News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 30th November 2023

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Thursday, 30 November, 2023

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Shining a light on violence

Station sky high The new Pakenham Station building is starting to take shape, with work starting on the installation of the state-of-the-art roof canopy created through high-tech 3D printing.

Opening in 2024 as part of the project to remove the main level crossings from Pakenham, the light-filled station will feature 14 skylights and a striking roof profile inspired by Pakenham’s rolling hills and bronze sunsets, brought to life by cutting-edge technology.

In one of the first of its kind, the roof canopy has been created using 3D printing technology – a manufacturing process where a physical object is created from a digital design drawing.

Creating this high-tech roof canopy was no easy feat for the design and construction team.

They started by creating a mould for 258 roof panels, with production starting in March this year.

The team then used two very large format CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines to cut the master patterns directly from a 3D file, which are then sanded to a polished surface. These CNC machines are the largest of their kind in the southern hemisphere.

The final product is made using ShapeShell, a fibre-composite material usually found in the aerospace and nautical industries, which allows the team to use less steel on the project and less energy in manufacturing and transporting the roof panels.

With modern facilities and more services, the new premium Pakenham Station will create safer and more direct links between public transport, the town centre and additional parking.

Work is also progressing at the new East Pakenham Station, with kerbs being installed in the new commuter car park and work starting on the pedestrian underpass.

The project will remove the level crossings at McGregor Road, Main Street and Racecourse Road by building an elevated rail bridge over the roads set to be completed in 2024.

The roof canopy of Pakenham Station.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

The roof profile is inspired by Pakenham’s rolling hills and bronze sunsets.

Craning the roof segments into place.

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NEWS

Police are out in force.

Breath tests top 3000 Diocese of Sale Bishop Greg Bennet spoke during the launch.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Shining a light on family violence

By Matthew Sims Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward has shown her support for the work conducted by Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) and the Catholic Diocese of Sale in helping to educate, inform and equip parish communities to address domestic and family violence.

Together with Bishop Greg Bennet of the Diocese of Sale, she launched the report, Shining a Light: A collaborative project working to build capacity for a whole-of-Church response to domestic and family violence, on Friday 17 November in Warragul.

The report outlined the findings of a pilot program, Shining a Light, which took place between March and July last year in the Catholic Diocese of Sale, in partnership with Catholic Social Services Victoria, the peak body for Catholic social and community service organisations across the state, and Sr Nicole Rotaru, a Mercy Sister, social worker and counsellor with many years’ experience of working with victims and survivors of family and domestic violence, including children.

A total of 127 people (89 women and 38 men) participated in the pilot program, which assisted participants to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence and the impacts on women and children; to be more confident in starting a careful conversation; and to know some domestic and family violence resources in the local community and beyond.

Participants included church clergy, parish staff, members of religious congregations, Diocesan safeguarding staff and other organisation volunteers and staff, including those from across local social service agencies, schools, and healthcare.

In addressing the report, Minister Ward said she welcomed the report’s message that “the prevention of domestic and family violence is contingent on strong, local communities”.

“This is a conversation that has to happen across communities and the work that you have done, with your 127 participants and conversations is really important, because those conversations will ripple out and will lead to other conversations,” she said.

“We know that up to 50 per cent of people in Victoria, and nationwide, still think that it happens ‘somewhere else’, that it ‘doesn’t happen’ in their community, in their street, or in their schools, or in their churches.

“To continue to have those conversations, to plant those seeds of openness is really important.”

Bishop Greg Bennet said he was committed to “sharing those efforts to address the terror of domestic and family violence and violence of any kind”.

“We are constantly reminded of the turmoil, violence, injury, and deaths of those victims of such terror, darkness, and silence,” he said.

“The evaluation report highlights that no

community is free from domestic family violence.

“It is a matter of pastoral care that we create within our parish communities, pools of safety, where people will find the courage to speak to clergy and pastoral leaders, and that our parishes will be well equipped and available to know what resources are available to support, accompany, and ensure people are safe.”

The report outlined six recommendations which aim to enhance the Catholic community’s role in responding to and preventing domestic and family violence in light of the learnings from this pilot program, including an emphasis on the importance of providing ongoing support for the workshop participants, and a need to secure resources for further work. Workshop facilitator and CSSV council and CSSV Domestic Violence Working Group member Sr Nicole Rotaru RSM said the participants of the pilot program provided insightful feedback.

“Implementing these recommendations is vital for the Catholic community to proactively contribute to preventing and addressing domestic and family violence in Victoria and beyond,” she said.

“While violence against women is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia and children suffer the consequences intensely, it is not inevitable.

“The silence must be broken, so that children, women and men can be safe.”

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Thirty-nine alleged drink-drivers have been caught during a two-night police operation on the Monash Freeway.

On Friday and Saturday night, police conducted 3030 preliminary breath tests as part of Operation Colossus.

One of the offenders returned a blood-alcohol reading of 0.117.

Three drivers were also detected drug driving from 44 preliminary oral fluid tests.

Police impounded six vehicles and caught six drivers who were either unlicensed, disqualified or suspended.

Sergeant Alastair Clement, of Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol, said it was “disappointing” to detect “far too many motorists for drink and drug driving”.

“Choosing to drink and drive, or take drugs and drive, demonstrates blatant disregard not only for your own safety but the safety of your passengers and all other road users.

“It’s evident we caught a lot of motorists off guard with Operation Colossus over the weekend – so if you think you won’t be caught, think again.”

First-time drink-drivers – fully licensed, over 26 years and a blood-alcohol reading between 0.05 and 0.07 – face a $577 fine and on-the-spot three-month licence suspension.

The penalties are harsher for under 26 years, on zero alcohol licences, repeat offenders and higher blood-alcohol readings.

They face larger fines, longer suspensions, alcohol interlocks, court appearances and jail time for the most serious breaches. Operation Colossus was conducted by Southern Metro Division 3 Highway Patrol, with support from uniform members, State Highway Patrol and Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section.

Police say they are set to continue drink-driving operations, including a statewide road policing blitz in December.

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NEWS

Walking against violence

By Garry Howe Close to 300 people took to the streets of Pakenham on Friday 24 November for the annual Walk Against Violence.

Marchers of all ages and walks of life circled the CBD to the chant of “safe kids, strong communities”.

The walk coincides with the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against gendered-based violence, which runs from 25 November until 10 December.

Lisa Foley, regional director of Anglicare Victoria, said the aim of the walk – and the days of activism – was to change the story and create a future where “we are all safe, equal and respected”.

“As a survivor myself, alongside by children, I understand the resilience and strength required by those currently experiencing family violence,” she said.

“I pay tribute to those who unfortunately are no longer with us as a result of family violence and to their loved ones who have marched alongside us today.”

As she spoke, a table at the back of the Pakenham Hall had 53 unlit candles, representing those whose lives had been extinguished through family violence.

“We continue to be confronted by the staggering statistics: Over 5000 family violence cases are reported in the Shire of Cardinia alone,” she said.

“Today, and every day, we call for change, we call for a shift towards systems that empower survivors, prioritise children’s emotional wellbeing and provide continuous support to both children and their parents.

“We advocate for inclusive, family and culturally sensitive support services. We demand safety for survivors in their homes, continuous education for children and relationships that are secure, supportive and trustworthy.

“Understanding how trauma impacts

Marchers make their way through the Pakenham CBD. children, families and communities is crucial. Equipping children with skills to foster respectful relationships and challenge gender stereotypes is vital in preventing

family violence.”

support for those impacted by family violence.

Ms Foley explained Anglicare Victoria was honoured to deliver a partnership with The Orange Door project, offering safe and accessible

“If you or someone you know is facing family violence, please connect with the Orange Door or the police.”

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Star News journalist Emma Xerri

What do you love about working as a journalist?

I love talking to people about their stories, and getting a feel for what makes an issue so important from someone who has experienced it first hand. I think hearing from people and learning about their experiences can breathe life into any story.

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

I’m not proud of it, but probably a cat. I really enjoy lying down and I think I have the right amount of sass to really pull it off.

What would your last meal be?

I have actually given this a lot of thought recently and I think it would be some really authentic falafel, followed by either tiramisu or apple pie.

What has been your most memorable moment so far?

There have been a few really special moments in my life so far, but one that sticks out was hearing Lorde play her song ‘Green Light’ live at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl with my sisters.

What was your favourite subject in school?

That’s probably a tie between English Literature and Media. And although I wasn’t very good at it, I also really loved Drama.

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

Queen’s performance at Live Aid. No question.

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

This is an almost impossible question to answer, but as of right now it would be Heath Ledger and Jenny Slate (because I adore them), Daniel Day Lewis (to convince him to come out of retirement), Billy Joel (to serenade me on piano) and, of course, my grandma.

What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?

Currently listening to a lot of Talking Heads,

Star News journalist Emma Xerri. especially their song ‘Crosseyed and Painless’.

