The Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham has welcomed in its new committee for the 2024-25 year ahead.
On Sunday 14 July, club members gathered at Meadowvale Retirement Village to celebrate the previous year and introduce their new committee for the year ahead.
Along with family and friends, the club welcomed the International InnerWheel vice president Kaye Morland, District Chairman Erica Peck along with other District Office Bearers, as well as Pakenham Rotary president Ian Wake.
Full story page3
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Barry Bourke Motors and its hired tree removalist have been fined for illegally felling five significant-listed trees in front of the Berwick car dealership.
Three of the spotted gum trees stood on City of Casey’s road reserve, two were nearby on BBM’s land at 755 Princes Highway.
All five were protected as part of the Casey’s significant tree register of about 1864 specimens.
On 18 July, tree remover Ralph Iosefo pleaded guilty at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to his role in the fellings.
A prosecutor told the court that the trees’
aggregate costs were estimated at more than $550,000 due to their age and significance.
During routine inspections every three years, there had been no health concerns raised about the “unique” and “significant” gum trees, the court heard.
Casey Council says it was alerted by a community member to the trees’ destruction over two successive weekends in June.
Witnesses observed a “professional-looking operation” with teams of six men cordoning off the service road and lopping the trees.
Iosefo, who has run Hurricane Tree Services for 10 years, later told Casey officers he was unaware of the trees’ protected status.
He had not checked whether permits were obtained for the removals, the prosecutor said.
Iosefo had said he was hired by BBM after a branch from a tree had fallen into the car yard.
The trees were also reportedly regarded as a trip hazard due to their prominent roots, and a flooding hazard due to blocking street drains.
On 15 February, BBM pleaded guilty to two charges related to the spotted gums’ removal.
The dealership was fined $40,000 and ordered to pay Casey’s costs of $7,443.50.
In dealing with Iosefo, magistrate Hugh Radford said he accepted that BBM was the “main culprit” and had received a “significant” fine.
But he told Ioefo that “it should have been clear to you that a permit would have been required, on the basis of the trees being on the verge of the footpath.” Iosefo had no prior convictions.
He was fined $1200 without conviction and ordered to pay $1500 costs to Casey.
Casey’s significant tree register includes more than 1000 River Red Gums, exotic and native species, and trees along Casey’s Seven Avenues of Honour.
The list is currently under review to ensure it’s up to date.
A spokesperson for Barry Bourke Motors said: “The fine as ordered by the court was paid.”
Casey Grammar graduate Zain Wasif received a prestigious Premier’s VCE Award after scoring top marks for Industry and Enterprise.
Zain, the 18-year-old from Officer, was recognised for his hard work and outstanding achievement in the 2023 VCE at a special presentation ceremony at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 17 July.
The Premier’sVCE Awards recognise the exceptional accomplishments of individual students and pay tribute to the schools, teachers and families who play a valuable role in supporting students during their VCE studies.
Zain attended Casey Grammar School for six years and Industry and Enterprise was one of his favourite VCE subjects.
It prepares students for the world of work and incorporates topics such as the workplace culture of different organisations, occupational health and safety, the impacts of changing societal values on workplaces and the impact of technology.
“The subject builds enterprising skills and work experience through a range of practical and written tasks. We looked at our own personal work experiences so far to understand how various industries operate and we studied a range of Australian and international in-
dustries,” Zain said.
Zain, who is now studying physiotherapy at university, has some advice for the current batch of VCE students preparing for exams later this year.
“Understand how VCE grades are marked, break down the questions and be straightforward and concise in your answers,” he said.
“Don’t stress too much, take breaks and enjoy activities outside of study, too.”
“Casey Grammar is thrilled to see Zain receive a Premier’s VCE Award. It is very well-deserved and recognises Zain’s commitment to his studies,” Casey Grammar principal Fiona Williams said.
“Zain was an exceptional student who always did his very best inside and outside the classroom. He brought energy and plenty of ideas to school and Casey Grammar wishes him the very best for his future.”
Casey Grammar graduate Zain Wasif received a prestigious Premier’s VCE Award after scoring top marks for Industry and Enterprise. (Supplied)
Police have charged four teenage boys following a string of alleged armed robberies across a number of Melbourne suburbs on Monday 22 July.
Members of the Special Operations Group arrested two of the boys on the Princes Freeway in Officer at about 5.15pm on Monday 22 July, while police arrested the other two boys in Clayton on Monday 22 July.
Police have since charged the four boys in relation to a series of alleged offending across the East between Monday 15 July and Monday 22 July, which allegedly included a number of aggravated burglaries where motor vehicles were stolen and armed robberies at service stations targeting the theft of cigarettes.
Police have charged a 17-year-old Pakenham boy with 23 offences, including a number of counts of aggravated burglary, armed robbery and theft of a motor vehicle.
Police have charged a 16-year-old Pakenham boy with 17 offences, including aggravated burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, armed robbery and driving in a dangerous manner.
Police have charged a 14-year-old Doveton boy with eight offences, including
of a motor vehicle and armed robbery.
have charged a 15-year-old Frankston boy with 10 offences, including aggravated burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and armed robbery.
those charged will face a Children’s
The Victorian Electoral Commission have urged eligible residents and ratepayers to check they are enrolled to vote for the upcoming local council elections by 4pm on Wednesday 7 August.
Anyone on the state electoral roll is automatically enrolled for their current address for the upcoming elections.
There are also additional council enrolment categories for non-resident owners, occupiers, company nominees and non-Australian citizens who pay rates.
The rules for council enrolment have changed, with some property owners who do not live in the council area but may be eligible to vote because they pay rates
To check which council you should vote in, contact your local council for further information.
The 2024 Victorian local council elections will be the state’s largest single election program, with a predicted 4.7 million voters participating in 465 individual elections across 78 councils.
To check or amend your details, visit vec. vic.gov.au/enrolment
The Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham has welcomed in its new committee for the 2024-25 year ahead.
On Sunday 14 July, club members gathered at Meadowvale Retirement Village to celebrate the previous year and introduce their new committee for the year ahead.
Along with family and friends, the club welcomed the International Inner Wheel vice president Kaye Morland, District Chairman Erica Peck along with other District Office Bearers, as well as Pakenham Rotary president Ian Wake.
Whilst enjoying a buffet lunch, catered for by a team of members, everyone had the opportunity to catch up with others.
Outgoing president Deb James presented her report in the form of a video, revisiting how busy and full the year had been and how much fun can be had connecting with like-minded people, with the aim of helping others.
Past president Sue Blenkhorn introduced Marlene Burhop as the new president.
Marlene has been a very active member for many years, holding a range of executive positions including being a previous president and secretary last year.
The incoming commitee for the 2024-25 year is treasurer Jan Ahern, secretary Marcia Rook, Sue Blenkhorn, Joy Board, Deb James, Bronwyn Kennett, Maureen Lindau, Margaret McDonald, Jenny Watson and Alwyn Williams.
For more information about the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham, contact iiw. au.pakenhamcorr@gmail.com
By Corey Everitt
The construction of a long-awaited brand-new pavilion at Upper Beaconsfield Recreation Reserve is soon to be under way after the council approved a builder.
Grove Pty Ltd was given a $4.2 million contract to construct a new modularbuilt pavilion at the reserve - approved in the latest council meeting on Monday 15 July.
The committee of management for the reserve has been pushing to replace their four-decade-old pavilion for many years.
“It doesn’t meet the community’s expectations, the community up there have seen other facilities being built in the hills and down the growth corridor and they are saying it’s our time and it is,” Cr Owen said.
“This is a really great day for the Upper Beaconsfield community.”.
The old pavilion will be demolished and the council report says the new facility will include ‘home and away change rooms, umpire change rooms, first aid room, scout hall, kitchens, various meeting rooms, store rooms and social space’.
It will be a modular build, where a significant part of the construction is fabrication off-site into large segments that are then assembled.
Modular has proven a quick and cheaper alternative as the industry is strained in traditional construction.
The overall budget for the project is $8 million - made up of $4.2 million from council, $3.3 million from the State Government and $500,000 from the Federal Government.
Pakenham may be a part of the urban sprawl now, but you can’t take its country welcome away.
Rotary Club of Pakenham recently added the last community sign to its two welcome boards on either side of town.
Each located on the Princess Highway, one on the corner of Racecourse Road and the other just past Thewlis Road, these signs have a long history in Pakenham.
Formerly one stood in these locations for many years, but Rotarian Ian Wake and others a few years ago thought that they needed an update.
The new welcome boards were installed approximately 12 months ago and were based on those found in Korumburra.
It was quite the process to do so for the Rotary Club, being delayed by the pandemic and by liaising with Government departments for permission.
Eventually with the assistance of the council they were installed and now showcase the many community groups in town.
Its 15 slots for signage are now full, displaying to visitors the breadth of the community with such groups as PakenhamToy Library, the Cardinia Foundation, Riding for the Disabled Pakenham and much more.
Rotarian Ian Wake wished to thank the council who helped ‘immensely’ in the efforts to install the new welcome boards.
by Cam Lucadou-Wells
Former Cranbourne Labor MP Jude Perera has died at the age of 71.
His family announced with “deep sadness” on social media on 23 July that their “beloved father, grandfather and our whole family’s rock passed away” .
Perera was the first Sri Lankan-born and –educated MP elected to a lower house of parliament in Australia in 2002.
He served four terms, retiring in 2018 after a long battle with renal disease and two kidney transplants.
Several current state MPs such as Lee Tarlamis, Pauline Richards and Tim Richardson paid tribute to their former colleague.
