News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 14th September 2023

ootball Netball League

1 Marcus Toussaint 22 Daniel Bourke

2 Oscar Toussaint 3 Jordy Patullo

23 Andrew Soumilas 1 Hayden Bruce

Rucks 12 Ethan P 39 Max W

9 Bailey P

16 Damien Holmes

13 Tom Hams

11 Bryce Hindhaugh

32 Shem Hawking

4 Cameron Brown

24 Michael Eales

28 Max Blake

3 Tate Short

19 Cameron Pedersen

14 Jarvis Pryor

27 Orlando Kane Gillard

8 Travis

9 Billy Taylor

4 Lewis Rankin

Grand Final Line-Ups

Coaches

Jared Derksen 8 Aidan Nelson

1

Rucks 37 Hayden Stagg

Nic Jansen

16 Riley Hillman

5 Lachlan Hoye

47 Matt Connelly

6 Ethan Grose

14 Thomas Nelson

34 Benjamin Willder

40 Ty Ellison

14 Mitchell Thomas

32 Braydn Hoewel

17 Jake Pedder

5 Rhys Fletcher

17

7 Joshua

3 Harry Lang

Berwick

Springs Goal

New lease on life for gumboots

Pakenham local David Hale is keeping busy in retirement with his funky gumboot dog creations which kids of friends, family and the community enjoy.

What started as a little hobby of recycling thrown away gumboots to make toys for kids in the family, these goofy dogs are now sought after by the community.

The source of David’s idea came far away from Pakenham, in Glasgow.

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DavidHale’screationshavebeen enjoyedbyfamily,friendsandthe widercommunity.

Picture:COREYEVERITT

Robbery arrests

A Pakenham boy is among four people arrested following a series of cigarette and alcohol thefts earlier this month across Melbourne suburbs.

Eastern Region Crime Squad arrested the four in Amayla Crescent, Carrum Downs on Tuesday 12 September.

The 17-year-old Pakenham boy has been charged with various counts of armed robbery, robbery, shopsteal, unlawful assault and driving while disqualified.

A 17-year-old Wheelers Hill boy has been charged with various counts of robbery, shop-

steal, handling stolen goods, unlawful assault, theft, committing an indictable offence while on bail and assaulting police.

Both youths will appear before a children’s court.

An 18-year-old man from Mount Waverley has been charged with handling stolen goods and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

He will appear before the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 13 September.

A 17-year-old youth from Hampton Park

was interviewed and released pending further investigation.

The arrests follow 14 incidents across suburbs including Camberwell, Preston, Mooroolbark, Heidelberg Heights, Bentleigh East, Wheelers Hill, Doreen, Laverton North, Alphington, Aspendale, Caulfield South, Carrum Downs and Burwood.

Victoria Police has established a dedicated operation in response to a recent increase in offending at packaged liquor outlets and supermarkets across Melbourne.

As part of Operation Cubed, local police

and detectives from Southern Metro, NorthWest region, Eastern Region and specialist units including PORT, AirWing and Dog Squad will be targeting known offending hotspots and using all available intelligence to detect and deter offending.

Police intelligence indicates that a small cohort of youth offenders are involved in this recent offending.

The proactive operation will run each day and remain ongoing for as long as required, authorities said.

Barking mad for gumboots

By Corey Everitt

Pakenham local David Hale is keeping busy in retirement with his funky gumboot dog creations which kids of friends, family and the community enjoy.

What started as a little hobby of recycling thrown away gumboots to make toys for kids in the family, these goofy dogs are now sought after by the community.

Recently, Kooweerup’s Premium Regional Disability Service purchased one for their sensory garden project.

Project manager Linny Jenkins said they were a smash hit with the kids and a clever way to recycle.

The source of David’s idea came far away from Pakenham, in Glasgow.

Traveling in Scotland, with his wife Vivian, they were enjoying one of the many modern art museums in Glasgow.

In their stroll through the gallery, they come across the piece ‘Hound of Geevor’, a sculpture by British artist David Kemp which depicts a dog formed out of old rubber boots used by miners.

“I said to Viv, I could probably do that,” David said of his reaction to the piece that would probably go for tens of thousands on the art market today.

Having come home in 2017, he decided to scavenge discarded gum boots off the side of the roads in town.

He made his first gumboot dog with ease and even added more detail such as eyes and a tongue.

“It only takes a few hours to make them, actually,” he said.

“Some of them are a little bit more difficult to make, if you are dealing with a small boot, it’s a bit hard to stretch and make it.”

Originally giving some to just family, who

would also help with picking thrown-away gumboots, his side-hobby picked up the attention of friends and, eventually, others in the community.

“I’ve giving a couple away to family,” David said.

“A few friends have asked me to make them one.

“They pay me some, to cover the cost of the few things, like the screws and things like that, the bits of wood I get.”

David still makes the gumboot dogs today

after seeing the reception it has had, particularly with children.

“We’ve got a friend who is a well-being officer in one of these schools here and they have a wellness dog that comes around to the school.

“She decided she would buy one of these, it’s a very colourful one that she’s got, and just keep it in the office, every kid that goes in there pats it.

“She had to do a test with one of the children a few weeks ago and they wouldn’t go into the room unless the gumboot dog went in with them.”

David even submitted a gumboot dog to this year’s Pakenham Art Show.

“I put a price on it and I went up there about 20 minutes after the show started and it had been sold already,” he said.

“The treasurer for it, she was handling the money and everything, she bought it.

“She said, you should have put a bigger price on it David.”

Despite the positive interest, David makes it clear that these creations are straightforward for him and they fit within an overall activity of just keeping engaged in the community.

“As I said, it only takes me a few days because I do a couple of things and I leave it for half a day, but it only takes three or four hours to make one,” he said.

“I’m also involved with Legacy, they support widows and children of ex-serviceman, and I volunteer at Casey Hospital, I go there a couple of days a week and do balloon animals for the kids.

“These are just things to give a reason to get up in the morning, if you are not working, you don’t want to rust out I think.

“It keeps me involved in the community and gives me something to do.”

New song inspires resilience, draws from experience

Pakenham singer Sasha Rechichi is celebrating the release of her debut single which she hopes will uplift those facing hardship.

The full-time singing teacher debuted her singing on 24 August with the single Hold On under her artist title Sasha Chanelle, which is available on streaming platforms, such as Spotify.

Sasha and local producer Younique came together to make the upbeat but soulful track, written solely by Sasha and performed with her expressive vocal range.

The song comes from the very heart of her love for singing which has been a central part of her life.

“I‘ve always been a singer,” Sasha said.

“I started as a singer pretty early in my life, my Mum got me doing singing lessons since I was 11.”

Her troubles growing up found relief in

LocalsingerSashaChanelle.

Picture:SUPPLIED

music and informed her passion for singing today.

“I was bullied quite a lot in my life and I turned to music to escape a lot of the things I

was facing in schooling,” she said.

“When I was 17 I started a school called the Music School of Hope, I was always passionate about helping others in music.

“One of my goal was always to make my own music.”

Being a Soul/R&B singer, Sasha grew up loving some of the most iconic voices.

“I listened to a lot of Aretha Franklin, Etta James, George Michael growing up, they influenced me a lot, particularly with my vocal range,” she said.

Some of those influences couldn’t help being hereditary.

“My Dad really likes Bob Marley, so I grew up listening to him a lot as well and there is a bit that in there,” Sasha said with laugh.

“I do love Bobby a lot, I can really relate to it.”

Hold On tells a story about resolve

through hardship, it aims to help those who can relate.

“My debut is about someone being Facebook stalked, which it seems everyone has one of those today,” Sasha said.

“As the title is Hold On, it’s about overcoming the negativity by holding on to the good people in your life.

“Hear songs on the radio, they give people feelings of sadness or love, if you hear mine on the radio I want it to be uplifting.”

Sasha is still teaching singing at Music School of Hope on Purton Road, between this and making music, time can be limited.

“I’m still a full-time singing teacher, it’s very time consuming combined, but I’m surrounded by music so I love it.”

Sasha Chanelle will still be in the studio, having another single dropping in the coming months.

PakenhamlocalDavidHalewithhisgumbootdogcreation.

Picture:COREYEVERITT

By Eleanor Wilson

A successful fundraising night at Pakenham Racing Club has seen more than $25,000 raised for food support organisation Frankie’s Community Kitchen.

Two hundred people gathered on 1 September to support the Warragul based notfor-profit on its journey to provide hundreds of thousands of hot meals for vulnerable residents throughout Cardinia Shire, Baw Baw Shire and the Latrobe Valley.

The gala night included live and silent auctions and raffles to raise funds for an operations expansion and move to a new, larger warehouse in Warragul. Frankie’s Community Kitchen co-founder and chairman Geoff Manson said demand for emergency food relief in Cardinia and Gippsland is “huge”.

The service’s 65 volunteers currently spend three nights a week cooking out of the Warragul kitchen to distribute hot meals to nine food relief groups in the region, including The Salvation Army Pakenham, StVinnies SoupVan Beaconsfield and St Patrick’s Parish Pakenham.

Mr Manson said the organisation will provide 75,000 meals by the end of this year, with that number expected to climb to 100,000 next year.

“We do our best to provide to communities in Cardinia, Baw Baw Shire and the Latrobe Valley, but even travelling out towards Leongatha or Sale, there are another 20 food relief groups we could provide for,“ Mr Manson said.

Frankie’s Community Kitchen was founded in 2017 by Mr Manson and colleague Chris Dortmans.

“I volunteered for two months in a Homeless World Cup on a committee 2008 and I met the committee from Fare Share and they do a great deal of work in the space,” Mr Manson said.

“I kept in contact with them and I knew we needed something similar in Gippsland, so that’s how it came about.”

14 – 17 September 2023

The Robert Gordon Pottery team provided vases for auction.

Jason Lee from Harcourts Drouin/Warragul kicks off the auction. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Marist-Sion College staff enjoyed the fundraising gala.

Return of prized event

By Eleanor Wilson

Cardinia Men’s Shed’s award-winning Seniortivity Day is back this year, hoping to inspire older residents to stay active and connected in their retirement.

The 23 September expo will platform more than 16 local community groups to residents, including the Pakenham Purls, Probus, Pakenham Arthritis Support Group, Berwick-Pakenham Historical Society, AfriAus iLEAC, White Ribbon Art, U3A Pakenham, Bunurong Men’s Shed Pakenham, SES Pakenham and other local art, gardening and walking groups.

Along with the chance to meet and talk with members of local community groups, attendees can enjoy entertainment including singing, an Indian dance performance, along with food and light refreshments provided by local businesses.

Cardinia Men’s Shed vice president Roger Barnett said the second annual event is about encouraging local seniors to get involved in the community and join local groups.

“There is so much going on for young people, but there really isn’t that effort put into looking after seniors,” Mr Barnett said.

“It’s important that kids are active, but a little more equity on the older person side wouldn’t go astray.”

Mr Barnett is hoping this year’s event will live up to the Shed’s inaugural seniortivity expo, which attracted hundreds of local seniors and was later honoured by Cardinia Shire Council as the 2023 Community Event of the Year.

The event was born out of the Covid pandemic, when Men’s Shed members noticed a drop in membership and gap in free activities for older individuals in the shire.

Membership in the Cardinia Men’s Shed itself fell by more than 50 per cent following Covid-19, with Mr Barnett noting many former

members found it hard to get back involved with groups.

Since that time, the Shed has managed to rebuild the club up to 75 per cent of its preCovid membership base and hopes the seniortivity event will strengthen those numbers further.

Senior-tivity Day will be showcased as part of Cardinia Shire’s Senior’s Festival, which features a range of events facilitated for and by

seniors in the community.

Senior’s Festival events include a Roaring 40s Jazz Morning Tea, outdoor Tai Chi, theatre shows and guided local walks.

