Thursday, 8 October, 2026
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Youth crime in focus
Inner Wheel celebrates
Land tax figures
Group-1 glory for Leek
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SPORT
Moses Riek presented an award. (Supplied)
Custody to mentor A young man who turned his own time in custody into a career keeping other young people out of the justice system was among 13 multicultural young Australians recognised at the 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards at the MCG on Sunday. Moses Riek of Pakenham, a South Sudanese Australian mentor with 16 YARDS, works with young people in, or at risk of entering, the justice system, helping them with identity, education, employment and wellbeing. “Most of the young people I work with don’t
lian Youth Minister Award, selected by Federal Youth Minister Senator Jess Walsh. Ms Ahmed helps lead a $12 million Victorian Department of Education program supporting more than 5,000 African Australian students a year, and teaches youth work at RMIT University. “Australia’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and multicultural young Australians are playing such an important role in building a more inclusive, connected future,” Senator Walsh said.
“These young people aren’t waiting for the future to make their mark. They’re already changing communities and challenging what leadership in Australia looks like,” Multicultural Youth Group Director Yusuf Liban said. Now in its third year, the Awards drew more than 250 nominations nationally and 400 guests. Partners include VicHealth, the Centre for Multicultural Youth, TAFE Victoria, SBS, NAATI and the City of Melbourne. Full list of recipients: multiculturalyouthawards.com.au/winners
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need another warning. They need someone who’s been where they are and can show them another way. That’s what changed things for me, and it’s what keeps kids out of the system,” Mr Riek said. Essendon’s Jayden Nguyen was named Young Sportsperson of the Year after becoming the first player of Vietnamese heritage to play at AFL level in 2025, coming through the club’s James Hird Academy. Educator Ladan Ahmed received the Austra-
NEWS
Deeper look is needed By Ethan Henson With overall youth crime seeing a decrease across the state, including Cardinia, Pakenham candidates were asked how they felt about the improvement. Youth crime saw a decrease across the state following the release of new data from the Crime Statistics Agency. In Cardinia, alleged offender incidents by youth aged 12-17 years showed a 10.9 per cent decrease, with 483 incidents recorded in 2025 to 430 incidents in 2026. However, shortly before the new data was released, the Victoria Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) found no evidence that Youth Crime Prevention Programs were reducing offending. VAGO found that half of the young people participating in the programs have allegedly committed offences. Liberal candidate for Pakenham, Radmila Dyson, said they need to look beyond the numbers and people who have experienced crime don’t feel like the problem has gone away. “The VAGO findings concern me because they raise a simple question; why are these programs not having the impact on crime that the community are demanding?” Dyson said. “We need to ensure programs are reaching those most vulnerable and ultimately, delivering better outcomes to reduce the risk of youth offending. “We need to do more earlier to stop young people getting into crime, through sport, school, work and better support for those at risk. “But there also needs to be accountability. Serious and repeat offending cannot be ignored, and people have a right to feel safe in their community. “It needs to be a whole-of-community approach, including not just government, but parents, schools, police, sporting clubs and community organisations who all have a role to play. “The Liberal and Nationals plan includes stronger bail laws through Break Bail, Face Jail, Jack’s Law to give police and PSOs greater ability
Pakenham candidates were asked how they felt about youth crime on the decline and what they’re advocating for. (Ben Gross) to detect knives in public places, and $100 million for targeted prevention, intervention and rehabilitation programs.” Independent for Pakenham, Raymond French said it’s encouraging to see the reduction in youth crime, but doesn’t believe the problem is solved. French added that if young offenders keep going through the system and releasing them without addressing “why”, then nothing has been solved. He believes it is a community, police, and government effort. “If more than $40 million has been spent on the Youth Crime Prevention Program and the evidence is not showing that it is actually reducing offending and reoffending, then I believe the program needs to be properly reviewed and reworked,” French said. “I want young people to have real opportunities before they end up in the justice system education, TAFE, apprenticeships, employment, sport, mentoring and safe places to go.
“But opportunity has to come with responsibility. I believe we need three things: prevention, consequences and rehabilitation. “We need to identify young people who are starting to disengage and intervene early. We also need to deal much more effectively with repeat offenders. “A young person who makes one mistake is not the same as someone who repeatedly commits serious offences.” “For repeat offending, there must be consequences. Victims and the community have a right to feel safe.” Libertarian candidate for Pakenham, Kate Hands, said she is advocating for better education, apprenticeships, jobs, and community activities for youths. “Young people in Pakenham and across Cardinia deserve the opportunity to build a good life here,” Hands said.
“It also means making sure unnecessary government red tape doesn’t get in the way of those opportunities. “Government should focus on creating the conditions for young people to succeed, rather than constantly creating more programs and bureaucracy. “Young people who are at risk of offending should have opportunities to get into education, training, apprenticeships, employment and positive community activities. “But when people commit crimes, particularly repeat or serious offences, there also needs to be accountability. “Victims and law-abiding residents shouldn’t be forgotten while we focus entirely on the offender. Two strikes = no bail. No further discussion.” Independent for Pakenham, Mary-Kate Louis said she wants to implement stronger connections to a variety of areas such as education, sports, mentoring and mental health support. Louis said it’s much more than just young people, but families, substance abuse and disengagement from school are contributing factors to a young person’s offending. “Most young people are not offenders, and those who are at risk of offending need meaningful opportunities before they become entrenched in the justice system,” Louis said. “Simply dealing with the offence without addressing what is happening around that child is unlikely to provide a long-term solution. “There needs to be both accountability and prevention. If a young person commits a serious offence, community safety and the needs of victims matter. “But if that young person repeatedly returns to the justice system, simply waiting for the next offence isn’t an effective crime strategy either. “I want intervention to happen earlier and to become much more targeted. We need systems capable of responding to those warning signs.” Pakenham Labor, One Nation and Greens candidates did not respond before the deadline.
Youth crime shows improvement in Cardinia By Ethan Henson New data shows youth crime is decreasing across the state, including Cardinia, but concerns still linger as an audit shows no evidence of progress by state-funded prevention programs. According to the Crime Statistics Agency, youth crime has decreased over the last year, from June 2025 to June 2026. In Cardinia, alleged offender incidents by youth aged 12-17 years showed a 10.9 per cent decrease, with 483 incidents recorded in 2025 to 430 incidents in 2026. Alleged offender incidents across the state show a decrease among 12-14-year-olds, dropping from 6,868 recorded incidents to 5,984. Meanwhile, over the past year, there was
New data show youth-related crime is decreasing in Cardinia. (File) also a 6.2 per cent reduction in offending for 15-17-year-olds across the state. Police Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill said that juvenile repeat offenders had dropped
across the state for the first time in years. He noted that 65 children were charged with 30 or more offences in 2025-’26, down from 100 such prolific offenders in the year before. “The reasons included the State Government lifting the age of criminality from 10 to 13 years old,” he said. “Incarcerating many of the repeat offenders, electronic monitoring of youth bailees, and crime-prevention programs to engage at-risk youth. “The most prolific group in Victoria were 30-to-34-year-olds, mainly committing family violence offences.” he said. Despite the improvement, the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) found no evidence that Youth Crime Prevention Programs
were reducing offending. VAGO found that half of the young people participating in the programs have allegedly committed offences. Meanwhile, varying practices and gaps in record-keeping mean the department cannot assure itself that it’s targeting the right ‘at-risk’ participants. Therefore, the prevention programs may be wasting resources and missing opportunities to prevent youth crime. Since the program launched in 2016, VAGO found that $40 million was spent and 2,700 participants received support. Meanwhile, there was a 40 per cent increase in youth crime incidents between 2022 and 2025.
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NEWS
40th birthday celebrations On Sunday, the 20th September, the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham celebrated its 40th birthday of their Charter. Members from many Inner Wheel Clubs from our district, representatives from IW District A62, IW Australia and IW International, along with past and present Members of Pakenham and their friends attended. It was a day of stylish celebration held in a room beautifully decorated by club members in Pink and Silver. A delicious light lunch, which had been made by Club Members, was served, and the birthday cake consisted of enough silver-wrapped pink cupcakes for those in attendance. Club member Deb James held a “roaming mike” segment and interviewed many past and present Members and their time in Inner Wheel. This segment highlighted our club involvement in many community events, members’ birthday celebrations, coffee and movie days, listening and visiting with guest speakers, craft days to help out our local Aged Care facilities and of
course the famous Bunnings Sausage sizzles. One of our major fundraisers is supporting Cord Blood research. We also work closely with our local Rotary Club and help with their community events and Deb balls. Another highlight of the day was a musical performance from a very talented Cecily de Gooyer, who is the granddaughter of a past club president, Bev de Gooyer. We have made some long-lasting friendships and memories to treasure over the past 40 years, and may we continue to grow. We belong to a worldwide voluntary organisation of women who like to challenge and inspire each other, so come along and join with us whilst having some fun along the way. If you would like to know more about our great organisation, please visit our Inner Wheel Australia website at innerwheelaustralia.org.au or contact our local club via email: iiw.au.pakenham@ gmail.com We meet most first Thursdays of the month at the RSL clubrooms in Pakenham at 11.00 am.
