.com.
Clyde North local Carla Johnson has received a nomination for the Southside Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Community Hero Award in the 2023 Victorian Community Achievement Awards.
The Community Achievement Awards started in 2002 and are designed to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions that individuals, communities and businesses make throughout Victoria.
Ms Johnson said the death of her mother after a long battle with cancer spurred her on to enter the disability and aged care sectors.
“Prior to my Mum passing, I had never had any experience within the health sector,” she said. “After my personal experience, I wanted to help more.”
Ms Johnson entered into the aged care industry for five years and has recently moved into the role of business development manager at disability services and support organisation My Life Accommodation and Care Solutions, out of their recently opened Cranbourne office.
“I am absolutely loving it,” she said.
“I enjoy knowing that I’m helping people.
Carla Johnson. 356162 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS“I go home each day feeling good.
“I don’t see it as a job.”
Ms Johnson has also worked within the insurance industry and co-ordinated fundraising for Daffodil Day and commenced a number of small businesses to support various charities including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Beyond Blue and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
“I am always creating new ideas to help people,” she said. “It’s a good feeling.”
Ms Johnson said her goal was to help her local community find strength together.
“In the face of adversity, I turn challenges
into opportunities to assist others,” she said.
“My main goal has been to support local individuals and businesses.”
Ms Johnson said she was grateful to be nominated for the award.
“I feel very thankful that I was nominated,” she said. “I am very passionate about cancer disability and mental health.”
My Life Accommodation and Care Solutions also received a nomination for the Awards Australia Charitable Foundation Mental Health and Wellbeing Award.
Directors Jismon Joseph and Bony Joseph have been working in the aged care, disability and mental health fields for more than 15 years.
My Life Accommodation and Care Solutions offers accommodation, 24/7 care, activities and programs based on their clients’ interests, counselling and more services across Casey.
Judging will take place throughout October, with the winners to be announced on Friday 1 December at the 2023 Community Achievement Awards gala presentation dinner.
For more information on the 2023 Community Achievement Awards, visit awardsaustralia.com/viccaa
Police have charged a Cranbourne man with possessing a drug of dependence and driving while disqualified after a routine traffic intercept led to a firearm and drugs being located on Saturday 26 August.
Police were out on patrol when they pulled over a Ford Falcon in Francis Avenue in Drouin at about 12.50am.
They quickly discovered the driver, a 45-year-old Cranbourne man, was driving while disqualified. It was also determined that the vehicle was displaying incorrect registration plates.
A search of the driver and his 25-yearold female passenger from Traralgon allegedly turned up a small amount of methylamphetamines and GHB. Police then turned their sights on the pair’s vehicle where they discovered a home-made firearm. Police charged the Traralgon woman with possessing a drug of dependence, possessing a firearm, possessing ammunition and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
Both were remanded to appear in Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Monday 28 August. The man’s vehicle would also be impounded for 30 days.
The latest round of the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund is now open for infrastructure projects across Melbourne’s fastestgrowing suburbs, including Casey and Cardinia. This round of the Growing Suburbs Fund is focused on supporting critical community infrastructure needs within Melbourne’s 10 interface councils: Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra
Ranges. These interface councils are located on the fringes of metropolitan Melbourne and comprise more than 23 per cent of Victoria’s population. For the past two decades, population growth in these areas exceeded the state’s average and this trend is expected to continue.
Projects which directly benefit local communities will be prioritised under the new round, including multi-purpose facilities, early education and learning facilities, sport and
recreation facilities or projects which increase the amenity of open spaces.
The Growing Suburbs Fund also provides an opportunity for the State Government and local governments to partner with First Nations organisations to collaborate on projects.
Suburban Development Minister Ros Spence said the new infrastructure will support the state’s fastest growing suburbs to prosper.
Casey motorists did not escape the rising cost of unleaded fuel recently, with the average price of fuel across Casey at |about $2.0255. Here’s what our readers had to say.
Rob
KillianFuel is on average 20c cheaper in Gippsland. Nothing more than the ongoing ripoff we all
face.
Berwick motorists have shared their frustration at having to wait for permanent lighting along a number of key thoroughfares, including O’Shea Road. Here’s what our readers had to say.
Wayne McMahonSame with Narre-Cranbourne and Thomp-
sons Rd intersection.
TheStateGovernment’sLevelCrossingRemoval Project attracted a mixture of opinions on its success and overall value during Parliament. Here’s what our readers had to say.
Rob Killian These would be the only projects that are on schedule.Then comes the question of how far over budget has it all gone.
“This new round of the Growing Suburbs Fund will help fast-track the delivery of important community infrastructure,” she said.
Since 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has invested $425 million into vital local infrastructure projects in Victoria’s fastest growing suburbs. Applications close on Friday 20 October. For more information on the latest round of the Growing Suburbs Fund, visit suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants.
To Michael Soutter who completed a half marathon 12 weeks after having his prostate removed. A true inspiration and a great leader within the Pakenham community with Pakenham Road Runners.
Most seven-year-old girls spend their days playing with their friends and singing and dancing.
However, Gerisha dreamt of something which most young girls take for grantedwearing shoes.
Born in Vanuatu with bilateral talipes or clubfoot, the birth defect saw her feet twisted and bent out of shape, leaving attempting to move extremely difficult for her.
With the help of St John of God Berwick Hospital and Children First Foundation (CFF), she has received a new lease on life, with surgery in January allowing her to be able to walk on her own.
The St John of God Berwick Hospital team helped farewell Gerisha on Tuesday 29 August.
Gerisha’s case was more complicated than other cases of clubfoot as she no longer had a left foot.
When she was four, a doctor visiting Vanuatu agreed to operate on her feet, which led to further complications.
Although the surgery was initially successful, the hospital in Port Vila did not have the appropriate resources to provide the follow-up care needed.
Gerisha then became extremely unwell and in order to save her life, doctors decided to amputate her left foot.
With no left foot and her right foot not functioning properly, her quality of life was severely impacted.
Port Vila Central Hospital general surgeon Dr Samuel Kemuel alerted CFF to Gerisha’s story.
“When I saw Gerisha, I knew she needed help immediately,” he said.
“That’s why I reached out to CFF for help.
“There are many other children we see here at Port Vila Central Hospital who need help too, but we simply don’t have the resources.”
With the support St John of God Berwick Hospital and orthopaedic surgeon Professor Ton Tran, CFF facilitated Gerisha’s travel to Melbourne’s South East and her surgery with the goal to help her walk again and lead a happy and free life.
Professor Tran said Gerisha’s journey was the result of collaboration from a number of different organisations.
“Not only did Gerisha undergo surgical correction of her right foot, but we conducted revision of her amputation stump, which allowed for the better fitting of a lower limb
prosthesis,” he said.
“Gerisha then learnt to walk with the help of the Children First rehabilitation team and oapl who have fitted and donated Gerisha’s new prosthetic leg.
“She is now truly independent and walking on her own.”
Gerisha said she was excited to show off her new shoes at school.
“I can’t wait to get my first pair of shoes so I can be just like my sisters and my friends at school,” she said.
“Pink is my favourite colour, and I wish for some pink sandals.”
From page 1
Southern Homelessness Services Network submitted to the inquiry that there were no affordable one-bedroom dwellings in Casey and Cardinia, and just one in Greater Dandenong in the March quarter.
The “extreme” rental housing pressure was leading to increased use of “inappropriate” and“unaffordable” rooming houses. A room up to $250 a week may involve sharing a bathroom with up to nine people, the SHSN submitted.