Cardinia Shire Mayor councillor Tammy Radford encouraged Cardinia Shire’s seniors to get involved.

“It is important to recognise the positive impact that our Cardinia Shire seniors have on the community,” Mayor Radford said.

“The festival is a great way to bring our seniors together to enjoy themselves, learn new skills and make new friends.”

For a full list of Cardinia Senior’s Festival events, head to bit.ly/469Uost

Senior-tivity Day will be held from 9am to 3pm on 23 September at Pakenham Living and Learning Centre, 6B Henry Street, Pakenham.

Report exposes ‘failures’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

An IBAC anti-corruption report had exposed a “litany of governance failures” at Casey Council, says the council’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff.

Speaking at an IBAC-hosted webinar on 8 September, Ms Duff issued a stark quote from US political figure Henry Kissinger that “corrupt politicians make the other 10 per cent look bad”.

Local governments needed “fundamental shifts” in policy and behaviour to“regain community confidence and credibility”, she said.

Reflecting on IBAC’s recent Operation Sandon report into alleged corruption by Casey councillors and property developers, Ms Duff said it was a “very sobering read”.

“The council chamber appeared to have become a stage rather than a place where serious decisions should be made to plot the future direction of the city.

“It has been distressing to reflect on some of the evidence collected by IBAC, the events documented, the conversations taped and the stories by witnesses could actually occur.”

In 2020, all Casey councillors were sacked by the State Government during IBAC’s Operation Sandon probe into alleged corruption.

Ms Duff was appointed as the head of a three-person administration panel to replace the councillors until elections in October 2024.

“Walking into an organisation where a council has been sacked for suspected serious corruption is quite an experience,” she said.

“Depriving a community of their elected representatives for nearly five years is a pretty big price to pay.”

The administrators focused on “cementing” the “best practices we could find” for Casey to do business.

In the past there had been an “us and them” division growing between officers and councillors.

Councillors were diverting the council from its“proper business” through“endless notices of motion” .

Some “simple examples” were councillors getting involved in house-numbering and the detailed allocation of sports facilities.

This diverted the council from “managing the massive challenges of growth”.

Ms Duff also raised the councillor group’s “apparent culture of silence” with councillors not speaking up about the behaviour they observed.

She said more immediate means of challenging suspected corrupt behaviour was a “necessity”.

Political parties had mechanisms to act, but councillors did not.

Mayors may or may not have the skills to manage, and council chief executives have only “limited” tools to intervene, she noted.

Ms Duff also agreed with IBAC that a higher level of councillor training was required, particularly for new councillors.

IBAC had reported councillors not reading material before voting on planning decisions, but rather relied on other councillors’ direction.

“If this is a widespread practice in the sector, that is a significant concern.”

The Sandon report made 34 recommendations, including fundamental changes to the state’s planning process to reduce corruption risks.

It found that councillors Sam Aziz and Geoff Ablett promoted developer John Woodman and his client’s interests in exchange for payments and in-kind support.

They both failed to declare this conflict of interest on many occasions, IBAC found.

Cardinia Men’s Shed’s Senior-tivity Day was named Cardinia Shire’s 2023 Community event of the Year. Picture: CARDINIA SHIRE COUNCIL

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To the lovely people that helped my lovely Mum last Wednesday in Pakenham when she fell over in the car park. To the gentleman that came to Mum’s aid providing the towel and the lady with the tissues and calling the ambulance. My whole family are very grateful to you all for looking after our dear Mum, wife and grandmother. So thank you, you beautiful people.

Thumbs down

To the way some people treat the kids working in fast food.

Thumbs down

To people who don’t grasp the concept of keep LEFT unless overtaking.

Thumbs up

To ROC - Officer Football Club for their Reserves team making the grand final, first time in almost 20 years a senior side’s made the granny.

$10m in mistaken riches

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

After a mistaken $10 million windfall, a disability support worker has been sentenced upon trying to flee the country with some of the proceeds.

Thevamanogari Manivel, 41, formerly of Dandenong North, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to recklessly dealing with $4 million of proceeds of crime.

It all started with a “significant” accounting error by cypto-currency business Crypto.com on 13 May 2021.

Instead of refunding Manivel’s partner $100, a staff member typed in an account number 10474143. It resulted in $10,474,143 being transferred into Manivel’s bank account. Discovering the overpayment, her partner told her to immediately transfer it to a joint account at a different bank.

That day, she went to a bank at Casey Central shopping centre and withdrew $10 million by bank cheque and $5000 in cash.

The bank cheque - along with $80,000 electronically - was deposited in the joint account that day.

Crypto.com didn’t realise the overpayment until an audit seven months later. By that point, the joint account was down to just over $8 million.

Manivel’s bank contacted her saying the deposit was a mistake, requesting that she return the $10 million.

Claiming she thought the message was a ‘scam’, she transferred $4 million to a Malaysian-based bank account.

In March 2022, Manivel was arrested with a one-way ticket to Malaysia and $11,750 cash attempting to board a flight at Tullamarine international airport.

Born in Malaysia, she had migrated to Australia in 2015 with a plan to save up money to sponsor her three children to join her.

To that end, she’d toiled in hard physical labour, including as a farmhand, hotel cleaner and a disability support worker. She also studied in aged care, pathology collection and community services.

In a police interview, Manivel had claimed her partner had told her he’d won the money.

In sentencing on 8 September, Judge Martine Marich said the partner’s explanation for the millions was “too good to be true – and it was not true”.

Prosecutors couldn’t prove Manivel had a “sinister intent” until she was notified by her bank of the mistake. At that point, she “yielded” into cynical self-interest to “short cut” her way to her financial goal, Judge Marich said.

The judge noted Manivel’s previously “ex-

emplary” character with no prior criminal history and a diligent work ethic.

Most of the $4 million had since been recovered, which was “unusual” in such a case, the judge noted.

Judge Marich noted that Manivel was assessed with trauma and on anti-depressants during an “extraordinarily difficult” seven months’ stint in remand.

She also faced the possibility of deportation – though she was able to apply for a permanent visa to address Australia’s shortage of aged care workers.

Manivel was jailed for 209 days – which was already served in pre-sentence detention.

She will serve an 18-month community corrections order with “intensive compliance”. It included 200 hours of unpaid work and mental health treatment and a night curfew all during the first six months.

It was an early morning departure for the students.

VCAL students walk 42 kilometres to raise vital funds

By Matthew Sims

A group of VCAL students and teachers from Narre Warren South P-12 College completed a walking marathon on Monday 4 September, trekking from their Amberley Park Drive campus all the way into Flinders Street Station.

The group of 14 Year 11 and 12 students raised $100 towards FoodBank, State Schools’ Relief and to the ACE Foundation ahead of the 42-kilometre journey.

The walk was a way for the school to give

back to organisations which had provided their support to the school for a number of years, according toVCAL teacher and participant Flynn Wilkinson.

“FoodBank have been donating food to our school for years now,” he said.

“State Schools’ Relief have been helping families access uniform and booklist items for years and earlier this year saw the ACE Foundation provide eye testing and free prescription eye glasses for dozens of students in our primary school.”

MrWilkinson said the students completed

the journey after about 55,000 steps.

“The weather was kind with an eventual top of 22 degrees proving a bit warm before the light to medium rain from Caulfield and the eventual torrential downpour we all had to deal with down the bottom of Williams Road at Como Park,” he said.

“Students and staff didn’t bat an eyelid.

“We were on the move for almost 10 and a half hours, seeing us reach Flinders Street station at 7.15pm.”

Mr Wilkinson said a highlight of the students’ contributions was a selfless act

from Toby Ihle.

“A particular shout-out to Toby Ihle who fell ill over the lead-in weekend and couldn’t participate, but insisted that the money he’d donated remain part of the total donation of the group,” he said.

“Solidarity amongst the group is certainly a feature of events such as this.

“Thanks to Trudi Godkin and Kirsten Roe for meeting us at the Dandenong Skate Park with water bottles and energising lollies to keep us going.”

Pictures: SUPPLIEDThe students arrived at Flinders Street Station at about 7.15pm.

A Berwick Springs Titans Junior Football Club Titans fan shared her love for the team on Elephant Rock in Upper Beaconsfield. 359886

Picture: GARY SISSONS

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THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I have the ability to name a song from the drum beat in the first couple of seconds.

What do you love the most about your job?

Being the boss, being able to get more time with my family than I ever thought was possible, and operating my excavator and driving my truck at Parkex Excavation and Concreting.

You recently took part in the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb; tell us a bit about how you went!

The most physical stress I have put my body through in well over a decade. I can’t say I look after myself, as a concreter and excavator operator my body doesn’t like me that much, so to have completed the climb in seven minutes I was blown away. If I train for it next time maybe I can break five minutes!

What would your last meal be?

My wife’s lasagne, any day of the week.

What was your most memorable moment?

Watching the first breath of my children.

What were you like as a kid?

Ask my mum. No, don’t, I don’t wanna get kicked out of the brigade.

What matters the most to you and why?

Comfort, safety, and happiness for my wife, daughter and son.

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

Live Aid at Wembley.

What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’? Coffee from a shop, Bunnings, a little bit of work done at home (lawns, backyard etc.), pub with a playground for lunch, ice-cream, barbecue and a couple of beers with my one and only to finish.

Where is your happy place?

Anywhere that work is off my mind, as well as in a fire truck.

with Narre Warren CFA firefighter Jason Parkinson

THREE … ways to support the National Week of Deaf People

Running from Monday 18 September to Sunday 24 September, the National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) is a weeklong national celebration of Deaf individuals and the Australian Deaf community, coinciding with the International Day of Sign Languages on Saturday 23 September. The theme for this year is ‘A World Where Deaf People Can Sign Anywhere’. Here’s three ways to support the local and broader Deaf community.

1 Learn Auslan

What better way to connect with the local Deaf community than learn how to communicate with them. There are a number of courses or apps available to learn how to sign, even if it is just a few simple signs.

2

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

Chilli caramel crispy pork belly with Viet slaw

and Nam Jim dressing. Where is your dream holiday destination? Seeing gorillas in their natural habitat.

Find an event

There are plenty of events catering to the Deaf community and welcome for all attendees, such as silent dinners.

3 Donate

Donate directly to Deaf Australia or Deaf Victoria to directly support their advocacy and campaign work.

NarreWarrenCFAfirefighterJasonParkinson. 358958

Picture:STEWARTCHAMBERS

You don’t need all the safety gear, until you do.

You might think putting on the safety gear will take longer than doing the job.

It could be that you’ve done it a thousand times before. But that doesn’t reduce the risk. You may not come back in one piece.

Check you’ve got the right safety gear for the job, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-gear-farm

It’s never you, until it is.

Chloe to represent state

By Matthew Sims

Tooradin Primary School student Chloe Benis has qualified to represent Victoria in the Australian Interschools Equestrian Nationals competition later this month.

Taking place at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, the event would showcase the best talent across a number of different disciplines, including dressage and jumping.

Chloe said she has been busy preparing for the competition.

“At the moment, I have two horses in full work, riding six days a week and practising my dressage and jumping before Nationals atWerribee,” she said.

“The horse I have qualified to represent Victoria on is my palomino mare Murray Gold Jasmyn (Jazzy).

“I have had her for two years and she is amazing. She always looks after me when we are out competing.”

Chloe said she loved riding from her first time.

“I started riding when I was three, my first pony was a black shetland named Daisy,” she said.

“I started because my Mum had grown up riding horses and it was something we could both enjoy.”

Chloe said her parents had supported her plan to qualify for the Interschool Nationals competition.

“At the start of this year, I decided I really wanted to qualify for Interschool Nationals so Mum and Dad drove me all over to compete in lots of competitions so I could qualify for State Champs,” she said.

“Last week I came first in the last Combined Training event at Boneo Park before Nationals.

