News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 8th August 2024

Game on at fundraising Ladies Day

While it was game day for the men at Officer Football Club on Saturday 3 August, the ladies enjoyed a special Ladies Day event.

Pakenham MP Emma Vulin and Your Body Hub owner Christine Bailey and general manager Tara Keegel were among the speakers at the event, with $5 from every ticket going towards White Ribbon Australia.

Event organiser Chloe Balzary said the atmosphere on the day was positive.

“It was an event to celebrate the women in our area,“ she said.

“Our committee were very helpful in setting up.

“It was just nice to get everyone together and celebrate the women who sacrifice a lot for our communities.“

The Ladies Day event raising money for White Ribbon Australia. (Rob Carew: 422695)

Heath on attack

By Corey Everitt

The State Government’s delivery of Pakenham Community Hospital has been questioned again by a local MP amid growing concern about cuts to health services.

Eastern Victoria MP Renee Heath attacked the State Government in Parliament last week for the promises “abandoned” in her electorate.

One promise Ms Heath raised was the Pakenham Community Hospital which as of last year was scheduled to be completed in 2024, but in this year’s budget was pushed back to 2026.

“The Allan Labor Government’s failure to even begin the construction of the long-promised Pakenham Hospital gives me no confidence at all that it will happen,” Ms Heath said.

“This failure of the government to deliver the Pakenham Hospital is a direct result of their financial mismanagement.”

Based in Pakenham, Ms Heath’s office has received reports from locals who have reportedly struggled to access services nearby.

“Locals are forced to travel to the next closest hospital in Casey and wait six hours or more in emergency because the system is overwhelmed,”

Ms Heath said.

“One local woman left after waiting more than six hours, only to be phoned by a doctor and directed to get an ambulance back to the hospital.

A 79-year-old woman waited more than six hours before going home without treatment for the

fourth time. Many local people are giving up on seeking medical treatment altogether.”

Ms Heath questions the current timeline amid movement by the State Government to save on costs in the health sector.

As reported by The Age, Monash Health could be facing $200 million of proposed cuts due to budget-saving measures by the State Government.

Reports circulate of further cost-saving measures, from consideration of mergers between the state’s 76 health services and allegations that the State Government has told over 20 regional health services of upcoming budget cuts.

“Pakenham is one of the fastest growing areas in the state and the government is letting us down,” Ms Heath said.

“It is not good enough.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the community hospital is vital for Pakenham.

“Community hospitals, like this one we’re building in Pakenham, will help take pressure off Victoria’s major public hospitals and emergency departments, supporting doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to prioritise the most unwell patients – and improve treatment and waiting times,” they said.

“Managed by Monash Health, the Pakenham Community Hospital will be a small public hospital providing a range of everyday health services for people who are not critically unwell.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Premier pays respect

Darbar welcomed a special guest on Tuesday 6 August.

Premier Jacinta Allan stopped by to appreciate the work of one of the most active community groups in Cardinia.

The Premier heard of the array of work Officer Gurdwara does from free meals for those in need, environmental initiatives on and off their grounds to community projects like their recently launched Safely Engaging with Water program.

Alongside the Premier were Pakenham MP Emma Vulin and Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik, as well as fellow South East MPs Belinda Wilson, Gary Mass, Pauline Richards, Michael Galea and Lee Tarlamis.

Officer Gurdwara’s Harpreet Singh Kandra said it was a moment to show the significance of community action.

“I would like to thank Emma Vulin for getting the Premier to come down and see what we are doing at the Gurdwara. The visit was also supported by all local MPs and my heartfelt thanks go to them as well,“ he said.

“It was a really good opportunity for the government to see how grassroots communities can work with others, they were all aware of our new swimming program and knew the significance of it and that is how these initiatives can spread to other swimming centres.“

Five held

Police have arrested five teenagers after an allegedly stolen car was spotted in the south east on Wednesday 7 August.

Officers were patrolling Waverley Road, Glen Waverley, about 2am when they noticed the Hyundai I30 with five people on board.

The vehicle was followed at a distance before the Air Wing took over observations on the car. The Air Wing followed the car to Harkaway where the car stopped on Finkal Road. Police moved in and the occupants of the car fled on foot and ran towards a nearby creek. The Air Wing directed officers in, who were assisted by members of the Dog Squad.

Four teenage girls and a teenage boy were quickly taken into custody. The car was searched and it is alleged machetes were found in the vehicle. Those arrested included a 15-year-old Clyde North girl, a 12-year-old Narre Warren boy, a 14-year-old Hampton girl, a 15-year-old Pakenham girl and a 14-year-old girl from an unknown address. All five teens have been released pending further enquiries.

Police believe the vehicle was stolen from a gymnasium in Hallam on 6 August.

This arrest is part of Operation Trinity, which runs every single night until dawn is Victoria Police’s most well-resourced frontline policing operation at present.

There are 70 additional police rostered each night, on top of existing patrols. This includes frontline officers, Highway Patrol members, the Dog Squad, Public Order Response Team, and Air Wing. As a result of this intense focus, police have made over 1450 arrests relating to burglaries and car thefts in the past twelve months.

A further 6600 people have been processed for other offences detected by police working nightshift across the Trinity area of operations.

On shaky ground

A number of Pakenham and Officer locals have reported feeling the latest earthquake to hit Victoria, with a 4.1 magnitude earthquake occurring at 3.48am at Woods Point, located several hours’ drive north east of Pakenham.

Geoscience Australia received more than 2000 reports from people across the state who felt the quake, with a number coming from the Pakenham area. Residents in metropolitan Melbourne and large regional centres of Albury/Wodonga, Bairnsdale and the Latrobe Valley also reported feeling the quake.

According to the Seismology Research Centre, the earthquake was the largest in the area since a 4.7 magnitude earthquake experienced last June, with activity in the region starting in September 2021 with a 5.9 magnitude earthquake.

Over1600earthquakeshavenowbeenrecorded in the area since the September 2021 earthquake. Almost six times over Police say they were left severely disappointed when a driver blew almost six times the legal alcohol limit in Beaconsfield on Tuesday 6 August.

Officers set up a booze bus site on O’Shea Road when a vehicle drove through just after 2.30pm.

The driver from Pakenham underwent a preliminary breath test, before undertaking an evidentiary breath test and returning an alleged result of .294. The 55-year-old’s licence was immediately suspended, and his vehicle was impounded at a cost of $895.

He is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving offences.

The Officer Sikh Temple Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak

From left: Harpreet Singh Kandra, Premier Jacinta Allan, Pakenham MP Emma Vulin and Cardinia Shire Mayor Jack Kowarzik.

Harpreet and Premier Allan touring the Gurdwara.

Premier Jacinta Allan visits Officer Gurdwara. (Supplied)

Premier Allan at Officer Gurdwara.

Liz puts her hand up

Pakenham local and 2024’s local citizen of the year, Liz Roberts will be standing as an independent candidate at the upcoming council elections in October.

The former journalist, social planner, researcher and communications adviser says she wants to listen to the local community and advocate strongly for local needs.

“I have the community of Pakenham at the heart of all I do so I feel I can take that focus to the role of representing the Henty Ward community as councillor and as a representative of Cardinia Shire in its entirety,” she said.

Liz is keen to meet up with local groups and residents over the coming months before the October election.

“While I’ve got ideas about how I can represent the community well I most importantly want to listen,” she said

“I’m really keen to hear from locals about their lives and experiences.”

Liz has been involved in the Pakenham community for nearly two decades. She is currently president of Pakenham & District Toy Library and volunteers with Paddy’s Kitchen (food relief).

She has led young people in her church community, tutored at Cardinia U3A and been vicepresident of a local school council and a kindergarten committee.

She has previously advocated to the council for local footpaths and crossings and is never shy to pick up the phone and ask a question of the council.

“I have a passion for the link between infrastructure and wellbeing, so for example footpaths and crossings to get around are just a basic provision a council should be ensuring is there, but in a growth area that isn’t always the case, for various reasons,” she said.

Her views are informed by her work and study as a social planner and researcher. Some key areas of advocacy she said she will focus on are:

· Quality and ‘value for money’ services from the

council – the basics, done right

· Additional support for local community groups and volunteers

· Quality infrastructure for the growing community - Cardinia Life Revitalisation Strategy actioned, improved walking/cycling paths and crossings, PB Ronald Reserve Masterplan progressed, Youth Centre solution and completion, good parks and playgrounds.

· Support for local people – families, teens, seniors and those needing additional support to ‘live well’.

· Support for local businesses

Liz has worked in local and state government, media and not-for-profit sectors; and provided business support to a family business.

“I feel I have the knowledge, skills and experience to be able to contribute to quality decisionmaking for Pakenham’s future,” she said.

Lizisawifeandamum,raisingkidsinagrowth area with all the challenges that come with it. Her family are involved in the arts and Scouts.

She recently completed the Women Leading Locally governance program to prepare herself to be a councillor to represent Henty Ward. Liz holds an industry-leading qualification in Community Engagement and is a member of the Institute of Community Directors Australia.

Liz was awarded Cardinia Shire Citizen of the Year 2024.

She completed an Interfaith Fellowship in 2014 to gain a greater understanding of the varied faith perspectives in the diverse Outer South-East Region. “Our community has really evolved culturally as it has grown over the last 20 years,” she said.

“Despite the challenges of being a growth community I believe there is so much opportunity, and I really want to focus on getting resources we need for everyone to have a good quality of life, locally.”

Liz can be contacted by phone on 0437 481 061 or by email at lizroberts4cardinia@gmail.com

Ramp fix

Officer Secondary College will receive more than $200,000 from the State Government to ensure students have access to their world-class facilities with essential maintenance works.

Pakenham MP Emma Vulin announced on Wednesday 7 August that Officer Secondary College will receive $213,490.65 of Planned Maintenance Program (PMP) funding to address outcomes of the Ramps Safety Audit Program.

This includes a complete rebuild of five ramps and a partial rebuild of three ramps.

The PMP provides funding to address high-priority maintenance issues across Victoria’s government school network.

Ms Vulin said the State Government is building and upgrading the Education State so every student can access a great local school and a quality education no matter where they live.

“Our local students deserve the best facilities close to home. By upgrading and maintaining our local schools, we are giving young people in Officer the best chance at a quality education,“ she said.

It ensures schools can undertake essential work in classrooms and other school buildings such as fixing roofs and replacing windows, painting, and resurfacing floors, as well as some external works like improving pathways.

Works are determined by a rolling facilities evaluation process, which provides up-to-date information on the condition of schools to create a faster and more targeted allocation of funding.

Since 2014, the State Government has invested $16.9 billion in building new schools and more than 2,200 school upgrades, creating around 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.

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

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.