It called for help focused on those at risk of homelessness – such as raising Centrelink payments above the poverty line, rent caps and freezes, and a mandatory inclusionary zoning scheme.
At the inquiry, Greater Dandenong Council proposed a 10 per cent mandatory minimum quota of social and affordable housing properties in new 10-or-moredwelling developments.
Currently, providing “genuinely” affordable housing was voluntary for developers, Greater Dandenong strategic planning manager Brett Jackson told the inquiry.
In its negotiations with developers, the council “hasn’t been successful in getting one” affordable dwelling, Mr Jackson said.
“It’s hard to get that goodwill for that to happen.”
The inquiry resumes on 19 September.
A packed audience at Bunjil Place was sold a vision of a growing, thriving region at the launch of the Victoria South-East Chamber Council.
At the council’s inaugural conference on 30 August, Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) chair Simon McKeon and a luminary cast of speakers cast their eyes on the region’s next 30 years.
The presenters also included world-renowned demographer Bernard Salt, Carmel’s Kitchen founder Carolyn Cresswell and Port of Hastings Corporation’s Todd Trimble.
Mr McKeon, whose GSEM group is a“voice” for eight South East councils, said the 1.5 million-strong region was “nationally significant” - more populous than Adelaide or the combined total of Tasmania, Canberra and Gold Coast.
It was also young – teeming with first-home buyers and a diverse, skilled community from around the world which had expertise to capture and share.
Without the history of Ballarat or Bendigo, the South East would tell its story as it continues to grow, Mr McKeon said.
GSEM was pushing for “transformational” projects such as a long-touted South East airport and the extension of Thompsons Road to unlock a 500-hectare industrial precinct and 100,000 jobs.
A plan was needed for more local jobs and focused skills-training. Two of three CaseyCardinia workers were travelling outside the South East to their workplace, with many in a job below their qualifications, Mr McKeon said.
In particular, youths and females in the
South East were unemployed at significantly higher rates than other parts of Melbourne.
He pointed to some of the region’s achievements. Monash soon being home to the first RNA vaccine production facility in the southern hemisphere as well as hosting the only Western university created in the past 50 years to rise into the world’s top 50.
The Morrison Government failing to offer a ‘City Deal’ with GSEM was however a recent “letdown”.
Born and bred in Dandenong, the 2011 Australian of the Year underlined the strength of a collaborative “regionalism” rather than councils being a “voice in the wilderness”. GSEM was learning from the transformation of the Geelong and Gold Coast regions.
Demographer Bernard Salt pointed to Australia’s comparative wealth, with much of its riches invested in housing.
He pointed to the South East as a drawcard for the ‘Great Australian Dream’, with Warragul-Drouin the fastest growing region in Australia.
Melbourne was projected to expand to 8 million by 2053, the South East would swell to 3.2 million, he said.
On the back of this were future growth opportunities in construction, home development and innovation.
With Australia’s largest manufacturing hub in Dandenong South, it could be a logical home for a domestically-owned agribusiness as well as a logistics warehousing giant.
The working from home revolution would be like a “defibrillator” to the region, predicting 15 per cent of workers would still be WFH. It would mean less long commutes and a boost for the region’s business and services.
Father’s Day is one of the special days at The Chocolate Shop Pakenham, in the heart of Main Street, has been satisfying sweet-toothed locals for many years.
Some of their most popular delivery items are chocolate and lolly hampers, tailor-made for the recipient.
They make hampers to order, as well as having a beautiful range in the shop,with free delivery to local and surrounding areas.
There are speciality gifts to suit the day and quality boxed chocolates.
Plus, a free gift wrapping service is available on some products, according to owner Leonie Thorne.
Customers can ring and place a custom order or choose from a premade selection available in-store.
Perfect for any occasion, these hampers can
even be topped up with a bottle of their favourite drink, or a cuddle soft toy to convey your best wishes.
Delivery is available locally or surrounding areas, and is free for orders over $25.
And, with an ever-changing range, there’s always a reason to visit in-person or browse on Facebook - as if you need an excuse!
Those with dietary requirements aren’t left out: organic, lactose free, gluten free, vegan and sugar free options are also on the shelves.
The Chocolate Shop Pakenham also has Dutch products to top up its extensive range. There are stroopwafels, speculaas and everyone’s favourite Dutch liquorice in every shape imaginable - so dinner, as well as dessert, is sorted.
The Chocolate Shop Pakenham is located at 112 Main Street, Pakenham. To order a hamper, visit their Facebook page or call 5941 7165. For a sweet-toothed
The Great Australian Bakehouse have been serving the Pakenham community for over 15 years. The Great Australian Bakehouse team is driven by the desire to always delight customers with friendliness and quality. They pride themselves on the quality of their products, excellent customer service and the store’s warm, homely atmosphere. Try their bread, cake, sweet and savoury
treats, pies, sandwiches and more.
Give Dad a sweet treat for Father’s Day with their great range of cakes and pastries, you are sure to put a smile on his face!
The Great Australian Bakehouse is situated at 145 Main Street, Pakenham, phone 5941 3262 or visit greataustralianbakehouse.com.
Making memories this Father’s Day, here are some ideas to treat him to something special: ZOOM ONTO HIS SCREEN
Zoom has revolutionised how we stay in touch, especially now, dad would appreciate a call from his kids to bridge the gap. Check in and make sure he’s doing OK. If you’ve got young kids, make it more memorable by holding a Zoom concert: sing, dance and put on a show to warm his heart. For the older ones, why not try a virtual game? For adults only, Cards Against Humanity is a good option that’s guaranteed to get everyone laughing. You could also hold a trivia contest. There are also plenty of virtual games and apps to choose from online.
GOLD CLASS PASS
Pop the popcorn, hand dad the remote and settle in with him for a family movie night. Let dad choose one of his favourite movies so he can share that passion with his munchkins. If you’re handy in the kitchen, give dad the gold class treatment: think handmade choc tops or churros for a real treat.
No one likes doing dishes, especially not on their special day, so stay in and order your father’s favourite takeaway for a special treat. Have a look around your local area to find out who delivers. If cooking is your thing, whip up his favourite meal and break out the ‘special’ crockery - give him the full five-star restaurant treatment. And don’t leave the pots in the sink
for him!
Never underestimate the value of a handwritten note or card. Sometimes it’s better than the digital option. A handwritten note is something dad will treasure forever, and for the younger ones will be a great time capsule in years to come.
GIFTS TO TREASURE
With online ordering, the world is on our doorstep. Many local businesses have made the pivot to online and are happy to deliver your gifts by hand. Skip the socks and jocks this year in favour of something dad will really enjoy, from a local business that’s doing in tough right now - everyone will thank you for it.
Take dad out and see what you can spy. Turn it into a game to bring out the family competitive streak (how many magpies can you spot?) or race him down the street on your bike. Everyone loves a backyard game of cricket or kick to kick. Get those endorphins pumping!
Father’s Day is for all the father figures in our lives, and that includes step-dad, poppy, pa and granddad. Over the past few months, many of our elderly in particular have been isolated. Show them you care with a call if you live too far away, or go the old-fashioned way with a hand-written note of love and appreciation. Make sure to visit when you can.
With friendly staff, and fabulous food on offer, Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre is a great local centre with a well-stocked Coles, Liquorland, a Caremore Chemist, and delicious food shops with take away and delivery options.
At Caremore Pharmacies their gift range is outstanding, and you’ll be able to find the perfect gift for the father figure in your life.
