News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 14th December 2023

PAKENHAM OFFICER

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Thursday, 14 December, 2023

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Make this festive season extra special by shopping locally for all your gifts, foods and entertainment. Dive into our 12-page Christmas Cheer Wrap for plenty of ideas to cater for the entire family this year.

Pictured: Santa at Pakenham Central Marketplace with James, Rory and Mikayla.

No Bookings Required

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Safe hands Welcome to StoreItSafe Pakenham. We are a family owned and operated business in Pakenham catering to those who want 24/7 access to drive-up storage units. We’re a modern purpose-built storage facility with plenty of space for your personal or business goods. From as small as 8.6 m2 up to 120 m2 we can cater for every need.

With state-of-the-art security like 24/7 CCTV, a 15-foot high concrete fence around the entire facility, automated security lighting, nearfield Bluetooth only gate and shed access (no padlocks that can be cut), a single entry and exit point gate with automatic Ram protection bollards and individually alarmed units complete with private CCTV, we’re your best choice for all your premium self-storage needs in Pakenham.

Our sheds are all drive up units with motorised doors and a height clearance of at least 2.8 metres making our larger ones ideal for most caravans, boats and cars. We have 8 metre wide driveways for all of the larger sheds and a remote controlled robotic trolley to make it easy to back things into your shed.

If you need help moving your goods, we also have a complimentary 8 x 4 cage trailer which can be booked over the phone.

Ultra Secure 24/7 CCTV, automatic lighting, personal access only motion sensing cameras in each shed, entry/exit gate with ram protection bollards, solar / battery powered blackout protection, 15-foot-high concrete perimeter wall, nearfield Bluetooth only access to the gate and your shed with no external locks that can be cut or picked.

Easy Wide driveways and plenty of space to manoeuvre your trailer. Robotic parking trolleys available to assist you. Motorised doors on

Small businesses vital

24/7 access to your stored goods at StoreItSafe, Pakenham. every shed with a minimum clearance of three metres.

Access 24/7 access to your stored goods.

Convenient All of our units have drive-up access – just pull up and load up. If you need a trailer to help you move in, we have a shared 8 x 4 complimentary cage trailer available to book on request.

Budget Friendly We offer a lowest price guarantee for similar shed sizes in Pakenham and surrounding suburbs. We also offer massive ongoing discounts of 15 per cent and 20 per cent for longer term contracts of 6 or 12 months.

StoreItSafe is located at 30 Hill Street, (Off Bald Hill Road) Pakenham Phone: 1300 533 111 Email: scott@storeitsafe.com.au Web: storeitsafe.com.au

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Firstly I would like to wish everyone in the community a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy and lie at the heart of the Liberal philosophy. As John Howard said in 1999, “Small business has always been part of the Liberal ethos. It has always been part of the Australian ethos.”

I believe that those who take the risk to invest their time and money in a small business to bring prosperity to their family and their community deserve to be rewarded.

But in this state, small businesses continue to be swept aside and silenced by the government.

To this government, hard-working small business owners are not the lifeblood of this country. To this government, small businesses are merely an ATM to pay for infrastructure blowouts and sky-high public servant salaries.

Time and time again, I’ve called out the government’s obvious addiction to taxes.

Instead of hitting small businesses with skyrocketing WorkCover premiums, higher land taxes and increased payroll taxes, the government should be cutting red tape, reducing waste and getting taxpayers value for their money.

As small businesses remain silenced and swept aside by this Government, I will continue to be your voice in Parliament and will keep working with my Liberal colleagues to develop a policy platform that returns small business to the forefront of our state.

Because when small business thrives, Victoria thrives.

· Renee Heath MP · Member for Eastern Victorian Region · 51 James Street · Pakenham · Ph 5941 1112

Trifl-ing with Christmas: Try this recipe Nothing says Christmas dessert like a trifle.

What is special about it, you say? Well no trifle flavour has to be repeated each year.

Why not try versions such as a chocolate and Nutella trifle, tropical mango and passionfruit trifle, salted caramel and Biscoff trifle, and so many more. It really is up to your imagination.

The best thing about a trifle is most of the ingredients will be in your pantry and fridge, and you don’t have to spend time cooking the cake or making the custard ; store bought can so much quicker and easier.

When it comes to Christmas there is now one tradition that is kept when it comes to trifles - it is the gift I give to my brother-in-law each year.

Before each Christmas Day I collect the bowl I bought him and fill it high with deliciousness and return it to him full to the brim so he can enjoy it over the next few days.

Here is last year’s version which we all enjoyed.

LEMON BERRY TRIFLE Ingredients: 2 packets raspberry jelly 1 raspberry jam roll 300-350ml jar of lemon curd (or make your own: it’s easy) 300ml thickened cream Custard powder (or store bought custard) 500ml full cream milk Tin of peaches Punnet strawberries Punnet blueberries Punnet raspberries Handful of cherries Vanilla extract Few hours of time Preparation: Prepare the two packets of jelly as per instructions, but use a little less water so you get a thicker set. Place in a bowl in the fridge to cool and check regularly so it gets to a thick pour.

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Cut the jam roll into slices about 20-25mm thick and lay them at the bottom of the bowl or around the sides, your choice.

Pour the cooled jelly into the bowl and place it into the fridge to set (at least 1 hour).

After some time, make about 500mls of custard using the custard powder and milk, with a tablespoon of caster sugar, to a thick consistency so it sets. Place in the fridge to cool and check regularly so it gets to a thick pour.

Drain the tin of peaches and place in a mixing bowl. Keep some berries and cherries for decoration and cut up the rest to mix with peaches. Place the mix over the top of the set jelly. Pour the cooled custard on top of the fruit and place it into the fridge to set (at least 1 hour). When the custard is set spoon over the lemon curd.

Whip the cream with some vanilla extract and spread it across the top of the curd.

To finish top the trifle with the berries and place in fridge for 2-3 hours before serving.

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MERRY

Renee

51 James St, Pakenham 3810 5941 1112

ReneeHeathMP

MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA REGION

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Heath MP AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Renee.Heath@parliament.vic.gov.au ReneeHeath.com.au Authorised by Renee Heath MP, 51 James St, Pakenham

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Top choice of cuts For 30 years Country Style Meats has been providing the best quality produce from land to table.

With grassfed beef and lamb all locally sourced, mostly from Gippsland, ready made meals, a range of seafood, catering and an array of cooked and smoked meats done right there in store, the choices are endless.

Check out their Christmas range as well.

Country Stye Meats have many awards under their belt for their great products.

Call in and see John and the team for great service and advice Catering is also available.

Delivery also available.

Located at 89 Main Street, Garfield, phone 5629 2593.

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John and his team at Country Style Meats, Garfield.

Immerse yourself in the joy of giving and visit The Chocolate Shop Pakenham.

Say hello to the friendly staff at The Great Australian Bakehouse on Main Street and pick up a treat - savoury or sweet.

Baked bliss Look no further for the most delectable Christmas treats than The Great Australian Bakehouse.

The dedicated staff are all ready to serve you and help you with your choice of Christmas selection of goodies.

The Great Australian Bakehouse is situated at 137-145 Main Street, Pakenham.

Delicious treats on offer Celebrate the magic of Christmas at The Chocolate Shop Pakenham, nestled in the heart of Main Street and spreading joy for 17 festive years. Indulge your sweet tooth with our delectable holiday delights.

Explore our enchanting selection of Christmas-themed hampers, featuring an array of chocolates and festive treats, expertly curated to bring joy to your loved ones. Whether you prefer the convenience of premade hampers or desire a custom creation, our elves at The Chocolate Shop are here to make your Christmas wishes come true.

Enhance your gift-giving experience with our complimentary gift wrapping service, adding an extra layer of warmth to your thoughtful presents.

Discover speciality Christmas gifts and quality boxed chocolates that capture the essence of the season.

Owner Leonie Thorne invites you to immerse yourself in the festive spirit, where every purchase is an opportunity to spread love and happiness. For those with unique tastes and dietary preferences, fear not. Our shelves boast a delightful array of lactosefree, gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free options, ensuring everyone gets to savor the sweetness of the season.

Keep the tradition alive by visiting us in person or exploring our festive offerings on Facebook. The Chocolate Shop Pakenham is not just a store; it’s a destination where the magic of Christmas comes to life.

Immerse yourself in the joy of giving and visit The Chocolate Shop Pakenham at 112 Main Street, Pakenham. To order a festive hamper, visit our Facebook page or call 5941 7165. This Christmas, let sweetness and love fill the air.

Merry Christmas from all of us.

Gippsland’s Finest

COUNTRY STYLE MEATS

89 MAIN STREET, GARFIELD • 03 56 292 593 • Free Home delivery Closing at 4 pm Christmas Eve Sat. 24th. December

Open Mon-Fri 7am - 6.30pm • Sat 7am - 1pm

We now have our beautiful Christmas range in our store and would love you to take a peek.

Whether be it in-store or even on our, forever being added to, website www.thechocolateshoppakenham.com 12655594-SN50-23

Orders being taken now for all your Christmas Meats.

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BUTCHER & SMOKEHOUSE

112 Main Street, Pakenham 3810

Ph (03) 5941 7165 www.facebook.com/thechocolateshoppakenham

Happy Christmas from the Team at the Great Australian Bakehouse

e hav e r W you all tmas is Chr urites o fav

145 Main Street, Pakenham 12525303-NG49-21

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Dignity and compassion Lang Lang District Funeral Services - Our Story We are a dedicated team of compassionate death care professionals. Our team has over 45 years of combined experience in the funeral industry. We take care of your deceased loved one from pick up to preparation and to their final resting place. Our service is personalised to respect and take care at every step of the journey.

Celebrate the life of your loved one the way you want. Make it personal at home, a park, the beach or another special place - create a send off to remember.

Our mission Our mission is to provide your loved one with

Recharge during shopping

the respect, love and dignity they deserve following their passing, treating them as if they were our own family member - ensuring remaining family and friends are able to celebrate and remember their loved one free from stress and worry.

Our vision Our vision is to celebrate life as it was, remembering the good times and providing a tailored farewell for your loved ones.

