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Thursday, 14 January, 2021

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Bashing victim is on the mend

Rotary winds up 2020 with big award

Pakenham proves to be hot property

Cricket battle starting to heat up

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Weapons seized By Mitchell Clarke

Frontline Tactical Unit members, Transit and authorised officers worked together for a major operation focussing on people carrying illegal weapons at and around the Pakenham railway station. volved - who was it sourced from, where has it come from, has it been used in other incidents, does it give us an indication of any broader trends around areas such as trafficking.“ Acting deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said the prevalence, use and harm caused by illicit firearms were of significant concern to the community. “While Australia has some of the strongest firearm controls in the world, illicit firearms are an increasingly desirable commodity and enabler for serious criminal activity here in Victoria,” A/DC Hill said. “Last year in Victoria we seized more fire-

arms than we did in 2019, which shows that a global pandemic had no impact on the prevalence of firearms in this state. “I am confident the IFU will enhance Victoria Police’s capability not only to respond to illicit firearms related crime, but to proactively target those responsible.” In late December, a man believed to be in his 20s, was found at the Fountain Gate shopping centre with a gunshot wound. In 2020, there were nine fatal shootings and 41 non-fatal shootings resulting in injury. More than 770 firearms were seized in the past 12 months.

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well as assisting with the enforcement of Firearm Prohibition Orders. Detective Inspector Mick Daly said illicit firearms were a “key component” of so many serious crimes. “We have some extremely skilled investigators in those areas, however their focus will rightly be on the incident itself and not the broader circumstances of the firearm used,” he said. “Our role will be to take the information obtained during those investigations and start to build a picture of how the illicit firearm is in-

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A major police operation targeting illegal weapon use in Pakenham has resulted in 10 people being charged with a raft of drug and weapon offences. From Thursday 7 January to Saturday 9 January, Victoria Police carried out targeted OMNI operations at public transport hubs in Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong. More than 160 people and 20 vehicles were checked, resulting in 16 people being arrested and charged for offences including firearm possession, assault, theft, drug and weaponrelated offences. In Pakenham alone, 10 people were charged with a range of offences and two people were cautioned for drug offences at Pakenham station. A range of weapons, including a handgun, knuckle duster, tasers, extendable batons and multiple knives, were located and seized. OMNI operations give police additional powers to detect weapon offences within a designated search area. Acting Inspector Graeme Stanley said local police joined transit police with the intention of removing troublemakers “before they could cause any harm”. “We will continue to have a highly visible presence in the community and patrol high risk locations to prevent crime and hold offenders to account,” A/Insp Stanley said. “Police simply will not tolerate those who break the law or engage in anti-social or violent behaviour that puts the safety of others at risk.” It comes as Victoria Police launches a new Illicit Firearms Unit (IFU), which aims to put serious and organised crime groups under “increased targeted scrutiny”. The IFU will provide a specialist investigative response and intelligence gathering, as

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Thursday, 14 January, 2021

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Bash victim’s recovering By Danielle Kutchel A Go Fund Me page has been set up to support the victim of a violent bashing in Pakenham. Ben Woolley was assaulted by a gang of youths on Saturday 2 January, after attempting to step in to stop them from attacking another girl in Ron Andrews Park. The Pakenham man said he and his partner, Jess and their three children, returning from a beach outing, saw the assault taking place in the park near their house. Ben, a military veteran, ran across to the park, yelling at the group to “stop fighting”, and tried to use crowd control techniques to separate them from their victim. “They wouldn’t listen to reason so they surrounded me and started to attack me,” he said. He was hit multiple times in the head with steel bars and bottles, and was held down while he was repeatedly punched in the face. Jess filmed the ordeal on her phone and was herself assaulted. “The women were shouting, ‘kill him’,” Ben said. “I kept regaining consciousness and trying to stand on my feet again but I kept getting knocked down. Next thing I knew I was in the back of an ambulance.” Ben suffered a concussion, internal bleeding, cracked ribs, a broken nose and damage to his teeth. He has also experienced an increase in his cluster headaches, a remnant from his army days. Despite the extent of his injuries, Ben said he has no regrets and is glad that the original victim got away. He and Jess hold concerns for their kids, who witnessed the attack. “We’ve just tried to tell them that there are some bad people in the world, that not all black people are bad but that gang is black and they’re bad,” he said. “The main thing now is to encourage them not to be fearful.” The couple said that since the assault, they’ve been contacted by other residents who have shared that they’re too scared to walk their dogs or send their children to the park, in case they are also targeted by a gang. Jess said they have considered moving, but don’t want to leave other victims behind. Ben plans to set up a private security company with some of his former colleagues, to offer security services to locals and businesses. He said it would not be a vigilante group but rather would operate within the law to “help create peace”. “It’s what we see as a practical response to a real need in the community that isn’t provided so far,” he said. “More protection needs to be in place because it almost feels like a war zone starting,” Jess added. She said they’ve been overwhelmed by the level of community support shown to them as Ben begins his recovery.

Ben is treated by paramedics at the scene. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Ben Woolley after the bashing which left him with severe injuries. “My prognosis is good, I will be OK but it’s going to take some time,” Ben explained. Star News understands two people have been arrested in relation to the incident. Police are still searching for the other offenders. Anyone who witnessed the assault,

or who has information surrounding the incident, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au To support the family’s Go Fund Me, visit https://gofund.me/d8c8345e

Ben and his partner Jess.

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Thursday, 14 January, 2021

STAR NEWS 3

NEWS

Ken Rook with Cameron Trust awardees Lillian Mae Basco and Nielle Andrei Basco at Pakenham Secondary College.

Rotary Club of Pakenham public relations director Ken Rook, Lyn Bunce and past district governor Graeme Begg.

Odd year ends on a high By Mitchell Clarke The Rotary Club of Pakenham ended a disrupted 2020 year on a high, gathering for a final dinner to recognise some of Cardinia Shire’s most outstanding community members. About 25 members attended the end of year celebrations, which were held at Deep Creek Reserve on Tuesday 15 December. Like all organisations, much of Rotary’s work throughout the year was forced to an abrupt halt. Rotary Club of Pakenham public relations director Ken Rook said the lockdown period had been tough on everyone in the Rotary community. “It was very difficult during that period because we couldn’t do all that much. We had a few virtual meetings but all of our usual activities and projects were suspended and we had no fundraising opportunities,” Mr Rook said. The group have held four face-to-face meetings since 24 November, which was the first proper catch up since March this year. At the end of year dinner, the annual Paul Harris Fellowship, Cameron Trust Award and the Grade 6 awards were awarded to some of the shire’s most deserving citizens. The 2020 Paul Harris Fellowship was awarded to past president Lyn Bunce. Ms Bunce joined the Rotary Club of Chadstone/East Malvern in May 1998 and transferred to the Rotary Club of Korumburra in May 1999, where she was secretary from 2004 to 2005. She was inducted as a member of Pakenham in late 2006. The “active and valued“ member has served various roles including community service chair, public relations director, president and international chair. From November 2019 to June 2020, Ms Bunce was reinstated as president when the position became vacant. Mr Rook said Ms Bunce had shown “excellent leadership” throughout the difficult period. “It’s well deserved. She’s been a very valuable member of the club for a long time,” he explained. “We actually approved (her award) a couple of years ago but she said she wasn’t ready to accept it. This year we didn’t give her the option. We thought ‘nope, we’re going to give the award to her whether she liked it or not’. “This award is a tremendous honour. It’s virtually your peers acknowledging all your efforts in Rotary.” Meanwhile, 17 students from 14 schools across the Cardinia Shire were recognised in the Rotary’s grade six awards. Four Pakenham Consolidated School students - Samuel Bose-Shrestha, Raffa Castro, Lachlan Eichin and Kaneisha Lynn - were pre4 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 14 January, 2021

Former Rotary president Lyn Bunce and 2020 Paul Harris Fellowship awardee, pictured with her family. sented with the ‘Charles Hicks All Round Excellence Award’. Charles Hicks was the charter president of the Rotary Club of Pakenham when it was established in 1961. At the time he was also Pakenham Consolidated’s principal. After his death the club decided to honour his memory, with the award being presented to a student from each grade six class at the school. The four students each received a certificate and funding to assist with their transition to secondary school. Since the first awards in 1989, other local primary schools have been offered a similar recognition for their grade six students. In all cases the schools set the criteria and nominate the awardees, with the recipients presented at their graduation. The students who received an award this year were Archie Ward-Ryding (Bridgewater Primary School), Addison Tucker (Cardinia Primary School), Samuel Ames (Chairo Christian College), Abigale Baker (John Henry Primary School), Kosala Yapa (Lakeside College), Myla Fedhi (Lakeside Primary School), Armita Tehzeeb (Minaret College), Maya Haddad (Officer Primary School), Andrei Tintisan (Pakenham Hills Primary School), Declan Woods (Pakenham Springs Primary School), Eloise

Brittain (St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School), Abiol Aderek (St. Clare’s Catholic Primary School) and Jack McDonald (St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School). “In Rotary we aim to encourage the development of and acknowledge the achievement of the young members of our community, and we felt this year the awards were more important due to the difficulties faced by both schools and students,” Mr Rook said. “All members of the Rotary Club of Pakenham extend their congratulations to all grade six graduates and wish them well for their future.” Two other students, Lillian Mae Basco and Nielle Andrei Basco from Pakenham Secondary College, were the recipients of this year’s Cameron Trust. The 2020 Trust, which is usually awarded to just one high achieving student, was given to the twins, after teachers unanimously felt were “equal in all of the requirements”. The Year 11 students - and identical twins - received $650 to put towards study and had their names inscribed on a plaque which will be displayed in the school foyer. “They are both lovely girls, sweet as anything and both had a fairly reasonable idea of what they wanted to do in the future. I think