So that you don’t have to cook on Father’s Day, their range of take away food should be enough to keep any Dad happy.
Uncle Sam’s Charcoal Chicken is a firm favourite in the neighbourhood for a quick and healthy meal. Cardinia Lakes Fish & Chippery has delicious burgers, along with crispy chips and tasty fish for a favourite takeaway option. You might even be brave enough to get Dad one of their deep-fried mars bars for dessert
Pizza Fellas has a great range of pizzas and can be ordered online so they are ready for you when you pop in to pick up dinner for Dad.
Wok to Go rounds out the takeaway options with tasty Asian dishes galore to tempt your tastebuds. Great breakfast and lunch options are on the menu at Urban Hype Cafe. Come and meet the friendly staff and grab something for lunch or morning tea with Dad, Grandpa or that father-like person in your life. You could always brave the kitchen and stock up with supplies from Coles and cook Dad a bbq lunch. A ready-made salad from the vegetable department and a cake from the bakery – what a great surprise! Whatever you do, everyone at Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre wishes you all a wonderful day on Father’s Day , no matter how you spend the day. Stay up to date by following the Centre on their Facebook page.
This Father’s Day, give dad time – that is, time to listen to other dads!
Here’s what to do: make a great card for dad, inside tell him why he’s the bee’s knees, remember to add in some wonderfully interpretative drawings of him, then write down LiSTNR’s top five podcasts for Father’s Day and a promise to give him time to listen to them; and that’s a Father’s Day present that dad will love, keep, listen to, and remember.
LiSTNR’s Father’s Day Listening List includes podcasts featuring insights from a fresh-to-fatherhood Raph Dixon about being a dad in the 21st century with inputs from the likes of Aaron Gocs and Osher Gunsberg, chats between The Chaser’s Chris Taylor and famous midwife Cath Curtain about the journey up to and becoming a new dad, and conversations between Dr Daniel Golshevsky (Dr Golly) and parents who have become ‘experts’ in their child’s health.
And as an extra touch, there’s a bedtime story podcast that dad can listen to with the kids while some famous dads and uncles do the reading, and a wonderful intergenera-
tional podcast about grandads!
Dad in Progress
One for the new dads, it’s hosted by fresh-tofatherhood suburban dad Raph Dixon, and features chats with to other dads, parenting experts, psychologists and some familiar voices like Aaron Gocs, Osher Gunsberg, Archie Thompson and Clarke Gayford as they navigate the challenges of being a dad in the 21st century.
Birth, Baby and Beyond
Take the incomparable midwife Cath Curtain who has delivered thousands of babies over her famed 47-year career, and add the journey to fatherhood of Chris Taylor, the Australian creative who is best known as a member of The Chaser team and as creator and producer of the critically acclaimed Foxtel/Binge drama Upright starring Tim Minchin.
What’s the result? A new season of LiSTNR’s Birth, Baby and Beyond, the acclaimed go-to podcast for new parents, but this time, it’s through the lens of a dad, exploring the facts, fiction, questions, concerns and hopes
of the dads who navigate their own unique, challenging and rewarding journey through pregnancy, birth and parenting.
Dr Golly and the Experts
An inspiring listen for dad - Dr Daniel Golshevsky (Dr Golly) talks with ‘experts’- parents who have, through necessity, become a specialist in their child’s – or their own - health journey, from diagnosis to day-to-day treatment and beyond.
The stories are told through the voices and hearts of high-profile Australians as they talk to Dr Golly, a Melbourne-based paediatrician, former chief resident medical officer at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and father of three.
Guests include AFL great, Jonathan Brown as well as players Jordan Lewis and Jarryd Roughhead, fitness guru Tiffany Hall, Australian sports broadcaster Hamish McLachlan, stay at home dad Josh Miller and more.
Season 2 launches 13 September with AFL couple Bel and Rory Sloane on stillbirth and pro-boxer Youssef Dib on about Cerebral Palsy.
A perfect dad-time listen, LiSTNR has gathered some famous dads and uncles to help dads out at bedtime - Ed Kavalee, Andy Lee, Sean Szeps, Waleed Aly, Chris Taylor and more read some of the most wonderful bedtime stories. Think Possum Magic, The Speedy Sloth, My Shadow is Purple, Bush Magic and Do Not Open This Book. Enjoy!
Grandpa ChatterjiA wonderful story of Grandpa Chatterji who travels from India to meet his family.
His grandchildren Neetu and Sanjay have never met him before, and they’re in for a shock – he stands on one leg, makes delicious pakoras, sleeps in a bedroll and can see poppies when no one else can!
This delightful intergenerational story, based on the book by Jamila Gavin, is perfect for Dad and Granddads to listen to with their kids and grandkids. Read by the BBC’s Sanjeev Bhasker.
To listen to these podcasts, go to listnr. com or download the LiSTNR app.
Get ready to ignite your engines and fuel your passion for motorsports as the highly anticipated Penrite Oil Sandown 500 makes its triumphant return! The revving heart of Australia’s racing calendar, this event promises a weekend of high-octane thrills, historic rivalries, and a championship battle that’s set to scorch the track.
After a hiatus from endurance racing inVictoria, the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 is back in action, bringing with it the drama and intensity that only endurance racing can deliver.
The Championship arena is heating up as Brodie Kostecki braces himself to fend off none other than the reigning Supercars Champion, Shane Van Gisbergen. The Sandown track’s twists and turns will serve as the ultimate
proving ground for these titans of the track.
But that’s not all! This event isn’t just about the current stars – it’s a chance for fans to be transported through time, as legends like Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup, and Garth Tander once again take to the asphalt. Their presence injects a sense of nostalgia and anticipation, building the excitement for the approaching 60th Anniversary Bathurst 1000.
Adding a new layer of intrigue to the mix, the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 will mark the first-ever clash between the 2023 Mustang and Camaro on the endurance racing stage.
Witnessing these automotive powerhouses go head-to-head is a spectacle that’s bound to send shivers down any motorsports enthusiast’s spine.
Set against the historic backdrop of the Sandown Raceway, a venue that oozes with the memories of decades of racing excellence, the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 promises more than just action on the track. With three days of ontrack battles, off-track entertainment, interactive displays, and an array of delicious food and beverage choices, this event promises a holistic experience that will leave attendees on the edge of their seats.
And here’s the cherry on top: families can delight in the fact that kids aged 12 and under can revel in the excitement for free, with a paying adult by their side.
As the countdown begins for the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 from 15 to 17 September, make sure you’ve secured your spot to witness the
engines roar, the rubber burn, and the champions emerge. This is not just racing – it’s an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines the world of motorsport.
Join our Father’s Day competition and seize the opportunity to make the upcoming event even more memorable, and your chance to win one of the following:
· 1 x Family Pass which includes: 2 x Adult three-day General Admission & Paddock Pass and 2 x Children three-day General Admission & Paddock Pass (12 years old & under).
· 4 x Merch Packs.
· 4 x Behind the Scenes Tours.
The Probus Club of Casey Combined would be pleased to welcome new members.
The Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 9.45am at the Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick. Short meeting including a morning tea and a guest speaker.
· Contact Magda on 0406 468 285.
Combined Probus Club Berwick
If you are looking for new and exciting activities and a chance to make new friends Probus can provide the opportunity to join a social club within your community.
The Combined Probus Club Berwick offers activities such as trips and tours, movies at Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave, theatre events, morning tea and lunches, craft, tenpin bowling, golf, entertaining speakers and much more.
The club meets at the Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am with morning tea and followed by a guest speaker.
