News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 2nd May 2024

Grinning grand winners

keen Nova listeners were starstruck to meet popular radio duo Jase and Lauren, with hundreds lining up to shake their hands in a bid to snag the grand prize of $10,000 in their ‘Say Hey for 10K’ competition. Locals Lee and Bret McLean were one of two $1000 winners on the day, with the pair saying the money would go towards their upcoming trip to Egypt.

Bank withdraws

By Corey Everitt

The Bank of Melbourne will close its Pakenham branch in August.

The bank announced the closure last week, citing customers preference for online banking and with“more branches now available” as reasons behind the decision.

But the bank - which is a subsidiary ofWestpac - has assured customers their needs will be

fulfilled when Pakenham will cease to have a branch from Friday 16 August.

A Westpac spokesperson said the decision comes from the many branches in operation and the changing landscape to online banking.

“With more branches now available and more customers choosing digital banking, we’ve made the decision to close Bank of Melbourne Pakenham,” they said.

“Westpac is investing in expanding access

to cash services for all our customers. We’ve digitally connected our brands and branches, meaning Bank of Melbourne customers can now use any Westpac branch and vice-versa for cash and cheque deposits and cash withdrawals.

“This means Bank of Melbourne customers now have access to 110 branches in Victoria, and more than 500 Westpac Group branches nationally. We’ve also expanded access to fee-

free cash via our ATM network. Personal and business transaction account customers can perform fee-free ATM withdrawals at more than 1700 ATMs in Victoria, including at Precinct and ATM machines.”

After the closure, the nearest branch will be located at Fountain Gate in NarreWarren, however Bank of Melbourne customers can seek Westpac Pakenham for face-to-face assistance.

Continued page 5

Pakenham’s

Jase and Lauren with $1000 winners Lee and Bret McLean. 404595

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

We will remember them

By Corey Everitt

It was another busy Anzac Day for Pakenham RSL, running another packed dawn service and gunfire breakfast, as well as introducing the annual rugby masters game.

No matter the cold or the rain, Pakenham’s dawn service only seems to grow each year with hundreds gathering at sunrise to pay their respects.

Pakenham RSL president John Kenneth ran the proceedings this Anzac Day; fortunately the rain decided to briefly ease for the service.

Locals packed around the cenotaph, among them were Pakenham Scout Group, Pakenham Fire Brigade, Pakenham SES and many more groups.

Wreaths were laid as bagpipes echoed through John and Henry Streets.

Among them was Girl Guides’ Sonya Boloski who laid a wreath for New Zealand RSL, Robin Thomas for Pakenham RSL, Gary Elliot for the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, IanWake for Pakenham Rotary, La Trobe MP Jason Wood, Pakenham MP Emma Vulin, Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik and Cr Carol Ryan, and school captains from Pakenham Consolidated, Chairo School, Pakenham Secondary, John Henry Primary School and St Patrick’s Primary School.

“Seems to get bigger every year,“ Pakenham RSL member Rob Rasmussen said.

“I think with all the conflicts in the world at the moment it seems to make it all the more relevant.“

The service concluded with the national anthem and The Ode, after which attendees moved to the RSL hall for the gunfire breakfast.

The ceremonies weren’t over as the Anzac Day Rugby League game between the Australian and New ZealandVictorian Masters teams was hosted by Pakenham Eels Rugby League Club as Comely Banks Recreation Reserve.

Mr Rasmussen as well as Mayor Kowarzik spoke to open the local All Blacks and Wallabies face-off for the E.J Swords Legacy Cup.

This was the fourth year of the Anzac Day game, this year the event included two match-

es by adding a touch game alongside the masters game.

New Zealand took home the trophies for

both games. They beat the Australian Masters 16-6 and took the touch game 7-4. Jason Kawai was awarded the Pakenham RSL medal for

best on field.

With this victory, New Zealand have won three out of the four Anzac Day games.

Gathering around the Pakenham cenotaph.

The cenotaph adorned with wreaths.

Wreaths at the cenotaph.

Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik.

Masters captains: Dion Hita and Rob Gillow.

Peter Thompson performing The Last Post.

From left: Rob Rasmussen, John Stitt and Rusty Calder.

Pakenham RSL, from left, president John Kenneth, Alma Elliot, Gary Elliot, Robin Thomas, Dylan Hill and daughter Violet, and Rob Rasmussen.

Princes Freeway closures

Parts of the Princes Freeway will shut this month amid a major road upgrade blitz.

The Princes Freeway will be closed Gippsland-bound between the McGregor Road and Healesville-Kooweerup Road freeway ramps to complete asphalting works from 7pm on Friday 3 May to 11.59pm on Sunday 5 May, as part of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade project.

The Cardinia Road Gippsland-bound entry ramp will also be closed during this time.

Detours will be in place via Cardinia Road, Princes Highway, McGregor Road, Southeast

Boulevard, and Healesville-Kooweerup Road with delays of up to 25 minutes expected.

Following these works, the Major Road Projects Victoria team will open the new Princes Freeway outbound entry ramp at McGregor Road, completing the diamond interchange.

The Major Road Projects Victoria team will also close the Gippsland-bound lanes on the Princes Freeway on Thursday 2 May from 7pm to 5am and every night from Sunday 12 May to Wednesday 15 May from 7pm to 5am between the McGregor Road and Healesville-

Kooweerup Road freeway ramps.

City-bound lanes will also be closed from 7pm to 5am each night on Thursday 2 May and Friday 3 May between the HealesvilleKooweerup Road and McGregor Road freeway ramps.

Detours will be in place via Southeast Boulevard and the Healesville-Kooweerup freeway ramps with delays of up to five minutes expected, depending on the closures in place.

McGregor Road users are advised that

changed road conditions will continue to apply until mid-2024, with northbound lanes on McGregor Road closed between the Princes Freeway and Livingstone Boulevard, as the team builds a new northbound lane. During this time, one lane of traffic will run in each direction on the southbound lanes of McGregor Road and there will be no right turns from McGregor Road to Henry Road orWebsterWay.

For more information, visit bigbuild.vic. gov.au/projects/roads/pakenham-roads-upgrade/project-update

Officer’s Anzac Day dawn service continues to grow

By Matthew Sims

Hundreds of Officer community members and residents braved the chilly and rainy weather as part of the Officer Anzac Day dawn service.

Organised by the Officer and District Community Association and the Officer Kangaroos Junior Football Club, association member Michael Petrovich said the service continued to grow in popularity every year, especially in the support it received from local schools.

Officer CFA brigade member Andrew Dye was the piper on the day, providing a rousing prelude to the service before the flags were lowered to half-mast and the crowd fell silent for a minute before the service began.

Cardinia Council Beacon HillsWard councillor Brett Owen was the MC of the service, speaking about the hard work of the late former association president Rob Porter in hosting the service since its inception in 2016.

“Rob was one of the main drivers of the Memorial Gates and this service,“ he said.

“Rob was an amazing person and an integral part of his community.“

Mr Owen said the service was an oppor-

tunity to reflect on those who have served for Australia.

“We come together in the memory of those who have served or continue to serve for Australia,“ he said.

“We think of them with gratitude.“

Cardinia Council Officer Ward council-

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lor Tammy Radford spoke during the service about how the sense of mateship and strength in overcoming adversity of the ANZACs was something the country continued to strive towards.

“We reflect that our nation was supported by the bravery and camaraderie of our dig-

gers,“ she said.

“Anzac Day reminds us of who we are and who we can be.“

Rob Porter’s son Geoff recited a poem, Officer Primary School school captains Hailey Williamson and Joshua Loftus recited a prayer, while local returned officer John Tivendale then recited the Ode.

A number of local community organisations, schools and groups laid wreaths during the service, including Pakenham-Officer SES, Officer CFA, , Officer Cricket Club, Beaconsfield-Officer Scout group, Officer Secondary College, St Clare’s Primary School, Heritage College, St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, Bridgewood Primary School, Orchard Park Primary School, Officer Primary School and Kurmile Primary School.

The Officer Kangaroos Junior Football Club and the Officer-Woorinyan (Upper Beaconsfield) CountryWomen’s Association provided breakfast, tea and coffee after the service, while Bellevue Orchard provided juices.

Officer has had its own dawn service since 2016, held at the Memorial Gates of the Officer Recreation Reserve - the only memorial of its kind in Cardinia Shire.

Officer and District Community Association secretary Michael van den Acker, Cardinia Council Officer Ward councillor Tammy Radford, association member Michael Petrovich, Beacon Hills Ward councillor Brett Owen and Officer Recreation Reserve president Geoff Porter. Pictures: MATTHEW SIMS

A number of community organisations and Officer locals laid wreaths during the service.