Cranbourne’s current MP Pauline Richards posted: “Vale Jude Perera. Very sad news for the Cranbourne community. My condolences to the family of a great man.“
Growing up in Sri Lanka, Perera was steeped in left-wing politics in what was a turbulent environment.
His father Edmund, a coconut plantation manager, was a leader in the Marxist party Lanka Sama Samaja and hosted meetings with activists around his kitchen table.
After dabbling in politics and struggling to make ends meet, he left Sri Lanka with wife Iranganie and two small children for a “better life”.
He joined the ALP in reaction to the Kennett Government.
And in 1998, his political know-how helped him to build local support for ALP preselection in the seat of Cranbourne.
In his memoir released last year, he says many Sri Lankans were intially surprised at his preselection in what was then a heavily Anglo Saxon electorate.
“Many asked questions such as: ‘Did they easily give it to you?’,” Mr Perera writes.
“What they really meant was: ‘How come a dark-skinned Asian migrant has been selected by the white-skin majority to stand for Parliament?’”
Growing up in rural Sri Lanka, Mr Perera was steeped in left-wing politics in what was a turbulent environment.
His father Edmund, a coconut plantation manager, was a leader in the Marxist party Lanka Sama Samaja and hosted meetings with activists around his kitchen table.
After dabbling in politics and struggling to make ends meet, he left Sri Lanka with wife Iranganie and two small children for a “better life”.
In Australia, he joined the ALP in reaction to the Kennett Government.
His memoir Challenging Incomplete Democracy delved into great detail into his political philosphies.
It also described when then-Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews dumped him as opposition parliamentary secretary.
Perera had missed a division during Parliament resulting in the Opposition“losing a vote we should have won”.
“I was sick as a dog and was disappointed with how Daniel Andrews had treated me, a loyal supporter.
“This event coupled with my health issues led me to consider retirement.”
In 2020, Perera appeared as a witness in the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry into alleged corrupt dealings between property developers, MPs and Casey councillors.
He admitted during the inquiry that his formal submission in favour of a land zoning in Cranbourne West was effectively written by developer John Woodman’s planning consultant.
Perera had earlier received financial support from the developer John Woodman for his election campaign, an IBAC report found.
“Mr Perera contended that this did not generate any sense of obligation… that assertion was contradicted by the lengths to which Mr Perera went to further MrWoodman’s requests and objectives,” IBAC reported.
Prior to the report’s findings, Perera told Star News that he agreed that Victoria should
follow NSW’s lead and ban political donations from developers.
“The issue is that people should not give donations for personal favours.”
Reflecting on his tenure as an MP, Mr Perera told Star News that he was most proud that he helped many with immmigration and visa issues.
He says he went beyond the call of duty. And in many cases his intervention helped people migrate to Australia. However, Mr Perera said last year that his health is “not the best”. After two failed kidney transplants, he was back on three dialysis treatments a week.
He was listed for a third transplant, but unlikely to receive it due to his age and the extra antibodies he’s acquired from previous transplants, he said at the time.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey Council says its urging water authorities to take action on the continued flooding of an industrial estate on Centre Road and Rimfire Drive, Hallam.
On 16 July, businesses and drivers were again stranded by the latest inundation from the adjoining Hallam Valley flood plain.
The industrial estate on those two roads, as well as a section of Hallam South Road, were closed to traffic for several days as a result.
In a recurring theme for more than a decade, Centre Road - the estate’s only point of access - resembled a lake that could only be traversed by trucks and other large vehicles.
Last week, four stranded drivers were rescued by Narre Warren SES from waters up to 65 centimetres deep at the flood’s peak.
Unit controller Damian Burns said it was a timely demonstration why drivers shouldn’t venture into floodwaters.
“The vehicles were trying to go through flood water that was too deep for them. The vehicles were swamped and water was going in through the door seals.
“It can be deceptive. When you drive out of Rimfire Drive, it’s not too deep. You don’t realise how deep the water will get – and once you start, you get committed to drive on.”
Eclipse Security Systems owner Greg Flood, who is based in the Rimfire Drive estate, said he and his employees were working from home but it was difficult to get in deliveries.
“The ones I feel sorry for are the retail
businesses and car mechanics who effectively can’t trade. There’s no way in or out for customers.”
In the past 18 months, he estimates about 10 floods in the water-logged estate – with Centre Road lower in some sections than the adjoining wetlands.
Businesses have long called for either a levee or the raising of Centre Road to repel the frequent flooding.
They’ve also requested repairing Troup’s Creek bridge at Shrives Road as an alternative access in the event of flooding.
The bridge was long closed due to structural damage from heavy vehicles – though it was briefly reopened for a few hours for vehicle access on 16 July, Mr Flood said.
Casey Council city and asset planning manager Keri New said a detailed assessment of the bridge found that its reopening was “not feasible”.
This was due to the impact on traffic management, structural limitations and high costs.
Ms New said the council was exploring the feasibility of lifting Centre Road’s low points.
“Further engineering investigations and flood modelling are required to determine the suitability of lifting the road above flood levels without causing any upstream flooding.”
Casey had started local flood modelling. But this couldn’t be finalised without Melbourne Water completing its Hallam Valley
Flood Mapping work to confirm the “ultimate flood levels”.
“This will inform Council decision on whether lifting the road in advance of Melbourne Water undertaking flood plain improvement works or the duplication of Hallam Road will reduce the incidence of flooding affecting road access,” Ms New said.
The council was lobbying Melbourne Water to speed up its master plan to reduce the ultimate flood level on Centre Road – which was believed to be “a few years away”.
In the meantime, Casey called for Melbourne Water to “prioritise frequent maintenance” including desilting drains connecting urban catchments into the floodplain.
By Emily Woods, AAP
Less than three weeks after leaving a cyclist to die in Hampton Park, Peter Koutsogiannakis caused another dangerous crash.
Driving a stolen Mazda on January 23, 2022, he tried to skip through a queue of cars lined up at a train boom-gate.
Police tried to get him to pull over, but he sped onto the wrong side of the road and took off.
Koutsogiannakis then entered a bus lane against a red light and hit a Toyota sedan as they were turning right before striking a pole. He then ran from the scene.
The 30-year-old Endeavour Hills man’s “pattern of lawless behaviour” was aired by Judge Frances Hogan in Melbourne’s County Court on Monday, as he was jailed for at least five years over an earlier deadly hit and run.
Koutsogiannakis drove through a red light and struck cyclist Makaro Manapori, 58, as he was riding to work in Hampton Park on January 6, 2022.
Mr Manapori was thrown 45 metres, with his bike found mangled and folded in half.
He was left “like roadkill” to die by Koutsogiannakis, the judge said previously, after he drove off and set fire to the stolen car used in the crash.
“You have shown yourself to have a sense of entitlement devoid of any moral qualms when it comes to ... the safety of others on the road,” Judge Hogan said.
“Your previous appalling driving record and failure to learn from repeated offending ... made it only a matter of time before you would kill someone.”
Koutsogiannakis was convicted for crimes including theft and dangerous driving over the crash, which happened weeks after he struck Mr Manapori.
Driving dangerously had “become a way of
(Con Chronis/AAP)
life” for him, and his decade-long criminal record showed he had “scant regard” for the road rules and safety of others, Judge Hogan said.
“You present as a 30-year-old who has lived a self-indulgent, lawless lifestyle, and have been a repeated menace to society.”
She jailed him for up to seven years and 10 months.
He must serve five years and three months before he will be eligible for parole, and has al-
ready spent more than one year behind bars. Judge Hogan said he had a complete lack of remorse for the offending, which he continues to deny despite handing himself into police.
Koutsogiannakis’ lawyer had contacted police after photos of him running after setting a car on fire were released to media.
“I couldn’t live with myself,” he told officers just before he was interviewed.
But he fought the charges at trial, claiming it was a case of mistaken identity.
A jury in June found him guilty of dangerous driving causing death, failing to stop at the scene and failing to render assistance to the dying Mr Manapori.
Koutsogiannakis remained silent throughout the hearing and his supporters in court cried as his sentence was handed down.
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.
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Cranbourne and Pakenham lines 27 to 28 July
Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes
Caulfield to Westall
McGregor Road, Pakenham Until 16 AugustPrinces Freeway-bound between Livingstone Boulevard and the Princes Freeway
Until 16 AugustAt the rail bridge
16 August to late September
Princes Freeway-bound between Webster Way and the Princes Freeway Webster Way, Pakenham Until late SeptemberAt McGregor Road
Ballarto Road, Carrum Downs and Skye Until DecemberBoggy Creek to Flora Park Way between Lyrebird and Greenwood Drive Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham 7pm to 5am, 23 to 24 July
Pakenham-bound between Southeast Boulevard and the Princes Freeway Princes Freeway, Pakenham 6pm to 6am, 23 to 26 July
City-bound between Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road and McGregor Road 7pm to 5am, 23 to 26 July
Closed at the intersection
Gippsland-bound between the HealesvilleKoo Wee Rup Road freeway ramps Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road and Berwick-Cranbourne Road/ Sladen Street, Cranbourne East 7am 27 July to 5am 29 July
By Ethan Benedicto
Umbrella Support’s Hellow Media was officially underway with an exciting start on Thursday 18 July, after all 12 participants gathered in the Bridegwater Family and Community Centre for an afternoon of filming.
Donned with stage lights, backdrops a camera and a teleprompter, it was easy for nerves to hit everyone early on, but according to Cindy Warren, all it took was for that someone to take the first step, and everything else followed like clockwork.