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes

McGregor Road, Pakenham Until 16 AugPrinces Freeway-bound between Livingstone Boulevard and Princes Freeway Until 16 AugAt the rail bridge

16 Aug to late Sep Princes Freeway-bound between Webster Way and Princes Freeway

Webster Way, Pakenham Until late SepAt McGregor Road

Clyde Road, Berwick 9pm to 5am, 6 to 9 Aug

Princes Freeway Gippsland-bound entry ramp

Berwick-Cranbourne Road/ Sladen Street, Cranbourne 6am to 7pm, 10 Aug At intersection

Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham 7pm to 5am, 22 to 25 Aug

26 Aug to mid Nov

Camms Road, Cranbourne 7am to 6pm, 23 Aug

Between Southeast Boulevard and Peet Street

All freeway ramps

Gippsland-bound entry ramp to the Princes Freeway

Between Hotham Street and Narre WarrenCranbourne Road

Candidate for Henty Ward, Liz Roberts. (Supplied)

THE LOWDOWN

Q&A

Tell us about yourself and how you start writing. I’m not great at playing with words, and my vocabulary isn’t extensive. To find inner peace, I use techniques from my book, “The Art of Conscious Balance.” One technique is observing my mind, which often drifts into thoughts about the past or future, causing a lot of mental noise. When I notice this chatter, it helps me create a calm space in my mind. In that peaceful state, words and sentences come to me naturally, expressing exactly what I want to say. Sometimes, when I finish writing a chapter, I’m surprised by what I’ve written—I wonder if I truly wrote it! Practicing the art of conscious balance has greatly improved my writing.

What has been your most memorable moment during your writing career?

Strolling through Lysterfield Lake/park, soaking in nature’s beauty, and discussing my writing plans with my children, Sanjana and Sanjit. What do you love the most about writing?

What I love most about writing is the ability to tap into a state of complete presence. When I’m fully in the moment, the right words and sentences effortlessly flow from my mind onto the paper, almost magically. It’s a deeply satisfying and creative process for me.

What’s your favourite book(s)?

Freedom from the Known – J. Krishna murti

The Power of Now – E. Tolle.

Who’s your favourite author(s)? / Inspiration. J. Krishna murti and E. Tolle.

What books are currently reading?

I am currently writing/ working on my new book. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

As a nature lover, I’d be a honeybee. Not only would I get to flit from flower to flower all day, taste fresh honey, but I’d also play a vital role in pollinating plants and helping the environment thrive! What were you like as a kid?

I’d like to think I was street-smart, but everyone

‘It

with Clyde North meditation-book author Santosh Nambiar

else thought I was clueless. What event, past or present, would you like to witness?

I’d love to witness the first caveman attempting to cook food with fire. Can you imagine the trial and error involved in that process? Similarly, I stumbled upon ‘The Art of Conscious Balance’ through my own trial and error. It’s still a work in progress.

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

Rabindranath Tagore: For some poetic conversations and soulful songs.

Swami Vivekananda: For spiritual insights and motivational talks.

Virat Kohli: To add some sporty charm and maybe discuss cricket over dinner!

Robin Williams: For non-stop laughs.

Gordon Ramsay, not only for his cooking skills but also for some spicy dinner table commentary.

Dr. Jennifer Doudna: Co-inventor of CRISPRCas9 gene editing, to discuss ground-breaking advancements in biotechnology. That would be one electrifying, entertaining, and slightly chaotic dinner party! And, of course, it would be even

better with the support and company of my dear wife Sandhya.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

• Mischievous

• Playful

• Dependable

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

On my perfect day off, I’d kickstart the morning with a delightful bowl of bircher muesli with nuts accompanied by fresh, juicy fruit. After breakfast, I’d venture out to explore a scenic park or hiking trail, soaking in the natural beauty. For lunch, I’d gather with friends for a relaxing picnic at either Lysterfield Park or the Wilson Botanical Garden. In the afternoon, I’d settle into a cozy cafe to immerse myself in writing, savoring the creative flow. As evening approaches, I’d unwind with a feel-good movie or indulge in the latest prank show like “Just for Laughs Gags,” accompanied by delicious Indian snacks. Finally, I’d conclude my day by stargazing or simply enjoying the serene moonlit view from the balcony. Where is your happy place?

My happy place is anywhere I can surround myself with the beauty of serene nature—where beautiful lakes shimmer, birds chirp melodiously, and butterflies dance in the air. I can also be at home Whether nestled in a cozy corner at home, lost in a peaceful library, or enjoying a quaint cafe with an extra hot latte, these serene settings bring me solace and joy, immersed in nature’s tranquil embrace.

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

If I were to compete on MasterChef, I’d highlight my passion for Indian cuisine by preparing a dish like Biryani with (raw) jackfruit. This aromatic rice dish is traditionally layered with marinated meat such as chicken or lamb, but I’d substitute jackfruit. It features a blend of aromatic spices and caramelized onions, typically served alongside raita (yogurt dip) and a side of curry.

THREE … ways to commemorate

With the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People coming up on 9 August, here are three ways to commemorate the day.

1

Further educating yourself and others by reading books, articles or watching documentaries about Indigenous history, culture and ongoing crises is one way to not only explore the topic but also spread awareness by recommending pieces of media to others.

2

Supporting Indigenous causes and businesses is another way to commemorate the day, where one could donate to Indigenous organisations and/or charities that support their rights, education healthcare and more.

3

Advocating for Indigenous rights is another effective way to observe the day, by signing petitions, writing to local MPs and attending sessions - either online or in person - that speak on and spread awareness of the issues surrounding Australia’s Indigenous people.

warmed my heart’: Kids help bridge generational gap

Friendships and life experiences are being shared in a heart-warming project that brings together Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar and residents of a local retirement village.

Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar and a group of elderly ladies from Botanic Ridge Retirement Living have made Mother’s Day cards together, played games to build mathematical skills, enjoyed a wildlife incursion and even handled a python and talked about what going to school was like many years ago.

Along the way, they have also swapped life stories, laughed, and built some touching and lasting friendships.

Inspired by the TV series, Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, the idea to bring together the young students and the group of elderly women was initiated by Clyde Grammar teacher Deanne Bourke.

“After watching Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds I was inspired by the bonds that developed between the children and older people,” Deanne said.

Botanic Ridge Retirement Living manager Wade Farnsworth threw his support behind the idea and a group of residents in their 60s, 70s and 80s volunteered to meet with the Year 1 students from Clyde Grammar.

The residents and students now meet throughout each term.

“On the very first visit from the residents, I walked around the room watching the children engaging so eagerly with the ladies. One of the ladies stopped me and said, ‘I just love this’, and it made the whole process so worthwhile,” Deanne recalled.

“To see everyone – young and old – getting to know one another warmed my heart.

“The idea is that the children and the older people learn from each other and enjoy each other’s company. I cannot tell you how excited the children have been when they find out the ladies are visiting.

“They’ve learned to show respect to older people, and their innocence and the questions the students ask the ladies always make us smile!”

As well as arts and crafts and games, the elderly visitors and the children have celebrated Book Week and a disco together.

The residents joined the children’s wildlife incursion, too, and were equally excited to see crocodiles, snakes, kookaburras and sugar gliders.

The residents have also helped students with their classwork as they have been studying ‘how things change over time’.

The two generations compared their own school memories and experiences in the class-

room and how much school lunches have changed through the decades.

“I think this experience has changed the children’s perception of older people and it’s been lovely to see how easily the children talk to the ladies. They have no qualms at all about asking them questions or even asking for a hug,” Deanne said.

“I think the ladies have also enjoyed seeing how much the children actually enjoy their company.”

Clyde Grammar principal Leanne Evans said

the idea to bridge the generation gap had been hugely successful and rewarding for everyone involved.

“The days when the ladies from Botanic Ridge Retirement Living visit their friends in Year 1 are very special days at Clyde Grammar,” she said.

“Everyone looks forward to catching up with each other and sharing their news and stories, and the memories that are being made will last a lifetime for our students.”

Mahtab (left) and Joan (right). (Supplied)

Clockwise from left to right: Aaryan, Agamvir, Annette, Sethumi. (Supplied)

Matilda (left) and Helen (right). (Supplied)

(Stewart Chambers, 418752)

NEWS Settlement stirs up anger

By Ethan Benedicto

Local residents have criticised the Environmental Protection Authority’s settlement of $200,000 with the operators of a controversial landfill in Cranbourne.

The EPA announced on Friday 2 August that Stevenson Brothers Industries Landfill Pty Ltd would pay $200,000 for a project to improve the local environment and ensure company directors and key staff undergo further training.

The EPA commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court against SBI and its directors on 4 August 2023, which the EPA then stated that if proven could result in penalties exceeding $1.8 million for SBI and $360,000 for directors per allegation.

Members of the 2000-strong Facebook group called ‘Residents affected by SBI Inert Quarry Cranbourne’ were underwhelmed by the outcome.

A spokesperson from the Facebook group said that after nearly two and a half years “of suffering the environmental crime inflicted upon us, many residents have seen no option but to leave the area”.

“Feeling forced from their homes to get clean air and alleviating suspected health impacts, therefore we feel the penalty is not proportional,” they said.

They also added that the members of the group and residents were disappointed by the EPA’s settlement of $200,000, where they were previously told that figures of fines to SBI could reach $2,520,000.

“This year the EPA has caught them out twice for not capping the waste at the end of the day,” which is a mandatory licence condition, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said it had been two years of scrutiny.

on local and neighbouring residents in Botanic Ridge.

In a letter to residents, EPA South Metropolitan regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema said that odour reports have fallen after the EPA received 127 reports in May 2024; after that reports dropped to 27 in June, and spiked to 38 in July, which included 28 reports during the SBI fire at 4 July.

“Our officers continue to monitor odour around the landfill, visiting several areas of Cranbourne,” Abeywickrema said.

On 25 July the EPA received more information from SBI regarding their dust monitoring, a factor that they are currently assessing.

The SBI has also applied for the development licence applications to install and commission new odour control equipment on the site of the landfill, something that Abeywickrema said the EPA has provided a draft licence for and considering feedback.

“SBI raised several issues we need to resolve before we can issue the amended development licence.

with the action the EPA has taken, and that “nothing will change”.

“You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink, but EPA insisting on training to assist with this issue, regardless of all done to date, you can see where the community are feeling let down.”

The spokesperson pointed out the EPA settled the case for less than 10 per cent of what they could have received.

“We do expect that there will be consultation with the community who have experienced the stench of the SBI operations, with regard to what local environmental or local project receives the $200,000, but we won’t hold our breath on that,” they said.

A Botanic Ridge resident of nine years and chair of Settlers Run Owners Corporation, Norman Ridley, stated in an email to Star News early in July that there has been limited or no impact from the landfill.

He described the odour as “transient”, elaborating further that it is “on and off with significant periods with no odour or no recognised odour”.

