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Pakenham Officer Star News - 12th December 2019

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It’s set to be a wonderful Christmas in Casey. Two year old Emmy loved meeting Father Christmas at Westfield Fountain Gate. Emmy was joined by new brother Brayden and mum Melissa. This special 8-page wrap has everything you need to know in the lead up to 25 December.

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FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS IN CASEY

A labour of festive love By Danielle Kutchel Residents in Casey and further afield often speak excitedly of "the house on the corner in Narre Warren", so well-known has it become. And for good reason - this is the Christmas house. Brett and Sue Grinstead's home has gained a reputation for being a particularly festive spot for a few weeks each year, as lights, fake snow and inflatable characters take over their yard to provide some seasonal cheer to passers-by. The couple first began putting up lights from about 2005, although the size of their project has grown substantially over the last seven years. It began with around a dozen bits and pieces, and now gets added to every year as Mr and Mrs Grinstead find new things to add. Every year from the start of November, the pair begins setting up. It takes roughly three weeks of hard, solid work according to Mrs Grinstead, including after work each night and the weekends. The decorations extend to the inside of the house too, with Christmas-themed curtains and a bright tree in the window. They say the kids used to enjoy it before they left home, and now their grandson "goes nuts" over it, along with the neighbourhood kids. A Facebook page started only recently has helped increase the family's reach and popularity, with some visitors disclosing that they got the address from a retirement village in Ivanhoe. The couple puts a jar out the front to col-

Just some of the inflatables in the front yard. lect donations for the Make a Wish Foundation, last year receiving over $2000 to give to the charity. Mr Grinstead says people have asked why he doesn't use the money to cover his own expenses for the lights - but the answer is, "I'm not fussed." "It's a bit of fun!" he says. The young visitors all get candy canes and glow sticks, and the Grinsteads find new exciting decorations to add each year. A path takes guests through the garden and takes in all the best vantage points, and a fence protects the little ones from any tripping points. There's never any set plan for placement of each item though, Mr Grinstead says. "We get the fence up and then whatever happens, happens," he explains.

Brett and Sue Grinstead enjoy decorating their house to bring a little joy into the world. 202295 "From there we just stand back and say, 'that'll work!'" his wife adds. Cookies, chocolates and Christmas cards have found their way into their letter box as thankyou gifts from delighted visitors. And the couple says they have no plans to stop, seeing their decorations as "a bit of joy at

the end of the year". "People say, 'I know it's that time of year when I start seeing those lights go up'," Mr Grinstead says. Visit the Grinstead family's Christmas lights at 116 Langbourne Drive, Narre Warren, until Christmas night.

Voices and candles unite at Christmas across Casey There is still time to get into the festive spirit and enjoy traditional carols by candlelight in Casey. Here is a list of the events scheduled throughout the rest of December. Narre Warren North Community Carols Date: Saturday 14 December Time: Sausage sizzle begins at 6.30pm until 10pm. Venue: A’Beckett Road Reserve, corner Tom Jones and A’Beckett roads, Narre Warren North Organiser: Narre Warren North Uniting Church Hampton Park Carols by Candlelight Date: Saturday 14 December Time: 7.30pm - 10pm Venue: Cairns Road Reserve, Campbell Drive, Hampton Park Cost: Free Attractions: There will be on stage entertainment featuring a variety of performers, a special children’s segment with Santa, traditional and contemporary carols, a free sausage sizzle and refreshments and merchandise stalls. Organiser: Aspire Church

painting, Santa visit and fireworks at the end of the evening. All kids get a free gift from Santa. Organisers: Freedom Christian Church Rotary Club of Berwick’s Carols by Candlelight Date: Saturday 21 December Venue: Edwin Flack Reserve Time: 6pm - 9.30pm Cost: $2 per person, children under 13 free Highlights: a range of performers including primary school and college singers, Bethany Fisher, Santa’s visit with a DIY photo opportunity, choirs and solo singers.

Cranbourne Community Christmas Carols Date: Saturday 21 December Venue: Lawson Poole Reserve, South Gippsland Highway.

Time: 4pm-9.30pm Cost: Free Details: live entertainment, free rides, activities for the kids, food trucks, free petting zoo, face

Carols by Twilight Date: Tuesday 24 December Time: 6pm-9.30pm Venue: Max Pawsey Recreation Reserve, Princes Highway, Narre Warren. Attractions: Free entertainment, carnival rides, food trucks and other vendors. Fireworks at 9.30pm. Organiser: Casey City Church

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FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS IN CASEY

Born on Christmas morn By Danielle Kutchel As far as annual celebrations go, birthdays are usually ranked a close second to that most anticipated of holidays, Christmas. But what happens when your birthday is on the 25 December? Firstly, says Adrian Ackaoui, you become the butt of a lot of jokes. "There was one about being 'the new Jesus' or something like that,' he says. But it gets old really quickly, he admits, with the jokes falling flat after the thousandth repetition. The Narre Warren resident says his birth wasn't planned to be on Christmas Day. The doctors and his parents knew they would be cutting it fine with his birth due around the special date - "but then I said I was coming out!" he says. He admits his unusual birthday gets a lot of attention, especially when filling out official forms. "When you're a kid it's amazing, people make a huge deal about it and there were big expensive presents," he chuckles. However, there are downsides to the double-headed occasion. "The reality is, as you get older you realise you can't have a birthday like everyone else: it has to be the week before or after Christmas. You've got to plan it really well." His birthday tends to be overshadowed by Christmas to some degree, leading to a bit of an anticlimax on the day. He says it has been challenging in the past to fit his birthday celebrations around the end of year events and holidays that fill the diaries of friends and family.

Adrian Ackaoui says being born on Christmas Day isn't all it's cracked up to be. 202000 Despite this, Mr Ackaoui can see the funny side of it. "I joke about having to buy presents for ev-

eryone else on my birthday," he laughs. "Technically I can celebrate for a whole month - or if you look at it, from the 25 De-

cember to 1 January is one hell of a big party for me. "And it's a public holiday too!"

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birthday a memorable one! Paint a Pot caters to kids of all ages - big and small, young and old - with a wide selection of pottery options. The on site cafe allows the grown-ups and spectators to relax, and enjoy a coffee while the kids are in their creative element! At the end of the party, guests can choose to take their piece home straight away, or leave it overnight to be fired, for collection the next day. Paint a Pot isn’t just for the kids! Pottery painting is a fantastic way to explore your creative side, and at Paint a Pot you can join a Casey Art Class. Connect with other budding artists, while learning new and fun techniques to create unique pieces – you can make some great décor for your home, or personal gifts for family and friends. The classes explore traditional painting, as well as techniques like resin painting. Resin painting can inspire unique artwork, including plates, skateboards and abstract wall art. The studio can be hired for adult art social events, hen's parties, corporate events, team building exercises and sip and paint classes. Teachers conduct a range of classes such as resin art, resin jewellery, acrylic pouring and chalk masterpieces. Also on offer is the keepsake casting of hands, feet and even little paws! Paint a Pot Art Studio is at Factory 4/ 1 Vesper Drive, Narre Warren. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au


FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS IN CASEY

Merry Westfield welcome Santa got a huge Narre Warren welcome when he arrived at Westfield Fountain Gate in November. He was accompanied by a host of merry Christmas characters including Mrs Clause and The Elves who entertained the crowd with festive singing and dancing. Whether it be with visits to Santa, Christmas events to keep the kids entertained or longer opening hours – Westfield Fountain Gate is bringing the festive spirit and the handy hacks to make your Christmas jollier, easier and that little bit merrier. For full details of events and opening times go to westfield.com.au

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FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS IN CASEY

Dance up a storm in 2020

The Good Food Emporium has a range of Christmas gift and decoration ideas.

Good cheer Narre Warren’s Good Food Emporium has Christmas covered with traditional plum puddings, mince pies, panettone fruit cake, spiced cookies and caramel sauce, all available in gluten friendly or vegan options. Good Food Emporium includes a plantbased restaurant offering great coffee and plenty of gluten free, FODMAP and allergyfriendly options, along with local, organic fresh produce. The Emporium also offers a dedicated sections for conscious beauty, pantry, bathroom, kitchen and laundry products and local artisan produce like vegan cheese. There is also a range of gift cards crafted by local artists and sustainable gifts, crystals and jewellery as well as gorgeous Australian themed Christmas decorations. And it's not too late to order corporate hampers filled with unique and delicious health

NIGHT OWL

and lifestyle products. “In our mission to be the most progressive company in the industry, we source the best possible quality and gourmet merchandise,” said owner Christine Dos Anjos. "The past four months have been an absolute roller coaster ride, but we're delighted and humbled at the wonderful welcome we've received from the locals and we can't thank them enough for their support." As a gesture of appreciation and to herald the festive season, Christine has introduced live music in the restaurant on Sundays in December as well as Boxing Day. When the festive season is over, it's time to nurture yourself. Book a redeemable Wellness session with one of the Good Food Emporium's naturopaths or beauty specialists who will help you get on track with your wellness goals in 2020.

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It’s all for Christmas

School build nearer

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Property Lift out

What a party! One of Pakenham's biggest and best parties of the year went off with a bang as revellers turned out in droves to attend Pakenham Cup Day on Saturday 7 December. The end of year event at the Pakenham Racing Club proved the perfect setting for a day filled with sun, live racing, fashion and even a kangaroo race. More on pages 4-5. Pakenham Rotary Club volunteers run the cart service. From left, George, Ken, Peter, and Grant. Sitting on the back of the cart were Sarah and Maddie heading home at the end of the day. 202176

$5 million grant schools, they'll be sharing in our record investment," Education Minister James Merlino said. Tuesday's announcement is part of the State Government's $1.82 billion investment in education infrastructure. "Families make their own choices about where their kids go to school, but no child should miss out on a great education - that's why this funding is so vital," Premier Daniel Andrews said. "We're delivering record funding for new and upgraded schools, both government and independent - so our kids It's expected Heritage College's expansion will commence in early 2020, before students return to the campus.