“State Champs was in April and I came third in Victoria in the combined training primary school section.”

Chloe said she was the only student from her school which competes in interschool equestrian events.

“I think more kids from the area need to represent their school in equestrian events

as it is so much fun and you can make lots of friends,” she said.

“I also compete lots for Tooradin Dalmore Pony Club which I love, Pony Club is my favourite day of the month as I get to catch up with

lots of friends.

“I hope to do really well at the Australian Championships when I represent Victoria in a few weeks time.”

Chloe is excited to compete in the Interschool Equestrian Nationals competition on her palomino mare Murray Gold Jasmyn (Jazzy). Picture: SUPPLIED

Casey Council falls short

By Matthew Sims

All of Casey Council’s key service areas, as well as overall performance, showed a decrease in the latest Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey results.

The council achieved an index score of 50 in overall performance, six index points below last year and one point below the interface council average.

The most significant decreases occurred with the appearance of public areas and sealed local roads key service areas, each dropping by nine index points to 50 and 44 index points respectively.

Casey Council administrators chair Noelene Duff PSM said the council acknowledged that the scores indicated a decline in satisfaction.

“We’re already implementing measures designed to drive improvements and ensure we’re delivering services to the standards expected by council and the community,” she said.

“The decline in scores was a trend seen across both the state-wide and Interface averages for all measures.

“This was particularly evident in relation to sealed local roads, which can largely be attributed to three consecutive years of La Nina weather patterns and the unprecedented soaking rains that contribute to accelerated road pavement deterioration.”

Co-ordinated by the Department of Government Services on behalf of Victorian councils to gain insights into the community’s views across a range of services and performance

measures, independent market research agency JWS Research conducted 800 phone interviews with a representative sample of the Casey community to compile the results.

Ms Duff said the council would continue to focus on improving the local road network and maintaining its public spaces.

“We’ll continue to invest in renewing and resealing our local road network and meet the standards set out in our Road Management Plan,” she said.

“We recently awarded four new contracts to deliver mowing services for our open spaces under a new arrangement designed to achieve better maintenance standards.

“We’re confident this will improve performance in maintaining our public areas and in turn, enhance community satisfaction.”

Other decreases included value for money falling from 52 to 49 index points, overall council direction decreasing from 50 to 43 index points, customer service dropping from 71 to 67 points, waste management falling from 69 to 67 index points, community decisions decreasing from 52 to 48 index points, consultation and engagement dropping from 50 to 47 index points and lobbying falling from 50 to 47 index points.

Ms Duff said while council’s Connecting Casey advocacy campaign undertaken in 2022

FOCUS ON … DISABILITY

Embracing new horizons

Support Embrace Connect began in 2020 by Donna, who has spent her whole life in Casey, growing up in Hampton Park and residing in Berwick for the past 14 years with her four kids.

I was working in aged care and endured a workplace injury, causing me to find a new avenue of work.

I was misplaced and believed I would never work again at the time and then I decided to reeducate myself.

I have always loved helping others and thought this would be the perfect opportunity for me to work in a field where I could do just that.

Once I completed my studies, I was supported to gain employment through a Disability Employment Agency and started working in Disability Support which I loved.

Sadly the company did not have the same outlook of support as I had, so I decided to leave and start my own business and Support Embrace Connect (SEC) was born.

I am very passionate about not only supporting participants but also my employees, we have social get-togethers and I do upskill training with my team regularly.

Our team are easy going and adaptable people who have compassion and drive to help participants access the best support possible while improving their daily lives with meaningful community access, and engagement as well as daily life skills and support with so much more.

At SEC we have an individualised care plan for each person we work with, and we also run groups for cooking, art, and walk and talk groups to support our participants in accessing the community and being a part of it.

We have had great success with our small groups, with participants looking forward to the next group running and catching up with participants out in the community they have met. Our newest group is for all of the Pokemon lovers, where they meet up in the community and play Pokemon together and battle each other.

We pride ourselves on having regular scheduled support with regular workers and

go above and beyond for them.

We are not just about turning up and taking them for a coffee and dropping them home.

We are ensuring we are impacting their daily life and helping them with their steps toward their NDIS goals.

We have seen fantastic growth in the participants we support in many different areas of their lives, and our team thrives on seeing the growth and personal development of the people they are supporting.

When asked for, we work in care team meetings to help the other services engage with the participant so that everyone is on the same page and the participants get a better outcome from all services.

A team that communicates and supports the person in need will always have better outcomes than those who are disconnected and unaware of new changes and challenges of the participant; it’s also best practice for the participant as they do not have to repeat everything to each person.

For further information contact director Donna Poole 0484 679 364 - manager Brenda. supportembraceconnect.com.au

was “more subtle and nuanced than previous election approaches”, “it used evidence-based content designed to engage audiences and influence stakeholders, focusing less on public and political agitation and more on building strong, lasting relationships and representing the community”.

“In the lead up to the State Election, more than $1.3 billion in local election commitments were made by both parties, a reflection of our successful advocacy efforts.

“While our score relating to lobbying has declined, we want to assure residents we remain committed to advocating to other levels of government to invest in Casey to help us keep up with growing demands for infrastructure, particularly in roads and transport.”

In 2023, almost all councils which participated in the survey received lower overall performance index scores than in 2022, with the overall performance index score for allVictorian councils falling by a statistically significant three points, from an index score of 59 in 2022 to 56 in 2023.

Ms Duff said the council would look at the community’s feedback to refine its service provision moving forward.

“We are committed to building and improving all areas of council’s services and we will use the community feedback provided in this survey to review our services and consider where improvements can be made,” she said.

On Facebook, Casey resident Dorian Day said Casey Council should look at lowering land rates.

“That would be a good start I’m sure everyone would agree on,” he said.

Support Embrace Connect.

The City of Casey.

Teachers in short supply

By Matthew Sims

The Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian branch has welcomed the announcement made by the State Government to introduce scholarships for secondary teaching students, but has said more needs to be done to secure a consistent supply of teachers as schools continue to operate with limited numbers.

An investment of up to $93.2 million would provide new scholarships to support teaching degree students, with the scholarships set to be available to all students who enrol in secondary school teaching degrees in 2024 and 2025, with final payments if they then work in Victorian government schools for two years after they graduate.

Estimated to support about 4000 future teachers each year, the total scholarship for students who complete their studies and then choose to work in government secondary schools would match the HELP fees charged by the Commonwealth Government for Commonwealth Supported Places – $18,000 for a four-year undergraduate program or $9000 for two years of postgraduate study.

Berwick Lodge Primary School principal Henry Grossek said it was a “good win” but fell short of supporting students wishing to become primary teachers.

“I would argue for the last 10 to 15 years governments of all persuasions have not supported the needs of the teaching profession well enough,” he said.

“The children of today deserve the best that we can give them.”

Mr Grossek said Covid had brought a lot of issues to the fore, spurring a number of teachers to take family leave, moving to part-time work or wanting to work as casual relief teachers.

“It is extremely difficult,” he said.

“Term 2 was really quite dreadful, Term 3

has been marginally better.

“We are still plugging holes every week.”

Mr Grossek said their school was currently trying to fill seven vacant positions.

“There’s not that many people applying,” he said.

“The quality is not as strong.”

Mr Grossek said he was optimistic about the future and said he was indebted to the entire school community.

“It’s a team effort,” he said.

“They support me just as much as I support them.”

Casey Fields Primary School was among the local schools searching for new teachers, with at least nine vacancies for teachers over the past two months.

The announcement arrived shortly after the AEU held a protest on the stairs of State Parliament on Friday 8 September demanding immediate action from Premier Daniel Andrews.

AEU Victorian branch deputy president Justin Mullally said the announcement was a positive step forward.

“Teachers, education support staff, and principals have been calling for clear action to address the workforce shortage, and today the government have responded,” he said.

Mr Mullally said more still needed to be done to retain existing school staff members.

“Right now school staff are stretched covering gaps because of teacher shortages – they are going above and beyond to ensure students have access to the learning programs they need,” he said.

“This effort is taking a toll causing too many to become burnt out, take extended leave, or leave the profession altogether.

“Retention payments are one of the many solutions the government can implement now to acknowledge the key role of teachers, education support staff, and principals, their valuable work, and encourage them to stay

in the profession.”

AEU South East secondary school member Simon Cole said the students deserved better treatment.

“As teachers, we are dedicated to educating our students and supporting them in their learning,” he said.

“However, these shortages are stretching staff beyond their capacity and it’s students’ learning that suffers.”

Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas said National Teacher Workforce Action Plan was investing $1.4 billion in school workforce initiatives, including $204.8 million through the 2023–24 state budget

“The number of teachers in Victoria has grown at twice the national average and that’s no accident,” he said.

“We’re delivering a range of initiatives that have seen more than 5000 additional teachers registered by the end of 2022, compared to 2020.

“State Government investments have been focused on giving all students an equal opportunity to make the most of a first-class education system delivered by great teachers in excellent classrooms and schools.”

Berwick MP Brad Battin there was a greater impact felt in the growth corridors as new schools and established schools are competing for staff members from the same pool of candidates.

“InVictoria, the teacher shortage is impacting at all age levels and year levels,” he said.

“The more difficult solution is to review how we educate children, what is in the curriculum and are we overloading staff with unnecessary areas in day to day learning that should be part of home learning and values.

“Until we are serious in making change in education, there will be unwarranted pressure on teachers, and a reluctance for people to enter teaching in the future.”

‘Roar’ of flames rings on years later after Black Summer

By Matthew Sims

The roar of the bush burning all around you and the roar of flames engulfing trees mere metres from where you are standing.

These memories are among those which have stuck in the mind of Narre Warren CFA brigade members who were among the 8200 volunteers fighting fires during the 2019 and 2020 Black Summer bushfires.

Narre Warren 4th lieutenant Anastasia Barker and father and son firefighters Peter and Grant Lynch were among a number of recipients of the National Emergency Medal presented recently as part of Australia’s Honours and Awards system, which recognises significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant Australian emergency.

By the conclusion of the Black Summer bushfires, more than 2280 CFA volunteers and staff had been deployed interstate, while more than 8200 had contributed to the response at home in Victoria.

The impact of the bushfires covered 1.5 million hectares, tragically killing five people, destroying more than 400 homes and killing more than 6800 livestock and thousands of wild animals.

Mrs Barker said they were first called out to the Bairnsdale area in the first week of January 2020, where they lived out of tents among hundreds of other volunteers and firefighters.

“It was like a home away from home,” she said.

Each deployment lasted for about three to four days, but Peter said each deployment could be “quite strenuous”.

“You can be spent by four days,” he said.

Peter said while he and his son were working in the same area, they never worked on the same strike team, but he was never worried about his wellbeing.

“We saw each other from a 10-kilometre distance,” he said.

“There was nothing that I could do in the face of that fire.

“I’ve got confidence in our training.”

Grant said his team were involved in asset protection.

“That was the biggest campaign fire I’d been on,” he said.

“Seeing the fires, I was a little bit unsure.

“Once we were there, we knew what our role was.”

Peter said he saw several herds of cattle destroyed, leaving hundreds of pelts.

“They were just incinerated,” he said.

“It just shows the intensity of the heat and flames.”

Ms Barker said the dark red of the sky caused by heavy smoke cover was “surreal”.

“The craziest thing I remember was the colour of the sky,” she said.

“That’s just something that you don’t see.

“It’s just surreal, it doesn’t feel real.”

Peter said the sound of the blaze and the

wind was something he would never forget.

“It’s like a hurricane,” he said.

“It’s just a roar of trains or trucks coming towards you.

“Then it’s the sudden silence.”

Peter said he remembered a time when they were fighting a fire in front of them but then heard calls of ‘behind’.

“We’re all primed and ready with our hoses,” he said.

“The embers are igniting where we are standing.”

