News - Pakenham Officer Star News - 24th April 2025
Beginning
Gauging voter sentiment, it is clear that the outcome of the election will be hard to determine. Some voters indicated they would be switching their vote to parties they haven’t preferenced highly before. One voter expressed their frustration with the major parties that they are “going around in circles” and would vote for minor parties. There also continues to be growing sentiment among the younger generations that they are left behind and forgotten by politics. This comes as Prime Minister Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton held their third debate last night, hosted by Channel Nine.
Though Albanese has increased in the polls during the campaign to a two-party-preferred vote predicted as high as 55.5 percent, many still believe there is no clear favourite with a large number of swing voters up for grabs this election.
Former Cardinia Mayor Jeff Springfield (middle, handing out a card) running for Labor in La Trobe. (Rob Carew: 473248)
Voters hit the booths early
By Corey Everitt & Afraa Kori
Early voting has begun, and Pakenham locals are feeling frustrated while others are feeling hopeful for an election that still has no clear favourite. Beginning on Tuesday 22 April, Pakenham Uniting Church opened once again as the local early voting centre for this federal election scheduled for 3 May. PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE and Opposition Leader PETER DUTTON held their third debate last night, hosted by Channel Nine. Though Albanese has increased in the polls during the campaign to a two-party-preferred vote predicted as high as 55.5 percent, many still believe there is no clear favourite with a large number of swing voters up for grabs this election. The vote of minor parties and independents is expected to increase due to continued disillusionment with Labor and Liberal.
Voters’ share thoughts
Pakenham resident Joan voted for the Greens for the first time after a long period of voting Labor. Her central concern was housing and she believed the Greens’ influence could push Labor to take more dramatic action on the question.
She is inspired by housing programs in Europe, such as tiny homes initiatives or the construction of rapid, mobile facilities to house the homeless and marginalised.
Supply needs to go up dramatically, Joan believes, not just for young people but also for her own generation.
“I live in a retirement village here, it’s not up
I’m sick of listening to them bag each other, don’t bag somebody, instead, tell me what you are going to do,” she said.
to scratch and I would like to get out,” Joan said.
“If the Government gave land and they built things like tiny homes for people like me, I would be able to get out, but I can’t get out now and you can’t get out to pay rents of $500-600 a week.”
Ennal, also from Pakenham, went the other way from Labor by switching to the Liberal Party.
His switch of vote was due to the changing geopolitical landscape with US President Donald Trump, a landscape that he didn’t believe Albanese could guide Australia through.
“The Liberal Party, I think, is the one who will work best with him,” Ennal said.
Another local, Liz came out of the voting booth feeling “frustrated.”
She voted for a minor party this time as she is fed up with “going around in circles”.
“I’m sick of listening to them bag each other, don’t bag somebody, instead, tell me what you are going to do,” she said.
Pakenham local, Jenny voted Labor but said the political situation was a “mess.”
“Either of them, they just make promises and they break them,” she said.
She ultimately stuck with Labor “for the working class.”
Jessica Watson, a Gen Z voter who has called Pakenham home for the past 16 years, believes many young Australians feel left behind in a system that wasn’t built with them in mind.
“In some cases, possibly, but not exactly. It’s more for the adults,” she said.
“Some people who might be single or have a hard time supporting themselves are struggling more now, especially with prices definitely going up and not having fair choices in what they want to do. That’s been a problem for a while.”
Still, Jessica remains hopeful that the next government could bring meaningful change.
“I hope so. I think they both have a good impact or they might have bad, but they also have good,” she said.
What young voters like Jessica are looking for goes beyond policies and promises—they want a fairer, more inclusive Australia.
“For people to all have free rights and have a say in what they do. And not being discriminated against just because of your culture, your face , your colour or your gender,” she said.
“More easy access to going into a career you want to do and not having all this struggle trying to get through and all that.
“Because you’ve got all these different courses you have to choose. Some people are unsure what they want to do in their life.”
Andy Linaker, a loyal Liberal voter from Pakenham, feels the Liberals are better equipped to “get things on track,” especially in managing key issues like the cost of living.
“I just don’t like how Albanese has handled
things; everything has gone up since he’s been in. Well, the key thing is on V8 cars, so petrol. Everything else, it is what it is,” Andy said.
“Coming from England, it’s pretty much the same—Labor or Conservative, Liberals. I trust the Liberals to do a better job here. Also, nuclear power should have been done years ago.”
Mary, a retiree who has lived in Pakenham for six years, stands out from other voters by focusing not on the usual election issues, but on the growing restrictions around animal ownership and the right to a pension.
As someone who used to breed dogs and remains deeply involved in dog shows, she has witnessed firsthand how new regulations are affecting responsible breeders.
“It’s just getting harder and harder,” she said.
“Different shires have different regulations. Shires like Gisborne are now telling them they can’t keep their old dogs. If they want to keep a couple of girls to breed on with, they’ve got to put their old dogs down. It’s really bad!”
When it comes to the broader political landscape, Mary is blunt in her assessment.
“Maybe Liberals would be (better for animal rights), because the Animal Justice Party, they’re so anti-animals,” she said.
“We have never had a government that’s brought a meaningful change, so I’m a bit of a cynic.”
Kylie, a resident of Pakenham, supports Labor because she believes it is the only major party prioritizing inclusion, fairness, and tangible outcomes for disadvantaged communities.
Outside the voting centre. (Rob Carew: 473248)
The candidates.
Kylie is an ongoing advocate for better support services for families, particularly those dealing with autism and the aging process.
“I’ve got a child who’s autistic, and the services that are available are just not good enough. You get scammed left, right, and center. People take your money but don’t give you anything for it,” she said.
“My grandmother’s 90 now and there’s nothing they can medically do for her. The last thing I want to do is keep watching her suffer when I know that she would probably turn around and say, ‘I want to just finish’.”
Despite her loyalty to Labour, Kylie believes they won’t be able to fix everything right away if they get elected because the previous parties in charge caused significant damage.
“It doesn’t matter who gets in this time. No one’s going to be able to fix it because they’ve already trashed it. Unless they completely rip it out and start again,” she said.
“The damage isn’t something one election can undo. Whoever sits in the seat now has to face the aftermath of decisions made long before.“
Inside the voting booths.
Former Cardinia Mayor Jeff Springfield (middle, handing out a card) running for Labor in Latrobe. (Rob Carew: 473248)
Passionate voters.
Early voting.
Candidate Boards.
Celebrating eight years
By Afraa Kori
The Women’s Friendship Cafe Pakenham celebrated its 8th anniversary on 17 April at Living & Learning Pakenham Inc., marking nearly a decade of fostering connection, support, and friendship among local women.
The event was attended by Pakenham MP Emma Vulin, who congratulated the group on their milestone and praised the impact they’ve had on the community.
“It was lovely to join you all once again to not only celebrate this occasion but to thank you all for the support you show each other each and every week,” she said.
“We know it’s so important to have people you can have a cuppa with, build friendships and come together. Well done Jolene on being a wonderful leader for these amazing women!”
Ms Vulin also introduced Jeff Springfield, the
Labor candidate for La Trobe, who was warmly welcomed by the group.
“It’s fantastic to help this group celebrate their 8th birthday, 8th anniversary of existence, and 8 years of supporting the community through the Women’s Friendship Cafe,” Mr Springfield said.
“This group reaches out to women across the area, offering connection and support. Without groups like this, our community would be worse off.”
Reflecting on his visit during the election period, Mr Springfield said it was a valuable opportunity to meet locals and see the positive outcomes of community-led initiatives.
