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Lockin fines fury By Brendan Rees

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Olga Rudakova is fuming after she and her daughter received parking fines. 213052

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A Cranbourne East mother has been left furious after she and her daughter with handed fines for parking on their nature strip as they obeyed stay-at-home restrictions. Olga Rudakova has accused Casey Council of lacking “any morals” after she and her 23-yearold daughter were slapped with $99 fines a minute apart just before 11am, as they worked from home on Thursday 30 July. “We do have lots of cars parked on the street because our house is on the corner and we don’t have a spot to park,” she said. “It is just money for council. Instead of doing something about it ... they’re walking around sending fines at this difficult time. The mother of three, whose household has four cars, said she would “definitely not” be paying the “dodgy” fines and hoped council would be sympathetic. “I don’t think that’s very ethical,” she said. “It’s very difficult for people to manage their bills. Two of my daughters - they lost their jobs. “We shouldn’t spend our energy with fighting with the council who are unreasonable,” she said, adding her family had seen the parking inspector in their street without allegedly wearing a mask on the day they were nabbed. Ms Rudakova labelled the council’s behaviour as “disgusting” and hoped the fines would be cancelled, saying “it seems like somebody wants to be a good worker without any morals”. Ms RudakovaI also took to social media warning her neighbours saying she was “absolutely furious and disgusted!” “We have been living in this house for 18 years and now someone makes a decision that it is a good time to give a fine?” she wrote. Casey Council has been contacted for comment. It comes after a doctor received a parking fine from Melbourne City Council after finishing her shift at the intensive care ward at Royal Melbourne Hospital on Monday night, 10 August. In a Twitter post, the doctor said she had worked 56 hours over four days looking after “some of our state’s sickest patients”.

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NEWS

Top students recognised By Brendan Rees Year 12 students at St Peter’s College have been recognised for the start of their outstanding academic studies during a virtual awards presentation. Fourteen students from the school’s Cranbourne and Clyde North campuses were recently recognised during the school’s annual Pursuit of Excellence Awards, which was broadcast via video to ensure all students and families were able to celebrate. Despite the challenges students have faced this unprecedented year, deputy principal of learning and teaching David Hansen said “good things come from hard work, perseverance and commitment to the task”. “We not only celebrate these students for themselves, we celebrate these students for us, for our benefit,” Mr Hansen said. “A good community celebrates the success and acknowledges the achievements of those who excel, and we at St. Peter’s College are a good community.” Student college captains also spoke directly to all students about striving for excellence. Clyde North College captain Jaden Ward encouraged all students, particularly his fellow Year 12 students, to “continue to try your best to keep on top of your studies”. “We acknowledge this is not an easy time right now, so if you are struggling with your school work or mental health always reach out to your teachers and parents,” he said. Sophia Lingaya, Clyde North campus college captain, echoed this sentiment saying “We encourage all students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their schooling, whether that be Arts, VCAL, VCE, VET and all subjects at all year levels”. In closing, Cranbourne campus college captain Brendon Quintal told his peers “in order to excel and achieve your goals, expand your potential you will have to go through

Students at the Cranbourne campus with their awards. setbacks, ups and downs, make more of your small victories and learn as much as you can from your losses”. Award recipients (Clyde North campus) included: Ashley Beley Rovelle De La Cruz John Hoang Cloey Nash Dylan Pattison Dharshni Priya Rangarajan Tia Ellis - VCAL Studies

Award recipients (Cranbourne campus) included: Ruby Smith Sophie Allen Jarred White Bethany Tai Costa Zorotheos Shae Le Gall Joey Kariman Hailey Davidson-Koek - VCAL Studies Students at the Clyde North campus with their awards.

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Thursday, 13 August, 2020

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NEWS

Covid cases climb By Brendan Rees Casey has recorded 22 new cases of Covid-19, according to the state’s latest health data. Coronavirus infections in Casey now stand at 356 active cases. Victoria has recorded 410 new cases of coronavirus in the 24 hours to Wednesday 12 August, with the total number of cases now at 15,646. In neighbouring local government areas, Greater Dandenong has 197 active cases while Cardinia has 91. The state’s total has risen to 7877 active cases, including 1079 active cases of infected

health care workers. There have been 21 new deaths from Covid-19 reported. They include two women in their 70’s, one man in his 70’s, six women in their 80’s, five men in their 80’s, one woman in her 90’s, five men in their 90’s and one woman in her 100’s. There are 662 hospital patients with Covid-19, with 43 in intensive care. Meanwhile, Victoria Police issued 184 fines to individuals for breaching the Chief Health Officer directions, including 24 for failing to wear a face covering, 16 at vehicle checkpoints, and 58 for curfew breaches.

Examples of people being fined in the 24 hours to Wednesday 12 August include: A man who travelled from Mooroolbark to Mansfield to pick up a friend. A man from Pakenham who came to Dandenong to hang out with some mates and wander the streets. Four men who were found in a parked car in Flemington during the curfew hours. The group told police they were ‘just chilling’. Multiple people attending convenience stores in the Metro Melbourne area to purchase food, cigarettes or drinks during the curfew hours of 8pm to 5am.

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IN BRIEF Pair nabbed in stolen car Police have arrested two teens after they were found in an alleged stolen vehicle in Cranbourne on Thursday 6 August. The pair allegedly forced their way into a Pakenham home at on Gillian Place just after 3.30am on Wednesday 5 August and threatened the residents with a knife before demanding the victim hand over keys to his vehicle, a Victoria Police spokesperson said. The pair then fled in the victim’s black Toyota Aurion which was later sighted next day by police about 4pm at Station Street in Cranbourne. As police attempted to stop the duo, an acting sergeant was struck by the vehicle as the offenders attempted to flee, police say. The officer sustained a broken vertebrae and is recovering at home. The pair were later arrested and a 16-yearold teenage girl from Cranbourne was cautioned for theft of motor vehicle. A 16-year-old boy from Hallam has been charged with a litany of offences including theft of motor vehicle, reckless conduct endangering life, dangerous or negligent driving while pursued by police, and intentionally cause injury. He has been remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

Woman freed from vehicle

Four-legged friends help kids in need Insta-star Cleo the Frenchie has put up her paws for a worthy cause.The Cranbourne East pooch is ready to take part in Australia’s first ever charity doggie dress-up competition - Petember. Run by Variety - the Children’s Charity Victoria, the competition aims to raise funds for assistance dogs who help improve the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, anxiety and epi-

lepsy. This year alone, the charity has received applications for dogs totalling over $195,000, with eight children currently on their waiting list. Cleo has joined the fun - whose paw-rents have raised $3500 for charities within the last year. “We just knew we wanted to help, with an already fully kitted out PAWdrobe, we knew

this was the challenge for us, we absolutely can’t wait to get into costume and help raise funds and awareness!” Four-legged friends from across the country will take on weekly costume challenges over the month of September in a bid to win prizes and score themselves special treats along the way. Registrations are now open. Visit: www. petember.com.au and @varietypetember on socials.

A 35-year-old woman has been taken to hospital after her car rolled in Clyde on Wednesday 6 August. Emergency services were called to the incident just after 7.15am, to reports of a twocar collision and a person trapped at Gande Belmonde Avenue. Victoria Police say the crash occurred between a car and a parked car, with the 35-year-old female driver - who was the only person involved - taken to hospital. Ambulance Victoria said paramedics transported the woman to Frankston Hospital in a stable condition with upper body injuries. The exact cause of the collision is yet to be revealed by police at this stage. Firefighters from Clyde and one Fire Rescue Victoria vehicle responded, where they found the woman sitting on the grass with a resident. Clyde CFA firefighter Ian Earle said the driver, believed to be a medical worker, had been rescued by a neighbour after they brought over a ladder and placed it inside the car, allowing the trapped woman to climb out. He said it’s believed the car overturned after colliding with a parked car, pushing it about three to four metres. “It was lucky, but it was probably that early in the morning and no people were around,” Mr Earle said. “If she hadn’t of hit the car she would’ve kept on going into a house.” Fire crews remained on scene until just after 8.30am.