Pictures: SUPPLIED

they’ll both get to where they want to go,” he explained. “They had that manner about them and you walk away feeling very satisfied. I’ve always liked to see kids achieve things, it’s just nice to see. There’s a hell of a lot of kids out there that do wonderful things in the community.” The Cameron Trust honours former Toomuc Valley Road residents Ron and Sylvia Cameron, who contributed to the community in many ways through Rotary and Inner Wheel. The couple had no family and left money in the trust for the “ongoing benefit of the community”. A substantial amount was given to the Rotary Health Fund, but some was kept locally to assist the education of local students, with the first award made in 2005. “I think they would be absolutely thrilled with the way it has worked out,” Mr Rook said. “It’s great to see that we’ve been able to keep their memory going.” The Rotary Club of Pakenham said they were looking forward to getting back into the swing of things in 2021. “We’re hoping for a much brighter year so we can get all our normal projects back into gear,” Mr Rook added. “We look forward to the community’s continued support.” pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Pakenham proves popular By Mitchell Clarke Pakenham has been crowned Victoria’s bestselling suburb in 2020, with a total of 733 sales. Data from Realestate.com.au revealed more houses were sold in the booming suburb than anywhere else in the state - almost 50 more than Craigieburn in Melbourne’s CBD, which had 686 house purchases. Berwick also featured in the mix of top suburbs with a total of 514 sales, ranking sixth in the state. Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee told the Herald Sun the top 10 list was filled by suburbs with achievable pricing and growth opportunities. Other popular suburbs included Point Cook (644), Mildura (547), Tarneit (517), Traralgon (502) and Werribee (474). “Lots of these suburbs are also popular with first-home buyers, and with so many incentives at the moment and the lowest interest rates in years, we’re seeing a lot of activity from younger buyers,” Ms Conisbee said. Barry Plant Pakenham and Drouin director Dan O’Loughlin said the figures didn’t come as a shock. Mr O’Loughlin said buyers had gained confidence to purchase in Pakenham, which has a median house price of $519,000. “It’s no doubt our affordability marries up to the infrastructure and community that we have to offer here,” he explained. “We’ve still got the great cafes, parklands and schools but the buyer can also see much better value than buying closer in. “Their dollar is going to get them a lot further here - and essentially a lifestyle that Melbourne offers, but on a large scale, with a bigger block and bigger home.” Mr O’Loughlin said house sales continued to boom in 2020 despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Looking over Pakenham from Cardinia Lakes. 206681 “We’re not shocked with the numbers, given how busy we’ve been. The biggest shock, perhaps in the last three months, is the way we’ve successfully bounced out of Covid,” he said. During the Stage 3 lockdown, Mr O’Loughlin and his team were able to adapt and still create sales, but the Stage 4 lockdown was “really difficult”.

“Everything became difficult and we had to move entirely online,” he said. “We were asking buyers to purchase homes purely by visually seeing them online rather than touching and feeling them. To Pakenham’s credit, we were still able to move properties.” Mr O’Loughlin said buyers hadn’t flocked towards a particular estate or area of Pakenham.

Picture: GARY SISSONS “They’re generally happy to look at anything, which makes it so great for the seller,” he said. “In turn, we’re seeing a lot of our local homeowners moving out to acreages in Bunyip and Drouin because they’re obtaining more on their residential properties in Pakenham and getting more than they’d ever expect.”

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Thursday, 14 January, 2021

STAR NEWS 5

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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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REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au

Thursday, 14 January, 2021

Many workers work from home and work hours longer than 37.5 some even work over 72 hours per week. Some who are in management do work over 70 hours per week working from home. The companies abuse the worker who wants to keep their jobs - something should be done by the CFMEU on behalf of all workers be they ordinary clerks or management they are workers. There is no one to defend their rights and they are slaves to the company and their health is hurt, their family time is hurt they are virtually tied to the companies. There should be legislation to prevent the abuse of privilege companies have over their management workers who are workers with no union to represent them. This is a serious labour issue which governments have not recognised. Do something to force companies to compensate workers who work from home more than the normal 37.5 hours per week there is abuse all over Australia by the major companies. Let it be an offence to let employees work more than 37.5 hours per week and if any employee be they blue collar white collar of any collar they should be adequately compensated

SOCIALLY SPEAKING On Monday 11 January, a story was shared to Star News Facebook pages about more upcoming disruptions on the Monash Freeway. Here is how our readers reacted online: Michael Wilson: Lol it couldn’t really get worse. Sonya Boloski: Originally it was to clean next to Thompson’s Road which is about done. Why O’Shea Rd - more money, more hassle and then you have to use Clyde Road to go west. Michael Walker: Just turn around and go home. Donna Harvey: Let’s all hope doesn’t take long time get it all finished. Liana Reddish: What’s new? Tony Maw: Princes Freeway closure on outbound lanes till 7am is too late. There is a lot of traffic heading out to work at this time. Guy De Giusti: The Monash has been f** for 20 years.

with extra pay at overtime rates and the annual leave increase due to the excess time spent companies are abusing their privileges - this abuse of workers will stop. Milroy Martyn JP, Endeavour Hills.

Acted first Reading the Star News (Tuesday 7 January) on 2020 The Year That Was, the headline states Councillors Sacked. I need to inform your paper Tim Jackson and myself were not sacked. We both resigned on February 14 2020. I was never part of any alleged corruption or any political group. I was an independent councillor who could not be brought or sold. There are many issues I did not support within closed council to which I am not at liberty to discuss, but I wish I could. I loved my job as a councillor and I for one am not impressed by the behind the scenes scandal that has brought our great City of Casey Council into disrepute. Rex Flannery, Former Casey councillor.

In the eye of the beholder ‘Town Split over World Significant Gallery’. Star article 7/1/21 was the title of the article, which,

like the previous article in this paper on the same subject, read like a paid advertorial. The bias is obvious. Who determined this was to be a ‘World significant gallery’? The Louvre, Vatican and Musee’ d’Orsay are ‘World significant Galleries’, and all are sited in thriving cities, readily accessible by all. Not at the end of a narrow, dead-end dirt road in a Bushfire Zone and part of a ‘Green Wedge’! The proposed ‘Rosemaur’ development is a restaurant, function centre and gallery which can accommodate 600 patrons. It is a private business venture for businessman Mr Lindsay Hogg and his family, not a gift to the people of the City of Casey. It is noted that the proposal NOW includes a ‘Bird Sanctuary’. Is that to appease locals who are concerned about the affect the large increase in traffic flow to the area will have on local wildlife? Harkaway itself is a sanctuary without the need to ‘create’ one. This proposed development will be a GIANT WART on the beautiful Hills of Harkaway. Go away and put your development somewhere more suitable! Mrs A Harnwell, Concerned Harkaway resident.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN Thumbs Down! To no toilets at Aura Vale Lake since April 2020.

Thumbs Up! To all our testing station workers for working so hard to get through all the testing that has been needed!

Thumbs Up! To Kelly’s bringing Alfresco dining to Cranbourne no matter what the weather.

Thumbs Up! To the three young people who let me go in front of them at Coles. You all made my day.

Thumbs Down! To irresponsible pet owners. They are supposed to be apart of your family treat them so and have some respect for the wildlife and your neighbours.

Thumbs Up! To everyone who is wearing their masks correctly ... as uncomfortable as it is.

Thumbs Down! To Emerald Lake pool for closing early afternoon on a 37 degree day ... apparently happens all the time. “Couldn’t get the water right”.

Thumbs Up! To sunshine in Berwick and being outdoors to soak it up.

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.

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

The Lost Dogs’ Home was “shocked and extremely concerned” about the incident. 225618

A 44-year-old Langwarrin man was charged over the attack. 225618

Animal shelter attack By Mitchell Clarke A gunman dressed in camouflage clothing has been charged after he allegedly kidnapped a young woman and threatened her with an assault rifle at the Cranbourne West Lost Dogs’ Home. A 44-year-old Langwarrin man was charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, aggravated burglary, armed robbery and firearm offences following the “traumatic” incident on Monday night, 11 January. The victim, a 23-year-old animal ranger, had just parked in the carpark off Thompsons Road when the man allegedly ambushed her at about 10.45pm. At first, the victim mistook the armed offender for a police officer, but he allegedly began making demands before pointing a firearm to his victim, detective senior Sergeant Glen Close told reporters on Tuesday. “He basically asked her to comply with his directions otherwise he’d shoot her,” S/Sgt Close said. It’s then alleged he lead her into the shelter and bound her with cable tyres before asking her about cats. “He was asking about where the cats are stored and talking about that he doesn’t like that animals are killed. He seemed to sort of have the belief that animals are potentially treated in a cruel way and are potentially killed at the premises,” S/Sgt Close added. The victim, who wasn’t physically injured during the incident, was able to free herself before raising the alarm. “To be confronted like that, in a dark, sort of remote location ... (she’s) obviously very traumatised but otherwise OK,” S/Sgt Close said. No animals were harmed or taken during the incident. Lost Dogs’ Home spokeswoman Suzana Talevski said the organisation was “shocked and

Detectives were on scene at the Lost Dogs’ Home in Cranbourne West on Tuesday morning. 225618 extremely concerned” about the incident. “The Home has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to violence against our staff in any shape or form,” she said. “Our main priority is the welfare of our staff and we are providing all the support possible to the animal transport team member who was a victim in this horrendous ordeal. “The Lost Dogs’ Home is working with Victoria Police on this matter and thanks the

community for their outpouring of support for our staff.” A large police presence, including members from the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and the Dog Squad, descended on the animal shelter on Monday night in search of the man. Detectives remained on scene on Tuesday before police confirmed a man was being questioned.