The Lang Lang District Funeral Service team sincerely cares about what you’re going through - that’s why they’re there for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phone 0418 328 205 or visit lldfs.com.au

Experience the warm hospitality of Rachel and Kate at Brewsters, where they will welcome you with radiant smiles. Stop by to recharge during your Christmas shopping. Explore Brewster’s diverse and delightful food selection, catering to a variety of tastes.

Brewsters, 81-83 Main Street, Garfield.

Lang Lang and District Funeral Services.

Power up this summer

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

In the heart of Garfield

Breakfast & Lunch Gourmet Foods Private Catering Corporate Catering Come see Charlie, Brett and the team this Christmas at Battery Zone.

81-83 Main Street, Garfield 0407 151 202 12655917-AP50-23

BATTERY ZONE

• Locally owned. We are locally owned and operated • 24/7 Service • We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • Respect, Dignity and Compassion • We have many years of experience helping people deal with grief and loss

Wishing our customers a

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Merry Christmas

Shop 3/206 Princes H’way, Pakenham pakenham@batteryzone.com.au | Ph: 5940 1364

online and instore, including Caravan Dual Battery Systems.

Head to 206 Princes Hwy, Pakenham or contact 5940 1364 to see what’s on offer.

We offer dignified, quality funeral services undertaken with genuine compassion and sincerity

Batteries for Everything

Offering home delivery and click and collect!

For all of your battery-related problems this summer, head into Battery Zone Pakenham for helpful service and straight up solutions.

Sprucing an extensive product range both

Lang Lang District Funeral Service Contact us on 0449 220 652 michelle@lldfs.com www.lldfs.com.au

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year

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OPEN 7 DAYS

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Gifts for all

Check out the tastes of Garfield Fresh Harvest

The team at Priceline Pharmacy Pakenham are getting into the Chrissie spirit and we’ve sourced a great range of products to help you get through your Christmas list!

Come in-store and check out our range of gift sets from fantastic brands such as Natio, Georgiemane, Dr Lewinn’s, Lynx, Nude by Nature, plus there is “Scent-sational” fragrance gift sets and cosmetic bags to make your gifts extra special.

Whether you are needing gifts for the family, or even those tricky teacher gifts, there is something to suit every budget.

With over 20 years serving the Pakenham community, and now from our sparkly new store just across the carpark, we are committed to bringing you top beauty brands, vitamins, health needs, and even ear piercing for those

Look no further than Garfield Fresh Harvest for all your fresh fruit and vegetable needs. Experience the goodness of seasonal organic produce from their well-stocked selection. Conveniently, you can place an online order and have your Christmas fruits and vegetables delivered fresh to your door.

For more information, visit their website at https://www.garfieldfreshharvest.com.au/ for more information.

Present ideas

For all your great Christmas gift ideas visit Lazy Frog Gifts, Pakenham.

The team at Priceline Pharmacy Pakenham - Katelyn, Patsy and Charlotte can help you out with all your Christmas gifts. 376253

Here at Garfield Fresh Harvest we deliver Farm Fresh Fruit & Veg straight to your Door!

A very Merry Christmas from Lazy Frog Gifts

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

A place to celebrate for the whole family 1 Bentley Court Pakenham 5940 2344

A large range of gift ideas instore.

Great gifts for family and friends.

A stunning variety to choose from to suit all budgets.

Gift Vouchers also available for that hard to buy for person.

We also grow our own ORGANIC PRODUCE We have a wide variety of boxes for all types of people and we are currently running Specials!

Christma s Orders can be be delivere d on 23rd. De c.

Visit our website www.garfieldfreshharvest.com.au to view all our specials

Plus a great range of children’s wear and accessories.

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Christmas Day Service 9.30 am Monday, 25th December

We have you covered for all your Christmas needs.

YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT OUR LARGE RANGE.

Garfield Fresh Harvest 2895 Princes H’way Garfield Ph: 5629 2061 www.garfieldfreshharvest.com.au

pakenhambaptistchurch.org

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Pakenham’s Lazy Frog Gifts provides a unique and inspiring shopping experience for their customers. They invite you to explore their diverse Christmas collection, where friendly staff await to assist you in finding the perfect gifts for everyone. Their carefully curated items include beautiful candles and assorted gift packs, ensuring endless options for your Christmas shopping needs. The store also offers gift vouchers, adding a versatile touch to the season of giving. Additionally they have a great range of baby’s and children’s wear and accessories.

Find us at: lazyfroggifts.com.au Lazy Frog is located at 109 Main Street, Pakenham (next to the post office) and is open Monday to Friday 9am till 5pm and Saturdays 9am to 3pm. If you have any queries phone 5941 2225 we are here to help.

You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

six years and over.

Our friendly staff can recommend the perfect gift if you need assistance, and for that professional gift presentation (or to help you save time), we’re offering a complimentary gift wrapping on all prestige fragrances purchased until Christmas.

If you’d like to give a little Chrissie spirit instead, there’s Priceline gift cards available to any value.

We are open seven days a week, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am – 5pm, and with a two-hour “Click&Collect” service available, we’re here to help you with all your health and beauty needs.

If you Love Paying Less, come to customer service heaven at Priceline Pharmacy Pakenham.

AVAILABLE INSTORE OR ONLINE

www.lazyfroggifts.com.au | 109 Main Street Pakenham | 5941 2225

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WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY SAFE NEW YEAR. FROM THE TEAM AT ONE CENTRE SQUARE MEDICAL CENTRE reception@ocsmedicalhub.com.au www.onecentresquaremedicalhub.com.au

ONE CENTRE SQUARE MEDICAL HUB OFFICER MEDICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CENTRE

CLINIC HOURS: MON-FRI 8AM-6PM • SAT 9AM-12PM • SUN BY APPOINTMENT pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

038807

03 9087 6050 A/H 13 Sick (7425) 103/45 Siding Avenue, Officer, Vic 3809

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WE ARE NEW PRACTICE & ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Foster hope

Indulge in a great, festive feed at the Railway Hotel

Foster carers can make a lasting impact on a young life. Berry Street needs foster carers now more than ever.

Join our dedicated team committed to nurturing and empowering children and young people on their unique journeys.

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

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

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

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

“As 2024 approaches we are encouraging people to start their foster care journey – you never know where it will take you. The team and I will be there to support you every step of the way, as you learn and grow in your new caring role,” she said.

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

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

Francis and the team at the Railway Hotel wish you a very Merry Christmas.

The Railway Hotel is looking bright and merry coming into this festive period.

Decked out with a Christmas tree and nut crackers, and staff in red and white hats, go no further than the Main Street institution for a great feed any day of the week.

Using local and specific sourced suppliers, you’re guaranteed quality, fresh produce with every meal.

Staff are committed to providing topnotch service, ensuring every visit is enjoyable.

The Railway Hotel Pakenham is the ultimate destination for exceptional food, with a fantastic atmosphere and staff that

are not only welcoming but also incredibly friendly; your search for a delightful experience stops here.

There’s a wide range of drink and tap beer options, with some creative cocktails and local craft beer.

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

Railway Hotel 153 Main Street, Pakenham Email: admin@railwayhotelpakenham. com.au Phone: 5941 8893

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Become a foster carer with Berry Street and support a local child.

Become a Berry Street foster carer In our community, some children are not always able to live with their family.

Enquire today berrystreet.org.au/fostercare

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Ph. 1800 816 037

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Become a foster carer and support a local child at a crucial moment in their life.

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Eye care key Sing Christmas carols

Emerald Carols by the Lake Reformed Church of Casey, · Christian Warren South · Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Road, Narre Emerald · Sunday 17 December, 6pm-8.30pm Cranbourne Community Christmas Carols Friday 15 December, Community Picnic · Presbyterian Church, Cran5.30pm-7pm and Carols 7.30pm-9pm · Cranbourne bourne Garfield Christmas Festival · Sunday 17 December, 6pm-9pm · Main Street, Garfield Carols by the Creek · Friday, 15 December, 5pm - 9.30pm Burgess Reserve, Princes Highway · Bob Hampton Park Carols Beaconsfield · Cairns Road Reserve, Hampton Park · Sunday 17 December · Friday, 15 December, 7pm-10pm · Carols from 7.30pm Gethsemane Clyde Carols Candlelight Carols By Twilight - Narre Warren · Hillcrest Christian College, Clyde North · Max Pawsey Reserve, Narre Warren · Saturday 16 December, 5pm-9pm · Sunday 24 December Carols in the Carpark · Food and rides available from 5pm

The team at OPSM Pakenham - Jess, Kenneth and Karen.

Pakenham and Berwick optometrist OPSM is offering high-quality service and products to its customers ahead of Christmas.

Products and services on offer include comprehensive eye testing; contact lens fitting; tests for glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes; children’s eye exams and optical corrections; a wide range of glasses for every budget with premium quality frames and lenses and world renowned brands and services.

Local optometrist Theo Charalambous said he and his team aim to make their clients look amazing.

“We love to enhance how locals see the world,“ he said.

“We treat all of our clients like family and make sure we look out for any potentially threatening eye conditions and tailor solutions for visual needs.

“We take pride when we see our frames around town enhancing quality of life and also fashionable accessories.“ Mr Charalambous said the team supports the nearby area.

“As a franchise we are uniquely able to offer the world best practice, product and service with a local team who love what they do,“ he said.

“We live and breathe local, and ownership is local.

“We participate in free local school screenings and identify eye concerns before they become an issue for education,“ he said.

OPSM Berwick and Pakenham’s opening hours are 9am to 5.30pm Mondays to Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am to 7.30pm Thursdays and 9am to 3pm Saturdays.

OPSM.COM.AU

HEALTH FUND MEMBERS

50% OFF LENS EXTRAS* ENDS 31 DECEMBER

Celebrate the coming of Christmas at one of this year’s carols events.

WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE AND

Happy Festive Season

*When purchased as part of a complete pair (frames and lenses).

Offer is exclusive to health fund members. Further T&C’s apply, see staff for details. Offer ends 31/12/2023

STATE MEMBER FOR PAKENHAM Suite 3, 445 Princes Highway, Officer VIC 3809

OPSM Berwick Ph: 9707 5556 12655303-RR50-23

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emma.vulin@parliament.vic.gov.au 9651 8254

emmavulin.com.au

@emmavulinmp Authorised by E. Vulin, Suite 3, 445 Princes Highway, Officer VIC 3809.