“Not to mention that Casey Council are still considering allowing SBI further expansion for landfill, [which] leaves us scratching our heads with no end in sight,” they said.

The City of Casey has been contacted for comment but stated that the matter is now in the hands of the EPA.

For background, items in the five claims mentioned in the 4 August 2023 release include the requirements of operating its licence and also their failure to meet the General Environment Duty on their Ballarto Road landfill in Cranbourne.

According to the same release, this was due to the prolonged impacts of odour from the landfill

The EPA has issued improvement notices, while also receiving reports from residents, and the City of Casey issued a Planning Contravention Notice to SBI in 2022.

“Once the licence is issued, SBI will need to satisfy licence conditions before starting trials of the odour control equipment.

“They will need to show the equipment is working as designed and is reducing off-site odour impacts,” Abeywickrema said.

In the EPA media release on 2 August, Abeywickrema said that orders for SBI to carry out a project “for the restoration or enhancement of the environment” in a public place or for the public benefit was an excellent outcome for the local community.

“A substantial amount of money will now go into improving the local environment, which will have a positive impact on our local community,” Abeywickrema said then.

The Facebook residents group’s spokesperson added that the community is feeling “let down”

Ridley emphasised that the community, following an Owners Survey of roughly 200 participants, noted that there has been minimal impact on their lives when speaking on the odour.

As a representative of the Settlers Run Golf and Country Club, and the SBI Community Consultative Committee since August 2022, he added that “very rarely does anyone express major concerns”.

Moving forward, Abeywickrema said that the EPA is reviewing additional information from SBI as part of the development licence exemption application; specifically for waste and resource recovery activities on-site where the waste is accepted and processed for recycling.

They have also welcomed residents to continue reporting pollution and put through any questions or concerns to the EPA.

Eric’s lasting legacy to woodworking and friends

By Ethan Benedicto

A man to be cherished and remembered, the Berwick District Woodworkers Club recently lost one of its oldest members with the passing of Eric Guthrie on 25 July.

Eric’s passing left a void in the hearts of the club, especially the older members who had spent the majority of their woodworking experience in the club with him.

The club, which was founded in 1986 had been fresh in the works when Eric joined between late 1987 and 1988; since then he has been part of many major contributions to its evolution, from the curation of the current facilities to advocating for more diversity in membership.

To Bill Bradshaw, he was someone that you “could never argue with”.

“He was one of a kind, he was unassuming but he had a wealth of knowledge.

“That’s how I saw him, you could depend on him; if you wanted a friend, it would be Eric”.

Born on 28 January 1939, Eric was a bricklayer

by trade and was known to be quite good with his hands; after his tenure as a brickie he then worked for the SCC.

Pat Mahoney, a member who lived across from Eric in Fiddlers Green Retirement Village said that he would often come over to his garage and simply spend time with him.

“He’d toddle across the road to my garage where I’d be working, and he’d come down and sit and just talk for an hour with me,” Pat said.

Eric was known for his craftsmanship, specifically his meticulous work on wooden carriages and trains, which then became his signature creations.

He would also, more often than not, donate his works to various charities, especially when the BDWC was known for their Christmas toy donations; ultimately Eric was dedicated to making hundreds of his signature pieces, a testament to his skill and passion for woodworking.

Alexander Drysdale described Eric as someone who was “very quiet”, a particular man who “whenever he had something to say always had a

dead-pan face”.

Nevertheless, to Alexander and the others, those qualities were a big part of what made Eric special, and also “one of nature’s gentlemen”.

Eric has an atmosphere of comfort around him, and though not necessarily doing anything in particular at times, had a way of making people feel at ease, and this was one of the reasons why he was an integral part of the club’s community.

In his later years at Fiddlers Green and when his health began to decline, he continued to be active in the club’s activities and was a constant visitor on Mondays, something that other members recognised as his dedication to not just woodworking, but the people and the connections he made.

To honour Eric’s memory, the club plans to commemorate his life and contributions, where he was recently made a life member as an acknowledgement of his impact.

Eric Guthrie’s funeral was held on Thursday 1 July, and was attended by his family and friends.

made. (Supplied)

Eric Guthrie with one of the many canes he

Eric Guthrie in the process of making one of his locomotives. (Supplied)

SBI Landfill has settled with the EPA. (Stewart Chambers: 289985_01)

Cheering on trip to the US

Berwick Primary School Grade 2 pupil and cheerleading superstar Aria Robinson has received the chance of a lifetime, after being selected to represent Australia in a cheerleading competition in the United States next year.

She has been selected to compete with other students Narre Warren dance school Royal All Star Cheer and Dance in The FINALS, a cheerleading competition set to be held in Orlando, Florida from May 2 to 4 next year.

Aria said she began cheerleading at Royal All Star Cheer and Dance at only six years of age.

She said her favourite thing about cheerleading was that she gets to go up high as she is a flyer or the one performer who is lifted up during a stunt.

Aria’s mother Ashleigh said going to America will be a dream come true for her daughter.

“Aria’s dedication and passion for cheerleading are incredibly inspiring to us as parents,” she said.

“She is constantly training, watching YouTube cheerleading tutorials at home, trying new stunts, repetitively perfecting new skills and diligently doing her morning and afternoon stretches.

“Whether at home or at cheer practice, Aria is always pushing herself to be the very best she can be.”

Aria is currently raising funds towards travel expenses, accommodation and competition fees, with $900 raised out of her $1500 goal at the time of publication.

To support Aria’s goal, visit gofund. me/07e2e8d5

Pies legend swoops in to Bunjil Place

By Violet Li

Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley was the man of the hour at the Rotary Club of Casey’s Charity Long Lunch event on Friday 2 August, with more than 120 participants engaging in the good cause.

The former player and coach spoke about a range of topics from being a father to two boys to achieving a positive work-life balance.

Club president Alan Foster said the event was a success for the club, raising more than $8000, with 50 per cent of the proceeds going towards children’s charity Variety via a local Variety Vic Bash team and the other 50 per cent supporting the ermha365 Community Connections Program, which helps people with mental health and homelessness problems.

“The talk was really eclectic,” he said.

“It was a really interesting and informative talk, he was very open and very real.”

Secretary Jean Harrison said the event was another part of the club’s charity efforts.

“This is just another community event to help to really worthwhile causes,” she said.

“This is just a new idea, and we thought we’d give it a go and hope to do well with it.”

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs up

To no more dirt patch on Hobsons Road.

Thumbs down

To people who speed from Ahern Road through Eagle Drive to the avenue thinking it’s a raceway when it’s not. Maybe speed humps are needed as I almost had a person run up my backside the other day as I backed out of my driveway.

Thumbs up

To the little joys in life that make the world a better, brighter and beautiful place.

Thumbs down

To all the potholes everywhere. I must look like a drunk driver when I try to avoid them.

Thumbs down To rude drivers.

Thumbs down

To the pot holes on the freeway just after McGregor Road on ramp.

Thumbs down

To the cost of essentials like medications which people are now going without.

Thumbs down

To all the potholes everywhere. I must look like a drunk driver when I try to avoid them.

Thumbs down

To Cardinia Council for the lack of street lighting in Main Street - half the lights don’t work and no lighting at the crossing.

Aria’s family is seeking any support towards the trip.

Aria Robinson is excited to travel to Florida next year to compete in The FINALS competition. (Supplied)

Dane Swan signed Magpies fan Bobby’s arm before he made it permanent with a tattoo. (Rob Carew: 420695)

At 89, Elaine Watson achieved one of her biggest dreams, meeting her hero Nathan Buckley, with Jasmine Poore on the right. (Stewart Chambers: 422644)

FOCUS ON … SENIORS

Clear hearing

Casey Hearing helps people with hearing concerns fully participate in life through the gift of improved hearing.

“We run an independent, general audiology practice,” Casey Hearing owner and audiologist Khatija Halabi said.

“Our specialised services include paediatric hearing testing and earwax removal. We offer hearing tests for children from the age of nine months.”

Seeing people of all ages, their eldest client is currently 98 years of age.

“We do impressions for earplugs for swimming and noise (across all ages).

“We offer wax removal services using the micro-suction technique, the preferred method of earwax removal amongst ear specialists.

“For adults with hearing loss, empowering our clients to identify their listening and communication goals and working out customised solutions to achieve those goals is at the heart of everything we do.”

As an independent audiologist, Khatija says she has the freedom to recommend products from different brands, based on what will be best for her clients.

“I have more than 20 years’ experience as an audiologist working both overseas and in Australia, with children and adults.

“Having worked in schools, with families and as part of multidisciplinary teams, I have an understanding of patients outside the clinic walls.

“My involvement with various communitybased projects helps me provide a holistic approach to my work, recognising my clients as individuals living in unique environments.

“I believe implementing a family-centred approach is essential in caring for clients with hearing impairment. I invite carers and spouses to all appointments as hearing health is a family affair!”

Khatija runs events that assist clients - and their families - with troubleshooting hearing aid

technology and to access information and other allied health services.

“I organised and facilitated an event called Regaining Dignity in April in collaboration with other service providers that was aimed at supporting the supporter!

“There was information about overcoming communication difficulties as a result of hearing loss and cognitive and memory changes.

“Our guest speaker was a 95-year-old client who spoke about the practical side to adopting technologies and how family members and/or carers can assist.

“Information about accessing aged care services, falls prevention as well as a breathwork/ yoga session was also included.

“By popular demand, we will run an Ageing Gracefully event at Your Body Hub in Officer on 2 October with similar themes.”

For more information, or to book your spot, please email office@caseyhearing.com.au

It is open to members of the public and is not limited to Casey Hearing clients and their families.

Community outreach

Casey Hearing establishes strong community outreach programs, such as hearing screenings in schools for prep students and high school staff.

“I catch up with local business owners weekly to learn about their services and products and in turn educate them on hearing conservation within the workplace.

“I do this to raise awareness and improve community health.”

Casey Hearing has earned trust and built its reputation through community engagement and service delivery.

“I attend professional development activities to not only keep up with technological advances, but also to learn about implementing innovative business practices that improve efficiency, client outcomes, and the overall client experience.”

A showcase of services and information will help you make informed choices about your care.

Simply sensational show

Get ready to shake, rattle and roll in a whirlwind of rock ‘n’ roll magic! A time when hips swayed, hearts raced and the music spoke to your soul!

Join highly acclaimed entertainer Mark Caligiuri and The Sensational Memphis Beat Show Band as they bring to life the songs of Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly.

With one of the most energetic line-ups of Melbourne’s most talented musicians around, The Sensational Memphis Beat Show Band has been described as one of the most exciting and fun show bands in Melbourne!