At noon, most members adjourn to the Berwick Springs Hotel for lunch.
The club promotes fun, fellowship and friendship and is non-political and non-fundraising.
The Berwick Combined Probus Club celebrates its 30 year anniversary this coming November and some celebratory events are already being planned.
Vacancies still exist and you are welcome to contact the club for an invitation to attend a meeting.
Contact Merilyn Carroll on 0418 536 202 or merimick3@bigpond.com or Ron Lowery on 0439 343 989 or ron.f.lowery@gmail.com
· For more information, visit berwickcprobus. wixsite.com
Seniors and Active Retirees in Casey and Cardinia
Are you newly retired,new to the area,wanting to enjoy your freedom, or expand your social life?
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities such as weekly social/ chat activities with low key in line dancing if you want to tap your feet and great afternoon teas, day/short and long trips away via coach and flights, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub Lunches, monthly evening dineouts, weekly table tennis club, walking groups, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, and more!
Come along every Thursday at 2pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House in Berwick or every Wednesday at 10am for a coffee at Little Sparrow Fountain Gate.
· For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
Father’s Day Dining at Amstel
Dining options available for breakfast from 8am to 10am, lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm and dinner from 5pm to 8.30pm.
A la carte and bistro menu.
Bookings required via the online booking system.
Bookings are limited to a maximum of 20 per booking.
· Amstel Club, 1000 Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Cranbourne on Sunday 3 September, 8am to 8:30pm.
Help map and find the Biodiversity in Casey. During September, Casey Council is celebrating Biodiversity Month by partnering with other South East Melbourne councils to hold the Bio-
diversity Blitz 2023.
People are encouraged make records of native plants and animals to allow iNaturalist better understand Casey’s biodiversity.
You’ll be contributing to community science and showing the world the amazing biodiversity Casey has to offer!
· For more information, visit inaturalist.ala.org. au/projects/biodiversity-blitz-2023-city-ofcasey
DnD at Orana
Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) is an inclusive tabletop, fantasy, role playing game.
Participants work together with other players to go on adventures in the DnD world.
You can act, explore, instigate, solve problems, and tell stories as you bring their chosen character to life within the game world.
Second Saturday of each month, 1pm to 9pm, Orana Community Place, 16/18 Playwright St, Clyde North.
· For enquiries and to book a spot at the table, reach out to Jonathan Whelan at thestoryweaver.dnd@gmail.com
Gridiron in the South East
The South Eastern Predators Gridiron Club is welcoming people of all ages to come and learn a new sport in an inclusive and friendly environment.
No experience necessary.
1 Newport Road, Clayton South.
· For more information, visit sepredatorsgridiron.com.au
Dad’s Little Builders
Build a woodwork project with your children. Meet other dads and grandfathers.
Mondays (during school terms) at the Arbourlea Family and Community Centre in 75 Wheelers Park Drive on Cranbourne North from 6pm to 7.30pm.
While the sessions are free, registration is essential.
Email dadsmatter@casey.vic.gov.au
Littlefoot & Company’s Spoken Word Night
These nights are for all types of performances; spoken word artists, story tellers, musicians, comedians and even first time performers!
If you’re interested in spoken word but haven’t been to one of the events, come down and check it out.
You’ll see artists, storytellers, poets, musicians, comedians and first time performers in a friendly and welcoming environment. Whether you want to take to the stage yourself or just hang out and enjoy the vibes, all are welcome.
Registration for open mic spots are free and will be available on the night, but if you’re interested in performing you can also contact the event organisers at littlefootandcompany@gmail.com.
· Thursday 28 September from 7.45pm, Thursday 26 October from 7.45pm and Thursday 30 November 2023 from 7.45pm. Tickets: tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/8305/8317
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.
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 0433 566 456 or Bruce 0447 554 475.
Pilates
Do you want to improve your posture, increase your core strength, increase your energy, im-
prove 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.
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.
$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.
Kids Pastry Cooking
This fun, hands-on children’s cooking program will teach your child the basics of pastry making - how to use yeast, make rough puff pastry and shortcrust pastry.
Week 1: Cinnamon scrolls and an appletart.
Week 2: Mini cookies and cream cheesecake and cinnamon and sugar flavoured palminers. Starting 2 September for two weeks. Phone 5990 0900 - only a few places still available.
· Balla Balla Community Centre, Selandra Blvd, Clyde North.
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.
· 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.
For more than 20 years, The Cardinia Foundation has been supporting the local community.
To mark their anniversary the Foundation is hosting an event on Tuesday 5 September to celebrate the last 20 years, award the 2023 grant recipients and launch the new strategy for the Foundation.
Over the last decade the Foundation operated as The Casey Cardinia Foundation but has recently returned to its original status as The Cardinia Foundation.
Chairperson Paul Thomas noted: “Cardinia has grown so much over the last decade. We believe that the local businesses and individuals have a greater ability to support their local community. We have achieved much for the Casey Cardinia region but we are really excited about focusing our efforts in Cardinia.
“We welcome anyone to attend the anniversary celebration to see how you can partner
12626396-MS35-23
with us to help our community thrive.
“We’ve had great support over the years and our charity dinners were always well attended and well supported.
“We know we live in such a generous community, the Cardinia Foundation really enables collective giving to make a big impact.”
The Cardinia Foundation is a registered charity bringing together the financial resources of many to support not-for-profit organisations dedicated to improving the lives of people in Cardinia. The Foundation creates a community chest in perpetuity that will respond to the needs of the Cardinia community, both now and into the future. All are welcomed to The Cardinia Foundation 20th anniversary celebrations. This free event will be held on Tuesday 5 September at Outlook Australia, 24 ToomucValley Rd, Pakenham.You can RSVP at admin@cardiniafoundation.org
a sweetsurprise chocolate moustache thanks to San Churro and
tell their dad how much they mean with a beautiful message and quote card written for their dad by our calligrapher.· No purchase required, stationed near Apple on Level 1.
From magical witches and wizards to cats with hats, Quarters Primary School was filled with popular book characters as part of Book Week celebrations.
Star News photographer Stewart Chambers visited the Cranbourne West school’s Book Week parade to capture some of the best costumes on show.
With spring just around the corner, the weather is about to shift. As we say goodbye to winter, a new variety of plants will be ready to flourish as the temperature slowly rises.
If you’re stuck for ideas about what to plant at this time of year, read on to find out the best spring seedling varieties and how to help them thrive!
Flowers
The best flower varieties to plant in Victoria when spring comes around include salvia, snapdragons, petunias, marigolds and impatiens. After the last frost of the season has passed, sunflowers are a great option to plant. Summer-flowering bulb varieties include dahlias, liliums and gladioli.
Fruits
Fruits will tend to struggle a little until around October given the cool temperatures of early spring, however strawberries and rhubarb can be planted in sunny areas. Rockmelon and watermelon will go well after the last frost has passed.
Herbs
Beginning in early spring, herb varieties for the new season include lemon balm, coriander, parsley, dill, sage, thyme and rosemary. Basil should be planted later in the spring to avoid cold and frosty conditions.
Vegetables
Leafy greens such as cabbage, kale, spinach and lettuce should grow nicely from early spring through to summer, as will more dense vegetables such as beetroot, carrot, radish, leek and sweet corn. Beans, peas and tomatoes do well on stakes when the weather starts to warm, and capsicum, zucchini and cucumber plants flourish in heat more than cold.
Preparation is key
One of the most crucial steps in maintain-
ing a healthy garden is to prepare the garden bed properly. Good soil is a must, with mulch, compost and fertilisers providing much-needed nutrients to growing plants.
