An exciting change is happening at Hallam Senior College. The College has begun the process of being reorganised and expanded to cater for the growing demand in Melbourne’s south-east and provide families with a quality local school for their entire secondary schooling journey. The school has been renamed Hallam Secondary College and will progressively move to a Year 7-12 school over the next few years.
Through our Values (Achievement, Care and Equity) we will ensure every student learns and achieves with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for lifelong learning while assisting them to be ready to take their place as positive contributors to their local and global community. Everything we do is focused on identifying and maximising individual potential, through the use of the very best tried and tested teaching and learning practice within a supportive and caring environment.
Our mission is to provide a comprehensive and guaranteed high quality education program that ensures ‘Success for All’. Ouraimistocreateaschoolwhichis:
· a true learning community
· a place students wish to attend, staff want to work and parents feel welcome
· fulfilling student potential and,
· preparing students for life beyond school
As a small to medium size secondary school we have the advantage of being able to know every learner as an individual.
Despite being a smaller secondary the new school will have an extensive range of Senior Pathways available to our students including VCE (both traditional Academic and the new Vocational Major), the highly regarded Sports Academy inYears 10 to 12 and access to the largestVET provision of any school in the Region.
A multiple pathway approach provides opportunities for all students. Whatever the next step, students finishing at Hallam Secondary College will have formed a clear sense of what they want to achieve and the pathway to this outcome. Students work closely with the staff, professional course advisors and experts from industry to shape their choices.
Staff are committed to student success.
The quality of our teaching and support staff is excellent, making a significant difference to student outcomes. Targeted enhancement programs across the Academy structure assists students to reach their potential.
Appreciating and embracing different backgrounds, cultures and identities is built into our school curriculum and celebrated through specific community events.
Our College has a reputation for challenging students to be involved in a range of activities which help shape them as a learner and active community member. We expect our students to work hard, be involved in the wide range of extra curricula activities and be active members of the local community .
Thinking about a secondary school for 2025? Our college principal, Mr. Aaron Smith, invites you to consider Pakenham Secondary College for your child in 2025 and beyond.
Our excellent reputation in the local community in best supporting our students with their learning and wellbeing continues to grow – we are a school that is ‘on the move’. We continue to make a number of changes in 2024, which will further benefit our students moving forward.
Our College Motto, ‘We Grow Through Connection’ best supports our College Community in the years to come. Growth and improvement are linked to the positive relationships and connections we have with others. At Pakenham Secondary College, ‘We Grow Through Connection’, valuing the strong sense of community and teamwork that exists between students, families and self. Our Motto aligns well with our SOAR Values of Social and Personal Responsibility, Opportunities for All, Achieving Personal Best and Respectful Relationships.
At Pakenham Secondary College, we are committed to positive relationships. We understand that student growth is linked to the positive and meaningful connections they have with others. As a college, we are dedicated to further improving the learning and wellbeing outcomes of all of our students by building respectful, positive and productive connections with our College Community.
Pakenham Secondary College strives to provide opportunities in areas important to our College Community – Growth in Learning and Wellbeing, Sport, the Performing Arts, Student Leadership and Our Community. With a hardworking and dedicated
staff, we are committed to working with our families to provide as many opportunities as we can for our students in these important areas of the College.
With a rich 50-year history in our region, we are well placed to offer a personalised approach to teaching and learning ensuring that we work with all of our students to tailor individualised pathways that are important to them. We provide outstanding opportunities for our students in the classroom and as part of our co-curricular program.
I want to welcome families to the Pakenham Secondary College Community. I very much looking forward to showing prospective families around our great school as part of a College Tour.
Book a College Tour through our website at pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au or call the office on (03) 5945 143
AaronSmith CollegePrincipal PakenhamSecondaryCollege
THURSDAY 6TH JUNE 4:30PM - 6:30PM
Years9-11 students&their parents/carers are invited to attend an Information Session to find out whatVETis, how itfitsintoyoureducationpathway, and the VETofferingsavailableatour networkoflocalsecondaryschools for 2025 and beyond.
Representatives from our local secondary schools, the Department of Education, South East Local Learning & Employment Network (SELLEN) & many Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Providers will be in attendance.
Forfurtherinformation please contact Nicole Sing on 59451433. Please scan the QR Code to Register.
Education Week will be celebrated in Victoria from Monday 13 May to Friday 17 May 2024.
The annual celebration of education is a chance for students to take part in free and fun activities, with an opportunity to share what makes your school or learning setting great.
This year’s theme ‘Spotlight on STEM’ focuses on the ways science, technology, engineering and maths can be brought to life in the classroom.
Join in the celebrations, and explore free teaching resources, virtual events and more.
The way that STEM subjects are taught may have changed over the years, but families are still able to support children of all ages engage in STEM related experiences.
You can help your child engage with STEM by encouraging them to investigate and ask questions about the real world.You can do this by asking open-ended questions, such as: Can you describe...? I wonder what would happen if...? How would you answer that question...? What if...?
Learn more about STEM from your school Talk to your child’s school and ask how children can learn about STEM. Some schools let families volunteer for classroom activities and excursions.
Alternatively, ask your school for examples of STEM activities that you can do at home with your child.
Encourage and support activities that are STEM-related
For younger children, this could include playing games to identify different shapes, numbers and patterns; or singing songs and nursery rhymes about numbers and playing with building blocks.
For older children, this could include using a digital device to make a movie with special effects; learning cooking skills; or encouraging the use of apps and computer games that are STEM-related.
Join us for a School Tour
For children at secondary school, you could ask your child’s school about STEM subjects and extra-curricular activities that may have a
STEM focus, and encourage young people to talk to their teachers or career advisers about pathways that lead to STEM careers.
We invite you to join us for our next tour and explore our ELC, Junior School, Senior Girls and Senior Boys schools.
Please book your place via our website or using the QR code
Catholic schools across Gippsland and Melbourne’s outer south-east will open their doors to the community to celebrate Catholic Education Week 2024 from 17 May to 24 May.
This is a chance for everyone to witness the vibrant faith and learning environments in their local Catholic Schools with Open Days, activities and events planned.
Mr Paul Velten, Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, said schools were looking forward to celebrating through activities, events, and open days.
This year’s theme, A New Dialogue of Love, Hope and Joy is inspired by the Scripture passage ‘See, I am Making All Things New’, Revelation 21:5.
This theme symbolises an optimistic and hope-filled perspective on the world and a renewed approach to fostering positive change.
The theme emphasises the belief that transformation and renewal are possible in all aspects of life through individual choices. By following the life and teachings of Jesus, and embracing principles of compassion, peace, goodness, and justice, individuals can contribute to a more hopeful and joyful world, sowing seeds of positivity and hope.
Mr Velten said through this theme, Catholic schools intend to inspire young people to engage with the Christian message and to showcase their efforts in making a positive impact on society. Schools will be sharing the many activities and projects they are involved in which aim to contribute to making the world a better place.
“The goal is for everyone involved - staff, students, families, and parishes - to embrace this theme and for schools to continue serving as supportive environments where children can connect with their faith and realise their full potential.”
The Diocese of Sale covers 38 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholic secondary schools spanning a geographic area from Melbourne’s outer south-east suburbs from NarreWarren and Cranbourne to Phillip Island in the south, and right throughout Gippsland to Orbost in the east. A 39th Catholic primary school is currently under construction in the new Five Farms estate in the growth suburb of Clyde North with a planned opening in 2025.
To find out more about Catholic education in the Diocese of Sale and Catholic schools in your area visit: www.doscel.catholic.edu.au
17 May to 24 May 2024
Our school, along with the 45 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sale, will celebrate Catholic Education Week from 17 May to 24 May.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is, A New Dialogue of Love, Hope and Joy, inspired by the Scripture passage, ‘See, I am Making All Things New’ (Rev. 21:5).
This theme symbolises an optimistic and hope-filled perspective on the world and a renewed approach to fostering positive change.
The theme emphasises the belief that transformation and renewal are possible in all aspects of life through individual choices. By following the life and teachings of Jesus, and embracing principles of compassion, peace, goodness, and justice, individuals can contribute to a more hopeful and joyful world, sowing seeds of positivity and hope.
Through this theme, Catholic schools aim to inspire young people to reflect on the Christian message and to showcase their efforts in contributing to creating a better world.
The hope is for staff, students, families, and parishes to embrace this meaningful time and for schools to celebrate their distinctive mission and share features that are special about their schools.
Members of staff will be attending a Leadership Eucharist and Awards ceremony to celebrate and recognise outstanding service and excellence of staff and students in Catholic education in our Diocese at presentations during Catholic Education Week.
Our school will also hold a number of activities including ...
Sharing a Care Group and staff Catholic Education Week Prayer.
Staff leadership attendance at Catholic Education Week Mass on May 17 – Celebrant is Bishop Greg Bennet at St Thomas the Apostle
Dialogue with members of other faiths at Berwick and Officer Campuses on May 23.
Campus Masses on May 29, June 4 and June 6 to celebrate Catholic Education Week and Reconciliation Week
College and Care Group Catholic Education Week posters featuring St Francis Xavier College students.
Staff and students at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School at Pakenham celebrated the Blessing and official opening of two refurbished buildings which have created additional learning and collaborative spaces for staff and students to thrive.
Parish Priest, Fr Janeesh Jose officially Blessed and opened the refurbished facilities. He was joined by Senator Jess Walsh - Federal Labor Senator for Victoria who officially opened the new facilities. Also attending was Mr Paul Velten - director of Catholic Education for Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), Mrs Megan Escalante - principal, along with staff, students, invited guests, and friends of the school and parish community.
The Stage 1 project of the school’s masterplan redevelopment involved refurbishment of two school buildings comprising of general learning areas, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics space, multiple outdoor learning areas, staff and student amenities, and a roof replacement.
Principal, Mrs Megan Escalante said the project had significantly enhanced teaching and learning to meet the needs of students and staff.
“The project has been transformative in providing contemporary learning spaces that are inviting, light-filled and adaptable to inspire learning and provide a collaborative environment for students and staff alike. The new facilities also reflect our Catholic identity and provide a faith-filled environment for students to flourish.”
Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Velten, said it was wonderful to see Catholic education growing in the south-east suburbs.
“These new facilities represent Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited’s (DOSCEL) ongoing commitment to providing high quality learning and teaching environments and investment in school communities.
“By creating modern, engaging learning areas and updating facilities for students and staff, our Catholic schools are promoting excellence in learning where students can grow and thrive in a faith-filled learning environment.”
The $1.96 million Stage 1 Learning Block refurbishment was principally funded through a $1million grant from the Australian Government under the Capital Grants Program (CGP) and a $960,000 loan from the Capital Development Fund (CDF). MrVelten thanked the Australian Government and the CDF for their support of the project.
St Clare’s Primary School Officer, along with the 45 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sale, will celebrate Catholic Education Week.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is, Catholic Schools – ’I am making all things new’ from Revelations 21:5.
Catholic schools are more than just buildings where students come to learn. They are places where students can grow academically, spiritually and personally.
Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all Catholic schools to celebrate our distinctive mission and share features that are special about our schools.