GET 2021 started!

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS He was later charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, aggravated burglary, armed robbery and firearm offences. Police also executed search warrants in Langwarrin and Carrum Downs as part of the investigation, and seized three firearms. The alleged offender was remanded in custody and was due to front the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday afternoon. He hadn’t yet appeared in court at the time of print.

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pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Thursday, 14 January, 2021

STAR NEWS 7

NEWS

Hazaras mourn victims By Danielle Kutchel and Gabriella Payne The south eastern Hazara community came together over the weekend to show solidarity with their loved ones in Pakistan following a spate of murders in the country. More than 100 people joined in a candlelight vigil at Bunjil Place on Saturday 9 January, many holding aloft signs calling for justice for the Hazara people. It follows the brutal murders of 11 Hazara coal miners in Quetta, Pakistan, on Sunday 3 January. The miners were bound hand and foot and taken into the nearby hills where some were beheaded and others had their throats slit. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which set off a wave of protests among the Hazara community in Pakistan, calling for the killers to be brought to justice. The families of those killed refused to bury their dead until the Prime Minister of Pakistan visited and offered them protection from ongoing attacks. A spokesperson for Shia Hazara of Melbourne, which organised the vigil, said the event aimed to raise awareness amongst the Australian community of the persecution faced by the Hazara minority in Pakistan and Afghanistan. “In the past 22 years there have been 16 bomb blasts on our people,” the spokesperson said. “There is threat everywhere. At the start it was targeted killing, then bomb blasts, and now we are being slaughtered.” He said many of the Hazara people now living in the south east had come to Australia to escape the threat in their homeland. Reja, a young Hazara from Dandenong, arrived in Australia in July 2018 from Afghanistan, escaping that persecution.

The community mourns those killed in Quetta.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

“Back in Afghanistan ... if they know you’re a Hazara, they won’t give you your rights. They see you from another perspective,” he explained. He said news of the killings in Quetta had been “heartbreaking”. “It’s not the first time and sadly it won’t be the last time. Hazara people have been targeted and faced genocide for a long time. “If you see the history of Hazara people over the last two centuries, the conflict started like 100 or 200 years ago. So I don’t know if these

protests will work, because as I told you it’s not the first time and it won’t be the last time for us Hazara people to be targeted. “Because every time it happens, either in Pakistan or Afghanistan, the government just send a social media message condemning the attack and they will send their condolences but that’s it. That’s the only thing they do, as a reaction.” The spokesperson for Shia Hazara of Melbourne echoed Reja’s sentiment. “What we are demanding is, we don’t want

you just saying you’ll do it, we want action. Don’t just say it, actually do it,” he said. Reja said the vigil would help remember those who had been lost to violence. “It’s important for our community to honour our sisters and brothers back in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to have a candlelight vigil to let them know that we are with them no matter how far away we are and no matter where we live. We will remember them in any situation and share our feelings.”

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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

1142924-CB27-14

By Rowan Forster

VISIT

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au/subscribe Young and old joined the vigil at Bunjil Place. 8 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 14 January, 2021

More than 100 mourners gathered at Bunjil Place. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

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Thursday, 14 January, 2021

STAR NEWS 9

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BUTTER CHICKEN CURRY (GF) W/ RICE AND FLAT BREAD $24

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HOKKIEN NOODLES STIR FRY (VG) TOSSED IN MIXED VEGGIES, SOY & CHILLI; FINISHED W/ FRIED SHALLOTS $20 - ADD CHICKEN $4

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KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY - LOCAL FAVOURITE - BE KIND COMMUNITY - KINDNESS IS KEY

NEWS

Drivers can expect delays as works continue on the Monash Freeway.

Delays from Monash work By Danielle Kutchel Drivers are warned to expect delays as works continue on the Monash Freeway in the coming weeks. Asphalting works are taking place until Friday 22 January between Warrigal and Springvale Roads. One lane will be closed starting from 6pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends. During the night a maximum of three lanes will be closed. Delays of up to 15-20 minutes are expected, and alternative routes via Ferntree Gully Road or Princes Highway should be used. Additionally, Princes Freeway will be closed

in the outbound direction between the Princes Link Highway and Cardinia Road from 8pm to 7am on Thursday 14, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 January. Drivers can detour via the Princes Highway and Cardinia Road. Princes Link Highway will be closed in the inbound direction from 8pm to 5am on Wednesday 13 January and Thursday 14 January, with a detour in place via Princes Highway. Finally, drivers can expect ramp closures on Eastlink this week. The outbound exit ramp to EastLink will be closed from 9pm to 5am on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 January. Detour via Stud Road or Wellington Road.

Grants will keep clubs fishing.

Grants for fishing wishes A new category of Recreational Fishing Grants will give fishing clubs and community groups access to more funds to improve fishing in their local area. Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the new intermediate category of grants was funded by fishing licence fees and complements the State Government’s $35 million Target One Million plan, to get more people fishing, more often, in more places. The new intermediate grants category will be open year-round for applications from fishing clubs and not-for-profit community groups. Grants will be available for projects valued between $5,000 and $50,000 will be run alongside the existing small and large grants programs. Examples of projects which could qualify for funding include improving habitat in lo-

cal waterways, getting new access tracks, a fishing platform to allow for all abilities and fencing stiles to allow better access along a stretch of water where the best fish are. The new grants program is for local clubs and groups to make a difference and improve recreational fishing for everyone to enjoy. The Intermediate Grants Program will be open all year round and complement the Large Grants Program, which is currently open. The Large Grants program offers funding of up to $100,000 to a wide range of organisations. Applications for large grants close on 28 February 2021, while small grants of up to $5,000 are available year-round. For more information about the Recreational Fishing Grants Program, or to apply online, head to vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants

Thursday, 14 January, 2021

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Ensuring more get a vote By Gabriella Payne For the first time ever, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has launched a new multicultural inclusion plan which will span the next three years, aimed at improving electoral participation of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds across the state and ensuring everyone’s voices are heard. This new commitment from the VEC aims to improve electoral information and services and ultimately, make voting more accessible for Victoria’s growing multicultural community, many of whom live in Dandenong and Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs. Having launched late last year on Monday 14 December, the VEC is excited to see the plan now already underway, with electoral commissioner Warwick Gately thanking all those involved and stating the plan was an exciting step forward for accessibility in the voting system. “The plan has been developed following extensive consultation with staff, the VEC’s advisory groups, the Victorian Multicultural Commission and broader culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Victoria,” Mr Gately said. “This plan cements our commitment to ensuring that more Victorians from our culturally and linguistically diverse communities can vote.” The multicultural inclusion plan will focus on four key priorities, including accessible information and services, recruiting diverse, multicultural staff, engaging with Victoria’s many communities and ensuring all staff and services are capable of catering to each and every Victorian. Being the most culturally diverse municipality in the state, the Greater Dandenong region is set to benefit greatly from this new plan, with approximately 60 percent of Greater Dandenong’s population being born overseas and 14 percent having a limited fluency in English. Dalal Smiley, the chief executive officer at Wellsprings for Women, a nonprofit organisation for migrant and refugee women in Dandenong, said she believed the plan was “a great initiative” and would help multicultural communities participate in Victoria’s democracy in an “informed way”. “These strategies will lead to better outcomes for multicultural communities because we know that people relate to people who are like them,” Ms Smiley said.

The plan will ensure all Victorians understand their role in the electoral system. “So for example, if there is a Vietnamese speaking staff member in the electoral commission who is able to engage and connect with the Vietnamese community and explain to them about the electoral system, how to vote and why it’s important and all that ... then we know that the message will be delivered in a culturally appropriate and accessible way.” Ms Smiley said she believed it was a promising step in the right direction, but ultimately that “the proof would be in the pudding”. “I believe that if this is implemented well, then participation from multicultural communities will increase and then their needs will be better reflected as well,” Ms Smiley said. “It’s about engaging communities and really building their confidence and teaching them that it is a worthwhile process to be participating in.” Peter Harrison, the general manager for employment at AMES Australia said that through their work with refugees, AMES found that many immigrants were keen to be more involved with their local communities, and

having the “right to vote and choose our political leaders” is something that many Victorians “take for granted”. “One of the things that we find with refugees coming to this country is that they work so hard to escape and leave the places where they’re moving from because they don’t have freedom and one of the things they’re keen to do is set down roots and engage in local communities and civic life,” Mr Harrison said. “Having fair, transparent elections and the right to vote is something that they haven’t had the opportunity to do in their own countries,” Mr Harrison noted, saying that even without language barriers, Australia has “a complex electoral system” that “just takes time to understand”. It’s not only older culturally diverse generations who will benefit from the VEC’s multicultural inclusion plan, but many multicultural young people as well. Minh Nguyen, the senior manager for the south east regions at the Centre for Multicultural Youth said that when given the opportu-

nity to voice their opinions and actively participate in civic duties, young people had “a lot to say”. “Multicultural young people are really keen to participate, they’re really keen to become active citizens and they’re really hungry to express how they would like to see society reflect their aspirations and the future,” Ms Nguyen said. Ms Nguyen believes that the multicultural inclusion plan is “a great start” and will help work towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce, hopefully engaging with more community members, young and old, and assisting them to become more voter literate. “I think that it’s a really good thing for the local community, because one: they’re going to have a workforce that represents the community and also, hopefully it kick starts some job creation for local people as well,” she said. If you would like to find out more, the Victorian Electoral Commission’s multicultural inclusion plan is available to download from their website at www.vec.vic.gov.au