You will be taken on the ultimate Rock and Roll journey with this dynamic group of entertainers. Sing along to the songs from two of the most influential Rock and Roll performers of

all time – from “That’ll Be The Day”, “Peggy Sue”, “Rave On”, “That’s Alright Mama” and “Suspicious Minds” to “American Trilogy”. Mark has been performing his Elvis and Buddy show for many years, taking his twopart action-packed show all around Australia and exciting audiences everywhere! They will bring back the memories of a time when music was at its best!

This ultimate tribute to two of the greatest entertainers of all time, a show you don’t want to miss!

Book now - Saturday 24 August at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham. · 1300 887 624

Audiologist and Casey Hearing owner Khatija Halabi.

Mark Caligiuri as he performs Buddy Holly.

Tragic plight reflects many

By Sahar Foladi

An emotional vigil was held for Uthayakaran Periyathamby who died after 11 years in limbo as a Tamil asylum seeker.

The 53-year-old Dandenong resident passed away in his sleep on Tuesday 16 July in an alltoo-common premature death among refugees and asylum seekers, according to Tamil Refugee Council founder Aran Mylvaganam.

“For the past nine years he’s been in this stage of limbo. Eventually he lost his life, and the coroner couldn’t find cause of death. He wasn’t that old and no known health issues.

“I have personally organised many funerals for refugees and many of their deaths are in similar circumstance.

“All I can do is speculate and say stress, depression, fear of not knowing, separation from family, everything combined - it takes their life.”

The Tamil Refugee Council had organised for Mr Periyathamby’s funeral costs via a GoFundMe page which garnered just $2400.

He was put to rest on Thursday 25 July as close friends known as “family members” were emotional, upset and angry that their pleas for permanent refuge are falling on deaf ears.

Mr Periyathamby escaped the genocide of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka and arrived in 2012 by boat, leaving behind his wife and children.

He was placed on Manus Island and later released into the community on a bridging visa in 2013.

His claim for a permanent protection visa was rejected via the so-called “flawed” ‘fast-track’ process.

He lived 11 long years in agony since being released in the community, Mr Mylnaganam said.

Eleven years of torture and falling prey to “dodgy employers” as he had no right to work in the community nor have access to Medicare, he said.

“People were very emotional and upset (at the vigil); the Government aren’t doing anything about their situation,” Mr Mylvaganam said.

“They (refugees and asylum seekers) struggle to get permanent jobs, jobs that have no security and are very low paid, and the children who have grown up in Australia are unable to get into universities.

“On one hand the parents are struggling be-

cause of the visa, while kids are being treated as second-class people. It’s a scandal that no one is willing to look in to.”

Unfortunately this is the case for refugees and asylum seekers left behind by the Federal Government’s fast-tracked Resolution of Status visas for refugees announced in February 2023, advocates say.

The Department of Home Affairs has committed to transitioning over 19,000 people holding Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEVs) to a permanent visa by February 2024.

A majority of the eligible TPV/SHEV cohort have now been granted RoS visas.

As at 30 June 2024 there were 18,026 RoS visa holders, and 2,038 RoS visa applications on hand.

A further 1,190 people were waiting on a decision on their initial TPV or SHEV application.

“The Labor party is slightly better than Liberals when it comes to treatment of refugees but they continue a lot of the same policies as the Liberals.

“It’s really not fair. It’s brought to the govern-

ment’s attention and they haven’t done anything about it,” Mr Mylvaganam said.

Those left behind through the fast-track RoS visa road to permanent residence include Iranians (519), Sri Lankans (245), as well as Rohingyas.

There are more than 4500 rejected TPV, SHEV and RoS visa applications at judicial review as of 30 June 2024 according to Refugee Council of Australia.

Bruce MP Julian Hill, recently announced as Assistant Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs said RoS visas are provided to those who applied or are found to be owed protection.

He said conditions imposed on bridging-visa (BV) holders, including work rights, depend on the applicant’s specific circumstances, “to ensure policy intent of migration program is upheld.”

“The Government expects that if a BV holder has work rights and has the capacity to work, they will support themselves. The Government understands that it may be difficult for someone to support themselves while their immigration matter is being resolved if they cannot work and participate in the community.

“Eligible BV holders can apply for the Status Resolution Support Services program if they are experiencing hardship which is impacting their ability to resolve their migration status.”

The Status Resolution Support Service program (SRSS) provides a range of various shortterm needs-based services tailored to individual circumstances. which can include access to healthcare, education for school aged children, accommodation and financial support.

“Attaching conditions to BVs provides the structure for engagement between an applicant and the department and is reflective of a strong system of assessment and review,” Mr Hill said.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that appropriate conditions are utilised.”

Mr Mylvaganam called on the Bruce MP for “meaningful action.”

“We know the Member for Bruce Julian Hill understands the issues, being the assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.

“We want him to come up with meaningful actions after years of empty promises and grant all these refugees permanent visas. It has gone for far too long.”

Star News has previously reported on those waiting for permanent protection and who describe Australia as an “open prison”, such as a Dandenong-based Tamil couple that fled civil war in Sri Lanka after being shot and escaping death.

There’s also Nige who fled by boat in 2009 who only sees his Sri-Lankan-based 17-year-old son and wife via video calls, or Roger whose application was rejected and an appeal has been pending since 2016.

Or Lenny who left behind his girlfriend and parents more than a decade ago. His parents have since passed away and his partner could no longer wait and married another man.

“This is not about Tamils, there are Iranians, Rohingyas, Iraqi, Afghan people who have fled various conflicts and come to this country as refugees,” Mr Mylvaganam said.

“Uthaysakaran represent the plight of every refugee’s not just Tamil refugees.”

The group had held a 24/7 encampment outside the former Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil’s office. Since the recent cabinet reshuffle, they’ve shifted to the newly-announced Minister Tony Burke’s office.

Changes are coming to kerbside bins in the City of Casey

Casey is inviting residents to have their say on how the community can better manage waste.

Community feedback will help the Council to better understand your preference for waste management in Casey.

The Victorian Government is standardising household waste and recycling services across the state, which will see council’s kerbside services move to a four-bin system by 2027: General rubbish (red lid), Co-mingled recycling (yellow lid), Food and garden waste (lime green lid), and Glass (purple lid).

To meet the Victorian Government requirements, council will work towards transitioning residents to colour-coded bin lids, introduce a glass bin, and continue to roll out a food and

garden waste bin to every Casey household.

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM encourages all residents and businesses who use the council’s waste services to share their feedback via an online survey.

“Your input will help council to maximise resource recovery and provide a user-friendly waste service in the future,” Ms Duff said.

The survey is now open on Casey Conversations until 5pm on Monday 16 September and residents who complete the survey can go in the draw to win a $100 gift voucher.

Several pop-up events will also be hosted across the community providing residents with an opportunity to provide feedback in person.

For more information and to complete the

online survey, visit Casey Conversations at conversations.casey.vic.gov.au

Pop-up event

· Casey ARC

· 4pm to 7pm, Thursday 8 August

Frog Hollow Reserve, Endeavour Hills — Parkrun

· 7.30am to 10am, Saturday 10 August

Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre

· 10am to 3pm, Wednesday 14 August

Pearcedale Market

· 8am to 12pm, Saturday 17 August

Shopping on Clyde, 280 BerwickCranbourne Road, Clyde

· 10am to 3pm, Wednesday 21 August

Akoonah Park Market

· 8am to 12pm, Sunday 25 August

Casey Central Shopping Centre

· 10am to 3pm, Wednesday 28 August

Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre

· 10am to 3pm, Thursday 5 September

Community Recycling Day at Manna Gum

Family and Community Centre

· 10am to 3pm, Saturday 7 September

Casey Stadium

· 4pm to 7pm, Thursday 12 September

Casey Pet Expo

· 10am to 4pm, Saturday 14 September

Doveton Show

· 9am-5pm, Sunday 22 September

A refugee protests for permanent protection in a 24/7 vigil outside former Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil’s office. (Supplied)

Supporters at a recent 24/7 protest vigil for asylum seekers and refugees.

Members of the encampment in front of the Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil’s electorate office on Friday 26 July.

Cannabis defence support

By Ethan Benedicto

The State Government passed an in-principle agreement to recast Victoria’s driving laws surrounding medicinal cannabis patients on 31 July, which could provide them with a legal defence while on the road.

Stephen Matulec, a Grevillea Ward candidate in the upcoming Casey Council elections, seconded the decision, saying that the process should not have been so “black and white or just a positive or negative test”.

“If you are a medical cannabis patient and you need the medication, and it’s at a level where it’s not going to impair your driving ability, then you should be able to drive.

“The police should be there to test for impairment, not just the presence of the drug,” he said.

The in-principle agreement is a commitment to developing a proposal surrounding said legal defences for medicinal patients, as long as they are not impaired at the time of testing.

Furthermore, the government also committed to engaging in widespread consultation with a variety of legal and road safety stakeholders, with plans to table a report on the proposal in the Legislative Council by 18 October 2024.

A Penington Institute release supported the agreement, where CEO John Ryan said he was encouraged that the government had shown it was prepared to make common-sense changes in its approach to cannabis regulation.

“This is a major development and a win for medicinal cannabis patients,” he said.

“It is heartening to see the Victorian Government stand up and acknowledge the flaws with

the existing policy.”

Matulec, a staunch supporter of cannabis regulation believes that if one were a consenting adult, they should be able to choose what they want to do with their bodies, “especially if no one else is harmed”.

“If you’re in your own home, consuming cannabis, you’re not harming anyone else and to just punish someone for basically a victimless crime is just not right,” he said.

Echoing Penington Institute CEO John Ryan’s previous comments, Matulec believes that law enforcement resources could be more efficiently managed if a regulated cannabis market were put in place, as well as countering the strong black market viability of the drug’s current status.

Expanding on the possible chemicals mixed with illicitly-obtained cannabis, he added that the current countermeasures have minimal intended effect and there should be more focus on the health system to deal with those addicted.

“Instead of putting these people in the hands of police, the courts, treating them like criminals, we need people with genuine addiction to go to community groups, medical professionals, their families,” he said.

“These are people that can help more than just throwing someone in prison.

“Different drugs have different situations, but making it legal doesn’t necessarily mean people are going to use it more, and that’s the thing, if you can control it you can legalise it because people know the doses.

“It’s healthier for it to be regulated because if you’re taking something from a drug dealer, you don’t know how strong it is, you don’t know what

it is,” he said.

Bringing his topic back to the new in-principle agreement, Matulec added that if someone were a medicinal cannabis patient, they shouldn’t need to choose between taking their medication and pain relief, but with the risk of licence loss or a physically painful drive.

THC – also known as tetrahydrocannabinol –can linger in a person’s system for weeks and can be detected long after any potential impairment was caused.

Just like how alcohol is treated, “there are certain limits where it’s not just, ‘is there alcohol in your system or not’”.

“With cannabis, it could be where you can have the necessary amount for your medical condition as long as it’s not affecting the way you drive.