“I am so proud of these guys, today has been amazing, every single one of them has stood in front of the camera and I honestly didn’t think that was going to happen,” Ms Warren said.
“For us [support workers], it’s about creating that space of feeling calm, feeling safe, and feeling like you’re part of a team”.
With some teamwork exercises to warm up before stepping in front of the camera, the group of 12 braved the shining lights and began their introductions for the first piece, with Ms Warren remarking that it didn’t take long for them to ease into it.
For her, it was to foster that realisation within the members to “get to know each other and to understand that this is a really safe space, but also a space to grow and a space to learn”.
“There’s excitement and buzz in the air, every single one of them is now lining up for a second time, they want to do it again.
“This opportunity is not readily available to a lot of people, so to create this space and to give them this chance is so exciting, and to see them shine and to walk out of here today with smiles is going to be amazing,” Ms Warren said.
Although there was a script to follow, every participant was more than keen to add their own twist to their parts, adding the flair of character that very well embodies the group, from big smiles to flashy poses. The next step for the team at Hellow Media is to put their people skills to the test, with the aim to contact local businesses, organisations and clubs for a possible feature in the group’s YouTube channel, but also to “find out what they do to help others in the community”.
“I’d really like to look at more not-for-profit organisations that give back and how we can help them spread their message and their outlets as well,” Ms Warren said. While the afternoonwasshort,itwasthestarttheteamneeded to throttle them into the coming release of their first episode which has yet to be announced.
By Matthew Sims
The number of students taking days off school has continued to climb following the Covid pandemic.
School attendance data for the 2019 to 2023 period revealed absenteeism for Year 7 students in Cardinia increased by 38.95 percent, while the number of absent days across students in Casey increased by 33.82 percent.
Comparing the 2019 and 2023 years, there were a number of high jumps across a number of year levels.
In Cardinia, the most significant increase in absenteeism occurred at Year 8, increasing by 57.48 per cent - from an average of 21.4 days to 33.7 days.
Other increases included a 53 per cent increase inYear 9, a 47.8 per cent increase inYear 10 and a 39.1 per cent increase for Grade 6.
In Casey, the most significant increase was found at the Year 10 level with a 45.5 per cent increase - from an average of 20.2 days to 29.4 days.
Other increases included in Year 8 (43.8 per cent), Year 11 (38.3 per cent) and Year 7 (34.3 per cent).
When compared with 10 years ago, the increases were more significant.
The highest jump in Cardinia was in Grade 6, with a 55 per cent increase in the average number of days absent, increasing from 16.5 days to 25.6 days.
Other significant increases from 2013 to 2023 included a 50.6 per cent increase in absenteeism in Grade 5 and a 46 per cent increase for Grade 3 students.
In Casey, the most significant increase in the average number of absent days occurred within Year 11 students, increasing by 87.6 per cent.
Other increases from 2013 to 2023 included a 68.7 per cent increase within the Year 12 cohort, 66.1 per cent for Year 10, 56.1 per cent for Year 8 and 46.3 for Grade 2.
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath said there was an “urgent need“ to address the increase in absenteeism.
“These Year 7 students lost up to 150 days of face-to-face learning during the pandemic which has significantly impacted their educational continuity,“ she said.
“Regional schools are facing a chronic teacher shortage; principals are under pressure and too many students are feeling heightened anxiety in the school setting.
“As a former secondary school teacher, I know that less time in the classroom will only reduce a student’s ability to learn the essen-
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Building a sharing circle for men from migrant and refugee backgrounds is “something personal” for Shankar Kasynathan.
During his term as a former Victorian Multicultural Commissioner, Kasynathan says he was troubled by the absence of such points of connection and support.
“I was working with refugee and migrant communities and coming across men harming themselves and harming others.
“In Covid, I saw a peak in family violence numbers, especially in the South East. And I looked around to see what opportunities and spaces were available for men.”
The Mens Shed movement doesn’t resonate with young migrant men, for example. Many aren’t keen to ply their hands in a workshop.
“Their go-to instead is their career, it’s employment, it’s workplace discrimination and trying to get a meaningful job.”
These themes are the ice-breakers for Kasynathan’s mens circle The Open Exchange, which meets monthly at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre in Dandenong.
As the men share their work experiences, they build trust and a “space of vulnerability”, Kasynathan says.
Conversations tend to expand into other parts of their lives.
A chat about their entitlements to workplace equality and dignity might lead into talking about respectful relationships, behaviour
The Victorian Government is supporting key organisations in the education, health and family sectors to keep Victorian children safe through the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS).
Children Minister Lizzie Blandthorn announced on July 16 that ten organisations will share in almost $2 million to upskill their staff in using the CISS to protect children’s wellbeing and safety.
The CISS is in its third year and enables professionals who care for children, such as teachers and nurses, to share their experience and knowledge about a child with each other to determine how to best support a child’s wellbeing and safety.
The Municipal Association ofVictoria will receive grant funding to strengthen professional relationships and embed best practices for the use of CISS in local government areas across Victoria.
The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency will also receive funding to ensure that CISS is being used in a culturally appropriate way to support the best interests of Aboriginal children and their families.
patterns at home and their impact on partners and children.
“It’s a challenge for people from migrant refugee communities to lean in. A lot of guys don’t speak English and it’s a challenge for them to have an English-only conversation.”
The group’s tagline is ‘you get more than you give’.
“You find that after the sharing, you get more from the space than what you came to give.”
For Kasynathan, he says he might be a case of “art imitating life”. She’s suffered his own anxiety issues and mental health challenges due to burnout at work.
He’s since become a mental-health first-aid accredited instructor and started a diploma in counselling.
“It’s been a humbling experience to be a part of the space. And to move from a multicultural commissioner role to a group faciliatator and counsellor to create this space.”
He emphasizes that the circle welcomes men of all backgrounds and not just new arrivals to Australia.
The Open Exchange meets at Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre on the first Tuesday of each month, 6.30pm-8pm (enter from Robinson Street). Details: info@theopenexchange. org or 0422 845 085
Other organisations receiving grant funding are 54 reasons, Anglicare Victoria, the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, Centre for Mental Health Learning, FKA Children’s Services, Independent Schools Victoria, Jewish Care and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Reviews and inquiries – including the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse – identified that a lack of information sharing has contributed to tragic outcomes for the wellbeing and safety of Victorian children.
Key frontline services, such as Child Protection and Maternal and Child Health services, began using the CISS in September 2018.
In April 2021, CISS was extended to universal services, such as schools, early childhood education and care services and general practitioners.
Twenty organisations have previously received grant funding to strengthen the use and knowledge of CISS across sectors and encourage increased collaboration among services to better support children and their families.
To find out more about the CISS Capacity Building Grants, visit vic.gov.au/ child-information-sharing-grants-program
By Corey Everitt
A South-East resident is sick of living in fear for simply taking medication for chronic pain, prompting him to support the establishment of a legal defence for unimpaired drivers with a medicinal cannabis prescription.
A 68-year-old retiree, for the last five years Brad has been prescribed medicinal cannabis to help his sleep and treat chronic neck pain.
Despite having a strict nightly regimen where he never gets behind the wheel within 12 hours after treatment, he can still lose his ability to drive if he tests positive for cannabis.
“I only take it at night, there is nothing recreational about it, it’s not my thing,” he said.
“It can make a real mess of things for me, I am never ever sure if I will run into a drug bus.
“I always leave 12 hours after using any of the medicine before I get behind the wheel, but cannabis can stay in you for a month.”
The psychoactive effect of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the main component of cannabis - lasts only a few hours for an average dose.
However, THC is a fat soluble compound which can store in fat cells meaning it can remain in a person’s system for a matter of days or even months while a person in all other factors is sober.
Victoria Police at roadside testing use a saliva drug test which can detect the usage of marijuana up to 24 hours after usage.
If not detected, the police can ask for an impairment assessment and follow up with a blood or urine test - the latter can come back positive for cannabis use within the previous 30 days depending on level of use.
A first time detection through a saliva test penalises the driver with a six-month suspension.
Brad has been driving for over 50 years with no offence to his name after thousands of kilometres within his personal and work life. He finds it offensive that he could be among criminal offenders for something his GP prescribes him.
“I’ve never had a serious penalty, never lost my licence, never gone over in demerits,” he said.
“The community is better with me taking this medication, otherwise I will be driving without a good night’s sleep.
“I’m treated like a criminal for taking a legal drug.”
The alternatives are limited for him, he could go off the medication which would severely limit him as his wife lives with mobility issues.
He could try a different treatment such as opioid painkillers, which he has been pre-
scribed in his life.
He took up medicinal cannabis in his retirement and stuck with it as he got away from opioids - a highly addictive drug which the World Health Organisation says is attributed to 600,000 deaths worldwide by 2019.
Cannabis is much more manageable and effective for him, even though ‘it’s never been really his thing’ he can keep use and tolerance down.
“It’s an analgesic, muscle relaxant, it turns the whole thing down and tolerance builds slowly,” he said.
“Whereas opioids build up straight away, you have to increase your dosage for it to work. It makes you feel crook, I had liver problems when I was taking it - all of that is gone.
“I keep to a strict daily dosage, when I feel it’s not working as usual, I take some time off
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A South East manufacturers group has labelled State funding cuts to 22 private training organisations as “senseless”.
The State Government argues that the affected registered training organisations (RTOs) were providing courses in over-supply or weren’t aligned with workforce needs.
However, South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) says the RTOs provided much-needed nationally accredited courses.