Some of the current Members of the IW Club of Pakenham.
L - R District Chairman Judy Degnan, IW Australia President Yvonne Romp, past International President Kay Morland and IW Club of Pakenham President Jan Ahern.
Musical entertainer Cecily de Gooyer and her grandmother Bev de Gooyer.
L-R Marcia Rook and Anne Sheean. Pakenham Charter Members. (Supplied)
MP Limbrick pushes beyond pepper spray trial By Afraa Kori One Nation’s proposed pepper spray trial does not go far enough, according to Libertarian leader David Limbrick, who wants adults allowed to carry it for self-defence. Mr Limbrick welcomed the party’s push for stronger protections for people defending their homes, but pointed to his own record campaigning for reform. The proposals, released in One Nation’s policy paper over the weekend, would introduce a “UK-style approach” to self-defence during home invasions and a tightly controlled trial of pepper spray for personal protection. “We’re glad One Nation are now taking an interest, but I am proud of my track record in parliament,” Mr Limbrick said. “The right to self-defence is a central part of libertarian philosophy and a search of hansard will show I have put motions forward and submitted petitions with tens of thousands of signatures.” One Nation’s trial would examine licensing, eligibility, safe storage, carriage and training, drawing on Western Australia’s regulatory experience and trial outcomes from the Northern Territory and other jurisdictions. It would assess whether pepper spray provided effective non-lethal protection without creating unacceptable public safety risks, with
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MP David Limbrick is advocating for reforms to self-defence laws. (Picture on file) the findings reviewed publicly. Anyone who misused the spray would be permanently disqualified, in addition to facing any applicable charges.
Mr Limbrick said the Libertarians wanted legal access for adults for self-defence. “The main difference is the Libertarian policy on pepper spray is to make it legal, not just to
have a trial. A successful trial has already been held in the Northern Territory,” he said. “There is no point having a right to defend yourself if you don’t have the means to do it.” On home invasions, One Nation says someone suddenly confronted by an intruder cannot assess their response with the precision possible in hindsight. Its policy promises to support homeowners who act instinctively and reasonably to protect themselves or their families. “This is not a licence for vigilantism. It is a clear statement that the law protects the innocent in their own home,” the policy paper states. Mr Limbrick welcomed the proposal, saying the Libertarians had long advocated clearer protections for homeowners. “We’re very happy to have anyone support our castle law proposal. Nobody should be in trouble for protecting their family in their own home. “Laws need to be changed to make this very clear. The grey area needs to be removed.” Asked whether the shared policy positions could lead to a preference deal at the upcoming Victorian election, Mr Limbrick said negotiations remained unfinished. “Negotiations have not been finalised, but the Libertarians certainly take policy alignment into account when doing preferences.”
Thursday, 8 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 3
NEWS
A new look for bowls club By Des Leigh Pakenham MP Emma Vulin and representatives from the Cardinia Shire Council joined members of the Pakenham Bowls Club on Wednesday 30 September to officially open the most recent upgrades to the club’s facilities. The majority of the latest work was funded by a grant of $185,000 received from the Victorian State Government with the remainder being paid for by the club itself. Ms Vulin, in consultation with Cardinia Shire Cr and former Mayor Jack Kowarzik, successfully advocated the club’s case for financial assistance at state level. Mr Kowarzik was welcomed back to the club on Wednesday, along with the current Deputy Mayor, Cr Liz Roberts and Cardinia Shire Council Sports Project Officer, Ashira Harris. Ms Harris worked closely with Pakenham Bowls Club Secretary, David Laird, for the entire project to facilitate the process and to ensure, amongst other things, that all relevant building regulations were observed. It is often the case, after all the work has been completed and everything looks as it should; it is not always apparent what has been achieved. For that reason and in the interests of accountability and in recognition of the efforts of those involved, the following is a comprehensive account of the work undertaken: New fencing along Anderson St and the carpark (previously falling down) A new “disability friendly” electronic gate at the car-park entrance New electronic scoreboards on each rink of the green under the dome Repairs to umbrellas at the Southern end of the bottom green Most of the internal clubhouse walls have been rendered in a light shade which has had a huge impact, brightening the interior consider-
Middle from left; Cardinia Shire Cr and former Mayor Jack Kowarzik, Pakenham MP Emma Vulin and Deputy Mayor, Cr Liz Roberts, with delighted members of the Pakenham Bowls Club after recent upgrades to its facility. (Gary Sissons: 581222) ably and making it far more welcoming New off-white day/night roller curtains have been fitted A new sound system has been installed in the dining room, together with two additional large flat screen TV’s New floor coverings on all but the existing parquetry dance floor, plus disability friendly (tactile
and non-slip) treatment of the entrance ramps The ladies toilets have been refurbished The kitchen has been upgraded and repainted with new tiles, sinks and cabinetry. This work caps off extensive upgrades completed over the last couple of years and in no small way helps to make Pakenham’s facilities the envy of many other bowls clubs in the South
East area. It will form part of Ms Vulin’s legacy when she vacates her seat in parliament at the end of this term. All at Pakenham Bowls Club wish her the very best as she faces her personal challenges ahead.
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If everyone’s feeling the squeeze, where’s all this inflation coming from? Households have been dealing with years of higher prices. Consumer confidence is weak, house prices have fallen and the economy is slowing. Yet inflation remains stubbornly above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 2% to 3% target range. RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser acknowledged the frustration in a recent interview with the ABC’s 7.30 program. “People want inflation down. People are furious about inflation. I understand why. It’s unfair. It hits people on low incomes. It damages price signals. It makes the job of companies difficult. What they want us to do is our job and bring inflation down,” Hauser said. The latest ABS inflation figures show annual inflation rose to 4.0% in August from 3.5% in July. Trimmed mean inflation, which strips out some of the more volatile price movements to give a better sense of the underlying trend, remained at 3.6% for the third consecutive month. The first thing to understand is that inflation doesn’t measure how much we’re buying. It measures how much prices are changing. It also doesn’t tell you how high prices have already become. Imagine something that cost $100 rises to $110 one year and then $113 the next. The rate of inflation has slowed considerably, but you’re still paying $13 more than you were before. So where is the inflation actually coming from? The short answer is: from several places at once. Some of it is coming from prices Australians can’t easily avoid. Housing was the biggest contributor to inflation in August, rising 5.7% over the year. Some of the pressure is also coming from overseas. Higher oil, diesel, fertiliser and other costs
4 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 8 October, 2026
linked to the Middle East conflict don’t always reach consumers immediately. Businesses can absorb those costs for a while before eventually putting up their own prices and passing them through to customers. Then there’s a more structural problem: how much the Australian economy can produce. The RBA’s August Statement on Monetary Policy says the economy is still operating with capacity constraints. In other words, demand for some workers, goods and services remains stronger than the economy can comfortably supply without pushing up prices. So inflation can keep running even while parts of the economy are clearly slowing. CommBank Household Spending Insights data showed spending among Australians aged 65 and over was 10.1% higher in June than a year earlier. Spending growth among 25 to 34-year-olds was just 4.2%, while 35 to 44 and 45 to 54-year-olds recorded growth of 4.5%. “Household consumption patterns diverge by age. Shifts in interest rates, inflation and wealth affect age cohorts differently, which can lead to varying rates of spending growth,” CommBank Head of Australian Economics Belinda Allen said. One obvious reason is housing debt. “These groups are more likely to have a mortgage, making them more sensitive to higher interest rates,” Allen said of the younger and middle-aged groups. Higher rates can’t build more houses, lift productivity overnight or bring down the global oil price. What they can do is cool demand. Australians cutting back and inflation remaining too high aren’t contradictory. The squeeze is landing very differently across households, and many of the prices still rising are for things people can’t easily avoid. What matters most now is whether those pres-
sures fade as the economy slows, or whether inflation remains persistent enough for the RBA to decide that more rate rises are needed.
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Thursday, 8 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 5
OPINION
Is it NIMBY or YIMBY? Some members of the BAPS Hindu community visited us this week to talk about their proposed Mahã-Mandir on more than 100 acres in Cranbourne South and the opposition it has attracted. Now, before anyone starts shouting “not in my backyard”, let’s ask a slightly mischievous question. If the sign out the front said “Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Retreat”, would we feel differently? Yoga is now mainstream Australia. Meditation is recommended for wellbeing. Mindfulness is taught in workplaces and schools. People spend thousands travelling to retreats to recharge, rejuvenate and “find themselves”. Yet yoga’s roots stretch back thousands of years through Indian traditions, including Hinduism. Put some of those same practices within a Hindu cultural and spiritual centre and suddenly some people get nervous. Why? Let’s be clear: this is a substantial planning proposal and it deserves substantial scrutiny. Casey Council officers have raised concerns about Green Wedge planning objectives, roads, vegetation, scale and impacts on nearby residents. Good. That’s their job. BAPS says only around 6 per cent of the 44-hectare site would be built upon, with about 74 per cent preserved and enhanced as Green Wedge open space and habitat, alongside gardens and landscaping. They say considerable work has gone into traffic, parking, acoustics, environmental protection and biodiversity. Good. Now test it. If traffic modelling doesn’t stack up, fix it. If noise will exceed acceptable limits, fix it. If vegetation needs protecting, protect it. If environmental claims don’t withstand scrutiny, challenge them. But if those concerns can be satisfactorily addressed, we should be honest enough to ask whether our remaining objection is really about planning - or about something unfamiliar appearing in our backyard. What BAPS describes isn’t simply somewhere Hindus go to pray.