“It’s great to meet new people and witness firsthand the great work they achieve together. It’s lovely to see the wide diversity across La Trobe— it’s such a big area, and I hope to meet as many people as I can,” he said.
Jolene.
Women united.
Usula.
A cake to celebrate.
Photographer Collen and Carol.
Maz and Indu.
Emma Vulin and Jeff Springfield.
Eliane, Geoff and Patricia. (Afraa Kori)
Sue, Nicole and Sue.
Pope mourned
By Corey Everitt
Many locals have joined millions across the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
His Holiness died on Easter Monday, a few weeks after an extended period in hospital through February and March.
Pope Francis gave his final Easter address and blessed children on Easter Sunday despite advice to rest.
Bishop of Sale, Greg Bennet said the Holy Father presented “humility in style, dress and manner”.
“Compassionate to the poor; merciful to the forgotten; welcoming to the stranger; humble in lifestyle; courageous in addressing the concerns of the modern world; a voice of challenge to the powerful and always deeply concerned to remind the Church that her mission was the same as the mission of Jesus,” Bishop Bennet said in a statement.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Argentinian
would become the first non-European Pope in over a thousand years and was the first Pope from the Americas.
Becoming the head of The Holy See in 2013, the name Francis was chosen after Saint Francis of Assisi, who chose a life of poverty to preach his faith and is the patron of animals and the environment.
This would precede his pontificate’s new direction in concerns with the poor, calls for international action on climate change, more liberal statements on social issues and pleas to end war across the world.
Herbie O’Flynn from St Patrick’s Pakenham, said Pope Francis inspired believers to help others, like in the Parish’s relief initiative, Paddy’s Kitchen.
“He was very down to earth, Pope Francis encouraged us to reach out to those in need,” Mr O’Flynn said.
The funeral will take place on Saturday 10am, local time, in Vatican City.
Four arrested after stolen car spotted in Pakenham
Four people have been arrested after multiple police units followed them from Pakenham to Elwood in an allegedly stolen vehicle overnight on Tuesday 22 April.
Officers patrolling in Pakenham spotted the allegedly stolen silver Holden Astra on Bald Hill Road, near the railway station, just after midnight.
The Astra was followed along the Monash Freeway at alleged high speeds.
Air Wing continued to track the car through Melbourne’s southeast along the Nepean Highway.
Operation Trinity and Operation Compass units on the ground followed the Astra and stop sticks were successfully deployed in Brighton East.
The car came to a stop a short time later on Glen Huntly Road in Elwood.
The five occupants fled on foot.
A 14-year-old boy from the St Kilda area, a 16-year-old boy from the Pakenham area, an 18-year-old Pakenham woman and a 17-year-old girl from the Pakenham area were arrested by Dog Squad officers nearby on Mitford Street.
They were taken into custody where they will be interviewed by detectives.
Police believe one offender remains outstanding and investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Operation Trinity units target burglars and car thieves from dusk to dawn across Melbourne.
On top of standard patrols, there are
large numbers of additional police including members of the Dog Squad, Public Order Response and Air Wing, specifically tasked with preventing and responding to burglaries and car thefts each night.
Operation Compass is a 10-day statewide road policing blitz, focusing on impaired drivers carrying passengers over the Easter and Anzac Day period.
It got underway at 0001 hours on Thursday 17 April and concludes at 2359 hours on Sunday 27 April.
Pope Francis. (AAP)
A still taken from air wing footage of the incident. (Footage courtesy Victoria Police)
$10k for Good Friday Appeal
By Afraa Kori
The Pine Grove Hotel has once again proven just how powerful community spirit can be. On April 17th, 2025, the family-owned local favourite hosted a Family Fun Day that brought together hundreds of locals for a cause close to many hearts — the Good Friday Appeal, in support of the Royal Children’s Hospital.
With an estimated 200–300 people attending throughout the day, the event raised an incredible $10,273.55. Organisers were thrilled by the turnout and generosity, describing the day as a resounding success.
Guests were treated to an action-packed afternoon featuring silent auctions, raffles, a jumping castle, fairy floss, popcorn, snow cones, and more. The event was brought to life by volunteers — including the Pine Grove Hotel’s own staff, who gave their time freely to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere was the talented acoustic duo Tarran and Luke, who performed live and shared their musical magic with the crowd. Their energy and soulful sound lit up the event and created unforgettable moments for attendees.
The Pine Grove Hotel expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed — from those who donated goods, vouchers, and money, to the businesses big and small that showed their support.
Organisers hope the funds raised will go a long way in supporting children and families in need. “Our aim was to bring joy to our local community and to the children that need it the most,” they shared. “We couldn’t be more grateful to our community for coming together in such a big way.”
With sights already set on next year, the Pine Grove Hotel promises an even bigger and better event in 2026 — all in the name of giving back.
Easter joy at Turning Point Church
By Afraa Kori
The grounds of Turning Point Church in Officer were buzzing with excitement on 18 April, as families, friends and visitors gathered for the annual Easter egg hunt.
The community event was packed with activities for all ages, including a sausage sizzle, popcorn, fairy floss, craft stalls, balloon art, and live entertainment.
Children enjoyed jumping castles and games, while the highlight of the day—the Easter Egg Hunt had little ones eagerly searching every corner for sweet treats.
“What an incredible turn out at Officer Good Friday Games Day & Egg Hunt Community Event,” the church committee shared on social media.
“A huge thank you to every person that came out and made the day as awesome as it was! It is a blessing to see the Community come together.
“Thank you to our Turning point family who supported the event and to our amazing volunteers and vendors who made this all possible.
“Special shout out to the following organisations for your support and contributions: Cardinia Shire Council, Hayden Butler Foundation, Stewart Rope Access , The Coffee Convoy, Melbourne Castle Hire Bouncy Castle, TurningPoint Church Koo Wee Rup and Turningpoint Church Cranbourne.” Levi and
Robbie.Everyone got involved.Tangi and Pastor Tony.
Karen and Matilda David volunteering.
Sisterhood.
Locals gathered. (Supplied)
Face painting results. Children joined. Prize.
Decor.
Big turnout at Cranbourne
By Violet Li
Cranbourne’s major pre-polling centre has seen
a massive turnout on the first day of early voting.
Star News talked with voters on the spot on their perspectives on the election, and the major concerns revolved around housing unaffordability and the nation’s future energy path.
Voters from Cranbourne and the surrounding areas swarmed to the pre-polling centre at the 1st Cranbourne Scout Hall along the South Gippsland Highway on Tuesday 22 April.
Volunteers recalled that the long queue circled all the way to the service road at 9am in the morning, and the nature strip was packed with cars. The momentum waned gradually after the lunch break, but still, it took many voters an average of 20 to 30 minutes to get to the front.
Campaign signage of Holt and Bruce candidates was lined up in front of the polling centre. The only signage not present was Shane Foreman’s, the Family First candidate for Holt.
A couple from Lyndhurst shared that ever since the beginning of the campaign, they had been interested in the Labor’s vision. Their goto policy from the Labor has been Medicare and housing.
“The housing prices have been increasing a lot, and the bank interest as well, so much. Working hard just for the mortgage is too much. The medical expenses have increased so much. We have to spend so much money on the medicines,” the couple said.
“Hopefully, they will look into it.”
A woman voter praised the organisation on the day, saying the voting was very well organised and straightforward. It didn’t take her long to vote, as she knew very well who she wanted to vote for.
The resident didn’t share who she voted for, but she said her major concern was how her children could get into the housing market.
“I think they should reduce some of the taxes for first-time buyers, also probably enable them to get not just the first home buyers grant for new builds, but for existing homes as well,” she said.