Public drunkenness reforms to provide help, not jail By Gabriella Payne People who become publicly drunk and disorderly in Victoria will no longer be ‘thrown in the slammer’ under new laws that were introduced to parliament late last year that will instead see them receive the “health response and help they need”. The Summary Offences Amendment (Decriminalisation of Public Drunkenness) Bill 2020 was brought to State Parliament on Tuesday 8 December and will decriminalise public drunkenness in Victoria, hoping to “save lives” and “better protect vulnerable people” in the community. Former Attorney-General Jill Hennessy who resigned on Wednesday 16 December - said that the current legislation surrounding public drunkenness was outdated and had had a negative impact on many people across the state. “Current public drunkenness laws have devastated too many families - that’s why we’re delivering reforms that focus on support and safety, not punishment,” Ms Hennessy said. This reform has been a long time coming, with many Aboriginal communities and health professionals advocating for a change to the current laws for decades, to focus on helping those affected, not hindering them. In the government’s pursuit to decriminalise public drunkenness and introduce this bill, an expert reference group (ERG) was appointed to provide advice and ensure that pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Public drunkenness will be decriminalised. the new legislation was done right - consulting with Aboriginal communities, Victoria Police, health services and alcohol and drug experts. On Saturday 28 November 2020, the ERG released their report, strongly advising that a health-based response be implemented to address the problem, providing detailed recommendations including the development of more social service and prevention strategies, improving first response services and ensuring that offenders are transported to a safe place. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, said

that the reformed laws had been developed in collaboration with Aboriginal communities and would build a culturally safe and appropriate model that prioritised the health and safety of all people who became intoxicated in public. “It’s clear the current laws have had a profound and disproportionate impact on Aboriginal communities,” Ms Williams said. “These reforms will save lives and ensure those who need support have access to culturally appropriate care.” The Victorian Budget for 2020/21 will provide $16 million to “kickstart” work on these

reforms, aiming to provide safer pathways to help those who are drunk on our streets, particularly those impacted among our Indigenous communities. One of the key findings from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991 recommended that the offence of public drunkenness be abolished, and these outdated laws were brought to light yet again after the tragic death of Yorta Yorta woman Tanya Day in 2017. Ms Day, who was arrested for public drunkenness and later hit her head, dying in police custody, was the subject of a coronial inquest earlier this year, where Victorian coroner Caitlin English stated in her findings that “Ms Day’s death was clearly preventable had she not been arrested and taken into custody.“ Minister for Health, Martin Foley, said that these laws hoped to prevent tragic events like this from happening again and instead provide help and support to vulnerable people. “We will build a health model that is culturally safe and appropriate - informed by the communities who this law has impacted the most,” Mr Foley said. The bill is set to come into effect in two years time, while the Government continues to consult with communities and experts, developing, trialling and implementing a health-based response to public drunkenness that will not only help offenders, but also the wider community. Thursday, 14 January, 2021

STAR NEWS 11

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Read the Gazette. The music of marketing Berwick-Pake

Wednesday,

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berwick.sta

6 January, 2021

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All the big newsmakers from 2020

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The year’s high ATAR achievers

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New head for librar y corporation

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Covid’s fron PAGE 30

By Gazette Editor

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Garry Howe

The Covid-1 9 presented the outbreak that domina ted 2020 largest threat most of us to life and lifestyle have fully ever will. seen in our lives - and hopeThe most obvious compar years -1914-1 8 and 1939-45 ison is the war Flu pandem - and the Spanish ic of 1919-20 . As such, there won’t be too memories from many 2020. fond It will be rememb ered as the down a global year we stared crossed, came pandemic and, fingers out the other still side. The two waves of Covid-19 death struggle were a life and . In our hospita ls, medica stations, aged care homes l clinics, testing frontline workers and risked their on the streets, others. health to care for The unstinti ng nurses, cleaners, counsel doctors, surgeon s, They all laugh and the myriad lors, specialists, receptio at suggestions ‘heroes’. Gazette’s People of health care workers nists that they are are the of the Year for “You don’t expect 2020. Those on the front line also to be in a pandem you do it because and ambula included police ic, but nce personn it’s your job, trained to do, workers, who el what had to endure and supermarket to help,” Karenand you know that you’reyou’re buying and long hours, says. there a frustrat panic “It was an experie Home learning ed public, nce. Hopefu have to do spect for teacher gave a lot of us a lly I don’t it again, but new re- Janet and Karen, nurse s - and a chance come into nursing I’m glad I did ever our kids. it. You to bond with Berwick Hospital. 224455 unit managers who worked for Like the soldiers a reason.” on the Covid Staff were on frontline at St in those two high alert in they were on Dandenong John of God precinct - at world wars, the and Warragu front St John of God Berwick’s hospital line Picture: STEWAR with their colleagu of this battle, l hospitals. at Casey Hospita Thanky and over the T CHAMBERS services along es in health road tearoom ou cards now line l - as were share well beyond and emerge . the walls of those working at what was ncy those four walls. the at of God the Covid ward We Reporter Danielle salute Berwick Hospita at extraordinary them for their service l - a sentime St John John of God nurses Kutchel caught up during time as the nt we all lister with St Karen Gazette’s People an and Sally Webster Ward and Janet McAl- the Year for 2020. of from Casey Turn to pages Hospital. the Covid battle. 2-3 for an insider’ s look at

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Those keen have been to get tested identified for Covid-19 vised to contact are ad- sites in recent days, as Covid-19 exposure where possible testing sites prior to The DHHS with visitors also advises arrival get tested or monito urged to visited , for an update that anyone r for sympto on wait times. ing on the The advice any of the followin who has ms depend site. Anyone on the DHHS g locations as visitors report who has visited - the date and time website comes following location during indicate at testing sites wait times of several indicated must s during the date and the immediately and quarant d must get tested hours across Victoria time a negative get tested ine until you quarantine result: . receive Pakenham’s for 14 days from immediately and testing site Metro Trains the exposur Reserve on at IYU Recreat Holy Family Pakenham line e. Henry Road Parish December from on Thursday Monday to is currently ion Power Road, Doveton Doveton Catholic 31 Sunday, 9am-4p , 100 open ber train from Westall9pm-9.30pm - case caught on Saturday site may close from 4pm-6p m. Howeve 26 DecemStation to Flinders r, earlier due m. Family Parish extreme weathe to high demandthe St Holy IKEA Doveton Catholic r conditions. or Princes Springvale - Cafe and 26 December ,on Saturday Restaurant, at 6.30pm. A number of Highway, Springv 917 places across Metro Trains the south east December from 5.30pm ale on Wednesday 30 Pakenh uary from 4.30am- am line on Friday -6.30pm - case at cafe. 1 Jandined 5am - case from Flinders caught train St to Westall Station IKEA Springv ale, 917 Princes Hwy, Spring-

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Thursday, 14 January, 2021

What do you think of when you hear the term “marketing”? It is one of those areas of business for which there seems to be an endless supply of experts (especially in website development and social media) who can advise on how to increase sales for your business. Make no mistake, marketing should be viewed as an investment, not an expense so that for every dollar ‘invested’ in marketing you should expect a corresponding number of dollars in return. However, in practice I am not sure just how often this occurs, and I believe stems from a misunderstanding about what marketing really is. For me, there are actually three core components which I will illustrate through a personal analogy. I love listening to music especially when the music has been well produced and recorded and so soon after I got married back in the 1980s, I decided to buy my first music system. We did not have much cash at the time so I allocated the princely sum of £320 to buy the system, £20 being allocated to cables and ‘market research’ to determine the best system to buy. Back then, you had two choices: 1) an integrated music system made by a single supplier which meant that everything looked neat and consistent or 2) separate components for the record-player (yes, this was pre-CDs and mp3s!), amplifier and loudspeakers which meant you could easily upgrade each item. The research was unanimous in upholding that separates was the best way to go and I should allocate funds as follows: £150 for the record player (yes, half the budget!), £80 for the amplifier and £70 for the speakers. Whilst this was clearly an uneven distribution of funds, the reasoning was that presenting a better quality source signal (from the record-player) through an average pair of speakers was much better than putting an ordinary source signal through higher quality speakers. The system I ended up buying according to this budget certainly seemed to bear this out! Okay, so how does this relate to marketing? Well in the above example, I am the “customer” on the receiving end of the ‘messages’

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH from my music system. Similarly, in business, customers are on the receiving end of company messages and there are three corresponding components that make up the marketing system. As customers, we receive marketing messages through a variety of channels such as emails, radio and TV advertising, newspapers and magazines, websites and social media outlets such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram etc. Much in the same way that music is directly experienced through the loudspeakers, so company messages are ‘experienced’ through these marketing channels. The decision as to which channels are most effective and the message frequency and should be made by a marketing expert and hence corresponds to the role of the amplifier in the music system which determines the tone, volume and output selection. However, the most important aspect of the marketing is the message itself which can be directly compared to the most significant and expensive music component: the front-end source (record-player in my case). This makes sense if you think about since no matter how good the website or Facebook page looks, if the message itself is muddled and confused, it won’t help you sell a thing! Distinguishing between the three marketing components is important since the expertise required for each is quite different. Website designers, social media experts and graphic artists are best applied to the final outputs, marketing analysts and experts will be able to determine the best channels to be used and business experts such as good advisors and consultants should be used to assist with deriving the key messaging since this should ultimately relate to the nature of the business itself. Ian Ash is the Managing Director OrgMent Business Solutions - www.ombs.com.au pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Local rider killed in Narre crash By Mitchell Clarke A motorcyclist was tragically killed in a crash in Narre Warren on Sunday night. The 30-year-old man from Officer is understood to have collided into the back of a Holden Commodore sedan at about 9.45pm on Sunday 10 January. Police say the rider of a 1998 Yamaha was travelling north on Narre Warren North Road when he struck the sedan, who was travelling in the same direction. He sadly died at the scene. The driver of the Holden Commodore was taken to hospital for treatment but he was not seriously injured. A police spokeswoman said officers were investigating whether speed was a factor in the crash. Five people have so far died on Victorian roads in 2021. Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the 1998 Yamaha solo in the vicinity of Narre Warren Road, near the Monash Freeway, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Casey Highway Patrol members located the badly damaged vehicle abandoned in a nearby street.