Thursday, 14 December, 2023

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OPSM Pakenham Ph: 5940 5858

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Benefits of shopping local

Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre.

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The friendliness and familiarity of your local centre is a great place to start your Christmas shopping.

The food options are varied and delicious at Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre, with delivery and takeaway options still available, you can now get back to dine-in options too.

The wonderful team at Sugarcoat Nails and Beauty are well-equipped to help you feel fabulous for sandal season and to get your nails ready for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Pizza Fellas has a great range of pizzas that can be ordered online so they are ready for you when you pop in to pick up your dinner.

From their delicious salads to their tasty chicken, Uncle Sam’s Charcoal Chicken is a firm favourite in the neighbourhood for a quick and healthy meal.

Cardinia Lakes Fish and Chippery has delicious burgers, along with crispy chips and tasty fish for a favourite takeaway option.

Wok to Go rounds out the takeaway options with tasty Asian dishes galore to tempt your tastebuds.

At Direct Chemist Outlet, the staff are dedicated to their customers’ well-being and will help you make the right choices about maintaining good health.

Their gift range is outstanding as well, and you’ll be able to find the perfect gift, or maybe something extra special for yourself.

Great breakfast and lunch options are on the menu at Urban Hype Cafe. Come and meet the friendly staff and grab something for lunch or morning tea. Their coffee is just divine.

Stay up to date by following Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre on Facebook.

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Christmas cocktails

Showtime!

Experience a diverse array of performances year-round at the Garfield Picture Theatre, ranging from tribute shows and live original artists to dances and community events. This unique venue ensures there’s entertainment for everyone.

Give the gift of music this Christmas with Garfield Picture Theatre “Show Vouchers” - $68 each online or $66 each at the ticket box office. (*Terms and conditions apply. Vouchers valid for any 2024 show unless sold out prior).

Appearing at the Garfield Picture Theatre Saturday, 17 February - Life In The Fast Lane.

Life In The Fast Lane is the band that brings this amazing musical phenomena to life, live on stage and paying tribute to the music that shaped a generation. Covering a wide range of styles from rock to country, crooning ballads to folk, all performed with unrivalled musical ability and the smoothest voices around.

The Life in the Fast Lane Band features some of the country’s finest musicians: Simon Hageman - Vocals – Acoustic Guitar Paul Santospirito - Vocals – Lead Guitar Gary Tigani - Vocals – Keyboards Andrew Cromwell – Vocals – Lead Guitar

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· Steve Hobbs – Vocals – Bass Guitar · Karl Inderberg – Vocals - Drums You will be blown away by the slick guitar licks, amazing percussion and smooth vocals needed for that authentic West Coast sound The Eagles made famous.

You will be entertained from start to finish with hits like: One Of These Nights Peaceful Easy Feeling Take It To The Limit Tequila Sunrise Life In The Fast Lane Heartache Tonight Hotel California And many, many more.

So sit back, relax and take it easy for this twohour experience that will keep you wanting more long after the end of this stunning show.

For a memorable night out at this extraordinary locale, where guaranteed fun awaits all, contact Fred at 0408 584 633 or explore the schedule on garfieldpicturetheatre.com.au Discover the excitement unfolding at your beloved theatre, located at 47-51 Nar Nar Goon-Longwarry Road, Garfield.

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Midori splice cocktail

Melonade Mocktail

Midori splice cocktail Ingredients 30ml Midori 30ml Malibu 90ml chilled pineapple juice Ice cubes 2 tbsp thickened cream Streets Splice Pine Lime ice-cream Pineapple wedge and leaf, to serve Method Step 1 Combine the Midori, Malibu and pineapple juice in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until combined. Strain into a wide cocktail glass.

Step 2 Spoon over thickened cream (it will sink at first, but then rise to the surface). Top with a Streets Splice Pine Lime ice-cream, pineapple wedge and leaf.

Turn this into a mocktail: Replace the alcohol with coconut water Melonade Mocktail Ingredients 100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar

· 125ml (1/2 cup) water · 1.5kg watermelon, peeled, chopped (1/2 cup) strained fresh lemon · 125ml juice · 1/2 tsp vanilla extract · Ice cubes, to serve · Fresh mint leaves, to serve · Method

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Step 1 Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Increase heat to medium-low and simmer without stirring, for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a bowl and place in the fridge until chilled.

Step 2 Place the watermelon in a food processor and process until smooth. Strain through a sieve into a large jug to remove any seeds and fibrous pulp.

Step 3 Pour the lemon juice, vanilla and chilled sugar syrup into the jug and stir until combined. Serve over ice with mint.

Turn this into a cocktail: Add a splash of Vodka

Air-cooled Bigtop

COMING TO PAKENHAM FEB 2024

Give the Gift of Music this Christmas. Show Vouchers available Now.

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CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

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CHRISTMAS CHEER

Christmas trends for 2023 As we approach the holiday season in 2023, it’s exciting to take a look at the emerging Christmas trends that are likely to shape the way we celebrate and enjoy this festive time of the year. While Christmas traditions remain timeless, contemporary influences and evolving cultural shifts are continually influencing the way we approach the holiday. Here are some Christmas trends to watch for in 2023: Sustainable Celebrations: Environmental consciousness is a prevailing trend in many aspects of life, and Christmas is no exception.

In 2023, expect to see more sustainable Christmas decorations, eco-friendly gift wrapping, and a focus on reducing waste. Many people are choosing to invest in reusable or recyclable holiday decor and opting for thoughtful, meaningful gifts over excessive consumption.

Tech-Infused Decorations: With the growing popularity of smart home devices and tech integration, Christmas decorations are getting a high-tech makeover. You can control your Christmas lights, music, and even themed projections through smartphone apps and voice assistants, creating a more immersive and customizable experience.

Alternative Christmas Trees: While traditional evergreen trees will always have a special place in our hearts, many are opting for alternative Christmas tree designs in 2023.

These may include wall-mounted trees, potted plants, or even artistic, unconventional tree shapes that reflect personal style and creativity.

Virtual Celebrations: The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual gatherings, and this trend is likely to continue into 2023, especially for those with loved ones far away.

People will celebrate Christmas through video calls, sharing meals, opening presents, and even decorating the tree together, no matter

the physical distance.

Christmas Markets and Local Shopping: Support for local artisans and small businesses is on the rise. Christmas markets and local craft fairs are becoming more popular, providing unique, handmade gifts, and a festive atmosphere. This trend aligns with the desire for authenticity and reducing mass-produced, commercial products.

Experiential Gifts: Instead of traditional material gifts, many are shifting towards experiential presents, such as cooking classes, concert tickets, or weekend getaways. This trend emphasizes creating memorable moments

and shared experiences over material possessions.

Personalised and DIY Decor: Personalised ornaments, stockings, and other decorations are becoming a popular choice, allowing people to add a unique touch to their holiday ambiance. DIY crafts, from handmade wreaths to custom-made table centerpieces, are also in demand.

Inclusive Celebrations: As society becomes more diverse and inclusive, people are making a concerted effort to ensure that Christmas celebrations are welcoming to everyone. This means incorporating more diverse and repre-

sentative decorations, greetings, and activities that honor various cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Culinary Adventures: Food has always been a central element of Christmas celebrations, but in 2023, expect to see more culinary experimentation. People are exploring international flavors and incorporating new recipes into their festive meals. There’s also a growing interest in plant-based or vegetarian holiday feasts.

Retro Nostalgia: The past has a strong influence on Christmas trends, with people embracing the nostalgia of previous eras. This may mean a return to retro decorations, classic Christmas movies, and reviving cherished family traditions.

Outdoor Celebrations: Outdoor Christmas celebrations are on the rise, with more people investing in outdoor lighting, fire pits, and cozy seating areas to enjoy the festive season in the fresh air. It’s an excellent way to create a magical, winter wonderland atmosphere.

Mental Health Awareness: In recognition of the stresses that can accompany the holiday season, there’s a growing emphasis on mental health and self-care. Many are making a conscious effort to simplify their celebrations, manage expectations, and prioritize well-being during this busy time of the year.

In 2023, Christmas trends are evolving to reflect a changing world, where sustainability, technology, and personalisation play pivotal roles. While traditions and the spirit of togetherness remain at the heart of Christmas, these trends offer new ways to make the holiday season even more special and meaningful.

Regardless of the trends, what remains constant is the joy, love, and sense of community that Christmas brings to people all around the world.

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STAR NEWS 11W

The students and staff at St Clare’s Primary School

would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season filled with love, peace and happiness

St Clare ’s Catholic Primary School, Officer

’s has developed providing a quality schooling experience, developing

Our faith leads to wisdom and courage.

St Clare’s and is embedded in the ethos of the school,

parent, guardian or family, I invite you to visit us at St Clare’s and discover this dynamic learning environment and start the beginning of, what I hope will be, a life-long learning partnership.

Helen Staindl School Principal St Clare ’s Primary School Officer Officer 3809 Phone 03 5940 6777 Email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au 12647667-AI50-23

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PAKENHAM OFFICER

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Thursday, 14 December, 2023

/pakenhamstarnews

@StarNews_SE

40¢ Inc. GST

Ladies spreading cheer

Coroner’s call

Golf course now open

PAGE 3

PAGE 6

PAGE 8

SPORT

12496498-DL22-21

Road worries

Step ahead

By Corey Everitt

Cardinia Foundation executive officer Kara Norton-Jones and WAYSS manager, service for young people, Anne Casey. 378179 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

All will gather around the table at WAYSS as their Step Ahead Program will be having their Special Christmas Lunch in Pakenham, building holiday traditions and friendship for local young people.

WAYSS is a recipient of a $500 Christmas grant from the Cardinia Foundation, which will go to catering and sharing gifts to make Christmas lunch extra special this year.

The lunch is for their Step Ahead program which provides support for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness through such things as accommodation and education.

As WAYSS prepares to share a lovely meal together and exchanging gifts for Christmas fun, you can still support others this Christmas by donating to Cardinia Foundation’s Christmas appeal at cardinia-foundation.grassrootz.com/christmas-appeal2023-share-the-joy

Housing shortfall There is still a significant shortfall of social and affordable housing to meet community need, as affordable housing is not being delivered at a pace to meet population growth, according to the Cardinia Shire Council.