She talked about the negative gearing and believed it should not be removed.
“Negative gearing will stop people buying houses. It may free up some homes for sure. It’s a very delicate situation,” she said.
“I don’t have investment properties. I’ve just got one house, which I’m still paying off. But I do understand some people have multiple homes. But, again, some of those homes do become rentals for housing.
“It’s very hard to have a magical mathematical number on the whole thing.”
When approached for his perspectives on the election campaigns so far, a local in his fifties said: “I think Liberals got Buckleys and Nana getting in. Absolutely waste of freaking space.”
“They haven’t done anything. They keep selling everything off.
“And then when Labor gets in, it takes more than a couple of years to get everything going back again.”
The local said he had voted for Labor.
Another couple, who are in their seventies, said firmly that they had always voted for Liberals.
“Cannot stand the condition of our country and our State at the moment. Shocking,” they said.
“See how lucky we were. We built the biggest house when we were young. When I was 19, I bought the land, 21, we got married. And we could afford that. You’d name one person who’s 21 years old now who does that.
“When Liberals were in, and everybody could afford a house.
“We have got communists running the country, and the State is in such a shocking state. I don’t even know how else to say it.”
A local who lives around said he voted for the Liberals this time. He said he used to be a Labor voter, but not anymore.
“It’s bad government,” he said.
The local rooted for Peter Dutton’s nuclear policy and the approximately $55,000 mortgage interest tax deduction for first home buyers of newly built homes.
“I think we should I think we should be going to nuclear. I think we should not be going to re-
newables. Renewables cost a lot of money. And it’s going to take a long time to do that,” he said.
“I’ve got a house already, so it doesn’t really matter to me, but for people who are going in the market today, $50,000 is a lot of money. It takes a long time to save $50,000.”
Another local who lives down the street said he would prefer to vote for an independent, but there was none in Holt. He would vote for the Liberal in the end.
“My views of a parliament is that they won’t work together. You got the ALP on one side, the Liberals on the other. And they will not let one another know whether they’ve got a good idea or not, which is stupid,” he said,
“If one has a good idea, the others should endorse it.”
Policy-wise, he supported Peter Dutton’s nuclear plants.
“Once it’s established, it doesn’t take much to run it. And they keep hyping the big cost. What about the high cost of the solar panels? No one really analyses the cost of making a solar
panel,” he said.
“And then, all this new stuff with the copper with electric cars, how much copper is coming out? And they’ve got to keep producing copper, and that takes a lot of energy, do you? And solar is not going to do all that all the time.
“Wind, well, you can laugh at that. It only works half the time when the wind’s blowing.
“And fossil fuels eventually will run out. You’ve gotta find something different.”
Early voting runs until Friday 2 May.
Local early voting centres include:
· 1st Cranbourne Scout Hall, 255-257 South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne.
· Akoonah Park Centre, 2 Cardinia Street, Berwick.
· Clyde Public Hall, 30 Railway Road, Clyde. On Mondays through to Thursdays, centres will be open from 8.30 am - 5.30 pm.
On Saturday 26 April, centres will be open from 9am - 4pm and from 8.30 am - 6pm on Friday 2 May.
Cranbourne’s major pre-polling centre has seen a massive turnout on the first day of early voting.
Volunteers were distributing how-to-vote cards on the day. (Rob Carew: 473385)
Greens Holt candidate Payal Tiwari on the day.Long queue.
One Nation Holt candidate Trevor Hammond on the day.
Liberal Holt candidate Annette Samuel started the day earlier at around 7.30am.
Dr Mark Tarrant, head of Obstetrics at Casey Hospital, and Margaret Pickering, the original Associate Nurse Unit Manager of the maternity unit, now Nursing Co-Ordinator at Casey Hospital, recalled the days of establishing the service two decades ago.
Maternity unit celebrates
The maternity unit at Casey Hospital is celebrating 20 years of delivering babies.
There have been more than 37,500 births at the hospital in Berwick since the first baby was delivered there on 22 March 2005.
Original members of the unit’s maternity team recalled establishing the service two decades ago.
“Initially, there were six of us there with no patients and no other midwives, just setting up the unit, buying equipment and looking through new policies and procedures ready for the midwives to start,” Margaret Pickering said, who is the original associate Nurse Unit manager of the maternity unit, now nursing coordinator at Casey Hospital.
The unit’s first birth was highly anticipated.
“Every time the phone rang, a midwife ran to the phone, hoping it would be someone in labor
coming in to have a baby!” she recalled.
“I remember the very first lady who did come into birth. Everyone was so excited, and everyone wanted to be part of the birth.
“And they put their names in a hat to draw out the midwife who was going to be the lucky person to be able to deliver the first baby at Casey.”
Ms Pickering is proud of the unit’s record of listening to and responding to the community’s wishes.
“We met with women and listened to what they wanted and put things together, things like water births and water immersion for labor that wasn’t offered at many maternity units back in those days,” she said.
“Later, we offered home birth.”
In the initial planning phase, Casey Hospital’s
Cardinia Shire Council
Federal Election
Community
maternity unit was envisaged as a midwife-led service for low-risk births, with women experiencing any issues to be transferred to Dandenong Hospital for specialist care.
But, as planning progressed, it was decided that specialist obstetricians would be made available to come onsite at any time, allowing more women to safely deliver their babies close to home and their families.
“I was one of the six original obstetricians at Casey from day one. Three of us continue to work there,” Dr Mark Tarrant, head of Obstetrics at Casey Hospital, said.
“I see it as my family. It’s one of those places where it’s nice to come to work. It’s friendly.”
Casey Hospital started with 500 births a year. Its position in a high-growth area has since seen the
number of births rise to 2,500 annually.
With more births, complex cases have also increased.
“The hospital has become a premier training site for specialist obstetricians. We now have 16 consultants on staff, of whom at least eight have trained at Casey Hospital. So, we’ve trained our own specialists through,” Dr Tarrant said.
The hospital manages low and high-risk pregnancies. Midwives provide the majority of care, with obstetricians on site Monday to Friday and available outside hours.
“We have developed very much a culture where midwives and doctors work as a team. We make sure we have the right person for the patient at the time they are required, and we work together,” Dr Tarrant said.
Q&A Session
Come along to Cardinia Shire Council’s Federal Election Community Q&A session at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Tuesday 29 April.
Hear from candidates standing for the seat of La Trobe at the upcoming election on 3 May.
Strategist and futurist, Simon Waller, will moderate the session.
All questions must be submitted via the registration link prior to the event and will not be taken from the audience on the night.
We will endeavour to ensure a wide range of topics and issues are covered. Learn more about Council’s advocacy priorities www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/advocacy
Tuesday 29 April, 6–7:30pm
Cardinia Cultural Centre 40 Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham
Casey Hospital Maternity Unit staff celebrated the unit’s 20 years of delivering babies. (Supplied)
We’re building the Metro Tunnel and there will be disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions:
Cranbourne and Pakenham lines
26 to 27 AprilBuses replace trains in both directions from Caulfield to Westall
10 to 11 May 17 to 18 May
Road disruptions: Road closed
Bald Hill Road, Pakenham
8pm to 5am each night, 29 to 30 April
Clyde Road, Berwick 8pm to 5am, at times in late April
Passengers change at Caulfield Station for Frankston Line trains to and from the city
Between Racecourse Road/ Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road and Webster Way
In sections between Bemersyde Drive and Enterprise Avenue
Anzac Station
Cross Purpose Church Cranbourne opened its doors wide on Easter Saturday 19 April, for the Helping Hands – Mega Giveaway, a day of generosity and hope.