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

The only thing I can cook - scrambled tofu.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

New York City to see all the Broadway shows.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Grandma at heart.

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

Catch up on all the new releases I’ve missed in cinema.

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

Men fronting new campaign

By Emma Xerri Wellsprings for Women has launched its 16 Days of Activism Campaign, joining organisations globally who are frontlining the fight against gendered violence.

The women-only service in Melbourne’s south-east, which works to empower women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, has shaped this campaign to be purpose-fit for the south-eastern suburbs, where multiculturalism continues to grow, unveiling a unique take on the 16 Days initiative that aims to shed light on the crucial role migrant and refugee men play in the fight against family violence.

“Gender-based violence in this country is rife,” Wellsprings for Women’s CEO, Dalal Smiley, said.

“This year alone, more than fifty Australian women have lost their lives due to violence.

That’s more than one a week.

“The statistics are shocking and yet they don’t even paint the full picture. We need culturally responsive solutions to this violence – solutions that address racism and discrimination. We need migrant and refugee men involved in prevention efforts.”

Launched by Public Transport Minister and Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, the Wellsprings campaign has achieved exactly this, presenting a refreshing take where men are portrayed as the focus of the issue.

Through a series of posters, videos, busbacks, and billboards, the campaign sheds light on what it means to be a man, drawing from the perspectives of male role models across the community to influence men throughout the south-east.

It featured several men from the South East as role-models - Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, Afghan anti-violence advocate Ali Tausif, academic, author and poet Guido Melo, Shakti Mental Health founder Jagesh Panchal, social justice advocate Pradeep Peteti and mental health consultant Vinay Nair.

“It is important for men and for future generations of men to understand that it is us who need to be displaying positive behaviours and making that change happen,” Mr Peteti said.

Donna Elkins, middle, posing with a goat and fellow breeders.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Pygmy training ground Wellsprings for Women launches the campaign with a bus poster featuring Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas.

Mr Maas said: “This campaign has flipped the issue. It’s put the focus on men but in a positive way that doesn’t attack them.

“It’s migrant men, who are community leaders, pitching their message and putting it out there.

“There’s so many stereotypes that men can fall into; so many gendered roles that we take on unconsciously. But there’s also the bigger picture stereotypes that prevent men from being vulnerable or crying. But that’s ultimately the way we express ourselves, so if you don’t have that expression and you’re not taught that from an early age, that expression can come out in really unpredictable and damaging ways.

“As someone who experienced the grunt of living in a household where it existed, it does have those effects on you as you go through life, so if there’s anything I can do to end the cycle, I’ll be doing all that I can, not only in my day to day living but in the community.

“It’s something that all of us need to be engaged with and something that all of us need to be a part of in order to ensure that we end it.

“We all need to be active, we all need to be aware and, more importantly, we all need to listen.”

By Ethan Benedicto A Berwick training camp for pygmy goat handlers was recently graced by the teachings of Donna Elkins, an American judge with over 30 years of experience.

Formed in 2018, the National Pygmy Goat Association of Australia sponsored Mrs Elkins to pass on her knowledge to local owners on taking further steps in their breeding programs.

Paul Hamilton, the current president of the association said that Mrs Elkins’ knowledge was a boon for the members.

“Donna assisted members in assessing their stock for functional type and handling procedures for competition and display,” Mr Hamilton said.

Ms Elkins, who hails from the state of Colorado, USA, spent three weeks travelling from the east to the west coast of Australia where she eventually landed in Berwick for one of the classes.

Breeders from across Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland were present during the class, where according to Mr Hamilton, Donna confirmed that the NPGAA is on the right track.

“She pointed out that the evolution of the pygmy breed in Australia has a healthy base of local and imported genetics,” he said.

Pygmy goats are originally an American

OPINION

breed, smaller in stature compared to regular goats and are both compact and stocky.

They are mainly bred as companion animals and need similar management to sheep and cattle according to Mr Hamilton.

“They need acreage to live healthily and unfortunately cannot be kept in house yards,” Mr Hamilton said.

The NPGAA have upcoming local agricultural shows at Pakenham and Warragul, with hopes to host further events at both the Berwick show and Bunyip show in 2024.

“There are also plans to incorporate some of the local schools in the shows who have students that have a keen interest for this beautiful animal,” Mr Hamilton said.

As for Mrs Elkins and her husband, they commended their time down under and have returned back to the USA, but also said that she will do all she can to assist the development of the pygmy breed in Australia.

The NPGAA is affiliated with the American parent company called the National Pygmy Goat Association, and continues to assist the Australia subsidiary online.

For schools who are interested in hosting the association and their goats, they can be contacted through their website at npgaa. com.au/contact Or they can be emailed directly at nationalpgaa@gmail.com

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up

LENSCAPE

Heavy rains to revive the garden.

Green thumb, Berwick Springs.

Thumbs down To the never ending roadworks! Do one section at a time!

Thumbs up The works on new roads all over Cranbourne.

Thumbs down How long the road works in Cranbourne’s taking. Cranbourne feels like a construction hotspot, not a suburb anymore.

Thumbs down Bus replacement from Westall to Pakenham on Monday morning peak. Took me two hours to get to work because it stopped at all stations.Where was the promised Express? It was morning and it was Monday, the most unwanting time for an Express disappearance!

Thumbs up Storm brewing before the start of play at Tooradin Rec Reserve. 376548 6 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 30 November, 2023

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

The upcoming Christmas holiday. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

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Thursday, 30 November, 2023

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STAR NEWS 7

FOCUS ON … DISABILITY

Growing your potential Grow 2 Be is a disability support day service making a difference.

Participants at the Pakenham-based service are offered a range of hands-on activities like art lessons, woodwork classes, and outings into the community on any given day.

They also have an opportunity to volunteer at a bunny refuge, a native-wildlife shelter and equine therapy, and are offered courses including a Certificate II in Animal Care, CPR, first aid, and everyday life skills courses.

“We offer days out, where we encourage our participants to choose and research places they want to go,” director Heidi Faber said.

“We are different in that we cater every part of our program to what our participants want to do, and what their specific interests are.

“They are in control of what happens, and we are teaching them life skills in the process.”

Among the highlights of Grow 2 Be’s achievements, are some participants gaining employment through organised work placements.

“We love seeing our participants having the opportunity to live their best lives and achieve their goals,” Heidi says.

“We want to support them to have fun while learning and enriching their lives.

“Seeing our participants so excited and thriving drives us to continue our work. The smiles on their faces and the positive feedback from participants and their parents demonstrate how important our work is.”

The main goal for Grow 2 Be is to set up participants for a “bright and independent future”.

“This speaks to the heart of everything we do.” Grow 2 Be is open 9am-3pm at 50 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham. Contact Us: heidi@ grow2be.com.au

The main goal for Grow 2 Be is to set up participants for a “bright and independent future”.

Festive self-care important for those with a disability The holiday season is a wonderful time of the year to relax, spend time with friends and family, and look forward to the year ahead.

However, the holiday season can be an overwhelming and stressful time for people with disability and those that support them.

Disability and rehabilitation experts from the Arriba Group, a group of companies specialising in disability, mental health, and corporate health, outline why this can be a tricky time and provide, advice for navigating the festive season with self-care.

“A lot of businesses close over the Christmas period, which means many clients with disability will not have regular appointments with their support providers. While an allied health clinician would provide exercises or activities to do over this time, not having an appointment can make people feel more isolated. They may also have family or friends heading away for the holiday season that they would usually rely on to be there, which may

lead to them to feeling some negative emotions and isolation,” says Juliet Middleton, CEO of LiveBig, a specialist allied health and assessment services provider for people with disability, including those on a NDIS plan.

“Changes in regular schedules can also lead to heightened anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. For carers or individuals with a disability, booking accommodation and making travel arrangements can also be incredibly stressful,” explains Ms Middleton.

For those trying to maintain rehabilitation or recovery during this period, it can be challenging to stay focused.

“Recovery is a journey that is built on each day by taking active steps forward. While it can be a challenge over this period with the distraction of holidays, it is important for the injured worker to continue with their program so their recovery is not impacted. By neglecting rehabilitation and becoming unfocused, it

Grow 2 Be is an organisation providing support to young people with disabilities to become empowered to achieve their goals.

We will tailor-make a variety of programs (group and individual), focusing on capacity building, that takes into consideration each participant’s NDIS goals, interests and emerging skills. We equip our participants with the skills required to gain the confidence to live an independent and fulfilled life.

heidi@grow2be.com.au 0407 544 755 www.grow2be.com.au 12612333-HC25-23

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Thursday, 30 November, 2023

Remember to help yourself, loved ones and carers manage the holiday period. can stop people moving forward, which may delay recovery or impact their success,” explains Renee Thornton, General Manager of Rehab Management, a leading workplace rehabilitation provider.