Members of our staff will be attending a Leadership Mass to celebrate and recognise outstanding service and excellence of staff and
students in Catholic education in our
in Traralgon on Friday, 17 May.
On Saturday 18 May from 10am to 12pm we will be running school tours for those who may be interested in enrolling at our school for 2025. Students will also have the opportunity to share with parents and family some of their work within the classroom and additional subjects such as Art, Japanese, Music, Science, Sport and Performing Arts on Wednesday 22 May from 3.30pm. If you are looking to enrol for 2025 we ask that you contact us now as we are now preparing to offer placements for next year. For all enquires, tour bookings or to receive our enrolment documentation please phone 5940 6777 or email enrolments@ stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au
At St James Catholic Primary School, we strive to provide high quality Catholic education where the dignity, individual strengths and talents of every learner are celebrated and catered for. We challenge our students academically with an explicit focus on engagement, independence and empowering student voice while nurturing a sense of curiosity and wonder of the world. We are fortunate to offer a range of school-based activities including cyber safety awareness, hockey, basketball, athletics, cross country, softball, dance, interschool sports and wellbeing initiatives such as hands on learning.
Our staff are passionate educators who are child focused and wanting the best for your child whom you entrust us with every day. They work tirelessly to partner with parents, keeping lines of communication open and sharing in your celebrations and concerns. At St James, the proverb rings true...“It takes a village to raise a child”. The pure size of St James ensures that this proverb is enacted with care, compassion and decisions are always centred around our students.
Our staff strive to keep up to date with contemporary and evidence based learning and teaching, they don’t jump at educational‘fads’, but look at what is best for their students at any given point of time. Attendance at Sacraments, community events, parent workshops and working bees is testament to their dedication and sense of belonging to the Parish and school community.
Our children trust their educators and know that they can share their thoughts and views on the world in a safe and nurturing space. This is because their staff work to foster genuine relationships with them. We are proud that every staff member knows every child and something unique about them or their interests. Another element which sets St James apart from the rest!
We invite you to visit and celebrate our school, experience our welcoming and nurturing community, our commitment to our Faith and everything we have to offer your child. We look forward to meeting you.
Open Day - Tuesday, May 21, 9-1pm. St James Catholic Primary School, 60 Nar Nar Goon Road, Nar Nar Goon. Phone: (03) 5942 5404.
Every Victorian government school student will get a free breakfast under a multi-milliondollar budget move.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Education Ben Carroll recently announced the government would put $21.1 million - as part of the State Budget 2024/25 - into expanding the School Breakfast Clubs Program to every government school.
The expansion would see 150 more schools invited to join the program at the beginning of next year – expected to support up to 200,000 students – before rolling out to remaining schools from June 2025.
One thousand schools already participate in the program, which provides healthy breakfasts for students, as well as lunches, snacks and take-home food packs for students experiencing disadvantage or financial strain, the government said in a statement.
Food provided through School Breakfast Clubs meets Healthy Eating Guidelines, prioritises fresh foods and caters for different preferences, with menu options like cereals, fresh fruit, soups and rice dishes.
Premier Jacinta Allan said kids can’t learn on an empty stomach.
“That’s why we’re helping families by expanding School Breakfast Clubs to every government school, giving students a free, healthy breakfast before school every day,” Ms Allan said.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll said: “Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or a healthy snack, School Breakfast Clubs make a huge difference to students whose families need a little extra support to give their children nutritious meals that power their school day.”
The expansion of the School Breakfast Clubs Program comes on top of the government’s $287 million set aside to help ease costof-living pressures for school families.
The $400 School Saving Bonus would support all government school students, and eligible concession card holders at non-government schools, with the costs of school uniforms and camps, sports, and excursions.
They’re also expanding the Glasses for Kids program into more than 400 extra schools, providing free vision screening to children in Prep to Year 3, and free glasses for students who need them.
Since 2016, the State Government’s School Breakfast Clubs Program has delivered more than 40 million healthy and nutritious meals, as well as practical cooking classes for families at 100 schools. The government said the program helped to build food literacy, increase daily consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, and support cheap and healthy meal planning.
The State Government is expanding its School Breakfast Clubs Program. Picture: UNSPLASH
Smith
Welcome to Pakenham Secondary College. We are a proud College Community best meeting the needs of our students. Our College Motto, ‘We Grow Through Connection’, guides us in our approach to education – we can all continue to grow and thrive by developing positive and meaningful connections with others. At Pakenham Secondary College, we have a real focus on learning growth and wellbeing, together with tailoring pathways that are of interest to our students. We provide an outstanding Teaching and Learning Program that is well supported by extensive co-curricular opportunities in areas important to our students such as Sport, the Performing Arts and Leadership.
We value teamwork at Pakenham Secondary College where families, staff and students all work together to achieve outstanding results. We provide a learning environment that is built on high expectations for all, where all students are engaged in a curriculum that is challenging and diverse. We are excited about our significant Capital Works Program that will see approximately $11.5 Million of funding being used to further improve our outstanding Buildings and Grounds. We expect works to commence in early 2025. I am very proud to be the Principal of our great school working alongside colleagues and families who are committed to achieving positive learning and wellbeing outcomes for our students. I am committed to working with our College Community to ensure that we remain the school of choice in our region.
Helen Staindl, our Principal, was born and raised in Gippsland and has been a Principal in Stratford, Melbourne, Geelong and the founding Principal of St Clare’s Catholic Primary School in Officer.
She has studied both internationally and locally and has Masters Degrees in Theology and Education as well as further degrees in Religious Education and Administration. Helen was a member of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Board for many years and has broad experience in the Catholic and Private sectors and with the International Baccalaureate Program.
Helen has a deep understanding and awareness of student learning and wellbeing. As the Principal of St Clare’s, she has been responsible for establishing a vibrant learning culture at St Clare’s and ensuring that the needs of the students are at the forefront of the growth of the school. That is why education is her passion. St Clare’s is a Catholic School called to serve the local community, to teach the Catholic faith, to promote educational excellence and to nurture the growth and well-being of all students, families and staff.
At St Clare’s our aim is to have each child reach their potential; to be a well-rounded individual - within a supportive and caring learning environment.
My name is Meg Escalante and I am the Principal of St Patrick’s Primary school in Pakenham.
St Patrick’s is first and foremost a child safe school where all students are included and challenged to develop their talents to the fullest extent.
In the spirit of St Patrick’s School, we are a Catholic community, working together as one to inspire faith filled, lifelong learners. As a Catholic School, we are called to teach the Catholic tradition, celebrate faith, promote educational excellence and to nurture the growth and wellbeing of all students.
We believe that children learn best when they are happy and when the learning is relevant to their lives and to their stage of development and readiness. We live the values of Respect, Safety, Cooperation, Courage and Resilience. Our staff at St Patrick’s understand that students learn best when strong relationships and connections are established among those involved in the learning process. We know that learning involves risk-tasking and mistakes are seen as healthy and important steps as we strive for excellence, growth in knowledge and a continued acquisition of skills. We look forward to another successful year of learning together as one!
Meg Escalante
Helen Staindl School Principal
Dignitaries and special guests came together to officially open the new Social Rooms at the Officer Recreation Reserve last Friday.
The opening was graced with AFL football royalty with Kevin Sheedy and Robert DiPierdomenico who told stories and entertained the crowd.
The night marked the significant efforts by the Officer Recreation Reserve Community Asset Committee to achieve the premier facility.
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Liberal La Trobe MP Jason Wood has hit out at the 2024-25 Federal Budget, describing it as a “big-spending, big-taxing con job” with too few benefits for the South East.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers released the 202425 budget on Tuesday 14 May, with the main features including a tax cut and an energy bonus.
From Monday 1 July, all households will see
a $300 credit automatically applied to their electricity bills and around one million small businesses will receive $325 off their bills over the 2024-25 financial year.
From Monday 1 July, all 13.6 million taxpayers will receive an average annual tax cut of $1888, or $36 a week.
Other benefits outlined in the budget included $3.4 billion to list new medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, $2.2 billion for aged care, $361 million to boost the men-
tal health system, $3 billion worth of the HECS debt wiped for more than three million Australians and a boost to childcare workers’ wages.
Mr Wood said despite the government’s announcements of a tax cut and the $300 energy bonus, the budget contained little relief for the average La Trobe resident.
“There’s not very much to do with the cost of living,” he said.
Mr Wood said the number of infrastructure
projects left out within LaTrobe was“absolutely disappointing”.
“The Federal Labor Budget confirms that Victorians are not a priority for Labor, so much so that they’ve short-changed us by $14 billion in infrastructure funding despite making up a quarter of the population - receiving less funding than both NSW and QLD,” he said.
Continued page 4
Dignitaries and special guests came together to officially open the new Social Rooms at the Officer Recreation Reserve last Friday night 10 May.
This much needed project was conceived back more than 12 years ago and was completed in partnership between the Cardinia Shire Council and the Officer Recreation Reserve Community Asset Committee.
These new rooms boast a large open space that can seat around 200 people for functions and events, a lounge area with gas log fireplace, 270 degrees of viewing out to the two ovals, a beautifully designed and built bar, clever integration with the existing canteen/ kitchen space to cater for any type event day or night, DDA compliant toilets, a storeroom and cleaners cupboard.
Funding for these new rooms came from a variety of sources including the Federal Government, State Government, Cardinia Shire Council, the sporting clubs, current members and families as well as many past players and officials from the clubs.
For the official part of the evening, the unveiling of the plaque was conducted by Cardinia Shire Council mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik, Federal Member for Latrobe Jason Wood MP, Carol Porter (representing husband Rob Porter, former president of the Officer Rec Reserve Committee) and Gareth Sheean, president of the Officer Sports Club.
Outside of the official duties, guests were treated to more than an hour and half of anecdotes from AFL football royalty in Kevin Sheedy and Robert DiPierdomenico who entertained the crowd with various stories from their long and highly successful involvement in VFL/AFL football.
Attending the event were Cardinia Shire councillors and council officers, alongside MPs Jason Wood, Dr Renee Heath and Tom McIntosh, the directors and project managers from Builtwise, the architect Hargreaves Design, foundation members who between then have donated nearly $150,000 to the project, the Sporting Club Executive Committee mem-
bers and their sponsors and guests.
President Gareth Sheean highlighted Builtwise who did an amazing job and completed the build one week early.
The architect Hargreaves Design (Pakenham) were a great project partner to have and there were a number of football club past players who donated their skill, expertise, materi-
als and time to the project including Geoff Porter, Ross Clark, Grant Tivendale, Nathan Jones and Jason Hoghton.
Special mention to Pat Pipicelli who worked tirelessly with Rob Porter in ensuring the surrounds of the new building were as good as the structure itself and to Cr Brett Owen who had tirelessly campaigned with the Rec Reserve Committee to the council to inject more funds into this (and other) projects at the Officer Recreation Reserve over many years. It will be the Officer Sports Club committee that will now manage and operate the building which can now be enjoyed by the sporting clubs of the Reserve as well as local businesses and the community. For booking enquiries email gareth@officersportsclub.com.au or head to officersportsclub.com.au
The Rotary Club of Pakenham’s annual ball is back, with organisers putting the call-out to young ladies and gentlemen who would like to take part.