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Thursday, 13 August, 2020

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NEWS

New hub is opened A brand new $8 million sporting hub at Casey Fields is now complete as part of an effort to boost female facilities and further foster community sport in Casey. Earlier this year, stage one of the project was revealed to the community and now, following the completion of stage two, the hub is ready to be put to full use. Stage two includes a new indoor training facility as well as a strength and conditioning centre. Features of this are: a 40-metre-long by 20-metre-wide synthetic surface of AFL standards two large folding glass doors (10m by 4m) that open out on to the oval large nets from floor to ceiling at either end a gymnasium and associated fitness equipment, including weight and cardio areas a foyer area and three accessible toilet areas future proofing for a mezzanine level down the track Casey Council chair of administrators Noelene Duff said the facility was the beginning of some exciting new opportunities for sportspeople across Casey, and the city itself. “The facility improvements will enable Casey to attract elite level competition that brings financial benefits to Casey, and provides opportunities for the Casey community to have a first-hand experience of elite sport in their municipality,” Ms Duff said. “This facility will also create more exciting pathways for young women in the area.” The huge new project will also be accompanied by an impressive mural promoting female participation in sport, which is about to get underway. Stage two followed an impressive suite of works, which were complete during stage one. These works saw: a total refurbishment of the lower level of the existing pavilion four new physio and doctors’ rooms a large ice-bath to assist player rehabilitation and an ice machine large strapping area for trainers a large women’s changeroom, which in-

Three staff test positive

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By Brendan Rees

A new sporting hub has been unveiled at Casey Fields. cludes 45 lockers and bathroom amenities a lounge area for players to get together with their families post-match a new tiered meeting room, with a large inbuilt whiteboard. The works were delivered through Sport and Recreation Victoria, which funded $5 million of the project, while council contributed $2.5 million and the AFL, $500,000. The wider community will also have access to this facility through partnership opportunities with the Casey Demons, the Melbourne Football Club and educational institutions. These upgrades provide a female friendly pavilion at Casey Fields of an elite standard, and align with the broader 2018 Casey Fields Master Plan, which sets out to create a boutique stadium that fulfils the future needs of the Casey sporting community.

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A new indoor training facility is a feature of the new facility.

Three workers at a Cranbourne North Woolworths store have tested positive for coronavirus. The staff members at the Thompson Parkway Shopping Centre were present at the store on Saturday 25 July from 4pm to 7pm, Sunday 26 July from 4pm to 9pm and Wednesday 5 August from 3.55pm to 7.05pm. In a statement on the Thompson Parkway Shopping Centre website, Woolworths has been working directly with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) since being told of the positive cases and is following the expert advice of the department’s health officials. “As a result, they have notified all staff members who have been in close contact with the individuals to get tested and self-isolate. The Woolworths store closed immediately following the first test confirmation for a deep clean overnight on Thursday 6 August and has since re-opened,” the statement read. “We want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our customers, retailers and entire community is our priority and we are continuing to monitor and act upon recommendations from our Federal and State Health Departments. Anyone who may have visited Thompson Parkway Shopping Centre since Saturday 25 July and has become unwell in the next two weeks are urged to contact the Department of Health hotline on 1800 020 080.

Gardener confused as council mows on Covid case at school By Brendan Rees

An out of work gardener is dumbfounded after spotting council workers carrying out maintenance work at Banjo Paterson Park in Lynbrook. Kyri Matziaris, who has been forced to shut down his gardening business due to the stage-4 restrictions, said he watched on with perplexity as workers carried out lawn mowing and other maintenance at the park on Monday 10 August. “I do understand and everyone’s got to do their bit. I’m happy to do mine but it’s like a slap in the face when you look at it,” the sole trader said. Mr Matziaris said prior to the second round of lockdown he had set up his business so he did not “have any contact with clients whatsoever” to serve his 100 clients, many of whom were elderly. “We go in, get the job done; we lock up, we leave,” he said. “Social distancing isn’t an issue at all.” He said he was understanding that the council needed to maintain their grounds but watching them carrying out gardening work was hard and confusing. “I get what they’re trying to do and it’s not the workers fault. “People need to walk and I understand that but the council wants you to maintain your natures trips and if someone trips and falls the homeowner is liable. The father-of-four said he also had a mortgage as well as bills to pay. He said the six-week lockdown would make money tight. His partner, who works in child care, has also had her hours slashed to just four hours once a week. Mr Matziaris, who has been running his business Sparkling Gardens for 15 years, said

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Thursday, 13 August, 2020

By Brendan Rees

A council worker at Banjo Paterson Park in Lynbrook. he was grateful of the State Government’s lockdown stance but wished businesses had some notice. “It’s easy to say go get a mower but not everyone can do that. It’s just one of those things.”We do Dandenong Superclinic so there’s a lot of patients there that do suffer different allegories and things. “It’s hard to understand but it is what it is.” Casey Council manager of city presentation David Richardson said council was continuing public garden maintenance during

Covid-19 Stage 4 restrictions as a permitted industry, as defined by the State Government. “The health and safety of our staff and the community is our first priority, and in accordance with the State Government’s requirements, council has undertaken a comprehensive Covid Safe Plan which outlines guidelines for hygiene, cleaning, physical distancing, limiting workplace attendance and record keeping,” he said. “All of our employees have been provided with the appropriate permits to continue working as a permitted industry.”

The Clyde North campus of St Peter’s College has been closed, following a confirmed case of coronavirus. The school has released a statement saying any students and staff who were close contacts of the person will be contacted by St Peter’s College, or the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The Clyde North campus will undergo an environmental clean and will be closed until further notice, the statement said. Any student who was intending to attend the campus will be required to start their schooling remotely. “No attendance on this campus is permitted until further notice, including any students who had intended to do on-campus learning,” the statement read. Remote schooling for all students on the Clyde North campus has begun as planned. Supervised learning is available at the Cranbourne campus for students who cannot learn from home.? The College is liaising closely with Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), DHHS and the Department of Education, and is following the guidelines provided by these bodies. “The health, safety and wellbeing of the College community remains our priority and we commit to continuing to communicate as promptly as possible,” the statement read. Information about the re-opening of the Clyde North campus will be made available on the advice of DHHS, after the deep cleaning process is complete. “We pray in particular for this member of our St Peter’s College community and for all members of the local community, as together, we face the challenges of the pandemic,” the statement read. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Casey service great, but... By Brendan Rees Residents have given Casey Council the thumbs down when it comes to their overall performance, a community survey has revealed. The annual Community Satisfaction Survey (CSS), which was conducted in February and March, asked community members in Victorian local government areas about their council facilities, services, infrastructure, engagement and more. As a result, Casey Council score an overall performance of 52, below the state-wide average of 58 and nine points fewer compared to council’s score last year. But community members were particularly pleased with council’s customer service, with council scoring a 73, which sits above the statewide average of 70.Sealed local roads were also given the tick of approval, with council scoring 59 - above the state average of 54. While Casey Council’s CEO Glenn Patterson acknowledged council’s exceptional customer service and road infrastructure, he also recognises where improvement was urgently needed. “Although most of council’s service scores were in line with the state-wide average, it is important that we acknowledge that council’s overall CSS score for 2020 was the lower than previous years and below state-wide averages for several areas,” he said. Other areas identified below state-wide average in the survey included the perception of council’s lobbying and advocating on behalf of residents, community decisions, advocacy and lobbying, and community consultation and engagement. “A number of recent disruptions that occurred just before this year’s survey was conducted - including IBAC’s investigation, the dismissal of Casey councillors following the municipal monitor’s report and the appoint-

A survey has revealed residents’ satisfaction with Casey Council’s customer service. 174202 ment of council administrators - have understandably impacted the community’s perception of council,” Mr Patterson said. “However, the survey results have provided us with a clear understanding of where improvement is needed and we are committed to addressing these areas and providing en-

hanced support to the community,” he said. Casey Council’s chair of administrators Noelene Duff echoed Mr Patterson’s statement, further expressing council’s commitment to improving all aspects of council’s work. “We are very aware of the key concerns of Casey residents and Council is committed to

working with Casey’s community to deliver and advocate for improved infrastructure and services,” she said. “Work is already underway to support a Community Engagement Policy and Program to strengthen engagement and participation and grow awareness of the role of council.”