“For managing mental health issues, the festive season can also magnify financial issues, family conflict and loneliness and increase stress for people with anxiety and depression.”

Strategies to help yourself, loved ones and carers manage the holiday period Keep in touch with friends and family - To manage feelings of isolation over the Christmas period, make regular plans with friends and family that you can look forward to. This could include going for a walk or doing a festive activity with a friend. If you are unable to see friends and family face-to-face, there are plenty of other ways to stay in touch. Organise regular phone calls, video chats or even plan some virtual activities. The important aspect is engaging with people during this period.

Respect your limits - While it’s important to stay in touch with friends and family, you also need to listen to your body and know your limits. Parties and social gatherings, although enjoyable, can fill one’s calendar quickly and lead to feeling overwhelmed.

Plan your schedule in advance and be sure to include time for you to rest and relax.

Plan ahead - When organising transport, it’s important to take into consideration the accessibility requirements needed for the per-

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son with a disability and to prebook modes of transportation such as taxis. If you use an electric wheelchair, you know there’s nothing worse than running low or running out of power. Making sure your chair is charged is one less thing to worry about when you’re trying to enjoy your time over the break.

Practice healthy habits - Create a routine that incorporates healthy habits such as regular exercise, eating well and getting enough sleep. Getting fresh air and communicating with those around you are also some great techniques to keep your spirits high over the holiday period.

Take care of yourself - The holidays can often mean taking care of others and making sure they are enjoying themselves. Don’t forget; you can’t fill someone else’s cup if yours is empty. Set a positive example for others about the importance of taking care of yourself during busy and stressful times. Eat well, exercise regularly and create a good sleep routine so that you have the energy and resources to extend yourself for others.

“Christmas can be a time for celebration, but it can also be challenging for people.

Whatever this festive period means to you, it’s important that everyone feels able to manage their health and wellbeing during this time.

This starts with looking after yourself! Try to minimise your stress at Christmas by avoiding taking on more tasks than you can manage. It is okay to say No! Remember to energise and fuel your body by eating well, sleeping well and keeping active,” finished Ms Middleton.

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pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … DISABILITY

Keep doing what you love GMobility is a family-owned and operated business that is all about quality of life.

With a new showroom in Pakenham, GMobility helps the elderly, injured and disabled remain independent with mobility, rehabilitation and assistive technology.

The firm has been in operation since 2008, assisting customers throughout West and South Gippsland, the Latrobe Valley, CaseyCardinia and Bass Coast regions.

“We are a family owned and operated business with a strong focus on empathy and service,” GMobility’s Emma Crupi says.

“We listen and take the time to understand the challenges that our customers are facing then leverage our experience to find the right solution.

“We pride ourselves on having a helpful, kind and friendly team.”

Opening in early 2023, the Pakenham showroom offers a wide and ever-growing range of mobility equipment.

Staff are available to help with assistive technology in the showroom or (if you can’t make it to them) in the customer’s home.

“We know that the prospect of someone you love losing some of their mobility or independence can be daunting,” Ms Crupi said.

“Assistive technology can really help them continue doing the things they love.

“The team at GMobility is here to help and we would love to hear from you.”

Plus, if you’re an industry professional looking to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, GMobility offers free clinical education sessions on mobility aid.

GMobility is at 8 Auto Way, Pakenham, open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri. Contact: 1300 004 662 or info@gmobility.com.au

The GMobility team at Pakenham puts a focus on empathy and service.

PAKENHAM

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STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Police siege suicide probed

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A state coroner has released findings over the suicide of a 33-year-old armed man during a police siege in Blind Bight in September 2018.

The Clyde North father who had that day threatened to kill two former partners was cordoned by police on a rural property.

He was armed with a stolen sawn-off shotgun.

At the time, he was on a community corrections order for making threats to kill and possessing ice a month earlier.

He was also subject to intervention orders to protect the two ex-partners.

According to an ex-partner, his mental health had gone into decline due to relationship breakdowns, a child-custody battle and financial stress.

The six-hour operation involved 120 police members including the Critical Incident Response Team, Special Operations Group, Canine (K9) team and Airwing.

It started as a job to locate an armed, potentially suicidal man who might be a risk to his “in laws”. Later, there were details that suggested his ex-partners’ safety were under threat.

Earlier that morning, he’d allegedly broken into a home in Endeavour Hills and allegedly stole a diary thought to contain an ex-partner’s home address.

Police received separate reports from the man’s father and two ex-partners that sug-

The six-hour operation involved 120 police members including the Critical Incident Response Team, Special Operations Group, Canine (K9) team and Airwing.

Picture: FILE gested he had a gun, was in poor mental health and a safety risk to himself, his ‘in laws’ and expartners.

After 8am, the man’s mobile signals were located in Cannons Creek and appeared to be headed to a former partner’s address.

She was initially advised by police to stay inside and later to bring herself and her children to Narre Warren police station.

Police found the man’s apparently empty vehicle in a no-through road in Blind Bight.

About 10.25am, a ‘hot agg burg’ was reported nearby in which a resident barricaded himself in the bathroom.

As CIRT police cordoned off the rural property, the man posted on Facebook that police were “close by” and there may be a “live shootout”.

As a result, Special Operations Group police were deployed and safely rescued the victimresident from his house.

About 11am, Airwing located the wanted man. He was armed and lying in shrubs about 40 metres from the house.

With an inner and outer cordon of police, CIRT negotiators tried to call the man’s phone but it was switched off. Police called out to him on a public address system but no response.

About 1.05pm, police deployed specialist surveillance equipment to deliver a mobile phone. The man damaged the surveillance equipment and then killed himself at the scene.

On 27 November, Coroner Leveasque Peterson found the man took his own life.

Peterson found the police command structure was “not as robust as it might have been” during the operation.

At times, operational directions were made by several senior officers rather than a single commander, including two contradictory directions.

“While I am satisfied that the operation to apprehend (the man) was not materially or adversely affected by this situation, it is easy to imagine operational situations that might be adversely affected by an insufficiently robust command structure.”

Lifeline 13 11 14

·

Nod to bushfire education

By Emma Xerri Students at Harkaway Primary School have been honoured with the National Resilient Australia Award for schools, after student-led research into bushfire education has highlighted the importance of students playing active roles in steering their own education.

Finding that many children displayed low levels of bushfire knowledge, awareness, planning and preparedness, the members of the school’s Bushfire Safety Committee have been hard at work identifying the ways in which their school community and Australia’s broader national community at large can better the way they deliver bushfire education.

Through a manifesto titled ‘Bushfire Education for Kids,’ which features brilliant hand drawn artwork by the children, the children have shared their research and their passion with the public, urging for their student-led bushfire education to be taken seriously.

“We want to make decisions about our own learning and action,” Harkaway Primary students said in a statement.

“If we can make decisions about our own learning and action, we can solve real problems that matter to us.”

However, the research conducted by these students has not only been important to

shaping their own education, but the education of others, as the students hope to share the information that they have learnt with those beyond their school community.

“We want to help educate everybody - our families, our teachers, and the other kids at our school. We also want to educate kids from other schools.”

This plan involves videos, posters and books they hope to share with the community, as well as presentations and workshops that will focus on teaching people how to use online tools and apps, to help provide improved access to bushfire information for those who need it.

This hard work of the Bushfire Safety Committee has allowed for these students to rewrite the teachers manual, educate university students, present at conferences, and collaborate with fire agencies, educators and experts to help design and develop new approaches to Child Centred Disaster Risk Reduction (CCDRR).

With these tremendous achievements, the students at Harkaway Primary have well and truly proved they are “experts in [their] own lives and…experts in [their] own learning.”

“We just need the adults there to guide us, put us on the right track and help us if we get stuck. We can do the rest.”

Harkaway Primary students, back from left, Ruth and Caleb, and front, Ava, Liam and Natasha with the national bushfire resilience award. 376107 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

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NEWS

Electoral divide debate

By Violet Li Residents are warning that Casey’s southern towns will be under-represented compared to northern suburbs, as part of proposed council electoral reforms.

Casey Council’s electoral structure is currently under review by the State-appointed Electoral Representation Advisory Panel (ERAP), which held a public hearing on Tuesday 28 November.

The Local Government Act 2020 stipulates all metropolitan city councils must have single-councillor ward electoral structures. It also requires each ward must have an approximately equal number of voters per councillor.

Casey Council – which has been governed by administrators rather than councillors since 2020 – currently sits on six wards with a total of 11 councillors. The next councillor elections are scheduled for 2024.

In ERAP’s preliminary report, three models have been proposed for the number of councillors and wards.

Model One adopts an 11-ward structure, using major roads as boundaries.

Model Two also uses an 11 single-councillor structure, but it employs suburb boundaries to delineate wards.

Model Three has 12 single-councillor wards and applies mainly road and rail infrastructure as the dividing borders.

More than 30 residents and groups made public submissions, which have now closed.