Their philosophy is captured beautifully in the words, “In the joy of others lies our own”. Dad has always put it another way: “Service is the rent we pay for our time on this planet.” BAPS members already participate in tree planting, clean-ups, food drives, blood donation and other community service. Their vision for Cranbourne South includes worship, as well as education, gardens, reflection, volunteering, meditation, community connection and places where people can simply find some peace. You don’t have to be Hindu. Nobody is standing at the gate with a conversion form. Come in. Walk. Learn. Meditate. Talk. Understand another culture. Maybe even try the yoga. And perhaps we need places like that more than we realise. We constantly talk about loneliness, mental health, disconnected families, young people glued to screens and communities where neighbours barely know one another. We’ve all heard that it takes a village to raise a child, but here’s a question: who is actually in your child’s village? School? Sport? Grandparents? Neighbours? Cultural or faith communities? Coaches? Mentors? Volunteers? School cannot do everything, and neither can government. Children need communities around them that reinforce service, responsibility, discipline, compassion and belonging.
Whether your village is a church, Gurdwara, Mandir, mosque, sporting club, Scouts or community garden matters less than whether it helps produce good humans who understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves. One analogy we’ve used with young people is the tree. Which trees survive the cyclone? The ones with deep roots and enough flexibility to bend. Human beings aren’t so different. Knowing your roots doesn’t make you less Australian. Understanding your culture, history and values can give you the confidence to engage with everybody else’s. A leaf separated from the tree eventually loses the nutrients that sustained it. Integration should never require people to cut themselves away from their roots; it should encourage them to grow new branches. Hindu teachings emphasise service and responsibility to the wider community, just as Sikh teachings emphasise sewa. Other traditions express the same human values differently. How fortunate are we in Casey that so many of the world’s traditions are virtually on our doorstep? We’ve seen this movie before. Cultural and religious developments arrive and suddenly social media discovers traffic, noise, trees, and civilisation itself may be under threat. The gurdwara in Officer faced community concerns too. Today the Sikh community there is involved in food relief, blood donation, tree planting, environmental work and opening its doors to the wider community. Nobody lost their Australian identity because a Sikh gurdwara appeared nearby. Quite the opposite: people met neighbours they may never otherwise have known. That’s what social cohesion actually looks like
- not everyone becoming the same, but different people participating in the same community. None of that means saying “yes” to every planning application because it has a worthy purpose. YIMBY cannot mean Yes In My Backyard regardless of consequences, just as NIMBY shouldn’t mean No because something feels unfamiliar. Protect the Green Wedge. Protect biodiversity. Protect neighbours from unreasonable noise and congestion. Make BAPS prove its claims and meet the standards required of a development of this scale. But then apply another test to ourselves: if every legitimate planning concern was resolved, would I still oppose it? And if so, why? Would I feel differently if this was an exclusive wellness retreat, an expensive yoga centre or something belonging to a cultural tradition more familiar to me? Those are uncomfortable questions. Cultural Intelligence sometimes requires us to ask them. There is more to life than work, mortgage, traffic, groceries, screens, sleep and doing it all again tomorrow. Some of us pray. Some meditate. Some swim, run or go to the gym. Some read philosophy or inspirational books. Some sit quietly in nature searching for something they can’t quite name. Imagine having places in our own community where we can encounter traditions from around the world, understand our neighbours and perhaps learn something useful about ourselves. I love going to the Yun Yang Buddhist temple in Narre North near Lysterfield Lake. Just bliss and peace right here. I don’t have to visit Cambodia or Vietnam to feel that. You don’t have to believe everything another culture believes to become richer from understanding it. Truth be told... Don’t be a NIMBY simply because something is unfamiliar. Be a YIMBY who understands why.
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Thursday, 8 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 7
NEWS
Pledge for a better Casey By Jensy Callimootoo With the state election just over a month away, local candidates are amping up their campaign presence and Tuesday’s (6 October) event was the perfect opportunity for four prominent politicians to outline their plans for the region. Hosted by Narre Warren Berwick Business Group (NWBBG), local business owners heard from Berwick MP Brad Battin, Labor’s SouthEastern MP Michael Galea, Greens’ South-Eastern candidate and Berwick One Nation candidate Michael Piastrino. Here’s a summary of what each had to say in order of appearance. Michael Piastrino, One Nation candidate for Berwick Broader objectives: Cost of living Payroll tax Small business Community safety Licensed firearm owners. Piastrino said One Nation would seek to reduce unnecessary taxes and charges, wind back land tax increases, remove stamp duty on insurance and improve planning approvals to lower housing costs. As a business owner, Piastrino also advocated for a higher payroll tax threshold and greater support for apprentices. On community safety, he called for tougher penalties for violent and repeat offenders, increased police support and better assistance for victims. He also backed streamlined firearm licensing and longer licence periods for responsible owners.
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Matthew Kirwan, Greens candidate for the South-Eastern Metropolitan region Broader objectives: Supporting small businesses Easing cost-of-living pressures Creating sustainable jobs Delivering a fairer economy This would be done through delivering free public transport, capped energy bills, free dental care and abolishing stamp duty for homes up to $1.1 million to increase household spending in local businesses. Kirwan also backed a commercial vacancy tax, greater government procurement from local businesses and support for regional supply chains. He advocated incentives for rooftop solar and batteries, stronger TAFE funding and investment in sustainable industries. He also called for multinational corporations to pay a greater share of tax. Michael Galea, current Labor MP for SouthEastern Metropolitan region Broader objectives: Housing affordability Infrastructure Cost of living Public transport Health Community safety Galea said Labor would support more housing in established activity centres to ease pressure on Melbourne’s outer suburbs, while continuing investment in roads, hospitals, schools and public transport across the south-east. Cost-of-living measures include free kindergarten, free TAFE, free dental care, half-price public
8 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 8 October, 2026
One Nation’s Michael Piastrino, Greens’ Matthew Kirwan, Labor’s Michael Galea and Liberals’ Brad Battin. (Supplied) transport and a 90 per cent registration discount. On community safety, he highlighted tougher bail laws, stronger penalties for violent crime and protections for retail workers. He also backed continued investment in services as the region grew. Brad Battin, current Liberal Berwick MP Broader objectives: Community safety Cost of living Business growth Housing Infrastructure
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Battin called for tougher bail laws and greater police numbers, particularly in rapidly growing areas such as Clyde North. He backed increasing the payroll tax threshold and reducing the impact of land tax, arguing rising costs are putting pressure on businesses, rents and consumers. He also highlighted the need to accelerate development and infrastructure projects, including roads and employment precincts, to create more local jobs and reduce commuting. He also made a call for greater cooperation between government and the private sector to deliver infrastructure, unlock development and support economic growth.
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Thursday, 8 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 9
FOCUS ON ... EDUCATION
Learning, growing, belonging Every school has a motto or mission statement that outlines how each member of the community can benefit from being part of the school community. St Clare’s Primary School, Officer, has the following school motto: Faith leads to courage, wisdom and compassion In order to live out this motto, all members of our community are asked to follow our school wide expectations which are Respect, Optimism, Courage, Kind and Safe – ROCKS. Our students follow these in their daily actions at school by doing their job, having a go, making positive choices, seeking help when needed, modelling and practising kindness and keeping themselves and others safe. At St Clare’s these expectations are modelled and explicitly taught and reinforced in an ongoing way. Our student awards are based on living out ROCKS and we link these expectations to scriptures in the Bible. Our hope is that all members of our community will leave St Clare’s with our school wide expectations and our motto instilled in their minds as they go through life. We look to nurture the holistic development of each child at our school. For the St Clare’s family, numeracy and literacy skills are core elements of education; but so is Religious Education – developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass. We encourage active play and healthy bodies; understanding other cultures through learning languages; and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts. As we work towards 2027 this term, we are inviting our 2027 Foundation students to spend some further time at school, familiarising themselves with teachers, new friends and the school environment. We look forward to working with students and families as they begin their school journey. Our orientation process supports the students, family and school staff as we prepare to engage students in their social, emotional, aca-
Growing minds, hearts and spirits at St Clare’s Primary School, Officer. demic as well as spiritual learning journey. Our goal for every child at St Clare’s is for children to reach their full potential in a safe, wel-
coming and faith filled environment. If you are looking to enrol for 2027, we ask that you contact us now as we have limited vacancies.
For all enquires or to receive our enrolment documentation please phone 5940 6777 or email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au
St Clare’s Catholic Primary School, Officer Our Faith leads to Wisdom and Courage.