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Thursday, 13 August, 2020

STAR NEWS 5

NEWS

OPINION

Kitten saved by firefighters

LENSCAPE

By Brendan Rees A mischievous kitten who got stuck in a dishwasher in Berwick has been freed by firefighters on Saturday 8 August. Narre Warren CFA was called to a Newhaven Drive property in Berwick at 8.19pm, to reports of a kitten stuck in a dishwasher. “The kitten had jumped into the dishwater while the caller was loading the dishes and its head was stuck,” a CFA spokesperson said. The kitten was freed and firefighters remained on scene until just after 8.30pm.

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Children’s right to know We need and welcome the health response from the Victorian Government, but children and youth are also critically part of our pandemic response and need specific information about the changes. Parents need support to talk about the Covid-19 changes - many do not know what to say. Children have questions about Covid-19 that are not being addressed. These questions will differ from child to child. These conversations should happen at multiple levels - and be aided by campaigns where children’s questions and concerns can be acknowledged and addressed nationally. It is imperative for the Victorian Government to hold a child and youth specific press conference where this essential information can be disseminated to children and parents. A few countries, like New Zealand and Norway, did and it’s been successful, with some parents learning a bit more from the responses too. And the conference modelled how parents can talk about Covid-19 with their kids. Dr Christine Grove, Senior Lecturer in Educational Psychology at Monash University

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THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs up To the police catching the law breakers during lockdown.

Thumbs down

Thumbs down To the group of kids trespassing (going over/under the fence) on Narre Warren South P-12 soccer field every afternoon.

To anti-maskers and covidiots!

Thumbs down

Thumbs down To dictator Dan Andrews.

To the inconsiderate ones who continue to break the curfews, and lock down requirements.

Thumbs down

To people who discard masks in the streets around the neighbourhood.

Still tradies in Berwick not wearing masks.

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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Thursday, 13 August, 2020

On 10 August the Cranbourne Star News shared a story about two teenagers who were arrested after leading police on a wild pursuit in an alleged stolen car before crashing into parked cars at Eden Rise Shopping Centre. Here are how our readers reacted online: Bryan L. Abrahams: Put them away for a very long time! Unfortunately, the justice system is too weak! They will be walking the streets soon, just to do it again! Paul Jenkins: What’s the point they’ll get bail..!! Marcia Martin: Yep, that explains the scene I was greeted with when I came out of the supermarket today. So many police cars! On 12 August the Cranbourne Star News shared a story about three workers at at the Thompson Parkway Shopping Centre Woolworths store testing positive to Covid-19. Here are how our readers reacted online: Anne-lise Louis-Saluni: Oh my lord, when is it gonna end. Michelle Maling: So glad we’re not at work. Sammy Brown: Why are they at work in the first place. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Students relief on ATARs By Brendan Rees Casey schools have welcomed news that every VCE student will be individually assessed so that any impacts of the coronavirus pandemic are determined in their final-year results. Education Minister James Merlino announced the “extraordinary change” on Friday 7 August, saying the effects caused by the lockdown would be reflected in their study scores and Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). School closures, long absences, increased family responsibility, personal illness, issues with remote learning and mental health will all be taken into consideration when determining student’s ATAR. Under the changes, Mr Merlino said every student would be considered under the special consideration program, ensuring a level playing field between schools. “Students will go into their VCE exams with a confidence knowing that they will not be disadvantaged as a result of Covid-19,” he said, with exams still planned to go ahead in November. Schools will also put together information for the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority including students’ expected achievement levels before the impact of coronavirus, school assessments before remote learning, exam and General Achievement Test (GAT) results, and a range of statistical analysis. Year 12 student of Hampton Park Secondary College Faisal Karim said while he had not been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the new changes had provided a “bit more reassurance” with his final year of school. “Even if things go drastically wrong between the exam and now, there is still a chance of me getting into the course I want. However, I do not plan on using these special consider-

Year 12 student of Hampton Park Secondary College Faisal Karim studies from home.

Hampton Park Secondary College teacher Liza Greaves delivers an excel program remotely for Year 11 VCAL students as part of the personal development skills class. Pictures: CONTRIBUTED ations as a shortcut into uni,” he said. Faisal, who wants to study programming and robotics at Deakin University, said he had thrived from learning at home with more time to study due to not having to commute to and from school, but the downside was not “getting hands on experience and collaborating with other students”. Principal of the brand-new Cranbourne West Secondary School (interim name) Rob

Duncan, whose school is set to open next year, said it was welcome news and any support for students during the unprecedented year of school that “tries to level the playing field is a good decision”. “Obviously how it’s implemented, there’s probably a little bit more information to come.” However, Mr Duncan said while the changes “certainly make the students feel a little bit

better knowing ... there are mechanisms being put in place,” he maintained there was still a need for students to “put in their best effort” for their final year. Hampton Park Secondary College principal Wayne Haworth believed the reforms had been made with “great intent” but hoped it would be a fair and equitable process for every student. “It gives some certainty for now. Anything that takes into account these difficult circumstances of students is welcomed,” Mr Haworth said, though he pointed out that decisions made earlier this year have “had to be refined as we move through this challenging time”. Fountain Gate Secondary School College also welcomed the change, saying students would be able to “work towards a clear goal and know that their efforts and achievements will be accounted for”. “It allows them to focus on their exams and studies as planned while knowing that they are being fully supported in their results,” the school said in a statement.

STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS ARE NOW IN PLACE FOR MELBOURNE

5KM

8PM 5AM

Exercise is limited to once a day for 1 hour

Shopping is limited to 1 person once a day

You must stay within 5kms of your home when exercising or shopping

Stay home between 8pm and 5am

For all current restrictions go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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Thursday, 13 August, 2020

STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Our hard-working heroes Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas is pleased to announce the launch of his ‘Local Heroes’ campaign to honour those who are “hardworking, selfless individuals”. The initiative will recognise individuals who have gone to great efforts via their own work or that of their organisation to support the Narre Warren South community - especially during these difficult times of a pandemic. Mr Maas is inviting residents to nominate a person who they believe is making a significant contribution to our area. Through recognising local heroes, Mr Maas hoped to ensure that hard-working, selfless individuals were credited for their exemplary

community service while also raising awareness of the important services they deliver. “Community matters. We have so many locals contributing to Narre Warren South, and through recognising our local heroes, we’ll be taking steps to make sure those who go above and beyond are properly recognised,” Mr Maas said. “In difficult times, it is often those who generously give their time and energy to help our most vulnerable that ensures we all get through tough situations together. “Too often, the selfless work of individuals goes without recognition. I think it’s time we take a moment to recognise the important work of these key contributors to our com-

munity and say thank you.” Mr Maas believed it was high-time to recognise these special locals, adding there will be awards, prizes and a public awareness campaign for the work of the selected local heroes and the services they provide. Nominators of selected local heroes will also receive a prize. The best way to nominate a local hero is at garymaas.org.au, by contacting Mr Maas’ office on 8783 6959 or via his social media channels. Nominations close 5pm on 11 September. Sukhchain Singh and Inderjit Kaur of the Sikh Australia Volunteers prepare free meals for the Casey community. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

OFFICIAL MEDICAL ADVICE

Don’t risk it. Always follow the health advice.