Locals lined up early, greeted by smiling volunteers ready to hand out clothing, groceries, and essential items, all free of charge.
Robertha, Agnes, Mary, Hannah and Magdalene were helping out during the day. (Gary Sissons: 472843)
Leona, Zion, Beverly, Dawina, Michelle, Christine and Sawah had face painting done.
Ojulu Wan and Yormie Page had pet food to give out.
Robertha, Agnes, Mary, Hannah, Magdalene and Sulanah at the day.
Dawina Davies with the Mascot (Homeless Harry).
Celebrating local history
Casey Heritage Day was held on 12 April this year, where local history groups and enthusiasts came together to celebrate Casey’s shared past. Devonshire tea, sausage sizzle, displays and stalls, book sales, and live music were presented on the day at Ercildoune Homestead in Cranbourne West. This year, local author Sean Murphy, whose book The Cranbourne Meteorite had recently made the shortlist of the 2024 Victorian Community History Awards, spoke at the event.
“I spoke for about 45 minutes in the early afternoon inside the homestead. About 30 people were in attendance. There was a lot of Q&A engagement at the end of the session,” he said.
“I think this book has been received pretty well.”
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Author Sean Murphy was on the day with his recent book about the Cranbourne Meteorite. He spoke to the visitors about the event and its impact on the region.
Cam, Nick, and Amina with the band April Sun performed live music. (Rob Carew: 471253)
Cr Dave Perry met the Wilson Park Spinning Group Members, from left, Sandra, Julie, Alison, Helen.
Jamie the Bubble Man kept Children running and jumping.
Friends of Wilson Botanic Park members were with the famous diorama: Carolyn Humphreys, Mathew Chester, Finn and Lilia Kraefft.
Elysia from Connected Libraries.
THROUGH THE GENERATIONS
Building a lasting legacy
In 2025, Van Steensel Timbers proudly celebrates 60 years in business – a milestone that reflects generations of dedication, hard work, and community connection.
Our story began in a humble fashion. Jan Van Steensel, alongside his wife Freda, started the business by salvaging second-hand timber, painstakingly de-nailing each board by hand for resale. It was honest, gritty work, and it laid the foundations of a family legacy rooted in resilience and service.
Jan was more than a founder – he was the heart of the business. Remarkably, he continued working in the timber yard well into his 90s, only stepping back shortly before his passing in June 2017 at the age of 91. His enduring work ethic and commitment to quality continue to guide us every day.
Today, Van Steensel Timbers is still proudly family-run. The Officer store is operated by Peter and David, Jan and Freda’s eldest sons, and trades six days a week. Meanwhile, the Grantville store, overseen by Bruce and Stephen, the youngest of the brothers, expanded in 2020 to include a thriving plant nursery and now serves the community seven days a week.
While timber remains our core, we now supply a wide range of building materials, hardware, and rural supplies – everything needed to complete projects from the groundworks up. Our customers include generations of tradespeople, DIYers, and locals who have supported us through the decades.
As we mark our 60th year, we honour our past while looking to the future with gratitude and pride. Thank you to our loyal customers, our hardworking team, and the Van Steensel family –past and present – for making this journey possible.
Here’s to the next chapter of Van Steensel Timbers – built strong, just like our foundations.
Celebrating 60 Years of Van Steensel Timbers – A legacy built to last - Freda and Jan.
Shaara, Sarina, Peter, Nathan, David, Louise, Sue and Freda.
Shaara, Peter, Andy and Jolanda.
Proud history, a family affair
Alex Scott & Staff was established in 1886 and offers real estate and livestock services throughout the South West Gippsland region.
With 14 offices offering all real estate advice, from appraisals, valuations, sales, purchases, property management, and holiday rentals.
They have residential, holiday, industrial and commercial specialists and provide all livestock advice and assistance from purchasing, sales, appraisals, valuations and animal husbandry.
They also hold regular livestock auctions and can source and sell livestock direct or via the internet sales and listings on Auctionsplus.
Current director Tom Gibson started in 1979, but it was his great-grandfather Alex Scott who purchased the business in 1886.
“I am the fourth generation and my son, Tim, is the fifth generation,” he said.
“As a young child, I would attend cattle sales, clearing sales and many real estate auctions with dad, Bruce Gibson and his uncle Stewart Scott, Alex Scott’s son.
“During these times, I met many of our staff and clients, many of whom were with us for many decades and generations. I met clients and experienced their joy at the good results we helped them achieve.
“I met staff who were very proud of our company, just as we were proud of them. I still enjoy these experiences and love to help people get the best outcomes and still very proud of our staff and the work they do.
“It is these friendships that make me want to see the company succeed for many more generations.”
Mr Gibson also wanted to highlight and con-
gratulate Janine Gerdson on achieving her thirtyyear milestone with the company and all at Pakenham.
“She has continued to improve the way we do things from her beginnings on 14 April 1995, and has maintained a very tight control of our trust account and legal responsibilities of our 14 office network and she has proven to be our very accomplished officer in effective control and a valued member of our Board of Management.
“Well done Janine.
“We manage about 400 properties from our Pakenham office and we are seeking a property manager to assist our team and we are also looking for a salesperson to assit them and our Rental Providers with the sale of their properties.
Address: 95 Main Street, Pakenham. Contact: 03 5941 1111.
Passsionate about photos
Solve your photography and printing needs with help from Roylaines Photo and Electronics Pakenham. Darren, Jennie, Elise and their expert team are passionate about photo printing, Picture framing and creating your memories and moments into products you can treasure forever. Founded on preserving memories, the store offers a variety of services including film processing, printing and scanning and digitising negatives, prints, slides and even cine film movies and video. Roylaines also stock all the latest electronics. Their diverse range of gizmos and gadgets, cables, leads, convertors, and adaptors can help get all your tech equipment working the way you want it to.
Darren Spargo, who has owned and operated Roylaines Photo and Electronics Pakenham celebrated 31 years, says “having the stock is one thing, but we combine our experience, knowledge and patience to ensure our customers get the solutions they need”.
For passionate and patient customer service, find Roylaines at 148 Main Street, Pakenham, or visit roylaines.com.au to shop online.
Jennie, Darren and Elise and their expert team are passionate about photo printing, picture framing and creating your memories and moments into products you can treasure forever.
Third generation Freddie enjoys the latest technology available.
Jennie, Darren and Elise and their expert team are passionate about photo printing, picture framing and creating your memories and moments into products you can treasure forever.
Sharing stories through film
By Ethan Benedicto
Having that vision for a story is difficult to bring to life, but it came easily for Narre Warren North filmmaker Lily Lunder, whose short film was recently awarded at a Sydney film festival.
Alongside fellow director Koko Crozier, the duo have had a dream of bringing their aspirations to life, and so far, things are looking promising.
Their short film Stonewall gained recognition at the Sony Catchlight festival up north and garnered further traction after it played at the Melbourne Women in Film Festival in March.
According to Lily, for as long as she could remember, she’s “loved storytelling”.
“I was obsessed with writing stories, but I realised that when my dad told me when I was five or six, that my friends didn’t read, but they watched movies.
“So I was like, I have to tell stories in a way that I’m going to reach a lot of people, and I fell in love with it - from making those crappy little iPad films and so on.”
Lily and Koko met at film school, and after bonding through their love for everything film and movies, they began exploring their desire to tell stories.
This desire bloomed, with the duo starting off with smaller festivals and Lily reminiscing about their series of shoots at Lysterfield Lake, to eventually taking part in the Very Short Film Festival in Tasmania.