ENROL NOW FOR 2027 Our faith leads to wisdom and courage. This motto drives everything at St Clare’s, shaping our ethos, curriculum, and community relationships. If you’re a prospective student, parent, or family member, I invite you to visit us and experience our dynamic learning environment, beginning a lifelong partnership in education. Helen Staindl School Principal
Enrolment Enquiries
St Clare’s Primary School Officer 0359406777 95 Majestic Drive (PO Box 362) Officer 3809 enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au 12825214-CV41-26
10 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 8 October, 2026
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FOCUS ON ... EDUCATION
Many cultures, one community At St Patrick’s, we are lucky to have an amazing group of students that come from many varied cultural backgrounds. From our South Sudanese to our Myanmar and Sikh communities and many, many more, we are delighted to see the wonderful friendships and lifelong bonds that students make at our school. We are a community of faith filled people, who hold dear the values of Respect, Safety, Co- operation, Resilience and Courage. We listen to the Christian story and discuss how these stories can relate to the issues being faced by our students today. At St Patrick’s, we have a dedicated staff who support and encourage our students and each other. Working as a team, we see the value in combining our talents and efforts to ensure the students are our number one priority and who are developing a passion for learning and a desire to be a responsible and a hardworking member of society. St Patrick’s specialist subjects are DigiTech, Performing Arts, Physical Education and Visual Arts and we learn the Italian language. The school runs speech programs with a qualified Speech Pathologist and Education Support Officers who are trained as Speech Therapy Assistants who work with our students in implementing the speech programs. We run Literacy intervention programs, and we offer Counselling and Psychological services free of charge for our families. There are qualified staff in Student Wellbeing who are dedicated to the cause of working with students with additional needs as well as supporting the teachers and families in ensuring success for all. St Patrick’s has designated Myanmar and Afri-
Celebrating our cultural diversity at St Patrick’s, Pakenham. can community Liaison officers, as well as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher who is dedicated to our families and students who hold English as their second language.
We also have a dedicated teacher who works with both teachers and students around any mental health concerns. We look forward to welcoming you to
St Patrick’s. Take care and God Bless, Meg Escalante Principal
Encourage extracurricular activities for students Education goes well beyond the classroom, with schools increasingly recognising the value of sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities in shaping lifelong skills. Students are given a wide range of opportunities to pursue their interests, build confidence, and develop essential life skills along the way. Sports programs are a key part of this approach. Participation in team sports teaches students more than just physical fitness, it builds teamwork, resilience, leadership, and discipline. Schools provide structured programs in a wide range of sports, from traditional team games like football, basketball, and netball, to individual activities like swimming, athletics, and tennis. Through these programs, students learn to set goals, manage challenges, and celebrate successes, gaining confidence that extends beyond the playing field. Clubs and co-curricular activities also foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Schools offer opportunities in music, drama, robotics, debate, STEM projects, and community service programs. These activities allow students to discover new passions, develop specialized skills, and work alongside peers who share similar
582816 01 interests. Participation in clubs encourages curiosity, adaptability, and critical thinking skills that are invaluable both in further education and in life beyond school. Wellbeing is another important aspect of ex-
tracurricular programs. Engaging in sports and clubs provides children with a sense of purpose, belonging, and balance. Schools are increasingly aware of the connection between mental health and participation in these programs, recognising
that active involvement helps students manage stress, build friendships, and develop self-confidence. Pastoral care and mentoring often complement these programs, ensuring students are supported emotionally as well as socially. Parents looking for schools should explore the range of extracurricular options available. Visiting open days, meeting teachers, and asking about clubs, sports, and enrichment programs will provide insight into how a school nurtures the whole child. The best schools encourage participation across diverse activities, allowing students to explore multiple interests while developing a broad set of skills. Ultimately, learning beyond the classroom is about creating opportunities for growth, exploration, and personal development. Catholic and independent schools understand that sports, clubs, and co-curricular programs complement academic learning, helping children become well-rounded, confident, and resilient individuals. By encouraging students to participate, schools provide the foundation for lifelong skills that extend far beyond their school years, equipping them for success in every aspect of life.
We pride ourselves on being a Catholic, welcoming school where everyone is valued and respected. Our committed and professional staff provide a safe, caring environment where we aim to engender a love of learning in every student.
136 Princes Highway, Pakenham | www.stppakenham.catholic.edu.au | (03) 5943 9000 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
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ENROLMENTS OPEN FOR 2028 Thursday, 8 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 11
BUSINESS IN FOCUS
Discover, dream and plan If you’re looking for inspiration for your next family holiday, make sure you mark Sunday 18 October in your calendar! Helloworld Travel Pakenham is excited to host a travel expo at the Cardinia Cultural Centre from 10am to 3pm—a fun-filled day designed for travellers of all ages. As a local, family-owned travel agency, Helloworld Travel Pakenham’s team are all mums who understand family travel. They’ve experienced the juggling act of travelling with babies, toddlers, school-aged children, and teenagers, so they know that every family holiday needs to be planned a little differently. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing Fiji escape, an action-packed theme park adventure, a cruise the whole family will love, or your first overseas holiday, the team is here to help make it easy. The travel expo is the perfect opportunity to chat face-to-face with the experienced Helloworld Travel Pakenham team and some of Australia’s leading travel suppliers. You’ll discover fantastic holiday ideas, hear destination presentations, enjoy colourful cultural performances, and take advantage of exclusive expo offers that won’t be available anywhere else. There’s plenty for the kids, too! With free entry, kids craft activities, door prizes, and a special appearance by Helloroo, the day promises fun for the whole family while parents gather expert travel advice. The Helloworld Travel Pakenham team believes family holidays create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s building sandcastles on a tropical beach, spotting wildlife on safari, exploring Europe together, or simply spending quality time away from the everyday, the team is passionate about helping families create unforgettable experiences. Come along, bring the kids, meet the friendly team, and start planning your next adventure. The Helloworld Travel Pakenham Travel Expo can’t wait to welcome you and help turn your family’s travel dreams into reality!
FUN FOR THE WHOL E FAMILY!
SUNDAY 18TH OCTOBER CARDINIA CULTURAL CENTRE
FREE ENTRY DOOR PRIZES
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CULTURAL SHOWS DESTINATION PRESENTATIONS
AMAZING TRAVEL PRIZES!
KIDS’ CRAFTS
10AM - 3PM
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MEET TOP TRAVEL EXPERTS & SAVE ON YOUR NEXT FAMILY ADVENTURE!
MEET OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
JOIN US FOR A DAY OF TRAVEL, CULTURE & INSPIRATION! 12907412-AD41-26
12 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 8 October, 2026
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NEWS
Land tax hits Casey hard By Violet Li More than 8,300 Casey land taxpayers could benefit from Labor’s plan to gradually restore the taxfree threshold, new data shows. Casey has the second-highest number of taxpayers in the state with taxable land valued between $50,000 and $300,000, behind Melbourne, according to the State Government data. The data shows where the taxpayers live, based on their recorded delivery address. Premier Ben Carroll announced on Sunday 4 October that a re-elected Labor government would reverse the 2023 changes to the land tax threshold, which means they would revert the land tax threshold from $50,000 to $300,000 if elected in November. According to the State Government, it will save more than 250,000 Victorians up to $975 a year. The proposed relief would be implemented progressively. Labor’s plan starts in 2027/28 with a $25,000 increase to the threshold, which it says would save 33,000 Victorians $500 in the first year. Further annual increases would follow, with the threshold returning to $300,000 over time. That means Casey taxpayers in the affected bracket would not all receive the maximum saving immediately. The benefit would depend on their taxable land value and the staged increases. The party says the land tax changes would cost $230 million over five years. The State Government’s data also reveals the age of Victorians within this land tax bracket. More than 86,000 are aged under 50, including almost 48,000 in their 40s and more than 31,000 in their 30s. More than 51,000 are in their 50s. The median age is 53. Earlier in the year, the Coalition also proposed to progressively raise the land tax threshold back
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll announced on Sunday 4 October that a re-elected Labor government would reverse the 2023 changes to the land tax threshold. (File) to $300,000 at a rate of $50,000 per year over five years, if elected. One Nation stated in its recent policy launch document that it would “wind back” Labor’s land tax increases on rental properties and small property owners, arguing those costs have been passed on to tenants. It also says it will not promise to scrap the tax
overnight and will disclose the cost of its changes. In a Herald Sun report in early September, the party’s state leader Warren Pickering pledged to increase the land tax threshold to $300,000, matching the Coalition. The Greens have proposed a different land tax policy, increasing land tax to 5.3 per cent for property investors that own more than $5 million
in residential investment properties, which will raise $6.4 billion over the decade. The party says it would use the revenue to cut stamp duty for owner-occupiers, including removing it on homes worth up to $1.1 million. Its plan does not involve restoring the general land tax threshold.
Probus Gardening Group explores Monbulk On Tuesday, 22 September, eleven enthusiastic members of East Pakenham Probus club enjoyed a delightful day out in Monbulk. The morning began at Wishing Well Nursery, where the group was warmly welcomed by host Tania. She guided members through an impressive showcase of new and specialty plant varieties. The nursery staff were exceptionally knowledgeable and eager to answer questions, offering valuable advice on plant care and garden suitability. Members particularly appreciated the thoughtful layout, with lush shade-loving plants thriving undercover and vibrant sun-loving varieties displayed outdoors. After visiting the nursery, the group gathered at Tatiana’s Cafe in Monbulk for lunch and lively conversation. Several members then took the opportunity
Locals having lunch. to stroll through the town and explore Monbulk’s three opportunity shops, searching for treasures and bargains. Thank you to Bruce for organising this interesting outing.