The council has released a progress report on its Social and Affordable Housing Strategy, showing promising results.

Council developed a Social and Affordable Housing Strategy in 2018 to help ensure all residents in the shire have access to safe, affordable and secure housing that meets their needs.

At its meeting on Monday 11 December, the report card revealed the number of social

and affordable dwellings delivered through the strategy was above the initial target, while signalling more work was required to meet community need.

The report card shows the council has: Negotiated with developers to provide 22 new dwellings to community housing providers.

Used surplus council-owned land to help deliver new homes for older women, children and women experiencing family violence, and 16 independent living units for people with mental health conditions.

Become a signatory to the Regional Lo-

· · ·

cal Government Homelessness and Social Housing Charter and contributed to joint advocacy efforts.

Speaking on the report, Councillor Collin Ross said, “this council has done more in this space than what most interface councils do”.

“This is a moving document, it’s relevant at the moment and great to see we got ahead of the game and we are doing something really meaningful in this area.”

The council said they are on track to complete the Action Plan by 2025, but there is still a significant shortfall of social and affordable housing to meet community need, as afford-

able housing is not being delivered at a pace to meet population growth.

The council said they welcomed the State Government’s commitment to build more social and affordable housing as detailed in its Housing Statement, and would continue to work with community housing providers, developers, philanthropists and other levels of government to increase the supply of social and affordable housing in the shire.

For more information about social and affordable housing, and to view the council’s strategy, visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing

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NEWS

Gifts for all this Christmas

By Corey Everitt Experience Life disability service is going the extra mile this Christmas providing gifts for locals with help from the Cardinia Foundation.

Experience Life is a not-for-profit organisation providing individual and at-home assistance for people with disabilities in the local area, supporting them to live life the way they want to and be included in the community.

This is always an important time to experience the joy for the organisation, this year they will be handing out extra special gift hampers for their local clients.

Assisted by a $500 Christmas grant from the Cardinia Foundation, the gifts will be personalised, fulfilling the Christmas wishes of locals.

“It’s something for them that is more personal, it says we aren’t just a regular service. We really know our clients on a personal level and we want to share Christmas with them,” Experience Life CEO, Kylie Fletcher said.

As a local disability service for the last 14 years, Experience Life does not wish to be routine. These special gifts are part of their ethic to really know those with disabilities and their families, and ensure they can live freely and respected in the community.

“It’s for them to live with independence, to give them choices for their life,” Ms Fletcher said.

“There was a real hole in the hills and the Cardinia area for this kind of service, it’s about getting involved in the community and the community backing them as well.”

Experience Life is still prepping their hampers, soon they will be handing them out and

Experience Life CEO, Kylie Fletcher. 378253 spreading the joy.

If you wish to help spread the joy further, you can join Cardinia Foundation’s Christmas

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS appeal which is raising funds for those in need over this Christmas.

You can donate directly or start your own

fundraiser in its name at cardinia-foundation.grassrootz.com/christmas-appeal2023-share-the-joy

Line one step closer to being level crossing free

A train passes through the now-operational rail bridge.

Picture: SUPPLIED

A milestone has been reached in the mammoth effort to make the Pakenham line level crossing free.

The new rail bridge over Webb Street in Narre Warren is now operational, with trains running through the platform since Monday 11 December.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said: “We’re thrilled to mark this huge milestone in Melbourne’s south-east, with the removal of the level crossing at Webb Street, easing congestion for local drivers.”

While the new Narre Warren station continues construction, trains will be running express through the station until late March 2024.

Shuttle buses will also help move passengers between Narre Warren, Hallam and Berwick Stations.

Narre Warren MP Belinda Wilson said: “With 19 near misses in 12 years, locals will be relieved to know the Webb Street level

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crossing is gone for good, with a brand new Narre Warren station following next year.”

The State Government has now removed 74 dangerous and congested level crossings, with Narre Warren’s Webb Street being the 14th to be removed on the Pakenham Line.

With all level crossings on the line set to be removed by 2025, its effects will transform the way people work, travel and live in the south-eastern suburbs, the government said.

Construction works are also continuing on level crossings in Pakenham, where a twokilometre rail bridge and two new stations are set to be built, opening to passengers in 2024.

Together with the opening of the Metro Tunnel in 2025, these projects will provide capacity for 121,000 passengers every week on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines during peak periods.

In addition, it will give access to five new underground stations in Melbourne’s CBD and surrounding areas.

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Concerns spark review

By Corey Everitt The major-works-swamped Brunt and Rix Roads in Officer will have an independent safety assessment, after Cr Tammy Radford raised concerns from her constituents about a recently installed median strip and whether it’s necessary along the busy stretch of road.

In the council meeting on Monday 11 December, Cr Radford moved the motion for the independent assessment to ‘commence immediately’, that would ‘understand how a safe and low-risk roadside environment can be provided for motorists’ along the corridor of Brunt Road and Rix Road connecting Princes Highway with Officer South Road.

Cr Radford explained the motion is in response to a number of concerns raised before her from those living in Blue Gum Lifestyle Village on the northern side of Brunt Road.

The concerns pertain particularly to the issue of exiting and entering facilities and residences along the road.

This has resulted from the several, ongoing works changing Brunt and Rix Roads, such as an ongoing level crossing removal project (LXRP) to the Princes Highway intersection upgrades.

For Blue Gum residents the concern has been a median strip installed outside of the estate.

“The residents until now have had right and left turns available leaving the park, this right turn has now been taken away,” Cr Radford explained.

“This right turn is important and gives residents access to amenities such as their closest supermarket located on Rix Road.”

Cr Radford explained how these changes to Brunt Road are prescribed in the Officer Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), but questioned whether this particular change should be reassessed, particularly as new factors have arisen since the PSP was made.

Entrance of Blue Gum Lifestyle Village on Brunt Road with median strip.

“I am questioning the need for the prescribed median strip for a few reasons,” Cr Radford said.

“It clearly states, as I read out, it improves safety at the rail line for all road users and provides uninterrupted vehicle movement across the rail line, given how dangerous this rail line was, I completely understand.

“However, since the Officer PSP was done, the rail line identified as dangerous is now going to be an LXRP bridge, so the rail line has

been removed.”

Cr Radford explained that this issue is not just isolated to Blue Gum, the very same problem of a median strip could affect another retirement village and Maranatha Christian School, both on Rix Road.

She also noted the situation could have been handled better if residents were consulted on the matter, such as those in Blue Gum. It could have resulted in a ‘better outcome’ prior to construction, she said.

Picture: COREY EVERITT Cr Radford suggested a right slip lane could have been installed in the median strip. The purpose of the proposed assessment is to resolve the situation with such a solution or its equivalent for Blue Gum residents and have the similar matters on Rix Road handled for the future.

The motion was seconded by Cr Jeff Springfield and was received positively by councillors in discussion.

The motion was carried unanimously.

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STAR NEWS 3

THE LOWDOWN Q&A

with Sunbeam Foundation founder Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Stephens

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I simply love parties but not being present at them. I love to cook and feed their faces and see everyone having a good time.

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

A dog because dogs encompass some of my personality traits like being loving, caring, very protective of my loved ones and most importantly man’s best friend.

What were you like as a kid?

I was a very active kid, a real tomboy - good at sports and flying kites - not forgetting playing marbles and beating my friends at a game of ’Gilli and Dandu’. I was the only girl amongst the boys - one of them ended up being my husband of 56 years. I was also always busy with my music and acting in plays which continued even after my school days.

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

I would have loved to be one of the people in the crowd, singing Hosanna, when Jesus rode on his donkey into Jerusalem.

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

I wouldn’t enjoy inviting six dead guests to my table, but I’d love to invite any six homeless people, from the streets of Melbourne, to give them a warm, home-cooked meal made with love.

Tell us about your acts of charity.

My joy in Madras in India was on 24 December each year when I gave out hundreds of hampers so families would not have to starve on Christmas Day. Here in Australia, I continue to give a Christmas dinner each year to the less fortunate through the Sunbeam Foundation which I started in 2016. I am blessed to have a huge team of loving and willing volunteers who help me accomplish this. I also get great joy in being of service to others which keeps me joyfully busy.

THREE … ways to stay on the nice list

1

2

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Stephens, in red clothing with the Santa hat, sitting in the middle among family and family friends, all members of the Sunbeam Foundation.

Picture: ETHAN BENEDICTO What do you love the most about your volunteer roles?

I always get more than I give.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Kind, loving and boss-lady.

What would you do on your perfect day off?

Visit the sick and lonely.

Where is your happy place?

Church.

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

My famous beef Masala chops.

What is your dream holiday destination?

Heaven!

3

Be kind Santa loves children who are kind to others. Whether it’s helping a friend, sharing with siblings, or showing kindness to animals, being thoughtful and caring will surely keep you on the nice list.

Listen to your parents and teachers Santa knows that parents and teachers are there to guide and help you. By listening to them, doing your chores, and working hard in school, you’re showing responsibility and respect, which Santa greatly appreciates.

Spread joy Whether it’s through laughter, a warm smile, or acts of generosity, spreading joy is a sure way to stay on Santa’s nice list. Help create a happy and positive atmosphere at home and in your community.

Give yourself the gift of a new style of life All I want for Xmas: * Less maintenance * More holidays * Less stress * More exercise * Meet new people

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Reply to: RCA Villages Unit 1/39-43 Duerdin St Notting Hill VIC 3168.

DECEMBER 2023

36–40 Racecourse Road, Pakenham rcavillages.com.au

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Availability and pricing correct at publication date 12.2023

Book a tour with our sales specialist Andrea on 0458 603 047 to discuss your retirement living in these friendly and welcoming communities.

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We’re building big road projects near you and there will be disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re easing congestion by building better roads in Melbourne’s south east. While we work this summer, road disruptions may affect your travel.

What we’ve done Built new lanes and upgraded intersections on Narre Warren North Road Built a second connection to South Gippsland Highway as part of the Pound Road West Upgrade Built new lanes, new traffic signals and a new bridge over Peninsula Link to improve traffic flow and travel times on Lathams Road

Works in progress Over summer, we’re finishing new lanes on Hall Road. We’re also opening the upgraded Hall Road and Western Port Highway intersection in Skye.