Pakenham SES members Logan Humphrey, Ben Mailo and Alyssa Tully attended the service.

Cash splash for lucky locals

The line to the front door of Cardinia Life snaked through the carpark and around the corner, as locals lined up for the chance to win $10,000 as part of Nova radio hosts Jase and Lauren’s ‘Say Hey for 10K’ competition.

Jason Hawkins and Lauren Phillips proved they had plenty of fans from Pakenham, with hundreds turning out to meet the radio duo from 4pm on Tuesday 30 April.

The pair have been visiting towns across metropolitan Melbourne shaking hands, giving away $100 to every 100th person, $1000 to every 1000th person and $10,000 to the lucky 10,000th person.

While the big prize did not go off at Cardinia Life, Pakenham’s Karen Page was the first winner of the afternoon with $100.

She said she had been listening to Jase for a number of years and was “thrilled to bits” the pair were able to continue on radio after starting their new gig on Nova in March, after Kyle and Jackie O were set to broadcast on KIIS 101.1 in Melbourne, ending Jase and Lauren’s show on the network.

Not long after Karen’s win, husband and wife Bret and Lee McLean took home $1000.

Lee said she was “absolutely shocked”, with the pair excited to use the prize as extra spending money for their upcoming trip to Egypt in four weeks.

Other winners went off throughout the late afternoon, with Jase and Lauren sticking around for plenty of handshakes, selfies and chats.

Lauren and Jase with $100 winner Karen Page. 404595

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Jase with Steve and Taylor and their kids James, Alexis and Ryder from Officer. 404595

Lauren was also shocked! 404595

Cardinia Council mayor Jack Kowarzik joined Jase and Lauren and members of the Pakenham Arthritis Self-Help group. 404595

Pakenham’s Karen Page was shocked to learn she was one of the $100 winners. 404595

Lauren and Jase with Cardinia Council deputy mayor Graeme Moore. 404595

Jase and Lauren with Cardinia Council mayor Jack Kowarzik. 404595

Casey free bins scrapped

By Ethan Benedicto

Following the State Government’s kerbside reforms, Casey Council has ceased the provision of free extra rubbish bins for households of six or more.

The change means that no new “exemptions” would be provided for large households from 22 April, and the existing 10,000-plus free extra bins will be removed by July 2025.

With 14 months until it comes into force, resident Maral Nikola, the eldest in a family of six, is concerned about not just hers, but other large families’ waste accumulation.

“Where is the garbage supposed to go? It depends on what everyone’s using and how often they’re using it and whatnot, but you know, garbage does accumulate really, really fast,” she said.

Addressed in Casey’s most recent agenda on 16 April, the extra bins policy was found to be financially unsustainable, open to misuse and countered waste minimisation principles.

The report further details that the free bins cost $1.2 million per annum, which adds $10 to $12 to the residential Waste Service Charge for each household Casey-wide. That cost was expected to grow by $115,000 each year.

The exemptions have been in place for more than 20 years, with Casey currently providing 6796 garbage bins and 3131 recycling bins that do not attract a charge.

The other exemption for residents with medical conditions will however continue.

Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra, senior lecturer at Federation University’s Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability, supports the council’s initiative towards better waste management.

“The root of the problem is waste, and it’s responsible for three per cent of the carbon emissions in Australia,” he said.

“Particularly Casey Council, it’s growing massively and they’re (council) projecting a growth of 40 per cent by 2046.

“And when you talk about a smart city, you have to think about sustainability, and they’re recognising that. If we look at the volume of waste, it will obviously increase as more people come and make Casey their place of residence.“

Dr Kandra said the current go-to strategy of adding more landfill will only create more greenhouse gas emissions, which is “against

the [council’s] objective of becoming net zero in the next few years”.

“The other option for them is to start convincing the community to reduce their waste generation, and again if you provide more bins, you’re actually giving [people] an opportunity to produce more waste.“

Casey’s acting manager for sustainability and waste Thomas Johannsen said that the exemption for households of six or more “does not align with the State Government Kerbside Reforms”.

“[It] is also open to misuse as there is no efficient way of confirming eligibility without breaching privacy of residents in the households.

“Residents who are wanting to reduce their waste are encouraged to place food waste loose in the food and garden waste bin - this action will send less waste to landfill and help create nutrient-rich compost which is sent to farms all around Victoria,” he said.

According to a State Government website, a new four-stream waste and recycling system is coming, with separate bins for glass, food organics and garden organics, mixed recyclables and household rubbish.

Mr Johannsen added that “discontinuing the new exemptions immediately will prevent the number of services to be cancelled and bins retrieved from increasing by approximately 1200 services”.

“Fewer waste services will also reduce the amount of waste to landfill per property and therefore generation of greenhouse gases,” he

said.

Beginning 1 July 2025, any additional garbage or recycling bins that have been provided free of charge to households with six or more people in one property will be removed.

“Delaying the cancellation of existing services to July 2025 will allow for project planning and communication with affected residents,” Mr Johannsen said.

“The delayed removal of services will also provide ample time for affected residents to transition to alternate arrangements.

“Council will communicate with all impacted households regarding the policy change and also prior to retrieval of the bins, which will be recycled in the manufacture of new bins,” he said.

However, according to Ms Nikola, this “will not be enough time”.

“I think we’re all just really busy people and it’s really hard to keep up with a schedule or a maintenance schedule, if you will.

“Are people supposed to hold rubbish in their houses for over a week? Especially with the bigger households, you know.”

Ms Nikola also lamented the trial and error phase that all new processes undergo, emphasising the difficulties families like hers, and larger ones, would then have.

“We have two green bins and one blue bin and at times it’s fine, but for whatever reason we have an event, or just simply that everyone has a few extra things this time around - for the green bins unless they plan on taking them every second or third day we would not be able

to handle it.“

Dr Kandra, while understanding the struggles that larger families would go through, sees this as an opportunity for the entire municipality to reduce its waste.

“There is a lot of opportunity for people to share the waste, learn better practices of waste management from each other,” he said.

“Where the council is saying that we won’t give you an extra bin, [they’re] giving those families an opportunity to re-look at their waste management reduce the waste, recycle and reuse as much as possible - and I think that’s the right step in the right direction.“

Possible positive impacts of this proposed change also move further towards improvement to waste management, with Dr Kandra saying that “if the council has to spend more money on waste management, then obviously ratepayers will also have to pay more rates towards the waste, right?”

“When you reduce your waste, you are actually reusing your resources in a better way, which means that you are actually trying to reduce your cost of living - if you are producing more waste then that means you’re not using your resources properly,” he said.

Further compacting loose bags in garbage bins is one practice he suggested that families take more heed of, as well as ensuring that the right waste goes in the right bin.

“If everyone thinks [of] this as a blessing in disguise, then I think it’s an opportunity to contribute towards Australia becoming net zero,” Dr Kandra said.

Bank of Melbourne withdrawing from Pakenham township

From page 1

Locals were divided on the issue with some understanding the move and others displeased.

“With Bank of Melbourne being owned by Westpac, it’s no surprise the branch has been closed as Westpac have closed so many branches. Let your fingers do the walking and take money out of Bank of Melbourne and Westpac and close your accounts,” local Shirrell said.

A local Bank of Melbourne customer Man-

dy added: “We have a business account and personal accounts with them. I’m very disappointed. It would appear that many banks are closing. BOM has closed multiple branches.”

Others did not oppose the closure.

“Why would you keep a branch open with less than 40 customers a day walking through the door, it’s not viable,” Vicki said.

Karen commented: “Given there is a Westpac branch in Main St that can be used for transactional needs I don’t think it’s that bad compared to a whole brand leaving the town.”

The spokesperson added that existing staff would be assisted in new employment with staff staying in the company in “most instances”.

“We have a robust process in place to assist employees to find new opportunities as we invest and grow our phone, digital and virtual offerings, and in most instances impacted employees will be given the opportunity to stay on with Westpac,” they said.

The spokesperson affirmed there would be multiple alternative banking options still

available.

“The everyday banking needs of customers, such as over-the-counter cash transactions, identification and business express deposits, will be supported by Westpac Pakenham, which is 350m away,” the spokesperson said.

“Additionally, many customers can continue to access cash services locally via Bank@Post at Pakenham Post Shop. Alternatively, customers have the option to bank using our App, mobile banking, virtual banking or can call us on 132 266 to talk to one of our bankers.”

Dr. Arthas ChuDr. Bruce Lim

NEWS Friends recount history

By Ethan Benedicto

As members gathered to recount their past and put the pieces of their extensive history together, the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park Berwick’s high tea on Wednesday 24 April was a huge success.