Garden outing. (Supplied)
BUSINESS PROFILE
Pillow Talk has arrived! Pillow Talk has arrived in Pakenham, offering customers a good night’s sleep and comfort for every home. The renowned family-owned and operated brick-and-mortar and online bedding and homewares retailer is getting ready to open its 80th door to new Pakenham customers on 3 October. Found on 8 Portobello Road in Pakenham, Pillow Talk is aiming to help every Australian find the right product for themselves. To them, comfort is the sigh you make when you walk through the door, and Pillow Talk’s range of products is designed to cater for all creative styles and personalities to achieve that feeling. Pillow Talk can help customers with bedroom, bathroom, living, kitchen and dining, beach and outdoor, guides and even gifts.
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
They have even been in collaboration with a range of Australian artists and businesses such as Steph Brookes, Mr Consistents and Robert Gordan to cater to all customers. The relaxed bedding group always support the Australian wool industry with a range of wool products that are Australian-made. Approaching 50 years of operation, with the founder still acting as the Managing Director of the company, Pillow Talk is getting ready to launch its 2026 Sundays and Summer range. Standing out from the rest, their competitive pricing for quality items and dedicated in-store customer service with personalised and expert advice are among the comfiest around. For more information, please visit: https:// www.pillowtalk.com.au/
Pillow Talk is ready to open its 80th door to customers on 3 October. (Supplied)
Thursday, 8 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 13
NEWS
Council recommends refusal Casey Council has recommended the State Government refuse the proposed $190 million BAPS Hindu Mahã-Mandir precinct in Cranbourne South. The Council stated on its website on 30 September that its position is based on a range of planning concerns, including impacts on local roads and infrastructure, inconsistency with Green Wedge planning objectives, environmental and vegetation impacts, the scale and intensity of the development, and potential impacts on nearby residents. The application proposes a major Hindu temple precinct along Western Port Highway, Cranbourne South, including a Mahã-Mandir
reaching about 64 metres in height, associated buildings and more than 1000 car parking spaces. The proposal sits within the Western Port Green Wedge, where the scale and intensity of places of worship and other non-rural developments have become an increasingly contentious planning issue. Casey councillors recently rejected a planning permit application for a proposed place of worship at 600 Cranbourne-Frankston Road in Cranbourne South. Casey Council, however, will not make the final decision on the BAPS application. The application was lodged through the
State Government’s Development Facilitation Program, so Department of Transport and Planning is the responsible authority. The Department will consider Council’s comments alongside public submissions and advice from other agencies before deciding whether to approve or refuse the proposal. Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association (CRRA) president Anthony Tassone said the Council’s recommendation was significant. “The Council’s professional planning team has now assessed the proposal and recommended that it be refused. Importantly, many of the concerns identified by Council are the same concerns CRRA has raised about the scale
and intensity of this development and whether it is appropriate in the Green Wedge,” he said. “CRRA’s position remains simple: this proposal is too large, too intensive and too urban for this Green Wedge location. “We urge the State Government to give significant weight to Casey’s professional planning assessment and the concerns being raised by local residents when determining this application.” Residents can continue making submissions directly to the Department during the public notice period: planning.vic.gov.au/planning-approvals/ministerial-permits-register/ ministerial-permits/0051c637-ac76-f111-ab0f7c1e522a8afb
How the land reshaped the Cranbourne South temple plans Opinion by BAPS
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Public consultation has opened on plans for the BAPS Hindu Mahã-Mandir at Cranbourne South, and they tell a story of their own. Over the life of the project the design has been shaped and reshaped, by the land, by the animals living on it, and by more than 30 technical consultants working to Victorian and Australian standards. The glossy grass skink is a small lizard, easy to miss and listed as endangered in Victoria, living in the southern part of the 103-acre property on Western Port Highway where the MahãMandir is proposed. When its presence was confirmed in 2025, the organisation behind the project changed the design of the entire site and removed a
whole building to keep out of the animal’s way, cutting the built form back by half. In the plans now lodged, every area of confirmed skink habitat is retained, with buffers of at least 30 metres around it, and the highestquality remnant woodland on the site is kept in full. That habitat sits outside the development footprint, and the plans provide for it to be enhanced as well as protected. That decision was not an accident of the planning process. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Australia, the Hindu organisation proposing the mandir, is built around a teaching of its late guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj: ‘in the joy of others lies our own’. Within BAPS, ‘others’ is not read narrowly. It includes animals as much as humans. It in-
14 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 8 October, 2026
cludes the people who live next door. And it means the giving is not something that starts when the doors open; it runs through every stage of the project, including this one. The application is with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning. It describes five buildings, a traditional stone temple and the supporting buildings around it, which together operate as a single place of worship and cover about 6 per cent of the 103 acres. An additional 19 per cent of the site is formalised landscape, and the remaining 75 per cent or so stays in an undeveloped and preserved condition for long-term environmental protection, with its management set out in the land and wildlife management plans lodged with the application and funded on an ongoing basis. The project has not taken shape in isolation. Across the life of the application, BAPS has engaged more than 30 technical consultants, whose work has shaped the project into its current form, with each discipline working to the governance and compliance standards set under Victorian and Australian law. The skink redesign is the most visible result of that work, and the same approach runs through the rest of the plans, which consolidate development away from the most environmentally and culturally sensitive parts of the site wherever practicable. A Cultural Heritage Management Plan is also being prepared in consultation with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, the Registered Aboriginal Party for the area. What the mandir gives once it opens is easier to picture. It would be open to people of any faith or none, and a mandir is traditionally a building that expects visitors and explains itself to them, which is why the plans include interpretive displays and orientation spaces, alongside rooms for religious education for children, youth and adults. There is also a kitchen, and the food prepared there is offered in the mandir before it is shared as pras dam, making it part of the worship itself rather than a service attached to it. Because worship in this tradition is continu-
ous and not tied to a single ceremony, the site is designed for a steady flow of people through the day rather than crowds arriving at once. The application anticipates up to about 1,200 people on site at any one time on a typical weekday and about 1,650 on a weekend, with most staying for two to three hours. On-site parking spaces would be available to support the visitorship. On most days of the year, the prevailing condition of the site is intended to be a quiet one. Major festival days could see an increase in visitors; however, BAPS are committing to deploying special event Traffic Management plans, along with over-flow parking arrangements to manage increased traffic on these busy days. Then there is the ordinary economics of keeping such a place running - a property with gardens, a managed habitat area and a kitchen on it has to be staffed. An assessment lodged with the application estimates about 120 ongoing jobs on site of a distinctly local kind: gardening and horticulture, habitat management, cleaning, security, administration and maintenance. Those jobs are estimated to support another 23 across the state economy, about 143 in all, worth roughly $12.1 million a year in gross value added to Victoria. Those numbers deliberately leave out volunteers, of whom there will be many. Services such as landscaping, waste management and security are expected to be sourced from small and medium businesses in Cranbourne and the wider City of Casey where practicable. The volunteering is not hypothetical. BAPS volunteers in Australia already run blood donation drives, charitable collections, environmental stewardship work and disaster relief support, and the mandir would give the people who already do that work a permanent place to gather. The plans are now with the Department of Transport and Planning, and the story they tell is on the public record: a design redrawn around a lizard most people would never notice, and land set aside and funded to be cared for over the long term, all before the first stone is laid.
An architectural concept plan of the temple precinct. (BAPS)
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
NEWS
Op shop celebrates decade By Jensy Callimootoo
Longtime staff members at the Hope Centre Op Shop (left to right) Maha, Jun, Ethnie and Maree.