Firstly, ensure that all weeds and other debris are removed.This will mean that your new garden has a clean slate without hindrances to their roots.
Though many people think any old soil will do for their gardens, it’s important to ensure a good quality soil is used to provide the right vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for your plants. Your local nursery or hardware shop is likely to have a few different op-
tions of organic garden soil.
While sourcing your soil, have a look at the selection of compost, mulch and fertilisers available. Mushroom compost and sugar cane mulch are good all-rounders for a general garden, but there are often many other suitable options available.
Fertilisers and plant foods are often specialised to certain plants, so it would be useful to know what kind of varieties you are planting. Alternatively, cow or chicken manure is an effective general fertiliser, but must be mixed in well with soil to avoid burning plants.
Once your soil is on the ground, add a few
inches of compost and turn it into the soil. It is important to distribute the compost evenly to ensure all plants are covered well. If you are using cow or chicken manure, now is a good time to mix it in with the soil and compost.
Be sure to follow the distance guidelines on your plants, ensuring they have enough space between them as they grow up and out. Poke your plant tags into the soil in front of each variety to make sure you remember what grows where.
Once your new varieties have been planted, spread a layer of mulch around the garden. Be sure to leave a space around the base of the plants, then follow with a sprinkle of fertilising plant food and a good drink of water and you’re all set!
As the weather begins to warm, be sure that your plants receive plenty of water and sun. Likewise, when spending time in the garden over the warmer months means sun protection and water is important for the gardener too. Following these basic steps should put your garden in good stead for the season ahead. Happy planting!
Education for builders and consumers should be a key pillar amid the shift in energy requirements for new homes, Master Builders Victoria chief executive Michaela Lihou says.
In welcoming the recent State Government decision to connect new homes and residential subdivisions to all electric networks from 1 January, 2024, Ms Lihou says consumers and builders can each play a part in a cleaner and more sustainable future.
“Creating a pathway to a cleaner and more sustainable future is a big part of our vision for the Victorian building and construction industry,” Ms Lihou said.
“The decision to cease gas installation on greenfield building sites underscores a commitment for future generations but it’s important for Victorian consumers to have the freedom to make informed choices that suit their needs.
“It means state and federal governments must continue to engage with industry stakeholders to develop comprehensive policies that consider the varied energy requirements of different consumers and building types.”
The investment into training for the sector to understand electrification is welcomed and would also help builders adapt, she says.
“Victorian builders will continue to play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future for the state,” Ms Lihou says.
“We continue to encourage our members to adopt eco-friendly practices, energy-efficient technologies, and green building standards.
“By embracing cleaner energy alternatives, we can collectively make a positive impact on the environment while also ensuring economic growth and progress for our state.”
Each year since 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia has brought children and books together across Australia through CBCA Book Week.
Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians created colourful displays,
What is your favourite book and why?
Normally I like fact over fiction. I don’t really have a favourite. I did enjoy ‘Funky Town’ by Paul Kennedy, recently.
What are you currently reading?
‘A Promised Land’ by Barack Obama – so many insights into a defining president. If you had a book made of your life, what would it be called?
‘I Am Still Learning’.
What’s your favourite thing about reading and why do you think it is important? Reading opens one up to experiences in life that have already been lived, but through the perspective of a creative writer’s thoughts.
What book character do you relate the most to?
Robin Hood.
What’s the first book you ever remember reading?
‘I Can Jump Puddles’ by Alan Marshall. Name your ideal type of book in three words.
Interesting, informative, unexpected.
developed activities, ran competitions and told stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading.
In our second feature on Book Week, Star News spoke to more local bookworms about their favourite books, authors and characters.
What is your favourite book and why?
‘The Strong Man’ by Grant Edwards. A book about internal strength and challenges of mental health when serving the community and nation. A must read, very powerful. What are you currently reading?
‘After the Tampa’ by Abbas Nazari. I met Abbas at the BFT Gym in Wellington in New Zealand. He is a refugee survivor and he is an example of the term ‘anything is possible’. If you had a book made of your life, what would it be called?
‘I can’t believe that happened, sharing a beer with Brad.’
What’s your favourite thing about reading and why do you think it is important?
To learn and develop your mind is the simple answer, but to immerse yourself in the lives of others. I find reading lets you live the emotional challenges people have faced, the lessons they have learned and the potential we have. By now you may guess I like biographies. What book character do you relate the most to?
I want to say Jack Reacher, but in reality Benjamin Brandysnap, a small business owner in the Magic Pudding.
What’s the first book you ever remember reading?
‘The Magic Pudding’.
Name your ideal type of book in three words. True, challenging, achievements.
What is your favourite book and why?
I absolutely love the whole Harry Potter series. These are my favourite books by far because they are imaginative and create a sense of wonder and excitement for me when I read them.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading ‘Billionaire Boy’ by David Walliams with my Grade 3/4 class. At home I am reading ‘Heart Strong’ by Ellidy Pullin.
If you had a book made of your life, what would it be called?
‘Diary of a Teacher and her Coffee’.
What’s your favourite thing about reading and why do you think it is important?
My favourite thing about reading is that it feels like a mini holiday for my brain! Reading is an opportunity to transport to a different time and place. Reading is freedom! It is a great way to relax. Reading is important because it can increase your knowledge about different topics and it can help your creativity and imagination.
What book character do you relate the most to?
I relate most to Paddington Bear because like Paddington, I am very persistent and never willing to give up!
What’s the first book you ever remember reading?
‘The EnchantedWoods: The Fairies’ Tale’ by Shirley Barber.
Name your ideal type of book in three words.
Enchanting, magical and nail-biting.
Endeavour Hills’ Mossgiel Park Primary School celebrated its best readers and spellers last week, as part of national Book Week celebrations.
Principal Lynn Ordish said reading has helped the students broaden their view of the world.
“Book Week is always an exciting time at Mossgiel Park Primary,” she said.
“This year’s theme of ’Read, Grow, Inspire’ resonates with our commitment to develop children to have a love for reading and learning.
“We have an emphasis on teaching children how to comprehend the text they read.”
Foundation teacher Louise Rezel said this
year’s BookWeek celebrations involved a number of events.
“Our Book Week included many fun and engaging activities such as dressing up as their favourite book character, a spelling bee and a whole school assembly to acknowledge and celebrate students at each year level who have achieved excellence in reading,” she said.
“We also announced the Spelling Bee champions and awarded an Encouragement Reading Award for one student in each class that has shown unwavering dedication and significant growth in reading, comprehension, fluency and voice.
“Our whole school environment encapsulates the spirit of Book Week and striving to succeed.”
I truly believe that hiring the right person is the most important decision a business can make. Why? Because when you get it right, the business runs smoothly, results are achieved and growth is so much easier. However, get it wrong and the results can be analogous to a bad marriage break-up: relationships are damaged, culture is impacted, morale can drop and business performance stunted. Clearly getting this right matters, so here are a few tips when contemplating filling a vacancy.
First off, think about whether there is anyone else in the business that could step into the role. There is a general rule of thumb that says if a person is capable of doing at least 70 per cent of a role, then they should probably be doing it. This allows someone to develop and grow into the position and so either fill a vacancy or relieve someone more senior of some responsibilities. This would also save on the time and effort involved in recruitment!
Assuming that there is no one suitable internally, then in addition to knowing how much you should pay, there are some key questions to consider, namely:
· What are the specific responsibilities of the role?
· How will it evolve over the next few years?