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tion in Melbourne's south eastern suburbs. "We're grateful for the State Government's support in providing this substantial funding," Mr Aiono said. "This will allow us to meet the significant growth within the local community." Over the next five years, an extra 115,000 students are expected to enter the education system, making Victoria the fastest growing state. Currently, more than one-third of those students attend non-government schools. "Every student deserves access to modern school facilities and with more than a third of Victorian students attending non-government

Since 1989

A private Christian school in Officer has received almost $5 million in State Government funding to build and upgrade facilities at nongovernment schools. Heritage College received a share of the $402 million funding, which will be distributed to Catholic and independent schools over the next four years. The money will be used towards extending existing primary facilities at the Officer campus, the State Government announced on Tuesday 10 December. Star News Group has been told the funding will enable the campus to further develop fa-

cilities for students, including group learning spaces, additional classrooms, a music room and a primary multipurpose area which will meet the needs of the school's expanding cohort. Developed plans indicate that an additional eight classrooms will be built, which will "comfortably" house primary students over the next few years. By 2020, Heritage College expects to teach 160 secondary students and 100 primary students at their Officer campus and 150 at the Narre Warren South campus. Principal Sonny Aiono said the funding will ensure facilities at the school will be able to keep up with the growing demand for educa-

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By Mitchell Clarke


NEWS

Crowds at carols By Brendan Rees Thousands have turned out to the "most successful" annual Clyde Carols by Candlelight which was chock full of entertainment on Saturday evening, 7 December. Families and people of all ages covered the lawns of Hillcrest Christian College Oval to sing along to some Christmas favourites and catch a glimpse of Santa. The Gethsemane Church event, now in its third year, was MC'd by Federal Member for Holt Anthony Byrne and Casey councillors Damien Rosario and Wayne Smith. Performing on a lit up stage were Kerrigan La-Brooy, Derrick Junkeer, Elizabeth Skaliaris, Naomi Horsley, Ebony Portelli, Olivia Giannikopoulos, Shannon Arfaras, Melissa Junkeer and the Gethsemane Church Worship Singers, Steph Panza, Gene De Hoon, Suzan-

nah De Hoon, Carin Premkumar and Priya Premkumar. There were also kid's amusements, free carnival rides, sausage sizzle, food vendors, raffle prizes, free giveaways, and a visit from Santa aboard a fire truck - thanks to the event's major sponsor Barry Bourke Berwick. Gethsemane Church pastor Kerrigan LaBrooy said the event was an "enormous success" and one of their biggest yet with more than 5,000 people attending. He said the team at Gethsemane "worked round the clock" to ensure everyone had a good time. "The arrival of Santa on a Fire Truck was definitely a highlight," he said. "There were 14 free raffle prizes drawn ... and the first prize in the main raffle was around $3,000.

Thousands flock to the Clyde Carols by Candlelight.

"All the children enjoyed unlimited free rides for the duration of the event which ran from 5.30-9.30 pm." Attendees took to social media paying tribute to the event. "What a gift to the community," one post read. "Always such an awesome fun night!!" another said. Pastor La-Brooy said the carols may be over but the charitable works of Gethsemane Church continued. "In two weeks, they'll be presenting their Christmas Miracle where they're expecting to give over 1,000 children a brand-new Christmas gift," he said. "To many of these children it will be the only gift they receive for Christmas."

Local performers donate their time to support the event.

The church still remains in 2019.

Church 90th By Mitchell Clarke The Officer Union Church will celebrate its 90th anniversary and the community is invited to come along and help celebrate their rich history. Built in 1929 at a cost of approximately 700 Pounds, the church was officially opened on 21 December and has remained a lively place utilised by all denominations. The church has since been used for weddings, funerals, christenings, name days, church services and general community meetings. But in 2016, it faced a testy time when a developer intended to purchase the property and the threat of demolition loomed. A new community committee was formed to preserve and maintain the heritage listed building, and with the assistance of grants from Cardinia Shire Council and Pakenham Racing Club in 2017, extensive restoration and maintenance works ensured the building's longevity. The 90th anniversary celebrations, which will include a Christmas church service and morning tea, will be held on Sunday 22 December from 10am at 10 Tivendale Road, Officer.

Christmas in Cardinia A range of Christmas events across Cardinia Shire are set to fill even the Grinchiest heart with holiday cheer. CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Cardinia Shire Council, with the support of local community groups and businesses, is proud to present Cardinia Shire’s Carols by Candlelight! This is a free community event and is alcohol, smoke and pet free (assistance dogs are allowed). AUSLAN interpreters will be in attendance. Plus, there will be a visit from Santa! When: Saturday 14 December 2019 6.00pm - gates open 6.00-8.00pm - pre-entertainment including local artists and primary schools 8.30pm - carols start with the Cardinia Civic Concert Band 10.15pm - fireworks Where: Toomuc Reserve, Princes Highway, Pakenham FESTIVE COMMUNITY EVENTS AROUND THE SHIRE A number of community events, with support from Cardinia Shire Council, are being held across the Cardinia Shire to celebrate the festive season. Friday 13 December, 5.30-9.00pm, Main Street, Garfield (Nar Nar Goon Longwarry Road)

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Emerald Carols by the Lake Friday 13 December 6.00-9.30pm Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Road Carols by Candlelight Koo Wee Rup Saturday 14 December, 7.00-10.00pm, Cochrane Park, 243 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup Carols by Candlelight Maryknoll Friday 20 December, 6.00-9.00pm, St Joseph’s Square, Maryknoll Carols by the Creek Sunday 22 December, 7.00-9.30pm, Holm Park Recreation Reserve, Beaconsfield Emerald Road, Beaconsfield Upper Beaconsfield Carols in the Park Tuesday 24 December, 6.00-9.00pm, Keith Ewenson Park, 12 Salisbury Road, Upper Beaconsfield Cockatoo RSL Christmas Community Lunch Wednesday 25 December, from 12.00pm, Cockatoo RSL, 20 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Cockatoo Please check www.cardinia.com.au/events for updates and additional listings in the lead up to the festive season. COUNCIL-SUPPORTED COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DECORATION PROJECTS Cardinia Shire Council’s Community Wellbeing and Support Grant Program 2019-20 provided funding support for Christmas decorations in the Lakeside Residents Group’s ‘Lakeside Square Christmas light-up’ project.

By Rowan Forster A lifesaving Pakenham-based venture, spear-

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health care system for the entire community. According to government figures, 45 per cent of metropolitan emergency department presentations are non-urgent. Tiny Hearts has also compiled statistics from participants, illustrating the importance of teaching the critical first aid skills. After the course, 98 per cent of parents said they felt more confident to act effectively in an emergency. Almost 50 per cent reported that they had used their acquired infant and child first aid knowledge within six months of undertaking the course. Narre Warren's Shelby Cooke, who performed CPR on her choking two-year-old daughter while paramedics rushed to their home, stressed the importance of first aid training. She believes that had she not received the course through her workplace, her daughter may have suffocated. "I still owe everything to having those skills," she said. "The more people that are equipped with them, the less tragedies we're going to see with children, babies and toddlers. "It's such a frightening thing to go through - so you need to be prepared." The free sessions will be held across the region, including at Beaconhills College, in Pakenham. Topics covered will include choking, fevers, convulsions, burns, drowning, bleeding, caring for an unconscious person, bites and stings and head injuries. Parents or caregivers interested in undertaking the free training can sign up by heading to: www.tinyheartsfirstaid.com/fundedcourse.

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A lifesaving Pakenham-based venture, spearheaded by a paramedic and a teacher, has received a federal cash injection to provide free first aid training throughout Melbourne's south-east. Tiny Hearts - founded by sisters Rachael Waia and Nikki Jurcutz - will arm 1800 local parents and carers with the skillsets required to save their children in the event of an emergency. In a regional first, 300 parents are also set to be trained bilingually, catering for Chinese and Afghan communities. Their journey began in a garage, but Tiny Hearts now has a headquarters in Pakenham's Industrial Park - proving that business success is attainable under the most challenging circumstances. Ms Waia, a former educator and volunteer first responder, was first aid trained when she was just 15 years old. She is determined to share her vital knowledge with as many parents as possible. "I've got two kids of my own and I know what it's like when they choke and when they're really sick," she said. "Because we've got such a good report built with our parents, we get a lot of feedback where they say, hey, you literally saved our babies' lives. "I love what I do - waking up and making a difference." Tiny Hearts worked in conjunction with the South East Melbourne Primary Health Network to secure the federal grant. The organisation also hopes to reduce the number of inappropriate admissions to the emergency department and create a better

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IN BRIEF

School build nearer By Mitchell Clarke

Gas leaks keeps children indoors Bass MP Jordan Crugnale with excited families on the site of the yet-to-be-named John Henry Picture: GARY SISSONS Secondary School in Pakenham. 197515 Officer and Clyde North who will soon get to attend two brand new schools with first-rate facilities.” The new schools in the south east are just four of 100 new schools delivered under the State Government by 2026, under a $6.1 billion package, which has also included upgrades to over 1400 existing schools. Builders will soon begin construction on the architecturally designed schools which have been dubbed as ‘state-of-the-art’, catering towards diverse communities by inspiring learning, change and empowering communities.

“We know that Victoria’s population is booming - that’s why we’re building 100 new schools and upgrading existing schools to meet the needs of our growing communities,” Mr Merlino said. “This exciting appointment means families across the state are a step closer to getting the great local school facilities their kids need to thrive.” The Henry Road Secondary School and Timbertop Primary School are set to open to the public in 2021.

Clean up ordered for ‘shocking’ mess By Mitchell Clarke A landlord has ordered his tenants to clean up their act, as a pile of tree branches and unkempt grass continues to grow at a Pakenham petrol station complex. The complex at the corner of Princes Highway and Windermere Boulevard has become a “significant fire hazard” according to some motorists and residents alike. Tina Sharp has held concerns about the property for years now, and said a number of trees had fallen and the grass had grown “as high as the residential fences“ backing on the property. “It is so bad and especially with the upcoming fire season, it’s a real fire hazard, it’s shocking,” Ms Sharp said. “It’s become a garbage dump and it makes the whole area look shocking, it’s really not a great look.” Ms Sharp claims the area has become a haven for feral animals, and has reportedly seen people dumping pregnant cats at the site. “The animals are so scared so it’s difficult to catch them, they just run away into the scrub if you go near them,” she said. “The people responsible need to be diligent in cleaning up that area and making sure the grass is cut and clean at the least.” It’s understood a number of neighbouring residents were fed up with having grass at their fence level, but Ms Sharp claims they’re “too scared” to speak publicly, for fear of retribution.

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“There have been numerous complaints made to the council to have something done, even if they are to make the petrol station owners responsible or at least fine them. “Nothing has been done about this situation,” she said. When questioned, Cardinia Shire Council’s community strengthening manager Stephen Sparrow said the land at 1365 Princes Highway was private property. “As part of council’s annual Fire Hazard Inspection program, this property was inspected and the property owner was advised of their obligations under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 to clear the property of rubbish and cut the grass in the lead up to the summer period,” Ms Sparrow said. Council’s fire hazard inspections com-

menced from 18 November and the property owners were reportedly issued a fire prevention notice which provides details regarding any works required and a completion date. “Following this, the land will be re-inspected to see if the fire hazards identified in the notice have been addressed,” Mr Sparrow said. But the mess remains, and Cardinia Shire Council was unable to comment further regarding specific properties. The landlord of the property, who wants to remain anonymous, said the site had been leased out since April and he was unaware of the mess. It’s understood the tenants have since been contacted by the landlord to urgently clean up the mess. The tenants were contacted for comment.

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Safety barriers will be installed along the South Gippsland Highway between Cranbourne East and Lang Lang amid a spiralling number of crashes. As part of an $11.2 million State Government road safety project, barriers will be installed on the centre median and roadside and is expected to be completed in mid-2020. The Western Port Highway will also receive barrier upgrades. Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said it had been a "been a devastating year on our roads" but the barriers on the South Gippsland Highway would "prevent head-on and run-offroad crashes." Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said: "We know safety barriers are saving lives with crashes resulting in deaths and serious injuries across upgraded roads almost halving since works began." In the five-year period between 2013 and 2017, there were 99 recorded crashes along this section of the South Gippsland Highway, resulting in 32 people suffering serious injuries and 3 people tragically losing their lives. The Government has been rolling out new safety infrastructure on the state's highest risk roads through the $1.4 billion Towards Zero Action Plan, with more than 2,300 kilometres of new safety barriers installed since 2016.