The local op shop will be celebrating its 10th year on 7 October 2026.
how rewarding the work has been. “We have people that come in and if they say something like ‘oh, I’m on a pension’, we just give them a big discount,” she said. “We’ve got several pastors at church and one of the wives came in and said, ‘look, I’ve met this lady and she’s doing it tough, I’m putting $100 credit here for her’.” Throughout the last decade, the shop, supported by the Winepress Christian Church, has facilitated an abundance of philanthropic work. Including English as Second Language programmes. It also organised fundraisers, afternoon teas
physical acts of kindness, remaining mindful of its environment impact. “If we have clothes that are unsuitable, it goes to another organisation,” she said. “Mainly they’re too big or we have too much of that stock. And if they’re really bad, with holes or stains I take them to a mechanic. “So everything gets a second or third life.” As part of the 10 year celebrations, the op shop will be hosting a seasonal sale across the month. This includes the 15, 16 and 17 of October. You can find the store and the welcoming ladies at 40 Intrepid Street Berwick.
and social events intended to help build connections among people. The proceeds went on to further support local families, young mums and teenagers through different channels. “We’re honouring people whose vision, hard work and generosity made our shop a welcoming and valued part of the Berwick community,” said Maree. “We have become a community of different cultures, ages and experiences.” Over the years, Maree says the store has been able to grow thanks to the frequency in donations. But at this Op Shop, philanthropy goes beyond
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Despite being tucked away in a little corner of a parking lot, the presence and dedication of Berwick’s Hope Centre Op Shop in the community is substantial. As you walk in, you can’t miss the racks of colourful and quirky clothes on display, but what stands out most is its warm and relaxed atmosphere. Behind the garment racks, is laughter, chatter and the sound of women bantering — here lies the true essence of the shop, which now enters its 10th year serving the community. On a Thursday afternoon as the rain belted down staff members, Maree, Ethnie, Maha and Jun remained lively as they carried out their daily shop duties. The portable turned shop was built in October of 2016 by a small group of church community members who had a vision to provide to those that needed it the most. Maree became team leader not long into the job and will hit her sixth year working at the Hope Centre Op Shop in November. “We just feel really, really blessed here,” said Maree. “Because I know it’s tucked out of the way, but there’s just such wonderful bonds of friendship that are formed as well. Ethnie, who has been working at the Hope Centre for over four years says her favourite part of the job is being able to interact with the community, but also her colleagues. “The people that I work with are phenomenal,” Ethnie says. Maha, who has been there for three years tells Star News the friendships that she’s been able to build have been of paramount importance to her. “I look forward to Thursdays every week because I love it so much,” she said. Like the ladies, Maree says the best part of her job has been the connections she’s made but also
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 8 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 15
WHAT’S ON
•Cranbourne Seniors Club Contact Mary - 0437 474 452
Honouring those who served The Pakenham RSL Sub Branch is holding a Afghanistan Commemorative Service on 11 October at 10.00 am at the cenotaph on the corner of John and Henry Streets Pakenham. The service is to commemorate the Australians who served in Afghanistan and the Middle Eastern Area of Operations.
Morning Melodies with Gavin Chatelier, first Friday of the month, 11am-3pm; $15 lunch included. Details: Marilyn, 0432 107 590 or facebook. com/groups/487808127399953
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Scrappy Chicks Workshop Join us for a day of crafting on Saturday 10 October at the Lakeside Scout Group. Bring your own projects to work on. Plus, you’ll get the choice of a Scrapbook or Cardmaking Kit. Basic supplies, adhesives and some extra pre-cut kit options are available on the day. For more information, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/scrappy-chicks-saturdays-2026
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Dance with Eileen Sunday 11 October, 1.00 pm - 5.00 pm Afternoon Tea provided. Cranbourne Seniors Citizens Club, 1 Codrington St, Cranbourne 3977 Details: contact Marilyn 0432 107 590
•Sea Wolves Howl •• •• •• •
60 per cent Water represented by Cluster Arts Global Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 Morning tea: 10:00am, Lakeview Room Show time: 11:00am, Theatre All Tickets: $24 Duration: 60 minutes, without interval Artist recommended age: 15+ Show description: Morning Melodies, Musical Theatre When two women met on a beach in September 2020 during Melbourne’s lockdown, they had no idea they were starting a movement. By December, sixty women had joined them. They called themselves the Mt Martha Sea Wolves. Sea Wolves Howl brings their extraordinary stories to life through vivid theatre and original songs. Five characters guide us through their daily ritual: waking before dawn, gathering on the shore, stripping down to their togs, joining hands so no-one can chicken out, howling like wolves, and plunging into the icy water together. For more information about the event, please visit: https://cardinia.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/ salesevent/158038
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Bunyip Historical Society General Meeting Thursday 15 October at Bunyip Hall, Main Street, Bunyip 7.00 pm start, RSVP by 12 October. The Bunyip Historical Society needs new members to help keep our local history alive. If you have little time to spare, we’d love you to come along and lend a hand. Bunyip Historical Society includes Tonimbuk, Iona, Garfield and Garfield North. Please contact: bhs@bunyiphistory.org.au or 0419 156 844 / 0419 562 956 for RSVP and more details.
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Harkaway Cemetery Walk This is our nineteenth walk in our local cemeteries. 202 Hessel Road, Harkaway Sunday 25 October 2026 at 10 am Presented by the Narre Warren & District Family History Group Light morning tea at conclusion of our walk. Adults $10, Seniors $5 Bookings: Email: cemetery.tours@nwfhg.org.au Phone: 0412 084 671
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Rotary Club of Pakenham Looking for a great night out close to home? The Rotary Club of Pakenham invites you to enjoy
Probus Club of Pakenham East
Moonwalker: Michael Jackson’s HIStory show at Cardinia Culture is approaching this spring for Halloween. (Stewart Chambers) an evening of dancing, music and good company at the Pakenham Public Hall, corner of John and Henry Streets, Pakenham. Held monthly from 7.30pm to 11pm, the evenings are just $20 per person, with BYO drinks and nibbles welcome. Put these dates in your calendar: Saturday, 7 November – The Trutones Saturday, 5 December – Silhouettes For further information, contact Rotarian Ian Wake on 0417 112 500.
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Pakenham Twilight Market Come and explore the Market, catch up with your friends and family, and support our amazing small businesses! Shop amazing handmade and crafted gifts and discover local makers — live music, community stalls and more! It is being held at the PB RONALD RESERVE - PAKENHAM VIC, on 11 October 2pm - 6pm. The event is pet friendly (on leads please). For stall applications please visit: https://www. issimomarkets.com/bookings/390907
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Moonwalker: Michael Jackson’s HIStory show Halloween night! Moonwalker: Michael Jackson’s HIStory is coming to Pakenham at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Saturday 31 October 2026 at 7.30pm A night to dress up and have fun with family and friends. This unique show features a live band, live vocals, a professional dance team, visual displays, special effects, covers over 40 years of Michael Jackson’s music, and is fronted by the three-time undefeated Michael Jackson Dance Off Champion, Paul Rizzo. Moonwalker’s mission statement is to entertain, educate, and elevate through the enduring legacy of the greatest entertainer of all time. Buy tickets from $70. For further information, visit: https://cardinia. sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/164392
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The Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham is turning Orange in November Our Club will be supporting the United Nations campaign “16 Days of activism against Gender-Based Violence” with “Orange The World”. Come and join us on Wednesday 25th November 2026 at Lakeside Pakenham @ 6.30pm in a Community Walk around the Lake. The Pakenham Club, which is part of the largest worldwide women’s service organisation, meets most first Thursdays of the month at the RSL Club rooms in Pakenham at 9.30am for a 10.00am start. Come along and join us and consider becoming a Member. Friendship is a major part of our group, and as well as our monthly meetings, we often get together for movie days, coffee mornings, craft and hobby days. If you want to know more about our great organisation, please visit our Inner Wheel Australia web-
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site at innerwheelaustralia.org.au or contact our local club by email: iiw.au.pakenham@gmail.com
Cardinia Prostate Cancer Support Group A safe space for men suffering or recovering from prostate cancer treatment and their families. All are welcome. We meet on the first Thursday of each month from February to November, 7pm to 8.30 pm, at Outlook Community Centre, 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham. For further information, phone Span Hanna on 0422 917 386 or email cardyprostate@outlook. com.
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Friendly Table Tennis Join a friendly group for table tennis every Wednesday 1pm to 3pm, at the Beaconsfield Community Centre. All are welcome to play for fun, entertainment, and to look forward to making friends with a community who loves a classic game. $5 per person, with a community fee for a year-long membership. Contact Jane for more information: 0419 927 096
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Men’s Discussion Group Pakenham Looking for a decent yarn and a laugh with local blokes? Great Conversation. No Agendas. Just Good Blokes. If you’ve been looking for a place to connect with genuine guys, talk about the stuff that actually matters, and have a laugh along the way, OM:NI Pakenham is looking for you. This is your invitation to connect, share life experiences, and talk about everything from the everyday to the extraordinary. We offer a completely informal, supportive space for senior men—no strings attached, just good company and great conversation over a cuppa. We make it easy to fit into your calendar at Outlook (24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham): Daytime: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 9:15 am – 12pm Evening: 1st Wednesday of the month, 7pm – 9:30 pm Get out of the house, meet some fantastic local characters, and bring your ideas to the table. To lock in your spot for the next session, contact: Darren (Day Group): 0418 300 233 Ken (Evening Group): 0419 574 865
• •• Pakenham Garden Club
Meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month, except in January and November. In November, we meet on the 2nd Tuesday. We visit Gardens, Nurseries, Places of Interest, we have 3-4 Meetings a year, at the Cardinia Club in Pakenham, with a speaker, Raffle, and Plant Share. After the meeting, we have lunch at the Cardinia Club. New members most welcome.
The Probus Club of Pakenham East warmly invites retired and semi-retired members of our community to join us. We offer a variety of enjoyable activities to suit all interests, including dine-outs, ten-pin bowling, craft groups, walking groups, theatre outings, and gardening—just to name a few. Our meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cardinia Club, 71 Racecourse Road, commencing at 10:30am. Each meeting begins with a short general session, followed by a break for morning tea. This provides a great opportunity to chat and get to know fellow members. The meeting then resumes with the introduction of a guest speaker. At the conclusion of the meeting, members are invited to stay and enjoy lunch together. For more information or to express your interest in joining, please contact: President John: 0420 936 240 Secretary Dorothy: probuspakeast@gmail. com
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Pakenham Seniors People interested in a happy, social atmosphere and meeting new friends are invited to visit Pakenham Senior Citizens Clubrooms at 38 James Street on any Monday morning. The club has regular activities. Rooms are available to rent. Telephone 5941 1297.