· What personal attributes would work best for this role (i.e. what sort of person is needed)?
· What specific skills and experience does this role require?
The answers to the above questions should be documented in a Job (JD) or Position De-
scription (PD) so that expectations of the role are aligned between the incumbent and their manager as well as with others in the business and any recruitment agent(s) involved. When a PD is well written, it is easy to create the job advertisement which should highlights the benefits of the role as well as requirements. There are some basic do’s and don’ts when it comes to the interview process itself. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so ensure that all candidates have the best possible experience. If you have a reception area, having someone there to welcome the candidate when they arrive is a must. A small table and chair (in case the candidate has to wait) provide an opportunity to place magazines and/or materials relevant to your business and set the context for the interview.
Make sure this area is clean and tidy as it will reflect the professionalism of your business.
The interview itself should be conducted in a quiet, separate room where you will not be interrupted. Ensure that there is a glass and water on a table for the candidate and avoid placing them in a corner since there is the potential for them to actually feel ‘cornered’. The room itself should be light and airy and don’t put them directly in front of a window as they may end up squinting their way through the interview or being unduly affected by the temperature outside.
Start the interview with an ‘icebreaker’ question, e.g. were they able to find their way to your business easily enough, have they parked in a time-restricted area, etc.
Introduce the interviewers (there should
always be two), explain the structure of the interview and provide a brief (max five minutes) overview of the company and the role. The intent is to put the candidate at ease before you start more in depth questioning as they are then more likely to open up with more information.
A good interview should be conversational and allow some time at the end for questions from the candidate. It is a two-way process so while you should maximise the benefits of working at your company, you must ensure that candidates have an accurate, warts ‘n all understanding of the role.
Ian Ash ACC AIECL AInstIB, Managing director, OrgMent Business Solutions - ombs.com.au
The damage and impact which cancer has on the world knows no boundaries.
Star News journalist Matthew Sims spoke to three locals about how cancer has affected them ahead of this year’s Daffodil Day.
Held on Thursday 31 August, Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day event supports life-saving cancer research.
Clyde North resident Carla Johnson lost both of her parents to cancer and has dedicated herself to helping raise awareness with the help of her local community.
“Unfortunately, cancer affects many people,” she said.
“Watching them go through the treatment through to the end stage was incredibly difficult.”
What started as a breast cancer diagnosis for her mother quickly spread into her chest wall and into her esophagus, a battle which lasted longer than five years.
“I can’t believe how strong she was,” Ms Johnson said.
“She tried to hide her pain from everyone.”
She has helped run a number of online auctions and other fundraising events for Daffodil Day since her parents’ deaths, with her most recent auction running throughout August raising about $400, with items and services donated by local businesses.
Ms Johnson said she was grateful for the support of local individuals and businesses, including Team Anita and Harpreet, Leslie Enright and Divinity Candles.
“To me, it means nothing without the business who have supported me,” she said.
“My plans wouldn’t have gone anywhere without them.
“They’re the reason it happened.”
Cancer Council Victoria fundraising head Lyrian Fleming-Parsley said cancer has affected everyone in one way or another.
“Cancer takes so much - from all of us,” she said.
“It takes from our friends, neighbours, colleagues, and our family.
“By giving this Daffodil Day, we can help stop cancer from taking so much.”
Berwick residents Andrew and Sheila Downey have raised more than $120,000 through their regular cupcake sales via the ‘Sheila and Andrew’s Cupcakes’ Facebook page, selling more than 50,000 cupcakes since first starting more than 10 years ago.
Mrs Downey was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 after a routine breast screening.
“It was a pretty big shock,” she said.
Mrs Downey said she did not receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment, but had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction.
“It’s very rare not to have chemo or radio (therapy),” she said.
“I’m a very big advocate to have an early breast screen and skin checks.
“I feel very lucky.”
Mrs Downey said the journey had allowed her to appreciate life and live life appreciating others.
“I think it made me a better person,” she said.
“It’s an absolute team effort.
“I couldn’t do it without Andrew.”
Mr Downey said they had no plans to stop baking cupcakes to raise funds for Cancer Council Victoria and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.
“We haven’t got sick of it,” he said.
“We have a loyal following.”
Berwick resident Heather Callahan’s cancer journey began suddenly when she was told there were abnormalities in scans following an innocuous back injury in 2018.
Further scans then found a cyst in one of her kidneys.
Ms Callahan said she was “extremely fortunate” to have Scott Donnellan as her urologist and that the cancer was discovered early, leading to the kidney being removed.
“It’s not great to get a cancer diagnosis,” she said.
Ms Callahan’s diagnosis was made more shocking because it was the same cancer found in her father who died in 1995 about four days after first learning of his disease.
“He had no treatment,” she said.
“There was nothing indicated to us that it could have been genetic.”
“I had none of the markers for it.”
Ms Callahan has recently been named as ‘clear’ as she has surpassed the five-year mark since her treatment and her remaining kidney has grown stronger.
“You have a different outlook on life,” she said.
“It probably gives you a clearer picture.
“It gives me a very different outlook.”
Ms Callahan said seeking resources and support from Cancer Council was invaluable to her during and after her father’s passing and during her own cancer journey.
“I wanted to understand what happened to Dad,” she said.
“They’ve got resources for you to be able to access.”
Ms Callahan said the loss of her father was extremely difficult.
“I was quite close to my dad,” she said.
“I’d never lost anyone close to me.
“I think it made me more determined to not let me stop achieving in life.
“You can let it determine you or make it motivate you.”
To support Daffodil Day, visit daffodilday. com.au or phone 1300 65 65 85.
Hallam local and Quayclean Australia venue supervisor Chris Sageman has returned from working at some of England’s largest sporting events and venues as part of a leadership exchange program.
In partnership with CleanEvent UK, he spent six weeks working alongside Quayclean Australia contract manager Paul Pritchard where they helped operate cleaning, hygiene, waste management, disinfection, and decontamination services at major sports venues and events including Royal Ascot Racecourse, the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Old Trafford Ashes cricket test match and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Mr Sageman is the venue supervisor at Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena, while Mr Pritchard is Quayclean’s contract manager at Melbourne Racing Club sites.
More than 350,000 racegoers attended the five-day Royal Ascot racing carnival, while 400,000 fans flocked to the British Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Quayclean operations executive general manager Tom Mills and CleanEvent UK operations manager Jay Adderley designed the program to develop emerging leaders’ skills, and to enable them to gain further industry knowledge and insights.
They previously worked together in Australia and travelled to England to work at the 2012 London Olympic Games, and have been developing the leadership exchange program following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
“The exchange program is a great opportunity for identified leaders to work at big international events in another country and be able to share that knowledge with fellow leaders and the wider business on their return,” Mr Mills said.
“The program was a wonderful extension of our Quay Academy program where we seek to identify and develop authentic leaders
within the business.
“It also compliments Quayclean’s commitment to the Venue Management School program through the Venue Management Association.”
He said they would be passing on the knowledge they gained in England to assist their teams back in Australia.
Mr Adderley said Mr Sageman and Mr Pritchard’s help was invaluable.
“It was amazing to have Paul and Chris over here as part of the project,” he said.
“Their insight and ideas were fantastic and helped support our busy event season.
“I look forward to sending two of our upand-coming managers over to Australia later this year with the hopes they have the same impact.”
Quayclean chief executive Mark Piwkowski said Mr Sageman and Mr Pritchard witnessed
first-hand how labour services, equipment and waste management processes were utilised in England.