Held at the visitor’s centre atWilson Botanic Park, Berwick, the event gave members both past and present the opportunity to share and reminisce about their experiences at the park and also have them recorded as a contribution to the Friends’ history project.

Paula Taylor, coordinator of the history group project and a member for over 18 years, said that “everyone enjoyed looking at the display of photographs and posters, reflecting on how much the park and they themselves had changed over the past 30 years”.

“Fond memories of members who have passed away were shared and their legacy was applauded,” she said.

A broad range of entertaining stories were gathered on the day, with Ms Taylor keen on many more to be collected from other members who were unable to attend the event.

“When asked about the state of the park when they first joined the Friends, Margaret and Jim Knowles recalled that the park

was bare and muddy but there was plenty of parking.

“Their immediate response when asked about the biggest changes they noticed over the years was ‘the parking’, which brought a peal of laughter from everyone,” Ms Taylor said.

A highlight of the event was the attendance

Record crowd at service

Hampton Park Progress Association had the largest gathering to date at this year’s Anzac Day service.

Guests included Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, Holt MP Cassandra Fernando, Neil Angus on behalf of South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans, Hampton Park Secondary College, Hampton Park Primary School, Hampton Park Fire Brigade, Hampton Park Community House, Family First Victoria Party, Hampton Park Progress Association committee and members, Air League - Berwick Squadron, Hampton Park

OPINION

LENSCAPE

Men’s Shed, Neighbourhood Watch Casey, and members of the public.

Damien Rosario hosted the proceedings and Natalie Pollard played the bugle.

President Luke Delutis made the welcome address.

“We are pleased to see such outstanding attendance at our local Anzac Day dawn service. Our patronage grows each year,” he said.

“We look to keep alive the memories of those who have fallen to protect our freedoms. Lest we forget.”

of Mrs Neloo Kreltszheim, the artist who painted the prize-winning autumnal watercolour of the Visitor’s Centre which hangs in the centre’s foyer.

The Friends’ current president, Mrs Jenny Duncan commented during the closing event how significant the history project was, saying that “it is important that all users of the park, now and into the future, realise that this park was built largely by volunteers”.

“That the park would not be what it is today without their efforts; I hope the Friends’ story is an inspiration to all – working together with the City of Casey – volunteers can and do make a huge difference in the community,” she said.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To the gentlemen who used his own ride on mower to mow along the footpath in Nar Nar Goon from the pub to the roundabout! Shame the council can’t maintain such a small section of grass along the path that we use to walk on every morning along with students/parents using it to go to St James Primary School.

Thumbs up

To the Rotary Club of Casey for a magnificent Holland Festival last Saturday.

Thumbs up

To Cardinia Council for not giving up on advocating for the State Government to duplicate McGregor Road at the railway.

Thumbs up

To The Cornerstone cafe on Anzac Day for the beautiful coffee after the dawn service.

Thumbs down

To the roadworks in Officer.

Thumbs up

To the amazing turnout for the dawn service on Anzac day. It was nice to see the ANZAC spirit still lives on.

Group shot, from left, Damien Rosario, Wayne Smith, Graham Trapnell, Russell and Elaine Barnes, Sanja Dinek, Luke Delutis, Tania Sacco, Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas and Holt MP Cassandra Fernando.

Picture: SUPPLIED

From left, Matt and Liliea Krafft, Neloo Kreltszheim and Peter Fleming.

Marg and Jim Knowles flicking through one of the many collages during the event.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Triplets Anneke, Roisin and Victoria snuggled into a giant clog at the Holland Festival at Carribean Gardens, Scoresby on Saturday 27 April. 399081 Picture: ROB CAREW

Are you gambling more than once a week?

Research shows if you are gambling more than once a week, you are more likely to develop an issue.

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I enjoy doing community work and participating in events. It helps me to promote peace and inclusiveness in the community. A fun fact about me is to strike up a conversation with fellow Australians and have a good chat, share thoughts, enjoy discussing things, and coffee, though I personally love comedy and reading books.

What do you love the most about your job?

I work for a financial institution in Melbourne and enjoy the software and delivering value for the customers which can help them in their daily lives.

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

Kangaroos; very sweet and natural instinct to have love and passion for others.

What was your most memorable moment?

I have many memorable moments working with many community groups, and attending various interfaith meetings. One thing that looks common is the zeal for the peace and unity and connecting humans. We had the Ahmadiyya Holy Quran Exhibition where we happen to meet many people sharing similar thoughts. Peace, love and affection. The most memorable one is one person came to me and said I wish we all would have treated Muslims and others well and in general all humans. It is very heart-touching.

What were you like as a kid?

When I was growing as a kid I was shy and composed and enjoyed every bit of being a kid with support from family, friends and the community where I was raised, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community inculcated basic habits like do not lie, be kind to others, being respectful and helping others.

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

Many events. I happened to travel to London,

NEWS

with Basharat Ahmed from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

UK many times and visited the current Caliph and leader of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad and witnessed guests of more than 40,000 people. I wish I could do that again and again. And this year I have been blessed to visit Mecca and Medina, the two holy places for Muslims with friends and family I wish I could do this many times in my life. Locally I enjoy going to many events to connect, have fun and increase connection, I wish to continue the present for the future.

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

Definitely my grandparents who must be on this list and my mother too who has passed. I wish I could have a bigger table and more than six to invite my parents, my current leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and other friends.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Passionate, loving and enthusiastic. These are

very basic tenets of Islam like love, passion for others, helping, caring; the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community helps bring these in kids to older people and we all inculcate such good behaviours that can help us and the community. We live with the motto “Love For All, Hatred For None”.

What would you do on your perfect day off?

Being to the beautiful nature of Australia, having a walk with friends and barbecue. Or having fun with many friends of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on various occasions to conduct a workshop, share learnings and learn from others in an event.

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

Biryani, in our community we do many programs like fasting in my religion, interfaith events and invite many guests to taste our food.

Where is your dream holiday destination?

Would like to still visit and holiday in Dubai and Swiss.

THREE … facts about tuna on World Tuna Day, 2 May

1

One of the oldest records of the species could date back to Aristotle’s time when the Greek philosopher mentioned bluefin tuna in his work on the classification of animals in 350 BC.

2

An endothermic fish, tuna can maintain its body temperature above that of the surrounding water on its migration routes. This evolutionary adaptation gives its meat a characteristic reddish-pink colour and powerful nutritional properties.

3

Tuna can camouflage their skin to blend in with their ocean surroundings.

Special bond shared for 100th birthday milestone

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Susanna Lacko’s 100th birthday was particularly poignant, franked by a special bond.

Ms Lasko shares the same birthday as her 58-year-old grandson Edward, and they basked in the joint milestone together with close family and residents at Mercy Place nursing home in Dandenong on 24 April.

“It’s always been a big deal to have the same birthday,” Edward says.

“For her to get to 100 and share that important milestone with her is very special.”

A great-great-grandmother, Ms Lasko’s story is also extraordinary – a Polish refugee who made a daring escape as a teenager from a Nazi labour camp during World War II.

Ms Lasko was about 16 when she made a dash from the camp, which was growing vegetables for the German army. It was a brutal place, in which the Polish inmates were taunted and disparaged

“She saw an opportunity to sneak out at midnight,” says Edward – who is compiling her memoir.

“She remembers hiding behind a tree and seeing trucks going past. She thought she would get captured then.

“She managed to get on a train without documents. And she was packing death.”

Ms Lasko arrived at her sister’s house. But within an hour, German SS officers “kicked down” the door.

“She went quietly. (An officer) held up a Luger and told her if you try it again, you’ll get one of these.”

Ms Lasko was taken to a second labour camp, which was led by a more humane ‘burgmeister’ and offered much better treatment, Edward says.

After the war, she and her now-late husband Otto and children Edward senior and Christine fled through Italy from the con-

quering Russians. About 6 million Poles died during World War II, including thousands of Polish prisoners of war and officers executed by the

Ms Lasko and family settled in Doveton, adding two more children Lillian and Renate. And grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren have followed.

Ms Lasko has lived in the area for many

decades, seeing a “plethora of change”. “I wish I asked more questions about her life when I was younger. But now I’ve started documenting her story,” Edward says.

“She’s an amazing lady.”

Basharat Ahmed, second from the left, with fellow members from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and Jason Wood MP (middle) and Brad Battin MP (far right) during the Anzac Day Berwick service.

Soviets.

Susanna Lacko and her grandson Edward Lacko at her 100th birthday on 24 April. 403325

Thousands pay respects

The Anzac Day dawn service at Bunjil Place this year saw a large crowd paying their respects with about 3000 locals in attendance.