“There needs to be a clear differential, one should be able to drive, if safely, and take medication and not be pained, they shouldn’t be treated like a criminal,” he said.

Mr Ryan is of the same mind, adding that medicinal cannabis patients who aren’t impaired and are using their medication as directed by their doctor “should be entitled to the same legal protections”.

“[Such as those] afforded to patients taking other prescribed medications; people should not have to decide between their medicine and mobility,” he said.

Victoria was the first state to approve the use of medicinal cannabis in 2016, however, it has remained a criminal offence for drivers to have THC, including from medicinal cannabis, detected in their system.

Commercial trafficker behind bars for up to three years

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A Cranbourne North trafficker has been jailed after police seized large amounts of drugs from her home and garage.

Natalie Vrankar, 39, pleaded guilty to commercial trafficking of methamphetamine, trafficking in 1,4-butanediol and possessing cannabis.

She also pled to possessing an explosive substance (fireworks) and proceeds-of-crime charges.

Police raided her home at dawn on 8 November 2022, discovering 131.6 grams of 85 per cent pure meth in deal bags as well as 19 bottles of 1,4-butanediol totalling 9.3 kilos.

They also seized 15 fireworks, $2045 cash, a ‘tick list’ of transactions and an alleged stolen number plate.

On one of her phones, there were texts with a contact ‘Gonzo New’ referring to selling a “q” or 7 grams (quarter-ounce) of ice for $1400, or a “b” or 3.5 grams for $800.

Vrnakar’s “relatively organised setup” included CCTV cameras with about 12 different views outside her home.

In sentencing on 1 August, Judge Carolene Gwynn noted the amount of ice and 1,4-butanediol was well in excess of the trafficking threshold of 50 grams.

The high purity of meth also elevated the gravity of the offence.

Vrankar was said to be a daily ice user. This partly explained her offending, as well a “degree of financial incentive”, Gwynn said.

“For your own needs, you were prepared to be involved in the pernicious trade of drug

trafficking.

“It is a lucrative business with an enormous negative and devastating impact on the community.

“You would have been aware of this from your own experience as a user of illicit substances.”

Vrankar grew up in a “chaotic” household in Keysborough, later working as a medical courier and a pathology nurse with a “bright future ahead”.

Things took a negative turn in 2015 when she moved out to Drouin with her family, left her job and was introduced to drugs by a partner.

Her ensuing criminal history included priors for drug trafficking, transporting unauthorised explosives, and proceeds of crime.

Due to her priors, she struggled to find work

in her former fields.

After being released on bail in early 2023, Vrankar was a primary carer for her mother and had not re-offended.

A psychologist reported she was a low-moderate risk of reoffending, with insight into her mental health and drug issues.

“I accept this insight combined with the extended period in the community in which you remained offence and drug free augurs well for your future,” Judge Gwynn noted.

Vrankar didn’t qualify for a mental impairment exception to a mandatory jail term due to her excessive drug use at the time of offending. She was jailed for up to three years, with a 20-month non-parole period.

Her term includes 87 days of pre-sentence detention.

Healthcare action: Women’s silent pain is going untreated

A more inclusive health-care system is needed for the unique needs of migrant and refugee women, according to a joint report to the State inquiry into Women’s Pain.

Wellsprings for Women – with Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) – based their submission on a forum with 38 migrant and refugee women.

“There is a strong link between physical pain and mental health issues, exacerbated by social isolation and cultural adaptation challenges,” the submission stated.

It reported significant healthcare barriers such as language difficulties, long wait times and their health concerns being dismissed by professionals.

A participant with extreme, chronic pain went regularly to the doctor for 10 years, but her condition remained untreated.

Another said: “Someone I know was very tired all the time and they went to the doctor and the doctor said it is all in their head.”

Others reported getting little help from doctors for issues such as painful menstruation or post-natal back pain.

Family violence was also a significant barrier to seeking healthcare.

Many women described physical “heart ache” and chest pain due to mental distress. But a lot reported keeping their pain private due to social pressures..

“Acknowledging and addressing the unique and compounded needs of migrant and refugee women is essential for creating a more inclusive and effective healthcare system,” Wellsprings chief executive Dalal Smiley said.

“This submission highlights the importance of culturally appropriate and intersectional care.”

Among the recommendations were mandatory training for healthcare providers in culturallyappropriate care, as well as increasing availability of female practitioners.

The report called for access to professional interpreters and multilingual health resources, as well as better communication about health supports and services.

Wait times should be reduced, Medicare coverage increased and mental health should be integrated with physical health services.

WHISE chief executive Kit McMahon urged the Government to take its recommendations seriously.

“We call on (the Government) … to implement the necessary reforms to ensure that all women, regardless of their background, have access to quality healthcare.”

Safer Care Victoria, the Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council, and the Pain Inquiry Subcommittee will lead the inquiry.

A final report to the Victorian Women’s Health Advisory Council is expected by December.

Poor mental health worsened with isolation from family and friends, cultural shock and language barriers.

One woman shared that “the first time I just went to the park and cried because I could not speak to anyone.”

Thirty-eight women participated in a forum ahead of Wellsprings for Women and WHISE’s joint submission to a state Women’s Pain inquiry. (Supplied)

Grevillea Ward candidate, Stephen Matulec is in support of the new in-principle agreement, advocating for the overall regulation of the cannabis market. (Ethan Benedicto: 422557)

Stories surface out of clay

By Violet Li

The City of Casey’s Artist Market was held on Saturday 3 August where they featured and celebrated Generation Clay: Reimagining Asian Heritage.

Beginning at 10am, the day featured the new works of 14 contemporary ceramic artists with Asian backgrounds, as well as other pieces from makers and artists across the state.

For curator Vipoo Srivilasa, his latest exhibition of Generation Clay is a windfall; when he first launched the project he simply envisioned it as an opportunity for young Asian-Australian artists to showcase their unique crafts.

He didn’t foresee what was coming next: the plentiful surfacing of intimate stories attached to personal histories and memories, cultural heritage and family ties to mythological and popular culture narratives.

“There is a lot more mix nowadays, not just one cultural heritage,” he said.

“Some of the artists were actually born here, but they have parents from overseas; their cultural heritage is quite different from the ones who moved here from overseas.”

He spoke on Asahi So, a Sydney ceramics and wire maker who is of Chinese and Japanese heritage; Monica Rani Rudhar, who was born to Indian and Romanian migrant parents; and ceramic artist Theodosius Ng who was born in Singapore but identifies himself as more Chinese.

Artists, for their pieces, took up the challenge of creating under the theme of blue and white, colours symbolising trans culture and blended their cultural stories into the clay.

“Blue and white is a metaphor for all these artists who come from different places and then choose to live in Australia, and this is the mixed culture,” Vipoo said.

“Lots of artists never worked with blue and white before, so there’s a lot of trial and error.

“What I like about this exhibition is to encourage artists to think outside their comfort zone and to do something different.”

According to Casey Council, the exhibition will engage with a wide array of concepts, from personal accounts, cultural heritage and family ties, to mythological and pop culture narratives.

Artist EJ Son’s Egg is an example of expanding the creative boundary while keeping the bone of the cultural story, portrayed through a big, pure white egg with a crack at the top.

“They want to make a statement with the Egg, it’s Korean traditional pottery [and] the way they make it, they draw half of the circle, both sides and then they join it together individually,” Vipoo said.

“It’s more like a man- kind of pottery, to be able to do this in Korea, you have to be a man. But they’re born female, so they want to do this for their father.

“So instead of making a moon jar as traditional, they make an egg, which is using the same technique.

“But in a contemporary twist, the egg has a crack at the top, it means being reborn in Australia with a new identity.”

Looking back, Vipoo said he did not see himself as a curator.

“I don’t see myself as a curator because a proper curator would do a whole lot more jobs,” he said.

“I see myself as an organiser and provider for

“When

young artists for the opportunity for them to have a platform to show their work.

I first moved to Australia, I had lots of opportunities provided by older generations.

now I am in a position that I could provide a similar thing to younger generations.”

Generation Clay: Reimagining Asian Heritage will be on at Bunjil Place until Sunday 24 November.

Curator Vipoo Srivilasa at the exhibition. (Stewart Chambers: 421413)

Susi Fraser from Red Fox Pottery in Berwick. (Rob Carew; 423074)

Nani Puspasari with her work. (Rob Carew: 423074)

Jayanto Tan with his work. (Rob Carew: 423074)

Very enthusiastic crowds visited the art market, which began at 10am and wrapped up around 3pm. (Rob Carew: 423074)

72 Transformations by Casey Chen. (Stewart Chambers: 421413)

Yang Qiu with her work. (Rob Carew: 423074)

Bonnie Hislop from Brisbane came down for this event and her exhibition at Red Gallery in Fitzroy. (Rob Carew: 423074)

WHY I LOVE SCHOOL

“I love Maths because I love numbers.”

“I love doing Sport, Art and Maths at school.”

“I like playing outside.” “I love learning about Jesus!”

“I love doing Literacy groups because we can be in a group with our friends.”

“ I love Maths because I love counting.”

“My favourite thing to do at school is Art because we do fun crafts.”

“I like playing with my friends.”

“I love colouring because I can colour.”

“I love learning sound because then I know how to read.”

“I love going outside and playing.”

Days of School 100

Our school, with its 200 students and country feel, prides itself on our “Caring Family School” motto, which we live by every day. We offer an excellent education in an environment where every child feels known and understood, thanks to our dedicated staff who ensure all our students reach their full potential. We are actively involved in the Resilience Project, finding it beneficial as it empowers students with essential emotional and psychological tools, fostering a supportive environment that enhances their overall well-being and academic performance.

The traditions at our school are firmly embedded, and each is a highlight for our students, families and staff. We start every school year with a Whole School Beach Picnic so that everyone gets to know each other. Our Buddy program ensures that our students look after each other, and this becomes evident when we have all our students together for our whole school sleepover and whole school camp. We have many family activities throughout each year such as movie nights, Family and Friends Day, special day celebrations, Show Day, an Art and Science Show and a Christmas Concert.

Cardinia Primary School offers the specialist subjects of Science, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Auslan. We have an Eco Zone where we study sustainability and learn about the benefits of growing what we eat. Students also have the opportunity to join in lunchtime clubs run by our staff.

We are welcoming out of zone enquiries for Foundation 2025. If you would like to come and tour our wonderful school, please contact our office staff and make an appointment. We are located on the corner of Ballarto and Cardinia Roads, not far from Clyde North, Officer, Koo Wee Rup and Pakenham.

100 Days of School has been a milestone for our Foundation students, and they have enjoyed celebrating all the ways they have become 100 Days Brighter!

Savage attack closes hub

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

Springvale Community Hub and its library have been closed at night after three people were violently attacked by large groups.