After their experience grew, they decided to dip their hands into feature films, and hence came The Offing, a coming-of-age psychological thriller about a young woman working on a farm after escaping an abusive cult.
“After The Offing, we did Stonewall, in a way to kind of just like keep the practice up because sometimes we can get really stuck and not move, not make things,” Lily said.
“So, we got our friends Claire and Thomas, and it was just the four of us, and we said, let’s go away for a weekend and make a film.”
Stonewall was based on a wide range of experiences, stemming loosely from both Lily’s and Koko’s past, and as a medium for the duo to
“explore grief and the ideas of losing someone and coming to terms with your relationship with them”.
“We were both really interested in a motherdaughter relationship in the film, and I felt that that was a theme that kept coming up in a lot of
our different works.
“We wanted to try something different and explore it (the theme) in a character-oriented way and really get into the psychology of this one specific character,” she said.
The five-minute short film explores the themes of loss, grief and acceptance, the longing for what once was, and navigating complex emotions, of an even more complex relationship.
Combining elements of cinematography to relay silent messages beyond the narration, the short delivered a powerful and gripping tale of a girl and her mother, utilising scenery and setting, lighting and sound, to capture the audience in a trance of sorrow, melancholy and peace.
The team chose the Pebble House in Tarnagulla, and its surrounding environment of a former, bustling mining town, set the perfect scene.
Speaking on conveying emotion, Lily said that her friend Claire’s “performance and her facial expressions were just so powerful”.
“Being able to discuss the character’s journey with her helped, but it was also the cinematography, and we put a lot of thought into the way it was framed with mirror shots and so on.”
Multiple instances in the film were shots that reflected the character through a mirror, a way that Lily said, was both symbolic and literal as a way of reflecting on her past.
Music also played a big role, the final touch per se, something that both she and Koko felt was missing, until it made itself present.
On the setting and the environment, Lily said that every part and shot was calculated, and that they were “pretty conscious when we were outside”.
“We tried to reflect how big and epic and grand these locations are, and the fact that there’s no one inhabiting them was definitely interesting.
“At its peak, there were thousands of people living there, and now it’s almost abandoned, and it mirrors the journey and feeling of loss that happens to the main character.”
Death was also a very conscious trope that Lily and the team incorporated, central to the character, it was the inevitable, the “memento mori” as she said, and a kind of “morbid appreciation of what you did have”.
“You have to always remember that you could lose something and that you could die or someone else could die, and it’s this morbid appreciation of it.
“Thinking about death is really sad, but it’s also weirdly empowering about your present because it allows you to really appreciate everything,” she said.
The title Stonewall itself serves both as a literal and symbolic meaning, with the pebbles in the house, but also the emotional tactic of stonewalling emotions, as a way to represent the character and her relationship with her mother.
“She felt as if there was a stone wall that she couldn’t break down, but also that her mum wasn’t fully letting her in.
“But at the end of the film, and through the character’s process of reflection, that wall has started to break down,” Lily said.
Moving back into real life, she said that the reception for the short was phenomenal, having already screened at two different film festivals, Lily, Koko, and the wider team have had some “really positive feedback” and that people were “quite moved by it”.
Touching on the duo’s techniques, Lily said that for her, the best filmmakers “wear their influence on their sleeves”, and that to encapsulate a wide berth of themes and incorporate them into their media, they too, consume the same wide berth of different media.
“We’re constantly watching movies and a lot of TV as well, I mean a lot of filmmakers are always referencing just films, but we love our TV you know?” she said.
“It’s the visual techniques or an idea that you’ll pull or get inspiration from films and shows; and I have a go-to, which is Mr Robot, but Sam Esmail, the director, just brings everything in a really interesting way.”
As of now, the duo are working on promoting The Offing, a project that has been in the works since their first year of university, with key filming locations that include Narre Warren North.
The rest of the crew were in the local cemetery, where the film begins.
A behind-the-scenes shot of the church at Tarnagulla, with Lily and Koko tending to the camera, and Claire, who plays the bereaved daughter, waiting on the side.
Lily Lunder at the set of Stonewall, where her, Koko, Claire and Thomas stayed in Tarnagulla to film the short piece. (Supplied)
A cat waits on the crew as they set up for a shot, with the furry animal playing a rather crucial role in the film.
Easter fun in Berwick
Berwick was a top destination for every Easter weekend with the fair returning once again to delight families.
The popular family-friendly event is held annually over the Easter long weekend at Akoonah Park. This year attracted thousands of visitors who enjoyed the kids’ Easter egg hunt, a variety of carnival rides and games, and most of all, a visit from the Easter bunny.
The event also featured food trucks, market stalls, showbags, face painting, camel rides, and much more.
The Berwick Easter Festival was an official Good Friday Appeal event with donations collected for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Activities for families and kids at Pakenham Central
By Afraa Kori
Pakenham Central Marketplace came alive with Easter cheer on 17 and 19 April, as families flocked to enjoy a range of festive activities.
Children were thrilled to meet the Easter Bunny and receive a Cadbury chocolate egg. Free face painting, balloon animals, and fairy floss kept the
excitement going throughout the day. The Easter Hunt, hosted by Smiggle, saw kids searching the centre for hidden coloured eggs, with the first 300 participants to complete and return their forms receiving a special Easter Gift. The event was a huge success, spreading joy and creating lasting memories for local families.
4yo Dion from Pakenham had face painting and a monster made of twisted balloons. Poppy and Ollie from Pakenham with Fairy Floss.7yo Alyssa from Pakenham (face painting). She also got a North Melbourne tattoo on her arm.
7yo Alyssa from Pakenham (face painting).
3yo Ethan from Pakenham with his sword of twisted balloons.
7yo Andrew and 3yo Ethan from Pakenham with their sword’s of twisted balloons.
5yo Leo and Dusan on the dodgem cars.
Sarah and Emma Ludlow from Lynbrook. The stall is Yielded Creations.
Wayne Weeding from Cranbourne West.
5yo Clara from Bayswater tries her hand at the Hula-Hoop.
L-R 5yo Keyara and 2yo Khloe. From Officer.
7yo Maddie from Ferntree Gully.
All invited to attend disability expo
Everything Disability Expo is committed to bringing NDIS Providers together, meeting under one roof to educate and empower Participants in the local area with our Pakenham Expo Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd May at Cardinia Cultural Centre.
We are delighted to announce that local MP Emma Vulin is to officiate the opening on Friday 1st May at 10.30am. With plenty of accessible parking, come and join us for the opening and a
WHAT’S ON
Business Plan Accelerator Workshop
The Business Plan Accelerator Workshops is designed to accelerate the development of a Business Plan to support individual business objectives. The Business Plan Accelerator Workshops is designed to accelerate the development of a Business Plan to support individual business objectives. Held at 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham, the 2 day (April 28-29) workshop will help businesses to understand the critical components required for business success, and to help tailor a specific plan to each individual business’ situation. Booking is required https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ business-plan-accelerator-workshop-pakenham28-29-april-2025-tickets-1099480027359
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow 2025
Australia’s most iconic comedy tour is hitting the road for a huge 27th year! Bringing together the brightest stars from the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we’re delivering top-tier humour straight to your town! Featuring a dynamic line-up of comedy legends and fresh faces, this year’s Roadshow promises nation-wide happiness. So, grab your friends, lock in your tickets and prepare for a much-needed dose of laughter as the International Comedy Festival Roadshow rolls into Cardinia Cultural Centre on May 14 at 8pm. Booking is required via https://cardinia.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/140683
Embracing AI: Small Steps, Big Impact for Your Business
Join us for an insightful business breakfast where we’ll explore the transformative power of AI. Discover how AI can positively impact your business through real-world examples and practical advice from futurist and author Steve Sammartino. Learn how to take courageous, small steps in adopting new technologies that complement and enhance your existing business practices. Let’s unlock the potential of AI together! The event is held at Cardinia Cultural Centre on Wednesday 14 May 2025, 6:45 AM - 9:00 AM.