More than 20 similar public submissions opted for Model Two, arguing that it would “best reflect communities of interest”. Many of them were nearly identical and submitted from the Greater Dandenong area.

In Model Two, the northern part of Berwick is in a ward with the semi-rural suburbs Narre Warren North and Harkaway, while the southern part has its own ward.

Casey Council’s electoral structure is currently under review by the State-appointed Electoral Representation Advisory Panel (ERAP), which held a public hearing on Tuesday 28 November.

372638

The submissions put emphasis on keeping Berwick intact, supporting the split of the suburb between the ‘old’ parts in the north and the newer estates in the south. They opposed the other two models where Berwick was divided into three wards.

Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) backed up Model Two, arguing an even number of councillors could result in deadlocks and internal fighting.

Most submissions for Model Three stated there was a need to distribute more councillors in Casey’s south.

Unlike Model One and Two that band the southern region together into one coastal ward, Model Three divides the southern region

into two wards either side of South Gippsland Highway.

In support of Model Three, Pearcedale resident Graeme Phipps submitted the coastal area comprised nearly 40 per cent of Casey with different characteristics between the east and the west.

He stated that the east ward ‘Cranbourne Gardens’ would have more planned housing and industrial developments, which required careful attention to incorporate them into the natural landscape, while the west ward ‘Tooradin’ had significant environmental values.

“We do need two councillors and two wards down here [south]. This is the differentiating part,” he said during the submission hearing.

Former Casey councillor Steve Beardon submitted that Model Three represented the southern Casey better than Model One and Two. He said it was very difficult down south because the wards were quite large and southern suburbs had already missed out on crucial investment like infrastructure and education.

“Casey is too big, and unless as a councillor you live down south, and experience the lack of facilities every day. How is it you are going to care?” he said.

“If we split down south into two, at least there is some chance of being able to stay in touch with people and understand what the issues are.

“The more councillors down south, the stronger the voice is, the more cooperation.”

Mr Beardon went further to stress the need to split Casey into two councils as most of the councillors were distributed in the north under the current and proposed models.

He said there should be four or five councillors at least representing the south.

“The northern suburbs are well established, and they are skilled in lobbying,” he said.

“A Cranbourne stand-alone council would be better positioned to address the problems and needs in the area.”

The need for two separate councils - which was the case before Cranbourne and Berwick councils were merged to form Casey - has been highlighted in other submissions.

Narre Warren resident Stephan Matulec submitted that there were too many people for 11 councillors to represent them.

“Some of the proposed wards in proposed Model One and Two have almost 25,000 electors per councillor, which is more than half the elections of a state district in state elections,” he said.

“I do believe that Casey needs to be split into two separate councils ideally so that the council population will be more in line with other councils.”

Other submissions pointed out that the new electoral structure needed to take into account the growing population, tied vote issues, and community interests.

Mr Beardon believed Model Two would place the new council wards fully within the state electorate of Berwick, currently held by the Liberals.

“When you run for council or any election, it doesn’t matter where the suburb boundaries are. An issue doesn’t stop at a boundary,” he said.

“Berwick as a suburb would be disadvantaged by a single ward and one councillor only covering the entire suburb.

“Three wards covering Berwick would give more varied representation and stronger representation.”

Casey Council has supported Model Three but requested the ERAP consider the alternative names for the proposed wards.

A final report detailing the recommendation will be submitted to the Minister for Local Government on Wednesday 24 January 2024.

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STAR NEWS 11

FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS CHEER

Bang for your festive buck It’s one of the most beloved Christmas traditions: pulling a cracker with a loved one and seeing who ends up with the funny hat. But Christmas crackers are often the last thing on the shopping list and after buying the presents, trimmings and food, pockets feel a little less than flush.

Why not try making your own? It’s easy and economical, using everyday items you probably have at home already. Best of all, you can fill them with trinkets that mean something to your guests, rather than plastic titbits that are likely to go in the bin at the end of the meal.

Now that’s ‘bang’ for your buck!

Here’s how to put them together: First, purchase some cracker snaps from your local craft store, like Spotlight. That will give you the authentic bon bon bang!

Next, place a cracker snap in a cardboard tube, say a toilet roll tube or a paper towel tube cut in half. If you don’t have any tubes handy, you can find these at craft shops, or cut pieces of flexible cardboard into rectangles and roll into cylinders. Secure the snap with a piece of tape or glue.

Then, choose your paper wrapping! You can wrap your bon bons in colourful tissue paper to match your table setting, Christmas wrapping paper, or even light fabric that can be washed and reused again next year. Cut it to fit the tube, with enough overhang to cover the ends of the snap. Roll around the tube and stick down with tape. Pinch one end and tie it down with a ribbon of your choice.

Fill the other end of the tube with your trinkets and fillings (see below for some ideas on what fillings to use!) then tie the last end shut.

For a personal touch, add a name tag and use each bon bon as a place setting for the table!

You can customise your crackers to suit your Christmas table settings.

Here are some ideas for entertaining cracker fillings: If your guests have a bit of a sweet tooth, buy a box of chocolates and divvy them up amongst the crackers. For the adults in the room, you can purchase liqueur-flavoured chocolates to match guests’ favourite tipples - or perhaps even mini bottles of their favou-

·

rite spirits.

of the cheesy jokes we’ve all heard a · Instead thousand times before, write some positive

·

affirmations or messages for the New Year and slip those inside. People love to know they are cared for!

Are you a romantic at heart? If your beloved loves Christmas as much as you do, a crack-

er might be the place to hide the ring. Just make sure they get the right bon bon to pull or things could get awkward.

· For the kids, include something they’ll actually use. Colourful hair ties or clips, badges, marbles or spinning tops make cute gifts for the little ones.

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FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS CHEER

Don’t forget your fur-baby As the festive season approaches, it’s time to consider the perfect Christmas gifts for your beloved furry companions and, if you are so inclined and the weather isn’t too hot, what they will wear for Christmas.

Here are some tips on what to Dogs and cats are not just pets; they’re cherished members of the family, deserving of special treats and surprises.

For your canine friend, think about interactive toys that stimulate both their body and mind. Consider a durable chew toy or a puzzle feeder that dispenses treats, providing entertainment and mental stimulation.

Cats, known for their playful nature, would appreciate toys that mimic the thrill of hunting. Interactive feather wands, laser pointers, or catnip-infused toys can keep them engaged for hours. A new scratching post or a cozy, warm bed or cooling raised bed in a quiet corner can be the ideal retreat for your feline friend.

Treats are a universal joy for both dogs and cats. Consider special, pet-friendly Christmas treats or even bake homemade goodies. Just be sure to check for any ingredients that might be harmful to your pets.

For the ultimate gift, think about personalized items like engraved ID tags or custommade collars. These not only serve a practical purpose but also add a touch of uniqueness to your pet’s accessories.

Remember, the best Christmas gifts for your pets are those that cater to their individual preferences and needs, bringing joy and warmth to the holiday season for both them and you.

Here are 10 tips for choosing fun and safe Christmas costumes for your pets: Make sure the costume fits properly. It should not restrict your pet’s movement or

Preparing for Christmas with your fur-baby. ability to breathe, see, bark, meow, etc.

Avoid costumes that require tying things around your pet’s neck. This can be dangerous. Opt for costumes that fasten with velcro or elastic instead.

Skip masks that cover your pet’s eyes or ears. This can cause anxiety and limit their senses.

Look for costumes made from soft, lightweight materials that won’t irritate your pet’s

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Thursday, 30 November, 2023

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STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

Patricia (left), Trish, Danny, Mark, Ian and Hans from Warneet-Blind Bight CFA serving early bargain Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS hunters with breakfast. 374216

Alex (left), Dave and Pam from Warneet-Blind Bight CFA. 374216

Garage sale trail success The annual Warneet-Blind Bight Fire Brigade CFA’s Mega Garage Sale returned on Saturday 25 November with good bargains.

Residents registered their own garage sales and a map of locations was offered on site and sold for donation.

CFA volunteers served eggs, bacon rolls, sizzling sausages, and coffee to bargain hunters at both Blind Bight Community Centre and Warneet Fire Station.

Despite a heavy rain, the sales still ran smoothly with successful outcome.

Around $2000 was raised and will be used to improve facilities at the Warneet-Blind Bight fire station.

Brigade treasurer Patricia Bourchier thanked both the buyers and sellers who helped to make the day a success.

Star News photographer STEWART CHAMBERS attended to capture the best shots on the day.

Ethan from Blind Bight with Yogi got caught in the downpour during his sale hunt. 374216

Michael at the garage sale in Blind Bight Community Centre. 374216

Corey at the garage sale in Blind Bight Community Centre. 374216

Tim (left) and Roanna from Langwarrin. 374216 14 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 30 November, 2023

Locals Audrey (left) and Theo at the garage sale in Warneet Fire Station.