In Cranbourne, we’re working to build new lanes and upgrade key intersections along Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road. Works are continuing at the intersection of Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Sladen and Cameron streets and South Gippsland Highway.

In Pakenham, we’re opening the new Princes Freeway inbound exit ramp at McGregor Road.

We’re starting the first stage of works to build the new Princes Freeway interchanges on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road. We’re also upgrading McGregor Road.

There are ongoing works in Beaconsfield as part of the Station Street Level Crossing Removal Project.

While we work, disruptions could affect your travel Hall Road and Western Port Highway, Skye

Until 20 Dec

Closed at the intersection

Kenilworth Avenue, Beaconsfield

Until early Feb

Westbound detour between Station Street and Soldiers Road

Cameron Street, Cranbourne

Until Closed south of Berwickearly 2024 Cranbourne Road

South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne

Until mid 2024

Closed lane near Cameron Street, in each direction

Princes Freeway, Pakenham

15 to 18 Dec

Closed citybound between Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road and McGregor Road

Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham

3 Jan to 25 Jan

Road closed between Southeast Boulevard and northern Princes Freeway roundabout

Princes Freeway, Pakenham

3 Jan to 25 Jan

Closed inbound entry and exit ramps at Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road

Hall, Evans and Cranbourne-Frankston roads, Cranbourne West

12 Jan to late Jan

Closed at the intersection

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Thursday, 14 December, 2023

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STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

‘Claus’ for celebration

By Emma Xerri With Christmas fast approaching, the dedicated Berwick branch of the Country Women’s Association are hard at work, raising funds and spreading cheer.

Working with an array of local organisations and public figures, branch president Kate Azzopardi is hoping their work can ease the burdens of the holiday season for Casey families most in need.

“I’ve had a couple guest speakers visit us throughout the year and Brad Battin was one of them. He knows a lot about what’s going on with families, and how they are struggling. So my brief for him was tell us what you know and give us a plan we might be able to turn our focus to to help,” Ms Azzopardi said.

“He said that during Covid he received a pay rise, but felt that given how many people were losing their jobs and couldn’t go to work, he didn’t deserve the rise. With the increase, he made Christmas hamper packs that included little things most families wouldn’t be able to put into the shopping trolley on a good week let alone coming up to Christmas.

“After he left, the ladies and I thought that would be an amazing thing for us to do. Even if we only fundraised enough for 10 hampers, that would be 10 families who would have an amazing Christmas day on behalf of us.”

After the branch’s closure in 2015, its revival this year can be attributed to Ms Azzopardi and the 30 passionate local women who volunteer alongside her, allowing for the group’s fundraising aspirations to be made a reality.

“Since 2018 I’ve been on my own little quest to reopen the branch, but needless to say Covid got in the way of all that. But I’ve finally been successful in doing so this year,” Ms Azzopardi added.

“I came up with the idea of having a wine and cheese event in October, with all the wines and cheese donated to allow us to fundraise $2500. My anticipated budget is about $100 per hamper, so that was already 25 hampers for 25 families.

“We then held a stall at a community market day, selling devonshire tea with scones, slices and biscuits, and we ended up raising another $600.

“Then I recently did a walk of the streets, seeking financial support from Coles, Woolies and Aldi, who have all contributed.

“So we’re now up to $3400, which I expect will allow us to provide 34 hampers.

“I’m very fortunate to have found such an amazing group and I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in seven months. It’s been a phenomenal ride, and incredibly humbling to see how many people out in the community are doing their own great work.”

But Ms Azzopardi is well aware that the contributions of others outside the branch have provided much appreciated support, as well as help in educating the women of the CWA on just how important initiatives like this are in Casey.

“I have since met Helen Scott, who works with the Casey North Community Information and Support Service. They provide a lot

Berwick CWA.

Berwick CWA. of mental and emotional support for their clients, but also help with job seeking, budgeting, housing and emergency accommodation, and debt,” she said.

“She came to the wine and cheese night and shed light on how bad things really are in Casey, saying that Casey is amongst the worst areas in Melbourne for overcrowding in homes and homelessness.

OPINION

LENSCAPE

The wine and cheese night was one of the Berwick CWA’s fundraisers.

“She is reaching out to 30 families for us to start with, to make sure they are happy to receive a hamper from us.

“I’ve also been in touch with Bobo who runs an organisation in Pakenham called Have a Little Hope. She does amazing work out there as well, and has offered me toys that we can provide for all the families receiving the hampers.

“My ladies and I are just so excited to see how many families we can spread a bit of Christmas love to, and how many children are going to have extra presents under their tree this year.

“As I said, even if it was only 10 families that we were able to help, that would be 10 less families that would be eating a substandard Christmas day meal.”

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs down

Thumbs down

To people driving like crazy.

To the idiot who thinks he can use the supermarket car park like Sandown race track, a red P plater to boot.

Thumbs down To potholes again.

Thumbs down Thumbs down To the constant grey sky.

To ugly parent behaviour at kids’ sport.

Thumbs up

Thumbs up

To all the amazing people and families delighting our beautiful community with their Christmas lights.

To the amazing staff at Casey Hospital’s special care nursery who have looked after both my children as infants.

Thumbs down A Christmas lunch for the 30-year anniversary of The Combined Probus Club of Berwick, Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Holm Park, Beaconsfield. 377955 6 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 14 December, 2023

To finding a copperhead snake in my backyard, but good news - Cardinia Snake Catcher caught him.

Thumbs down To all the rubbish along the freeway. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

IN BRIEF

Training change call

By Cam Lucadou-Wells A state coroner has recommended less fullcontact training at AFL and AFLW clubs as part of an inquiry into former Richmond footballer Shane Tuck’s death.

Tuck, 38, was found to have severe stagethree chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after taking his life at his parents’ Berwick home on 20 July 2020.

The affliction can’t be definitely diagnosed until after death but Tuck suffered symptoms consistent with CTE such as memory impairment, depression, anxiety and/or paranoia, Coroner John Cain found in his report on 11 December.

Despite psychiatric medication and treatment, Tuck had been tormented by voice hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.

Cain linked CTE to repetitive brain injuries such as concussions and even sub-concussive hits.

Tuck, who played 173 games for Richmond and later competed in several boxing bouts, suffered numerous AFL head knocks.

In his first professional boxing match, he suffered a “severe knock-out”. He was later treated in a hospital emergency department.

Cain produced 21 recommendations for the AFL, AFL Players Association and boxing authorities, including for the AFL to consider limiting contact training sessions by the AFL/W 2025 pre-season.

“Consideration should be given to implementing a balanced approach to reducing the risks and frequency of head contact in training, whilst allowing players to further develop their skills in a unique and fast-paced game.”

Cain called for the AFL to employ independent doctors to potentially over-rule club

8 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 14 December, 2023

A Cranbourne man will face court accused of sexually assaulting 33 women at a Melbourne nightclub.

Victoria Police on Tuesday announced they had charged the 33-year-old man with a further 65 counts of sexual assault, after he was earlier charged with six of the same offences on 27 October.

The man allegedly sexually assaulted 33 women at a nightclub on Chapel Street at Prahran over three nights: 23 September, 14 October and 21 October this year.

He was originally bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 11 January but has since been summonsed to appear over the fresh charges on 22 December.

- Cassandra Morgan, AAP

Woman detained

Shane Tuck during training with Richmond Football Club at Beaconsfield in 2013. 93128 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS doctors on entering players under concussion protocols.

This would potentially reduce a repeat of a controversial incident this year in which two Port Adelaide players collided during a match and one of them returned to play without a concussion test.

Another recommendation was for the AFL to give powers to independent concussion spotters to pull players from the field.

US-based medical expert Dr Robert Cantu, who had advised the NFL, regarded the AFL’s current protective approach to concussion as “state of the art”.

The AFL had made more than 30 changes to regulations and tribunal guidelines since 2005 to reduce head traumas – such as banning boxing training and rules to protect the head.

However, much of it was implemented after Tuck’s retirement in 2013.

Coroner Cain praised the AFL for its support of continued research into CTE and minimising its impacts on players.

“There is strong consensus that more research is required.”

Other recommendations included neurological baseline testing of players, encouraging players to donate their brains after death for research, greater funding for brain banks and wider education on the impacts of repetitive head trauma.

The coroner also called on the boxing industry to look at restricting sparring outside of bouts, and to research rule changes to reduce head trauma particularly for boxers under 14.

He recommended greater national regulation of professional boxing, more education for boxers and more research on the neurological impacts on boxers.

Casey youth showcase their creations This year’s Casey Creations has once again showcased the diverse talent of Casey’s young people with an array of colourful and imaginative art pieces.

For over 20 years, Casey has been encouraging students in Years 5 to 12 to explore their artistic talent through this annual creative arts competition.

The program invites entries from young people who live, study or work in Casey to submit art pieces across the three categories of visual arts, photography, and young people with disability visual arts and photography.

This year 200 entries were received, with a community judging panel made up of local photographers and artists tasked with the difficult decision of selecting four award winners in each category.

Vinuthi and Chanithu Wijesekara A both received awards as part of this year’s competition for their work titled ‘The Path of Life’ in the junior photography category, and ‘Hope of Life’ in the intermediate photography category, respectively.

Having taken part in the competition previously, both Vinuthi and Chanithu described Casey Creations as one of their favourite programs that happens every year.

“We are always collecting our best masterpieces to enter in this competition,” Vinuthi said.

Their father Chamal Wijesekara A said the program had been a fantastic opportunity for his kids to get involved with local youth activities.

“Active participation and having recognition from local community can provide a healthy boost to their self-confidence, selfesteem, and overall satisfaction. I think this program is one of many amazing starting points for young kids,” Chamal said.

Each winner along with their family, friends and teachers were invited to an awards ceremony at Bunjil Place on Thursday 24 November where their artwork was exhibited, and their achievements were celebrated.

Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said Casey was extremely proud to keep this program running for over 20 years and

Man accused of sexually assaulting 33 women at club

· Merit award - ‘Future’ by Stasi Kabanova award - ‘The Essence of · Encouragement Emerald Dew’ by Zanita Sameen Intermediate Visual Arts First place - ‘On the Bus’ by Angela Shao Merit award - ‘Indian Scout Motorcycle’ by Emily Kozaric Merit award - ‘Space Cats’ by Sophia Podsytnik Encouragement Award - ‘Collage of Memories’ by Tea Davies Intermediate Photography First place - ‘What’s Broken Can Still Be Beautiful’ by Layla Evans Merit award - ‘Hope of Life’ by Chanithu Wijesekara A Merit award - ‘The Train Whisperer’ by Nicholas Cowdery Encouragement Award - ‘A Creative Spark’

by Kaden Lam Intermediate Young People with Disability Photography Merit award - ‘Beautiful Imperfections’ by Emily Baratta Senior Visual Arts First place - ‘Reflections: Interlude’ by Dilmi Ratnayake Merit award - ‘Cottonmouth’ by Pavlina Bohacova Merit award - ‘Road to Freedom (Icarus)’

by Rachel Moore-Coulson Encouragement Award - ‘Fenrir Devours the Sun’ by Tamryn Rebholz Senior Young People With Disability Visual Arts Merit award - ‘Shadow Over the Fishing Hamlet’ by Liam Richards Senior Photography First place - ‘Broken’ by Eliza Paynter Merit award - ‘City Beyond the Haze’ by Anhad Arora Merit award - ‘Still’ by Habiba Hydari Encouragement Award - ‘Sunset Pier’ by Olivia Vizard Senior Young People With Disability Photography Merit award - ‘Hearing in Society’ by Lily McQuillan

· · · ·

Chanithu Wijesekara A and family with ‘Hope of Life’ – Merit Award – Intermediate photography.

Picture: SUPPLIED showcase the outstanding artistic talent of Casey’s young artists.

“Here at Casey, we are pleased to offer a variety of programs for our young people that allows them to discover a new skill or explore their talents in the creative fields,” she said.

“We congratulate our winners of the 2023 competition on their incredible accomplishments and hope this encourages other young people in Casey to submit an entry next year!”

Casey Creations is amongst other programs offered by council that encourages youth participation in creative arts including the Fresh Words Young Writers Competition 2023 and Schools on Stage 2023 musical.

To learn more about Youth Events happening in Casey, please visit casey.vic.gov. au/youth-events Casey Creations 2023 Award winners Junior Visual Arts First place - ‘Polluted Blue’ by Katherine Xinyue Yang Merit award - ‘Bird Life’ by Jiaxin Hu Merit award - ‘Elements of Vacation by Emily Wang Encouragement Award - ‘Dog Portrait’ by Catherine Cui Junior Photography First place - ‘The Path of Life’ by Vinuthi Wijesekara A Merit award - ‘Eye Love You’ by Chloe Touzel

· · · · · ·

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

A 21-year-old Narre Warren woman, who was wanted on outstanding warrants, was arrested by police on Friday 8 December.

The woman was located hiding in a roof cavity of a home in Narre Warren before she was removed and detained.

She had seven outstanding warrants, including alleged aggravated burglary, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and evading police offences.

Investigation and response inspector Natalie Dollard said that “arrests like this prove that police will search high and low for recidivist offenders who continually break the law”.

She was a target of the Operation Trinity initiative, a Melbourne-wide campaign targeting aggravated home burglaries and associated car thefts.

After the arrest, the 21-year-old was charged with an additional 12 offences, including: theft of a motor vehicle, fraudulently using registration labels/plates, attempted burglary, theft, handling stolen goods, possessing methyl-amphetamine and failing to answer bail (twice).

Alleged drug-driver arrested An alleged drink and drug driver in a stolen car in Lynbrook was arrested after being followed by the police Air Wing from Frankston.

The vehicle was initially spotted by an off-duty police officer in Armata Crescent in Frankston on Thursday 7 December about 8.50pm.

The police Air Wing followed the car along Dandenong-Frankston Road into Dandenong.

Highway Patrol officers successfully deployed stop sticks on South Gippsland Highway near Greens Road in Dandenong South.

The driver of the disabled car pulled into a nearby service station car park on Dandenong-Hastings Road in Lynbrook.

A 21-year-old Frankston woman was arrested at the scene as police moved in.

She was charged with four counts of committing an indictable offence on bail, possessing 1,4-butanediol and methylamphetamine, handling stolen goods, unlicensed driving and drug driving. She was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 19 January.

A 24-year-old female passenger was released without charge.

Appeal after assault Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault that occurred in Cranbourne on Sunday 3 December at approximately 8.15pm.

Investigators believed that the victim was in the south-western car park at Casey Fields, Cranbourne East in the vicinity of the soccer pitches when he was approached and assaulted by a group of approximately 10 youths.

The victim sustained minor injuries and was conveyed to hospital.

At the time of the incident, it has been reported that a group of bystanders were present and assisted the victim in being further assaulted.

Police are keen to speak to any of these bystanders, or anyone else one who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident.

Fatal crash A motorcyclist died at the scene of a collision in Narre Warren on Thursday 7 December.

Emergency services were called to Fleetwood Drive where a car and a motorcycle collided at about 10am.

Detectives from the major collision investigation unit (MCIU) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

The male rider of the motorcycle was yet to be identified, and the male driver of the car was assisting police with their enquiries, police said on 7 December. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

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STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Deep dive into reports TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH Most business owners today make use of accounting packages such as Xero, MYOB and Quickbooks to keep a record of their company’s income and expenses so that profitability can be determined and hence tax obligations calculated.

All of these tools come with reports that enable you to look at sales, expenses, profitability and equity over given periods of time, but I wonder how many businesses actively use these? Each of these packages provide Profit & Loss Reports as well as Balance Sheets that provide valuable financial insights at a particular point and time and are hence a snapshot of the company’s financial performance.

However, there is more that can be obtained alluded to by the quote from James Clear (author of “Atomic Habits”) that it is better to: “Focus on your current trajectory, not your current results.”

Here the standard accounting packages don’t tend to fare so well. Knowing your “trajectory” implies having a budget which defines the results you want to achieve (usually for that financial year and ideally by month) and knowing how you are tracking relative to these. It’s not that the above packages don’t provide the ability to set budgets, they all do, but for whatever reason, few businesses appear to actively use this facility. One possible explanation is that a trajectory is an essentially visual concept which relies upon knowing recent data and the underlying trend and the latter is not easy to obtain from these packages.

So, let’s dive a little deeper into what these accounting packages can provide.

A Profit & Loss (P&L) Report details revenue, the cost of sales, gross profit, overhead

Make the best use of your accounting software.

Picture: CAMPAIGN CREATORS ON UNSPLASH

expenses and net operating profit.

It is used to ensure that the income to a business is able to cover all its costs and hence determine how much money the company actually made.

This information is typically available by

month, for the year to date and for any given recent period, e.g. the last financial year and is an essential element in calculating the company’s tax position. It is also necessarily used when calculating the value of a business for sale purposes. Prospective purchasers will be interested in the company’s ability to gener-

ate ongoing profits and will use an aggregated value of previous years’ net profits multiplied by a fixed value to derive a purchase price.

With the complete P&L information from a previous timeframe (ideally the previous financial year), it is possible to create a budget for the new financial year against which financial performance can easily be tracked. Using a tool such as Microsoft’s Excel, a visual “trajectory” can be created of the actual vs budget progress.

Use of a Balance Sheet tends to be even rarer than a P&L Report which is a pity since a Balance Sheet contains equally valuable information but from a different perspective.

A balance sheet is a financial statement that captures the company’s overall health at a particular point in time. It simply lists a company’s Assets (cash, equipment, what is owed to the business etc), Liabilities (debts, loans, outstanding tax obligations - everything that the business owes to others) and what would be left over if you sold all the assets and paid all the liabilities. The latter figure is known as Net Equity or Shareholder’s Equity if there are multiple business owners and should be greater than zero!

Balance sheet are listed in order of what’s known as “liquidity” (i.e. the ability to turn the assets into cash) so that cash and inventory are always at the top (these are known as “Current Assets”) and plant, property and equipment (“Non-current Assets” or “Fixed Assets”) listed lower down. If the business continues to make a profit, then the money left over is known as ‘Retained Earnings’ and increases the Net Equity. If this figure is tracked month-by-month, it is possible to calculate and plot the underlying trend of the business’ equity position and hence forecast it into the future.

Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs. com.au What business topics would you like to learn more about? Email your suggestions and feedback to ianash@ombs.com.au

BUSINESS PROFILE

A new life chapter filled with adventure In the heart of Riverfield, there’s a whisper. A murmur of new beginnings, exciting shenanigans, and a grounded feeling that dynamic duo Barbie and Richard always yearned for in their later years. After travelling extensively, their journey led them to ports around the world, from South Africa to Western Australia via New Zealand. But now, they’ve found their forever home as Riverfield’s newest lifestyle community homeowners, and they’re beyond content.

With their mixed heritage, Barbie from South Africa and Richard from Germany originally, they embarked on adventure after adventure, country to country and home to home, before eventually settling in Perth. They had full intentions of making it their last stop, bringing up their children there, and nestling into a lovely home they thought would be their last. However, both children moved to the eastern states for their careers, and then the world’s landscape changed. Barbie and Richard found themselves in the wrath of the pandemic, quite isolated from the rest of Australia and lonely.

They started to reconsider their retirement plans.

“We thought we’d found a property suitable for retirement, but COVID made it difficult to communicate and see our kids. It was time for a change,“ Richard reflects.

With their son in Melbourne and daughter in Sydney, they decided to make the move across the country to be closer to family support. They found the simplicity of apartment living great at first, with no gardens to maintain or home maintenance, but something was missing. A feeling of community.

“We wanted something more than just somewhere to live. Riverfield offered a community where we could be part of shaping its 10 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 14 December, 2023

Riverfield’s newest lifestyle community homeowners Barbie and Richard. growth,“ Richard shares.

Able to visualise and willing to compromise if needed, their exploration of lifestyle living led them to Shelley at Lifestyle Communities. Full of ideas and thoughtfully considering Richard and Barbie’s scenario, she suggested Riverfield.

“We loved the idea of buying off-the-plan, having the option to adapt the home to our needs, and the fact that everything was brand new,” Richard explained.

And so they bought into the vision of Riverfield, selecting a 2-bedroom home, the Lyell, which ticked all their boxes.