“It’s hard to understand why the policy makers think cutting funding during a skills crisis will help fill skilled roles or upskill people who are desperately needed in the manufacturing and building trades,” SEMMA chief executive Honi Walker said.
“This defies the government’s own recent Skills First program that clearly outlines the industries that are considered priorities. It makes no sense.”
Walker said the skill shortages would severely impact the Government’s proposed renewables sector growth and its housing plan.
SEMMA has also long warned of skills shortages such as welders, CNC machine operators and engineers.
“It is just not feasible to think reducing the
number of training courses won’t negatively impact the number of trainees.
“Some people don’t enjoy the TAFE experience and prefer an RTO instead.”
Opposition skills and training spokesperson Bridget Vallance said as a result of the cuts, RTOs were describing “detrimental and long-term impacts for many industries, including construction, manufacturing and early childhood education”.
The State Government argues the 22 reduced contracts were a small minority of the 242 Skills First contracts to RTOs.
The contracts were awarded according to highest priority workforce needs such as construction, clean economy and aged/disability care, it argues.
“This year, we’ve invested a further $555 million into the training system, which will support even more Victorians to upskill into meaningful, well-paid careers,” a Government spokesperson said.
“We’ve given our RTOs more certainty this year so they can plan for the future and deliver quality training to Victorians that is aligned with real industry and workforce needs.”
In 2024, the Skills First contracts were extended to two-year terms for the first time.
to build back tolerance.”
Nonetheless, Brad says he has to choose to be ‘worried all the time of being caught’. To him it doesn’t seem much relief will be coming from Spring Street anytime soon.
Recently, the State Government announced they will be starting a trial to test medicinal cannabis users while driving.
Expected to wrap up by late 2025, this was a delay from a promised solution by 2024 given by then Premier Andrews in 2023.
The problem for Brad is compounded by his experience of never wanting to drive while impaired.
“Many of us take it at night, some people have to have treatment in the day, but we don’t want to drive under the influence,” he said.
“But this Government has done very little for the issue and seem like they are resigned to
doing nothing this term.”
The central concern is legal, Brad supports the recent campaign by Legalise CannabisVictoria MP Rachel Payne in calling for a legal defence for unimpaired drivers who test positive.
“Ordinary working Victorians are losing their licence even though they are taking their prescribed medication as directed by their doctor,” Payne said.
“There is nothing wrong with their driving. They shouldn’t be penalised because testing only shows presence.
“It’s a six-month loss of licence for a first offence, and a 12-month loss of licence for a second offence. We will campaign hard in July to secure a legal defence for Victorian patients.”
By Corey Everitt
Cannibal Creek Landcare is firmly a leading group in protecting the State’s precise environment being among few to be highly commended for their work by Landcare Victoria.
The group was nominated for Landcare and Environmental Volunteer Group Award at the Victorian Landcare Awards on Thursday 18 July - members attending the ceremony at Marvel Stadium.
This dedicated group has been instrumental in driving numerous on-the-ground projects to improve the health of the local ecosystem with highly active regenerative efforts
The restoration of whole areas of Cardinia’s bush land can be attributed to the group with a countless amount of trees planted over many years.
“It’s just acknowledgement to the workers in the group for our hard work, we are honoured to have been highly commended,” member of the group, Pam Cunningham said.
“We are a fairly active group, with plantings at least once a month. In June, July and August we’ve had and will have two plantings a month.”
Their activity has attracted the help of
many groups from corporate institutions to local organisations who seek an avenue to help the environment.
Among their own projects they also are heavily involved with the Western Port Catchment Landcare Network (WPCLN) and are collaborators in a dung beetle project with Charles Sturt University.
It was a significant day for landcare within the WPCLN as Sustainable Agriculture manager Peter Ronalds took out the Dr Sidney Plowman Travel and Study Award and Cannibal Creek Catchment Biodiversity Project was also nominated for the Landcare and Environmental Volunteer Group Award.
By Corey Everitt
As a board member of the Cardinia Foundation and the manager of Sustained Quality Care, Pakenham’s Abiola Ajetomobi has witnessed firsthand the profound impact that community-driven organisations can have on the lives of those in need.
Abiola’s journey with the Cardinia Foundation started during her time as the manager of Pakenham’s 4Cs Crisis Relief Centre. Now at Sustained Quality Care, the service is a cornerstone partner of the foundation and a year ago, Abiola became a member of the board.
“When I joined I could see even more the impact of the work the foundation does not just now but in the future,” she said.
“What really me to join was the fact that I could know where the resources are going to and see how it’s influencing where I live and work.”
Abiola’s role as a board member of the Cardinia Foundation aligns seamlessly with the work she does in the disability sector at Sustained Quality Care, where the essence of the organisation is to empower people with disability to live independent and integrated lives within the community.
“The most important factor is making sure
the community is supporting each other and no one is left behind, the foundation creates a system so the whole community can come together to support the most vulnerable,” she said.
“Aligned with the foundation, Sustained Quality Care is more uniquely challenging behaviours and supporting the independence of people with disability, I know the foundation focuses on that kind of support.”
What truly inspires Abiola’s involvement is the knowledge that the resources of the Cardinia Foundation are being used transparently and authentically to make a real difference in the community she calls home.
As a foundation of the community for the community, everyone can play there part and Abiola supports all getting involved.
“I would encourage businesses and even employees to see how they can support, anyone can contribute no matter your ability, you can make a difference for the people around you,” she said.
Those seeking support can reach out to Sustained Quality Care at 1300 221 380 or info@sustainedqualitycare.com.au.
To learn more of the Cardinia Foundation’s partnership program go to cardiniafoundation.org/partnerships-2/.
By Corey Everitt
The Western Port Catchment Landcare Network (WPCLN) had a strong showing at this year’s Victorian Landcare Awards, with Peter Ronalds winning an award for his contribution to sustainable land management.
Held at Marvel Stadium last Thursday 18 July the Victorian Landcare Awards celebrate the best of staff and volunteers dedicated to the land and regenerative practices for indigenous flora and fauna.
Leading the charge was local Peter Ronalds, who was awarded the prestigious Dr Sidney Plowman Travel and Study Award.
As the Sustainable Agriculture Manager forWPCLN, this award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Landcare inVictoria - Peter’s tireless efforts to protect the local environment netted him the award.
“Thanks to those that nominated me for the award and the peers I work with as well, such a breath of knowledge and passion, it’s always a pleasure to work with them,” Ronalds said.
“I would like to acknowledge the Sidney Plowman family who sponsor the award and also all the farmers I work with, it’s always inspiring in the field.”
For the last 20 years, he has been a dairy farmer in Jindivick where he has planted thousands of trees and helped establish the Jindivick Landcare Group.
In his position at WPCLN he has inspired and nurtured new innovation in regenerative farming that has helped the organisation become a jewel on the crown of LandcareVictoria.
A strong relationship with local farmers, showcased best in the ongoing discussion groups that have become a hub for new ideas from sustainable grazing to the benefits of mass composting, he has helped build a vibrant community of produces hungry for effective practices that help the land and give stronger produce.
He said the people he meets in this role has always been the central motivator of his work.
“It was nice to be nominated, a little bit of a surprise to have been given it as there was plenty of very worthy candidates,” Ronalds said.
“I don’t do my job to be recognised and I just love working with farmers and helping them out.”
It’s not just new innovation, but also being a leader in action that has made him as stalwart of the local farmer. As far back the Black Saturday Bushfires where he was worked tirelessly in local recovery efforts.
His work stretches beyond even the local are where he volunteers for not-forprofits like Beyond Subsistence which assist in stronger agricultural practices in Africa.
Taking well-earned leave currently, you can see Ronalds next atWPCLN’s upcoming workshop ‘Caring for bush areas on your property’ at Yarragon Public Hall on Saturday 17 August where discussion will revolve around the best ways of promoting and managing bush land.
Dandenong Pavilion (DPav) is delighted and extremely proud to have won the MMM Best Parma in Melbourne. Our team of highly motivated and experienced chefs work tirelessly to create and deliver some of the finest food available in Melbourne and winning the Best Parma in Melbourne is testimony to this. Matt, our head chef and Joel, our venue manager, have truly enjoyed working with the MMM team, and we thank MMM for this wonderful opportunity.
We use only the freshest ingredients, and for our parma we only use free-range chicken, quality cheese and Napoli. We have developed a process whereby the breast remains moist while being thoroughly oven baked and the Napoli is home-made and tasty.
Dpav has been established for 18 years and provides the ultimate dining experience to our many satisfied guests, over 4,500 of whom have reviewed our establishment with a social media average rating of over 90%.
The venue offers:
· A modern, stylish and comfortable environment.
· Plenty of on-site parking.
· A large menu catering for all dietary requirements (including children).
· Disabled facilities.
· An elegant bar area and an amazing, heated al fresco area set in gardens.
Our function spaces cater for up to 50 guests seated and around 80 in a cocktail format. Over the years, we have hosted weddings, birthday parties, engagements, wakes, baby showers, and numerous corporate events. Dpav is open every day from 11.30am to 10.30pm (kitchen closes 9.30pm). We look forward to entertaining you in our venue, and guarantee that you will enjoy your experience or we will make amends.
A few additional features: DPav is an award-winning restaurant (please
check our website for details). In addition to the best Parma in Melbourne, we also have award-winning burgers, a range of homemade scrumptious (and original) desserts, and a suite of enviable entrees a menu of Specials that changes each month. Dpav prides itself on offering the best value-for-money across the entire menu, with only top-quality produce, generous portions at affordable prices and friendly helpful service.