374216

Sandra Holland (left) and Debra Sevastianov from Warneet-Blind Bight CFA with the maps for the garage sales. 374216 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR NEWS 15

BUSINESS PROFILE

Ben Nobelius and Tim Walker with scholarship winner Kendrick. 373649

Ben Nobelius and Tim Walker with scholarship winner Kendrick (centre) and finalists Nurelham and Dante. 373649

Five years of helping kids In a heartwarming ceremony held on Monday, the Nobelius Land Surveyor Scholarship marked its fifth year by announcing Kendrick Castro as this year’s recipient.

The scholarship, initiated by Pakenhambased business Nobelius Land Surveyors, continues its tradition of supporting deserving students in the community.

The winners were announced at this week’s assembly at Pakenham Consolidated Primary School.

The Grade 6 students are all set to transition

to Pakenham Secondary College next year.

As the winner, Kendrick will enjoy full coverage of educational fees, including books, laptop, Year 7 camp and uniform costs, courtesy of Nobelius Land Surveyors. The two runners-up, Nurelham and Dante, will each receive $100 towards their school uniform fees.

Much like previous winners, Kendrick Castro received resounding applause from peers, teachers, and well-wishers.

The Managing Director and Associate Director of Nobelius Land Surveyors, Ben No-

belius and Tim Walker, were present to deliver the exciting news, reflecting the scholarship’s commitment to giving back to the community.

Rob Nobelius, co-founder of the company, expressed the joy of continuing the scholarship program into its fifth successful year.

“We started this because our kids both came here and then went to Pakenham Secondary, and they were very successful - and we wanted to help somebody else in the community,” Rob said.

The scholarship, designed for financially

challenged students, serves as a meaningful way for the business to contribute to the community’s well-being.

Selecting a recipient from a pool of commendable candidates is always a challenging task, but Kendrick Castro’s exceptional qualities made him stand out as a worthy recipient.

The Nobelius Land Surveyor Scholarship has become a beacon of hope for students facing financial challenges, ensuring that education remains an accessible opportunity for all in the Pakenham community.

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Stirring trouble

By Mitchell Clarke

Stirring trouble

By Mitchell Clarke It was the initiative that dished up smiles during lockdown, but now a decrepit looking Spoonville site in Pakenham is providing any-

It was the initiative that dished up smiles during lockdown, but now a decrepit looking Spoonville site in Pakenham is providing anything but joy.

During the one hour exercise limit - which is now a distant memory - Spoonville sites across Cardinia Shire were the most popular place to visit.

Despite the fad having died down entirely, the Cardinia Lakes community was understandably upset at news their local site appeared to have been targeted by cruel vandals.

Estate resident Laksika noticed the destroyed site during her daily walk on Sunday 24 January.

“I think someone has just walked over it or kicked them all over. It’s very sad to see it. We always used to stop there and have a look for new ones,” she wrote on Facebook.

The reaction from her neighbours was similar.

“Absolutely disgusting. The highlight of our walk is our toddler stopping to look and admire the spoons,” one local woman said.

“That’s so disappointing. My kids had spoons in there,” another woman added.

Pakenham Hills Ward councillor Jack Kowarzik said the news was “really frustrating”.

“Spoonville was created by locals for the enjoyment of local children and to see it vandalised is disappointing,” he said.

Cardinia Art Society president Jillian Ronald described Spoonville as an “amazing initiative” during Melbourne’s lengthy lockdown.

“It’s given joy and positivity in some very dark times and I just think it’s really disappointing that, when the community put together a project to support each other during a difficult time, that someone would take the trouble to destroy it. They’d be better off going home to create a spoon and putting it with

In happier times - Maci, Willow and Aubrey at a Pakenham Spoonville site. 214450 the rest,” she said.

“I’d suggest there’s much better things they could do with their time.”

The ‘Spoonville’ trend was born out of Winnersh, England, in an attempt to improve mental health by simply making people happy as they were out and about during daily exercise.

The quirky saga soon made its way to Cardinia - after Australia’s first ever site was constructed up the highway in Longwarry.

Within weeks, the site had spread to Pakenham, Officer, Garfield, Nar Nar Goon, Emerald and Beaconsfield.

Ms Ronald acknowledged the Spoonville craze had now hit a dead end.

“They’re getting a little bit tired, so maybe it’s time for the spoons to come home,” she said.

Ms Ronald, who commissioned the two local sites at Lakeside in Pakenham, encouraged community members to collect their spoons from their local sites.

She added that in mid-February she’d look to clean up all remaining Spoonville’s and relocate any leftover spoons to an “undisclosed location”.

The once popular Spoonville trend appears to have hit a dead end.

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Thursday, 30 November, 2023

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NEWS

Festivities under elms

By Violet Li Christmas is the right season to talk about trees.

Christmas Under the Elms, an ingenious celebration on Tulliallan Boulevard in Clyde North, combined the tree conservation and festive mood to the utmost on Sunday 26 November.

Run by the non-profit organisation Friends of the Tulliallan Elms, the festivities were held against the backdrop of a lush English elm avenue with 51 trees down each side that have been standing still in the time since 1900.

Several speakers talked about the significance of those elms, including Friends of the Tulliallan Elms president Raavenan Jayaraman, Kooweerup Swamp Historical Society president Heather Arnold, Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, admin for local community Facebook group Bec Hyland, and Alkira Secondary College principal John Shaw.

The event consisted of 18 vocal performances, four multicultural dances, and two band performances from various schools around the neighbourhood.

There was a best-dressed dog competition and five Christmas raffles throughout the day.

Food stalls and art stalls were set up for the pleasure of the community.

Mr Jayaraman said the celebration went very smoothly and everyone was very happy.

“The most important thing is it didn’t rain.

There was a 50 per cent chance of rain in the morning and early afternoon. But, it just drizzled slightly. Other than that, everything was fine,” he said.

Speaking of the messages the event aimed to convey, Mr Jayaraman pointed out there were more than 100 elm trees in the neighbourhood and not many residents knew about these trees.

“Every day people just walk along these trees. They cycle. They bring their pets and

Alkira Secondary College rock band under the elms: Ash (left), Meily, Georgianna and Elizabeth. 375386

Santa and local residents Aarav (left), Sangeetha, Santa, Aditi and Aditi, plus Leo the caboodle are Picture: GARY SISSONS celebrating the festival under the elms. 375386

One of the dogs in the best dressed dog competition. 375386

dogs. But they don’t know how special these trees are,” he said.

“They are endangered species.”

Tulliallan Elm Avenue was listed by the Heritage Council of Victoria for its historical and aesthetic significance to the City of Casey.

First introduced to the country in the early 19th century, Australia’s English elms survived

there was a need for people to recognise how important those trees were.

“We want to create awareness among the community about the trees. And we also want to bring the community under the trees to enjoy the space,” he said.

Mr Jayaraman thanked everyone who was involved in making the day a success.

the Dutch elm disease that killed many elms throughout Europe and North America in the 1970s, due to its geographical isolation.

“What we have today in Tulliallan is one of the last remaining elm avenues in the world,” Mr Jayaraman said.

He explained the land was previously used for private farming and since it went public,

There is nothing quite like that fresh smell of a real tree and Star News is giving one reader that experience this Christmas!

Our winner will recieve a real Christmas tree (up to 7 foot tall with a stand) from our friends at the Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm at 336 Brown Road, Officer.

Bhangra Groove is dancing at the event. 375386

Imagine your ornaments and presents on a real Christmas tree!

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SCAN QR CODE TO ENTER Best dressed dog competition participant Aarav with his caboodle Leo. 375386 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Winner of the best dressed dog competition Susan Coad with her six-month-old Shih Tzu cross Nugget. 375386

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STAR NEWS 17

NEWS

When starting a business TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH Gallup surveys have been pretty consistent over the years showing that around 70 per cent of staff are “disengaged”, i.e. they go to work, do what they have to (not usually much more) and go home. For some of that 70 per cent, the allure of starting their own business can be very appealing along with the belief that they would have more time and more income.

However, the reality is that the vast majority of new business owners usually have less of both for at least the first couple of years, so this big decision needs to be carefully thought through. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 93 per cent of businesses have a turnover of less than $2M so small businesses make up a very significant proportion of companies in Australia. If you are thinking of starting your own business, here are four key things that should be considered: What is my product or service offering?

People start a business for many reasons: have a new idea for a product or service, see a gap in the market, believe they can offer similar products/services either more cheaply or with greater customer service, but none of these on their own is enough. The key question to answer is: ‘what customer problem am I solving or what difference will this make?’ Back in 2022 I published my own book entitled ‘From Passion to Profit’ since I witnessed far too many small business owners with great business ideas fail to capitalise on their offering by

Back in 2022, Ian Ash published the book ‘From Passion to Profit’, after witnessing far too many small business owners with great business ideas fail to capitalise on their offering by not knowing how to properly start a business.