The Anzac Day address and Ode to the Fallen were delivered by the president of the Berwick RSL, Pam Phillips.

City of Casey administrator Cameron Boardman also spoke.

Lysterfield Lake College Choir sang the New Zealand and Australian national anthems.

Following the service, a Gunfire Breakfast was held in the Function Centre at Bunjil Place. About 150 members of the public, including veterans and their families, were invited to have a sit down breakfast, which was

donated by the Rotary Club of NarreWarren.

City of Casey administrator Miguel Belmar spoke at the breakfast.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said Anzac Day was a very special day in Australia’s calendar and an important day to commemorate.

“The City of Casey has a long tradition of acknowledging Anzac Day, and we are proud to support our local RSLs and community groups so residents can come together to reflect and remember with pride, the Anzacs and the Anzac spirit that was first forged at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915,” she said.

Solemn expressions. 403554

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Berwick RSL president Pam Phillips. 403554

Berwick MP Brad Battin reflects after laying a wreath. 403554

Beautifully presented bouquets to individuals who served and died. 403554

Reverend Elwyn Sparks. 403554

City of Casey administrators Cameron Boardman and Miguel Belmar stand at attention after laying a wreath. 403554

Integrity drives candidate

By Violet Li

The City of Casey election campaign has kicked off, with a Hallam resident announcing his intention to run as a candidate in the October elections.

A Casey resident for more than 15 years, and from a law background, Ezatullah Alam has worked at the Federal Government, the State Government, and here at his doorstep, Casey Council as an integrity officer from 2022 to 2023. He is also a Labor member.

“I think my experience in the government sector and the skills I have, the general skills and the legal skills, will help guide my decisions and make the best decisions in the best interest of the community,” he said.

“A law background does give you that critical skills. You analyse the situation. You think about the consequences and not just blindly make decisions.”

Mr Alam said his area of expertise was the conduct rules for public servants and he had always been very passionate about the notions of integrity and accountability.

That landed him in the integrity officer role at Casey Council two years ago.

“Integrity is an important part of every organisation, whether it’s a council or it’s any other organisation,” he said.

As an integrity officer, Mr Alam processed Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and

looked after privacy breaches. He took care of the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) reviews and complaints made to the Ombudsman by

Change amid kinder reform

By Violet Li

Casey Council says it is financially unviable to bridge the kindergarten infrastructure gap under the State Government’s free childcare reform.

The council has instead endorsed a new service model that will only build kindergarten infrastructure for population growth, not the full demand required under the State Government’s free childcare reform.

The April council meeting dropped the outcome of a recent kindergarten service review. The review was conducted in response to the State Government’s Best Start, Best Life (BSBL) reforms, which outline an increase in hours for three and fouryear-old kindergarten in the coming years.

As part of its review, council examined the impact of the reforms, the demand from population growth, and the priorities of Casey’s current and future kindergarten families. The review found that by 2036, an additional 5800 kindergarten places would need to be provided by the sector, which is more than double the size of the council’s current kindergarten service.

The outcome recommended building infrastructure for population growth only. Demand modelling forecasts six new kindergartens with a total of 28 rooms, which would lead to a construction cost of $48.7 million.

Council believed that the arrangement would “reduce the risk to its financial sustainability” and the BSBL reform was“likely to place Casey in the position of providing infrastructure beyond council’s financial means and prioritise kindergarten infrastructure over other important community infrastructure”.

Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said the council would continue to deliver kindergarten services, however, there would be no increase in staffing levels.

“We will continue to offer services to our community in a way which is within our capacity,” she said.

“While we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done, and that’s offering high-quality kindergarten service delivery, we’ll also have to work with other providers in the sector.”

The new service model will also decrease the number of sites managed by the council in the coming years and procure new early

years managers to deliver kindergarten services from sites it no longer manages.

“Council will package groupings of sites and run an Expression of Interest and alternative early year managers will deliver some of the kindergarten services, at various sites from 2026, to cater to the reforms and additional demand,” Ms Duff said.

Ms Duff said as sites move to other providers to manage, all current kindergarten staff will retain their employment, and where necessary, will be relocated to remaining council kindergartens to enable council to provide the additional hours required at these sites. “Council will work with the Department of Education to find another provider to operate the two kindergartens on school sites that we currently manage. This process will commence as soon as practicable,” she said.

“Given current workforce challenges and taking on the feedback from the market, a staged implementation of the new service model will be needed, to ensure the sector can respond appropriately. It is anticipated that this will take five or six years to fully implement this new service model.”

Ms Duff said council’s priority is to ensure all future Casey families can access high-quality and free kindergarten services in their local area, regardless of who is delivering the service. “Council will continue to play a strong role in kindergarten service through service delivery (within our current staffing capacity), the provision of current and future growth infrastructure, and management of the Central Registration and Enrolment Service,” she said.

“We will also advocate strongly that the State Government, not-for-profit, and private sector also play their part in delivering this reform.”

A Department of Education spokesperson said any further decisions regarding the future of Casey Council’s kindergartens should be made in consultation with the community – including the families who use and value the services the council provides. “We will continue to work closely with the council as it considers its future role as a service provider,“ they said.

“Victorian Government funding for council-runkindersinVictoriahasincreased significantly since 2022 – with Free Kinder delivering an average 30 per cent to 40 per cent increase in funding per child compared to average parent fees that were previously charged, on top of existing funding streams.”

members of the public in relation to the services the City of Casey was providing. He ran awareness activities about FOI and privacy breaches within the organisation.

He was also responsible for investigating fraud and corruption.

“Similarly, I was the integrity agency liaison. When I was the acting team leader, I was the responsible person for conflict of interest declarations, personal interest returns, infringement reviews, and so on,” he said.

In addition to his professional pursuit, Mr Alam said he was a very community-based person who had been active since 2013.

He volunteers for cultural events, religious events, and youth events across different associations in the community.

Mr Alam launched his new round of research as early as possible. He started to talk with people in the community to hear the issues a few weeks ago.

“Overall inflation is a big problem. The crime rate has also increased. I’m not only limiting that to Casey. I’m saying overall inVictoria and Australia, and Casey’s part of it,” he said.

“A lot of people want improvement to the parks. Everyone wants that.

“In certain streets along the schools, cars are speeding. Residents are asking for speed bumps to be put on the streets.

“I think I have a really good understanding of the community by now. I know what people think, what people want, what people need, and what might be improved or could be addressed.”

Camping out for local Scouts

A group of Casey Scouts received the experience of a lifetime last month - camping on the grounds of Government House in Canberra.

Running from Sunday 14 April to Friday 19 April, the Scouts Australia Camp hosted more than 1400 Scouts from across the country, including Scouts from the Casey, Cranbourne and Devon Meadows groups.

Assisted by adult leaders, all participants from Joey Scouts (aged five to eight) right through to Rover Scouts (aged 18 to 25) united to camp, dine, and engage in team-building activities.

The experience included immersive explorations of flora and fauna to deep dives into Indigenous history and culture, as well as emergency services simulations, photography sessions, theatre and performing arts workshops, and other challenges like helicopter simulations, axe throwing and archery.

Research conducted by Scouts Australia in collaboration with Resilient Youth Australia

has highlighted the profound positive impact of Scouting on participants’ lives.

In particular, Scouts have a healthier mental state than non-Scouts and are more likely to feel good about themselves.

Sixteen-year-old Alex from 1st Casey Scouts said receiving the chance to take part in the camp was “something special”.

“You don’t get many opportunities to camp on the man in charge of Australia’s front lawn,” he said.

1st Cranbourne Scouts’ Shannen said she loved spending time with other Scouts on the Government House lawn.

“This is a once-in a lifetime opportunity,” she said.

His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia officially welcomed the Scouts for the event, which was first time in history that Government House has opened its doors to Scouts.

Alex (Casey), Shannen (Cranbourne), Alex (Casey), Brennan (Devon Meadows) and Amira (Devon Meadows).

Picture: SUPPLIED

Ezatullah Alam is running as a candidate in this year’s local government elections. 404021

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Crackdown concern

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Advocates are calling out a “discriminatory” crackdown against overseas relatives who are being refused visas to visit Australia.

Refugee advocateWickiWickiramasingham says“everybody is surprised” that immigration authorities are rejecting visitors en masse from attending family reunions, special birthdays, weddings, religious ceremonies, pregnancies and funerals for up to 3-12 months.

The reason given is that they’re being a perceived risk of over-staying in Australia.

Many applicants are from Sri Lanka who intended to visit citizens or permanent residents from the Tamil community, Mr Wickiramasingham said.