Governor-General retired General David Hurley and his wife, Linda.

GovernorGeneral checks in

It’s up to all of us to keep each other safe. You must continue to practise good hygiene, physical distancing, and if you’re even slightly unwell, get tested and stay at home. Don’t risk it.

Have the App Visit australia.gov.au

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Thursday, 13 August, 2020

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The sooner we all do it, the sooner we’ll get through it.

Australian Governor-General David Hurley and his wife Linda have conveyed a message of their support for the Casey community during the Covid-19 pandemic. It comes as Gen Hurley has been speaking with mayors and community leaders from municipalities across Victoria over the past few weeks, to hear about those in the community that are struggling for a range of reasons during the pandemic but also about the many acts of kindness and compassion that have come to light. He recently spoke at an virtual meeting with Casey’s chair of administrators, Noelene Duff and CEO Glenn Patterson. “His Excellency wanted to convey both his and Mrs Hurley’s strong sentiment of support and best wishes to the staff and residents of Casey during this period whilst Covid-19 is having such an enormous impact on communities throughout Melbourne,” Ms Duff said. “His Excellency was very interested in hearing about the City of Casey, including the challenges of a growing metropolitan area and our role in south eastern Melbourne.” Mr Patterson agreed that it was a welcome and positive meeting. “We welcomed the opportunity to speak to Their Excellencies about the outstanding work being done by Casey staff and especially our front-line, essential service workers, the adaptability and compassion they have shown to those most in need, as well as the community relief and support measures Council has put in place,” Mr Patterson said. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Misery as city falls silent By Brendan Rees Normally bustling with people, the stage-4 coronavirus lockdown has turned Casey into a notably different city. Traffic has reduced to a trickle and shopping centres are deserted with abandoned trolleys outnumbering humans. Traders have been forced to shut their doors and popular venues and playgrounds have fallen eerily silent as the pandemic shuts down life as we know it. Trips to the shops are rare escapes as residents have been instructed to remain indoors and not to travel any further than 5km from their homes. Some have made the most of their one hour’s exercise, taking in the views at nearby parks and reserves such as Wilson Botanic Park Berwick which has remained open. Premier Daniel Andrews said he understood the changes would “cause a certain level of anxiety and uncertainty. But the truth is, this is complex - and we’re going to take some extra time to make sure we get these calls right”. Photographer STEWART CHAMBERS drove around on a cold winter’s morning to capture the city that has transformed into a ghost town. The shutdown has been set for six weeks in a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19.

A lone shopper on High Street in Cranbourne. 212845

A few cars at Pearcedale shops. 212929 Christopher and his daughter Emma at Banjo Paterson Reserve in Lynbrook. 213060

A shop in High Street Cranbourne closed for business. 212845

Shoppers were nowhere to be seen at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre. 212845

Cranbourne shopping centre car park is deserted. 212845

A discarded mask at High Street, Cranbourne.

A normally bustling Bunjil Place has fallen silent. 212845

212845

Kylie with her dad Alan at enjoy exercise at Banjo Paterson Reserve in Lynbrook. 213060

Hayden and Carolyn Cooley of Cooleys Coffee at Botanic Ridge serving the locals hot drinks. 212929

cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Botanic Ridge residents Casey and Luke and their kids Lincoln and Riley and the dog Jack enjoy a sunny morning for exercise. 212929

An empty playground at Banjo Paterson Reserve in Lynbrook. 213060 Thursday, 13 August, 2020

STAR NEWS 9

NEWS

Spectacle in our skies The South East’s green wedges are home to a variety of amazing creatures in the skies. Star photographer and keen bird-watcher GARY SISSONS has staked out the area’s aerial inhabitants that hunt and dwell in the region’s wetlands and fields. Some of his prize subjects include shoveller ducks, eagles and other raptors, pelicans, redrumped parrots and flame robins.

Crested shrike-tit or eastern shrike-tit. 212611

A grey fantail on border patrol. 212611

A silvereye among the foliage. 212611

Pelicans against the sunset. 212611

Australiasian shovelers in flight 212611

Yellow rumped thornbill. 212611

Pelican on the wing. 212611

Common greyfinch among the greenery. 212611

Bright eastern rosella. 212611

A little eagle casts a wary eye. 212611

A male flame robin stands out. 212611

Red browed finch. 212611

Whistling kite in flight. 212611

Black shouldered kite stands watch. 212611

Flame robin out on a limb. 212611

The egret has landed. 212611

10 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 13 August, 2020

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NEWS

Kindness by the cupful By Brendan Rees For Paul Furlong, deciding to cook free soup for the needy was an easy one. â€œFrom what I understand thereâ€™s about 30 people living in their cars or sleeping on the streets in the Narre Warren itself,â€? the owner of Driftwood Cafe in Narre Warren said. Mr Furlong said many people had also been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and he and his wife were happy to do their part by offering free takeaway soup and bread every night to the community from Wednesday to Saturday at 6pm to 7pm.

On the menu will be three mouth-watering varieties of soup including pumpkin; cauliflower, cheese and broccoli; and chicken and vegetable. â€œItâ€™ll be really good soup; Iâ€™m cooking the whole thing. I wouldnâ€™t call myself a chef or anything but I love cooking,â€? Mr Furlong said, whose Victor Crescent cafe has been restricted to takeaway since the first round of lockdown. â€œIâ€™ve been stuck home now for quite a few months so I thought I need to put my energy into helping. â€œThereâ€™s a lot of people doing it hard for sure. At least we could something and

you canâ€™t beat a good soup. â€œWeâ€™ve just somehow got to get the word out there. It will build of course Iâ€™m sure.â€? Mr Furlong, who is also a pastor at The Revival church in Narre Warren, said he would also be open to offering counselling to people doing it tough. â€œA big message is that there is hope. If there is hope, there is a future.â€? Paul Furlong of Driftwood Cafe in Narre Warren is ready to serve up soup to the needy. 212979 Picture: GARY SISSONS

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STAR NEWS 11

NEWS

Science week goes online By Tania Phillips Workshops on conserving endangered honeyeaters, lessons in making sourdough bread, insights into Indigenous astronomy - the range of events in this year’s National Science Week is vast. And while this isn’t unusual for National Science Week, which begins on August 15, this year scientific minds, students and geeks across Australia aren’t just limited to what is happening in their own area or even State. While there usually around a dozen events on line this time around enthusiasts can find more than 500 online events registered at www.scienceweek.net.au. So there are more opportunities than ever for people in regional areas, or in lockdown, to take part in a National Science Week event or activity without having to travel far (or at all)! Broome residents can see the sea-dragons of the Great Southern Reef, Territorian students can join the Sydney-based challenge to eradicate malaria, and science fans in Penrith can test their ability to spot deep fake videos with a neuropsychologist in Melbourne. There are events to interest everyone including Swimming with giant Australian cuttlefish without getting wet, through an online virtual tour of Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park; Fake meat, sauteed spiders and lobster lollipops: how will we feed a global population of 10 billion? In online events, scientists discuss foods of the future, with mystery boxes sent for sampling; E$$ENTIAL MEDICINE$: scientists from the Breaking Good project, involving the community in chemistry research, explore overpriced drugs and improving access to essential medicines. How about Requiem for a Reef: artist Ngaio Fitzpatrick and composer Alexander Hunter explore the fragility of the Great Barrier Reef through sculpture, music, and Q&A with scientists, livestreamed from Canberra Glassworks.