“The exchange program is about knowledge sharing so that more leaders within our business can grow and be elevated to assume more senior roles and take on greater responsibilities,” he said.
“We received fantastic formal feedback on their work with one Silverstone site manager commenting that Chris was a credit to the team and he would be honoured to work with him again.
“We thank CleanEvent UK for their exchange program partnership and we look forward to offering more leaders this exciting working opportunity in the years ahead.”
Later in the year, two CleanEvent UK staff will head to Australia where they will work at cricket test matches at the SCG and the Gabba, plus the Australian Tennis Open in Melbourne.
A week at the School Sport Australia Basketball Championships in Perth has solidified the ambitions of Pakenham’s Stella O’Loughlin to reach the sport’s professional level.
O’Loughlin played in each of Victorian 16-Under Girls’ seven matches at the championships where they finished the tournament in fourth place, falling to Queensland in the bronze medal playoff on Friday 25 August.
One of the team’s point guards, O’Loughlin averaged 20 minutes per game, with her starring performance coming against the eventual champions New South Wales in the roundrobin leg of the competition.
O’Loughlin scored 28 points, on 57 per cent shooting (11/19), to lead her team in scoring, and grabbed four rebounds and provided five assists.
She scored both in the paint, slicing her way through taller defenders on the interior and finishing at the rim time-after-time, while also showing her range from beyond the threepoint line.
The highlight of her game came when she salvaged a broken play by nailing a running shot from just inside the half court line as the shot clock expired, the first time she had nailed a basket from that distance during a match.
“There were two seconds left and the ball had been knocked-away, so I just got it and shot it,” O’Loughlin explained.
“I guess there was no pressure or expectation on that game; we were the underdogs and it was our second game of the day, so we were all tired.
“Nothing was really expected so I had no pressure and just came out and played, didn’t overthink anything.
“It was hard, but good to be exposed to that level.
“The physicality was not what it’s like when I play on Friday nights, it was fast-paced, and very physical.”
As one of the older players on the squad, O’Loughlin was entrusted with the responsibility of steadying the ship when things got out of hand on the court, controlling the tempo of the contest and calling plays, tasks she had not experienced in previous teams.
The 26ers appear to be forcing their way into the inner circle of contenders in the South West Gippsland Dart League’s new Winter season.
John and his team are one of three sides to remain unbeaten after the first three weeks, thanks to a 13-2 win over lowly Hoodies in round three.
After a tight 8-7 win in the first week, last season’s Don Brown Memorial Shield winners cashed-in on percentage boosting opportunities with consecutive 13-2 results.
Snipers’ undefeated run came to an end againstWarriors, who also moved to three wins from three matches thanks to a narrow 8-7 victory.
A 112 peg from Liam, to go with he and Ant’s five tons each, led the way for the Warriors, who have fought through three hard contests to open the year as they strive to go one-better than the Summer Season.
Unsurprisingly, the third and final team yet
to taste defeat is Just Social, nestled atop the ladder once again with a staggering percentage of 650.
Four points from the Rebels was as close as anyone has come to knocking them off to date.
Elsewhere, Paky One got home by the barest of margins against Mud Rats to to keep the Rats on the hunt for a win to open the season.
Both Sheryll and Shane threw pegs of 72 for Paky One, but were outdone by Keith’s 102 for the Mud Rats.
Gembrook, meanwhile, got past Fore 10-5, led by three tons from Doug.
Results R3: Warriors 8 v Snipers 7, Gembrook 10 v Fore 5, Paky One 8 v Mud Rats 7, Just Social 11 v Rebels 4, 26ers 13 v Hoodies 2.
Ladder: Just Social 12, 26ers 12, Warriors 12, Snipers 8, Gembrook 8, Paky One 8, Rebels 0, Mud Rats 0, Fore 0, Hoodies 0, Bullseyes 0.
Fixture R4: Warriors (2) v Gembrook (5), Paky One (6) v Rebels (7), Fore (9) v Snipers (4), 26ers (2) v Mud Rats (8), Hoodies (10) v Bullseyes (11). Just Social – Bye.
Handling pressure and an increase in expectation is nothing new to the 16-year-old, who made the jump to Big V basketball this season to represent the Pakenham Warriors at senior level, having impressed coach Robertus Dielemans with her Basketball IQ, enthusiasm and skill set.
Australian guards Monique Conti, Shyla Heal and Stephanie Reid are among her idols and players she looks to emulate as her journey continues, with sights set on a professional career.
In 2022 she got a taste of what the U.S Collegiate lifestyle has to offer, touring the United States for two weeks with the ATC Academy
and getting the chance to impress a number of college scouts during tournaments in Texas and Chicago.
A week in Perth under similar circumstances with her peers, living and breathing the sport, only fanning the flames of her ambitions.
“It was good to just play, but it was also really fun to hang-out with all the girls,“ she said.
“We spent almost every day at the stadium, watching the boys’ team, playing and getting ready.
“We’d all sit together as a group at the end of the court, supporting the boys.”
For now, it’s back to Cardinia Life for the 16-year-old, but if she continues to catch the eye of talent scouts, she won’t be there much longer.
Healesville midfielder Scarlett Potter has capped of a great season by taking out the Outer East Women’s Division 1 league best and fairest award on Monday night.
Potter and teammate Paula Pavic were locked on 17 votes with one round to go in the count, before Potter polled the maximum three votes in the final round of the season.
Potter and Pavic were key components of Healesville’s undefeated home-and-away season, which ended in disappointed after a semi-final loss to eventual premiers Olinda-Ferny Creek in week one of the finals.
The Team of the Year was also announced on the night, with Healesville having six players selected, and Olinda Ferny Creek, Pakenham and Upwey-Tecoma five.
Emily Devine, Chelsea English, Bianca Moody, Chloe Nagel and Courtney Stephens were selected from Pakenham, while Felicity Jouvelet and Tracey McMinimee were rewarded for consistent seasons with Berwick Springs.
OE Women’s Vote Count – Top 10 20 Scarlett Potter (Healesville), 17 Paula Pavic (Healesville), 14 Amy Elias (UpweyTecoma), 12 Claire Hyett (Olinda Ferny Creek), 11 Chloe Nagel (Pakenham), 10 Kyah Barry (Olinda Ferny Creek), 9 Cassy
Wilsmore (Healesville), 8 Felicity Jouvelet (Berwick Springs), Courtney Stephens (Pakenham), Rebecca Thompson (Upwey Tecoma).
OE Women’s Team of the Year
· Backs: Kya Barry (Olinda Ferny Creek), Emily Devine (Pakenham), Tracey McMinimee (Berwick Springs).
· Half Backs: Felicity Jouvelet (Berwick Springs), Cassy Wilsmore (Healesville), Rebecca Robinson (Upwey Tecoma).
· Centres: Scarlett Potter (Healesville), Chloe Nagel (Pakenham), Sarah Frazzetto (Healesville).
· Half Forwards: Olivia Edwards (Olinda Ferny Creek), Danielle Carrucan (Healesville), Claire Hyett (Olinda Ferny Creek).
· Forwards: Grace Belloni (Olinda Ferny Creek), Rebecca Thompson (Upwey Tecoma), Chelsea English (Pakenham).
· Rucks: Paula Pavic (Healesville), Courtney Stephens (Pakenham), Amy Elias (Upwey Tecoma).
· Interchange: Chelsea Wilson (Olinda Ferny Creek), Corinna White (Upwey Tecoma), Bianca Moody (Pakenham), Ishka-Belle Stock (Healesville), Alexandria Bantock (Upwey Tecoma), Maddison Dodd (Monbulk).