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A leak from a raptured gas main forced students at Wilandra Rise Primary in Clyde North to remain indoors during the morning of Thursday, 5 December. Two CFA trucks were called to the school just after 9am, a CFA spokesman said, with firefighters from Cranbourne and Narre Warren bringing the incident under control at 9.18am. Workers from the Australian Gas Network were called to fix the problem. An Education department spokesperson said classes were held as normal and children were kept indoors "as a precaution". "No-one was affected and the leak was fixed," the spokesperson said, adding the gas leak came the other side of a boundary fence. All students were told they could go outside by lunchtime. Firefighters from Cranbourne and Narre Warren were in attendance. Police were also called to the school in a support function only.

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A Narre Warren teenager has been arrested following an alleged brawl in Mordialloc on Monday 9 December. Emergency services were called to a licenced venue on Bay Trail about 5.15pm to reports of a large altercation. Three males were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Police spoke to several persons of interest and are seeking witnesses to come forward. A 16-year-old Narre Warren male was arrested in regards to the offence of affray and has been released with an official caution, police say. Investigations are ongoing, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Pakenham’s newest secondary school is a step closer to welcoming students after a building company was appointed to construct four schools in the south-east. Education Minister James Merlino announced on Wednesday 11 December that Kane Constructions would build the yet-tobe-named Henry Road Secondary School in Pakenham and the Timbertop Primary School in Officer. The company will also build the Thoroughbred Primary School in Clyde North and the Cranbourne West Secondary School. Bass MP Jordan Crugnale announced in early September that the land on the corner of Caversham Drive and Henry Road in Pakenham, adjacent to the existing John Henry Primary School, had been purchased. “We listened to local parents, guardians and the school community all calling for a second high school in Pakenham and we celebrate the land acquisition and being that step closer,” Ms Crugnale said. “Pakenham Henry Road Secondary School and Thoroughbred Primary School are yet more great examples of the school building boom that is happening right across Victoria. “It’s great news for students in Pakenham,

Teen arrested following brawl

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STAR NEWS 3


NEWS

Crowds race to Tynong By Jessica Anstice More than 6500 racegoers flocked to Racing. com Park in Tynong for the annual Pakenham Cup on Saturday 7 December. Even though numbers were slightly down on the previous year, the end of year event was welcomed with "perfect race day" weather and a vibrant atmosphere. Pakenham Racing Club membership and community engagement manager Alanna Pomeroy said it was still the club's biggest event of the year. "The highlight of the day was definitely Etah James winning the Pakenham Cup," Ms Pomeroy said. "The Sportsbet kangaroo race was also exciting. For the first time we had a crowd involvement with 15 people entering the race." The inaugural hopping of the Sportsbet Kangaroo race wasn't without controversy as a number of competitors were given a 'please explain' for their unique hopping technique. While it wasn't exactly the race that stopped the nation, the running of the roos was popular with spectators, but many were left asking whether the hopping humans were worthy of receiving the $2000 prize. Hilarious vision published to social media by Sportsbet shows the race in its entirety, and we're reluctant to report that the majority of the competitors were actually running rather than hopping. "How many should have disqualified for running and not hopping?" Sportsbet jokingly asked. The Gazette understands that the two competitors who hopped their way to victory - and took home a slice of the prizemoney - actually came in at the back of the field. Theirs was judged to most true technique. The Cup brought out plenty of loud patterns, colours and style for the popular fashions on the field showcase. Jenny Beard from Langwarrin South took out the Best Headwear category with her stunning floral blue fascinator. The Most Fashionable Racegoer was rightly awarded to Priscilla Scanlon from Traralgon and Jayden Harrison was classed second. Ms Scanlon strut her stuff in a gorgeous navy number, coordinated with a red clutch and matching fascinator. Emma Scodellaro from Greenvale chose a pretty pastel grown, earning her the Most Elegant Racegoer recognition, with Bunyip local Lyndia Marson taking out second place with her pink and red combination outfit.

Maddi McConnell showed off her magnificent cup headpiece. 202176 4 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

Bayles CFA volunteers and family. Front, from left: Graham Warry, Daniel Bean and captain Tim English. Back: Cheryl Warry, Sam English, Tiggerlily Murray, Kate Murray and leiutenant Linda English. 202176

Friends for over 30 years, Kerry Asmussen, Gail McGrath and Kristine Sapkin described themselves as 'friends for life'. 202176

Jenny Beard from Langwarrin South won the Best Headwear section of the Pakenham Cup's Fashions on the Field. 202176

Junior Fire Fighter Lennox, 3, with his grandmother Christine Smith, his mum Glenda Smith and aunt Judi Gregory from Pakenham. 202176

Kiara Manning from Beaconsfield complimented the beautiful weather with stunning colours. 202176

Pakenham Cup's Most Elegant Racegoer was Emma Scodellaro from Greenvale. 202176 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au


NEWS

Kangaroo racers Brendan and Tom. 202176

The inaugural roo race was a highlight of the day. 202176

Cardnia Shire's Cr Carol Ryan, Cr Graeme Moore and Sue Moore. 202176

Fashions on the Field's Most Elegant Racegoer was won by Emma Scodellaro from Greenvale. Lydia Marson from Bunyip took out Second place.

Most Fashionable Racegoer was won by Priscilla Scanlon from Traralgon. Second place went to Jayden Harrison. 202176

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

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STAR NEWS 5


OPINION

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How can Local Government minister Adem Somyurek possibly expect to receive a wellinformed report about Casey council, from his recently appointed integrity monitor, when the monitor is not allowed to interview ratepayers and meet with Casey residents about our concerns? This strikes me as odd especially considering the minister's newly appointed monitor will be paid for by ratepayers? So too will the Casey councillors who have taken leave from council following the commencement of the IBAC investigations, including Cr Sam Aziz. They will all continue to receive their ratepayer funded council allowances. The Age reported last Sunday that a Casey ratepayer was wrongly advised to settle a defamation action from Cr Sam Aziz after he publicly criticized Cr Aziz for his links with the property developer at the centre of the recent IBAC investigations. The local resident is now $80,000 out of pocket. However, the Casey integrity monitor will not be informed about this or any other ratepayer victimisations because the minister doesn't want to know about it. All Casey ratepayers are out of pocket when our rates money is used only to pay for councillors and a monitor who are really not engag-

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS ing or interacting with Casey residents. John Glazebrook, Endeavour Hills

Ratepayers deserve better In light of the activities of some Casey Councillors as exposed by IBAC proceedings, surely questions must be asked of the remaining councillors as to what they knew of their colleague's behaviour - especially considering the extent of dishonesty and exploitation uncovered. Even if unnamed councillors are blameless they will surely be tarred with the

same brush. Considering the extensive media coverage of the named councillors, few rate payers would have not heard of their appalling behaviour. It is therefore likely that hardly any will have any confidence in the integrity of whoever is responsible for the management of Casey Council. If the City of Casey is to achieve any degree of recognition and respect it's time for an independent commissioner to take over and clean up the corruption and misconduct that has been exposed. J. Eppinger, Narre Warren North

RAY’S SAY

SOCIALLY SPEAKING On Tuesday 10 December, a story was shared to the Cranbourne Star News Facebook page about Casey Council approving a Sikh place of worship in Devon Meadows. Here is how our readers responded online:

starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au com.au

Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution PROUDLY numbers, areas and coverage are estimates AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

Emma Rolling: Nothing wrong with Sikh religion or people. But why this area, Casey Council you're just ruining what rural life and land we still have, stop cramming so much in and over populating. You already approved more estates down Browns and Craig Road, now this. Mason Pelican Oneill: Another mighty pay off to the council. Bloody ridiculous. Then they will complain about the traffic noise, the smell of farm animals and everything else that comes with it. Kerry Bennett: Who got paid this time to approve this? Sarah Richardson: #soundslikeracism Michael Parr: Just out of curiosity, would they have the same reaction to a Christian church being built?

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs Down To dog owners not picking up their dog poo! Not hard to tie a freezer bag to the leash.

Thumbs Down To a lady walking her dog a week or so ago along Princes Highway in Beaconsfield; letting her dog take a dump on the concrete driveway of someone's house then quickly walking off. Very ordinary effort.

Thumbs Up To a beautiful day!!

Thumbs Up To free tickets to the Dancesport championships in Melbourne, great day out, thanks Star News!

Thumbs Up or Down Was given a phone call by Jason Wood's office asking to stop giving him a thumbs down. So I won't give him a thumbs down this week.

Thumbs Down To Mother Nature, I told you last week it was supposed to be summer.. yeah well played on the 38deg you silly old mole.

Thumbs Up Thumbs Down is your chance to have your say. Malicious or defamatory submissions will not be accepted. All submissions must include a full name address and daytime phone number. Contributions over the phone will not be accepted. Contributors will not be identified. The Star News reserves the right to edit submissions. To submit a Thumbs Up Thumbs Down email to dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au fax to 5945 0777 or post to P.O. Box 9 Pakenham 3810.

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NEWS

Chopper’s safety mission By Brendan Rees Hampton Park Secondary College have been treated to a flying visit from The Victorian Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter. Students and staff watched on as the helicopter landed on the school's oval on Wednesday 4 December. Volunteer crew members gave a presentation and demonstration of their equipment to teach students about the role the service plays in the community and to reinforce water safety messages before summer holidays begin. Life Saving Victoria's lifesaving support officer Liam O'Callaghan says the visit aims to raise awareness of Water Safety Week this week and encourage students to look out for their own and others' safety around water this summer. "We are encouraging students to be aware and prepared before they enter the water, be it at the beach, pool, or inland waterways," said Mr O'Callaghan. "We will be asking students to think about their surroundings and how they can be safe, by reading the safety signs to understand hazards, swimming at beaches patrolled by lifesavers and always swimming with a friend." In 2018-19, 56 lives were lost to drowning in Victoria, making it the worst drowning toll in more than two decades. The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter plays a vital role in patrolling Victoria's busy coastline year-round, as well as providing valuable back-up support for other state emergencies and search and rescue operations. The service assists in incidents such as search and rescue of lost swimmers, shark patrols, beacon location (EPIRB homing), missing boats and fishermen in distress, as well as other incidents as tasked by emergency services.