Picture: BRETT JORDAN ON UNSPLASH not knowing how to properly start a business.

Before going to the expense of setting this up, first road test your idea with people who will give you honest feedback and find out if they would buy, and if so at what price?

Who is my target audience?

Allied to the above is the need to know specifically who would buy what you offer. Despite never winning any awards for being the best burger, McDonalds’ Big Mac is consistently

the best-selling burger in the world. This implies that success is not necessarily a function of the the product or service quality, but has much more to do with the way it is marketed and sold. For this reason, knowing who to target and how best to get the message across is essential for success.

How much do I need to set the business up?

This is one of the questions where the answer will always start with ‘it depends….’, but one

thing is for sure, you need to have some idea of what the new venture will cost you over the course of a year or so to see whether you can afford it! In addition to making some rough estimates on sales numbers and hence revenue, you need to calculate all the associated expenses you can think of over the first year including paying yourself. If you are borrowing money to start the business, make sure you factor in the loan repayment costs, appropriate insurance and your tax obligations. A good accountant should be able to provide a wealth of advice in this area.

What is the plan for my business?

As Winston Churchill once said: “Fail to plan, plan to fail”. These days ‘Business Plans’ are not that commonly written and usually the only people interested in these are the loan providers (banks, venture capitalists, etc).

However, taking the time to write down what needs to be done and by when, establishing a company budget (in line with 3. above), identifying necessary resources, identifying risks (and associated mitigation strategies), documenting your unique value proposition and formulating a high-level marketing plan (e.g. website construction and other materials to promote your business (item 2. above)) will all go a long way to getting clarity for yourself and identifying potential pitfalls before too much time, effort and cash is invested.

The above items are not an exhaustive list of what to do when preparing to start your own business and there is plenty of good advice on the internet so do your research before starting anything.

Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing director OrgMent Business Solutions www.ombs.com.au

WHAT’S ON Cruel Thing Watch Party Residents are invited to an evening of live music at Hills Hub in Emerald, as Olivia Mae hosts an exclusive watch party for her debut music video for her latest single, Cruel Thing.

The night will see an acoustic original set by Olivia, viewing of the pre-release Cruel Thing music video, and an industry panel highlighting how young people can engage with Council and other local initiatives to develop their own creative projects.

The watch party is on Wednesday 6 December from 7pm to 8.30pm at Hills Hub, 400 A Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Emerald.

Pakenham Carols

By Candlelight Cardinia Shire Council returning Pakenham Carols

by Candlelight to open the Christmas joy this holiday.

The carols will be on Saturday 2 December at Toomuc Recreation Reserve, Pakenham. Gates will open from 4.30pm with a pre-entertainment zone will opening from 5pm

·

·

Book Launch Local Aarti Royan is launching her book called ’Champions of Truth’ which is about emotional healing told through her own story of hardship and adversity.

The launch will be on Monday 4 December going from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at the Berwick Church of Christ, 432-446 Centre Rd, Berwick.

·

Lakeside Market Pakenham Meet, talk, spend and eat at this family friendly street food truck and handmade makers market with over 80 stalls.

The market is held once a month, next market is 10 December at Lakeside, entry is free.

The official program begins at 6.30pm with an array of local performances and will be capped off by a fireworks display at approximately 9pm. Picture: SUPPLIED

·

Housing Support and Advice Are you experiencing homelessness? At risk of having no safe place to live? Living in low-cost accommodation with no support?

Visit the Pakenham Library and have a chat with a support worker to discuss available options and resources.

Every Wednesday between 2pm to 4pm.

Bookings are not required. If you require more information, please phone Pakenham Library on 5940 6200.

·

Berwick Springs VIEW Club Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is 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 lunch and then host a guest speaker.

Throughout the year, the club has a couple of 18 STAR NEWS

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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

·

Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club Are you newly retired, or new to the area, or just 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/flights), Weekly Morning Coffee Club, Monthly Saturday Country Pub Lunches, Monthly Evening Dine-

Thursday, 30 November, 2023

outs, Weekly Table Tennis Club, Walking Groups, Seasonal Daytime Musical Theatre Outings, and more! We welcome all you gentlemen out there with time on your hands! Ladies, come along, this is your time to meet like minded people and make those new friends.

Come along and get to know the club by visiting on a Thursday at 2pm at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House or join us on a Wednesday at 10am for a Coffee at Little Sparrow Fountain Gate.

For more information, contact Enquiry Officer Gloria 0468 363 616.

·

Join Probus The Probus Club of Casey Combined would be pleased to welcome new members. Short meeting, morning tea, guest speaker and good fellowship. Enquiries: 0406 468 285 (Magda).

·

The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 9.45am at the Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick.

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.

Come along on 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 with a $5 weekly attendance fee which includes morning tea.

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

·

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Keeping dry, at front, Stephanie Collado (left) and Brooke Demarco (right) with, at back, Sharna Stevens and Jodi Demarco. 375565

The end of the day. The sun is out and the rain has gone, from left, Bec, Kelly, Katelyn, all from Cranbourne. 375565

Arden (3) out to the races with his Aunt Emily.

Next race, the Cup. 375565

Star News photographer ROB CAREW soaked up all the action at the Cranbourne Cup.

Cup action trackside

Michael McAlpine is usually a contestant in Fashions on the Field. Today he is a judge and poses here with Best Millinery Award winner Leanora Romensky. 375565

Rhonda Hendrey and Fi Jeffery, both from Cranbourne, kick up their heels on a wet start to the day. 375565

End of the day and the sun is shining, Brett, Lisa, Rebecca, Leanne. 375565

The team from “Adsim” in Cranbourne, from left, Bart, Rob, Bluey, Simon, Marky, Jaye. 375565

Best Millinery Award winner Leanora Romensky.

375565

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Emma Scodellaro, winner of Best Dresses in Fashions on the Field. 375565

Thursday, 30 November, 2023

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STAR NEWS 19

NEWS

From fantasy to reality

By Violet Li It’s been five years since Clyde North author Violeta M. Bagia last talked to the paper. The interval has nurtured a leap from YA fantasy novels to literary fiction, with a new title scheduled for April 2025.

Set in Melbourne in the early 2000s, her new coming-of-age novel captures a notorious overachiever’s final year in high school, a year of dreams, trauma, self-realisation, and reconciliation.

The story weaves through tough themes of sexual assault, bullying, immigrant integration, and tough family life, where the main character tried to resolve what had happened and struggle through the tragedies great and small.

As a long-time master of fantasy and science fiction, Violeta admitted it was a completely new challenge for her to write in a literary style.

“I’ve never done that before. The biggest challenge was you can’t resolve things with something magical happened to this character, and all their problems have gone away,” she said.

“You have to live with the problems, seek therapy, talk to parents and reach out to their friends.

“You have to be your own hero. You don’t really get any magic pills or magic potions. You have to actually live through the problems and the issues and try and survive a normal human would.”

Escaping from the paranormal world was a decision made after the birth of her child, Vio-

Clyde North author Violeta M. Bagia has a surprise for the community with her new title scheduled Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS for April 2025. 375252 leta said.

“Having a child really shifted my perspective in life. It’s great to get lost in fantasy world and read a lot of fiction. But I also want her to have a book where she can look to for answers and help and guidance from other relatable people, people who have gone through real things.

“I grew up reading incredible books like Looking for Alibrandi that dealt with a young woman who was in in school and having to deal with bullying because she was an immigrant and didn’t really fit in either.

“I guess I wanted to write my own version of that.”

Writers always write what they know to

some degree and there are also some elements that touch on her own life, according to Violeta.

Starting out in Australia and learning how to speak English as an immigrant around the age of seven was an isolating experience.

“I did encounter a lot of bullying. So, I want to have somewhere I could read and see how people endured and survived that,” she said.

“I didn’t really have any friends, so my learning was diving into books and reading and practising writing, and I found that I really enjoyed writing.

“I reached out to my teachers in primary school and high school and told them that it’s something that I dreamt of doing, if I was good enough someday to be a writer.

“And turns out it was something that I was good at, which is great.”

One thing about Violeta’s creation is it will never shift no matter where she forages ahead.

“In all of my stories, whether they’re set in completely fictional worlds or fantastical elements, every single character goes through something life-altering or changing or difficult, but they always have a way of coming out on top,” she said.

“I want to provide that hope to people reading it.

“It doesn’t matter how difficult something maybe in your life, everything can be overcome if you stick your mind to it.”

Violeta’s new novel will be published by Dragonfly publishing in April 2025.

She is the author of the Hart of Darkness series and The Reaper’s Descent.

Unique, rare beast set to go under the hammer

By Cam Lucadou-Wells With slick lines and in a bright nautical yellow, a rare racing gem has been sitting idle in a Dandenong garage for nearly 30 years.

Its owner Bob Gill, 80, has never even been able to squeeze behind the wheel of his truly unique 1982 Lola 610 HU2 – one of just two built.