Hit up wrong home By Mitchell Clarke A drunk teenager has given a Clyde North family a rude awakening after he allegedly crashed into their house on Sunday morning. The 19-year-old P-plate driver is alleged to have lost control of his white Subaru sedan at a roundabout before colliding with the corner of a two-storey house on Belcam Circuit, near Soldiers Road, just after 8.30am on 10 January. The driver then allegedly fled the scene of the collision, but returned to the crime scene a short time later to apologise to the occupants of the damaged house, police say.

He allegedly returned a positive blood alcohol reading of 0.126. A probationary driver must not have any alcohol in their system while driving. Officers from the Casey Highway Patrol located the “badly damaged” Subaru, which had been abandoned in a nearby street. The inexperienced driver had his probationary licence immediately suspended for 13 months and was also slapped with a $702 fine. A police statement also revealed the driver could face the prospect of having to pay for the damage caused to the house.

“I’m shaking my head at the stupidity of a young man on his P plates having a blood alcohol reading of .126 at 8am,” one Facebook user wrote on social media after the accident. “Feel so bad for the owners of the house who will now be inconvenienced due to this person’s stupidity,” another added. “At .126 he wouldn’t have a clue what he was doing.” Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or saw the Subaru driving erratically prior to the crash is asked to contact Casey Highway Patrol on 9705 3111.

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ditional Taekwondo, 3 Dan WTF Kukkiwon has a wealth of knowledge and leadership with 36 years of Taekwondo and 21 years with Victoria Police. Master Sungki Jeong joined Heenan Taekwondo in 2020, is a Professor in Taekwondo,

graduating at YONG University, Seoul South Korea. 7 Dan WTF, former Captain of Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team and was the personal body guard to Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarana. The Heenan Taekwondo training centre at

Pakenham is a full time, fully equipped martial arts facility with a flexible timetable and comparable fees. New students in January receive a week free trial and half price uniform. For further information 0407 869 988.

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Thursday, 14 January, 2021

STAR NEWS 13

NEWS Gazette photographer STEWART CHAMBERS headed out to soak up some of the sunshine.

Fun in the summer sun In the first true taste of summer, Gumbuya World was filled to capacity during Monday’s stifling heat. While for many, Monday 11 January marked the start of the 2021 working year, some lucky locals were able to chuck on their bathers and find respite from the sun. Gumbuya’s water slides were the hot ticket and it wasn’t just locals who enjoyed a drenching, with some park guests travelling from as far as Cheltenham and Surrey Hills.

Taking things easy on the Lazy River. 225458

Excitement and screams from above on the Rebel ride. 225458

Heidi, Giselle and Livinia from Surrey Hills are all smiles after a ride on Boomerango. 225458

Brittany, Kylie and Hayley having fun in the Rock Pools. 225458

Adam from Cheltenham on the Red Belly Racer.

ed Publish y ursda

Livinia, Giselle and Heidi try out the Boomerango. 225458

225458

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12453919-FA28-20

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

14 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 14 January, 2021

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

IN BRIEF Crash appeal

The project was officially launched at Pakenham Inner Wheel’s annual breakfast on Saturday 9 January in the rear grounds of the home of Alwyn and Terry Williams in Pakenham.

Walk for a cause By Jessica Anstice Pakenham Inner Wheel members are participating in a new project to raise money for cord blood research. A national Inner Wheel Project, Sean’s Two for Ten is an important initiative that was established after a young Australian boy’s life was saved by receiving a stem cell transplant. Sean, now 10-years-old, was born with a rare genetic condition which meant he did not have an immune system. Cord blood is blood that is taken from ‘discarded’ umbilical cords of newborn babies. When he was just 14-months-old he received a cord blood donation from the parents of a healthy baby girl who lived in America. The transplanted stem cells provided him with cells which went on to divide, proliferate and mature into a full, normal immune system. He has since gone on to be a “perfect picture of health”, according to his mother. Pakenham Inner Wheel members will play their part in the fundraiser by each walking two kilometres and raising $10 on Saturday 28 February. The walk will begin at 8am from Rotary Park, with participants to trek a pre-organised track along the Toomuc Creek. Walkers who are members of the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham will be recognisable as they will be wearing a white top with a red sash. Project ambassador and local children’s author and illustrator Alison Lester will join the ladies on their morning walk. Over the years, Inner Wheel Australia has raised more than $3 million to fund on-going research for cord blood. The project was officially launched at Pakenham Inner Wheel’s annual breakfast on Saturday 9 January in the rear grounds of the home of Alwyn and Terry Williams in Pakenham. Inner Wheel member and district cord blood research coordinator and Sue Blenkhorn described a cord blood transplant as a “miracle of modern day recycling”, giving recipients a second chance at life.

Armed robbery arrest

Pakenham Rotarians John Burhop and Alan Chalmers.

A potential cat-astrophe was avoided when police located two kittens in a box out in the scorching sun on Monday 11 January. The owner of a vacant property under renovation in Noble Park said she saw a man allegedly drop the box on the nature strip. Police were able to locate the mother cat in the yard of the vacant house and reunited the feline family. Both mother and kitties were handed over to a local rescue centre and are paw-sitive about finding new homes.

Violent carjacking

Inner Wheel member and district cord blood research coordinator and Sue Blenkhorn described a cord blood transplant as a “miracle of modern day recycling”, giving recipients a second chance at life.

District chairman Maria McEwan and Pakenham Inner Wheel president Marlene Burhop.

The broader community are welcome to join in on the fundraising walk, provided they pay the $10 registration fee. A light breakfast will be provided for $10 after the walk. The walk can be undertaken any time be-

tween 20 February and 6 March. Donations are also accepted. To donate, email the secretary of the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham at iiw.au.pakenham@ gmail.com

By Jessica Anstice

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Protective Service Officers made a quick arrest following an armed robbery on a city bound train from Cranbourne on Monday night, 11 January. It is alleged two teenage offenders threatened a 16-year-old victim with a knife before stealing his shoes around 6:40pm. The victim got off the train at Dandenong and reported the incident to police. The alleged offenders remained on the train and were arrested a short time later by PSO’s at Caulfield Railway Station. A 17-year-old girl from Sebastapol and a 17-year-old boy from Cranbourne were both charged with armed robbery, robbery and assault. They were bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

Kitty rescue

Berwick rotarians fight trachoma The final packing of 53 kits for the End Trachoma project was undertaken by a group of Berwick Rotary Club volunteers on Saturday 9 January. A Rotary Districts of Australia Building Healthier Communities Project, End Trachoma aims to stamp out the infectious disease that causes blindness to Australians. The project was driven by rotarian Jane Moore, who put in plenty of work to make it happen. The 53 kits of hygiene products were packed up by the busy band of volunteers and are now ready to be shipped to Papunya in the Northern Territory, some 240 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs. Designed to supply everything needed including an instructional card, the kits will be given to school children under 10-years-old. They will improve the day-to-day hygiene

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for a motorcyclist to come forward as part of their ongoing investigating into a crash on the Monash Freeway last month. It is alleged two cars were seen travelling city bound on the Monash and appeared to be racing; weaving and changing lanes prior to one of the car crashing on Monday 28 December. The 20-year-old driver from Dandenong was conveyed to hospital with life threatening injuries. His 18-year-old passenger, also from Dandenong, was conveyed to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. Investigators are keen to identify a motorcyclist who was on the freeway at the time and who may have witnessed the alleged incident. A 20-year-old man from Narre Warren South was arrested on 30 December in relation to the incident and a vehicle was seized. He was charged with negligently cause serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury, conduct endangering life and conduct endangering person. The man will face court again at a later date. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or can submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

The packs contain toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, combs, hairbands, face washers and hand towels, as well as shampoo and conditioner. Picture: ROTARIAN MAUREEN SCOTT of children which will help to prevent them from contracting Trachoma during their lifetime. “Australia is the only first-world country

left that has not controlled Trachoma,” Berwick Rotary Club secretary Sam McCurdy said. “It is a serious but preventable disease that can lead to permanent blindness. “Prevention is the best method of control and that is why this project is so important. Knowing basic hygiene and having the right equipment to carry it out is the key.” The packs contain toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, combs, hairbands, face washers and hand towels, as well as shampoo and conditioner. A letter for each bag from a local primary school was also included. “This is Rotary in action. It takes a lot of work by members such as Jane to get projects such as this one up and running,” he added. “It gives all the members at the Rotary Club of Berwick great satisfaction that their club is making a difference.”