Pilot Pete Nelson and crew members Liam O'Callaghan and Nick Giblin of the Victorian Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter drop into Hampton Park Secondary College. Pictures: BRENDAN REES

Victorian Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter lands on the oval. 202084

Crew members Liam O'Callaghan and Nick Giblin talk to students about water safety ahead of the summer break. 202084

Zainab Sultani tries a rescue helmet on. 202084

The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue crew members Liam O'Callaghan and Nick Giblin speak to students about water safety. 202084

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

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STAR NEWS 7


IBAC HEARING

Lobbyist ‘went too far’ A planning consultant admitted that she went too far in lobbying for developer John Woodman's interests in City of Casey, an IBAC hearing was told. Megan Schutz, a qualified lawyer, said she shouldn't have coached Cr Sam Aziz with regular text messages during a council debate on the H3 intersection in Hall Road, Cranbourne West on 16 October 2018. As she sat at home watching the live-stream of the meeting, she offered tactics such as “you need to read the SCWRAG letter” and “don't take Rowe's bait about Wolfdene”. Ms Schutz told IBAC that she’d helped refine the mentioned letter from the Save Cranbourne West Residents Action Group (SCWRAG), a group she’d helped to set up with interested locals. It was a “commercial interest dressed up in a community argument”, she said. At one point during the vote, Ms Schutz texts that Cr Aziz's arguments are “muddied”, and to stress that the community's lives were being put at risk. “On reflection I wouldn’t do this again,” she told the IBAC hearing on 4 December.

“I wouldn’t send text messages again. I’d provide my briefing note and that would be the end of it. “I think what I did was advocate too hard for a position but I did not have any influence.” Before the council meeting, Ms Schutz was tapped in a call spelling out the arguments not to defer the intersection works. “So what – what is the recommendation that we’re seeking tonight?” Cr Aziz asks Ms Schutz. “‘Cause I actually haven’t gone into my emails yet, I’ve just been flatout.” Ms Schutz replies: “OK. So your recommendation tonight is that Council does not support the grant of secondary consent to defer the intersection works.” Counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey, asserted at an earlier hearing that Ms Schutz acted like a “ventriloquist expressing to Mr Aziz what he has to say to council about an issue which he hasn’t prepared at all”. After the council meeting, Ms Schutz is recorded in a phone tap telling Mr Woodman that Cr Aziz didn’t stick to the “script”.

“I think we won,” Ms Schutz says – despite Cr Aziz doing a “crap job tonight”. “He didn’t do what I asked him to do. Anyway, he’s an absolute fool that guy.” She said: “If Aziz had just stuck to the f***ing script we wouldn’t have had the f***ery we had tonight.” Under IBAC questioning, she denied that she thought of Cr Aziz as a “puppet”. It was typical “blokey” and “jocular” dialogue that she had with Mr Woodman. National media coverage of the call had “completely obliterated” her professional reputation, she said. “I’m not proud of it today because I’ve lost my ability to have an income for my family. “I didn’t mean that about Cr Aziz. I thought it was a private conversation.” Ms Schutz was reluctant to call the ‘script’ anything but “briefing notes” and a “speech”. She didn’t agree that her intervention was “coaching” or “directing” Cr Aziz. She called it “lobbying” or “advocating”. “I’m advocating for my client’s position but I can’t make them say something.”

Ms Schutz said she’d been instructed by her client Mr Woodman to brief councillors Aziz and Geoff Ablett between 2015 and 2019. The pair of councillors are accused by IBAC of receiving $1.2 million from Mr Woodman for their support on planning decisions. Ms Schutz was aware that Cr Ablett had a conflict of interest due to a race horse link with Mr Woodman. She said the law prohibited Cr Ablett from voting on Woodman-related matters but not from lobbying other councillors behind the scenes. She “perhaps naively” thought that she was instructed to brief Cr Aziz because he was not conflicted, she said. Ms Schutz said she’d sat at meetings in which Mr Woodman had allocated political donations but he’d never asked her advice on the issue. “It seems like I’m well and truly involved in briefing councillors but I honestly have not known they have been paid money and they've been bought. “On reflection I think it should have crossed my mind.”

SCWRAG’s developer link ‘not secret’ By Cam Lucadou-Wells It was 'not secret' that a Cranbourne West residents action group was being funded and advised by property developers, planning consultant Megan Schutz has told an IBAC hearing. IBAC has alleged that the Save Cranbourne West Residents Action Group (SCWRAG) was funded $193,000 by property developer John Woodman's company Watsons and Ms Schutz's firm Schutz Consulting. Developer dollars were used to set up the group, pay the group's leader as a consultant and to fund its legal representative. "It was a commercial interest dressed up in a strong community safety argument," Ms Schutz told IBAC in relation to the group and the developer's "aligned" interests on the H3 intersection project. "And yes, we were using the community as a basis for my client's commercial interests." Ms Schutz helped set up SCWRAG. She was financed to do so by another developer Leighton Properties. At the same time, she was a consultant for Mr Woodman's Elysian Group which owned the Alarah estate in the area.

SCWRAG's chairman Ray Walker with his group behind him in 2015. 146818 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS She also engaged with another active developer in Cranbourne West - Wolfdene, in which Mr Woodman's son Heath was a partner. Leighton also funded a barrister to represent SCWRAG at a Planning Panels Victoria hearing into the proposed Amendment C219 rezoning in Cranbourne West. There was no requirement to disclose the arrangement to PPV, Ms Schutz told the hearing. IBAC has heard that SCWRAG leader Ray Walker was paid $60,000 a year by Mr Wood-

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Ms Schutz was also accused of "coaching" Sam Aziz "minute by minute" during the Hall Road debate - texting him instructions as she watched the live-streamed meeting at home. She conceded that "people wouldn't have known about the text messages". In one of the texts to Cr Aziz during the debate, she stated: "Nothing to do with Wolfdene. This is a request from the community only." "Literally read, (the words) look dishonest and they appear to be a lie," Ms Schutz explained to the inquiry. "What I actually meant, and it is in shorthand, was that the arguments in favour of the alternative recommendation were clothed in a community safety argument and there was ... no mention of Wolfdene in them." Commissioner Robert Redlich asked if it was "unusual" for "a developer to engage the head of a community representative group and pay them to be advancing arguments which support the developer's interests?" Ms Schutz said: "I think a lot of community groups, where the community's objectives align with a developer, you will find a developer is rescourcing them."

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man's company - via Schutz Consulting as the conduit. The consultancy job was to do "market research" in the South East. Ms Schutz was involving in preparing a letter from SCWRAG to lobby Casey councillors ahead of a crucial planning vote on the H3 intersection in Hall Road, Cranbourne West on 16 October 2018. She arranged for the letter to be provided to councillor Sam Aziz, who moved an alternative motion also provided by Ms Schutz that night, she told IBAC. She said that the group's community safety arguments in the letter "aligned" with her client's commercial interest. "Everyone knew that my client had aligned itself with the community. It wasn't a secret." Counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey, told Ms Schutz that "you didn't want anybody to know that you were pushing this motion before the council". "I thought everyone did know," Ms Schutz replied. "I can't recall saying to Councillor Aziz, 'This is a big secret. Don't tell anyone I'm briefing you.'"

Some of the State Government’s leading MPs are regarded as “friendly” to property developers, according to planning consultant Megan Schutz. Ms Schutz, a close associate to developer John Woodman, told an IBAC hearing into Casey councillor corruption that former MPs Judith Graley (Narre Warren North) and Jude Perera (Cranbourne) are “more friendly than others”. So too were Treasurer Tim Pallas, Premier Daniel Andrews, Deputy Premier James Merlino and Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards. On the other hand, Planning Minister Richard Wynne was nicknamed “DH” by developer John Woodman. “Minister Wynne has not been viewed ... as a particularly friendly planning minister to the development industry,” Ms Schutz told the IBAC hearing on 6 December. “He favours community groups and public interests.” Counsel assisting IBAC, Michael Tovey, replied “that’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it?” On a tapped phone call on 17 October 2018, Ms Schutz breaks the news to Mr Woodman that Mr Wynne deferred a decision on the Amendment C219 rezoning of industrial land to residential land in Cranbourne West. “Oh my f***ing God,” he exclaims.

The rezoning decision will be made next year after the Industrial Land Strategy under Plan Melbourne is completed, Ms Schutz explains to Mr Woodman. She says that she’s been told by a state department officer that “this decision has been made personally by the Minister. It’s his decision.” “Well you can kiss goodbye C219,” Mr Woodman says. “Not happening,” Ms Schutz agrees. “I don’t know what the Pauline Richards and the Judith Graleys and all these people are going to say. Maybe they’ll find out why,” Mr Woodman says. If approved, the rezoning was set to land $100 million windfall profit for developer Leighton and a $2 million success fee for Mr Woodman as their consultant, IBAC had been told. Ms Schutz agreed with Mr Tovey’s assertion that Ms Graley and Mr Perera were regularly approached by Mr Woodman to gain approval for the C219 amendment. The expectation was that Ms Graley would lobby ministers and MPs on Mr Woodman’s behalf, Ms Schutz agreed. Ms Schutz and Mr Woodman blamed “bad publicity” in The Age for spooking Mr Wynne from approving the rezoning. Their strategy was then to launch defamation action to discredit The Age, she said. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au


IBAC HEARING

Council of conflict By Cam Lucadou-Wells Four of Casey Council's 11 councillors were conflicted in a crucial planning vote in October 2018 due to links to property developer John Woodman, an IBAC hearing has heard. Mayor Geoff Ablett and councillors Susan Serey and Amanda Stapledon declared their conflicts and left the council chamber ahead of a vote on the H3 intersection in Hall Road Cranbourne West on 16 October. In the IBAC hearing, commissioner Robert Redlich observed that if Cr Sam Aziz "recognised what Mr Woodman acknowledges was a conflict of interest" he would have withdrawn as well. "So we would have had a council debating a motion with half the councillors not there. "All conflicted because of an interest that the developer has - Mr Woodman." Cr Ablett declared a direct financial interest, as he did with Woodman-related matters from 2015. IBAC alleges that he had received more than $300,000 from the developer. Cr Susan Serey declared an indirect interest described as 'State Election'. IBAC heard that Mr Woodman had spent about $15,000 on her unsuccessful state election campaigns. Cr Amanda Stapledon also declared a conflict. IBAC has been told that Mr Woodman donated $40,000 to Cr Stapledon's 2014 state election tilt. He also gave funds to Blairlogie Living and Learning - a supported accommodation facility attended by Cr Stapledon's son. A tapped phone call revealed Mr Woodman and his planning consultant Megan Schutz's intense interest in the vote - and the upcoming mayoral election. Ms Schutz told Mr Woodman she didn't

Here’s to the ‘insiders’ By Andrew Cantwell

Amanda Stapledon, centre, after being elected mayor in October 2018, with deputies Tim Jackson and Rosalie Crestani. think Cr Ablett was "not a sure thing" to be returned as mayor on 29 October 2018. "Geoff does not have (Cr Tim) Jackson and (Cr Rex) Flannery's votes ... He thinks he's got them, he doesn't have them. "And he doesn't have (Cr Damien) Rosario's vote. Rosario hates him." She speculated that Cr Stapledon may support Cr Rowe as mayor ahead of Cr Ablett. Mr Woodman told her: "Darling, he hasn't got Amanda's vote. I'm meeting with Amanda tomorrow." IBAC heard that Cr Stapledon later met with Mr Woodman to support her election as mayor. She was successfully elected on 29 October. Ms Schutz said Cr Ablett was "the best per-

son to be Mayor". "It's just a pity he's bloody conflicted with us. "I don't know why we ever, ever, ever declared a conflict in relation to him." Mr Woodman said it wouldn't be a disaster if Cr Rowe was mayor. "If Gary gets the mayoralship you can still f*** Gary up. "Gary being mayor does not mean that people continuously vote for him for the next 12 months." Ms Schutz said: "People can turn around and realise what a dog the Mayor that they've voted in is."