Grant said he appreciated receiving the NEM.

“I think it’s great to be recognised,” he said.

“It was more about being there for the community.”

Peter said he was “humbled and honoured” to receive the medal.

“I would give it back in a heartbeat if we could save more property and the lives lost.”

“They’re the real heroes.”

Mrs Barker’s work involved battling an ongoing peat fire by spraying foam as a wetting agent.

She said she remembered former Narre Warren captain Paul Hardy telling her husband to not worry.

“He said,‘Mate, nothing’s going to happen to her, she’ll be fine’,” Mrs Barker said.

“It was something that I needed to do.

“I’m not a person that can stand by and not do anything.”

Peter said CFA volunteers were always the first ones on scene in any emergency.

“We’ve always been the ones that step forward,” he said.

“Where others run away, the fire fighters run towards.

“I was very glad to be a part of it.”

Mrs Barker said one of the most significant things was seeing the ‘thank you’ messages she received from people in the townships and signs put up thanking the visiting fire fighters, as well as receiving free cups of coffee from local residents.

“That hits hard, that meant a lot.

“It is overwhelming,” she said.

“It’s very humbling.”

Peter said he had not yet unpacked his ‘go pack’ from his trip.

“I need to be prepared and ready to go,” he said.

“You just never want to be caught off guard.”

Reflecting on what lessons the Black Summer bushfires had taught firefighters or Australia at large, he said the main lesson was that the next major bushfire event was something Australia needs to be ready for.

“We can’t change the past,” he said.

“This year could be another big fire season.

“It’s something that we prepare for.”

Narre Warren 4th lieutenant Anastasia Barker. 358539

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Teachers, principals, and education support staff protested on the steps of Parliament on Friday 8 September calling for the State Government to tackle the teacher shortage crisis.

Picture: SUPPLIED

STEM Zone fun for school holidays

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure this September school holiday season! We are thrilled to introduce to you our STEMthemed school holiday program in Drouin, Victoria.

At STEM Zone, we believe in nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and igniting a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in an engaging and interactive way.

We have designed a jam-packed program that will ignite your child’s inner investigator and have them laughing and having fun all day.

Why settle for ordinary holiday activities when you can give your child an extraordinary experience that combines education with excitement? Our teachers have years of experience and create an inclusive environment where young people thrive and extend themselves.

Here’s a sneak preview…

Chemistry Detectives in Action: Our chemistry activities will ignite your child’s curiosity, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and provide an unforgettable hands-on experience while they solve puzzles using chemical reactions.

Engineering Marvels: From constructing vehicles to building towers that reach for the stars, they’ll discover the fascinating world of engineering while unleashing their creativity.

Mind-Blowing Science Experiments: Let your little scientists immerse themselves in captivating experiments that will leave them in awe of the wonders of the natural world.

From creating optical illusions, concocting colourful chemical reactions to exploring the principles of physics through hands-on demonstrations and rocket launches, we guarantee a whole lot of “oohs” and “aahs.”

See you in the holidays.

Keep your kids busy and the planet happy

With the next round of school holidays quickly approaching, many parents and guardians may be scratching their heads trying to think of activities to keep their kids occupied.

Read on to find out a few fun ideas to keep the kids busy in a sustainable way:

· Make your own backyard games: rather than buying new toys for the holidays, use a few common household items to create some fun games. For example, find empty plastic

Come and experience goldfields

Spend an unforgettable day with the family at Walhalla Goldfields Railway.

Relax and take in the breathtaking views as the train winds its way through the spectacular Stringers Gorge on what is considered one of the country’s most picturesque rail journeys.

Departing the historic Walhalla Station on your one-hour journey you will travel through the station yards with the sheer, stunning cliff face on one side and the winding Stringers Creek on the other side.

Winding through the gorge past Happy Creek Station on your way towards Thomson Station you cross seven bridges which in themselves are a marvel of engineering before reaching the spectacular Thomson River bridge.

Upon arrival at Thomson Station passengers disembark and have the opportunity to peruse the station and surroundings before re-boarding for your return journey.

For young train buffs, we also offer a Ride in the Cab Experience for a small extra fee.

Get up front and experience a different perspective from the vantage point of the locomotive cab.

See the amazing track work and bridges and chat to our knowledgeable crew along the way.

Make Walhalla Goldfields Railway your next family day out.

Trains depart Walhalla at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday weekly, and daily during school holidays.

Bookings can be made at walhallarail. com.au. Call 5165 6280 for more information.

bottles, paint them white with red stripes and use tennis balls to make your own pin bowling set.

· Go on an insect scavenger hunt: create a checklist of insect pictures of the bugs and other critters found in your backyard. Go outside with the kids and a magnifying glass and teach them about the little beasties around your home.

· Build a little veggie garden. Pick up a small

garden bed from your local hardware store, along with enough bags of soil, manure and other products to fill it. Plant some easy veggie seedlings and use some icy pole sticks to write the name of the plants in the garden. Not only will these activities keep your kids entertained and happy for some time over the holidays, they will also benefit the planet! Originally published on www.realestateview.com.au.

Prepare yourself with a variety of fun kids activities

Get ready for STEM Zone school holiday chemistry mahem.

Set sail for adventure

Ahoy, mateys of Pakenham! Get ready to set sail on a swashbuckling adventure like no other as Pakenham Central Marketplace prepares to celebrate ’Talk Like a Pirate Day’ in grand style.

On 19 September, don your finest pirate attire and join us for a treasure trove of free activities that’ll delight pirates young and old.

Interactive Pirate Shows - Prepare to be entertained by our live pirate-themed performances taking place 11am and 1pm outside Ozmosis.

Pirate Craft with Myli Library -We’ve joined forces with Myli Library for pirate-themed craft activities. You will find the activities near Share Tea between 10.30am - 1.30pm.

Face Painting - Transform into a fearsome buccaneer or a pirate princess with our talented face painters. Your little ones will be the envy of the high seas with their newfound pirate look. 11am - 2pm near Tokyo Sushi.

Balloons Ahoy - Arrr! Take home a piece of the adventure with pirate-themed balloon sculptures. Swords, parrots, and pirate hatsour balloon artists can craft it all! 11am - 2pm near Big W.

Treasure Hunt - Join the hunt for hidden icons scattered throughout the marketplace. Prizes await at the end of the quest. This is a self-guided activity that can be completed within 15 minutes. Collect your hunt card from Donut King. 19 - 23 September.

Don’t miss out on this epic adventure! Mark your calendars and get ready to sail into a world of imagination and pirate fun at Pakenham Central Marketplace’s these school holidays.

For more info, please visit our website pakenhamcentralmarketplace.com.au Set sail for adventure at Pakenham Central Marketplace these school holidays.

Explore the charm locally

In the bustling modern world of e-commerce and big-box stores, local shopping centres hold a unique place in the hearts of communities. These hubs of commerce, culture, and community bring together people of all backgrounds and provide a space for both commerce and camaraderie.

Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre provides convenience, nestled right in the heart of our community, it serves as a one-stop destination for a myriad of needs. Whether you’re looking for groceries, a cosy cafe to unwind in, pampering, or a myriad of food stores to shop at, the convenience factor cannot be overstated.

Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre is home to a variety of small, independent businesses. These local entrepreneurs bring their unique products and services to the community, adding a touch of individuality and personality that large chains simply can’t replicate. Supporting these businesses means investing in the community’s economic growth and encouraging innovation and creativity.

Beyond just shopping, our Free Fun Friday program, School Holiday programs, and forthcoming Halloween Spooktakular serve as essential gathering spots for friends and families.

Food is a universal language that brings people together, Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre offers a diverse culinary experience. From global cuisines to hometown favourites, you can embark on a culinary journey without leaving your community.

Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre isn’t just a place to buy things; it’s a vital part of our community’s identity and well-being. It’s a testament to the power of local businesses, the importance of convenience, and the strength of social bonds.We look forward to welcoming you to the centre.

Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre is located inWindermere Boulevard, Pakenham. The heart

Week 1

Monday September 18th - Slime Time

Tuesday September 19th - Paint your own Plaster Figurine

Wednesday September 20th - Playdough Workshop

Thursday September 21st Paint your own Cookie

Week 2

Monday September 25th Art Time with Sue

Tuesday September 26th - Paint a Funny Face Pot Plant

Wednesday September 27th - Slime Time

Thursday September 28th - Paint your own Cookie

All our activities are free and loads of fun!

SugarCoatNails andBeauty

Takeabreakwithus

of the community: exploring the charm of your local shopping centre.

ON … EARLY LEARNING & PRIMARY

Celebrations and pride

At St James we have much to celebrate and be proud about. The relationships that students have with each other and our staff are genuine and respectful and support the strong sense of community that we enjoy.

Playground and classroom interactions are fun and engaging, with our students’ learning and wellbeing central to all we do.

Our students are actively involved in their learning and participate in several additional activities including excursions, camps, incursions and swimming programs. In providing a varied curriculum to our students, we are able to offer them

experiences they may not otherwise have access to. We are very fortunate to have strong community partnerships with groups outside of the school, including the Iona- Maryknoll Parish and St Francis Xavier College. Our students are actively involved in raising awareness for several groups such as Angels of Kenya, the St Vincent De Paul Society and other groups where students see a point of need.

St James Primary School is located at 60 Nar Nar Goon Rd, Nar Nar Goon, telephone 5942 5404.

A learning environment

St Patrick’s Primary School is a vibrant and contemporary learning environment which celebrates many diverse cultural backgrounds.

Our catholic community of students, teachers and parents work together as one to inspire faith-filled, lifelong learners.

We promote educational excellence and nurture the growth and wellbeing of all students.

Our teachers continuously develop their professional skills to deliver a high quality and differentiated curriculum with evidencebased practices.

Our professional teachers are also complemented in the classroom by educational support officers who deliver a variety of learning practices for students to adapt and thrive in their learning environments.

St Patrick’s takes pride in developing strong leadership skills in our senior students.

They are immersed in a buddy program with our junior students, lead our school assemblies, represent our school in local community events such as ANZAC Day ceremonies, Rotary Public Speaking and are relied

We pride ourselves on being a Catholic, welcoming school where everyone is valued and respected. Our committed and professional staff provide a safe, caring environment where we aim to engender a love of learning in every student.

upon to welcome visitors to our school and assist with school tours.

The Year 6 students also take part in winter interschool sports, where they learn and consolidate supportive sportsmanship qualities between their teammates and opposition players.

This enables the students to begin to create a future network of friends in readiness for secondary school.

All students are involved in excursions and incursions throughout the year.

Our Year 4 to 6 students take part in our camp program which enhances resilience, respect for others and courage to take risks within a safe and supportive environment.

Recent renovations have occurred within our campus to include modern flexible learning spaces along with small break out areas to cater for alternate styles of learning and methods of teaching.

For further information please go to our website stppakenham.catholic.edu.au or contact us directly on (03) 5943 9000.

St Patrick’s Primary supports educational excellence.

St James’ students care for and support each other and actively work together to include each other in activities.

Nurturing students talent

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 Educa-

tion - developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass. We encourage active play and healthy bodies; understanding other cultures through learning languages; and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts.

Student achievement is measured not only by academic growth but by each child’s emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. Being part of faith-filled community instils our students with a sense of identity, a feeling of belonging and above all, a powerful sense of self-worth.

At St Clare’s our aim is to have each child

reach their potential; to be a well-rounded individual - within a supportive and caring learning environment.

Visit our website www.stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au and tour our “virtual tour” to get a real feel for our school. School Tours are also available, please contact the school on 5940 6777 to book a time. If you are looking to enrol for 2024 we ask that you contact us now as we are now accepting enrolments for next year for all year levels.

For all enquires or to receive our enrolment documentation please phone 5940 6777 or email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic. edu.au

At St Clare’s, faith leads to courage, wisdom and compassion.