· Coach: Simon Gilson (Olinda Ferny Creek).
Life in the bottom half of the finals equation saw Pakenham play quasi-elimination finals for much of the season.
Now it’s time for the real deal.
UpweyTecoma will pose its challenges, with both sides evenly matched across the field.
Two meetings this year were split one win apiece, Pakenham grinding out a gritty comefrom-behind win in a low-scoring contest at home back in round five, the Tigers squaring the ledger back in round 14 on their considerably smaller deck.
The sense in the Pakenham rooms that afternoon at Upwey Tecoma was that they had let that one slip; despondent silence filled the room after Ash Green’s post-game address as they pondered what could have been.
But the Tigers enter this clash having not saluted since that day - a bye, two losses and a draw makes for bleak reading in their close to the campaign.
How Pakenham works the ball through the yellow and black defensive press will be telling in deciding the contest, having come unstuck on many a forward venture in the most recent clash.
A six goal run from the Tigers early in the afternoon was costly for Lions, a habit they’ve found hard to shake in the back half of the season.
In the qualifying final the right to face the Magpies for a spot in the grand final is up for grabs when long time mountain rivals Wandin and Woori Yallock go head-to-head.
Rewind 12 months and it was the Bulldogs who got the chocolates in the corresponding fixture, storming home with nine goals in the final term to force Woori Yallock to go the long way to reach the decider.
That was a significant day for the Bulldogs, having finally got the better of a side above
them and shaken the proverbial monkey off the back.
Decisive victories this year, by 40 and 47 points respectively, suggest the balance of power rests in red blue and white.
With Aaron Mullett back on the park, expect the Bulldogs to have too much firepower.
The matches will be played at NarreWarren and Emerald, however they had not been assigned at time of publication.
DIVISION ONE
Berwick Springs remain newcomers to the Outer East competition but within just a couple of years of existence have forged some crucial characteristics; respect, and a healthy rivalry with the Bombers of Emerald.
Two standouts of the field in Division One this campaign, the Titans got the better of the
All finals combatants bar Beaconsfield will head into A-Grade netball finals in winning form after securing victories in the final round of the home-and-away season.
Thetopfivepositionsontheladderremained as they did after round 17, meaning Narre Warren will get a crucial rest next week before taking the court again in the second week of finals. The Magpies returned to the winner’s list with a six goal victory over Beaconsfield at home.
Narre Warren scored the opening seven goals of the contest within minutes but the Eagles responded before the first break to trail by only four at quarter time. A 15-goal-to-nine second term saw the Magpies lead by 10 at the long break, a lead they maintained for much of the afternoon before finishing 48-42 victors.
Both teams tested their depth ahead of finals, playing 10 and 11 players respectively in the close contest. Narre Warren shooter Clare Vearing scored 35 goals on her return to the courts after missing last week, but fell short of Elizabeth Murphy’s 36 at the other end.
Anaisis Tupuailei and Gabrielle Dwyer were among NarreWarren’s best, while Gabrille Stinear and Brittany Mashado went head-to-head in the centre of the court. Finishing second on the table is Mt Evelyn, who got the better of Berwick in a low-scoring tussle at Edwin Flack Reserve 36-27.
The Rovers are arguably the form side of the competition, on the longest win streak of any side entering finals with scalps over Beaconsfield and NarreWarren along the way.
Berwick kept them to one of their lowest scores of the season to date, however, feeling the absence of first-choice goal attack Kaila Swindell.JacquiandKaitlinBlackstarredforthe Rovers in defence in keeping Berwick to such a low total.
Berwick’s Hayley Alman, Brooke Abu-Jaber and Emily Tatt finished their seasons on a high.
A Olinda Ferny Creek, Pakenham gave the Bloods a scare for three quarters before showing why they’re the reigning champions in a 51-42 win. Pakenham won the first quarter 14-9 before the home side responded with 15 goals to 10 in the second term.
11 goals each in the third quarter meant the
two sides entered the final period level, but the Bloods flexed their muscle by doubling Pakenham’s fourth-quarter score. Defensive pair Eliza Molino and Charlize Reid had their hands full with Hayley Howard and Grace Kelly, but held their own in the respectable performance.
The Bloods, meanwhile, enter finals with 200 goals from their last three contests, but will have to go the hard way to retain their A-Grade crown, having finished fourth. Also on a win streak is Wandin, four wins from its final four contests thanks to a 41-goal thrashing of Gembrook Cockatoo.
23 goals to five in the third quarter saw the Bulldogs’ half time lead extend from 15 to 34 in a ruthless display. 62 goals to Emmalia Blake ensured her eye is in ahead of the finals series, securing the goal scoring title with 812 goals, 173 ahead of her nearest competitor.
Chelsea Ingram managed 30 goals for the Brookers. Monbulk also finished its season in the winners column, defeating Upwey Tecoma 61-43 in a contest lacking any finals bearing.
Mt Evelyn tackle Wandin at Narre Warren’s Kalora Park in a qualifying final while Olinda Ferny Creek face Beaconsfield at Chandler Recreation Reserve in Emerald in a knock-out contest.
two sides in the most recent outing, a thriller at Chandler Reserve in round 16, after the Bombers had won the previous two.
Riley Hillman’s contest with David Johnson in the Emerald forward line will be critical, while the Bombers will need to put considerable time into Tom Nelson, a true match winner bursting with X-factor who’s hitting finals at a crucial stage of the year.
The Titans will be brimming with confidence, having won its last four with considerable scalps against Emerald, Seville and a desperate Officer in that period.
The Bombers, on the other hand, will be keen to extract maximum value from the pivotal top two finish they worked so hard to earn.
The winner advances straight through to the grand final, the loser has a date in prelimi-
nary final week.
Whether it’s Healesville or Seville on the other side of the table will also be determined on Sunday afternoon.
Steeled by a series of crucial wins to close the campaign, Healesville shape as a giant killer against a steady Seville side who have gotten by in their consistency throughout the season.
A one-point margin in the previous contest suggests another thriller is on the cards. Woori Yallock and Healesville will host the contests, however the matches had not been assigned to venues at time of publication.
TIPS
Premier Division: WANDIN v Woori Yallock, Upwey Tecoma v PAKENHAM.
Division One: Emerald v BERWICK SPRINGS, Healesville v SEVILLE.
1-0
loss to topplaced Waverley.With finals out of the equation, the Storm were able to play with a sense of freedom and their core skills were executed well to generate scoring opportunities, but they were unable to penetrate the statistically best backline in the league.
The defence of Cardinia was also tight, keeping Waverley to just one goal despite having repeated opportunities.
The weekend’s results see Cardinia finish sixth on the eight-team table, with seven wins, four draws and seven losses.
Cardinia got on a run through the middle of the year and showed promising patches of exciting and free-flowing hockey in its inaugural season.
The under-12s, meanwhile, were exposed to different positions in a loss to KBH Brumbies while the under-10s played their best match of the season with Rattan Cheema, Rubani Bhatia and Annabelle Fallu the best juniors of the week.
Seniors results: Waverley 1 v Cardinia 0, Mentone 1 v St Bede’s 5, Knox 1 v Hawthorn 2, Monash University 3 v MCC Hockey Section 0
Final ladder: Waverley 38, St Bede’s 36, Mentone 30, Knox 30, Monash University 29, Cardinia 25, Hawthorn 11, MCC Hockey Section 5
The Storm suffered a tight loss on the weekend. 351681 Picture: GARY SISSONS