The IBAC investigation into questionable dealings between property developers and some at the Casey Council has clearly been fuelled by people ‘in the know’ behind the scenes - whistleblowers - who were unhappy with what they were seeing played out in the council chamber. Articles by The Age over a number of years, and a report by the Victorian Ombudsman in 2015, have also benefitted from the efforts of whistleblowers brave enough to call out - and provide details on - what has been brought to light for the rest of us through the coercive powers of IBAC in the last three weeks. While the IBAC commissioner has yet to make findings of any wrongdoing, any fairminded person could safely conclude that what’s been aired at IBAC’s public hearings simply stinks. IBAC also has the benefit of material and testimony not made public as yet - and only four of the 11 witnesses flagged by IBAC have given evidence publicly, with more hearings expected early next year. Counsel assisting the inquiry Michael Tovey QC said in his opening remarks on 18 November that the public hearings were intended for a number of purposes, among them the hope that a public examination would “further assist the investigation” by encouraging others with knowledge of further dodgy dealings to come forward. Simply, IBAC wants to hear from more whistleblowers at Casey. So - in the spirit of that appeal - if you know something, speak up. Visit the IBAC website ibac.vic.gov.au/reporting-corruption/report/complaints-form

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

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STAR NEWS 9


NEWS Where to get a copy of your Star News!

Truly shared vision By Brendan Rees

Pick up your FREE copy from: Arena Shopping Centre Cnr Princes Hwy and Cardinia Road OFFICER 7-11 Service Station Outbound Officer (West bound) 397 Princes Hwy OFFICER Officer Bakehouse 412 Princes Hwy OFFICER Officer Post Office Arena Shopping Centre OFFICER Lifestyle Community 114 Rix Road OFFICER Cardinia Cultural Centre Lakeside Boulevard PAKENHAM Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre Windermere Blvd PAKENHAM Cardinia Shire Council Office 2 Henty Way PAKENHAM Heritage Springs Shopping Village 173-175 McGregor Road PAKENHAM Lakeside Square Shopping Centre 20 Village Way PAKENHAM NewsXpress – Pakenham 99 Main Street PAKENHAM Pakenham Corner Milk Bar 2 Station Street PAKENHAM Pakenham Hills General Store 1 Leigh Drive PAKENHAM Cardinia Life – Aligned Leisure 4 Olympic Way PAKENHAM Outlook Community Centre 24 Toomuc Valley Road PAKENHAM Bendigo Bank Lakeside 18-36 Lakeside Blvd PAKENHAM

On Track Cafe 18 Golden Green Street PAKENHAM Pakenham Central Marketplace SC 50-54 John Street PAKENHAM Pakenham Place Shopping centre 67-69 Main Street PAKENHAM Real Estate Agents EVERYWHERE

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Poorlee, and his children Shoua and Blong are enjoying having their eyesight restored. Pictures: FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION

Poorlee, and his children have had their lives transformed.

Shoua and Blong were all smiles after their operation.

years; I extend my heartfelt thanks and wish you all a safe and happy holiday season." Chair of The Fred Hollows Foundation, the John Brumby AO, said the generosity of people of the City of Casey was inspiring and a great example of communities coming together for a good cause. "I'm proud to be a Victorian but now even more so, having seen how our community gives to people who are less fortunate," Mr Brumby said. "Fred made it his life's mission to tackle

poverty and injustice. This generosity and sense of community spirit that people here have shown is a touching reflection of his character. "I want people to know that every dollar counts and makes a huge difference to people who would otherwise go blind without our help." For more information about The Fred Hollows Foundation or to help restore sight, visit www.hollows.org or call 1800 352 352.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Bendigo Bank Main Street 105 Main Street PAKENHAM

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The Casey community has gone above and beyond with the spirit of giving by providing a family the best Christmas gift of all: restoring sight to a single father and his two children. Over the past year, the City of Casey region has generously donated $47,000 to The Fred Hollows Foundation, allowing the Foundation to reach thousands of blind and vision impaired people. Poorlee, and his children Shoua and Blong, live in a small, remote village in Lao People's Democratic Republic, a country in Southeast Asia. Life is hard for local villagers, but for Porlee's it's been especially tough as both his children were born with blinding cataract. "Our life was so difficult, I had no idea what to do," Porlee said. When Porlee heard about a Fred Hollows outreach eye camp that could help his children, he packed their bags and set off on the eight-hour journey to the hospital. At the Provincial Hospital, Dr Phetsamone Indara examined Porlee as well, and discovered he also had cataract in both eyes. "This was a very important case," Dr Phetsamone said. "The father and both his children had cataract. I was willing to operate, but only on five eyes - one eye for the father, as he needed to be able to look after his children." Because of Porlee's tenacious love for his children, the skill of an ophthalmic surgeon trained by The Fred Hollows Foundation, and the people of the City of Casey who gave the Foundation the resources to reach Porlee's family, their story has a happy ending. Founding director of The Fred Hollows Foundation, Gabi Hollows, extended her heartfelt thanks to the people of the City of Casey, saying Fred would be amazed by their compassion to help people who shouldn't need to go blind. "Without the support of people from the City of Casey The Foundation couldn't have helped so many people like Porlee and his beautiful children this year," Ms Hollows said. "Our generous donors are at the heart of our Fred Hollows family, and they help us transform the lives of those living with avoidable blindness. "I am so grateful to everyone who has supported our work this year, and the past 25

Slam dunk for better skills at Envision Envision Basketball is a local skills enhancement academy founded on a vision to create pathways for basketball students transitioning from secondary school to their initial post secondary destination. Whether they go to the Australian Institute of Sport or local university/Tafe that leads to a basketball career (US college, university overseas, or competing their way to national level and into NBL/WNBL) Envision Basketball upskills players so that they can achieve their goals. Envision assists players to build a ‘plan’ to give them the confidence that they’re taking daily steps to implement or adapt their plan, both on and off the court. Envision Basketball’s founder and Skills Program Director, Kareem Drayton, had a vision to add to Australia’s basketball culture the minute he stepped on Australian soil from Brooklyn, New York. He simply wanted to provide opportunities to help aspiring pro-ballers achieve their basketball dreams, both in Australia and internationally. With the demand of Australians pursuing a basketball scholarship at a US college, Envision Basketball launched a USA Skills Tour, giving students the opportunity to train with Micah Lancaster and his NBA skills team. Micah is considered one of the world’s most respected skills development trainers.

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

Kareem Drayton with Micah Lancaster.

Envision Basketball skills training is aimed at players of all ages.

Envision Basketball also hosts students on university tours to Los Angeles, giving students an opportunity to network and build connections in America. Kareem says “9 out of 10 kids tell me how much they want to play College Basketball (in America), so we’re simply bridging the gap and creating pathways for ambitious ballers in Australian basketball to combine playing basketball with studying at a US college”.

Envision Basketball also encourage kids to play and study in Australia, which can be just as attractive, with many Australian universities providing support to elite athletes to help them gain an education whilst pursuing their chosen sport. To inquire about the 2020 training schedule and programs, please email Envision Basketball at help@envisionbasketball.com or call 0466 842 775. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au


FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS IN PAKENHAM

Happy snaps with Santa Pakenham Central Marketplace is the place to do all your Christmas shopping this festive season. Retails have embraced the festive season and there is plenty to keep youngsters entertained in the lead up to Christmas. Santa Photography is available from 11am each day until 24 December. Santa also sits down to read a story to eager listeners from 10:45am until 11am each day until Christmas Eve. Don't forget your pets, with pet photography with Santa on 11 and 12 December. Bookings are required so visit the website for more details. All Santa photography related activities are

located outside Ozmosis. Kids can also enjoy Build a Bear workshops on Saturday 14 December and Sunday 15 December from 9am to 4:00pm outside Woolworths. There will also be Christmas Craft Workshops from Wednesday 18 December to Tuesday 24 December also outside Woolworths. Wed – Christmas Ornaments Thu – Personalised Gift Tags Fri – 3D Christmas Tree Decorating Sat – Santa and Rudolph Puppets Sun – Reindeer Antler Creations

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· Mon – Cheeky Jumping Elf Puppets · Tue – Magic Reindeer Food

Spend and win Also running this Christmas is Pakenham Central Marketplace's Spend to Win campaign. Customers are required to simply spend $40 in any specialty store or $60 in Woolworths or Big W from Monday the 16 to Tuesday 24 December to receive a scratchie from retailers. There are over 500 instant win prizes to be won this Christmas and an opportunity for customers to go into a second chance draw to win a $500 Flight Centre voucher.

Kids love having their photo taken with Santa at Pakenham Central Marketplace.

New linen outlet store Did you know that Linen House is now on Main Street with a stunning new outlet store? Celebrated for its superb-quality bed linen and stylish home accessories, Linen House is easily your one-stop-shop for bed sheets, quilt cover sets, bathroom towels and kids bedding. You’ll also enjoy stocking up on-trend napery and fabulous homewares to suit every interior aesthetic.

Linen House is now in Main Street, Pakenham.

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Update your loungewear for the season ahead with Linen House's stylish range of pure linen garments. What’s more, you’ll find all of these goodies at up to 70% off the recommended retail price. Drop in anytime at 144 Main Street, Pakenham, to get your festive gifts sorted with the help of the friendly staff.

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

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STAR NEWS 11


FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS IN PAKENHAM

Ruby met with Santa in Gembrook on Saturday. 201877

Ruby with Christmas decorations. 201877

All aboard Santa express It’s beginning ... nope - it’s looking a lot like Christmas on the Puffing Billy line, with Gembrook Station now featuring a special guest. On 14 and 15 December Santa and his trusted reindeer will be getting a head start on the holiday festivities, with a merry visit to the last stop on the railway track.

Departing from Puffing Billy’s Belgrave Station, the historic locomotive will travel through the lush fern gullies and tall mountain ash trees of the Dandenong Ranges; across four iconic trestle bridges and into the quaint Victorian whistle stopes of the Belgrave-Gembrook corridor where you will find jolly man in

red waiting to meet and greet passengers. Santa will be sitting, waiting from 12pm to 3pm. Children 14 years and under will receive a lucky dip present from Saint Nick, while sharing their Christmas wish lists and having their photo taken.

Decorations and a real pine Christmas tree will adorn the station and add to the Christmas spirit of the platform. With Santa taking time out of his busy schedule in the North Pole to drop by, now is the perfect time to get those last-minute Christmas wishes in.