Take a chance to study the creatures of the deep.

Take a trip through the solar system.

Go on a Questacon.

SciVR: is a virtual reality tour of the solar system, with astrophysicists Rebecca Allen and Alan Duffy. Satellite selfie of the Territories will allow participants to be part of a selfie from space: a giant group photo of the Australian Capital Territory and parts of the Northern Territory, imaged by satellite fly-overs. And if you’re looking for something fun there is The Big Watermelon Experiment: schools learning about physics and forces by

seeing how many rubber bands it takes to implode a watermelon. And while we can’t actually visit, though the Sci Art Walks into Tasmania’s Wilderness we can do it virtually with audio artworks and talks from prominent Tassie scientists, musicians and cultural icons to accompany people on walks in the state’s natural wonders. National Science Week is one of Australia’s largest festivals, first held in 1997. In 2019 about 1.2 million people participat-

ed in more than 2100 events while with it being online this time around, organisers are hoping to reach even more people. The event is supported by the Australian Government; partners CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC; and media sponsors including Cosmos and Science Illustrated. For more information: www.scienceweek. net.au. Search for events: scienceweek.net.au/ events/

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Thursday, 30 August, 2018

The Bushfire Book. CRANBOURNE

‘Trains every 10 minutes’

Scott’s a top dad

Cavs close in on title double

PAGE 3

PAGE 8

SPORT

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Bridget O'Toole has tried to block out the painful memory the day her husband was tragically killed by two stab wounds to the upper chest. "I've got to be kinder to myself because you torture yourself thinking could've done more," says Mrs O'Toole. "Survivor guilt isn't good." It was 5pm on 12 July 2013 when a man wielding a 20-centimetre carving knife entered Bridget and Dermot O'Toole's jewellery store in Hastings. "I thought it was a customer coming in and I just got up to serve him," she said.

Scott’s a top dad

Cavs close in on title double

PAGE 3

PAGE 8

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Property Lift out

She’s our hero By Brendan Rees Bridget O'Toole has tried to block out the painful memory the day her husband was tragically killed by two stab wounds to the upper chest. "I've got to be kinder to myself because you torture yourself thinking could've done more," says Mrs O'Toole. "Survivor guilt isn't good." It was 5pm on 12 July 2013 when a man wielding a 20-centimetre carving knife entered Bridget and Dermot O'Toole's jewellery store in Hastings. "I thought it was a customer coming in and I just got up to serve him," she said. However Mrs O'Toole, of Lyndhurst, was attacked by the armed assailant who pushed her into a glass cabinet and stabbed her several times. "He was screaming like a lunatic," she recalled. During the attack Mr O'Toole, who suffered from Parkinson's Disease, came out from the workshop to defend his wife and began wrestling with the assailant. "We were just trying to fight him off ... Dermot was desperately trying to save me." "Dermot fell over, he tripped over and he turned on him and stabbed him to death," she said. Mrs O'Toole attempted to pull the offender away from her husband and in doing so she was

/Cranbournestarnews

‘Trains every 10 minutes’

rea

Property Lift out

She’s our hero By Brendan Rees

The Bushfire Book - Hachette out September

further assaulted. The assailant then ran out of the shop. Mr O'Toole, 64, was fatally wounded and tragically died at the scene. Mrs O'Toole was taken to hospital where she had to undergo plastic surgery for the extensive serious stab and slash wounds and the glass shards that were embedded in her back. For her actions, Mrs O'Toole was awarded the 2018 Gold Clarke Medal during a presentation at the Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday 23 August. "It was a beautiful day," says Mrs O'Toole. "I was totally humbled and to be deemed worthy of such a prestigious award I couldn't believe it." The medal is an award of The Royal Humane Society of Australasia and is the Society's highest award for the most outstanding case of bravery. Mr O'Toole was posthumously awarded the Star of Courage in 2017 - Australia's highest bravery accolades which recognises "acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril". The robber, Gavin Perry, 27, was high after taking ice and on parole at the time of the murder. He was jailed for 27 years in 2014 for the crime. Mrs O'Toole remembers her husband of 41 years as a wonderful man who was a funny, kind and loyal man."I had the best husband and we had a great life together," she said. "Life has just been horrible since."

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp presents the 2018 Gold Clarke Medal to Bridget O’Toole. 184550 Picture: FIONA BASILE

Bridget O’Toole with her 2018 Gold Clarke Medal.

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Thursday, 13 August, 2020

Kids’ guide to bushfires

Thursday, 30 August, 2018

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After the recent bushfire season, a book to help young children deal with the uncertainty of fires seems a bit like a no-brainer. This collaboration between author Polly Marsden (the creator behind the Big Weather and How to Survive It ABC documentary) and Perth-based artist Chris Nixon (Illustrator) is timely to say this least. The pair have combined to produce an accessible and reassuring picture book that teaches children what they need to know about bushfires so they can understand what’s happening and be smart and prepared - not scared. It seems only in 2020 the year of the disaster would we need a book that explains

“Bushfires can make a real mess of things. The air fills with smoke. The skies turn red. Ash falls. Precious things burn. But we don’t need to be scared, we just need to know all about bushfires and prepare for them.” The book is aimed at helping kids understand bushfire causes and introduce them to the people “keeping and eye on” them. Practical and reassuring the book aims to help children understand bushfires and what action they can take to feel less anxious. Offering information based on national RFS guidelines in reassuring language it is meant as a teaching resource for parents and teachers and includes a pull-out poster with key information for home and school use. - Tania Phillips cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … TAX TIME

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Proactive tax advice Insight Accounting is a proactive modern firm that has been providing accounting and taxation services to individuals and local businesses for more than 40 years. The firm professionally prepares taxation returns for individuals and all types of business entities, as well as self-managed superannuation funds. The highly qualified and experienced staff are able to assist with all the compliance issues facing small business and provide clients with valuable information to better manage their business. Including all measures and stimulus currently in place due to Covid-19. This is all in line with the firm’s motto ‘’Our Vision is Your Success”. Same day lodgement enables Insight Accounting to provide prompt 14 day tax refunds, at competitive prices, whilst the firm can also offer fee deducts from refunds if available. Insight is a Registered Tax Agent and a CPA Australia Public Practice. “Through our fully integrated financial services business, we can also offer our clients assistance with all aspects of financial planning. Whether it’s superannuation, shares, income protection, retirement or any other area you need help with we recommend you make an appointment to experience our “Putting You First” approach which has impressed many of our clients since becoming a key addition to our accounting services,” said senior partner Matthew Studham.