School holiday fun

Botanic Ridge Village will be hosting a number of magical activities for kids these school holidays.

Join Charlie Silly Pants and his cheeky teddy bear Russ for a magic show that will have everyone laughing and dancing along.

Tuesday 19, Thursday 21 and Friday 22 September, 11am to noon.

The kids can create a special new friend at the Build-A-Bear workshops.

All children who book into workshops will receive a pre-stuffed bear and enjoy activities including giving their bear a heart, creating a birth certificate and enjoying special activities.

Bookings for the Build-A-Bear are essential and cost $8.

· Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 September - 10am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Visit botanicridgevillage.com.au for full details.

Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre

Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre is a not-for-profit community managed centre, with a volunteer Committee of Management that provides strategic direction and oversight.

For more than 30 years, the centre has provided a range of high-quality childcare, community services, educational classes and spaces for hire.

Fun Filled Community Open Day is on Saturday 14 October. Explore diverse activities and engage with fellow community members. Lots of free family fun, sausage sizzle, animal nursery, popcorn, and fairy floss.

Ageing Positively month by the City of Casey with free events every Wednesday in October including morning tea with homemade scones and jam, sausage sizzle in the park, gardening activities.

Free Computer classes through the Be Connected program for senior residents commencing Wednesday 11 October.

Four free sessions with help available on-site for the elderly who struggle to get online - Monday 16 October to Friday 20 October.

· For more details, visit merindapark.com.au or facebook.com/MPLandCC

Narre Warren and District Family History Group

Goronga: A hill station garden in the Dandenongs.

L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Cafe Training Room 2/65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East and via Zoom.

Berwick Pakenham Historical Society president

Elizabeth Fraser OAM will be talking about her home Goronga, at Pakenham Upper.

The 60-acre farm was established in the 1870s, and 20 years later began the establishment of gardens around the house.

Elizabeth’s chance encounter with a member of the Australian Garden History Society at an open day then lead to a two-year project to record the history of the property and the publication of a book in September 2022.

You can join the group for a lunch and social gathering at noon in the L’Arte Central Social Enterprise Cafe Training Room.

Lunches do need to be pre-ordered (by Thursdays before the meeting) and paid for on the day.

· For more information, contact Eileen at secretary@nwfhg.org.au 2pm, Saturday 16 September – General Meeting.

Endeavour Hills Judo Club 50th anniversary

The Endeavour Hills Judo Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Sunday 17 September.

· Present and past members are encouraged to RSVP by contacting head coach Janet Lambert on 0414 637 050.

Works on Paper

Works on Paper is the new exhibition at South Eastern Contemporary Art Network’s at the Gate 6 Gallery in Akoonah Park.

More than 30 works are on display, either created on or with paper.

Local artists are exhibiting in many mediums, from collage, pastel, print making to painting, charcoal and sculpture.

Visitors are invited to vote for their favourite work as there will be a People’s Choice prize announced at the end of the month.

Gate 6 Gallery is located on the beautiful parklands at the back of Akoonah Park and can be accessed either by driving in from Cardinia Street or by strolling along the creek path from the market area.

· The gallery is run by volunteers and is open every weekend from 10am to 3pm. For more information, visit secan.com.au

Bush Diwan

In Bush Diwan,six contemporary artists respond to a pivotal moment in Sikh history in Australia by exploring the reclamation of identity, forming, gathering and laying foundations of community.

Illuminating two significant, yet little known, moments in Australian history, this project centres on the story of Siva Singh, an early 20th-century regional Victorian resident, Sikh community leader and civil rights campaigner.

· Bunjil Place Gallery, Saturday 16 September to Sunday 12 November from 10am to 4pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

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.

Biodiversity Blitz

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 Biodiversity 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

Berwick Orchid Club Spring Show

Flowering plant displays, flowering orchids for sale, growing information and demonstrations.

112 High Street, Berwick. Plenty of free parking, wheelchair access. $5 adults and $3 concession.

· 23 and 24 September

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 12pm-

2.30pm 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, 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.

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.

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 u3acranbourne.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.

It’s show time in Doveton

From the best showbags to cuddly creatures, this year’s Doveton Show will have something for visitors of all ages.

Running from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 17 September at Myuna Farm in Doveton, there will be stage and farm entertainment, rides, art and craft displays, train rides to tour the farm, animals, free face painting, market and food stalls and emergency service representatives including SES, CFA, Victoria Police and Neighbourhood Watch Casey, as well as live entertainment including magic shows, local musicians, singers and performers.

Committee member Damien Rosario said

the show was nearing its 20th year.

“The Doveton Show was conceived as a low-cost alternative to the Royal Melbourne Show for the local residents to attend without having to travel into the city to enjoy a family day out,” he said.

“With the rising costs of living and families having to reduce spending, the Doveton Show provides the opportunity to have fun without breaking the budget.

“The Doveton Show Committee works hard to plan and balance its budget and costs responsibly to ensure that the show is sustainably run.”

Mr Rosario said the show was managed and ran by volunteers and the community’s support.

“The show hosts local businesses, community groups, performing arts, sporting clubs as well as arts and crafts, enabling them to fundraise for their important activities,” he said.

“The City of Casey and Myuna Farm’s unwavering support to the Doveton Show Committee has helped us make the show a huge success.”

For more information, visit dovetonshow. org.au

Doveton Show committee member Damien Rosario, treasurer Stefan Koomen, the KC Neighbourhood Watch Dog and chair Michelle Ryan. 359568 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The Dendrobium Pink Ballerina. 358302 Picture: ANYES SALAMA

ON … R U OK DAY

Social inclusion focus

Joining a Men’s Shed doesn’t mean you have to be involved in woodwork, though you can if you want to. It’s more about social inclusion, having a cuppa and a chat with a bunch of friendly mates.

Cardinia Men’s Shed does have some specialist groups, currently these are: Art, Cooking, Gardening, Metal Work, Singing, Social Groups and Woodwork.

Men’s Sheds evolved due to the need to support men in their retirement. So why not come along and talk to a mate.

The members of Cardinia Men’s Shed make

wooden toys, medal and memory boxes, indoor and outdoor furniture, and kitchen items to sell as part of our fundraising.

We will also do those little jobs you may need done, like fixing that wonky table leg, or the drawer that’s lost its handle.

Either drop in or contact us to discuss how we can help.

Contact The Cardinia Men’s Shed today. To learn more about experiencing new opportunities and how you can participate in new activities, contact Cardinia Men’s Shed Pakenham on (03) 5941 2389.

Bit of banter once a month

A national grassroots not for profit organisation, The Men’s Table, is working to overcome the stigma that“men don’t talk” by creating a place for men to connect with other men, get stuff off their chest and talk about the highs and lows of their lives.

“Many men will have a bit of banter or a chat about the footy, but a Men’s Table is all about connection and having a place where men can talk about real stuff and how they feel about it,” says Regional Host Bill Karametos.

“Men’s health and wellbeing is a real priority and, with the support of the South East Melbourne PHN, we provide one avenue to support men with this peer-to-peer initiative.”

A Men’s Table has anywhere between 8 and 12 men who meet once a month in the same place, at the same time, over a cheap

meal for a couple of hours to talk and listen. There’s no fees, men just pay for their meal once a month, and the bonds of friendship and connection build naturally over time.

With over 150 Tables across the country, men come for all sorts of reasons - some are new to town and keen to widen their social circle, some are having a rough time and need a place to be able to talk without judgement.

“It can be really helpful to hear other men are going through similar things,” Bill continues.

“Sometimes just getting it off your chest and knowing you’re not alone is enough.”

An introductory night - an Entree - will be held on Monday 18 September between 6.30pm and 9pm at the Cardinia Club.

“It’s a casual meal, a chance to meet other interested local men and learn how a Table

works,” Bill explains.

“Then men can decide if they’re keen to be a part of a local Table or not. It’s a community run thing - we provide support and guidelines, but the guys at the Table are the ones in charge, which is really important.”

Bookings are essential as seats are limited. Visit themenstable.org/entree-vic for more details and to register.

Lots

$2 per

The Cardinia Men’s Shed make wooden toys, medal and memory boxes, indoor and outdoor furniture, and kitchen items to sell as part of their fundraising.

ON … FOSTER CARE MONTH

Help children in need

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on a young life? Partner with Berry Street this Foster Care Week and join their dedicated team committed to nurturing and empowering children and young people on their unique journeys.

As a Berry Street foster carer, you’ll support local children and young people at a crucial moment in their life.

As one ofVictoria’s largest providers of outof-home care, Berry Street provides children and young people who have experienced trauma with a safe and secure place to live.

For over 145 years, they’ve supported children and young people in Victoria at whatever point in their journey that they need help.

“Childhood is a journey, but not every child has the same opportunities, which is why we need foster carers to play an empowering role in a child’s or young person’s life,” said Melissa Robertson, Berry Street’s team leader of Foster Care Recruitment, Assessment, and Training.

“This Foster Care Week, we’re encouraging Gippsland residents to start their foster care journey - you never know where it will take you. The team and I will be there to support you every step of the way, as you learn and grow in your new caring role,” she said.

Berry Street welcomes foster carers from diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences.

For more information and to start your foster care journey, visit berrystreet.org.au/ fostercare

Partner with Berry Street and support a local child.

More support for kinship and foster carers

The State Government has boosted practical support for Victorian kinship and foster families with a help desk service that assists carers in their important roles in our community.

The Care Support Help Desk, launched in 2022, assists carers navigating the children and families service system to access important information and vital documents for children in their care, including

birth certificates and Medicare information. The service also eases the administrative burden on Child Protection practitioners, giving them more time to actively engage with children, families and carers.

The service, run by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, operates from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. Find your closest team at services.dffh.vic.gov.au/foster-care or by calling 1300 475 170.

ON … FOSTER CARE

Be a positive influence

Local foster care agency, OzChild is looking for families who might be interested in opening their homes, and their hearts for a few nights, weeks or months to a child in need.

At OZCHILD they believe that a child has the right to live within a stable family home, not in staffed residential care facilities or hotels.

Chief executive officer Dr Lisa Griffiths says too many children are growing up away from family, residing in group homes with other children they don’t know.

“Without the stability of a family home many become disconnected from school and the community, which leads to a lifetime of disadvantage,” Dr Griffiths said.

That’s why the agency is keen to hear from individuals and families in Melbourne’s western and south-eastern suburbs who would consider becoming foster carers.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Child Protection data indicates that in Victoria there are almost 10,000 kids in care, some live with close family or next of kin, but many are placed into foster care. With an increasing number of local children in need of temporary homes, OzChild is on a desperate search for people who can help.

“Every child, no matter the age or their circumstances, deserves to be supported with the opportunity to heal, grow and thrive. We can and we must do better.

“But we can’t do it alone. We need the help of kind-hearted members of the community, those who think they can provide a safe and positive living environment, pass on simple life lessons like how to ride a bicycle or how to brush your teeth.” says Dr Griffiths.

People from all walks of life can be foster carers, including empty-nesters, singles or

couples who identify as LGBTQIA+. It does not matter what your cultural background is, and no qualifications or work-experience is needed.

Carers receive initial training and ongoing education, along with financial assistance and access to a network of professionals and a vil-

lage of carers offering support and guidance, especially for new carers.

“We want to make sure our carers have the tools and resources they need to succeed, that includes access to school drop off and pickup services, babysitter reimbursements, school holiday programs and allowances to ensure

caring for a child or young person can fit in with your personal circumstances,” adds Dr Griffiths.

Fostering not only benefits the child in your care, many foster parents find that fostering enriches their family life and teaches their own children invaluable life lessons about empathy, kindness, and understanding.

“The decision to care really can change the lives of many, and create a brighter future for generations to come. I encourage anyone who has the capacity to care to take the first step today, I have never met a carer who has regretted the decision, only those who say they wish they’d done it sooner.”