Stylish and brand new, the Lyell bursts with open spaces and easy living, with an entrance that opens to a welcoming view of the entire house. Barbie loves that she can potter away in the front guest room and watch the world go by on the street. With the master bedroom nestled privately in the back of the home, this front room offers versatility and accommodation for visitors, though Barbie will need to pack away her craft projects first. There’s a small, easy-care yard to maintain, which suits

them just fine, and the alfresco is the perfect spot for their morning cuppa. It also connects seamlessly to the chef’s kitchen and has easy access to the garage and side yard.

Downsizing from a standalone 4-bedroom brick house with a sprawling garden can be challenging for some, but not so much for this thrifty couple, who conveniently used each house move to cull or gift their belongings over the years.

Barbie elaborates, “We didn’t need to compromise; we have always been open-minded.

Adapting to change, getting to know the Melbourne area, making new friends, and being resilient to planned construction were all part of the process.“ Richard and Barbie ooze with a laid-back charm, appreciate professionalism, and are consistently forward-thinking.

“Lifestyle Riverfield stood out for us, offering innovative things like the microgrid, electric vehicle charging stations, and a vision that extended beyond mere residences,” Richard shares. “We’re also just a half-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD, which is great!”.

A new life chapter filled with tailor-made adventure.

Between the trips to IKEA for interior design inspiration and new furniture, Barbie and Richard are brimming with ideas to fill the social calendar with their new like-minded neighbours. They eagerly await amenities like the luxury pool, sauna, gym, and Maker Space dedicated to woodwork and craft projects. With mental health top of mind, social interactions are important to Barbie and Richard.

“We are not here to be entertained; we’ll do the entertaining,“ Richard exclaims with a grin.

Settling in for a friendly chat on the front porch with another neighbour, Richard acknowledges that, for them, it’s not just a new house but a forever home within a supportive community of friends on the same wavelength. Riverfield is a place to relax, enjoy life, mingle, and build long-lasting connections.

As the pioneers of the Lifestyle Riverfield community, their next chapter is where each day brings unforgettable moments, belly laughs, shared experiences, and a life welllived. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Bollywood dancer at the Narre Warren Bowls Club. 378193

Ukulele group, Unity Ukes. 378193

Mark Lucas from the Hampton Park Peace Choir sang a song that he penned called Ripples. 378193

Music brings harmony

By Violet Li Multicultural feast A Day Of Harmony On The Green presented a brilliant lineup of musical performances at Narre Warren Bowls Club on Sunday 10 December.

Conducted by arts organisation Play it Forward and Casey Multifaith Network, the event centred on music as means to represent multiculturalism and connect people, featuring Glenbrae Celtic dance, Ukulele group, Peace Choir, Bollywood dance, and a brass band.

Local artists gathered to showcase their works, including Chinese calligraphy and henna painting.

A free sausage sizzle was also offered.

Assistant coordinator Lyn Mcbain said everything went well and it was a great day.

She estimated over 100 people attended the shows.

Star News photographer GARY SISSONS captured the best of the action on the day.

Hampton Park Peace Choir. 378193

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

Glenbrae Celtic Dancers. 378193

Jobseekers system ‘failed’

By Cam Lucadou-Wells Bruce MP Julian Hill has slammed Australia’s privatised unemployment system that makes people “do silly things that don’t help them to get a job” in a Parliamentary report recommending radical reforms.

Mr Hill, who chaired the inquiry into WorkForce Australia, reported that mutual obligations and its penalties on jobseekers was like “using a nuclear bomb to kill a mosquito”.

“It is ridiculous that over 70 per cent of people with providers have been subject to payment suspensions despite zero evidence that 70 per cent of people are cheating the system.”

Meanwhile the recent Robodebt Royal Commission had found that welfare fraud was “minuscule”, Mr Hill noted.

“People are made to do silly things that don’t help them get a job—such as pointless training courses or applying for jobs they won’t get—and are then harshly and repeatedly sanctioned for trivial or inadvertent breaches of prescriptive rules.”

Providers were “repeatedly trying to place jobseekers into unsuitable vacancies to chase outcomes payments”.

And employers “fled the system, dodging floods of inappropriate job applications”.

“It should not be controversial to conclude that that full marketisation has failed,” Mr Hill stated in the Rebuilding Employment Services report.

“The level and nature of competition is excessive and counterproductive, resulting in high levels of service saturation, fragmentation, and duplication yet without specialisation or localisation.”

Despite a “red-hot” labour market, more than 150,000 people have been in the system for more than five years.

“Too many people have not been skilled and prepared for this moment and the available jobs.”

In a submission to the inquiry, South East Community Links described a stark

Julian Hill chaired an inquiry that was highly critical of the treatment of job-seekers. example of the current system’s failings.

A 61-year-old Afghan man missed an appointment with Workforce Australia due to his wife having a heart attack. Despite sending a text to his case worker, his payments were stopped.

Despite working as a mechanic for 30 years, he was sent to do a mechanical apprenticeship.

Another client told SECL that Workforce Australia treated him like a “lazy idiot”.

In contrast, SECL’s own Community Employment Connectors program helped more than 50 per cent of its mainly CALDbackground clients get jobs.

It was voluntary, without penalties and not linked to Centrelink payments being continued or not.

Advocacy group Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) submitted that many employers lost faith in the system.

“They don’t use government agencies to fill jobs gaps anymore because they get sent people for interviews who are there to tick their ‘mutual obligation’ scorecard, which wastes employers’ time and energy.”

The Rebuilding Employment Services report recommends the government playing a more active role in a rebuilt employment services system with “new, modern objectives”.

This includes establishing a government digital-hybrid provider that “aims to put the human back in human service” and to understand clients’ goals and circumstances.

Share the Joy THIS CHRISTMAS

The Cardinia Foundation Christmas Appeal All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

By choosing to donate to the Cardinia Foundation, you're supporting a network of charities and community organisations that work tirelessly to improve the lives of others. Your donation will have a ripple effect, reaching those who need it most, not just during the holidays, but also into the future.

Scan the QR code to donate, or start your own fundraiser on behalf of the Cardinia Foundation.

Follow us on socials to watch how your donation impacts our community. cardiniafoundation.org car

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Thursday, 14 December, 2023

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STAR NEWS 11

WHAT’S ON Caldermeade Farm Christmas Market

Carols By The Creek

Come on down to our Christmas market at Caldermeade Farm & Cafe where their market has a growing selection of stalls (40 plus). This month will have a special visit from Santa, live music, kids entertainment, coffee, a sausage sizzle as well as a cafe to order a yummy meal from plus a full retail area to grab some homemade chutney/relishes/jams/salts, desserts & pies just to name a few!

On Saturday 16 December from 9am to 2pm at Caldermeade Farm & Cafe 4385 South Gippsland Highway, Caldermeade.

Join locals for a night of community, carol-singing, kid’s activities, performances and the best news of Christmas.

Candle sales, coffee van and free kid’s activities. Bring a picnic or get some takeaway from one of the many places close by.

On Sunday 17 December starting at 6.30pm at Bob Burgess Reserve, Old Princes Highway, behind the shops of Beaconsfield.

·

Garfield Christmas Festival The event will showcase live entertainment, featuring the mesmerising beats of African drummers, the spirited Billy Tea Bush Dance, and an Elvis impersonator, street markets, food stalls, street performers and entertainers, late-night trading will provide the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for loved ones, and live music will fill the air with festive tunes.

Santa Claus will make a grand entrance at 7.30pm after the Street Parade, spreading Christmas cheer.

As the night unfolds, the Garfield Football Club’s social rooms will open their doors, and the wideopen spaces of the footy oval and a lively bush dance will keep the kids entertained.

Back by popular demand, the night will culminate with a fireworks display at the Garfield Recreation Reserve just after dark.

For more details, visit the Garfield Christmas Festival on Facebook or Instagram @GarfieldChristmasFestival or contact them directly at garfieldchristmas@yahoo.com Friday 15 December from 5pm to 9.30pm, Main Street and Garfield Recreation Reserve in Garfield.

·

Pakenham/Berwick Women’s Friendship Cafe luncheon The Pakenham/Berwick Women’s Friendship Cafe end of year luncheon will be held at Living and Learning Pakenham from noon to 2pm on Thursday 14 December.

Vegan and halal food options available.

Each year the cake is a ‘tour de force’ featuring an artwork drawn by Rana Sadeghian and made

·

Picture: UNPLASH, SANDRA SEITAMAA

by Pam Archibald.

There is a giant raffle that will enable the Women’s Friendship Cafe to continue into its seventh year.

To RSVP, contact Living and Learning Pakenham at 5941 2389 before Monday 11 December.

The luncheon is on Thursday 14 December from noon to 2pm.

·

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 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 Dineouts, 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.

·

SUMMER 2023

Pump it up!

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Why Hamish Blake is

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STAR NEWS 13

SPORT

The team from Golf Services Management, from left; Kristian Faul, Sam Stephens and Scott Eduati. 378336 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Tony Hopcraft and the Grounds Crew are applying the finishing touches to the Pakenham Golf Course. 378336

Course is back on track KEY NOTES OF THE LAYOUT CHANGE

By David Nagel Golfers will be faced with a new and exciting challenge when the Pakenham Golf Course is scheduled to reopen to the public on Thursday 14 December.

Originally constructed in 1980, the Pakenham Golf Club moved to a new facility on Cameron Way in October 2019; with a name change to Deep Creek Golf Club reflective of its new surroundings.

Just five months later, the course and new facility were shut down due to the Covid pandemic.

The club reopened; but faced insurmountable financial pressures over the next three years that led to voluntary administration being announced in mid-April this year.

Now, under the guidance of Golf Services Management (GSM), the facility is reopening; with golfers now to play on the rebranded Pakenham Golf Course.

“We’re very excited, and we’re definitely getting a sense that locals are pretty much itching to get the place open again,” said GSM Marketing Manager Kristian Faul.

“GSM has well over 30 years of experience in golf management, and our current portfolio includes some of the best public golf courses in Australia.

“St Andrews Beach Golf Course is the number-one ranked public golf course on the Australian mainland, and Growling Frog is top-100 ranked.

“Bay Views in Rosebud is also an impressive facility, and we’re looking forward to the Pakenham Golf Course being a success as well.”