“Insight Lending is our mortgage and property finance solution for clients looking to fulfil their dream of purchasing their own home, or simply getting a mortgage health check to ensure they have the most competitive product in the market. “Insight Insurance rounds out the complete suite of financial services for your business. We can assist in finding the most competitive, quality cover for all of your insurance needs, including business packs, public liability, motor vehicle, investment properties and all other plant and equipment.” Insight Accounting has four office locations. Talk to the friendly staff at Beaconsfield, Cranbourne, Pakenham or the brand new office in Warragul. Insight offers after hours appointments during tax time including nights and Saturdays and virtual appointments to best protect clients during the Covid19 pandemic. Appointments can be made by calling or emailing your preferred office, and resources can be found on the website. Beaconsfield (03) 9707 0555 beaconsfield@ insightaccounting.com.au Cranbourne (03) 5995 2700 cranbourne@insightaccounting.com.au Pakenham (03) 5940 4555 pakenham@insightaccounting.com.au Warragul (03) 5622 1793 warragul@insightaccounting.com.au

It is that time of year again when you pick up your box of receipts – or maybe you have organised them in the ATO’s myDeductions tool – and make an appointment with your tax agent to complete your tax return. CPA Australia’s tax policy adviser Elinor Kasapidis said “this year is different – with Covid-19 affecting so many Australians, your tax might be a little more complicated or uncertain than usual. With so many of us working from home, you should consider the ATO’s shortcut method for deductions between 1 March and 30 June 2020 as well as claiming for protective items. With Covid-19 affecting working patterns, the ATO expects to see claims for laundry expenses or travel expenses decline this year”. “While it’s tempting to lodge early, with so much information being pre-filled into your tax return by the ATO from external sources such as employers, banks and private health insurers, it makes good sense to wait until all that data is finalised before lodging. This could be late July. If you lodge before that information is available, you’re potentially finalising your tax return with different amounts and you may need to amend your tax return later and pay additional tax,” Ms Kasapidis added. Top tax tips for employees Make sure you have the required records and can substantiate your claims Remember that you can’t claim the full amount of a deduction unless you have already spent the money Payments received from JobKeeper and JobSeeker are still taxed, as are Covid-19

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Thursday, 13 August, 2020

STAR NEWS 13

NEWS

Deep impact By Danielle Kutchel It’s been a busy week for manufacturers across Victoria with the announcement of the stage four lockdown restrictions. Although the full impact of the new restrictions is not yet clear, Vonda Fenwick, chief executive officer of SEMMA, the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance, said many of their members would feel the squeeze. Prior to the introduction of stage four, some manufacturers were just holding on. SEMMA ran surveys of its members at the beginning of the Covid restrictions in March and again in May to determine the impacts of restrictions on manufacturers and the results, Ms Fenwick said, were sobering. By the end of May, 75 percent were reporting revenue loss, with about half having put staff off, made them redundant, put them on reduced hours or stood them down. This was a dramatic increase from the 49 percent reporting revenue loss in March. “Only about 20 percent of our manufacturers are doing well or better than they were before Covid broke out, and 80 percent have dropped,” Ms Fenwick said. She believes JobKeeper helped save many of these businesses, allowing them to keep their staff. Sixty percent of surveyed manufacturers had taken advantage of JobKeeper. SEMMA lobbied hard to have JobKeeper extended beyond September and was “very pleased” when the scheme was retained. Many of its members are SMEs with staff numbers so small they feel more like families, she said.

There tends to be a low turnover rate within the industry too, helping to strengthen bonds between employers and employees and making it harder for bosses to make the call about whether to stand employees down. Then there are the implications for skills, with those being stood down not easily replaceable. “The businesses don’t just lose people they really care about, they lose that capability and those skills, which really hits them hard as well and makes the job of restarting wen business picks up all the more difficult,” she said. Ms Fenwick said SEMMA was concerned about the impact of stage four restrictions on manufacturers who had already been hit hard over the past six months. “This might be the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” she said. “However, in saying that, manufacturers and people who run their own businesses are incredibly resilient and I know some who’ve said to me ‘even if I have to shut down, once things improve I think I would try and start up the business again’.”

Over the last six months or so, I have been assisting three clients with the creation of a Business Plan, not something I have seen a lot of demand for in recent years. These seemingly rare documents are usually written for banks, other lending institutions or investors which give a clue as to their purpose. Business Plans are typically produced to mitigate financial risk so banks and lenders want to get some level of confidence that they will indeed get their money back and investors want some evidence that the business initiative will provide a return from their invested funds. Perhaps because these documents are not written very often, there tends to be a lot of variation in the content and quality of these, however a well written one will show how the new business initiative will ensure a positive financial result and the act of creating one can be very enlightening for the author as well as the recipients. A Business Plan is written to support a new business initiative, so what should it contain? Well if this is a new idea (or perhaps even a new business), then there is going to be something unique and specific about it and so the actual opportunity needs to be very well explained. Einstein said that “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t know it well enough” and so articulating the solution clearly is very important. Supporting the description of the new initiative should be a “Value Proposition”, i.e. a few statements which identify for what purpose (i.e. why) this opportunity is being created, what advantages it provides over the competition and hence why it will be attractive to new and/or existing customers. A good Business Plan should provide a high-level budget and cash-flow model so that the financial aspects are shown to have been fully considered over the timeframe and necessarily include loan repayment and investment returns as appropriate. In short, there must be very clear financial justification for the proposed solution which specifically ad-

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH dresses the following questions:

· How much revenue will this generate and over what timeframe? · What are the associated costs? · How will the initiative be financed? · What additional opportunities exist? · What are the risks and potential threats? The latter two items are best tackled through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) matrix which simply captures in bullet point form your analysis of the business initiative with respect to these areas. It is a standard technique used across a range of different business scenarios and is especially helpful for deriving goals and action plans to move forward. It identifies what should be preserved, protected and utilised for success (Strengths), the areas to be addressed or improved (Weaknesses) and the external factors that need to be considered within the overall scenario (Opportunities and Threats). All these should be documented in the Business Plan along with perceived risks so that it is clear that the initiative will be undertaken with eyes wide open. If you are considering starting your own business, you could do much worse than writing your own Business Plan for review by someone competent in this space to get an understanding of not only the various business functions to be considered, but also the likely outcome. Ian Ash is the Managing Director of OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au

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Vonda Fenwick, CEO of SEMMA, said stage four may be the end for some manufacturers.

Business planning benefits

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Thursday, 13 August, 2020

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STAR NEWS 15

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Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale is a vital expression of the mission of the Church. The Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) is a company limited by guarantee to manage and operate Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sale. The Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale is seeking to appoint a full-time School Finance Accountant (Primary)

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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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Applications close Wednesday 19 August 2020 The Catholic Education Ofﬁce, Diocese of Sale promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL 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.