COME JOIN IN THE FUN! STORY TIME WITH SANTA: 23 NOV - 24 DEC

BUILD A BEAR WORKSHOPS: 14 DEC & 15 DEC

10:45 - 11am daily, outside Ozmosis

9am - 4pm, outside Woolworths

SANTA PHOTOGRAPHY: 23 NOV - 24 DEC From 11am daily, outside Ozmosis

CHRISTMAS CRAFT WORKSHOPS: Wednesday 18 - Tuesday 24 Dec 11am - 1pm, outside Woolworths WED: Christmas Ornaments

SENSITIVE SANTA PHOTO SESSIONS: 30 NOV, 1 DEC, 4 DEC & 5 DEC

THU:

Personalised Gift Tags

FRI:

3D Christmas Tree Decorating

SAT:

Santa and Rudolph Puppets

SUN:

Reindeer Antler Creations

Bookings required, outside Ozmosis

PET PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SANTA: 7 DEC, 8 DEC, 11 DEC & 12 DEC

MON: Cheeky Jumping Elf Puppets

Bookings required, outside Ozmosis

TUE:

Magic Reindeer Food

pakenhamcentralmarketplace pakenhamcentral

Pakenham Central

pakenhamcentralmarketplace.com.au 12436367-SN51-19

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

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FOCUS ON … CHRISTMAS IN OFFICER

Take care of furry friends By Danielle Kutchel Christmas is a time for family - and pets are family too, meaning they too deserve special care and attention over the festive season. It can be a hectic time, with visitors, deliveries, and even time away from home to cope with, along with hotter weather. Changes in routine can be distressing for some animals, and the extra feet in the house, or banging on the door by the postie, can be distressing. Disruption caused by family members going on holidays can compound the stress your fur baby feels at this time of year. RSPCA Victoria has put together a number of tips on how to keep your pet happy, healthy and safe this season. Tips include: Keep decorations up high and out of reach of playful pooches and clever kitties who might see your delicate glass baubles or dangling tinsel as toys. Tinsel, string and ribbon might seem like fun, but they can cause obstructions in the intestines if a pet ingests them. Glass baubles can break into dangerous shards if your pet plays with them, so it’s best to keep them out of harm’s way. Don’t feed your pets cooked bones. If you plan to give your pet some meat scraps, make sure these are given in small quantities and are free of any sauces that might upset their stomachs. Many Christmas plants, like holly, poinset-

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Ensure your pet has somewhere quiet to wind down from the buzz of Christmas. tia, lillies and mistletoe are highly toxic for pets, so keep them out of reach. Ensure your pet has a quiet spot where they can rest, de-stress and wind down, away from noise, visitors and prying children. Don’t allow children to hug and kiss your dog and if the dog licks its lips, shows the whites of its eyes or turns its head away when being patted, intervene immediately. Ensure your pet is always under the charge of a responsible adult - one that you both trust. Additionally, don’t be tempted to give pets as surprise Christmas gifts. A pet is for life, not just the holidays, and needs to be properly introduced to the home. Talk to your loved one and decided whether they are ready to make that commitment. When they are ready, head to a reputable shelter to adopt a pet that needs a home, and ensure the pet gets desexed, registered and microchipped. And don’t buy un-desexed pets from markets, newspapers or online marketplaces.

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Sparkies are warning Santa’s Christmas helpers to take every precaution to protect families from dodgy Christmas light displays this festive season. Electrical industry and safety advocates Master Electricians Australia has issued an alert to consumers to take extra care purchasing and installing Christmas light displays. “We’re seeing more and more people get into the festive spirit to light up the neighbourhood but unfortunately, more people are also buying suspect LED lights from overseas or installing lighting without the safety backup necessary to provide adequate protection,’’ Master Electricians Australia CEO Malcolm Richards said. “Kids love these displays but that’s why homeowners need to make sure they have the right layers of safety protection in place to prevent any accidents.’’ Master Electrician Australia vice-president and sparkie Chris Lehmann advised homeowners to buy lighting products only from recognised retailers to ensure the products they are using meet Australian standards. “Don’t be tempted to buy LED lights online or at the markets, even if local stores such as Kmart, Bunnings and other reputable resellers look like they’ve run low on stock,’’ Mr Lehmann warned. “LED lights from overseas might be cheap but more than likely they won’t meet Australian standards.’’ He also advised consumers to install safety switches, never to run 240-volt power leads to the outside, to garden beds, for example, and warned not to use indoor lights outside. “Make sure you use or have approved outdoor connection boxes installed. Before you plug any lights in, look them over for any cuts, nicks, exposed wire or discoloration to fittings. Basically, look it over and if it doesn’t look right don’t use it or get it checked."

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STAR NEWS 13


ENTERTAINMENT

They’re on the same page Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) has again partnered with several local charities to help reach those members of our community who may otherwise be left out this festive season. From Monday 18 November to Tuesday 24 December, each library branch will be welcoming monetary, gift and food donations to help vulnerable and less fortunate members of our community enjoy this time of year. Members of our community who return lost or damaged library books when they deliver their donations will have their fines waived. CCL permanently removed fines for overdue books at the beginning of 2019. A special feature of the libraries’ Christmas charity campaign this year is that gift wrapped, “pre-loved” books will be available in exchange for donations. “There are people doing it pretty tough in our community and Christmas is often a time when things get even harder. Casey Cardinia Libraries is always keen to pay it forward and support our charity partners to make things better for the vulnerable”, said CCL CEO Chris Buckingham. “This year, we think that our surplus books will make great, recycled gifts for friends or family,” said Mr Buckingham. “The recycled books, as well as the removal of fines for lost and damaged books, is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our community who support those in need so generously.” All CCL branches will accept non-perishable food with intact packaging and best before dates in 2020. Christmas gifts should be new and unwrapped.

Left to right: Susan Magee with libraries CEO Chris Buckingham, Naomi Woodward and Verona Atalla, showcasing the campaign. 200641

WHAT’S ON New Vogue, Ballroom, and Latin Dancing Dance classes continue at Balla Balla Community Centre in Cranbourne East, but there is now another class at the Brentwood Neighbourhood House in Berwick at 7.45pm on Thursday 12 December. Classes will reopen next year. For all enquiries please contact Di on 0408343202 or email difen69@bigpond.net. au.

Do you have nothing planned on Christmas Day? Are you perhaps alone this Christmas? Doors open at 11.30am on Wednesday 25 December at Hampton Park Uniting Church, 1 Coral Drive Hampton Park for Christmas lunch. Must book, as places are limited. Ph: 9799 7994 or email narrehamptonparkuc@ bigpond.com. Proudly Supported by the City of Casey

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Open up free community lunch

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Hampton Park Uniting Church, 1 Coral Drive Hampton Park Ph: 9799 7994 Every Thursday (during school term) at 12.00pm

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Prayers for Healing Service Prayers for Healing Service will be held at Narre Warren North Uniting Church, I Main St, Narre Warren North, on Sunday, 24 November starting at 9am. Everyone is welcome, even if you want to pray for healing for others, and then stay for a cuppa and a chat. For further information, contact Rev. Bruce Crowle on 0425 738 481 or bruce.crowle@ yahoo.com.

tion of Christmas Day which marks the birth of Jesus Christ. All are welcome to join in song and family time in remembering the true meaning of Christmas. The 25th of December is not just about opening presents and eating as much food as you can, it is about celebrating the coming of Jesus Christ. Wednesday December 25 at 10am.

Andrew's Berwick Uniting Church

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Coffee 'n' Conversation Are you feeling lonely and want to get out a bit more? Come and join our 'Coffee 'n' Conversation' Group at Narre Warren North Uniting Church, 1 Main St. Narre Warren North on Wednesday mornings at 10am. Everybody is welcome. For further information contact Rev. Bruce Crowle on 0425 738 481 or bruce.crowle@ yahoo.com.

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Free community barbecue event

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Christmas Services at 105 High St, Berwick Blue Christmas Service A time of remembrance for loved ones who are no longer with us. Join us for a message of hope, joy, peace and love for all of humankind. Thursday December 19 at 7:30pm. Carols by Candlelight Sunday December 22 at 7pm Come and enjoy a special night of storytelling through the gift of song. Set in our historical building at St Andrew's Berwick (165 years old) you can experience traditional songs in a welcoming atmosphere in celebration of this Advent season. Christmas Eve Service Tuesday December 24 at 7pm A great opportunity to come together and quieten our hearts and reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ before the busy day of 25th of December. Christmas Day Service We invite you to come and join in the celebra-

group is a great way to make friends, stay healthy and be part of your local community. People with or without dog are welcome and also enjoy a coffee with Barry who set ups his coffee van from 6am-1pm every day. There is an afternoon group which usually walks about 4pm until 6pm. 'Off the lead' walking in the park is offered as well.

Free Christmas lunch day

Carols in the Carpark There will be several activities during the threehour event including jumping castles and a free sausage sizzle. Presented by Christian Reformed, Oromo, Samoan and Sudanese Churches, Jubilate Choir and others. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Alcohol-free event. Sunday 15 December from 6pm - 9pm at 350352 Pound Road, Narre Warren South

make their own arrangements month by month, while the Gentle Exercise and Darts Group will be inactive for this period. Our grateful thanks to all those who have opened their doors to accomodate us. Our mobile phone number will continue to be 0426 736 467.

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Al-Anon Family Groups. This group offers help and support to family and friends of problem drinkers at weekly meetings. Seminar room 4 at Dandenong Hospital, David Street, Wednesdays 8.15pm.St Gerard's Community Centre, 71 Gladstone Road, Dandenong North, Saturdays 2pm. Springvale Church of Christ, corner Buckingham and Windsor avenues. Fridays 10.30am. Details: 1300 252 666 or visit www.al-anon.org.au

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Narre Warren Seniors

Al-Anon Family Groups, Endeavour Hills

Narre Warren Seniors will be closed for the Christmas holidays from 11th December and will re-open on 15th January. All activities will resume as usual till the end of January. From February 1st, for about six months, the centre will be closed for building renovations. However most of our activities will continue at other seniors club venues in the locality. The Wednesday Club Day and table tennis will be held at Hampton Park Seniors, Indoor Bowls will be at Hallam Seniors, Line Dancing and Sing-along will be at Berwick Seniors while Cards will continue at Fiddlers Green. The Garden Club will

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

This group offers help and support to family and friends of problem drinkers.Meetings on Mondays from 10.00am at the Andrews Centre, corner Hanna Drive and Heatherton Road. Endeavour Hills. Details: 1300 252 666. Website: www. al-anon.org.au

· Berwick dog walking group ·

Residents are invited to join a morning dog walking group anytime time between 9am and 10am daily at Akoonah Park, Berwick. The

Casey ADRA will be holding a free barbecue and grill out fundraiser. Lamb kebabs, beef burgers, chicken burgers, vegan steaks, and homemade lemonade. There will also be a car wash, face painting, live music. Dinners also held every Sunday from 4pm-6.30pm at 4 Malcom Ct, Narre Warren. ADRA Australia is the humanitarian agency of the Adventist Church, which works with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible action. Sunday 29 December, 4 Malcom Ct, Narre Warren from 1pm- 6:30pm. Contact Number: 0425 747 866.

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Mosaic Class Cranbourne Community House will be running our mosaic course in 2020. Please contact us to put your name down for our class enrolments for next year. Get in quick as spaces are filling fast. 5996 2941.

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Probus Endeavour Hills Club The Endeavour Hills Probus Club is seeking retirees and semi - retirees to join an active and friendly group. Activities include a walking group, coffee mornings, ten-pin bowling, excursions and trivia nights. Meet third Monday of each month (except December) at 10am at the Dandenong Club, corner of Heatherton Rd and Stud Rd, Dandenong North. Contact Chris 0423432878 or email: hart.chris64@yahoo.com.au.