To learn more about becoming a foster carer with OzChild interested individuals are encouraged to visit ozchild.org.au. The organisation’s dedicated team is ready to provide information, answer questions, and guide potential foster carers through the application process.

OzChild is appealing to families who may be interested in foster care.

New vision for biosphere

The Western Port Biosphere has hit refresh on its brand and strategy for the next decade following confirmation of its UNESCO status and a growing presence in shaping the future for theWestern Port Biosphere Reserve.

Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation chief executive Mel Barker said there were many factors that made this the perfect time to present a fresh face to the world, particularly the stakeholders and communities that supported a vision that would ensure the preservation of the reserve’s environment for future generations.

“We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of successfully advocating for Western Port’s recognition and acceptance into the international UNESCO Biosphere network,” Ms Barker said.

“This is the first time since the establishment of the reserve that we have reviewed and updated its brand.

“The recent acknowledgement of our progress by UNESCO, substantial funding for blue carbon development from the Victorian Government and growing partnerships with traditional owners, community and with public and private sector organisations enables us to confidently move forward to address the numerous challenges facingWestern Port.”

The foundation’s top priorities encompass several key areas:

· Advocating for the creation of a strategic framework forWestern Port.

· Advocacy relating to commercial development proposals for Western Port proposals forWestern Port.

· Enhancing community awareness and preserving ecologically vital and internationally significant habitats, including Ramsar wetlands, blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass), and Bryozoan reefs.

· Establishing a biolink to connect the nationally significant Western Port Wood-

lands on the Bass Coast, while ensuring effective communication between neighbouring sand quarries and the community.

· Securing support to develop critical biolinks to maintain and support the re-

We Grow Through Connection

We are a College achieving positive results for our students. We offer multiple pathways and a large range of programs to engage our students with their diverse interests, aspirations and strengths. Contact us for a College Tour through our website or call the office to learn more about our great school.

serve’s biodiversity.

Thereservefoundationhasalsopresenteda newWestern Port Biosphere logo, which wraps representations of flora and fauna associated with the reserve with habitat and community.

BUSINESS IN FOCUS

It is more distinctive and contemporary, the foundation said, lending itself to easier recognition over time in digital communications channels through which the Foundation has been increasing its reach over recent months.

A top education on offer

Thinking about a secondary school enrolment for 2024? The Principal of Pakenham Secondary College, Mr Aaron Smith, invites you to consider Pakenham Secondary College for your child next year and beyond.

Our excellent reputation in the local community in best supporting our students with their learning and wellbeing continues to grow - we are a school that is ‘on the move’. We continue to make a number of changes in 2023, which will further benefit our students moving forward.

Our new College Motto, ‘We Grow Through Connection’ will best support our College Community in the years to come. Growth and improvement are linked to the positive relationships and connections we have with others. At Pakenham Secondary College, ‘We Grow Through Connection’, valuing the strong sense of community and teamwork that exists between students, families and self. Our new Motto aligns well with our SOAR Values of Social and Personal Responsibility, Opportunities for All, Achieving Personal Best and Respectful Relationships.

At Pakenham Secondary College, we are committed to positive relationships. We understand that student growth is linked to the positive and meaningful connections they have with others. As a College, we are dedicated to further improving the learning and wellbeing outcomes of all of our students by building respectful, positive and productive connections with our College Community.

Pakenham Secondary College strives to provide opportunities in areas important to our College Community - Growth in Learning andWellbeing, Sport, the Performing Arts, Student Leadership and Our Community. With a hardworking and dedicated staff, we are committed to working with our families to provide as many opportunities as we can for our students in these important areas of the College. Importantly, our students are

Pakenham Secondary College strives to provide opportunities in areas important to their College Community - Growth in Learning and Wellbeing, Sport, the Performing Arts, Student Leadership and their Community.

achieving some great results. In 2022, ourVCE Overall Study Score increased significantly and many of our NAPLAN results improved. Many of our student survey results demonstrate that our students are positive about their experiences at Pakenham Secondary College.

With a rich 50-year history in our region, we are well placed to offer a personalised approach to teaching and learning ensuring that we work with all of our students to tailor individualised pathways that are important to them. We provide outstanding opportunities for our students in the classroom and as part of our co-curricular program.

I welcome families to the Pakenham Secondary College Community. I very much look forward to showing prospective families around our great school as part of a College Tour - please visit our College Website at pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au or contact our General Office on 5945 1433.

The Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation has set forth a new vision for the UNESCO recognised site. Picture: SUPPLIED

All aboard

Pubs are an integral part of Australian community culture.

They were often the first buildings erected in new towns and a gathering place for friends and family.

They were a melting pot of ideas, opinions and formed the way we think.

Francis Deegan from The Railway Hotel in Pakenham - previously The Drake Travern and the Pakenham Hotel but also known as Purvies - shares this belief, with a genuine passion for pubs and community.

“What we want to achieve is to simply get people out with friends and family again and enjoying each other’s company,” he said.

At the Railway, Francis explained, they’ll have a simple focus on four things:

· Quality food: Using local and specific sourced suppliers to get the best quality fresh produce to create delicious, classic pub dishes.

· Friendly service: Staff are committed to providing top-notch service, ensuring every visit is enjoyable.

· Bespoke drinks: They will offer a wide range of drink and tap beer options, with some creative cocktails and local craft beer.

· Vibrant entertainment: Expect live music, events and a fun atmosphere.

The Railway will be a standalone pub with no pokies or bottleshop so their focus will be solely on exceptional food, service, drinks and entertainment.

“We’re super confident in the ability of our kitchen, having signed the former AHA Vic Chef of the Year as well as some very experienced and fantastic staff members,” Francis added.

“Entertainment wise, we have some exciting, top secret ideas for summer, that you’ll just have to follow us on social media to keep up to date with.”

Francis has been managing pubs for the better part of the last decade, however, him and his two brothers were born into the pub industry and have been brought up in and around pubs their entire lives of 30-plus years.

“I was a part of the team at our last hotel when we won the Pub of the Year award for Victoria with the AHA in 2016. It’s a hotly con-

tested award and we worked extremely hard to make it happen. It’s a time in my life that I’ll forever cherish the camaraderie of the staff and the support of the patrons.”

So, if you’re after good food and friendly staff, then the Railway will be your new favourite local, with the Deegan Hotel Group also behind the Central Hotel in Beaconsfield and

the Royal Hotel in Kooweerup. Due to open late September, follow them on social media for news and updates.

Railway Hotel

· 153 Main Street, Pakenham

· Email: admin@railwayhotelpakenham.com.

au

· Phone: 5941 1748

Brothers Patrick and Francis from Deegan Hotel Group are excited to open the doors. 359533

IN BRIEF

Driver takes a U-turn to court

Strong partnership

By Matthew Sims

Melbourne City Football Club (MCFC) has announced a new long-term partnership with Federation University Australia as the club’s official tertiary education partner.

The new partnership would further strengthen Federation University’s ties with the SouthWest and provide new opportunities for students to undertake work placements in areas such as business, communications, IT and exercise and sport science within the club.

Federation University Australia vice-chancellor and president Professor Duncan Bentley said the agreement with MCFC was a “true partnership”.

“Federation University has a proud history of supporting sport and the benefits it brings to our communities, and we are excited to commence our partnership with Melbourne City FC,” he said.

“The Matildas recent tilt for World Cup glory captivated the entire nation and through this partnership, we hope to share our expertise in a variety of disciplines that will help develop the next generation of football stars.

“Not only will our brand be proudly represented by the women’s team, but it will also create wonderful opportunities for our students in Berwick and throughout Victoria through placements and other activities.”

The long-term agreement would represent a significant investment in Women’s football with Federation University’s logo to feature on the back of City’s A-League Women’s playing shorts.

MCFC chief executive Brad Rowse said the team was excited to welcome Federation University as its newest partner.

“It’s a significant partnership for the South East Melbourne community and we’re really excited by the new opportunities we will be able to provide for students across the region

to get a taste of working in an elite sporting environment,” he said.

“After having 10 players from the Matildas history-making World Cup squad spend time here at Melbourne City, an investment like this into our women’s program ensures we can continue to be the prime destination in the

country for young talent to develop their craft.

“We look forward to working together with Federation University for many years ahead to continue to deepen our ties with the South East Melbourne region and also support the rapid growth of women’s football in Australia post-World Cup.”

A Hampton Park man has been charged with unlicensed driving and firearm, drug and car theft offences after a police intercept in Dandenong.

Police say they saw a black Ford sedan with stolen plates on Lonsdale Street about 1.43pm on Thursday 7 September.

Divisional Response Unit officers saw the vehicle pull an illegal U-turn outside Dandenong Magistrates Court. They intercepted the car after it turned into Pultney Street.

The 30-year-old driver was arrested, with drug paraphernalia, a homemade pen pistol and house-breaking implements allegedly found in the car.

Police say the car was stolen from Wodonga and the plates stolen from Ringwood.

The man was charged with prohibited person possessing a firearm, possessing a general category handgun, car theft, theft from a motor vehicle, possessing a drug of dependence, going equipped to steal, unlicensed driving and other traffic offences.

He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.

Man charged over alleged crophouse

A 47-year-old man has been arrested by police at an alleged cannabis crophouse in Hampton Park.

Divisional Response Unit police arrived with a search warrant at the property about 10.30am on Thursday 7 September.

They say after initially pretending no one was home, the man opened the door.

Police seized 170 cannabis plants from a “sophisticated” and “elaborate” hydroponic growing set-up in several rooms.

The Hampton Park man was arrested and interviewed at Dandenong police station.

He was charged with cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis, trafficking a commercial quantity, drug possession and theft.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

The long-term agreement would represent a significant investment in Women’s football with Federation University’s logo to feature on the back of City’s A-League Women’s playing shorts.

Tips for work-life balance

TAKING CARE IAN ASH OF BUSINESS

I wonder how many people reading this article are feeling overworked or know someone that is? Burnout is the scourge of our times and unfortunately tends to be suffered most by conscientious people.

Ask them why they are working so hard and they will invariably tell you that they are doing it for the family, yet ironically if you were to ask the rest of the family about the situation, chances are that they will complain they rarely see the hardworking business owner and worry about the impact on their health.

So here are my five top tips for achieving a reasonable work-life balance:

1.Set time aside each week to work on the business

When I set my own business up years ago, this was the best advice I received.

If there is a lot of seemingly urgent stuff that needs to get done, it is often the important, non-urgent stuff that gets overlooked.

Yet this is where the gold is. This provides the circuit-breaker you need to determine what really matters, prioritise, restructure, replan, even invoice customers.

This can be the space where new ideas flourish and a perspective on the big picture can be taken.

2. Define your company structure

If your business has staff, ensure you have a clear and documented organisational structure with well-defined roles and responsibilities.

This provides a great opportunity to iden-

tify others who could take on some of what you are currently doing and not only alleviate your own workload but also increase the responsibility and job satisfaction of other staff members.

There is a general rule that states if a staff member can do something 70 per cent as well as you, they should be doing it. If you are a sole proprietor, then this equates to identifying the key functions in your business and ensuring that specific time is

Bravo, beauty therapist

Berwick’s SANA Skin Clinic beauty therapist

Karla Jaudzems has taken out the Junior Therapist of the Year award at this year’s Australian Beauty Industry Awards.

Held on Sunday 27 August, about 700 of the country’s most aesthetically clinical, creative, and entrepreneurial minds gathered at The Star in Sydney to celebrate the best achievements within the industry.

Ms Jaudzems was recognised for forming warm and trusting relationships with her clients through a strong focus on skin and body treatments, striving to improve her clients’ self-confidence through helping them to look and feel their best, ultimately heightening their overall sense of wellbeing and positivity.

Long-time MC Will Fennell led the evening as the 36 winners were announced.