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SPORT

A new era for the Lions By Nick Creely “It’s massive to see what has happened for women in sport, and over a small window of time when you think about it.” For newly-appointed Narre South Cricket Club women’s competition coordinator Gina Smith, the growth of female cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. But she always wants to do more to help grow the game, bring more women into the sport and open up the opportunities that they can ultimately present. Narre South, one of the rising powerhouses of the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA), will be fielding its first ever senior women’s team in the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Competition this season as the club continues to be a major driver of female cricket in the south-east region, fielding two sides in last season’s DDCA Junior Girls competition, one of which won the grand final after going through undefeated. And it has appointed Smith to the vitallyimportant role of putting together the club’s women’s program, with the season hopefully only a matter of months away. Since becoming involved in the region’s cricket a number of years ago, Smith’s impact has been substantial - she has helped coordinate other clubs’ girls programs, including Silverton’s, and has been a major voice in bringing more females into cricket. She said that over that time, the growth of the game in the south-east has been an incredible achievement - with the DDCA first introducing its Juniors Girls Competition in 2018/19 to great success. “Narre South has been a bit of a home for me for some years - I started there about five, six years ago as a casual employee for Cricket Victoria, and the next thing we know we were trialing a girls program in the area,” she said. “We attempted, in that time, to get a girls competition going, but it ended up being a glorified cricket clinic if you like. “But even in that clinic we were able to get a rep team together, (and) still able to play a stars T20 inaugural cup, so we were able to do things you probably shouldn’t be able to do, just because people were excited to see girls play in the area. “The following year after that we tried again, and I had moved into a full-time position with Cricket Vic, and there was no competition for the girls again to play in, there was only a competition in the West Gippy league. “So a couple of clubs here put teams in the West Gippy competition, and the same girls playing are still playing now, and now they’re doing amazing stuff. “We’ve been able to get a competition in the DDCA now (and) being involved in that comp the last couple of years has been amazing.” With preparations well and truly underway for the Lions’ senior women’s side - a club she praised for its work in promoting women’s cricket - Smith said that there has never been a better time to get involved and try something new. “We’ve only had a DDCA girls competition for two years, and Narre South have been involved since the very beginning - they’ve been the home for the Cricket Victoria girls clinic,” she said. “I’ve taken people to Cricket Blast equivalent all the way up, so to watch these now women who were there, and to have this pathway, that’s what is exciting. “One, for somewhere where these women can play, and two, for what it says about starting again post-Covid. “That’s a massive thing this year, and part of the reason why I wanted to be involved - the world’s been tipped upside down, women and everybody have a lot more time, and now is the time to try something new. “Now is the time to focus on yourself a little bit - this has come at a time in which a lot of people have had time to reflect, and think about what they can change post-Covid. “It could be fitness, or they want the physical activity, but for me, it’s a wellbeing - this is no longer a boys club, this is somewhere where we can all be involved and have plenty of opportunities. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Narre South is hoping to carry the momentum from its DDCA junior girls sides into the new season. 205548 “We’re changing mindsets, and giving people a place to be a little bit different - times are changing, and it’s going to change again, postCovid is a new beginning.” The competition - which has many different grades depending on geographical location - has also seen local clubs Officer and Parkfield enter teams in recent years, and is played with Twenty20s and one-day matches on Sundays across the season. Despite some uncertainty surrounding just when the season will get started due to Covid-19 in metropolitan Melbourne, Smith said there has already been significant interest in the Narre South side. “I know a bit about the competition, and I’ve spoken to many young women through CV who I’ve met and have been part of that competition,” she said. “Firstly, it’s about recruitment, finding a team, and we’ve already got a good list of players - but everything is sitting on Covid right now, let’s hope this all kicks off, and hope the season goes ahead.” Narre South president Nathan Tracy said the club is absolutely delighted to welcome Smith on board to lead the club’s women’s cricket program as it gears up for the season. “We are so happy to have Gina on board to lead such an important program for us,” he said. “She adds a lot of enthusiasm around the program and we are super excited about the season starting, hopefully.” For more information on how to get involved in the Narre South women’s side, contact Gina Smith on 0420 391 803 or womenscricket@narresouthcc.com.au

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Gina Smith has jumped on board to put together the Narre South women’s side. 212618 Picture: SUPPLIED Thursday, 13 August, 2020

STAR NEWS 17

SPORT

Shooting star is soaring By Russell Bennett Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, and its associated challenges, Basketball Australia has announced the most recent group of athletes to receive scholarships to the Centre of Excellence at the world-renowned Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Among them is Cranbourne West product Nyadiew Puoch, who plays at Dandenong. She was selected in the Victorian High Performance Program for 2019-20, and was also chosen earlier this year to represent the Vic Metro under-18 girls team. She’d previously been selected in the Vic Metro under-16 girls side, which claimed the gold medal at the 2019 Australian Junior Championships in Darwin. Puoch was announced as a new Centre of Excellence scholarship athlete for 2020, and will start once she’s given the approval to travel from Victoria. The Centre of Excellence brings together the best young basketballers from around Australia to live and train together in a highperformance training environment - with the assistance of elite coaches. Puoch is expected to join the program in Term 4, while South Australian Isobel Borlase is expected to join in late January when the program starts up in 2021. Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence women’s head coach Kristen Veal spoke about the opportunity awaiting Puoch and Borlase. “Despite these uncertain and challenging times for many, we are fortunate to be able to provide two very promising athletes the amazing opportunity of a Centre of Excellence scholarship at the world-renowned Australian Institute of Sport,” she said. “Through extensive talent identification

Nyadiew Puoch is a rising star of Victorian basketball.

Puoch was a picture of concentration at the Australian Championships in Darwin last year. Pictures: COURTESY OF BASKETBALL VICTORIA

pre-Covid, we are excited about Nyadiew and Isobel’s international athleticism, skillsets, and enthusiasm for the game - which have clearly shown through in their high performance programs, at National Champion-

ships, and at Australian camps. “We believe they will embrace and excel in the daily training environment. “We look forward to both young ladies joining the current cohort and believe they will be

great additions to the group and program.” Another Dandenong Rangers product - Emily Sewell - has also received a six-month extension to her own Centre of Excellence scholarship.

West Gippy looks ahead By Russell Bennett

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

WHO did Roger Federer beat in the classic Australian Open tennis final in 2017? IN what city was Ian Thorpe born? WHO was the last Sydney Swan to win the Brownlow Medal? WHICH former Collingwood star was the first AFL player to kick 100 goals in a season? WHAT is the richest horse race in Europe? WHO was the first Australian player to earn a contract in the American National Basketball Association? WHICH former athletics star was nick-named ‘The Lithgow Flash’? HOW many strokes is a golfer penalised for losing a ball? IN which country was 2012 Melbourne Cup winner Green Moon trained? WHAT milestone did New Zealand achieve on the 1985-86 cricket tour of Australia? WHICH Australian boxer lost his world title to Reuben Olivares in 1968? WHICH Australian tennis star played much of his career based in South Africa? WHICH Australian yacht was involved in one of the America’s Cup’s most controversial races in 1970? IN what sport did Australia win its first medal at the Rio Olympics? WHO scored the most runs for Australia at cricket’s 2015 World Cup? WHICH Australian Olympian was the first woman to swim 100 metres in less than 60 seconds? IF a batsman retires hurt in cricket, when can he resume his innings? WHAT prestige golfing title did David Graham become the first Australian to win in 1976? GRANT Kenny’s father won Australia’s first iron-man championship in 1966. What was his first name? WHICH American football great starred in the movie ‘Capricorn One’? Fraser 17. At the fall of a wicket 18. The Piccadily Championship 19. Hayden 20. O.J. Simpson

Australian soil. 11. Lionel Rose 12. Bob Hewitt 13. Gretel II 14. Archery 15. Steve Smith 16. Dawn Triomphe 6. Luc Longley 7. Marjorie Jackson 8. Two 9. Ireland 10. They won their first Test on ANSWERS: 1. Rafael Nadal 2. Sydney 3. Adam Goodes 4. Gordon Coventry 5. Prix de l’Arc de

18 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 13 August, 2020

12457281-LB33-20

QUIZ NUMBER 1726

A process of renewal and reorganisation is on the cards for the West Gippsland Cricket Association as it looks to meet the challenges facing community cricket head-on. High on the agenda for the WGCA is creating a clear pathway for female participation, on the back of the success of the AllStar Girls competition. There’s a range of initiatives emerging throughout the district to ensure that female cricket can not only continue to expand, but also thrive. The Star News understands that community stakeholders have been approached to support these initiatives, which could potentially culminate in female participants having a pathway right up to the elite level of Victorian Premier Cricket at clubs including Casey-South Melbourne and Dandenong. It’s understood the WGCA is looking to introduce a similar set-up for girls cricket as the neighbouring DDCA competition two age groups (such as the under-13s and under-17s) playing in slightly different formats. It’s understood the whole process could take up to five years to become completely operational. And it could be all set to start with a significant focus on the Woolworths Junior Blasters. The WGCA has also put a sponsorship proposal together for its junior competitions. The All-Star Girls competition turned plenty of heads last season, with an impressive turnout at Starling Road in Officer for grand final day. The Carlisle Park girls side put together a sublime performance to defeat the previous season’s champion, Officer, and claim the 2019/20 Lang Lang Community Bank premiership cup. The Lang Lang Community Bank has supported the WGCA for a number of years now through its Community Grants