Their hopes to attend were shattered, with a review at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal costing more than $3500 and can take up to 12 months – too expensive and too late for many, Mr Wickiramasingham says.

Local residents’ pasts as asylum seekers arriving by boat 15 years ago are being unfairly weighed against them, he says.

“These ‘boat people’ – you have detained them, released them, given them permanent protection, they become citizens and now you stop their family visiting.

“They are being discriminated against, even though they are Australian citizens.

“If they still don’t have equal rights as others, then what’s the point (of being citizens)?”

Dandenong-based migration agent Thayhorn Yim agreed that it seemed discriminatory.

Authorities have been particularly harsh against overseas visitors from refugee hot spots like Afghanistan, Cambodia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in recent months, he says.. And it’s a simpler, less expensive process for visitors from countries such as the UK.

“They should be allowed to come here pro-

vided there’s no adverse information against them.

“But the department looks at the history of the family who arrived here for protection as refugees. That history shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing.

“Particularly for a visitor visa, they shouldn’t be applying the policy so strictly.

“It’s causing a lot of grief in the community. Especially after Covid-19 they want to reunite with their families.”

Last year, Star News reported Mr Yim’s desperate fight for a Cambodian teenager’s visa to attend his late father’s funeral in the South East.

He had been initially refused because he didn’t have “strong employment or financial incentives” to return to Cambodia.

“I note the applicant has other relatives residing in Australia, which would further act as an encouragement for the applicant to remain in Australia,” a Home Affairs delegate stated at

the time.

It took months of multiple applications, a letter from a senior Buddhist monk in Springvale South to the Immigration Minister and media coverage before Home Affairs relented. your arrival by boat shouldn’t be relevant for these cases,”

A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said that a key requirement is that the visitor visa applicant “genuinely intends to stay temporarily in Australia”.

“This involves an assessment of the applicant’s personal circumstances, incentive to return home, financial situation and ability to support themselves in Australia.

“Each application is assessed on its individual merits, taking into account any factors relevant to the applicant.

“The decision maker is unable to grant the visa if they are not satisfied that the applicant intends a genuine temporary stay in Australia.”

Asbestos found again

Asbestos has been found for the second time in as many weeks in the City of Casey, with the material found in a mulched garden bed at a Clyde North reserve.

The council identified suspected asbestos from a small sample in a garden bed at Clydevale Avenue Reserve, with test results since confirming the sample was positive for asbestos, council said on Friday 26 April.

Council said it took immediate action and installed temporary fencing to prevent public access to the area.

Clean-up works were set to begin the week commencing Monday 29 April.

The first asbestos sample in Casey was found in Minihans Reserve in Cranbourne in early April.

The City of Casey reported to the EPA that small pieces of bonded asbestoscontaining material had been discovered in a mulched garden bed at Minihans Reserve in Cranbourne, following a proactive inspection program that has so far assessed 30 locations. EPA officers attended the site on Tuesday 16 April.

The small pieces of asbestos discovered were in a stable, low-risk form, however, the council stated that it was taking this very seriously.

Council completed clean-up works at Minihans Reserve, and a clearance certificate was issued for the site. The site has since reopened.

Council’s proactive inspection program of parks and playgrounds across Casey will continue over the coming weeks.

Wicki Wickiramasingham says Tamil-Australian citizens are being discriminated from having their families visit from overseas. 235665

Picture: GARY SISSONS

FOCUS ON … MOTHER’S DAY

Capture a special memory

Treat your mum to a free photo, courtesy of Pakenham Central Marketplace. Let our professional photographer snap a special moment together, ensuring you have a treasured keepsake for years to come.

· Saturday 4 May, 10am-2pm, outside Ozmosis.

· Saturday 11 May, 10am-2pm, outside Ozmosis.

A beautifully captured photo with Mum is a gift she’ll truly cherish forever. Plus, it’s absolutely free.

*T&C’s Apply. Note, customers are entitled to 1 x free photo and no further photos can be purchased. No bookings required.

Whilst stocks last. Limited to the first 300 customers per day.

Free Mother’s Day Kid’s Craft

This Mother’s Day, let’s add a personal touch to the day with a decorated photo frame. Bring the kids into our free Kid’s Craft session at Pakenham Central Marketplace.

· Saturday 11 May, 10 am to 2 pm, outside Optus.

Under the guidance of our friendly staff, kids will have the opportunity to decorate a 4 x 6 photo frame, transforming it into a beautiful keepsake. The perfect addition to go with your free photo captured in centre.

*T&C’s Apply. Stocks are limited to 400 children. Kids craft may close early once photo frames are exhausted. One photo frame per child.

Pakenham Central Marketplace, John Street. Pakenham 5940 8322. See website for details. Capture

Walhalla Goldfields Railway

Give mum a day out and spend an unforgettable time with the family at Walhalla Goldfields Railway.

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

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

Winding through the gorge past Happy Creek Station on your way towards Thomson Station you cross seven bridges which in

themselves are a marvel of engineering before reaching the spectacular Thomson River bridge.

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

Upon your return to Walhalla enjoy lunch or a high tea in the cosy environment of The Goods Shed Cafe

Return trains depart from Walhalla Station.

· Bookings can be made at: www.walhallarail. com.au

· For more information phone: 0401 497 881.

Walhalla Goldfields Railway.

a special memory for Mum that’ll make her day at Pakenham Central Marketplace.

FOCUS ON … MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day gift ideas

For the ultimate Mother’s Day shopping experience, there’s no place like Lazy Frog Gifts in Pakenham.

Call into the store and be amazed at a extensive selection of homewares, candles, jewellery, lotions, prints, fashion, and accessories.

You will have a wonderful time browsing this store for gift ideas for all the Mums in your life. Not to mention beautiful Mother’s Day cards.

Jackie and her friendly team can help you out with the perfect gift, no matter your budget. They are there to guide you through their delightful array of options and ensure you leave with a present that’ll make Mum’s day extra special.

Conveniently located on Main Street in Pakenham, Lazy Frog Gifts is your go-to destination for all your Mother’s Day needs. Telephone 5941 2225.

Make mum feel extra special on Mother’s Day

THIS Mother’s Day, let mum know how appreciated and loved she is.

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shower mum with gifts and show her how much she means.

But when there are little ones, even the simplest gesture speaks volumes.

Kids, here are some easy (and cheap!) ways to spoil mum on Mother’s Day.

A thoughtful gift such as breakfast in bed or a homemade card is sure to bring a smile to your mum’s dial.

Start out by making your mum a cup of her favourite beverage - such as tea or coffee.

Then, while she’s relaxing in bed sipping on her drink, get to work on breakfast.

If you’re not a whiz in the kitchen, something simple like fruit with yoghurt or porridge will do the trick.

For something with a bit more effort, whip up a batch of French toast or pancakes, or go all out and make bacon and eggs.

Make your mum a card with a heartfelt message.

If you want to continue the culinary efforts, get the family together for a special Mother’s Day meal, where your mum doesn’t have to lift a finger.

Pick some flowers from your backyard and create a bouquet for a sure-fire winning present.

Channel your inner do-it-yourselfer

and make your mum a painting. Take a walk with mum for a heart-toheart or simply enjoy some quiet time together.

Put on her favourite movie and get her to relax.

And if you want to go all-out with something more extravagant, talk to dad and see if he can chip in for a luxurious spa treatment or some jewellery.And last, but not least, don’t forget to tell your mum “I love you”.

Happy Mother’s Day.

CELEBRATE MUM

Saturday 4th & 11th May

Swing by our photographers to snap up a sweet memory for Mum that'll make her day! 10:00am - 2:00pm | Outside Ozmosis

*T&C’s Apply - customers are entitled to 1 x free photo.

Decorate a beautiful photo frame for Mum.

*T&C’s Apply - No bookings required. Limited to the first 400 participants

The ultimate Mother’s Day shopping experience - Lazy Frog Gifts, Pakenham.

NEWS Unforgettable war journey

By Violet Li

John

Goldspink

has a life to tell you.

The 98-year-old Pearcedale resident took the lead in this year’s Cranbourne Anzac Day march as the eldest member who served the country in the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL.

He still treasures a wooden casket from the Second World War and keeps the physical memories inside: an enrolment form, paperwork, paybook, a will, and several dog-eared yellow pictures from the old days.

The origin of the casket has long been forgotten, but the Japanese characters carved into the lid, “25 wearable machine gun. 80 fuse type”, declare it could be a grenade box.

On the back of the lid, English words finally emerge. Crooked but identifiable, they say “19 Australian Field Ambulance Unit”, where John served during the war.