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Singers wanted Cranbourne Chorale is recruiting for its non-auditioned adult community choir for mixed voices. Our repertoire is a mix of uplifting songs. Feel free to visit us without obligation; the first four sessions are free of charge. Wednesday rehearsals 7.30pm at The Factory, Building 5, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East. Details: Jenny, 0438 358 032.
•Fight Parkinson’s Support Group Pakenham
Do you, or someone near and dear to you. Have Parkinson’s? We invite those with Parkinson’s and their carers to join us for a cuppa and a chat. We meet between 10am and 12 noon on the third Wednesday each month at Officer Football Club at 20 Starling Road, Officer. For further information call Tracey on 0494 562 509.
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Pakenham Probus The Original Club in Pakenham for over 30 years. Pakenham Probus welcomes retired people from the community for fun and friendship. They meet at the Cardinia Club on the first Thursday of the month at 10am. They have the meeting, followed by morning tea and a chat. Then a guest speaker is welcomed to enlighten or entertain. The group then stays at the venue for a pay yourself lunch and chat. During the month, the group provides at minimal costs 10-pin bowling, craft activities, book club, tours, yearly holiday, 2 coffee mornings, dine out and a walking group. You can take part in whichever activities you want. Join and have a great time. Contact John Stitt: 0407766494
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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 Rev Chang-bae conducted Sunday’s service which looked at the cornerstone of the religion at the time. The reading from Matthew 21 33-46 which looked at the parable of the wicked tenants was the foundation of the service. Chang-bae reminded us that Sunday was “Older person’s day” in the Uniting Church. There is experience which comes from being old. In the parable of the wicked tenants we hear the story of a land owner who plants a vineyard and does all the necessary thigs to produce wine and leases it to tenants before going to another country. When harvest time came the owner sent
16 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 8 October, 2026
his slaves to the property where they were killed. The owner sent another lot of slaves and the same thing happened. He then sent his son and the tenants realising he was the heir decided to kill him also and take his inheritance. What will happen in the future? Jesus said to the people that the kingdom of Godwill be taken away and given to the people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone so what has happened has been the Lord’s doing. Human greed is not correct. God’s help goes to the broken. The kingdom of God will be taken and given to those who deserve it, not for the privileged. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone.
Remember that the elderly are a blessing and will be there4e to advise us and help us. Thank you to those people who are placing goods in the boxes being delivered to Cranbourne Food Truck, Hampton Park food collective and Narre Warren North Op Shop. The goods being sought are pasta and pasta sauce, bottled water, rice and any foods which remain within date. These goods are distributed to people who need assistance. A box is also there for Narre Warren North Op Shop who are looking for children’s clothing in particular. Thank you Gillian for organising this. Homework Hub Begins term 3 13th October Playgroup Wednesday mornings. 9.30am Elders gathering Thursday October 15thth
· · ·
1.30pm Council Thursday October 15th · Church 3.00pm · Friendship Group October 7th 1.30pm
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. Matthew 21 V43 “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.”
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SPORT
Leek’s Cosmic leap to glory By David Nagel ‘Overcoming Obstacles’ would be a fitting title for the future autobiography of Pakenham-trainer Andrea Leek after the Nar Nar Goon-local became a Group-1 winning-trainer for the first time at Flemington on Saturday. Leek - the first female jockey to win the Grand National Hurdle in 2004 - elevated her training status to the highest level after star gelding Cosmic Crusader reduced a quality field to rubble in the $750,000 Turnbull Stakes (2000m). ‘Moving Day’ of the spring carnival proved particularly rewarding for Leek after the six-yearold son of Maurice/Cosmic Storm announced himself as a genuine contender for this year’s Cox Plate…the weight-for-age championship of Australasia. Cosmic Crusader produced a dominant display, running down leader Light Infantry Man to win by almost two lengths on the line, with potential spring stars such as Aeliana, Sir Delius and last year’s Melbourne Cup hero Half Yours left in his wake. Leek was clearly moved after preparing the former Western Australian for an epic victory; ridden by gun WA jockey William Pike and owned by prominent WA owner Bob Peters. Saturday’s win was Cosmic Crusaders’ fifth run for Leek in 11 weeks since making the move to Melbourne. “Oh, just excitement, shaking, can’t wait to go and have a look at the horse and see how he’s pulled up,” Leek said, after the biggest win of her career. “It was a great ride by Willie (Pike) and I’m very appreciative to the Peters family and just thrilled for my whole family. “I just think he was, well, I shouldn’t say the fittest in the field, but he’s had a few runs now and I thought he’d come on from the last run and I just thought he’d run the 2000. “He’s a tricky horse, but I sent Bob (Peters) a message this morning saying ‘There’s no excuses today…he’s spot on’, so thank God I was right.” Persistent rain was the talk of the town in the lead up to Saturday’s Group 1 feature, but Leek had the ultimate insight into the gelding’s ability to handle the heaviest of ground. “I galloped him one morning at Pakenham and it was about a Heavy 15,” Leek said with a smile. “The tracks were closed and they were good
Group-1 company; trainer Andrea Leek, owner Bob Peters and jockey William Pike celebrate the win of Cosmic Crusader. (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos: 582523)
Andrea Leek celebrates with son Mitch after Cosmic Crusader provided her first Group-1 victory as a trainer at Flemington on Saturday. (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos: 582523)
Cosmic Crusader glides past Light Infantry Man to win the $750,000 Group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. (George Sal/Racing Photos: 582523)
enough to let us work him because he needed to, going into one of his previous races. “He went across the top of it like it was a good track so I was pretty confident he’d handle the wet.” Leek’s breakthrough Group 1 success came during a difficult period for the family, following husband John Leek Jnr’s three-year disqualification from racing in August this year. There was no suggestion that Andrea, or son Mitch - also a trainer in his own right - had any involvement in the matter, which involved stomach-tubing a horse in July 2025, but the ramifications of the penalty extended to the family’s training operation and living arrangements. “I think I’ve been lucky that I’ve had this to focus on because, yeah, it’s been very tough,” Leek
the job done, so I think, yeah, I really liked to get that done just for him. “And to the Leek family as well. “They’ve prepared him an absolute treat, he’s back being edgy today and I really like this version of him. “I like it when he’s up and about; you see him pushing around and throwing his head…he thinks he’s the king.” Cosmic Crusader is now on the third line of betting for the Cox Plate at $7, behind Sir Delius ($3.50) and Birdman ($5). This year’s Cox Plate will be run at Flemington on Saturday 24 October; while the races’ traditional home at Moonee Valley undergoes extensive renovations.