The Rotary Club of Pakenham held its first ball in 1988, which was a great success.
The balls continued to be a very successful annual event, being on one or two nights and occasionally three. Disappointingly, due to the pandemic they were suspended in 2020 and restarted in 2022 with a small number of participants.
Then, 2023 saw it back to full strength and planning is now underway for this year’s ball or balls which will be held in August at the Pakenham Racecourse in Tynong.
For more information or to be part of this gala event, contact debballs.pak.rotary@ gmail.com
2023 Rotary Club of Pakenham Debutantes.
Pakenham Football Club is sharing in recent spoils from the State Budget as another sporting club to receive significant funding.
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin revealed that $120,000 would be going to the club to improve lighting at Toomuc Recreation Reserve.
This is among many sporting clubs in Pakenham who have received funding from this year’s State Budget for upgrades.
Pakenham Netball Club would receive $14,000 for their lighting, Pakenham Cricket Club $20,000 and Pakenham Baseball Club $100,000 for its club facilities.
The daughter of a woman allegedly murdered by an airline pilot while camping has spoken about her mother’s loving relationship of 14 years with Russell Hill before their deaths.
Carol Clay, 73, and Mr Hill, 74, were camping together when they went missing from Bucks Camp in Victoria’s Wonnangatta Valley in March 2020.
Greg Lynn is accused of killing the couple, whose remains were later found in bushland near the Union Spur Track, near Dargo.
The 57-year-old man, who was a Jetstar captain at the time, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and is on trial at the Supreme Court in Melbourne.
Mr Hill and Mrs Clay were in a relationship for 14 years at the time of their deaths, the 73-year-old woman’s daughter Emma Davies told the jury on Wednesday.
“They’d known each other from childhood, Russell was mum’s first boyfriend,” she said.
“She said it was a very caring and loving relationship.”
Police contacted Ms Davies on 29 March, 2020, about nine days after the alleged murders, to ask if she knew whether her mother was.
“I said I didn’t know,” she told the jury.
The police officer then asked for Ms Davies’ consent in sending out a missing person’s report to the media about her mother’s disappearance, the jury was told.
She said she had privacy concerns about that as Mr Hill was married to another woman.
“Russell was married and so I was concerned about the media release going out and showing them camping together,” she said.
Prosectors have claimed Lynn intentionally killed the couple, and told the jury this would be proven beyond reasonable doubt due to his conduct after the alleged double murder.
But his barrister said the two deaths were
accidental and that Lynn made “a series of terrible choices” after their deaths, including burning their bodies and campsite.
Defence barrister Dermot Dann KC on Tuesday said Lynn told police Mr Hill accidentally shot Mrs Clay in the head, and then came at him with a knife after an argument about hunting.
Lynn told police he was trying to defend himself from the knife when it went into Mr Hill’s chest, the barrister told the jury.
“I haven’t behaved well, I’ve made some poor decisions, but murder, as I understand it, I’m innocent of,” Mr Dann said Lynn told detectives.
However, prosecutor Daniel Porceddu put forward an alternative version of events.
He alleged it was Mr Hill who was killed first, and Mrs Clay’s death happened after she had “witnessed or been aware of Mr Hill’s violent death”.
He pointed to Lynn’s conduct after the alleged killings as evidence he committed murder, including not calling for help, contaminating the scene and concealing evidence.
Earlier onWednesday, several campers who had met Mr Hill and Mrs Clay in the weeks before their deaths gave evidence.
Chris Benton, who met Mr Hill while he was camping alone at King Billy campsite on 11 March, described a conversation with the 74-year-old about life after retirement.
“He did go on to say that retirement did‘f*** him up’, he actually put his head down when he said that remark,” he told the jury.
The trial continues.
Sections of a number of major Pakenham roads will be closed over the coming week due to ongoing Level Crossing Removal Project works.
Both of the new elevated Pakenham and the new Pakenham East stations are set to be opened on Monday, 3 June, with works under way to remove the level crossings at Main Street, McGregor Road and Racecourse Road.
As part of these works, the following road closures will be in place as crews remove the boom gates:
· McGregor Road from 7am on Sunday, 19 May to 7am on Monday, 20 May.
· Racecourse Road from 7am on 20 May to 7am on 21 May.
· Main Street from 7am on 21 May to 7am on 22 May.
Motorists are asked to follow the direction of traffic management and to allow extra time when travelling in the area. The closures will also see buses replace train services between Dandenong and Pakenham from 9.30pm on 17 May to the last service on 21 May and between Berwick and Pakenham from 22 May until the last service on 2 June.
While train services are stopped, crews will connect the existing tracks to new tracks on the rail bridge, demolish the old Pakenham Station and build foundations for the new station, conduct signalling and overhead works, and remove three level crossings.
The level crossings at McGregor Road, Racecourse Road and Main Street are being removed by building a 2.5-kilometre rail bridge over the roads.
Tell us about yourself and your job as a writer.
I enjoy reading historical topics, both non-fiction and novels. So I like to write in that vein. The Cranbourne meteorite provided an interesting opportunity; a local event with astronomical fireworks, strong personalities, and many struggles and shenanigans. It’s a great yarn, and was just waiting to be told. What do you love the most about being a writer?
Getting a good sentence down. Then doing that again – about three thousand times! What has been your most memorable moment during your writing career?
Finding a publisher who liked the ‘cut of my jib’, closely followed by seeing my work in print for the first time.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
I’d like to say, ‘an eagle’, but I should keep it real, so I will say ‘a lion’. What were you like as a kid?
Studious but sporty, clumsy but adept, obnoxious but adorable…
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
It’s a toss-up; the fall of the BerlinWall after decades of communist oppression, or Carlton’s 1970 Grand Final win? Wait, I’m still thinking. Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
I’ll use an ancient history theme with a French Enlightenment crossover, and a twist of Italian: 1. Julius Caesar - to supply a salad, but also the cutlery; he collected a pretty good set of knives.
2. Alexander the Great - for his wine list and his racy party games – which sometimes included spearing his drinking buddies. Easy on the sauce, Alex!
3. British Celtic leader Boudicca – to manage the BBQ. She was handy with an open flame,
Author of The Cranbourne Meteorite Sean Murphy. 404978
just ask London.
4. Voltaire – he could bring a big plate of bon mots.
5. Marie Antoinette – because she would let us eat cake.
6. Stanley Tucci – so the diminutive Italian abroad could repeatedly exclaim“Mmm, that’s delicious!”
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Erudite, knowledgeable, annoying.
What would you do on your perfect day off? Work on being less annoying.
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERSWhere is your happy place?
When I’m in a bookstore that doubles as a guitar/music shop, and which also sells cycling equipment. If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
So hard. I know you want me to say “duck à l’orange” but I can at least stick with the poultry; who’s up for chicken risotto?
Where is your dream holiday destination? I’m partial to the French Alps, but that sounds a bit‘poncey’ – so let’s go with Splendido Mare, Portofino…
THREE … ways to support World Bee Day on 20 May as an individual 1
Plant a diverse set of native plants, which flower at different times of the year, and avoid pesticides, fungicides or herbicides in your garden.
2 Buy raw honey from local farmers and products from businesses with sustainable agricultural practices.
3 Make a bee water fountain by leaving a water bowl outside.
Local school kids got out in the sun last week to learn about respecting country and gathering for a yarn in the new excursion program run by local landcare and Bunurong Land Council to connect more schools to the land and indigenous culture.
Labertouche and Jindivick Primary School students arrived at Cannibal Creek Recreation Reserve on Thursday 9 May to tour its diverse range of natural scapes that have been carefully cultivated and protected.
The day was lead by Sue Finley, landcare facilitator at Western Port Catchment Landcare Network, Garry Burns from the Cannibal Creek Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and Kobi Sainty from Bunurong Land Council.
Students learnt of the seven different seasons in the calendar of the eastern Kulin people and Bunurong language as well the variety of different flora and fauna at Cannibal Creek.
The reserve also has art dedicated to its natural importance and beauty including a work by Janine Good showing the seven seasons. Students were tasked to see how many animals and plant life they could see.
The students and teacher afterwards gathered for a yarn at the reserve where they produced art on cards for local members of the community.
There was also a lesson on Bunurong language led by Mr Sainty where students learnt to say ‘womenjeka watayulyul wonthalong Bunurong Bik Bik’ or ‘welcome our many
friends to beautiful Bunurong Country’ translated to English.
This program will span the next month including many schools with the aim to bring community and the land closer together through encouraging students to tell their stories connecting language, culture and country.
Titled ‘Caring for Country Landcare Connection - Community - Meeting, Yarning and Creating’, this program is run in collaboration of Western Port Catchment Landcare Network and Bunurong Land Council with funding from Park Victoria.
It will include 10 excursions in total which will culminate in a forum on Thursday 20 June at Deep Creek in Pakenham.
From page 1
“There’s no infrastructure coming in at all.
“We have missed out on vital projects, locally the duplication of Wellington Road, the sealing of roads in the Hills and a new car park at Officer Station.”
Mr Wood said he believed the mood within the Labor Government compared to recent budget announcements had worsened.
“The reality is hitting them,” he said.
“They didn’t deliver what they promised at the last election.
“There’s a lot of spending but not
much cutting.”
However, Mr Wood said he welcomed the allocation of $925 million to support people fleeing abusive relationships.
“The good news is there is more funding for domestic violence programs,” he said.
“They need to also put more money into prevention programs to stop men getting into violence.”
In an emergency, call triple-zero (000). 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
The scheduled closure of the post office branch at Fountain Gate shopping centre on 21 June has sparked major concern from the community.
A Narre Warren local for over 40 years, Elaine Bradford had made going to the Australia Post shopfront part of her weekly shopping run, where its shared nook with the nearby banks made a perfect starting point to pay her bills and send any mail.
However, it’s not just herself that she’s concerned about, but her daughter Emma - who has a disability - whom Ms Bradford provides care for on a round-the-clock basis.
“It just doesn’t make any sense why they’re closing a vital service.
“It’s going to make [my] life very difficult, we’d have to go into Webb Street, which, obviously with winter coming, there’s no cover at the car park.
“At least we can park undercover at the shopping centre, I can get her (Emma) out with a wheelchair and other bits and pieces and then just do everything that we need to do,” Ms Bradford said.
Emma, now 31-and-a-half years old, was diagnosed with Angelman’s Syndrome, which, generally, causes delayed development, speech and balance problems and mental disability.
In addition to a number of other medical conditions, Emma also has scoliosis and epilepsy, which for her and Ms Bradford, make moving from one place to another all the more difficult.
Sarb Mangat, Emma’s carer for roughly two years, echoes a similar sentiment, with the family relying on the ease of access the shopping centre gives them from parking to banking and groceries.
“It’s very hard, it’s a long distance from the
shopping centre in Webb Street, they can’t walk during this winter you know?” she said.
An Australia Post spokesperson said that they have made the“difficult decision” to close the branch following “a 29 per cent drop in customer visits over the past four years”.