In an online auction this coming weekend, Gill is emptying his factory of the Lola and all of its other treasures, equipment, tools, components and parts.

Some stunning cars are listed like a 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Nascar with a 850 horsepower engine and a 1969 Ford Mustang Cobra coupe left-hand drive. There’s wonderful old bikes, a vintage motorcycle and a 1963 EJ Holden.

“I can’t take it with me. They don’t fit in the box,” Gill jokes of his 60-year collection.

“Have you ever seen a Hearse with a tow bar?”

Now gathering dust on a hoist, the luminous Lola is part of an iconic UK racing brand and collecting worldwide interest.

It raced in the Le Mans 24-hour event in 1982, 1983 and 1984 - the only car to do so three years in a row.

The car’s last race was in the World Sports Car Championship at Sandown in 1984 when its English driver John Bartlett offered to sell it to Gill.

“He put his arm around me … and said: ‘You could own this.’”

“I said: ‘All right, what do you want for it?’”

At the time, Gill had no idea how rare the car was. He was building a Mustang racing sedan and needed some of the Lola’s parts.

But when he went to collect it, he found the driver had flown home with the leased Cosworth engine.

The Lola was piled in pieces in a corner, with Customs taxes and duties to be paid.

Gill reassembled it, put a dummy Ford engine under the bonnet, and thought “Gee it looks good”.

The Lola owes him a small fortune, but has no regrets that he’s never driven the prize.

“I’m six foot one and they’re built for dwarfs,” he says. “I never thought about it.

The cabin is too small for me – I would get claustrophobia.”

20 STAR NEWS

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Racing car driver, plumber, mayor and footballer Bob Gill has amassed a unique collection. 375031

Bob Gill with his Lola T610 HU2, which goes under the hammer this weekend. 375031 Picture: GARY SISSONS Gill has tried his hand at a lot of things.

He played half-a-dozen VFL senior games for Richmond in the 1960s just before Tom Hafey assembled a dynastic four-premiership side.

Won the Victorian Sports Car Sedan championships in 1964, 1965 and 1966, as well as drove a safety car to attend crashes at Sandown.

The former plumber became an accidental councillor and then mayor for City of Prahran.

He stood for election on the urging of locals whose homes and factories were set to be demolished by the council.

“I said I don’t care – I’ll shift somewhere

Thursday, 30 November, 2023

else. They said you should get on council and tell them not to do it. We’ll support you and shoved a nomination form in front of me.

“I had no idea. I was in the wrong spot at the wrong time.”

Well-known as a Prahran footballer and tradie, Gill “romped it in”. He doubled everyone else’s vote but the straight-talker soon found himself ostracized in the council chamber.

“When I’m there in my overalls, I’m thinking what am I doing here?”

Though councillors tried to get rid of him, he was installed as mayor in 1993-’94. He doesn’t miss the 3am phone calls from con-

A front view of the Lola on a hoist in Gill’s garage in Dandenong. 375031 stituents to “get rid of a dead dog in a back lane”.

When it was done, he’d ring them back at 3am the next day.

“It was five minutes later then when you rang me,” he told them.

His massive 60-year collection is ready in lots for online sale by Martin Evan Auctions.

Gill is keeping little. Just a forklift in order to pack off the Lola as well as a Mustang for his partner Rebecca to race.

“Will I be sad when it all goes?

“I’ll be happy if it goes to a good home.” pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR NEWS 21

SPORT

Lions in fight with Vikings

By David Nagel Pakenham’s (207) inability to bat out 80 overs has once again left it ‘vulnerable and exposed’ after the Lions coughed and spluttered their way to a competitive total against Carlisle Park (0/27) on Saturday.

A six-wicket haul to Jaan Balasuriya (22-856-6) kept the Lions honest on the ‘echoing wicket’ at Carlisle Park, while a tidy spell from Kasun Balasuriya (17-8-30-2) limited the innings run-rate to a ‘dull thud’.

The Lions lost steady wickets across the first 18 overs of their innings, with Jack Anning (14), Chris Smith (16) and Stuart Johnson (0) all back in the sheds…courtesy of Jaan.

The Lions fought back prior to tea, being 3/119, with skipper Dale Tormey on 58 not out and Dom Paynter on 28 when players left the artificial surface for tea.

The Vikings certainly took the honours after the dinner break.

Tormey (61) soon became Jaan’s fourth wicket for the afternoon, trapped in front for a fighting half-century – off 91 balls and including six fours and a six - triggering a four-wicket stumble in eight overs.

The usually reliable Rob Elston (2) fell for his second-consecutive single-figure score in the next over, before Paynter (43) was caught

by Ryan Zealley…giving Jaan Balasuriya his fifth scalp.

Tom Tyrrell (8) then departed the scene; the Lions seven down with 31 overs still to bat.

The Lions have struggled since the transition from one-day to two-day cricket in round five.

They squandered a fantastic start against Kooweerup, slumping from 1-187 to all out 217, before surrendering the premiership points with a collapse of 9-63 against Devon

Up and about! Kooweerup’s Adam McMaster celebrates the first of his five-wicket haul. 375559 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Meadows last week.

It was left to Jason Williams (30) and Marcus Martini (13) to resurrect the innings on the weekend.

The pair batted stoutly for 14 overs, before Martini was bowled by Ethan Davies (13-2-471); still leaving 17 overs to bat...with two wickets in hand.

Williams was next go - becoming wicket number-six for Jaan – before James Close (14) departed the scene after some valuable lateorder runs.

The Lions were bowled out on the first ball of the 71st over; better than their last two efforts against the Demons (58th) and Panthers (61st).

Snipers pick-off Warriors

By Marcus Uhe Snipers will face Just Social in the South West Gippsland Dart League grand final after turning the tables in the most recent instalment of their rivalry with Warriors.

Exacting revenge for a qualifying final defeat, Snipers’ aim was on-point on Tuesday night in an 8-5 victory; now playing off for the Summer Season championship.

While Warriors defeated Snipers twice in the season’s two previous meetings, Snipers won the contest that ultimately mattered the most, to leave them on the precipice of glory.

Just Social has earned the right to enter the contest as favourites, on the back of another brilliant season and being the reigning champions, but Snipers would have been the last side they wanted to see prepping their flights for battle, having been the only team to get the better of Just Social in an 8-7 thriller back in round 10.

Elsewhere, the quest for the Don Brown Memorial Trophy will see history repeat itself, when Rebels play off against the 26ers for the second consecutive season. Current Trophy holders 26ers earned the right to defend their silverware after downing Mud Rats 8-5.

It’s set to be a thrilling contest with just a combined three points separating the two sides in two matches to date in the Summer Season. A combined nine tons from Tony and Simon wasn’t enough for Rebels to overthrow the defending Shield holders back in round one in an 8-7 26ers win, while Rebels prevailed 8-6 in the second week of the finals to flip the script.

Results Division One: Snipers 8 v Warriors 5.

Division Two: Rebels 8 v Mud Rats 5.

Fixture - Grand Finals Division One: Just Social v Snipers Division Two: Rebels v 26ers

· · · ·

26ers are back on the big stage once again where they’ll face Rebels for the Don Brown Memorial Picture: DAVID NAGEL Trophy. 347083 22 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 30 November, 2023

The Balasuriya boys were superb for the Vikings, with Jaan’s six-wicket haul taking him to 16 for the season and to second behind Adam McMaster (20) on the competition wicket-taking list.

The Lions then had six overs to make some inroads.

But the opposite took place, with Duke Miller (9 off 21) and David Nutting (17 off 16) taking the opportunity to chip a valuable 27 runs off the Vikings’ day-two target.

Pakenham will still go in as slight favourites on day two, with the Vikings’ 158 in round one their highest total for the season.

Kasun Balasuriya and Ben Perry are the

only players in this line up to have scored halfcenturies this season, and the only players to have scored over 100 runs.

Tooradin (246) will defend a challenging, but not unconquerable, score against Kooweerup on Saturday after a classic opening exchange of two-day cricket between the two best teams in the competition.

The Demons, through Adam McMaster (22.3-2-65-5) and his skipper and brother Luke (22-5-52-1), claimed two early breakthroughs to heap pressure on the Gulls, who responded in the style of a very good cricket team.

Peter Sweeney (77), Tom Hussey (39) and Russell Lehman (22) laid the platform, before the returning Dylan Sutton (52 not out) made his presence felt in a barnstorming 50-ball innings.

A mesmerising innings from Cardinia (5/331dec) opener Morteza Ali (154 not out) has propelled the Bulls to a dominant day-one position over Devon Meadows (1/15).

The hard-hitting right-hander took an unusually cautious approach early, seeing off a swinging new ball, before blossoming out and hitting 19 boundaries and five sixes for the day.

Jacobus Hynes (85) and Matt Welsh (56) provided fantastic support for the Bulls, who claimed the vital wicket of Will Halton (4) late in the day.