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pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au


real estate

RESORT LIVING IN OFFICER

LIFESTYLE Officer can offer financial freedom and flexibility to working, semiretired, and retired Australians over 50 who want to live amongst 5-star resort facilities and beautiful outdoor spaces. Free up the equity in your old home, avoid Stamp Duty and council rates, and keep rising living costs at bay through a variety of features and efficiencies. Thursday, 12 december, 2019

Homes are well insulated and designed to conserve energy consumption. Whilst your energy usage is reduced, you’ll further save by enjoying discounted electricity rates brokered through community-wide negotiated plans. "Move in here while you’re young and you can enjoy it. I haven’t looked back, I don’t miss my house at all, I did love living there,

but I love here more," said Irene, a resident of Lifestyle Officer. "It’s like coming home to a resort. You just couldn’t wish for better. It’s just like a new chance at life," added Natalie and Stuart, who are also residents of Lifestyle Officer. Why not live like you’re on holidays all year round among luxury facilities, while

celebrating happy hour, every hour, with friends and neighbours. Spend less time maintaining your old family home and more time relaxing and doing the things you love. Get fit in your own gym or participate in yoga, dancing, swimming and aerobics classes. Make your new year’s resolution to live your best life in 2020 and beyond! ● PaKeNham aNd OFFIcer


HOME FOCUS

GREAT INVESTMENT ON A 781M² BLOCK INVEST for the future with this roomy, three bedroom home in Cranbourne North. The home has an L- shaped lounge/ dining, galley kitchen, electric hot plates and gas wall oven. Outside is a paved undercover barbecue area and two car garage on a massive block of approx 781m². Set in a quiet court, make this home yours today! For all private inspections, call Harry. ●

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

Address: 14 Hindmarsh Court, Cranbourne North, VIC 3977 Description: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 garage Price: $579,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Harry Syrros 0470 760 699, FINNING FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE com.au

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HOME FOCUS

PERFECT FIRST HOME OR INVESTMENT THIS single level home delivers the ideal combination of indoor and outdoor living perfect for family entertaining. There is a well appointed kitchen with dishwasher and gas appliances. The home also boasts a formal lounge/ dining room, open plan family/meals area

and is freshly painted throughout. There are three good sized bedrooms with built-in robes and two bathrooms. Other features include gas heating and evaporative cooling, a separate laundry, double garage with rear access, plus parking for another two cars in the driveway.

The outdoor pergola leads through to the huge backyard withlandscaped gardens offering plenty of space for the kids. The land size is 600 sq meter (approx). The property is set in a quiet court in the highly sought-after Oatlands Estate on the north side of

Narre Warren, allowing for easy access to either the M1 or Princes Highway. Close to Westfield Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, public transport and many schools, including the much-vaunted Oatlands Primary School, you simply won't find a more convenient location. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 1 OPAL COURT, NARRE WARREN, VIC 3804 Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garage Price: $590,000 - $630,000 Inspect: As advertised or by appointment Contact: BEN HARRISON 0407 899 455, KR PETERS REAL ESTATE PTY LTD Inclusions • Vinyl wrap kitchen with Inclusions stone benchtops • Vinyl wrap kitchen with stone benchtops steel electric • Stainless • Stainless steel electric oven oven Stainless steel gas hot • •Stainless steel gasplates hot • Stainless steel range hood plates Ducted heating • •Stainless steel range hood Ceramic loor and wall tiles as per • •Ducted heating loor plans from builders range • Ceramic floor and wall • Carpet remaining from tiles astoper floorareas plans builders range from builders range • Stainless steel sink and lick mixer • Carpet to remaining areas to kitchen from builders range • Chrome mixer tops from builders • Stainless steel sink and range flick to kitchen • Clearmixer glass shower screens to bathroomsmixer tops from • Chrome • Mirrors with polished edge to builders range bathroom • Clear glass shower • Chrome toilet roll holders & screens to bathrooms towel rails • Mirrors with polished edge to bathroom • Chrome toilet roll holders

—

• Security doors to all

& towel rails Exhaust to ••Exhaust fans fans to bathrooms bathrooms • Roller door to garage Roller door to doors garage ••Flush panel internal Flushdoor panel internal ••Internal handles

doors

Internal ••50mm Scotia door cornicehandles throughout

• E-Screens to front and areas – • Flyscreens to living all openable Holland blinds to all others (house windows speciic)

• Clothesline • Security doors to all openable doors

50mm Scotia cornice ••MDF skirtings and architraves throughout throughout

• Door stops fibre • NBN

••White glo tub to laundry Electrical fittings

•

as per

•

••Sewer power, drainage, gas and Smoke alarm water connections as per plans

•

• Aluminium sliding • Outdoor water taps windows and doors as per • Electrical ittings as per plan plans layouts • Colorbond gutters, fascia • Smoke alarm & downpipes • Aluminium sliding windows and •doors Termite as per protection plans Colorbond/concrete ••Colorbond gutters, fascia & roof downpipes tiles ••Termite protection E-Screens to front and living areas – Holland blinds to all others (house specific)

• • • • • •

•

• • • •

Pakenham |

ON AHERN

optic (where required) Clothesline • TV points NBN ibre optic (where required) • Water tank minimum TV points 2000 (tank flush Water tanklitre minimum 2000 litre (tank lush system) or greywater water system) or grey connection (if available) or solar hot connection (if available) water* whichever is applicable All driveways, crossovers or solarpaths hot and water* as per plans with coloured concrete whichever is applicable Landscaping • All driveways, paths and Fencing crossovers as per plans Letterbox with coloured concrete • Landscaping • Fencing • Letterbox

• Flyscreens to all openable windows

• Weathertough acrylic to all exterior plan layouts

Optional Additional Inclusions Package Inclusions Package • 5kw Split System Air Conditioner • 5kw Split System Air Conditioner • Dishwasher Dishwasher •• Remote Control Garage •$4,000 Remote Control Garage

Parks

openable doors • Colorbond/concrete roof tiles

No progress payments Save on stamp duty Low Deposit Driveway & Fencing Landscaping & Paths Included Turnkey Pack

Surrounded by open space, Parks on Ahern - Pakenham has it all! • 53 home development • 2 & 3 bed options available

90-96 Ahern Rd Pakenham

First home buyers grant of $10,000 available to eligible purchasers. BUY NOW AND SAVE THOUSANDS ON STAMP DUTY!

For more information, contact: Dale Atkin: 0402 717 891

For more information, contact: Dale Atkin: 0402 717 891

*Images are for illustration purposes only. * Images are for illustration purposes only.

Weather you’re looking to downsize and

Weather looking toadownsize keep theyou’re caravan or boat, irst homeand buyer looking enter the savvy investor, keep thetocaravan ormarket boat, aorfirst home buyerthis development hasthe a little something forinvestor, everyone. looking to enter market or savvy this development has a little something for everyone. Located in an established part of Pakenham,

oppositeinparklands and open space, the fresh air Located an established part of Pakenham, and neighbourhood vibes will have you feeling at opposite parklands and open space, the fresh air home in no time! and neighbourhood vibes will have you feeling at home in no access time! to all the amenities such as; With close shopping, schools, restaurants and more throughout

With close access to all the towns, amenities Pakenham and surrounding you’llsuch haveas; shopping, restaurants more throughout everythingschools, you need. With easy and access to the M1 taking you and to either Melbourne or further Pakenham surrounding towns, you’lldown have into Gippsland. everything you need. With easy access to the M1. *Images areare forfor illustration only. * Images illustrationpurposes purposes only. 12435486-SN50-19

realestate.starcommunity.com.au

com.au

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

|

STAR REAL ESTATE

17

Pag


Officer

13 Armytage Road

$925,000 - $975,000

CONVENIENT 9.7 ACRE FARMLET This ideally located farmlet has all the convenience of being 6 minutes to Berwick yet seemingly miles away due to the pleasant rural outlook to the north while the shining lights of the metropolitan sprawl to the south. The 3 bedroom home has a large lounge, meals area adjacent to the kitchen, functional bathroom & laundry all in good order. There are plenty of sheds & storage including a double steel garage, 18m x 10m (app) fully enclosed shed with 3 phase power, 18m x 10m (app) open fronted storage/machinery shed & an old piggery building. Mains water & 3 large paddocks for the animals. A lovely lifestyle awaits the new owners. For an inspection call Derrick Brown - 0418 317 096

Inspect Saturday 14th December 12:00 - 12:30pm

1/11 Henty Street

$479,500

O RE NL M YO AI N NI E NG

Pakenham

BRAND NEW THREE BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE! * Three bedroom townhouse, soon to be completed (December 2019) • offering walk in robe and full ensuite plus double garage. • Open plan living zones with a quality list of inclusions – stone benchtops, ducted heating and two pack kitchen, air conditioning and fully landscaped • Walking distance to Pakenham CBD, Marketplace, Train Station and Supermarkets. • Don’t delay, make the move today!!

Inspect Saturday 14th December 11:00 - 11:30am

The Gurdies

31 Hurdy Gurdy Lane

$520,000

FIVE ACRES OF PARADISE! Located just off the Bass Highway is this ripper block. Big wide frontage and with a sealed road. Fully fenced, new crossover and creek at the rear. Dam to the right of the block. Power and phone available. Gently undulating this block has an excellent building site. Pakenham and Cranbourne 30 mins away. Cowes only 25 mins away. Escape suburbia and enjoy this beautiful setting!

WE WIsh YOU A

FROm ThE sTAFF AT

Derrick Brown 0418 317 096

Page 18 STAR REAL ESTATE

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

12436158-CG51-19

GERARD COLLINs REAL EsTATE

steve hobson 0418 897 411

Phil Caswell 0419 882 650

com.au

Cooper sheppard 0429 591 616

119 main street Pakenham

realestate.starcommunity.com.au


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Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

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STAR NEWS 19


Trades & Services

Place your ad in print and online www.networkclassifieds.com.au

12405858-SN48-18

• Entensions/Refurbishments • Switchboard Upgrades/Safety Switches Specialising in all Electrical Installations • House Rewires FREE QUOTES • Phone/Data/TV & CCTV No Job too big or small • Oven & Hot Plate Repairs • Hot Water Service Repairs www.jlhuttelectrical.com.au • Security Alarms • AC Installations

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Real Estate

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Close

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■ General glazing ■ Mirrors & glass cut to size ■ Shower screen glass replacement

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w w w . S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

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9796 8621 0418 367 017 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au


General Classifieds V Garage Sales

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PENSIONER DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

FREECALL

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1800 183 567

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MOVING SALE PAKENHAM 36 Stockmans Cct, Saturday December 14, 9am2pm. Household furniture, décor and appliances, clothing & toys. Christmas bargains galore!

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0409 14 15 19

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ALL HOURS, On site computer repairs, upgrades, software, internet and networks. For small businesses and home users. Reliable service. Phone Ian: 9799 8884.

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Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

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Classifieds Early Deadlines and Christmas Office Hours The last edition of the Pakenham Star News for 2019 will be published on Thursday 19th December. The following deadline applies.