Growing up inTumbarumba, a town in New South Wales, John was enlisted in the medical department on 22 March 1944 when he was an 18-year-old teenage boy. It was a voluntary move. Long inspired by his neighbour who returned from the FirstWorldWar, John felt compelled to defend Australia.

He later had infantry training in Cowra, New South Wales and medical training in Darley, Victoria. On 15 January 1945, he was shipped to Bougainville, a part of Papua New Guinea.

“The Japanese, after the Pearl Harbor incident, have come down through Malaysia and all those other ones.They have started to come down,” John recalled.

“So the Australian forces at the start bolstered or defended the islands, and then the Americans eventually came and helped.

“After that, some Australians went over to Europe, but the main contingency of Australia would have been Malaysia and the islands.

“Papua New Guinea was like the last stand for Australia.”

“I assisted in operating on the wounded diggers,” he continued.

“I can always remember the first three wounds I ever saw. The first was shot through the arm. The second was shot in the stomach and the third was the head.”

John was discharged on 30 April 1947 after being shipped back to a hospital in Sydney. He lost the hearing of one of his ears during the service due to an infection.

The war imprinted indelible marks on his memories. There were mixed feelings. He still remembers some good times in the army.

“When I was in the hospital in Sydney, they had their own movies and all sorts of things. But we didn’t have ice cream. The Americans used to have ice cream. We didn’t,” he joked.

But grey moments were more of the usual. A black-and-white picture from the time may have proved that. It was the moment of a volcano erupting in Papua New Guinea. Addressed to an unknown, John wrote a line on the back: “I hope you like it because I am beginning to hate the sight of it.”

“I was lying in the back when I was looking at it. It was a pretty clear night. I was on the ground anyway. I felt the bed shake,” he recalled.

“I was homesick, and with all the stuff that was going on.

“I was homesick for a while, but you would’ve been over that in the end.”

After the war, John returned to his hometown and went back to his old normal job: making boxes.

The army helped him secure a new painting job. After that, he worked for a local builder for

a while.

He started a family, created his own business later in his life, and moved down to Victoria. The family lived all around Melbourne: Carnegie, Clayton, Dandenong, and eventually Pearcedale where John went into the cattle business.

He never picked up nursing, his army profession, after the war.

“I thought, I’ve seen enough blood and

guts,” he said.

“I just couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t continue doing that on a daily basis.”

But attending Anzac Day has always been a routine and a must.

“The Anzac Day is a good day to remember, trying to get the young people to think about what we all went through,” he said.

“As long as we remember.”

John Goldspink and his grandson Scott Kingett, who also served in the army. 402226

Picture: ROB CAREW

The Japanese casket from the war. John has long forgotten how he got it. Picture: VIOLET LI

John Goldspink at 18. Picture: VIOLET LI

A volcano is erupting in Papua New Guinea. Addressed to an unknown, John wrote a line on the back: “I hope you like it because I am beginning to hate the sight of it.”

Picture: VIOLET LI

WHAT’S ON

Storm recovery workshops

Following recent reports outlining the significant emotional challenges within Cardinia and Yarra Ranges following the storms which hit the area earlier in the year, Edenhope Psychotherapy is hosting a workshop to help support the community.

The workshop will feature Equine-Assisted activities designed to promote emotional safety, provide valuable resourcing, and offer insights into typical responses related to shock and the healing process.

By sharing some of the psycho-educational tips and information discussed during the event, Edenhope Psychotherapy aims to contribute to raising awareness and inspiring others to prioritise emotional well-being in their recovery journey.

· For more information, visit edenhopepsychotherapy.au/emotionalwellnessworkshops for more details.

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 10 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 11.15am, 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

Biggest Morning Tea

The Woodlands Park Retirement Village in Berwick is again raising money for its Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event, which will contribute to raffles, door prizes and auction prizes available on the day and towards cancer research.

Resident Colleen Astbury has organised three events towards the initiative, raising a total of

BUSINESS PROFILE

$22,486 towards the Cancer Council.

· For more information or to donate, visit www. biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/ColleenAstbury or contact Colleen on 0422 849 619.

BADFolk Club

Berwick and District Folkclub (BADFolk) have been meeting at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick for the past 21 years.

The group meets on the third Friday of each month, with doors open from 6.30pm and the music running from 7pm to 10pm.

The group also welcomes spot acts - anyone who can play an instrument, sing, share a poem.

Entry is $15, with tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks and snack food available for purchase.

· For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264.

Explore education from Kinder to Year 12 at Open Day

St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School invites families and the wider community to explore the world of education at this year’s Open Day on Saturday 4 May between 10:00am and 2:00pm at either of their Drouin and Warragul Campuses.

To learn about the new Drouin primary school set to open its doors for Kinder to Year 2 from the first day of school next year and express your interest in Years 3 to 6, visit the site in McGlone Road (opposite Kingston Heath

Drive). Meet the friendly team who will lead the school, view the detailed plans and discover more about the new Drouin Campus.

Tour the Warragul Campus facilities and connect with dedicated educators to gain insight into Kinder through to Year 12 at 150 Bowen Street. Tours start from 10:00am with the last tour departing at 1:00pm.

To register your attendance for Saturday 4 May, please visit the St Paul’s website – stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

ing night event at 7pm on Friday 17 May, with major winners announced and a wearable art parade.

· For more information, visit www.artshowpakenham.com.au

Emerald Rotary Market

A community market in the heart of the Hills. Crafts, produce, collectables, treasures, hot food, fresh coffee, ice cream and so much more will be available. The market will be located behind the shops off Kilvington Drive and opposite the primary school on the oval on Heroes Avenue.

· For more information, view the website or contact 0408 769 491.

Probus Club of Pakenham East

The Probus Club of Pakenham East is encouraging new members to join.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cardinia Club, commencing at 10am.

A short meeting is followed by morning tea and the opportunity to get to know members prior to

the introduction of the guest speaker. Various activities are held throughout the month.

· For more information, phone president Gary on 0428 255 178 or contact secretary Dorothy on probuspakenhameast@gmail.com

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.

Open mic for artists

Cardinia Creative Community is a space for animators, artists, musicians, writers, poets, comedians, actors, dreamers, visionaries, dancers, storytellers and creators to come together to support one another to make dreams come true.

· The group meets on the last Friday of the month from 7pm to 9pm, at the Officer Food Truck Park, 474 Princes Hwy, Officer.

· For more information, visit www.facebook. com/groups/870966037793058

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.

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

· For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria 0468 363 616.

The site benefits from the

Chia-Mae Low with her prize winning artwork Yankunytjatjara from last year’s show. Picture: SUPPLIED

St Paul’s Secondary School Captains, Max O’Connor and Ruby Langham, welcome families and the wider community to attend the school’s Open Day.

Finding your ideal role

In numerous surveys that Gallup has undertaken over the years in Australia, the UK, US and Canada, a remarkably consistent set of results regarding the level of staff engagement shows up.

The data indicates that between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of staff are typically “disengaged” which means that they’ll go to work, do what they have to do, but derive little pleasure or personal satisfaction from this and hence unlikely to go the extra mile in achieving their objectives.

Worse still, 10 to 15 per cent of staff are “actively disengaged” which means that they are actually working against the best interests of the business. This implies that perhaps as little as 15 per cent of staff are really engaged in what they are doing (and hence more likely to be productive) at work! Imagine what productivity improvements we could achieve with an increase of just a few percentage points in employee engagement!

So why is the situation so bad? Here are some possible reasons for this:

· We have qualifications and/or experience in a particular domain and feel that we aren’t suitably qualified or experienced to do anything else.

· Allied to the above, we have personal and financial commitments which prevent us from taking the risk of making a significant change.

We have got into a rut and perhaps taken the

Data indicates that between 60 per cent

· Perhaps we believe that going to work is what you do to earn money to pay the bills and take the occasional holiday, but actually loving what you do is a luxury that few of us can afford.

self-limiting beliefs and it is quite possible to love what you do and find you “ideal role”. Here are some steps to help you do this in practice:

What do you really love doing? I don’t mean what you are necessarily good at, but rather what gives you a true sense of personal satisfaction, purpose or self-fulfillment? They say that if you love what you do, then you never work another day in your life. You may not be able to apply this directly, but if there is a role that contains a good part of this, then it may be worth considering.

Review what your core skill set really is For example, you may have trained as an electrical apprentice, but if you love solving problems logically, then consider other roles where the ability to problem-solve can also be well applied. Perhaps you love working with people or are good at inspiring others – there are so many roles where demonstrable people skills are so vital.