And a magnificent century from classy lefthand opener Trevor Bauer (120) has piloted Clyde (220) into a powerful position against Merinda Park at Tony Way Reserve.

Bauer’s first century for the Cougars was the clear highlight for the visitors, with first-drop Anurudda ‘Teddy’ Fonseka (30) and numbernine Daniel Lever (21 not out) the only other batters to offer any sort of resistance.

Exciting times for netball as Cranny joins new league

By Marcus Uhe Cranbourne Netball Club is the latest to join the burgeoning South East Premier Netball League in what is set to be a massive boost for the community.

The Eagles join Beaconsfield, Berwick, Berwick Springs and Hampton Park as the league’s establishment clubs, aiming to take to the court next year with a full compliment of both junior (U13, U15 and U17) and senior (Ladies A B C D and Mens open) teams.

Incoming netball club president Keira Willis said she is excited for the club to return to a same day football-netball model, having experienced it with other clubs in the region.

“It’s an amazing experience where you get to travel and play different teams,” Willis said.

“A lot of people have put their hands up and expressed interest in coming over.

“At some competitions they don’t have juniors, and I think this one was good because the seniors could actually help the juniors develop and support them as a club, and see where they’re at.

“As a community I think it’s very good.”

From fully-fledged members of the previous Casey-Cardinia Football Netball League and South East Football Netball League, Cranbourne Football Netball Club’s move to the Southern Football Netball League was detrimental to the netball cohort.

Netball in the SFNL is largely played at a centralised location at courts in Dingley on Saturday afternoon, meaning the clubs could not combine to support one-another at the same venue on game days.

The Eagles fielded a single senior netball side in the SFNL’s Open B1 competition in 2023.

Cranbourne Football Netball Club will participate in the South East Premier Netball League in 2024. 140361 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

2024 Draft: 10 to watch

By Jonty Ralphsmith With the 2023 AFL Draft now in the rear-view mirror, Star News Group journalist Jonty Ralphsmith casts his eye over the best boys of the 2024 crop.

Harvey Langford (Stingrays/Mt Martha): An AFL Academy member who can win a contested ball, Langford captained Dandenong in a one-off game this year and his consistency saw him take second place in the Stingrays best and fairest. Can also hit the scoreboard, kicking 10.7 in his 14 Coates League games, while averaging 22 disposals.

Cooper Hynes (Stingrays/Bonbeach): Another consistent Stingrays bottom-ager, Hynes kicked 18 goals in 13 games this year playing as a midfielder-forward. The 188 centimetre prospect is a bigger, stronger type who uses his size well and is hard to take down. Was a late addition to the Vic Country squad, playing the final game, underlining his reputation.

Harry Doughton (Stingrays/Mount Eliza): A pressure forward who brings energy and intent inside 50, Doughton was a surprise pocket rocket in the front half for Dandenong in 2023.

His rise throughout 2023 culminated in selection at an under-17 trial match for Vic Country.

Consistently hit the scoreboard in 2023 and averaged a team-high 5.2 tackles per game and will look to take his fundamentals to the next level in his top-aged campaign.

Noah Mraz (Stingrays/Narre North Foxes): Was one of only four players in the Vic Country squad this year as a bottom-ager, emphasising the potential that those in the industry see in the developing Narre North tall. Looks most comfortable in a key defensive post where he uses his size and skills to good effect.

Xavier Lindsay (Gippsland/Leongatha): The region’s most promising 2024 prospect, Lindsay proved throughout 2023 that he is more than the outside player where he has shown so much flair as a junior representative footballer.

Adapted well to the physicality of the midfield and won the footy well, with his decision making and efficiency continuing to stand out.

Covers the ground excellently and will catch plenty of eyes next year.

Ricky Mentha (Gippsland/Warragul): An excitement machine, the Northern Territory small forward will represent NT Thunder at the start of the Talent League season before linking up with the Power, having made the move to Gippsland. Has blistering speed, innate goal sense and good agility to make him a nightmare match up. Is part of the AFL Academy.

Jehi Esler (Gippsland/Tooradin-Dalmore): A developing key defender who came on in leaps and bounds in 2023, Esler is expected to remain on Gippsland’s list next year to pursue mid-season draft selection. The agile lightbodied shutdown player also played seven senior games for Tooradin-Dalmore in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition.

Tom Hanily (Gippsland/Leongatha): Like Esler, 2023 was Hanily’s top-aged campaign but it was heavily interrupted by injury so he will remain firmly on recruiters’ radars next year.

When he did play, though, he proved he has AFL-attributes, averaging 22 disposals and five tackles in his seven games this year. Is a smaller midfielder who has strong stoppage craft, wins his own footy, has strong endurance and makes sound decisions.

Max Donohue (Gippsland/Leongatha): His aerobic capacity and smarts help him burn direct opponents and get himself into ball-winning positions. Averaged more than 15 touches in his 15 games for Gippsland in 2023 and was selected in an under-17 trial match late in the year, demonstrating he’s on the radar.

Julian Callahan (Gippsland/Leongatha): A quick outside player with neat ball use to complement his athleticism, he played 12 games for the Power in 2023 and, like Donohue, was selected in that under-17 trial game.

Noah Mraz has good skills at ground level given his height. 376333

Picture: JAZZ BENNETT

Calmer Waters slowly corrode Keysborough’s resolve CARDINIA WATERS BOWLS Midweek Pennant Cardinia Waters side one had a great win against Keysborough last Tuesday.

So much so, that they moved up the ladder to top spot, albeit by just two points from Noble Park.

The 22-shot result however masked what was a tough day on the bowling green for both teams.

Cardinia Waters began strongly, with Keysborough coming back just before lunch to join them at 29 shots apiece, after exactly 29 ends.

The home side then found top gear, and surged home in the last half of the game to record a nice victory.

Leading the win was the rink of Jim Barrie (skip), Dennis Patmore, John Carr and Cathy Swinkels who romped home with a handy 33-13 win.

John Van Vugt’s rink also recorded a sound win, after a magnificent start.

They led 12-0 after five ends, the early part of the game looking like a whitewash.

However, their Keysborough opponents then lifted their game, but couldn’t bridge the gap, with the final score showing a Cardinia Waters win by seven shots. John played with Del Dance, Terry Nye and Ian Kennedy.

After winning four of the five games played so far, Cardinia Waters are top of the ladder from Noble Park, Pakenham and Cranbourne in that order.

Next week they play the winless Willow Lodge away, and would be expected to win there.

However, under their roof, the home team sometimes hold their own.

Side two hasn’t been able to continue their early season form, losing this week and the pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Jill Naylor shows her style for Cardinia Waters in the game at Noble Park on Saturday. 375843 Picture: SUPPLIED previous one, after winning the first three games.

This week they travelled to Mulgrave Country Club, and despite winning one rink, were outscored at the end by the home side.

The winning rink was Steve Hale (skip), Jenny Edmonds, Graeme Taylor and Gary Bondfield.

They led by 11 shots well into the game, but a comeback by their opponents near the end saw the margin cut to two shots.

Next week side two play Mt Waverley at home.

Mt Waverley hasn’t played in this section before, so there is little known as to their strengths or weaknesses.

Both teams have won three of the five games played and are separated on the ladder by a single point and a minuscule amount of percentage.

A close game is expected.

Saturday Pennant Cardinia Waters faced up to Noble Park on their turf green on Saturday.

The conditions were good, with the turf handling the overnight rain very well.

Very little separated these two teams before this game, so a close one was predicted.

Noble Park was on top early in the game and showed just how good it is at home.

When the afternoon tea bell rang the home side had amassed a handy 18-shot lead.

Not to be denied Cardinia Waters came back in the latter half of the game to win on two rinks, and just failing to overhaul Noble Park by 11 shots.

Jim Barrie’s rink was the instigators of the fight back. As afternoon tea was taken, they were trailing their opponents by 10 shots.

Then they won the next 10 ends on the trot, to finish with a score line showing 24-15, a 19-shot turnaround.

Jim played with John Carr, Dennis Patmore and Gary Bondfield.

John Van Vugt’s rink appeared in trouble trailing 7-14, but scored a valuable six shots up on the thirteenth end, to launch a comeback.

They outscored their Noble Park opponents in the last five ends to grab a one-shot victory.

He played with Del Dance, Terry Nye and Ian Kennedy.

Cardinia Waters now finds itself in a spot of bother, seemingly anchored in seventh position on the ladder after six home and away games played. Next week they play Ferntree Gully at home in the last game of the first round…a win is needed.

An interesting aside to this round was the win of Upwey Tecoma over Berwick.

Before this round Upwey-Tecoma were winless, and last on the ladder.

It wasn’t just any old win either, as they romped away by 49 shots.

-John Moore

Thursday, 30 November, 2023

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Thursday, 30 November, 2023

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