SANA Skin Clinic also reached a spot into the finalist ranks in the categories of Australia’s best team of the year, best customer care and Victorian clinic of the year.

SANA Skin Clinic’s Georgia Clements was also named as a finalist running for the junior therapist awards.

Established in 2015, SANA Skin Clinic is a boutique style clinic offering a clean, relaxing, inviting and nurturing atmosphere with a philosophy that general well-being is not only the new currency, but also leads to a more vibrant, healthy appearance, improved confidence and overall better results.

Partnered with dermatological grade skincare prescriptions, the SANA team work on the perfect balance of custom compounded home care and accompanying high end in-clinic treatment option along with in-clinic naturopathy.

Mocha Group founder and chief executive LindaWoodhead said the Berwick community should be proud of Ms Jaudzems’ achievements.

“Karla is the perfect example of an up and coming industry leader and will make an excellent ambassador for the awards program this year,” she said.

SANA Skin Clinic beauty therapist Karla Jaudzems received the Junior Therapist of the Year at this year’s Australian Beauty Industry Awards. Picture: SUPPLIED

“As with all our 2023 winners she is now looked to as one of the brightest young stars of the beauty industry.”

allocated to these as required each week.

3. Prioritise your work

When I ask people in business if they have enough time to do everything that they would like to get done, I am yet to find anyone who says they have.

The only antidote to this is to effectively prioritise. This is the basis of efficiency and why some people seem to achieve so much whereas the rest of us wonder at their output.

The key here is to distinguish between tasks that are urgent and/or important.

Urgent and important tasks must obviously be done first but time needs to be allocated for the important (non-urgent) stuff.

Often the latter can easily get dropped or rescheduled but it is these that have the most profound impact so apply point one as above.

4. Put boundaries around family life Easier to say than do when there appears to be so much going on in the business and so many deadlines to achieve, however, this will enable you to come back to work with a fresh perspective and actually improve efficiency.

In his excellent book ‘Rest’, Alex SoojungKim Pang describes how ‘work’ and ‘rest’ are essentially two sides of the same coin, i.e. you can’t be truly effective in one unless you are effective in the other, but more importantly, you will be spending time with people who matter most, i.e. those you are actually working for!

5. Don’t be afraid to say no

Conscientious people want to achieve, and they don’t want to let people down.

To them, meeting commitments is extremely important since it also reflects on their character.

However, in these busy times, too often we make commitments before really thinking through whether they can be achieved or not.

Taking the time to consider whether a request can be truly accommodated by factoring in required resources, other competing priorities and available bandwidth may lead to the conclusion that something cannot be done.

If so, far better to disappoint early on than agree to something and fail to deliver by the committed date.

This is far more painful for everyone.

Ian Ash ACC AIECL AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - ombs.com.au

Achieving work-life balance is a key part of sustaining a successful business. Picture: UNSPLASH

Focus on innovation

The City of Casey is hosting a one-day event celebrating creative, collaboration and positive change.

The council is hosting the Casey Innovation Summit on Friday 27 October at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren and will feature a variety of events including a industry roundtable, Hackathon and a number of exhibitions. The Hackathon will see teams present projects they have been working on to develop innovative solutions using Microsoft technologies to tackle real-world challenges.

Proud of culture

Hampton Park Secondary College celebrated the rich and vibrant heritage of the Pasifika community last month.

Held on Thursday 17 August, the school hosted a Pasifika Evening event, which also aimed to provide valuable information regarding the recent government changes that occurred on 1 July for New Zealand people accessing Australian citizenship.

Matthew McKenzie from the Department of Home Affairs presented to families, providing detailed information to help support the families fully understand what this change means for them.

Cultural diversity coordinator Sally Carruthers said the highlights of the evening included delicious food options.

“No cultural celebration is complete without indulging in the delectable flavours of traditional cuisine,” she said.

“At the Pasifika Evening, staff at Hampton Park Secondary College did not disappoint as attendees were treated to traditional Samoan pancake and Pani Popo (coconut buns).

“The food not only delighted the taste buds but also provided a tangible connection to the cultural heritage being honoured that evening.

“As attendees sampled the flavours of the Pacific, they were reminded of the significance of food in fostering a sense of belonging and identity within the Pasifika community.”

Ms Carruthers said the heart of the evening was the cultural performances which took centre stage.

“Students from various Pacific Islander backgrounds came together to present the Samoan and Cook Island traditional dances, music, and songs that reflected the unique identities of their respective cultures,” she said.

“From the energetic and rhythmic Samoan

siva to the graceful and storytelling through dance, every performance was a testament to the dedication and passion of the students involved.

“The students are so proud of their culture and it’s important to celebrate with them, empowering cultural pride.”

Ms Carruthers said the event showcased the school’s diverse cultures and pride.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, events like the Pasifika Evening stand as a testament to the power of cultural celebration in fostering a greater understanding of the diverse communities that make up our global family,” she said.

“Hampton Park Secondary College’s commitment to hosting such events serves as an inspiration to other educational institutions to embrace diversity and celebrate the beauty of different cultures.”

A Living Labs Exhibition will showcase how Casey Council is driving innovation and addressing local challenges through collaboration with industry and academia, and co-design with the community, while other exhibitions will demonstrate how the council is leveraging data to improve decision making, transparency, and service delivery and fostering a culture of innovation. The event will also include the launch of Casey Council’s Future Mobility program, which aims to improve mobility in the city through cutting-edge technology and collaboration.

The Emerging Trends event will involve attendees exploring the latest emerging trends which will shape our future and uncover the potential opportunities and challenges they present. Attendees will have the chance to hear from inspiring speakers, interact with experts and mentors, discover new ideas and opportunities, connect with likeminded thinkers, and explore the possibility of investing in the future of the city. Visit choosecasey.com.au/summit

Hampton Park Secondary College celebrated students’ Pasifika roots during the event.

Picture: SUPPLIED

‘Fit’ team in fine form

A group of Berwick locals have pushed their bodies to the limit as part of an endurance event.

Taking place on Saturday 26 August, the event involved competitors from across the state filling out the Melbourne Showgrounds combining running and functional workout stations across four different categories.

Body Fit Training Berwick studio owner Baelee Kireka-Mark said the event consisted of eight one-kilometre runs with a functional workout station following each run.

“To support its expansion into the Asia Pacific region, Hyrox partnered with Body Fit Training (BFT) who are now the official training partner to the fitness racing event and provide a specific training program for their members that are competing, in the lead up to the event,” she said.

“This Hyrox specific training took place for 10 weeks prior to the event, every Sunday, to provide the members with the preparation required to take on the event.

“Our training at BFT is aligned very closely with the sport of Hyrox itself, hence the partnership, so our members are very well conditioned to the demands of the event.”

Ms Kireka-Mark said the training program required hard work from the competitors

“The hard work they put into their Sunday sessions took a lot of extra commitment and dedication to build the endurance required for the event which can take anywhere upwards of 90 minutes,” she said.

“BFT Berwick had over 30 members, aged from 17 to 62, compete across the solo, doubles, and relay divisions.

“It was great to see every one of our athletes not just cross the finish line, but achieve great finishing times as well.”

Ms Kireka-Mark said the teams and duos combined members of different ages, members and coaches competing alongside each other.

Individuals who had never done anything like this before competing in the event entirely on their own,” she said.

“We were extremely proud of all of our members who competed on the day and grateful for those who came down to support them.

“Our members are already looking forward to next year’s event, and we are sure we will have even more members representing BFT Berwick at the next Hyrox race.”

The Berwick BFT team.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The sled push event.

The event was a team effort.One of the Berwick members on the row machine.

‘Tiny’ towns set to benefit

Small towns with populations up to 5000 people will soon be eligible for funding, as part of the State Government’s Tiny Towns Fund.

Community groups, organisations and councils in Victoria’s tiniest towns will be eligible for grants from $5000 up to $50,000 through the election commitment.

Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said she wants the many community groups and organisations across Bass to “start thinking about projects that will beautify, activate and accentuate their local area even more”.

The electorate of Bass has many small towns from Pearcedale to Tooradin, Lang Lang through to Yannathan across to Corinella and over to Dalyston - all full of character, stories, history, points of interest and communities who have an indelible pride of place and are wonderfully connected and know what they need.

“Our community members living in tiny towns know exactly what they need and this is a fabulous fund to make that special something happen,” she said.

“We want our small towns to shine and our community spirit to strengthen.”

Public art, sculptural bike racks, themed street furniture, equipment in parks, plantings to colour and green up streetscapes, murals, basketball hoops, pickle ball court lines, trails are just some of the suggested ways the Tiny Towns Fund can be used in local communities.

Funding will be provided for local projects and organisations to deliver better public places and spaces, providing the facilities families need and want in their communities. It will also help support tourism and back local jobs and businesses.

Applications are expected to open soon.

Details and guidelines will be published via the Regional DevelopmentVictoria and Suburban Development websites.

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Bass MP Jordan Crugnale with Regional Development Minister Harriet Shing.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Young Lucas makes splash

By David Nagel

Pakenham Primary School student Lucas Kovac has claimed a silver and bronze medal at the School Sport Australia National Swimming Championships held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

The 10-year-old, who is learning his craft with the Casey Tigersharks in Narre Warren –qualified for the championships after winning two gold medals at the School Sports Victoria State Championships.

Lucas used the pool at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre to showcase his rising talents, winning gold in the 50-metre breaststroke and butterfly for Boys 9-10.

He won the breaststroke in 44.78 seconds, almost two seconds clear of the field, and put a 2.78-second gap on his rivals in the butterfly.

Lucas travelled to Sydney with longer distance races in mind, and claimed his silver medal in the 100-metre breaststroke, finishing just 0.23 seconds behind the winner.

Lucas qualified with a time of 1:32.27 and broke that time with a 1:31.70 effort in the final.

The son of Kylie and Endi, and brother to sisters Ashley and Makayla, started swimming lessons at the age of one.

He was identified as a potential talent at four and joined his first swimming squad at five.

He has now dolphin-kicked his way to two state titles and wants to be like his heroes.

“I want to be an Olympic gold medallist when I get older,” he said.

Lucas holds eight club records at the Tigersharks, in the eight and nine-year-old bracket, and trains six days a week as he looks to keep improving his times.

He has joined the gold class at Casey, and is the youngest in the squad by almost two years.

Earlier this year, at theVictorian State Sprint Championships, he became the only nineyear-old to qualify for all four strokes – backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle – in the 11-and-under category.

Lucas won his second medal in Sydney in 200-metre medley relay, sharing the pool with fellow Victorians Mariella Simmons, Erin Parris and Callum Wilson to claim bronze.

His hard work and dedication are truly impressing his family, with mum Kylie his biggest fan.

“We’re super proud, we think he’s amazing,” Kylie said.

“His hard work, his focus, his commitment, he’s definitely got a competitive edge to him and he puts in a 110-percent every time.

“He’s very driven, he tries his best every time he hops in the pool and you can see he’s got that extra bit of something.

“We just keep taking him to training, and he keeps improving…and as long as he continues to love it we’ll keep on doing that and see where it takes him.

“We get told he’s got quite a bit of talent but he still has a lot of swimming to do

“Aside from school swimming, they can’t do proper state championships until they’re 12, or nationals until 14, so we’ve still got some time to go.”

Plucky Pakenham denied

By Marcus Uhe

Pakenham’s season has come to a close at the hands ofWooriYallock in a 13-point semi-final loss on Saturday afternoon.

A neck-and-neck battle between the Lions and Tigers at Emerald’s Chandler Reserve, where the margin was never more than eight points at any break in the game, finished 14.14 98 to 12.13 85 in Woori Yallock’s favour, who live to fight another day with a preliminary final against Wandin next week.