A 15-year-old boy was hospitalized after being reportedly stabbed and bashed by a large group of youths wielding a machete outside the hub about 8.20pm on Sunday 28 July.

The teen suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to Victoria Police.

The group allegedly also assaulted a 48-yearold man – reportedly a security guard at Springvale Shopping Centre 30 minutes earlier.

He was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Two days later, a 14-year-old boy was stabbed in a group machete-attack at a supermarket on Springvale Road about 4.50pm.

He was taken to hospital with “lacerations to his shoulders”.

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“Police have been told a group approached the [boy] and then assaulted him before running away,” the statement said.

In response to the attacks, the council increased security at the hub. It has also closed the hub and library at 5pm each day until further notice.

Victoria Police increased foot patrols in Springvale.

Greater Dandenong Council chief executive Jacqui Weatherill said the council was acting “out of an abundance of concern for public and staff safety”.

“We are terribly saddened by the news that three people were violently attacked by large groups in Springvale on Tuesday night and Sunday night.”

Weatherill said that the council had been lobbying “long-term” for better community safety

“Local police already had plans in place to increase their presence across central Springvale and Dandenong, Noble Park, and at Parkmore Shopping Centre in Keysborough, later in August.

“We welcome these additional officers and will continue to support the Victoria Police investigations with video footage from our extensive CCTV network and in any other way we can.”

Meanwhile, Greater Dandenong CIU charged four teens over the Sunday incidents.

A 16-year-old Ringwood East boy was charged with violent disorder in relation to the shopping centre incident. He was remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

A 17-year-old Chadstone boy and 15-year-old Berwick boy were also remanded and charged with intentionally causing serious injury and affray relating to the hub incident.

A 14-year-old Mitcham boy was charged with intentionally causing serious injury and affray. He will appear before a children’s court.

Any information and footage to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

Yogurt giant plants for the future at Garfield

By Corey Everitt

Australia’s leading yogurt brand, Chobani paid a visit to Garfield last week for a planting day at the Lovers Lane conservation project.

Employees at the Dandenong South factory may be busy satisfying the 2.3 million Australians who enjoy the brand’s yogurt, but they still had a spare day on Tuesday 30 July to help with planting efforts in Garfield.

The project on Lovers Lane is run by Cannibal Creek Landcare Group (CCL), it aims to revegetate the five-acre property into a haven for local fauna including the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot.

The day saw 1300 plants go in the ground, Pam Cunningham from CCL said that was a new record and Chobani’s contribution was a ’sterling effort’.

“They were amazed there was a place called Lovers Lane and that we were called Cannibal Creek,“ Pam said.

“They were really hard-working people and very very friendly, they do a lot of these environmental projects and we hope they come back next year.“

Special thanks went to Garfield’s Brewsters Foodstore & Cafe for providing morning tea and lunch, as well as John’s Christmas Trees in Drouin who donated 750 of the trees that were planted.

Springvale Community Hub is closed at night after a series of violent mob attacks. (Gary Sissons:

Travis Hatton and Rebecca Cutler. (Chobani)

Catherine Lakeland. (Chobani)

Anna McKinnon.(Chobani)

Amy Jamieson. (Chobani)

Andrew Glenn and Phoebe James. (Chobani)

Meg Platte and Gerard Cunningham.

More options at pharmacy

By Ethan Benedicto

The state-wide pharmacist prescribing pilot officially launched on 2 August in Victoria, which has highlighted the range of healthcare services made available at community pharmacies.

This digital marketing campaign showcases the range of available services, as well as being the major step forward in enhancing access to primary healthcare for all Victorian residents.

Amberly Park Pharmacy, which is set to begin the campaign in the coming weeks, is eager for its benefits and what it holds for overall local community health in the coming future.

Lead pharmacist Hayden Lee is confident that this a step in the right direction, especially when it comes to balancing the overall load of patients who are seeking some form of medical attention.

General practitioner visits, according to Mr Lee, “these days are really quick, rinse and repeat, it’s taken off the GP to actually treat other more serious cases”.

“We see a lot of patients come in, so mainly I think, not just the prescribed or medical certificate side of things, where pharmacies are now allowed to assess,” he said.

Participating pharmacists are authorised to prescribe certain medications and provide treatment for various conditions under a structured prescribing model.

These expanded services include oral contraceptive repeats, treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, shingles treatments, mild plaque psoriasis management and travel and health vaccines.

President of the Victorian branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Anthony Tassone said that the pilot improves access to affordable healthcare, ensuring that everyone can receive the necessary care quickly and locally.

“The Victorian pharmacist prescribing pilot is a significant advancement in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare to Victorians,” he said.

“By expanding the role of community pharmacists, we are helping to alleviate pressures on GPs and emergency departments while offering patients timely care closer to home.”

Building on the expanded services, pharmacists are equipped to manage flare-ups of mild plaque psoriasis, as well as offer resupplies of select oral contraceptive pills.

As it stands, there are over 760 pharmacies across the state that have since taken part in the pilot, with more than 10,000 patient consultations to have already been delivered according to the Guild.

For Amberly Park, training for these newly expanded services is essential, with Mr Lee saying that for treatments to UTI prescriptions, “all of our staff will have to be trained in terms of understanding what’s happening”.

“So when [there is] a referral to the pharmacist

to have an antibiotic prescribed, [it] can be done in a smoother way.

“It’s more like what are the symptoms and things like that, that’s the preparation that often times what we are going to do,” he said.

Speaking on the impact this pilot program could have, Mr Lee said that it has the chance to establish a foothold where “community pharmacies aren’t just a retail store”.

“It’s also about professional services and ac-

tually taking care of people’s health within that community.

“We’re lucky in Australia where it’s like we’ve got specific areas where you don’t have overcrowded pharmacies so to speak; so that way it allows us to really capitalise in the sense of the community’s trust.

“Here at Amberly Park we mainly handle a lot of patients around this area, so then you know, it creates that community feeling where people actually feel like they’re being looked after,” he said.

Campaign helps bridge the technology divide

A momentous 2500th laptop has been donated for disadvantaged students as part of the successful This Is IT campaign across the South East.

In less than five years, the milestone has been reached with the hand-over of 120 laptops for students at Noble Park Secondary College, Carwatha P-12 and Oakwood School on Friday 2 August.

This batch of computers was funded by the State Government’s Noble Park Suburban Revitalisation Board.

Since 2020, the not-for-profit program has provided for students at 40 schools in six council areas, including Casey, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia Shire.

A high-school principal described the program as a “game changer” for the students.

“Schools are trying to prepare their students for the future, this is extremely difficult when students do not have access to the tools they require.

“Computers are an absolute necessity, and this initiative is a game changer for the students lucky enough to be the recipient of a laptop.”

One of the recipients said it meant they could stay up to date with studies while off on work placements.

“I will not have to stress about going to the library or staying at school after hours to complete my work.”

In 2020, This Is IT Schools was launched by three Dandenong businesses to furnish local students with new and repurposed laptops.

TIIS sourced top-of-the-line computers at the end of corporate life. They were wiped and repurposed, then awarded as a scholarship to deserving students.

The idea was expanded to supply laptops to disadvantaged students across the South East. And it was called simply This Is IT.

On hand for the 2 August event were the program founders.

They are SELLEN chief executive Andrew Simmons, South East Business Networks’ head San-

dra George, Corex Australia CEO Simon Whitely, Hilton Manufacturing managing director Todd Hartley and Future Recycling chief executive Tyrone Landsman.

The first handover of 120 laptops was made at the Greater Dandenong Civic Centre on 7 February 2020.

Donors have since included Casey and Kingston councils, MacPherson and Kelley, Federation University, Ashfords accountancy, Future Recycling, NAB, SELLEN, North Projects, Frasers Property Group, Skill Invest, VACCA, Rigby and Cooke, Casey TECH, Hilton Manufacturing, Lime Result and Take a Swing for Charity.

SELLEN chief executive Andrew Simmons presents a laptop to Noble Park Secondary College’s IT manager Adam van Leeuwen on 2 August. (Stewart Chambers: 422623)

Hayden Lee, managing pharmacist of Amberly Park Pharmacy is looking forward to the many benefits the pilot campaign holds. (Supplied)

NEWS $20K raised for activists

A Springvale event supported by local politicians has raised more than $20,000 to support jailed environmental activists in Cambodia.

The Silver Flower event was attended by hundreds at the Cambodian Association of Victoria on Sunday 28 July.

The 10 jailed activists and their families are linked to the Mother Nature movement, which campaigns against rampant rates of deforestation, eco-destructive infrastructure projects and alleged government corruption.

They were jailed for up to eight years after being found guilty of campaigning against the state and insulting the King, under Cambodia’s ‘lese majeste laws’.

Each were sent to separate prisons, a long way from their families.

The Australian Government joined an international outcry against the sentences.

Clarinda MP Heang Meng Tak said the Khmer community showed great concern for the “unjust” sentences that were “typical of the repres-

sive, authoritarian regime of Hun Manet”.

“Today the community came together to show their support for these embattled activists.

“We will continue to fight for their freedom, and to restore democracy to Cambodia in the future.”

The fundraiser was organised by the Cambodian Australian Federation.

CAF president Hong Lim – a former Clarinda MP - pledged not to abandon the prisoners.

“These arrests are a breach of the Cambodian Constitution and international law.”

Mr Lim and Mr Tak have been long outspoken against the Cambodian Government, and both claim to have received death threats as a result.

Also attending the fundraiser was Bou Rachana, the widow of assassinated political leader Kem Ley.

Paris Peace Accords group, the Cambodian National Rescue Party, Candlelight party members. Greater Dandenong councillors Sophie Tan and Loi Truong were also present.

The site benefits from the following

Bou Rachana, widow of assassinated Cambodian political commentator Kem Ley. (Supplied)

Lawyer Dr Eve Lester with Cambodian activist and refugee Sen Senkaruna.

Chea Chiv, a political refugee from Cambodia, addresses the Silver Flower event.

Cambodian Association of Victoria president Youhorn Chea, Clarinda MP Meang Heng Tak and refugee lawyer Dr Eve Lester.

Tynong Car Show and Market

Come and show off your car or bike at the Tynong Car Show on Saturday 14 September.

Trophies, raffles, prizes, food vans and more. Chat with Cardinia Council mayor Jack Kowarzik, who will be presenting trophies to the winners. Browse the wide range of stalls or grab a coffee and a bite to eat.

Proudly sponsored by local businesses and Shannons Insurance.

Gold coin donation entry for visitors.

· For more information, phone or 5629 2500 or register your vehicle now via forms.office. com/r/t6tU0dEQzX?origin=lprLink

Bunyip Quilt Show

The Friends of Hillview Quilt Show is returning for another year of impressive displays.