“The surrounding area is well-serviced, with six post offices within a five-kilometre radius, including the Narre Warren Post Office around a kilometre away,” they said.
Despite being a government business enterprise, Australia Post is self-funded with the Federal Government serving as its sole shareholder, meaning the business does not receive taxpayer funds and has paid dividends of more than $2.5 billion over the past 10 years.
In the recently released Federal Budget paper on overall strategy and outlook, AusPost reported a full financial year pre-tax loss of $200 million, which is its first annual loss since 2014-15, as quoted from the budget documents.
It was announced on 6 December 2023 that the Australian Government was to provide a package of reforms in order to boost productivity, increase its focus on parcel delivery services and improve financial stability.
However, “given the uncertainty surrounding Australia Post’s financial position, there is a risk that the [government] will need to consider providing financial assistance to [AusPost] in the future,” the budget papers stated.
However, while these alternatives may not hinder other shoppers, the same cannot be said for Ms Bradford and her daughter, where it’s not just an inconvenience in terms of transport, but also a severance of connection for Emma.
“We are time-poor, [our carer] comes in and she’s only allocated a certain amount of hours a day to support us.
“We have to get back in time to give Emma her lunch, do personal care and do other things in the afternoon before the carer leaves.
“There’s no time to run from here, there and everywhere to pay and do the things that I need to do,” Ms Bradford said.
Over the years, Emma has since built a foundation of friendship with many of the shopkeepers at the shopping centre, from the post office, to the concierge desk and to Myer.
“Emma has got to know a lot of the clientele up at the shops.
“She’s quite familiar with a lady in Myer that we’ve known for seven and a half years, she knows everyone in JBHiFi and you know, she likes to interact with them and it’s a pleasurable time for her to get out into the community.
“And you know, if I can’t do the things I need to do with her, with us, it’s going to force us to go elsewhere and that’s devastating because Emma won’t have that connection with the people that she’s known at the stores,” Ms Bradford said.
It’s understood the closure is related to the fact that fewer people utilise their services in person, opting to utilise online services instead.
The situation is a little different, not just for Ms Bradford, but other more traditional residents who frequent the shopping centre.
A routine set in stone for decades is about to be disrupted, with Ms Bradford saying that “it’s going to make things really challenging”.
“I’m there quite often, I can go to the bank, get the money out because I’m still old school and pay all my bits and pieces.
“With the extra charges they have to just swipe your cars and such, I’m not doing that either because every cent counts to me, I’m not having anyone take my money because I can’t afford to,” she said.
The surrounding suburbs of Berwick, Narre Warren, NarreWarren North and South, as well as Harkaway and Hallam, have a population where an average of 26 per cent are 55-plus, according to Casey’s Living and Ageing Well Action Plan 2023-25.
An elderly resident who also frequents the Fountain Gate branch said that “it would be a shame to see this one close down”.
“I’ve got a walker so going someplace else is going to be difficult,” he said.
The AusPost spokesperson said that leading to its closure “Fountain Gate Post shop team members will be offered new roles at surrounding outlets or closer to home”.
The Fountain Gate Post branch has multiple notices posted on its premises, informing of other available and nearby options as well as the date of closing.
Residential aged care home Calvary Hallam will cease operations by October 2024 as Calvary assesses the future use of the site to deliver modern connected care across its services.
Calvary considered modernising the existing building design but determined such extensive work was not practical for the staff and residents, who would have had to relocate throughout the process.
Calvary Hallam is an older residential aged care home, and while maintenance works have been undertaken to address immediate issues, the infrastructure style is believed to be unable to support contemporary aged care services into the future without a major renovation.
“These decisions are not made lightly, but we believe the closure offers better long-term outcomes for our residents and a stable work environment for staff compared with any temporary relocation,” Calvary regional chief executive Victoria Dr Angela Littleford said.
“To be able to grow, and provide care for an increasing number of people, Calvary must ensure our existing services are operating well, and enhance our service delivery with access to pathways that help to connect care services.”
Calvary will support the transition of all 39 residents to homes with better amenities across the Calvary network, or to another aged
care provider if residents choose.
Calvary Hallam staff will be offered redeployment opportunities where suitable across
New traffic lights at Elmslie Drive and Cameron Street have been switched on as part of the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade.
Connecting to the Casey Fields sporting complex at Casey Fields Boulevard, the intersection will give another signalised access point, helping relieve some of the through traffic on Eliburn Drive.
Works continue to progress across the project as the crew is preparing to lay the final layer of asphalt along Narre Waren-Cranbourne Road, including parts of Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Cameron Street in May.
Works have been steaming ahead on South Gippsland Highway and Cameron Street, with new lanes opening in sections for the first time, as well as the new entry and exit points along the Cameron Street Service Road.
Further in the north of the project, the crew removed the hump over the old railway line and levelled out the road between Marklin and Clarendon streets.
As the crew gets ready to reopen this section of service road, they will soon start their final asphalting and line marking works between Clarendon Street and north of Loch Street.
Local government funding and service delivery is set to be scrutinised by the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee.
The Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government funding and services has commenced, with local governments and members of the community urged to participate.
The inquiry will include evaluating cost-shifting from State and Federal governments onto local councils, assessing local governments’ ability to fulfill core service delivery objectives, reviewing the revenue structure of local governments to determine its sustainability and appropriateness, and exploring alternative funding models.
Shadow Minister for Local Government Peter Walsh highlighted potential issues of cost-shifting, ranging from waste collection to the maintenance of road networks.
“The commencement of this inquiry marks an essential step in ensuring transparency and accountability in local government funding and services,” he said.
“It is imperative that residents and local councils actively participate, as their input is invaluable in addressing potential cost-shifting issues.
“Together, we can work towards more effective and sustainable solutions for our communities.”
The inquiry has been initiated by the Liberals and Nationals and was prompted by concerns from numerous councillors and community members.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that ratepayers and communities receive value for money and equitable access to local services and amenities.
“It’s a significant step towards ensuring fair and efficient resource allocation, and I encourage all stakeholders to actively participate and contribute to this important process.“
Now with asphalting and line marking complete, the crew will finish installing the shared walking and cycling path and guardrails.
From 9am Friday 10 May, the crew will open the service road between Clarendon Street and just past Loch Street.
They will complete minor finishing works
Asphalting and line marking on the service road between Clarendon Street and north of Loch Street was completed last week with the wearing course laid.
such as landscaping over the coming months.
Later in May, works will take place to lay the final layer of asphalt on the service road between Lyall and Clarendon streets.
Once this section is complete, the service road will fully reopen to traffic, connecting between Lyall Street and north of Loch Street with the new entry and exit point along the new Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road.
Submissions are due by 28 June, 2024 and can be made via the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s webpage at parliament.vic. gov.au/localgovernmentfunding
You can also register to receive email updates for the inquiry on the committee’s website.
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN
Thumbs down
To household furniture and appliances on nature strip for weeks.
Thumbs up
To the new landscaping around the Beaconsfield cenotaph - so lovely to see it all finished.
Thumbs up
To South Eastern Private Hospital - best nurses in the mental health section. The nurses and staff are just lovely there.
Thumbs down
To the two-storey McDonald’s being built on the corner of Bayview Road and the Princes Highway. Only going to cause more traffic chaos and near a child care centre. Shame on you, Cardinia Council.
Thumbs up
To the woman who paid for my cake from The Cheesecake Shop. Kindness is still out there!
The strums of acoustic and electric strings and the bellows of the bass drum blended with a harmony of voices as rock band SOTV performed their first local show in the heart of Berwick.
Held on the night of 10 May, the cold Friday air had locals seeking refuge at live music venue Pokerface, where they were greeted by dancing lights and music loud enough to rattle windows and echo through Enterprise Ave.
Ben Rohy, one of the band’s guitarists and singers said that “it’s great to be back”.
“We were all raised down this way and even formed the band in this area,” he said.
The band graced the audience with not just the crowd favourite tune Picture Frames - which was played at least three times - but also pieces from their new EP Oblivion and some unreleased songs as a sneak peek of future projects.
“We’re so used to bringing our audience out from the suburbs into the city for a show, but for this show, it was very easy on everyone from Berwick,” Ben said.
Packing the venue with over 150 people, the night began at 8.30pm, with opening acts from indie rock band Waliens and funk, soul and rock artist Zachary Leo before SOTV entered the stage at 10.30pm.
While Melbourne is no stranger to the ever-changing scene of music and a myriad of artists, the night’s performance had an air not too dissimilar from garage band rock in the 1960s, with raw hard-hitting melodies fuelled by camaraderie and an intimacy difficult to replicate at big, open venues.
“I’m just hoping events like this inspire the support of live music, especially in the southeast suburbs, there’s a lot of bands and artists brewing here and we need more places like Pokerface to facilitate and highlight that,” Ben said.
Formed in 2017, this marks their first performance in roughly six years, with previous events seeing them as supporting acts for major artists such as We The Kings, Make Them Suffer and British India.
Headlining their own show was a big step forward.
“For us to realise that we’re actually as good as we think we are,” bassist Michael Cowled said.
Speaking for everyone Ben said, “it was all love either way”.
“Those shows with We The Kings were great for bringing our music to a new audience, the headliner is special though - we can really curate a good night out to our vision,” he said.
Bringing the performance back home wasn’t just an ode to the band members’ roots, but also an effort that they, and for many of their local listeners, to bring the energy and aura that can be found around bands like them in the inner-city, into the southeast.
“The inner suburbs and city have so many venues to reach out to while here it’s limited, [and] playing original music is celebrated in those [places].
“But sometimes it feels quite difficult to make that excitement happen in the southeast when we aren’t doing pub covers.
“I hope nights like this one make an example that people still show up, pay and have a ripper time at a night exclusively full of original music,” Ben said.
Live performances will always have their moments of panic, and while there were instances of sound-tech difficulties and a slipped guitar string, it did nothing but emphasise the band’s ability to bring out that intimacy with their listeners, filling that slot with improv music, banter and chants.
Ben said that “to be honest hiccups happen all the time [and] we go through the same process either way, which comes down to that the show must go on”.
“For example, if a guitar rig dies on stage, we either keep the music going without the one guitar or swap the guitar out and chat to the audience in the meantime.
“At the end of the day, it’s all fun, the worst we could have done in that situation is to freak and declare it a huge technical fault,” he said.
Bringing it all home also proved to have
some other challenges besides fostering the growth of live, original music, with guitarist and lead singer Conor Bermingham saying that “logistically, this one was very different to [the] usual”.
“The biggest hurdle about putting on a gig like this in the southeast over a place lie Fitzroy or similar is there aren’t any venues down here with a sound or lighting system perpetually installed while at the same time being a size that non-touring level bands can still work with and make it feasible,” he said.
The organisation involved the band working around the clock, having to organise the
production for the whole night as well as constant back-and-forth emails and phone calls.
The band members agreed that “both Pokerface - the venue - and Diverse Audio Visual Events - the production companywere great to work with and between us all we managed to put together a system that was ideal for the space”.
The event also featured the band’s merchandise stand, which had free stubby holders for the first 50 ticket buyers and also band shirts which were going for $30 apiece.