Coffee DPav also serves fantastic coffee, with our
baristas formally trained, and for all you coffee lovers, we are open all day, so if your local closes in the afternoon, we offer you free parking on-site, a comfortable environment (inside and out), and great coffee.
Pav’s Pantry
We have recently launched our own range of in-house, take-home condiments following lots of customer requests, all available to sample while dining and to buy on your way home. The range is called Pavs Pantry and comprises a range of sauces, spices and other condi-
ments we have used in our dishes for many years, with products available on-line at www. pavspantry.com.au or at the restaurant.
The Pav’s Pantry range comprises Habanero Hot Sauce (mild, medium & hot), Smokey BBQ (Plain and with Cayenne Pepper), Buffalo Sauce, Cajun Seasoning Spice, Chicken Salt, and from September 2024, the range will expand to include Tomato Relish (Smooth & Chunky), our unique Paprika Chips Salt, Garlic Salt and Fried Chicken Seasoning.
WE ARE TOTALLY CHUFFED! AND OUR CHEFS ARE OVER THE MOON!
PAVILION HAS WON
Dandenong Pavilion has been established for nearly 18 years and we have won 12 awards. We are open for lunch & dinner 7 days a week from 11.30am to 9.30pm. Come for the food, stay for the experience. Plenty on-site parking, function spaces, stylish bar, heated al fresco area set in gardens, large menu catering for all dietary requirements.
By Violet Li
Clyde is one step closer to a new sports precinct as the Casey Council acquired a part of the designated land.
The proposed Clyde Park Sports Precinct, which is 6 kilometres away from Casey Field, will provide facilities for several underserviced sports in Casey, such as baseball, softball, rugby league, rugby union, and hockey, according to the Council Meeting agenda back in June 2019.
The agenda proposed the compulsory acquisition of three private properties outside the Urban Growth Boundary on the southeast corner of the intersection of Ballarto Road and Muddy Gates Lane in Clyde. They are the 1910 Ballarto Road, the 1980 Ballarto Road, and part of the 225 Muddy Gates Lane.
City of Casey Manager Growth and Investment Kathryn Seirlis confirmed that the Coun-
cil compulsorily acquired a part of 225 Muddy Gates Lane pursuant to the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 in January 2022 for the future construction of the Clyde Park Sports Precinct.
The conditions of the other two lands are unable to be shared by the Council at the moment due to legal privilege.
The proposed sports precinct will also integrate with the proposed future adjacent Clyde Regional Park.
When asked about the timeline of the proposed sports precinct, City of Casey Manager City and Asset Planning Keri New said the development of sport and recreation infrastructure in the Clyde Park Sports Precinct was a long-term project that might not be delivered for many years.
“Work hasn’t commenced on the preparation of a masterplan for public consultation,” she said.
but also their
By Ethan Benedicto
A recent survey, called the Largest Sporting Survey by rebel Sports revealed that 67 per cent of Australians use sports and exercise to relieve stress and support their mental health.
For participants of the Berwick Springs Parkrun, this sentiment rings true, with Amanda Cunningham saying that being active and taking on running as an everyday activity changed her life.
Amanda first began running in December of 2015, but was instead greeted with a series of unfortunate events; from her husband Dave’s heart attack and surgery, and the passing of close family members in the years to follow.
For Amanda, running and exercise has given her an “outlet”.
“I don’t think I could have gotten through what I’ve been through since 2015 if it hadn’t been for exercise.
“I’d probably be sitting in a corner somewhere, having been through the crap with [Dave’s] health, losing my sister, losing my parents, and other things going on in the family.
“It’s helped keep me focused and sort of not fall in a wallowing heap, so to speak,” she said.
However, it wasn’t necessarily just being
active that helped Amanda, with her also adding that connections made with the running community can be long-lasting, with the friendships playing a key role in her destressing.
Vice chancellor of research and executive dean of the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at Federation University’s Berwick Campus, professor Remco Polman said that in short, moving around is key to staying physically and mentally healthy.
According to Professor Polman, being physically active results in positive emotions, “it releases endorphins, which makes you feel better”.
“Exercise and sport are good for you, but doing it in a club context is even better, so having these social aspects, this connection with other people is above and beyond just doing exercise.
“I think it’s even more important postCOVID because people probably lost quite a lot of connections, and sport, again, is a way to reconnect with people rather than online,” he said.
Both Zavanya (Sav) and Donna are also on the same page, agreeing that communities such as Park Run foster not only the essence of being active but the enjoyment of engaging in these activities through the connections made.
To Sav who has been part of Parkrun for
over 10 years, it’s as simple as getting outside with people”.
“I suffer from anxiety and have found relief in walking or running, [and] when I was running all the time I got so much joy in what I was achieving.
“The other thing is, the people we’re meeting on a Saturday morning to go do a park run or for a walk during the week, you’re talking about lots of different things; you’re not caught up sitting in your house,” Sav said.
Donna, who was reluctant to participate at first said that once she did, she was immediately reeled in by the community spirit.
“I kept turning up by myself every week, my first friend was a man in his 60s.
“You form friendships with people that are very tight, so there were a lot of things that came out of just that one moment of going,” she said.
Speaking on physiological changes benefitting psychological factors in the human body, increasing fitness leads to improved blood flow to the brain, which also correlates to an enhancement to the brain’s executive functions, according to Professor Polman.
“There are these changes happening, and they help in making better and quicker decisions because of the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen in the brain is decreased due to better blood flow,” he said.
Exercise is also directly related to P300 brainwaves – P3 for short – which measures the brain’s event-related potential and are typically associated with cognitive functions such as decision-making and attention.
The professor added that exercise has been shown to increase the amplitude of P3 waves; reinforced by research from a journal article on the effects of acute moderate exercise by Dr Naresh Jumar et al. with latency in P3 waves being significantly reduced after exercise.
“If you keep exercising, you actually can see that these things maintain over time, the brain as a whole responds in a better way when people exercise compared to when they don’t.
“The key here is that you have to exercise on a regular basis to reap the benefits, so if you really want to improve your fitness levels, you have to do it in a systematic and regular way,” Professor Polman said.
To Dave, Amanda’s husband, being physically active has saved his life once after suffering a heart attack, and the couple aims to maintain their lifestyle, step by step.
For Sav, sometimes all one needs to do is “put your pants on each day”.
“If you put your pants on, you can get out the door, and if you can get out the door you can get walking or running.”
St Clare’s Catholic Primary School continued to grow this year and now has an enrolment of about 600 students. As part of the parish of St Patrick’s in Pakenham, the school is on site with the Early Learning Centre and the Officer campus of St Francis Xavier College. This provides a seamless transition from early childhood to secondary education with state-ofthe-art facilities.
Each learning space has been designed by education award-winning architects to provide a rich environment conducive to relevant, meaningful learning. Areas are spacious and well-resourced so as to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Our final stage of landscape and garden works recently completed includes a new playground and sports field.
Before your children even come to school, you, as parents, have taught them so much. They’ve learned to listen, to ask questions, to be filled with wonder, to say thank-you, to wash their hands, to pick up after themselves and to look out for each other.
Our job at St Clare’s is to continue these life lessons and nurture the holistic development of each child. For the St Clare’s family, numeracy and literacy skills are core elements of education; but so is Religious Education – developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass. We encourage active play and healthy bodies; understanding other cultures through learning languages; and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts.
Digital technology is an integral part of the learning experience in our connected world and at St Clare’s we emphasise a student’s capacity for safety, courtesy, critical literacy and independent learning online using the most current mobile learning technologies.
To emphasis this, on Monday 29 July we have Cyber Safety Guru Susan McLean spending a day at school working with students in Year 3 to 6 as well as staff. She will then com-
plete the day with a parent workshop in the evening. It is an educational and empowering session for parents and carers. Susan’s unparalleled knowledge leaves audiences shocked at the reality of the online world. It is a wake up call to even the most switched on parent and is delivered with Susan’s famous ’no nonsense’ approach. The session will cover the positive benefits of technology as well as what parents
need to be aware of.
Student achievement is measured not only by academic growth but by each child’s emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. Being part of faith-filled community instills our students with a sense of identity, a feeling of belonging and above all, a powerful sense of self-worth.
Please phone to book a tour 5940 6777 or email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic. edu.au
We have limited places available for 2025 and are at capacity at some levels so it is important to enrol now.
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.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) is urging Victorians to treat paramedics and call takers with respect when they see them at an emergency incident or in the community.
There have been 105 reported incidents resulting in injury from July 2023 to March 2024.
Recent incidents include:
· A paramedic was grabbed and punched in the face by a patient they were treating.
· A paramedic suffered a dislocation after a patient became aggressive.
· Paramedics harassed and followed by a man outside of a Melbourne hospital, who was threatening to assault them.
Additionally, staff are often exposed to situations involving verbal assault, swearing and name-calling. This escalating behaviour can result in paramedics pausing their treatment or withdrawing from the scene or terminating a call.
AV’s Executive Director of Regional Operations Danielle North said violence against paramedics is never OK and they do not accept this behaviour as part of the job.
“We know emergency situations can be stressful for people, but this is no excuse to behave aggressively towards paramedics,” she said.
Injuring an emergency worker in Victoria is a Category 1 offence and carries a mandatory minimum six-month jail sentence.
Mildura Paramedic Brodie Thomas has been physically assaulted and spat on while working and is calling on the community to stamp out this behaviour.
“If you ever need us, please know that we are doing our very best to help you,” he said.
“We know the majority of our patients and community members do not behave this way, but it only takes one incident to cause serious physical or mental harm.