· Held at the Bunyip Hall at 38 Main Street, the displays will be open from 9am to 3.30pm on Saturday 17 August and 9am to 2.30pm on Sunday 18 August, with entries open on Friday 16 August.

Proudly supported by Bunyip Patchwork and Craft.

Berwick Bridge Club

Enjoy playing cards? Are you looking for some exercise for your brain that is both fun and challenging?

Berwick Bridge Club is looking for new members. There are two free beginner’s courses. One on Friday morning 30 August from 10am-12pm and the second on Monday night 2 September from 7-9pm. Both courses run for 8 weeks. Lessons are held at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, 21A Bemersyde Drive Berwick. No partner is required.

· To reserve your place, please phone Maree on 97022348.

U3A Casey

Did you know that U3A Casey now has 471 members and operates out of multiple venues across the Casey area?

It offers 65 different classes, ranging from exercise/movement/dance groups to literature, crafts, music, discussion groups and more.

Membership from July to December is $30 with no further costs.

· If you want to keep both your mind and body active after retirement, then visit u3acasey.org.au Yoga and meditation

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.

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.

NEWS

Planetarium space experience

On Saturday 10 August, Starlab Planetarium is coming to St Thomas Aquinas College in Tynong for Science Week.

The huge portable planetarium will take you on a mesmerising journey through outer space and the solar system.

Lead by a qualified teacher, the event is suitable for adults and children.

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 sessions will include Solar System (all ages) from 11am, Space Flight History (all ages) from 11.30am, Two Worlds Beyond (seven and up) from noon, Solar System (all ages) from 12.30pm, Earth’s Wild Ride (all ages) from 1pm and Back to the Moon for Good (all ages) from 1.30pm.

· To book tickets for $20 per person, visit sciencedomeatstthomas.eventbrite.com.au

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.

Scrabble Club

Berwick Activities Club is hosting a Scrabble Club every Friday from 1pm to 3.30pm.

It will be both competitive and social on a one-toone 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.

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.

Inner Wheel Club of Berwick

The Inner Wheel Club (IW) Berwick is a ladies international friendship club which raises funds to support local charities and other worthwhile causes.

They have a dinner meeting on the first Monday of the month and enjoy a range of activities including guest speakers, morning teas, book club and craft afternoons. Recently they enjoyed a group meeting with the IW clubs of Narre Warren, Pakenham and Cranbourne.

The guest speaker was a part owner of the champion race horse “Black Caviar”. The mare is now 18 years old and is a mother and grandmother.

· Club welcomes new members. Should you be interested to learn more, you may like to message them at their Facebook page ‘Inner Wheel Club of Berwick’ or send an email via iiw. au.berwick@gmail.com

Berwick Springs VIEW Club

Affiliated with The Smith Family, the Berwick Springs VIEW Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with the aim to fundraise to support Learning for Life students.

The club currently supports 10 students of varying ages with their education expenses.

The club meets on the first Monday of each month in the Berwick Springs Hotel function room from 11.15am, where members enjoy a lunch and then host a guest speaker.

Throughout the year, the club has a couple of special fundraisers, as well as casual morning tea and lunch for interested ladies.

The club is always looking for new members in all age groups.

· For more information, contact Shirley on 0438 191 759 or email berwicksprings.viewclub@ gmail.com

Probus Club of Pakenham East

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

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

A short meeting is followed by morning tea and the opportunity to get to know members prior to the introduction of the guest speaker.

Various activities are held throughout the month.

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

Customer classification

Ever noticed how your most difficult customers tend to contribute least to your business and tend to cause most of the problems? Conversely how your best customers contribute most to your business and are easy to deal with? I am not quite sure why this is the case, but it certainly does appear to be a common theme across many industries. Well, this pattern can be utilised by you to get clarity on the customers worth keeping and how best to deal with those that cause you the most headaches. The practice is known as ‘customer classification’ or ‘customer segmentation’ and it starts by defining a framework within which your regular customers can fit. Here’s how it works.

Four levels are usually sufficient to distinguish your customer base; you could use more but not less than three. If using four, then the categorisation might be something along the following lines:

TAKING CARE

· Class A: your great and valued customers

· Class B: good customers that you want to retain

· Class C: those that don’t belong in A, B or D

· Class D: customers that cause you the most headaches

You can define the criteria for each according to what you feel is important, but here are some fairly broad criteria and typical characteristics that you could use as a basis:

Class A:

· There is a regular volume of good work

· Margins are very good for your business

· They pay on-time

· Their staff are easy to deal with and are advocates for your business

Class B:

· These customers are significant contributors to your annual revenue

· Margins are good for your business

· They generally pay on-time

· No problems in dealing with their staff who are happy with your products and services

Class C:

· Contribute to annual revenue

· Reasonable margins for your business

· Pay within acceptable limits

· Staff are okay to deal with but won’t necessarily advocate for your business

Class D:

· Small contributors to annual revenue

· Margins are low and potentially negative at times

· Typically pay late

· Are often a pain to deal with (will tend to complain more than most), may also be detractors

Obviously you want to maximise the number of Class A customers and so consider rewarding them in small ways for their loyalty. Class B and C customers should be encouraged to become Class A. While it may be tempting to ‘sack Class D, my recommendation is to raise the prices for these customers. Not only will this give you an insight into your pricing but if they stay, you do at least get paid for it!

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

St Thomas Aquinas College is hosting a journey through space as part of their Planetarium Space Experience on Saturday 10 August. (NASA)

Pakenham coach departs

By Marcus Uhe

Pakenham Football Club’s internal animus surrounding its future and direction is beginning to spill into the public eye.

Outer East Football Netball (OEFN) released a statement on July 24, stating that Pakenham was one of four clubs that OEFN had received advice from; with Pakenham advising it was ‘exploring options’ as it looked to transfer both football and netball away from OEFN.

Pakenham FC took to Facebook the next day to clarify its intentions to its stakeholders.

It’s the third consecutive year the club has opted to consider other competitions, and in 2023 it joined Narre Warren and Cranbourne in formally applying to join the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League (MPFNL), a move that was rejected by the league’s member clubs.

The powers at be at Toomuc Reserve have a strong desire to compete in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC), a region in which it was a previous powerhouse as a Foundation member of the West Gippsland Football League, winning 21 senior football premierships between 1927 and 2000.

On the same day as the club’s statement on 25 July, senior coach Paul Carbis, president Derrick Brown and vice president Aaron Green met to discuss how they felt the club was tracking, and what was required going forward.

It came after a dismal loss at home against Emerald the previous Saturday in round 14, arguably their most disappointing performance of 2024, and heading into the second week of the Outer East’s split round, of which Pakenham was scheduled for the week off.

Carbis took training the following Tuesday night, 30 July, as standard, but on Thursday morning, 1 August, he contacted the club to inform them that he was resigning from his position as senior coach, effective immediately.

Carbis opted not to comment at this time but thanked the club for the opportunity to coach the senior side.

What shaped as the ideal marriage between a club looking for a fresh voice on the back of its best finish in OEFN’s short history of Premier Division, and a man with VFL coaching experience under his belt, ended after less than 12 months.

Carbis was appointed in October 2023 after the club chose not to reappoint Ash Green as senior coach.

Green had led Pakenham to a finals campaign in OEFN’s Premier Division for the first time in 2023, where they finished 14 points shy of a preliminary final berth, and coached them to the grand final in Division One in 2019.

With a playing group remaining largely in-tact from the previous year, plus a handful of additions from Carbis’ previous club, Garfield, there was plenty of optimism at Toomuc Reserve for what 2024 could provide, leading the new coach to declare in March that the Club’s goal “is to get in the top three” of OEFN’s Premier Division.

At the time of his departure, the Lions languished in ninth position on the Premier Division table, with four wins and 10 losses to show for Carbis’ tenure at the helm, putting the Lions firmly in relegation conversations with four rounds to play.

Through 14 rounds, Pakenham’s only wins

came against bottom-placed Berwick Springs (twice), Monbulk, with a goal after the siren, and Emerald, a team fighting for its life to stay in Premier Division.

While competent offensively, scoring a seventh-highest 66 points per contest, defensively they battled to contain sides, conceding 80 points per game, the third-worst mark through 14 rounds.

Critical losses to sides below them on the table in wet conditions, against Gembrook Cockatoo in round 11 and Emerald in round 14, showed an inability of the playing group to learn from previous mistakes and adapt to the circumstances at hand.

Poor opening quarters, meanwhile, became an unwanted trend, winning just six of 14 and continually finding itself on the back foot early in games.

Brown said that the club had not reached the

internal expectations that it had coming in to 2024.

“As much as we all wanted it to work and everyone would be jumping for joy at the end of the season and all the rest of it, it hasn’t panned out that way and it’s unfortunate, it’s not where either party really wanted to be,” the president said.

“Paul had some good attributes and that’s why he was appointed, but unfortunately for both parties, it didn’t work out.

“I wish him the best of luck; he’s the one that’s left, so it obviously hasn’t been something that he’s seen as a long-term play for him.

“He enjoys his footy and no doubt he’ll find a job in the near future at another club.”

Brown said the desire for the club to consider its options is with the long term future and broader Pakenham community in mind, and the process of finding the club’s next coach has already begun.

“All we want to do is be able to play community sport in an area that we’re all familiar, and make sure it’s enjoyable for all our members,” he said.

“I think you’re always looking to what is the long term benefit, and the long term benefit, as we’re finding out, with all the clubs that were in the South East Football Netball League (SEFNL) that originally were in the Outer East, have now gone to all other places.

“The only two that remain are Officer and Pakenham.

“I think it’s getting to the stage, and I think from Pakenham’s point of view, that things are quite serious, and something needs to be done, for the betterment of the local sporting area, and particularly the Pakenham Football Club.

“The appetite to recruit players into this competition is not where we would like it to be.

“The players would have to explain the reasons why, but it’s certainly a little bit of a hiccup when you’re going to speak to players.

“We’ve just got to look forward and do the best we can for the balance of the year, and the next part to that is, we’ll be looking for a senior coach, because we haven’t got one.”

The club has not formally applied to join the WGFNC as of writing, with applications opening on 1 August.

Pakenham Football Club and Pakenham Netball Club will remain OEFN clubs unless advised by AFL Victoria, the OEFN said in July 24’s statement, between August 1 and October 31.

Finals take centre stage in Outer East women’s football

By David Nagel

Pakenham will carry the tag ‘minor premiers’ into the upcoming Outer East Women’s Division One finals series after the Lions scored a 77-point victory over Belgrave.

The Lions were too sharp and slick for the brave Magpies, winning 11.11(77) to 0.0(0) in the final home-and-away fixture of the season.

Pakenham played some terrific football in the opening term with speedster Tianah Vandesteeg booting two goals and leagueleading goalkicker Aiesha Kolaritsch slotting another.