With the band’s noise continuing just after
midnight, they couldn’t agree more that from their peers and supporting acts Waliens and Zachary Leo, to the audience that the night was a huge success.
New projects are underway, with 2024 gearing up to be a big year for the band and their listeners.
In the meantime, SOTV is scheduled to perform again on 31 May, at Hotel Esplanade in St Kilda performing alongside Noasis. Tickets are available online and can be viewed through their Instagram page at sotv. band.
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re easing congestion by building better roads and undertaking maintenance works in Melbourne’s south east. We’re also removing dangerous and congested level crossings and building the Metro Tunnel.
What we’re doing
In Cranbourne, over the coming months we’re working to open the new northbound lanes on Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, between Linsell Boulevard and Thompsons Road.
In Pakenham, we’ll open the new outbound Princes Freeway entry ramp at McGregor Road and start the final asphalting of Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, between Greenhills and Manks roads.
In Berwick, we’ve started relocating underground services on Clyde Road, between Enterprise Avenue and Bemersyde Drive, before major work to transform the area starts later this year.
In June, the new Pakenham and East Pakenham stations will open to the community and trains will be running on the new 2.5 kilometre rail bridge.
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Pakenham Line 18 May to early JuneOn sections of the line
Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes
Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East
Until mid 2024Between Berwick-Cranbourne Road and New Holland Drive
7am to 6pm, at times mid to late May
Ballarto Road, Carrum Downs and Skye
Camms Road, Cranbourne East
Between Thompsons Road and New Holland Drive
Until mid 2024 At McCormicks Road with detours and lanes closed at times between Boggy Creek and Dion Drive
Until mid 2024At Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road
Princes Freeway, Pakenham 7pm to 5am, 12 to 16 May
Cameron Street, Cranbourne East 7am to 5pm, at times mid to late May
Between McGregor and HealesvilleKoo Wee Rup roads
In sections between Berwick-Cranbourne Road and South Gippsland Highway
Station Street, Officer From 18 MayPermanently at the level crossing
McGregor Road, Pakenham 7am to 11.59pm, 19 May
Henry Road, Pakenham 19 May to early July
Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham
At times, 16 May to late June
At Henry Road and Webster Way intersection
Between McGregor Road and Heritage Boulevard
In sections between Greenhills and Manks roads
The Berwick Leisure Centre was filled to the brim with students from just down the road, with Berwick College holding their annual careers expo on Tuesday 14 May.
An all-day event, the expo was aimed at showing the students different possible pathways they could take after or even during their high school studies.
Senior school assistant principal Andrew Barker said that giving the students a “broad spectrum Is really good, and we say success is about making sure we cover off all pathways”.
“With the senior school reforms that have come out in the last couple of years, there’s a change to how we present senior school, and the new certificates are really important,” Mr Barker said.
The changes began with the Firth Review in 2019, where a move to ensure that all secondary Victorian students were able to access high-quality vocational and applied learning options, as well as an improvement of ways for these students to transition from school to post-secondary education and work.
This sawVCE andVCAL merge into one category, instead creating aVCE Vocational Major - replacing VCAL - and the creation of a Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) for students who are not ready or unable to complete the certificate at VCE level.
“There’s a change to how we present senior school, and the new certificates are really important; you’ve got young people coming through to an ever-changing world.
“I mean we’re a big school, so we want people to be everything from tradespeople through to doctors and nurses, and having a careers expo where we have that kind of breadth gives them the exposure that they can do everything,” Mr Barker said.
Running from the early morning to after lunch, the expo had exhibitors from a wide range of institutions, such as Federation University, Melbourne University, emergency services, Headstart, RMIT University, Chisholm and many more.
Students were encouraged to ask questions related to employment, possible opportunities after school, courses on offer, general life on
university campuses and so on.
School captain Tarran Frost said that their role is “important in representing the school”.
“It’s kind of an expectation that we go forward and seek further education, and I think it’s important from a school captain’s standpoint that we encourage our peers to look for that.
“We want our friends to find a path that
they’re going to be educated in, whether that’s an apprenticeship or a university orTAFE,” she said.
Shaya Hennessy also added that the careers expo is key to their futures, that “even if you don’t know what to do, it’s important to know what is out there”.
“As a school captain, it’s good to be a role model, for example, I myself don’t’ really know what to do yet but for me to show up here and take interest in my future is encouraging others who don’t know,” she said.
Regan Gay shared the same view, noting the significance of their options in the “coming years”.
“Since we’re the representative of our peers, I think it’s important that we learn it rather than teachers telling us what is to come because we’re more related to the cohort,” she said.
The expo stalls had a wide range of freebies for the students, which went from pens and tote bags, to handbooks about future pathways and pins for commemoration.
Exposure is a big thing for Mr Barker and with all the factors surrounding suburban schools, he said that“it’s often that kids haven’t seen outside their [area], so it’s nice to show them that hey, this is what’s down the road, this is what’s at uni”.
“Student leadership is really important, especially in all schools and [one] this size, we need to hear their voice, we need to know what they want and where it’s at, and sometimes getting that is really hard because you’ve got such a big student body.
“But having the right leadership group in there helps to funnel those conversations through so we actually get a nice, synthesised voice from the kids about what they want and where they want to go,” he said.
Trinity Catholic Primary School in NarreWarren South recently celebrated the blessing and official opening of a new library and art room which had created additional learning and collaborative spaces.
Parish Priest Fr Michael Willemsen officially blessed and opened the new facilities in April.
He was joined by Paul Velten, director of Catholic education for the Diocese of Sale, principal Kathryn Pepper along with staff, students, guests, and friends of the school and parish community.
Ms Pepper said the new facilities had a significant impact on the school, creating dynamic and nurturing spaces for teaching and learning.
“The project involved the replacement of an existing demountable with a new building to accommodate a library and teacher resource area, art room, internal toilets, and a new outdoor learning area,” she said.
Mr Velten commended the efforts of the
project team, school, and parish community.
“This project has created an inspiring learning environment and added to the excellent standard of teaching and learning offered at Trinity Catholic Primary School,” he said.
“The $1.1 million project was funded via loan funding from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) and the school community.
“We are grateful for this support in bringing these facilities to fruition.”
From left: DOSCEL regional facilities manager Michael Toms, director Brand Architects Greg Strickland, director JR Pryor Building Brendan Pryor, student leaders Ethan Vargese, Claudia Gibblet, Sienna Klix, Ethan Paton, Parish Priest Fr Michael Willemsen, principal Kathryn Pepper, director of Catholic education for DOSCEL Paul Velten. Picture: SUPPLIED
The Bakhtar Community Warehouse is calling for support through financial aid and material donations, as the demand has risen significantly in the past few months.
Since its establishment in late 2021, the Noble Park warehouse of Bakhtar Community Organisation has impacted the lives of over 6000 newly arrived refugees in South East Melbourne, providing essential household items, clothing, and food vouchers to support their journey in establishing a new home, amounting to an estimated $3 million worth of aid.
In 2023, the warehouse extended its support to individuals at high risk of homelessness, victims of family and domestic violence, and youth.
Chief executive officer Bassir Qadiri said the demand for their services had risen significantly.
“We used to support up to five to 10 families a week. Now that has gone to 25 to 30 families,” he said.
“That’s why we are struggling with deliveries because most of the new arrivals don’t have cars. They don’t have any way of getting their items to their home.
“Our volunteers deliver the items to their homes. But sometimes it costs us if we hire someone else to help us.
“It’s not only the Afghan community that we support.We’re supporting the multicultural community. Recently, we have received some referrals for some Palestinians who have arrived from Gaza.”
Mr Qadiri said though they had always been very grateful for the partnership with more than 30 organisations and charities, particularly the Rotary Club of Balwyn, they were still having financial difficulty at the moment.
“We have never received any funding support from the government,” he said.
The charity organisation would also spend quite a lot of time and energy relocating to its new warehouse in Dandenong, according to Mr Qadiri.
“Dandenong Council is going to knock down the building of our Noble Park warehouse to turn it into a park sometime this year or next year,” he said.
More than 50 organisations and 19 nationalities have met in Hallam to raise a united voice for migrant communities.
The Multicultural Unity and Diversity Celebration forum, believed to be the first of its kind in Victoria, was hosted by SouthEastern Multicultural Community Network Victoria on Saturday 11 May.
The network was self-described as a “non-religious, non-political, not-for-profit organisation”.
Melbourne’s South East was seen as the “capital” of multicultural Australia, forum co-organiser Manoj Kumar of South Asian Public Affairs Council said.
The groups would “work together on one platform to voice the issues that matter most for migrant communities”.
They will also endorse upcoming council election candidates who support culturally-diverse communities, Manoj said.
“This forum will provide a great opportunity to listen to the unified voices of South-Eastern suburb communities and policymakers to get direct feedback and response.
“A summary report will be submitted to both the state and federal multicultural ministers and concerned departments for their information and follow-up.”
One of the major issues raised at the forum was the lack of women from migrant backgrounds landing professional “whitecollar” jobs,
Specific quotas for “multicultural women” in the public service as well as political parties were needed to address this “gap”, Mr Kumar said.
“It will help them and their families financially, which means mental health issues should also go down.”
Mr Kumar said migrants faced difficulties such as family violence, mental health, financial uncertainty and employability due to recent policy changes on immigration, student visas and religious discrimination laws.
The forum was held at Hallam Senior Citizens Centre, with chief guest speaker being Bruce MP Julian Hill.
“We are very hopeful that Development Victoria is going to provide us a piece of land opposite Dandenong Station where we could have a warehouse or a one-stop for the community where we could run some courses and as well as job experience opportunities for the job seekers as well as for the new arrivals.
“That space will be something that we’re
looking into opening next year probably. It depends on how quickly things move.”
If you would like to help The Bakhtar Community Warehouse, you could reach out to Mr Qadiri on 0435 945 591. Any form of support would be greatly appreciated, whether it’s material aid, food vouchers, or a tax-deductible donation.
Probus Club of Casey Combined
The Probus Club of Casey Combined is welcoming any new members to meet at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick from 9.45am to noon on the second Tuesday of each month.
After morning tea, the club hosts an interesting guest speaker, with members often meeting up for lunch at a local cafe after the meeting.
· For more information, contact Margaret Luxford on 0409 861 207 or Magda Michael on 0406 468 265.
Pakenham Art Show
All forms of art will be on show at the Art Show Pakenham including painting, watercolour, drawing, sculpture, textile, mixed media, digital, youth and wearable art.
Art Show Pakenham will launch with an opening night event at 7pm on Friday 17 May at the Pink Hotel in Beaconsfield, with major winners announced and a wearable art parade. The exhibition will run until Sunday May 26.
· For more information, visit artshowpakenham. com.au
Inner Wheel Club of Berwick
The Inner Wheel Club (IW) Berwick is a ladies international friendship club which raises funds to support local charities and other worthwhile causes.
They have a dinner meeting on the first Monday of the month and enjoy a range of activities including guest speakers, morning teas, book club and craft afternoons. Recently they enjoyed a group meeting with the IW clubs of Narre Warren, Pakenham and Cranbourne.