Compost Giveback Program
Cardinia Shire households can reap the rewards of having a food and garden waste kerbside bin with the Compost Giveaway. In partnership with the Cardinia Environment Coalition, Cardinia Shire Council is giving two 25L bags of compost to households using a Council food and garden waste (lime green lidded) kerbside bin. To participate, households will need to register. Registered households can collect their compost from
wonderful 2 days to connect and discover a world of possibilities!
With a wide range of exhibitors, visitors will discover innovative products from home care and support services, youth and adventure services, NDIS Plan Managers, assisted aids, hire + Sales, sensory items, equine care services, and much more, all tailored to individuals with Disabilities, all offering services in the local area.
the CEC Nursery Coalition Nursery at Deep Creek Reserve in Pakenham on Fridays 9am-12pm (midday) or the last Saturday of each month 9am12pm (midday). The Compost Giveaway is open now until Saturday 28 June or while stocks last.
Rennie Pearson: Traditional Celtic Music – Live in Tonimbuk
Rennie Pearson, one of Australasia’s leading Celtic musicians, is bringing his show of traditional tunes, songs and storytelling from Ireland, Scotland and Maritime Canada to Tonimbuk Hall on Saturday, May 17 at 7.30pm. With the wooden flute, Irish whistles, guitar, bodhrán, fiddle and voice, Rennie creates a show that’s both intimate and exhilarating—balancing high-energy jigs and reels with heart-stirring slow airs and engaging storytelling. Each performance is a musical journey that offers a chance to connect with Celtic culture through music that lifts the spirit and stirs the soul. Don’t miss this special performance from a master of Celtic music on his Victoria tour this May. Tickets available at www.renniepearsonmusic.com
Garfield Exercise Group
As part of the Bunyip Friendship Hub, they meet at the Garfield Football Club rooms on Tuesdays at 10am.
Garfield Sewing Club
Come along with your sewing machine or use one of ours and join a group of sewers creating clothes, quilts, crafts, repairing and upcycling.
All skill levels welcome but a gold coin donation. This event is held every Tuesday during the school term at Garfield Scout Hall.
Food Relief with Vegetables and Fruit
Available every second Wednesday at 2pm at MoyYan Neighbourhood House in Garfield.
Free meditation meetups
Meditation is a simple yet powerful tool that helps people regain clarity, improve emotional well-being, and enhance focus. Studies have shown that regular meditation can reduce stress, improve logical thinking, and promote overall mental health.
The Heartfulness Institute is running free meditation sessions in Berwick on Sundays.
The sessions are free. They will be held from 8.45am on Sunday at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House & Community Centre, 21A Bemersyde Dr, Berwick.
Pakenham Arthritis Self-Help Group
Are you living with arthritis and looking for a sup-
There is something for everyone and a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
With loads of prizes + giveaways on both days, don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore, learn, and empower yourself. See you there!
For further information contact hello@everythingdisability.com.au 1300 886 311.
portive community?
Join the Pakenham Arthritis Self-Help Group (PASH) and discover the benefits of water and chair aerobics.
The group offers a safe and welcoming space to connect with others who understand your challenges.
Together the group learns strategies to manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
Warm water exercises are held at Cardinia Life from 8:15 am to 9:15 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays plus afternoon sessions at 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm on Tuesday and Friday afternoons.
Chair exercises are held at the Pakenham Hall in the Supper Room and run from 10:30 am to 11:15 am on Mondays and Thursdays.
• For additional information contact bernadette. lilley56@gmail or Mobile at 0411 098 519
Cranbourne Senior Citizens
Not a member? Doesn’t matter, come along and join the fun.
Weekly activities include line dancing from 10am to noon on Mondays, new vogue and old time dancing from 1pm to 3.30pm on Tuesdays, carpet bowls from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays and bingo from 11am to 2pm on Thursdays.
• For all enquiries or bookings, contact Marilyn on 0432 107 590.
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.
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.
• For more information, visit their Facebook page or contact 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 the Club.
Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at the Cardinia Club, 71 Racecourse Road Pakenham commencing at 10:30am.
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, please contact President Pamela on 0418584913 or contact Secretary Dorothy on probuspakenhameast@gmail.com
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.
Uniting Church Pakenham Regional Mission Area
“Our vision as a Christian community is to honour each individual’s experience of God, while sharing the love of Jesus in a positive, safe and inclusive environment.”
Easter week is such a busy week in the church calendar. Jane Yun conducted the Good Friday’s service using Luke Ch23 26 -47 as the basis. The candle was extinguished at the end of the service.
Pastor Jo started the Easter Sunday service and Riak on the drums and singing was a joyful beginning to the day.
The kids in the service decorated butterflies which they placed on the cross and they smashed eggs and passed them around the worship Centre
while we passed the peace.
We watched a short video and Jo told the story of a young child who asked her where Jesus was, one of the large questions we confront at Easter.
Why is it important that 2000 years on we still ask this question.
People did not expect Jesus body to be taken away and were not ready for it so the empty tomb story still resonates today.
It was a time of confusion but the empty tomb story is a story of faith and we need to be constantly reminded this is God’s story and ask how it matches ours in life and faith.
The resurrection is to be lived out and prac-
ticed. This story changed the life of Jesus’ followers forever.
We hope that everyone has a safe and happy Easter.
Things to remember:
· Homework Hub Tuesdays In recess with school holidays
· Playgroup Wednesdays In recess with school holidays
· It should be noted that the Electoral Authority has taken possession of most of the building starting on Wednesday 16th April for the election. Pre polling starts Tuesday 22nd April – Friday 2nd May 8.30 – 5.30pm daily with the ex-
ception of Anzac Day. Election Day is May 3rd 8.00 - 6.00pm · Church Council is Thursday April 24th 2025 7.30pm Note date change because of Easter
Please ensure that the doors are locked when you leave the building and the heating/cooling and lights are off.
Please continue to contribute to the Lazarus Food Relief which is being run by the COPTIC church who are providing hampers for the community which they distribute each Saturday at 2.00pm. A box is in the foyer for donations. Psalm 16 V1 “Protect me O Lord for in you I take refuge”
MP Emma Vulin is to officiate the opening on Friday 1 May at 10.30am.
Hell of a story for Warragul
By Justin Schwarze
Emulating the legendary Tom Brady and Julian Edelman is a tough task in any sporting context, but the Warragul Warriors boys did just that in their outstanding run to win the Junior Country Championships earlier this month.
In the under-14s bracket being played across Ballarat, the Warriors went on an impressive winning streak, including defeating strong contender Geelong in the semi-final.
On the first day of the tournament, Warragul won all three of its games comfortably, with results over Southern Peninsula, Bacchus Marsh and Moe.
It then progressed to the next round, where once again it went undefeated, getting past Bendigo 44-38, Traralgon 54-33, and Melton 65-28.
The Warriors then qualified for the finals, taking care of business in the quarter finals against Hamilton 68-43.
“Our motto was ‘it’s going to be one hell of a story’, which was stolen from Tom Brady, Julian Edelman and the Patriots during their Super Bowls,” Warragul head coach Heath Johnson revealed.
“By the end of the tournament, the boys really believed in it and believed it was our style.”
The 36-29 grand final victory over Bendigo secured the Warriors a place in the Junior Classic in Melbourne, followed by punching their ticket to the Club Championships in Perth later this year.