“More and more often, paramedics are carrying a heightened cognitive load when they arrive at incidents; having to constantly make dynamic risk assessments knowing there’s a chance they could be harmed.”
Paramedics are trained in a variety of strategies to assess, manage and de-escalate violent or aggressive scenes, but ideally paramedics shouldn’t need to use these skills.
“Our top priority is the safety of our paramedics and first responders, and they have our full support to leave an incident if they ever feel unsafe.
“We are aware of several serious occupational violence incidents recently across the state and it is timely that we remind the community again that violence against paramedics, first responders and call takers is never OK.
“Assaulting or berating a paramedic will not help them do their job any quicker.”
For paramedics to provide quick and effective treatment for you or your loved one, they need a safe environment to work in.
Paramedics are fully supported by AV in reporting their experience with police.
AV is committed to exploring ways to reduce and prevent occupational violence and our people are encouraged to report every instance of this behaviour.
For more information on the impact of occupational violence on paramedics and how you can help, visit www.ambulance.vic.gov. au/campaigns/respect-our-paramedics.
Borrowing outrageously from a famous quote by Niccolo Machiavelli in “The Prince” (1513) which was actually about the difficulty of managing change:
“…there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.”
It occurs to me that this quote could just as easily be applied to starting a new business.
Typically there is a lot of initial excitement especially around the nature of the product or service that is being provided, but there are some fundamental questions that really need to be answered if the business is going
to be successful. Here are five key questions that should be considered: Who is my target market?
No matter how good your product or service, if people don’t know about it, you can’t sell it!
This means understanding who will buy your product/service and the market sector to which they belong so that you can target your prospective clients more precisely.
However, unless you have created something completely different (highly unlikely), you will have competition in this space in which case it is vital to be able to answer the question:
“why would someone buy from me instead of the competition?” so that you can apply this knowledge in your marketing material.
How can I make money with my product or service?
Selling is of course important, but making money (i.e. profit) is essential.
However, if you have never sold the product or service before, how much do you know
how to charge?
The answer is to build a budget for the financial year based on a set of assumptions and include everything you can think of that will come in and go out.
It is well worth being a bit conservative about the income from your prospective sales as people tend to over-estimate how much revenue they will actually achieve in a year.
When it comes to expenses, you need to consider all possible overheads (such as wages, utility costs, bills etc) as well as the costs associated with the sales themselves (e.g. raw materials or contract/casual labour).
Based on the amount of product sold or service provided and the sales you need to make, you can then estimate the product price or charge out rate. What business functions do I need to think about?
This is pretty straightforward: sales, marketing, production or service delivery, financial control, staff wellbeing, customer support and overall business direction (the ‘Entrepreneur’ role as Michael E Gerber de-
scribes it in the “E-Myth Revisisted”).
The latter is frequently overlooked but is critical as it effectively constitutes ‘working on the business’ and enables clear focus. What do I need to focus on?
This can be confronting since there would appear to be so much but this is where a ‘business strategy’ can really help.
This essentially comprises defining specific strategic SMART goals which need to be achieved and should provide a method for measuring and managing progress. Who do I need to assist me?
When starting out, don’t try to do it all yourself otherwise you will waste time on things better done by others.
It is essential to get a good accountant to structure your business correctly right from the start, a bookkeeper to manage accurate accounts and a decent business advisor can help.
Ian Ash ACC AIECL AInstIB Managing Director
OrgMent Business Solutionswww.ombs.com.au
Tell us about yourself and the organisation(s) you work for.
I have been married for 17 years to my wife Lauren who is a midwife and we have three children: Max, Ella and Ruby who all attend a local high school.
As health professionals, my wife and I have spent our professional careers serving and caring for others which we feel very strongly about.
I was born and raised in Mildura and moved to Melbourne when I was 18 to study pharmacy at university. Growing up in the country gave me a strong sense of the importance of community and how important primary producers and industry is to our employment and our economy.
ThePharmacyGuildofAustraliaisamember’s association that represents Australia’s 6000 communitypharmacies. Pharmaciesarethemostfrequentlyvisitedandaccessibleprimaryhealthcare destination in Australia.
What has been your most memorable moment during your time in that (those) organisation (s)?
A once-in-a-century global pandemic with COVIDwasverymemorablebothasapharmacist inmypharmacyandbeingarepresentativeofthe Pharmacy Guild. Our pharmacy kept our doors openandturnedupeverydaytoprovidecareand advice for our community. At first, pharmacies were not part of the COVID vaccination roll-out and as part of my role with the Pharmacy Guild, I advocated strongly that pharmacists should be able to administer the vaccine and patients receive it from their local pharmacy. In September 2021,IstoodwithPremierAndrewsatalive-to-air press conference to promote the COVID vaccine rollout through pharmacy.
What do you love the most about working for the organisation (s)?
Helping make a difference to people’s health
and wellbeing every day both as a local pharmacist at the local level and advocating for primary healthcare on a state and national level.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
I’m a dog person. I love how dogs are loyal and give unconditional love. I can relate to that.
What were you like as a kid?
Asakid,IwasalittlemorequietthanIamnow but have always had a determination to ’have a go’ and make a difference even as a School captainofmyprimaryschoolatIrymplePrimaryoutsideMildura. Inacountryprimaryschool,wehad large class sizes often with multiple year levels.
What event, past or present, would you like to witness?
I would have loved to have been at the Sydney
Exhibition Generation Clay: Reimagining Asian Heritage will grace Bunjil Place from 3 August, celebrating the vibrant versatility of clay by a new generation of Asian-Australian contemporary artists.
The exhibition is curated by Vipoo Srivilasa, an award-winning contemporary artist and curator, who invited fourteen artists from across Australia to create new work using a palette of predominately blue and white.
These works re-imagine cultural expectations, presenting a fresh perspective within a traditional colour palette and form.
Blue and white ceramics have a long and complex history tracing back centuries from early Islamic and Chinese wares.
Together, these artists are redefining traditional and ceramic forms to reflect their personal histories and memories, cultural heritage, and family tied to mythological and popular culture narratives.
The artists include Armie Sungvaribud (TAS), Asahi So (NSW), Casey Chen (NSW), Dai Li (Qld), EJ Son (NSW), JayantoTan (NSW), Mai Nguy?n-Long (NSW), Monica Rani Rudhar (NSW), Nani Puspasari (VIC), Theodosius Ng (VIC), Yang Qiu (NSW), Yen Yen Lo (VIC), Yoko Ozawa (VIC) and Zhu Ohmu (VIC).
At the centre of the exhibition is The Bloom Room, a special making area where exhibition visitors can participate in a range of changing monthly activities, from hand-crafting origami flowers and tiny clay objects to sharing stories.
The colour blue is also a unifying feature of the exhibition’s design, alluding to the wider discourses of blue and white patterning, its connections to the global movement and its reinterpretation and translation through form and motif over time.
‘’I have brought together some of the most
exciting ceramic talent and together we are creating, what I believe, is a first-of-its-kind exhibition – Asian Australian ceramicists interpreting the blue and white palette in new ways,” Vipoo said
“I have also worked with the Asian diaspora on the exhibition design, construction, writing and photography of the show.
“The works, along with the participatory nature of the exhibition is something that I’m very proud of.’’
The exhibition will be from 3 August to 24 November 2024.
An opening celebration will be held at 9.30am on Saturday 3 August, along with a Tea Ceremony.
An Artist Market will be held on the same day from 10am to 2pm, featuring 35 stallholders, including artists from the exhibition.
Olympics in 2000. Seeing Australian athletes representing our country and winning Gold at home brought immense pride to our great country.
Which six dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
I would have a mix of entertainers, creative people and world leaders who I think would be interesting: Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe, Nelson Mandela, Leonardo DaVinci, and RobinWilliams.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Determined. Approachable. Leader.
What would you do on your perfect ‘day off’?
Spend it with my family in any activity we could all actually agree on! I love going to the beach and spending time near the water so a day trip or spending any time on the coast works for me.
Where is your happy place?
Walking my cavoodle Betty around the local neighbourhood. IdomybestthinkingwhenIam out walking with her. Also playing guitar helps clear my mind.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
Pasta is my favourite food so my go-to dish would be fresh homemade Spaghetti bolognese with pork and veal and a nice glass of Australian red wine.
Where is your dream holiday destination?
Being from an Italian background I would love totakethefamilyonatriptoEuropetolearnmore about the history and experience the culture.
1
Organise a creative fundraiser Drawing pictures for others’ furry friends, running a marathon, a barbecue at the park, and selling your homemade cookie and lemonade are all creative and achievable ways to fundraise for the cause. And they are also ways to bring some colours to your lives.
2
Volunteer with organisations Offering your time and action for free is one of the most straightforward ways to help people in need. Local community organisations that support underprivileged people always need an extra helping hand and maybe it’s where you can start.
3
Write to your local MPs and council Homelessness is not an issue that could be solved overnight. Collective and continuous efforts are the key. You can start with the advocacy with a single email or letter.
An unrivalled location on the corner of Station Street and Rossiter Road in the heart of Koo Wee Rup. The site of 118m2, offers the unique opportunity to occupy one premises, while receiving an income from the other with an established tenancy in place.
The site benefits from the following features:
• Established tenant in place paying $1,030 + GST, and outgoings per month on a lease to February 2025, with a 3-year option to renew
• Suitable for immediate owner occupation in the other premises
• Prominent corner location
• Rear shared car park
Address: 275 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup
Floor Area: 118m² | Category: Retail FOR SALE $500,000
For more information or an inspection, please contact: Shannon Hynd | 0499 980 100 Commercial Department Manager Todd McKenna | 0418 391 182 Managing Director
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club
Are you new newly retired, or new to the area, or just wanting to enjoy your freedom as a senior or expand your social life?