The community is urged to keep an eye out for a stolen white Toyota Corolla following a violent carjacking in Hallam over the weekend. Police say the victim was stopped at the traffic lights at Wedgewood Road around 2:45am on Sunday 10 January when a male and female approached the vehicle and opened the driver’s side door. The man threatened the victim with a knife and demanded he get out of the car. He was then punched several times to the head and dragged from his vehicle. The offender’s drove away in the Corolla, leaving the victim on the side of the road. The car’s registration plates are 1NH8RE. Anyone with information is urged to contact Casey Crime Investigation Unit on 9705 3111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Mum menaced by intruder A man was arrested after forcing his way into a mother-of-two’s garage and demanding her car keys in Berwick on Sunday 7 January. The woman was home with her two children when she observed the man standing outside her Cresthaven Boulevard garage about 9am. She attempted to shut the garage door, but the man allegedly ducked under and made demands for her car keys. The victim and her children fled from the garage and called triple zero. Police arrived shortly after and located a man in close proximity to the home who matched a description. A 21-year-old Cranbourne man was arrested and later charged with aggravated burglary. He was remanded to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. Thursday, 14 January, 2021

STAR NEWS 15

holiday challenge HOLIDAY GIANT

1 True or false: Namibia shares a border with South Africa?

4 In 1961 Yuri Gagarin became the first human to do what?

2 Which of the Brontë sisters wrote Jane Eyre?

5 David Bowie (pictured) gained fame in the 1970s with his flamboyant alter ego named what?

16 STAR NEWS

O S

Thursday, 14 January, 2021

T E

L T

QUIZ

E M

26 words: Good 39 words: Very good 52 words: Excellent

ANSWERS: 1. True. 2. Charlotte Brontë. 3. Albania. 4. Travel into outer space. 5. Ziggy Stardust.

3 Which of these countries was not once part of Yugoslavia: Macedonia, Serbia or Albania?

WORDSTEP DRINK

_ _ _ _

PLAYS

CROSS MATH Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. There may be more than one possible word step answer.

÷ ×

× +

÷ −

= 15 +

× +

= 21 +

= 21

Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

ANSWERS

6 4 8 2 1 4 5 6 9 4 3 6 4 7 3 1 8

ANSWERS: DRINK, DRANK, PRANK, PLANK, PLANS, PLAYS

9 7 5 8

3 ÷ 1 × 5 = 15 × + + 6 ÷ 2 × 7 = 21 − + + 9 + 8 + 4 = 21 = = = 9 11 16

ALL PUZZLES ©PAGEMASTERS PTY LTD THE PUZZLES MASTERS

HOLIDAY GIANT

SOLUTIONS

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included, and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

9-LETTER WORD

elite, else, isle, islet, leet, lest, lime, limo, list, lite, litotes, lose, lost, melt, mettle, mile, milo, milt, MISTLETOE, moil, mole, molest, motel, motile, mottle, mottles, settle, silo, silt, sleet, slim, slime, slit, sloe, slot, smelt, smile, soil, sole, soli, steel, stele, stile, stilt, stole, tile, tilt, tilts, title, toil, toile, toilet

HARD SUDOKU

62 Work (7) 63 Wetter in terms of weather (7) 64 False and defamatory statement (7) 70 Slippery fish (3) 71 Excavate (3)

49 Melanesian island state (4) 51 Sluggish (9) 52 Dismissed (9) 53 Maryland city (9) 54 More tired (7) 55 Dance musical genre (7) 58 Tell a story (7) 60 Room for sleeping (7) 61 Doubter (7)

HARD SUDOKU

57 59

23 24 29 31 32

Jewellery items (5) Discounts (7) Opening (5) Bar (6) Clear riverbed (6) Rooms (14) Abdominal exercise (6) Overhaul (6) Small case for needles (4)

9 5 4 1 6 7 2 3 8

53 56

34 35 36 38 39 40 45 46 48

1 2 3 9 8 4 6 7 5

37 41 42 43 44 47 50

7 8 6 2 3 5 1 4 9

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 21 22

6 4 7 8 5 2 3 9 1

28 30

Managed (7) Novice (7) Formally put an end to (7) Distribute (food) (5,2) Persuaded (7) Sick (3) Phone program (3) Exaltation (9) Mall (8,6) Study of word history (9) Outstanding (9) Venerate (7) Sooner (7) Georgian state capital (7) Bypass (4) Plant family that includes sage (6) Roma is its capital (6) Concludes (4) Ruler (7) Spanish rice dish (6) Gambling house (6)

5 1 9 6 4 3 8 2 7

26 27

DOWN 1 2 3

2 3 8 7 1 9 5 6 4

17 18 19 20 25

8 7 2 5 9 6 4 1 3

14 16

60 Diocese (9) 65 Person who plays the organ (8) 66 Accused (8) 67 Book of the Old Testament (7) 68 Australian animal (8) 69 Carry to excess (6) 72 Banishment (9) 73 German car brand (8) 74 High praise (Medieval Lat.) (8) 75 Obviously (7)

4 9 5 3 2 1 7 8 6

5 9 13

City in northern France (7) Needle (8) Ovine insecticide (5,3) Feeling a strong affection (9) Pass (6) Apparently contradictory figure of speech (8) Start of day (7) US state, North - (8) Ban (8) Adored (US) (9) The action of setting something on fire (8) Egg dish (US) (6) A type of shot in cue sports (8) Act of disloyalty (7) Difficult to understand (7) Agreeing in amount (13) Data about data (8) Reason (5) Magazine writer (11) Brouhaha (5) Edible snail (Fr.) (8) Exhibition (13) Former name of Telstra (7) Window shopper (7) African republic containing Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti (8) Joins (6) Representative (8)

3 6 1 4 7 8 9 5 2

ACROSS 1

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

NEWS

Hallam crossing set to go By Gabriella Payne Thousands of residents in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs can expect faster and safer commuter journeys in the not-too-distant future, as the Victorian government is set to award a contract to remove the Hallam Road level crossing and build a new, upgraded Hallam station. Each morning, the boom gates at the hazardous Hallam Road level crossing are down for almost a third of the two-hour morning peak period, delaying approximately 20,000 vehicles each day. On top of that, there have been 14 near-miss collisions at the crossing over the past 10 years. The proposed changes will see a rail bridge built in place of the level crossing, allowing traffic to continue to flow under the busy train line, improving safety and congestion for both vehicles and pedestrians. Member for Narre Warren North, Luke Donnellan, said that the new elevated station was a fantastic project that would help ease traffic, provide better public transport facilities for locals and improve pedestrian connections between Cranbourne, Spring Square and Hampton Park Town Centre. “With a contract set to be awarded this month we are not wasting a minute to get on with major construction to remove the dangerous level crossing and build a new Hallam Station for the growing community,” Mr Donnellan said. The new station will feature many modern facilities for Hallam’s 2200 daily passengers to enjoy and after listening to community feedback, a dual entrance will be incorporated into the build, allowing for improved pedestrian and cycling connections around the station precinct. Minister for transport infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, said that for Melbourne’s growing south east population, the removal of the level

Member for Narre Warren North, Luke Donnellan, observes the progress on the removal of the crossing. crossing will be beneficial to the local community and ensure that Hallam Road remains a key, flowing pathway between the South Gippsland Highway, Princes Highway and Monash Freeway for years to come.“The Hallam Road upgrade and level crossing removals at Evans Road and Hallam Road are great examples of how we are getting on with the job and unlocking congestion in Melbourne’s booming south eastern suburbs,” Ms Allan said. Construction will begin on the $248 million project in January 2021 through an alliance

of Laing O’Rourke, Jacobs, Metro Trains Melbourne and the Level Crossing Removal project, creating 900 local full-time jobs at peak construction. The Hallam Road level crossing removal and train station upgrades are set to be completed by 2022 and are part of the Victorian government’s $15 billion plans to improve the Pakenham line. These improvements, together with the Metro Tunnel project and bigger trains, will allow room for an extra 121,000 passengers to commute via train each week during peak pe-

riods on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, in a 45 percent boost. This latest crossing removal and new elevated station will be complemented by the already completed Hallam Road upgrade and the removal of the Evans Road level crossing and reopening of the road, which reconnected the communities of Lyndhurst, Lynbrook and Cranbourne West for the first time in 15 years. To learn more about the proposed works and upgrades for the Hallam Road level crossing, or any of Victoria’s other transport infrastructure projects, visit www.bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Just in case By Jessica Anstice

Pakenham Racing Club CEO Blair Odgers and general manager of commercial and racing Wade Calderwood at the Sportsbet Pakenham Racecourse.

Racing club opens community grants The Pakenham Racing Club’s Community Grants program is now open and taking applications for major and minor grants as well as donations for dining vouchers and race day tickets. “We are delighted that our club’s activities have returned to a position in early 2021, following a very challenging 2020 impacted deeply by the Covid-19 pandemic, where we can reignite our community appreciation program,” said Pakenham Racing Club chief executive officer, Blair Odgers. pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

“As a longstanding community-based club, we are always seeking opportunities to form new partnerships and share the excitement that the Pakenham Racing Club and thoroughbred racing in particular, provides.” Not-for-profit community groups and sporting organisations that provide services and facilities to residents in the Cardinia Shire are invited to learn more about the program’s policies and available amounts for major and minor funding by visiting www. pakenhamracing.com.au

“It has been a very challenging 12 months and we encourage our supporting community groups to make application for our latest round of grant funding, so together we can create a better 2021 in our local community,” Mr Odgers said. Application forms and policy guidelines can be found on the Pakenham Racing Club website, as well as onsite at the Cardinia Club or Club Officer. Applications close on Sunday 28 February 2021.