Belgrave restricted the Lions well in the second quarter, with great efforts from Charlotte Crabtree, Shelby Hauer and Lauren Sultana seeing the 22-point margin at the first break grow only marginally to 31 points at the major interval.

The Lions returned to their best in the third term, with Bianca Moody, Chloe Nagel and Kolaritsch all kicking six-pointers.

Kolaritsch then put the finishing touches on her fantastic 43-goal season, booting four lastquarter goals to make it seven for the evening.

The Lions won plenty of the ball through the midfield, with Sarah Ventura in great form in the ruck while onballers Kate Green, Courtney Stephens and Moody had a plethora of possessions.

Ash Perkins, Emily Devine and Annalise Ryan were tremendous across half back for the Lions, while the diminutive Abbey McKenzie won a stack of ball on the wing.

The Lions will take on Healesville in this

on

night.

Saturday’s second semi-final after the Bloods scored a 4.9(33) to 2.2(14) victory over thirdplaced Upwey-Tecoma.

Danielle Carrucan, Amy Frazzetto, Lisa Mathieson and Monique Willemsen all booted goals for the Bloods, while Paula Pavic, Paisley Stock and Cassy Wilsmore were among their better players.

Ash O’Halloran and Tahlia Sheehan did the bulk of the scoring for Upwey, while Corinna White, Georgia O’Halloran and defender Bec Robinson were deserving of being on the best player’s list.

And Olivia Edwards kicked six goals as reigning-premier Olinda Ferny Creek fine-tuned for finals with a 77-point victory over Berwick Springs.

Maddy Collins and Charlotte Edwards chimed in with a couple each for the winners, who had Lily Carlin, Amalija Kostich and Anna Hughson in ripping form around the ground.

Zara Strang, Tameka Youn and Caitlyn Bonney finished their seasons off strongly for Berwick Springs.

Officer will play finals in Division Two after the Kangaroos bounded their way into fourth place with a 7.6(48) to 4.4(28) triumph over topof-the-table Monbulk.

The Kangas spread the load evenly, with Lauren Mercovich, Erin Andrews, Chelsea Barkwith, Tylah Burn, Ava Cipriani and Katie Granger all kicking one through the big sticks; with Burn the outstanding player on the ground.

Scarlett Henderson kicked two for Monbulk,

who will need to bounce back in its second semi-final against Woori Yallock this week.

The Tigers broke the hearts of Emerald on Saturday, knocking the Bombers from the topfour with a 4.6(30) to 3.5(23) win at Emerald.

The Bombers had their destiny in the own hands, leading by seven points at three-quarter time, but Woori Yallock booted 2.3 to 0.1 in the final term to take home the points.

Casey Wright slotted two goals for Woori, while Molly Webb matched that total for the Bombers.

In other games, Wandin finished its season on a high with a 38-point victory over Seville, while Warburton-Wesburn warmed up for finals with a 58-point thumping of Thornton-Eildon.

Emerson Woods kicked three for the winners, with Jasmine Enever and Madi Ward chiming in with a couple each.

Final standings: Division One: Pakenham 52, Healesville 52, Upwey-Tecoma 32, Olinda Ferny Creek 28, Belgrave 8, Berwick Springs 8. Division Two: Monbulk 52, Woori Yallock 52, Warburton-Wesburn 50, Officer 34, Wandin, 30, Emerald 30, Seville 8, Thornton-Eildon 0.

WOMEN’S FINALS - WEEK 1

Saturday 10 August: Seville Recreation Reserve

OVAL 1: DIVISION 1: Pakenham (1) v Healesville (2) at 12.20pm. DIVISION 2: Monbulk (1) v Woori Yallock (2) at 10.35am.

OVAL 2: DIVISION 1: Upwey Tecoma (3) v Olinda Ferny Creek (4) at 12.20pm. DIVISION 2: Warburton-Wesburn (3) v Officer (4) at 10.35am.

The Pakenham Women’s team celebrates winning the minor premiership with a big win over Belgrave

Friday

(Euan Poulton Photography: 423399)

Paul Carbis resigned from his position as Pakenham senior coach last week. (Stewart Chambers: 402291)

Warriors rise to challenge

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Pakenham has upstaged the table-topping Wyndham in a must-win game to qualify for the Big V Championship women’s finals.

The Warriors have dropped some winnable games in 2024 which put their backs up against the wall coming into the last game of the regular season, but they emerged with a 98-81 victory.

Stunningly, Pakenham won every quarter against a side that’s lost thrice in two years.

It was the best basketball they’ve played all year.

There were scoring threats everywhere, the scout was executed to a tee and the ball handling was clean, allowing them to control possession and build potent offence.

At the defensive end, they were better on the boards and critically were able to balance locking down Wyndham gun Amanda Paschal.

Paschal leads the league for points and assists, Pakenham able to put pressure on her shooting without leaving her teammates free.

She finished with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists – well down on her average of 25 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

“We wanted to give her mid range (contested shots) and stay at home on all shooters so she could not facilitate as easily,” coach Rob Dielemans said.

“Usually she’ll penetrate, someone will come and help and she’ll find someone wide open on the perimeter but because we were able to contest, she wasn’t able to get the assists or rebounds.

“It limited her ability to have an impact on the game.”

Highlighting the sturdiness of Pakenham’s defence, Wyndham was kept to a season-low 27 three point attempts – they average 39.5 in 2024.

Breanna MacKenzie led the defensive lockdown, while Erica Meyer also played a sterling game, highlighted by nine rebounds and three blocks.

The first half was a shootout, with Pakenham putting51pointsontheboard,StellaO’Loughlin’s back-to-back triples late in the first half giving the Warriors an eight-point lead at the main break.

Briahna Whatman scored a pair of triples either side of three-quarter-time, helping to stave off Wyndham’s ability to briefly neutralise Pakenham.

Leading by 11 points at the last break, Pakenham quickly scored the first eight points of the

last quarter to effectively put the game to bed.

Haille Nickerson scored 10 of her 30 points in a polished finish to the game as Wyndham was forced to spread the load to stop Pakenham’s multi-pronged attack.

Mackenzie, Whatman, Mel Prior, Stella O’Loughlin, Ebony Sans and Meyer all finished with at least eight points.

“Our shot selection was a lot better – what we were prepared to give up was contested and we

got out in transition and pushed the ball back down their throat,” Dielemans said.

“We were able to get high percentage looks because of it.

“We were able to look after the ball and had the guards passing it and that was primarily the change we made to transition down the floor.

“The effort, intensity and attention to detail of what we were trying to execute was amazing.”

Sunbury defeating Sherbrooke as Pakenham’s game was unfolding made it a do-or-die clash, something addressed at halftime.

“It’s probably one of the best wins I’ve ever been part of,” Dielemans said.

“We knew at halftime it was win or go home and a certain amount of fortitude came out.”

Vocal ahead of the season about his finals expectation for the roster, Dielemans remained diplomatic with the regular season completed.

“We’ve ticked box number one – we aimed to make finals, it was our expectation.

“There were naysayers which was our motivation.

“They’re one game series so if you show up and play well on the night and deal with the nerves better, you probably come up with the result.”

The Warriors will take on Sunbury on the road on Saturday evening – a challenge the coach is confident won’t daunt Pakenham, which have travelled well throughout the season.

Meanwhile, the men’s season finished with back-to-back losses on the weekend.

After going down 99-96 to Bellarine on Saturday, a poor first quarter put Wyndham on the front foot on Sunday, with the table-toppers winning 98-79.

Joe Davis was excellent in his last weekend for the Warriors, scoring 33 points against Bellarine and 28 against Wyndham, while Elias Kafrouni scored a triple in the last match of his career in front of home fans.

Exciting times as Youth women look to book first ticket

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Pakenham will face Albury Wodonga for a spot in the Big V Youth League One Women grand final.

Albury-Wodonga held off a fast-finishing Coburg to win 82-77 on the weekend after being comfortably beaten by McKinnon in the first week of finals.

The Bandits were too good for Pakenham when they met at Cardinia Life in round 16, getting up 72-59 on an evening Pakenham struggled to find their radar.

The Warriors have been much stronger since, with selection continuity and defensive intent helping them to a 74-63 victory last week over Ballarat which earned them the weekend off.

The victory came off the back of the pressure they were able to put on Ballarat’s shooting, with the visitors going at a paltry 28 per cent.

After bucketing five of their first seven shots, the Warriors’ discipline and application at the post denied Ballarat open shots, and they were able to limit their repeat looks.

Hayley Letts, Chelsea Schreuder and Chloe Zielinski combined for an enormous 30 defensive rebounds, with that work helping kickstart Pakenham’s periods of ascendancy.

Schreuder fell agonisingly short of a triple double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists but stood up when it mattered, played with a hard edge and distributed effectively.

She also locked down Millie Cracknell from the second quarter onwards, limiting her to five points after quarte time following a 13-point first quarter.

Elizabeth Morozoff contributed to limiting the impact of Ballarat big Maisy Hammond, while an injury to Ballarat’s leading scorer Jemma Amoore in the first half aided Pakenham but made Ballarat more unpredictable.

Pakenham went on an eight-point run during a first quarter shootout, a 12-point run either side of halftime and another eight-point run during the third quarter which opened up a significant buffer.

“It was a great win – we were nervous going

in given our recent form but we took confidence from our last game,” said coach Ben Gaze.

“It was good to have all available players for the game and add the extra depth and all in all it was a great team game and we were able to execute what we needed to do.

“All of that stemmed from us getting defensive stops and once we do that, our offence can flow.

“We know Ballarat come out with defensive intensity and we didn’t want to let them setup defensively.

“Stats say we’re the best defensive team in the league so we wanted to live by that and grind it out at the other end.

“We don’t allow teams to have easy shots but then it’s about finishing the play as well and making sure they don’t get the second and third attempts.

“The games we do lose, the other team gets a lot of second chance points in the paint and we often give them a lot more opportunities or shots at the basket.”

The match-high margin was 25 points at three-quarter-time before Ballarat pegged it back, but never seriously threatened in the last quarter.

Notably, Pakenham got 17 points, 11 rebounds and five steals from its bench, with Rhiannon Gallagher playing a crucial role as the sixth.

“She was very good off the bench offering spark and she doesn’t need to score to be effective – her intensity on defence and communicating is her best asset for us and gets everyone else switched on,” Gaze said.

Elizabeth Morozoff also played a key role Zielinski scored 24 points in a game where every Warrior hit the scoreboard.

While Pakenham came in with a win behind it last Sunday, there was little selection continuity in the last four home and away matches, so the cohesion of the unit was another pleasing factor.

Elizabeth Morozoff did a job on Maisy Hammond. (Stewart Chambers: 418880)

Breanna Mackenzie played a key role at the defensive end. (Stewart Chambers: 413421)

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