CHALLENGES OF REOPENING With GSM entering into an agreement with Cardinia Shire Council in late October, questions are being asked as to why it has taken so long to get the course and facility reopened.

Council owns the Deep Creek Reserve land, including the golf course and main building, and has an agreement with GSM to revitalise and reopen the course and manage the Deep Creek Reserve Centre until March 2026.

“The simple fact is there has been, and still is, a lot of work to do,” Faul said.

“Entering a facility that has been closed for an extended period requires a huge amount of work and our team have been excited to tackle the challenge of reopening the facility to the community.

“The golf course received minimal maintenance following the previous operators entering into administration.

14 STAR NEWS

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old first fairway will not be in use; be· The coming an overflow area for the driving range.

new 16th tee will sit in front of the old · The 18th green, which will no longer be in play. new 16th hole will play down the old · The 18th fairway; reverse direction to previously, and then dogleg right to the existing first green.

Hole eight on the original Pakenham design – a 150-metre par three - will be back in play, now the fifth, after sitting idle during the Deep Creek design.

The course will be par 71 for the first time, down from par 72, with the front nine now containing three par threes and two par fives.

There will be a tough finish to both nines, with the two hardest holes on the course via index – being the 18th and ninth holes respectively.

TARGET AUDIENCE The Pakenham Golf Course is being promoted as a public access golf course, for social and green fee players, with GSM confident it can use its experience to make its newest ‘public golf course’ venture a success.

“We are well-versed at coming into situations that are very similar to this, into venues that have been closed, and into clubs that have faced financial challenges and gone into voluntary administration,” Faul said.

“GSM commenced at St Andrews Beach under similar circumstances to Pakenham, and Peregian Golf Course on the Sunshine Coast was in the same circumstance as well.

“We refined the branding of that course; transitioned the venue from private to a public after going into administration, and turned that into a financially sound business.

“And that’s exactly what we are planning to do here at Pakenham.”

While the Pakenham Golf Course will be a public access one, annual passes are available for regular players - paid monthly or annually - that provides unlimited golf or discounted green fees.

“There are a range of options available: from full seven-day unrestricted access through to the more popular ‘Lifestyle’ pass, which gives 50-percent off greens fees, seven days a week.”

Season passes do not include a Golf Link number (Official Handicap), however that service is available through a membership of the newly formed ‘Pakenham Golf Club’.

See the Pakenham Golf Course website for more details.

· · ·

The revised Pakenham Golf Course scorecard and layout. 378336 “The minimal maintenance that was in place during closure has thankfully prevented us from inheriting an overgrown jungle, but still left us with plenty of work to do.

“Works are underway; the grounds crew is working hard; but there’s lots of work to be done…it’s not just turning the light switches back on or opening the doors.

“We’ve reconfigured the course layout, which means new signage for each hole; new directional signage and carving out some new paths.

“There are over 50 new directional and tee signs being erected throughout the golf course; the coordination and planning of that is a big job in itself.

“Additional grounds staff has been working hard to manage the length of the rough, however getting machinery on the course was, and continues to be, a challenge.

“We’re making progress, but it has been a big task to get there.”

THE NEW LAYOUT Even golfers that are very familiar with the Pakenham Golf Course will be invigorated by a new course layout, with two fresh holes in play and not one hole on the new course carrying the same hole designation as the previous design.

Thursday, 14 December, 2023

Players will see an immediate change upon arrival at the course, with the fairway on the former first hole now out of play.

The first fairway became an unplanned collection point for errant balls being hit from the driving range.

“The number-one reason for course rerouting was safety, and mitigating some of the issues that we were cognisant of, regarding the driving range, and the proximity to the first tee box,” Faul said.

“And the secondary reason, but also a very important one, was improving the flow of the golf course.

“The feedback we’ve had: that the layout was not conducive to improving the flow of play.

“It’s not perfect but we’ve made significant improvement in that area.

“Between the re-routing, and the significant invested in on-course directional signage, the flow of play will be more suited to a public golfing audience.”

There will still be two lengthy walks between holes, with the journey between holes one and two - formerly 10 and 11 – still not ideal, while the walk from the ninth green to tenth tee is also a lengthy one.

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SPORT

Wheller sparks Warriors

By David Nagel Country Week preparations are off to an exciting start for the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) after the Warriors (5/165) scored a comfortable five-wicket win over Mornington Peninsula (161) on Sunday.

Originally scheduled for Jubilee Park in Frankston, the game was moved to Langwarrin’s home ground at Lloyd Park after persistent Saturday rains made preparing the turf wicket difficult.

The Warriors were hoping to use the hit-out as a ‘turf-wicket’ trial, but still gained plenty of positives from the match.

The Warriors struggled to break through early, with the MPCA in a magnificent position at 1/112 before the visitors hit back hard.

The MPCA would lose its last nine wickets for just 49 runs, with several in the Warriors attack standing up to be counted.

The best of those was Cardinia all-rounder Travis Wheller (10-2-4-35), who combined with Merinda Park offie Rumesh Ranasinghe (10-2-1-39) to put the slows on the MPCA topto-middle order.

Wheller claimed two quick wickets, followed by another to Ranasinghe, before ripping through the MPCA middle order as well.

Wheller took four of five wickets to fall, reducing the home side to 6/156, before Morteza Ali (2.3-0-2-2) and Mitch Davey (2-0-1-3) removed any chance of a revival.

The MPCA lost its last six wickets for six runs.

Ali (58) and Devon Meadows skipper Lucas Ligt (62 not out) then opened the batting for the Warriors, and curbed their natural attacking instincts early.

Ali then caught fire in the eighth and ninth overs, taking 20 runs off nine balls to set the path for victory.

Travis Wheller bowled a magnificent spell on Sunday to lead the CCCA to an impressive victory over Mornington Peninsula. 311014 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS The Warriors, who were 0/16 off 7…were now 0/37 off nine, and had regained vital momentum.

Cardinia Life hosts finals

By Jonty Ralphsmith In a nod to the region’s growing domestic basketball status, Pakenham Warriors home base Cardinia Life was selected to host Saturday night’s Country Basketball League Gippsland grand finals.

The women’s match kicked off at 5.15pm, with a 31-10 third quarter for Korumburra Wildcats seeing them pull away from the Wonthaggi Coasters in an 86-62 win.

The men’s match was a heart-stopper, with the fast-starting Moe Meteors getting up 91-89 in the dying stages.

It was an excellent spectacle for the region with the venue close to capacity.

Pakenham finished fifth in the women’s with a 6-4 record and the men finished sixth with a 5-5 record.

Hosting those matches follows the Pakenham District Basketball Association taking over the management of domestic basketball in the region and the Men’s Big V senior team’s promotion from division one to the state championship division.

The club is hopeful that the youth league teams will soon reach the championship division, with the men, in Youth League Two, to again be coached by Braden Venning,

and Ben Gaze returns to lead the women in Youth League One. It comes off the back of two years of hard work from the board, led by president Tanya Roberts.

“It’s been good to see the work we’re doing off the court come together,” basketball operations manager Rob Roberts said.

“We’re getting lots of support from the (Cardinia) Shire and Big V to let us push basketball in the region.

“The new board has taken it forward in leaps and bounds.”

Roberts, also the coach of the men’s team, is bullish that his team can immediately do damage in the higher division, having welcomed in Malik Seldon who has played college basketball at University of Cumberlands, and for Mexican side Jaibos Tampico.

The athletic 6’8 import was listed at Wyndham in the Covid-cancelled 2020 season.

The Warriors have also secured returning youngster Cody Fredrickson who has since played college basketball at the University of Ottawa, and Callum McNiff – still eligible to play Youth League.

The club has maintained their core from last season, with Matt Berkec, Josh Dow and Ned Weideman all recommitting.

Men’s coach and basketball operations manager Rob Roberts is pleased with the progress Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS Pakenham is making on and off the court. 339121

Ligt played a stabilising knock for the Warriors, batting until the 34th over and hitting a boundary to chalk up the victory.

COUNTRY WEEK TRIAL MATCH MORNINGTON PENINSULA V CASEY CARDINIA Date: Sunday 10 December, 2023 Venue: Lloyd Park, Langwarrin MORNINGTON PENINSULA A McKenna c B Butler, b T Tyrrell .................. 23 L Opatha c B Butler, b T Wheller .................... 72 J Edwards c L Ligt, b T Wheller....................... 19 L Collet c M Ali, b T Wheller ........................... 21 K Donald c L McMaster, b R Ranasinghe ........ 6 A Nagel b T Wheller .......................................... 7 T Finn c B Parrott, b M Ali ................................ 2 J Peet run out (Ranasinghe-Parrott) ................ 0 S Holland-Burch lbw M Davey ........................ 1 B Williams st B Parrott, b M Ali ........................ 2 L Hose not out................................................... 0 Extras W2, NB1, LB3, B0 ................................... 6 Total (39.3 overs) ........................................... 161 Fall of wickets: 43, 112, 123, 142, 155, 156, 156, 157, 160, 161.

CCCA Bowling: B Butler 4-0-0-31, L McMaster 4-0-0-11, T Tyrrell 4-1-1-18, D Sutton 3-0-0-19, T Wheller 10-2-4-35, R Ranasinghe 10-2-1-39, M Ali 2.3-0-2-2, M Davey 2-0-1-3.

CASEY CARDINIA L Ligt not out ................................................... 62 M Ali lbw J Peet ............................................... 58 D Tormey c L Opatha, b L Hose ..................... 10 L McMaster st A McKenna, b L Hose............... 2 D Sutton c, b L Hose ....................................... 11 R Ranasinghe st A McKenna, b L Opatha........ 9 M Davey not out .............................................. 1 Extras W7, NB0, LB1, B4 ................................. 12 Total (33.5 overs) ....................................... 5/165 Fall of wickets: 93, 104, 119, 139, 159.

MPCA Bowling: B Williams 5-0-0-16, T Finn 6.5-0-0-32, S Holland-Burch 3-0-0-8, A Nagel 3-0-0-19, J Peet 6-0-1-38, L Hose 7-0-3-37, L Opatha 3-0-1-10.

Casey Cardinia won by five wickets.

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STAR NEWS 15

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Thursday, 14 December, 2023

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