Carlisle Park and Officer put on a WGCA AllStar Girls Twenty20 grand final to remember back in March. Picture: COURTESY OF SHONA LYNCH Program, which has enabled the WGCA to provide a series of opportunities to young players to enjoy their cricket throughout the Cardinia, Casey, and South Gippsland shires. The West Gippsland Cricket Association boys, meanwhile, had four representative teams in action this year - the under-12s, under-14s, under-16s, and under-18s competing in the Victorian Cricket Union’s January junior carnival. Finally, the WGCA is continuing in its strategic planning efforts alongside GippSport - the Gippsland Regional Sports Assembly. It’s their aim to develop a clear vision for the association, with the process potentially able to help resolve any underlying issues or unrealistic ideas for the future. It’s also thought the process can identify the clubs in need of external funding, and to maximise opportunities in that space. At the recent WGCA annual general meeting, Bob Taylor was elected president (for the fourth year in a row), and he is supported on the new committee by Rob Hansen (vice president), Shane Dalton (secretary), Aaron Straughair (treasurer), Shona Lynch (junior cricket manager), and Brent Wilson (fixtures coordinator). The WGCA is also looking for expressions of interest for the positions of MyCricket manager, and umpires advisor. cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Forging a path, together By Russell Bennett “You’re not walking this journey on your own you’re never on your own.” Jason Wells, one of the south east’s genuine star forwards, and Bobbie Lee Blay - a mother figure to so many throughout the region - know just how tough it is right now to go through the year without community footy. In the case of Wells, beyond the tattoos, flashy boots, and enthusiastic goal celebrations, is a man who battles his demons just like so many others. So, he’s made the courageous decision to step out from under the shadows of stigma to talk about his own mental health battles, as a way of encouraging other young men in the community to do the same. Self-isolation has played a key role in helping combat Covid-19, but it’s had a significant mental health impact on many throughout the community, who’ve had an extra roadblock placed in between them and their physical connection to their friends and family. Wells lives and breathes for his two beautiful kids, Jada and Levi. That’s exactly where he’s focussing his energy in such a challenging period, and right there with him - as a key pillar of support - is his great friend, Bobbie Lee. They’ve formed a unique bond since they first met seven years ago, and have ever-present lines of communication to help each other through. It’s through sport in the south east community that Bobbie Lee - who was formerly involved at Casey and the Gippsland Power, and is currently in the player welfare and leadership space at the Dalyston Football Netball Club - has forged so many relationships that will last a lifetime. It’s many of those same people throughout the region who have stood by her in recent weeks, and in her darkest hour. Jason is one of those people. Last year, Bobbie Lee’s beloved daughter Macey was killed in car crash on a quiet country road. She was just 27. The impact of Macey’s loss was felt far and wide, but through the pain - through the grief a shining light emerged for Bobbie Lee and her family: the wider footy community wrapping its arms around them right when they needed it most. And now, with such a proud sporting region doing it tough without sport as an outlet, Bobbie Lee and Jason are there to listen, to provide a non-judgemental ear, and - through their own stories - to inspire those facing their own isolation battles. “For me, as a lot of people know, footy is a kind of therapy,” Jason explained. “I use footy as a way of expressing myself, of showing how I feel. “My whole week is based around it - when it gets to Thursdays and Fridays it’s always what I’m thinking about, and I wake up on Saturday morning and look out the window and see what the weather’s doing, things like that. “I just miss the whole thing - the community, and seeing people I’ve waited all week to see.” In fact, every Friday night during the season when they were younger, Jason would wash his footy boots with his brothers, Danny and Casey. They’d dry them off, and put them in front of the heater, and Jason would even sleep in his footy gear, with a Sherrin right by his side. “I’d wake up at seven o’clock the morning of a game, and we’d have porridge for breakfast as well as a hot Milo with glucose. “These are some of the things I really remember.” And now, through a 2020 winter without footy, Jason misses the hug he gets from his kids as he walks off the ground - win, loss, or draw. Not having that outlet has been more than challenging. “I’ve even used alcohol and drugs at times to deal with it, but as we know you wake up the next morning feeling terrible.” That, alone, is a stark admission from one of the region’s most recognisable footy faces, but it’s also one that would resonate with many. “For me, right now, it’s all about seeing my cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au

Bobbie Lee Blay (centre) has long been a kind of footballing mother figure to players throughout the south east and Gippsland, such as Jason Wells (left) and Phillip Island star Jaymie Youle (right). Picture: SUPPLIED kids as much as possible. We can’t see anyone else, but the kids have been massive for me, personally,” he said. When footy does ultimately get underway once again, for every goal Jason kicks for Longwarry in the next Ellinbank and District Football League season, he’ll donate money for mental health awareness causes. Through Mindfull Aus CEO, and founder Matt Runnalls, he’s organised a number of local businesses and organisations to sponsor him, so he can donate for every goal he boots. “The whole reason I’m doing this is to encourage other people to come forward and speak about these things, because I was definitely one of those people who, as a 17 or 18-year-old, would never talk to anyone about them,” Jason said. “I really feel good about what I’ve been doing lately - receiving messages from people I don’t even know, about how they feel. That’s the whole reason I’m doing this - to encourage other people.” And Jason and Bobbie Lee are a constant source of encouragement for each other. “Bob and I talk a couple of times a week about absolutely anything - things I wouldn’t talk to most people about - but I think it’s more about talking to someone who understands you,” Jason said. “It’s being able to feel confident, and Bob and I have a great connection - I can tell her anything and she’ll know how I feel.” For her part, Bobbie Lee said it’s crucial to be able to confide in someone who’ll simply listen. “Just having someone there to truly listen is vital,” she said. “We don’t always have to understand or have

the answers - it’s just about having that empathy for somebody and know that life isn’t easy. “There are others out there who are struggling on their own and don’t know where to turn or look, and we’re missing out on that human contact right now and that’s where we pick up on a lot of these things. Jase and I have reached out to each other. “I don’t think a lot of people truly realise the power sport holds for a lot of people. “It provides that connection, that belonging, and I think it provides some people with a real sense of identity.” Jason said his spirits start to soar when he thinks about the positive effect his story has already had on many. “It’s just unreal how many people you can reach and relate to,” he said. “It’s great that it opens the door for other people to feel like they’re comfortable to talk and share their own stories. “I think most people feel more comfortable knowing that other people are experiencing the same thing.” And right now, the whole community is united in the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. “You’re not walking this journey on your own - you’re never on your own,” Bobbie Lee said. “I’d just urge people to reach out to others, and to fill the void in a healthy way. “Even if everyone reaches out to a couple of people a day and checks in on them and how they’re traveling, that’s massive. “It could mean you’ve touched someone that you’ve helped someone, you don’t even realise.

“It means a lot when people reach out to us, and I think we need to return the favour.” Bobbie Lee said maintaining a sense of routine on days that otherwise feel as if they’re almost blending into one is vital. “Even just getting out of bed, having a shower, and making your bed, and having breakfast is the key thing,” she said. “Routine is just so important at the start of each day, and that plays a big part.” In last week’s story, ‘Until our sport returns’, Runnalls spoke of the impact of the pandemic on the broader community. “What’s happening is horrific, challenging, and bizarre but in many ways we have to look at it like it won’t happen again, so while we’re here let’s make the most of it - let’s make the most of the opportunity of having a bit more time on our hands to pick up the phone, or go online to reach out to people who might be struggling,” he said. “Let’s not be set on waiting for people to reach out to us, either. We see that message all the time - ‘I’m always here and my door is always open’. “But sometimes people don’t need to just hear that or read it - what they need to do is experience it. We need to start reaching out as people who care, and not expect people who are struggling to scream it from the rafters because it often won’t happen.” Those seeking help should contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 or by visiting www.lifeline.org.au; Beyond Blue at 1300 22 46 36 or beyondblue. org.au; Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au; or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78. Thursday, 13 August, 2020

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Thursday, 13 August, 2020

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