Understand your core values

Irrespective of whether the job aligns with your skills and abilities, if your core values don’t align with those of the organisation to which you belong, you won’t have an enjoyable longterm engagement with that employer. Values alignment is essential for you to feel that you are doing something worthwhile which is typically the number one reason why people stay in a role. It is worth spending the time to determine what your core values are, these are the things that you hold onto no matter what. Learn how to apply for and get your ideal role

In practical terms, this comes down to having a great resume, being able to write an attentiongrabbing cover letter and nailing the interview. Obviously ,you can’t do the latter unless the former has got you in front of you prospective new employer and so it is worth investing in getting experienced people to help you prepare with all these aspects.

Ian Ash ACC, AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solu-

Roos believe they belong

By David Nagel

“Not only do the players believe now, but every supporter in the club is starting to believe as well.”

It was impossible to ignore the statement made by Officer coach Daniel Charles and his playing group after the Kangaroos dug deep to win an absorbing Outer East Premier Division contest by three points against Pakenham on Saturday.

The ‘full-house’ sign was up at Toomuc Reserve as the near-neighbours locked horns for the first time since July, 2022; with Officer returning to the big-time after a season in Division One.

The Lions won by 110 points - on this same deck in 2022 - but it became clear early; not long after the echoes of the ‘Ode’ had petered out, that the Kangas had come to play.

Goals to Riley Wierzbicki, Tom Marks and Mark Seedsman - after a classic run from winger Jeremy Monckton - had the Kangaroos three goals in front after seven minutes of play.

Things could have been worse for the shellshocked Lions, with Ben Gilberto missing a golden opportunity to inflict further damage at the 16-minute mark.

A strong defence, led by Josh Westra, Kyle Hagger and Zack Charles, held the Lions scoreless in the opening term; the Kangas leading 3.4 to 0.0 at quarter time.

Pakenham’sconnectionproblemsstemmed from poor use by foot, but it rectified that at the first break, kicking eight of the next 11 goals.

Three of those came quickly in the second term, with Tyrell Bignoux, Jake Thompson and Joel Sarlo - courtesy of a 25-metre penalty from Brenton Hillard - cutting the margin to four points; 10 minutes into the second.

Seedsman steadied for the visitors, who led 4.5.29 to 3.4.22 at the main break.

Pakenham once again came out lazy after half-time, with Wierzbicki taking an easy mark in the goal-square to make it 13 points just two minutes into the third.

Sensing the danger the Lions lifted their intensity, with great tackles from winger Jackson Bramich and Sarlo providing a buzz around the ground.

Consecutive goals to Sam Kors cut the margin to two points after 13 minutes of play.

A late goal to Bignoux, who put his body on the line, gave the Lions the lead for the first time in the match at the 25-minute mark of the third.

Pakenham coach Paul Carbis asked his side to be more precise with its kicking, to spread the game with ball use in the final term; making Officer defend more.

But the Kangaroos opened the final term with more intent, with midfielders Hillard, Anzac medalist Ryan Hutton and skipper Brent Moloney capitalising on some great work from Jake Gains in the ruck.

Lachie Ward missed a sitter for the Kangas, early in the last, but Gilberto gave them back the lead at the six-minute mark.

Pakenham’s midfield then lifted, with Jake Barclay, Jimmy Harrison and Rhys Clacy sparking into action.

Bailey Stiles took a mark from a tumbling entry, and kicked truly, before a clearance from Harrison, and quick hands from Jai Rout, set Stiles up for another.

The Lions were 10 points up, 12 minutes into the last, and looked home.

But Officer refused to lie down, with Anthony Quach cutting the margin to four points with a fine goal on the run.

The critical moment of the contest then ensued.

More great play from Barclay and Harrison saw the ball surge forward for the Lions, with some desperate defence from the Kangaroos seeing the ball rushed through for a point.

From the resulting kickout, the Kangaroos went the length of the ground with Seedsman kicking his third to give the Kangas back the lead.

A minute later, 17 minutes in, Luke Hetherington kicked another on the run to make it a two-kick game.

Hetherington missed the chance to seal the deal, a minute later, before Thompson gave the Lions some hope with a six-pointer after 27 minutes of play.

A desperate midfield clearance ended in the Officer forward line; celebrating a 9.11(65) to 9.8(62) triumph.

Coach Charles agreed that it was a great

moment for his footy club.

“We’ve been building something over the last two years, but stepping up to Premier Division we knew we had a pretty big jump,” he explained.

“But with the workrate the boys are prepared to put in, and the efforts they’ve put in over the pre-season, the rewards are starting to come.

“A few of the recruits we’ve picked up over the off-season have also helped a lot, so it’s all very exciting.

“Not only do the players believe now, but every supporter in the club is starting to believe as well.”

The recruits Charles speaks highly of are ruckman Jake Gains, midfielder Brenton Hillard and former Cora Lynn star Jeremy Monckton on the wing.

“The experience and knowledge that they pass down to some of our young blokes, because we still have a very young side, is invaluable, and they’ve got cool heads in a crisis,” Charles said.

“The three of them are around the ball for most of the day, so they help with our set ups and keep us organised around the ground.

“He (Monckton) knows his role, and he’s one of many blokes that are just happy to play their role.

“He’s a class winger, he’s been a class winger for a long time and he’s got the smarts on the outside.”

Charles was impressed with his sides ability to hit the ground running, kicking three goals in seven minutes after a lengthy tribute to the Anzacs.

“Anzac games are definitely different; they have a finals-type feel about them, so to come out and have a good start was important,” he said.

“We had a good first quarter, then dropped away from our structures and workrate a bit in the second quarter, and Pakenham took advantage.

“They looked a little shellshocked in the first quarter, but came back hard in the second and third, as we knew they would.

“It was pleasing for our boys to lift their workrate again in the last quarter and get across the line.

“That win came down to want, more than skill level and structure and those types of things, it came down to want and desire.”

Charles said its now onwards and upwards from here.

“We’ve got a massive test this week against Narre Warren, and that will give us a true indication of where we’re at, but those are the tests we are longing for,” he said.

“We’re sitting at two wins and one loss at the moment, and hopefully we can build on that.

“Finishing fifth in Division One last year, I think a lot of people expected us to be at the bottom, but the club is very confident in the direction we are heading in.

“Our whole pre-season has been based on how we want to play, and even though we went away from that for a little bit, I think we showed how effective it can be today.

“When we get it right it works, but it’s also enjoyable to watch, and we’re trying to create a style of play that not only wins us games…but people want to come and watch.”

Charles gave special praise to Anzac Medal winner Hutton.

“Ryan Hutton winning the Anzac Day Medal is fantastic, because he played in the twos in round one,” Charles said with a satisfied smile.

“He did everything that was asked of him, and has now played two terrific games in the seniors.

“He hunts the ball as good as anyone, and for a young bloke is really clean below his knees, and loves to bring his teammates into the game.

“Our three wingers, Monckton, (Brodie) Snooks and (Robert) Hudson, they all love playing with him because he brings the ball to the outside.”

Seedsman was the leading goal-kicker on the ground, ending the day with three for the winners, while Bignoux, Kors, Stiles and Thompson kicked two each for the Lions, who struggled to cover the loss of key forward Tom Gamble.

Officer rolls out the red-carpet for Narre Warren this week, while the Lions head to Chandler Reserve to take on the winless Emerald.

Cardinia Storm on top after another impressive display

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Cardinia’s men have established themselves as a genuine premiership threat in the Men’s Metro 2 South competition with a 5-1 victory over Glen Eira.

One of the strongest sides across recent years in the competition, Cardinia planned for their toughness, and once they adapted late in the first quarter, they had control of the contest.

Gareth Ventom scored the club’s first hattrick to lead the victory, winning two crucial one-on-ones which helped him find the back of the net and tapping one in with a lunging dive at the post.

Ben Quill dominated possession in the midfield, fullback Daniel Albrecht linked up

well and provided overlap, while Harry Byron is incrementally improving his fundamentals.

“We want to be making statements each week so the win on the weekend was awesome,” said coach Peter Turner.

“We linked up, and beat the opposition at their own game: they played a longball game and we were able to cut them off and go long around them, using our speed.”

It maintains the men’s undefeated record, while the goal they conceded late in the third quarter is the first they have conceded this season, highlighting how well they have come together.

The women are still searching for their first win of the season after a 1-1 draw with Monash University.

Ash Burnett’s run down the left wing set up Bridie Dillon for the first of the game after

the Storm controlled the first half. Cardinia conceded late in the second half, with Burnett again popping up in a dangerous spot with her run in the dying seconds, but time ultimately elapsed before she could get her shot away.

In other news, three Cardinia juniors have been named to represent Victoria at the junior state championships.

Under-12s boys Luke Holland and Jake Bowen were both named, the latter the son of men’s player, James, while under-12s girls player Lilly Kelly, the daughter of playing members Peter Turner and Jacqui Kelly, was also selected.