said. “It’s hard on the family, but I’ve just focused on my horses and that’s what’s got me through.” Pike, WA’s number-one jockey, thanked Peters for keeping him aboard after receiving criticism recently for his rides in the Group 1 Memsie and Underwood Stakes. He also praised Leek for having the star galloper cherry ripe on the day. “First of all, thank you to Mr Peters and his family, they backed me right from the get-go, even when I put in a bit of an ‘iffy’ one a couple of starts ago, so they stayed strong throughout; thank you very much to them,” Pike said. “It was just really nice to get the job done; he was putting in those good runs without getting
Time for the toughest test as tension builds in SWGDL By David Nagel The last round of the South West Gippsland Dart League (SWGDL) is set to be the most competitive of the season with the top-four teams doing battle in the build-up towards finals. The top four - Cheers, Snipers, Predators and Mud Rats - can’t be removed from the pointy end of the ladder, but the final pecking order is still up for grabs. Despite winning every game throughout the Winter season, Cheers can still fall to as low as third if they go down against second-placed Snipers this week. If third-placed Predators - the reigningpremiers - also knock off Mud Rats (fourth)… Cheers will begin their finals campaign from third; with no buffer for error and no double chance. And tension will also be at its highest for Dart Attack, Dart Vaders and Flight Club; with those three teams fighting for positions seventh and eighth on the ladder. At the completion of round 13, teams from first to fourth will battle for the title of premiers, while those from fifth to eighth will simultaneously lock horns for the coveted Don Brown Memorial Trophy. The penultimate round of the season saw some big results and great individual highlights, with Cheers showing its class with a 9-6 win over Dart Devils. Star performer Liam Edwards was at his brilliant best for Cheers, landing eight tons, while Doug Amos flew the flag high for Devils with four triple-figure scores. Despite the loss, Devils will finish fifth or
18 STAR NEWS | Thursday, 8 October, 2026
A whopping 63 triple-figure scores were thrown by those on the Most Tons leaderboard in round 12 of the SWGDL. (DBDarts: 281170) sixth and be a strong chance in the Don Brown finals series. Bill Richardson threw his second 180 of the season in an 11-4 victory for Snipers over Dart Vaders. Richardson has hit form at precisely the right time of year, making it back-to-back weeks where he’s filled up the treble 20. The Snipers were simply too strong, with Richardson knocking in five tons, his wife Christine five, while league-leader Dean Gibbs was at his formidable best with eight great visits to the oche. Vaders, currently eighth, will qualify for fi-
nals with a win over Dart Attack (seventh) this week; but a loss will leave them vulnerable. Joining Bill Richardson in the 180-club this week is Troy Koesemans from Flight Club, who threw his first maximum for the season in a hard fought 8-7 win over AAA Dartz. Flight Club, currently ninth, needs to defeat fifth-placed Just Social this week to keep its chances alive. In other games this week, the tons flowed thick and fast in an 11-4 success for Dart Attack over Any Excuse. Dart Attack had two guns smoking in unison, with Jai Macfarlane (six tons) and Shane Bartlett (five) in ripping form, while Brendan Simmonds did his best for Any Excuse with six tons for the evening. Dart Attack has now won three of its last four and is looking dangerous at the right time of the season. Jordan Gray threw five triple-figure scores in a 10-5 win for Predators over Gembrook, while fifth-placed Just Social scored an impressive 11-4 victory over fourth-placed Mud Rats. Just Social has now won five of its last six matches and will start favourites when the Don Brown finals begin in earnest. And finally, bottom-placed Generals have broken a six-game losing streak with a satisfying 9-6 triumph over Bullseyes. Chris Burke tried hard for Bullseyes with four tins, but the collective efforts of Rob, John, Hachi, Ivan Hrzic, Mateo and Matt ensured Generals would celebrate their second win for the season. • SWGDL ROUND 12 RESULTS: Cheers def Dart Devils 9-6, Snipers
def Dart Vaders 11-4, Dart Attack def Any Excuse 11-4, Generals def Bullseyes 9-6, Flight Club def AAA Dartz 8-7, Predators def Gembrook 10-5, Just Social def Mud Rats 11-4. LADDER: Cheers 48, Snipers 44, Predators 44, Mud Rats 36, Just Social 28, Dart Devils 28, Dart Attack 20, Dart Vaders 20, Flight Club 16, Gembrook 12, AAA Dartz 12, Bullseyes 12, Any Excuse 8, Generals 8. FIXTURE R13: Snipers (2) v Cheers (1), Dart Vaders (8) v Dart Attack (7), Dart Devils (6) v Bullseyes (12), AAA Dartz (11) v Any Excuse (13), Gembrook (10) v Generals (14), Flight Club (9) v Just Social (5), Mud Rats (4) v Predators (3). MOST TONS: Dean Gibbs 79, Brendan Simmonds 63, Liam Edwards 58, Chris Richardson 57, Shane Bartlett 47, Bill Richardson 44, Jai Macfarlane 43, Nathan Button 39, Jack Michalke 38, Doug Amos 38, Jordan Gray 38, Steve Powell 35, Chris Burke 35, Ant 32. MOST 180s: Chris Richardson 4, Dean Gibbs 4, Jack Michalke 2, Bill Richardson 2, Jai Macfarlane, Fred Dewart, Ant, Tony Bundy, Steve Powell, Brendan Simmonds, Michael Tuck, Charlie Kruger, Nathan Button, Ryan Hanks, Craig Brook, Andrew Boulton, Scott Dale, Jordan Gray, Troy Koesemans. HIGHEST TEAM PEG OUTS: Scott Dale (Mud Rats) 144, 4X4 (Just Social) 142, Nugget (Gembrook) 120, Bill Richardson (Snipers) 120, Ben Bowden (Flight Club) 100, Damo (Dart Devils) 99, Jazz (Cheers) 98, Nick Bayliss (AAA Dartz) 97, Steve Quinn (Bullseyes) 91, Steve Powell (Predators) 90, Shane Bartlett (Dart Attack) 86, Mateo Hrzic (Generals) 80, Brendan Simmonds (Any Excuse) 78, Charlie/Fred (Dart Vaders) 75.
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SPORT
Officer’s Brodie Snooks had a fantastic season, being named in the Premier Team of the Year and finishing equal-fourth in the best and fairest. (Rob Carew: 554988)
Recognition for local stars By Justin Schwarze It was a successful night for local clubs at the Outer East Awards Gala on Saturday night. Pakenham dominated the Division 1 Team of the Year, having six members selected in the squad. Justin Stanton (coach), Aden Quirk (midfield), Luke Ryan (midfield), Tanner Stanton (half forward), Matt Ryan (full forward) and Mason Hall (forward pocket) were the Lions that received the recognition. Ewan Wadsworth and Jordan Donadel were named for Emerald in the midfield.
Matt Ryan was crowned the competition’s leading goalkicker with 79 goals in the homeand-away season. Yarra Glen ball magnet Austin Smith (30 votes) took home the league best and fairest, ahead of Tanner Stanton (22 votes), Luke (15 votes) and Matt Ryan (14 votes). Matt Vaiano won the league best and fairest for the reserves competition, polling 28 votes to win the award, while Zak De Bono was the league-leading goalkicker with 67 goals. In the Premier Division, Nathan Allen headlined the Team of the Year as coach, while the Roos had Antonio Quach (interchange), Brodie
Snooks (back pocket), Luke Smaluch (midfield) and Lachie Ward (half forward) in the side. Gembrook Cockatoo skipper Josh Tilly was the lone Brooker in the team in the midfield. Snooks had a brilliant season, finishing equalfourth in the league medal count with 15 votes, while Upwey Tecoma’s Sam Raru took home the award by polling 23 votes. Matt Ryan took home the Division 1 league goalkicking and earned himself a spot at full forward in the Team of the Year. (Stewart Chambers: 569033)
Stephens wins second medal Warragul douses Warriors By David Nagel
Pakenham co-coach Courtney Stephens is now a two-time league best and fairest winner after adding to her 2022 award at the Outer East Presentation Night on Saturday. Stephens polled 15 votes in the Division 1 count, tying with Healesville’s Belle Watson and Warburton-Millgrove’s Emerson Woods, who claimed her third-consecutive league medal. Woods made it three on the trot; with this being her first award in Division 1 after WarburtonMillgrove earned promotion to the top fight at the end of last year. Stephens, a dynamic and hard-working midfielder, also earned selection in the Team of the Year in the centre, with fellow left-footer Ash Perkins the only other Pakenham player selected;
one of six players selected on the bench. The win of Stephens is even more meritorious, considering the Lions won just two games for the season. In Division 2, Officer Coach Kelvin Simmons was recognised for taking the Kangaroos from fourth place to a runner up finish, being selected as coach of the Team of the Year, while four of his talented line up also received gongs. Breana Granger, Ava Cipriani and Lauren Mercovich were all named in the starting lineup, while Shania Turner was named on the interchange. Emerald had three players selected, with Amber Brierley, Laura Gillard and Paige Nguyen all being recognised for their solid seasons for the Bombers.
Pakenham midfielder Courtney Stephens claimed her second league best and fairest award on Saturday night. (Stewart Chambers: 328963)
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By Justin Schwarze Warragul kicked off the Country Basketball League season with a bang by doing the double over Pakenham in round one on Saturday night. At the Warragul Leisure Centre, a closelycontested game in the women’s matchup unfolded before a late flurry saw the hosts pull away. Warragul had the first say, taking the opening term 17-14 before a back-and-forth second quarter saw the hosts narrowly lead 31-27 at the half. Pakenham struck back in the third, outscoring the hosts by three, with efficient offence led by Stella O’Loughlin to pull within one entering the last. A Chelsey Purches basket early in the fourth saw the visitors hit the front momentarily, but a response came quickly from Warragul. Keira Ingham connected from downtown, before the rest of the game turned into a free throw contest. Unfortunately for Pakenham, it came at its expense as Warragul capitalised on some undisciplined fouls and continued to knock down free throws. Warragul executed down the stretch to run away to the 64-57 victory. Perina Leime led the way for the hosts with 18 points, while Ingham contributed 16 and Beth Quadara added 10. O’Loughlin was the only Pakenham player in double-figures with 22 points; supported by nine points from Violet O’Loughlin and eight from Stephanie Nellen. In the men’s matchup, a dominant third quarter saw Warragul claim its second win for the evening. The hosts got the edge in the first quarter, taking a one-point lead into quarter time be-
Stella O’Loughlin scored 22 points to lead the Warriors despite defeat. (Stewart Chambers: 548995) fore holding Pakenham to just 12 points in the second term. Warragul rode it to lead by six at halftime, 38-32. But the visitors fell apart after the major break, scoring just five points in the third term as nothing would fall and turnovers became an issue. The hosts took full advantage, scoring 20 points themselves to blow the game wide open and hold a 21-point buffer at three-quarter time. From there, Warragul was in cruise control and coasted to the comprehensive 78-58 triumph. Ben Gaze was superb with 23 points for Warragul, backed up with 15 from Jordan Gooiker and 14 from Jack Dawson. Callum McNiff led the way for Pakenham in defeat, scoring 19 points while Jackson Grey was the only other double-digit scorer with 11. Both teams have a bye in round two before taking the court again the following week. In round three, Warragul will visit Moe, while Pakenham hosts Traralgon.
Thursday, 8 October, 2026 | STAR NEWS 19
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