For Johnson, the cohesion and chemistry between the boys led them to playing their best basketball in time for the tournament.
“It was surreal seeing how far they’ve come,” he said.
“It was more or less about having them for so long and the work they put in to their own games, I just got the benefit of all their hard work.
“They’re a really special bunch of kids and hopefully they can continue to keep doing awesome things in the future, but for the last four years it’s been as good as it could be in terms of the satisfaction I’ve gotten as a coach.”
Johnson has been coaching the group since bottom age under-12s, forming an undeniable bond between the entire team as a unit.
Getting the narrow victory over the Braves realised their championship dreams, but the 6656 triumph against Geelong was the highlight
Paynter and Webster inducted
By David Nagel
Pakenham Cricket Club (PCC) inducted its two newest life members at its recent 2024/25 presentation night with Dom Paynter and Sam Webster the latest additions to the exclusive honour roll at Toomuc Reserve.
PCC President Phil Anning was full of praise for both inductees, beginning with Paynter who has given 25 years of service to the club.
“Dom has been a stalwart of the club for a long period of time; starting his junior career with us and has continued to be a great clubman,” Anning said.
“He played for a year or two at Endeavour Hills, but we when we began the process of rebuilding the club under Ben Maroney, Dom was one of the first people to put his hand up and come back.
“He’s a two-time premiership captain-coach of the club, in 2010/11 in District, and 2015/16 in Premier; and is a great mentor for so many young blokes.
“It was a very deserving honour for Dom.”
Webster has been at the club for more than 30 years and is held in high-esteem for his ongoing service at all levels.
“Sam is one that flies under the radar and does things that a lot of people don’t notice except for people that are behind the scenes at the club,” Anning said.
“He’s been a junior coach, a first XI pre-
miership player, a committee member, and he’s always there to help out and do the things that need doing.
“He’s been involved with the club for over 30 years and the Webster family is synonymous with the club.
“Through his father Chris, his uncle Rod, his cousin Scott, and now the next generation is coming through with his sons both playing cricket.
“It’s well-deserved recognition for he’s done for our club over 30 years of service.”
DOMINIC PAYNTER
• 25 years of service
• 7 seasons as First XI captain - longest in club history
• 3 seasons as club coach
• 150+ First XI matches
2010/11 Premiership captain
2015/16 Premiership captain/coach
• 5 x First XI centuries - high score 172
3 x First XI 5 wicket hauls - best 5/16
Country Week captain multiple times
SAM WEBSTER
30 years of service
• 2 x premiership player
• 6 centuries
Junior coach multiple times
• 10+ years on committee
• A Grade bowling aggregate
Held club record high score 211
back on.
“But talking to him on the bench, he didn’t care and said it was all about us winning.
“The next game in the grand final he was our leading scorer so I think all 10 boys embraced unselfishness and all they cared about was winning.”
The composure the playing group showed through games with huge stakes was part of their recipe for success.
Their maturity and evolving mindset gave them an edge going into any matchup.
Ollie Main was the leading scorer at just over 10 points per game, but Aston McCallum, Nate Ellis, Reed Paterson and Xavier Lemish were all in the top-30 scorers for the tournament.
Jobe Billing and Bailey Mumford also had performances of 10 or more points, with Mitchell Green, Jonty Lacunes and Ashton Romano rounding out the deep lineup.
“Over the three days what really changed was the boys’ demeanour towards the whole tournament,” Johnson said.
“They were a group that got better and better as the tournament went on, super relaxed, super competitive.
“For the tournament, the ball just moved really well, defensively we were super tenacious.
“We really played as one, played comfortable.”
for the squad.
“There was a big expectation that Geelong was going to be the team to beat, we played them once at the Geelong tournament and they beat us pretty good,” Johnson admitted.
“Beating them was the icing on the cake in the season.
“It was really good in particular that game, where Ollie (Main) who was our leading scorer, played in the first quarter but didn’t really get
To earn the trip to Perth, it’s an exciting proposition for the young team with an aim of development.
For Johnson as a former Warragul Warriors player, the feeling was like no other.
“I get to go with them and enjoy the experience as a head coach, which I’m super grateful for,” he said.
“It’s pretty unique and awesome for someone who wore the Warragul top as a junior.”
No planning without Anning as Lions look to the future
By David Nagel
Premier Division captain and opening bat Jack Anning will carry added responsibility next summer after being announced captain/coach of the Pakenham Cricket Club for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Anning replaces long-term coach Rob Elston, who informed the club prior to last season that he would be stepping down as head coach after nine seasons in the role.
PCC President Phil Anning said the unselfish nature of Elston had allowed the club precious time to assess its coaching options.
A sub-committee led by Ben Maroney and Brad Molineux has worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure the right choice was made.
“First up, on behalf of the club, I’d like to thank Rob for the enormous contribution he has made over the last decade,” President Anning said.
“Robbie advised us 12 months ago that this season would be his last, which gave us plenty of time to put together a sub-committee to investigate who our best options as coach would be moving forward.
“The sub-committee came back with a recommendation, after speaking to people inside and outside the club.
“They took into consideration how Jack conducted himself on Saturday and Thursday nights at training, and that he was the best person to lead us for next season.”
The President said the focus had now switched to finding a replacement for Elston; the Team of the Year wicketkeeper in CCCA Premier Division this season.
“Obviously with Robbie retiring we’re in the market for a wicketkeeper, and we’re speaking to quite a few people that can hopefully fill that role for us,” Anning said.
“We also believe that we need to add a little more depth to our batting.
“We probably never replaced Dale (Tormey) for last season and obviously if want to be competitive again, with the expected improvement of clubs like Clyde and Devon Meadows, and Officer coming back in... we’re going to need to get better.
“We know we have to recruit in those areas
Jack Anning will be captain-coach of the Pakenham Cricket Club next season. (Stewart Chambers: 450202)
to maintain our competitiveness in the Premier Division.”
Anning said the club had a good crop of youngsters that were ready for breakout seasons in the top flight.
“We fell away after Christmas, but internally within the club we expect improvement from players like Jackson Luka, Jackson Myers and Mitch Varty and that will hold us in pretty good stead,” he said.
“We just need some experienced players to work with those youngsters and let them develop around them.”
Sam Webster and Dom Paynter, front, with fellow life members of the Pakenham Cricket Club, from left; Dale McCraw, John McCraw, Denis Porter, Sean Gramc, Phil Anning, Mark Paynter, Jason Williams, Davis Searle, Graham McCraw, Paul Hart and Scott Webster. (Supplied: 473407)
Warragul Warriors won the Junior Country Championships. Back from left: Heath Johnson (coach), Nate Ellis, Ollie Main, Aston McCallum, Xavier Lemish, Robbie Ellis (Ass. coach), Natasha Billing (Manager). Front from left: Brodie Ellis, Ashton Romano, Reed Paterson, Bailey Mumford, Jobe Billing, Mitch Green. (Supplied: 473272)
Anzac battle for arch rivals
By Justin Schwarze
Time for reflection is over for teams in the Outer East Premier Division as attention turns quickly towards the Anzac round this weekend after an enjoyable few days off.
In an enthralling clash, the bitter local rivalry between Gembrook Cockatoo and Emerald will get its latest chapter when the two arch enemies collide at Chandler Reserve on Saturday.
The Bombers will be looking to take advantage of their home turf, with scoring struggles the main source of their turbulent start this year.
Ewan Wadsworth, Josh Rich and Jake Pedder have been major ball winners, all ranking in the top four for total disposals this season.