Men’s captain Scott Burnett, meanwhile, will coach the under-14s girls side.

Bridie Dillon scores a goal for Cardinia. 403690 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Officer recruit Jeremy Monckton attempts to evade the clutches of Pakenham’s David Sollberger in front of a bumper crowd at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday. 403698 Picture: ROB CAREW

Magpies show their class

By Marcus Uhe

A dominant fourth quarter saw Narre Warren reign supreme in an Outer East Football Netball A-Grade Netball grand final rematch from 2023 over Wandin, prevailing in a 44-41 win at home.

Trailing by three goals heading into the final term, the Magpies showed exactly why they are reigning premiers, winning the final term 11-5 and snatching victory from the jaws of defeat over last season’s runner up.

Remarkably, the final quarter scores repeated the opening quarter, with both sides making nervous starts to the big contest.

Moved to 12.30 to accommodate the broadcast partners and avoiding any overlap with the football, the opening stages featured turnovers on the first two possessions and 90 seconds of play before the opening goal.

Narre Warren jumped to an early 9-3 lead, thanks to some poor ball handling from Wandin and a better path to goal for the Magpies.

Without Emmalia Blake in the Wandin goal circle, the Bulldogs were forced to find other routes to goal, rather than exploit her considerable height advantage over most defenders.

Wandin were grand finalists in 2023 for a reason, however, and showed tremendous fight in the second half to retake the lead late in the term.

Much of the quarter was played in Narre Warren’s half but with its high defensive press, the Bulldogs made a conscious effort to pass

over the oncoming pressure and find Lauren Spinks close to goal.

The Magpies responded to take a four-goal lead into the long break, but a five-goal run early in the third term saw the Bulldogs retake the ascendency.

Wandin’s lead reached as many as three goals, the final two of the quarter fighting off a mini-resurgence from the premiers, entering the final term ahead 36-33.

The beginning of the final quarter was going to say plenty about each team, but for Wandin it was a period of the game to forget.

With the first possession of the quarter, they missed two chances to open the scoring, before Grace Ioelu converted at the other end of the court for Narre Warren.

Despite missing Gabrielle Dwyer, the Magpies defenders were extremely effective in keeping Spinks and Jackie Cutting away from the post, and forcing them to shoot long shots that she struggled to convert.

Erin Bell tied the scores at the other end, showing a considerable lack of nerves compared to her contemporary.

She did miss two shots on one possession later in the quarter, but tellingly managed to secure the rebounds on both occasions.

On the second miss, she found Ioelu, who converted on the Magpies’ third try.

Wandin tied the scores at 37, but failed to retake the lead in the remainder of the game, as Spinks missed a number of chances down

the stretch.

Ioelu outshone her experienced and more credentialed shooting partner with 24 goals and was critical to the result for the Magpies, filling the breach left by Chelsea Tonna.

Maddy George showed tenacious intensity for Wandin throughout the contest, while Spinks finished with 33 goals.

The return of Eliza Molino to the Pakenham line up played a huge role in the Lions downing ROC by 15 goals in the 54-39 contest to make to two wins from three matches.

Molino helped restrict ROC on the offensive end, holding them to just five goals in the second quarter, where the Lions nailed 13, to grow the lead from one goal to nine at the long break.

Elsewhere, Upwey Tecoma downed Olinda Ferny Creek 57-34, Woori Yallock kept Berwick Springs to just 16 goals in a 66-16 hammering, and Emerald almost doubled Gembrook Cockatoo’s score in a 60-33 win at Gembrook.

Gembrook Cockatoo had no answer to Emerald captain Kaylah Loulanting, who scored 40 goals on her own to singlehandedly outscore the Brookers, ending the home side’s winning streak in the process.

Monbulk, meanwhile, played Mt Evelyn to a low scoring tie, the scores locked at 46 each.

The Rovers have now started the season with one win, one loss and one draw, in results that could prove consequential when jostling for positions and seeding, come finals time.

Three to be relegated as Outer East Premier drops to 10

By Marcus Uhe

The bottom sides on the Premier Division football ladder will be fighting for survival in Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) this season with confirmation of a triple relegation to take place at season’s end, leaving one club president declaring that their club would need to “consider our options” going forward.

Clubs that finish in 10th, 11th and 12th in Premier Division football will be relegated to Division One, with the premier of Division One to earn promotion to the top flight as Premier Division returns to a 10-team competition, after fielding 12 in 2024.

Edging back to 10 teams will ensure an equitable 18-round fixture, with all teams playing each other twice in home-and-away fixtures, in an effort to strengthen the division’s integrity.

In 2024, each team plays each other once, with seven repeat fixtures.

Emerald, Berwick Springs and Officer/ ROC were promoted to Premier Division for the 2024 season as a result of OEFN’S Competition Structural Review in 2023.

Three divisions became two, with Premier expanding from nine teams to 12, and Division One from seven teams to 11, with Division Two being scrapped.

Berwick Springs Football Netball Club president Ashley Allison said the club’s com-

mittee will need to act in the best interests of its members, eager to avoid playing in Division One in 2025.

Free night out at the races

Southside Racing is thrilled to announce that all night meetings in May will be free for attendees, as the club eliminates admission charges for the remainder of the night racing season.

Nine meetings remain during the night racing season, five at Cranbourne and four at Sportsbet-Pakenham, giving racegoers ample opportunity to experience night racing at both venues.

“At Southside Racing, we’re dedicated to creating an unparalleled experience for racing enthusiasts across the southeast,” said Neil Bainbridge, Chief Executive Officer.

“Our goal is to eliminate a barrier that might prevent people from coming along and enjoying the full experience, whether it’s the excitement of witnessing the stars on the track up close or indulging in our exceptional food

and beverage options, all while experiencing the renowned service that Southside Racing is known for.

“By removing the barrier of admission charges, we are opening our gates wide to invite individuals and families to come together and experience the excitement of a night out at our two premier venues.”

The first free entry meeting will be held at Southside Cranbourne on Friday, 3 May, with the season’s final night racing meeting of the season to run at the same venue on Friday, 31 May.

Cranbourne Meetings: Friday nights from 3 May to 31 May. Pakenham Meetings: Thursday nights from 9 May to 30 May.

For more information and updates, please visit www.southsideracing.com.au

“We’d have to consider our options,” Allison said.

“We recruited heavily on the basis of being in Premier Division.

“As a committee we’d have to decide what the right thing is for the club.

“We hadn’t had any pre-discussion (before) the Outer East board decided, there was no pre-discussion, from my perspective, that the bottom three would be relegated.”

Division One of OEFN includes teams such as Yea, Powelltown and Alexandra, requiring considerable travel for the Titans, should they be relegated.

OEFN Chief Executive Brett Connell said the intention was “always to revert to the (10) team premier competition,” given it was the preferred structure according to club feedback in the 2023 Review, and said that all clubs were consulted “on numerous occasions” throughout the process.

“The board has settled on this year, for the relegation and promotion piece, to allow clubs to plan for the season, one or two weeks into the season, they will know that if their footy finishes in 10 11 or 12 position, they’ll be relegated,” Connell said.

“To get back to a competition that has nine home-and-away games is a lot easier than working around a 12-team competition.

“It’s not ideal this year because it’s uneven, but there will be three that are relegated so

we’ll get back to 10.

“We certainly need to get back to 10, that’s what the clubs wanted in the competition structure review and that’s what the board agreed to last year in moving to 12, that we’d be moving back to 10 as soon as we possibly could.”

OEFN’s By-Laws state that only the bottom team at the end of the home-and-away season in Premier Division shall be relegated to Division One and the premiers of Division One receive promotion.

However, law 8.3 states that “If, at the beginning of a season the Premier Division competition has an odd number of teams, or the number of football teams is not ten (10), the Board shall decide the relegation and promotion structure from each division prior to Round 2 of that season.”

Connell said that clubs were told of the return to 10 teams before Round 2, in accordance with the By-Laws.

“Outer East Football Netball has committed to a larger body of work to benchmark the competitions of football and netball to explore whether there is a better relegation/ promotion system than what currently exists,” Connell said.

“Any bench-marking exercise will take some time to explore and then implement, and for the certainty and stability of the competition Premier Division will revert back to a (10) team competition in 2025.”

Racegoers are being invited to a free night at the track by the team at Southside Racing. 404860 Picture: SUPPLIED

The confirmation of a triple relegation from Outer East’s Premier Division has raised concerns for Berwick Springs Football Netball Club. 402295 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Abbey Barrientos was critical for Narre Warren in its win over Wandin. 362381

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Helen Staindl School Principal