The guest speaker was a part owner of the champion race horse “Black Caviar”. The mare is now 18 years old and is a mother and grandmother.
· Club welcomes new members. Should you be interested to learn more, you may like to message them at their Facebook page ‘Inner Wheel Club of Berwick’ or send an email via iiw.au.berwick@gmail.com
Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase
Cardinia Shire Council will host the Cardinia Jobs and Skills Showcase in partnership with Local Jobs - South Eastern Melbourne and Peninsula, Star News Group and Chisholm Skills and Jobs Centre.
The event aims to bring together jobseekers and local employers, providing an opportunity for job seekers to connect with local employers about current vacancies and career pathways. Workshops will be held to help jobseekers develop their skills in areas such as CV and cover letter writing and interview techniques.
The showcase will be held on Thursday 20 June 2024 at the Cardinia Cultural Centre Lakeview Room from 10am-1pm.
· For more information and to register, visit: creating.cardinia.vic.gov.au/cardinia-business/ cardinia-jobs-and-skills-showcase
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 Learn-
ing for Life students.
The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.
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 0438 191 759 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 $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.
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.
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 Garyon 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.
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 ifyou want to tap your feet and great afternoonteas, 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 officerGloria 0468 363 616.
An analogy that I sometimes use to describe management of a business is that it’s like owning a big expensive car. Trips in it can be exciting and eventful but you may also encounter potholes (pitfalls) along the way and it’s not a bad idea to get it serviced at regular intervals as well. Let’s explore some of the similarities a bit further.
I deliberately describe the car as being “big and expensive” since it’s not cheap to run a business; there are always costs and bills to pay and any expenditure needs to be carefully considered. Nonetheless, it’s no good just keeping the car in the garage since a car is designed to take people places, and like a car, a business needs to arrive at its defined destination. So, the first thing to consider is: where do you want to go? As Lewis Carroll (Author of ‘Alice in Wonderland’) says:
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get your there.”
Defining what success looks like over a given timeframe is an important thing to do but is frequently not done.This means being specific about what you want the business to achieve
and things to consider might include: required revenue and net profit, number of customers, sales and marketing outcomes, number and nature of staff, relevant systems and processes. It is important to be very specific in defining these objectives since if you were planning to drive to meet someone in Sydney, you would not simply just say “see you in Sydney”, you would need a specific address, date and time. In the same way that once a specific destination is defined, you now plan your route, so a business needs to consider how it will achieve its objectives. A geographical destination will require GPS or other navigation aids (remember ‘Melways’?) to find the best possible route that allows you to get there within
the required timeframe with minimal travel costs. In business, this resolves to creating a ‘business strategy’ which will identify the key things to focus on and the most efficient way to get there.
So now imagine getting into your big, expensive car and finding that it has no instrumentation – no speedometer, fuel gauge, no warning indicators. How would you feel about driving this car? The truth is that you wouldn’t even take it out onto the road as you would have no idea whether you were breaking speed limits, running out of fuel or driving with a fault. This is what it is like to run a business with a financial budget, cash-flow or measurement of progress against your defined objectives. Well-defined business goals are usually quite simple to measure and best to keep these simple anyway.
If you are going to make a lengthy trip, it’s probably a good idea to take people with you that you can trust and rely on and whose company you enjoy (if you were making a car trip over the outback, it would probably be worth having someone that knows about cars as
well!). If space is tight, you are probably not going to want “passengers” that don’t fit the bill. In business, this is equivalent to having staff on board that match well with your company culture. They share your values and ideals, are likely to contribute to the overall performance of the business and would share in its success. Finally, it’s interesting to consider the role of money here. In his excellent video “Businesses don’t exist to make money” (https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACZhpCdfEdY), Simon Sinek describes how money is ‘fuel’ that allows a business to achieve its objectives (similarly you need money to buy fuel to fill up a car so that it can be driven). A business does not exist purely to make money, but it needs money to meet its expenses and financial obligations including the wages of its staff (hence providing security and stability) and to be able to continue providing products and services of value.
Ian Ash ACC, AIECL AInstIB Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au
Despite the major boost in education, with more funding and new institutions announced for the City of Casey, key pieces of infrastructure are still in the unknown following the most recent State Budget.
Announced onTuesday 7 May, no additional information is available for the Clyde North police station on the budget papers, despite the $47 million and $63 million estimated investments into critical police infrastructure and the delivery of new police stations respectively.
Berwick MP Brad Battin voiced his displeasure of the budget, calling its allocation as“typical Labor”.
“You know Victoria is broke when Labor cannot deliver again on the urgently needed Clyde North police station, [it’s] delivery is critical and Labor must say when the funding will be allocated for its build and when shovels will be in the ground,” Mr Battin said.
Victoria Police has been working on finding a suitable site for the Clyde North station since receiving funding through the 2020-21 budget.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said that“we are delivering a state-of-the-art police station in Clyde North, located on the corner of Newgrange Boulevard and Matterhorn Drive”.
“Due to specific site requirements and the shortage of suitable sites in Clyde North, this process has taken longer than anticipated [and] we are working hard to deliver this project as quickly as possible,” they said.
As part of additional investment towards
Berwick MP Brad Battin expressed his displeasure with the lack of information and clarity on local projects with the State Budget’s release last week. Picture: ON FILE
VicPol, the Dandenong Division, which also services Clyde North, received an additional 225 sworn police officers, including 33 family violence specialist police.
Works for the Clyde North station are expected to begin in the coming months, with the spokesperson saying that in the meantime, “Clyde North is well serviced by existing police resources in the area, including the 24-hour Cranbourne Police Station”.
Likewise, progress on the Thompsons Road roundabout changes are still in the dark; considering this, currently a total of $121.4 million is estimated to be invested into metropolitan road and intersection upgrades, with a $43 million estimated expenditure leading into 30 June this year.
A total of approximately $2.5 billion is being invested into the suburban roads upgrade,
which includes northern and south eastern regions, with $2.3 billion of estimated expenditure going into 30 June.
“Every person who travels around Clyde North knows there is a problem, except it seems Labor, who are in no hurry to get started on the Thompsons Road upgrade to get [people] home sooner.
“If Labor had one local MP that actually lived in Casey, they would understand the daily gridlock faced by locals at the Thompsons Road intersection, then it would be delivered faster I am confident,” Mr Battin said.
Casey’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff shares a similar sentiment on the project, saying that “it is well understood that Thompsons Road is under-developed and unfit for our growing population”.
“The upgrade and extension is one of the region’s highest transport priorities and a project that council will continue to advocate for.
“This project is crucial for our expanding region, and we will continue to call on the Victorian Government for a delivery plan to see it complete,” Ms Duff said.
In a general critique of the budget, Mr Battin highlighted the overall debt accumulated by the Labor government, saying that “when they run out of money, they come after yours and that is exactly what Labor has shown in this year’s budget”.
Treasurer Tim Pallas said during his speech prior to the budget’s release on 7 May that in response to the capacity constraints in the economy and inflation, “stabilising, then re-
ducing, net debt to GSP (Gross State Product) [is] in line with our strategy”.
“The government is forecasting operating surpluses of $1.5 billion in 2025-26 and $1.6 billion in 2026-27, an improvement from the 2023-24 Budget Update.
“As a proportion of GSP, net debt is projected to be 24.4 per cent in June 2025 before reaching 25.2 per cent in 2026-27 and then declining to 25.2 per cent in 2027-28,” Mr Pallas said.
Mr Battin highlighted in his statement that state debt is peaking at $190 billion; accounting firm PWC detailed that net debt is projected to be $156.2 billion by June 2025 and is predicted to increase to $187.8 billion by June 2028.
Further information from PWC also stated that the budget has a focus on reducing and stabilising the net debt to GSP ratio through measured investments, through education, healthcare, housing and transport.
“This updated fiscal strategy is right for our times – with a firm focus on driving new growth across our state, while also acting to reduce debt.
“To put this into perspective, our economy is worth about $600 billion today, but by the end of the forward estimates it will be worth nearly three quarters of a trillion dollars – the strength of this growth is helping drive a reduction in net debt to GSP,” Mr Pallas said.
As it stands, local residents are still waiting for further updates on the Thompsons Road roundabout, with hopes that a sooner than later construction process would quell the ongoing traffic difficulties.
National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to honour the incredible contribution volunteers make to the Pakenham community. Since 1989, this annual celebration has highlighted the irreplaceable role volunteers play in supporting and serving our community.
Volunteering expresses the best of the human spirit. It provides positive role models, fosters a culture of giving and enriches our communities. The fact that we have so many volunteer organisations and charities in Pakenham is a testament to our community spirit.
Ihavebeenfortunatetomeetmanyofourlocal heroes and see the work they do first-hand. From vibrant senior citizen’s clubs, sporting clubs and men’s sheds to firefighters and emergency responders. There are those who deliver extraordinary community events like the Pakenham Show – now in its 113th year.Then there are church and community outreaches such as the Bless Collective, which has been feeding the
homeless and underprivileged since 2016. The work of Living & Learning Pakenham is incredible. It has 40 volunteers who contribute more than 200 hours per week to deliver English classes, multicultural play groups and homework clubs, and tend to a community garden.
Without the generous effort of volunteers, we wouldn’t have the provision, lifestyle, services, opportunities, connections or safety we enjoy today.Yet there is also a unique reward in volunteering. It provides important life experience and skills. It expands our perspectives and multiplies our connections and friendships. It has been proven to increase meaning and purpose and improve self-esteem and wellbeing. Volunteering is a great way to foster passions, gain workplace skills and work towards meaningful employment.
How we choose to volunteer will look different for each of us, but in the Pakenham community there is no shortage of opportunities or role models. Let’s express our heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated volunteers who serve and enrich our community.
Cranbourne Rotary’s long-prepared Helping Hands Program was a resounding success on 11 May at Balla Balla Community Centre in Clyde North, with large crowds of local community members joining to empower people needing help worldwide.
More than 100 participants formed teams and only used their non-dominant hand to build prosthetic hands that would be donated to amputee landmine victims throughout developing countries.
Participants included students from Bayside Christian College, Lyndhurst Secondary College, local businesses, local church groups, local family groups, Rotary members, Balla Balla Community Centre teams, and Cranbourne Information and Support Service
members.
About 27 hands were assembled on the day and would be shipped soon.
Cranbourne Rotary president Gerard Sadler said it was a brilliant day and everybody got something out of it.
“We weren’t sure what to expect, but with Andrew Melas, the Victorian facilitator for the Helping Hands Program there facilitating it all and the 100-odd people that we had there, it was a really good day,” he said.
“It was a bit awkward at the beginning and it took everyone a little bit of time to get used to not using their dominant hand. But once they got over that and worked as groups, they got through it.
“We are really grateful that many people gave up their Saturdays to attend.”
Cranbourne’s botanic garden reintroduced the endangered New Holland Mouse, a species also known as Pookila.
On Wednesday 8 May, 28 Pookila were released at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
Native to south-eastern Australia, the small, burrowing rodent inhabits open heathland and coastal areas, mostly feeding on native plant seeds, leaves, and fungi.