Casey Cardinia Life Activities Club can offer you stimulating activities and friendship.
The club hosts weekly social activities with dance to low-key in-line dancing if you want to tap your feet, great music, a chat, then afternoon tea.
Day, short and long trips away via coach, a weekly morning coffee club, monthly Saturday country pub lunches, monthly Tuesday dine-outs, a weekly walking group, a weekly table tennis group, seasonal daytime musical theatre outings, entertainment function days and more.
Anyone interested can visit on Thursdays at 2pm for socialising and low-key dancing at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House at 21A Bemersyde Drive in Berwick or join the club for a coffee and a chat every Wednesday from 10am at Little Sparrow Cafe in Fountain Gate.
· For more information, contact enquiry officer Gloria on 0468 363 616.
Cardinia Diabetic Awareness Group
The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Pakenham Uniting Church meeting room at 10am.
The group would love to see people who have diabetes or live with someone who has diabetes attend or join.
The meeting consists of a short meeting and then a guest speaker dealing with diabetes.
· For more information, contact Lyn on 0149 116 972 or lestep12@people.net.au
BADFolk Club
Berwick and District Folk Club has been meeting at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick for the past 22 years.
The club meets on the third Friday of each month and every month features a different genre of music.
The club also welcomes spot acts.
Doors now open from 6.30pm and the music runs from 7pm to 10pm, no bookings required, entry $15.
The kitchen sells sweet and savoury snack food
and a variety of drinks – tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks.
· For more information, visit badfolkclub.org or contact Edward on 0418 535 264.
Food drive for asylum seekers
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Foodbank at the Refugee Resource Hub in Dandenong is hosting a food drive on Saturday 27 July from 10am to 2pm.
The organisation provides food to people seeking asylum who do not receive government support, with donations of basmati rice, canned vegetables (corn, peas, carrot and tomato), tuna in oil, coconut cream/milk, olive oil, biscuits, razors, deodorant, jam, honey or peanut butter welcome.
The drop-off location is at the rear of 205 Thomas Street in Dandenong (enter via the Oldham Lane car park).
· For more information, please contact Kate Quin at kate.q@asrc.org.au
Run by Heartfulness Yoga and Meditation, the sessions are conducted in a community environment to promote wellness.
Heartfulness is a simple and subtle practice of meditation which aims to connect all participants with the light and love in their hearts.
All are welcome to come and experience yoga and meditation on Sundays at Bunjil Place starting from 8.30am.
No previous experience is required.
Bring your own yoga mat.
· Gold coin donation welcome.
Free financial safety advice for multicultural women
Financial counsellor Tracey Blythe will be providing free financial safety advice on Thursday 25 July from 10am to 12.30pm at Living and Learning in Pakenham.
Topics will include financial stress, financial contracts and your rights, financial lenders, infringements and fines, scams, financial abuse and where to get help.
There will be a light lunch following the presentation which will give women a chance to continue the discussion.
· To register, contact Living and Learning on 5941 2389.
Scrabble Club
Berwick Activities Club is starting a Scrabble Club on Friday 14 June and every Friday thereafter from 1pm to 3.30pm.
It will be both competitive and social on a one-
to-one basis.
Come along to learn how to play or improve your game.
Word lists and more will be available to increase your skills.
· Contact David on 0433 566 456.
New Vogue dancing
If you love dancing and would like to learn New Vogue, Berwick Activities Club is offering a short seven-week course for beginners.
The course is held over one-hour classes each Friday, commencing on Friday 5 July at 7pm in the Timbarra Community Centre.
Dancing is a great way to make new friends and at the completion of the course you may join the weekly dance held on Thursday evenings. Booking is essential as numbers are limited.
· For more information, contact Bruce on 0447 554 475.
Christmas in July luncheon
The St John of God Berwick Hospital Auxiliary group is welcoming any further donations or any attendees for its annual luncheon.
This year’s main fundraiser will be held on Wednesday 24 July from noon onwards at the Holm Park Reserve in Beaconsfield, celebrating Christmas in July.
· For more information on the auxiliary or to purchase tickets at $65 a head, contact Anne Crockett on 9707 3425.
Line dancing
The Berwick Senior Citizens Centre is hosting line dancing sessions from 10am to noon every Tuesday at 112 High Street in Berwick. First session is free, with a small fee for future classes.
· Morning tea or coffee included.
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.
1. The proposed 5G installation on the existing monopole will consist of:
•Installation of a triangular headframe on the existing monopole at 31m.
•Installation of three (3) new Vodafone panel antennas (each measuring not more than 2.8m in length) on the new headframe.
•Installation of three (3) new Vodafone 5G panel antennas (each measuring not more than 2.8m in length) on the new headframe.
•Installation of a Vodafone equipment shelter within the existing compound.
•Installation and reconfiguration of ancillary equipment including 12 Remote Radio Units (RRUs), antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners and other associated equipment; and ancillary works within the equipment shelter.
2. Vodafone regard the proposed installation as exempt development in accordance with Clause 52.19 Telecommunications Facility under the Cardinia Planning Scheme based on the description above.
3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Christabel Amankwah at Service Stream Limited, 0419 793 679, TPG.Submissions@servicestream. com.au or Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5.00pm Friday, 9th August 2024.
4. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3810020
By David Nagel
Excitement is building for five martial artists from Heenan Taekwondo in Pakenham who are about to embark on a history making journey to South Korea.
Master James Heenan, Master Cassandra Heenan, Master Damian Grange and teenagers Maxwell Monteith and Marisa Rinaldi are part of a 22-strong Australian team that will compete in the 2024 Haidong Gumdo World Championships from July 26 to 28 in Jeju. They will become the firstVictorians to ever compete in the World Championships in Korea, the traditional home of Haidong Gumdo; an ancient form of martial arts and an extension of Taekwondo.
Translated, Haidong means ‘rays off sunlight at dawn’, while Gumdo represents the Samarai Sword and the spirit; or the way.
Haidong Gumdo takes pride in being the most realistic sword art, with some of the most powerful warriors in history using its extraordinary techniques.
Over 1500 competitors will converge on the island of Jeju, having their techniques assessed by Grand Masters, judges and referees from the World Haidong Gumdo Federation.
They will be judged on their individual sword-cutting patterns, with team events being assessed for intricate synchronicity during choreographed sword fighting routines.
Bamboo cutting, paper cutting, straw cutting, candle snuffing and freestyle sparring with swords are other forms of the martial art.
Master James Heenan said his team is ready to perform on the biggest stage of them all af-
ter years of preparation.
“Normally they run every two years, but this is the first Haidong Gumdo World Championships since before Covid,” Heenan explained.
“Grand Master Jung-Il Oh, the president of Haidong Gumdo in Australia, oversees more than 1000 students across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and New Zealand.
“He assesses everyone and nominates the team.
“I’ve been to Korea before, but not for swords, so it’s special for us to be the first Victorians to ever go to Korea for a World Championships.”
Past Australian teams have taken their own swords to overseas competitions, but delays coming through customs saw the most recent team almost miss its connection flights.
Swords will be provided for participants at the event, with Heenan explaining that it won’t be taken as an excuse for poor performance.
“Normally you just have to look at a sword to get an understanding of whether it will suit your style,” Heenan explained.
“Forged-steel swords, timbers swords and bamboo swords are all used, with the bamboo swords probably the sharpest for cutting paper.”
Grand Master Oh visited Heenan’s Bald Hill Road Taekwondo facility last week to fine tune the team’s preparations.
“Normally we work on out techniques for a couple of hours a week, but we trained Saturday and Sunday last weekend; six hours each day,” Heenan said.
“Stance is the most important, but sword
control, focus, breathing and bit of meditation are all involved as well.
“It’s important to become at one with the sword, to simulate patterns they are designed to kill or be killed.”
Heenan said expectations were high heading into the World Championships.
“Grand Master Oh would not be taking us if he thought we were not worthy,” he explained.
“Australia has people in Queensland who have already been to World Championships and won world titles.
“AyoungkidatoursisterclubinQueensland is a world champion, and another martial artist has competed four times and won a world championship as well.
“In Haidong Gumdo, if a student wins a gold medal, so does the coach, so it’s exciting times for us all.”
Heenan is also looking forward to seeing some amazing athletes on show; athletes he believes could quite easily transition their skills to other sports.
“Taekwondo is a very explosive martial art, it’s high-energy, you have to be super fit, powerful, flexible and fast,” he said.
“These are legitimate athletes; someone like Lauren Burns who won an Olympic Gold Medal in Taekwondo in Sydney.
“It wouldn’t matter what sport they did; they’d be champions in other sports because they are simply elite athletes.
“As we get older we go to the swords; we can’t do what we used to do…but there will still be some amazing athletes on show.”
By Jonty Ralphsmith
Eighth-placed Bunyip has stunned Rosebud in the men’s state league five competition, consigning the table-toppers to their first loss of the season.
The hosts defeated Rosebud 4-2, thanks in large part to a Mark Comini hattrick.
Bunyip were the front runners for the majority of the contest, leading 2-1 at halftime and able to build in the second half, with Thomas Thorwesten andWalid Benzina’s fresh legs assisting.
Meanwhile, ninth-placed Casey was all over bottom-placed Cleeland from the first whistle, winning 8-2.