“They’re unreal,” Emerald coach David Johnson said of his midfield.
“It’s great having those three in the guts; we just need to be able to back them up all around the ground.”
However, finding forward options has been tricky as the Bombers have by far the fewest goals in the competition, with just 12 through two matchups.
“We’ve talked a lot about perceived pressure, we sometimes think we’re under a lot more pressure than we actually are,” Johnson said.
“If we can cut that out and get the ball into the forwards instead of fumbling and handballing into the ground, I think that’s going to help us score a lot.”
Last year, the Brookers and Bombers split the season matchups, with Gembrook Cockatoo victorious by two goals in the Anzac Round and Emerald getting the chocolates by 21 points in round 15.
The Brookers are hoping to have gun midfielder Aaron Firrito back for the game, providing the side with a massive boost in centre bounces.
Despite the Bombers boasting one of the league’s best midfields statistically, Gembrook Cockatoo’s lineup through the middle is really strong too.
Robin Nahas has had a magnet for the footy, with an average of 37 disposals per game.
He’s gotten support from Josh Tilly, who’s top five in the league for centre clearances with six.
The Brookers enter a hostile environment with finding the big sticks an issue of their own.
They average just 48 points per game, marking the forward line as the key area for both teams that will decide who tastes success on the day.
However, Gembrook Cockatoo was missing recruit Marley Williams in its first game, and Wil-
OUTER EAST FOOTBALL PREMIER PREVIEW - ROUND 3
liams booted two in his debut last week.
The freshest instalment of the rivalry will see one team pick up its first win for the year and send its enemy to 0-3.
“We need to lift our pressure, hold our tackles which we are very good at, we just need to bring the heat,” Johnson said.
“Every time we’ve played against Gembrook, the boys have come to play.
“It’s no exception to every time we play against Gembrook, we never want to lose to them.
“We’ve just got to stick to four quarters of footy and we know we can knock them off.”
In what will be an intense and close game, Emerald will walk away as two-goal victors in an Anzac special.
Officer will be on the road again to pay Woori Yallock a visit after the Kangaroos’ competitive defeat at Upwey Tecoma.
Taylor Gibson’s name will be in big bold letters on Nathan Allen’s whiteboard, with limiting him proving to be near impossible for opposing clubs.
The Kangaroos were night-and-day better in round two, suggesting the team is starting to come together under a new voice.
The biggest positive sign was in the forward
line, where star key forward Mark Seedsman booted his first bag of five since 2023 and Antonio Quach managed three.
Officer will put up a very good fight, but ultimately Riley Monkhorst and Jordan Williams will apply significant pressure and effective delivery to Gibson, getting the hosts over the line by 26 points.
In the Anzac Day twilight slot, Olinda Ferny Creek and Upwey Tecoma will battle in the Bloods’ backyard.
Olinda Ferny Creek have been immensely impressive around every part of the ground except in front of goal, with the club kicking 25.35 on the year.
With that being said, it is 2-0 after absolutely belting Officer and sneaking past Monbulk.
The Tigers are an intriguing side, with a solid victory over the Kangaroos last week to make up for a round-one defeat at the hands of Healesville.
Half forward Spencer Richards-West has seen a great start to 2025 and emerged as a reliable option alongside the main target of Carmine Porcaro, who is yet to fire this season.
The Bloods will use the footy efficiently and learn from their mistakes to ride accurate goal kicking and claim a 14-point win.
Wandin heads to Monbulk beaming with supreme confidence after a seriously impressive second half performance against Woori Yallock last week.
Patrick Bruzzese has had a simply outstanding start to the campaign, ranking second in intercept possessions and centre clearance, while being third for score involvements.
In fact, the Bulldogs have three players in the top five for total score involvements, with superstar Aaron Mullett atop those rankings with 30 on the year.
Chayce and Cayden Black are both formidable players and tackling machines and will help their side crush the Hawks by 47 points.
Another side gleaming after two games is Healesville, which faces Mount Evelyn after a perfect start.
The Rovers are an incredibly tough fixture at home, but the Bloods are dangerously effective with the ball in hands and impossible to score against.
Healesville have only conceded nine goals this season, only allowing 35 points per game.
The Bloods will fight in a scrappy contest to keep their dream start alive, getting the job done by three goals.
Lions head into the unknown to face Alexandra Rebels
By Justin Schwarze
Pakenham’s venture into the unknown becomes even more uncertain this week as the Lions head to Alexandra with almost zero idea of how the Rebels play football.
Alexandra has only played one game on the year, going down to an extremely strong Seville side by 44 points on the road.
The Rebels finished fifth in 2024, with the only piece of intel being the capability and danger of William Stewart as a forward.
Stewart booted 50 goals last year and recorded a haul of four in Alexandra’s first game this season.
It will be a very good litmus test for the Pakenham backline, which generated a lot of spectacular transition and forward drive against Powelltown.
The Lions had 10 individual goal kickers, with Mason Hall and Jake Kidd kicking four each and Sam Cachia booting three.
The Pakenham recruiting management team can pat themselves on the back for acquiring the signature of Tanner Stanton, as he posted 38 possessions, 12 marks and eight tackles in a virtuoso performance.
His midfield leadership, partnered with the silky skills of Cora lynn recruit Luke Ryan, provide the club with stability and amazing ball movement through the guts.
Hall’s monster start to 2025 was on full display versus the Towners, with 27 disposals to go along with his four majors.
However, he missed multiple opportunities
(Gary Sissons: 471342)
in front of the big sticks, potentially foreshadowing massive hauls of goals down the line.
His elite footwork and change of direction complements his flare and foot speed, marking him as an extremely lethal small forward that the Rebels will have their hands full slowing down.
Harry Prendergast brings size in the middle and accumulated 23 disposals and nine tackles in round two for Alexandra, while Nick Meehan
and Thomas Massey found the football as the pair had 26 and 24 touches respectively.
The Lions will create elite run out of the back, with their midfield playing as a perfect connector to link to the forwards through crisp ball transition, a trait they made look smooth against Powelltown.
This will produce good opportunities in the forward 50, helping Pakenham steer itself to a five-goal triumph.
On Friday afternoon, Belgrave welcomes Seville to town in what should be a comfortable result for the Blues as the away side.
Seville has posted 100-plus scores in both games this season, with Domenic Aloi picking up his 2024 form with eight majors so far in the campaign, including six goals in round two against Alexandra.
Justin Myers has been arguably the best player in the competition through two games, highlighted by 37 disposals, nine marks and a goal last week.
The visitors will come into Belgrave Recreation Reserve and send the Magpies to 0-3 with a 38-point result.
Yea and Yarra Glen lock horns with both sides coming off a win in round two.
The Tigers are a deep side with multiple weapons, while the River Pigs are spearheaded by elite key forward Josh Hawkins.
Hawkins has enjoyed a prominent start to 2025, with 10 goals on the board, boosted by seven in Yarra Glen’s victory over Belgrave. Yea at home will have the tools around the ground and the answer to Hawkins, defending the Showgrounds with a 20-point win.
Yarra Junction look to be in for a tough year, especially after losing 2024 club best and fairest Luke Spaulding to Emerald.
Its matchup with Warburton Millgrove on the road is going to be an incredibly tough fixture with the Eagles winless and the Burras loading up as a finals contender.
Warburton Millgrove will be far too strong in the Anzac round and prevail by 10 goals.
Co-captain Chris Cardona continues to provide excellent leadership and drive out of Pakenham’s backline.
David Johnson looks to get Emerald the bragging rights over fierce rivals Gembrook Cockatoo on Saturday. (Rob Carew: 422967)