Thursday 19th December Edition

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The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

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STAR NEWS 21


SPORT

Apprentice jockey Fred Kersley stood high in the irons to celebrate his Pakenham Cup victory as he crossed the line aboard Etah James. 202176

Pictures: ROB CAREW

Etah James’ victory song By sports editor Russell Bennett On a picture-perfect day when the inaugural Sportsbet ‘Kangaroo Race’ captured the imagination of the racegoers along the home straight at Tynong’s Racing.com Park, it was almost fitting that the winning jockey of the $300,000 Pakenham Cup stood high in the irons as he crossed the line for a famous win. To say Etah James was a rank outsider heading into Saturday’s big race is one hell of an understatement - the seven-year-old Matt Cumani-trained mare started at a $61 chance to take the honours. But 20-year-old apprentice jockey Fred Kersley stormed home down to straight to snare a famous win - the biggest of his career to date. He stood high in the irons before he crossed the line, drawing a fine, but that won’t faze Kersley in the wake of his milestone victory one-and-a-half lengths ahead of the heavilybacked Secret Blaze. Speaking to Racing.com’s Nigel Carmody in the mounting yard just after the race, Kersley spoke about what went through his mind in the race’s final stages. “I had to use a bit of her in the beginning of the race to sit outside Runaway (which faded to finish 11th), but in all honesty we had it quite easy down the back, and this horse came from the (3200-metres) Sandown Cup beaten 1.4 lengths, to here today at 2500 (metres) so I thought I needed to be getting going early, and speaking to the boss on the way here he gave me a fair bit of confidence because this horse was tip-top for today.” Kersley also spoke about the significance of the win in the context of his own career to date. “It’s my biggest achievement,” he said. “I’ve never won a black-type race, or a Listed. To get that, it means a lot to me. “I didn’t think I stood up too high in the irons, but maybe I did.” Cumani - the son of famous English Derby winner Luca, and brother of renowned racing 22 STAR NEWS

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Strapper Isabella Huntington with the David Bourke Memorial Handicap trophy.

Snitzkraft claimed an incredible victory by less than half a length in the David Bourke Memorial Handicap. expert Francesca - couldn’t be at Racing.com Park to see the win in the flesh, but his assistant trainer Andrew Bobbin spoke glowingly about the win, and Kersley’s ride. “I hate to give Fred too many compliments because he’s a cocky little bugger, but before the race he said ‘I’m going to make this a genuine test’,” he said. “We knew Runaway would go forward, but he said ‘I’m going to make sure he’s not going to get anything cheap and I’m going to make a real race of it’, and if you look back at the Sandown Cup at the corner she looked like she was gone and then coming out she was only beaten by 1.4 so she’s one of those horses where you think she’s gone, but she’ll come again.” Kersley was fined $750 for standing high in

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

the irons as he crossed the line, and suspended for six future meetings due to excessive use of the whip. But he also piloted home another Cumanitrained winner earlier on Pakenham Cup day Future Score in Race 5, the Hanson Handicap. Also on Cup day, Phillip Stokes - an oncourse trainer at Racing.com Park - had the quinella when Snitzkraft saluted in the $100,000 Schweppes David Bourke Memorial Handicap in an absolute thriller over stablemate More Than Exceed, by less than half a length. The race holds a special place in the heart of those involved with the Pakenham Racing Club. Mr Bourke was just 19 when he replaced his

father as the Pakenham Racing Club’s secretary, and was the youngest person to ever assume the role of secretary of a Victorian race club - a record that still stands today. He had a lifelong involvement with the Pakenham Racing Club, and his legacy remains. Following the race, Stokes said he wasn’t sure which one of his two horses he should’ve been barracking for 200 metres from home. “I was just rapt they were both there,” he told Carmody and Racing.com. “It was a super finish. “(But) Snitzkraft is the better horse - coming off a long layoff (nine months from a tendon issue). “I’m just really happy to have him back, and I’ve got to give a special thanks to all my team here at Pakenham. They’ve done an amazing job, and it’s a credit to them.” Stokes also spoke about the pride he has in the Racing.com Park facility. “It’s a credit to the club - they’ve got a good crowd here, the local community really gets behind it, and it’s a great day.” Snitzkraft’s victory marked the fourth in the same week for red-hot apprentice jockey, Teo Nugent. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au


SPORT

It’s a new era for netball By Romy Stephens The Casey Netball Association is embarking on a new netball venture in the north of the region. The association has recently taken over the Olive Road Sporting Complex in Eumemmerring and, with it, 10 upgraded outdoor netball courts. Olive Road Sporting Complex manager Cindy Bell said the aim is to now bolster netball in the north of Casey. “These new courts they’re compliant, the surface is beautiful, the scorers’ benches and all the amenities surrounding are the best you’ll find,” she said. “Our aim is to activate those courts with netball and really highlight that we are a new outdoor competition. “We’re situated in the north of Casey but we’re accessible to all of Casey.” Bell said there has already been a difference in netball participation since Casey Netball took over the complex in October, with active participants growing from 40 in the first week to 522 by last month. She added that the additional courts will allow that number to grow, with more competitions to be introduced over the next few months. “Here at Casey Stadium, where our home currently is, we share with basketball,” Bell said. “Netball nights are primarily Monday night, Wednesday night and Saturday mornings. “We haven’t been able to host anything on a Thursday night because it’s basketball night.” As a result, walking netball (Tuesday evenings), a ladies social competition (Thursday evenings) and social mixed competition (Sunday evenings) will all begin in January. Meanwhile, all-abilities netball, a summer twilight tournament, Pre-season Cup seniors

The Casey Netball Association has taken over the Olive Road Sporting Complex in Eumemmerring. and a NetSetGo five to nine-year-old program is expected to be rolled out in the months following. Bell said it’s all about providing the opportunity “for more people to engage in netball and be part of the netball community”.

“We are new to the area but the community is really positive so far. We’ve had lots of people just rock up and knock on the front door,” she said. “Our priority is netball but it’s more about engaging and activating that community.

“To engage juniors and have people involved in a community and a team and to feel included is vital for social and mental wellbeing.” For more information on the new courts or competitions, contact cindy@caseynetball. com.au or call 9792 0735.

A favourite son returns... By Russell Bennett

QUIZ NUMBER 1690 1. WHO won rugby union’s 2019 World Cup? 2. WHAT state was Aussie cricketer Aaron Finch from? 3. WHAT does a green flag signify in motor racing? 4. WHO was Australia’s first Olympic swimming champion? 5. WHICH Australian won the New Zealand PGA golf title nine times? 6. WHICH city hosted the 1976 Olympic Games? 7. WHO was known as ‘The Bradman of Billiards’? 8. WHO were the first two cricketers to score 10,000 Test runs? 9. WHICH runner did John Landy turn around to help during an historic race in 1956? 10. WHEN Fleet Street newspaper posters splashed ‘He’s Out!’, who were they referring to? 11. WHICH famous Australian horse won 18 consecutive races in the 1930s? 12. WHICH Aussie national sport was rocked by the collapse of several teams in 2009? 13. WHO was Australia’s first tennis millionaire? 14. IN what year did Australia first reach the World Cup soccer finals? 15. WHO are The Gunners of English soccer? 16. WHICH famous French cycling event is held every July? 17. IN what sport do the Adelaide 36ers compete? the 1980s? 19. HOW many points is the brown ball worth in snooker? 20. IN what sport was Malcolm Milne an Australian champion? ANSWERS: 1. South Africa 2. Victoria 3. The all clear 4. Freddie Lane 5. Kel Nagle 6. Montreal 7. Walter Lindrum 8. Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar 9. Ron Clarke 10. Don Bradman 11. Ajax 12. Basketball 13. Rod Laver 14. 1974 15. Arsenal 16. The Tour de France 17. Basketball 18. Imran Khan 19. Four 20. Snow skiing pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

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18. WHICH Pakistani cricketer played in the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales in

He’s back home. Andy Soumilas - one of the most decorated midfielders ever featured in the PakenhamBerwick Gazette's Football liftout - has come home to finish his career at the Garfield Football Club. Soumilas, a multiple-time Stars senior premiership winner who lives in Garfield, has made the carefully considered decision to switch back to the club for the closing chapter of his incredible playing career - with family reasons a significant factor. Andy’s older brother, south-east coaching legend Ben - forever a Garfield favourite son in his own right after leading the club to that famous premiership in 2004 - has recently resumed his role as senior coach of the Stars’ West Gippsland rival, Inverloch Kongwak, after a season out of the hot seat. Andy played a starring role in the inaugural WGFNC senior premiership for the Sea Eagles under Ben in 2017 and won the competition’s senior best and fairest award that season. Incredibly, it marked his fifth senior league best and fairest award at the age of 34. The hard, unflinching ball-winner won the 2004 Breheny Medal as the best and fairest in the now defunct West Gippsland Latrobe western division. He followed that up with the 2005 Trood Award and Rodda Medal in what is now the Gippsland League, and repeated that effort in 2011 - this time with Drouin. After returning to Garfield he claimed the 2013 Alf Walton Medal as the best and fairest of the Ellinbank league in a three-way tie with Brendan Kimber (then of Cora Lynn) and Daniel Barrand. Also a former premiership star with Narre Warren, he’s coming back to Beswick Street after playing just one senior game for Inverloch Kongwak in 2019 before a persistent foot injury brought about a premature, frustrating close to his campaign. But the Star News understands he and the Garfield coaching staff are particularly optimistic about what the 2020 season could bring, when it comes to an on-field role in the engine room for a player with more senior pre-

Garfield champion Andy Soumilas, pictured here during a standout premiership-winning season at Inverloch Kongwak in 2017, has returned to Beswick Street to finish his career. 172703 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS mierships, league best and fairests, and team of the year selections than most people could even imagine. Fellow Stars favourite son - and another of the best players ever featured in the Gazette’s Football liftout - Lincoln Withers has also returned to the club, in an off-field capacity. Under senior coach Hayden Stanton, the Stars look like taking noticeable steps forward next year following the recruitment of the likes of Gippsland League team of the year member Matt Rennie, former Narre Warren and Frankston Dolphins key forward Aaron Wilson, former Rowville midfielder Gavin Pears, and former Warragul young gun Sam Russell along with the return of the 2019 nucleus.

Thursday, 12 December, 2019

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STAR NEWS 23


he students and staf at St Margaret’s and Berwick Grammar School would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season illed with love, peace and happiness.

St Margaret’s School, Early Learning Centre “Exceeding the National Quality Standard in all areas” At St Margaret’s we are perfectly placed to provide a quality Early Learning Centre program that supports the children encourage the children to engage in speciically planned play

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experiences, where teachers work side by side, to scaffold

Contact our Admissions Oficer

their thinking, encourage their curiosity and support their

enrol@stmargarets.vic.edu.au

perseverance and commitment.

phone 9703 8111.

to achieve their full potential. Our 3 and 4 year old programs

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Nurturing and Empowering through Relationships and Play

www.stmargarets.vic.edu.au 24 STAR NEWS

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Thursday, 12 December, 2019

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