The Cardinia Shire community will receive more than $73,000 from the State Government to help with the costs of planning for emergencies. Thanks to the government’s Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program, Cardinia Shire Council will be able to ensure its communities are well-prepared and as resilient as they possibly can be should the worst happen. Program funding can be used for a wide variety of different emergency planning work, ranging from education for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in at-risk areas, to fire suppression. Other councils often use the funding to appoint an emergency management position, with some councils collaborating with their neighbours to fund a shared specialist position. “It’s great the government is supporting Cardinia Shire Council to keep communities in atrisk areas safe in an emergency,” Eastern Victoria Region MP Harriet Shing said. “This funding helps to make sure we have the skills and resources they need for their vital role. Last summer really brought home how important councils are when the worst happens. It’s really encouraging and reassuring to know that local councils have this vital support from the State Government.” This year, the funding could be used for planning recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and emergency work in a Covid-safe environment. Before, during and after emergencies council responsibilities include support for vulnerable people, running relief centres and enabling economic and social recovery, while continuing important services. The 2020 Budget provided an extra $1 million for the program, bringing the total funding available to $5.6 million. “During last summer’s devastating bushfires, councils did amazing things to support their communities and keep people safe,” Local Government Minister Shaun Leane said. “Through this funding increase we are making sure they have additional access to the resources and tools they need.” Thursday, 14 January, 2021

STAR NEWS 17

FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE

HILLVIEW- COUNTRY LIVING THIS valuable estate has been owned by one family since the 1930’s and offers prime location and versatility all in one. The property is approximately 96 acres plus 3.6 acres of unmade road reserve, sealed road frontage, and town water. The tree lined entrance leads to 2 homes, and extensive shedding. The land is divided into approximately 12 paddocks, with a central laneway, well fenced and water to every paddock, trees for shade and shelter and views to the Baw Baws and township of Drouin. Approximately 90 acres is currently under lease to the neighbouring dairy farmer, and there are 2 homes.

Home One is a character 4 bedroom, weatherboard, with modern kitchen, 900mm stove, reverse cycle air-conditioner, solid fuel heating, spacious meals/family, spa bath in modern bathroom and lots of storage. There is a study which could also be utilised as a 5th bedroom. Home Two - a 3 bedroom brick veneer home, separate dining room and lounge with solid fuel, timber flooring and carpet in bedrooms. Tenanted. Older style 3rd house, which is used for storage/ideal for hobbies. Would require extensive renovation for a further home. There is extensive shedding including a

4 bay garage, workshop/woodshed, 3 bay machinery shed, 66’ x 78’ solid concrete and cement brick shed (has a 10 unit w/thru dairy) and lean to shed. Large shed near 2nd home. Fenced stockyard and cattle crush. This unique property offers location- so close to town, railway station, hospital, schools, and freeway access to Melbourne. A rare find. A great opportunity to purchase a large parcel of land in a great location and an initial income to the future owner with the land being leased. Internet ID 22079966. ●

HOME ESSENTIALS Address: 320 Higgs Road, DROUIN Price: $2,300,000 - $2,400,000 Inspect: By appointment Contact: Sally J, 0417 037 079, SEJ REAL ESTATE, 5622 3800

Take advantage of the $10,000* first home owners grant and even better…. Receive up to $25,000* for the new builders scheme. Now is the time to buy! *eligibility criteria must be met

Pakenham

Inclusions • Vinyl wrap kitchen with stone benchtops • Stainless steel electric oven • Stainless steel gas hot plates • Stainless steel range hood • Ducted heating • Ceramic floor and wall tiles as per floor plans from builders range

• Carpet to remaining areas from builders range • Stainless steel sink and flick mixer to kitchen • Chrome mixer tops from builders range • Mirrors with polished edge to bathroom • Exhaust fans to bathrooms • Roller door to garage

• Flush panel internal doors • Internal door handles • 50mm Scotia cornice throughout • White glo tub to laundry • Weathertough acrylic to all exterior • Sewer power, drainage, gas and water connections as per plans • Outdoor water taps

Whether you’re looking to downsize and keep the caravan or boat, a first home buyer looking to enter the market or savvy investor, this development has a little something for everyone. Located in an established part of Pakenham, opposite parklands and open space, the fresh air and neighbourhood vibes will have you feeling at home in no time! With close access to all the amenities such as shopping, schools, restaurants and more throughout Pakenham and surrounding towns, you’ll have everything you need. With easy access to the M1. 2 bedroom townhouses $369,000–399,000. 3 bedroom townhouses $409,000–$449,000. First Home Owner Grant $10,000 (to eligible applicants) Prices subject to change 12452900-LB26-20

18 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 14 January, 2021

pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOCUS ON … REAL ESTATE

DREAM 30 ACRE LIFESTYLE PROPERTY LOCATED in the growing regional township of Longwarry, a few minutes off the Princes Freeway and just over 20 minutes from Pakenham, in the South East Growth corridor, is this 30 acre dream property that is now being offered for the first time since construction. Beautiful 4 bedroom weatherboard reproduction just 3 years young, including but not limited to high ceilings, timber flooring, 2 bathrooms, open living plan including a quality kitchen with butler’s pantry. Indoor/outdoor living is enjoyed in the Coolgardie Room providing an exceptional living space, and the verandahscompliment

the country appeal this home and property feature. Step outside into a private lightly treed 30 acres that boasts impressive shedding facilities that will accommodate everything from trucks, to boats, to caravans, to collectible cars and everything in between. Vacant land allows for livestock, and a separate private space would be ideal for working from home, a studio, or teenage retreat. A dam and raised vegetable garden, along with walking tracks for exploration complete the picture for an idyllic lifestyle that awaits the lucky purchaser of this rare property. ●



HOME ESSENTIALS 

 Address: 45 Corduroy Road, LONGWARRY Description: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 10 garage Price: $1,995,000 Inspect: By appointment  Contact: Evan Broadbent, 0438379 151, HARCOURTS, WARRAGUL, 5622 3333 

 Take advantage of the $20,000* first home owners grant and even  better…. Receive up to $25,000*  for the new builders scheme.  Now is the time to buy!  *eligibility criteria must be met

—

Lampard

| Drouin

Road

        

Inclusions • Carpet to remaining • Flush panel • Vinyl wrap kitchen areas from builders internal doors with stone benchtops range • Internal door handles • Stainless steel electric • Stainless steel sink • 50mm Scotia cornice oven and flick mixer throughout • Stainless steel gas hot to kitchenTOWN • White glo tub plates • Chrome mixer tops to laundry • Stainless steel range from builders range • Weathertough acrylic hood • Mirrors with polished to all exterior • Ducted heating edge to bathroom • Sewer power, • Ceramic floor and wall • Exhaust fans to drainage, gas and tiles as per floor plans bathrooms water connections as *Subject to developers final approval, statutory regulations & builders preferred sitting. from subject to change without notice. • Roller *Pricing & inclusions Pictures door for illustration purposes only. per plans builders range to garage • Outdoor water taps pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

FOR SALE - 18 Stunning Units Nestled amongst the open space of Bellbird Park, Drouin. First home buyers grant of $20,000 available to eligible purchasers. BUY NOW AND SAVE THOUSANDS ON STAMP DUTY!

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

Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase a unit in a great part of Drouin, surrounded by open space and parklands. With 2 & 3 bedroom and single & double garage options, these quility built units feature open plan kitchen/meals/living area, and high quality finishes throughout. 96 Lampard Road is located just 1.5kms from Drouin’s main shopping precinct, schools, train station and recreation facilities. Take a leisurely bike ride along the ‘Two Towns Trail’ from Drouin to Warragul, enjoy the town’s restaurants and cafe’s, take the kids to the local skate park, or make the most of the array of sporting facilities offered in Drouin including golf course and basketball stadium.

12466250-SN43-20 12451848-NG25-20 12452901-SG27-20

2 Bedroom - $349,950 3 Bedroom, - $399,950 2 Bedroom, plus study - $ 374,950

* Images are for illustration purposes only.