The Panthers took a 6-0 lead into halftime before cruising thereafter, with Vincent Makota filling his boots with three goals, teammates Zain Ahmad and Antonio Fernandez managing two apiece.
Meanwhile, Pakenham succumbed 5-1 against Seaford, with Wesley Reis the sole goal scorer.
By David Nagel
The Pakenham Eels have slipped to seventh on the ladder in NRL Victoria’s Second Grade Men’s competition despite a brave 12-12 draw with fifth-placed Casey Warriors on Saturday.
This is the one that got away for the Eels, who scored three tries to two; but all three conversions were missed while the Warriors nailed both of their opportunities.
The Eels arrived at Casey Fields with a great feel and opened the scoring through a Damascus Lota try after just two minutes of play.
Both teams were desperate in defence in the slippery and greasy conditions, with ball handling of a high-standard from both sides despite the difficult playing surface.
The Warriors responded with a firsthalf try to Malachi Vaeau, with Hayce Moreli Alama having no trouble slotting one over the cross-bar.
The Eels then took a two-point lead after a non-converted try from David Jonassen-Hammond, before a converted try from Fitu Pailegutu gave the Warriors back the lead.
A late try to lota, his second for the match, then levelled up the scores, with a missed conversion leaving scores tied at the final buzzer.
Casey heads to Frankston this week to take on the bottom-placed Raiders, while the Eels return home to Comely Banks Recreation Reserve this week for a huge clash against third-placed Eastern Raptors.
The Raptors went down 22-24 in a thrilling contest against second-placed Waverley Panthers on the weekend, but the Eels won’t be intimidated, having defeated the Panthers 18-10 a week earlier.
The Eels defence will need to keep a close eye on the Raptors dual threats; with Samuel Daveta (13) and Halatau Tuima (12) leading the try-scoring list in Second Grade Men’s this season.
The Eels have a more even spread with David Jonassen-Hammond, Aiden Kane and Damascus Lota all scoring four tries each in 2024.
The first whistle will be blown at 1.15pm.
A horror showing at home against Emerald on Saturday in Outer East Football Netball Premier Division has effectively ended Pakenham’s prospects of playing finals football in 2024.
While still mathematically a chance to sneak into the top six, they simply are undeserving of a place in the competition’s upper echelon, and only has itself to blame.
Saturday’s heavy rainfall washed away the Lions’ fight, resilience and endeavour, embarrassed on its home deck a side likely to be playing in a different division next year in what was a massive occasion for the home side in the context of 2024.
Now just one game clear of the bottom three, they appear more likely to be playing in Division One than they do in September.
Pakenham kicked five goals to two in the opening quarter when conditions suited their desired game style, and it appeared that they would simply take care of a business against a side with considerably less to play for in the remainder of the season.
But when Mother Nature intervened, and the conditions brought everyone back to an even keel, it was Emerald that excelled, winning 15.4 94 to 9.6 60.
All the little things that go a long way in the wet – being lower to the ground, the ‘one percenters’, attacking the footy cleanly – was all on show from the Bombers in spades.
They wanted the football more and hunted in numbers, embracing the slop and appearing to have the time of their lives the heavier the rain fell.
The warning signs were flashing early in the second quarter, with Emerald kicking three goals in the first six minutes to cut the lead Pakenham’s 18-point lead to just four points.
Two goals came from centre bounce clearance wins, and another as a result of a Lions turnover in the back half, a kick not suited for combating the elements.
Pakenham lost Tyrell Bignoux to injury after heavy collision with Jack McGough midway through the term, but an important goal from Cooper Reilly helped to steady the ship late in the quarter and halt the Bombers’ momentum.
Jake Cawsey hit back just before the half time break, the beneficiary of a downfield free kick against Jake Thompson, all the more costly given the kick from Josh Rich that drew the kick went straight to a Lions defender in the Bombers’ forward 50.
Pakenham held a slim lead going into the break, but a three-point margin was a fair indication of how the first half transpired.
As both sides regrouped at the half, the heavens opened to the heaviest degree of the afternoon, causing anxiety to heighten for players and spectators at Toomuc Reserve.
The longer the quarter went, the more frustrations grew, as Pakenham looked out of answers.
Emerald kicked the first five goals of the second half inside 12 minutes, and raced to a 26-point lead before those ducking for cover under the R.L ‘Cracker’ Jackson grandstand had even finished their half time snack.
Goals came as pressure saturated the Lions like a hit chip drowning in gravy, and the Bombers had a ravenous appetite.
Cawsey and Ben Lewis bagged two apiece in the onslaught, while David Johnson fashioned something from nothing at a stoppage, a stretch so good that they could barely believe it.
Pakenham’s first inside 50 of the term, at the 13 minute mark, even brought Bronx cheers from some supporters, such was the unrest in the outer at what was unfolding in the middle.
Brooks’ second goal capped Emerald’s run at five, but an unnecessary free kick against Jordan Stewart forfeited possession on the wing, and Emerald made him pay with immediate effect.
Isaac Seskis went inboard to Adrian Russo, who showed deft touch in the wet to find his brother Nick running inside 50.
Nick found Lewis on his own next to the point post, and while Lewis horribly miscued
his attempted check-side, it was Brendan Wilson that wanted the ball the most as it hung in the air, goaling from the resulting mark from point blank range.
Simply everything was going right for the Bombers, who deserved every piece of good fortune that came their way thanks to their effort and commitment to the cause.
Pakenham found some life late in the quarter, but Harvey Siwes’ intercepting in Emerald’s defensive 50 snuffed out a number of attempts to hit back.
As an exasperated Paul Carbis did his best to inspire his players at three-quarter-time amid unrest and irritation, a ripple of laughter emerged from the opposing huddle, rubbing salt into the gaping wound that needed as much attention as the scoreboard.
Rain stopped falling in the final term, but Pakenham failed to make inroads into the 26-point deficit.
Sam Kors missed a straight forward set shot, the third of three behinds to open the quarter, as Emerald appeared to tire.
Speculation that they had fired all their bullets too early began to infiltrate the consciousness, and given there was too long remaining to ice the contest, they searched and searched for the all-important spark.
And as they did so often all afternoon, it was the forwards that provided the magic to put the contest officially to bed.
Lewis made an important contest in the forward 50, and the ground ball spilled to Johnson in a cluster of limbs.
Rather than gather the football and risk beingtackled,Johnsontappedtheballbackwards through his legs to Cawsey, who snapped towards an open goal and nailed his fourth, as the margin grew to a game-high 29 points.
Matthew Debruin kicked answered back shortly after for Pakenham, but two more for
Lewis in a breakout senior performance made it a well-deserved six pack and best on ground honours for the versatile and popular tall.
Lewis was assigned a defensive forward role to negate Pakenham utility Stewart in the first half, but when Stewart was moved to the forward half, it was Lewis that flourished as he played his own game.
As Emerald celebrated its best win since last season’s grand final triumph, Pakenham heads slumped, resigned to the futility of its 2024’s finals prospects.
The Lions had so much to play for, and yet a first-time spectator would have been nonethe-wiser as to who had more at stake.
Why there was a lack of motivation, despite Carbis making the consequences abundantly clear, stumped the coach.
“It’s probably something I’d have to ask the players during the week,” he said.
“I think it’s the natural maturity of the group themselves - this group, I reckon, has played off talent a lot in the past and now the league that they’re in, there’s more to it than that.
“You can’t just play on talent, you’ve got to work at it, and the harder you work, the better your results are going to be.
“We did that last week but when it was dry, and it’s easier to do it in dry conditions.
“It’s a winter sport and there’s going to be testing conditions, but we’re at home so we should still win.”
An inability to arrest momentum and a complete failure to adapt to conditions were determined to be the primary causes, underlined by a leadership void.
With Jake Barclay and Jai Rout on the sidelines with injury, the Lions missed two of their most vocal and dynamic leaders, and it showed with a lack of desire and direction on the field.
“When a team gets momentum, it’s hard at
the best of times, but when you don’t have that leadership on the ground to either do it by action or voice, it makes it even harder,” Carbis said.
“I think some of them might have been thrown into the leadership group and don’t understand what’s required and it’s not their personality, which doesn’t help, and it doesn’t help on the field, so we’ve got those issues.
“We were probably hands tied a little bit with (selection) because of injuries but at the end of the day, when you step out there you’ve got to play the conditions and I think a lot of blokes just go into their shell.
“(Emerald) went up that extra level when the rain came and we didn’t match it.”
Resigning Emerald coach Sein Clearihan was delighted with his side’s performance, principally their infectious, unselfish nature. “They all played their role today,” he said.
“We just wanted to concentrate on minuteby-minute and celebrate the good things, and realise that if we work hard together as a group, we’ll be fine.
“It was just the simple things that they were doing today, the sacrifice.
“We’ve got to enjoy what we’re doing at the moment as a group and they enjoyed their footy today.”
Teenager Kye Davies held his own in the ruck, and received great support from his leaders at his feet, in Josh Rich, Ewan Wadsworth and Jake Pedder.
Cawsey finished with four goals, having played a brilliant second-fiddle role to Lewis, the architect of the Lions’ demise.
Our faith leads to wisdom and courage.
This motto is the energising source of all that happens at St Clare's and is embedded in the ethos of the school, the curriculum we offer and the relationships we develop within our school and wider communities.
If you are reading this as a prospective student, parent, guardian or family, I invite you to visit us at St Clare's and discover this dynamic learning environment and start the beginning of, what I hope will be, a life-long learning partnership.
Helen Staindl School Principal