Shy and nocturnal, Pookila can be distinguished from the house mouse by their bicolored tail, large eyes, soft, thick fur, and a lack of ‘mousey’ odour.
Pookila has been in decline in population since its discovery in Victoria in 1970. They are considered extinct at seven of 12 known locations throughout Victoria, due to fire, drought, and predation by feral cats and foxes. They were last seen at Cranbourne Gardens in 1976.
The 28 Pookila have been specially bred at Melbourne Zoo and Moonlit Sanctuary as part of the Victorian Pookila Conservation Breeding and Reintroduction Program. The program was established in 2022, when founding Pookila were sourced from the five remaining locations in Victoria. Following careful matchmaking, the Pookila born for release are more genetically healthy and diverse than those left in the wild.
Zoos Victoria native rodent biologist Dr Phoebe Burns said Zoos Victoria was proud to be leading this reintroduction program as part of wider efforts to recover the species in the state.
“This is the culmination of decades of work by dedicated conservation scientists. It’s so exciting to be at the point where we get to return the Pookila to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne after nearly 50 years of absence,” she said.
Cranbourne Gardens, and are grateful to Zoos Victoria, Moonlit Sanctuary and partners for making this possible,” he said.
“Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is home to over 450 native plant species in its bushland, with native grasses and landscapes which will provide many safe hiding spots for this little creature.
“We also have predator-proof fencing to protect them from cats and foxes.”
Mammal Coordinator Kiandra Debus from Moonlight Sanctuary said Moonlit Sanctuary was excited to play a crucial role in this historic moment of reintroducing Pookila to their former habitat in our region.
“Through careful planning, cooperation, and animal husbandry we are able to help give this incredible species a chance to thrive in the wild,” she said.
“This project highlights the significance of collaborative conservation efforts in preserving our precious biodiversity.”
The name Pookila is derived from a Ngarigo word for “mouse” – bugila – and was adopted by the Federal Government in 1995 as an Indigenous name for the species formerly known as the New Holland Mouse.
The five remaining Victorian sites, believed to contain fewer than 3000 Pookila, are in Gippsland, including at Wilsons Promontory and Loch Sport.
“The soft-release process will allow Pookila to adjust to their new home, get used to the weather, dig burrows, and experience Cranbourne Gardens while remaining safe and well-fed,” Dr Burns said.
The Pookila were released into a small fenced-off area, to prepare them for a full release into Cranbourne Gardens in the next six to eight weeks. They will be carefully monitored and fed as they get used to their new home.
Get set for your next 4WD adventure at Adrenalin Off-Road Centre Pakenham.
Its staff are 4WD enthusiasts who can help you with 4WD accessories, vehicle safety inspections, camping gear as well as 4WD tagalong tours and off-road training.
“Every conversation you have with our team about a part, accessory, upgrade or tag along tour will be with someone that enjoys getting into the great outdoors with their 4×4,” director Matthew O’Meara said.
“We are not just another corporate brand.
“We are an Australian family-owned business who are experts in offroad travel demonstrated by our tours and training products.
“That gives confidence to anyone coming into our store that the work we do on their vehicles and the products we sell in our retail store will stand up to the rigours of any offroad adventure.”
Adrenalin Off-Road Centre specialises in bull bar and canopy installations, battery system installs, Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrades, lift kit installs and suspension upgrades.
It has also set up Australia’s first Adventure
Travel Planning Centre – which stocks a huge range of maps, books, atlases along with two interactive map screens.
On Saturday 18 May, don’t miss the grand opening of Adrenalin Off-Road Centre.
Between 9am-3pm, it will be offering unbeatable deals on top-notch suspension, bullbars, and camping accessories.
Plus, there’s fun for the whole family with a free jumping castle and face painting for the kids.
“We are really excited to be opening this new Adrenalin Off-Road Centre in the heart of Pakenham which is such a vibrant and growing community,” O’Meara said.
“Not only are we the home of Ironman 4x4 in Pakenham but we have added a range of new and exciting brands to the area including Sabre Offroad, Teralume Industries, G Works, Quad Lock, Dog & Gun Coffee and EcoXgear.”
Adrenalin Off-road Centre Pakenham is open Mondays-Fridays 8am-5pm and Saturdays 8.30am-1pm at 2/4 Southeast Boulevard, Pakenham. Contact: paksales@aorc.co or 5940 3377.
“Once they’re ready, we’ll let them look after themselves, but continue to keep a close eye on them.”
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne manager environmental systems Ricardo Simao said the Gardens were thrilled to re-introduce Pookila into Cranbourne Gardens.
“We are thrilled to re-introduce Pookila to
The Victorian Pookila Conservation Breeding and Reintroduction Program is a joint project between the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Gippsland Water, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Parks Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Zoos Victoria, and partners in Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
For further information, visit rbg.vic.gov. au/news-and-stories/pookila-reintroduction
What is a CT Guided Injection?
CT Guided Injections are procedures where a CT scanner is used to guide a needle to a location in the body, so that a medication (usually steroid and local anaesthetic) can be given directly to help treat a number of conditions.
CT Guided Injections in the spinal region may help to confirm that compression or irritation of a particular nerve is responsible for your symptoms, and aims to provide relief from neck, back, leg or arm pain.
Why Consider CT Guided Injections
CT-guided injection procedures may be particularly beneficial to patients who have:
· a history of spinal surgery with instrumentation, such as screws or rods, or bone grafts that may obscure or distort spinal anatomy
· a focal problem such as an inflamed joint or muscle/tendon that needs imaging guidance to ensure the medication is accurately delivered.
What are the Benefits of CT Guided Injections
The anti-inflammatory is long lasting - with the effects up to 3 months - however it may not begin working for several (2-7) days following the injection.
CT-guided injections offer several advantages compared to the technique most commonly used to guide injections, called X-ray fluoroscopy. Some injections are given with no guidance, reducing the probability the medication is delivered to the correct location.
Your radiologist is able to more accurately visualise anatomy — bones, nerves, joints, discs, soft tissues and surgical instrumentation — that can’t be seen using X-ray-based fluoroscopy, often down to millimetre accuracy.
Preparation for a CT Guided Injections
comfort, and to ensure clothing does not affect the images.
You may also be asked to remove jewellery, eye-glasses and any metal objects that might interfere with the imaging.
During a CT Guided Injections
A CT Guided Injection normally takes around 15 minutes.
You will lie on the CT table.
Your skin will be cleaned with antiseptic where the needle will be given, a local anaesthetic will be injected
The radiologist inserts a fine needle into the location that your doctor has asked us to inject using an aseptic technique (strict infection control practices).
The CT machine is used to guide the placement of the needle safely and accurately into the correct position, a small amount of X-ray contrast or air may be injected to help confirm the correct location.
During the injection procedure you will undergo high-resolution, cross-sectional diagnostic CT, which may reveal other sources of pain or disease in adjacent discs or facets that weren’t recognized on routine scans.
A long-lasting anaesthetic and a long-acting steroid are usually injected together.
Possible Risks with a CT Guided Injections
Use any medication to thin your blood (eg. Warfarin, Aspirin or Clopidogrel), please advise us.
Have an iodine allergy, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, please advise us.
Your doctor may request this procedure to
If you have previous X-Ray, CT or MRI films available, please bring these with you. If you are on any medication or have diabetes and are on insulin, take your usual medicines and diet.
be performed with sedation, in which case you will be required to fast (not eat or drink anything) before the procedure, and a short stay in hospital admission will be necessary.
On the Day of a CT Guided Injections
It will be necessary for somebody to drive you home but you may eat and drink normally. Before the procedure, you may be asked to change into an examination gown for your
Infection is a potential and serious side effect. If you notice any fever or redness, swelling, or increased pain at the injection site after the first 2 days, notify your referring doctor or immediately call the clinic where the injection was performed.
Make an enquiry
Bond Radiology can help in numerous ways if you have experienced a sports injury. You can book for a CT and ultrasound guided cortisone injection, or enquire about other procedures that might help relieve you of pain and inflammation following a sports injury.
If full credit goes to the opposition for not allowing teams to play attractive football; then both Pakenham and Monbulk need to take a hell of a lot of credit for the first three quarters at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday.
A strong wind blew from the centre of the ground towards the main entrance at Toomuc Reserve; making executing skills difficult and turning the Outer East Premier Division clash into an error-filled contest.
How ironic then; that it took something extraordinary from match-winner Sam Kors to give the Lions an unlikely 7.4(46) to 6.9(45) victory over a team looking for its first win of the season.
Pakenham; five points behind, had to move the ball quickly when it trailed at the 28-minute mark of the final term; the ball in defensive 50.
With time running out; which created the sweet temptation of going long, Ryan Martini showed composure beyond his years to switch the ball wide to David Sollberger, who shrugged aside a split-second of hesitation to kick to Jaiden Camenzuli on the wing.
Camenzuli spotted a likely one-out option in Jordan Stewart, who took a spectacular grab; then turned and assessed his options.
A long kick, to 35-metres out, was the best he had on offer.
Kors was definitely not the best placed to take a mark, but sprinted to the contest, hitting the pack at pace and pulling in the best mark of the day.
Pakenham had just moved the ball from one end to the other; on a rare occasion on Saturday, as the desperation of the situation sunk in.
Kors steadies; and, as the ball hits his boot, the final siren sounds.
A big crowd held its breath as the ball sailed through the big sticks, giving Pakenham its first lead of the day - since the five-minute mark of the first quarter - to give the home side a memorable victory over a very brave opponent.
The Hawks - for 98-percent of the contestlooked the winners.
The Lions went into the game without number-one ruck Cooper Reilly, then lost midfielder Lachlan Sauze with an ankle injury in the first quarter.
Jackson Bramich then went down with a shoulder injury in the second, and when Jimmy Harrison was yellow-carded; and Jake Barclay suffered a knee-injury, at the 15-minute mark of the final term…the Lions were down to bare bones.
Somehow, they survived; with Kors very much the hero.
“I’m just trying to let it all sink in; it was a close game, but credit to the boys for fighting it out when it looked like we were gone,” Kors said, beaming after the match.
“I was a bit shaky, I knew what was happening, and I knew I needed to kick it, so it was a great relief to look up and see it go through.
“I had the breeze behind me; I aimed it at the right post, and it nearly hit the right post; so lucky it went through.
“You don’t think about that stuff at the time, but it feels great to help us get the four points and hopefully help us build some momentum from here on in.
“To finish the game off, after losing a few early as well, it shows the character of the group.”
Monbulk led by seven points at quarter time and when Ziggy Hatherley kicked two in a minute – beginning at the 12-minute mark of the second – the Hawks had kicked out to an even three-goal lead.
The Lions looked listless, but signs of life reappeared after youngster Bailey Brougham and Bailey Stiles cut the margin back to six at the major interval.
The third quarter was a shocker, with both teams struggling to handle the Sherrin in tough conditions.
A solitary goal to Monbulk gave the visitors a 14-point advantage, and Pakenham coach Paul Carbis something to think about at the final break.
“We won contested possession (28/22) that quarter, but we’re going nowhere,” Carbis said to his players at three-quarter time.