Having made a name for themselves as kings of the comeback, Pakenham found itself in somewhat unfamiliar territory with a threepoint lead as the two sides turned for home, with the chance of creating a major upset on the cards as the lower-ranked half of the two seeds entering the contest.

But 6.6 to 4.2 in the final term saw the bigger bodied and more experienced Tigers overrun Pakenham as the game ticked-away.

It’s the second such occasion that the Lions have been overrun by Woori Yallock in 2023,

having lead by 28 points at quarter time back in round two.

Joshua Neal caused headaches for the defenders in the Lions line-up, finishing with six goals in a season-best performance.

For Pakenham, vice-captain Jordan Stewart and speedy forward Jake Thompson kicked three goals each, with all others registering one, Matthew Vaiano, Rhys Clacy and James Harrison among their best performers.

While it was not the result Pakenham would have hoped for, a season that finished two goals from a preliminary final berth against last season’s runner up indicates a largely positive year for Ash Green’s side that found itself fighting for its life for most of the campaign in the middle of the table.

Holding off a surging Upwey Tecoma in last week’s elimination final will no doubt fuel ambitions for what is possible over the off-season, while getting games into under 19s players in Tahj De La Rue, David Sollberger and Ryan Martini will hold the club in good stead going forward.

Just Social prevailed in a grand final rematch over Warriors 9-6. 348512

Valiant Warriors fall short

By Marcus Uhe

Just Social has reclaimed its place at the top of the South West Gippsland Dart League table, prevailing 9-6 in a grand final rematch against Warriors.

While the result didn’t go the Warriors’ way, Hank and Jazz’s side can take heart in pushing the reigning champions as close as anyone has in the Summer season to date.

Ant threw six tons and set the benchmark for the season’s highest peg with 160, while Etty threw five, but it wasn’t enough for the runner-up to extract revenge for last season’s grand final loss.

The Warriors’ loss saw them fall from first to third on the table, leaped by Snipers who thrashed Hoodies 15-0.

Six tons from Tim led the way while Chris added four for Snipers, who clearly had a percentage booster in their sights.

Mud Rats have now won their last two, defeating Fore 10-5 to ensure they continue to search for an opening win of the campaign.

Gembrook and Paky One, meanwhile, are back on the winners list, having recovered from close losses last week.

Doug’s excellent season for Gembrook continues, throwing another five tons in the 11-4 victory over 26s, while a monster peg of 124 from Shane helped Paky One prevail by the same result over Bullseyes.

In a spectacular round of darting, seven players threw 180s and 110 tons were registered as teams shake off any rust from the offseason.

Results R5: Mud Rats 10 v Fore 5, Snipers 15 v Hoodies 0, Gembrook 11 v 26ers 4, Paky One 11 v Bullseyes 4, Just Social 9 vWarriors 6.

Ladder: Just Social 16, Snipers 16, Warriors 16, 26ers 12, Gembrook 12, Paky One 12, Mud rats 8, Rebels 4, Bullseyes 4, Fore 0, Hoodies 0.

Fixture R6: Hoodies (11) v Gembrook (5), Paky One (6) v Just Social (1), 26ers (4) v Snipers (3), Fore (10) v Rebels (8), Warriors (3) v Bullseyes (9). Mud Rats -Bye.

Picture: DAVID NAGEL

Pakenham’s Jordan Stewart had Woori Yallock defenders in all sorts on Saturday. 359432

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Lucas Kovac returned to Pakenham Hills Primary School with two medals from the recent nationals championships in Sydney. 359246 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

SPORT

Bulldogs survive a thriller

By David Nagel

“So Good…So Good...So Good.”

A packed Phillip Island changerooms rocked the unofficial chorus of ‘Sweet Caroline’ on Saturday after the Bulldogs booked a place in the WGFNC grand final with a heartstopping one-point preliminary final victory over Nar Nar Goon.

Inspired by skipper Jack Taylor and coach Cam Pedersen - and a late-goal from Travis Woodfield - the Bulldogs kicked three lastquarter goals to overturn a two-goal deficit at three-quarter time into a classic 6.8.44 to 6.7.43 triumph.

The Bulldogs will now take on InverlochKongwak in Saturday’s season decider at Kooweerup.

The opening siren seem to rattle the skies above, with rain starting to fall at the Dalyston Recreation Reserve as the ball was held aloft.

Nar Nar Goon skipper Trent Armour grabbed the first possession, handballed to Dermott Yawney – who started on centre wing – and we were away.

There were very few highlights in the first term as both teams struggled to gain a grip on a greasy Sherrin.

A simple dropped chest mark by Pedersen, who was loose 20 metres out, summed up the difficulty both teams were experiencing.

A left-foot snap from Bulldog Jack Papas was the only goal of the quarter, and it took Nar Nar Goon 18 minutes to score its first point.

The scores were 8-3 at quarter time – and the second term provided much of the same.

Dalyston was renamed ‘turnover city’ as both teams struggled to find targets.

Yawney got the Goon kick-started, by kicking truly after out-marking his shadow for the day in Mark Griffin after eight minutes.

The scoreboard at Dalyston had stopped working, but it wasn’t required as both teams failed to score for the next 12 minutes of play.

Taylor and Yawney were having moments for their respective teams, while half-back JJ Peni looked the man most likely to open things up for the Goon.

Pedersen, playing forward, then laid a crunching tackle at the 20-minute of the second stanza to kick the Bulldogs back out to six.

Yawney repeated his marking heroics against Griffin, but missed from 35 out with the last kick of the first half.

It was the Bulldogs by five, and the scoreboard was back up and running as a thrilling third quarter began.

Bryce Hindhaugh pierced the big sticks that

Yawney had just missed, two minutes into the third, to make the scores 21-10.

The Goon looked super-tentative with its ball movement and had little composure and missed targets.

It provided the opportunity for Pedersen to have two shots on goal, which both missed, with the Bulldogs 23-11 in front after 18 minutes of play.

The switch…thankfully…was then flicked on this contest.

The Goon transformed itself quickly from an ugly-duckling to a graceful and flying swan, kicking four goals in five marvellous minutes, to turn the game on its head.

Jake Smith received a head-high free kick, and 50-metres for backchat, to cut the margin to six with a goal from the top of the goalsquare.

Armour then seized the moment, pouncing on a loose ball to kick an inspirational goal on the run to square things away after 20 minutes of play.

The Goon was rolling now, and a classy left foot kick from the boundary line from Jarrod Smith brought the crowd to life and opened up a first lead for the match.

But the best was yet to come.

Having kicked three in four minutes, the Goon surged again.

Flynn Parker, switched from defence to the forward line in the third quarter, took a great contested grab on centre wing.

He then wheeled, found Yawney on the lead, who once again took a strong mark.

Yawney then kicked to the pocket, where Matt Homfray pounced on a loose ball and kicked a classic banana from the boundary.

The Goon was up and about…12 points ahead at three-quarter time.

“This is where we want to be, a couple of goals up at three-quarter time in a preliminary final,” Goon coach Justin Stanton said, the centre-point of a huge Nar Nar Goon contingent.

“Embrace the challenge, let’s take their mantle…this is the changing of the guard.”

But Pedersen had different thoughts.

“I ran over at three-quarter time, I was a bit annoyed that we got pantsed out of the centre in the third quarter, and I just said I want these blokes on the ball…they got it forward, which really helped us out,” Pedersen said post-game of a key change to his tactics.

Taylor and Daniel Pearce - both in the leadership group and defenders for three quarters - were moved into the middle for the final term and absolutely showed their class.

Taylor had first possession of the quarter, while Pearce was everywhere in the final term.

Max Blake had two early opportunities for the Bulldogs, with one missing and the other ending in very strange circumstances.

Blake’s kick drifted left, and was marked by Jesse Patullo…either on the goal-line or just behind it.

The umpires conferred, with the decision made to ball-it-up at the top of the square.

The correct decision should have been either a shot at goal, or a point…with the ball grabbed without fumble.

Max Walton then brought the margin back to six for the Bulldogs, with the umpires conferring again to see if the ball had grazed the woodwork.

The drama was building…seven minutes into the last!

Three more minutes passed as the balled trickled out on centre wing, with an RACV van making a timely arrival.

Hearts…not cars…were certainly in need of a jump start!

Taylor then brought the margin back to five, showing amazing determination to force a rushed behind.

Pedersen, if he wasn’t already, then became the focal point.

He kicked truly after Billy Taylor found him with a perfectly timed connection, before missing a second chance after Blake had done the same.

The Dogs by two points, 20 minutes into the last…and runner Hayden Bruce jogs out to relay a message.

Bruce fractured his cheekbone in round 15 and would not return to football unless the Bulldogs could take this one out.

His heart would have sunk, as Yawney kicked his second – 22 minutes in – to give the Goon the lead by two points.

The Goon then gained possession two minutes later, on their half back line, with a costly turnover by hand ending in the mits of Travis Woodfield.

The old adage…it hasn’t been your day… but it may be your moment, rang true.

A wobbly kick from Woodfield sailed through at the 24-minute mark of the final term to give the Doggies a two-point lead.

Parker would then kick a point from a tight angle - 25.56 into the last quarter - before the siren sounded 40 seconds later.

Jack Taylor, Pearce and Pedersen were enormous for the Dogs, while Max Walton and Jordy Patullo did some nice things through the midfield.

Armour was superb for the vanquished, and Nate Pipicelli was competitive in the ruck, while Parker provided an improved presence up forward.

But it was the Bulldogs who had the final say.

“So Good…So Good...So Good.”

Premiership winners shine bright on big day for BDTA

By David Nagel

The champions of the Berwick and District Tennis Association have been crowned after a wonderful weekend of action at the Pakenham Regional Tennis Centre.

Rain threatened to put a dampener on Saturday’s grand final matches, but the players patience was rewarded as the skies cleared and all grand finals were completed.

Pakenham took out the prestigious Rod Osborne Shield, while the Section 15 Singles grand final between Beaconsfield and Berwick went all the way down to the wire.

Scores were tied at four sets and 33 games each at the conclusion of the match, meaning a super tie-break was required to decide the winner.

Berwick won the tie-break 10-5 to take out the premiership.

GRAND FINALS

SATURDAY

Section

7 Singles

Narre Warren 4:30 v Officer Blue 4:34

Section 8 Singles

Narre Warren 3:24 v Cranbourne 5:34

Section 9 Singles

Officer 3:26 v Clyde 5:37

SUNDAY

Section 10 Singles

Berwick Blue 7:46 v Upper Beaconsfield 1:24

Section 11 Singles

Clyde 6:44 v Narre Warren Green 2:28

Section 12 Singles

Beaconsfield 5:37 v Berwick 3:31

Section 13 Singles

Narre Warren Green 4:38 v Beaconsfield 4:36

Section 14 Singles

NarreWarren Green 6:43 v NarreWarren Gold

2:22

Section 15 Green Ball Singles

Beaconsfield 4:33 v Berwick 4:33

Berwick won the super tie-break 10-5 to take out the premiership.

Section 16 Doubles

Narre Warren 4:30 v Beaconsfield 2:19

Section 17 Doubles

Pakenham 2:21 v Beaconsfield 4:33

Section 18 Doubles

Berwick White 2:24 v Hallam 4:26

ASSOCIATION JUNIOR PENNANT

Open Boys C

ERT C1 2 3:39 v BDTA 4 7:56

14C Boys

Peninsula 1 2:16 v BDTA 5 8:59

14C Girls

ERT 1 1:13 v BDTA 5 9:59

12B Boys

Tennis Geelong 0 1:23 v BDTA 6 9:62

10B Mixed BDTA 3 4:40 v WRTA 3 6:54

Rob Osborne Shield Premiers, Pakenham, from left; Lachlan O’Gorman, Brayden Raynor and Dylan Pettigrew. 359428

Picture: ROB CAREW

Cameron Pedersen celebrates a critical goal in the last quarter of the preliminary final. 359435 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS