News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 5th October 2023

Cook up a lesson

On Saturday 30 September, Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar (SGND) in Officer volunteers hosted an event to promote awareness about food waste reduction and the creative use of leftovers.

The session was organised for children of all ages who engaged in an insightful discussion on how to reduce food waste followed by putting the theory in practice by participating in cooking various items.

Victorians throw away 250,000 tonnes of food annually, costing households an average of $2600 each year.

Co-organiser Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra, a respected community leader, volunteer, and ambassador for Sustainability Victoria’s Small Acts, Big Impact Campaign, is motivated to empower families to minimise food waste by making better use of their leftovers.

Drawing inspiration from Sustainability Victoria’s I Love Leftovers Challenge, SGND has its own leftovers group initiative – a month-long education and knowledge sharing program.

The initiative culminated in an in-person community discussion attended by about 60 people last Saturday 30 September, with participants sharing insight into challenges and tips on reducing food waste in the home.

To round out the event, participants put their great ideas into practice – leading event attendees in a cooking demonstration that creatively repurposed daal (lintels) catering, from the days prior, into dough for rotis. Participants also made roti wraps and sandwiches using leftover veggies and salad using leftover beans.

Continuing the cause, participants are now shifting their attention to broader community awareness with a consolidation of tips, in the form of a digital poster, currently underway.

Afterward, participants also engaged in a session of tree planting, where 400 new plants were dug into SGND’s grounds.

Photos page 4

Locals attended the community event.

Kids helping the Big Build

Local Pakenham families joined teams on the big construction sites from across Pakenham for a creative session of building big.

The event, held at Pakenham Library, was organised by Big Build teams from Level Crossing Removals, Healesville-Kooweerup Road and Pakenham Roads upgrades to bring kids and families in for a fun time of play these school holidays.

Locals big and small tried their hands in designing and building roads and bridges with giant blue blocks, while also testing their skills at operating the mini diggers and colouring a mural of their favourite machinery.

Team members of the Big Build groups talked to locals about the projects to build and upgrade freeway access, train lines and the key routes across the growing Pakenham community.

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897 Princes Highway Pakenham (at the Ampol Service Station)

Activities included the high risk work of excavation.

Pictures: COREY EVERITT

It was all smiles assembling the big blue blocks in different routes.

Local kids put on the high vis and the hard hats for the day of building big.

Major Road Projects were there to provide their council on the imaginative constructions.

Teams from the major infrastructure projects in Pakenhem held their ‘Build Bigger’ event last week at the Pakenham Library.

The toy crane was in high demand.

The crane required keen focus.

Families came together for the various activities, including the assembling of paper trains and machinery.

Second bridge shaping up

Work is well underway to build a second bridge over the Princes Freeway on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road as part of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade.

Over the course of five months, more than 90,000 tonnes of soil were trucked in to build the embankments of the new bridge.

The embankments will serve as the foundation for the new bridge.

The construction of these abutments began in February of this year and was completed by July this year.

Layers of soil were placed on top of each other to form a solid footing for the abutments. The northern embankment consists of 43 layers, while the southern embankment is

made up of 38.

The construction of these soil embankments was a huge undertaking with over 90,000 tonnes of soil used in these earthworks.

This material was excavated from the Level Crossing Removal Project’s Mont Albert Road site in Surrey Hills earlier in the year.

This is equivalent to nearly 40 Olympicsized swimming pools worth of materials that will be reused and recycled to avoid sending this to landfill or purchasing new materials for the project.

With the embankments now formed, the soil needs to sit for at least three months to allow it to properly settle and naturally compact

and create a strong foundation before work starts to build the bridge structure.

Work is now underway to build the centre pier, which will support the middle of the bridge.

The bridge is being delivered as part of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade.

Once complete it will carry northbound traffic on Healesville-Kooweerup Road, with the existing bridge carrying southbound traffic.

The new bridge will play a vital role in relieving bottlenecks and creating better connections to and from the Princes Freeway and the rapidly expanding Pakenham Employment Corridor, as well as to the town centre.

Car park temporarily closed for upgrade

Cardinia Shire Council announced works are underway to upgrade the James Street car park in Pakenham.

From 2 October, the James St car park will be temporarily closed so sealing works can be completed.

Located next to the site of Cardinia Shire’s new Youth Hub, the James Street car park works will include pavement construction,

drainage improvements, kerb and channel and line marking.

These upgrades will improve community safety and access to community facilities and amenities, while reducing dust, pollution, and maintenance issues.

The upgraded car park will provide the community with access to 98 car spaces, including two accessible spots, and will service

surrounding businesses and community groups around Main Street, Pakenham.

Works are scheduled to be completed on the car park by early February 2024, conditions permitting.

For more information on roadworks in Cardinia Shire, you can visit cardinia.vic.gov. au/disruptions

The key outcomes of the upgrade are:

· Upgrade the freeway interchanges at Healesville-Kooweerup Road, replacing both roundabouts with traffic lights.

· Build an extra bridge over the Princes Freeway at Healesville-Kooweerup Road and add an extra lane in each direction between Southeast Boulevard and Peet Street.

· Build new ramps to and from the Princes Freeway at McGregor Road.

· Add an extra lane in each direction on the freeway between McGregor and HealesvilleKooweerup roads to connect the entry and exit ramps between the two interchanges. Stage 1 of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

Are you aged 70 years or older? You must still vote in the 2023 Referendum

The referendum will be held on Saturday 14 October 2023. Voting is compulsory even if you are 70 years of age or older.

If you can’t make it to a polling place on voting day, you may be eligible to vote early.

For more information go to www.aec.gov.au or call the AEC on 13 23 26

Appropriate COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at all polling places.

Voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and older. If you don’t vote, you may be prosecuted. Voting more than once is a criminal offence.

2023 Referendum, Saturday 14 October

aec.gov.au | 13 23 26

The upgrades to James Street car park are underway.

The two embankments that will serve as the new bridge, extending lanes on Healesville-Kooweeerup Road. Pictures: SUPPLIED The two embankments required 90,000 tonnes of soil.

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A with Berwick Antique and Collectibles Fair co-organiser Coosje Dubach

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

When camping and it is dark, I have accidentally brushed my teeth with Heat Rub. Not very pleasant!

What do you love the most about where you live?

The peace and quiet and the birdlife.

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

I can’t decide. A cat? Or a dolphin?

What would your last meal be?

Anything with spinach in it as long as it is vegetarian.

What was your most memorable moment?

I don’t think that is an easy answer. In my years as a RDA (Riding for the Disabled) coach, I have had so many special moments and met so many great people.

What were you like as a kid?

Quiet and very shy.

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

World Peace, no wars.

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

That is easy, my parents, brother and sister who are or were all living overseas and my kids.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

I’ll Leave You With This by Kylie Ladd, which is a novel about organ donations.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Well, this is a bit embarrassing, but it made me curious, so I asked them. Caring, generous and organised.

What would you do on your perfect ’day off’?

Every day is a good one. But I like to go for a swim and maybe visit some op shops

hunting for treasures.

If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook? Please, no!

THREE … ways to boost your healthmental

Observed by the World Federation for Mental Health, this year’s World Mental Health Day is being held across the world on Tuesday 10 October.

1

Stay active

Exercise increases wellbeing and helps reduce symptoms of common mental health concerns. Yoga, Pilates, HIIT routines – all can be done in a relatively small space and with no equipment. There are plenty of free workout videos and guides available online.

2

Eat well

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is beneficial for both your physical and mental wellbeing. While a fast food visit is OK every now and then, it is best to maintain a regular diet full of fruit, vegetables and fresh ingredients.

3 Connect with others

What is your dream holiday destination? Between camping in the outback with friends or a trip to Europe. I love the old towns, buildings and the history.

Covid brought the significance of connecting with your loved ones to the foreground. Go see a movie with your friends or go to dinner with your family. Even if they are not available, just go for a walk. Sometimes just being around new people can be a mood booster!

Cook up a lesson on waste

From page 1

The LARDNER PARK GARDEN AND HOME EXPO offers a comprehensive range of gardening and outdoor plants, products, services and industry experts on hand – it’s an event you can’t miss. This twoday event brings together over 100 stalls, with a great mix of specialist and general nurseries, as well as a variety of other garden and home products on display and being demonstrated, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next project including:

Presentation program featuring:

 Jason Hodges – Better Homes and Gardens

 Megan Metcalfe – Renovation Rescue

 Merryle Johnson – Country Farm Perennials

 Latrobe Valley Beekeepers

 Brooke Steenholdt – Brightwood Blooms

Berwick Antique and Collectables Fair co-organiser Coosje Dubach. 362483

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Planting at the SGND grounds.

Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar hosted an event to promote awareness about food waste reduction and the creative use of leftovers.

Picture: SUPPLIED

The session engaged in ways to reduce food waste.

No feeding

Casey Council has urged residents to take responsibility for feral and semi-owned cats and to stop feeding strays.

Casey Council connected communities manager Callum Pattie said cats were one of the most devastating invasive species in Australia.

“We can all play our part in mitigating the impact of cats – and we must if we are serious about preventing more extinctions of our precious native wildlife such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot, an endangered and protected species in the City of Casey,” he said.

No clear answers

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Victorian coroner has called for targeted mental-health resources for international students in the wake of an investigated suicide cluster, including a Berwick-based student in July 2020.

It was part of a probe into five international students’ suicides at four different Victorian universities in 2020.

The unidentified Monash University IT student’s death in his bedroom at his uncle’s family home could not have been reasonably foreseen, Coroner Simon McGregor ruled on 2 October.

“No one bears responsibility for this tragedy.”

The student from India may have acted impulsively while upset with difficulties with study, the coroner stated.

Since March that year, the student had been studying online and didn’t attend the university campus due to Covid restrictions.

He had been reportedly depressed and socially isolated at the time, often withdrawing to his room and playing computer games.

“The stand-out feature for me was how little engagement (the student) had with Monash University in a health and wellbeing context,” McGregor said.

This was “echoed” in the other four suicides that were investigated.

“In each case the student had not been contacted or been linked with university services and was not engaged with any other health services in the community for mental health treatment and support.”

McGregor was making “no criticism” of Monash University, which supplied a “thorough” range of supports for international students.

The challenge was how to encourage international students to “engage” and “seek help” from university services and health services in the event of a mental health crisis, he stated.

An earlier coronial investigation stated that

international students were less likely than domestic students to seek mental health assistance.

This was because of cultural, financial and linguistic barriers.

During the current probe, the coroner stated he had no “clear insights” into how to promote international students to seek help.

He commissioned Orygen youth mental health service to research international student wellbeing and to develop a Quality Evaluation Framework for universities.

It raised issues such as orientation programs, ongoing support services, staff training, risk screening and affordable, culturallyaccessible mental health services.

McGregor recommended that the state Department of Health’s new Suicide Prevention and Response Office should use such a framework to assist universities in targeting international student wellbeing.

· Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

· Lifeline 13 11 14

Cats have been responsible for the extinction of many native animals and continue to pose a risk to local wildlife.

Being an endangered and protected species in Casey, stray cats are a threat to the Southern Brown Bandicoot, and being fed increases the chances of overpopulation and impacts the local ecosystem.

Casey Council’s domestic animal management plan and local law outline stated cats must be registered with the council and must always remain on the owner’s property.

“If we genuinely care about our wildlife, we need to make sure that owners comply with the City of Casey Local Law and keep cats confined to their property at all times,” Mr Pattie said.

Cats are also not allowed in Botanic Ridge or Settlers Run, both of which are protected areas for the southern brown bandicoot.

Tips from the council include taking ownership of stray cats, having them desexed, microchipped and registered with the council and to report any nuisance cats.

For more information on how to manage cats, visit casey.vic.gov.au/cats-casey

Man jailed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Botanic Ridge man has been jailed over his persistently “abhorrent” and “depraved” promotion of incest and other sex acts with children.

Prasanga Kariyawasam, 43, pleaded guilty at theVictorian County Court to 26 charges spanning three-and-a-half years from 2018 including while on bail.

The charges included accessing, transmitting, soliciting and possessing child abuse material on hundreds of occasions. Some of the online exchanges were with people that Kariyawasam believed to be 11 years old and 14 years old.

He also engaged in indecent communications – text-based chats about his interest in children 5-11 years old, child porn and incest.

A large amount of the seized videos and images were category-1 – the most explicit and serious category, he noted.

The judge said he needed to make a measured assessment despite his emotional and “almost visceral” repugnance towards the material.

Kariyawasam tried to evade detection using fake names on the KIK chat app, private web browsing, Virtual Private Network and encryption, and in defiance of his bail conditions.

Donate your history

By Violet Li

Connected Libraries is bringing back the History Month Donation Drive campaign this October to seek materials of historical significance to Casey.

Running until 31 October, local librarians are encouraging residents to donate materials which document the historical and current economic, environmental, industrial, social and political events, groups, places, and people throughout Casey. The 2022 campaign received some significant collections, including a min-

OPINION

ute book from the Devon Meadows Progress Association, scrapbooks with newspaper clippings and photos of the Berwick, NarreWarren, and Hallam areas, and the Wilson-Stocks Family Collection, which includes records from former Mayor of Casey RobWilson.

Connected Libraries local history librarian

Kate Davis said Casey changes daily and the libraries need the community to help them build records for future generations to enjoy.

“As the local history librarian, it’s my job to connect the Casey community with their histories, which also means making sure that items

LENSCAPE

are recorded for future generations in the City of Casey,” she said. “Connected Libraries ran a local history donation drive for the first time in 2022 and we were overwhelmed with the results. We are hoping for the same success this year.”

Connected Libraries will be accepting items like books, published and unpublished documents,mapsandimages.Objectswillnotbeaccepted as there is no room in the library. Email localhistory@connectedlibraries.org.au or visit connectedlibraries.org.au/local-history-at-cl

After being raided and charged by police several times since 2018, he was caught out again while on bail by a United States FBI agent on KIK in late 2021.

Kariyawasam had argued that his offending was fueled by drug abuse. Meth made him “uncontrollable”, he claimed.

Judge O’Connell says Kariyawasam’s underlying motivations for offending appeared untreated. The accused seemed to have “limited insight”, was diagnosed with narcissistic symptoms, and his expressions of regret and shame reportedly lacked depth.

The alleged link between his own alleged sex abuse as a child and his deviant behaviour was at this stage“speculative”.

Kariyawasam didn’t seek to address his underlying reasons for offending while out on bail, the judge noted. He was assessed as a moderate to high risk of re-offending, with “guarded” rehabilitation prospects. A long eligibility period for parole was deemed important for his rehabilitation and for community protection. Kariyawasam was jailed for six years and eight months, with a nonparole period of three years and nine months. His term includes 659 days in pre-sentence detention. The judge ordered that Kariyawasam would be a registered sex offender for life.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To the lady who approached me and my husband at the self-serve registers at Woolworths Hampton Park on Wednesday 27 September. She offered to pay for our items, which we accepted with pleasure. It was a lovely gesture and we thank her again for the offer, we never expected to have this happen to us. Great to see there are some kind and thoughtful people in this world.

Thumbs up

To the volunteer firefighters who joined strike teams to help out in Gippsland over the weekend.

Thumbs down

To Victoria’s Big Build program for ‘finishing’ the Hall Road/Evans Road/Cranbourne-Frankston Road intersection and leaving the massive bump where the old road and new road joins up on CranbourneFrankston Road.

Connected Libraries local history librarian Kate Davis is excited to collect more of Casey’s rich history to accompany scrapbooks with newspaper clippings and photos of Casey’s old past collected during last year’s donation drive. 363232

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Cranbourne Library’s trees received a colourful makeover as part of the yarn bombing Crochet for a Cause events recently. 364443 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

New-look design for reserve

Casey Council is seeking community feedback on the draft concept design for the redevelopment of Ray Bastin Reserve in Narre Warren.

Inspired by community input as part of the initial community consultation last year, the draft concept design outlines a number of features which aim to improve accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, enhance the natural environment and re-imagine the theme of ‘The Rocket Park’.

Food relief demand

By Violet Li

Cranbourne Food Truck has called out for support through volunteering, material and financial donations, and changes to housing restrictions after surging food recipients amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Chairperson of the Food Truck committee Chris Marsh said the number of people who seek food had grown considerably since the beginning of this year.

“The amount of people that come to the truck has doubled,” she said.

Cranbourne Food Truck provides hot meals every Monday and Wednesday evening and food parcels every Tuesday afternoon.

Ms Marsh said the number of people who came for the dinner on Monday 2 October had reached a phenomenal 41, which she had never seen before.

She is concerned that if the number keeps going up, the food truck could not cope with not enough volunteers.

“Since Covid, people who volunteer has gone down,” she said.

“Pre-Covid, we used to send the truck out on a Monday, aWednesday, a Friday, and a Saturday.

“After Covid, we couldn’t do Friday or Saturday because we didn’t have the volunteers to make the truck work.”

She said it is extremely difficult to get volunteers.

“We’ve been very lucky, and we’ve got some young volunteers, like university students, that sort of age,” she said.

“They only volunteer once a month, but that’s enough to cover once a month.

“What we really need right at the moment is day volunteers, so a steady six hours a week.”

Food Truck administrator Marie Magdziarz said the truck relies heavily on material and fi-

nancial donations because there is no funding or grants.

“There are grants that are available in the city council, but they are for specific things like equipment, not consumables,” she said.

“We do buy from food banks when we absolutely need to, but it depends on what food bank has available.

“If food banks don’t have eggs or bread or milk, then we can’t provide it.”

Ms Magdziarz said the food truck had built up a community network of donations.

Cranbourne Food Truck has recently received donations from customers and staff at Woolworths Pakenham and Coles Botanic Ridge Village.

The food truck sends out a monthly wish list for three items to the public and a couple of congregations.

For October, the food truck is collecting pasta sauce, cereal, and tea bags.

“We used to have a huge amount of pasta sauce, and now we don’t,” Ms Magdziarz said.

“It is reduced right down.”

Ms Marsh and Ms Magdziarz said the cost of living had been driving people to the food truck after Covid.

“People are really doing it tough,” Ms Magdziarz said.

“They’ll pay all their bills and everything. And then they’ll come to places like up here for their groceries.

“We know that people catch the bus to come and have a hot meal.”

Ms Marsh said the committee started handing out food parcels during Covid because they could not send the truck out.

“We thought once Covid finished, we’ll stop doing those food parcels, and we’ll just go back to doing the truck again,” she said.

“But then we realised that the food parcels

were actually more important now than what they were during Covid.

“We’re probably serving five or six families during Covid and now, we’re up to nearly 20 people.”

Ms Marsh said many people who come to the truck don’t have their own accommodation.

She said the State Government has come on board to build more public housing, but councils have to change their attitudes towards housing restrictions.

“Even trying to find a caravan to rent is extremely difficult,” she said.

“You can’t have a caravan in your front yard or your backyard if someone is living in it full time.

“They can only be in there for, like, three months.”

She said it is very difficult for families to extend in Casey.

“The only way we can live with our children or have our children live with us is we put a granny flat in the backyard, which can only stay there while the grandparent is living in it.

“Once that grandparent passes away or moves on to a different accommodation or the family moves out, that granny flat has to be removed.”

Ms Marsh said until the council changes their attitudes towards housing, it will remain hard for people to find affordable housing.

During October, Cranbourne Food Truck will seek donations of pasta sauce, cereal, and tea bags. If you wish to help, drop off at 41 Lesdon Ave, Cranbourne, Coles Botanic Ridge, or Balla Balla Community Centre.

Cranbourne Food Truck is also looking for a daytime volunteer. Contact thefoodtruck00@ gmail.com if you are interested and want to give a hand.

The proposed redevelopment will include a new regional playground, replacement of the Liberty swing with alternate all-abilities play opportunities, a social space with shelters, seating and barbecues, an exercise loop and equipment, a multi-use court, improvements to the existing skate park and pump/bike track, an art installation and new pathways and landscaping improvements.

Casey Council administrators chair Noelene Duff PSM said a number of elements and infrastructure at the 4.5-hectare reserve, including the regional playground, are due to be replaced or revitalised to ensure the reserve continued to meet the needs of Casey’s growing community into the future.

“Ray Bastin Reserve is a highly valued community asset featuring a regional playground that caters to both locals and visitors from further afield,” she said.

“We listened to what the community told us as part of our initial community consultation, and the feedback we received from children, young people and their families has helped influence the detailed design we are now sharing with our community.

“The proposed design includes features that matter to our community, including elements that focus on adventure and activity-based play, sensory and nature play, storytelling, play and exploration areas as well as improved access for all ages and abilities.”

Valued at $3.095 million, the project is being jointly funded by Casey Council ($1.245 million), the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund ($1.6 million) and the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund ($250,000).

Consultation closes at 5pm on Sunday 15 October.

Residents will also be able to provide feedback during a session at Ray Bastin Reserve on Tuesday 10 October between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

To view the plans, visit conversations. casey.vic.gov.au/ray-bastin-reserve-redevelopment

Linda Allan (volunteer), Marie Magdziarz, and Chris Marsh are preparing for the Tuesday afternoon food parcels. 363704 Picture: ROB CAREW

Community mourns icon

By Matthew Sims

The Endeavour Hills community has mourned the loss of one of its most colourful characters - Paul O’Brien.

Often seen leaned up against his old Series III Land Rover decked out in an Akubra hat and a Driza-Bone jacket in the Endeavour Hills McDonald’s car park with a cuppa in hand, the 55-year-old died last Monday 25 September, just days before he turned 56.

Dubbed many names over the years, including ‘The Endeavour Hills Ned Kelly’, ‘The Endeavour Hills Bushranger’, ‘Crocodile Dundee’ and ‘The Man from Snowy River’, he was just ‘mate’ to many and just ‘Uncle Paul’ to his niece Ashleigh.

Growing up in Mount Waverley and going to the old Syndal Technical School, his laidback nature took him far and wide across a number of different fields, including the mines in Katherine, working as a mechanic and in the Army Reserves.

Paul’s love for the bush was cemented when he moved to live in Kinglake, before losing his house in the Black Saturday bushfires.

Ashleigh said the support he provided to the township after the natural disaster was just one instance of his love for community and his generous nature.

“He helped essentially rebuild Kinglake,” she said.

“He was always willing to help people.

“He was a gentleman.”

Ashleigh said Paul’s distinctive ocker style and mannerisms were there from the very beginning.

“He hasn’t got the standard look - cowboy boots, jeans and a shirt,” she said.

“My uncle was instantly recognisable.”

Ashleigh recalled a time when she was playing a game of footy with her friends when one of them asked who was ‘Outback Jack’, only to

turn around to see her uncle standing there with his jacket and hat.

“He even came to my deb dressed like that,” she said.

Ashleigh said Paul’s pride and joy was his old Land Rover, which he maintained for about 30 years since first picking it up during

his time in the Army Reserves.

“We planned to rebuild a Series I Land Rover together,” she said.

Posts on the Endeavour Hills Community Facebook groups on Paul’s passing have attracted more than 500 comments, with a number of people describing his generosity.

Ashleigh said the number of people who have recalled meeting Paul or seeing him across the Endeavour Hills McDonald’s car park, brightening their day, was testament to his kind-hearted nature.

“He was just lovely and gentle and kind,” she said.

Paul O’Brien.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Going one step at a time

By Ethan Benedicto

For two years, Cranbourne North resident Rachel Lee has been participating in the Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward, helping to raise awareness of Australians suffering from mental illness.

After the passing of her best friend Daniel Stone in 2021, Rachel was plunged into a deep state of grief, not knowing what to do with herself.

It was after finding One Foot Forward on Facebook that Rachel had found some purpose, an outlet for the grief that she had been harbouring.

“It helped me really channel all that loss and emotion that I didn’t know what to do with, into something quite positive,” she said. Bringing together participants from across the country, the event, which takes place over the course of Mental Health Month throughout October, has seen more than 20,000 signatures as of late, with people walking, running or rolling 40, 60, 100 or 150 kilometres throughout October.

According to the Black Dog Institute, one in five Australians experience mental illness each year, which means that more than five million people are personally affected.

With 1167 teams taking part in the challenge, and 580 workplaces advocating for the cause, more than $1.3 million has been raised for support towards new mental health treatment, education, and digital services.

Funds raised by One Foot Forward participants this year would assist in the research and development of digital mental health tools and apps for adults and children, support novel and innovative suicide prevention programs, and help community presenters reach school students to talk about mental health in schools and how to get support.

On a more personal level, its effects on Ra-

chel’s mental health have been more than welcome.

“Often on those days when it was very challenging, it can be really hard to do what you need to do and keep yourself going,” she said.

While it had been difficult for her to initially begin the regular routine, she soon found herself immersed in it.

“Walking around nature was something that helped me, initially I was just able to find a focus for my loss,” Rachel said.

“It was on those days that I’d make a little deal with myself, instead of just walking for a few minutes, I’d often find that I’ve walked a whole lot further and lose that mental shadow that had been distracting me.”

Now, Rachel is at a stage of acceptance, not just of Daniel’s passing, but also her mental state.

A large part of this is due to her participation in helping others, with the knowledge that her walks brought exposure to the widespread issue of mental illness, giving her a sense of purpose.

Joining Rachel for some of her walks are South Eastern Metropolitan MP David Limbrick and Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny.

“I’m focusing on how I’m helping and raising awareness for a community of like-minded people, but also for those in Daniel’s position who may not realise that there are other options available,” Rachel said.

According to the Black Dog Institute, suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged between 15 and 44.

In addition, more than 60 per cent of people living with mental illness will not seek help.

In 2022, more than 28,000 participants walked, ran and rolled more than two million kilometres during Mental Health Month, raising funds to help Black Dog Institute put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most.

Black Dog Institute fundraising head Evan Jackson said the challenge was a positive way to show Australians impacted by mental illness that they are not alone.

Fully Renovated Villas in

“One Foot Forward can be a great way to take a positive step forward for your own mental health,” he said.

“You can take part solo, with a team or with your colleagues.

“This national virtual event is a great team building exercise for colleagues, can increase staff morale and help promote mental wellbeing in the workplace.”

Research from the Australian Psychological Society’s healthcare index survey in 2022 showed almost two-thirds of patients had to wait roughly more than 12 weeks to receive care.

Rachel said that traditional support hadn’t always worked for Daniel and that organisations like Black Dog Institute help by providing alternative modes of support.

“Talking about mental health can be a scary thing to do, but I think it’s really important to ask people how they are,” she said.

“Asking the question ‘Are you okay?’ and just being able to listen to someone, especially without judgement is really important.”

This month, Rachel is looking forward to making 2023 another year of raising awareness.

“Being able to share Daniel’s story and my lived experience is crucial in taking that stigma out of being able to talk about mental health,” she said.

Rachel has already surpassed her goal of raising $2000 during the challenge, with her fundraising total at $2300 at the time of publication.

To support her campaign, visit onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/rachellee/one-footforward-2023

If you need help or are looking for a place to talk, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Other contacts include Beyondblue on 1300 224 636 and headspace on 1800 650 890.

Cranbourne North’s Rachel Lee is participating once again in the Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward challenge. 363969

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Church fete

Saturday 14 October from 9am until 2pm. Stalls for home made cakes, home made preserves and jams, good used clothing, toys, books, jewellery, lovely fresh vegetables, plants and craft.

· St Andrews Berwick Uniting Church, 105 High St, Berwick.

Seated Movement Sessions (Chair Dancing)

Would you enjoy exercising from the comfort of your chair?

Join the Berwick Activities Group for some seated movement sessions including fun and uplifting songs and different styles and eras of music.

An opportunity to get moving and enjoy the company of others.

Wednesdays from 10.45am to 11.30am.

Timbarra Community Centre, 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick.

$8 per session.

· Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.

Craft Classes

Do you enjoy craft making?

Join Berwick Activities Group’s Elizabeth to discover the world of papercraft and have a chat with like minded people.

You will be introduced to a range of papercraft techniques through a new project each week. Casual attendance is welcome.

Tuesdays from 10am to noon.

Timbarra Community Centre 20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick

$5 per class, all materials supplied.

· Contact admin@berwicknc.com.au or phone 9704 1863.

Good Day Sunshine - The Benefits of Gardening

Discover the ease of gardening, regardless of your experience and discover with others how a little nurture by nature enables you to slow down the pace and take in the wonders around you. 10am to 11am at the Berwick Community Garden.

20-26 Parkhill Drive, Timbarra Way, Berwick.

Booking required and morning tea provided.

· Phone 9704 1863 or contact admin@berwicknc.com.au.

Berwick Antique and Collectibles

Fair

Sunday 8 October from 9am to 4pm.

Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre at 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard.

Adults $5, children free.

Valuations by David Freeman for $5 per item from noon to 3pm (no jewelry, coins or stamps). Refreshments available.

All Proceeds go to Riding for the Disabled at Myuna Farm.

· For more information, contact Coosje on 0432 869 215 or email berwickantiquefair@ gmail.com

Berwick Springs VIEW Club

Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club are a not for profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.

The club currently supports seven students of varying ages with their education expenses and are about to take on an eighth student.

The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.30am, where members enjoy a

Halloween in Casey

Casey residents with a love for all things spooky are invited to Halloween events at Wilson Botanic Park and the Old Cheese Factory.

Wilson Botanic Park is hosting a Fright Walk event from 6pm to 9pm on Saturday 28 October.

The Old Cheese Factory will be transformed on Halloween night from 5pm to 9pm with a range of activities and entertainment on offer.

Tickets are available for both events at $10 for kids and $2.50 for supervising adults.

· For more information, visit www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1122752 and tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/8929/8930

lunch and then host a guest speaker.

Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies. The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.

· For more information, contact Shirley on 0419 878 481 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com

Tom Gleeson’s Gear

Hard Quiz Overlord, Master of Tasks and Gold Logie Winner Tom Gleeson has taken the Brass Mug on the road for the past two years with Hard Quiz Live.

Now he’s giving audiences around the country an opportunity to see a master stand-up at work with his new live show Gear.

Thursday 7 December 2023 from 7.30pm at Bunjil Place.

Tickets from $54.90.

· For more information and tickets, visit cmdy. live/GLE23NarreWarren

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

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.

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

Weekly badminton

Badminton for ladies or retired.

All welcome.

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

As the club heads into its 31st year it wishes to welcome new members to join in the many activities on offer such as New Vogue Dancing, which will see you moving in no time. Social Wednesdays where you can join in Carpet Bowls, cards, Scrabble and Table Tennis. Take the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy yourself. Membership is only 10 dollars with a $5 weekly attendance fee which includes morning tea.

· For more information phone David on 0433 566 456 or Bruce 0447 554 475.

Pilates

Do you want to improve your posture, increase your core strength, increase your energy, 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. 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. 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

Picture: ISTOCK

All invited to centre event

By Ethan Benedicto

As of 2021, Cranbourne North is home to 24,683 residents and is predicted to grow to 26,000 by the end of this year.

With so many people, it seems timely for Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre to open its doors to everyone.

On Saturday 14 October, residents can come to experience what the centre has to offer on their open day, including tours, children’s services, free food, an animal farm, and local emergency services such as SES, police and ambulance members and Neighbourhood Watch Casey making an appearance.

The Casey Camera Club is also hosting a stall, with a free family photograph available on the day.

Running from 10.30am to 1.30pm, centre manager Michelle Davidson said the day is just a taste of what they can do for the community.

“It’s an opportunity for residents who haven’t been to a community centre before to just pop in,” she said.

Making it as fun and inclusive as possible, Ms Davidson hopes to show exactly what the centre can offer the residents of Cranbourne North, that it’s not just a centre for the community, but a centre shaped by the community as well.

“If there’s a group that’s looking to do a gardening club, we’ve got a community garden, and if there’s a group that would like to get out of the house and spend some time here, we’ve got the drop-in room,” she said.

While small and humble, the centre has a wide range of amenities available for use by everyone.

Appealing to the kids has also been a large role that the centre plays, with before and after-school care running from 9.30am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday, and school holiday activities such as the Lynbrook Lightning Football Club holding a footy clinic.

Hosting computer and English classes as frequently as Monday to Thursday, Ms Davidson said the centre aims to provide people with services which are accessible, but also something that participants can shape.

“For example, if we have members saying they want to do a Xero class, we get a few inquiries going, we get a trainer and then we run the class,” she said.

For the centre’s committee management and Michelle, there is an emphasis on listening to what the people want and catering to those ideas as best as they can, with the centre making these decisions possible.

Having lived in Japan for a few years and in Belgium for a number of years, Ms Davidson knows what it’s like to not know anything

about the place you’re meant to call home.

“We have a lot of Afghani women who are studying English here, so we provide for them and currently there’s a strong demand for English and computer classes and that’s what we’re delivering,” she said.

“We can be anything and the services we offer are directed by the Cranbourne North community.

“We’re welcoming, we’re inclusive, our doors are always open.”

Ms Davidson said there is a focus on the

people which make up the centre and the community it supports.

“The centre is smaller, less formal, people give us the ideas, we can start to market it and then get the right hands to start running it,” she said.

“We’re a volunteer committee who are all local residents giving up their time for the centre and the open day is a chance to show people we’re here.”

For more information about the services on offer, visit merindapark.com.au

New Catholic primary school under construction

By Violet Li

A new Catholic primary school in the new estate of Five Farms at Clyde North has kicked off construction with a sod-turning event.

St Josephine Bakhita Primary School will be the 44th school to be added to the network of primary and secondary schools owned and operated by the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd in south-eastVictoria.

Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet said the turning of the sod symbolised the beginnings of a new Catholic school which would connect and shape the lives of generations of children to come in this new community.

“As a church we are excited to grow with communities to meet their needs for faithfilled education that enables families and young people to flourish,” he said.

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Paul Velten, said extensive planning had been taking place to progress the construction of the new school.

“Melbourne’s south-eastern growth corridor is rapidly expanding with thousands of people moving into the area each year,” he said.

“Many new residents are families seeking a quality Catholic education for their children.

“The construction of St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School at Clyde North aims to fulfil this need, providing families with access to a faith-based, modern and affordable primary school, close to their home.”

Mr Velten said the new school would complement St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School which opened in nearby Cranbourne East nine years ago and now had more than 720 enrolments.

“We look forward to working with Very

Reverend Denis O’Bryan in the St Thomas the Apostle Parish, as we establish St Josephine Bakhita as the second Catholic Primary School in his Parish,” he said.

Five Farms is a master planned community in Clyde North being developed by Frasers Property Australia.

When complete, Five Farms is expected to comprise approximately 1600 homes with schools, childcare facilities, a local town cen-

tre, residents’ club, parklands, and access to public transport including trains and buses.

General manager Development Victoria for Frasers Property Australia Sarah Bloom said the school was destined to be an importantfocalpointfortheFiveFarmscommunity.

“It is a vital component in a long list of amenities we are delivering at Five Farms,” she said.

“The development of the school means

Five Farm residents will have everything they need, right in their neighbourhood.”

The St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School project is supported by a grant from theVictorian Government’s Non-Government Schools Capital Fund.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2025. Enrolments will begin in Term 4, 2024 and the first Term is expected to commence in 2025.

A group of Catholic education leaders helped turn the sod at the construction of a new Catholic primary school at Clyde North. Picture: SUPPLIED

Centre manager Michelle Davidson, administration officer Cassandra Thaddaus, educator Nermina Harbas, CALD teacher Lynette Francis and children’s services co-ordinator Kirsty Tucker enjoying the new drop-in room. 363670 Pictures: ROB CAREW

Merinda Park CALD students Chawee (Thailand), Jamila (Afghanistan) and Arparphen (Thailand) with National Foot Prints made by students from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Pakistan, Thailand, Cambodia, India, East Timor, Chili, China and Somalia. 363670

Children’s services student placement Parvinkal Kaur, room leader Bec Deering, educator Nermina Harbas, children’s services coordinator Kirsty Tucker and centre manager Michelle Davidson. 363670

Picture: JAMES ROSS, AAP

Sharing stories of hope

By Sahar Foladi

A documentary celebrating 10 “extraordinary migrant women” stories has premiered at Drum Theatre in Dandenong.

Among the audience at the Know My Story film and book launch on Monday 25 September was Con Pagonis, who has been volunteering for almost two decades.

He says the initiative has given voices to these women.

“History will have a record of what they’ve achieved and goes some way towards rectifying the imbalance that women face in terms of recognition for their contribution to community development.

“I think watching the documentary film, it’s amazing how individuals can make a huge difference to community wellbeing.”

The project was initiated by Wellsprings for Women. It featured the 10 women sharing their journey to Australia, why they took that step, the challenges they faced upon arrival and how each of them contributed to the Australian community since.

They were Leila Ashtiani, Zakia Baig, Hayat Doughan, Larra Juab, Liseby Lapierre, Joyce Rebeiro, Maria Sampey, Sri Samy, Mmaskepe Sejoe and Su Sullivan.

A Hazara woman, Zakia Baig, started her own organisation Australian Hazara Women’s Friendship Network in 2013.

The organisation provides Hazara women from refugee and migrant backgrounds with the opportunity to feel comfortable, supported and empowered in their communities.

Ms Baig says she felt proud for being recognised for the hard work of making a change in the community.

“I was very proud listening to myself and even got emotional because it brought back memories with some pain.

“So totally overwhelmed with the project and it’s an honour to be amongst the others.”

The project manager, Lella Cariddi said the women’s contribution both in the community and in the project was spontaneous.

“Regardless of the many challenges the protagonists in this project had to face, they didn’t look for sympathy, they just got on and achieved fulfilment through altruism.

“It’s extraordinary how the women opened their hearts.

“You need to understand this wasn’t done using a questionnaire. These were reflections on their heritage, the circumstances that brought them here, experience of resettlement and how they contributed,” she said.

While many of the women are humbled of their recognition, they also believe that there should be some sort of recognition of the immense work that community organisations and individuals do.

Mmaskepe Sejoe, an applied human rights expert of more than 35 years, also contributed to the documentary film.

She commended the initiative but thinks this should go on further.

“I was taught as a young person that if my neighbour is not free, I cannot claim to be free.

“It’s great that the women who contribute should be acknowledged somehow and such work should grow.

“We should start to really look into the unsung heroes in the community who’re less likely to get nominated for (honours) because the people they work with are powerless,” she said.

Ms Sejoe urges a recognition at a local government level as a minimum.

At the launch, Greater Dandenong mayor

Eden Foster said the stories were of great importance.

“As a female leader in Greater Dandenong this project shares the stories of women who came before me and inspires the women who will come after.

“Greater Dandenong is a multicultural community (63 per cent of our residents were born overseas) and our city is built on the hard work of migrants.

“Being able to share the stories of migrant women is a recognition and celebration of the strength of a diverse community.”

Narre Warren North MP, Belinda Wilson praised the organisation for its initiative.

“It was an incredible event. I think they’re all touching, and they all brought tear to my eyes.

“I think we’re always pressed with different issues with migration and coming to a new country.

“There is a lot of challenges along the way, but I think the women provided great advice and guidance,” she said.

“A lot of them established their own organisations and are doing incredible work in the community which is a benefit for everyone.”

A book version of ‘Know My Story’ is also available and not only does it feature the 10 women, but also the incredible stories of other women who are part of Wellsprings for Women.

Wellsprings for Women chief executive Dalal Smiley says overall they were very satisfied with the outcome of the event.

However, works will be commencing to spread this project to a wider audience.

“It’s not just telling the stories, but we also need to unpack that.

“We need to see how we have changed as a society because of the contribution of the women that everyone saw,” she said.

“It’s just the beginning and I’m sure this movie will reach many people.”

Ms Smiley says social media, the film produced and the publication of ‘Know My Story’ is a great way to reach a larger audience.

“People like to hear stories and there’s a lot behind those stories.

“In the future, we could do a film night, have a Q&A with audience, analyse and discuss the stories.

“It’s just the beginning and I’m sure this movie will reach many people.”

Clyde Grammar students show off Book Week in style

By Violet Li

From the White Rabbit and Snow White to Elsa, Wednesday Addams and the Orange Crayon, Clyde Grammar students and teachers celebrated this year’s Children’s Book Week in style on 15 September.

The annual Book Week event is organised by the Children’s Book Council of Australia and schools across the country use it to promote a lifelong love of books and reading.

This year’s theme was Read, Grow, Inspire.

More than 200 children and staff dressed up as their favourite book character and paraded their costumes in the school playground in front of parents and families. They were encouraged to read and talk about their favourite books and characters.

Students then separated into their House groups and spent the day enjoying fun activities.

Other characters on parade were Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Pearl the Magical Unicorn, Sailor Moon, Harry Potter’s Hermione

Granger, the Blue Crayon and Golden Dragon Ninja.

Year 1 student Austin Heath dressed as the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.

“The best part of the Book Week Parade was getting to dress up and wear my favourite shoes to school and the glasses,” she said.

The bunny ears were a little annoying, but it was fun.”

Clyde Grammar principal Leanne Evans said Book Week is an event that the whole

school looks forward to each year.

“Literature plays a crucial role in the education of children, with picture-story books being a gateway to knowledge and imagination,” she said.

“Celebrating Book Week is something we hold dear at Clyde Grammar.

“Seeing our students and staff dressed as a favourite book character is not only fun, it is our way of embracing our love of books and the importance of rich literature in all its forms.”

Yuvleen, Ryder, Adriana, and Yuvaan dressed up for Book Week.

Pictures: SUPPLIEDRhea, Mrs Bec O’Halloran are having fun at Book Week.

Know My Story participant Mmaskepe Sejoe, volunteer Con Pagonis and Wellsprings for Women’s Dalal Smiley. 364068 Picture: SAHAR FOLADI

Experience Walhalla Rail

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 reboarding 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.

MakeWalhalla Goldfields Railway your next family day out.

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

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

BATTERY ZONE BATTERY ZONE

Get your group together and enjoy a amazing day out at Walhalla Goldfields Railway!

Take a step back in time and marvel at the sights of Stringers Gorge on our historic railway.

Enjoy lunch in The Goods Shed Café and follow this up with a stroll through the village surrounded by history.

Enjoy what you experience? Why not become a part of our award winning team?

We have positions available for the inexperienced through to the experienced. Training is provided along with uniform and a travel allowance.

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See the amazing track work and bridges.

Safety focus for October

October is Community Safety Month, with plenty of safety-related events happening in the City of Casey from self-defence classes to emergency preparedness and everything in between, alongside the usual offerings this time of year.

Youth boxing and self-defence

In this introductory youth boxing and selfdefence class, you will learn self-defence techniques. Certificates will be awarded when techniques can be demonstrated. The class is for all abilities and levels. Suitable for young people aged 12 to 25.The class is held on Mondays during the school term between 2 October and 18 December, from 4pm to 5pm, at Lynbrook Community Centre. For more information, contact 9792 7370. To book, visit trybooking.com/events/landing/1110341

The Durga Chronicles

The Durga Chronicles draws on the stories of women who have been harmed in different parts of the world and harnesses the force of Durga to provoke empowered resistance against gendered violence. Following each performance there will be circles of conversation with diverse, multicultural, inter-faith community members, leaders, psychologists and social justice workers to discuss resistance against gendered violence and to empower those who identify as women. On Saturday 7 October and Sunday 8 October, from 5pm to 5.50pm for The Durga Chronicles - Performance, and 6pm to 7pm for Circles of Conversation. For more information and ticket prices, visit bunjilplace.com.au/events/durga-chronicles

Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre Open Day

Explore diverse activities, engage with fellow community members, and discover what makes the centre so special. Lots of free family fun, including a sausage sizzle, animal nursery, popcorn, and fairy floss. You can also have your photo with local police, ambulance, SES and the fire brigade. The open day will be held on Saturday 14 October, 10.30am to 1.30pm at Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre, 141- 147 Endeavour Drive, Cranbourne North. For more information, contact Michelle Davidson on 5996 9056 or email admin@merindapark.com.au

Emergency preparedness information sessions

Presented by the City of Casey and the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the session will provide advice about how to prepare for an emergency and information about the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System. They will also talk about the VicEmergency App and help people set it up on their device.The CFA will talk about smoke alarms and their smoke alarm program, as well as the CFA and Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Advisory Service. The session will be held on Monday 16 October, 10am to 11am at Autumn Place Community Hub in Doveton, on Thursday 19 October from 10am to 11am at Cranbourne West Community Hub and on Monday 23 October from 10am to 11am at Rossmoyne Family & Community Centre, 19 Beldale Court, Berwick.

To book for the Doveton session visit try-

booking.com/CLNAO, for the Cranbourne session visit trybooking.com/CLMZG and for the Berwick session visit trybooking.com/CLNBD; for more information, email Scott Appledore at sappledore@casey.vic.gov.au

Mini Seniors Services Expo

Shop fresh at the Hunters Green farmer’s market and get local info on making life a bit easier at the Senior Services Mini Expo, part of the Victorian Seniors Festival and the City of Casey Ageing Positively Festival. Hear from expert presenters and shop at various stalls, including plants, honey, meats, cheeses, fruit, veg, upcycle art, and crafts. There will also be food vendors, a petting zoo, roving magician and face painting. The expo is on Saturday 21

October, 10am to 2pm at Aveo Hunters Green Retirement Village, 2 Rochester Parade, Cranbourne East. Register your attendance for your free barista coffee and hot jam donuts. Contact MarikaWagner on 0436 621 227 or email marika.wagner@aveo.com.au; for more information, visit farmersmarketseniors.eventbrite. com.au, contact 9133 8788 or email eventsvic@aveo.com.au

Lynbrook Lake Lantern Festival

Paint a lantern and take it on the lantern walk (and then take it home) or release a floating lotus candle onto the lake and watch in awe as hundreds of other people do the same. It’s quite the spectacle. Bring your family and friends down to Banjo Paterson Park and en-

joy a whole lot of free entertainment and discounted rides and attractions. There will also food trucks, fairy floss and popcorn stores. The City of Casey Youth Services 360 Youth Bus will be attending the event, as well as the City of Casey Community Safety team and Neighbourhood Watch. Free entry and everyone is welcome. Come celebrate with your local community at this feel good, familyfriendly event on Saturday 21 October, 3pm to 7pm. For more information, email events@ lynbrook.org.au

Cybersecurity panel

Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch Casey is hosting a cybersecurity panel for small and medium businesses to discuss the types of threats and ways to safeguard against them and ask questions around their concerns.

Monday 9 October, networking from 6pm, panel from 7pm.

L’Arte Central Cafe, 2/65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne.

To register, visit www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ cybersecurity-panel-for-small-and-mediumbusiness-tickets-715252879617

Ageing well in Casey

Presented by Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre and Autumn Place Community Hub, come along and discover valuable insights into health and wellness. Immerse yourself in interactive sessions led by experts and explore a range of activities aimed at promoting physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Don’t miss this opportunity to embrace the joys of ageing gracefully and live your best life. For more information, email Pooja Kurian: pkurian@casey.vic.gov.au or contact 9792 7382. The event is on Friday 27 October, 10am - 2pm, Autumn Place Community Hub, 29 Autumn Place, Doveton.

Clyde Fire Brigade Open Day

Come along and learn about fire safety and keeping you and your family safe. For more information, contact Brett Moore-Carter on 0499 571 953. The open day’s on Saturday 28 October, 10am to 2pm, 17 Railway Road, Clyde.

Neighbourhood Watch Casey sausage sizzle Grab a snag on Sunday 29 October, 9am to 4pm at Cranbourne Bunnings, 1205 Thompsons Road, Cranbourne. For more information, email Joanne Fitzgerald at admin@nhwcasey.com

Survey

The Exploring Safety in Casey survey is being mailed to randomly selected households across the municipality. The council said is important to understand the experiences of households in neighbourhoods, to help the council design programs to prioritise and plan for community safety and crime prevention activities.The survey will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

L2P Program

Did you know that through the L2P program, Casey residents volunteer their time to teach young people to drive and support them to become safe on our roads? For more information about the program and how you can become a mentor, visit vicroads.vic.gov.au/L2P

Children encouraged to walk, ride or skate to school

By Violet Li

Casey Council has partnered withVicHealth’s Walk to School initiative to encourage primary and secondary school children to walk, ride, scoot, or skate to and from school in an effort to foster healthy habits and safe communities.

The council will work with local schools to promote active transportation options.

The 2021 ABS statistics has shown 61 per cent of employed Casey residents commuted to work by car and over 66 per cent of households owned two or more vehicles, reflecting the significant number of children being driven to school daily.

City of Casey Manager Connected Communities Callum Pattie believed walking to school was a great opportunity for kids and for the community.

“Walking, riding, scooting or skating be-

fore and after school can help reduce traffic and make the streets and drop-off zones around our schools safer.

“We understand that not everyone can walk all the way to or from school so if this is the case, even walking part way is a good option,” he said.

Mr Pattie said regular physical activity has an extensive spectrum of benefits for children, encompassing enhanced mental wellbeing, uplifted mood and self-esteem, bolstered confidence and life skills, and deeper bonds with family, friends, and neighbours.

“Beyond enriching the lives of our children, the transition from car commutes to footpaths contributes to safer school streets, a reduction in traffic congestion, and a greener environment,” he said.

Visit Safe Around Schools video for some tipsandinspirationonthealternativestodriving: youtube.com/watch?v=HILZVW68c3A

Riley, Sienna, Lilly and Harper are riding scooters to school as an alternative to driving under Casey Council and VicHealth’s Walk to School Initiative. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Lynbrook Lake Lantern Festival is back.

Supportive environment

Every school has a motto or mission statement that outlines how each member of the community can benefit from being part of the school community. St Clare’s Primary School, Officer, has the following school motto:

Faith leads to courage, wisdom and compassion

In order to live out this motto, all members of our community are asked to follow our school wide expectations which are Respect, Optimism, Courage, Kind and Safe – ROCKS.

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

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

We look to nurture the holistic development of each child at our school. For the St Clare’s family, numeracy and literacy skills are core elements of education; but so is Religious Education – developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass. We encourage active play and healthy bodies; understanding other cultures through learning languages; and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts.

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

belonging and above all, a powerful sense of 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.catho-

lic.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. Or come visit us on our upcoming Open Day on Saturday 28 October from 10am to 12pm.

If you are looking to enrol for 2024 we ask

that you contact us now, as we have limited places in Foundation and 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

Visit St Clare’s Primary School, Officer’s upcoming Open Day on Saturday 28 October from 10am to 12pm.

Passion high, street style

Young footballers battled it out in a street-style tournament at Soccer5’s Dandenong on Friday 22 September.

The five-a-side teams spanned four divisions – under 14 male, under 16 male, under 25 male and under 25 female.

The event was hosted by Greater Dandenong Youth and Family Services, which also staged Youth Fest 2023 at Noble Park Skate Park on 28 September.

Other school holiday activities included a pizza-making workshop, a clothes swap and a K-pop workshop with PULSE dance crew.

Och aye! Haileybury has a band of world beaters

Haileybury bagpipers and drummers have blown away the competition to be crowned best in the world.

The members of Haileybury Pipes & Drums were among 190 bands and 8000 musicians that descended on Glasgow Green in Scotland for theWorld Pipe Band Championships.

They came up trumps in the Grade 3B category and beat the reigning UK champions, European champions and Scottish champions to take the prestigious world title – despite more than 24 hours of travelling, jetlag and a bout of food poisoning three days earlier.

“The standard is higher in Scotland than anywhere else in the world and the bands competing at the World Championships are at peak performance,” says Pipes & Drums director Lincoln Hilton.

“In our Grade, 14 bands contested the title from Belgium, Canada, France, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

“When Haileybury was named world champions it in our category it was actually a surreal moment. It felt like a dream.”

Haileybury Pipes & Drums is just one of a handful of Australian bands to win such a world championship.

The win has been two years in the making with the students practising and honing their performance skills for countless hours.

“Every note during the performance had to be played by memory and with precision, but the Haileybury students have sacrificed many, many hours to practice and they were determined to perform at a world-class level,” Hilton said.

Drums captain, Grishma, who is in Year 12, says the world champions are still coming to terms with their huge achievement.

“The opportunity to play at a World Championships, let alone to win, is very rare.

“I did get nervous while we were practicing in Scotland and the easiest way to overcome that was to remember the sheer amount of work the band had put in already.

“After the performance I was just relieved that there hadn’t been any major issues like dropping a stick.

“When the results were announced there was a huge amount of pride and happiness.

“It’s definitely an experience I’ll never forget and something I’ll always be grateful to have been part of. It will be exciting to see where the band goes in the future.”

Pipe corporal, Jessie, who is in Year 10, recalled the feeling after the performance.

“We felt such relief after all the pent-up stress and hard work. Really, it felt like years and years of working towards the one goal.

“We produced a really amazing performance and I’m really proud of that,” she says.

Haileybury Pipes & Drums celebrate the world title.

Drums vice captain William Main during the winning performance.

Danny Staley and Lincoln Hilton with the prize trophy.

Kilburn FC players celebrate their grand final victory. 361197

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

The Elites from Noble Park SC. 361197

Doveton Boys players Mohammad, Milad, Mahdi and Fahim. 361197

Kilburn FC and the Doveton Boys battle for possession in the grand final. 361197

Grand Final action between the teams Kilburn FC and the Doveton Boys. 361197

Ray White’s Officer home

One of Officer’s oldest homes has a new tenant.

The 73-year-old property, first owned by the Hicks’ who ran the pottery, will become the home for Gavin Staindl and his team at Ray White as they set out to open their own agency.

The highest selling agent at Ray White, Mr Staindl is a well-known figure locally and will team up with current boss Nicole Miller to establish the first Ray White office in the 3809 postcode.

After selling properties in Officer for 10 years Mr Staindl said he’s looking forward to moving into the new property.

“Officer has grown so quickly,” he said, “it deserves a high profile agency.”

According to Mr Staindl it had been a plan of his and Mrs Miller to open a Ray White agency in Officer for over five years.

But with a lack of commercial spaces available in the town Mr Staindl said that it had been difficult to find the right space. However, when the home at 426 Princes Highway became available he knew it was the right choice.

“The exposure from an office-front facing Princes Highway is huge.

“But it doesn’t come without a lot of work, as you would expect on any property that is 50plus years old.”

Mr Staindl won’t make any extensions to the historically-protected property but they do expect to spend close to $100,000 restoring life to the weatherboard home.

“It needs a lot of work but we are so close to finishing it all,” he said.

“I think it will look quite special when it’s done.

Mr Staindl will relocate his team of four, all who currently work at Ray White Pakenham, and set up a sales and rental division in Officer.

The yellow door officially opened on 2 Oc-

tober and according to Mr Staindl it’s the perfect time.

“We’re ready to trade in the Spring selling season,” he said. “The market is poised to bounce out of the 18-month slump and with a rapid growth in Officer expected over the next 10 years the town of Officer has never been more ready for a transactional boom.

“Officer is expected to grow to 34,221

Ray White Officer Now Open

people by 2040 and we want to ensure that Ray White is there to support that expansion.”

The property, initially owned by early Officer residents James Hicks, was leased to the Rawson family in the 70s who then bought it in 1985 and have owned it ever since.

“The property holds a special place in Officer,” Mr Staindl said. “It was an honour to

How long have you been in real estate?

Just over 11 years.

How did you get started in real estate?

My whole life I planned to be a sports journalist. I worked my way through high school and university before landing my dream job as a journalist at the Pakenham Gazette. I lasted two years before I was sacked. A few weeks later I met Nicole Miller who offered me a job at Ray White. I said yes and the rest is history. Thanks Garry Howe.

be accepted into the property by the Rawson family.

“We hope we do them and the Hicks proud of what we can achieve.”

The official launch party will by Friday 6 October at 4pm and the new office will be open to the public.

“Come say hi. We are a fun bunch to be around and we’d love to see you soon.”

Have you always lived in the area?

I was born in Maryknoll before moving to Paknham and now live in Officer. Cardinia Shire all the way!

What was your first ever job?

Working at the Pakenham abattoirs at G&K O’Connor.

What’s the most expensive property you’ve sold?

I once sold a property for $6m in Drouin. That was a nice pay day.

What’s the dumbest thing you’ve done in real estate?

In my early years I stupidly addressed two friends buying a house together as a mother- daughter combination. “It’s awesome that you are buying a house with your mum”...

They were the same age.

Get to know Gav: Ray White Officer

What’s your highlight in real estate?

Taking out the number one agent in the state for the highest amount of sales.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve done in real estate?

I’m on Tiktok. I never, ever imagined that would happen. But here I am dancing on screen like a fool on Tiktoks. If you want a laugh check it out at gavin.staindl

What are you looking forward to in starting Ray White Officer?

My service to my clients won’t change. But I am looking forward to having a lot of fun in the new office. It’s exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time but it’s going to be a fantastic ride. What services will Ray White Officer offer? We will provide both sales and rental services. So if you’re looking at selling or renting your property out you know who to call.

426 Princes Highway

Leah, Gavin and Rach. Front row. Sarah and Holee

The Directors of Ray White Officer, Nicole and Gavin

Gavin Staindl - Ray White, Officer.

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

RENT – the breakout musical that sung loudly for the most downtrodden – has been revived by a South East theatre troupe.

Escapees Theatre Company is performing the powerful and affirming multi-award winning work at Drum Theatre.

Its director Steve McPhail says the times and the place still suit the musical, which debuted in Melbourne in the late ’90s.

“Issues affecting the most marginalized people in our society have not decreased since then.

“You can watch a musical that shows real people affected by disease, poverty and loneliness inside the Drum Theatre in Dandenong while these very same people are sleeping rough within a stone’s throw of the very same building.

“Homelessness, loneliness, addiction and disconnectedness continue everywhere but unfortunately they are very prevalent in Dandenong, which has the highest per capita rate of homelessness in the state.”

Most movingly for McPhail, the musical explores the issue of resilience.

“Resilience is more sustainable when vulnerable people make connections with others.

“There is a moment when one person in a life support group stands and asks the questions, will I lose my dignity?Will someone care? Will I wake tomorrow from this nightmare?

“They are then joined by the whole company asking the same questions.”

The show’s classic song Seasons of Love is another emotional peak performed at the memorial of LGBTQI character Angel who succumbs to AIDS.

“It exemplifies the importance of what we mean to our friends.

“Angel’s lover Collins sings that his ultimate

act of love is to cover him.

“This resonates as a simple hug or a blanket or a shelter will provide cover and comfort. It is all a human being needs to live for today, when their future can seem awfully bleak.”

For McPhail, the marketing slogan for RENT is an apt summation – ‘No Day But Today’.

“If we all experienced one other person ‘covering’ us every day, life is beautiful.

“This is what moves us when we experience

the music, the story, the characters in RENT.”

He well sees the parallels with his partner Shari’s work as a homelessness general manager at the South East-based service Wayss.

“RENT has a very positive message that human connection is the most important of all needs if we are to help one another overcome the social problems explored in the show.

“Wayss does exactly that - they support our community’s most marginalised people who

are experiencing homelessness as a result of a multitude of issues such as family violence.

“They help connect vulnerable people with others who can support and provide them with solutions and basic care.”

Escapees Theatre Company presents RENT at the Drum Theatre, Dandenong on Thursday October 6, Friday October 7 and Saturday October 8, 7.30pm. Bookings: drumticketing. greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

Ensemble Theatre cast members at rehearsal for RENT - The Musical.

Tips for a successful sale

TAKING CARE IAN ASH OF BUSINESS

If you have built your business into a successful going-concern, you may at some point in the future want to sell it.

In many ways, there are similarities between selling a business and selling a house, the not least of which is that many owners tend to think that their house (or business) is worth more than the market is actually willing to pay.

With property, probably the single biggest determinant of value is the location of the property itself, whereas in business, the biggest single determinant is usually the profitability of the business over the past few years.

However, in both cases, the value of the entity can be significantly increased through a renovation (there are many television program on houses that attest to this!).

Home renovations are relatively easy to envisage, but what does a business renovation look like? Here are some things to consider when selling your business:

First off, and quite literally, get your (financial) house in order! This means ensuring your finances are up to date and ensuring that the outstanding amounts owed to your creditors and owed by your debtors are minimised.

A key element of consideration for any prospective buyer is minimisation of risk, especially financial risk, so having a defined company budget is essential.

One of the things that never ceases to amaze me is how few businesses actually have one, but a budget is simply a basic financial

plan which demonstrates how you expect your business to perform over a financial year.

If you can forecast where you will end up (and even better – show evidence that previous forecasts have been accurate), you will do much to build the confidence of any prospective purchaser.

A well-defined company structure, simple though it is, when combined with documented position description will do much to convey organisational clarity regarding roles and responsibilities.

It is not unusual for purchasers to require that business owner or chief executive officer stay on for a defined period of time to ensure a successful handover, but if it can be shown that the business can run successfully without the primary leader having to be there, the business becomes far more attractive for sale.

Ensuring that systems and processes are well documented and up to date will also do much to alleviate any potential concerns regarding smooth business operation.

If you have any quality accreditation such

as ISO-9001 or environmental management accreditation standards such as ISO-14001 or ISO-45001, then these can greatly assist as they provide a level of expected standard.

If you are thinking of selling then this is usually not a good time to go out and make big capital purchases since not only has the value of the purchase yet been proven, it is also likely to make a dent on the overall financial position of the company, so I recommend avoiding this if possible.

It will be important to keep staff on side and hence well informed during the process.

The success of any business is primarily the result of the staff within it so the last thing you want to see is key staff leave during or even after the sale.

Keeping them informed during the process is therefore very important as this is necessarily a period of uncertainty for everyone.

Finally, much in the same way that a good real estate agent is invaluable for getting the best price possible for the house (i.e. they understand the key advantages of the house and can present them in the best possible light), so using an experienced business broker or M and A professional is key.

When selling a business, knowing where to look for prospective buyers requires specialist knowledge and ideally a great personal network.

A business broker or M and A professional need not be an expert in your particular industry, but they should be good at driving deal terms/pricing and managing relationships between multiple stakeholders.

They can also help anticipate and overcome obstacles to the sale.

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

In business, the biggest single determinant of value is usually the profitability of the business over the past few years.

Picture: UNSPLASH

Cultural peace in the plaza

Diverse stories and traditions were shared at a Multicultural Peace Village in Dandenong on Saturday 23 September.

Aptly staged in Harmony Square, the event aimed to create a “positive” and “refreshing” message of unity, cultural exchange and global peace.

The event was hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Victoria, with International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG).

HWPL chair Man Hee Lee said its ultimate goal was “achieving peace”.

“Whether it’s within families, schools, or any other organisation, peace is a vital need.

“Not a single person has rejected the idea of peace. Therefore, I firmly believe that peace will be attained.”

The village included roundtable discussions from experts in international law, human rights and the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War.

Outdoor stalls featured 12 diverse communities including from the Philippines, Chin State in Myanmar, Oromia, South Sudanese and Indian.

There were also traditional arts, crafts and performances, in which to spread cultural awareness.

A Sinta dance group from Filipino Senior Citizens Club. 362016

Picture: GARY SISSONS

Hlei Cung at the Chin Myanmar stall. 362016

Janipher Nambooze and Norman Katende at the Ugandan Commission Victoria stall. 362016

Nara Lam at the Cambodia Kampuchia Krom stall. 362016

Organisers from HWPL, IWPG and IPYG. Multicultural Peace Event at Harmony Square Dandenong. 362016

Mohamed Mohideen, OAM, JP, who opened the village. 362016

Oromo group members from Oromia. 362016

Traditional cultural performance from Oromia on the Harmony Square stage. 362016

Mohamed Mohideen, OAM, JP, front, at the event opening. 362016

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SPORT

Avengers aim to please

By David Nagel

Avengers Cricket Club - one of three new clubs in the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) this season – is already leading the way when it comes to giving back to the community.

Avengers, led by president Abhishek, hosted the 2023 Infinity Cup at James Bathe Reserve in Pakenham on Friday and Saturday over the grand final long-weekend.

The annual Tennis-Ball Tournament is designed to raise funds for the Avengers charity partner - Friends of the Children Foundation – that work with children’s hospitals for vital equipment upgrades.

A total of 14 teams from various parts of Melbourne participated in the tournament this year, with the aim of building on the fundraising efforts the tournament has provided in its first three years.

CCCA president Rob Hansen was surprised at the size of the turnout.

“I didn’t realise the size and scale of what the Friends of the Children Foundation are involved in, and the Infinity Cup is just one of many activities that raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Hospital,” Hansen said.

“The foundation has been going for over 20 years and has provided much-needed equipment to those hospitals.

“The Infinity Cup has only been running for a few years now, but to have 14 teams participating was quite staggering.

“The activity and vibrancy over the weekend was amazing and the community conscience on display was impressive to witness.”

Abhishek said the Avengers work in the community was built from a simple message.

“We are all in IT and wanted to contribute back to the community, and we were looking for a charity organisation to work with,” he said.

“A member of the Friends of the Children Foundation was working with us at the time, and asked us to become partners.

“We help out with volunteering at events and things like that, and the Infinity Cup is something that has developed over the last few years.

“There are a few things we aim to achieve with the tournament, and one is getting the community together and actually doing it in-

stead of just talking about it.

“We included a lot of kids’ activities this time around, which meant parents and grandparents were all heavily involved as well.

“Friends of Children do a lot of work for hospitals and we’re very proud to help them perform that role.

“We’re very proud to be associated with them and happy that they’ve accepted us as

one of their partners.

“It’s because of them that we formed the club, so there’s a bit of history there and we’ll continue to do the right thing.

“All funds are used to make sure that our future generations can have better health facilities.”

Avengers, Kerala Strikers and Melbourne 6s are the three new clubs in the CCCA this season.

It’s time for 26ers to bounce back from the doldrums

By David Nagel

Three teams remain locked at the top of the ladder in the South West Gippsland Dart League (SWGDL) after round seven saw some harsh reality lessons handed out.

Just Social was once again the team to conjure up the most damage, inflicting a fourth consecutive defeat for the 26ers with a 12-3 thumping.

The 26ers were riding high after round three, winning all games to that point of the season, but have since hit a brick wall.

A loss to Mud Rats was unexpected in round four, and subsequent losses to Gembrook, Snipers and Just Social have seen the 26ers slip to sixth place on the ladder.

They should bounce this week against a winless Fore.

Mud Rats are building nicely and claimed their third win for the season with a 10-5 victory over Bullseyes.

Mud Rats don’t have any player in the list of Most Tons thrown this season, but have been more consistent than in recent years.

They should make it back-to-back wins in

round eight against bottom-placed Hoodies.

In other games in round seven, Warriors were way too good for Hoodies, winning 14-1,

while Paky One had a 10-5 victory over Fore.

Shane and Noel have been super-consistent for Paky One this season, with Shane

throwing 24 tons and Noel 19.

In the final game of round seven, Snipers maintained a tenuous grip on second place with an 11-4 victory over Rebels.

Tim was once again important for the Snipers, and currently leads all-comers in the SWGDL with 30 tons for the season.

The best match ups in round eight see Just Social taking on Gembrook, and great rivals Paky One and Warriors colliding at the Nar Nar Goon Hotel.

Spectators are most welcome to attend, with games commencing at 7.30pm on Tuesday nights.

Results R7: Warriors 14 def Hoodies 1, Paky One 10 def Fore 5, Snipers 11 def Rebels 4, Mud Rats 10 def Bullseyes 5, Just Social 12 def 26ers 3. Bye: Gembrook.

Ladder: Just Social 24, Snipers 24, Warriors 24, Gembrook 16, Paky One 16, 26ers 12, Mud Rats 12, Rebels 8, Bullseyes 4, Fore 0, Hoodies 0.

Fixture R8: Just Social (1) v Gembrook (4), Paky One (5) vWarriors (3), Rebels (8) v Bullseyes (9), Mud Rats (7) v Hoodies (11), 26ers (6) v Fore (10). Bye: Snipers.

Grandparents Mahalaksami and Satyanarayana with dad Dileep and Dhruv. 363914

Chaitanya and family with four-year-old Ishaan. 363914

The Infinity Cup was a huge hit at James Bathe Reserve. 363914

Founder and President of the Friends of the Children Foundation, Shashi Kochhar OAM, presents a trophy of thanks to CCCA President Rob Hansen. 363914

Parents Amruta, left, and Praveen with Pranjali. 363914

Avengers President Abhishek and Prajna with their daughter Hridya. 363914 Pictures: ROB CAREW

The 26ers will look to bounce back this week against Fore, after being thumped by Just Social in round seven. 347083

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Preparation with Panthers

CardiniaWaters midweek players visited Narre Warren forw a practice game last Tuesday.

The ‘Panthers’ now play under the cover of a new roof structure at their Fountain Gate base.

For many of the Cardinia Waters players it was their first sighting of the new facilities at Narre Warren, and saw first hand the difficulties the club is facing, waiting for their refurbished club rooms to be completed.

However, nothing got in the way of a great workout on the bowling green.

CardiniaWaters took 17 players who played on four rinks against the home side.

In their two previous practice games Cardinia Waters had won fairly easily, but they knew Narre Warren - who will field five midweek sides in the upcoming midweek Pennant season - would be no cakewalk.

So, the final result of one win, a draw, and two losses satisfied the selectors, given Cardinia Waters only fields two midweek sides.

The winning rink was skipped by Ray Naylor, and included Jill Naylor, Ian Kennedy

and Paul Brindle.

Ray reported that all players contributed to the win.

Bill Hite’s rink played out an epic draw with the final score of 21 each.

They were well behind early, and after 14 ends the scores were 7-21.

They then surged right back into the game, winning the last seven ends by fourteen shots to force a draw.

Bill played with Denis Patmore, Donny Gibson and Gary Bondfield.

CardiniaWaters still have two more practice games before the Metropolitan Pennant Competition starts on October 21.

On October 10 the midweek game will be against Kooweerup, and then a Saturday game against Lang Lang on October 14.

Cardinia Waters will celebrate Season Opening Day next Saturday.

This will commence on the bowling green at 9:30am, followed by a social game, then lunch in the clubhouse.

-John Moore

Plenty of positives from growing region of Gippsland

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Our Coates Talent League expert takes a look at the Gippsland Power Girls program.

AMBER SHOOTS UPWARDS

Gippsland Power coach Nathan Boyd has praised the growth of national combine invitee Amber Schutte.

The club entered the season with no player clearly on the radar of AFLW clubs, but Amber Schutte’s strong national championships for Vic Country have positioned her well.

The defender was arguably the best in Vic Country’s backline in the first game and had a big finish against Western Australia.

Between that, she became a key figure for Gippsland, averaging 17 disposals and four rebound 50s, primarily stationed in defence.

Boyd was unsurprised to see her get those outcomes, having seen the work she has put in off the field.

“She’s very driven to be successful in whatever she does,” Boyd said.

“In a physical sense, she was one of the most diligent preparers, always hitting her markers in terms of preparation and off-field stuff.

“She dedicated time to developing her growth areas and we worked hard on her kicking, and she worked hard to polish that.

“We’ve started to see glimpses of her longer kicking being technically sound.

“She has a really natural contested ground ball drive out, clean over the ball ability.

“She continues to work on that and continued growing.”

YOUNGSTERS PROVIDE HOPE

While the Power yielded just three wins in 2023, it is a clear step forward for the club from previous years.

The progression is built on the foundations of the hard work of key figures at football clubs such as Warragul Industrials and Bass Coast, which has given Gippsland a greater talent pool to select from.

The results this season came with a percentage of 66, following a winless 2022 and

percentage of just 28, when they were getting several players from the Dandenong Stingrays region to fill a team.

They also had just one win in 2021 and percentage of 15, following a winless 2020.

Even more promisingly, they were much more competitive when they were allowed to introduce their under-16s talent following the first community break.

The club played with a young list for most of the season and those given the responsibility justified their selections.

Boyd’s side challenged teams with a typical tough, country style of footy, led by midfielders Jas Sowden, Alisha Molesworth, India Makai and Shanae Hawker.

“A lot of sides are great on the outside and have speed and can transition, but we had a point-of-difference with our contested numbers,” he said.

“As a group, we love the physical stuff and that’s where we challenged the metro

sides the most.

“In last quarters when it did start to run away from us was when they started to control the outside ball.

“For us, our best footy was about getting our nose in the trough and getting stuck in the contest to give ourselves territory.

“It was three wins on paper, but there were games where we put ourselves in positions we didn’t expect to be.”

Rebounding halfback Ella Stoddart leads a strong contingent of under-17 girls, which also includes Abbey Hobson, Addison Howe, Chelsea Sutton and Rebecca Fitzpatrick.

2008-born Grace Dillow also sneaked a late-season game.

In the third win of the season against Murray in the final round, Stoddart streaming out of the backline and finding Hobson, who had a breakout game with 4.3 and a slew of contested marks, was an exciting look into the future of Gippsland girls footy.

“Abbey is such a strong contested mark, Chelsea gives us so much danger on the ground and is a workhorse and Ella and Addi are creative, have high football IQ and have scope to grow with their athletic profiles and Bec’s contest work is phenomenal.

“We’re in for an exciting few years with those girls.”

VFLW OPPORTUNITIES COULD PRESENT

While Schutte appears to be the only draft hope for the Power in 2023, there are plenty of players who would prove handy additions to VFLW lists.

Twins Alisha and Elise Molesworth are already on Box Hill’s VFLW list, while India Makai was given some opportunities at Casey.

Boyd is also optimistic there could be opportunities for Ahlee Penry, Charlotte Waller and Tylah Burn at state league level.

Penry competed well in the ruck for a Gippsland side that lacked height, but opportunities in senior footy will likely come for her off halfback, where she played late in the season for the Power.

The competitive, athletic Burn averaged

eight tackles in the midfield,Waller played as a lockdown defender and there is also upside about developing tall Emily McGovern.

CENTRA PROGRESS CONTINUES

The gun 2024 draft prospect has long had hype around her in the Gippsland region.

She delivered in 2023.

The bottom-ager looked a class above whatever level of footy she played in 2023, claiming the Vic Country MVP despite playing against girls a year older than her.

In her 11 games for Gippsland, she averaged 23 possessions, four rebound 50s and, given a minimum of two games, a competition high 5.7 marks.

While her silkiness and offensive firepower with ball in hand is clear for all to see, she played much of the season in defence for Gippsland.

It has rounded her out as a player.

“While she’s one of those talented players who was going to go well regardless, we feel we had a massive win by playing her as a defender and teaching her more about how to play the game properly,” Boyd said.

“At times before 2023 it looked like she wasn’t sure of what to do, where to lead, where to run.

“By taking her behind the ball and playing her on a Sophie Butterworth (Dandenong Stingrays first round prospect) or another key target, we knew she would be led to the footy which gave her so many opportunities to showcase her weapons.

“She’s a great mark, she’s so good on the ground and really clean once she gets the ball in her hand so we thought it would be great to expose her on a more experienced player and the evolution was clear.

“In the off-season, we’ll work really hard around leading patterns and forward craft because we’ll be able to deploy here anywhere next year.

“She’s an exciting prospect. You can’t see the ceiling.”

Tylah Burn was a key part of the midfield.

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Picture: DAEJ MEDIA

Two local legends of lawn bowls shake hands before their game at Narre Warren last Tuesday. From left; Keith Fox (Narre Warren) and John Van Vugt (Cardinia Waters). 364292 Pictures: SUPPLIED

Gary Bondfield plays his first bowl in the practice game against Narre Warren last Tuesday.

A picture of concentration during the Narre Warren v Cardinia Waters bowls game is Paul Brindle.