“Where is the energy; where is the courage to go fat side instead of dump kicking all the time.
“We’re just accepting what they’re giving us at the moment; we need to take the game on.”
It only took four minutes for those words to ring true, with Kors kicking the last-quarter opener and half-forward Jai Rout delivering a classy finish from a set shot.
The Lions were two points down; playing attractive footy for the first time all day and seemed to have all the momentum.
But skipper Pat Barge answered for the Hawks…the Lions now eight points adrift.
The returning Tom Hillard then nailed a ripper from long range at the 19-minute mark to set up the thrilling finish.
Carbis was a very relieved mentor postmatch, after waiting 100 minutes for his team to produce its best football.
“It was pretty frustrating to be honest, but that was credit to Monbulk because they defended super-well today, they made the ground small and our boys just didn’t know how to react,” he said.
“But I think the last five to 10 minutes we were moving the ball quite well from the back half; it was just one kick that was off.
“We practice it a lot, but we just kept going down the line into their hands.
“We just have to keep re-emphasising the same message; but it sunk in just in time today.
“The boys took it on board, and that mark and goal at the end got us across the line.”
Carbis started his playmaker Stewart at fullforward, after six goals against Emerald last week, but a lack of quality supply forced him to reassess his options.
“In the first half we needed to score, and
they did a good job on him, they put some blokes in front of him, so we put him down back,” Carbis said.
“We tried to create some space for him, and let him get back into the game, which is what he did.
“At three-quarter time we weren’t in a position to save it, we had to win it, so we put him down forward again.
“We took the game on a bit more, which helped our forwards, including Jordy, and he played a key role in that last passage of play.”
Carbis was impressed with the ability of his youngsters to have an impact when all looked lost in the final term.
“I kept BJ (Brougham) on the bench for a long time in the last quarter, just to make sure we had our better players in the right spots, and I thought this a kid who will probably have to go forward when he comes on,” Carbis said.
“But when Jimmy Harrison comes off: it was, ‘mate, you’re a midfielder in the under 19s, off you go and show us what you’ve got.
“He did really well I thought and gave us a bit of a buzz around the ground.
“And then other guys stepped up in the middle; Thommo (Jake Thompson) got going for us, Rhys (Clacy) was in there, and D (D’AngeloTaito) was terrific in the ruck; he just fights and we know that’s what we’re going to get from him.”
But the final word just has to belong to Kors.
“Look, it’s a game that will definitely go in the memory bank…that’s for sure.”
Cardinia Storm’s women got an important point on the weekend at Moorabbin against top-placed Southern United.
With a mass of unavailability, a new-look Storm outfit held their own from the start of the game, giving themselves good looks at goal and attacking hard at several short corners.
Eventually, Ash Burnett was able to breakthrough and get Cardinia on the board, but Southern was able to respond well in the third quarter.
The Storm pressed late but were unable to regain the lead, forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.
“This was a fantastic team effort and the women are extremely proud of how they played and keeping Southern United to one
goal,” said captain Rachel Byron.
“The growth in the team has been amazing, the growth in our skills and efforts continue improve with us coming together weekin, week-out for some great hockey.”
Youngster Izzy Byron was named player of the match for her determination in an unfamiliar left-half position where she showed off her slick skills.
Fill-in goalkeeper Dee Smith also played a key role in keeping out a series of shots on target.
The women, who sit 1-3-1 so far this season, face the winless Knox at Wantirna this week.
Meanwhile, the men had a 2-1 win over Casey to maintain their position at the top of the table, with Daniel Albrecht and Navneet Shee the goal-scorers.
Pakenham’s youth men have continued their undefeated start to the season with an emphatic 109-72 win over Surf Coast.
Kaleb Beveridge’s dunk off a fast break with a minute to go in the first half was the perfect footnote to a dominant start to the game for the Warriors.
While they led by just nine at halftime and had the same number of shots, Pakenham felt the far superior team, stronger on the boards, more powerful and able to give themselves better looks and lots of second chances.
Jared Small opened the scoring with a three from the corner which set the scene for Pakenham’s ability to score in excess of 100 points for the seventh consecutive time for the season.
Midway through the first quarter, Surf Coast had a total of just two rebounds – Pakenham had three off the offensive end alone.
Jackson Grey and Riley Browne’s size was hard to match in the contest, Kaleb Beveridge was a presence around the rim with his explosiveness and the team’s synergy when they turned it over in the defensive end allowed them to pick their way through Surf Coast’s defence
While the visitors fought gallantly to continue to press Pakenham, it felt a matter of when, not if, Pakenham would pull away.
It happened straight after halftime, with the Warriors scoring the first 16 points of the half, with not even a Surf Coast timeout able to stymie the momentum.
By the time Surf Coast got on the board at the six-minute-mark, the Warriors put the game away, leading by 25.
Pakenham finished with 18 more rebounds, six more steals and the only four blocks of the game, while keeping their opponents to just 35 per cent from the field, with the Warriors bench getting plenty of minutes.
The Warriors backed it up against Maccabi the following day, winning 82-48, headlined by a 32-10 third quarter.
Kaleb Beveridge finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds while Mason Fraser finished with 21 points from 15-minutes of game time.
In the first part of a double-header on Saturday night, the youth women flattened Camberwell in a 32-6 first quarter to make a statement in the top-of-the-table clash.
Hayley Letts was dominant throughout the day, finishing with a team-high 23 points.
She put on two blocks and shot a three in a one-minute period in the last quarter which embodied her day in the 77-57 result.
The men went down 89-83 to table-topping Wyndham, shooting their threes at a season low 19 per cent.
The Warriors were within six points with three-and-a-half minutes remaining, but Wyndham made all four of their shots in the next two minutes while theWarriors missed all three which put the game out of reach.
The women, meanwhile were jumped early by Sunbury, conceding the first nine points of the game and going into the first break 13 points down and were never able to gain the lead.
In her first game for the club, Breanna McKenzie played 20 minutes off the bench and finished with eight points and three rebounds in the 80-62 loss.
PAKENHAM PUMAS BASEBALL
SENIORS
A1: DEF FRANKSTON (8-7)
A Grade picked up its first win of the season in a nail-biter against Frankston at home. A two RBI Walk off base hit from Max Hunter sealed the deal after another clutch hit from Daniel Taylor kept us in touch. Club Coach MaxVetter said it was a great team effort.
“The team played really good defence and our pitchers all threw the ball pretty well and the team showed great plate discipline,” Vetter said.
A2: LOST TO FRANKSTON (10-1)
No report this week
C1: DEF BONBEACH (11-10)
It’s not normally a great way to get a win, giving up seven runs in the opening inning, but trying to get some of our pitching options going; that’s exactly what transpired.
Wasting no time, the Pumas got through six hitters before we gave up the first out of our ‘at bat’. Five runs in reply via aggressive base running and a number of hits.
Brad Jones then kept the Braves bats quiet, giving up only one run and two further runs on fielding errors over the next three innings.
The Puma bats were equally quiet, and we entered the fifth trailing 7-10. With time against us, Tim Stockdale led off with a single and made it to second on a wild pitch. Connor got him to three on a ground out, before Brad Jones hit a long ground rule double to score Tim, and was replaced at second by Ray Pal when he likewise hit a ground rule double. A first pitch steal to Ray and a wild throw by the catcher saw Ray score to tie the game. A single over short to Luke Billing, followed by a stolen base, and Jason Rossit had a full count and one out. Billo stole on the next pitch, and Jason hit a ground ball back to the pitcher. The pitcher made the play at first but didn’t see Billo round the corner and continue home. One run victory to remain undefeated. 11-10 #pumasraa
Hits: Ray Pal 3, Brad Jones 2, Luke Billing 2, Junior Simaika, Michael Elijah Tim Stockdale.
C2: DEF BONBEACH (10-5)
Pumas got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Angus Peters scored after tagging up, Marc McGregor singled, Brock Edwards walked, and Kyle Peck singled, each scoring one run.
Pumas added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning after we scored on a passed ball and Scott Dale grounded out, each
scoring one run.
A ground out by Brock Edwards, an error, and a single by Connor Mills-Emmerson helped Pumas extend their early lead in the third.
Scott Dale earned the win for Pumas. The starting pitcher surrendered three hits and zero runs over four innings, striking out six and walking none. James Darcy appeared in relief for Pumas throwing well for two innings with two strike outs.
We stole eight bases and turned two double plays in the game.
Marc led the team in the batter’s box with three hits from three at bats which is an awesome achievement in his first ever season of Baseball.
Pumas finished the game 10-5 winners.
D GRADE WHITE: DEF BERWICK (10-6)
D Grade had its first win of the season with a tough all-round team effort. We were solid in the field with Garreth Phillips doing a fantastic job behind the dish catching the full game. On offence we batted well, but one bad inning saw us trailing by two runs with 25min remaining.With the game on the line Jakob Harris led us off with a base hit and was driven in by Tyler Whitelaw playing in only his third senior game. Kevin D’Arcy drew a Hit by Pitch before Jake Wanless served one to left field to tie the game. Some more good batting gave us a 10-6 lead before we shut out Berwick at the bottom
of the inning to secure the victory. Hits: Craig Willis, Jakob Harris, Kevin D’Arcy, Jake Wanless, James Kinsella RBIs: 2 Kevin D’Arcy, Craig Willis, James Kinsella, Tyler Whitelaw.
D Grade Black and the Women’s team both had a Mother’s Day Bye.
JUNIORS
UNDER 12: LOST TO CHELSEA (3-0)
The four pitchers did a great job with both teams waiting until the last inning to start hitting.
UNDER 14: DEF MORNINGTON BLACK (9-3)
Great at bats all around this week. Caity hit a stand-up double and Jai got a nice hit out to right field! Adam pitched three great innings and Logan shut out the game with three-up, three-down in the fourth. Harvey did amazing behind home plate, catching his first full game of baseball! Base running was also on point this week, scoring five runs in the fourth inning to secure the W. Most importantly, everyone had a great time on the field and enjoyed the game!!
UNDER 16: LOST TO FRANKSTON (15-2)
Pakenham started off the game well with Will on the mound and taking the first two outs with consecutive fly balls to the outfield. We struggled to get the last out as they brought in three runs. We struggled with the bats but had good plate discipline and kids were good on base.Tough day for the boys with Frankston having hot bats.
Pakenham United has made it two in a row with an 8-3 win over Cleeland in the State League 5 South competition.
After a tough run to start the season, Pakky got its first points last week, capitalising on its opportunities and stemming the momentum shifts, and were again classy on Saturday afternoon.
Four goals to hard-working and tough customer Daniel Vigilanti led the way, as he repeatedly put himself in dangerous areas.
Substitute Khoodadad Mohammadi also scored a double, while Elberti Teles andWesley Rels were the other goal scorers.
A 4-0 first half set the game up before play opened up in the second half.
The victory sees Pakenham move to within two points of ninth-placed Barton in the 10-team competition ahead of a winnable clash with eighth-placed Casey this week.
Casey is coming off a 1-0 loss to the undefeated Rosebud, while Bunyip scored the only second half goal which was the difference in a 3-2 victory over Mount Martha.