Thursday, 14 January, 2021

STAR NEWS 19

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Heavy Combination truck driver required to work Pakenham based RV for civil construction commanufacturer requires pany in the South East. On production workers who can: occasion the successful - Use power and hand tools. - Maintain a safe work area. applicant will be required - Be a team player who is to assist with labouring punctual, reliable and and other site work in flexible. addition to driving. Must - Show attention to detail and display exceptional work a commitment to quality. Previous caravan or production ethic. HC Licence and line experience is an advantage, experience essential. May though is not essential. be subject to drug and Contact: Ian Jow alcohol testing. ianj@willowrv.com.au Email resume to: willowrv.com.au Rachaely@streetworks.com.au

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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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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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STAR NEWS 21

SPORT

Super ‘Shima’ dominates By Peter Quilty Like most greyhound racing purists, I had last Friday on my mind immediately when the fields for the Group 2 Evans Petroleum Warrragul Cup heats (460m) were released. Excuse the pun but there wasn’t one ‘easybeat’ contesting the six heats, which kicked off the middle leg of Gippsland’s triple-tiered ‘Festival of Racing’. The Warragul GRC staged a provincial showcase on Friday, and, not surprisingly, the ‘cream always rises to the top’. It’s said, “records are made to be broken” and superstar Shima Shine did just that in Heat 3. Trained in Anakie by Andrea Dailly, Shima Shine ($1.90F) smashed the track record with a believe-it-or-not sizzling 25.19sec display of unadulterated speed. His winning time carved 2.5L off the previous mark of 25.34sec, set by 2018 Warragul Cup winner Aston Dee Bee on 6 December, 2016. Contesting his first start since the Group 1 Melbourne Cup final in late November, the G1 Topgun winner recorded his third win from four starts at Warragul. Incredibly, it was his eighth win in 10 starts from Box 8. He was TAB’s $4 favourite to take out the $47,000-tothe-winner Warragul Cup series and has now firmed into $1.75 favourtism in this Saturday night’s final. Freakish young talent Equalizer - a younger half-brother of retired G1 sprint queen Black Opium - staged a herculean effort in Heat 2. A conspicuous last from the traps, the Jason Thompson-trained star of the future ran into a couple of ‘dead-ends’ before miraculously scoring in 25.50sec. A finalist in last week’s G1 Silver Chief, Equalizer ($3.40) notched his fourth win from seven starts over Warragul’s 460m trip. Ultra-consistent speedster Zipping Zarbo ($3.90) narrowly defeated the ‘Face of Gippsland’, Catch The Thief ($1.70F), in Heat 6. Prepared at Lara by Deb Coleman, Zipping Zarbo accounted for the “Briagolong Bullet” by 0.27L in 25.57sec. It was her 19th win from 39 starts.

Shima Shine obliterated Warragul’s 460m track record, running 25.19sec. Shockwaves reverberated around Heat 5 when Simon Told Helen - the nation’s No. 1 sprinter, four-time G1 winner and Australian Greyhound of the Year - finished fifth. The race went to the highly underrated Amarillo Highway ($15.80), trained by Glenn Rounds of Devon Meadows, who saluted in 25.59sec. It was his fourth win from six starts over Warragul’s 460m trip. Meanwhile, the Benjamin Magri-trained Aston Gwen ($6.10) it four straight wins,

Picture: CLINT ANDERSON/BLUESTREAM PHOTOGRAPHY

clocking 25.65sec in Heat 1. At her previous start, she won the G2 Laurels Classic. And Dream Wizard ($5.00) cast a winning spell in Heat 4. Also trained at Devon Meadows by Sean Lithgow, Dream Wizard clocked a creditable 25.67sec. A recent finalist in the G2 Ballarat Cup, Dream Wizard notched his 14th win from 35 starts. Extensive coverage of Saturday night’s

Group 2 Warragul Cup will be broadcast live from 7pm on Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Facebook Page or via The Watchdog app. HEAT WINNERS (fastest to slowest) 25.19sec Shima Shine 25.50sec Equalizer 25.57sec Zipping Zarbo 25.59sec Amarillo Highway 25.65sec Aston Gwen 25.67sec Dream Wizard

· · · · · ·

Covid-19 forces NBL schedule change for Phoenix By Lance Jenkinson Change seems to be the only constant when living in the middle of a pandemic. So, it did not come as too much of a surprise for South East Melbourne Phoenix that its National Basketball League schedule would somehow be disrupted this season. Last Sunday night was supposed to be the new-look Phoenix’s first game of the season in the first draft of fixtures, but a spike in recent Covid-19 cases has caused havoc for the schedule makers and forced a raft of fixtures changes. The latest change, forcing a delay to the start of the Phoenix’s season, was brought about by the border restrictions imposed on Victoria and New South Wales. The decision has been made to send both Victorian teams - South East Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne United - to Adelaide to play their season openers. There were no qualms about the arrangement from the Phoenix. In fact, to the contrary, Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer was complimentary of the fast-acting nature of NBL officials. “This represents a small change to our schedule,” Greer said. “We applaud the NBL on again moving quickly to ensure a start to the season.” Barring any late changes, South East Melbourne Phoenix’s season opener will now take place on Sunday at 3pm (AEDT) against Adelaide 36ers at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The opening round of NBL games will be exclusively played in South Australia and Queensland. 22 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 14 January, 2021

Sydney-based teams Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings will face Cairns Taipans in Cairns this weekend. It is hoped the Brisbane Bullets will be able to host a game, but that is dependent on the situation surrounding Covid in the Brisbane metropolitan area. The good news is that it finally looks as though the long preseason will be over and NBL21 will get underway. NBL commissioner Jeremy Loelinger expects a full season to be played, even if there are some headaches along the way. “We are tremendously excited about NBL21 tipping off next Friday with five games scheduled over the first four days of the season and we can’t wait to play in front of as many fans as possible over the coming months,” he said. “We will start the season in Cairns and Adelaide, but we will continue to monitor the situation in Brisbane in the hope we can also host a game there in the opening round. “We will continue to stay flexible and be guided by the relevant state health authorities, but our intention is still for all teams to play 14 home games across the season when they are able to do so. “As always, we remain grateful to our clubs, players, officials, partners and fans for their understanding and patience as we navigate these ongoing challenges and now look forward to the start of our 43rd consecutive season.”

South East Melbourne Phoenix point guard Kyle Adnam looks set for a big NBL21. Picture: SUPPLIED pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

SPORT

Flag race is heating up By Lance Jenkinson In an anomaly brought about by the Covid-19 delay to the start of the season, the West Gippsland Cricket Association is yet to even reach the mid-point of its fixture in a new calendar year. The middle of the season will come when stumps are called around 6pm this Saturday, which is much later than last season’s midseason marker, which fell in mid-December. What it means is that more teams have entered the New Year with greater hopes of reaching the finals. There are enough games remaining - eight left in the 14-game fixture - for even the lowliest of teams to make a run and claim a finals berth. That makes for some mouth-watering cricket in the final two months of home-andaway rounds. In the Premier competition, Pakenham and Kooweerup are out in front, as usual. There was plenty that changed about life in 2020, but the dominance of these two powerhouse clubs showed no signs of abating. The past five summers have ended with Pakenham and Kooweerup in the grand finals, with the record split at two apiece, while last year’s decider was cancelled due to the pandemic. They have been the dominant sides over the opening six rounds, sporting identical 4-1-1 records, so you have to wonder if the two sides might still get that dream grand final dubbed ‘the decider’ this season to determine which club deserves the mantle as the best of the current era. The most anticipated game of the season so far was undoubtedly that re-match of those old foes. In a tense, low scoring battle in round two, Kooweerup scraped home by 17 runs over Pakenham, but it was hardly convincing enough to hand them premiership favouritism. For now, the heavyweights are still neckand-neck in the battle for the minor premiership, so they can rightfully share the favourites tag. Cardinia is a team that commands respect and cannot be discounted from the race for first. The Bulls are the only other four-win side in the competition and sit within touching distance of the top two - just half a game back in the standings. Tellingly, their two losses so far have come against Pakenham and Kooweerup, so it suggests the Bulls still have some ground to make up on the leading two sides, but time is on their side. Rounding out the top four is Tooradin, who are 12 points back from third-placed Cardinia and six points clear of fifth-placed Merinda Park. The Seagulls are on an island of their own and will do anything to protect their position as it would mean finals cricket this season. Knocking on the door of the top four are a trio of two-win teams, including Merinda Park, Clyde and Cranbourne Meadows. The most intriguing side of that bunch is Merinda Park, who turned heads with a shock victory over Kooweerup before the Christmas break. How much confidence will the Cobras take from that result? Could it propel them to go on a run to break into the finals spots. That storyline is one that WGCA followers will be closely watching when play returns on Saturday. And that leaves Upper Beaconsfield - the side at the foot of the ladder. The Maroons might only have one win, but they have eight more opportunities to add to that tally. If the Maroons can build some momentum, it is not inconceivable that they erase their bad start to the season and make a late play for the finals. The stage is set for an enthralling second half of the season in the Premier competition. It returns on Saturday with a suite of onepakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au

Pakenham sit atop the WGCA Premier Division table heading into the second half of the season. 224463

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Tooradin is a dangerous side. 224461

Jake Prosser’s Cardinia is within touching distance of pushing the top-two. 223312

day games, including Kooweerup hosting Cranbourne Meadows at Kooweerup Recreation Reserve, ladder leader Pakenham enter-

taining Tooradin in a top-four showdown at Toomuc Reserve, Cardinia and Clyde locking horns at Cardinia Recreation Reserve and Up-

per Beaconsfield welcoming giantkiller Merinda Park to Upper Beaconsfield Reserve. The first ball will be bowled at 1pm. Thursday, 14 January, 2021

STAR NEWS 23

St Clare’s Catholic Primary School, Officer Enro l Now !

As a relatively young school, St Clare’s has developed an outstanding reputation in the local community for providing a quality schooling experience, developing the whole student, based on the living motto of the School:

Our faith leads to wisdom and courage. This motto is the energising source of all that happens at St Clare’s and is embedded in the ethos of the school, the curriculum we offer and the relationships we develop within our school and wider communities. If you are reading this as a prospective student, parent, guardian or family, I invite you to visit us at St Clare’s and discover this dynamic learning environment and start the beginning of, what I hope will be, a life-long learning partnership.

Helen Staindl School Principal

Enrolment Enquiries email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au 24 STAR NEWS

Thursday, 14 January, 2021

St Clare’s Primary School Officer 95 Majestic Drive (PO Box 362) Officer 3809 Phone 03 5940 6777 pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au